Environmentalist activist and former cricketer Wasim Akram’s wife Shaniera Akram reacted to the news about Lady Diana’s close friend Jemima Goldsmith leaving the English Netflix show ‘The Crown’.
Goldsmith told The Sunday Times that she pulled out after Diana’s story was not handled “as respectfully or compassionately” as she had hoped.
“It was really important to me that the final years of my friend’s life be portrayed accurately and with compassion, as has not always happened in the past,” she added.
“In 2019, Peter Morgan asked me to co-write on the fifth series of ‘The Crown’, particularly those episodes which concerned Princess Diana’s last years before she died,” she said. “After a great deal of thought, having never spoken publicly about any of this before, I decided to contribute.”
“I requested that all my contributions be removed from the series and I declined a credit,” Jemima told the British Newspaper.
On the contrary, a spokesperson for ‘The Crown’ claimed that Jemima has never been contacted as a writer on the series.
“Jemima Khan has been a friend, fan and a vocal public supporter of ‘The Crown’ since season one. She has been part of a wide network of well-informed and varied sources who have provided extensive background information to our writers and research team, providing context for the drama that is ‘The Crown’,” he added.
Australian Actor Elizabeth Debicki is set to play Lady Diana in the next series which is expected to premiere in November 2022.
Netflix’s Squid Game is the talk of the town these days and there is one more thing about it which has grabbed the attention of people, especially Pakistanis and that is the Pakistani migrant Ali Abdul, originally played by Anupam Tripathi, based in South Korea is from Delhi, India.
Tripathi was born in New Delhi on November 2, 1988, where he played a slave in a stage production of Spartacus. From 2006 to 2010, Anupam engaged himself doing theatre in New Delhi itself. He started his training in singing and acting in the year 2006.
He actually wanted to join the National School of Drama in New Delhi. However, he then moved to South Korea in 2010 to be part of the Korea National University of Arts after he received the Arts Major Asian scholarship.
Although initially, he had to face a few difficulties adjusting to the cultural and language differences of South Korea, over time he learned Korean and even became fluent in the language in a span of 2 years.
The 32-year-old actor made his acting debut with the South Korean film Ode To My Father in 2014. And the movie happened to be the fourth highest-grossing film in the South Korean cinema ever.
He was also seen in numerous Korean TV shows and films such as Descendants of the Sun, Hospital Playlist and the last one before Squid Game was the 2021 film Space Sweepers.
The turning point in the career of Anupam Tripathi is certainly his appearance on Netflix’s biggest debut series.
Anupam, who was overwhelmed with the name and fame he has been receiving after playing Ali in the Korean series, took to his Instagram handle recently and shared his gratitude.
He wrote, “It feels like a dream “, No words to express my gratitude to the people all over the world, who all are loving and blessing Ali and Squidgame. Thank you to all. Keep watching and keep blessing.”
His mother and brothers are proud of his success but but Tripathi could not share his success with his father, who passed away in 2017.
Meanwhile, Tripathi will be completing his post graduation degree in acting at the Korea National University of Arts by 2021.
Squid Game which was released on September 17 on Netflix and has become the biggest original debut series on Netflix. It has recently achieved the feat of topping the list of Netflix’s Top 10 shows in 94 countries worldwide.
Pakistani director Wajahat Rauf has reacted on a netizen’s pun that if Korean web series Squid Game is to be remade in Pakistan, he will cast Humayun Saeed in it.
A netizen said: “To everyone who’s tweeting stuff like ‘if Squid Game was made in Pakistan.’ Bro stop giving them ideas, next thing you know Wajahat Rauf will cast Humayun Saeed as player 456 in Pakistani Squid Game.”
The Karachi Se Lahore director simply laughed at it with the smiling emoticons.
Earlier, Ahmed Ali Butt had slammed big international productions for not casting Pakistani actors to play the character of a Pakistani in international series and films.
The Punjab Nahi Jaungi actor also criticised the production houses for casting Indian actors instead.
Wajahat is currently directing Farhan Saeed and Hania Aamir for a web series produced by an Indian production house.
Trending at number one since it released on Pakistani Netflix, Haseen Dilruba is India’s latest, winning movie on the streaming platform. An easy watch for a suspense thriller, the story revolves around the murder of a husband after his wife has an affair.
It’s a perfect set up and it begins at full speed. Shy and sweet, seedha saadha sa Rishu (Vikrant Massey) has an arranged marriage with the hot, loud and opinionated Rani (Taapsee Pannu) and beychara Rishu is so intimidated by Rani that he is unable to perform in the first month of their marriage. He overhears Rani telling her family members about their private sex life and decides to never speak/touch her again. Meanwhile, Rishu’s super hot and dashing cousin Neel (Harshvardhan Rane) comes to stay with them and thats when the trouble begins.
