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The Citizen
08-07-2025
- Sport
- The Citizen
‘Feralspunky' defeats ‘The Wolverine' in EFC bout
Parkrand's Godfrey 'Feralspunky' Mkhwanazi delivered a commanding performance at EFC 125, recently held at the World Sports Betting Arena. Mkhwanazi defeated Warren 'The Wolverine' Richards via TKO (strikes) at 4:29 in the second round of their bantamweight bout. 'Overall, I'm pleased with the performance and the win. I feel like I dominated the fight. However, I could have done better with the striking, ' Mkhwanazi said after the fight. The rising bantamweight contender, whose pro MMA record is 2-3-0, attributed his success to the gruelling training camp leading up to the EFC 125. 'The preparation for this fight was long, hard, and intense. But I'm ready to get back to training,' he added. Mkhwanazi thanked his team at Godfather MMA and his supporters: 'Big thanks to Godfather MMA and all my sponsors for backing me. Without them, this wouldn't be possible.' With another statement victory under his belt, Feralspunky continues to solidify his reputation as one of South Africa's top prospects in the EFC bantamweight division. While there are no confirmed details about his next bout, Mkhwanazi hopes to return to the cage this winter. 'My primary goal is still to bring back the belt,' he affirmed, making it clear that a title run remains firmly in his sights. More about Feralspunky When and why did you start training in martial arts? I started in 2019 because I've always had a passion for sports. What inspired you to become an MMA fighter? It looked like a lot of fun and something I would enjoy doing. How did you transition to MMA? I made the transition from bodybuilding to MMA, looking for something more exciting. What is your best achievement? Making it to EFC has been my biggest achievement. How did you get your fight name? My fight name is a tribute to my late girlfriend, Spunky, and the gym where I started training – Junkyard MMA with Ferdinand Basson. That's why I chose 'Feralspunky.' What is your favourite technique and why? My favourite technique is the jab because it leads to the perfect 6,7 combo. Also Read: 'The Kid' edges closer to EFC glory following victory over 'The Power' Also Read: '9mm' verskuif fokus na 'bare-knuckle' At Caxton, we employ humans to generate daily fresh news, not AI intervention. Happy reading!
New Indian Express
10-06-2025
- Entertainment
- New Indian Express
Why even a free ticket won't tempt me to watch Tom Cruise's latest Mission Impossible
My non-nerdy, 16-year-old nephew, who loves boom-boom flicks, emerged from Oppenheimer looking like he figured out quantum physics. "Loved it!" he declared with the fervour of a recent convert, surprising me. Oppenheimer is a three-hour dense tangle of theoretical physics, moral swamp, and men muttering gravely in rooms. Despite reading the biography, I struggled with the film. So, I asked my nephew what he liked. Pat came the answer: everything. It was only when I probed for specifics that his mouth went dry. He hadn't necessarily been electrified by fission or Oppenheimer's tortured soul, but had been swept up in the zeitgeist, the social maelstrom that demands you adore the Officially Approved Cultural Moment. Though I didn't ask, I'm sure of what he'd be hooked to this May-June 2025: Tom Cruise. Ah, Tom. The man who doesn't just run from danger, he courts it like it were his only true love. Every time a new Mission: Impossible parachutes into theatres, I see a similar phenomenon: audiences roar, critics bow, and the collective narrative becomes, "Did you SEE what he DID?!" The man scales cliffs! Dangles from planes! Pilots helicopters through canyons! It's undeniably impressive, a dedication bordering on the pathological. But here's my multi-million-dollar question: Does the sheer, jaw-dropping spectacle of Tom Cruise tempting Yamraj automatically translate into great cinema? Or is it, perhaps, just a really expensive, really dangerous magic trick we are compelled to clap to just because Tom risked his life for it and makes it a point to scream that he did? Before the torches and pitchforks come for me, I'll acknowledge our roots. Cinema was practically born doing pratfalls. Charlie Chaplin turned getting kicked into high art. Buster Keaton seemed like he was made of rubber and pure lunacy. Those original explorers of cinema risked life and limb (Keaton didn't notice a broken neck for 11 years!) for a laugh or a gasp. But here's my point: those thrills were woven into something more. Pathos. Romance. Social commentary wrapped in slapstick: Chaplin's The Kid still makes my tissue supply run out. And remember, most of these early films were one-reelers, roughly 15 minutes long, or just over an hour (The Kid was 68 minutes, Keaton's The General: 67 minutes). Holding attention with pure kinetic energy for a quarter of an hour or an hour is doable. But maintaining momentum for two-and-a-half hours: now that's the real mission impossible. Think about it. What does a truly memorable action film need to succeed beyond the initial adrenaline rush? It requires an emotional drive. A reason to care for the character who is jumping off the cliff, why they're running down the Burj Khalifa, and what happens after the helicopter lands. It needs suspense that coils alongside your intestine, characters you root for or hate, a plot that isn't just connective tissue between explosions but is actually a story. Alright, pop quiz, hotshot! (my favourite line from Speed) Think back to the last, say, five Mission: Impossible films. What comes to mind? Is it the intricate web of espionage? The heart-stopping betrayal of a trusted ally? The nuanced character arc of... anyone? Or is it, perhaps: Cruise dangling off a plane, falling off a building, jumping on his bike off