Latest news with #Tintin
The Hindu
29-05-2025
- Entertainment
- The Hindu
Tintin-style comic book makeover for Lakadbaggha film action hero
In 2023, actor Anshuman Jha, an unlikely candidate to shoulder a superhero franchise, snuck behind a hoodie to play the role of Arjun Bakshi, an animal trainer-turned-vigilante who saves a striped hyena from poachers in the indie action film Lakadbaggha (directed by Victor Mukherjee). The film had a muted theatrical release, but proved a better draw on streaming. Its themes of environmentalism, animal welfare, and citizen activism stayed with Jha, who has now extended the film into a multi-media franchise, starting with a comic book but extending into sequels, merchandise and video games. The makers are calling it the Animal Lover Vigilante Universe. Recently launched in Mumbai by actor John Abraham, honorary director of PETA India, the Lakadbaggha comic book amalgamates diverse influences, from Tintin to Bruce Lee. The creators see this as an opportunity to instil values of animal welfare in young minds through an action franchise. 'When you see someone harm an animal, you really want to beat them up. This fulfils that fantasy,' says Abraham, who has two rescued dogs — Bailey and Sia — at home. Hergé's influence Jha, 40, spent his childhood and early teens immersed in Tintin, Nagraj and Chacha Chaudhary. In the winter of 2022, he was touring with the Lakadbaggha movie in the U.S. when he met Brittain Peck, an illustrator and visual artist, who shared his enthusiasm for Tintin. 'We spent seven months ideating and arguing to crack the art style,' says Jha. Titled Lakadbaggha: The Prologue, the 30-page mini-comic dramatises a drug bust at Kolkata's Khidirpir docks by Arjun and his trusty canine Shonku (named, you guessed it, for the Satyajit Ray character). The art style echoes the unobtrusive 'ligne claire' approach pioneered by Belgian cartoonist and Tintin creator Hergé. In the opening panel, a ship named 'Kaliyuga' stands moored at the docks, an homage to 'Aurora' that whisked away Tintin, Snowy and Captain Haddock to the Arctic Ocean in The Shooting Star (1942). 'I grew up with Marvel comics and often found them busy and intimidating,' confides Peck, who went to art school at the University of North Carolina. 'By contrast, any Tintin comic has three main colours and a simplicity of panelling and storytelling that draws you in.' Peck was delighted to discover the enduring fandom of Tintin in India, a legacy that has survived postcolonial readings of the ginger-haired adventurer. 'Tintin is incredibly European to a fault. He is this young white boy who can go anywhere in the world, fly an aeroplane and take on whole armies. While I do appreciate the visual language, we have also tried to reclaim it to tell the story of an Indian vigilante and superhero,' says Peck. Wildlife awareness The Lakadbaggha comic book ends with two factoids about hyenas: that they have the strongest bite force among carnivore mammals, and that a mother hyena's milk is exceedingly rich in fat and proteins. 'Every comic book in the series will have these,' says Jha, who hopes to educate young readers about the animal world. A second book is currently in development and will be launched at the New York Comic-Con in October.
Glasgow Times
12-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Glasgow Times
Hollywood actor films in Glasgow with Baby Reindeer star
The actor, known for his roles in Billy Elliot, Fifth, Tintin and Fantastic Four, was pictured on the set of Half Man, a new drama by Richard Gadd. The Scottish man, who was named TV's most influential person last week, is the creator, writer and executive producer of the series, an original six-episode drama. He will also star in the show, alongside the BAFTA award-winning actor. READ NEXT: Robbie Williams slashes ticket prices for only Scottish date (Image: James Chapelard) (Image: James Chapelard) (Image: James Chapelard) (Image: James Chapelard) (Image: James Chapelard) (Image: James Chapelard) (Image: James Chapelard) Both actors were in Glasgow briefly, filming outside typical red brick tenement flats, where Bell is seen furiously crossing a road and entering a building. Half Man follows estranged 'brothers' Niall and Ruben. When Ruben shows up unexpectedly at Niall's wedding, it leads to an explosion of violence that catapults us back through their lives. Spanning almost 40 years from the 1980s to the present day, this ambitious series will cover the highs and lows of the brothers' relationship, from them meeting as teenagers to their falling out as adults.
