Sohail Khan leases Bandra shop for Rs 10.3 crore over 5 years

Bollywood actor Sohail Khan has leased out a shop in Mumbai’s Bandra area to The Irish House Food and Beverages Private Limited, with the monthly rent starting at Rs. 16.89 lakh. According to property registration documents accessed via the Inspector General of Registration (IGR) website and reviewed by Square Yards, the agreement was officially registered in March 2025.

Bandra is one of Mumbai’s well-known neighbourhoods, noted for its mix of heritage buildings, modern infrastructure, and premium residential developments. It hosts a number of Bollywood celebrities, high-end shops, restaurants, and lifestyle destinations. The area also benefits from good connectivity through the Western Express Highway, Bandra-Worli Sea Link, and suburban railway lines, contributing to its popularity among homebuyers and businesses alike.

The shop is located in Gasper Enclave and has a built-up area of 119.88 sq. m. (approximately 1,290.57 sq. ft.), according to IGR property registration documents reviewed by Square Yards. The transaction involved a stamp duty of Rs. 2,67,000 and registration charges of Rs. 1,000. A security deposit of Rs. 60 lakh was also part of the rental agreement.

Square Yards' analysis reveals that the current 60-month rental agreement for the shop includes a structured rent escalation. The rent starts at Rs. 16,89,000 per month for the first 36 months, increases to Rs. Rs. 17,73,450 for the next 24 months. The shop was originally purchased in April 2009 for Rs. 3.11 crore, according to property registration documents reviewed by Square Yards.

Sohail Khan is an Indian actor, producer, and director known for his work in Bollywood. He made his acting debut with Maine Dil Tujhko Diya and later appeared in films like Fight Club, Hello Brother and Veer. As a filmmaker, he earned recognition for producing hit movies such as Partner and Jai Ho. Sohail Khan has been acknowledged for his contribution to Indian cinema and has received nominations at the Stardust and Zee Cine Awards. He also runs Sohail Khan Productions, a reputed banner in the Hindi film industry.

Housefull 5 Teaser out now: Akshay Kumar and team promise full-on chaos and comedy

Bollywood’s most iconic comedy franchise is back — and this time, it's sailing into cinemas with more madness than ever before. On the momentous occasion of Housefull completing 15 years since the release of its first film in 2010, producer Sajid Nadiadwala has officially unveiled the much-anticipated teaser of Housefull 5. The teaser drop, released on April 30, celebrates the journey of the franchise while offering a glimpse into what promises to be the most uproarious installment yet.

Releasing on June 6, 2025, Housefull 5 is being billed as a ‘killer comedy’ — a phrase that sets the tone for the over-the-top hilarity fans can expect. Directed by Dostana fame Tarun Mansukhani, this fifth outing takes the ensemble cast aboard a luxurious cruise, setting the stage for a whirlwind of chaos, comedy, and chartbuster music.

The teaser features an epic line-up of Bollywood stars, headlined by franchise mainstay Akshay Kumar, alongside Abhishek Bachchan, Riteish Deshmukh, Jacqueline Fernandez, Sonam Bajwa, and Nargis Fakhri. Joining the madness are industry veterans and fresh faces alike — including Sanjay Dutt, Jackie Shroff, Nana Patekar, Chitrangada Singh, Fardeen Khan, Chunky Pandey, Johnny Lever, Shreyas Talpade, Dino Morea, Ranjeet, Soundarya Sharma, Nikitin Dheer, and Akashdeep Sabir.

 

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Housefull 5 also creates history as the only Indian comedy franchise to reach its fifth instalment — a rare feat in Bollywood. Known for its trademark mix of slapstick humor, eccentric characters, and extravagant settings, each film in the series has managed to outdo the last in terms of scale and star power. With this latest chapter, the franchise raises the bar even higher.

Produced by Sajid Nadiadwala under his banner Nadiadwala Grandson Entertainment, the film promises five times the laughter and non-stop family entertainment. As the teaser suggests, Housefull 5 is gearing up to be the biggest summer entertainer of 2025. So buckle up — the Housefull cruise sets sail on June 6, and it’s bringing a tidal wave of laughter with it.

Also Read: EXCLUSIVE: 3-minute-long Housefull 5 asset attached with Raid 2

Sabyasachi Mukherjee reveals Rani Mukerji’s ‘mad’ wedding with Aditya Chopra: “She was very chilled out”

Actor Rani Mukerji and filmmaker Aditya Chopra’s wedding in Italy has remained a well-kept secret, with no photos from the ceremony ever making their way to social media. However, designer Sabyasachi Mukherjee, who designed Rani’s bridal outfit, has now shared some insights into the intimate celebration. He revealed that Rani gave him just a week’s deadline to create her wedding attire.

During a session for the YouTube channel Fashionably Pernia, Sabyasachi was asked about the most fun Bollywood wedding. The designer replied, “You know who was fun to work with? It was actually Rani Mukerji. She never released the photos. But, the fact is that it was a mad wedding which was done between her, Adi (Aditya Chopra), Karan (Johar), and me. She was very chilled out.”

Sabyasachi also shared how last-minute the entire wedding was, revealing that he had just one week to create the bridal lehenga. He said, “She came over for lunch one day and said that she is getting married. I asked her how much time I had and she said one week. I had to put something together in that much time. It’s fun when people enjoy their wedding. It just makes the process of designing for them so much more fun.”

After years of speculation and being spotted together, Rani Mukerji and Aditya Chopra tied the knot on April 21, 2014, in an intimate ceremony in Italy. The couple has a daughter, Adira, who was born in 2015.

In a recent interview with Film Companion, Rani Mukerji gave a rare insight into her relationship with Aditya Chopra. She orevealed that they still enjoy watching movies together, saying, “For me the best time that Adi (Aditya Chopra) and me have is when we go to watch a movie together. That is something we continue doing every Friday at YRF (Yash Raj Films studio) in Mumbai. But when we are outside India, we go everywhere. It is lovely to hold hands and all. It’s quite nice... I think it is fun, just going and standing in the line, getting your ticket, getting your popcorn. Nowadays you get pizza also, which is great. So you get quite good food. It is nice to eat, watch your film. It is crazy, it is such a good experience.”

Rani Mukerji is all set to entertain her fans once again as the fearless cop Shivani Shivaji Roy in the upcoming film Mardaani 3. The film is scheduled to be released on February 27, 2026.

Also Read : Sabyasachi donates 25 lakhs to street children after their powerful Ramp Walk at We the Women Festival

Aamir Khan postpones Sitaare Zameen Par trailer launch out of respect for Pahalgam terror attack victims

Aamir Khan has decided to postpone the trailer launch of his upcoming film Sitaare Zameen Par following the recent tragic terror attack in Pahalgam, Jammu & Kashmir. The attack, which claimed the lives of several Indian tourists, has deeply affected the nation. On April 22, a brutal terror attack left 26 people dead and many others injured when gunmen opened fire on tourists in Pahalgam. This incident stands as one of the most heartbreaking attacks in Jammu and Kashmir.

The trailer, which was originally set to be released this week as part of the film's promotional campaign, has been postponed. In light of the tragic attack, Aamir Khan and his team made the decision to delay the launch as a gesture of respect for the victims and their families.

A source close to the film's development told Hindustan Times, “Aamir Khan and his team felt it would be inappropriate to proceed with the launch at this time. A new release date for the trailer will be announced later.”

The terror attack in Pahalgam occurred around 2:30 pm on Tuesday, leaving a devastating aftermath of grief and terror. Among the 26 victims were a young Navy officer, who had just been married days earlier, and an Intelligence Bureau official, who was tragically shot in front of his wife. Officials confirmed that the casualties also included two foreign nationals, one from the UAE and the other from Nepal, as well as two local residents.

Returning to the big screen, Aamir Khan is set to make his comeback with Sitaare Zameen Par. His last film, Laal Singh Chaddha, was released in 2022. Reports suggest that the trailer for Sitaare Zameen Par will be launched by Darsheel Safary. Announced in 2023, the film stars Aamir Khan and Genelia Deshmukh in prominent roles.

According to independent industry sources, “Darsheel Safary will be launching the trailer for Aamir Khan’s highly anticipated upcoming film Sitaare Zameen Par. After he delivered a flawless performance in Taare Zameen Par and became a star, it will be exciting to see Darsheel unveiling the trailer and being a part of the sequel to the 2007-released film. More details about the trailer launch are awaited.”

Also Read : EXCLUSIVE: PVR Inox Pictures to distribute Sitaare Zameen Par; Aamir Khan-starrer’s trailer expected to play in their cinemas from May 1

Ajith Kumar honoured with Padma Bhushan by president Droupadi Murmu at Rashtrapati Bhavan

Tamil actor Ajith Kumar was presented with the Padma Bhushan, India's third-highest civilian award, by President Droupadi Murmu at the Rashtrapati Bhavan in New Delhi on Monday, April 28. As revealed in January, the actor is one of the 19 recipients of the Padma Bhushan honoured by the Union government.

Earlier today, photos and videos of the actor and his family at the Chennai airport went viral on social media.

Ajith, one of the most prominent figures in Indian cinema, has acted in over 60 films during his career that spans more than 30 years. After making a brief appearance in the 1990 film En Veedu En Kanavar, he made his lead debut in 1993 with Amaravathi. Initially known for his roles in romance-driven films, Ajith later shifted to action-packed roles at the turn of the century, with movies like Amarkalam, Dheena, and Citizen.

Movies like Varalaaru, Billa, and Mankatha solidified Ajith's status as one of the top superstars in Tamil cinema. A recipient of the Kalaimamani award, he has also won three Tamil Nadu State Film Awards. Recently, the actor was seen in Vidaamuyarchi, directed by Magizh Thirumeni, and Good Bad Ugly, directed by Adhik Ravichandran.

In January, Ajith expressed his gratitude to the Indian government for the honour. In a statement, he said, “I am deeply humbled and honoured to receive the esteemed Padma Award from the President of India. I extend my heartfelt gratitude to the Hon’ble President of India, Smt. Droupadi Murmu and the Honourable Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi, for this prestigious honour. It is a privilege to be recognised at such a level, and I am truly grateful for this generous acknowledgement of my contributions to our nation. At the same time, I am mindful that this recognition is not just a personal accolade but a testament to the collective efforts and support of many.”

The star, who balances a successful career as a motorsport racer and team owner, is also a State-level shooting champion. Just last week, on April 20, his racing team, Ajith Kumar Racing, claimed second place at the renowned Spa Francorchamps circuit in Belgium.

At the same ceremony, actor-politician Nandamuri Balakrishna and veteran director Shekhar Kapur were also honoured with the Padma Bhushan. Other notable recipients from the cinema industry included Anant Nag and Shobana Chandrakumar, both awarded the Padma Bhushan, and Ricky Kej, who received the Padma Shri.

Renowned Malayalam author and screenwriter M. T. Vasudevan Nair, who passed away last year at the age of 91, has been posthumously awarded the Padma Vibhushan, along with late singer Pankaj Udhas.

The Padma awards, one of the country's highest civilian honours, are presented in three categories—Padma Vibhushan, Padma Bhushan, and Padma Shri. These prestigious awards recognize achievements across a wide range of fields, including art, social work, public affairs, science and engineering, trade and industry, and more.

Also Read : Ajith Kumar Racing Team clinches second place at Spa Francorchamps in Belgium

Hania Aamir exits Diljit Dosanjh’s Sardaar Ji 3 following Pahalgam attack

In October 2023, fans were ecstatic when Pakistani actress Hania Aamir made a surprise appearance alongside Punjabi singer and actor Diljit Dosanjh at his London concert. Diljit dedicated his popular song Lover to Hania, making it a memorable experience for both the audience and the actress. Earlier this month, buzz grew around the possibility of a collaboration between the two, with many speculating it was for Sardaar Ji 3. However, new reports suggest that Hania may no longer be part of the film due to recent developments.

