Coolie: Aamir Khan to shoot for Rajinikanth’s film in Jaipur? All we know

Arts & Culture, Film & TV

Rajinikanth will soon be seen in Coolie, which marks his first collaboration with Lokesh Kanagaraj. The film has created a great deal of buzz in the industry as it features the mass hero in the role of a don/gangster. Aamir Khan is said to be part of Coolie. However, this is yet to be confirmed. Now, the latest reports suggest that ‘Mr Perfectionist’ is set to shoot for Coolie in Jaipur. Aamir Khan set to shoot for Coolie?Aamir Khan is apparently set to make his Tamil debut with Coolie, which features Rajinikanth in the lead. According to Movie Scoop, a handle that tracks South cinema, the Bollywood star will be shooting for his role in the flick in Jaipur. The cast and crew have already arrived in the ‘Pink City’. [embedded content]While not much is known about Aamir’s role in the film, it is likely to be a cameo. Lokesh’s acclaimed 2022 blockbuster Vikram featured a strong cameo from Suriya, which left the audience asking for more. Given Aamir’s stature in the industry and Lokesh’s brand of storytelling, one can expect the Ishq star’s role to have a similar impact. About CoolieCoolie is an action-packed gangster drama that features Rajinikanth in the role of a don. It reportedly centres on gold smuggling and features several mass moments. Interestingly, unlike Leo and Vikram, it is not set in the Loki Cinematic Universe. It features Shruti Haasan, Sathyaraj, Upendra, and Nagarjuna in key roles. Coolie is expected to hit screens sometime in 2025. For Rajinikanth, it will be his first release after the actioner Vettaiyan, which opened to a good response at the box office this October. The film revolves around corruption in the education sector and carries a strong message. The film features Amitabh Bachchan, Fahadh Faasil, and Manju Warrier in the lead. Aamir Khan, on the other hand, is working on Sitaare Zameen Par. For more news and updates from the world of OTT, and celebrities from Bollywood and Hollywood, keep reading Indiatimes Entertainment.

Revival: Scrofano, Weltman & Elliott Wrap Filming; Seeley Set Visit

Arts & Culture, Film & TV

Posted in: SYFY, TV | Tagged: mike norton, revival, tim seeleyMelanie Scrofano, Romy Weltman, and David James Elliott have wrapped filming on SYFY’s adaptation of Tim Seeley and Mike Norton’s Revival.Published Sat, 07 Dec 2024 19:37:07 -0600 by Ray Flook | Only a day after Revival co-creator Tim Seeley shared some looks from the set of SYFY’s upcoming adaptation of his and artist Mike Norton’s Image Comics series, we have some big news to pass along in terms of production on the Melanie Scrofano (Wynonna Earp: Vengeance), Romy Weltman (Slasher), David James Elliott (JAG), Andy McQueen (Mrs. Davis), Steven Ogg (The Walking Dead, Snowpiercer), and CM Punk (STARZ’s Heels)-starring series. In addition to Seeley sharing more looks from his set visit, Scrofano, Weltman, and Elliott, all checked in on social media to let everyone know that they have wrapped filming on the first season.Image: REVIVAL – Image Comics (Tim Seeley & Mike Norton); SYFY
“That’s a wrap on Season 1 of #Revival! I can’t wait to start spamming my feed with this show. Until then I’m proud to say that among the many mysteries we solved on the show this season, none were as satisfying as the climax of this one. (See: ‘why was there a condom on my boot that time’),” Scrofano wrote as the caption to their Instagram post. “The cast and crew whose passion and perseverance kept this show going is inspiring and I feel so lucky to have spent this time with you.♥️💋👽🥶💀🫶👮‍♀️🧟🤱👯‍♀️👨‍👧‍👧.”

