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Shyam Benegal’s Cannes debut: How Nishant & a bold saree stunt put Indian cinema on the global map

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1 year ago

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Shyam Benegal

Shyam Benegal, the legendary filmmaker who revolutionized Indian cinema, has died at the age of 90. Known for his trailblazing contributions to parallel cinema, Benegal’s death marks the end of an era that redefined Indian filmmaking. His legacy, built on realism, social commentary, and a break from conventional narratives, continues to inspire filmmakers today. As the nation mourns the loss of a visionary, his remarkable body of work remains an integral part of India’s cinematic history.

In 1976, Indian cinema witnessed a turning point when Shyam Benegal, a trailblazing director, made his debut at the prestigious Cannes Film Festival. At a time when Cannes was still firmly grounded in the world of cinema, not yet a fashion-driven spectacle, Benegal’s film Nishant was featured in competition. It was a groundbreaking moment for both the director and Indian cinema as a whole, marking India’s arrival on the global film stage.

Benegal, at the age of 42, had already made a lasting impact with his previous film Ankur, which subtly introduced the nation to a new wave of filmmaking. Nishant, like Ankur, showcased a unique narrative style that was rooted in realism, tackling socio-political issues with a raw sensitivity that resonated with audiences. But it was the film’s Cannes screening that truly marked a turning point for Indian cinema.

The 1976 Cannes Festival was different from the glitzy, fashion-focused events we see today. It was a celebration of cinema in its purest form. However, Benegal’s presence was far from typical. Along with Nishant, the director brought along his two lead actresses, Smita Patil and Shabana Azmi, to the French Riviera. Although the film was accompanied by posters from the National Film Development Corporation (NDFC), a mix-up meant that the posters never made it to the festival, but the trio of Indians did.

Shabana Azmi later shared how they made an unforgettable impression at Cannes. “In a place where we had no money and everybody was throwing lavish parties, Shyam came up with this unique idea. He said, ‘I want both of you [Azmi and Patil] to wear your finest South Indian saris and walk the promenade from eight in the morning,'” Azmi recalled. While everyone else was dressed in beachwear, the two actresses, in their traditional silk saris, paraded the streets of Cannes. They became living advertisements for their film, greeting passersby and inviting them to the screening. This unconventional tactic helped them attract an audience in the absence of a big promotional budget.

The story of Nishant at Cannes is as much about the film as it is about the personalities behind it. Benegal, known for his modest approach, had a keen understanding of how to present Indian cinema on the world stage. In an era when films were promoted with lavish budgets and star power, Benegal’s approach was simple yet effective. The director was also a seasoned adman who had spent years in the advertising world before venturing into filmmaking. His commercial acumen translated well into his filmmaking, as evidenced by his strategy to promote Nishant at Cannes.

Benegal’s cinematic journey started with Ankur in 1973, a film that introduced a new era in Indian cinema. Following Nishant, he directed other masterpieces such as Manthan (1976) and Bhumika (1977). Together, these films laid the foundation for what became known as “New Cinema” in India, a movement that sought to tell more socially conscious, realistic stories, often drawing attention to issues of class, caste, and gender. Through his films, Benegal introduced a new generation of actors, including Shabana Azmi, Smita Patil, Naseeruddin Shah, Kulbhushan Kharbanda, Om Puri, and Neena Gupta, many of whom became icons of Indian cinema.

Benegal’s approach to filmmaking was notably collaborative. He ran a tight-knit ship where everyone, from the actors to the crew, contributed in whatever capacity they could. The actors, many of whom were at the beginning of their careers, often worked for little to no money, driven by their desire to be part of a revolution in Indian cinema.

In Nishant, Benegal pitted Shabana Azmi and Smita Patil against each other, creating a compelling dynamic that made the film stand out. While Azmi’s character received more screen time, Patil, who was making her feature film debut, played an equally significant role. The film, which was set against the backdrop of rural India, focused on social issues and gender dynamics, and it became known for its powerful female leads.

Nishant was nominated for the Palme d’Or at Cannes and won the National Film Award for Best Feature Film in Hindi. Benegal’s participation in the Cannes Film Festival in 1976 proved to be a turning point for Indian cinema, and his legacy continues to inspire filmmakers today.

With films that were ahead of their time and an unwavering commitment to realism, Shyam Benegal ushered in a new era for Indian cinema. He not only changed the way stories were told but also made sure that India’s voice was heard loud and clear on the world stage. Nishant at Cannes marked the dawn of a new era — an era where Indian films, for the first time, garnered the international attention they truly deserved.

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Ramayana teaser unveiled as Ranbir Kapoor appears as Rama in Nitesh Tiwari’s epic film

The teaser of Ramayana has been released, showing Ranbir Kapoor as Lord Rama. The film will release in two parts in 2026 and 2027.

Published

2 weeks ago

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April 2, 2026

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Ramayana Teaser

The teaser of Nitesh Tiwari’s upcoming film Ramayana has been released, offering the first glimpse of Ranbir Kapoor in the role of Lord Rama. The film, which is planned as a two-part cinematic project, is scheduled for a Diwali release later this year.

The teaser shows several key moments, including scenes from the coronation and the exile period in the forest of Panchavati. Ranbir Kapoor appears in the role of Rama with a calm and composed presence. The teaser also briefly shows Yash in the role of Ravan towards the end.

Ahead of the teaser launch, Alia Bhatt shared a video message on social media asking audiences to support the project and Ranbir Kapoor’s work on the film. In the video, she said the “Rama unit” video would be released and encouraged audiences to watch and support the film.

Budget and scale

Producer Namit Malhotra said the film has been in development for six to seven years and is being made on a large scale. According to him, the total budget for both parts is around $500 million, which is over Rs 4,000 crore combined.

