Hrithik Roshan and Jr NTR starrer War 2 to commence shoot from February in Mumbai; report

While Tiger Shroff and Hrithik Roshan together won hearts as sleek spies in the YRF action entertainer War, fans are excited to see the franchise return with the superstar headlining the cast. However, some interesting names have been added to the star cast like RRR fame Jr NTR and Kiara Advani, who will be essaying key roles in War 2. Now, the latest update on that front is that the film is going on floors in Mumbai next month, as per ETimes report.

Not too long ago, Hrithik Roshan was seen travelling across the country to promote his latest release Fighter. And now we hear that he is expected to commence shooting on War 2. In fact, we hear that the preps have started on full swing and that Roshan, who decided to immerse himself into getting fit to play an Indian Air Force officer in his latest release, has kicked off work on this actioner. We hear that the shooting for the film will kick off from Mumbai and that the filmmaker has already jotted down foreign locales where the film will continue to be shot.

A source was quoted in these reports confirmed these details adding, "Ayan Mukerji has already captured overseas location plates approximately two months ago. Currently, a set is under construction in the city in preparation for Hrithik's first shooting schedule".

A lot of expectations are riding high on this film which will mark Hrithik Roshan’s return on the big screen as a spy and audiences can expect some new twists and turns. Being a part of the ambitious YRF spy universe which is being created by Aditya Chopra, there were references to War 2 in the last release Tiger 3, which is also a part of this spyverse along with Pathaan. With Jr NTR as the antagonist and Kiara Advani expected to play the female lead, War 2 is expected to be releasing by the end of this year.

Also Read: Hrithik Roshan promises War 2 will be fun: “My challenge is to show Kabir in a different light”

Ranbir Kapoor starrer Animal soars at No. 4 on Netflix with 6.2 million viewership

Netflix India recently elevated the long weekend with the global digital release of the much-anticipated blockbuster film Animal on January 26, 2024. Boasting a cast including Ranbir Kapoor, Anil Kapoor, Bobby Deol, Rashmika Mandanna, and Triptii Dimri, the movie is now accessible in Tamil, Telugu, Malayalam, and Kannada, on Netflix. Released in theatres on December 2023, the film, helmed by Sandeep Reddy Vanga, garnered polarizing reactions but collected more than Rs. 800 crore at the global box office.

Now, five days after the release of the film on the platform, the film has garnered 6.2 million viewers with 20 million watch time hours. Animal is soaring at No. 4 on Netflix’s Non-English Film list, in its first week of the release.

Recently, Ranbir Kapoor was felicitated with the Best Actor Award at Filmfare 2024 in Gujarat for his performance in Animal.

Directed by Sandeep Reddy Vanga, this action drama explores the intricacies of modern-day relationships, focusing on the dynamics between a father and son. The film is produced by Bhushan Kumar and Krishan Kumar, Murad Khetani, and Pranay Reddy Vanga. ALSO READ: Ranbir Kapoor signs Sanjay Leela Bhansalis Love & War on his own terms and conditions - fixed working hours and 270 days for shoot

Veteran actor Ashok Saraf conferred with Mahashtra Bhushan 2023 by Chief Minister Eknath Shinde

Renowned actor Ashok Saraf, celebrated for his prolific contributions to Marathi cinema and Hindi films, has been honoured with the prestigious Maharashtra Bhushan Award 2023. Acknowledging his stellar career, the announcement was made by Chief Minister Eknath Shinde. The award stands as a testament to Saraf's enduring legacy and his role in shaping the cinematic narrative, transcending boundaries.

“Chief Minister announced giving 2023 Varshacha Maharashtra Bhushan Award to senior Marathi film and theatre actor Ashok Saraf for his immense contribution in the field of art. Ashok Saraf is not only humorous but has shown various shades from serious nature to villainous tendencies through his acting and has congratulated such Chief Ministers as Ghadaville and Rasikanwar Adhirajya Gajwale," wrote the Maharashtra CM on FaceBook, now called Meta.

Ashok Saraf gained fame for his performances in Marathi plays and later transitioned to films. Some of his notable Marathi films include Chal Re Laxya Mumbaila, Ashi Hi Banwa Banwi, and Thartharat. In Hindi cinema, he appeared in films like Shaukeen, Pyaar Kiya Toh Darna Kya, Chhoti Si Baat, and Rang Birangi.

The Family Man director Krishna DK acquires Rs 35.50 crores duplex apartment in Goregaon

Renowned Bollywood writer, director, and producer Krishna Kuppuswami Dasarakothapalli, popularly known as Krishna DK, has made headlines for his lavish real estate acquisition in Mumbai's Goregaon suburb. The filmmaker, celebrated for his notable contributions to cinema through projects like The Family Man, Farzi, and Stree, has splurged over Rs 35.50 crore on a duplex apartment.

The property spans 6,245 square feet and is jointly owned by Krishna DK and his wife, Anuradha Sharma. Situated within the coveted Tower Windsor Grande Residences, the purchase also grants the couple ownership rights to a portion of the upscale residential enclave.

The acquisition, finalized in December, saw Krishna DK shelling out a staggering Rs 2.13 crore in stamp duty alone. Documents accessed through Zapkey.com reveal the process behind the deal, which involved direct procurement from Windsor Realty, the developer behind the project.

Nestled near the iconic Lokhandwala Complex, the Tower Windsor Grande Residences offers a premium living experience against the backdrop of Mumbai's urban landscape. Boasting two majestic towers stretched across four acres, the luxury enclave has been a coveted address for Bollywood's elite, counting actors, singers, and industry stalwarts among its residents.

Despite repeated attempts by Economic Times to seek clarification from Krishna DK's team remained elusive, refraining from addressing inquiries surrounding the purchase. Similarly, Gopal Narang, the founder of Windsor Realty, opted to stay mum on the matter.

Also Read: Raj Nidimoru and Krishna DK reveal that they wanted to approach Aamir Khan for one of their projects; say, “We couldn’t even get to him”

Shabana Azmi -Sunny Deol to share screen space for the first time

There seems no end to what the incomparable Shabana Azmi can do on screen. After sharing screen space with Dharmendra in Karan Johar’s Rocky Aur Rani Kii Prem Kahaani for the first time—an unconventional pairing that ignited the screen—Shabana will now be seen with Dharmendra’s son Sunny Deol in Raj Kumar Santoshi’s Lahore 1947, although they are not cast as romantic leads.

Shabana plays the pivotal part of a Hindu matriarch in Lahore who refuses to let go off her ancestral haveli after it is allotted to a Muslim migrant family from India.

Lahore 1947 also stars Preity Zinta as Sunny Deol’s Significant Other. The two were last seen together in the disastrous Bhaiaji Superhit in 2018. Whether Zinta is relocating to Mumbai to resume her career is not known.

Also Read: Shabana Azmi remembers her Khandhar co-star Sreela Majumdar; says, “Her performances had great emotional depth”

Amy Jackson engaged to Gossip Girl star Ed Westwick, see proposal photos from Switzerland

After years of courtship, British actress Amy Jackson and Gossip Girl star Ed Westwick have sealed their love with a picturesque engagement in Switzerland. The couple surprised fans with stunning proposal photos featuring the breathtaking snowy mountains as a backdrop.

Sharing the pictures along with the ring emoji on her Instagram, Amy Jackson wrote, “Hell yes.” On his Instagram stories, Ed Westwick wrote, “I hit the jackpot.”

The comments section was filled with congratulatory messages. Kiara Advani dropped heart emojis on Amy’s post whereas Kriti Sanon wrote, “Omg! Congratulations love.” Lisa Haydon left a comment which read, “Awww love congrats and glacier 3000.” Athiya Shetty also commented, “Congratulations.”

 

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Back in August 2023, Amy Jackson and Ed Westwick took the next step in their relationship and purchased a dream house in the countryside. Amy Jackson and Ed Westwick were dating privately for a while before making it official in February of 2022.

In their interview with Lifestyle Asia, Amy said, “He’s my partner in everything we do. He’s the voice of reason and calmness in chaotic times, he’s direct yet sensitive, an introverted extrovert, able to make me cry with laughter even through some of the toughest times. We share a passion for creating and growing as individuals and as a unit – I’ve never had someone who supports and encourages me to wholeheartedly explore my true self. He makes me feel like I can do anything. And as if that wasn’t enough, he’s the kindest, most caring human being to my little boy, Andreas – I love their relationship.”

Previously, Amy Jackson was engaged to George Panayiotou in January 2019 and gave birth to their son Andreas. In 2021, it was confirmed that the pair had parted ways after over two years of dating.

On the other hand, Ed Westwick was in a relationship with South African model and influencer Tamara Francesconi but called it quits after two years of dating. ALSO READ: Amy Jackson and Ed Westwick take next step in their relationship; buy their dream home in countryside

Tamannaah Bhatia to headline Dharmatic Entertainment produced start-up dramedy for Prime Video: Report

Tamannaah Bhatia is set to collaborate with Dharma Productions’ digital wing, Dharmatic Entertainment, for an upcoming start-up dramedy, set for Prime Video India. While the title of the project is kept under wraps, Archit Kumar of Dr. Arora fame will be directing this light-hearted series.

As per a report in Peeping Moon, this dramedy will feature two women and the casting for the second lead is underway. The report states, “Currently in pre-production, filming is slated for mid-March or early April, creating anticipation for a nuanced exploration of the highs and lows of the startup journey.”

This marks the second project Dharmatic Entertainment following Showtime, starring Emraan Hashmi and Naseeruddin Shah. It is set for a summer 2024 release.

For Tamanaah Bhatia, this marks her fourth digital project, following Prime Video’s Jee Karda, Netflix’s Plan A Plan B and Disney+Hotstar’s Aakhiri Sach.

On the work front, Tamannaah Bhatia will next star in John Abraham starrer Vedaa, Nawazuddin Siddiqui starrer Bole Chudiyan, and Tamil movie Arnamanai 4. ALSO READ: Tamannaah Bhatia embarks on a spiritual sojourn, visits Kamakhya temple with loved ones; see pics

Actor and singer Adarsh Gourav releases cover ‘Ishq Nachaawe Reprise’ with Rashmeet Kaur

Actor and singer Adarsh Gourav, known for his talent in both acting and music, is set to enchant his audience with the release of his latest cover, ‘Ishq Nachaawe Reprise’. Collaborating with the talented singer Rashmeet Kaur, this musical endeavour follows the success of Adarsh’s debut album ‘Kho Gaye’, a heartfelt tribute to the triumph of his film ‘Kho Gaye Hum Kahan’.

‘Ishq Nachaawe Reprise’, composed and written by Adarsh Gourav and Rashmeet Kaur, takes a unique approach by delving into the theme of the dark side of love, showcasing clean vocals in lieu of rap. Adding to the magic, Pranay skilfully played the keys on the song, creating a harmonious blend of voices and instruments.

Adarsh Gourav, a trained singer who received classical singing training from a young age, initially shared his musical talents on Instagram. However, it was the viral success of his video for ‘Mujhe Tum Nazar Se’ that inspired him to launch covers with fellow artists. Eager to connect with his fans on a deeper level, Adarsh has recently unveiled his dedicated YouTube channel, where he shares his musical creations.

Expressing his joy, Adarsh shared, “The love and acceptance from my fans as a singer are truly motivating. I'm grateful for the support and excited to explore diverse genres. This positive response encourages me to continue pushing boundaries in both acting and music.”

Looking ahead, Adarsh Gourav plans to launch more series of songs, confident that his audience will continue showering him with love and affection. His commitment to both acting and music showcases his multidimensional talent and dedication to his craft.

