Netflix premiered the new Resident Evil series featuring Pakistani star Ahad Raza Mir in July this year. The Hum Tum star’s performance and appearance in the show made his Pakistanis and Indians explode on Twitter with joyful tweets, expressing their excitement. His fans were ecstatic to see him in the new sci-fi horror series. Ahad essayed ‘Arjun Batra’, an Indian refugee following the global T-virus pandemic.
However, Netflix has now opted not to renew Mir’s Resident Evil for a second season. The news comes a month and a half after it debuted on the site on July 14.
On Friday, Deadline reported that the show did not have a strong enough showing on Netflix’s worldwide top 10 ratings, nor was its cost versus views on the streaming site high enough, a criteria for any show to be renewed.
Falling behind Stranger Things, which was released at the same time, Resident Evil, which starred Charlie’s Angels actor Ella Balinska, debuted at the second spot on the worldwide trends list with 72.7 million hours viewed on its opening weekend. However, the show did not deliver big for the second week. For the third week, the show dropped, falling out of the top 10 ranking.
Deadline reported that the latest Resident Evil incarnation also logged an underwhelming 55 percent from critics on Rotten Tomatoes and a total of 26pc audience scores.
Based on a video game, Resident Evil hails from showrunner Andrew Dabb and is placed in the future in 2036, 14 years after a virus that causes a global apocalypse, and Balinska’s Jade Wesker fights to survive in the new world of blood-thirsty creatures.
The series also stars Lance Reddick, Tamara Smart, Siena Agudong, Adeline Rudolph Connor Gosatti, and Turlough Convery. Resident Evil was produced and written by Mary Leah Sutton of Time After Time.
When the series was released, Mir’s fans took to social media to praise his performance and celebrate his appearance as the first Pakistani actor to star in a major Netflix show.
Bollywood actor Alia Bhatt recently discussed in an interview how she has occasionally encountered casual misogyny and has heard sexist remarks in Bollywood.
The Raazi star claimed that she did not recognise the sexism in such remarks early in her, however now such sexist remarks irritates her.
When asked if she had faced casual sexism in Bollywood like fellow women producers and actors, the Student Of The Year actor replied, “I think from time to time I have faced that– casual sexism. Many times I would not notice it. When I think back now because I am so much more aware of it, it just makes so much sense as ‘oh my god that was such a sexist comment, or that I was basically a subject of extreme misogyny in that moment. That’s why now I am so much more sensitive. Sometimes my friends go like ‘what’s wrong with you, why have you become so aggressive?’”
The actress said, ‘But it is not about her, people say don’t be so sensitive, you are being so sensitive, have you had periods.’ I say, ‘I am not getting sensitive and even if I am on my period, then what? You were also born because of this because women have periods.’
She added, “I get very angry when people say these random things. Things like ‘Your bra shouldn’t be on the bed, hide your bra. Hey, why hide it? It’s clothes, you’re shining your underwear, so I’m not saying anything. It’s not that all this happened to me but I understand how you as a woman should hide a lot of things.”
She further mentioned, “But it’s not about that, just random things like ‘don’t be so sensitive, you’re being so sensitive, are you PMSing. To hell with you, I am not being sensitive, and even if I am PMSing so the hell what? You were born because women were PMSing. It gets me so annoying when people say these random things. It’s just casual.”
Earlier this year Alia took to her Instagram stories to share a screenshot of a post by Pinkvilla that claimed the Gangubai Kathiawadi star would return to Mumbai, India in mid-July and that her husband Ranbir Kapoor would especially fly to the UK to bring his wife back home as she is pregnant and needs care.
The post also read that Bhatt will be taking a rest after she returns from her shoot, suggesting that the diva had planned her pregnancy in a way that doesn’t affect her shoot schedule. The post concluded that Bhatt would be wrapping up her films Heart of Stone and Rocky Aur Rani Ki Prem Kahani before the end of July.
Alia captioned her post while re-sharing that in some “peoples heads we still live in some patriarchal world” and confirmed that nothing has been delayed. “No one needs to PICK anyone up. I am a woman, not a parcel!!!! I do not need to REST at all but good to know you’ll have a doctor’s certification as well.”
She emphasized that this is 2022 and requested that people could get out of the “archaic” way of thinking. “Now if you would excuse me.. my shot is ready,” she concluded suggesting that she won’t be “resting” at home.
Multiple Pakistani actresses have extended their support to Bhatt with heartwarming posts.
Pakistani actors Zara Noor Abbas and Durefishan Saleem lent support to the Bollywood star and took to their Instagram stories to write that women don’t have to prove anything.
Zara wrote that she thought this happens only in Pakistan, recounting how brands wanted to drop her after finding out that she was expecting.