a cliff... Tom Cruise just... running! The plot often boils down to: Tom Cruise does impossible stunts in search of something-something, while being chased by someone-someone. The setting changes. The place of the chase changes, but the story, like Tom, doesn't. Don't get me wrong, those stunts are phenomenal. Watching Tom pilot that helicopter in Fallout was edge-of-the-seat stuff. Henry Cavill reloading his biceps mid-fight was peak action delight. But ask yourself: What else happened in that film? What were the stakes beyond "world ends"? Who were the characters beyond "person Tom needs to chase" or "person chasing Tom"? Did it resonate? Did anything... linger? This isn't just about Mission: Impossible, though it's the current exhibit. It's a broader question in most Hollywood tentpole films: Is this spectacle-first approach what passes for good cinema today? And more importantly, is it good for cinema? Look, I'm not trying to be the cantankerous Century Gowda passing judgments on all in Thithi. Cinema is a vast, glorious buffet in which belongs as much the brainy indie, as tear-jerkers, fart comedies, and yes, glorious, bone-crunching action films. In fact, I adore action flicks. From the little-known The Warriors, to the famous Enter the Dragon, the initially underrated Rocky, flamboyant Predator and Mad Max, the realism of Heat and the nimbleness of Speed and Con Air, the red pill of Matrix, the bone-crushing scenes of The Raid and Ong Bak... I devoured Marvel up until the multiverse made one film look no different from the other. Why do these films endure? Because beneath the explosions, the gunfire, the flying fists, they had heart. They had a story. They built worlds and characters I cared about. I've never boxed, but I love Rocky for its grit, redemption, and Adrian! Neo's journey is a philosophical rabbit hole disguised in leather coats and bullet time, more relevant in today's age of AI and deepfakes than it was then. The relentless simplicity of Speed became my template as a screenwriter. The action was the icing, but the cake – the emotional core, the narrative drive – was substantial and satisfying. It made the action mean something. Lately, however, the Mission: Impossible franchise feels increasingly like an elaborate, globe-trotting stage for Tom Cruise's increasingly insane death wish. It's less "impossible mission", more "impossible insurance premiums." I understand the historical precedent – the Keatons and Jackie Chans who built legends on physical risk. I have immense respect for Cruise's dedication. The man is a force of nature. I've watched every BTS video, winced at every rumoured broken bone, and marvelled at his sheer commitment. But here's the rub: Admiring the daredevilry isn't the same as endorsing it as the sole pillar of cinematic worth. Gladiators bled for the crowd's amusement, but I watch action films to escape the brutality of the real world, not to vicariously participate in potentially lethal filmmaking practices that could kill its actors. The idea that an actor must flirt with mortality to "authenticate" a scene? That the primary marketing hook is "Come see Tom Cruise almost die!"? Sorry, count me out. It feels less like filmmaking and more like a high-stakes circus act. It feels... irresponsible. And frankly, a little ghoulish. So, no, I won't be queuing for Mission: Impossible - Dead Reckoning Part Whatever. Not even for a free ticket. My pesky conscience won't allow it. I'm not trying to be a killjoy, but I want to advocate for cinema that aspires to be more than just a stunt reel. I know, I know. This is cinematic heresy. An unpopular opinion shouted into the gale-force winds of a $150-million marketing blitz. But hear me out. We need perspective. We need to put things back in their proper boxes. A film, a truly good film, is a complex equation. It's multiple emotions sparking, stories intertwining, ideas colliding, all coalescing into a cohesive whole that captures our imagination, engages our intellect, and holds our attention, not just through spectacle, but through substance. That's the real high-wire act. That's the genuine Mission Impossible. And marketing blitz? Studios routinely spend more on promoting a film than making it. Their agenda is simple: bombard you, hypnotise you, make the film unmissable through sheer aural and visual dominance. But our agenda – yours and mine – should be simple: like or dislike a film based on its actual merits. Our focus must be on the story, the acting, the direction, the craft – not the poster size or the number of times Cruise appears in your Instagram feed. But are we doing that? Or are we getting swept away in the tsunami of hype? Are we thinking for ourselves, feeling our own genuine reactions, or are we passively absorbing the pre-packaged emotions sold to us, mistaking the pizzaz for the pizza? Marketing is just doing its job. But our job is to demand and appreciate the actual pizza. Would you eat something utterly foul just because it was wrapped in gold foil and advertised by a dancing dragon? Then why do we so often accept cinematic fast food just because it's been supersized and deep-fried in marketing dollars? Don't mistake this for Tom Cruise slander. I admire the man's dedication. If I had even a fraction of his work ethic, I'd be a GOAT too. His commitment to giving audiences a visceral experience is undeniable. He is, in many ways, the last of a dying breed (hopefully not literally dying, Tom, please be careful). But my point, wrapped in as much wit as I can muster, remains stubbornly simple: Death-defying stunts are breathtaking. They are audacious. They are worthy of applause. But they are not, and never can be, a substitute for the equally difficult, equally vital art of good filmmaking. That's the real cliff we need cinema to scale. The rest is just gravity.