Also Read: Adarsh Gourav releases a new single titled ‘Kho Gaye’; a song inspired from Kho Gaye Hum Kahan

Sunny Deol CONFIRMED as Hanuman in Nitesh Tiwari's Ramayana: Report

After months of fervent speculation and casting rumours, actor Sunny Deol has been confirmed to portray the mighty Hanuman in Nitesh Tiwari's ambitious project Ramayana. This announcement joins Ranbir Kapoor, who will essay Lord Ram, in what promises to be an epic cinematic retelling of the revered Hindu epic.

Deol's association with the project has generated considerable excitement. Sources close to the production, as reported by PinkVilla, describe him as "all charged up" to take on this iconic role, calling it a "once-in-a-lifetime opportunity." His imposing physical presence and unwavering dedication embody the unwavering loyalty and strength associated with Hanuman, making him a fitting choice for the character.

While some online discussions have raised questions about the age gap between Deol and Kapoor, the makers remain undeterred. According to the publication, they view the casting through the lens of the timeless nature of the Ramayana narrative, where the bond between characters transcends the limitations of earthly time.

The publication quoted a source saying, "It's a legacy part, and the teams are unfazed by the social media chatter. Ranbir has the utmost respect for Sunny Deol, and the latter considers Ranbir to be one of the finest actors in Indian Cinema. The dynamic shared by the two will be a treat for audiences on the big screen. The idea is to bring to spectacle the pure bond shared by Lord Ram and Lord Hanuman."

Deol joins an impressive cast that includes Sai Pallavi as Sita, Yash as Ravana, and Lara Dutta as Kaikeyi. Talks are ongoing with Vijay Sethupathi for the crucial role of Vibhishana, with the remaining key characters soon to be finalised.

The journey to bring this epic to life starts in March 2024, with Ranbir Kapoor and Sai Pallavi leading the charge. Filming for Ramayana: Part One will continue till May, culminating in a July wrap. The post-production process for this first instalment is expected to take a year and a half.

Also Read: Vijay Sethupathi in discussions for Vibhishana role in Nitesh Tiwari’s Ramayana, starring Ranbir Kapoor

Karan Johar drops cryptic hints for upcoming film; fans guess Prithviraj Sukumaran, Kajol, and Ibrahim Ali Khan in Sarzameen

Prepare for a cinematic guessing game! Karan Johar, the Bollywood maestro, has dropped tantalising clues on social media, hinting at his next project and inviting fans to crack the code. While not an official announcement, the post has set the internet ablaze with speculation about the film's cast, crew, and even title.

The cryptic note throws out three key hints:

Southern Superstar: A "superstar from the south who has just delivered a pan India juggernaut" has fans buzzing. Names like Prithviraj Sukumaran, riding high on recent successes, are at the top of the list.

Emotional Powerhouse: The mention of a "massively loved actress who continues to awe us with her emotional energy on celluloid" immediately brings to mind Kajol, renowned for her impactful performances.

Legacy Debutant: The final clue hints at a "legacy debut actor" working diligently to carve their own path amidst nepotism. Many believe this could be Ibrahim Ali Khan, Saif Ali Khan's son, rumored to be making his debut in a Karan Johar production.

Adding to the intrigue, the film has apparently been shrouded in secrecy for a year, with even the crew kept in the dark about key details. This secrecy fuels speculation about the plot and genre, leaving fans eager for more.

 

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The post throws a potential title into the mix – Sarzameen. While unconfirmed, it has ignited further theories. Johar has taken things a step further, offering a tantalising reward – a "glimpse of the film" for anyone who correctly guesses the title and other details. This interactive approach has turned fans into detectives, desperately trying to crack the case before the official reveal.

With the film reportedly nearing release, the anticipation is palpable. Whether it's Prithviraj, Kajol, and Ibrahim or another exciting combination, one thing is certain – Karan Johar's next project has created a buzz.

Also Read: Karan Johar introduces audiences to the ‘guest of honor’ of Koffee With Karan 8 – the Koffee Hamper

Bigg Boss 17 Finale: Ajay Devgn starrer Shaitaan takes over Salman Khan's Bigg Boss house

The gripping teaser of Ajay Devgn, Jyotika and R Madhavan starrer Shaitaan has introduced audiences to a sinister world where Shaitaan controls everything and everybody. The intrigue that the teaser has generated has added to the anticipation of what the film holds.

While everyone awaits to know about this edge-of-the-seat natural thriller, the makers have decided to share yet another glimpse into the wicked world of Shaitaan.

For the first time, Bigg Boss' house will be taken over by Shaitaan. Keeping it to the theme of the film, Shaitaan will command the contestants and put them to some mind-boggling tasks.

Ajay Devgn and R Madhavan will join Salman Khan for the finale to talk about how Shaitaan will soon take over the theatres on 8th March 2024. ALSO READ: Shaitaan: First look of R Madhavan, Jyothika, and Ajay Devgn gets unveiled; teaser to be unveiled on January 25

Rahat Fateh Ali Khan assaults his disciple with a bottle in viral video, issues clarification; watch

Pakistani singer Rahat Fateh Ali Khan was recently caught in a video, assaulting his disciple with a bottle. The video went viral on social media on Saturday, January 27. Following this, the singer released a clarification statement.

In a subsequent video, Rahat Fateh Ali Khan issued a clarification about the video, revealing that a mistake made by his student led to disciplinary action. Khan acknowledged the error and emphasized that the disciplinary measure was taken to uphold the standards of his teaching.

Famous singer Rahat Fateh Ali khan beating his servent for bottle of Alcohol pic.twitter.com/9DZwYxgPmV — Ghulam Abbas Shah (@ghulamabbasshah) January 27, 2024

In another video, the said man or disciple said that Rahat Fateh Ali Khan apologized to him later and he does not have any complaints against him. “Ustad ji came and apologized to me. He is my father, murshid, guru and there is nothing wrong with a father punishing his son. Creating a controversy over this video is a way of blackmailing my ustad,” he said.

بوتل میں پیر صاحب کا دم کیا ہوا پانی تھا pic.twitter.com/tTwQqkUS5n — Tariq Mateen (@tariqmateen) January 27, 2024

The said disciple’s father, was standing alongside Rahat Fateh Ali Khan and said that he sees no wrong in a master punishing his disciple.

Rahat Fateh Ali Khan hails from a family steeped in the music industry. His uncle, the venerable Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan, remains etched in history as an illustrious member of a renowned qawwali ensemble. Over the years, he has become the head of the qawwali gharana and leads a pack of singers. ALSO READ: Rahat Fateh Ali Khan pays tribute to Sidhu Moosewala on his first death anniversary at a concert in California; dedicates ‘Akhiyan Udeek Diyan’

Mithun Chakraborty gets honoured with Padma Bhushan; son Namashi says, “India has finally given its OG hero his due”

In a recent announcement, the renowned veteran actor and politician, Mithun Chakraborty, has been conferred with the prestigious Padma Bhushan for his exceptional contribution to the world of art. Affectionately dubbed the 'Disco Dancer,' Mithun Chakraborty has not only left an indelible mark with chart-topping songs like ‘I Am A Disco Dancer,’ ‘Yaad Aa Raha Hai,’ and ‘Jimmy Jimmy Jimmy Aaja,’ but also showcased his versatility with nuanced performances in films like Kasturi, Agneepath, Tahader Katha, Titli, Guru, and Projapoti, among others.

Amidst the celebratory atmosphere surrounding his Padma Bhushan win, his youngest son, Namashi Chakraborty, shared his sentiments exclusively with News18 Showsha. Currently, away from the family on a film shoot in a remote area near Bangalore, Mithun's absence did not dampen the joyous occasion for his loved ones.

Namashi expressed, “Dad is shooting in a remote area near Bangalore right now. So, none of us are with him. In fact, we were not even aware that he has gotten the award because we had not spoken to dad. He wasn’t informed about being felicitated with the honour before. When we got the news at about eleven o’clock last night, we somehow managed to reach him. All of us are extremely proud and happy. It’s just an overwhelming feeling.”

Reflecting on his father's achievements, Namashi remarked, "When we got the news last night, we got very emotional. What my father has achieved is almost close to impossible. The way he has succeeded in life, the struggle he has seen is unimaginable and to achieve that level of success feels like something that’s beyond me."

When asked whether the award came a bit late in Mithun Chakraborty's career, Namashi responded, "I think India has finally given its OG hero his due. My father, in his entire life, has never asked for an award. He always won them because of his own merit. That’s what makes us prouder. So, it doesn’t matter when the award came to him."

Also Read: Mithun Chakraborty on playing Kabuliwala, “My performance is my homage to my Afghani friend”

Bhumi Pednekar to make web series debut with Ishaan Khatter in Netflix's Royals: Report

Bollywood actress Bhumi Pednekar is poised to conquer the digital space with her web series debut. Yes! You read it right. As per the latest buzz, Bhumi is all set to collaborate with Ishaan Khatter in a romantic drama series titled Royals for Netflix.

According to a report by PeepingMoon, the show is produced by Pritish Nandy Communications, the renowned production house behind the International Emmy-nominated Amazon Prime Video series Four More Shots Please! Royals promises a large-scale ensemble drama.

"Bhumi wanted to explore long-format storytelling with a project that is unique yet commercially appealing and makes for a compelling watch for a broad audience. Royals encompasses everything she was looking for in her debut OTT venture, and she cannot wait to delve into this world. Her fresh chemistry with Ishaan Khatter would also be something to watch out for," a source close to the project told to the portal.

The report further added that the show is currently in pre-production and is slated to begin filming within a couple of months. It marks the 24th production for Pritish Nandy Communications.

While fans have to wait for the official announcement of the above-mentioned project, Bhumi has a packed schedule. Her Netflix thriller Bhakshak from Red Chillies Entertainment premieres on February 9, followed by Mudassar Aziz's romantic comedy Mere Husband Ki Biwi with Arjun Kapoor and Rakul Preet. Ishaan Khatter, meanwhile, will soon be seen alongside Hollywood A-listers Nicole Kidman and Dakota Fanning in Netflix's The Perfect Couple.

Also Read: Bhumi Pednekar exudes traditional Maharashtrian charm as she gracefully adorns a black and gold silk saree, complemented by an elegant nath

Richa Chadha and Ali Fazal's debut production Girls Will Be Girls bags two major awards at Sundance Film Festival

Richa Chadha and Ali Fazal's maiden production, Girls Will Be Girls, has emerged as the breakout film at Sundance Film Festival 2024 and won two awards! After winning over critics who gave it glowing reviews, this small film with a big heart went on to win the feted Audience award in the World Dramatic Entry category, as well as the Special Jury Award for the Lead actress Preeti Panigrahi.

Written and directed by debutant Shuchi Talati, Girls Will Be Girls is a remarkable coming-of-age film that has garnered unanimous acclaim from the most influential international critics at one of the biggest film festivals in the world. The movie, produced through the collaborative efforts of Chadha and Fazal's joint venture Pushing Buttons Studios with Blink Digital and Dolce Vita Films has managed to win hearts and critics both. As the sole Indian narrative feature at the festival, Girls Will Be Girls stood out, while the Indian Documentary Film 'Nocturnes' also won a prize.

