Akshay Kumar hangs upside down in spooky new Bhooth Bangla poster; teaser to drop on March 12

The makers of Bhooth Bangla have unveiled a brand-new poster featuring Akshay Kumar, offering fans another intriguing glimpse into the film’s quirky horror-comedy world. The poster announcement also comes with exciting news — the teaser of the film is set to be released on Thursday, March 12.

Shared by Balaji Motion Pictures, the newly released visual highlights the film’s playful blend of spooky thrills and comedy. In the poster, Akshay Kumar is seen hanging upside down from a tree branch, sporting a hilariously eerie expression that mixes mischief with madness. The unusual pose instantly grabs attention and hints at the film’s unconventional narrative style.

The background further enhances the spooky vibe, with a dark forest setting and bats fluttering around the actor. Despite the eerie elements, the image maintains a light-hearted tone, suggesting that Bhooth Bangla will lean heavily into comic mayhem while playing with supernatural themes.

 

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The film marks the much-awaited reunion of Akshay Kumar and filmmaker Priyadarshan, a duo known for delivering several memorable comedy hits in Hindi cinema. Over the years, the actor-director pair has collaborated on popular entertainers that continue to enjoy a loyal fan following, making their latest project one of the most anticipated comedy releases in recent times.

With Bhooth Bangla, the duo appears ready to revisit their trademark blend of chaotic humour, quirky characters, and fast-paced storytelling. The new poster hints that the film will combine horror elements with Priyadarshan’s signature comedic style, creating a unique genre mix.

Apart from Akshay Kumar, the film features an ensemble cast including Wamiqa Gabbi, Paresh Rawal, Tabu, and Rajpal Yadav. The presence of seasoned performers known for their comic timing has further heightened expectations from the film.

Bhooth Bangla is produced by Akshay Kumar along with Shobha Kapoor and Ektaa R Kapoor under the banner of Balaji Motion Pictures, a division of Balaji Telefilms Ltd. The film is also presented in association with Cape of Good Films.

With the teaser scheduled to arrive tomorrow, the makers seem set to kick off the promotional campaign for the film in style. Bhooth Bangla is slated for a theatrical release on April 10, 2026, promising audiences a dose of supernatural fun mixed with Priyadarshan-style comedy chaos.

Also Read: Assets of Bhooth Bangla, Raja Shivaji, Cocktail 2 attached with Dhurandhar: The Revenge

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Hurun Global Rich List 2026: Ramayana producer Namit Malhotra joins India’s Billionaire Club as nation reaches 308 billionaires

India’s billionaire ranks continue to expand, with the latest Hurun Global Rich List 2026 adding 57 new names and pushing the country’s total tally to 308 billionaires. Among the notable entrants this year is filmmaker and visual effects entrepreneur Namit Malhotra, whose journey from a modest editing setup in his father’s garage to heading one of the world’s most celebrated VFX studios that will now be producing the much-awaited Ranbir Kapoor, Yash starrer Ramayana, has become a remarkable success story.

Malhotra is the founder and CEO of DNEG, the global visual effects and animation company known for its work on several award-winning international films. Over the years, DNEG has earned multiple Academy Awards for its groundbreaking VFX contributions to Hollywood productions, cementing its reputation as a powerhouse in the global film industry.

Beyond his work in visual effects, Malhotra has also been actively involved in large-scale film production. He is currently backing one of the most ambitious projects in Indian cinema—Ramayana, a two-part cinematic retelling of the ancient epic. Directed by Nitesh Tiwari, the film is designed as a grand mythological spectacle aimed at both Indian and global audiences. The first installment is expected to release during Diwali 2026, with the second part planned for a Diwali 2027 release.

The film features an impressive ensemble cast that brings together actors from across Indian cinema. Ranbir Kapoor will portray Lord Ram, while Sai Pallavi plays Sita. Yash, widely known for the KGF franchise, will appear as Ravana, and Sunny Deol takes on the role of Hanuman. Actor Ravi Dubey has been cast as Lakshman.

What makes the project particularly noteworthy is its scale. With a reported budget of around $100 million (approximately Rs.835 crore) for the first instalment alone, Ramayana is being positioned as one of the most expensive films ever produced in India. The production also relies heavily on cutting-edge technology, including advanced motion-capture techniques and large-scale visual effects.

Malhotra’s DNEG is overseeing the film’s VFX work, ensuring world-class visual storytelling. He has previously emphasised that the project has been developed with a “reverence-first” approach, with years of pre-production dedicated to honouring the epic’s cultural significance while presenting it with global cinematic standards.

With his entry into the Hurun billionaire list and the mounting anticipation around Ramayana, Namit Malhotra’s influence across both technology and filmmaking continues to grow on the world stage.

