Latest news with #BadInfluence
India Today
26-05-2025
- Entertainment
- India Today
SEVENTEEN releases Happy Burstday album on 10th anniversary with solo tracks
K-pop's third-generation sensation SEVENTEEN turns 10. To mark their 10th anniversary, the 13-member group dropped their fifth studio album titled 'Happy Burstday', a wordplay for 'Birthday,' which also seems like a doorway to the group's upcoming artistry, which will be focused on more sub-groups and solo works as members embark on mandatory military service project includes solo songs from all 13 members - a first in their discography since their debut. The album, which features 16 tracks, includes the main single 'Thunder', representing the band's vibrant energy and artistic growth. Significantly, 'Bad Influence' was crafted, created, and produced by worldwide pop sensation Pharrell their solo songs, leader presented 'Jungle', a powerful and unrefined piece of music. Jeonghan presented 'Coincidence', a reflective composition. Joshua showcased 'Fortunate Change', emphasising his smooth vocals, while Jun presented 'Gemini', reflecting duality and self-reflection. The incredibly passionate Hoshi teamed up with Timbaland on 'Damage', merging K-pop with a global touch. Wonwoo's '99.9%' highlighted near-perfection and commitment, while SEVENTEEN's talented powerhouse Woozi's 'Fate' reflected on destiny and personal growth. DK introduced 'Happy Virus', an optimistic song intended to promote positivity, while Mingyu's 'Shake It Off' is a song against negativity, genuinely showcasing his character. The8's 'Skyfall' embodied ethereal and atmospheric qualities, while Seungkwan's 'Raindrops' stirred emotions of sadness and contemplation. Emphasising their unique talents, Vernon's 'Shining Star' discusses ambitions and excellence, while Dino wraps up with 'Trigger', a strong representation of beginnings and part of the fan [CARATs] engagement, SEVENTEEN organised a range of events called "B-DAY PARTY" from May 23 to May 25 at Banpo Hangang Park in Seoul, South Korea. The celebrations peaked with the 'BURST Stage' concert on May 25 at Jamsu Bridge, where the band delivered a live performance of 'Thunder', accompanied by fireworks lighting up the Han Watch
Metro
22-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Metro
Netflix movie racks up over 33 million views – but not everyone is convinced
Sophie-May Williams Published May 21, 2025 3:23pm Link is copied Comments If your idea of a perfect film involves ex-cons, James Bond-esque stunts and a 'will they or won't they' romantic line, Netflix's 'Bad Influence' might be for you. The 2025 Spanish movie, originally titled Mala influencia, has been a hit for the platform since its release earlier this month, racking up 33.2 million views. But such figures have not only catapulted it to number one on Netflix's most-watched films chart in the non-English section, it has also taken the lead by almost eight million views, ahead of Exterritorial (Picture: Netflix) So, what's all the fuss about? Based on a Wattpad story, a website where people can read and submit fiction, Bad Influence follows the unlikely duo of wealthy school girl and socialite, Reese, and the troubled orphaned ex-con, Eros. When Reese experiences a stalker, her father, Bruce, hires Eros to be her bodyguard - much to the teen's initial dismay (Picture: Netflix) Not to give too much away (and what you can already discern from the trailer), Reese tries to distance herself from Eros, worried that his presence is going to affect her popularity. Eros isn't the biggest fan of the set-up either, asking Reese if she really thinks his goal in life is to follow her everywhere (Picture: Netflix) However, as the film progresses - and the pair spend more time together - Reese can't ignore her feelings for Eros, despite her telling him his 'bad boy' persona is outdated. The chemistry is also obvious to Eros, too. But due to their differing backgrounds, and the fact that Eros was hired to protect Reese, not fall in love with her, will their relationship withstand the challenges they face? (Picture: Netflix) Even though Bad Influence is one of Netflix's trending films, its reviews aren't as positive. OnRotten Tomatoes, a review aggregation site, people criticised 'poorly' written characters, and thought the chemistry between Reese and Eros, played by Eléa Rochera and Alberto Olmo, could have been better. Others said the 'poor dubbing that often plagues foreign films' was partly to blame (Picture: Netflix) 'Paper thin plot line,' one person said, adding that the 'ending defies logic.' Another dubbed it as 'mediocre', suggesting that it could have been better if Eros's backstory was more prevalent. They said: 'I wish it was more intense and exciting but it came out simple. Recommend it to anyone who has nothing to watch.' On X, a different user suggested the film didn't hit the mark because the original