Rajkummar Rao and Wamiqa Gabbi starrer Prahaar - The Untold Story of Ujjwal Nikam to release on October 16

The much-awaited film Prahaar – The Untold Story of Ujjwal Nikam is set to arrive in cinemas on October 16, 2026. Produced by Dinesh Vijan and Maddock Films, the film is directed by Avinash Arun Dhaware and stars Rajkummar Rao and Wamiqa Gabbi in pivotal roles. The announcement has heightened anticipation around the project, which explores the extraordinary journey of one of India’s most prominent public prosecutors.

The release date was announced by the official Instagram page of Maddock Films. Sharing the update on social media, the production house wrote, “Ab hoga justice ka PRAHAAR on 16th October #PRAHAAR - The Untold Story of Ujjwal Nikam, in cinemas 16th October 2026.”

As suggested by its title, Prahaar will delve into the untold story of Ujjwal Nikam and his role in some of the most high-profile criminal trials in Indian history. The film is expected to revisit the legal battles surrounding major cases, including the 1993 Bombay Blasts and the 2008 Mumbai Train Attacks, while offering an insight into the demanding role of a public prosecutor handling cases of immense national significance.

 

View this post on Instagram

  A post shared by Maddock Films (@maddockfilms)

With Rajkummar Rao leading the cast, the film marks another compelling addition to the actor’s repertoire of character-driven stories. Wamiqa Gabbi, meanwhile, joins him in the Avinash Arun Dhaware directorial, adding further interest to the ensemble.

The film aims to explore not only the courtroom battles but also the personal and professional challenges faced by a prosecutor while seeking justice in cases that captured the attention of the entire nation. By focusing on Ujjwal Nikam’s perspective, Prahaar promises to offer audiences a dramatic look at the legal machinery and the people who become central to landmark cases.

With Maddock Films backing the project and Avinash Arun Dhaware at the helm, Prahaar – The Untold Story of Ujjwal Nikam is now gearing up for its theatrical release. The film will hit cinemas across India on October 16, 2026, with the makers positioning it as a story about justice, conviction and the relentless pursuit of truth.

As the announcement aptly puts it, “Ab hoga justice ka PRAHAAR.”

Also Read: SCOOP: After Eetha, Maddock Films’ Rajkummar Rao-starrer Prahaar also gets postponed

Shilpa Shetty, Arjun Kapoor to join Kiran Bedi, Jai Madaan and others at World Happpiness Summit 2026 in Bengaluru

Shilpa Shetty, Arjun Kapoor, Kiran Bedi, Sonu Sharma, Hema Sardesai, Jai Madaan and Dr Saamdu Chetri, a pioneer of Bhutan’s Gross National Happpiness philosophy, will come together in Bengaluru on September 24 for India’s first World Happpiness Summit. Hosted by Happpy AiR – Atman in Ravi, the Happpiness Ambassador, the summit will bring together voices from entertainment, public life, entrepreneurship, spirituality, wellness and social leadership to discuss a question that is often overlooked amid the pursuit of success: what does it really take to be happy?

The summit will be held at New Horizon College of Engineering against the backdrop of Bengaluru, a city known for technology, innovation, entrepreneurship and professional ambition. The conversations will look at happiness beyond achievements, financial milestones and social status, with sessions around purpose, relationships, inner peace, mental well-being, fulfilment and the pressures that accompany modern success. Shilpa Shetty and Arjun Kapoor will bring perspectives from entertainment and popular culture, while Kiran Bedi, Sonu Sharma, Hema Sardesai, Jai Madaan and Dr. Saamdu Chetri will contribute perspectives from public service, entrepreneurship, music, wellness, spirituality and the philosophy of Gross National Happiness.

At the centre of the summit is Happpy AiR - Atman in Ravi’s belief that true ‘Happpiness’ is a harmonious mix of Pleasure, Peace and Purpose — the three Ps. “We spend so much of our lives preparing to become happpy someday, after the next achievement, the next milestone or the next success. But happiness is not a destination we arrive at. It is something we can experience in the present moment,” he said. He added that the three Ps form the basis of his understanding of happiness (that’s the reason why he spells happpiness with three Ps) and that the summit is an effort to take this thought beyond an individual philosophy and create a larger conversation around what it means to live a happy and fulfilled life.

The World Happpiness Summit is part of the larger #Happpy.AiR.Movement, which seeks to create a wider dialogue around happiness, inner peace and purposeful living. The initiative comes at a time when Bengaluru continues to attract entrepreneurs, technology professionals, creators and young talent from across India, and seeks to explore whether a city known for ambition and opportunity can also become a benchmark for happiness and well-being. The World Happpiness Summit 2026 will be held on September 24 at New Horizon College of Engineering, Bengaluru.

Also Read: Shilpa Shetty attends Global Gift Gala Marbella with Eva Longoria and Maria Bravo; explains how “kindness has the power to change lives”

Malamaal Weekly 2 EXCLUSIVE: Riteish Deshmukh, Elvish Yadav, Paresh Rawal and Rajpal Yadav locked in leads, shoot begins in November

In February, Bollywood Hungama exclusively revealed that Priyadarshan’s 2006 comedy Malamaal Weekly is getting a sequel. Since then, we have been regularly updating about the film and we recently also unveiled the leading female cast, which includes Parineeti Chopra, Raveena Tandon and Shilpa Shirodkar. Now, we can reveal the male leads of the project.

