Latest news with #MadrasCafe
The Hindu
8 hours ago
- Politics
- The Hindu
Circling back to Rajiv Gandhi's assassination, a traumatic moment in Madras' history
It was a summer night of stifling heat. The kind that forces you to seek refuge in the terrace, sprinkle some water, roll a mat, and lapse into intermittent sleep. It was May 21, 1991, and Madras denizens, coping with a humid day, were all set to rest. Traffic on the streets dwindled, some flights glided through the clear skies, a few discussed the annual kathiri-veyil (peak summer), and suddenly, a man ran across with a lament: 'Rajiv Gandhiye konnutanga (Rajiv Gandhi has been killed).' There was a sense of disbelief before the truth settled down in all its gory details. Yes, India's former prime minister had been assassinated during an election rally at Sriperumbudur. A suicide bomber had done the terrible deed, and the motive extended all the way to Sri Lanka, with the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) being the conspirators. India's earlier attempt at playing mediator during the Sri Lankan Tamil crisis evoked varying reactions. Obviously, the LTTE was not in agreement, and the subsequent move to have an Indian Peace Keeping Force (IPKF) stationed in the neighbouring island added to the complications. Once news spread about the assassination, the city plunged into shock. Public aversion cropped up against the LTTE as Tamil Nadu, known for its hospitality, had to now confront a political murder in its backyard. There was always a kinship with Sri Lankan Tamils, that feeling remained, but any latent support to outfits like LTTE began to dwindle. Doordarshan and All India Radio were sought for updates. This was the pre-internet era and there were no cellphones either, and news trickled in slowly. The night was long and eventually at dawn, papers ranging from The Hindu to Dina Thanthi were scanned for information about a killing that triggered shockwaves through India and the world. Recently, the 34th anniversary of Rajiv Gandhi's death passed by, and a memorial at Sriperumbudur on the Chennai-Bengaluru highway serves as a stark reminder of a sombre night three decades ago. Much has been written about the ghastly incident, and attempts were made even in films, cutting across languages, to capture the emotion and chaos of that time. Movies like Cyanide, Kuttrapathirikai, Madras Cafe, Mission 90 Days, and The Terrorist, all dealt with this theme. A nuanced gaze on the Sri Lankan Tamil issue was also sensitively revealed by Mani Ratnam's evocative Kannathil Muthamittal. And just as another May recedes, Chennai continues to grapple with heat and the odd summer rain. There is also the matter of dealing with a queasy memory from a distant night, one that altered India's political landscape.
News18
26-05-2025
- Entertainment
- News18
John Abraham On Why He Won't Work On OTT: 'Don't See Sense...'
Last Updated: John Abraham's The Diplomat is successful on OTT, but he prefers the big screen due to OTT's extensive setup and overheads. John Abraham's The Diplomat has found a new wave of success ever since it released on OTT. The digital debut has helped it reach an even broader audience. With OTT platforms becoming a preferred choice for both audiences and A-list actors alike, it's clear the medium is booming. That said, John seems content staying on the big screen for now, with no interest in diving into the world of web series. Explaining the reason behind it, John Abraham tells Hindustan Times, 'To do OTT, you need a very big office setup. You need a lot of people working towards something, where you don't even own the IP of. You make a commission from the series and that goes into your overheads. Anybody who's doing OTT today, they'll tell you absolutely the same thing. So, I don't see sense in breaking sweat on doing these series." That said, he's open to the idea,badmitting that if a compelling series comes his way and sparks his interest as a producer, he wouldn't hesitate to get on board. 'I would love to because I want to tell that story, not because I want to make a business model out of it. So, that's one reason why I'm not doing this as a producer yet." When asked if he would ever act in OTT, the actor responds, 'Never say never, but at this point of time, I do not want to come on OTT as an actor for a series or an original film. I want to come on the big screen. In my head, I believe I was made for the big screen. I have a lot of respect for OTT channels because most of the content, at least internationally, and so much of the Indian content like Paatal Lok is outstanding. I have so much of respect for the space, but I don't see myself yet in it." On the work front, John Abraham last appeared in The Diplomat, alongside a talented cast which includes Sharib Hashmi, Sadia Khateeb and more. The actor wears many hats — he's the owner of the ISL football team NorthEast United, a film producer behind projects like Vicky Donor and Madras Cafe, and a passionate biker, which is a whole world of its own. First Published: May 26, 2025, 11:41 IST
