Latest news with #Inception
Newsweek
4 days ago
- Entertainment
- Newsweek
Former WCW Wrestler Buff Bagwell Shares Heartbreaking Health Update
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. Former WCW and nWo star Buff Bagwell has revealed in a new interview that he has undergone a right leg amputation. The life-altering surgery stems from severe injuries he sustained in a car accident in 2020. Speaking to former WWE star Maven on his YouTube channel, Bagwell was candid about the long medical journey that led to this decision. He also shared his inspirational goal to return to the wrestling ring. The Decision To Amputate Bagwell explained that the amputation was the result of a car accident in August 2020. He was driving under the influence and blacked out, crashing his car and suffering devastating injuries to his right knee. He stated that the accident completely caved in his kneecap. This made a standard knee replacement surgery impossible. After years of multiple, unsuccessful procedures, he was left with a difficult choice. "I could have continued undergoing surgeries and rehab," Bagwell explained, "but my leg would have had to remain straight for the rest of my life." Faced with that reality, he chose amputation. A Long And Difficult Journey The 2020 car accident was a low point in a long and public battle with addiction and legal issues for the former wrestling star. For years after his career in the spotlight ended, Bagwell struggled. However, in recent years, he has been on an inspirational journey to turn his life around. 26 Oct 2001: Buff Bagwell in action during the WWA Wrestling "Inception" fight night held at the Sydney Superdome, Sydney, Australia. 26 Oct 2001: Buff Bagwell in action during the WWA Wrestling "Inception" fight night held at the Sydney Superdome, Sydney, Australia. Chris McGrath/ALLSPORT/Getty Images With the help of fellow WCW legend Diamond Dallas Page, Bagwell has focused on his sobriety and physical health. His public road to recovery has been well-documented and has earned him a new wave of support from the wrestling community. This new, positive mindset is what is fueling Bagwell's determination to overcome this latest challenge. More news: WWE News: Steve Austin Reveals Real-Life Vince McMahon Confrontation An Inspirational Comeback Story Despite the amputation, Bagwell is not giving up on his dream of one more match. He told Maven that he is determined to get back in the ring to show people that anything is possible. "I want to get back in the ring, run the ropes, have a match," Bagwell said. "It'll show that I came out of the darkness with this... and I turned it around all the way to be back in the ring as Buff Bagwell." He wants his story to be an inspiration to others who have faced life-altering setbacks. "You don't have to give up with something like this," he stated. "I'm taking it by the horns and showing that you can have just as good of a life without a leg." More WWE News: For more on WWE, head to Newsweek Sports
Digital Trends
6 days ago
- Entertainment
- Digital Trends
Inception at 15 — Why the sci-fi thriller is Christopher Nolan's best film
On July 16, 2010, writer-director Christopher Nolan released his groundbreaking sci-fi action film, Inception, to theaters around the world. Fresh off the blockbuster success of The Dark Knight, Nolan unleashed the unique story of Dom Cobb (Leonardo DiCaprio) as he and his team of 'extractors' are hired to enter a business heir's (Cillian Murphy) dreams and implant an idea into his subconscious, setting off a high-stakes journey through the dream world. Inception continues to be one of Nolan's most popular and beloved motion pictures to date. Winning four Academy Awards and receiving nominations for four other Oscars, including the award for Best Picture, this action-packed, mind-bending heist film presented one of the most inventive blockbusters of the 21st century. While Nolan made many other incredible movies throughout his career, specifically Memento, The Dark Knight, Interstellar, Dunkirk, and Oppenheimer, there are many reasons why Inception surpasses them all 15 years after its premiere. It's a completely original blockbuster Unlike some of