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Babygirl film review: Nicole Kidman sparks a fiery blend of power, submission

Given the film’s focus on sex, strong performances are crucial. Dickinson successfully navigates a character whose combination of youthful awkwardness and bedroom confidence could have been challenging to portray.

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Nicole Kidman’s performance in her latest film, Babygirl, is engaging from the outset, but it feels distinctly like acting—at least, her character’s portrayal does. Kidman plays Romy Mathis, a New York CEO, who, during an opening scene, experiences an orgasm while having sex with her husband, Jacob (Antonio Banderas). However, as the film progresses, we come to realize that this initial experience was merely a façade.

The film sharpens the conversation surrounding opportunities for older women actors. Demi Moore may soon take home an Oscar for her poignant depiction of the struggles of middle age in The Substance, while Kidman finds herself in a prominent role that involves Botox, submissive fantasies, and sexual encounters that serve as pivotal plot points.

Babygirl tackles provocative themes, addressing the experiences of senior women in corporate environments, age-gap relationships, and S&M dynamics, all presented without a clear agenda. It playfully asks, “How inappropriate do you find this?” Next, we see Romy at her workplace, which focuses on automated parcel delivery. A group of interns has joined the team, one of whom, Samuel (Harris Dickinson), appears unfazed. Their exchanges carry tension; when Romy asks him to get her a coffee, he obliges but warns her against drinking it after lunch. This moment leaves Kidman momentarily stunned—Is it old-school sexism, a health tip from a blunt Gen Z, or a flirtation with hidden implications? Director Halina Reijn (of Bodies Bodies Bodies fame) skillfully captures the subtle undercurrents in their interactions.

Once the extramarital affairs begin, the power dynamics shift, with Samuel taking a more dominant role. One might think we’re entering another Fifty Shades of Grey territory, but the film presents these escapades with more real-world stakes and a touch of humor, acknowledging the absurdity of the situation. The film subtly questions its own narrative—Are we really engaging in this?

In its satirical take on corporate life, Babygirl occasionally holds back, but it certainly has its moments of directness. Romy’s casual reference to her upbringing in “communes and cults” suggests a mindset suited for sexual power games—or perhaps for certain styles of leadership. The question of “Who’s in charge?” continues to shift throughout the film, though one answer remains conspicuously obvious: Romy’s Midtown office is actually the headquarters for A24, the film’s studio backers.

Given the film’s focus on sex, strong performances are crucial. Dickinson successfully navigates a character whose combination of youthful awkwardness and bedroom confidence could have been challenging to portray.

However, Kidman’s nuanced interpretation brings depth to Reijn’s concepts. Interestingly, Babygirl contains much less nudity than one might anticipate, yet it remains provocative enough to prompt reflection on why actors like Kidman and Demi Moore find themselves regaining prominence in Hollywood. Is it liberating, or is there something more complex at play? Babygirl may leave this open to interpretation, but it’s clear that Reijn intended for the film to resonate, provoking thought and discussion long after the credits roll.

Entertainment

Gaurav Khanna wins Bigg Boss 19, lifts trophy and Rs 50 lakh prize

Gaurav Khanna has been crowned the winner of Bigg Boss 19, securing the trophy and Rs 50 lakh after a competitive finale.

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Television actor Gaurav Khanna has been declared the winner of Bigg Boss 19, bringing the curtain down on a season packed with drama, intense face-offs and emotional moments. He secured the top spot after a closely fought finale, with Farhana Bhatt finishing as the first runner-up.

Gaurav Khanna’s steady game pays off

Premiering on August 24 with 18 contestants, the season showcased shifting alliances, sharp strategies and memorable confrontations. Despite being seen as quiet in the early weeks, Gaurav Khanna gradually emerged as one of the strongest voices inside the house. His composed demeanour and calculated task performance helped him build momentum through the competition.

Farhana Bhatt ends as runner-up

Farhana Bhatt, known for her dynamic presence and determination throughout the season, finished second. Although she narrowly missed the title, her journey remained one of the standout tracks of the show.

