Who says animation is only for children? Indian-born American filmmaker and showrunner Adi Shankar defies the odds by going against the grain. As the sequel to Devil May Cry prepares to stream on Netflix from May 12, the producer, who moved from independent Hollywood films to adult animation, tells mid-day that with language and cultural barriers dwindling and people eager to lap up worldwide content, the territorial gatekeeping some studios have had is crumbling. “Netflix and YouTube built a global marketplace for media. It’s pulling cultures closer together faster. They can give your work global distribution and marketing support on day one,” says Shankar, adding that if the story is strong, it can find its audience anywhere. “These platforms connect the world, and when something hits, it hits everywhere,” he adds. Adi Shankar He notes that major studio systems were and some still are Intellectual Property [IP]-driven like [Batman, Superman, Iron Man, Terminator, etc]. It’s easy to get locked out of the playing field if one doesn’t have access to top-tier IP. To create value for himself, he made six unauthorised fan films [Bootleg Universe] on YouTube. “I was doing it to be rebellious, but it proved that I could handle iconic IPs at a level that it felt like a reinvention, not a photocopy,” he asserts. With the popularity of his shorts, the dynamic is flipping. Now IP holders are coming to him to reinvent and reimagine their properties. He reasons that most game-to-animated series adaptations fail during development, not in execution. The problem, he says is, “A lot of adaptations are treated like assignments, where a committee starts shaping it before anyone has a singular point of view. The result is something that’s faithful on the surface with names, lore, easter eggs, but [is actually] spiritually hollow. The real [need] is [to have an] authorship that can execute.” Shankar was thrilled to be “embraced by the industry pretty quickly”. But insecurities grew as the discourse around the label of diversity intensified. “I became conscious of being labelled an ‘outsider’ once diversity conversations became a constant topic around 2016,” he explains. It was over a dinner with Ryan Reynolds when the actor said that the Indian accent, an insecurity he carried, was “sexy”, that Shankar’s mind got rewired. “I had internalised this idea that Americans heard it as ‘dorky’. In that moment, [I realised] how much of this ‘outsider-ness’ is projection.” Adi Shankar’s animation work 2017 ‘Castlevania’2022 ‘The Guardians of Justice’2023 ‘Captain Laserhawk: A Blood Dragon Remix’2023 ‘Castlevania: Nocturne’2025 ‘Devil May Cry’ What is ‘Devil May Cry’ all about?The adult animated urban fantasy follows Dante, a wisecracking, orphaned demon hunter for hire, who gets caught in a demonic invasion of Earth, orchestrated by the terrorist White Rabbit, while also navigating conflicts with the government organisation, Darkcom Did you know?Adi Shankar was the executive producer on ‘Gangs of Wasseypur’ (2012)
08 February,2026 07:32 AM IST | Mumbai | Mohar BasuPop icon Justin Bieber and his wife Hailey Bieber are in their own lane. They are happy and focused "on their own lives". The loved up couple are said to be "doing great as a couple" having the 29-year-old star supported her man last weekend when he performed at the Grammy Awards for the first time in four years, reports ‘Female First UK’. An insider told ‘People’ magazine "They were very excited to attend the Grammys together. It was a big deal to them. Hailey's always so proud of Justin and incredibly supportive. She'll be at Coachella too. She loves watching him perform. They're doing great as a couple. They really just ignore the noise and focus on their own lives”. It's said the pair focus on their work and family, making sure to be "great parents" to their 19-month-old son Jack. The source added, "Their day-to-day life is pretty simple. They work and then spend as much family time as possible. They're great parents. Jack is the cutest, happiest little boy”. As per ‘Female First UK’, the couple got married in 2018, and in August 2024 they welcomed baby Jack into the world. Meanwhile, a different insider revealed Hailey was by Justin's side as he worked on his new album SWAG, as well as rehearsals for the Grammys. The source said, “She’s been right there throughout and watched him build the album from the ground up. She was so proud seeing his vision come to light onstage”. The 31-year-old pop star "feels deeply supported" by his wife, and the pair are "in such a strong place right now". At the Grammys, Justin appeared in just a pair of purple boxer shorts, which were custom-made by his own SKYLRK fashion brand, playing a matching guitar. He performed his song Yukon, which was nominated for Best R+B Performance, while the singer's new LP was up for Album of the Year and Best Pop Vocal Album, and single Daisies was in the running for Best Pop Solo Performance. This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever
07 February,2026 07:17 PM IST | Los Angeles | IANSBy the time The Strangers: Chapter 3 gets underway, it becomes clear that this trilogy’s real antagonist isn’t masked strangers or small-town rot, but sheer creative exhaustion. The film picks up right where the second part ended, with Maya (Madelaine Petsch) killing Pin-Up Girl. Despite the build up, the inevitable confrontation between Maya and Scarecrow (Gabriel Basso) is a major let down. Their encounter unfolds inside a chapel, where an unmasked Scarecrow bears his heart open to Maya about the mutual losses they have suffered, and any remaining sense of threat evaporates. The first part worked because the masked strangers had no names, no faces, and no explanations. The third part, in contrast, can't stop explaining itself, yet the explanations itself are paper thin. Flashbacks of Scarecrow and Pin-Up Girl as teenagers show they simply are born innately cruel; there is no attempt to provide any psychological depth to their actions. Another flashback shows Doll Face joined the murderous duo but adds no impact to the plot. New characters, like Maya's sister (Rachel Shenton) who arrives to Venus in search for her, are introduced, only to be disposed of even before their presence registers. New revelations don't land as a surprise - Sheriff Rotter (Richard Brake) is revealed to be exactly as evil as suspected. Maya remains the designated Final Girl, still surviving only due to plot armour. The film piles up several questions that provides no resolutions to. Why does Scarecrow repeatedly spare Maya? Why does he unbind her and arm her arm her with a rifle? Why does Maya have no dialogue except the opening and concluding scenes? Why are the towns people or at least the police not concerned by the growing number of missing people? And why did this story need to be stretched to a trilogy at all? Scarecrow then tries to convert Maya into the next serial killer by giving her Pin-Up Girl's mask, - a plot device that might have seemed symbolic on paper but is rather hollow. The film could have interrogated the idea of violence begetting more violence, but merely gestures at it before moving on. Madelaine Petsch is given little to work with beyond physical endurance, with zero interiority, no dialogues and a fixed, vacant stare. For a horror movie, this film doesn't seem to want to frighten you, as scenes stretch endlessly and tension never arrives. Scenes of violence also don’t lean into excess gore, the, staging lacks intensity, having no impact on the audience. Shot in Slovakia, the cinematography is atmospheric, the score evokes dread, the performances are effective and the masks are initially unsettling. However, the trilogy stretches a concept that barely sustains a single film into three films’ worth of material, leading to an ending that feels less like closure than weariness.
07 February,2026 06:15 PM IST | Mumbai | Nandini ShahAmerican rapper Lil Jon is grieving the devastating loss of his 27-year-old son, Nathan Smith, whose body was discovered in a pond near his home in Milton, Georgia, after he had been reported missing earlier in the week. Authorities located the body following an extensive search operation involving local police, emergency responders, and dive teams. While officials believe the body to be Nathan’s, formal identification is pending confirmation from the medical examiner. Investigators have stated that there are currently no signs of foul play, though the case remains under investigation. Nathan Smith was found dead in a pond Nathan, who was also known professionally as DJ Young Slade, was last seen leaving his residence on February 3 under concerning circumstances. Reports indicate that he left on foot without his phone, raising immediate alarm among family members and prompting a missing person report. Search teams worked tirelessly for days before making the tragic discovery near a public park. In an emotional statement, Lil Jon, born Jonathan Smith, spoke about the profound heartbreak he and Nathan’s mother, Nicole Smith, are experiencing. He described his son as exceptionally kind, compassionate, and full of life, someone who left a lasting impression on everyone he met. The rapper also highlighted Nathan’s dedication to music, noting that he was a talented producer, artist, and engineer who had graduated from New York University and was actively pursuing his creative ambitions. Lil Jon penned an emotional statement Lil Jon expressed pride in his son’s achievements and said the family finds some comfort in knowing they had always shared their love and support with him. He also extended gratitude to the law enforcement officials, first responders, and volunteers who participated in the search efforts, as well as to those who offered prayers and messages of support during the difficult time. The news has prompted an outpouring of condolences from fans, friends, and members of the music community. Many have remembered Nathan as a promising young artist with a bright future, while others have shared messages of strength for Lil Jon and his family as they navigate this unimaginable loss.
