Category: Entertainment & Currents

(Listen here).

Following the hedonistic, technicolor pop of “Azizam” and the classic, heartfelt nostalgia of “Old Phone”, Sheeran returns with “Sapphire”—a dazzling anthem of connection and unbridled joy. Radiating with vibrant pop energy and rich cross-cultural influences, the track is poised to make its mark on summer ‘25.

Sheeran’s “Sapphire” is a luminous celebration of love that transcends boundaries. Featuring captivating vocals, intricate South Asian percussion, backing vocals, and sitar by legendary Indian artist Arijit Singh, the song creates a unique tapestry that speaks to the universal language of love. Fans are taken on a sonic journey both intimate and expansive, brought to life by the production talents of Ilya Salmanzadeh, Johnny McDaid, and Savan Kotecha.

Ed Sheeran says, “Sapphire was the first song I finished for Play that made me know where the album was heading. It’s why I finished the recording process in Goa surrounded by some of the best musicians in India. It was an incredible creative process. I shot the music video with Liam and Nic across my India tour earlier this year; we wanted to showcase the beauty and breadth of the country and its culture. The final jigsaw piece for me was getting Arijit on the record. It was a journey to get there and such an amazing day of music and family. Me and him have done a full Punjabi version of the song that will come out in the next few weeks, which has a lot more of him on it. This is the album version of the song and my favorite song on the album. Hope you guys love it. x“

The video for “Sapphire” has been directed by Liam Pethick, features Arijit Singh, and has a cameo from iconic actor Shah Rukh Khan. It begins with Ed performing the song at dawn on a rooftop, then transitions to a vibrant journey across various locations. Ed’s travels take him from the rooftop to serene beaches, riversides, bustling markets, local kitchens, and Bollywood backlots. Highlights include meeting up with Arijit for a studio session and motorcycle ride around his hometown, plus a visit to the A.R. Rahman music school, where he performs with local musicians.

 

Ed Sheeran releases his new album, ‘Play,’ on 12th September 2025. (Pre-order here)

After closing the chapter on his Mathematics series, Ed Sheeran is finally back and stepping boldly into a fresh new phase for 2025. An artist known for constantly evolving, Sheeran’s latest album, ‘Play’ finds him exploring new musical ground through collaboration with producers and musicians from around the world, as well as diving deeper into the timeless sounds and themes that have made him one of the world’s best-loved pop artists. Inspired in part by his exposure to Indian and Persian musical cultures—and their surprising connections to the Irish folk tradition he grew up with, through shared scales, rhythms, and melodies—he explored this borderless musical language, giving the album its distinctive, fresh edge. On more familiar ground, Sheeran also reminds us why he remains the most influential singer-songwriter of his generation, delivering a series of stunning ballads and acoustic-driven songs. The result is a collection that plays with both the familiar and the new, creating a bold, pop-driven sound that only Ed Sheeran could deliver—a vibrant showcase of his artistry that feels both exciting and transformative and promises to be one of the defining albums of the year.

 

Ed Sheeran has also announced three live shows at Portman Road, Ipswich which Sold-Out immediately.

These kick off on Friday, July 11th, featuring special guests Myles Smith and Tori Kelly; on July 12th, the spotlight shifts to Busted and Dylan, while on July 13th, it will be James Blunt and Maisie Peters. These are set to take place at Ipswich Town FC’s iconic home ground—Ed being a lifelong supporter of the club and the official shirt sponsor since 2021. The three night stint will mark Ed’s first UK headline shows since 2023 and will include debut performances of tracks from ‘Play’ alongside fan favorites. £1 from every ticket sold on these shows has been donated to the newly launched Live Trust, a new funding initiative from LIVE that will offer much-needed financial support to those working across live music. The Live Trust will initially support the grassroots music sector that is such a vital part of the music ecosystem—from venues and artists to festivals and promoters.

VKP: MUSIC

 

Drawing inspiration from Silver Age comics, Gunn’s Superman exudes an optimistic and lively tone, offering Superman as a ‘noble,’ decency-driven hero. Gunn’s way of re-injecting optimism, ‘basic human morals,’ and qualities that audiences long for in these divisive times.

Relatively, the darker, more realistic tone of Man of Steel, with its heavy visual style and moral ambiguity, brought a more intense and conflicted Superman to the screen. Likewise, Pa Kent’s ambiguity also in MOS left Clark more burdened than inspired—a lingering, unresolved emotional conflict. Comparatively, Gunn’s ‘beacon of hope’ approach appears to be his strongest suit, as it fills a need in the superhero genre that darker stories have neglected lately.

This time around, Superman 2025 puts Clark’s humanity front and center as he’s portrayed as a relatable and emotionally layered character, not an untouchable alien god. Gunn also strengthens Superman’s moral core and emotional center, building a more nurturing foundation.

With regard to Superman’s band of merry men, Gunn introduces a layered world populated by the Justice Gang (Green Lantern Guy Gardner, Hawkgirl, Mister Terrific, and Metamorpho) and the Daily Planet’s crew, distancing itself from MOS’ focus on Superman and his enemies, using a more minimalist cast to preserve narrative singularity. Gunn’s version takes a risk with so many characters. Early reports say it works—test audiences described it as “Guardians-level good.”

Judging from the trailers over at YouTube and elsewhere, Gunn’s aesthetic is still under wraps, but he’s known for world-building (as in Guardians). Early trailers show bright, comic-accurate visuals and vibrant color—though some fans worry his shots may not match Snyder’s epic scale. Snyder set the bar high with grand, sweeping visuals—shaking cameras, towering fight scenes, and deep symbolism. Early VFX reviews are largely positive, but still polishing late-stage shots.

 

The Franchise Going Forward

In this universe, Clark and Lois already know each other, and the world is populated with metahumans. Gunn wants a standalone yet interconnected story. While it’s not weighed down with set-ups, it plants seeds for future DCU films (Supergirl, Batman, Authority, etc.). Gunn’s version is foundational for a “Gods and Monsters” Phase 1 slate, offering both independence and interconnection.

Early test screenings and social media buzz lean to the positive. ‘Guardians of the Galaxy-level good’ and ‘People just want a hopeful, good Superman movie.’ Gunn will deliver.

 

The Future of the DCU

Superman’s legacy film is meant to both stand alone and seed an expansive universe.

Upcoming projects are already planned, including Supergirl: Woman of Tomorrow, Lanterns, and Peacemaker S2—all tying into the flags planted here.

Gunn’s Superman is a knock-for-knock departure from Man of Steel. Where Snyder built a brooding, mythic, and often conflicted hero, Gunn brings light, heart, and humanity—a Superman built on hope, moral integrity, and emotional truth. Though not without risk, early responses are strong.

Surely if Superman connects with audiences, it could reset DC’s cinematic reputation, reestablishing it as a hub of hope-driven storytelling. Expect a DCU centered on optimism, empathy, and distinctive character voices—ushering in a bold new chapter that embraces both spectacle and soul.

VKP: MOVIES