Monday, December 23
Art Evans, the actor who played Leslie Barnes in 'Die Hard 2', has passed away. He was 82. Evans died peacefully in his sleep on December 21st. His wife confirmed the news. A memorial service will be held later. Evans had a long career in film and television. He appeared in movies like 'Christine' and 'Fright Night'. He also guest-starred on shows like 'MASH' and 'The X-Files'. His final role was voicing Charlie in 'The Proud Family: Louder and Prouder'.
Varun Dhawan's 'Baby John' is set for a Christmas release, facing box office competition from 'Pushpa 2' and 'Mufasa'. Advance bookings suggest a decent opening, but the film's success hinges on sustaining momentum amidst strong rivals. The Hindi remake of 'Theri' features Keerthy Suresh and boasts action sequences choreographed by international experts.
Blake Lively has sued director Justin Baldoni. She alleges sexual harassment and a targeted smear campaign. Baldoni reportedly used his PR team against Lively. The campaign involved online criticism and false narratives. Baldoni denies all allegations. The lawsuit mentions several Hollywood stars. It is expected to be a highly publicized legal battle.
Allu Arjun's "Pushpa 2: The Rule" dominated the Indian box office for its third weekend, raking in over ₹75 crore and surpassing ₹1062.9 crore net. The film beat new releases, sold over 50 million tickets, and is on track to become the third highest-grossing Indian film worldwide, exceeding ₹1500 crore gross in just 18 days.
A public feud has erupted between Punjabi music stars AP Dhillon and Diljit Dosanjh, stemming from accusations of social media blocking. Dhillon claimed Diljit blocked him on Instagram, a claim Diljit initially denied. Dhillon then produced a video seemingly proving the block and subsequent unblock, prompting a pointed remark about focusing on music over controversy. Amid the escalating tension, rapper Badshah issued a plea for unity within the Punjabi music industry, emphasizing collaboration over individual pursuits.
Hindi film box office success is a mix of star power, compelling sequels, and high production value. Good content and marketing are crucial. Audiences seek escapism and relatability. South Indian films raise the bar. Delivering a memorable cinematic experience is key for breaking box office records.
Aishwarya and Aaradhya Bachchan, sporting matching black hoodies, were seen departing from Mumbai International Airport for the holidays. The duo wished the paparazzi a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year before heading to their undisclosed destination. This festive getaway follows Aaradhya's school play where she charmed as Mrs. Claus alongside AbRam, who played a snowman.
A photo of Ranbir Kapoor with Aamir Khan's bodyguard has ignited online speculation about a potential collaboration between the two actors. The image, shared on social media, prompted enthusiastic comments from fans hoping for a reunion after their successful teamwork in 'PK'. While some believe a joint project is in the works, others suggest it could simply be a casual encounter. Ranbir's recent action film 'Animal' enjoyed box office success despite controversy, while Aamir Khan's last venture, 'Laal Singh Chaddha', an adaptation of 'Forrest Gump', underperformed.
Disney's "Mufasa: The Lion King" roared to second place at the Indian box office, earning approximately ₹41.25 crore in its opening weekend. However, it fell short of expectations compared to the 2019 remake. In North America, the film also opened in second place with $35 million, below projections.
Paramount's "Sonic the Hedgehog 3" raced to the top of the box office with a $62 million debut, outpacing Disney's "Mufasa: The Lion King," which earned $35 million. Video game adaptations continue to prove their box office power, while Disney's live-action remakes show mixed results.
