Entertainment
‘Shaft’ Star Richard Roundtree, Considered The First Black Action Movie Hero, Has Died At 81
(LOS ANGELES) – Richard Roundtree, the pioneering actor who portrayed the ultra-smooth private detective in multiple “Shaft” films beginning in the early 1970s, has died. He was 81.
Patrick McMinn, Roundtree’s longtime manager, said the actor was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer and died on Tuesday at his home in Los Angeles. 1993, he was diagnosed with breast cancer and underwent a double mastectomy.
“Richard’s work and career served as a turning point for African American leading men,” McMinn told the audience. “The impact he had on the industry cannot be overstated.”
Roundtree, born in New Rochelle, New York, was regarded as the first Black action hero and rose to prominence in the blaxploitation genre with his portrayal of New York street-smart John Shaft in the Gordon Parks-directed film in 1971. Roundtree made his first feature film appearance at 28 after beginning his modeling career.
Roundtree’s “Shaft” was part of a shift in how Black films were perceived in Hollywood, which had previously overlooked Black actors in productions, particularly for main roles. The majority of blaxploitation films were aimed at African-American viewers.
‘Shaft’ Star Richard Roundtree, Considered The First Black Action Movie Hero, Has Died At 81
His character in the film navigated the world of thugs. He was known for his catchphrases, such as “It’s my duty to please that booty.”
“What we were doing was a good, old Saturday afternoon shoot ’em up,” Roundtree told The Associated Press in 2000.
The “Shaft” theme song by Isaac Hayes, which includes the line “You a bad mother— (Shut your mouth),” helped cement the original film’s place in mainstream culture. The late vocalist, who died in 2008, said the song was “like the’shot heard round the world.” In 1971, his song received an Academy Award for Best Song and two Grammys the following year.
Following the popularity of the film, Roundtree reappeared in the sequels “Shaft’s Big Score” in 1972 and “Shaft in Africa” in 1973. That same year, he reprised his role as the astute detective in the CBS television series “Shaft,” which lasted only seven episodes.
Roundtree repeated his role in the remake of “Shaft” in 2000, starring Samuel L. Jackson. He played Jackson’s uncle in the big-budget film aimed at a broad audience. Both actors reprised their roles in the 2019 film starring Jessie T. Usher.
In a social media post, Jackson referred to Roundtree as a “prototype” and the “best to ever do it.”
“SHAFT, as we know it, is & will always be his Creation,” Roundtree said. “His passing leaves a deep hole not only in my heart, but I’m sure a lotta y’all’s, too.”
Richard featured in several other significant films during his 50-year career, including “Earthquake,” “Man Friday” with Peter O’Toole, “Roots,” “Maniac Cop,” “Se7en,” and “What Men Want” starring Taraji P. Henson. He also had recurring parts on “Magnum P.I.,” “The Love Boat,” “Being Mary Jane,” and “The Love Boat.”
Roundtree was honored with a lifetime achievement award at the MTV Movie & T.V. Awards 1995.
SOURCE – (AP)
Entertainment
Streaming of iBOMMA Telugu Movies Surges in Canada
In recent years, iBOMMA Telugu Movies have emerged not only as a leader, but as one of the most important platforms for streaming Telugu movies in Canada. In the midst of the increase in the international establishment of streaming services in the western sphere.
This rapid expansion of Telugu Movies can also be seen in the demand for regional content due to the increasing South Asian population within Canada.
The growth of the iBOMMA platform makes sense as there is a large population of Telugu speakers in Canada. The growing South Asian population in cities like Toronto, Vancouver, Calgary and others has aided in the diversification of the market and similar platforms.
“Between 2013 and 2023, Indians immigrating to Canada rose from 32,828 to 139,715, an increase of 326%,” according to Forbes.
Indian enrollment at Canadian universities rose more than 5,800% in the last two decades, from 2,181 in 2000 to 128,928 in 2021, an increase of 126,747 students.
Between 2016 and 2019, Indian international students enrolled in U.S. universities dropped by 13% but increased by 182% at Canadian universities. Diplomatic issues between India and Canada have reduced Indian student visa approvals in the short term.
International student enrollment at Canadian universities rose from 62,223 in 2000 to 400,521 in 2021, increasing by 544%, according to the NFAP analysis. International student enrollment in America increased by 45% between 2000 and 2021.
Due to the increase in Telugu speaking people in Canada, streaming services for Telugu Canadians have shifted focus from entertainment to a tool to maintain their culture. With iBOMMA and its peers, they are able to stay in touch with a piece of their motherland while adapting to the realities of life in the Great White North.
Telugu cinema has started to grow in popularity outside of India, with several recent classics gradually starting to become of interest to the general populace. RRR and Kantara are among a slew of movies that are now finding success on a global stage, thus generating interest in films originating from the region.
This has in turn brought new customers onto iBOMMA Telugu Movies and introduced the platform to a whole new demographic of non Telugu – speakers.
In Canada these blockbusters have sparked some discussions and fans expressing their excitement on social media. The buzz around such films has often caused an increase in searches for options to stream the film, with iBOMMA Telugu Movies being a top.
