Latest news with #Roshan
Hindustan Times
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- Hindustan Times
Kankhajura review: A Roshan Mathew masterclass in acting makes this Magpie remake almost better than the original
In the Israeli series Magpie, the title made sense as the term is used for police informers in the West, and the protagonist was one. In the Hindi adaptation of the acclaimed show, Kankhajura, the protagonist is curiously reduced to a millipede, albeit a dangerous one. The metaphor holds here as well. For Ashu is as small and insignificant as he is dangerous. This tale of love, need for approval, and violent rage is a story well told, but much better performed. If the script keeps you hooked, the performances blow you away. And at the centre of it all is a sublime Roshan Mathew, reminding viewers yet again why he is one of the finest young actors in the country. Kankhajura is the story of Ashu (Roshan), a young man in Goa, who is released from prison after 14 years. In the meantime, his brother Max (Mohit Raina) has established a minor construction empire, but on illegitimate foundations. Max and his partners treat Ashu like their punching bag even as the latter continues to look for their approval. But there is more to Ashu. The meek, stuttering man is a master manipulator, and the local ACP (Heeba Shah) wants to exploit that. As Max and his cronies push Ashu to the brink, he breaks, and then all hell breaks loose. On the surface, Kankhajura is a story about acceptance and the need for approval. Ashu's obsession with being good enough for his brother drives all his actions, whether good or bad. The script brings this complex emotion out quite nicely. All the subtleties and intricacies are conveyed in a sublime manner, without hammering the point too hard. That makes the show more relatable and arguably more uncomfortable, too. But that discomfort is natural, because the story talks about difficult emotions, ones that we always keep hidden away. The show also handles Ashu's intricate plans and machinations quite beautifully. As a clever manipulator, Ashu is always two steps ahead of everyone. But the show does not keep the audience in the dark. In a method evocative of Breaking Bad or Better Call Saul, it allows you inside Ashu's mind as he orchestrates people around him, sometimes aided by dumb luck and other times guided by his own bravado. Those sequences are fun, largely because of the thrilling way they have been presented. And the sutradhar of all this is Roshan Mathew. The actor breathes new life into this thriller genre, which is almost at risk of oversaturation on OTT. His performance, already one of the best this year, makes you feel everything for Ashu - from sympathy to disgust to rage. And therein lies the beauty of what Roshan has achieved here. The actor, a famous babyface, has hardly ever handled something this dark and devious. But he coasts through not just the role but the setup, quite flawlessly. Kankhajura is a good show based on the story and the technical aspects alone. Roshan makes it great. Mohit Raina is a great foil to Roshan. Light years from his Mahadev phase, the actor shows off his range as the selfish and dark Max, a man who can sacrifice anything to get what he wants. That single-minded focus needed to be brought without making him the stereotypical villain, and Mohit Raina manages that. Among the rest of the cast, Mahesh Shetty (as Max's associate Shardul) and Heeba Shah (as the Goa ACP) stand out. We often hear viewers (and even critics) lament the absence of original stories. Many cringe at remakes, labelling them lazy. But Kankhajura is anything but lazy. It is original, too, marrying the essence of Magpie with the soul of Goa and the heart of desi storytelling. This show proves that if done right, even a remake can be one of the best shows of the year.
