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Films Hollywood Lite Blogs

‘Shrek 5’ Announced for July 2026 Release

Eddie Murphy inadvertently revealed in June that he had already started recording his lines for the film and hinted at a spinoff centred around his character, Donkey, according to Variety…reports Asian Lite News

DreamWorks Animation has officially announced the production of ‘Shrek 5,’ slated for release on July 1, 2026, marking the return of original stars Mike Myers, Eddie Murphy, and Cameron Diaz to their iconic roles.

Directed by Walt Dohrn, known for his contributions to the ‘Shrek’ universe, including ‘Shrek 2’ and ‘Shrek the Third,’ and produced by Gina Shay and Chris Meledandri, ‘Shrek 5’ promises to continue the beloved saga that began with the 2001 original, according to Variety.

This installment is expected to provide a fitting continuation and conclusion to the series.

The announcement was shared at DreamWorks Animation’s official X handle.

Eddie Murphy inadvertently revealed in June that he had already started recording his lines for the film and hinted at a spinoff centred around his character, Donkey, according to Variety.

“We started doing [‘Shrek 5’] months ago,” Murphy mentioned, adding, “I did this. I recorded the first act, and we’ll be doing it this year, we’ll finish it up. ‘Shrek’ is coming out and Donkey’s gonna have his own movie.”

The ‘Shrek’ franchise, which began as a surprising box office success in 2001, has since become a cultural phenomenon, earning accolades including an Academy Award for Best Animated Feature for its inaugural film.

With subsequent installments like ‘Shrek 2,’ which reportedly grossed nearly USD 1 billion worldwide, the series has remained a staple of animated entertainment.

Chris Meledandri, overseeing the franchise’s revival at Universal Pictures, emphasised the importance of retaining the original voice cast, which he described as integral to the charm and success of the series.

“The challenge for us has been to find something that really does feel like it’s not simply yet another film in a series of sequels,” Meledandri remarked in an interview, according to Variety.

The announcement of ‘Shrek 5’ comes amidst the continued popularity of the franchise’s spinoff, ‘Puss in Boots,’ with recent entries like ‘Puss in Boots: The Last Wish’ enjoying both critical acclaim and box office success.

Reportedly, negotiations are currently underway to finalise deals with the returning cast members, ensuring that fans can look forward to the familiar voices of Myers, Murphy, and Diaz bringing their beloved characters back to life once again. (ANI)

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-Top News USA

Trump demands release of imprisoned Jan. 6 rioters

Trump is the Republican candidate challenging Democratic President Joe Biden in the Nov. 5 US election…reports Asian Lite News

Donald Trump said on Friday that his supporters prosecuted for their actions in the Jan. 6, 2021, attack on the US Capitol should be freed, citing a Supreme Court ruling in favor of a man who challenged an obstruction charge related to the riot — a charge Trump also faces.

Speaking at a campaign rally in Virginia, the former president pointed to Friday’s ruling, which raised the legal bar for prosecutors pursuing obstruction charges in the federal election subversion case against Trump and defendants involved in the attack.

“Free the Jan. 6 hostages now. They should free them now for what they have gone through” Trump said, as the crowd cheered.

“They’ve been waiting for this decision for a long time,” Trump added.

Trump is the Republican candidate challenging Democratic President Joe Biden in the Nov. 5 US election.

The Supreme Court ruled 6-3 to throw out a lower court’s decision that had allowed a charge of corruptly obstructing an official proceeding — the congressional certification of Biden’s 2020 victory over Trump that the rioters sought to prevent — against defendant Joseph Fischer, a former police officer. The justices directed the lower court to reconsider the matter.

The ruling was a potential boost for Trump, who was hit with two obstruction-related charges as part of a four-count criminal indictment in a case brought last year by Special Counsel Jack Smith. Trump has pleaded not guilty in the case.

“That is a great thing for people that have been so horribly treated,” Trump said of the ruling.

Trump has often valorized his supporters convicted for their roles in the attack on the Capitol, calling them “patriots” and “warriors.” Among other crimes, some of them were prosecuted for violence against police officers.

