Holly to Bolly: Jay Z releases song as a response to police brutality; Indra Kumar to direct sequel to 1990’s Dil; and more

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Jay Z releases song as a response to police brutality

Jay Z has released a new song, Spiritual, as a commentary on police brutality and the recent shootings of Alton Sterling and Philando Castile. The singer said he made the song a year ago but didn't get to finish it. Jay Z said he was saddened and disappointed by the situation in America. "Blessings to all the families that have lost loved ones to police brutality," he wrote on Twitter, according to E News. In the song's hook, the 45-year-old Brooklyn-raised hip-hop heavyweight raps: "Yeah, I am not poison, no I am not poison. Just a boy from the hood that got my hands in the air. In despair don't shoot, I just wanna do good." – The National

Indra Kumar to direct sequel to 1990’s Dil

Filmmaker Indra Kumar, who has mostly been directing comedies, is looking forward to dabbling with the romantic genre with a sequel to his 1990 film Dil. The filmmaker plans on starting filming this year. Kumar said he is excited about this project as "the movie was close to his heart". The star cast hasn't been decided yet. The original featured Aamir Khan and Madhuri Dixit in the leads. Kumar's forthcoming film is Great Grand Masti. — IANS

Kiersey Clemons top choice for The Flash

The Flash director Rick Famuyiwa is already zeroing in on a familiar face for the DC film's female lead. Sources told Variety magazine that Famuyiwa's top choice for the female lead is Kiersey Clemons, who also starred in Famuyiwa's critically acclaimed dramedy Dope. Warner Bros had no comment on the casting. The film stars Ezra Miller, who first appeared as the superhero in WB's Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice. While details are still vague on who the character may be, insiders say it is likely to be Iris West, the tough-as-nails journalist and friend of Barry Allen, the alter ego of the Flash. The film's original director, Seth Grahame-Smith, parted ways with the project over creative differences. — The National Staff

Beyoncé speaks out over police killings

Beyoncé has had an active voice addressing the recent race violence in America. Beyoncé posted a black-and-white video to her Instagram showing the Texas flag waving, while the names of officers killed by a sniper attack in Dallas on Friday is displayed, reports The Hollywood Reporter. In the caption, she wrote: "Rest in peace to the officers whose lives were senselessly taken yesterday in Dallas. I am praying for a full recovery of the seven others injured." She continued: "No violence will create peace. Every human life is valuable. We must be the solution. Every human being has the right to gather in peaceful protest without suffering more unnecessary violence. To effect change we must show love in the face of hate and peace in the face of violence." Beyoncé is a Texas native, born and raised in Houston. — The National

Game of Thrones Season 7 may be delayed

The wait for season seven of Game of Thrones could be longer than expected. Show runners David Benioff and D B Weiss revealed that production on the HBO fantasy drama is going to start later than expected, according to The Hollywood Reporter. The duo, who made the remarks during a podcast, said production is waiting for gloomy weather to return in a bid to capture the weather that comes with the "Winter is here" moment revealed in the season-six finale. Game of Thrones typically arrives in March or April. The series will have two more seasons, with episode counts still to be determined. — The National

Lamar Odom files response to Kardashian’s divorce filing

The erstwhile co-stars of Khloe and Lamar are one step closer to being legally single. Ex-Laker Lamar Odom has finally responded to Khloé Kardashian's latest divorce filing — mirroring the reality starlet's language in papers of his own. Odom, like his estranged wife, indicated a 2013 separation date and asked a judge to deny his former partner spousal support, according to TMZ. The Kocktails with Khloé star, 32, originally filed for divorce in October 2013 after four years of marriage. She shelved the proceedings last October to help the former baller, 36, recover from his near-fatal medical problems. — The National

Deepika Padukone reveals poster for new film on Instagram

Deepika Padukone will be soon making her debut in Hollywood with Vin Diesel's xXx: The Return of Xander Cage. The actress, who has been keeping her fans updated with behind-the-screens pictures from the movie, has revealed her character poster from the film on Instagram, reports The Indian Express. Padukone plays the villainous Serena Ungerand in the film. The poster reveals Serena's philosophy: "I don't believe in good guys." She will be seen romancing Diesel on screen and doing some high-octane action sequences. Apart from Diesel, she will also be sharing space with actors Nina Dobrev, Donnie Yen and Tony Jaa. xXx: The Return of Xander Cage is set for release on January 17. — The National