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India Today
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- India Today
List of OTT releases this week: When and where to watch
This week's streaming lineup offers a dynamic mix of genres across Netflix, Prime Video, SonyLIV, Disney+, Hulu, and more. At the forefront is Netflix, debuting the long-awaited Happy Gilmore 2 (July25), and for fans of edgeofyourseat comedies and documentaries, there's something for every is the list of OTT releases that will be out this coming week:Here's a rephrased version of your OTT release descriptions for this week, keeping the tone crisp and engaging for a digital audience:advertisementHappy Gilmore 2 (July 25) – Netflix Adam Sandler is back as the fiery golfer in this long-awaited sequel. Years after his first swing at glory, Gilmore returns to the green, this time to fund his daughter Vienna's ballet on Trial (July 21) – Prime VideoJudge Judy takes a hard look at the legal system, spotlighting real-life cases where the verdicts were lawful—but not always just. Each episode re-examines how far fairness can stretch within the bounds of the Steve Harvey Show (July 21) – NetflixThe beloved '90s sitcom is back on stream. Whether you're revisiting Steve Hightower or meeting him for the first time, this school-based comedy delivers timeless laughs and heartfelt Happy People: A Teenage Holy War (July 23) – Prime VideoSeason 2 explores the rise and fall of Teen Mania, a flashy evangelical youth group. Behind the music and messages lies a disturbing story of control and ambition far beyond the (July 25) – NetflixSet in a gun-free South Korea, this gripping action thriller follows a relentless cop chasing down a rising black market in firearms. His biggest challenge? An elusive arms dealer who's always one move P.I. Moms (July 22) – NetflixThis doc dives into a chaotic 2000s reality show where suburban moms moonlighted as private investigators. What began as empowering quickly unraveled into scandal and legal From The Past (July 23) – NetflixA young woman uncovers a box of old letters that unravel a buried family secret. Her search for the truth leads her on a moving journey through memory, identity, and untold Winning Try (July 25) – NetflixAfter a fall from fame, a former rugby player heads back to his hometown to coach his alma mater. As he helps a struggling team rise, he discovers redemption and a new purpose.- Ends
Time of India
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- Time of India
‘The Hunt' director Nagesh Kukunoor: opens up on challenges of casting, OTT shift, and portraying Rajiv Gandhi case truthfully
Director Nagesh Kukunoor recently released a new web series called 'The Hunt: The Rajiv Gandhi Assassination Case ' on Sony LIV. In a new interview, he talked about his experience working on this true-crime story, how OTT platforms have shaped his journey in the last few years, and why he now wants to return to making films for theatres. Nagesh Kukunoor talked about his new series During an interview with Hindustan Times, director Nagesh Kukunoor recently opened up about his new web series titled 'The Hunt: The Rajiv Gandhi Assassination Case', streaming on Sony LIV. He shared insights on his journey as a filmmaker, his experience working in the OTT space, and also his future plans in cinema. The series is based on the real-life investigation of former Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi 's assassination and has drawn attention due to its sensitive and politically connected subject. Nagesh Kukunoor's views on long format content Kukunoor said that for the last six to seven years, he has been fully involved in creating long-form content for digital platforms. He worked on multiple projects for major OTT platforms. He explained that he enjoys the long format because it allows him to explore characters in detail, something that's difficult in a two-hour film. However, he also mentioned that the early excitement around OTT has started to settle down, though he still finds it creatively satisfying. Despite being active in the digital space, Kukunoor expressed his interest in returning to theatrical films. He said it's time for him to 'wade back into films,' but he admitted that making films without star actors is very difficult in the current market. One of his biggest challenges is that he doesn't always choose big celebrities for his projects. Because of this, getting financial backing and distribution becomes hard. He pointed out that in theatres, audiences and producers still expect to see a known face to attract attention and business. Talking about his creative process, Kukunoor revealed that he always has stories in mind. However, he only commits to a project when the script really demands to be made and when there is a realistic budget to work with. He's not someone who just jumps on every idea. Instead, he waits for the right time and resources to develop it properly. About the series About 'The Hunt', Kukunoor stressed that even though it's based on a major political event, the assassination of Rajiv Gandhi, it is not a political show. He clarified that the series is a true-crime thriller, based on facts and it focuses on the detailed investigation that led to solving the case. He also said that while some may link the topic to politics, his intent was never to create a political drama. Kukunoor also pointed out that he prefers fictional political stories over real political figures. He had earlier worked on a political show for three seasons, but it featured entirely fictional characters. In contrast, The Hunt deals with real people and real incidents, so it was very important for him to handle the content sensitively. He said that when dealing with actual people and many of whom are still alive, so one needs to be extra careful in portraying them with honesty and balance. Lastly, he said that he tried to present both sides of the story with humanity, the Special Investigation Team (SIT) officers and even the LTTE operatives responsible for the attack and his goal was not to take sides but to show how events unfolded as truthfully as possible. He didn't want to sensationalize the case or draw modern political connections. Instead, he focused on creating a balanced and respectful portrayal of a tragic chapter in India's history.
