FIFA’s decision to introduce a halftime show during the 2026 FIFA World Cup final has sparked mixed reactions among football fans around the world. While the announcement of stars Shakira, Justin Bieber, Madonna, and BTS generated excitement, many supporters questioned whether a concert-style performance belongs in football’s biggest event.

The 2026 FIFA World Cup, jointly hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico, concluded with the final at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey in the small hours of Monday. For the first time in the tournament’s history, FIFA held an entertainment show during halftime, similar to the Super Bowl tradition in the United States.

FIFA president Gianni Infantino said the halftime show was intended to make the World Cup final a larger global entertainment event and attract a wider audience. The performance featured internationally recognized artists, including Shakira, known for her iconic World Cup songs Waka Waka and La La La, former boy wonder Justin Bieber along with pop legend Madonna and South Korean music group BTS. FIFA said the event will celebrate football, music, and culture on one stage.

However, the announcement has divided fans and football experts. Many welcomed the idea, saying it would make the final more entertaining and help attract younger audiences. They said the presence of world-famous artists will increase the tournament’s global appeal and create an unforgettable experience for spectators.

Others, including seminal punk rock band The Cure frontman Robert Smith, strongly criticized the decision, arguing that football traditions should not be changed. Critics fear that extending the halftime break for a concert could affect players’ physical rhythm, preparation, and match intensity. Some fans also said the focus should remain on the sport rather than celebrity performances.

FIFA assured that the performance was carefully planned to avoid disrupting the match while maintaining high production standards. Security, stage setup, and broadcast arrangements were also coordinated to ensure a smooth event.

As of now, the halftime show remains one of the most talked-about aspects of the 2026 FIFA World Cup final apart from the boorish behavior of the Argentine squad.

The Telugu film industry emerged as one of the standout performers at the 72nd National Film Awards, securing a total of nine honours for films certified by the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) between January 1 and December 31, 2024.

Leading the tally was director Nag Ashwin’s Kalki 2898 AD, which received the award for Best Popular Film Providing Wholesome Entertainment. The film also earned Best Production Design for Nitin Zihani Choudhary, whose work brought to life the contrasting worlds of Kasi, Shambala and the futuristic Complex.

Pushpa 2 earns screenplay and costume design honours

Director Sukumar’s blockbuster Pushpa 2: The Rule added two National Awards to its achievements. Sukumar won Best Original Screenplay, while costume designers Deepali Noor and Sheetal Sharma were honoured with the Best Costume Design award for their work on the film.

The film was among the biggest commercial successes of 2024 and was recognised for its storytelling and visual presentation.

Lucky Baskhar and 35-Chinna Katha Kaadu receive national recognition

Director Venky Atluri received the Best Dialogue Writer award for Lucky Baskhar, starring Dulquer Salmaan in the lead role.

Meanwhile, 35-Chinna Katha Kaadu, directed by Nanda Kishore Emani, was named Best Children’s Film. Child actor Arundev was honoured as Best Child Artist, sharing the award with Riddhiman Banerjee, Topomoy Deb, Gitashree Chakraborty (for Onko Ki Kothin) and Athish S. Shetty (for Mithya).

Committee Kurrollu wins Best Telugu Film

Debut director Yadhu Vamsi’s Committee Kurrollu was recognised as the Best Telugu Film at the awards. The nostalgic drama, produced by Niharika Konidela, also earned P. Ravi Kumar the Best Make-Up Artist award.

Following the announcement, the teams behind the award-winning films expressed their gratitude to the National Film Awards jury and audiences through social media posts celebrating the recognition.

Alia Bhatt has officially joined the cast of the much-awaited sequel of horror-fantasy film Tumbbad 2. The announcement was made by actor and producer Sohum Shah, who welcomed Alia to the franchise by sharing pictures on social media with the caption, “A new chapter unfolds. Welcome to #Tumbbad2, @aliaabhatt.”

The sequel will see Alia Bhatt, Sohum Shah, and Nawazuddin Siddiqui sharing screen space. Directed by Adesh Prasad, the film is being produced by Sohum Shah Films in association with Pen Studios. The makers have also announced that Tumbbad 2 is scheduled to release in theatres on December 3, 2027.

Alia Bhatt said Tumbbad has stayed with her ever since she first watched it. She described the film as one of the few movies that created a unique and immersive world, adding that joining the franchise is a special opportunity for her. The actor said she is looking forward to exploring a new character in the mysterious Tumbbad universe.

Released in 2018, Tumbbad became a cult classic for its blend of Indian folklore, mythology, fantasy, and horror. Starring Sohum Shah in the lead role, the film earned widespread critical acclaim and gained even more popularity after its re-release, becoming one of the most successful re-released Indian films.

The confirmation of Alia Bhatt’s casting ended weeks of speculation and has increased excitement among fans. With the addition of Alia Bhatt and Nawazuddin Siddiqui to the cast, the sequel promises a stronger star lineup while continuing the dark and mysterious world of the first film.

As of now, filming and production are on, and the makers are preparing for the film’s theatrical release in December 2027. Fans are eagerly waiting to see how the sequel expands the mythology of the Tumbbad universe and whether it can match the original film’s impact.