Bollywood
‘Match Fixing – The Nation at Stake’: A Gripping Political Thriller That Unravels Dark Truths
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
Sharvari shares heartwarming story of wearing mother’s heirloom saree for ‘Yeh Prem Mol Liya’

Actress Sharvari shared a heartwarming glimpse of her bond with her mother as she revealed how she turned her mother’s treasured pink Patola saree into a special outfit for the promotions of her upcoming film ‘Yeh Prem Mol Liya’.
Taking to Instagram, the ‘Munjya’ actress recalled how her mother gifted her the saree after watching ‘Jhumka Patola’ for the first time. Sharvari said she was touched by the love and pride reflected in her mother’s eyes, who then handed over the beautiful saree to her as a blessing.
Sharing the story behind the outfit, Sharvari revealed that the pink Patola saree was a cherished family heirloom that her mother had worn over the years and associated with several special memories.
“When my Aai watched #JhumkaPatola for the first time, I will never forget the love and pride in her eyes.. she gave me her beautiful pink Patola saree as a blessing! An heirloom she has adorned over the years and made so many beautiful memories in,” she wrote.
The actress said reinventing something so precious to her mother and wearing it during the film promotions made the experience even more meaningful. She also went through old photographs of her mother wearing the saree before seeing her reaction to its new look.
“Reinventing something so precious to her and wearing it for promotions has been such a special feeling. Going through old pictures of her wearing it, and then seeing her reaction to what we created was just priceless.”
Sharvari further described wearing the saree as a feeling of being surrounded by her mother’s love and blessings. “Wearing her saree feels like being wrapped in her love and blessings! “Blessings for my journey from my mother’s loving embrace.” #YehPremMolLiya releasing on 27th Nov in theatres.”
The actress also shared a series of pictures with her mother, striking candid poses together and giving a glimpse of their warm bond. In another video, Sharvari was seen meeting her mother inside her vanity van, capturing a sweet moment between the two during the film promotions.
On the work front, Sharvari will next be seen in ‘Yeh Prem Mol Liya’, which is scheduled to release in theatres on November 27.
Bollywood
Kareena Kapoor says ‘Too good’ as Alia Bhatt asks Orry to dress like Poo

Actress Alia Bhatt and Orry recreated the iconic Poo look from ‘Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham’, and they even managed to get a reaction from none other than the OG, Kareena Kapoor.
On Thursday, Orry shared a hilarious video on his official Instagram handle, where he was seen wearing the pink shimmery crop top, paired with a beige-tan mini skirt and a faux fur stole, one of Poo’s most memorable looks from the movie.
An excited Orry asked Alia, “Alia, how am I looking?” and when Alia responded with a laugh, Orry pointed out, “Alia, it’s not funny; you asked me to dress like Kareena”.
“I asked you to dress like Winny the Pooh, not Poo”.
An upset Orry then left the room.
The original Poo, Kareena, took to the comment section of the post and shared, “Too good”, followed by a red heart emoticon.
Reacting to this, Orry wrote, “@kareenakapoorkhan wait for the next one”.
Alia also commented, “What’s at the back??”, along with a laughing with tears emoji. Replying to her, Orry commented, “a party”.
Bebo as Poo has become one of the most iconic characters in Bollywood over time. She is not just an inspiration for fashion enthusiasts, but has emerged as a perfect representative of a confident and outspoken young woman of the early 2000s.
From her blush-pink lehenga in ‘Bole Chudiyan’ to her red dress in ‘You Are My Soniya’, every attire of Kareena in ‘K3G’ holds a special place in the memory of both fashion and movie buffs.
Talking about Alia and Kareena, these two share a great rapport.
The two actresses even appeared together on ‘Koffee With Karan Season 8’. When host and filmmaker Karan Johar asked Bebo who could be the”new-age Poo” in a true Poo manner, Kareena said,
“Not applicable,” implying that no one can replace her in that memorable character.
Bollywood
Ashoke Pandit asks Naseeruddin Shah to stop substance use, suggests seeking medical help over ‘Dimagi Naxal’ remark

