Bollywood
Shoot of Shah Rukh Khan’s King in Dubai cancelled amid Middle East tensions, desert sequence shifted to Mumbai: Report
The upcoming action entertainer King, directed by Siddharth Anand and headlined by Shah Rukh Khan, has reportedly undergone a change in its filming schedule after a planned Dubai shoot was cancelled due to the ongoing geopolitical tensions in the Middle East.
According to a report by Mid-Day, a desert action sequence featuring Anil Kapoor and Suhana Khan was originally scheduled to be filmed in Dubai beginning April 9. The schedule was expected to last about a week and the team had already secured the required permissions to shoot in the emirate. However, the plan was revised keeping safety considerations in mind.
A source told the publication, “The team had procured the necessary permissions to shoot in the emirate. It was supposed to be a week-long schedule from April 9. But given the dynamic situation in the region, the makers decided not to take any risk with the cast and crew's safety.”
Following the change in plans, the makers have reportedly recreated the desert set at a studio in Mumbai’s Vile Parle to continue filming without disruption. The same source stated that the production team has mounted the sequence on a large scale to match the director’s vision. “They've gone all out to match the scale that Siddharth envisioned for the set-piece. In fact, this gives them more control over action beats and lighting. The sequence begins with a chase, resulting in an intense combat.”
King features a large ensemble cast. Apart from Shah Rukh Khan, Suhana Khan and Anil Kapoor, the film also stars Abhishek Bachchan, Rani Mukerji, Deepika Padukone, Arshad Warsi, Jaideep Ahlawat, Saurabh Shukla, Abhay Verma and Raghav Juyal in key roles.
Earlier this year, the makers confirmed that the film is scheduled to release in theatres on December 24, 2026, during the Christmas weekend. Production on King is currently underway.
Also Read: Abhishek Bachchan confirms involvement in King alongside Shah Rukh Khan :‘I am currently shooting for my new film, which is called King’
read moreBREAKING: Ramayana's 'Rama' asset is 2 minutes and 38 seconds long; passed by the CBFC with a 'U' certificate
Ramayana is one of the most awaited film of 2026 and the makers are leaving no stone unturned to ensure that the film's awareness is at an all time high. After releasing the introduction video of the film way back on July 3, 2025, that is, more than 1 ½ years before it's release, the makers are now all set to come up with another unit this Thursday, April 2. Bollywood Hungama has learned that today, March 30, the asset was passed by the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC).
The new asset of Ramayana is called 'Rama' and has secured a 'U' certificate. As per the censor certificate, it is 158 seconds long. In other words, it has a run time of 2 minutes and 38 seconds.
Ramayana stars Ranbir Kapoor as Rama, Sai Pallavi as Sita, Yash as Ravana, Sunny Deol as Hanuman and Ravie Dubey as Lakshman. It is directed by Nitesh Tiwari of Dangal (2016) fame and produced by Namit Malhotra. The music is composed by A R Rahman and Hans Zimmer. It's a two part saga with the first part releasing on Diwali 2026. As for the second part, it'll arrive on the big screen on Diwali 2027.
On March 27, the makers of Ramayana announced that the 'Rama' glimpse will be unveiled on April 2 to coincide with the occasion of Hanuman Jayanti.
Also Read: Ramayana Update: Namit Malhotra announces ‘Rama’ glimpse release date on Hanuman Jayanti; global fan reveal planned
read moreViineet Kumar Singh to play antagonist in Aneet Padda starrer Shakti Shalini: Report
In a significant casting development for Maddock Films’ expanding horror-comedy universe, Viineet Kumar Singh has reportedly been roped in to play the primary antagonist in Shakti Shalini, according to Variety India. The film marks the sixth installment in the Maddock Horror Comedy Universe (MHCU), which includes titles such as Stree, Bhediya, Munjya, Stree 2, and Thamma.
Directed by Aditya Sarpotdar, who previously helmed Munjya and Thamma, the upcoming project is expected to take the franchise forward with a comparatively darker tone. While specific plot details have not been officially disclosed, reports suggest that Viineet’s character will be portrayed as a “dark and gritty” force, positioned as a major challenge to the film’s central protagonist.
Actor Aneet Padda has been cast in the titular role, marking her entry into the Maddock universe. The casting follows her recent rise in visibility after her performance in Saiyaara (2025), directed by Mohit Suri. Her character, Shakti Shalini, was first introduced to audiences in a post-credits sequence of Thamma during last year’s Diwali release, where she was described through the titles “The Protector, The Destroyer, and The Mother of All.”