On April 22, a devastating terrorist attack in Pahalgam, South Kashmir, claimed the lives of 26 tourists, further straining the already tense relations between India and Pakistan. In the aftermath, Fawad Khan’s anticipated Bollywood return with Abir Gulaal reportedly saw its India release plans put on hold. Meanwhile, speculation is growing that Hania Aamir, who was set to debut in Indian cinema alongside Diljit Dosanjh and Neeru Bajwa in Sardaar Ji 3, might be dropped from the project. Although filming in the UK concluded last month, sources now suggest that the production team is considering reshooting Hania’s scenes with a different actress.

The speculation has triggered a flood of reactions across social media. Some users believe the decision is justified. One commented, “She got too much fame in India,” while another said, “This is what you call tit for tat ????????.” Many pointed out that a significant number of Pakistani artists—including actors, musicians, and writers—owe much of their fame to Indian audiences.

On the other hand, some expressed disappointment over the rumoured move. One user questioned the fairness of punishing innocent individuals, saying, “Those responsible have no religion, so why are innocent people being made to suffer?” Another urged for the film’s release to proceed as planned, stating, “It’s just a movie, and she’s an artist—they should go ahead with it.”

As of now, there has been no official statement from the film's producers or Hania Aamir regarding her exit from Sardaar Ji 3. Both fans and industry insiders are eagerly watching to see how the situation develops.

Also Read : Hania Aamir gives shoutout to Badshah amid boycott calls for Pakistani actors in India

EXCLUSIVE: PVR Inox Pictures to distribute Sitaare Zameen Par; Aamir Khan-starrer’s trailer expected to play in their cinemas from May 1

After more than 2 ½ years, Aamir Khan will be finally seen in cinemas this year with Sitaare Zameen Par. The film has been in the news constantly over its various speculations about its release date, trailer launch etc. Bollywood Hungama has now learned that Aamir already has a distributor on board - PVR Inox Pictures.

A source told Bollywood Hungama, “Aamir has a very long association with PVR Inox team. On the occasion of his 60th birthday on March 14, the exhibition arm of PVR Inox held a film festival across their properties in the country and showcased some of his finest films. A week before this celebration, Aamir Khan had an interesting conversation with Javed Akhtar. This event was held in PVR Juhu, Mumbai. And that’s not all. Sitaare Zameen Par is a spiritual sequel to Taare Zameen Par (2007), which also had a PVR connection. It was backed by the then PVR Pictures and co-produced by Sanjeev Kumar Bijli and Ajay Bijli along with Aamir Khan Productions. Hence, it’s a case of life coming full circle.”

The source continued, “If all goes well, Aamir Khan will launch the trailer of Sitaare Zameen Par digitally on Wednesday, April 30. One can expect to experience it on the big screen from May 1. PVR Inox plans to show the promo in all their cinemas across the country with new releases like Raid 2, Thunderbolts, The Bhootnii etc.”

As per recent reports, the trailer of Sitaare Zameen Par is 3 minutes and 29 seconds long and has been passed with a U/A certificate by the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC). Reports also suggest that the film is expected to release in cinemas on June 20.

Sitaare Zameen Par is directed by R S Prasanna of Shubh Mangal Saavdhan (2017) fame and also stars Genelia Deshmukh. Speaking of PVR Inox Pictures, they have distributed several significant films in recent times like Bholaa (2023), Mission Raniganj (2023), Article 370 (2024), Bade Miyan Chote Miyan (2024), Stree 2 (2024), Singham Again (2024), Baby John (2024), Sky Force (2025) etc.

Also Read: Aamir Khan-starrer Sitaare Zameen Par trailer set to release next week, attached to Raid 2 screenings

EXCLUSIVE: CBFC replaces ‘Railway Mantri’ with ‘Bada Mantri’ in Ajay Devgn-starrer Raid 2

All eyes are on Raid 2, the big release of the week. The excitement is there as it stars popular actors like Ajay Devgn, Riteish Deshmukh and Vaani Kapoor. It’s a rare flick to feature Riteish in the role of a villain. Moreover, the first part, Raid (2018), was a hit, collecting Rs. 100 crores and the character of Saurabh Shukla has been brought back in the sequel. In this Bollywood Hungama feature, we’ll throw light on the cut list of Raid 2.

Usually, the censor process for a film begins a couple of weeks before and the censor certificate is handed over one week before or 10 days before the release. Hence, it is surprising to see Raid 2 getting a certificate way back on March 28, 2025. That’s more than two months before its scheduled release of May 1.

Raid 2, thankfully, hasn’t got any visual cuts. Hence, all the action and violent scenes have been retained by the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC). However, they asked for modifications in two dialogues. They asked the makers to replace ‘Railway Mantri’ with ‘Bada Mantri’. Secondly, the eight-second ‘Paisa, hathyar, taakat’ dialogue at the very beginning of the film was asked to be removed.

Once these changes were made, Raid 2 was passed with a U/A 7+ certificate. This new rating, where the age is mentioned, was introduced in November 2024. UA 16+ and UA 13+ ratings have also been implemented. Many films have received UA 16+ and UA 13+ ratings like Pushpa 2, Sky Force, Baby John etc. Raid 2 is probably the first big Hindi film to be awarded with a U/A 7+ rating.

The length of the film, as mentioned on the censor certificate is 150.53 minutes. In other words, Raid 2 is 2 hours 30 minutes and 53 minutes long.

In Raid 2, Ajay Devgn once again plays the role of honest officer Amay Patnaik. Like Raid, the second part is also directed by Raj Kumar Gupta.

Also Read: Raid 2 ‘Money Money’ song launch: Yo Yo Honey Singh reveals he made Ajay Devgn wait for 4 hours on sets of ‘Aata Majhi Satakli’: “Mujhe laga mujhe maar padne waali hai!”

Mouni Roy shares gravity-defying BTS moments from The Bhootnii: “Hung out in trees for 45 nights”; watch

Mouni Roy is preparing for the release of her upcoming horror-comedy The Bhootnii, which also stars Sanjay Dutt, Sunny Singh, and others. As the release date approaches, the cast has been actively promoting the film. Mouni recently posted behind-the-scenes photos and videos on Instagram, sharing that she spent 45 nights performing “gravity-defying” dances while suspended in a harness for 10 to 11 hours each night. Although she initially found it challenging, she said things eventually became more manageable and fell into place.

Mouni Roy, who portrays a ghost named ‘Mohabbat’ in The Bhootnii, recently shared behind-the-scenes photos and videos from the set, showing her suspended mid-air. One clip captures her floating gracefully, while another image reveals an intense aerial stunt where she’s mid-fight with Sanjay Dutt’s character. In a playful caption she wrote, “For 45 nights, I danced with gravity, 10/11 hours at a time- me and my harness, reluctant partners at first. But somewhere between the bruises and the balance, we fell into rhythm. Now it holds me tighter than fate and lifts me better than caffeine ever could!!!!!"

 

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She also added with a wink, “P.S. we literally hung out by ourselves on tree tops all night, every night x. P.P.S. You must go to the cinemas to watch #TheBhootni on the 1st of May — or else I’ll haunt you forever.”

Mouni Roy’s post drew plenty of love and excitement from friends and fans alike. Her best friend, actress Disha Patani, hyped her up in the comments, writing “Can’t waitttt.” Tiger Shroff’s sister, Krishna Shroff, also chimed in with an enthusiastic “Woohoo!” Meanwhile, fans flooded the post with praise, with one calling her “the queen of darkness” and another eagerly commenting, “Can’t wait to see Mohabbat.”

Mouni Roy’s post quickly caught the attention of her close friends and fans. Her best friend and fellow actress Disha Patani dropped a comment saying, “Can’t waitttt,” with a trail of fire emojis, while Krishna Shroff, Tiger Shroff’s sister, cheered her on with a spirited “Woohoo!” Fans were just as thrilled—one declared, “The queen of darkness is back,” and another excitedly wrote, “Can’t wait to see Mohabbat.”

The Bhootnii, a horror-comedy written and directed by Sidhaant Sachdev, is all set to hit theatres on 1st May, 2025. Backed by producers Deepak Mukut and Sanjay Dutt, the film boasts a star-studded cast including Sanjay Dutt, Mouni Roy, Palak Tiwari, Sunny Singh, Aasif Khan, and popular YouTuber Beyounick.

Also Read : Mouni Roy responds to trolling over plastic surgery; says, “I do not pay attention to such remarks”

John Abraham starrer The Diplomat to premiere on Netflix on May 9: Reports

John Abraham’s much-discussed film The Diplomat is finally headed for its digital premiere. According to recent reports, the film is slated to release on Netflix on May 9, 2025. Although an official announcement from the streaming giant or the production house is still awaited, the buzz around the film’s OTT debut has already caught the attention of fans.

The journey to digital release, however, was not without its hurdles. In a recent interview with Pinkvilla, John Abraham candidly spoke about the early challenges The Diplomat faced in securing an OTT platform. Sharing his experience, John revealed that several platforms initially rejected the film. “The loss of faith happens from the studio...when some OTT channels have refused The Diplomat because they didn’t find it great. They rejected the film; they threw it out," he said.

Despite the initial setbacks, the film eventually proved its critics wrong. John expressed his satisfaction, saying, “In the case of The Diplomat, we have proved the studio wrong, the OTTs wrong, and everyone wrong. The best thing about The Diplomat...is expectations of everyone were zero. So, from zero, when you don't go to a two-three, but you go straight to a 10, people are like, ‘Oh, wow, this is crazy’.”

This upcoming Netflix release adds to John Abraham’s impressive repertoire of films based on true stories, after titles like Madras Cafe and Batla House. The Diplomat is expected to offer a fresh, gripping narrative centred on the unsung heroes of Indian diplomacy, further diversifying the action star’s filmography. It features John Abraham in the role of Indian diplomat J.P. Singh and is inspired by true events. The story reportedly delves into critical diplomatic missions that shaped India's international relations during tense global moments. Also starring Sadia Khateeb in a pivotal role, the film promises an intense blend of politics, strategy, and emotion, rooted in real incidents.

As audiences eagerly await official confirmation, The Diplomat is shaping up to be a compelling watch for those who enjoy political dramas with real-world relevance.

Also Read: EXCLUSIVE: Taran Adarsh on The Diplomat, “Why are you keeping an English title? Is there a shortage of Hindi titles?”

SCOOP: Varun Dhawan’s Bhediya 2 won’t release on August 14, 2026; Ranbir Kapoor-Alia Bhatt-Vicky Kaushal’s Love & War expected to clash with Kartik Aaryan’s Naagzilla on Independence Day week

Bollywood Hungama was the first to inform our esteemed readers that Sanjay Leela Bhansali has delayed Love & War from the March 2026 slot due to a delay in shooting. 2 days ago, we revealed that Sanjay Leela Bhansali is looking at releasing the Ranbir Kapoor-Alia Bhatt-Vicky Kaushal starrer on August 14, 2026. Incidentally, a week ago, Kartik Aaryan’s newly launched project Naagzilla was announced for a release on the same day. And that’s not all. At the beginning of the year, Maddock Films had made an announcement that Bhediya 2, starring Varun Dhawan, would arrive in the same week.

However, it seems like Bhediya 2 won’t be able to make it in the said week as scheduled. A source told Bollywood Hungama, “Bhediya 2 is getting delayed. The makers, that is, the team of Dinesh Vijan at Maddock Films, are already looking at other dates.”

