cinema
Algeria bans 'Barbie' almost a month after movie's local release
The “Barbie” movie was pulled from theaters in Algeria this week almost one month after its release in the North African country.
Online news outlet 24H Algerie said Algeria's Ministry of Culture and Arts notified cinemas in Algiers, Oran and Constantine to “immediately” pull the movie.
Neither the ministry nor the Algerian Audiovisual Regulatory Authority commented on the reported directive or provided a rationale for it.
“Barbie” opened in some some Algerian cinemas last month. The film’s distributors removed the Hollywood blockbuster from their screening schedules starting this week..
The move comes after authorities in Kuwait and Lebanon banned the live action movie based on the American fashion dolls for allegedly threatening conservative values.
Some people in Algeria protested the cancellation on social media, posting their complaints along with the hashtag “#IAmBarbie.” Others denounced it as “censorship” and “bigotry."
“The ‘Barbie’ film ‘is a threat to morality,’ they say," writer Leila Belkacem posted on her Facebook page. "What morality are they talking about when the censors gorge on porn films at home? Aren’t you tired of dragging the country into your dark delusions?”
Read: He’s ‘just Ken’ but will the ‘Barbie’ movie change his popularity?
Fatima Ait Kaci, a retired teacher, told The Associated Press she had promised to take her two granddaughters, who were visiting from Canada, to see the movie. Ait Kaci said she heard what had happened to “Barbie” only when they arrived at the Riadh El Feth cinema in Algiers and discovered another film showing in the 3 p.m.-5 p.m. time slot.
Algerian authorities “don’t have the courage to take responsibility for this shameful act of censorship,” she said.
Last week, the Audiovisual Regulatory Authority announced its decision to “temporarily” suspend all programming by private TV channel Es Salam for allegedly broadcasting “in an irresponsible and unprofessional manner, a program containing scenes contrary to the precepts of Islam and the way of life of Algerian society.”
Read: Barbie: Interesting Facts to Know Before Watching the Movie
“Barbie” contains no overt sexuality or references to LGBTQ+ rights. But it seems to have drawn fire because of its sheer flamboyance and broad message of inclusion and gender equality in a region where homosexuality is widely seen as taboo.
The Warner Bros. film has grossed over $1 billion worldwide since it's release.
Read more: Barbie ‘biggest film of 2023’ in US and Canada, Warner Bros says
Don 3: Bollywood’s New Don Ranveer Singh Replaces Shah Rukh Khan
Don, the well-known anti-hero spanning two generations of Bollywood, is set to return to the production stage after an era. Created in 1978 by the renowned writer duo Javed Akhtar and Salim Khan, the character came to life through the legendary Amitabh Bachchan, famously known as Big B. Thanks to Bollywood King Shah Rukh Khan, the 2006 and 2011 installments propelled the character to soaring stardom. This time, in the upcoming film Don 3, Ranveer Singh will be taking over the reins. Let's get to know how this significant change is going to impact movie lovers.
Don 3: A New Era in the Don Franchise
On Wednesday, August 9th, the production company Excel Entertainment released the teaser for Don 3. Ranveer Singh's appearance as the new Don introduced an explosive approach to a new era in the franchise.
Excel Entertainment acquired the rights to the 1978 film titled "Don" and remade it in 2006. Following the success of the film, its sequel was released five years later. Now, after a twelve-year gap, the same producer and director are gearing up for the third installment.
Farhan Akhtar will be writing and directing the movie, produced by Ritesh Sidhwani. The film is currently in its early stages of production, with a target release date of 2025. The story has already been completed, and co-written by the director himself and Gayatri.
Read more: Upcoming Netflix Originals in September 2023
The musical trio Shankar-Ehsaan-Loy will continue to compose the film's music. The team, consisting of Shankar Mahadevan, Ehsaan Noorani, and Loy Mendonsa, is renowned for creating the iconic theme music of Don.
The most significant change will be in the casting. Just as the lead actor is changing, so is the female lead. However, the actress set to portray the character Roma has not yet been officially announced.
