Blake Lively Sues It Ends With Us Co-Star Justin Baldoni For Sexual Harassment, His Team Responds

Blake Lively has filed a legal complaint against her It Ends With Us co-star and director, Justin Baldoni, accusing him of sexual harassment.

In her suit, the actress also alleged that Baldoni attempted to launch a smear campaign against her, causing significant emotional distress to her family, reported Variety. In response, Justin's team dismissed the accusations, calling them “categorically false.”

According to Blake Lively's lawsuit, things became so bad during the film's production that an “all-hands-on-deck meeting” was held to address her claims of a hostile work environment, which was attended by her husband, Ryan Reynolds.

During the meeting, Blake and Ryan demanded that there be “no more showing nude videos or images of women to Lively, no more mention of Justin Baldoni's alleged previous ‘pornography addiction,' and no more discussions about sexual conquests in front of Blake Lively.”

They also insisted that Baldoni refrain from commenting on the cast and crew's genitalia, asking about Blake Lively's weight, or mentioning her late father.

According to the complaint, Blake Lively also insisted during filming that she would not be asked to perform any additional sex scenes beyond what she had consented to when signing on to the project.

The lawsuit claims that although the studio accepted and approved these conditions, Justin Baldoni and the production company, Wayfarer Studios, later launched a “social manipulation” campaign against Blake Lively to “destroy” her reputation.

Part of the strategy was to post news articles critical of Blake Lively, create a social media campaign, and post theories on internet message boards. Additionally, according to the complaint, Justin Baldoni “used domestic violence ‘survivor content' to protect his public image” and “abruptly pivoted away” from the film's marketing strategy.

Justin Baldoni's legal team responded to Blake Lively's accusations.

Bryan Freedman, Baldoni's lawyer, said, “It is shameful that Ms Lively and her representatives would make such serious and categorically false accusations against Mr Baldoni, Wayfarer Studios and its representatives, as yet another desperate attempt to ‘fix' her negative reputation which was garnered from her own remarks and actions during the campaign for the film; interviews and press activities that were observed publicly, in real-time and unedited, which allowed for the internet to generate their own views and opinions.”

He added, "These claims are completely false, outrageous and intentionally salacious with an intent to publicly hurt and rehash a narrative in the media.”

It Ends With Us, based on Colleen Hoover's best-selling 2016 novel, exceeded box office expectations with a $50-million opening. But rumours of tension between the lead actors overshadowed the film's release.

During the promotion, Blake Lively and Ryan Reynolds took centre stage, while Justin Baldoni played a more subdued role. Social media amplified the rift rumours, with many claiming that the Gossip Girl actress appeared more light-hearted in promoting a film about domestic violence than Justin Baldoni.

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Barack Obama Names All We Imagine As Light His Top Watch Of 2024. Check Out The Others

Another crowning glory moment for Payal Kapadia's All We Imagine As Light. After winning several awards and accolades globally, the movie has now made it to none other than former President of the United States, Barack Obama's movie recommendation list for 2024. 

On Saturday, the former President shared a list of his favourite movies, books and music as recommendation for his followers as well as art lovers around the world.

As for his favourite movies of 2024, Payal Kapadia's Golden Globe-nominated All We Imagine as Light tops his annual recommendation list. Posting on his X handle, Barack Obama wrote, "Here are a few movies I'd recommend checking out this year."

Some of the other films on his list are - Denis Villeneuve's Dune Part 2, Sean Baker's Anora, Edward Berger's Conclave, Malcolm Washington's The Piano Lesson, among others. 

Check out the full list here:

Here are a few movies I'd recommend checking out this year. pic.twitter.com/UtdKmsNUE8

— Barack Obama (@BarackObama) December 20, 2024

When it comes to representing India on a global stage, All We Imagine As Light created history this year.

Its victory journey began at the Cannes Film Festival earlier this year. Not only did it win the Grand Prix award, but it was also the first Indian film in 30 years to feature in the main competition section of the prestigious film festival. The last Indian movie to make it to the competition section was Shaji N Karun's Swaham in 1994.

The movie also won Best International at the New York Film Critics Circle and the Best International Feature trophy at the reputed Gotham Awards 2024.

It recently received two Golden Globes and the Critics' Choice Awards nominations.

Payal bagged the Spirit of Cinema award at the 29th International Film Festival of Kerala (IFFK) not long ago. 

For the uninitiated, All We Imagine As Light follows the story of Prabha, a troubled nurse who receives an unexpected gift from her estranged husband, and Anu, her young roommate seeking intimacy with her boyfriend. 

They take a trip to a beach town which helps them to acknowledge their desires and emotions. 

An official Indo-French co-production between Petit Chaos (France) and Chalk & Cheese and Another Birth (India), the film stars Kani Kusruti, Divya Prabha, and Hridhu Haroon, all hailing from Kerala.
 

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OpenAI Unveils 'o3' Reasoning AI Models in Test Phase

OpenAI said on Friday it was testing new reasoning AI models, o3 and o3 mini, in a sign of growing competition with rivals such as Google to create smarter models capable of tackling complex problems.

CEO Sam Altman said the AI startup plans to launch o3 mini by the end of January, and full o3 after that, as more robust large language models could outperform existing models and attract new investments and users.

Microsoft-backed OpenAI released o1 AI models in September designed to spend more time processing queries to solve hard problems.

The o1 models are capable of reasoning through complex tasks and can solve more challenging problems than previous models in science, coding and math, the AI firm had said in a blog post.

