Actor Josh Brolin has shared that he seriously considered leaving Ridley Scott's upcoming post-apocalyptic film The Dog Stars after just a single day on set, saying he initially found the director's filmmaking approach overwhelming. In an interview with People, Brolin explained that Scott's preference for filming with minimal rehearsal made him feel uneasy at the start of production. Accustomed to a different process, the actor admitted he became anxious and even contacted his agent, saying he wanted to quit because something "felt wrong."

Brolin's longtime agent encouraged him not to make a snap decision and suggested he wait before walking away from the project. Everything changed after Scott invited Brolin into his trailer to review footage from a scene he had just filmed alongside co-star Jacob Elordi. Watching the completed sequence reassured the actor, who realized Scott's unconventional style was producing impressive results. That moment helped him gain confidence and embrace the director's creative process.

Although Brolin had previously collaborated with Scott on American Gangster, he said it still took him a couple of days to adjust to the filmmaker's fast-moving, multi-camera method. Once he adapted, he found the experience both exhilarating and creatively rewarding. Brolin described The Dog Stars as one of the most fulfilling projects of his career. He noted that while he had always wanted to challenge himself with more ambitious roles, his initial reaction was to resist the very opportunity he had been seeking.

Directed by Ridley Scott, The Dog Stars is based on Peter Heller's bestselling novel and features a screenplay by Mark L. Smith. The cast includes Jacob Elordi, Margaret Qualley, Guy Pearce, Benedict Wong, Allison Janney, and Josh Brolin. The story follows Hig, a civilian pilot portrayed by Elordi, who survives in a post-apocalyptic world until a mysterious radio signal inspires him to embark on a dangerous journey in search of hope. Brolin is also set to appear in Whalefall and will return as Gurney Halleck in Dune: Part Three. The Dog Stars is currently scheduled to arrive in theatres on August 28.
Disclaimer: This image is taken from Insta/@ joshbrolin.

Soha Ali Khan recently made an emotional return to her alma mater, Balliol College, this time accompanied by her husband Kunal Khemu and their daughter. The visit became a nostalgic family moment, as she revisited the institution that played a significant role in shaping her academic and personal journey.

She shared the experience on social media, describing it as a deeply meaningful trip down memory lane. According to her post, returning to Oxford felt especially special because she was able to introduce her daughter to a place that holds immense personal history for her. Despite the rainy weather, she described the day as warm and memorable, filled with reflection and family bonding.

In her caption, Soha expressed how her daughter viewed the historic campus with wonder, comparing it to the magical world of “Harry Potter,” while she herself was reminded of her student years, ancient college architecture, and family stories tied to Oxford. She also noted with pride that her daughter represents the fourth generation in their family to walk the same iconic streets of the city.

The visit also highlighted the long academic legacy of the Pataudi family at Oxford. Her grandfather, Iftikhar Ali Khan Pataudi, the 8th Nawab of Pataudi, enrolled at Balliol College in 1927. Later, her father, Mansoor Ali Khan Pataudi, studied there from 1960 to 1964, where he captained the Oxford cricket team before going on to become India’s youngest Test cricket captain. Beyond this personal milestone, Soha Ali Khan continues her professional work. She was last seen in Chhorri 2 and is currently engaged in hosting her podcast All About Her, where she explores conversations around women’s experiences and stories.

Disclaimer: This image is taken from Insta/@sakpataudi.

Netflix has officially announced Ikka, a high-stakes courtroom drama featuring Sunny Deol and Akshaye Khanna, set to release on July 10. Directed by Siddharth P. Malhotra, the film also marks Deol’s debut on Netflix and reunites the two actors in a story built around justice, ethics, and emotional conflict. Set during a tense legal case, Ikka centers on a renowned lawyer, played by Sunny Deol, who is unexpectedly required to defend a man from his past, portrayed by Akshaye Khanna. This case resurfaces old memories and forces him to question his beliefs as he tries to manage conflicting pressures from his personal life, family duties, and professional ethics.

The film features Tillotama Shome as a strong-willed public prosecutor pursuing justice, while Dia Mirza plays a wife and mother struggling to keep her family intact amid rising tensions. Monika Shergill, Vice President of Content at Netflix India, described Ikka as a gripping courtroom drama filled with moral dilemmas, emotional depth, and suspense. She highlighted its layered storytelling and the way it keeps viewers engaged with unexpected twists and thought-provoking questions.

She also noted the significance of Sunny Deol’s Netflix debut and his return to the courtroom genre after many years, alongside Akshaye Khanna, whose performance is expected to complement him strongly. With Tillotama Shome and Dia Mirza also part of the cast, she emphasized the strong ensemble driving the narrative. Produced by Alchemy Films, the movie explores the ripple effects of difficult decisions and the complexity of justice beyond the courtroom setting.

Director Siddharth P. Malhotra shared that Ikka has been a long-time passion project, especially as he has always admired courtroom dramas. He explained that the film is as much about emotional and personal conflicts as it is about legal proceedings. He also expressed excitement about working with Sunny Deol in a lawyer’s role once again, alongside a talented cast, calling it a project that came together at the right moment following his work on Maharaj.

