If you’re hosting guests for the holidays, it might be time for a little guest room refresh.
Having houseguests during the Christmas and Hanukkah season can be a lot of fun. However, you want to…
 

She has been serving as Mubi’s co-head of global acquisitions, acquiring such films as ‘Aftersun, ‘The Substance,’ and ‘My Father’s Shadow.’ 

Billie Eilish has officially unveiled the electrifying first trailer for HIT ME HARD AND SOFT: THE TOUR (LIVE IN 3D), her upcoming concert film co-directed with legendary filmmaker James Cameron. The groundbreaking 3D film will hit theaters on March 20th, 2026, promising an immersive, unprecedented look into Eilish’s record-breaking global tour.

The trailer immediately plunges viewers into the heart of Eilish’s massive “HIT ME HARD AND SOFT TOUR”, the worldwide stadium run supporting her critically acclaimed third studio album Hit Me Hard and Soft. With the tour staged entirely in-the-round, the preview showcases sweeping 360-degree visuals, soaring crane shots, and close-up performance moments captured from angles fans have never seen before.

The intense montage features powerful live renditions of “bury a friend,” “bad guy,” and the fan-favorite “THE GREATEST.” According to Cameron, the immersive look of the film was made possible by filming technology that has “never been used before” in a concert movie, designed specifically to capture the full sensory experience of Eilish’s live shows.

One of the most emotional elements in the trailer centers around Eilish performing her first shows without her brother and musical partner, Finneas, who stepped away briefly last year to focus on his solo tour. Cameron’s footage captures the vulnerability and adjustment Eilish faced during that period, highlighting the personal side of life on the road.

Intercut with the concert footage is a humanizing look at Eilish’s day-to-day reality—processing overwhelming fan devotion, including scrapes on her hands from constant high-fives, witnessing fans camping outside her hotel, and decompressing backstage with the help of close friends, family, and even what appears to be a “puppy room” for stress relief.

Eilish had previously teased the concert film during her Manchester show back in June, hinting at “more cameras than usual” and something “special” being created with Cameron in 3D. She officially confirmed the project last month, sharing a behind-the-scenes photo with the director and writing that co-directing with him was “a dream come true.”

Meanwhile, Cameron’s own cinematic journey continues as his highly anticipated Avatar installment, Fire and Ash, arrives in theaters on December 19th.

With innovation, emotional depth, and electrifying performances, Eilish’s 3D concert film is already shaping up to be one of 2026’s most immersive and unmissable cinematic events.

The British actress explains how the explosive final episode of AppleTV’s latest Mick Herron adaptation came together — and where it leaves Sarah Trafford. 

Priyanka Chopra was spotted in Mumbai wearing a violet jacket and track pants paired with a black tank top. Though the reason for her quick visit remains unclear, many speculate it’s connected to her upcoming film Varanasi.
She took to Instagram to write, “Chalo wapis… less than 12 hours this time. Phir milenge.”
While she hasn’t been in Mumbai much lately, Priyanka recently appeared in Hyderabad for the title-announcement event of Varanasi, directed by SS Rajamouli and co-starring Mahesh Babu.
On the personal front, she also shared warm Thanksgiving moments with Nick Jonas and Malti Marie. Additionally, Priyanka attended the BRIDGE Summit, where she spoke about her career evolution and artistic journey.

The wait is finally over—fans of K-dramas and quirky fantasy series have a new obsession coming their way! The makers have officially dropped the highly awaited trailer of Cashero, the upcoming superhero-comedy starring Lee Jun Ho and Kim Hye Joon in lead roles. Packed with uproarious scenes, chaotic energy, and a refreshing twist on the superhero genre, the trailer promises a roller-coaster of humour, action, and fantasy.

Indian K-drama lovers won’t have to wait long. All eight episodes of Cashero will stream on Netflix India starting December 26, making it the perfect post-holiday binge. The series is adapted from a popular webtoon and is helmed by director Lee Chang-min, with a screenplay by Lee Jae-in and Jeon Chan-ho.

The trailer introduces viewers to Sang-ung, played by Lee Jun Ho, a weary, financially struggling office worker whose biggest concerns revolve around paying bills, affording married life, and surviving adulthood. His world takes a bizarre turn when he discovers an unconventional superpower—the more money he carries, the stronger he becomes.

