Hrithik Roshan lays down HRX Films rulebook: "You are a FOOL if you bypass the director!"; points out secret ingredient behind global success of RRR and Aamir Khan's films in China: "Integrity, conviction, unadulterated vision"

In an interview with BrandEquity, Hrithik Roshan spoke in detail about what it takes for a story to earn a greenlight under HRX Films. He also explained why, for him, the final stamp always comes down to the director’s complete adoption of the script.

Talking about his banner, Hrithik Roshan said, “HRX Films is a division of FilmKraft because that is the main school that I learned from. So, HRX Films operates under FilmKraft and it is the sweet spot between the commercial thinking of that school or my dad's school and content that is high on emotions, high on the nuances and HRX Films is about creating that sweet spot that brings both of these together.”

He explained, “Some big commercial films I have done are a community experience where you have the entire theatre clapping. But then there are some films that you watch just by yourself, and you feel fulfilled, you cry, and it changes you from the inside. It's cathartic and that catharsis, shall I say, I never get in a highly commercial banger of a film. That cathartic journey is always missed. So, HRX Films is an attempt to bring these two together and try to see if we can hit that sweet spot.”

Hrithik credited his cousin brother Eshaan, who identifies “the names, the scripts, the directors” and puts them through an in-office filtration, before it reaches Hrithik Roshan. He revealed, “There are times when I don't like the script, but he likes it a lot. So, he waits 6-8 months and brings it back to me. By that time, I have changed a little bit in my life and I am in a better position to actually recognize the beauty of the script.”

Hrithik then opened up about producing Storm and praised director Ajitpal Singh of Tabbar fame, “When I met Ajit, I just fell in love with him and his creative mind. I, honestly, told him, 'Whatever you will make I am with you'”.

On the question of creative control, Hrithik’s stance is blunt: “You are a fool if you think that you can inject your genius ideas without the acceptance of the director into his film…If you try to push something, bypassing him or forcing him to accept something that he doesn't feel fits into his film, you are being a fool. You are being unintelligent and you are self-sabotaging yourself because only the director will know what the entire painting is going to look like and whether that colour or that stroke is correct or wrong.”

Finally, Hrithik argued that Indian content is increasingly global, from the reach of Raj Kapoor and Mithun Chakraborty in Russia to the performance of Aamir Khan’s films in China, and the worldwide ripple of RRR. He pointed out the common ingredient in all these films – “There is an ingredient of integrity, conviction and a vision that is unadulterated. They are very truthful to the vision of that one director.”

Also Read: Hrithik Roshan vs Jr NTR comes home this Republic Day; War 2 gets its world TV premiere on Star Gold

Ghooskhor Pandat director Neeraj Pandey BREAKS SILENCE after petition filed against Manoj Bajpayee starrer: “We have decided to take down all promotional materials…”

Filmmaker Neeraj Pandey has issued an official clarification following the filing of a writ petition in the Delhi High Court seeking a stay on the release and streaming of the upcoming Netflix film Ghooskhor Pandat. The petition alleges that the film’s title and promotional material are offensive and defamatory to the Brahmin community.

In a statement shared publicly, Pandey asserted that Ghooskhor Pandat is a fictional cop drama and that the term “Pandat” refers only to a colloquial nickname of a fictional character, not to any caste, religion or community.

“Our film is a fictional cop drama, and the term ‘Pandat’ is used simply as a colloquial name for a fictional character. The story focuses on an individual’s actions and choices and does not comment on or represent any caste, religion, or community,” Pandey said.

The director further emphasised his responsibility as a storyteller and stated that the film was created with sincere intent and purely for entertainment. “As a filmmaker, I approach my work with a deep sense of responsibility – to tell stories that are thoughtful and respectful. This film, like my earlier work, has been created with sincere intent and solely to entertain audiences,” he added.

Acknowledging the concerns raised by a section of viewers, Pandey said the team understands that the title has caused hurt and confirmed that all promotional material has been taken down temporarily.

“We understand that the title of the film has caused hurt to some viewers, and we genuinely acknowledge those feelings. In light of these concerns, we have decided to take down all promotional materials for the time being, as we believe the film should be experienced in its entirety and understood in the context of the story we intended to tell, rather than judged on partial glimpses,” the statement read.

The legal challenge, filed on February 5, 2026, by Mahender Chaturvedi, seeks a stay on the film’s release and streaming, arguing that the title Ghooskhor Pandat associates a term traditionally linked with scholarship and spirituality with corruption, thereby harming the dignity of the Brahmin community. The plea also raises concerns about collective defamation and communal harmony.

 

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Ghooskhor Pandat, which features Manoj Bajpayee in the lead role as a police officer nicknamed “Pandat,” was announced as part of Netflix’s 2026 content slate. Netflix India and the streaming platform have not issued a separate response to the petition so far. “I look forward to sharing the film with audiences soon,” Pandey concluded.

