Sizzling Samachar: Netflix's 'The Archies' Rocks Indian Riverdale with Catchy 'Sunoh' Music Video; Eva Green Ignites Swashbuckling Spectacle in 'The Three Musketeers - Part I: D'Artagnan' Trailer

Welcome to your daily dose of entertainment news, I'm your host Nikhil. News from Bollywood first.

Netflix's 'The Archies' Rocks Indian Riverdale with Catchy 'Sunoh' Music Video

Prepare to be transported to a sensational era of music, nostalgia, and youthful spirit with Netflix's upcoming film, The Archies. In a compelling teaser, the film drops its music video, Sunoh, offering a mesmerising peek into a revamped Riverdale, set in 1960s India. What makes The Archies truly unmissable is its star-studded cast, featuring the second and third generations of Bollywood legends. Khushi Kapoor, Suhana Khan, and Agastya Nanda, take the stage with magnetic Bollywood flair. It's a coming-of-age story promising vibrant energy and charm. The enchanting new Riverdale, nestled in the picturesque hills of Ooty, features steam trains, striking architecture, and a town square perfect for lively song-and-dance numbers. Sunoh, composed by Ankur Tewari, takes us on a nostalgic journey, capturing the essence of the '60s. Director Zoya Akhtar's vision and the talented cast promise a memorable revival of this beloved comic series. With a release date set for December 7.

Eva Green Ignites Swashbuckling Spectacle in 'The Three Musketeers - Part I: D'Artagnan' Trailer

Eva Green stars in the thrilling epic The Three Musketeers - Part I: D'Artagnan, ushering in the first part of a magnificent French adventure. Joining her are Le Premier Jour du Reste de ta Vie actor François Civil, Black Swan actor Vincent Cassel, Romain Duris, and Pio Marmaï, with Louis Garrel and Vicky Krieps, best known for her outstanding performance in Phantom Thread alongside Daniel Day-Lewis, in pivotal roles. This adaptation of Alexandre Dumas' classic takes audiences on a grand journey through camaraderie, trials, and daring conquests, set against the stunning backdrop of picturesque French locations. The film, with a $70 million budget and an eight-month shooting schedule, boasts grandeur in every frame, featuring over 9,000 extras and 650 horses. The Three Musketeers - Part I: D'Artagnan hits theatres and VOD/Digital on December 8th, with Part II to follow.

Steamy Rom-Com Alert: Sydney Sweeney and Glen Powell Stir Up Passion and Mystery in 'Anyone But You' Trailer

Sony's latest rom-com, Anyone But You, promises to sizzle this Christmas as it unveils a tantalising first teaser trailer. The film, directed by Will Gluck, much acclaimed for Friends with Benefits, explores the complex and passionate relationship of Bea and Ben, portrayed by Euphoria actress Sydney Sweeney and Top Gun: Maverick actor, Glen Powell, who find themselves faking a romantic connection at a destination wedding in Australia. While the teaser trailer hints at a profound secret that underlies their intense dynamic, it doesn't divulge the reason behind their sudden transformation from passion to icy tension. Anyone But You promises to blend elements of rivalry, deception, and sensual moments, keeping the audience on the edge of their seats. As Bea and Ben navigate their tangled web of emotions, viewers can anticipate a rollercoaster of passion and mystery when Anyone But You premieres in theatres on December 22.

Rachel Zegler's 'Spellbound' to Enchant Netflix Audiences in 2024

The magical animated feature, Spellbound, featuring the talents of Golden Globe winner Rachel Zegler and Academy Award-winners Nicole Kidman and Javier Bardem, has found a new home on Netflix, thanks to a partnership with Skydance Animation. In the film, Zegler voices Princess Ellian, who embarks on a daring quest to save her cursed parents, the King and Queen of Lumbria. Alongside a captivating ensemble cast, Ellian's journey unfolds in a world brimming with enchanting magic. Directed by Shrek director Vicky Jenson, Spellbound promises to weave a spellbinding tale. Spellbound is scheduled for a new 2024, with Skyddance will follow it up with Pookoo in 2025.

