HISTORY’s hit drama series “Vikings” returns to San Diego Comic-Con with several exciting opportunities for fans including a cast panel in Ballroom 20 that will reveal an exclusive mid-season five trailer, a Seer inspired booth on the convention floor, and an exclusive SDCC comic book entitled “Vikings: Causor.”
Additionally, HISTORY’s upcoming new UFO drama series “Project Blue Book” will make its SDCC debut with a cast panel and a unique, outside activation featuring real UFO cases and an attempt to make contact with life beyond earth from San Diego grounds. Executive produced by Robert Zemeckis, the drama series is inspired by the true, Top Secret investigations into Unidentified Flying Objects (UFOs) conducted by the United States Air Force from 1952-1969 and stars Aidan Gillen (“Game of Thrones”) and Michael Malarkey (“The Vampire Diaries”). HISTORY will also offer fans the opportunity to take home an exclusive “Project Blue Book” inspired comic book entitled “Project Blue Book – Case #1972.”
Please see details below and join in on the conversation by using #VikingsSDCC @HistoryVikings and #BlueBookSDCC.
HISTORY’s “VIKINGS” PANEL – Friday, July 20 from 11:45 a.m. – 12:45 p.m. – Ballroom 20
The cast of HISTORY‘s hit drama series “Vikings,” including Katheryn Winnick (“Lagertha”), Clive Standen (“Rollo”), Alexander Ludwig (“Bjorn”), Alex Høgh Andersen (“Ivar the Boneless”), Georgia Hirst (“Torvi”) and creator/writer, Michael Hirst, will get fans excited about the upcoming midseason premiere by discussing last season’s startling alliances, deaths and unbelievable betrayals as the Vikings fight to rule the world. An exclusive mid-season five sneak peek will be revealed. Cast subject to change.
HISTORY’s NEW DRAMA SERIES “PROJECT BLUE BOOK” PANEL – Saturday, July 21 from 6:45 p.m. – 7:45 p.m. Room 6A
HISTORY’s upcoming new drama series “Project Blue Book” is inspired by the work of Dr. J Allen Hynek and the true, top secret investigations into Unidentified Flying Objects (UFOs) and related phenomena conducted by the United States Air Force from 1952-1969. Series stars Aidan Gillen (“Game of Thrones”), Michael Malarkey (“The Vampire Diaries”), Neal McDonough (“Arrow,” “Legends of Tomorrow”) and Laura Mennell (“Alphas,” Watchmen), along with producers, will share details about what’s to come in the new series and reveal a sneak peek of the first season. Cast subject to change.
PROJECT BLUE BOOK HEADQUARTERS – July 19-22 from 10 a.m. – 7 p.m. daily (10 a.m. – 5 p.m. on Sunday, July 22nd) – Petco Parking Lot
HISTORY is giving SDCC attendees an exclusive sneak peek into the world of its upcoming drama series “Project Blue Book.” A top-secret government sector of the United States Air Force, Project Blue Book investigated the presence of UFOs and related phenomena on our planet.
Located in the Petco Parking Lot, Project Blue Book HQ will bring these real UFO cases back to life with immersive experiences, including a chance to send a message billions of miles into space in an attempt to answer the timeless question: is there life beyond earth?
VIKINGS “SEER’S LAIR” CONVENTION CENTER BOOTH – July 19-22 from 9:30 a.m. – 7 p.m. daily (9:30 a.m. – 5 p.m. on Sunday, July 22nd) – Booth #4215
Only the Seer knows what lies ahead in the upcoming season of HISTORY’s “Vikings” and this year at San Diego Comic-Con, fans have the opportunity to enter his lair and consult him about their own future in a hyper-shareable photo prophecy. Join us and see what the future has in store for you!
VIKINGS Comic Book – Series Creator Michael Hirst, Story and Cover by Andi Ewington, Artwork by Daniel Indro
Custom, limited edition VIKINGS comic books will be given to select fans who visit HISTORY’s “Seer’s Lair” convention center booth. In this exclusive comic book for SDCC, after the battle between Ragnar Lothbrok’s sons ends in chaos, the wrath of Thor comes down upon scavengers who have stolen Lagertha’s hammer amulet found in Astrid’s dying hands.
PROJECT BLUE BOOK Comic Book – Creator & Story by David O’Leary, Executive Produced by Robert Zemeckis, Sean Jablonski, Jack Rapke and Jackie Levine, Written by George Mann, Artwork by Mann House
Custom, limited edition “Project Blue Book” comic books will be given to select fans who visit the “Vikings” convention center booth and the “Project Blue Book Headquarters” activation on the Petco Parking Lot. In this exclusive comic book for SDCC, characters Dr. Allen Hynek and Captain Michael Quinn investigate real life Project Blue Book case #1972: The Pittsburg Kansas UFO encounter and interview William Squyres, a radio station musician who claims he saw a low-hovering object with clearly-defined windows and shadowy figures who may or may not have been human.
About “Vikings”
“Vikings” is the critically acclaimed series from creator and sole writer Michael Hirst (Academy Award® winning film Elizabeth and the Emmy® and Golden Globe® nominated series “The Tudors”) and is a family saga that tells the remarkable tales of the lives and epic adventures of the raiders and explorers of the Dark Ages. Across all platforms, the last season of “Vikings” averaged 11.2 million viewers per episode. “Vikings” is a top five drama across all of cable this year, and finished its season as the #1 original series on cable on Wednesday nights among all key demographics (Live+SD). Vikings averaged 3.7 million total viewers in Live+7.
In the mid-season five finale, legendary Viking Rollo (Clive Standen) returns just as the divide between the Lothbrok family climaxes with Ragnar’s sons battling each other to rule the world. The long-awaited faceoff ends with a strategic victory going to Ivar the Boneless (Alex Høgh Andersen) who vows vengeance on his betrayers with a direct target on Lagertha’s (Katheryn Winnick) back. Last seen in an unstable state and losing her appearance as a fierce Viking warrior, Lagertha is hopeful she will regain her spot in Kattegat as its rightful leader.
Season five cast includes series regulars Jonathan Rhys Meyers as “Bishop Heahmund” along with Katheryn Winnick (“Lagertha”), Gustaf Skarsgård (“Floki”), Alex Høgh Andersen (“Ivar the Boneless”), Alexander Ludwig (“Bjorn”), Georgia Hirst (“Torvi”), Peter Franzen (“King Harald”), Jordan Patrick Smith (“Ubbe”) and Marco Ilsø (“Hvitserk”).
“Vikings” is an international Irish/Canadian co-production by TM Productions and Take 5 Productions. MGM Television serves as the worldwide distributor outside of Ireland and Canada. “Vikings” is produced in association with Corus Entertainment.

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.