India Today
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- India Today
Hrithik Roshan collaborates with Hombale Films for pan-India project
Hrithik Roshan has collaborated with Hombale Films for the upcoming film. The announcement itself has sparked widespread conversation. The makers shared the announcement with a statement and shared that the forthcoming project is a tale of 'grit, grandeur and glory' which is set to unfold where intensity meets a look at the statement here: advertisementHrithik Roshan shared his happiness about the project and said, 'Hombale has been home to some very unique stories over the years. I'm looking forward to partnering with them and delivering a cinematic experience for our audience. We are dreaming big, and committed to bringing the vision to life.' Founder Vijay Kiragandur also shared thoughts about the project and said, "Very happy with this collaboration. At Hombale Films, our purpose is to tell stories that inspire and transcend boundaries. Partnering with Hrithik Roshan is a step forward in realising that vision, crafting a film where intensity meets imagination on a grand scale. We are committed to delivering an experience that is both powerful and timeless."Hombale Films have delivered blockbuster pan-India films like 'KGF' Chapters 1 and 2, 'Salaar: Part 1 – Ceasefire', and 'Kantara'. They have not only set a new benchmark in storytelling but have also consistently delivered box-office on the other hand, is waiting for the release of his upcoming film, 'War 2' alongside Jr NTR and Kiara Advani. He also has 'Krrish 4' in his InMust Watch
Economic Times
4 days ago
- Entertainment
- Economic Times
Hrithik Roshan's father Rakesh's gym workout routine and fitness at 75 will put most of us to shame
Celebrity Reactions A Health Journey Fueled by Determination The Krrish Legacy Veteran filmmaker Rakesh Roshan is proving that age is no barrier to fitness. Recently, the 75-year-old shared an intense workout video on Instagram, showing a high-energy routine packed with strength and cardio exercises. Alongside the video, he wrote, 'It's not about being healthy—it's about feeling your best every day.' The post quickly captured attention across Bollywood and social media, inspiring both fans and fellow gym session included a wide range of exercises, reflecting a disciplined fitness regimen that many half his age would find demanding. Wearing a black T-shirt and shorts, the filmmaker moved through boxing drills, barbell squats, seated cable rows, and dynamic leg workouts. He also incorporated stretches, burpees, and high kicks, all executed with intensity and precision. A standout was the pull-up exercise using an exercise ball, showcasing his impressive core strength and post sparked an outpouring of admiration from across the film industry. Hrithik Roshan , reacting to his father's post, commented, 'Uff damn! Too good papa!' Actor Tiger Shroff joined in, writing, 'Lovely sir.' Suniel Shetty, Sham Kaushal, and Anupam Kher also shared words of encouragement, with Kher commenting, 'Har har Mahadev!' Sham Kaushal added, 'Kaya baat. So inspiring. Rakeshji.'Roshan's daughter Sunaina called him her 'Ironman,' while fans flooded the comments section with praise, calling him a 'true inspiration' and a 'real superhero.' Even industry insiders like Goldie Behl and Ravi Behl joined the chorus of support, showing how widely his fitness commitment has fitness journey gained deeper significance following his battle with throat cancer in 2018. His recovery and transformation have been nothing short of remarkable, and his consistency in the gym reflects both discipline and personal resolve. Over time, he has used social media to offer glimpses of this journey, each post motivating many to prioritize health and strength, regardless of from his personal fitness milestones, Roshan has remained active on the professional front. Recently, he shared a heartfelt message about his son Hrithik's upcoming directorial debut in the much-anticipated film Krrish 4. In a note to Hrithik, he wrote, 'Duggu, 25 years back, I launched you as an actor, and today again… you are being launched as a director… to take forward our most ambitious film #Krrish4.' The project, co-produced by Rakesh Roshan and Aditya Chopra under Yash Raj Films, will see Hrithik helm both the acting and directing responsibilities for the superhero earlier indications that Roshan would not direct the new instalment himself, he continues to play a pivotal role behind the scenes, offering support as the iconic Krrish series evolves under new creative 75, Rakesh Roshan is not just lifting weights—he's lifting spirits. His relentless energy, resilience after cancer, and unwavering commitment to fitness have turned him into a symbol of age-defying strength. His latest video serves as a reminder that personal transformation is possible at any stage of life—with the right mindset and effort.