OpenAI's new o3 and o3 mini models, which are in internal safety testing currently, will be more powerful than its previously launched o1 models, the company said.

The GenAI pioneer said it was opening up an application process for external researchers to test o3 models ahead of the public release, which will close on Jan. 10.

OpenAI had triggered an AI arms race after it launched ChatGPT in November 2022. The growing popularity of the company and new product launches helped OpenAI in closing a $6.6 billion funding round in October.

Rival Alphabet's Google released the second generation of its AI model Gemini earlier in December, as the search giant aims to reclaim the lead in the AI technology race.

© Thomson Reuters 2024

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Pushpa 2: The Rule Box Office Day 16: Allu Arjun's Film Crosses Rs 1000 Mark

Pushpa 2: The Rule is showing no signs of slowing down. Led by Allu Arjun, the film continues to make waves at the box office. On its third Friday (December 20), the Sukumar-directed movie finally entered the Rs 1000-crore club.

Pushpa 2 minted Rs 13.75 crore on Day 16 in India across all languages, as per a report by Sacnilk. With this, the film's total collection now stands at Rs 1004.35 crore.

The Telugu occupancy rate was 24.67%.

Pushpa 2 is the sequel to the 2021 blockbuster Pushpa: The Rise. Rashmika Mandanna, Fahadh Faasil, Jagapathi Babu, Dhananjaya, Rao Ramesh, Sunil and Anasuya Bharadwaj are also a part of the project.

Pushpa 2 has already surpassed the week two collections of Stree 2, Baahubali 2 (Hindi), Gadar 2, Animal and Jawan.

Elaborating on the matter, film critic and trade analyst Taran Adarsh wrote, “PUSHPA 2 IS UNSTOPPABLE - SETS ANOTHER RECORD... Pushpa 2 continues to break barrie₹, setting new benchmarks every day... The latest achievement?... It has already crossed ₹ 175 cr in just 6 days of Week 2, setting a new record - and mind you, the week isn't over yet. Additionally, #Pushpa2 has already surpassed the Week 2 collections of #Stree 2, #Baahubali 2 #Hindi, #Gadar 2, #Animal and #Jawan, making it the highest-grossing film in Week 2 as well."

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A post shared by Taran Adarsh (@taranadarsh)

Previously, Allu Arjun thanked fans for showering their love on Pushpa 2.

the Thank You Press Meet in Delhi, he said, "It feels incredible to be sitting on top of a record-breaking hit, and I won't deny that number matters to me. Of course, they do, and I'll be in this trance for a couple of months because being part of a ₹1000 crore film is no joke."Read on to know more.

Pushpa 2 is produced by Y Ravi Shankar and Naveen Yerneni under the banner of Mythri Movie Makers in association with Sukumar Writings.

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Samsung Galaxy Book4 Pro Should Be in Your Cart. Here’s Why!

Imagine a laptop so advanced that it feels like it's designed for the future, light enough to carry anywhere, yet powerful enough to tackle anything. Enters the Samsung Galaxy Book4 Pro, which is a statement about what the future of laptops should be. It comes equipped with a choice of powerful Intel Core Ultra 5 and 7 processors.  And honestly, this isn't just about design or power, it's about freedom. Freedom to excel wherever you are, to take your ideas where you want, and to push boundaries without being tied to a desk. The Galaxy Book4 Pro is built for those who demand more.

Ultra-Thin Laptops Are A Growing Trend

Ultra-thin laptops are becoming increasingly popular, and Samsung's Galaxy Book4 Pro is an excellent example. Despite its slim profile, this laptop can easily rival the performance of traditional desktops, thanks to powerful Intel Core Ultra 5 and 7 processors.

Samsung's Galaxy Book4 Pro is designed with multitasking in mind. Whether you open multiple applications, edit 4K videos or gaming, Intel's Core Ultra processors can handle all of it effortlessly. The integrated Intel Arc GPU makes it appealing to creative professionals like video editors, architects, and game developers.

For instance, a video editor working on a large project can edit, render, and preview footage in real-time, without experiencing lags or overheating. This versatility makes the Galaxy Book4 Pro not just a powerful tool for intensive creative work but also a reliable choice for students and remote workers who need a laptop capable of handling multiple tasks.

The laptop's dynamic AMOLED 2x display is another strong point. Your content even looks much better in high resolution with bright and vivid colours. The Samsung Galaxy Book4 Pro also provides great eye comfort due to reduced blue light emission and an anti-reflective screen, it ensures comfortable viewing during long hours of use.

Why Portability Matters?

The value of a portable laptop goes beyond just looking good on a desk. For most people, portability translates to freedom. The freedom to work, learn, and create from anywhere without facing any performance issues. The 35.56 cm model of the Samsung Galaxy Book4 Pro, weighing 1.23 kilograms and featuring a slim profile of 11.6mm, offers the kind of flexibility we just talked about. The 40.64 cm model is also quite portable and handy at 1.56 kilograms and features a slim profile of 12.5mm. Hence, it is the perfect choice for anyone who does things on the go.

For Students: A Classroom in Your Bag

Students today juggle lectures, group projects, and self-paced online learning. Carrying a heavy laptop from class to class can be tiring. However, with Galaxy Book4 Pro, students get a lightweight companion that will easily slip into any laptop bag. Its long battery backup, thanks to Intel's powerful Core Ultra processors, allows you to take notes, do all assignments, and stream videos without looking for your charger all day.

The upgraded touch display is another standout feature for students. The touchscreen provides a more intuitive way to interact with the content and pinch to zoom, swiping and tapping makes navigating through documents, presentations or apps faster.

