His mere mention evokes either a smile or a chuckle. After all, Deven Bhojani has served some of the funniest and most heart-warming moments to his audience on screen in a career spanning over three decades. However, going by the visual assets of his upcoming show, Black White and Gray—Love Kills, the actor is set to create a new visual imagery for himself—one that is raw, intense and grey. Gearing up for the release of the SonyLIV crime drama, Bhojani speaks to mid-day about OTT offering him a new dimension to acting, the exhaustion he experienced while delivering blockbuster shows on television, and his plans for direction in the near future. Edited excerpts from the interview. What convinced you to come on board this gritty show?There was no reason for me to say no to this. Whenever producer Hemal [Thakkar], who is an old friend from my theatre days, and I do some new project, we just call up each other to ask what the other person thinks about it. He briefed me on the concept of this show and said there was a role for me in it. We met with the director [Pushkar Mahabal] and the creative team, who then narrated [the story] to me in detail. They were a little sceptical whether I would agree because it did not have [a lot of] screen time, and I have been on television, where I have mostly played lead characters. However, I am someone who looks at the meat of the character, not the length. I have never played such a kind of a character before. The work you have done on OTT so far—Scoop, Taaza Khabar and now Black, White and Gray—speaks much about your versatility and the variety of roles offered to you. Do you feel that creators on OTT view you differently from the kind of work you are known for?Yes, definitely. I wanted to explore OTT for the longest time. That is why for the last three-and-a-half years, I stopped doing television because doing a daily soap and an OTT show together was next to impossible. Thankfully, I started getting offers and have done a variety of roles already. As an actor, I am like a kid in a candy store. In television, shows go on for some time. Like Baa Bahoo Aur Baby, wherein I played Gattu, went on for five to six years. Of course, it was enriching; I loved the process and the popularity. But then I was stuck. After a point, it becomes a little monotonous, whereas on OTT, a show’s shoot goes on for two or four months at most. I am doing this middle-aged love story where I played the lead. I have also just finished shooting a film where I play a reporter. I have done a lot of theatre work with Hemal. So, they know my capacity as an actor, how versatile I am, and I am not restricted to only doing comedy. That is why they dared to cast me for this character. How did you break the monotony of doing similar roles?Luckily, in the case of Sarabhai vs Sarabhai, my character Dushyant became iconic. Memes on him go viral even after 20 years of the show. [Besides acting], I was also the director on that show. It was time-consuming and taxing. Similarly, in Baa, Bahoo Aur Baby, I was also the creative director of the show. So, at a point, I had to tell the writers on both the shows to write less [for the characters of] Gattu and Dushyant. Even if the TRP increases with Gattu and Dushyant coming in the scene, don’t put them so much that the audience gets tired. As an actor, I got to break the monotony of playing the same character repeatedly. Some days I would shoot, and some days I would be there just as a creative director. I took a break after it to study filmmaking from USC [University of Southern California]. In my class, there were directors from different parts of the world. It helped me break the monotony of my life. You were part of the golden age of television. Do you feel TV has regressed since then?You are right to an extent, but the audience is there for every kind of entertainment. So, it is very subjective. We are nobody to judge anyone, even the audience. People are making those shows because they are getting a good audience and TRPs, so why not? The moment TRPs go down, they shut the show ruthlessly sometimes. That is how it works. There is nothing wrong with it. Do you feel actors who excel at comedy are not always considered great actors and there is a bias?It is sad that people think that. I fail to understand why, because comedy is the most difficult thing to do. When Deven Bhojani is not just an actor . Jo Jeeta Wohi Sikander (1992): actor, Assistant director. Sarabhai vs Sarabhai (2004-06): Actor, Director, Creative director. Baa Bahoo Aur Baby (2005-10): Actor, Creative director. Commando 2 (2017): Director
