The Running Man Reboot Impresses Early, Stumbles Late
P&C | Friday, 14 Nov. 2025
USA | Planet & Commerce
‘The Running Man’ Review: A Sharp Start, A Shaky Finish
Edgar Wright’s 2025 version of ‘The Running Man’ begins with the confidence of a film that knows exactly what it wants to say. The first half is sharp, atmospheric and brutally relevant, combining dystopian sci-fi world-building with slick action and a pointed critique of a collapsing society obsessed with ruthless entertainment. But somewhere around the film’s midpoint, the energy fizzles, the narrative buckles under its own ambitions, and the experience begins to feel like a long run with an unexpected leg cramp. Glenn Powell, now firmly established as one of Hollywood’s most in-demand leading men, anchors the film with grit, anxiety and a surprisingly touching vulnerability. Yet even he cannot fully rescue the film when its second half slows from a sprint to a sluggish jog.
A Strong Premise That Hits Hard—Before It Doesn’t
At its best, ‘The Running Man’ feels incredibly timely. The film imagines a future America in which capitalism has mutated into a grotesque gladiatorial spectacle. Reality-TV culture, authoritarian politics and economic despair blend into a neon-soaked nightmare that feels like a distorted reflection of today’s anxieties. Powell plays Ben Richards, a down-on-his-luck Slumside resident fighting to keep his family afloat. Fired repeatedly, drowning in bills, and desperate to save his seriously ill daughter Cathy, Ben becomes the perfect candidate for “The Running Man”—a viral TV bloodsport where contestants are hunted for entertainment. His wife Sheila (Jayme Lawson) tries to ground him with the classic “Stay alive for your family” plea. But Ben, overwhelmed by hopelessness and rage, volunteers anyway. It’s a classic working-class tragedy painted in modern colours. The setup is excellent. The themes are laser-focused. The world-building is stylish. And for the first hour, Wright seems poised to deliver one of his most politically potent films. But the moment the game begins, the clarity begins to blur. The rules of the show are convoluted, and instead of amplifying tension, the complexity periodically dulls it. Once the novelty fades, so does the film’s spark.
A First Half Full Of Grit, Momentum And Sharp Commentary
The early portions of the film are its strongest asset. Wright’s dystopia is beautifully realised through:
- towering neon slums
- corporate propaganda on every corner
- civilians numbed by endless televised violence
- a cynical media network manipulating narratives
Ben’s rise as a reluctant people’s hero is compelling. His early scenes crackle with tension as he fights not just for survival but for a system-shaking moment of truth. But the momentum doesn’t last.
A Second Half That Trips Over Its Own Ideas
The film’s problems begin midway, when the narrative shifts from a fierce survival thriller into a muddled attempt at broader political revolution.
Several subplots lose direction:
- Amelia’s arc fizzles out after a promising start.
- Elton’s storyline, initially intriguing, gets resolved with baffling convenience.
- The Network’s contradictory decisions undermine its supposed omnipotence.
The entire structure starts to feel patched together. The stakes become inconsistent. And the final act arrives with surprising convenience, undercutting the intensity of what came before. By the climax, the film begins to feel less like a dystopian commentary and more like a project that simply ran out of fuel.
Performances: Glenn Powell Carries The Film With Effort
Glenn Powell as Ben Richards
Powell brings raw desperation, emotional volatility and a bruised determination to Ben. But his early scenes feel slightly overacted, as if he’s still settling into the role. Still, he gives the film its emotional anchor, especially when the screenplay wobbles.
Josh Brolin as Dan Killian
Brolin is chillingly effective as the manipulative corporate puppet-master. He avoids cartoonish villainy and instead portrays corporate evil with calm, unnerving precision.
Jayme Lawson as Sheila
Lawson makes every minute of her limited screen time count, grounding the story in human stakes.
Colman Domingo as Bobby T
Electrifying. He steals attention with ease, offering charisma and unpredictability.
Michael Cera as the chaotic anarchist
Cera is unexpectedly brilliant—quiet, strange, and dangerously amusing. His anarchist energy adds much-needed flavour.
Daniel Ezra as Bradley
Magnetic and intense. A standout supporting performance.
