Bollywood
Ektaa Kapoor hands over Wheel of Fortune prize money to support Rajpal Yadav
The team of Bhooth Bangla recently appeared on the television game show Wheel of Fortune, hosted by Akshay Kumar, where a moment involving Ektaa Kapoor and Rajpal Yadav drew attention during the promotional visit.
During the episode, Ektaa Kapoor chose to hand over the winning amount from the game to Rajpal Yadav as a gesture of support. The appearance also featured Wamiqa Gabbi alongside the team, making it a notable promotional stop ahead of the film’s release.
Bhooth Bangla marks the reunion of Akshay Kumar with director Priyadarshan. The actor-filmmaker duo has previously collaborated on several comedy titles that remain popular with audiences, and their coming together again has generated interest around the upcoming project.
The film is presented by Balaji Motion Pictures, a division of Balaji Telefilms Ltd, in association with Cape of Good Films. Apart from Akshay Kumar, Wamiqa Gabbi and Rajpal Yadav, the cast also includes Paresh Rawal, Tabu, Jisshu Sengupta and Mithila Palkar in key roles.
Directed by Priyadarshan and produced by Akshay Kumar, Shobha Kapoor and Ektaa Kapoor, Bhooth Bangla is scheduled to release in theatres on April 10, 2026.
Also Read: SCOOP: Ekta Kapoor-Tanuj Garg join hands for big political thriller; touches upon tragic Pahalgam attack
read moreRidhi Dogra fronts National Geographic India’s new travel series Postcards from Hong Kong
National Geographic India has announced a new two-episode travel series titled Postcards from Hong Kong, featuring Ridhi Dogra exploring a different perspective of Hong Kong beyond its familiar skyline and urban image. The series premieres on March 28 at 8 PM on National Geographic Channel and will also stream on JioHotstar.
Produced by National Geographic Creative Works, the show follows Ridhi as she travels through both well-known landmarks and lesser-seen locations across the city. The series highlights coastal landscapes, hiking trails and cultural experiences while also presenting everyday local life through interactions with guides and influencers.
In the first episode, Ridhi explores quieter and nature-focused destinations such as Sai Kung, Big Wave Bay, Dragon’s Back, Tai O, Ngong Ping, Po Lin Monastery and the Tian Tan Buddha. The journey reflects a slower and more reflective side of the city while also documenting her personal experience of travel and discovery.
The second episode shifts focus to the energetic side of Hong Kong. With 72 hours remaining in the city, Ridhi visits Causeway Bay, Happy Valley Racecourse and Michelin-recognised dining destinations, along with luxury shopping at Landmark. The episode captures the fast-paced character often associated with Hong Kong’s global identity.
Speaking about the experience, Ridhi Dogra said, “Being part of Postcards from Hong Kong with Nat Geo was a deeply enriching experience. What I love about this journey is that it goes beyond the obvious; it’s not just about the skyline or the speed of the city but about the stories that live in its quieter corners. From hiking through misty trails to understanding local traditions, I found myself connecting with Hong Kong in a way that felt real, immersive and meaningful.”
A spokesperson from National Geographic India said, “With Postcards from Hong Kong, we set out to go beyond the familiar and explore the city through a more intimate, human lens. At National Geographic, storytelling is rooted in depth and discovery, and our collaboration with Hong Kong Tourism Board reflects that ethos—bringing together local insights and global storytelling to showcase this exciting city in a whole new light. The series presents Hong Kong as a layered, living narrative, rich in culture, tradition, and unexpected experiences.”
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Hong Kong Tourism Board Director for South Asia Puneet Kumar added, “Postcards from Hong Kong is a reflection of meaningful storytelling that brings the city to life in an immersive way. We are delighted to see Hong Kong portrayed through such a fresh and nuanced lens. Through this collaboration with National Geographic, the series showcases a side of the city that many travellers are yet to discover—from scenic trails and coastal escapes to rich cultural traditions and vibrant local communities. It beautifully captures the diversity and spirit that define Hong Kong.”
The series also features experiences such as watching the Symphony of Lights aboard Aqua Luna, alongside explorations of local cuisine and neighbourhood spaces, presenting Hong Kong through a mix of travel, culture and personal storytelling
Also Read: Ridhi Dogra reflects on a tough decision in The 50 : “The guilt of not voting for your friends is too much”
read moreDouble dhamaka for Jio Studios: Ram Charan's Peddi set for April 30 release; Raja Shivaji arrives a day later on May 1
On the occasion of Ram Charan’s birthday, the makers of his upcoming film, Peddi, unveiled a fascinating ‘Peddi Pehelwan’ teaser. An earlier asset, which was released in 2025, showed Ram Charan as a village cricketer. Meanwhile, the newly released content focuses on wrestling and presents Ram Charan in a physically demanding role. What also stood out in the teaser was the mention of Jio Studios in the end slate.
According to reports and trade sources, Jio Studios has come on board to distribute Peddi in North India. This marks a significant move for the studio, as it will be the first time Jio releases a Pan-India film in the Hindi-speaking markets.
Besides Ram Charan, Peddi also stars Janhvi Kapoor, Shiva Rajkumar, Jagapathi Babu and Divyenndu. It is presented by Mythri Movie Makers and Sukumar Writings of Pushpa fame, produced by Venkata Satish Kilaru's Vriddhi Cinemas and directed by Buchi Babu Sana. The music is composed by A R Rahman.
Peddi releases on April 30. Interestingly, Raja Shivaji, produced by Jio Studios, releases a day later, on May 1. It is based on the life of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, with Riteish Deshmukh playing the titular role. Riteish is also the film’s director and it also stars Abhishek Bachchan, Sanjay Dutt, Bhagyashree, Fardeen Khan, Vidya Balan, Genelia Deshmukh, Mahesh Manjrekar, Sachin Khedekar, Amole Gupte and others. Salman Khan also features in the film in a cameo. Besides Jyoti Deshpande of Jio Studios, the historical is also produced by Riteish and Genelia Deshmukh’s Mumbai Film Company.
A trade source told Bollywood Hungama, “Two big films are releasing in the same week. But since Jio has backed both films, it will ensure that screen-sharing happens meticulously and that justice is done to both. It gives a déjà vu of the Oppenheimer-Barbie clash in July 2023. Warner Bros produced Barbie and also distributed Oppenheimer, which was backed by Universal Pictures. The way the showcasing was allocated was praiseworthy, and a similar scenario is expected to unfold in May.”
Also Read: Ram Charan drops new ‘Peddi Pehelwan’ look unveiled; makers unveil this wrestler transformation
read moreShubman Gill buys Rs 20.7 crores apartment in Mumbai’s Juhu from Jackky Bhagnani and Vashu Bhagnani
Ace cricketer Shubman Gill has recently purchased a luxurious apartment worth Rs.20.7 crore in Mumbai's Juhu area as per the property registration documents accessed by Zapkey.com. The cricketer purchased the property from Puja Leisure and Lifestyle, a firm whose partners are Bollywood actor-producer Jackky Bhagnani, Vashu Bhagnani and Puja Bhagnani.
The opulent apartment is situated on the 12th floor of Puja Luminaire, a residential building on Juhu Tara Road. The documents state that Shubman Gill has purchased an entire 12th floor, with a RERA carpet area of a whopping 3,369 sq.ft.
The Bhagnani name has long been associated with Bollywood and luxury living. Vashu Bhagnani has built a legacy in films, while his son Jackky Bhagnani is shouldering that legacy forward. On 29th August last year, the father-son duo performed the Bhumi Poojan ceremony of their luxury project Puja Luminaire, in the heart of Juhu.
“Luxury is a part of our DNA”, Jackky Bhagnani had stated earlier. And his vision towards creating luxurious properties only reflects Mumbai’s lifestyle, one that balances aspirational living spaces and opulence.
Also Read: Rakul Preet Singh and Jackky Bhagnani launch global brands easyGym, 5àsec and Blenz Coffee in India
read morePalak Tiwari joins Abhishek Sharma for new Gillette campaign
Actor Palak Tiwari and cricketer Abhishek Sharma have come together for a brand-new advertisement, and their collaboration is already grabbing attention online.
The duo was recently spotted shooting for the ad, and now that it’s out, fans are loving this fresh crossover between entertainment and cricket. Bringing together two young and rising names from different fields, the campaign creates a natural buzz.
Abhishek, who has been steadily making his mark on the cricket field, teams up with Palak, who continues to stay visible with brand shoots and appearances. Their pairing feels new, youthful, and instantly engaging.
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Palak will soon make her OTT debut with Lukkhe. This young actress has been actively building her presence across projects and collaborations.
With such collaborations becoming more common, this ad stands out as a perfect blend of two worlds cricket and entertainment coming together in a way that gets audiences talking.
Also Read: From Shruti Haasan to Kalyani Priyadarshan to Palak Tiwari: The side part comeback we’re living for
read moreSara Arjun reveals that her project with Ishaan Khatter is not a movie
Footage of Dhurandhar star Sara Arjun and Homebound actor Ishaan Khatter shooting something together for filmmaker Zoya Akhtar has been widely circulating online, sparking curiosity among fans. The clips, which show the two actors in what appears to be a fun setup, led many to speculate that a new film collaboration was underway.
Social media was soon flooded with questions, with eager netizens wondering if the trio was quietly working on an upcoming project. However, the reality is far less dramatic than expected.
Much as one would hate to burst the bubble, there is no movie.
Clearing the air, Sara Arjun revealed the truth behind the viral visuals. “It’s an ad for Google AI. They’re trying to build hype for it,” she said. The campaign appears to be part of a larger promotional push highlighting advancements in artificial intelligence.
Also Read: Ishaan Khatter and Sara Arjun team up for new Tiger Baby project; Arjun Varain Singh to direct
read moreMohanlal receives interim protection for his personality rights from Delhi High Court; actor adds new defendants to suit
The Delhi High Court on Friday indicated that it will issue interim directions safeguarding the personality rights of Malayalam actor Mohanlal. The matter was heard by Justice Jyoti Singh, who also approved the actor’s request to include additional parties as defendants in his ongoing case.
This development follows an earlier hearing where the Court had allowed Mohanlal to withdraw his initial interim plea, while granting him the liberty to refile it with more detailed information. Acting on that liberty, the actor has now approached the Court again with a revised application.
During the latest proceedings, the Court directed Mohanlal to furnish a detailed note of the allegedly infringing links to the defendants involved in the case. The move is aimed at ensuring clarity on the specific instances where his personality rights are said to have been violated.
The Court has, in recent times, dealt with several similar matters concerning the unauthorised use of public figures’ identities. It had earlier issued a John Doe order protecting the personality rights of actor Sonakshi Sinha and yoga guru Ramdev. In comparable cases, coordinate benches have extended such protection to singer Jubin Nautiyal, Andhra Pradesh Deputy Chief Minister Pawan Kalyan, former cricketer Sunil Gavaskar, and actors Kajol, R. Madhavan, and Jr NTR. A similar plea has also been filed by Salman Khan.
In addition, courts have previously granted relief in favour of personalities such as Sri Sri Ravi Shankar, Nagarjuna, Aishwarya Rai Bachchan, Abhishek Bachchan, and filmmaker Karan Johar. More recently, journalist Sudhir Chaudhary secured protection against allegedly misleading AI-generated videos circulating online. A similar John Doe order was also passed in favour of podcaster Raj Shamani, with the Court noting his prominence in the digital content space.
On the professional front, Mohanlal has a packed slate of releases lined up. He will next be seen in Patriot, directed by Mahesh Narayanan, which also stars Mammootty and Kunchacko Boban. The political drama marks a rare collaboration between Mohanlal and Mammootty and is scheduled for a theatrical release on April 23, 2026. He is also working on an untitled project, L366, helmed by Tharun Moorthy which is currently in production. Another major project in his lineup is Drishyam 3, directed by Jeethu Joseph. The film is expected to conclude the widely followed story of Georgekutty, with Meena, Ansiba Hassan, and Esther Anil reprising their roles. It is currently targeting a release on May 21, 2026.
Apart from these, Mohanlal is also associated with Ram, a project that has been in development since the pandemic and is yet to hit theatres, along with a few other ventures in the pipeline.
Also Read: Drishyam 2 set for theatrical release on April 10 ahead of Drishyam 3 release in May
read moreMadhuri Dixit rents premium commercial space for Rs. 4.25 lakhs per month in South Mumbai
Actress Madhuri Dixit has added another notable investment to her portfolio, leasing a commercial property in Mumbai’s Lower Parel area. As per property registration documents reviewed by Square Yards on the official website of the Inspector General of Registration (IGR), Maharashtra, the transaction was registered in March 2026.
The actress has taken a unit on rent at One Lodha Place, a prominent commercial address in the city. The property spans a carpet area of 67.91 sq. m. (731 sq. ft.) and includes one dedicated car parking space. The agreement involved a stamp duty payment of Rs. 72,600 and registration charges of Rs. 1,000, along with a security deposit of Rs. 17 lakh.
According to the documents, the lease has been signed for a duration of 60 months (five years). The rental agreement begins with a monthly rent of Rs. 4.25 lakh for the first year. This amount is set to increase by 5 percent annually, reaching Rs. 4.46 lakh in the second year, Rs. 4.68 lakh in the third year, Rs. 4.91 lakh in the fourth year, and Rs. 5.16 lakh in the final year of the lease. The total rental outflow over the five-year term is estimated to be approximately Rs. 2.81 crore.
