Mona Singh credits authentic roles for building two decades of audience trust: “It’s also my approach of being the anti-diva on screen”

Actor Mona Singh says the phrase “Mona Ka Magic,” often used by audiences to describe her screen presence, comes from years of building trust through honest performances and carefully chosen roles. Speaking at the India Today conclave, the actor reflected on what the label means to her after more than two decades in the industry. She said she believes her connection with viewers has grown from her willingness to prioritise authenticity over glamour on screen.

“I honestly feel that I’ve managed to build a two-decade-long bridge of trust with the viewers. So it’s also my approach of being the anti-diva on screen. I’m ready, I’m willing to look raw, I’m willing to look fatigued and tired, and whatever the character demands,” she said.

“I’m ready to look raw, fatigued or tired—whatever the character demands. That honesty gives a gut punch that feels stronger than something overly scripted,” she explained. Choosing stories that stay with audiences Singh also spoke about how her project choices have shaped her reputation. According to her, she has consistently tried to balance commercial storytelling with narratives that spark discussion.

“Most of the projects I’ve picked are not only commercially viable but also conversation starters,” she said, suggesting that this balance may be one reason audiences associate her work with the phrase “Mona Ka Magic.”

Her recent and upcoming slate reflects that direction. The actor is set to appear in projects including Happy Patel, Border 2, Kohrra Season 2, and Subedaar. Across genres and formats, Singh’s selections continue to emphasise character-driven storytelling rather than conventional screen positioning.

Also Read: Maa Ka Sum trailer introduces Mihir Ahuja as math prodigy on mission to find love for his mother, played by Mona Singh

Zack Snyder calls Huma Qureshi “one of the most amazing actors” after Army of the Dead

Acclaimed Hollywood filmmaker Zack Snyder has praised Indian actor Huma Qureshi, describing her as “one of the most amazing actors” he has worked with. The filmmaker shared the appreciation on social media while revisiting their collaboration on Army of the Dead.

Taking to Instagram, Snyder posted a still of Qureshi from the film and wrote that she brought “talent, presence, and pure brilliance on screen,” recalling his experience working with her on the 2021 zombie heist drama. The actor, who played Geeta Ranjan in the film, responded warmly in the comments, writing, “You the best… boss man.”

Filmmaker-choreographer Farah Khan also reacted to the post with an enthusiastic response, while actor Saqib Saleem joined in congratulating Qureshi.

 

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Huma Qureshi’s Hollywood debut with Army of the Dead Directed by Snyder, Army of the Dead marked Qureshi’s Hollywood debut. The film featured an ensemble cast including Dave Bautista, Ella Purnell, Omari Hardwick, Ana de la Reguera, Theo Rossi, Matthias Schweighöfer, Nora Arnezeder, Hiroyuki Sanada, Tig Notaro, Raúl Castillo and Garret Dillahunt.

Set in a zombie-infested Las Vegas, the film follows a group of mercenaries attempting a high-risk casino heist during a post-apocalyptic outbreak. Snyder conceived the project as a spiritual successor to his 2004 directorial debut, Dawn of the Dead. Upcoming projects: Huma Qureshi set for Toxic On the work front, Qureshi will next be seen in Toxic: A Fairytale for Grown-Ups, headlined by Yash and directed by Geetu Mohandas. The film also features Kiara Advani, Nayanthara, Rukmini Vasanth and Tara Sutaria. Shot simultaneously in Kannada and English, the film is set in 1980s Goa and revolves around a powerful drug cartel operating beneath the region’s picturesque exterior.

Qureshi’s recent releases include Maharani Season 4 and Delhi Crime Season 3.

Also Read: Red Lorry Film Festival 2026: Huma Qureshi-starrer Bayaan director questions lack of support for female-led stories: “To all those women in positions of power, why don’t they support such a story? Ek certain female-led films se kya pareshaani hai?”

Another Roshan in the making? Hridaan Roshan heads to USC to study filmmaking

There may soon be a new creative force emerging from the illustrious Roshan family. Hrithik Roshan’s younger son, Hridaan Roshan, has taken his first step toward a career in cinema by enrolling in a filmmaking course in the United States.

The 17-year-old will be studying film and television production at the prestigious University of Southern California, a globally renowned institution known for shaping some of the biggest names in the entertainment industry. The news was shared by his alma mater, the American School of Bombay, on Instagram.

Sharing a picture of Hridaan alongside the USC logo, the school wrote, “It’s no surprise to us that we’ll C Hridaan at USC studying film and TV production! Congratulations Hridaan, we are so proud.” The announcement was met with an outpouring of love from friends and family, including cousin Fizaa Ali, who cheered him on in the comments.

Hridaan is the younger son of Hrithik Roshan and his former wife Sussanne Khan. He comes from a lineage deeply rooted in the film industry—his grandfather Rakesh Roshan is a celebrated actor-filmmaker, while his maternal grandfather Sanjay Khan is also a prominent name in Indian cinema.

Interestingly, Hrithik himself is set to step behind the camera soon, with plans to direct the next installment of the popular Krrish franchise. With Hridaan now formally training in filmmaking, speculation is already rife about whether he will carry forward the family’s cinematic legacy.

While it remains to be seen what path Hridaan ultimately chooses, his decision to study filmmaking at such a reputed institution certainly signals a strong inclination toward storytelling and cinema—perhaps hinting that the Roshan legacy is set to continue into the next generation.

