EXCLUSIVE: Palak Tiwari enters advance talks to feature in Bhool Bhulaiyaa 3?

Last year wasn’t a memorable one for Bollywood at the box office as not many films attained success. One such film that kept the flag of the industry high was the horror comedy Bhool Bhulaiyaa 2. Directed by Anees Bazmee, the movie featured Kartik Aaryan, Kiara Advani and Tabu in pivotal roles. The film was the second in the series. The first one Bhool Bhulaiyaa featured Akshay Kumar and Vidya Balan in pivotal roles and it was directed by Priyadarshan.

After the success of Bhool Bhulaiyaa 2, the team of Anees Bazmee, Kartik and producer Bhushan Kumar are working towards the third film in the franchise titled Bhool Bhulaiyaa 3.

And now, Bollywood Hungama has learnt that actress Palak Tiwari is in advance talks to play a pivotal character in Bhool Bhulaiyaa 3. From what we know so far, the young actress has almost been locked for the role. Reveals an industry insider, “Talks for her to feature in Bhool Bhulaiya 3 are getting serious. Almost everything has been confirmed, just final touches are needed. Once done, and the dotted line signed, an official announcement will be made.”

Palak made her big Bollywood debut earlier this year with Salman Khan’s Kisi Ka Bhai Kisi Ki Jaan. The multi-starrer also starred Pooja Hegde, Dabbubati Venkatesh, Siddharth Nigam, Shehnaaz Gill, Raghav Juyal, Jassi Gill, Jagapathi Babu, Satish Kaushik, Vijender Singh, among others.

Also Read: Kartik Aaryan, Bhushan Kumar, and Anees Bazmee come together for Bhool Bhulaiyaa 3; unveil first look teaser

BREAKING: Suneel Darshan to launch Natasha Fernandez, Aayush Kumar, Akaisha in Andaaz 2

Bollywood Hungama was the first one to break the news that Suneel Darshan is all set to make the sequel to his hit love triangle, Andaaz (2003). The shoot began on November 28 and Suneel Darshan confirmed at that point that he’ll be launching three new faces in Andaaz 2. However, he had refused to unveil their identities then.

Suneel Darshan has now, finally, revealed who these three newcomers are. Natasha Fernandez (pictured; on left), Aayush Kumar (pictured; on centre) and Akaisha (on right) will make their starry debuts in Andaaz 2. Natasha Fernandez also featured in Suneel’s last release, Ek Haseena Thi Ek Deewana Tha (2017), which also starred his son Shiv Darshan. Aayush Kumar had a very small role in Abhishek Bachchan-starrer Dasvi (2022) and Andaaz 2 will serve as his big debut.

Incidentally, with Andaaz as well, the veteran filmmaker launched the acting careers of Lara Dutta and Priyanka Chopra, who went on to become popular names. The musical also starred Akshay Kumar in the lead.

While Andaaz’s chartbuster songs were composed by Nadeem-Shravan, Andaaz 2 will feature original music by Nadeem of Nadeem-Shravan fame, lyrics by Sameer and choreography by Raju Khan. The Shree Krishna International presentation is written, produced and directed by Suneel Darshan. The film is expected to release in 2024.

Andaaz, directed by Raj Kanwar and produced by Suneel Darshan, was a love triangle between a man and two women. The film was a rage, thanks to the songs, youthful appeal, touching moments and sizzling chemistry between the actors. In an exclusive interview with Bollywood Hungama in May 2022, Suneel Darshan had said, “Several cinemas wanted to shut down over the course of the (2003 multiplex) strike. We had distributed the film ourselves and I personally called the theatre owners and requested to keep their cinemas going. I assured them that they’d benefit from Andaaz as I had that faith in the product. And thankfully, the film became a rage in the single screens.”

Also Read: EXCLUSIVE: Suneel Darshan to commence shooting for Andaaz 2 from November 28; to launch three newcomers

Ramesh Taurani to produce Varun Dhawan and David Dhawan's next comic caper

Recently, there were reports that following the success of Main Tera Hero, Judwaa 2, and Coolie No. 1, the iconic father-son combo of David Dhawan and Varun Dhawan are all set to reunite for the fourth time on an out-and-out comic caper. There have been no reports with regards follow-up to this development. And now, we at Bollywood Hungama are bringing exclusive news for our readers.

We have learnt from our reliable sources that the comic caper is set to go on floors early next year and will be produced by renowned producer, Ramesh Taurani. "Ramesh Taurani and David Dhawan have been committed to doing a film for a decade now and the stars have finally aligned. Back in 2013, David Dhawan had signed on with Ramesh Taurani to do a film with Salman Khan in the lead, but things didn't fall in place. The contract of trust is finally coming to reality as David's next with Varun Dhawan will be produced by Ramesh Taurani," a source told Bollywood Hungama.

Ramesh Taurani is very excited to partner with his friend, David in a professional capacity. "Ramesh Taurani is a hands-on producer and is looking to mount the film on a big scale. He has promised his friend to go all out on the production front and give all the support that's needed to make this comic caper a reality. Unlike the previous association which left the Dhawan's unsatisfied, Ramesh Taurani has promised a theatrical release to the film," the source told us further.