Also Read: Namit Malhotra to introduce all characters of Ramayana at a grand event on Ram Navami, deets inside

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Samantha Ruth Prabhu in talks to join Salman Khan in Raj & DK’s upcoming superhero comedy: Report

A new development has emerged around the upcoming film being developed by filmmaker duo Raj Nidimoru and Krishna DK. Just days after reports surfaced that Salman Khan had been roped in to headline the project, fresh updates suggest that actor Samantha Ruth Prabhu is also in discussions to join the film.

The director duo, popularly known as Raj & DK, are widely recognised for creating successful streaming series such as The Family Man and Guns & Gulaabs, while also backing films as producers. With their next venture, the filmmakers are reportedly aiming for a larger cinematic scale, bringing together a unique blend of genres. According to a report in Mid-Day, Samantha is currently being considered for a key role in the project. A source told the publication, “Samantha is very much in the conversation. She shares a strong creative equation with the makers, and they feel she fits the part."

Bollywood Hungama had earlier reported that Salman Khan’s role in the film will offer a fresh take on the superhero genre. The narrative is expected to mix humour with action while presenting the actor in an unconventional avatar. “Salman Khan will be seen as a superhero who wants to hang up his cape and retire from saving the world, having grown weary of doing the same thing on repeat. But circumstances refuse to let him live in peace and keep pulling him back into action time and again, eventually pushing him into a larger conflict. The narrative blends broad comedy with superhero beats essentially, a high-concept superhero comedy,” a source informed Bollywood Hungama.

If Samantha comes on board, the project will mark an exciting collaboration between the actor, also marking her Hindi film debut. Meanwhile, Salman Khan is currently preparing for the release of his next film Battle of Galwan, which is based on real-life events. Directed by Apoorva Lakhia, the film features Chitrangda Singh alongside Salman and is scheduled to release on April 17, 2026. The actor is also expected to collaborate with producer Dil Raju on another upcoming project, though further details about that film remain under wraps.

Samantha Ruth Prabhu, on the other hand, has an active slate of projects ahead. She will next be seen in the Telugu action drama Maa Inti Bangaram, which also marks her debut as a producer. The film features an ensemble cast including Gulshan Devaiah, Diganth Manchale, Gautami Tadimalla, and Sreemukhi, and is directed by BV Nandini Reddy. It is currently slated for a worldwide theatrical release on May 15, 2026.

In addition to that, Samantha will also appear in the much-anticipated web series Rakht Brahmand, which stars Aditya Roy Kapur, Ali Fazal, and Wamiqa Gabbi.

Also Read: SCOOP: Salman Khan partners with Raj-DK and Mythri on “Sultan meets Pushpa” action comedy; to go on floors in August 2026

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Jamie Lever recalls brother Jesse Lever's Tumour battle: "We would never return to that lifestyle"

Comedian and actor Jamie Lever recently opened up about a deeply emotional chapter in her family’s life, recalling how her brother Jesse Lever battled a tumour during childhood. Speaking about the difficult period in a podcast with Vickey Lalwani, Jamie revealed how the diagnosis and failed surgery changed the family’s life completely.

Jamie said Jesse was around 10–12 years old when doctors discovered a tumour in his neck. Because the tumour was entangled with nerves, surgery carried serious risks. “Doctors told us that if they operated, he could lose his eyesight or become paralysed,” she recalled. The family initially tried treatment in India, but the first surgery did not go as planned. Jamie described the experience as devastating for the entire family. “The first surgery failed and that phase was extremely difficult for all of us,” she said, adding that their daily lives began revolving around hospital visits and medical consultations.

According to Jamie, Jesse was also put on heavy medication for a long period. “He was taking nearly 50–60 tablets a day at one point because doctors hoped the tumour would shrink,” she shared. Despite the intense treatment, his condition did not improve significantly. Eventually, the family travelled to the United States in search of better medical options. During that trip, they were advised to consult specialists in New York. After further evaluation, Jesse underwent another surgery there, which successfully removed the tumour.

Reflecting on those years, Jamie said the ordeal reshaped their family’s outlook. “Those were very tough times. We would never want to return to that lifestyle again,” she said, referring to the constant anxiety and medical struggles they faced. She added that the experience strengthened the family’s faith and resilience, especially for her father, veteran comedian Johnny Lever.

Today, Jesse has recovered and moved forward with his creative career, working as a musician and performer while also appearing in films. Jamie said the family now looks back at that period with gratitude that he was able to overcome such a serious health challenge.

