Tuesday, July 8, 2025
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“A Missed Opportunity”: Shahana Goswami Opens Up About Santosh Being Blocked in India Despite International aise!

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Actor Shahana Goswami recently expressed her sadness over Santosh, a movie that debuted at the world-renowned Cannes Film Festival, not having an Indian release. According to reports, the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) blocked the movie, making it unavailable in Indian theatres and on over-the-top (OTT) platforms. Shahana is accustomed to international films that do not have an Indian release, but Santosh struck a deeper chord because an Indian co-production is attached to it, and she never thought censorship would be the obstacle.

Shahana expressed her profound reaction to the worldwide response in an exclusive interview with Movified. Her performance has been praised by audiences at film festivals in India and internationally, frequently through Instagram direct messages and random events. “They loved the movie and my performance in it, but they don’t even know who I am,” she said. She imagined how much more impact the movie could have had if it had been released in Indian theatres or on streaming services, and this outpouring of support only made her sadness worse. She went on to say, “People would have loved it.”

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But her tone wasn’t angry at all; she is still hopeful. Shahana said that Santosh deserved better by pointing out that films like Punjab 95 and Phule had similar terminations. What is she hoping? That by next year, the movie will finally get what it deserves and be shown where it belongs: in front of Indian audiences who, like audiences around the world, deserve to see it.

 

From Trust to Takeover: What Made Aamir Khan Replace Amole Gupte from the Director’s Chair?

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Aamir Khan and Amole Gupte have known each other for a long time. They were school friends, worked together in theatre, and have a lot in common as creative individuals When Gupte gave Aamir the script for Taare Zameen Par, he was going to cast Akshaye Khanna at first. But the story moved Aamir so much that he wanted to not only make it but also act in it. What’s the catch? He didn’t believe that Amole could lead. Aamir told Amole directly that he didn’t trust him as a director, but he eventually gave in when he saw how much Amole cared about the story.

 

But things soon started to fall apart. When Aamir observed the rushes a week into the shoot, he thought the direction was “amateurish.” Aamir was so unsatisfied that he offered to leave the project completely, willing to pay for all of the production costs already incurred, after his team had already raised concerns. Amole defended his work in spite of the criticism, referring to the video as “golden,” but Aamir was aware that their artistic views couldn’t exist together. Tension replaced trust at this point.

Post Link: https://www.instagram.com/p/DL1niUIMUlE/?igsh=MWRiZDR1eXl6dmlzbg==

After a while, Amole resigned as director and, somewhat unexpectedly, proposed that Aamir take over. What might have been a shattered movie became a pivotal scene. Under Aamir’s leadership, Taare Zameen Par rose to fame and touched millions of people with its genuineness and depth of emotion.

Aakash Pratapp Singh Wins Best Debutant Movies (Male) for Main Ladega at the Movified Digital Awards 2.0

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A breakout performance that had the entire industry talking has now been officially recognized: Aakash Pratapp Singh has won Best Debutant Male at the Movified Digital Awards 2.0 for his raw and riveting portrayal in ‘Main Ladega’.

 

Aakash didn’t just act in Main Ladega, he wrote it. He produced it. This wasn’t a performance handed to him, it was a story he believed in so deeply, he built it from the ground up. That makes this debut not just powerful, but personal.

 

His character, a young man grappling with injustice and desperation, fighting both his inner demons and a broken system, was not just a role, but a reckoning. He delivered every scene with bruising intensity and deep vulnerability, transforming what could have been a generic underdog tale into a story of human resilience. His eyes spoke before his fists did. His silences echoed louder than his words.

 

For a debutant, the emotional precision and physical commitment he brought to Main Ladega were nothing short of exceptional. It was the kind of performance that comes once in a while.

 

Sudhanshu Kumar, Promoter of Movified, reflected on the mission behind the awards:

“It brings me great joy to present the second edition of the Movified Digital Awards. This initiative began with a single purpose — to give heartfelt recognition to those whose talent truly deserves the spotlight.

 

It’s not just about awards; it’s about honouring the passion, dedication, and creativity that goes into every story.

 

To the winners and nominees — congratulations. And to our growing Movified community — thank you for making this vision come alive. Here’s to meaningful cinema, to voices that matter, and to celebrating the magic of storytelling — always.”

 

Post Link: https://www.instagram.com/reel/DLzhH2dsApf/?igsh=djM3YnM2eTkweW9u

Neekita Singh, Director of Movified, emphasized:

 

“We’re here with the second edition of the Movified Digital Awards and with every edition, our purpose remains clear – to recognize and uplift true talent.

 

I extend my heartfelt congratulations to all the winners & nominees and our ever-growing Movified community for making this vision a reality.

 

Here’s to cinema, to stories that stay with us, and to the power of recognition. The journey continues, and Movified will always be here to celebrate the spirit of the screen.”

