Brown teaser out: Karisma Kapoor plays a troubled Kolkata cop in Abhinay Deo's neo-noir thriller, watch

Breaking away from decades of polished on-screen glamour, Bollywood icon Karisma Kapoor is steering her career into highly intense, uncharted territory. Streaming giant ZEE5 has officially unveiled the teaser for its upcoming web series Brown, offering audiences a striking first look at the actress in what is tracking to be her most transformative avatar to date.

Set against a haunting, morally fractured backdrop of Kolkata, Brown is a neo-noir psychological crime thriller that extends far beyond a conventional murder mystery. The teaser introduces Karisma stepping into the boots of Rita Brown, a fiercely resilient officer in the Kolkata Police Force. The gritty visuals and deeply emotionally charged atmosphere immediately set a dark tone, establishing the series as a deeply layered psychological portrait. Dropping her familiar, expressive style for a rugged, stripped-down look, Karisma's first glimpse promises a fearless, unfiltered performance.

As one of the few leading ladies from the '90s who continues to connect effortlessly across generations, Karisma Kapoor has consistently adapted to changing digital storytelling formats. Brown marks one of the boldest narrative shifts of her career as she embraces contemporary character complexities on OTT platforms. Portraying an emotionally fractured officer battling deep-seated personal demons while investigating disturbing metropolitan crimes, the actress takes a dramatic leap into pitch-black storytelling territory.

 

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The series is helmed by director Abhinay Deo, who mounts a suspenseful, hard-boiled atmosphere to complement Karisma's rugged and resilient performance. If the first snippet is any indication, Brown is gearing up to be a definitive milestone in the actress's digital filmography, presenting her in an avatar unlike anything she has attempted before.

Also Read: Akshay Kumar, Karisma Kapoor and other stars from Sony TV share heartfelt messages on Maharashtra Day 2026

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Kangana Ranaut defends Aishwarya Rai Bachchan amid Cannes criticism: “She is not here to please you”

Actor Kangana Ranaut has come out in support of Aishwarya Rai Bachchan after the latter faced criticism on social media over her appearance at the Cannes Film Festival 2026. Responding to the online discourse surrounding Aishwarya’s fashion choices, Kangana shared a strongly worded note defending the actor and speaking about individuality, self-expression, and the scrutiny faced by women in the public eye.

Taking to her Instagram Stories, Kangana posted a photo from Aishwarya’s first Cannes red carpet appearance this year, where the actor was seen wearing a striking blue gown. Sharing her thoughts on the criticism, Kangana wrote, “Fashion and style is a self expression, it is one's own interpretation of life and their attitude, no woman owes anything to anyone, Ash looks great!!”

The actor further criticised those judging Aishwarya’s appearance and questioned the unrealistic standards often imposed on women, especially senior actresses. “Those of you who want to see her any other way, why don't you show what you got?? She is not here to please you, she is glorious,” Kangana added.

Addressing conversations around ageism and representation on international red carpets, Kangana also wrote, “if you are not used to seeing older women on red carpets, get used to them now. Thanks.”

Aishwarya Rai Bachchan made her 24th appearance at the Cannes Film Festival this year, continuing her long-standing association with the prestigious global event as the brand ambassador for L'Oréal Paris. Joining her at Cannes was daughter Aaradhya Bachchan, who also made an official appearance alongside her mother at the Lights on Women’s Worth Gala dinner hosted during the festival.

Interestingly, Aishwarya was not the only Bollywood celebrity to face online criticism over fashion choices during Cannes this year. Actor Alia Bhatt, who was also a part of L’Oreal, too found herself at the centre of social media discussions regarding her outfits and overall styling during her appearances at the festival. Several actors, filmmakers, and fans had also stepped forward in support of Alia, highlighting the growing conversations around trolling, unrealistic beauty standards, and personal expression in fashion.

Kangana’s statement has since garnered attention online, with many social media users appreciating her for standing in solidarity with Aishwarya and speaking against age-based criticism directed at women in entertainment and fashion spaces.

