Movies
What’s so special about Hayao Miyazaki’s “The Boy and the Heron”
“The Boy and the Heron” could be the last feature length film of Hayao Miyazaki. Is it the end of an era?
The year was 1997 when Princess Mononoke was setting new records at the box office and then the masterpiece, Spirited Away, got an Academy award. Interestingly, Hayao Miyazaki opened up about his plans to retire at that time. But we got “The Wind Rises” in 2013 which was thought to be the last feature length film of Miyazaki but here he is, making a comeback after 10 years with “The Boy and the Heron”. If the name of Miyazaki has been associated with the project, it is bound to be good and highly anticipated. But this time, what got us more intrigued was how they marketed the film. They did not release any trailers or revealed anything of the story before it got its theatrical release in Japan on 14th July. Something like this is unusual and some people might be in doubt if it’s really a thing.

The film is about to make its premiere at the Toronto International Film festival this year and the GKIDS have released a teaser trailer of it and finally the international fans go to see a glimpse of this highly anticipated piece. Adapted from the 1937 novel of Genzaburo Yoshino “How do you live” released in 1937, the story follows a young boy named Mahito who is on a journey to meet his mother in a mystical world shared by living and dead. In the teaser, we see the ruins caused by war and amidst it all, we see Mahito calling for his mother. In the next scene, we are teleported to this magical world full of greenery and magical animals which kind of takes us back to the world building of the Spirited Away. From detailed animation to the use of hand-drawn animation techniques, we could see the signature elements of Studio Ghibli present in the film. The film “The Boy and the Heron” is discussing the mature theme of how to let go of things while bearing the weight of memories on your shoulders.
During the release of the Wind Rises, Hayao Miyazaki said “If I said I wanted to (make another feature film), I would sound like an old man saying something foolish.” The release of “The boy and the Heron” puts Hayao Miyazaki in a position of a relic in the modern animation industry but that doesn’t mean that his work has not embedded itself in the animation history of Japan. The thing is that we don’t see films like these being made anymore and it’s not about the fading stardom of Miyazaki. The point is, that change is bound to happen and things never stay the same but at the same time, every new invention happens on the learnings, teachings and contributions of those who came before us. This could be Hayao Miyazaki’s Last feature-length film but he is never losing his love for animation and storytelling and we won’t ever stop going back to the films that the studio has given us.
Watch the Trailer:
Also Read: Netflix’s One Piece Review: The live action adaptation does justice to the beloved Japanese saga
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Entertainment
Michael (2026): The King of Pop’s Epic Biopic Is Here And It’s Breaking Records
The Michael Jackson biopic fans have been waiting for has finally arrived and it’s already making history.
Michael, directed by Antoine Fuqua and distributed by Lionsgate, tells the story of the King of Pop from his childhood days in the Jackson 5 all the way through the legendary 1988 Bad World Tour in London. It’s a celebration of one of music’s greatest legacies, packed with iconic songs remastered for the big screen.
The Star of the Show: Jaafar Jackson
The boldest casting call in recent memory turned out to be the film’s greatest strength. Jaafar Jackson Michael’s real-life nephew portrays his uncle in his acting debut, and critics agree: he’s astonishing. He nails the Moonwalk, the Robot, the voice, and the quiet vulnerability that made Michael Jackson so magnetic. The Hollywood Reporter called it an “uncanny recreation.” Variety said he “nails the electrostatic moves.”
Colman Domingo plays the formidable Joe Jackson, with Nia Long as the warm and protective Katherine. Miles Teller, Larenz Tate, and Mike Myers round out a stellar supporting cast.
Box Office: Record-Smashing From Day One
Michael didn’t just open big it shattered the all-time record for a musical biopic, earning $97M domestically and $217M worldwide in its opening weekend. That beats Straight Outta Compton, Bohemian Rhapsody, and every other music film in history.
The trailer alone released November 2025 was viewed 116 million times in 24 hours, the biggest launch ever for a musical biopic.
What Critics & Audiences Think
Critics have praised Jaafar’s performance but noted the film takes a “sanitized” approach it ends in 1988, before the controversies of the 1990s. The marketing is upfront about this: “His Story Begins” positions this as Part One of a larger saga, with a sequel widely expected.
Audiences, however, are loving it. People are reportedly dancing in theaters.
Should You See It?
If you love Michael Jackson’s music, absolutely. The concert sequences are thrilling, Jaafar’s performance is unforgettable, and hearing “Billie Jean” in IMAX is an experience in itself.