Movified Exclusive: Amit Sial & Sahil Vaid on How They Landed Roles in The Hunt: The Rajiv Gandhi Assassination Case

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In an era where casting decisions often feel shrouded in secrecy, The Hunt: The Rajiv Gandhi Assassination Case opens a rare window into the deeply personal journeys of two of its lead actors — Amit Sial and Sahil Vaid. In an exclusive conversation with Movified, the duo shared candid insights about how their paths crossed with director Nagesh Kukunoor, and how the film came into their lives not just as a role, but as a moment of alignment.

Post Link: https://www.instagram.com/reel/DLxPtpwPTRt/?igsh=YjJqcGF4ZGg2dHI3

For the Love of Storytelling — and Nagesh Kukunoor

When asked how The Hunt happened for them, Sahil Vaid was quick to point out a beautiful coincidence:

“Hum dono ki kahani mein ek cheez common hai — hum dono Nagesh Sir ke saath kaam karna chahte the.”

For Sahil, who hails from Salem, Tamil Nadu, landing the role came down to an unexpected moment of authenticity. After performing a scene in Hindi during auditions, he returned the same day and redid the scene in Tamil — a move that caught the director’s attention.

“Nagesh Sir didn’t know I was from Salem. Maine dobara jaakar scene Tamil mein kiya. Aur unki dedication dekh ke mujhe hairani hui — mujhe Tamil cue dene ke liye unhone waha ek Tamil ladka bithaya.”

Impressed by his effort and linguistic fluency, Nagesh invited Sahil for a look test. The meeting quickly turned into a serendipitous discovery session.

“Hamari baat-chit mein pata chala ki main jahan se hoon — Salem — usi ke paas Yercaud mein Nagesh Sir boarding school mein the. Hamara favourite restaurant bhi same nikla!”

It was more than a casting choice — it was a cultural connection. Sahil became the perfect blend Nagesh was looking for: a North Indian who could speak Tamil fluently.

Amit Sial: More Than Just a Role

For Amit Sial, the casting process wasn’t defined by auditions or scripts — it was about shared worldviews. He describes Nagesh as a “sajjan purush” and recalls their early interactions as rich, wandering conversations that covered everything but the project.

“Project ke baare mein jyada nahi — idhar udhar ki baatein zyada hui. Politics, desh mein kya chal raha hai, duniya ka nazariya.”

This wasn’t about memorizing lines — it was about reading minds. Nagesh seemed to be gauging whether Amit held the depth and introspection necessary for the intense, politically loaded narrative.

“He probably just wanted to know how I am as a person — mere vichar kya hain, mere khayal kya hain. Yeh samajhne ke liye ki kya is aadmi mein voh maturity hai character nibhaane ki.”

Over time, their relationship evolved. What began as cautious exploration blossomed into mutual trust and creative transparency.

“Now, I think we are more open to each other. We know much more about each other.”

Randeep Hooda praises his Matchbox co-star John Cena’s performance alongside Priyanka Chopra Jonas in Heads of State

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Link – https://www.instagram.com/stories/randeephooda/3671227818155808463?utm_source=ig_story_item_share&igsh=MTVwaXkzcHQ0dzRlNA==

Acclaimed star Randeep Hooda took to social media to praise his upcoming co-star John Cena’s performance in the recently released Heads of State, which also stars Priyanka Chopra Jonas and Idris Elba.

 

Randeep, who will be seen sharing screen space with Cena in Matchbox—directed by Extraction filmmaker Sam Hargrave—watched Heads of State and couldn’t hold back his appreciation for the lead cast’s energetic and entertaining performances.

 

Sharing his excitement, Randeep posted, “Just watched Heads of State — what a blast! Huge shoutout to my co-star and a gem 💎 @JohnCena, you were an absolute riot — loved every minute. @priyankachopra, you lit up the screen and were the real action star of the action comedy. @idriselba, sublime as ever.. cheers to the whole team for a super fun film! 👏🎬 #HeadsOfState”

 

Earlier this year, Randeep shot for Matchbox in Budapest alongside John Cena under the direction of Sam Hargrave. The film marks a major addition to Randeep’s international lineup while reuniting him with the Extraction team, with whom he has previously delivered a globally acclaimed performance.

 

With Matchbox, audiences can look forward to witnessing Randeep Hooda and John Cena share the screen for the first time in what promises to be an adrenaline-fueled, engaging action feature.

R Madhavan Transforms Into Ajit Doval for ‘Dhurandhar’; First Look Leaves Fans Mesmerized

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R Madhavan’s striking transformation as National Security Advisor Ajit Doval in Dhurandhar is making waves. The espionage thriller, directed by Uri filmmaker Aditya Dhar, is inspired by true events and revolves around a covert mission that rattled a neighbouring country. With intense eyes and an authoritative aura, Madhavan’s look has already captivated audiences, setting high expectations for this high-stakes spy drama.