The source continued, “Three big films coming on the same day would have caused a lot of issues in screen sharing. But with Bhediya 2 getting pushed, Love & War and Naagzilla can arrive on the same day. Both belong to diverse genres and are star-studded biggies. Hence, it will surely excite the audience and pull them to cinemas.”

The source also said, “Love & War’s release date is not yet locked. A final call will be taken soon. August 14 is definitely at the top of their wish list. As for Naagzilla, the makers feel the date is apt as their film deals with snakes. With Nag Panchami falling on August 17, they want to arrive on August 14.”

Bhediya 2 is not the only horror comedy that has been postponed. As per recent reports, the other film of Maddock Horror Comedy Cinematic Universe, Shakti Shalini, starring Kiara Advani, has also been pushed. It won’t be arriving on December 31, 2025.

Speaking of Naagzilla, it is directed by Mrighdeep Singh Lamba and produced by Mahaveer Jain Films and Dharma Productions.

Also Read: Varun Dhawan announces Bhediya 2 in a DRAMATIC fashion at Jio Studios event; horror comedy to release in cinemas in 2025

Akshay Kumar channels Kesari Chapter 2 spirit while condemning Pahalgam terror attack

Akshay Kumar, who is currently promoting his latest film Kesari: Chapter 2, addressed the heartbreaking Pahalgam terror attack during a recent event. His words reflected the anger and sorrow that many Indians are feeling after the tragedy that struck on April 22, 2025.

“Unfortunately aaj bhi humare sab ke dil mein woh gussa phir se jaga hain. Aap sab log achchi tarah se jaante he main kis cheez ki baat kar raha hoon. Aaj bhi hum un terrorists o ko ek hi baat kehna chahenge. Jo maine iss film mein kahi he, ‘Kya tum samjhte ho ke ek Hindustani ki himmat ko kuch goliyan daba degi? Galat fehmi mein ho tum (Do you think a few bullets can crush the courage of an Indian? You are mistaken)’,” Akshay said, seamlessly blending his emotions with a line from Kesari: Chapter 2.

The Pahalgam terror attack targeted a group of civilians, most of them non-Islamic tourists, who were traveling in the Anantnag district of Jammu and Kashmir. The assailants ambushed a bus, opening fire on unarmed travellers. At least eight people lost their lives while over twenty were injured. Security forces have intensified combing operations in the area since the attack. Officials have termed it a deliberate attempt to instil fear ahead of the peak tourist season in Kashmir.

Akshay Kumar had earlier taken to social media to express his grief and anger. “Horrified to know of the terror attack on tourists in Pahalgam. Sheer evil to kill innocent people like this. Prayers for their families," he wrote on X, capturing the sentiments of a grieving nation.

Released on April 18, Kesari: Chapter 2 is inspired by true events and follows the story of Indian statesman C Sankaran Nair as he takes a historic stand against the British Crown after the Jallianwala Bagh massacre. Directed by Anurag Singh, the film features Akshay Kumar, Ananya Panday, and R Madhavan in pivotal roles. Critics have praised the film for its stirring portrayal of courage and justice, with Akshay’s powerful performance standing out.

The timing of Kesari: Chapter 2 feels even more poignant now, as the nation once again grapples with the harsh reality of terrorism and the need to stand united in the face of adversity.

Also Read: Tahira Kashyap says, “Kesari Chapter 2 is a must watch” in heartfelt appreciation post, Akshay Kumar, Karan Johar, and team REACT!

CBFC mutes 'prick', 'a**hole, 'd***ks' 'b***h' in Thunderbolts; enforces EXCESSIVE cuts in HIT: The Third Case

The month of May will begin with a bang with exciting releases in different languages. In this article, Bollywood Hungama will focus on the cut list of two of the releases – the Hollywood superhero entertainer Thunderbolts and the Telugu action entertainer, HIT: The Third Case.

The Central Board of Film Certificate (CBFC) thankfully hasn't asked for any visual cuts in Thunderbolts. Hence, all the action scenes remain unscathed. However, they asked the studio to mute five abusive words. These five words are ‘a**’, ‘a**hole’, ‘d**ks’, ‘b***h’ and ‘prick’. The last word is not considered as an objectionable cuss term and hence, the muting of ‘prick’ is sure to raise eyebrows.

After these cuts were made, the studio was handed over the censor certificate on April 23. The length of Thunderbolts as mentioned on the censor certificate is 127 minutes, that is, 2 hours and 7 minutes. The film was passed with a U/A 13+ rating.

HIT: The Third Case, like Thunderbolts, also releases on May 1. With this film, the Examining Committee asked for both audio and visual cuts. The makers were asked to limit the use of 'f**k' and mute 'c*****a'.

The rest of the cuts were related to the violent scenes. The makers were asked to suitably modify the visuals of butchering of the neck; the visuals were reduced to a flash. The scenes of girl torture were also reduced to a flash. The pool of blood was covered with CG.

A gruesome scene in the film involves the neck being cut and close-up shots of amputated hands, legs and fingers. In this case, the CBFC reduced the gory visuals to flash, blood spilling effect was reduced by 50% and cut body parts were darkened. Moreover, in two scenes, the CBFC told the makers to modify the red colour of the blood to a dark shade to reduce impact; a first for any film probably. Lastly, the visuals of a child were modified and reduced. A disclaimer was added that the makers have used a CGI baby.

Once these changes were made, HIT: The Third Case was passed with an ‘A’ certificate on April 21. The length of the film, as mentioned on the censor certificate, is 157.06 minutes. In other words, the Nani-Srinidhi Shetty starrer is 2 hours 37 minutes and 6 minutes long.

Also Read: Thunderbolts advance booking now live in India!

EXCLUSIVE: Sreeleela, Ananya Panday in talks for Sidharth Malhotra-Raaj Shaandilyaa-Mahaveer Jain’s out-and-out commercial entertainer

In September 2024, Bollywood Hungama was the first one to break the news that Sidharth Malhotra had bagged an out-and-out commercial entertainer. Some 10 days ago, we informed readers that it'll be directed by Raaj Shaandilyaa of Dream Girl (2019) fame. Now, we are back with another interesting update.

A trade source told Bollywood Hungama, “With the lead actor and director locked, the makers of the film are now looking to sign the female lead. They are in discussion with Sreeleela and Ananya Panday.”

The film is backed by Mahaveer Jain’s Mahaveer Jain Films (MJF). Mrighdeep Singh Lamba, who is a partner in MJF, will also be producing the film. The trade source continued, “The makers are in advanced talks with both of them. They hope to reach a conclusion soon after which they’ll take a call. It is expected to happen soon.”

An industry insider commented, “Both actresses are stunning and also are fine performers. Ananya has proven her worth time and again; she was recently seen in Kesari Chapter 2 wherein she left a huge mark. Sreeleela, meanwhile, too has been doing great work and she got a Pan-India boost with the super-success of the song ‘Kissik’ in Pushpa 2 – The Rule (2024). She has also bagged a plum role in Kartik Aaryan’s Diwali release, which’ll add to her fan following in the Hindi-speaking markets. Hence, it’ll be interesting to see which actress bags the part.”

Meanwhile, Sidharth Malhotra is also gearing up for Vvan. Yesterday, there were reports that he’ll be seen opposite Tamannaah Bhatia in this mythological thriller. It’ll be directed by Deepak Mishra and produced by Ekta Kapoor. Reportedly, the actor is completing the last leg of Dinesh Vijan-produced Param Sundari at present. It also stars Janhvi Kapoor and will be released in cinemas on July 25. Finally, it was announced some time back that Sidharth has also signed Race 4.

Also Read: Sreeleela receives a special gesture from Chiranjeevi; read to know more

Martin Scorsese joins Neeraj Ghaywan’s Homebound as executive producer ahead of Cannes 2025 premiere

In a notable collaboration, legendary filmmaker Martin Scorsese has come on board as executive producer for Homebound, the upcoming feature from National Award-winning director Neeraj Ghaywan. The film, starring Ishaan Khatter, Vishal Jethwa, and Janhvi Kapoor, is set to have its world premiere in the Un Certain Regard section at the 2025 Cannes Film Festival, which runs from May 14 to 25.

Homebound marks Ghaywan’s return to the big screen and to Cannes, nearly a decade after his acclaimed debut Masaan premiered at the festival and received two awards. Over the years, Masaan has continued to find resonance with audiences worldwide, heightening expectations for Ghaywan’s latest.

Speaking about his involvement, Martin Scorsese said, “I have seen Neeraj’s first film Masaan in 2015 and I loved it, so when Mélita Toscan du Plantier sent me the project of his second film, I was curious. I loved the story, the culture and was willing to help. Neeraj has made a beautifully crafted film that’s a significant contribution to Indian cinema. I am glad the movie is an official selection at Un Certain Regard in Cannes this year.”

Producer Karan Johar also shared his thoughts on the collaboration, stating, "Homebound is an extraordinary confluence of talent, vision, and storytelling at its finest. Having Martin Scorsese, a true legend of cinema, lend his wisdom and support to Neeraj's remarkable vision elevates our film to a rare artistic height. Neeraj Ghaywan continues to be one of the most authentic and insightful voices in Indian cinema today, and we are immensely proud to support him on this journey. With an incredibly gifted cast and the prestigious stage of Cannes, we eagerly look forward to sharing Homebound's powerful story with audiences around the world."

 

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Reflecting on the experience, Neeraj Ghaywan added, "To have an icon like Mr. Scorsese lend his name to Homebound is an honour beyond words. I’m deeply grateful to our co-producer Melita Toscan, who introduced us to him. Mr. Scorsese mentored us through the screenplay and multiple rounds of editing. He listened with care, understood the cultural context, and offered thoughtful, incisive notes each time. His kindness and commitment are extraordinary, and to have him nurture our film has been both a rare privilege and a profoundly humbling experience."

Homebound has also secured French distribution through Ad Vitam, the company behind acclaimed international titles such as A Fantastic Woman and Son of Saul, which previously won the Grand Prix at Cannes. The film is produced by Karan Johar, Adar Poonawalla, Apoorva Mehta, and Somen Mishra, with Marijke deSouza and Melita Toscan du Plantier serving as co-producers. Continuing Ghaywan’s exploration of contemporary human relationships and social themes, Homebound stands poised to be one of the notable Indian entries on the global stage this year.

Also Read: Cannes 2025: Homebound by Neeraj Ghaywan makes it to ‘Un Certain Regard’ section

Will the first glimpse of Ranbir Kapoor’s Ramayana be launched at WAVES Summit 2025?

One of the most awaited films of Indian Cinema, Ramayana, will be released next year, on Diwali 2026. The excitement for it has been sky high due to its solid casting and association of Nitesh Tiwari, of Dangal (2016) and Chhichhore (2019) fame, as director. Last year, the makers released a teaser poster in November and made it clear that while the first part will be out next year, the second part will be released on Diwali 2027. And if sources are to be believed, a new announcement about the film will be out as early as next week.

A source told Bollywood Hungama, “The first World Audio Visual & Entertainment Summit (aka WAVES Summit) will be held from May 1-4, 2025 and the organizers are clear that they want it to be one of the biggest talking points of the year. Accordingly, they have invited some of the biggest names from different film industries in India. To add to the excitement, the team of Ramayana is looking to share an update during this star-studded event. It will be a win-win situation for both. The team of the film will get a grand platform to showcase their product and grab a lot of eyeballs. WAVES, too, would benefit with the extensive coverage.”

The source, however, added, “The makers are looking at a poster or video of Ramayana. However, things are still being planned and a decision will be taken in a few days, provided things fall in place. Last year, the makers were planning to announce the film on Ram Navami 2024 but the plan was later deferred. Hence, things are still not confirmed yet. However, the WAVES Summit can prove to be a great opportunity.”