The beauty of the film is how fast paced it is, even though it is more than two hours long. The story begins with a bang, slows down but not too slow in the middle, and then ends with a not to unexpected ending.
The downside of the film is really the acting. It’s very evident that the writer has written a strong and thoughtful script but the acting is flat and the chemistry between all the characters is blah at best. Rani is the weakest link with the biggest role. Despite being the hero (and somewhat the villain) of the story, Taapsee’s acting leaves you yawning in the middle and asking, ‘is that the best she can do’ near the end. The only character that comes close to his role is Vikrant as Rishu.
Despite the slow drawl in the middle, the storyline is solid and the movie is definitely worth a watch. But in the end you will wonder if star actors had taken on the role, what an actual big blockbuster it could be.
As per the announcement, the final fifth season of the Spanish crime drama will release in two parts. The first part will release on September 3, while the second part will stream on December 3.
Money Heist’s creator Alex Pina, in a statement, while talking about the upcoming part said: “When we began to write Part 5 in the midst of the pandemic, we felt that we had to change what was expected from the ten-episode season and used every tool we could to create the sensation of a season finale or series finale in the first volume itself.”
“We decided to work in an extremely aggressive genre, putting The Gang on the ropes. In volume 2, we focus more on the emotional situation of the characters. It is a journey across their sentimental map that connects us directly to their departure,” added Pina.
Meanwhile, in a synopsis provided by Netflix, the next season will follow the gang that been shut in the Bank of Spain for over 100 hours.
“They managed to rescue Lisbon, but their darkest moment is upon them after losing one of their own. The Professor has been captured by Sierra and, for the first time, doesn’t have an escape plan. Just when it seems like nothing else could go wrong, an enemy comes on the scene that is much more powerful than any they’ve faced: the army. The end of the greatest heist in history is approaching, and what began as a robbery will turn into a war.”
The series, originally titled La Casa De Papel (The House Of Paper), first released on Spanish network Antena 3 in May 2017. Set in Madrid, it’s about a team of thieves who are led by a mysterious man known as The Professor. The Netflix series stars UIrsula Corbero, Alvaro Morte, Itziar Ituno, Pedro Alonso, Paco Tous, Alba Flores, Miguel Herran, Jaime Lorente, Esther Acebo, Enrique Arce, Maria Pedraza, Darko Peric and Kiti Manver among others. The show was first created as a limited series but was later recut into three Parts when Netflix bought the rights to the show.
Meanwhile, Money Heist is one of Netflix’s most-watched original series.
Actor Arjun Kapoor who’s movie Sardar ka Grandson has been recently released talked about Pakistan and India’s relationship in a recent interview with Bollywood Hungama. He praised Pakistan and also mentioned gestures of love India had received from the people of Pakistan during the current COVID-19 crisis.
“You should not forget that in the time of need [Covid-19 crisis], there was a helping hand and that should be respected in the bigger picture,” Arjun said.
“This is one such time when emotions have resonated and people are coming together and leaving aside borders and whatever the political scenario might have been, one or two years back,” he added.
“Except for cricket, we have friendship and I just hope that friendship is kept alive and maintained,” he said while talking about the relationship between both countries.
He continued by saying, “Today, the obstacles are more; I hope some obstacles get eradicated. I can just hope and pray that the distance and vacuum that has been created go away and we are able to co-exist in peace.”
Sardar ka Grandson also stars Rakul Preet Singh and Neena Gupta alongside Arjun Kapoor in lead roles and was released on May 18. It is “a story of a romance that spans seven decades and two countries, a story of sub-continental hustling and earthy ingenuity, a story of victory against impossible odds.”
We rounded up a list of family-friendly movies you should NOT watch with the family, so here’s a list of films you can and should watch with the fam this Eid.
Cake
One of the best films to come out of the Pakistani entertainment industry, Cake perfectly highlights complex dynamics in family relationships. Featuring Sanam Saeed, Aamina Sheikh, Adnan Malik, Mohammad Ahmed, Beo Zafar Rana and Mikaal Zulfiqar in the lead, Cake follows a family who comes together when the family patriarch suffers from a heart attack, bringing to the front secrets that were best left in the past.
Teefa in Trouble
This comic caper has all the ingredients of a masala action comedy with some stunning cinematography, great songs and witty one-liners. Highly recommended.
