Entertainment

Entertainment Following Ed Sheeran’s debut concert in January 2025, artists like South Korea’s Cotoba, Japan’s Paranoid Void and India’s Parikrama will perform alongside local acts on Dec. 19 and 20 New Delhi rock veterans Parikrama. Photo: Yeashu Yuvraj When Ed Sheeran played in Thimphu, the capital of Bhutan in January 2025 as part of his world tour (which also stopped by India), it was hailed as historic, with the “Shape of You” hitmaker claiming he was the first-ever international artist to play in the country. Now, to close off the year, there’s another ambitious gathering, Asia Rock Fest, which is being hailed the first music festival for rock in Bhutan. Taking place on Dec. 19 and 20, 2025, at Woochu Sports Arena in the city of Paro, the festival will bring in the likes of New Delhi rock veterans Parikrama, South Korean math-rock band Cotoba, Japan’s genre-bending trio Paranoid Void, Thailand rock band Poomjit, and local bands like North H, The Crossroad, Jimi N The Velvet, and more. That’s a total of 12 bands across two days, in a festival that’s funded by Bhutan’s Department of Media, Creative Industry & Intellectual Property and organized by North H’s Rock Hard Studio. The band’s vocalist-guitarist, Ugyen Tenzin, who is also one of the organizers, tells Rolling Stone India that Bhutan’s live music scene has been “improving” over the last couple of years, looking beyond just occasionally hosting Indian artists like Lucky Ali and cultural festivals in the country.   The catalyst, according to Tenzin, has also been seeing bands perform regularly within Bhutan, but not always sensing if they can grow beyond a certain level. “We wanted to give them a platform that would be world-class and alongside big bands, with a professional sound setup,” he says. The Bhutanese bands — which also include Paktso Boiz, Backbeads, The Crossroad, Maybe Paranoid, The Revolution, and the Sangay Lhaden Band to round out the Asia Rock Fest lineup — were selected through an audition that featured 15 bands. “They had to be really good and creative with their original songs. They had to be tight, and we looked into things like showmanship as well when choosing these bands,” Tenzin says about the criteria. In addition to dexterous music from Cotoba and Paranoid Void, Tenzin is particularly excited for Parikrama, who will close Asia Rock Festival 2025 on Dec. 20.  “It’s also huge for artists [in Bhutan] to watch them live and meet them and learn a few things from them,” he says. Like music festivals in Northeast India, Asia Rock Fest is starting strong with support from the government. Tenzin is frank when he says the festival would not have existed without government support. “Rock is not that big commercially, so no private firm would want to invest in such a festival, where premium bands come from outside,” he admits. Aiming to draw Indian and Bhutanese audiences alike, Tenzin says Asia Rock Fest will be an annual event, although the call might be based on the reception for the debut edition later this month. He adds, “We want to set up a platform that’s international level, something that’s not been done before in Bhutan. We’ll keep improving on it, and eventually we want to make it one of the biggest rock festivals in Asia. We’re hoping a lot of people come to witness something that’s never been done before.” Find more details, ticket information, and packages for Asia Rock Fest 2025 here. Read More

Entertainment The São Paulo–born DJ, who accidentally created the “Frap” subgenre, will perform at Lollapalooza India on Jan. 24, 2026. Brazilian “Frap” DJ MU540//Caíque Tavares When São Paulo-based DJ MU540 got the news about his India debut at Lollapalooza 2026, he kept it pretty close to his chest at first. “I was extremely happy, but I didn’t tell anyone until the official announcement came out,” he tells Rolling Stone India. “Then, when everyone saw it, they were all happy for me too. It’s already a huge honor to participate in Lolla here in Brazil. But to be able to represent Brazil at Lolla India? It’s literally expanding my horizons.”  MU540 (pronounced “MUZAO”) combines Brazilian funk music with genres as far and wide as trap, grime and house. Speaking about these influences, MU540 says, “Since I was little, I’ve enjoyed listening to different types of music and understanding the music scene in each place. This allows me to understand what people are listening to in other countries. I like to research these styles and mix them with funk, to see how our vocals sound on beats that are different from the norm.”  