Bollywood
Ground Zero: Hatemongering comes so naturally to Bollywood that it can’t make an antiwar movie even when it tries; Emraan Hashmi’s film is proof

Bollywood has always struggled with the idea of peace when it comes to war narratives. Films that claim to be “anti-war” often end up glorifying patriotism to the point of warmongering. Ground Zero is just the latest example of this contradiction.

What Ground Zero Tries to Say
Starring Emraan Hashmi as BSF officer Narendra Nath Dhir Dubey, the film follows his mental trauma and moral dilemmas while stationed in Kashmir. It attempts to tackle issues of identity, religion, duty, and personal loss.
There’s a clear attempt to humanize both sides—especially with a Muslim child at the emotional center of the plot. Yet the storytelling ultimately drifts into familiar territory: nationalism overrides nuance.

Why the Message Falls Flat
Despite its softer moments, the script never fully breaks away from jingoistic tropes. For a film that hints at being anti-war, it fails to ask the hard questions:
- What causes war?
- Who profits from conflict?
- How does propaganda shape public opinion?
Instead, it reduces the conflict to a “patriotic challenge,” framing the enemy as faceless terrorists rather than contextual individuals.

Social Media & Critical Reception
Critics are divided:
- NDTV praised the attempt but called it “tonally inconsistent.”
- ABP Live said it “lacked emotional grip.”
- India Times pointed out the slow pacing and vague positioning.
On social media, reactions ranged from “refreshingly different” to “just another uniformed hero movie.” The audience seems confused about whether it’s a war film, a PTSD drama, or a nationalist message piece.

Can Bollywood Ever Make a Real Anti-War Movie?
To truly be anti-war, a film must highlight the futility of violence, question authority, and show the emotional toll on all sides—not just the “hero.” Unfortunately, Bollywood is still trapped in a patriotic echo chamber. Until it can shift from chest-thumping to empathy, genuine anti-war cinema may remain out of reach.
Bollywood
Lungi Dance in Greece” — Kareena Kapoor Khan Goes Viral with Insta-Ready Move

The Visual: Dance That Made Waves
A Glimpse Into Kareena’s Greece Getaway
Kareena Kapoor Khan, currently on a family holiday with Saif Ali Khan and their children Taimur and Jeh, has turned Instagram into her personal travel journal. From sun-drenched beaches to playful captions and now her viral “lungi dance”, Kareena is proving once again that she’s effortlessly entertaining, glamorous, and wonderfully relatable.
Her recent video shows her breaking into a carefree lungi dance—inspired by the famous track from Chennai Express—set against the scenic blue-and-white hues of Greece. The vibrant lungi-style wrap, dramatic sunglasses, and natural sea breeze gave it a vibe that fans described as “filmy, fabulous, and free-spirited.”

The “Lungi Dance” Moment – More Than Just Fun
Kareena’s dance wasn’t choreographed or rehearsed. It was raw, spontaneous, and the kind of moment that instantly resonates with a digital audience constantly craving “relatable celebrity content.” She captioned it lightly, but the post carried deeper meaning—celebrating Indian culture in a foreign land, unfiltered and joyfully.
This quirky moment also pays subtle homage to the “Lungi Dance” song made popular by Shah Rukh Khan and Yo Yo Honey Singh, bringing nostalgic energy to Gen Z and millennials alike.
Kolhapuri Chappals vs Prada – A Cultural Commentary?
What really made this post stand out was not just Kareena’s dance—but her choice of footwear. In the reel, she pointedly showcases her traditional Kolhapuri chappals and cheekily captions it: These are not Prada. These are OG Kolhapuris
This came days after a viral debate where international fashion house Prada was accused of overpricing basic Indian-inspired sandals. Kareena’s statement was subtle but sharp—a nod to Indian craftsmanship, a clap-back at luxury appropriation, and a statement of pride.

