Bollywood
Himesh Reshammiya confirms plans to turn director: “It would collect Rs. 100 cr on day of release!”; wishes to become a superstar actor: “Amitabh Bachchan’s 13th film was a hit; I have done 12 films until now...”
Himesh Reshammiya recently had a conversation with Komal Nahta, during which he opened up about his plans to turn director. He also made it clear that he intends to continue acting regularly and is determined to become a superstar actor. Interestingly, he revealed that he already has scripts ready for his directorial debut.
Himesh Reshammiya was asked, “Can we see a film that mentions ‘Directed by Himesh Reshammiya’ in the future?” Himesh replied, “100% you’ll see that. When I used to produce serials, I used to be asked, ‘Will you ever turn music director?’ Today, when I have achieved so much in the field of music and films, I do want to try my hand at direction. However, my vision is very definite for my directorial venture in terms of scale, emotional connect and beautiful songs. I am very clear about these aspects.”
When asked if his directorial debut would be a musical romance, Himesh Reshammiya answered, “I have 2-3 ideas. The scripts are ready and they are blockbusters. The music in my directorial venture would be such that it would fetch Rs. 100 crore on the day of release! I am very sure of that.”
It has come to light that the film Himesh Reshammiya which plans to direct will not feature him as an actor. It will feature another actor. Meanwhile, the films in which Himesh will be acting will be helmed by other directors.
He was also asked if he had any unfulfilled wishes. Himesh Reshammiya confessed, “I want to become a superstar actor. Mujhe banna hi hai aur banoonga bhi. Yeh toh hona hi hai, aaj nahin toh kal. Amitabh Bachchan’s 13th film was a hit. I have done 12 films until now. So, my thirteenth film would be a blockbuster!”
Also Read: “Deepika Padukone is IRREPLACEABLE; I LOVE Sandeep Reddy Vanga; Salman Khan, Akshay Kumar are musically conscious” – Himesh Reshammiya
read moreHimesh Reshammiya makes a BIG revelation: “I have written, sung and composed 15 songs in English; they don’t sound WANNABE at all”; adds, “There’s one song which is ABSOLUTELY right for Rihanna”
Himesh Reshammiya recently had a conversation with Komal Nahta and revealed that he has already composed 15 songs for his international English-language album. He further stated that once he is free from his prior commitments, he would like to launch the album on a grand scale.
Himesh Reshammiya was asked if there was any international singer with whom he would like to collaborate. Before answering the question, the singer-composer made an interesting revelation. He said, “Nobody knows that I have composed 15 songs in the international language, which absolutely do not sound wannabe in any manner whatsoever. I have written, sung and composed those 15 songs in English. They are going to be launched on a very, very big scale. I am waiting to plan for it because I have been tied up with so many things and films.”
Himesh Reshammiya continued, “I’ll launch the album internationally the way I was launched as a singer here. Now that I have entered Bloomberg’s list of top pop stars of the world, this is the right time to present my album. Its first single will be unveiled in a grand fashion globally. So, it’s not like I sang a small part in a global song. It purely targets the universal audience who listens to English music.”
Himesh added, “It’ll be very different. At one point, no one was able to imagine how I would sound when I sang Aashiq Banaya Aapne (2005). The same will happen here. It’s so good and yet again, it has a romantic connection. I am very excited about it.”
Finally, answering the original question about his dream international collaboration, Himesh Reshammiya revealed, “If I get a chance to collaborate, then there’s one song which is absolutely right for Rihanna.”
Also Read: Gunmaaster G9 song ‘Dard-E-Dil Dard-E-Jigar’ to drop on October 30; Himesh Reshammiya and Akasa Singh reunite for new track
read moreSCOOP: Shah Rukh Khan PERSONALLY called Aditya Chopra before shifting King’s overseas distribution to Phars Films; YRF head honcho gives his blessings
A few days ago, news emerged that Phars Films had acquired the international distribution rights to Shah Rukh Khan’s much-awaited film, King. Interestingly, Yash Raj Films (YRF) was originally supposed to distribute the film in international markets. Bollywood Hungama has now learned that Shah Rukh Khan personally spoke to YRF head honcho Aditya Chopra before going ahead with the deal with Phars Films.
A source from Shah Rukh Khan’s team told Bollywood Hungama, “Shah Rukh Khan shares a very close relationship with Aditya Chopra. He starred in Adi’s directorial debut, Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge (1995), which, as we all know, was a historic blockbuster and continues to run at Mumbai’s Maratha Mandir. He also worked in several other memorable YRF films and shared a wonderful bond with Aditya Chopra’s late father, the legendary filmmaker Yash Chopra. Hence, SRK decided to personally call Aditya Chopra and explain the situation.”
The source continued, “Both had a lovely conversation. Aditya Chopra completely understood Shah Rukh Khan’s point of view and readily agreed to part with King’s overseas distribution rights. He wished SRK all the best for King and told him that he was eagerly looking forward to watching the film this Christmas.”
This development comes amid several interesting changes surrounding King. A few days ago, Bollywood Hungama reported that Anirudh Ravichander, who has earned a massive following for his electrifying background scores, had amicably parted ways with the film owing to his packed schedule. Before his exit, however, he handed over the theme track of King to Shah Rukh Khan as a mark of respect for the superstar. Meanwhile, composer duo Sachin-Jigar will reimagine the track and use it as the foundation for the film’s background score.
Bollywood Hungama had also informed readers that T-Series has secured the exclusive global commercial music rights to King for a period of 50 years. The agreement, as revealed through details shared by the music company, was facilitated by Red Chillies Entertainment through Zee Music Company.
Besides Shah Rukh Khan, King also stars Deepika Padukone, Rani Mukerji, Abhishek Bachchan, Jaideep Ahlawat, Anil Kapoor and several others. Meanwhile, an exciting promotional asset from the film is expected to be unveiled tomorrow, November 2, coinciding with Shah Rukh Khan’s 61st birthday.
Also Read: Shah Rukh Khan birthday surprise: Is Siddharth Anand planning a midnight teaser reveal for KING on November 2?
read moreR Madhavan reunites with horror genre after 13B and Shaitaan; joins hands with Vishal Furia
R Madhavan is set to return to the horror genre with an untitled feature film directed by Vishal Furia. The collaboration brings together the actor, known for his performances in films such as 13B and Shaitaan, and a filmmaker who has worked across several horror projects, including Lapachhapi, Chhorii and Maa.
Madhavan’s association with horror dates back to 13B, which developed a cult following for its unsettling premise. He later appeared in Shaitaan, further adding to his filmography in the genre. Over the years, the actor has also worked across a range of roles and languages, with credits including Rehnaa Hai Terre Dil Mein, Tanu Weds Manu, 3 Idiots, Vikram Vedha and Rocketry: The Nambi Effect. He was also recently seen in Dhurandhar.
Furia, meanwhile, has established a presence in the horror space, beginning with the Marathi film Lapachhapi and subsequently developing the Chhorii franchise. His recent directorial work includes Maa, in which Madhavan made a surprise cameo. The upcoming project marks their first collaboration as actor and director on a feature film.
Speaking about casting Madhavan, Furia said, “Madhavan sir was always my first and only choice. I’m stoked that he has come on board and has already started getting into the world of the film. He is the true OG horror star of the cult classic Indian horror '13B' - one of my favourite films of all times. His conviction, his experience and his understanding of serious horror are very rare, and I couldn’t think of anyone better for this film,” he said.
The filmmaker also spoke about the creative direction he hopes to explore with the actor. “Madhavan sir has years of experience as a writer, director and producer, so it’s really special to have him with us on this film. Together, we want to create something audiences have never seen before in Indian horror - the kind of fear they will feel in their bones! (smiles)”
The film will be produced by Rohit Ranjan under the banner of Frostlit Production Limited. Further details about the project, including its title, supporting cast and release timeline, have not yet been announced.
Also Read: R. Madhavan set to host Game Changers featuring startup founders and global investors; details inside!
read moreSanjay Gupta Funeral: Final Rites to be held at Mumbai’s Pawan Hans crematorium on October 31
The final rites of filmmaker Sanjay Gupta, who passed away on the morning of Saturday, October 31, will be held at the Pawan Hans Crematorium in Vile Parle, Mumbai. Producer and close associate Ashoke Pandit shared an update on Instagram on behalf of the bereaved family, confirming the arrangements for the director’s funeral and requesting friends, colleagues and well-wishers to be present.
The statement shared by Ashoke Pandit conveyed the family’s grief over the loss. It read, “We regret to inform you of the sad demise of our beloved Sanjay Gupta.” Confirming the funeral arrangements, the family announced that the last rites and cremation would take place on Saturday, October 31, at the Pawan Hans Crematorium.
The note also requested people to join the family in bidding farewell to the filmmaker, adding, “We request your presence and prayers as we bid final farewell.” The message concluded with the names of Gupta’s family members and loved ones.
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Meanwhile, several members of the film industry were seen arriving at the filmmaker’s residence to offer their condolences. Their presence reflected the connections Gupta had built across the industry through his years of work in Hindi cinema.
Gupta was known for his association with action dramas and crime thrillers, often featuring stylised storytelling and a neo-noir visual approach. He made his directorial debut with Aatish: Feel the Fire in 1994, starring Sanjay Dutt, and went on to direct films including Kaante (2002), Shootout at Wadala (2013) and Kaabil (2017). He was also associated with Shootout at Lokhandwala (2007), which was directed by Apoorva Lakhia.
Over the years, Gupta’s films and collaborations made him a familiar name in the Hindi film industry. His passing marks the loss of a filmmaker whose work spanned several decades and left a distinct imprint on commercial Hindi cinema.
The film fraternity and those who worked closely with Gupta are expected to gather at the Pawan Hans Crematorium to pay their final respects.
Also Read: Sanjay Dutt pays emotional tribute to ‘brother’ Sanjay Gupta; vows to fulfil his dream of making Kaante 2
read moreT-Series acquires 50-Year exclusive global music rights for Shah Rukh Khan starrer King through Zee Music
T-Series has secured the exclusive global commercial music rights for upcoming film King for a period of 50 years. The agreement, announced through details shared by the music company, has been facilitated by Red Chillies Entertainment through Zee Music Company. The development comes amid recent industry speculation about the possibility of a shorter licensing arrangement for the film’s music.
According to the announcement, the deal gives T-Series exclusive commercial exploitation rights over the film’s musical assets worldwide for the next five decades. This includes its songs, music videos and associated publishing interests. The arrangement is positioned as a long-term acquisition rather than a temporary or short-duration licensing agreement.
A T-Series spokesperson clarified the nature of the deal, stating, "There is no transient licensing structure or short-term handover at play. T-Series has locked in an absolute 50-year commercial monopoly over the audio and music video rights for King. Every song, video, and publishing interest rests squarely under the T-Series banner for the long haul."
The soundtrack is expected to be among the key attractions of King, with compositions by Sachin-Jigar and background music by Anirudh Ravichander. The film is also expected to feature a musical collaboration between Ed Sheeran and Arijit Singh, which has already generated curiosity around its soundtrack.
Directed by Siddharth Anand, King stars Shah Rukh Khan alongside Deepika Padukone, Suhana Khan and Abhishek Bachchan. The project marks the first time Shah Rukh and Suhana will share screen space as a father-daughter duo, adding to the anticipation surrounding the film.
The action spectacle is scheduled for a Christmas theatrical release. With T-Series acquiring the music rights for an extended period, the agreement places the label in charge of the film’s global music exploitation well beyond its theatrical run. The arrangement also sets the stage for the soundtrack to be monetised across platforms and formats over the coming decades.
Also Read: SCOOP: Anirudh exits Shah Rukh Khan’s King due to packed schedule; gifts SRK the theme track as Sachin-Jigar take over
read moreDiljit Dosanjh addresses Satluj controversy at Delhi concert; says “Don't teach Punjabis how to fight”
Diljit Dosanjh has addressed the controversy surrounding his film Satluj during the opening day of his Aura India Tour 2026 in New Delhi. Responding to remarks about the film, the singer-actor spoke about the long effort behind bringing the project to audiences and reiterated his support for the people of Punjab. His comments come amid continued discussions around the film’s subject and its turbulent release journey.
Addressing the audience, Diljit said, “I love all of you because I am an artist, bro. I am being quiet, so let me stay quiet. I support all of you. But don't teach Punjabis how to fight.” He then spoke about the film and the effort that went into making it, adding, “The film you are making fun of on stage, Jaswant Singh Khalra's film we fought for that film for a long time. I love all of you. If someone hates us, it's okay. But I love all of you.”
Directed by Honey Trehan, Satluj is a biographical drama based on the life of human rights activist Jaswant Singh Khalra, with Diljit playing the central role. The film was initially titled Ghallughara and later renamed Punjab '95 before arriving under the title Satluj. Its narrative examines Khalra’s investigation into the alleged secret cremation of thousands of unidentified bodies in Punjab during the early 1990s. Khalra was abducted in September 1995 and killed, with his body disposed of in the Sutlej River.
The project faced prolonged certification hurdles with the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC). The board initially sought 21 cuts and a title change. After the makers challenged the demands and the film went through further review, the proposed edits reportedly increased to 127. The filmmakers maintained their position against releasing a heavily edited version, with planned theatrical release dates being pushed back.
In July 2026, the film was unexpectedly made available on ZEE5 under the title Satluj. However, it was removed from the platform in India within 48 hours following directions from the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, according to the details surrounding its release.
Diljit’s latest comments bring renewed attention to the film’s journey and the debate surrounding its portrayal of a sensitive chapter in Punjab’s history.
Also Read: Diljit Dosanjh’s Aura India Tour hits roadblock as Delhi Police deny permission for October 30 concert
read moreFilmmaker Sanjay Gupta passes away; director leaves behind a distinctive crime cinema legacy
Filmmaker Sanjay Gupta has reportedly passed away, with the news of his demise prompting grief across the Hindi film industry. Known for his work as a director, screenwriter and producer, Gupta carved a distinct space for himself in mainstream Hindi cinema through crime dramas, urban thrillers and stylised action films. The exact cause of his death has not been made public at the time of reporting, while further details from his family and close associates are awaited.
Gupta made his directorial debut with Aatish: Feel the Fire in 1994. Starring Sanjay Dutt and Aditya Pancholi, the action drama introduced audiences to his approach to high-impact action, sharp dialogues and stylised storytelling. Over the years, he became associated with a distinctive visual language, particularly in films exploring crime and the Mumbai underworld.