29 April,2025 07:27 AM IST | Mumbai | Priyanka SharmaThe Kannada film industry, after making a strong mark nationally with blockbuster films like KGF and Kantara, has now ventured into the web series arena with Ayyana Mane. Rooted deeply in the region’s cultural ethos, this debut series had all the ingredients for an engaging supernatural thriller. Unfortunately, despite its intriguing premise, the execution feels dated and reminiscent of early 2000s television dramas. Set in the 1990s in Chikkamagaluru, Ayyana Mane tells the story of Jaaji (Kushee Ravi), a cheerful young woman who marries Dushyanta (Akshay Nayak) and moves into his ancestral home. The house, overseen by her strict mother-in-law Nagalambike (Manasi Sudhir), holds a sinister history that Jaaji is initially unaware of. On her first day itself, tragedy strikes as her father-in-law dies of a heart attack, leading some family members to view her as an ill omen. Soon, Jaaji discovers that the house is believed to be cursed, with previous daughters-in-law having met mysterious deaths. Determined to uncover the truth, she embarks on a journey to unravel whether the threat lurking in the shadows is human or supernatural. What works and does not work Director Ramesh Indira builds an atmospheric setup — an old, ancestral home, an ominous deity believed to protect the family, and a small-town superstition that feels authentic to Chikkamagaluru’s setting. The premise is strong, believable, and initially manages to hook the viewer. However, the narrative suffers from a heavy influence of television-style storytelling, a possible hangover from Indira’s and producer Shruti Naidu’s extensive background in TV soaps. The series often struggles with pacing, lacking the sharpness and narrative complexity that contemporary web series audiences expect. While the mystery element is sustained to some extent, the storytelling remains largely straightforward. There are no major twists or jaw-dropping reveals that are typically essential to a gripping murder mystery. This predictability dulls the tension that the premise promises. The web series format ideally offers space to explore characters in depth, but Ayyana Mane underutilizes this advantage. Despite its six episodes (around 20 minutes each), the writing fails to flesh out the many characters living under the cursed roof. Their motivations and histories remain largely unexplored, limiting emotional investment from the audience. Cinematographer Rahul Roy makes a commendable attempt to create an eerie atmosphere with thoughtful framing and unconventional camera angles. His efforts lend the series occasional moments of genuine suspense, but they aren't enough to elevate the overall experience. Kushee Ravi shines in the lead role, transitioning convincingly from a timid newlywed to a determined woman fighting for her survival. Manasi Sudhir delivers a strong performance as the enigmatic mother-in-law, maintaining an aura of mystery throughout. The supporting male cast also lends credible support, though their roles are restricted by the script’s limitations. Final verdict In conclusion, Ayyana Mane is a sincere but flawed attempt at creating a regional web series grounded in folklore and mystery. With a stronger, more modern treatment, it could have been a standout debut for Kannada content in the OTT space. As it stands, it remains a passable watch for those interested in small-town mysteries but falls short of its true potential.
27 April,2025 04:57 PM IST | Mumbai | Athulya NambiarIn 2021, news about Jacqueliene Fernandez dating alleged conman Sukesh Chandrashekhar went viral. While she denied it, he confirmed the relationship and flaunted the extravagant gifts he adorned her with. After his arrest in 2021, he sent her a love letter on her birthday. As per industry insiders, a leading streamer has taken an interest in the subject and is planning a docu-series on Chandrashekhar. A source informs, “The makers want to go to the alleged lottery scam origins to the jaw-dropping luxury gift extortion that made headlines.” According to sources, an OTT giant has already reached out to Fernandez as they find her “insights are critical.” “She is the only star who can speak firsthand about what really went down. Her candour could make or break the storytelling.” The actor, for her part, is said to be “weighing the opportunity,” with close friends reporting she’s “careful about how her narrative will be framed.” Behind the scenes, development is reportedly being spearheaded by a sharp research team. “They are mapping out a narrative that’s part psychological thriller and part a societal case study. Their plan is to juxtapose Sukesh’s courtroom drama with his alleged methods like wiretapping, high-end bribes, and shadowy real estate deals.” Jacqueliene Fernandez The makers are targeting a year-end writers’ room to nail down the structure and go on floors by mid-2026. Of course, legal teams are monitoring every step. “They are navigating complex clearances. Given the ongoing court cases, their approach must be airtight,” the source added. The alleged gifts As per reports, Jacqueliene Fernandez received several luxury gifts from Sukesh Chandrashekhar, some of which she confessed to ED officials during investigations: . A tulip and lily garden in Bali.. A private jet worth Rs 112 crore.. A Mini Cooper.. A horse for Rs 52 lakh.. Three Persian cats.. A yatch.