Also Read: Hrithik Roshan and Sussanne Khan come together for family picture to celebrate Hridaan’s 14th birthday

EXCLUSIVE: Bhooth Bangla expected to be approx. 2 hours 50 minutes long; among Akshay Kumar's longest films since Holiday - A Soldier Is Never Off Duty

Bollywood Hungama was among the first to inform readers that the Akshay Kumar-starrer Bhooth Bangla, scheduled to release on April 10, might be delayed and arrive in cinemas on April 17. The suspense over its release date continues, as the makers have yet to make an official announcement. Moreover, the trailer, which was initially expected on March 27 and later rescheduled for March 30, has not been unveiled. This has only further fuelled speculation that the horror-comedy has indeed been pushed ahead. Meanwhile, Bollywood Hungama has now learned about the film’s run time.

A trade source told Bollywood Hungama, “Bhooth Bangla is around 2 hours and 50 minutes long. After the censor process, the run time may reduce or increase by a few minutes. The exact duration will be known closer to the release date, but as of now, it is said to be around 170 minutes.”

If Bhooth Bangla indeed ends up with a run time of 2 hours and 50 minutes, it will be among Akshay Kumar’s longest films in the last 12 years. In this period, most of his films have had shorter durations, usually under 150 minutes. The last Akshay Kumar starrer with a similar run time was Holiday – A Soldier Is Never Off Duty (2014), which was also 2 hours and 50 minutes long.

After the A R Murugadoss-directed action entertainer, only 11 Akshay Kumar films have had run times of 2 hours and 30 minutes or more – Baby (2015; 2 hours and 39 minutes), Brothers (2015; 2 hours and 38 minutes), Rustom (2016; 2 hours and 30 minutes), Toilet - Ek Prem Katha (2017; 2 hours and 41 minutes), Gold (2018; 2 hours and 33 minutes), Kesari (2019; 2 hours and 30 minutes), OMG 2 (2023; 2 hours and 36 minutes), Bade Miyan Chote Miyan (2014; 2 hours and 38 minutes), Sarfira (2024; 2 hours and 35 minutes), Housefull 5 (2025; 2 hours and 45 minutes) and Jolly LLB 3 (2025; 2 hours and 37 minutes).

Last year, Akshay Kumar was also seen in Kannappa (2025), which was 3 hours and 3 minutes long. However, it hasn’t been added to the aforementioned list as it was a Telugu film and featured Akshay in a special appearance.

Also Read: Was Bhooth Bangla originally planned as Bhool Bhulaiyaa 2? Priyadarshan BREAKS SILENCE

Singer Arpit Bala spits at bottle-throwing fan during Hyderabad concert, watch video

With audiences at live concerts in Delhi for musicians like Badshah and Yo Yo Honey Singh turning increasingly unruly, the musical malaise has now moved South to Hyderabad.

At a concert in Hyderabad at Kingdome Klub & Kitchen on Saturday March 28, singer-performer Arpit Bala, who gained some popularity with his song ‘Bargad’ in 2025, was targeted during his performance with an empty bottle by an unruly member of the audience.

Bala hit right back.

He angrily asked who threw the bottle After identifying the culprit, Bala spat at the fan as the crowd cheered loudly. Arpit Bala spitting on crowd by u/Potential_Let226 in IndianHipHopHeads

Warning the audience not to repeat such acts, he added, “Mujhe farak nahi padega ki tumne kitne paise diye hain... (I don’t care how much you spent),” and continued his performance.

The incident highlights the growing uneasy equation between performers and the audience at live concerts in India. They are no longer safe or even enjoyable for family audiences as stampedes and spats break out routinely at these concerts.

BREAKING: Drishyam's Spanish remake to go on floors in June

In February 2024, it was announced that Drishyam is all set to have remakes in foreign languages. This huge development was confirmed by Kumar Mangat Pathak and Abhishek Pathak, who acquired the international remake rights to Drishyam 1 and 2 from the original producers, Aashirvad Cinemas. At the time, it was revealed that remakes in the USA and Korea were already in the works, while the deal for the Spanish version was being finalized. Almost two years later, it has now come to light that the Spanish remake of Drishyam is all set to go on floors in a few months from now.

As per a report in Bombay Times, Rodrigo Espinel, who will produce Drishyam’s Spanish remake, confirmed at the ongoing International Film Festival of Delhi that the shoot of the film will commence in June. He said, “It’s an interesting story because my partner is a Mexican producer who bought the IP rights, and he called us because Spain has wonderful tax incentives. The concept can be adapted perfectly to Spanish culture. So, we have now started working on it, and we are going to start shooting next June. It has a Spanish director and a top Spanish cast.”

Rodrigo Espinel was asked why he feels that Drishyam’s remake would work for the Spanish audience. He explained, “In the end, it is the story of a father who tries to protect his daughter, and a mother who tries to find where her son is, so it becomes easy to adapt. I think as a producer, if you try to adapt a very local movie, it’s difficult. Even if we adapt the story, the soul of the film is lost. In this case, even though it is a very Indian movie, it’s easy to adapt and connect with our audience.”

About Drishyam

Drishyam (2015) was the official remake of the 2013 Mohanlal-starrer of the same name and stars Ajay Devgn, Tabu, Shriya Saran, Ishita Dutta and others. Directed by Nishikant Kamat, it was the story of an illiterate father who goes to insane lengths to protect his wife and daughter after they mistakenly kill a sexual predator. The deceased was the son of a menacing police officer, which further complicated the matter.