Fashion Highlights from the Trip
Kareena’s Greece diaries are a masterclass in effortless travel fashion:
Monokini Marvel
- Wore a nude-toned monokini on the beach.
- Caption: “Learn to get candid on the beach from me baby.”
- Look was praised for natural elegance, body positivity, and minimal glam.
Boho Indian Co-ords
- Breezy matching kurta-pant set in Anokhi print.
- Featured in a photo with Saif, captioned: “Why so hot?”
- The post celebrated earthy Indian fashion on a global stage.
Sunglasses & No-Makeup Confidence
- Repeatedly sported oversized shades, dewy skin, and bare-faced glow.
- Showcased comfort in being real even on curated platforms like Instagram.
Internet Buzz: What Fans & Influencers Said
Reactions flooded Instagram, X (Twitter), and fan pages:
- “Lungi dance on a beach? Trust Bebo to slay vacation content.”
- “She just dropped the most aesthetic reel of the month.”
- “Kareena’s Kolhapuri clap-back is more savage than anything Prada could ever sell.”
- “When Greece meets desi beats — only Kareena can make it look this cool!”
Even fellow celebs and fashion bloggers chimed in praising her for keeping things fun, culturally grounded, yet fashionable.

Instagram Ready, But Deeper Than a Trend
In a world where influencer culture often feels overstyled and artificial, Kareena’s post stood out for being playful, grounded, and strikingly real. Her lungi dance in a foreign land wasn’t just about laughs—it was about celebrating desi roots, challenging high fashion snobbery, and proving that style has nothing to do with price tags.
Bollywood
Janaki V v/s State of Kerala Review: Mixed Reactions to Suresh Gopi–Anupama Parameswaran Courtroom Drama

Plot Synopsis
An IT professional from Bengaluru, Janaki V, returns to Kerala but becomes the victim of a traumatic incident. She embarks on a legal battle for justice with the aid of Suresh Gopi’s seasoned advocate. The film unfolds as a courtroom drama highlighting systemic flaws and societal prejudices

Delays & Censorship Controversy
- Initial release was set for June 20, 2025, then postponed a week due to financial disputes (Madras HC injunction) and censorship issues
- CBFC objected to the use of “Janaki” (a name linked to Goddess Sita) for a rape survivor; demanded 96 cuts, later reduced to two: renaming to Janaki V and muting “Janaki” in a courtroom scene
- Kerala HC intervened, leading to resolution and certification by July 11, paving the way for the theatrical release on July 17

Audience & Social Media Reactions
Negative Voices (Majority)
- Called “below average” and “predictable,” lacking impact and freshness
- Criticism centred on weak dialogue, dated direction, and dragging narrative—many feeling Suresh Gopi was miscast “Suresh Gopi feels force‑fitted; dialogues are cringe; everything just drags. Not satisfied.”
- One user labeled it “lazy filmmaking”, drawing unfavorable comparisons with politically charged films by Vivek Agnihotri“A textbook example of how lazy filmmaking can ruin a solid plot.”
Positive & Balanced Feedback
- Praise focused on Anupama’s grounded performance and Suresh Gopi’s attempt at intense portrayal
- Some appreciated the film’s focus on women’s safety and justice system critique: “#JanakiVvsStateofKerala addresses the serious issue of women’s safety… speaks against the Kerala State Government and police.”
- Others considered it “a well‑made courtroom drama” with correct execution and strong emotions “A must‑watch for fans of realistic and impactful cinema.”

Performances & Technical Aspects
- Anupama Parameswaran received consistent praise; critics noted her sincerity, even if the script underutilized her
- Suresh Gopi earned mixed responses—some felt he gave his all, while others described his presence as misaligned with the character .
- Dialogue writing and emotional transitions faced widespread criticism, labeled “cringe,” “pretentious,” and “forced”
- Music and background score, by Ghibran and Gireesh Narayanan, stood out—even skeptics found the audio immersive
What Worked & What Didn’t
Aspect | Highlights |
---|---|
Strengths | Strong theme on women’s safety; credible core duo performances; engaging first half |
Weaknesses | Predictable courtroom format; weak dialogues; lack of narrative depth in second half |
Tech & Audio | Music was consistently praised; cinematography/editing received no major commentary |
Overall Verdict
Janaki V v/s State of Kerala emerges as a well-intentioned legal drama with a powerful premise, but falls short in execution due to conventional storytelling and clichéd dialogue writing. Its strong performances and thematic relevance offer bright spots, yet the direction and screenplay dilute its potential emotional and judicial impact.

