Friday, July 4, 2025

The REAL Budget is Rs. 1600 CRORES! Ranbir Kapoor-Yash’s Ramayana becomes India’s MOST EXPENSIVE film

Ranbir Kapoor and Yash's epic face off in Ramayana is all set to take the centre stage all across the world from Diwali 2026. While the makers have showcased the announcement video, which has won appreciation and spiking even more excitement for the project, we have exclusively learnt that the Nitesh Tiwari directorial is the most expensive film of Indian Cinema

Reliable sources close to the producer, Namit Malhotra, have confirmed that Ramayana Franchise is being designed on a budget of Rs. 1600 crores, excluding print and publicity. "While Ramayana 1 is being made on a budget of Rs. 900 crore, the second part of Ramayana has a cost of Rs. 700 crore. The reason for the reduction is budget for part two is a result of a large investment in asset and world creation for part one, leaving just the action sequences for the second installment. The characters built and designed alongside the set pieces will continue to be a part of the second installment," a source shared with Bollywood Hungama.

The source further informed that Namit is not splitting the cost on parts one and two, but is treating it as an investment of Rs. 1600 crore on the Ramayana franchise. "Ramayana is the most ambitious film for the Malhotra Family, and they are treating it as a project of pride. The entire team is confident of recovering the investment and even making profits as the idea is to tap into the world audience, and to do so, it's important to deliver a global project, with spectacular visuals," the source told us further.

Ramayana features Ranbir Kapoor and Yash with Sai Pallavi and Sunny Deol. It is slated to release on Diwali 2026 and Diwali 2027. Also Read: Alia Bhatt reacts to Ranbir Kapoor’s Lord Ram look in Ramayana: “This feels like the start of something unforgettable”



EXCLUSIVE: Adivi Sesh on Dacoit’s box office clash with YRF’s Alpha, “I’ve never been too shy when it comes to a box office clash”

Adivi Sesh’s Telugu and Hindi bilingual romantic action drama Dacoit: A Love Story is all set to release on Christmas this year. The makers announced the film’s release date through an interesting first glimpse video at the end of May. The response to it turned out to be positive as it made Adivi’s fans more curious about the film.

But the makers of Dacoit choosing December 25 as the release date also means that the film will be clashing at the box office with Yash Raj Films’ Alpha, which is a part of the YRF Spy Universe. The action drama stars Alia Bhatt, Sharvari and Bobby Deol.

In an exclusive interview with Bollywood Hungama, Adivi Sesh was asked about his thoughts on the clash. He said, “I’ve never been one to be too shy when it comes to a clash. My debut Hindi film, Major was released against Akshay Kumar’s Samrat Prithviraj and Kamal (Haasan) sir’s Vikram.” Interestingly, Samrat Prithviraj was also produced by YRF.

Pointing out how clashes are inevitable, Adivi added, “I don’t think anyone intends to clash against a film on purpose. So many permutations and combinations come into play when deciding on a release date. I’ve got to keep my South Indian base in mind for Dacoit as well because it’s being shot both in Hindi and Telugu. At the end of the day, a good film will hopefully find its audience if you make it well and promote it right.”

Theatrical business hasn’t been great since last year. It is believed that too much penetration of OTT platforms is one of the reasons behind this. Sharing his thoughts on the same, Adivi said, “My greatest theatrical successes have come in the midst of the OTT boom. So what does that tell you? It is ultimately what you believe in. Do you have a story worth telling for the big screen? Then tell it.”

Directed by Shaneil Deo, Dacoit also stars Mrunal Thakur, Anurag Kashyap, Prakash Raj and Atul Kulkarni.

Also Read: EXCLUSIVE: Adivi Sesh on 3-year gap before the release of Dacoit, “I’d rather be seen in something good than something that just fills the time”



Aparshakti Khurana makes his Tamil debut with sci-fi crime thriller ROOT, starring alongside Gautham Karthik

Aparshakti Khurana is set to make his debut in Tamil cinema with the sci-fi crime thriller ROOT – Running Out of Time. Known for his work as an actor, singer, and host, Aparshakti recently received appreciation for his role in Stree 2. His upcoming venture marks his entry into South Indian films, drawing attention from both audiences and the industry.

