Nag Ashwin BREAKS SILENCE on rumours of Alia Bhatt, Sai Pallavi joining Kalki 2898 AD sequel: “Everything is speculation”

The speculation surrounding Kalki 2898 AD's sequel continues to intensify following Deepika Padukone's exit from the franchise. While social media and trade circles have been buzzing with reports linking Alia Bhatt and Sai Pallavi to the project, director Nag Ashwin has now shared an important update on the matter.

The discussion began months after production house Vyjayanthi Movies officially announced that it would not be continuing its association with Deepika Padukone for the sequel. The statement drew attention for its reference to a lack of alignment, with the banner stating that it was "unable to find a partnership" and suggesting that a film of Kalki's scale required a greater level of commitment.

Soon after, speculation emerged regarding the future of Sumathi, Deepika's character in the film. Since Sumathi plays a crucial role in the Kalki universe, many fans questioned whether the character would be recast or written out altogether.

Addressing the issue during a conversation with Great Andhra, Nag Ashwin confirmed that Sumathi will continue to be an integral part of the story. "We need to announce who plays Sumathi character in Kalki 2. As of now everything is speculation only. Character will be there for sure which we can't remove as it's a very important character," the filmmaker said.

His statement effectively confirms that the role will remain in the sequel, while also making it clear that no official casting announcement has been made yet.

The uncertainty has fuelled two major theories among fans. One section believes Alia Bhatt could join the franchise in an entirely new role rather than replacing Deepika. Reports and online discussions have suggested that she could portray Goddess Vaishno Devi, a figure often associated with Kalki mythology and believed by some traditions to be a Chiranjeevi tasked with guiding and protecting Kalki.

Another theory links both Alia Bhatt and Sai Pallavi directly to the role of Sumathi. Since the character serves as the mother of Kalki and is central to the narrative, many reports have speculated that the makers may opt for a straightforward recasting.

However, Nag Ashwin's latest remarks indicate that all such reports remain unconfirmed at this stage.

The original Kalki 2898 AD featured Prabhas, Deepika Padukone, Amitabh Bachchan, Kamal Haasan and Disha Patani in key roles. The film emerged as one of the biggest Indian blockbusters and laid the foundation for a larger cinematic universe, making every casting development surrounding the sequel a subject of intense interest.

For now, fans will have to wait for an official announcement from Vyjayanthi Movies and Nag Ashwin. Until then, the identity of the actor who will portray Sumathi in Kalki 2 remains one of the industry's biggest mysteries.

Also Read: Is Priyanka Chopra replacing Deepika Padukone in Kalki 2898 AD 2? Here’s what we know

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Sonu Nigam reveals he underwent MRI and CT scans after developing painful nerve condition; shares health update!

Singer Sonu Nigam has opened up about a recent health challenge, revealing that he has been dealing with a painful nerve-related condition over the past week. Despite undergoing extensive medical treatment and experiencing significant discomfort, the singer remains committed to performing for his fans.

On Tuesday, Sonu shared a video on Instagram in which he spoke candidly about his condition and the treatment he has been receiving. The singer revealed that doctors have been closely monitoring his health and that he has undergone several diagnostic tests in recent days.

“My nerves are pinched. I have been taking MRI and CT scans for a week. I have been taking a lot of medicines,” Sonu said in the video while showing a medical patch attached to his shoulder.

The singer explained that the condition has required ongoing treatment, including medication and physiotherapy. According to Sonu, the recovery process has not been easy. “Physiotherapy was very painful. I am taking painkillers now. Due to that, my throat is also a little heavy,” he shared.

For a professional singer, any issue affecting the throat can be particularly concerning. Sonu revealed that some of the muscle-relaxant medicines prescribed as part of his treatment have had an impact on his voice. However, he appeared determined to continue with his commitments despite the challenges.

The video, captioned “13th June, Mumbai ❤️‍🩹”, offered fans a glimpse of the physical difficulties he has been navigating behind the scenes.

 

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Sonu further shared that he is scheduled to perform in Mumbai later this month. The singer explained that the upcoming concert holds special significance for him, as it marks a return to the stage after a gap. Despite the pain and discomfort, he has chosen to go ahead with the performance.

The update prompted an outpouring of support from fans, many of whom wished him a speedy recovery and praised his dedication to his work. Several followers also expressed admiration for his decision to remain transparent about his health struggles while continuing to fulfill his professional commitments.

Also Read: Shankar Mahadevan, Sonu Nigam, Shaan and others to come together for Anandam, India’s first of a kind Bhakti experience

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Christopher Nolan to attend FIRST-EVER India premiere of The Odyssey in Mumbai

To celebrate the global theatrical debut of his new mythic action epic, The Odyssey, Academy Award®-winning filmmaker Christopher Nolan is set to arrive in Mumbai this July, accompanied by film stars Matt Damon, Tom Holland, and Academy Award®-winning producer Emma Thomas. The Odyssey will be the first Christopher Nolan film ever to premiere in India.

