08072025-LSTC-01.qxd 7/8/2025 12:30 AM Page 1 c m y b MUCH-AWAITED PREQUEL On Rishab Shetty’s 42nd birthday, the makers of Kantara: Chapter 1 released a poster of the film. In it, Shetty appears as a tribal warrior, holding a battle axe and a shield, hinting at intense action and stunning visuals in the movie. TRIBUNE Laughter special Life International Emmy winner Vir Das is set to treat his fans with his new stand-up special Fool Volume, on Netflix, chronicling everything from losing his voice and self-doubt to rediscovering joy. CHANDIGARH | TUESDAY | 8 JULY 2025 Sarbala Ji trailer unveils with wedding vibes, Punjabi pride and pure emotion PHOTO BY VICKY She aims to direct femalecentric stories and avoid toxic sets NIMRAT KHAIRA SARGUN MEHTA, GIPPY GREWAL AND AMMY VIRK Dhol, drama & baraat Yathesht Pratiraj Phool Dakota to don NOT JUST A FILM — A FEELING Y director’s hat Dakota Johnson, who is known for Fifty Shades of Grey, Black Mass, How to Be Single, and many others, shared her plans for directing her first feature based on a script by an autistic actress she has acted with in a film. “I think I will direct a feature, a very small one, hopefully soon. And it’s really close to my heart. We’re making it with Vanessa Burghardt, who played my daughter in Cha Cha Real Smooth. She’s an incredible autistic actress, “she said. The star shared, “I’ve always felt that I’m not ready to direct a feature. I don’t have the confidence. But with her, I feel very protective, and I know her very well, and ... I just won’t let anybody else do it.” As a director, Johnson has already directed the Coldplay music video Cry Cry Cry and the short film Loser Baby. She wants to continue telling female-centric stories through her TeaTime Pictures and avoid “toxic sets.” When asked what attracted her to do TeaTime projects, she shared, “Usually, it’s something that is either visually or emotionally provocative. And I don’t mean that in a sexual way. I mean it in the sense that it provokes something that is different from what you see on TV right now or on streaming platforms. A lot of them are also female characters. So it’s female-centric films where the woman is different from what you see, and complex and nuanced, and maybe an anti-hero that you love.” “I can’t waste time on toxic sets anymore,” Johnson said. “With producing, that’s one of the perks,” she added. “Now, ... being a producer and developing my own films, I can choose all the people,” she said. She also shared that the parameter to measure the success of projects is changing, “I think that the barometer for that is shifting right now. It’s hard to measure success based on box office numbers now, because it’s so all over the place.” — ANI OU know that feeling when a movie trailer doesn’t just tease the story — it pulls you right into its world? That’s what Sarbala Ji did on Monday. Not with flashing lights or red carpets, but with dhol beats, folk songs and the riotous energy of a big, fat Punjabi wedding. Honestly, it didn’t feel like a press event — it felt like we were all part of someone’s baraat. The trailer launch, hosted by Tips Films Ltd. at The Mohali Club, Wyndham, turned out to be a proper celebration — complete with floral décor, upbeat music and the unmistakable vibe of Punjab in its full festive form. The cast? Fully present and soaking in the madness. Gippy Grewal, Ammy Virk, Sargun Mehta, Nimrat Khaira, Guggu Gill and Girish Kumar were all there, as was director Mandeep Kumar and producer Kumar Taurani. It was crowded, sure. But the kind of crowded where the air feels charged. Let’s talk about Sarbala Ji. Set in the 1930s, the film tells a surprisingly layered story of cousin marriages. On paper? Sounds simple. But the trailer paints a bittersweet tale filled with quiet rebellion, family expectations and that classic Punjabi blend of laughter and longing. At its heart is Gajjan Singh — a painfully shy, wide-eyed groom-to-be who looks like he’d rather run than get married. Opposite him stands Pyaro, who could probably outwrestle half the village if she had to. She’s got that mischievous smile, a fire in her voice and the kind of presence that makes you root for her right away. “Sarbala Ji is a heartfelt family drama,” said director Mandeep Kumar while speaking to media. “It’s inspired by moments that we’ve all lived through but never had the words for.” Gippy Grewal, who seems to speak in pure feels these days, chimed in: “This isn’t just a film — it’s a feeling. It’s what the heart of Punjab sounds like when no one’s trying to impress anyone.” AMMY’S THROWBACK MOMENT And then came the laughter. Ammy Virk, ever the crowdpleaser, shared a memory that had people chuckling. “Main asli Sarbala reh chukka haan,” he joked, “8-10 vaar. Baraat ch chadhai jaandi si ghode te — te baad ch bus vich ik kone vich bhul jaande si.” (He used to be a