 Also Read: Petition filed in Delhi HC to stay Manoj Bajpayee starrer Ghooskhor Pandat over offensive title claim

Farah Khan develops double-role concept for Shah Rukh Khan in Main Hoon Na 2: Report

After the anticipation around Shah Rukh Khan’s upcoming film King reaches its peak, fresh reports suggest that the actor’s next project could be a sequel to one of his most beloved films, Main Hoon Na. According to an exclusive from Pinkvilla, discussions between Khan and filmmaker Farah Khan are progressing, pointing to Main Hoon Na 2 as a strong contender for his post-King slate.

Shah Rukh Khan and Farah Khan to reunite If realised, this sequel would mark a reunion between Shah Rukh Khan and Farah Khan after nearly 12 years. Their collaborations in the past — including Om Shanti Om (2007) and Happy New Year (2014) — delivered significant box office results and helped define the commercial cinema of their respective eras.

Sources quoted in the report say Farah Khan has devised an “exciting double-role concept” specifically for Khan. “Farah Khan has cracked an exciting double-role concept for Shah Rukh Khan, which has excited the superstar,” one insider told Pinkvilla. “The idea is said to elevate the emotion and entertainment quotient of the sequel, while SRK will explore two contrasting characters.” Main Hoon Na original cast to return for sequel According to the report, the sequel will retain the emotional core of the original while expanding its scope. The central narrative is expected to revolve around a new threat to India, blending elements of patriotism with action and comedy — a combination that helped make the 2004 original memorable. “The film will be a patriotism galore, with the original cast returning,” the source added.

The screenplay is being shaped under writer Aakash Kaushik, with the core story reportedly coming from Shah Rukh Khan himself. In addition to the return of some original cast members, the production team is also considering introducing new faces, preserving nostalgia while broadening the film’s appeal.

Production timelines are yet to be confirmed. Insiders indicate that Shah Rukh Khan is expected to hear the complete narration after he finishes shooting King, which is scheduled to wrap around May 2026. After the narration, Khan will make a final decision on whether to green-light Main Hoon Na 2.

This cautious approach reflects the gravity of attempting a sequel to a film that holds a special place for fans of Hindi cinema. The original Main Hoon Na blended action, drama, and light-hearted moments to become a cultural touchstone, and expectations around its follow-up are similarly high.

While Main Hoon Na 2 remains in an advanced development phase rather than actively in production, industry watchers see the reports as a strong indicator of where Shah Rukh Khan’s career may head after King.

Also Read: Next On Netflix 2026: 23 years after Kal Ho Naa Ho, Shah Rukh Khan, Saif Ali Khan reunite for Kartavya; Mismatched: Season 4 helmed by Jayeshbhai Jordaar director Divyang Thakkar

BALD and bold: Anil Kapoor to transform like never before in King; Shah Rukh Khan-starrer to release on evergreen actor’s birthday; his fifth Christmas release after Welcome, AK vs AK…

The evergreen actor Anil Kapoor has been consistently giving fine performances and this year will be no different. However, in 2026, we’ll see him experimenting with his looks like never before. On January 3, his web series, Family Business, was launched at the ‘Next On Netflix 2026’ event, in which he can be seen sporting silver hair. Meanwhile, in the much-awaited film King, the actor will be going bald, as per reports.

According to an article in Box Office Worldwide, Anil Kapoor, who’s known for his youthful appearance and hairstyle, will be sporting a bald look in the action entertainer. This is something he has never done before in his four decades of acting career. The article also carried a quote from a source who said that going bald is essential for his character in King.

King is led by Shah Rukh Khan and besides the superstar and Anil Kapoor, it also stars some of the most significant names of the industry like Deepika Padukone, Suhana Khan, Abhishek Bachchan, Rani Mukerji, Jaideep Ahlawat, Abhay Verma, Arshad Warsi, Raghav Juyal, Akshay Oberoi, Jackie Shroff, Karanvir Malhotra and others. It is directed by Siddharth Anand of Pathaan (2023) and War (2019) fame. Interestingly, Anil also featured in an important role in Siddharth’s last film, Fighter (2024).

King releases on December 24, 2026. Hence, this is the fifth film of Anil Kapoor that releases in the Christmas week. His first release on the festival was Mr Azaad, which was released on December 23, 1994. Trimurti, which incidentally also starred Shah Rukh Khan, arrived in cinemas on December 22, 1995. Then, the comedy classic Welcome was a Christmas release, as it was released in theatres on December 21, 2007. Lastly, the unique black comedy AK vs AK was also released on December 24, but it premiered directly on Netflix.

Meanwhile, December 24 holds added significance for the evergreen actor, as it’s also his birthday. Now, with King locked for a December 24 release, it remains to be seen whether the date proves lucky for Anil at the box office.