Speaking of this, director Shuchi said, “Directing 'Girls will be Girls' was a deeply personal and rewarding experience. The film's success at Sundance is a testament to the collaborative efforts of a dedicated team. Richa has protected this story and film like a Lioness. It's heartening to see our story resonate with audiences and critics alike, and I hope it sparks important conversations about coming-of-age experiences, that we don't often get to see on screen"

Adding to this, producers Richa and Ali said, “We embarked on this journey with Girls Will Be Girls with courage and the overwhelming response at Sundance has been the stuff of dreams! This experience reinforces our belief in the power of storytelling and the need to champion diverse narratives that resonate globally. As actors, we've always craved powerful stories but getting those opportunities wasn't always in our hands. That's why it's heartening to see our new actors receiving this global acclaim. This recognition motivates us to continue pushing boundaries and telling new stories" ALSO READ: Richa Chadha and Ali Fazal fly off to the US for world premiere of debut production Girls Will Be Girls at Sundance Film Festival

Khichdi 2 starring Supriya Pathak set for digital premiere on ZEE5 on February 9, 2024

ZEE5 announced the world digital premiere of the much-awaited comedy-drama, Khichdi 2: Mission Paanthukistan. Khichdi 2, the follow-up to Khichdi: The Movie (2010) stars Supriya Pathak Kapur, Rajeev Mehta, Anang Desai, Vandana Pathak, Jamnadas Majethia, Kirti Kulhari, Anant Vidhaat Sharma, Reyaansh Vir Chaddha, Flora Saini in prominent roles along with surprise cameos by Farah Khan and Pratik Gandhi. The movie is set to premiere on ZEE5 on 9th February 2024.

In the sequel, the Parekh family goes on an adventure to save the world with Praful playing a double role and also serving as an emperor of a fictional country Paanthukistan. The absurdity, the gags and the silliness return as the Parekh family’s adventure transcends various landscapes – cities, beaches, snow-clad mountains, deserts, and caves. The film promises an uproarious adventure as the Parekh family stumbles upon a royal revelation that catapults them into a whirlwind of comedic chaos.

Producer Jamnadas Majethia further said, “For more than two decades, the Khichdi franchise has been a source of laughter for audiences, creating a nostalgic connection with them. Even after more than a decade since our last film, the excitement has been still buzzing with constant inquiries about the return of Khichdi! It has a robust bond with its fans, and with the World Digital Premiere of Khichdi 2 on ZEE5, we are thrilled that this enduring comedy franchise will continue to not only expand its family but also cross international borders.”

Parekh parivaar ke bade log are back with 2x the madness! ????#Khichdi2 premieres on 9th February, only on #ZEE5#Khichdi2OnZEE5 pic.twitter.com/0ae7k6aXa2 — ZEE5 (@ZEE5India) January 25, 2024

Writer and director Aatish Kapadia said, “Fans eagerly awaited the return of Khichdi, and with this new offering, we're bringing back the unmatched craziness of the Khichdi family through their comedic escapades in Paanthukistan. The franchise holds a special place in our hearts, and through this sequel, we aim to amplify the laughter, craziness, and quintessential humour that fans love. Working with this exceptional cast has been an absolute joy and returning with them after so many years felt like home. I believe our collaborative efforts will bring forth a memorable chapter in the Khichdi legacy.”

Supriya Pathak, the vivacious Hansa, joyfully said, "Bringing Hansa back in Khichdi 2: Mission Paanthukistan has been an absolute delight. The laughter, camaraderie, and sheer absurdity of the character never fail to bring a smile to my face. Hansa as a character has resonated so well across all age groups and it has been the most gratifying role of my life. This new instalment guarantees another laughter-filled rollercoaster ride and what better platform than ZEE5 for a homegrown show like Khichdi”.

Created by Jamnadas Majethia and Aatish Kapadia's Hats Off Productions, Khichdi first premiered as a TV series in 2002 on Star Plus. The second season, titled Instant Khichdi, aired in 2004 on Star One. The show was made into a movie in 2010. ALSO READ: Khichdi 2 trailer launch: Kiku Sharda jokes about Dunki: “Bulane ke liye toh hum Shah Rukh Khan ji ko bhi bula le. Par woh yahaan pe aake ‘Dunki’ baatein karenge”

Kartik Aaryan unveils NEW LOOK from Chandu Champion on the occasion of India’s Republic Day

Kartik Aaryan will be seen in a never-seen-before avatar in the ambitious venture Chandu Champion, to be directed by Kabir Khan. The film marks the first collaboration between the actor – director duo and audiences couldn’t be more excited about it. While we got a few glimpses of the avatar Kartik will be seen sporting in the film, including his lean body, on the occasion of India’s 75th Republic Day, the actor decided to give a treat to his fans by unveiling a new look – this time in his uniform!

Kartik Aaryan unveiled a rather patriotic look on Friday, January 26 on social media wherein he is seen sporting an army uniform with a cap. He captioned the photo saying, “Being a Champion is in every Indian’s blood… Jai Hind ???? Happy Republic Day” and also hashtagged his film Chandu Champion. While the actor received a ‘thumbs up’ from many of his fans for his suave look, actor Ronit Roy Bose was one of the first to cheer for the star as he said, “JHEBAAAA!!!!!” and dropped several heart emojis.

 

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Just a few days ago, Kartik had revealed that the film will be seen him doing some intense action as he shared a photo with WBC champion Sena Agbeko from the sets of this Kabir Khan directorial which garnered ample love from audiences. Adding to the curiosity, the new look has definitely made the audience even more excited for this venture.

Chandu Champion, which is expected to be shot across different locations in India, is said to be a sports-patriotic drama. Buzz is that the film will feature Shraddha Kapoor as the leading lady and produced by Sajid Nadiadwala. It is slated for release on June 14 and is expected to clash with Kangana Ranaut starrer Emergency.

Also Read: Kartik Aaryan shares heartwarming birthday post for mom Mala Tiwari; watch

After Shah Rukh Khan, Ranveer Singh, and others, Kriti Sanon gets golden visa for UAE

Kriti Sanon has added another feature to her cap and has joined a host of Bollywood celebrities by receiving the Golden Visa for UAE. The special visa is generally provided to investors, entrepreneurs, individuals with exceptional talents, among others, and the actress has received the honor as a popular Bollywood star. In the past, many of her colleagues like Ranveer Singh, Sanjay Dutt, including co-actors like Shah Rukh Khan, Varun Dhawan, Arjun Kapoor, along with several South celebrities have received this special visa.

With this special visa, the owners of the Golden Visa can study, start businesses, and even reside there up to 10 years without any national sponsorship. Kriti Sanon received this from the hands of ECH Digital CEO Iqbal Marconi and she also expressed gratitude by issuing an official statement saying, “It’s an honour to receive the UAE Golden Visa. Dubai has a special place in my heart, and I look forward to being part of its vibrant cultural landscape.”

On the work front, Kriti Sanon, who was last seen in Ganapath, is currently gearing up for a romantic comedy titled Teri Baaton Mein Aisa Uljha Jiya. The film will feature her alongside Shahid Kapoor for the first time and is directed by Amit Joshi - Aradhana Sah. It will feature her in the role of a robot named Sifra and is produced by Maddock Films. It is slated for release during the Valentine’s Week, on February 9. Apart from this, Kriti also has The Crew with Tabu and Kareena Kapoor Khan in the pipeline. The actress has now also ventured into production and will be producing her first film titled Do Patti which will also star Kajol.

Also Read: Teri Baaton Mein Aisa Uljha Jiya Trailer Launch: “I was really looking forward to work with Kriti Sanon because I really have enjoyed her work” praises Shahid Kapoor

Hrithik Roshan, Deepika Padukone starrer Fighter falls prey to piracy; full movie gets leaked on torrents

According to recent reports, Fighter, which has been garnering rave reviews across, has become a victim of piracy. The film, which brings together Hrithik Roshan and Deepika Padukone for the first time on the big screen, reportedly is based on the life of Indian Air Force officers. Inspired by real life events, the Siddharth Anand directorial is heavy on aerial action and VFX, as well as it is expected to be a one-of-a-kind film which has now been leaked online.

The full movie, reportedly, is available on torrents and other websites which is expected to have released on these platforms on Day 1 of its release, that is, on January 25. From what we hear, the movie, which has been leaked, is even in high-quality HD format and it is being said that this incident can have a heavy impact on its box office collections.

Earlier in an interview with Bollywood Hungama, Siddharth Anand had described the challenges he faced when he was thinking of making Fighter. He revealed that he had no background in armed forces and had sought the help of former Air Force officers to pen down this script. The director also faced many difficulties in creating aerial action sequences and he had said, “It was very challenging because it was like keeping a fish out of water. I had no idea how this is done. I just knew what I wanted to do. The how of it was a big journey. It was a journey of two years of prep, planning and extreme research, then getting the air force on board, getting them to allow us to use their airbases, choppers by giving them over 2000 storyboards, showing them how we were going to do our real and believable scenes and we can execute them. It’s been a very long process, which makes War and Pathaan look like very simple films.”

Apart from Hrithik Roshan and Deepika Padukone playing Air Force officers, Fighter also stars Anil Kapoor, Karan Singh Grover, Akshay Oberoi, Sanjeeda Sheikh, among others in key roles.

Also Read: Siddharth Anand shares how he convinced Deepika Padukone and Hrithik Roshan to showcase their abs in Fighter; says, “It stems from the confidence that they have”

Shaitaan teaser out: Ajay Devgn, R Madhavan and Jyothika starrer unlocks a haunting game; watch

The first chilling glimpse of Ajay Devgn, R Madhavan, and Jyothika's Shaitaan is finally here! The teaser, released on January 25, promises a gripping journey into the supernatural, set to hit theatres on March 8th, 2024. This highly-anticipated thriller also marks Jyothika's much-awaited return to Hindi cinema after a 20-year hiatus.

Devgn took to social media to unveil the teaser with a cryptic message: "Woh poochega tumse... ek khel hai, kheloge? Par uske behkaave mein mat aana!" (He will ask you... it's a game, will you play? But don't be lured by his deception!). While the teaser takes you into the world of Shaitaan, R Madhavan’s sinister smile at the end will surely give you the chills.

 

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  A post shared by Ajay Devgn (@ajaydevgn)

Directed by Vikas Bahl, Shaitaan boasts a stellar cast including Janki Bodiwala, Pala Lalwani, and Anngad Raaj alongside the lead trio. While the plot remains shrouded in mystery, whispers hint at a timeless battle between good and evil, with a family representing the forces of righteousness facing off against a malevolent entity.

The film marks Jyothika's return to Hindi cinema after two decades, adding excitement to the project.

Presented by Jio Studios, Ajay Devgn Ffilms, and Panorama Studios International, Shaitaan is produced by Ajay Devgn, Jyoti Deshpande, Kumar Manga Pathak, and Abhishek Pathak. Expectations are high for this supernatural thriller, and the teaser only fuels the anticipation.

Also Read: Shaitaan: First look of R Madhavan, Jyothika, and Ajay Devgn gets unveiled; teaser to be unveiled on January 25

SCOOP: Varun Dhawan’s next with Atlee titled Baby John

Varun Dhawan had an eventful 2023 as his film Bawaal was adjudged as the most-watched OTT flick last year. Atlee, meanwhile, also rocked the show in 2023 with the Shah Rukh Khan-starrer Jawan. It was the biggest hit of the year across all languages. This year, both have joined hands for an interesting action entertainer, which also marks Atlee’s first film as a producer. All this while, the film was addressed as VD18, its working title, and as per reports, the film has got a title.

If reports are to be believed, the actioner will be called Baby John. Yesterday, the makers of the film got the Censor Certificate for its teaser from the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC). That’s when the word spread about its quirky and unique title. Reports also state that Baby John’s teaser will be unveiled in a few days, most probably on Saturday, January 27.

Apart from Varun Dhawan, Baby John also stars Keerthy Suresh, Wamiqa Gabbi and Jackie Shroff. It is directed by Kalees and is backed by Atlee and Priya Atlee’s A For Apple Studios, Murad Khetani’s Cine1 Studios and Jyoti Deshpande of Jio Studios. It is the remake of Atlee’s 2016 directorial Theri, starring Vijay, Samantha Ruth Prabhu and Amy Jackson.

