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‘Match Fixing – The Nation at Stake’: A Gripping Political Thriller That Unravels Dark Truths

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Director: Kedaar Gaekwad , Producer: Pallavi Gurjar, Cast: Vineet Kumar Singh, Anuja Sathe, Manoj Joshi, Raj Arjun, Shataf Figar, Lalit Parimoo and Kishore Kadam, Duration: 2h26m, Rating: 4 stars.

‘Match Fixing – The Nation at Stake’ is based on a book ‘The Game Behind Saffron Terror’ written by an ex-army officer, Col. Kanwar Khatana. This gripping yet controversial political thriller unfolds the intricate web of Indo-Pak politics. The film dramatizes a series of devastating terror attacks that shook India between 2004 and 2008, culminating in the catastrophic 26/11 Mumbai attacks.

The opening scenes of the film, pack a punch, drawing viewers into a complex web of conspiracies and parallel plots. As the story unfolds, closed-door meetings between Indian and Pakistani politicians and leaders reveal a shocking agenda – to malign the reputation of Hindus by concocting the term “Saffron Terror” for the sake of vote-bank politics.

The film’s first half masterfully sets the tone, weaving together multiple subplots in India and Pakistan, while introducing the protagonist who is an undercover army officer from intelligence. He has become a thorn in the flesh of those who are hell bent on spreading the false narrative of Saffron Terror. The ominous Samjhauta Express and Malegoan blasts serve as bookends to this half.

As the narrative unfolds, the second half becomes increasingly engrossing, with the antagonists meticulously planning their final, devastating attack. The culmination is expertly handled as the protagonist hands are tied. All of this leads to a thought-provoking and impactful conclusion that lingers long after the credits roll, leaving audiences to ponder and deliberate.

The producer Pallavi Gurjar has not only chosen an extremely powerful subject but also facilitated high production values to the film, bringing the necessary gravitas to this important subject.

The film’s creative brilliance is largely attributed to Director and DOP Kedaar Gaekwad, whose storytelling seamlessly brings together political intrigue, complex characters, and real-life events. His cinematography is a visual treat, making the film an unforgettable viewing experience.

Vineet Kumar Singh’s portrayal of Col. Avinash Patwardhan – the protagonist is pitch perfect. After Mukkabaaz and Gangs of Wasseypur, Vineet gives one of the finest performances of his career. Vineet shines with his remarkable portrayal, effortlessly transitioning between roles as an undercover agent, army officer, and devoted family man, showcasing his impressive range and versatility as an actor.

Vineet is ably supported by an ensemble cast of distinguished actors. Anuja Sathe, as his wife, plays the perfect counterbalance with her solid yet restrained performance.

Veteran actors Manoj Joshi and Kishore Kadam deliver standout performances, bringing to life complex and unconventional characters with convincing authenticity and depth.

Shataf Figar’s towering personality, Elena Tutteja’s uncanny resemblance, Ramanjit Kaur’s intensity and Lalit Parimoo’s effortlessness are noteworthy.

The surprise package of the film is Raj Arjun. His outstanding portrayal of a Pakistani Colonel is nuanced and multifaceted. He masterfully provides justification and motivation to his character’s actions, avoiding stereotypes with remarkable subtlety.

The film’s location and production design teams have meticulously recreated the era with remarkable accuracy. The makers have ensured authenticity, accurately replicating army protocols with attention to detail in every frame.

Anuj S. Mehta’s exceptional screenplay weaves a riveting narrative, expertly intertwining multiple plot threads, characters, and layers. Sameer Garud’s razor-sharp dialogue and incisive character interactions. The writing team pack a lasting punch, lingering in the viewer’s mind long after the credits roll.

Ashish Mhatre’s crafts a thrilling narrative with his sharp editing, skillfully balancing tension and comprehension of such a complex subject. Thankfully the film never digresses into unnecessary subplots and largely remains focused to the central plot.

Rimi Dhar has composed two songs for the film. While the first is an electrifying anthem sung by Daler Mehendi, the second is a melodious composition which takes the story forward in flashback. Hrishi Girdhar’s background score is a standout, enhancing each scene.

‘Match Fixing – The Nation’ at Stake is a must watch for those who love intense political thrillers which are entangled in terrorism and conspiracy theories.

Bollywood

SS Rajamouli Faces FIR For ‘Hurting’ Religious Sentiments Over Controversial Lord Hanuman Remark At Varanasi Event In Hyderabad

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Filmmaker SS Rajamouli has landed in trouble after his recent remarks on Lord Hanuman during the launch event of his upcoming film Varanasi in Hyderabad on Saturday (November 15) sparked a major controversy. Soon after the launch, an FIR was registered against the acclaimed director for allegedly hurting religious sentiments.

On Tuesday, November 18, the Saroornagar police in Hyderabad received a complaint from the Vanara Sena organisation, alleging that Rajamouli had hurt Hindu sentiments by saying, “I don’t believe in God Hanuman.”

