Hollywood
Kamal Haasan talks about the pathbreaking films that inspired his career
MUMBAI: MN+, the gold class of Hollywood movies associated with Kamal Haasan’s Vishwaroop 2 for Season 3 of Pathbreakers. Starting August 06, ‘Pathbreakers’, a compilation of critically acclaimed and genre-defining cinema that broke stereotypes and pioneered change will showcase 50 Hollywood pathbreaking movies over 50 days. Through a special integration with Vishwaroop 2, Kamal Haasan has extended his support for this special property that aims to bring good cinema to its viewers.
In an exclusive chat with MN+, Kamal Haasan talks about his favourite pathbreaking movies, directors and film characters that inspired his film journey through a glorious career spanning more than 6 decades.
Talking about his Hollywood influences, Kamal Haasan says, “(Marlon) Brando, is an important influence along with many British as well as American directors including the modern ones like Alan Parker & (Stanley) Kubrick.It is something that hit me so strongly. Then there is Ridley Scott’s first film, called The Duellists. It was his first film and I thought, there is a very great director in the making and it proved right and I feel like a father to him. He’s probably older than me, but it doesn’t matter.”
Hollywood
Paramount eyes $24bn Gulf support to fund Warner Bros Discovery merger: Reports
Sovereign funds line up funding as media giants chase streaming scale
NEW YORK: Paramount Skydance is in talks to secure nearly $24 billion in equity commitments from Gulf sovereign wealth funds to support its planned takeover of Warner Bros. Discovery, according to a WSJ report.
The funding push comes as Paramount Skydance advances its proposed $110 billion deal for Warner Bros. Discovery, which carries an equity valuation of $81 billion and is expected to close in the third quarter of 2026.
At the heart of the financing plan are three major Gulf investors. Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund is expected to contribute roughly $10 billion, while the Qatar Investment Authority and Abu Dhabi-based L’imad Holding are likely to make up the remainder.
Crucially, the proposed investments are structured as non-voting stakes. This means the Gulf backers would not have direct control in the combined entity, a move designed to ease regulatory concerns in the United States. Paramount executives reportedly do not expect the deal to trigger scrutiny from bodies such as the Committee on Foreign Investment in the United States or the Federal Communications Commission.
If completed, the merger would bring together a formidable portfolio of entertainment and news assets, including CNN and CBS. The combined entity aims to better compete in a fast-evolving media landscape where streaming platforms are steadily pulling audiences away from traditional television.
The deal reflects a broader shift in global media, where scale is increasingly seen as essential to survive the streaming wars. By pooling content libraries, technology and distribution, Paramount Skydance and Warner Bros. Discovery are betting on size and synergy to drive future growth.
The involvement of deep-pocketed Gulf investors also underscores the growing role of sovereign wealth in shaping global media consolidation, particularly at a time when high-value deals demand equally large financial backing.
With shareholder votes and regulatory milestones still ahead, the proposed tie-up remains one of the most closely watched media deals of the year. If it clears the final hurdles, it could redraw the competitive map of the global entertainment industry.