What to Watch This July: From Bollywood Blockbusters to Hollywood Comebacks and OTT Thrillers

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Bollywood takes center stage with Metro In Dino kicking off the month on July 4.

From big-screen blockbusters to streaming thrillers, July 2025 is packed with powerful premieres across Bollywood, Hollywood, and OTT platforms. Here’s your ultimate guide.

 

Bollywood Theatrical Releases

Romance, drama, action—this July brings something for every cinephile.

4th July- Metro In Dino

A multi-starrer slice-of-life drama promising emotional highs.

11th July- Aankhon Ki Gustakhiyan

An epic romantic saga set in a bygone era.

11th July- Maalik

A political thriller set against turbulent times.

18th July- Saiyaara

A musical romance that tugs at the heartstrings.

18th July- Tanvi The Great

A soulful story about fame, resilience, and redemption.

25th July- Son Of Sardar 2

Action-packed sequel with trademark humor and drama.

25th July- Param Sundari

A glamorous, dance-driven entertainer with a strong female lead.

Post Link: https://www.instagram.com/p/DLes80fKJ_n/?igsh=MW9hemhsMHZ1OWczeA==

OTT Releases

From gritty crime thrillers to fresh seasons of fan-favorite shows.

2nd JulyHeads Of State

A political action thriller set on a global stage.

4th July- The Hunt: Rajiv Gandhi Assassination Case

A documentary-style deep dive into history’s dark pages.

4th July- Kaalidhar Laapata

A twisted mystery that unravels secrets in the shadows.

11th July- Special Ops Season 2

The elite spy team returns with even higher stakes.

11th July- Aap Jaisa Koi

A romantic drama exploring identity and second chances.

16th July- The Summer I Turned Pretty: Season 3

The coming-of-age saga continues with more heart and heartbreak.

18th July- Vir Das: Fool Volume

A new stand-up special with sharp satire and global wit.

25th July- Sarzameen

A gripping tale of love, loss, and identity.

25th July- Mandala Murders

A psychological thriller steeped in secrets and serial crimes.

Post Link: https://www.instagram.com/p/DLuepG9MifZ/?igsh=Z294MTRxMG05YTZ1

Hollywood Theatrical Releases

Blockbusters, reboots, and sequels make July a global movie month.

4th July- Jurassic World: Rebirth

Dinosaurs return in a new-age reboot packed with action.

11th July- Superman

The Man of Steel flies back in a much-anticipated reimagination.

18th July- Smurfs

The beloved blue crew is back with a brand-new animated adventure.

18th July-I Know What You Did Last Summer

A modern slasher retelling with new-age thrills.

25th July- The Fantastic Four: First Steps

Marvel’s iconic quartet returns in their origin story.

Post Link: https://www.instagram.com/p/DLkEXFyKn52/?igsh=MWFqaXA0b2lvdjZqYQ==

July is sizzling with screen magic—across genres, platforms, and languages!

Movified Exclusive: “Agar royalty mile toh actors frustrated nahi rahenge,” says Amit Sial on industry reforms

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In a Exclusive Conversation with Movified, acclaimed actors Amit Sial and Sahil Vaid shared their thoughts on much-needed changes in the Indian film industry. One topic that resonated deeply with both artists was the lack of royalty for actors, a system prevalent abroad but still absent in India.

 

When asked about one thing they would change in the industry, Amit Sial responded passionately, “Actors ko royalty milni chahiye… taaki woh frustrated na rahein. Jab ek kaam khatam hota hai, toh agli job ke liye bhaagna padta hai. Lekin agar royalty ho, toh jeevan vyapan ke liye kuch na kuch milta rahega.” He went on to add how artists work tirelessly on a project, but once it’s done, their contribution often feels sidelined.

 

Backing his sentiment, Sahil Vaid chimed in, “True, maine kabhi socha nahi tha iss baare mein. Agar royalty milne lage, toh actors apne craft pe sach mein focus kar sakte hai — bina survival ki chinta ke.”

 

Amit concluded by stating, “Royalty se kaam bhi improve hoga… actor zyada focused rahega.”

Post Link: https://www.instagram.com/reel/DLt3UpDsRLC/?igsh=MTE1b250NnU5ZXB3MQ==

It’s a thought-provoking conversation, one that sheds light on the financial insecurities many actors quietly endure despite their visible success.

Metro In Dino Movie Review: Anurag Basu’s Brilliant Amalgamation of Jagga Jasoos and Life in a metro! 