Lower Parel has emerged as one of Mumbai’s key commercial and lifestyle hubs, known for its mix of corporate spaces, residential developments, and retail destinations. Its central location and connectivity to business districts such as Bandra Kurla Complex, Nariman Point, and Worli continue to make it a preferred choice among professionals and high-net-worth individuals, including those from the entertainment industry.
Madhuri Dixit, one of Hindi cinema’s most celebrated performers, rose to fame with films like Tezaab, Dil, Hum Aapke Hain Koun..!, and Dil To Pagal Hai. Known for her acting and dance performances, she has remained active through television and digital projects. The actress will soon be seen with Triptii Dimri and Dharna Durga in Maa Behen that will stream on Netflix.
On the personal front, she is married to Dr. Shriram Nene, and the couple has two sons. Alongside her professional commitments, the actress continues to make strategic personal and financial decisions, with her latest commercial lease reflecting her ongoing presence in Mumbai’s business and entertainment landscape.
Also Read: Saree Diaries of Madhuri Dixit: 4 Stunning looks that redefine timeless elegance
read moreDeepak Tijori criticises CBFC over inconsistent censorship in Dhurandhar 2
Actor-director Deepak Tijori has raised concerns over censorship practices in the theatrical release of Dhurandhar 2: The Revenge, questioning what he describes as inconsistencies in how abusive language is handled across platforms.
In a recent statement, Tijori criticised the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) for “half-muting” cuss words in the film’s theatrical version. He said he was unable to understand the rationale behind partially censoring expletives instead of either muting them completely or leaving them intact. “I genuinely don’t understand this, why mute half the abuses and let the other half stay?” he remarked, adding that the approach appears arbitrary.
The filmmaker also pointed out that the film has already been granted an adults-only certification, questioning the purpose of such partial censorship. “Who exactly are we protecting here? And from what, half a word?” he said, highlighting what he views as a lack of clarity in the guidelines.
Tijori further flagged what he termed a “double standard” in censorship between theatrical and digital releases. He noted that while the cinema version features muted language, the same film is later released on OTT platforms without such alterations. “The same film releases on OTT completely unmuted, exactly as it was meant to be,” he said, suggesting that this undermines the logic of theatrical cuts.
According to him, this discrepancy may inadvertently expose younger audiences to unfiltered content at home, despite stricter controls in cinemas. He argued that the current system raises broader questions about the effectiveness and consistency of content regulation across viewing platforms.
Also Read: Deepak Tijori alleges he was cheated of Rs 2.5 lakhs in false funding promise, case registered: Reports
read moreKaithi vs Bholaa Row: Dream Warrior Pictures moves Bombay High Court over alleged copyright violation
A legal dispute has been brewing between the makers of the Hindi remake Bholaa starring Ajay Devgn and Tabu and the Tamil production house Dream Warrior Pictures who produced Karthi starrer Kaithi. The latter has approached the Bombay High Court, alleging infringement of copyright and remake rights linked to its original film Kaithi.
The matter was heard by a single-judge bench led by Justice Sharmila Deshmukh, who has currently reserved her decision on a preliminary issue—whether the Bombay High Court has the authority to hear the case. The producers of Bholaa have challenged the court’s jurisdiction, arguing that the dispute should be addressed elsewhere.
According to Dream Warrior Pictures, it produced and released Kaithi in October 2019 and retains complete ownership over the film’s intellectual property, including remake rights. The company stated that it later entered into multiple agreements regarding the Hindi adaptation, beginning with a collaboration involving a Reliance Group entity in early 2020.
A key agreement was signed on March 29, 2023, between Dream Warrior and Reliance Entertainment Studios, granting rights for the Hindi remake titled Bholaa. Under this deal, Dream Warrior claims it was to receive a fixed fee in instalments, along with additional earnings tied to the film’s performance. However, it alleges that only an initial payment of Rs.1 crore plus GST was made in April 2022.
The Hindi remake, starring Ajay Devgn, was released globally on March 30, 2023. Shortly after, on April 1, 2023, a second agreement was executed between Dream Warrior, Reliance, and Ajay Devgn Ffilms LLP. This arrangement reportedly granted all three parties joint ownership of remake rights, while leaving exploitation rights with Reliance.
Dream Warrior has claimed that subsequent payments due in April and May 2023 were never cleared. After repeated follow-ups over the next two years allegedly went unanswered, the company issued a legal notice in October 2024 demanding Rs. 4 crore along with interest. It also warned that failure to pay within 30 days would lead to termination of the agreement and restoration of all rights.
Following the lapse of this deadline in November 2024, Dream Warrior maintains that the agreement stood cancelled and that all rights related to Bholaa reverted to it.
In parallel, the production house had earlier approached the National Company Law Tribunal (NCLT) in Mumbai, seeking insolvency proceedings against Reliance Entertainment over unpaid dues. However, the tribunal dismissed the plea in August 2025, stating that the dispute did not qualify as an operational debt matter and should instead be resolved through civil proceedings.
Subsequently, Dream Warrior filed the present commercial intellectual property suit on March 22, 2026. It has sought a court order to restrain Reliance and Ajay Devgn Ffilms from distributing, streaming, or monetising Bholaa. The plea also seeks a formal declaration that the agreements stand terminated, along with compensation based on revenues earned from the film and its associated content.
The case also names several downstream platforms, including Amazon Prime Video, Zee Entertainment Enterprises, and T-Series, alleging that any streaming of the film after November 27, 2024 is unauthorised and amounts to wrongful gain.
During the hearing, the defendants argued that the primary agreement between the parties clearly specifies that courts in Chennai alone would have jurisdiction. They contended that the case cannot be brought before the Bombay High Court based on a secondary agreement.
After considering submissions from both sides, the court has reserved its order on the question of jurisdiction.
Also Read: Ajay Devgn starrer Bholaa gets its world television premiere on Zee Cinema
read moreBollywood Hungama report and fan power IMPACT: Project Hail Mary secures shows in ALL 34 IMAX screens in India; Mumbai’s Eros Cinema to play 3:45 am show over the weekend
Yesterday morning, Bollywood Hungama informed readers that, despite tough negotiations by the Sony Pictures team, Project Hail Mary was able to secure shows in only 6 out of 34 IMAX screens in India on its release day. The shocking news was widely circulated in the industry and among exhibitors as well as fans, as it highlighted the struggles faced by the Hollywood studio in securing adequate showcasing for its IMAX film in IMAX properties. Thanks to the impact of the Bollywood Hungama story, relentless efforts by Sony Pictures team and sustained pressure from the fans, the exhibitors finally relented. From Friday, March 27, Project Hail Mary is being screened in all 34 IMAX properties of the country.
A source told Bollywood Hungama, “Project Hail Mary is not the only film that would be screened in IMAX. It’ll have to share shows with Dhurandhar The Revenge, which has been remastered in IMAX. Sony never asked for all shows and was okay with show-sharing. Hence, they finally got what they asked for from the very start.”
On the morning of Thursday, March 26, that is, the day of Project Hail Mary’s release, the film managed to get one show each in the 6 IMAX theatres. As the day progressed, the number of shows increased to 13. On Friday, Project Hail Mary has got as many as 65 shows, nearly five times more than the previous day. All theatres are playing two shows of Project Hail Mary today. PVR Logix Noida and Inox Phoenix Pallasio Mall are the only two IMAX properties that have scheduled only one show of the acclaimed Hollywood film, in the evening slot.
Meanwhile, encouraged by Thursday’s occupancy and the insane demand for Project Hail Mary, Eros has decided to schedule a show at 3:45 am on Saturday, March 28 and Sunday, March 29. It now remains to be seen whether more IMAX cinemas join the bandwagon. From Friday, several cinemas such as Mumbai’s Cinepolis Thane, Maison Inox BKC, Inox Malad and Eros, Delhi’s PVR Vegas Dwarka, Inox Rajouri Garden, PVR Priya and Inox Paras, and Kolkata’s Inox South City will play the film at 7:00 am or 7:30 am. Bengaluru has gone a step further, with PVR Vega City and PVR VR Whitefield Road scheduling shows at 6:30 am. Coimbatore’s Broadway has two shows of Project Hail Mary on Friday, at 2:00 pm and 10:50 pm; from Saturday, it will also screen the film at 7:00 am. Including this and Eros’ 3:45 am show, the number of IMAX shows on Saturday and Sunday rises to 67.
The demand is expected to increase in the non-IMAX theatres as well. PVR Icon Versova took the initiative by having a show at 7:15 am on Friday. Many more regular cinemas will also start playing the film from today.
Despite limited showcasing and delayed opening of advance in IMAX, Project Hail Mary managed to collect approx. Rs. 2 crores on Thursday, as per trade sources. The figure is expected to jump significantly in the Fri-Sun period.
Also Read: SHOCKING: Despite tough negotiations, Project Hail Mary secures shows in ONLY 6 out of 34 IMAX screens in India; efforts underway to increase showcasing
read moreRamayana Update: Namit Malhotra announces ‘Rama’ glimpse release date on Hanuman Jayanti; global fan reveal planned
The upcoming cinematic adaptation of the Ramayana continues to build momentum as producer Namit Malhotra confirmed a major update regarding the film’s promotional rollout. The first glimpse titled ‘Rama’ is set to be unveiled on April 2, coinciding with the auspicious occasion of Hanuman Jayanti, and will be marked by a grand global reveal for fans.
The announcement came as Malhotra shared a note on social media on the occasion of Ram Navami, on Friday, March 27, offering insight into the vision and effort behind the ambitious project. In his message, he wished everyone and said, “Shubh Rama Navami. This is a story that belongs to all of us, and every step we take has been guided by a deep sense of responsibility, devotion, and care to bring our very own Ramayana to life in its truest spirit and scale with utmost sincerity. we look forward to sharing the next glimpse, ‘Rama’ On 2nd April, On the auspicious occasion of Hanuman Jayanti, as we begin to showcase all these years of our effort through a grand world reveal with fans, celebrating this moment across the world. Thank you for your love, faith, and patience. Namit Malhotra”.
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Directed by Nitesh Tiwari, Ramayana is envisioned as a large-scale, two-part cinematic spectacle mounted with global collaboration. Set about 5000 years ago, the project aims to blend advanced technology with immersive storytelling, positioning itself as a visually grand yet emotionally resonant retelling of the ancient epic.
The film has already generated significant buzz following its initial reveal, which included a multi-city launch in India and a prominent showcase at Times Square. With the upcoming ‘Rama’ glimpse, the makers are expanding the scale further by turning the reveal into a worldwide fan-driven celebration.
Featuring an ensemble cast, the film stars Ranbir Kapoor as Lord Ram, Sai Pallavi as Sita, Yash as Ravana, Sunny Deol as Hanuman, and Ravi Dubey as Lakshman.
Backed by Prime Focus Studios in association with the eight-time Oscar-winning DNEG and Yash’s Monster Mind Creations, the film is slated for a worldwide IMAX release. The first part is scheduled to arrive during Diwali 2026, followed by the second instalment in Diwali 2027.
Also Read: Dinesh Vijan says “Mahavatar is SIX times the size of Chhaava”; also reveals, “I told Namit Malhotra, ‘If Ramayana runs, Mahavatar is all set'”
read moreMandana Karimi calls out Boman Irani over his recently posted viral video on Donald Trump; questions ‘timing’ in pointed note
Actor Mandana Karimi has reacted strongly to a recent viral video shared by Boman Irani, sparking a conversation online. While several celebrities responded to the video with humour, Mandana took a critical stance, questioning the timing and context of the commentary.
Boman Irani’s video, which has been widely circulated on social media, offered a satirical take on the ongoing geopolitical tensions involving Iran, Israel and the United States. In the clip, the actor humorously suggested that former US President Donald Trump should visit Mumbai’s Dadar Parsi Colony for peace talks, adding a comedic twist by mentioning food and LPG concerns. Captioning the video, he wrote, “The Iranis are ready for peace talks with Mr. Donald Trump...”, followed by a light-hearted monologue that leaned into wordplay and satire.
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While the video drew laughter from several members of the film fraternity, including Jaaved Jaaferi, Farhan Akhtar, Tabu, Siddharth, Sameera Reddy and Farah Khan Ali, Mandana Karimi shared a contrasting perspective in the comments section.
“Boman Irani sir… suddenly you have a lot to say about Iran. Interesting timing. For years, Iranians have been getting arrested, executed, silenced. Thousands killed. Families torn apart. And people like me we’ve lived it. We’ve spoken about it. But now… there’s a video. Now there’s concern. Now there’s humor about gas, about Trump, about ‘come to my house’. Sir, with all respect you and the Parsi community come from Iran. You carry that history. That fire. So where was this voice when Iranians were dying? And now suddenly because it affects gas, politics, global talks there’s commentary? I mean… slow clap Really. From silence to satire — that was fast. Anyway… just an observation.”
Her comment has since drawn attention on social media, adding a serious dimension to what was otherwise being perceived as a light-hearted post. The differing reactions highlight how public figures and audiences continue to engage with sensitive global issues in varied ways, especially when humour intersects with real-world crises.
As the video continues to circulate online, the exchange has sparked broader discussions around satire, timing, and responsibility in public discourse.