Productivity King For Remote Workers

The rise of the work-from-anywhere concept created a need for laptops that can handle virtual meetings, heavy workloads, and creative tasks. The Galaxy Book4 Pro has been designed to actually fulfil this demand with its Wi-Fi 6E capability. This feature ensures the laptop can effectively use fast internet speeds, making it ideal for smooth video calls, quick downloads of large files, seamless online gaming, and lag-free web browsing. With its ultra-thin bezels and Dynamic  AMOLED 2X touchscreen, the Samsung Galaxy Book4 Pro's display provides a more comfortable viewing experience and improves focus during long work sessions.

To make working from home even better, the Galaxy Book4 Pro has Dolby Atmos sound technology. This means it can deliver rich and immersive audio, which is especially helpful for online meetings or for enjoying content during short breaks. The laptop also has AI Studio Effects, including noise cancellation for clearer communication and auto-framing, which keeps you perfectly centered during video calls. This makes every interaction feel more professional.

What makes this laptop perfect for remote workers is its easy communication with other Samsung devices. Thanks to Samsung Multi Control, you can connect this laptop to your Galaxy smartphone or tablet. You will have the greatest and most productive workspace. Imagine answering emails on your computer and managing a presentation on your phone at the same time. This all can be done without any problems.

For Travellers: Your Office on the Go

Travelling with a heavy laptop is inconvenient, but the Galaxy Book4 Pro solves that problem with its lightweight and durable design. Whether on a flight, working from a coffee shop, or staying in a hotel room, it's an ideal travel companion. This laptop gives you the power to stay productive wherever you go.

Since it comes equipped with Thunderbolt 4 ports, it enables fast charging for your devices and rapid file transfers. Plus, with advanced security features like Knox, fingerprint reader and more, you are offered an added peace of mind that your data is secure.

A Laptop for Everyone

The Galaxy Book4 Pro can enhance your lifestyle. Its versatility is what enables users to freely shift between various roles and tasks.

Creative Professionals: Graphic designers and video editors love Dynamic AMOLED 2X display because they can show stunningly vivid colours and deep contrasts. Pair this with the power of Intel's Core Ultra 5 and 7 processors, and you have a laptop that is ideally suited to meet the demanding needs of video editing and graphic design. The Samsung Galaxy Book4 Pro has both and can bring every detail to life. It's simple, lightweight design lets you think of exceptional creative ideas wherever possible.

Entrepreneurs: For business owners on the go, the Galaxy Book4 Pro offers seamless performance for presentations, financial planning, and communication. Its all-day battery life ensures that meetings and tasks won't be interrupted.

Gamers and Streamers: Don't let the slim profile fool you. This laptop has enough power to handle casual gaming and streaming with ease. The immersive screen and powerful speakers make it really fun when you are playing games and watching streams.

The Verdict: Small in Size, Big on Impact

The Samsung Galaxy Book4 Pro is more than just a laptop; it's a testament to how far technology has come. In an age where flexibility and efficiency are essentials, this ultra-thin, high-performance device delivers on every level. Whether you're a student, a remote worker, or a frequent traveler, the Galaxy Book4 Pro adapts to your needs and enables you to excel in your goals.

It's not just about having a laptop that looks good, it's about having a laptop that works as hard as you do. For those looking for affordability, Samsung currently offers No Cost EMI options and instant bank discounts.

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TRAPPIST-1b Could Have Carbon Dioxide-Rich Atmosphere, Study Reveals

The innermost planet of the TRAPPIST-1 system, TRAPPIST-1b, may possess a carbon dioxide-rich atmosphere, according to research published in Nature Astronomy on December 16. The TRAPPIST-1 system, which lies 40 light-years from Earth and includes seven Earth-sized exoplanets, has intrigued astronomers since its discovery in 2017. Earlier studies suggested that these planets lacked atmospheres due to intense stellar radiation. However, recent data from the James Webb Space Telescope (JWST) raises the possibility of a hazy, carbon dioxide-heavy atmosphere on TRAPPIST-1b.

Findings on Atmospheric Composition

As per reports, the study highlights new measurements taken at 12.8 micrometres, showing evidence of a reflective haze in TRAPPIST-1b's upper atmosphere. Researchers believe this haze may cause upper layers to emit rather than absorb radiation, challenging previous assumptions. Speaking to KU Leuven News, Leen Decin, co-author of the study and researcher at KU Leuven in Belgium, noted, that the two data points for TRAPPIST-1b allows them to explore various scenarios for its atmosphere, whether it exists or not.

Volcanism and Surface Conditions

The research also indicates elevated surface temperatures, suggesting potential volcanic activity. Similar dynamics have been observed on Saturn's moon Titan. According to Michiel Min from the SRON Netherlands Institute for Space Research, who contributed to the study, in a statement, the atmospheric chemistry of TRAPPIST-1b is expected to be unlike anything seen on Titan or in the solar system.

Ongoing Studies

The team aims to examine heat distribution across the planet's surface to determine whether an atmosphere is present. Michaël Gillon, an astronomer at the University of Liège who led the discovery of the TRAPPIST-1 system, explained to Nature Astronomy that an atmosphere would facilitate heat redistribution from the day to night side of the planet. Without it, heat transfer would be minimal.
These findings may reshape understanding of atmospheres around exoplanets near red dwarf stars, according to experts.

