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Los Angeles, Feb 20 (IANS) Hollywood actors Matthew McConaughey and Timothee Chalamet have a message for the young people.

The actors are telling young people to brace themselves and lead the entertainment industry through the rise of AI, reports ‘Variety’.

During a town hall event at the University of Texas at Austin, which reunited the ‘Dallas Buyers Club’ Oscar winner with his ‘Interstellar’ co-star Timothee Chalamet, Matthew McConaughey explained the thought process behind his recent move to trademark his catchphrase from ‘Dazed and Confused’.

“It’s coming. It’s already here”, he said, responding to a student’s question about AI. “Don’t deny it. It’s not going to be enough to sit on the sidelines and make the moral plea that, ‘No, this is wrong’. It’s not gonna last. There’s too much money to be made, and it’s too productive. So I say, Own yourself. Voice, likeness, et cetera. Trademark it. Whatever you gotta do, so when it comes, no one can steal you”.

As per ‘Variety’, speaking to Timothee Chalamet during the town hall, Matthew McConaughey gave an example of the AI scenarios he imagines are coming in the future.

He said, “They gotta come to you and go, ‘Timothee, I’d like you to be at my 50th birthday party in five months, and I’m gonna be in the Bahamas. I know you can’t be there in person, but I’m gonna halo you in and I want you as your character in ‘Marty Supreme’. They can do that, but they’re gonna have to come to you to go, ‘Can I?’ Or they’re going to be in breach. And you’ll have the chance to be your own agency and go, ‘Yeah, for this amount’. Or, ‘No’”.

Matthew McConaughey also mused on the idea of AI “replacing” actors, and how the technology might factor into awards conversations.

“It’s damn sure going to infiltrate our category. Does it become another category? Will we be, in five years, having ‘the best AI film?’ The best AI actor?'. Maybe. I think that might be the thing; it becomes another category. It’s gonna be in front of us in ways that we don’t even see. It’s going to get so good we’re not going to know the difference. That’s one of the big questions right now: the question of reality. It’s more hazy than ever, in a very exciting way, I think, but also a scary way. Prep for it”, he added.

--IANS

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Mumbai, Feb 19 (IANS) Veteran playback singer Hariharan has released his new album, ‘Jaan Meri’, which marks his journey of 5 decades in ghazal mastery. The album has been penned by Farhat Shahzad.

The album features soulful tracks like ‘Baat Se Baat’, ‘Bas Mere Khwab’, ‘Chala Gaya’, the title track ‘Jaan Meri’, and ‘Lahu’. All compositions and vocals are furnished by Hariharan.

Talking about his journey, Hariharan said, “Sharing the unveiling of this new album with my close friends and family was a deeply emotional and rewarding experience. It truly felt like the culmination of a two-and-a-half-year journey, and having my loved ones there to witness the birth of 'Ghazal-Nova' made it all the more special. Seeing the music resonate with those who have been part of my life for so long is a testament to the enduring power of these melodies. It was a proud moment to showcase how we’ve kept our traditional roots alive while embracing a fresh, global sound”.

Karan Hariharan said, “It's always a surreal experience when we as artists work on something for months or even years and then finally get to show the audience, our friends and family what we were working on! Showing the people close to me always gets me a bit nervous ofc ‘would they like it?’ But then curiosity always gets the better of me and my nerves, I want to know how the video affected them, if it affected them, what did it make them feel? And that part is always exciting”.

Presented by Sufiscore, the album is available across all major streaming platforms.

--IANS

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Mumbai, Feb 19 (IANS) Bollywood superstar Akshay Kumar and actress Mithila Palkar, who are set to share the screen in the upcoming film ‘Bhoot Bangla’, reunited on the sets of the reality game show, ‘Wheel of Fortune’.

During the episode, the Bollywood superstar revealed that the actress will be seen essaying the role of his sister in the upcoming film. Akshay Kumar gave a warm welcome to Mithila Palkar on the set, as he introduced her to the audience.

He said, "Mithila started her journey from the internet and is working in many films now. And soon, she will be seen with an actor who is very well known to me, guess who, me”.

Officially speaking about their collaboration, Akshay shared, "In ‘Bhoot Bangla’, Mithila will be seen playing the role not of the 'bhoot', but of my sister”.

While Akshay shared details about Mithila's onscreen character, the young actress was also quick to share fun behind-the-scenes moments from the set. She said, "I've come on the show to recover and repay all the money I lost to you (Akshay) during the course of shooting for ‘Bhoot Bangla’”.

Continuing their fun banter, Akshay quipped, "You better win and repay me for all the games you lost on set, otherwise this time we will play Judo, not Ludo”.

Both Akshay and Mithila were seen in high spirits as they reminisced about shooting together for ‘Bhoot Bangla’ and playing brother-sister onscreen for the first time.