Photo: Courtesy of Caíque Tavares Despite this musical curiosity, playing with Baile funk like this is not something MU540 takes lightly, and the magnitude of bringing a kind of music so influenced by the Brazilian favelas to other countries is not lost on him. “Taking my music so far and connecting with a new audience shows how special favela music is, and I know that I represent an entire community when I become one of the leading exponents of electronic music and Brazilian funk. In my research, there is a diverse selection of Brazilian music and producers from all over Brazil that I really like.”  MU540’s musical mélange comes from humble beginnings — particularly FruityLoops and a late 2000s club pop classic. “I started producing at age 14, making some remakes, like Boom Boom Pow by the Black Eyed Peas.”, explains MU540. “That’s when I began to better understand how the program I was using — FL Studio — worked, exploring timbres, beats and effects. Since then, it has become my main ally in production.”  From there, MU540 hit the ground running with his 2018 debut album Musica Popular Favelada, Vol. 1, before steadily building up his buzz through numerous EPs, singles and collaborations with fellow Brazilian artists like hip-hop duo Tasha & Tracie and grime artist Fleezus. After creating a fan-favorite track in 2023’s “O Fantastico Mundo de Oakley”, MU540 topped Spotify’s viral chart with the summer jam “Botano” from his 2024 EP 4×4.  MU540’s latest dance-floor igniter is Dois Quebrada Inteligente — an EP with rapper Kyan and a sequel to their earlier project UM Quebrada Inteligente, a scrapbook of their global explorations and a testament to their friendship. “We wanted to include a lot of our experiences traveling abroad, showing how we got to know the world through our work, something that came about through our friendship, because we are from the same place (the Baixada Santista area of Sao Paulo) and like the same things.”  Photo: Courtesy of Caíque Tavares In fact, several publications credit MU540 and Kyan with creating a whole new subgenre known as “Frap” (funk + trap), but MU540 assures us that it’s not as serious as it seems. “The Frap thing was just Kyan and I messing around, because we didn’t know how to classify the song, since it had turned out so well. That day, we joked around and ended up nicknaming it ‘Frap 01’. It was just us having fun!”  For now, MU540 is really excited to visit India, revealing that it is a country that has always sparked his curiosity. “When we think of incredible destinations to visit, India immediately comes to mind because it’s a country that is very rich culturally, full of colors and traditions. I’ve heard some Indian music and really liked it, but now I can’t even remember the names of the songs.”  Photo: Courtesy of Caíque Tavares As Lollapalooza inches closer and Indian music fans wait to see him in action, MU540 looks forward to doing some cross-cultural analysis through his upcoming performance. “I want to do some research and see if Indians will understand us through the beats — if they won’t sound strange to them. When I listen to some Indian music, I can hear similarities with certain funk rhythms here, and that makes me very curious. I think Indians have a very advanced rhythmic awareness, and I’m sure they’ll pick up on the Brazilian rhythm.”  Read More

Entertainment It’s no surprise that many people associate South Korea primarily with their prolific K-Idol culture. And why wouldn’t they? The country is revered for its versatile cultural exports, ranging from K-pop to K-dramas. However, back in the Nineties, while Seo Taiji and Boys were laying the foundation for the K-pop landscape we’re familiar with today, an alternative movement was emerging beyond the mainstage in Hongdae, South Korea. A countercultural epicenter, it wasn’t just home to artistic renegades from the streets of Hongdae, but also to Drug, the live music club that became the mecca of Korean rock and indie music history. Here, young Koreans were carving their own, unsanitized sound, one that carried resistance against the wave of conservative culture in the country. Consequently, in 1995, a band by the name of Crying Nut made its debut at the very same venue, forever altering the course of Korean punk music, also known as “Chosun Punk,” forever. Second-generation bands like No Brain and RUX also became poignant voices in the underground scene. But, owing to the gradual gentrification, the subcultural hub was dampened. Nevertheless, the new wave of Korean alt acts is now carrying the baton, be it by performing at local music festivals like Zandari Fiesta by Hongik University, Seoul, or revered global ones like Rebellion Festival in the UK. By adding a modern spin to the long-standing movement, these artists are making their own rules along the way. From hardcore punk to broody shoegaze, Rolling Stone India spotlights indie Korean alt acts that are headbanger-worthy.  