Australia make it to the fifth consecutive FIFA World Cup with a win over world No. 22 Peru

Team TB
-
0
Australia make it to the fifth consecutive FIFA World Cup with a win over world No. 22 Peru

The Australia men’s football team, with a world ranking of 42, secured qualification for a fifth consecutive FIFA World Cup on Tuesday, recording a historic 5-4 win over world No. 22 Peru, in a dramatic penalty shootout at the Ahmad Bin Ali Stadium here.

A strong team display, along with the heroics of the substitute goalkeeper Andrew Redmayne, helped seal Australia’s spot in the quadrennial showpiece, set to commence in November this year. Australia joins reigning world champions France, Tunisia, and Denmark in Group D.

An emotional Australia head coach Graham Arnold termed the triumph as a milestone moment for football in the country and one that will sit alongside the achievements of the Socceroos’ World Cup and qualifying squads from 1974, 2006, 2010, 2014, and 2018.

“I am so proud of the players, staff, and everyone who has been involved in our campaign over the past four years,” Arnold was quoted as saying by footballaustralia.com.au.

“Throughout Covid, players and staff had to live away from their families for weeks and sometimes months on end to help our nation achieve today’s result and our goal of qualification for a fifth straight FIFA World Cup.

“In many of our camps, the players and staff were confined largely to their hotel rooms when they weren’t at the training pitch or match stadium. The dedication and sacrifice that has gone into this campaign from so many people have been immense, and as coach of Australia I am so thrilled that millions of people across our country will today be talking about the Socceroos — a team that represents modern-day Australia through its diversity and multiculturalism and unites the nation.”

The intercontinental playoff marked the culmination of a qualifying campaign that spanned more than 1,000 days for the Socceroos.

They were on track to qualify automatically as one of the top two teams in Group B of the third round of Asian Football Confederation (AFC) qualifying but a three-game winless streak left Arnold’s side third behind Saudi Arabia and Japan.

Australia beat the United Arab Emirates 2-1 earlier in June to set up the clash with Peru.

Goalkeeper Andrew Redmayne, who was substituted on for the shootout, was the hero, saving Peru’s spot-kick from Alex Valera to secure a 5-4 victory for the Socceroos.

“I’m no hero. I just played my role like everyone else did tonight,” Redmayne, who was sent on for captain Mathew Ryan after 120 scoreless minutes, said after the match.

“Not even the 11 on the pitch, it was much more than that, it is a team effort.”

The victory is a major boost for coach Arnold, who was under intense pressure and likely would have been ousted if the Socceroos failed to qualify.

When batting captains decided to take their bowling ‘seriously’

Team TB
-
0
When batting captains decided to take their bowling ‘seriously’

Batting captains donning the role of bowlers are rare in international cricket but there have been occasions when they have taken the matters into their hands and made an impact.

West Indies skipper Nicholas Pooran got added to the list recently when he returned amazing figures of 4/48 in 10 overs to emerge the most successful bowler for his side in the third and final One-day International against Pakistan at Multan.

Though Pakistan won the game by 53 runs (D/L), and also made a clean sweep of the three-match series, West Indies seem to have unearthed the bowling talent of Pooran who looked unplayable in the match.

Till that game on June 12, he had bowled just three deliveries in ODIs.

The International Cricket Council (ICC) on Tuesday highlighted five instances when batting captains took bowling matters into their hands.

1. Sourav Ganguly: 5/34 (10) v Zimbabwe, Kanpur, 2000

While the former Indian skipper may have taken 100 ODI wickets, Ganguly only bowled 760 overs across 311 ODI with his more than useful medium pace. At 91/2, Zimbabwe had set themselves a decent platform in Kanpur, with Andy Flower and Stuart Carlisle setting a platform for the tourists.

Bowling his full allotment for the first time in 25 ODIs, and the only Indian bowler to do so on this particular day, Ganguly put the side on his back, dismissing the set pair on either side of Grant Flower on a slow and low track. From their strong start, Zimbabwe crumbled to 141/6 after Ganguly claimed his fourth scalp, opposite number Heath Streak for just three.

The tourists’ death-over plans were curtailed, and Ganguly picked up his fifth when Travis Friend was adjudged lbw for six. India went on to win by nine wickets, with Ganguly’s unbeaten 71 (68) confirming Player of the Match honors.

2. Graham Gooch: 3/19 (10) v Pakistan, Cuttack, 1989

It wasn’t often England’s Gooch bowled his full quota, though a 10-over stint in the 1989 MRF World Series earned him Player of the Match honors in a win over Pakistan in Cuttack. The victims were no tail-enders either, with his seamers too good for Javed Miandad (14), Saleem Yousuf (6), and Wasim Akram’s first ball, trapped lbw. Gooch finished with 3/19 with four maidens, restricting Pakistan to 148, which was then chased down inside 44 overs.