This concept becomes the heart of the trailer’s comedy. Each time Sang-ung tries to use his enhanced strength, wads of cash explode from his pockets, leaving him horrified. Meanwhile, his practical girlfriend Min-suk, played by Kim Hye Joon, is equally distressed, begging him to stop wasting money and prioritize their future.

But Cashero isn’t just about one unlucky hero with a strange ability. Sang-ung soon discovers others like him—ordinary people with extraordinary, unpredictable powers. The trailer teases the introduction of Byun Ho-in (Kim Byung Chul), a lawyer who can phase through walls but only when he’s drunk, and Bang Eun-mi (Kim Hyang Gi), who gains telekinetic powers after consuming calorie-heavy food.

The cast is further strengthened by notable appearances, including Kim Ji-ahn as Min-suk’s mother and an exciting cameo by fan-favorite Mun Ka Young. Together, the ensemble brings alive a world where everyday individuals grapple with extraordinary abilities they never asked for.

With its eccentric storyline, comedic timing, and charismatic performances, Cashero is poised to become Netflix’s next big Korean hit. Fans are already buzzing with excitement—and after watching the chaotic, fun-filled trailer, it’s clear why.

Alia Bhatt turned the spotlight into a moment of pure empowerment as she accepted the Golden Globe Horizon Award at the Red Sea International Film Festival in Jeddah. Representing Indian cinema on a global platform, the actor used her winning moment to speak directly to young girls around the world—encouraging them to dream fearlessly and unapologetically.

The ceremony, which gathered celebrated artists and filmmakers from across continents, also honoured Tunisian actor Hend Sabry with the Omar Sharif Award. Standing beside such international talent, Alia reflected on her achievement with heartfelt gratitude. Taking to Instagram, she wrote, “A gentle reminder of why I love cinema—its power to bridge horizons. Honoured to receive the @redseafilm Golden Globe Horizon Award.”

In her acceptance speech, Alia revisited her journey with refreshing vulnerability. “I stand here today as a truly grateful five-year-old who got to live her dream,” she said. Turning her attention to young girls everywhere, she delivered one of the night’s most memorable lines: “Never shrink your dream to fit in anyone else’s reality. Hold on to it, show up every day, do the work, and chase the horizon no matter where it leads you.”

She also expressed deep appreciation for being recognised at an international festival. “This is an honour to be recognised by the Golden Globes, and I am grateful for the opportunity to speak for a new generation of aspiring performers and women making a difference in film and television around the world.”

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Alia made a luminous appearance at the event, wearing an ethereal strapless floral gown with a flowing train. Her soft makeup, pink gemstone earrings, and minimal jewellery perfectly echoed the elegance and sincerity of her address.

With her win and her powerful, affirming message, Alia Bhatt continues to strengthen her footprint on the global stage—not just as an actor, but as an influential voice shaping conversations around women, ambition, and the expansive reach of Indian cinema.

On the professional front, Alia is preparing for her upcoming film Alpha, directed by Shiv Ravail and starring Sharvari Wagh alongside her. She will also headline Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s Love and War, co-starring Ranbir Kapoor and Vicky Kaushal, making the next year an exciting one for her fans.

When Maxim first launched our humble year-end roundup of the very best American whiskeys in 2019, it was only a single list. Nothing fancy, just all our favorite bottles from that year compiled into one group. Now in our 7th year, we’ve grown the awards to five categories—a compartmentalized exploration of the finest examples in each pillar of American whiskey: Ryes, Double-Barrel Finishes, American Single Malts, Innovators and, of course, the king daddy of all American whiskey, Bourbon.

We’ve selected a standout in each field, followed by our other favorites that dropped this year. While we tasted over 200 expressions in 2025 alone, by no means is this list meant to be exhaustive—instead, consider it a list of the very best we’ve had a chance to pour a dram of. First up, let’s get a bit spicy and take a look at the 11 best rye whiskeys from the year.