07 February,2026 12:57 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentHow I Met Your Mother star Josh Radnor and his wife Jordana Jacobs have been blessed with a baby boy. On Wednesday, Josh took to Instagram to share the good news with his fans and followers. "So my wife and I had a baby a few months ago (!!) Here's what we know so far: His smile lights up the room. He's super observant and thoughtful. He gets hypnotised when I play him songs on the guitar. He thinks the word "baba ghanoush" is hysterical. He's a total delight and Jordana and I are thrilled he's here. Thanks for all the kind words from howwemadeyourmother listeners (I dropped the news a few episodes back on the podcast.) Sending love to all my fellow parents of newborns out there. What a wild, beautiful, exhausting, heart-opening initiation. So grateful," he posted. Josh also shared adorable pictures of his child. Check it out here. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Josh Radnor (@joshradnor) Though Josh tends to keep his personal life off social media, he gave a peek into what it is like to be married to Jordana months after announcing they had gotten hitched, according to E! News. "It's fantastic. I love it," he told People in November 2024. "I know you're supposed to say that, but I actually love it." As for his favourite part of their time together? "I like the mornings and I like the nights," Josh continued. "We sometimes don't see each other during the day because of work stuff, so I love waking up together and then reconnecting at the end of the day." Josh Radnor and Jordana tied the knot in January 2024. This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever
06 February,2026 10:09 AM IST | Los Angeles | ANIThe Oscar-nominated movie Marty Supreme, starring four-time Academy Award nominee Timothee Chalamet, will receive a theatrical release in China, reported Variety. The film, directed by Josh Safdie, has emerged as a major awards contender with nine Oscar nominations, including nods for best picture, director and actor. The sports drama has been widely praised by critics and audiences, with Chalamet's performance drawing particular acclaim. Marty Supreme has already established itself as a commercial powerhouse, becoming A24's highest-grossing release domestically. The film is on track to become the indie studio's biggest global success to date, reported Variety. The actor, who also produced the film alongside Safdie, Ronald Bronstein, Eli Bush and Anthony Katagas, has cultivated a solid relationship with Chinese moviegoers through previous releases. His biggest success in the territory came with Dune: Part Two, which grossed 49 million USD in China when Wanda Film released it in March 2024, reported Variety. "Producing Marty Supreme has been a deeply meaningful experience for me, and I'm genuinely thrilled to be working with Wanda Film to bring the film to audiences in China," Chalamet said in a statement as quoted in Variety. "I can't wait for Chinese audiences to experience Marty Supreme and to be part of its continued journey around the world." The nine Oscar nominations for Marty Supreme include recognition for cinematography, editing, production design, casting, costume design and original screenplay. The film's China release marks the latest step in its worldwide theatrical rollout. Timothee has also been nominated in the category of Best Actor at Academy Awards 2026 for his performane in the film Marty Supreme. This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever
06 February,2026 09:30 AM IST | Washington | ANIHollywood actor Harrison Ford seems to be content with the way his career has shaped up. The actor thinks Shrinking would be a “sufficient” end to his legendary career. The actor, 83, who stars alongside Christa Miller, Jessica Williams, Jason Segel, and Michael J Fox in the hit series, described the show as a “very special” project to work on and admitted he wonders what he could possibly do next to live up to the experience. Michael J Fox He said, “Where do you go from here? The kind of work that we’re able to do is remarkable given the tools we have to work with, and the notion that lies behind this series. And if it was all over here, that would be sufficient.” The actor explained how working on Shrinking has been a “different” experience, but one that has been incredibly fulfilling. “It nurtures me and makes me feel like what we’re doing has value and importance. I look for that in my life and I’m happy to have found it here,” he added. He also admitted he was nervous about working with Fox on the show, as Ford’s character Dr Paul Roades has the same condition as the Back To The Future (1985) icon. He said, “It was a bit daunting because I am representing a character that has Parkinson’s, and Michael, of course, has the real thing. I’ve always felt a real sense of responsibility for getting that part of my story right. But Michael is an extraordinary, generous, and lovely fellow, who I did not know at all, and had a chance to, working on this show. It was an extraordinary experience.” This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever
06 February,2026 08:14 AM IST | Mumbai | AgenciesThe Global Box Office success The Housemaid is set to launch for early access to rent or buy at home or on your devices, following its acclaimed reception across cinemas in India. The intense psychological thriller premieres across Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV, Google/YouTube and BookMyShow from 12th February 2026. About The Housemaid Starring Sydney Sweeney, Amanda Seyfried, and Brandon Sklenar, The Housemaid delivers seductive tension, emotional depth, and high-stakes drama. Trying to escape her past, Millie (Sweeney) takes a job as a live-in housemaid for wealthy couple Nina (Seyfried) and Andrew Winchester (Sklenar), only for the dream opportunity to spiral into a dangerous game of secrets, scandal, and power, with shocking twists unfolding behind closed doors until the very end. The Housemaid is especially popular with Indian audiences as it tackles themes such as class divides, hidden family dynamics, and the quiet strength of women, weaving in emotions with suspenseful intrigue. The Housemaid is available to rent from INR 499. Sydney Sweeney to debut in Bollywood? According to a report by Sun, an Indian production company has approached the Hollywood star with deal of 45 million pound (over Rs 530 crore) to star in one of the most expensive films ever made in Bollywood. The report stated, “The deal is made up of a 35 million pound (over Rs 415 crore) fee alongside 10 million pound (over Rs 115 crore) in sponsorship agreements, with producers hoping Sydney's star power would help the film reach a wider audience in the international market." is believed that in the film, Sydney would allegedly play a young American star who falls in love with an Indian celebrity. Additionally, the report also suggests that the film is expected to take place in early 2026 and will be shot in multiple locations, including New York, Paris, London and Dubai. Sources suggest, “Sydney was shocked by the offer at first, 45 million pound is an incredible sum. But the project is intriguing, and it could elevate her global profile even further. The Indian film industry is powerful and growing, and this movie is designed to bring its productions to the international market." An insider further added, “Nothing has been decided yet, but it’s a huge opportunity and Sydney is weighing her options carefully. Money isn’t everything, and she has many projects lined up, but this could push her to new limits as an actress." Don’t forget to watch The Housemaid on Apple TV, Google/YouTube and rent it through Amazon Prime Video and BookMyShow
05 February,2026 11:21 AM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentParamount Pictures and Spyglass Media Group unveiled the Big Game Spot during the Super Bowl for their upcoming iconic slasher film, Scream 7. The film is set to hit the Indian theatres on 27th February 2026. Scream 7 Super Bowl trailer When a new Ghostface killer emerges in the quiet town where Sidney Prescott (Neve Campbell) has built a new life, her darkest fears are realized as her daughter (Isabel May) becomes the next target. Determined to protect her family, Sidney must face the horrors of her past to put an end to the bloodshed once and for all. Based on the characters created by Kevin Williamson, the film features Neve Campbell, Courteney Cox, Isabel May, Jasmin Savoy Brown, Mason Gooding, Anna Camp, Joel McHale, Mckenna Grace, Michelle Randolph, Jimmy Tatro, Asa Germann, Celeste O’Connor, Sam Rechner, Ethan Embry, Tim Simons and Mark Consuelos. It is a sequel to Scream VI (2023) and the seventh installment in the Scream film series. Directed by Kevin Williamson, the film is produced by William Sherak, James Vanderbilt, Paul Neinstein. Matthew Lillaird on returning to Scream 7 Lillard last appeared in the franchise in Wes Craven's original Scream (1996) as high-school student Stu Macher, a horror-movie-obsessed friend of Sidney Prescott (Neve Campbell). He is eventually revealed to be one of the killers behind the Ghostface mask, alongside Billy Loomis (Ulrich, 55). "I'm thrilled to be back," Lillard said. "I'm nervous, because at this point in my life, the only thing I can do is sort of ruin how people consider Stu," the actor said about his character. "Especially if I come back and I suck or I was lame." "I haven't seen the movie yet," he said. "I don't know if it works, but it's a risk. And it's a risk that I was excited to take." "At the same time, I'm nervous to see the outcome. I hope people like it," Lillard added, as quoted by People. Lillard previously expressed hope that the long-awaited sequel would live up to expectations during a September 14 appearance at Silver Scream Con in Worcester, Mass. Paramount Pictures India is set to release Scream 7 in cinemas on 27th February 2026.