“That’s a Wrap for ‘Revival’- Thank you to an amazing cast and crew and an especially big thank you to my two TV daughters for bringing it with their enormous talent, professionalism, and kindness @melanie.scrofano.officiel @romyweltman!!” wrote Elliot in his post:

“wow. i got to learn from and work with the most inspiring people for 3 whole months 🖤 thank you to the entire cast and crew of REVIVAL. my heart is so full. ps. this is the only photo i have that won’t get me in trouble!” penned Weltman in their post:

And here’s a look at what else Seeley had to share from his visit to the set this week, including the incredibly cool move of signing Revival compendiums for the series adaptation’s cast and crew:

Scrofano’s Dana is “constantly having to prove her worth to a stubborn sheriff, who just so happens to be her father. And just when she is about to leave her small town for good, the events of Revival Day change that, instead sending her into her most important case to date.” Weltman’s Martha “Em” Cypress is the sheriff’s younger daughter who, “having led a very sheltered life due to a recurring illness, is still figuring out her place in the world. A world that, for her in particular, is now turned upside down.”
Elliott’s Wayne Cypress is the longtime Wausau sheriff who is “determined to keep his town and family as normal and safe as possible — a tall order when the dead return to life in the small town he’s sworn to protect.” McQueen’s Ibrahim Ramin is a scientist from the Center for Disease Control “who has been stationed in Wausau to study the bizarre phenomenon that brought people back to life.” “Raised by a fire-and-brimstone pastor,” Ogg’s Blaine Abel sees Revival Day as his divine calling and will use the fear and chaos within Wausau to build and rally a militia of true believers against the Revivers.” As for Punk’s character, no details were released at the time of the initial reporting.
Produced by Blue Ice Pictures and Hemmings Films, the upcoming SYFY series Revival was created by showrunners Aaron B. Koontz and Luke Boyce – who executive produce alongside Lance Samuels, Daniel Iron, Samantha Levine, Daniel March, and Greg Hemmings.
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New Livery Supporting ‘Saudi Welcome To Arabia Campaign’ Adorns Aircraft Promoting Domestic Tourism And International Arrivals

Travel

flyadeal, the Middle East’s fastest growing low-cost airline, has taken its partnership with Saudi Tourism Authority (STA) to new heights with a special aircraft livery supporting the national drive to promote domestic tourism and stimulate visitor numbers to the Kingdom. With 13 provinces making up Saudi Arabia, each with a capital city, distinct landscapes and developing tourism attractions, STA’s ‘Saudi Welcome to Arabia’ campaign sees its marketing efforts take to the air with the new colourful decal on flyadeal aircraft. It’s the latest joint promotional activity between the airline and national tourism body.Given the projected travel numbers for Saudi Arabia – 150 million domestic and international tourists by 2030, up from the current 100 million – and the national focus on economic reforms, building a national aviation ecosystem and huge investment in mega tourism projects in the Kingdom, the appetite for travel within, and to, Saudi Arabia has soared.Steven Greenway, flyadeal Chief Executive Officer, said: “At flyadeal, we embrace the true spirit of partnerships working with our key stakeholders such as Saudi Tourism Authority to promote and stimulate travel to, and across, the Kingdom. With great pride we now have a special aircraft livery with a simple promotional message flying across the Kingdom and internationally.“We recognise the desire for Saudi nationals to explore the country’s immense diversity and international travellers keen on exploring the nation. Supported by a dynamic aviation infrastructure that is one of the key pillars of Saudi Vision 2030, flyadeal is playing a key role in the country’s diversification drive to build a vibrant tourism industry.”flydeal’s current extensive domestic network covers 15 destinations that continues to grow with a multitude of towns and cities across Saudi Arabia being served from three main bases of Riyadh, Jeddah and Dammam.These are Abha, Al Bahah, Al Hofuf, Bisha, Gizan, Hail, Madinah, Najran, Neom, Qassim, Tabuk and Taif, with Yanbu being added to flyadeal’s list of domestic destinations in January 2025. In addition, the airline serves Dubai, Istanbul, Cairo and the Egyptian city of Sohag. Its international footprint is set to increase considerably next year beginning with the Jordanian capital Amman joining flyadeal’s network in January 2025. flyadeal currently operates a modern fleet of 36 Airbus A320 family aircraft.The Saudi Welcome to Arabia brand campaign is the latest in a series of initiatives by STA to boost visitor numbers. Saudi Arabia has emerged as the second most searched destination in the world on Google that demonstrates curiosity and desire to discover the heart of Arabia. Among its many assets, the Kingdom is home to over 10,000 heritage and archaeological sites.