Also Read: Netflix unveils Family Business: Anil Kapoor and Vijay Varma face off in Hansal Mehta’s corporate power drama

Mirzapur: The Movie to hit theaters on September 4; Amazon MGM Studios and Excel Entertainment unveil release date

One of India’s most iconic OTT franchises makes its long-awaited leap to cinemas. The makers announced September 4 as the theatrical release date of Mirzapur: The Movie, promising audiences a larger-than-life cinematic experience rooted in the gritty world they love. The film brings back iconic characters of Mirzapur — Kaleen Bhaiya (Pankaj Tripathi), Guddu Pandit (Ali Fazal), and marks the much-anticipated comeback of Munna Bhaiya (Divyenndu), one of the franchise’s most loved characters. Now, for the first time ever, the cult saga of Mirzapur steps into cinemas, transforming its beloved world into an epic big-screen experience.

The ensemble cast also includes Jitendra Kumar, Ravi Kishan, Abhishek Banerjee, Rasika Duggal, Shweta Tripathi, Shriya Pilgaonkar, Harshita Gaur, Sushant Singh, Mohit Malik, Sheeba Chadha, Rajesh Tailang, Kulbhushan Kharbanda, Sonal Chauhan, Pramod Pathak and Anangsha Biswas.

 

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Amazon MGM Studios, and Excel Entertainment present an Excel Entertainment Production, directed by Gurmmeet Singh and written by Puneet Krishna. The film releases in cinemas on September 4, 2026.

Also Read: Ali Fazal announces wrap of Mirzapur: The Film final schedule: “We brought our A game when the camera rolled up”

Vivek Oberoi files suit in Delhi HC against AI-generated misuse and fake social accounts

Actor and entrepreneur Vivek Oberoi has approached the Delhi High Court, filing a civil suit seeking protection of his personality and publicity rights amid alleged widespread misuse of his identity through fake social media accounts, unauthorised merchandise and AI-generated content.

In the petition filed through advocates Sana Raees Khan and Pranay Chitale, Oberoi asserts that his name, image, voice, likeness and other distinctive attributes associated with him are being exploited without his consent for commercial and other gains. The suit names entities such as Collector Bazar, ZoomMantra and Indiancontent among the defendants, alongside unidentified individuals labelled as John Doe.

Oberoi’s legal team has sought a permanent injunction to restrain infringement of his personality rights, alleging that the defendants are actively impersonating him on platforms such as Instagram by operating fake accounts using his identity. The plea also highlights the sale of unauthorised merchandise — including posters, T-shirts and postcards bearing his name and likeness — on various e-commerce sites.

A significant aspect of the suit focuses on the alleged misuse of artificial intelligence and deepfake technology. Oberoi contends that AI-generated content has been used to create misleading and derogatory depictions of him, including superimposing his face onto objectionable imagery and spreading facts that he says are false. The petition describes this as potentially harmful to his reputation, creating public confusion about fake endorsements and diluting his personal identity.

Oberoi has argued that unchecked use of generative AI poses a serious risk to personality and publicity rights, leading to “public confusion regarding false endorsements, dilution of personal identity, infringement of privacy and erosion of an individual’s exclusive right to commercially benefit from their persona.”

Because such activities are widely accessible online, the actor has described it as nearly impossible to identify every infringer individually. In light of this, he has sought an omnibus ‘John Doe’ injunction to cover unknown persons found violating his rights.

Claiming that he has already suffered and is likely to suffer irreparable harm to his goodwill, reputation and business interests, Oberoi has urged the High Court to order the removal of unauthorised posts, merchandise and content, and to restrain further misuse of his identity in any form.

Also Read: Vivek Oberoi, Mona Singh, Sunny Leone, Lauren Gottlieb and other celebs share intimate glimpses from their Christmas 2025 celebrations

Not just Animal Park, is Sandeep Reddy Vanga planning a part 3 of Animal too?

Sandeep Reddy Vanga’s Ranbir Kapoor-starrer blockbuster Animal may be getting even bigger than originally planned. While Animal Park, the second instalment of the franchise, is still in the scripting stage, strong industry buzz suggests that Vanga could be contemplating expanding the narrative into a three-part saga.

Though there has been no official announcement yet, sources familiar with the development indicate that the filmmaker’s creative ambitions for the sequel may have outgrown the idea of a simple two-part structure. “Vanga’s original plan was to tell the story in two films,” a source close to the project told this writer. “But while writing the second part, he realised the narrative had far more depth and material than could be contained in just one more instalment. That’s when the possibility of a third part entered the picture.”

If this plan moves forward, Ranbir Kapoor is expected to remain the common thread across all three films. Interestingly, insiders suggest that the antagonist may not be constant through the trilogy, with different villains potentially driving the conflict in Animal Park and a possible third film, allowing each chapter to explore new dimensions of the story.

