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Showing posts from August, 2025

Mumbai’s Famous Studios to be demolished for a 69-Storey luxury tower marking the end of an era

Another slice of Mumbai’s cinematic legacy is set to disappear. Famous Studios, the 79-year-old film hub in Mahalaxmi that once echoed with lights, cameras, and action, will soon be razed to make room for a glitzy residential skyscraper. The studio, founded in 1943 by J. B. Roongta, has been a part of Bollywood’s history for nearly eight decades, offering state-of-the-art facilities for shooting, sound recording, and post-production. From iconic films to ad shoots, countless projects passed through its gates, making it a landmark in the city’s creative ecosystem. But the curtains are finally coming down. Reports suggest that the landowners themselves will be sealing the deal and currently quite keen on partnering with K Raheja Corp Real Estate. It has been learnt that they have finalized plans to redevelop the 70,000 sq ft plot into a high-rise residential tower. According to layouts submitted to the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation, the new project will rise 69 floors above Mahala...

Sachet-Parampara win legal battle over ‘Raanjhan’; copyright allegations by KMKZ rejected

The music duo Sachet-Parampara have successfully defended their chart-topping song ‘Raanjhan’ against recent copyright allegations made by foreign musician KMKZ. The claims, which alleged that the track was copied, were reviewed by multiple major streaming platforms and found to be entirely baseless. Before the song’s public release, all project files for ‘Raanjhan’ had been submitted to streaming services for verification. After careful evaluation, platforms including YouTube and Spotify confirmed that Sachet-Parampara were the rightful creators, rejecting KMKZ’s copyright claims. In response to the incident, Sachet-Parampara have filed a defamation case against KMKZ, citing the allegations as false and damaging to their professional reputation. The duo emphasized that the musical composition of ‘Raanjhan’ is based on a standard F# major chord progression—including F#5, F#5 major 7, B sus 2, E flat minor, D flat, and E flat minor—which is commonly used in numerous original works acr...

EXCLUSIVE: The Bengal Files is 1 minute longer than Animal; CBFC censors 'contemptuous' words against transgenders; makers voluntarily remove Gopal Mukhopadhyay's mention in several scenes

After delivering films like The Tashkent Files (2019), The Kashmir Files (2022) and The Vaccine War (2023), director Vivek Agnihotri is back with another hard hitting film, The Bengal Files. The makers of the film secured the censor certificate in advance and Bollywood Hungama, in this article, would exclusively focus on the same. To begin with, the film wasn't passed by the Examining Committee of the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC). The Bengal Files was referred to the Reviving Committee (RC) presumably due to its content. The RC passed the film but asked for some changes. The RC asked the makers to remove 'contemptuous' words against the transgender community and replace them with appropriate terms. Similarly, the pictures of prominent personalities were removed and replaced. As per the directive of the RC, the makers submitted supporting documents for the historical events depicted in the film. The makers also provided consent letters from the parents of the...

Pati Patni Aur Woh 2: AICWA condemns attack on the crew of Ayushmann Khurrana, Sara Ali Khan starrer in Prayagraj

Bollywood stars Ayushmann Khurrana and Sara Ali Khan faced a shocking ordeal along with the entire team of Pati Patni Aur Woh 2 during the shoot of this upcoming romantic comedy in Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh. According to recent reports, local miscreants attacked members of the film crew in broad daylight, exposing glaring lapses in security arrangements for film productions in the state. And now, All Indian Cine Workers Association (AICWA) has issued a press statement calling out this kind of behaviour. The incident, captured in videos that surfaced on social media over the past two days, shows the crew being assaulted while shooting on location. AICWA’s statement strongly condemned the attack, questioning how filmmakers, actors, and technicians can risk their lives in an environment where law and order are evidently compromised. The association said, “If the Uttar Pradesh Government cannot provide safety and security to those engaged in film production, then what is the purpose of pro...

Param Sundari Box Office: Film opens well on expected lines

It was predicted in this column that Param Sundari will open in Rs. 6-7 crores range. Well, this is what happened as the first day numbers have come to Rs. 7.37 crores. The actual collections are a bit higher than the range and that’s because the advance booking turned out to be somewhat better than what it seemed like till mid-week. This one is an easy breezy film and that’s something which has worked with youth as well as family audiences. Yes, there was a love story Saiyaara too that had arrived a few weeks back and had actually taken a humongous opening. That had high dose of drama as well and then the new faces were further attraction. In case of Param Sundari, it’s more of a family entertainer with the backdrop of romance and then the costs are also controlled. Sidharth Malhotra and Janhvi Kapoor have seen a safe start to their film and now normal trending will ensure that it turns out to be a profitable affair. In fact, with zero competition around it, the film should enter do...

