Renowned screenwriter and poet, Javed Akhtar, indirectly criticizes the success of Ranbir Kapoor-starrer "Animal," expressing worry over its themes of misogyny and toxic masculinity. Speaking at a film festival, Akhtar urges audiences to be discerning, stating, "If a film portraying a man asking a woman to lick his shoe becomes a super hit, that's dangerous." Emphasizing the audience's role in shaping cinema, he highlights the need for responsible storytelling. Despite industry praise, "Animal" faces growing disapproval for its handling of sensitive themes. Akhtar's remarks echo concerns about the impact of such narratives on societal perceptions.            

Shah Rukh Khan's film Dunki, directed by Rajkumar Hirani, achieves a milestone as it secures the third-highest spot in the actor's career hits. With a global box office earning of ₹422.99 crore, Dunki stands on the brink of surpassing Chennai Express, becoming SRK's third-biggest hit behind Jawan and Pathaan. The film's success endorses Khan's remarkable return to cinema, although surpassing the ₹500 crore mark globally might pose a challenge with new releases on the horizon. SRK's future project remains undisclosed, with rumors hinting at a significant cameo in Sujoy Ghosh's film featuring daughter Suhana Khan.

Renowned actor Christian Oliver, celebrated for roles in "Speed Racer" and "Valkyrie," lost his life at 51 in a devastating plane crash off a Caribbean island. Oliver, along with his daughters Madita, 12, and Annik, 10, perished when their small aircraft crashed into the ocean on its way to St Lucia. The incident occurred shortly after takeoff from J.F. Mitchell Airport in Bequia. Authorities report that all four bodies, including pilot Robert Sachs, have been recovered. Investigations are ongoing as the entertainment industry mourns the loss of a talented actor and his two young daughters.            

Glynis Johns, acclaimed for her iconic role as Mrs. Banks in 'Mary Poppins,' dies at 100. The British actress, spanning a nine-decade career in film, TV, and stage, left a lasting impact. Known for wit and performances, she starred in classics like 'The Sundowners' and originated 'A Little Night Music' role. Johns' vibrant portrayal of a feminist character in 'Mary Poppins' remains cherished. Manager Mitch Clem praises her grace, class, and truth, saying she 'powered her way through life.' The entertainment world mourns the loss of a talented, influential star who celebrated her centenary last October.

Bollywood actor Manoj Bajpayee has refuted rumors suggesting his candidacy from the West Champaran constituency in Bihar for the upcoming Lok Sabha elections. Responding to an online note by News Arena India that claimed Bajpaee's electoral participation, Bajpayee questioned the source, saying, “Achcha ye bataiye ye baat kisne bola ya kal raat Sapna aaya? Boliye boliye! [Okay, tell me who said this or was it just a dream last night? Speak up, speak up!] Dismissing the speculation, Bajpayee remains focused on his acting career, set to star alongside Konkona Sen Sharma in the upcoming Netflix web series, "Killer Soup," scheduled for release on January 11.

Rajkumar Hirani's directorial 'Dunki,' starring Shah Rukh Khan, surpassed ₹200 crores at the Indian box office on its 14th day. Released on December 21, 2023, the film has been consistently performing well. Sacnilk.com reported earnings of ₹160.22 crores in the first week, with a total of ₹203.92 crores nett. Hirani, emphasizing artistic dedication, mentioned the film's universal appeal. 'Dunki' weaves a heartwarming narrative around four friends aspiring for a better life in London. Despite the focus on commercial success, Hirani values crafting stories that resonate with diverse audiences.

Telugu superstar Jr NTR has safely returned to Hyderabad with his family following their holiday in Japan, marked by a series of devastating earthquakes.The star, who spent Christmas and New Year in Japan with his family, arrived in Hyderabad late Monday night. In a video shared on social media, Jr NTR, accompanied by his wife and children, was seen at the airport. Expressing deep shock over the earthquakes, Jr NTR took to social media, stating, "Spent the entire last week there, and my heart goes out to everyone affected. Grateful for the resilience of the people and hoping for a swift recovery. Stay strong, Japan." The family had celebrated Christmas and New Year in Japan. Additionally, Jr NTR shared exciting news about his upcoming film "Devara," revealing the release of its first glimpse on January 8, 2024.

Disney's iconic characters Mickey and Minnie Mouse from the 1928 film "Steamboat Willie" are now in the public domain in the US as Disney's copyright expired. Creators can freely use these early versions. The expiration, part of US copyright law, allows sharing, performing, and repurposing. Other works from 1928, including Charlie Chaplin's "The Circus" and AA Milne's "The House at Pooh Corner," also enter the public domain. Although Disney still holds trademarks, allowing certain use, experts anticipate creative reimagining. Disney assures modern Mickey versions remain under copyright, continuing their role as global ambassadors.

Filmmaker Siddharth Anand dispels rumors about the runtime of his upcoming film "Fighter," featuring Hrithik Roshan and Deepika Padukone. Contrary to reports suggesting a three-hour-plus duration, Anand confirms the actual runtime to be under 2 hours and 40 minutes. The film, promising adrenaline-pumping action, recently unveiled a teaser that garnered positive responses. Scheduled for a January 25, 2024 release, "Fighter" showcases aerial stunts shot at Indian air bases with real Sukhois. Anil Kapoor, Karan Singh Grover, and Akshay Oberoi also star in the film, marking Deepika's first collaboration with Hrithik.

Salaar: Part 1 - Ceasefire, directed by Prashanth Neel and starring Prabhas, achieves an unstoppable feat, crossing ₹625 crores worldwide on its 10th day in theaters. Released in multiple languages, the action-packed film set in Khansaar has outperformed major Bollywood releases, securing the best opening day figures for any Indian title in 2023. Prabhas expresses gratitude for the overwhelming audience support, calling Salaar's box office success an incredible reward. The film, produced by Vijay Kiragandur, showcases the dynamic collaboration between Neel and Prabhas, with a sequel titled 'Salaar: Part 2 - Shauryanga Parvam' already in the works.