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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.

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Raid 2 teaser out: Ajay Devgn makes a comeback as formidable revenue officer Amay Patnaik, faces off against Riteish Deshmukh

The ensemble also features Vaani Kapoor, Rajat Kapoor, Saurabh Shukla, Supriya Pathak, and Amit Sial.

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Ajay Devgn is back in action as the steadfast IRS officer Amay Patnaik in Raid 2, the sequel to the acclaimed 2018 film Raid. The first teaser for the movie was unveiled on Friday, March 28, generating substantial buzz among fans and followers. This much-anticipated sequel is directed by Raj Kumar Gupta, who also directed the original film, and it brings along a stellar cast with Riteish Deshmukh stepping into the role of the new antagonist. The ensemble also features Vaani Kapoor, Rajat Kapoor, Saurabh Shukla, Supriya Pathak, and Amit Sial.

The teaser opens with a dramatic scene of a convoy of cars making their way down a dusty road, indicating the preparations for an impending income tax raid. A voiceover draws attention to ‘Tauji’, the corrupt strongman played by Saurabh Shukla, who was incarcerated at the end of the first film. While Tauji remains behind bars, Amay, tough and unsmiling, is gearing up for his 75th raid, showcasing his tenacity and determination. His new target is Dada Bhai, portrayed by Riteish Deshmukh, a seasoned politician with a reputation for wielding significant influence and accumulating illicit wealth.

In a bold and defiant phone conversation, Amay makes it clear that he is unfazed by Dada Bhai’s power, declaring, “Who said I am a Pandav? I am the whole Mahabharata.” This exchange sets the stage for a gripping battle of wits, showcasing Amay’s fearless nature as he confronts the challenge posed by Dada Bhai.

Raid 2 promises to deliver more of the thrilling and intense drama that captivated audiences in the original film. The movie is set to be released in theaters on May 1, 2025, and fans are eagerly awaiting its debut. Ajay Devgn, who recently starred in Singham Again and made a cameo appearance in Azaad, is also looking forward to his upcoming projects, including Son of Sardaar 2 and De De Pyaar De 2. With his return as Amay Patnaik, the anticipation for Raid 2 continues to grow.

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L2: Empuraan box office collection Day 1: Mohanlal’s film earns Rs 22 crore on opening

Additionally, the filmmakers revealed that advance reservations made an astonishing ₹80 crore before the film even premiered, a clear indication of the anticipation surrounding it.

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The film L2: Empuraan, directed by Prithviraj Sukumaran and featuring Mohanlal, is certainly making its mark by shattering records! Released on March 27, this eagerly awaited sequel to the 2019 blockbuster Lucifer has quickly made headlines for its extraordinary box office performance. With a phenomenal opening, the film has reportedly amassed an impressive ₹22 crore on its very first day in India, highlighting its remarkable success.

Trade tracker Sacnilk confirmed that L2: Empuraan collected ₹22 crore net in India on its debut day. This monumental first-day collection is the latest update for this eagerly awaited film, which has generated considerable buzz ahead of its release. Additionally, the filmmakers revealed that advance reservations made an astonishing ₹80 crore before the film even premiered, a clear indication of the anticipation surrounding it.

The ₹22 crore earnings primarily stem from the Malayalam version of the film, which alone contributed ₹19.45 crore. Meanwhile, the Telugu version added ₹1.2 crore to the total, while the Tamil, Kannada, and Hindi versions brought in approximately ₹80 lakh, ₹5 lakh, and ₹50 lakh, respectively. This success showcases the film’s appeal across various regional audiences.

However, the excitement surrounding L2: Empuraan has not been without its challenges. The film has faced some backlash online, particularly from certain right-wing factions, indicating that not all viewers have embraced the film wholeheartedly.

Produced by industry veterans Antony Perumbavoor, Gokulam Gopalan, and Subaskaran, L2: Empuraan is brought to life under the prestigious banners of Aashirvad Cinemas, Sree Gokulam Movies, and Lyca Productions. In addition to the dynamic duo of Mohanlal and director Prithviraj, the film features a talented ensemble cast, including Tovino Thomas, Manju Warrier, Sachin Khedekar, Abhimanyu Singh, Jerome Flynn, Eriq Ebouaney, Suraj Venjaramoodu, and Indrajith Sukumaran.

With such a talented cast and the momentum generated by its record-breaking opening, L2: Empuraan is poised to make a significant impact in the Indian film industry.

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Dupahiya season 2: Gajraj Rao, Sparsh Shrivastava, Shivani Raghuvanshi starrer announced

Nikhil Madhok, Head of Originals, Prime Video India, expressed his enthusiasm for the show’s success, stating, “The success of Dupahiya has been nothing short of phenomenal and showcases the universal appeal of relatable human stories. We are incredibly excited to bring the next chapter of this beloved series to our audience.

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Amazon Prime Video has officially announced the highly anticipated second season of its comedy series, Dupahiya. The show features a talented cast, including Gajraj Rao, Sparsh Shrivastava, Shivani Raghuvanshi, and others. The first season, consisting of nine episodes, revolved around the amusing saga of a stolen motorcycle set in a seemingly ‘crime-free’ village. Created and written by Avinash Dwivedi and Chirag Garg, and directed by Sonam Nair, the series weaves tales of humor and drama that resonate with audiences.

The upcoming season promises to continue exploring the intriguing lives of the eccentric residents of Dhadakpur, a fictional village in Bihar. Although specific plot details remain under wraps, a recently released poster has piqued fans’ curiosity with the tagline ‘Sapno Ka Chakkajam’ (traffic-snarl of dreams), hinting at more hilarious situations yet to come.

Dupahiya has received mixed to positive reviews from critics and viewers alike, with many drawing comparisons to Panchayat, another successful Prime Video series that delves into the comical daily happenings in a North Indian village. In addition to the main cast, the series has also featured notable performances by Renuka Shahane, Bhuvan Arora, and Yashpal Sharma, adding depth and diversity to the narrative.

Nikhil Madhok, Head of Originals, Prime Video India, expressed his enthusiasm for the show’s success, stating, “The success of Dupahiya has been nothing short of phenomenal and showcases the universal appeal of relatable human stories. We are incredibly excited to bring the next chapter of this beloved series to our audience.

The creative team, including Salona, Shubh, Sonam, Avinash, and Chirag, has built a vibrant world that skillfully blends humor and drama. Witnessing the connection viewers have formed with its quirky characters has been rewarding. With the next season, we aim to deliver even more twists, surprises, laughter, and an even wilder adventure through Dhadakpur.”

As fans eagerly await the next installment, Dupahiya continues to solidify its place as a favorite among comedy series on streaming platforms.

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