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Jaideep Ahlawat says he’s been asked about Paatal Lok 2 every day for the past four years

Ahlawat described the writing process for the new season as initially confusing due to its intricate subplots. “What intrigued me was that when I first read it, I struggled to comprehend it. I felt that I needed to physically be in Nagaland to truly understand the characters and their context,” he explained.

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2 years ago

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Jaideep Ahlawat’s career can be divided into two distinct phases: before “Paatal Lok” and after. Since the web series premiered on May 15, 2020, Ahlawat has faced daily inquiries about its anticipated second season.

Before “Paatal Lok,” he had already established himself as a reliable actor with notable performances in films like “Gangs of Wasseypur,” “Khatta Meetha,” “Vishwaroopam,” and “Raazi.” However, “Paatal Lok” catapulted him to fame overnight when it debuted on Prime Video during the pandemic. The show garnered widespread acclaim, including recognition from industry stalwarts like Manoj Bajpayee and Aamir Khan, who praised his portrayal of Hathiram Chaudhary, a fatigued Delhi Police officer tasked with a high-stakes investigation in the first season.

Ahlawat remarked, “Everything changed after May 15, 2020. I genuinely haven’t had a single day in the last four years without someone asking me about ‘Paatal Lok 2.’ Whether in person, on social media, or through messages, the inquiries never stopped.” He further explained that when he posts anything online, he receives numerous comments asking, “When is season two of ‘Paatal Lok’ coming?” He humorously noted that while he wasn’t exhausted by the questions, he often had to reply, “It will be out soon.”

In the first season of “Paatal Lok,” directed by Avinash Arun Dhaware and Prosit Roy, Ahlawat’s character was pivotal in investigating the assassination attempt on a popular TV journalist, portrayed by Neeraj Kabi. Reflecting on his career progression, Ahlawat shared that after the show’s success, he received an uplifting call from Bajpayee, who expressed that watching Ahlawat inspired him like attending a rejuvenating workshop.

“I was deeply moved and could only respond with a heartfelt ‘Thank you.’ Such acknowledgement can come only from someone who understands cinema well,” expressed Ahlawat, who had previously worked with Bajpayee in “Gangs of Wasseypur.”

In a separate interaction, Aamir Khan reached out to Ahlawat via video call, eager to learn about his preparation for the role. Ahlawat recalled being surprised by Khan’s interest, saying, “When someone like Aamir sir, renowned for his method acting, seeks your insight, what can you say, except share your experience?”

The success of “Paatal Lok” opened many doors for Ahlawat, leading to roles in the ZEE5 series “The Broken News” and films such as “An Action Hero,” “Three of Us,” “Jaane Jaan,” and “Maharaj,” which marked the acting debut of Khan’s son, Junaid. Ahlawat noted that he hasn’t taken a “single holiday” over the past four years due to a flurry of projects. “Touchwood, it’s encouraging. A wealth of compelling stories has come my way, and I’ve collaborated with numerous talented individuals. Some films have been released, while more are on the cusp this year, especially with ‘Paatal Lok 2’ kicking off this promising start.”

Scheduled to premiere on January 17 on Prime Video, the second season of “Paatal Lok” has Ahlawat returning as Hathiram, who will uncover a new mystery set in Nagaland. As part of his preparation, Ahlawat rewatched the first season to reconnect with his character’s history, particularly his relationship with rookie cop Imran Ansari (Ishwak Singh), who will now assume a more senior role.

Ahlawat described the writing process for the new season as initially confusing due to its intricate subplots. “What intrigued me was that when I first read it, I struggled to comprehend it. I felt that I needed to physically be in Nagaland to truly understand the characters and their context,” he explained.

Another challenge he faced involved gaining approximately 20 kg to authentically portray the middle-aged, weary cop, transitioning from the lean physique he had for his previous film “Maharaj.” He elaborated, “When you gain weight, your body responds in various ways. You stop exercising, your joints begin to ache, and you feel the weight. Sleeping positions change and your breathing can become heavier, yet mentally, you find satisfaction—it’s quite an interesting phase.”

Ahlawat will also soon share screen time with Bajpayee in the third season of the Prime Video series “The Family Man.” He noted the experience of working with Bajpayee as an enriching opportunity. “Collaborating with great actors elevates your performance naturally. We have limited scenes together, but they are intricately written. I hope future seasons build upon this quality. He is undoubtedly one of our finest actors.”

Looking ahead, Ahlawat has several exciting projects lined up, including a neo-noir thriller titled “Jewel Thief” alongside Saif Ali Khan, Sriram Raghavan’s war drama “Ikkis,” “Hisab” reuniting him with his “Three of Us” co-star Shefali Shah, and Aanand L Rai’s production “Hawai Fire.” The actor expressed a desire for better work-life balance, stating, “I got caught up in the midst of shooting for four projects across different locations, which was quite hectic. I hope to avoid that situation in the future.”

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Vijay’s last film Jana Nayagan poised for massive opening, Rs 100 crore business expected on Day 1

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5 days ago

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July 22, 2026

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Tamil Nadu Chief Minister Vijay’s final film, Jana Nayagan, is expected to make a record-breaking start at the box office, with trade analysts predicting an opening-day collection of around Rs 100 crore worldwide.

If the prediction proves accurate, the film could surpass the opening-day collections of blockbuster films such as Jailer, The Greatest of All Time (GOAT), and Pathaan, making it one of the biggest openings in Indian cinema.

Directed by H. Vinoth and produced by KVN Productions, Jana Nayagan was Vijay’s final film before his full-time entry into politics. The movie also stars Pooja Hegde, Bobby Deol, Mamitha Baiju, Prakash Raj, Priyamani, and Gautham Vasudev Menon in key roles. The film is scheduled for a worldwide theatrical release on July 23, 2026.

Advance bookings for Jana Nayagan have shown an overwhelming response in India and overseas. Trade reports indicate that the film has sold more than 6.45 lakh tickets in advance, generating over Rs 16 crore in pre-sales across India. Industry analysts note that the advance booking figure is still lower than those of Vijay’s earlier blockbuster releases, Leo and The Greatest of All Time (GOAT).

The excitements surrounding Jana Nayagan is driven not only by Vijay’s popularity but also by the emotional significance of it being his last film. Fans have been booking first-day-first-show tickets in large numbers, especially in Tamil Nadu and Karnataka.

Trade experts believe that if positive audience reviews and word-of-mouth follow the release, Jana Nayagan could become one of the highest-grossing Tamil films of the year.

As of now, the film is gearing up for its July 23 release, with distributors and exhibitors expecting packed theatres across the country. Whether Jana Nayagan crosses the Rs 100 crore mark on its opening day and breaks the records of Jailer and GOAT, and Pathaan will become clear once box-office figures are released after its premiere.

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FIFA World Cup final halftime show divides fans despite stars

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7 days ago

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July 20, 2026

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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.

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Telugu cinema bags nine honours at 72nd National Film Awards as Kalki 2898 AD and Pushpa 2 shine

Telugu cinema secured nine honours at the 72nd National Film Awards, with Kalki 2898 AD, Pushpa 2: The Rule, Committee Kurrollu, 35-Chinna Katha Kaadu and Lucky Baskhar emerging among the key winners.

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1 week ago

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July 19, 2026

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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.

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