Page 4 - Entertainment Culture

Iggy Azalea to release new album on July 19

Rapper Iggy Azalea has announced that she would be releasing her new album on July 19. The LP would mark Azalea's first since her debut record 'The New Classic', which released back in 2014. ''In My Defense: July 19th Pre Order: June 28," Azalea posted on Instagram along side the album art. She also shared the inspiration behind her album art. ''It's a statement about women not having the ability to defend themselves under public gaze, not rebirth. I guess I don't feel women are really given a fair chance to be 'heard out' so how could anyone survive that amount of judgement. ''I wore a 'going out' dress and clutch because I wanted it to feel like I had been out somewhere and was clearly unprepared for a fight,'' Azalea tweeted.

Allison Schroeder to write 'Minecraft' movie

"Hidden Figures" co-writer Allison Schroeder has been roped in to pen the script for the movie adaptation of video game "Minecraft". Schroeder, who was nominated for an Oscar for co-writing the 2016 American biographical drama with film's director Ted Melfi, will work on the movie by Warner Bros. Her writing credits also include 2018 Disney film "Christopher Robin" and the currently in production, "Frozen 2", which is slated to be released on November 22. According to The Hollywood Reporter, producers Roy Lee, Jon Berg and game developer Mojang are attached to rework the project. Minecraft is the bestselling world-creation game known for its stylistic building blocks in which players choose either a "survival" or "creative" mode of play. Peter Sollett will direct the film. "Minecraft" is currently set to hit the theatres on March 4, 2022.

Stan Lee's 'A Trick of Light' to be published as book

"A Trick of Light", comic legend Stan Lee's posthumous creative project, will now be published as a hardcover finished book. The project was initially announced as the beginning of a new series for Audible. According to Entertainment Weekly, the book will be classified as Lee's first-ever novel for adult readers, and marks the beginning of his new "Alliances" universe. The "Alliances" was created in partnership between Lee's POW! Entertainment, Ryan Silbert's Origin Story, and Luke Lieberman. Houghton Mifflin Harcourt (HMH) is set to publish "A Trick of Light", with Kat Rosenfield serving as co-author. "A Trick of Light" is a superhero origin story about the unlikely friendship between Cameron, a gifted young man struggling with newfound fame after a freak accident gives him the ability to manipulate technology with his mind, and Nia, a hacker and coding genius with a mysterious past. The duo must join forces to deal with the dangerous physical and online forces trying to wipe out the

Martin Freeman almost rejected 'Hobbit' role

Martin Freeman has revealed he almost turned down the lead role in "The Hobbit" franchise as he feared he would not be able to give time to his family. The 47-year-old British actor, who played Bilbo Baggins in the iconic series, said going far away to New Zealand to shoot the films was a bone of contention for him. "It wasn't an easy 'yes'. I went to New Zealand in January 2011 and my last day was July 2013 - two-and-a-half years between the beginning and the end," Freeman said. He was speaking at his BAFTA career retrospective, A Life In Pictures, reported FemaleFirst. The actor said it took him time to say yes as he could not have asked his then partner and "Sherlock" co-star Amanda Abbington to keep her career on hold for him. "I was going to be away for a long time and Amanda, who I was with at the time, she's an actor, a brilliant actor, and it wasn't the '50s (so) I didn't feel I could say, 'Right, you're coming with me.' She had her own life, her own career," he said. Freeman,

It's all speculation: Sonakshi on Deepa Malik biopic

Actor Sonakshi Sinha has said the reports of her doing a biopic on Paralympic champion Deepa Malik are just "speculations". There were rumours that Ritesh Sidhwani and Farhan Akhtar are planning to make a biopic on Malik, who became the first Indian woman to win a medal at the Paralympic Games when she bagged a silver in shot put F 53 at the Rio Paralympics in 2016. "It's all speculation right now. I am not the kind of person who would talk about a film until I've signed on the dotted line. People can speculate what they want to but when my films have to be announced, the right people will do it," Sonakshi told PTI. When asked if she would be interested in doing the biopic, the actor said, "I'd be interested in doing a good story, something which challenges me and has a great role for me." Giving an example of her three releases this year, Sonakshi said "Khandaani Shafakhana", "Mission Mangal" and "Dabangg 3" will all give her a chance to showcase versatility. "I feel so happy and ...

