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Showing posts from April, 2025

Raid 2 Advance Booking: Ajay Devgn starrer sells over 34,800 tickets by 9 AM

Ajay Devgn’s much-anticipated sequel, Raid 2, is off to a blazing start even before its theatrical release. As of 9:00 AM today, the film has already managed to sell a staggering 34,800 tickets across major national chains, setting the stage for what promises to be a strong opening weekend at the box office. This impressive early momentum is a clear indication of the buzz and anticipation surrounding the film, which sees Ajay Devgn reprise his role as the righteous and fearless IRS officer Amay Patnaik. Following the success of the first instalment, Raid 2 is expected to take the franchise forward with more high-stakes drama, gripping action, and the actor’s signature intensity. These numbers are particularly notable considering it's still early in the advance booking cycle. With nearly 35,000 tickets already booked, industry analysts are predicting a strong day-one performance, possibly pushing Raid 2 into the top tier of openers for the year. PVR Inox: 28,000 tickets Cinepolis...

Sabyasachi Mukherjee reveals Rani Mukerji’s ‘mad’ wedding with Aditya Chopra: “She was very chilled out”

Actor Rani Mukerji and filmmaker Aditya Chopra’s wedding in Italy has remained a well-kept secret, with no photos from the ceremony ever making their way to social media. However, designer Sabyasachi Mukherjee, who designed Rani’s bridal outfit, has now shared some insights into the intimate celebration. He revealed that Rani gave him just a week’s deadline to create her wedding attire. During a session for the YouTube channel Fashionably Pernia, Sabyasachi was asked about the most fun Bollywood wedding. The designer replied, “You know who was fun to work with? It was actually Rani Mukerji. She never released the photos. But, the fact is that it was a mad wedding which was done between her, Adi (Aditya Chopra), Karan (Johar), and me. She was very chilled out.” Sabyasachi also shared how last-minute the entire wedding was, revealing that he had just one week to create the bridal lehenga. He said, “She came over for lunch one day and said that she is getting married. I asked her how mu...

Box Office Predictions: Raid 2 to open between Rs. 11-13 cr; The Bhootnii likely to be slower with Rs. 3-4 cr

After a rather barren season when hardly a few films have been arriving on a week-on-week basis, finally comes a Friday when two notable films are arriving together - Raid 2 and The Bhootnii. While former has Ajay Devgn leading the show, latter has Sanjay Dutt as the biggest star in there. Raid 2 is sequel to 2018 release Raid which had entered the Rs. 100 Crore Club and emerged as a success. On the other hand, The Bhootnii takes forward the horror comedy genre and is the first such release of 2025. Raid 2 is a true sequel to a successful film and also features Riteish Deshmukh as the antagonist whose premises are now being raided by Ajay Devgn. Moreover, Saurabh Shukla from the last part makes an appearance as well. This makes the film special. However, the kind of awareness that has been generated so far and the urgency which is seen amongst the audiences these days about any new film release, Raid 2 will take a decent to good start for sure and then rely upon word of mouth to help ...

Aamir Khan postpones Sitaare Zameen Par trailer launch out of respect for Pahalgam terror attack victims

Aamir Khan has decided to postpone the trailer launch of his upcoming film Sitaare Zameen Par following the recent tragic terror attack in Pahalgam, Jammu & Kashmir. The attack, which claimed the lives of several Indian tourists, has deeply affected the nation. On April 22, a brutal terror attack left 26 people dead and many others injured when gunmen opened fire on tourists in Pahalgam. This incident stands as one of the most heartbreaking attacks in Jammu and Kashmir. The trailer, which was originally set to be released this week as part of the film's promotional campaign, has been postponed. In light of the tragic attack, Aamir Khan and his team made the decision to delay the launch as a gesture of respect for the victims and their families. A source close to the film's development told Hindustan Times, “Aamir Khan and his team felt it would be inappropriate to proceed with the launch at this time. A new release date for the trailer will be announced later.” The terro...

Ajith Kumar honoured with Padma Bhushan by president Droupadi Murmu at Rashtrapati Bhavan

Tamil actor Ajith Kumar was presented with the Padma Bhushan, India's third-highest civilian award, by President Droupadi Murmu at the Rashtrapati Bhavan in New Delhi on Monday, April 28. As revealed in January, the actor is one of the 19 recipients of the Padma Bhushan honoured by the Union government. Earlier today, photos and videos of the actor and his family at the Chennai airport went viral on social media. Ajith, one of the most prominent figures in Indian cinema, has acted in over 60 films during his career that spans more than 30 years. After making a brief appearance in the 1990 film En Veedu En Kanavar, he made his lead debut in 1993 with Amaravathi. Initially known for his roles in romance-driven films, Ajith later shifted to action-packed roles at the turn of the century, with movies like Amarkalam, Dheena, and Citizen. Movies like Varalaaru, Billa, and Mankatha solidified Ajith's status as one of the top superstars in Tamil cinema. A recipient of the Kalaimaman...