Cultgazer: “Mido” Deftones-esque and ambient, “Mido,” the debut track of  South Korean independent collective Cultgazer, sounds like a hypnagogic loop, with feathery vocals floating over reverb-drenched, distorted riffs. Made in a basement studio in Dobong-bu, the song is a by-product of the band shuttling between cramped spaces and school rehearsals. The track sounds intentionally delayed, allowing the listener to savor the dissonance in their own time. Framed in Wong Kar-Wai cinematography with a teal and green dreamscape palette, the music video adds a futuristic dimension to their alt-rock-band-next-door vibe. As a band, Cultgazer is an exercise in DIY ethos; no fancy lyrics, equipment, or video — just a couple of friends, who met at a university freshman party,  chasing the fleeting facets of identity through their music. PCR: “Pessoa” “Pessoa” by PCR is purposeful with its cacophony. A lovechild of 2HOLLIS’s underground aesthetic, 2000s indie-sleaze Hedi Slimane-coded outfits, and Joji’s distorted instrumentals, the analogue, home-movie-esque music video, which was shot on an iPhone, mirrors the maximalist editing style of Japanese-American filmmaker Justin Kaminuma. Interlaced with deconstructive chaos, the genre-bending track is as intriguing as it is discordant. A Seoul-based art punk collective, PCR’s provocative ethos starts right with their name, which is an abbreviation for the Korean syllables of “Pachung-ryu,” or reptilian creature. The members Hwang Young-won (drummer), Lee Min-jae (guitarist), and Kim Ki-min (vocalist) were all part of different bands and came together for the sole love of creating a wave of “genreless music.” Wah Wah Wah: “Dirty” With barely any lyrics, the seven-minute track “Dirty” by Wah Wah Wah manages to hold your attention. Fit for the soundtrack of an Eighties coming-of-age film, it also throws you off with its instrumental choices. Who would have thought that the most punk-rock thing would be a lengthy flute solo? However, that is just a ploy for what comes next — a high-octane segment fit for the dance floor. Giving pure older-brother-jamming-in-the-garage energy, Wah Wah Wah is a South Korean quartet known for its authentic sound and immersive live experiences. Its members have previously led iconic Korean rock bands such as Silica Gel and DTSQ. Melding 1960s animated liquid psychedelic visuals with their characteristic garage-rock songs, the band offers an unmatched experience to its niche audience.  Rumkicks: “Fuck You” Female punk trio Rumkicks looks like they popped straight out of an Ai Yazawa manga. Their track, “Fuck You,” is a flippant feminist anthem. With a high-voltage tempo and raging guitar solo, the song carries a simple message of resistance. With lyrics, such as “but I don’t have to nod my head even when I disagree”// “I don’t have to be beautiful”// “I don’t have to be in good shape” the song refuses to bow down to partiarchal ideals of femininity, cementing it with the looping chorus “Fuck you I won’t do.” Sporting mohawks, liberty spikes, kilted skirts, studded collars, and smudged eyeliner, the band not only raises a middle finger to claustrophobic Korean beauty standards but also amplifies female voices in punk through their own discography. 18Fevers: “Never Fall” Channelling the angst levels of Meteora by Linkin Park, “Never Fall” by 18Fevers is unfailingly gritty. With ragged vocals complementing a wicked bassline, the song is a collage of contradictions. The verses, such as “When everyone wants us to fail”// “Everything tries to bring me down,” mirror a charged, anti-establishment sentiment, one that is predominantly provocative. Carving out a sound that the band calls “death-punk-disco,” the Seoul-based band creates confrontational genre-bending tracks that carry the essence of Eighties hardcore punk, metal, pop punk, and more.  