Finale eliminations

The grand finale began with multiple eliminations — Amaal Mallik was the first finalist to bow out, followed by Tanya Mittal, and then Pranit More, leaving Gaurav and Farhana as the top two contenders.
Gaurav ultimately lifted the trophy and took home a cash prize of Rs 50 lakh.

With the conclusion of Bigg Boss 19, the show wraps another season marked by strategy, rivalry and heartfelt moments that kept viewers engaged from start to finish.

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Entertainment

Dhurandhar review: Ranveer Singh roars back, Akshaye Khanna shines in intense spy thriller

Ranveer Singh returns with a ferocious performance in Dhurandhar, supported by Akshaye Khanna, Sanjay Dutt, and a gripping espionage storyline set against real historical events.

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Dhurandhar review

Ranveer Singh makes a striking return to the big screen with Dhurandhar, delivering a fierce, layered performance in Aditya Dhar’s ambitious spy thriller. Blending historical terror incidents with a fictional revenge saga, the film explores India’s covert response to cross-border terrorism through the secret project ‘Dhurandhar’.

A brutal world built around revenge and espionage

Set around the IC-814 Kandahar hijack and the 2001 Parliament attack, Dhurandhar opens with Ajay Sanyal, an Intelligence Bureau officer played by R Madhavan, who strongly opposes releasing captured terrorists. Despite his resistance, bureaucracy prevails, setting the stage for the covert mission he later leads.

The project introduces its central weapon — Humza Ali Mazari, later revealed to be Jaskirat Singh Rangil — portrayed by Ranveer Singh with ferocity and emotional depth. Dropped straight into Karachi’s dangerous Lyari district, Humza navigates a nexus of gangs, politicians, and the ISI, with the narrative also touching upon tensions between local Pakistanis and Baloch communities.

Performances that elevate the film

Akshaye Khanna nearly steals the spotlight as a feared Lyari gangster inspired by Rehman ‘Dakait’ Baloch. Sanjay Dutt’s portrayal of SP Chaudhry Aslam brings an intimidating presence, while Arjun Rampal’s Major Iqbal leaves a lingering impact despite limited screen time.

Sara Arjun plays Yalina with conviction, and the film also features an unrecognisable Gaurav Gera in a surprise appearance.

Music, violence, and a split narrative

Shashwat Sachdev’s background score stands out, weaving classic Pakistani melodies with Indian retro hits to complement the film’s shifting tones. Viewers should be prepared for intense brutality, graphic torture scenes, and sudden shifts in narrative style — especially in a second half that feels markedly different from the first.

The episodic structure, archival footage, and mix of real and fictional characters add layers, though some may find the format distracting.

Ending that sets up part two

While the film does not end on a dramatic cliffhanger, its teaser for the second part — scheduled for March 19, 2026 — ensures audiences will return to witness the conclusion of Humza’s journey.

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Entertainment

120 Bahadur box office day 1: Farhan Akhtar’s film starts slow with Rs 2.35 crore opening

Farhan Akhtar’s new release 120 Bahadur opened to Rs2.35 crore, while De De Pyaar De 2 continued its strong hold on day eight.

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Farhan akhtar

Farhan Akhtar’s latest release 120 Bahadur hit theatres on November 21 but registered a dull opening on its first day, earning Rs 2.35 crore. In comparison, De De Pyaar De 2, which is now in its second week, continues to show stronger hold at the box office.

Slow start for 120 Bahadur on day one

The action-drama opened to modest numbers on Friday, collecting Rs2.35 crore on its first day. Despite pre-release buzz around Farhan Akhtar’s performance, the film has begun its run on the lower side.

De De Pyaar De 2 maintains its advantage

Meanwhile, De De Pyaar De 2 continues its steady run. On its eighth day, the film maintained an edge over 120 Bahadur in overall earnings, according to media. The strong hold of the Ajay Devgn-led sequel appears to have impacted the new release’s opening day business.

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