India.com
4 days ago
- Entertainment
- India.com
Amitabh Bachchan becomes highest-paid TV host for KBC 17, earns Rs... per episode, leaves behind Salman Khan's Bigg Boss pay
Amitabh Bachchan's highly anticipated quiz show Kaun Banega Crorepati is all set to premiere on August 11. KBC is one of the most loved shows on TV, not only because of the concept but also because of Amitabh Bachchan's charisma, his witty sense of humour, and his captivating hosting skills. The news is creating buzz not just for Big B's return as the iconic quiz host, but also for the hefty paycheck he's reportedly earning for the new season. Amitabh Bachchan Returns as Host of KBC? Amitabh Bachchan, who has been a constant part of KBC, has hosted the quiz show since 2000. Except for Season 3, which was hosted by Shah Rukh Khan, the rest of the KBC seasons have witnessed Amitabh as its host. The show will premiere on August 11, 2025, and will air from Monday to Friday at 9 PM on Sony Entertainment Television and SonyLIV. Amitabh Bachchan's Fee for Kaun Banega Crorepati Season 17 According to reports, Amitabh will earn Rs 5 crore per episode. With five episodes per week, the sum of five episodes comes to Rs 25 crore in a week. This massive paycheck reportedly makes him the highest-paid television host in India, surpassing Salman Khan, who earned Rs 12 crore per Weekend Ka Vaar episode on Bigg Boss OTT 2, despite filming only two episodes a week. Will This Be Amitabh Bachchan's Last KBC? Even before the show's release date was announced, many rumours made headlines that Amitabh might step aside as the host of Kaun Banega Crorepati for personal reasons and that Salman Khan could replace him. With the news surfacing online, it came as a shock and disappointment for fans. However, to everyone's relief, Sony and Bachchan himself firmly debunked those rumours. Are you excited about Amitabh Bachchan's new season of KBC?
Indian Express
5 days ago
- Entertainment
- Indian Express
Malayali pulse of The Hunt: Behind the faces that brought history to life
The Hunt, streaming on Sony LIV, directed by Nagesh Kukunoor, brings to life the complex and high-stakes investigation that followed the assassination of former Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi. The seven-part series, based on Anirudhya Mitra's book '90 Days – The True Story of the Hunt for Rajiv Gandhi's Assassins', has captivated audiences across the country. It also marks a moment of pride for Kerala. A number of Malayali actors — both seasoned performers and promising newcomers — play key roles in the series. Actor and dancer Shruti Jayan, actor trainer Jyothish M.G., Shafeek Mustafa, Gauri Padmakumar, Neetu Chandra, Akhil Raj, and Akhil Kaimal — who is also the casting director — all appear in prominent roles in The Hunt. Villain of the Year: Shafeek Mustafa Shafeek Mustafa, a theatre actor, takes on the role of key LTTE operative Sivarasan in The Hunt. His intense, layered performance has earned widespread praise, with many viewers calling him the 'Villain of the Year.' 'I watched numerous films and documentaries related to the subject. I also tried to understand the differences in the Sinhala language between the past and present. I read several articles, news clips, and had detailed conversations with journalist friends,' says Shafeek, describing his preparation for the role. The physical transformation for the character was also a significant challenge. Sivarasan had sustained an eye injury during combat with armed forces, and to portray this realistically, Shafeek wore a special lens and had prosthetic makeup applied to his eyelid throughout the shoot. 'I had around 30 days of shooting. Acting with a lens in my eye and makeup on the eyelid was quite difficult. It's manageable for one or two scenes, but as the scenes got longer, it became really uncomfortable. My eyes would become watery,' Shafeek recalls. However, seeing the positive reception The Hunt is receiving now, Shafeek says all the effort and discomfort is worth it. Looks matter: Jyothish M.G Jyothish M.G., Associate Professor of Acting at the K.R. Narayanan National Institute of Visual Science and Arts, Kerala, portrays LTTE leader Velupillai Prabhakaran in The Hunt. A seasoned theatre director and actor trainer with years of experience, Jyothish brings depth and gravitas to the role. Though he has played many characters on stage over the years, this marks his debut on screen — a transition he describes as a significant and memorable step in his artistic journey. 