Cherryfilter: “Sweet Little Kitty” Infused with nostalgia, “Sweet Little Kitty” is like a dash of euphoria. Amid its hardcore counterparts, the track is pop-forward, with lead vocalist Chou Youjeen’s signature spunky voice taking charge. Cherryfilter was one of the original “Chosun Punk” bands that emerged out of the Hongdae underground club scene in the Nineties. The band’s eclectic riffs, pop arrangements, and dynamic vocals instill a sense of hope, leaving the listener wanting more. Idiots: “Pureunae” Ever seen a punk band where a member plays with a plushie charm attached to her guitar? Unapologetically whimsical,  “Pureunae” by Idiots cuts through the noise with their refreshing, mellow sound, allowing you to take those momentary pauses without guilt. The Seoul-based quartet, which met through university jam sessions, melds the best of both worlds, combining refreshing audiovisual alternative elements with their signature playful aesthetics. With illustrated, Studio Ghibli-esque album covers and slice-of-life music videos,

Entertainment Mark WahlbergThe Hollywood Reporter Updated on :  02 Dec 2025, 6:20 pm Mark Wahlberg is set to star in The Operator, a new film that has been acquired by Netflix. Harrison Query, who wrote for Heads of State among other things, is writing The Operator. While a director hasn’t been announced for The Operator, Wahlberg is set to produce the film along with Scott Glassgold, Alex Heineman, Stephen Levinson, and Andrew Rona. Query will serve as an executive producer. The Picture Company, Municipal Pictures, and 12:01 Films are the banners backing the film. According to Deadline, the story of the film follows a former Special Forces soldier (Mark Wahlberg), who works as a clean-up professional for USA’s Central Intelligence Agency (CIA). When he is tasked to secure a target that he loathes the most, the mission turns into a quest for survival. Query has also created Trigger Point, for Netflix, which follows the story of former Special Forces soldiers who become contractors for the criminal underworld, until an FBI agent starts to pursue them. Joel Edgerton headlines the series. Wahlberg, who was recently seen in The Family Plan 2, has the crime thriller, By Any Means, in his pipeline. Read More

Entertainment Nicholas Hoult (L) and Daisy-Edgar Jones (R) Updated on :  02 Dec 2025, 6:02 pm Nicholas Hoult and Daisy Edgar-Jones are set to headline Mosquito, a new series from Tony McNamara, the writer of Poor Things (2024). The series has received a straight-to-series order for six episodes, reported Deadline. Mosquito will be based on an original script by McNamara, who serves as an executive producer alongside Hoult, Edgar-Jones, Marian Macgowan, Daniel Pipski, and Tracy Underwood. Piggy Ate Roast Beef Productions, Hustle and Punch, and 20th Television are backing the series along with Hulu. The story of the series follows Ed (Nicholas Hoult) and Kate (Daisy Edgar-Jones) whose secrets begin to unravel as a mosquito sparks an intrusion into their lives. Mosquito is reuniting McNamara and Hoult after The Great, which McNamara created and Hoult headlined. Hoult, who was seen as Lex Luthor in James Gunn’s Superman (2025), will be seen in David Leitch’s How to Rob a Bank alongside Zoe Kravitz. Meanwhile, Edgar-Jones will be seen an adaptation of Jane Austen’s Sense and Sensibility. Read More

Entertainment Director Vijayanand, whose upcoming film Super Hit marks Gilli Nata’s debut as a lead, says, “While audiences are enjoying Gilli Nata inside the Bigg Boss house, he is set to create an equal buzz on the big screen as well.” He adds, “The idea was to create a film that’s fast, funny, and keeps you guessing every ten minutes.” The recently released teaser positions Super Hit as a comedy-thriller, blending sharp comedic beats with twists. The film has Gilli, sharing screen space with Gaurav Shetty and Shwetha.Vijayanand, brother of noted writer-director Nagendra Prasad, explains, “Comedy drives the story, but it’s layered with suspense to keep it commercial and engaging. We wanted the audience to laugh, but also to stay hooked.” The ensemble cast also includes Nagendra Prasad, Dragon Manju, Sadhu Kokila, and Seenu Bhai. Interestingly, the title Super Hit stems from producer G Umesh’s personal aspiration. “He always wanted to make a film that lives up to its name. The story and the title just clicked.” the director reveals. Read More

