Latest news with #Mahal
India.com
11 hours ago
- Entertainment
- India.com
India's first horror film left audience in shock, made for Rs 12 lakh, broke all records, film is…, lead actors were…
In an era when grandeur often defined cinematic success, one modestly budgeted film crafted with just Rs 12 lakh emerged as a game-changer. Its unsettling atmosphere, raw storytelling, and psychological intensity created a lasting impression that still lingers in conversations among thrill-seekers and made it Indian Cinema's first horror film. First Horror Film Of India Here we are talking about the 1949 film 'Mahal,' helmed by the legendary Kamal Amrohi, which was not only a blockbuster of its time but also introduced Indian audiences to the themes of mystery and the supernatural. Produced by Bombay Talkies, 'Mahal' was one of the most expensive films of its era, with an estimated budget of around Rs 12 lakh (equal to Rs 12-14 crore as per today), a significant amount for the 1940s. The film featured grand sets, impressive cinematography, and notable stars like Madhubala and Ashok Kumar, making it an ambitious project. Kamal Amrohi crafted the story as a mysterious psychological thriller, a genre that was relatively new to Indian cinema at that time. Stellar Impact Of Mahal On The Box Office 'Mahal' was theatrically released on October 13, 1949. The film quickly gained popularity and, by its third week, became a nationwide sensation. According to the trade site Box Office India, the film was declared a Super Hit. The film grossed around Rs 1.25 crore (Rs 218 crore today) in India, a record for that time. It was noted as the third highest-grossing Hindi film of 1949, following 'Barsaat' and 'Andaz.' As of 2020, 'Mahal' remains one of the top one hundred highest-grossing Indian films in India. 'Mahal' featured Ashok Kumar and Madhubala in the lead roles. Ashok Kumar portrayed a man who visits a mysterious mansion and falls in love with a shadow, represented by Madhubala. Her beauty and acting captivated the audience. The story intertwines themes of love, reincarnation, and mystery, keeping viewers engaged until the end. This cult classic laid the foundation for Indian horror cinema and inspired later films such as 'Bees Saal Baad', 'Gumnaam' and 'Raat .'
Hindustan Times
a day ago
- Politics
- Hindustan Times
CPI (M) MP Brittas objects to exclusion of Mahal, Arabic in Lakshadweep schools under 3-language formula
New Delhi, Communist Party of India MP John Brittas on Thursday wrote to Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan objecting to the exclusion of Mahal and Arabic in Lakshadweep schools under the three-language formula. In his letter, the Rajya Sabha member expressed deep concern over the move to implement the three-language formula under the National Education Policy 2020, which led to exclusion of Mahal and Arabic. He said the two languages are integral to the socio-cultural and educational fabric of the Lakshadweep archipelago as well as against the strategies adopted by the Union government for unilateral nationwide implementation of NEP 2020. "The exclusion of the above-mentioned languages from Lakshadweep schools - each intrinsically tied to the identity, heritage, and future aspirations of the island's people - is not only unjust but also emblematic of the broader flaws inherent in the top-down imposition of the NEP," Brittas said. The Lakshadweep administration had issued an order last month that sought to replace Mahal and Arabic with Hindi under the National Curriculum Framework. Malayalam and English are to be taught as first and second languages in schools, the order also said. However, the Kerala High Court, earlier this month, ordered a stay on the order "till further orders". Brittas said Mahal is not merely a dialect, but a distinct language with its own script and literary heritage, deeply embedded in the lives of the Minicoy community, and Arabic holds profound religious, academic, and occupational significance, particularly in a region where a considerable number of residents are expatriates. "Lakshadweep follows the Kerala state syllabus, which includes Arabic - but also strikes at the heart of a linguistic and cultural ecosystem nurtured over generations. Such selective imposition is indicative of a broader disregard for minority identities," he said. He demanded that the government direct the authorities concerned to reconsider the exclusion of Mahal and Arabic from the curriculum in Lakshadweep, but also to put the nationwide implementation of NEP 2020 on hold until proper consultations are undertaken with all relevant stakeholders, including state governments, students, teachers, local bodies, and elected representatives." "Any curricular or linguistic restructuring must be democratic, inclusive, and rooted in the lived realities of the people," he added.