Also Read: Mandana Karimi slams ‘one-sided’ Iran coverage, urges Indian media to lend a platform to Reza Pahlavi – EXCLUSIVE
read moreSS Rajamouli’s Varanasi to release in 2 parts
The upheavals post-Dhurandhar continue to be felt in the Telugu film industry. And not all of them are deleterious. Rajamouli’s Varanasi, which is expected to be the most expensive Indian film ever made, has decided to go for a two-part format.
The purported epic has a sprawling format.
“3 hours-plus would not be enough for Varanasi. They are looking at extending it into a two-part format. This format has worked wonderfully for Dhurandhar. Rajamouli and his team feel this extended format would afford them the liberty to tell a more expanded story without looking anxiously at the clock,” a source close to the development reveals.
This, however, is not going to be sequel. Just one film split into two.
Also Read: SS Rajamouli recreates Varanasi in Hyderabad for Mahesh Babu’s next epic film, see pics
read moreSCOOP: Trailer of Akshay Kumar-starrer Bhooth Bangla expected to be released on March 30
Dhurandhar The Revenge, starring Ranveer Singh, Arjun Rampal, R Madhavan, Sanjay Dutt and Sara Arjun, has emerged as a blockbuster of epic proportions and it has boosted the confidence of the film industry. Now, all eyes are on the next big film – Bhooth Bangla. The teaser was unveiled on March 12, and it got a great response. Since then, fans have been demanding the trailer, and Bollywood Hungama has learned that their wait is about to end in a few days.
A source told Bollywood Hungama, “The makers plan to launch the trailer on Monday, March 30. A clearer picture on this front will arise in a few days. They feel it’ll be apt to launch the promo less than two weeks before the release. The teaser introduced the world of the film and the characters. The trailer will give a little more idea about the plot and, of course, the humour quotient and madness as well.”
Asked if a trailer launch event is also being planned, the source said he was unaware of it at the moment.
Bhooth Bangla reunites Akshay Kumar with acclaimed director Priyadarshan after 16 years. Besides Akshay, it also stars Paresh Rawal, Rajpal Yadav, Tabu, Wamiqa Gabbi, Jisshu Sengupta, Manoj Joshi, Mithila Palkar, Rajesh Sharma and the late Asrani. The horror comedy is produced by Akshay Kumar’s Cape Of Good Films and Shobha Kapoor-Ektaa R Kapoor’s Balaji Telefilms Ltd.
Bhooth Bangla is scheduled for a release on April 10 and yesterday, Bollywood Hungama reported that Akshay Kumar and Ektaa R Kapoor are contemplating postponing their film by a week (April 17). This is due to the record-breaking business of Dhurandhar The Revenge. Directed by Aditya Dhar and produced by Jyoti Deshpande’s Jio Studios and Aditya Dhar and Lokesh Dhar’s B62 Studios, it was released on the evening of March 18 and since then, it is unstoppable. It has collected Rs. 604 crores until Wednesday, March 25, and is all set to cross the Rs. 1000 crore mark in the domestic market.
Also Read: Did you know, Arijit Singh personally reached out to sing Bhooth Bangla track ‘Tu Hi Dissda’?
read moreAditya Dhar warns against AI-manipulated Dhurandhar: The Revenge visuals, calls them “malicious and misleading”
Filmmaker Aditya Dhar took to Instagram and issued a clarification addressing the circulation of manipulated visuals related to his film Dhurandhar: The Revenge. The director took to Instagram to warn audiences about AI-generated misinformation being spread using altered promotional material from the film.
In his statement, Dhar expressed gratitude for the film’s reception, saying, “I am deeply grateful & indebted for the overwhelming love that Dhurandhar The Revenge has received from audiences across the country and the world.” However, he raised concern over certain fabricated images being circulated online, which he said misrepresent the film’s content.
Highlighting a specific instance, Dhar stated, “One such fabricated image falsely depicts the character Hamza/Jaskirat smoking while wearing a turban. This is completely untrue and does not form part of the film or any official material released by us. It is a deliberate act of misrepresentation intended to provoke and create mischief.”
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He further emphasised his stance on cultural sensitivity, adding, “Let me state this unequivocally: I hold the highest respect for the Sikh community, and every portrayal in the film has been handled with utmost sensitivity, dignity, and responsibility.” Dhar described the circulation of such doctored content as “malicious and dishonest.”
Urging viewers to verify information, he said, “I urge audiences to rely only on official content and watch the film as it is intended, and not fall prey to AI-generated misinformation being circulated with ulterior motives.” He also warned that such actions would not be taken lightly, stating, “Such acts will be dealt with firmly.”
The clarification comes amid increasing concerns within the film industry over the misuse of artificial intelligence to alter promotional material and create misleading narratives. Dhar’s statement aims to reassure audiences while reinforcing the importance of relying on verified sources.
Also Read: Vicky Kaushal, Kangana Ranaut and others shower love on Dhurandhar franchise; applaud Aditya Dhar and his work
read moreRajkummar Rao, Sanya Malhotra starrer Toaster gets release date; Netflix to drop quirky dark comedy on April 15
Netflix has announced its upcoming dark comedy Toaster, a film that turns an everyday object into the centre of an increasingly chaotic chain of events. Set to premiere on April 15, 2026, the film promises a quirky and unpredictable narrative that begins with a seemingly trivial situation—a wedding gift that refuses to be forgotten after the wedding itself is called off.
Directed by Vivek Das Chaudhary, Toaster marks a significant milestone for Patralekhaa, who steps into production with her banner Kampa Film. The project brings together Rajkummar Rao and Sanya Malhotra in leading roles, supported by a vibrant ensemble that includes Archana Puran Singh, Abhishek Banerjee, Farah Khan, Upendra Limaye, Vinod Rawat, Jitendra Joshi and Seema Pahwa.
The film also sees Rajkummar Rao returning to the comedy genre, a space where he has previously earned audience appreciation for his comic timing. With Toaster, he is set to headline a story that blends relatable situations with escalating absurdity and dark humour.
Speaking about stepping into production, Patralekhaa said, “Stepping into production with Kampa Film has been an incredibly meaningful milestone for us, and beginning this journey with Netflix — who have consistently championed distinctive and unconventional stories — makes it even more special. Toaster immediately stood out because it finds humour in the most unexpected places, and the moment we read it, we knew it was a story we wanted to bring to life. Being our very first film makes the experience even more personal for us. Having such a wonderful ensemble come together for this journey has been truly exciting, and we can’t wait for audiences to dive into this entertaining and unpredictable ride.”
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Sharing insights into the film, Ruchikaa Kapoor Sheikh, Director of Original Films at Netflix India, added, “Toaster is a quirky dark comedy that begins with a simple miser whose life spirals into complete mayhem in pursuit of getting back his toaster. It’s the kind of inventive storytelling we love to champion at Netflix. With Vivek Das Chaudhary making his directorial debut and Patralekhaa & Raj stepping into the producer’s role for the first time with Kampa Film, the project reflects our continued focus on championing emerging talent behind the camera while bringing an exciting burst of fresh creative energy. All of this comes alive with two phenomenal and much-loved actors, Rajkummar Rao and Sanya Malhotra, headlining this family entertainer, alongside a vibrant ensemble. Toaster adds a wonderfully fun note to the diverse mix of stories we’re bringing to audiences this year- an entertaining comedy that builds on relatable situations, dark humour and delightfully escalating chaos.”
Backed by a strong creative team, the film’s story and screenplay are written by Parveez Shaikh, with additional screenplay credits going to Akshat Ghildial and Anagh Mukerjee. The dialogues have been penned by Akshat Ghildial, while Tarun Bali serves as the executive producer.
With its eccentric characters, madcap twists and an unusual premise, Toaster aims to deliver a chaotic yet engaging viewing experience when it premieres exclusively on Netflix on April 15, 2026.
Also Read: TOASTER: Rajkummar Rao and Sanya Malhotra reunite for a dark comedy where a wedding gift sparks murder
read moreBhushan Kumar, Vivek Ranjan Agnihotri announce Operation Sindoor, film based on India’s deep strikes inside Pakistan
In a significant development, producer Bhushan Kumar and filmmaker Vivek Ranjan Agnihotri have joined forces to announce their next ambitious project, Operation Sindoor. Backed by T-Series and I Am Buddha Productions, the film will be directed by Agnihotri.
The film is based on the book ‘Operation Sindoor: The Untold Story of India’s Deep Strikes Inside Pakistan’ by Lt Gen K.J.S. ‘Tiny’ Dhillon (Retd), and aims to bring to the screen a story rooted in military strategy, courage and national security. Drawing inspiration from the codename of India’s targeted strikes on terror infrastructure in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir, the film seeks to capture what is described as a defining moment in India’s strategic history.
According to the makers, the narrative also serves as a response to the tragic 2025 Pahalgam terror attack in Jammu and Kashmir, where several innocent civilians, most of them tourists, lost their lives. The film intends to explore the events that followed, presenting them through a cinematic lens grounded in research and realism.
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Producer Bhushan Kumar shared his perspective on backing the project, stating, “Some stories are not chosen, they choose you. Operation Sindoor is one such story—one that demands to be told with honesty, courage, and responsibility. This is not just a film. It is a revelation. When a nation goes through events of such magnitude, it becomes important to document them truthfully.”
Echoing similar thoughts, Vivek Ranjan Agnihotri emphasised the scale and depth of the project. “This is not just a film. It is a revelation. With Operation Sindoor, India has not just taken revenge for the Pahalgam terror attack and punished Pakistan, but it has also demonstrated its might in modern warfare. We have conducted extensive, ground-level research in collaboration with multiple wings of the Indian Armed Forces to understand not just what happened, but how and why it happened. What emerges is a reality far more complex, far more precise, and far more unsettling than what is available in the public domain”.
“I have always believed in telling stories that are uncomfortable but necessary. My effort is to bring this story of courage, professionalism, and strategic clarity to audiences with authenticity, while also presenting it as an edge-of-the-seat cinematic experience. My intention is not to create noise, but to confront it—with facts, with clarity, and the magic of cinema,” he added.
Operation Sindoor is positioned as a film that explores the intersection of strategy, courage and truth, aiming to present a chapter of modern warfare not merely as spectacle, but as a statement. Further details about the cast and release timeline are currently under wraps and are expected to be announced soon.
Also Read: Anupam Kher meets Col. Sofiya Qureshi, gifts his book Different But No Less: “She epitomises grace, valour, dignity”
read moreSHOCKING: Despite tough negotiations, Project Hail Mary secures shows in ONLY 6 out of 34 IMAX screens in India; efforts underway to increase showcasing
Yesterday morning, Bollywood Hungama reported that Project Hail Mary is struggling to secure screens in IMAX properties in India. Dhurandhar The Revenge was released in an IMAX version on Thursday, March 19, in the country, and due to its historic performance, it was expected that both films would share shows in IMAX. In a shocking turn of events, that hasn’t happened in most IMAX screens. As of 8:00 am on March 26, only six out of 34 IMAX theatres in the country are playing Project Hail Mary. The anger among the fans of the Hollywood film is quite visible on social media.
A source told Bollywood Hungama, “Project Hail Mary is filmed for IMAX and hence for many moviegoers, it is a must-watch in the IMAX theatres. Issues over screen-sharing are very common and it was expected that they would get resolved on the night of Wednesday, March 25. Sadly, that didn’t happen as the studio backing Dhurandhar The Revenge refused to let go of the shows in IMAX. Finally, late at night, Sony Pictures managed to secure 6 shows in 6 different screens in the country.”
An industry insider, on condition of anonymity, told us, “I was checking the booking app every 15 minutes as I was desperate to book tickets in IMAX and I knew that the moment the bookings would commence, all the best seats would be grabbed by other enthusiastic fans. However, this is not how it should be – there should be some clarity and some confirmation in advance, especially for a film shot in IMAX.”
At present, the six IMAX theatres in India that are playing Project Hail Mary are Maison Inox BKC in Mumbai, Cinepolis Seawoods in Navi Mumbai, Inox Megaplex Wakad and Cinepolis Nexus in Pune, Inox South City in Kolkata and Broadway Cinemas in Coimbatore. No show has been allotted yet in the 7 screens in Delhi-NCR.
Meanwhile, there’s hope that Project Hail Mary’s shows will increase as theatres like Cinepolis Centre Square in Kochi, Cinepolis Thane, PVR Nexus, Cinepolis Nexus Shantiniketan and Inox Mantri Square in Bengaluru, PVR Palladium Mall in Ahmedabad, Cinepolis Nexus in Pune, PVR Palazzo and Inox Phoenix Market City in Chennai, Rajhans Precia in Surat and PVR Lulu in Trivandrum have kept one slot vacant. In Delhi-NCR, PVR Vegas, PVR Superplex Noida, PVR Ambience Gurugram, Inox Vishal Mall Rajouri Garden, PVR Select City Walk and PVR Superplex Logix Noida have programmed only the morning shows of Dhurandhar The Revenge and haven’t yet declared which film they’ll play later in the day. Lucknow’s Inox Megaplex Phoenix Pallasio Mall is yet to open booking for any film in the IMAX screen for the day. This has further raised expectations that the acclaimed Hollywood film will make it to these cinemas.
On the other hand, the IMAX cinemas that won’t play Project Hail Mary today are PVR Lower Parel, Inox R City Ghatkopar, Inox Malad, Inox Sky City Mall Borivali, Eros and Miraj Wadala in Mumbai, PVR Priya and Inox Paras in Delhi and PVR Vega City, PVR VR Whitefield Road and Inox Galleria Mall in Bengaluru. These cinemas will continue to showcase Dhurandhar The Revenge.