One of his most recognised films remains Kaante (2002), which he directed and produced. The heist thriller featured an ensemble cast comprising Amitabh Bachchan, Sanjay Dutt, Suniel Shetty, Mahesh Manjrekar, Lucky Ali and Kumar Gaurav. Shot extensively in the United States, the film developed a cult following for its gritty treatment, ensemble storytelling and technical presentation.
Gupta continued to explore the crime genre with projects such as Musafir (2004), while he was also associated with Shootout at Lokhandwala (2007) as a producer. He later directed Shootout at Wadala (2013), another film centred on the Mumbai underworld. These projects further established his association with stories inspired by crime and gangland conflicts.
His filmography also included projects beyond the gangster genre. Gupta directed the action revenge thriller Kaabil (2017), starring Hrithik Roshan, followed by the ensemble action drama Mumbai Saga (2021). Across these films, his work was marked by high-contrast visuals, stylised lighting and an emphasis on sound and action design.
Through his production banner, White Feather Films, Gupta was involved in several projects that contributed to the evolution of the mainstream Hindi crime thriller. His approach to filmmaking and his focus on technical presentation made him a recognisable voice in the industry.
Following reports of his passing, tributes and condolences have reportedly begun pouring in from members of the film fraternity, collaborators and fans. Further details regarding the circumstances of his demise are awaited.
We at Bollywood Hungama express our heartfelt condolences to the filmmaker’s family and loved ones.
read moreGaurav Khanna and Shraddha Arya starrer show gets its title; Star Plus unveils announcement promo of Dil Ki Bewafaiyaan
Star Plus has revealed the title of its upcoming show featuring Gaurav Khanna and Shraddha Arya. Titled Dil Ki Bewafaiyaan, the romantic family drama is produced by Ektaa R Kapoor’s Balaji Telefilms and will bring the two actors together onscreen for the first time. The show is reportedly being readied for a launch towards the end of November, although the channel is yet to announce its official premiere date and time.
The title reveal follows an earlier teaser in which Gaurav and Shraddha were seen arriving at the Balaji Telefilms office, sparking curiosity about their collaboration. The project marks Gaurav’s return to daily fiction following Anupamaa, while Shraddha makes her comeback after her long-running association with Kundali Bhagya. It also marks her second collaboration with Balaji Telefilms, while Gaurav will be working with Ektaa R Kapoor for the first time.
Ektaa had previously spoken about bringing the two actors together and expressed her excitement about the casting. She had said, “Both have earned so much love from viewers, and I’ve wanted to see them share the screen for a long time. Now that it’s finally happening, I’m excited, nervous, and already imagining how audiences will react to them together!”
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The producer had also spoken about wanting to explore a love story following the conclusion of Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi 2.0. Sharing her thoughts on the new project, she said, “The love viewers have given my shows over the years means so much to me, and with every new story, I hope to give them something they’ll connect with just as deeply. Kyunki gave viewers a finale to remember. Now, it’s time to give them a new beginning they’ll fall in love with."
Preparations for Dil Ki Bewafaiyaan are reportedly underway. Gaurav Khanna and Shraddha Arya recently participated in a puja ahead of the project, with pictures and videos from the occasion circulating on social media. While filming is yet to begin, the set of Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi 2.0 is reportedly being revamped for the new production.
The show is expected to arrive after Diwali, tentatively in the last week of November, and is reportedly being considered for the 9 pm slot on Star Plus. The final scheduling details are awaited from the channel.
Also Read: Shraddha Arya reveals faces of her twins on their first birthday, shares adorable family moments
read moreNaagzilla producers take legal action over alleged Rs. 3.92 crores misappropriation; Mumbai court rejects anticipatory bail pleas of 3 production executives
The makers of Naagzilla, starring Kartik Aaryan, have initiated legal action over alleged financial irregularities during the film’s production, with three production executives accused of misappropriating more than Rs. 3.92 crores. In the latest development, a Mumbai sessions court has rejected the anticipatory bail applications filed by the three accused, observing that there was prima facie material indicating their involvement in the case.
According to a PTI report, Additional Sessions Judge M Mohiuddin of the Dindoshi court also noted that custodial interrogation was necessary for a detailed investigation into the alleged financial irregularities. The accused have been identified as Kuldeep Singh Champawat (47), who was working as a consultant and signing authority; Mahipal Karan Rathore (42), a service provider and executive producer; and Shivkumar Tiwari (45), who was appointed as the line producer.
The complaint was filed by Tukaram Mahadev Sawant, an accountant with Mahaveer Jain Films Pvt. Ltd. According to the complaint, Mahaveer Jain Films had entered into an agreement with Dharma Productions on October 30 last year to produce Naagzilla.
As part of the production arrangements, Champawat was approached to handle the film’s production work. He subsequently recommended Rathore as a service provider, while Tiwari was brought on board as the line producer. Tiwari was responsible for appointing vendors for various production requirements, including vehicles, makeup and junior artistes.
The prosecution has alleged that the three executives worked together to bypass the production company’s standard operating procedures and incurred expenses amounting to Rs. 3,92,76,308 without providing the necessary bills or supporting documents. The complaint also refers to alleged inflated vendor bills and fabricated invoices.
Further, the investigating officer reportedly informed the court that the accused had allegedly demanded commissions and expensive items from vendors in exchange for awarding them work and clearing payments. These allegations form part of the investigation, and the accused have not been convicted.
The court’s rejection of their anticipatory bail pleas marks a significant development in the case, which concerns alleged financial misconduct during a major film production.
Naagzilla: Naag Lok Ka Pehla Kaand is a fantasy-adventure comedy directed by Mrighdeep Singh Lamba and written by Gautam Mehra. The film features Kartik Aaryan in the lead role as an ichchhadhari naag and also stars Preity Mukhundhan. Produced by Dharma Productions and Mahaveer Jain Films, the film is scheduled to release in cinemas on February 12, 2027.
Also Read: EXCLUSIVE: Kartik Aaryan-starrer Naagzilla wraps shoot on a sweet note; Ravi Kishan and team celebrate as Mahaveer Jain, Mrighdeep Singh Lamba say, “Dharma is the BEST company to partner with”
read moreAfter Krishnavataram, Hardik Gajjar announces Tana Riri and Ajay Abhimanyu ki Mahabharat; films set for 2027 and 2028 releases
Filmmaker Hardik Gajjar has announced two upcoming projects following Krishnavataram. The director is set to explore Gujarat's folklore with Tana Riri and revisit an important chapter from the Mahabharata with Ajay Abhimanyu ki Mahabharat. The two films are scheduled to release in October 2027 and June 2028, respectively.
Gajjar reunites with Krishnavataram actor Sanskruti Jayana for Tana Riri, which draws from the story of the twin sisters Tana and Riri. Rooted in 16th-century Gujarat, the film will explore the lives of the sisters from Vadnagar, who are remembered for their musical abilities and their association with the region's cultural history.
The first poster of the film offers a glimpse of the period setting, featuring the twin sisters walking through the gates of a kingdom. The project aims to bring their story and its connection with Indian classical music to the big screen. Hardik Gajjar to bring Abhimanyu's story to the big screen Alongside Tana Riri, Gajjar is also developing Ajay Abhimanyu ki Mahabharat, a cinematic retelling centred on Abhimanyu, one of the prominent warriors from the Hindu epic.
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Known for his courage and sacrifice during the Kurukshetra war, Abhimanyu's story remains one of the significant episodes in the Mahabharata. The upcoming film will revisit his journey and the events associated with his role in the epic.
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Both projects are directed by Hardik Gajjar and produced by Athashrikatha Motion Pictures LLP. While Tana Riri is scheduled to arrive in cinemas in October 2027, Ajay Abhimanyu ki Mahabharat is slated for a June 2028 release.
With these announcements, Gajjar has two projects in the pipeline that draw from different aspects of India's storytelling traditions, one rooted in Gujarat's cultural history and the other in the Mahabharata.
Also Read: Pratik Gandhi’s next is a Gujarati romantic comedy directed by Hardik Gajjar
read moreFrom Zoya Hussain in Hunkkaar 2 to Chandan Roy Sanyal in Aashram 4: 5 OTT characters we want to see return
A successful OTT show often leaves audiences invested in its characters long after the season ends. While new seasons bring fresh storylines and conflicts, the return of familiar characters is equally important, particularly when their journeys have unfinished arcs.
Several Indian web series are expected to return with new seasons, allowing their established characters to explore different sides of their personalities. From Zoya Hussain’s Shivani in Hunkkaar: The Roar to Chandan Roy Sanyal’s Bhopa Swami in Aashram, here are five characters whose next chapters we are looking forward to. 1. Zoya Hussain as Shivani in Hunkkaar: The Roar 2 Zoya Hussain’s Shivani could have an important role to play in the next chapter of Hunkkaar: The Roar. The first season ends with Guruji, the influential spiritual leader, being sent to jail. Shivani, who is his daughter, is now positioned at an interesting point in the story.
With her father behind bars, questions remain about what she will do next. Will she take responsibility for his empire and continue his legacy, or distance herself from his influence? Her decisions could introduce a new dimension to the show's exploration of power, influence and family dynamics. 2. Avinash Dwivedi as Kuber Tripathi in Dupahiya 3 Avinash Dwivedi’s Kuber Tripathi is among the characters audiences can look forward to revisiting in Dupahiya 2. Set in the fictional village of Dhadakpur, the series combines small-town humour with wedding-related complications and village politics.
Kuber's interactions with the other residents contribute to the show's ensemble-driven storytelling. With the second season bringing the characters back, his relationships and involvement in the village's everyday chaos could offer more opportunities for humour. 3. Bhuvan Arora as Firoz in Farzi 2 Bhuvan Arora’s Firoz is an important part of Farzi, particularly because of his partnership with Sunny, played by Shahid Kapoor. The two are involved in the counterfeit currency business, with their friendship forming an important part of the crime thriller.
Firoz's easygoing personality and chemistry with Sunny provide moments of humour amid the show's tense narrative. With the second season expected to take their story forward, it will be interesting to see how their partnership evolves as the risks associated with their business increase. 4. Chandan Roy Sanyal as Bhopa Swami in Aashram Season 4 Chandan Roy Sanyal’s Bhopa Swami has remained an important character in Aashram. As Baba Nirala's trusted aide, Bhopa is known for his loyalty, ambition and ability to navigate situations involving power and manipulation.
His relationship with Baba Nirala has been central to several developments in the series. With another season on the way, Bhopa's position within the ashram and his equation with his master offer room for further conflict. Whether he continues to stand by Baba Nirala or begins prioritising his own interests remains an interesting possibility. 5. Akansha Ranjan Kapoor as Dr Gargi in Gram Chikitsalay Season 3 Akansha Ranjan Kapoor’s Dr Gargi brings a different perspective to this list. In Gram Chikitsalay, her character navigates the challenges of working in a rural healthcare setting, offering a look at the realities of medical practice beyond urban hospitals.
The series explores the everyday difficulties faced by healthcare professionals in smaller communities. With the next season, Dr Gargi's professional journey and her adjustment to rural life could be explored further. Her interactions with the people around her also leave room for new developments.
As these shows prepare to revisit familiar worlds, the return of these characters could give audiences a chance to see how their journeys have progressed. Whether through new conflicts, changing relationships or unfinished storylines, there is plenty of scope for these performances to find another chapter.
Also Read: The Meme Effect: When scenes from OTT shows take over the internet
read moreHUGEL to bring 'Make The Girls Dance' to India for first time, New Delhi to host exclusive edition; deets inside!
International DJ and producer HUGEL is set to bring his music IP 'Make The Girls Dance' to India for the first time. The New Delhi edition will take place on December 26, 2026, as part of his six-city India tour, with the capital hosting the only edition of the concept on the tour.
The event is being brought to India by Soundsimplify and presented by White Fox Labs. The Delhi show will feature stage design, lighting and visual elements alongside HUGEL's Afro House and Latin House sets. HUGEL is known for tracks including 'I Adore You,' 'Jamaican' (Bam Bam) and 'Moving to the Sun.' His 'Make The Girls Dance' concept combines his music with a larger production built around visuals and stage design. Studio Majime to work on Delhi edition For the New Delhi show, White Fox Labs will collaborate with Dubai-based creative design studio Studio Majime. The studio will work on the creative direction, stage design, visual identity and marketing for the event, adapting the concept for the Indian audience. The venue will feature a multi-level layout, along with VIP sections, backstage access and a dedicated food and beverage area for VIP guests.
Speaking about the event, Aman Kumar, Co-founder of Whitefox and AVA Experience, said, “At Whitefox, we wanted to bring something truly special to India with HUGEL’s globally celebrated ‘Make The Girls Dance’ experience. This will be much more than a conventional DJ performance, with HUGEL bringing together multiple DJs for an immersive, high-energy musical experience complemented by world-class stage design and production. Making New Delhi the exclusive destination for this IP on the six-city India tour allows us to create something distinctive for audiences, combining international music, spectacular visuals and an atmosphere that promises to be unforgettable.” HUGEL's Make The Girls Dance India debut Tickets for the New Delhi event are available through Thumpn across three categories. General Admission tickets start at Rs 3,000, while the Backstage Experience starts at Rs 12,000 and the Premium VIP Experience starts at Rs 30,000.
The New Delhi event is scheduled for December 26, 2026. It will mark the first Indian edition of HUGEL's 'Make The Girls Dance' concept.
Also Read: The Yellow Diary announces biggest-ever India tour, to perform across 15 cities with In Case We Forget live show
read moreAshoke Pandit calls Naseeruddin Shah a "compulsive abuser" over "Dimagi Naxal" remark: “He should consult a psychiatrist”
Filmmaker and producer Ashoke Pandit has criticised Naseeruddin Shah over the veteran actor's recent "Dimagi Naxal" remark, which came while he was extending support to protesting students of Delhi's Jamia Millia Islamia. Speaking to news agency ANI, Pandit accused Shah of repeatedly using abusive language and claimed that his recent public statements were a result of frustration.
Shah had shared a video on Facebook in which he backed Jamia students protesting for the restoration of their student union. In the video, he was seen wearing a badge that read "Dimagi Naxal" and said that he proudly identified with the label. He also questioned the Centre over its handling of student protests and referred to labels such as "anti-national" and "tukde tukde gang". Ashoke Pandit calls Naseeruddin Shah a "compulsive abuser" Reacting to Shah's comments, Pandit said he was neither shocked nor surprised by the actor's language, claiming that his conduct in recent months had become increasingly aggressive.
"I'm not shocked, nor I'm surprised with Naseeruddin Shah's abusive language because, since last few months, in a year in fact, he's been constantly misbehaving, has become a compulsive abuser. The kind of language which he uses, the way he distorts his face, he exposes his frustration. There are reasons behind it, I can understand, and I pity him," said Ashoke Pandit.