The 1978 version featured Zeenat Aman, while Priyanka Chopra delivered a standout performance in the remake and sequel. Although Kiara Advani has joined the Don 3 team, her role as Roma has not been confirmed yet.
The teaser has been promoted in theaters during "Gadar 2" and "OMG 2." Ranveer Singh will commence shooting for this film immediately after completing Sanjay Leela Bhansali's "Baiju Bawra". The production team is also weaving a grand plan for future Don movies in collaboration with Singh.
Read more: ‘Hero or villain?’ Shah Rukh Khan teases with new ‘Jawan’ poster
How the Role Went to Ranveer Singh from Shah Rukh Khan
During the Covid-19 pandemic, Farhan Akhtar and Ritesh Sidhwani engaged in several discussions with Shah Rukh Khan about the film. Unfortunately, King Khan expressed no interest in reprising this role. He has shifted his focus towards world-class commercial films. He aims to attract diverse audiences from various cultures. He intends to keep himself occupied with these types of movies, and he didn't find the Don movie aligns well with his vision.
To sustain the franchise's vitality, the team aimed to emphasize Don's evolution over time. Based on this vision, they chose to introduce a rising star. However, SRK, who recently completed "Dunki" and "Jawan," did not embrace the idea.
Bollywood superstar Alia Bhatt makes her Hollywood debut in Netflix's 'Heart of Stone'
Alia Bhatt had been weighing her Hollywood options for a few years. A popular star of Hindi films for over a decade with nearly 79 million Instagram followers, she'd been interested in making an English-language film, but nothing had been working out. Then Bhatt got word of a new action franchise led and produced by Gal Gadot and within a week of reading the script, the deal had closed. It was, she concluded, fate.
"Your first film chooses you," Bhatt said in an interview with The Associated Press in June. "Technically, this is my first English-language movie. It chose me and I'm so happy it did."
"Heart of Stone," a globe-trotting spy thriller co-starring Gadot and Jamie Dornan, debuts globally Friday on Netflix. Bhatt's role as a tech prodigy named Keya is one that's hard to describe without spoiling the twisty plot, but it's an important one. In India, the actor had grown accustomed to being a lead, but here she was happy to delve into a more supporting part — as long as it had substance to it.
In reading the script, she wanted to make sure that her character wasn't just there to fill a "South Asian" slot, and that she was involved in — and impacting — the storyline.
"The way I judge it is if you take the character out of the story and you still have a film, then that character's not important," Bhatt said.
But most of all, she was excited to be second to a woman who was also producing. Director Tom Harper called Bhatt a "formidable talent" and said that it was the dynamic between Keya and Gadot's character, Rachel Stone, that most excited him about the film.
"The two bounce off each other brilliantly and you get real electricity," Harper said. "Some of my favorite parts of the movie are when they riff off each other and the banter that they have."
Bhatt was struck by how similar Hollywood sets are to the ones she's spent a decade on in India — with the main difference being the hours. The days were shorter on "Heart of Stone," but so were the breaks. In India, she said, there would be an hour for lunch, 30 minutes for snacks and a later finish time.
She was also pregnant during the shoot and was tickled to see some of the things she "did" in the finished film (with the help of stunt doubles and digital effects).
"I'm like, 'Wow, I did that?'" she laughed. "I don't think so, but it looks like I did."
The release of "Heart of Stone" caps off what has been a banner year for the 30-year-old, in which she also welcomed her first child, attended her first Met Gala and was named the first Indian house ambassador for the luxury label Gucci. She had a small part in the Telugu-language action epic "RRR," which became an international sensation, and also has been making a name for herself as a producer.
The first film she produced, "Darlings," was a Netflix production as well, and the experience has been "challenging and scary and fruitful all at the same time."