Nolan's other acclaimed films, notably The Dark Knight and Oppenheimer, which were based on pre-existing narratives, Inception is a story that Nolan came up with himself. In an interview with The Telegraph, Nolan stated that he had begun writing the story for Inception years before he made Batman Begins, which established him as a blockbuster director. Though he found success helming big-budget Batman movies, the scale and creativity on display in Inception showed how filmmakers can succeed in crafting original blockbuster stories that many moviegoers can enjoy. Recommended Videos The story itself features an incredibly clever concept. No one had ever seen a film about corporate spies using government technology to steal secrets from people's dreams. Some people may need to watch Inception more than once to grasp its complex lore and plot, the latter of which flows at a brisk pace. Nevertheless, Inception makes for a once-in-a-lifetime movie experience that sparks the imagination. Since this high-concept adventure relies on human psychology, Inception is also able to embed an earnest emotional story within this gunslinging heist film. The heart of this film is found in Cobb's journey to reunite with his children, only to literally be held back by his own guilty conscience, as his memories haunt him in the form of his deceased wife, Mal. While Inception features classic noir archetypes through Cobb and Mal, it takes these tropes to present a unique and poignant exploration of guilt and grief as the former learns to move on from his past. Its mind-blowing action and visuals Throughout his decades-long career, Nolan has become renowned for incorporating as many practical effects as possible into his films, no matter how big and elaborate a scene may be. Naturally, the visuals featured in Inception had to be created digitally. Nevertheless, the film featured a marvelous blend of practical and computer-generated effects, presenting dream world scenes with shifting cityscapes, impossible staircases, and flooding buildings. Since the concept of a dream heist provided infinite possibilities, Inception went all out in presenting clever and unreal action set pieces as the characters explored each other's minds. In particular, Joseph Gordon-Levitt's gravity-defying hallway fight is a remarkable achievement of practical filmmaking, video editing, and stunt choreography. Inception even features a high-speed chase that includes a derailed train and a snowy mountaintop shootout that feels ripped from a James Bond film. Its thought-provoking themes Though many of Nolan's films play with people's perception of reality, Inception is a film that really makes its viewers question how they see the world. One minute, the film's characters can be sitting at a cafe, and the next, they realize they're dreaming, and the world blows up around them, and everyone's trying to kill them. While it might be extreme, many people have this kind of realization while they're asleep. Many audiences can also relate to Cobb wanting to escape from his harsh reality and into his dreams, having unintentionally caused his wife's death. In short, this film is about a person who learns to accept reality and move past regret, allowing them to live life to the fullest. Inception's narrative makes for the most memorable and mind-bending ending to a Nolan film. The final shot of Cobb's top spinning as he reunites with his children has kept audiences debating whether this scene is real or if he's still dreaming. It's a chilling and beautiful conclusion that shows how Cobb has accepted his reality, all while keeping viewers questioning their reality. With Hans Zimmer's iconic score playing in the background, this finale scene has been especially burned into people's minds. Though Inception has much more potential as a long-running film franchise, it arguably works better as a standalone story. Since this narrative seems like it will be left alone, there arguably won't be another movie like it, including from Nolan himself. That only makes Inception ever more special, and it continues to be the most distinctive and impactful blockbuster that Nolan has ever made. Inception is now streaming on HBO Max.