Despite the defeat, Pakistan exacted revenge in the latter stages of the tournament, beating the English in Nagpur before claiming the tournament final over the West Indies in Kolkata.

3. Mike Gatting: 3/59 (9) v Australia, Melbourne, 1987

Gatting took three of his 10 ODI wickets in one outing, finishing with 3/59 (9) in a luckless day for England at the MCG in 1987. As the five previous bowlers toiled to claim just two wickets between them, a fed-up Gatting decided to hand his own cap to the umpire, catching Greg Ritchie short of his ground with a Bruce French stumping, and dismissing Dirk Wellham soon after.

Gatting then went on to deny Dean Jones a century, though his efforts proved futile as Australia cantered to an easy victory.

4. Nawroz Mangal: 3/35 (6) v Afghanistan, Amstelveen, 2009

The Afghan’s spell of 3/35 from six overs in the sixth-bowler spot arguably turned the match and the two-match series in Amstelveen, with the Blue Tigers hitting back after the first match defeat.

The Dutch recovered from 31/3, though Mangal’s off-spin broke a 113-run partnership between Eric Szwarczynski and Ryan ten Doeschate, and the wicket of Bas Zuiderent two balls later swung momentum in his team’s direction.

The two wickets forced ten Doeschate to hold back in the final overs, and Mangal’s third wicket, this time of Daan van Bunge, stifled a late charge.

Afghanistan went on to win the match by six wickets, chasing down 232. Mangal would chime in with 20 with the bat, with teammate Mohammad Shahzad making a century.

5. Nicholas Pooran: 4/48 (10) v Pakistan, Multan, 2022

Pooran lived up to his instinctive style of captaincy in the third Super League ODI against Pakistan.

With both Hosein and Walsh Jr turning the ball into the left-handed opening pair, Pooran brought himself on for the 13th over, replacing Romario Shepherd. Pooran struggled to find his length early, dragging down his first two deliveries, though posed enough questions to stifle the threat of the set batters.

In his third over, Pooran struck. Sneaking under Fakhar’s bat on the sweep, the skipper’s delivery dipped and crashed into the off-stump, forcing the hosts to rethink their approach.

As Walsh Jr brought Babar Azam undone at the other end, Pooran doubled his tally with the wicket of Imam, drawing the opener into a reckless top edge to Shai Hope. Pooran completed his four-wicket set in his seventh over firing a quicker one from around the wicket to Mohammad Rizwan (11), whose bottom edge was caught by Shai Hope.

In spite of the captain’s work, Pakistan went on to post 269, a bridge too far for the chasing tourists who fell 53 runs short via the DLS method.

Prior to his four-wicket performance in Super League action, Pooran had bowled just nine deliveries across List A and First-class cricket, taking just one wicket.

Test in the balance, says Foakes; hopes Root’s charisma will carry England to victory

Team TB
-
0
Test in the balance, says Foakes; hopes Root’s charisma will carry England to victory

England wicketkeeper-batter Ben Foakes has said that winning the second Test on the final day on Tuesday might not be as easy as it might seem, adding the home team batters will look to “bat normally” and see how things go from there.

The second Test at Trent Bridge looks set for a thrilling end on the last day after England bowlers restricted New Zealand to 224/7 — an overall lead of 238 runs — at stumps on Day 4 on Monday.

With the likes of Joe Root and Ollie Pope in sublime form, and Foakes too chipping in with a half-century in the first innings, things look encouraging for the hosts to take a 2-0 lead in the three-Test series.

But Foakes said the Test is still “in the balance” and his team could have done better in the first innings to take a handsome lead, but unfortunately ended 14 runs short of the Black Caps’ first innings total of 553.

“It’s in the balance for Tuesday, got close (in the first innings) then some aggressive and poor-thinking cricket has left it in the balance,” opined Foakes, who scored 56 in the first innings.

“(We would like to) Bat normally (in the second innings), see how it is, then when (New Zealand) bowlers are tiring, you get scoring options,” added Foakes.

He expressed confidence that the charisma of former skipper Joe Root (176 in the first innings) will help the team bag the honors at Trent Bridge.

“My main role was to stay with Rooty. When you’re that good you can do what you want. That’s the beauty of Test cricket, so many runs can be scored then things can happen fast. We are 1-0 up so they have to get back in the series. The whole vibe in the camp is brilliant, Baz (coach Brendon McCullum) is a pretty chilled guy, and (captain Ben) Stokesy is similar. It rubs off on the team,” he added.