Chicago Police release video showing Jussie Smollett with rope around his neck

The ongoing release of documents related to actor Jussie Smollett's case, saw another release made by the Chicago Police department on Monday.In a new video released by the police department, Smollett is seen with a rope around his neck, reported People.The latest release is the recording of the moment when one of their officers entered the actor's residence after he reported being attacked by two men.The officer in the video asks Smollett whether he wants to remove that white rope wrapped around his neck on which Smollett replied, "Yeah, I do, I just wanted you all to see it. There's bleach on me. They poured bleach on me."Later, someone is heard saying 'turn it off' in the background.The police department has released about 70 hours of video footage all in connection with the case.Prior to the release of this footage, the department released the details of the call made on the day of the attack reported by the actor.In another document released earlier, it was revealed that ...

'Spider-Man: Far From Home' to now release in India on July 4

"Spider-Man: Far From Home" will now hit the theatres in India on July 4, Sony Pictures Entertainment India announced on Tuesday. The film, which was earlier scheduled to be released on July 5, will open a day early across the country in English, Hindi, Tamil and Telugu. "Spider-Man is the most loved superhero in India. And with such unprecedented anticipation and hype around 'Spider-Man: Far From Home', we have decided to release it a day prior on Thursday, 4th July," Vivek Krishnani, Managing Director, Sony Pictures Entertainment India said in a statement. Featuring Tom Holland as the titular superhero, "Spider-Man: Far From Home" is directed by Jon Watts. The film, which is Holland's second stand-alone as the Marvel superhero, is set post the events of "Avengers: Endgame". It also features Samuel L Jackson, Zendaya, Cobie Smulders, Jon Favreau, and Jake Gyllenhaal. Advance bookings for "Spider-Man: Far From Home" will open in India from June 30.

Sajid won't narrate us 'Kick 2' unless he has blockbuster script: Jacqueline

Jacqueline Fernandez says filmmaker Sajid Nadiadwala is consistently working on the script of "Kick 2" and would only reveal the details to her or co-star Salman Khan until it is good enough to become a blockbuster. Sajid had announced a sequel to his hit 2014 action-comedy which is bringing back the pairing of Salman and Jacqueline. Asked for an update on the project, Jacqueline told reporters, "He (Sajid) is working on the script consistently for some time now. Knowing him, he is a perfectionist, he won't come to us without a perfect blockbuster script. We are giving him all the time and space for that." The actor was speaking at a Sri Lanka Tourism Promotion Bureau event on Monday. Jacqueline is now all set to make foray into the digital space with Netflix thriller "Mrs Serial Killer". The film will be directed by Shirish Kunder and produced by Farah Khan. The actor said web will be a "completely new and interesting space" for her. "It's a digital platform, which I'm not used to. ..

'Spider-Man: Far From Home' to release earlier than scheduled

Mark your calendars. 'Spider-ManThe upcoming film, which is the latest addition in the Marvel cinematic universe, will now release in India on July 4 this year, in English, Hindi, Tamil, and Telugu, Indian film critic and trade analyst Taran Adarsh announced.Directed by Jon Watts, the film would see Spider-Man dealing with the fallout from Infinity War, and as per the title, it will be the first Spider-Man solo movie to take the hero out of New York.The film will feature British actor Tom Holland as Spider-Man, while Jake Gyllenhaal will be seen as the classic Spider-Man villain Mysterio.Earlier this year, makers of the film released the trailer of the superhero film and it features Spider-man in the aftermath of 'Avengers: Endgame'.This trailer features Peter Parker (Tom Holland) still reeling from the death of his mentor and father figure, Tony Stark."Everywhere I go, I see his face, I just really him miss him," Holland says in the trailer.

Rome Film Festival to honour Bill Murray

Veteran actor Bill Murray is set to receive the 2019 Rome Film Festival's lifetime achievement award. Acclaimed filmmaker Wes Anderson will present Murray with the honour, and also host a "Close Encounter" discussion with the star, reported Variety. The organisers of the event, which runs from October 17 to 27, also announced that its Official Selection will include "Pavarotti" by Ron Howard, who will present the film. The lineup will feature around 40 films that will compete for the BNL People's Choice Award. French filmmakers Olivier Assayas and Bertrand Tavernier and American writer Bret Easton Ellis are also confirmed to partake in "Close Encounter" discussions at the upcoming festival. There also will be a tribute to Italian director Gillo Pontecorvo, one century after his birth. Rome will present a restored version of "Kapo", Pontecorvo's 1960 film about a young Jewish girl who leads an escape attempt from a concentration camp.