The film will also feature Vishal Jethwa in a key role, marking a reunion with Aneet Padda after their collaboration in Salaam Venky (2022). Their pairing is expected to contribute to the emotional narrative within the film’s supernatural setting.
Viineet Kumar Singh, who has had a busy year with projects such as Chhaava and Jaat, has reportedly already commenced shooting for Shakti Shalini with a schedule in Mumbai. The actor is expected to take a short break to complete his commitments for Dahaad Season 2 before resuming the next leg of filming in Madhya Pradesh in May.
Initially slated for a theatrical release on December 24, 2026, Shakti Shalini is currently the subject of release date speculation. With Shah Rukh Khan’s King also targeting the Christmas window, industry reports suggest that the makers may consider shifting the release to early 2027.
As the Maddock Horror Comedy Universe continues to expand, Shakti Shalini is positioned as an important addition, introducing new characters while building on the interconnected narrative established by its predecessors.
Also Read: Vishal Jethwa joins Salaam Venky co-star Aneet Padda’s Shakti Shalini: Report
read moreSalman Khan teams up with National-Award winning director Vamshi Paidipally, Dil Raju; shooting from April 2026
Actor Salman Khan is set to collaborate with National Award-winning director Vamshi Paidipally and producer Dil Raju for a high-octane action drama. The yet-untitled project marks the first time the trio is coming together and is scheduled to go on floors in April 2026.
Readers may recall that Bollywood Hungama was the first to report on the development earlier this month. A source revealed that discussions were underway to align schedules toward an Eid 2027 release window. The producer and director were evaluating timelines and planning to revert with a structured roadmap to make the festive release feasible.
According to the same source, the film is designed as an action-packed entertainer with a strong emotional core. It is envisioned as a full-fledged commercial outing that presents Salman Khan in a space audiences strongly associate with him. Pre-production is currently underway in full swing, with the makers preparing to begin principal photography in April.
The film is expected to be shot across multiple locations in India and will involve extensive visual effects work. Several technical and logistical aspects are being finalised before the makers move toward an official announcement with additional details.
While the initial plan is to begin filming in April 2026, the team is targeting a release in the first half of 2027. The timeline has reportedly been committed by the producer to Salman Khan as the project moves steadily into its next phase.
At present, Salman Khan is occupied with promotions for his upcoming film Maatrubhumi: May War Rest In Peace, earlier titled Battle of Galwan. Directed by Apoorva Lakia and co-starring Chitrangda Singh, the film is scheduled to release on August 14, 2026. It was initially planned for an April 17, 2026 release but was reportedly postponed due to patchwork and reshoot requirements.
Also Read: EXCLUSIVE: Aejaz Gulab reveals why Maatrubhumi had an additional shoot: “Makers wanted to film introduction scenes of some characters”; adds, “It was Apoorva Lakhia’s DREAM to work with Salman Khan; he was trying for it for a long time”
read moreEXCLUSIVE: Dhurandhar The Revenge makers correct mirror goof; revised prints sent to cinemas
Dhurandhar The Revenge has been loved for its subject, storytelling, performances, music, massy moments, well-etched characters and of course, the peak detailing by the master, Aditya Dhar. A few days after its release, a minor goof in the film came to light. In a crucial scene just after the intermission, Hamza aka Jaskirat Singh Rangi (Ranveer Singh) gets into a fight with Gurbaaz Singh aka Pinda (Udaybir Sandhu) in a palatial bathroom. Though there’s lots happening in the sequence and the tension is at an all-time high, an observant moviegoer noticed that the reflection of the cameraman is visible in one shot. A screenshot of the moment was widely circulated on social media.
Bollywood Hungama has now learned that the makers have rectified this blunder. A trade source told us, “Cinemas across the country were sent revised prints of the film and were told to screen them with immediate effect. Some theatres received the new print on Saturday, while others got it on Sunday.”
The source continued, “In this new print, the cameraman can no longer be seen in the mirror’s reflection. When you are delivering such a mammoth film, you need to take care of countless aspects. Once in a while, mistakes do happen. Even in Hollywood films, one can spot many such goofs. It’s praiseworthy that Aditya Dhar and team got the mistake corrected. It goes without saying that even after the theatrical run, it’ll be the rectified version that will play on OTT and satellite.”
Dhurandhar The Revenge is produced by Jyoti Deshpande’s Jio Studios and Aditya Dhar and Lokesh Dhar’s B62 Studios. It is directed by Aditya Dhar and besides Ranveer Singh and Udaybir Sandhu, it also stars Sanjay Dutt, R Madhavan, Arjun Rampal, Sara Arjun, Rakesh Bedi and others. In 10 days, it has collected a huge Rs. 747.50 crores.
Also Read: Haq director Suparn Varma on Yami Gautam’s character in Dhurandhar The Revenge named ‘Shazia Bano’: “It was very sweet and admirable of Aditya Dhar”
read moreComposer-singer Vishal Dadlani in trouble for interacting with controversial Pakistani journalist Safina Khan
Composer-singer Vishal Dadlani is being hounded for no reason except that he spoke to a Pakistani journalist. A recent controversial video shows Dadlani interacting with Pakistani journalist Safina Khan in London.
Safina Khan is notorious for openly expressing anti-India views.
Enraged netizens are demanding that Dadlani be removed from the panel of judges on the popular music content show Indian Idol. Dadlani has served as judge on Indian Idol for years now.
Whether the parent channel Sony TV will succumb to overzealous nationalistic pressures, or wait for the storm to pass, remains to be seen.
Also Read: Vishal Dadlani takes indirect dig at Dhurandhar The Revenge over demonetisation portrayal: “A film is just entertainment. Facts are facts”
read moreSinger Arpit Bala spits at bottle-throwing fan during Hyderabad concert, watch video
With audiences at live concerts in Delhi for musicians like Badshah and Yo Yo Honey Singh turning increasingly unruly, the musical malaise has now moved South to Hyderabad.
At a concert in Hyderabad at Kingdome Klub & Kitchen on Saturday March 28, singer-performer Arpit Bala, who gained some popularity with his song ‘Bargad’ in 2025, was targeted during his performance with an empty bottle by an unruly member of the audience.
Bala hit right back.
He angrily asked who threw the bottle After identifying the culprit, Bala spat at the fan as the crowd cheered loudly. Arpit Bala spitting on crowd by u/Potential_Let226 in IndianHipHopHeads
Warning the audience not to repeat such acts, he added, “Mujhe farak nahi padega ki tumne kitne paise diye hain... (I don’t care how much you spent),” and continued his performance.
The incident highlights the growing uneasy equation between performers and the audience at live concerts in India. They are no longer safe or even enjoyable for family audiences as stampedes and spats break out routinely at these concerts.
read moreBREAKING: Drishyam's Spanish remake to go on floors in June
In February 2024, it was announced that Drishyam is all set to have remakes in foreign languages. This huge development was confirmed by Kumar Mangat Pathak and Abhishek Pathak, who acquired the international remake rights to Drishyam 1 and 2 from the original producers, Aashirvad Cinemas. At the time, it was revealed that remakes in the USA and Korea were already in the works, while the deal for the Spanish version was being finalized. Almost two years later, it has now come to light that the Spanish remake of Drishyam is all set to go on floors in a few months from now.
As per a report in Bombay Times, Rodrigo Espinel, who will produce Drishyam’s Spanish remake, confirmed at the ongoing International Film Festival of Delhi that the shoot of the film will commence in June. He said, “It’s an interesting story because my partner is a Mexican producer who bought the IP rights, and he called us because Spain has wonderful tax incentives. The concept can be adapted perfectly to Spanish culture. So, we have now started working on it, and we are going to start shooting next June. It has a Spanish director and a top Spanish cast.”
Rodrigo Espinel was asked why he feels that Drishyam’s remake would work for the Spanish audience. He explained, “In the end, it is the story of a father who tries to protect his daughter, and a mother who tries to find where her son is, so it becomes easy to adapt. I think as a producer, if you try to adapt a very local movie, it’s difficult. Even if we adapt the story, the soul of the film is lost. In this case, even though it is a very Indian movie, it’s easy to adapt and connect with our audience.”
About Drishyam
Drishyam (2015) was the official remake of the 2013 Mohanlal-starrer of the same name and stars Ajay Devgn, Tabu, Shriya Saran, Ishita Dutta and others. Directed by Nishikant Kamat, it was the story of an illiterate father who goes to insane lengths to protect his wife and daughter after they mistakenly kill a sexual predator. The deceased was the son of a menacing police officer, which further complicated the matter.
Drishyam was a success and its sequel, Drishyam 2 (2022), was a surprise blockbuster. The original cast returned for the sequel and they were joined by Akshaye Khanna. The second part was directed by Abhishek Pathak, who has also directed Drishyam 3, which will release this year on October 2. While Akshaye Khanna won’t be seen in Drishyam 3, Jaideep Ahlawat and Prakash Raj have come on board this time.
