Category Archives: entertainment

business, entertainment, gaming, technology

Evening Reading – September 30, 2025

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Welcome, Shackers, to the end of another Tuesday. We’re back from Tokyo Game Show 2025 and prepping a mountain of content for your viewing and reading pleasure. Stay tuned as we roll out our coverage throughout the coming days. For now, it’s time to pull the curtain on another day worth of posting. Here’s your Evening Reading, in case you missed it at Shacknews.

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**Latest Headlines:**

– What is the exact release time of *Ghost of Yotei*?
– OpenAI’s Sora AI video generator to reportedly require opt-out from copyright holders
– Avalanche Studios to close Liverpool studio and lay off employees at other locations
– *PowerWash Simulator 2* demo releases today on PC
– *Hades 2* review: The ‘House’ always wins
– *Super Mario Galaxy* + *Super Mario Galaxy 2* review: Delightfully disorienting

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**And now, more stuff from The Internet!**

**EA going AI?**
Nothing about any of this sale seems good for fans — just the people doing the business. It is going to be weird to watch the effects this has on EA’s game releases in the long run.

**A little too evergreen**
There are a few too many ongoing stories these days to which this could apply, don’t you think?

**Hinako the Hammer**
I hear the story is really, really good, but I can’t stop laughing at how silly strong Hinako seems to be.

**Battle of two honkin’ chonkers**
Fat Bear Week is almost over. Only two beefy beasties remain. Who will win?! (Go, Chunk!)

**The film magic of Buster Keaton**
The athleticism and filming sleight of hand with which Buster Keaton, other actors, and the directors pulled off these stunts will never cease to impress me.

**Happy duck**
Ducks can be quite mean, so it’s very funny to me when they’re so ridiculously playful.

**It’s Showtime! Again!!**
Nintendo Music might be the best mobile app Nintendo’s got going these days.

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And there you have it. That’s your Evening Reading for this September 30.

If you’d like to support the site and our continuing videos and coverage, consider joining Shacknews Mercury, where you can support the site for as little as a dollar a month.

You can also check out our host of helpful apps, such as Shackmaps, where we’re mapping out the content of popular games including *Hollow Knight: Silksong* and *Mario Kart World*.

Don’t miss Bubbletron, a game in which you assemble your next trillion-dollar idea from a daily-changing set of prompts. Will you get the highest valuation for the money hat?

Thanks for stopping by, and have a good night. We’ll be back with even more coverage tomorrow!
https://www.shacknews.com/article/146173/evening-reading-september-30-2025

culture, entertainment, media, television

’13th’ review: SonyLIV series suffers from bland execution

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**By Isha Sharma | Oct 01, 2025, 12:02 am**

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**What’s the Story?**

*13th*, out on SonyLIV, is produced by Abhishek Dhandharia, who also serves as the showrunner. Created and written by Sameer Mishra and directed by Nishil Sheth, the show instantly reminds you of The Viral Fever (TVF) projects due to its rawness and theme. Alas, the similarities end there. Despite an interesting premise, this series—drawing inspiration from the life of Competishun founder Mohit Tyagi—never quite soars.

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**Plot: A Student Helps His Teacher Realize His Dream**

The story follows Ritesh (Paresh Pahuja), a rising venture capitalist who gives up his high-paying job to help his mentor, MT Sir (Gagan Dev Riar). MT Sir taught Ritesh during his “13th year”—the drop year after the 12th grade—when he was preparing for the IIT entrance exam.

Now, years later, Ritesh decides to assist him in building a visionary ed-tech startup. Will this guru-shishya duo succeed?

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### 1. The Protagonist Is Always at a Distance

*13th* fails to hit the right spot due to its extremely heavy-handed storytelling. From the very first frame, the show positions Ritesh as an aggressive, hot-headed man who marches to his own beat. Early on, he delivers a fiery speech about his dissatisfaction with his job, setting in motion the chain of events that lead him back to MT Sir.

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### 2. Too Filmy, Too Theatrical

While the show is conversation-heavy and features some sharp dialogues, most characters deliver full-fledged sermons! The exchanges between MT Sir and Ritesh quickly become tiresome, as they come across like filmy, cardboard characters rather than genuine, relatable people.

Interestingly enough, during flashbacks of Ritesh’s JEE preparation, we see MT Sir going to great lengths to mentor him—but what about the other students?

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### 3. Supporting Characters Remain Underdeveloped

The show is so obsessed with the two leads that it largely forgets to develop the supporting characters. The most successful shows, like *Panchayat* and *The Family Man*, give well-rounded arcs to all characters to make the narrative more believable. Sadly, *13th* doesn’t bother to do the same.

Girija Oak, who plays MT Sir’s wife, gets some nice scenes, but that’s hardly enough to enrich the story.

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### 4. Pahuja and Dev Riar Try to Keep the Series Afloat

The watchable moments in *13th* largely come from Paresh Pahuja and Gagan Dev Riar’s camaraderie and craft. The show pays tribute to the teacher-student relationship, especially as Ritesh’s life comes full circle when he helps MT Sir with his business.