The Hindu
4 days ago
- Entertainment
- The Hindu
Roshan Mathew interview: On ‘Kankhajura' and feeling at home in Hindi cinema
Roshan Mathew is set to play an intense and manipulative man in the upcoming Hindi web series Kankhajura. The Hindi adaptation of the Israeli web series Magpie (2019) drops on SonyLiv on May 30. The series also stars Mohit Raina, Sarah Jane Dias and Trinetra Haldar. In the series, Roshan plays Anshu, a youngster who returns to his brother Max after 14 years of imprisonment. Anshu's past disrupts his relationship with Max, and their lives get caught in a web of secrets, and betrayals. Beneath Roshan's charming personality lies a gift to play wicked and flawed characters that often leave a mark. For instance, in his recent Malayalam film Paradise, which is set in Sri Lanka, Roshan plays a man who displays his assertiveness to cover his flaws in his relationship with his wife (played by Darshana Rajendran). Over the years, the actor has found a way to crack roles that come with multiple layers. Roshan talks to The Hindu about the different phases of his career so far, and evolving as an actor across industries. Excerpts: In 'Kankhajura', you play somebody with a dark past. It seems like you have a troubled relationship with your brother. The series is mostly about what happens in the present, but your behaviour has to show the influence of your past. What goes into playing such roles? The script has some amount of detailing, as to what exactly happened in their (the brother's) past, and what their childhood probably was like. There's enough hint in it for us to build our own story around it. I think that's where the interpretation of an actor and the director comes in. I ask myself, 'What could have made him say that'? 'Or what could have made him think or act this way'? So, you build a backstory in your head. A character calls you innocent yet very dangerous. It's the perfect description of a twisted person. How different is this kind of portrayal compared to the other villainous roles you've done? I don't look at Ashu as a villain. Because everything he does is easy to justify. There are reasons behind what he's doing. At some points, he takes extreme measures. It's not something that I would resort to as a person. On a very unbiased scale of right and wrong, he might be in the wrong a few times for sure. But once you understand the context of his actions, you empathise with him. He is a bit reckless, somebody who will do anything to achieve what he wants. You got your first big break with 'Aanandam' (2016), a feel-good coming-of-age movie in which you played the youngster Rockstar Gautham, who loves Western music. It's been a while since we saw you in such a role. Has the genre lost its sheen? Very honestly, I miss it. The genre is delightful. Even when I sit down to watch a film, there's a certain kind of relaxation that comes from watching something very light and breezy. As actors, we want to try all genres. That's what keeps us light and happy on our feet. In the last couple of years, there have been few missed opportunities due to various factors, and I regret them. They were feel-good stories. However, we find ways to be a part of them. For instance, my friends and I are doing a play. It's called Bye Bye Bypass. It's an absolute fun comedy ride. Even before we arrived at the exact script of the play, we were very sure that the mood of the play had to be light. Even Kankhajura isn't so intensely dark that it's going to be a difficult watch. It's a very engaging show. ALSO READ:Roshan Mathew on raising the bar as an actor In one interview, you were described as 'a calm face stuck between unruly curls and a beard'. It feels like a great idea to put someone with pleasant features like you in a deceptive character. It can surprise people. For instance, I watched 'Kappela', having no idea what the film was about, and I was shocked at how your character transformed in the end... There's so much about what meets the eye in a visual medium like cinema. How a person looks and what a person, who does not know an actor at all, gauges from the appearance alone, is debatable. And it happens at such a primary level that actors aren't even aware that the way they look is the reason why they get cast in a particular character. For me, it strikes in retrospect, once the project is over. I don't see the rushes on the monitor. When I see the final output I feel like, 'Okay, so this is what they probably saw initially when they approached me'. I have always wanted to sort of experiment with my looks. For Poacher, I took the beard off completely, and I felt like a different person when I looked in the mirror. My next release in Malayalam is Ronth, directed by Shahi Kabir (Ela Veezha Poonchira). I play a cop, and there is a change in my appearance. A change in look aids me while I'm shooting for a film because I feel like I'm somebody else. 