 

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HMD Arc With 60Hz HD+ Display, 13-Megapixel Rear Camera Launched: Specifications

HMD Arc has been launched in Thailand as the latest affordable smartphone by the Finnish company. In line with HMD's strategy, the phone gets a self-repairable design that allows users to replace the battery or screen with minimal training, negating the need to visit an authorised service centre for repairs. The handset comes with a 60Hz HD+ display, a 13-megapixel rear camera, and runs on Android 14 (Go Edition). However, there is no word on its availability or pricing at this time.

HMD Arc Specifications

HMD Arc is equipped with a 6.52-inch HD+ (576 x 1,280 pixels) LCD screen that offers a 60Hz refresh rate, 20:9 aspect ratio, and 460 nits peak brightness level. In terms of dimensions, it measures 166.4 x 76.9 x 8.95mm and weighs 185.4g. The handset boasts an IP52 (Europe) or IP54 dust and water resistance rating, depending on the market.

The HMD Arc is powered by a Unisoc 9863A chipset paired with 4GB of RAM and 64GB onboard storage. It runs on Android 14 (Go Edition). The storage can be expanded up to 128GB via a microSD card. The company says its latest smartphone will receive two years of quarterly security updates.

For optics, the HMD Arc sports a 13-megapixel primary rear camera with autofocus and a 5-megapixel selfie camera housed within a waterdrop-style notch at the front. The camera supports features such as bokeh, night mode, professional mode, slow motion, quick snapshot, filters, time-lapse, and panorama. HMD has also included an LED flash within the module. It has a single speaker and a microphone unit.

The HMD handset packs a 5,000mAh battery with support for 10W wired charging. Connectivity options include Wi-Fi, Bluetooth 5.2, GPS, a 3.5mm audio jack and a USB Type-C port. The HMD Arc also gets a side-mounted fingerprint sensor, virtual RAM support, accelerometer, ambient light sensor, and proximity sensor.

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Mamta Kulkarni On Her Relation With Drug Lord Vicky Goswami: "I Have No Connection With Drug World"

Actress Mamta Kulkarni talked about coming back to Mumbai after 25 years and her relations with Vicky Goswami.

In a conversation with ANI, she said, "I have not come back for Bollywood and I am not planning to make a return as an actress..."

On talking about her connection with Vicky Goswami, she added, "I have no connection with the D (drug) world as I never met these people. Yes, I got connected with Vicky Goswami... in 1996, my spiritual journey started and a guru came into my life during that time..."

"Vicky called me when he was in jail in Dubai to come and meet him... I spent 12 years... 'mai dhayn tap aur puja path is mein agarasar ho gayi' and when he came out of jail in 2012, all my desires were finished by that time... either to fall in love or get married... nothing was left, and he came out of jail and I had decided until he would come out, I won't go back to India... then he went to Kenya and I came to India for Kumbh Mela in around 2012-2013... I went straight to Allahabad (now Prayagraj) from Dubai for ten days and then went back to Dubai."

In 2017, Thane Police issued a non-bailable warrant against actress Mamta Kulkarni and drug lord Vicky Goswami in connection with a drug haul case. The name of the duo surfaced in the connection, based on which a chargesheet was filed.

In January, Goswami, Ibrahim and Baktash Akasha as well as Gulam Hussein were extradited from Kenya to the US. All of them were arrested in November 2014 in a sting operation by the US Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA) who was posing as Colombian drug dealers.

"... .Vicky went back to Kenya, and once or twice I went to meet him and came back to Dubai... he had already been accused in Kenya and I was not with him during that time... 2016-2024 se apne liye tapsaya kiya", she added, "Now I am not in touch with him, I last contacted him in 2016."

Meanwhile, the actress recently took to her Instagram account to share that she has finally landed in Mumbai. In the video, Mamta expressed her feelings of nostalgia and emotion as she revisited her homeland.

The actress shared that her journey out of India began in 2000, and now in 2024, she was finally back. Mamta also said she became emotional when the flight was about to land, seeing her country from above for the first time in over two decades. She also teared up while stepping out of Mumbai's international airport, overwhelmed by the significance of her return.

In the video caption, Mamta wrote, "BACK TO MY MOTHERLAND AFTER 25 YEARS ATTENDED KUMBH MELA 2012 AFTER 12 YEARS AUSTERITY AND COME BACK EXACTLY AFTER 12 YEARS FOR ANOTHER MAHA KUMBH 2025."

Mamta Kulkarni gained fame in the 1990s with her performances in hit films like Karan Arjun and Baazi. The actress has worked with top stars like Shah Rukh Khan, Salman Khan, and Aamir Khan during her career.

However, in the early 2000s, Mamta Kulkarni stepped away from Bollywood and moved abroad, leading a life away from the limelight.

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Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra Tipped to Get Thinner Bezels than iPhone 16 Pro Max, Xiaomi 15

Samsung Galaxy S25 series is speculated to debut early next year. A tipster has suggested that the Galaxy S25 Ultra, which may be launched as the company's flagship non-foldable smartphone, could have thinner bezels than any of its competitors, including the iPhone 16 Pro Max and the Xiaomi 15. This development comes days after the entire list of colourways of the purported smartphone was leaked online, hinting at seven total options and three online-exclusive variants.

Galaxy S25 Ultra Thin Bezels

This information comes from Ice Universe. In a post on X (formerly Twitter), the tipster highlighted that they saw the Galaxy S25 Ultra renderings with a glimpse at its design. While the tipster claims they may not be able to share them online, the purported handset's narrow bezels are said to “exceed all current mobile phones”.