story 'wasn't the literary work of the century to have the best adaptation' (Picture: Netflix) However, they said that 'what Netflix did with the movie is hair-raising.' Another viewer loved the movie just for Olmo, while someone else said that Mirela Balić's performance as Peyton was 'great'.They added that they wished her role had been bigger (Picture: Getty Images) For the against camp, another Rotten Tomatoes user said: 'It was like a puzzle with pieces from all different types of puzzles that just didn't fit at all. The storyline just wasn't strong, the characters [were] not properly developed & [there was] no great chemistry. It's like it tried to be a movie similar to some other great ones but it just severely missed the mark. Very disappointing' (Picture: Getty Images) Another viewer described it as a 'stereotypical romance movie,' featuring a 'bad boy and the good girl.' They continued: 'I felt the two main characters didn't have chemistry at all, and their interactions were lacklustre at most. It's a cheesy movie to watch with your girlfriends over take out and a bottle of wine and pretty much make fun of it the whole time. Yeah, that pretty much sums it up.' And finally - to end on a positive note - someone else penned: 'Good films make people happy. As a young woman, this film makes my day!' Have you seen this movie? Let us know your thoughts in the comments (Picture: Getty Images)
Time of India
21-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Time of India
Crib to Clickbait: How India's tiny 'kidfluencers' are growing up online
First, they won the pageant stage; then they shone on the silver screen — now, these pint-sized stars dazzle through our smartphones. Welcome to the era of the 'kidfluencer'. In today's social media age, the playground has become more of a virtual concept, with the excitement of swings and slides replaced by shares and sponsorships. Toddlers unbox toys for views, children share the stage with sponsored content and family vlogs transform bedtime routines into branded narratives. Complex world This is the evolving reality for today's kidfluencers. Some have barely hit adolescence and yet, they are already building brands and commanding audiences in millions, while navigating the complex world of content creation, parental management and online scrutiny. Dreams of becoming an astronaut have been replaced by ambitions of social media stardom. According to a 2024 survey by US-based tech website Hosting Advice, 37% of Gen Alpha kids (born 2010-2025) in India aspire to become social media influencers. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Kulkas yang belum Terjual dengan Harga Termurah (Lihat harga) Cari Sekarang Undo While precise figures can fluctuate, industry reports indicate that their primary revenue stream comes from sponsored content. In the US, brands allocate budgets ranging from $10,000 to $20,000 per sponsored post or video from successful kidfluencers. In fact, even a nano-influencer can get $600 per post. Following criticism, Instagram and TikTok have made it mandatory for users to be at least 13 years. But this rule is easily circumvented as children are already building online empires, guided by their parents, via 'momfluencers' or 'momagers' . Live Events Concerns about the safety of these youngsters have led governments across the world to take action, from Europe's strict GDPR to the US tightening controls on TikTok and child data collection. France has passed a law that safeguards child influencers' earnings and limits their working hours, while Australia has banned all children under 16 from using social media. In India, however, regulations remain a step behind, leaving young content creators vulnerable. These dynamics, fraught with both opportunities and pitfalls, echo the unsettling narratives explored in shows such as Adolescence and Bad Influence , where the digital world casts long shadows on young lives. What are the consequences of these blurred lines between childhood and online commerce? Brands are moving towards ethical, parent-driven narratives, balancing audience engagement with compliance, as authorities push clearer regulations Cradle to content India's digital landscape is teeming with young talent. According to influencer marketing platform Qoruz , the number of kid influencers (under 16) on Instagram in India reached 83,212 by March 2025, with a 41% growth from April 2024. These creators, predominantly girls (68.69%), command an average engagement rate of 3.17% and a reach of 1,20,000 per influencer. Microinfluencers (10K to 100K followers) dominate at 59.15%, reflecting a broad base of niche, engaged communities. Anantya Anand, better known as MyMissAnand, embodies the rise of the kidfluencers in India. 'I enjoy being in front of the camera,' she says, recalling how she began as a four-year-old encouraged by her mother. Anantya was eight when she got her first brand deal; today she's 16 and boasts of deals with Disney and Nestlé. 