He further alleged that Shah's public appearances showed signs of frustration and claimed that the actor's comments were affecting his public image.
"When I see him totally distorted, totally frustrated on camera, and he's trying to vent out his frustration. The more he vents out his frustration, he's getting exposed day by day, every day," added Ashoke Pandit. Pandit links Shah's remarks to films with political narratives Pandit also attributed what he described as Shah's frustration to ideological differences over films that have performed well commercially. He specifically mentioned The Kashmir Files, The Kerala Story and Dhurandhar while making the claim.
"Probably one of the reasons why he's feeling insecure is that the films which are doing well in the in the in the country is not suiting him. Films like Kashmir Files, Kerala Story, Dhurandhar. These narratives are not suiting them. They're suffering from an inferiority complex. Hence, this is kind of behaviour with which he's trying to come out. So I think, in the end, I would like to tell him that he should consult a psychiatrist because it's affecting his mental health. A normal person will not behave like this," said Ashoke Pandit.
Pandit's comments were made as reactions continued to emerge around Shah's video supporting the Jamia students. Shah has also recently spoken in support of students protesting at the Satyajit Ray Film and Television Institute, making his latest statement part of a series of comments on student-related issues.
Also Read: CID producer BP Singh dies of heart attack; Ashoke Pandit pays tribute, calls him “a brilliant filmmaker”
read moreSalman Khan and Sanjay Dutt to reunite on screen in Khalnayak Returns? Here's what we know
Salman Khan could reunite with Sanjay Dutt on screen in Khalnayak Returns, the sequel to the 1993 film Khalnayak. According to a report by Mid-Day, filmmaker Subhash Ghai and the writing team are developing a police officer's character with Salman in mind. However, the actor's involvement has not been confirmed, as the film is still in the scripting stage.
The original Khalnayak, directed by Subhash Ghai, starred Sanjay Dutt as Ballu, with Jackie Shroff and Madhuri Dixit in pivotal roles. The film went on to become a cult classic, and its sequel is currently being developed with Sanjay Dutt expected to return to the story. Salman Khan reportedly being considered for a pivotal role According to sources quoted by Mid-Day, Ghai has been working with the writing team on a character specifically envisioned for Salman. The role is reportedly that of a helpful police officer who becomes an important part of the narrative and supports Sanjay Dutt's character.
An insider told the publication, “The role impacts the narrative. The idea is that the cop, a good Samaritan, will help Sanjay's character. Who better than Salman to play this helpful character? The casting is not locked yet as the script is still being developed.”
While the possibility of the two actors sharing screen space has generated interest, Salman's casting remains unconfirmed. The makers are expected to take a final call once the screenplay is ready. What Subhash Ghai said about Salman's casting Reacting to the reports, Subhash Ghai told Mid-Day that it was too early to comment on the casting. He said, “It's too early to say anything. The scripting is still on, and once we have a complete script, we will know where we stand.”
If Salman joins the project, Khalnayak Returns will mark his second collaboration with Ghai after the 2008 film Yuvvraaj.
Also Read: Salman Khan shares heartfelt post for Sanjay Dutt; calls him ‘mera bada bhai’ in emotional note
read moreIIFA 2026 Winners: Dhurandhar dominates with Best Film, Best Director, Best Actor; The Ba***ds of Bollywood wins Best Web Series
The 2026 IIFA Awards saw Aditya Dhar's Dhurandhar emerge as the biggest winner of the evening, taking home the maximum number of awards. The film won several major honours, including Best Film, Best Director for Aditya Dhar and Best Actor for Ranveer Singh.
Aditya Dhar also received the Best Story, Best Screenplay and Best Dialogues awards for Dhurandhar, making it a particularly successful outing for the filmmaker at the awards ceremony. The film's multiple wins underline its strong showing across the major categories.
Aneet Padda won the Best Actress award for her performance in Saiyaara. The actress thus took home one of the prominent acting honours at the 2026 ceremony.
In the digital awards category, The Ba***ds of Bollywood emerged as the winner of Best Web Series. The series also brought recognition to Aryan Khan, who won Best Director for his work on the show.
With Dhurandhar leading the winners' tally, the 2026 IIFA Awards recognised achievements across theatrical cinema as well as the digital entertainment space. While Aditya Dhar and Ranveer Singh were among the biggest winners in the film categories, Aneet Padda also secured an important honour for Saiyaara.
List of winners:
Popular Categories:
Best Film Dhurandhar
Best Director Aditya Dhar – Dhurandhar
Best International Film Avatar: Fire & Ash
Best Performance in a Leading Role (Female) Aneet Padda – Saiyaara
Best Performance in a Leading Role (Male) Ranveer Singh – Dhurandhar
Performance in a Supporting Role (Female) Huma Qureshi – Jolly LLB 3
Performance in a Supporting Role (Male) Sanjay Dutt – Dhurandhar
Performance in a Negative Role Akshaye Khanna – Dhurandhar
Best Music Direction Shashwat Sachdev – Dhurandhar
Best Story (Original) Aditya Dhar – Dhurandhar
Best Story (Adapted) Basharat Peer, Sumit Roy and Neeraj Ghaywan – Homebound
Best Lyrics Irshad Kamil – Title song for Saiyaara
Best Playback Singer (Male) Faheem Abdullah – Title song for Saiyaara
Best Playback Singer (Female) Shreya Ghoshal – Saiyaara Reprise for Saiyaara
Best Debut (Female) Rasha Thadani – Azaad
Best Debut (Male) Ahaan Panday – Saiyaara
Technical Categories:
Best Cinematography Vikash Nowlakha – Dhurandhar
Best Screenplay Aditya Dhar – Dhurandhar
Best Dialogues Aditya Dhar – Dhurandhar
Best Editing Shivkumar V. Panicker – Dhurandhar
Best Choreography Bosco Leslie Martis – Aavan Jaavan for War 2
Best Sound Design Bishwadeep Chatterjee for Dhurandhar
Best Sound Mixing Alok De – Chhaava
Best Special Effects Assemblage Entertainment and Redefine for Chhaava
Digital Awards 2026:
Best Picture Baramulla
Best Direction Karan Tejpal – Stolen
Performance in a Leading Role (Female) Sanya Malhotra – Mrs.
Performance in a Leading Role (Male) Abhishek Banerjee – Stolen
Performance in a Supporting Role (Female) Monika Panwar – Nishanchi 2
Performance in a Supporting Role (Male) Avinash Tiwary – The Mehta Boys
Best Story Aditya Dhar, Monal Thakkar and Aditya Suhas Jambhale – Baramulla
Best Web Series Red Chillies Entertainment – The Ba***ds of Bollywood
Best Web Series Direction Aryan Khan – The Ba***ds of Bollywood
Performance in a Leading Role (Female) Tillotama Shome – Paatal Lok Season 2
Performance in a Leading Role (Male) Jaideep Ahlawat – Paatal Lok Season 2
Performance in a Supporting Role (Female) Anya Singh – The Ba***ds of Bollywood
Performance in a Supporting Role (Male) Raghav Juyal – The Ba***ds of Bollywood
Best Story (Original) Sudip Sharma, Tamal Sen, Rahul Kanojia and Abhishek Banerjee – Paatal Lok Season 2
Best Docuseries/ DocuFilm The Roshans
Best Reality/ Non Scripted Show The Traitors
Best Title Track Ujwal Gupta – Number 1 for The Ba***ds of Bollywood
Also Read: Yami Gautam reveals husband Aditya Dhar is ‘completely non-dramatic’ in real life on Kon Honar Crorepati
read moreEXCLUSIVE: Ramayana achieves a RARE feat; CBFC passes Ranbir Kapoor-starrer with ‘U’ certificate and not a SINGLE cut
Less than a week is left for the release of Ramayana and the excitement is tremendous. The film was submitted for censor certification earlier this week and there was a lot of anticipation to know whether the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) would pass the film without any cuts or will they ask the makers to censor certain scenes or words.
However, Bollywood Hungama has exclusively learned that the Examining Committee of the CBFC did not ask for a single cut or any audio or visual modification. At times, the CBFC also asks makers to mention the title and credits in the language of the film or add an anti-drug ticker or advertisement at the beginning and during the intermission. Interestingly, even these changes were not sought in the case of Ramayana.
In recent times, The Vvan and Drishyam The Conclusion were passed without cuts, but they received a U/A 16+ rating. As for Ramayana, it has got a 'U' certificate. It means that the film is fit for universal viewing for all ages.
The censor certificate of Ramayana was handed to the makers today, October 30. The length of the film, as mentioned on the censor certificate, is 195.00 minutes. In other words, Ramayana is 3 hours and 15 minutes long.
Ramayana stars Ranbir Kapoor as Lord Rama, Yash as Ravana, Sai Pallavi as Goddess Sita, Ravie Dubey as Lakshman and Sunny Deol as Lord Hanuman. It is produced by Namit Malhotra and directed by Nitesh Tiwari.
Also Read: Ramayana First Look: Rakul Preet Singh drops her look as Surpanakha; actor says playing Ravana’s sister is a “truly special experience”
read moreShraddha Kapoor unveils EETHA trailer as she steps into the role of Lavani legend Eetha Bai; film to release on December 4
Maddock Films and Kathputli Creations have unveiled the trailer of EETHA, starring Shraddha Kapoor in and as Eetha Bai. Directed by Laxman Utekar, the upcoming musical drama is inspired by the life of a Lavani legend and traces the journey of an artist who challenged conventions and overcame several obstacles to establish herself as a celebrated figure.
The trailer offers a glimpse into the world of Lavani, placing its music, performances and cultural traditions at the centre of the narrative. Through its visuals and musical sequences, the film appears to explore not just the art form but also the experiences of the women who helped shape it. EETHA aims to bring the story of an artist and her journey to a wider audience through a big-screen musical drama.
Speaking about the project, producer Dinesh Vijan said, “One of the most exciting things about cinema is that every once in a while, you come across a story so extraordinary that you wonder why the world doesn’t already know about it. For me, EETHA was one of those stories.
When I first heard it, I was fascinated not just by the incredible world of Lavani — its music, its rhythm, its energy and its larger-than-life characters — but by the extraordinary women who brought this art form to life. We have celebrated their performances for generations, but how often have we stopped to understand their journeys? The courage, the sacrifices, the struggles and the sheer strength of these women are as extraordinary as the art itself. What amazed me was that a world so rich in culture, emotion and powerful human stories had remained largely unexplored in Hindi cinema. It felt like an incredible opportunity to bring this world and the people who shaped it to the big screen.
We’ve given so much love to their art. Perhaps it’s time we gave just as much love to their stories. That’s what EETHA means to me. It’s more than a film inspired by true events; it’s a celebration of an extraordinary art form and the remarkable women whose lives deserve to be seen, heard and remembered.”
Shraddha Kapoor, who essays Eetha Bai, spoke about her experience of playing the central character and said, “It’s a story about a woman whose art, courage and individuality make her unforgettable. The more Laxman sir told me about the character, the more I felt connected to her world. Playing this role has been an incredibly exciting experience, and I am thrilled for audiences to discover her journey on the big screen. This is also my grand reunion with Maddock Films after we made magic with Stree and Stree 2, which is thrilling to say the least. The entire team has put in so much hard work, and I cannot wait for audiences to experience the world of Eetha.”
For director Laxman Utekar, the film marks a departure in setting and subject from his previous release Chhaava. He said, “After the blockbuster success of Chhaava, which became a mega cinematic spectacle, I wanted to take audiences into a completely different world with EETHA. While the two films are vastly different in their settings, both are rooted in the extraordinary strength of their central characters. EETHA is the story of an artist who became a legacy. We have brought together authenticity, emotion and scale to create a cinematic experience that audiences can truly immerse themselves in.”
Producer Karishma Sharma of Kathputli Creations added, “India is home to extraordinary stories, rich cultural traditions and fascinating characters that deserve to be celebrated on the big screen. For us, the most exciting stories are those that are deeply rooted in our soil yet have the power to entertain and connect with audiences everywhere. EETHA brings together this very spirit. It is a remarkable story from our cultural heritage, told through music, drama, emotion and spectacle. We hope audiences discover a world that feels uniquely Indian, yet resonates universally.”
Presented by Maddock Films and Kathputli Creations, EETHA is produced by Dinesh Vijan and Laxman Utekar. The film marks Shraddha Kapoor’s reunion with Maddock Films following Stree and Stree 2, while Utekar takes up a subject distinct from his historical drama Chhaava.
EETHA is scheduled to release in cinemas on December 4, 2026.
Also Read: SCOOP: Akshay Kumar-Shraddha Kapoor’s second consecutive box-office clash averted; Eetha gets SOLO December 4 release
read moreEXCLUSIVE: CBFC mutes replaces ‘UP’ with ‘village’ in Nakhrewaalii; 'Must be some East Delhi b***h' replaced with 'Must be some cheap little witch'
The romantic comedy Nakhrewaalii was released today, October 30, in cinemas. Going by its trailer, the film appeared to be a fun-filled family entertainer with a distinct North Indian flavour, which has almost become a genre of its own in Bollywood. Hence, many moviegoers would be surprised to learn that Nakhrewaalii has been awarded an ‘A’ certificate by the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC). This is presumably because the film contains certain scenes deemed suitable only for adult audiences.
Nakhrewalii was passed by the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) earlier this week. Despite the adults-only rating, the Examining Committee of the CBFC asked for a few changes. The disclaimer in the beginning was modified. The word 'Maa ki' was muted and the word 'mother' was deleted from the subtitles.
In three places, the CBFC asked for dialogues to be replaced. Accordingly, the dialogue ‘UP mein sab poor hote hai kya Sumit’ was replaced with 'Tumhare yahan sab aise hote hai kya...'. In another dialogue, 'UP' was replaced with 'village'. Lastly, the line 'Must be some East Delhi b***h' was replaced with 'Must be some cheap little witch'.
Once these changes were made, Nakhrewaalii makers were handed over the censor certificate on October 28. The length of the film, as mentioned on the censor certificate, is 129.27 minutes. In other words, Nakhrewaalii is 2 hours, 9 minutes and 27 seconds.
Nakhrewaalii stars Ansh Duggal and Pragati Srivastava. It tells the story of a misogynistic young man whose love life takes an unexpected turn when the father of the girl he loves challenges him to secure a government job within a month. When he realizes that his only chance of landing the job is to become a woman, he decides to take the plunge. What follows is a series of hilarious situations, confusion and chaos.
