EXCLUSIVE: Salman Khan’s Battle Of Galwan to release on Independence Day 2026

Earlier in the day, Bollywood Hungama announced that the much-awaited film, Battle Of Galwan, might not be able to make it on April 17, as scheduled. The news went viral as soon as it went live. We now bring to you another exciting update – the new release date of the Salman Khan-starrer.

A source told Bollywood Hungama, “Battle Of Galwan has indeed been postponed and it’ll now release on August 14, 2026. Salman Khan and the makers are of the opinion that it would be a better date since India’s Independence Day falls on August 15. The patriotic sentiment will be at an all-time high and Battle Of Galwan would be an ideal flick to watch in this period.”

The source further said, “The makers are expected to shortly announce the new release date of Battle Of Galwan officially.”

Earlier, Bollywood Hungama, in its article, carried a quote from a source who explained the reason for the delay, “The shoot is not yet over and the reshoot is taking more time than expected. From Monday, February 9, a one-week schedule will commence in the Golden Tobacco Factory in Mumbai. After this schedule gets over, a few more days of shooting are left and by February-end, it’ll be a wrap.”

The source further said, “Director Apoorva Lakhia will begin editing the reshot portions. And that’s not all. As per the rules, Battle Of Galwan needs to be shown to the Ministry of Defence and this process might also take time. Due to these two reasons, the makers feel that they would not be able to meet the April 17 deadline. Salman Khan is clear that such a special, patriotic film needs to be nurtured well. He has told the team of the film that they should not rush through the process and take their time in ensuring that the final product looks appealing, compelling and cinematic.”

Interestingly, Battle Of Galwan will now clash with Kartik Aaryan-starrer Naagzilla.

Also Read: Salman Khan back on Battle Of Galwan sets for 15-day additional shoot and patchwork; action scene added

Karan Johar, Vicky Kaushal, Ananya Panday and others attend day 2 of the 100-year celebration event of RSS in Mumbai

The Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) completed 100 years in 2025. As part of its centenary celebrations, a grand two-day event is being held at a sprawling auditorium in Mumbai. The first day of the event took place on Saturday, February 7, with several prominent personalities from various fields in attendance. The Bollywood film fraternity was not far behind and many celebs attended the first day of the event like superstars Salman Khan and Ranbir Kapoor, filmmakers Mohit Suri, Subhash Ghai, Nitesh Tiwari, Mahaveer Jain, Om Raut, Vikram Malhotra, lyricist Prasoon Joshi and others.

The second day of the event was also star-studded. While Ranbir attended the first day of the event, his Love & War co-star Vicky Kaushal made his presence felt on day 2. Karan Johar and Ananya Panday were also present and they were joined by veteran actor Jackie Shroff, the evergreen Raveena Tandon and Shilpa Shetty, music composer Pritam Chakraborty, singer Adnan Sami, television star Rupali Ganguly, Marathi actor Subodh Bhave, talented performer Viineet Kumar Siingh, and filmmakers Nitesh Tiwari, Madhur Bhandarkar, Mahesh Manjrekar, Aanand, L Rai, Amar Kaushik, Amit Sharma, Ramesh Taurani, Anand Pandit, Arunabh Kumar and others.

On the film front, Ananya Panday and Karan Johar are gearing up for their romantic flick, Chand Mera Dil. It also stars Lakshya of Kill (2024) and The Ba***ds Of Bollywood (2025) fame and is directed by Vivek Soni, whose Netflix original Aap Jaisa Koi (2025), starring R Madhavan and Fatima Sana Shaikh, received rave reviews.

Ananya Panday and Karan Johar’s last film together, Tu Meri Main Tera Main Tera Tu Meri (2025), was released in cinemas on Christmas. It recently premiered on Amazon Prime Video on rent. Meanwhile, Ananya is currently working on the second season of Call Me Bae. Incidentally, the slice-of-life show is also backed by Karan Johar.

Besides Call Me Bae Season 2 and Chand Mera Dil, Karan Johar is also gearing up for the Konkona Sen Sharma-Pratibha Ranta Netflix film Accused, Kartik Aaryan-starrer Naagzilla, Ayushmann Khurrana-Sara Ali Khan untitled flick, a thriller with Aditya Roy Kapur etc.

