Hundreds of Hindus protested in Pakistan’s Balochistan province’s Kalat town over alleged desecration of a Hindu woman’s remains on Sunday.

Hundreds of Hindu community members, joined by by Muslims, staged a protest in Kalat, reported Dawn newspaper.

A representative of the Hindu community said that the Hindu woman died recently and her relatives cremated her in the shamshan ghat (cremation ground). Her remains were still in the cremation ground when unidentified persons burnt them last night.

After going to the crematorium, her remains were thrown out and the remains were desecrated, he alleged.

In the past, he said, the gate of the crematorium had been stolen and they had complained to the district administration about it, but the administration did not do anything.

Hundreds of Hindu community members marched on the roads of the town to register their protest on Sunday, the newspaper said. The traders belonging to the minority community closed their shops and gathered at the Shahi Bazaar area and joined the march.

To show solidarity with the Hindu community, Muslim religious leaders and political parties also joined the protest. The marchers chanted slogans against the local administration, the paper said.

Speaking at the protest rally, the community leaders condemned the incident and demanded that police arrest those involved in this act that had hurt the sentiments of the entire community. Some Muslim religious leaders also addressed the gathering and supported the demands of the Hindu community.

Related stories

The protesters called off their sit-in after negotiations with the local administration. They said they would again stage a protest if the culprits were not arrested immediately. 

Hindus form the biggest minority community in Pakistan.  

Pakistan is home to 22,10,566 people from the minority Hindu community, comprising only 1.18 cent of the country’s total registered population of 18,68,90,601, according to a report by the Centre for Peace and Justice Pakistan. 

(With PTI inputs)

The Uncharted film has reportedly recorded the fourth biggest opening weekend for a video game adaptation at the US box office.

Having debuted internationally a week earlier, Uncharted hit US theatres on February 18 and generated $44 million in its first three days to top the weekly sales chart.

According to Fandango managing editor Erik Davis, only three other films based on video game properties have enjoyed stronger openings at the US box office.

They were 2001’s Tomb Raider ($47m), 2019’s Detective Pikachu ($54m) and 2020’s Sonic the Hedgehog ($58m).

The Uncharted movie, which had a $120 budget, launched in 15 markets on February 11 and made a solid start internationally. It has earned $139 million worldwide to date.

David Gross, who runs the movie consulting firm Franchise Entertainment Research, told Variety the film had enjoyed an “excellent” opening.

Related

“Action adventures based on video games are big movies and this weekend’s figure is nearly double the average for the genre,” he said. “Budgets run high, so Uncharted needs to connect in every market. So far, it is doing that.”

The movie is the first feature film from PlayStation Productions, a studio formed by Sony Interactive Entertainment to adapt its original game properties for film and television in partnership with Sony Pictures.

Its first TV series, HBO’s The Last of Us, is currently shooting and is expected to air in 2023.

Following Two Different Life Paths in ‘Look Both Ways’ Netflix Trailer

by Alex Billington
July 19, 2022
Source: YouTube

“Can a single moment change your life?” Of course it can! Netflix has revealed an official trailer for Look Both Ways, a charming romantic comedy about a young woman who can’t decide which path she wants to take in life. So the film shows us both paths! On the eve of her college graduation, Natalie’s life diverges into parallel realities: one in which she becomes pregnant and remains in her hometown to raise her child and another in which she moves to LA to pursue her dream career as an artist. Of course, since this is Netflix, it will celebrate both paths as wholesome rewarding. Because everyone’s now afraid of any critical feedback! Hooray! The film stars Lili Reinhart, Danny Ramirez, David Corenswet, Aisha Dee, with Andrea Savage, Luke Wilson, and Nia Long. From the African director of the Cannes hit Rafiki, this is her next film in Hollywood (eesh). You’ll already forget about htis film by the time you’re done watching the trailer.

Here’s the official trailer (+ poster) for Wanuri Kahiu’s Look Both Ways, from Netflix’s YouTube:

On the eve of her college graduation, Natalie’s [Lili Reinhart] life diverges into parallel realities: one in which she becomes pregnant and remains in her hometown, and another in which she does not and moves to Los Angeles. In both journeys, Natalie experiences life-changing love, pursues her dream career as an artist, and rediscovers herself. Look Both Ways is directed by Kenyan filmmaker Wanuri Kahiu, director of the films From a Whisper and Rafiki previously. The screenplay is written by April Prosser. Produced by Bryan Unkeless, Eric Newman, Jessica Malanaphy. Netflix will debut Kahiu’s Look Both Ways streaming on Netflix worldwide starting on August 17th, 2022 this summer. Who else can’t decide which path to take?

Find more posts: To Watch, Trailer

Sonic the Hedgehog 2 is reportedly on course to top the first movie’s opening weekend in the US.

According to Deadline’s sources, the paramount and Sega sequel made $23 – $26m on Friday (including $6.25m from previews), and is now on course to gross $60m – $65m during its opening weekend.