Also Read: Aishwarya Rai Bachchan impresses fashion police with more Cannes looks: From ethereal feather glam to avant-garde floral drama

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FACT CHECK: Paresh Rawal has NOT quit Hera Pheri 3 again; old Bollywood Hungama report from 2025 gets picked up as fresh news

Exactly a year ago, Bollywood Hungama reported what was probably one of the biggest newsbreaks of 2025 – Paresh Rawal had quit Hera Pheri 3. It shocked the trade, the industry, fans and even the team of the film. A few days after this news broke, Akshay Kumar’s Cape of Good Films, the producer of Hera Pheri 3, sued Paresh Rawal for Rs. 25 crores. A couple of days later, Bollywood Hungama published another report stating that Paresh Rawal had returned the signing amount of Rs. 11 lakhs with 15% p.a. interest, along with some additional money for stepping away from the series. A few weeks later, Paresh Rawal and Akshay Kumar resolved the matter, and the former returned to the franchise. The issue was put to rest and had even become history. But now, amusingly, it is back in the news.

On Saturday, reports started coming in that Paresh Rawal has once again quit Hera Pheri 3. Interestingly, these reports carried the same information that Bollywood Hungama had published exactly a year ago – that Paresh Rawal had returned the signing amount with 15% interest and additional compensation for walking out of the film. CLICK HERE TO READ THE NEWS

Back then, Bollywood Hungama had also reported further details about the development – that the actor was being paid Rs. 15 crores for the film, had received Rs. 11 lakhs as the signing amount and was to receive the balance Rs. 14.89 crores a month after the film’s release. A source had told us then, “The senior actor had reservations about this clause. Also, the film’s principal shoot was to commence sometime next year. This means that Hera Pheri 3 was unlikely to be released before late 2026 or in the year 2027. In short, Paresh would have had to wait for nearly two years to get the rest of his acting fees.”

The same information has now been picked up by certain news outlets, and the source of the information has been attributed to Bollywood Hungama. However, what they forgot to inform readers was that Bollywood Hungama had published this report on May 23, 2025, while these outlets wrote about it exactly a year later, on May 23, 2026!

Another amusing aspect is that the articles mention that Paresh Rawal would have to wait two years to get his acting fees if Hera Pheri 3 is released in late 2026 or 2027. But we are now in 2026. Hence, if the news was actually fresh, he would have to wait just six months or less than a year to receive Rs. 14.89 crores. This itself proves that the information being circulated is a year old.

As expected, the report has spread like wildfire on the internet and has panicked fans. However, they need not worry. Whenever Hera Pheri 3 is made, everyone’s favourite Baburao Ganpatrao Apte will definitely be there to entertain them.

Also Read: Akshay Kumar recreates his iconic Phir Hera Pheri pose; flaunts ‘side wala swag’

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David Dhawan admits he made Chashme Baddoor in ANGER: “I was not getting stars. They didn’t reject the film but they were hesitating”

The David Dhawan Film Festival is going on in PVR and to celebrate the legendary director, the multiplex chain organized a fireside chat. It involved David Dhawan talking about his life and films with his son, Varun Dhawan. Incidentally, both are also gearing up for the release of Hai Jawani Toh Ishq Hona Hai. The comic caper will arrive in cinemas on June 5. Towards the end of the event, David Dhawan opened up about the hardships he faced and how actors sometimes declined to work with him.

David Dhawan said, “If a director’s film doesn’t work, toh actor usko dekh ke kahin aur muud jaayega. Actor ki jaat hi aisi hoti hai! Actor kisi ka saga nahin hai.” Varun was amused and also awkward, as he’s an actor. It also raised laughs.

David continued, “But there’s one actor I worked with who never bothered ki iski film chali ya nahin. That actor is Govinda. I remember once when my film didn’t work, I was upset. He told me, ‘Tu script likh na’! Then I wrote Shola Aur Shabnam (1992).”

Varun asked him, “Was there a time when you were not getting stars?” He replied, “Yes, I made Chashme Baddoor (2013). Bahut gusse mein banayi thi maine. Chintu ji (Rishi Kapoor) was there in the film as well. He told me, ‘I don’t have a role’. I replied, ‘Aap karo, yaar’! He did it for me (smiles).”

Varun then asked, “Did you face rejection from some actors?” David explained, “No, but I could feel it. They were hesitating. I wanted to get out of that rut of stars, which was difficult. When one is able to write a good script and get good songs, then that person can make a film with newcomers.”

Chashme Baddoor starred Ali Zafar, Divyenndu and Siddharth. It marked the debut of Taapsee Pannu in Hind cinema.