Also Read: Salman Khan, Ranbir Kapoor and others attend the 100-year celebration event of RSS in Mumbai

Ishaan Khatter buys Rs. 29.37 crore luxury apartment in Mumbai’s elite Pali Hill area

Bollywood actor Ishaan Khatter has reportedly made a significant real estate investment in Mumbai, purchasing a luxury apartment in the city’s upscale Pali Hill neighbourhood for Rs. 29.37 crore. The transaction details have emerged through property registration documents accessed by real estate data platform CRE Matrix.

According to the documents, Ishaan has acquired the apartment at Navroz Apartments, located in Bandra’s Pali Hill, under the Navroze Premises Co-operative Society. The high-end residence boasts a carpet area of 2,989.05 square feet, making it a spacious addition to the actor’s property portfolio. The seller of the apartment has been identified as Kapil M. Mahtani, and the transaction was officially registered on February 5, 2026.

The paperwork further reveals that the actor paid approximately Rs. 1.76 crore in stamp duty for the deal. In addition to the apartment, the purchase also includes four dedicated parking spaces, a valuable asset in one of Mumbai’s most sought-after residential zones. As of now, Ishaan Khatter has not issued any official statement confirming or commenting on the property purchase.

Pali Hill, situated in Bandra, continues to remain one of Mumbai’s most prestigious and exclusive residential areas. Known for its prime location and accessibility, the locality has long been home to several prominent Bollywood personalities and high-net-worth celebrities such as Aamir Khan, Shah Rukh Khan, Ranbir Kapoor, Alia Bhatt, Dilip Kumar, Jackie Shroff, and Sanjay Dutt, among others, own properties in and around the Pali Hill area, further underlining its elite status.

The reported purchase comes at a time when Ishaan Khatter is enjoying a notable phase in his career. The actor received widespread appreciation for his performance in Homebound, co-starring Vishal Jethwa and marking a reunion with his debut co-star Janhvi Kapoor. Produced by Dharma Productions and Neeraj Ghaywan, the film gained international attention and even entered the Oscars nomination race, bringing global visibility to the project.

Closer home, Ishaan also connected with Indian audiences through the Netflix series The Royals, where he featured alongside Bhumi Pednekar, Sakshi Tanwar, and Zeenat Aman. With strong critical and audience reception to his recent work, the actor’s reported investment in a prime Mumbai property appears to reflect both professional stability and long-term planning.

Also Read: Ishaan Khatter and Vishal Jethwa react to Homebound losing the Oscar race in heartfelt Instagram posts

SCOOP: Salman Khan-starrer Battle Of Galwan likely to be postponed; might not make it to cinemas on April 17

Bollywood Hungama has been at the forefront in providing timely updates about Battle Of Galwan. We are now back with another news, which might disappoint those who have been waiting to catch the Salman Khan-starrer on the big screen. As per latest developments, the superstar and the makers of the film are toying with the idea of delaying the release.

A source told Bollywood Hungama, “Battle Of Galwan is scheduled to be released on April 17. But the shoot is not yet over and the reshoot is taking more time than expected. From Monday, February 9, a one-week schedule will commence in the Golden Tobacco Factory in Mumbai. After this schedule gets over, a few more days of shooting are left and by February-end, it’ll be a wrap.”

The source further said, “Director Apoorva Lakhia will begin editing the reshot portions. And that’s not all. As per the rules, Battle Of Galwan needs to be shown to the Ministry of Defence and this process might also take time. Due to these two reasons, the makers feel that they would not be able to meet the April 17 deadline. Salman Khan is clear that such a special, patriotic film needs to be nurtured well. He has told the team of the film that they should not rush through the process and take their time in ensuring that the final product looks appealing, compelling and cinematic.”

The source continued, “Though Salman Khan and Apoorva Lakhia are seriously considering postponing the Battle Of Galwan, they are yet to take the final call. Salman bhai is unpredictable; he might still get the film out on April 17 despite the circumstances, but the chances seem remote. A clearer picture is expected to emerge in a few days from now.”

Besides Salman Khan, Battle Of Galwan also stars Chitrangda Singh. Salman plays the role of Colonel Bikkumalla Santosh Babu in this film, which is based on a chapter in the book ‘India’s Most Fearless 3’ (2022), authored by Shiv Aroor and Rahul Singh. The film is inspired by the events of June 15, 2020, when Indian and Chinese soldiers clashed in the Galwan Valley during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Also Read: Salman Khan BREAKS SILENCE on trolls over Battle of Galwan teaser expression: “Ye Colonel ka look hai”

Mrs makers Harman Baweja and Arati Kadav reunite for a new film after one year

A year after Mrs sparked widespread conversation for its sharp social commentary, producer Harman Baweja and director Arati Kadav are set to reunite for a new project. The announcement comes as the film completes one year since its release, reaffirming the creative partnership that delivered one of the most discussed Hindi films of recent times.

