Janet Jackson is Britney Spears’ girl crush for October

Director: Shaneil Deo, Cast: Adivi Sesh, Mrunal Thakur, Anurag Kashyap, Prakash Raj, Sunil, Atul Kulkarni, Zayn Marie Khan & Kamakshi Bhaskarla, Run Time: 2h 35m, Ratings: 4 stars

Dacoit: A Love Story is not your conventional romance—it’s a brooding, intense exploration of love gone wrong, where emotions bleed into violence, and redemption feels just out of reach. Director Shaneil Deo crafts a narrative that sits somewhere between a character study and a revenge drama, attempting to balance raw action with emotional depth.

At the heart of the film is Adivi Sesh, who delivers a compelling and controlled performance. His portrayal of a man consumed by heartbreak and rage is layered, relying more on internalized pain than overt dramatics. There’s a quiet intensity in his eyes that carries several scenes, especially when the script allows him moments of silence. It’s one of those performances that steadily grows on you.

Opposite him, Mrunal Thakur brings a nuanced presence. Her character isn’t merely a catalyst for the protagonist’s transformation; she stands her ground with a mix of vulnerability and ambiguity. Thakur manages to keep the audience guessing, which adds an intriguing tension to their dynamic.

Technically, the film scores well in creating atmosphere. The cinematography leans into dusty landscapes and muted tones, reinforcing the bleak emotional landscape of the story. The camera often lingers, allowing scenes to breathe, though this approach occasionally affects the pacing. The background score is effective without being overwhelming, subtly enhancing the tension and emotional beats.

Where the film stumbles slightly is in its screenplay. While the premise is strong, certain plot developments feel predictable, and the narrative could have benefited from tighter editing. The first half, in particular, takes its time to build the world and relationships, which may test the patience of some viewers. However, the second half redeems this with more focused storytelling and a gripping emotional payoff.

What sets Dacoit: A Love Story apart is its refusal to simplify its characters. There are no clear heroes or villains here—just flawed individuals making irreversible choices. The film doesn’t offer easy answers, and that ambiguity works both in its favor and against it.

In the end, Dacoit: A Love Story is a moody, character-driven film that prioritizes emotion over spectacle. It may not appeal to everyone, but for those willing to engage with its layered storytelling and restrained performances, it offers a haunting and memorable cinematic experience.

Mumbai Sept 4 (IANS) Actress Saba Azad is currently riding high on the success of her latest project, ‘Song of Paradise’. Azad now has another reason to smile and feel all the more good, because this time around the one who has praised her is none other than her boyfriend and Bollywood star Hrithik Roshan!

The actor took to social media to share a few stills of Saba from the movie.

He captioned it as, “The genuine praise I’m hearing all around for the makers, technicians and artists associated with Songs Of Paradise is truly heartening. I watched this movie in its rough form many months ago, and I remember being touched to my core. Tears that filled me up with such deep love especially for the character of Zeba.”

He added, “The humongous applause this movie is getting today has restored my infallible faith in the universe. You get what you deserve. And you @sabazad for the incredible artiste you are, for the exquisite art you create, deserve all the applause coming your way.. I have seen your struggle, the helplessness, the frustrations, the agony that so many amazing artistes suffer from – of craving the basic right to opportunity that genuine talent deserves in a business that demands “followers” before the “actor”. Which is why today I feel the lightness of unbridled joy watching you get what you deserve. And you my love deserve the world and more. This performance goes down as my top 10 performances ever.

Hrithik ended the post with an endearing confession that read, “Rock on baby My heart is full. I love you.”

Recently, in an exclusive conversation with IANS, Saba said the music of ‘Song of Paradise’ contributed to her growth as a musician. “My listening vocabulary is a lot wider than just the kind of music I make. So, growing up, my parents actually exposed us to all sorts of music. There was folk, there was Indian classical, western classical, and of course, you know, rock and roll legends and other such. But I was deeply appreciative of the music in the film because I didn’t know about this music. I, in all honesty, didn’t know about Kashmiri music outside of the Santoor, which are known as Kashmiri instruments”.

She further added, “So, this was an education for me. You know, I really got to learn a lot about Kashmiri music and I was delighted. I’m really thankful to Danish (the director) for kind of exposing me to the world of Raj Begum and her music. And, to me, there was absolutely no, it was not at odds with my sensibilities at all. I truly appreciate all sorts of music and it’s a universal language and that’s the one language that you actually don’t have to understand the words of and it still resonates with you. I love all sorts. So, this was just an opportunity to be in the midst of great music”. Saba Azad essays the character of Zeba Akhtar inspired by the legendary Kashmiri singer Raj Begum in the movie “Songs of Paradise”. The movie is presented by Excel Entertainment and produced by Apple Tree Pictures Production and Renzu Films Production.

–IANS

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Mumbai, July 3 (IANS) Bollywood superstar Aamir Khan is all set to headline the 16th Indian Film Festival of Melbourne as chief guest.

The actor is excited to showcase some of his most cherished work at the prestigious event, where Indian cinema will be celebrated on a global platform.

Expressing his gratitude, the ‘PK’ actor said he felt humbled and thrilled to join a festival that truly celebrates the richness and diversity of Indian cinema.

Sharing his excitement, Aamir said, “I’m humbled and thrilled to be a part of the Indian Film Festival of Melbourne. It’s a festival that truly celebrates the spirit of Indian cinema in all its diversity and richness. I look forward to engaging with audiences, sharing some of my most cherished work, and being part of conversations that celebrate the power of film.”

“With ‘Sitaare Zameen Par’, we’ve tried to tell a story that embraces inclusivity and neurodivergence with sensitivity and heart — and I’m grateful that the film has resonated with so many. I’m excited to share this journey with Melbourne and shine a light on the stories that matter.”

As part of the 16th edition of the festival, Aamir Khan will be honoured with a special segment that looks back at his remarkable journey in Indian cinema.

The celebration will wrap up with a spotlight on his latest film, ‘Sitaare Zameen Par’.

Festival Director Mitu Bhowmick Lange AM shared, “Aamir Khan is not just a cinematic legend but also someone whose work has always reflected sensitivity, depth, and a fearless commitment to storytelling. We are truly honoured to welcome him as our Chief Guest. His presence will undoubtedly elevate the festival experience for audiences and filmmakers alike. He is an artist who has consistently used cinema as a force for social change, and his journey continues to inspire generations. His work on Sitaare Zameen Par is a beautiful example of inclusive storytelling — filled with empathy, joy, and honesty.”

The 16th Indian Film Festival of Melbourne will take place from August 14 to 24, 2025, featuring an exciting lineup of film screenings, panel discussions, masterclasses, and cultural activities.

One of the key highlights of this year’s event will be a special retrospective on Aamir Khan’s work.

–IANS

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