He said the film is being made for a global audience and aims to present the epic on a large cinematic scale while remaining efficient in production.

Music collaboration

The film’s music is being composed through a collaboration between AR Rahman and Hans Zimmer. Rahman said working on a project based on such an iconic epic is challenging, as the team wants to present something new while respecting the importance of the story.

Release plan and cast

The film will be released in two parts. The first part is scheduled for a worldwide release in October 2026 ahead of Diwali, while the second part is planned for release during Diwali 2027.

Apart from Ranbir Kapoor, the film also stars Sai Pallavi, Sunny Deol, Ravi Dubey and Yash in important roles.

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Dhurandhar 2 box office collection day 7 crosses Rs 600 crore in India

Dhurandhar 2 continues its strong box office run, crossing Rs 600 crore in India and Rs 1000 crore worldwide within its first week.

Published

3 weeks ago

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March 26, 2026

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Dhurandhar 2 review

Ranveer Singh’s film Dhurandhar 2: The Revenge has crossed the Rs 600 crore mark at the India box office within seven days of its release, according to trade estimates. The film has maintained a strong run in both mass centres and urban markets during its first week.

As per trade figures, the film’s India net box office collection stands at around Rs 623 crore after seven days, while the gross domestic collection is estimated to be over Rs 740 crore. The film has also performed strongly in overseas markets, taking its international collection to more than Rs 250 crore. With this, the worldwide box office total has crossed Rs 1,000 crore within the first week of release, as per trade estimates.

Day-wise performance in India

The film opened strongly on March 19 with box office collections of over Rs 100 crore. The film continued to perform well over the next few days, collecting around Rs 80 crore on Day 2 and over Rs 110 crore on Day 3. Collections remained strong over the weekend, followed by an expected drop on weekdays. By Day 7, the film collected around Rs 47 crore, taking the total India net collection past Rs 600 crore.

Overseas performance and comparison

The film has also reported strong performance in overseas markets, particularly in the UK and other key international territories. With the worldwide collection crossing Rs 1,000 crore in the first week, the film is being compared to the fast global box office pace seen by Pushpa 2: The Rule in terms of early box office momentum, according to trade observers.

About the film

Dhurandhar 2: The Revenge is the sequel to the 2025 film Dhurandhar. The sequel features Ranveer Singh along with Arjun Rampal, R. Madhavan and Sanjay Dutt in key roles.

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Dhurandhar 2 review: Ranveer Singh dominates Aditya Dhar’s high-octane sequel

Dhurandhar 2 review explores Ranveer Singh’s standout performance in a violent and layered sequel directed by Aditya Dhar.

Published

4 weeks ago

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March 21, 2026

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Dhurandhar 2 review

The release of Dhurandhar 2 has brought back the kind of theatrical frenzy last witnessed during Pathaan, which marked Shah Rukh Khan’s return to cinemas. This time, the spotlight firmly belongs to Ranveer Singh, who headlines the second instalment of Aditya Dhar’s ambitious action franchise.

The sequel builds on the foundation of the first film, amplifying its scale, violence, and emotional depth. Positioned as a revenge-driven narrative, the story centres on Jaskirat Singh Rangi, whose personal tragedy in 2002 sets the tone for the film’s intense journey.

A revenge story rooted in personal loss

Jaskirat, a young man from Pathankot aspiring to join the Indian Army, is pushed into darkness after his father’s murder and the brutal assault on his sisters. His life takes a drastic turn when he is recruited into a covert operation by Ajay Sanyal, played by R Madhavan, along with his associate Sushant Bansal.

Over time, Jaskirat transforms into Hamza Ali Mazari, a lethal operative tasked with dismantling terror networks across Pakistan. The narrative follows his evolution into a ruthless force, balancing emotional vulnerability with extreme brutality.

Ranveer Singh anchors the film

At the core of Dhurandhar 2 is Ranveer Singh’s performance, which stands out for its range and intensity. Whether portraying emotional turmoil or executing violent missions, the actor commands attention throughout.

One of the film’s standout moments features his character in a restrained yet explosive state, delivering a chilling performance that adds to the film’s dramatic weight.

Expanding the universe with political and historical references

The film blends fiction with real-world references, incorporating elements like the 2008 Mumbai attacks, demonetisation, the Uri attack, and the Ram Janmabhoomi-Babri Masjid dispute. It also introduces characters inspired by real figures, including terror operatives and political personalities.

A cameo reference to Narendra Modi adds another layer to the narrative, reflecting the film’s attempt to merge cinematic storytelling with contemporary political undertones.

Supporting cast adds depth

The film features strong supporting performances, including Arjun Rampal as Major Iqbal, who emerges as a formidable antagonist. However, the absence of a larger role for Akshaye Khanna is noticeable, despite his brief appearance.

Sanjay Dutt appears in an extended cameo, delivering a commanding screen presence. Meanwhile, Madhavan’s dual-layered portrayal adds narrative complexity.

Other actors like Sara Arjun, Gaurav Gera, and Rakesh Bedi contribute effectively, with their characters receiving more clarity compared to the first film.

Music blends multiple eras

The soundtrack of Dhurandhar 2 stands out for its diversity, featuring recreations and classics across decades. Tracks inspired by Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan, Kishore Kumar, and international artist Khaled add a unique musical layer to the film.

A sequel that answers questions but misses the climax high

While the film provides answers to several unresolved questions from the first part, it does not quite match the crescendo of its predecessor. Still, it succeeds in expanding the narrative universe and maintaining audience engagement.

Overall, Dhurandhar 2 is driven by Ranveer Singh’s commanding performance and its bold storytelling approach, making it a must-watch for fans of the franchise.

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