Best Rye Whiskey Of 2025: Proof and Wood Tumblin’ Dice Special 11-Year-Old Rye Whiskey

Via its various bottlings like Deadwood Bourbon, The Representative Bourbon and The Senator Rye, Proof and Wood built its reputation on craftsmanship, transparency, and a deep respect for whiskey-making tradition. As one of America’s most awarded independent bottlers, P&W continues to impress with small-batch releases that highlight the particular arts of barrel selection and aging. Hence the name founder Dave Schmier gave his label. P&W’s latest showcase: a pair of rare 11-year-old rye single barrels that feature an unconventional mash bill of 51 percent rye / 49 percent malted barley, a recipe that emphasizes balance and nuance over raw spice. With just under a dozen years, this Tumblin’ Dice is aged to perfection, the time in wood revealing layers of fruit like ripe Fuji apple and orange peel, followed by the dark spice and cinnamon rye is famous for and a long, complex finish.

With over 4,000 barrels aging in warehouses across Ohio, Kentucky, Tennessee and California, P&W maintains full control over its maturing stock, releasing only when the whiskey reaches its ideal character. For this release, Schmier opted to bottle his rye as a single barrel and at barrel proof (62.2 percent ABV), a joy for whiskey-heads everywhere. As the brand approaches its 10th anniversary, the Tumblin’ Dice lineup has already claimed top honors, including Best Single Cask Rye and World’s Best Bourbon at the World Whiskies Awards. Proof and Wood Special 11-Year-Old Rye may be tough to find, but worth the effort. $110 SRP

Lost Lantern X New York Distilling Co. ‘Single Distillery Series’ Opulent Orchard Rye Whiskey

Initially unplanned, Lost Lantern’s Spring 2025 Collection included a sub-collection of apple-influenced expressions—two with apple brandy barrel finishes (New York Distilling Co. rye and Santa Fe Spirits New Mexico single malt), and a Finger Lakes Distilling rye single cask finished with pommeau, a traditional French mistelle that blends unfermented apple cider with apple brandy. 

Launched by duo Adam Polonski and Nancy Ganley-Roper in 2020, the latter Lost Lantern co-founder explains that while the trilogy all have apple influence, luckily they were different enough from one another that none feel repetitive or overlapping. She credits the versatility of apple as a finish, comparing it to the various sherry categories (e.g. Oloroso, Fino, Amontillado, PX, etc.), and their wildly different effects on whiskey. 

“Adam and I are both hoping that apple brandy will become one of the more common finishes in the U.S.,” Ganley-Roper revealed to Maxim. “If done well, apple brandy rounds out and enhances the flavors of the spirits and it lends a rich, full mouthfeel. And it is a spirit with a very long history in this country.”  In addition to the trilogy above, the Spring 2025 Collection also included single casks of peated Texas single malt from Andalusia finished in tequila barrels, a 4-year-old Indiana bourbon from Starlight finished in honey barrels, and an 8-year-old Ohio bourbon from Watershed finished in Nocino barrels.

But it’s the aforementioned New York Distilling Co. rye dubbed Opulent Orchard that stands out most, offering an indulgent and evocative drinking experience that sets the bar even higher. The latest entry in Lost Lantern’s “Single Distillery Series,” the Opulent Orchard expression is coincidentally an older version—aged 7 years—of the very first rye Lost Lantern ever released. That New York Distilling Co.-sourced apple brandy finished rye was so popular, it partly inspired this Spring Collection. Only 410 bottles of Lost Lantern’s Opulent Orchard (57.45 percent ABV) are available at a very approachable price. $100 SRP.

Sagamore Spirit 10-Year-Old Straight Rye Whiskey

The pride of Baltimore, Sagamore Spirit’s latest Reserve Series release is also their oldest rye to date. Made from some of the earliest MGP stock Sagamore ever purchased, the 10-Year Rye is both a farewell and a milestone—one of the last sourced barrels before the brand fully transitions to its own distillate made at its Patapsco River waterfront distillery since 2017.  For Ryan Norwood, Sagamore Vice President of Operations, the age statement hits a bullseye. “For me, rye kind of has that sweet spot between about 6 and 10 years,” he told Maxim. 

Despite being sourced from Indiana, Maryland’s climate leaves its own fingerprint on the spirit. With humid summers and frigid winters, the state’s seasonal swings push whiskey deep into the oak barrels’ wood and back again, extracting flavor in bold strokes. Unlike Kentucky or Indiana, Norwood reveals Sagamore’s rickhouses often see proof rise during maturation, adding another layer of character. The result in the 10-Year is a whiskey Norwood described as “super balanced… with notes of peach crumble, roasted nuts, rye spice, with just enough sweetness to round it out.”