Muscat Daily
04-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Muscat Daily
So many books, so little time
Muscat – Reading maketh a full man, but reading habits are fast fading with time and distractions from technology. Though Muscat International Book Fair is rekindling an interest in reading, how can we further encourage young minds to embrace books over screens? Here is what Muscat Daily readers said – Aisha al Balushi, Homemaker Muscat International Book Fair has reignited an interest in books, but to encourage young minds further, we must create vibrant reading corners in schools, host storytelling sessions and introduce reading challenges that reward participation. Making books fun and accessible can help divert attention away from screens. Khalfan al Amri, Private sector employee The book fair reminds us that knowledge comes best through reading. To engage young minds, schools could invite authors, organise interactive reading workshops and promote creative writing competitions. Mariam al Farsi, Bank employee Muscat International Book Fair brings stories alive, but to sustain it, we should integrate reading into everyday life. Family reading time, a culture of gifting books and community reading events can make books more appealing than screens. It's about creating emotional connections with stories from a young age. Saif al Amri, Businessman Children need to see reading as a source of excitement, not obligation. The book fair helps, but parents and teachers must continue the effort. Regular library visits, book clubs and even author meet-ups can inspire them to explore new worlds through books instead of spending hours on devices and TV games. Priya Verma, Painter and homemaker The book fair is a celebration of imagination. To further its impact, we can encourage children with fun book review activities and family reading challenges. We can start with comics like Tintin and Asterix. When children find books they connect with, they'll prefer the joy of reading over the temporary thrill of a screen. Arjun Kapoor, Private sector employee Muscat International Book Fair rekindles curiosity. It is difficult to disregard and abandon devices totally in the present era. To keep alive the habit of reading, combining technology with books – like interactive e-books and reading apps – could help bridge the gap. Alnisa Vikinga, Private sector employee Parents need to sit down with their children and read for them or let children read for their parents from a book. When you engage kids in reading, kids do more than just absorb information; you offer a rich tapestry of ideas, narratives and perspectives to sift through. Every word or sentence acts as a key, unlocking doors to new thoughts, solutions and inspirations. The more they read, the more they will know.
Yahoo
03-04-2025
- Yahoo
Pictured: The Tintin ‘danger tourist' who left Coke can for world's most isolated tribe
An American 'danger tourist' who models himself on Tintin faces up to five years in prison after illegally sailing to a remote island and leaving a can of Coke for the world's most dangerous and isolated tribe. Mykhailo Viktorovych Polyakov, 24, from North Goldwater, Arizona, tried to make contact with the reclusive indigenous inhabitants of North Sentinel Island, part of an Indian archipelago in the Bay of Bengal, which is off limits to visitors to protect the islanders' way of life. Indian police said Mr Polyakov travelled to the island in the early hours of Saturday morning using a makeshift craft to cross a 25-mile strait from Kurma Dera beach on South Andaman Island. 'This is it. The last uncontracted tribe. The last mystery. If they see me, will they attack? Or will they accept me?' his Go-Pro camera microphone recorded him whispering as he approached the forbidden island. After landing, he briefly stepped out of the boat, left a can of Coca-Cola and a coconut as offerings, collected some sand samples, and then departed. He returned to Kurma Dera Beach at 7pm, where fishermen spotted him and alerted the police. He was arrested and remains in custody. Hargobinder Singh Dhaliwal, director general of Andaman and Nicobar Police, said.'If found guilty, he may face three to five years in prison for breaching the law that prohibits unauthorised entry into the areas inhabited by protected tribes of North Sentinel Island.' This was not Mr Polyakov's first attempt to reach the Sentinelese, a pre-Neolithic people who have rebuffed all contact with the modern world, firing bows and arrows at passing helicopters and killing those landing ashore. In October 2024, he prepared a reconnaissance mission using an inflatable kayak but was stopped by hotel staff before he could launch. In the same month, he posted a cryptic image on his YouTube channel captioned 'A little Columbus Day teaser for the fans'. The image, a cartoon in the style of The Adventures of Tintin, showed a boy with a dog aboard a motorboat approaching an island resembling the one home to the Sentinelese. Mr Polyakov's YouTube channel, called 'Neo-Orientalist', revealed other risky adventures including exploring an abandoned US military base in Afghanistan. In another video taken during a three-week road trip in the Taliban-controlled country, he is seen brandishing an assault rifle alongside Islamist militants. In January, he returned to the Andaman archipelago, staying in the city of Port Blair while attempting to procure an outboard motor for a boat to make the illicit crossing. Around this time, he visited Baratang Island, where he illegally filmed the semi-nomadic Jarawa tribe before departing on January 27. In March, he returned to Port Blair. After fitting the motor to his boat at a workshop, he purchased fuel and checked into the Andaman Sunset View Resort. Over the following days, he meticulously studied sea conditions, tides and landing sites for the journey. On March 29, he launched his boat under the cover of darkness, carrying the coconut and Coca-Cola can he intended to give to the island's inhabitants. After nine hours at sea, he reached its northeastern shore. Using binoculars, he scanned the area but saw no signs of life. He then filmed himself wading onto the beach and placing his offerings on the sand. The video, later recovered by police, captures him exclaiming: 'I have landed here. I am a solo traveller. No one has landed here before. This is anti-climactic. No one has done this before.' He remained offshore for an hour blowing a whistle in an attempt to attract attention, but received no response. After three hours, he began his return journey, reaching Kurma Dera beach by 7pm where he was spotted by fishermen. Authorities said he used GPS to navigate seas around the island, they said. After his arrest on March 31, authorities confiscated Mr Polyakov's passport, mobile phone and Go-Pro camera. 'The unauthorised entry into the North Sentinel Island is not just a breach of Indian law, but a serious threat to the safety of the both Sentinelese and the individuals involved,' Mr Dhaliwal said. 'Any unlawful attempt to enter restricted tribal areas will be met with strict legal consequences,' he added. Mr Polyakov told police that he was drawn to the island due to his passion for adventure and his desire to undertake extreme challenges, as well as by the allure of the mysterious Sentinelese. Broaden your horizons with award-winning British journalism. Try The Telegraph free for 1 month with unlimited access to our award-winning website, exclusive app, money-saving offers and more.