The film went on floors in August last year in Mumbai, followed by an extensive schedule in Kochi. As per reports, Varun suffered an injury in the Mumbai schedule. The casting is significant as Varun will be seen in an out-and-out massy action role for the first time. Meanwhile, Keerthy Suresh is a popular name even for Hindi-speaking markets and this marks her debut Bollywood film. Wamiqa Gabbi, on the other hand, went on a high in 2023 with the success of her web show Jubilee and her web film, Khufiya.

It now remains to be seen when Baby John will be released in cinemas and whether the release date will be unveiled in the teaser.

Also Read: VD 18: Varun Dhawan, Keerthy Suresh, Wamiqa Gabbi attend mahurat puja of Atlee – Kalees film, watch

Shaitaan: First look of R Madhavan, Jyothika, and Ajay Devgn gets unveiled; teaser to be unveiled on January 25

Shaitaan is expected to be one of the most awaited horror drama with the film bringing together the cast of Ajay Devgn, R Madhavan, and Jyothika for the first time. The film marks the return of Jyothika in Hindi films after a long time and she is expected to play the role Ajay’s wife in this horror thriller which revolves around black magic. After unveiling the poster of the film, the makers have now unveiled the first look of the characters which will be essayed by these actors wherein Ajay and Jyothika will be seen as helpless parents trying to save their daughter from the clutches of a black magician essayed by R Madhavan.

The makers have still kept the look of Janki Bodiwala who will be essaying the role of Ajay Devgn and Jyothika’s daughter in this horror thriller under wraps. For the unversed, Janki also essayed the same role in the Gujarati version of this film, titled Vash. On Wednesday, they took to Instagram to unveil this poster along with the announcement that the teaser of the horror-thriller will be unveiled on January 25.

 

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  A post shared by Ajay Devgn (@ajaydevgn)

Shaitaan is expected to revolve around a family who sets out on a vacation and ends up meeting a stranger, who seems to know a lot about them. Despite this, they decide to seek his help during the trip, but don’t realize his ulterior motives, until it is too late.

Presented by Jio Studios, Ajay Devgn Ffilms, and Panorama Studios International, this supernatural thriller boasts a stellar production team. It's produced by industry stalwarts Ajay Devgn, Jyoti Deshpande, Kumar Mangat Pathak, and Abhishek Pathak. Directed by the acclaimed Vikas Bahl, this spine-tingling, edge-of-the-seat thriller is poised to hit theatres on March 8, 2024.

Also Read: Ajay Devgn, R Madhavan, and Jyotika starrer supernatural thriller to release on March 8, 2024

Bigg Boss 17: Vicky Jain gets eliminated; Ankita Lokhande breaks down over her husband’s exit

Bigg Boss 17, which made news this year for marital conflicts, love triangle, and fake relationships, is nearing its finale. Just a day ago, we had reported that after the six finalists were selected for the show, housemaster is all set to play his ace card by voting out another contestant, using his rule of favouritism which was an integral concept in this season. Using the same, it was Vicky Jain, whose conflicts with wife Ankita Lokhande dominated the news, who got eliminated from the house.

Abhishek Kumar, Mannara Chopra, and Munawar Faruqui became the first three contestants to reach the finale whereas Arun Mashetty, Ankita Lokhande, and Vicky Jain were asked to pick chits wherein one of them had ‘evicted’ written on it. Followed by the decision Ankita broke down. The actress was seen crying and expressing her angst as she refused to let her husband go. She said, “Mere liye tu hi winner hai. Tu bahot accha khela. Mujhe farak nahi parta tujhe votes kam aye. Meri nazar me tu winner hai mera kyuki tune sanch me bohot acha khela, bohot mehnat se khela. Tu yaha bina kisi platform ke aya. Tune jo bana hai yaha ake bana hai. (For me, you’re the winner. You played really well. I don’t care if you have got less votes. You came here without any support. Whatever you made, you made it here) I am proud to be your wife. Main Vicky Jain ki biwi hoon. Please mat jao mai nahi reh paungi. (Now I can say, I am Vicky Jain’s wife. Please don’t got, I won’t be able to live).”

#VickyJain Came to the show as Ankita's husband leaving the show as Vicky Bhaiya ????

You've been talked about by everyone from day one. You've earned respect n the title mastermind Ur #VickyKeWarriors are super proud of you #VickyBhaiya

WELL PLAYED VICKY BHAIYA pic.twitter.com/zuSkGZnqdU — ???????????????????????????????????? (@RaimaShah6) January 23, 2024

On the other hand, Vicky assured her that it is just a matter of few days and requested Munawar Faruqui to take care of Ankita. Responding to Vicky, he and Mannara Chopra revealed that they would play the game for another two months if Vicky had lasted in the show. On the other hand, they also congratulated Arun Mashetty as he joined the list of top five contestants of Bigg Boss 17.

Also Read: Bigg Boss 17: Abhishek Kumar reacts to a question asking him the reason he reacted to comments on his own health when he made fun of Khanzaadi for the same; says, “Usne mujhe jhoot bola tha”

Bade Miyan Chote Miyan teaser: Akshay Kumar and Tiger Shroff’s MASSIEST film to date; grand action and ‘Hindustan’ dialogue will generate mass HYSTERIA in cinemas

Both Akshay Kumar and Tiger Shroff had an underwhelming 2022 and 2023. But looks like they’ll have a rocking 2024 if the teaser of Bade Miyan Chote Miyan is anything to go by. The 1 minute 41-second-long promo packs in a lot and yet, keeps a lot of aspects of the film under wraps.

The first half of the teaser introduces the menacing villain, played by Prithviraj Sukumaran. Interestingly, his face isn’t shown and his voice and actions do the talking. The antagonist has an AI connection and that adds to the madness. And then our heroes are introduced and that takes the teaser to another level.

Both Akshay Kumar and Tiger Shroff are bona fide action stars. Hence, it looks quite convincing to see them doing death-defying stunts. Both also mouth a massy dialogue involving ‘Hindustan’. In cinemas, it’ll be greeted with claps and whistles for sure. In fact, Bade Miyan Chote Miyan seems to be their massiest film to date.

The credit for this slick Bade Miyan Chote Miyan teaser should also go to the makers. Director Ali Abbas Zafar deserves brownie points as he proves that he’s one of the best directors today when it comes to action films. There’s no doubt that he knows the genre well and his sharp talent is visible from start to finish. No wonder that until one point, he was the only filmmaker, besides Rajkumar Hirani, to have had two Rs. 300 crore grossers in his filmography. Bade Miyan Chote Miyan can be his third giant success, provided the content clicks.

Lastly, the producers Vashu Bhagnani and Jackky Bhagnani, too, deserve credit. They have mounted the film on a huge scale. They have gone all out to ensure the audience gets to see a grand action entertainer on the big screen. Technically, too, the film looks rich. Be it cinematography, VFX, production design or VFX, everything seems top-class.

Bade Miyan Chote Miyan releases on Eid 2024. Here’s hoping the songs and trailer also land well. Once that happens, nothing can stop this action entertainer from taking a huge start and emerging as Akshay Kumar and Tiger Shroff’s highest-ever opener.

Also Read: Akshay Kumar and Tiger Shroff confirm Bade Miyan Chote Miyan teaser release on January 24; see new poster

Salman Khan and Karan Johar delay The Bull due to India-Maldives conflict; February schedule delayed by two months

Salman Khan and Karan Johar were all set for their first full-fledged collaboration after 25 years on the Vishnuvardhan-directed The Bull. The team had united at FilmCity in Mumbai on December 28, 2023 for a Mahurat and soon after, it was confirmed that the action thriller will go on floors in February 2023. Bollywood Hungama has the exclusive scoop that the shooting schedule of The Bull is pushed again due to on-going India-Maldives conflict.

"Karan, Vishnu, and Salman need more time to decide on the exact route that the screenplay will take. They are reworking on certain elements of the script and will take the film on floors once the ugly relationship between the two countries settles down a bit. At the moment, the February schedule has been delayed by at-least 2 months," a source told Bollywood Hungama.

While Vishnu has taken the film on the writing table, Karan is figuring on the other modalities. "Salman is on the same page as the team of Dharma and is also reading many scripts," the source told us further.

For those unaware, The Bull is based on the famous Operation Cactus conducted by the Indian Army to protect the Maldives from a terror attack. Salman Khan plays the role of Farrok Bulsarra in the film and has already started his training to lose weight and get into the shape of an army officer. More details on the shoot schedule of The Bull is awaited.

Also Read: Salman Khan receives love from Anthony Hopkins; latter says, “It was an honor to meet you”

EXCLUSIVE: Saif Ali Khan to be discharged today following triceps surgery

Actor Saif Ali Khan, who was recently hospitalized for triceps surgery, will be discharged today, January 22. The surgery went well on Monday and his wife, Kareena Kapoor Khan was beside him. The actor will be discharged on Tuesday from Kokilaben Hospital in Mumbai and will be taking a rest before he returns to the sets of his next project.

The initial reports suggested that there was a problem with Saif Ali Khan's knee and that he might need surgery. In an official statement, Khan mentioned, "This injury and the surgery are just a result of the wear and tear from our work. I'm grateful to have skilled doctors taking care of me, and I appreciate everyone's love and concern.”

On the work front, Saif Ali Khan has some exciting new projects coming up. One of them is a movie called Devara Part 1, where he'll be starring with Jr. NTR and Janhvi Kapoor. The film will be released in two parts, with the first one arriving in theatres on April 5 this year. ALSO READ: Saif Ali Khan undergoes a tricep surgery at Kokilaben Hospital

Bhushan Kumar’s T-Series and Murad Khetani’s Cine1 Studios settle Animal profit sharing dispute out of court: Reports

Amid the feud between Bhushan Kumar’s T-Series and Murad Khetani’s Cine1 Studios related to profit sharing of Ranbir Kapoor starrer Animal, now, it is reported that the studios have settled out of court. For unversed, Cine1 was upset with T-Series for not following their agreement regarding the movie Animal. T-Series argued that Cine1 had already given up their rights in a 2022 agreement. The case was taken to court which may have affected the film's release on a digital platform, Netflix India.

As reported by Bar N Bench on Monday, January 22, the lawyers representing both studios informed the Delhi High Court that “they have reached an agreement to resolve their issues. This means a settlement has been officially signed and will be presented to the court for approval.” With the settlement in place, the hurdles for Animal arriving on OTT have been removed.

On Monday, Justice Sanjeev Narula acknowledged the agreement between the studios and instructed both parties “to officially document the agreement. The court will review and address the matter on January 24, with the expectation of bringing it to a conclusion at that time.”

As per an earlier report in ANI, Cine1 accused T-Series of breaking their contract, claiming that the latter did not consult them for promotions like teasers, credits, marketing, and disclosing final costs. The studio also alleged that T-Series didn't share details about agreements with Netflix India and Sony Pictures Networks India.

T-Series, represented by Senior Advocate Amit Sibal, responded, claiming that in an August 2022 amendment agreement, Cine1 gave up all rights to the movie for Rs 2.6 crores.

The court, led by Justice Sanjeev Narula, accepted the case and summoned both parties. They were asked to submit written statements and affidavits, after which, the case was set to proceed with evidence marking on March 15 with additional arguments scheduled for January 22. ALSO READ: Delhi HC summons T-Series and Netflix India in Animal OTT release dispute: Report

Aamir Khan starrer Sitare Zameen Par goes on floors on February 2; Lahore 1947 starring Sunny Deol on February 14: Report

In February 2024, Aamir Khan is poised to juggle acting and production endeavours. The actor is slated to headline Sitare Zameen Par, the Hindi remake of the Spanish film Campeones, directed by RS Prasanna. Simultaneously, Khan is steering the production of Lahore 1947, a historical venture featuring Sunny Deol and helmed by the esteemed Rajkumar Santoshi.