The 10-Year release is limited, and rye aficionados will likely snap it up. The newest addition to its award-winning Reserve Series is also both an ending and a beginning, a tribute to the barrels that carried them this far, and a promise of what’s to come as more of their whiskey boasts the unmistakable mark of Baltimore. $80 SRP

Old Overholt Cask Strength 12-Year Rye Whiskey

It’s easy to get lost in the oft-compelling heritage and mythology of American whiskey, especially styles that evoke a sepia-tinged sort of legacy: America’s long history of rye whiskey production, often traceable largely through Pennsylvania, certainly qualifies. But how does the liquid itself stack up in modern times? For the team making bartender-favorite Old Overholt under the historic umbrella of the James B. Beam Distilling Co., the company remains an accessible staple, with its core offerings a staple in rye-forward cocktails. 

Its Cask Strength 12-Year Rye rightfully turned heads when the third edition dropped this year—and that timeless Old Overholt heritage was a guiding light in the process. Billed as “a high-value vintage style liquid designed and blended from select warehouses and highly curated barrels, 12 years of aging across four warehouses tucked within the rolling hills of Clermont, Kentucky makes for a simply remarkable rye at a fairly agreeable (albeit premium) price if you love historically inclined rye whiskey that punches above its weight. 

The proof (it clocks in at 107.4) isn’t all that overpowering, and this Cask Strength Rye drinks more mellow rather than overly spiced or oaked. Of course, charred oak and spice still dance delicately in pleasing fashion, while the aroma calls to mind tobacco and leather—classic whiskey notes any Old Overholt fan will assuredly recognize and appreciate. For those times when you’ve got your “daily drinker” Old Overholt flagship bottle close at hand, but want something with more age and a dash more complex in character, look to this evolved take on a cask-strength rye. $110 SRP —Beau Hayhoe

Distillery 291 XIV Anniversary Rye Whiskey

Distillery 291 founder Michael Myers distilled his first ever batch of straight rye on August 27, 2011—only his second recipe ever after his acclaimed bourbon. “This is the whiskey I sent out to make when I started 291,” he tells Maxim. “I wanted rye whiskey that was big, bold, and beautiful like the state of Colorado.” For the Colorado Springs distillery’s 10-year anniversary, they decided to batch some of their oldest rye. So they released X as their oldest to date from a single barrel and now make a special anniversary blend to celebrate their birthday annually. 

Crafted from hand-selected barrels of their 61 percent malted rye and 39 percent corn mash bill, aged over four years, and steeped with their signature aspen wood staves, this “Fourteener” limited-edition release boasts notes of warm cinnamon roll, toffee and dried apricot. “Since the 10th anniversary, we’ve done one every year,” Myers continues. “And we will keep doing them!” As Distillery 291 loves to do, they’re releasing the XIV Anniversary Rye at a barrel proof 65.8 percent ABV (131.6-proof), with only a couple over 500 bottles to be found. $150 SRP

High West A Midwinter Night’s Dram Act 13 Rye Whiskey

“When we created A Midwinter Night’s Dram, we wanted the name to capture the same kind of imagination and artistry that Shakespeare brought to the stage with A Midsummer Night’s Dream. The timing of the release in the heart of winter made the play on words feel just right,” High West’s Tara Lindley explained of the naming inspiration for their annual rye gem. “For us, it’s not just about the rye and the port barrels; it’s about creating something that connects people to a season, a story and a shared sense of wonder.”

High West’s Director of Sensory QA / New Product Development mentions how High West sources two types of port barrels, ruby and tawny, from across Portugal every year. The use of different port woods allows the team to really modulate and play with the exact properties they want that year’s particular “Act” to offer. Specifically she pinpoints notes of baking spice, vanilla, and both dried and preserved fruit—flavors High West believes evoke the late seasons of fall and winter.

