Category: Entertainment

Maxton Hall – The World Between Us: Final Season of the Global Hit Series to Premiere Exclusively on Prime Video

Sep 04: The final chapter begins: Prime Video today confirmed the premiere date of the final season of Maxton Hall – The World Between Us. The gripping story of Ruby and James will finally continue on December 9, 2026! In addition to the teaser key art released today, a very first look at the highly anticipated third season — eagerly awaited by millions of fans worldwide — will be revealed on September 3.

Here’s what’s next for Maxton Hall – The World Between Us:

Ruby has been suspended from Maxton Hall College. Her dream of going to Oxford is slipping away, but she refuses to give up. Together with James, they fight to prove her innocence. The closer they get to the truth, the more it threatens to tear everything apart. Friendships are tested and secrets they never expected come to light. In the end, they must decide – is love enough?

In addition to Harriet Herbig-Matten and Damian Hardung, the cast once again includes Sonja Weißer as Lydia, Eidin Jalali as Graham, Ben Felipe as Cyril, Fedja van Huêt as Mortimer, Runa Greiner as Ember, Justus Riesner as Alistair, Govinda Gabriel as Kesh, Andrea Guo as Lin, Frederic Balonier as Kieran, Eli Riccardi as Elaine and Dagny Dewath as Ophelia.

Martin Schreier returns as director, Executive Producers are Ceylan Yildirim, Markus Brunnemann and Eike Adler. Sandra Stöckmann and Ceylan Yildirim serve as head writers for the third season, with additional writers Catharina Junk, Marlene Melchior and Aylin Kockler. Producer is Valentin Debler. The series was supported by the German Motion Picture Fund.

‘Hanuman Ansh’ Turns Into a Surprise Box-Office Success as Word of Mouth Fuels Its Rise

New Delhi, Aug 31: Devotional drama Hanuman Ansh has emerged as one of the surprise box-office stories of 2026, gaining momentum several weeks after its theatrical release despite a modest opening.

Directed by Vishal Chaturvedi, the film is inspired by the life of spiritual figure Neem Karoli Baba, popularly known as Maharaj-Ji among his devotees. The story focuses on faith, spirituality and the journey of a young seeker whose life becomes closely associated with devotion and service.

The film opened on August 7 with a reported collection of around ₹10 lakh. Its first two weeks were relatively slow, but the movie gradually began attracting more viewers. Positive audience response and word of mouth helped its collections accelerate during the third and fourth weeks.

By Day 24, Hanuman Ansh had recorded around ₹40.13 crore in India net collections and approximately ₹47.33 crore in gross collections, according to trade estimates reported on Monday. Its Day 24 earnings were estimated at ₹12.75 crore net, marking a substantial jump from its initial performance.

The film’s late surge is particularly notable because it entered theatres without the kind of large-scale promotional campaign normally associated with major commercial releases. Instead, growing audience interest appears to have played a major role in bringing more viewers to theatres.

Its devotional theme has also helped the film connect with audiences interested in spiritual and faith-based stories. The subject of Neem Karoli Baba has a strong following, giving the film a distinctive appeal beyond conventional mainstream entertainment.

The performance of Hanuman Ansh highlights how audience recommendations can change the trajectory of a film even after a weak opening. Its journey from a low-key release to a film nearing the ₹50-crore gross milestone has made it an unexpected success story at the box office.

The film’s growing collections also point to continued audience interest in content-driven devotional cinema, particularly when a story develops a strong emotional and spiritual connection with viewers.

49th Barsha 2026: A Cultural Journey Through Indian Classical Dance, Music and Monsoon

Aug 24: The 49th Barsha 2026, presented by Chinta O Chetana, will bring together a vibrant selection of Indian classical dance and music traditions for a celebration of art, culture and the monsoon season.

The festival is scheduled to be held at Rabindra Mandap on August 25 and 26, 2026, from 7 PM onwards. The programme will feature Odissi, Bharatanatyam and Sattriya dance performances, along with Odissi and Hindustani vocal recitals and instrumental presentations.

A Celebration of Indian Classical Arts

The festival brings together acclaimed artists, gurus, dance institutions and cultural groups representing different classical traditions. The programme highlights the richness of India’s performing arts, with a strong emphasis on Odisha’s cultural heritage.