'Kankhajura' is your only second full-fledged series after 'Poacher' (2024). You played a cameo in the Malayalam series 'Master Peace'. Did you have to dodge many scripts to pick what felt right for you? When compared to shooting for a Malayalam film, a web series requires a longer time commitment. So, whenever I choose to do a series, I have to make peace with the fact that I'm going to miss a few film projects. Some films look exciting, but I let go of them with a heavy heart. So, this long commitment that I'm going to make for a particular series better be worth it. With Poacher and Kankhajura, the crew mattered to me. Having Richie Mehta direct a show, with actors such as Nimisha and Divyendu, was a strong reason to say yes to Poacher. For Kankhajura, Rajeev Rai was the cinematographer, and Chandan Arora co-wrote the story. These people do something very original and exciting. The Hindi industry has taken vast strides in the web series space, whereas Malayalam cinema is best known for its new-age content. Do you find it tough to balance the two industries? Some amount of a trade-off does happen, and it's out of your control. Within the Malayalam industry, I have a certain kind of familiarity with people. So, when two projects are clashing, I can discuss and figure things around. When you're doing work in another industry, and something else comes by, the best thing is to decline it. It avoids complications. You said you struggled for the first two or three days on the sets of 'Choked' (2020). It was your first major Hindi project, and you were working with an experienced maker like Anurag Kashyap. How have you grown as a performer in Hindi? I've gotten more comfortable with the idea of working in a different industry. I don't feel orphaned. I don't feel uprooted from my home. I felt this while working in Kankhajura and Ulajh (2024), the last two projects I did in Hindi. For Poacher, we shot a lot in Kerala, so it didn't count for me as a project in a different industry. I am somebody who can quickly find my comfort in new spaces. How have your days at the Drama School Mumbai helped you evolve as a Hindi actor? It's about what we access from within ourselves. The moment I am in Bombay, I feel like one whole side of my personality comes alive. I have spent a couple of milestone years of my life in the city. So much transformation and self-discovery happened at the Drama School. My closest friends are from that school. I feel like I rely on the confidence that my friends and faculty from the drama school have given me. Even if Hindi isn't my mother tongue, it's become a language I can access. I can tap into a certain level of honesty in Hindi. How keen are Malayalam filmmakers about exploring the web series space? People are slowly starting to tap into the potential of the format. There are very few projects that have come out. But some exciting ones are coming soon. On SonyLiv, I feel Krishand RK's series is going to be exciting. It's called The Chronicles of the 4.5 Gang. Mithun Manuel Thomas (Anjaam Pathiraa, Abraham Ozler) has made one. For filmmakers in Kerala, time is a huge factor because of how quickly Malayalam films get made. However, for a web series, plans keep shifting here and there. It's a challenge to constantly coordinate with OTT platforms housed in Bombay (Mumbai). Setting up all the plans early enough and shooting for such a long period are the pains in this particular format for Malayalam filmmakers.
Indian Express
5 days ago
- Entertainment
- Indian Express
‘Too good papa': Hrithik Roshan amazed by dad Rakesh Roshan's intense workout routine at 75
At 75, filmmaker Rakesh Roshan shows no signs of slowing down regarding fitness. In a recent Instagram video, he gave fans a glimpse into his rigorous workout routine, showcasing a level of discipline and strength that stunned social media. In the now-viral video, Roshan can be seen powering through intense exercises, from boxing drills and leg workouts to lifting heavy weights, and working with battle ropes and stability balls. His intense routine, done under the guidance of a personal trainer, also included stretches and squats with weights placed on his shoulders. Alongside the video, Roshan wrote in the caption, 'It's not about being healthy — it's about feeling your best every day.' Watch here: A post shared by Rakesh Roshan (@rakesh_roshan9) The inspiring post quickly earned plaudits from fans and celebrities alike. His son, Hrithik Roshan, couldn't hide his admiration, and commented, 'Uff damn! Too good Papa.' Veteran actor Anupam Kher wrote, 'Har Har Mahadev!', while Suniel Shetty reacted with a heart emoji. Action director Sham Kaushal, father of actor Vicky Kaushal, added, 'Kya baat. So inspiring. Rakeshji.' Tiger Shroff also chimed in, saying, 'Lovely sir.' Several fans also hailed Roshan's workout, with one commenting, 'Inspiration of Hrithik Roshan.' Another user wrote, 'Wooow Real Krrish is Back.' On the professional front, Roshan earlier shared an exciting update about the Krrish franchise. Sharing a throwback picture with his son, he announced that Hrithik will be directing the much-anticipated Krrish 4. Last month, a video of veteran actor Dharmendra performing a water aerobics session impressed social media users. In the viral video, the 89-year-old was seen working out in a swimming pool, dressed in a T-shirt and signature hat. He floated with the support of a tube and performed body movements under the guidance of his trainer. Dharmendra's video received warm reactions from his children. His son Bobby Deol responded with a string of heart emojis, while daughter Esha Deol dropped heart and evil eye emojis.
