The Critics’ Choice Awards 2025, organized by the Film Critics Guild in collaboration with GroupM Motion Entertainment, recently celebrated the best of Indian cinema, honoring exceptional work in feature films, short films, documentaries, and web series. Notable triumphs of the evening included the films All We Imagine As Light and Amar Singh Chamkila, the latter showcasing the remarkable talents of Diljit Dosanjh.

The awards, selected by an esteemed panel of film critics, highlighted outstanding contributions across diverse languages and platforms.

All We Imagine As Light triumphed as the Best Feature Film, while Diljit Dosanjh secured the Best Actor title for his extraordinary portrayal in Amar Singh Chamkila, a film that beautifully captures the life of Punjab’s iconic musician, earning praise for its emotional resonance and authenticity.

Darshana Rajendran was awarded Best Actress for her compelling performance in Paradise, and Ravi Kishan earned the Best Supporting Actor accolade for his role in Laapataa Ladies. Kani Kusruti was recognized as Best Supporting Actress for her impressive work in Girls Will Be Girls.

In the realm of digital entertainment, Poacher emerged victorious, claiming the title of Best Web Series amidst fierce competition.

Here’s a look at the complete list of winners:

Short Film Category:

• Best Short Film: Obur
• Best Director: Faraz Ali for Obur
• Best Actor: Harish Khanna for Jal Tu Jalaal Tu
• Best Actress: Jyoti Dogra for Taak (Tracker)
• Best Writing: Faraz Ali for Obur
• Best Cinematography: Anand Bansal for Obur

Documentary Category:

• Best Documentary: Nocturnes

Web Series Category:

• Best Web Series: Poacher
• Best Director: Richie Mehta for Poacher
• Best Actor: Barun Sobti for Raat Jawaan Hai
• Best Actress: Nimisha Sajayan for Poacher
• Best Supporting Actor: Dibyendu Bhattacharya for Poacher
• Best Supporting Actress: Kani Kusruti for Poacher
• Best Writing: Richie Mehta, Gopan Chidambaran, Suprotim Sengupta, Amrita Bagchi for Poacher

Feature Film Category:

• Best Film: All We Imagine As Light
• Best Director: Payal Kapadia for All We Imagine As Light
• Best Actor: Diljit Dosanjh for Amar Singh Chamkila
• Best Actress: Darshana Rajendran for Paradise
• Best Supporting Actor: Ravi Kishan for Laapataa Ladies
• Best Supporting Actress: Kani Kusruti for Girls Will Be Girls
• Best Writing: Anand Ekarshi for Aattam
• Best Cinematography: Ranabir Das for All We Imagine As Light
• Best Editing: Shivkumar V. Panicker for Kill

In related news, Santosh, the UK’s official entry for the Oscars, has been barred from release in India by the CBFC.

The trailer of Final Destination Bloodlines, the sixth installment in the cult horror franchise, was officially released on March 25, 2025, teasing the eerie return of fate’s deadly design. Directed by Adam Stein and Zach Lipovsky, the film introduces a fresh set of characters who are once again caught in a chilling web of unavoidable doom.

Set for international release on May 14, followed by its US premiere on May 16, the upcoming chapter promises a modernized yet nostalgic dose of thrills for long-time fans.

Trailer offers callbacks to iconic franchise moments

The trailer begins innocuously with a family barbecue setup in a peaceful garden. However, things quickly spiral into chaos. From shattered glass to misplaced Legos and a hidden rake under a trampoline, viewers are offered a familiar slow build of impending disaster. The horror is compounded in another tense sequence where two characters narrowly escape a highway collision—a scene clearly reminiscent of the unforgettable pile-up in Final Destination 2.

A haunting nightmare fuels the plot

As per the official synopsis, the story revolves around college student Stefanie, who is tormented by a recurring nightmare. Driven by desperation, she returns home in search of the one person who might help end the deadly cycle threatening her family.

The cast includes Richard Harmon, Kaitlyn Santa Juana, Teo Briones, Owen Patrick Joyner, Rya Kihlstedt, Anna Lore, and Brec Bassinger, all set to face the grim reaper’s wrath in unique and terrifying ways.

Final appearance of Tony Todd as William Bludworth

One of the most emotional highlights of Final Destination Bloodlines is the return of Tony Todd, known for his enigmatic portrayal of William Bludworth. This marks the late actor’s final appearance in the series, a nod to his iconic presence in previous installments.

The screenplay is penned by Guy Busick and Lori Evans Taylor, with production handled by Craig Perry, Sheila Hanahan Taylor, Jon Watts, Dianne McGunigle, and Toby Emmerich.

Tamil actor Manoj Bharathiraja, son of acclaimed filmmaker Bharathiraja, died of a cardiac arrest on Tuesday in Chennai. He was 48. The news of his demise was confirmed by the Nadigar Sangam (actors’ association), which expressed condolences on social media.

Manoj, who made his debut in Tamil cinema with Taj Mahal, a film directed by his father, went on to act in films like Eera Nilam and Varushamellam Vasantham. In recent years, he had taken on supporting roles, appearing in various Tamil films. His final acting role was in Snakes & Ladders, streamed on Prime Video.

In 2023, Manoj ventured into direction with Margazhi Thingal, a romantic drama featuring his father, Bharathiraja. The film marked a turning point in his career, showcasing his evolving creative vision.

Prominent personalities from across Tamil Nadu expressed their grief over his untimely death. Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M K Stalin, music maestro Ilaiyaraaja, actor-politician Khushbu Sundar, director Venkat Prabhu, and political leaders including AIADMK chief Edappadi K Palaniswami, Tamil Maanila Congress President G K Vasan, and Tamil Nadu BJP President K Annamalai offered their condolences.

Khushbu Sundar shared an emotional tribute on social media, stating, “Extremely shocked to hear that Manoj is not among us anymore… May God give strength to his father Thiru Bharathiraja and his family to overcome this unbearable, painful loss.”

Manoj is survived by his wife, actor Nandana, and their two daughters, Arshitha and Mathivadhani. His death marks a significant loss to the Tamil film industry, where he was admired for his artistic contributions and family legacy.