27 April,2025 06:43 AM IST | Mumbai | Mohar BasuActor David Harbour reflects on his role as Jim Hooper in the popular Netflix show 'Stranger Things'. The actor believed that his character arc in the show had a small run and was convinced that Hooper would've met his end in Season one before it became a global phenomenon, as reported by Variety. In a new interview with British GQ, as quoted by Variety, Harbour looked back at his role in Stranger Things and offered a surprising insight as to how he thought his arc should have ended much earlier. "Before it became a phenomenon for Netflix, and there was a high chance it would run for only one season like any other show, Harbour read the scripts and was convinced the first season should have ended with Hopper dying by suicide. To him, it was the only way Hopper could apologise to his daughter," said Harbour as quoted by Variety. As per the show, Hopper is the adoptive father of Eleven (Millie Bobby Brown), a young girl with supernatural telepathic powers. Her mysterious arrival in the small town of Hawkins leads to sci-fi adventures and danger. There was one instance in the season three final when Harbour was shown meeting his end, sacrificing his life for his loved ones. Despite a teaser scene at the end of the finale that hinted Hopper might not be dead, Harbour says many fans preferred to think of him making that sacrifice. The final season of 'Stranger Things' debuts on Netflix later this year. This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever
26 April,2025 02:19 PM IST | Washington DC | ANIThe upcoming crime drama series 'Matka King,' which stars actor Vijay Varma, has officially wrapped up its shoot. On Thursday, the actor took to his Instagram account to update fans with a picture of a special matka-shaped cake. The image was accompanied by a short and simple caption that read, "Matka King Wrapped!" Picture Courtesy/Vijay Varma's Instagram account Earlier, while speaking to ANI at Lakme Fashion Week, Vijay shared an update on Matka King, saying, "I am in the process of wrapping up Matka King. It's another one of those larger-than-life epic stories about a man who found a loophole in the system and made the most of it." Directed by renowned filmmaker Nagaraj Manjule, famous for his acclaimed works like Sairat and Fandry, the series delves into the intriguing world of Matka gambling that swept through India from the 1960s to the 1990s. The official synopsis of Matka King reads, "It is a fictional tale set in 1960s Mumbai, where an enterprising cotton trader, who craves legitimacy and respect, starts a new gambling game called 'Matka'. This game takes the city by storm, democratizing a territory previously reserved for the rich and elite." The Prime Video series also features Kritika Kamra, Sai Tamhankar, Gulshan Grover, and Siddharth Jadhav in pivotal roles. View this post on Instagram A post shared by prime video IN (@primevideoin) Meanwhile, Vijay will also be seen in Gustaakh Ishq. The romantic drama, which stars Varma and Fatima Sana Shaikh, was earlier titled 'Ul Jalool Ishq.' Directed by Vibhu Puri, who previously made Hawaizaada, the film also stars veteran actor Naseeruddin Shah and The Family Man actor Sharib Hashmi in key roles. This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever
26 April,2025 08:01 AM IST | Mumbai | ANIActor Paapa Essiedu, who garnered fame after landing the role of Snape in HBO's Harry Potter, has joined the cast of the drama series 'Falling' as the lead actor, reported Deadline. The series will be directed by Peter Hoar, who is known for helming the series 'It's a Sin'. As per the Deadline, Essiedu will play Catholic priest David opposite Keeley Hawes, who is devoted nun Anna. Both are deeply committed to their work in the church and in their community. Neither is expected to fall in love. But when they do, both are forced to wrestle with what it means for them, their vows, and their relationship with God, reported the outlet. The actor will be joining the cast of Rakie Ayola, Jason Watkins, Niamh Cusack, Adrian Scarborough, David Dawson, Susan Brown, Sandra Voe and TV newcomers Holly Rhys and Shayde Sinclair. After landing the role, Essiedu expressed his excitement of working opposite Keeley, Peter and the rest of the team. "Falling is a story that has Jack Thorne's singular talent of mining the sublime out of the ordinary, running all the way through. I can't wait to work with Keeley, Peter and the rest of the team to bring this world to life," as quoted by Deadline. Essiedu has just been confirmed to play potions master Snape in HBO's decade-long Harry Potter remake following months of speculation. He has recently appeared in The Outrun, Black Doves and Black Mirror. This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever
25 April,2025 02:16 PM IST | Washington DC | ANIFor actress Nikita Dutta "Jewel Thief – The Heist Begins" was the kind of film she had long hoped to be part of, stylish, suspenseful, and rooted in a genre she genuinely loves. For someone who had been watching a lot of heist thrillers recently, the timing felt less like coincidence and more like destiny. Opening up about how she landed the role, Nikita shared, “I happened to get a call from Mamta (Anand), saying that we’re making a film like this, would you be keen? When I heard the script for the first time, I was absolutely on board because I tell you honestly I have been personally really enjoying the genre. Through the different re-workings of the script, we found the beauty of Farah, who has substance, she is finding her voice and has a whole lot of oomph which is what I loved." She further revealed that over time she realized that she does not only like to watch heaist dramas but would also love to be a part of one. "I’ve realised the kind of films that I really like to watch, is something I also want to be a part of. When it comes to working – we all want to be in films that we enjoy watching. For me, because I've been watching a lot of heist films and this came my way, I think that was like an indirect manifestation into the universe because when I heard it I was like 'oh my god, I really wanna be a part of this.' It was a given,” Nikita added. Calling the movie a 'dream come true', she went on to say “It is one thing when you get a role you’ve almost manifested and it is another when it is with Saif Ali Khan, Jaideep Ahlawat and Kunal Kapoor. Working on a Siddharth Anand film already felt like a dream come true and then the cast just made this dream a whole lot better. Every shot with Saif, watching Jaideep in front of the camera, and seeing the two of them navigate their spaces, was fascinating. They have learned how to evolve with the times and that has been my biggest takeaway from the experience, to constantly grow.” This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever
25 April,2025 02:05 PM IST | Mumbai | IANSOn April 23, Siddharth Roy Kapur announced what may easily be his most ambitious project—the screen adaptation of William Dalrymple’s acclaimed book, The Anarchy: The Relentless Rise of the East India Company. Imagine our surprise when he, during our chat, tells us that mid-day has been instrumental in introducing him to the 2019 book. “I first read about the book in mid-day many years ago, before it got published,” he recalls. That article led him to contact Dalrymple via his publishers in early 2019. Kapur remembers meeting the historian and author at the Taj Mahal Palace Hotel in Mumbai. “[When we started talking], what Dalrymple had in mind aligned with what I was trying to explore—the impact of global corporations that function as mini nation states today. Its ripple effects have been felt by everyone because almost every nation has been either a coloniser or colonised.” The producer adds that after a bit of back-and-forth, Dalrymple came on board, even passing on the unpublished manuscript to him. Stephen Frears. Pic/AFP That sowed the seeds for the expansive multi-season series, which will have the author serve as the consultant and the Oscar-nominated British director Stephen Frears at the helm. Together, they will tell the story of how the East India Company rose to power in the Indian sub-continent in the late 18th century as the Mughal Empire crumbled. The story demands a large canvas, and Roy Kapur, along with Paul Lee’s studio Wiip—which produced the acclaimed Mare of Easttown (2021)—is determined to give it just that. “It’s a sprawling piece about a lush world that has the Mughals, Marathas, British, Dutch and how they shaped the country’s tapestry. I call it our Game of Thrones’ ambition meets The Crown’s telling. There are multiple seasons because we want to stay true to the nuance of his writing,” states Kapur. When it comes to bringing nuance to screen, Kapur—who has grown up on Frears’ works, Dangerous Liaisons (1988), The Grifters (1990) and The Queen (2006)—knew he’d be the best choice. “Stephen has the ability to treat characters as whole people, while retaining the story’s scale. It’s the most definitive story of modern history for us. The Anarchy shows India with a curious gaze. Only Stephen can pull this off,” he shares, adding that the casting process will begin in a few months. Siddharth Roy Kapur. Pic/Instagram Making an ambitious saga is daunting. It only becomes amplified in the current market when more films are failing than succeeding. Does that play on his mind? “It’s always a good time to tell a great story,” Kapur says assuredly. “From time to time, we feel a creative and monetary vacuum. But that doesn’t mean one doesn’t swing for the fences. Yes, two years of COVID have shrunk our attention span. We’re competing with innumerable avenues, even Instagram Reels. But if you give people something breathtaking, they’ll come in hordes.” Did you know? The Anarchy: The Relentless Rise of the East India Company had featured in Barack Obama’s list of favourite books of 2019. It traces the East India Company’s rise in the Indian sub-continent.