Ramayana stars Ranbir Kapoor as Lord Rama, Sai Pallavi as Sita, Sunny Deol as Lord Hanuman and KGF star Yash as Ravana.

Also Read: Sai Pallavi SLAMS report on turning “vegetarian” for Nitesh Tiwari’s Ramayana, warns of legal action: “Cooked-up crappy story in the name of news”

Delhi HC orders AR Rahman to deposit Rs 2 crores in copyright case over Ponniyin Selvan 2 song

The Delhi High Court has directed renowned music composer AR Rahman and production company Madras Talkies to deposit Rs 2 crores with the court registry in a copyright infringement case. The ruling, delivered on 25 April, also directed them to pay Rs. 2 lakh costs to Dagar. The case centres on the song ‘Veera Raja Veera’ from the 2023 film Ponniyin Selvan 2, which has been accused of copying an earlier composition.

The lawsuit was filed by Indian classical vocalist and Padma Shri awardee Faiyaz Wasifuddin Dagar in 2023. Dagar alleged that ‘Veera Raja Veera’ infringed on Shiva Stuti, a composition by his father, Nasir Faiyazuddin Dagar, and uncle, Zahiruddin Dagar, known collectively as the Junior Dagar Brothers. He sought a permanent injunction to prevent the song’s use, along with damages and recognition of moral rights.

Justice Prathiba M Singh, presiding over the case, observed that Shiva Stuti did not merely inspire ‘Veera Raja Veera’ but was “identical” to it, despite minor changes. Dagar argued that the song’s taal, beat, and musical structure mirrored Shiva Stuti, even though the lyrics differed. In contrast, AR Rahman contended that Shiva Stuti is a traditional composition in the public domain within the Dhrupad genre of Hindustani classical music. He further claimed that ‘Veera Raja Veera’ was an original work, incorporating Western musical elements with 227 distinct layers.

The court’s interim order requires Rahman and Madras Talkies to deposit Rs 2 crores while the case is ongoing. Additionally, after initially failing to do so, the defendants were instructed to update the song credits on online platforms to acknowledge the Junior Dagar Brothers.

Also Read: Imtiaz Ali reveals how Kashmiri girls mistook AR Rahman for an electrician: “These girls came to sing chorus and asked who the music director was” 

EXCLUSIVE: Siddharth Anand - Mahaveer Jain production starring Vikrant Massey as Gurudev Sri Sri Ravi Shankar titled White

In October 2024, Bollywood Hungama had releveled that acclaimed filmmaker Siddharth Anand — known for Pathaan, War, and Fighter — under his banner Marflix Pictures, had joined forces with producer Mahaveer Jain — of Uunchai and NaagZilla fame — through Mahaveer Jain Films, to announce their next ambitious collaboration that would feature Vikrant Massey as Gurudev Sri Sri Ravi Shankar. Well, the said international production has now been titled White.

[caption id="attachment_1973584" align="aligncenter" width="620"] EXCLUSIVE: Siddharth Anand - Mahaveer Jain production starring Vikrant Massey as Gurudev Sri Sri Ravi Shankar titled White[/caption]

An edge-of-the-seat global thriller, White will feature the versatile Vikrant Massey in the role of renowned spiritual leader and humanitarian, Gurudev Sri Sri Ravi Shankar. Production preparations are currently underway in Colombia, with filming scheduled to begin this July. The film brings together a distinguished international crew to depict the powerful and inspiring story of how Colombia’s brutal 52-year-long civil war was resolved — a largely untold chapter of modern peace-building.

Speculation around Massey’s involvement began when the actor was seen sporting significantly longer hair and undergoing a physical transformation, hinting at his preparation for a character of deep spiritual presence.

With critically acclaimed performances in films like 12th Fail and The Sabarmati Report, Vikrant Massey continues to impress with his ability to undergo remarkable transformations. White will be directed by noted ad filmmaker Montoo Bassi and co-produced by Peacecraft Pictures, alongside the powerhouse duo of Siddharth Anand and Mahaveer Jain.

Siddharth Anand’s White seeks to spotlight how ancient Indian wisdom played a pivotal role in resolving one of history’s longest-running conflicts. With a stellar team of creators known for their impactful storytelling, White is poised to become a landmark international production from India — bringing an important, little-known story of peace and humanity to global audiences.

Also Read: EXCLUSIVE: Vikrant Massey in advanced talks to play Gurudev Sri Sri Ravi Shankar in an international thriller; to be produced by Siddharth Anand, Mahaveer Jain

Shah Rukh Khan reveals why his father’s words kept him away from Kashmir; says, “My father told me Kashmir mere bina mat dekhna”

Bollywood icon Shah Rukh Khan has long captivated audiences not only with his films but also with the personal stories that offer glimpses into his life beyond the screen. One such emotional moment unfolded during his appearance on Amitabh Bachchan’s widely watched quiz show, Kaun Banega Crorepati. There, Shah Rukh shared a heartfelt reason for never having visited Kashmir — a childhood promise he made to his late father.

Shah Rukh revealed that his paternal grandmother was from Kashmir, which gave his bond with the region a deeper, personal significance. Reflecting on an emotional conversation with his father, he recalled, “My father’s mother was Kashmiri. To unhone mujhe zindagi mein bola tha teen jagah zaroor dekhna life mein, ‘main rahun ya naa rahun. Ek Istanbul zaroor dekhna, ek Italy main Rome zaroor dekhna aur ek Kashmir hai zaroor dekhna. Lekin baaki do mere bina bhi dekh lena par Kashmir mere bina mat dekhna.’”

This touching memory remained with Shah Rukh long after his father’s death. He shared, “My father passed away very early. I’ve been all over the world lekin mai Kashmir kabhi nahi gaya. Bohot saare mauke bhi mile, doston ne bohot bulaya, ghar wale chutti pe bhi gaye, par main Kashmir kabhi nahi gaya. Kyunki mere father ne kaha tha ki Kashmir mere bina mat dekhna, Kashmir main dikhaaunga.” (“He passed away very early. I’ve been all over the world, but I never went to Kashmir. I had many opportunities — friends invited me; family went on vacations — but I never went. Because my father had told me not to see Kashmir without him, that he would show it to me himself.”)

This heartfelt revelation resonated deeply with audiences, as many connected with the profound respect and love Shah Rukh has for his father’s words. His lifelong commitment to a childhood promise highlighted a more personal and grounded side of the actor.

However, attentive fans were quick to recall that Shah Rukh had visited Kashmir during the filming of Yash Chopra’s romantic drama Jab Tak Hai Jaan (2012). Picturesque locations such as Gulmarg, Pahalgam, Ladakh, and Pangong Lake were showcased in the movie. One fan pointed out online, “Dunno what was the date of this KBC episode but he did visit Kashmir with Yash Chopra when he was doing JTHJ shooting there back in 2011-12.”

Still, many defended Shah Rukh, clarifying that although he didn’t visit Kashmir with his own father, he did go there with his mentor and “father figure” Yash Chopra. The emotional tone of his statement seemed to reflect a more personal and meaningful visit, rather than a professional or work-related one.

Also Read : Pavail Gulatie calls himself a “graduate from the Shah Rukh Khan School of chivalry”

Pakistani actor Fawad Khan’s Abir Gulaal may be delayed amid controversy following Pahalgam terror attack

The recent terror attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, has once again stirred tensions and renewed demands to boycott Pakistani artists and films. At the center of the controversy is Abir Gulaal, the highly anticipated film marking Pakistani actor Fawad Khan’s return to Indian cinema, now facing growing backlash amid the charged political climate.

Abir Gulaal, co-starring Vaani Kapoor, was originally slated for release on May 9. However, industry insiders now indicate that the release may be postponed, as theatre owners and distributors express growing concerns over the film’s reception in light of the current tensions. What was intended to be a celebratory comeback for Fawad Khan in the Hindi film industry is now overshadowed by the unrest and political sensitivity following the recent terror attack, potentially causing unforeseen delays for the project.

Following the recent terror attack in Pahalgam, public sentiment against Pakistan has intensified, casting a shadow over the release of Abir Gulaal, which stars Pakistani actor Fawad Khan. According to a report by Hindustan Times, many theatre owners are currently reluctant to screen the film due to fears of backlash. Although the production team is in discussions with distributors and exhibitors, a May 9 release appears increasingly unlikely.

The publication quoted a source saying, “The production house is trying to negotiate with them, but it looks unlikely that Abir Gulaal will release on May 9 for now. The film’s release may be pushed back till things are sorted. But when that will happen is uncertain, as theatres do not want to take a film with a Pakistani actor now.”

Meanwhile, Ashoke Pandit, President of the Indian Film & Television Directors’ Association, has voiced strong opposition to the release of Abir Gulaal. Speaking to Hindustan Times, he condemned the timing of the film’s release in light of the recent terror attack, stating, “This incident is an act of war against the nation… We, as a federation, have requested with folded hands to not work with Pakistanis. They come up with bulls***t reasons like artist, community, but ultimately, the nation must come first.” His remarks reflect the heightened emotions and deepening divide within the industry over cross-border collaborations.

Echoing similar sentiments, BN Tiwari, President of the Federation of Western India Cine Employees (FWICE), also took a firm stand against the release of Abir Gulaal. He stated, “We will not let Abir Gulaal release in India. Action will be taken against the makers (if they release the film).” His statement further underscores the growing resistance within the Indian film industry toward projects involving Pakistani artists in the wake of heightened tensions.

Abir Gulaal, directed by Aarti S Bagdi, was originally scheduled for release on May 9. However, with major industry federations like FWICE and the Indian Film & Television Directors’ Association voicing strong opposition—and rising outrage across social media—the film’s theatrical release in India now hangs in uncertainty. What was meant to be a significant cinematic moment may be indefinitely delayed amid the escalating political and public backlash.

Also Read : Dia Mirza welcomes Fawad Khan’s return to Bollywood; says, “Art should never be mixed with hate”

Rahul Bhatt breaks silence on 90s magazine cover featuring Mahesh Bhatt and Pooja Bhatt’s kissing photo: “Kuch farq nahi padta, hum jaante hain sach kya hai”

Over three decades have passed since filmmaker Mahesh Bhatt and his daughter, actor Pooja Bhatt, appeared on a now-infamous magazine cover where they were photographed sharing a kiss. The image caused a huge controversy and still lingers in discussions surrounding the Bhatt family. Recently, Mahesh’s son, Rahul Bhatt, was asked to share his thoughts on the matter, and his response was as unruffled as it was straightforward.

In an interview with Hindi Rush, Rahul Bhatt recalled being only 14 years old when the controversial photograph was released. He brushed off the backlash, saying, “Kuch farq nahi padta. It’s like water off a duck’s back. Hum jaante hain sach kya hai, aur humne bachpan se sab dekha hai.” For him, the criticism is simply noise that doesn’t warrant any attention or energy.

Rahul reflected on how growing up in a film family helps build resilience. He shared, “Film parivaar ke bachche ya toh bohot messed up hote hain, ya bohot mazboot. Log sochte hain humein chinta hoti hai, lekin aisa nahi hai.” He implied that the Bhatt children, at least, had learned to handle public scrutiny without allowing it to shape their identities.

Despite the ongoing controversy, Pooja and Mahesh Bhatt enjoyed a successful streak of collaborations in the '90s, with films like Daddy, Dil Hai Ki Manta Nahin, Sadak, Sir, and Zakhm making a significant impact on Indian cinema. While the criticism has lingered, it remains nothing more than a footnote in the broader narrative of a father-daughter duo whose artistic chemistry far outweighed the noise surrounding them.

