Dakota Johnson on directing her first feature film: It's really close to my heart
"I've always felt that I'm not ready to direct a feature. I don't have the confidence. But with her, I feel very protective, and I know her very well, and I just won't let anybody else do it," she stated.The 'Materialists' actor also discussed her approach to projects under her production banner. She emphasised a preference for works that are "either visually or emotionally provocative"."Usually, it's something that is either visually or emotionally provocative. And I don't mean that in a sexual way. I mean it in the sense that it provokes something that is different from what you see on TV right now or on streaming platforms. A lot of them are also female characters. So it's female-centric films where the woman is different from what you see, and complex and nuanced, and maybe an anti-hero that you love," she stated.Johnson previously dabbled in directing, with credits including Coldplay's music video 'Cry Cry Cry' and the short film 'Loser Baby'.On the film front, she was recently seen in 'Materialists', which released on June 13. She featured alongside Chris Evans and Pedro Pascal in the story. Her performance in the film received positive feedback, further solidifying her standing in the industry.- EndsMust Watch
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Economic Times
6 hours ago
- Economic Times
Is Madhavan giving up rom-coms? Maddy talks about his 'last romance'
Agencies From Lover Boy to Character-Driven Roles: Madhavan talks of retiring from romance R. Madhavan, widely acknowledged for his adaptability as an actor, first entered the Hindi film industry in 2001 with Rehnaa Hai Terre Dil Mein (RHTDM). Though the movie did not generate major success at the box office during its initial release, Madhavan's portrayal of the romantic lead, Maddy, earned him long-term admiration. Over time, he proved his range by balancing lead roles with darker, more complex characters. His filmography evolved across genres, demonstrating both emotional depth and sharp intensity. Now, in 2025, the seasoned actor has made headlines once again, this time for his recent release, Aap Jaisa Koi. The film premiered on July 11 and features Madhavan alongside Fatima Sana Shaikh. The duo is seen exploring themes of connection, age, and love through their on-screen characters. Madhavan's performance as Shrirenu Tripathi, a middle-aged professor, marks a turning point in his cinematic choices. In a candid interview with Just Too Filmy, Madhavan and Fatima shared insights into their creative processes while working on Aap Jaisa Koi. Madhavan, now 55, revealed what drew him to this specific role. He said the script resonated with where he is in life right now. Playing a mature character in a love story felt honest, and more importantly, it allowed him to portray romance without stretching mentioned that Aap Jaisa Koi might be his final venture into romantic narratives. For Madhavan, this was a farewell to roles like Maddy—a romantic youth—because the time felt right to transition into more age-aligned characters. His decision reflects a graceful acceptance of change and an understanding of how on-screen storytelling can remain impactful when it grows with the this year, in May 2025, Madhavan spoke to the Hollywood Reporter about how modern romantic films seem to lack the emotional depth of earlier eras. He noted that the charm and innocence once common in Bollywood love stories have become rare. Reflecting on his own journey, Madhavan acknowledged that while RHTDM didn't achieve commercial glory upon release, its emotional resonance has kept it alive in the hearts of fans. The film was, in fact, a Hindi adaptation of the Tamil hit Minnale, directed by Gautham a conversation with Filmfare , Madhavan also shared thoughts on what makes a romantic film work. According to him, a crucial part of bringing romance to life on screen lies in the natural rapport between co-actors. He said that chemistry isn't something that can be fabricated—it either exists or it doesn't. When it flows organically, it can elevate a scene far beyond the hinting at bidding adieu to romance, Madhavan's journey is far from slowing down. He will soon be seen in Dhurandhar, a multi-starrer slated for release on December 5, 2025. The film boasts a stellar cast including Ranveer Singh, Sanjay Dutt, Arjun Rampal, and Akshaye Khanna. Madhavan is expected to portray Ajit Doval, India's National Security Advisor, in what promises to be a gripping political is also set to lead the Tamil-language biopic GD Naidu, which tells the story of the iconic Indian inventor and industrialist. Joining him in this venture are actors Priyamani, Yogi Babu, and youthful romance to thought-provoking characters, R. Madhavan continues to evolve, selecting stories that mirror his own growth while challenging the limits of age and narrative tradition in Indian cinema.