Written by Althea Kaushal and Mayank Tewari and produced by Siddharth and Sapna Malhotra under Alchemy Films, the film also stars Sanjeeda Shaikh, Shishir Sharma, and Akansha Ranjan Kapoor. Ikka explores themes of loyalty, accountability, and sacrifice, and will premiere exclusively on Netflix on July 10.
Disclaimer: This image is taken from Instagram/@netflix_in.

Veteran actor Rajinikanth on Wednesday paid homage to legendary filmmaker Bharathiraja, calling him a monumental force in Tamil and South Indian cinema whose legacy will endure for generations. Rajinikanth visited Bharathiraja’s residence in Chennai, where relatives, political leaders, and members of the film industry had gathered to offer their condolences following the director’s passing at the age of 85 due to age-related health complications.

Addressing reporters outside the residence, the superstar praised Bharathiraja for transforming South Indian cinema and supporting artists and technicians during challenging times. He said the filmmaker revitalized the industry and consistently stood up for the welfare and rights of people in the film fraternity whenever they faced difficulties. Rajinikanth further stated that Bharathiraja’s impact on cinema would remain timeless, adding that his achievements and dedication to the industry would always be remembered by the people of Tamil Nadu. He concluded his tribute by praying for the filmmaker’s soul to rest in peace.

S. Joseph Vijay also visited Bharathiraja’s home to pay his respects by garlanding the late director’s mortal remains. In a message shared on X, the Chief Minister described Bharathiraja as a visionary storyteller who brought the beauty and authenticity of rural life to the big screen and carved a permanent place for himself in Tamil cinema history. Vijay also announced that the celebrated filmmaker would receive state honours during his funeral ceremonies in recognition of his extraordinary contribution to cinema.

Bharathiraja began his directing journey with the acclaimed 1977 film 16 Vayathinile and went on to become one of the most influential figures in Tamil cinema. Over a career spanning more than four decades, he directed over 40 films and earned the title “Iyakkunar Immayam” for his exceptional cinematic achievements.

Among his best-known works are Kizhake Pogum Rail, Sigappu Rojakkal, Alaigal Oivathillai, Kaadhal Oviyam, and Mudhal Mariyathai, many of which are now regarded as timeless classics. His final directorial project was Paravai Kootil Vaazhum Maangal, part of the anthology series Modern Love Chennai on Prime Video. Bharathiraja also had a notable acting career. His latest appearance was in Thudarum, starring Mohanlal, while the unreleased film Pulavar is expected to be his final performance as an actor. Over the years, he also acted in films such as Aayutha Ezhuthu, Pandianadu, Eeswaran, Thiruchitrambalam, and Maharaja.

Disclaimer: This image is taken from ANI.

In “Made in SG,” Melanie Oliveiro interviews the co-founders of W:RLD, a new menswear label from Singapore created for modern men in hot, fast-moving urban environments. Lucas Yong and Roger Poon share the inspiration behind starting the brand and how they teamed up with other co-founders to bring W:RLD to life. They also discuss the pieces in their debut collection, including blazers, trousers, shirts, and T-shirts, which are crafted using advanced fabric technologies designed to regulate heat, moisture, and odour.

Disclaimer: This podcast is taken from CNA.

Donald Trump continues to provoke strong reactions from his critics, yet they rarely seem to affect him politically. The bigger question now is whether his own MAGA supporters are beginning to turn away. Amid controversies involving the Epstein files, his actions regarding Iran, and a recent post viewed by some as blasphemous—showing him portrayed as Jesus—there are growing signs of tension within his base. Jonathan Freedland discusses with Rolling Stone’s Nikki McCann Ramírez the series of scandals surrounding Trump, increasing criticism from prominent MAGA figures, and what it could mean when a personality-driven movement starts losing faith in its central figure.

Disclaimer: This podcast is taken from The Guardian

Melanie Oliveiro presents Episode 2 of her new Made in SG series titled EverNew versus EverGreen. The show features discussions and sometimes debates between industry veterans and younger or emerging talents. Renowned Singaporean jazz musician and Cultural Medallion recipient Jeremy Monteiro shares insights on the growth and evolution of the local jazz scene and talks about his ongoing work as a pianist, singer songwriter, and composer. He is joined by the younger generation of musicians, including multitalented Chok Kerong and flutist Rit Xu, both of whom have also established themselves in the music scene.

Disclaimer: This podcast is taken from CNA.

In the episode of ‘Culture Club,’ Melanie Oliveiro chats with Claire Javier, an emerging indie-pop singer-songwriter, about her music, focusing on her latest single, “Easy.” Javier shares the story behind the dreamy and playful track, which captures the surreal feeling of a past romance. The Filipino-Singaporean artist also discusses her other single, “Misbehave,” her experiences performing live, and her evolution from introspective songwriting to a more narrative and confessional style. To explore more Singaporean artists like Claire Javier, visit Hear65.com, an initiative by the National Arts Council, produced by independent music media company Bandwagon.
Disclaimer: This Podcast is taken from CNA.