Latest news with #HindustanTimes'
Hindustan Times
2 days ago
- Politics
- Hindustan Times
Is India's Water Blockade the Death Knell Pakistan Doesn't See Coming?
While the world focuses on military tensions and diplomacy, India executed a more devastating strategy: turning off the water tap. A quiet, bloodless war that slowly starves a nation — not with bombs, but by drying its rivers. India's calculated steps have been designed to weaken Pakistan from the roots upward. However, as Pakistan-backed terror attacks continue, the global silence is louder than ever. The main question still remains: When terror has a return address, and everyone knows it, why does the world choose silence over action? Unfiltered and fearless, from politics to power games, every episode brings straight answers to sharp questions. Join Hindustan Times' Kumkum Chadha as she digs deeper.
Hindustan Times
4 days ago
- Entertainment
- Hindustan Times
Mani Ratnam fans get nostalgic for Nayakan, Thalapathi, Guru after lukewarm response to Thug Life
There was a time when Mani Ratnam defined the cultural zeitgeist of Tamil cinema – maybe even south Indian cinema at large. Even in an age of memes and GIFs, he remains relevant when shots of his old films are used in lieu of conversations. I mean, the image of Surya (Rajinikanth) looking heartbroken as the sun sets and his lover Subbulaxmi (Sobhana) walks away from him or the look Karthik (Madhavan) gives Shakthi (Shalini Ajith Kumar) as he locks eyes with her from a passing train are seared into any cine lover's mind. Which is why it's even more heartbreaking for fans when a filmmaker like Mani's craft is called into question. After a day of analysing the seemingly many ways in which his latest release, Thug Life, failed to impress, fans sat down for some introspection. Have they grown out of liking Mani's style, or did the filmmaker not live up to his own legend? If their posts on X (formerly Twitter) are anything to go by, the latter seems more than likely to be true. Pictures and clips from his old films like Nayakan and Thalapathi flood social media. After watching Thug Life, one fan on X posted their favourite scenes from Mani and Kamal Haasan's previous film together, Nayakan (1987), to remind everyone what both were capable of. They wrote, 'Look how beautifully Maniratnam crafted his own Godfather in Bombay. This cinematic masterpiece could never be recreated and will remains as the best gangster drama ever made in Indian Cinema. NAYAKAN - THE OG SAMBAVAM from Iconic duo.' Another posted key scenes that summed up Kamal's character, Shaktivel Naicker, aka Velu in the film, writing, 'Forever NAYAKAN. Absolute cinema! Peak Mani Ratnam.' Another hilariously posted a scene where Prabhu stops himself from slapping Rajinikanth, writing, 'Me trying to do maniratnam slander but suddenly remembering he was the one who made nayakan, thalapathy, iruvar, kannathil muthamittal, alaipayuthey. #ThugLife.' A fan posted a scene where Surya explains the plight of the poor to Arjun (Arvind Swamy) in Thalapathi (1991), writing, 'One film celebrated the day it released. One film celebrated on its rerelease. Thalapathi — Mani Ratnam's timeless classic made to last forever.' Some fans even got nostalgic for films Mani made in the early 2000s, like Kannathil Muthamittal (2002) and Guru (2007). 'What happened to this GOAT MANIRATNAM nowadays,' wrote one fan on X with sad emojis, posting a scene featuring Abhishek Bachchan and Aishwarya Rai. Another analysed, 'In Kannathil Muthamittal climax when the lead characters have conversation. Setting has that cloudy look. In the end it starts raining. From that to this. What a downfall.' Thug Life stars Kamal Haasan, Silambarasan, Trisha Krishnan, Abhirami, Aishwarya Lekshmi, Ashok Selvan, Joju George, Nassar, Ali Fazal, Rohit Saraf and Baburaj. It marks Mani and Kamal's reunion for the first time after Nayakan. Hindustan Times' review summed up the film: 'Thug Life becomes a tiring watch after a while and it certainly fails to recreate the Nayakan magic on screen.'