Time of India
6 hours ago
- Time of India
Is Madhavan giving up rom-coms? Maddy talks about his 'last romance'
Choosing Age-Appropriate Stories Reflecting on the Changing Landscape of Romance in Cinema Onscreen Chemistry: A Subtle Science Looking Ahead: Bigger Projects on the Horizon R. Madhavan, widely acknowledged for his adaptability as an actor, first entered the Hindi film industry in 2001 with Rehnaa Hai Terre Dil Mein (RHTDM). Though the movie did not generate major success at the box office during its initial release, Madhavan's portrayal of the romantic lead, Maddy, earned him long-term admiration. Over time, he proved his range by balancing lead roles with darker, more complex characters. His filmography evolved across genres, demonstrating both emotional depth and sharp in 2025, the seasoned actor has made headlines once again, this time for his recent release, Aap Jaisa Koi . The film premiered on July 11 and features Madhavan alongside Fatima Sana Shaikh. The duo is seen exploring themes of connection, age, and love through their on-screen characters. Madhavan's performance as Shrirenu Tripathi, a middle-aged professor, marks a turning point in his cinematic a candid interview with Just Too Filmy, Madhavan and Fatima shared insights into their creative processes while working on Aap Jaisa Koi. Madhavan, now 55, revealed what drew him to this specific role. He said the script resonated with where he is in life right now. Playing a mature character in a love story felt honest, and more importantly, it allowed him to portray romance without stretching mentioned that Aap Jaisa Koi might be his final venture into romantic narratives. For Madhavan, this was a farewell to roles like Maddy—a romantic youth—because the time felt right to transition into more age-aligned characters. His decision reflects a graceful acceptance of change and an understanding of how on-screen storytelling can remain impactful when it grows with the this year, in May 2025, Madhavan spoke to the Hollywood Reporter about how modern romantic films seem to lack the emotional depth of earlier eras. He noted that the charm and innocence once common in Bollywood love stories have become rare. Reflecting on his own journey, Madhavan acknowledged that while RHTDM didn't achieve commercial glory upon release, its emotional resonance has kept it alive in the hearts of fans. The film was, in fact, a Hindi adaptation of the Tamil hit Minnale, directed by Gautham a conversation with Filmfare, Madhavan also shared thoughts on what makes a romantic film work. According to him, a crucial part of bringing romance to life on screen lies in the natural rapport between co-actors. He said that chemistry isn't something that can be fabricated—it either exists or it doesn't. When it flows organically, it can elevate a scene far beyond the hinting at bidding adieu to romance, Madhavan's journey is far from slowing down. He will soon be seen in Dhurandhar, a multi-starrer slated for release on December 5, 2025. The film boasts a stellar cast including Ranveer Singh, Sanjay Dutt, Arjun Rampal, and Akshaye Khanna. Madhavan is expected to portray Ajit Doval, India's National Security Advisor, in what promises to be a gripping political is also set to lead the Tamil-language biopic GD Naidu, which tells the story of the iconic Indian inventor and industrialist. Joining him in this venture are actors Priyamani, Yogi Babu, and youthful romance to thought-provoking characters, R. Madhavan continues to evolve, selecting stories that mirror his own growth while challenging the limits of age and narrative tradition in Indian cinema.
News18
13 hours ago
- News18
'Affordability Is Romance': Zohran Mamdani Blends Love With Politics
Zohran Mamdani is reshaping political campaigning by tying his Hinge love story with Rama Duwaji to policy. Zohran Mamdani, the son of filmmaker Mira Nair and scholar Mahmood Mamdani, has redefined political campaigning by blending his personal love story with public policy—an approach that resonates strongly with Gen Z voters. His romance with Rama Duwaji, which began on Hinge, has captivated a young audience since he began sharing it publicly. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Kaneez Surka (@kaneezsurka) As the Democratic nominee for mayor of New York City, Mamdani has artfully woven his relationship into his campaign messaging, using it to highlight the city's affordability crisis. In a conversation with comedian Kaneez Surka, he quipped, 'First of all, I found my wife on Hinge. So, it still works! Just to let people know!" More seriously, he expressed that New Yorkers are often caught in a relentless cycle of financial stress, leaving little time for meaningful connections. 'If you're always worried about rent or a metro fare," he said, 'the love of your life may currently be stressed about whether they can afford the most expensive city in the United States to find you!" Mamdani concluded, 'Affordability is about romance," a tagline that quickly struck a chord. His approach stands in stark contrast to the materialistic portrayals of love seen in films like Materialists, where romance is overshadowed by luxury—such as Dakota Johnson's character fixating on a million dollar penthouse. Mamdani's message is refreshingly anti-materialist: love thrives when people have the time, space and financial breathing room to nurture relationships. Mamdani didn't just publicise his relationship for political convenience—it is real and meaningful. He and Rama became engaged in December 2024 during a private rooftop ceremony near the Burj Khalifa in Dubai, followed by a civil ceremony early this year at the New York City Clerk's office, which he affectionately called 'my favourite building in New York." After facing criticism for initially keeping the relationship private, he responded firmly on Instagram: 'Three months ago, I married the love of my life, Rama, at the City Clerk's office. Now, right-wing trolls are trying to make this race—… about her. Rama isn't just my wife, she's an incredible artist who deserves to be known on her own terms. You can critique my views, but not my family." top videos View all Rama, a 27-year-old Syrian-American animator whose work often focuses on pro‑Palestinian themes, made her first campaign appearance after Mamdani's primary win against former Governor Andrew Cuomo. He publicly acknowledged her during his victory speech, saying, 'Rama, thank you," and kissing her hand. Overwhelmed, she later posted on Instagram, 'couldn't possibly be prouder," accompanied by a photo-strip and voting selfie of the couple. Ultimately, Mamdani's campaign underscores the intertwined nature of love and economics, particularly in a high-cost city like New York. By saying, 'Love is political. Politics is love," he invites voters to see his candidacy as proof that affordability and romance can—and should—go hand in hand. view comments Location : New Delhi, India, India First Published: July 10, 2025, 12:19 IST News lifestyle 'Affordability Is Romance': Zohran Mamdani Blends Love With Politics Disclaimer: Comments reflect users' views, not News18's. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.