 

Australia vs Sri Lanka ODIs: Why ICC rules are preventing Starc from bowling with a taped finger

Team TB
-
0
Australia vs Sri Lanka ODIs: Why ICC rules are preventing Starc from bowling with a taped finger

Australia pace spearhead Mitchell Starc hit the training session at Pallekele stadium ahead of the five-match One-day International series against Sri Lanka, but it’s unlikely he will be a part of the playing XI for the opener later on Tuesday despite the hosts woefully short of quick bowlers.

The reason he could be left out is the fact that the injured index finger of the bowling arm is still taped and International Cricket Council (ICC) regulations “prevent him from playing the opening match”, a report in cricket.com.au said on Tuesday.

Australia’s pace bowling stock has been severely depleted on the tour because of injuries to four players in the space of a week. And even while Starc might be fit for the game, Australia “will not be permitted to” play one of their best 50-over bowlers, the report said.

The 32-year-old pace mainstay suffered a deep gash in the index finger of his left bowling hand in the opening over of the T20 series. He subsequently did not play the remaining T20Is and, while the injury may have healed somewhat and he could be fit to bowl with a taped finger, the sport’s global governing body regulations prevent it.

Under ICC Laws, “protection for the hand or fingers may be worn only with the consent of the umpires”, the report said, adding that “under guidance notes for match officials issued by the International Cricket Council, umpires take a much sterner view for bowlers and tape on the fingers of the bowling hand is effectively outlawed.”

Australia was planning to play three quicks — Starc, Josh Hazlewood and Test skipper Pat Cummins — in the opening ODI to put pressure on the opposition from the first game itself, but given the situation, they’ll have to look for an alternative to Starc.

“It is certainly (a) testing (situation),” said captain Aaron Finch, adding that Starc and Mitchell Marsh would likely be available from the third ODI onwards.”

 

IPL Media Rights: Auction moves to the third day, Disney-Star bags TV deal for Rs 23,575 cr, Viacom18 gets digital; reports

Team TB
-
0
IPL Media Rights: Auction moves to the third day, Disney-Star bags TV deal for Rs 23,575 cr, Viacom18 gets digital; reports

Two different broadcasters won the TV (package A) and digital rights (package B) for the Indian subcontinent in the e-auction of the media rights for the Indian Premier League (IPL) cycle 2023 to 2027 on the second day of the auction on Monday.

As the e-auction, which began on Sunday moves to its third day on Tuesday, one of the biggest highlights was with 410 matches to be broadcasted in the five-year cycle, the total value per match for every IPL game is at INR 107.5 crore.

Tuesday might see the bidding of packages C and D being completed and could mean that the names of the winning companies be revealed officially by the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI).

According to a report by Cricbuzz, the yet-to-be-identified company which has bagged TV rights for INR 57.5 crore per game had challenged the company bidding INR 48 crore per game for digital rights. “But looks like the bids for digital have ended at INR 50 crore per game and it is understood to have been bagged by Jio (Viacom18),” said the report.

There are also reports that Disney-Star has bagged the Indian subcontinent TV rights. The combined value for Package A (TV Rights) and Package B (Digital) is INR 44,075 crore.

The final count for TV is Rs 23,575 crore while the digital rights have ended at Rs 20,500 crore. The digital rights, which closed at Rs 48 crore per game in the first round, ended at the half-century mark with the rights seemingly going to the original winner of the digital rights. The challenger, it seems, backed out after a couple of bids of Rs 50 lakh each.

The auction on Tuesday will now move towards the bidding of Package C, which is an 18-game non-exclusive India digital rights with a base price of INR 11 crore. It will end with Package D rights, which is the rest of the world consisting of five territories with a base price for each game and each territory is INR 3 crore, with no composite bid for the Rest of the World package.

 

Honor killing: Brother hacks to death sister, husband in TN

Team TB
-
0
Honor killing: Brother hacks to death sister, husband in TN

In another case of honor killing in Tamil Nadu, a person hacked to death his sister and her husband.

The dastardly act took place at Kumbakonam in the Thanjavur district of Tamil Nadu on Monday evening.

The deceased are Saranya (24) and her husband Mohan (31). Saranya who is a Dalit married Mohan, of Naicker caste five days ago after a love affair of five months. Saranya, a nurse, took her ailing mother to a Chennai hospital where she was working and met Mohan who was at the hospital as an attendant to his relative. The friendship turned into a love affair and they decided to marry amid strict opposition from both the families.

Saryanya’s brother Sakthivel (31) wanted her to be married off to his friend, Ranjith (28) of Devanagiri. However, Saranya insisted on marrying Mohan which infuriated her brother.

However, police said that Shakthivel invited them for dinner at the family residence and after the feast hacked both of them to death. Ranjith was also an accomplice in the murder of the duo.