“Becoming pregnant and being an actress makes the society feel you are not good for work anymore. Well guess what, WOMEN are good enough for everything and anything and it’s time the dictators realise so. We don’t have to prove our motherhood and craft to any patriarchy,” penned the Zebaish star.
Kesi Teri Khudgarzi diva Dur-e-Fishan Saleem also shared Alia’s Instagram story to her own and wrote, “We can get married/make babies and still be kick a** fab. Marriage is a part of life not a [halt].” She also said people need to stop telling women that their career goals don’t align well with that.
Meanwhile, on the work front, Alia is all set for the release of her maiden production film, Darlings, which is scheduled to release on August 5, 2022, on Netflix.
The much-awaited trailer of the second season of the reality show, Indian Matchmaking has been released. The new season will be released on Netflix on August 10.
The caption of the trailer read: “If you’re not getting married this year, you can meet us at the buffet.”
Matchmaker, Sima Taparia, said while talking to People magazine, “Every new client brings a new adventure, and the people I worked with in season 2 gave me all sorts of challenges,”
“From height to hair to very specific dietary requirements, it seems clients are getting pickier by the day. But I love what I do so I am up to the task,” she added.
Taparia also said, “My goal is always to help my clients see beyond the superficial and focus on the qualities that will matter for a lasting relationship.”
“But that is getting harder and harder with every new generation,” she added. “Especially when dating apps have made everyone feel like choices are limitless.”
“I don’t want to give anything away, but let’s just say the stars aligned more than once in season 2,” she concluded.
You are cordially invited to season 2 of Indian Matchmaking ✨
The first season of the show was released in July 2020. It threw light on the highly controversial Indian (and Pakistani) wedding and matchmaking culture, stirred debate online and received mixed reviews about the toxicity ingrained in the country’s age-old process of finding a life partner.
Netflix has opposed password sharing for a while now since it allows multiple users to watch their favorite seasons on an account while paying only one subscription fee.
It had previously signaled about restricting the sharing of passwords, but users were convinced that it wouldn’t happen. Unfortunately, Netflix is now testing a feature to charge additional users.
Users can purchase additional ‘homes’ to share their Netflix account with by using the ‘add a home’ feature. Although there is an additional monthly fee for each home Rs670 ($2.99) on top of your regular subscription fee, this fee is still significantly less than the price of a full Netflix subscription, allowing a few households or users to save some money on Netflix.
Additionally, you can use the feature to watch Netflix while travelling on a tablet, laptop, or phone. According to Netflix, a new setting will soon be available that will allow users to manage where their accounts are being used and to instantly remove any additional homes.
The feature will go live on August 22nd, according to Netflix. When a user shares their account with another household, Netflix points out that it will not automatically add homes and charge a fee; instead, users will be prompted to add homes and consent to the additional fee.
The feature’s use is subject to a few restrictions. Depending on its tier, a particular account may only be able to add so many additional “homes”: A second home may be added to a Basic account, a Standard account, two, and a Premium account, three.
As the streaming giant battles fierce competition and viewers tightening their purse strings, Netflix on Tuesday reported losing subscribers for the second consecutive quarter. However, the company reassured investors that better days were ahead.
Netflix had just under 221 million subscribers after the most recent quarter, which was less than anticipated given the loss of 970,000 paying customers.
The number of subscribers worldwide fell by 1 million, with a drop of 1.28 million in the US and Canada alone between the end of March and the end of June, according to Netflix’s Q2 earnings report, which came after the company reported losing subscribers for the first time in more than a decade last quarter.
“Tough in some ways, losing a million and calling it success, but really we are set up very well for the next year,” the company´s co-chief and founder Reed Hastings said in an earnings presentation.
In its earnings report, the company stated that it had forecast a million new paid subscribers for the current quarter. In after-hours trading, Netflix stock was slightly up, indicating that investors were still sticking with the company.
Analysts noted that the results were troubling even though they were not as bad as anticipated.
“Netflix´s subscriber loss was expected but it remains a sore point for a company that is wholly dependent on subscription revenue from consumers,” said analyst Ross Benes.
“Unless it finds more franchises that resonate widely, it will eventually struggle to stay ahead of competitors that are after its crown,” Benes added.
Actor Ahad Raza Mir has landed another international series as he will be joining the cast of the second season of BBC’s World on Fire.
After his Netflix debut in Resident Evil, this is Mir’s second foreign series. The Hum Tum hero will be among the additions to the original cast as Rajib. Other new characters also include Mark Bonnar (Guilt, Line of Duty) as Sir James Danemere and Gregg Sulkin (Runaways, Pretty Smart) as David.