Beyond using both ruby and tawny port barrels, High West also begins the entire process with rye from two separate distilleries that use slightly different mash bills—a combo they also use for their flagship Rendezvous Rye expression: MGP’s famed “95/5” rye and a pure rye mash bill (80 percent rye / 20 percent malted rye) distilled by High West themselves at their Wanship, Utah distillery. Bottled at 49.3 percent ABV (98.6-proof), A Midwinter Night’s Dram Act 13 can be found at High West’s Wanship Distillery and Saloon in Park City. $150 SRP 

Frank August Case Study: 03 Winter Cover Rye Whiskey

Frank August has never been shy about its epicurean ambitions. Since launching in 2020, the Louisville-based label has treated American whiskey less like a commodity and more like a design discipline—one rooted in precision, aesthetics, and a willingness to experiment. “The intent of Case Study was and is to be a program that allows Frank August to push the boundaries of traditional American whiskey,” co-founder Johnathan Crocker told us earlier this year. “All in an effort to create truly ‘one of one’ world-class whiskey expressions.”

Case Study, the brand’s experimental arm, takes inspiration from the iconic Arts and Architecture Case Study Houses of the 1940s—those modernist, forward-looking homes imagined by the likes of Neutra, Eames, and Saarinen. Just as those midcentury starchitects re-envisioned domestic space, Crocker and team explore new possibilities in blending, finishing, and maturation. Their first two releases—Mizunara Oak and 1948 XO PX Brandy Cask—set the tone. Awards quickly followed across their core portfolio, with Double Golds and high IWSC scores adding credibility to the brand’s strikingly minimalist visual identity.

But Case Study: 03 marks a milestone: Frank August’s first-ever rye. “Personally, I love rye and have wanted to release a core rye since we launched,” Crocker revealed over lunch. While the flagship bourbon took precedence, impatience nudged him toward a workaround—an experimental rye released under the Case Study banner. After months of blind tasting the brand’s entire rye inventory, one pattern emerged: the best barrels were all winter distillations. Inspired by rye’s agricultural role as a winter “cover crop,” the name—and the whiskey—took shape. Blended from nine winter-distilled barrels and bottled at a muscular 53.13 percent ABV, Winter Cover Rye is lush, layered, and deeply expressive. Plum, toffee, candied apple, dark chocolate bitters, and warm rye spice glide into a long, oily finish—good enough to earn the IWSC’s Best Rye Trophy with a 95/100 score. A “one of one,” indeed. $125 SRP

Templeton Hidden Stash Collection, 13-Year-Old Rye Whiskey

This 13-Year-Old Rye pulls the curtain back on Templeton’s most prized sourced barrels, quietly resting for more than a decade in the fields and seasons of their eponymous Iowa town. The inaugural release in the aptly named Hidden Stash collection, Templeton’s newest gem is also the crown jewel of their aging program. Bottled at 108-proof, non-chill filtered, and wrapped in elevated packaging, Templeton 13-Year-Old Rye showcases just how far Templeton has evolved. 

Whiskey fans surely know the history of Templeton as one of the first labels to catch the business end of #whiskeyhead ire for being a bit nebulous with where they got their rye whiskey. Initially the label obfuscated the fact that their rye was not actually made in Iowa—rather it was sourced from Indiana, using MGP’s ubiquitous “95/5” recipe. These days, not only is sourcing better understood and accepted, but Templeton has also been distilling its own juice in Iowa since 2018. This new release is not part of the latter, however—but its MGP 95 percent rye / 5 percent malted barley mash bill has benefitted greatly from over a dozen years of slow Midwest aging. 

The release opens with bold, fragrant rye and candied orange zest on the nose, while its palate lands with a warming, sweet chipotle note before softening into citrus, spice, and honeyed warmth. In many ways, the release feels like a reclaiming of Templeton’s somewhat controversial roots—both by releasing its oldest barrels that built the brand from the ground up, and by nodding to the town’s bootlegging history, when whiskey was key to the town surviving both Prohibition and the Great Depression. $170 SRP

Woody Creek Distillers William H. Macy Reserve Rye, Batch 2

Some celebrity spirits are boardroom inventions of leveraging Q scores—this ain’t one. William H. Macy didn’t go looking for a whiskey gig; it stumbled into his own backyard. Literally. When Macy and his wife, actress Felicity Huffman, moved into her childhood home in Woody Creek, Colorado, he noticed the pasture out front blanketed in white blooms. Assuming they were petunias, he was quickly corrected: They were potatoes, part of a neighborly barter between the Huffman family and the Scanlans—who, as fate would have it, had just founded Woody Creek Distillers. A week later, Mark Scanlan knocked on Macy’s door to share the news. Macy cut him off with a grin: “I’m in.” And just like that, the Oscar nominee became the brand’s self-proclaimed “Spokesdude.”