Bollywood Hungama has exclusively learned that Riteish Deshmukh, Elvish Yadav, Paresh Rawal and Rajpal Yadav have been locked for Malamaal Weekly 2. Though Riteish is leading the film, sources close to the production have said that he is still reading the script and is yet to sign on the dotted line. The sequel is moving ahead with the original trio of Riteish, Paresh and Rajpal returning for the leads, along with Elvish Yadav joining as a new casting addition to the principal cast. Yadav is a popular YouTube content creator and the winner of Big Boss OTT Season 2 (2023), and this film will mark his second Bollywood outing following his debut with Tiger Shroff and Remo D'Souza's upcoming action drama. All the actors have verbally been confirmed, with the formal paperwork currently underway.

Malamaal Weekly 2 will feature a completely new storyline. However, it will retain the core thematic flavour of the original — a group of ordinary people in a small town, driven by poverty, greed and the prospect of sudden wealth, finding themselves caught in an increasingly chaotic situation. Amit Joshi, who co-directed Shahid Kapoor and Kriti Sanon's robotic rom-com Teri Baton Mein Aisa Uljha Jiya, has been brought on board to helm this film. He's currently fine-tuning the script, with plans to take it into production by November 2026.

Released in 2006, Malamaal Weekly was a box office success and was remade in three Southern languages, Telugu, Kannada and Malayalam, with Priyadarshan himself directing the Malayalam adaptation. The comedy revolved around Lilaram, a lottery ticket seller and the only literate villager. After one of his customers dies from the shock of winning a lottery, he hatches a plan to have that money all for himself. However, others from the village have also got their eyes on the money, leading to chaotic greed and comedic rivalry among the villagers. Malamaal Weekly 2 is expected to retain the comic spirit of the original while delivering a full-fledged comedy of errors for audiences.

Also Read: MEGA EXCLUSIVE: Raveena Tandon and Parineeti Chopra join the cast of Malamaal Weekly 2

Shweta Tiwari hospitalised due to dengue ahead of The Traitors Season 2 premiere: Report

Shweta Tiwari has reportedly been diagnosed with dengue and is currently hospitalized for treatment. According to paparazzo Viral Bhayani, the actress is receiving medical care and has begun her recovery. However, there has been no official statement from Shweta Tiwari or her team confirming the diagnosis or hospitalization so far.

The news comes at a time when Shweta is once again grabbing attention for her return to the reality series space. Audiences are eagerly awaiting premiere episode of The Traitors Season 2 on August 13, Thursday, where the actress will be seen alongside several prominent names, including Krystle D’Souza, Mallika Sherawat and Shalini Paasi.

Shweta Tiwari’s appearance in The Traitors Season 2 has already generated considerable curiosity among viewers. A recently released promo offered a glimpse of the actress in the upcoming Amazon Prime Video reality series, hosted by Karan Johar. In the promo, Shweta appeared to open up about her personal experiences, including her failed marriages.

In one of the moments from the promo, Shweta claimed that she had caught both her husbands cheating on her red-handed during a conversation with Karan Johar where the latter had insisted that she couldn’t be that good at catching liars – during which Shweta had said, “Apne patiyon ko cheat karte hue maine hi pakda tha (I was the one who caught them cheating red-handed). Her candid revelation has added another layer of intrigue to her appearance on the show, with viewers now looking forward to seeing more of her journey in the reality series.

Meanwhile, Shweta Tiwari has also been in the news in recent weeks following comments made by her first husband, Raja Chaudhary. He had made allegations concerning the actress and her alleged relationship with her Kasautii Zindagii Kay co-star Cezanne Khan. The claims had sparked discussion on social media, although Shweta has not been reported to have publicly addressed the allegations.

For now, fans are hoping for Shweta Tiwari’s speedy recovery. While the actress continues to undergo treatment, viewers are also looking forward to watching her in The Traitors Season 2 and seeing how she navigates the high-stakes reality show.

Also Read: Photos: Mallika Sherawat, Shweta Tiwari and Shalini Passi snapped promoting reality series Traitor Season 2

BREAKING: Chetan Hansraj plays SEVEN characters in Ramayana, including Ravana’s maternal grandfather

The trailer of Ramayana was released on July 30 and continues to dominate conversations nearly two weeks later. The film boasts a sprawling star cast, but one actor whose contribution promises to be particularly fascinating is Chetan Hansraj. Interestingly, the actor will be seen playing not one or two, but as many as seven characters in the epic saga!

In an interview with Hindustan Times, the 54-year-old actor confirmed that in Ramayana, he plays the role of Raja Mali, the maternal grandfather of Ravana (Yash). Chetan Hansraj told Hindustan Times, “Raja Mali is an important character that went down in history, and my scenes with Yash are pure fire. He is such a delight on screen, and these two characters complement each other wonderfully. It was huge for me.”

He then revealed, “After my part was wrapped, I was offered six motion-capture characters, including one of Ravana’s brothers and a demon.”

Chetan Hansraj also opened up on the criticism of the film and comparisons with Ramanand Sagar’s iconic TV series, Ramayan. He said, “We have the best action directors from Hollywood and Bollywood, and technicians on board, like Terry Notary... Makers today want to give the best cinematic experience, and that’s a vision we should understand. People who once see it on the right medium will forget all these comparisons, I am sure.”

Besides Chetan Hansraj, Ramayana stars Ranbir Kapoor as Lord Rama, Sai Pallavi as Sita, Yash as Ravana, Sunny Deol as Lord Hanuman and Ravie Dubey as Lakshman. It is directed by Nitesh Tiwari of Dangal (2016) fame and produced by Namit Malhotra. The music is composed by A R Rahman and Hans Zimmer. It's a two-part saga with the first part releasing on Diwali 2026. As for the second part, it'll arrive on the big screen on Diwali 2027. Interestingly, while the first part will release in India on November 8, it will arrive in international markets two days earlier, on November 6.