Marking the milestone, both Harman Baweja and Arati Kadav took to Instagram to share the news of their next collaboration. The timing of the announcement, coinciding with the anniversary of Mrs, has added to the anticipation surrounding their reunion. While details of the new project remain under wraps, the development signals a continuation of the creative synergy that defined their previous collaboration.

Mrs, directed by Arati Kadav and headlined by Sanya Malhotra, was a Hindi adaptation of the Malayalam cult classic The Great Indian Kitchen, reimagined through a North Indian cultural lens. By weaving in familiar social rituals and domestic dynamics, the film examined gender roles and the gradual erosion of a woman’s individuality within marriage. Its restrained narrative approach and refusal to rely on sensationalism were widely appreciated by critics and audiences alike.

The film also marked a significant chapter for Baweja Studios. Beyond producing the project, Harman Baweja was closely involved in shaping its creative vision and co-writing the film. Mrs went on to earn critical acclaim, with Sanya Malhotra’s performance receiving multiple awards and recognition across platforms.

Speaking about the reunion, Harman Baweja said, “Mrs. was one of those rare films that stays with you long after it’s made not just because of the response it received, but because of the honesty with which it was created. Working with Arati reminded me how powerful cinema can be when everyone involved is aligned in intent and sensitivity. Over the last year, as the film found its audience and its recognition, it only strengthened my belief that this is the kind of storytelling I want to keep backing. Coming together again feels less like a reunion and more like a natural next step in a creative journey we deeply trust, This next project is born from that very faith, and I’m looking forward to once again push boundaries together.”

Echoing similar thoughts, Arati Kadav shared, “Making Mrs. was an emotionally demanding but deeply fulfilling experience, and a lot of that credit goes to the space Harman and Baweja Studios created for me as a filmmaker. There was complete faith, patience, and a willingness to listen qualities that are rare and invaluable. Over time, that trust has only grown stronger. Returning to collaborate again doesn’t feel like starting something new; it feels like continuing a conversation that began with honesty, care, and a shared belief in telling stories that matter.”

The reunion also comes at a strong phase for Baweja Studios. Harman Baweja’s recent project Haq has been gaining attention, while the studio has a packed slate ahead that includes Dil Ka Darwaza Kholo Na Darling, Captain India, Boy From Andaman, and several other upcoming titles.

As anticipation builds around their next collaboration, industry watchers will be keen to see how Harman Baweja and Arati Kadav build on the creative foundation established with Mrs.

Also Read: Photos: Anupam Kher, Raju Singh, Karan Razdan, Harman Baweja and others grace the Rajni 2.0 press conference

Priyanka Chopra, Varanasi and the question of a Telugu debut; was the Ram Charan starrer Thoofan forgotten?

The Varanasi team’s widely circulated interview with Screen Rant features a rather awkward moment. When the interviewer asks Priyanka Chopra about her Telugu debut in Varanasi, the actor says she cannot remember when she last did a Telugu film.

Mahesh Babu quickly steps in to add, “This is her first Telugu film.”

But that is not entirely accurate. Priyanka Chopra had, in fact, featured in the Telugu version of the Amitabh Bachchan classic Zanjeer in 2013. Titled Thoofan, the Ram Charan starrer had Priyanka playing his love interest in what was admittedly a small role.

At the time, Chopra had expressed considerable gratitude to the makers of Thoofan, as opportunities in Bollywood were scarce for her then.

A senior member of the Thoofan team views her current statement as a case of selective amnesia. “When we signed her for Thoofan, nobody in the Hindi film industry was willing to sign her. We ourselves felt the role was not substantial enough for a future global star like her. But she was eager and did the role happily. Now she seems to have forgotten her Telugu debut altogether,” the team member says.

Sources suggest that the Varanasi team is keen to position the film as Priyanka Chopra’s Telugu debut. But should that come at the cost of factual accuracy?

Also Read: Priyanka Chopra Jonas reveals her ONLY request for Varanasi was to dance: “Poor Mahesh Babu had to do it too”

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

 

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

 

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

 

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

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

 

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Welcoming these little ones into our family…

— Chiranjeevi Konidela (@KChiruTweets) January 31, 2026

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

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