25 April,2025 07:22 AM IST | Mumbai | Mohar BasuActors Jim Carrey and Keanu Reeves-starrer ‘Sonic The Hedgehog 3’ to stream from April 24 on Prime Video. Based on the globally popular Sonic video game series, the film is directed by Jeff Fowler with a story by Pat Casey & Josh Miller and screenplay by Pat Casey & Josh Miller and John Whittington. The film’s live-action stars Jim Carrey in a dual role, alongside James Marsden, Krysten Ritter, Tika Sumpter and Lee Majdoub, with an all-star voice-cast including Ben Schwartz, Idris Elba and Colleen O'Shaughnessey alongside Keanu Reeves. In “Sonic The Hedgehog 3”, Sonic, Knuckles, and Tails get back for their most epic adventure yet. The team reunites to face a formidable new adversary, Shadow, a mysterious hedgehog with unmatched abilities that threaten to upend everything they’ve fought to protect. As Shadow unleashes chaos, Team Sonic is forced to seek out an unlikely alliance to stand a chance at protecting the planet. With high-stakes action, breathtaking CGI, and emotional depth, Sonic The Hedgehog 3 levels up the franchise in ways fans never saw coming. “Sonic The Hedgehog 3” will be available to stream on Prime Video India in English and Hindi from April 24. The film is distributed by Paramount Global Content Distribution. The first installment of the film will be released in 2020. It marked the directorial debut of Fowler. Ben Schwartz voices Sonic, a blue anthropomorphic hedgehog who can run at supersonic speeds and teams up with small town sheriff Tom Wachowski to stop the mad scientist Dr. Robotnik from taking over the world. The second installment released in 2022, James Marsden, Ben Schwartz, Tika Sumpter, Natasha Rothwell, Adam Pally, Colleen O'Shaughnessey and Jim Carrey reprise their roles, with Shemar Moore and Idris Elba joining the cast. In the film, Sonic the Hedgehog and his friend Tails embark on a journey to find the Master Emerald before their nemesis, Dr. Ivo Robotnik, and his accomplice, Knuckles the Echidna. This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever
24 April,2025 10:05 PM IST | Mumbai | IANSActress Chitrangada Singh, who was recently seen in the OTT series ‘Khakee: The Bengal Chapter’, spoke about comparisons between her and the late actress Smita Patil. On Wednesday, the actress took to her Instagram, and shared a video with a mobile phone brand, and shared how after the screening of her debut movie ‘Hazaaron Khwaishein Aisi’, many established names of the film fraternity formed a bee line to complement her work in the film, and also spoke how she has a striking resemblance to the late actress. In the video, Chitrangada said, “My first film, ‘Hazaaron Khwaishein Aisi’, first screening, it was the first time that I saw myself on the big screen. After the screening, Ketan Mehta, the director, who's done so much work with Smita ji, walked up to me and he had tears in his eyes and he said, ‘Today, it almost felt like I saw Smita on screen’”. “It's just the best compliment of my life. In fact, I remember even Shekhar Kapur mentioned the same thing. Naseeruddin Shah sir said the same thing. So a lot of people have told me this over the years. And I think I feel so grateful and scared at the same time that I get compared to someone like her”. The actress recreated one of Smita’s old pictures, as she spoke about the brand collaboration. Earlier, the actress spoke with IANS, and revealed how she got the part in the film, which marked her foray into Hindi cinema. She earlier told IANS, “I have not studied acting. I have never done theatre, or anything. It actually was the best coincidence of my life I suppose that I got discovered. I was modeling in Delhi. Director Sudhir Mishra was looking for this girl Geeta Rao (her character in ‘Hazaaron Khwaishein Aisi’) and they hadn't found one. Lyricist Swanand Kirkire, who at that time was Sudhir’s assistant, was doing all the auditions. I owe him a lot for working with me and making me give a good audition. So that's how it started”. She further mentioned that during the shoot, she felt very lost as her fellow actors like Kay Kay Menon would talk about emotional graphs and characterization. She being from no acting background felt very out of place on a set which was buzzing with cinema both in terms of language and technicalities. “I told Sudhir one day, ‘I don't know what to do’. And, he said, ‘That’s the best thing because all you will do in the scene is react. I don't want you to act’. It was such a beautiful thing. I just hung on to that one line and was like, ‘Oka, so there is nothing missing in me. There is nothing that I am lacking’”, she added. This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever
24 April,2025 10:04 PM IST | Mumbai | IANSNetflix has officially announced the production of 'Enola Holmes 3', the latest instalment in the popular film franchise based on Nancy Springer's book series. The streaming giant has confirmed that Millie Bobby Brown, Henry Cavill, and Helena Bonham Carter will reprise their roles as Enola Holmes, Sherlock Holmes, and Eudoria Holmes, respectively. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Millie Bobby Brown (@milliebobbybrown) Millie Bobby Brown also shared the announcement with her fans, writing, "we're in production but not without @barantini at the helm. and so we begin." Principal photography for 'Enola Holmes 3' has begun in the UK, with Jack Thorne penning the screenplay and Philip Barantini directing. The film's logline promises an exciting adventure: "Adventure chases detective Enola Holmes to Malta, where personal and professional dreams collide on a case more tangled and treacherous than any she has faced before," as quoted by The Hollywood Reporter. Louis Partridge and Hamish Patel will also return as Tewkesbury and Watson, respectively. The production team includes Mary Parent, Ali Mendes, and Alex Garcia from Legendary Entertainment, as well as Millie Bobby Brown and Bobby Brown from PCMA Productions. As per The Hollywood Reporter, the 'Enola Holmes' franchise has become one of Netflix's most successful film series, with the first film debuting in 2020 and the sequel, 'Enola Holmes 2', topping the charts in over 93 countries in 2022. This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever
24 April,2025 10:28 AM IST | Washington | ANIADVERTISEMENT