That’s higher than the $58m 3-day opening of the original movie, and when combined with overseas revenue (Sonic 2 opened a week early in Europe, Australia and other markets) it’s likely to have topped $100m globally.

Last week Sonic 2 was No. 1 in markets such as the UK ($6.4M), France ($5.7M), Australia ($2.8M), Spain ($2.2M/339) and Germany ($2.1M/). Sweden, Czech Republic, Austria, Norway, Belgium, New Zealand, Slovakia and South Africa all also saw No. 1 starts.

The original Sonic the Hedgehog was a surprise success, with it becoming the top-grossing video game adaptation of all time in the US. paramount Pictures and Sega revealed in February that a third Sonic film and a live-action TV series have entered production.

Toby Ascher, who was a producer on 2020’s Sonic film and the upcoming sequel, commented on plans for a “Sonic cinematic universe” in production notes released to coincide with the lifting of the Sonic 2 review embargo.

Further reading

“We’re creating a Sonic cinematic universe, so we knew we were going to add characters, like Tails and Knuckles; new to the films but beloved by gamers all over the world,” he said.

VGC’s Sonic the Hedgehog 2 movie review called it a much better film than the original and said there’s a pleasant surprise to be found in the chemistry between its new characters.

Similar to the murder of Subair, the assailants followed him in a car and rear-ended his bike. As he toppled, the gang stabbed him, onlookers said. Though he was rushed to a Palakkad District hospital, he succumbed. Among the five murderers, four stepped out of the car and attacked Sanjith. They escaped from the spot only after confirming his death, stated the remand report.

Magical Trailer for Guillermo del Toro’s Stop-Motion ‘Pinocchio’ Movie

by Alex Billington
July 27, 2022
Source: YouTube

“I feel as though you’ve been here before… the wooden boy with the borrowed soul.” Ah wow! Netflix has revealed the first full-length official trailer for Pinocchio, a stunning new stop-motion animated film from Guillermo del Toro. This looks magnificent! Way better than Disney’s new live-action movie with Tom Hanks. The film is set to arrive on Netflix in December at the end of this year with a theatrical release in November. GdT reinvents Carlo Collodi’s classic tale of the wooden marionette who is magically brought to life in order to mend the heart of a grieving woodcarver named Geppetto. This stop-motion musical follows the mischievous disobedient adventures of Pinocchio in his pursuit of a place in the world. Directed by del Toro Mark Gustafson, the film features an all-star voice cast with Ewan McGregor as Cricket, David Bradley as Geppetto, and Gregory Mann as Pinocchio. Along with Finn Wolfhard, Cate Blanchett, John Turturro, Ron Perlman, Tim Blake Nelson, Burn Gorman, Christoph Waltz, and Tilda Swinton. Of course it’s no surprise that Guillermo’s version of Pinocchio looks like the best cinematic telling of this story yet. Enjoy.

Here’s the full official trailer (+ poster) for Guillermo del Toro’s Pinocchio, from Netflix’s YouTube:

Academy Award-winning filmmaker Guillermo del Toro reimagines the classic Italian tale of Pinocchio in a stop-motion musical adventure. Follow the mischievous adventures of Pinocchio in his pursuit of a place in the world. Guillermo del Toro’s Pinocchio is directed by visionary Mexican filmmaker Guillermo del Toro, director of the films Cronos, Mimic, The Devil’s Backbone, Blade II, Hellboy I II, Pan’s Labyrinth, Crimson Peak, The Shape of Water, and Nightmare Alley previously, as well as lots of producing work plus other projects. Co-directed by Mark Gustafson. The screenplay is written by Gris Grimly, Patrick McHale, Matthew Robbins, and Guillermo del Toro. Based on the original “Pinocchio” story by Carlo Collodi. No major film festival premieres have been announced yet. Netflix will first debut del Toro’s Pinocchio in select theaters in November, then streaming on Netflix starting December. Stay tuned for more. Looking good?

Find more posts: Animation, To Watch, Trailer

Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma virtually inaugurated 50 lower primary and upper primary schools that were recently upgraded with modern facilities under an infrastructure improvement scheme of his government.

Each of these upgraded schools have been equipped with a library, adequate furniture, common rooms and proper toilets, among other facilities

Sangma, on the occasion, said more schools would be taken up in phases for the renovation and modernisation programme in the days to come.

He also said that the initiative will have a positive impact on the entire education system.

“There are a large number of schools waiting to get upgraded. We will be taking them up in a phased manner. The programme will also be extended to secondary and higher secondary schools,” the CM said on Thursday.

He gave assurance that another 100 renovated schools will be readied for inauguration over the next three months.

Referring to NIPUN Bharat Mission (National Initiative for Proficiency in Reading with Understanding and Numeracy), launched by the education ministry, Sangma said the programme will go a long way in improving the overall cognitive abilities of children.

-With PTI Input

Related stories

A movie theatre in Oakville, Ont. that earlier this year had its screens slashed says it has received new threats ahead of the release of a Tamil-language film.