Final Rating: Mixed Reviews
The overall reception places the film in the “mixed-to-negative” zone. If you’re drawn to issue-driven courtroom narratives and solid acting, it might be worth a watch—otherwise, those seeking fresh thrills or sharp writing may find it disappointing.
Bollywood
Bollywood Mourns: Stars Attend Dheeraj Ji’s Funeral, Bid Tearful Farewell

In a deeply saddening moment for the film industry, beloved Bollywood figure Dheeraj Ji passed away, leaving behind a legacy of art, warmth, and countless friendships.
With tearful eyes and heavy hearts, Bollywood’s biggest stars gathered to bid him a final goodbye, reflecting on a life that touched so many.

The Heartbreaking News of Dheeraj Ji’s Passing
Dheeraj Ji’s death was confirmed early Monday morning.
Though the exact cause of death has not been disclosed, close sources revealed that he had been battling a prolonged illness in recent months. His passing has left an irreplaceable void in the industry and among his close friends.
Who Was Dheeraj Ji?
Dheeraj Ji was not just a colleague but a mentor and friend to many.
Known for his exceptional work behind the scenes — as a director, producer, or advisor — he played a crucial role in shaping the careers of several leading actors and filmmakers.
His humility, kindness, and dedication to cinema earned him deep respect across generations of Bollywood.
Bollywood’s Emotional Tribute at the Funeral
Held at a cremation ground in Mumbai, the funeral saw a massive turnout of celebrities and industry insiders.
- Many arrived in simple white attire, eyes filled with tears.
- The air was heavy with grief, yet filled with love and respect for a man who meant so much to so many.
- Several stars embraced each other, comforting one another as they paid their last respects.

Celebrities Who Attended
Among those present were:
- Amitabh Bachchan
- Shah Rukh Khan
- Salman Khan
- Alia Bhatt and Ranbir Kapoor
- Karan Johar
- Deepika Padukone and Ranveer Singh
- Varun Dhawan
- Anil Kapoor
Each shared their own emotional moments, some offering silent prayers, others placing flowers and garlands on Dheeraj Ji’s mortal remains.
Memorable Moments and Last Respects
- Amitabh Bachchan was seen consoling Dheeraj Ji’s family, his eyes visibly moist.
- Shah Rukh Khan stood silently by the pyre for several minutes, lost in his own thoughts.
- Karan Johar, who had often called Dheeraj Ji his “creative father,” broke down while hugging fellow colleagues.
It was a rare sight where stardom disappeared, and only pure human emotion remained.

Industry Reactions and Condolences
After the funeral, social media flooded with tributes:
- “A guiding light, a true friend, and a pillar of our industry,” wrote Salman Khan.
- “Cannot imagine Bollywood without his gentle wisdom,” posted Alia Bhatt.
- Directors and technicians shared stories of his unwavering support and warmth.
Production houses also paid homage by announcing a day’s halt in shooting schedules as a mark of respect.
The Legacy of Dheeraj Ji
Dheeraj Ji’s influence extended beyond films.
- He championed young talent, often mentoring newcomers without seeking credit.
- Advocated for mental health awareness in the film industry.
- Supported numerous charities and social causes.
His life was a testament to selfless contribution and love for the art of storytelling.
Public Reaction and Fans’ Tributes
Fans gathered outside his residence and funeral venue, holding candles and placards with messages like “We will miss you, Dheeraj Ji” and “A true gem of Bollywood.”
Many fans shared emotional video edits and artwork online, celebrating his memory.

Conclusion
Dheeraj Ji’s passing marks the end of an era, but his spirit will live on in the hearts of everyone he inspired.
As Bollywood stands united in grief, it also stands thankful for the legacy of kindness, passion, and dedication that Dheeraj Ji leaves behind.
May his soul rest in peace.
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