14062024-LSTC-01.qxd 6/14/2024 12:15 AM Page 1 c m y b TRIBUNE Almost done Ajay Devgn has given an update on his upcoming film Singham Again. “Some work on the film is still left, we have to shoot some parts,” he said. CHANDIGARH | FRIDAY | 14 JUNE 2024 VARUN DHAWAN Spoiling PAVAIL GULATI Here’s a look at actors who are set to create ripples with their debut action films FIGHT for a A S the action genre continues to captivate audiences worldwide, a new wave of actors is gearing up to leave a mark. These actors, each bringing their unique strengths to the table, are poised to redefine the action genre. With their upcoming films, they promise not only adrenaline-pumping sequences but also performances that add depth and emotion to the actionpacked narratives. Gripping narrative Pavail Gulati — Deva Pavail Gulati is making a bold leap into the action genre with Deva. He steps into the shoes of a fierce and relentless protagonist. Directed by the acclaimed filmamaker Rosshan Andrews, Deva is set in the underworld of Mumbai, blending intense action sequences with a gripping narrative. Danger & deceit Raghav Juyal — Kill Raghav Juyal, widely recognised for his unique dance moves and comic timing, is venturing into the action zone with Kill. Directed by Nikhil Nagesh Bhat, this film is a high-octane thriller. Playing a character who navigates through a labyrinth of danger and deceit, Raghav’s transition from dance floors to action scenes is a smooth one. His agility and dynamic energy are expected to translate into some spectacular action scenes. Visual spectacle Siddhant Chaturvedi — Yudhra Siddhant Chaturvedi, who shot to fame with his Bull’s NET, FLICKS & MORE Film: Hit Man Director: Richard Linklater Cast: Glen Powell, Adria Arjona, Austin Amelio, Retta, Sanjay Rao Rating: as gleaming steal and measured words, Ron helps cops nab those hiring contract killers; he becomes a veritable ‘undercover murder stopper’. Many are brought to book and some sneak through the legal process. The plot meanders for a bit, till enters the sexy siren Madison Masters (Adria Arjona), who wants to get rid of her husband. Gary, in his avatar as the macho Ron, takes an instant liking for the femme fatale. He coaxes her to move on in life rather than hire a contract killer but their relationship gets complex, leading them into a whirlpool of guilt, love, morality and choice. In between there is an ‘abu- sive’, ‘misogynist’ cop Jasper (Austin Amelio), who is on Ron’s trail ever since the former usurps his role and aces it. Amelio’s act and acting are both par excellence, as he drives the narrative to its stunning conclusion. Powell and Arjona share a chemistry that is at once raunchy and amiable; they light up the screen with their witty exchanges, never letting the plot get predictable. Helmed by Richard Linklater, Hitman, streaming on Netflix, ‘is somewhat a true story, inspired by the life of Gary Johnson’. Willy-nilly, it becomes a thorough study of complexities of the human brain, machinations of twisted minds and how love becomes a potent potion that blinds even the sanest. As Gary goes about teaching what is how he wants it to be in life, he ends up becoming what he wants. ‘Make no mistake, there are some people who need killing’, says Gary aka Ron. Indeed and how! Rugged avatar Kartik Aaryan — Untitled RAGHAV JUYAL Kartik Aaryan, known for his romantic comedies, is teaming up with renowned director Vishal Bhardwaj for an untitled action film. Bhardwaj’s expertise in crafting intense and layered narratives will provide a perfect backdrop for Aaryan’s action debut. The film is expected to blend Bhardwaj’s signature storytelling with high-energy action sequences, showcasing Aaryan in a new and rugged avatar. Historical epic Vicky Kaushal — Chhava Undercover agent Varun Dhawan — Baby John Varun Dhawan, a household name in Bollywood, is set to make his action debut with Baby John. Directed by Sriram Raghavan, known for his edge-of-the- SIDDHANT CHATURVEDI As Junaid Khan’s debut movie Maharaj is set for OTT release, hashtags ‘Boycott Netflix’, ‘Ban Maharaj’ trend VikrantParmar seat thrillers, Baby John is expected to push Varun’s acting prowess to new heights. The film is a gritty, raw action drama where Varun plays an undercover agent entangled in a