After charming audiences as Ethel in The Archies, Dot. aka Aditi Saigal is set to make her big-screen debut with Decibel, a sci-fi mystery directed by Vineet Joshi. Starring alongside Sunny Singh, she embarks on a gripping journey involving a revolutionary device that extracts sounds from the past, blurring the lines between silence and chaos. Produced by Vin Jos Productions, the film promises a thrilling mix of science fiction and emotional depth. Dot. calls it "intense and compelling," making Decibel a must-watch for sci-fi lovers eager for a fresh, sound-driven cinematic experience.

Sizzling Samachar of the Day

Dot. and Sunny Singh tune into sci-fi thrills with ‘Decibel’

John Abraham’s latest political thriller, The Diplomat, has hit a diplomatic deadlock in the Middle East, getting banned in the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Oman, and Qatar. Though no official reason has been cited, industry whispers suggest the film’s politically charged themes might have ruffled some feathers. Directed by Shivam Nair, the film is based on Indian diplomat J.P. Singh’s daring rescue of Uzma Ahmed from a forced marriage in Pakistan. Despite the ban, the March 14 release continues to stir discussions, proving once again that global distribution isn’t always a smooth ride—especially when politics are in the mix!

John Abraham’s ‘The Diplomat’ faces a no-entry sign in the Gulf

Looks like Daniel Craig might be swapping espionage for enchantment! The former James Bond has reportedly been offered a role in Greta Gerwig’s The Chronicles of Narnia adaptation for Netflix. While Craig hasn’t officially signed on, speculation is rife about whether he’ll voice the mighty Aslan, play the wise Professor Kirke, or surprise us with another iconic role. Gerwig, fresh off her Barbie success, is helming two Narnia films, set to hit theaters in IMAX on Thanksgiving 2026 before streaming on Netflix at Christmas. Oh, and pop star Charli XCX is rumoured to be playing the White Witch!

Daniel Craig in Narnia? The former 007 might be heading to Aslan’s kingdomDaniel Craig in Narnia? The former 007 might be heading to Aslan’s kingdom

Jesse Armstrong, the mastermind behind Succession, is stepping into feature filmmaking with an untitled HBO movie, and he’s bringing Steve Carell along for the ride! The film, set against a global financial crisis, follows four billionaire buddies and boasts a stellar cast, including Jason Schwartzman, Cory Michael Smith, and Ramy Youssef. Filming kicks off this month in Park City, Utah, with a spring release planned. Armstrong, who co-wrote In the Loop, reunites with Succession alums behind the scenes. With capitalism as its battleground and HBO’s backing, this project promises to be another sharp, satirical knockout!

Steve Carell joins ‘Succession’ creator’s new HBO movie

Dwayne Johnson’s Seven Bucks Productions is levelling up with a fresh first-look deal with 20th Television, expanding into drama and animated series. This comes hot on the heels of their theatrical deal with Disney, where Johnson continues his reign as Maui in Moana 2 and its live-action remake. Meanwhile, The Rock is busy flexing his star power in Red One, producing The Smashing Machine, and gearing up for another Jumanji adventure. With Disney, 20th Television, and Seven Bucks teaming up, the entertainment world is waiting to see what electrifying projects they’ll whip up next!

The Rock is cooking up big moves with 20th television

Mark Wahlberg’s upcoming crime thriller By Any Means just swapped one powerhouse for another! Originally set to star Sterling K. Brown, the film now features Wonder Man star Yahya Abdul-Mateen II in a gripping true story about a mafia hitman and a young Black FBI agent tracking down those behind the 1966 Civil Rights murders in Mississippi. Directed by Elegance Bratton with a script by Theodore Witcher and Sascha Penn, the film’s production timeline remains under wraps. Meanwhile, Wahlberg is busy with Play Dirty, while Mateen is gearing up for Man on Fire. Stay tuned for more updates!

Mark Wahlberg’s crime thriller gets a ‘Wonder’-ful upgrade

Looks like Daniel Craig won’t be battling Nazis in DC’s Sgt. Rock after all. The James Bond actor has exited the project, leaving fans wondering what went wrong. Despite this setback, director Luca Guadagnino is still on board, as is screenwriter Justin Kuritzkes. Rumours point to Jeremy Allen White of The Bear fame as Craig’s potential replacement, promising an intriguing shift in tone. Sgt. Rock, a war hero in the DC universe, has struggled to make it to the big screen for decades. Filming starts this summer in the UK, let's hope this comic icon finally gets his live-action moment

Daniel Craig bows out of Luca Guadagnino’s DC Flick ‘Sgt. Rock’

Big news for war movie buffs! Diljit Dosanjh is stepping into the shoes of a real-life hero in   Border 2. He’ll play Nirmal Jit Singh Sekhon, the only IAF officer to receive the Param Vir Chakra posthumously. The film, starring Sunny Deol, Varun Dhawan, and Ahan Shetty, is already rolling in Jhansi, and Diljit will join in April once he wraps Sardaarji 3. His scenes will be filmed using replicas of Folland Gnat fighter jets, adding an extra layer of authenticity. With Anurag Singh directing, this sequel is set to be an intense tribute to India’s 1971 war heroes. Buckle up—this one’s going to be a ride to remember!