Meanwhile, the original Malayalam version’s second part, Drishyam 2, was released in 2021. The third part will arrive in cinemas this year, on May 21.
Also Read: Drishyam 2 set for theatrical release on April 10 ahead of Drishyam 3 release in May
read moreSonam Kapoor and Anand Ahuja welcome second baby boy; announce arrival with heartfelt note
Actor Sonam Kapoor Ahuja and her husband Anand Ahuja have welcomed their second child, a baby boy, on March 29, 2026. The couple took to Instagram on Sunday to share the happy news with their followers and well-wishers.
The heartfelt message read, “With immense gratitude and hearts full of love, we are delighted to announce the arrival of our baby boy today, 29th of March 2026. Our family has grown, and with his arrival, our hearts have expanded in the most beautiful way. Vayu is overjoyed to welcome his little brother, and we feel deeply blessed by this precious new life who has filled our home with happiness and grace. We are grateful to begin this beautiful new chapter as a family of four”. They signed off by saying, “With love, Sonam, Anand & Vayu”.
Soon after the announcement, several members of the film industry flooded the comments section with congratulatory messages, including Kareena Kapoor Khan, Kajol, Bipasha Basu, Dia Mirza, Parineeti Chopra, Zoya Akhtar, Kajal Aggarwal, Huma Qureshi, Vaani Kapoor, and Richa Chadha, among others.
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For the unversed, Sonam and Anand’s relationship dates back to 2015, when they first connected through common friends. What began as a long-distance romance between Mumbai and London soon evolved into a strong partnership, culminating in their marriage on May 8, 2018, in a traditional Sikh ceremony in Mumbai, followed by a grand reception. The couple embraced parenthood for the first time in August 2022 with the birth of their son, Vayu Kapoor Ahuja.
On the work front, Sonam Kapoor Ahuja was last seen in Blind (2023), a remake of a 2011 Korean film of the same name. While she continues to make a strong presence on the fashion circuit, the actress is yet to announce her upcoming film projects.
Also Read: Sonam Kapoor drops posts about her baby shower: From her ethereal look to sacred and traditional ceremony, it was a celebration wrapped in love
read more‘Touch Buddy’ from Dacoit out now: Pawan Singh, Jonita Gandhi and Adivi Sesh bring high energy dance track to life
Ever since the makers of Dacoit announced ‘Touch Buddy’, a song featuring Pawan Singh, Adivi Sesh and Jonita Gandhi, fans knew they were in for a power-packed musical treat. The recently released teaser only amplified the buzz, adding a whole new level of hype to the high-energy track. Finally, the makers have dropped this banger, with Pawan Singh and Jonita lending their vocals to the much-awaited song. The song was shot in Telugu as well as Hindi.
Sung by the powerful duo Pawan Singh and Jonita Gandhi, the fiery lyrics are penned by Vayu Shrivastava, with music composed by Bheems Ceciroleo. Adding a touch of his own signature swag. Adivi Sesh will be seen shaking a leg alongside Pawan Singh and Jonita Gandhi, with the trio lighting up the screen with their moves, making ‘Touch Buddy’ the dance number of the season.
Speaking about the song, Bhojpuri King Pawan Singh shared, “I love experimenting with my music, and when Adivi Sesh came to me with the idea, I instantly knew the kind of energy I wanted to bring to this intense and action-packed film. I’m really excited to collaborate with such incredible talents like Sesh and Jonita Gandhi. We thoroughly enjoyed shooting for the song, and I’m sure the audience will feel that same energy.”
Jonita shared, “Recording ‘Touch Buddy’ in both Telugu and Hindi was a really enjoyable experience. It was exciting to collaborate with someone as iconic as Pawan Singh, and working with Adivi Sesh and the team made the entire process super special. I’m grateful to the whole team for making me feel so comfortable throughout. Stepping in front of the camera and dancing for the song - that’s a first for me for any film so far. I hope the audience enjoys the song as much as we enjoyed creating it.”
Marking Shaneil Deo’s directorial debut, this ambitious project, which is shot in Hindi as well Telugu, is produced by Supriya Yarlagadda, co-produced by Suniel Narang, and presented by Annapurna Studios. Shot simultaneously in Hindi and Telugu, the film’s story and screenplay have been jointly crafted by Adivi Sesh and Shaneil Deo. Dacoit is gearing up for a grand Pan-India theatrical release for April 10, 2026.