Emilia Jones
Her character exists mostly in the background, not given the material needed to leave a mark. In total, the cast elevates the film even when the script stumbles.
Technical Craft: Slick Style, Uneven Rhythm
Technically, ‘The Running Man’ delivers style in abundance.
- Chung-hoon Chung’s cinematography is stunning, balancing grime, neon and dystopian scale.
- Steven Price’s music blends commercial punch with atmospheric dread.
- The production design is layered, immersive and expensive-looking.
- Costumes feel grounded and believable within the bleak world.
However, the editing suffers in the second half. Scenes overstay, pacing loses focus, and several sequences feel stretched rather than purposeful. At over two hours, the film begins to drag as energy drains away.
A Social Commentary That Doesn’t Fully Land
Wright clearly intends for the film to critique systemic inequality, media manipulation, state-sanctioned violence and the corporate commodification of suffering. And for much of the first hour, he succeeds. But the commentary becomes muddled when the film begins chasing spectacle instead of substance. The script gestures at big ideas—mass movements, media revolutions, people’s uprisings—but doesn’t commit long enough to make any of them fully resonate. The result? A film that begins as a scathing social satire but ends closer to a standard action thriller searching for its own identity.
The Verdict: Compelling But Uneven, With Missed Potential
‘The Running Man’ is a fascinating mix of potential and inconsistency. It starts with genuine brilliance: sharp world-building, urgent themes, tension-filled action, and a clear emotional core. Glenn Powell has several outstanding moments, and at times feels like the perfect lead for Wright’s vision.
But ultimately, the film loses momentum midway, burdened by sprawling subplots, uneven pacing and an ending that feels rushed. It tries to be both a blockbuster and a biting satire—and ends up somewhere in between. For Indian audiences expecting a crisp, cutting thriller, the film may feel too long and too uneven to leave a lasting impact. The core idea is outstanding. The execution? Like the protagonist, it begins with a sprint, stumbles around the halfway mark, and crosses the finish line slightly out of breath.
Ajay Devgn Returns In Enjoyable Yet Uneven Rom-Com
P&C | Friday, 14 Nov. 2025
India | Planet & Commerce
De De Pyaar De 2 Review: Bumpy But Breezy Bollywood Rom-Com That Does The Job
Bollywood has been starving for a warm, funny, full-flavoured romantic comedy—one that blends humour, family drama, emotional conflict and just enough chaos to keep audiences hooked. ‘De De Pyaar De 2’ steps into that space with familiarity, confidence and a colourful commercial pulse, even if it arrives with some unmistakable bumps on the road. Directed by Anshul Sharma, the sequel brings back Ajay Devgn and Rakul Preet Singh as the age-gap couple navigating a new round of familial disapproval, generational clashes and complicated emotions. It may not be groundbreaking, but it does exactly what a mainstream rom-com is supposed to do: entertain consistently, occasionally charm, and never bore. The film leans heavily on glossy presentation, energetic performances and crowd-pleasing comedic rhythms. And while the awkward casting dents the film’s emotional depth, the narrative stays engaging enough to deliver a fun theatre experience.
A Familiar Story Told With Colour, Comfort And Commercial Flare
The film begins by recapping the unusual romance between Ashish (Ajay Devgn) and Aisha (Rakul Preet Singh)—a relationship that defied age expectations and multiple social hurdles in the first instalment. ‘De De Pyaar De 2’ picks up smoothly from that point, shifting the conflict from Ashish’s family to Aisha’s sprawling, modern and supposedly progressive household. This time, the battle is for her parents’ approval, and the setup is ripe with humour, hypocrisy and embarrassment. The family patriarch—barely older than Ashish—is horrified to discover that his future son-in-law is almost his contemporary. Despite claiming to embrace new-age values, Aisha’s parents crumble when faced with a real-life scenario that contradicts their progressive self-image. Aisha, as always, believes acceptance is a process. But Hindi cinema has taught us that acceptance is usually a messy, loud, chaotic process—and the film embraces that fully.