At the moment, all decisions remain contingent on the final scripting of Animal Park. However, if the speculation proves true, Animal could well evolve into one of the most expansive character-driven franchises in recent Hindi cinema, redefining how dark, adult-themed narratives are mounted on a blockbuster scale.

Also Read: Ranbir Kapoor on Animal Park says: “It will be bigger, bolder, and more engaging”

EXCLUSIVE: Adivi Sesh-Mrunal Thakur starrer Dacoit to release on April 10; makers of Pan-India action entertainer realign strategy amid multiple big releases

The exciting teaser of Dacoit was launched with much fanfare in December in the presence of its lead actors, Adivi Sesh, Mrunal Thakur and Anurag Kashyap. The Pan-India action entertainer was scheduled to release on March 19, 2026 and Bollywood Hungama has now exclusively learned that Dacoit has been pushed.

A source told Bollywood Hungama, “With March witnessing multiple releases and announcements, the makers of Dacoit have thoughtfully realigned the film’s release plans, shifting the date to April 10. It was earlier set to arrive alongside Dhurandhar: The Revenge and Toxic: A Fairytale For Grown-Ups, making it a time when multiple highly anticipated films were slated to release together. The team holds great respect for both Dhurandhar as well as Toxic and their creative teams, and firmly believes that every theatrical release deserves its own moment with audiences.”

Trade sources believe that postponing the release date of Dacoit, previously described by the makers as a ‘gold fish’ among larger releases, reflects the maker’s confidence in the film’s content and its ability to strike a chord with the audiences. The source added, “Staying true to that thought, the decision to move to April 10 comes from a place of fairness and clarity, ensuring that Dacoit gets its due spotlight while audiences can enjoy all films on their own terms. It also reflects strategic planning and thoughtful timing, focused on the film’s theatrical experience.”

Dacoit is directed by Abhinay Deo, produced by Supriya Yarlagadda and backed by S S Creations and Suniel Narang Production. As for Dhurandhar: The Revenge, it is the sequel to the much-loved blockbuster, Dhurandhar (2025) and stars Ranveer Singh and others. Meanwhile, Toxic: A Fairytale For Grown-Ups, directed by Geetu Mohandas, is a multi-starrer, starring Yash of KGF fame, Nayanthara, Kiara Advani, Huma Qureshi, Tara Sutaria, Rukmini Vasanth, Akshay Oberoi and others.

Also Read: Adivi Sesh wraps final schedule of Dacoit ahead of its anticipated festive release in March: “This film has been an intense journey”

Hussain Ustara’s daughter moves court to ban O’Romeo release; hearing on February 6

A legal dispute has emerged ahead of the scheduled theatrical release of the Hindi film O’Romeo, with Sanober Shaikh, daughter of the late Hussain Ustara, filing a civil suit in a Mumbai court seeking to stop the movie from reaching audiences. The suit, filed on Monday, alleges that the film is an unauthorised biographical portrayal of her father and portrays his life inaccurately.

Sanober Shaikh’s lawsuit names O’Romeo producer Sajid Nadiadwala, director Vishal Bhardwaj and journalist-author Hussain Zaidi as defendants. She has requested a permanent injunction to prevent the release of the film on its planned date of February 13, 2026, or on any later date unless the court rules otherwise.

According to court documents, the petition argues that no prior consent was obtained from the plaintiff before the film was developed. It asserts that the movie was produced “with the intent of commercial and monetary gain” and is closely based on the biography of Hussain Shaikh, popularly known as Hussain Ustara.

In her filing, Sanober emphasised her concern over the portrayal of her father. She claimed the depiction could inflict “irreparable injury” on her and her family, including her children, who she said deserve “to live in the world in peace and in a good atmosphere.” She also argued that the release of the film could have “serious implication[s] on the plaintiffs’ family members” and could “besmirch the character of the dead person.”

 

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The lawsuit also mentions prior legal notices that were sent to the film’s makers before the suit was filed. In response to those notices, representatives of Bhardwaj and Nadiadwala Grandson Entertainment have denied that O’Romeo is a biographical portrayal, asserting that the film is “purely a work of fiction.”

As part of the relief sought, Sanober’s petition requests that the court order a pre-screening of the film and appoint an authorised individual, such as a court commissioner, to review the content before any public release.

 

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The matter is set to be heard by the civil court on February 6, with both temporary and permanent injunctions under consideration. The film, starring Shahid Kapoor and based on Hussain Zaidi’s book Mafia Queens of Mumbai, is slated to release in theatres on February 13.