I saw some S25 Ultra renderings, which are very beautiful, but I'm sorry I can't post them. The narrow bezel exceeds all current mobile phones including Xiaomi 15 and iPhone16 Pro Max.
Blue: The back cover is a lighter blue, and the middle frame is silver with a hint of blue.… pic.twitter.com/IxlgxKlPEF

— ICE UNIVERSE (@UniverseIce) December 17, 2024

This includes smartphones from its competitors, such as Apple's iPhone 16 Pro Max and the Xiaomi 15.

In addition to the bezel's thickness, the tipster also shed light on the colour scheme of the Galaxy S25 Ultra. The handset's blue colourway is said to have a lighter blue back cover and a silver middle frame. Meanwhile, the black colour variant may also share the silver frame but with a black back cover.

The white colourway of the handset is tipped to have a white shade back cover but with a hint of silver, while its frame may feature a lighter silver colour. The purported Galaxy S25 Ultra is also said to come in a grey colourway that might have a grey back cover with a mix of gold.

Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra Colourways

According to a previous report, the Galaxy S25 Ultra will have Titanium Black, Titanium SilverBlue, Titanium Gray, and Titanium WhiteSilver as the standard options. On the other hand, the Titanium JetBlack, Titanium JadeGreen, and Titanium PinkGold colourways might be exclusive to the Samsung online store.

Further, the purported handset is said to have the most units produced in the Titanium Black colourway, whereas the Titanium PinkGold colour could have the least numbers.

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India's Official Entry Laapataa Ladies Out Of Oscar Race. UK's Hindi-Language Film Santosh On Shortlist

Laapataa Ladies, India's official entry in the Best International Feature category at the 97th Academy Awards, is out of the Oscars race.

The Hindi film, directed by Kiran Rao, is not part of the shortlist of 15 features that will be vying for a spot in the final five, the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences (AMPAS) announced on Wednesday morning.

However, British-Indian filmmaker Sandhya Suri's Santosh, starring Indian actors Shahana Goswami and Sunita Rajwar, representing the UK, has made it to list that also includes France's Emilia Pérez, I'm Still Here (Brazil), Universal Language (Canada), Waves (Czech Republic), The Girl with the Needle (Denmark), and The Seed of the Sacred Fig from Germany.

The other contenders in the category are Touch (Iceland), Kneecap (Ireland), Vermiglio (Italy), Flow (Latvia), Armand (Norway), From Ground Zero (Palestine), Dahomey (Senegal), and How to Make Millions before Grandma Dies (Thailand).

The final Oscar nominations will be announced on January 17.

According to the Academy, 85 countries or regions had submitted films that were eligible for consideration in the International Feature Film category for the 97th Academy Awards.

Santosh, which marks Suri's feature directorial debut, revolves around a newly widowed housewife (Goswami) who inherits her late husband's job as a police constable and becomes embroiled in the investigation of a young girl's murder.

India's official entry Laapataa Ladies (Lost Ladies in English) is a gently subversive feminist drama which is set in rural India in the early 2000s. Sneha Desai wrote the screenplay and dialogues of Laapataa Ladies, based on a story by Biplab Goswami. Divyanidhi Sharma penned additional dialogues.

It follows two brides who get swapped on the day of their wedding during a train ride. It stars Nitanshi Goel and Pratibha Ranta as the brides Phool and Jaya, respectively, with Sparsh Shrivastav playing the hapless groom in search of his wife.

Chhaya Kadam, Ravi Kishan, and Geeta Agrawal Sharma also round out its cast.

Laapataa Ladies, which had its world premiere at the 2023 Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF), released in theatres on March 1 to great reviews. It is backed by Rao's Kindling Productions, Aamir Khan Productions, and Jyoti Deshpande of Jio Studios.

In September, the Film Federation of India (FFI) unanimously chose Laapataa Ladies as India's official entry to the Oscars from a list of 29 films, including Bollywood hit Animal, Malayalam National Award winner Aattam and Cannes winner All We Imagine As Light.

At the time, the 13-member all-male jury of FFI courted controversy on social media for their citation about the film. Many on social media said the brief went against the message the film was trying to convey.

The citation by the federation read: "Indian women are a strange mixture of submission and dominance. Well-defined, powerful characters in one world, a Laapataa Ladies (Hindi) captures this diversity perfectly, though in a semi-idyllic world and in a tongue-in-cheek way." Besides Santosh, Anuja is another film with an Indian connect that has advanced to the next stage of the Oscars. It is one of the 15 films to be selected in the Live Action Short category.

The New Delhi-set short film follows a gifted nine-year-old Anuja, who must make a choice between education and factory work alongside her sister - a decision that will shape both their futures. It stars Sajda Pathan and Ananya Shanbhag.

Anuja is directed by Adam J Graves and Suchitra Mattai, and has two-time Oscar winning producer Guneet Monga on board as executive producer and Hollywood star-writer Mindy Kaling as producer.

On Wednesday morning, the Academy also announced shortlists in eight other categories: Documentary Feature Film, Documentary Short Film, Makeup and Hairstyling, Music (Original Score), Music (Original Song), Animated Short Film, and Sound and Visual Effects.

Lagaan, set in the pre-independence era, was the last Indian film to enter the top five nominations in the best international feature film category (formerly called best foreign film) at Oscars 2002.

Only two other films have previously made it to the final five and they are the Nargis-starrer "Mother India" and Mira Nair's "Salaam Bombay!" Last year, Naatu Naatu, the peppy, foot-tapping chartbuster from SS Rajamouli's Telugu period action film "RRR", won the Academy Award in the best original song category along with The Elephant Whisperers, directed by Kartiki Gonsalves and produced by Monga's Sikhya Entertainment, winning the Oscar in the Best Documentary Short Film category.