Malayalam filmmaker Shaji N Karun passes away at 73

Eminent Malayalam filmmaker and cinematographer Shaji N Karun passed away on Monday, April 28, 2025, at his residence in Thiruvananthapuram.  He was 73 and had been battling cancer for some time. Born on January 1, 1952, in Kollam, Kerala, Shaji N Karun emerged as a pioneering figure in Indian cinema, known for his profound visual storytelling and commitment to cinematic realism.  After graduating from the Film and Television Institute of India in 1974, he began his career as a cinematographer, collaborating extensively with renowned director G. Aravindan.  His exceptional work behind the camera earned him the National Award for Best Cinematography for the film Thampu in 1979. Karun's directorial debut, Piravi (1988), garnered international acclaim, winning the Caméra d'Or Special Mention at the Cannes Film Festival and multiple national awards.  His subsequent films, Swaham (1994) and Vanaprastham (1999), were also screened at Cannes, with Swaham competing for the...

Hania Aamir exits Diljit Dosanjh’s Sardaar Ji 3 following Pahalgam attack

In October 2023, fans were ecstatic when Pakistani actress Hania Aamir made a surprise appearance alongside Punjabi singer and actor Diljit Dosanjh at his London concert. Diljit dedicated his popular song Lover to Hania, making it a memorable experience for both the audience and the actress. Earlier this month, buzz grew around the possibility of a collaboration between the two, with many speculating it was for Sardaar Ji 3. However, new reports suggest that Hania may no longer be part of the film due to recent developments. On April 22, a devastating terrorist attack in Pahalgam, South Kashmir, claimed the lives of 26 tourists, further straining the already tense relations between India and Pakistan. In the aftermath, Fawad Khan’s anticipated Bollywood return with Abir Gulaal reportedly saw its India release plans put on hold. Meanwhile, speculation is growing that Hania Aamir, who was set to debut in Indian cinema alongside Diljit Dosanjh and Neeru Bajwa in Sardaar Ji 3, might be dr...

EXCLUSIVE: PVR Inox Pictures to distribute Sitaare Zameen Par; Aamir Khan-starrer’s trailer expected to play in their cinemas from May 1

After more than 2 ½ years, Aamir Khan will be finally seen in cinemas this year with Sitaare Zameen Par. The film has been in the news constantly over its various speculations about its release date, trailer launch etc. Bollywood Hungama has now learned that Aamir already has a distributor on board - PVR Inox Pictures. A source told Bollywood Hungama, “Aamir has a very long association with PVR Inox team. On the occasion of his 60th birthday on March 14, the exhibition arm of PVR Inox held a film festival across their properties in the country and showcased some of his finest films. A week before this celebration, Aamir Khan had an interesting conversation with Javed Akhtar. This event was held in PVR Juhu, Mumbai. And that’s not all. Sitaare Zameen Par is a spiritual sequel to Taare Zameen Par (2007), which also had a PVR connection. It was backed by the then PVR Pictures and co-produced by Sanjeev Kumar Bijli and Ajay Bijli along with Aamir Khan Productions. Hence, it’s a case o...

TV actress Navina Bole claims Sajid Khan asked her to ‘take off her clothes’ during audition: “I need to see how comfortable you are”

In a surprising turn of events, TV actress Navina Bole, famous for her role in ‘Ishqbaaz,’ has accused director Sajid Khan of inappropriate behaviour. Bole alleged that the director requested her to “take her clothes off.” She shared this disclosure during a conversation with Subhojit Ghosh on his YouTube channel. The ‘Ishqbaaz’ actress spoke candidly about her experience with the casting couch in the industry, describing how Sajid Khan invited her to his home and made an inappropriate request. She described him as “a terrible, terrible man” whom she would never want to encounter again, adding that Khan targeted many women after Gladrags and relentlessly crossed boundaries when it came to disrespecting women. Reflecting on her encounter with Sajid during the casting of Heyy Baby, she recalled, “You know, I was really excited when he called me and then he literally said, ‘Why don’t you just get off your clothes and sit in your lingerie, I need to see how comfortable you are.’ I am tal...

Mouni Roy shares gravity-defying BTS moments from The Bhootnii: “Hung out in trees for 45 nights”; watch

Mouni Roy is preparing for the release of her upcoming horror-comedy The Bhootnii, which also stars Sanjay Dutt, Sunny Singh, and others. As the release date approaches, the cast has been actively promoting the film. Mouni recently posted behind-the-scenes photos and videos on Instagram, sharing that she spent 45 nights performing “gravity-defying” dances while suspended in a harness for 10 to 11 hours each night. Although she initially found it challenging, she said things eventually became more manageable and fell into place. Mouni Roy, who portrays a ghost named ‘Mohabbat’ in The Bhootnii, recently shared behind-the-scenes photos and videos from the set, showing her suspended mid-air. One clip captures her floating gracefully, while another image reveals an intense aerial stunt where she’s mid-fight with Sanjay Dutt’s character. In a playful caption she wrote, “For 45 nights, I danced with gravity, 10/11 hours at a time- me and my harness, reluctant partners at first. But somewhere...