In a video statement posted to Twitter, Film.Ca Cinemas CEO Jeff Knoll said both the theatre and his family have received threats “by a criminal element” that does not want the film Ponniyan Selvan shown.

“We will not cave into criminals who want to tell us how to do our business, what films we exhibit or what language they are exhibited in,” Knoll said.

“You will not intimidate us and you will not win. We stand with our Tamil friends and neighbours as well as all others who want to enjoy the movies in English, Tamil or any other language.”

Knoll says the theatre has been working closely with the Halton Regional Police Service. There will also be a police presence at the theatre through this week and into the weekend to ensure safety.

🚨An important message from our CEO. brbrWe will stand strong with our Tamil neighbours and friends, and will not be backing down to the threat of violence. a href=”https://twitter.com/hashtag/oakville?src=hashamp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw”#oakville/a a href=”https://twitter.com/hashtag/movies?src=hashamp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw”#movies/a a href=”https://twitter.com/hashtag/PS1TamilInCanada?src=hashamp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw”#PS1TamilInCanada/a a href=”https://t.co/966yz24avm”pic.twitter.com/966yz24avm/a

mdash;@FilmCaCinemas

Knoll also says he suspects those behind the threats are connected to the people who slashed the theatre’s screens in February, leaving about $4,500 in damage. Two people were later arrested in connection with the incident.

The Oakville theatre wasn’t the only one targeted at the time. A Burlington cinema and another in Waterloo also had several of their screens slashed, with investigators saying the same suspects were involved in all three cases.

According to the investigators, the theatres were targeted because they were playing the film Bheemla Nayak.

Knoll says police are “actively investigating.”

Halton Police said in an email to CBC News that they cannot “concretely establish motive at this time,” but are reaching out to partner agencies to share intelligence and discuss any investigations.

Anyone with information is being asked to contact police at 905-925-4777 ext. 2216 or submit an anonymous tip with Crime Stoppers by calling 1-800-222-8477.

The bulk of the music documentary “This Much I Know to Be True” features singer-songwriter Nick Cave and his frequent collaborator, musician Warren Ellis, performing songs from the studio albums “Ghosteen” (2019, by Cave and his band the Bad Seeds) and “Carnage” (2021, credited to Cave and Ellis). There’s no audience here; the footage was shot in the spring of 2021, in the middle of the pandemic. But the performances — lit theatrically, in old, empty spaces in London and Brighton — feature backup singers, a string quartet and an appearance by Marianne Faithfull, reciting the May Sarton poem “Prayer Before Work.” Supplementing these scenes — which have the feel of rehearsals or studio sessions, not quite finished but not entirely unpolished — are occasional interviews with Cave, talking about his long-standing creative partnership with Ellis or reading from his emotionally vulnerable, ask-me-anything-style online forum, the Red Hand Files. The film contains no explicit mention of the 2015 death of Cave’s 15-year-old son, Arthur, but “Ghosteen” was written in the aftermath of that tragedy, and an air of still-raw mourning hangs over the film. (In a terrible footnote, Cave’s eldest son, 31-year-old Jethro Lazenby, also died this spring, after the film was in the can.) There aren’t many talking-head interviews here. Mostly, “True” is a gift for fans of Cave’s musical storytelling and an opportunity for them to bathe in lushly gloomy atmospherics. It’s stirring, dirgelike and richly imagistic stuff. As a bonus, in a brief prologue, filmmaker Andrew Dominik (“The Assassination of Jesse James by the Coward Robert Ford”) takes a peek into Cave’s new ceramics studio, where he unveils an in-progress series of statuettes depicting the life of the devil on Earth. Unrated. Available on Mubi. Contains brief strong language. 105 minutes.

Hollywood star Tom Hanks has acted in nearly 100 movies but thinks only four of them are “pretty good”.

“No one knows how a movie is made — though everyone thinks they do,” Hanks said in a new interview with ‘People’, reports ‘Variety’.

“I’ve made a tonne of movies (and four of them are pretty good, I think), and I’m still amazed at how films come together. From a flicker of an idea to the flickering image onscreen, the whole process is a miracle.”

Hanks has led some of cinema’s most celebrated films over his four-decade career, including ‘Forest Gump’ and ‘Philadelphia’, both of which earned him the Academy Award for best actor.

Hanks was also Oscar-nominated for ‘Cast Away’, ‘Big’, ‘Saving Private Ryan’ and 2020’s ‘A Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood’.

But it’s unclear which titles in Hanks’ filmography he considers to be the best.

“Movie-making is very hard work over a very long period of time that consists of so many moments of joy slapped up against an equal number of feelings of self-loathing,” he said. “It is the greatest job in the world and the most confounding of labours that I know of.”

Hanks, who starred in box office smash ‘Elvis’ and Disney’s live-action ‘Pinocchio’ remake this year, is gearing up to release his first novel, titled ‘The Making of Another Major Motion Picture Masterpiece’, out May 9, 2023.