A trade source told us, “This is a developing situation. Sony is trying its best to increase the number of shows in IMAX for today. Also, none of the IMAX theatres has commenced bookings for the weekend. Hence, there’s a possibility that Project Hail Mary will have more shows in more screens from Friday, March 27. Sony is trying its best to push for at least one show of their film in all the IMAX centres in India. The healthy advance bookings have given them all the more reason to persuade theatres to give them shows.”
Also Read: Project Hail Mary struggles to get screens in India despite healthy advance sales; expected to share shows with Dhurandhar The Revenge in IMAX properties
read moreChand Mera Dil postponed, now set for May 22 theatrical release
Chand Mera Dil, starring Ananya Panday and Lakshya, has received a revised theatrical release date. Backed by Dharma Productions, the romantic drama will now arrive in cinemas on May 22 instead of its earlier announced April 10 release. The makers confirmed the update through social media on Wednesday, announcing the shift in schedule while reiterating anticipation around the film’s fresh pairing and emotional storyline.
Fresh pairing under Vivek Soni’s direction The film is directed by Vivek Soni, known for projects such as Meenakshi Sundareshwar and Aap Jaisa Koi. Chand Mera Dil brings together Ananya Panday and Lakshya on screen for the first time, positioning the film as a youthful romantic story centred on an intense relationship.
Earlier, in 2024, Karan Johar had shared first-look posters from the film and wrote, “We have two chands ready to bring an intense & passionate love story like no other!!! Pyaar mein thoda paagal hona hi padta hai...Chand Mera Dil, starring Ananya Panday & Lakshya. Directed by Vivek Soni.” The posters featured the lead pair in romantic moments set against a moonlit backdrop.
The film marks Lakshya’s second theatrical release following Kill, in which he starred alongside Raghav Juyal. The actor also attracted attention last year for his performance in The Ba***ds of Bollywood, the debut directorial series of Aryan Khan.
For Ananya Panday, the project follows her appearance in Tu Meri Main Tera Main Tera Tu Meri opposite Kartik Aaryan. With Chand Mera Dil now set for a late May release, the film becomes her next major romantic outing on the big screen.
Also Read: Chand Mera Dil set PHOTOS LEAKED: Lakshya rides into romance with Ananya Panday in traditional attire
read moreEXCLUSIVE: Seema Sajdeh to join The Traitors Season 2?
Reality TV personality Seema Sajdeh has been approached to join the second season of The Traitors India, as per sources close to the project. It is said that Sajdeh is among several names being considered for the upcoming season of the reality show, which is expected to go on floors later this year. Known for her appearances on shows like Fabulous Lives of Bollywood Wives, Sajdeh’s potential inclusion could add a strong dose of glamour and intrigue to the show.
However, sources also indicate that discussions are still at a preliminary stage. While the makers have reached out to Sajdeh, there has been no official word on her participation, and it remains unclear whether she will come on board for the high-stakes reality series.
The Indian adaptation of The Traitors, hosted by Karan Johar, revolves around a group of contestants who must identify “traitors” within their ranks while competing for a cash prize. The format, which has seen global success, is known for its psychological gameplay, alliances, and dramatic eliminations.
Season 2 is already generating significant buzz, with several prominent names reportedly being approached and some confirmed to be in advanced talks. Recent reports have suggested that actors like Rhea Chakraborty, Dalip Tahil, and Parul Gulati are set to feature in the new season, further raising expectations among viewers.
If Sajdeh signs on, it would mark another high-profile reality appearance for her. For now, though, her participation remains uncertain, keeping fans guessing about the final line-up of The Traitors Season 2.
Also Read: Neha Dhupia DENIES joining Karan Johar’s The Traitors season 2, says she is busy with “double date”
read moreKabir Khan reportedly gifts Mini Cooper SE worth Rs 32 lakhs to wife Mini Mathur
Filmmaker Kabir Khan has gifted a Mini Cooper SE to his wife, television host and actor Mini Mathur. The electric hatchback is understood to be a 2023 model finished in the Melting Silver exterior shade and adds a premium EV to the couple’s garage.
The Mini Cooper SE represents the all-electric version of the brand’s iconic compact car. The reported vehicle features a 32.6 kWh battery pack with an estimated driving range of around 275 kilometres on a single charge. It produces 182 bhp of peak power and 270 Nm of torque, positioning it as a performance-oriented city electric vehicle in the premium hatchback segment.
According to available details, the vehicle is a first-owner 2023 model with approximately 2,200 kilometres on the odometer and is registered in Chandigarh. Its reported price stands at around Rs 32 lakhs.
Mini Cooper remains a celebrity favourite While the Cooper SE represents the electric direction of the brand, the petrol variants of the Mini Cooper continue to remain popular among several celebrities across the industry.
Amitabh Bachchan owns a red Mini Cooper that was gifted to him by his grandson. Hrithik Roshan has been seen with a sky blue variant, while Deepika Padukone has also been spotted with a blue Mini Cooper in Mumbai.
Actor Kartik Aaryan previously gifted a green Mini Cooper to his mother, and Dulquer Salmaan, known for his interest in automobiles, owns a green Mini as part of his personal collection often referred to as the “369 Garage.” Malayalam actor Arjun Ashokan recently added a white Mini Cooper S JCW variant to his garage as well.
Also Read: “I have seen Kabir Khan cry only twice, once while watching Swades and the second was when our son left for studies” – Mini Mathur
read moreSajid Nadiadwala’s son Subhan Nadiadwala starts shooting his debut film Aisi Deewangi
Another star kid is ready to claim a slice of fame in Hindi cinema. Subhan Nadiadwala, who is 23, has been groomed to be a star from the day he was born. As a child, he played in the lap of the biggest of stars who walked into his father producer Sajid Nadiadwala’s home.
Subhan Nadiadwala’s debut film entitled Aisi Deewangi directed by Shashank Khaitan commenced shooting this week. The film’s title is an homage to Sajid Nadiadwala’s first wife actress Divya Bharti; in her debut film Deewana, Shah Rukh Khan sang a chartbuster song entitled ‘Aisi Deewangi’ to her.
Interestingly, Sajid Nadiadwala got the director Shashank Khaitan from Karan Johar for whom Khaitan has directed six films before moving out to launch Nadiadwala’s son.
Also Read: Vishal Bhardwaj and Nitesh Tiwari pen emotional birthday notes for Sajid Nadiadwala on this special occasion
read moreEXCLUSIVE: Bhooth Bangla team contemplates postponing release from April 10 to April 17 due to Dhurandhar The Revenge wave
Dhurandhar The Revenge is doing record business and the way it has held strongly on Monday proves that the film will not lose its hold even in the weekdays. As a result, the team of Bhooth Bangla have begun contemplating whether they should bring the horror comedy on April 10 or whether it should be postponed by a week.”
“A source told Bollywood Hungama, “The way Dhurandhar The Revenge is performing, it is clear that the craze is not going to die down anytime soon. Bhooth Bangla also looks like an exciting film. But since Dhurandhar 2 is doing historic business, there’s a strong possibility that it could perform exceptionally well even in its fourth week, which coincides with the release of Bhooth Bangla. Meanwhile, there’s no Hindi film currently scheduled for release on April 17.”
The source added, “At the same time, Dhurandhar The Revenge would have exhausted most of its business by the end of four weeks. Hence, it could also work in Bhooth Bangla’s favour to arrive on April 10, by when most people would have already seen the Ranveer Singh-starrer. Therefore, lead actor and producer Akshay Kumar and producer Ekta Kapoor are closely analyzing the situation and will take a call within the next 24 hours.”
The source continued, “If Bhooth Bangla arrives on April 10, the makers plan to release the much-awaited theatrical trailer on Friday, March 27. In case the film is pushed, the trailer will be dropped later. All eyes of the industry and trade are on Akshay and Ekta and let’s see what they decide.”
Bhooth Bangla reunites Akshay Kumar and director Priyadarshan after almost 16 years. The horror comedy also stars Tabu, Wamiqa Gabbi, Rajpal Yadav, Paresh Rawal, late Asrani and many others.
Also Read: Akshay Kumar starrer Bhooth Bangla secures UA 16 certificate; Priyadarshan film set to deliver a family-friendly summer treat
read moreSidharth Malhotra and Tamannaah Bhatia starrer Vvan locks August 28, 2026 release date
Ektaa R Kapoor has joined forces with The Viral Fever for the upcoming folklore-driven thriller Vvan, starring Sidharth Malhotra and Tamannaah Bhatia in the lead roles. The makers have now locked August 28, 2026, which coincides with Raksha Bandhan, as the film’s theatrical release date.
Produced by Balaji Motion Pictures in association with TVF, the film is directed by Arunabh Kumar and Deepak Mishra. The collaboration marks a notable partnership between Balaji Motion Pictures and TVF as they explore a folklore-based cinematic narrative with a large-scale visual treatment. Prime Video acquires post-theatrical rights The release date announcement comes shortly after Prime Video confirmed that it has acquired the post-theatrical streaming rights of Vvan during its It Starts Here event. The teaser of the film was also showcased exclusively to audiences at the event, offering an early glimpse into the project’s visual tone and narrative world.
Speaking earlier about the film, Ektaa R Kapoor said, “Indian folklore has been a part of all of us. It's time we bring a state-of-the-art VFX heavy and large screen experience. Vvan going to be a whole new genre-breaker.”
Sidharth Malhotra also shared his experience of collaborating with the producer on the film. He said, “This is mine and Ekta's third project together and she has been the most passionate about Vvan. I have never had a producer who could narrate me a film from start to finish.” Tamannaah Bhatia on collaborating with Sidharth Malhotra Talking about the casting, Ektaa Kapoor added a light-hearted note about working with Tamannaah Bhatia, saying, “Mere dil ki tamanna poori hui!”
Tamannaah Bhatia also spoke about sharing screen space with Sidharth Malhotra and her connection with the film’s storytelling space. She said, "Working with Sid was a long, long dream and I am very happy that I had a chance to collaborate with him. He's a really fine actor.”
She further added, “I have grown up on commercial films. Vvan is in the same zone and also has a strong soul. It also has our Indian folklore at the forefront. Its a masala film which will leave you very emotional at the end. It was something that I have been missing when I went to the theatres.”
Also Read: Teaser of Sidharth Malhotra’s most AMBITIOUS project Vvan EXCLUSIVELY shown at Prime Video’s It Starts Here event; Tamannaah Bhatia says, “A masala film which will leave you emotional”
read moreBanita Sandhu and Diipa Büller-Khosla front Inde Wild’s upcoming global “Sweet Treat” campaign
Ayurvedic-inspired skincare brand Indē Wild has unveiled the first glimpse of its upcoming global campaign featuring actor Banita Sandhu alongside founder Diipa Büller-Khosla. The announcement was made through a social media post that teased the brand’s next launch, scheduled for March 25.
Sharing visuals from the campaign, the brand wrote, “Banita Sandhu and Diipa Büller-Khosla star as the faces of our next sweet obsession 🫦🍬 Landing tomorrow (25/03) globally.”
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A campaign rooted in hyper-feminine visual storytelling Titled “Sweet Treat,” the campaign presents a stylised celebration of hyper-femininity, blending elements of the coquette aesthetic with a refined editorial sensibility. The visuals feature Banita Sandhu and Diipa Büller-Khosla styled in pearl-detailed corsetry, tiered ruffles and sheer lace against a velvet-toned backdrop that creates a soft rose-tinted visual mood.
The campaign’s styling brings together balletcore influences such as white stockings and tulle with statement pearl and gold jewellery often associated with the old money aesthetic. The combination creates a look that feels both contemporary and timeless while aligning with the brand’s premium positioning.
A key highlight of the campaign is its emphasis on skin-first glamour. Both Banita Sandhu and Diipa Büller-Khosla appear in dewy, glass skin-inspired makeup looks. Two global South Asian voices come together The collaboration also stands out for bringing together two prominent South Asian figures in a global beauty campaign. With Diipa Büller-Khosla already recognised as a global fashion entrepreneur and Banita Sandhu known for her cross-industry acting presence, the partnership reflects the growing visibility of South Asian representation in international beauty storytelling.
On the professional front, Banita Sandhu was last seen in Detective Sherdil alongside Diljit Dosanjh. The film premiered directly on ZEE5. The actor is yet to announce her next project.
Also Read: EXCLUSIVE: Banita Sandhu shares her experience of learning sign language for Detective Sherdil: “We trained day and night”
read moreProject Hail Mary struggles to get screens in India despite healthy advance sales; expected to share shows with Dhurandhar The Revenge in IMAX properties
Less than 24 hours remain until the release of Project Hail Mary in India, and fans are disappointed as the booking has yet to open in a full-fledged manner across the board. The biggest grouse among them is that ticket sales have yet to begin in IMAX theatres. The Ryan Gosling-starrer, which released on March 20 in most parts of the world, was pushed by a week in India, to March 26, to avoid a clash with Dhurandhar The Revenge.
A trade source told Bollywood Hungama, “Project Hail Mary is filmed for IMAX and hence for many moviegoers, it is a must-watch in the IMAX theatres. But the bookings still haven't began though the film releases tomorrow (Thursday, March 26). In all probability, Project Hail Mary will share shows with Dhurandhar 2 in the IMAX screens.”