Thanjavur Superintendent of Police, G. Ravali Priya told IANS that both the accused, Sakthivel and Ranjith are in police custody and further investigation is on.

She said that a detailed charge sheet will be presented before the court after taking information from eyewitnesses, relatives and friends, and local people.

Even as the Dravidian parties are claiming social equality, Tamil Nadu is turning into one of the most vulnerable states of South India for honor killings based on caste and casteism is rampant in the state with the Dalit families not even being able to cross the fields of the backward castes and upper castes.

 

2nd teaser of the Malayalam film ‘Kaduva’ promises 90s-style thrills

Team TB
-
0
2nd teaser of the Malayalam film ‘Kaduva’ promises 90s-style thrills

The makers of the Malayalam movie ‘Kaduva’ starring Prithviraj Sukumaran, Vivek Oberoi, and Samyuktha Menon, released the second teaser of the film on Monday.

Helmed by Shaji Kailas, the glimpse into the flick promises to give audiences entertainment that’s high on action, thrill, and drama.

The hit-making combination of actor Prithviraj Sukumaran and filmmaker Shaji Kailas brings back ’90s action thrills in this mass-entertainer co-starring Vivek Oberoi and produced by Listin Stephen and Supriya Menon under the banners Magic Frames & Prithviraj Productions. Jakes Bejoy has composed the music for the film.

The movie releases in theatres worldwide on June 30.

 

Release of Arun Vijay-starrer ‘Yaanai’ postponed to July 1

Team TB
-
0
Release of Arun Vijay-starrer ‘Yaanai’ postponed to July 1

The release of director Hari’s eagerly-awaited Tamil action entertainer ‘Yaanai’, featuring Arun Vijay and Priya Bhavani Shankar in the lead, has been pushed to July 1.

Confirming the decision to postpone the release of his film from June 17 to July 1, actor Arun Vijay, on his Instagram page, said, “With all due respect to ‘Vikram’, we are postponing our ‘Yaanai’ worldwide release to July 1st. Wishing Kamal Haasan sir and Lokesh Kanagaraj and RKFI for the record-breaking success – Team Yaanai.”

Sources say that the film’s release has had to be postponed as director Lokesh Kanakaraj’s ‘Vikram’ continues its strong run and theatre owners are reluctant to pull it off their theatres.

As a result, ‘Yaanai’, which was to release along with ‘Veetla Vishesham’, the Tamil remake of the Hindi hit film ‘Badhaai Ho’, on June 17 has pulled out of the release race for next week.

This isn’t the first time that the film’s release is getting postponed. The film was to release on May 6 this year. However, it got postponed to June 17 and now, the release has been pushed to July 1.

The satellite and digital rights of the film have already been bought by the Zee group.

Produced by Drumstick Productions, the film features actress Priya Bhavani Shankar as its female lead, and is primarily targeted at ‘B’ and ‘C’ center audiences.

The film has raised expectations as this is the first rural script that Arun Vijay is doing after a gap of almost 12 years.

 

Rana Daggubati says he was criticised for doing an ‘art film’ like ‘Virata Parvam’

Team TB
-
0
Rana Daggubati says he was criticised for doing an ‘art film’ like ‘Virata Parvam’

The ‘Virata Parvam’ team held an ‘Aathmeeya Vedika’ in Warangal to promote the upcoming film which will be released on June 17. Lead star Rana Daggubati says he was asked why he chose to appear in a film with a smaller role.

“Many people asked me why I’m doing this movie instead of doing some action picture,” Rana stated while speaking on the occasion.

“Generally, heroes make films for the enjoyment of their fans and claps. However, if you’re looking for an honest movie line in between claps, this is the film for you”, the ‘Dum Maaro Dum’ actor explained.

Rana said during the ‘Virata Parvam’ event that the film is totally Sai Pallavi’s show.

“Sai Pallavi is an exceptional performer. “It’s possible to find another actor who can play my role in the film,” Rana stated, “but no one else could have done what Sai Pallavi did in the film.”

Rana went on to say that ‘Virata Parvam’ has a poetic touch. Rana explained why the movie is being released only in Telugu and not in other languages, claiming that the film has a unique narrative and appeals entirely to the Telugu audience’s sensibilities.

He concluded by saying, “We will meet again in the same place for a success meet.”

 

Chiranjeevi to voice ‘Brahmastra Part I: Shiva’ trailer

Team TB
-
0
Chiranjeevi to voice ‘Brahmastra Part I: Shiva’ trailer

The much-anticipated trailer for ‘Brahmstra Part 1: Shiva’ will be released on June 15. Telugu megastar Chiranjeevi is to lend his voice for the Telugu trailer.

