07072026-LSTC-01.qxd 7/7/2026 12:44 AM Page 1 c m y b TRIBUNE Wrong note Life Hollywood actor Tom Holland has revealed that he mistakenly believed director Christopher Nolan was unhappy with his performance on the first day of filming The Odyssey. CHANDIGARH | TUESDAY | 7 JULY 2026 Nonika Singh T The vanishing ACT T, a look As Diljit Dosanjh's Satluj disappears from OT at other shows that faced release trouble After years of Censor Board struggle, Diljit Dosanjh-starrer Satluj only saw about two days of OTT streaming, before it was pulled off abruptly on Sunday from India. As the Honey Trehan directorial on human rights activist Jaswant Singh Khalra’s life is removed from Zee5, we take a look at other films that faced struggle with release. L a w r e n c e o f P u n j a b : A documentary series focused on the life and criminal syndicate of the jailed gangster Lawrence Bishnoi, titled Lawrence of Punjab, was due to release on Zee5 in April 2026. It invited criticism on account of ‘glamourising the gangster culture’. It didn’t stream on OTT. C h a r d i k a l a : Ammy Virk, Roopi Gill, and Himmat Sandhu-starrer Punjabi film Chardikala was not formally banned by the Indian government; instead, its theatrical release was blocked locally in Punjab due to pending Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) clearances, distribution pressures, and threats of religious backlash. The film addresses sensitive historical themes, specifically concerning Sikh figures during the 1984 events. The film successfully released in overseas markets like Canada and Australia on May 29, 2026. J a n a N a y a g a n : A political action thriller, Jana Nayagan, touted as the last work by actor Vijay before his transition to politics, ran into trouble with the CBFC and was referred to Revising Committee. Interestingly, there is now talk of the film releasing in July end as Vijay serves as the Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu. It was set for a January 2026 release. I n d i a : T h e M o d i Q u e s t i o n : The two-part BBC documentary India: The Modi Question was banned in 2023. Waiting for CBFCclearance The India Story: Slow Poison in Progress, starring Kajal Aggarwal and Shreyas Talpade, is currently awaiting clearance from the CBFC ahead of its scheduled worldwide theatrical release on July 24. The India Story explores the widespread use of pesticides in farming and the devastating impact they can have on human health. Director Chettan DK said, “It has been a difficult time for films that dare to speak about uncomfortable realities. Seeing Satluj disappear from an OTT platform and now The India Story still waiting for its CBFC clearance is heartbreaking as a filmmaker. Our intention has never been to create a controversy—we simply want to bring an important issue to the people through cinema. After years of research and hard work, all we ask is for the film to be given an opportunity to reach audiences.” The documentary that charts the rise of Prime Minister Narendra Modi to power, wasn’t aired by BBC in India. The documentary was uploaded on Youtube, and removed on government’s orders. T e e s : A multi-generational saga about a Kashmiri family navigating identity, displacement, authoritarianism, and censorship across 90 years, Tees was commissioned by Netflix in 2019. The Dibakar Banerjee directorial, which charts three generations of a family with a Kashmir connection, was completed in 2022 but has not been released on OTT. — TNS ‘We all have our own fragrance’ lapathy Vijay’s Sarkar too. Punjabi songs are a must in Vippin’s stage shows and he has a Punjabi single Akhiyaan to his credit too. Back in time he made his Bollywood debut with Rahul Mittra’s Saheb, Biwi Aur Gangster. “Playback singing requires you to negate your own identity. Clooney to receive Golden Lion Actor George Clooney, known for his performances in projects such as Michael Clayton, Gravity, Ocean’s Eleven, Jay Kelly and ER, among others, will be honoured with the prestigious Golden Lion for career achievement at the 83rd Venice International Film Festival. HOT eat play love CHOCOLATE FIX TAKE YOUR PICK RAISE A TOAST C ELEBRATE World Chocolate Day by diving into a scoop of gooey Death by Chocolate, indulging in a decadent truffle cake, or taking a bite of an indulgent chocolate samosa. From timeless classics to inventive chocolate creations, Tricity’s cafés and bakeries are serving up treats that promise to satisfy every craving. T HE Department of Fine Arts, School of Liberal and Creative Arts, Lovely Professional University, inaugurated its much-awaited exhibition, Echoes of Imagination, at the Gaiety Heritage Cultural Complex. The exhibition, which will continue until July 9, offers visitors an opportunity to purchase original artworks. Ali Fazal, Richa Chadha to romance on screen in Shashie Vermaa’s untitled comedy including AK47 and Murga Trophy, will direct the project. Speaking about the project, Ali said, “I’ve always believed that the best comedies come from honest characters and believable situations. The moment I read this script, I Vippin Aneja, who has sung AR Rahman’s composition Tere Paas Main, says what keeps him going in the highly competitive industry is tons of positivity If the song is picturised on Irrfan Khan, I can’t be singing like Vippin,” says the singer whose musical highpoint also includes Irrfanstarrer Jazbaa. Recalling the song Jaane Tere Shehar still gives him a high. More recently, as he has turned to devotional music, he shares, “Be it Bollywood songs or bhajans, whatever connects me to my