CBS News
28-04-2025
- Entertainment
- CBS News
"Purple Rain" musical's world premiere set for this fall in Minneapolis
Prince's sister Sharon Nelson tells her own story in new book Prince's sister Sharon Nelson tells her own story in new book Prince's sister Sharon Nelson tells her own story in new book After a lengthy delay, the much-anticipated musical stage adaptation of Prince's beloved 1984 movie and album "Purple Rain" is finally set to make its world debut this fall in downtown Minneapolis. Hennepin Arts announced Monday the production is set to run from Oct. 16 to Nov. 16 at the State Theatre, with tickets going on sale on May 9 at 10 a.m. Although it kicks off in mid-October, the official opening night is set for Nov. 5. The production was originally slated to debut in April, but Hennepin Arts said in October "more time for creative development" was needed. The musical is based on the story by Prince and the film's original screenplay by Albert Magnoli and William Blinn, with music and lyrics by Prince. The book is written by Tony Award winner Branden Jacobs-Jenkins, and it's directed by Tony Award-nominee Lileana Blain-Cruz. Prince and Apollonia Kotero in a scene from the film "Purple Rain" (1984). Warner Bros./Getty Images Hennepin Arts says two of Prince's closest musical collaborators — Bobby Z of The Revolution and Morris Hayes of New Power Generation — are serving as the production's music advisers. "This is a really good thing and it's something that he would really love," Bobby Z told WCCO's Reg Chapman last year. The film version made $100 million worldwide and was set and shot across the Twin Cities, with the legendary Minneapolis nightclub First Avenue as a major character. The movie, which won Prince an Academy Award for Best Original Song Score, follows a thinly-veiled version of the icon, referred to as "The Kid," as he deals with his growing fame amid family and romantic drama. Prince died of an accidental painkiller overdose on April 21, 2016, at his Paisley Park complex in Chanhassen, which has now become a museum in his honor.
Time of India
22-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Time of India
Krushna Abhishek and sons recreate Charlie Chaplin's world
Krushna Abhishek with Rayaan and Krishaang recreate Charlie Chaplin's world (Pics by: Kunal Verma) Krushna Abhishek recently did a fun shoot with his twins , Rayaan and Krishaang, inspired by the classic Charlie Chaplin film The Kid . The actor-comedian says, 'I've been a huge fan of Charlie Chaplin since I was a kid. I've seen almost all his films and acts. One day, I rewatched The Kid, in which he shares the screen with a young boy, and it instantly reminded me of my kids. I looked at the child in the film and thought, 'Arre, ye toh Chiku-Piku lag rahe hain!' Hamare bachhe bhi angrez hi lagte hain (laughs).' That's when the idea of a photoshoot struck him. He shares, 'My kids are seven now and I thought this was the best time to click some interesting pictures. This shoot is something we will cherish forever.' 'I was amazed by how expressive my kids were' From costumes to set design, everything was carefully thought out. 'We picked a quaint setup in Goregaon East. The kids got fully into character, and honestly, I was amazed by how expressive they were. Jaise bolo, waise karte hain ,' he says, adding, 'They're full of masti. They don't act up much around their mom, but are totally chilled with me. During the shoot they were doing everything I said — posing, acting and goofing around.' He kept the entire thing a secret from his wife, actress Kashmera Shah . He says, 'She was in America at the time, and I surprised her with the pictures after she returned. She was floored.' 'This time won't come back' Getting nostalgic, Krushna shared how this shoot made him reflect on childhood memories. 'We didn't get too many photos framed back in the day. There's just one picture of my sister (Arti Singh) and me from our childhood adorning one of the walls of my home. I wish we had more. But now, thanks to social media, everything gets saved somewhere. Still, this time won't come back. That's why I knew this was the perfect moment for a shoot like this,' he signs off.
