Latest news with #Azadi
Express Tribune
3 days ago
- Politics
- Express Tribune
Quit PTI, if you can't withstand pressure, Imran tells party leaders
Listen to article PTI's incarcerated founder Imran Khan has delivered a clear message to his party's leadership: Either withstand mounting pressure or part ways with the party, according to PTI's legal spokesperson Naeem Haider Panjutha. Speaking to the media outside Adiala Jail on Saturday, Panjutha alleged that the judiciary has become totally subservient to the government, and that the objectives behind the 26th Constitutional Amendment have become abundantly clear as PTI leaders and supporters are being convicted and disqualified. About Saturday's proceedings of the Toshakhana 2 case, Panjutha said that the hearing was scheduled to take place inside Adiala Jail but could not proceed as planned. "Only some of the legal representatives were granted access, while others were barred from attending. As a result, no substantive proceedings occurred," he said. He added that former first lady Bushra Bibi boycotted the hearing in protest. Panjutha recalled Imran as saying during the meeting: 'Truth ultimately prevails, while falsehood is destined to fail.' The jailed PTI founder further claimed that Anti-Terrorism Court (ATC) judges and others are acting in concert with the government, withholding CCTV footage related to the events of May 9. Panjutha pointed to the sentencing of MNA Latif Chitrali as evidence of what he described as a broader campaign to disqualify elected PTI lawmakers. 'If senior leaders like Yasmin Rashid and Shah Mahmood Qureshi were to leave the party today, they would likely be released,' he claimed. Drawing parallels with past judicial controversies, Panjutha alleged that former chief justice Saqib Nisar had played a role similar to that of Justice Munir in undermining judicial independence. He further criticised the electoral appeals process, claiming it is being overseen by the same Election Commission of Pakistan officials allegedly involved in electoral malpractice. According to Panjutha, Imran has directed the party to adopt a strategy of peaceful resistance, rejecting any further confrontation or violence. 'The chairman has made it clear: no more bullets. Our protests will now be peaceful,' he said. 'He will personally lead the movement from behind bars, as all other democratic avenues have been closed.' Imran, Panjutha added, considers himself a prisoner for the cause of 'Haqiqi Azadi' (real freedom). He added that all political forces believing in human rights will be invited to join PTI's protest movement. 'Participation is voluntary,' he said, 'but the movement will proceed with or without them.'
Indian Express
24-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Indian Express
Azadi movie review: Sreenath Bhasi's jailbreak drama struggles to break free of clichés, is shackled to a terrible twist
Azadi movie review: Jailbreak movies are inherently more intriguing compared to other crime thrillers. The stakes are usually higher, since the odds of the master plan succeeding are incredibly slim; there's also a cat-and-mouse element, with the police hot on the trail of the escapees. This not only creates ample potential for thrilling moments but also forces the filmmakers to craft airtight narratives. Debutant director Jo George's Azadi is, at its core, a jailbreak drama where the stakes are incredibly high. Or, as Raghu (Sreenath Bhasi) puts it while explaining his plan to his teammates, 'There's a 99 per cent chance this will fail.' Yet, he, along with his father-in-law Sivan (Lal) and a band of commoners, embarks on a mission that could cost them all their Azadi (freedom) forever. In prison for murdering the son of an influential p0litician, Ganga (Raveena Ravi) was spared from the death penalty solely because she was pregnant at the time of her conviction. Although she is relatively safe within the prison walls, Mohan (Boban Samuel) is waiting for the right opportunity to avenge his son's death. Meanwhile, Raghu and Sivan are on the outside, devising a master plan to help Ganga escape once and for all, with the help of their lawyer, Advocate Gangadhara Menon (TG Ravi). Knowing that rescuing her directly from prison is impossible, they plan to make their move when she is transferred to Kottayam Medical College to give birth to her child. To execute the plan, they rope in four people: Pappan (Rajesh Sharma), Jinu (Abin Bino), Sathyan (Abhiram Radhakrishnan), and a doctor at the medical college (Gilu Joseph). Once Ganga is admitted to the hospital, they begin setting their plan in motion. Despite their efforts to keep everything under