Entertainment

Al Pacino Discusses His Decision to Turn Down ‘Star Wars’!

Published

1 year ago

June 9, 2025

Legendary actor Al Pacino has always carved his own niche, even famously passing on a role in what would become one of the most successful film franchises—‘Star Wars.’ In a recent interview, the Oscar-winning actor openly shared that he once turned down a part in the iconic saga. At that time, George Lucas and Francis Ford Coppola were still emerging in the film industry, and their San Francisco-based venture, American Zoetrope, was full of promise.

However, when Pacino received the ‘Star Wars’ script, he found it difficult to connect with the material. “I remember thinking, ‘What is this? I don’t understand,’” he recounted. “I showed it to my mentor Charlie Laughton, hoping he’d see something I missed, but he didn’t grasp it either. I felt if I couldn’t understand the character or the world, how could I play it?”

He chuckled as he added, “They were offering me a fortune, but I thought, ‘I think I’ll let Harrison Ford have a career.’” Soon after, Pacino would achieve fame as Michael Corleone in ‘The Godfather,’ visiting the Zoetrope office before committing to that monumental role.

“They were idealists,” he remarked. “Young filmmakers trying to redefine the industry—it was truly inspiring.”

While he may have passed on the galaxy far, far away, Pacino is still taking bold steps in his career. He is set to appear in ‘Dead Man’s Wire,’ a hostage thriller directed by the renowned Gus Van Sant.

The film, inspired by actual events, recounts a dramatic 1977 standoff that captured global attention. It follows the story of Tony Kiritsis, who entered a mortgage office armed with a sawed-off shotgun wired to his neck, taking the company’s president hostage. Kiritsis demanded $5 million, legal immunity, and an apology, convinced he had been wronged financially.

Written by Austin Kolodney, the film also features a talented cast including Bill Skarsgård, Dacre Montgomery, Myha’la, Cary Elwes, and Colman Domingo. Van Sant, known for classics like ‘Good Will Hunting’ and ‘Milk,’ brings his renowned tension and emotional depth to this project. For Pacino, who was last seen in ‘Knox Goes Away,’ this new role represents another intense, character-driven performance exploring themes of desperation and justice.

From nearly stepping into the role of a space smuggler to portraying a man on the brink of morality and madness, Pacino’s career remains an intriguing journey. “I’ve always followed the story,” he stated. “If it resonates with me, I’ll take it; if it doesn’t—regardless of the offer—I walk away.”

Entertainment

Kiara Advani and Sidharth Malhotra Announce Second Pregnancy

Published

1 day ago

October 7, 2026

Namma Kudla

Mumbai: Bollywood couple Kiara Advani and Sidharth Malhotra have announced that they are expecting their second child. The couple shared the happy news through a joint social media post featuring their baby girl’s hands holding a pair of tiny socks.

“Blessed once again with the greatest gift of all. Our hearts are so full of love and gratitude,” they wrote in the caption.

Kiara and Sidharth tied the knot on February 7, 2023, at Suryagarh Palace in Rajasthan. The couple fell in love while working together on the 2021 film Shershaah.

Kiara had earlier revealed on Koffee With Karan Season 8 that Sidharth proposed to her during a family trip to Rome. She recalled that he even used dialogues from Shershaah while proposing.

On the work front, Sidharth was last seen in The Vvaan, while Kiara was last seen in Yash’s Toxic.

Entertainment

Will ‘Premada Oorali’ Join the List of Kannada Cinema’s Most Profitable Hits?

Published

1 day ago

October 7, 2026

Namma Kudla

Entertainment: Kannada romantic family drama Premada Oorali is continuing its successful run at the box office. Released on September 25, 2026, the film has recorded strong growth during its second week, driven by positive word-of-mouth and steady audience support.

Directed by National Award-winner Manoj Kumar, the film was reportedly made on a modest budget of around Rs.3 crore to Rs.3.5 crore. Despite a slow opening, it has emerged as a major commercial success.

The movie opened with an estimated net collection of Rs.9 lakh to Rs.12 lakh on its first day. Its collections increased steadily after positive audience feedback. The film earned around Rs.7.92 crore net during its first week.

By the end of 11 days, Premada Oorali had collected approximately Rs.15.29 crore to Rs.17.57 crore net in India.

The film witnessed another jump on Day 12. It collected around Rs.3.65 crore net across 834 shows, compared to Rs.3 crore on the previous day. This marks a growth of nearly 21.7 per cent.

With the Day 12 collection, the film’s total India net collection has reached around Rs.21.22 crore, while its India gross collection stands at approximately Rs.24.69 crore.

The film’s overseas collection is currently not available. Its confirmed worldwide gross collection is also yet to be reported.

With its strong performance against a relatively small production budget, Premada Oorali has emerged as one of the notable sleeper hits of Kannada cinema in 2026.

Entertainment

Senior Kannada Actress Lalithamma Dies at 65

Published

4 days ago

October 4, 2026

Namma Kudla

Bengaluru: Veteran Kannada supporting actress Lalithamma, who had worked in theatre, films and television for over three decades, passed away on Sunday at the age of 65.

Lalithamma had been suffering from a stroke for the past two and a half months. As she had no one to take care of her, she was receiving shelter and care from the Amma’s Madilu Trust.

Lalithamma had dedicated nearly 35 years to the theatre industry. She performed in hundreds of stage plays and also appeared in several Kannada films and television serials.

She gained recognition among Kannada audiences through her role as ‘Saraayi Sharade’ in Darshan-starrer Suntara Gaali.

She later acted in several popular films, including Jackie, Vajrakaya, Jungli Kitturu and Putra, among others.

Lalithamma was also part of several television serials, including Rangoli, Mangalya and Mahamayi.

Known for her supporting roles and long-standing contribution to the entertainment industry, Lalithamma’s death has left her colleagues and well-wishers mourning her loss.