Do You Wanna Partner Trailer: Tamannaah Bhatia, Diana Penty enter into a ‘tipsy’ partnership; Nakuul Mehta, Shweta Tiwari will leave you surprised

Prime Video has unveiled the trailer of its upcoming Hindi original comedy drama series Do You Wanna Partner, starring Tamannaah Bhatia and Diana Penty in lead roles. The show, produced by Dharmatic Entertainment, will premiere on September 12 in India and across 240 countries and territories worldwide. Backed by Karan Johar, Adar Poonawalla, and Apoorva Mehta as producers, with Somen Mishra and Archit Kumar as executive producers, the series is directed by Archit Kumar and Collin D'Cunha. The script comes from Nandini Gupta, Aarsh Vora, and Mithun Gangopadhyay, with Gangopadhyay and Nishant Nayak as creators. The ensemble cast also includes Jaaved Jaaferi, Nakuul Mehta, Shweta Tiwari, Neeraj Kabi, Sufi Motiwala, and Rannvijay Singha. The trailer sets the tone with a quirky, high-energy look into the lives of best friends Shikha (Tamannaah Bhatia) and Anahita (Diana Penty). Determined to break into the start-up space, the duo launch their own craft beer brand, only to find themse...

Sonam Kapoor lends silent support to backlash against Guru Randhawa music video after it sparks outrage

Singer Guru Randhawa has landed in hot water after his latest music video stirred massive outrage online. The video, which features adult women dressed as school girls, has been criticized for its problematic portrayal and disturbing theme. What has particularly angered audiences is the song’s lyrics, which compare school girls to tequila, as well as the storyline where an adult photographer is seen crushing on one of the school girls. Soon after the release, a leading publication called out the video on social media for promoting regressive and dangerous fantasies. Actress Sonam Kapoor Ahuja, who has often voiced her opinion on social issues, seemed to support the criticism by liking the post, thereby subtly amplifying the conversation around the song. The backlash on social media has been relentless, with many netizens slamming both the concept and the messaging of the video. Several users expressed their outrage in strong words, “Yes! This is the first thing that shocked me when ...

Sunny Sanskari Ki Tulsi Kumari Teaser: Varun Dhawan and Janhvi Kapoor promise a full-on Dharma blockbuster

The big-screen spectacle of Dharma Productions is back, and it arrives with a bang this Dussehra! The much-awaited teaser of Sunny Sanskari Ki Tulsi Kumari has finally dropped, setting the stage for what promises to be the grand festive entertainer of 2025. Slated for release on October 2, the film is already being hailed as the quintessential Dharma experience, filled with vibrant emotions, high-voltage drama, and all the elements that define Bollywood masala at its finest. The teaser opens with dazzling visuals and a colorful swirl of music, dance, and romance, capturing the unmistakable Dharma Productions vibe. Audiences are treated to glimpses of Varun Dhawan and Janhvi Kapoor’s playful chemistry, Sanya Malhotra and Rohit Saraf’s intriguing screen presence, and the comedic punches delivered by Varun himself. The promise is clear — this is not just a love story, but a rollercoaster ride of laughter, lies, and larger-than-life celebrations. Directed by Shashank Khaitan, Sunny Sansk...

Ayushmann Khurrana–Sara Ali Khan film set experiences chaos: Pati Patni Aur Woh 2 shoot turns ugly in Prayagraj

The much-awaited romantic comedy Pati Patni Aur Woh 2, starring Ayushmann Khurrana and Sara Ali Khan, has found itself in the middle of an unexpected storm. The film, which brings the two actors together for the first time on screen, is currently being shot in Prayagraj (formerly known as Allahabad). However, what was supposed to be a smooth schedule recently took a turbulent turn when the production team faced major resistance from the locals. According to eyewitness accounts, tensions between the crew and some locals escalated during filming, eventually spiralling into a physical confrontation. Reports suggest that certain members of the crew were allegedly beaten up by agitated locals, creating panic on the set. The exact cause of the rift remains unclear, but the situation has raised concerns about security arrangements during high-profile shoots in crowded public spaces. Fight During Shooting of Pati Patni aur Wo 2 byu/bollyfanboi inBollyBlindsNGossip Even as this controversy br...

EXCLUSIVE: Poster of The Kerala Story actress Adah Sharma’s Haatak revealed: “I am so glad that filmmakers are seeing me in diverse characters”

The makers of Haatak have dropped the powerful first poster of the crime thriller, and it’s already grabbing attention. The poster features Adah Sharma in an intense avatar as Shivranjani Acharya. She is seen in a striking look — donning a trench coat, suit, and cap and armed with a gun — symbolizing the film’s raw and intense tone. With the tagline “One Heist, No Mercy”, the makers are clearly hinting at a gripping narrative filled with action and suspense. Adah Sharma said, “I’m very excited to be working on Haatak. Ajay sir is a renowned ad filmmaker and this film marks his debut. When I read the script and he explained his vision with such clarity, I was on! I'm also glad that after The Kerala Story, Sunflower 2 and Reeta Sanyal, filmmakers are seeing me in diverse characters.” Directed and written by debutant filmmaker Ajay K Sharmaa, who has earlier made his mark in the ad world, Haatak is produced by 8 Pictures. The film, inspired by true events, promises a raw and hard-hi...