Also Read : Alia Bhatt having a baby girl is a proud moment for Mahesh Bhatt, reveals Rahul Bhatt

BREAKING: What to expect at WAVES Summit 2025 - Shah Rukh Khan to open up on his ‘outsider to ruler’ journey, Indian Cinema’s BIGGEST reunion featuring Amitabh Bachchan, Hema Malini, Mithun Chakraborty, Rajinikanth, Mohanlal, Chiranjeevi, Akshay Kumar; Kareena Kapoor-Aishwarya Rai Bachchan to make a RARE joint appearance

Last week, Bollywood Hungama reported that some of the biggest celebrities will be attending the first ever World Audio Visual & Entertainment Summit (aka WAVES Summit) which will be held in Jio World Convention Centre, Mumbai between May 1-4, 2025. The organizers of the much-awaited summit have put up the schedule and it makes it clear the first edition of WAVES will be one of the biggest events of the year. In this article, Bollywood Hungama will inform readers on some of the most exciting panels of the summit.

May 1

The summit will begin with a bang with the panel 'Legends & Legacies: The Stories That Shaped India’s Soul'. It'll be moderated by Akshay Kumar and will feature Amitabh Bachchan, Hema Malini, Mithun Chakraborty, Rajinikanth, Mohanlal and Chiranjeevi! This will arguably be the most star-studded panel discussion ever.

Karan Johar will then moderate the 'The New Mainstream: Breaking Borders, Building Legends' session. It will be attended by S S Rajamouli, A R Rahman, Anil Kapoor, Alia Bhatt and Vicky Kaushal.

This will be followed by the 'Multiple Industries: Best Practices' session. Moderated by Anupama Chopra, it will be graced by the Teri Baaton Mein Aisa Uljha Jiya (2024) actors, Shahid Kapoor and Kriti Sanon.

Superstar Shah Rukh Khan will then come in front of the WAVES attendees. The fireside chat is named 'The Journey: From Outsider to Ruler' and will be moderated by Karan Johar.

Pushpa 2-star Allu Arjun will make his presence felt with the 'India's Creative Ascent: M&E Leaders on Becoming a Global Powerhouse' panel. He'll be joined by German footballer Ariane Hingst, Italian model Binaca Balti, Israeli actress Rona Lee Shimon and US singer Mary Jorie Millben. Barun Das will be the moderator of this session.

Lastly, Mayank Shekhar will moderate the 'Remembering Manoj Kumar: Ace Filmmaker, True Nationalist'. It'll be graced by Manoj Kumar's son Kunal Goswami, Madhur Bhandarkar, ace journalist Bharti S Pradhan and author-lyricist Raajiv Shrivaastav.

May 2

The second day will begin with Aamir Khan's starry presence. He'll attend the 'Studios of the Future: Putting India on World Studio Map' session. It'll be moderated by Ritesh Sidhwani. Aamir will be joined by producer Dinesh Vijan, Namit Malhotra of Prime Focus, PVR's Ajay Bijli and American film producer Charles Roven.

In the afternoon, Aishwarya Rai Bachchan and Kareena Kapoor will come together along with Nana Patekar and Vijay Devarakonda for 'Cinema: The Soft Power' session, moderated by Karan Johar.

Aamir Khan will be back in the evening for 'Indian Cinema, Oriental Look' session. It'll be moderated by NDTV director Sanjay Pugalia and will also be attended by directors Peter Ho Sun Chun, Stanley Tong and Prasad Shetty.

In between, Aamir will also hold a masterclass called 'Redefining Indian Cinema'.

Another Bachchan family member - Abhishek Bachchan - will also grace the summit. He'll attend the 'Pan-Indian Cinema: Myth or Momentum?' session along with Nagarjuna, Amitabh Bachchan, Karthi and Khushbu. Naman Ramachandran will be the moderator.

Shraddha Kapoor, who has one of the highest followers for an Indian on Instagram, will speak in the 'Trends and Virality: How Gen Z Consumes Content'. She'll be joined by Adam Mosseri, Head, Instagram, Meta.

For 'The Changing Face of Indian Cinema', Baradwaj Rangan will be the moderator while Riteish Deshmukh, Ravi Mohan and Sonali Kulkarni will be the panellists.

Lastly, Bhushan Kumar of T-Series will talk along with Lyor Cohen, CEO, YouTube Music during the 'How Indian Music is Exporting Culture' session.

May 3

Ted Sarandos, CEO, Netflix, will have a fireside chat during 'Streaming the New India: Culture, Connectivity & Creative Capital' session.

During the 'OTT Revolution: How AI, Personalization & Interactive Content Are Changing Streaming Landscape' session, Neeraj Roy, Managing Director, Hungama Digital Media Entertainment Pvt Ltd, will speak along with Vishal Dhupar, MD, South Asia, NVIDIA, Bivek Sharma, Chief AI Officer, PwC and Rohit Jain, President, Lionsgate Play. Gaurav Gandhi of Amazon Prime Video will be the moderator.

Farhan Akhtar will hold a masterclass on 'The Craft of Direction'.

May 4

Richie Mehta of Delhi Crime and Poacher fame will conduct a masterclass on films.

Also Read: Shah Rukh Khan condemns Pahalgam terror attack: “Words fail to express the sadness and anger”

Pankaj Tripathi and Amit Rai begin shooting for untitled human drama following OMG 2's success

Following the critical and commercial success of OMG 2, acclaimed actor Pankaj Tripathi and writer-director Amit Rai are reuniting to create a deeply emotional and socially relevant human drama. The upcoming untitled film has just begun shooting, with a 35-day schedule aimed at capturing the essence, culture, and untold stories of the state like never before.

Joining Pankaj Tripathi in the lead are esteemed actors Pawan Malhotra, Geeta Agarwal, Rajesh Kumar, along with several talented artists from the local Bhojpuri film industry. This blend of national and regional talent promises to bring a unique and authentic flavor to the film.

Speaking about his return to work with director Amit Rai, Pankaj Tripathi shared, “OMG 2 was a very special film for me—not just because it marked my first solo more than 180-crore box office success, but because it connected with people on a human and emotional level. Working with Amit again feels like a natural progression. His storytelling has depth, honesty, and a sense of purpose that I deeply relate to. This story is rooted in the soil of Bihar—my home, my identity. As an actor, there’s nothing more fulfilling than being part of a story that is both entertaining and socially meaningful.”

Director Amit Rai, known for his sensitive and thought-provoking storytelling, also expressed his excitement about the project, “Collaborating with Pankaj Tripathi again is like returning to a creative space where truth and performance meet seamlessly. This film is a heartfelt exploration of human relationships, resilience, and the social fabric that binds us. The support from Bihar Film Nigam has been invaluable, and we are committed to not only telling a powerful story but also celebrating local talent, landscapes, and life. This is more than just a film—it’s a reflection of lives lived and lessons learned.”

With its compelling narrative, rooted setting, and powerhouse cast, this collaboration between Pankaj Tripathi and Amit Rai is poised to touch hearts and spark conversations once again.

Also Read : World Theatre Day: Richa Chadha, Ali Fazal, Pankaj Tripathi, and other Bollywood actors recall their first stage performance

Emraan Hashmi plays Yami Gautam's husband in the film based on Shah Bano case, first schedule wrapped up

On the 40th Anniversary of the landmark Shah Bano vs Ahmed Khan case (Supreme Court 1985), Yami Gautam stars in a compelling drama inspired by the life of Shah Bano. This case remains a significant moment in the struggle for Muslim women’s rights in India and their challenge to established personal laws.

Starring Yami Gautam Dhar and Emraan Hashmi, the film is a gripping drama set against the backdrop of a case that reshaped India's constitutional history and deeply impacted the dynamics of a democratic society—highlighting the role of the state in issues of religion, individual rights, and women's rights. Emraan Hashmi plays Yami's husband, a character inspired by Shah Bano's husband, Ahmed Khan. Audiences can look forward to powerful performances from the talented cast of this project.

A classic David Vs Goliath story, it saw a resilient Shah Bano with no financial resources and support from society take on the establishment of organised religion and fight the misogynistic practices carried out under the garb of organised religion.

The genesis of a subsequent legal framework that back in the 1970s, did not even merit a conversation, this story is a gripping tale of how a woman with nothing except courage and truth took on her husband who was himself a well to do lawyer, the mighty Waqf board, and went all the way to the Supreme Court and defeated all of them single handedly. The case laid the ground for innumerous women to make legitimate claims which they were not allowed before.

The case made global headlines and has also been listed as one of the Top 10 events that shaped Indian democracy and judiciary. It is still taught in law schools across the country and the citation has helped women of all faiths, religions or caste and different socio-economic strata to get their rightful due when a marriage goes bust owing to misogynistic laws.

This story also led to the genesis of what is now heading to a One Nation One Law under the proposed Uniform Civil Code.

The film is expected to have a massive theatrical release in cinemas across India and globally and is expected to release sometime in October/November 2025. The film has been shot in multiple locations across Lucknow and Uttar Pradesh and its first schedule recently got wrapped.

Yami Gautam Dhar is riding high on the success of Article 370 and this is her next theatrical release. Emraan Hashmi next release is the war film Ground Zero and was seen recently in Tiger Zinda Hai amongst others.

This is the next in the courtroom trilogy announced by director Suparn S Verma who is the creator of the multi-award winning critical and commercial success Sirf Ek Bandaa Kaafi Hain starring Manoj Bajpayee.

Also Read : Emraan Hashmi, Yami Gautam headline film on Shah Bano verdict 40 years later

Tiger Shroff Death Threat: Mumbai Police crack down on fake assassination, man arrested in Punjab

In a startling incident, Mumbai police received a phone call on Tuesday alleging a plot to assassinate actor Tiger Shroff. According to reports, the caller informed the authorities that a security agency owner had hired him to kill the actor. He further claimed he had been provided with a revolver and Rs.2 lakh in cash to execute the plan.

Following the phone call, Mumbai police intensified their investigation. Authorities promptly registered an FIR, and the accused was subsequently arrested in Kapurthala, Punjab.

As more information is awaited, Lokmat Times has revealed that the accused is a 35-year-old man named Manish Kumar Sujinder Singh. According to the police, Singh was driven by anger and a desire for revenge after facing salary deductions due to frequent absences from work. In an effort to frame his superiors and tarnish the company's reputation, he allegedly fabricated the entire story.

Meanwhile, Khar Police have booked Manish Kumar Singh under IPC Sections 353(2), 212, and 217 for disseminating false information and attempting to provoke public unrest.

On the professional front, Tiger Shroff is busy filming his much-anticipated movie, Baaghi 4. Earlier this month, to mark his 35th birthday, the actor unveiled a new poster of the film, featuring his character Ronnie in a more intense and rugged look.

Tiger Shroff wrote, “The franchise that gave me an identity and allowed me to express my eagerness to prove myself as an action hero… is now the franchise that is redefining who I am. He’s definitely not the same this time, but I hope you all accept him the way you did eight years ago. #gratitude, #SajidNadiadwala’s, and #Baaghi4.”

Baaghi 4, directed by A. Harsha, features a star-studded cast including Sanjay Dutt, Harnaaz Sandhu, and Sonam Bajwa alongside Tiger Shroff in lead roles. The film is slated for release on September 5, 2025.