Also Read: O’Romeo trailer launch: Vishal Bhardwaj fondly remembers the corporate era: “I made Haider way back in 2014. Mujhe nahin lagta ki aaj ke time mein Haider ka ‘H’ bhi banaya ja sakta hai”

Akshay Kumar to play villain in Ajay Devgn’s Golmaal 5: Report

Bollywood’s long-running comedy series Golmaal is gearing up for its fifth instalment with a casting development that has drawn notable industry attention. According to an exclusive report by Variety India, actor Akshay Kumar has joined the ensemble of Golmaal 5, set to portray the main antagonist opposite Ajay Devgn’s character in the film.

The Golmaal franchise, directed by Rohit Shetty and first launched in 2006 with Golmaal: Fun Unlimited, has carved its reputation through high-energy humour and a strong ensemble cast. The new instalment is said to expand on that formula by incorporating fantasy elements and a more pronounced antagonist arc, while still preserving the playful tone that defines the series.

Akshay Kumar’s involvement marks a significant addition to the franchise. Known for his work across several successful comedy series, including Hera Pheri, Housefull, and Welcome, Akshay will reportedly take on a negative role that diverges from the usual comic conflicts in the Golmaal universe. This will also be his second consecutive turn as an antagonist, following his role in Priyadarshan’s Haiwaan, where he starred opposite Saif Ali Khan.

Ajay Devgn continues to anchor the Golmaal ensemble, leading a familiar group of actors. Regular cast members such as Arshad Warsi, Tusshar Kapoor, Shreyas Talpade and Kunal Kemmu are expected to return, along with veteran comedians Johnny Lever, Sanjay Mishra, Mukesh Tiwari and Ashwini Kalsekar. There is also speculation that Sharman Joshi may reprise his role, though Kareena Kapoor Khan’s participation has not yet been confirmed.

Production for Golmaal 5 is scheduled to begin by the end of February 2026 at Film City in Mumbai, with a target theatrical release in early 2027. The film arrives as the franchise celebrates two decades since its inception, and it will mark the sixth collaboration between Akshay Kumar and Ajay Devgn, following projects such as Suhaag (1994), Khakee (2004), Insan (2005), Sooryavanshi (2021) and Singham Again (2024).

At the time of the report, the makers had not officially confirmed Akshay Kumar’s casting, leaving some details subject to formal announcements.

Also Read: Akshay Kumar calls Rani Mukerji “Goddeess of acting” as he reviews Mardaani 3: “I saw it. I loved it”

Ahan Shetty and Shaad Ali’s intense romantic drama shoot is set for early summer

Riding the momentum from his widely successful Border 2, actor Ahan Shetty is set to reunite with cinematic storytelling in a new intense romantic drama directed by Shaad Ali, with principal photography expected to begin by March–April this year. The project marks a creative collaboration between one of Bollywood’s emerging performers and a filmmaker known for his work in memorable love stories.

Following Border 2’s robust box office performance, Ahan has expanded his slate with three new film commitments, one of which is this yet-untitled romance that blends action with emotional depth. “It’s an intense action love story, something I’m returning to after Tadap [2021]. I like such intense characters and the depth they carry,” Shetty told Mid-Day, underlining his interest in roles that challenge him artistically.

The film has been in development, with the creative team currently finalising both the script and music ahead of the planned shoot. Shetty — who is the son of veteran actor Suniel Shetty — described his experience working with director Shaad Ali as collaborative and reassuring. “Shaad sir knows exactly what he wants. I’m excited to work with him because we understand each other. I think he’ll get a great performance out of me. I believe in completely surrendering to my director,” he said.

While further details about the supporting cast and production schedule have yet to be confirmed, the film’s early planning reflects a deliberate approach, with flexibility in its shoot dates as creative elements come together.

Also Read: Suniel Shetty pens emotional note for “Sun” Ahan Shetty as Border 2 releases: “Watching you wear the uniform brings it full circle”

Dhadak 2 director Shazia Iqbal goes private after slamming Dhurandhar as “sinister” film promoting hate

Filmmaker Shazia Iqbal, known for her directorial debut Dhadak 2, has publicly criticised the spy thriller Dhurandhar, calling it “sinister” and asserting that “inciting hate and violence is in its DNA.” Her remarks, shared via Instagram Stories, have sparked debate within Bollywood and among audiences following the film’s successful run and recent Netflix release.

Released in December 2025, Dhurandhar, directed by Aditya Dhar and featuring Ranveer Singh in the lead role, has become one of the highest-grossing Hindi films at the domestic box office. The action-oriented espionage narrative centres on an Indian spy embedded deep within a terror network, and includes a supporting cast of well-known actors such as Akshaye Khanna, Arjun Rampal, R Madhavan, Sanjay Dutt and Sara Arjun.

Shazia Iqbal’s comments did not explicitly name the film in her initial post, but she paired her message with Dhurandhar’s title track, making clear the target of her critique. In her Instagram Story, she described the film as intentionally provocative. “What a sinister film! It’s not hidden, it’s not unintentional — inciting hate and violence is in the DNA of the film,” she wrote, later adding that many in the industry appear unconcerned about the implications of such content on minority communities.