Bhatt hails from a Bollywood family. Her father, Mahesh Bhatt, is a well-known filmmaker, and her mother, Soni Razdan, is a former actress. She made her debut in Karan Johar's teen drama "Student of the Year" in 2012, garnered accolades for playing a kidnapping victim in the drama "Highway," from 2014, and last year she married fellow Bollywood star Ranbir Kapoor.
"My parents from the very beginning have been very careful with the words of encouragement that they give me. … It helps when you grow up in a family that's seen the highs and the lows and seen everything in between," she said. "At the end of the day, my dad always says, you most definitely cannot be the first member of your own fan club. So, try to have a 10-foot distance from it all."
She doesn't have a grand plan for her future in Hollywood and does not see herself moving to the U.S., like her friend Priyanka Chopra Jonas.
"I think what Priyanka did was extremely brave and very different from what anyone has ever done. She's such an inspiration to every young girl from India that has that big dream to be a global icon and a global star," Bhatt said. "I don't think I could do that. I want to continue to do movies in India. And I want to be able to get these one-off, amazing international opportunities."
"I still don't know what I'm doing," she added. "It's just this one film and we'll see how it goes from here."
‘Hero or villain?’ Shah Rukh Khan teases with new ‘Jawan’ poster
Shah Rukh Khan has reminded fans that they still have to wait for a month till his movie “Jawan” addresses the question: Is he really the baddie in the film?
SRK shared a new poster of “Jawan”, featuring his bald appearance, with the caption: "Main achha hoon, ya bura hoon (am I good or am I bad)... You have 30 days to find out. Are you ready?"
Also read: Shah Rukh Khan: The making of a genuine Bollywood star
The king of Bollywood also included the hashtag #1MonthToJawan.
“Jawan” will be released in three languages on September 7: Hindi, Tamil, and Telugu.
Also read: The King is Back: Upcoming Movies of Shahrukh Khan in 2022, 2023Within minutes following Shah Rukh Khan's tweet, the comments thread exploded. "Readyyyyy," actor Dino Morea wrote. Actress Huma Qureshi sent out an emoji, NDTV reported.“The only actor who looks so good without hair,” a fan commented. “Bas ek mahina aur phir theatres me milenge aap se Khan sahib (just a month to go before we meet you in cinemas again),” posted another.
Also read: Shah Rukh Khan is back on social media!“Jawan”, directed by Atlee, features Nayanthara, Vijay Sethupathi, and Deepika Padukone in special appearances. The big draw, though, is Shah Rukh Khan, who was revealed to be grey, if not overtly dark, in a "prevue" teaser.Whether as a hero, a villain, or somewhere in between, Shah Rukh Khan's baldness is a smash hit.
Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles are back, and perhaps better than ever
There are some good gags and clever innovations in the animated “Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Mutant Mayhem,” but there is one brilliant idea: casting Ice Cube as the voice of the movie’s mutant insect supervillain Super Fly.
It might have once been hard to foresee the value of having the emcee who rapped of “dropping bombs on your moms” as the MVP of a PG-rated kids movie. But we’re now up to the seventh “Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles” film, not counting all the series and videogames. That’s a lot of movies for a bit of IP that’s clung more firmly to lunch boxes than it has to pop culture. For the turtles, it was getting to be time to either, as Ice Cube would say, “chickity-check yo’ self” or try something new.
“Mutant Mayhem,” which opens in theaters Wednesday, can’t entirely get over the feeling of trodding over well-covered turtle ground. But if we must go once more into the ooze, the film by director Jeff Rowe (co-director of “The Mitchells vs. the Machines” ) and co-written by co-producers Seth Rogen and Evan Goldberg, is probably the best of a not-so-stellar franchise. It’s certainly the one most invested with that “teenage” part of the turtles’ name. Plus, it’s got Ice Cube as a fly who quotes from the O’Jays.
Read: Barbie: Interesting Facts to Know Before Watching the Movie
The animation is vividly textured, the beat is persistently hip-hop (Lauryn Hill, De La Soul, Ol’ Dirty Bastard and others pack the electronic score by Trent Reznor and Atticus Ross) and the New York of the film is impressively detailed. But the most important twist to this “Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles” iteration may be diving into the teenage-ness of its 15-year-old turtles.