Also Read: Ranbir Kapoor hits back at Ramayan VFX critics; says, “There’s countless hours of work where artists are working for years”

Batwara 1947's distributor softens stand, agrees to 50-50 shows with Awarapan 2; Spider-Man’s ‘MINIMUM 2 shows in single-screens’ demand leaves exhibitors worried

On August 10, Bollywood Hungama reported that PVR Inox Pictures, the distributors of Batwara 1947, have demanded all the shows in single-screen cinemas. This added to the exhibitors' woes, as Awarapan 2 also releases this Friday, August 14. On top of it, the Batwara 1947 distributors asked for seven shows a day in two-screen theatres, 10 shows in three-screen multiplexes, 12 shows a day in four-screen cinemas and 15 shows a day in five-screen multiplexes. However, as per the latest reports from exhibitors, the demand has now undergone a change.

An exhibition source told Bollywood Hungama, “Earlier, their requirement was that 60% to 70% of the shows should be allotted to Batwara 1947. However, they have now taken note of the exhibitors’ concerns. As a result, they have agreed to a 50-50 showcasing arrangement for both films.”

As per some exhibitors, the 50-50 arrangement will also apply to single-screen cinemas. However, most single-screen theatres across the country are yet to open bookings. One of the rare exceptions is the iconic Raj Mandir Cinema in Jaipur, which has allotted two shows each to Awarapan 2 and Batwara 1947.

Spider-Man adds to exhibitors’ woes

But even as one issue appears to have been resolved, exhibitors are now faced with another challenge. On Tuesday, the distributors of Spider-Man: Brand New Day sent an email to cinemas, asking them to continue playing the film with a substantial number of shows.

A trade source revealed, “In single-screen cinemas, they have asked for a minimum of two shows a day, while in two-screen theatres, the requirement is at least three shows daily. In three-screen cinemas, they have asked exhibitors to allot one full screen, comprising five shows a day, to Spider-Man: Brand New Day. In four-screen properties, the demand is for seven to eight shows, including at least one evening and one night show. In five-screen cinemas, they have asked for nine shows, while properties with six screens or more have been asked to allot 11 to 12 shows. They have also specified that at least two screens should be allotted to the film in six-screen plexes.”

The source further said, “Sony’s directive has once again left exhibitors anxious as they are unsure how to divide the shows between the three films. Of course, Sony feels justified in making these demands as Spider-Man: Brand New Day continues to remain rock-solid at the box office. It collected around Rs. 9 crores on Tuesday, and it is clear that the film will continue to perform strongly over the Independence Day weekend. But for exhibitors, the challenge will be to divide the available shows in a way that satisfies all three distributors.”

An exhibitor from Nawalgarh, Rajasthan, speaking on the condition of anonymity, sighed, “We always face this problem of doing ‘batwara’ of shows while making sure that none of the distributors is upset with us. We just wonder when this ‘awarapan’ will end.”

Also Read: EXCLUSIVE: Batwara 1947 vs Awarapan 2 show-sharing TUSSLE begins; distributor of Sunny Deol-starrer asks for ALL shows in single-screens; Spider-Man’s rock-steady run complicates the battle

Sayani Gupta to make U.S. feature film debut with Arya

Indian actor Sayani Gupta is set to make her U.S. feature film debut with Arya, an upcoming independent film written and directed by Neil Tuli. The project is currently being filmed in Duluth, Minnesota, with principal photography underway.

Gupta will play the titular character, Arya Sinha, a disciplined piano teacher who has trained at a prestigious Indian conservatory. According to the film’s synopsis, Arya reluctantly travels to northern Minnesota after taking up an assignment to help revive a struggling school band programme. While pursuing the opportunity, she also hopes to advance her career ambitions in India.

However, Arya’s new surroundings prove to be far different from what she is accustomed to. As she struggles to adjust to the unfamiliar and chaotic environment, she is forced to reconsider her tightly controlled approach to life. The story follows her journey as she confronts insecurities she has kept hidden and begins to develop a different understanding of what success means to her.

Gupta is known for her work in films and series including Delhi Crime, Axone, Parched and The Hungry. Her breakout performance came in Shonali Bose’s Margarita with a Straw, in which she played a blind Pakistani-Bangladeshi queer student activist. The film premiered at the Toronto International Film Festival in 2014.

She later received an International Indian Film Academy Award nomination for her performance in the Hindi socio-political drama Article 15, which is currently streaming on Netflix.

For Tuli, Arya marks his feature directorial debut. He has previously worked in strategy roles at Netflix and Illumination. The film is being produced through his banner American Haathi, along with Pallavi and Keertana Sastry of Adda G Productions, known for Land of Gold.

Apart from acting, Gupta has also explored filmmaking, having written, directed and produced the short film Aasmani. She is also serving as an executive producer on Arya, adding another role to her involvement in the project.

Also Read : Bejoy Nambiar-backed Duet, starring Sidhant Gupta and directed by Sheetal Menon, becomes first short film to release on Spotify

EXCLUSIVE: Wamiqa Gabbi joins Rishab Shetty in Prasanth Varma’s Jai Hanuman

2026 is turning out to be a great year for Wamiqa Gabbi. The Jubilee actress kicked off the year with the box-office success of Akshay Kumar and Priyadarshan’s Bhooth Bangla, followed it up with Pati, Patni Aur Woh Do, and is now earning acclaim for her performance as Chandra in her recently released Tamil film, DC: The Bloody Valentine. Her “acche din” are set to continue, as she has now bagged possibly the biggest film of her career.