Drishyam was a success and its sequel, Drishyam 2 (2022), was a surprise blockbuster. The original cast returned for the sequel and they were joined by Akshaye Khanna. The second part was directed by Abhishek Pathak, who has also directed Drishyam 3, which will release this year on October 2. While Akshaye Khanna won’t be seen in Drishyam 3, Jaideep Ahlawat and Prakash Raj have come on board this time.

Meanwhile, the original Malayalam version’s second part, Drishyam 2, was released in 2021. The third part will arrive in cinemas this year, on May 21.

Also Read: Drishyam 2 set for theatrical release on April 10 ahead of Drishyam 3 release in May

Sonam Kapoor and Anand Ahuja welcome second baby boy; announce arrival with heartfelt note

Actor Sonam Kapoor Ahuja and her husband Anand Ahuja have welcomed their second child, a baby boy, on March 29, 2026. The couple took to Instagram on Sunday to share the happy news with their followers and well-wishers.

The heartfelt message read, “With immense gratitude and hearts full of love, we are delighted to announce the arrival of our baby boy today, 29th of March 2026. Our family has grown, and with his arrival, our hearts have expanded in the most beautiful way. Vayu is overjoyed to welcome his little brother, and we feel deeply blessed by this precious new life who has filled our home with happiness and grace. We are grateful to begin this beautiful new chapter as a family of four”. They signed off by saying, “With love, Sonam, Anand & Vayu”.

Soon after the announcement, several members of the film industry flooded the comments section with congratulatory messages, including Kareena Kapoor Khan, Kajol, Bipasha Basu, Dia Mirza, Parineeti Chopra, Zoya Akhtar, Kajal Aggarwal, Huma Qureshi, Vaani Kapoor, and Richa Chadha, among others.

 

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For the unversed, Sonam and Anand’s relationship dates back to 2015, when they first connected through common friends. What began as a long-distance romance between Mumbai and London soon evolved into a strong partnership, culminating in their marriage on May 8, 2018, in a traditional Sikh ceremony in Mumbai, followed by a grand reception. The couple embraced parenthood for the first time in August 2022 with the birth of their son, Vayu Kapoor Ahuja.

On the work front, Sonam Kapoor Ahuja was last seen in Blind (2023), a remake of a 2011 Korean film of the same name. While she continues to make a strong presence on the fashion circuit, the actress is yet to announce her upcoming film projects.

Also Read: Sonam Kapoor drops posts about her baby shower: From her ethereal look to sacred and traditional ceremony, it was a celebration wrapped in love

‘Touch Buddy’ from Dacoit out now: Pawan Singh, Jonita Gandhi and Adivi Sesh bring high energy dance track to life

Ever since the makers of Dacoit announced ‘Touch Buddy’, a song featuring Pawan Singh, Adivi Sesh and Jonita Gandhi, fans knew they were in for a power-packed musical treat. The recently released teaser only amplified the buzz, adding a whole new level of hype to the high-energy track. Finally, the makers have dropped this banger, with Pawan Singh and Jonita lending their vocals to the much-awaited song. The song was shot in Telugu as well as Hindi.

Sung by the powerful duo Pawan Singh and Jonita Gandhi, the fiery lyrics are penned by Vayu Shrivastava, with music composed by Bheems Ceciroleo. Adding a touch of his own signature swag. Adivi Sesh will be seen shaking a leg alongside Pawan Singh and Jonita Gandhi, with the trio lighting up the screen with their moves, making ‘Touch Buddy’ the dance number of the season.

Speaking about the song, Bhojpuri King Pawan Singh shared, “I love experimenting with my music, and when Adivi Sesh came to me with the idea, I instantly knew the kind of energy I wanted to bring to this intense and action-packed film. I’m really excited to collaborate with such incredible talents like Sesh and Jonita Gandhi. We thoroughly enjoyed shooting for the song, and I’m sure the audience will feel that same energy.”

Jonita shared, “Recording ‘Touch Buddy’ in both Telugu and Hindi was a really enjoyable experience. It was exciting to collaborate with someone as iconic as Pawan Singh, and working with Adivi Sesh and the team made the entire process super special. I’m grateful to the whole team for making me feel so comfortable throughout. Stepping in front of the camera and dancing for the song - that’s a first for me for any film so far. I hope the audience enjoys the song as much as we enjoyed creating it.”

Marking Shaneil Deo’s directorial debut, this ambitious project, which is shot in Hindi as well Telugu, is produced by Supriya Yarlagadda, co-produced by Suniel Narang, and presented by Annapurna Studios. Shot simultaneously in Hindi and Telugu, the film’s story and screenplay have been jointly crafted by Adivi Sesh and Shaneil Deo. Dacoit is gearing up for a grand Pan-India theatrical release for April 10, 2026.

Also Read: Adivi Sesh meets Japanese fan who flew to Hyderabad dressed like him to wish him for Dacoit

Prime Video marks Vijay Varma’s birthday by announcing April 17 as release date of Matka King

Prime Video, one of India’s most loved entertainment destination, today, celebrated Vijay Varma’s birthday by announcing April 17 as the worldwide premiere date of his upcoming Prime Original drama Matka King. Created and written by Abhay Koranne and created and directed by Nagraj Popatrao Manjule, the series is set in the fast-changing Bombay of the 1960s and traces the fictional journey of an enterprising cotton trader who creates a new gambling system, dubbed ‘Matka’, turning an elite pastime into a nationwide phenomenon.