Programme Highlights

Utkal Sangeet Mahavidyalaya

• Odissi Dance: Basudha

Sitar Recital

• Raag Megh
• Pandit Subrat De – Sitar
• Guru Kulamani Sahoo – Tabla

Sattriya Dance

• Barish Ke Boond
• Vidushi Anjana Moyee Saikia

Odissi Vocal

• Guru Dr. Nimakanta Routary
• Sushree Bijaya Lakshmi Routary & Troupe

Barsha Bichitra

• Guru Kulamani Sahoo & Troupe

Odissi and Bharatanatyam Performances

Nupur Odissi Dance

• Chinta Chetanara
• Barsha
• Guru Dr. Niranjan Rout & Troupe

Kala Sampada – Bharatanatyam

• The Rain
• Vidushi Veena C. Seshadri & Troupe

Odissi Vocal

• Guru Dr. Rupak Parida
• Guru Dr. Matru Prasad Das & Troupe

Mardal Badan

• Guru Dr. Dhaneswar Swain & Troupe

More Cultural Performances

Orissa Dance Academy

• Barsha Bitana

Adidwani

• Tupp Tupp Barsha
• Guru Rabi Ratan Sahoo & Troupe

Hindustani Vocal

• Raag Malhar
• Pandit Sankumay Debnath
• Pt. Siddhartha Chatterjee – Tabla
• Sri Akash Biswal – Harmonium

Odishi Vocal

• Guru Dr. Ramahari Das
• Guru Dr. Bijaya Kumar Jena
• Pandit Sachidananda Das – Mardal

Event Details

• Event: 49th Barsha 2026
• Organiser: Chinta O Chetana
• Venue: Rabindra Mandap
• Dates: August 25–26, 2026
• Time: 7:00 PM onwards
• Theme: Monsoon-inspired Indian classical dance and music
• Art Forms: Odissi, Bharatanatyam, Sattriya, Hindustani Classical Music and Indian classical instrumental music

The 49th Barsha 2026 promises a rich cultural experience, bringing together diverse classical traditions and artists under the evocative theme of the monsoon.

Pt. Subrata De to Lead Hindustani Music Performance and Workshop at KVA DAV College

Aug 24: AntarHriday Connect, in collaboration with the State Bank of India (SBI) and in support of KVA DAV College, Karnal, is set to host a special performance-cum-workshop celebrating the rich heritage and evolving expression of Hindustani classical music.

Scheduled for 1 September 2026 (Tuesday) at 10:30 AM at the KVA DAV College Auditorium, Karnal, the programme will bring together established musicians and emerging talent under the theme “Tradition. Expression. Evolution. – Nurturing the Eternal Journey of Hindustani Music.”

The event is designed as an inspiring learning and performance platform for music students, musicians and music enthusiasts. It will offer participants an opportunity to experience Hindustani music through live performances while reflecting on the importance of tradition, individual expression and the evolution of the art form.

The centrepiece of the programme will be a performance-cum-workshop by Pt. Subrata De, who will engage with participants through his musical expertise and provide insights into the nuances, traditions and evolving dimensions of Hindustani music.

Adding to the programme will be a vocal performance by emerging young talent Shri Shantam Tandon, whose participation highlights the growing role of the next generation in carrying India’s classical music traditions forward.

The musical presentation will also feature Pt. Siddhartha Chatterjee as collaborator on tabla, bringing together instrumental and vocal elements to create a rich classical music experience.

The programme will be held under the patronage of Shri. Harsh Vardhan Shringla, Member of Parliament, who has been named the Chief Patron of the event.

The collaboration between AntarHriday Connect and SBI, with the support of KVA DAV College, reflects an effort to create meaningful platforms for cultural engagement and music education. By bringing experienced performers, young artists and students together, the initiative seeks to encourage a deeper appreciation of India’s classical musical traditions.

The theme of the event underlines the continuing journey of Hindustani music—from its deep-rooted traditions to contemporary forms of expression. Such workshops can provide young musicians with opportunities to learn directly from experienced practitioners while encouraging them to explore their own artistic voices.

Participants attending the programme are requested to join for tea at 10:00 AM, with the main programme beginning at 10:30 AM. Guests have been requested to be seated by 10:15 AM.

With a combination of live performance, learning and interaction, AntarHriday Connect aims to make the event a memorable celebration of Hindustani music and its enduring connection across generations.

Event Details

• Event: AntarHriday Connect – Performance Cum Workshop
• Theme: Tradition. Expression. Evolution. – Nurturing the Eternal Journey of Hindustani Music
• Date: 1 September 2026, Tuesday
• Time: 10:30 AM
• Venue: KVA DAV College Auditorium, Karnal
• Tea: 10:00 AM
• Workshop & Performance: Pt. Subrata De
• Vocal Performance: Shri Shantam Tandon
• Tabla Collaboration: Pt. Siddhartha Chatterjee
• Chief Patron: Shri. Harsh Vardhan Shringla, Member of Parliament
• In Collaboration With: State Bank of India
• In Support Of: KVA DAV College, Karnal
• Organiser: AntarHriday Connect

For event-related communication, attendees can contact antarhridayconnect@gmail.com.

Audiobook Fan-Favorite Jeff Hays Joins Peacock’s Dungeon Crawler Carl as Princess Donut

Audiobook Fan-Favorite Jeff Hays Joins Peacock’s Live-Action Adaptation of Audible Bestseller “Dungeon Crawler Carl” as the Voice of Princess Donut

AR Rahman Launches ‘Tamil Idol’ to Discover Tamil Nadu’s Next Singing Sensation

Mumbai, August 17: Oscar-winning music composer A.R. Rahman has launched ‘Tamil Idol’, a statewide talent hunt aimed at discovering and nurturing the next generation of singing talent from across Tamil Nadu.