Bollywood Hungama has exclusively learned that Wamiqa Gabbi has been signed on for Rishab Shetty’s upcoming pan-India mythological epic, Jai Hanuman. She will play a prominent and powerful character in the Prasanth Varma directorial, though details about her role are being kept under wraps. The actress is said to be excited about stepping into the immersive world of mythology, action and devotion, and will soon join the film’s Hyderabad schedule.

Jai Hanuman is the much-awaited sequel to Prasanth Varma’s 2024 blockbuster Hanu-Man, which starred Teja Sajja as a petty thief who discovers Hanuman-like powers. Rishab Shetty, who emerged as a pan-India star following the phenomenal success of the Kantara franchise, takes over as the lead in the sequel and will essay the role of Lord Hanuman. The film is described as a high-octane action epic set in Kaliyug that celebrates Hanuman’s unshakable devotion, loyalty and timeless strength while presenting him as an immortal spirit.

Produced by Mythri Movie Makers and presented by T-Series, Jai Hanuman expands the Prasanth Varma Cinematic Universe (PVCU), a superhero universe drawing profound inspiration from the sacred tapestry of Indian history. Other upcoming films under the PVCU include Mahakali, centred on Goddess Kali, and Adhira, based on Lord Indra. The film went on floors in March, and shooting has since been progressing at a brisk pace, with a mega theatrical release planned for the second half of 2027.

Meanwhile, Wamiqa has several exciting projects lined up. She will next be seen alongside Rajkummar Rao in Maddock Films’ Prahaar, set to release in September, and will follow it up with Adivi Sesh’s action thriller Goodachari 2 later this year. Her upcoming slate also includes Dil Ka Darwaza Khol Na Darling with Siddhant Chaturvedi, Genie with Ravi Mohan, and Dharma Productions’ Kuku Ki Kundali, co-starring Bhuvan Bam.

Also Read: Wamiqa Gabbi says brother Puran Gabbi earned Awarapan 2 on his own merit in an emotional post after the trailer release

BREAKING: EXCLUSIVE footage of Ramayana to be screened at Big Cine Expo 2026, Chennai; Rakesh Roshan to receive Special Achievement Award

An exhibition called Big Cine Expo is held every year where theatre owners, design consultants, equipment manufacturers, system integrators, project management professionals, and industry stakeholders come together to celebrate cinema and the exhibition sector. One major highlight of the expo is the presentation of exclusive footage from an upcoming film. And at this year’s edition of Big Cine Expo, attendees will get a chance to watch exclusive glimpses of arguably the most awaited film of the year – Ramayana! The period epic stars Ranbir Kapoor, Yash, Sunny Deol, Sai Pallavi, Ravie Dubey, Rakul Preet Singh, Lara Dutta and others.

The Big Cine Expo 2026 will be held on August 18 and 19 in Chennai, and the Ramayana glimpse preview will take place on the first day. Attendees will be strictly prohibited from using their mobile phones or recording any part of the presentation. This is because the team will showcase visuals from the film that have not yet been revealed to the public. Members of the organizing team will also be stationed inside the screening area to ensure that no one records the footage or clicks any pictures or videos during the presentation.

However, the film’s actors, director Nitesh Tiwari and producer Namit Malhotra, will not be present at the Big Cine Expo. Instead, Parminder Chadda, Technical Head at Prime Focus, will present the exclusive Ramayana footage.

In the 2024 edition of Big Cine Expo, Atlee shared exclusive glimpses of the Varun Dhawan-starrer Baby John (2024). A year before that, Boney Kapoor showed some scenes from his acclaimed film Maidaan (2024), while in 2022, exciting scenes from the Ranbir Kapoor-Alia Bhatt starrer Brahmastra (2022) were shown to the attendees.

Big honours at IMAX Big Cine Awards

On the same day, August 18, the IMAX Big Cine Awards 2026 will also take place. Blockbuster filmmaker Rakesh Roshan will be felicitated with the Special Achievement Award. Meanwhile, Roopbani Cinema in Purnia, Bihar, run by Vishek Chauhan, will be honoured with the Best Single-Screen Theatre of the Year Award. Vishek Chauhan is well-known in industry circles for his no-holds-barred and headline-grabbing views on cinema exhibition and the box office, and has also recently turned author.

Roopbani Cinema will share the honour with Mukta A2 Bharatmata in Lalbaug, Mumbai. The heritage single-screen theatre, which has been an important destination for Marathi and regional cinema since 1941, remained shut for a few years before reopening earlier this year on March 24. The revamped theatre now boasts Dolby Surround Sound, 2K laser projection and upgraded seating options, including recliners and sofas.

AMB Cinemas, City Pride, Roongta Cinemas, Rajhans Cinemas, Connplex Cinemas, Starline Cinemas and several other cinemas and exhibition chains will also be honoured across various categories at the awards.

Also Read: Nagarjuna praises Ramayana: Part 1 trailer; says, “I really liked Yash and Ranbir Kapoor”

Excel Entertainment turns 25: Farhan Akhtar, Ritesh Sidhwani announce Excel Origins to back filmmakers under 30

As Excel Entertainment marks 25 years in the Hindi film industry, co-founders Ritesh Sidhwani and Farhan Akhtar have announced Excel Origins, an initiative aimed at discovering and supporting a new generation of filmmakers.

