Bollywood
Khufiya Web Review: Tabu, Wamiqa Gabbi Deliver Remarkable Performances In This Gripping Thriller
Director: Vishal Bhardwaj
Cast: Tabu, Ali Fazal, Wamiqa Gabbi, Atul Kulkarni, Ashish Vidyarthi, Azmeri Haque, Shataf Figar
Where: Streaming on Netflix
Rating: 3.5 stars
Based on author Amar Bhushan’s Escape To Nowhere, Khufiya, directed by Vishal Bhardwaj is a tense, suspense-filled thriller that encapsulates a RAW agent’s strive to uncover the mole in her unit, when his dangerous intentions lead to a mysterious murder of another colleague.
Tabu plays Krishna Mehra, a clever move by director Vishal Bhardwaj to flip the gender of his principal protagonist. Mehra is torn between her duty towards her country and her inexplicable, unconditional feelings towards her colleague, whom she has lost to the hands of the enemy, because a fellow agent in her own unit has been leaking out key secrets that concern national security, at large.
Her suspicions lead her to track down the movements of fellow agent Ravi Mohan (Ali Fazal), who is otherwise your average Joe living the perfect family life with wife Charu (Wamiqa Gabbi), their little son and his aged mother.
Bhardwaj’s direction masterfully ensures that the audience is engaged in a thrilling cat-and-mouse chase between Mehra and her suspects. Tabu easily delivers another knockout performance in the film, which is frankly, expected by her ardent fans. Using her expressive eyes to her advantage, she walks the tightrope act between playing a shrewd officer who is watchful while also dealing with her own demons, which include a failed marriage, shaky parenting and unfulfilled love. But it’s also Wamiqa’s moment to deliver another effective performance, exactly a week after she starred in Bhardwaj’s Charlie Chopra And The Mystery Of Solang Valley. This is clearly the young actress’ year. Wamiqa’s act as Charu could easily be reduced to a fly-on-the-wall in the hands of a lesser director. But with able guidance by the Bhardwaj, Wamiqa does a fine act between playing a woman who loves her stolen moments of embracing her sensuality but also being uninhibited when it comes to displaying hurt and vulnerability. Ali is an effective casting choice to play Ravi because his effortless charm can trick you into disbelieving that he is capable of possible harm. Atul Kulkarni and Ashish Vidyarthi offer heft to their respective roles. A word of appreciation is also reserved for Azmeri Haque who plays Mehra’s fellow agent Heena Rehman. She holds an arresting presence in her brief scenes with Tabu. Shataf Figar as Brigadier Mirza proves that he is an apt casting choice when it comes to portraying a commanding man in uniform.
Written by Bhardwaj and Rohan Narula, Khufiya benefits from a reliable source material in Bhushan’s novel. With espionage and global terror as its backdrop, the film offers a complex take on the challenging lives that intelligence agents across the world face and how it affects their personal and mental well-being.
Yet another worthwhile offering by Bhardwaj, which makes for a perfect weekend binge. The film can be viewed on Netflix.
Bollywood
Anil Kapoor: ‘Subedaar’ is much more than just an action film
Mumbai, Dec 24: On Anil Kapoor’s 68th birthday on Tuesday, the makers of “Subedaar” shared the actor’s first look from the upcoming film, which he says is much more than just an action movie.
Anil said in a statement: “Subedaar is special!!! It’s much more than just an action film; it’s about resilience, honor, family and the relentless fight we face in life.”
The first look starts with gritty visuals, accompanied by a gripping Subedaar theme track. Anil embodies a rugged and intense persona with absolute finesse. The video, with its escalating tension, offers a glimpse into what can only be described as a full-throttle, powerhouse performance.
He said: “Revealing this first glimpse of Subedaar Arjun Maurya on my birthday is my gift to the fans who have supported me all these years!”
Directed by Suresh Triveni, the action drama is produced by Vikram Malhotra, Anil Kapoor, and Triveni.
“I could not have asked a better director than Suresh to captain this film and it is equally special to partner with Vikram and team as we bring this story to life,” said the actor.
“Subedaar” also stars Radhikka Madan in the lead role. The film, set against the backdrop of India’s heartland, delves into the gripping journey of Subedaar Arjun Maurya, who now faces the turbulence of civilian life. Featuring the dynamic Anil Kapoor, alongside the talented Radhikka Madan, who plays his daughter.
