Entertainment

Life in rural Telangana is often portrayed in Telugu cinema as laidback and unpretentious, with its residents adding quiet character to the setting. Mothevari Love Story, now streaming on ZEE5, draws from this familiar image to tell a gentle tale of romance, sibling friction, and family ties. The series stars Anil Geela, best known for My Village Showon YouTube, in a role that nudges viewers to reflect on familial bonds.

Set in Lambadipalli village, the story centres on brothers Sattaiah (Muralidhar Goud) and Narsing Yadav (RS Nandha), nicknamed Ram and Lakshman for their close bond and reputation for settling disputes at the local panchayat. But beneath the harmony, the series hints at tensions: of ego, inheritance, and simmering rivalry.

Things shift when the brothers learn that their father has willed five acres of land to a woman they have never met — Anumavva (Vijaya Lakshmi Balagam). Meanwhile, Anumavva’s grandson Parshi (Anil Geela) and Sattaiah’s daughter Anitha (Varshini Junnuthula) are hatching a plan to elope. Anitha, though, seems more caught up in making Reels than deciding on her future — mirroring the growing grip of social media in rural India.

Mothevari Love Story (Telugu)

Director: Shiva Krishna Burra

Cast: Anil Geela, Varshini, Muralidhar Goud

Episodes: 7

Story: The lives of two brothers turn topsy turvy when they discover that their father has left a five-acre land to a woman they do not know.

Streaming on: Zee5

Though the prologue hints at an emotional undercurrent, writer-director Shiva Krishna Burra begins Mothevari Love Story on a breezy note, reflecting the rhythms of daily life in the village. One particularly entertaining episode features a cameo by Gangavva, who sends the village into chaos when her jewellery goes missing.

As the series unfolds, the lighthearted tone is interrupted by a story of love and longing from the past, offering a contrast to the playful dynamic between Parshi and Anitha. A pair of gold bangles, a deceased man’s will, and a disputed property serve as narrative pivots, gradually unearthing layers of selfishness, silence, and generational friction. The title, Mothevari, referring to the wealthy man at the heart of it all, gains significance as questions of inheritance and entitlement surface.

Across its seven episodes, the series keeps things straightforward, perhaps in deference to the YouTube audience that first embraced Anil Geela’s work. It is Muralidhar Goud and Vijaya Lakshmi Balagam who anchor the emotional core, drawing on their craft to bring depth to their roles. Anil and Varshini, while initially light in tone, eventually lend more weight to their characters. The rest of the ensemble is underutilised, often fading into the background.

The soundtrack, though well-intentioned, feels mismatched and slows the pace.

In a digital space increasingly filled with dark, layered storytelling, Mothevari Love Story opts for a more conventional route — a low-stakes, watchable family drama that stays within its comfort zone.

(The series streams on Zee5)

With hardly a week left for the election to its governing committee, the ‘memory card’ issue continues to rock the Association of Malayalam Movie Artists (AMMA) with its women members now resorting to petitions and counter petitions.

The allegation is that a meeting of AMMA’s women members held in 2018 in the wake of the formation of the Hema Committee by the Kerala government was videographed and preserved as a memory card. The dispute has now erupted over the whereabouts of the said memory card amid apprehensions of its leak, as the video footage reportedly had open revelations about bad experiences faced by some members. A section of actors, including Usha Haseena and Ponnamma Babu, has cornered their colleague Kukku Parameswaran over the matter.

Offended by the allegations, Ms. Parameswaran, who is contesting to the post of general secretary in the forthcoming election, has now lodged a petition with the State Police Chief naming her detractors for allegedly having engaged in a defamatory campaign against her, including on social media.

“I am being accused of something, which has nothing to do with me or to which I am not party of. Also, why raise a matter all these years later?” she told The Hindu.

She, however, declined to reveal the names mentioned in her petition. “I have named all those who have taken my name in the matter,” is all what she would say.

Ms. Haseena countered it by a petition on her own to the State Police Chief, AMMA, the Chief Minister, Kerala State Women’s Commission and Kerala State Human Rights Commission.

“I was planning to move a petition to AMMA alone seeking clarity on the memory card since I was told not to move legally before the AMMA election. As the request was fair, I was prepared to oblige despite taking a legal advice. Then I came to know that she (Ms. Parameswaran) had moved a petition whereas we are the original complainants (when it comes to the memory card),” she said.

Ms. Babu said she would also a move a petition to AMMA over the memory card issue. “There is a WhatsApp group of women members of AMMA. Had the questions over the memory card been properly answered in that group, the issue could have been be settled there itself,” she said.

Things have been on the boil in AMMA ever since the election was declared. Actor Jagadeesh, who had thrown his hat into the ring by filing nominations to the post of president, withdrew it in the last minute following perceived objections. Baburaj was also forced to withdraw from contesting to the post of general secretary after a section of AMMA members publicly demanded for his withdrawal citing the allegations against him in the wake of the Hema Committee report.