The filmmakers and Universal Pictures International have designated Mumbai as an official stop on The Odyssey's global premiere tour, placing Mumbai alongside London, Paris and New York. The Odyssey arrives in theaters worldwide July 17.

Shot across the world using brand new IMAX® film technology, The Odyssey is the first feature film shot entirely with IMAX® cameras. The India premiere will be held at PVR Icon IMAX®: Phoenix Palladium in Mumbai.

 

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The film stars Matt Damon, Tom Holland, Anne Hathaway, Robert Pattinson, Lupita Nyong’o, Samantha Morton, Zendaya and Charlize Theron, and is produced by Emma Thomas and Christopher Nolan for their company, Syncopy.

Written for the screen and directed by Nolan, The Odyssey brings Homer’s foundational saga of Odysseus's decade-long voyage home after the fall of Troy to IMAX® screens worldwide. The film’s Mumbai premiere marks one of the most significant Hollywood visits ever staged in India.

Advance Tickets for The Odyssey in IMAX® are already on sale in cinemas across India.

Also Read: SHOCKING: Christopher Nolan’s The Odyssey IMAX tickets touch Rs. 3000 in Pune; Delhi’s Paras keeps it LOWEST at just Rs. 370

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Disha Patani rents out Khar West home at Rs 2.85 lakhs monthly rent: Report

Actor Disha Patani has added another notable transaction to her real estate portfolio. The actor has leased out her luxury apartment in Mumbai's upscale Khar West locality at a starting monthly rent of Rs 2.85 lakhs. According to property registration documents accessed through Zapkey, the leave-and-license agreement was officially registered on June 1, 2026. The lease has been signed for a period of two years.

The apartment is located in Rustomjee Paramount, one of the premium residential developments in Khar West. The property measures over 1,000 square feet and is situated on one of the higher floors of the residential tower.

As per the registration documents, the apartment has been rented to Kamlaben Mangalbhai Gujjar. The tenant has paid a security deposit of Rs 8.55 lakh, which is equivalent to three months' rent.

The agreement also includes a rent escalation clause. While the monthly rent for the first year has been fixed at Rs 2.85 lakhs, it will increase by 5 percent after the completion of 12 months. This will take the monthly rental amount to approximately Rs 2.99 lakhs during the second year of the lease.

With the increase factored in, the apartment is expected to generate close to Rs 71 lakhs in rental income over the 24-month period.

On the professional front, Disha is currently awaiting the release of Welcome To The Jungle. Directed by Ahmed Khan, the comedy entertainer features a large ensemble cast and is scheduled to arrive in theatres on June 26.

Also Read: Ahmed Khan calls Akshay Kumar “absolutely dashing and handsome” and Disha Patani “his favourite” as ‘Ucha Lamba Kad Forever’ drops

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Teasers of Rajkummar Rao's Prahaar - The Ujjwal Nikam Story and Shraddha Kapoor's Eetha expected to be attached with Cocktail 2

A few days are left for the release of Cocktail 2, starring Shahid Kapoor, Kriti Sanon and Rashmika Mandanna, and excitement for the film is evident due to its casting, youthful flavour, franchise value and music. The excitement is expected to increase a few notches as it has come to light that the teasers of two highly awaited films may be attached with the prints of the romcom. Like Cocktail 2, both these films are produced by blockbuster producer Dinesh Vijan of Maddock Films.

The first one is Prahaar - The Ujjwal Nikam Story. As the title suggests, it is based on the life of prominent special public prosecutor Ujjwal Nikam. Rajkummar Rao plays the titular role in the film, which also stars Wamiqa Gabbi, Jaideep Ahlawat and Sikandar Kher. It is directed by Avinash Arun, who has also helmed the upcoming web series Pritam And Pedro, starring Arshad Warsi and marking the debut of Rajkumar Hirani’s son, Vir Hirani.

Prahaar - The Ujjwal Nikam Story releases in cinemas on August 7. On June 8, the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) passed its 1 minute and 57-second-long teaser with a U/A 16+ certificate.

The other teaser expected to be attached with Cocktail 2 is Eetha, starring Shraddha Kapoor in the role of Marathi Tamasha artist Vithabai Narayangaonkar. Directed by Laxman Utekar of Chhaava (2025) fame, it also stars Randeep Hooda and Mohd Zeeshan Ayyub. The film will release in cinemas on August 28, on the occasion of Raksha Bandhan.

