Latest news with #BeingHuman
Indian Express
7 days ago
- Entertainment
- Indian Express
Sikandar: Anurag Kashyap's right; Bollywood is doomed if stars like Salman Khan enable the Snapchat-ification of cinema
While Tom Cruise dangles off World War II biplanes and redefines movie stardom for the 21st century, Salman Khan is celebrated for simply showing up to work. This, in essence, is why our mainstream cinema can never compete. Both Cruise and Salman have attained demi-god status, but at this point, Bhai's bracelet has a bigger screen presence than him. Watched mere days after Mission: Impossible – The Final Reckoning, Salman's latest film, Sikandar, feels more disheartening than it may have appeared when it was released in theatres. It's the most recent example of how mainstream Bollywood is pandering to the audience's perceived demands, instead of challenging them to keep up. Sikandar is made up of around 500 equally nonsensical plots, which are introduced and executed in 10-minute bursts of maniacal disregard for the tenets of moviemaking. It's like micro-dosing on Being Human deodorant; you're going to come out the other side either with a vaguely foreign accent, or you're going to become obsessed with finding doppelgängers of your ex-partners. Starring Salman as the king Sanjay Rajkot, Sikandar mutilates the very idea of cinema with its ineptly edited, lazily written, and lethargically acted brand of storytelling. Also read – Chhaava: Vicky Kaushal's worrisome streak hits an all-time low; who'll take responsibility for inciting violence? Had even a single character displayed real human behaviour, Sikandar would be very different from what it is now, populated as it is by fools. For instance, if Saishri — that's Sanjay's wife, played by Rashmika Mandanna — had simply been truthful with him about matters that needn't be lied about in the first place, the movie wouldn't exist at all. It is only because she lies about the threat to his life that she loses her own. But fridging — this is when a female character is murdered or maimed purely as an excuse for their male counterpart to evolve — isn't even at the pinnacle of this film's problems, even though it's becoming a bit of a staple in director AR Murugadoss' movies. What happens after Saishri's death is so bizarre that even writers Hussain and Abbas Dalal, who've been failing upwards for years, couldn't explain it. Sanjay is told that his wife had signed up to become an organ donor. And so, like Naomi Watts' character from 21 Grams, he tracks down the three individuals who received Saishri's eyes, lungs, and heart, and convinces himself that she is still alive (in a way). This might have been believable had Murugadoss made the slightest effort to tell us that Sanjay's brain has been broken by grief. But he barely had a relationship with his wife at all. In fact, during the entire 45 minutes of Sikandar in which she's alive, they behave like they're on a first date. Although Sanjay has no real job, besides being a royal, he has no time for her. She doesn't seem to mind, though; as she says several times, she's just glad that he picked her to be his wife. 'I'm so grateful to be chosen by a man who never wanted to get married in the first place,' she says without a hint of irony. Little does Saishri know that Murugadoss has other plans for her. It's quite obvious that he endorses S Shankar's opinions about the ever-evolving nature of Indian cinema. Before the release of his film Game Changer, Shankar bragged that his editor has cut the movie for an audience whose attention span crumbles after 10 minutes. In a separate interview, Anurag Kashyap said that several filmmakers these days are using the grammar of Instagram Reels in constructing their movies. 'Filmmakers were chefs, now they're becoming caterers,' he told The Hollywood Reporter India, shaking his head at Shankar's comments. Now, contrast this with what Seth Rogen and Evan Goldberg — the directors and co-creators of the excellent Apple comedy series The Studio — said about the same problem. The Studio is unusually flashy for a half-hour workplace comedy; the show is filmed in glorious long takes, and has been made to look like it was shot on film stock. Asked about these creative choices in an episode of The Town podcast, Rogen and Goldberg said that long takes force the viewer to pay attention. They're training the audience's brain, in real time, to not anticipate any cuts. With no traditional editing pattern that they can predict, viewers are conditioned to be more attentive. Rogen and Goldberg — comedy geniuses that they are, they were never known for being visual stylists — are addressing the same issues as directors such as Shankar and Murugadoss, but instead of dumbing themselves down, they're nudging us to keep up with them. What they're doing for television is similar to what Cruise is doing for big screen moviemaking. And the proof is in the phirni. The Final Reckoning will probably end up making more money than Sikandar in India. And Cruise didn't even have to wave at crowds in a Ghaziabad mall, or shake a leg on Bigg Boss, or get asked about the hotness of others by Karan Johar. If the thought of marriage doesn't send a shiver down Salman Khan's spine, this information certainly would. Read more – Jewel Thief – The Heist Begins: How many times will Saif Ali Khan facilitate the destruction of Bollywood (after restoring it)? But the man has no fear; he's been releasing flop after flop for the better part of a decade, and yet, Sikandar is what he thought would turn things around for him. Is this a story that absolutely needed to be told? Is he pushing himself in any way, besides, perhaps, getting out of bed? He does, after all, act like he's doing us a favour by showing up to work. And even that is up in the air; his last co-star, Pooja Hegde, said that she often has to deliver her lines to a dupe. Bare minimum, she said, is what she expects from her male co-stars. It's perhaps a good thing that women have nothing to do in these movies; it saves them from the indignity of acting opposite a wall for two hours. Sikandar is also guilty of doing something else that Kashyap (rightly) pointed out. He wondered why Tamil filmmakers, in particular, are sanctioning songs with English lyrics. Anirudh Ravichander is the crown prince of creating gibberish that passes for movie music these days. His influence can be felt all over Sikandar's soundtrack. The film's main theme feels like it was written by a child as a homework assignment. 