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
Samay Raina returns with Still Alive, confronts 2025 controversy in bold comeback special
Comeback set tackles controversy, blending humour with raw storytelling
MUMBAI: Samay Raina is set to release his new stand-up comedy special, Still Alive, on YouTube on April 7, 2026, marking a high-profile return following a turbulent year.
The trailer for the special dropped on April 5, offering a glimpse into what Raina describes as a raw and unfiltered set that leans as much on honesty as it does on humour.
Positioned as a comeback of sorts, Still Alive draws heavily from the controversy surrounding his show India’s Got Latent in early 2025. The episode led to legal trouble, multiple FIRs, and a lengthy six-hour interrogation by the Maharashtra Cyber Cell, placing the comedian at the centre of intense public scrutiny.
Rather than sidestep the episode, Raina leans into it. The special reflects on the fallout and his personal journey through it, blending observational comedy with moments of emotional candour. Early audience feedback from live performances suggests the tone is less about rapid-fire punchlines and more about storytelling with bite.
The special was filmed during his global Still Alive & Unfiltered tour, which ran from August 2025 to early 2026. The tour saw Raina perform across major international venues, including the Madison Square Garden Theatre in New York, a milestone that places him among the youngest Indian comedians to take that stage.
The title itself signals resilience. “Still Alive” is a nod to navigating both legal and public backlash while choosing to remain unapologetically authentic, a theme that appears to anchor the set.
With the special set to premiere online, all eyes are now on how audiences respond to a performance that promises equal parts reflection and wit. For Raina, the message is clear. He is not just back, he is ready to be heard on his own terms.