The series is produced by Siddharth Roy Kapur, Nagraj Popatrao Manjule, Gargi Kulkarni, Ashwini Sidwani, and Ashish Aryan, under the banners of Roy Kapur Films, Aatpat, and SMR Productions. Matka King features Vijay Varma, Kritika Kamra, Sai Tamhankar, Siddharth Jadhav, Bhupendra Jadawat, and Gulshan Grover in lead roles along with Vineet Kumar Singh, Bharat Jadhav, Girish Kulkarni, Jamie Lever, Kishor Kadam, Cyrus Sahukar, Arpita Sethia, Sambhaji Tangade, Ishtiyak Khan, Sanjivv Jotangia, and Simran Ashwini in pivotal roles. The series is set to premiere exclusively on Prime Video, in India and across 240 countries and territories worldwide on April 17.

Matka King follows Brij Bhatti, a sharp-minded and enterprising cotton trader, played by Vijay Varma, who navigates the fast-changing landscape of 1960s Bombay in pursuit of legitimacy and respect. Set against a world of bustling markets, crowded chawls, and shifting power dynamics, what begins as an ambitious idea soon takes on a life of its own, drawing in people across social strata. As aspirations grow and stakes rise, the series unfolds into a gripping narrative shaped by ambition, power, and belonging.

 

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“Matka King is a gripping story of one man’s journey to succeed against all odds in a changing world, told in a way that will surprise audiences,” said Nikhil Madhok, director & head of Originals, Prime Video, India. “The tale of Brij Bhatti’s rise as the Mata King is equal parts fascinating and cautionary. We are thrilled to have partnered with Roy Kapur Films, Aatpat, and SMR Productions to bring this bold story to viewers worldwide on April 17.”

Siddharth Roy Kapur, co-producer for Matka King, shared, “What drew us to Matka King was the scale and uniqueness of the world it is set in, and the story of an individual navigating ambition, identity, and the pursuit of respect in a rapidly evolving society. It is a narrative rooted in a specific time and place, yet universally relatable in its exploration of human aspirations and choices. Combining forces with Nagraj Popatrao Manjule, whose extraordinary work I have always admired has been extremely rewarding. And the talented Abhay Koranne, who we have successfully collaborated with before, has brought a distinct creative vision and authenticity to the storytelling. With a stellar ensemble led by Vijay Varma, Kritika Kamra, and Gulshan Grover, the series is brought to life with remarkable depth and nuance. We are delighted to deepen our collaboration with Prime Video on this ambitious project and look forward to bringing Matka King to audiences starting April 17, only on Prime Video.”

Also Read: Sunny Deol and Vijay Varma likely to team up for high-intensity action drama

Prasanth Varma’s Mahakali to also release in Hindi following Akshaye Khanna’s popularity after Dhurandhar

Akshaye Khanna is being very selective after Dhurandhar, as he used to be even before his resurrection. In his next release Mahakali, Akshaye Khanna plays Shukracharya, a manipulative sage, marking his entry into Tollywood.

The film, part of the Prasanth Varma Cinematic Universe (PVCU), is directed by Puja Aparna Kolluru.

Said producer Prashanth Varma, “We had signed Akshaye Sir much before Dhurandhar. He is the highlight of Mahakali.”

Varma intends to highlight Akshay Khanna’s presence in the North Hindi speaking belt. Earlier, the plan was to release Mahakali in Telugu only. But now after Dhurandhar, there will be a Hindi version highlighting Akshaye Khanna in the marketing.

Also Read: Feroz Abbas Khan on birthday boy Akshaye Khanna’s performance in Gandhi My Father, “His emotional investment to play the part was palpable, he has made Harilal memorable in cinema”

Sharad Kelkar collaborates with Prateek Sharma for multi-language films and OTT projects

Actor Sharad Kelkar marks a significant milestone in his career as he joins forces with producer Prateek Sharma to collectively collaborate for engaging and impactful films and series.

Backed by their respective banners, SKK Entertainment and Studio LSD, the duo is currently enjoying the success of Tumm Se Tumm Tak, which continues to soar on the TRP charts. Now, both will come together to create compelling films and web series, aiming to deliver diverse and high-quality content across languages.

This collaboration blends Kelkar’s strong storytelling sensibilities with Sharma’s proven expertise in creating successful shows like Tumm Se Tumm Tak, Beyhadh, Radha Mohan, Suman Indori and many more.

Over the years, Kelkar has established himself as a versatile actor and voice artist across films and OTT platforms. From lending his powerful voice to the Hindi version of Baahubali to portraying layered and impactful roles, Kelkar has strengthened his standing as an impactful performer. Even as a producer, he has backed films including the action-drama 'Raanti', adventure drama 'Idak: The Goat' and the Marathi epic 'Har Har Mahadev'.

While the synergy is new, the makers are gearing up to bring fresh, engaging and high-impact content to audiences. With a focus on unique narratives and compelling characters, this collaboration aims to push the boundaries of Indian storytelling.

Also Read: Sharad Kelkar says his Taskaree character draws from Amitabh Bachchan’s Angry Young Man era

Ektaa Kapoor hands over Wheel of Fortune prize money to support Rajpal Yadav

The team of Bhooth Bangla recently appeared on the television game show Wheel of Fortune, hosted by Akshay Kumar, where a moment involving Ektaa Kapoor and Rajpal Yadav drew attention during the promotional visit.