Iqbals’s post continued with a note of sarcasm directed at industry peers: “But it’s a ‘well made’ film guys… With some cool BgM (smile emoji). Well done industry dud bros. Glad that most of y’all don’t care about minorities enough to even hide your blatant apathy.”

Her critique extended beyond Dhurandhar. Iqbal also referenced the teaser for The Kerala Story 2, the sequel to the 2023 film that was itself embroiled in controversy. However, hours after sharing her thoughts, the director made her Instagram account private.

Also Read: Dhurandhar tops Netflix India chart within 24 hours of streaming release; Aditya Dhar REACTS!

Govinda, Chunky Panday, Shakti Kapoor, and Manoj Tiwari named in FIR over investment scam: Reports

Veteran Bollywood actors Govinda, Shakti Kapoor, Chunky Panday, and BJP MP Manoj Tiwari have been named in a First Information Report (FIR) in connection with an alleged investment fraud linked to Ghaziabad-based company Maxizone Touch Private Limited, according to a complaint filed in Jharkhand’s Jamshedpur court.

The FIR was registered on the orders of a local court in Jamshedpur, after investors approached the judiciary claiming they were cheated by the firm, which had promised high returns on investments. The case was filed under various sections of the Indian Penal Code related to cheating and criminal conspiracy.

According to the complaint by an investor who said he invested over Rs 30 lakhs in Maxizone Touch Pvt Ltd, the company had assured returns of up to 15 per cent monthly interest. When neither the interest nor the principal amount was returned as promised, the investor moved the court, prompting police action.

The FIR names the four actors along with others, alleging that they were involved in promoting the company’s investment scheme and played a role in attracting unsuspecting investors through endorsements. The complaint asserts that their influence helped the firm lure more people into the scheme.

Earlier, Maxizone Touch Pvt Ltd directors — Chander Bhushan Singh and his wife, Priyanka Singh — were arrested in September 2025 by Jamshedpur police as part of a broader investigation into the company’s operations. Investigators have said the firm allegedly ran a fraudulent multi-level marketing (MLM) scheme and collected substantial unauthorised deposits from investors.

The Enforcement Directorate (ED) had also conducted searches linked to alleged investment and cryptocurrency fraud involving the company, reporting that the Singh couple remained absconding for nearly three years before their arrest.

Also Read: Neha Kakkar’s name misused in Rs 5 lakh investment scam; FIR filed at Worli police station

Ram Charan and Upasana Kamineni Konidela welcome twins, blessed with a son and a daughter

Actor Ram Charan and wife Upasana Kamineni Konidela have been blessed with twins. The actor’s father and megastar Chiranjeevi took to social media to announce the arrival of their son and daughter. He also added that both the mother and babies are doing well.

And excited Ram Charan says, "Being blessed with three children fills me with gratitude. I'm thankful to all our fans, loved ones and well-wishers, who have stood by us and supported us through every moment."

And Upasana shares, “My father always believed that clarity of intention and faith go hand in hand. Today, I feel incredibly blessed to be a mother of three, exactly as we envisioned. Our hope is to raise children who are strong yet compassionate, aware that privilege carries responsibility - and that true legacy lies in giving back.”

With immense joy and a heart full of gratitude, we are happy to share that @AlwaysRamCharan and @upasanakonidela have been blessed with twins - a baby boy and a baby girl. Both the babies and the mother are healthy and doing well. ✨

Welcoming these little ones into our family…

— Chiranjeevi Konidela (@KChiruTweets) January 31, 2026

While Ram Charan and Upasana’s first pregnancy was a natural surprise, Upasana had opted to freeze her eggs in her late twenties and early thirties. With the blessing of twins now, the moment marks Ram Charan and Upasana’s second time embracing parenthood, following the birth of their first child, daughter Klin Kaara Konidela, in 2023.

Also Read: Ram Charan on not perceiving his legacy as a ‘burden’: “I stayed ignorant of that pressure and just worked”

Firing reported outside Rohit Shetty’s Juhu residence; police investigate

Early Sunday morning, unidentified individuals fired several gunshots outside the home of Bollywood filmmaker Rohit Shetty in the Juhu area of western Mumbai, prompting an immediate police response and a detailed investigation.

According to police sources, the incident occurred at around 12:45 am, when multiple rounds were discharged near Shetty’s residential building. Initial reports indicate that four to five shots were fired, though the precise number of rounds remains under verification by authorities.

Mumbai Police, along with crime branch teams, responded swiftly to the scene. Security around the building was heightened, and investigators cordoned off the area as a precautionary measure. Forensic experts and ballistic teams were reportedly brought in to collect evidence, and CCTV footage from the surrounding area is being reviewed to trace the movements of the suspects.