wraps, the police learns about the scheme. Enter the sharp and formidable Rani IPS (Vani Viswanath), determined to ensure that Ganga is returned to jail immediately after delivery. With increased security and a hospital swarming with thousands of people, how will Ganga be rescued? From the very beginning, Azadi makes it clear that it's going to prioritise drama over thrills, and writer Sagar and director Jo George remain committed to that till the very end. Even when the narrative veers into thriller territory, the filmmakers resist the temptation. By fixing Azadi's roots firmly in drama, Jo and Sagar consistently aim to tug at the audiences' heartstrings; unfortunately, these attempts don't always work as intended. In fact, several moments come across as overly dramatic, largely due to heavy-handed dialogues. The same issue crops up in the film's tense scenes. Though Sagar manages to maintain a generally organic narrative flow, several scenes feel undercooked. Whether it's Raghu's desperation to see the plan succeed, Sivan's helplessness, or the others' fear of getting nabbed, the writing frequently falls short due to an overreliance on unpolished dialogues. If not for the actors' good performances, the film would have struggled even more. Jo George shows promise in his debut outing, but Azadi would have benefited from a brisker pace. While Noufal Abdullah's editing helps preserve the film's core essence, complemented by Varun Unni's superb music, a tighter cut could have eliminated many repetitive moments, especially the repeated scenes of the police confidently declaring that 'the problems are solved and the situation is under control' when things clearly aren't. And then, there's the pointless subplot featuring Saiju Kurup. (Spoilers ahead) The film's climactic twist, meanwhile, is one of its biggest letdowns. Rather than elevating the story or compensating for its earlier shortcomings, the twist feels extremely contrived. Given Ganga's sad backstory and the impending threat to her life, the twist undermines the emotional build-up; the movie would have been better off if the twist had been avoided entirely. Sreenath Bhasi shines as the protagonist, especially in scenes that require subtlety and restraint. In moments when his character is emotionally and spiritually crushed by the police, Bhasi convincingly portrays both Raghu's suffering and humility in tandem, adding the necessary layers to his role. Though his dialect initially feels inconsistent, as if he's struggling to find the right tone, it becomes clear after the climactic twist why he chose that tactic, and it ultimately pays off. Though Vani Viswanath's aura is incomparable and she magnificently commands every frame she's in, her character is poorly written. Beyond a few 'punch' dialogues with a Tamil touch, Vani is given little else to work with. Lal, as the ageing distressed father with a dark past, is perfect in his role; though his performance could have been elevated further with stronger dialogues. Raveena Ravi delivers a standout portrayal as the speech-impaired, pregnant Ganga, capturing both vulnerability and quiet strength. Azadi movie cast: Sreenath Bhasi, Vani Viswanath, Saiju Kurup, Lal, Raveena Ravi Azadi movie director: Jo George Azadi movie rating: 2 stars Anandu Suresh is a Senior sub-editor at Indian Express Online. He specialises in Malayalam cinema, but doesn't limit himself to it and explores various aspects of the art form. He also pens a column titled Cinema Anatomy, where he delves extensively into the diverse layers and dimensions of cinema, aiming to uncover deeper meanings and foster continuous discourse. Anandu previously worked with The New Indian Express' news desk in Hyderabad, Telangana. You can follow him on Twitter @anandu_suresh_ and write (or send movie recommendations) to him at ... Read More
Mint
22-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Mint
Detective Ujjwalan 2025 release date: Everything we know about Dhyan Sreenivasan's thriller