During the episode, Ektaa Kapoor chose to hand over the winning amount from the game to Rajpal Yadav as a gesture of support. The appearance also featured Wamiqa Gabbi alongside the team, making it a notable promotional stop ahead of the film’s release.

Bhooth Bangla marks the reunion of Akshay Kumar with director Priyadarshan. The actor-filmmaker duo has previously collaborated on several comedy titles that remain popular with audiences, and their coming together again has generated interest around the upcoming project.

The film is presented by Balaji Motion Pictures, a division of Balaji Telefilms Ltd, in association with Cape of Good Films. Apart from Akshay Kumar, Wamiqa Gabbi and Rajpal Yadav, the cast also includes Paresh Rawal, Tabu, Jisshu Sengupta and Mithila Palkar in key roles.

Directed by Priyadarshan and produced by Akshay Kumar, Shobha Kapoor and Ektaa Kapoor, Bhooth Bangla is scheduled to release in theatres on April 10, 2026.

Also Read: SCOOP: Ekta Kapoor-Tanuj Garg join hands for big political thriller; touches upon tragic Pahalgam attack

Ridhi Dogra fronts National Geographic India’s new travel series Postcards from Hong Kong

National Geographic India has announced a new two-episode travel series titled Postcards from Hong Kong, featuring Ridhi Dogra exploring a different perspective of Hong Kong beyond its familiar skyline and urban image. The series premieres on March 28 at 8 PM on National Geographic Channel and will also stream on JioHotstar.

Produced by National Geographic Creative Works, the show follows Ridhi as she travels through both well-known landmarks and lesser-seen locations across the city. The series highlights coastal landscapes, hiking trails and cultural experiences while also presenting everyday local life through interactions with guides and influencers.

In the first episode, Ridhi explores quieter and nature-focused destinations such as Sai Kung, Big Wave Bay, Dragon’s Back, Tai O, Ngong Ping, Po Lin Monastery and the Tian Tan Buddha. The journey reflects a slower and more reflective side of the city while also documenting her personal experience of travel and discovery.

The second episode shifts focus to the energetic side of Hong Kong. With 72 hours remaining in the city, Ridhi visits Causeway Bay, Happy Valley Racecourse and Michelin-recognised dining destinations, along with luxury shopping at Landmark. The episode captures the fast-paced character often associated with Hong Kong’s global identity.

Speaking about the experience, Ridhi Dogra said, “Being part of Postcards from Hong Kong with Nat Geo was a deeply enriching experience. What I love about this journey is that it goes beyond the obvious; it’s not just about the skyline or the speed of the city but about the stories that live in its quieter corners. From hiking through misty trails to understanding local traditions, I found myself connecting with Hong Kong in a way that felt real, immersive and meaningful.”

A spokesperson from National Geographic India said, “With Postcards from Hong Kong, we set out to go beyond the familiar and explore the city through a more intimate, human lens. At National Geographic, storytelling is rooted in depth and discovery, and our collaboration with Hong Kong Tourism Board reflects that ethos—bringing together local insights and global storytelling to showcase this exciting city in a whole new light. The series presents Hong Kong as a layered, living narrative, rich in culture, tradition, and unexpected experiences.”

 

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Hong Kong Tourism Board Director for South Asia Puneet Kumar added, “Postcards from Hong Kong is a reflection of meaningful storytelling that brings the city to life in an immersive way. We are delighted to see Hong Kong portrayed through such a fresh and nuanced lens. Through this collaboration with National Geographic, the series showcases a side of the city that many travellers are yet to discover—from scenic trails and coastal escapes to rich cultural traditions and vibrant local communities. It beautifully captures the diversity and spirit that define Hong Kong.”

The series also features experiences such as watching the Symphony of Lights aboard Aqua Luna, alongside explorations of local cuisine and neighbourhood spaces, presenting Hong Kong through a mix of travel, culture and personal storytelling

Also Read: Ridhi Dogra reflects on a tough decision in The 50 : “The guilt of not voting for your friends is too much”

Double dhamaka for Jio Studios: Ram Charan's Peddi set for April 30 release; Raja Shivaji arrives a day later on May 1

On the occasion of Ram Charan’s birthday, the makers of his upcoming film, Peddi, unveiled a fascinating ‘Peddi Pehelwan’ teaser. An earlier asset, which was released in 2025, showed Ram Charan as a village cricketer. Meanwhile, the newly released content focuses on wrestling and presents Ram Charan in a physically demanding role. What also stood out in the teaser was the mention of Jio Studios in the end slate.

According to reports and trade sources, Jio Studios has come on board to distribute Peddi in North India. This marks a significant move for the studio, as it will be the first time Jio releases a Pan-India film in the Hindi-speaking markets.

Besides Ram Charan, Peddi also stars Janhvi Kapoor, Shiva Rajkumar, Jagapathi Babu and Divyenndu. It is presented by Mythri Movie Makers and Sukumar Writings of Pushpa fame, produced by Venkata Satish Kilaru's Vriddhi Cinemas and directed by Buchi Babu Sana. The music is composed by A R Rahman.