Late night host and comedian Conan O'Brien will host the Academy Awards on March 2 at the Dolby Theatre at Ovation Hollywood, Los Angeles. 

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Sharmila Tagore On Rising Entourage Costs: "I Was Told Actors Compete About The Size Of Their Vanity Vans"

Film veteran Sharmila Tagore expressed her concern and views over actors' rising entourage costs during a recent interview with The Indian Express. The actor, who made a comeback with National-Award winning Gulmohar after a long break, shared how the dynamics around vanity vans are changed and it's pushing the actors from the ground reality. Sharmila Tagore said, "I am concerned about how actors are not just charging huge amounts, but many even travel with cooks, masseuse, and an entire entourage. I was doing an ad film, and the person who did my makeup revealed that today, there are actors who have a competition about the size of their vanity vans."

Sharmila Tagore continued, "Vanity vans were all about privacy, and a comfortable place to dress up. Now, you have meeting rooms, resting rooms, etc... All of this is pushing actors away from what actually matters... the acting." She added, "Of course, making money is important, but if you are moving away from reality, how would you know what works and doesn't with the audience."

Before Sharmila Tagore, filmmakers like Karan Johar, Farah Khan, Anurag Kashyap also talked about star's rising fees which create an additional burden on the producers.

Sharmila Tagore also expressed her concern over lack of camaraderie between today's stars. She said, "When I won an award for Aradhana, Nargisji and Waheeda Rahmanji were there in the audience. Kishore Kumar sang on the stage. It was a celebration of the film fraternity, and not just a celebration of Sharmila Tagore. But now, in many award shows, some turn up very late, and a new row is added to the first row to accommodate the A-listers, and more importantly, no one talks to anyone."

"Everybody waits for a photo-op and leaves, and many don't even turn up if they are not getting an award. Things have changed a lot, but I don't think for the better," the veteran actress said.

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Realme P3 Ultra With Up to 12GB RAM, 256GB Storage to Launch in India Next Month: Report

Realme P3 Ultra is set to launch in India soon, according to a report. It is speculated to be the latest handset in Realme's P series in India, following the launch of the Realme P1 Speed in October. The purported smartphone will reportedly be equipped with up to 12GB of RAM and up to 256GB of onboard storage. Meanwhile, the Chinese smartphone maker is also gearing up to launch the Realme 14x in India tomorrow (Wednesday).

Realme P3 Ultra Specifications (Leaked)

This information comes from 91Mobiles. According to the report, the Realme P3 Ultra will be launched in India by the end of January 2025. The purported handset will reportedly ship with the model number RMX5030. It is said to come equipped with up to 12GB of RAM and up to 256GB of onboard storage.

The report speculates that the ‘Ultra' model is a new variant in the Realme P series and it could be joined by the base and Pro models, too, as part of the P3 family. The handset is tipped to come with a glass back panel and at least one colourway has been confirmed — grey.

However, other details about the purported device remain unknown.

This development follows the reported discovery of two Realme smartphones on the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) certification website, hinting at their imminent launch in the country. Notably, the Realme P2 Pro is the current most expensive P series device in the company's lineup and judging by its moniker, the Realme P3 Ultra could improve upon its features.

Realme P2 Pro Specifications

Realme P2 Pro 5G sports a 6.7-inch full-HD+ 3D curved AMOLED screen with up to 120Hz refresh rate, 2,000 units of peak brightness, and Corning Gorilla Glass 7i protection. The handset is powered by a 4nm octa-core Snapdragon 7s Gen 2 SoC, paired with an Adreno 710 GPU, up to 12GB of LPDDR4x RAM and up to 512GB of UFS 3.1 onboard storage. It ships with Android 14-based Realme UI 5.

For optics, the Realme P3 Ultra is equipped with a dual rear camera unit, comprising a 50-megapixel Sony LYT-600 primary sensor with optical image stabilisation (OIS) and an 8-megapixel ultrawide shooter. It has a 32-megapixel camera on the front for selfies and video calls.

The handset packs a 5,200mAh battery with support for 80W wired SuperVOOC charging.

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New Releases This Week (December 16 - 22): Girls Will Be Girls, Yo Yo Honey Singh: Famous And More

The week has arrived when your screens are about to be blessed with a buffet of fresh entertainment. Whether you're a fan of edge-of-the-seat thrillers, nostalgic dramas, or animated spy capers, there's something here to match your vibe. With the winter chill setting in, it's the perfect excuse to snuggle up under a blanket, sip on some hot cocoa, and dive into the world of captivating stories. From the heartwarming complexity of mother-daughter bonds to heist hilarity, multiverse madness and even a glimpse into the life of a music icon, this week's OTT lineup has a little bit of everything. December 16-22 promises to keep you entertained, intrigued and maybe even a little emotional. So, why wait?

This guide breaks down all the exciting new releases hitting your favourite streaming platforms. Grab your calendar, set those reminders and get ready for a rollercoaster of emotions, drama and laughter. Let's see what's in store this week:

1. Girls Will Be Girls - Prime Video (December 16)

A heartfelt coming-of-age drama following 16-year-old Mira (Preeti Panigrahi) and her complicated bond with her mother. Set in a Himalayan boarding school, the story delves into themes of teenage love, mother-daughter dynamics, and societal perceptions of female desire. This Indo-French co-production also premiered at the 77th Cannes Film Festival.