Sitare Zameen Par goes on floors on February 2. According to a report in Pinkvilla, a source revealed, “Aamir has been in the prep mode for Sitaare Zameen Par over the last few months and is all set to take the film on floors from February 2. He has finally zeroed down on his look for the film and has done several reading sessions with the ensemble cast. It’s going to be a marathon schedule for Sitaare Zameen Par and the actor has allotted 70 to 80 working days on the film. With a lot of time invested in pre-production, this would be among the fastest films that Aamir would deliver to the audience.”

In the upcoming Hindi remake set in Punjab, Aamir Khan takes on the role of a headstrong minor league basketball coach sentenced to community service. Tasked with coaching a Special Olympics team comprising individuals with diverse learning disabilities, Khan's character undergoes a transformative journey. The adaptation, crafted by RS Prasanna, intricately weaves the essence of Indian sensibilities into the narrative, drawing inspiration from real stories of developmentally challenged players. An adaptation of the Spanish film Campeones, this sports comedy-drama promises a nuanced portrayal of compassion, growth, and the unifying power of sports in a diverse and heartwarming cultural context.

Aamir Khan is also producing Lahore 1947 produced under his banner Aamir Khan Productions. The film is being headlined by Sunny Deol, and directed by Rajkumar Santoshi. Santoshi and Sunny have previously delivered three box office hits together in the form of Ghayal, Damini, and Ghatak. It also marks the reunion of Aamir Khan and Santoshi after their iconic cult classic, Andaz Apna Apna. The report states that the film will go on floors on February 12, 2024.

A source told the portal, “Lahore: 1947 is a partition drama by Rajkumar Santoshi with Sunny Deol in the lead. The film goes on floors on February 12, 2024. The set work has already begun in Mumbai to recreate the era gone by. Multiple big sets to recreate India around the partition era are being put up.” ALSO READ: Ira Khan playfully exposes Aamir’s fake tears during the wedding; see pic

Akshay Kumar – Tiger Shroff skip Ram Mandir consecration amid Jordan schedule of Bade Miyan Chote Miyan; send video message: “Ram Lalla will be in his beautiful home in Ayodhya”

Earlier in the morning on January 22, Bollywood celebrities began to leave for Ayodhya on January 22 to attend the Pran Pratishtha ceremony of Ram Lalla. Several biggies were seen at Mumbai's private airport in the wee hours. While many have been invited to the ceremony, actors Akshay Kumar and Tiger Shroff won’t be able to the grand event in Ayodhya due to the Jordan schedule of Bade Miyan Chote Miyan.

On Monday morning, Akshay Kumar dropped a video along with Tiger Shroff from Jordan's schedule. He captioned the video, “Many best wishes to all of you on the auspicious day of Shri Ram's Pran Pratishtha. Jai Shri Ram.”

श्री राम की प्राण प्रतिष्ठा के पावन दिन पर आप सब को अनेक शुभकामनाएँ। ???? जय श्री राम pic.twitter.com/B0RKViuvEn — Akshay Kumar (@akshaykumar) January 22, 2024

In the video, he said, “Namaskar! Main hoon Akshay Kumar aur mere saath hai mere mitra Tiger Shroff. Aur hum dono ki taraf se aap sabko ‘Jai Shri Ram.’ Aaj ka din puri duniya mein base Ram bhakton ke liye bahut bahut bahut bada din hai. Kayi sau saalon ki pratiksha ke baad yeh din aaya hai ki Ram Lalla apne ghar Ayodhya mein apne bhavya mandir mein aa rahe hain (From me and my friend Tiger Shroff's side – Hail Shri Ram. Today is a big day for devotees of Lord Ram. After the wait of hundreds of years, the day has come, when Ram Lalla will be in his beautiful home in Ayodhya).”

Tiger Shroff said in Hindi, "Hum sabne bachpan se itna kuch suna hai par iss din ko hote huyi dekh pana aur jee pana, bahut badi baat hai. Hum wait kar rahe hai uss ghadi ki jab hum deep jala ke Shri Ram ka utsav manayenge (We have heard so much about this (Ayodhya Ram Mandir consecration) since our childhood. But to see this day come true is a very big deal. And we are waiting for the moment we can all light diyas (lamps) and celebrate the festival of Lord Ram).”

Akshay concluded, “From both our sides, we would like to wish you all on this auspicious day. Jai Shri Ram.”

The consecration of the Ram temple in Ayodhya will be happening today January 22 with Prime Minister Narendra Modi participating in the Pran Pratishtha ceremony. As per a report in The Hindu, an array of selected 506 influential figures, spanning politicians, industrialists, film stars, and more have received invitations. Following the ceremony, PM Modi will address the attendees.

Meanwhile, Akshay Kumar and Tiger Shroff are in Jordan for three song sequences shoot. The film Bade Miyan Chote Miyan also stars Prithviraj Sukumaran, adding another layer of intensity to this rollercoaster ride of emotions. Vashu Bhagnani and Pooja Entertainment present Bade Miyan Chote Miyan in association with AAZ films. The film is written and directed by Ali Abbas Zafar, and produced by Vashu Bhagnani, Deepshikha Deshmukh, Jackky Bhagnani, Himanshu Kishan Mehra, and Ali Abbas Zafar. The film is all set to release on Eid 2024 in April. ALSO READ: Hrithik Roshan-led Fighter to have teasers of Akshay Kumar’s Bade Miyan Chote Miyan and Ajay Devgn starrer Shaitaan attached on big screen

Hrithik Roshan-led Fighter to have teasers of Akshay Kumar’s Bade Miyan Chote Miyan and Ajay Devgn starrer Shaitaan attached on big screen

With only three days left before the release of the aerial actioner Fighter starring Hrithik Roshan, Deepika Padukone and Anil Kapoor, the excitement amongst fans for Siddharth Anand’s directorial is at an all-time high. The film is set to kick off Republic Day weekend on January 25. Amidst much anticipation, two big releases of the year, Akshay Kumar – Tiger Shroff’s Bade Miyan Chote Miyan and Ajay Devgn starrer Shaitaan will have their teasers attached to Fighter in theatres.

According to a report in Pinkvilla, a source close to the producers of Bade Miyan Chote Miyan revealed, “While the teaser is not hard attached to the prints of Fighter, the producers of BMCM – Vashu and Jackky Bhagnani - have struck a deal with the national chains as also some of the single screen associations to screen the teaser before the film or in the interval.” All the PVR-INOX screens will screen 1 minute 41-second teaser across India.

Talking about Ajay Devgn’s Shaitaan, the source further said that the upcoming film is “a supernatural thriller and the makers want to reach out to a wide section of the audience with their first teaser. It’s a tight spooky cut and has some shock element too. While digital launch will take place soon, the theatrical experience for Shaitaan teaser begins from January 25.”

Bade Miyan Chote Miyan also stars Prithviraj Sukumaran, adding another layer of intensity to this rollercoaster ride of emotions. Vashu Bhagnani and Pooja Entertainment present Bade Miyan Chote Miyan in association with AAZ films. The film is written and directed by Ali Abbas Zafar, and produced by Vashu Bhagnani, Deepshikha Deshmukh, Jackky Bhagnani, Himanshu Kishan Mehra, and Ali Abbas Zafar. The film is all set to release on Eid 2024 in April.

Meanwhile, presented by Jio Studios, Devgn Films and Panorama Studios, Shaitaan is produced by Ajay Devgn, Jyoti Deshpande, Kumar Mangat Pathak and Abhishek Pathak and directed by Vikas Bahl, it is set for theatrical release on March 8, 2024. ALSO READ: Ajay Devgn starrer supernatural thriller is titled Shaitaan; cryptic voodoo dolls haunt in FIRST poster

HanuMan makers to donate Rs. 2.66 crores to Ayodhya Ram Mandir

HanuMan has been creating quite a buzz ever since its release. Touted to be one of the biggest movies of Telugu actor Teja Sajja, the film released in India in multiple languages. The film inspired by Hindu mythology and tales of Lord Hanuman, has garnered love from audiences and the makers are planning to return some of it back by making a large donation to the Ayodhya Ram Mandir.

Readers would be aware that the inauguration of Ram Mandir in the spiritual land of Ayodhya will be done by honorable Prime Minister of India, Narendra Modi on January 22. The event, which will be attended by several known stars and names, has already received nationwide and worldwide recognition. Considering that the film is inspired by a portion of the Ramayana, the makers of the recently released HanuMan have asserted that they would be donating a huge sum of Rs. 2.66 crores which they have earned from selling over 50,000 tickets for the film as a way of returning to society. The makers announced about it on X, formerly known as Twitter, on January 21. Their tweet read, “As announced, Team HanuMan is going to donate a grand sum of ?2,66,41,055 for 53,28,211 tickets sold so far for Ayodhya Ram Mandir”

#HANUMAN for SHREE RAM ✨ As announced, Team HanuMan is going to donate a grand sum of ₹2,66,41,055 for 53,28,211 tickets sold so far for Ayodhya Ram Mandir ????????

- https://t.co/EgcUYyEDSq

A @PrasanthVarma film ????ing @tejasajja123#HanuManForShreeRam #HanuManEverywhere… pic.twitter.com/LdHjz4pRUy

— Ramesh Bala (@rameshlaus) January 21, 2024

Speaking of the film HanuMan, directed by Prasanth Varma, the film stars Teja Sajja in the lead along with Amritha Aiyer, Varalaxmi Sarathkumar, Raj Deepak Shetty and Vinay Rai in key roles. With Dasaradhi Sivendra as the cinematographer and Sai Babu Talari as the editor, the music is composed by Anudeep Dev, GowraHari, and Krishna Saurabh. Produced under the banner of Primeshow Entertainment, the film released on January 12 in Telugu along with dubbed versions of Tamil, Malayalam, Kannada and Hindi.

Also Read: Samantha Ruth Prabhu reviews Teja Sajja starrer HanuMan; says, “It left me wanting for more”

BREAKING: CBFC censors ‘sexually suggested visuals’ in Hrithik Roshan-Deepika Padukone starrer Fighter

The first big release of the year, Fighter, is all set to release this week and the excitement is tremendous. The advance booking opened on Friday night and the ticket sales till now have been encouraging. Meanwhile, the censor process of the Hrithik Roshan-Deepika Padukone starrer was completed on time before release. Bollywood Hungama, in this exclusive article, brings to you the list of cuts faced by this aerial action thriller.

As per the cut list, the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) asked for four modifications in the film. Firstly, the anti-smoking static message was asked to be mentioned in Hindi. Secondly, an abusive word was muted or replaced in two dialogues, one at 53 minutes and the other at 1 hour and 18 minutes. Thirdly, ‘sexually suggested visuals’ were removed. These 8 seconds of visuals were probably replaced by ‘suitable shots’. Lastly, 25 seconds of the audio in a TV news visual scene was removed and replaced with 23 seconds of audio.

After these changes were carried out, a U/A certificate was granted to the makers of Fighter on Friday, January 19. The length of the film, as mentioned on the censor certificate, is 166 minutes. In other words, the run time of Fighter is 2 hours and 46 minutes. Fighter releases in cinemas worldwide on January 25.

Interestingly, this is the second consecutive film of actor Deepika Padukone and director Siddharth Anand which faced cuts from the CBFC over hot scenes. Their last film together, Pathaan, was passed by the CBFC only after the close-up shot of buttocks, 'side pose (partial nudity)' shots and visuals of sensuous dance movements during the lyrics 'Bahut tang kiya' in the song ‘Besharam Rang’ were removed or curtailed and replaced with 'suitable shots'. Even then, Bollywood Hungama was the first one to break the story and it was one of the biggest viral news of the year 2023.

Also Read: Fighter: Advance bookings of Hrithik Roshan, Deepika Padukone starrer kick starts on January 20

Rashmika Mandanna expresses gratitude towards Delhi Police after they arrest the deepfake case accused

In November 2023, Rashmika Mandanna, who was one of the first victims of deepfake video, had taken to social media to express her shock and requested the authorities to take proper action against such cyber-crimes. The police officials, who were investigating the matter, after an FIR was lodged against the perpetuator under multiple charges of forgery, identity theft, etc., they finally made an arrest on January 20.

Just a day ago, we had reported that the Delhi Police had arrested the accused man from Andhra Pradesh. Owing to the same, Rashmika Mandanna took to social media to express her gratitude towards the officials in a heartfelt note. She posted it on her Instagram story and it read, “Expressing my heartfelt gratitude to @delhi.police_official (folded hands emoji) Thank you for apprehending those responsible. Feeling truly grateful for the community that embraces me with love, support, and shields me (indian flag).”

Readers would be aware that the actress’ response on social media had sparked a debate about stringent actions being taken against cyber-crimes. In fact, many of her co-actors and industry friends had come in support of Mandanna and had asserted the need to impose better guidelines in such cases. In her post, the Animal actress also urged other people to take action if they are a victim of such cyber-crimes as she added, “Girls and boys - if your image is used or morphed anywhere without your consent. It is wrong! And I hope this is a reminder that you are surrounded by people who will support you and action will be taken! (white heart emoji)”.

For the unversed, about two months ago, a video featuring Rashmika Mandanna entering a lift in a black low-cut top was doing the rounds on social media wherein it was later revealed that the video belonged to an Indian-British influencer Zara Patel.

Also Read: Rashmika Mandanna deepfake video case: Delhi Police arrests the accused

Oscar-Winning VFX Company DNEG comes on board Bade Miyan Chote Miyan

The Akshay Kumar and Tiger Shroff-led Bade Miyan Chote Miyan is among the most anticipated films of 2024 and making noise ever since its announcement. The Ali Abbas Zafar directorial produced by Vashu and Jackky Bhagnani is ready for a big screen explosion during the Eid 2024 weekend. The makers are creating curiosity on social media with poster drops and are set to unleash the first teaser on January 24, 2024.

Bollywood Hungama has an exclusive scoop that director Ali Abbas Zafar and the team of Pooja Entertainment have roped in Oscar Winning VFX Company, DNEG, on board Bade Miyan Chote Miyan. "While most of the action is real and shot at live locations, there are some portions that require enhancement with the use of VFX. Ali, Akshay, Tiger, and Jackky were clear to provide a top-notch cinematic experience and hence have got the global leader, DNEG on board the film," a source told Bollywood Hungama.

The source further added that Bade Miyan Chote Miyan is an action entertainer like never before. "This is the most ambitious film to date for Ali, Pooja Entertainment, Akshay, and Tiger. No one is compromising on the vision and the best of the technicians have come on board the film - be it VFX or the action team. Eid 2024 will be a blast," the source told us further.

Bade Miyan Chote Miyan also stars Manushi, Alaya F, and Sonakshi Sinha in key roles. The South Superstar, Prithviraj Sukumaran is playing the part of the antagonist in this actioner.

Also Read: Akshay Kumar, Tiger Shroff starrer Bade Miyan Chote Miyan teaser to be unveiled on January 24; report

Fighter receives UA certification: CBFC reveals runtime for Hrithik Roshan and Deepika Padukone starrer

The highly anticipated action film, Fighter, featuring Hrithik Roshan and Deepika Padukone, has created quite a buzz since its announcement. With the recent release of the film's trailer, fans have been treated to a glimpse of the chemistry between Hrithik and Deepika. The runtime of the film is now revealed.

The Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) has granted Fighter a UA certification and revealed that the film will have a runtime of 2 hours and 46 minutes. This certification provided insights into the film's plot, which centres around the escalating militant activities along the Line of Control. In response to this, Air Headquarters established a special unit named Air Dragons at the Air Force base in Srinagar. Comprising Sukhoi 30 fighter jets and ALH Helicopter, Air Dragons is an elite unit featuring the best combat aviators from the Indian Air Force.

Starring Hrithik Roshan and Deepika Padukone in lead roles, Fighter promises to be an intense and action-packed cinematic experience. Notably, Anil Kapoor also plays a pivotal role in the film. The film is helmed by director Siddharth Anand, marking his second collaboration with Deepika Padukone after Pathaan. The combination of Hrithik and Siddharth has previously delivered films like War and Bang Bang.

Fighter also stars, Karan Singh Grover, Akshay Oberoi and Sanjeeda Sheikh. It will be available in theatres in 3D and 3D IMAX formats and is scheduled to hit theatres on the eve of India’s 75th Republic Day, January 25th, 2024.

Also Read: Fighter makers launch apparels, accessories and trendy merchandise line for Hrithik Roshan – Deepika Padukone starrer

SCOOP: Kartik Aaryan and Siddhant Chaturvedi approached for a cameo in Suriya-Bobby Deol starrer Kanguva

2024 will be exciting as it’ll see the release of some exciting Pan-India films. One of the most awaited ones is Kanguva. It is highly anticipated not just because of Suriya’s casting but also because it stars Disha Patani and Bobby Deol. The latter is on a high after the blockbuster success of Animal. As a result, Kanguva has a huge chance to open with a bang in the Hindi-speaking markets. And if the latest buzz is to be believed, another exciting face might be a part of the film.

As per the buzz in the market, the makers of Kanguva have approached Kartik Aaryan and Siddhant Chaturvedi. The speculations suggest that the makers want to establish an antagonist at the end of the first film. For this, they want to cast a popular Hindi actor, who’ll play the villain in the sequel. According to the buzz, this character will have a 5 to 10-minute cameo appearance in Kanguva’s final portion.

If things fall in place, this will be the first Tamil and first major Pan-India film for Kartik Aaryan as well as Siddhant Chaturvedi. Meanwhile, Kartik is busy with his much-awaited sports flick, Chandu Champion, directed by Kabir Khan. He’ll soon start shooting for Bhool Bhulaiyaa 3, which will arrive in cinemas on Diwali. Siddhant Chaturvedi, on the other hand, just had a successful digital release, Kho Gaye Hum Kahan. His upcoming release is Yudhra, co-starring Malavika Mohanan.

As for Kanguva, it is directed by Siva and backed by UV Creations and Studio Green. Its budget is expected to be in the range of Rs. 300-350 crores. The second look poster was unveiled a few days ago and was well received. With music by none other than Devi Sri Prasad, Kanguva will be released in 10 languages in 3D format.

Also Read: Suriya starrer Kanguva gets a ferocious second poster: “The past, present and future”

EXCLUSIVE: Alaya F ‘grateful’ to be a part of Srikanth Bolla biopic Sri: “His life story is so inspiring and incredible”

Actress Alaya F has come a long since her debut in Jawaani Jaaneman. Starring alongside industry-celebrated stars Tabu and Saif Ali Khan, the young actress will soon celebrate her fourth anniversary in the film industry on January 31, 2020. She has two releases in 2024 and one of them is Sri starring alongside Rajkummar Rao and Jyothika. It is a biopic on the life of Indian visionary Srikanth Bolla in Sri, directed by Tushar Hiranandani.

Speaking about her upcoming film, Alaya F says that she is honoured to be a part of such an important story. She admits that Rajkummar Rao has to do all the heavy lifting in the movie but she is simply happy to be a part of a project like this biopic. Talking to Bollywood Hungama, Alaya F says, “Honestly, Raj has the heavy lifting of complexities. For me, I just love the story. I thought it was really sweet and inspirational story and I just wanted to be a part of it in whatever little way I could. Raj is doing all the heavy lifting in this film, I'm happy just to be a part of a really wonderful project.”

She adds, “When I read the script of this film, I remember thinking to myself that ‘If I did not know that this was a real-life story, I would have been like ‘Just because it's a film and you can conveniently do anything. So all of this is possible.’ But then when you realize it's a real-life story, it becomes so incredible, because you can't even make up stuff like that. It's just incredible what this man has done. His life story is so inspiring and so incredible. Just being able to be a part of a story like that is wonderful. It's a genre that I love. I love biopics; I love inspirational stories. I'm just grateful to be a part of it.”

Written by Jagdeep Sidhu and Sumit Purohit, and pictured by Pratham Mehta, Sri portrays the life of Srikanth Bolla, an industrialist who fearlessly pursued his dreams despite his visual impairment, ultimately founding Bollant Industries. Gulshan Kumar and T-Series Presents a T-Series Films & Chalk N Cheese Films Production LLP, Sri is directed by Tushar Hiranandani, is produced by Bhushan Kumar, Krishan Kumar & Nidhi Parmar Hiranandani. The film releases nationwide on the 10th of May 2024.

Meanwhile, on the work front, Alaya F will next star in Sri alongside Rajkummar Rao and Bade Miyan Chote Miyan with Akshay Kumar, Tiger Shroff and Manushi Chhillar. ALSO READ: EXCLUSIVE: Alaya F recalls her ‘best experience ever’ ahead of fourth anniversary of her debut film Jawaani Jaaneman: “This project felt like it was somehow divinely meant for me only”

Hrithik Roshan, Deepika Padukone shot intense fighter jet sequences for Siddharth Anand's Fighter at real Air Force Stations

As the countdown to the release of Siddharth Anand's Fighter intensifies, here's a behind-the-scenes revelation that will elevate the anticipation even further! Did you know that the stunning air bases featured in the film are not just a visual feast but are shot at real locations? The recently unveiled action-packed trailer of Fighter is scheduled to be released on the eve of India's 75th Republic Day, January 25th, 2024. Starring Hrithik Roshan and Deepika Padukone, what adds an extra layer to the visual spectacle is the fact that the team shot the film at real locations, with the help of IAF personnel using combat jets and helicopters!

The thrilling operational scenes have been filmed at the Air Force Station in Tezpur, the Air Force Academy in Dindigul, Andhra Pradesh, and at the Air Force Station in Pune. Shot extensively at the Air Force Station Tezpur, nestled in the lush green valley of Assam, it serves as the backdrop for some of the film's most intense fighter jet sequences.

Fighter also stars Karan Singh Grover, Akshay Oberoi and Sanjeeda Sheikh. It will be available in theatres in 3D and 3D IMAX formats and is scheduled to hit theatres on the eve of India’s 75th Republic Day, January 25th, 2024. ALSO READ: Siddharth Anand indirectly responds to Pakistani actress Hania Aamir after she criticizes Fighter trailer for spreading hate

Siddharth Anand indirectly responds to Pakistani actress Hania Aamir after she criticizes Fighter trailer for spreading hate

Fighter, the upcoming aerial action film directed by Siddharth Anand, renowned for his work in Pathaan and War, recently unveiled the trailer of the movie. The film, featuring Hrithik Roshan, Deepika Padukone, and Anil Kapoor, promises a thrilling blend of heart-pounding action and a patriotic narrative. The film showcases the aftermath of the tragic 2019 Pulwama attack. While many praised the grandeur of the movie and the nationalism attached to it, many have criticized it for its jingoism. Amidst the mixed reactions from the audiences, Pakistani celebrities have also come out to criticize the trailer. Amongst them was Hania Aamir, who is known to be a big fan of Bollywood movies, and seemingly called out the movie for spreading hate. Following her message on Instagram, Siddharth Anand responded to it.

On January 16, Pakistani actress Hania Aamir took to her Instagram story to call out the film for 'feeding the riff between the two countries' through movies. She wrote, “So sad and unfortunate to know that there are artists out there in this day and age who are aware of the power that the cinema holds and still go ahead and feed the riff between the two countries. I feel sorry for the artists who try to bridge the gap by trusting their art as a medium.”

