Latest news with #Airlift
Express Tribune
3 days ago
- Business
- Express Tribune
Careem to suspend services effective July 18
Listen to article Careem, the first ride-hailing app to pave the way for many others in Pakistan, has announced it will suspend its ride-hailing services on July 18, 2025. CEO and Co-Founder Mudassir Sheikha shared the news on LinkedIn, citing "the challenging macroeconomic reality, intensifying competition, and global capital allocation" as key reasons making it difficult to justify further investment to maintain a safe and dependable service. Careem's decision marks another setback in Pakistan's struggling start-up landscape, which has seen several high-profile closures since 2022, including Airlift, Swvl, Jugnu, and Retailo. Sheikha stressed that Careem's role in Pakistan extended far beyond transport. "It delivered significant public goods — digital infrastructure, trust, regulation, capability, and confidence — that paved the way for countless local and global ventures to take root in Pakistan," he said. Though ride-hailing services will cease, Careem's presence in Pakistan will continue through Careem Technologies, which is building the "Everything App" from Pakistan for the wider region. Sheikha noted, "Nearly 400 colleagues across all functions (including engineering) are building the app and its ecosystem — food/grocery delivery, payments, and more." He added the company is hiring for over 100 open roles and expanding its Falcon/NextGen programme. Commenting on future prospects, Sheikha said, "Our commitment to Pakistan remains strong, and I sincerely hope to bring Careem's services back in the future." App users have been informed, with Careem Care promising instructions on how to reclaim existing wallet balances. Dr Noman Said, CEO of SI Global Solutions, called the exit a "wake-up call for Pakistan's digital economy." He added, "Careem's suspension is more than a transport inconvenience — it's a red flag for foreign investors. Urban commuters are losing a trusted service, and female riders are particularly affected. The move highlights deeper systemic issues in Pakistan's tech ecosystem." Pakistan recorded a 91% year-on-year drop in Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) in April 2025. With tech start-ups shutting down, investor confidence continues to erode. "The message is clear: Pakistan is becoming an increasingly risky destination for tech-driven capital, he added. To reverse this trend, Pakistan must urgently ensure regulatory transparency, offer digital investment incentives, support inclusive mobility solutions — especially for women — and strengthen facilitation via the Special Investment Facilitation Council (SIFC)," Said noted. A former Careem employee told The Express Tribune, "Careem was a first-mover and made a real impact. From enabling income opportunities to improving female mobility, its contributions went beyond business. The decision reflects changing business realities, and leaders at Uber and Careem made the necessary call." Faryal, a loyal user, said she preferred Careem for its digital payment options and safe, well-trained drivers. Hiba Shimlawala, another frequent user, shared her disappointment. "I just found out Careem is shutting down — I'm stunned. I've used it daily since 2023 because I don't have a car. I thought they were doing well, especially after acquiring Uber's operations in Pakistan. It always felt safer. I'll have to try Yango or inDrive now, but I'm sad to see Careem go."
India.com
5 days ago
- Entertainment
- India.com
Chitrangda Singh, Soundarya Sharma Address Sexism Allegations In Housefull 5, Call It Family Entertainer
New Delhi: Actors Chitrangda Singh and Soundarya Sharma have responded to the growing criticism surrounding Housefull 5, particularly over its alleged sexist humour and portrayal of women. While acknowledging that not everyone may resonate with the film's style, both actresses defended its tone, calling it a light-hearted, family entertainer. Chitrangda Singh, who stars in the film alongside Akshay Kumar, addressed the backlash in an interview with Zoom. She emphasized that every film has a distinct style and comedic tone, referencing similar comedy franchises like Hera Pheri and Golmaal. 'Every film has its own tone and metre—this is that kind of film,' she said. 'If you go with friends or family, you'll have fun. Every family has different dynamics. It's really up to the audience to decide what they enjoy. Everyone is entitled to their opinion, and I'm not defending anything.' Singh also compared Housefull 5 to Hollywood comedies like You Don't Mess with the Zohan and The Pink Panther, saying they share a certain exaggerated style of humour that shouldn't be judged by the same standards as serious cinema. 'Not every film can be an Airlift, and an Airlift can't be Housefull 5,' she added, stressing that films serve different purposes and appeal to varied audiences. Soundarya Sharma, who gained attention through her song Laal Pari in the film, also addressed the criticism, particularly regarding the costumes worn by female actors. 'I honestly haven't read much of the backlash. I've been busy celebrating the film's release,' Sharma said. 'The makers would be better positioned to respond. As actors, we follow a director's vision. The film is made with heart and humour, nothing else.' On the issue of costumes, she added:'I don't see anything new here. Actresses have worn bikinis and sarees in many films—it reflects society and cinematic trends. I don't really understand the outrage.' Housefull 5 features a massive ensemble cast including Akshay Kumar, Riteish Deshmukh, Abhishek Bachchan, Jacqueline Fernandez, Sanjay Dutt, Fardeen Khan, Nargis Fakhri, Sonam Bajwa, Shreyas Talpade, Nana Patekar, Jackie Shroff, and others. The film is directed by Tarun Mansukhani and continues the franchise's trademark over-the-top, slapstick comedy.
