Netflix announced today that comedy icons Adam Sandler and Chris Rock will reunite to star in a new Netflix original film set to begin production in Long Island, New York this summer. The Week Of will be directed by veteran Saturday Night Live writer and producer Robert Smigel. The movie covers the week of preparation for a wedding in which Sandler’s daughter is marrying Rock’s son. Happy Madison Productions’ Adam Sandler and Allen Covert will serve as producers and Barry Bernardi and Tim Herlihy will serve as executive producers. Sandler and Smigel co-wrote the script. The film will premiere globally on Netflix in 2018.
“Adam Sandler and Chris Rock are cornerstones of the Netflix comedy family and we are over the moon about these two legends reuniting to give our members worldwide a healthy dose of the hilarity that they have been creating together for years. Similar in the romantic comedy tone of Sandler’s most recent film Sandy Wexler, this film will be the perfect vehicle for Sandler and Rock and their millions of fans around the world,” said Ted Sarandos, Netflix Chief Content Officer.
Sandler, whose films have grossed over $3 billion, dominated box offices around the world with such films as Grown Ups, Billy Madison, Big Daddy and The Waterboy. In 2014, the multi-hyphenate actor, writer, producer and occasional singer-songwriter set his sights on conquering the streaming world and his films have found enormous success on Netflix. Sandler’s first three Netflix films, The Ridiculous 6, The Do-Over, and the recently launched Sandy Wexler are three of the biggest film releases ever on Netflix. This film, which marks the reunion of Rock and Sandler who last starred together in the hit comedies Grown Ups and Grown Ups 2, is the fourth film in Happy Madison Productions’ original deal with Netflix. Recently, the deal was extended to include four additional feature films.
Sandler began his career as a stand-up comedian and joined Saturday Night Live as a writer and featured player before founding Happy Madison Productions. He went on to star, produce and write numerous films which went on to become box office hits. Sandler has received critical accolades for his work in Punch-Drunk Love, Reign Over Me, and Funny People. He will soon be seen in Noah Baumbach’s upcoming comedy The Meyerowitz Stories (New and Selected) alongside Dustin Hoffman, Ben Stiller and Emma Thompson. The film will premiere at the 2017 Cannes Film Festival and will be released by Netflix later this year.
Rock is a four-time Emmy and three-time Grammy award-winning producer, writer, actor, director, best-selling author and comedian. Rock, who began his career working with Sandler in the 1990’s on Saturday Night Live, has had starring roles in films ranging from Down to Earth, Head of State, 2 Days in New York and Top Five, which he also wrote and directed. Rock has leant his voice to the hit animated film series Madagascar; produced the hit television series Everybody Hates Chris; and has won awards and acclaim for his hit comedy specials. In addition to Grown Ups, Rock also starred with Sandler in The Longest Yard. Rock and Netflix are also working together on two stand up comedy specials which Rock will star in. Additionally, Rock appeared in the Netflix’s A Very Murray Christmas special with Bill Murray. Rock is currently traveling the US on the first leg of his Total Blackout Tour 2017. This is the acclaimed comedian’s first tour in over 9 years.
Upcoming 2017 Netflix Original film releases include David Michôd’s War Machine
starring Brad Pitt, Meg Tilly, Tilda Swinton, Topher Grace, Lakeith Stanfield and Sir Ben Kingsley; Bong Joon-Ho’s Okja starring Tilda Swinton, Jake Gyllenhaal, Paul Dano, Lily Collins, Steven Yeun; Jim Strouse’s The Incredible Jessica James starring Jessica Williams and Chris O’Dowd; Marti Noxon’s To The Bone starring Lily Collins; Adam Wingard’s Death Note starring Nat Wolff, Lakeith Stanfield and Margaret Qualley; Duncan Jones’ Mute starring Alex Skarsgård, Paul Rudd and Justin Theroux; Dee Rees’ Mudbound starring Carey Mulligan, Mary J. Blige, Jason Mitchell, and Garrett Hedlund; Ritesh Batra’s Our Souls At Night
starring Robert Redford and Jane Fonda; Angelina Jolie’s First They Killed My Father, based on Cambodian author and activist Loung Ung’s gripping memoir; Noah Baumbach’s The Meyerowitz Stories (New and Selected) starring Ben Stiller, Adam Sandler, Dustin Hoffman and Emma Thompson; and David Ayer’s Bright starring Will Smith, Joel Edgerton, Noomi Rapace, Lucy Fry and Edgar Ramirez.