Shweta Menon, who is contesting to the post of the president, has found herself slapped with a case allegedly for acting in movies with vulgar and obscene content for financial gains, though it was later stayed by the Kerala High Court. The case against Ms. Menon also led to mudslinging among the members.

Actor Aditi Rao Hydari will be felicitated with the Diversity in Cinema Award at the upcoming edition of the Indian Film Festival of Melbourne (IFFM), the organisers announced on Friday.

The actor will attend the festival as guest of honour. She will be recognised for her immense contribution to cinema and her impactful performances across mediums, a press release said.

“Aditi, who captured hearts with her unforgettable portrayal of Bibbo Jaan in ‘Heeramandi’, continues to mesmerize global audiences with her poise, talent, and effortless screen presence. Her participation in IFFM 2025 is expected to elevate the excitement and add a regal charm to the gala celebration of Indian cinema on foreign shores,” it added.

Hydari, known for her roles in films such as Padmaavat, Kaatru Veliyidai, Chekka Chivantha Vaanam, Sufiyum Sujatayum, and the series Jubilee, described the Diversity in Cinema Award as a “special honour.” “Melbourne has always been warm and welcoming, and to be celebrated in a city that celebrates cinema with such passion is deeply humbling,” the actor said in a statement.

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The 2025 edition of IFFM will be held from August 14 to 24 across Melbourne, featuring a packed schedule of screenings, red carpet galas, industry panels, and the IFFM Awards.

Peacock on Thursday (August 7) unveiled the trailer of The Paper, the much-awaited spin-off of the globally-acclaimed comedy series The Office. Created by The Office showrunner Greg Daniels, along with Michael Koman, the first four episodes of the ten-episode mockumentary will premiere on Peacock on September 4, with two new episodes releasing every Thursday.

Set within the universe of the iconic Dunder Mifflin paper company, the setting of NBC’s Emmy-winning show, The Paper follows the documentary crew, formerly focused on the antics of Dunder Mifflin’s Scranton branch, as they pivot to capturing the struggles and triumphs of a historic newspaper, The Toledo Truth Teller.

“Enervate sells products made out of paper: toilet tissues, toilet seat protectors, and local newspapers (Toledo Truth Teller). And that is in order of quality,” says the cocky head of a paper manufacturing company, briefing on the state of the local newspaper. We are then introduced to the many colourful employees of the Toledo Truth Teller office, who are surprised by the entrance of a new editor-in-chief who promises to shake things up and revive the daily.

But as Ted Sampson (Domhnall Gleeson) soon learns, it isn’t going to be easy. With no money to hire reporters, he recruits volunteers from the non-editorial staff of the newspaper to write stories. In a welcome surprise, we also see Oscar Nuñez reprising his role as Oscar Martinez from The Office, though details about how he fits into the story of the Toledo Truth Teller are kept under wraps.

Fascinatingly, much of the crew that worked on The Office is set to return to the sets of The Paper. According to The Hollywood Reporter, the director lineup includes several The Office alumni, including Ken Kwapis, Paul Lieberstein, Jennifer Celotta, Matt Sohn, Dave Rogers and Jeffrey Blitz. Yana Gorskaya, Tazbah Chavez and Jason Woliner are also helming some of the episodes.

The cast of the new series also features Sabrina Impacciatore, Chelsea Frei, Melvin Gregg, Gbemisola Ikumelo, Alex Edelman, Ramona Young and Tim Key. Duane Shepard Sr., Allan Havey, Nate Jackson, Mo Welch, Nancy Lenehan, Molly Ephraim and Tracy Letts appear in guest roles. Interestingly, Ikumelo, Edelman, Rahill and Welch are also part of the writers team of the series.

The Paper is produced by Universal Television. Daniels and Koman also executive produce. Ricky Gervais, who created the original British version of The Office, executive produces alng with Stephen Merchant, Howard Klein, Ben Silverman and Banijay Americas.

The new trailer has certainly added to the hype surrounding The Paper. The Office, which premiered in 2005 and ran for nine successful seasons, remains a cultural touchstone, thanks to its memorable ensemble cast led by Steve Carell.

Popular daily soap Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi has made a spectacular comeback with its second season, clocking over 1.659 billion minutes of watch time across television and streaming platforms in the launch week, broadcaster Star Plus said on Thursday.

The Ektaa Kapoor-created show, which returned on July 29, witnessed a massive response, drawing 31.1 million TV viewers in just four days, with 15.4 million tuning in for the premiere episode alone, a press release said.

This makes it the highest-rated fiction launch across general entertainment channels (GECs) in recent times and the biggest-ever GEC fiction debut across both television and digital in India, it added.

The show also topped the weekly television rating points (TRP) charts, jointly leading with Anupamaa at a TRP of 2.3, according to data provided by Broadcast Audience Research Council of India (BARC).

