iWorld
Allu Arjun discusses Indian cinema on ‘Duologue with Barun Das’ season two premiere
Mumbai: The highly anticipated second episode of ‘Duologue with Barun Das’ Season 2 made its connected TV premiere on News9 Live, India’s premier 24×7 digital English CTV news stream, at 9 pm on 18 May 2024. Episode one showcases a dynamic conversation between TV9 Network MD & CEO Barun Das and the iconic Indian actor, Allu Arjun.
In an inimitable exchange, Das and Arjun delved into the evolution of Indian cinema and the actor’s pioneering contributions to the industry. Arjun, renowned for his versatility and dedication to his craft, opined on the status quo in Indian cinema, sharing valuable insights on the changing landscape of Bollywood and the global influence of non-English films like Korean cinema.
Reflecting on his own cinematic journey, Arjun discussed his passion for exploring diverse roles and experimenting with different genres. “Bollywood is undergoing a renaissance, and I want to be at the forefront of this transformation,” he declared. Arjun’s dedication to his craft and his willingness to take risks have earned him widespread acclaim, solidifying his status as one of India’s most bankable stars.
Regarding his personal growth journey, Arjun emphasized the learnings received from the works of renowned experts, including Dr. Deepak Chopra, whom Arjun claimed to be a big believer of, and who also appears as a guest in the second season of Duologue with Barun Das.
Elaborating on his optimism about the future of Indian cinema, Arjun shared his enthusiasm for the multi-genre format, emphasizing the importance of embracing new storytelling formats and pushing the boundaries of traditional filmmaking. Clarifying the USP of Indian cinema as one that blurs the lines between genres, creating a seamless blend of action, romance, comedy, and drama, he said, “I want to bridge the gap between Bollywood and global cinema, creating a unique cinematic experience that resonates with audiences worldwide”.
Regarding the role of AI in the entertainment industry, Arjun welcomes technological advancements as tools for innovation and creativity, stating, “If there’s something new coming, I’ll be the first person to embrace it because it is inevitable. It is going to change. Let us accept the change with open arms.”
The conversation offered viewers a rare glimpse into the future of Indian cinema and the visionary approach of one of its brightest stars. Marking the start of the CTV premiere of ‘Duologue with Barun Das’ season two, the episode will be followed next week with one featuring footballing great Oliver Kahn, on Saturday, the 25 May, with further episodes to release every Saturday at 9 pm, on News9 Live.
iWorld
Why Peaky Blinders is one of television’s biggest hits that still deserves more attention
Six seasons, multiple awards and the release of Peaky Blinders: The Immortal Man bring the Shelby saga back into the spotlight
In the crowded universe of streaming content, only a handful of shows manage to leave a lasting cultural footprint. Peaky Blinders is overwhelmingly considered one of the biggest global hits of the past decade. Yet many viewers still haven’t fully explored the dark, gripping world of the Shelby family.
Originally produced for the UK’s BBC and later finding a massive global audience through Netflix, the series quietly grew from a British period drama into a worldwide streaming phenomenon.
Created by Steven Knight, the show follows the rise of the Shelby crime family in post-First World War Birmingham. What begins as a gritty street-gang story gradually expands into a sweeping narrative about ambition, politics, power and survival.
At the centre of the saga is Thomas Shelby, portrayed with extraordinary depth by Cillian Murphy. The casting of Murphy is widely regarded as perfect for the role. With piercing eyes, restrained dialogue and an almost hypnotic screen presence, he transforms Shelby into one of the most unforgettable characters in modern screen storytelling.
Murphy’s brilliance lies in his restraint. He rarely shouts or performs theatrically. Instead, a quiet stare, a calculated pause or a subtle shift in expression conveys the emotional storms within the character. Beneath the ruthless gang leader is a war veteran carrying trauma, guilt and loneliness. Murphy captures this complexity with remarkable precision, making Thomas Shelby both terrifying and deeply human.
Beyond its central performance, Peaky Blinders stands out for its unfiltered portrayal of reality. The show does not romanticise crime. Instead, it exposes the harsh social conditions of early 20th-century Britain, from poverty and class struggle to political extremism and the psychological scars left by war.
The series also presents powerful female characters who hold their own within the Shelby empire. Polly Gray, played by Helen McCrory, is the strategic backbone of the family and one of the most formidable figures in the story. Women in the series shape decisions, influence power structures and challenge the rigid social norms of the time.
Across six seasons, the narrative grows dramatically in scale. What begins in the smoky streets of Birmingham evolves into a story involving political conspiracies, fascism and international criminal networks.
The series has also earned significant critical acclaim. It won the BAFTA Television Award for Best Drama Series in 2018 and multiple National Television Awards for Best Drama, cementing its reputation as one of Britain’s most celebrated modern shows.
Another defining feature of the series is its iconic music. The show’s opening theme, Red Right Hand by Nick Cave and the Bad Seeds, became instantly recognisable and widely associated with the Shelby universe. Combined with a powerful soundtrack featuring artists such as Arctic Monkeys and Radiohead, the music helped shape the show’s dark, stylish identity and became hugely popular among fans.
And the Shelby story is not over yet.
In fact, its legacy is unfolding right now. The long-awaited feature-length continuation, Peaky Blinders: The Immortal Man, was released on March 6, 2026, bringing the Shelby universe from streaming screens to cinemas and giving fans a new chapter in the saga.
For viewers who have not yet stepped into this world, the timing could not be better.
Six gripping seasons are ready to binge on Netflix. A new film has just arrived in theatres. And at the heart of it all stands one of the most magnetic performances in modern drama by Cillian Murphy.
So if Peaky Blinders has been sitting on your watchlist for years, this weekend is your moment.
So, by order of the Peaky fookin’ Blinders, consider this your cue to finally step into the ruthless world of Thomas Shelby. Pour yourself a drink, clear your schedule and press the play button. Because when the Peaky Blinders give an order, you listen.