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Movie Review by Prashant Shukla

Plot:

Spread across cities like Mumbai, Pune, Delhi, Kolkata, and Bangalore, Metro In Dino follows the bittersweet stories of four couples. There’s an old school reunion party grappling with the idea of space in a marriage; a relationship where the question “Is he the one?” looms large; a marriage dealing with infidelity and the loss of spark; and another marriage exploring the struggle of holding onto each other and giving the relationship a chance. All of this is wrapped in plenty of laugh music and tears!

The Performances:

There’s an old saying in cinema that an actor’s performance is only as good as the writing of the film-both go hand in hand. Metro In Dino is an apt example of that phrase. Anurag Basu’s writing- especially the way he maps and fleshes out the characters-is so meticulous that the room for the ensemble to mess-up is almost negligible. This makes an anthology/musical like ‘Metro In Dino’ so engaging and entertaining. But if I still had to pinpoint moments, it would be a musical sequence featuring Anupam Kher narrating his story and Ali Fazal during a song in the climax. It will melt you soul like a candle during a choir.

The Musicals:

There’s no point in discussing the quality of the songs-Pritam has absolutely cooked! But it’s the musical approach to the storytelling that deserves a closer look. Basu seems determined to perfect and, in some ways, finally nail what he was trying to achieve in Jagga Jasoos. Unlike Life In A… Metro, where the songs reflected the characters’ emotional states, in Metro In Dino, the characters break the fourth wall and directly narrate their stories and situations. This could have gone wrong in so many ways, but no-it genuinely feels engaging and is a clear sign of a director whose filmmaking skills are evolving.

The Nostalgia and Evolution:

Metro In Dino is a film that upholds the value of its nostalgic element while telling a story that mirrors the world we live in today. There are several callbacks to the first part-not just through dialogues but also in the way many characters are written (I’m not going to spoil anything by specifying). At the same time, there are plenty of plot points that reflect the struggles and confusion people experience nowadays. Existential crises, inclusivity, societal pressures- all of it makes Metro In Dino feel like a deeply personal experience.

What Could’ve Been Better:

To start with, I never thought I’d say this about an Anurag Basu film, but the cinematography here doesn’t have a soul when compared to Life In A… Metro. Back then, the way he used taxis, buses, local trains, the rain, and even traffic signals- with their contrast-heavy frames-made Mumbai feel like a key character. But here…the film often looks like an advertisement. There isn’t any distinguishing visual identity for any of the cities. Secondly, there are certain moments in the second half where Anurag seems so invested and absorbed in connecting these stories that he momentarily loses a strong grip on the pacing.

Post Link: https://www.instagram.com/p/DLr98wuKmBz/?img_index=6&igsh=MWVnM203OXluc3Fnbg==

Final Verdict:

In conclusion, Metro In Dino is call-back to the bollywood-buffs on the big screen that feels like a warm cup of chai on a rainy evening!

Anjini Dhawan Wins Best Debutant Movies (Female) for ‘Binny and Family’ at the Movified Digital Awards 2.0

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Making a striking entry into Indian cinema, Anjini Dhawan has won Best Debutant Movies (Female) at Movified Digital Awards 2.0 for her heartfelt role in Binny and Family. Her screen presence sparkled with an emotional honesty that connected instantly with audiences.

In Binny and Family, Anjini portrayed a young woman juggling familial expectations and personal aspirations with a grace beyond her years. What stood out was her ability to switch from light-hearted moments to emotionally rich scenes with seamless finesse. Her debut didn’t just introduce a promising face, it announced the arrival of a performer to watch.

The Promoter of Movified, Sudhanshu Kumar, stated: “It brings me great joy to present the second edition of the Movified Digital Awards. This initiative began with a single purpose — to give heartfelt recognition to those whose talent truly deserves the spotlight.

It’s not just about awards; it’s about honouring the passion, dedication, and creativity that goes into every story.

Post Link: https://www.instagram.com/reel/DLryv61M2Fh/?igsh=MXYzeG1ja3ZsYmJ0eg==

To the winners and nominees — congratulations. And our growing Movified community — thank you for making this vision come alive. Here’s to meaningful cinema, to voices that matter, and to celebrating the magic of storytelling — always.”

Announcing the winners, Neekita Singh, Director of Movified, stated: “As the Director of Movified, it brings me great pride to present the second edition of the Movified Digital Awards – a celebration of pure talent, passion, and cinematic excellence. This initiative was born out of a desire to recognize and celebrate the talent that truly deserves the applause—both in front of the camera and behind it.

We’re here with the second edition of the Movified Digital Awards and with every edition, our purpose remains clear – to recognize and uplift true talent.

I extend my heartfelt congratulations to all the winners & nominees and our ever growing Movified community for making this vision a reality.

Here’s to cinema, to stories that stay with us, and to the power of recognition. The journey continues, and Movified will always be here to celebrate the spirit of the screen.”