In 'ROOT – Running Out of Time', Aparshakti Khurana will be seen sharing the screen with Gautham Karthik, an actor renowned for his choice of unique, performance-driven roles in films like Devarattam and Vai Raja Vai. The film is being shot in Chennai.

 

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Speaking about his Tamil debut, Aparshakti Khurana expressed his excitement, “I am absolutely thrilled to be making my debut in Tamil cinema with 'ROOT – Running Out of Time'. It's a challenging and unique script, and I'm excited to explore this new territory. The opportunity to work with such a talented team and to connect with a new audience is something I'm truly looking forward to.”

The film is backed by Verus Productions and directed by Sooriyaprathap S, who earlier worked on Naalaiya Iyakkunar – Season 1 and served as Associate Director on the Rajinikanth-starrer Kochadaiiyaan. ROOT aims to combine elements of science fiction, crime, and emotional storytelling in a new cinematic format.

Also Read : Aparshakti Khurana drops soulful new single ‘Lafzaan’, a year after ‘Zaroor’



Arkade developers acquires Filmistan studios for Rs. 183 crores, plans Rs.3,000 crores luxury project in Goregaon

On July 3, Mumbai-based listed real estate firm Arkade Developers Limited announced that it has signed a binding agreement to acquire 100% stake in Filmistan Pvt Ltd for Rs. 183 crore. The developer intends to launch a luxury apartment project on the site, with a projected gross development value of Rs. 3,000 crores.

The company stated that this acquisition will allow Arkade Developers to develop the iconic 4-acre land parcel located on SV Road in Goregaon West, widely recognized as ‘Filmistan Studios.’

The company mentioned that the project is tentatively planned to launch in 2026 and will be an ultra-luxury residential development. It will offer spacious 3, 4, and 5 BHK apartments, along with exclusive penthouses, spread across two impressive high-rise towers of 50 storeys each. With an estimated Gross Development Value (GDV) of Rs. 3,000 crores, the project is set to become a landmark in premium housing in Western Mumbai.

Mumbai-based listed developer Arkade Developers Ltd announced on July 3 that it has signed a binding agreement to acquire 100% stake in Filmistan Pvt Ltd for Rs. 183 crores. This acquisition will allow Arkade to develop the iconic 4-acre land on SV Road, Goregaon West, commonly known as Filmistan Studios.

The developer intends to launch an ultra-luxury residential project on the site in 2026, offering spacious 3, 4, and 5 BHK apartments along with exclusive penthouses spread across two 50-storey towers. With an expected Gross Development Value (GDV) of Rs. 3,000 crores, the project is poised to become a premium housing landmark in Western Mumbai.

According to the company, Goregaon has quickly evolved into one of Mumbai’s most promising and strategically located residential areas. Thanks to its excellent connectivity—with close access to the Western Express Highway, metro lines, and major arterial roads—the suburb provides easy access to key commercial centres like Mindspace, BKC, Goregaon, Andheri, and more.

Beyond its connectivity, Goregaon offers a strong social infrastructure that includes well-known schools, hospitals, shopping centres, malls, entertainment venues, and large green spaces such as Aarey Forest.

Local brokers noted that the average price per square foot for an apartment in Goregaon West ranges from Rs. 30,000 to Rs. 40,000, varying based on several factors.



Thursday, July 3, 2025

After Naagzilla with Kartik Aaryan, Karan Johar sets up another creature universe with Rajkummar Rao

Rajkummar Rao is on a roll, signing films left right and centre after the success of Stree 2. While Maalik is all set to release on July 12, we have exclusively learnt that Rajkummar Rao has signed a one of its kind creature film for Karan Johar to be directed by Sandeep Modi.

Reliable sources confirm that the film will go on floors towards the end of 2025, with a start-to-finish schedule. "Rajkummar Rao has signed on for Karan Johar's next with director Sandeep Modi. It's a creature-based thriller, to be mounted on a big scale and the makers are looking to create a franchise out of the same," a source shared with Bollywood Hungama.