'Show me a crown without a leader in his jewels,' one part goes. What? In addition to the Snapchat-ification of storytelling, movies like this are also responsible for the Reel-ification of music. Sikandar is most definitely a caterer, and a bad one at that; the sort of caterer about whom mausaji will complain about for years. In catering to demands, it craters creatively. Post Credits Scene is a column in which we dissect new releases every week, with particular focus on context, craft, and characters. Because there's always something to fixate about once the dust has settled. Rohan Naahar is an assistant editor at Indian Express online. He covers pop-culture across formats and mediums. He is a 'Rotten Tomatoes-approved' critic and a member of the Film Critics Guild of India. He previously worked with the Hindustan Times, where he wrote hundreds of film and television reviews, produced videos, and interviewed the biggest names in Indian and international cinema. At the Express, he writes a column titled Post Credits Scene, and has hosted a podcast called Movie Police. You can find him on X at @RohanNaahar, and write to him at He is also on LinkedIn and Instagram. ... Read More
Daily Mirror
12-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Mirror
Robson Green gives ultra-rare insight into relationship with son
Taking on a new sinister role for Paramount+ in The Game, Robson Green had a great time filming for the thriller in Spain. His son, Taylor, 25, was even able to join him. Robson Green flew abroad for his latest project. But amid his hectic filming schedule, he managed to find some downtime with his son, Taylor, 25. The actor, 60, it portraying a mysterious newcomer in Paramount's new thriller The Game alongside Sunetra Sarker and his former Being Human co-star, Jason Watkins. Here, Jason plays Huw, a retired detective still tormented by the case he never cracked - the Ripton Stalker. Years earlier, the serial killer narrowly evaded capture, leaving Huw with nothing but the memory of their voice - and a haunting sense of failure. Despite the series' dark subject matter, the shoot itself was anything but grim. Filming in Spain felt like a summer adventure for the cast, with daily group drives to set and plenty of off-camera laughs. 'It felt like going to summer school,' Sunetra says, 'We were living like students.' A lively WhatsApp group kept the fun going. Robson Green jokes: 'I'm glad you don't have eyes on it!' The Basque Country provided another major perk: incredible food. 'Many a Spanish meal was had in the Basque Country,' Robson says, 'I was certainly well looked after.' He even got to share the experience with Taylor, who visited him during filming. 'We spent time in San Sebastian and the Guggenheim Museum in Bilbao,' he says, 'He's a history nut so he loved it!' Robson shares Taylor with his ex-wife Vanya Seager, to whom he was married from 2001 to 2013. And though Taylor is rarely seen in the public eye, Robson has often said they share an "extremely close" bond. More than anything, Robson was thrilled to work with Jason again. When his agent mentioned Jason's involvement, he signed up immediately for The Game. 'I love reconnecting with people I've worked with before,' Robson says, 'Watching their careers and journeys from afar, it's a joy.' Even the demanding schedule - which initially worried Robson - turned out to be a blessing. 'We shot a huge showdown with Jason in just half a day,' Robson says, 'What I thought would be stressful was actually joyous.' In the original script, Huw was a keen runner - but Jason quickly vetoed that. 'I can't really run anymore because of my attempts at professional football as a teenager,' he says. 'My knees aren't what they should be. So I made it quite clear early on that I wouldn't be running, only cycling and playing golf.' Robson still can't get over his pal's skills, grinning: 'He's got a very good swing!' Sunetra Sarker, on the other hand, plays Huw's long-suffering wife Alice - and she couldn't be more different from her on-screen character. 'Alice was the voice of reason,' she says, 'It's very different from the real Sunetra.' Alice and Huw start the series close, but his obsession with Patrick drives a wedge between them. It's not the first time Huw's struggled. 'He was sectioned for a couple of weeks,' Sunetra says, 'They've rebuilt things but his obsession triggers her trauma too.' Sunetra loved working with Jason and Robson - and her mum was impressed too. 'She couldn't believe I was working with Robson Green,' she says. Both actors are veterans with long careers filled with iconic roles, from Touching Evil and Wire in the Blood for Robson to The Crown and Line of Duty for Jason. Behind the scenes, Sunetra and Jason built up Alice and Huw's bond by staying in character, even off camera. 'They've got these pet names and in-jokes,' she says. 'Jason and I did the same whenever we could.' Jason adds: 'But the more Huw tries to convince Alice he's right about Patrick, the more insane he seems. He wants peace in his retirement but he can't let this case go.'