If “Barbie” was balanced between Greta Gerwig’s childhood memories and her adult feminism, “Mutant Mayhem” gives itself over more fully to the mindset of adolescence. That’s in the gross-out humor and the comic book-like feel of the animation. But these are also recognizable teenagers who watch movies (“Ferris Bueller’s Day Off”), pine for concert tickets and make goofy phone videos of themselves slicing watermelons.
Read: Oppenheimer: 10 Fascinating Facts to Know Before Watching the Movie
What Donatello (Micah Abbey), Michelangelo (Shamon Brown Jr.), Leonardo (Nicolas Cantu) and Raphael (Brady Noon) really want is to fit in and go to high school like other teens. They have been relegated to the sewer ever since Splinter, a rat voiced by Jackie Chan, happened upon them after they were exposed as hatchlings to the same ooze that spawned Super Fly — who himself was the product of experiments by scientist Baxter Stockman (Giancarlo Esposito, fated to dubious laboratories).
Splinter has much the same opinion of the majority of the rats in “Ratatouille”: Humans can’t be trusted. (Splinter’s particular fear is that they will “milk” him.) So the turtles have grown up underground, a little like the homeschooled family of “The Wolfpack,” while yearning for the wider world.
They find a hint of it with a high-school journalist named April O’Neil (Ayo Edebiri), who wants to document, and thus prove to humankind, their decency. At the same, the turtles meet the charismatic Super Fly (voiced with bombastic aplomb by Ice Cube) and his band of mutants. At first, they’re fast-friends — “cousins,” Super Fly says — but the turtles then start hearing of Super Fly’s plans to turn all animals into mutants and eradicate the world of humans.
“Peoples, they got to go,” chimes one mutant.
Read: Hoichoi reveals ’Sharey Showlo’s' character looks
Some of the thunder of “Mutant Mayhem” has been stolen by “Into the Spider-Verse” and this year’s “Across the Spider-Verse” — films that likewise upend the typical look of studio animation and do it with a pulsing soundtrack; but they did it more eclectically.
Yet this “Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles,” while a half shell of those films, has its own low-key charms. It’s goofier, grosser and mostly fun. The four turtles are never more than a hard-to-differentiate bale of overlapping dialogue of doubt and anxiety. But that first word in their name finally feels genuine. Seven films in, it’s only right that Donatello, Michelangelo, Leonardo and Raphael should get a renaissance.
“Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Mutant Mayhem,” a Paramount Pictures release, is rated PG by the Motion Picture Association for sequences of violence and action, language and impolite material. Running time: 99 minutes. Three stars out of four.
Barbie: Interesting Facts to Know Before Watching the Movie
“Barbie”, the movie starring Margot Robbie and Ryan Gosling in lead roles, released globally on July 21, 2023. The movie is an homage to the iconic line of fashion dolls created by Ruth Handler.
Over the last six decades, Mattel has sold over a billion Barbie dolls which helped to cement the line’s legacy. Barbie and Ken are often considered two of the most popular dolls in the world.
The movie brings their story from Barbieland. Here are some exciting facts you may want to know before heading out to watch the film on the big screen.
History of Barbie
Back in the 1950s, all the children’s dolls were made to be infants without many customizable options. Ruth Handler noticed that her daughter Barbara played with paper dolls and gave them adult roles to play.
She quickly realized that there could be a demand for a grown-up play doll with different roles for kids. Making them customizable would be even more lucrative to unleash the inner creativity of the young ones. Ruth and her husband Elliot co-founded Mattel to go forward with the idea.
Read more: Top 12 South Indian Films Being Released in August 2023
Initially, Elliot and the board of directors at Mattel were hesitant about a customizable adult-looking doll. But the first “Barbie”, named after the nickname of Barbara, was a massive hit in her signature zebra striped swimsuit in 1959. Barbie was marketed as a teen fashion icon and sold over 350,000 units globally in the first year of its release.