Movie
The rise of Japanese anime in India

In recent years, the Indian entertainment landscape has witnessed a remarkable surge in the popularity of Japanese anime, leading to an increasing demand for localized content. Recognizing this trend, several platforms have begun offering anime dubbed in regional Indian languages such as Hindi, Tamil, and Telugu, making these captivating stories more accessible to a broader audience.
Streaming services have played a pivotal role in this cultural integration. For instance, Animedub.pro provides a vast collection of anime dubbed in languages including Hindi, Telugu, Tamil, Malayalam, and Bengali. Popular series like “Naruto,” “My Hero Academia,” and “Jujutsu Kaisen” are available in these regional languages, allowing fans to enjoy content in their preferred dialects.
Similarly, Crunchyroll, a leading anime streaming platform, announced a slate of Hindi, Tamil, and Telugu dubs for series such as “Dr. STONE,” “BLUE LOCK,” and “Haikyu!!” between May and June 2024, further catering to the diverse linguistic demographics of India.
The success of dubbed anime is significantly attributed to the talented Indian voice artists who bring these characters to life. Notable examples include:
Prasad Barve: Renowned for voicing Ash Ketchum in the Hindi version of “Pokémon” during the early 2000s, Barve’s portrayal became iconic among Indian audiences.
Sonal Kaushal: Known as ‘The Motor Mouth,’ Kaushal has been the Hindi voice of Doraemon since 2005, endearing herself to a generation of viewers.
Ankur Javeri: Celebrated for his portrayal of Goku in the Hindi dub of “Dragon Ball Z,” Javeri’s performance has electrified fans at events like Zee Cafe’s Anime Fest.
Javed Jaffrey: While not an anime series, Jaffrey’s humorous narration of the Japanese game show “Takeshi’s Castle” in Hindi showcased his versatility and contributed to the show’s cult status in India.
The localization of anime through regional dubbing has not only broadened the genre’s appeal but has also fostered a deeper cultural exchange between India and Japan. By experiencing stories that blend universal themes with distinct cultural nuances, Indian audiences have developed a greater appreciation for Japanese storytelling. This trend has also opened new avenues for Indian voice artists, providing them with opportunities to showcase their talent and connect with audiences nationwide.
In conclusion, the dubbing of Japanese anime into Indian languages like Hindi, Tamil, and Telugu signifies a harmonious blend of cultures, enriching the entertainment experiences of audiences and paving the way for a more inclusive media landscape.
Streaming
Thandel: A Riveting Journey Through Social Inequities and Human Struggles

Directed by: Rajesh Kumar | Written by: Rajesh Kumar | Starring: Vijay Sethupathi, Nayanthara, and Pasupathi
Genre: Drama, Thriller | Runtime: 2 hours 45 minutes
Available on: Netflix | Studio: Red Studios
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Thandel is a gripping drama-thriller that examines the deep-rooted social and political issues prevalent in rural India. Directed and written by Rajesh Kumar, the film brings to light the stark realities of human suffering, class divides, and systemic oppression while weaving a powerful narrative of hope and resistance. With stellar performances by Vijay Sethupathi, Nayanthara, and Pasupathi, this film offers more than just entertainment – it’s a powerful commentary on society.
The story centers around Karthik (Vijay Sethupathi), an idealistic young man who returns to his village after years of studying in the city. He quickly realizes that his community is being threatened by a corrupt political system that is destroying the very fabric of rural life. His attempts to restore justice and bring about change lead him into a whirlwind of tension, deceit, and violence. As Karthik allies with Anjali (Nayanthara), a strong-willed social activist, the two face constant opposition from powerful forces.
The narrative is slow-burning at first but quickly accelerates, with each twist revealing more about the characters’ motivations, fears, and hopes. The layered storytelling keeps you hooked until the very end.