Also Read: Nakhrewaalii Title Song: Makers recreate Kishore Kumar’s classic 1956 track; Aanand L Rai says, “There is so much warmth, mischief and charm in this song”
read moreSharvari wears mother’s heirloom pink Patola saree for Yeh Prem Mol Liya promotions; says it feels like being ‘wrapped in her love and blessings’
Actress Sharvari has added a personal touch to her promotional wardrobe for Yeh Prem Mol Liya by reimagining her mother’s treasured pink Patola saree. Sharing pictures of the look on social media, the actress revealed the emotional story behind the heirloom, describing it as a symbol of her mother’s love, pride and blessings.
The saree holds a special place in Sharvari’s family, having been worn by her mother over the years and associated with several cherished memories. According to the actress, her mother gifted it to her after watching her song ‘Jhumka Patola’ for the first time. The gesture made the outfit particularly meaningful, turning it into more than just another look for a promotional appearance.
Sharvari chose to give the traditional garment a fresh interpretation while retaining its sentimental value. The process also involved looking through old photographs of her mother wearing the saree, allowing the actress to revisit the memories attached to it before presenting the reimagined look.
Sharing the story behind the outfit on Instagram, Sharvari wrote, “When my Aai watched #JhumkaPatola for the first time, I will never forget the love and pride in her eyes. She gave me her beautiful pink Patola saree as a blessing! An heirloom she has adorned over the years and made so many beautiful memories in. Reinventing something so precious to her and wearing it for promotions has been such a special feeling. Going through old pictures of her wearing it and then seeing her reaction to what we created was just priceless. Wearing her saree feels like being wrapped in her love and blessings!”
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The look reflects a personal approach to fashion, with Sharvari choosing to incorporate a family heirloom into her public appearances rather than opting for an entirely new ensemble. By reworking a garment connected to her mother’s memories, the actress has also highlighted how traditional clothing can carry emotional significance across generations.
Sharvari is currently promoting Yeh Prem Mol Liya, in which she stars opposite Ayushmann Khurrana. Directed by Sooraj Barjatya, the musical romantic family drama marks another Rajshri Productions venture centred on relationships and family values.
Yeh Prem Mol Liya is scheduled to release in cinemas on November 27, 2026.
Also Read: Sharvari dances with Madhuri Dixit to Yeh Prem Mol Liya title track; calls the moment with her idol ‘surreal’
read moreRamayana First Look: Rakul Preet Singh drops her look as Surpanakha; actor says playing Ravana’s sister is a “truly special experience”
The makers of Namit Malhotra’s Ramayana have unveiled the first look of Rakul Preet Singh as Surpanakha, introducing another significant character from the Indian epic. The newly released poster presents the actor as the Princess of Janasthan, offering audiences a glimpse of her appearance in the ambitious two-part cinematic adaptation.
Sharing the poster, the makers captioned it, “Jansthan ki Rajkumari, Surpanakha. Rakul Preet Singh as Surpanakha,” confirming her casting in the role. In the first look, Rakul appears in a royal ensemble featuring intricate detailing, ornate gold jewellery and an elaborate headpiece, reflecting the visual design created for the character.
Speaking about her association with the project, Rakul said, “Being a part of Namit Malhotra’s Ramayana and playing Surpanakha is a truly special experience for me. She is a character with a significant place in this epic, and exploring her world has been an incredible journey as an actor. To be part of a story that has been cherished across generations and holds such a special place in our culture is a privilege. I’m excited for audiences to see this portrayal and experience the world that Nitesh Tiwari and Namit Malhotra are bringing to life on such a grand scale.”
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In the Ramayana, Surpanakha is Ravana’s sister, whose encounter with Rama and Lakshman during their exile becomes a pivotal event in the narrative. The episode sets in motion a chain of events that eventually leads to the conflict between Rama and Ravana, making her an important character in the epic’s larger storyline.
The film features Ranbir Kapoor as Lord Rama, Sai Pallavi as Sita, Yash as Ravana, Sunny Deol as Hanuman and Ravi Dubey as Lakshman. Directed by Nitesh Tiwari, the project is produced by Namit Malhotra’s Prime Focus Studios in collaboration with DNEG and Yash’s Monster Mind Creations.
Planned as a two-part epic, Ramayana: Part 1 is scheduled to release worldwide on November 5, 2026, with Part 2 slated for Diwali 2027. The films will release in Hindi, Tamil, Telugu, Kannada and Malayalam, with an IMAX release planned. Sony Pictures will handle international distribution outside India, while Dharma Productions will distribute the film in the Hindi-speaking market.
Also Read: Ranbir Kapoor reveals the secret to a lasting relationship as he opens up about his marriage with Alia Bhatt
read moreMohit Malik on playing Birju Lohar in Mirzapur The Movie: “We cannot approach a character by simply deciding whether he is good or bad”
With Mirzapur: The Movie now streaming on Prime Video India following its theatrical run, actor Mohit Malik has opened up about playing Birju Lohar in the crime drama. Reflecting on his experience, the actor discussed the challenge of portraying a character whose actions and motivations exist in shades of grey, making him an intriguing addition to the Mirzapur universe.
The franchise has built its narrative around characters who frequently blur the lines between right and wrong. Birju Lohar fits into this morally complex world, with his flaws, questionable decisions and unpredictable nature shaping his character. For Mohit, the challenge was to understand Birju’s motivations without judging him through the lens of his own personal beliefs.
Rather than categorising Birju as either good or bad, the actor approached the role by examining the circumstances and emotions that influence his decisions. According to Mohit, portraying such characters requires an actor to understand the reasoning behind their actions, even when those choices may be difficult to justify.
Speaking about playing Birju Lohar, Mohit Malik said, “Birju is a flawed character who makes choices that may not always be right, and that is what makes him interesting to play. As actors, we cannot approach a character by simply deciding whether he is good or bad. We have to understand his mindset, his circumstances and what drives him to make certain decisions. Even when you don't agree with a character's actions, you have to find the reasoning behind them and make them believable. The challenge is to portray the character honestly without judging him. I believe audiences connect with characters who feel human, with their flaws, contradictions and complexities. With Birju, I wanted to understand the person behind his actions and bring that truth to the screen.”
Mohit’s comments highlight an important aspect of his approach to the role: understanding a character beyond the choices he makes. By exploring Birju’s mindset and the circumstances surrounding his decisions, the actor sought to present a layered portrayal while leaving audiences to form their own opinions.
The digital release of Mirzapur: The Movie gives viewers another opportunity to explore the franchise’s familiar world of power struggles, rivalries and morally ambiguous characters. Mohit’s portrayal of Birju Lohar adds to that landscape, reflecting the complexity that has remained central to the crime drama’s storytelling.
Mirzapur: The Movie is now streaming exclusively on Prime Video India.
Also Read: Photos: Ali Fazal and Divyenndu host a special daawat for the entire team of Mirzapur: The Movie at Bandra
read moreSara Ali Khan faces fatwa over Kedarnath Temple visit: Reports
Sara Ali Khan's recent visit to Kedarnath Temple has led to a religious controversy after Uttar Pradesh-based Islamic cleric Maulana Mufti Shahabuddin Razvi Barelvi reportedly issued a fatwa over the actress offering prayers at the shrine. Sara visited Kedarnath on October 25 and was reportedly seen waiting in the queue for darshan before offering prayers with folded hands. Media reports also said that she participated in puja and aarti and visited the Bhukunt Bhairav Temple.
Reacting to the visit, the cleric said that Islamic Sharia does not permit Muslims to participate in religious practices associated with another faith. “I want to make it clear that Islamic Sharia does not permit its followers to engage in shirk,” the cleric said, as reported by Bhaskar English. He further added, “This means that no Muslim, whether a man or a woman, is allowed to adopt the religious practices of another faith or worship at a temple.”
The cleric reportedly described such acts as “impermissible and haram” under Sharia and said Sara should repent before Allah. He also reiterated his position on the actress's temple visit, saying, “I want to make it clear that such acts are not permissible.” What happened during Sara Ali Khan's Kedarnath visit? According to reports, Sara travelled to Kedarnath by helicopter before joining devotees waiting for darshan. Pictures and videos from the visit showed her standing in the queue and later offering prayers at the temple.
Reports also said that the actress participated in the temple's puja and aarti and visited the Bhukunt Bhairav Temple. Her visit reportedly took place amid cold weather, with some reports stating that women devotees offered her a shawl to help her keep warm.
Sara has maintained a connection with Kedarnath for several years. The shrine also has a link to her film career, as she made her Bollywood debut with the 2018 film Kedarnath, which starred the late Sushant Singh Rajput. She has returned to the temple on multiple occasions since then. Temple committee's protocol for non-Hindu visitors The controversy has also brought attention to the Badrinath-Kedarnath Temple Committee's rules for non-Hindu visitors. According to reports, the committee requires non-Hindu devotees who wish to offer prayers at the shrine to submit an affidavit.
BKTC CEO Sohan Singh Rangar reportedly confirmed to News18 that Sara's team had submitted the required affidavit before her visit.
A fatwa is generally understood as a religious opinion or ruling issued by an Islamic scholar on a question concerning Islamic law. In this case, the reported ruling reflects the position expressed by the cleric and should not be presented as a universal view shared by all Muslims or Islamic scholars.
Also Read: Sara Ali Khan reveals why Atrangi Re was one role that demanded the most from her: “Lots of personal things had happened that year”
read moreSCOOP: Anirudh exits Shah Rukh Khan’s King due to packed schedule; gifts SRK the theme track as Sachin-Jigar take over
Shah Rukh Khan and Siddharth Anand are gearing up to end the year with a bang, as their next King is the most discussed film of 2026. The countdown to a grand asset launch for Shah Rukh Khan's birthday is underway, which will officially kick off the actioner's marketing campaign.
And now, Bollywood Hungama has exclusively learnt of a major development that could leave Shah Rukh Khan and Anirudh fans with mixed emotions. Anirudh, who has earned a massive following for his electrifying background scores, has amicably parted ways with King owing to his packed schedule. A source informed Bollywood Hungama, “Siddharth Anand and Shah Rukh Khan are determined to bring King to cinemas this Christmas without any delays. However, Anirudh has been juggling multiple commitments down South, making it difficult for him to devote the time and attention that a film of this scale demands. After a cordial discussion, both parties mutually decided to part ways.” The source further revealed that the makers have now entrusted Sachin-Jigar with the responsibility of composing the film’s music and background score.
"However, Anirudh has given the Theme Track of King to Shah Rukh Khan as a mark of his respect for the megastar, and Sachin-Jigar too will be reimagining the track for the entire background score of the film. So King will still have the Anirudh touch with the theme track, but the entire score also the album, otherwise will be done by Sachin-Jigar," the source tells us.
King is touted to be the most ambitious action film of Hindi cinema, mounted on a mammoth budget as the makers are up to deliver a never-before spectacle. The estimated costs excluding SRK's fees and PnA is touted to be in the zone of Rs. 450 crore, and every penny will be visible on the screen as per insiders.
"This is Siddharth Anand's biggest film till date and a love letter to the legend of SRK. He has designed the full film keeping his aura in mind."
Also Read: Siddharth Anand drops another cryptic post about Shah Rukh Khan starrer King at midnight; is a birthday surprise coming?
read moreSiddharth Anand drops another cryptic post about Shah Rukh Khan starrer King at midnight; is a birthday surprise coming?
Filmmaker Siddharth Anand has once again sparked curiosity among Shah Rukh Khan fans with a cryptic midnight post about KING. Following his earlier one-word tweet, “It’s”, the director has now shared another intriguing message that reads, “Time For The World”. The latest post has fuelled speculation about whether an announcement related to the much-awaited action thriller is around the corner, especially with Shah Rukh Khan’s birthday on November 2 approaching.
Siddharth Anand’s first post had already caught the attention of fans, with many wondering whether the filmmaker was hinting at an upcoming update on KING. His latest message has added another layer to the mystery, prompting questions about whether the two posts are connected and whether they could be building towards a larger reveal.
Time For The World — Siddharth Anand (@justSidAnand) October 29, 2026
With the superstar’s birthday just around the corner, fans are also speculating whether Siddharth Anand could have another midnight surprise planned for tomorrow. However, the filmmaker has not officially confirmed what the cryptic messages refer to, leaving the possibility of a reveal open to speculation.
It’s — Siddharth Anand (@justSidAnand) October 29, 2026
Directed by Siddharth Anand, KING is an international action thriller produced by Gauri Khan under Red Chillies Entertainment and Marflix Pictures. The film stars Shah Rukh Khan in the titular role of a deadly assassin whose underworld journey intersects with high-stakes emotional conflicts and a romantic core, teased through the tagline, “Qaatil Nahi.. Aashiq Hoon…”.
The film features Suhana Khan in a pivotal lead role, alongside Abhishek Bachchan as the primary antagonist. Deepika Padukone, Rani Mukerji, Jaideep Ahlawat and Raghav Juyal are also part of the ensemble cast in supporting roles and special appearances.
Mounted on a global scale, the project features international stunt choreography, with Red Chillies VFX handling the visual effects. KING is scheduled to arrive in cinemas worldwide on December 24, 2026, during the Christmas holiday period.
For now, Siddharth Anand’s latest post has left fans guessing. Whether “Time For The World” signals a major KING update or is simply another teaser remains to be seen.
Also Read: Shah Rukh Khan birthday special? Siddharth Anand drops cryptic “It’s” tweet sparking speculation on new King update
read moreJunglywood trailer out: Shaan R Grover leads a thriller set against Bollywood’s insider-outsider divide
The trailer of Junglywood, directed by Chand Mohammad, offers a glimpse into a fictional story set against the backdrop of the Hindi film industry. Blending dark humour, psychological thrills and unexpected twists, the film explores the power dynamics, ambitions and rivalries that exist behind Bollywood’s glamorous image.
The trailer centres on a secret party where tensions between industry insiders and outsiders come to the fore. As the characters navigate the clash, the story examines the struggles and ambitions of people trying to establish themselves in the film industry. Junglywood trailer explores Bollywood’s insider-outsider divide The debate around nepotism and opportunities for people without film industry connections has remained a recurring subject in Hindi cinema. Junglywood approaches the subject through a fictional narrative, using the film industry as the setting for a story involving competing interests and shifting power dynamics.
Director Chand Mohammad said he wanted to combine the style of classic cinema with contemporary storytelling. He also revealed that the film was made without visual effects, relying instead on performances, atmosphere and practical filmmaking.
