From combating hate speech and reviving Sindhi cinema to Faran Tahir’s Marvel comeback and a shocking Bollywood attack, here’s what made news this week.
Sharmeen Obaid-Chinoy tackles hate speech with bold new YouTube series
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cademy Award-winning filmmaker Sharmeen Obaid-Chinoy’s SOC Films has launched a groundbreaking initiative, “Facets of Hate Speech” (Nafrat Angez Guftugu ke Pehlu), aimed at confronting the rising threat of hate speech in Pakistan. This five-part YouTube series explores critical societal issues, highlighting the efforts of individuals fighting discrimination and promoting tolerance.
“Hate speech fuels intolerance, discrimination, and violence. It silences dissent, undermines human rights, and jeopardizes the very foundation of a just and equitable society,” said Obaid-Chinoy. “Our series amplifies the voices of victims and advocates working tirelessly for a more inclusive and tolerant Pakistan.”
The series, featuring activists, experts, and officials, explore:
Haibatnaak Surat-e-Haal (State of Dread - Cyber Harassment): This episode examines the surge in online harassment, particularly its devastating toll on women.
It highlights Naila Rind’s tragic death and features insights from activists advocating for stronger legal protections, alongside the experiences of other victims.
Azaadi (Liberation): Focuses on the backlash faced by the Aurat March, a powerful women’s rights movement in Pakistan. It analyzes targeted attacks against the march and the resilience of women refusing to be silenced.
Insaaf Ki Qeemat (The Price of Justice): This episode highlights the murder of Rashid Rehman, a lawyer who defended an individual accused of blasphemy. It explores the immense personal, legal, and societal dangers faced by human rights defenders.
Shanakht Ka Muqadma (Trial for Identity): This episodes examines targeted hate speech against the transgender community following landmark legal reforms in 2018. It exposes smear campaigns fueled by misinformation and disinformation aimed at undermining the rights and dignity of transgender individuals.
Jungle ka Qanoon (Lawlessness – Mob Violence): This episode investigates the phenomenon of mob lynching in Pakistan, the intricate dynamics of mob psychology and its devastating consequences. It delves into the horrifying case of Priyantha Kumara, a Sri Lankan factory manager who was brutally lynched by a mob, and examines the role of hate speech in inciting violence.
Through these episodic-series, SOC Films seeks to challenge societal norms and inspire action against hate-driven narratives. All five episodes will be available to watch on YouTube from 17th January 2025.
Sindhi cinema revival, Indus Echoes premieres
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fter nearly three decades, Sindhi cinema returns with Indus Echoes, directed by Rahul Aijaz. Premiering on 16th January, 2025 with a wide-release planned for July, the film will also make its international debut at the Jaipur International Film Festival. Aijaz’s film captures the complex relationship between the Sindhi populace and the Indus River. Through five stories, it portrays farmers, fishermen, poets, and a floating corpse, exploring themes of survival, belonging, and environmental stewardship.
“This film reintroduces Sindhi cinema while sharing the region’s story with a global audience,” said Aijaz, known for his internationally acclaimed short films.
The narrative delves into the tension between humans and the river, highlighting both dependence and conflict. Questions about leaving one’s home when tied to nature anchor the emotional essence of the film.
Starring Vajdaan Shah, Ansaar Mahar, and Samina Seher in multiple roles, Indus Echoes is a collaboration between production houses from Pakistan, Bangladesh, and South Korea. Anthem Films will handle distribution, signaling a milestone for Sindhi-language films.
“Sindhi films faded by the 1990s, leaving no global representation,” said Aijaz. “In 2020, my short A Train Crosses the Desert became the first Sindhi film to screen internationally. Indus Echoes is the next step, highlighting the Indus River, also known as Sindhu River.”
Produced by Tanveer Hossain and Aijaz, the film boasts executive producers including Shamoon Abbasi, Akhtiar Ali Kalwar, Vajdaan Shah, Zaid Aziz, and Mohammad Kamran Jawaid. South Korea-based Canadian filmmaker Paul Battle served as post-production producer and co-editor alongside Aijaz. The project reflects a blend of cultural storytelling and global collaboration.
By highlighting Sindhi culture and the enduring influence of the Indus River, Indus Echoes aims to revitalize a forgotten cinematic tradition and introduce it to new audiences worldwide.
Faran Tahir returns to Marvel in Vision Quest
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Faran Tahir is set to reprise his role as Raza, the leader of the Ten Rings organization, in Marvel’s upcoming Disney+ series Vision Quest. Tahir originally portrayed Raza in the 2008 film Iron Man, where his character was instrumental in Tony Stark’s kidnapping, a pivotal event that led to Stark becoming Iron Man.
Vision Quest is a spinoff from WandaVision, focusing on Vision, played by Paul Bettany, as he endeavors to regain his memories and humanity following the events of Avengers: Infinity War and WandaVision. The series will also feature the return of James Spader as Ultron, with Terry Matalas serving as the showrunner.
Tahir’s return to the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) suggests a renewed focus on the Ten Rings organization, explored in Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings. A deleted scene from Shang-Chi referenced Raza, hinting at the organization’s continued significance in future MCU narratives.
Beyond his role in the MCU, Faran Tahir has had a diverse acting career, appearing in films like Star Trek and Elysium, and television series including The Old Man, Scandal, and Prison Break.
Vision Quest is anticipated to premiere on Disney+ in 2026, expanding Marvel’s lineup of series exploring different facets of the MCU.
Bollywood actor Saif Ali Khan stabbed during burglary attempt
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ollywood actor Saif Ali Khan was seriously injured in the early hours of January 16, 2025, during a burglary attempt at his Bandra apartment in Mumbai. The incident unfolded around 2:30 a.m. when an intruder, believed to be a burglar, accessed the residence through a fire escape. The actor shares the apartment with his wife, Kareena Kapoor Khan, and their two sons, Taimur and Jeh.
Reports indicate that Khan encountered the intruder while he was attempting to enter Jeh’s bedroom. A confrontation ensued, during which the actor sustained multiple stab wounds, including injuries to his neck, spine, and left hand. A female staff member in the home was also injured during the altercation.
Following the attack, Khan was rushed to Lilavati Hospital by his elder son, Ibrahim Ali Khan. His wife, Kareena Kapoor Khan, and daughter, Sara Ali Khan, were also seen arriving at the hospital later that morning to be by his side.
Doctors performed surgery to extract a knife blade lodged in his thoracic spine and address spinal fluid leakage. Additional injuries to his neck and hand required treatment by a plastic surgery team. Fortunately, Khan’s condition is now stable, and he is expected to make a full recovery.
The Mumbai police have launched an investigation and are reviewing CCTV footage from the area. Three suspects have been detained for questioning, though details about the attacker’s identity remain unclear. Authorities suspect the motive behind the incident was burglary.
The attack has raised significant concerns about the safety of public figures in Mumbai, particularly in high-profile neighborhoods like Bandra. Fans and colleagues have expressed shock and called for stricter security measures. The incident has left many shaken, serving as a stark reminder of the vulnerabilities faced even by the most well-guarded individuals.