The Supreme Court on Monday is expected to issue its ruling in Trump’s claim of presidential immunity from prosecution in the election subversion case brought by the special counsel. It is the final day of the court’s current term.

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Films Lite Blogs

‘Sumi’ heads to OTT for Nov 14 release

National Award-winning Best Children's Film 'Sumi' heading to OTT for Nov 14

The film will be available to stream on Planet Marathi OTT from November 14, on the occasion of Children’s Day in India…reports Asian Lite News

Marathi film ‘Sumi’, which bagged the Award for Best Children’s Film at the 68th National Film Awards is heading for an OTT release. The poster of the film was unveiled by the makers recently.

In the words of the film’s director, Amol Vasant Gole, the film touches on various important topics like “girl child education, women empowerment, education in rural areas and infrastructural development.”

Talking about his film, Gole said: “The risk we took to tell a brave story has paid off. Every character in the film will leave the audience with a strong message, especially the characters of both the kids who have performed so real by understanding the nerves and emotions.”

The film, which stars child actors Akanksha Pingale and Divyesh Indulkar, seasoned actors like Smita Tambe and Nitin Bhajan, follows the inspiring story of the daughter of a stone quarry worker and her pursuit for higher education. ‘Sumi’ is heading to OTT platform Planet Marathi OTT for its release.

Commenting on the release, National Award winner Akshay Bardapurkar, Founder, Planet Marathi OTT said: “Films like Sumi are brave, experimental stories which deserve a global platform. We are here to give it a nationwide and global release to homes all over. It is an honour to have the privilege to add ‘Sumi’ to our library and showcase it to our viewers who are always looking for the best in Marathi entertainment content. We are looking forward to revealing the release date of the movie.”

The original story is written by Sanjeev K. Jha, and has been produced by Harshall Vinay Kamat, Swati S. Sharma, Mihir Kumar Sharma and co-produced by Anand Panchal, Jayaditya Giri, Sonali Jayant and Jayant Yewale.

The film will be available to stream on Planet Marathi OTT from November 14, on the occasion of Children’s Day in India.

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India News Politics

Delhi police release all Congress parliamentarians

The police tried to convince Rahul Gandhi for a while, but as he refused to stop, they detained him and took him on a bus to the Kingsway police camp…reports Asian Lite News

Delhi Police have released all the Congress Parliamentarians who were detained earlier on Friday during Congress’ protest march in the national capital.

The Congress MPs were released after being detained for almost six hours for protesting peacefully and democratically against price rise, unemployment and GST, senior Congress leader Jairam Ramesh said.

As many as 65 Congress lawmakers, including Rahul Gandhi, were detained from Vijay Chowk, close to the Parliament.

The Congress had announced a nationwide protest on Friday against the policies of the Central government which have allegedly led to rise in unemployment and inflation in the country.

Wearing black clothes, the MPs, under the leadership of Rahul Gandhi, tried to take out a march from the Parliament House to the Rashtrapati Bhawan. However, as they moved forward, the police stopped them midway near Vijay Chowk.

The police tried to convince Rahul Gandhi for a while, but as he refused to stop, they detained him and took him on a bus to the Kingsway police camp.

While speaking to mediapersons before getting detained, Rahul Gandhi accused the Delhi Police of manhandling the Parliamentarians.

“We are standing here on the issues of price rise and unemployment. We wanted to move forward but the police did not allow us,” he said.

When asked about MPs being ‘manhandled’, Rahul Gandhi said, “That is fine. I’m happy to be manhandled. Our job is to resist these forces, our job is to make sure that Indian democracy is protected, our job is to raise issues of the people like price rise and unemployment and we are only doing that.”

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Bollywood Films Lite Blogs

‘Laththi’ release postponed

The actor sustained multiple hairline fractures while shooting for some high-octane action sequences for the climax portion of the film a few months ago…reports Asian Lite News

The release of director Vinoth Kumar’s action entertainer, “Laththi”, starring Vishal and Sunainaa in the lead, has been postponed to September 15.