The source further informed us that the film will go on floors around November 2025, and the director, Sandeep Modi, has already begun pre-production. “Rajkummar Rao has signed the film for an agreed sum of Rs. 12 crores, which is his biggest pay cheque to date. He is excited to partner with Karan Johar on the project,” the source added.

Interestingly, this is the second creature film in the making at Dharma after Kartik Aaryan led Nagzilla. Both the films are scheduled to go on floors in the second half of 2025 for a 2026 release.

Also Read: Anil Kapoor or Bobby Deol to play villain in Naagzilla with Kartik Aaryan



Aamir Khan to be honoured at IFFM 2025 with retrospective and Sitaare Zameen Par spotlightday-iconic-last-ball-six-said-javed-bhai-aapne-theek-nahi-kiya/

The Indian Film Festival of Melbourne (IFFM) has announced that actor and filmmaker Aamir Khan will attend the 2025 edition as its official Chief Guest. Now in its 16th year, the festival will feature a special retrospective on Khan’s work, including a spotlight on his latest film, Sitaare Zameen Par.

Aamir Khan’s career, spanning over four decades, includes several notable films such as Taare Zameen Par, Dangal, Lagaan, PK, and Secret Superstar. His latest release, Sitaare Zameen Par, follows the story of a basketball coach assigned community service, who finds meaning in mentoring a team of neurodivergent adults. The film has received appreciation for its emotional depth and relatable themes.

IFFM 2025 will honour Khan’s artistic impact with a specially curated selection of films that reflect his bold, socially conscious storytelling. A highlight of the retrospective will be a screening of Sitaare Zameen Par, followed by a live conversation with Aamir Khan, director RS Prasanna, and Aparna Purohit, CEO of Aamir Khan Films, offering audiences unique insight into the creative process behind the film.

Festival Director Mitu Bhowmick Lange AM said, “Aamir Khan is not just a cinematic legend but also someone whose work has always reflected sensitivity, depth, and a fearless commitment to storytelling. We are truly honoured to welcome him as our Chief Guest. His presence will undoubtedly elevate the festival experience for audiences and filmmakers alike. He is an artist who has consistently used cinema as a force for social change, and his journey continues to inspire generations. His work on Sitaare Zameen Par is a beautiful example of inclusive storytelling — filled with empathy, joy, and honesty.”

Aamir Khan said, “I’m humbled and thrilled to be a part of the Indian Film Festival of Melbourne. It’s a festival that truly celebrates the spirit of Indian cinema in all its diversity and richness. I look forward to engaging with audiences, sharing some of my most cherished work, and being part of conversations that celebrate the power of film. With Sitaare Zameen Par, we’ve tried to tell a story that embraces inclusivity and neurodivergence with sensitivity and heart — and I’m grateful that the film has resonated with so many. I’m excited to share this journey with Melbourne and shine a light on the stories that matter.”

The Honourable Jacinta Allan MP, Premier of Victoria said: "There’s something for all families to enjoy at the Indian Film Festival of Melbourne. This year, Victoria is so proud to welcome one of India’s most loved and respected actors - Aamir Khan - and celebrate his body of work. He is not just an icon for millions but is such a strong voice for the values of equality and inclusivity that we treasure here in Victoria.”

Minister for Creative Industries Colin Brooks said: “Indian Film Festival of Melbourne is a much-loved event on our cultural calendar, and a celebration of screen excellence, storytelling and community. The Allan Labor Government is proud to support the festival, which continues to present a packed program of screenings and special events and attract global stars like Aamir Khan each year.”

The 16th Indian Film Festival of Melbourne runs from 14–24 August 2025, with a dynamic program of screenings, panels, masterclasses, and cultural events. Aamir Khan’s retrospective will be a major highlight of this year’s celebrations.