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Entertainment
Top 10 Taylor Swift Songs That Defined a Generation
When people search for the top Taylor Swift songs or the best Taylor Swift songs of all time, they’re not just looking for hits they’re looking for moments that shaped emotions, culture, and identity. Taylor Swift has built a discography that feels like a diary for an entire generation, blending storytelling with evolving soundscapes.
Here’s a carefully curated Taylor Swift hit songs list that truly defined a generation and why they continue to dominate playlists, charts, and conversations.
Love Story (2008)
Often ranking among the most popular Taylor Swift songs, “Love Story” brought fairytale romance into mainstream music. It wasn’t just a song it became the blueprint for modern romantic storytelling in pop-country. Even today, when people look for romantic Taylor Swift songs, this track leads the conversation.
You Belong With Me (2009)
This track quickly became one of the best Taylor Swift songs of all time because of how relatable it feels. The theme of unspoken love and longing made it a defining anthem for teens, securing its place in every Taylor Swift hit songs list across platforms.
All Too Well (2012)
If you search for emotional Taylor Swift songs, “All Too Well” always tops the list. Known for its vivid storytelling and raw lyrics, especially the extended version, it elevated Swift’s reputation as one of the greatest lyricists of her generation.
Shake It Off (2014)
With “Shake It Off,” Swift entered her full pop era, creating one of the most popular Taylor Swift songs globally. It became an anthem of self-confidence, often associated with Taylor Swift pop era songs that reshaped mainstream music trends.
Blank Space (2014)
A standout in every top Taylor Swift songs ranking, “Blank Space” cleverly plays into media narratives. It’s often discussed when analyzing Taylor Swift lyrics meaning, showing her ability to turn criticism into art.
Bad Blood (2015)
Among the Taylor Swift hit songs list, “Bad Blood” stands out for blending music with pop culture drama. It became a viral moment, reinforcing how most popular Taylor Swift songs often go beyond just audio—they become experiences.
Look What You Made Me Do (2017)
This track marked the beginning of her darker reinvention and is frequently highlighted in Taylor Swift reputation era songs discussions. It proved that her ability to evolve is a key reason why she consistently creates best Taylor Swift songs of all time contenders.
Lover (2019)
“Lover” remains one of the most searched romantic Taylor Swift songs, often featured in wedding playlists. Its timeless sound ensures it continues to rank among the most popular Taylor Swift songs years after release.
Cardigan (2020)
From the folklore era, “Cardigan” introduced a softer, indie sound. It’s frequently included in discussions around Taylor Swift folklore songs and represents her artistic depth during a transformative phase in music.
Anti-Hero (2022)
A defining track from Midnights, “Anti-Hero” resonates with listeners searching for modern Taylor Swift songs that reflect self-awareness and vulnerability. It shows how her music continues to evolve while staying deeply relatable.
What makes these tracks stand out in every top Taylor Swift songs list is their emotional connection. Whether it’s heartbreak, confidence, love, or self-reflection, Taylor Swift has consistently delivered songs that grow with her audience.
Her ability to transition from country roots to global pop icon and even indie storytelling explains why searches for best Taylor Swift songs of all time and most popular Taylor Swift songs continue to trend worldwide.
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Entertainment
Uttarakhand Wedding Awards 2025: Celebrating the State’s Journey Towards Becoming a Premier Global Wedding Destination
Uttarakhand Wedding Awards
Dehradun, 14th September 2025 – The Uttarakhand Wedding Awards 2025 lit up the evening skies at Hyatt Centric, Dehradun, with a dazzling celebration of excellence, creativity, and vision in the wedding industry.
Organized by Himalayan Buzz Admedia LLP, in association with The Big Daddy Events Co., the event brought together leaders from the wedding, hospitality, and tourism sectors to recognize excellence and lay the foundation for Uttarakhand’s emergence as a world-class wedding destination.
The glittering evening featured an exclusive guest list of wedding planners, hoteliers, tourism officials, and government representatives, all working collectively towards transforming Uttarakhand into a premier hub for wedding tourism.
Dignitaries Grace the Occasion
The awards night witnessed the presence of eminent dignitaries who have been instrumental in shaping the state’s cultural and tourism landscape. The event was graced by Maharani of Tehri Garhwal and Member of Parliament, Mala Rajya Laxmi Shah, attending as the Chief Guest. Her presence added a touch of regal elegance and highlighted the importance of preserving Uttarakhand’s rich heritage while promoting it as a global wedding destination.
Accompanying her were other distinguished Guests of Honor, including Mrs. Tripti Juyal Semwal, Vice President of Maya Devi University, Mrs. Poonam Chand, Additional Director at Uttarakhand Tourism, and Shri Saurabh Thapliyal, Mayor of Dehradun. Their combined presence underscored the collaborative effort between government bodies, academia, and industry leaders to elevate Uttarakhand’s wedding tourism ecosystem.
