Global Pulse

分类： entertainment

  • Indian director Bharathiraja, hospitalised after breathlessness, is stable

    Indian director Bharathiraja, hospitalised after breathlessness, is stable

    Renowned Indian film director Bharathiraja, an iconic figure in Tamil cinema, remains in stable condition after being hospitalized for respiratory issues. The 81-year-old auteur was admitted to MGM Healthcare in Chennai on December 27th after experiencing breathlessness.

    Medical authorities at the healthcare facility released an official bulletin on January 4th confirming that the veteran filmmaker is receiving appropriate medical care in the intensive care unit. According to the statement, his clinical condition is stable with vital parameters within normal limits under appropriate medical support. The medical team continues close monitoring while reporting satisfactory response to ongoing treatment.

    The hospitalization comes during a difficult period for the acclaimed director, who lost his son Manoj Bharathiraja—also an actor-filmmaker—to cardiac arrest in March last year. Family sources indicate Bharathiraja had been struggling with his health since this personal tragedy. After his son’s passing, the director relocated to Malaysia to stay with his daughter but found little improvement in his condition despite the change of environment.

    Bharathiraja’s contributions to Indian cinema have earned him the revered title ‘Iyakkunar Imayam’ (mountain among directors). He revolutionized Tamil filmmaking by abandoning studio sets in favor of authentic outdoor locations—a radical departure from industry norms at the time. His filmography is distinguished by realistic portrayals of rural life and social divisions, notably in works like ‘Vedham Pudhithu’ (1987), which offered critical commentary on societal issues.

    Throughout his four-decade career beginning in the early 1980s, Bharathiraja directed numerous critically acclaimed films including ’16 Vayathinile’ (remade as ‘Solva Saavan’ in Hindi), ‘Kizhakke Pogum Rayil’, ‘Muthal Mariyathai’, and ‘Karuththamma’. His 1977 film ’16 Vayathinile’ is particularly celebrated for uniting three legendary stars: Kamal Haasan, Rajinikanth, and Sridevi.

    Beyond his directorial achievements, Bharathiraja demonstrated exceptional talent-spotting abilities, launching the careers of actors Revathi (‘Mann Vasanai’), Karthik, Radha, Napoleon, and several others. His mentorship also extended to emerging directors including K Bhagyaraj, Manivannan, and R Parthiban who assisted him before establishing their own successful careers.

  • Massive snow palace sculpture rises in Jilin province

    Massive snow palace sculpture rises in Jilin province

    An architectural marvel carved from snow has emerged in Northeast China’s Jilin province, where artisans have completed a breathtaking large-scale sculpture depicting a palace seemingly suspended in mid-air. The monumental artwork, constructed within the renowned Changbai Mountain scenic area, required an astonishing 100,000 cubic meters of meticulously compacted snow to achieve its final form.

    Soaring to an impressive height of 30 meters and spanning 70 meters in width, the frozen palace represents one of the most ambitious winter art installations created in recent years. The design draws direct inspiration from the popular novel series ‘The Grave Robbers’ Chronicles,’ bringing fictional architecture from the pages of literature into tangible reality through the transient medium of ice and snow.

    Since its recent completion, the sculpture has generated substantial excitement among literary enthusiasts and winter tourism advocates alike. The installation forms part of a broader initiative to promote winter tourism and cultural activities in China’s northern regions, where extreme cold weather becomes a canvas for artistic expression rather than a limitation.

    The Changbai Mountain area, known for its pristine winter landscapes and abundant snowfall, provides an ideal backdrop for such ambitious frozen architecture. Local tourism authorities anticipate the sculpture will attract visitors from across China and beyond, offering a unique combination of natural beauty, literary homage, and artistic achievement.

    This project continues the region’s tradition of snow and ice artistry while pushing the boundaries of scale and thematic complexity, demonstrating how winter conditions can be transformed into opportunities for cultural celebration and tourist attraction.