2. Zebra - Aha (December 20)
This Telugu-language thriller revolves around a man whose life takes a chaotic turn when Rs 5 crore is mistakenly deposited in his account. Starring Daali Dhananjaya, the story follows a suspenseful cat-and-mouse chase. Directed by Eashvar Karthic, Zebra is a must-watch for fans of financial crime thrillers.

3. Yo Yo Honey Singh: Famous - Netflix (December 20)
A documentary on the rise, fall and comeback of the iconic rapper Honey Singh. Directed by Mozez Singh, it offers an insightful look into his life and legacy.

4. Spy x Family Code: White - Netflix (December 21)
This animated movie follows the Forger family as their secret lives collide during a winter getaway. While Loid and Yor hide their spy and assassin identities, their telepathic daughter Anya gets entangled in a mission that threatens world peace.

5. What If...? Season 3 - Disney+ Hotstar (December 22)
Marvel's animated series returns with thrilling alternate realities and surprising twists. Follow The Watcher (voiced by Jeffrey Wright) as familiar MCU characters explore new paths and unexpected alliances.

6. Moonwalk - JioCinema (December 20)
This quirky comedy pits two thieves, Tarik (Anshumaan Pushkar) and Maddy (Samir Kochhar), against each other in a bizarre heist challenge. Amid hilarious twists, a love triangle and a legendary cellmate make this an entertaining watch.

7. The Six Triple Eight - Netflix (December 20)
This inspiring film tells the true story of the only all-Black Women's Army Corps unit deployed overseas during WWII. Starring Kerry Washington, this historical drama celebrates courage and resilience.

8. Pallotty 90's Kids - Manorama Max (December 18)
This award-winning Malayalam film captures the nostalgia of 1990s Kerala through a heartwarming tale of childhood friendships. A must-watch for anyone longing for a trip down memory lane.

9. Mechanic Rocky - Prime Video (December 13)
A mechanic's fight to save his ancestral garage from a powerful adversary leads to surprising revelations. Starring Vishwak Sen, this action-comedy offers a mix of laughs and thrills.

10. Aaron Rodgers: Enigma - Netflix (December 17)
A sports docuseries that chronicles NFL star Aaron Rodgers' journey as he overcomes an Achilles injury and reflects on pivotal moments in his career.

Which one of these projects are you most excited for?

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Pushpa 2 Box Office Collection Day 11: Allu Arjun's Film Is A Few Crores Away From Rs 900

Allu Arjun and Rashmika Mandanna's Pushpa 2 continues its dream run at the box office on the 11th day of its release. The film minted around Rs 75 crore in all Indian languages, taking the total to  Rs 825.50 crore at the domestic box office. In the first week, Pushpa 2 stood at the gigantic total of Rs 725.8 crore, in which Hindi contributed Rs 425.1 crore, per Sacnilk. On second Sunday, the film minted Rs 75 crore, in which Hindi language's contribution was Rs 55 crore.

Pushpa 2 is on a spree to break records one after another. Trade analyst Taran Adarsh mentioned in his report, Pushpa 2 became the fastest film to reach the Rs 500 crore club on its second Saturday. By setting this record, Pushpa 2 beat the earnings of Jawan, Stree2, Gadar2, Pathaan, Baahubali2 (Hindi) and Animal, the recent blockbusters of the last few years. Take a look:

500 NOT OUT... 'PUSHPA 2' SETS YET ANOTHER RECORD... The sensational run continues... #Pushpa2 makes a royal entry into the ₹ 500 cr Club on Day 10 [second Saturday]... That's not all, this #AlluArjun #Blockbuster has shattered yet another record... Read on...

? #Pushpa2… pic.twitter.com/9jVBsQhtsy

— taran adarsh (@taran_adarsh) December 15, 2024

Pushpa 2 opened to mixed reviews from critics but opened to stellar numbers. In his review for NDTV, film critic Saibal Chatterjee wrote, "The self-same rampage is repeated in the climax. Pushpa once again dons the guise of Kali. After the hurly-burly is done and a wedding is underway to indicate an end to hostilities, Pushpa Part 2 points to a Part 3. The final chapter of the trilogy will be titled Pushpa: The Rampage. As if there hasn't been enough already."

Pushpa 2 - The Rule - is written and directed by Sukumar. It is produced by Naveen Yerneni and Y. Ravi Shankar of Mythri Movie Makers in association with Sukumar Writings. The film stars Allu Arjun, Fahadh Faasil, Rashmika Mandanna, Dhanunjay, Rao Ramesh, Sunil, Anasuya Bharadwaj and Ajay Ghosh.

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iPhone 17 Air to Be Priced Below Pro Models; Apple to Launch Foldable iPhone in 2026: Report

iPhone 17 series is expected to hit the market in Fall 2025. Apple's next-generation iPhone lineup is speculated to feature a new model in addition to the standard variants in the form of the iPhone 17 Air — a new handset with a slimmer profile and toned-down features. Now, a report suggests that this purported smartphone may be priced lower than the iPhone 17 Pro models. However, Apple may cut down on a marquee iPhone feature on its slim phone to achieve the same. Further, the Cupertino, California-based technology giant is developing two foldable devices with a targeted release in 2026.

iPhone 17 Air

According to a Wall Street Journal report, the iPhone 17 Air is aimed at reviving growth at the company. In recent years, the iPhone maker has offered incremental upgrades, but its purported Air model could be the first new iPhone introduced in the market since the iPhone 14 Plus in 2022.