New Livery Supporting ‘Saudi Welcome To Arabia Campaign’ Adorns Aircraft Promoting Domestic Tourism And International Arrivals

Travel

flyadeal, the Middle East’s fastest growing low-cost airline, has taken its partnership with Saudi Tourism Authority (STA) to new heights with a special aircraft livery supporting the national drive to promote domestic tourism and stimulate visitor numbers to the Kingdom. With 13 provinces making up Saudi Arabia, each with a capital city, distinct landscapes and developing tourism attractions, STA’s ‘Saudi Welcome to Arabia’ campaign sees its marketing efforts take to the air with the new colourful decal on flyadeal aircraft. It’s the latest joint promotional activity between the airline and national tourism body.Given the projected travel numbers for Saudi Arabia – 150 million domestic and international tourists by 2030, up from the current 100 million – and the national focus on economic reforms, building a national aviation ecosystem and huge investment in mega tourism projects in the Kingdom, the appetite for travel within, and to, Saudi Arabia has soared.Steven Greenway, flyadeal Chief Executive Officer, said: “At flyadeal, we embrace the true spirit of partnerships working with our key stakeholders such as Saudi Tourism Authority to promote and stimulate travel to, and across, the Kingdom. With great pride we now have a special aircraft livery with a simple promotional message flying across the Kingdom and internationally.“We recognise the desire for Saudi nationals to explore the country’s immense diversity and international travellers keen on exploring the nation. Supported by a dynamic aviation infrastructure that is one of the key pillars of Saudi Vision 2030, flyadeal is playing a key role in the country’s diversification drive to build a vibrant tourism industry.”flydeal’s current extensive domestic network covers 15 destinations that continues to grow with a multitude of towns and cities across Saudi Arabia being served from three main bases of Riyadh, Jeddah and Dammam.These are Abha, Al Bahah, Al Hofuf, Bisha, Gizan, Hail, Madinah, Najran, Neom, Qassim, Tabuk and Taif, with Yanbu being added to flyadeal’s list of domestic destinations in January 2025. In addition, the airline serves Dubai, Istanbul, Cairo and the Egyptian city of Sohag. Its international footprint is set to increase considerably next year beginning with the Jordanian capital Amman joining flyadeal’s network in January 2025. flyadeal currently operates a modern fleet of 36 Airbus A320 family aircraft.The Saudi Welcome to Arabia brand campaign is the latest in a series of initiatives by STA to boost visitor numbers. Saudi Arabia has emerged as the second most searched destination in the world on Google that demonstrates curiosity and desire to discover the heart of Arabia. Among its many assets, the Kingdom is home to over 10,000 heritage and archaeological sites.

Saudi Arabia ranks 3rd globally by growth in int’l tourists in 9M 2024

Travel

Saudi Arabia ranked third globally in terms of the highest growth rate in the number of international tourists during the first eight to nine months of 2024, with a 61% increase compared to the same period in 2019, according to a report by the United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) published this month.The Kingdom also moved up 15 places in the global ranking for international tourist spending, achieving the 12th position globally in 2023 compared to 2019, making the largest leap among the top 50 countries, the state-run SPA reported.Additionally, Saudi Arabia led the G20 countries in the growth of international tourist numbers during the first seven months of 2024 compared to 2019.According to Argaam data, Saudi Arabia recorded 60 million tourists in the first half of 2024, who spent nearly SAR 150 billion, representing a 10% growth compared to the same period last year. Tourism’s contribution to the Kingdom’s economy reached 5% during the first half of 2024.