Daily Mirror
12-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Mirror
Robson Green breaks silence on 'terribly destructive' issue ahead of TV return
Despite starring in a multitude of projects, including Paramount's new thriller The Game, Robson Green admits that he suffers from major anxiety each time he gears up to go on set. He's one of our favourite actors - but Robson Green has revealed he suffers from crippling Imposter Syndrome on set. The actor, 60, has thrilled fans in everything from Soldier, Soldier to Grantchester and even enjoyed a 90s pop career with his pal Jerome Flynn. However, despite decades of success, Robson Green admits he still battles self-doubt. 'I suffer from anticipatory fear' he says, 'I project as an actor. I have an image of how things should be and I work things out in my head. This is terribly destructive.' However, once the camera starts rolling, he finds it all falls into place. Robson adds, 'Suddenly, you're there and all of that worry goes because your theatre training kicks in.' Robson landed on the set of Paramount 's new thriller The Game two weeks behind his co-stars, Sunetra Sarker and Jason Watkins. But there was no time for confusion. 'I came in late,' Robson says, 'I didn't know what was going but I hit the ground running.' Set in Spain's Basque Country, The Game is a tense four-part psychological thriller that reunites former Being Human co-stars, Robson and Jason. Here, Jason plays Huw, a retired detective still tormented by the case he never cracked - the Ripton Stalker. Years earlier, the serial killer narrowly evaded capture, leaving Huw with nothing but the memory of their voice - and a haunting sense of failure. When a neighbour's apparent suicide and the arrival of a new face, Robson's character Patrick, reignite old suspicions, Huw becomes convinced his old nemesis is back. As he spirals deeper into obsession, his marriage, reputation and sanity hang in the balance. 'He's just a regular guy in extremis trying to work it all out,' Jason says. In the original script, Huw was a keen runner - but Jason quickly vetoed that. 'I can't really run anymore because of my attempts at professional football as a teenager,' he says. 'My knees aren't what they should be. So I made it quite clear early on that I wouldn't be running, only cycling and playing golf.' Robson still can't get over his pal's skills, grinning: 'He's got a very good swing!' Sunetra Sarker, on the other hand, plays Huw's long-suffering wife Alice - and she couldn't be more different from her on-screen character. 'Alice was the voice of reason,' she says, 'It's very different from the real Sunetra.' Alice and Huw start the series close, but his obsession with Patrick drives a wedge between them. It's not the first time Huw's struggled. 'He was sectioned for a couple of weeks,' Sunetra says, 'They've rebuilt things but his obsession triggers her trauma too.' Despite the heavy themes, Sunetra loved working with Jason and Robson - and her mum was impressed too. 'She couldn't believe I was working with Robson Green,' she says. Both actors are veterans with long careers filled with iconic roles, from Touching Evil and Wire in the Blood for Robson to The Crown and Line of Duty for Jason. Behind the scenes, Sunetra and Jason built up Alice and Huw's bond by staying in character, even off camera. 'They've got these pet names and in-jokes,' she says, 'Jason and I did the same whenever we could.' Jason adds: 'But the more Huw tries to convince Alice he's right about Patrick, the more insane he seems. He wants peace in his retirement but he can't let this case go.' Meanwhile, Robson relished the challenge of playing Patrick - the charming, unsettling newcomer with a dark edge. 'I'm addicted to true crime,' he says, 'I'm fascinated by destructive behaviour - where it comes from and how it destroys people's lives.' To prepare, Robson drew inspiration from James DeAngelo, the notorious Golden State Killer, also known as the Original Night Stalker. 'He would invade people's homes and mess with their heads,' Robson adds. Despite the series' dark subject matter, the shoot itself was anything but grim. Filming in Spain felt like a summer adventure for the cast, with daily group drives to set and plenty of off-camera laughs. 'It felt like going to summer school,' Sunetra says, 'We were living like students.' A lively WhatsApp group kept the fun going. Robson jokes: 'I'm glad you don't have eyes on it!' The Basque Country provided another major perk: incredible food. 'Many a Spanish meal was had in the Basque Country,' Robson says, 'I was certainly well looked after.' He even got to share the experience with his son Taylor, who visited him during filming. 'We spent time in San Sebastian and the Guggenheim Museum in Bilbao,' he says, 'He's a history nut so he loved it!' More than anything, Robson was thrilled to work with Jason again. When his agent mentioned Jason's involvement, he signed up immediately for The Game. 'I love reconnecting with people I've worked with before,' Robson says. 'Watching their careers and journeys from afar, it's a joy.' Even the demanding schedule - which initially worried Robson - turned out to be a blessing. 'We shot a huge showdown with Jason in just half a day,' Robson says, 'What I thought would be stressful was actually joyous.' With powerhouse performances and a nail-biting storyline set against the Spanish backdrop, The Game promises to leave viewers questioning whether the real danger lies in the monsters we chase - or the ones closer to home.