Barbie made Mattel the second most valuable toy company in the world right after Lego. Back in 2006, the company estimated that they have sold over a billion Barbie dolls across the world in 150 countries.
Interesting Facts about “Barbie” Movie
Mattel Films is one of the production companies
The success of Barbie's line of dolls prompted Mattel to expand its horizon as a multimedia franchise. Over the years, the company has produced several animated feature films and video games featuring the duo of Barbie and Ken.
For the movie, Mattel Films worked with director Greta Gerwig and Warner Bros to design the set of the film. The company contributed to keeping the old-school charm of the set intact throughout the movie.
Read more: Barbie movie: Their life in plastic looks fantastic
The movie is the first live-action adaptation of Barbie and the first successful collaboration between Mattel and Warner Bros.
A long list of lead actors for Barbie
The idea of a live-action Barbie is nothing new. It has been floating over for more than a decade until its culmination with the Robbie and Gerwig duo.
Initially, Universal Pictures acquired the rights to the film but it later went to Sony Pictures in 2014 due to lack of developments. Amy Schumer was slated to play the lead role and work on the screenplay. But she dropped out due to some unknown reason in 2017. After that Anne Hathaway was chosen for the role but that too didn’t see any progress.
Finally, Warner Bros picked up the rights in 2019 and settled with Greta Gerwig to direct the film.
Read more: "Mission: Impossible" sequel tops North American box office
Margot Robbie was initially hesitant to play Barbie
Robbie is one of the producers of Barbie. When Greta shared her vision for the lead Barbie in the movie, Robbie felt that she might not be the perfect fit as the lead. Robbie grew up in the Gold Coast of Australia and much of her playtime was outdoors in the sand or the mud. She even claimed to have never owned a Barbie doll as a kid.
Robbie felt that Gal Gadot brought in the “Barbie energy” that Greta had been looking for. But ultimately Greta went with Robbie.
Oppenheimer: 10 Fascinating Facts to Know Before Watching the Movie
The much-anticipated release of "Oppenheimer" took place on July 21, 2023. Directed by renowned filmmaker Christopher Nolan, the movie sheds light on the remarkable physicist Julius Robert Oppenheimer, famously known as the “Father of the Atomic Bomb”. This cinematic masterpiece promises to be a gripping and thought-provoking exploration of Oppenheimer's genius, his pivotal role in the Manhattan Project, and the profound moral dilemmas he faced during a critical juncture in human history. As you gear up to watch the film, let's explore some intriguing and lesser-known facts about the remarkable man behind the title.
Father of the Atomic Bomb
Julius Robert Oppenheimer, also known as the "Father of the Atomic Bomb," was a true wonder, a fifth element, who reshaped the course of history. Driven by an insatiable thirst for knowledge, a strong sense of social responsibility, and an unwavering dedication to scientific exploration, Oppenheimer left an indelible mark on the world, leaving us pondering the mysteries of the universe. Oppenheimer followed his curiosity wherever it led, leaving an indelible imprint on the 20th century. He is both the hero and the villain of his story, with a life transcending the boundaries of science and politics.
Interesting Facts to Know about the Physicist Oppenheimer Before You Watch the Movie
A Quintessential Historical Figure
Born on April 22, 1904, Oppenheimer emerged as one of the most influential figures in the world. In the words of Christopher Nolan: "Oppenheimer was the most important person who ever lived in human history." Such high praise from the esteemed filmmaker attests to Oppenheimer's profound impact on the world and the filmmaker. Nolan's film, "Oppenheimer," based on the book "American Prometheus," delves into the life of this enigmatic figure and the monumental Trinity test.
Read more: Top 12 South Indian Films Being Released in August 2023
A Film with a Subjective Narrative
"Oppenheimer," deemed Christopher Nolan's most ambitious film to date, revolves around the events leading up to the first atomic bomb test on July 6, 1945, seen through the eyes of Oppenheimer himself. Nolan and his team have emphasized the film's subjective narrative in interviews, aiming to offer a unique perspective on Oppenheimer's life. Therefore, exploring the critical events of Oppenheimer's journey can remarkably enrich your movie-watching experience.