The film was originally scheduled to hit screens on August 12.

Sources close to the unit say that the release of the film has been pushed because of two reasons — one, the several injuries that Vishal has sustained while shooting for the stunt sequences in the film and two, the heavy VFX work required for the fight scenes in the film.

Vishal plays a constable and the father of a seven-year-old boy for the first time in his career in this film.

He has suffered serious injuries twice while shooting for this film.

The actor sustained multiple hairline fractures while shooting for some high-octane action sequences for the climax portion of the film a few months ago.

He had to undergo treatment for a few weeks at an ayurvedic treatment centre in Peringode, Kerala before being able to shoot again.

More recently, the actor sustained another injury to his leg while shooting for an action sequence for the same film.

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Films Lite Blogs

Much awaited ‘Beast’ to release on April 13

Fans have been waiting for the film, which has been delayed due to lockdowns…reports Asian Lite News

Director Nelson Dilipkumar’s much-awaited action thriller ‘Beast’, featuring Vijay and Pooja Hegde in the lead, will hit screens on April 13.

Making the announcement, Sun Pictures, the firm producing the film, tweeted, “‘Beast’ from April 13.”

The film has triggered huge interest among fans and film buffs. Two songs from the film that have been released by the unit so far have only gone on to add to the excitement and have raised expectations from the film even further.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=niOD45Ppsfg

In fact, the first song ‘Arabic Kuthu’ garnered a whopping 200 Million views on YouTube. The second single, ‘Jolly O Gymkhana’, which was released just a couple of days back, has already got 20 million views on YouTube.

Fans have been waiting for the film, which has been delayed due to lockdowns.

The unit of Beast shot for almost 100 days and even took a picture to mark the occasion. Shooting finally concluded in December last year. Despite delays and difficulties caused by the pandemic, the entire unit of Beast claimed that shooting for the film had been an enjoyable experience.

The film’s heroine, Pooja Hegde, in particular, had on her last day of shooting remarked, “It’s been an absolute pleasure to be on this set. We have laughed so much making the film and I hope you guys are going to laugh as well in typical Nelson style and Vijay sir’s style. This film is going to be absolute entertainment. Everyone on this set is so lively and such a character that it honestly felt like we were on a vacation while shooting. Sadly, today is my last day for ‘Beast’.”

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Bollywood Films Lite Blogs

‘Aaraattu’ to hit screens on Feb 18

The film’s trailer gives away the fact that the film will be a proper commercial entertainer with ample amounts of both action and humour…reports Asian Lite News

Director Unnikrishnan’s upcoming Malayalam action entertainer ‘Aaraattu’, featuring actors Mohanlal and Shraddha Srinath in the lead, is to release worldwide on February 18 this year.

Mohanlal, who made the announcement on Instagram on Monday, said, “‘Aaraattu’ is all set to hit theatres worldwide from February 18, 2022.”

It was only recently that the team chose to release the trailer of the film, which will have Shraddha Srinath playing an IAS officer.

The film’s trailer gives away the fact that the film will be a proper commercial entertainer with ample amounts of both action and humour.

Apart from Mohanlal and Shraddha Srinath, the film will also feature Vijayaraghavan
Saikumar, Siddique, Riyaz Khan, Johny Antony, Anoop Davis, Rachana Narayanankutty, Swaswika, Malavika Menon, Neha Saxena and Seetha among others.

The film, which has music by Rahul Raj, has cinematography by Vijay Ulaganath and editing by Shameer Muhammed.

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Bollywood Films Lite Blogs

‘Satyameva Jayate 2’ to release on 25 Nov


The poster shows Divya leading a group of workers and farmers as she holds a pickaxe with burning rage in her eyes, amidst a struggle with the cops…reports Asian Lite News.

‘Satyameva Jayate 2’ is one film that the audience is eagerly waiting for. The John Abraham-starrer is now all set to hit the theatres worldwide. The film’s female lead Divya Khosla Kumar has shared a poster of hers from the film on her Instagram.

