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The White Lotus Season 3: A gripping yet familiar tale of privilege, chaos, and existential dread

The White Lotus returns for its third season, set in Thailand, offering an engaging yet familiar mix of sharp social commentary, dark humor, and moral reckoning.

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The White Lotus Season 3 cast at a luxurious Thai resort

The much-anticipated third season of The White Lotus has arrived, this time transporting its audience to a luxurious Thai retreat. Once again, the show delves into the moral unraveling of its wealthy guests, offering a biting critique of privilege and self-indulgence. While the season remains as compelling as ever, some storylines feel like echoes of its predecessors, making one question whether the show is leaning too heavily on its well-worn formula.

A deadly mystery in paradise

The season opens in classic White Lotus fashion: a lifeless body is discovered in a serene pond, soon followed by the sound of gunfire. The stage is set for another suspense-filled exploration of human nature, wrapped in the lavish setting of a high-end Thai resort. As always, the story unfolds through an ensemble of morally complex characters whose seemingly idyllic vacation spirals into chaos.

This time, the cast includes the financially strained Ratcliff family, a group of old friends with unresolved tensions, and a mismatched age-gap couple navigating their own awkward dynamic. Each character brings their own brand of dysfunction, making for a thrilling, if occasionally predictable, season.

Complex characters, stellar performances

One of the greatest strengths of The White Lotus has always been its performances, and Season 3 continues this tradition. Jason Isaacs and Parker Posey shine as Timothy and Victoria Ratcliff, a crumbling couple attempting to mask their family’s dysfunction. Sarah Catherine Hook’s portrayal of their daughter, Piper, offers an intriguing arc as she embarks on a personal journey in Thailand, one that mirrors past seasons’ explorations of youthful idealism clashing with harsh reality.

Elsewhere, Leslie Bibb, Carrie Coon, and Michelle Monaghan play a trio of long-time friends attempting to rekindle their bond, only to be confronted by their past resentments. Their interactions offer some of the most authentic and painfully relatable moments of the season, exposing the dark undercurrents of lifelong friendships.

Meanwhile, Walton Goggins and Aimee Lou Wood’s dynamic as an older man and his much younger girlfriend offers both humor and discomfort, though their storyline lacks the depth of the others.

Returning from Season 1, Natasha Rothwell’s Belinda adds a much-needed grounding presence, her storyline weaving in themes of resilience and personal growth, making her one of the most compelling characters this season.

Striking visuals and a shift in tone

The Thai backdrop provides a mesmerizing setting, with its lush landscapes and serene temples offering a stark contrast to the unraveling chaos of the guests. However, unlike previous seasons, which balanced sharp satire with biting humor, Season 3 leans more into existential dread. The humor is still present but subdued, making way for heavier themes of guilt, mortality, and the illusion of fulfillment that wealth promises but rarely delivers.

While this tonal shift adds depth, it also slows down the pacing. The first half of the season builds tension effectively, but the real momentum only kicks in during episodes five and six. The final act delivers the expected explosive climax, yet the journey there sometimes feels drawn out.

A compelling yet repetitive journey

Despite its breathtaking setting and standout performances, The White Lotus Season 3 treads familiar ground. Many character arcs mirror those from previous seasons, and while the show remains engaging, it risks feeling formulaic. The social commentary is sharp as ever, yet some themes—privilege, hypocrisy, self-destruction—are becoming predictable.

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The White Lotus Season 3

That being said, The White Lotus remains one of television’s most compelling dramas. Its ability to hold a mirror to the absurdities of wealth and power, all while crafting suspenseful narratives, ensures that even with its flaws, Season 3 is still a must-watch.

While The White Lotus Season 3 doesn’t quite reach the heights of its earlier seasons, it remains an engrossing watch. The Thai setting adds fresh intrigue, but the familiar character dynamics and slower pacing hold it back from being truly groundbreaking. Still, for fans of the series, this season offers enough drama, suspense, and moral reckoning to keep them hooked until the very end.

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Kis Kisko Pyaar Karoon 2: Kapil Sharma shares first look of the franchise on Eid

This visual has stirred excitement among fans who are eager to see how the sequel will build upon the comedic foundation established by its predecessor.

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Actor-comedian Kapil Sharma recently shared the first look of his upcoming film, Kis Kisko Pyaar Karoon 2, on March 31st to mark the occasion of Eid. This film serves as a sequel to his successful 2015 comedy, Kis Kisko Pyaar Karoon. The new installment is directed by Anukalp Goswami, while the production is backed by the renowned duo Abbas-Mustan, who helmed the original film.

On his Instagram page, Kapil unveiled the poster for Kis Kisko Pyaar Karoon 2, where he appears in a groom attire, showcasing a mischievous expression. His bride, depicted in a veil, adds to the film’s enticing intrigue. This visual has stirred excitement among fans who are eager to see how the sequel will build upon the comedic foundation established by its predecessor.

In Kis Kisko Pyaar Karoon, Kapil made his solo acting debut as a man entangled in a hilariously chaotic situation involving multiple wives who reside in the same building. The comedic tension heightens when his true love interest, Deepika, steps into the mix. The first movie was well-received and noted for its humor, albeit with some criticisms regarding its production quality and reliance on flashy visuals rather than a strong script.