World on Fire tells the story of World War II “through the eyes of ordinary people whose lives have been thrown into chaos”. The second season will drop six new episodes written by series creator Peter Bowker, Rachel Bennette and Matt Jones.
The show is set in October 1940. “Lone pilots are sent to destroy German bombers prowling the skies above Manchester as the Northern Blitz begins. The true reality of war has arrived in Britain,” read the description on PBS.
The show stars Lesley Manville as Robina, Jonah Hauer-King as Harry, Julia Brown as Lois, Zofia Wichlacz as Kasia, Blake Harrison as Stan, Eugénie Derouand as Henriette, Eryk Biedunkiewicz as Jan and Cel Spellman as Joe who will all be returning this season.
Creator Bowker said that the “diverse cast” reflects the global nature of the conflict.
Ben Irving, the acting director of drama at BBC, also commented on the show. “With a range of intriguing, untold stories that put ordinary people at the centre of history, and a first-rate ensemble of both new and returning characters, it’s a real pleasure to see filming on World on Fire season two, now underway.”
The show is currently being filmed in Northern Ireland. The first season aired on MASTERPIECE in spring 2020.
Ahad has also impressed his fans with his performance in Netflix’s Resident Evil.
The first day of Eid-ul-Azha went flying by and I am sure all of you have your hearts and stomachs filled with warmth and love from being around your dear ones. Eid is one occasion when families and friends gather together and this becomes a great excuse to watch all the movies and seasons you have on your list.
Here are a few recommendations.
1: Ms Marvel
Streaming on Disney+, Ms Marvel has already captivated audiences with a fine storyline, characters, and our own Pakistani stars featuring in it.
Poster of Ms Marvel
Fawad Khan has finally made an appearance in the fifth episode of Ms Marvel. Fawad plays a man from the pre-partition era. Pakistani actors Mehwish Hayat, Samina Ahmed, and Nimra Bucha are also playing important characters in the Marvel series.
2: The Umbrella Academy:
Packed with action, drama, science, fantasy, and a touch of superhero elements, the latest episodes of The Umbrella Academy are trending. Get some popcorn and binge-watch the season on Netflix.
The Umbrella Academy poster
3: Peaky Blinders:
The Shelby brothers are back on Netflix with their latest season. This historical fiction and crime drama is back with Tommy Shelby, a dangerous man, who leads the Peaky Blinders and the show has massively great reviews.
The Shelby brothers
4: Man vs Bee:
A homeless man looking for work is mistaken by a businesswoman for her new housesitter.
Man vs Bee
Rowan Atkinson is at his usual best with his comic timing in the British comedy streaming television miniseries.
5: Modern Love:
A co-production of Amazon Studios and the New York Times, this anthology series explores love in all of its complicated and beautiful forms, as well as its effects on the human connection. Each episode brings to life a different story that has been inspired by the newspaper’s popular Modern Love column.
Modern Love poster
6: Fleabag
A dry-witted woman, known only as Fleabag, has no filter as she navigates life and love in London while trying to cope with tragedy. The angry, grief-riddled woman tries to heal while rejecting anyone who tries to help her, but Fleabag continues to keep up her bravado through it all. Catch Fleagbag on Amazon Prime with a pack of caramel popcorn and you will stay hooked.
Poster of Fleabag
7: Catastrophe
During a business trip in London, an American named Rob meets Sharon, an Irish teacher with whom he shares incredible chemistry. While the two plan to have some fun with no strings attached, things go awry when Sharon learns she is pregnant. The unexpected news inspires the recent acquaintances to try and make it as a couple, despite nonstop complications that include hailing from different countries and a pregnancy that is not without risks. Get hooked to Catastrophe on Amazon Prime.
Rob Delaney and Sharon Horgan play a couple dealing with the stresses of marriage in the Amazon Prime series Catastrophe. Delaney and Horgan also co-created and co-wrote the series.
Actress Priyanka Chopra and singer Nick Jonas’ baby girl has been named Malti Marie Chopra Jonas, as per the birth certificate obtained by TMZ.
The hit duo had welcomed Malti Marie via surrogate on January 15 at a hospital in San Diego, California, the certificate also revealed. The couple announced her birth on January 22.
According to TMZ, the document states that Malti was born just after 8 pm on January 15 in San Diego, California. While the couple hasn’t made any confirmation yet on the baby’s name, it seems the name could have a special meaning for the duo.
The couple continues to honour both their traditions with their baby daughter’s name as well and hence have chosen a Sanskrit name as well as the middle name Marie is Christian.
Malti generally means small fragrant flower or moonlight in Sanskrit.
While speaking to close friend Lilly Singh in an interaction recently, Priyanka spoke about wanting to raise a child without putting any limitations on their dreams and aspirations.