Also Read : Aamir Khan says cricketer Javed Miandad ruined his wedding day with iconic last-ball six: “I said Javed bhai aapne theek nahi kiya”



Deepika Padukone becomes first Indian to join Hollywood Walk of Fame 2026 list

Deepika Padukone continues to represent India on the global stage with another significant recognition. The Hollywood Chamber of Commerce has announced that Padukone will be honoured with a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame as part of the Class of 2026 in the Motion Pictures category. The announcement, made via a live-stream, marks a proud moment as she becomes the only Indian selected for this honour in the upcoming class. She joins a distinguished list that includes Emily Blunt, Timothée Chalamet, Rami Malek, Rachel McAdams, Stanley Tucci, Demi Moore, and others. Known for her impactful performances and growing international presence, this recognition adds to Padukone’s expanding global profile.

Among several internationally acclaimed names, Deepika Padukone has established a unique presence across both the Indian film industry and Hollywood. While many global personalities have been inducted into the Hollywood Walk of Fame, Padukone stands out as the only Indian to receive this honour in the upcoming class. This recognition not only highlights her individual achievements but also underscores India's growing footprint in the global entertainment landscape.

Deepika has consistently brought glory to the nation on many fronts. Previously, she was named one of the 100 most influential people in the world by TIME in 2018 and was also a recipient of the TIME100 Impact Award. The global figure further made history by unveiling the FIFA World Cup trophy at the final match in Qatar.

Among other notable achievements, as written in the golden pages of history, she became the first ever Indian to be signed by global luxury fashion houses for Louis Vuitton and Cartier, she set the stage for the country’s growing influence globally and has further paved the way for other Indian celebrity faces to join the wave in subsequent years.

Beyond international accolades, Deepika continues to dominate the entertainment world with major projects in her lineup. With her continued hold over box office with massive successes, she remains an unstoppable force in Indian cinema and will be seen on the bog screen next in Atlee’s directorial.

Also Read : Aamir Khan reveals Deepika Padukone, Alia Bhatt, and Shraddha Kapoor turned down the role later played by Fatima Sana Shaikh in Thugs of Hindostan



Aamir Khan says cricketer Javed Miandad ruined his wedding day with iconic last-ball six: “I said Javed bhai aapne theek nahi kiya”

In a recent heartwarming interview with The Lallantop, Bollywood superstar Aamir Khan opened up about a memorable and unexpected twist on his wedding day. It wasn’t family drama or logistical chaos—but a cricket ball—that cast a shadow over what was supposed to be one of the happiest days of his life.

On April 18, 1986, 21-year-old Aamir and his neighbour-turned-love-interest Reena Dutta secretly married in a court ceremony, defying familial opposition. Their strategy? Keep it under wraps—and it worked. “Mujhe laga sab puchenge kaha the itni der,” Aamir confessed, admitting he and Reena feared their families would question their late return home.

To their surprise, no one noticed—they were too glued to a high-stakes India‑Pakistan cricket match being broadcast that day. Aamir said, “It was India-Pakistan match day. The same match where Javed Miandad hit a six on the last ball. We were winning that match so nobody cared to ask us about our absence for so long. I too joined them and was watching cricket, however, Javed’s six ruined it all.”

Aamir candidly recounted how even he, swept up in the excitement, found his joy shattered. “Once I happened to meet him on the flight when I told him, ‘Javed bhai aapne theek nahi kiya. Aapne meri shadi barbaad kardi .He was like, ‘Kaise?’ I said, Usi din aapne chakka mara tha. Depression mein chala gaya tha mai.”

That day marked not only a historic sporting moment, but also a poignant personal one. It remains a beloved anecdote in Aamir’s life—a reminder of how sport and emotion intertwine in the subcontinent. Today, Aamir and Reena maintain mutual respect as co-parents to their children, Junaid and Ira, even though they parted ways in 2002 after 16 years of marriage.

