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Citadel: An Underwhelming Start to a Highly Anticipated Spy Saga

The storytelling ambition of Russo Brothers has been seen fading with their each passing project and Citadel was no different with its underwhelming start. 

With the Russo Brothers being associated with something so big and anticipated, there were a lot of expectations from the recently released “Citadel”. Fans expected it to be a genre defining thing and unlike other regular spy sagas that we get to see nowadays. But unfortunately, the first two episodes didn’t seem to match the expected standards. 

The story starts with introducing the primary pair, Mason Kane (played by Richard Madden) and Nadia Sinh (played by Priyanka Chopra Jonas) in a train where they kinda encounter something unexpected amidst their mission. The action was amazing but what I was desperately looking for was some triple IQ spy thrill but the two first episode didn’t serve much of that. I really enjoyed seeing the actors go intense with their fighting scenes but I wish I could say something similar for the dialogues and story telling. The first two episodes set up a background for the story and it looks like a typical good guys vs the bad guys kinda story. Two extremely black and white rival groups are fighting each other for power but not much stress and time has been given to support their motivation and what drives them and I think that’s where the show lacked when it came to connecting with the audience. Watching two spy colleagues meeting after years and then taking up a mission of stopping a catastrophe from happening, layered with thrill and action can be a good watch but it’s very basic and has been done a number of times in the past. Loosing your memories and that’s where the show starts and such plots have already been done in spy movies, a number of times.

Speaking of the cast, both Richard Madden and Priyanka Chopra Jonas did good at playing their parts but for some reason, you would not feel connected to the character. The real deal here was with Stanley Tucci who stole the first two episodes for me as he played the part of a tech mastermind Bernard Orlick. Dude added personality and wit to the most bland dialogues and at some point of time, I was just resuming the show to see more of him. There was more depth and dimension to his character than the primary pair. But even Tucci couldn’t saved some of the scenes to be extremely basic, like there is a scene where he is being a coach to Mason and helping him steal something from a Manticore facility over an ear piece. While watching the scene, I was looking forward to something intelligent, thrilling and action-packed but I had my “Wait What? That’s it” face on when it ended. 

The makers of the show have high hopes for it as they prepare for more of it to come. But the show and the story of it lacks the elements that can help it become a global franchise in the years to come. But is it too early to judge the show when there’s more to come? We can still hope to see the character development and chemistry between the characters. While the start of the series has been an underwhelming experimence, we can hope to see more depth in the upcoming episodes. But for now, Citadel kinda fails to do something genre defining.

Also Read: Love, Loss and Acceptance: Themes explored in Suzume no Tojimari 

You can watch the first two episodes on Amazon Prime

Citadel – Trailer

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Events

The Most Memorable Highlights from the 2025 Academy Awards

Surprises, Stunning Wins, and Emotional Tributes – The 2025 Oscars Had It All. Catch Up with All the Highlights.

The 2025 Academy Awards, held on March 2 at the Dolby Theatre in Hollywood, was a night of triumphs and surprises that had the attention of audiences worldwide. Hosted by Conan O’Brien, the event was lively, full of humor, and celebrated the diversity and creativity of cinema from all around the world. This year’s ceremony stood out for its focus on inclusivity and representation, highlighting the growing diversity and global reach of the film industry. It was also about recognizing talent and stories from across the globe, signaling a shift in how the Academy values the changing trends in filmmaking. 

Historic Wins for Anora

Anora dominates the Oscars as Mikey Madison named best actress and Adrien  Brody wins for The Brutalist | Oscars | The Guardian

The evening’s biggest winner was undoubtedly Anora, an indie film that took home five Oscars, including the coveted Best Picture. Sean Baker’s direction was celebrated with a Best Director win, making him only the second person in history to win four individual Oscars in a single night, joining the ranks of Walt Disney. But the film’s success didn’t end there—Mikey Madison, portraying a sex worker entangled with a Russian oligarch’s son, secured Best Actress. At just 25, Madison made history as the ninth youngest actress to win the prestigious award. The triumph of Anora was a testament to its sweeping storytelling, captivating performances, and fresh perspective in filmmaking.

Zoë Saldaña and Paul Tazewell Breaking Barriers

The night also saw a series of groundbreaking wins that reflected Hollywood’s ongoing push for inclusivity and diversity. Zoë Saldaña made history as the first American of Dominican descent to win Best Supporting Actress for her role in Emilia Pérez. Saldaña’s win was not only a recognition of her immense talent but also an important milestone for the representation of marginalized voices in the film industry.

Zoe Saldaña wins best supporting actress Oscar for 'Emilia Pérez' | AP News

Meanwhile, Paul Tazewell took home Best Costume Design for his work on Wicked. Tazewell became the first Black man to ever win in this category, making a significant mark on the history of the Academy Awards.

Paul Tazewell Makes Oscar History│ConnectComm

Adrien Brody’s Second Oscar Win

Adrien Brody Wins Best Actor Oscar for 'The Brutalist'

Another highlight of the evening was Adrien Brody, who secured Best Actor for his performance in The Brutalist. Brody’s win, marking his second Oscar, was well-deserved after delivering a deeply compelling and nuanced performance. His emotional portrayal in the film left a lasting impact on both critics and audiences, making his victory one of the night’s most celebrated moments in the acting categories.

A Heartfelt Musical Tribute by Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo

Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo Open Oscars 2025 With a Magical Medley of  Songs From Oz | Vanity Fair

The musical performances were another standout feature of the night. Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo took the stage for a touching tribute to Los Angeles, which was recovering from the devastating wildfires. Their renditions of Somewhere Over the Rainbow and Defying Gravity left the audience in awe, showcasing the emotional power of music and its ability to unite and heal. It was a heartfelt moment that reminded everyone of the strength of the city and the spirit of resilience.

