Latest news with #MandalaMurders'
Mint
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- Mint
Sachin Pilgaonkar gets nostalgic on 50 years of Sholay, shares unseen BTS pictures
Mumbai (Maharashtra) [India], August 15 (ANI): Veteran actor-director Sachin Pilgaonkar is feeling nostalgic as 'Sholay' has completed 50 years of release. Directed by Ramesh Sippy, the film is one of the most iconic deliveries from Bollywood, widely celebrated for its unforgettable story, characters, and the famous dialogues and songs. Sachin Pilgaonkar, who played the character of Ahmed in 'Sholay,' took to his Instagram handle and shared a string of old pictures with the film's cast and team members, capturing some precious moments. He also shared a few glimpses from the film, with one of them showing a sequence between Amjad Khan as Gabbar Singh and Pilgaonkar. The actor shared a video, showing a 'Sholay' coin, which he received as a souvenir on the film's 50-year anniversary. Pilgaonkar opened up about his emotions attached to the film, calling himself "very lucky" for being a part of it. In his caption, he wrote, "50 years of Sholay. Sholay is an emotion. A celebration. I'll always be grateful to Ramesh Sippy Ji, who I considered one of my Gurus, for making me a part of this magnum opus and for giving me the opportunity to learn so much even behind the scenes." Fans instantly reacted to the post, congratulating the actor on the milestone. His daughter, actor Shriya Pilgaonkar, also commented on the post. "So handsome papa. And how iconic!" the 'Mandala Murders' star wrote. Directed by Sippy, 'Sholay' was originally released on August 15, 1975. It featured an ensemble of legendary actors like Amitabh Bachchan, Dharmendra, Sanjeev Kumar, Amjad Khan, Hema Malini, and Jaya Bachchan, among others. The film's story is set in the Ramgarh village, terrorised by the notorious Gabbar Singh. In order to defeat the bandit gang, retired police chief Thakur Baldev Singh takes help from two friends, Jai and Veeru. Even after five decades of its release, 'Sholay' continues to resonate with audiences across the country. (ANI)
News18
08-08-2025
- Entertainment
- News18
Four New OTT Thrillers That Will Keep You Guessing All Weekend
Last Updated: Whether you're into shadowy cults, buried family secrets, small-town, or treasure hunts with a twist, these new OTT thrillers stay with you long after the credits roll. Do you live for stories that make your pulse race? The kind where every episode ends with you whispering, 'Just one more…"? This weekend, streaming platforms are serving up fresh suspense, crime, and psychological intrigue for Indian audiences who love to be kept on the edge of their seats. Whether you're into shadowy cults, buried family secrets, small-town, or treasure hunts with a twist, these new OTT thrillers are packed with shocks, twists, and performances that'll stay with you long after the credits roll. 'Mandala Murders' – Netflix Step into the haunting lanes of Charandaspur, where a series of ritualistic killings lead investigators into the heart of an ancient cult. In her streaming series debut, Vaani Kapoor plays CIB officer Rea Thomas, a woman unafraid to stare danger in the eye. As she digs deeper, the line between myth and murder blurs, pulling her into a case soaked in folklore, superstition, and blood. The show's gothic visuals and taut writing make it perfect for viewers who love crime served with a side of mythology. 'Kankhajura' – SonyLIV Family reunions are rarely this chilling. Two estranged brothers meet after years, but instead of healing old wounds, their time together rips them open. Roshan Mathew and Mohit Raina bring a quiet menace to this slow-burning psychological thriller, adapted from the acclaimed Israeli series Magpie. Every conversation feels loaded, every glance a clue, until past sins threaten to swallow them whole. If you enjoy layered mysteries where the real danger hides behind familiar faces, Kankhajura will keep you hooked. 'Chhal Kapat: The Deception' – ZEE5 A wedding is meant to be a celebration, but in a small Madhya Pradesh village, it turns into a crime scene when the bride-to-be is found dead under mysterious circumstances. Enter SP Devika Rathore, played by Shriya Pilgaonkar, who must untangle a knot of lies, rivalries, and buried grudges. As she navigates the politics of a close-knit community, every guest becomes a suspect. Packed with tense interrogations and sudden revelations, Chhal Kapat is a classic whodunnit with an Indian heartland flavour. 'The Secret of the Shiledars' – JioHotstar For those who like their thrillers with a dash of adventure, this series offers a treasure hunt wrapped in history. Rajeev Khandelwal and Sai Tamhankar play unlikely allies racing against time and enemies to uncover a hidden Shivaji-era treasure. From ancient forts to cryptic maps, the chase takes them across breath-taking landscapes, with danger lurking at every turn. Think Indiana Jones, but with Marathi history and desi swagger. Pick Your Mystery No matter your choice, these thrillers promise a weekend of edge-of-your-seat viewing. Just don't blame us if you end up binge-watching into Monday morning. view comments First Published: Disclaimer: Comments reflect users' views, not News18's. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.
