Entertainment
India’s most expensive cinematic production—a mega-budget retelling of the beloved Hindu epic Ramayana—has divided film critics and cultural purists even as it draws packed crowds across theatres. While audiences have celebrated its ambitious visual scale and star-studded lineup, the film faces sharp pushback over colloquial language, creative departures from classical texts, and an over-reliance on visual effects at the expense of emotional depth.
Five-time Ballon d’Or winner Cristiano Ronaldo has announced his retirement from international football after an extraordinary 23-year journey with Portugal. Signing off as the sport’s all-time record goalscorer with 146 goals in 234 caps, the Euro 2016 champion confirmed in an emotional address that he is ‘handing back the number 7 shirt,’ prompting the Portuguese Football Federation to announce a special nationwide tribute to celebrate his historic career.
Celebrated British actor Sir Patrick Stewart has passed away at the age of 86. Rising from a childhood marked by domestic hardship and going completely bald by age 19, Stewart built a formidable career with the Royal Shakespeare Company before capturing global stardom as Captain Jean-Luc Picard in Star Trek and Professor X in the X-Men franchise. Knighted in 2010, the Yorkshire-born legend proved that classical discipline and character can redefine modern popular culture.
For the third consecutive time, the world’s biggest football
stage will not feature its most decorated protagonist. Italy, the four-time world champion, has
failed to qualify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, a sporting tragedy that has now transitioned from
a shock to a haunting trend.
In a strong and unambiguous statement, FIFA President Gianni Infantino has reaffirmed that Iran will participate in the 2026 FIFA World Cup, despite rising geopolitical tensions and security concerns.Infantino’s remarks come at a time when uncertainty loomed over Iran’s participation due to ongoing conflicts involving the United States and its allies.
From 200 to 140 is a sharp dip. Ajinkya Rahane losing momentum was one of the reasons why Kolkata Knight Riders lost the game.
In a significant blow to the Chennai Super Kings (CSK) and millions of “Yellow Army” fans, legendary wicketkeeper-batsman MS Dhoni is set to miss the initial stages of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 season.
India’s multi-format captain and Gujarat Titans leader, Shubman Gill, has voiced strong opposition to the IPL’s Impact Player rule, joining a growing list of high-profile critics including Rohit Sharma and Hardik Pandya. Gill argues that the rule, which allows mid-match substitutions, undermines the fundamental 11-player nature of cricket and reduces the tactical challenge of rebuilding an innings after early wickets. As the BCCI considers extending the rule through 2027, Gill insists that removing the “extra” player is essential to preserving the core skills of the sport.
A consortium comprising Aditya Birla Group, The Times of India Group, Bolt Ventures (David Blitzer) and a Blackstone fund has acquired Royal Challengers Bangalore, one of the most valued franchises in the Indian Premier League, for $1.8 billion, setting surging valuation benchmarks for T20 cricket franchises in India’s most watched cricket tournament.
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