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Akshay Kumar teams up with Vipul Shah for alien action thriller Samuk; Hollywood creature and action experts join project

Actor Akshay Kumar is set to headline a new large-scale sci-fi action thriller titled Samuk, directed by Kanishk Varma and produced by Vipul Amrutlal Shah. Positioned as an ambitious alien survival thriller, the film is currently in development and is expected to go on floors soon.

The project marks Akshay Kumar’s return to a full-scale action role and will reportedly combine elements of survival horror, military realism, and alien thriller storytelling. The makers are also bringing together an international technical team with experience across several Hollywood franchise films. Speaking about the project, producer Vipul Shah said, “We always try to challenge ourselves with different genres, and Samuk is something Indian cinema hasn’t attempted before. Our aim is to create a world-class alien thriller for audiences.”

Director Kanishk Varma, known for projects such as Sanak and Inside Edge, revealed that the idea for the film emerged from his interest in survival thrillers and elite security force worlds. “Samuk was born from my love for the SPG world and survival thrillers like Alien and Predator. Bringing those influences together with Akshay sir has been surreal,” he said. The filmmaker also emphasised the use of practical effects over fully CGI-driven visuals. “I always wanted the creature to feel physically real on set. That old-school tactile horror is what made films like Alien timeless,” he added.

Joining the project is acclaimed Hollywood creature effects designer Alec Gillis, whose filmography includes work on the Alien and Predator franchises, along with films such as Starship Troopers, It, and Tremors. Gillis, who previously worked under legendary filmmaker Stan Winston, described the collaboration as creatively exciting.

“Working with Kanishk has been fantastic because he genuinely loves practical creature filmmaking. Our goal is to create an alien predator unlike anything audiences have seen before,” Gillis said. He further added, “Together Kanishk and I designed the title character, which is truly a unique alien horror. In an era of CGI and AI, it is gratifying that directors and audiences still value handcrafted, human-made traditional monsters.”

Praising Akshay Kumar’s screen presence, Gillis said, “He has the physicality of Jason Statham and the likeability of Tom Cruise. The challenge is creating a monster worthy of facing him. My goal is to create an alien nemesis in Samuk whose energy and screen charisma equal Mr. Kumar's. Defeating this new classic movie monster will not be an easy task, even for him.”

The action sequences for the film will be overseen by British stunt coordinator Luke Tumber, whose credits include the Mission: Impossible films, Star Wars, No Time To Die, and the Venom franchise. Speaking about the collaboration, Tumber said, “Kanishk has a very clear vision for the action, and Vipul Shah wants the scale to feel truly Hollywood-level. Working with Akshay Kumar on this kind of grounded, high-intensity action film is incredibly exciting.”

He added, “This project represents an exciting fusion of international stunt expeakshay kumarrtise, visionary filmmaking, and authentic action cinema, and I'm proud to be part of bringing that vision to life. Together, we aim to deliver a film that combines powerful storytelling with cutting-edge live-action sequences that will resonate with audiences internationally.”

Akshay Kumar also confirmed his involvement in the project, saying, “Yes, I've signed this film. I found the script and subject of Samuk fascinating. Alien thriller is a totally new genre for me and also for our films. I am very excited about it.”

Co-produced by Aashin A Shah, Samuk is being developed as a pan-Indian theatrical project with a planned 2027 release window.

Also Read: Akshay Kumar to make Bhojpuri debut? Actor collaborates with Akshara Singh for music video; deets inside!

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Hai Jawani Toh Ishq Hona Hai trailer launch's most EMOTIONAL moment: David Dhawan gets teary-eyed and says, "Everybody should have a son like Varun"

Varun Dhawan, Pooja Hegde, Mrunal Thakur, David Dhawan, Ramesh Taurani, Anu Malik, Sameer, Maniesh Paul, Chunky Panday, Rajesh Kumar, Jimmy Sheirgill, Rajat Rawail, Ali Asgar, Girish Kumar, Kumar Taurani, writer Rumy Jafry and cinematographer Ayananka Bose attended the trailer launch of Hai Jawani Toh Ishq Hona Hai in Mumbai on May 23. David Dhawan was celebrated and every member of the cast spoke highly of him. Meanwhile, the most emotional moment of the launch was when David Dhawan got teary-eyed.