web of crime and espionage. His previous roles have shown glimpses of his action potential, but Baby John promises to be his first full-fledged foray into the genre. role in Gully Boy, is stepping into the action genre with Yudhra. Directed by Ravi Udyawar, this film promises to be a visual spectacle with Siddhant at the centre of its intense action sequences. The storyline revolves around a young man’s fight against a powerful adversary, blending martial arts and innovative stunts. Trouble zone eye! From the cocky pilot of Top Gun 2: Maverick, actor Glen Powell metamorphoses into a hitman, albeit faux, in this comic caper that has a dark underbelly. Twisted functioning of the human brain, complex personalities that intertwine, love that is blind and attraction that is fatal; there is more to it than meets the eye in this just-short-of-two-hours fare, which impresses and delights in equal measure. Gary Johnson (Powell) teaches a heady mix of psychology and philosophy to college students; quoting Nietzsche, he vouches, ‘The greatest enjoyment is to live dangerously’. And so he does; Gary moonlights as a fake ‘hitman’ with the New Orleans police department and a good one at that. A simple, humble man who lives with his two cats, Id and Ego (names inspired by Sigmund Freud’s philosophy), Gary turns into a sharp-eyed being as soon as he slips into the role of the hitman, Ron, well-nigh his repressed self, all the time believing that the concept of a hitman is a myth more real than reality! Ron becomes a master of disguise; ‘I had the knack of being the person they needed me to be’. With eyes as sharp VICKY KAUSHAL Hashtags like ‘Boycott Netflix’ and ‘Ban Maharaj Film’ trended on social media on Thursday with a section of users calling for a ban on Maharaj, claiming the upcoming period drama hurts religious sentiments. The film, which premieres on Netflix on Friday, marks the debut of actor Aamir Khan’s son Junaid Khan. Hashtag AamirKhan was also trending on X. According to the makers, Maharaj is set in pre-independent India and is based on the Maharaj Libel Case of 1862, which was ignited by “allegations of misconduct by a prominent figure”. Directed by Siddharth P Malhotra and produced by Aditya Chopra under YRF Entertainment, the movie also stars Jaideep Ahlawat. According to a statement c m y b issued by Netflix last month, Maharaj follows Karsandas Mulji, a journalist and social reformer, who was a pioneering advocate for women’s rights and social reform. A student at Elphinstone College in Mumbai and a protégé of the scholarleader Dadabhai Naoroji, Mulji wrote on widow remarriage, stood up for the oppressed, and sowed the seeds of reform in society. “It all came to a head in the Maharaj Libel Case of 1862, which was ignited by allegations of misconduct by a prominent figure, the case garnered widespread attention and scrutiny, setting the stage for what many consider to be one of the most significant legal battles of all time,” the streamer said. — PTI KARTIK AARYAN Vicky Kaushal, an actor known for his versatile performances, is making his mark in the action genre with Chhava. Directed by Laxman Utekar, the film is a historical epic based on the life of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj’s son, Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj. Chhava will see Vicky in a physically demanding role, requiring rigorous training in sword fighting and horse riding. His previous performances have demonstrated his ability to handle intense roles, and Chhava is set to cement his status as a formidable action star. — Dharam Pal
The Tribune, now published from Chandigarh, started publication on February 2, 1881, in Lahore (now in Pakistan). It was started by Sardar Dyal Singh Majithia, a public-spirited philanthropist, and is run by a trust comprising four eminent persons as trustees.
The Tribune, the largest selling daily in North India, publishes news and views without any bias or prejudice of any kind. Restraint and moderation, rather than agitational language and partisanship, are the hallmarks of the paper. It is an independent newspaper in the real sense of the term.
The English edition apart, the 133-year-old Tribune has two sister publications, Punjabi Tribune (in Punjabi) and Dainik Tribune (in Hindi).