Time of India
15-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Time of India
Ramayana producer talks about taking the Ranbir Kapoor-Yash starrer global; says Hollywood always saw us as poor and victim: 'That's not who we are'
Namit Malhotra, known for his VFX work in Hollywood hits like *Dune* and *Inception*, is producing a two-part *Ramayana* epic aiming to redefine India's global cinematic identity. Inspired by *Jurassic Park*, Malhotra seeks to showcase Indian culture's strength, moving beyond narratives of poverty. The film boasts Ranbir Kapoor as Lord Ram, Yash as Ravana, and a score by A.R. In a bold attempt to reframe how Indian epics are viewed on the world stage, Ramayana producer Namit Malhotra is setting out to deliver more than just a film — he's crafting a cinematic spectacle that aims to redefine India's cultural identity in global cinema. With an ensemble cast led by Ranbir Kapoor and an extraordinary cross-continental collaboration between AR Rahman and Hans Zimmer , this mythological epic promises to be one of the most ambitious projects in Indian film history. Speaking on a podcast with Prakhar Gupta, Namit revealed that his childhood love for cinema—especially Jurassic Park—ignited his dream to create something epic. 'When Jurassic Park came out, I was in awe… It made me want to be a filmmaker, to build worlds,' he recalled, reflecting on the film's lasting impact. However, it was during the recent Hollywood writers' strike that the producer found a rare pause—one that allowed him to reflect not just on his own journey, but also on the way Indian stories have been represented on the global stage. He also observed that many Indian stories which gained global acclaim—such as Slumdog Millionaire, Gandhi, Lion, and even RRR—often portrayed Indians through themes of poverty or struggle. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Arvonnassa joululoma Berliiniin kahdelle Lue lisää Undo While he acknowledged their success, he felt these narratives didn't reflect the strength and richness of Indian culture. This realisation led him to choose Ramayana as the story to bring to the global stage, aiming to highlight India's civilisational legacy with pride and scale. Namit, the powerhouse behind visual effects for Hollywood epics like Dune, Oppenheimer, Inception, and Interstellar, is now stepping into the creative limelight with Ramayana. Through Prime Focus and DNEG, he's helped shape cinematic history — but with this mythological magnum opus, he's determined to reshape global perceptions of Indian cinema and storytelling. Ramayana is poised to be a cinematic spectacle told in two parts, with Part 1 slated for a Diwali 2026 release and Part 2 following in 2027. The film features a star-studded cast — Ranbir Kapoor as Lord Ram, Yash as Ravana, Sai Pallavi as Sita, Ravie Dubey as Laxmana, and Sunny Deol as Hanuman. Elevating its global ambition is an unprecedented musical collaboration between A.R. Rahman and Hollywood maestro Hans Zimmer, who marks his Bollywood debut with the film's score.
Time of India
15-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Time of India
'Ramayana' is now the most expensive Indian film in history: Learn the jaw-dropping budget of Ranbir Kapoor-Yash-starrer
Namit Malhotra , an influential producer and visionary CEO of Prime Focus , is currently steering what could become the most transformative project in Indian film history—a grand, two-part reimagining of Ramayana. With Bollywood star Ranbir Kapoor cast as Lord Ram and a powerful ensemble featuring industry giants like Yash, Amitabh Bachchan, Sai Pallavi, and Sunny Deol, this retelling is poised to push the boundaries of scale, ambition, and technology in Indian cinema . However, what's truly making headlines around the world is its astonishing production cost: an unprecedented $500 million, or roughly Rs 4000 crore—positioning it as the most expensive Indian film ever produced. A Vision Powered by Personal Investment Malhotra's endeavor isn't backed by outside investors or major studios—the producer himself is fully financing the project. In his candid conversation with content creator Prakhar Gupta, he revealed that the idea, once considered outrageous and unrealistic, has evolved into a full-blown mission. When the concept was conceived nearly six to seven years ago, just after the pandemic, many industry insiders doubted the feasibility of such a colossal project. At that time, no Indian film had ever dared to dream this big in terms of budget and scope. Yet, Malhotra remained committed. With experience from supervising visual effects on globally celebrated films such as Inception, Interstellar, and Dune, he brings with him the technical prowess and cinematic wisdom required for an undertaking of this magnitude. In his words, the Ramayana he envisions will rival some of the largest Hollywood franchises—and perhaps, even outshine them in cost-efficiency. For Malhotra, this is not just a film; it's a historic opportunity to put Indian storytelling on a world stage. A Childhood Spark That Ignited a Lifelong Dream The inspiration for this colossal venture dates back to Malhotra's younger years, when he first watched Jurassic Park. The immersive spectacle of that film sparked his fascination with world-building and visual effects, ultimately influencing his career path. Although he never ventured into direction, he built Prime Focus into a global post-production behemoth—a studio that has contributed to multiple Oscar-winning projects. Yet amid his global success, Malhotra always carried a persistent sense of cultural discontent. He observed that Indian films, in the international domain, often portrayed the country in a limited, disadvantaged light. This misrepresentation of India's rich identity became a deep-seated concern for him—one he's addressing through Ramayana. His goal is to showcase India's spiritual depth and mythological richness through a story that has captivated generations and cultures across centuries. A New Dawn Begins Diwali 2026 The first part of this ambitious cinematic saga is scheduled for release during Diwali in 2026. Directed by Nitesh Tiwari—best known for acclaimed hits like Dangal and Chhichhore—the film will blend cutting-edge VFX with emotional depth and mythological grandeur. With this film, Indian cinema could take a decisive leap forward, offering not just commercial entertainment but also a culturally enriching experience tailored for global audiences. If successful, Malhotra's Ramayana could become a defining milestone in how Indian stories are told—and how they are received around the world.