Also Read : EXCLUSIVE: RS Prasanna on getting Aamir Khan on board for Sitaare Zameen Par: “I had only one person in mind for this story, Aamir Khan”



Wednesday, July 2, 2025

Instagram profiles of Mawra Hocane, Yumna Zaidi, and other Pakistani actors partially restored in India

Following the tragic Pahalgam terror attack on April 22, 2025, which resulted in the deaths of 26 civilians, primarily Hindu tourists, India initiated a series of retaliatory actions, including Operation Sindoor—a military operation targeting terrorist infrastructure in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir (PoJK). In the aftermath, the Indian government imposed restrictions on several Pakistani social media accounts, including those of prominent actors such as Mahira Khan, Hania Aamir, Ali Zafar, and others.

However, as of July 2, 2025, the Instagram accounts of several Pakistani artists, including Mawra Hocane, Saba Qamar, Ahad Raza Mir, Yumna Zaidi, and Danish Taimoor, have been restored and are now visible to Indian users. Despite this, profiles of other well-known figures like Fawad Khan, Mahira Khan, Hania Aamir, and Atif Aslam remain inaccessible in India, displaying a message stating, "Account not available in India. This is because we complied with a legal request to restrict this content."

The selective nature of these restrictions has sparked discussions among social media users, with many questioning the criteria used to determine which accounts are blocked and which are restored. Some have expressed confusion over the inconsistent application of these measures, while others have called for a more uniform approach.

This development highlights the complex interplay between international relations, national security concerns, and the digital presence of public figures. As tensions between India and Pakistan continue to influence cultural and media exchanges, the accessibility of social media accounts remains a sensitive and evolving issue.

Also Read : Sanam Teri Kasam producer Deepak Mukut on Mawra Hocane’s return in the sequel, “Am I mad to sign her when her character died at the end?”



YRF to keep Hrithik Roshan & Jr NTR away from each other for War 2 promotions!

Yash Raj Films have always deployed unique strategies to spike audience interest while promoting the YRF Spy Universe movies. We have learnt that since War 2 will see the first ever on-screen moment of Hrithik Roshan & Jr NTR coming together, YRF will keep them away from each other during promotions so that the experience of them ruthlessly fighting each other is served to the maximum to audience.

“Hrithik & Jr NTR will be promoting War 2 separately and all plans have been made keeping in mind that they would never share the stage together, never be in any promotional video together pre-release and never seen with each other. Hrithik and Jr NTR coming together is a once in a lifetime cinematic moment in Indian cinema and there will be a bloody carnage on the big screen. YRF is clear that the audience should first experience this rivalry before they see the two promote with camaraderie. They want to deliver the best movie-watching experience to people by preserving the conflict which is the unique selling point of the film,” informed a senior trade source.

“The YRF Spy Universe has always deployed very interesting strategies to build its film and the promise of entertainment. They were the first to resort to a no interview before release policy during promotions of spyverse films so that the actors don’t divulge details from the script during such interactions. In the first War, Hrithik & Tiger first came face to face with each other during the success bash of the film, in Pathaan they recorded capsules with Shah Rukh Khan to deploy on social media to reveal nuggets of Pathaan and kept hyping the buzz on the film without SRK doing any events. Pathaan went on to became an all-time blockbuster. For Tiger Zinda Hai, the film’s campaign celebrated how the Tiger franchise set up the YRF Spy Universe and fellow agents came into the promotional campaign much to people’s surprise and awe!” the source added.

War 2 is buzzing as the most-awaited film of 2025. Directed by acclaimed filmmaker Ayan Mukerji, War 2 will also see the big IMAX release when it arrives at the big screen on August 14, 2025 worldwide. War 2 has been produced by Aditya Chopra and Kiara Advani joins the YRF Spy Universe in her most lethal avatar to date.

Also Read: Ayan Mukerji calls directing War 2 “relishing opportunity”; speaks on working with “huge” actors Hrithik Roshan and Jr NTR



Amber Cinema Jamnagar shuts down; was the ONLY theatre in Gujarat to screen Aamir Khan’s Fanaa and a RARE cinema hall to screen Salman Khan’s Radhe

The single screen cinema halls have a charm but are also facing a tough time surviving in the times we are living in. Hence, it's not uncommon to hear about such theatres shutting every now and then. The latest theatre to down its shutters is Amber Cinema of Jamanagar. It was also one of the oldest running theatres in Gujarat.