A Tonally Playful But Sometimes Uneven Narrative
Director Anshul Sharma keeps the tone breezy and accessible. The film moves smoothly between:
- witty humour
- family confrontations
- emotional flare-ups
- colourful song sequences
- light moments of romance
The commercial packaging works well, and the film maintains the fun factor throughout. But the script’s biggest limitation is unavoidable—the casting choices often overshadow the writing itself. The plot flows with charm but lacks the emotional punch that could have elevated it from enjoyable to memorable.
The Casting: Awkward, Energetic And Occasionally Distracting
Ajay Devgn and Rakul Preet Singh: Functional Chemistry, Not Fiery
Devgn plays the brooding, defensive, slightly exhausted partner with conviction. Rakul brings her bright, youthful energy, matching the rom-com mood effectively. But their chemistry remains functional rather than exciting; it works enough to keep the story afloat, but the spark is missing.
There are no intimate or emotionally layered scenes that deepen their bond. Instead, their relationship survives on situational comedy and dialogue-driven exchanges.
R Madhavan: Brilliant Actor, Misplaced Casting
The most glaring mismatch is R Madhavan as the father of a 20-something daughter. A superb actor burdened by an ill-fitting role, Madhavan looks too youthful, too familiar, and too “leading-man material” to play this part without distracting the audience. His emotional moments, especially the song sequence where he lifts and twirls Rakul, land awkwardly rather than poignantly.
Meezan Jafri: The Real Surprise Of The Film
Meezan is the biggest positive surprise. Stylish, charismatic and effortless on the dance floor, he brings electricity into every scene he appears in. His track with his father, Jaaved Jaaferi, showcases chemistry and comedic timing that feel organically fun. Meezan still has room to grow as an actor, but his screen presence is undeniable.
Supporting Cast: Reliable And Warm
- Jayme Lawson is charming in emotional beats.
- Gautami Kapoor grounds the narrative with quiet dignity.
- Ishita Dutta adds warmth and quiet intelligence.
Together, the supporting characters bring stability to a film that occasionally wanders into tonal inconsistency.
Rakul Shines In Light Moments, Struggles In Heavy Ones
Rakul Preet Singh handles comedy, flirtation and energy with ease. She lights up the screen in lighter scenes and in moments involving confusion, teasing or banter. But the emotionally loaded scenes expose a tonal gap. Her big breakdown moment with Gautami Kapoor slips into heightened TV soap territory, and instead of authentic vulnerability, it carries the flavour of reality-show dramatics. The comparison to Tanya Mittal from Bigg Boss 19 is surprisingly apt—Mittal might have delivered that emotional pitch better. Still, Rakul remains consistently likeable, which is crucial for the film’s emotional rhythm.
Technical Craft: Glossy, Colourful And Commercially Effective
‘De De Pyaar De 2’ is crafted with a modern Bollywood aesthetic—bright, energetic and consistent.
Cinematography
The visuals are clean, vibrant and framed to highlight the film’s colourful tonality. Family scenes, emotional confrontations and song sequences are shot with warmth and commercial polish.
Music
The soundtrack is catchy enough to keep the film moving, though no song stands out as particularly iconic. The father-son dance track with Meezan and Jaaved Jaaferi is easily the most enjoyable musical moment.
Editing & Pacing
The film occasionally drags when emotional scenes overstay, but the overall pacing remains serviceable. The narrative never becomes dull—even when predictable.
Production Design
The sets, locations and costumes maintain a pleasant visual consistency that suits the rom-com genre. Everything looks aesthetically “expected,” which is exactly what this film aims for.
A Last-Act Twist That Works Better Than Expected
Despite several predictable beats, the final act delivers a twist that feels surprisingly engaging. It won’t shock experienced moviegoers, but it injects enough conflict to pull viewers back in just when the film begins to feel too comfortable. This twist, paired with neat emotional resolutions, helps wrap the story with satisfying commercial flair.
Verdict: Bumpy, Breezy And Comfortably Entertaining
‘De De Pyaar De 2’ will not redefine Bollywood romances. It will not convince sceptics or silence critics who want more experimentation and depth. But it will entertain the audience it is made for. It is:
- fun
- colourful
- lightly emotional
- occasionally awkward
- consistently watchable
- and ultimately satisfying
It’s the kind of film you choose when you want something familiar yet enjoyable—something that feels like a warm, predictable Bollywood hug.