SCOOP: Varun Dhawan’s Bhediya 2 won’t release on August 14, 2026; Ranbir Kapoor-Alia Bhatt-Vicky Kaushal’s Love & War expected to clash with Kartik Aaryan’s Naagzilla on Independence Day week

Bollywood Hungama was the first to inform our esteemed readers that Sanjay Leela Bhansali has delayed Love & War from the March 2026 slot due to a delay in shooting. 2 days ago, we revealed that Sanjay Leela Bhansali is looking at releasing the Ranbir Kapoor-Alia Bhatt-Vicky Kaushal starrer on August 14, 2026. Incidentally, a week ago, Kartik Aaryan’s newly launched project Naagzilla was announced for a release on the same day. And that’s not all. At the beginning of the year, Maddock Films had made an announcement that Bhediya 2, starring Varun Dhawan, would arrive in the same week. However, it seems like Bhediya 2 won’t be able to make it in the said week as scheduled. A source told Bollywood Hungama, “Bhediya 2 is getting delayed. The makers, that is, the team of Dinesh Vijan at Maddock Films, are already looking at other dates.” The source continued, “Three big films coming on the same day would have caused a lot of issues in screen...

Akshay Kumar channels Kesari Chapter 2 spirit while condemning Pahalgam terror attack

Akshay Kumar, who is currently promoting his latest film Kesari: Chapter 2, addressed the heartbreaking Pahalgam terror attack during a recent event. His words reflected the anger and sorrow that many Indians are feeling after the tragedy that struck on April 22, 2025. “Unfortunately aaj bhi humare sab ke dil mein woh gussa phir se jaga hain. Aap sab log achchi tarah se jaante he main kis cheez ki baat kar raha hoon. Aaj bhi hum un terrorists o ko ek hi baat kehna chahenge. Jo maine iss film mein kahi he, ‘Kya tum samjhte ho ke ek Hindustani ki himmat ko kuch goliyan daba degi? Galat fehmi mein ho tum (Do you think a few bullets can crush the courage of an Indian? You are mistaken)’,” Akshay said, seamlessly blending his emotions with a line from Kesari: Chapter 2. The Pahalgam terror attack targeted a group of civilians, most of them non-Islamic tourists, who were traveling in the Anantnag district of Jammu and Kashmir. The assailants ambushed a bus, opening fire on unarmed travelle...

Kesari 2 Box Office: Film shows HUGE JUMP on Saturday

On Friday, Kesari - Chapter 2 had collected Rs. 4.05 crores and that was an increase in numbers over Thursday. While it’s obvious that upwards trend had to come on Saturday as well, all eyes were on how big the day would turn out to be. After all, there has been all around appreciation for the film from all quarters and moreover this one is also a typical Saturday and Sunday movie due to its theme and upmarket presentation that’s catering to the multiplexes. Well, the film indeed grew quite well as the film ended up crossing the Rs. 7 crores mark all over again. As much as Rs. 7.20 crores came in and that’s a huge jump indeed, especially considering the fact that all other Hindi films in the running currently didn’t have as much combined collections between them. Of course, during pre-pandemic the scenario would have been different and Kesari - Chapter 2 would have been doing double the numbers, considering the quality product that it is with credible performances. However, such conte...

CBFC mutes 'prick', 'a**hole, 'd***ks' 'b***h' in Thunderbolts; enforces EXCESSIVE cuts in HIT: The Third Case

The month of May will begin with a bang with exciting releases in different languages. In this article, Bollywood Hungama will focus on the cut list of two of the releases – the Hollywood superhero entertainer Thunderbolts and the Telugu action entertainer, HIT: The Third Case. The Central Board of Film Certificate (CBFC) thankfully hasn't asked for any visual cuts in Thunderbolts. Hence, all the action scenes remain unscathed. However, they asked the studio to mute five abusive words. These five words are ‘a**’, ‘a**hole’, ‘d**ks’, ‘b***h’ and ‘prick’. The last word is not considered as an objectionable cuss term and hence, the muting of ‘prick’ is sure to raise eyebrows. After these cuts were made, the studio was handed over the censor certificate on April 23. The length of Thunderbolts as mentioned on the censor certificate is 127 minutes, that is, 2 hours and 7 minutes. The film was passed with a U/A 13+ rating. HIT: The Third Case, like...

Martin Scorsese joins Neeraj Ghaywan’s Homebound as executive producer ahead of Cannes 2025 premiere

In a notable collaboration, legendary filmmaker Martin Scorsese has come on board as executive producer for Homebound, the upcoming feature from National Award-winning director Neeraj Ghaywan. The film, starring Ishaan Khatter, Vishal Jethwa, and Janhvi Kapoor, is set to have its world premiere in the Un Certain Regard section at the 2025 Cannes Film Festival, which runs from May 14 to 25. Homebound marks Ghaywan’s return to the big screen and to Cannes, nearly a decade after his acclaimed debut Masaan premiered at the festival and received two awards. Over the years, Masaan has continued to find resonance with audiences worldwide, heightening expectations for Ghaywan’s latest. Speaking about his involvement, Martin Scorsese said, “I have seen Neeraj’s first film Masaan in 2015 and I loved it, so when Mélita Toscan du Plantier sent me the project of his second film, I was curious. I loved the story, the culture and was willing to help. Neeraj has made a beautifully crafted film that’...

Kesari 2 Box Office: Film grows on second Friday, hits a half century

As expected, Kesari - Chapter 2 did well on its second Friday as collections grew over Thursday. The film brought in Rs. 4.05 crores more and that’s an increment over Rs. 3.60 crores that had been collected a day before. Considering the fact that Ground Zero was the only new major release, and that film too caters to the multiplex audience, there may have been a bit of an impact at least and the collections could as well have slid a bit. However, none of that happened as Kesari - Chapter 2 turned out to be the first choice of the audience and that too by a distance. The film is now all set to grow quite well today and while Rs. 5 crores is a given, there is also a good opportunity for it to top the Rs. 6 crores mark. If that indeed turns out to be the case, then that would be fantastic because from there anything around Rs. 7 crores on Sunday would be great. However, a crore less on each of the days won’t be bad trending either as the film will easily go past the coverage mark by the ...

Will the first glimpse of Ranbir Kapoor’s Ramayana be launched at WAVES Summit 2025?

One of the most awaited films of Indian Cinema, Ramayana, will be released next year, on Diwali 2026. The excitement for it has been sky high due to its solid casting and association of Nitesh Tiwari, of Dangal (2016) and Chhichhore (2019) fame, as director. Last year, the makers released a teaser poster in November and made it clear that while the first part will be out next year, the second part will be released on Diwali 2027. And if sources are to be believed, a new announcement about the film will be out as early as next week. A source told Bollywood Hungama, “The first World Audio Visual & Entertainment Summit (aka WAVES Summit) will be held from May 1-4, 2025 and the organizers are clear that they want it to be one of the biggest talking points of the year. Accordingly, they have invited some of the biggest names from different film industries in India. To add to the excitement, the team of Ramayana is looking to share an update during this star-studded event. It will be a ...

Delhi HC orders AR Rahman to deposit Rs 2 crores in copyright case over Ponniyin Selvan 2 song 

The Delhi High Court has directed renowned music composer AR Rahman and production company Madras Talkies to deposit Rs 2 crores with the court registry in a copyright infringement case. The ruling, delivered on 25 April, also directed them to pay Rs. 2 lakh costs to Dagar. The case centres on the song ‘Veera Raja Veera’ from the 2023 film Ponniyin Selvan 2, which has been accused of copying an earlier composition. The lawsuit was filed by Indian classical vocalist and Padma Shri awardee Faiyaz Wasifuddin Dagar in 2023. Dagar alleged that ‘Veera Raja Veera’ infringed on Shiva Stuti, a composition by his father, Nasir Faiyazuddin Dagar, and uncle, Zahiruddin Dagar, known collectively as the Junior Dagar Brothers. He sought a permanent injunction to prevent the song’s use, along with damages and recognition of moral rights. Justice Prathiba M Singh, presiding over the case, observed that Shiva Stuti did not merely inspire ‘Veera Raja Veera’ but was “identical” to it, despite minor chan...

EXCLUSIVE: Siddharth Anand - Mahaveer Jain production starring Vikrant Massey as Gurudev Sri Sri Ravi Shankar titled White

In October 2024, Bollywood Hungama had releveled that acclaimed filmmaker Siddharth Anand — known for Pathaan, War, and Fighter — under his banner Marflix Pictures, had joined forces with producer Mahaveer Jain — of Uunchai and NaagZilla fame — through Mahaveer Jain Films, to announce their next ambitious collaboration that would feature Vikrant Massey as Gurudev Sri Sri Ravi Shankar. Well, the said international production has now been titled White. [caption id="attachment_1973584" align="aligncenter" width="620"] EXCLUSIVE: Siddharth Anand - Mahaveer Jain production starring Vikrant Massey as Gurudev Sri Sri Ravi Shankar titled White[/caption] An edge-of-the-seat global thriller, White will feature the versatile Vikrant Massey in the role of renowned spiritual leader and humanitarian, Gurudev Sri Sri Ravi Shankar. Production preparations are currently underway in Colombia, with filming scheduled to begin this July. The film brings together a distinguis...

Adarsh Gourav starrer Superboys of Malegaon premieres on Prime Video worldwide

Prime Video, has announced the exclusive global streaming premiere of highly acclaimed movie, Superboys of Malegaon. An Excel Entertainment and Tiger Baby production, the Amazon MGM Studios’ Original movie is produced by Ritesh Sidhwani, Farhan Akhtar, Zoya Akhtar, and Reema Kagti, and directed by Reema Kagti and written by Varun Grover. It features a highly talented ensemble cast, including Adarsh Gourav, Vineet Kumar Singh, and Shashank Arora in the lead roles. The film is now streaming exclusively on Prime Video in 240 countries and territories worldwide. Superboys of Malegaon is a film based on the life of Nasir Shaikh, an amateur filmmaker from the town of Malegaon. The residents of the town look to Bollywood cinema for a much-needed escape from daily drudgery. Nasir gets inspired to make a film for the people of Malegaon, by the people of Malegaon. He bands together his ragtag group of friends to bring his vision to life, thereby bringing a fresh lease of life into the town. The...

Saif Ali Khan on why breaking the rules never looked so good in Netflix’s Jewel Thief – The Heist Begins

For Saif Ali Khan, Marflix Productions’ Jewel Thief – The Heist Begins wasn’t just another film — it was a thrilling plunge into an electrifying parallel universe. Directed by Kookie Gulati and Robbie Grewal, the upcoming Netflix action-heist film boasts a star-studded cast including Jaideep Ahlawat, Nikita Dutta, and Kunal Kapoor. At its heart is Saif’s character Rehan Roy — a charming rogue with a rebellious streak, an adventurous spirit, and a fierce love for family. Reflecting on playing Rehan, Saif shares, “Playing a thief in a heist movie is very interesting because he’s someone who challenges the system, bending the rules. It’s kind of fascinating to watch, read through, and portray. Rehan is a thief with organization, with swag — an adventurer at heart and a family man. He’s the quintessential Hindi film hero in that sense — he breaks rules, cons people, but is kind at heart. You see the bigger picture. That dynamic made him irresistible to portray, and I believe, attractive t...

Shah Rukh Khan reveals why his father’s words kept him away from Kashmir; says, “My father told me Kashmir mere bina mat dekhna”

Bollywood icon Shah Rukh Khan has long captivated audiences not only with his films but also with the personal stories that offer glimpses into his life beyond the screen. One such emotional moment unfolded during his appearance on Amitabh Bachchan’s widely watched quiz show, Kaun Banega Crorepati. There, Shah Rukh shared a heartfelt reason for never having visited Kashmir — a childhood promise he made to his late father. Shah Rukh revealed that his paternal grandmother was from Kashmir, which gave his bond with the region a deeper, personal significance. Reflecting on an emotional conversation with his father, he recalled, “My father’s mother was Kashmiri. To unhone mujhe zindagi mein bola tha teen jagah zaroor dekhna life mein, ‘main rahun ya naa rahun. Ek Istanbul zaroor dekhna, ek Italy main Rome zaroor dekhna aur ek Kashmir hai zaroor dekhna. Lekin baaki do mere bina bhi dekh lena par Kashmir mere bina mat dekhna.’” This touching memory remained with Shah Rukh long after his fat...

Pakistani actor Fawad Khan’s Abir Gulaal may be delayed amid controversy following Pahalgam terror attack

The recent terror attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, has once again stirred tensions and renewed demands to boycott Pakistani artists and films. At the center of the controversy is Abir Gulaal, the highly anticipated film marking Pakistani actor Fawad Khan’s return to Indian cinema, now facing growing backlash amid the charged political climate. Abir Gulaal, co-starring Vaani Kapoor, was originally slated for release on May 9. However, industry insiders now indicate that the release may be postponed, as theatre owners and distributors express growing concerns over the film’s reception in light of the current tensions. What was intended to be a celebratory comeback for Fawad Khan in the Hindi film industry is now overshadowed by the unrest and political sensitivity following the recent terror attack, potentially causing unforeseen delays for the project. Following the recent terror attack in Pahalgam, public sentiment against Pakistan has intensified, casting a shadow over the rel...

Dia Mirza welcomes Fawad Khan’s return to Bollywood; says, “Art should never be mixed with hate”

Fawad Khan is preparing for his Bollywood comeback with the film Abir Gulaal, where he stars alongside Vaani Kapoor. The movie has been creating a stir—not just for bringing Fawad back in a romantic lead, but also for stirring online controversy. While many fans are excited about his return, others have expressed disapproval, claiming that Pakistani actors shouldn't be given opportunities in India. In an exclusive interview with News18 Showsha, Dia Mirza shared her thoughts on the matter, voicing her support for Fawad Khan’s return to Bollywood. She emphasized that art should not be associated with hatred and expressed her desire to see more collaborations with Pakistani artists moving forward. Dia said, “It is a political question. If the circumstances to seek a ban on artists were completely…I’ve always believed that art is and should always be the medium of peace and harmony. We should never, ever allow art and sport to be tangled or mixed with hate. It’s just good that Fawad ...

BREAKING: What to expect at WAVES Summit 2025 - Shah Rukh Khan to open up on his ‘outsider to ruler’ journey, Indian Cinema’s BIGGEST reunion featuring Amitabh Bachchan, Hema Malini, Mithun Chakraborty, Rajinikanth, Mohanlal, Chiranjeevi, Akshay Kumar; Kareena Kapoor-Aishwarya Rai Bachchan to make a RARE joint appearance

Last week, Bollywood Hungama reported that some of the biggest celebrities will be attending the first ever World Audio Visual & Entertainment Summit (aka WAVES Summit) which will be held in Jio World Convention Centre, Mumbai between May 1-4, 2025. The organizers of the much-awaited summit have put up the schedule and it makes it clear the first edition of WAVES will be one of the biggest events of the year. In this article, Bollywood Hungama will inform readers on some of the most exciting panels of the summit. May 1 The summit will begin with a bang with the panel 'Legends & Legacies: The Stories That Shaped India’s Soul'. It'll be moderated by Akshay Kumar and will feature Amitabh Bachchan, Hema Malini, Mithun Chakraborty, Rajinikanth, Mohanlal and Chiranjeevi! This will arguably be the most star-studded panel discussion ever. Karan Johar will then moderate the 'The New Mainstream: Breaking Borders, Building Legends' session. It will be attended by S ...

Pankaj Tripathi and Amit Rai begin shooting for untitled human drama following OMG 2's success

Following the critical and commercial success of OMG 2, acclaimed actor Pankaj Tripathi and writer-director Amit Rai are reuniting to create a deeply emotional and socially relevant human drama. The upcoming untitled film has just begun shooting, with a 35-day schedule aimed at capturing the essence, culture, and untold stories of the state like never before. Joining Pankaj Tripathi in the lead are esteemed actors Pawan Malhotra, Geeta Agarwal, Rajesh Kumar, along with several talented artists from the local Bhojpuri film industry. This blend of national and regional talent promises to bring a unique and authentic flavor to the film. Speaking about his return to work with director Amit Rai, Pankaj Tripathi shared, “OMG 2 was a very special film for me—not just because it marked my first solo more than 180-crore box office success, but because it connected with people on a human and emotional level. Working with Amit again feels like a natural progression. His storytelling has depth, ...

Emraan Hashmi plays Yami Gautam's husband in the film based on Shah Bano case, first schedule wrapped up

On the 40th Anniversary of the landmark Shah Bano vs Ahmed Khan case (Supreme Court 1985), Yami Gautam stars in a compelling drama inspired by the life of Shah Bano. This case remains a significant moment in the struggle for Muslim women’s rights in India and their challenge to established personal laws. Starring Yami Gautam Dhar and Emraan Hashmi, the film is a gripping drama set against the backdrop of a case that reshaped India's constitutional history and deeply impacted the dynamics of a democratic society—highlighting the role of the state in issues of religion, individual rights, and women's rights. Emraan Hashmi plays Yami's husband, a character inspired by Shah Bano's husband, Ahmed Khan. Audiences can look forward to powerful performances from the talented cast of this project. A classic David Vs Goliath story, it saw a resilient Shah Bano with no financial resources and support from society take on the establishment of organised religion and fight the misog...

Tiger Shroff Death Threat: Mumbai Police crack down on fake assassination, man arrested in Punjab

In a startling incident, Mumbai police received a phone call on Tuesday alleging a plot to assassinate actor Tiger Shroff. According to reports, the caller informed the authorities that a security agency owner had hired him to kill the actor. He further claimed he had been provided with a revolver and Rs.2 lakh in cash to execute the plan. Following the phone call, Mumbai police intensified their investigation. Authorities promptly registered an FIR, and the accused was subsequently arrested in Kapurthala, Punjab. As more information is awaited, Lokmat Times has revealed that the accused is a 35-year-old man named Manish Kumar Sujinder Singh. According to the police, Singh was driven by anger and a desire for revenge after facing salary deductions due to frequent absences from work. In an effort to frame his superiors and tarnish the company's reputation, he allegedly fabricated the entire story. Meanwhile, Khar Police have booked Manish Kumar Singh under IPC Sections 353(2), 21...

Dharma Productions reveals motion poster of Naagzilla starring Kartik Aaryan as mystical naag; film to release on August 14, 2026

Kartik Aaryan surprised fans by unveiling a never-before-seen look as an Ichadhaari Naag from his upcoming film Naagzilla. The makers revealed a motion poster titled of the film creating quite a buzz. They also announced that the film is set to hit theatres on August 14, 2026. Kartik will be portraying the character Preyamvadeshwar Pyare Chand, a mystical shape-shifting serpent. The official account of Dharma Productions took to twitter to unveil the motion poster and wrote, “Insanon wali picharein toh bahut dekh leen, ab dekho naagon wali pichchar! #Naagzilla - Naag lok ka pehla kaand… Funnn phailaane aa raha hai - Preyamvadeshwar Pyare Chand. Naag Panchami par…aapke nazdeeki Sssssinemas mein - 14 August 2026 ko.” Insanon wali picharein toh bahut dekh leen, ab dekho naagon wali pichchar!#Naagzilla - Naag lok ka pehla kaand… Funnn phailaane aa raha hai - Preyamvadeshwar Pyare Chand Naag Panchami par ???? aapke nazdeeki Sssssinemas mein - 14 August 2026 ko pic.twitter.com/zn0VH3PH5b ...

Saif Ali Khan expands property portfolio with new home in Qatar; says, “It’s very safe and it feels very good to be there”

Saif Ali Khan recently shared that he has purchased a luxurious residence at The St. Regis Marsa Arabia Island, located at The Pearl in Doha, Qatar. Speaking at a press event organized by Alfardan Group, Saif expressed what attracted him to the property, highlighting Qatar's safety, scenic beauty, and its convenient proximity to India. He described his experience there as feeling “safe” and like “a home away from home,” making it an ideal retreat for his family. Saif Ali Khan spoke about his positive experience living in the property, explaining what makes it feel special. He shared, “Think of a holiday home or a second home. There are a few things I think of. One is that it’s not very far away and it’s easily accessible. And then the other thing is, the most important thing is that it’s very safe and it feels very good to be there. And the concept of an island within an island is also very luxurious and beautiful, and it’s just a really lovely place to live. And the feeling you g...