Peddi releases on April 30. Interestingly, Raja Shivaji, produced by Jio Studios, releases a day later, on May 1. It is based on the life of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, with Riteish Deshmukh playing the titular role. Riteish is also the film’s director and it also stars Abhishek Bachchan, Sanjay Dutt, Bhagyashree, Fardeen Khan, Vidya Balan, Genelia Deshmukh, Mahesh Manjrekar, Sachin Khedekar, Amole Gupte and others. Salman Khan also features in the film in a cameo. Besides Jyoti Deshpande of Jio Studios, the historical is also produced by Riteish and Genelia Deshmukh’s Mumbai Film Company.

A trade source told Bollywood Hungama, “Two big films are releasing in the same week. But since Jio has backed both films, it will ensure that screen-sharing happens meticulously and that justice is done to both. It gives a déjà vu of the Oppenheimer-Barbie clash in July 2023. Warner Bros produced Barbie and also distributed Oppenheimer, which was backed by Universal Pictures. The way the showcasing was allocated was praiseworthy, and a similar scenario is expected to unfold in May.”

Also Read: Ram Charan drops new ‘Peddi Pehelwan’ look unveiled; makers unveil this wrestler transformation

Deepak Tijori criticises CBFC over inconsistent censorship in Dhurandhar 2

Actor-director Deepak Tijori has raised concerns over censorship practices in the theatrical release of Dhurandhar 2: The Revenge, questioning what he describes as inconsistencies in how abusive language is handled across platforms.

In a recent statement, Tijori criticised the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) for “half-muting” cuss words in the film’s theatrical version. He said he was unable to understand the rationale behind partially censoring expletives instead of either muting them completely or leaving them intact. “I genuinely don’t understand this, why mute half the abuses and let the other half stay?” he remarked, adding that the approach appears arbitrary.

The filmmaker also pointed out that the film has already been granted an adults-only certification, questioning the purpose of such partial censorship. “Who exactly are we protecting here? And from what, half a word?” he said, highlighting what he views as a lack of clarity in the guidelines.

Tijori further flagged what he termed a “double standard” in censorship between theatrical and digital releases. He noted that while the cinema version features muted language, the same film is later released on OTT platforms without such alterations. “The same film releases on OTT completely unmuted, exactly as it was meant to be,” he said, suggesting that this undermines the logic of theatrical cuts.

According to him, this discrepancy may inadvertently expose younger audiences to unfiltered content at home, despite stricter controls in cinemas. He argued that the current system raises broader questions about the effectiveness and consistency of content regulation across viewing platforms.

Also Read: Deepak Tijori alleges he was cheated of Rs 2.5 lakhs in false funding promise, case registered: Reports

Kaithi vs Bholaa Row: Dream Warrior Pictures moves Bombay High Court over alleged copyright violation

A legal dispute has been brewing between the makers of the Hindi remake Bholaa starring Ajay Devgn and Tabu and the Tamil production house Dream Warrior Pictures who produced Karthi starrer Kaithi. The latter has approached the Bombay High Court, alleging infringement of copyright and remake rights linked to its original film Kaithi.

The matter was heard by a single-judge bench led by Justice Sharmila Deshmukh, who has currently reserved her decision on a preliminary issue—whether the Bombay High Court has the authority to hear the case. The producers of Bholaa have challenged the court’s jurisdiction, arguing that the dispute should be addressed elsewhere.

According to Dream Warrior Pictures, it produced and released Kaithi in October 2019 and retains complete ownership over the film’s intellectual property, including remake rights. The company stated that it later entered into multiple agreements regarding the Hindi adaptation, beginning with a collaboration involving a Reliance Group entity in early 2020.

A key agreement was signed on March 29, 2023, between Dream Warrior and Reliance Entertainment Studios, granting rights for the Hindi remake titled Bholaa. Under this deal, Dream Warrior claims it was to receive a fixed fee in instalments, along with additional earnings tied to the film’s performance. However, it alleges that only an initial payment of Rs.1 crore plus GST was made in April 2022.

The Hindi remake, starring Ajay Devgn, was released globally on March 30, 2023. Shortly after, on April 1, 2023, a second agreement was executed between Dream Warrior, Reliance, and Ajay Devgn Ffilms LLP. This arrangement reportedly granted all three parties joint ownership of remake rights, while leaving exploitation rights with Reliance.

Dream Warrior has claimed that subsequent payments due in April and May 2023 were never cleared. After repeated follow-ups over the next two years allegedly went unanswered, the company issued a legal notice in October 2024 demanding Rs. 4 crore along with interest. It also warned that failure to pay within 30 days would lead to termination of the agreement and restoration of all rights.

Following the lapse of this deadline in November 2024, Dream Warrior maintains that the agreement stood cancelled and that all rights related to Bholaa reverted to it.

In parallel, the production house had earlier approached the National Company Law Tribunal (NCLT) in Mumbai, seeking insolvency proceedings against Reliance Entertainment over unpaid dues. However, the tribunal dismissed the plea in August 2025, stating that the dispute did not qualify as an operational debt matter and should instead be resolved through civil proceedings.

Subsequently, Dream Warrior filed the present commercial intellectual property suit on March 22, 2026. It has sought a court order to restrain Reliance and Ajay Devgn Ffilms from distributing, streaming, or monetising Bholaa. The plea also seeks a formal declaration that the agreements stand terminated, along with compensation based on revenues earned from the film and its associated content.

The case also names several downstream platforms, including Amazon Prime Video, Zee Entertainment Enterprises, and T-Series, alleging that any streaming of the film after November 27, 2024 is unauthorised and amounts to wrongful gain.