‘De De Pyaar De 2’ does the job. It is never extraordinary, but never dull.
Delhi Crime Season 3 Earns Praise For Powerful Performances
P&C | Friday, 14 Nov. 2025
India | Planet & Commerce
‘Gripping and Gutting’: First-Day Viewers Hail Delhi Crime S3 As A Must-Watch
Netflix has returned to its hardest-hitting crime universe with Delhi Crime Season 3, and the first wave of reactions makes one thing clear—the franchise still knows exactly how to get under your skin. Viewers who streamed the entire season on day one are calling it “gripping,” “gutting,” and “edge-of-the-seat storytelling,” showering praise on its performances, its thematic depth and its unflinching portrayal of a terrifying human trafficking network. Shefali Shah is back as DCP Vartika Chaturvedi, the steadfast and deeply human face of Delhi’s policing system. From the very first frame, her presence grounds the narrative with the kind of emotional gravitas that has defined the series since Season 1. Alongside her, Huma Qureshi makes her much-anticipated debut in the franchise, stepping into the chilling role of Meena—also known as Badi Didi—who runs a trafficking ring with unnerving calm and ruthless precision. Fans wasted no time praising her performance, calling it “stunning,” “intense,” and a perfect fit for the morally grey world the show inhabits.
A New Case That Begins With A Baby And Spirals Into Darkness
Season 3 opens with a disturbing and heartbreaking discovery: an abandoned baby left alone in a vulnerable corner of the city. What looks like a mysterious one-off case soon widens into a sprawling criminal web. Vartika and her team follow the faintest threads, only to uncover the horrifying scale of human trafficking operating in and around Delhi. The deeper the team goes, the more they confront the bleak realities of survival, exploitation and societal failure. The show remains faithful to its signature tone—quiet, unsettling and grounded in realism—never sensationalizing its subject, but refusing to look away. Viewers have praised this approach, saying it heightens the emotional impact of every reveal and makes the unfolding story far more impactful than a typical thriller. One fan who binge-watched the season wrote that each episode felt like “edge-of-the-seat intensity,” adding that the series remains one of the finest depictions of Indian policing on screen.
Shefali Shah Once Again Anchors The Franchise With Unmatched Strength
At the heart of Delhi Crime’s global success is Shefali Shah, whose portrayal of Vartika Chaturvedi has grown into one of the most nuanced performances in Indian streaming. In Season 3, she plays a leader battling professional pressure, personal exhaustion and the moral weight of cases that leave permanent scars on everyone involved. Shah’s ability to communicate vulnerability and strength within the same moment continues to elevate the entire show. Fans online repeatedly highlighted how her performance brings authenticity and empathy to the harshest realities of the job. Her emotional beats, internal conflicts and quiet moments of frustration deepen the narrative far beyond the procedural structure.
Huma Qureshi’s Entry Into The Franchise Makes An Immediate Impact
Huma Qureshi emerges as one of the most talked-about performers of the season. As Badi Didi, she plays a woman operating at the top of a trafficking syndicate—a character built not on theatrics but on psychological complexity. Her stillness, her carefully controlled expressions and her unpredictable presence make her one of the most memorable antagonists the series has produced. Viewers took to social media to praise her performance, describing her as “haunting,” “commanding” and “surprisingly layered.” Many said that the show gains a new emotional angle because of the calm menace she brings to her scenes.
An Ensemble Cast That Strengthens Every Layer Of The Narrative
While Shah and Qureshi dominate the conversation, the ensemble cast brings a rich depth to Season 3. Rasika Dugal returns as Neeti Singh, balancing her idealism with the emotional strain of frontline policing. Rajesh Tailang once again brings steady, lived-in authenticity as Inspector Bhupendra Singh. Jaya Bhattacharya and Anuraag Arora continue to flesh out the team’s internal dynamics with understated but compelling performances. Among the new additions, Sayani Gupta and Mita Vasisht have already become audience favourites. Vasisht’s performance, in particular, was described as a “tour de force revelation” by a viewer on X—an observation many others echoed throughout the day. Gupta, stepping into a darker role, delivers a measured, impactful portrayal that adds intensity to the show's moral canvas. Kelly Dorji and Anshumaan Pushkar also contribute strongly, rounding out the season with performances that feel natural within Delhi Crime’s grounded world.