Akshay was last seen onscreen in 2025 in the comedy drama, ‘Jolly LLB 3’, while Mithila's last release was Aamir Khan Productions' ‘Happy Patel’ alongside Vir Das.

‘Bhoot Bangla’ is set to release on April 10, 2026 in cinemas.

--IANS

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Mumbai, Feb 19 (IANS) Actress Mrunal Thakur, who is gearing up for the release of her upcoming film ‘Do Deewane Sehar Mein’, has a message for the younger generation with regards to love.

The actress spoke with IANS during the promotions of the film, and shared that patience is something that the younger generation need to work on when it comes to preserving and protecting love.

When asked if options exhaust love in the digital world, the actress told IANS, “They do. Look at where we are. And also, that's probably why we give up on each other. There is something so beautiful about our characters in the film, Shashank and Roshni is, even if they're born in the current era, they're such old school people. They're not giving up on each other, like how it is today. Suddenly, we block each other if there is a fight”.

She further mentioned, “And then you say, ‘Hey, we are cut from a different cloth. We're not the same people’. You're not meant for each other. And people are just giving up on each other very easily. I just want each and every teenager out there to believe that love exists. Please do not give up on love. It is beautiful. It is magical. If you are with the right person, just be patient enough to not jump onto any board, just be patient enough to wait for the right person to enter in your life, because the moment he or she does, life is easy”.

Meanwhile, ‘Do Deewane Seher Mein’ also stars Siddhant Chaturvedi, Sandeepa Dhar, and Ayesha Raza. The film, produced by Zee Studios, Bhansali Productions, Sanjay Leela Bhansali, Prerna Singh, Umesh Kumar Bansal and Bharat Kumar Ranga in association with Ravi Udyawar Films. The film is set to release on February 20, 2026.

--IANS

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Chennai, Feb 19 (IANS) Director Nahas Hidhayath on Thursday announced that ace Tamil director and actor Mysskin had completed his portions in his eagerly awaited action thriller, 'I'm Game', featuring actor Dulquer Salmaan in the lead.

Taking to his Instagram page, the director posted a video of Mysskin singing 'Endha Poovilum Vaasamundu' and wrote, "Mysskin @directormysskin Sir completed his portion in @imgamemovie with a song from the heart. Directing him has been a true honour and a deeply fulfilling experience. We can’t wait to show you the powerful presence he brings to the screen."

It may be recalled that Dulquer Salmaan, who plays the lead in the film, had only recently taken to his Instagram page to pen a post of gratitude for having completed 14 years in the industry. He had said, "Today marks 14 years of my journey as an actor. Thank you, each and every one of you ! For the endless love. For the encouragement. For a place in your hearts. To mark this milestone sharing a poster from my next ! #ImGame. Coming to Cinemas near you this Onam."

The makers of the film had only in December last year welcomed actress Kayadu Lohar onboard the unit of the film.

Kayadu Lohar is best known for her performance in director Ashwath Marimuthu's Tamil film 'Dragon', in which she played one of the female leads.

Taking to his Instagram page, director Nahas Hidhayath had then said, "Adding sparkle to #ImGame – thrilled to welcome the gorgeous #KayaduLohar!."

The film has triggered huge interest in fans and film buffs ever since the makers released the first look poster of Dulquer Salmaan in the film. The first look poster had Dulquer striking a stylish pose with a pistol in his hand.

“I'm Game” marks director Nahas Hidayath’s next venture after the blockbuster hit 'RDX'. Posters featuring the other lead actors too have been released by the makers. The movie has quickly become one of the most anticipated releases of the year.

The film officially went on floors on May 3 last year. Actors Antony Varghese, Mysskin, Kathir, Parth Thiwari, and Tamil actress Samyuktha Viswanathan play pivotal roles in the project.

The stunt choreography for “I'm Game” is being handled by Anbariv Masters, who have previously worked on major pan-Indian films such as 'Kabali', the 'KGF' series, 'Kaithi', 'Vikram', 'Leo', and 'Salaar'. After the massive action success of 'RDX', the Anbariv team is reuniting with Nahas for this film.

Produced by Dulquer Salmaan along with Jom Verghese, 'I'm Game' has triggered immense interest as this will mark Dulquer's return to Malayalam cinema. The story of 'I'm Game', which happens to be Dulquer's 40th film, is by Nahas Hidhayath himself while its screenplay is by Sajeer Baba, Bilal Moidu and Ismail Aboobacker.

Cinematography for the film is by Jimshi Khalid and editing is by Chaman Chakko. Music for the film, which has raised huge expectations among fans and film buffs, is by Jakes Bejoy. Costumes for the film have been designed by Mashar Hamsa and production design is by Deepak Parameshwaran.