audiences gives me goosebumps.” As jury of Sa Re Ga Ma Pa talent hunt, he looks for that rare voice that touches his heart. Real-life chemistry on big screen Ali Fazal and Richa Chadha are set to be paired opposite each other on screen for the first time in an untitled situational comedy directed by Shashie Vermaa. Backed by Scenework Productions and Giriraj Productions, the film set in Delhi also stars acclaimed actor Kumud Mishra and is scheduled to begin filming in the second half of 2026 ahead of its planned theatrical release in April 2027. Although Ali Fazal and Richa Chadha have shared screen space in the popular Fukrey franchise over the years, this marks the first time they will headline a story as an on-screen pair. The makers describe the film as a characterdriven situational comedy set against the colourful and chaotic backdrop of Delhi. Shashie Vermaa, known for his work as an actor in Bala, Gunjan Saxena and Kathal, as well as his writing and directing credits, Twenty-seven years in the industry and he feels he is still in the journey. He has seen the highs and lows too. But right now, this ‘people’s person’ is brimming with gratitude. In the dog- eat-dog industry what keeps him going is tons of positivity. He quips, “Even if the page is black, I would rather focus on the white dot and energise the whole with light rather than darkness.” Music for him is not fame or success but something higher and more sublime. “If my voice can heal, bring solace and connect my listeners to God, then that’s my true purpose.” WHAT’S chandigarh A STILL FROM SATLUJ IME and again, talented singer Vippin Aneja uses the phrase ‘divine intervention.’ But then if you had the chance of working with god of music AR Rahman, you can only thank the Almighty for it. Currently, Vippin is basking in the limelight of Rahman’s composition Tere Paas Main from the much acclaimed Imtiaz Ali film, Main Vaapas Aaunga. Like a true bred Punjabi, Vippin who has sung the male version of the melodious song, does answer ticklish queries with characteristic Punjabi candour, even when the ‘nail hits where it hurts.’ You bet when he saw the trailer, the absence of his version perturbed him. But today he is happy with the response to his song which is very much a part of the album, if not the film. Competition and the fact that the film’s music features singers like Mohit Chauhan, Imtiaz’s perennial favourite, does not disturb him. For, at the end of the day, he knows, “We all have our own fragrance. I am a different instrument and Mohit has his own strengths. If one were to focus on negativity, one would never be able to sing with purity and honesty of expression.” Singing for the cult dream trio of Imtiaz, Rahman and lyricist Irshad Kamil gladdens him no end. ‘Rahman bhai’ is no doubt a magician in Vippin’s words. He adds, “He touches your voice with his inimitable style and it becomes something else.” Of course, this is not the first time he has collaborated with the maestro. Apart from being an integral part of Rahman’s Unity of Light and Peace concerts, he has sung Tamil and Telugu Simtaangaran for Tha- knew there was something special about it. It’s also exciting to finally explore a completely new dynamic with Richa on screen, and I’m really looking c m y b forward to what we’ll create together. Shashie sir’s work is truly something I have followed and have wanted to work with him and that is also a huge reason for me to be part of this project.” Richa said, “What drew me in was the simplicity of the writing. It’s funny, emotional and deeply rooted in everyday life with a great social commentary angle to the story. Ali and I have shared the screen before, but never quite like this, and I’m genuinely excited for audiences to see us together in an entirely new space. The story reminded me of my first school days which was in Jamuna Paar in Delhi and I am very excited to screen with Ali. He’s a gifted actor. We have never had the opportunity to work together in this capacity. — ANI T OASTMASTERS, a global nonprofit educational organisation that teaches public speaking and leadership skills through a worldwide network of local clubs, now has an Amritsar Chapter. The community led open group, where members learn speaking roles, has opened its membership for all age groups. amritsar Adam Sandler shared simple advice for newlyweds Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce after officiating their wedding. Kansas City Chiefs head coach Andy Reid later revealed the details of the speech. “He told them to keep kissing,” Reid shared. “It’s hard to argue when you give your wife a kiss or your wife gives you a kiss,” he added. shimla ADAM’S ADVICE TO TAYLOR CHAT UP RITA ORA LIGHTS UP T20 STAGE British singer-songwriter Rita Ora lit up the stage with her performance at the Women’s T20 World Cup final at Lord’s on Sunday. Dressed in a striking stage outfit, Ora captivated the crowd. CATHERINE’S INSPIRING WORDS As Disney’s biggest liveaction spectacle Moana prepares to sail into cinemas this Friday, 19-year-old Catherine Lagaaia, who takes on the title role, says, “I learned a lot about myself, and I learned how to be brave.” ‘IT ALL STARTED TO FEEL REAL’ Anshula Kapoor offered a glimpse into her pre-wedding celebrations. Sharing a picture, Anshula wrote“Chooda. Kalire. Blessings. The moment it all started to feel real.” BEYONCE DROPS SURPRISE SINGLE Beyonce has surprised fans with the release of her new single Morning Dew (Donk) recently, marking her first musical release in two years. The track has sparked excitement among fans.