Strategic Industry Dialogue – Vision & Mission 2030
One of the evening’s most significant highlights was a panel discussion on “Uttarakhand Wedding Vision & Mission 2030 – Building a Sustainable, Spiritual, and World-Class ‘Wed in India’ Destination.”
The panel featured some of the most prominent voices from the wedding and hospitality sectors. Esteemed panelists included Ravi Goel, Co-founder of The Big Daddy Events; Gaurav Chanana, Whistling Teel; Rishabh Panchhi, Panchhi Events; Ayu Tripathi, Director, Aahana Resort, Jim Corbett; Ajit Singh Gandhi, General Manager, Hyatt Centric Rajpur Dehradun; and Malabika Das, Director of Celebrations, Hyatt Regency Dehradun Resort and Spa.
The session was moderated by Avinash Mishra, Founder of Badmash Kebabi, ensuring a seamless exchange of ideas and perspectives.
Recognizing Excellence – Winners of Uttarakhand Wedding Awards 2025
The evening culminated in honoring outstanding individuals and organizations whose work has set new benchmarks for quality, creativity, and service in the wedding industry. From luxury resorts and planners to designers and service providers, each winner demonstrated exceptional innovation and dedication to building world-class wedding experiences in Uttarakhand.
Uttarakhand Wedding Awards 2025 – Winners
- Best Wedding Venue – Luxury Hotel – Taj Mussoorie Foothills, Dehradun
- Best Wedding Venue – 5 Star Hotel – Hyatt Regency Dehradun Resort and Spa
- Best Wedding Venue – Luxury Resort – Aahana Resort, Jim Corbett
- Best Wedding Venue – Resort – Saraca Resort & Spa, Corbett
- Best Wedding Venue – Ganges Beach – Summit by the Ganges, Rishikesh
- Best Wedding Venue – Heritage Hotel – Hotel Chevron Fairhavens, Nainital
- Best Wedding Venue – Bespoke – Hyatt Regency Dehradun Resort and Spa
- Best Wedding Venue – Mid Size – Regenta, Dehradun
- Best Wedding Venue – City – Hyatt Centric, Rajpur Road, Dehradun
- Best Wedding Venue – Midscale Destination Wedding – Pride Premier Solitaire, Dehradun
- Best Wedding Venue – Lakefront – The Lake Resort, Naukuchiatal
- Best Wedding Venue – Lawn – Qupid by Saffron Leaf
- Best Wedding Venue – Pre-Wedding Ceremonies – The Fern Brentwood Resort, Mussoorie
- Best MICE Venue – Hyatt Centric, Rajpur Road, Dehradun
- Upcoming Luxury Wedding Venue – Paatlidun Safari Lodge
- Best Wedding Venue – Riverside – Maldevta Farms, Dehradun
- Best Wedding Venue – Boutique Resort – AAR Resorts & Spa
- Best Bakery – Wedding Cakes – Ellora’s Melting Moments
- Best Wedding Photographer – Intenselovestory by Kuldeep Semwal
These winners are not only redefining the wedding landscape of Uttarakhand but also helping the state gain recognition as a leading destination for grand celebrations and luxury weddings.
Leadership Speaks
Sharing her thoughts on the event, Namrata Bhandari, Editor-in-Chief, Himalayan Buzz Magazine, stated:
“Uttarakhand is blessed with a rare combination of breathtaking landscapes and world-class hospitality. Through these awards, our aim is to spotlight the talented individuals and organizations working tirelessly to make the state a top choice for weddings and celebrations.”
Adding to this, Gauraveshwar Singh, Co-founder, Himalayan Buzz, remarked:
“The Uttarakhand Wedding Awards are not just about recognition but about building a collaborative platform that unites the wedding industry. This initiative is a step forward in positioning Uttarakhand as a global wedding hub while fostering sustainable growth and innovation.”
About Uttarakhand Wedding Awards
The Uttarakhand Wedding Awards is a flagship initiative by Himalayan Buzz Admedia LLP. The awards celebrate individuals and organizations driving growth in the wedding and events industry while promoting Uttarakhand as one of India’s most desirable wedding destinations.
With Himalayan Buzz at the forefront, the initiative focuses on fostering excellence, sustainability, and innovation, ensuring that Uttarakhand’s wedding tourism sector thrives and competes on a global stage.
Media Contact:
Himalayan Buzz Admedia LLP
📧 Email: info@himalayanbuzz.com
📞 Phone: +91-70373 99960
#UttarakhandWeddingAwards #WedInUttarakhand #UWA25
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