Also Read: Jamie Lever announces India’s first one-woman show, The Jamie Lever Show: “It is a labour of love”

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Tamil star Vijay told to appear before CBI in Karur stampede case

The walls seem to be closing in on Vijay, both personally and professionally. While his defiant stance on his alleged relationship with actress Trisha took a dramatic turn when the two appeared together at a wedding, on the professional front, Vijay is facing the music over a stampede case on September 27 last year resulting in the deaths of more than 40 people.

Now, Vijay has been asked to appear before the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) for an enquiry into the Karur stampede case.

However, sources close to Vijay say the actor-politician is in the “chill mode”.

“He is taking it all on the chin. Vijay feels all of these problems are happening to him simultaneously with a reason. God wants him to tackle all the problems headlong and emerge stronger. He also feels there is a concerted effort to downsize his image by political opponents. But Vijay is unperturbed.”

Also Read: Thalapathy Vijay spotted with Trisha Krishnan at wedding reception amid reports of marital trouble

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Thamma set for World Television Premiere on Sony MAX on March 21, 2026

Thamma, a genre-bending supernatural romance, reimagines love through an unexpected lens, blending emotion, mystery and mythology into a deeply human story. Flipping the classic Beauty and the Beast trope, the film explores beauty, vulnerability and the idea of the ‘beast’ in a fresh, contemporary way. Don’t miss the world television premiere of Thamma only on Sony MAX on Saturday, March 21, 2026, at 8 PM.

On the occasion of the world television premiere of Thamma on Sony MAX, Director Aditya Sarpotdar shares that he had always wanted to collaborate with Ayushmann Khurrana. “From the very beginning, he was my first and only choice. Ayushmann has an inherent emotional honesty that allows audiences to instantly connect with him, even in the most unconventional worlds. We needed an actor who could ground an out-of-the-world narrative with sincerity and depth, and he does that effortlessly. His ability to make the extraordinary feel relatable made it easy to convince him, and I truly believe he brings a rare warmth and believability to this supernatural romance,” he says.

Ayushmann Khurrana plays Alok Goyal, a city-based journalist whose routine life is upended when he falls in love with Tadaka/Tarika, played by Rashmika Mandanna. Thamma is the fifth installment in the Maddock Horror Comedy Universe, and comes after Stree, Roohi, Bhediya, Munjya and Stree 2. The film was helmed by Munjya director Aditya Sarpotdar and also stars Nawazuddin Siddiqui, Paresh Rawal and Sathyaraj in pivotal roles.

Don’t miss the world television premiere Thamma only on Sony MAX on Saturday, 21st March 2026 at 8 PM.

Also Read: Western Railway earns RECORD Rs. 1.72 cr through film and ad shoots in 2025-26; spokesperson reveals, “Shoojit Sircar FIRST filmmaker to shoot aboard Vande Bharat; John Abraham’s Maria IPS and Ayushmann Khurrana-Sharvari’s Yeh Prem Mol Liya shot on WR premises”

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Singer-Composer Leslee Lewis makes Bollywood playback comeback after 26 years

Veteran singer-composer Leslee Lewis is set to make a comeback as a playback singer in Hindi cinema after a gap of 26 years, marking a significant moment in his long musical journey. Known for shaping India’s Indi-pop movement in the 1990s, Lewis is returning with the song Zorr Ka Dhakka, which will mark his re-entry into Bollywood playback singing.

Lewis rose to national fame as part of the iconic duo Colonial Cousins alongside Hariharan. Their fusion of Indian classical and Western pop in the mid-1990s helped redefine the independent music scene in India and earned them international recognition, including the MTV Asia Viewer’s Choice Award and the Billboard Viewer’s Choice Award.

Speaking about his return, Lewis shared his excitement about reconnecting with Bollywood after decades. “I was relevant then and I’m still relevant now,” he said while discussing his comeback and his continued passion for music. He added that singing for a composition by another musician after so many years feels refreshing and gives him the opportunity to explore a different creative process.

Over the years, Lewis has remained active in music through independent projects, composing advertising jingles and working on various albums and collaborations. His contribution to India’s pop and fusion music landscape extends beyond Bollywood, with several successful independent releases and musical experiments. Reflecting on the evolution of the music industry, Lewis noted that while trends may change, the essence of music remains the same. “What keeps you going is authenticity and passion,” he said, emphasising that originality continues to matter in an industry often driven by formulas. With his upcoming playback track, the veteran musician hopes to reconnect with audiences across generations.

Also Read: Leslee Lewis on returning to playback singing in Hindi films after 26 years with ‘Zorr Ka Dhakka’, “It’s exciting to be back, whole track is so cool”; also says he has been putting “zero efforts” to stay relevant for 30 years

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