A Show That Continues To Blend Realism With Emotional Weight
One reason Delhi Crime resonates so strongly with viewers is its refusal to sensationalize crime. Every scene feels embedded in real-world systems and failures—overburdened officers, gaps in the justice framework, the grinding emotional fatigue of chasing crimes that never truly end. Season 3 maintains that tone with remarkable discipline. Director Tanuj Chopra, returning to helm the season, builds on the show’s established visual identity: dim-lit alleys, cramped interiors, bustling police offices and the unvarnished chaos of Delhi’s streets. The storytelling is immersive and unhurried, allowing moments of silence, reflection and fear to breathe. This season, the writing team consisting of Anu Singh Choudhary, Apoorva Bakshi, Michael Hogan, Mayank Tiwari and Shubhra Swarup shapes a tightly woven narrative that pushes the characters into increasingly complex moral corners.
Audience Reactions: Strong, Emotional And Overwhelmingly Positive
Within hours of the release, social media was full of reactions celebrating Season 3. One viewer called it “gripping and gutting,” praising both Shah and Qureshi for their powerhouse performances. Another wrote that each episode kept them “on the edge,” noting that the show’s portrayal of girl smuggling rings was both painful and important. Fans applauded the direction, acting, writing and the show’s ability to deliver tension without relying on shock value. One viewer summed up the season by tweeting:
“Must watch. Great job by the entire cast and crew.”
The praise extends not just to the stars but to the show’s commitment to telling uncomfortable stories with integrity and emotional truth.
A Franchise That Remains Among India’s Finest Crime Dramas
With its third season, Delhi Crime reinforces its position as one of India’s strongest and most internationally acclaimed crime thrillers. It stays committed to its grounded tone, powerful performances and carefully crafted realism while introducing new layers of moral conflict and emotional intensity. For fans of crime dramas rooted in authenticity rather than spectacle, Season 3 delivers exactly what they hoped for—and perhaps more. It is tense, emotionally draining, unsettling and ultimately rewarding, a reminder that the franchise remains at the top of its game. Delhi Crime Season 3 is now streaming on Netflix, produced by Golden Karavan and SK Global Entertainment.
Ek Deewane Ki Deewaniyat Crosses ₹20 Crore in Just 3 Days
P&C | Friday, 24 Oct. 2025
India | Planet & Commerce
‘Ek Deewane Ki Deewaniyat’ Box Office Day 3: Harshvardhan Rane’s Romantic Thriller Crosses ₹20 Crore Mark Amid Festive Rush
Director Milap Zaveri’s latest musical romance drama, Ek Deewane Ki Deewaniyat, starring Harshvardhan Rane and Sonam Bajwa, has pulled off an impressive feat at the box office, collecting over ₹20 crore net in India within just three days. Released during the festive weekend and clashing with Maddock Films’ horror-comedy Thamma, the film has managed to draw solid footfall across major Indian cities despite stiff competition.
Box Office Collection Summary: Three-Day Growth Story
As per early estimates by industry tracker Sacnilk, Ek Deewane Ki Deewaniyat earned ₹3.37 crore net on Day 3, showing a 56.52% drop from the previous day’s earnings but maintaining a steady hold in key circuits. The cumulative ₹20.12 crore total reflects strong opening weekend traction, aided by festive releases and mass appeal in Tier-1 and Tier-2 markets. Trade analysts predict that with night show collections and Sunday repeat audiences, the film could touch the ₹25 crore milestone by the end of its first weekend.
Occupancy and Regional Performance
According to nationwide data, Ek Deewane Ki Deewaniyat recorded an average occupancy of 22.86% on Thursday, with significant improvement in evening and night shows.