A source told Bollywood Hungama, “In all probability, these two teasers will be shown with Cocktail 2, though the final call is yet to be taken. In the past, Maddock revealed the teaser of Bhool Chuk Maaf with Chhaava, the Shakti Shalini announcement asset with Thamma, Chhaava teaser with Stree 2, etc. Hence, it won’t be a surprise if audiences are treated with the promos for Prahaar - The Ujjwal Nikam Story and Eetha alongside Cocktail 2.”

An industry insider commented, “Both these upcoming films look promising. Rajkummar Rao is said to have done a stellar job as Ujjwal Nikam. Meanwhile, Shraddha Kapoor has essayed a powerful, author-backed role and will be seen in a never-before-seen avatar.”

Also Read: Rajkummar Rao to lead Maddock Films’ Prahaar – The Ujjwal Nikam Story; to release on August 7, 2026

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Kala Hiran producer demands public apology from Govind Namdev after he distances himself from film; threatens Rs 50 lakhs legal notice

The controversy surrounding Kala Hiran: The Battle for Legacy has taken a fresh turn after producer Amit Jani issued a legal notice to veteran actor Govind Namdev. The notice comes after Namdev publicly distanced himself from the film and alleged that he had been misled about the nature of the project.

In an interview with Amar Ujala, Namdev stated that he had agreed to be part of a film he believed was titled Sambhal and was told it would focus only on courtroom proceedings related to Salman Khan's blackbuck case. The actor later claimed he was shocked after watching the teaser of Kala Hiran, saying the final product was very different from what had been explained to him.

He had also stated that he would never knowingly participate in a project that targeted Salman Khan, whom he considers a friend.

Responding to those remarks, producer Amit Jani announced that legal action had been initiated against the actor. Taking to X, Jani wrote, "Govind Namdev ko legal notice diya. 7 din mein sarvajanik maafi maange aur production house ko 50 lakh rupaya jurmana de; anyatha kanooni karyavahi hogi."

गोविन्द नामदेव को लीगल नोटिस दिया 7 दिन मे सार्वजनिक माफ़ी मांगे और प्रोडक्शन हाउस को 50 लाख रुपया जुर्माना दे अन्यथा कानूनी कार्यवाही होगी — Amit Jani (@AmitJaniIND) June 15, 2026

Translated into English, the statement means that a legal notice has been issued to Govind Namdev demanding a public apology within seven days and compensation of Rs 50 lakh to the production house. Jani added that legal proceedings would follow if the demands were not met.

The producer also disputed Namdev's claims about being unaware of the film's content. According to Jani, the actor had not only signed Kala Hiran but had also agreed to be associated with its proposed sequel.

गोविंद नामदेव जी के गले में क़ानून का पट्टा डालकर अदालत में लेकर आयेंगे हम- अमित जानी #kalahiranmovie #amitjani #janifirefox #upcomingmovies pic.twitter.com/ih9n1aFucd — Amit Jani (@AmitJaniIND) June 14, 2026

The controversy stems from allegations that Kala Hiran closely resembles real-life events linked to the actor and the 1998 blackbuck poaching case. Salman Khan has approached the Delhi High Court seeking an immediate stay on the film's promotion, release and distribution.

According to his legal team, the film unlawfully uses his personality and publicity rights for commercial gain. They have also argued that promotional material for the film presents a misleading and defamatory narrative. One of the concerns raised relates to posters showing a character resembling Khan holding a firearm, despite the actor having been acquitted in the Arms Act case.

Khan's lawyers have further argued that any cinematic portrayal of matters still under legal consideration could influence public perception regarding ongoing proceedings connected to the blackbuck case.

The Delhi High Court has issued a formal notice to the filmmakers and sought their response.

Also Read: Kala Hiran row: Govind Namdev distances himself from film targeting Salman Khan; accuses producers of misleading him

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Veer Pahariya and Varun Sharma set to face off in action thriller Naam – To Live Is War; Mahesh Bhatt comes on board as presenter

Actor Veer Pahariya has officially announced his next big-screen outing, Naam - To Live Is War, with veteran filmmaker Mahesh Bhatt backing the project as presenter. The upcoming film is being described as a dark action thriller and is expected to showcase Veer in an intense and rugged new avatar. Reports suggest that the film will blend high-octane action with strong emotional drama, making it one of the most anticipated projects in the actor’s growing filmography.

Adding to the excitement, actor Varun Sharma will reportedly be seen playing a negative role for the very first time in his career. Known largely for his comic timing and light-hearted performances, Varun’s shift into the antagonist space has already sparked curiosity among audiences and industry insiders alike. His face-off with Veer is expected to become one of the major highlights of the film.

 

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Naam - To Live Is War will mark Veer Pahariya’s third film. He made his debut with Sky Force, starring Akshay Kumar and Sara Ali Khan.

Also Read: Veer Pahariya shares a holiday dump from Kashmir, from the stillness of Dal Lake to the wide open sky of the valley

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