'It's a full-time job managing her account's content,' says her mother, Nisha Topwal. 'It's still a hit and trial strategy for us.' For many others in Anantya's space, the journey started with a love for performing, later guided by digitalsavvy parents. Alongside kidfluencers are the 'momfluencers', whose parenting content often features their children. According to Qoruz, India had over 3,79,265 parenting influencers on Instagram in India by March 2025. Women continue to lead this space, accounting for 63.59% of creators, reflecting their role as primary content drivers and household decision-makers. Avantika Bahuguna, a momfluencer and founder of Momsleague, says that her teenaged daughter occasionally features in her content, but only with her consent. As platforms tighten age restrictions, Bahuguna sees an opportunity: 'It's a great time to shift the spotlight back on us,' she says. Where law meets likes India's legal framework for social media age limits is evolving. The Digital Personal Data Protection Act (DPDPA) bars children under 18 from using social media. 'Parental consent will also be required, but currently all this has not been enforced,' says Mallika Noorani, senior partner at Parinam Law Associates . Until the DPDPA is notified, platforms such as Meta and YouTube rely on their global 'Terms of Use', setting 13 as the minimum age. Noorani notes, 'If a local law sets a higher age limit, that would take precedence.' This reliance on platform guidelines often leads to workarounds. Anantya Anand's account, for instance, is managed by her mother, Nisha. 'In India, I think it's after 16 or 18 that she can manage her own account, but currently it's managed by me,' Nisha explains. Rules that aim to protect kids' privacy and safety also end up being a challenge for creators and brands. For instance, YouTube's 'Made for Kids' label restricts personalised ads, affecting monetisation. Meta's stricter privacy settings limit reach and engagement of young influencers. Ethical responsibility is also key for brands targetingchildren. Manisha Kapoor, CEO and secretary general of the Advertising Standards Council of India (ASCI), stresses the importance of clear privacy laws, explicit consent for data collection and responsible, transparent marketing practices. 'This includes strict adherence to age restrictions on platforms and a shared responsibility between brands and guardians,' Kapoor states . Brands on alert Brands like Funskool India rely on kid and momfluencers for authentic storytelling. Its Instagram and Facebook campaigns focus on mothers to promote developmental play, aligning with child safety values. Philip Royappan, GM of sales and marketing, Funskool, believes that stricter age limits won't affect their strategy, as 'our collaborations are ISTOCK a Msei The legal framework for social media age limits is evolving. India's Digital Personal Data Protection Act bars children under 18 from using social media, but until this is notified, many platforms rely on their global 'Terms of Use', which sets 13 as the minimum age centred around parents'. The brand is also exploring content hubs and YouTube playlists for parents to stay compliant. 'Our campaigns focus on play value, not unboxing hype,' he adds, underscoring their commitment to responsible content. Meanwhile, since 2023, Unilever globally has tightened its rules on food and drink advertising, pledging to stop targeting children under 16 across all media. Its statement reads: 'A key part of this updated policy is the ban on using influencers, celebrities or social media stars who are under 16 or primarily appeal to that age group. The move aims to promote responsible marketing in the digital age and support parents.' Adding a broader perspective, Praanesh Bhuvaneswar, CEO of Qoruz, notes a global shift: 'Campaign briefs now often include explicit clauses about age verification and consent.' The price of influence But what about the psychological risks of social media on young minds? 'Being part of social media content from a young age can shape how they see themselves,' says Bahuguna. Stricter age limits could alleviate this pressure, giving kids the space to grow without a digital footprint. Anantya's detachment from comments — 'I've never really cared enough to go through them' — suggests a coping mechanism, but not all kids may be as insulated as she is. In Adole scence, for instance, the lead character was disturbed by online comments, once again showing how deeply such interactions can affect their mental health. As social media age limits tighten, the influencer ecosystem is at a crossroads. Kid inf luencers like Anantya may need to pause or pivot. Brands are already adapting with parent-focused campaigns and alternative platforms, ensuring compliance without sacrificing reach. But while platforms like Meta and