An Opening Image Films and Anil Kapoor Film & Communication Network (AKFCN) production, the action-packed drama recently wrapped an intense outdoor shoot in UP and is set to commence its last leg of filming in January.
On December 23, the actor remembered his father Surinder Kapoor on his 99th birth anniversary. He said that his simplicity, honesty, and joy not only defined him but gave his life meaning.
“Subedaar” is a Prime Video Original film.
Bollywood
Aamir Khan on ‘Laapataa Ladies’ Oscar Exit: This is not the end but a step forward
Mumbai, Dec 18: The producers of “Laapataa Ladies,” Aamir Khan Productions, Jio Studios, and Kindling Productions, have expressed their reactions following the film’s exit from the Oscars 2025 race.
As India’s official entry in the Best Foreign Feature Film category, Laapataa Ladies held high hopes but unfortunately did not make it to the top 15 shortlist. While the producers admitted to being disappointed by the outcome, they remain proud of the film’s journey and the recognition it garnered along the way.
In a statement, Aamir Khan Productions said, “Laapataa Ladies (Lost Ladies) did not make it to the Academy Awards shortlist this year, and we are of course disappointed, but equally we are immensely grateful for the incredible support and belief we’ve received throughout this journey. We at Aamir Khan Productions, Jio Studios, and Kindling Productions extend our gratitude to the Academy members and the FFI jury for considering our film.”
“To be included in this prestigious process alongside some of the finest films from across the world is an honor in itself. Our heartfelt thanks to all the audiences around the world who have expressed their love and support for our film. We congratulate the teams of all the top 15 shortlisted films and wish them the very best in the next stages of the awards. For us, this is not the end but a step forward. We remain committed to bringing more powerful stories to life and sharing them with the world. Thank you for being part of this journey,” the statement further read.
The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences has unveiled the shortlist of 15 films competing for the Best International Feature Film category at the 2025 Oscars. Unfortunately, India’s official submission, Laapataa Ladies (Lost Ladies), did not make the cut.
Directed by Kiran Rao, the film had been unanimously chosen by the Film Federation of India (FFI) as the country’s entry, but its selection stirred debate. Many critics argued that Payal Kapadia’s “All We Imagine As Light” would have been a more competitive choice for the prestigious category.
Bollywood
‘Pushpa 2’ fever grips Akshay Kumar
Mumbai, Dec 17: As “Pushpa 2” fever continues to take over, Akshay Kumar has joined in on the excitement by recreating the film’s most iconic dialogue, “Wildfire hu.”
In a video circulating on the internet, Akshay is seen delivering Allu Arjun’s iconic line, “Wildfire hu.” Soon after the video surfaced online, fans couldn’t help but gush over Khiladi Kumar. One netizen commented, “Wow, amazing @akshaykumar sir, wildfire pose of mega superstar @alluarjun from #Pushpa2TheRule, great!” Another said, “I remember he supported Pushpa 1 also.”
Not to forget, in 2021, Akshay had penned a congratulatory note for Allu Arjun after the success of “Pushpa: The Rise.”
The ‘Airlift’ actor had written, “Congratulations @alluarjun on the massive response you have received from all over India for #PushpaTheRise, another big win for our industry… planning to watch it real soon. @GTelefilms.” In response, Allu Arjun replied, “Thank you very much, Akshay ji. Nice of you to send your warm wishes. Congratulations to you too. Glad people are coming back to theatres & the Indian film industry is shining again.”
“Pushpa 2: The Rule,” directed by Sukumar, features Allu Arjun, Rashmika Mandanna, and Fahadh Faasil. Released in theatres on December 5, the movie has crossed a remarkable Rs 1000 crore globally within just seven days. The sequel to the 2021 hit has reportedly earned Rs 902 crore at the India box office. It also became the first Hindi film to collect over Rs 100 crore in its second weekend.
Recently, Allu Arjun was arrested in connection with the death of a fan at the premiere of “Pushpa 2.” He was released from jail, with several stars visiting his residence afterward.
In a statement, the actor revealed that his legal team has advised him not to meet anyone or visit his family at this time.
In his note, the actor wrote, “I remain deeply concerned about young Sri Tej, who is under constant medical care after the unfortunate incident.”
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