“With JUNGLYWOOD, I wanted to create a film that brings the soul of old-school cinema into the world of modern storytelling. My vision was to make a new-age film using classic cinematic techniques, relying on practical filmmaking, strong performances, atmosphere, and storytelling rather than visual effects. There is no VFX in the film, and that was a conscious creative choice,” he said. Chand Mohammad on choosing Bollywood as the backdrop Explaining why he chose the film industry as the setting, Chand said the stories unfolding behind the scenes can be as compelling as the films audiences watch.
“I chose Bollywood as the backdrop because I have always felt that the stories unfolding behind the glamour are just as fascinating as the films we see on screen. People have an incredible curiosity about the industry, its power dynamics, its ambitions, and the personalities within it,” the director said.
He added that the film aims to offer an entertaining and unpredictable experience while exploring the contradictions of the industry.
“JUNGLYWOOD is designed to be a fun, edgy, and thrilling cinematic experience, with unexpected turns and twists that stay with you long after the film ends,” Chand said.
He also spoke about the scope for experimentation in Indian cinema, saying he hoped the film would combine familiar entertainment elements with a different approach to storytelling. Shaan R Grover leads the cast Junglywood stars Shaan R Grover in the lead role, with Irina Rudakova and Deepak Kalra in pivotal roles. The film also features Akash Jagga, Dia Singh and Niya Bapalawat, alongside several fresh faces.
Positioned as a dark comedy and psychological thriller, the film uses a hypothetical story to explore the dynamics behind the scenes in the entertainment industry. The trailer sets up a world of competing ambitions and unpredictable encounters, with the insider-outsider divide forming part of its central conflict.
Also Read: Saiyaara fame Shaan R Grover headlines Chand Mohammad’s Junglywood, trailer to drop soon
read moreRanbir Kapoor, Nitesh Tiwari, and others discuss Ramayana’s values with students from 500 schools; special episode to stream on JioHotstar
Ranbir Kapoor, director Nitesh Tiwari, actor Ravie Dubey and producer Namit Malhotra have come together for a conversation with students about the values and characters of the Ramayana. Titled Har Yug Mein Ram: A Conversation with Young Leaders, the special episode will stream exclusively on JioHotstar from November 1.
Organised by JioHotstar in partnership with the makers of Ramayana and the International Institute of Management and Entrepreneurship (I.I.M.U.N.), the initiative brought together nearly 20,000 students from more than 500 schools across 18 cities. The event aimed to explore how the epic’s themes of duty, courage, friendship, love, forgiveness and sacrifice continue to resonate with younger audiences. Ranbir Kapoor reflects on playing Lord Rama Ranbir Kapoor, who plays Lord Rama in the upcoming film Ramayana: Part One, said interacting with students gave him an opportunity to hear how a new generation interprets the character. “Rama’s story has been part of our lives for generations, and stepping into his shoes has been an incredibly humbling experience. What made this interaction special was hearing young minds engage with his story in their own way,” Ranbir said.
He added that the conversation reminded him how different generations can find their own meaning in Rama’s journey while continuing to connect with its familiar themes.
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Students explore the Ramayana’s characters and choices The event took place at I.I.M.U.N.’s headquarters in Mumbai, with around 150 student leaders attending in person and others participating virtually from classrooms across the country. Students asked the guests questions about the epic’s central characters and their decisions. The discussion included who they considered the true hero of the Ramayana, what they would ask Lord Rama, which character they would choose as a friend and whose journey among Rama, Sita and Lakshman they found most challenging.
Producer Namit Malhotra said the conversation was an opportunity to help young people develop their own understanding of the epic. “Ramayana has given us generations of stories, values and lessons that continue to guide us even today. As we bring this epic to the big screen, it’s equally important that young people discover these values and find their own connection with them,” he said.
Malhotra added that the students’ curiosity and perspectives demonstrated how the story continues to connect with new generations. Nitesh Tiwari and Ravie Dubey on the epic’s enduring relevance Director Nitesh Tiwari said the Ramayana’s appeal lies not only in its larger-than-life events but also in the personal choices and emotions of its characters. “The richness of Ramayana lies in the fact that alongside its larger-than-life moments, its characters face deeply human choices and emotions. As filmmakers, our responsibility was to preserve that emotional truth while bringing the story to the screen for a new generation,” Tiwari said.
Ravie Dubey, who portrays Lakshman in the film, reflected on the relationship between Lakshman and Rama, which is shaped by loyalty, love and duty. “Playing Lakshman gave me the opportunity to explore a relationship built on loyalty, love and an unwavering sense of duty. What I found interesting during this interaction was how young people viewed these relationships and choices from their own experiences,” Dubey said.
He added that hearing the students’ interpretations gave him new perspectives on his character.
The special episode arrives ahead of the theatrical release of Ramayana: Part One, which is directed by Nitesh Tiwari and produced by Prime Focus Studios in association with DNEG and Yash’s Monster Mind Creations. The film is adapted by Shridhar Raghavan from Valmiki’s Ramayana.
The cast includes Ranbir Kapoor as Lord Rama, Sai Pallavi as Sita, Yash as Ravana, Sunny Deol as Hanuman and Ravie Dubey as Lakshman.
Ramayana: Part One is scheduled to release worldwide in cinemas on November 5, 2026, in Hindi, Tamil, Telugu, Kannada, Malayalam and English, including IMAX 3D. Following its exclusive theatrical window, the film will be available on JioHotstar through an on-demand purchase offering.
Meanwhile, Har Yug Mein Ram: A Conversation with Young Leaders will premiere on JioHotstar on November 1, bringing the discussion about the epic’s values and relevance to a wider audience.
Also Read: Ramayana makers release ‘Judi Jodi’ on Karwa Chauth, song celebrates eternal bond between Lord Rama and Goddess Sita
read moreGunmaaster G9 song ‘Dard-E-Dil Dard-E-Jigar’ to drop on October 30; Himesh Reshammiya and Akasa Singh reunite for new track
The makers of Gunmaaster G9 are gearing up to release the film’s next song, ‘Dard-E-Dil Dard-E-Jigar.’ The track is set to arrive tomorrow and features Himesh Reshammiya and Akasa Singh on vocals, with lyrics penned by Sonia Kapoor Reshammiya. The song announcement comes as the film’s music album continues to take shape. ‘Dard-E-Dil Dard-E-Jigar’ follows ‘Afsaana Banaaya Aapne’ and ‘Do Din Ki Zindagi,’ adding another track to the album ahead of the film’s theatrical release on November 27, 2026.
Himesh Reshammiya, who is also composing the music for Gunmaaster G9, has joined Akasa Singh for the upcoming track. The lyrics have been written by Sonia Kapoor Reshammiya.
Gunmaaster G9 is directed by Aditya Datt and produced by Deepak Mukut, Hunar Mukut and Sangeeta Ahir under Soham Rockstar Entertainment. The film is presented by Soham Rockstar Entertainment Pvt. Ltd., with Pen Movies handling its distribution and Phars Films distributing it overseas.
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Emraan Hashmi and Genelia Deshmukh lead Gunmaaster G9 The film stars Emraan Hashmi as Eshwar, an ordinary dairy-farm owner who is pushed to extreme lengths by love. Genelia Deshmukh plays the female lead, marking her first on-screen pairing with Emraan.
Aparshakti Khurana also plays a key role with grey shades and an emotional backstory. The film combines action, romance, drama and music, with the soundtrack forming an important part of its promotional campaign.
Gunmaaster G9 also marks a reunion between Emraan Hashmi, director Aditya Datt and Himesh Reshammiya over two decades after they collaborated on Aashiq Banaya Aapne. The upcoming film is scheduled to release worldwide in cinemas on November 27, 2026.
With 'Dard-E-Dil Dard-E-Jigar' arriving tomorrow, audiences will get another glimpse of the musical world being created for the action-romance.
Also Read: SCOOP: Salman Khan’s Maatrubhumi STILL awaits CBFC screening despite government clearance; November 13 release eyed to avoid clashes with Yeh Prem Mol Liya, Gunmaaster G9, Eetha
read moreBREAKING: Ram Gopal Varma in LEGAL TROUBLE over Rs. 29.67 crores! Production house warns filmmakers, OTT platforms against dealing with RGV without NOC
Filmmaker Ram Gopal Varma has found himself at the centre of a major financial dispute after Eclatant Films Private Limited issued a public notice demanding payment of Rs. 29.67 crores. The production house has also cautioned producers, distributors, broadcasters and streaming platforms against entering into transactions involving the filmmaker without obtaining its prior written approval, wherever required under their agreement.
The public notice, issued in 24th and 31st October 2026, issue of Atul Mohan's Complete Cinema magazine, states that Eclatant Films had issued a legal notice to Ram Gopal Varma on October 15, calling upon him to clear outstanding dues amounting to Rs. 29,67,64,000. Interestingly, the amount includes accumulated interest of Rs. 11,38,92,000.
According to the notice, the dispute stems from an agreement dated April 10, 2010. Eclatant Films has also referred to an order passed by the Bombay High Court on April 17, 2013, in connection with the agreement. The company has demanded that the filmmaker settle the outstanding amount by October 30, 2026. Failing this, it has warned that it would assert its contractual lien over RGV's share, rights, interests, revenues and exploitation rights in films and projects covered by the agreement.
Eclatant Films claims that its agreement requires Ram Gopal Varma to obtain a prior written No-Objection Certificate (NOC) before associating with third parties or undertaking activities involving film production, co-production, direction or writing until the outstanding dues are cleared.
The company has specifically cautioned individuals and entities proposing to acquire, license, distribute, broadcast, stream or otherwise exploit rights connected with projects falling within the scope of the agreement.
It has further warned that parties proceeding with such transactions without the requisite NOC would do so at their own risk. The notice mentions possible legal remedies, including injunctions, recovery proceedings and enforcement of contractual security rights.
Also Read: Milap Zaveri reveals he is “so JEALOUS” of Ram Gopal Varma and other directors for working with Harshvardhan Rane; predicts a BIG opening for Silaa and assures, “I am 1000% going to reunite with Harsh”
read moreAbundantia Entertainment, invideo begin production on AI-assisted film Beta Builder, starring Mayur More and Ashlesha Thakur
Abundantia Entertainment and video creation platform invideo have begun production on Beta Builder, the first film under their partnership to develop AI-driven feature films. Directed by Hridaye A Nagpal, the film went on floors in Mumbai on October 29, 2026, and will combine live-action filming with generative AI technology.
The project is part of a collaboration announced in February 2026, under which invideo committed Rs 100 crore over three years towards a slate of five AI-driven feature films. The partnership brings together Abundantia Entertainment’s production experience and invideo’s generative AI technology. Mayur More and Ashlesha Thakur lead Beta Builder Beta Builder follows Jai, a self-taught architect from Dharavi who gets an opportunity to pursue his ambitions in the world of virtual reality. As he attempts to establish himself, he must also challenge the system holding him back, fight for the person he loves and ensure that his community has a say in shaping its future.
The film explores themes of ambition, belonging and community, bringing together the realities of Dharavi and the possibilities of a virtual world.
The cast is led by Mayur More, known for Kota Factory and Black, White & Gray: Love Kills, and Ashlesha Thakur, who appeared in The Family Man.
Commenting on the first film to roll out under the slate, Vikram Malhotra, Founder and CEO, Abundantia Entertainment, said: “In our partnership with invideo and Sanket, our focus is to leverage AI and tell stories that are unique, impactful and entertaining. I am delighted that the first film in our slate is one that tells a story set in a relatable, young world and explores aspirational possibilities beyond. And in Hridaye, we have a filmmaker who combines a strong creative vision with a deep command over technology, which makes him the ideal person to lead and bring Beta Builder to life. I am excited about how aiON is enabling unique stories and storytellers to come to the fore and bring their best to fans all over the world.”
Sharing his vision for the partnership, Sanket Shah, CEO, invideo, said: “At InVideo, our mission has always been to put powerful tools in the hands of storytellers. Beta Builder is where that mission takes the form of a full-length film, made with a partner of Abundantia’s calibre. It is a story about building something that lasts, which makes it the right film to begin this slate with.”
On helming the film, Hridaye A Nagpal, Global Creative Lead invideo, and Director of Beta Builder, said: “We are about to see a wave of fascinating films. With AI-assisted filmmaking, storytellers can dream much bigger, and backing a bold idea finally feels possible. The partnership between Abundantia and invideo gives filmmakers the scale and creative support to take on ideas like this. Beta Builder is our bet on that future, with a live-action shoot and AI working side by side.”
Also Read: Vikram Malhotra on Abundantia Entertainment evolving their AI division aiOn into a standalone studio, “It is being shaped as a fully-integrated, total capability movie studio”
read moreAhan Shetty to begin shooting for Sanki on October 30 in Bhopal
After the success of Border 2, Ahan Shetty is gearing up for his next project, Sanki. The actor is set to begin shooting for the film in Bhopal on October 30, with filmmaker Tinu Suresh Desai, known for directing Rustom and Mission Raniganj, at the helm. Positioned as a romantic action entertainer, the film is expected to combine an intense love story with emotional drama and high-octane action.
Written by Gyanendra Vasudev, Sanki will explore a love story at its core while incorporating raw and explosive action. The makers have kept the subject and storyline under wraps for now, with plans to reveal further details in due course. The film is scheduled to arrive in theatres in the first half of 2027.
Director Tinu Suresh Desai has already reached Bhopal with a large crew and is overseeing the final preparations ahead of the shoot. The production is expected to begin on October 30, marking Ahan’s next on-set outing following his appearance in Border 2.
Following the response to Border 2, Ahan has reportedly been selective about his next projects. Sanki will be among his upcoming releases, followed by Vikram Bhatt’s 1920 Cold Winter. The actor is also expected to begin work on a couple of additional projects in 2027.
The film is backed by We The People, Roaring River Productions and Pals & Peers Entertainment. The project marks another step in Ahan’s career as he looks to build on the attention generated by his recent big-screen outing.
While the makers have not disclosed further details about the characters or the plot, the combination of romance, emotional conflict and action is expected to form the film’s central appeal. With the shooting schedule beginning in Bhopal, the production is now moving towards its next phase.
Sanki is slated for a theatrical release in the first half of 2027. Further details about the film, including its storyline and additional cast members, are expected to be announced by the makers in the coming months.
Also Read: Ahan Shetty BREAKS silence on Tiger Shroff firing incident: “Happy that he’s safe”; Vikram Bhatt takes a hilarious dig at Gen Z at 1920 Cold Winter launch: “Sirf Gen Z ka hi haq nahin hai jeene ka!”
read moreBhumi Pednekar reunites with Akshay Kumar for Priyadarshan’s next comedy
Bhumi Pednekar is set to reunite with Akshay Kumar for an upcoming comedy directed by Priyadarshan. The project will mark their third collaboration and comes four years after the duo was last seen together in Raksha Bandhan.