Chupan Chupai
Another action-comedy, Chupan Chupai features Ahsan Khan, Neelam Muneer and Faizan Khwaja in the lead and follows three friends, Feddy (Zayed Sheikh), Koki (Ali Rizvi), and Teli who cross paths with Babu (Ahsan Khan) and his girlfriend, Pari (Neelam Muneer). A series of misadventures follow when they kidnap a minister’s son for a huge ransom. Though senseless at places, the film is a wild ride and will have you in fits.
Jumanji: Welcome to the Jungle
The third installment in the Jumanji franchise, the film focuses on a group of teenagers who come across Jumanji—now transformed into a video game—twenty-one years after the events of the 1995 film. They find themselves trapped in the game as a set of adult avatars, seeking to complete a quest alongside another player who has been trapped since 1996.
Dil Chahta Hai
A classic, Dil Chahta Hai is the coming of age story of three college friends who embark on different journeys yet remained bonded through their friendship. Featuring Aamir Khan, Akshaye Khanna, Saif Ali Khan, Dimple Kapadia and Preity Zinta, the film has been directed by Farhan Akhtar. Those going through transitional phases in their lives will have a lot to take away from the film.
3 Idiots
One of the best films to come out of Bollywood, 3 Idiots is about three friends and their antics in college life. While being highly entertaining, the film featuring Aamir Khan, R Madhavan, Sharman Joshi, Kareena Kapoor and Boman Irani, is also very thought-provoking. Don’t forget to keep a box of tissues nearby.
With a complete ban on Eid parties, travelling and pappis and jhappis (don’t forget Apa is watching), Eid this year is not like the ones we used to have in our childhood. With little to do and no place to go, what better than a movie night in with the fam?
While Netflix has thousands of options to choose from for a fun family movie night, there are some films which are touted to be “family-friendly” but are not. Here is a list of films you should definitely not be watching with the fam.
Queen
While Queen is a highly entertaining watch about a woman who decides to go on her honeymoon alone after her fiancé ditches her days before the wedding and features a brave female protagonist (Kangana Ranaut), some of the scenes, especially those involving Lisa Haydon can be very awkward to watch with your parents or siblings.
Kapoor and Sons
Featuring Pakistan’s heartthrob Fawad Khan, Kapoor & Sons is a decent film about family issues and sibling rivalry but the racy scenes and Fawad’s character being gay can make it a tad bit uncomfortable to watch with family. Though everyone has a choice to love who they want, Pakistani families perhaps aren’t ready yet, especially if you’re hanging out with the Nana Nani or Dada Dadi. That’s a discussion you might not want to have, yet.
Khoobsurat
Khoobsurat may feature Pakistan’s resident heartthrob, but this too like Kapoor & Sons is not one to be watched with the family unless you’d like to watch him shirtless with five others. Best to watch this alone!
And old fav, Main Hoon Na definitely comes across as a family film given that it is set in a university and against the backdrop of Indo-Pak tension. However, Shah Rukh Khan and Sushmita Sen romancing in a waterfall can make things a tad bit awkward if you end up playing this on the family movie night.
Jab We Met
Another classic Jab We Met featuring Kareena Kapoor Khan and Shahid Kapoor, comes across as a simple and soft romantic film but it includes some racy scenes so it’s best not to watch it with the fam.
Dil Dhadakne Do
Another film about a dysfunctional upper-class family who embarks on a cruise to celebrate the parents’ 30th wedding anniversary. Instead of being a fun and easy holiday, the trip sends the Mehras on a journey of self-discovery and brings out problems that have been long brushed under the carpet. While the film is relatable and honest, but the sexually-charged passionate scenes between Ranveer Singh and Anushka Sharma make it not-so-family-friendly.
To All the Boys: P.S. I Still Love You (2020)
Considered a family movie, with teen love and romance, To All the Boys: P.S. I Still Love You is a story about finding love in high school. Based on Jenny Han’s book trilogy, the film starts off where the first film ended: with Lara Jean and Peter Kavinsky as a couple. The two are poles apart but totally smitten with each other. Enter John Ambrose McLaren, one of Lara’s past crushes, and also a recipient of one of her love letters. He has a crush on Lara giving birth to the main conflict of the movie: which boy is the better choice for Lara?
Even though it’s considered a family movie in the west, with supportive parents, allowing their children to date, can you imagine the HAW HAI our mothers would be doing and how our fathers would say the West is ruining us and making us loose and wild? A BIG NO if you want to go to a mixed school again.
Bulbbul
Bulbbul may come across as a good old horror flick about a churail (witch) living in an old haveli but it features some really gruesome scenes, including those involving rape. Hence, definitely not one you can watch with the fam.