Saudi Arabia ranks 3rd globally by growth in int’l tourists in 9M 2024

Travel

Saudi Arabia ranked third globally in terms of the highest growth rate in the number of international tourists during the first eight to nine months of 2024, with a 61% increase compared to the same period in 2019, according to a report by the United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) published this month.The Kingdom also moved up 15 places in the global ranking for international tourist spending, achieving the 12th position globally in 2023 compared to 2019, making the largest leap among the top 50 countries, the state-run SPA reported.Additionally, Saudi Arabia led the G20 countries in the growth of international tourist numbers during the first seven months of 2024 compared to 2019.According to Argaam data, Saudi Arabia recorded 60 million tourists in the first half of 2024, who spent nearly SAR 150 billion, representing a 10% growth compared to the same period last year. Tourism’s contribution to the Kingdom’s economy reached 5% during the first half of 2024.

OpenAI partners with Anduril to develop new AI military tech

Technology

SAN FRANCISCO — ChatGPT creator OpenAI and high-tech military manufacturer Anduril Industries will codevelop new artificial-intelligence technology for the Pentagon, adding to a trend for leading tech companies to take on military projects.The partnership will bring together OpenAI’s AI capabilities, among the most advanced in the industry, with Anduril’s drones, detection units and military software, the two companies said in a joint statement last week. They declined to share any financial details about the terms of their partnership.The deal aims to improve Anduril technology used to detect and shoot down drones that threaten American forces and those of allies, the statement said — tools the Pentagon buys from the military startup to help counter the proliferation of cheap drones on battlefields all over the world.After an Iranian-made drone killed three U.S. service members at a base in Jordan this year, an assessment by the military found that the drone probably had not been detected and that no weapon existed on the base to destroy it.Anduril sells sensor towers, electronic warfare communications-jammers and drones that are meant to shoot down enemy drones or missiles, and offers software called Lattice designed to help soldiers watch over the battlefield and control multiple drones and sensors at once.The OpenAI-Anduril deal is the latest in a string of recent announcements from tech companies about stepping up their work with the military. They come as the Pentagon looks to infuse more Silicon Valley innovation into weaponry to arm U.S. forces and allies with more potent, plentiful and affordable technology.In November, OpenAI competitor Anthropic, developer of the chatbot Claude, said it would partner with Amazon and government software provider Palantir to sell its AI algorithms to the military. The same month, Facebook owner Meta changed its policies to allow the military to use its open source AI technology.OpenAI barred its own products from being used for any military application until earlier this year, when it changed its policies to allow some military uses. Despite the new partnership, the company says its technology may still not be used to develop weapons, or to harm people or property.Liz Bourgeois, a spokesperson for OpenAI, said the partnership complies with the company’s rules because it is narrowly focused on systems that defend from unmanned aerial threats. The deal doesn’t cover other use cases, Bourgeois said.Just a few years ago, many Silicon Valley leaders were uninterested in dealing with the military. It was seen as a hidebound and unprofitable customer incompatible with the fast-moving industry, and some tech workers protested defense contracts.Google in 2018 was pressured into declining to renew a deal to sell image-recognition technology to the Pentagon.Silicon Valley leaders who take a pragmatic approach to the industry’s role in society and continued Pentagon efforts to woo tech firms have recently made military deals more common.The impact of technology such as image-recognition software and cheap drones on battlefields in Ukraine and Gaza, as well as China’s rising technological prowess, has inspired some young startup founders to build companies focused on weapons and defense rather than social media or e-commerce apps like the generation before them.Donald Trump’s reelection last month has founders and investors among those companies anticipating a surge of new support from the U.S. government in the form of new contracts and loosened regulation. The new wave of military-friendly techies frame themselves as patriots trying to rejuvenate American manufacturing and help the country cement its superpower status.”The accelerating race between the United States and China in advancing AI makes this a pivotal moment,” OpenAI and Anduril said in a joint statement on their new partnership. “If the United States cedes ground, we risk losing the technological edge that has underpinned our national security for decades.”Not everyone in the tech industry is ready to embrace military work.A group of Google employees was fired this year after protesting the company’s contract to sell software to the Israeli government. Prominent AI researchers have joined arms-control advocates to push for a preemptive ban on AI-enabled weapons, out of concern machines will eventually become able to independently decide to kill humans.