Siddharth Anand responded with an ‘Oh!’ when someone wrote, “Was 'art' breathing here @realhaniahehe??” The reaction was to certain comments which claimed that Parwaaz Hai Junoon was anti-India movie. However, others claimed that Hania’s 2018 movie never mentions India in the movie. Many criticized a particular moment where Hrithik’s Patty fights the terrorist as he says, “POK ka matlab hai Pakistan Occupied Kashmir. Tumne occupy kiya hai. Maalik hum hain. Tujh jaise terrorist ke wajah se hum badtameezi pe utar aaye, toh tumhara har mohallah IOP ban jayega,” as he adds, “India Occupied Pakistan” and he brutally punches the terrorist.

In another post, he left a ‘curious’ emoji as a reply to a netizen who claimed on X, formerly Twitter, that Hania’s Parwaaz Hai Junoon was anti-India. The netizen wrote, “Didn't she literally work in a movie which was anti india lol if indians celebs have no issue with the anti-india stuff pak celebs do in movies and in reality why do pak celebs care so much.”

Well, Hania Aamir isn’t the only one who slammed the Fighter trailer. Adnan Siddiqui, who had worked with Sridevi in 2017 Bollywood movie Mom, said, “Once celebrated for love, Bollywood now crafts hate-filled narratives, portraying us as villains. Despite our love for your films, it's disheartening. Art transcends boundaries; let's use it to promote love and peace. Two nations, victims of politics, deserve better.”

Once celebrated for love, Bollywood now crafts hate-filled narratives, portraying us as villains. Despite our love for your films, it's disheartening. Art transcends boundaries; let's use it to promote love and peace. Two nations, victims of politics, deserve better. — Adnan Siddiqui (@adnanactor) January 16, 2024

Fighter also stars Karan Singh Grover, Akshay Oberoi and Sanjeeda Sheikh, It will be available in theatres in 3D and 3D IMAX formats and is scheduled to hit theatres on the eve of India’s 75th Republic Day, January 25th, 2024. ALSO READ: Hrithik Roshan unveils the poster of Fighter’s antagonist Rishabh Sawhney: “Locking eyes with the villain”

Shah Rukh Khan's power-packed Jawan dominates Filmfare nominations with 15 accolades

In Indian cinema, Shah Rukh Khan has once again proven his mettle as the ‘Badshaah of Bollywood’ with his venture, Jawan. The action-packed film directed by Atlee has not only resonated with audiences but has also garnered critical acclaim, earning an impressive 15 nominations at the upcoming Filmfare Awards. Let's delve into the diverse categories where Jawan has left an indelible mark.

Best Film (Popular) - Jawan: Jawan has been nominated for the coveted Best Film (Popular) category, a testament to its widespread appeal and success at the box office. The film's gripping narrative and Shah Rukh Khan's compelling performance have catapulted it into the limelight, making it a strong contender for this prestigious accolade.

Best Director - Atlee: Atlee's directorial finesse in Jawan has earned him a well-deserved nomination for Best Director. His ability to seamlessly blend action, drama, and emotion has played a pivotal role in the film's success, solidifying his position as a director to watch in the industry.

Best Actor in a Leading Role - Shah Rukh Khan: Shah Rukh Khan's portrayal of the lead character in Jawan has not only captured the hearts of fans but has also earned him a nomination for Best Actor in a Leading Role. Khan's charismatic screen presence and his ability to bring depth to his characters continue to set him apart in the industry.

Best Lyrics - Kumaar for 'Chaleya': The soulful and evocative lyrics of 'Chaleya' from Jawan by Kumaar have been recognized with a nomination in the Best Lyrics category. The song's emotional resonance adds a layer of depth to the film's narrative.

Best Music Album - Anirudh Ravichander: The musical brilliance of Jawan is encapsulated in its nomination for Best Music Album, with Anirudh Ravichander's soul-stirring compositions contributing significantly to the film's overall impact.

Best Playback Singer (Female) - Deepthi Suresh and Shilpa Rao: The enchanting voices of Deepthi Suresh and Shilpa Rao in 'Aararaari Raaro' and 'Chaleya’, respectively, have earned them nominations for Best Playback Singer (Female), highlighting the musical diversity and richness of the film's soundtrack.

Best Story and Best Dialogue - Atlee and Sumit Arora: The engaging narrative and impactful dialogues of Jawan have received nominations for Best Story and Best Dialogue, reflecting the collaborative efforts of director Atlee and dialogue writer Sumit Arora.

Best Cinematography - GK Vishnu: GK Vishnu's exceptional cinematography has not gone unnoticed, as Jawan secures a nomination in the Best Cinematography category. The film's visuals, capturing intense action sequences and emotional moments, stand as a testament to Vishnu's skill.

Best Production Design - T Muthuraj: T Muthuraj's contribution to the film's visual aesthetics has been acknowledged with a nomination for Best Production Design. The intricate sets and attention to detail have played a crucial role in enhancing the overall cinematic experience.

Best VFX - Red Chillies Vfx: The seamless integration of visual effects in Jawan has earned Red Chillies Vfx a nomination for Best VFX. The team's expertise in bringing the film's fantastical elements to life has been pivotal in creating a visually captivating experience.

Best Choreography - Shobi Paulraj for 'Zinda Banda': Shobi Paulraj's choreography for the energetic song 'Zinda Banda' has secured a nomination in the Best Choreography category, adding a dynamic and lively element to the film.

Best Costume Design - Shaleena Nathani, Kavitha J, Anirudh Singh, and Dipika Lal: The creative minds behind the captivating costumes in Jawan have earned a nomination for Best Costume Design, acknowledging their contribution to the film's visual appeal.

Best Editing - Ruben: The seamless and impactful editing of Jawan by Ruben has garnered a nomination in the Best Editing category. The film's pacing and rhythm owe much to the editor's skill in crafting a cohesive and engaging narrative.

Best Action - Spiro Razatos, Anl Arasu, Craig Macrae, Yannick Ben, Kecha Khamphakdee, and Sunil Rodrigues: The high-octane action sequences in Jawan have earned the film a nomination for Best Action. The coordinated efforts of the action team have contributed to the film's thrilling and adrenaline-pumping moments.

With 15 nominations at the Filmfare Awards, Jawan stands as a testament to the collaborative efforts of a talented cast and crew, led by the charismatic Shah Rukh Khan and visionary director Atlee. As fans eagerly await the award ceremony, the film's nominations across diverse categories highlight its multifaceted excellence and reaffirm the enduring appeal of Shah Rukh Khan in the world of Indian cinema.

Also Read: Shah Rukh Khan emerges as biggest brand magnet; inks more than 10 brand deals since January 2023 after the release of Pathaan

Bhavana Pandey’s anniversary post for Chunky features young Ananya Panday; see pics

Bollywood actress Ananya Panday’s mother, Bhavana Pandey celebrated her 26th wedding anniversary with husband Chunky Panday on Wednesday, sharing heartwarming moments with her Instagram followers. She treated her Instafam to a delightful collection of old and new pictures featuring her husband and daughters Ananya and Rysa.

In the throwback pictures, Bhavana can be seen capturing sweet moments with her daughters and her husband. Accompanying the post, she wrote in caption, “It's been 26 Years! Happy Anniversary, Love you Chunky Panday.”

 

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  A post shared by Bhavana Pandey (@bhavanapandey)

As soon as she shared the post, Bhavana received warm wishes from friends in the film fraternity. Bhavana's close friend Seema Sajdeh sent her anniversary wishes, commenting, "Happy anniversary guys," while Neha Dhupia joined in, saying, "Wow! Happy happy happy anniversary you two."

Talking about Ananya Panday, she was recently seen in Siddhant Chaturvedi and Adarsh Gourav starrer Kho Gaye Hum Kahan. The actress has also been working on a cyber thriller directed by Vikramaditya Motwane. Apart from films, Ananya will be making her debut in web series with Call Me Bae that is slated to premiere on Amazon Prime Video. The show will feature her as a wealthy fashionista, who is disowned by her family after a major scandal.

Also Read: Ananya Panday opens up about the qualities she admires in rumoured boyfriend Aditya Roy Kapur; says, “He has been very patient”

Nutan's granddaughter Pranutan to make her Hollywood debut; to star in Coco & Nut opposite American actor Rahsaan Noor

Actor Pranutan Bahl--granddaughter of legendary Indian actor Nutan is set to star in her maiden Hollywood feature Coco & Nut, opposite American actor-filmmaker Rahsaan Noor. Billed as a spirit-lifting romance, the charming love story is directed by Rahsaan Noor. This marks his first film since the critically acclaimed 2018 film Bengali Beauty, the highest-grossing Bengali language movie of all time which captured hearts and was also the first to release in the USA, UK, and China.

"Feeling worthless, an ambitious young woman (Pranutan) fighting to save her marriage gets a pick me up from her know-it-all college sweetheart (Rahsaan)," the official logline of Coco & Nut reads.

Production for the film will be in English and Hindi and will take place entirely in Chicago from June to July this year, with a diverse cast and crew drawn from both the United States and India. After films like Salman Khan backed Notebook (2019) and comedy-drama Helmet (2022), the upcoming film marks Pranutan Bahl’s International debut and promises to be a significant milestone in her career.

Pranutan hails from a distinguished lineage of actors, with her father being the renowned Mohnish Bahl and her grandmother being the legendary Nutan. Actor Kajol is her aunt.  "I've always wanted to do a romantic drama," Pranutan expressed. "Coco & Nut is a beautiful story in which my character, Nut, journeys through a transformative phase in her life. I’m so grateful that I make my international debut with a movie like that."

The screenplay for the film was inspired by a text message Rahsaan Noor received from his college sweetheart five years after she broke his heart and deals with the intricate relationship dynamics faced by Millennials and Gen Z; exploring the trend of delayed marriage and its impact on modern love.

"I'm really grateful to be getting another opportunity to make a film," Rahsaan Noor said. "That too on a subject that is not only personal to me but also a subject that I've found so many people around the world relate to -- when looking for your life partner, how do you really know if you've found the one?”

“I grew up like so many other second-generation South Asian Americans -- with a love for our movies from the motherland. That's why we're making Coco & Nut in English and Hindi. It's a privilege to be working with Pranutan on this film. From the moment I saw her in Notebook, I was taken by her talent and knew that I had to work with her one day," the actor-filmmaker added.

Written by Rahsaan Noor and Raghav Murali, with additional screenplay credited to Priyamvada Singh, the film is produced by Hamilton Moving Pictures' Chad Shields, alongside Ranjith Rajasekharan and Raghav Murali.

"Coco & Nut is a deeply moving film that captures the universal themes of love, resilience, and cultural identity," stated Shields. "It's a timely exploration of both the immigrant experience and younger generations' evolving relationship dynamics. The picture will prove to be a poignant reflection of our modern, interconnected world."

Co-financing the project are Noor’s Ziryab Films, Henry Leong’s Macuverse, and Executive Producers Mashruk Zahid and Lasaly Changkachith. The film is slated to release in 2025. ALSO READ: Daughters Pranutan and Krishaa Bahl visited their dad Mohnish Bahl on the sets of Sanjivani and it is heart-warming!

Ridhi Dogra and Anshuman Jha starrer Lakadbaggha invited to be screened for the Environmental Minister of India

As Lakadbaggha celebrates its first anniversary, the film continues to resonate with audiences due to its blend of action and a conservation message. The announcement of Lakadbaggha Part 2 has generated excitement.

To mark this achievement, a special screening is scheduled for Environmental Minister Bhupendra Yadav and Forest DG of India Prakash Goyal in the coming week. Anshuman had previously met the environmental minister last year to discuss the potential of using cinema for awareness. The primary focus of the exclusive screening is to explore opportunities for the conservation of the Indian Striped Hyena and advocate for the adoption of indie-dogs, highlighting the film's dedication to environmental causes, particularly promoting adoption over shopping.