As per reports, Amber Cinema was inaugurated in 1972 and the first film to play there was the Dharmendra and Hema Malini-starrer Raja Jani. The theatre soon became popular and an indispensable part of the lives of the movie buffs of the town. The reports stated that it became difficult for the management to run a single screen in today’s times. Hence, with a heavy heart, it ceased operations on Friday, June 27. A notice board has been put up inside the premises that states ‘The theatre will remain closed from today’.

Fanaa connection In 2006, Amber Cinema made news nationwide as it screened the Aamir Khan-Kajol starrer Fanaa, the only film in Gujarat to do so. The romantic thriller was banned in the state after Aamir Khan participated in a protest led by environmentalist Medha Patkar against the Narmada Dam. Aamir’s effigies were burned across the state and realizing that there can be law and order problems and even vandalism, theatres across Gujarat decided not to play Fanaa.

The matter reached the Supreme Court which made it clear that the Gujarat government was duty-bound to provide security for multiplex owners if they sought police protection. Accordingly, on June 6, that is on the 12th day of Fanaa’s release, Amber Cinema decided to release the Yash Raj Films saga. From the archives, we have learned that on the first day, the film recorded only 30% occupancy, possibly due to fear of protests and violence. But once the public realized that there was no danger, the shows ran with full occupancy. It was said that people flocked from outside Jamnagar as well to catch the film.

On June 11, however, a man set himself on fire in the washroom of Amber Cinema to protest the screening of Fanaa. It re-ignited the protests. On June 12, the Amber Cinema decided to discontinue the film. By then, nearly 13,000 people had watched Fanaa.

Meanwhile, Pravin Joshi, the man who attempted self-immolation in Amber, passed away after battling for life in a hospital for 9 days.

Radhe connection Amber Cinema was one of the three theatres in Gujarat to play Radhe – Your Most Wanted Bhai (2021). It was released in May that year, during the height of the second wave of COVID-19, when cinemas were shut. On June 27, when the Gujarat government allowed theatres to resume operations, the management of the film released the Salman Khan-starrer. The film was available on OTT and moreover, the word of mouth was poor to average. Yet, the film managed to get around 20-90 admissions a day, which was a feat. The film ran there for nearly 20 days.

RIP single screen culture in Jamnagar With Amber shutting down, no single-screen cinema is now in operation in Jamnagar. At one point, the Gujarat town had nearly 7 theatres like Deepak, Anupam, Jayshree, Galaxy, etc. At present, three theatres, all multiplexes, are running operations - Inox Crystal Mall, Mehul Cinemas and PVR Utsav JCR Entertainment. The first two are in the city while the last one is located on the outskirts and also consists of a Drive-In theatre.

Also Read: Aamir Khan hosts first success party for Sitaare Zameen Par cast, watch



EXCLUSIVE: Suneel Darshan’s Andaaz 2 to release in cinemas on August 1; makers drop four youthful posters of the musical entertainer

Bollywood Hungama has been at the forefront in giving news about Andaaz 2 ever since its launch. In November 2023, we announced that it went on the floors. A month later, we informed readers that it’ll launch Aayush Kumar and Akaisha and also star Natasha Fernandez. Earlier this year, producer-director Suneel Darshan unveiled the teaser and exciting posters of the film along with some of the songs. And now, the makers have locked the release date of the film.

Bollywood Hungama has exclusively learned that Andaaz 2 will arrive in cinemas on August 1, 2025. A trade source told Bollywood Hungama, “The makers realized that it’s an ideal date for the film considering that there won’t be a significant release on August 8 since it's the pre-Independence week. Hence, Andaaz 2 will get a nice two-week window to prove its worth at the ticket window.”

On this significant occasion of the release date announcement, Andaaz 2 makers also launched four cool posters, again exclusively with Bollywood Hungama. Three posters belong to the leading actors while one poster features all three of them together.

