Filmmaker Vivek Agnihotri has staunchly defended his upcoming film The Bengal Files, describing it as a portrayal of the “Bengal genocide” rather than propaganda. In an interview with News18, he emphasized, *"I am as much Bengali as anyone else and I will fight for this truth to be known"*. Agnihotri alleges political pressure disrupted the trailer launch—first with a multiplex backing out, then by unidentified individuals cutting wires at the hotel event, which led to the screening being halted twice before eventually succeeding. (PC: News 18)

Bollywood actress Shilpa Shetty and her husband, businessman Raj Kundra, have been booked by Mumbai's Economic Offences Wing (EOW) in connection with a ₹60.4 crore cheating case. The complaint, filed by businessman Deepak Kothari, alleges that between 2015 and 2023, the couple misappropriated funds intended for business expansion of their now-defunct company, Best Deal TV Pvt Ltd. Kothari claims that the funds, initially presented as a loan, were later reclassified as an investment without proper disclosure, leading to financial misconduct. The couple has denied the allegations, describing the transaction as an old business deal without criminal intent. The EOW is currently investigating the matter. (PC: Wikimedia Commons)

Rajinikanth makes a powerful comeback in Lokesh Kanagaraj’s Coolie, showcasing his signature swag, cigarette flips, and sharp walks that fans adore. The action-packed Tamil film also stars Nagarjuna as Simon, delivering a strong antagonist performance that matches Rajini’s energy. Soubin Shahir surprises as the dark, psychotic Dayal, while Shruti Haasan adds charm and emotional depth to the story. The screenplay keeps viewers engaged with exciting plot twists, though somewhat predictable. The climax features an unexpected cameo by Aamir Khan. Coolie is a must-watch for fans, offering high-octane action and a full display of Rajinikanth’s charisma. (PC: X)

In a rare show of fanfare, multiple companies in Singapore and India have announced paid holidays for employees to catch the first-day screening of Rajinikanth’s much-anticipated film Coolie, debuting on August 14, 2025. Singapore's Farmer Constructions PTE Ltd is offering Tamil workers a paid day off along with first-day-first-show tickets and SGD 30 for food and beverages, citing it as part of "workers welfare and stress management." Another Singapore company, SB MART, will shut operations from 7:00 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. In India, a Madurai-based firm is granting holiday plus free tickets, celebrating the superstar’s 50-year cinematic legacy. (PC: India Today)

The August 15 Independence Day “Maha Utsav” special of Kaun Banega Crorepati 17 airs at 9 PM on Sony Entertainment Television and Sony LIV. Hosted by Amitabh Bachchan, the episode features three distinguished Indian Armed Forces women officers—Colonel Sofiya Qureshi, Wing Commander Vyomika Singh, and Lieutenant Commander Prerna Deosthalee—who played pivotal roles in Operation Sindoor, a May 7 precision strike launched in response to the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack . Promo clips reveal powerful insights: Colonel Qureshi said the operation was necessary because “Pakistan had been doing this,” Wing Commander Singh shared it concluded in just 25 minutes, and Commander Prerna noted civilians remained unharmed . The episode blends patriotic storytelling, inspiring reflections on mission strategy and teamwork, and extensive praise for India’s women in uniform. 

A Madurai-based company, Uno Aqua Care, has gone all out for the release of Rajinikanth’s “Coolie” by declaring a paid holiday on August 14, 2025 specifically so employees can enjoy the film’s premiere—no more fake sick leaves needed . The company also gifted free movie tickets to all staff and is marking “50 years of Rajinism” with charitable events such as donating food to orphanages and old-age homes, distributing sweets, and encouraging fans not to support piracy . This unique gesture captures the immense craze surrounding the superstar’s return to the big screen. (PC: Instagram)

Bollywood actors Janhvi Kapoor and Varun Dhawan have publicly opposed the Supreme Court’s order to remove all stray dogs from Delhi-NCR streets within eight weeks. Both stars reposted a viral petition on Instagram, calling the move cruel and inhumane. The petition described stray dogs as “heartbeats” of the city, not a menace, and advocated for sterilization, vaccination, and adoption instead of confinement. Raveena Tandon blamed local authorities for failing to implement preventive drives, while Vir Das and Siddharth Anand urged compassion and community action. The court’s directive mandates permanent sheltering and warns of contempt action against obstruction. Celebrities and activists argue the order risks mass suffering and erases an entire voiceless community. (PC: Instagram)

Taylor Swift has revealed her 12th studio album, The Life of a Showgirl, following 24 hours of intense fan speculation. Hints began with 12 cryptic photos posted by her team, sparking online theories. The announcement came via boyfriend Travis Kelce’s New Heights podcast, alongside pre-orders on Swift’s official website. While the release date remains unconfirmed, orders will ship before 13 October. This follows a milestone year for Swift, who regained the rights to her first six albums and completed her record-breaking Eras tour, which generated £1bn for the UK economy. Swift remains the most awarded artist in MTV VMA history. (PC: BBC)

Ahead of its August 14 release, Rajinikanth’s Coolie is already drawing glowing praise from early viewers, with fans calling it his best performance since Kabali (2016). A private screening saw netizens lauding Nagarjuna as the film’s “backbone” and Aamir Khan’s extended cameo for “turning the theatre into a stadium.” Directed by Lokesh Kanagaraj, the high-octane action entertainer will clash with War 2 at the box office. Advance bookings have crossed $2 million globally, including $1.3 million from North America. Special early screenings are planned in Kerala, Karnataka, the UK, and Dubai, while Tamil Nadu will open shows from 9 am due to regulations. (PC: X)

Sholay, the iconic Bollywood film that initially flopped but became a cultural phenomenon has marked its 50th anniversary recently. Released on August 15, 1975, Sholay was a cinematic gamble with Rs 3 crore budget, India’s first 70mm format, stereophonic sound, and a star-studded cast. Despite its grandeur, critics panned it and audiences were silent on opening day. Trade papers called it a disaster. Yet, writers Salim-Javed boldly advertised its potential, and word-of-mouth revived it. Gabbar Singh, Jai-Veeru, and Thakur became legends. Today, Sholay is hailed as a timeless masterpiece, with its restored version set for a world premiere in Italy, reaffirming its place in cinematic history. (PC: Prime Video)