Buzz Feed
23-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Buzz Feed
John Abraham: Master of Brooding Patriotic Roles
Some actors do romance. Some do comedy. And then there's John Abraham—who does brooding while saving the country in slim-fit suits like he was born for it. He doesn't yell. He doesn't flinch. He just walks in, stares intensely, and next thing you know, the enemy has surrendered, and he still hasn't said more than five words. Whether he's dodging bullets or dodging feelings, these are the films where John Abraham proves you don't need to smile when you're busy saving the country. 1. Madras Cafe (2013) This was John's entry into the serious, no-nonsense intelligence guy universe. Set against the backdrop of the Sri Lankan civil war, he plays a RAW officer investigating a political conspiracy. The vibe? Gritty journalist meets shadowy agent. His emotional range might be "grim to grimmer," but somehow that makes the danger feel very real. Also, shoutout to the minimal dialogue—because why talk when your stare says 'I'm about to uncover state secrets'? 2. RAW: Romeo Akbar Walter (2019) In case one identity wasn't intense enough, here he's three people at once—Romeo, Akbar, and Walter, and all three of them are equally tortured. As a bank employee-turned-undercover spy in Pakistan, John blends into different lives while maintaining a steady 'I haven't felt joy in years' energy. No loud heroics here, just slow-burn patriotism and some excellent wig work. 3. Parmanu: The Story of Pokhran (2018) Nuclear testing has never looked this emotionally restrained. John leads a top-secret mission to conduct India's nuclear tests under the radar of the CIA and international satellites. He's basically multitasking national security, workplace politics, and existential fatigue, all while wearing the most serious expressions in Rajasthan's heat. You'll cheer when the bomb goes off, but you'll feel something when he quietly watches it happen. 4. Batla House (2019) Based on the controversial real-life police encounter, John plays an officer under scrutiny from every direction: the media, the courts, his own guilt. His weapon here isn't just a gun, it's the brooding monologue and well-timed eye contact. You'll find yourself Googling the real story just to double-check how much of this intensity is based on facts (spoiler: a lot of it is). 5. Force (2011) John goes full alpha here as a narcotics officer who believes feelings are a liability, until he falls in love and his world falls apart. Cue the emotional backstory, the tragic loss, and a sudden, very personal reason to punch everyone in sight. This was early brooding John—raw, ripped, and just discovering the power of an emotionally tortured bicep. 6. Attack (2022) If you've ever wondered what happens when you give John Abraham AI upgrades, this is it. He's India's first super-soldier—think Iron Man meets silent treatment. Even as a part-robot, he stays true to form: minimum emotion, maximum focus. The tech might be futuristic, but his expression still says, 'I miss the old days when threats were just across the border.' 7. Satyameva Jayate (2018) The subtlety dial is turned all the way down for this one, but the message is loud and shredded: John plays a vigilante setting corrupt officials on fire, literally. Between dramatic speeches about justice and gym breaks, he manages to deliver a version of patriotism that's more shirtless than diplomatic. And yet, it works. Because if anyone can make rage look noble, it's him. 8. The Diplomat (2025) This is brooding 2.0—John in full suit-and-tie mode, working behind closed doors, dealing with geopolitical landmines instead of real ones. He's calm, well-groomed, and visibly burdened by secrets he can't share. Fewer chase scenes, more scenes where he glares at someone across a mahogany table and they just know they've made a mistake. So the next time someone says John Abraham doesn't 'do' range, remind them that it takes serious range to play the same serious man in 8 different ways. Especially when each one could take down a threat, save the country, and still make it to dinner in a suit.