With India’s most powerful creative forces coming together, Chiranjeevi has agreed to provide his voice to Ayan Mukerji’s upcoming epic movie ‘Brahmstra Part 1: Shiva trailer in Telugu. It is reported that the ‘Acharya’ actor has wrapped up the dubbing part for the ‘Brahmasta Part 1: Shiva’ trailer in Telugu.

The magnum opus, directed by Ayan Mukerji and produced by Star Studios, Dharma Productions, Prime Focus, and Starlight Pictures, will be released theatrically on September 9, in five languages Hindi, Tamil, Telugu, Malayalam, and Kannada.

An ensemble cast of Amitabh Bachchan, Ranbir Kapoor, Alia Bhatt, Mouni Roy, and Nagarjuna Akkineni has important roles in the movie.

‘RRR’ director S.S. Rajamouli presents the film in all four South Indian languages – Tamil, Telugu, Kannada, and Malayalam.

Chiranjeevi amps up entertainment quotient of Telugu ‘Indian Idol’ finale

Team TB
-
0
Chiranjeevi amps up entertainment quotient of Telugu ‘Indian Idol’ finale

The Telugu ‘Indian Idol’ Finale was jam-packed with music and more festive than ever. In the presence of Tollywood megastar Chiranjeevi, the event saw some outstanding performances by both the judges and the candidates.

With his encouraging remarks and dynamic dance movements, the ‘Indra’ actor boosted the finalists’ energy level as they approached the finish line.

The icing on the cake is that Chiranjeevi went ahead and signed Pranati’s (one of the top contestants) autograph while she sang ‘Sandepodula Kada’ (Chiranjeevi’s famous old song) with her mother and made him dance to their tunes.

Chiranjeevi was impressed by Jayanth’s performance and presented him with a cooling glass, and the two enacted on the music from the Supreme hero’s 150th film ‘Khadi’. Sreenivas’ singing and dancing, on the other hand, enchanted Chiranjeevi.

‘Virata Parvam’ actors Sai Pallavi and Rana Daggubati were on the show to promote their movie as well.

With the candidates toiling for 15 weeks over pure music and enthralling judges Nithya Menen, Thaman, and singer Karthik with numerous inventive themes, Telugu ‘Indian Idol’ has captured the hearts of millions of Telugu viewers. The finale of ‘Indian Idol’ will air on June 17 at 9 p.m. on Aha.

 

Mahesh Babu’s selfie on Europe road trip goes viral

Team TB
-
0
Mahesh Babu’s selfie on Europe road trip goes viral

Telugu superstar Mahesh Babu is currently enjoying the success of his film ‘Sarkaru Vaari Paata’, which was directed by Parasuram. He and his family are having a great time on vacation in Europe.

The actor shared a photo of himself with Namrata Shirodkar, Gautham, and Sitara on his Instagram account. Mahesh appears to be really enjoying his road trip in Europe, as he hints at their next destination.

“Road trip it is!!” he wrote. Italy is up next!! Lunch with the crazies!!”, Mahesh captioned. The photo has gone viral on social media.

Mahesh Babu’s next film will be an action-comedy directed by acclaimed filmmaker Trivikram. Soon, he’ll reportedly join the set of ‘SSMB28’ (working title), in which Pooja Hegde will star as the lead heroine.

Mahesh also has a film with SS Rajamouli in the works, which will begin shooting later this year.

 

Choreographer-turned-director Bosco Martis’ ‘Rocket Gang’ sets Nov 11 release date

Team TB
-
0
Choreographer-turned-director Bosco Martis’ ‘Rocket Gang’ sets Nov 11 release date

‘Rocket Gang’, the directorial debut of choreographer Bosco Leslie Martis, is set to debut in theatres on November 11.

The film, a dance fantasy comedy, stars Aditya Seal, Nikita Dutta, Mokshda, Sahaj Singh Chahal and Jason Tham.

The film boasts elements of horror, comedy, drama, and of course, lots of dance and caters to the family audience and children, the reason its release date is set just before Children’s Day.

Speaking about the film, director Bosco said, “‘Rocket Gang’ is special to me for more reasons than one. Everyone has put a lot of hard work and love into the making of this film and we are excited to finally show you the film soon! See you in cinemas on 11th November 2022!”

Additionally, the film stars five young kids Dipali Borkar, Tejas Varma, Jayshree Gogoi, Aadvik Mongia, and Siddhant Sharma in pivotal roles

Commenting on the development, Shariq Patel, CBO – ZEE Studios said, “We are committed to providing viewers with differentiated content that entertains. We at Zee Studios have nurtured it from script to screen. It is full of dance, music, and masti and is meant for a theatrical experience. ‘Rocket Gang’ ticks all the boxes of a perfect family watch – and that too around Children’s Day! We are excited about making this film yours on 11th November 2022!”