The Sun
04-05-2025
- Entertainment
- The Sun
I broke strict protocol on set of new Tom Hardy Netflix movie in bid to meet star… but then I took it even further
AN over-excited extra on Tom Hardy's new Netflix film Havoc risked the wrath of producers by breaching strict protocol to meet the star. Kelvin Dale-Greaves also engineered a way to pinch a prop from the Wales-based production, and has it on display in his house. 9 9 9 The action thriller, released last week on the streaming service, was shot largely around Cardiff. Oscar nominee Hardy, 47, was even snapped in Gavin & Stacey territory enjoying time off at Barry Island Pleasure Park. Kelvin and wife Linda Bailey - also an extra in the film - were signed up for one day and shot at Cardiff Museum, which doubled as a posh hotel reception. Hardy had one of his dogs on set to play with between scenes. 'He was very quietly spoken' Kelvin told The Sun: 'I think I said to him, 'isn't he lovely?' And he said, 'yeah, he's great company'. 'He was very nice, just lovely. Not loud, he was very quietly spoken.' However, he added: 'We were still in the museum and he was focusing on what he needed to do. You shouldn't really talk to anyone.' Referring to speaking to the stars, Linda explained: 'We're told not to do that. There's a code of conduct - they're trying to remember lines and get their movements and they don't want us saying 'oh, can I have a selfie?' 'There's rules and regulations that you sign up to at a supporting artists agency and you have to read these terms and conditions.' She went on to say: 'If they speak to you, that's fine - if they're the first ones to say something to you then you're fine but you can't go up to them and ask for selfies and this that and the other. 'If there's 50 SAs (supporting artists) and they all want a picture, they'll never get any filming done.' But Kelvin wasn't done there. The museum was dressed up as a posh hotel at Christmas-time, despite the summer shoot, and extras were required to act as well-dressed guests as Hardy's character Patrick Walker 'eyeballed' a couple of arrivals. Kelvin and Linda had to walk up to the reception desk and then take their seats. Kelvin came up with the idea of pretending to speak to the receptionist, who would hand him a menu. Linda recalled: 'It was Kelvin's idea, 'can I have a menu?' But I knew what he had in his head, 'I can take that as a little memento off set'. 'That menu is now framed on our bedroom wall,' she added, laughing. She described a 'beautiful lamp' at the end of the reception desk. 'I joked about that lamp, because I told people 'look out for that lamp because me and him are stood by that lamp. 9 9 9 ''So you'll either see us or we'll be on the cutting room floor.' We haven't watched the film yet, so I don't know if it made it or not.' Linda has previously appeared in a number of shows, including as a dogger in an episode of Being Human and was on set for the first day of the recent Gavin & Stacey finale shoot, rubbing shoulders with James Corden. But Havoc - described as 'one of the biggest films ever to be produced in Wales' - was on another scale. 'Is it ever going to come out?' Principal photography took place in summer 2021, but delays, including due to strikes and scheduling issues, meant much-needed re-shoots didn't take place until last year. Linda said: 'It was so long ago, we were thinking 'what are they going to do with this film? Is it ever going to come out?' Everybody went off the boil a bit.' The shoot took place during the Covid pandemic and it meant regular testing was needed. However, it also led to Kelvin and Linda's paypacket swelling to around £400 each for the day. EXCLUSIVE by Stephen Moyes SCREEN tough guy Tom Hardy insists on having a lavender diffuser in his movie trailer to help him relax. Other 'must haves' include strawberry ice cream vapes, M&S low alcohol Czech lager and Molton Brown peppercorn shower gel. He also insists on a weekly IV treatment with a mixture of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. The 47-year-old Brit — who has played Mad Max, a Spitfire pilot, a Peaky Blinders gangster and Batman baddie Bane — is equally adamant that his French bulldog Blue has a range of treats, a bed and 'duck dishes'. In all, his backstage 'rider' lists 27 demands. It was meant to be sent to producer Peter Heslop ahead of a new movie. But instead the email went to namesake Pete Heslop, a 31-year-old IT worker from London. Pete said that, despite repeatedly pointing out the errors, he has received 50 over five years — one about actor Idris Elba, and even messages from the producer's wife. Recalling being on set, Linda said: 'I remember thinking they must have a budget. Normally we get paid £110 - then commission taken off, you might get £90. 