YouTube change their global guidelines, India's regulatory bodies will need to consider the implications and the delicate balance between opportunity and exploitation for these young digital stars . Bhuvaneswar says, 'The future of influencer marketing will not just be about engagement metrics, but also about ethical storytelling and regulatory alignment. ' In India, where the kid influencer boom shows no signs of slowing, these changes signal a shift toward a safer, more responsible digital space — one where tiny stars can shine without burning out. All Work And No Play ■ While a specific market size for just kid influencers isn't readily available, the overall influencer market was valued at around ₹900 crore in 2022 and is projected to reach ₹2,200 crore by 2025. (The Print , 2022). Kid influencers are recognised as significant drivers in this market. ■ 37% per cent of Gen Alpha kids (born 2010-2025) in India aspire to become social media influencers. ( Hosting Advice Survey 2024). ■ 76% of children aged 14 to 15 in India use smartphones for social media. Kerala stands out, with over 90% of children in this age group and category. (ASER Report 2025).
Time of India
11-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Time of India
Mala Influencia (Bad Influence, 2025) ending explained: Who was stalking Reese and did she end up together with Eros?
Mala Influencia (Bad Influence, 2025) ending explained: Chloe Wallace's Mala Influencia, or Bad Influence in English (not to be mistaken for the 1990 film of the same name), premiered on Netflix on May 9. The film may be messy, over-the-top, and far from subtle, but it sure knows how to keep viewers hooked until the very end. With twists involving secret pasts, revenge, and a tangled web of guilt and grief, the ending leaves a lot to unpack. Here's what really happened in the final act of Netflix's new romantic thriller. Mala Influencia (Bad Influence, 2025) synopsis Mala Influencia, which marks Chloe Wallace's directorial debut, is based on a Wattpad story. Set in Spain, it follows Reese Russell (Eléa Rochera), the rebellious daughter of a wealthy businessman, and Eros (Alberto Olmo), a mysterious ex-convict hired to be her bodyguard after a stalker begins threatening her. While it begins as an arrangement against her wish, Reese soon finds herself drawn to Eros. It soon turns into a complicated romance as the two grow closer, despite warnings and secrets lurking in the background. As Eros dives deeper into Reese's life, he uncovers disturbing truths linking their pasts. Mala Influencia (Bad Influence, 2025) ending explained: Here's all you need to know Who was stalking Reese? From the start, Mala Influencia teases the idea that Reese is being watched. The initial suspect is her ex-boyfriend Raul, who has plenty of reasons to hold a grudge. He has clearly not moved on and always finds reasons to belittle Reese while also being a little too obsessed with her. But as the story unfolds, it becomes clear that Raul is a red herring. His alibi checks out, and the real threat has been hiding in plain sight. The stalker turns out to be Peyton, Eros's close friend, who had been posing as someone else the entire time. While she told Eros she had a job in a bar, she was actually working as a cleaner at Reese's school, giving her easy access to monitor her target. Why did Peyton kill Bruce? Peyton's motives are rooted in her past. Her mother worked at Bruce's restaurant and died in the same tragic fire that killed Eros' parents. The incident was caused by inadequate safety measures at the restaurant, something Bruce had quietly tried to atone for by supporting Eros financially over the years. But for Peyton, there was no closure, and all she desired was revenge. By inserting herself into Reese's life, Peyton hoped to bring Bruce's world crashing down, just like her own had years ago. Whether she ever intended to seriously harm Reese is left ambiguous, but her obsession with revenge ultimately spirals out of control. The big confrontation and Bruce's death As Eros uncovers the painful truth about his parents' deaths and Bruce's role in it, he also realises Peyton is behind the threats. He tries to talk her down, urging her to choose forgiveness over vengeance. But Peyton refuses to let go of her anger. In a devastating moment, she shoots Bruce dead. In a shocking turn, it's revealed that Reese's mother also passed away in the same deadly fire, and her father lied to her all these years. Reese is left to mourn the loss of her father, despite their difficult relationship, she loved him. Did Reese and Eros get their happily ever after? In the final scenes, Eros and Reese try to move forward. Reese gets accepted into a dance company, and Eros joins her on stage in a quiet, redemptive moment. The film closes with a sense of closure, suggesting that even after so much pain and chaos, there's room for healing and hope.