  • A ‘Stranger Things’ spin-off? Makers confirm new characters, new world

    A ‘Stranger Things’ spin-off? Makers confirm new characters, new world

    The cultural phenomenon that defined a generation of streaming television has reached its conclusion. Netflix’s Stranger Things, which premiered as a nostalgic supernatural mystery set in Hawkins, Indiana, has officially concluded with its two-hour series finale—the longest episode in the show’s history. The finale, released on December 31st following a three-part season rollout, brought closure to nearly a decade of storytelling that transformed from cult favorite to global sensation.

    Yet the gates to the Upside Down haven’t closed permanently. In an exclusive interview with Variety, creators Matt and Ross Duffer confirmed active development on a spin-off project that will expand the Stranger Things universe in unexpected directions. Contrary to fan speculation, the new series will not serve as a direct exploration of existing mythology like the Mind Flayer’s origins, but will instead establish what Matt Duffer described as ‘a completely different mythology.’

    The brothers clarified that while the spin-off will address lingering narrative threads from the original series, it will primarily introduce audiences to entirely new characters, settings, and supernatural frameworks. ‘It’s very fresh and very new,’ Matt emphasized, noting that the project would provide explanations for certain unresolved elements while building something fundamentally distinct.

    Production is moving forward rapidly, with the Duffers confirming they would resume work on the spin-off immediately following a brief hiatus. Ross Duffer expressed enthusiasm about the creative freedom afforded by this expansion: ‘We’re actually really excited, and it’s very exciting to work with a clean slate: completely new characters, new town, new world, new mythology.’

    The original Stranger Things, which debuted in 2016, revolutionized streaming television through its blend of 1980s nostalgia, supernatural horror, and character-driven storytelling. Its conclusion marks the end of an era for Netflix, where it became one of the platform’s most commercially and critically successful original productions.

  • ‘Jana Nayagan’ trailer racks up 29m+ views within day of release, tops UAE charts

    ‘Jana Nayagan’ trailer racks up 29m+ views within day of release, tops UAE charts

    The trailer for Thalapathy Vijay’s highly anticipated final film, ‘Jana Nayagan,’ has shattered digital records by amassing over 29 million views within just 19 hours of its YouTube release. This unprecedented viewership surge propelled the trailer to the number one trending position on UAE charts, demonstrating the massive global appeal of the Indian superstar’s cinematic farewell before his transition into politics.

    Directed by acclaimed filmmaker H. Vinoth and produced by KVN Productions with a monumental budget of approximately Dh 160 million (Rs 4 billion), the action-packed showcase features Vijay in a powerful police officer role. The ensemble cast includes Pooja Hegde, Bobby Deol as the primary antagonist, Mamitha Baiju, Prakash Raj, Priyamani, Narain, and Gautam Vasudev Menon, creating one of the most star-studded productions in recent Indian cinema.

    The nearly three-minute trailer presents Vijay as a fearless law enforcement officer combating corruption while simultaneously preparing his daughter for a future in the nation’s armed forces. This marks Vijay’s return to the khaki uniform after nine years, drawing immediate comparisons to his previous critically acclaimed performance in ‘Theri’ (2016). The narrative weaves together intense action sequences, emotional family dynamics, and underlying political commentary that reflects Vijay’s real-life transition into political leadership.

    Technical excellence shines through with Anirudh Ravichander composing the film’s score for his fifth collaboration with Vijay, following their successful partnerships in ‘Kaththi,’ ‘Master,’ ‘Beast,’ and ‘Leo.’ The trailer also incorporates futuristic elements, including drone technology and robotic assistance, suggesting a innovative blend of traditional action with sci-fi undertones.

    Notably, sharp-eyed viewers detected the Google Gemini AI logo during a scene where Vijay loads a shotgun, sparking discussions about potential artificial intelligence integration in the film’s production or narrative elements. This discovery quickly circulated on social media platforms, adding another layer of intrigue to the already viral trailer.

    The film is scheduled for UAE cinema release on January 9, marking what promises to be a monumental conclusion to Vijay’s distinguished acting career as he prepares to contest assembly elections in Tamil Nadu with his political party, Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam.