Day 3 Occupancy Report:
- Morning Shows: 9.99%
- Afternoon Shows: 27.71%
- Evening Shows: 30.89%
- Night Shows: Data awaited, expected to rise post 8 PM
The film’s best-performing regions are:
- Delhi NCR – 533 shows
- Mumbai – 321 shows
- Ahmedabad – 266 shows
- Hyderabad – 182 shows
Cities like Pune, Bengaluru, Kolkata, Surat, and Lucknow also contributed significantly, each hosting over 100 shows daily. Region-wise, Mumbai, Delhi NCR, and Ahmedabad lead in both occupancy and per-screen average, while Lucknow and Jaipur show encouraging weekday stability.
Critical and Audience Reception
While the film has received mixed reviews from critics, audiences have praised its music, emotional intensity, and strong performances by the lead pair. Harshvardhan Rane, known for intense romantic roles in films like Sanam Teri Kasam and Haseen Dillruba, once again delivers a deeply emotional performance as a man torn between passion and obsession. Sonam Bajwa, in contrast, brings grace and restraint, complementing Rane’s fiery screen presence. Veteran actors Sachin Khedekar and Ananth Mahadevan add gravitas to the narrative, while Shaad Randhawa and Rajesh Khera contribute impactful supporting turns. Director Milap Zaveri, known for mass-entertainer scripts, takes a tonal shift here by exploring dark romance and psychological drama. His collaboration with writer Mushtaq Shiekh ensures a blend of old-school passion and contemporary tension, making Ek Deewane Ki Deewaniyat stand apart from formulaic love stories.
Theme and Story: Obsession Meets Melody
Billed as a musical romance drama, the film dives deep into the psyche of obsessive love. The narrative follows a passionate journalist (Rane) and a mysterious woman (Bajwa) entangled in a web of emotions, betrayal, and psychological turmoil. The story’s title itself — Ek Deewane Ki Deewaniyat — suggests a layered exploration of devotion and madness, set against a backdrop of haunting music and stylized visuals. Cinematographer Nigam Bomzan and composer Raghav Sharma bring emotional depth to the film’s tone — one that oscillates between heartbreak and high-voltage drama.
Hansal Mehta’s Endorsement and Industry Buzz
Celebrated filmmaker Hansal Mehta praised the film’s theatrical success, posting on X (formerly Twitter):
“Hey @MassZaveri, congrats on the roaring success of Ek Deewane Ki Deewaniyat! May you keep charming the masses!”
This endorsement from one of Bollywood’s most respected storytellers added credibility to the film’s growing buzz, particularly among multiplex audiences who had underestimated its mass pull. The film’s trending songs — including “Tera Junoon” and “Ishq Ka Intezaar” — have further boosted audience engagement, especially on music streaming platforms and social media reels.
Trade Analysts Weigh In
Trade experts have called the film’s first-weekend performance “pleasantly surprising.” Despite competing with Ayushmann Khurrana’s Thamma — a big-budget Maddock release — Ek Deewane Ki Deewaniyat has carved its own niche. Film trade analyst Taran Adarsh noted:
“The film benefits from strong word-of-mouth in North India and an appealing musical score. A ₹20 crore weekend amid competition signals audience appetite for romantic dramas with mass flavor.”
Another trade insider stated that the romantic genre’s revival in smaller markets like Lucknow, Jaipur, and Indore indicates that emotional narratives are reclaiming box office attention from action-heavy titles.
Box Office Outlook: Can It Maintain Momentum?
As the film enters its first Sunday and early weekdays, sustaining momentum will be key. With a production cost of approximately ₹30 crore, Ek Deewane Ki Deewaniyat is already two-thirds of the way to breakeven, setting it on track for profitability within its first week if the current trend holds. The upcoming week will see no major Hindi releases, giving the film a clear runway to expand its audience. If the collection stabilizes around ₹4–5 crore daily, Ek Deewane Ki Deewaniyat could close its first week at ₹30–32 crore, a significant win for Desi Movies Factory.