Directed by Bosco Leslie Martis, ‘Rocket Gang’ is produced by Zee Studios.

 

Vikrant Massey, Deepak Dobriyal-starrer ‘Sector 36’ begins shoot

Team TB
-
0
Vikrant Massey, Deepak Dobriyal-starrer ‘Sector 36’ begins shoot

A crime-thriller titled ‘Sector 36’ is in the works. The film stars ‘Haseen Dillruba’ actor Vikrant Massey and Deepak Dobriyal, who is known for his work in films like ‘Omkara’, ‘Gulaal’, ‘Dabangg 2’ and ‘Tanu Weds Manu’ franchise.

The film, which rolled its cameras on Monday, is being produced by Maddock Films, the production house has delivered films like the Varun Dhawan and Nawazuddin Siddiui revenge drama ‘Badlapur’, the Rajkummar Rao and Shraddha Kapoor horror-comedy ‘Stree’ and the Kriti Sanon-starrer comedy-drama ‘Mimi’ which recently bagged the Best Actress Award for its lead at the 22nd edition of IIFA.

The makers took to social media to announce their latest project through a special video. The video builds a sense of curiosity using the analogy of a cockroach that decides to stand up against the system. As we discover what happens to the roach, in the end, one is truly intrigued with the suspense surrounding this film!

‘Sector 36’ is helmed by ‘Talvar’ writer Aditya Nimbalkar, written by Bodhayan Roychaudhury, and produced by Dinesh Vijan.

‘Squid Game’ to return with the second season, streamer drops intriguing teaser

Team TB
-
0
‘Squid Game’ to return with the second season, streamer drops intriguing teaser

The hugely popular South Korean drama series ‘Squid Game’ is returning with its second season. Streaming platform Netflix has dropped a brief teaser for the show on Twitter.

Sharing the teaser, the OTT giant wrote in the tweet, “Red light GREENLIGHT! Squid Game is officially coming back for Season 2 (sic).”

The streamer also shared a special note from Hwang Dong-Hyuk, the creator, writer, director, and executive producer as he dispatched the details on which characters are returning for the second installment.

Dong-Hyuk wrote, “A Whole New Round is Coming. It took 12 years to bring the first season of ‘Squid Game’ to life last year. But it took 12 days for ‘Squid Game’ to become the most popular Netflix series ever. As the writer, director, and producer of ‘Squid Game,’ a huge shout-out to fans around the world. Thank you for watching and loving our show.”

The nine-part series, which stars Lee Jung-Jae and Park Hae-Soo follows the event after a mysterious invitation to join the game is sent to people at risk who are in dire need of money. 456 participants from all walks of life are locked into a secret location where they play games in order to win 45.6 billion won. Every game is a Korean traditional children’s game such as Red Light, and Green Light, but the consequence of losing is death.

Dong-Hyuk further mentioned in his letter, “And now, Gi-hun returns. The Front Man returns. Season 2 is coming. The man in the suit with ddakji might be back. You’ll also be introduced to Young-hee’s boyfriend, Cheol-su. Join us once more for a whole new round.”

Season 1 of the show marked Netflix’s biggest TV show ever, logging 1.65 billion hours of viewing in the first four weeks of its release last fall. The second season is said to premiere in late 2023 or early 2024.

Tiger Shroff-starrer ‘Ganapath’ is all set to make it an action-packed Xmas

Team TB
-
0
Tiger Shroff-starrer ‘Ganapath’ is all set to make it an action-packed Xmas

The action genre has seen a resurgence with recent big releases, notably ‘KGF’, ‘Vikram’ and ‘RRR’, and now, action superstar Tiger Shroff is all set to show his moves in the thriller, ‘Ganapath’, slated for a Christmas release.

Helmed by Vikas Bahl, the dystopian thriller is shot immaculately and offers non-stop thrilling action and special effects, which promise to blow everyone’s mind. Add to all this the energetic ferocity of Tiger Shroff and it is most likely that the box-office registers will be ringing on Christmas.

A source close to the production house, who has seen rushes of the film, said: “‘Ganapath’ is something we’ve never ever seen before in Indian cinema. It is mind-blowing, the film is an epic visual extravaganza, with world-class special effects. The production values will leave the audience asking for more. Tiger’s role and character are larger than life, with heavy-duty dialogues, and world-class action sequences. This is going to make history at the box office on Christmas.”

The source added: “Plus, the most loved debutant pair of ‘Heropanti’ — Tiger and Kriti Sanon — are reuniting, so there is this nostalgic angle as well. And the makers are rightly aiming to utilize the Christmas weekend for its release.”

Jackky Bhagnani is bankrolling the film under the banner of Pooja Entertainment. The film’s cast also includes Swedish-Greek actress Elli AvrRam, Malayalam star Rahman, and Rob Horrocks.