Filmmaker Ashoke Pandit launched a fresh attack on veteran actor Naseeruddin Shah over the latter’s recent remarks against the government, alleging that the actor’s conduct has gone “berserk” and claiming that he needs medical help.
Reacting to Naseeruddin Shah’s recent video in which he wore a badge reading “Dimagi Naxal” and criticised the government, Ashoke questioned the actor’s language, conduct and political views.
In an exclusive conversation with media, Ashoke Pandit said, “I am not surprised and I am not shocked because since last year or so, Naseeruddin Shah has become a constant abuser. He has lost all manners, he has lost etiquettes, he behaves like a, you know, a ruffian. I think the way he talks in front of the camera and talks to people, addresses people, it’s not only about the Prime Minister.”
He added, “His conduct has gone berserk. His behaviour has gone berserk. You know, even goons don’t behave like this, and he is supposed to be an educated person. I don’t know whether he is really educated or not. Because his entire mannerisms, his entire language which he uses, it sounds of frustration.”
He further exoressing his sheer disappointment, stated, “It sounds of loss of balance of mind. So, I think, I am very sure that this man needs medical help. He is not normal because the way he talks, the way he expresses his face is full of anger, and I can understand why he is frustrated. Frustrated because of the kind of films which they didn’t like, those films are working.”
“They are troubled with films like Kerala Story working. They are troubled with films like Kashmir Files working. They are troubled with films like Dhurandar working. So, they have become insecure! These people belong to an art kind of cinema which I am nothing against. But because all their habits have been negated by the system, people have started thinking more modernly.
He further added, “People have started becoming more acceptable as far as subjects are concerned, as far as films are concerned, as far as art is concerned. So, the change in the mindset of people, the country, especially after Narendra Modi has taken over, is making them feel insecure. So yes, Mr. NaseeruddinShah, you belong to a tukdukde gang. I am telling you to your face. Yes, Mr. Naseeruddin Shah, you belong to an urban naxal gang and you are an urban naxal because without any reason you have been abusing people left, right and centre.”
He added, “You have abused Anupam Kher, you have abused Shah Rukh Khan, you have abused Amitabh Bachchan. You have abused so many people including Mr. Subhash Ghai. So, for you, I think that you believe that you are perfect. So, that’s why this also is a psychological problem. You please get yourself checked. You please get yourself treated. I think that will, you know, help you. Otherwise, things are going to go from bad to worse.”
The filmmaker further said, “ I really thought that I should not react to it. But things are getting more, you know, beyond limits. That you are abusing a political party. You are, your activism is one-sided.
Talking about Bengal elections, Ashoke said, “Mr. Naseeruddin Shah, you were saying that BJP has won Bengal elections. That’s troubling you. You know, have you ever thought about it? Have you ever, you know, criticised or condemned the genocide of Hindus in Bengal? Are you aware of that? You must be 100% aware of it. But you are not talking about it.”
He highlighted, “The way Hindus in Bengal had to migrate to Assam, and there were lakhs of people. So, people were tired. I am telling you the reason why BJP won. People were tired because of dictatorship and anti-Hindu, anti-India reaction or entire body language or decisions made by the Mamta government.”
“Temples were not allowed. It was a total anti-Hindu government, anti-India government. So, that’s why people threw them out. That is the reason which I would like to tell you. So, please, get yourself treated. If any substance you are using, please stop that and you will be fine.”
For the uninitiated, Ashoke Pandit’s remarks have come after Naseeruddin Shah shared a video on social media where he wore a badge reading “Dimagi Naxal” and criticised the government over its handling of student protests.
The veteran actor referred to labels such as “anti-national” and “tukde-tukde gang” while questioning the treatment of students and the state of democracy in the country.
In the video, he was also seen drawing parallels with earlier protests at Jawaharlal Nehru University and referred to the ongoing demonstrations at Jamia Millia Islamia. His use of the “Dimagi Naxal” label has triggered a fresh political debate, with many public figures reacting to his remarks.
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