For those who missed the biggest pop-culture and entertainment headlines of the week, here’s a lowdown on the celebrity and cinema updates to know about. Plus, we bring you a list of the must-watch upcoming films and shows to catch this weekend.
SRK at the Met Gala with Sabyasachi?
The biggest headline in the world of entertainment this week involved Shah Rukh Khan. Rumours are rife that the superstar will be attending the Met Gala—often described as fashion’s biggest night—along with designer Sabyasachi, who took Alia Bhatt to the Gala last year.
Typically seen in his trusty blue jeans or dressed up in a suit and tie, SRK’s most unforgettable, fan-favourite looks have been those in a sherwani, making fans yearn for an Indian outfit moment from SRK at the Met.
The prestigious Padma awards were given out by President Droupadi Murmu this week. Singer Arijit Singh took home a Padma Shri, while actor Nandamuri Balakrishna and director Shekhar Kapur were awarded Padma Bhushans. In a bittersweet moment, Ghazal singer Pankaj Udhas's wife collected his Padma Bhushan, which was bestowed on him posthumously.
Seema Pahwa’s strong words for Bollywood
Speaking of critically-acclaimed and talented celebrities, Seema Pahwa, who will be seen next in ‘Bhool Chuk Maaf’ with Rajkummar Rao and Wamiqa Gabbi, made waves when she told ‘Bollywood Thikana’ that she feels the film industry has been overrun with commerce-oriented people. She said, "...in a way they have murdered creative people in the industry. It has been completely taken over by businessmen.”
She also said there is little room for creativity in the industry, and protested the hiring of untrained actors: “Give the deserving a chance. What new are these untrained actors going to bring to the cinema? Why waste that money and investment?”
Kajol and Ajay Devgn’s daughter, Nysa Devgan’s debut
In terms of new entrants to the industry, an Instagram post by designer Manish Malhotra revealed that Kajol and Ajay Devgn’s daughter Nysa might be joining films. Manish’s post said, “Nysa Cinema Awaits you,” and Nysa’s friend Orry dropped a comment saying, “Can’t wait for your debut.”
Upcoming films and shows in theatres and on OTT platforms
‘Another Simple Favour’, a sequel to 2018’s ‘A Simple Favor’, came to Prime Video on May 1. Featuring a star-studded cast including Anna Kendrick, Blake Lively, Henry Golding, Allison Janney, and Michele Morrone, the movie is set in gorgeous Capri, and involves Lively’s character preparing to marry a rich Italian man, played by Morrone, till a murder throws everything into chaos.
If you’ve been missing ‘The White Lotus’, comedy queen Tina Fey has created ‘The Four Seasons’, which is a remake of a 1981 movie about three couples who take multiple vacations together. Also starring Steve Carell, this has been streaming on Netflix since May 1.
A drama about wealthy royals fighting over property, ‘Kull - The Legacy Of The Raisingghs’ has been streaming on JioHotstar since May 2. It features Nimrat Kaur and Ridhi Dogra, and is another story that focuses on the messy lives of the ultra-rich.
For those who love gritty stories of crime and corruption, Nawazuddin Siddiqui-starrer ‘Costao’, set in 1990s Goa, is all about a customs officer who goes up against a smuggling ring, while also fighting betrayal and deceit. This has also been streaming since 1st May, on ZEE5.
In terms of movies you can check out in theatres, Ajay Devgn-starrer ‘Raid 2’ will be out on May 1. It also stars Vaani Kapoor, Supriya Pathak, Rajat Kapoor, and Riteish Deshmukh, and is about an IRS officer trying to unearth the white-collar crimes of a politician.
Finally, Marvel fans can rejoice because Florence Pugh, Sebastian Stan and David Harbour-starrer ‘Thunderbolts*’ hit Indian theatres on May 1. About the Black Widow’s sister, who faces conflicts about whether she is a hero or an anti-hero, the movie will feature characters previously seen in supporting roles in other Marvel films.