The film is presently in the casting stage and will be announced sometime early next year.

Also Read: Varun Dhawan and Kriti Sanon reunite; Bhediya actress says “miss you”, see photo

Mission Majnu, RRR, Tu Jhoothi Main Makkaar, and Shehzada in top 1000 in Netflix’s report on viewership data; find out the watch hours

Netflix has become the streaming platform to share comprehensive viewership data and what people are watching on the platform. Kicking off ‘What We Watched: A Netflix Engagement Report’ which will be released twice a year, the streamer will be unveiling a detailed report of what the viewers have watched in six months. Amongst the Indian titles include Mission Majnu, RRR (Hindi), Tu Jhoothi Main Makkaar, Shehzada and Class Season 1 on the top 1000 list.

Mission Majnu starring Sidharth Malhotra and Rashmika Mandanna, which was released earlier in January this year, raked in 31.2 million watch hours viewership on the platform. This is followed by Ram Charan and Jr. NTR’s RRR (Hindi) which garnered 29.4 million watch hours. Season 1 of Class, an Indian adaptation of the Spanish drama Elite, not only introduced new faces to the industry but also gained 27.7 million watch hours.

#Netflix officially released numbers....[Jan-June, 2023] NON-NETFLIX MOVIES.... TOTAL HOURS VIEWED:

1 #TJMM 27.1M 2 #Shehzada 24.8M 3 #ActionHero 15.6M 4 #Gumraah 14.7M 5 #Cirkus 12.2M 6 #Mili 12M 7 #DoubleXL 9.2M 8 #Kuttey 7.3M 9 #Gangubai 7.1M 10 #YJHD 6.7M 11 #DoctorG 6.5M… pic.twitter.com/PcMr0fNUHh

— ???????????????????? ???????????????? (@filmy_view) December 13, 2023

This is followed by Ranbir Kapoor and Shraddha Kapoor starrer Tu Jhoothi Main Makkaar garnering 27.1 million watch hours; Kartik Aaryan and Kriti Sanon’s Shehzada minting 24. 8 million viewership, Ayushmann Khurrana’s An Action Hero with 15.6 million viewership and so on.

The report covers more than 18,000 titles from around the globe and nearly 100 billion hours viewed. This includes the hours viewed for every title — original and licensed — watched for over 50,000 hours; the premiere date for any Netflix TV series or film; and whether a title was available globally. ALSO READ: Rana Naidu and Chor Nikal Ke Bhaga become only Indian titles in top 500 in Netflix’s comprehensive report on viewership data with over 40 million watch hours

Rana Naidu and Chor Nikal Ke Bhaga become only Indian titles in top 500 in Netflix’s comprehensive report on viewership data with over 40 million watch hours

Netflix has become the streaming platform to share comprehensive viewership data and what people are watching on the platform. Kicking off ‘What We Watched: A Netflix Engagement Report’ which will be released twice a year, the streamer will be unveiling a detailed report of what the viewers have watched in six months. The report covers more than 18,000 titles from around the globe and nearly 100 billion hours viewed. This includes the hours viewed for every title — original and licensed — watched for over 50,000 hours; the premiere date for any Netflix TV series or film; and whether a title was available globally. Amongst those titles are two Indian content – web series Rana Naidu and the movie Chor Nikal Ke Bhaga which have made it to the Top 500 list.

Rana Naidu, starring Rana Daggubati and Venkatesh Daggubati, has garnered 46.3 million watch-hours viewership on the platform. On the other hand, Chor Nikal Ke Bhaga has 41. 7 million watch hours on the streaming giant.

Rana Daggubati and Venkatesh Daggubati came together earlier this year as the warring father and son duo in an Indian adaptation of the popular American series, Ray Donovan. The series premiered on March 10, 2023, and was produced by Sunder Aaron and Locomotive Global and created by Karan Anshuman. The series was directed by Karan Anshuman and Suparn S Varma.

Starring Yami Gautam and Sunny Kaushal, Chor Nikal ke Bhaga is a story about an air hostess and her businessman beau who are on a mission to steal diamonds to free themselves from the clutches of a loan shark. However, the heist goes horribly wrong when the very plane carrying the diamonds is caught up in a hostage situation. ALSO READ: Rana Daggubati pens a heartfelt apologetic note to Sonam Kapoor after trolls target her

Alia Bhatt, Ram Charan, Priyanka Chopra, Katrina Kaif, Varun Dhawan to be under one management as Matrix and Bling merge

Bling management led by partners Swati Iyer, Piya Sawhney and Shanti Sivaram, has merged with India's premier celebrity platform, Matrix. Swati will be the CEO of the merged entity. Matrix, founded by Reshma Shetty & Vivek Kamath, represents some of the biggest actors in Indian cinema including Abhishek Bachchan, Alia Bhatt, Dulquer Salmaan, Farhan Akhtar, Katrina Kaif, Madhuri Dixit Nene, Priyanka Chopra Jonas, Ram Charan, Shahid Kapoor, Varun Dhawan and Vicky Kaushal among numerous other leading names. The company also represents directors like Rohit Shetty and Zoya Akhtar. And in a new foray into sports, the company has signed up KL Rahul.