Sarbala — a child who accompanies the groom — multiple times. Given royal treatment during the wedding, only to be forgotten when it was time to return.) It was an oddly perfect metaphor for the film’s premise — celebrated rituals layered with emotional gaps. And that’s what seems to set Sarbala Ji apart. It’s not afraid to acknowledge that under all the glitter and bhangra, Punjabi weddings are full of complex, often unspoken emotions. A fit body is the ultimate symbol of self-respect, says Krishna Shroff DISCIPLINE is everything Krishna Shroff, the dynamic founder of MMA Matrix Gyms and Matrix Fight Night (MFN), has established herself as a trailblazer in India’s fitness and combat sports industry. With a visionary approach, Krishna has spearheaded the expansion of MMA Matrix Gyms, having signed 20+ franchises pan-India since 2022, making fitness accessible to countless individuals. She gets candid with us and shares about her fitness routine and more…… What’s your daily fitness routine like? I like to start my days with weight training, as it sets a super positive tone to my day and makes me feel more productive. Depending on the day, and if time permits, I like to do some cardio in the evening and that’s usually either the treadmill, spinning, or a boxing session—this is less for my physicality, but I do it more as something that gives me peace and helps with my overthinking mind. Do you follow a specific nutrition plan? The one thing I aim to do is prioritize protein during every meal (and snack)! Also, am not much of a sweet tooth, but if I do crave something sweet, fruit usually takes care of that for me. I generally eat whole, nutritious, clean foods without it seeming like a chore. How do you maintain your energy levels while working long hours? Hydration is key! When you’re tired, drink some ❝ Art is not just about making faces or drawing this or that. It’s the churning of the spirit inside, says legendary artist, who turns 100 c m y b water — it works wonders! Other than that, I make sure I always have some healthy snacks in my bag which is either a fruit, a protein bar, or some nuts. Any advice for someone looking to start their fitness journey? Don’t compare yourself or your journey to anyone else’s. As long as you’re doing something every day to be better than you were yesterday, you are good. MUSIC, MOMENTS, & MORE Oh and if you’re a fan of Punjabi music? The film’s soundtrack is shaping up to be a treat. The latest single Garari, composed by Kulshan Sandhu and choreographed by Amit Syal, has already found a home in wedding playlists. It stars Ammy, Gippy and Jasmeen Akhtar — three personalities you don’t expect to see in one frame, but somehow it works. Credit where credit’s due — cinematographer Navneet Missar’s visual storytelling and AV Sara’s music seem to be the backbone of this nostalgic, vibrant journey. The film is written by Inderjit Moga (his debut) and you can feel his pen digging into small-town texture and timeless family dilemmas. ❝ It was like a family road trip— minus the traffic! Alongside Gippy Grewal, Ammy Virk, Nimrat Khaira and Guggu Gill, it never felt like work. I didn’t want it to end. - Sargun Mehta CELEBRATION AWAITS Sarabla Ji hits theatres on July 18 and judging by the launch buzz, it’s going to stir up more than just box office numbers. Aap Jaisa Koi… Madhavan & Fatima starrer addresses loneliness Actors R Madhavan and Fatima Sana Shaikh, who are gearing up for the release of their upcoming film Aap Jaisa Koi, discussed the romantic drama and how the story is relatable, portraying the real aspects of relationships. Starring Madhavan as Shrirenu, a reserved Sanskrit teacher, and Fatima Sana Shaikh as Madhu, a spirited French instructor, Aap Jaisa Koi brings together two opposites in a story that’s as much about family and belonging as it’s about romance. The film is directed by Vivek Soni. Madhavan shared, “The film Aap Jaisa Koi addresses the problem of loneliness.” Fatima, who is known for her roles in Ludo, Ajeeb Daastaans, Modern Love Mumbai, and others shared how she got the project and why she decided to be part of it, saying, “The script is very beautiful. If you see in the trailer, there is a beautiful emotion, that there is a boy and a girl who love each other, and the complications between them. And on top of that, I was getting a chance to work with Maddy for the first time, and I didn’t want to miss that.” She added, “The film beautifully shows the emotional complexities and conflicts between a man and a woman.” The Kesari Chapter 2 actor shared what he liked most about this project, saying, “The specialty of this story is that it is an ageappropriate role. I am not playing a 22-23 year old hero, I am playing a 40 year old man, who falls in love for the first time. We are learning how to express love in new ways in this modern age...” — ANI