--IANS

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Mumbai, Feb 19 (IANS) The makers of director Riteish Vilasrao Deshmukh's eagerly awaited historical epic 'Raja Shivaji' unveiled the first look of the film on the sacred occasion of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Jayanti, much to the delight of fans and film buffs.

The film is being presented by Jio Studios and produced by Mumbai Film Company.

Lead actor and director Riteish Vilasrao Deshmukh took to social media to reveal the striking first poster that features him as Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj.

Sharing the first look poster, he wrote,"Our King. Our Pride. Our Legacy. #RajaShivaji Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj mfc @jiostudios"

The first look poster showcased a commanding side profile of the great leader -- sword gripped firm, shoulders squared, gaze unwavering, his steely expression capturing the silence before the storm, embodying the solemn vow that would lead to the birth of Swarajya and ignite a nation’s pride.

One of the biggest cinematic offerings for a pan-India audience and a proud cultural spectacle for the global stage, 'Raja Shivaji' is an ambitious bilingual (Marathi & Hindi) action-drama that brings together formidable creative forces, with music by celebrated duo Ajay–Atul and cinematography by the internationally acclaimed Santosh Sivan, underscoring the scale, ambition and visual grandeur befitting the legacy it seeks to honour.

More than the story of a king, 'Raja Shivaji' chronicles the journey of a son who took an oath and rose against formidable powers to carve the path for Swarajya. It is the tale of a beloved national warrior who chose rebellion over submission and forged the course of India’s resistance movement.

With 'Raja Shivaji', the makers aim to take this powerful Indian story beyond linguistic boundaries and present it as a cinematic tribute mounted on a truly global scale.

Presented by Jio Studios and produced by Jyoti Deshpande and Genelia Deshmukh under the banner of Mumbai Film Company, 'Raja Shivaji' is set to showcase the legendary lore in cinemas worldwide on May 1, 2026.

--IANS

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Chennai, Feb 19 (IANS) Director Vignesh Karthick, who was gifted a brand new Scorpio car by the producers of his hit film 'Hotspot 2 Much', has now issued a statement in which he has thanked his producers and disclosed that his recently released film made six times the money that his previous film 'Hotspot 1' made in theatres.

Vignesh Karthick shared the statement on his social media timelines. He explained, "A hit is different for every film. A 300 crore budget film, collecting 350 crores is a hit. Whereas a 2 crore budget film collecting 10 crores is a blockbuster."

He went on to say, " 'Hotspot 2 Much' may not be a blockbuster, but it has already collected six times of what 'Hotspot 1' did in theatres and has satisfied my producers. Hence, it will always be a film very close to my heart."

Expressing gratitude to his producers for gifting him a car, the director wrote, "Thanks to my producers Aneel Reddy, Suresh kumar and Robbie for this beautiful gesture and gifting me a car, which was once a dream for me. Thank you one and all for being with me in this journey so far and supporting me throughout. For those who missed out on theatres, it (Hotspot 2 Much) is now out on Prime Video & Aha from 20th February."

The director also confirmed that there would now be a third instalment in the franchise but that he would first be directing another film before it.

"See you soon with Hotspot 3 but before that... (My next proper full length feature announcement soon) Cant wait!!! Too Much Love."

For the unaware, producers of Hotspot 2 Much -- Aneel K Reddy, Suresh and Robbie were seen jointly presenting the key to the car to director Vignesh Karthick in a video that has now gone viral on social media. The producers expressed the opinion that the film 'Hotspot 2 Much' had given them a profit that was several times the amount they had invested in the film. The producers said the credit for having made such a film, that was both critically acclaimed and commercially successful, must go to director Vignesh Karthick and that they were very thankful to him.

--IANS

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Chennai, Feb 19 (IANS) Director Vignesh Karthick, who was gifted a brand new Scorpio car by the producers of his hit film 'Hotspot 2 Much', has now issued a statement in which he has thanked his producers and disclosed that his recently released film made six times the money that his previous film 'Hotspot 1' made in theatres.

Vignesh Karthick shared the statement on his social media timelines. He explained, "A hit is different for every film. A 300 crore budget film, collecting 350 crores is a hit. Whereas a 2 crore budget film collecting 10 crores is a blockbuster."

He went on to say, " 'Hotspot 2 Much' may not be a blockbuster, but it has already collected six times of what 'Hotspot 1' did in theatres and has satisfied my producers. Hence, it will always be a film very close to my heart."

Expressing gratitude to his producers for gifting him a car, the director wrote, "Thanks to my producers Aneel Reddy, Suresh kumar and Robbie for this beautiful gesture and gifting me a car, which was once a dream for me. Thank you one and all for being with me in this journey so far and supporting me throughout. For those who missed out on theatres, it (Hotspot 2 Much) is now out on Prime Video & Aha from 20th February."