Govinda’s wife Sunita Ahuja denies divorce rumours; says, “Rumours pe believe na karein”

Bollywood actor Govinda and his wife, Sunita Ahuja, have addressed recent speculation about their marriage, firmly denying any rift between them.  The couple appeared united during the Ganesh Chaturthi celebrations at their residence, putting to rest rumours suggesting a possible divorce. In a candid interaction with the Viral Bhayani, Sunita expressed her unwavering commitment to her husband, stating, “Aaj toh humko sath dekhne ke baad sharam karo bhaiii bolne ke liye yeh baat. Itna close jo hum khade the, ek dusre the sath aisa lagta bhi hai kya hum alag honge, kabhi nahi. Jab tak hum moonh na khole tab tak aap please rumours pe believe na karein, aap log koi bhi cheez mein na boliye.” The couple's son, Yashvardhan Ahuja, also joined them during the festivities, and the family was seen distributing sweets to the paparazzi gathered outside their home.  Govinda wore a red kurta, while Sunita donned a purple saree, radiating warmth and unity. Earlier, Govinda's manager, Shas...

EXCLUSIVE: Trailer of Aabeer Gulaal to release on August 28 at 1 PM; Fawad Khan-Vaani Kapoor starrer to release worldwide, excluding India, on September 12

Today, that is, Thursday, August 28, the much awaited trailer of Aabeer Gulaal, will be unveiled at 1:00 pm IST. Starring the irresistible Fawad Khan and the radiant Vaani Kapoor, the film releases worldwide (except India) on September 12, 2025. From the very first frame, the trailer brims with joy, energy, and serendipity. It teases the playful yet profound journey of Aabeer (Fawad Khan) and Gulaal (Vaani Kapoor) — a “situationship, friendship, relationship” that blossoms in the most unexpected of ways. Aabeer Gulaal is more than a romance — it’s a fiery celebration of second chances, unspoken connections, and the courage to make space for love. Messy, inconvenient, Magical — love arrives unannounced, and the trailer captures that truth with irresistible charm. We meet the irresistibly charming Aabeer at a food contest, only to be swept into Gulaal’s spirited world of culinary flair and dance-floor fire. Her knack for landing in sticky situations collides with Aabeer’s reluctant ye...

Param Sundari Box Office Prediction: To open in Rs 6-7 crores range

15 days after the twin release of much hyped War 2 and Coolie, theatres will finally see a new release in the form of Param Sundari. With Sidharth Malhotra and Janhvi Kapoor in the lead, the film is a romantic musical drama and comparisons with Chennai Express have already been floating around ever since the trailer unveiled. After all, this one too is about a romantic affair between a North Indian guy and a South Indian girl and what happens when former visits latter’s native town. One now waits to see though if the comparisons are just restricted to the trailer or go beyond that in the entire film as well. It could well be the fact that this comparison has actually helped create some buzz for the film and the core storyline is actually different, something that would be known when one eventually watches it at the big screen. For both Sidharth and Janhvi, this is an important film since they are looking for a hit. The good part is that a couple of songs from the film have become popu...

Papa Kehte Hain star Mayoori Kango is now leading Publicis Groupe in India

Remember Mayoori Kango, the girl-next-door who made her big Bollywood debut in Papa Kehte Hain (1996) opposite Jugal Hansraj? While her filmi career was short-lived, she’s now making waves in an entirely different world. The actress-turned-professional has rejoined Publicis Groupe in a high-profile role, proving that her journey took a very unexpected turn after Bollywood. According to her latest LinkedIn update, Mayoori is now part of the global executive leadership team for Publicis Global Delivery (PGD) and has also been named CEO of the company’s India Delivery Center. Quite the leap from silver screen ingénue to corporate head honcho. Announcing her big career move, she wrote, “I'm delighted to share that I've rejoined Publicis Groupe as part of the global executive leadership team for #Publicis Global Delivery (PGD). In this role, I'll be partnering with the PGD Global team to shape our global solutions and services across media, tech, and digital — while also stepp...

Saif Ali Khan becomes the royal face of JK Masale in new campaign celebrating legacy and taste

Bollywood’s stylish Nawab, Saif Ali Khan, is bringing his royal charm to your kitchen! The actor has just been announced as the brand ambassador of JK Spices & Food Products, popularly known as JK Masale — a household name trusted by Indians for over 67 years. The collaboration feels like a match made in heaven. On one side, Saif Ali Khan with his royal Pataudi lineage, effortless sophistication, and star power spanning decades. On the other, JK Masale, a brand that has seasoned Indian kitchens with authenticity, purity, and legacy since 1958. Together, they promise to spice things up in more ways than one, revealed the brand. Talking about why Saif was the perfect fit, the brand shared a statement saying, “In Saif Ali Khan, we see a reflection of our own journey. His royal lineage, refined persona, and the trust he commands make him a natural fit for a brand like ours. This partnership goes beyond endorsement – it is a union of legacies, where tradition and modern taste come tog...