“I owe my life to him,” Ritesh says, and in return, he becomes his mentor’s teacher.

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**Verdict: Can Skip This SonyLIV Original**

*13th*’s biggest undoing is that it takes itself too seriously, making it hard to have fun with what ends up being a tedious show. We meet Ritesh’s friends in the initial scenes, but their arcs are never properly developed.

The series aspires to capture the ache and angst of IIT aspirants and almost succeeds, but ultimately fails to capitalize fully on its theme.

**Rating: 2/5 stars**
https://www.newsbytesapp.com/news/entertainment/gagan-dev-riar-sonyliv-s-13th-review/story

crime, entertainment, internet, legal

“I’M THE BEST AT WARZONE”: Yung Filly returns to social media a year after sexual assault charges

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Influencer Yung Filly has resumed posting on social media after a significant hiatus.

His break from online activity followed his arrest in Australia in October 2024. This incident resulted in his extradition to Perth.

Now back online, Yung Filly is reconnecting with his audience and sharing updates after the legal developments.
https://www.sportskeeda.com/us/streamers/news-i-m-the-best-at-warzone-yung-filly-returns-social-media-year-sexual-assault-charges

entertainment, politics, regional

Pawan Singh to contest Bihar election? Bhojpuri actor meets Shah

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**Pawan Singh to Contest Bihar Election? Bhojpuri Actor Meets Shah**

*By Snehil Singh | Sep 30, 2025, 05:15 PM*

Bhojpuri actor and singer Pawan Singh is reportedly gearing up to make his entry into Bihar politics ahead of the upcoming elections.

On Tuesday, Pawan Singh met with leaders of the Rashtriya Lok Samta Party, signaling a possible foray into the political arena.

This development has sparked speculation about his candidature and the potential impact of his popularity in the Bihar polls. Further updates are awaited as the election season approaches.
https://www.newsbytesapp.com/news/politics/bhojpuri-actor-pawan-singh-may-enter-bihar-poll-fray/story

celebrity, crime, entertainment, law, politics

Urvashi Rautela appears before ED in illegal betting app case

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**Urvashi Rautela Appears Before ED in Illegal Betting App Case**

*By Isha Sharma | Sep 30, 2025 | 12:01 pm*

Bollywood actor Urvashi Rautela appeared at the Enforcement Directorate (ED) office on Tuesday after being summoned as part of an ongoing investigation into the illegal betting app, 1xBet. The probe centers around a money laundering case linked to the betting platform.

Earlier, TMC MP Mimi Chakraborty was also summoned by the ED, which believes both actresses have connections to 1xBet through brand endorsements.

### Investigation into Illegal Betting Platforms and Celebrity Promoters

The ED’s inquiry into 1xBet is part of a broader crackdown on illegal betting platforms and their celebrity promoters. Several high-profile individuals, including cricketers Shikhar Dhawan and Suresh Raina, have already been summoned in relation to the investigation.

Urvashi Rautela’s statements will be recorded under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA), according to reports from PTI.

### Proceedings Against Actors Involved in Betting Promotions

In May, Telangana Police booked 25 actors, including Rana Daggubati and Prakash Raj, for allegedly promoting betting platforms. Both actors have denied any wrongdoing, stating they only endorsed platforms legal in regions permitting online skill-based games.

Other celebrities named in the case include Manchu Lakshmi, Nidhi Agarwal, Ananya Nagalla, and TV anchor Srimukhi.

Earlier this year, actress Kangana Ranaut publicly criticized celebrities for endorsing betting apps, revealing that she had turned down several lucrative offers to promote such platforms.

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The investigation continues as authorities aim to crack down on illegal betting and money laundering activities involving prominent figures from the entertainment and sports industries.
https://www.newsbytesapp.com/news/entertainment/actor-urvashi-rautela-appears-before-ed-in-betting-app-case/story

entertainment, family-friendly, romance, series, television

‘Bridgerton’ S04 first poster: Benedict-Sophie’s story to arrive soon

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**‘Bridgerton’ Season 4 First Poster Revealed: Benedict and Sophie’s Story Coming Soon**

*By Apoorva Rastogi | September 30, 2025, 10:44 AM*

Netflix has unveiled the first official poster for the much-anticipated fourth season of *Bridgerton*. This upcoming season will center around Benedict Bridgerton, played by Luke Thompson, and his romantic journey with Sophie Baek, portrayed by Yerin Ha.

The new poster also confirms that *Bridgerton* Season 4 is set to premiere in 2026, giving fans something exciting to look forward to. Stay tuned for more updates as the release date approaches!
https://www.newsbytesapp.com/news/entertainment/bridgerton-season-4-first-poster/story

entertainment, family-friendly, romance, series, television

‘Bridgerton’ S04 first poster: Benedict-Sophie’s story to arrive soon

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**’Bridgerton’ Season 4 First Poster Released: Benedict and Sophie’s Story Coming Soon**

Netflix has recently unveiled the first poster for the highly anticipated fourth season of *Bridgerton*.