About the Film: Cast and Crew
- Director: Milap Zaveri
- Writers: Milap Zaveri, Mushtaq Shiekh
- Producers: Dinesh Jain, Anshul Garg, Raghav Sharma
- Production House: Desi Movies Factory
- Cast: Harshvardhan Rane, Sonam Bajwa, Shaad Randhawa, Sachin Khedekar, Ananth Narayan Mahadevan, Rajesh Khera, and Geeta Aggarwal Sharma
A Romantic Drama That Defies Expectations
Ek Deewane Ki Deewaniyat has exceeded trade predictions, proving that well-crafted romantic dramas still resonate deeply with Indian audiences. Despite being a non-franchise release, its ₹20 crore weekend showcases the power of emotional storytelling and star chemistry in drawing crowds amid a genre-saturated market. With strong regional performance, industry endorsements, and positive word-of-mouth, Ek Deewane Ki Deewaniyat has solidified itself as Harshvardhan Rane’s biggest solo hit yet — and a much-needed success story for Milap Zaveri’s directorial comeback.
Diljit Dosanjh Earns Emmy Nomination For Amar Singh Chamkila
P&C | Friday, 26 Sep. 2025
India| Planet & Commerce
Netflix India Shines On Global Stage
In a proud moment for Indian cinema, Netflix India has bagged two nominations at the 53rd International Emmy Awards, with Punjabi superstar Diljit Dosanjh receiving a Best Actor nomination for his stellar performance in Amar Singh Chamkila. The film, directed by Imtiaz Ali, is also nominated in the Best TV Movie/Mini-Series category, marking a major milestone for Indian storytelling on the world stage.
Amar Singh Chamkila: A Tribute To A Legend
The film chronicles the life of Amar Singh Chamkila, the legendary Punjabi singer whose powerful music and controversial lyrics made him a cultural icon and a target of criticism. Chamkila and his wife Amarjot were tragically assassinated in 1988, leaving behind an enduring legacy that continues to inspire.
Directed by Imtiaz Ali, produced by Mohit Choudhary, Select Media Holdings LLP, Saregama, and Window Seat Films, and featuring music by A.R. Rahman with lyrics by Irshad Kaamil, the film was praised for its authentic storytelling, rooted performances, and soulful soundtrack.
Imtiaz Ali On Chamkila’s Global Recognition
Speaking about the nominations, Imtiaz Ali said:
“Amar Singh Chamkila is a rare film because it has to do with the scent of Punjab—its music, socio-politics, conflicts, and aspirations. The fact that conflict creates art, and art creates conflict, was embodied in Chamkila’s life. We are delighted that his story has reached a global stage. Congratulations to Diljit for also receiving a Best Actor nomination—he was Chamkila in every moment on set.”
Ali highlighted that the film was shot in Punjab, capturing the grassroots essence of Chamkila’s world, and called the project one of his most authentic cinematic experiences.
Diljit Dosanjh On His Emmy Nomination
For Diljit Dosanjh, the nomination is both a personal and cultural triumph:
“I feel truly honored that Amar Singh Chamkila, an artist from Punjab, is being recognized at the International Emmys. This nomination is not just for me, but for the entire legacy of Chamkila. I am grateful to Imtiaz Ali Sir for trusting me with this role. Not for a moment did I feel I was outside of Chamkila’s journey—it was a lived experience.”
Dosanjh’s portrayal was widely praised by critics for capturing both the charisma and vulnerability of Chamkila, cementing his reputation as one of India’s most versatile performers.
Netflix India’s Milestone Moment
Monika Shergill, Vice President of Content at Netflix India, expressed pride in the recognition:
“We’re thrilled that Amar Singh Chamkila has received two prestigious nominations at the International Emmys. This story celebrates an iconic Indian artist whose music and journey transcended boundaries. It reflects our passion for bringing authentic and powerful local stories to global audiences. These nominations are not only recognition of remarkable work by Diljit, Imtiaz Ali, A.R. Rahman, Parineeti Chopra, and the entire team, but also a tribute to Chamkila’s enduring legacy.”
Significance Of The Nominations
The nominations underscore Netflix India’s rising stature as a global storytelling hub. Competing in 16 categories worldwide, Netflix has consistently pushed boundaries with powerful local stories. For Indian cinema, these nods represent both cultural pride and the growing international demand for authentic regional narratives.
Conclusion: Chamkila’s Legacy Lives On
Amar Singh Chamkila is more than a biographical film—it is a cultural celebration of Punjab’s music, spirit, and resilience. With Diljit Dosanjh’s commanding performance and Imtiaz Ali’s heartfelt direction, the film has resonated deeply with audiences.