Hans India
20-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Hans India
Raashii Khanna: Some roles don't ask, they demand your body and bruises
Mumbai: Actress Raashii Khanna shared her latest behind-the-scenes glimpses from her upcoming project and said that some roles demand everything. Raashii took to Instagram, where she shared a slew of images. In the photographs, the actress appeared bruised, bloodied, and intensely focused. She could be seen in a simple T-shirt and black pants, with the visible injuries on her nose and hand. For the caption, she wrote: 'Some roles don't ask. They demand. Your body. Your breath. Your bruises. And when you become the storm, you don't flinch at the thunder. Coming soon…' Raashii has undergone rigorous physical training and stunt preparation for this project. Most recently, she took on the role of a determined journalist in The Sabarmati Report, a political drama film, based on true events, with direction by Ranjan Chandel, later replaced by Dheeraj Sarna. It is based on the Godhra train burning incident of 27 February 2002, involving Sabarmati Express train. It also stars Vikrant Massey and Riddhi Dogra. In other news, the actress recently featured in Farah Khan's YouTube vlog, where she shared she was initially 'not interested' for 'Madras Cafe', which marked her debut in cinema in 2013. 'I ran away from the first audition. There were a lot of people. It was an ad. It was a lip gloss ad. I was scared seeing so many people. I was always very shy,' Raashii said. To which, Farah replied: 'It wasn't Mukesh Chabra?' 'No. They sent me to small auditions,' said Raashii, who added: ' There were auditions. But they didn't call a lot of people. There were no open auditions. I got an ad. I got a call from casting director Jogi Ji. Jogi Ji said Madras Cafe casting is happening.' 'I said 'I am not interested in films. I don't want to do it. I am here for a time pass'. I refused twice. The third time I said out of respect,' Raashii said.
Time of India
20-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Time of India
Does Farah Khan's cook have another special someone in his life? Director reveals he gets teased about a certain Savita
Farah Khan , known for her vibrant YouTube vlogs that blend food, film, and fun, has lately shifted the spotlight from her celebrity guests and gourmet creations to someone much closer to home — her charming cook, Dilip. What started as casual appearances has now turned into a fan-favorite segment, with Dilip stealing scenes through his quirky humor and charismatic presence. In her latest vlog, Farah welcomed actress Raashii Khanna over for a hearty lunch. As the camera rolled, the conversation naturally veered toward Dilip's newfound fanbase and his playful admiration for actresses. Farah couldn't help but share a funny behind-the-scenes story — when Dilip recently visited his hometown, his wife confronted him, curious about a certain " Savita " whom viewers often hear about in the vlogs. The video began on a light note with Dilip confidently greeting viewers like a seasoned host. 'A heroine is coming today — I always enjoy when an actress visits,' he announced gleefully. Before Raashii arrived, the kitchen buzzed with activity as they prepared black chickpea pulao, a dish close to Dilip's heart. Play Video Pause Skip Backward Skip Forward Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration 0:00 Loaded : 0% 0:00 Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 1x Playback Rate Chapters Chapters Descriptions descriptions off , selected Captions captions settings , opens captions settings dialog captions off , selected Audio Track Picture-in-Picture Fullscreen This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Opacity Opaque Semi-Transparent Text Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Opacity Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Caption Area Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Opacity Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Drop shadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like 기미 흑자, 무조건 비싸다고 좋은게 아닙니다. 두아이연구원 Undo When the Farzi actress entered, Farah delved into her early film journey. Raashii reminisced, 'My best friend Vaani Kapoor encouraged me to come to Mumbai after college. I did a commercial, and soon after, a casting director called me for Madras Cafe with John Abraham. I initially declined — twice, in fact — thinking it was all casual. But out of respect, I went for the audition, got selected, and that film opened doors to several South Indian projects.' Farah then commented on how much Raashii resembled Katrina Kaif. With a laugh, the actress said, 'I get that a lot. It's flattering — she's stunning. I loved her in Sheila Ki Jawani.' Farah chimed in, 'Let's plan a Sheila Ki Jawani sequel!' As they cooked together, Raashii asked Dilip if he gets recognized in public now. With a proud nod, he confirmed. Raashii laughed, 'Everyone I told about coming here was more excited to see you!' Farah joked, 'Look at that — no one's even mentioning me anymore. You're the star now!' Teasing continued as Raashii asked if Dilip's wife watched his flirty moments online. Farah explained that the mention of "Savita" — a fictional fisherwoman used in their jokes — had sparked real-life questions from his wife. 'When he returned to his village, she asked, 'Who is Savita?'' Farah said with a chuckle. Farah often pokes fun at Dilip's fame, even joking about the fancy six-bedroom house he's built — proof that sometimes, even the cook can become the main course of attention. On the work front, Khan recently lent her choreography skills to a high-energy track in Salman Khan's upcoming film Sikandar. The song, titled Zohra Jabeen, showcases Salman grooving alongside Rashmika Mandanna. With its infectious rhythm and a hook step that fans can't stop replicating, the number has quickly become a chart-topping favorite.
