Entertainment Buzz

Kamal Haasan moves Vijay govt for state-owned OTT platform

Actor-turned-politician Kamal Haasan met Tamil Nadu Chief Minister C Joseph Vijay and submitted a memorandum to him with six demands for the Tamil film industry, including to launch a state-owned OTT platform. Haasan’s party, the Makkal Needhi Maiam (MNM), an ally of the DMK, did not contest the April, 23, 2026 Tamil Nadu Assembly elections. In a post on ‘X’, the MNM leader explained in detail the list of demands he had submitted to the CM during his meeting on late Saturday. “I request the Tamil Nadu government to launch a state-owned OTT platform where Tamil audiences could access Tamil cinema, independent film and documentaries at affordable and subsidised rates,” he said. In his second demand, he said, in view of rising production, distribution, and theatre operating costs, “I request the abolition of local body entertainment tax levied at 4 per cent. This will greatly help the Tamil film industry”. (PTI)

Divya Dutta celebrates long-standing friendship with Sonali Bendre online

Actress Divya Dutta used social media to celebrate her precious friendship with Sonali Bendre, which began at the start of her career. Taking to her official Instagram account, Divya shared an adorable picture with Sonali. The ‘Hum Saath-Saath Hain’ actress could be seen with her hands around Divya’s shoulders. The ‘Badlapur’ actress shared that ever since the beginning of her cinematic journey, Sonali has stood by her side and continues to do so even today. “The most precious friendships are the ones when u are just beginning…the firsts…She is that!! When life here in the industry just started…she stood next to me with her arm around…and she continues to do that..love you @iamsonalibendre (sic),” she captioned the post. Divya also added the track “Jaane Kyun” from the 2008 drama Dostana, featuring Priyanka Chopra, Abhishek Bachchan and John Abraham in the lead roles. On the professional front, Divya received widespread appreciation for her work in the recently released web series ‘Chiraiya’. (IANS)

Javier Bardem says Hollywood is finally speaking up for Palestine

Spanish actor Javier Bardem, who is known for his work in ‘No Country for Old Men’, feels that more people in Hollywood are speaking up for Palestine in Hollywood. The actor attended the ongoing edition of the prestigious Cannes Film Festival, and said that “everyone is beginning to realise, this is unacceptable”, reports ‘Variety’. The Oscar-winning actor, who is at Cannes with his latest film ‘The Beloved’, was asked immediately if he has any fear of suffering consequences in his career for denouncing the war in Gaza. As per ‘Variety’, the actor has been one of the most outspoken actors on the topic, taking the opportunity at the Oscars to say “Free Palestine” while presenting the award for best international feature film. (IANS)