Yahoo
19-02-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Relive the Revolution in Dolby as Purple Rain Returns Exclusively to Dolby Cinema
Celebrate Prince Again on the Big Screen in Dolby Vision and Dolby Atmos and Get Your Tickets Today SAN FRANCISCO, Feb. 19, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Purple Rain, the legendary 1984 rock musical drama starring Prince in his film acting debut, will be brought back exclusively to Dolby Cinema. It will be screened at Dolby Cinema at AMC Theatres locations in the US and Dolby Cinema at ODEON locations in the UK for one night only on March 5. Fans will have the opportunity to fall in love with his royal badness all over again, while new generations can be introduced to his lasting influence in a stunning restoration that offers elevated visuals and transcendent audio. Tickets go on sale today. "Purple Rain reimagined in Dolby Vision and Dolby Atmos for Dolby Cinema is a celebration of Prince's genius and enduring legacy," said Jed Harmsen, Head of Cinema and Group Entertainment at Dolby. "Devoted and new fans alike prepare to be exhilarated by an unforgettable and unparalleled performance from one of music's greatest of all time." Every detail of the film – from the vibrant neon lights of First Avenue night club to The Kid's iconic guitar – come to life through the ultra-vivid visuals of Dolby Vision. All the while, each electrifying performance, from the heartbreaking beauty of "Purple Rain" to the exhilarating guitar riffs of "When Doves Cry," wash over the audience with pristine depth and clarity in Dolby Atmos. Combined, fans will feel as if they were transported back to 1984 to experience every beat of this captivating film like never before. To reimagine Purple Rain for this new Dolby experience, the film was completely restored digitally from an 8K scan of the 35mm Original Camera Negative (OCN) and the digitally restored picture was color graded specifically for Dolby Vision. The film's audio was also restored from the original Dolby Stereo tracks from over 40 years ago and, in conjunction with the 20th anniversary's 5.1 multi-channel mix master, used to complete a faithfully remastered Dolby Atmos audio presentation. In addition to leading the film as The Kid, Prince also composed and produced the score and original songs. Purple Rain won the Academy Award® for Best Original Song Score (Prince) and the Grammy Award® for Best Album of Original Score Written for a Motion Picture or Television Special (Prince and the Revolution). Moviegoers in the US can purchase tickets to see the film at Dolby Cinema at AMC locations by visiting Moviegoers in the UK can purchase tickets at Dolby Cinema at ODEON locations by visiting About Dolby Cinema Dolby Cinema is the ultimate moviegoing experience, providing a Dolby-designed environment that showcases the best implementation of Dolby Vision and Dolby Atmos. With the combined awe-inspiring experience of Dolby Vision picture quality together with Dolby Atmos immersive sound, Dolby Cinema allows audiences to see, hear, and feel the film exactly as Prince and filmmaker Albert Magnoli intended. About Dolby Dolby Laboratories (NYSE: DLB) is based in San Francisco with offices around the globe. From movies and TV shows, to apps, music, sports, and gaming, Dolby transforms the science of sight and sound into spectacular experiences for billions of people worldwide. We partner with artists, storytellers, developers, and businesses to revolutionize entertainment and communications with Dolby Atmos, Dolby Vision, Dolby Cinema, and About Warner Bros. Motion Picture Group Warner Bros. Motion Picture Group is comprised of Warner Bros. Pictures, New Line Cinema and Warner Bros. Pictures Animation. Warner Bros. partners with the world's most inspiring storytellers to create extraordinary entertainment on every screen for the global audience. Warner Bros. Motion Picture Group has been at the forefront of the motion picture industry since its inception and continues to be a leading creative force, producing the broadest slate of films for worldwide theatrical release. Media Contacts DolbyGuru Ramanathangramanathan@ Warner Bros. Motion Picture GroupMichael Stuart View original content to download multimedia: SOURCE Dolby Laboratories, Inc. Sign in to access your portfolio
