Kartik Aaryan’s latest film, ‘Chandu Champion,’ a biopic of India’s first Paralympic gold medalist Murlikant Petkar, has continued its strong performance at the box office, crossing ₹33 crore in total collections. The film has garnered positive word-of-mouth, leading to impressive box office numbers, particularly in the overseas market.
Kartik Aaryan’s ‘Chandu Champion’, a biopic based on India’s first Paralympic gold medalist Murlikant Petkar, has witnessed a strong performance at the box office, collecting over ₹ 21 crore in its first three days. The film has received positive reviews for Aaryan’s performance and Kabir Khan’s direction.
The 2001 biopic ‘Ali’, starring Will Smith, offers a glimpse into the boxer’s iconic image and his struggle to maintain it in a tumultuous era. The film explores Ali’s battles inside and outside the ring, highlighting the fear and uncertainty beneath his public bravado. It also resonates with Smith’s recent loss of control over his own image after the infamous Oscars slap. ‘Ali’ remains a powerful film about a Black star’s struggle to define himself amidst societal expectations and pressure.
The announcement that Barry Keoghan will portray Ringo Starr in Sam Mendes’ upcoming Beatles biopic series has stirred conflicting reactions. While some fans express excitement, others voice concerns about the prevalent trend of casting highly attractive actors in biopics, diminishing the authenticity of the characters portrayed. The casting of Harris Dickinson, Paul Mescal, and Charlie Rowe as John Lennon, Paul McCartney, and George Harrison, respectively, has also been met with mixed responses.
Former President Donald Trump’s team is preparing to file a lawsuit against the makers of a biopic about his career in the 1980s. Trump’s campaign communications director, Steven Cheung, called the film, starring Sebastian Stan and directed by Ali Abbasi, a piece of ‘garbage’ and ‘pure fiction.’ The film centers on Trump’s relationship with Roy Cohn and includes salacious and disturbing scenes involving Trump and other real-life figures. Cheung said the film is ‘pure malicious defamation’ and should not see the light of day. Abbasi, the director, said he would be willing to privately screen the movie for Trump if the former president is open to it.
‘The Apprentice’, a biopic on former US President Donald Trump, premiered at the Cannes Film Festival, provoking lawsuit threats for alleged ‘sensationalized lies’. The film portrays Trump’s rise in New York, but triggers controversy over scenes depicting sexual assault and plastic surgery. Notably, the film has received mixed reviews, with some praising its nuanced portrayal while others criticize its fictionalized events.
David Castañeda has been cast in the lead role of Chalino, an upcoming biopic about the legendary Mexican singer-songwriter Chalino Sánchez. The film will tell the story of Sánchez’s rise to fame and his tragic death in 1992. Castañeda is best known for his roles in The Umbrella Academy, El Chicano, and Sicario: Day of the Soldado.
Amar Singh Chamkila, a socks factory worker from Punjab, found fame as a flamboyant singer-songwriter in the 1980s. Despite his untimely death, his music and life story continue to captivate audiences, as seen in the recent Bollywood biopic. Chamkila’s popularity stems from his raw talent, spontaneous rapport with audiences, and ability to weave their reactions into his lyrics. His defiance of social norms and oppressive power structures resonates with audiences, making him an unlikely icon of free expression.
Michael Jackson’s Neverland Ranch is being renovated for the upcoming biopic ‘Michael.’ The ranch features fairground rides, a hot-air balloon ride, and a train. The biopic stars Michael’s nephew Jaafar Jackson as his uncle and follows his life from the Jackson 5 to his untimely death in 2009. The film is directed by Antoine Fuqua and is expected to be one of the biggest films of 2025.
The iconic Neverland Ranch, once home to the late Michael Jackson, has been brought back to life for the filming of a new biopic about the singer’s life. The ranch, located near Santa Barbara, has undergone extensive restoration to recreate its signature features, including the Ferris wheel, merry-go-round, and circus tent. The revamped ranch is now a bustling hub of activity, with fairground rides and extras fully immersed in their roles. Filming is currently underway, with Michael Jackson’s nephew, Jaafar Jackson, portraying the King of Pop.