After completing the UK leg of the shoot, Tiger Shroff wrapped up the most challenging action schedule in Ladakh. The movie is all set to be released on December 23 this year.

 

First look of GV Prakash-starrer ‘Idimuzhakkam’ released

Team TB
-
0
First look of GV Prakash-starrer ‘Idimuzhakkam’ released

producer and politician Udhayanidhi Stalin on Monday released the first look of director Seenu Ramasamy’s upcoming action entertainer ‘Idimuzhakkam’, featuring actors GV Prakash and Gayathrie in the lead.

The first look poster has GV Prakash sporting a rustic look and holding a dagger.

The film, which is being produced by Skyman Films International Kalaimagan Mubarak, has music by NR Raghunathan and lyrics by Kaviperarsu Vairamuthu.

Apart from GV Prakash Kumar and Gayathrie, the others in the star cast include Saranya Ponvannan, MS Bhaskar, and Aruldoss.

Udhayanidhi Stalin, who released the first look of the film on his Twitter timeline, said, “Happy to launch Seenu Ramasamy’s ‘Idimuzhakkam’ First Look.”

The first look of the film was released by the unit on Monday to coincide with the birthday of the film’s hero GV Prakash.

Soon after Udhayanidhi Stalin released the first look, GV Prakash tweeted, “Blessed and grateful to receive all your wishes. Thank you is not enough. Here is the first look of my next, Seenu Ramasamy’s ‘Idimuzhakkam’ First Look.”

 

‘Virata Parvam’ director lauds Rana for promoting the heroine-centered film

Team TB
-
0
‘Virata Parvam’ director lauds Rana for promoting the heroine-centered film

Venu Udugula, the director of ‘Virata Parvam’, said at one of the film’s promotional events that Rana Daggubati deserves praise for his work. Despite the fact that the heroine is the focus of the plot, Rana consented to appear in ‘Virata Parvam’, which the director claims make him humble.

Rana and Sai Pallavi-starrer ‘Virata Parvam’ has a decent buzz ahead of its premiere. To boost the buzz, the film’s producers had organized the ‘Aathmeeya Vedika’ event earlier on Sunday.

Venu Udugula began his remarks by thanking all of the distinguished visitors and members of the film crew, saying: “Warangal is the site where even failures are reincarnated as revolutions.”

And it is in such a setting that I am struck by one of the fatalities that occurred in 1992.

“I was taken aback when I learned that, the particular death was linked to a number of political issues. So I decided to write a tale about it, and I brought that story to you, mixed with a great love story.

“When I started composing the narrative, I started dreaming about this particular role, Vennela. This isn’t a typical girl’s love. It’s like Siddheshwari’s love for Lord Shiva, so pure and sacred. I’m overjoyed that Sai Pallavi accepted to play this role,” he continued.

Venu Udugula said: “Even if Rana tackles modest activities like presenting a short film or distributing a small film, he elevates whatever he does into an art piece. For this film, he did the same. I’d want to express my gratitude to him for agreeing to perform in a film with a significant role for Vennela (heroine).

“Heroes of his stature might think twice to act in a role with lesser importance for a hero. But, he is so humble. Mainly ladies should watch this film.”

Backed by Sudhakar Cherukuri of Sri Lakshmi Venkateswara Cinemas, ‘Virata Parvam’s’ cast also include Priyamani, Nanditha Das, Naveen Chandra, Zareena Wahab, Eswari Rao, and Sai Chand in crucial roles.

‘Virata Parvam’ will hit the theatres on July 17.

Pawan Kalyan appreciates ‘Major’; Mahesh Babu, and Adivi Sesh respond

Team TB
-
0
Pawan Kalyan appreciates ‘Major’; Mahesh Babu, and Adivi Sesh respond

Telugu actor Pawan Kalyan has joined the list of celebrities who have praised Adivi Sesh’s film ‘Major.’

Starring Adivi Sesh, ‘Major’ is currently playing in theatres around the world.

Sashi Kiran Tikka directed the critically acclaimed film. Several celebrities have praised the filmmakers for their work on this biographical film.

Adivi Sesh is now in a state of euphoria after receiving praise from none other than Pawan himself.

Pawan released a statement to the media in which he praised ‘Major’ and suggested that artists like Sesh make more films like this in the future.

The ‘Bheemla Nayak’ actor has written a letter praising the heartfelt drama. He took to social media to say that despite not having seen Major yet due to his hectic schedule, he plans to do so soon.

The ‘Badri’ actor also discussed Adivi Sesh’s performance and creative abilities in the film. Apart from that, Pawan Kalyan praised superstar Mahesh Babu for his role as one of the producers in this much-loved drama.