Jason Isaacs, Steven Berkoff join 'Creation Stories' cast

Actors Jason Isaacs and Steven Berkoff are set to feature in "Creation Stories", the movie being executive-produced by filmmaker Danny Boyle. The film is based on Creation Records co-founder Alan McGee. According to Variety, Ewen Bremner is playing the lead role in the movie and his first look was also unveiled by the makers along with the names of the new cast members. Nick Moran is directing the film and the production is currently underway. Renowned British actors and comics including Ed Byrne, Paul Kaye, Thomas Turgoose, Rufus Jones, Perry Benson and Mel Raido feature in the movie. The film also stars Suki Waterhouse and Leo Flanagan, who will play a younger version of the label boss. Welsh has adapted McGee's autobiography, "Creation Stories Riots, Raves and Running a Record Label," with his writing partner, Dean Cavanagh, for the screen. The movie will focus on McGee's journey after leaving school at 16, setting up the Living Room club in London, managing the Jesus and Mary ...

'Bhuj: The Pride of India' filming begins

'BhujUndergoing the direction of Abhishek Dudhaiya, the forthcoming movie is being shot at Ramoji Film City, Hyderabad.Announcing the news on Instagram, film critic and trade analyst shared a picture of the team including Sanjay Dutt, choreographer Ganesh Acharya with director Abhishek.The film stars Ajay Devgn as the lead who will be seen essaying the role Squadron Leader Vijay Karnik who was in-charge of Bhuj airbase during the 1971 war, which remained operational despite facing heavy bombing from Pakistan. Accompanied by 50 air force and 60 defence security personnel, he reconstructed the IAF airstrip at Bhuj.The team convinced around 300 women from a nearby village to help them rebuild the airstrip so that a flight carrying Indian Army officers could land safely.Bringing back this heroic tale to life, the film also stars Parineeti Chopra who will play the 'femme fatale' Heena Rehman.On the other hand, Sonakshi Sinha will portray social worker Sunderben Jetha Madhaparya, Sanjay ...

George Clooney to direct, star in 'Good Morning, Midnight' film adaptation

George Clooney has been roped in to direct and star in a feature film adaptation of Lily Brooks-Dalton's novel 'Good Morning, Midnight'.The post-apocalyptic narrative focuses on the parallel stories of Augustine, played by Clooney, a lonely scientist in the Arctic, who tries to make contact with an astronaut on board a spacecraft trying to return home to Earth.As part of the Netflix project, Mark L. Smith will adapt the screenplay from the famous sci-fi thriller, Variety reported.Clooney and Smokehouse Pictures' Grant Heslov will produce the film."Grant and I couldn't be more excited to be involved with this incredible project. Mark is a writer we've long admired and his script is haunting. We're thrilled to be working with our friends at Netflix as well," said Clooney while talking about his upcoming project.The two-time Oscar winner Hollywood star recently worked as the executive producer on Hulu's Catch-22 starring Christopher Abbott. The 'Syriana' star appeared in three episodes ..

Constance Wu boards Universal's 'Goodbye, Vitamin' adaptation

Actor Constance Wu is set to star in the on screen adaptation of Rachel Khong's debut novel "Goodbye, Vitamin". Universal Pictures bought the rights of the 2017 book and is backing the project, reported Variety. Dylan Clark will produce for his Universal-based Dylan Clark Productions with Wu also serving as executive producer. Jennifer Yee McDevitt is adapting the novel. The story focuses on Ruth Young (Wu), who discovers that her father, a renowned history professor, has lost his job after being diagnosed with Alzheimer's. She decides to return home and work with her father's former student to stage a fake class so he can continue to teach. The book was hailed by reviewers and also won the California Book Award for First Fiction.

Anupam Kher's autobiography to be out in August

For fans waiting to read Anupam Kher's life story, the wait is about to get over! The actor has announced that his autobiography 'Lessons Life Taught Me, Unknowingly' will be out in August.In an Instagram post, Kher said that his life will be an 'open book'. He added that it is a story a small town boy, son of a clerk at the forest department 'who dared to dream'."My life will literally be an 'Open Book' in August 2019 when my autobiography will be released. It is a story of a small town boy who dared to dream. It is a story about hope, disappointments, success, failures and eternal optimism. So you will snatch off your own life in my life," he wrote.Also sharing a clip of him, Anupam said, "Lot of people say that my life is an open book but sometimes you have to write a book for people to open it and go through your life.""My autobiography 'Lessons Life Taught Me, Unknowingly' is due for its release in the month of August," he announced.Starting off with 'Saaransh' in 1984 to his ...