According to a report by Hindustan Times, Bhumi has been signed as the leading lady of the film. Priyadarshan has also confirmed her casting to HT City. The upcoming project is Priyadarshan’s 99th film as a director and is expected to go on floors in the last week of November 2026. Akshay Kumar to play tiger hunter in 1970s-set comedy The film is reportedly set in the 1970s, with Akshay Kumar playing a tiger hunter. While details about the story are currently being kept under wraps, the project is being described as a comedy set against the period.
Earlier reports had suggested that the film could incorporate elements related to wildlife conservation alongside comedy and thriller elements. However, the makers have not revealed detailed plot information yet.
The film is being produced by Ramesh Taurani. Reports have also suggested that Annu Kapoor and Rajpal Yadav could be part of the cast, although further details about their roles have not been officially disclosed. Bhumi Pednekar and Akshay Kumar to reunite after Raksha Bandhan Bhumi and Akshay have previously shared screen space in Toilet: Ek Prem Katha and Raksha Bandhan. Their upcoming collaboration will therefore mark their third film together.
Raksha Bandhan, directed by Aanand L Rai, was released in 2022 and featured Bhumi as Akshay’s co-star. The upcoming Priyadarshan project will bring the pair together in a different setting, with the story reportedly taking place several decades in the past. Priyadarshan’s 99th film to begin shooting in November The film is expected to begin production in the last week of November 2026. The shooting schedule is likely to span around three months, with Rajasthan and Mumbai among the locations. Bhopal is also being considered as a possible shooting location.
Also Read: Bhumi Pednekar recalls Shah Rukh Khan’s warm hospitality and Akshay Kumar’s lasting advice
read morePVR INOX sees record Q2 as Indian box office crosses Rs 4,000 crore for FIRST time in a quarter!
PVR INOX Limited has reported its highest-ever quarterly revenue, EBITDA and profit after tax for the quarter ended September 30, 2026, as strong theatrical performance and higher consumer spending supported the cinema chain's financial results.
For Q2 FY27, PVR INOX recorded revenue of Rs 21,327 million, or around Rs 2,133 crore, on an Ind AS 116-adjusted basis. This marked a 17% increase from Rs 18,187 million in the corresponding quarter last year.
Adjusted EBITDA rose 44% year on year to Rs 4,752 million, with the EBITDA margin improving to 22.3% from 18.1%. Profit after tax from continuing operations increased 111% to Rs 2,733 million, compared with Rs 1,296 million in Q2 FY26. PVR INOX sees 46.3 million patrons in Q2 The cinema chain welcomed 46.3 million patrons during the quarter, marking a 4% year-on-year increase. Occupancy also improved to 30.4%, compared with 28.7% in the same period last year. Average ticket price rose 14% to Rs 298, while average food and beverage spending per head also increased 14% to Rs 153. Both ticketing and F&B revenues grew 18% during the quarter.
The company said the results were supported by a strong theatrical slate and increased consumer spending.
Commenting on the performance, PVR INOX Managing Director Ajay Bijli said, “Q2 FY'27 has been a landmark quarter for Indian cinema and PVR INOX. We achieved record quarterly and half-yearly revenue, EBITDA and PAT, supported by strong content, higher consumer spends and disciplined costs.”
He added, “Our margins are now well above pre-COVID levels, a clear sign of a structurally stronger business. We generated significant free cash flow, completed our maiden share buyback and carry a strong balance sheet.” Indian box office crosses Rs 4,000 crore in a quarter PVR INOX's results come amid a strong quarter for the Indian theatrical market. According to Ormax Media and company estimates cited by PVR INOX, India's gross box office collections reached Rs 4,443 crore in Q2 FY27, representing 23% year-on-year growth.
The quarter marked the first time that the Indian box office crossed Rs 4,000 crore in a single quarter. First-half FY27 box office collections stood at Rs 7,618 crore, up 22% year-on-year.
English-language films recorded particularly strong growth, with collections increasing 87% to Rs 1,024 crore. Spider-Man: Brand New Day became the highest-grossing English film in India with collections of Rs 608 crore, according to the company's estimates. Christopher Nolan's The Odyssey also performed strongly, collecting Rs 233 crore.
Hindi box office collections, including dubbed films, grew 12% year on year. Hanuman Ansh collected Rs 351 crore, while Mirzapur: The Movie earned Rs 267 crore. Regional cinema also recorded 12% growth, with titles including Toxic and Jana Nayagan contributing to the overall performance. PVR INOX remains net cash positive after share buyback The company generated Rs 6,035 million in free cash flow during the first half of FY27 and repaid Rs 2,586 million of debt. It also completed its first-ever Rs 3,000 million share buyback in September. Despite the buyback, PVR INOX's net cash position stood at Rs 1,407 million as of September 30, compared with Rs 807 million at the end of June.
The company's board has also approved a new Capital Allocation and Dividend Distribution Policy. The policy focuses on investments in screens, premium formats and technology, while targeting a net debt to LTM EBITDA ratio of no more than 0.5 times after any distribution.
The company said it plans to return around 30% of annual surplus cash flow through dividends and/or buybacks, subject to the board's decision. PVR INOX expands screen network As of September 30, PVR INOX operated 1,797 screens across 114 cities in India and Sri Lanka. The company opened 24 screens across six cinemas during the first half of FY27, while exiting 25 screens, largely from loss-making locations.
PVR INOX plans to add 90 to 100 screens during FY27, with most of the expansion expected in the second half of the financial year through capital-light models. The company also opened its first SMART Cinema in Muzaffarpur, Bihar, in September. The format is aimed at smaller Tier III and Tier IV markets, with two to three more SMART Cinemas planned for the current financial year. Ramayana, King and other major releases expected ahead PVR INOX expects the upcoming film slate to support theatrical momentum in the second half of the financial year. Major Hindi releases include Ramayana: Part One in November, Shah Rukh Khan's King in December, followed by Love & War and Golmaal 5 in the fourth quarter.
The regional and pan-India lineup includes Chiranjeevi's Kaaka and Prabhas' Spirit. Hollywood releases expected during the period include The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping, Avengers: Doomsday, Dune: Part Three and Jumanji: Open World.
“Looking ahead, we remain firmly focused on growth, expanding our network through capital-light formats and taking cinema deeper into under-screened India with our new SMART Cinemas. With an exciting content pipeline, we are committed to delivering a compelling cinema experience and long-term shareholder value,” Bijli said.
Also Read: EXCLUSIVE: PVR INOX’s Sanjeev Kumar Bijli talks about consumer court rulings over lengthy cinema ads: “We have reduced ad time from 15 mins to 10 mins…we want to make sure that moviegoing experience does not get compromised”
read moreDisha Patani turns entrepreneur, launches clothing brand DZ with oversized and space-inspired designs
Disha Patani has ventured into the fashion business with the launch of her own clothing brand, DZ. The actress, who has often been associated with relaxed and oversized silhouettes, is bringing that aesthetic to her new label along with designs inspired by outer space and aliens.
The brand has gone live through its official website, offering a range of oversized and baggy outfits featuring graphic and space-inspired elements. DZ marks Patani's move into entrepreneurship after more than a decade in the film industry. Disha Patani introduces DZ with new track Alongside the clothing line, Patani has also unveiled a promotional track for DZ. The actress features in the accompanying video in an experimental look that includes bleached eyebrows and oversized outfits.
The styling reflects the aesthetic associated with the brand, with loose silhouettes and graphic elements taking centre stage. The space-inspired designs and alien references also form a recurring visual theme across the collection.
Patani has previously been seen favouring relaxed and oversized clothing in her off-duty appearances, and DZ appears to build on that personal style. DZ focuses on oversized and offbeat fashion The new label focuses on baggy silhouettes and designs aimed at those looking to experiment with casual fashion. Its collection incorporates motifs and graphics inspired by outer space, aliens and other unconventional themes.
With DZ, Patani is also bringing her personal interest in offbeat fashion into a business venture. The brand is currently available through its website, where customers can explore its collection.
The launch adds another dimension to Patani's career as she expands beyond acting and enters the fashion and lifestyle space.
Also Read: Disha Patani reflects on 10 Years in Bollywood; says, “I don’t want to be defined by one particular kind of role or image”
read moreVarun Sharma and makers of Naam – To Live Is War part ways amid scheduling commitments
Actor Varun Sharma, who was all set to star in the upcoming action thriller Naam – To Live Is War, and the makers Utsav Entertainment have arrived at a mutual understanding regarding the collaboration, keeping in view existing professional commitments and scheduling considerations.
Due to Varun’s existing professional commitments and scheduling considerations, accommodating the project at this time has become challenging. Following thoughtful discussions and careful consideration, both the actor and the makers have mutually agreed on a practical course of action, keeping their respective professional commitments in mind.
The actor and the makers share, “We were genuinely looking forward to this collaboration and exploring the opportunity to work together. However, given the existing professional commitments and scheduling considerations, we felt it was best to take a considered and practical decision at this stage. While things may not align this time, we hope to find an opportunity to collaborate in the future when circumstances are more conducive. We wish the entire team the very best and hope the film receives immense love and success.”
Also Read: EXCLUSIVE: Himesh Reshammiya to compose music for Veer Pahariya’s Naam – To Live Is War; reunites with Mahesh Bhatt after 16 years
read moreSudhir Mishra SLAMS IndiGo after luggage containing his medicines is left behind in Delhi: “Extremely disappointing and frustrating”
National Award-winning filmmaker Sudhir Mishra has expressed disappointment with IndiGo after his luggage was left behind in Delhi during his journey to Dharamshala. The director shared the experience on X on October 28, explaining that the missing bag contained his medicines and other essentials.
Mishra said he was informed about the baggage issue after arriving in Dharamshala. According to his post, he was later told that the luggage would be sent to him via Chandigarh and was expected to arrive by the evening.
Taking to X, the filmmaker wrote, “I’ve come to Dharamshala for the next few days, flying @IndiGo6E from Delhi. Upon arrival, I was told my luggage had been left behind in Delhi. Now I’m told it’ll reach me via Chandigarh by evening. All my medicines and essentials are in that bag. Extremely disappointing and frustrating.”
Following Mishra's post, IndiGo responded on X and apologised for the inconvenience. The airline said it had arranged priority delivery of his baggage.
I've come to Dharamshala for the next few days, flying @IndiGo6E from Delhi. Upon arrival, I was told my luggage had been left behind in Delhi. Now I'm told it'll reach me via Chandigarh by evening. All my medicines and essentials are in that bag. Extremely disappointing and frustrating. @IndiGo6E
— Sudhir Mishra (@IAmSudhirMishra) October 28, 2026
Sudhir Mishra's upcoming film project Mishra is known for directing films such as Hazaaron Khwaishein Aisi and Dharavi. In 2026, he is also working on a film tentatively titled Gandhi and My Mother, featuring Manoj Bajpayee as Mahatma Gandhi and produced by Anubhav Sinha. Waheeda Rehman is also part of the project.
The film reportedly focuses on a lesser-known 21-day period around India's Independence. Further details about the project are awaited.
Also Read: Manoj Bajpayee to play Mahatma Gandhi for the first time in Sudhir Mishra’s next
read moreCould Yash’s Ravana steal the thunder from Ranbir Kapoor’s Lord Ram? The STAR POWER battle inside Ramayana
Ramayana is being positioned as one of the grandest films ever mounted in Indian cinema. With Ranbir Kapoor playing Lord Rama, Sai Pallavi portraying Goddess Sita and Yash taking on the role of Ravana, Nitesh Tiwari’s ambitious project brings together some of the industry’s biggest names.
But beyond its scale and technological ambition, the film presents a fascinating star-power experiment. Can Yash, who became a pan-Indian phenomenon through KGF, attract as much attention as Ranbir Kapoor, the actor playing the central protagonist?
The question isn’t about which character is more important to the story. Lord Rama is the moral and narrative centre of the epic, while Ravana represents its formidable opposition. Rather, it concerns an interesting phenomenon in commercial cinema. Audiences are often fascinated by a larger-than-life antagonist.
Hindi cinema has a long history of memorable villains. Gabbar Singh, Mogambo and several other iconic antagonists continue to occupy an extraordinary place in popular culture. In more recent years, major action films have relied increasingly on powerful adversaries whose personalities, appearances and dramatic entrances become central attractions. Yash’s casting brings another dimension to this tradition.
Through KGF, the Kannada superstar demonstrated that an actor could transcend linguistic boundaries and become popular across the country. Rocky Bhai’s appeal rested on his attitude, dialogue delivery, visual presentation and larger-than-life personality. Now Yash is stepping into an altogether different universe.
Ravana is not a conventional action-film villain. He is a complex mythological figure traditionally depicted as immensely powerful, knowledgeable and accomplished, but ultimately brought down by his own choices. For Yash, this offers an opportunity to create a character that combines physical presence with dramatic complexity.
Ranbir, meanwhile, faces a different challenge. Portraying Lord Rama requires restraint, dignity, composure and emotional depth. The character’s appeal cannot depend entirely on spectacular dialogue or aggressive screen presence.
In that sense, Ramayana represents two contrasting forms of stardom. Yash’s existing mass appeal could be well suited to Ravana’s imposing personality. Ranbir’s strength as an actor lies in his ability to communicate vulnerability, internal conflict and emotion. If the film is successful, audiences could be drawn to both for different reasons.
There is also the geographical dimension. Ranbir is an established Hindi film star with major domestic successes, including Sanju, Brahmastra and Animal. Yash, on the other hand, enjoys an especially strong identity in the Kannada market and has demonstrated considerable appeal beyond it.
By bringing them together, the makers have created an opportunity to attract Hindi speaking viewers, South Indian audiences and overseas moviegoers through a single project.
The overseas market could be particularly interesting. Ramayana has been positioned as an international event, and early advance ticket reports have indicated interest outside India.
However, separating the commercial contribution of Ranbir and Yash will be difficult. A ticket purchased for Ramayana isn’t necessarily a vote for one actor over the other. Audiences may be attracted by the mythology, music, visual effects, director, production scale or the ensemble cast.
Even social-media engagement can be misleading. A character reveal attracting enormous online attention does not automatically prove that those viewers will purchase tickets.
The more revealing indicators would be territory wise theatrical performance, the response to the individual character portrayals and whether the film expands the actors’ existing audiences.
There is also a larger possibility worth considering. Rather than overshadowing each other, Ranbir and Yash could strengthen each other’s appeal. A compelling hero becomes even more interesting when confronted by an equally compelling antagonist.