Affinity for Sanskrit and Hinduism
The world associates the Holy Bhagavad Gita’s famous verse, “I am become death, the destroyer of worlds,” with Oppenheimer. After the successful detonation of the Trinity bomb, Oppenheimer found solace in these lines from the Gita, expressing his inner emotional turmoil. While not a devout follower of Hinduism, Oppenheimer often expressed deep admiration and reverence for Hinduism, its literature, and especially Sanskrit.
Oppenheimer's fascination with Sanskrit began during his undergraduate years at Harvard University, where he explored various languages, including Sanskrit. The language's ancient history, intricate grammar, and profound philosophical texts captivated him. His study of Sanskrit became a gateway for him to explore the philosophical depths of Hinduism. His affinity for Hindu philosophy extended beyond academia, encompassing various aspects like cosmic cycles, interconnectedness of all life, and the nature of existence.
Read more: Barbie ‘biggest film of 2023’ in US and Canada, Warner Bros says
Top 12 South Indian Films Being Released in August 2023
As we go into a scorching August, the South Indian film industry is all set to dazzle audiences with an enthralling array of cinematic marvels. The Tamil, Telugu, Malayalam, and Kannada films releasing in August 2023 will likely leave a lasting impact on the hearts of the fans. Let's take a closer look at the most anticipated South Indian films coming next month.
12 Best South Indian Movies Releasing in August 2023
Most-hyped Tamil Movies for August 2023
Jailer / August 10, 2023
This is nothing but a rollercoaster ride into the world of action comedy, masterfully penned and directed by Nelson. Jailer is a tale of rescue, rebellion, and redemption, all enmeshed in a web of humour and action.
Produced by Kalanithi Maran of Sun Pictures, this cinematic spectacle boasts a star-studded ensemble, spearheaded by the legendary Rajinikanth. The supporting actors are Mohanlal, Ajith Kumar, Tamannaah Bhatia, Shiva Rajkumar, Jackie Shroff, Ramya Krishnan, and Mirnaa Menon.
Read more: Bongo BD releasing south Indian movie ‘Mersal’ in Bangla
Iraivan / August 25, 2023
This captivating dramedy is the result of the directorial and writing prowess of I Ahmed. Sudhan Sundaram and G. Jayaram under the banner of Passion Studios produced the film. It stars Jayam Ravi and Nayanthara in the lead roles, accompanied by Lachu Gram in a prominent supporting role.
In the film’s enigmatic plot, a man sets out on a mission seeking revenge, fueled by a burning rage that drives him into the heart of darkness. As the narrative unfolds, the tale of love, vengeance, and redemption entwines into a tapestry of emotions.
Thupparivaalan 2 / August 12, 2023
Vishal takes the reins not only as the lead but also as the director of this sequel to Thupparivaalan, the 2017 film directed by Mysskin.
Loosely inspired by the legendary fictional detective, Sherlock Holmes, and his confidant John Watson, Mysskin's creation comes to life through Vishal's work. His portrayal of Kaniyan Poongundran is a detective with unparalleled observational and deduction skills. He was supported by Prasanna, Rahman, Munna Simon, and Adithya Menon.
Read more: 2022 Highest-Grossing South Indian Movies
Behind the scenes, Vishal himself orchestrates the production, ensuring that every frame resonates with the story.
Most Anticipated Malayalam Movies for August 2023
King of Kotha / August 24, 2023
This adrenaline-pumping film was directed by Abhilash Joshiy as his directorial debut. Produced by Wayfarer Films and Zee Studios, this action-packed thriller stars Dulquer Salmaan in the lead role. Alongside him, the movie stars an ensemble cast of Prasanna, Shabeer Kallarakkal, Gokul Suresh, Nyla Usha, Aishwarya Lekshmi, Anikha Surendran, and Shammi Thilakan.