Woody Creek Distillers quickly gained acclaim with its potato vodka—taking Double Gold, Best Vodka and Best Overall Spirit at the 2015 San Francisco World Spirits Competition—and has since expanded into gin, bourbon, and a suite of impeccably crafted rye whiskeys. Everything is Colorado-grown, distilled in towering German-made Christian Carl stills, and produced with a no-shortcuts philosophy Macy champions.

The standout of the portfolio in 2025 is the William H. Macy Reserve Rye, Batch 2—a single-barrel, 100-percent rye whiskey aged a full decade in new American oak and bottled at 100 proof. The result is a velvet-rich rye bursting with honey crisp apple, singed orange peel, yellow raisin, and a deep backbone of clove and baking spice. Available at the Basalt distillery and select retailers, it’s a whiskey that embodies Woody Creek’s ethos: uncompromising, character-driven, and rooted in friendship, land, and a little bit of Hollywood serendipity. $199 SRP

Minden Mill Single Estate Rye Whiskey

Along with their Lake Tahoe neighbors at Frey Ranch, Minden Mill Distilling is helping put Nevada on the whiskey map with truly farm-to-table spirits. Every step of production—from cultivating the grains to milling, malting, fermenting, distilling, aging, and bottling—happens on-site at its 1,200-acre high desert estate in Minden, underscoring the distillery’s rare commitment to full traceability and craftsmanship. We very much appreciate their Single Estate Rye. Distilled from a mash bill of 80 percent rye, 10 percent soft white wheat, and 10 percent estate-malted barley, the whiskey reflects the character of Nevada’s climate, where sharp temperature shifts and short growing seasons yield grains with earthy, nutty depth. 

Distilled in a former century-old creamery using both a Headframe continuous still and a Christian Carl hybrid still, the whiskey ages in Seguin Moreau New American oak barrels with a No. 3 char, resting in rickhouses calibrated to mirror the humidity and temperature of Kentucky’s Nelson County. Under the hand of Master Distiller Joe O’Sullivan, the 94-proof, non-chill filtered spirit achieves a refined balance of savory complexity and approachable smoothness, prioritizing flavor harmony over the punchy spice typical of rye. Aromas of bright orange peel and toasted spice lead into rich notes of cherry syrup, crème brûlée, and vanilla, finishing long with candied fruit, graham cracker warmth, and a touch of minerality.

Unsurprisingly, Minden Mill earned the 2025 Nevada Distillery of the Year title at the New York International Spirits Competition, Best Straight Rye Whiskey at the Craft Distillers Spirits Competition (2024), and Platinum Medals at both the 2025 San Diego International Spirits Competition and the 2025 Ascot Awards. With a very approachable price, Minden Mill Single Estate Rye is perfect to stock all your holiday Manhattan needs. $45 SRP

Three Chord Riot Double Bonded Rye

Forgive the overused phrasing, but to quote the timeless Nigel Tufnel, with Riot Double Bonded Rye, Three Chord Bourbon founder Neil Giraldo turns the volume all the way up to 11. Known for blending music and whiskey with equal virtuosity, Rock & Roll Hall of Famer Giraldo’s Three Chord Bourbon carved out its own lane in the spirits world through innovative cask finishes, meticulous blending, and a deep-rooted commitment to the creative community. 

The brand’s bold new visual chapter, Volume 2, pushes that ethos even further with a quartet of new expressions manifesting those skills. Consider Strange Collab, the only Pinot Noir-finished bourbon on the market. But our preferred of the foursome is the aforementioned Riot Double Bonded Rye. A category first, Riot blends two Bottled-in-Bond rye whiskeys sourced from MGP and Bardstown Bourbon Company, aged 4 to 7 years, all built on a classic 95 percent rye / 5 percent malted barley mash bill. The result? A high-rye firecracker with structure, swagger, and edge—a 50 percent ABV banger that snagged a Gold Medal at the San Francisco World Spirits Competition before it even hit its stride.