Daily Mirror
08-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Mirror
Elite star's new Netflix thriller is being called ‘the worst movie ever'
A hot and heavy Spanish thriller is being added to Netflix this Friday, but is it worth a watch? Netflix is gearing up to drop a Spanish thriller that's got stars from the streaming giant's hottest series - but are the critics giving it the thumbs up? This sizzling crime drama first hit screens in Spain this January, and let's just say the feedback was a bit of a mixed bag. The plot heats up when posh heiress Reese (played by Eléa Rochera) gets a new protector, the brooding ex-con Eros (Alberto Olmo). But sparks fly and they can't deny the chemistry. They're soon digging up old skeletons to try and save what they've got. And for an extra dash of spice, the cast includes some of Netflix's Spanish darlings like Elite's Mirela Balić and Money Heist's Enrique Arce, reports the Express. Mala influencia (or Bad Influence for us English speakers) hits Netflix this coming Friday (9th May), and if you believe the early word on the street, it might just be the guilty pleasure you need to kick off your weekend. One scathing IMDb critique didn't hold back: "Mala Pelicula would have been a more appropriate name for this film. Look, I went into Mala Influencia expecting scandal, suspense, maybe a dramatic betrayal or two-and what I got was an over-filtered fever dream that thinks it's smarter than it is. "If you've ever wondered what would happen if a Lifetime movie and an Instagram influencer's highlight reel had a baby, this is it. "The leads do their best, but they're let down by dialogue that sounds like it was pulled from a TikTok argument and plot twists that can be spotted from a mile away. The pacing drags in the middle and rushes the ending, leaving key motivations murky and unresolved." Some glowing Google reviews have hailed it as "a very well-conducted romantic thriller with an unexpected ending" and praised it as "a great movie" brimming with "a lot of drama and romance". Yet, not all cinema enthusiasts were charmed, with Bad Influence also garnering a slew of harsh one-star critiques. One disgruntled filmgoer lamented: "I could say that it is one of the worst movies I have seen in a long time. "An hour and a half that seemed eternal. Pointless scenes to shoehorn in all the teenage clichés. Plots that are not understood, absurd dialogues." Another vented their irritation: "Bad no, very bad. No sense, no connection between actors, the dialogues seem like WhatsApp conversations, the plot makes no sense... "The best thing was the trailer, which basically summarizes the entire film and dialogues, you don't even need to watch the film, you save an hour and a half of your life." And yet another exasperated viewer declared: "The worst movie I have ever seen in my life, I don't know what is worse if the actors or the script, according to my partner who read the book they have not done anything like it." So, is Bad Influence a case of so-bad-it's-good, or is it just a cinematic disaster? It's hitting Netflix this weekend for those brave enough to take the plunge and find out for themselves. Bad Influence will be released Friday, 9th May on Netflix.