#WATCH | Mumbai, Maharashtra | Police and forensic teams reach Director Rohit Shetty's residence, after an incident of firing was reported outside his residence. Further details awaited. pic.twitter.com/h1wVhtCtY7 — ANI (@ANI) January 31, 2026

Officials said no injuries were reported in the incident, and there were no immediate signs of damage to residents. It was also not immediately clear whether Shetty was present inside the residence when the shots were fired.

A senior police official was quoted saying, “Someone fired on the building. Zonal police and crime branch teams are investigating,” underscoring that the probe is at an early stage and that all possible leads are being examined.

So far, there has been no claim of responsibility for the firing, and authorities are yet to determine a clear motive. Local residents shared that the sudden sound of gunshots late at night startled several people in the vicinity, highlighting concerns about safety in high-profile neighbourhoods. Police have assured continued vigilance in the area as the investigation progresses.

Also Read: Big Boy Toyz lists Shilpa Shetty, Rohit Shetty’s luxury cars for auction; deets inside!

EXCLUSIVE: It’s a wrap for the Mumbai schedule; Kartik Aaryan-starrer Naagzilla heads to Delhi for final three-week shoot

Bollywood Hungama has been at the forefront in delivering exclusive news about one of the most-awaited films of 2026, Naagzilla, starring Kartik Aaryan. We are now back with another interesting piece of information – the shoot is steadily progressing and is expected to be completed this month, that is, February 2026.

A source told Bollywood Hungama, “Director Mrighdeep Singh Lamba shot a month-long schedule in Mumbai with Kartik Aaryan. Yesterday, on January 31, the Mumbai schedule was wrapped up. 70% of the shoot is now complete.”

The source added, “The team of Naagzilla are heading to Delhi this month, that is, February 2026, where a three-week-long schedule will take place. The completion of the Delhi leg will mark the wrap of the film.”

Naagzilla is produced by Karan Johar’s Dharma Productions and Mahaveer Jain’s Mahaveer Jain Films (with Mrighdeep Singh Lamba as a partner). The fantasy comedy features Kartik as a shape-shifting naag and, reportedly, Ravi Kishan essays the role of the antagonist. Also, as per reports, Sreeleela is the female lead. Interestingly, she is also paired opposite Kartik Aaryan in his other 2026 film, the untitled musical saga, directed by Anurag Basu.

The source further revealed, “Naagzilla went on floors on November 1, 2026, and within four months, the shoot will be wrapped up, thanks to advance planning and dedication of the cast and crew. This was a challenging and one-of-a-kind film and in between, Kartik went all out to promote his Christmas release, Tu Meri Main Tera Main Tera Tu Meri (2025; also produced by Karan Johar). At the same time, he gave more than a hundred per cent to Naagzilla as well. Once the shoot is completed, Mrighdeep Singh Lamba’s complete focus would be on post-production and ensuring that their labour of love turns out to be an exciting and fascinating piece of cinema for the audiences.”

Also Read: Ravi Kishan to play antagonist in Kartik Aaryan-starrer Naagzilla

Priyadarshan to direct Bhoot Police 2 without Saif Ali Khan, Arjun Kapoor: Report

Veteran filmmaker Priyadarshan is reportedly set to direct the sequel to the 2021 horror-comedy Bhoot Police, with significant changes to its cast and production approach. According to industry reports, Priyadarshan has been brought on board with a substantial fee of Rs 21 crores to lead the project, underlining confidence in his creative vision for the franchise’s next chapter.

Sources familiar with the development told entertainment portal Pinkvilla that while Bhoot Police 2 will maintain the core blend of humour and supernatural elements that defined the first film, it will not feature the original leads — Saif Ali Khan and Arjun Kapoor. “While the sequel retains the core idea of a horror-comedy, the casting will see a complete refresh. Saif Ali Khan and Arjun Kapoor will not be returning for the second instalment,” the source said.

“The idea is to reinvent the franchise with a new duo. The makers are looking at two actors — one senior and one junior — to create an interesting combo. It’s a proper horror-comedy, staying true to the genre but with more of a theatrical treatment,” the insider added.

Bhoot Police, directed by Pavan Kirpalani, originally starred Saif Ali Khan, Arjun Kapoor, Jacqueline Fernandez and Yami Gautam. The film garnered attention for its light-hearted take on ghost-hunting and became popular among audiences on OTT platforms following its 2021 release.

Priyadarshan, known for his work on films such as Hera Pheri, Hungama and Hulchul, is also juggling multiple projects including Bhooth Bangla and Haiwaan, both slated for 2026 releases. Bhooth Bangla — featuring Akshay Kumar — has already locked its theatrical date and marks a reunion between Kumar and the director after more than a decade.