Vijay Sethupathi delivers yet another powerful performance, effortlessly transitioning between the earnestness of his character and the complex moral dilemmas he faces. Nayanthara, as always, excels in portraying the fiery yet vulnerable activist, and her chemistry with Sethupathi elevates the emotional depth of the story.
Pasupathi, in a key supporting role, steals the show with his nuanced portrayal of a villain who is more human than one might expect, further adding complexity to the story.
Rajesh Kumar’s direction is both poignant and precise. His attention to detail in capturing the rural landscape of India creates a sense of place that is both beautiful and haunting. The cinematography is immersive, with sweeping shots of the village contrasted by intimate close-ups that highlight the emotional turmoil of the characters. The direction adds weight to the social commentary while never sacrificing the entertainment value of the plot.
The soundtrack, composed by Anirudh Ravichander, is another standout element of Thandel. The haunting score perfectly complements the film’s dark themes, while songs like “Thamizh Puthu” bring an uplifting energy to the narrative at the right moments. The sound design plays a crucial role in amplifying the tension in key scenes, immersing the viewer further into the tense atmosphere.
At its core, Thandel is a powerful examination of social inequality, the exploitation of rural communities, and the complex relationship between political power and the people. The film touches on corruption, justice, and the role of activism in driving societal change. Through its nuanced portrayal of its characters and their personal struggles, it urges viewers to think about the impact of systemic oppression and the importance of standing up for what is right.
Thandel is a thought-provoking, emotionally charged film that blends drama with thriller elements. Its intelligent screenplay, solid performances, and striking visuals make it an essential watch for anyone interested in socially relevant cinema. While the pacing may be slow for some viewers, the emotional payoff and the film’s profound message make it well worth the wait.
Rating: 9/10
Movie
Jaat (2024) – A Gritty and Pulse-Pounding Ride Through Rural JusticeJaat

Runtime: 2h 17min
Genre: Action, Drama, Crime
Director: Manoj Rathi
Writer: Veerendra Pal Singh
Studio: Rathi Films India
Cast:
Gavie Chahal as Veeru
Aarushi Sharma as Meera
Karamveer Choudhary as Chaudhary Saab
Manjit Singh as Inspector Malik
Rajendra Bhatia as MLA Dhillon
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Jaat comes galloping in with the firepower of a rural action epic and the emotional core of a revenge drama. Directed by Manoj Rathi, this gritty North Indian action film pulls no punches, delivering a hard-hitting tale about honor, family, and retribution.
Gavie Chahal commands the screen as Veeru, a former army man turned vigilante who returns to his village only to find it ravaged by corruption and political thuggery. Chahal brings stoic intensity to the role, capturing both the silent rage and explosive force required of a righteous hero. Aarushi Sharma as Meera provides warmth and emotional grounding, while Karamveer Choudhary adds gravitas in his portrayal of an old patriarch trying to hold on to fading traditions.
The film’s biggest strength lies in its raw action sequences, beautifully choreographed and grounded in realism. Hand-to-hand combat, shootouts in mustard fields, and gripping chase scenes through narrow village lanes are highlights that keep you on the edge of your seat.
What Worked:
Authentic setting: The dusty lanes, village politics, and vibrant Haryanvi culture feel lived-in and immersive.
Powerful soundtrack: Folk-infused music enhances key moments, especially during confrontations.
Action choreography: Brutal, believable, and satisfying for fans of grounded action.
Strong lead performance: Gavie Chahal delivers a breakout role with screen presence and emotional depth.
Pacing issues: The second act lingers due to subplots that could have been trimmed. Predictable plot points: The revenge arc follows a familiar path and would benefit from more unexpected twists. Underdeveloped antagonist: Although the villain is effective, they lack depth and backstory, which would make the rivalry more engaging..
Rating: 7.5/10
Verdict: Jaat is a must-watch for fans of desi action with heart. It wears its rustic flair with pride and delivers a satisfying punch of drama, action, and cultural resonance. While it doesn’t reinvent the genre, it revs up the rural revenge saga with style and sincerity.