Sidhwani and Akhtar announced the initiative through their social media posts, looking back at the journey that began with Dil Chahta Hai. The 2001 film, which marked Farhan Akhtar’s directorial debut, went on to become an influential coming-of-age film and established Excel Entertainment’s interest in backing fresh voices.

Reflecting on the company’s beginnings, the duo noted that they were 26 when they started Excel Entertainment. “We didn’t have all the answers but we had an idea we believed in, the courage to take risks and the tenacity to make it happen,” they said.

With Excel Origins, the filmmakers now intend to extend that philosophy to emerging talent. The initiative will focus on filmmakers under 30, with the aim of identifying writers and directors with distinctive voices and supporting them in developing original stories.

The initiative will explore projects across genres and formats, while also creating opportunities for emerging actors and other creative talent.

 

View this post on Instagram

  A post shared by Excel Entertainment (@excelmovies)

Looking ahead, Sidhwani and Akhtar said the next 25 years would include “Excel empowering young, aspiring filmmakers with bold ideas and the courage to tell stories differently.”

The initiative, they added, is ultimately about investing in “where cinema goes next.”

Also Read: Excel Entertainment launches Excel Music label with Universal Music Group partnership

73 year old Director Shakeel Noorani arrested over alleged rape of 33 year old actor in Mumbai

Film director Shakeel Noorani, 73, has been arrested in Mumbai following a complaint filed by a 33-year-old actor, who has alleged that she was raped after being called to his residence in Malwani. According to the police complaint, Noorani allegedly invited the actor to his house on the pretext of discussing an upcoming film project.

The actor has alleged that after she reached the director's residence, she was allegedly drugged and sexually assaulted. The complaint further states that Noorani allegedly threatened her following the incident. Police subsequently registered a case based on the actor's allegations and arrested the filmmaker.

Following his arrest, Noorani was produced before the Borivali Holiday Court. The court has reportedly remanded him to police custody until August 12, during which the police are expected to investigate the allegations and gather further evidence in the case.

The allegations are currently part of an ongoing investigation, and the charges against Noorani have not been established in court.

Shakeel Noorani has been associated with Hindi cinema as a writer, producer and director. He is known for films including Bade Dilwala, released in 1999, and Joru Ka Ghulam, which came out in 2000.

The latest case has brought the veteran filmmaker into the spotlight as Mumbai Police continue their investigation into the actor's allegations. Further details regarding the case are expected to emerge as the investigation progresses and the police record statements and examine other evidence connected to the complaint.

Noorani's police custody is scheduled to continue until August 12, following which he is expected to be produced before the court again. The investigation will determine the circumstances surrounding the allegations and the events that allegedly took place at his Malwani residence.

Manoj Bajpayee’s Governor tops Prime Video India charts after leading rental rankings

Manoj Bajpayee’s latest film, Governor, has reached the No. 1 spot on Prime Video’s overall movie trending charts in India following its move from the rental service to regular streaming. The film, backed by Sunshine Pictures and produced by Vipul Amrutlal Shah, is based on the 1991 financial crisis and explores the story of an unsung figure whose decisions played an important role during the period of economic uncertainty.

Directed by Chinmay Mandlekar, Governor first released in theatres, where it drew attention for its subject and realistic portrayal of a significant chapter in India’s economic history. Following its theatrical run, the film made its digital debut on Prime Video’s rental service before becoming available for regular streaming to subscribers in India.

During its initial OTT release, Governor climbed to the top of Prime Video’s Rent Charts, surpassing several international titles, including Obsession. After becoming available to all Prime Video subscribers, the film continued its digital run by securing the No. 1 position on the platform’s overall movie trending charts in India.

Manoj Bajpayee leads the film, portraying the central character against the backdrop of the 1991 economic crisis. His performance forms an important part of the film’s narrative, with the story focusing on the personal and professional challenges surrounding the historic period. The film combines its economic and political backdrop with a human element, making the events accessible to a wider audience.

The film has been presented by Sunshine Pictures and produced by Vipul Amrutlal Shah, with Aashin A. Shah serving as co-producer. The screenplay has been written by Suvendu Bhattacharjee, Saurabh Bharat, Ravi Asrani, and Vipul Amrutlal Shah.

The film’s music has been composed by Amit Trivedi, while the lyrics have been penned by Javed Akhtar. With its latest achievement on Prime Video India, Governor has continued its digital journey after its theatrical release, reaching audiences across the streaming platform.

Also Read : Governor OTT release: Manoj Bajpayee-led historical drama now on Prime Video

Siddhant Chaturvedi buys Rs 12.63 crores apartment in Mumbai weeks after buying Rs 13.91 crores apartment in the same building

Siddhant Chaturvedi has reportedly made another major property investment in Mumbai. The actor, along with his mother Meenal Laxman Chaturvedi, has purchased an apartment in Vile Parle West for Rs 12.63 crores. The latest deal comes just weeks after the mother-son duo bought another apartment in the same residential building for Rs 13.91 crores.

According to property registration documents accessed by real estate consultancy firm Liases Foras, the latest transaction was registered on July 31, 2026. The apartment is located on the seventh floor of Namo Krishna, a residential building situated on 10 N S Road in Mumbai’s Vile Parle West.

The newly purchased home has a RERA carpet area of 1,640.63 square feet and a total area of 1,804.67 square feet. The property also includes an automatic robotic car parking space. Siddhant and his mother purchased the apartment from Relcon Infraprojects Ltd and paid Rs 75.76 lakh as stamp duty for the transaction.

The latest purchase is notable because it follows another high-value property deal by the actor in the same building. On June 19, 2026, Siddhant and Meenal purchased an apartment on the sixth floor of Namo Krishna for Rs 13.91 crores. That property has a carpet area of 2,173.87 square feet and a built-up area of 222.24 square metres. The apartment was purchased from Suchita Ramesh Deora through an Agreement for Sale.

With the latest transaction, Siddhant and his mother have collectively spent more than Rs 26.5 crores on two apartments in the same building within less than two months.

Siddhant Chaturvedi began his acting career with the Amazon Prime Video series Inside Edge, in which he played a teenage cricketer from 2017 to 2019. He later made his film debut in a supporting role as a street rapper in the musical drama Gully Boy in 2019. He subsequently moved into lead roles and appeared in projects including the romantic drama Gehraiyaan (2022) and the coming-of-age drama Kho Gaye Hum Kahan (2023), both of which found an audience through streaming platforms.

Also Read : Siddhant Chaturvedi returns as face of Crocs’ Echo franchise for new ‘Let Them Talk’ campaign

BREAKING: Ramayana’s UNIQUE release strategy REVEALED; Namit Malhotra confirms international release on November 6; India to witness the epic on Diwali, November 8

On August 5, Bollywood Hungama was the first to report that Ramayana would release worldwide in most international markets on Friday, November 6. And now, producer Namit Malhotra has revealed an unusual release strategy – the film will arrive in international markets two days before its India release.

In an interview with NDTV, Namit Malhotra revealed that since Diwali falls on Sunday, November 8, audiences in India will get to watch Ramayana on the big screen on the festival day itself. Meanwhile, the film will release overseas two days earlier, on Friday, November 6.

When asked about the film’s release date, Namit Malhotra said in the NDTV interview, “It’ll release in India on Diwali.” When specifically asked if that meant Ramayana would arrive in Indian theatres on November 8, he replied in the affirmative.

The reporter then pointed out that the recently released English version of the Ramayana trailer mentions November 6 as the release date. Explaining the difference, Namit Malhotra said, “So, we are releasing internationally (on November 6). The international distribution works from a Friday standpoint. So, that is on the 6th of November. But India currently we are targeting a release on Diwali.”

While Dharma Productions will distribute Ramayana in India, Sony Pictures has picked up the overseas distribution rights. Last week, Bollywood Hungama broke the news that T-Series has bagged the music rights to both parts of Ramayana for Rs. 75 crores in an advance deal.

Ramayana stars Ranbir Kapoor as Lord Rama, Sai Pallavi as Sita, Yash as Ravana, Sunny Deol as Lord Hanuman and Ravie Dubey as Lakshman. It is directed by Nitesh Tiwari of Dangal (2016) fame and produced by Namit Malhotra. The music is composed by A R Rahman and Hans Zimmer. It's a two-part saga with the first part releasing on Diwali 2026. As for the second part, it'll arrive on the big screen on Diwali 2027.

Also Read: CM Devendra Fadnavis inaugurates Namit Malhotra’s Prime One; says, “I will be disappointed if Academy Award doesn’t come to Ramayana”

TVF announces Family Kirana Store Season 2; filming to begin next week

The Viral Fever (TVF) has announced the second season of its YouTube series Family Kirana Store following the positive response to its debut season. The makers confirmed that production on the new season is scheduled to begin next week. The comedy-drama revolves around the everyday lives of a middle-class family that runs a neighbourhood grocery store. Led by Shrikant Verma as Gajanand, the series also features Garima Vikrant Singh and Hemant Mishra in key roles.

Family Kirana Store Season 2 goes on floors next week Sharing the update, TVF confirmed that Family Kirana Store will return for another season after the first instalment found an audience on YouTube.

The series follows Gajanand and his family as they navigate the highs and lows of managing their kirana store while balancing relationships, responsibilities and everyday challenges. With its slice-of-life storytelling and humour, the show connected with viewers looking for grounded family entertainment.

According to the makers, the upcoming season will continue exploring the family's journey while retaining the warmth and everyday moments that defined the first season.

Season 1 of Family Kirana Store is currently available to stream on YouTube. TVF continues to expand its content slate The announcement comes as TVF continues to expand its lineup across streaming platforms and digital content. Over the years, several of the production house's popular titles, including Aspirants, Kota Factory and Sapne Vs Everyone, first reached audiences through YouTube before growing into widely recognised franchises.

TVF also recently unveiled a number of upcoming projects during Prime Video Presents. The slate includes films such as Vvan and College Fest, along with new series like Pyramid and Vansh. The production house also confirmed new seasons of Aspirants, Panchayat, Gram Chikitsalay, Sapne Vs Everyone and Sandeep Bhaiya.

Several TVF titles also feature in IMDb's list of the Top 250 TV Shows, including Pitchers, Panchayat, Gullak, Kota Factory, Aspirants, Yeh Meri Family and Sapne Vs Everyone, reflecting the sustained popularity of the studio's storytelling among audiences.

Also Read: ZEE5 and The Viral Fever announce their first Original, Saas Bahu Aachar Pvt. Ltd.

MEGA EXCLUSIVE: Raveena Tandon and Parineeti Chopra join the cast of Malamaal Weekly 2

Bollywood Hungama was the first one to confirm in February 2026 that Malamaal Weekly 2 is in the works. Two months later, in April 2026, we revealed that Amit Joshi of Teri Baaton Mein Aisa Uljha Jiya (2024) fame has been signed to direct the comic caper. We now bring you another exciting piece of news from this upcoming project.