MEGA EXCLUSIVE: Yash Raj Films and Mohit Suri’s intense love story titled Saiyaara; releases on July 18, 2025 in theatres worldwide

Yash Raj Films (YRF) is creatively collaborating with a master of the romance genre, Mohit Suri, for a love story that has been titled Saiyaara. This is the first film produced by the company’s CEO Akshaye Widhani. The much-awaited romantic film, Saiyaara, which introduces two new faces in the Hindi film industry - Ahaan Panday and Aneet Padda - is set to release on July 18, 2025, in theatres worldwide. Presented by Aditya Chopra, directed by Mohit Suri and produced by Akshaye Widhani, Saiyaara is being billed as an intense love story that brings YRF and Mohit Suri, both known for their huge generation-defining successes in the romantic genre, together for the first time! As per reports, much of the film was shot in 2024 and in February this year, Mohit Suri shot a music festival sequence with 1,000 background artists at Vrundavan Studios in Malad, Mumbai. Reportedly, Ahaan Panday was seen performing on stage and the crowd got mesmerized by his performance. In the...

Rana Daggubati makes history as first Indian celebrity at WrestleMania, representing Netflix’s Rana Naidu

It was a notable weekend for India at WrestleMania 41, WWE’s biggest annual event, now streaming on Netflix. Rana Daggubati, known for the Netflix series Rana Naidu and a longtime WWE fan, became the first Indian celebrity to be invited to WrestleMania and attend from the front row. He also received a special mention during the live stream watched by WWE fans worldwide. Season 2 of Netflix India’s action drama Rana Naidu is coming soon. The WWE fandom was front and center on the global stage as well, with the Netflix India and WWE watch party for fans in Mumbai featuring live during the Wrestlemania broadcast on Netflix, this weekend.   View this post on Instagram   A post shared by Netflix India (@netflix_in) Held in the high rollers city of Las Vegas, WrestleMania 41 wasn’t just about the in-ring action, it was a celebration of fandom, community, and global connection. Rana’s presence at the event marked a proud moment for Indian representation at one of the most-watche...

EXCLUSIVE: Mardaani 3 to release on February 27, 2026 in the Holi week; makers release EXPLOSIVE first look of Rani Mukerji

Yash Raj Films’ Mardaani is the biggest solo female-led franchise in Hindi cinema that has garnered love and acclaim for over 10 years now. The blockbuster franchise has received unanimous love from people and has attained a cult status amongst cine-lovers. Also, the biggest and only female cop franchise of India, Mardaani is now in its third instalment and Mardaani 3 will see Rani Mukerji reprise the role of a daredevil cop, Shivani Shivaji Roy, who selflessly fights for justice. Today, YRF (Yash Raj Films) announced the release date of Mardaani 3 to be Friday, February 27, 2026, marking the auspicious Holi festival as its release window. Holi, which falls on March 4, symbolises the triumph of good over bad. The makers are pegging this film to be a bloody, violent clash between Shivani’s goodness vs sinister evil forces with its choice of release date. Moreover, the esteemed studio also released the explosive first look of the highly talen...

Manoj Muntashir warns Anurag Kashyap over brahmin comment: “Don’t test our patience”

You’ve put out a very passionate video in response to Anurag Kashyap’s shocking slur against the Brahmin community? I feel this man has crossed all limits of decency. Bhai Sahab, this arrogant and ignorant individual, who claims to be a filmmaker and social commentator, is completely out of his mind. He has clearly lost not just his sanity but also his creative spark. His frustration stems from his repeated failures, and he is in desperate need of counselling. Would he dare make such a comment about any other community? I challenge him to try. He would be ripped apart and left to rot. Hindus have always been benevolent and tolerant, and that grace has often come at the cost of their dignity. But let’s not forget—Durvasa and Parashuram were Brahmins too. Their rage is legendary. Do you think Kashyap has serious anger management issues? Don’t test our patience any further. The consequences won’t be pleasant. This man has long been the flag bearer of cinema laced with vulgarity in every...

Brahmin organizations want to ‘blacken’ the face of Anurag Kashyap; announces reward of Rs. 1 lakh

Anurag Kashyap has found himself at the centre of growing outrage after a controversial social media remark referencing the Brahmin community have gone viral. Despite posting an apology note yesterday - clarifying that he was not apologizing for what he said but rather for how a particular line was taken out of context - the backlash has continued to intensify. Over the weekend, several Brahmin organizations convened for a joint meeting led by the Sarva Brahmin Mahasabha and Pandit Suresh Mishra, who is also the chief patron of Chanakya Sena. The meeting resulted in a unified call for action against the filmmaker, with six prominent Brahmin groups - including Chanakya Sena, Sarva Brahmin Mahasabha, Brahmin Seva Sangh, Akhil Bharatiya Brahmin Mahasabha, Vishwa Brahmin Parishad, and Akhil Bharatiya Brahmin Sangh - announcing a reward of Rs. 1 lakh to “whoever blackens Kashyap’s face.” Pandit Suresh Mishra, speaking to The Indian Express, condemned Kashyap’s statement, calling it an ins...

Urvashi Rautela breaks silence on temple remark after online outrage; team issues clarification

Urvashi Rautela has found herself in the spotlight yet again for a comment made during an interview with Siddharth Kanan. In the now-viral clip, the actress was heard speaking about a temple in Uttarakhand, which many interpreted as her claiming it was built in her ‘honour’. The reaction online was swift and largely critical, with social media users accusing her of self-glorification. In what appears to be an attempt to clear the air, Urvashi and her team have now issued a statement urging people to listen to the full context of her comments before jumping to conclusions. The backlash, they suggest, stems from a misunderstanding of her words. Addressing the controversy directly, Urvashi said, “There is a temple in my name in Uttarakhand, not Urvashi Rautela’s temple. Now people don’t even listen to things properly; just hearing ‘Urvashi’ or ‘temple,’ they assumed that people worship Urvashi Rautela. Listen to this video properly and then speak. It is essential that before making base...