She captioned the image, “Jo Tirange pe jaan deti hai woh bharat maa ki beti hai! (The one who pledges supreme sacrifice for the tricolour, is the daughter of India) #SatyamevaJayate2 trailer out tomorrow. In cinemas, Thursday, 25th November.”

The poster shows Divya leading a group of workers and farmers as she holds a pickaxe with burning rage in her eyes, amidst a struggle with the cops.

Recently, John had also shared an action-packed poster of him from the film on his Instagram where he first divulged the details about the film’s release and the trailer launch.

After running into production and release delays for almost a year and a half, the film seems to be finally releasing and it promises to serve a mix of patriotism and vigilantism.

‘Satyameva Jayate 2’ is the sequel to the highly successful 2018 action film which starred John as the vigilante who kills corrupt police officers in order to cleanse the system. Directed by Milap Zaveri and produced by T-series, the film is slated for a theatrical release on November 5.

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Bollywood Films

Subhash Ghai’s Mukta Arts completes 43 years

Jackie will play the pivotal role as a cynical jailer in this unusual jail-based film to be produced by Mukta Arts and Zee Studios…reports Asian Lite News.

Filmmaker Subhash Ghai and the team at Mukta Arts Ltd celebrated their 43rd anniversary with a ‘havan’ ceremony at ISCKON Mumbai along with the announcement of the completion of their current film ’36 Farmhouse’, a comedy drama featuring the meeting of migrants with a rich family during the lockdown.

As part of the anniversary celebration, Mukta Arts Ltd also announced the theatre release of their Marathi sports film ‘Vijeta’ starring Subodh Bhave and Pooja Sawant on December 3, 2021.

The celebration at ISCKON, Mumbai was attended by several personalities including Jackie Shroff, Amol Parashar, Alka Yagnik, Sonu Nigam, Kumar Taurani and Ramesh Taurani of Tips Industries Ltd, Manmohan Shetty, directors such as Anees Bazmee, Satish Kaushik, Karan Razdan and others.

Asked about an announcement of a new film, Ghai revealed that the team at Mukta Arts has finalised a script based on the story of a reformist jailer and his five young terrible prisoners.

Jackie will play the pivotal role as a cynical jailer in this unusual jail-based film to be produced by Mukta Arts and Zee Studios.

Mukta Arts Ltd Is also planning a new venture into producing web series this year along with feature films for the big screens, which are yet to be announced.

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Bollywood Kerala Lite Blogs

‘Marakkar’ prepares for Onam release

The release of Marakkar has been delayed for more than a year after the Covid pandemic broke out in February last year…reports Asian Lite News.

Marakkar, the Lion of Arabian Sea is the most awaited film from Mohanlal. Superstar recently broke the news that one of his mega project in Malayalam ‘Marakkar, the Lion of Arabian Sea’ directed by his close friend and ace director Priyadarshan is all set for release on August 12.

Lal, as he is popularly known, announced on his Facebook page that he was hopeful about release of the film during the Onam festival.

“For this to happen, we need the prayers and the moral support of all and with that we are going forward for it to happen,” wrote the 61-year-old actor who plays the main role.

The release of Marakkar has been delayed for more than a year after the Covid pandemic broke out in February last year.

‘Marakkar, the Lion of Arabian Sea’ was selected as the best feature film for 2019, besides the veteran director’s young son — Siddarath Priyadarshan fresh from his studies on special effects from the US also won his first national award for the best special effects.

Another winner in the same film was Sujith Sudhakar who won the national award for the best costume designer.

The magnum opus tells the tale of Kunhali Marakkar, the famous naval chief of the Zamorin of Calicut, often known for organizing the first naval defence off the Indian coast.

Mohanlal, known for his flexibility and adaptability to any character , play the key role of Marakkar.

The star casts include thespian actor Madhu, Manju Warrier, besides actors from south India and Bollywood and four British actors also one Chinese actor.

Producer Antony Perumbavoor said that they were planning for a release across Kerala and pan India and not to mention, outside the country also.

“We have done everything for the release and if not for the pandemic, we would have released it much before,” said Perumbavoor.

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