Also Read : Director Ahmed Khan’s son Azaan speaks on MMA prep and training with Tiger Shroff: “He helped me build the foundation”

Dharma Productions reveals motion poster of Naagzilla starring Kartik Aaryan as mystical naag; film to release on August 14, 2026

Kartik Aaryan surprised fans by unveiling a never-before-seen look as an Ichadhaari Naag from his upcoming film Naagzilla. The makers revealed a motion poster titled of the film creating quite a buzz. They also announced that the film is set to hit theatres on August 14, 2026. Kartik will be portraying the character Preyamvadeshwar Pyare Chand, a mystical shape-shifting serpent.

The official account of Dharma Productions took to twitter to unveil the motion poster and wrote, “Insanon wali picharein toh bahut dekh leen, ab dekho naagon wali pichchar! #Naagzilla - Naag lok ka pehla kaand… Funnn phailaane aa raha hai - Preyamvadeshwar Pyare Chand. Naag Panchami par…aapke nazdeeki Sssssinemas mein - 14 August 2026 ko.”

Insanon wali picharein toh bahut dekh leen, ab dekho naagon wali pichchar!#Naagzilla - Naag lok ka pehla kaand… Funnn phailaane aa raha hai - Preyamvadeshwar Pyare Chand Naag Panchami par ???? aapke nazdeeki Sssssinemas mein - 14 August 2026 ko pic.twitter.com/zn0VH3PH5b

— Dharma Productions (@DharmaMovies) April 22, 2025

Backed by Karan Johar, Mahaveer Jain, Adar Poonawalla, Apoorva Mehta, Mrighdeep Singh Lamba, and Sujit Jain, the film promises a unique cinematic experience, combining elements of fantasy, folklore, and pure entertainment.

According to an earlier report by Bollywood Hungama, Akshay Kumar was initially approached for the lead role, but he turned it down due to discomfort with the film’s snake-related theme. A source revealed, “Akshay was the first choice for director Mrighdeep Singh Lamba’s project and had been in talks for a while. However, he eventually opted out as he wasn’t convinced by the snake-vs-human storyline and didn’t want to revisit the genre after Jaani Dushman.”

Producers Mahaveer Jain and Karan Johar reportedly held several meetings with Akshay, but after he exited, the team decided to reboot the project with Kartik Aaryan. “Kartik was instantly drawn to the man-versus-snake concept and quickly came on board. He sees it as a potential hit, especially after the success of Bhool Bhulaiyaa 2 and 3, given the current audience interest in supernatural themes,” the source added.

Kartik Aaryan is preparing for his next major venture with renowned director Anurag Basu, where he’ll be starring opposite South sensation Sreeleela, who’s set to make her Bollywood debut. Although the film’s title hasn’t been revealed yet, it’s rumoured to be a romantic musical. Fans got a sneak peek on February 15, when the first look was unveiled—showing Kartik as a heartbroken singer and Sreeleela as his enchanting love interest.

Also Read : Kartik Aaryan recalls filming the podium scene in Chandu Champion; says, “Those were genuine tears of victory”

Saif Ali Khan expands property portfolio with new home in Qatar; says, “It’s very safe and it feels very good to be there”

Saif Ali Khan recently shared that he has purchased a luxurious residence at The St. Regis Marsa Arabia Island, located at The Pearl in Doha, Qatar. Speaking at a press event organized by Alfardan Group, Saif expressed what attracted him to the property, highlighting Qatar's safety, scenic beauty, and its convenient proximity to India. He described his experience there as feeling “safe” and like “a home away from home,” making it an ideal retreat for his family.

Saif Ali Khan spoke about his positive experience living in the property, explaining what makes it feel special. He shared, “Think of a holiday home or a second home. There are a few things I think of. One is that it’s not very far away and it’s easily accessible. And then the other thing is, the most important thing is that it’s very safe and it feels very good to be there. And the concept of an island within an island is also very luxurious and beautiful, and it’s just a really lovely place to live. And the feeling you get when you’re there is the important thing, and the views, and the food, and the kind of lifestyle, and the pace of living, and these are a few of the things that led to my decision.”

The actor referred to the property as his “home away from home.” He explained, “I had gone there to do some work, and I was shooting for something, and I stayed at the property, and I thought it was amazing, and there was something about the mixture of privacy and luxury that I really liked. And again, it was things like food and the way the menu was curated and various things like this. I mean, literally in a nutshell, it felt like home away from home, so that made it very easy. The main thing really is that it's peaceful and secluded if that's the kind of thing you are looking for.” He also mentioned that he’s looking forward to bringing his family, especially his children, Taimur Ali Khan and Jehangir Ali Khan, to the new property.

In addition to his new property in Doha, Saif Ali Khan owns several other residences. He currently lives with his family, including wife-actor Kareena Kapoor and sons Taimur and Jeh, in their Bandra apartment. Saif also has his ancestral Pataudi Palace. Furthermore, he owns properties in London and Gstaad.

Saif Ali Khan purchased this property just months after a frightening incident in which he was attacked. On January 16, an accused named Shehzad allegedly attempted a robbery by breaking into Saif’s Bandra residence. During the break-in, Saif was stabbed and suffered severe injuries, including damage to his thoracic spine and other parts of his body. He was immediately rushed to Lilavati Hospital, where he received treatment for five days before being discharged on January 21.

On the work front, Saif Ali Khan will next be seen in Netflix’s highly anticipated film Jewel Thief: The Heist Begins. The film also stars Jaideep Ahlawat, Kunal Kapoor, and Nikita Dutta in key roles. Directed by Kookie Gulati and Robbie Grewal, Jewel Thief follows the story of a charismatic thief (Saif) and his partner (Jaideep) as they scheme to steal the ultra-rare African Red Sun diamond, all while being pursued by a determined detective (Kunal). Jewel Thief: The Heist Begins will start streaming on Netflix from April 25.

Also Read : Alaya F gets nostalgic as old promo video from Jawaani Jaaneman surfaces, remembers her debut with Saif Ali Khan

MEGA EXCLUSIVE: Yash Raj Films and Mohit Suri’s intense love story titled Saiyaara; releases on July 18, 2025 in theatres worldwide

Yash Raj Films (YRF) is creatively collaborating with a master of the romance genre, Mohit Suri, for a love story that has been titled Saiyaara. This is the first film produced by the company’s CEO Akshaye Widhani.

The much-awaited romantic film, Saiyaara, which introduces two new faces in the Hindi film industry - Ahaan Panday and Aneet Padda - is set to release on July 18, 2025, in theatres worldwide.

Presented by Aditya Chopra, directed by Mohit Suri and produced by Akshaye Widhani, Saiyaara is being billed as an intense love story that brings YRF and Mohit Suri, both known for their huge generation-defining successes in the romantic genre, together for the first time!

As per reports, much of the film was shot in 2024 and in February this year, Mohit Suri shot a music festival sequence with 1,000 background artists at Vrundavan Studios in Malad, Mumbai. Reportedly, Ahaan Panday was seen performing on stage and the crowd got mesmerized by his performance. In the middle of his performance, Ahaan also jumps from the stage to further woo the audience. Aneet Padda, who was seen in the OTT show Big Girls Don’t Cry (2024), was also a part of this sequence.

The announcement of Saiyaara is sure to enhance the excitement of this film for various reasons. The title pays homage to a memorable song from YRF’s 2012 blockbuster film Ek Tha Tiger. Also, with action films reaching a saturation point, there’s a demand to see love stories and Saiyaara comes at the right time. Moreover, July 18 is also an empty slot which hasn’t been taken over by any Hindi film or major Hollywood biggie. All eyes are now on Saiyaara’s trailers and songs and if they click with the audience, this film has the potential to emerge as a profitable venture and also carve a special place in the hearts of young romantics.

Also Read: Mohit Suri shoots music festival sequence with 1,000 artistes for Ahaan Panday’s debut film: Report

Rana Daggubati makes history as first Indian celebrity at WrestleMania, representing Netflix’s Rana Naidu

It was a notable weekend for India at WrestleMania 41, WWE’s biggest annual event, now streaming on Netflix. Rana Daggubati, known for the Netflix series Rana Naidu and a longtime WWE fan, became the first Indian celebrity to be invited to WrestleMania and attend from the front row. He also received a special mention during the live stream watched by WWE fans worldwide. Season 2 of Netflix India’s action drama Rana Naidu is coming soon.

The WWE fandom was front and center on the global stage as well, with the Netflix India and WWE watch party for fans in Mumbai featuring live during the Wrestlemania broadcast on Netflix, this weekend.

 

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Held in the high rollers city of Las Vegas, WrestleMania 41 wasn’t just about the in-ring action, it was a celebration of fandom, community, and global connection. Rana’s presence at the event marked a proud moment for Indian representation at one of the most-watched and beloved sports entertainment events worldwide.

With WWE now streaming on Netflix, and Rana Naidu already a fan-favorite Netflix series with its highly anticipated Season 2 on the horizon, this crossover moment highlights Netflix’s commitment to bringing powerhouse entertainment to fans in India.

Speaking from Las Vegas, Rana Daggubati said, “Being at WrestleMania 41 is a surreal experience—WWE has been a part of all our childhoods. Now, to witness it live and to be able to represent India on a global stage, especially with both WWE and Rana Naidu streaming on Netflix, feels like a full-circle moment.”

Also Read : Siddhant Chaturvedi, Rana Daggubati attend Netflix dinner with WWE Champions Dominik Mysterio and Liv Morgan

Aamir Khan reveals details about his character in Sitaare Zameen Par as “very rude”; says, “He is very rude, politically incorrect and he insults everybody”

Aamir Khan, who has a strong fan base in China, recently visited the country to attend the Macau Comedy Festival. During an interaction with one of his Chinese fan clubs, he shared key details about his upcoming film Sitaare Zameen Par. Aamir revealed that the film is a remake of the Spanish movie Champions, and in it, he portrays a “very rude” basketball coach.

During the interaction, Aamir Khan shared, “Sitaare Zameen Par is almost ready. It’s the sequel to Taare Zameen Par. Thematically, it is going ten steps ahead. It is about people who are differently abled. It is about love, friendship and life. Taare Zameen Par made you cry but this film will make you laugh. It’s a comedy but the theme is the same.”

Revealing more about his role in Sitaare Zameen Par, Aamir Khan said, “My character Nikumbh in Taare Zameen Par was a very sensitive person. In this film my character’s name is Gulshan but his personality is exactly opposite to Nikumbh. He is very rude, politically incorrect and he insults everybody. He fights with his wife, mother. He is a basketball coach and he beats up his senior coach. He is a person with a lot of internal problems.”

Aamir Khan further explained, “The story is about how he transforms. The ten individuals—some of whom have Down syndrome, autism, and other different abilities—teach him what it truly means to be a good human being. The original is a Spanish film, and we’ve created an Indian adaptation of it.”

Aamir Khan’s Sitaare Zameen Par is directed by RS Prasanna and features Genelia Deshmukh in a leading role alongside him.

Also Read : Rajkummar Rao in talks to play Ujjwal Nikam in upcoming biopic after Aamir Khan’s exit

EXCLUSIVE: Mardaani 3 to release on February 27, 2026 in the Holi week; makers release EXPLOSIVE first look of Rani Mukerji

Yash Raj Films’ Mardaani is the biggest solo female-led franchise in Hindi cinema that has garnered love and acclaim for over 10 years now. The blockbuster franchise has received unanimous love from people and has attained a cult status amongst cine-lovers. Also, the biggest and only female cop franchise of India, Mardaani is now in its third instalment and Mardaani 3 will see Rani Mukerji reprise the role of a daredevil cop, Shivani Shivaji Roy, who selflessly fights for justice.

Today, YRF (Yash Raj Films) announced the release date of Mardaani 3 to be Friday, February 27, 2026, marking the auspicious Holi festival as its release window. Holi, which falls on March 4, symbolises the triumph of good over bad. The makers are pegging this film to be a bloody, violent clash between Shivani’s goodness vs sinister evil forces with its choice of release date.

