December is here, and the much-anticipated blockbuster Avatar 3 is set to release on December 19th. Directed by James Cameron, Avatar: Fire and Ash marks the third installment of the globally successful franchise. However, unlike its predecessors, the film’s pre-release buzz in India appears relatively muted.
There are a couple of reasons behind this subdued hype. When the original Avatar released in 2009, it created massive anticipation and went on to become a global box office phenomenon. Avatar: The Way of Water (2022) also generated significant excitement, but its performance in India, while strong at the opening, failed to sustain momentum and fell short of blockbuster expectations.
Another factor could be the promotional material for Avatar 3. Many viewers felt that the teasers and trailers seemed like a continuation of the second installment, offering little in terms of fresh visuals or storytelling. For the third film to truly impress and succeed at the box office, James Cameron may need to introduce novel elements that elevate the cinematic experience beyond what audiences have already seen.
Ranveer Singh Faces Backlash Over IFFI Remarks
Ranveer Singh has found himself at the center of an online controversy after a clip from the IFFI stage went viral. In the video, he is seen praising actor-director Rishab Shetty, but a section of social media feels that his mimicry of a Hindu folk deity appeared disrespectful. Many users, particularly from Karnataka and Tulu-speaking regions, expressed displeasure and urged the actor to issue an apology.
Another point of debate is Ranveer’s remark about a “female ghost” while referring to Shetty’s film Kantara. Viewers argue that this description misrepresented the male deity portrayed in the story. While some critics feel Ranveer’s comments were made casually and without full context, others believe that the backlash has been amplified by ongoing social media discourse.
With his film Dhurandhar set to release on December 5, several users suggest that clarifying his intent—or apologizing if needed—could help contain the controversy. For now, all eyes are on Ranveer as audiences await his response to the growing discussion.