The upcoming Malayalam thriller, Detective Ujjwalan will be soon entertaining audiences. Starring Dhyan Sreenivasan, the film teaser was unveiled last year. The film was initially scheduled to release in theatres on May 16. However, it was later postponed for reasons unknown. Detective Ujjwalan will now hit the big screens on May 23. It will be clashing with Tovino Thomas' Narivetta, Indrajith Sukumaran's Mr & Mrs Bachelor, Ranjith Sajeev's United Kingdom of Kerala and Sreenath Bhasi's Azadi. Going by the two-minute teaser released by the makers, Detective Ujjwalan is set in the fictional village of Plaachikkaavu, free from crime and problems. However, the peace of the village is disturbed when a series of gruesome murders takes place by someone called 'Boogeyman'. Amid these murders, detective Ujjwalan is called to solve the case. While he looks into the case, an investigation team reaches too. While Ujjwalan's efforts are not taken seriously initially, he remains optimistic about uncovering the real identity of the murderer. The trailer hints at a fast-paced narrative filled with unexpected twists, blending suspense with comedy to keep viewers engaged throughout the thrilling chase. 'Presenting the official trailer of Detective Ujjwalan, starring Dhyan Sreenivasan in the titular role. Produced by Sophia Paul under the banner of Weekend Blockbusters and directed by Indraneel Gopeekrishnan & Rahul G, this film marks the second installment of the Weekend Cinematic Universe,' read the trailer description on YouTube. Actor Dhyan Sreenivasan plays Ujjwalan in the film. Siju Wilson, Rony David, Kottayam Nazeer, Seema G Nair, Kalabhavan Navas, Ameen, Nihaal Nizam, Nirmal Palazhy, Josy Sijo, Nibraz Noushad, and Shahubas are also a part of the film cast. Detective Ujjwalan is two hours and four minutes long. The film received a U/A rating. It is helmed by Rahul G and Indraneel Gopeekrishnan who will be marking their directorial debut with the film. It is backed by Sophia Paul under the Weekend Blockbusters label. While the makers are yet to reveal details about the film's post-theatrical streaming rights, previously Dhyan's films like Varshangalkku Shesham and Malayalee From India rights were acquired by SonyLIV. Similarly, Detective Ujjwalan is likely to land on a popular OTT platform as well.
Al Jazeera
19-05-2025
- Politics
- Al Jazeera
‘Fear is real': Why young Kashmiris are removing tattoos of guns, ‘freedom'
Srinagar, Indian-administered Kashmir – In a quiet laser clinic in Indian-administered Kashmir's biggest city, Srinagar, Sameer Wani sits with his arm stretched out, his eyes following the fading ink on his skin. The word 'Azadi' (freedom in Urdu), once a bold symbol of rebellion against India's rule, slowly disappears under the sting of the laser. What was once a mark of defiance has become a burden he no longer wants to carry. As Sameer, 28, watches the ink vanish, his mind drifts to a day he will never forget. He was riding his motorbike with a friend when Indian security forces stopped them at a checkpoint. During the frisking, one of the officers pointed to the tattoo on his arm and asked, 'What is this?' Sameer's heart raced. 'I was lucky he couldn't read Urdu,' he tells Al Jazeera, his voice tinged with the memory. 'It was a close call. I knew right then that this tattoo could get me into serious trouble.' When he was younger, he said, the tattoo was a 'sign of strength, of standing up for something'. 'But now I see it was a mistake. It doesn't represent who I am any more. It's not worth carrying the risk, and it's not worth holding on to something that could hurt my future.' Sameer is one of many young Kashmiris choosing to erase tattoos that once reflected their political beliefs, emotional struggles or identity. Once worn with pride, the tattoos are now being removed in growing numbers across the region – quietly and without fanfare. While a trend to remove tattoos was already under way, the urgency has deepened since India and Pakistan – who have fought three wars over Kashmir since emerging as independent nations in 1947 – came to the brink of yet another war following the killing of 26 people in the scenic resort town of Pahalgam in Indian-administered Kashmir last month. New Delhi accuses Islamabad of backing an armed rebellion that erupted on the Indian side in 1989. Pakistan rejects the allegation, saying it only provides moral diplomatic support to Kashmir's separatist movement. Two weeks after Pahalgam, India, on May 7, launched predawn drone and missile attacks on what it called 'terror camps' inside Pakistan and Pakistan-administered Kashmir – the most extensive cross-border missile strikes since their war in 1971. For the next three days, the world held its breath as the South Asian nuclear powers exchanged fire until United States President Donald Trump announced a ceasefire between them on May 10. However, peace remains fragile in Indian-administered Kashmir, where a crackdown by Indian forces has left the region gripped by fear. Homes of suspected rebels have been destroyed, others have been raided, and more than 1,500 people have been arrested since the Pahalgam attack, many under preventive detention laws. In such a tense atmosphere, many Kashmiri youth say they feel exposed – and more vulnerable to scrutiny over even the most personal forms of expression. 