Post the merger of Bling management with Matrix, the roster of talent formerly represented by Bling including Vidya Balan, Radhika Madan, Twinkle Khanna, Dimple Kapadia as well as directors such as Konkona Sen Sharma, Sandeep Modi, Tahira Kashyap and Vasan Bala, among others, will now be represented by Matrix.

In addition to managing movie, TV, streaming, endorsements, events, social and digital portfolios for top-rung talent, Matrix also has a track record for its partnerships with some of India's most successful celebrity private labels including Ed-a-Mamma (founded by Alia Bhatt and now a joint venture with Reliance Brands), Kay Beauty (founded by Katrina Kaif as a joint venture with Nykaa) and Anomaly (Priyanka Chopra Jonas's hair-care brand).

Matrix has built an agency with many firsts to its credit one of which is that the partners in the firm are all women. This includes four homegrown partners Dorita D'Souza (Partner, Legal & Compliance), Hiral Thakkar (Partner, Live Events, TV & Casting), Kim Saldanha (Partner, Private Labels & Private Equity) and Shally Badlani (Partner, Creator Platforms). And three incoming partners with the merger: Piya Sawhney, Shanti Sivaram and Swati Iyer. ALSO READ: Alia Bhatt and Andrew Garfield’s delightful interaction at Red Sea Film Festival sparks social media frenzy; see pic

Vicky Kaushal joins forces with G-SHOCK, on board as brand ambassador for the watch brand from Casio

G-SHOCK India has unveiled the association with actor Vicky Kaushal as its brand ambassador. This partnership unites G-SHOCK's four-decade legacy of crafting robust and trend-setting timepieces with Vicky Kaushal's charismatic personality and embodiment of toughness, embracing both physical endurance and mental strength. G-SHOCK's stands out globally as a lifestyle watch brand developed via Japanese cutting-edge technology whose legacy spans over four decades, during which it has established an unassailable standard for durability, innovation and iconic designs in the watchmaking realm. This remarkable journey was driven by the single-minded pursuit of shock resistance as its core ideology while bringing forth impeccable precision, innovative design, and fashionable appeal for the ever-evolving youth audiences.

With an illustrious career spanning commercial blockbusters and poignant cinema, Vicky Kaushal bridges the hearts of masses and connoisseurs alike. His unique blend of qualities—bold, confident, and fashion-forward, yet deeply empathetic with a high level of emotional intelligence—aligns seamlessly with G-SHOCK's ethos of "Absolute Toughness". His go-getter attitude, characterized by an unwavering commitment to high performance and the spirit of never giving up, mirrors the very essence of G-SHOCK, making him the perfect choice for G-SHOCK.

Crafted from high-quality materials such as resin and metal reinforced with advanced technologies, G-SHOCK designs provide superior shock resistance, making them ideal for a diverse set of consumers such as youth subculture-inspired individuals, fashion enthusiasts, athletes, and those with an active lifestyle. The oversized dimensions not only contribute to a bold and striking appearance but also enhance the visibility of the watch face, ensuring easy readability in various conditions.

 

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These models often incorporate multifunctional features, including stopwatches, world-time displays, and specialized sensors, catering to the diverse needs of users. Despite their robust construction, G-SHOCK large cases are ergonomically designed for comfort, ensuring a secure and snug fit on the wrist.

Talking about the association, Mr Hideki Imai, Managing Director, Casio India, said, "We are thrilled to welcome Vicky Kaushal to the G-SHOCK family. His tenacious spirit and bold persona resonate perfectly with G-SHOCK's core values, making him an ideal match for our brand. G-SHOCK India is embarking on an exciting new chapter, strengthening its connection with these discerning consumers who consistently seek adventure, endurance, rugged style, and unrivalled durability in their day-to-day lives. Vicky Kaushal's exemplary journey and accomplishment in both commercial and independent cinema synergizes with G-SHOCK's ethos of toughness, endurance and the spirit of never giving up. Together, we look forward to a successful partnership that inspires the audience to follow their passions with undeterred enthusiasm and renewed spirit.”

G-SHOCK is globally positioned as a lifestyle-centric watch brand deeply connected with youth subcultures, symbolizing the spirit of adventure and resilience. Vicky Kaushal's radical tough imagery and impactful performances in the Hindi Film Industry throughout his career serve as a testament to his unflinching attitude, drawing a striking parallel to the unbreakable resilience embodied by G-SHOCK.

Sharing his thoughts about the association, Vicky Kaushal said, “I'm incredibly excited to be a part of the G-SHOCK family. G-SHOCK has epitomized toughness and style for over four decades, and I deeply resonate with its core values. The brand's commitment to pushing boundaries and its unyielding spirit align perfectly with my philosophy. As an actor, my journey revolves around pushing boundaries and venturing into uncharted territories. This partnership is a natural fit, and I look forward to embarking on this exciting journey with the brand G-SHOCK.” ALSO READ: Vicky Kaushal shares heartfelt anniversary wish to Katrina Kaif; watch

Akshay Kumar announced as team owner of Srinagar at the Indian Street Premier League

The Indian Street Premier League (ISPL) is thrilled to announce Bollywood megastar Akshay Kumar as the Team Owner of Srinagar (Jammu and Kashmir). This ground-breaking collaboration brings an unprecedented level of excitement and star power to the ISPL, a first-of-its-kind tennis ball T10 cricket tournament set to take place inside a stadium from March 2nd to March 9th, 2024.