Indeed, some of cinema’s most memorable confrontations work precisely because neither side appears dramatically insignificant.
Ultimately, the question of whether Yash steals the show cannot be answered before the film releases. But the casting has already created a rare situation: two enormous stars, from different film industries, occupying opposing sides of one of India’s most celebrated stories.
That may prove to be one of Ramayana’s greatest commercial strengths. The film doesn’t necessarily need one superstar to defeat the other. It needs both to deliver a confrontation worthy of the epic.
Also Read: Before Ranbir Kapoor, only THIS actor has played Lord Rama and Lord Parshurama in the same project
read moreAnushka Sen joins Bonkers Corner as brand ambassador
Actor Anushka Sen has been named brand ambassador for fashion label Bonkers Corner, marking another association for the actor in the fashion and lifestyle space.
Known for her work across television and digital platforms, Anushka has also built a presence in fashion through her contemporary style. Her association with Bonkers Corner comes as the brand continues to focus on streetwear and casual clothing.
The partnership is part of a wider campaign by Bonkers Corner centred on brand authenticity and the issue of counterfeit products. The campaign also features Major Rishabh Singh Sambyal (Retd.) and entrepreneur Namita Thapar, bringing together personalities from different fields to highlight the importance of protecting genuine brands and their identity.
Bonkers Corner offers streetwear and everyday clothing inspired by contemporary fashion trends. Its collections focus on casual silhouettes and designs aimed at younger consumers.
For Anushka, the association adds to her work beyond acting, bringing her closer to the fashion and lifestyle segment. However, further details about the campaign, including its rollout and the specific initiatives planned around counterfeit products, have not been shared in the announcement.
Also Read: Anushka Sen bonds with Jeju Olle co-star Kang Hyung-Suk as film premieres at Newport Beach Film Festival in North America
read moreEXCLUSIVE: Bombay High Court sets aside IMPPA’s award against Nikhil Dwivedi’s Saffron Magicworks
In a significant legal victory for producer Nikhil Dwivedi’s Saffron Magicworks, the Bombay High Court has set aside an award dated July 3, 2026, passed by the Indian Motion Picture Producers’ Association (IMPPA) against the production house, bringing the proceedings in the present suit to an end.
According to a statement issued by Saffron Magicworks, the court set aside the impugned award passed by IMPPA’s Dispute Resolution Committee (DRC), with the court recording that the suit stood disposed of and nothing further survived for consideration in the pending applications.
The development follows an interim order dated September 9, 2026, passed by Justice Arif S Doctor, under which the court had restrained IMPPA from declaring Saffron Magicworks a defaulter consequent to the disputed award until further orders.
The September order had also recorded a statement made on instructions by counsel for Defendant No. 2 that the party would not act upon the impugned award.
Saffron Magicworks had approached the High Court challenging the award passed through IMPPA’s dispute resolution mechanism and seeking protection against its implementation and the consequences that could follow from it.
In its latest order dated October 23, 2026, Justice Arif S Doctor specifically addressed IMPPA’s position, observing that since the association’s own committee had passed the purported award, IMPPA could not be aggrieved by its setting aside.
The Court further recorded that IMPPA, despite having been served, had not entered an appearance on any date during the proceedings.
The latest development assumes significance against the backdrop of the disagreement between the parties over the interpretation of the court’s earlier directions.
Saffron Magicworks has alleged that IMPPA’s public statement on the proceedings was materially misleading on the central question of whether the association had been restrained by the court. The production house’s position was that the September 9 order expressly prohibited IMPPA from declaring it a defaulter on the basis of the July 3 award.
The production house further maintained that any suggestion that the court had imposed no such restraint was inconsistent with the wording of paragraph four of the order.
The dispute had thus extended beyond the award itself to the interpretation and public representation of the court’s directions. With the award now set aside, the latest order marks a decisive development in Saffron Magicworks’ challenge to the proceedings initiated through IMPPA’s dispute resolution mechanism.
The Court disposed of the suit and pending applications, leaving open the rights, contentions and remedies available to the parties under law.
Advocates Rashmin Khandekar, Dhruva Gandhi, Madhu Gadodia, Vivek Dwivedi, Vinita Dandekar and Aryan Garg, instructed by Anand and Naik, appeared for Saffron Magicworks, along with the production house’s Chief Legal Officer, Kartikeya Desai.
Also Read: BREAKING: Nikhil Dwivedi’s Saffron Magicworks secures a Bombay High Court restraining order against IMPPA
read moreSalim Merchant buys commercial property in Mumbai for Rs 12.85 crores: Report
Music composer and singer Salim Merchant has purchased a commercial property in Mumbai’s Santacruz West for Rs 12.85 crores, according to property registration documents accessed by CRE Matrix. The transaction was registered on October 7, 2026, with Salim Merchant among five buyers involved in the deal. The buyers paid Rs 77.10 lakhs in stamp duty, which amounts to 6% of the stated transaction value.
Salim Merchant holds 50% stake in property According to the registration documents, Salim Merchant holds a 50% ownership share in the property. The remaining four buyers each hold a 12.5% stake. The property was purchased from Shreeja Devcon Private Limited and comprises commercial premises spread across the ground and first floors of DLH Mangal Murti in Santacruz West.
The combined carpet area of the two floors is 1,285 sq ft. The ground floor accounts for 575 sq ft, while the first floor has a carpet area of 710 sq ft. The agreement also includes one car parking space. Property deal works out to around Rs 1 lakh per sq ft Based on the reported transaction value of Rs 12.85 crores and the total carpet area of 1,285 sq ft, the property was acquired at approximately Rs 1 lakh per sq ft of carpet area. The deal adds to the list of high-value property transactions involving celebrities in Mumbai, where commercial and residential real estate continues to see significant activity in premium neighbourhoods.
The registration documents state that the agreement was executed with Shreeja Devcon Private Limited and formally registered on October 7.
Also Read: Salim Merchant reacts to A.R. Rahman’s ‘communal bias’ remark: “If he’s composing for Ramayana, I don’t think there is any problem”
read moreRamayana producer Namit Malhotra calls Los Angeles premiere his “Oscar moment” ahead of November 5 release
Producer Namit Malhotra spoke about his journey of bringing Ramayana to an international audience as the film held its Los Angeles premiere at the David Geffen Theater inside the Academy Museum of Motion Pictures. Addressing the gathering, Malhotra described the screening as a significant moment in his career and reflected on his journey from starting a post-production company to producing an ambitious adaptation of the Indian epic. He also introduced director Nitesh Tiwari and the film’s lead cast, including Ranbir Kapoor, Sai Pallavi and Yash.
“I wanted to host this evening at the Academy Theatre because this is my Oscar moment,” Malhotra said during his address. Namit Malhotra reflects on his journey Malhotra also spoke about his association with Los Angeles and his work in visual effects through DNEG. He noted that the company has won eight Academy Awards, including seven over the past 11 years, for its collaborations with filmmakers such as Christopher Nolan and Denis Villeneuve.
Reflecting on his beginnings, he said, “For a third generation film family background, garage startup kid at 19 with an Apple computer working with three of his teachers who are all of 21, Merzin, Prakash and Josefa, this is what dreams are made of and what better place to share this moment than the city of Angels, Los Angeles.”
Malhotra also recalled moving to Los Angeles in 2007 as part of his efforts to build a company that could connect Indian and international film industries. “In my pursuit of building a global company and connecting the east and the west I set foot in LA in 2007 and haven't looked back since,” he said.
He further spoke about the financial difficulties he faced during the 2008 crisis and how the experience shaped his journey. “An immigrant who lost 90% of his wealth with the fun times in 2008 as I'm sure some of you may remember to bounce back today and being able to bring the biggest independent production in the world the Ramayana, I can't even tell you what it feels like to stand here today,” he said. Ranbir Kapoor, Sai Pallavi and Yash introduced at premiere During his address, Malhotra brought the film's key collaborators on stage. He introduced Nitesh Tiwari as the director, Ranbir Kapoor as Lord Ram and Sai Pallavi as Sita. “As you all can see Ram without Sita does not work. So please welcome Sai Pallavi,” he said.
He then introduced Yash, who plays Ravana in the film, saying, “And the reason that you know this film happened or the conflict happened is because they have to fight Raavan, and that is the rocking star Yash.” Malhotra also acknowledged the contribution of international and Indian talent involved in the project, including composer Hans Zimmer and choreographer Terry Notary. Namit Malhotra calls it a collaboration between India and the West Speaking about the larger vision behind Ramayana, Malhotra said the film brought together talent from both India and the West. “I stand here to showcase the best of India and the best of the west working together to create a motion picture that means more to billions of people around the world than you all can imagine,” he said.
He also thanked his family, collaborators, backers and the Sony Pictures team for supporting the project. The Los Angeles premiere reportedly drew a large gathering of guests, with the primary screening at the 945-seat David Geffen Theater described by the makers as oversubscribed. The team also arranged an additional screening space to accommodate guests.
Ramayana stars Ranbir Kapoor as Lord Rama, Sai Pallavi as Sita, Yash as Ravana, Sunny Deol as Hanuman and Ravi Dubey as Lakshman. Directed by Nitesh Tiwari, the film is being produced by Namit Malhotra's Prime Focus Studios in collaboration with DNEG and Yash's Monster Mind Creations.
The two-part film is scheduled to begin with Part 1 on November 5, 2026, followed by Part 2 in Diwali 2027. The film is planned for release in Hindi, Tamil, Telugu, Kannada and Malayalam, with Sony Pictures handling its international distribution.
Also Read: “Please don’t try to find small faults in VFX”: Yash makes an EMOTIONAL appeal at Ramayana event; urges fans to “PROTECT” Namit Malhotra
read moreSCOOP: Godzilla Minus Zero's India release likely to be PUSHED to November 20 due to Ramayana's two-week IMAX exclusivity
Bollywood Hungama has been at the forefront of reporting developments surrounding Godzilla Minus Zero. Last month, we spoke exclusively to Kamal Gianchandani, Chief Business Planning & Strategy at PVR INOX Limited and CEO of PVR INOX Pictures Limited, who confirmed that the much-awaited film would release in India. Earlier this month, we informed readers that Godzilla Minus Zero was expected to release in India in the same week as the rest of the world, on November 6. However, there has now been a change of plans.
Yesterday, October 27, the social media handle of PVR INOX Pictures shared the poster of Godzilla Minus Zero. This marks the first official communication from the distribution company confirming that the film will indeed be released in India. Moreover, the poster mentions 'Filmed for IMAX', hinting that the film will also get an IMAX release in the country. However, the exact release date is yet to be announced. The poster simply mentions 'Only in theatres this November'.
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A trade source told Bollywood Hungama, "Godzilla Minus Zero is a film made for IMAX. So is Ramayana. Ramayana is a local film and has a two-week exclusivity window on IMAX screens in India. Hence, if PVR INOX has mentioned IMAX on the poster and in the caption of its social media post, one can assume that Godzilla Minus Zero will most likely release in India two weeks later, on November 20 as Ramayana arrives on the big screen on November 5. However, they are still discussing whether they can release the film on November 20 or somehow bring the film to cinemas on November 13. An official announcement should arrive soon."
Bollywood Hungama had earlier reported that Godzilla Minus Zero would get limited showcasing in India's IMAX properties. This means that at most IMAX cinemas, it is likely to get just one show, while the remaining shows will be allotted to Ramayana. When asked about this, the trade source replied, "Yes, that's what is expected to happen, though a final call will be taken closer to the release."
Nevertheless, fans are overjoyed with the announcement by PVR INOX Pictures. The source remarked, "For almost two weeks, fans in India were speculating whether Godzilla Minus Zero would even release in India. As a result, this update was much needed."
Meanwhile, an industry insider pointed out, "The Hunger Games: Sunrise On The Reaping is also scheduled for release on November 20. This is also an IMAX film and is expected to release in the premium format in India. Moreover, Ramayana will be running very successfully in its third week, if all goes well. So, it'll be a challenge to divide shows between these three films in the third week of November, should The Hunger Games: Sunrise On The Reaping also release in IMAX."
Also Read: SCOOP: Ramayana expected to have paid previews on November 4; Godzilla Minus Zero to get limited showcasing in IMAX in India
read moreVardhaan Puri to star in Param Veer, a film based on the 1971 Battle of Gangasagar
Vardhaan Puri will headline Param Veer, an upcoming film set during the 1971 Indo-Pakistan War. The film’s title and poster have been unveiled, introducing a project centred on the Battle of Gangasagar and the soldiers who fought in it. The film is produced and directed by Sumant Raturi, with Sagar Gowda serving as co-producer. It is being backed by HVJ Media and Myradha Motion Pictures. Further details about the cast, storyline and release date have not yet been announced.
Speaking about his association with the project, Vardhaan said the film had become a personal experience over the past year and had deepened his appreciation for the sacrifices made by members of the armed forces and their families. “Being a part of the film Param Veer has been an experience that has touched, moved, and inspired me in ways I could never have imagined. What began as a film has, over the past year, become a deeply personal and transformative journey,” the actor said.
He added that working on a story centred on soldiers had strengthened his respect for their service and the sacrifices made by their families. “Working on this film has given me a profound sense of gratitude and an even greater respect for our soldiers and their families, who make extraordinary sacrifices for our nation,” Vardhaan said.
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Vardhaan Puri on the Battle of Gangasagar The actor also acknowledged director Sumant Raturi’s approach to the project and the team's work on bringing the historical subject to the screen. “Sumant Sir’s vision, along with the love and conviction with which the entire team has brought this story to life, makes this film incredibly special. I am truly excited for the audiences to experience the film and the spirit behind the film,” he said.
Reflecting on the significance of the Battle of Gangasagar, Vardhaan described the film as an opportunity to revisit the experiences of soldiers whose contributions deserve to be remembered. “The legend of The Battle of Gangasagar is not just a story from our history; it is a tribute to the bravehearts who shaped it, and a reminder that behind every soldier’s sacrifice are countless stories of courage, love, and dedication that deserve to be remembered,” he added.
With Param Veer, Vardhaan takes on a project rooted in India's military history. The makers are yet to share further information about his character, the rest of the cast and the film's theatrical release.
Also Read: Vardhaan Puri calls monsoon ‘The most cinematic season’; recalls cherished childhood memories
read moreShah Rukh Khan and Kareena Kapoor Khan to recreate 'Chammak Challo'-style energy for King song: Report
Kareena Kapoor Khan is reportedly set to reunite with Shah Rukh Khan for a special dance number in the upcoming film King. The song is expected to be shot in Mumbai from October 27, with choreographer Vaibhavi Merchant overseeing the sequence.