In case you want some suggestions for film you can watch with the fam, we recommend Cake, Teefa in Trouble, Ho Mann Jahan, 3 Idiots, Murder Mystery and The Laundromats.
Living through these testing times can take a toll on you mentally and with Eid this year being completely different than what it used to be in the past, The Current decided to round up a list of feel-good movies you can watch on Netflix for a short break from these bleak circumstances.
Note – Most of them are not recommended to be watched with the fam.
Check them out below:
Khoobsurat
Let’s face it. Fawad Khan has been missing from our TV screens for far too long which is why it is the perfect time to watch Khoobsurat. In Khoobsurat he plays a dashing nawab who is caught off guard when a clumsy girl comes to his palace to treat his father. The film is a treat for Fawad Khan fans as they get a chance to see the actor at his finest and shirtless too!
Miss Congeniality
This action-comedy follows Gracie Hart, a tomboyish detective, who goes undercover and participates in the Miss United States beauty pageant as a contestant after her department learns that the event is under threat from an anonymous bomber.
Leap Year
A delightfully entertaining rom-com about a woman who decides to propose to her boyfriend on February 29 after waiting years for him to pop the question. However, on her way to Ireland, a storm forces the flight to divert to Wales and land there. While Anna hires a boat to take her to Cork, she ends up at a small seaside village called Dingle because of the severity of the storm where she meets a handsome Irishman.
Holidate
Holidate follows two strangers who meet at a department store after Christmas and before New Year’s Eve and exchange their Christmas horror stories, which stem from them being single. When they realise that they both pretty much have the same problem, they decide that they’ve had enough of dating strangers or being single on holidays, and plan to become each other’s ‘holidates’ – meaning they will be each other’s dates on every holiday for as long as they’re both single. While their relationship is strictly platonic and comes a set of rules and no strings attached, who can control their heart?
Two people with completely different motives start dating each other to win their respective bets. Fireworks are bound to spark when this happens.
Always Be My Maybe
Two childhood sweethearts reconnect 15 years later. Although the old sparks are still there, the two live in different worlds.
Set It Up
Two overworked and underpaid assistants come up with a plan to get their bosses off their backs by setting them up with each other. If you need a break from work, this film is definitely one to watch.
Christmas Wedding Planner
A wedding planner is in the midst of planning her cousin’s lavish and exclusive wedding when a private investigator thwarts her plans and turns her world upside down. Watch for a warm, fuzzy feeling.
The Princess Switch 1 & 2
Another Christmas rom-com. This Vanessa Hudgens film will remind you of your teenage years and make you sigh.
The Perfect Date
A high school student creates an app to offer his services as a fake date to make money for college. However, his plans get complicated when he ends up falling for one of his dates. This film is witty, quirky and full of zest.
Ibiza
Ibiza follows Harper, a 30 year-old-single woman from New York who travels to Barcelona on a business trip, where she ends up hooking up with a famous DJ. Those missing their wild parties should definitely give this a watch.
Swiped
A popular college guy Lance and his nerdy roommate James, a college freshman, create the ultimate hook-up app and make lots of money from it. But when James discovers that his divorced mother is using the app, unexpected consequences follow.
Crazy Rich Asians
This film is the East Asian version of “Kya woh larki hamare sanskar aur hamari sanskriti samaj paegi” – I mean Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham. But it’s a fun and easy watch with lots of grandeur.
Qarib Qarib Singlle
When two polar opposites, Yogi and Jaya, meet through a dating app, they rediscover themselves while they set out to revisit their past. A must-watch if you’re an Irrfan Khan fan.
I Feel Pretty
The film which deals with body issues will make everyone feel pretty by the end of it.
Game Night
The film follows a group of friends whose game night turns into a real-life mystery after one of them is kidnapped by apparent burglars. If dark comedy coupled with a mystery is your thing, you will certainly enjoy watching this.
Do you have any recommendations? Let us know in the comments.
The actor, in a recent social media post, raised a question which many Pakistanis had been asking over the past month: “Why is Sexify trending at number one on Netflix Pakistan during the Holy month of Ramzan?”
“Awam toh humari bohut shareef hai phir yeh trending mein No 1 peh kyun hai?” questioned Saba.
Sexify, an eight-episode Polish series, is about budding software developer Natalia who knows a lot about programming and very little about sex. With her friends Monika and Paulina, she embarks on a quest to better understand the mysteries of the female orgasm and build an app that will win an inter-university competition and maybe, just maybe, serve the needs of her peers.