Pakistan: PTI's Masroor Ali Siyal assaults journalist Imtiaz Khan Faran on talk show

In a shocking incident, Masroor Ali Sial, a senior leader of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), physically attacked senior journalist and president of Karachi Press Club Imtiaz Khan Faran during a talk show on Monday night.The video of the incident was later shared widely on social media.In the video, both Sial and Faran are seen engaging in a heated debate on 'News Line with Aftab Mugheri' show before the PTI leader from Karachi stands up and pushes the journalist to the floor and starts punching him.The two were later separated by other guests on the show and the crew on the set.PTI, which is headed by Prime Minister Imran Khan, has drawn a lot of criticism over the incident.Freelance journalist Naila Inayat said, "Is this Naya Pakistan? PTI's Masroor Ali Siyal attacks president Karachi press club Imtiaz Khan on live news show."Wasay Jalil, member of the 'Voice of Karachi', a US-based advocacy group for the rights of Urdu-speaking people of Karachi, wrote, "Few days back #PTI 's Fawad .

Warner Bros. names BBC's Ann Sarnoff as its new CEO

BBC executive Ann Sarnoff was named chief of Warner Bros. on Monday, making her the first woman to head the movie studio in its 96-year history. Her appointment follows the departure in March of Kevin Tsujihara, who stepped down after misconduct allegations. WarnerMedia chief executive John Stankey announced Sarnoff's hiring, concluding a three-month search for one of Hollywood's most prized posts. Many had expected WarnerMedia to turn to an experienced film executive like movie-division head Toby Emmerich, who was part of the interim committee running the studio after Tsujihara's departure, Disney veteran Anne Sweeney or former Fox chief Stacey Snider. But to surprise of much of the industry, WarnerMedia turned to Sarnoff, who has worked primarily in television. Sarnoff, who takes over as chief executive and chair of Warner Bros., is currently president of BBC Studios Americas. She has previously been a top TV executive at Viacom and with the WNBA. "She brings a consistent and proven

Tollywood star Ram Pothineni fined for smoking

Tollywood actor Ram Pothineni has been fined Rs 200 by police for smoking in a non-smoking area.The actor who was shooting for his upcoming film 'iSmart Shankar' in a historical monument in the city was found smoking in a restricted area.The star was fined by the police under the Cigarettes and Other Tobacco Products Act (COPTA) 2003. Pothineni later paid the fine.The actor will be next seen in 'iSmart Shankar', is a crime thriller directed by Puri Jagannadh.

Seminar on Artificial Intelligence conducted in IIIT Hyderabad

A seminar was conducted on Artificial Intelligence (AI) in order to explain its benefits and remove the misconception among the general public in its connection.The seminar, which was conducted in International Institute of Information Technology (IIIT) Hyderabad, mainly focused on the uses of AI in the field of journalism.Director, IIIT Hyderabad, PJ Narayanan told ANI, "The IIIT Hyderabad has evolved into a top technology and educational research institute. We have great strength in all the fields of the AI. So, we believe that we should reach out to different sections of society to educate people about the AI, and one such way to achieve this is to educate the media."He added, "As AI has been in the media continuously for the last few years, we thought it would be better if we educate the media about AI and its uses in the field of journalism. This would help in reducing the misconceptions that people carry in their minds about AI. We would try to reach even other fields to educate

Ranveer Singh feels Deepika Padukone is a good Sindhi bahu

Actor Ranveer Singh, who hails from a Sindhi family recently commented on wife Deepika Padukone's Instagram post complimenting him on being a good 'Sindhi Bahu'.Sing does not miss an opportunity to express his love for Padukone by commenting on her pictures and his latest response is proof of the same.The 'Piku' actor posted a series of pictures on Instagram where she can be seen stealing the limelight in a white top and shimmery silver pants. Completing the look, the actor wore matching silver bellies and earrings with minimal makeup."There's no such thing as too much bling!" she captioned one of the pictures.[{e496457f-e178-4ccf-8856-1818804c9f95:intradmin/Deepika24.JPG}]The loving husband was quick enough to comment on the post and tagged the actor as the best Sindhi Bahu. "Taught her well! Whaat-ay good Sindhi Bahu," he commented on a post where Deepika can be seen walking in style in the gorgeous ensemble.[{1e4b6102-ab60-44a8-94a1-f610e4ae4998:intradmin/Padukone24.JPG}]In the ...