On the second anniversary of its release, the Malayalam horror film Bramayugam and the global pop phenomenon BTS have both found themselves in the spotlight for very different reasons, yet their stories intersect in unexpected ways—through creativity, discipline, and the influence of celebrity culture.
On February 15, 2026, the makers of Bramayugam celebrated two years since the film’s debut by sharing a series of behind-the-scenes photographs. The images, posted on social media, offered fans a rare glimpse into the creative process. One photo captured superstar Mammootty deeply absorbed in the script, while director Rahul Sadasivan gave directions. Another showed Sadasivan apparently acting out a scene, with Mammootty watching intently. In a third, the actor reclined thoughtfully as the director explained a sequence in detail. The caption read, “2 years of #Bramayugam. Sharing some magic from behind the scenes.”
But the milestone was about more than nostalgia. Just days before, on February 12, Bramayugam was screened at the Academy Museum’s ‘Where the Forest Meets the Sea’ film series in Los Angeles. According to The Times of India, it was the only Indian film to be featured at this prestigious global event. Director Rahul Sadasivan expressed his gratitude, saying, “Bramayugam comes from the stories I grew up hearing, the fears that stayed, the silences that never left. To see it resonate beyond language and geography is overwhelming. Grateful to the cast, crew, and everyone who brought this vision to life. The only Indian film at the Academy Museum’s 'Where the Forest Meets the Sea' series, Los Angeles—February 12, 2026.”
Released on February 15, 2024, Bramayugam starred Mammootty, Sidharth Bharathan, and Arjun Ashokan in lead roles. The film’s daring black-and-white aesthetic and chilling narrative earned it four Kerala State Film Awards, including Best Actor for Mammootty. Reviewers lauded the veteran’s performance, with TOI writing, “Mammootty seems to have thrown a challenge to Malayalam filmmakers to give him roles that push him and audiences out of their comfort zones. And for his part, he goes all out to create characters that surprise, fascinate, and leave us awestruck.” For those who missed its theatrical run, Bramayugam is now streaming on SonyLIV.
While the film world celebrated artistic achievement and creative risk, another cultural force was making headlines—this time from the world of K-pop. On the same day as Bramayugam’s anniversary, the members of BTS spoke candidly about the pressures that come with global stardom. In a conversation shared with fans, RM, the group’s leader, admitted, “I have considered disbanding thousands of times because of stress.” The comment underscored the immense scrutiny, relentless touring, and sky-high expectations that have defined BTS’s journey since their debut in 2013.
Yet, despite the challenges, the group made it clear that they have no intention of breaking up. Instead, they spoke of BTS as a lifelong commitment, expressing their desire to remain together well into their 60s. According to their recent remarks, their bond is not just about music or fame, but about enduring loyalty and shared ambition. This rare glimpse behind the curtain revealed the delicate balance between exhaustion and devotion that sustains one of the world’s most successful music acts.
BTS’s influence extends far beyond music, shaping fashion, language, and even dietary trends across continents. The latest example comes from Jung Kook, the group’s youngest member, who recently revealed his adoption of the One Meal A Day (OMAD) diet. As reported by NDTV on February 16, Jung Kook explained that he eats only once a day and maintains a rigorous exercise routine—a regimen he developed during his 18 months of military service. The OMAD diet, which involves consuming all daily calories within a single hour and fasting for the remaining 23 hours, has been embraced by several celebrities, but its suitability for the general public is hotly debated.
Medical experts caution that while OMAD may offer perceived benefits such as weight loss, improved fat metabolism, and better insulin sensitivity, it also carries significant risks. According to the Korean Medical Association, the average Korean man requires 2,100–2,400 kcal per day, depending on age and activity. Indian guidelines, however, recommend 3,000 kcal per day for men with high-intensity lifestyles. This discrepancy highlights the importance of tailoring dietary approaches to individual needs, body types, and cultural contexts.
“The OMAD diet is gaining popularity amongst celebrities due to its perceived health benefits,” NDTV noted, referencing studies published in Frontiers in Physiology and other journals. These studies found that OMAD could lead to modest weight loss and improved metabolic markers, but also flagged issues with adherence and long-term sustainability. The risks are not trivial: potential nutrient deficiencies, gastric problems, and unsuitability for teenagers and young adults with high activity levels are all concerns. For Indians, whose traditional diets are often carb-heavy and whose nutritional needs differ, experts warn that OMAD may actually amplify existing health challenges like anaemia, diabetes, and obesity.
Jung Kook’s OMAD regimen is medically supervised and closely tied to his disciplined lifestyle, but as NDTV emphasized, “Indians must rely on scientifically backed dietary guidelines rather than trendy diets.” The Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) and National Institute of Nutrition (NIN) advocate for balanced meals spread throughout the day, especially given that poor diets are linked to 56% of diseases in India. Following a celebrity-driven fad without proper guidance, they argue, could do more harm than good.
For those looking for sustainable alternatives, experts suggest a balanced plate model—incorporating seasonal fruits, vegetables, proteins, and whole grains—or more moderate forms of intermittent fasting, always under medical supervision. The key, they say, is personalization: what works for a global pop star may not work for everyone, especially in a country as diverse as India.
As Bramayugam and BTS continue to make waves on the global stage, their stories remind us that the pursuit of excellence—whether in art, music, or health—demands both daring and discernment. The world may be watching, but the most important choices are often the ones made quietly, behind the scenes.