Entertainment Sudheer Anand and Divyabharathi in GOAT Updated on :  02 Dec 2025, 4:59 pm The official trailer of upcoming film GOAT was unveiled at a grand ceremony in Hyderabad on Tuesday. The upcoming film stars Sudheer Anand and Divyabharathi. The GOAT teaser establishes the madcap universe for its narrative, and its quirky protagonists. Sudheer plays a small-time goon who, alongwith his bunch of friends, conspires with an to-be-married young woman who asks them to kidnap her for a huge ransom amount from her family. However, he soon realises that the tables have turned — as the hostage turns out to be a feisty one, often calling the shots and dominating the situation.  GOAT promises to be a wacky comedy, with plenty of chaos and confusion. Brahmaji and Nithin Prasanna among others comprise the ensemble cast. Leon James is the music director for the film. The cinematography is co-helmed by Rasool Ellore and Sunny Korapati. Vijay M is the editor, Eshwar Master is the choreographer, and Srihitha Kotagiri is the costume designer. Production design is by Rajeev Nair.  The film is produced by Mogulla Chandrashekar under the banner of Jaishnav Productions, while Ravinder Reddy N is the co-producer. A release window for GOAT is yet to be announced. GOAT was recently also in news after Divyabharathi called out her director for misbehaviour, and also criticised her co-star Sudheer for being a silent accomplice. Resultantly, the makers of the film have decided to do away with the director’s credits in the list. Sudheer too was not present at the teaser launch ceremony, signalling a clear rift between him and the makers. Read More

Entertainment Updated on :  02 Dec 2025, 4:57 pm The team behind Kounteya is progressing through its Mysuru schedule with a steady pace, having completed nearly 70 percent of the shoot. While the film features Achyuth Kumar and Manoranjan in the lead roles, it has garnered attention for its unique casting choice: Ravichandran’s son, Manoranjan, is taking on a negative role for the first time in his career. Director BK Chandradas describes Kounteya as a murder mystery. The title of the film, ‘Kounteya,’ translates to ‘the son of Kunti’. While the title suggests one narrative thread, the film’s main tension revolves around an investigation that navigates an emotional space. The director emphasises that the film is not a typical thriller. Instead, it presents controlled unpredictability that keeps viewers engaged with a steady rhythm. The makers have kept details regarding Manoranjan’s character under tight wraps, in order to maintain the mystery. Chandradas reveals that the actor embraced the darker arc and approached the role with a subtle shift in body language. He further assures that Manoranjan’s performance will be the most talked about aspect of the film. A still from Kounteya Achyuth Kumar portrays a positive character, although his tone differs from his usual roles. Sharanya Shetty plays his daughter, bringing a grounded energy to her role. This film also marks Ananya Rajasekhar’s first appearance as a lead actor, who is paired with Manoranjan. On the other hand, Priyanka Thimmesh takes on the role of an ACP for the first time. Produced by Suresh Kumar under the Sri Mankali Pictures banner, Kounteya has cinematography by PL Ravi. Read More

Entertainment Home»News»Saurabh Sachdeva on his Malayalam film Eko: ‘It has shifted something in me as an artiste, a new courage’» Saurabh Sachdeva, who has featured in blockbuster Bollywood movies such as the Ranbir Kapoor-led Animal, made his Malayalam debut with Eko. His performance as the mysterious Kuriachan in the Dinjith Ayyathan directorial is winning much appreciation. And the actor is immensely grateful for the opportunity and the reception that the Malayalam film has been receiving, Saurabh said in an emotional note on Instagram. Entertainment Saurabh Sachdeva on Eko The 2025 Malayalam Eko, starring Sandeep Pradeep as Peeyoos and actor Saurabh Sachdeva as Kuriachan, is continuing its stellar run at the cinemas and even recently had its Mumbai premiere. Stating that his film has travelled far beyond language, Sachdeva said that the way it has been embraced by audiences has moved him more than words can say. “Becoming Kuriachan in the final chapter of Bahul Ramesh’s Animal Trilogy has quietly shifted something within me as an artist – a new rhythm, a new gaze, a