Akshay Kumar’s entry marks the commencement of an exciting line-up of superstar Team Owners set to be revealed for the remaining five teams. Their involvement promises to infuse unparalleled enthusiasm and passion into this distinctive cricketing spectacle, elevating the league to new heights. The Invitation to Tender Bid (ITB) process for team ownership will commence on December 15th, 2023, with the deadline for submissions set for January 15th, 2024.

 

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Expressing his excitement about joining the Indian Street Premier League, Akshay Kumar said, “I am thrilled to be part of the ISPL and the Srinagar team. This tournament promises to be a game-changer in the world of cricket, and I am looking forward to being at the forefront of this unique sporting endeavour.”

ISPL Core Committee Members Ashish Shelar and Amol Kale, along with League Commissioner Suraj Samat also shared their thoughts on this significant partnership, Ashish Shelar, ISPL Core Committee Member said, “Having Akshay Kumar on board is a testament to the league’s commitment to excellence. His association will undoubtedly bring more glamour and enthusiasm to the Srinagar team.”

Amol Kale, ISPL Core Committee Member said, “The ISPL aims to revolutionize tennis ball cricket, and with Akshay Kumar as the Team Owner of Srinagar (Jammu and Kashmir), we are confident in creating a memorable experience for players and fans alike.”

Suraj Samat, ISPL League Commissioner said, “Akshay Kumar’s involvement is a testament to the league’s vision. We are excited to have him as part of the ISPL family, and we believe this association will contribute significantly to the league’s success.”

The ISPL aims to serve as a vital platform for unearthing hidden talents in tennis ball cricket, providing a unique space for emerging cricketers to shine. With the potential to capture the nation’s attention, the league promises to showcase remarkable talent and create a lasting impact on Indian cricket. ALSO READ: Akshay Kumar plays volleyball match with Pro Kabaddi League team Bengal Warriors

Zareen Khan granted interim bail in cheating case on Rs. 30,000 personal bond; travel abroad restricted by court

Bollywood actress Zareen Khan has been granted interim bail and a city court barred her international travel without prior permission in connection to the cheating case dating back to 2018. The case was registered at Narkeldanga police station in Kolkata. The actress was granted bail by the Sealdah court till December 26 on a personal bond of Rs. 30,000.

The arrest warrant stemmed from an alleged cheating case dating back to 2018. The investigating officer had submitted a charge sheet against Zareen Khan before the Sealdah court in Kolkata. During this period, Zareen neither sought bail nor appeared before the court, resulting in the issuance of an arrest warrant due to her repeated absence.

The alleged incident in 2018 stemmed from Zareen Khan's anticipated performance during a Durga Puja celebration in Kolkata. She reportedly failed to make her scheduled appearance, which prompted the organizer to file a formal complaint of cheating against both the actress and her manager. Subsequently, a First Information Report (FIR) was lodged against the two individuals.

In her defence, Zareen asserted that she found herself misled by the event organizers. According to her account, the organizers had portrayed the event as a high-profile gathering attended by dignitaries, including the Chief Minister of Bengal. Khan cited miscommunications regarding the flight arrangements and accommodations that further complicated the situation, contributing to her unexpected absence from the event.

In September 2023, an arrest warrant was issued against Zareen Khan in connection with the case. ALSO READ: Zareen Khan wins legal battle, Kolkata Magistrate cancels warrant

Over 100 Bollywood writers come together to raise concerns over their rights

Screenwriters in Bollywood have been raising their voices in recent years for getting proper remuneration and treatment. On December 7, more than 100 Bollywood writers came together at a meeting called by the Screenwriters Association (SWA), the trade union of writers, to discuss their complaints.

Well-known names like Sriram Raghavan (Andhadhun), Sujoy Ghosh (Kahaani), Sumit Aroraa (Jawan), Ashwiny Iyer Tiwari (Bareilly Ki Barfi), Shridhar Raghavan (Pathaan), Harshvardhan Kuklarni (Badhaai Do), Sudeep Sharma (Pataal Lok), Abbas Tyrewala (Pathaan) and others spoke about how the situation needs to change. A statement from the official press release from SWA said, “Complaints were mainly centred around how average remuneration is shrinking, credit is given at the discretion of producers, termination can be arbitrary, and how they are forced to indemnify producers if there is a socio-political backlash to the film.”

The statement added, “It was said in the meeting that toughly worded agreements force writers to waive their moral rights as well as their right to receive royalty, incidentally both of which have been guaranteed by Indian copyright law. The gathering pointed out that while beginners suffer the most, unfair contracts are the norm even for successful senior writers.”

Anjum Rajabali (Raajneeti), the chairperson of the Contracts Committee said, “The time has come to say: Enough! Our work deserves its due commercial value, and writers their dignity. To get that, we have to break the existing mindset towards our profession.” Zaman Habib (Ye Rishta Kya Kehlaata hai) General Secretary of SWA, said, “A beginning has been made here. We shall push back as a united front to make our contracts fair and balanced. This meeting is the first step in that direction.”