Pink Villa
5 days ago
- Entertainment
- Pink Villa
Top 10 Akshay Kumar Films At Worldwide Box Office: Housefull 5 becomes 6th highest grossing film, chases 2.0 and Mission Mangal
Akshay Kumar's latest release, Housefull 5, is serving a high entertainment quotient blended with a murder mystery, in cinemas these days. The cruise-comedy caper, directed by Tarun Mansukhani, recently stormed past the Rs 200 crore mark globally, and now it has emerged as the 6th highest-grossing movie of Khiladi Kumar's career. Housefull 5 emerges as the 6th highest-grossing movie of Akshay Kumar Housefull 5 raked in over Rs 220 crore gross at the worldwide box office in its 10 days of theatrical run. It surpassed the lifetime theatrical cume of Rustom, Airlift, Kesari, and Toilet: Ek Prem Katha. The movie is now chasing the No. 5 spot, which currently belongs to 2.0 (Hindi). Housefull 5 is expected to surpass the final cume of Shankar 's directorial by the end of its third weekend. And then, the comedy caper will march to dethrone the lifetime box office collections of Mission Mangal (Rs 280 crore) to claim the No. 4 spot. Housefull 5 to remain far behind its previous installment Going by the trends, the fifth installment of the much-loved Housefull franchise will likely end its theatrical run around Rs 275 crore to Rs 280 crore gross globally. Interestingly, the movie will end up being Akshay Kumar 's fourth highest-grossing movie, but it will remain behind the franchise's previous installment, Housefull 4 (Rs 295 crore). Bankrolled by Nadiadwala Grandson Entertainment, Housefull 5 has a production budget of Rs 225 crore, making it the most expensive comedy movie in the Hindi film industry. Following are the top 10 Akshay Kumar films at the worldwide box office: Good Newwz: Rs 305 crore Sooryavanshi: Rs 301 crore Housefull 4: Rs 295 crore Mission Mangal: Rs 280 crore 2.0 (Hindi): Rs 267 crore Housefull 5: Rs 220* crore (10 days) Rustom: Rs 215 crore Airlift: Rs 210 crore Kesari: Rs 202 crore Toilet: Ek Prem Katha: Rs 200 crore Stay tuned to Pinkvilla for more updates. Disclaimer: The box office figures are compiled from various sources and our research. The figures can be approximate, and Pinkvilla does not make any claims about the authenticity of the data. However, they are adequately indicative of the box-office performance of the films in question.
