On this Good Friday 2025, Christians across the globe are observing a day of solemnity and remembrance to commemorate the crucifixion of Jesus Christ. Falling on the Friday before Easter Sunday, this significant day in the Christian faith is marked with prayers, fasting, and spiritual contemplation. Often referred to as Holy Friday, Great Friday, or Black Friday, the day carries deep religious importance, symbolising the immense sacrifice Jesus made for the salvation of humanity.

The crucifixion of Christ: A pivotal moment in Christian faith

According to the New Testament, Good Friday marks the day when Jesus was crucified by Roman authorities, following accusations of blasphemy by Jewish religious leaders. The Gospels recount that Pontius Pilate, the Roman governor, sentenced Jesus to death by crucifixion, an act that has come to represent the ultimate expression of love and sacrifice in Christian theology.

Believers reflect on this day with reverence, acknowledging the pain and suffering that Jesus endured at Calvary. The crucifixion is not only a symbol of sacrifice but also of hope, as it leads to the resurrection celebrated on Easter Sunday.

Sharing messages of hope and faith

As people observe this sacred day, many reach out to loved ones with messages and prayers that reflect the solemnity and spiritual meaning of Good Friday. Here are some heartfelt wishes to share:

• May your heart be filled with kindness, joy and happiness. Sending my wishes on the holy occasion of Good Friday.
  
• May you and your loved ones be always showered with the choicest blessings of the Almighty.
  
• On the occasion of Good Friday, I hope that the Lord keeps you safe always and surrounds your life with happiness.
  
• When you lend a helping hand to others, you honour Jesus Christ and everything he stood for.
  
• May the light of the Lord’s love shine upon you. Sending warm wishes and blessings on Good Friday.
  
• Let us pray to Jesus Christ on this holy occasion of Good Friday and seek forgiveness for our sins.
  

Bible quotes to reflect on this Good Friday

• “The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases; his mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is your faithfulness.”
  
• “Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the Lord your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you.”
  
• “He only is my rock and my salvation, my fortress; I shall not be shaken.”
  
• “Let love be genuine. Abhor what is evil; hold fast to what is good.”
  
• “In you, O Lord, I take refuge; let me never be put to shame. In your justice, rescue me.”
  

As the faithful gather to reflect on the sacrifice of Christ, Good Friday serves as a poignant reminder of compassion, forgiveness, and unwavering faith.

Bollywood star Nawazuddin Siddiqui is poised to enthral audiences with his upcoming film, Costao. The film’s latest trailer has created quite a buzz, revealing the intense journey of Nawazuddin’s character, who embarks on a mission to dismantle Goa’s largest gold smuggling operation, only to find himself at odds with the very system he serves.

Nawazuddin takes on the role of Costao Fernandes, a courageous customs officer who challenges a powerful smuggling syndicate in the 1990s. The trailer captures his determination to bring the gold smuggling ring to justice, leading to his shocking betrayal by the authorities and a wrongful murder charge. As he battles not only criminals but also a corrupt establishment, the stakes are raised even higher when the safety of his family is thrown into jeopardy.

ZEE5, the platform sharing the trailer, aptly described the film’s premise: “This is the story of a true hero, a Customs Officer who confronted an entire crime network. It’s not just a fight; it’s a legacy forged in sacrifice.”

Fans of Nawazuddin have expressed their excitement online, with comments such as, “The old Nawazuddin is back. This is going to be exciting!” and “Nawazuddin is on fire.” Another viewer remarked, “What we’ve seen in the trailer is just a glimpse; I can’t wait for the full performance!” Many are also praising the impeccable dialogue writing, referring to it as genius.

About Costao
Directed by debutant Sejal Shah, Costao boasts a talented cast, including Priya Bapat, Kishore Kumar G, Gagan Dev Riar, and Hussain Dalal in key roles. The film is produced by Bhanushali Studios Limited in association with Bombay Fables Motion Pictures and is set to premiere on ZEE5 on May 1.

The synopsis of the film provides deeper insight: “In a world steeped in corruption and crime, Costao follows a man whose audacity and courage make him both a hero and a thorn in the side of the system. After a deadly clash with the brother of a notorious smuggler triggers a high-stakes manhunt, Costao’s relentless battle for survival leads him to confront not only the empire that runs the show but also his own limits.”

Billa Ranga Basha, featuring Kiccha Sudeep, has finally commenced production after facing several delays. The shoot officially began on Wednesday, much to the joy of Sudeep’s dedicated fanbase. This film marks a reunion for Bhandari and Sudeep, who previously collaborated on the successful movie Vikrant Rona. Billa Ranga Basha is produced by Niranjan Reddy and Chaithanya Reddy, who are committed to bringing the project to life on a grand scale. The film is directed by Anup Bhandari.

In a recent statement, Bhandari shared his excitement about the project, saying, “The shoot for Billa Ranga Basha has officially commenced. We are currently in the first schedule, which is set for 20 days and features one of the major action sequences of the film. Our production design team has been working tirelessly on multiple sets, and the first of them is now complete and in use.”

The film’s first look is equally striking, showcasing Sudeep in a fierce pose against a breathtaking snowy mountain backdrop. Set in the futuristic year of 2209 AD, the narrative promises adventure and action, featuring poignant imagery of iconic monuments such as the Taj Mahal and the Statue of Liberty, which appear to be in ruins.

Billa Ranga Basha is described as a large-scale film with an epic storyline. According to Sudeep, it is poised to be ten times more thrilling and action-packed than Vikrant Rona. Once the initial 20-day schedule concludes, Bhandari has indicated there will be a break before the start of the second schedule, allowing for additional preparations and set enhancements.

Kiccha Sudeep’s last release was Max in December 2025. Earlier, Anup Bhandari expressed enthusiasm about this collaboration, stating, “Niranjan Reddy wanted to work with me after Vikrant Rona. We discussed my next project, which I revealed would again feature Kiccha Sudeep. He was thrilled by the premise of Billa Ranga Basha.” With expectations high, the film is set to be a two-part saga, generating considerable excitement among fans and audiences.