Madras HC steps in as Boney Kapoor battles fresh ownership claims over Sridevi’s 1988 ECR property

The Madras High Court has stepped into a fresh legal battle involving late Bollywood icon Sridevi’s property on Chennai’s East Coast Road (ECR), directing the Tambaram tahsildar to make a clear decision within four weeks. The case was brought forward by film producer Boney Kapoor, who has accused three individuals of fraudulently staking ownership over land his wife had purchased back in 1988. Justice N. Anand Venkatesh, who presided over the matter, issued the directive after hearing Kapoor’s plea to cancel a legal heirship certificate obtained by the claimants in 2005. According to Kapoor, the document was wrongly issued in their favour and is now being used to assert rights over Sridevi’s farmhouse property. The contested land has deep roots, tracing back to its original owner, M.C. Sambanda Mudaliar. His family had divided the property among three sons and two daughters through a mutual arrangement in 1960. Relying on this arrangement, Sridevi lawfully purchased the land on April...

Inspector Zende Trailer: Netflix promises a showdown between Manoj Bajpayee and Jim Sarbh in a high-stakes cat-and-mouse chase

Netflix has unveiled the trailer of its upcoming film Inspector Zende, set to stream exclusively on the platform from September 5. Written and directed by Chinmay Mandlekar and produced by Jay Shewakramani and Om Raut, the film is loosely inspired by the real-life story of Inspector Madhukar Zende, a street-smart Mumbai cop who became a legend for capturing the notorious “Swimsuit Killer,” Carl Bhojraj — not once, but twice. Set in an era before CCTV surveillance and digital forensics, Inspector Zende traces the relentless pursuit of a cop who relied on instinct, resourcefulness, and teamwork to bring down one of the city’s most elusive criminals. The film stars Manoj Bajpayee in the titular role, with Jim Sarbh portraying Carl Bhojraj. The supporting cast includes Sachin Khedekar, Bhalchandra Kadam, Harish Dudhade, Onkar Raut, Bharat Savale, and Nitin Bhajan as part of Zende’s trusted team. Girija Oak and Vaibhav Mangale also appear in key roles. The trailer teases a mix of quirky c...

Tina Ahuja breaks silence on Govinda-Sunita divorce buzz: “It’s all rumours”

Bollywood actor Tina Ahuja has finally responded to the persistent rumours surrounding her parents, Govinda and Sunita Ahuja, and their alleged divorce. In an interview with Hindustan Times, Tina dismissed the reports outright, calling them baseless and untrue. “It’s all rumours. I don’t pay attention to these rumours,” Tina said firmly. She further added, “I feel blessed to have a beautiful family, and I’m truly grateful for all the love, concern and support we’ve been receiving from the media, fans, and loved ones.” The clarification comes after weeks of speculation that began when Sunita Ahuja shared an emotional vlog online. The video sparked chatter about potential trouble in the couple’s marriage. This was followed by claims that Govinda and Sunita were living separately, and further fuel was added when some reports suggested that Tina herself had filed for divorce at the Family Court in Mumbai. Adding to the confusion, Govinda’s manager had earlier told media outlets that a d...

Guneet Monga Kapoor and Anurag Kashyap to present Manoj Bajpayee’s Jugnuma (The Fable), Raam Reddy directorial locks September 12 theatrical release

Do you believe in magic? Brace yourself for an extraordinary cinematic journey with multiple National Award winning actor Manoj Bajpayee as he headlines the upcoming feature Jugnuma, whose English title is The Fable. The magical-realism drama is the second feature directorial of Raam Reddy, who had stunned the world with his 2016 Kannada National Award winning debut Thithi. After picking up glory across film festivals—including premiering at Berlin International Film Festival, winning Best Film at Leeds International Film Festival and Special Jury Prize at MAMI Mumbai Film Festival—the makers on Monday announced that Jugnuma will hit the big screen in India on September 12, with two globally renowned names coming on board as Executive Producers: Academy Award Winner Guneet Monga Kapoor and Anurag Kashyap. Set in the late 80s, the film follows Dev (Bajpayee), who discovers mysteriously burnt trees in his sprawling estate of fruit orchards nestled in the Indian Himalayas. In spite of ...

Bigg Boss 19 Contestants Revealed: From Amaal Malik to Gaurav Khanna, here’s who entered the house this season

The much-awaited Bigg Boss 19 premiered on Monday evening, August 24, with 16 diverse contestants stepping into the iconic house. Staying true to its tradition of mixing glamour, controversy, and talent, this year’s lineup features television heartthrobs, social media stars, models, actors, and even a celebrated musician. Leading the list is Ashnoor Kaur, who recently made headlines with a nostalgic reel from Saath Nibhana Saathiya. Joining her is Gaurav Khanna, the much-loved Anuj from Anupamaa, bringing his massive TV fan base into the show. Popular faces like Basheer Ali (Kundali Bhagya) and Abhishek Bajaj (Student of The Year 2, Babli Bouncer) add more television and film charisma to the house.   View this post on Instagram   A post shared by ColorsTV (@colorstv)   View this post on Instagram   A post shared by ColorsTV (@colorstv)   View this post on Instagram   A post shared by ColorsTV (@colorstv)   View this post on Instagram ...