During the hearing, the defendants argued that the primary agreement between the parties clearly specifies that courts in Chennai alone would have jurisdiction. They contended that the case cannot be brought before the Bombay High Court based on a secondary agreement.

After considering submissions from both sides, the court has reserved its order on the question of jurisdiction.

Also Read: Ajay Devgn starrer Bholaa gets its world television premiere on Zee Cinema

Bollywood Hungama report and fan power IMPACT: Project Hail Mary secures shows in ALL 34 IMAX screens in India; Mumbai’s Eros Cinema to play 3:45 am show over the weekend

Yesterday morning, Bollywood Hungama informed readers that, despite tough negotiations by the Sony Pictures team, Project Hail Mary was able to secure shows in only 6 out of 34 IMAX screens in India on its release day. The shocking news was widely circulated in the industry and among exhibitors as well as fans, as it highlighted the struggles faced by the Hollywood studio in securing adequate showcasing for its IMAX film in IMAX properties. Thanks to the impact of the Bollywood Hungama story, relentless efforts by Sony Pictures team and sustained pressure from the fans, the exhibitors finally relented. From Friday, March 27, Project Hail Mary is being screened in all 34 IMAX properties of the country.

A source told Bollywood Hungama, “Project Hail Mary is not the only film that would be screened in IMAX. It’ll have to share shows with Dhurandhar The Revenge, which has been remastered in IMAX. Sony never asked for all shows and was okay with show-sharing. Hence, they finally got what they asked for from the very start.”

On the morning of Thursday, March 26, that is, the day of Project Hail Mary’s release, the film managed to get one show each in the 6 IMAX theatres. As the day progressed, the number of shows increased to 13. On Friday, Project Hail Mary has got as many as 65 shows, nearly five times more than the previous day. All theatres are playing two shows of Project Hail Mary today. PVR Logix Noida and Inox Phoenix Pallasio Mall are the only two IMAX properties that have scheduled only one show of the acclaimed Hollywood film, in the evening slot.

Meanwhile, encouraged by Thursday’s occupancy and the insane demand for Project Hail Mary, Eros has decided to schedule a show at 3:45 am on Saturday, March 28 and Sunday, March 29. It now remains to be seen whether more IMAX cinemas join the bandwagon. From Friday, several cinemas such as Mumbai’s Cinepolis Thane, Maison Inox BKC, Inox Malad and Eros, Delhi’s PVR Vegas Dwarka, Inox Rajouri Garden, PVR Priya and Inox Paras, and Kolkata’s Inox South City will play the film at 7:00 am or 7:30 am. Bengaluru has gone a step further, with PVR Vega City and PVR VR Whitefield Road scheduling shows at 6:30 am. Coimbatore’s Broadway has two shows of Project Hail Mary on Friday, at 2:00 pm and 10:50 pm; from Saturday, it will also screen the film at 7:00 am. Including this and Eros’ 3:45 am show, the number of IMAX shows on Saturday and Sunday rises to 67.

The demand is expected to increase in the non-IMAX theatres as well. PVR Icon Versova took the initiative by having a show at 7:15 am on Friday. Many more regular cinemas will also start playing the film from today.

Despite limited showcasing and delayed opening of advance in IMAX, Project Hail Mary managed to collect approx. Rs. 2 crores on Thursday, as per trade sources. The figure is expected to jump significantly in the Fri-Sun period.

Also Read: SHOCKING: Despite tough negotiations, Project Hail Mary secures shows in ONLY 6 out of 34 IMAX screens in India; efforts underway to increase showcasing

Ramayana Update: Namit Malhotra announces ‘Rama’ glimpse release date on Hanuman Jayanti; global fan reveal planned

The upcoming cinematic adaptation of the Ramayana continues to build momentum as producer Namit Malhotra confirmed a major update regarding the film’s promotional rollout. The first glimpse titled ‘Rama’ is set to be unveiled on April 2, coinciding with the auspicious occasion of Hanuman Jayanti, and will be marked by a grand global reveal for fans.

The announcement came as Malhotra shared a note on social media on the occasion of Ram Navami, on Thursday, March 26, offering insight into the vision and effort behind the ambitious project. In his message, he wished everyone and said, “Shubh Rama Navami. This is a story that belongs to all of us, and every step we take has been guided by a deep sense of responsibility, devotion, and care to bring our very own Ramayana to life in its truest spirit and scale with utmost sincerity. we look forward to sharing the next glimpse, ‘Rama’ On 2nd April, On the auspicious occasion of Hanuman Jayanti, as we begin to showcase all these years of our effort through a grand world reveal with fans, celebrating this moment across the world. Thank you for your love, faith, and patience. Namit Malhotra”.

 

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Directed by Nitesh Tiwari, Ramayana is envisioned as a large-scale, two-part cinematic spectacle mounted with global collaboration. Set about 5000 years ago, the project aims to blend advanced technology with immersive storytelling, positioning itself as a visually grand yet emotionally resonant retelling of the ancient epic.

The film has already generated significant buzz following its initial reveal, which included a multi-city launch in India and a prominent showcase at Times Square. With the upcoming ‘Rama’ glimpse, the makers are expanding the scale further by turning the reveal into a worldwide fan-driven celebration.

Featuring an ensemble cast, the film stars Ranbir Kapoor as Lord Ram, Sai Pallavi as Sita, Yash as Ravana, Sunny Deol as Hanuman, and Ravi Dubey as Lakshman.