Hindustan Times
28-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Hindustan Times
5 must-try burgers on this International Burger Day
Let's be real—burgers are an emotion. And this International Burger Day, Burgrill is serving up some serious indulgences. With 70+ outlets and counting, Burgrill brings you juicy grilled burgers, fresh toppings, and flavours that hit just right. From Indian palette to globally-inspired bites, there's something for every mood, every craving, and every kind of burger lover. Warning: reading further may cause sudden hunger pangs. Here's what you need to try: 1. The Heavyweight Burger This one's for the big eaters, clean eaters, and everyone who loves their meals grilled to perfection. The Heavyweight brings you a bold combo of grilled spinach corn patty teamed with seasoned grilled paneer, layered up for a high-flavour experience. 2. Cheese Chicken Quarter Pounder The Cheese Chicken Quarter Pounder isn't just a burger — it's a full-blown experience. Juicy grilled chicken, melty cheese, sautéed onions, fresh crispy lettuce, and Burgrill's signature sauce come together to create a bite that's bold, comforting, and straight-up addictive. It's indulgent, it's wholesome, and it's the burger thatdefinedBurgrill. 3. The Future 100 per cent vegetarian and mind-blowing. Burgrill was one of the first to bring plant-based burgers to India's QSR industry. This 100 per cent plant-based burger delivers the same juiciness, texture, and satisfaction as their iconic Chicken Quarter Pounder—minus the meat. Crafted using chickpea protein, soy and plant based fibers, it's a deliciously sustainable option for die-hard meat lovers who want to go guilt-free without giving up on taste or the vibe. Try and you'll know why this burger is called 'The Future' 4. Peri Peri Fried Chicken Burger Burgrill may be a grilled-first brand—but this one broke the rules and stole the show. A thick, golden-fried chicken patty so big it spills out of the buns (in the best way), drenched in their in-house African peri peri spice mix that brings just the right kind of fire. Addictive? Yes! No wonder it's a cult favourite. 5. Big Bomber Burger Tired of the same old aloo or paneer patty burgers? That's exactly why they created the Big Bomber—a veg burger consisting of juicy beetroot patty, sautéed mushrooms, and a flavour that hits different. This burger has the highest repeat rate, one bite in, and you'll know why people keep coming back for this one. So what's your burger vibe this Burger Day? Swing by your nearest Burgrill and grab your pick! Happy International Burger Day, legends. Keep it messy. Note to the Reader: This article is part of Hindustan Times' promotional consumer connect initiative and is independently created by the brand. Hindustan Times assumes no editorial responsibility for the content.
Hindustan Times
28-05-2025
- Business
- Hindustan Times
BIG FM Expands Digital Footprint With The Launch of BIG Live – A New Platform for Smart Living
National, 28th May 2025: With a legacy spanning across two decades, BIG FM, has been a presence in driving conversations and entertaining over 340 million listeners. Extending that legacy to digital, the brand has announced the launch of BIG Live ( a one-stop digital platform offering curated, credible and culturally-relevant content. Positioned as a destination for diversified, category-specific content, BIG Live brings together storytelling, user experience and targeted advertising. Aligned with the brand's purpose of Enriching Everyday Life, BIG Live delivers content across a range of verticals such as real estate, automobile, health & wellness, entertainment, travel, food, fashion, finance, technology and jewellery. With its tag line of 'Fuel Your Life', it aims to empower users with insightful content that informs, enriches and adds value to their daily lives. Speaking on the launch, Abe Thomas, CEO, BIG FM, said, 'BIG Live is an extension of BIG FM's content leadership and deep audience understanding. With this platform, we are moving beyond audio to offer diversified, digital content that informs and engages. Today's audience wants more than just information - they seek fuel for their ambitions. BIG Live is designed to deliver that. For advertisers, it opens a channel to reach focused audiences through contextual campaigns. Adding to this, Mr. Sunil Kumaran, COO, BIG FM, shared, 'We are introducing BIG Live, a vibrant digital platform designed for users who aspire to stay smart and informed. With this platform, we are presenting a content ecosystem where radio and digital come together to create a media brand that inspires and influences. It connects users with content, serving as a hub where knowledge is blended with lively tone, encouraging action.' BIG Live aims to be provocative, aspirational, intelligent and action-oriented. With this platform, BIG FM opens a new revenue stream while building a digital property that complements its core audio business. Its recent brand refresh, built on the four pillars of content, music, soundscape, and technology, reflects this evolution. The transformation also included a new brand song by Sushant Divgikar (aka Rani Ko-HE-Nur), infusing the platform with vibrant energy and aligning with the philosophy of Dhun Badal Ke Toh Dekho. This move strengthens BIG FM's digital presence and opens new opportunities for cross-platform engagement. With a targeted and hyper-local approach, the radio network aims to help people connect better and build communities, making it easier for users and service providers to engage and communicate. It aims to strengthen the brand's digital presence and unlocks new opportunities for cross-promotion and audience engagement, enhancing overall brand equity and setting the stage for integrated content experiences. Visit BIG Live now at Note to the Reader: This article is part of Hindustan Times' promotional consumer connect initiative and is independently created by the brand. Hindustan Times assumes no editorial responsibility for the content.
Hindustan Times
25-05-2025
- Politics
- Hindustan Times
How Operation Sindoor left Pakistan stunned – The truth no one told you
India hit hard, Pakistan panicked, and then came the ceasefire. India's former Deputy National Security Advisor broke down 'Operation Sindoor'. Pankaj Saran opened the lid on a range of explosive issues: the backstory behind 'Sindoor', India's bold strike that shook Pakistan to the core, the 'hasty' ceasefire that followed, the role of Donald Trump, and the looming threat of nuclear blackmail that changed everything. From deep-penetration precision strikes to a strategic dismantling of key terror infrastructure, this wasn't just a show of strength — it was a message. The truth is bigger than headlines — and it's finally coming out — straight answers, sharp questions, and unfiltered insight with Hindustan Times' Kumkum Chadha.