Lakadbaggha has received a prestigious invitation from Cinema Paradiso in Auroville for a special screening and talk on January 15, 2024. This event aims not only to showcase the film but also to provide a platform for lead actor Anshuman Jha to engage with the diverse audience in Auroville.

Having received positive responses on various international film festival platforms, including the 'Best Actor' award at HBO SAIFF New York and the 'Vision Award' for Best Film at the Indisches Film Festival Stuttgart, Lakadbaggha is recognized as a unique cinematic experience. The genuine performances by the star cast, including Rdhi Dogra, Milind Soman, Paresh Pahuja, and Eksha Kerung, have made it a favorite among cinema and animal lovers. Zee5 recently declared Lakadbaggha-1 as one of its significant films of 2023.

Anshuman Jha expressed his gratitude on this occasion, stating, “As we celebrate a year of the world's first animal lover vigilante in the coming week - Lakadbaggha continues to entertain and this cinematic universe holds a special place in my heart. The opportunity to premiere the film again for the ministry this month is a testament to the impact it has had on conservation awareness. If we can promote the message which helps in the conservation of the Indian Striped Hyena & in adoption drives for Indie-dogs - that will be our biggest victory. I am also extremely delighted by the invitation to cinema Paradiso & am looking forward to interacting with the audience in Auroville.”

On the professional front, Ridhi Dogra was seen in Jawan along with Shah Rukh Khan and Tiger 3 along with Salman Khan which had been released in cinemas worldwide.

Also Read: Ridhi Dogra experiences heartwarming recognition as ‘Jawan ki mummy’ during Dunki interval

Bade Miyan Chote Miyan: Akshay Kumar and Tiger Shroff to kick off final Jordan schedule on January 19 with three song shoots: Report

Back in December 2023, it was reported that Akshay Kumar and Tiger Shroff are set to head to Jordan for three song sequences. Helmed by Ali Abbas Zafar, this will be the final schedule with 400-500 crew members travelling to Jordan, of which 200 are dancers.

 “I am very excited about shooting in Jordan. I’ve never been there but I’ve heard it’s a beautiful country,” Akshay Kumar told Hindustan Times, adding “Bade Miyan Chote Miyan has superb action and requires a certain terrain. Vashu (Vashu Bhagnani) ji and the director, Ali (Ali Abbas Zafar), have chosen Jordan with a lot of thought for this schedule. Earlier we shot in Mumbai, London, Scotland and Abu Dhabi for the film. And Jordan, here we come now”.

“As we embark on this cinematic journey, Jordan becomes more than just a backdrop; it becomes a character in our story, contributing its timeless allure to every frame. Jordan not only compliments the magnanimity of the film but also its stellar star cast,” producer Jackky Bhagnani shared, and added, “We hope after the songs come out and the film is released, there will be more shootings there. We hope we can set a trend.”

As per the report, a source revealed, “The makers are going all out to make the songs a visual spectacle for the audiences to experience on the big screen. They plan to capture different moods and shades of Jordan through the songs. They are taking a crew of 400-500 people, which includes around 200 dancers. So, one can imagine the scale of the songs that they are planning.”

The songs will be choreographed by Bosco Martis. The international schedule will be between January 19 to February 2.

The film also stars Prithviraj Sukumaran, adding another layer of intensity to this rollercoaster ride of emotions. Vashu Bhagnani and Pooja Entertainment present Bade Miyan Chote Miyan in association with AAZ films. The film is written and directed by Ali Abbas Zafar, and produced by Vashu Bhagnani, Deepshikha Deshmukh, Jackky Bhagnani, Himanshu Kishan Mehra, and Ali Abbas Zafar.

Bade Miyan Chote Miyan is all set to release on Eid 2024 in April. ALSO READ: Akshay Kumar, Tiger Shroff and Prithviraj Sukumaran to commence final schedule of Bade Miyan Chote Miyan in January; to shoot 3 big songs at international locations: Report

Bobby Deol NOT cast in Nitesh Tiwari's Ramayana, confirms actor’s team

Recent reports speculating on Bobby Deol's involvement in Nitesh Tiwari's ambitious Ramayana adaptation have been refuted by his team. While earlier rumors suggested Bobby was being considered for the role of Kumbhakarna, ETimes confirmed with his team that no such discussions have taken place.

The clarification comes amid a flurry of casting updates for the project, which is set to be a large-scale production with an expansive budget, intricate VFX, and thrilling action sequences. Ranbir Kapoor and Sai Pallavi have already been confirmed for lead roles, while Yash is said to play a pivotal part in the second half of the two-part saga.

As per a report by Pinkvilla, Lara Dutta is another name prominently linked to the film, with reports indicating she is on board to portray Princess Kaikeyi, King Dashrath's third consort and mother of Prince Bharat. Her character is expected to play a significant role in the first part, alongside Ranbir's character.

The report also suggests that Sunny Deol's involvement is still in the preliminary stages. The veteran actor is reportedly in talks for the coveted role of Lord Hanuman, a potential career-defining performance similar to the one the late Dara Singh delivered in the mythological epic.

Adding to the intrigue, a source informed the portal that both Sunny and Bobby might appear in special roles during the first part of Ramayana before joining the main cast for the second instalment. Their official casting in any capacity, however, remains unconfirmed.

According to the report, the filming of the first part is anticipated to begin soon, with Ranbir leading the charge. Lara is expected to join the team in approximately two months, while Yash's grander role will unfold primarily in the second film. As for the release date, fans can anticipate witnessing this epic production grace the big screen sometime in the latter half of 2025.

Also Read: Ranbir Kapoor to kick off Nitesh Tiwari’s Ramayana in March 2024: Report

Abhishek Kapoor’s next film Sharaabi to have a personal connection, reveals sources

Abhishek Kapoor recently garnered eyeballs for his much awaited next since it marks the debut of Ajay Devgn’s nephew Aaman Devgun and Raveena Tandon’s daughter Rasha Thadani. While the film, co-starring Ajay Devgn too continues to remain untitled, the filmmaker has already decided to jump onto another intriguing venture. Sources close to him revealed that the filmmaker has currently kick started work on his next directorial which his titled Sharaabi.

Known for films like Rock On!!, Kai Po Che!, Kedarnath, and Chandigarh Kare Aashiqui, Abhishek Kapoor has always expressed his interest towards new age concepts and storylines that resonate and attract the younger generation. We hear that he aims to continue his love for such kind of cinema even in his forthcoming projects. Although not much has been revealed about this film, it is expected to have a personal touch. For the unversed, quite some time back, Abhishek Kapoor was one of the few filmmakers who pledged sobriety and we hear that his upcoming film holds that personal dimension.

Speaking about his journey towards sobriety in an earlier post, he had written, “Almost 4 years since I Quit drinking alcohol. Hardest and the most important decision of my life. God knows the relationships is destroyed and opportunities are lost while often making an ass of myself in many a drunken benders.” “As a young man I didn’t know better but what’s important is to make the change when the realisation dawns. Sometimes one must destroy oneself only to rise again #4yearssober #sobriety #onedayatatime #papagotgrit,” he added.

 

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Not just that, movie buffs would be aware that a film by the same was released in1984 featuring Amitabh Bachchan in the lead and fans wonder if this one too has a potential connection with the iconic drama. With Kapoor concluding the shooting phase of the untitled film with Aaman Devgn and Rasha Thadani, followed by the announcement of Sharaabi, fans cannot wait as to what more the filmmaker has in store for them in 2024!

Also Read: Two years of Chandigarh Kare Aashiqui: Director Abhishek Kapoor opens up about making it; says, “The movie has been made with a progressive thought of inclusion”

Rasha Thadani becomes brand face of Silvostyle by PNG Jewellers

Silvostyle by PNG has announced it has signed Rasha Thadani, as the new face for its upcoming campaigns. The grand reveal with the latest campaign for the brand marks a significant moment in the brand's journey, since, it is their very first in India to sign Rasha. Rasha will soon be making her acting debut in Bollywood, and the brand believes that she brings a unique blend of talent, grace, and charisma to Silvostyle by PNG.

In a statement released by them, it said, “Rasha Thadani embodies the very essence of Silvostyle, inheriting not just charm and poise but also a deep appreciation for its unique jewellery. She, who already enjoys a strong fan base on social media, especially amongst GenZ is one of the most anticipated debutantes this year! Rasha Thadani will be contributing to the brand's initiatives, aligning seamlessly with the belief that jewellery can be a powerful tool for self-expression, especially for the youth.”

 

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“As a fresh face in the industry, Rasha Thadani brings a youthful energy that resonates with the dynamic spirit of Silvostyle and the mystery of the unknown. Her innate fashion sense and ability to effortlessly blend traditional and modern elements make her an ideal face for Silvostyle which speaks young, contemporary and pop culture promising to captivate the hearts of jewellery enthusiasts nationwide,” revealed the statement.

Meanwhile, Rasha Thadani shared her thoughts as she takes on the role of the new face for Silvostyle as she added, "Silvostyle by PNG is a young brand, focusing on style, oomph and attitude!  I am thrilled to be a part of this journey with them and represent a brand which deeply connects with my personal sense of style. Each piece tells a story, and I am honoured to be the storyteller in their campaigns!"

Dr. Saurabh Gagdil, Promoter, Silvostyle by PNG said, “Rasha is a mirror image of Raveena. (Rasha is the daughter of Anil Thadani and Raveena Tandon )She is extremely talented, youthful and has an air of mystery around her. Her style, her engagement with our target audience and her pulse matching the frequency of pop culture today are a perfect match for us. We are very excited to have her on board with us because we believe that she connects with GenZ better than most! She is smart, fun and extremely sincere, all of which are qualities that we admire. We are looking forward to a long association with her.”

The brand is led by its promoter, Dr. Saurabh Gadgil and caters to the fashion sensibilities of the young and beautiful.

Also Read: Photos: Rasha Thadani snapped in Bandra

Vikrant Massey, Raashii Khanna and Ridhi Dogra to star in The Sabarmati Report; all set to release on May 3, 2024

Balaji Motion Pictures is gearing up for their next with Vikir Films, titled, The Sabarmati Report starring Vikrant Massey, Raashii Khanna, and Ridhi Dogra. The story of which is penned by Aseem Arrora. The film is helmed by director Ranjan Chandel, who previously directed the popular web series Grahan. The film will be released on the big screens on 3rd May 2024.

The Sabarmati Report looks exciting on the cast front, with performers like Vikrant Massey, who gave a winning performance in the widely acclaimed film 12th Fail' Raashii Khanna who stole the limelight with her performance in Farzi, and Ridhi Dogra, who featured in two blockbusters of the last year, Tiger 3 and Jawan respectively.

Get ready to unfold the history with an untold story - The Sabarmati Report - a riveting journey into the 2002 incident that left an indelible mark on the entire nation! In cinemas on 3rd May, 2024. pic.twitter.com/Y7w0vsb2d5

— BalajiMotionPictures (@balajimotionpic) January 15, 2024

The film is inspired by true events that took place in the Sabarmati Express on the morning of 27 February 2002, near the Godhra railway station in the Indian state of Gujarat, in The Sabarmati Report.

Balaji Motion Pictures, a division of Balaji Telefilms Ltd presents, A Vikir Films Production, The Sabarmati Report starring Vikrant Massey, Raashii Khanna, and Ridhi Dogra, directed by Ranjan Chandel and produced by Shobha Kapoor, Ektaa R Kapoor, Amul V Mohan and Anshul Mohan. ALSO READ: Vikrant Massey set to reunite with Ektaa R Kapoor for Ranjan Chandel’s next film: Report