'I think we had £400 each. That was with all the Covid tests the week before, then the day before, then on the day and they paid you £50 a time.' Producers even decided Kelvin needed a haircut so paid for him to go get one done. Linda said: 'Every SA had their own clothes. They didn't spare any cash on this one.' She recalled the biggest highlight being the catering which was 'off the charts'. 'They didn't stop feeding us. They were making sure you were fed. You had your meal, then later on there was cake and tea and coffee again. 'You didn't starve and you never felt neglected.' 9 9 9
The Irish Sun
28-04-2025
- Entertainment
- The Irish Sun
Soldier Soldier stars reunite 34 years after classic ITV series ended in first look at new gripping drama
SOLDIER Soldier stars have reunited 34 years after their classic ITV series ended in the first look at a new gripping drama. The new Channel 5 miniseries sees the pair play opposite each other in a deadly game of cat and mouse. 5 Soldier Soldier stars have reunited 34 years after their classic ITV series ended in the first look at a new gripping drama Credit: Rex 5 Catch You Later sees Jason Watkins and Robson Green reunited in a new thriller Credit: Channel 5 5 Huw becomes convinced his new neighbour Patrick is a killer, thanks to three little words - Catch you later Credit: Channel 5 The new thriller entitled Catch You Later stars A stalker who taunted his town, toying with his victims before killing them. Patrick Harbottle ( And Huw becomes convinced his new neighbour is the killer, thanks to three little words - Catch you later. channel 5 The actors first appeared together 34 years ago in the ITV drama Later, they went on to play adversaries on the BBC drama Being Human, when Robson played a werewolf who went up against vampire Jason. But now the stakes are much higher in the new tense drama - Catch you Later. And Casualty actor Most read in News TV Robson Green said: 'I am so stoked to be working alongside Jason Watkins again on the new Channel 5 drama, 'Catch You Later'. "Jason is such a talented actor with a remarkable ability to bring depth and nuance to his characters. "The psychological thriller aspect of the story promises to be a gripping ride, and I can't wait to dive into the cat-and-mouse dynamics that Tom Grieve has crafted. Soldier Soldier stars reunite for new psychological drama - 34 years after classic ITV series aired "It's going to be an unforgettable journey!' Jason Watkins added: 'Really excited to do another Channel 5 thriller, after the success of Coma. "This is a different prospect but has all the ingredients for another thrilling ride. "So excited to work with Robson - and Sunetra. Top Channel 5 dramas Channel 5 has become a hub for gripping drama, these are some of the best My5 has to offer. All Creatures Great and Small - Based on the best-selling novels by real-life vet Alf Wright, the show revolves around a trio of vets working in the Yorkshire Dales in the late 1930s. Eccentric Siegfried Farnon (Samuel West) hires James Herriot ( - New parents Tasha ( - Another soap legend jets off to Australia, this time its EastEnders alum "Another complex and fascinating script: so looking forward to beginning filming!' Paul Testar, Commissioning Editor, Drama, Channel 5 and Paramount+ commented: 'We're thrilled to bring this trio of brilliant actors in Jason, Robson and Sunetra to this fantastic and compelling story. "It's a privilege to welcome Jason and Sunetra back to Channel 5 and we are delighted to have Robson in one of our dramas for the first time. "We think the Channel 5 audience is going to love Tom Grieves' fascinating cat and mouse thriller.' Mike Benson, Managing Director, Clapperboard also added: 'When we first read Tom's original treatment for Catch You Later we were utterly compelled – the characters, tone and world were so well drawn even at that early stage – and the project and scripts have developed into something really special. "We are especially thrilled to finally have the chance to work with 5 Jason and Robson star in a deadly game of Cat and Mouse in the new 5 thriller Credit: Channel 5 5 The pair previously starred opposite each other in Soldier Soldier and Being Human Credit: Channel 5