Manish Malhotra to reveal first glimpse of Gustaakh Ishq on Monday, film set for November release

Fashion designer Manish Malhotra will unveil the first glimpse of Gustaakh Ishq on Monday. Marking his debut as a film producer under Stage 5 Production, he announced the update on social media and also confirmed that the film will release in November. A part of his note read, “Since childhood, I’ve lived with a deep Ishq for cinema. The magic of the stories, the glow of the big screen and the emotions that stay long after the credits roll.” He added, “That love has shaped who I am, and today, it gives me the greatest joy to share a dream come true. This November, 2025, my first film as a producer, Gustaakh Ishq - Kuch Pehle Jaisa will release in theatres. A film born out of passion, poetry and a celebration of love in all it’s forms.”   View this post on Instagram   A post shared by Manish Malhotra (@manishmalhotra05) Another part of it read, “This Monday, I will be sharing with you, the very first glimpse into the poetic world of Gustaakh Ishq. This journey is special,...

Regena Cassandrra wraps first schedule of Madhur Bhandarkar’s The Wives in Mumbai

Regena Cassandrra, the leading lady of Madhur Bhandarkar’s upcoming mystery thriller The Wives, has successfully wrapped the first schedule of the film’s shoot in Mumbai. The actress recently hinted at the schedule wrap on social media, sharing a candid behind-the-scenes picture from the set, dressed in a sleek black outfit while holding a clapperboard that read ‘The Wives'. The Wives aims to dive deep into the glamorous yet turbulent world of Bollywood star wives, peeling back the curtain on their hidden realities, high-profile scandals, and the extravagant lifestyles they lead. Joining Regena in this intriguing ensemble cast are Mouni Roy, Sonali Kulkarni, and other notable names, making the project one of the most anticipated in Bhandarkar’s filmography. Known for his sharp and concept-driven storytelling, Madhur Bhandarkar once again is expected to bring his signature touch to The Wives, blending drama, suspense, and realism into a compelling narrative. With the first schedul...

Akshay Kumar, Saif Ali Khan reunite after 18 years for Priyadarshan’s Haiwaan

Bollywood heavyweights Akshay Kumar and Saif Ali Khan have officially begun filming for their much-anticipated collaboration with veteran director Priyadarshan, marking a reunion after nearly two decades. Production for the Hindi thriller Haiwaan officially kicked off today in Kochi, Kerala. Akshay Kumar shared a behind-the-scenes video from the set, teasing his co-star and director and capturing fans’ attention with a playful exchange. In the video, Akshay is seen holding a clapperboard while wearing a T-shirt inscribed “Saint.” Priyadarshan jokingly insists he should instead wear “Haiwaan.” Akshay responds, “For all you know, he (Saif) must be the devil. This devil you know about and this devil you don’t know about.”   View this post on Instagram   A post shared by Jolly Mishra - Asli Jolly from Kanpur (@akshaykumar) Accompanying the clip, Akshay wrote, “Hum sab hi hain thode se shaitaan… Koi upar se Saint, koi andar se Haiwaan. Starting the shoot for #Haiwaan today wit...

War 2 (Hindi) Box Office: Goes down further on Friday

Despite an open week with no new release, War 2 (Hindi) couldn’t sustain itself and went down further on its second Friday. The film had brought in Rs. 4 crores on Thursday, so one would have expected that if not seeing an increase in numbers, it would at least stabilise on Friday and bring in Rs. 3.75-4 crores again. However, that was not the case to be as collections plummeted further to Rs. 3.50 crores*. This shows how the film hasn’t been accepted at all, and now all hopes whatsoever of scoring at least one more double digit number have gone for a toss. Had the collections at least moved up to Rs. 5 crores then by some stroke of luck it could have got into that Rs. 8-10 crores zone on Sunday. That would have been very tough though but at least trending wise there was some possibility. However, now that the trending is negative, going up to even Rs. 6-7 crores by Sunday looks very difficult since audiences are just not interested in catching this film in big numbers. The Hrithik R...

Screen Awards 2025 goes digital: Iconic celebration premieres on YouTube

The Indian Express Group is proud to unveil a bold reimagining of Screen Awards 2025 on YouTube, one of India’s most iconic celebrations, of cinema and storytelling. The Screen Awards 2025 is more than just an awards show. Combining editorial credibility, cultural legacy, and digital reach, it reflects the Indian Express Group’s journalism-first ethos. Winners are selected by the Screen Academy, an independent, not-for-profit body of respected filmmakers, artists, and cultural voices dedicated to honouring true excellence. Anant Goenka, Executive Director of the Indian Express Group said, “Indian cinema deserves a stage that celebrates creativity beyond collections. Our storytellers carry 1.4 billion dreams — rooted in tradition and racing toward an exciting future. This award will honour that spirit and spotlight India’s boldest, most original voices. We’re thrilled YouTube shares our enthusiasm for this endeavour." Taking a digital-first approach to content and format, the Sc...