Abbas Tyrewala (War) hailed it as a historic meeting while Pubali Chaudhuri, (Rock On!!) welcomed it as a very important step. SWA’s Hollywood counterpart the Writers Guild of America was in the news recently for their 148-day strike that brought Hollywood to a standstill, winning the writers an important victory.

Also Read: EXCLUSIVE: Aditya Chopra has strong ideas and he equally respects your ideas, reveals Pathaan writer Abbas Tyrewala

Kiara Advani–Sidharth Malhotra become most searched actors on Google in 2023 in India

Google has released its Year in 2023 search lists globally and in India, actors Kiara Advani and Sidharth Malhotra are the only two actors listed on the list of people searched in 2023. The Shershaah couple tied the knot in February 2023 after dating quietly for a couple of years.

On the list includes Kiara Advani at the top, followed by cricketers Shubman Gill, Rachin Ravindra, Mohammed Shami, Youtuber and Bigg Boss OTT 2 winner Elvish Yadav, actor Sidharth Malhotra, Australian cricketer Glenn Maxwell, soccer player David Beckham, cricketer Suryakumar Yadav and Australian cricketer Travis Head.

On the latest episode of Koffee With Karan 8, Kiara Advani recalled how Sidharth Malhotra proposed to her. “You know when Sid came to that episode (previous season of Koffee With Karan), we’ve just come back from Rome where he proposed to me. My parents weren’t there. It was our first family holiday with me and his family. I had a little bit of inclination that he would propose. I told him ‘You have to speak to my parents’ and he said, ‘Are you kidding me?’ I said, ‘Yeah, you first ask them and take their permission, let’s do it like the right way. They will be happy.’ My mom unfortunately had COVID-19, so she couldn’t travel with us. So I went with his parents,” Kiara Advani revealed.

“It did come as a surprise because I did not know where on this trip and also in my head, I was like ‘I hope he does propose’ because now I’ve built it up and if he doesn’t propose on this trip, but he did it. So, it was the first destination we went to on that trip. He took us to this Michelin star restaurant and his nephew was with us who was supposed to take the photos and capture the moment,” she added.

“I’m sleepy because I have just landed and joined them on this trip. So, I was really tired, and he had planned the works. He has done this candlelight dinner on top. We go back after dinner. He takes me up for a walk and suddenly a violinist comes out of the bushes playing and sweetly his nephew taking our video from the bushes and Sid goes on one knee and proposes. I was so overwhelmed. Then he starts saying the lines of Shershaah. He’s like, ‘Dilli ka seedha sadha launda hoon (I’m a simple boy from Delhi) with the full dialogues of Shershaah and I burst out laughing,” she said.

Kiara Advani and Sidharth Malhotra tied the knot in Rajasthan in February 2023. ALSO READ: Koffee With Karan 8: Karan Johar asks Kiara Advani about bedtime essentials; Sidharth Malhotras mention evokes laughter from Vicky Kaushal

Shah Rukh Khan starrer Jawan most searched film on Google in 2023; Shahid Kapoor’s Farzi tops OTT list in India

Superstar Shah Rukh Khan not only ruled the box office but also the global search engine Google in 2023. The actor gave two back-to-back blockbusters this year and is inching towards a third one as well. However, his film Jawan, directed by Atlee, was amongst the top trending searches in 2023 and his other film Pathaan also dominated the search engine. Jawan collected Rs. 643.87 crores in India.

Google released their Year in Search 2023 wherein Jawan ranked at No.3 on globally but claimed the No. 1 spot in India. Adding to that, Sunny Deol’s Gadar 2, Cillian Murphy’s Oppenheimer, Prabhas’ Adipurush and SRK’s Pathaan ranked at No. 2, 3, 4 and 5 respectively. Sudipto Sen’s The Kerala Story, Rajinikanth starrer Jailer, Vijay’s Leo, Salman Khan’s Tiger 3 and Vijay’s Varisu took the next five slots. “In the Barbie vs Oppenheimer battle, ultimately the latter led the charge in international entertainment searches in India,” the press release read, as per Indian Express.

In terms of OTT shows, Shahid Kapoor’s Farzi topped in India, followed by Jenna Ortega’s Wednesday, Arshad Warsi – Barun Sobti’s Asur, Rana Daggubatti’s Rana Naidu and The Last Of Us took the next four places on the list. ALSO READ: EXCLUSIVE: Amitabh Bachchan, Salman Khan, Shah Rukh Khan, Aamir Khan, Hrithik Roshan became superstars, thanks to the single screens and hence, their career has been a long one” – Mithun Chakraborty

Ikram Akhtar, writer of Salman Khan-starrers Ready and Chal Mere Bhai, languishing in Moradabad jail despite granted bail

Bollywood screenwriter Ikram Akhtar, known for writing Salman Khan-starrer Ready (2011), has been facing legal issues. As per a report in The Times Of India dated December 6, he has been languishing in Moradabad jail for more than two months in a cheque bounce case, despite getting bail.

As per the report, Ikram Akhtar was arrested by the UP Police on September 19 in Mumbai. The warrant for his arrest was issued in December 2022 and he was evading the police since then. Soon, he was granted bail, but the court also ordered him to provide two sureties of Rs 10 lakh each before he can be released. As he was unable to find guarantors, he continued to be behind bars.