Time of India
02-08-2025
- Entertainment
- Time of India
Vaani Kapoor opens up about her Bollywood struggle; Reveals she gave herself two years to succeed
Vaani Kapoor recently debuted in OTT with 'Mandala Murders', portraying CIB officer Rea Thomas, a role demanding emotional depth and physical rigor. An introvert, she struggled initially in Mumbai but persisted with strong self-belief. Since her 2013 debut in 'Shuddh Desi Romance', she has starred in major Bollywood films. Bollywood actress Vaani Kapoor has officially made her foray into the OTT space, starring in YRF's latest series, 'Mandala Murders,' which premiered on Netflix last week. Known for her dedication to fitness, Kapoor takes on the demanding role of Rea Thomas, a determined CIB officer, marking a significant new chapter in her acting career. Here's a closer look at how Vaani Kapoor opened up about her Bollywood struggle period. Vaani Kapoor shifts on-screen persona in 'Mandala Murders' Having spent years as a romantic lead in glamorous Bollywood films, Vaani is now earning praise for her subtle and layered portrayal in 'Mandala Murders'. This intense thriller available on OTT platforms represents a significant shift from her usual on-screen image, and she admits the experience was quite demanding. Vaani Kapoor tackles a complex role in 'Mandala Murders' During a chat with Moneycontrol, when questioned about her choice of this role, she explained that this was very different from anything she had tried before. Rea was someone who couldn't be read easily, aloof, trauma-stricken, a complete observer. Most of the emotion had to come through her eyes without high-pitched dialogues or dramatic gestures. It was emotionally and mentally taxing, but that challenge fascinated her. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like The Top 25 Most Beautiful Women In The World Articles Vally Undo Vaani Kapoor pushed beyond her comfort zone for 'Mandala Murders' She explains that the consistency was the toughest part. You can't step out of the character's design. Action sequences, physical training, and the mental weight of trauma all pushed her out of her comfort zone. Vaani Kapoor shares early struggles in Mumbai Vaani recalls her early days in Mumbai and admits that being an introvert made it difficult for her to adjust to the glamorous Bollywood world and its ways after moving from Delhi. She moved to Bombay without knowing a single person—no family, no friends, and no projects lined up. She told herself she would give this dream one or two years, and if it didn't work out, she would move on. Feeling a strong sense of responsibility for herself and her family, she did not want to struggle endlessly without clear direction. Unpredictability, isolation, and self-doubt were constant companions during that time. As an introvert, she would often sit alone and wonder if she truly belonged there. However, it was her self-belief that kept her going. She never takes any opportunity lightly and surrenders to it completely. Vaani Kapoor's portrayal of Rea Thomas in 'Mandala Murders' In the series 'Mandala Murders', Vaani portrays Rea Thomas, an officer grappling with PTSD who finds herself out of place in a threatening environment. Over the course of eight episodes, she skillfully handles the demanding physical aspects of the role while maintaining a controlled, subdued emotional presence. Vaani Kapoor's Bollywood journey from debut to stardom Vaani Kapoor's journey in Bollywood began with her first film, 'Shuddh Desi Romance', released in 2013. Later, she went on to star alongside leading actors in high-profile movies like 'Befikre', 'War', 'Chandigarh Kare Aashiqui' and 'Bell Bottom'.