Adam Sandler’s Quirky Fashion Moment

Adam Sandler pulled yet another Adam Sandler at the Oscars; Here's what he  wore - The Times of India

In true Oscar tradition, the night wasn’t without its lighthearted moments. Adam Sandler became the talk of social media when he showed up to the ceremony in gym shorts. Conan O’Brien couldn’t resist poking fun at Sandler’s unconventional choice, adding humor to the event. The quirky fashion moment quickly became a viral topic, sparking discussions about casual red carpet looks and how even the most unexpected outfits can become part of the Oscar narrative.

Controversies and Unexpected Upsets

Not everything went smoothly, though. The night also saw some controversies that added an extra layer of drama to the proceedings. One of the most talked-about moments occurred when Iranian co-director Hossein Molayemi interrupted his partner, Shirin Sohani, during their acceptance speech for Best Animated Short Film for In the Shadow of the Cypress. Molayemi’s actions were met with backlash on social media, with many criticizing him for overshadowing Sohani’s moment. The ceremony also saw a surprising upset in the Best Actress category when Demi Moore, who was widely favored to win for her role in The Substance, lost out to Mikey Madison. This unexpected loss left many questioning the voting choices and added to the evening’s fair share of shocking moments.

Despite the controversies, the 2025 Oscars will undoubtedly be remembered as a night that reflected both the changing tides of the industry and the enduring power of film.

Also Read: Weekly Pop Culture Recap: Microsoft to discontinue Skype by May, Best Highlights from the Milan Fashion Week

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Events

Weekly Pop Culture Recap: Talkworthy Highlights from the 82nd Golden Globes Awards, Disney’s Merger with FuboTV and Much More

Read on as we break down the biggest pop culture moments you don’t want to miss. 

Pop culture has a way of keeping us on our toes, doesn’t it? Every week, there’s something new to talk about—whether it’s a jaw-dropping red-carpet moment, a groundbreaking announcement, or just a story that makes you stop and think. It’s what keeps our group chats buzzing and our feeds endlessly scrollable. Read on as we unpack the most buzzworthy highlights of the week.

The 82nd Golden Globe Awards

The 82nd Golden Globe Awards, held on January 5, 2025, at The Beverly Hilton in Los Angeles, was a night to remember, hosted by Nikki Glaser. One of the most significant moments of the night was Karla Sofía Gascón, who made history as the first trans nominee in a Golden Globe 2025 Screen Actors Guild Awards in a solo category. She was nominated for Best Actress in a leading role for her role in Emilia Pérez

Another highlight came from Demi Moore, who won Best Actress in a Motion Picture for her role in The Substance. During her speech, she shared a personal story about a time in her career when a producer told her she was just a “popcorn actress,” which made her doubt herself. Despite facing those challenges, she found new inspiration through The Substance, describing the script as “magical” and “bold.” It was a powerful and emotional moment for Demi, marking a triumphant return to the spotlight.

Seems like the peplum style, popular in the 2010s, is also making a return. Celebrities like Rihanna, Harry Styles, Florence Pugh, and Kate Middleton have been spotted wearing peplum designs. At the 82nd Golden Globes, stars such as Cynthia Erivo and Anna Sawai showcased this trend, signaling its resurgence. While some millennials express mixed feelings about its return, others appreciate its flattering effect on various body types.

Family Guy” Returns to Adult Swim

After a hiatus, “Family Guy” reruns have returned to Adult Swim for the first time since 2021. This follows a non-exclusive deal for the rights to older episodes, bringing the beloved animated series back to its original late-night home.

Disney and FuboTV Merger:

Disney has agreed to merge Hulu + Live TV with FuboTV, aiming to enhance their streaming offerings. This merger is expected to provide subscribers with a more comprehensive and diverse range of content, consolidating their streaming services under one umbrella.

The Tamil film, “Maharaja” Gains Unexpected Popularity in China

Mahraja, starring Vijay Sethupathi, has unexpectedly become a hit in China. The Tamil film’s emotional storyline, centered around a father-daughter relationship, has resonated with Chinese audiences. Its success marks a rare achievement for a South Indian film in the international market, showcasing the global appeal of its narrative and Vijay Sethupathi’s performance.

Also Read: Emerging Fashion Designers India Contest Season 2 Put Budding Talent in the Spotlight

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Events

Dorsia, Gurgaon’s One Of The Biggest BYOBs

Dorcia Gurgaon

Word on the Street: Dorsia, a captivating 21,000 sq. ft. BYOB, is open now on the Gurgaon-Faridabad Road, conveniently located near Golf Course Road. This new hotspot offers an escape from the Delhi-Gurgaon trrafic, making it easily accessible.

BYOB? Absolutely—but not in the way you might expect. At Dorsia, you bring the bottle, and the talented mixologists will elevate your drinks to new heights. Your liquor has never tasted this extraordinary! This isn’t just another dining spot, it’s an ultimate escape—original, essential, and truly memorable.

By day, Dorsia is your peaceful retreat, featuring a nature-inspired vibe straight out of Ubud, Bali. It’s the perfect spot to pop open your laptop and find a cozy nook or just kick back with a calming lunch in a beautiful setting. But when the sun sets, the place comes alive! With electrifying EDM, techno, and hip-hop nights, Dorsia transforms into the ultimate party hub where the fun never stops. Diners will arrive for the tasty bites and stick around for the lively atmosphere! With BYOB cocktails and an inviting ambiance, Dorsia is poised to take over the scene—one delicious plate at a time.

Also Read : – The NOU Walk Of Life : New Talk of Town in Luxury Footwear

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