Extra points for Giraldo’s dedication to old school rock aesthetics. Decked out in hot pink and black, featuring the energy of underground punk band The Darts, Riot intentionally disrupts the sea of plebeian green-clad rye bottles on the shelf. Every Three Chord label serves as a mini-concert poster, complete with kinetic live photography and album-inspired design, tying the whiskey directly to the artistic world that birthed it. As songwriting partner and husband of Pat Benatar who also played guitar on epic hits like Rick Springfield’s “Jessie’s Girl,” it’s fitting Giraldo’s Three Chord label pioneers by blending artistry and authentic musical inspiration. $50 SRP

Follow Deputy Editor Nicolas Stecher on Instagram at @nickstecher and @boozeoftheday, and Contributor Beau Hayhoe at @beauhayhoe.

With just hours left for the big theatrical launch, the team behind Akhanda 2: Thaandavam has dropped a fresh promo titled Akhanda 2 Grand Release. The teaser looks pulsating. The new video has immediately elevated the excitement around the film and reminded fans of the powerful mix of devotion and action that made the first part a massive success.

Balakrishna in three distinct looks
The latest teaser brings to end one of the biggest rumours – that Balakrishna will appear in three different shades in Akhanda 2. Along with the iconic Akhanda role, the film introduces another fierce, spiritually charged avatar, adding a new layer to the story. The multi-dimensional performance of Balakrishna is already being talked as a major highlight of the second instalment.
Visually, the teaser is packed with intense moments, dramatic chants, and strong background music by Thaman. It was packaged in such a way that it creates an atmosphere of energy, emotion promising an immersive experience for the audiences. It clearly signals that Akhanda 2 will stay true to its roots and the story, while raising the scale in terms of action and visual grandeur. The plot combines spirituality with a patriotic fight.

Sanatana Dharma element
Balakrishna’s character is seen protecting a young girl, played by Harshaali Malhotra, who becomes central to the story. At the same time, he takes on terrorists who aim to attack and weaken Sanatana Dharma. The clash between divine power and destructive forces forms the spine of the sequel. The teaser’s release just before the film’s arrival in theatres has boosted fan expectations. Industry observers say the movie’s fate will depend on the opening talk. A strong first-day response, coupled with Balakrishna’s star power can make Akhanda 2 one of the biggest blockbusters of the year. As the countdown begins for December 12, audience anticipation is at an all-time high. The film’s pre-sales tickets in the US has crossed $200k in the US. Balakrishna is expected to deliver a high-impact performance, and all eyes are now on how the film unfolds on the big screen.
Also Read: Explained: Here’s Why Court Halted The Release of Balakrishna’s Film Akhanda 2

Ananya Panday, who is currently gearing up for the release of her romantic-comedy Tu Meri Main Tera Main Tera Tu Meri opposite Kartik Aaryan, has reportedly exited the upcoming sci-fi comedy Choomantar. The actress has been juggling packed schedules across films and series. She is said to have opted out due to a major date clash with Call Me Bae 2, which has already gone on floors.

According to a Mid-Day report, team Choomantar was set to begin shooting in January 2026. However, the dates directly overlapped with Panday’s commitments to the much-anticipated second season of Call Me Bae. “The team of Choomantar is aiming for a January 2026 start. That clashes with Call Me Bae 2, which recently went on floors. So Ananya and the makers decided to part ways, with the understanding of collaborating again soon,” a source revealed.

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Following her exit, the casting underwent a reshuffle. As per reports, Vash 2 star Janki Bodiwala and actress Sreeleela have emerged as frontrunners to lead the film opposite Abhay Verma. A mock shoot with the trio reportedly took place last week. Workshops are scheduled to begin soon. The film, directed by Dhak Dhak filmmaker Tarun Dudeja and backed by Dinesh Vijan, blends romance, comedy and sci-fi elements. This makes it one of the more intriguing upcoming scripts in development.

Meanwhile, Kartik Aaryan recently praised Ananya’s energy on the sets of Tu Meri Main Tera Main Tera Tu Meri, calling her a “total livewire” and expressing confidence that the audience will love their chemistry. The film releases on December 25 and marks the duo’s second outing after Pati Patni aur Woh. 

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Ananya is also set to shoot Chand Mera Dil with Lakshya and is preparing for her return in Call Me Bae season 2. The actress has been steadily building a strong mix of streaming and theatrical projects. Also Read: Are Ananya Panday and Abhay Verma Working on a Sci-fi Comedy Film Titled Choomantar?