According to a source, the track will draw on the energetic style of Shah Rukh and Kareena’s song 'Chammak Challo' from Ra.One. International dancers are also reportedly being brought in for the sequence, which is being planned on a large scale.
The reported collaboration will bring the actors together on the dance floor once again. Shah Rukh and Kareena have previously shared screen space in films including Asoka, Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham and Ra.One. Shah Rukh Khan’s KING to release in December KING is scheduled to arrive in theatres on December 24, 2026. The film recently unveiled its first poster, featuring Shah Rukh in a rugged look.
Details about Kareena’s role in the film and the dance number have not been officially confirmed in the information available. If the reported sequence goes ahead as planned, it will reunite the actors for a musical set piece that recalls their earlier on-screen pairing.
Also Read: Kareena Kapoor Khan joins Shah Rukh Khan starrer King for a special dance number: Report
read moreImran Khan gets interim relief as Bombay High Court puts FRRO’s ‘Leave India Notice’ on hold till November 2
The Bombay High Court on Tuesday put on hold a notice issued by the Foreigners Regional Registration Office (FRRO) directing actor Imran Khan to leave India by October 28. The court’s order will remain in effect until November 2, when the matter is scheduled to be heard again.
A Division Bench comprising Chief Justice Mahesh Chandra Tripathi and Justice Advait Sethna passed the direction after the Central government sought more time to respond to Khan’s petition. The Centre’s counsel also assured the court that no coercive action would be taken against the actor in the interim.
During the hearing, the Additional Solicitor General (ASG), representing the Centre, requested that the matter be listed on Monday, November 2. Senior Advocate Venkatesh Dhond, appearing for Khan, pointed out that the actor had been directed to leave India the following day under the FRRO notice.
The ASG subsequently assured the bench that no action would be taken against Khan before the next hearing. The court then adjourned the matter and ordered that the challenged FRRO directive remain suspended until the next hearing. Why Imran Khan approached the Bombay High Court Khan filed his petition on October 17, seeking to quash the FRRO’s October 14 “Leave India Notice”. He also sought interim protection against deportation, lookout notices and interference with his Overseas Citizen of India (OCI) status.
The notice followed Khan’s brief detention by the police after he participated in protests against Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar. A complaint was also filed by BJP leader Kirit Somaiya over alleged public-order violations.
In his petition, Khan argued that the FRRO issued the notice because he had attempted to attend the protest. He alleged that the authorities acted hastily and without giving him a prior hearing, claiming that political pressure and social media campaigns had influenced the decision.
Khan further contended that the authorities had bypassed the safeguards provided under Section 7D of the Citizenship Act, which governs the cancellation of OCI registration. Separate notice issued over OCI status On October 17, the FRRO also issued a show-cause notice under Section 7D concerning the possible cancellation of Khan’s OCI status. However, this separate notice has not been challenged in the current petition, according to the details of the case.
Khan has also asked the court to direct the authorities to produce internal records relating to the decision to issue the notice.
The matter is scheduled to be heard again on November 2 at 3 pm. Until then, the FRRO’s direction requiring Khan to leave India remains on hold.
Also Read: Aamir Khan meets Raj Thackeray as Imran Khan challenges leave India notice in Bombay High Court
read moreGondhal trailer out: Santosh Davakhar’s Oscar-submitted film to release in seven languages on November 13, 2026
The global trailer of Gondhal, directed by Santosh Davakhar, has been released ahead of the film’s worldwide theatrical release on November 13, 2026. The psychological thriller, which is India’s official submission for the 99th Academy Awards in the Best International Feature Film category, will release in seven languages: Hindi, Marathi, Tamil, Telugu, Malayalam, Kannada and English.
According to the makers, the multilingual release will cover markets including India, the US, the UK, Europe, Australia, Dubai and Africa. The film’s makers have described it as the first Marathi film to receive a seven-language global theatrical rollout.
Set against the cultural traditions of Maharashtra, Gondhal follows newlyweds Suman and Anandrao, whose lives take an unsettling turn as personal desires, marital responsibilities and devotion begin to intersect. The trailer offers glimpses of the couple’s strained circumstances and a series of mysterious events that form the basis of the psychological thriller. Santosh Davakhar on bringing Gondhal to a global audience Speaking about the film’s international reach, writer-director Santosh Davakhar said he wanted to introduce audiences to a lesser-seen aspect of Indian culture through the story.
“Global perceptions of Indian cinema are often shaped by narratives of poverty and caste conflict – important realities, but not the complete expression of India. Gondhal is not a film but generations of culture, people, traditions coming together. Getting the world to know about this tradition is something that makes me immensely happy,” he said.
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Davakhar also spoke about the role of international film platforms in bringing regional stories to audiences beyond their place of origin. “Global festivals like academy awards help filmmakers to bring forth the ethnicity of our very roots across continents and not only in India. To experience India in its truest form. I created this film to bring one such powerful tradition to the global screen through a culturally authentic and universal cinematic language,” he added. Gondhal’s Oscar journey and cast Gondhal has been selected as India’s official submission for the 99th Academy Awards in the Best International Feature Film category. The makers have also said the film is being considered in multiple categories, although further details about those submissions have not been specified.
Davakhar previously won the Silver Peacock for Best Director at the 56th International Film Festival of India (IFFI). The festival jury described Gondhal as “like a Shakespearean fable set in a real world.”
The film stars Ishita Deshmukh, Kishor Kadam, Yogesh Sohani and Nishad Bhoir. It is produced by Santosh Davakhar and Diksha Davakhar under the banner of Davakhar Films, with cinematography by Amalendu Chaudhary. The film opens with a 25-minute unbroken take, according to the makers.
Gondhal is scheduled to arrive in theatres worldwide on November 13, 2026.
Also Read: After Oscar entry, Hombale Films brings acclaimed Marathi film Gondhal to global audiences
read moreGanesh Acharya turns lyricist for the first time with ‘Kar Mehnat’, sung by Sonu Nigam
Choreographer and filmmaker Ganesh Acharya has turned lyricist for the first time with ‘Kar Mehnat’, an inspirational song from his upcoming directorial venture Ganesh: Dust to Stardust. Sung by Sonu Nigam and composed by Junaid Kumar, the track focuses on hard work, perseverance and the determination to pursue one’s goals despite challenges.
The song comes ahead of the film’s theatrical release on December 11, 2026. Acharya, who has spent decades working across choreography, acting and filmmaking, has now added songwriting to his creative pursuits by penning the lyrics for the track.
Speaking about the song, Acharya said, “‘Kar Mehnat’ is a very special song for me because, for the first time, I have written lyrics for a song in my own film. I have always believed that there is no substitute for hard work. No matter who you are or where you come from, everyone has dreams, and everyone faces challenges. This song is for every person who is working hard to achieve something in life. I believe people will connect with its emotions and message because, in some way, it reflects what we all experience. Having Sonu Nigam lend his voice to my words makes it even more special.”
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Sonu Nigam on singing ‘Kar Mehnat’ Sonu Nigam said the song’s message and lyrics appealed to him, particularly because of their focus on everyday experiences and the importance of staying committed to one’s goals.
Sharing his thoughts, the singer said, “‘Kar Mehnat’ carries a beautiful and meaningful message. Hard work, patience and perseverance are emotions that everyone can relate to, regardless of their profession or background. What I particularly liked was the sincerity of the lyrics. Ganesh ji has expressed something very simple yet powerful, and I feel that is what will connect with listeners. I am happy to be associated with a song that encourages people to keep believing in themselves and their dreams.”
The collaboration brings together Acharya’s first attempt at writing song lyrics and Nigam’s vocals for a track centred on determination and ambition. About Ganesh: Dust to Stardust Ganesh: Dust to Stardust is written and directed by Ganesh Acharya and produced by Soundarya Acharya under V2S Production & Entertainment. The screenplay and dialogues are by Digangana Suryavanshi and Acharya, while Junaid Kumar has composed the music and background score. The film also features lyrics by Sameer Anjaan alongside Acharya.
The technical team includes cinematographer Ajay Pandey, editor Rakesh Ram and production designers Amrish Yamanappa Patange and Daya Vanniyar of Red Ameise. Acharya and his team have handled the choreography.
The film is scheduled to release in theatres on December 11, 2026.
Also Read: Ganesh Dust To Stardust trailer out: Akshay Kumar, Ajay Devgn, Ranveer Singh and others cheer for Ganesh Acharya’s directorial debut
read moreSCOOP: Salman Khan’s Maatrubhumi STILL awaits CBFC screening despite government clearance; November 13 release eyed to avoid clashes with Yeh Prem Mol Liya, Gunmaaster G9, Eetha
Bollywood Hungama has been at the forefront of reporting developments surrounding Salman Khan's much-awaited Maatrubhumi. The film was initially announced as Battle Of Galwan before being rechristened Maatrubhumi earlier this year. Based on the 2020 conflict between India and China, the film reportedly encountered hurdles over its content and references to China, especially in light of the improving diplomatic relations between the two countries. Recently, we reported a major development wherein the film reportedly received clearance from the government. However, almost a month later, Maatrubhumi is still awaiting certification from the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC).
A trade source told Bollywood Hungama, “The makers of Maatrubhumi applied for censor certification at the beginning of October. However, the CBFC hasn't given them a date for the film's screening. There was an assurance that the screening would take place on Monday, October 26. However, it did not happen. Salman Khan flew to Delhi a few times to request the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting to facilitate the screening.”
The source continued, “Salman Khan is not asking for any special favours. He has made the changes that the Ministry wanted and has followed all the rules while applying for certification. He aims to release the film in cinemas next month and hence, wants the CBFC to view the film at the earliest.”
Bollywood Hungama had also informed readers that Salman Khan was keen to bring Maatrubhumi to cinemas on November 13. When asked whether the plan was still on, the source replied, “The plan is very much on, subject to the CBFC issuing the certificate in time.”
Explaining the reason behind Salman Khan's preference for November 13, the source revealed, “Bhai doesn't believe in clashes and no other film has taken the November 13 slot. Moreover, Rajshri Productions' Yeh Prem Mol Liya and the much awaited Emraan Hashmi-starrer Gunmaaster G9 are scheduled for release on November 27. Salman is clear that he wants to release Maatrubhumi two weeks before this film so that all the three films can do well at the ticket window. As a result, he ruled out a November 20 release. He has also made it clear that he won't clash with Yeh Prem Mol Liya as it is directed by Sooraj Barjatya, who is like family to him.”
The source further stated, “December 4 was also considered. However, Jio Studios is distributing Maatrubhumi and is also releasing the Shraddha Kapoor-starrer Eetha on the same date. They explained that it wouldn't be possible for them to release two films on the same day, and Salman found their point valid. Hence, November 13 seemed like the most suitable date. Now, it all depends on the CBFC and whether the film gets certified in time.”
Also Read: The curious case of two ‘anti-China films’: Why did Maatrubhumi face hurdles while 4 Rivers 6 Ranges secured CBFC clearance?
read moreCID producer BP Singh dies of heart attack; Ashoke Pandit pays tribute, calls him “a brilliant filmmaker”
Filmmaker and television producer BP Singh, best known for producing the popular crime shows CID and Aahat, has passed away following a heart attack. Filmmaker Ashoke Pandit shared the news on social media on Tuesday, October 27, and paid tribute to Singh, remembering him for his contribution to Indian television and their association through the Indian Film and Television Directors’ Association (IFTDA).
In his Instagram post, Pandit expressed grief over Singh’s demise and described him as a talented filmmaker whose work influenced generations of television professionals. “Sad to know about the demise of an ace Producer Director B.P.Singh ji due to massive heart attack today early morning,” Pandit wrote.
He further remembered Singh for creating crime and horror shows that became familiar names among Indian television audiences. “A brilliant filmmaker who captivated the nation with his crime shows C.I.D and AAhat. His work is still & will continue to be a an inspiration to generations to come,” he added. Ashoke Pandit remembers his association with BP Singh Pandit also spoke about his personal association with Singh, recalling their time working together when Singh served as president of the Indian Film and Television Directors’ Association. “Was fortunate to be a very close associate of him when he was the President of @iftda_. A great human being & a dear friend,” Pandit wrote.
He added that Singh would be remembered for his contributions to the entertainment industry and offered condolences to his family and loved ones. “Will always be remembered with his contribution in the entertainment world. Heartfelt condolences to the family & near ones,” the filmmaker said.
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Singh was widely known for producing CID, one of Indian television’s longest-running crime series, and Aahat, a horror anthology that became popular with viewers. Through these shows, he helped establish crime and suspense as enduring genres on Indian television.
According to Pandit’s post, Singh’s last rites are scheduled to take place on October 28, with further details to be shared later.
Also Read: Ashoke Pandit REACTS to Tiger Shroff firing incident; says, “An atmosphere of fear has taken hold within our industry”
read moreAli Abbas Zafar wraps up shooting for Ahaan Panday-Sharvari starrer Beparwah; says returning to YRF feels like “coming back home”
Filmmaker Ali Abbas Zafar has wrapped up shooting for Beparwah, his upcoming romantic action-drama starring Ahaan Panday and Sharvari. The director announced the development on social media, sharing a behind-the-scenes video featuring pictures from the film’s sets in Punjab.
In his Instagram post, Zafar reflected on the experience of making the film and returning to Yash Raj Films (YRF), where he previously directed Sultan and Tiger Zinda Hai. He wrote, “It’s a Film Wrap on BEPARWAH In Punjab , it’s been an incredible emotion Journey , coming back to direct for @yrf feels like coming back home ❤️. Thank you to the entire Cast and Crew of the Film , can’t wait to bring this to Theatres . Rab Rakha .”
Sharvari, who stars in the film alongside Ahaan Panday, reacted to the post with a comment that read, “Sir! ♥️🧿🥹🤞🏻”
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Beparwah marks Ahaan Panday and Sharvari’s first on-screen pairing Beparwah brings Ahaan Panday and Sharvari together for the first time. The film marks another project for Panday following the attention he received for Saiyaara, while Sharvari continues to build her filmography with projects across genres.
The film’s title was announced by YRF along with a teaser poster, revealing its theatrical release date. Produced by Aditya Chopra and directed by Zafar, the romantic action-drama is scheduled to arrive in cinemas worldwide on March 26, 2027.
Zafar’s association with YRF includes Sultan, starring Salman Khan, and Tiger Zinda Hai, featuring Salman Khan and Katrina Kaif. With Beparwah, he returns to the production house for a new story that combines romance and action.
Also Read: 10 years of Sultan: Ali Abbas Zafar recalls Salman Khan agreeing to the film immediately; says, “It took him exactly 15 minutes”
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