Diljit Dosanjh takes flight as war hero in ‘Border 2’

Freya Allan is stepping away from magic and monsters to embody 1960s pop icon Marianne Faithfull in Faithfull, a biopic charting the singer’s rise, fall, and comeback. Directed by Tove filmmaker Zaida Bergroth, the film will explore Faithfull’s turbulent journey, from her hit “As Tears Go By” and high-profile romance with Mick Jagger to addiction, homelessness, and eventual resurgence with Broken English. Sex Education’s Jojo Macari will portray Jagger. Currently in pre-production and pitched at the European Film Market, Faithfull promises a deep dive into music history, though bittersweetly following the singer’s passing in January 2025.

‘The Witcher’s’ Freya Allan to channel Marianne Faithfull in biopic

First up, Marvel may be keeping his legacy alive, but two new animated superhero films—Heroes At Large and Silver Sentinel—are shaking things up! Heroes At Large follows two dads who unexpectedly become heroes, while Silver Sentinel is a mother-daughter superhero saga with a comedic twist. No release dates yet, but expect fresh, family-friendly superhero fun soon!

Stan Lee’s legacy lives on beyond Marvel!

Welcome to another episode of your daily news podcast, Horror fans, get ready, The Black Phone 2 is cranking up the terror! Director Scott Derrickson teases a “more graphic” sequel that shifts from middle school nightmares to high school horrors, promising a darker, more intense story. Ethan Hawke’s chilling Grabber is set to return, despite meeting his grim end in the first film, hinting at a deeper dive into the supernatural. With original cast members back and an October 17, 2025, theatrical release, this Blumhouse hit is ready to haunt a new generation. In the meantime, you can catch The Black Phone streaming on AppleTV+.

‘The Black Phone 2’ dials up the horror with a darker, bloodier twist

Welcome to another episode of your daily news podcast,Get ready to witness cinematic magic as My Melbourne, an anthology helmed by Indian stalwarts Kabir Khan, Imtiaz Ali, Rima Das, and Onir, hits PVR Cinemas in India on March 14, 2025. This trailblazing project, backed by VicScreen and Screen Australia, premiered to raving reviews at the 2024 Indian Film Festival of Melbourne and MAMI Film Festival. With stories delving into race, gender, sexuality, and disability, the film features four short masterpieces, Setara, Emma, Nandini, and Jules. Presented in five languages, it’s a heartfelt celebration of diversity, inclusion, and storytelling that’ll leave you moved and inspired. Don’t miss it!

Indian Filmmakers unite for a cultural cinematic feast

Hollywood's obsession with anime strikes again! This time, Bakugan, the legendary anime with over 300 episodes, a hit card game, and a billion-dollar toy empire, is getting the live-action treatment. Directed, written, and produced by Brad Peyton known for Rampage, this ambitious adaptation comes from Spin Master Entertainment, the team behind PAW Patrol. Peyton promises a cinematic spectacle worthy of Bakugan's epic universe. Fans can also rejoice as the creators aim to honour its devoted, multi-generational fanbase while wooing new audiences. With heavyweights like My Hero Academia, Naruto, and One Punch Man also in the live-action pipeline, anime lovers are truly thriving!

Battle brawlers assemble: ‘Bakugan’ leaps into live-action glory

Keanu Reeves ditches his action-packed John Wick persona for a comedic turn in Jonah Hill’s upcoming directorial project Outcome. Set to release on Apple TV+, this dark comedy features Reeves as Reef Hawk, a troubled Hollywood star forced to face his past after being blackmailed with a mysterious video. Hill stars alongside Reeves as his lawyer, Ira Slitz, while the ensemble cast boasts Cameron Diaz, Matt Bomer, Roy Wood Jr., and Laverne Cox. Promising no karate punches but loads of laughs, Reeves dives into his comedic roots, with final edits underway. Release date TBA—stay tuned for updates!

Keanu Reeves returns to comedy in Jonah Hill’s dark satire ‘Outcome’

Get ready for polo, pitch decks, and plenty of sparks! Netflix’s The Royals brings Ishaan Khatter as Aviraaj Singh, a dashing polo-loving prince, and Bhumi Pednekar as Sophia Kanmani Shekhar, a sharp-witted CEO battling corporate sharks. As these two polar opposites collide, witty banter and crackling chemistry take centre stage. Created by Rangita and Ishita Pritish Nandy, directed by Priyanka Ghose & Nupur Asthana, and featuring legends like Sakshi Tanwar & Zeenat Aman, this is royalty like never before. Streaming soon on Netflix —are you ready for the royal romance?

Sparks, Royals, and Startups: Netflix unveils Ishaan-Bhumi’s regal rom-com

Sizzling Samachar of the Day is one podcast that lets you in on the top groundbreaking news from the world of movies and entertainment. This is an OTTplay production, brought to you by HT Smartcast.

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