Amidst heart-racing action, the tale of a man torn between his inherited legacy and his yearning for a different life unfolds. Love finds its way into the dark alleys, as epitomised by the charming encounter between Tony and Tara.
Read more: Three national award-winning actors coming together in Puja telefilm
Olam / August 4, 2023
Under the direction of VS Abhilash, the movie features Arjun Ashokan in the lead role. Lenaa, The female lead, also proves her prowess as the scriptwriter. Olam enthrals with an eclectic supporting cast including Noby Marcose, Binu Appu, Harisree Ashokan, and Chandra Menon.
The film’s gripping plot follows a man's quest to see his friend. But fate has something else in store when a mysterious and vibrant woman enters his life, altering the course of events forever.
Naufal Punathil on behalf of Punathil Productions produced the film.
Kannur Squad / August 25, 2023
Directed by debutant cinematographer Roby Varghese Raj, this action-packed venture marks Mammootty Kampany's fourth production. Penned by the talented duo, Muhammad Shafi and Rony David Raj, this film promises an electrifying cinematic experience.
Read more: Barbie ‘biggest film of 2023’ in US and Canada, Warner Bros says
Kannur Squad sets out to catch the culprits and unearth the secrets that remain in the shadows. The stellar cast, featuring Mammootty, Resh Lamba, Rony David, Shebin Benson, Shabareesh Varma, Deepak Parambol, and N.P. Nisa, drives the narrative forward.
Barbie ‘biggest film of 2023’ in US and Canada, Warner Bros says
“Barbie” has become the “year's biggest movie” in the United States and Canada, according to the film’s distributor Warner Bros.
The movie generated an estimated $155 million in its first weekend, according to the distributor, reports BBC.
Also read: Barbie movie: Their life in plastic looks fantastic
Meanwhile, Universal Pictures said that “Oppenheimer”, which was also released on Friday, grossed $93.7 million in the United States.
The films arrive at a time when cinemas in general are faltering as a result of streaming competition.
Meanwhile, in the United Kingdom, Vue said both films contributed to the cinema chain's busiest weekend in four years.
Vue, which operates 91 theatres throughout the UK and Ireland, had its best weekend in four years and the second best weekend in history in terms of admissions, with filmmaker Greta Gerwig's “Barbie” set to be the largest film of 2023, surpassing “Super Mario Bros”, said the report.
Also read: Margot Robbie to play Barbie in live-action film
The narrative of “Oppenheimer”, starring Cillian Murphy and directed by Christopher Nolan, is about the building of the first atomic bomb.
Meanwhile, “Barbie” delivers a children's character's coming-of-age narrative in which she explores her personality and helps pal Ken to develop uniqueness.
Also read: Why is the Barbie movie banned in Vietnam?
Both films were released on Friday, and the rivalry between them was dubbed "Barbenheimer" on social media.
Jaya to play Srijit's 'Dasham Avatar' along with a bunch of stars
A few months ago, there were rumors that popular actress Jaya Ahsan will be seen in West Bengal’s director Srijit Mukherji's film again. Those rumors are going to come true. Jaya will be seen in Srijit's “Dasham Avatar”.
A bunch of Kolkata stars including Prosenjit Chatterjee, Rupam Islam, Anirban Bhattacharya, Anupam Roy, Jisshu Sengupta and Indradeep Dasgupta will play the film.
Also read: Jaya Ahsan starts 2nd tenure as UNDP goodwill ambassador
Jaya confirmed the news by posting several photos of the logo launch ceremony of the name of the film on her verified Facebook page. Jaya is seen with all the famous stars of West Bengal in the photos.
Also read: Jaya Ahsan becomes UNDP goodwill ambassador
On the other hand, Srijit told Kolkata media that there are many reasons to cast Jaya. First, she can give time. She also has acting skills and her performances over the last few years was considered, he said.
Also read: Is Jaya Ahsan making her debut in Hindi cinema?