Backed by Prime Focus Studios in association with the eight-time Oscar-winning DNEG and Yash’s Monster Mind Creations, the film is slated for a worldwide IMAX release. The first part is scheduled to arrive during Diwali 2026, followed by the second instalment in Diwali 2027.

Also Read: Dinesh Vijan says “Mahavatar is SIX times the size of Chhaava”; also reveals, “I told Namit Malhotra, ‘If Ramayana runs, Mahavatar is all set'”

Aditya Dhar warns against AI-manipulated Dhurandhar: The Revenge visuals, calls them “malicious and misleading”

Filmmaker Aditya Dhar took to Instagram and issued a clarification addressing the circulation of manipulated visuals related to his film Dhurandhar: The Revenge. The director took to Instagram to warn audiences about AI-generated misinformation being spread using altered promotional material from the film.

In his statement, Dhar expressed gratitude for the film’s reception, saying, “I am deeply grateful & indebted for the overwhelming love that Dhurandhar The Revenge has received from audiences across the country and the world.” However, he raised concern over certain fabricated images being circulated online, which he said misrepresent the film’s content.

Highlighting a specific instance, Dhar stated, “One such fabricated image falsely depicts the character Hamza/Jaskirat smoking while wearing a turban. This is completely untrue and does not form part of the film or any official material released by us. It is a deliberate act of misrepresentation intended to provoke and create mischief.”

 

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He further emphasised his stance on cultural sensitivity, adding, “Let me state this unequivocally: I hold the highest respect for the Sikh community, and every portrayal in the film has been handled with utmost sensitivity, dignity, and responsibility.” Dhar described the circulation of such doctored content as “malicious and dishonest.”

Urging viewers to verify information, he said, “I urge audiences to rely only on official content and watch the film as it is intended, and not fall prey to AI-generated misinformation being circulated with ulterior motives.” He also warned that such actions would not be taken lightly, stating, “Such acts will be dealt with firmly.”

The clarification comes amid increasing concerns within the film industry over the misuse of artificial intelligence to alter promotional material and create misleading narratives. Dhar’s statement aims to reassure audiences while reinforcing the importance of relying on verified sources.

Also Read: Vicky Kaushal, Kangana Ranaut and others shower love on Dhurandhar franchise; applaud Aditya Dhar and his work

Rajkummar Rao, Sanya Malhotra starrer Toaster gets release date; Netflix to drop quirky dark comedy on April 15

Netflix has announced its upcoming dark comedy Toaster, a film that turns an everyday object into the centre of an increasingly chaotic chain of events. Set to premiere on April 15, 2026, the film promises a quirky and unpredictable narrative that begins with a seemingly trivial situation—a wedding gift that refuses to be forgotten after the wedding itself is called off.

Directed by Vivek Das Chaudhary, Toaster marks a significant milestone for Patralekhaa, who steps into production with her banner Kampa Film. The project brings together Rajkummar Rao and Sanya Malhotra in leading roles, supported by a vibrant ensemble that includes Archana Puran Singh, Abhishek Banerjee, Farah Khan, Upendra Limaye, Vinod Rawat, Jitendra Joshi and Seema Pahwa.

The film also sees Rajkummar Rao returning to the comedy genre, a space where he has previously earned audience appreciation for his comic timing. With Toaster, he is set to headline a story that blends relatable situations with escalating absurdity and dark humour.

Speaking about stepping into production, Patralekhaa said, “Stepping into production with Kampa Film has been an incredibly meaningful milestone for us, and beginning this journey with Netflix — who have consistently championed distinctive and unconventional stories — makes it even more special. Toaster immediately stood out because it finds humour in the most unexpected places, and the moment we read it, we knew it was a story we wanted to bring to life. Being our very first film makes the experience even more personal for us. Having such a wonderful ensemble come together for this journey has been truly exciting, and we can’t wait for audiences to dive into this entertaining and unpredictable ride.”

 

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Sharing insights into the film, Ruchikaa Kapoor Sheikh, Director of Original Films at Netflix India, added, “Toaster is a quirky dark comedy that begins with a simple miser whose life spirals into complete mayhem in pursuit of getting back his toaster. It’s the kind of inventive storytelling we love to champion at Netflix. With Vivek Das Chaudhary making his directorial debut and Patralekhaa & Raj stepping into the producer’s role for the first time with Kampa Film, the project reflects our continued focus on championing emerging talent behind the camera while bringing an exciting burst of fresh creative energy. All of this comes alive with two phenomenal and much-loved actors, Rajkummar Rao and Sanya Malhotra, headlining this family entertainer, alongside a vibrant ensemble. Toaster adds a wonderfully fun note to the diverse mix of stories we’re bringing to audiences this year- an entertaining comedy that builds on relatable situations, dark humour and delightfully escalating chaos.”

Backed by a strong creative team, the film’s story and screenplay are written by Parveez Shaikh, with additional screenplay credits going to Akshat Ghildial and Anagh Mukerjee. The dialogues have been penned by Akshat Ghildial, while Tarun Bali serves as the executive producer.

With its eccentric characters, madcap twists and an unusual premise, Toaster aims to deliver a chaotic yet engaging viewing experience when it premieres exclusively on Netflix on April 15, 2026.

Also Read: TOASTER: Rajkummar Rao and Sanya Malhotra reunite for a dark comedy where a wedding gift sparks murder