Former England midfielder Dele Alli was sent off less than 10 minutes into his first professional match for two years as new club Como were beaten by AC Milan in Serie A. Dele came on as an 81st-minute substitute for his Como debut but was sent off in second-half stoppage time for a rash challenge on Milan midfielder Ruben Loftus-Cheek. Como went on to lose the game 2-1, with Christian Pulisic and Tijani Reijnders scoring in the second half for Milan at the San Siro after Lucas da Cunha put the visitors ahead before the break. Dele, who previously played for Tottenham and was part of the England side that reached the semi-finals of the 2018 World Cup, signed for Como before Christmas after a long period out of the game. He had not played since a spell on loan at Besiktas from Everton, with his most recent game coming in February 2023. The 28-year-old signed for the Italian top-flight debutants in January and trained with them for a month before being named as an unused sub in the 2-1 defeat by Roma on 2 March. Dele was sent on by Como manager Cesc Fabregas to replace goal scorer Da Cunha but a clumsy tackle on compatriot Loftus-Cheek saw referee Matteo Marchetti upgrade his initial booking to a red card following a video assistant referee (VAR) review. The review showed Dele's studs catching the leg of Loftus-Cheek and Marchetti had little option but to send him off, despite Milan defender Kyle Walker - a team-mate of Dele's at England and Tottenham - also trying to plead his case with the official. "I was always going to announce my return in some way after these past two years. Would rather it had been with a goal but feels good to be back," Dele wrote on Instagram. Fabregas, who was also dismissed late on, told DAZN: "It is a grave mistake, one that we should not see from a player of his experience. "It was a clear red card. He left the team down to 10 men during a crucial moment when we were pushing for 2-2." The result means Como stay 13th in Serie A - six points above the relegation zone - while Milan are seventh.

Since its announcement, Pushpa 2 has stirred excitement and anticipation throughout the film industry. Over the past month, the dynamic duo of Allu Arjun and Rashmika Mandanna has journeyed across the country, promoting their film with infectious energy. The songs from the film have already gained immense popularity on social media, and now, with its highly awaited release in theatres, it’s time to dive deep into my reflections on this cinematic experience. A post shared by PrathyangiraUS (@prathyangiraus) As the curtains rise, the film opens in the vibrant and bustling landscape of Japan. An entire consignment of precious red sandalwood goes missing, prompting the inquisitive Japanese mafia to investigate its origins. This is where we are reintroduced to Pushpa (embodied flawlessly by Allu Arjun); his entrance is nothing short of captivating. With his trademark swag and stylish demeanour, he quickly reminds us why we eagerly settled into our seats. This iteration of Pushpa is not just a continuation; he’s evolved into a more formidable, powerful, and clever man. He has taken on the role of the district’s Robin Hood, skilfully weaving his business dealings into the fabric of local governance and authority. A post shared by Mythri Movie Makers (@mythriofficial) The tension and rivalry between Pushpa and Shekhawat (the ever-impressive Faahad Faasil) form a thrilling backbone for the film. Their cat-and-mouse game brims with clever tactics and humorous exchanges, providing a delightful balance of intensity and levity. Expect some genuine laughter as their witty banter unfolds, and prepare for the captivating bromance that blooms between the two characters. Meanwhile, Pushpa’s relationship with Srivalli (Rashmika Mandanna) brings an emotional depth to the narrative. The couple is portrayed as deeply in love and happily married. The first half of the film showcases their romance, filled with tender moments and charming chemistry. However, as the plot thickens, it becomes strikingly clear that Srivalli is not merely a love interest; she is a driving force behind many of Pushpa’s decisions and actions. This beautifully crafted dynamic elevates her character, showcasing the strength and influence of powerful women behind powerful men. A post shared by AGS Entertainment (@agsentertainment) As we transition into the second half, brace yourself for an unexpected ride. For those familiar with the film’s teaser, you might recall a tantalizing glimpse of a short fight sequence. The good news? This particular sequence is expanded into a breathtaking 15-minute action spectacle, filled with adrenaline and expertly choreographed stunts. Additionally, there’s a standout solo dance performance by Allu Arjun that is nothing short of electrifying, guaranteed to leave you with goosebumps as you watch him command the screen. And just when you think you’ve witnessed all the excitement, the film delivers a climax that fulfils every rising expectation, leaving you both exhilarated and satisfied. A post shared by Greenply Plywood (@greenplyplywood) In terms of storytelling, while the first film primarily concentrated on Pushpa’s ascent to power, director Sukumar skilfully shifts the narrative focus in this sequel toward his interpersonal relationships. Though the overarching theme revolves around the lucrative but dangerous world of red sandalwood, the heart of the film lies in the intricate portrayal of Pushpa’s family dynamics and the bonds he cherishes. Allu Arjun shines in this role, showcasing an impressive range of emotions. His suave persona is complemented by a palpable passion and dedication that is reflected in every scene. The effort he has poured into this performance is evident and commendable; he truly deserves every bit of recognition for his work. I rate him a perfect 10 out of 10 for this outstanding contribution. Rashmika Mandanna delivers a strong performance as Srivalli. Though her screen time might be limited, her impact is significant, especially in pivotal scenes after the intermission. The film adeptly illustrates how her character influences the overarching storyline, reinforcing the message that strong women play essential roles in the lives of powerful men. Sukumar, as a director, once again proves himself to be a master storyteller. He possesses an uncanny ability to keep audiences at the edge of their seats, skilfully layering tension and intrigue throughout the film. Each sequence he crafts is a testament to his expertise, showcasing his unique artistic vision. A post shared by Pushpa (@pushpamovie) However, there is a slightly disconcerting element regarding the storyline. Despite the film’s grandiosity and exceptional action sequences, there are lingering questions about Pushpa’s motivations for venturing into Japan in the first film, and unfortunately, those questions remain unanswered here. It can be frustrating, especially knowing that fans will have to wait until Pushpa 3: The Rampage for further clarity and resolution. Yes, indeed—Pushpa 3 is on its way! A post shared by T-Series (@tseries.official) In conclusion, Pushpa 2 is a raucous, entertaining masala film that combines action, emotion, and humor in equal measure. It’s a cinematic experience you absolutely must not miss. I wholeheartedly give this film a solid 4 stars!

Nollywood Actress and filmmaker April Obichie’s short film titled Preye has garnered multiple award nominations from the Toronto International Nollywood Film Festival. According to a statement sent to Sunday Scoop, the film aims to raise awareness of female genital mutilation. Obichie played the role of a victim of FGM, while Kelechi Udegbe acted as her husband, Jaja. The film was nominated in categories such as Best Film by a Female Filmmaker(Africa), Best Short Thriller/Drama, and Best Short Film (Nollywood). Expressing joy at the nominations, Obichie said, “Being nominated is such an incredible honour, and I’m so grateful for the recognition. It is a dream come true, and it feels so good to finally see one’s hard work pay off. I can’t wait to see what the future holds.” Obichie, who was also nominated for Best Supporting Actress for her work in the movie, The Waiter, added, “It is truly surreal. It’s an absolute honour to be recognised for my work in such a fantastic film. I am so grateful for the opportunity, and I’m thrilled to be part of it all.”

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