Time of India
14-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Time of India
Ranbir Kapoor-Yash starrer Ramayana to be India's costliest film ever at Rs 4000 crore, says producer Namit Malhotra: ‘We're funding it ourselves'
Producer Namit Malhotra is set to rewrite the rules of Indian cinema with his upcoming magnum opus Ramayana , a two-part epic starring Ranbir Kapoor as Lord Ram and featuring a stellar cast including Yash , Amitabh Bachchan, Sai Pallavi , and Sunny Deol . What's grabbing global attention, however, is the jaw-dropping budget: $500 million or approximately Rs 4000 crore, making it the most expensive Indian film ever made. 'We're not taking anybody's money' In a recent conversation with Prakhar Gupta, Namit Malhotra, the CEO of Prime Focus and the force behind several Hollywood blockbusters like Inception, Interstellar, and Dune, opened up about the ambitious scale of Ramayana and why it's a personal mission. 'We're funding it ourselves. We're not taking anybody's money,' Malhotra asserted. 'People thought I was crazy when we started six-seven years ago, just after the pandemic. No Indian film had come close to this kind of budget.' He estimates that by the time both parts are completed, the production cost will be around $500 million, a figure that rivals, if not undercuts, some of the biggest Hollywood tentpole movies. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like [국가인증] 키성장 인증받은 '이 제품' 2개월치 무료증정 이벤트 곧 마감! 아이클타임 더 알아보기 Undo 'We are making the largest film in the world for the greatest story, the greatest epic that the world should see. And I still think it's cheaper than it costs to make some of the biggest Hollywood films,' he added. A childhood dream born from Jurassic Park Malhotra traced the origin of his vision to a childhood encounter with Jurassic Park, a film that opened his imagination to the possibilities of building believable fictional worlds. Though he never became a director, he built a global post-production and visual effects powerhouse with Prime Focus, contributing to several Oscar-winning projects. But there was one lingering frustration: the lack of global respect for Indian cinema. Sunny Deol to Play 'Lord Hanuman' in 'Ramayana'| Gets '15 Minutes of High-Octane Screen Time' 'All the films they saw us as were victims and we were poor and always less fortunate and treated poorly by the world. And I was like, no, that's not who we are. That's not the country I come from,' he said. This disconnect became the driving force behind Ramayana. Malhotra aims to present India's spiritual and cultural heritage to the world through the story he calls 'the greatest epic of all time.' Diwali 2026: The beginning of something epic With Ramayana Part 1 slated to release on Diwali next year, anticipation is at fever pitch. Helmed by acclaimed director Nitesh Tiwari (Dangal, Chhichhore), the film is expected to combine high-end VFX, emotional storytelling, and unparalleled scale, marking a new chapter in Indian cinematic history. If Malhotra's vision delivers, Ramayana could not only set box office records but also redefine how Indian mythology is presented to a global audience.