'Every time something happens between India and Pakistan, we feel it on our skin – literally,' Rayees Wani, 26, a resident of Shopian district, tells Al Jazeera. 'I have a tattoo of Hurriyat leader Syed Ali Shah Geelani's name on my arm, and after the Pahalgam attack, I started getting strange looks at checkpoints,' he said, referring to the separatist leader who passed away at the age of 91 in 2021. The Hurriyat is an alliance of pro-freedom groups in Indian-administered Kashmir. 'Even my friends ask me uncomfortable questions. The media, police, and even the neighbours start looking at you differently,' Rayees added. 'I just wish people understood that a tattoo doesn't define someone's loyalty or character. We are just trying to live, not explain ourselves every day. I want to erase this as soon as possible.' Arsalan, 19, from Pulwama recently booked a tattoo removal session. He did not share his last name over fears of reprisal from the authorities. 'People with visible tattoos – especially those hinting at past political affiliations – are suddenly worried they could be profiled, questioned – or worse,' he said. To be sure, tattoo culture itself isn't fading in Kashmir. Tattoo studios are still busy, especially with clients aged between 22 and 40, many of whom wait for hours to get inked. But the trend has shifted; instead of political or religious tattoos, people now prefer minimalistic designs, nature-inspired patterns, names or meaningful quotes in stylish fonts. Some Kashmiris trying to get rid of tattoos say that's part of their personal evolution and growth. 'For me, it was about being brave,' Irfan Yaqoob from Baramulla district told Al Jazeera. Now 36, Yaqoob got a slain rebel's name tattooed on his left arm when he was a teenager. 'Back then, it felt like a symbol of courage. But now, when I look at it, I realise how much I have changed. Life has moved on, and so have I. I have a family, a job, and different priorities. I don't want my past to define me or create trouble in the present. That's why I decided to get it removed. It's not about shame. It's about growth,' he said. It isn't just the security forces that are driving this move among many Kashmiris to get rid of tattoos. For some, tattoos became painful reminders of a turbulent past. For others, they turned into obstacles, especially when they tried to move ahead professionally or wanted to align the inscription on their bodies with their personal beliefs. Anas Mir, who also lives in Srinagar, had a tattoo of a sword with 'Azadi' written over it. He got it removed a few weeks ago. 'People don't clearly say why they are removing tattoos. I removed mine only because of pressure from my family,' the 25-year-old said. 'It's my choice what kind of tattoo I want. No one should judge me for it. If someone had an AK-47 or a political tattoo, that was their choice. The authorities or government shouldn't interfere. And yes, tattoo trends also change with time,' he added, referring to the Russian-made Avtomat Kalashnikova assault rifles, arguably the most popular firearm in the world. One of the key reasons behind people removing tattoos is religion. In a Muslim-majority region, tattoos, especially those carrying religious or political messages, could often conflict with the faith's teachings. Faheem, 24, had a Quranic verse tattooed on his back when he was 17. 'At that time, I thought it was an act of faith,' he told Al Jazeera, without revealing his last name over security fears. 'But later, I realised that tattoos – especially with holy verses – are not encouraged [in Islam]. It started to bother me deeply. I felt guilty every time I offered namaz [prayers] or went to the mosque. That regret stayed with me. Getting it removed was my way of making peace with myself and with my faith.' Many others said they shared the feeling. Some visit religious scholars to ask whether having tattoos affects their prayers or faith. While most are advised not to dwell on past actions, they are encouraged to take steps that bring them closer to their beliefs. 'It's not about blaming anyone,' said Ali Mohammad, a religious scholar in Srinagar. 'It's about growth and understanding. When someone realises that something they did in the past doesn't align with their beliefs any more, and they take steps to correct it, that's a sign of maturity, not shame.' Another key factor driving tattoo removals is job security. In Kashmir, government jobs are seen as stable and prestigious. But having a tattoo, especially one with political references, can create problems during recruitment or background checks. Talib, who disclosed his first name only, had a tattoo of a Quranic verse shaped like an AK-47 rifle on his forearm. When he applied for a government position, a family friend in law enforcement hinted it might be an issue. 