Pushpa 2 Box Office Collection Day 3: Allu Arjun And Rashmika Mandanna’s Film Becomes The Fastest Indian Movie To Cross Rs 500 Crore Mark (Globally)

Arts & Culture, Film & TV

A still from the film. New Delhi: Allu Arjun and Rashmika Mandanna‘s much-awaited film Pushpa 2 has made a smashing debut at the box office, breaking multiple records across the globe. Released on December 5, a non-holiday weekday, the movie has already amassed an astounding Rs 500 crore gross worldwide in just three days.  According…

While Asia-Pacific Struggles To Regain Tourism Momentum, Middle East Surpasses 2019 Tourism Levels By 22 Million

Travel

Data from the UN Tourism dashboard shows that 1.3 billion international tourist arrivals were recorded worldwide for 2023, roughly 160 million short of 2019 levels.

Tourism receipts, however, surpassed pre-pandemic levels by around $40 million. This potentially traces back to price increases rather than increased tourist activity.

As Statista’s Florian Zandt details below, with 707 million international arrivals, Europe remained the region with the highest tourist volume this past year. While some world regions have already surpassed their 2019 levels, one area in particular hasn’t regained momentum.

African countries are short 2.6 million of the 69 million international arrivals recorded in 2019, while the Americas are behind 19 million inbound tourists.

The Middle East surpassed its 2019 levels by 22 million, which underlines the importance of airports like Dubai International Airport and Hamad International Airport as travel hubs and the attractiveness of the Arabian Peninsula as a tourism destination.

Asia and the Pacific is only at 65 percent of the 2019 figure for international arrivals, which translates to 237 million for 2023.

Looking at total passenger throughput, the International Air Transport Association (IATA) recorded 4.4 billion scheduled passengers across 36 million flights for 2023, slightly below 2019 levels, in their most recent factsheet.

By 2025, the combined revenues of all IATA members are expected to cross the one trillion dollar threshold, while passenger levels are estimated to rise above five billion.

While Asia-Pacific Struggles To Regain Tourism Momentum, Middle East Surpasses 2019 Tourism Levels By 22 Million

Travel

Data from the UN Tourism dashboard shows that 1.3 billion international tourist arrivals were recorded worldwide for 2023, roughly 160 million short of 2019 levels.

Tourism receipts, however, surpassed pre-pandemic levels by around $40 million. This potentially traces back to price increases rather than increased tourist activity.

As Statista’s Florian Zandt details below, with 707 million international arrivals, Europe remained the region with the highest tourist volume this past year. While some world regions have already surpassed their 2019 levels, one area in particular hasn’t regained momentum.

African countries are short 2.6 million of the 69 million international arrivals recorded in 2019, while the Americas are behind 19 million inbound tourists.

The Middle East surpassed its 2019 levels by 22 million, which underlines the importance of airports like Dubai International Airport and Hamad International Airport as travel hubs and the attractiveness of the Arabian Peninsula as a tourism destination.

Asia and the Pacific is only at 65 percent of the 2019 figure for international arrivals, which translates to 237 million for 2023.

Looking at total passenger throughput, the International Air Transport Association (IATA) recorded 4.4 billion scheduled passengers across 36 million flights for 2023, slightly below 2019 levels, in their most recent factsheet.

By 2025, the combined revenues of all IATA members are expected to cross the one trillion dollar threshold, while passenger levels are estimated to rise above five billion.