Reacting to the same, Mahesh Babu, who produced the film wrote “Thank you @PawanKalyan! Team #Major is truly humbled!”

“@PawanKalyan Dear Powerstar. My heart is full. I assumed that you must have been really busy with the tour, and wondered if you could get some time to watch #Major. Your warm personal note is truly touching. #MajorSandeepUnnikrishnan is everything to me. In the past it was #Panja, now it is #Major, truly thankful for your grace” Adivi Sesh wrote.

 

Chhota Shakeel’s long shadow over Salman-starrer ‘Chori Chori Chupke Chupke’

Team TB
-
0
Chhota Shakeel’s long shadow over Salman-starrer ‘Chori Chori Chupke Chupke’

‘Chori Chori Chupke Chupke’ had a stellar cast (Salman Khan, Rani Mukherjee, and Preity Zinta), a story centered around surrogacy (a childless couple using the services of a prostitute to become the surrogate mother of their child), and the hit-maker director duo of Abbas-Mustan, and it was a commercial success too, yet it made headlines for the wrong reasons.

The Mumbai Police nabbed the film’s producer, Nazim Rizvi, days before its December 22, 2000, release date and charged him under various sections of the IPC and the Maharashtra Control of Organised Crime Act (MCOCA). The principal charge against the producer, who had made two C-grade films before he landed ‘Chori Chori…’, was that he was being funded by the feared D-Company operative, Chhota Shakeel and that they pressured Salman Khan to sign up for the film.

A month after Rizvi’s arrest, on January 8, 2001, the film’s financier, the respected diamond merchant Bharat Shah, too, was arrested. The Mumbai Police had hours of tape-recorded conversations between Rizvi and Shah, and between the producer and Chhota Shakeel, to support their charges against the two. The CBI also got into the act — it seized the film’s prints and handed them over to the court’s receiver.

The respect with which Shah was held in his community became apparent when diamond merchants went on a strike on January 10 to protest against the arrest. Ironically, Shah had been provided police protection in 1997 after he’d made a complaint about receiving extortion calls.

The case became famous because of the number of film personalities, including Shah Rukh Khan, Salman Khan, and Sanjay Dutt, and even Rakesh Roshan, a mafia hit job survivor, who had turned hostile and went back on the depositions they had made to the cops. The sole exception was Preity Zinta.

In an in-camera deposition made in the court of the then Sessions Judge, A.P. Bhangale, Preity admitted having received an extortion threat from a Chhota Shakeel gang member, but she had dismissed it as a crank call.

The actress also said Sanjay Dutt and she shared a common secretary, Pankaj Kharbanda, to whom she had disclosed the threat received by her. He may have told Dutt about it. In any case, she said, the entire Bollywood came to know about it.

Talking about it years later, Preity said at the India Today Conclave East 2018: “For the record, if I knew everyone was going to back out, I also would have. It was a scary time in my life. I should have been protected. Whatever I said in court was on TV 10 minutes later.”

Recalling the all-pervasive fear in the industry, Preity said: “There was definitely fear going around. Because Rakesh ji (Roshan) had been shot. Everyone was paranoid. People would keep their phones switched off, worried that they would get a call.”

Preity remembered how everyone was upset with her. “They all said ‘why did you have to be the one to do all this?’ But my way of thinking was different. I didn’t have a family, I didn’t have children.”

Bharat Shah applied for bail seven times in the lower courts, and then in the Bombay High Court, but it was rejected on each occasion. Finally, he approached the Supreme Court, which granted him bail.

His defense lawyers argued that there was no conclusive evidence to prove that the voice in the tape of the conversation recorded by the police was that of Shah. The transcripts of the conversations, they said, were not admissible as evidence because the interception procedure was legally not correct.

Judge Bhangale, however, found Shah guilty of concealing information from the police, chargeable under Section 118 of the IPC, and not under any provision of the more stringent MCOCA.

Shah was given a one-year jail term, which he did not have to serve because he had already spent 14 months in prison. Both Rizvi and his assistant, Abdul Rahim Allahbaksh Khan, were sentenced to six years’ rigorous imprisonment (by then, they’d already spent 32 months in jail). The judge also imposed a fine of Rs 5,00,000 each on Rizvi and Khan.

The two had been found guilty under MCOCA of forging links with Chhota Shakeel in order to target film personalities for personal gains.

The arrest and conviction of Bharat Shah proved how close and complicated Bollywood’s relationship with the underworld was, and it sounded a warning bell to those in the movie business to clean up their act. The Bharat Shah conviction came at the same time as the arrest of gangster Abu Salem in Lisbon (2004) and his subsequent extradition (2004). It was curtains for Bollywood’s cozy connections with ganglords and their henchmen.

 

1...675676677...2,192Page 676 of 2,192