'When I came to know that I was being considered to play Velupillai Prabhakaran, my first instinct was to decline the offer. I didn't feel I physically matched the character. From the images I had seen, Prabhakaran was heavily built, and I felt I wouldn't be able to convincingly portray him. When you're portraying a real person, especially someone who actually lived, there has to be at least a basic physical resemblance — otherwise, no matter how well you act, it won't feel authentic,' says Jyothish, who was eventually convinced to join the series by the reassuring words of director Nagesh Kukunoor. 'Later, it was Nagesh Kukunoor who explained that most of the photos we see of Prabhakaran are from when he was around 56 years old. But during the time of the Rajiv Gandhi assassination case, Prabhakaran was only 36. They even sent me a comparison — a photo of him from that time placed next to mine. And when I looked at that younger version of Prabhakaran, I realized there was actually a striking resemblance.' Also Read | The Hunt – The Rajiv Gandhi Assassination Case review: Gripping series gives ringside view of CBI investigation, hews close to what happened Jyothish also shared that he had concerns about the political sensitivity of the subject. 'It's a politically charged topic, and it carries a lot of emotional weight. When you get involved in something like this, you have to think through many layers — especially about how the subject is being approached. That really matters. They clarified that the series doesn't take sides or blame anyone. It's an investigative drama. During the discussions, I too gained clarity and confidence about the intent behind the project,' he said. 'Though I had read about the subject before, this time I explored multiple perspectives on Prabhakaran by reading a range of articles. That's when I realized — the Prabhakaran we knew through the media wasn't the complete picture. The real Prabhakaran was someone who smiled a lot, cracked jokes, and had a soft, almost feeble voice. But for the series, it wasn't that realistic Prabhakaran we aimed to portray — it was the version etched into the public memory. Journalist Anita Pratap, who once interviewed him in person, wrote that she was struck by the clarity, conviction, and unwavering belief he expressed during their conversation. That is the face of Prabhakaran I tried to bring to life within the limited screen time I had,' Jyothish explained. Not just a killer: Shruti Jayan A post shared by Sruthy jayan (@iam_shruthiejayan) 'I was working on a couple of Telugu web series in Hyderabad, which had streamed on Amazon Prime Video. That's where they saw my work and reached out to me. I was recommended by Vamshi Narayani, who had previously worked with Nagesh sir,' Shruti Jayan recalls about her journey to The Hunt. Shruti plays the role of Dhanu — the suicide bomber who assassinated Rajiv Gandhi. It's a character she stepped into with both excitement and deep responsibility. 'I was thrilled to get this role. The assassination of Rajiv Gandhi is a painful memory that lingers in everyone's mind. Just hearing his name evokes emotion. Many people still ask — why did she do it? That I got to portray Dhanu, such a central figure in this story, was a big moment for me. What made it more meaningful was that she wasn't shown as just a killer — the series carefully explores her mental and emotional state,' says Shruti. Her audition scene was set on a terrace, where Dhanu reaches a point of inner resolution. 'It wasn't just about tears. The director wanted a state of ultimate calm — someone who felt nothing could affect her anymore, who was experiencing complete peace, even joy. That mood was hard to capture. It made me realize this wasn't going to be an easy role.' 'As an actor, I got to explore so many emotional layers through Dhanu. I did a lot of homework for the part. My shoot lasted for about 14 days,' she adds. Shruti says the response she's received for The Hunt has been unlike anything she's experienced before. 