In an exclusive interview with Bollywood Hungama in March 2024, director Suneel Darshan said, “Honestly, there was no calculation behind making Andaaz 2. When I wrote the script, I realized that Andaaz 2 is a befitting title. It's not the same story but somewhere, the storytelling was in the same zone and also, it was a musical and a love triangle just like Andaaz (2003) and much more. That’s how we ended up calling it Andaaz 2.”

In the same interview, Suneel Darshan revealed that he had initially planned to consider Aayush for the role of the lead hero’s friend but later changed his mind. On this, Aayush stated, “I came to meet him, hoping that I would be given some important role in the film. When Suneel sir told me (about the change in plan), I felt very fortunate.”

The music is composed by Nadeem and it is expected to be one of the USPs of the film. Suneel Darshan revealed, “We took our time constructing the music. It was very important to the structure of the film. Also, that era was of Kumar Sanu, Udit Narayan and Alka Yagnik. They worked in all of our films. Sonu Nigam had just come in at that time. But as two decades have passed since then, we have signed new and formidable singers. I retained Shaan as he was appropriate for one of the songs. Neeraj Shridhar has sung one song. From the younger lot, we have Javed Ali, Palak Mucchal, Asees Kaur, Amit Mishra, Mohd Irfan and Shadab Faridi. In short, there are 9 singers.”

Also Read: EXCLUSIVE: Meet Andaaz 2 actor Aayush Kumar, the Gurgaon boy who WALKED OUT of his MBA exam to chase his Bollywood dream: “I knew all the answers. Yet, I didn’t write them. I just walked off”



Tuesday, July 1, 2025

Dhanush wraps up Aanand L Rai’s Tere Ishk Mein with Kriti Sanon

Actor Dhanush has officially wrapped up the shoot for Aanand L Rai's Tere Ishk Mein, co-starring Kriti Sanon. He shared the update on social media with a striking image of two bloodied hands clasped together, captioned, “And it’s a wrap,” followed by a red heart emoji.

A spiritual successor to the world of Raanjhanaa, the sequel Tere Ishk Mein explores deeper layers of unrequited love, longing, and emotional turmoil.

Tere Ishk Mein also brings back the acclaimed Raanjhanaa team—director Aanand L Rai, actor Dhanush, and Oscar-winning composer A.R. Rahman. The trio last worked together on the 2021 romantic fantasy Atrangi Re.

 

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The drama has been generating significant buzz since the release of its teaser, which featured a striking scene of Dhanush setting a wall ablaze, accompanied by the words, “From the world of Raanjhanaa.” In the background, a powerful voiceover could be heard saying, “Pichli baar to Kundan tha, maan gaya, par iss bar Shankar ko kaise rokoge?” (Last time it was Kundan, he accepted it, but how will you stop Shankar this time?).

Both characters hint at a turbulent love saga between two individuals bound by destiny. Presented by Gulshan Kumar, T-Series, and Colour Yellow, Tere Ishk Mein is jointly produced by Aanand L Rai, Himanshu Sharma, Bhushan Kumar, and Krishan Kumar.

The screenplay for the highly anticipated drama has been crafted by Himanshu Sharma in collaboration with Neeraj Yadav. Written by Himanshu Sharma, the film will feature a musical score by the legendary A.R. Rahman, with lyrics penned by Irshad Kamil. Tere Ishk Mein is set to release worldwide in both Hindi and Tamil on November 28 this year.

Also Read : Raanjhanaa fan screening: An emotional Dhanush reveals, “Aanand L Rai didn’t have the budget for hiring me; he invested his own money…I was not scared during my first film. When I was written off, I was not scared but was scared for this film”



Firoz Nadiadwala opens up about the return of Paresh Rawal to Hera Pheri 3, credits Sajid Nadiadwala; says, “The family is now together”

The Hera Pheri franchise is back on track with its much-awaited third installment, and fans can finally rejoice as Paresh Rawal, who famously plays Babu Bhaiyya, has officially returned to Hera Pheri 3 after a long period of uncertainty and legal complexities. Producer Firoz Nadiadwala confirmed that the Hera Pheri family is back together, crediting his brother Sajid Nadiadwala and filmmaker Ahmed Khan for playing instrumental roles in resolving the issues.