Ikram Akhtar has assisted on Ajay Devgn-Kajol’s Pyaar To Hona Hi Tha (1998) and has written films like Salman Khan-Sanjay Dutt’s Chal Mere Bhai (1999), Govinda-Twinkle Khanna’s Joru Ka Ghulam (2000), Abhishek Bachchan’s Tera Jadoo Chal Gaya (2000), Akshay Kumar-Bobby Deol-Irrfan Khan’s Thank You (2011), Anil Kapoor-Akshaye Khanna-Kangana Ranaut’s No Problem (2011), etc, besides Ready.

According to The Times Of India report, Ikram Akhtar’s legal woes began when he got involved with the film I Love Dubai, produced by Moradabad-based real estate baron Kuldeep Katyal. During the making, disputes arose between Ikram and Kuldeep, due to which the former left the project mid-way. This led Kuldeep Katyal to file a complaint. The report further states that Ikram Akhtar alleged that I Love Dubai couldn’t be completed due to a dispute between Katyal and the lead actress.

According to an article in Amar Ujala dated December 20, 2022, Kuldeep alleged that even after taking Rs. 2.50 crores from him, Ikram didn’t finish the film on time. According to this article, Ikram was arrested in 2017 as well but he had quickly secured interim bail. Since then, he has been absent from court hearings.

Also Read: Salman Khan kneels at Dharmendra’s feet in heartfelt birthday post!

EXCLUSIVE: Saloni Batra comes in support of Animal after it faces criticism for promoting misogyny and patriarchy; says, “We can't be sitting and preaching”

While Animal is earning moolah at the box office, the film is also receiving quite a bit of backlash on social media with netizens criticizing the film for being misogynistic and the demeaning portrayal of women characters. Furthermore, Ranbir Kapoor is also facing some flak because of his character of ‘alpha male. Owing to the same, Saloni Batra, in conversation with Bollywood Hungama, explained her thoughts on this kind of negativity surrounding the film.

“As artists, we are here to entertain people. And we are rightly doing that as you can see. People are loving the film and are appreciating everything,” Saloni Batra told Bollywood Hungama. She continued, “Of course the characters are flawed but you make stories on flawed characters, these are inspirations and hence you put them on screen to show them to the audience to sit and enjoy in a theater. Sandeep Sir is so legendary with this craft, with this filmmaking, he knows how to reach the audience, what emotion I want to touch, what I want to say about this character. Obviously a character who's not gotten love from his father is going to be flawed. And when we write stories we always get inspired by real characters in life and kahin se hum usko cinema mein daalte hain music ke saath aur use thoda sa fictionalize karte hain, aisa nahi hai koi sachhi kahaani bata raha hain (we take these characters and put them in cinema, add some music and fictionalize it. It’s not a real story or anything like that). Now it's about also the audience to understand what is right and what is wrong. We can't be sitting and preaching.”

Referring to the scene where a young Ranbir takes a gun to college, Saloni Batra added, “That scene is for cinematic presence. No one has seen that or does something like that in real life. And you should see the audience’s reaction when that scene comes on screen, people have loved it, and how he's devised everything in that scene. It's for the film is for the purpose of that character. So, I don't think people should take back wrong things from it. When you also get out of the film, you are seeing this character is flawed, he's gone through so many things and at the end they are also showing that he has lost out on so many things. So one should also realize that if anyone is doing things like that character, they also have to deal with the same kind of repercussions. So it completely depends on how you perceive, if you are getting entertained. Everybody is loving the film and they have goosebumps while watching certain scenes. They're crying, they're laughing - And it's a full entertainment package. I mean, what more could you want from a film? If you want to learn things, you listen to podcasts, you listen, watch documentaries. But if you're going to get entertained, and kind of the kind of numbers we are getting, thankfully, because of Sandeep Sir and his vision about what he wants to show so much passion, so much clarity, I really respect that,” she concluded.

Animal, also starring Anil Kapoor, Rashmika Mandanna, and Bobby Deol, released on December 1 in five different languages.

Also Read: EXCLUSIVE: Saloni Batra shares her experience with Anil Kapoor in Animal; says, “He was like a buddy to all of us”

Sara Ali Khan and Kartik Aaryan reunite on Bhool Bhulaiyaa 3; shooting begins February 2024

Following the historic success of Bhool Bhulaiyaa 2, Kartik Aaryan, Anees Bazmee, and Bhushan Kumar are reuniting to take the franchise forward with Bhool Bhulaiyaa 3. The horror comedy is all set to go on floors in February 2024 and will hit the big screen during the Diwali 2024 weekend. Bollywood Hungama has exclusively learnt that Bhushan Kumar and Anees Bazmee have started casting for Bhool Bhulaiyaa 3.

According to our highly placed sources, Bhool Bhulaiyaa 3 will mark the reunion of Kartik Aaryan and Sara Ali Khan. "Bhool Bhulaiyaa is a franchise dear to Bhushan and Kartik and they want to raise the stakes further with part three. They have aggressively worked to lock the script and are now all excited to take the film on floors from February 2024," a source close to the development told Bollywood Hungama.