It ranked ahead of Yeh Rishta Kya Kehlata Hai (2.0), Laughter Chefs (2.0), and Taarak Mehta Ka Ooltah Chashmah (1.9), cementing its status as the most-watched fiction show of the week.

In the revival of Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi, the daily soap that once defined Indian prime-time television in the early 2000s, actor-turned-politician Smriti Irani returns as the iconic Tulsi Virani, joining a mix of familiar faces and fresh talent.

“The return of Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi has proven that great storytelling never loses its power. We approached this launch with a two-fold vision: to reignite the deep nostalgia associated with one of India’s most iconic shows, while also crafting a contemporary storyline and viewing experience that resonates with today’s audiences.

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“The record-breaking numbers across Star Plus reaffirm our belief in the timeless appeal of compelling narratives. This launch is a cultural moment that bridges generations, and we are proud to have delivered it to millions of homes across platforms,” Sumanta Bose, Head of Cluster, Entertainment (Star Plus and Bharat, Bengali, Marathi and Gujarati), JioStar, said in a statement.

The show also generated significant online buzz, garnering over 17,300 mentions across social media platforms, according to the channel.

Streaming platform ZEE5 on Thursday (August 7) announced its maiden Malayalam original web series, Kammatam, a suspense crime investigation starring Sudev Nair in the lead.

The platform unveiled a first-look motion poster to announce the news.

Directed by Shan Thulasidharan, the six-episode series is based on a real-life incident that shook Thrissur and the state of Kerala. “When planter Samuel Umman dies in a suspected road accident, Circle Inspector Antonio George senses something is off, especially when he notices a missing necklace at the scene. His investigation leads to Shaji, an auto driver with a criminal past, who is soon found dead in a quarry. A mysterious two-wheeler at a construction site points to deeper involvement, and all clues slowly circle back to Francis, a quiet worker from Samuel’s plantation. As Antonio digs deeper, what unravels is a chilling web of deceit, silence, and secrets buried far beneath the surface,” reads the logline.

In a statement, director Shan Thulasidharan called Kammatam a grounded thriller. “The story draws its strength from the community’s closeness, yet secrets run deep. Filming in such an authentic setting allowed us to bring out the eerie normalcy that surrounds the unfolding mystery. We focused on telling a taut, character-driven story that feels real, unsettling, and deeply rooted in Kerala’s cultural fabric”

Meanwhile, Lloyd Xavier, Senior Vice President – Marketing South and Business Head – ZEE5 Tamil & Malayalam, said, “Kammatam exemplifies the compelling storytelling that defines Malayalam content, rooted, realistic and deeply engaging. Inspired by true events and set against the nuanced backdrop of small-town Kerala, the series delivers a gripping narrative with morally complex characters and sharp investigative drama. As we continue to strengthen our Malayalam slate, Kammatam reinforces our commitment to offering content that not only entertains but also reflects the cultural and emotional depth of the region.”

The cast of the series also features Jins, Jeo Baby, Ajay Vaasudev, Akhil Kavalayoor, Arun Sol, Sreerekha, and Jordy Poonjaa. Produced by 23 Feet Productions, the series premieres on ZEE5 on August 29.

Fans of Robert Pattinson’s Batmanfinally have a reason to celebrate. Warner Bros. Discovery has confirmed that The Batman Part II will begin filming in spring 2026. The film is set to release in theatres on October 1, 2027.

According to Variety, the update was shared in the company’s recent letter to shareholders, where it also praised the success of Superman, directed by James Gunn. The new Superman movie has earned nearly $550 million at the global box office so far.

In the letter, Warner Bros. called the DC Universe “one of the most valuable assets in entertainment” and shared updates about other upcoming DC projects. These include Supergirl: Woman of Tomorrow and Clayface in 2026, and a new Wonder Woman film. The letter also confirmed that The Batman Part II is part of this big vision.

“In film, James Gunn is busy preparing the next instalments of the DC super family, including Supergirl: Woman of Tomorrow (2026), Clayface (2026) and the next Wonder Woman. In addition, The Batman II (2027) is preparing to begin shooting next spring, among several other projects in development. The 10-year vision for the DC universe also includes an exciting array of television projects, including The Penguin, the upcoming new season of Peacemaker, and the debut of Lanterns in 2026. In a precise and measured way, the DC franchise will increasingly overlay across the studio’s broader efforts: from film and TV to consumer products, games, experiences and social,” wrote the company.

The upcoming film will bring back Robert Pattinson in the lead role, and it will once again be directed by Matt Reeves. The first Batman movie, released in March 2022, was a big hit and earned $772 million worldwide. Since then, fans have been waiting for news about the next chapter.

Production was delayed last year when the film’s original release date was pushed from October 2026 to October 2027. But Warner Bros. recently confirmed to Variety that director Reeves has finished the script, and filming is ready to begin next year.