In an exclusive conversation with Pinkvilla, Firoz said, “With love, respect, and kind guidance of my brother Sajid Nadiadwala, and also Mr. Ahmed Khan, Hera Pheri family is back together. My brother, Sajid put in a lot of personal time and efforts, over several days to resolve the matter. We have a bond of over 50 years".

He further added, “Ahmed too put in a lot of personal efforts. So it is with the love and guidance of Sajid and Ahmed, that everything is now productive and positive.” Firoz also acknowledged Akshay Kumar’s role in ensuring the film’s progress, stating, “We also have Akshay ji’s support. We both have shared a very good bond since 1996. He was very kind, loving, and affectionate in the entire process of sorting the issues.”

Firoz Nadiadwala emphasized the collective effort behind reuniting the original team, adding, “Priyan ji, Paresh ji and Suniel ji too were very supportive. We are looking for a good happy movie now. This will be one more entertainer in the family franchise of Hera Pheri. We are all going to work very hard. The family is now together.”

For those unaware, Paresh Rawal had earlier revealed to Bollywood Hungama that he had decided to quit Hera Pheri 3, though he did not publicly specify the reason. Reports of legal notices surrounding his exit soon surfaced. However, the recent confirmation of his return has sparked excitement among fans eager to see the iconic trio—Paresh Rawal, Akshay Kumar, and Suniel Shetty—reprise their beloved roles as Babu Bhaiyya, Raju, and Shyam.

With the Hera Pheri family now reunited, the film promises to deliver another memorable addition to the popular comedy franchise.

Also Read: Paresh Rawal explains why watching films on OTT can be TIRESOME: “You wonder, ‘Har picture mein gun hai? Har picture mein drug hai'”; praises Laapataa Ladies: “It was similar to Ghunghat Ke Pat Khol but at least it was different”



CONFIRMED: First glimpse of Ranbir Kapoor-Sai Pallavi-Yash starrer Ramayana to be FINALLY unveiled on July 3

One of the most or arguably the most awaited films of Indian cinema, Ramayana, is more than a year away from release. However, the excitement is tremendous for it as it will tell a story that resonates deeply with Indians. Moreover, its casting has also grabbed eyeballs and further enhanced curiosity. Since a long time, there have been reports that the teaser will be released. Bollywood Hungama has learned that the unveiling of the promo is finally happening in just a few days.

The announcement promo will be launched with great fanfare on Thursday, July 3, at a multiplex in central Mumbai. As per the message sent by the publicity team to the media, the makers plan to exclusively unveil ‘Ramayana: The Introduction, the first official glimpse into the world of Namit Malhotra’s Ramayana, a landmark cinematic event that sets the stage for one of the biggest films ever made’. However, there has been no information on whether the team and cast of the film will be present at this significant event.

There were speculations that the first glimpse of Ramayana will be unveiled at WAVES 2025, which was held between May 1-4, 2025. On May 5, a 2-minute 36-minute second-long title announcement video of the film was passed by the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) with a ‘U’ certificate. Then, on June 23, a 3-minute video was certified by the CBFC and it was also awarded a ‘U’ certificate.

Ramayana stars Ranbir Kapoor as Lord Rama, Sai Pallavi as Sita, Sunny Deol as Lord Hanuman and KGF star Yash as Ravana. It is directed by Nitesh Tiwari of Dangal and Chhichhore fame.

At WAVES, Namit Malhotra of Prime Focus revealed that they attempt to take Ramayana to the farthest corners of the world using AI. He said, “We want to make it feel local to the world. With the use of some technology, we are attempting to localize the film in languages with performances. It means it should play in English with lip-sync; without subtitles or dubbed versions. In Spain, it should be in Spanish and in Japan, it should be in Japanese. This is possible because of technology.”

The first part of Ramayana releases in cinemas on Diwali 2026 while the second part will be out on Diwali 2027.

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