This new season will center around Benedict Bridgerton, portrayed by Luke Thompson, and his romantic journey with Sophie Baek, played by Yerin Ha.

The poster also confirms that *Bridgerton* Season 4 is set to premiere in 2026, much to the excitement of fans eagerly awaiting the next chapter in the beloved series.
https://www.newsbytesapp.com/news/entertainment/bridgerton-season-4-first-poster/story

entertainment, spirituality, sports

Spiritual Guru Sadhguru Gets Warm Welcome At San Siro Stadium, Receives Jersey From Zlatan Ibrahimovic; Check Pics

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Spiritual guru Sadhguru was warmly welcomed at the legendary San Siro Stadium in Milan, Italy, where he attended a high-profile Serie A clash between AC Milan and Napoli. His presence drew admiration from fans and media alike, highlighting the unique intersection of spirituality and sport.

Adding to the excitement, AC Milan icon Zlatan Ibrahimovic personally presented Sadhguru with a team jersey, making the occasion even more memorable. The gesture was widely appreciated by attendees, who captured the moment on camera and shared it across social media platforms.

Known for his teachings on mindfulness and inner wellbeing, Sadhguru graciously accepted the jersey and waved to the crowd, eliciting cheers and applause. His visit to San Siro, capped by the personal gesture from Ibrahimovic, left a lasting impression, blending the thrill of football with the wisdom of a globally respected spiritual leader.

The event served as a powerful reminder of sport’s ability to bring people together. It also highlighted the inspiration that figures like Sadhguru provide, bridging cultural and global divides through both athletic passion and spiritual insight.
https://www.freepressjournal.in/sports/spiritual-guru-sadhguru-gets-warm-welcome-at-san-siro-stadium-receives-jersey-from-zlatan-ibrahimovic-check-pics

business, controversy, entertainment, online media, safety

MrBeast defends trapping man in burning building for $500,000…

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**MrBeast Defends Trapping Man in Burning Building for $500,000 Stunt**

*By Tom McArthur | Published 7 hours ago*

MrBeast, the world’s biggest YouTuber, has defended his latest stunt video titled **“Would You Risk Dying for $500,000 (372,000)”** which features a professional stuntman escaping a blazing building while collecting bags of cash.

The fiery spectacle sparked fury online, with some viewers calling it dangerously irresponsible and expressing concern that it could encourage others to attempt risky behavior. In response, MrBeast, whose real name is Jimmy Donaldson, stated,
> “I take safety more serious than you could ever imagine.”

Donaldson has more than 440 million YouTube subscribers and is believed to be the platform’s highest-paid creator. Beyond YouTube, his business ventures include a fast-food chain and an Amazon TV gameshow called *Beast Games*.

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**The Stunt and Backlash**

The video, posted Saturday on YouTube, has already amassed over 45 million views. It features Eric, the contestant and professional stuntman, taking on seven “death traps.” These include being shot out of a cannon into flames, surviving massive explosions, and escaping from what appears to be a mock small house engulfed in fire.

Despite the dramatic and highly produced scenes, the stunt has received condemnation on social media. Some users described it as dystopian and “humiliating,” while others questioned the real danger involved, labeling it more of a PR stunt.

Eric successfully completed the challenges and won $350,000 (260,000).

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**MrBeast Addresses Safety Concerns**

Reacting to the backlash, MrBeast reassured fans on social media platform X (formerly Twitter):
> “This blew up, if you’re curious obviously we had ventilation for the smoke and a kill switch to cut off the fires. We had professionals test this extensively and the guy in the video as stated is a professional stuntman. I take safety more serious than you could ever imagine.”

A pinned comment on the original YouTube video further explained:
> “We also had a pyro team [specialists in fire effects] controlling the fires and multiple fire suppression methods on every challenge to ensure we could essentially turn off the fire if there was ever an issue. But our stunt coordinator did an amazing job as always, and none of these systems were ever needed. Just wanted to be transparent with you all since I saw some concern!”

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**Other Ventures and Controversies**

As one of the most popular content creators globally, MrBeast is involved in several business projects. Last year, he hosted *Beast Games*, an Amazon series featuring 1,000 contestants competing in elimination challenges for a $5 million (3.9 million) cash prize.

However, the series became the subject of a lawsuit where some participants claimed they had been “exploited” during filming. Donaldson dismissed these allegations as “blown out of proportion.”

Additionally, in May, the Mexican government accused MrBeast of “exploiting” the Mayan pyramids for a video. The previous month, he issued an apology after fans reported having a “horrible” experience at a Las Vegas event held in his name.

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**Conclusion**

While MrBeast’s latest stunt video continues to draw massive attention and millions of views, it has also ignited discussions about the fine line between entertainment and safety. Donaldson’s firm assurances about professional supervision and safety measures indicate a commitment to responsible content creation amid the theatrics that have come to define his brand.
https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cder5l8pw8lo