Pakistan, US boost anti-terror partnership

Ranbir Kapoor has pushed back against online criticism surrounding the visual effects of his upcoming film “Ramayana”. The debate picked up after fans shared mixed reactions to the film’s teaser and trailer. The actor addressed the backlash directly, pointing out how much long-term effort goes into creating high-quality CGI. He explained that artists and filmmakers had dedicated years to perfecting the film’s visuals. Kapoor noted a growing trend where online users have suddenly positioned themselves as CGI experts. He said this shift has become especially common over the past few years. He added that rising public interest in visual effects has been fuelled largely by the growing presence of artificial intelligence. According to Kapoor, most viewers don’t realise how much detailed planning goes into achieving realistic visuals. He explained that many assume complex VFX work is simply generated through AI shortcuts. In reality, he said, countless hours go into work that artists spend years perfecting. Kapoor also credited director Nitesh Tiwari and producer Namit Malhotra for their deep involvement throughout the VFX process. He said the team worked meticulously on details like colour grading and visual composition to shape the final experience. Tiwari previously revealed that certain VFX sequences alone took nearly three years to complete. The team continued refining smaller details even as the film approached its release. Producer Namit Malhotra also weighed in on the online criticism, urging audiences to reserve judgment until they see the film in theatres. He recalled how reactions shifted dramatically after showing an earlier teaser on a large IMAX screen in 3D. According to Malhotra, viewers who initially criticised certain elements changed their opinions entirely once they experienced it properly. He explained that watching VFX on a mobile phone or through poor internet doesn’t reflect the intended cinematic experience. He said the team has spent years and invested millions of dollars specifically to craft a big-screen spectacle worth the wait. Malhotra expressed confidence that the finished product will address much of the current criticism. “Ramayana” is scheduled to release in theatres on November 8, 2026, with Kapoor starring as Lord Ram. The film continues to generate anticipation as the team pushes toward delivering a large-scale visual experience for audiences.

Lucy Davis, best known for her role as Dawn Tinsley in the original British version of The Office, has revealed that she has been living with stage 4 breast cancer. The actress shared the deeply personal news on Tuesday, August 11, explaining that she had kept her diagnosis private for around a year and a half. Davis said she now felt ready to speak publicly about her condition and use her experience to encourage others to take changes in their bodies seriously. According to Davis, the cancer has spread to several parts of her body, including her spine, right hip and ribs. She described the illness as incurable and said that it had progressed to a point where chemotherapy was no longer an option. Reflecting on how she first discovered the cancer, Davis explained that she initially noticed what felt like a very small hard area rather than an obvious lump. Because the change was so subtle, she nearly decided not to have it examined. Her experience led her to issue an important message to her followers, urging them not to dismiss unusual changes or symptoms. She encouraged people to have anything concerning checked by a medical professional, even if it appears minor. Despite her diagnosis, Davis said she is not frightened about what lies ahead and has found a sense of peace with her situation. She also spoke about the emotional impact her illness has had on her loved ones, acknowledging that the experience may be more difficult for her family than it is for her. Davis also made it clear that she intends to continue working for as long as she is able. She said she remains perfectly capable of working and described acting as one of the greatest joys of her life. The actress rose to fame through The Office, the acclaimed British mockumentary created by Ricky Gervais and Stephen Merchant. She portrayed Dawn Tinsley, the witty and kind-hearted receptionist who became romantically involved with Tim Canterbury, played by Martin Freeman. The series originally ran from 2001 to 2003 and recently marked its 25th anniversary. Following her success on The Office, Davis built an impressive career across television and film. She appeared in the 2004 comedy-horror movie Shaun of the Dead, where she played Dianne. She later took on the role of Etta Candy in the 2017 superhero film Wonder Woman. Davis also became widely recognized by a new generation of viewers for portraying Hilda Spellman in Netflix’s The Chilling Adventures of Sabrina. More recently, she appeared as Eva in the Disney Channel action-comedy series The Villains of Valley View. While Davis’s diagnosis has brought a deeply personal chapter of her life into the public eye, her decision to continue pursuing her career reflects the important role acting continues to play in her life. Her message about checking unusual changes also serves as a reminder that early medical attention can be important when something does not feel right.

Mexican social media influencer Cesar Gastelum was shot and killed on Tuesday while livestreaming with friends outside a fast-food restaurant in Culiacan, authorities confirmed. Gastelum, who had nearly 600,000 followers on TikTok, was widely recognized for his comedy content and interactive livestreams. His videos had earned him a loyal fan base across Mexico, making news of his death a shock to followers and fellow creators. According to officials, Gastelum was broadcasting live outside the restaurant when two individuals riding a motorcycle approached the group. Both suspects were reportedly wearing helmets, making it difficult to identify them. Footage from the livestream, which later circulated on social media, appeared to capture the terrifying moment when the motorcycle driver allegedly opened fire directly at Gastelum. The stream ended abruptly following the shooting, leaving viewers stunned. Emergency responders arrived at the scene, but Gastelum succumbed to his injuries. Local authorities confirmed his death and launched an extensive security operation to locate those responsible. Investigators have not yet announced any arrests, and the motive behind the attack remains under investigation. The fatal shooting occurred in Culiacan, the capital of the northern Mexican state of Sinaloa, a city that has experienced years of violence linked to organized crime. Authorities have repeatedly increased security efforts in the region as rival criminal groups continue to battle for influence and territorial control, contributing to ongoing instability. Gastelum’s death has renewed concerns over the safety of public figures and content creators in Mexico, particularly those who frequently livestream their daily activities and disclose their locations in real time. Social media users expressed grief over the incident, with many paying tribute to the influencer and calling for justice. The tragedy also draws comparisons to the killing of Mexican beauty influencer Valeria Márquez, who was shot during a TikTok livestream in May 2025 while working at a beauty salon in Zapopan, Jalisco. Márquez was 23 years old at the time of her death, and prosecutors handled the investigation under Mexico’s femicide protocols. In a later development, Mexican authorities announced the arrest of Ramon Angel Alvarez Ayala, also known as “El R-1,” in the state of Jalisco. Officials identified him as the alleged leader of a criminal group associated with the Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG). Authorities have accused Alvarez Ayala of ordering and financing the killing of Valeria Márquez. He has also been linked to the November 2025 murder of Uruapan Mayor Carlos Manzo, according to investigators. As the investigation into Cesar Gastelum’s killing continues, authorities are working to determine whether the attack was connected to organized crime or stemmed from another motive. His death has once again highlighted the dangers posed by violence in parts of Mexico and the growing risks faced by online personalities whose lives are increasingly shared with the public in real time.