Moreover, the esteemed studio also released the explosive first look of the highly talented actress from this much-awaited film. Rani Mukerji had revealed that the edge-of-the-seat thriller is ‘dark, deadly and brutal’ and it immediately piqued curiosity amongst netizens, the fans of the star and the franchise.

Mardaani 3 is directed by Abhiraj Minawala and as per reports, the shooting of the film began sometime back. A few days back, it was reported that after shooting at the Golden Tobacco factory in Vile Parle, Mumbai, the makers are now filming portions in Yash Raj Studios, Andheri. The current leg is critical as Rani Mukerji will be shooting action scenes crucial to the narrative.

Mardaani tackled the grim realities of human trafficking, while Mardaani 2 explored the chilling mind of a psychotic serial rapist who dared to challenge the system. Mardaani 3 is expected to delve into another dark, socially relevant theme, continuing the franchise’s legacy of gripping, issue-based storytelling. With the film hitting cinemas in less than a year, anticipation is running high. Interestingly, February 27 has been a lucky date for YRF before—Dum Laga Ke Haisha, the beloved sleeper hit, was released on the same day in 2015. Given the franchise’s popularity, Rani Mukerji’s powerful presence, and the thematic intensity promised, Mardaani 3 is expected to deliver both critical acclaim and box-office success.

Also Read: Mardaani 3 shooting to start in 2025: Rani Mukerji describes film as “Dark, deadly, and brutal”

Manoj Muntashir warns Anurag Kashyap over brahmin comment: “Don’t test our patience”

You’ve put out a very passionate video in response to Anurag Kashyap’s shocking slur against the Brahmin community? I feel this man has crossed all limits of decency. Bhai Sahab, this arrogant and ignorant individual, who claims to be a filmmaker and social commentator, is completely out of his mind. He has clearly lost not just his sanity but also his creative spark. His frustration stems from his repeated failures, and he is in desperate need of counselling.

Would he dare make such a comment about any other community? I challenge him to try. He would be ripped apart and left to rot. Hindus have always been benevolent and tolerant, and that grace has often come at the cost of their dignity. But let’s not forget—Durvasa and Parashuram were Brahmins too. Their rage is legendary.

Do you think Kashyap has serious anger management issues? Don’t test our patience any further. The consequences won’t be pleasant. This man has long been the flag bearer of cinema laced with vulgarity in every shape, size, and form. After wreaking havoc on Indian cinema, he now seems determined to fracture society as well.

Also Read: Manoj Muntashir on Ranveer Allahbadia controversy, “India’s youth is making India weak, we should ask them to just shut up”

Brahmin organizations want to ‘blacken’ the face of Anurag Kashyap; announces reward of Rs. 1 lakh

Anurag Kashyap has found himself at the centre of growing outrage after a controversial social media remark referencing the Brahmin community have gone viral. Despite posting an apology note yesterday - clarifying that he was not apologizing for what he said but rather for how a particular line was taken out of context - the backlash has continued to intensify.

Over the weekend, several Brahmin organizations convened for a joint meeting led by the Sarva Brahmin Mahasabha and Pandit Suresh Mishra, who is also the chief patron of Chanakya Sena. The meeting resulted in a unified call for action against the filmmaker, with six prominent Brahmin groups - including Chanakya Sena, Sarva Brahmin Mahasabha, Brahmin Seva Sangh, Akhil Bharatiya Brahmin Mahasabha, Vishwa Brahmin Parishad, and Akhil Bharatiya Brahmin Sangh - announcing a reward of Rs. 1 lakh to “whoever blackens Kashyap’s face.”

Pandit Suresh Mishra, speaking to The Indian Express, condemned Kashyap’s statement, calling it an insult to an entire community. “Has the Brahmin community not made sacrifices for this country?” he asked, defending the contributions of Brahmins to India’s unity and heritage. “Brahmins who talk about the welfare of all and have sacrificed their lives for the unity and integrity of the country.” Mishra further added, “In such a situation, it is necessary to teach them a lesson. There should be strong opposition to such destructive people in the society who are making nefarious attempts to end aapsi sadachar (mutual respect) in the society.”

For context, the controversy erupted after Anurag Kashyap commented on a post concerning Brahmins, stating he “would urinate on Brahmins.” The statement sparked immediate criticism online and was widely condemned as offensive and inflammatory. In his apology note posted on social media, Kashyap maintained that his words had been taken out of context. However, he also reiterated that he was apologizing “for how the line was taken” and not for his ideological stance.

The demands for action continue to gain traction, with growing pressure on authorities to address the situation. As of now, no legal steps have been confirmed, but the controversy shows no sign of subsiding.

Also Read: Anurag Kashyap says, “This is my apology, not for my post but for that one line taken out of context” after backlash over anti-Brahmin remark

SHOCKING: Sinners KICKED out of Eros, Priya and Paras IMAX; replaced by Kesari Chapter 2 and Jaat - films NOT even shot in IMAX

The Hollywood supernatural film Sinners was released in India and worldwide on April 18. The film has caught the attention of the elite Hollywood crowd and there’s a demand among them to catch the flick on IMAX as a major chunk is shot on the IMAX 65mm camera. Hence, moviegoers were shocked when Sinners was removed from Eros IMAX Cinema in Mumbai and Delhi’s Priya IMAX and Paras IMAX. Interestingly, all three cinemas are standalone IMAX properties and are owned by PVR Inox.

A source explained what went wrong, “No show of Sinners was played here as the theatres replaced the film with the new Hindi film, Kesari Chapter 2, and the holdover Bollywood release, Jaat, though both these films are not shot in IMAX. Warner Bros asked for proper showcasing of Sinners in these three cinemas but since the film is not a front-loaded superhero flick, the three cinemas had reservations about playing it with all shows. A negotiation was not reached and hence, Sinners couldn’t make it in Eros, Priya and Paras.”

The source continued, “These theatres argued that they are single-screen IMAX cinemas. This means that they have no other screens present. The other multiplexes could afford to play Sinners with lower occupancy in IMAX as they can profit with a huge turnout for other films in normal screens. But if they play only Sinners or give most of the shows to the film, it won’t justify their costs as it’s a film meant for a niche audience in India. The Warner team, on the other hand, argued that with Sinners, they should have made an exception as it’s a film meant for IMAX screens. Also, its word of mouth is incredible and has the chance to grow. More than 30% of the business of the film has also happened in IMAX screens on the first day.”

An industry insider commented on this issue, “These cinemas should have at least given a chance to Sinners for the weekend. Then, for the weekdays, they could have negotiated with the studio and demanded the replacement of certain shows, citing profitability. Not allowing an IMAX film in an IMAX theatre from the first day of release was unfair.”

At present, Eros Cinema is playing 5 shows of Kesari Chapter 2. Priya and Paras have given the morning show slot to Jaat and the rest of the shows are allocated to the Akshay Kumar-starrer. This move hasn’t paid much dividends to the theatres. The Saturday night show of Kesari Chapter 2 in Eros was barely full, though it was playing with great occupancy in other cinemas of the city.

The source explained the reason, “With Eros, Priya and Paras, the perception among the audience is that we are supposed to go there to watch an IMAX-worthy film. As a result, for non-IMAX movies, the preference would first be other cinemas in the vicinity. It’s a catch-22 situation for the standalone IMAX theatres. They can’t rely on playing only IMAX films, especially the niche ones like Sinners. But there’s no guarantee they’ll get required footfalls for regular films.”

Also Read: Director Ryan Coogler and Music Composer Ludwig Gorranson talk about their musical journey with Sinners

Urvashi Rautela breaks silence on temple remark after online outrage; team issues clarification

Urvashi Rautela has found herself in the spotlight yet again for a comment made during an interview with Siddharth Kanan. In the now-viral clip, the actress was heard speaking about a temple in Uttarakhand, which many interpreted as her claiming it was built in her ‘honour’. The reaction online was swift and largely critical, with social media users accusing her of self-glorification.

In what appears to be an attempt to clear the air, Urvashi and her team have now issued a statement urging people to listen to the full context of her comments before jumping to conclusions. The backlash, they suggest, stems from a misunderstanding of her words.

Addressing the controversy directly, Urvashi said, “There is a temple in my name in Uttarakhand, not Urvashi Rautela’s temple. Now people don’t even listen to things properly; just hearing ‘Urvashi’ or ‘temple,’ they assumed that people worship Urvashi Rautela. Listen to this video properly and then speak. It is essential that before making baseless allegations or derogatory comments against any individual, the facts are thoroughly verified. Everyone in society should treat each other with respect and understanding so that everyone’s rights can be protected.”

The clarification suggests that the actress was referring to the Urvashi Mandir, a site associated with Hindu mythology and not a shrine dedicated to herself. However, the phrasing in the original interview — where she appeared to link the temple with her own identity — triggered a wave of confusion and ridicule.

In the interview, the actress claimed, “There is a temple in my name in Uttarakhand. If one visits Badrinath, there is a ‘Urvashi temple’ right next to it.” When asked if people go there to seek blessings, she replied, “Ab mandir hai toh woh hi toh karenge (It’s a temple, they will do that only).”

While her latest statement calls for respect and fact-checking, it also appears to serve as a form of damage control after the public response took a negative turn. Whether the clarification will help ease the criticism remains to be seen, but for now, the incident stands as another reminder of how easily offhand remarks can spiral in the digital age.

Also Read: Urvashi Rautela faces outrage over claim, “There is a temple in my name in Uttarakhand”

Shabana Azmi recalls disturbing incidents with Parveen Babi on film sets; says, “She used to eat two grapes and say that I am bursting”

In a poignant and revealing interview with Filmfare YouTube, Shabana Azmi reflected on her experiences with the enigmatic yet troubled Parveen Babi, one of the most glamorous stars of her time. Azmi, known for her candid insights, recounted moments on film sets where Parveen’s declining mental health became alarmingly visible.

“I saw Parveen Babi going mad in front of my eyes. We were doing a Prakash Mehra film, Jwalamukhi, and we were on the set, and she suddenly looked to the chandelier and started screaming, ‘This chandelier is going to fall on me,’” Azmi recalled. The haunting memory painted a vivid picture of Parveen's distress. Azmi also mentioned incidents from the sets of Ashanti, where Babi's eating habits had drastically changed. “She used to eat two grapes and say that I am bursting,” she added, pointing toward possible symptoms of severe anxiety or an eating disorder.

The veteran actress also described a moment involving actress Zeenat Aman that left her with deep concern. “She went and stood behind her and looked at her in a very strange kind of manner,” Azmi said, underlining how erratic behavior had begun to emerge in Parveen's interactions.

These stories not only highlight the intensity of Parveen Babi’s inner turmoil but also reflect the silence that often surrounded such issues in the film industry during the '70s and '80s. “We never talked about this,” Azmi admitted. “She was always speaking about esoteric things, discussing books, and she was a big star, but she never played the star as such, but she was in quest of an intellect that didn’t really come easy to her, but she was struggling with something.”

Parveen Babi’s life continues to evoke conversations around fame, isolation, and mental health. In opening up, Azmi not only paid tribute to a complex co-star but also nudged forward the much-needed discourse on mental health in the entertainment world.

Also Read: Eid 2025: Shabana Azmi, Javed Akhtar celebrate with Farhan, Zoya and family

Kesari Chapter 2 falls victim to online piracy on the same day of release

In a disheartening turn of events, Kesari Chapter 2, the much-anticipated spiritual sequel to the 2019 patriotic action-drama Kesari, has fallen prey to online piracy just a day after its release on April 18. The film, which stars Akshay Kumar in the lead and is based on the aftermath of the India’s most infamous genocide – the Jallianwala Bagh Massacre, was leaked across several piracy websites including Filmyzilla, Movierulez, Tamilrockerz, and even platforms like Telegram.

