British-Indian filmmaker Sandhya Suri’s thought-provoking film, “Santosh”, is facing significant hurdles in obtaining a theatrical release in India due to the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) demanding substantial cuts.

The board has specifically objected to the film’s representation of police conduct as well as its exploration of sensitive societal issues, such as caste discrimination and police brutality, which are central to the film’s narrative.

In an interview, Sandhya expressed her deep disappointment, stating, “I was eager for the film to be released in India, and I explored various options to accommodate their requests. However, the extent of the cuts required ultimately made it impossible to maintain the film’s coherence or stay faithful to its original vision.”

She emphasized that the censorship board’s demands were not merely about minor adjustments; they were so extensive that they would compromise the film’s essence.

For Sandhya, the integrity of “Santosh” is paramount. She noted that complying with the proposed changes would effectively strip the film of its original message and vision, rendering it unrecognizable. The film is particularly significant, featuring an entirely Indian cast and presented in Hindi, the predominant language of North India, which underscores its cultural roots. Interestingly, when the filmmakers initially submitted the script for approval to shoot, they encountered no objections, and the largest cinema chain in India had already agreed to distribute the film as of January.

Santosh premiered at the esteemed Cannes Film Festival, where it received widespread acclaim, highlighting its powerful storytelling and cultural relevance. It was submitted as the UK’s official entry for the Oscars in the International Feature category, showcasing its international appeal. Additionally, the film earned a nomination for Best Debut Feature at this year’s BAFTA Awards, further solidifying its recognition on a global stage.

Sandhya’s dedication to her work and the issues it represents remains steadfast as she navigates the complexities of censorship and strives to maintain the integrity of her film amidst these challenges.

Aishwarya Rai Bachchan, a celebrated Bollywood superstar, continues to captivate millions with her timeless charm and talent, even when she’s not gracing the silver screen. However, a recent incident involving the actress sent shockwaves through her fanbase. On March 26, 2025, a video surfaced online showing her luxury car being struck by a bus in Mumbai, leaving her admirers anxious and stunned.

The dramatic footage, which quickly went viral, captured the moment when a bus collided with the rear of Aishwarya’s vehicle, reportedly worth ₹1.49 crore. The impact left visible damage, with the car’s back end showing significant dents. As the collision unfolded, a crowd gathered around the scene, and police officials were spotted managing the situation. Shortly after, the car was seen driving away, though the extent of the damage was evident to onlookers. Thankfully, reports suggest that no injuries occurred during the incident, providing some relief to her worried supporters.

Known for her elegance and poise, Aishwarya has long been a prominent figure in Indian cinema, earning accolades for her performances and her striking beauty. This unexpected event, however, shifted attention from her professional achievements to her safety. Fans flooded social media with messages of concern and disbelief, with many expressing gratitude that the accident didn’t result in anything more serious.

The video, shared widely across platforms, sparked discussions about road safety in bustling cities like Mumbai, where such incidents can occur even to high-profile individuals. While the actress has yet to comment publicly on the matter, the sight of her car being hit has left an indelible mark on her followers. For now, the focus remains on her well-being, with fans hoping she remains unharmed and unaffected by the ordeal.

Aishwarya Rai Bachchan’s enduring popularity ensures that any news about her—whether a film release or an unforeseen mishap—grabs headlines instantly. This incident serves as a reminder of her massive influence and the deep connection she shares with her audience, who continue to rally around her in times of distress.

Ben Affleck, once the most high-profile actor to wear the cape and cowl as Batman in the DC Extended Universe (DCEU), has candidly admitted that his time as the Dark Knight was far from enjoyable. In a new interview with GQ, Affleck called the experience “excruciating,” citing misaligned visions and a personal loss of interest in superhero films.

Affleck, who starred in Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice, Justice League, and made appearances in other DCEU titles, never got the chance to make his much-anticipated solo Batman film, which he was also set to direct. Reflecting on that period, he said, “There are a number of reasons why that was a really excruciating experience… a lot of it was misalignment of agendas, understandings, expectations.”

He admitted that he too bore responsibility, stating, “I wasn’t bringing anything particularly wonderful to that equation at the time, either. I had my own failings, significant failings, in that process and at that time.”

Affleck says the darker tone alienated younger audiences, including his son

The Oscar-winning actor shared that the darker, more mature tone of the DC films further distanced him from the genre. Notably, even his own son was unable to watch the films because of their intensity.

“It started to skew too old for a big part of the audience. Like even my own son at the time was too scared to watch the movie. And so when I saw that I was like, ‘Oh shit, we have a problem,’” Affleck said.

He explained how creative differences between the filmmakers and studio also made the process difficult. “Then you have two entities, two people really wanting to do something different and that is a really bad recipe,” he added.

From Batman to The Accountant 2

Affleck debuted as Batman in 2016’s Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice, starring alongside Henry Cavill. His stint also included appearances in Suicide Squad and Justice League. Plans for a solo Batman film under his direction never materialized, and the DCEU eventually folded in 2023.

The actor is now focused on other projects, with his upcoming film The Accountant 2 set for release next month.