A Madurai-based company, Uno Aqua Care, has gone all out for the release of Rajinikanth’s “Coolie” by declaring a paid holiday on August 14, 2025 specifically so employees can enjoy the film’s premiere—no more fake sick leaves needed . The company also gifted free movie tickets to all staff and is marking “50 years of Rajinism” with charitable events such as donating food to orphanages and old-age homes, distributing sweets, and encouraging fans not to support piracy . This unique gesture captures the immense craze surrounding the superstar’s return to the big screen. (PC: Instagram)

Bollywood actors Janhvi Kapoor and Varun Dhawan have publicly opposed the Supreme Court’s order to remove all stray dogs from Delhi-NCR streets within eight weeks. Both stars reposted a viral petition on Instagram, calling the move cruel and inhumane. The petition described stray dogs as “heartbeats” of the city, not a menace, and advocated for sterilization, vaccination, and adoption instead of confinement. Raveena Tandon blamed local authorities for failing to implement preventive drives, while Vir Das and Siddharth Anand urged compassion and community action. The court’s directive mandates permanent sheltering and warns of contempt action against obstruction. Celebrities and activists argue the order risks mass suffering and erases an entire voiceless community. (PC: Instagram)

Taylor Swift has revealed her 12th studio album, The Life of a Showgirl, following 24 hours of intense fan speculation. Hints began with 12 cryptic photos posted by her team, sparking online theories. The announcement came via boyfriend Travis Kelce’s New Heights podcast, alongside pre-orders on Swift’s official website. While the release date remains unconfirmed, orders will ship before 13 October. This follows a milestone year for Swift, who regained the rights to her first six albums and completed her record-breaking Eras tour, which generated £1bn for the UK economy. Swift remains the most awarded artist in MTV VMA history. (PC: BBC)

Ahead of its August 14 release, Rajinikanth’s Coolie is already drawing glowing praise from early viewers, with fans calling it his best performance since Kabali (2016). A private screening saw netizens lauding Nagarjuna as the film’s “backbone” and Aamir Khan’s extended cameo for “turning the theatre into a stadium.” Directed by Lokesh Kanagaraj, the high-octane action entertainer will clash with War 2 at the box office. Advance bookings have crossed $2 million globally, including $1.3 million from North America. Special early screenings are planned in Kerala, Karnataka, the UK, and Dubai, while Tamil Nadu will open shows from 9 am due to regulations. (PC: X)

Sholay, the iconic Bollywood film that initially flopped but became a cultural phenomenon has marked its 50th anniversary recently. Released on August 15, 1975, Sholay was a cinematic gamble with Rs 3 crore budget, India’s first 70mm format, stereophonic sound, and a star-studded cast. Despite its grandeur, critics panned it and audiences were silent on opening day. Trade papers called it a disaster. Yet, writers Salim-Javed boldly advertised its potential, and word-of-mouth revived it. Gabbar Singh, Jai-Veeru, and Thakur became legends. Today, Sholay is hailed as a timeless masterpiece, with its restored version set for a world premiere in Italy, reaffirming its place in cinematic history. (PC: Prime Video)

Vicky Kaushal expressed immense pride as Sam Bahadur, a biopic on India’s first Field Marshal Sam Manekshaw, won three National Film Awards at the 71st edition. The Meghna Gulzar-directed film earned accolades for Best Feature Film on National, Social and Environmental Issues, Best Makeup, and Best Costume Design. Vicky, who played the lead role, congratulated the team on social media, calling the win a moment of pride. Actress Fatima Sana Shaikh, who portrayed Indira Gandhi, also celebrated the achievement, calling it a deeply meaningful recognition of their hard work and patriotic storytelling.

Kolkata-based filmmaker Arjunn Dutta has won the National Award for Best Bengali Feature Film for Deep Fridge, a poignant drama starring Abir Chatterjee and Tanushree Chakraborty. Dutta dedicated the award to his late mother, who was diagnosed with Motor Neuron Disease during the film’s production and passed away before its completion. He shared an emotional note saying, “This award is for you, Ma. It’s not mine.” The film explores emotional distance within relationships and premiered at IFFI 2023. Dutta called the win a morale booster for the indie film community and a proud moment for Bengali cinema, hoping it inspires young filmmakers to tell personal, socially resonant stories.

Shah Rukh Khan, recovering from an on-set injury, expressed heartfelt gratitude after winning his first-ever National Film Award for Best Actor for Jawan. In a video message, Khan said the award is “a reminder that what I do matters,” and pledged to continue serving cinema with passion. He thanked the jury, the Ministry of Information & Broadcasting, and directors Atlee, Rajkumar Hirani, and Siddharth Anand. Khan also acknowledged his team, family, and fans, promising to return to screens soon. Sharing the award with Vikrant Massey (12th Fail), Khan appeared with his arm in a sling, humorously noting he could only offer fans “half a hug” this time.

The Kerala Story, directed by Sudipto Sen and produced by Vipul Shah, won Best Director and Best Cinematography at the 71st National Film Awards despite intense controversy. The film, which portrays the radicalization and recruitment of Kerala women by ISIS, was banned in West Bengal and faced protests in Tamil Nadu, while receiving tax-free status in Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand, and Madhya Pradesh. Jury chair Ashutosh Gowariker defended the awards, praising the film’s stark, realistic cinematography and Sen’s clarity in handling a difficult subject. Gowariker emphasized that the jury unanimously recognized the film’s technical and narrative merits, regardless of its polarizing reception and political overtones. (PC: Airtel Xstream)

The 71st National Film Awards have officially honored Vikrant Massey with the Best Actor award for his powerful performance in 12th Fail, a film directed by Vidhu Vinod Chopra. Massey shares the prestigious title with Shah Rukh Khan, who won for Jawan. The announcement was made at a press conference in New Delhi after weeks of jury deliberation. Massey had long aspired to win a National Award, calling it the highest honor for an Indian actor. His emotional reaction reflects the significance of the win, which he dedicated to marginalized communities. The awards also recognized Rani Mukerji as Best Actress for Mrs Chatterjee Vs Norway, marking her first National Award. (PC: IMDB)