Also Read: Adivi Sesh meets Japanese fan who flew to Hyderabad dressed like him to wish him for Dacoit
read morePrime Video marks Vijay Varma’s birthday by announcing April 17 as release date of Matka King
Prime Video, one of India’s most loved entertainment destination, today, celebrated Vijay Varma’s birthday by announcing April 17 as the worldwide premiere date of his upcoming Prime Original drama Matka King. Created and written by Abhay Koranne and created and directed by Nagraj Popatrao Manjule, the series is set in the fast-changing Bombay of the 1960s and traces the fictional journey of an enterprising cotton trader who creates a new gambling system, dubbed ‘Matka’, turning an elite pastime into a nationwide phenomenon.
The series is produced by Siddharth Roy Kapur, Nagraj Popatrao Manjule, Gargi Kulkarni, Ashwini Sidwani, and Ashish Aryan, under the banners of Roy Kapur Films, Aatpat, and SMR Productions. Matka King features Vijay Varma, Kritika Kamra, Sai Tamhankar, Siddharth Jadhav, Bhupendra Jadawat, and Gulshan Grover in lead roles along with Vineet Kumar Singh, Bharat Jadhav, Girish Kulkarni, Jamie Lever, Kishor Kadam, Cyrus Sahukar, Arpita Sethia, Sambhaji Tangade, Ishtiyak Khan, Sanjivv Jotangia, and Simran Ashwini in pivotal roles. The series is set to premiere exclusively on Prime Video, in India and across 240 countries and territories worldwide on April 17.
Matka King follows Brij Bhatti, a sharp-minded and enterprising cotton trader, played by Vijay Varma, who navigates the fast-changing landscape of 1960s Bombay in pursuit of legitimacy and respect. Set against a world of bustling markets, crowded chawls, and shifting power dynamics, what begins as an ambitious idea soon takes on a life of its own, drawing in people across social strata. As aspirations grow and stakes rise, the series unfolds into a gripping narrative shaped by ambition, power, and belonging.
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“Matka King is a gripping story of one man’s journey to succeed against all odds in a changing world, told in a way that will surprise audiences,” said Nikhil Madhok, director & head of Originals, Prime Video, India. “The tale of Brij Bhatti’s rise as the Mata King is equal parts fascinating and cautionary. We are thrilled to have partnered with Roy Kapur Films, Aatpat, and SMR Productions to bring this bold story to viewers worldwide on April 17.”
Siddharth Roy Kapur, co-producer for Matka King, shared, “What drew us to Matka King was the scale and uniqueness of the world it is set in, and the story of an individual navigating ambition, identity, and the pursuit of respect in a rapidly evolving society. It is a narrative rooted in a specific time and place, yet universally relatable in its exploration of human aspirations and choices. Combining forces with Nagraj Popatrao Manjule, whose extraordinary work I have always admired has been extremely rewarding. And the talented Abhay Koranne, who we have successfully collaborated with before, has brought a distinct creative vision and authenticity to the storytelling. With a stellar ensemble led by Vijay Varma, Kritika Kamra, and Gulshan Grover, the series is brought to life with remarkable depth and nuance. We are delighted to deepen our collaboration with Prime Video on this ambitious project and look forward to bringing Matka King to audiences starting April 17, only on Prime Video.”
Also Read: Sunny Deol and Vijay Varma likely to team up for high-intensity action drama
read morePrasanth Varma’s Mahakali to also release in Hindi following Akshaye Khanna’s popularity after Dhurandhar
Akshaye Khanna is being very selective after Dhurandhar, as he used to be even before his resurrection. In his next release Mahakali, Akshaye Khanna plays Shukracharya, a manipulative sage, marking his entry into Tollywood.
The film, part of the Prasanth Varma Cinematic Universe (PVCU), is directed by Puja Aparna Kolluru.
Said producer Prashanth Varma, “We had signed Akshaye Sir much before Dhurandhar. He is the highlight of Mahakali.”
Varma intends to highlight Akshay Khanna’s presence in the North Hindi speaking belt. Earlier, the plan was to release Mahakali in Telugu only. But now after Dhurandhar, there will be a Hindi version highlighting Akshaye Khanna in the marketing.
Also Read: Feroz Abbas Khan on birthday boy Akshaye Khanna’s performance in Gandhi My Father, “His emotional investment to play the part was palpable, he has made Harilal memorable in cinema”
read moreSCOOP: A mysterious romantic film in the making at Aditya Chopra's den - Yash Raj Films
Yash Raj Film is among the most established banners of Indian Cinema, which is known to have delivered cults in the romantic space, ranging from Kabhi Kabhi and Silsila, to Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge, Veer Zara, and more recently Saiyaara. A little birdie informs that a lot of movement is happening at YRF, taking a "Mysterious Romantic Film".