The first-ever Tamil edition of the globally recognised singing competition format was unveiled by Sony Vizha in association with Rahman. The show will seek to bring together promising voices from different parts of the state and provide them with a platform to showcase their musical talent.

Auditions for the show will open from August 18, with aspiring singers invited to register through the Sony LIV app. Participants who cannot attend auditions in person will also be able to submit their entries online.

To audition, participants need to select the Tamil Idol Audition section on the Sony LIV app, complete their registration with personal details and upload three videos demonstrating their versatility across different singing genres.

Rahman said the search for new voices is at the heart of music and that the initiative would help uncover new talent, fresh perspectives and stories from different generations.

“With Tamil Idol, for the very first time, we bring together the extraordinary voices of Tamil Nadu and give them a platform to be celebrated,” Rahman said.

Produced by Fremantle India, Tamil Idol will be available across Sony Vizha and Sony LIV, combining television and digital platforms to reach audiences across Tamil Nadu and beyond.

The initiative is expected to provide a significant platform for emerging singers, particularly those from smaller towns and communities who may not otherwise have easy access to the mainstream music industry.

With Rahman leading the search, the competition aims not only to identify strong vocal performers but also to celebrate the diversity of Tamil Nadu’s musical traditions and contemporary voices.

The auditions will mark the beginning of a statewide search for the first-ever Tamil Idol, with aspiring singers across the state invited to participate.

Sanjay Mishra Makes Odia Cinema Debut, Begins Shoot in Bhubaneswar

Bhubaneswar, Aug. 14 (UDN): Bollywood’s acclaimed actor Sanjay Mishra has arrived in Bhubaneswar to begin shooting for his first Odia-language film, marking a new chapter in his long and diverse acting career.

The veteran actor reached the Odisha capital on Thursday and is scheduled to continue filming until August 26. The project is expected to bring together some of the prominent faces of the Odia film industry.

Excited About His Odia Debut

Speaking about the project, Mishra said he was happy to be part of an Odia film and expressed his appreciation for the script.

The actor said shooting would begin on Friday and described the script as an interesting one. He also praised Odia audiences and the work being produced by the Ollywood industry, expressing hope that the film’s journey would be successful.

For Mishra, who has established himself as one of Hindi cinema’s most versatile performers, the project marks his first acting assignment in an Odia-language production.

Star-Studded Ollywood Cast

The upcoming film features several familiar names from Odisha’s entertainment industry.

Veteran actress Mahasweta Ray and popular actress Bhumika Dash are part of the cast. Actors Aakash Hota, Sanoj Kumar and Pragya Mishra will also appear in the film alongside Sanjay Mishra.

The makers are reportedly planning to release the movie during the Dussehra festive season, when Odia cinema traditionally sees strong audience interest.

Temple Visits Planned

Mishra also shared plans to visit two of Odisha’s most prominent temples during his stay in the state—the Jagannath Temple in Puri and the Lingaraj Temple in Bhubaneswar.

His visit and debut in Odia cinema have generated interest among local film enthusiasts, particularly as the actor is known for his distinctive performances across comedy, drama and character-driven roles.

With filming now underway, Mishra’s first Odia venture is expected to be one of the notable releases to watch during this year’s Dussehra season.

EXOPLANET, A Mind-Bending Sci-Fi Thriller Executive Produced by The Martian and Project Hail Mary Creator Andy Weir, to Launch Exclusively From Audible November 5th

Andy Weir said, “I’m obsessed with problems, the kind where one person and a lot of math are all that stand between survival and disaster. Benjamin Percy’s writing in Exoplanet takes that and adds a twist that genuinely kept me up at night: what if the people trying to save each other were separated not by distance, but by centuries? You can’t see that story. You have to hear it. The crackle across a five-hundred-year gap, the desperation in a voice that doesn’t know if anyone’s still listening. Anthony, Ariana, and John don’t just perform it; they make you feel every impossible mile between them.”

Marshall Lewy, Head of Audible Content for North America, stated, “Andy Weir’s stories transform rigorous science into big-hearted thrill rides with heart stopping action and intense human emotion. That’s why Andy’s books have sold millions and inspired blockbuster films. With Andy as Executive Producer and Benjamin Percy crafting beautiful scripts specifically for the ear, Exoplanet is built for the audiences who loved Project Hail Mary and The Martian while also giving them something entirely new. Exoplanet has brilliant sound design, three extraordinary performances, and a thrilling mystery at its core. This is the kind of ambitious, only-in-audio storytelling Audible exists to make.”

Audible Announces New Slate of Immersive Audio Thrillers from James Patterson and Michael Connelly