SCOOP: Star kid vs Star kid - Agastya Nanda-starrer Ikkis postponed; to clash with Junaid Khan's Ek Din on November 7

Sriram Raghavan is one of the most celebrated filmmakers of our industry. Hence, his next film Ikkis is much awaited. It stars Agastya Nanda and this will be his first theatrical film and second film as an actor after the 2023 Netflix original, The Archies. It is scheduled to be released on October 2 and Bollywood Hungama has learned that the film has been postponed. A source told Bollywood Hungama, "Ikkis will now release on November 7. The decision was taken by producer Dinesh Vijan of Maddock Films who felt that the first week of November and post-Diwali time will be ideal for their movie." An industry insider commented, "This is a good move as two major films are scheduled for a release on October 2 - Sunny Sanskari Ki Tulsi Kumari and Kantara: A Legend - Chapter 1. November 7 is a better date in that regard." Ikkis also stars Dharmendra and Jaideep Ahlawat. It is against the backdrop of the 1971 war and follows the life of second Lieutenant Arun Khetrapal. A...

Jurassic World: Rebirth Box Office: Film crosses the Rs. 100 crores mark in India; collects Rs. 100.07 crores to surpass F1: The Movie, Superman, The Fantastic 4: First Steps

Universal Pictures’ Jurassic World: Rebirth has stormed past the Rs. 100 crores benchmark at the Indian box office, becoming only the second Hollywood release of 2025 to achieve this feat. The film has collected an impressive Rs. 100.07 crores so far, pushing it just ahead of F1: The Movie (Rs. 95.04 crores), Superman (Rs. 48.89 crores), and The Fantastic 4: First Steps (Rs. 25 crores), further cementing its place as one of the biggest international hits of the year in the country. The dino-franchise, which has consistently enjoyed massive popularity with Indian audiences since Jurassic World (2015), has once again proven its box office clout. The nostalgic appeal of the brand, combined with cutting-edge VFX and large-scale action sequences, has drawn families and younger audiences alike to theatres. Trade experts highlight that the film’s strong run also reflects India’s growing appetite for Hollywood blockbusters that combine franchise value with spectacle-driven entertainment. Wit...

Bengali superstar Victor Banerjee appeals to the President of India for a smooth release of The Bengal Files in West Bengal

Victor Banerjee has started a petition campaign for the smooth release of Vivek Agnihotri’s The Bengal Files in West Bengal. Said Vivek, “As you may already know, the film The Bengal Files is scheduled for screening on September 5, 2025. This film represents a courageous first attempt to bring to light a dark and painful chapter in the history of Bengal and India. However, in a deeply concerning development, the trailer of the film was illegally and forcibly stopped during its launch event in Kolkata.” Victor reiterated his misgivings regarding the controversial film’s release in his home territory. “We have every reason to believe that the upcoming screening of the film in West Bengal may also face deliberate obstruction or suppression. Such actions not only violate the freedom of artistic expression but also deny citizens their constitutional right to truth and free thought. We are therefore making an urgent appeal to the Honorable President of Bharat to ensure that the screening i...

Jurassic World: Rebirth Box Office: Enters Rs. 100 Crore Club, is a SOLID HIT

It’s a century for Jurassic World: Rebirth. In its seventh week, the film has gone past the Rs. 100 crores mark and hence has become the first Hollywood movie to enter the Rs. 100 Crore Club in 2025. In the process, it has emerged as a solid hit at the box office. The film had opened quite well and scored Rs. 56.48 crores in its first week. Reports for the film were mixed and hence it had seemed that it would fold up around Rs. 80 crores mark. However, there is a loyal fan following of the franchise and that ensured that footfalls kept coming. Moreover, the film travelled in the interiors as well and collections in B and C centres ensured that box office kept ticking. As a result, the second week saw Rs. 25.61 crores coming in, which was just a little over 50% drop. In the third week, it again managed to score in double digits but ever since then the drops were seen for the film. Still, somehow it has now managed to touch Rs. 100 crores mark and though it has taken time to reach ther...

SHOCKING: Imran Khan recalls the time when his script was PLAGIARIZED: "I was powerless; they didn't know about my family; to them, I was just a kid off the street"

A big fear that plagues scriptwriters in our industry is that someone might plagiarize their script. Believe it or not, Imran Khan also went through a similar turmoil way back in 2005. The actor spoke about it in detail in an interview with Planet Bollywood. Imran Khan began by saying, “The incident about me taking a script to a channel and it getting stolen happened in early 2005. In the aftermath of that, I found I was completely powerless and could not catch hold of the guys who did this to me. I had gone into this meeting. It had been set up through contacts. These people had no context of my family relationships or background. To them, I was just a kid off the street. That is why they felt comfortable enough to lift my script. I was helpless and could not hold them accountable. I was very upset about it. If I had some name or recognition of my own, they might not have done this. To what extent that is true is a debatable point. I was 22 at that point.” Imran Khan further said, “...