Newsweek
12-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Newsweek
Former WWE Champion Involved In Controversial Moment At Indie Show
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. A mid-match walkout by former WWE Champion Raj Dhesi, formerly known as Jinder Mahal, at an independent event has been the subject of conflicting reports, with the latest suggesting the entire incident was a planned storyline. Dhesi has been active on the independent scene since his WWE release, including a run in AAA. This recent appearance at a Battleground Championship Wrestling (BCW) event in May, however, caused significant confusion. A Controversial Finish In a match against deathmatch veteran MASADA, Dhesi walked out mid-bout, resulting in a count-out loss and reportedly leaving the venue altogether. The promoter initially claimed the walkout was due to issues with hotel bookings. The story gained more attention after MASADA claimed on social media that Dhesi had arrived with a list of rules for what could and could not be done in their match. This painted a picture of a legitimate backstage dispute between the two performers. More news: WWE News: Steve Austin Reveals Real-Life Vince McMahon Confrontation Was It All A Work? According to a report from Fightful Select, the entire situation may have been a planned angle from the start. Sources close to Dhesi insist that the walkout was a complete "work" orchestrated by the BCW promoter to generate buzz for the promotion. BOGOTA, COLOMBIA - NOVEMBER 16: A general view of the AAA Mexican Lucha Libre friday night show at the Movistar Arena during an AAA World Wide Wrestling match on November 16, 2018 in Bogota, Colombia. BOGOTA, COLOMBIA - NOVEMBER 16: A general view of the AAA Mexican Lucha Libre friday night show at the Movistar Arena during an AAA World Wide Wrestling match on November 16, 2018 in Bogota, news re-frames the incident from a backstage issue into a deliberate attempt to blur the lines between reality and storyline. Regardless of the reason, Dhesi is not currently booked for any future dates with the promotion. Dhesi's Post-WWE Career Mahal's career in WWE is marked by two distinct runs, with his major accomplishments coming during his second tenure with the company after a significant physical transformation. Mahal is also a former United States Champion. He won the title at WrestleMania 34 in a Fatal 4-Way match, defeating champion Randy Orton, Bobby Roode, and Rusev. The controversial walkout comes after another notable event in Dhesi's post-WWE career. He and AEW's Satnam Singh won the AAA World Tag Team Championship in August 2024. However, after 241 days of inactivity and never defending the belts, the pair were stripped of the titles by the promotion in March 2025. It will be interesting to see where Mahal goes from here in his pro wrestling career. More WWE News: For more on WWE, head to Newsweek Sports.
Time of India
11-06-2025
- Politics
- Time of India
Lakshadweep's ban on Mahal and Arabic in schools stayed by Kerala High Court amid cultural concerns
KOCHI: The Kerala High Court has stayed the Lakshadweep administration's recent decision to remove Mahal and Arabic from the curriculum of schools in the Union Territory. The division bench, chaired by Chief Justice Nitin Jamdar and Justice Basant Balaji, stayed the administration's decision. "The point emphasized by the Petitioner, which prima facie, we find merit in, is that for the implementation of the (National Education) Policy in a particular area, there has to be an application of mind and a study of local conditions to determine what is best for the educational interests of the community, in order to achieve the objectives of the Policy. The Policy itself contemplates such an application of mind, noting that various factors are involved in the said decision. As contended by the learned counsel for the Petitioner, a language holds deep cultural significance, and any changes could have serious ramifications," said the Court. The Court pointed out, "Ordinarily, the Court would not interfere in matters of education policy, particularly with respect to the selection of languages in the curriculum. However, this is self-restraint based on the premise that decisions relating to education policy are made by experts in the field after an in-depth study and wide consultation," added the Bench. Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Classic Solitaire , Built for Desktop Play Solitaire Download Undo Incidentally, it was on May 14th, the Education Department of the Union Territory issued the order removing the two languages under the 2023 National Curriculum Framework (NCF), which is part of the 2020 National Education Policy (NEP). According to the order, all schools in Minicoy island will offer Malayalam and English as the first and second languages, and Hindi will replace the local language Mahal and Arabic as the third language. This led to widespread protests on the islands. It was against this order that a public interest litigation (PIL) was filed by Ajas Akber, a social worker and President of the Lakshadweep Unit of the National Students Union of India . The petitioner pointed out that Mahal is the exclusive language spoken by Minicoy islanders, and it symbolises their tradition and culture. He went on to further point out that Mahal was being taught only in primary classes and was a foundation course to consolidate and uphold the tradition and culture of Minicoy, which happens to be a pure linguistic minority among the Union Territory. Akber also pointed out that by removing the Mahal from the curriculum, the Lakshadweep administration has placed an open challenge to the constitutional rights of a minority community, which has distinct traditions and culture. The Court, after hearing both parties, stayed the order for the pendency of the PIL and left it open to the Lakshadweep Administration to conduct appropriate studies on the issue. "It is open to the Union Territory to conduct a study of the local conditions in the context of the prevailing Education Policies and to engage with all the stakeholders through a meaningful process of consultation (not merely for the purpose of record). If such studies and consultations are carried out, it will be open to the Respondents to apply for appropriate orders, and such application will be considered on its own merits," read the Court order. Is your child ready for the careers of tomorrow? Enroll now and take advantage of our early bird offer! Spaces are limited.
Hans India
10-06-2025
- Politics
- Hans India
Kerala HC stays Lakshadweep administration's order to remove Mahal, Arabic from school curriculum
Kochi: The Kerala High Court has stayed the Lakshadweep administration's recent decision to remove Mahal and Arabic from the curriculum of schools in the Union Territory. The division bench, chaired by Chief Justice Nitin Jamdar and Justice Basant Balaji, stayed the administration's decision. "The point emphasized by the Petitioner, which prima facie, we find merit in, is that for the implementation of the (National Education) Policy in a particular area, there has to be an application of mind and a study of local conditions to determine what is best for the educational interests of the community, in order to achieve the objectives of the Policy. The Policy itself contemplates such an application of mind, noting that various factors are involved in the said decision. As contended by the learned counsel for the Petitioner, a language holds deep cultural significance, and any changes could have serious ramifications," said the Court. The Court pointed out, "Ordinarily, the Court would not interfere in matters of education policy, particularly with respect to the selection of languages in the curriculum. However, this is self-restraint based on the premise that decisions relating to education policy are made by experts in the field after an in-depth study and wide consultation," added the Bench. Incidentally, it was on May 14th, the Education Department of the Union Territory issued the order removing the two languages under the 2023 National Curriculum Framework (NCF), which is part of the 2020 National Education Policy (NEP). According to the order, all schools in Minicoy island will offer Malayalam and English as the first and second languages, and Hindi will replace the local language Mahal and Arabic as the third language. This led to widespread protests on the islands. It was against this order that a public interest litigation (PIL) was filed by Ajas Akber, a social worker and President of the Lakshadweep Unit of the National Students Union of India. The petitioner pointed out that Mahal is the exclusive language spoken by Minicoy islanders, and it symbolises their tradition and culture. He went on to further point out that Mahal was being taught only in primary classes and was a foundation course to consolidate and uphold the tradition and culture of Minicoy, which happens to be a pure linguistic minority among the Union Territory. Akber also pointed out that by removing the Mahal from the curriculum, the Lakshadweep administration has placed an open challenge to the constitutional rights of a minority community, which has distinct traditions and culture. The Court, after hearing both parties, stayed the order for the pendency of the PIL and left it open to the Lakshadweep Administration to conduct appropriate studies on the issue. "It is open to the Union Territory to conduct a study of the local conditions in the context of the prevailing Education Policies and to engage with all the stakeholders through a meaningful process of consultation (not merely for the purpose of record). If such studies and consultations are carried out, it will be open to the Respondents to apply for appropriate orders, and such application will be considered on its own merits," read the Court order.