'He didn't say it directly, but I could tell he was worried,' said the 25-year-old. 'Since then, I have been avoiding half-sleeve shirts. I got many rejections and no one ever gave a clear reason, but deep down, I knew the tattoo was a problem. It felt like a wall between me and my future.' As the demand for tattoo removal rises, clinics in Srinagar and other parts of Indian-administered Kashmir are seeing a steady increase in clients. Laser sessions, once rare, are now booked weeks in advance. Mubashir Bashir, a well-known tattoo artist in Srinagar who also runs a tattoo removal service, said: 'After a popular singer's death in 2022, the trend of AK-47 tattoos exploded,' Bashir said. Punjabi singer Sidhu Moose Wala, whose music often glorified guns, was killed in May 2022. Police blamed his death on an inter-gang rivalry. 'But now, especially after the Pahalgam attack, we are seeing more people coming in to erase those tattoos. The fear is real,' Mubashir said. He estimated that tens of thousands of tattoos have been removed in the region over the past seven years, since 2019, when India abrogated Kashmir's semi-autonomous status and launched a major crackdown, arresting thousands of civilians. 'Some say the tattoo no longer represents them. Others mention problems at work or while travelling,' Mubashir said. Laser tattoo removal isn't easy. It requires multiple sessions, costs thousands of rupees and can be painful. Even after successful removal, faint scars or marks often remain. But for many Kashmiris, the pain is worth it. Sameer, whose 'Azadi' tattoo is almost gone, remembers the emotional weight of the process. 'I didn't cry when I got the tattoo,' he says. 'But I cried when I started removing it. It felt like I was letting go of a part of myself.' Still, Sameer believes it was the right choice. 'It's not about shame,' he says. 'I respect who I was. But I want to grow. I want to live without looking over my shoulder.' As he finishes another laser session, a faint scar is all that is left of the word that is Kashmir's war-cry for freedom. 'I will never forget what that tattoo meant to me when I was 18,' Sameer says as he rolls down his sleeve. 'But now, I want to be someone new. I want a life where I don't carry old shadows.'
Time of India
18-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Time of India
Azadi OTT Release: Where to watch Sreenath Bhasi and Vani Vishwanath's Malayalam film online after theatres
Azadi OTT Release: Sreenath Bhasi's upcoming Malayalam film may still be gearing up for its big-screen debut on May 23, but fans who prefer streaming from the comfort of home won't have to wait long. The makers have already locked in ManoramaMAX as the OTT platform for the film's digital release. That's right, unlike many Malayalam films that wait until after the theatrical run to sort out streaming deals, Azadi has managed to tie up its digital rights even before hitting cinemas. This is a rare move in the current Malayalam film industry, where movies usually wait to see how they perform at the box office before landing an OTT partner. Only a few other titles, like Officer on Duty and Thudarum, managed the same. If trends are anything to go by, Azadi is expected to drop on Manorama Max about four weeks after its theatrical release, so you can likely stream it by late June. What is Azadi all about? Azadi is not your everyday drama. This one's a jail thriller unfolding inside a hospital and blending themes of survival, justice, and revenge. The trailer hints at some intense drama where we see veteran actor Lal playing a father on a mission for justice, while Raveena, a renowned voice artist, plays a pregnant prisoner accused of killing a political leader's son in cold blood. Sreenath Bhasi leads the film with a dark, brooding performance, and actress Vani Viswanath plays a strong, no-nonsense cop, a role that harks back to her iconic performances in films like The King and Black Daliya. The supporting cast also includes Saiju Kurup, Vijayakumar, Mala Parvathi, Gilu Joseph, Abhiram Radhakrishnan, TG Ravi and Rajesh Sharma among others. Who's behind Azadi? Azadi is the directorial debut of Jo George, with its screenplay coming from writer Sagar, known for films like Veekam and Sathyam Mathrame Bodhippikku. The project is produced by Faizal Raja under the Little Crew Production banner, with Remis Raja and Resmi Faizal as co-producers. This Varun Unni musical is cinematographed by Saneesh Stanly and edited by Noufal Abdullah.