Varun Dhawan said, “It’s amazing that this man (David Dhawan) is making a film at this age. We are living in times when every Friday, we are questioning cinema. We all love cinema, but we do ask, ‘Kya yeh film chalegi’. All I want to say is that this is a David Dhawan film. Yeh film inke conviction pe bani hai. It's an all-out entertainer to make you laugh. If my family has had one motto, it is to make people laugh. Mere father logon ko bas hasana chahte hai.”

 

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David Dhawan noted, “He (Varun) has been a great son. He has always looked after me and my health. For everything and anything, he’s always there standing by me. Even in the hospital, he used to sleep there with me. What more do you want? As an actor, he’s improving for sure. What you want, he can give you. But, as a father, I feel that everybody should have a son like him.”

As he said this, David got emotional and had tears. Varun tried to make light of the moment and joked, “Like me and Rohit.” It worked as David smiled and said, “Yeah. My other son, too. Both of them.” Varun then gave a peck to David on his cheeks.

At another point, he further praised Varun Dhawan, “He’s improving a lot and it's visible. He’s taking care of me also in this age.” A journalist remarked that David Dhawan should not retire. David didn’t deny the speculations but simply said, “Aap apni health mujhe de do!”

 

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He also said, “My son is making a film. He’s also working. I am standing behind them. Whenever they need me for any scene, I am there for them always.”

Hai Jawani Toh Ishq Hona Hai releases in cinemas on June 5.

Also Read: “Why drag Salman Khan into Hai Jawani Toh Ishq Hona Hai dispute? He’s very dildaar. Agar unka seena 48-inch ka hai, toh unka dil 96 ka hai” – Vashu Bhagnani

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Hai Jawani Toh Ishq Hona Hai trailer launch: Ramesh Taurani BREAKS silence on legal feud with Vashu Bhagnani: "There's no problem...we are handling it"; Varun sings 'Jeena Laga Hoon' and asks, "Ramesh ji, iss gaane ke rights hai na?"

Varun Dhawan, Pooja Hegde, Mrunal Thakur, David Dhawan, Ramesh Taurani, Anu Malik, Sameer, Maniesh Paul, Chunky Panday, Rajesh Kumar, Jimmy Sheirgill, Rajat Rawail, Ali Asgar, Girish Kumar, Kumar Taurani, writer Rumy Jafry and cinematographer Ayananka Bose attended the trailer launch of Hai Jawani Toh Ishq Hona Hai in Mumbai on May 23. The trailer launch was originally scheduled for May 21 but was cancelled at the last minute. Varun began the event by speaking about the rescheduling.

Varun Dhawan said, “Thank you to the media and fans for coming again. I genuinely mean it, as you guys came twice, that too in this terrible Mumbai heat. Hence, each one of you will get Fast & Up and a free iPhone from Ramesh ji!”

Maniesh Paul, in his trademark style, joked, “This has happened for the first time in the history of cinema that there was a rehearsal of a trailer launch! Aap log rehearsal pe aaye, bahut accha laga! And we are glad that you made it for the actual trailer launch as well (smiles).”

The film is embroiled in a legal matter after Vashu Bhagnani went to court over the use of the songs ‘Ishq Sona Hai’ and ‘Chunari Chunari’. He claimed that the songs belong to his film Biwi No 1 (1999) and hence, the makers of Hai Jawani Toh Ishq Hona Hai can’t use them in their film. Tips, meanwhile, argued that they have the rights to use the song.

Ramesh Taurani was asked about the case and he said, “There’s no problem at all. Hamara jo bhi tha, woh sort hua hai. Aur aage bhi sort ho jaayega. So, there’s no problem. Also, it’s a sub-judice matter. Hence, we are handling it.”

Varun also hinted at the matter when the team of the film was being called. When it was time to call Girish Kumar, he said, “I want to sing one song for Girish. It’s my favourite song and I was listening to it today in the car.” Varun then sang ‘Jeena Laga Hoon’ from Ramaiya Vastavaiya (2013), starring Girish.

After singing the song, Varun raised laughs as he asked, “Ramesh ji, iss gaane ke rights hai na?” Ramesh laughed and replied, “We have all the rights!” Maniesh Paul joked, “Nahin toh phir se aana padega!”

Hai Jawani Toh Ishq Hona Hai releases in cinemas on June 5.

Also Read: Vashu Bhagnani claims David Dhawan refused to shoot Coolie No 1 in London: “He and Varun felt they would get trolled if a Coolie was shown in London. But they shot in Bangkok. According to David ji, a Coolie can go to Bangkok but not London!”

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