Shabana Azmi recalls disturbing incidents with Parveen Babi on film sets; says, “She used to eat two grapes and say that I am bursting”

In a poignant and revealing interview with Filmfare YouTube, Shabana Azmi reflected on her experiences with the enigmatic yet troubled Parveen Babi, one of the most glamorous stars of her time. Azmi, known for her candid insights, recounted moments on film sets where Parveen’s declining mental health became alarmingly visible. “I saw Parveen Babi going mad in front of my eyes. We were doing a Prakash Mehra film, Jwalamukhi, and we were on the set, and she suddenly looked to the chandelier and started screaming, ‘This chandelier is going to fall on me,’” Azmi recalled. The haunting memory painted a vivid picture of Parveen's distress. Azmi also mentioned incidents from the sets of Ashanti, where Babi's eating habits had drastically changed. “She used to eat two grapes and say that I am bursting,” she added, pointing toward possible symptoms of severe anxiety or an eating disorder. The veteran actress also described a moment involving actress Zeenat Aman that left her with deep...

Kesari Chapter 2 falls victim to online piracy on the same day of release

In a disheartening turn of events, Kesari Chapter 2, the much-anticipated spiritual sequel to the 2019 patriotic action-drama Kesari, has fallen prey to online piracy just a day after its release on April 18. The film, which stars Akshay Kumar in the lead and is based on the aftermath of the India’s most infamous genocide – the Jallianwala Bagh Massacre, was leaked across several piracy websites including Filmyzilla, Movierulez, Tamilrockerz, and even platforms like Telegram. What’s more troubling is the widespread availability of the pirated film in multiple video formats, ranging from 1080p and HD versions to lower-quality formats like 240p. Keywords such as “Kesari 2 Download” and “Kesari 2 Movie HD Download” have reportedly been trending across these sites, driving traffic to the illegal uploads and potentially hurting the film’s box office performance. While the makers have yet to issue an official statement regarding the leak, Akshay Kumar had made a heartfelt appeal to audienc...

Kesari – Chapter 2 Box Office: Film takes a decent start on Friday, will GROW QUITE WELL today and tomorrow due to OUT AND OUT POSITIVE word of mouth

Kesari - Chapter 2 has taken a decent start at the box office. Given the genre of the film and the fact that it’s becoming increasingly difficult to bring audiences in theatres these days, one expected a fair opening of Rs. 6-7 crores to come in and then word of mouth taking it through. From that perspective the film has actually taken a slightly better start as Rs. 7.84 crores have come in. This was in fact also helped by the fact that yesterday was Good Friday partial holiday. Else the first day would have been in the expected range of Rs. 6-7 crores itself. That said, the good part is that the critical acclaim is there from all quarters and very importantly, audience word of mouth has been out and out positive. In fact, the kind of reviews that Akshay Kumar has been getting for his performance are the best ever since Kesari and Mission Mangal. In between he has delivered some good performances and also scored hits with Sooryavanshi and OMG 2. However, the way he has put all his exp...

Saif Ali Khan to star as a blind man in Priyadarshan's upcoming thriller

In a significant first for the versatile Saif Ali Khan, the actor is set to play a blind character in acclaimed filmmaker Priyadarshan’s next project — marking not only his first time portraying a visually impaired character but also his first collaboration with the veteran director. Confirming the development, Saif said, “Yes, I am doing a film with Priyadarshan next. I play a blind guy. Very exciting.” Despite both being prominent figures in the Indian film industry for over 25 years, Saif and Priyadarshan have never previously worked together. That changes now, as the two have finally locked in a script that excites them both. Interestingly, the film will not be a comedy — a genre Priyadarshan is famously associated with — but a thriller. Priyadarshan shared, “I’ve always liked Saif’s screen presence. I was waiting for something suitable to do with him.” Meanwhile, Saif will next be seen in Netflix’s Jewel Thief, a high-stakes heist drama in which he stars alongside Jaideep Ahlawa...

Kesari 2 Box Office Estimate Day 1: Akshay Kumar starrer collects Rs. 8 cr; takes a decent start

The Akshay Kumar led Kesari 2 has taken a decent start at the box office in India. According to early estimates, the Karan Johar produced courtroom drama is looking to collect in the range of Rs 7.25 crore to Rs 8.25 crore, opening at par with the general trade expectations. The business in morning shows suggested a start of Rs 5.50 crore, but the biz jumped towards evening and night owing to positive word of mouth. Kesari 2 also benefitted by the holiday of Good Friday, and this is among the better Akshay Kumar openers of the post pandemic world. The film will show a jump in business on Saturday and then look to see another spike on Sunday, and the target will be to earn around Rs 30 crore through over the three day weekend. The good news for Kesari 2 are the public reports, and this gives hope for a strong hold on Monday. Kesari 2 is an important film for the industry as it falls in a genre that has not exactly got numbers in post pandemic and the eyes are to see if the film can b...