What alarmed netizens was that Cinepolis Kochi had initially allotted all shows for the day to Project Hail Mary, while the late-night show at Maison INOX, BKC, Mumbai, was also scheduled for the Hollywood film. However, on the night of March 24, bookings for Project Hail Mary were suspended at both cinemas. As of 8:00 am on March 25, the only IMAX property in India to have opened bookings for the film is Broadway Cinemas, Coimbatore. It is scheduled to screen the Ryan Gosling-starrer tomorrow at 2:00 pm, and the show is already almost full.
The trade source revealed, “Project Hail Mary has sold some 25,000 tickets for the release day. Once IMAX bookings start, the number will jump significantly as the majority of the moviegoers in the major cities are going to watch the film in all its glory on the giant IMAX screens.”
Another source told us, “Dhurandhar The Revenge is doing record business. We don’t remember the last time a film has done such business. The occupancy has barely fallen on weekdays. Hence, it's obvious that the studio and also the exhibitors are unwilling to reduce showcasing in order to accommodate another film. However, Project Hail Mary’s advance booking is strong. This and the glowing reviews from the West have given Sony Pictures the motivation to fight for as many screens as possible. The issue is expected to be resolved by Wednesday afternoon or at the latest by Wednesday evening.”
Meanwhile, a few days ago, Project Hail Mary’s director duo, Phil Lord and Christopher Miller opened up about Dhurandhar The Revenge’s blockbuster business in an interview with Variety India. When asked about their film releasing a week later in India, Christopher Miller said, “We’ve got a sequel to a very popular Bollywood film coming out on that date; I heard about it. And I am happy.”
Phil Lord added, “(That’s) good for the health of the global movie business and for Bollywood. There are great local productions, for sure.”
Also Read: Hrithik Roshan and Ryan Gosling come together to promote Project Hail Mary; their chat breaks the internet as fans demand a collaboration
read moreArjun Rampal teams up with Hansal Mehta and Robbie Grewal for Amazon MX Player original Billionaire
Actor Arjun Rampal, who is currently drawing attention for his performance in Dhurandhar The Revenge, has been announced as the lead of Billionaire, an upcoming original series from Amazon MX Player. The project was officially unveiled at the Amazon Ads event Connected Worlds in Mumbai.
Directed by Hansal Mehta and Robbie Grewal, the series is written by Anubhav Chopra and Shantanu Sagara and produced by Prabhleen Sandhu under the banner Almighty Motion Picture. The announcement marks another addition to Amazon MX Player’s growing slate of original programming. A story about ambition and power Set against the backdrop of a rapidly changing India, Billionaire follows the rise of a powerful business magnate who reshapes the rules to build an empire driven by ambition and influence. As his success grows, the story explores how the same forces that help him rise begin to impact his personal and professional world.
Speaking about the announcement, Amogh Dusad, Head of Content at Amazon MX Player, said, "Billionaire is a story about ambition, power, and the cost of success. Unveiling the series at the Amazon Ads event marks a significant milestone for us, setting the tone for the next phase of our originals journey. Collaborating with filmmakers like Hansal Mehta and Robbie Grewal brings strong creative depth and vision to the project, while Arjun Rampal adds gravitas and intensity to this compelling character. At Amazon MX Player, we remain committed to building a slate of original stories that are engaging, accessible, and free for audiences across the country." Arjun Rampal on joining the series Arjun Rampal also shared his excitement about leading the show, describing the role as one that does not come along often. He said, "Working with the incredible Hansal Mehta & Robbie Grewal has been a dream come true and I can’t believe it's going to be fulfilled soon. It feels great to have the fabulous team at Amazon MX Player making this journey even more special. The preparation starts soon, I am soaking into the world, getting to know the character better and really gearing up for something will be a very rewarding journey. I can’t wait for everyone to see what we have in store for the audiences."
Billionaire will stream exclusively on Amazon MX Player and will be available free to audiences across mobile devices, connected televisions, the Amazon shopping app, Prime Video, Fire TV and Airtel Xstream.
Also Read: Arjun Rampal opens up on witnessing 26/11, calls ‘Dhurandhar’ his “Revenge”
read moreR Madhavan clarifies Dhurandhar The Revenge controversy over Dasam Granth scene: “We stand with the entire Sikh community”
Dhurandhar The Revenge has once again landed in controversy after a Shiv Sena leader filed a complaint objecting to a scene featuring R. Madhavan. The objection concerns a sequence in which Madhavan’s character, Intelligence Bureau Director Ajay Sanyal, is seen around the time he recites lines from the sacred Dasam Granth. The complainant has alleged that the portrayal hurt Sikh religious sentiments and showed disrespect towards Guru Gobind Singh and Gurbani.
Responding to the concerns, Madhavan shared a clarification video on Instagram, stating that there was a misunderstanding regarding the scene and that no disrespect was intended. R Madhavan issues clarification In the video message, Madhavan thanked audiences for the support received by the film’s team and addressed the controversy directly. He said the team had recently learned that some viewers were hurt by the perception that he was smoking while reciting lines from the Dasam Granth.
He explained that filmmaker Aditya Dhar had instructed him to extinguish the cigarette well before delivering the lines in the scene. According to Madhavan, the intention was to ensure that neither smoke nor a cigarette appeared on screen while the sacred verse was being recited.
Madhavan added that viewers would notice there was no smoke visible in the frame during the moment in question and that the cigarette had already been put out earlier in the sequence. He emphasised that the makers were aware of the sensitivity of the material and had taken care not to hurt religious sentiments.
He also reiterated his respect for the Sikh community, stating that he has always held their traditions in high regard. The actor said he routinely visits the Golden Temple ahead of his film releases and stressed that there was never any intention to offend anyone.
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Madhavan further clarified that while his character is shown as a smoker in the film, the cigarette appears only at the beginning of the scene and is not present during the recitation itself. Complaint filed over the sequence The controversy began after a Shiv Sena leader raised objections to the sequence and filed a complaint, alleging that the portrayal showed disrespect towards Guru Gobind Singh and the Dasam Granth. The complaint argued that the depiction was inappropriate and hurt religious sentiments.
Also Read: R Madhavan reacts to the praise showered by Allu Arjun on him and Dhurandhar: The Revenge; calls it ‘super super special’ at a pivotal moment
read moreRanveer Singh to submit unconditional apology affidavit in Kantara mimicry controversy; next hearing on April 10: Report
Actor Ranveer Singh is set to submit an affidavit offering an unconditional apology in connection with the controversy surrounding his mimicry of a scene from Kantara at the closing ceremony of the International Film Festival of India 2025. According to a report by NDTV, the affidavit will be filed before the court on April 10, 2026, when the matter is scheduled to be heard next.
As part of the apology process, the actor is also expected to personally visit the Chamundi Temple in Mysuru. The development follows objections raised by the complainant’s counsel, who argued that Ranveer had only issued a written apology on social media earlier and had not expressed regret verbally before the court.
During the recent proceedings, the complainant’s lawyer Prashant Methal stated that the earlier apology appeared to be formal rather than sincere. Responding to this, Ranveer Singh’s legal team informed the court that the actor was genuinely hurt by the situation and would soon submit a written apology in the form of an affidavit.
The controversy dates back to the closing ceremony of IFFI in Goa, where Ranveer spoke about watching Kantara: Chapter 1 and praised filmmaker-actor Rishab Shetty for his performance. During the interaction, Ranveer imitated the Daiva possession sequence from the film and referred to the figure as a “female ghost.” Although the imitation was intended as a tribute, it was perceived by some viewers as insensitive and disrespectful to the cultural context of the sequence. Reports also suggested that Rishab Shetty, who was present at the event, advised him not to continue the act.
Following the backlash in December 2025, Ranveer issued an apology on Instagram, clarifying that his intention was to acknowledge Rishab Shetty’s performance. He wrote that he admired the effort required to perform the scene and expressed regret if his remarks had hurt sentiments. He also stated that he has always respected cultural traditions and beliefs across the country.
Also Read: Madhur Bhandarkar shares his views on Ranveer Singh-Kantara controversy: “He crossed a line…he was praising the performance and got lost in the flow”
read moreDinesh Vijan says "Mahavatar is SIX times the size of Chhaava"; also reveals, "I told Namit Malhotra, 'If Ramayana runs, Mahavatar is all set'"
The launch of 'FICCI-EY Media & Entertainment Report' was held at a five-star hotel in Mumbai and was attended by various reputed personalities of the media and entertainment industry. Blockbuster producer Dinesh Vijan attended an interesting panel discussion called ‘Box Office @ ₹20,000 Crore: Inside the Economics of Theatres in the Streaming Age’ wherein he spoke about the film industry, the current trends and a lot more. He also opened up about his highly awaited upcoming film, Mahavatar, starring Vicky Kaushal.
Dinesh Vijan said, “People want to de-risk. We don’t believe that the film would work. So, we feel very good when the film is de-risked. But if you realize, every film that crossed the Rs. 500 crore mark were all risky films. We didn’t know how to make Chhaava (2025). Vicky Kaushal had never played a historical figure. Laxman Utekar had never directed a film of this kind. But it was about survival. We had to make that kind of film and do that kind of business for our survival. It was not based on streaming revenue. At one point, none of the rights was sold. That film recovered all its money from theatres.”
He further said, “We are attempting to make a film called Mahavatar, which is about the sixth avatar of Lord Vishnu, Parshuram. With this film, we are trying to go really global. At times, I wonder ‘How are we gonna do this?’. It's six times the size of Chhaava. We cannot go to the world and say ‘We are offering you something smaller’. We are going to take our culture and present it in the best possible way. I think Ramayana this year will pave the way for that.”
Dinesh Vijan also touched upon the grand Diwali release, Ramayana, starring Ranbir Kapoor, Sai Pallavi, Yash, Sunny Deol and others, “Namit Malhotra is making Ramayana. He hasn’t sold anything for that film. I shouldn’t say much about it. I think there’s a unit coming up. What’s amazing is how clear he was about this film even four years ago. He’s one of the few people whom I can go to for guidance and vice versa. I told him, ‘If Ramayana runs, Mahavatar is all set’! His film deals with the seventh avatar of Lord Vishnu, while our film is about His sixth avatar.”
Also Read: Not just star fees! Bollywood’s legal professional charges explode – Rs. 182 cr. spent by 3 banners in 5 years
read moreRaj Kundra gets relief from Bombay High Court in dispute over Rajasthan Royals stake
Businessman Raj Kundra has secured initial relief from the Bombay High Court after the court permitted him to challenge an ex parte anti-suit injunction issued by the High Court of England and Wales in connection with his 11.7 percent stake in Rajasthan Royals.
The order was passed by Justice Abhay Ahuja under Clause XII of the Letters Patent, allowing Kundra to institute a suit on the Original Side of the High Court. The development marks an early legal win for Kundra in an ongoing dispute concerning shareholding and governance issues linked to the IPL franchise’s holding structure.
According to the plea, Kuki Investments, a Bahamas-based entity owned by Kundra, holds 11.70 percent of the paid-up share capital of Royals Multisport Private Limited, the company that owns the Rajasthan Royals franchise. The stake is held through Mauritius-based EM Sporting Holdings Limited.
The dispute traces back to proceedings initiated by Kundra before the National Company Law Tribunal in Mumbai last year. In his company petition, Kundra alleged oppression and mismanagement by Emerging Media Ventures. The allegations included claims relating to siphoning of funds, related-party transactions and issues concerning statutory records.
Emerging Media Ventures subsequently approached the High Court of England and Wales and obtained an ex parte anti-suit injunction on January 29, 2026. The order restrained Kundra and Kuki Investments from continuing proceedings before the NCLT or initiating any legal action in India against the company.
Kundra then moved the Bombay High Court, arguing that the England court’s injunction was not enforceable and violated principles of natural justice. He contended that the order adversely affected his company’s ability to pursue statutory remedies available in India.
On the question of jurisdiction, Kundra submitted that a substantial part of the cause of action arose in Mumbai. He pointed out that he resides in the city, Royals Multisport Private Limited is registered there and the alleged acts of oppression relate to the Indian entity. He also highlighted that the NCLT proceedings are pending in Mumbai.
Justice Ahuja accepted the jurisdictional submissions and granted Kundra leave to file a suit seeking an anti-enforcement order against the operation of the English anti-suit injunction in India. The decision allows him to formally challenge the applicability of the foreign court order within the Indian legal framework.
Advocates Nausher Kohli and Soham K appeared for Kundra and Kuki Investments. They were briefed by a team from S&T Legal that included partner Akshay Gosavi and junior partner Ankit Pitti.
Also Read: ED alleges Shilpa Shetty’s husband Raj Kundra held Rs 150 crores in bitcoins; court summons him in money laundering case
read moreChetak Screen Awards nominations announced: Dhurandhar leads with 24 nods; Saiyaara, Homebound follow
The Chetak Screen Awards, organised by the The Indian Express Group’s Screen Academy, have announced the nominations for their upcoming ceremony scheduled to take place on April 5. The awards recognise achievements across Hindi cinema and OTT releases from 2025, with nominations spanning 31 categories that reflect the range of storytelling across theatrical and streaming platforms.
Leading this year’s nominations is Dhurandhar, directed by Aditya Dhar, with 24 nominations. It is followed by Saiyaara with 17 nominations and Homebound with 15 nominations, placing the three titles among the strongest contenders ahead of the ceremony. For the first time in 20 years, the ceremony will be broadcast live globally via YouTube. It will also air on Sony Entertainment Television and stream on SonyLIV.