  • ‘One Battle After Another’ wins Best Picture at National Society of Film Critics Awards

    ‘One Battle After Another’ wins Best Picture at National Society of Film Critics Awards

    In a decisive victory at the 2025 National Society of Film Critics Awards, Paul Thomas Anderson’s ‘One Battle After Another’ emerged as the ceremony’s most honored film, capturing four prestigious awards including Best Picture. The critically acclaimed work also secured Best Director for Anderson, while Teyana Taylor and Benicio del Toro received Best Supporting Actress and Actor honors respectively.

    The awards ceremony, however, delivered a surprising omission as Leonardo DiCaprio, the film’s lead actor, was notably absent from the winner’s circle. The Best Actor distinction instead went to Ethan Hawke for his transformative performance as lyricist Lorenz Hart in Richard Linklater’s ‘Blue Moon’. Wagner Moura (‘The Secret Agent’) and Michael B. Jordan (‘Sinners’) were recognized as runners-up in the category.

    International cinema received significant recognition with ‘The Secret Agent’ winning Best Non-English Language Film, while ‘Sinners’ earned accolades for Best Cinematography. The documentary category was won by ‘My Undesirable Friends: Part I—Last Air in Moscow’ for Best Nonfiction Film, and Kathleen Chalfant claimed Best Actress for her work in ‘Familiar Touch’.

    NSFC Chair Justin Chang characterized 2025 as an exceptional year for cinema, particularly noting the thematic resonance of films exploring revolution and solidarity. ‘Following a difficult year for journalism and filmmaking, it’s thrilling to salute these brilliant films that represent the highest achievements in our industry,’ Chang remarked, highlighting the cultural significance of this year’s selections amid broader industry challenges.

  • ‘Eko’ Review: A slightly convoluted but brilliant thriller

    ‘Eko’ Review: A slightly convoluted but brilliant thriller

    The Malayalam film industry continues its remarkable streak of producing exceptional thrillers with ‘Eko,’ now available for streaming on Netflix following its November theatrical release. Directed by Dinjith Ayyathan and written by Bahul Ramesh—the creative duo behind the acclaimed 2024 film ‘Kishkinda Kandam’—this atmospheric thriller demonstrates Kerala’s unparalleled mastery of layered storytelling.

    Set against the misty mountains of Kerala, the narrative centers around the enigmatic dog breeder Kuriachan (Saurabh Sachdeva of ‘Animal’ fame), a shadowy figure who has accumulated numerous enemies through questionable business dealings and legal entanglements. The plot unfolds through multiple perspectives as various parties—including law enforcement officers, former associates, and personal connections—seek answers about his mysterious Malaysian wife, Mlathy Chetathi (Biana Momin), who resides in isolation surrounded by fierce guard dogs and rumors of practicing black magic.

    The film distinguishes itself through its sophisticated visual language, with evocative cinematography capturing both the haunting landscape and the secrets permeating the atmosphere. Mujeeb Majeed’s powerful score enhances the tension throughout, particularly during the meticulously staged climax that delivers a satisfying payoff for attentive viewers.

    While the narrative demands complete audience engagement to navigate its complex character motivations and occasionally convoluted plotlines, the investment proves worthwhile. The film explores themes of control, ownership, and patriarchy through the unconventional lens of human-animal relationships, challenging viewers to reconsider conventional notions of protection and restriction.

    Performance highlights include Sandeep Pradeep’s chameleonic portrayal of caretaker Peeyoos and Biana Momin’s compelling depiction of Mlathy, whose grace and resilience leave a lasting impression. Though Sachdeva’s portrayal of the central character occasionally feels mismatched for the role of a Malayali alpha male, the overall ensemble delivers strong performances that maintain narrative tension throughout this unconventional cat-and-mouse thriller.

  • In a frozen northeastern Chinese city, an annual ode to ice rises

    In a frozen northeastern Chinese city, an annual ode to ice rises

    HARBIN, China — Annually each January, the capital of Heilongjiang province undergoes a breathtaking metamorphosis as it hosts one of the world’s most spectacular winter celebrations. Despite its already frosty climate, Harbin becomes the epicenter of frozen artistry, drawing master sculptors from across the region to participate in prestigious ice carving competitions that transform the urban landscape into an ethereal wonderland.