Kartik and Sara are also excited to reunite and take the film on floors next year. "Kartik and Sara are great friends and they are looking to extend the friendship forward into the professional front with Bhool Bhulaiyaa 3. The casting coup will be the talk of the town once the official announcement is made," the source told Bollywood Hungama further.

Bhool Bhulaiyaa 3 will be shot over 3 months from February and hit the big screen during the Diwali 2024 period. It's the biggest horror comedy franchise of India and the makers are all charged up to expand their universe and score another blockbuster.

Also Read: Kartik Aaryan starrer Bhool Bhulaiyaa 3 set to illuminate Diwali 2024

EXCLUSIVE: Saloni Batra shares her experience with Anil Kapoor in Animal; says, “He was like a buddy to all of us”

In an exclusive video interview with Bollywood Hungama, Saloni Batra, sharing insights into her experience working on the film Animal, expressed her admiration for co-star Anil Kapoor.

When asked about her interaction with the veteran actor on set, Saloni revealed, “He was like a buddy to all of us. He was a friend on set. His energy was always up. He was glowing and exuding that vibrance from him. We used to fear at times to say ‘Hi’ to him on sets considering he is busy. So he used to come to us and say, ‘You didn’t say Hi today.’”

Saloni went on to emphasize the warm and welcoming atmosphere that Anil Kapoor fostered on the set of Animal. She shared, “He made us feel at home and everyone was like a family on set from the writers to the director to the DP to everybody. It was a lovely experience.”

The actress highlighted Anil Kapoor's friendly and approachable demeanour, dispelling any apprehensions the cast might have had about interacting with a seasoned actor. His proactive engagement, checking in on the team and encouraging a sense of camaraderie, contributed to creating a positive and familial environment during the film's production.

Produced by T-Series, Animal also stars Triptii Dimri, Siddhant Karnick, Saloni Batra, among others and released on December 1 in Tamil, Hindi, Malayalam, Kannada, and Telugu. Following the unveiling of post-credit scene, Sandeep Reddy Vanga also hints at making a sequel called Animal Park, which is also expected to feature Ranbir Kapoor.

Also Read: EXCLUSIVE: Saloni Batra talks about rehearsals and guidance from Ranbir Kapoor on the sets of Animal; says, “He has rehearsed with us 30-40 times at a stretch”

Moviegoers evacuated from 3 Canadian theatres, playing Hindi films, after mask men sprayed mystery substance

In an expected turn of events, roughly 200 people in three different regions of the Greater Toronto Area regions in Canada were evacuated after a couple of masked men sprayed an unknown substance into theatres. According to several media reports, the police informed that during the incident, Hindi movies were playing in the cinema halls. It happened in Scarborough, Vaughan and Brampton on Tuesday. 

Reportedly, York Regional Police (YRP) were called to Cineplex Vaughan around 9:20 p.m., along with emergency services personnel. The team treated several moviegoers for exposure to the unknown substance. Meanwhile, police said no serious injuries were reported.

In a report by the National Post, YRP Sergeant Clint Whitney said while the investigation is ongoing and the substance remains unknown, “initial information suggests it may have been an aerosol-based irritant.” 

The first incident was reported at a movie theatre near Great Lakes Drive and Bovaird Drive in Brampton, where a mystery substance once again caused the theatre to be evacuated around 7:40 p.m. Speaking of the third incident, it occurred around 10:30 p.m. at Scarborough Town Centre and was initially reported as a possible “stink bomb.” 

While the investigation into the incident is still on, the police have released photos of the suspects. 

SUSPECTS SOUGHT AFTER UNKNOWN SUBSTANCE SPRAYED IN VAUGHAN MOVIE THEATRE. At 9:20 p.m. last night, YRP responded to a cinema near Hwy 7/Hwy 400 after movie patrons began coughing due to an unknown substance being sprayed by two suspects.

More info here:https://t.co/wAVs6VhiqT pic.twitter.com/vkbMQQKPCA

— York Regional Police (@YRP) December 6, 2023

Also Read: Sajid Khan returns to live entertainment with sold-out shows in Canada

Welcome To The Jungle’s grand first schedule rescheduled from Baroda to Mumbai; Akshay Kumar-starrer to go on floors on December 11

The teaser of Welcome To The Jungle was announced with a lot of fanfare on Akshay Kumar’s birthday on September 9 this year. It became a talking point as it starred as many as 24 actors in principal roles – Akshay Kumar, Sanjay Dutt, Suniel Shetty, Arshad Warsi, Paresh Rawal, Johny Lever, Rajpal Yadav, Tusshar Kapoor, Shreyas Talpade, Krushna Abhishek, Kiku Sharda, Daler Mehndi, Mika Singh, Rahul Dev, Mukesh Tiwari, Sharib Hashmi, Inaamulhaq, Zakir Hussain, Yashpal Sharma, Raveena Tandon, Lara Dutta, Jacqueline Fernandez, Disha Patani and child actor Vrihi Kodvara. The funny announcement video also mentioned that the comic caper will be released on Christmas 2024, that is, December 20. As per recent reports, the film is all set to go on floors next week in Mumbai and that the first schedule will last for 9 days.