India Today
01-08-2025
- Entertainment
- India Today
Exclusive: Actor Vaibhav Raj Gupta on breaking the Gullak mould in Mandala Murders
Vaibhav Raj Gupta, best known for his endearing portrayal of Annu Bhaiya in the TVF show 'Gullak', has taken a dark, daring detour with Netflix's 'Mandala Murders'. As Vikram Singh, a deeply layered and emotionally bruised cop, Vaibhav sheds his old skin and plunges head-first into a character riddled with pain, guilt and raw vulnerability - and it's safe to say, he owns an exclusive chat with India Today, the actor opened up about why taking on 'Mandala Murders' scared him, how he used real-life baggage to build Vikram, and why this role marks a whole new chapter in his acting OUT OF THE 'ANNU BHAIYA' BOXAfter years of being synonymous with his character in 'Gullak' - Annu Bhaiya -, Vaibhav was keen to shake things up. When asked whether he is consciously trying to avoid typecasting, he replied in affirmation. 'As much as I love the character, it's scary for an actor to be typecast,' he confessed, adding, 'I took a break. I told myself, unless it's something radically different, I'm not showing up.'After 'Gullak', Vaibhav next appeared as a goon in Sakshi Tanwar's 'Mai', then in 'Good Bad Girl' as a suave English-speaking businessman. 'I wanted to prove I'm not just one thing. Sometimes you need to disappear and let people miss you - then come back with a banger," he 'MANDALA MURDERS'From the very first scene, Vikram Singh doesn't feel like a stock police character, he's complicated, unpredictable and steeped in emotional intensity. But stepping into his shoes wasn't exactly a walk in the park for Vaibhav. 'I'm still processing it,' he admitted.'The world Gopi Sir (Gopi Puthran, the show's creator) created was so beautiful and different. I was honestly scared when they offered it to me. I knew I'd do it, but I didn't know how because the character had so much going on," he added. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Netflix India (@netflix_in)The 34-year-old actor revealed he underwent a serious physical transformation to align with the director's vision for the Netflix show. He added, 'Gopi Sir had a very specific image of Vikram. He wanted me to go muscular and look completely different from anything I've done before.'Read the review of 'Mandala Murders' PAIN AND REAL PERFORMANCEFor Vaibhav, Vikram wasn't just another role, it became a personal outlet. When asked what his anchor was while preparing for the role, he shared, "I gave Vikram my own traumas. It was a barter system, I gave him my baggage, and he gave me something noted that the timing of the show also eerily mirrored his own life. 'When Vikram came into my life, I was going through a lot - I'd lost a project, my mum had a heart attack. It felt like our lives were running parallel. Vikram had a bullet; I had a bullet. He had a bike; I had a bike. I started comparing everything," he performance in 'Mandala Murders' was so emotionally charged that it lingers long after the credits roll. He is paired alongside Vaani Kapoor, who made her OTT debut with the psychological wasn't just the character that drew him in, Vaibhav was also hooked by the uniqueness of the show itself. Praising its script, he said, 'You've never seen anything like this on screen. It has no blueprint. Now people might copy it and make a formula out of it, but this one was the first.' With 'Mandala Murders', he feels proud to be part of something he believes is pioneering in its the trailer of 'Mandala Murders' here: advertisementON BEING AN OUTSIDER IN MUMBAIFor Vaibhav, acting has never been just a job - it's a calling that demands emotional investment. He opened up about how it was for him to land in Mumbai, with no experience of acting. 'Being an actor in Bombay is not easy, especially when you're an outsider. Life's happening to you, you're hustling, and if you're someone who feels everything, it can be overwhelming,' he when 'Mandala Murders' came along, he made a promise to himself, 'I wanted to play a cop no one had seen before. Not the stereotypical guy. I poured everything into Vikram."With 'Mandala Murders', Vaibhav Raj Gupta isn't just reinventing himself, he's leaving a mark. As Vikram Singh, he delivers a performance that's intense, unfiltered, and deeply human. If there's one thing this role proves, it's that Vaibhav is here for the long run, and he's just getting by Gopi Puthran, 'Mandala Murders' is streaming on Netflix.- Ends
Time of India
30-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Time of India
Shriya Pilgaonkar's parents Sachin and Supriya Pilgaonkar praise her performance in ‘Mandala Murders': ‘You elevate every role..'
Shriya Pilgaonkar is winning hearts and how! Her latest series ' Mandala Murders ' has created a buzz, and it's her standout performance that has everyone talking. While the show has a strong cast, Shriya's role as Rukmini has truly captured the audience's attention. Even more special? Her proud parents Sachin and Supriya Pilgaonkar can't stop gushing over her work. Shriya steals the spotlight as Rukmini 'Mandala Murders' is a gripping mythological-crime thriller created by Gopi Puthran and co-directed by Manan Rawat. The story takes place in the mysterious town of Charandaspur, where ritual killings connect to an old secret society. The show cleverly shifts between timelines, and Shriya appears in flashbacks from the 1950s. The series also stars Vaani Kapoor in the lead, along with Vaibhav Raj Gupta, Surveen Chawla , Jameel Khan, Raghubir Yadav, Manu Rishi Chadha and Monica Chaudhary. Sachin and Supriya Pilgaonkar's heart-warming reaction Her father, veteran actor Sachin Pilgaonkar , proudly shared his feelings on social media. Along with sweet pictures of him and Supriya watching 'Mandala Murders', he wrote a loving message for Shriya. He penned, 'Congratulations for all the love you are receiving @ You elevate every role you take on and your ability to transform is so admirable. We are so proud of you for your mesmerising performance as Rukmini in Mandala Murders 👍🏼 Very different from your other roles and you proved that even with a few scenes an actor can make a strong impression. Bless you always my cubby!' The post is filled with admiration and pride, showing how much Shriya's performance touched her father. His words highlight not just the power of the role, but also her journey as an actor. Shriya thanks fans for the love Shriya is equally grateful for the appreciation coming her way. In an interview with ANI, she shared her happiness and thanked everyone for their support. 'Those who have watched Mandala Murders have given good reactions to my character in the series. The love that has been given to 'Rukmani' (Shriya's character in Mandala Murders), I am so grateful for it.'