'Anirudhya Mitra personally messaged me saying, 'I never met Dhanu in real life. But now, after seeing your performance, I feel like I've finally seen her on screen.'' Hearing that from the author himself meant a lot to me,' Shruti shares with pride. Crafted with care: Gauri Padmakumar Gauri Padmakumar is overjoyed by the overwhelming response to The Hunt, especially as it marks her very first on-screen project. She plays Shubha, a lesser-known but crucial figure in the assassination plot. Gauri came on board after responding to a casting call and successfully clearing a rigorous four-round audition process. Determined to do justice to her role, she arrived on set well-prepared, having done extensive research. 'I mostly focused on reading about the LTTE background. I didn't delve much into the Indian narrative of the issue,' Gauri explains. 'There's very little information available about Shubha. It's said that only two photographs of her are available; there's not even full clarity on whether her name was actually Shubha. Honestly, I was a bit hesitant to search too much online — it's not a topic you approach casually.' Despite the limited information available about her character, Gauri relied on instinct and insight to shape her portrayal of Shubha in The Hunt. 'From what I understood, Shubha was a strong fighter. Maybe that's why, despite letting others go, someone like Sivarasan — the mastermind — chose to keep her by his side through those intense 90 days,' she reflects. With minimal references and a character embedded in a sensitive historical narrative, Gauri's nuanced performance resonated powerfully — marking a confident and memorable screen debut. Following the release, she received a wave of messages from viewers — some thoughtful, others unexpectedly humorous. 'One person messaged saying, ''For the first time, I think I've fallen in love with an LTTE woman,'' she laughs. That even a character from such a dark chapter in history could evoke such responses, Gauri says, is a testament to the power of storytelling — and the unpredictable ways in which it touches hearts.
NDTV
5 days ago
- Entertainment
- NDTV
Amitabh Bachchan To Return With Kaun Banega Crorepati Season 17 On This Date
New Delhi: Kaun Banega Crorepati completed 25 years on July 3, 2025. Sony Entertainment Television has now unveiled the new campaign for Kaun Banega Crorepati (KBC) Season 17, which is all set to premiere on August 11, 2025. What's Happening Amitabh Bachchan returns as the host of Kaun Banega Crorepati aka KBC Season 17on August 11, 2025. It will be aired Monday-Friday at 9 PM on Sony Entertainment Television and SonyLIV. The campaign titled Jahaan Akal Hai, Wahan Akad Hai for Season 17 champions the dreams of commoners and their 'Can Do' attitude. It puts the spotlight on the new theme about how knowledge is empowering India and fuelling a common man's ambitions, while instilling confidence in them. Season 17 will be directed by filmmaker Vikas Bahl and created by his production house, Good Co., for the campaign. Vikas Bahl shared, " KBC has always been more than a quiz show, it's a window into India's changing mindset. India is ready to shine today because knowledge gives them courage, confidence, and that earned sense of pride. And when you have that kind of akal, a bit of akad or the swag that comes with it is only natural. It's not arrogance, but the belief that ' Main bhi kar sakta hoon '." Amitabh Bachchan said, " Kaun Banega Crorepati has always stood as a celebration of knowledge and the quiet pride that comes with it. This year's campaign, Jahan Akal Hai, Wahan Akad Hai, captures that sentiment beautifully and encourages people to take pride in their intellect and to walk tall with the confidence that comes from truly knowing." View this post on Instagram A post shared by Sony Entertainment Television (@sonytvofficial) About KBC The first ever episode of KBC was aired on July 3, 2000. The quiz show went on to achieve incredible popularity and has now reached Season 17. There were rumours of Amitabh Bachchan parting ways with the show. However, those were put to rest as the new season is all set to premiere next month. In A Nutshell Amitabh Bachchan is gearing up to return to our screens with Kaun Banega Crorepati Season 17 on August 11, at 9 PM. Sony Entertainment Television unveiled its new campaign for the upcoming season with a powerful theme.