"Yash Raj Films, in consultation with Aditya Chopra are working on a mysterious, timeless romantic saga, which could redefine the genre yet again. The script is locked, and all the things around the same are kept under wraps," a birdie from the inside confirmed to Bollywood Hungama, adding further that all the aspects around the project are moving forward at a fast pace, including the director's name as well as the casting process.
Reportedly, a big star-cast is expected to come on board this epic, timeless tale of romance, and an announcement could be made on Yash Chopra's birthday - September 27. "It could be one of the most ambitious romantic films of modern times. The development and prep work is underway in full swing, and the idea is to keep all around this project under wraps till the moment of truth - the day of announcement."
While the makers may try their best to keep it all under wraps, stay tuned to us as we have activated all our sources to get us a scoop on this project.
Also Read: SCOOP: Budget math stalls Krrish 4 – Hrithik’s Rs. 500 cr. vision vs Aditya Chopra’s Rs. 350 cr. cap!
read moreSCOOP: How Dhurandhar 2’s show-count pressure forced Bhooth Bangla out of April 10; Akshay Kumar film now eyes April 17
Akshay Kumar and Priyadarshan's next, Bhooth Bangla, which was scheduled to arrive on April 10, has now been delayed to April 17. This has spiked a huge conversation in the industry, as many are questioning the move. While the delay is attributed to the historic business of Dhurandhar 2, Bollywood Hungama has dived into the real reason for the postponement.
A source told Bollywood Hungama, "The distribution head of Jio Studios, Deepak Sharma has told the multiplexes to pull back the KDM of Dhurandhar 2 in the fourth week if they don't promise 10,000 shows to the film in the release week of Bhooth Bangla. He has taken this in writing from the exhibitors, and given the historic run, no one was willing to take the risk of missing out on a single penny of Dhurandhar 2."
The makers of Bhooth Bangla were fighting till the last minute to get a respectable release from April 10. "The Bhooth Bangla team contended that Dhurandhar 2 would have earned Rs. 1,000 crores by April 10, and all they wanted was a release that almost all mid-sized Akshay Kumar films get. But the Jio Studios distribution head had given a strict instruction to the exhibitors. It's the game of power, and with a project like Dhurandhar, the studio and its head are looking to establish themselves as the #1 distributor in India. The multiplex association had no option but to agree to all the demands."
The single screens too were given the same offer, i.e. to retain Dhurandhar 2 on all 4 shows even in the release week of Bhooth Bangla. "Akshay Kumar and co. prefer to stay away from controversy and eventually decided to move ahead by a week to April 17," the trade source informed.
Await the new date announcement soon!
Also Read: EXCLUSIVE: Akshay Kumar reveals returning to Chomu Palace again for Bhooth Bangla after Bhool Bhulaiyaa; Priyadarshan addresses comparisons with the psychological thriller
read moreSharad Kelkar collaborates with Prateek Sharma for multi-language films and OTT projects
Actor Sharad Kelkar marks a significant milestone in his career as he joins forces with producer Prateek Sharma to collectively collaborate for engaging and impactful films and series.
Backed by their respective banners, SKK Entertainment and Studio LSD, the duo is currently enjoying the success of Tumm Se Tumm Tak, which continues to soar on the TRP charts. Now, both will come together to create compelling films and web series, aiming to deliver diverse and high-quality content across languages.
This collaboration blends Kelkar’s strong storytelling sensibilities with Sharma’s proven expertise in creating successful shows like Tumm Se Tumm Tak, Beyhadh, Radha Mohan, Suman Indori and many more.
Over the years, Kelkar has established himself as a versatile actor and voice artist across films and OTT platforms. From lending his powerful voice to the Hindi version of Baahubali to portraying layered and impactful roles, Kelkar has strengthened his standing as an impactful performer. Even as a producer, he has backed films including the action-drama 'Raanti', adventure drama 'Idak: The Goat' and the Marathi epic 'Har Har Mahadev'.
While the synergy is new, the makers are gearing up to bring fresh, engaging and high-impact content to audiences. With a focus on unique narratives and compelling characters, this collaboration aims to push the boundaries of Indian storytelling.
Also Read: Sharad Kelkar says his Taskaree character draws from Amitabh Bachchan’s Angry Young Man era
read moreEktaa 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’
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