Entertainment

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.

Published

2 years ago

January 11, 2025

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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.

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

CID creator BP Singh dies of heart attack, film industry pays tribute

B.P. Singh, the creator and producer-director of CID, has died after suffering a heart attack. His contribution to Indian television has prompted tributes from colleagues and members of the entertainment industry.

Published

7 days ago

October 27, 2026

APNLive Desk

Veteran television producer-director B.P. Singh, best known for creating the popular crime investigation series CID, has died after suffering a heart attack. His death on Tuesday, October 27, prompted tributes from colleagues and members of the entertainment industry, who remembered his contribution to Indian television.

Filmmaker Ashoke Pandit shared the news of Singh’s death in a social media post, remembering him as an accomplished filmmaker whose work had captivated audiences through shows such as CID and Aahat.

Pandit also recalled his association with Singh during the latter’s tenure as president of the Indian Film and Television Directors’ Association. Expressing grief over the loss, he described Singh as a close friend and a person whose work would continue to inspire future generations.

The last rites are scheduled to take place on Wednesday, October 28, according to Pandit’s post.

BP Singh’s contribution to Indian television

Born Brijendra Pal Singh, B.P. Singh established himself as a prominent figure in Indian television through his work as a producer and director. He created CID, one of the country’s longest-running crime investigation shows, which premiered in 1998 and followed a team of Mumbai crime branch officers investigating cases.

The series became widely recognised among television audiences and ran for around two decades. Singh also occasionally appeared on the show as DCP Shamsher Singh Chitrole.

One of the show’s notable milestones came in October 2004, when a special episode was filmed in a single continuous take lasting 111 minutes. The achievement received recognition in the Limca Book of Records and the Guinness World Records.

Singh’s work was not limited to crime dramas. He was also associated with Aahat, a popular horror television series that aired from 1995 to 2015. His other projects included Khaaki, Abhay and SuperCops Vs Super Villains.

Ashoke Pandit remembers the veteran filmmaker

In his tribute, Pandit recalled Singh’s professional achievements and their personal association. He praised the filmmaker’s work on CID and Aahat and expressed condolences to his family and loved ones.

Singh’s death marks the loss of a veteran television professional whose productions helped shape crime and horror programming in India.

His work on CID and Aahat remains a significant part of his legacy in Indian television.

Entertainment

Veteran actor Mushtaq Khan, known for Welcome and Hera Pheri, dies at 56

Veteran actor Mushtaq Khan, known for his memorable supporting role in Welcome, has died at 56.

Published

1 month ago

September 24, 2026

APNLive Desk

Veteran actor Mushtaq Khan, who appeared in several Hindi films and was particularly remembered for his role in the 2007 comedy Welcome, has died at the age of 56.

Khan was known for playing supporting characters across Hindi cinema and had worked in films spanning several decades. His role as Balu in Welcome remains among his best-known performances.

Mushtaq Khan’s film career

Mushtaq Khan appeared in a wide range of films during his career. His filmography included Aashiqui, Hum Hain Rahi Pyar Ke, Gopi Kishan, Krantiveer, Raja, Mujhse Shaadi Karogi, Jodi No. 1 and Hera Pheri.

He also featured in more recent films including Stree 2, Gadar 2, Baby John, Dhoom Dhaam and Jaat. His filmography lists acting work continuing into 2026.

In Welcome, Khan played Balu, a supporting character in the comedy starring Akshay Kumar, Nana Patekar, Anil Kapoor and other prominent actors.

Khan’s career also included television work, with his credits spanning a wide range of acting roles over the years.

Mushtaq Khan dies at 56

The actor’s death was reported on September 24, 2026. Reports said Khan had been undergoing treatment after being diagnosed with liver cancer and had been hospitalised for around 15 days. Further details surrounding his death were awaited in the initial reports.

Mushtaq Khan was 56. IMDb lists his date of birth as December 31, 1969.

Entertainment

Deepika Padukone and Ranveer Singh welcome baby girl, their second child

Deepika Padukone and Ranveer Singh have welcomed their second child, a baby girl. The couple announced the birth on Instagram.

Published

1 month ago

September 20, 2026

APNLive Desk

Bollywood stars Deepika Padukone and Ranveer Singh have welcomed their second child, a baby girl. The couple announced the arrival of their daughter on Instagram on Saturday through a post featuring a baby’s footprint.

The newborn is the couple’s second daughter. Deepika and Ranveer became parents for the first time in September 2024, when they welcomed their daughter Dua.

The couple has not announced the name of their newborn daughter in the post.

Deepika Padukone and Ranveer Singh’s last spotting

Just a day before the announcement, Deepika Padukone visited Mumbai’s Siddhivinayak Temple with Ranveer Singh and his parents.

Deepika was seen wearing an orange and purple kurta set, while Ranveer wore a purple kurta with white trousers. The visit came as the couple awaited the arrival of their second child.

Interestingly, the couple had also visited Siddhivinayak Temple in September 2024, shortly before the birth of their first daughter Dua.

Deepika and Ranveer’s family

Deepika Padukone and Ranveer Singh married on November 14, 2018, in Lake Como, Italy. Their wedding featured ceremonies reflecting their Konkani and Sindhi backgrounds.

The couple’s relationship began while working together on Goliyon Ki Raasleela Ram-Leela in 2013. They later got engaged in 2015 and welcomed their first child, Dua, on September 8, 2024.