04 February,2026 11:08 AM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentLionsgate has released a new official trailer for Michael, the much-anticipated biopic chronicling the life of pop icon Michael Jackson, offering a closer look at his family roots and early influences. The film is set to release in theatres and IMAX worldwide on April 24. The trailer places particular emphasis on Michael Jackson's upbringing under the guidance of his father, Joe Jackson, portrayed by Colman Domingo. In the trailer, Joe tells his children, "In this life, you're either a winner or you're a loser," underscoring his role as both a demanding father and the manager who shaped the Jackson Five. Nia Long, playing Michael's mother Katherine Jackson, provides a contrasting emotional note, telling her son, "I knew you were different the moment you were born. You have a special light." Jaafar Jackson, Michael Jackson's nephew, makes his feature film debut in the lead role, portraying the King of Pop from childhood through his rise as a global music phenomenon. The trailer revisits Michael's journey from family performances to solo superstardom, driven by the unprecedented success of albums such as 'Thriller.' Jaafar Jackson is also seen recreating Michael's signature dance moves, including the moonwalk. Directed by Antoine Fuqua, Michael has faced multiple release delays, having previously been slated for fall 2025. The film also stars Miles Teller as attorney John Branca, Kat Graham as Diana Ross, Laura Harrier as Suzanne de Passe, Kendrick Sampson as Quincy Jones, and Juliano Krue Valdi as a young Michael. As per The Hollywood Reporter, Lionsgate will distribute the film domestically, with Universal handling its global release. This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever
04 February,2026 09:46 AM IST | Washington | ANIAn ex-cop. One night. One job gone wrong and his family caught in the chaos. Guns Up, an unforgettable action-comedy, starring Kevin James as beleaguered dad Ray Hayes and Christina Ricci as his fierce wife Alice streams February 6 on Lionsgate Play. Directed by Edward Drake, the film follows Ray, a former cop turned mob henchman, who dreams of opening a diner with his family but when his final job explodes, he has one frantic night to outrun the city’s deadliest criminals and protect the people he loves most. Packed with relentless chases, knife fights, and gut-busting humour, Guns Up fuses explosive action with heartfelt family stakes. Melissa Leo (The Equalizer) and Luis Guzmán (Wednesday) also deliver standout performances in this thrilling story of survival, redemption, and chaos you won’t want to miss. Kevin James on joining Guns Up Kevin James on joining the project and the film's unique tone, "I got involved first through the director, Ed Drake. He had called me and asked if we wanted to do this type of action kind of family movie. And it was again intriguing to me because I haven't done a lot of movies that are with this tone, and it's a little different for me and once we were in it, I understood what it was all about and I trusted the process and it felt great.” Elaborating on the intense stunt work and collaboration, James noted his rigorous preparation, “I literally had probably three months or something of training with these guys. I went through some crazy fight training. We worked really hard because we wanted it to look real.” He further added, “Christina didn’t have much time to train but she was a badass in the movie and she made it look easy. It all came together well.” Christina Ricci on choosing Guns Up Taking about what made her take up this project, Christina Ricci shared, “This script came to me and I have always been a fan of Kevin’s. I have to say I have watched a lot of Kevin’s movies so I was really excited and my son in particular was excited as well. I love action and always wanted to do more of it and was excited to play a role like this. And, Ed has been very sweet and I feel he is responsible for a lot of heart in this movie.” Ricci on the relatable family heart theme at the core of the film, shared, "This movie has a ton of heart. It's really about a family. We play two parents who are in a very relatable situation. We're having financial issues and have big hopes and dreams for ourselves and our kids, and we're just trying to sort of do what we can to give our kids and ourselves a better life. And, I think that being the impetus of the whole thing and that lends a lot of heart to it. And, while it's still full of action and it’s funny, I think that’s really what keeps it warm."
03 February,2026 03:31 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentADVERTISEMENT
