23042026-LSTL-01.qxd 4/22/2026 8:20 PM Page 1 c m y b Ginny Wedss Sunny 2, directed by Prasshant Jha, promises a vibrant mix of humour, drama and music in a family entertainer led by Avinash Tiwary and Medha Shankr. The rom-com sequel features fresh chemistry, emotional chaos and charting songs, aiming for a big-screen festive experience for all audiences. TRIBUNE Health hiatus Life Love Lottery questions gender narratives Akshay Oberoi is set to push the boundaries of conventional storytelling with his upcoming film Love Lottery, a thought-provoking narrative that explores the complexities of gender dynamics and challenges long-held perceptions around gender conflict. Positioned as a progressive, conversation-starting film, Love Lottery raises a compelling and often under-discussed question: can men also be victims? Through layered storytelling, the film aims to spark dialogue around emotional vulnerability, societal expectations, and the nuanced realities experienced across the gender spectrum. Known for his diverse and unconventional roles, Akshay steps into a space that is both sensitive and socially relevant. Sharing his thoughts, Akshay Oberoi said, “With Love Lottery, what drew me in was its courage to ask uncomfortable questions. We live in a time where conversations around gender are evolving, but often remain one-sided or boxed into binaries. This film doesn’t aim to take sides—it aims to open minds. Singer Zayn Malik has pulled out of scheduled public appearances, including The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon, as he continues to recover from an undisclosed medical condition. LUDHIANA | THURSDAY | 23 APRIL 2026 Project Hail Mary actor Priya nurtured acting dreams while studying molecular biology Desi girl Samay Raina Still Alive... in Hollywood orbit B RITISH-INDIAN actor Priya Kansara, who played the computer voice Mary to Ryan Gosling’s reluctant astronaut in sci-fi blockbuster Project Hail Mary, says she was initially terrified to be working opposite someone she admired but the Hollywood star was incredibly collaborative. Kansara couldn’t believe when her agent called her to tell her about the Ryan Gosling-starrer space drama, directed by Phil Lord and Chris Miller. “They (the directors) had seen me in other work and thought I was funny, which kind of blows my mind... It was such a quick yes on my part to have the opportunity to work with these people,” Kansara said. Also known for her roles in Bridgerton as well as indie film Polite Society, Kansara said unlike other voice artistes, who record their part after the film is shot, she got to be on the sets of Project Hail Mary everyday. “They actually built me a little sound box on set so that I was reacting to Ryan & killing it with 53M laughs Comedian Samay Raina has made a strong comeback after more than a year away from the public eye following the India’s Got Latentcontroversy, with his latest comedy special achieving a major global milestone online. Raina recently released his debut stand-up special titled Still Alive on YouTube, which has now crossed 53.4 million views. According to a release, it has emerged as the mostwatched full-length stand-up comedy special in the world from a single upload. In the special, he speaks candidly about the India’s Got Latent controversy, his oneyear break from public appearances, personal and financial struggles, childhood bullying, his Kashmiri Pandit identity and the support he received from fans and friends. — ANI live. I used to rehearse with him and then I’d go and sit in my box, and I would have my little screen, so I’d watch him and speak directly into his earpiece. Ryan is an incredible improviser. I was terrified to be working opposite somebody who I have admired for so long. But he’s so easy to work with and it made for some really funny moments.” Project Hail Mary revolves around American middle-school science teacher Ryland Grace, who is a former molecular biologist. Molecular biology is actually something that’s common between the movie’s lead character and Kansara. She graduated from University College London in 2017 with a Bachelor of Science in Molecular Biology. Born to Gujarati parents in London, Kansara, 30, said her family always encouraged her passion for acting. “I studied molecular science, went to university and did a job, I continued to do evening school for drama. Eventually, I quit my job to pursue it full time.” She still remembers watching Bollywood movies with her mother on every Sunday. “My love for dance and performance often stemmed from doing that.” — PTI CHAT UP CITADEL RETURNS DARKEST DAYS 55 & STRONGER Prime Video has unveiled the explosive trailer for Citadel, confirming its return on May 6, with all seven episodes dropping worldwide. The spy thriller follows Mason Kane (Richard Madden), Nadia Sinh (Priyanka Chopra Jonas) and Bernard Orlick (Stanley Tucci) as they reunite against a powerful new threat. Netflix’s Hulk Hogan: Real American revisits the wrestling icon’s turbulent life, including his painful split from Linda Hogan. Featuring his final interview before his 2025 death aged 71, Hogan reveals he hit rock bottom during their 2009 divorce after 26 years of marriage. The four-part series charts his emotional and financial struggles, with insights from Eric Bischoff. Veteran filmmaker Rakesh Roshan marked 55 years of marriage with wife Pinkie Roshan, sharing a heartfelt post calling their bond “stronger than the Eiffel Tower.” Married since 1971, the couple are parents to Sunaina and actor Hrithik Roshan. WHAT’S HOT meet chandigarh GINNY WEDSS SUNNY AGAIN MRS WORLD C ROWN & Conversations, on April 26 at 3 PM, offers an exclusive interaction with India’s first Mrs World, Dr. Aditi Govitrikar. This limited-seat session, focused on personal growth, gives participants an inside look at her journey to the Mrs World title. Venue: Seville Lounge, Sector 26, Chandigarh. Register to participate. play BHAGAT SINGH Some of the most memorable films ever made began as books — stories that captured readers’ imagination before being transformed for the screen. While most adaptations fall short, a select few succeed in both honouring their source material and evolving into cinematic gems in their own right. These films stand out not because they replicate the text perfectly, but because they reinterpret it with insight, creativity and emotional depth. READEFINED Adapted from Stephen King’s novella, it demonstrates how expansion can enhance a story. The film builds upon the original text by deepening relationships and emphasising themes of hope and resilience. Its steady pacing and emotional warmth turn a simple prison narrative into a timeless reflection on perseverance. Based on RK Narayan’s novel, it transforms an introspective narrative into a visually rich and emotionally layered film. While it diverges from the book in tone, especially in its more optimistic ending, it enhances the story through music and performances. To Kill a Mockingbird, Bride and Prejudice, 3 Idiots… there are some more successful films that capture the emotional core of the original work. Are you picking any one of these this World Book Day? The Lord of the Rings The Lord of the Rings trilogy (2001-2003) Similarly ambitious, the movies are based on JRR Tolkien’s expansive fantasy. Once considered impossible to adapt, the films succeed by balancing large-scale spectacle with intimate emotional storytelling. Peter Jackson preserves The Shawshank Redemption (1994) Guide (1965) The Godfather (1972) One of the most iconic examples is the film adapted from Mario Puzo’s novel. While the book offers a gripping look into organised crime, Francis Ford Coppola’s film elevates the narrative into a profound exploration of power, family and morality. By trimming excess subplots and focusing on character development, the film wins on account of brilliant acting and pacing! restrained storytelling to heighten its realism. The Godfather the spirit of Tolkien’s world, creating a universe that feels both grand and deeply human. Schindler’s List (1993) In a more sombre vein, the Oscar winner, based on Thomas Keneally’s Schindler’s Ark, offers a stark and deeply moving portrayal of the Holo- Guide caust. Steven Spielberg’s direction strips the story down to its emotional core, using black-andwhite cinematography and Schindler’s List The Shawshank Redemption c m y b A love COTTON & LACE S TUDIO N Global presents a one-day popup titled Cotton & Lace Affair on April 27 from 12 noon onwards. The showcase features breezy cottons and delicate lace, blending comfort with timeless elegance. Curated by Studio N by Niman Dhawan. ludhiana Mona chandigarh On World Book Day, here are stories that when adapted into films got a whole new meaning THOUGHT-PROVOKING forum revisits Bhagat Singh as martyr, thinker and enduring idea in today’s ideological landscape. Scholars and writers come together in Chandigarh to revisit his legacy on Saturday, April 25, 2:30 PM at People’s Convention Centre, Sector 36 B, Chandigarh.