    The festival creates a surreal atmosphere where massive ice installations glow with internal illumination, casting vibrant hues across the snow-covered terrain. This transformation turns entire city sectors into what appears to be a live-action holiday special, attracting multigenerational families who brave subzero temperatures to witness the crystalline marvels.

    Recent photographic documentation reveals artisans meticulously preparing their frozen masterpieces for judgment while visitors ascend the radiant, color-drenched steps of monumental obelisk sculptures. The festival’s programming extends through mid-February, offering an array of winter activities including the daring opportunity for polar plunges amid the ice formations—a testament to human resilience and celebration of winter’s beauty.

    Located near China’s northeastern border with Russia, Harbin leverages its extreme climate to create this temporary gallery of ephemeral art, demonstrating remarkable human creativity working in harmony with nature’s most challenging elements.

  • Watch: Woman leads orchestra suspended mid-air in jaw-dropping Burj Khalifa NYE feat

    Watch: Woman leads orchestra suspended mid-air in jaw-dropping Burj Khalifa NYE feat

    Dubai’s iconic Burj Khalifa provided the backdrop for an unprecedented New Year’s Eve performance that defied both gravity and conventional entertainment boundaries. Lebanese conductor Yasmina Sabah ascended slowly above the Dubai Fountain while expertly leading an orchestra positioned beneath her, creating a breathtaking fusion of musical artistry and aerial theatrics.

    The spectacle, orchestrated by developer Emaar, featured Sabah elevated in a brilliant red gown specifically designed to visually emphasize her altitude against the night sky. The garment’s extended train flowed dramatically beneath her as she conducted the ensemble, with the Burj Khalifa illuminated in golden hues during her ascent.

    In a recent interview with Lebanese publication Annahar, Sabah revealed the extraordinary nature of her selection process. ‘Several months ago, I received an email inquiring whether I could lead an orchestra while flying,’ she recounted. ‘Although uncertain how to respond, I agreed without excessive deliberation.’

    Contrary to assumptions that such a technologically complex production would require extensive local preparation, Sabah arrived in Dubai merely ten days prior to the global broadcast event. ‘We underwent intensive training, but it represented an extraordinary experience uniting international artists through magnificent production values,’ she noted.

    The performance synchronized perfectly with the countdown to 2026, enabling Sabah to musically farewell 2025 while symbolically representing Lebanese cultural achievement on a global platform. For those who missed the live event, the conductor will recreate her aerial performance daily until January 7, with full documentation available via YouTube broadcasts.

    Sabah brings established credibility to the achievement, having previously conducted during Expo 2020 Dubai while maintaining leadership of Lebanon’s Firdaus Orchestra and Choeur de l’USJ. This latest feat establishes new precedents for integrating performing arts with architectural marvels in large-scale public celebrations.

  • The year angry men dominated Bollywood – and what it means for India

    The year angry men dominated Bollywood – and what it means for India

    India’s cinematic landscape experienced a dramatic pendulum swing in 2025 as hypermasculine action thrillers reclaimed box office dominance, abruptly ending what many had hoped would become a sustained era of feminist storytelling. The year’s defining hit, Ranveer Singh’s espionage thriller ‘Dhurandhar,’ set against India-Pakistan tensions, became the cultural touchstone for a industry-wide reversion to aggressive, male-driven narratives packed with graphic violence and gangland politics.

    This marked a stark departure from 2024’s groundbreaking achievements when women-led productions including Payal Kapadia’s ‘All We Imagine As Light,’ Shuchi Talati’s ‘Girls Will Be Girls,’ and Kiran Rao’s ‘Laapataa Ladies’ earned global acclaim. Film critic Mayank Shekhar characterized 2024 as “a moment of truth” that established Indian women filmmakers as “leading global voices rather than marginal ones.”

    Despite these breakthroughs, 2025’s top ten box office performers featured exclusively male-centric narratives except for the Malayalam-language superhero film ‘Lokah.’ The trend extended beyond action genres with romance blockbuster ‘Saiyaara’ featuring a troubled male rockstar ‘rescuing’ his partner from Alzheimer’s, while southern superstar Dhanush’s ‘Tere Ishk Mein’—despite criticism for romanticizing toxic masculinity—became his highest-grossing Hindi release at 1.55 billion rupees ($17.26 million).