Bollywood Hungama has exclusively learned that two talented actresses, Raveena Tandon and Parineeti Chopra, have joined the cast of Malamaal Weekly 2. A source told Bollywood Hungama, "Both the actresses are perfect as per the requirement of the script. Hence, the makers were really keen to have them on board. Thankfully, both Raveena Tandon and Parineeti Chopra loved the script and their respective characters. They readily signed the film."

The source continued, "Both actresses are talented and have great comic timing. Raveena has proved her worth with the numerous comedies she has starred in during the 1990s and early 2000s, as well as the recently released Welcome To The Jungle (2026). Meanwhile, Parineeti Chopra began her career with a comic and adorable role in Ladies vs Ricky Bahl (2011). Hence, expect them to rock the show in Malamaal Weekly 2."

Besides Raveena Tandon and Parineeti Chopra, Paresh Rawal has also been confirmed for the film. The makers are now looking to cast other prominent actors in key roles.

In February, Bollywood Hungama carried a quote of a source that said, “The team, working on Malamaal Weekly 2, has hit upon a great idea that is apt as the second part of the series. It is not a direct sequel. The characters and setting this time would be different, but just like the first part, it’ll be about a group of greedy villagers who go to insane lengths to get hold of a huge amount of money.”

Also Read: EXCLUSIVE: Amit Joshi of Teri Baaton Mein Aisa Uljha Jiya fame to direct Malamaal Weekly 2

EXCLUSIVE: Varun Dhawan to headline YRF’s first-ever horror film

Yash Raj Films (YRF), one of Bollywood’s most prominent production houses, is all set to explore uncharted territory by venturing into the horror genre for the first time. The studio’s maiden horror feature will be directed by acclaimed filmmaker Abhay Pannu, who earned widespread praise for his critically acclaimed series Rocket Boys. Pannu has also penned the screenplay for the upcoming project, which is expected to commence production later this year and is slated for a theatrical release in 2027.

 

Bollywood Hungama has exclusively learned that Varun Dhawan has been roped in to headline the ambitious project, marking another significant collaboration between the actor and the prestigious banner.

Confirming the development, a source close to the project told Bollywood Hungama, “Varun has come on board as the lead for YRF’s first horror film. Yash Raj Films (YRF) is entering the horror genre for the first time with a feature film directed by Abhay Pannu, strategically championed by Akshaye Widhani, and now headlined by Varun Dhawan as the lead. YRF have made films across almost every genre except horror. Come 2027, and the banner will finally step into this genre.”

The project will also mark Abhay Pannu’s theatrical directorial debut after receiving widespread acclaim for Rocket Boys. His association with YRF further underlines the production house’s continued focus on nurturing fresh and distinctive filmmaking talent. Under the leadership of Aditya Chopra, the studio has increasingly backed filmmakers with unique creative voices, including Mohit Suri, Sameer Saxena, and now Abhay Pannu. This approach has gained momentum following the remarkable success of Saiyaara, reaffirming YRF’s commitment to diverse storytelling and innovative cinematic ventures.

For Varun Dhawan, the upcoming film will mark his second collaboration with Yash Raj Films after the success of Sui Dhaaga. With the actor now set to front YRF’s maiden horror venture, anticipation surrounding the project is expected to grow as the studio prepares to expand its genre portfolio with a theatrical release planned for 2027.

Also Read : 10 years of Dishoom: Varun Dhawan recalls filming Rs. 3 crore helicopter stunt, says, “There’s nothing like hanging off a chopper”

Priyanka Chopra Jonas to star opposite Academy Award winner Russell Crowe in sci-fi action thriller Bluefly

Priyanka Chopra Jonas has added another major international project to her growing Hollywood slate. The actor is set to share screen space with Academy Award-winning actor Russell Crowe in the upcoming sci-fi action thriller Bluefly. The film will be directed by Nimród Antal, known for Predators and Stranger Things, while the screenplay has been penned by David Frigerio, William Eubank, and Carlyle Eubank.

The announcement follows another significant career update for Priyanka, who was recently confirmed to star opposite Orlando Bloom in the survival thriller Reset. Earlier this year, she headlined Prime Video's The Bluff, which debuted at the top spot globally. She also featured alongside Idris Elba and John Cena in the action-comedy Heads of State, which became Prime Video's fourth most-watched film. The film has since received a nomination for Outstanding Television Movie at the 78th Primetime Emmy Awards. Priyanka also earned a nomination for Best Actress in an Action Movie at the 2026 Critics Choice Super Awards for her performance as Ercell Bodden in The Bluff. She will next appear in S.S. Rajamouli's action-adventure film Varanasi, scheduled to release on April 7, 2027.

Bluefly is being produced by Michael Jefferson for Polite Society, David Frigerio for Broken Open Pictures, Deborah Glover for G2 Dispatch, Arianne Fraser and Delphine Perrier for Highland Film Group, along with Vanessa Yao Guo. Executive producers include Lia Buman, Guy Davies, RuthAnne Frigerio, Brian Kavanaugh-Jones, Jason Kringstein, Katie Leary, and Scott Levenson.

Highland Film Group will oversee worldwide rights for the project and will launch international sales at the Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF). Filming is expected to begin later this year on Australia's Gold Coast.

The story is set in the Congo and follows a grieving United Nations translator who becomes involved in a covert mission to retrieve a mysterious aircraft that officially does not exist. Accompanied by a Special Operations team travelling through militia-controlled territory, the mission gradually turns into a dangerous journey where the truth behind the aircraft reveals that it was never meant to be recovered.