'Sweet Magnolias' Comforts Fans with Season 4 Renewal on Netflix

Netflix brings good news for fans of heartwarming comfort series, as Sweet Magnolias secures a fourth season. The show, set in the charming Serenity, South Carolina, follows Maddie, Dana Sue, and Heather as they return for more heartwarming tales. The renewal isn't a surprise, as Sweet Magnolias has consistently remained a top favourite among Netflix subscribers. In its three previous seasons, the series held a spot in the Global top 10 in over 60 countries, with the latest season debuting at #1 in July. The series, celebrated for its lighter, feel-good approach compared to gritty dramas and crime documentaries, offers a comforting escape for viewers, evoking nostalgia for long-running slice-of-life shows like Gilmore Girls and Parenthood. Production details and release dates for Sweet Magnolias Season 4 are yet to be announced.

Sherlock' Co-Creator Adapts Arthur Conan Doyle's 'Lot No. 249' with Kit Harington

Mark Gatiss, the co-creator of Sherlock, is delving into Arthur Conan Doyle's world once more with an adaptation of the undead mummy short story, Lot No. 249. This classic tale of horror will be headlined by Game of Thrones star Kit Harington, and it is set to become the latest instalment in the BBC's "A Ghost Story for Christmas" series. Mark Gatiss aims to revive the tradition of telling ghost stories during the Christmas holidays. His previous entries in the series include The Tractate Middoth and Count Magnus, which are adapted from ghost stories by British horror writer M.R. James. Lot No. 249 takes viewers on a ghastly and suspenseful journey with Victorian undertones. The tale, written by Arthur Conan Doyle in 1892, introduces Abercrombie Smith, who becomes suspicious of Egyptologist Edward Bellingham's unsettling activities involving an Egyptian mummy known as "Lot No. 249." As Bellingham sends the reanimated mummy to attack his adversaries, the story unveils the concept of a killer undead mummy, influencing a century of Egyptian-themed horror fiction. Lot No. 249 is set to air on BBC Two during the holiday season in the UK, and it is expected to release in India on streaming platforms.

South Indian Film Industry Challenges 8-Week OTT Rule Amid 'Leo' Controversy

South Indian filmmakers, producers, distributors, and theatre owners are rallying against the Multiplex Association of India's strict eight-week OTT window rule. Their concerns have intensified after the ban on the release of the dubbed version of Vijay's film Leo. The situation has raised alarms, not just for filmmakers but also for fans and multiplexes. In North India, leading multiplex chains have decided not to screen Leo because the film's creators didn't adhere to the eight-week OTT window rule. While South Indian state associations permit films to hit OTT platforms after four to six weeks, the Multiplex Association of India's extended timeframe presents a potential roadblock for smaller regional films seeking a nationwide release through chains like PVR, Cinepolis, and Inox. Sophia Paul, producer of blockbuster movies like RDX and Minnal Murali, stressed the importance of accommodating filmmakers' needs. The eight-week rule applies only to movies that release dubbed Hindi versions in North India. This clash between OTT and theatres, exemplified by the Leo incident, highlights the challenges in India's diverse cinema landscape.

Raj Kundra Takes on Silver Screen with ‘UT 69’ Inspired by His Turbulent Life

In a surprising turn of events, Raj Kundra, who faced legal trouble for alleged involvement in creating and publishing explicit pornographic content, is stepping into the limelight as the lead in a new film. UT 69 delves into Kundra's life and his period behind bars. The movie aims to be a raw and satirical portrayal, with Kundra himself taking on the challenging role. The film is expected to offer an unfiltered insight into Kundra’s time at Arthur Road Jail. Directed by Shahnawaz Ali, with the screenplay penned by Vikram Bhatt, UT 69 will not shy away from exploring the controversies and complexities that have surrounded him.

Well that's all we got for today's episode, until the next time it's your host Nikhil signing out.

Aaj kya dekhoge OTTplay se poocho

• Written by Apurva Dutta

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