What’s more troubling is the widespread availability of the pirated film in multiple video formats, ranging from 1080p and HD versions to lower-quality formats like 240p. Keywords such as “Kesari 2 Download” and “Kesari 2 Movie HD Download” have reportedly been trending across these sites, driving traffic to the illegal uploads and potentially hurting the film’s box office performance.

While the makers have yet to issue an official statement regarding the leak, Akshay Kumar had made a heartfelt appeal to audiences ahead of the film’s release. Speaking at a press conference, he had said, “I humbly request you all to please keep your phones in your pockets and listen to every dialogue of this film. It will mean a lot. If you try to check your Instagram during the movie, it will be a humiliation for the film. So I request everyone to keep their phones away.”

Though the actor didn’t directly address piracy, his statement underscored the importance of respecting cinematic experiences - a sentiment that appears to have been overshadowed by the leak. The leak of Kesari Chapter 2 serves as yet another reminder of the urgent need for stronger enforcement and digital vigilance to protect creative content.

Coming to the film which also stars R Madhavan, and Ananya Panday along with Akshay Kumar, it is a historical courtroom drama set against the aftermath of the 1919 Jallianwala incident. At its heart is the story of Indian statesman C Sankaran Nair, played by Kumar, who risks everything to legally challenge the British Crown and General Dyer by filing a case of genocide in a British court. The film blends fact-based narrative with emotionally charged performances, offering a compelling take on colonial resistance and the early legal foundations of India's freedom struggle.

Also Read: Kesari Chapter 2 Hits Theatres: Vicky Kaushal, Raj Mehta, Farah Khan and other Bollywood stars shower praise on the film’s performance

Saif Ali Khan to star as a blind man in Priyadarshan's upcoming thriller

In a significant first for the versatile Saif Ali Khan, the actor is set to play a blind character in acclaimed filmmaker Priyadarshan’s next project — marking not only his first time portraying a visually impaired character but also his first collaboration with the veteran director.

Confirming the development, Saif said, “Yes, I am doing a film with Priyadarshan next. I play a blind guy. Very exciting.” Despite both being prominent figures in the Indian film industry for over 25 years, Saif and Priyadarshan have never previously worked together. That changes now, as the two have finally locked in a script that excites them both. Interestingly, the film will not be a comedy — a genre Priyadarshan is famously associated with — but a thriller.

Priyadarshan shared, “I’ve always liked Saif’s screen presence. I was waiting for something suitable to do with him.” Meanwhile, Saif will next be seen in Netflix’s Jewel Thief, a high-stakes heist drama in which he stars alongside Jaideep Ahlawat.

Also Read: Saif Ali Khan and Nikita Dutta’s sizzling chemistry shines in the romantic track ‘Ilzaam’ from Jewel Thief, watch

Jaat controversy: Jalandhar police file FIR against Sunny Deol, Randeep Hooda, over a scene allegedly offending Christian community

An FIR has been lodged against Bollywood actors Sunny Deol, Randeep Hooda, and Vineet Kumar Singh for allegedly hurting religious sentiments through a scene in their recently released film Jaat.

The Jalandhar police filed the case on Wednesday under Section 299 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), which deals with deliberate and malicious acts meant to offend religious feelings. The complaint also names the film's director, Gopichandh Malineni, and its producers.

According to the complainant, a particular scene in the film, which premiered on April 10, has “deeply hurt the religious sentiments of the entire Christian community.” The complaint further alleges that the scene displayed disrespect towards Jesus Christ.

The scene in Jaat allegedly depicts Randeep Hooda’s character standing beneath a crucifix inside a church, directly above the sacred pulpit, while people are engaged in prayer. It reportedly features acts of intimidation and disruptive behaviour.

The complainant alleged, “The director, writer and producer deliberately released this film during the holy month of Good Friday and Easter so that the Christians get angry and riots break out in the entire country and unrest is spread.”

Sunny Deol’s latest action film Jaat stars Randeep Hooda as the primary antagonist. The supporting cast includes Vineet Kumar Singh, Saiyami Kher, Regena Cassandrra, Prashant Bajaj, Zarina Wahab, and Jagapathi Babu.

Jaat also marks the Hindi directorial debut of Gopichandh Malineni, who is known for his work in Telugu cinema with films like Don Seenu, Bodyguard, and Veera Simha Reddy.

The film is produced by Mythri Movie Makers and People Media Factory, and released in Hindi, Tamil, and Telugu. It has grossed over Rs. 60 crores at the box office so far.

On Thursday, Sunny Deol confirmed that he will be making a return to the big screen with a sequel titled Jaat 2.

Also Read : EXCLUSIVE: Gopichand Malineni on what one can expect in Jaat 2: “MORE action and entertainment than Jaat; also focus on Sunny Deol’s family”; CONFIRMS that his next is with Nandamuri Balakrishna: “We go on floors on NBK’s birthday”

EXCLUSIVE: Gopichand Malineni on what one can expect in Jaat 2: “MORE action and entertainment than Jaat; also focus on Sunny Deol’s family”; CONFIRMS that his next is with Nandamuri Balakrishna: “We go on floors on NBK’s birthday”

The action entertainer Jaat was released on April 10 and emerged as a success at the box office. Exactly, a week later, on April 17, the makers announced a sequel to Jaat, titled Jaat 2. Like the first part, it’ll feature Sunny Deol in the lead role and it’ll be directed by Gopichand Malineni. A few hours after this epic announcement, the talented writer-director Gopichandh spoke exclusively to Bollywood Hungama about the sequel.

When asked if the script is ready for Jaat 2, Gopichand Malineni replied, “It’ll take time. However, it’ll have more action, more emotion and more entertainment than Jaat. This time, we’ll also have the family angle.”

Many felt that Sunny Deol should have had a heroine opposite him in Jaat. Also, though the makers establish his background in the second half, details about his family and hometown are not given out.

Gopichand Malineni assured that these aspects will be taken care of in Jaat 2, “Next time, we’ll show his family. It’ll be something interesting for the audience.”

However, Jaat 2 would take time as Gopichand Malineni is starting work on an action-packed Telugu film. He revealed, “I am immediately starting work on a Telugu film starring Nandamuri Balakrishna. It’s an action film. I had worked with NBK earlier in Veera Simha Reddy (2023); it was a blockbuster.” He added, “My script work is already going on and we go on floors on June 10, which is Balakrishna’s birthday.”

When asked if Jaat 2 can begin only next year, that is, 2026, he replied in the affirmative.

Censor cuts in Jaat

Certain scenes in Jaat have been blurred. On this, Gopichand Malineni stated, “When we approached the CBFC, they suggested dialogue cuts. They also pointed at the excessive violence. Hence, they told us that if we opt for an ‘A’ certificate, then we can retain the violence. We asked them what we should do in order to get a U/A certificate. They suggested the dialogue cuts and blurring of certain violent scenes. We accepted it as we wanted the family audience to also watch Jaat.”

Also Read: Jaat 2: Sunny Deol announces new mission announced by Mythri Movie Makers

Aamir Khan BREAKS silence on Sitaare Zameen Par characters, “There are 10 protagonists, some with Down Syndrome, some Autistic”

For my time and money, Aamir is the most creative Khan in Filmistan. Anything he does sets the pulse racing.

At the moment, all eyes are on Aamir Khan’s no sequel to 2007’s stunning Taare Zameen Par, but a companion piece, so to speak, or the spiritual Sitaare Zameen Par, sibling. Like Taare Zameen Par, Sitaare Zameen Par is also about broken lives and unbroken hope.

For the first time, Aamir reveals the characters in Sitaare Zameen Par: “There are ten protagonists, some with Down Syndrome, some Autistic, some with multiple challenges. Along the spectrum.”

All the protagonists are played by the specially abled. That Aamir chooses to deep-dive into special lives time after time, says a whole lot about his commitment to using cinema as a tool of social exposition and even reform.

Though the release date has not been officially announced as yet, Sitaare Zameen Par opens on June 20.

Also Read: Aamir Khan locks June 20 release for Sitaare Zameen Par; trailer to release on May 1: Report

Aamir Khan locks June 20 release for Sitaare Zameen Par; trailer to release on May 1: Report

Aamir Khan is officially returning to the big screen with Sitaare Zameen Par, his much-anticipated comeback film, which is now slated to release on June 20, 2025. Directed by RS Prasanna, the film is said to be a spiritual sequel to Taare Zameen Par and will once again delve into the theme of disability—this time with a fresh and heartwarming storyline.

According to a report by Pinkvilla, the makers have completed the film’s editing, and Aamir is now fully immersed in its promotional strategy. “Aamir is looking to capitalize on the open run in the month of June. Initially, he was contemplating to arrive on May 30, but a June 20 release is giving him a two-week clear run at the box office,” a source was quoted in these reports.

The source further added, “Aamir strongly believes in the content of Sitaare Zameen Par, as it rides on his formula of laughter-emotion-drama. He was looking for a good window and has found one with a June 20 release. The entire marketing plan of this social dramedy is locked.”

Fans can also look forward to the film’s trailer, which is expected to be unveiled in May. Aamir reportedly has a smart marketing move in place to ensure wide visibility. “The trailer is locked and Aamir is targeting to attach the trailer to Raid 2. The idea is to communicate the date directly to the cinema-going audience, and Raid 2 is a film which is expected to do well at the box office. This is his plan at the moment, but knowing Aamir, there could be last-minute changes too,” revealed the source.

Genelia Deshmukh will be returning to mainstream cinema, marking her first collaboration with Khan. With Sitaare Zameen Par, Aamir is aiming to once again strike an emotional chord with audiences while shedding light on important social themes—this time, through the lens of humor and heartfelt drama.

Also Read: BREAKING: Shah Rukh Khan, Aamir Khan, Ranbir Kapoor, Deepika Padukone, Diljit Dosanjh and other prominent celebs on WAVES advisory board; expected to attend WAVES Summit in Mumbai in May

Ali Fazal, Sonali Bendre explore Delhi’s infamous 1978 crime in Prosit Roy’s upcoming series

Actors Ali Fazal and Sonali Bendre have started shooting for an upcoming web series directed by the amazingly acclaimed Paatal Lok director Prosit Roy in Delhi. The show is supposedly based on the infamous Ranga-Billa murder case, one of the most shocking and high-profile crimes in Delhi’s history, that shaped the capitals history and identity.

The case, which dates back to 1978, involved the abduction and murder of siblings Geeta and Sanjay Chopra. Kuljeet Singh (Ranga) and Jasbir Singh (Billa) had initially planned to steal a car but changed course upon discovering the children inside. The incident drew nationwide attention and led to significant public reaction, eventually contributing to changes in laws related to kidnapping and child safety.

The upcoming series aims to capture the details of the crime and its impact on the people of Delhi at the time and takes an investigative look into the case that followed the murders. The makers have not officially confirmed the storyline but sources suggest it closely follows these very real-life incidents.

A source close to the production shared, “The team has been researching the case in detail for months now. The show which has commenced shoot in the capital will focus on the events as they unfolded following the murder case. It’s being treated with sensitivity and aims to show how deeply the case affected Delhi. The shoot is currently on in various parts of the city.”

This marks one of the first times the Ranga-Billa case is being adapted for a scripted series, with Ali Fazal and Sonali Bendre taking on lead roles.

Also Read : Ali Fazal on playing a king in Rakht Brahmand and a gritty real-life character in Prosit Roy’s next: “The mental shift required between these projects is immense”