Up Coming iBOMMA Telugu Movies for 2025
Movie | Release Date |
---|---|
Game Changer | Jan 10, 2025 |
Vidaamuyarchi | Jan 10, 2025 |
Daaku Maharaaj | Jan 12, 2025 |
Sankranthiki Vasthunnam | Jan 14, 2025 |
Thandel | Feb 07, 2025 |
Laila | Feb 14, 2025 |
#K10 | Feb 2025 |
Robinhood | Feb 2025 |
L2E (Dub) | March 27, 2025 |
Hari Hara Veera Mallu Part 1 | March 28, 2025 |
VD12 | March 28, 2025 |
JACK | April 10, 2025 |
Ghaati | April 18, 2025 |
Kannappa | April 25, 2025 |
HIT 3 | May 01, 2025 |
The Raja Saab | Summer 2025 |
Thug Life (Dub) | June 5, 2025 |
Kantara Chapter 1 | Oct 02, 2025 |
#NTRNeel | Jan 09, 2026 |
Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj (dub) | Jan 21, 2027 |
Entertainment
Superman 2025 Trailer Drops With Great Fanfare
James Gunn’s next film, Superman 2025, has its first teaser trailer, which dropped on Thursday. It gives DC fans their first look at David Corenswet’s Superman, AKA Clark Kent and Lois Lane.
Before its release, DC Studios unveiled a Superman 2025 enamel pin on Monday featuring a revamped Corenswet in her superhero costume and an updated depiction of Pierce Brosnahan’s daring reporter on Wednesday.
In 2025, Superman fans will be able to enjoy Gunn’s new storytelling, a new main actor, and more character development. Many are also curious about whether Superman will face Ultraman.
The preview opens with Superman, battered and bloodied, crash-landing in a desolate, icy scene. His canine sidekick, Krypto, also known as Super Dog, rushes to his aid after he has visions of himself as Clark in the Daily Planet office and at his parents’ house.
The trailer offers few storyline details, aside from the involvement of a fire-breathing dragon and the shaved-head Nicholas Hoult as Lex Luthor. It seems that Superman 2025 also attracts the ire of the general public; one irate citizen even beaned him on the back of the head with a throwaway cup.
After revealing his grand vision for the newly formed DCU in 2023, Gunn’s film—originally named Superman: Legacy—would serve as the prequel to a trilogy dubbed Chapter One: Gods and Monsters. The sequels will feature films centred around Supergirl, Clayface, and Swamp Thing.
Krypto Appears in Superman 2025
Despite living among other super-beings, Gunn noted that Corenswet’s Superman can stand on Earth due to his devotion and honesty.
In addition to his enormous stronghold that emerges from the ground, Superman possesses a flying dog and battles enormous creatures. The director praised Superman in his film for bringing elements from the comics and mythology that fans have been missing from the superhero franchise.
He may have done it again with Krypto, this time with a take that challenges the canine stereotype of a muscular, well-groomed hero.
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More than anything else, this one appears to be a rescue operation. According to Gunn, the dog that steals the show in the trailer isn’t the greatest. You’re missing out on much of Krypto’s depth in this trailer.
According to Gunn, “it’s a movie about kindness” when asked about the film’s themes.
In the 2025 teaser for Superman, Superman only says, “Take me home,” and whispers Krypto’s name. John Williams’s iconic score from the Christopher Reeve films gets a modern update to underscore the video.
Superman 2025, the first solo film starring Superman since 2013’s Man of Steel, opens on July 11, and a lot is riding on it.
The property is the foundation for the ambitious plans of DC Studios co-chiefs Gunn and Peter Safran, who were appointed to re-invent DC by Warner Bros. Discovery CEO David Zaslav. Their plans include an entire universe of television shows and films.
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Entertainment
iBomma Telugu Movies Are Gaining Popularity in Canada
iBomma, an online portal offering Telugu movies, has found unexpected development in Canada. Many Indio-Canadians are streaming foreign films, enticed by the genre-blending nature of Telugu films.
Telugu-speaking immigrants make up a sizable proportion of Canada’s South Asian population. Telugu films provide these people with a link to their birthplace.
Platforms such as iBomma allow users to quickly access the most recent releases without waiting for DVDs or other means of distribution.
Platforms such as Reddit, Instagram, and WhatsApp have helped iBomma gain popularity. Fans frequently post free movie links or discuss future Telugu releases, generating buzz. This word-of-mouth marketing attracts additional users to sites like iBomma, increasing Canadian viewership.
Telugu Movies Display India Culture
Social influencers have also had an impact. This increased enthusiasm is seen in YouTube channels evaluating Telugu movies and Instagram clips showing Tollywood dance numbers. Many consumers watch Telugu films on their mobile devices, reducing the need for traditional cable subscriptions.
Furthermore, subtitles have made Telugu movies available to non-Telugu-speaking Canadians. With English as the primary language in Canada, this function allows for a more seamless watching experience. The global enthusiasm for Indian regional cinema is growing, and Canada has emerged as a surprising hotbed for cultural interchange.
Apps and platforms that cater to certain hobbies, such as Telugu films, are here to stay, assuming they strike the correct balance.
iBomma’s success in Canada demonstrates Telugu cinema’s global appeal. These films have won the hearts of Canadians with their fascinating storylines, relatable emotions, and jaw-dropping action.
While debates about legality and piracy continue, iBomma’s contribution to propagating Telugu Movie culture worldwide is obvious. Whether it’s a blockbuster like Pushpa 2 or a lesser indie treasure, platforms like iBomma take localized stories worldwide.
As Canadians continue to discover the enchantment of Tollywood, one thing is clear: language and distance cannot limit great storytelling.
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