EXCLUSIVE: Rowdy Rathore 2 scrapped after 3 years; script now being reworked into a standalone original film

‘Rowdy Rathore 2’ seems not to be happening anymore. Industry sources have exclusively informed us that producers Shabinaa Khan and Sanjay Leela Bhansali have scrapped the much-awaited sequel after three years of persistent but fruitless efforts to develop it. And the script intended for the sequel will now be used to make a standalone original film. Disney India, which owns the intellectual property rights to the original Rowdy Rathore (2012) along with Sanjay Leela Bhansali after its acquisition of Ronnie Screwvala’s UTV Motion Pictures, has reportedly been hesitant to greenlight the sequel despite initial discussions. “With Disney unwilling to commit, Shabinaa Khan and Sanjay Leela Bhansali have decided to scrap the idea of Rowdy Rathore 2 altogether and repurpose the script into a standalone commercial entertainer, free from the Rowdy Rathore tag,” a source exclusively told Bollywood Hungama. The script, penned by veteran screenplay writer V. Vijayendra Prasad, is now undergoing ...

Alia Bhatt’s NCB campaign video faces online backlash

Alia Bhatt recently appeared in a campaign video released by the Chandigarh division of the Narcotics Control Bureau. What was meant to be a strong awareness message soon turned into controversy online, drawing sharp reactions from many users. The criticism eventually forced the agency to turn off comments on the post, but the video still remained the talk of social media, with many continuing to share and react to it in different ways. The clip was shared on NCB’s official X account, where Alia urged people to stand against drugs and support the bureau’s mission. Within hours of being posted, the video gained traction and went viral, crossing 1.1 million views and being shared more than 680 times. The caption on the post read, "Alia Bhatt joins hands with NCB to spread the message of a #DrugsFreeBharat #NashaMuktBharat #azadifromdrugs". In the video, Alia addressed the issue of drug addiction, calling it a growing threat to individuals, society, and the nation. She asked p...

Neena Gupta hits back at troll over wearing shorts at the airport: “Shorts wali desi girl”

Veteran actor Neena Gupta, celebrated for her candid demeanour and bold fashion choices, recently responded with grace and wit to a troll’s body-shaming comment after she posted a video from the airport. In the clip, Gupta shared how she carries homemade snacks during long airport waits—specifically, roti rolls packed in a tiffin filled with potatoes, chillies, paneer, onions, and other ingredients—with the caption: “Shorts wali desi girl.” The video, featuring the actor dressed in a casual black outfit and shorts and speaking directly to the camera in the airport lounge, earned a mixed reaction from viewers. One commenter wrote, “Very good ...only request dont show your legs ,they are not well toned ...we have never seen dadi mummy showing their legs this way ...ageing gracefully is excellent.”   View this post on Instagram   A post shared by Neena Gupta (@neena_gupta) Unfazed by the criticism, Gupta fired back with characteristic confidence and candor, “Don’t worry. The...

War 2 (Hindi) Box Office: Hrithik Roshan and NTR starrer goes up on Blockbuster Tuesday

There was some respite for War 2 as collections went up on Blockbuster Tuesday. With the ticket rates going low, the footfalls went up and as a result the collections stood at Rs. 8.50 crores. This is better than Monday which had gone down to Rs. 7.50 crores, which was a huge drop from the opening day (Rs. 29 crores). In fact, it’s some sort of respite that the collections saw some improvement because the kind of free flow that was seen on Monday, it wouldn’t have been surprising if the numbers would have gone down to Rs. 6-7 crores range despite cheaper tickets. After all, it has been seen multiple times before that when there is rejection from the audiences then there is no breathing space whatsoever. All eyes are now on how the hold is there today and tomorrow. If somehow the collections stay around that Rs. 6 crores mark then that would mean there is some sort of second weekend ahead of it, especially due to no new notable release. However, if the collections end up hitting that ...

Anurag Kashyap slams AI-made Lord Hanuman film, calls out producers: “You should be in the gutter”

On Tuesday, Abundantia Entertainment and Collective Media Network announced a new film on Lord Hanuman that is reportedly being made entirely with Artificial Intelligence (AI). The announcement quickly stirred up heated debates within the Indian film fraternity, with many filmmakers and artists voicing concerns over the lack of a humane touch in creativity. Among those who expressed strong displeasure was filmmaker Anurag Kashyap, known for his unfiltered opinions and acclaimed works like Gangs of Wasseypur. Taking to Instagram, Kashyap shared a long note sharply criticizing the production houses for this move and questioned the role of artist representation agencies in enabling such projects. Kashyap’s post read, “Congratulations @vijaysubramaniam84 . Here is the man heading the @lifeatcollectiveartistsnetwork that represents artists, writer, directors , now producing a film made by AI . So much for looking after and representing the interests of creators. End of the day , all these...

