Desi Talk

www.desitalk.com – that’s all you need to know Papa John’s To Re-Enter India With Plan For 650 Pizza Stores By 2035 The company will also face stiff competition from Domino’s Pizza, which has more than 2,200 outlets in India, Pizza Hut with about 950 stores, and smaller upscale chains such as Pizza Bakery and PizzaEx- press. Pulsar Capital is betting on India’s long-term potential, mirroring consumer-facing companies such as Dove soapmaker Hindustan Unilever and brewer Heineken that are con- tinuing to invest in the country with an eye on its population of 1.4 billion. The fast-food “category is under- penetrated, so we are many years away from saturation,” said Narain. Papa John’s plans to tailor its pizza to local palates while also offering its signature pies, joining fast-food rivals offering similar fare. KFC sells a pan- eer zinger burger, Domino’s offers a chicken tikka pie, and Subway serves a potato-patty sandwich. -Reuters 22 ENTERTAINMENT August 29, 2025 A fter excelling in the world of fash- ion, ace designer Manish Malhotra has made yet another big move in the world of cinema, debuting as a producer with ‘Gustaakh Ishq.’ The teaser for the film was unveiled on Monday, August 25, giving a glimpse from Manish Malhotra’s “daring story of love – ishq.” The teaser hints at a period romance, focusing on the budding love story between the characters of Vijay Varma and Fatima Sana Shaikh. Veteran actor Naseeruddin Shah also makes an enig- matic appearance, adding more layers to the narrative. Set in the bylanes of Purani Dilli and the fading kothis of Punjab, ‘Gustaakh Ishq’ promises a love story of passion and unspoken desire, from a world where architecture holds memory and music carries longing, the makers said, as per the press release. Directed by Vibhu Puri, the film has a talented ensemble with music fromVishal Bhardwaj, lyrics from Gulzar, sound by Resul Pookutty, and cinematography by Manush Nandan. Besides Vijay Sharma, Fatima Sana Shaikh, and Naseeruddin Shah in the lead roles, the film also features actor Sharib Hashmi in a prominent part. Opening up about his debut as a film producer, Manish Malhotra said “My love for cinema began in childhood. The silver screen was my doorway to the world. Watching colours, clothes, music, and lifestyles unfold in cinema halls shaped my imagination and inspired me to become a designer. Today, stepping into film production feels like my way of giving back to the medium that has given me everything. With Stage5 Production, the journey ahead is about embracing the unexpected; through stories, genres, and films that continue to surprise and inspire.” Produced with his brother Dinesh Malhotra, under his own banner, Stage5 Production, ‘Gustaakh Ishq’ marks a new chapter for Manish Malhotra, one that looks back at the magic of classic story- telling while stepping into the future of Indian cinema. The film is set to hit theatres in Novem- ber 2025. -ANI Screenshot of YouTube video trailer release. Gustaakh Ishq teaser. PHOTO:Source: Instagram@stage5production PHOTO:via ANI Manish Malhotra Debuts As Producer With ‘Gustaakh Ishq’ Muslim-American Veteran Battles PTSD In Powerful Social Impact Film “Almost Home” A lmost Home is a deeply moving portrayal of a soldier caught between the battlefield and the home front. Directed by Menhaj Huda and written by Kamal Khan, the film tells the story of Aamir, a Muslim-American Marine who returns home physically intact but emotionally fractured. Haunted by a traumatic encounter during his service, he is sometimes ‘frozen again’ as his kids describe him, and sometimes he drifts through his own life like a ghost. The film captures the intimate struggles of PTSD with unflinch- ing honesty. Aamir’s journey is not just about healing from war but navigating the prejudices and misunderstandings he faces from his community. His wife, portrayed with remarkable depth, is the emo- tional anchor—strong yet vulner- able—urging him, “Fight for us like you fight for your own country.” This line resonates as both a per- sonal plea and a broader reflection on societal fractures, touching on issues of religious prejudice and communal tensions. Kamal Khan delivers a powerfull performance, bringing authentic- ity and nuance to Aamir’s inner turmoil. BernardWhite and Erica Ibsen provide equally compel- ling support, rounding out a cast whose performances are sharp and emotionally resonant. The screen- play is taut and gripping, balanc- ing tension with moments of quiet reflection. Almost Home is also a social impact project, dedicated to Muslim-American veterans and mental health awareness, highlight- ing the sacrifices and challenges faced by families coping with PTSD. Set against post-war America, it is a film that speaks to both personal and societal reconciliation. As the poignant message of Aamir’s wife reminds us: “Don’t lose the people who love you.” Having earned official selections at the Burbank International Film Festival and DC South Asian Film Festival, with prior screenings in London and NYC, Almost Home is a compelling, socially relevant, and heartfelt story that lingers long after the credits roll. Director: Menhaj Huda Cast: Kamal Khan, BernardWhite, Erica Ibsen Writer: Kamal Khan Executive Producer: Faran Tahir Trailer: https://www.youtube.com/ watch?v=xXNNlw6n3R8 Site: https://www.almosthomemov- ie.com/ IG: https://www.instagram.com/ almost_home_movie By Nidhi Kathuria PR PHOTOS:COURTESY BOXOFFICEGURU.COM Above, Kamal Khan as Aamir in ‘Almost Home’. Below, a scene of the battleground. - Continued From Page 20 LIFESTYLE