    Industry analysts note this regression reflects deep structural inequalities. Priyanka Basu, Senior Lecturer in Performing Arts at King’s College London, observes that Hindi cinema has historically marginalized women protagonists, with persistent disparities in casting, pay, and opportunities. The male-centric fixation traces back to Amitabh Bachchan’s 1970s ‘angry young man’ archetype, with even Shah Rukh Khan’s romantic era giving way to action-heavy blockbusters like ‘Pathaan’ and ‘Jawan.’

    Alarmingly, streaming platforms once considered safe havens for diverse storytelling have mirrored theatrical trends. An Ormax Media analysis of 338 Hindi streaming shows revealed male-led action/crime thrillers now constitute 43% of content, while female-led stories plummeted from 31% in 2022 to just 12% in 2025.

    Yet hope persists through regional cinema and independent filmmakers. Telugu’s ‘The Girlfriend,’ Tamil’s ‘Bad Girl,’ and Malayalam’s ‘Feminichi Fathima’ explore feminist narratives with nuance, while streaming series ‘The Great Shamsuddin Family’ earns praise for capturing modern Muslim women’s complexities. As screenwriter Anu Singh Choudhary notes, “It’s a quieter movement working from the margins—and it isn’t going to disappear.”

  • Jessie Buckley ‘overwhelmed’ to be starring in Oscar-tipped Hamnet

    Jessie Buckley ‘overwhelmed’ to be starring in Oscar-tipped Hamnet

    Agata Grzybowska/Focus Features
    Jessie Buckley has emerged as a strong Oscar contender for her transformative portrayal in the historical drama ‘Hamnet,’ directed by Academy Award winner Chloé Zhao. The film, adapted from Maggie O’Farrell’s acclaimed 2020 novel, explores the tragic love story between a young William Shakespeare (Paul Mescal) and his wife Agnes (Buckley), historically known as Anne Hathaway.

    Rather than presenting Agnes merely as the playwright’s spouse, the film positions her as the emotional core of the narrative, exploring her profound grief following family tragedy and her influence on Shakespeare’s seminal work ‘Hamlet.’ Buckley describes the role as ‘one of the biggest privileges of my life,’ emphasizing her character’s multidimensional nature as mother, lover, and independent woman existing alongside literary greatness.

    The production marks another career milestone for Buckley, who rose to prominence through BBC’s ‘I’d Do Anything’ talent show in 2008 before earning BAFTA and Oscar nominations for ‘Wild Rose’ and ‘The Lost Daughter.’ Her latest performance required navigating unfamiliar emotional territory, particularly in depicting maternal love and loss without personal experience of motherhood.

    Critical reception has been predominantly positive, with The Telegraph’s Robbie Collin awarding five stars and declaring the adaptation ‘couldn’t have been done any better.’ The Times’ Kevin Maher praised Buckley’s ‘performance for the ages,’ while The Wrap’s Carla Renata described her as ‘nothing less than magical.’ Some critics, including Time’s Stephanie Zacharek, found the emotional cues overly explicit, and LA Times’ Amy Nicholson questioned the dramatic intensity compared to Shakespeare’s works.

    The film’s climactic Globe Theatre sequence, showing Agnes witnessing Hamlet’s first performance, proved particularly challenging for Buckley. She recalls feeling ‘terrified’ and ‘completely lost’ during the emotionally draining ten-day shoot, ultimately recognizing that this vulnerability authentically mirrored her character’s journey.

    As awards season approaches, Buckley remains focused on the film’s artistic achievement rather than Oscar speculation. She expresses pride in the project and gratitude for audience responses, viewing potential award ceremonies as opportunities to celebrate with the close-knit production team. ‘Hamnet’ premieres in UK cinemas on January 9th, offering audiences a fresh perspective on Shakespeare’s personal tragedy and the woman who inspired his timeless art.