Below is the nominations list as announced: Nominations list Best Action 120 Bahadur Chhaava Deva Dhurandhar Jaat
Best Actor (Female) Tripti Dimri – Dhadak 2 Yami Gautam Dhar – Haq Sonal Madhushankar – Humans in the Loop Konkona Sen Sharma – Metro... In Dino Monika Panwar – Nishaanchi Radhika Apte – Sister Midnight Kriti Sanon – Tere Ishk Mein
Best Actor (Female) – OTT Film Fatima Sana Shaikh – Aap Jaisa Koi Sanya Malhotra – Mrs Radhika Apte – Saali Mohabbat Saba Azad – Songs of Paradise Mia Maelzer – Stolen Farida Jalal – The Great Shamsuddin Family Shreya Chaudhry – The Mehta Boys
Best Actor (Male) Vicky Kaushal – Chhaava Siddhant Chaturvedi – Dhadak 2 Ranveer Singh – Dhurandhar Vishal Jethwa – Homebound Ishaan Khatter – Homebound Manoj Bajpayee – Jugnuma: The Fable Adarsh Gourav – Superboys of Malegaon
Best Actor (Male) – OTT Film Manoj Bajpayee – Inspector Zende Abhishek Bachchan – Kaalidhar Laapata Nawazuddin Siddiqui – Raat Akeli Hai: The Bansal Murders Abhishek Banerjee – Stolen Shubham Vardhan – Stolen
Best Actor in a Supporting Role (Female) Divya Dutta – Chhaava Sheeba Chadha – Haq Shalini Vatsa – Homebound Dolly Ahluwalia – Sitaare Zameen Par Manjiri Pupala – Superboys of Malegaon
Best Actor in a Supporting Role (Male) Akshaye Khanna – Dhurandhar Rakesh Bedi – Dhurandhar Naseeruddin Shah – Gustaakh Ishq Saurabh Shukla – Jolly LLB 3 Deepak Dobriyal – Jugnuma: The Fable
Best Background Score Chhaava Dhurandhar Haq Homebound Saiyaara
Best Choreography ‘Uyi Amma’ – Azaad ‘Bhasad Macha’ – Deva ‘Shararat’ – Dhurandhar ‘Panwadi Song’ – Sunny Sanskari Ki Tulsi Kumari ‘Dilbar Ki Aankhon Ka’ – Thamma
Best Cinematography Dhurandhar Homebound Humans in the Loop Jugnuma: The Fable Superboys of Malegaon
Best Costume Chhaava Dhurandhar Gustaakh Ishq Homebound Superboys of Malegaon
Best Dialogue Dhurandhar Haq Homebound Jolly LLB 3 Superboys of Malegaon
Best Director Laxman Ramchandra Utekar – Chhaava Aditya Dhar – Dhurandhar Suparn S Varma – Haq Neeraj Ghaywan – Homebound Raam Reddy – Jugnuma: The Fable Mohit Suri – Saiyaara Reema Kagti – Superboys of Malegaon
Best Director – OTT Film Arati Kadav – Mrs Honey Trehan – Raat Akeli Hai: The Bansal Murders Karan Tejpal – Stolen Anusha Rizvi – The Great Shamsuddin Family Boman Irani – The Mehta Boys
Best Editing Dhurandhar Haq Homebound Saiyaara Superboys of Malegaon
Best Film Dhadak 2 Dhurandhar Haq Homebound Saiyaara Sitaare Zameen Par Superboys of Malegaon Chhaava
Also Read: Critics’ Choice Awards 2026 nominations revealed; Homebound leads feature film category with six nods
read moreAlaya F REACTS to nose job and lip fillers speculation after Lakmé Fashion Week walk: “I have not done anything”
Actor Alaya F recently addressed speculation around her appearance after walking the ramp at Lakmé Fashion Week. Responding to comments suggesting she had undergone a nose job or lip fillers, the actor shared an Instagram story video clarifying that she has not opted for any cosmetic procedures.
In the video, Alaya said, “A lot of you guys think that I've gotten some surgery done — I'm getting like nose job and lip filler comments. I have not done anything, I promise. If I had, I would've told you. See, it's the same nose, same lips. Kuch nahi kiya hai maine. It's just the different lighting or it's good habits, hydration, lymphatic and face massages; I don't know.”
She further added, “Surgery toh nahi kiya hai maine; if I had done it, I would've happily told you. I'm not the type to hide about all of this or lie about all of this at all. See, it's the same, promise. God knows why you guys think I got something done. Nothing, it's the same only, promise.”
Her clarification came shortly after her runway appearance during the Max Fashion showcase at the event, where several brand-ambassador actors participated in various segments of the presentation.
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The showcase began with Siddhant Chaturvedi opening the Max Urban segment. His entry set the tone for the presentation, bringing a relaxed and youthful energy to the runway. Later in the evening, Alaya walked for the same segment, presenting the collection with a confident and expressive presence that reflected the label’s focus on individuality and contemporary styling.
The core segment of the show featured Kalki Koechlin as the showstopper. Her appearance added a composed and distinctive note to the showcase. The evening concluded with a joint finale as Kalki Koechlin, Siddhant Chaturvedi and Alaya F returned to the runway together, closing the presentation in a celebratory moment that brought all three brand ambassadors on stage.
On the professional front, Alaya was last seen on the big screen in Bade Miyan Chote Miyan alongside Akshay Kumar and Tiger Shroff. The film received a mixed response at the box office.
She will next headline the upcoming series Storm, an Amazon Prime Video original backed by Hrithik Roshan. The project also features Saba Azad, Parvathy Thiruvothu, Srishti Shrivastava and Suvinder Vicky in key roles.
Also Read: Alaya F gets candid on fitness, fashion, and summer style – “If I love something, I’ll try it”
read moreHansal Mehta teams up with Vijay Subramaniam for AI-led culinary series Khana Dil Se
Collective Studios has partnered with True Story Films, founded by filmmaker Hansal Mehta and producer Sahil Saigal, to announce Khana Dil Se- An AI Journey Through India’s Kitchen. The newly released teaser offers a first look at a distinctive episodic series exploring India’s culinary heritage through the lens of artificial intelligence.
For Mehta, Khana Dil Se marks a return to the terrain where he first made his mark. In the early 1990s, he created Khana Khazana, the pioneering cookery show that turned Chef Sanjeev Kapoor into a household name and changed the way India thought about food on screen. Three decades later, Mehta returns to food, this time with AI as his collaborator.
Joining him in this new endeavour is Indian Master Chef Shamsher Ahmed, who comes on board as subject matter expert and culinary consultant. Ahmed’s decades-long experience across Indian regional cuisines will lend authenticity and rigour to the series as it navigates the country’s vast and varied food traditions.
At its heart, ‘Khana Dil Se’ is a cultural exploration of India through its kitchens, tracing stories of migration, memory, and identity through recipes passed down across generations. What distinguishes the series is its use of AI, not just as a visual and imagination tool, but as a collaborator in the storytelling itself: helping trace culinary lineages, uncover regional influences, and follow the journeys of dishes as they have travelled and transformed across communities and centuries. Khana Dil Se reclaims food as a living cultural heritage.
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Speaking about the show, Hansal Mehta said, “Food is memory. When you cook something from another culture, you’re not just following a recipe, you’re stepping into a piece of someone else’s life. A recipe carries within it an entire history: of land, of migration, of a grandmother’s hands. These are probably humanity’s most durable cultural documents, passed down through generations, across borders, surviving when almost nothing else does. That’s what makes food such an honest way to look at people and who they really are. With Khana Dil Se, we want to use every tool available to us, including AI, to trace those stories before they disappear.”
Producer Sahil Saigal, a hotel management alumnus of Les Roches, Switzerland, and a restaurateur himself, added, “Khana Dil Se gave us a chance to ask what food television could look like if AI were part of the process – not replacing the human story, but helping us reach deeper into it. There are culinary traditions across India that have never been documented. This is our attempt to find them.”
Vijay Subramaniam, Founder and Group CEO of Collective Artists Network, said, “At Collective, we’ve always believed that storytelling evolves with the tools available to us. India’s culinary traditions are among the richest cultural archives in the world, yet so many of these stories remain undocumented. Khana Dil Se brings together creators, filmmakers, and technologists to surface those stories in a way that hasn’t been attempted before.”
Produced by True Story Films in collaboration with Collective Artists Network’s Collective Studios, Khana Dil Se – An AI Journey Through India’s Kitchen is a first-of-its-kind series that brings together culinary heritage and artificial intelligence to tell the story of India through its food.
Also Read: Abhay Verma begins shooting for Dilkashi with Lijo Jose Pellissery, Hansal Mehta and A.R. Rahman; calls it a ‘destiny moment’
read moreBREAKING: Ram Gopal Varma drops Sarkar 4 plans after Dhurandhar impact, announces fresh start with Syndicate
Ram Gopal Varma, who was all set to begin shooting Sarkar 4 with Amitabh Bachchan and Abhishek Bachchan from April, has now changed his plans following the impact of Dhurandhar and its sequel.
“See, I don’t think Sarkar or any other gangster film will work anymore not after Dhurandhar. Earlier, all my gangster films were inspired by The Godfather, be it Satya, Company or Sarkar. Or else I was making films just for the heck of it. Why did I make Daud or Phoonk, or all those other films? Because I just wanted to keep making movies. I was cocky and arrogant enough to think I just needed to go on set and the film would come together,” Varma admits candidly.
Dhurandhar and its follow-up have clearly altered Varma’s creative mindset. “People are asking me why I keep talking about Dhurandhar. It’s because of Aditya Dhar’s honesty of motive. He made Dhurandhar because he had a story to tell, not because he wanted to prove a point. I want to reset my clock. I feel about Aditya Dhar the way I felt about Steven Spielberg in my college days. Yes, I am in awe of Aditya Dhar. What’s wrong with that? Even at 68, I can be a fan, can’t I?”
Varma says he now wants to channel that renewed creative energy into a new project. “I feel as charged as I did when I made Shiva and Satya. So yes, I am no longer making Sarkar 4. I am making Syndicate. No, I am not trying to make another Dhurandhar no one can do that, not even Aditya. But I am plunging into Syndicate with the same sincerity of purpose. I don’t know how it will turn out, but believe me, it will be my most honest work since Satya.”
Also Read: Ram Gopal Varma backs Dhurandhar: The Revenge again; calls it a ‘reset button for Indian Cinema’
read moreEXCLUSIVE: Haunted actress Tia Bajpai goes PAN-WORLD with Love Mafia; sings in 5 languages including Korean, Swahili and Latin; confirms her return to horror genre with terrifying horror trilogy
Tia Bajpai garnered nationwide attention for her performance in the successful 3D horror film Haunted (2011), followed by 1920: Evil Returns (2012). She is also a singer and has recently released a multilingual music album, Love Mafia, in association with Prince Romal. In times of Pan-India, Tia Bajpai has gone Pan-World by singing in five languages — English, Hindi, Swahili, Korean and Latin. In an exclusive interview with Bollywood Hungama, Tia Bajpai spoke about Love Mafia and much more.
How has the response been to the songs of Love Mafia? The response has been amazing. The album has been grabbing attention globally. The songs are being played in Mauritius, and many radio stations in the US have also picked them up. The plan was to make the album a global hit so that everyone could enjoy the music. Thankfully, it is gradually finding its audience, and hence, I am excited and very happy (smiles).
You have truly gone Pan-World with this album. What made you take up the challenge of singing in languages that you don’t usually speak? I wanted to try something new and different. It took me a year just to complete the album. We composed 17 songs and we finalized 11 out of them. So, the songs which are a part of the album are the best of the best. Since I had to sing in Korean, Latin and Swahili, I wanted to perfect the diction and pronunciation. That was the only way I could have done justice. The maximum time went into learning these languages.
Initially, we thought of having the album only in Hindi and English. But we realized that it would have been the same old, boring thing! Today, audiences need something fresh. I thought this was a great opportunity to reinvent myself as a musician and to attempt something out of the box. Also, the Afro House genre is taking over the world. It blends emotion with dance, and that’s the space our song belongs to. We have also incorporated Latin, Korean, Swahili, Hindi and English into it. I hope people enjoy it.
In one of the photos from the album shoot, you can be seen posing with two dogs. It looks quite interesting... (Smiles) I love animals. My aim in life is to make enough money so that I can buy a farm and open an animal rescue centre there! Speaking of the photoshoot, it took place in Europe and these two dogs happened to be there. I asked the lady handling the dogs if I could take a picture with them, and she readily agreed. Meanwhile, the photographer was also quite kicked about the idea. I wasn’t sure how the dogs would react, as they were Dobermanns. To my pleasant surprise, they were so well-behaved that they posed very nicely for the picture.
The team behind the album was not keen on putting out the picture. I literally had to fight to include it (laughs)!
Concerts are big in today’s times. Do you plan to do live performances? Yes, that’s the plan. We were going to launch the album on March 3, but due to the war situation, we have postponed it to April 15. Nevertheless, we have a whole tour planned. In April, we have a show in Mauritius followed by shows in the UK. We also have a show planned in Dubai.
What about India? Yes, it is in discussion. If I want to do a concert in my home country, it has to be really, really good. In fact, it has to be the best (smiles). So, yes, there are talks happening for gigs in Delhi, Mumbai and also my hometown, Lucknow.