Also Read: Makers of Haiwaan wish Priyadarshan on birthday, share exciting BTS glimpses

9 minutes edited out of Dhurandhar on Netflix

While there was talk of extended playing time with added footage, Dhurandhar-ites are disappointed to see footage trimmed on Netflix.

The playing time for Dhurandhar in the movie theatres was 3 hours and 34 minutes. It is reduced to 3 hours and 25 minutes on OTT. Hence nine minutes of playing time have been curtailed on the digital platform.

While no explanation is available officially, a source informs this writer that the decision to trim this epic film was taken unilaterally by Netflix without the director Aditya Dhar’s consent.

Dhurandhar released in theatres last year on December 5. The film is still running with quite a few shows all over the country. It has turned out to be the all-time highest Hindi grosser by earning close to Rs. 900 crores. Its worldwide figures easily surpassed Rs. 1300 crores gross.

Produced by Jio Studios and B62 Studios, Dhurandhar told the story of an Indian secret spy, played by Ranveer Singh, who infiltrates the underworld of Lyari in Karachi in order to nullify their anti-India terror activities. The film also starred Akshaye Khanna, Arjun Rampal, Sanjay Dutt, Sara Arjun, Rakesh Bedi among others in pivotal roles.

Also Read: Dhurandhar OTT release could feature uncut version, fuelling Netflix excitement

Arijit Singh to get into politics post announcing retirement from singing

If sources are to be believed, Arijit Singh has decided to take the precarious plunge into politics. There are conflicting rumours on his political plans, though.

According to a source very close to the singer, “He feels very close to West Bengal. He is going into politics for sure. But he hasn’t decided whether to start his own party, or join Mamata Banerjee, whom he is very close to. But yes, he is very keen to work for the betterment of the grassroots sections. For this, he thinks politics is the right platform.”

Arijit’s friend describes the singer as a “saint”. “He has earned millions and millions. But he doesn’t spend a penny on himself. He uses his wealth to quietly help the needy.”

Arijit Singh is one of the most admired singers to have emerged from the Indian entertainment industry after he entered the music scene in 2011. His popularity and liking goes beyond the borders of India.

The celebrated singer shocked his fans earlier this week both in India and outside when he announced that he would be taking retirement from singing. He, however, soon clarified that he will continue composing music for movies.

Also Read: Arijit Singh announces he’s stepping away from playback singing; says he is “calling it off”

Alia Bhatt backs a new gen rom-com: Prime Video announces original film Don’t Be Shy

Prime Video has officially announced its upcoming original film Don’t Be Shy, marking a landmark collaboration with Eternal Sunshine Productions, the banner founded by Alia Bhatt and Shaheen Bhatt. The coming-of-age romantic comedy was unveiled on January 30 and promises a warm, youthful take on love, friendship, and growing up.

Produced by Alia Bhatt and Shaheen Bhatt under Eternal Sunshine Productions, the film is co-produced by Grishma Shah and Vikesh Bhutani. Don’t Be Shy is written and directed by Sreeti Mukerji and centres on Shyamili ‘Shy’ Das, a 20-year-old who believes she has her life perfectly planned—until unexpected twists send everything spiralling out of her control.

Speaking about the collaboration, Nikhil Madhok, Director & Head of Originals, Prime Video, India, said, “We’re thrilled to collaborate with Alia Bhatt and Shaheen Bhatt on this extremely fun yet warm romantic comedy, with a remarkable character like Shy Das at its heart. Alia’s innate instinct for stories that are emotionally rich, deeply relatable, and immensely entertaining shines through in this young adult story about friendship, love, and growing up.”

 

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He further highlighted the film’s creative strengths, adding, “With a strong female-forward narrative, writing that’s fresh, relatable and humorous, and earnest characters, complemented by infectious music from Ram Sampath, Don’t Be Shy promises to be a delightful experience for audiences around the world.”

Alia Bhatt, co-founder of Eternal Sunshine Productions, also shared why the project resonated deeply with her. “At Eternal Sunshine, we’ve always wanted to back stories that feel honest and voices that feel their own,” she said. “This film immediately spoke to us because of its sincerity and coming-of-age lens and Sreeti’s passion and energy naturally fed into the spirit of the story.”

Calling the project a personal milestone, she added, “It’s an incredibly special project for me and for Eternal Sunshine. And with Prime Video, we found partners who consistently take bold creative calls and genuinely support distinctive storytelling, which felt like a natural meeting of minds, and the right place for this story to find its audience.”

With Don’t Be Shy, Prime Video and Eternal Sunshine Productions come together to champion a fresh, relatable narrative led by a young female protagonist, further strengthening the platform’s slate of original Indian films focused on authentic, contemporary storytelling.

Also Read: Alia Bhatt shares nostalgic 2016 memories, calls Shah Rukh Khan her favourite co-actor