Telegraph
03-04-2025
- Telegraph
Pictured: The Tintin ‘danger tourist' who left Coke can for world's most isolated tribe
An American 'danger tourist' who models himself on Tintin faces up to five years in prison after illegally sailing to a remote island and leaving a can of Coke for the world's most dangerous and isolated tribe. Mykhailo Viktorovych Polyakov, 24, from North Goldwater, Arizona, tried to make contact with the reclusive indigenous inhabitants of North Sentinel Island, an Indian archipelago in the Bay of Bengal, which is off limits to visitors to protect the islanders' way of life. Indian police said Mr Polyakov travelled to the island in the early hours of Saturday morning using a makeshift craft to cross a 25-mile strait from Kurma Dera beach on South Andaman Island. 'This is it. The last uncontracted tribe. The last mystery. If they see me, will they attack? Or will they accept me?' his Go-Pro camera microphone caught him whispering as he approached the forbidden island. After landing ashore, he briefly stepped out of the boat, left a can of Coca-Cola and a coconut as offerings, collected some sand samples, and then departed. He returned to Kurma Dera Beach at 7pm, where local fishermen spotted him and alerted the police. He was arrested and remains in custody. Hargobinder Singh Dhaliwal, director general of Andaman and Nicobar Police, said.'If found guilty, he may face three to five years in prison for breaching the law that prohibits unauthorised entry into the areas inhabited by protected tribes of North Sentinel Island.' This was not Mr Polyakov's first attempt to reach the Sentinelese, a pre-Neolithic people who have rebuffed all contact with the modern world, firing bows and arrows at passing helicopters and killing those landing ashore. In October 2024, he prepared a reconnaissance mission using an inflatable kayak but was stopped by local hotel staff before he could launch. In the same month, he posted a cryptic image on his YouTube channel captioned, 'A little Columbus Day teaser for the fans'. The image, a cartoon in the style of The Adventures of Tintin, showed a boy with a dog aboard a motorboat approaching an island resembling the one home to the Sentinelese. Mr Polyakov's YouTube channel, called 'Neo-Orientalist', revealed other risky adventures including exploring an abandoned US military base in Afghanistan. In another video taken during a three-week road trip in the Taliban-controlled country, he is seen brandishing an assault rifle alongside Islamic militants. In January, he returned to the Andaman archipelago, staying in the city of Port Blair while attempting to procure an outboard motor for a boat to make the illicit crossing. Around this time, he visited Baratang Island, where he illegally filmed the semi-nomadic Jarawa tribe before departing on January 27. In March, he returned to Port Blair to begin his most audacious expedition. After fitting the motor to his boat at a local workshop, he purchased fuel and checked into the Andaman Sunset View Resort. Over the following days, he meticulously studied sea conditions, tides and landing sites in preparing for the journey. On March 29, he launched his boat under the cover of darkness, carrying only the coconut and Coca-Cola can he intended to give to the island's inhabitants. After nine hours at sea, he reached its northeastern shore. Using binoculars, he scanned the area but saw no signs of life. He then filmed himself wading onto the beach and placing his offerings on the sand. The video, later recovered by police, captures him exclaiming: 'I have landed here. I am a solo traveller. No one has landed here before. This is anti-climactic. No one has done this before.' He remained offshore for an hour blowing a whistle in an attempt to attract attention, but received no response. After three hours, he began his return journey, reaching Kurma Dera beach by 7 pm where he was spotted by local fishermen. Authorities said his journey was meticulously planned, with the American having studied sea conditions, tides and access points. He used GPS to navigate seas around the island, they said. After his arrest on March 31, authorities confiscated Mr Polyakov's passport, mobile phone, and Go-Pro camera. 'The unauthorised entry into the North Sentinel Island is not just a breach of Indian law, but a serious threat to the safety of the both Sentinelese and the individuals involved,' Mr Dhaliwal said. 'Any unlawful attempt to enter restricted tribal areas will be met with strict legal consequences,' he added. Mr Polyakov told police that he was drawn to the island due to his passion for adventure and his desire to undertake extreme challenges, as well as by the allure of the mysterious Sentinelese.