Another exciting venture from you is the horror flick, Lilly Rose – Chapter 1… It marks my comeback in horror. The first schedule has been completed and we are being very careful with the film. We are not rushing at all. In this film, you’ll see me in a new avatar. It’s going to be very scary for the audience (smiles).
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Interestingly, on the poster, you are addressed as ‘Horror Queen’... (Laughs) A lot of people on social media have been calling me that. They have been asking me when I’ll be back with another horror film. In fact, when the teaser of Haunted’s sequel was released, it led to excitement among my followers as they assumed that I was in the film. I clarified that I was not a part of the film and wished the makers all the best.
Meanwhile, my team suggested that since everyone calls me horror queen, the tag should be used in the film’s poster. I was a bit skeptical about it as I am an artist and don’t like labels. But my team insisted that the term is widely used by my fans and hence, it made it to the poster (laughs).
The title of the film is Lilly Rose – Chapter 1. Does that mean that a sequel is in the works? Yes. There are going to be three parts – Chapter 1, Chapter 2 and The Final Chapter. Each film will have a different title. So, the second part won’t be called Lilly Rose. Right now, the focus is on completing Lilly Rose and looking forward to its response once it's out.
read moreBabil Khan returns to sets in Bhopal, shares emotional note: “Back to the grind”
Actor Babil Khan is officially back on sets, and fans couldn’t be happier. The young actor recently shared this information from his vanity van on social media, seemingly getting ready for a shot and looking energised as he prepared to return to work.
In the message, Babil appears in full shoot mode, giving a glimpse of the prep that goes into his day on set. He mentioned, “Back to the grind, time to make you proud again.” The emotional line immediately resonated with fans online, many of whom are excited to see him back at work. One of the users wrote, “Aapki Damdar Acting Miss Kar rahe the sab”, another one said, “always excited to see you on screen."
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The post quickly gathered heartfelt reactions from netizens, with several fans expressing their support and admiration for Babil. While Babil hasn’t revealed details of the project he is currently shooting for, the sight of him back in action mode has brought a wave of excitement among his followers.
A source close to the development shared, “Babil has been excited to be back on set. Acting is something that grounds him, and being in front of the camera again feels very natural to him. The message shared is from the sets of his next project, which he just began shooting for in Bhopal”.
For his fans, however, the biggest takeaway is that Babil is back doing what he loves, and that alone is a moment worth celebrating.
Also Read: Babil Khan receives special gift from Tabu linked to his father Irrfan Khan’s legacy on Eid
read moreDavid Dhawan reveals between Salman Khan or Govinda who had better chemistry with Karisma Kapoor
On March 24, Dulhan Hum Le Jayenge completes 26 years. Director David Dhawan looks back on the successful romcom with much affection. “Salman Khan shared terrific chemistry with Karisma Kapoor. They worked together in Judwaa, Biwi No. 1, and Dulhan Hum Le Jayenge with me. There was also Chal Mere Bhai, where Karisma was paired with both Sanju (Sanjay Dutt) and Salman. All of them were great fun,” recalls David fondly.
So who did Karisma share better chemistry with Salman or Govinda? David remains noncommittal. “Both, yaar, both. She was friends with both, and the comfort level showed. But Lolo’s dancing with Chi Chi was something else.”
Dulhan Hum Le Jayenge revolved around Karisma’s character and her three overly protective uncles, all anxious to get her married. Laughs David, “Don’t you think Paresh Rawal, Om Puri, and Anupam Kher were a laugh riot as the uncles? Om was labelled a serious actor, but he had so much fun doing comedy roles.”
Also Read: Border 2 success press meet: Varun Dhawan recalls leaving shoot after David Dhawan was admitted to ICU: “Dad said, ‘Producer ka paisa lagta hai…return to set'”; jokes about incorporating ‘tedha face wala smile’ in Hai Jawani Toh Ishq Hona Hai
read moreAkshay Kumar starrer Bhooth Bangla secures UA 16 certificate; Priyadarshan film set to deliver a family-friendly summer treat
Balaji Motion Pictures’ upcoming entertainer Bhooth Bangla has officially received a UA 16 certification from the Central Board of Film Certification, clearing the path for its theatrical release as a family-friendly summer offering. The certification suggests that while the film incorporates mild spooky elements and thematic undertones, it remains largely suitable for a wide audience, particularly with parental guidance for younger viewers.
Positioned as a wholesome blend of comedy, fantasy, and light horror, Bhooth Bangla aims to strike a balance between thrills and humour. The UA 16 rating aligns with the film’s tonality, which leans more towards quirky storytelling and situational comedy rather than intense or frightening sequences. This makes it an accessible choice for families looking for an entertaining cinematic outing during the summer season.
The film also marks the much-anticipated reunion of Akshay Kumar and filmmaker Priyadarshan after a gap of 14 years. The actor-director duo is known for delivering some of Hindi cinema’s most memorable comedies, and their collaboration has consistently resonated with audiences across generations. With Bhooth Bangla, expectations are high for the pair to recreate their signature comic timing and engaging narrative style.
Backed by Ektaa Kapoor under the banner of Balaji Motion Pictures, the film continues the studio’s track record of delivering mass entertainers that appeal to family audiences. Over the years, the production house has been associated with films that combine accessible storytelling with strong entertainment value, and Bhooth Bangla appears to follow a similar path.
Industry insiders suggest that the film could play a key role in reviving the classic comedy genre on the big screen, a space that has seen relatively fewer releases in recent years. By blending nostalgia with a contemporary narrative and adding a touch of supernatural intrigue, the makers are aiming to offer a refreshing theatrical experience.
With its clean certification, popular star cast, and the reunion of a beloved filmmaker-actor duo, Bhooth Bangla is shaping up to be a promising addition to the summer release slate. Combining humour, chaos, and a hint of the paranormal, the film is expected to draw audiences back to theatres for a feel-good, family-oriented cinematic escape.
Also Read: ‘Tu Hi Disda’ teaser from Bhooth Bangla out: Akshay Kumar and Wamiqa Gabbi are on a dreamy journey of love
read moreSCOOP: Ekta Kapoor-Tanuj Garg join hands for big political thriller; touches upon tragic Pahalgam attack
The wave of patriotic fervour is clearly ruling Bollywood, as evident by the blockbuster success of films like Uri: The Surgical Strike (2019), Gadar 2 (2023), Article 370 (2024), Dhurandhar (2025), Border 2 (2026) etc. The recently released film, Dhurandhar The Rampage, directed by Aditya Dhar and produced by Jio Studios and B62 Studios, is on a rampage and is all set to rewrite box office records. The success of these films has reinforced the belief that audiences continue to respond strongly to high-conviction, nationalistic storytelling rooted in real events and contemporary geopolitics. Bollywood Hungama has now learned that an ambitious political thriller is all set to join this coveted list.
An industry source told Bollywood Hungama, “Ekta Kapoor, Tanuj Garg and Atul Kasbekar have joined hands to make a film which is yet untitled. They are expected to mount a large-scale narrative in the same space of hard-hitting, emotionally charged cinema.”
While the title and official announcement remain under wraps, early whispers indicate that the tragic Pahalgam attack is said to form a pivotal part of the storyline, adding a strong emotional and geopolitical dimension to the film.
Meanwhile, the source told us that the film is being helmed by a blockbuster south director.
The producers remained unavailable for comment at the time of publication. This marks the first association of Tanuj Garg-Atul Kasbekar with Ekta Kapoor.
The Pahalgam attack took place on April 22, 2025, when three heavily-armed terrorists killed 26 people at a sightseeing area in the picturesque hill station in Kashmir. The attack sent shockwaves across the world and intensified tensions between India and Pakistan, leading to a war-like situation two weeks later.
Also Read: Ekta Kapoor announces Hoonur, Balaji Telefilms’ dedicated talent management vertical
read moreSCOOP: Ajay Devgn’s horror film likely to be titled Griha Pravesh
Ajay Devgn’s association with horror and supernatural cinema has always been significant. His foray into horror began with Bhoot (2003) and he followed it up with Kaal (2005). Golmaal Again (2017) was a highly successful horror comedy before the genre became mainstream. Exactly two years ago, his supernatural flick, Shaitaan (2024), co-starring R Madhavan and Jyotika, worked big time at the box office. And now, the versatile actor is working on yet another horror film.
A source told Bollywood Hungama, “The makers are toying with the idea of naming the film Griha Pravesh. Another title that has caught their eye is Vaastu Shastra. But it's Griha Pravesh that they feel is apt for the film and the subject. A final call will be taken in the near future, after which the makers will make an official announcement.”
The source further said, “Ajay Devgn will shoot the film in the United Kingdom in a start-to-finish schedule. The team is already planning meticulously to ensure that they are able to finish the shoot in the stipulated time.”
Meanwhile, Pinkvilla reported earlier in the day that the film will be directed by Rohit Jugraj. He began his career as a director with the Mohit Ahlawat-Nisha Kothari starrer James (2005) and then made Kunal Kemmu’s double role drama, Superstar (2008). He later moved to Punjabi cinema and made successful films like Sardaar Ji (2015) and Sardaar Ji 2 (2016), both of which starred Diljit Dosanjh. Recently, he directed the musical thriller web series Chamak. It starred Gippy Grewal, Manoj Pahwa, Rakesh Bedi, Isha Talwar, Navneet Nishan and others and was aired on Sony LIV.
Interestingly, this is the second time that Rohit Jugraj would work with Ajay Devgn in a horror film. He had earlier assisted Ram Gopal Varma on Bhoot. It was RGV who produced Rohit’s debut directorial as well.
Also Read: Ajay Devgn brings futuristic cinema to Thane: Devgn Cinex opens luxury multiplex with motion seats
read moreAfter Saif Ali Khan, Ranveer Singh turns brand ambassador for Ajmal Perfumes, fronts ‘Aristocrat’ campaign amid Dhurandhar success
In a significant brand move, Ranveer Singh has been announced as the new face of Ajmal Perfumes, taking over ambassadorial duties after Saif Ali Khan. The announcement was jointly made by the brand and the actor across social media platforms, marking the beginning of a fresh collaboration as Ranveer fronts the company’s latest fragrance campaign.
Currently enjoying the success of Dhurandhar The Revenge, which released on March 19 and continues to perform strongly in theatres, Ranveer has also featured in a newly unveiled commercial for Ajmal Perfumes. Promoting their premium fragrance Aristocrat, the actor is seen embodying sophistication and charm in a sharply tailored suited avatar, reinforcing the brand’s emphasis on elegance and understated power.
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The campaign, built around the theme ‘Your Unseen Power’, positions ‘Aristocrat’ as a refined oudh-based fragrance with woody undertones, designed for individuals who make a lasting impression without overt display. The brand’s messaging highlights subtlety and presence, aligning with Ranveer’s portrayal in the ad, where his poised screen presence anchors the narrative.
Beyond ‘Aristocrat’, the collaboration also extends to Ajmal’s wider fragrance portfolio. Ranveer will be associated with upcoming launches including ‘Aurum Summer’, a floral unisex scent aimed at capturing freshness and vibrancy, and ‘Wisal Layl’, described as a sensual, woody fragrance that leans into deeper, more intimate notes.
Speaking about the association, Ranveer Singh shared that Ajmal Dubai represents heritage, craftsmanship, and the belief that fragrance is an extension of one’s personality—an idea he personally resonates with. He noted that the ‘Your Unseen Power’ campaign reflects this philosophy through fragrances like Aristocrat, Aurum Summer, and Wisal Layl, each capturing different facets of confidence, energy, and intimacy. He further described these fragrances not merely as perfumes, but as immersive experiences that allow individuals to step into their own ‘unseen power’.
Ajmal Perfumes, known for its legacy in crafting Oud-based scents and its strong presence in the Middle East, continues to expand its global footprint with this collaboration. By bringing Ranveer Singh on board, the brand appears to be targeting a wider, younger audience while maintaining its core identity rooted in tradition and luxury.
With this new partnership, Ranveer Singh adds another high-profile endorsement to his portfolio, while Ajmal Perfumes strengthens its positioning in the competitive global fragrance market through a campaign that blends heritage with contemporary appeal.
Also Read: Deepika Padukone and Ranveer Singh step out for seafood date in Mumbai; viral pics leave fans gushing
read moreRam Gopal Varma on Aditya Dhar & Yami Gautam; “Grounded, humble, unchanged”
Ram Gopal Varma has expressed tremendous admiration for the vision and craft of director Aditya Dhar, who in turn has often cited Varma as a key inspiration. Over the past weekend, Aditya Dhar and Yami Gautam invited Ram Gopal Varma to their home in Mumbai.
Varma came away deeply impressed and moved by the couple’s warmth and hospitality. “For those who believe that success has changed Aditya, I am happy to say he remains grounded, humble, soft-spoken, and uncorrupted. And his wife Yami is just as grounded and gracious. I must say they are the most down-to-earth power couple in our movie industry,” says Varma.
So, what did they speak about? “What do you think? Dhurandhar, of course. When I told Aditya he has changed the grammar of Hindi cinema, he just smiled. He is not taking his success seriously, he is letting others do it.”