Kis Kisko Pyaar Karoon 2 promises to bring back the quirky charm of the original, with Kapil reprising a comedic role that audiences have loved. Alongside him in the sequel is actor Manjot Singh, who is expected to add to the comedic dynamics. With Anukalp Goswami taking on the directorial role, the film aims to capture the essence of the original while introducing fresh comedic elements.

Looking ahead, viewers can anticipate a fun-filled continuation that honors the spirit of its predecessor while exploring new layers of humor and relationships. As the film progresses through production, fans of Kapil Sharma and the original comedy are excited for what lies ahead in this sequel and are eager for more laughter and joy in the upcoming release.

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The Bhootnii trailer: Sanjay Dutt turns a ghosthunter against Mouni Roy in horror-comedy

At the event, Sanjay Dutt stated, “I have been in action films for 40 years. The power of Lord Shiva and his shiv tandav inspired me during the shoot. We worked tirelessly until 5 am, and only the Lord knows how we managed to pull it off.”

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The trailer for the horror comedy The Bhootni, featuring Sanjay Dutt, was officially launched by the filmmakers on Saturday, March 29, in Mumbai. Formerly titled The Virgin Tree, the film tells the story of a tree sprite, played by Mouni Roy, who targets virgin boys on Valentine’s Day.

Written and directed by Sidhaant Sachdev, The Bhootni boasts a talented cast that includes Sunny Singh, Palak Tiwari, and Aasif Khan. Also making his Bollywood debut in this film is Nikunj Lotia, better known as the content creator Beyounick.

The narrative unfolds in a college that becomes haunted annually by the ghost of the ‘virgin tree.’ To rid their beloved campus of its haunted reputation, a group of students seeks assistance from Baba (Sanjay Dutt), a former student who has gained fame as a ghostbuster. Interestingly, ‘Baba’ is also Dutt’s nickname in the film industry. The trailer skillfully blends comedic elements with romantic moments, accompanied by impressive CGI-driven action and horror sequences. Mouni Roy captivates the audience as the aggrieved ‘bhootni,’ showcasing her extensive experience with supernatural roles.

Hindi horror comedies have become a lucrative genre with the success of films such as Stree and Bhool Bhulaiyaa. At the launch event for Bhootni, the filmmakers emphasized that their film brings a fresh perspective to the genre, particularly with its setting in a bustling metropolitan college.

Director Sidhaant Sachdev highlighted the dedication of 65-year-old Sanjay Dutt, revealing that he performed all of his stunts personally, including an incredible jump from 40 feet without a body double. “His commitment to action filmmaking is truly impressive,” shared Sachdev.

At the event, Sanjay Dutt stated, “I have been in action films for 40 years. The power of Lord Shiva and his Shiv tandav inspired me during the shoot. We worked tirelessly until 5 am, and only the Lord knows how we managed to pull it off.”

The Bhootni is scheduled for release in theaters on April 18, 2025, promising an exciting blend of horror and humour that aims to entertain audiences.

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On 10 years of Baahubali: The Beginning, Tamannaah Bhatia says it was a magical movie that happened to Indian cinema

Her filmography features notable titles such as “Happy Days,” “Kalloori,” “Devi,” “Aranmanai 4,” and the upcoming release “Odela 2.”

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Tamannaah Bhatia is celebrating a significant milestone as “Baahubali: The Beginning” turns 10 this year. The film, directed by SS Rajamouli, not only redefined Indian cinema but became a cultural phenomenon that few could have predicted. Released on July 10, 2015, with Prabhas in the lead role, it marked a groundbreaking moment for the Telugu film industry, as it was the first Telugu movie to receive a worldwide release in Hindi.

Bhatia, who embodied the fierce warrior Avantika in the epic saga, reflected on the film’s profound impact. “Baahubali was a magical movie that changed everything for us. I don’t think any of us could have foreseen what that film would achieve,” she said in an interview with PTI. “Its influence on us—not just on me as an actor, but for the entire country and film industry—is something that feels unforgettable and historic.”

This year is particularly special for the 35-year-old actress, as she also marks her 20th anniversary in the industry. Having made her acting debut in the 2005 Hindi film “Chand Sa Roshan Chehra,” Bhatia has carved out a successful career across multiple languages, including Telugu, Tamil, and Hindi. Her filmography features notable titles such as “Happy Days,” “Kalloori,” “Devi,” “Aranmanai 4,” and the upcoming release “Odela 2.”

Bhatia expressed a sense of renewal and excitement as she reflected on her journey. “It actually takes 20 years for creative people to truly find themselves and hone their craft. In my case, that rings particularly true since I started very young. I genuinely feel that I’m just beginning my path,” she noted. “I’m going to make each day count, striving to offer the audience something special to watch every time.”

Her comments encapsulate both her gratitude for the opportunities she has had and her ambition for the future, as she continues to evolve as an artist in the vibrant landscape of Indian cinema. As she celebrates these milestones, Bhatia is more determined than ever to make her mark in the industry.

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