The director also confirmed that there would now be a third instalment in the franchise but that he would first be directing another film before it.

"See you soon with Hotspot 3 but before that... (My next proper full length feature announcement soon) Cant wait!!! Too Much Love."

For the unaware, producers of Hotspot 2 Much -- Aneel K Reddy, Suresh and Robbie were seen jointly presenting the key to the car to director Vignesh Karthick in a video that has now gone viral on social media. The producers expressed the opinion that the film 'Hotspot 2 Much' had given them a profit that was several times the amount they had invested in the film. The producers said the credit for having made such a film, that was both critically acclaimed and commercially successful, must go to director Vignesh Karthick and that they were very thankful to him.

--IANS

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Chennai, Feb 19 (IANS) If rumours doing the rounds in the industry are to be believed, ace director Shankar has apparently approached Tamil star Dhanush for one of the pivotal roles in his dream project, 'Velpari'.

For the unaware, Shankar's dream project 'Velpari' is a a dual hero subject.

Sources in the industry claim that the ace director made enquiries about Dhanush's date availability for the project.

Interestingly, they also point out that Shankar had participated in the pooja function of Dhanush's upcoming film, being tentatively titled D55. Moreover, sources claim that R Take Studios, one of the two production companies producing D55, is also in talks with Shankar for producing his dream project.

However, there has been no official confirmation in this regard so far.

It may be recalled that the director had earlier been mulling on the possibility of casting Tamil star Vikram and Bollywood star Ranveer Singh in the lead.

It is a well established fact that Shankar has for long maintained 'Velpari' to be his dream project. The film is to be based on the book 'Veera Yuga Nayagan Vel Pari', a historical novel penned by well known Tamil writer Su Venkatesan.

For the unaware, Velpari is a legendary Tamil king known as much for his courage and administration as he was known for his generosity and kindness.

The popular phrase 'Mullaikku Theru Koduthaan Pari', which is widely in use in Tamil Nadu even to this day, is actually a part of poetry sung in praise of Pari, who is known to have offered his own chariot to save a jasmine shrub from wilting and withering.

Pari is one of the seven last philanthropists about whom there is extensive Tamil literature.

It may be recalled that Shankar, while delivering a speech on Velpari, had disclosed that he had wanted to read 'Veera Yuga Nayagan Vel Pari' during the lockdown imposed due to Covid. However, Shankar said that he could not find even a single copy of the book. Eventually, the ace director disclosed that director Vasanthabalan got in touch with writer Su Venkatesan himself for a copy of the book. "Writer Su Venkatesan gave his personal copy to me to read," Shankar had disclosed at the event, and had gone on to speak at length about how he was awestruck by the richness of the novel and the amount of information it provided about a king who ruled 2000 years ago.

--IANS

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Mumbai, Feb 19 (IANS) Bollywood actor and star comedian Rajpal Yadav has shared his first post on social media after being granted bail recently, where he has expressed his gratitude to his fans and well-wishers.

Taking to his Instagram account, the actor posted a simple yet heartfelt message written in Hindi. The message further translated into English, read, “Heartfelt thanks to all of you for your love and support.”

Rajpal captioned the post with folded hands emoticons, conveying his immense gratitude.

The actor, known for his impeccable comic timing and memorable performances in films such as “Hungama”, “Bhool Bhulaiyaa”, “Chup Chup Ke” and many more, has remained a popular figure in Bollywood for over two decades. Unfortunately, his recent legal troubles had made headlines, and news of his recent bail was widely reported.

For the uninitiated, Rajpal stepped out of the Tihar Jail on Tuesday after being granted interim bail by the Delhi High Court in the cheque bounce case.

Addressing the media after his release from jail, Rajpal said that he has the support of the entire country with him - from children to the elderly, everyone loves him dearly.

He added that in his tenure spanning 3 decades in the industry, he has been a part of more than 2OO movies, something which has been possible only because of the love of people.

Rajpal shared, "If you need any legal information, you can ask our lawyer, Mr. Bhaskar. Otherwise, I would like to say in general that I will complete 30 years in Bollywood soon. Every child across the country has been with me, and that’s why I was able to do 200–250 films. This journey commenced in 2012-13, and by 2026, I have been a part of around 250 movies. Every citizen of this country was and continues to be with me."

"In the last 10 years, whenever the honorable High Court has issued orders, I have appeared, and I will continue to appear whenever further orders are given...," he added.

He shared, "Bachpan se 55 tak sab pyaar karte hain".

For the uninitiated, Rajpal has been granted interim bail by the Delhi High Court till March 18, to attend his niece's wedding in Shahjahanpur.

Rajpal's lawyer informed the High Court that he has submitted a DD of Rs 1.5 crore. Additionally, the actor has also been asked to surrender his passport.

The next hearing in the matter is scheduled to take place on March 18.

--IANS

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