Bollywood Hungama has found more details about the shoot. A source told Bollywood Hungama, “The filming was all set to begin in Baroda, Gujarat in Laxmi Vilas Palace. This grand structure is a favourite of many filmmakers and is known for its grandeur. The palace was chosen as it is integral to the film and also matches the big-scale appeal of Welcome To The Jungle. A crew of 350 members and 700 dancers were going to be a part of the song schedule which was going to take place from December 11 to December 16.”

The source continued, “But due to certain reasons, the Baroda schedule was called off. The shooting was then shifted to Mumbai. Welcome To The Jungle will now go on floors on December 11, as planned earlier, but in Mumbai instead of the Gujarat city.”

The source also claimed that besides Akshay Kumar, all 23 other actors will also be present for the first schedule of the comic caper.

Welcome To The Jungle is directed by Ahmed Khan and produced by Firoz Nadiadwala. Besides this flick, veteran producer Firoz Nadiadwala is also making Hera Pheri 3, starring Akshay Kumar, Suniel Shetty and Paresh Rawal. It is expected to go on floors in 2024. Its teaser announcement video was shot earlier this year in March.

Also Read: Firoz Nadiadwala’s Welcome To The Jungle faces roadblock, gets non-cooperation order from FWICE for alleged non-payment of dues to Anees Bazmee and crew members

Shah Rukh Khan starrer Jawan earns ASTRA Awards nomination for Best International Film, Twitter abuzz with pride

Following Pathaan’s mania at the box office, Shah Rukh Khan starrer Jawan obliterated the box office in September 2023. Starring SRK alongside Nayanthara, and Vijay Sethupathi, and with a special appearance of Deepika Padukone, the film went on to cross over Rs. 1000 crore mark at the global box office. Directed by Atlee Kumar, the film has now garnered an international nomination.

The Hollywood Creative Alliance announced their Astra Film and Creative Arts Awards (ASTRA Awards) nominations for 2024 on December 7. Jawan has been nominated in the Best International Feature category. The film has received a nod alongside Anatomy of a Fall (France), Concrete Utopia (South Korea), Fallen Leaves (Finland), Perfect Days (Japan), Radical (Mexico), Society of the Snow (Spain), The Taste of Things (France), The Teacher’s Lounge (Germany), and The Zone of Interest (United Kingdom). Atlee responded to the nomination with red heart emojis on Twitter, now known as X. Twitter is abuzz with the international recognition for the film.

The nominees for Best International Feature are: "Anatomy of a Fall” (France) ”Concrete Utopia” (South Korea) ”Fallen Leaves” (Finland) ”Jawan” (India) ”Perfect Days” (Japan) ”Radical” (Mexico) ”Society of the Snow” (Spain) ”The Taste of Things” (France) ”The Teacher’s… pic.twitter.com/WpeYQCpxH9

— Hollywood Creative Alliance (@TheHCAAwards) December 7, 2023

Jawan also stars Sanya Malhotra, Priyamani, Girija Oak, Sanjeeta Bhattacharya, Lehar Khan, Aaliyah Qureshi, Ridhi Dogra, Sunil Grover and Mukesh Chhabra in pivotal roles.

Jawan is a Red Chillies Entertainment presentation, produced by Gauri Khan and Co-produced by Gaurav Verma. The film was released worldwide in theatres on September 7th, 2023 in Hindi, Tamil and Telugu languages. ALSO READ: Anurag Kashyap credits Shah Rukh Khan's Pathaan as the ultimate turning point in 2023: “Bollywood’s curse is lifted”

Jr Mehmood passes away at 67 following battle with cancer

Renowned veteran actor Jr Mehmood, born Naeem Sayyed, succumbed to his battle with stage 4 cancer last night at the age of 67. The cinematic luminary breathed his last at his residence in Mumbai, leaving behind a legacy that spans over five illustrious decades in the Indian film industry.

Junior Mehmood, a prolific figure in Bollywood, gained recognition for his exceptional talent and captivating performances in more than 250 films. His cinematic journey began as a child actor in the 1967 film Naunihal, sharing the screen with stalwarts such as Sanjeev Kumar, Balraj Sahni, and Indrani Mukherjee. It was this auspicious debut that marked the inception of his career, and from that moment forward, he chose to be known as Junior Mehmood.

Throughout his extensive filmography, Junior Mehmood contributed his acting prowess to a multitude of blockbuster hits. Beyond his accomplishments in front of the camera, Junior Mehmood also ventured into film production, spearheading numerous successful Marathi projects. His dedication to the craft and his multifaceted contributions to the industry showcased his enduring passion for storytelling and filmmaking.

The news of Junior Mehmood's passing comes two weeks after the revelation of his critical health condition, and it deeply resonated with the film fraternity and fans alike. As tributes pour in from colleagues and admirers, his indelible mark on Indian cinema remains etched in the hearts of those who have been touched by his artistry.

For the unversed, Junior Mehmood started his career as a junior artist. He achieved a breakthrough with his portrayal of Mehmood Sahab’s brother-in-law in Ratan Bhattacharya’s film Suhagrat. Besides this, he has been a part of multiple hits including Kati Patang, Brahmachari, Mera Naam Joker, and Parvarish, among others.