As the name suggests, the iPhone 17 Air is reported to be thinner than the approximately 8-millimetre profile of the current models. The report claimed that the new iPhone model would be equipped with a simplified camera system in a bid to keep costs low. The iPhone camera system is a marquee feature on Apple's smartphones, but the report suggested that cutting down on camera capabilities might enable the company to place the iPhone 17 Air below the Pro models in terms of pricing. Presently, an expanded camera system is one of the most prominent features that separates Pro and base iPhone models.

The new claim corroborates previous leaks that suggest the purported handset could feature a single rear camera with a 48-megapixel sensor, while also including the 2x telephoto functions of the current iPhone 16. And while the exact dimensions of the iPhone 17 Air were not revealed, reports suggested that Apple could launch the iPhone 17 Air with a thickness of 6mm.

Foldable iPhone Models

The WSJ report further claimed that Apple had two foldable devices in development — a foldable iPhone and a larger laptop replacement. The former is speculated to come with a bigger display than the iPhone 16 Pro Max. Meanwhile, the foldable laptop might be equipped with a 19-inch screen when unfolded.

While both products have been in development for years, Apple is said to be facing numerous challenges related to the display cover and hinge mechanism. The report revealed the company had experimented with several iPhone designs over the years, such as a device with an outward-facing display when folded. However, Apple has reportedly finally settled on the traditional foldable smartphone design with an inward-facing screen.

Citing people familiar with the matter, WSJ reported that Apple executives were planning a 2026 release for the foldable devices but might delay the launch by up to a year to address any potential challenges.

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Zakir Hussain Dies At 73. Tributes From Kareena Kapoor, Ranveer Singh, Nandita Das And Others

Tabla maestro Zakir Hussain died at 73 at a hospital in San Francisco, following complications arising out of idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis, his family confirmed on Monday. Celebrities across generations and fields mourned the death of the legendary musician. Kareena Kapoor shared a throwback picture featuring herself, her father Randhir Kapoor and Zakir Hussain. In the picture, Zakir Hussain and Randhir Kapoor can be seen shaking hands. Kareena captioned the picture, "Maestro. Forever" and dropped red heart emojis. Take a look at the picture here:

Ranveer Singh shared a happy picture of the musician and dropped a string of emojis.

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A post shared by Ranveer Singh (@ranveersingh)

Filmmaker-actor Nandita Das paid a heartfelt tribute to the maestro. Zakir Hussain composed background score for Nandita Das' directorial Manto featuring Nawazuddin Siddiqui in the titular role. Sharing a bunch of pictures with the legend, Nandita Das wrote, "Shocked and deeply saddened. An irreplaceable loss. The news feels unreal. It always will. Zakirbhai, you will be missed and how. You went too soon." She continued, "I have been looking through photos from 2017-18, and memories of working with him on the background score of Manto came alive. One phone call and he said yes to the film. We worked in LA, on Zoom, in Mumbai. We argued, we laughed, we talked. I had the privilege of watching, observing and learning from him. I had some unfinished conversations that I was hoping to continue with him someday."

Nandita Das added, "My heartfelt condolences to everyone who, like me, mourns his loss and will always celebrate him and his art. Ustad Zakir Hussain will live on forever through his unparalleled music and memory of that infectious laugh that lit up our world." Take a look:

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A post shared by Nandita Das (@nanditadasofficial)

National Award winning actress Nithya Menen remembered Zakir Hussain with these words, "There is one regret I will have - that the day actually won't come where I see this extraordinary artist performing live. What a special soul, with an unadulterated connection to the divine. A true artist. Who didn't take himself so seriously. Such playfulness and lightness in his music and yet, an undeniable intensity that made me forget to breathe. With a classical instrument he somehow created comedy, made you laugh , and simultaneously marvel at his enormous talent. One of my two favourite people. Both gone now."

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A post shared by Nithya Menen (@nithyamenen)

Singers Abhijeet, composer Vishal Dadlani, three-time Grammy Award winner Ricky Kej also paid tributes to him. Ricky Kej wrote, "Shocked, deeply saddened and devastated by the passing-on of the legend Ustad Zakir Hussain @zakirhq9. One of the greatest musicians and personalities India has ever produced. Along with being the best himself, Zakirji was known for his immense humility, approachable nature, and for being responsible for the careers of numerous musicians, who are now forces to reckon with themselves. He was a treasure trove of skill and knowledge and always shared and encouraged the entire music community through collaborations and his actions. His legacy will live on forever, and his influence will be felt for generations. He left us too soon." Take a look:

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A post shared by Ricky Kej (@rickykej)

Vishal Dadlani's words were, "There will never be another #UstadZakirHussain. My deepest condolences to his family, to all musicians and to music itself. (Got confirmation of the tragic news from Toufiq bhai himself before posting. I request everyone in the comments to be mindful of the emotional state of the family.)"

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A post shared by VISHAL (@vishaldadlani)

Singer Abhijeet Bhattacharya wrote, "The Great Maestro #zakirhussain ..Gone Too Soon...I just met him at breakfast recently at Birmingham..Rest In Peace..Ustad ji.." Take a look:

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A post shared by Abhijeet Bhattacharya (@abhijeetbhattacharya)

Zakir Hussain, who is regarded as the greatest tabla player of his generation, is survived by his wife, Antonia Minnecola and his daughters, Anisa Qureshi and Isabella Qureshi. Born on March 9, 1951, he is the son of legendary tabla master Ustad Alla Rakha. The percussionist, one of India's most celebrated classical musicians, received the Padma Shri in 1988, the Padma Bhushan in 2002, and the Padma Vibhushan in 2023.

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