new courage,” Saurabh penned on social media. He also thanked the director Dinjith, writer-DOP Bahul Ramesh, and the rest of the crew for ‘carrying him through a new language with so much love’. Saurabh plays Kuriachan, a dog trainer/breeder, who remains mysterious throughout the film Eko, and we get a little understanding of his real motives and actions. Talking about his character, Saurabh had earlier said, “The audience has to interpret the character themselves because he is mystic and intriguing.” Refusing to term a character as black or white, he explained that each has flaws and strengths rooted in their past and that he tries to empathize with that character. Allu Arjun’s Pushpa 2: The Rule, Baaghi 4 and Dhadak 2 are some of his other films. What’s the plot of Eko An isolated house atop a hill, which is guarded by a pack of dogs trained by Kuriachan, is at the centre of the film. Kuriachan is said to be missing with the cops and past friends-turned-foes trying to track him down. Sandeep Pradeep stars as Peeyoos who takes care of Kuriachan’s wife Mlaathi Chedathi, a Malaysian woman. FAQs Q. Is Eko a trilogy? A.Eko is the third instalment in writer-DOP Bahul Ramesh’s Animal Trilogy, after the film Kishkindha Kaandam, starring Asif Ali, and the series Kerala Crime Files Season 2. Q. Who are the actors in Eko? A. Young Malayalam actor Sandeep Pradeep leads Eko, along with senior actors Vineeth, Narain, Binu Pappu, Saurabh Sachdeva and Ashokan in other key roles. Read More

Entertainment Home»News»Akhanda 2: Cast, budget, plot, runtime, remunerations and OTT platform, all you need to know about Balakrishna starrer» Akhanda 2 is all set to hit the screens on December 5, 2025, and there is a decent buzz for the film as director Boyapati Sreenu and Balakrishna have teamed up for the fourth time in their careers. The film is a sequel to Balayya’s Akhanda and has the same team returning with bigger action in the sequel. Cast Nandamuri Balakrishna is seen in dual roles, and Pragya Jaiswal is the heroine. Samyuktha Menon also plays a female lead, and this is the first time she is doing such a big-budget film. Shama Khasim plays a key character in this film, which has music by Thaman. The ace composer, known for his thumping BGM in Akhanda, says that speakers in single screens might get damaged due to the high-voltage score he has created for the sequel. Plot Balakrishna played a dual role in Akhanda, and one of the characters, an Aghora, returns to his village to save his family. In the sequel, the hero’s family faces even bigger problems, and how the Aghora comes back again to handle these challenges is the basic story of the film. Nandamuri Balakrishna in Akhanda 2 Thaandavam Budget Like the first part, Akhanda was made on a decent budget and became a smash hit. The makers at 14 Reels Plus have spent a huge amount on the sequel. As per the makers’ update, Akhanda 2 has been made on a massive budget of Rs 200 crore. A significant portion of the budget went toward remunerations. Star Remunerations Nandamuri Balakrishna, who has delivered four back-to-back hits, charged a massive fee for the sequel. He was paid a whopping Rs 72 crore. On the other hand, director Boyapati Sreenu is not far behind, as he charged Rs 45 crore to direct the film. Nandamuri Balakrishna in Akhanda 2 Thaandavam OTT Platform Akhanda 2’s OTT rights are with Netflix, and the streaming giant has spent a bomb to acquire them. The makers have locked a solid deal and recovered a major chunk of the budget through post-release rights, as per reports. Netflix will stream Akhanda 2 in the first week of January 2026. Runtime and Censor Details Akhanda 2 has passed the censor board with a U/A certificate and has locked a lengthy runtime of two hours and 45 minutes. In all the events held so far, Balakrishna has revealed that the film is mainly about saving Sanatana Dharma in his trademark style. A lot of money is riding on the film, and a blockbuster verdict is crucial for the makers to stay safe. Let’s see what happens. FAQs Q. When is Akhanda 2 releasing? A. Akhanda 2 hits the screens on December 5, 2025. Q. Where to stream Akhanda, the first part on OTT? A. You can stream Akhanda on Jio Hotstar via OTTplay Premium here Q. Who is the heroine in Akhanda 2? A. The film has Pragya Jaiswal as the heroine Q. Where to stream Akhanda 2 on OTT? A. You can stream the film on Netflix after the film is done in theaters. Read More