SCOOP: Mahesh Manjrekar approaches Sanjay Dutt to play the lead in Hindi remake of Juna Furniture

Mahesh Manjrekar and Sanjay Dutt once made for an envious director-actor jodi. Both collaborated for the first time on Vaastav (1999). The film turned out to be a cult and is considered to be one of the most accomplished performances of the actor. Later, Mahesh Manjrekar directed Sanjay Dutt in Kurukshetra (2000), Hathyar (2002), Pitaah (2002), Rakht (2004), Viruddh (2005) and Vaah Life Ho Toh Aisi (2005). If all goes well, both might join hands once again, after nearly two decades, for the remake of the acclaimed 2024 Marathi film, Juna Furniture. A source told Bollywood Hungama, “Mahesh Manjrekar directed Juna Furniture and he played the main lead. The film got a lot of critical acclaim for its message, subject and performances. Mahesh realized that it has the potential to touch the Hindi-speaking audiences as well. Hence, he has begun work on the scripting of the Hindi remake.” The source further said, “He has approached Sanjay Dutt as he feels that the veteran actor will do compl...

Veteran actor Achyut Potdar, known as the professor in 3 Idiots, passes away at 91

Veteran actor Achyut Potdar, best known for his memorable role as a college professor in the iconic film 3 Idiots, passed away on Monday in Thane, Maharashtra, at the age of 91. As per reports, the actor was admitted to Jupiter Hospital in Thane due to health complications. The exact cause of his death has not been revealed, but reports suggest he had been recently hospitalised due to age-related health issues. Before his acting career, Potdar had a distinguished journey in public service. He served as a captain in the Indian Army, later worked as a professor, and then took up a corporate role with Indian Oil Corporation, where he spent nearly 25 years before retiring in 1992. Remarkably, he entered Bollywood at the age of 44, where he went on to become one of the most recognizable character actors in Indian cinema. Over his career, Potdar appeared in more than 125 films and nearly 100 television serials. His dignified presence and versatile portrayals—often as professors, doctors, j...

REVEALED: Sanjay Leela Bhansali goes global; Love & War to be his first overseas shoot in 26 years after Hum Dil De Chuke Sanam

2026 is going to be exciting as some of the biggest films, featuring popular names, are scheduled for release. One of the highly awaited ones is Love & War. It is directed by Sanjay Leela Bhansali and features an envious star cast comprising Ranbir Kapoor, Alia Bhatt and Vicky Kaushal. Another factor that is enticing about this film is that its Bhansali’s first film in 26 years, which will be shot abroad. A source told Bollywood Hungama, “Sanjay Leela Bhansali is known for making grand and visually spectacular films. Yet, he hasn’t gone abroad for the same for his films like Devdas (2002), Black (2005), Saawariya (2007), Guzaarish (2010), Goliyon Ki Raasleela Ram-leela (2013), Bajirao Mastani (2015), Padmaavat (2018) and Gangubai Kathiawadi (2022). Hum Dil De Chuke Sanam (1998) was the last film for which he travelled abroad, to Hungary (depicted in the film as Italy), to shoot a crucial sequence of the second half.” The source continued, “But for Love & War, there’s a requir...

Vivek Agnihotri warns of legal action if The Bengal Files release is blocked in West Bengal

Filmmaker Vivek Ranjan Agnihotri has warned that he will pursue legal recourse if the release of his film The Bengal Files is prohibited in West Bengal. This statement came during a press conference following the disruption of the film’s trailer launch in Kolkata. Scheduled to hit theatres on September 5, The Bengal Files delves into the Calcutta riots of August 16, 1946, triggered by the All-India Muslim League’s call for “Direct Action Day” . Vivek Agnihotri recounted the series of setbacks faced during the trailer launch: it was initially cancelled by a multiplex, then shifted to a hotel where the power suddenly went out, and police eventually intervened to inquire whether proper permissions had been obtained . “We will go by the Constitution. We will go legally. If they stop us, we will take the legal course. What can we do? We are common citizens like you… We will pray that sanity prevails and the state government does not do it,” said the director, directly challenging the Mam...

PVR Inox's popcorn power: Despite ticket sales dropping Rs. 316 cr, F&B spends rise 1.5%

Despite a sharper-than-expected decline in moviegoers during FY25, PVR Inox — India’s largest multiplex chain — managed to keep revenues afloat by leaning into its Food & Beverage (F&B) offerings, according to company filings and annual reports. The cinemas business faced headwinds from a fallout of the 2023 Hollywood strikes and a softer line-up of mainstream Indian films. Footfalls dropped significantly — ticket sales earnings plunged from Rs. 3,258 crore in FY24 to approximately Rs. 2,942 crore last year, accounting for a Rs. 316 crore fall. Admissions fell nearly 10%, shrinking from 15.14 crore to 13.69 crore overall. Yet the silver lining came from concessions. Not only did the average ticket price remain stable at Rs. 259, but the average spend per customer on F&B rose 1.5% — from Rs. 132 to Rs. 134. This helped F&B income decline at a lower rate of around Rs. 153 crore, compared to the sharper drop in ticketing revenue. Overall, cinema food revenues dropped from...