The police added how they are currently investigating the matter.

As of now, SS Rajamouli has not reacted to the controversy.

At the event that was held at Ramoji Film City in Hyderabad, technical glitches prevented the teaser from being played. An emotional Rajamouli apologised to the 50,000-strong crowd, saying he felt as though he had been let down by Lord Hanuman.

“When my father talked about Hanuman and suggested relying on his blessings for success, I got so angry,” he said. The filmmaker also clarified that he does not believe in God.

He also mentioned that his wife, Rama, was a great devotee of Hanuman. “My wife has a great devotion to Lord Hanuman. She talks to Him like He’s her friend. I even got angry with her for a while. Let’s see,” said the director.

Soon after Rajamouli’s statement went viral on social media, netizens slammed him, with many expressing surprise, noting that his blockbuster films, including Baahubali and RRR, draw heavily from Hindu epics and mythology.

Varanasi stars Priyanka Chopra, Mahesh Babu, and Prithviraj Sukumaran, and is slated for release in 2027.

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Bollywood

Akshay Kumar & Tiger Shroff flaunt picture perfect abs during their Juhu Beach edition of ‘Ocean’s 9’

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Mumbai, Nov 18: Bollywood hunk Akshay Kumar joined Tiger Shroff and other ‘Desi Boys’ as they all made heads turn during their Juhu Beach edition of ‘Ocean’s 9’.

The video posted by Akshay on social media had all of them walking in the water at Mumbai’s Juhu Beach. Going bare-chested, both Akshay and Tiger were seen flaunting their chiseled physique and perfect abs.

“Ocean’s 9: Juhu Beach edition (sic),” Akshay captioned the post.

Awestruck by Akshay’s fitness even at 58, an Insta user penned the comment, “Body physique in this age unbelievable (sic).”

Another one shared, “Six pack Akshay Kumar ki 58 age me v wow”.

The third comment read, “Ohh my god Look at the Akshay Kumar fitness at this age”.

One of the cybercitizens wrote, “Make some noise for the Desi boyz.”

Akshay is often seen turning cheerleader for Tiger, with whom he shared the screen in the 2024 science fiction action entertainer “Bade Miyan Chote Miyan”.

Helmed by Ali Abbas Zafar and backed by Pooja Entertainment, the project is a modern adaptation of the 1998 classic of the same name.

Over and above this, Akshay collaborated with Tiger for the second time in Rohit Shetty’s cop drama “Singham Again.”

Enjoying a strong bond, Akshay and Tiger keep entertaining the netizens with their fun banter on social media.

In 2024, the ‘Airlift’ actor shared a heartfelt note for Tiger, lauding his unwavering dedication to fitness. Akshay revealed that the ‘Baaghi’ actor inspires him to push the envelope.

“Tere saath yeh shoot karke badiya feel aa rahi hai, Tiger. We are doing amazing stunts, we talk fitness, we work out, and then we play volleyball till we crash. I feel rejuvenated, I feel young from inside and this surge of fitness is making me realise that 55 is the age just on my birth certificate. (sic),” he said.

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Mahima Chaudhry & Sanjay Mishra’s ‘Durlabh Prasad Ki Dusri Shadi’ to be out on December 19

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Mumbai, Nov 17: The makers of Mahima Chaudhry and Sanjay Mishra’s forthcoming romantic entertainer “Durlabh Prasad Ki Dusri Shadi” have finally announced the release date for the film. The drama has been locked to be out in the cinema halls on December 19 this year.

The announcement poster showed groom Sanjay lovingly looking at Mahima, who is dressed as a bride, with a garland in his hand.

Both Mahima and Sanjay were seen blushing in a post captioned, “The wedding bells are ringing! (Bell emoji) Get ready to celebrate love, family, and second chances. #DurlabhPrasadKiDusriShadi is coming to the big screen on 19th DECEMBER. (sic).”

“Durlabh Prasad Ki Dusri Shaadi” has been made under the direction of Siddhant Raj Singh. The project shares the tale of a young man who embarks on a desperate mission to find a new bride for his widowed father, after facing immense pressure from his prospective in-laws to have a woman in the house before they send their daughter.

The core cast of the drama also features Vyom Yadav, Palak Lalwani, Pravin Singh Sisodia, and Shrikant Verma in key roles, along with others.

Sharing why this character holds a special place for him, Sanjay revealed in a statement, “Durlabh Prasad is a character you’ll love for his simplicity and innocence. Comedy with emotion is always special, and this film has both in abundance. I’m excited for audiences to meet this unique dulha and his equally unique journey.”

Previously, Sanjay took to social media and posted the first look poster from the movie, along with the caption, “The bride has been found, get ready now, because the barat will be coming soon, from theaters near you or far. #DurlabhPrasadKiDusriShadi releasing in cinemas soon! (sic).”

The poster features a close-up of Mahima as a glowing bride, while Sanjay poses as an unconventional Dulha. He is seen holding a photo frame of the bride instead of the real bride herself.

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