Its recognition at the International Emmys is a testament not only to the strength of the film but also to Chamkila’s enduring influence. For Diljit, the nomination marks a career-defining achievement; for Netflix India, it solidifies its role as a global ambassador for Indian storytelling.
Leonardo DiCaprio Stars in Paul Anderson’s Political Epic
P&C | Friday, 26 Sep. 2025
USA| Planet & Commerce
A Revolution Twenty Years In The Making
After two decades of development, director Paul Thomas Anderson has unveiled his most ambitious project yet—One Battle After Another. The film, inspired by Thomas Pynchon’s novel Vineland, releases this Friday with a sprawling 2-hour 50-minute runtime and promises to deliver a politically charged epic for modern times.
Described by critics as Anderson’s most audacious cinematic experiment, the film blends radical politics, anarchist energy, and family drama, while reviving VistaVision, the vintage widescreen format, for a truly massive viewing experience.
A Story Of Revolution And Repercussions
At its core, One Battle After Another explores the chaotic rise and fall of revolutionaries.
- Teyana Taylor stars as Perfidia Beverly Hills, a fearless revolutionary leader of the French 75, a radical group modeled after the 1960s Weather Underground.
- Leonardo DiCaprio plays Bob Ferguson (alias Ghetto Pat), a passionate explosives expert and Perfidia’s loyal partner, who later resurfaces as a weary father hiding in a sanctuary city with his daughter.
- Sean Penn transforms into Col. Steven Lockjaw, the film’s ruthless antagonist whose xenophobic rise to power threatens to crush the revolution.
From the opening scenes of jailbreaks, underground raids, and urban guerilla warfare, Anderson thrusts the audience into a turbulent world where immigration, systemic racism, and political corruption are dissected with biting satire.
A Tale That Echoes In Today’s America
Though conceived 20 years ago, Anderson’s screenplay has found urgent relevance in the present political climate.
DiCaprio explains:
“It’s about the implosion of ideology, how revolutions can eat themselves when there’s no grace, communication, or purity of purpose.”
The film’s time jump of 16 years pushes its narrative into an America still fractured, where Ferguson lives in paranoia until Lockjaw reemerges, forcing a father-daughter odyssey that blends thriller elements with emotional intimacy.
VistaVision And The Cinematic Scale
Shot entirely in VistaVision, a format used rarely since the 1950s, Anderson intended for the film to feel monumental.
- Benicio del Toro, playing Sensei Sergio St. Carlos, emphasized how the antique format demanded precision:
“We had limited takes. It forced us to trust each other completely.”
The visual grandeur elevates the film’s chaotic revolution, while intimate sequences—particularly between DiCaprio and newcomer Chase Infiniti (his on-screen daughter Willa)—ground the story in personal stakes amid political upheaval.
Performances That Ignite The Screen
- Leonardo DiCaprio delivers a layered performance—radical fighter turned fragile father, balancing ferocity with vulnerability.
- Teyana Taylor commands attention with unapologetic energy, embodying the fury and resolve of revolution.
- Sean Penn is chilling as Lockjaw, embodying institutional cruelty.
- Supporting performances from Regina Hall, Wood Harris, Alana Haim, and Dijon Duenas further diversify the ensemble.
Anderson’s Vision: A Mirror To Society
Paul Thomas Anderson, known for There Will Be Blood and Licorice Pizza, once again refuses comfort cinema. Instead, One Battle After Another is a work designed to provoke, unsettle, and reflect reality back to the audience.
“I’m always searching for movies that hold a mirror up to who we are as a society,” said DiCaprio.
The film doesn’t champion one ideology. Instead, it critiques extremism on both sides, showing how revolutions crumble without communication and empathy.
Critical And Cultural Impact
Early reactions suggest that Anderson’s latest could join the ranks of politically charged cinema classics, while also sparking debate about the line between radicalism, justice, and anarchy.
Taylor sums it up best:
“This movie shakes the table. It’s time to wake up.”
With its massive scope, powerhouse performances, and resonant themes, One Battle After Another may not just be Anderson’s most expensive film—it could also be his most timely and culturally seismic.