Speaking about the project, Highland Film Group CEO Arianne Fraser said, "We have a stellar cast led by Russell Crowe and Priyanka Chopra Jonas who will ignite the screen in this high-stakes, sci-fi thrill ride with layers of depth, akin to Denis Villeneuve's Arrival." She further added, "Bluefly is heart-pounding entertainment with a complex story full of unexpected twists. With Nimród Antal at the helm and our wonderful cast, we cannot wait to introduce this fantastic project to our global buyers."

Director Nimród Antal also shared his excitement about the film, saying, "Bluefly is an intense, character-driven thriller wrapped inside a bold science-fiction premise. It's the kind of film I live to make — grounded, propulsive, and full of dread — and I couldn't ask for a better cast or team to bring it to the screen."

Russell Crowe, an Academy Award winner for Gladiator, continues to expand his filmography with projects including Unabomber, The Weight, Billion Dollar Spy, and Amazon MGM's Highlander. Meanwhile, Priyanka Chopra Jonas remains one of the most prominent Indian actors on the global stage, balancing acting, production, and international projects, with Bluefly marking yet another significant addition to her Hollywood journey.

Also Read : Priyanka Chopra Jonas shows her ‘mama’ and ‘mamacita’ sides in adorable video; watch

SCOOP: Sunny Deol’s Parshuram postponed indefinitely amid Nikhil Nagesh Bhat’s Hollywood commitment

For the last few months, reports have been circulating about Sunny Deol collaborating with Kill director Nikhil Nagesh Bhat on a large-scale action thriller, tentatively titled Parshuram. The film, backed by Madhu Mantena and Mythri Movie Makers, was expected to go on floors in October 2026. However, the project has now hit a roadblock and has been postponed indefinitely.

Bollywood Hungama has learnt that Parshuram has been put on hold after Nikhil Nagesh Bhat moved ahead with his Hollywood directorial venture. The filmmaker, who earned widespread acclaim for raising the bar for action cinema in India with Kill, has signed on to direct Deadlocked, an action thriller for Amazon MGM Studios starring Academy Award winner Jamie Foxx. Bhat had been in discussions for a potential Hollywood collaboration for nearly two years, and the project has finally materialised, marking a significant milestone in his career.

Bhat has already begun preparations for his Hollywood debut and is unlikely to commit to any other project until Deadlocked is completed. As a result, Parshuram has been pushed to 2027, with the producers currently evaluating their options. They are reportedly weighing whether to wait for Bhat's availability or bring another director on board to helm the film. Meanwhile, Mythri Movie Makers is also exploring the possibility of fast-tracking Jaat 2 as a replacement project. However, discussions remain at a preliminary stage, and no final decision has been taken.

Sunny Deol, meanwhile, has a packed slate ahead. On August 14, he returns to theatres with Rajkumar Santoshi's Lahore 1947, which is expected to be followed by Shashank Udapurkar's Gabru. He also stars as Lord Hanuman in Nitesh Tiwari's highly anticipated Ramayana, slated for a November 6 release this year. His upcoming lineup further includes Excel Entertainment's high-concept action thriller Antony, co-starring Jyotika.

As for Nikhil Nagesh Bhat, Deadlocked follows a grieving former Marine serving jury duty who is forced back into action when the trial of the century turns into a deadly hostage crisis after the defendant's daughter seizes the courthouse in a bid to free her father. The film is slated to premiere globally on Prime Video.

Also Read: Sunny Deol says mother Prakash Kaur was moved to tears after Batwara 1947 screening

Jiya Shankar is engaged! Actress introduces fiancé Kaaran Dhanak with emotional love story

Television and film actress Jiya Shankar is officially engaged. The Bigg Boss OTT 2 contestant took to social media on August 6 to announce her engagement to entrepreneur and corporate professional Kaaran Dhanak, sharing a series of romantic pictures from the special moment along with a heartfelt note about their long-distance love story.

Jiya Shankar shares emotional note for fiancé Kaaran Dhanak Announcing the happy news, Jiya reflected on finding love when she least expected it and thanked Kaaran for standing by her through the highs and lows of life.

She wrote, "So maybe it is true, you do find love when you least expect it but God really tested my patience here. It wasn't easy but somehow it still was. Every conversation with you even though you were thousands of miles away from me, felt like home."

Describing how their relationship grew despite the distance, she added, "This journey wasn't easy but we chose each other every single day. You showed me the love I waited my whole life for. You made me laugh on my toughest days. Held me a lil tighter every time at airport goodbyes like your heart was breaking into a thousand pieces."

 

View this post on Instagram

  A post shared by Jiyaa Shankar (@jiyaashankarofficial)

Calling Kaaran her "goofball," "best friend" and "ABCD," Jiya concluded her note by writing, "Life is definitely an adventure with you and it happens to be my favourite rom-com. I can't wait to spend my forever with you and spend the rest of my life loving you the way you've always loved me. I love you Kaaran."

The pictures captured the couple sharing a kiss, walking hand in hand and posing together in coordinated pastel outfits against a lush outdoor backdrop. Who is Kaaran Dhanak? While Kaaran Dhanak largely stays away from the entertainment industry, he is reportedly an entrepreneur and corporate professional. With the engagement announcement, the couple has officially made their relationship public for the first time.

Also Read: Karan Johar welcomes Jiya Shankar as Tyaani Jewellery’s new muse for Forces of Tyaani campaign