Also Read: Ram Gopal Varma backs Dhurandhar: The Revenge again; calls it a ‘reset button for Indian Cinema’
read moreDhurandhar The Revenge faces legal heat; plea seeks ban on the film’s release ahead of Tamil Nadu elections
In a significant development ahead of the upcoming Tamil Nadu Assembly elections, a plea has been raised before the Madras High Court seeking a ban on the recently released film Dhurandhar The Revenge in the state. The matter was mentioned urgently on Monday, March 23, with concerns that the film’s politically charged narrative could influence voters during the crucial election period.
Advocate Sheela brought the issue before a bench comprising Chief Justice SA Dharmadhikari and Justice G Arul Murugan. The counsel argued that the film contains strong political undertones and may impact voter sentiment, especially with elections scheduled to take place on April 23, 2026.
Highlighting the timing of the release, the advocate pointed out that the Model Code of Conduct is currently in force following the March 15 announcement by the Election Commission of India. She urged the court to restrain the screening of the film in Tamil Nadu until the completion of polling, suggesting that its exhibition could resume thereafter.
Dhurandhar The Revenge, which hit theatres on March 19, has been generating considerable buzz for its high-octane narrative and intense political backdrop. The film reportedly follows the journey of a covert operative returning to India after a long mission, only to find himself entangled in a web of power, corruption, and political intrigue. With its layered storytelling and dramatic conflicts, the film has sparked conversations among audiences and critics alike.
While the court did not pass an immediate order on the oral mention, it directed the complainant to file a formal petition to examine the matter in detail. An urgent hearing is expected to take place after the complainant completes the filing process, which could determine whether the film continues its theatrical run in the state during the election period.
The development adds a fresh layer of controversy to the Ranveer Singh starrer, which has already been in the spotlight for its bold themes and strong narrative tone. As the legal proceedings unfold, all eyes will be on the court’s decision and its potential impact on both the film’s box office performance and the broader conversation around cinema and political sensitivity during elections.
Also Read: Dhurandhar The Revenge creates HISTORY on Monday with Rs. 60 crores; smashes Rs. 500 crores in 5 days
read moreMakers of Tumbbad 2 build 7–8 acre set for first schedule in Mumbai; deets inside!
With Tumbbad, Sohum Shah indeed created a cinematic masterpiece. While the film gained a cult following and is considered one of the finest Hindi horror films, it was re-released in 2024 and went on to become the second highest-grossing re-released Indian film. Ever since then, audiences have been eagerly waiting for Tumbbad 2, and its announcement by Sohum Shah has only added to the intrigue.
Now, as the production of the much-awaited sequel, Tumbbad 2, draws near, it is being heard that the makers are going bigger and grander in scale this time. As per sources, a massive, full-scale city is being built in Mumbai for the film’s first schedule.
According to an independent industry source, “A massive 7–8-acre set is being constructed in Mumbai for the film. It will be a full-scale city, being created for the film’s first schedule. Not much is known about the film’s plot or treatment, aside from the fact that Sohum will reprise his role.” The source further adds that the sequel is shaping up to be significantly bigger in ambition and scale than the first part.
Backed by Sohum Shah Films and Pen Studios, the film is slated to go on floors later this year. Tumbbad 2 is being spearheaded by actor-producer Sohum Shah under his banner, Sohum Shah Films, in collaboration with Pen Studios, headed by veteran producer Dr. Jayantilal Gada. Pen Studios is known for backing blockbuster films such as RRR and Gangubai Kathiawadi.
Also Read: Tumbbad 2 prosthetic designer Shaune Harrison teases transformation: “There is one main character that we’re doing, for which we go through three different looks”
read moreBanijay Asia to back Hindi adaptation of The Alliance for Prime Video India
Banijay Asia, part of media and entertainment powerhouse Banijay Entertainment, is set to produce the first international adaptation of Talpa Studios’ bold reality format, The Alliance. The Hindi-language version which will launch on Prime Video India as premium flagship content, exemplifies the "global to local" expertise Banijay Asia is known for.
Now in its third successful year in the Netherlands, The Alliance has proven itself as a highly addictive reality format, driven by strategy, trust and constantly changing dynamics. The Indian adaptation promises a high-stakes social strategy arena, specifically reimagined for the Indian audience. In this version, one must keep their friends close, but their enemies closer, however, as alliances fracture and loyalties shift under pressure, the competition becomes a true test of character. In a cultural landscape where relationships are paramount, only one player can ultimately win the prize.
Deepak Dhar, Founder & Group CEO at Banijay Asia: “Banijay Asia has built longstanding, trusted relationships with streamers across India, and this commission reflects the confidence they place in our ability to deliver distinctive, highvalue content. Prime Video India has been an important partner in this project, and is the perfect home for a format of this scale and ambition.”
Sebastian van Barneveld, Director Global Distribution at Talpa Studios: "Proven in the Netherlands, dominating access prime time with the strongest ratings seen in the past three decades, this highly flexible Talpa Studios format brings together all our core strengths into one powerful show. Seeing The Alliance expand into India is a proud milestone for us. With Banijay Asia, we couldn’t have asked for a stronger launch partner in this genre.”
Mrinalini Jain, Group Chief Development Officer, Banijay Asia & Endemol Shine India: “At Banijay Asia, we constantly challenge ourselves to bring the region fresh, distinctive, culturally relevant and engaging entertainment, while continuing to push the envelope and shape the future of the entertainment landscape. We believe great content must travel and be celebrated, whilst being meaningfully localised to the cultures and audiences it serves. With our partners at Prime Video India who have always supported our vision, The Alliance reflects this ethos.”
In the Netherlands, The Alliance has become the best performing long running reality series on SBS6, consistently delivering strong ratings and engagement. Beginning 2026, it achieved a record breaking 20.8% market share (key demo 25-59), significantly outperforming the channel average. The format also ranks as the number one title on streaming platform KIJK and continues to generate strong online engagement across social media platforms, underlining its broad and loyal fanbase.
Also Read: Prime Video’s It Starts Here event: Alia Bhatt reveals that she’ll launch 4 non-star kids in Don’t Be Shy; Karan Johar says, “I am so proud of you!”
read moreNetflix and Amazon taught India to binge and Dhurandhar 2 taught Bollywood how to cash in on it
Let’s be honest: 3 hours 49 minutes is a ridiculous runtime on paper.
This is not a breezy popcorn watch. This is not a “let’s catch a quick evening show” movie. This is a commitment. You’re booking tickets, finding parking, surviving multiplex chaos, standing in snack queues, and then sitting through the length of what is essentially two regular Bollywood films stitched together.
By every old school theatrical rule, Dhurandhar 2 should have been in trouble. And yet, it isn’t.
In fact, the most interesting thing about Dhurandhar 2 is not that it is nearly four hours long. It is that audiences are sitting through every single minute of it. Not restlessly. Not reluctantly. But willingly. That tells you something important: cinema in India is quietly changing, and most people haven’t even noticed it yet. The old runtime rule is dead
For years, the industry treated runtime like a landmine. Anything above 2 hours 30 minutes invited panic. Trade experts worried about fewer shows per day. Exhibitors worried about occupancy. Audiences were assumed to have vanishing attention spans. Filmmakers were told to trim, tighten and rush.
Then comes Aditya Dhar, who seems to have looked at all those warnings and casually said: what if the problem was never length, but laziness in storytelling?
That is the real provocation of Dhurandhar 2.
Dhar reportedly shot nearly seven hours of material across India and Thailand. Most directors would have attacked that footage with scissors and fear. They would have flattened it into one safer film, shaved off the ambition, and proudly called it crisp. Instead, Dhar split the saga into two parts and trusted the material. That trust is paying off. Dhurandhar was never built like a movie. It was built like a binge-watch
Here is the insight nobody is stressing enough: Dhurandhar does not behave like a conventional film. It behaves like a series disguised as a theatrical event. That is why the runtime lands differently.
The first film, and now the second, are structured in chapters. Each segment hits like an episode. A reveal. A tonal shift. A new conflict. A mini-climax. Another twist. Then before the audience has fully processed what happened, the next stretch pulls them in again. That rhythm is crucial.
People are not sitting in a theatre thinking, “I have been here for 214 minutes.” They are experiencing the story in episodic bursts. Emotionally, it plays less like one giant film and more like six irresistible episodes watched back to back in the dark. That is a very different viewing psychology. And that is exactly where OTT enters the conversation. Netflix and Prime did not destroy theatres. They trained audiences for this
The lazy industry narrative has been that OTT platforms killed the theatrical experience and ruined attention spans. But Dhurandhar 2 suggests something far more interesting. OTT did not kill audience patience. It reprogrammed it.
A whole generation now consumes stories in seasons. Six episodes. Eight episodes. Ten episodes. Forty-five to sixty minutes at a stretch. No interval. No pressure. No problem. Viewers have built a completely different stamina for narrative immersion.
So when a film like Dhurandhar 2 comes along and mirrors that chapter-by-chapter pull, the audience is not intimidated by the runtime. They are already trained for it. That is the shift.
The Indian audience of 2026 is not the same audience of 2010. They do not automatically reject length. They reject drag. They reject stagnation. They reject scenes that feel like they exist only because a star wanted an extra slow-motion entry. The runtime isn’t the villain. The pacing is. Aditya Dhar understood the audience better than the audience’s critics did. This is what makes Dhurandhar 2 such an important case study.
While many filmmakers keep complaining that viewers no longer have patience, Dhar appears to have made the opposite bet. He seems to have understood that people will happily surrender four hours if the story keeps rewarding their attention. That is a big lesson.
Because the success of Dhurandhar 2 is not just about one blockbuster being content-driven. That phrase has become a lazy crutch anyway. This is about form. It is about realizing that theatrical storytelling does not have to remain trapped inside the old template of setup, songs, interval block, action stretch, climax, exit.
Audiences are now comfortable with longer arcs, layered payoffs, delayed gratification and episode-style storytelling. They have been practising for years on streaming platforms. The future of Indian blockbusters may be longer, but only if they are smarter. This does not mean every filmmaker should now make a 3 hour 49 minute film and expect applause. That would be a disastrous takeaway. Let’s not romanticize indulgence.
A bad 100-minute film feels endless. A great 220-minute film can feel electric. The audience is not rewarding Dhurandhar 2 for being long. They are rewarding it for being absorbing. That distinction matters.
If anything, Dhurandhar 2 should terrify mediocre filmmakers. Because it destroys the excuse that audiences just don’t have the patience anymore. Clearly, they do. They simply want momentum. They want escalation. They want chapters that feel like they matter. They will sit. They will watch. They will even skip the interval samosa if the story earns it.
Indian audiences have changed. The question is: has the rest of Bollywood caught up?
Also Read: BREAKING: Dhurandhar The Revenge beats highly anticipated Hollywood film Ready Or Not 2 overseas; brings Bahar to Mumbai’s Bahar cinema
read morePriyanka Chopra calls Ankush Bahuguna "better Meghna” after his Lakmé Fashion Week runway moment
At Lakmé Fashion Week 2026, Ankush Bahuguna made a striking statement as he opened the show for Line Outline, quickly becoming one of the most talked-about moments of the season. Known for his distinctive voice in the beauty and digital space, Ankush brought a refreshing energy to the runway, earning instant appreciation from audiences both at the venue and online.
Dressed in a sharp, all-white ensemble featuring structured tailoring and fluid layers, Ankush’s look was equal parts modern and expressive. His confident walk, understated styling and natural ease on the ramp translated seamlessly on camera, with his reel from the show receiving an outpouring of love for its aesthetic and attitude.
Adding a clever twist, Ankush used the iconic “Meghna, walk” audio from Fashion—originally featuring Priyanka Chopra—making the moment instantly nostalgic and culturally resonant. In a major highlight, Priyanka Chopra herself reposted the video, writing, “@ankushbahuguna you’re a much better Meghna!”—a powerful nod that has turned his LFW appearance into a viral, headline-making moment.
Also Read: From smoky eyes to berry lips: Decoding the look of Shanaya Kapoor at Lakmé Fashion Week
read moreMani Shankar on 16 December sequel, "It's as original, exciting and relevant as the first"
24 years ago, director/engineer Mani Shankar’s 16 December predicted tech far ahead of its time. From 3D holography as a surveillance tool, to Gen AI image enhancement techniques, voice activated command systems, camera grids in Indian cities, ethical hacking, and long range wireless spy cams and EarPods.
As a true-blue spy film, it set a new bar that Bollywood has since built on. The brilliance of the integration of this as yet future tech into the story happening on the streets of India, made the film one of the top 10 grossers of the year.
Gulshan Grover’s iconic “Dulhan ki bidaai ka waqt badalna hai” as a voice activated command for a nuke, that is hacked by a 13 year old ethical hacker was radically new as a climax concept in Bollywood. It is also among the most quoted one-liners in Bollywood films.
The concept of the surveillance command control centre was first created for 16 December. It’s a norm for every film of the genre now.
Now, Mani Shankar is on to the sequel. It’s taken him over a year to craft a sequel to this story. Mani said, “It’s just as original, exciting and relevant as the first.”
The grim faced holster wearing and butt kicking female lead Sheba is the template followed by countless female spies down the decades. This was the first script to weave the larger geopolitics of our region into its narration.
Said Mani Shankar, “The script of the sequel 16 December 2 is almost ready. It’s registered in my name and I will be the lead producer as well. I will be pitching it to lead stars in a couple of months.”
Also Read: Mani Shankar on the failure of Rudraksh as the film completes 22 years, “I changed the way the story unfolded, that was the big mistake”
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