The Dostana diva recently praised Netflix’s Bridgerton 2 in her Instagram stories the actress penned a note about how she had to face anomaly when she entered the film industry, but now things have changed. The Citadel diva shared a still from the show and appreciated the makers.
Her note read, “I have to say.. it’s so wonderful to see desi representation on mainstream TV. It was such an anomaly when I started. Love the show and the Sharma sisters (sic).”
In the second season, we were introduced to the Sharma sisters which include Charithra Chandran as Edwina Sharma and Simone Ashley as Kate Sharma.
Earlier this year the Don 2 star reacted to the ongoing Ukraine crisis, which has affected the lives of innocent residents of the European countries.
She has called the situation ‘terrifying’ and has asked for contribution on behalf of Unicef to help them.
Priyanka posted a video of news coverage showing how individuals have turned subway stations into underground bunkers to stay protected during the Russia-Ukraine war.
The Dostana actor wrote, “The situation unfolding in Ukraine is terrifying. Innocent people living in fear for their lives and the lives of their loved ones, while trying to navigate the uncertainty of the immediate future. It’s difficult to comprehend how in the modern world this could escalate to such a catastrophic point, but this is a consequential moment that will reverberate around the world.”
Asking people to reach out for help, Priyanka added, “There are innocent lives living in this war zone. They are just like you and me. Here is more info at the link in my bio about how to assist the people of Ukraine.” Priyanka was appointed as Global Unicef Goodwill Ambassador in 2016.
Thousands of people have fled the country as the Russian military launched a full scale invasion via land, sea and air.
Netflix lost 200,000 clientele in the most recent quarter, a significant loss for the streaming titan which has enjoyed exponential user growth over the previous decade. The company revealed that it fell far short of its own low estimates of 2.5 million new users by the start of 2022.
Except for the Asia Pacific market, where it witnessed a net gain of almost 1 million customers, the streaming giant lost users in nearly every region.
Netflix lost roughly 640,000 subscribers in the United States and Canada in the first quarter, a higher decline than its prior subscriber loss in the region last year, and 300,000 in Europe, the Middle East, and Africa, and 350,000 in Latin America.
The decline is projected to continue into the second quarter when Netflix expects to lose another 2 million customers.
Netflix co-CEO Reed Hastings stated in a pre-recorded interview that the company will look into creating an ad-supported tier in the “next year or two” – a move that Netflix officials had previously opposed.
“Those who have followed Netflix know that I have been a vocal opponent of advertising complexity and a strong supporter of subscription simplicity. But, as much as I enjoy that, I prefer consumer choice, and letting consumers who want a lower price and are tolerant of advertisements to obtain what they want makes a lot of sense,” Hastings added. “Think of us as being fairly open to delivering even lower costs as a consumer choice with advertising”.
.According to CFO Spencer Neumann, the streamer will also draw back some of its content investment over the next two years in order to boost revenue growth. During the pre-recorded interview, Neumann added, “We’re cutting back on some of our spend increases across both content and non-content expenditure and we’re trying to be wise and sensible about it, reining in some of that expenditure increase to match the realities of the business’s revenue growth”.
Due to the company’s poor performance in Q4 and lowered estimates for the first quarter, Wall Street had low expectations for Netflix going into Tuesday’s earnings. Netflix’s move to cease service in Russia, where the streamer claims to have 700,000 customers, was also expected to have an impact on subscriber growth.
Netflix said in its shareholder letter that it would have added 500,000 customers in the first quarter if the losses in Russia were not taken into account.
However, Netflix attributed its slowing growth in Q1 to a number of issues, including account sharing, the pandemic’s prolonged disruption, and, once again, greater competition from competing streamers.
Netflix revealed in a shareholder letter on Tuesday that more than 100 million of its 222 million paid subscriptions were pooled with viewers outside of paying customers, with 30 million shared accounts in the US and Canada alone.
Netflix announced on Wednesday that it is testing new solutions to terminate the sharing password facility between friends and family.
Netflix will add an extra payment to add more users to an account.
Director of product innovation in Netflix, Chengyi Long said, “While [separate profiles and multiple streams] have been hugely popular, they have also created some confusion about when and how Netflix can be shared.”
He further continued, “As a result, accounts are being shared between households — impacting our ability to invest in great new TV and films for our members.”
Netflix is conducting a first experiment phase in three countries which includes Chile, Costa Rica and Peru.
The streaming platform will send notifications to subscribers regarding options to add households to an account with discounted prices which are 2,380 CLP in Chile, 2.99 USD in Costa Rica and 7.9 PEN in Peru.
Then, subscribers will have the option to turn the viewing profiles either into a new account or an extra member account.
Long also talked about future plans, “We’ll be working to understand the utility of these two features for members in these three countries before making changes anywhere else in the world.”
