CBS Television Studios will kick off San Diego Comic-Con® with exclusive world premiere screenings of its new series EVIL for CBS and NANCY DREW for The CW on Thursday, July 18. As previously announced, cast and producers of STAR TREK: DISCOVERY, STAR TREK: LOWER DECKS and STAR TREK: PICARD will beam into HALL H for a first-ever “Star Trek” universe back-to-back panel block on Saturday, July 20.
DETAILS ON PANELS AND EVENTS (in chronological order):
THURSDAY, JULY 18
“EVIL” EXCLUSIVE SCREENING AND PANEL 12:45-2:00 PM – EVIL is a psychological mystery that examines the origins of evil along the dividing line between science and religion. The series focuses on a skeptical female psychologist who joins a priest-in-training and a carpenter as they investigate the church’s backlog of unexplained mysteries, including supposed miracles, demonic possessions and hauntings. Their job is to assess if there’s a logical explanation or if something truly supernatural is at work. Please join series stars Katja Herbers, Mike Colter, Aasif Mandvi and Michael Emerson along with co-creators and executive producers Robert King and Michelle King for an exclusive sneak peek of the first episode followed by a panel discussion. Moderated by Lynette Rice from Entertainment Weekly. EVIL will air Thursdays this fall on CBS. Ballroom 20
“NANCY DREW” EXCLUSIVE SCREENING AND PANEL 2:00-3:15 PM – Nancy Drew is a brilliant teenaged detective whose sense of self had come from solving mysteries in her hometown of Horseshoe Bay, Maine – until her mother’s untimely death derails Nancy’s college plans. Devastated by her mother’s passing, Nancy swears off crime-solving, but when a socialite is murdered, Nancy finds herself embroiled in a ghostly murder investigation. A supernatural presence begins to haunt Nancy’s investigation, and she discovers that the current crime has an astonishing connection to the unsolved murder of a local girl. Whether the ghost is here to help or hinder Nancy remains to be seen, but one thing’s for sure: Nancy’s going to have to unravel the clues from both the living and the dead to solve the crimes. Please join series stars Kennedy McMann, Leah Lewis, Maddison Jaizani, Alex Saxon and Tunji Kasim, along with executive producers Noga Landau, Melinda Hsu-Taylor and Stephanie Savage for an exclusive sneak peek of the first episode followed by a panel discussion. Moderated by Damian Holbrook of TV Guide magazine. NANCY DREW will air Wednesdays this fall on The CW. Ballroom 20
SATURDAY, JULY 20
“ENTER THE STAR TREK UNIVERSE” PANEL 11:30 AM -1:00 PM – Over 50 years ago, the world was first introduced to what would quickly become a cultural phenomenon for the ages. “Star Trek” broke barriers then and continues to do so now, inspiring people of all generations and walks of life with its celebration of cultural diversity, scientific exploration and the pursuit of uncharted frontiers. Today, the “Star Trek” universe continues to thrive, exploring all new missions for Starfleet. CBS All Access invites you to join the cast and producers of its hit series STAR TREK: DISCOVERY and be the first to hear about two new upcoming additions to the “Star Trek” universe: the highly anticipated new series STAR TREK: PICARD, starring Sir Patrick Stewart, and the animated series STAR TREK: LOWER DECKS. Hall H
DETAILS ON ACTIVATIONS AND GIVEAWAYS:
“STAR TREK” UNIVERSE BOOTH: U.S.S. DISCOVERY TRANSPORTER EXPERIENCE AND “TREK” TALENT MEET-AND-GREETS – CBS All Access is bringing the “Star Trek” universe to the San Diego Comic-Con Exhibit Hall, Thursday, July 18 through Sunday, July 21, where fans are invited to step aboard the U.S.S. Discovery and travel to strange and distant lands through an immersive transporter experience. Fans will also have the opportunity to meet some of their favorite “Star Trek” talent in person with meet-and-greets in the booth (Booth #4237) on Saturday, July 20. Comic-Con badges are required for entry.
“STAR TREK” UNIVERSE EXCLUSIVE PINS – A number of exclusive, limited-quantity “Star Trek” pins will be available to fans during Comic-Con. All week long, a Starfleet Headquarters visitors badge will be available for those who visit and complete the “Star Trek” transporter experience on the show floor. On Saturday afternoon and Sunday, a limited quantity of pins featuring the debut of two characters from the upcoming CBS All Access animated show STAR TREK: LOWER DECKS will also be available from the “Star Trek” booth. At the “Jean-Luc Picard: The First Duty” museum experience at Michael J. Wolf Fine Arts, fans can get an exclusive replica pin of the Picard family crest as seen in STAR TREK: PICARD.
“JEAN-LUC PICARD: THE FIRST DUTY” EXHIBIT – In celebration of Patrick Stewart’s return to his iconic “Star Trek: The Next Generation” role, “Jean-Luc Picard: The First Duty” is a special exhibition showcasing original props, costumes and other artifacts tracing Picard’s life and Starfleet career. Items on display include his cherished Ressikan flute, the legendary Picard family album, his Starfleet uniforms, models of ships Picard captained, and all that remains of the “Borg Queen.” The gallery also features exclusive first looks at costumes and other items featured in the upcoming CBS All Access series STAR TREK: PICARD. Visitors will have the first chance to purchase exclusive STAR TREK: PICARD merchandise and opportunities for exclusive giveaways. The gallery is located at Michael J Wolf Fine Arts, 363 Fifth Ave., San Diego, Calif. 92101 and will be open Thursday, Friday and Saturday of Comic-Con from 11:00 AM until 9:00 PM and on Sunday from 11:00 AM until 5:00 PM.
COMIC-CON COMEDY SHUTTLE – CBS will offer complimentary rides throughout the Gaslamp District in branded shuttles. Featured shows will include the new fall comedies BOB ♥ ABISHOLA, CAROL’S SECOND ACT and THE UNICORN. Trailers of the series will be screened for the passengers as well.
Additionally, EVIL will be offering festival-goers complimentary rides during the day throughout the Gaslamp District, while hosting “Frightseeing Tours” in the evenings in Old Town. Trailers of EVIL, a CBS original series, will be screened for the passengers, and brand ambassadors will distribute giveaways. Exclusive “Frightseeing Tours” will run Thursday and Friday nights for select fans.
STEP INTO THE “TWILIGHT ZONE” EXPERIENCE – From Thursday, July 18 to Sunday, July 21. Located in the Interactive Zone at Petco Park, fans will be transported into CBS All Access’ THE TWILIGHT ZONE as they enjoy an immersive experience not only of sight and sound, but of mind. Reserve FREE tickets at: StepIntoTheTwilightZone.com.
CARPOOL KARAOKE THE MIC – The Singing Machine launches CARPOOL KARAOKE THE MIC at San Diego Comic-Con from July 18 to July 21, 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM. Located in space “J” at the Interactive Zone at Petco Park, fans will be able to recreate the fun of James Corden’s wildly popular “Carpool Karaoke” segment and become the star of the car as they hop inside a branded Range Rover to sing along to their favorite songs. There will also be a daily CARPOOL KARAOKE THE MIC giveaway to a lucky fan that has posted their performance on social media.
CARPOOL KARAOKE THE MIC will be available for purchase with free direct-to-consumer shipping in the U.S., including a Carpool Karaoke Popsocket.

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.