News18
6 days ago
- Entertainment
- News18
Chitrangda Singh Calls Housefull 5 ‘Family Entertainer', Reacts To Backlash Over Sexist Humour
Last Updated: Housefull 5 actor Chitrangda Singh defended the film, saying not every movie can be Airlift and that each film has its own style of humour. Actress Chitrangda Singh, who was recently seen in Aksha Kumar starrer 'Housefull 5', commented on the film's humour and why there are certain jokes that people 'might not enjoy as much'. After the film's release, a section of audience took to social media to slam the film for its portrayal of women and sexist humour. Now, Chitrangda has reacted to the backlash, and said that each film has its own distinct style of humour. While speaking with Zoom, Chitrangda said that while Housefull 5 is designed to be a family entertainer, the jokes might not appeal to everyone. She emphasised that each film has its own distinct tone and type of dialogue, much like Hera Pheri, Golmaal, and others. 'I do think Housefull 5 is a family entertainer. Yes, there are jokes and humour that people might not enjoy as much, but I feel every film has its own tone and metre of what the dialogues are and what the tone of the film is. This is that kind of film. Then there's Hera Pheri, Golmaal and many more. Every film has its own metre when it comes to humour," she said. She further added, 'If you go with your friends, you will have fun. Every family also has different dynamics. It is for you to go and find whether you like it or not. Everyone is entitled to have an opinion, I am not defending anything." The 49-year-old actress compared then added, 'Adam Sandler's You Don't Mess with the Zohan and Pink Panther have a certain tone of humour. I don't think it should be judged in the same manner. Every film can't be an Airlift, and an Airlift can't be a Housefull 5." She expressed that films should not be judged by the same criteria, highlighting that different films offer different types of entertainment. She said that she wasn't defending the film, but believes that every film has its own place in the entertainment spectrum. Housefull 5 Director Tarun Mansukhani On Film Being Called Sexist Meanwhile, speaking exclusively to News18 Showsha, Housefull 5 director Tarun Mansukhani said that he's choosing to look at the silver lining. 'I feel like that there's a lot of scrutiny on social media. I also believe that scrutiny tends to only happen on successful films. You tend to keep quiet if a film isn't working at all. That's when no one has any opinion and they don't say anything. So, when people are making noise about my film, I actually feel very happy about it." Directed by Tarun Mansukhani, Housefull 5 marks the fifth installment in the blockbuster franchise that began in 2010. The film boasts a massive ensemble including Akshay Kumar, Abhishek Bachchan, Riteish Deshmukh, Jacqueline Fernandez, Sonam Bajwa, Nargis Fakhri, Chitrangda Singh and veterans like Jackie Shroff, Nana Patekar, Johny Lever, and Sanjay Dutt. It hit theatres on June 6, 2025. First Published:
Hindustan Times
7 days ago
- Entertainment
- Hindustan Times
Chitrangda Singh calls Housefull 5 'family entertainer', says people don't like a few jokes: Every film can't be Airlift
Actor Chitrangda Singh, who was recently seen in Housefull 5, has spoken about the jokes in the film and why "people might not enjoy as much". Speaking with Zoom, Chitrangda compared the humour to that of two of Adam Sandler's films--You Don't Mess with the Zohan and Pink Panther. (Also Read | Soundarya Sharma is surprised at claims of female objectification in Housefull 5: Kaun log iss tarah baat kar rahe hain) Calling it a "family entertainer", Chitrangda added that every film has its "own metre when it comes to humour". She said, 'I do think Housefull 5 is a family entertainer. Yes, there are jokes and humour that people might not enjoy as much, but I feel every film has its own tone and metre of what the dialogues are and what the tone of the film is. This is that kind of film. Then there's Hera Pheri, Golmaal and many more. Every film has its own metre when it comes to humour. If you go with your friends, you will have fun. Every family also has different dynamics. It is for you to go and find whether you like it or not. Everyone is entitled to have an opinion, I am not defending anything.' Talking about Adam Sandler films, she said that the jokes in Housefull 5 shouldn't be judged. She added, 'Adam Sandler's You Don't Mess with the Zohan and Pink Panther have a certain tone of humour. I don't think it should be judged in the same manner. Every film can't be an Airlift, and an Airlift can't be a Housefull 5. There are different kinds of entertainment. I am not defending, but this is how I feel." Recently, taking to Reddit, social media users talked about the film copying its scenes and jokes from diferent platforms, including the show Key & Peele. A person said, 'I was so angry when I realised they just copied Key and Peele for half of their scenes. Sad part is, those were the only scenes where people laughed.' A comment read, 'It's not the first time that Housefull series is copying from other language movies.' As per Hindustan Times review, the film has 'private-part jokes and innuendos' and 'often, the jokes are a joke'. Housefull 5 features Akshay Kumar, Abhishek Bachchan, Riteish Deshmukh, Jacqueline Fernandez, Sonam Bajwa, Nargis Fakhri, Soundarya Sharma, Jackie Shroff, Nana Patekar, Johny Lever, Chunky Panday, Dino Morea, Fardeen Khan and Sanjay Dutt. Directed by Tarun Mansukhani, the film is the fifth released in theatres on June 6. Produced by Sajid Nadiadwala's production banner Nadiadwala Grandson Entertainment, Housefull 5 is the fifth instalment in the Housefull franchise, which began in 2010.
