CineNow appoints Siddharth Roy Kapur as Principal Advisor amid Rs 1,350 crores Film IP investment push

CineNow, the pioneering film and entertainment investment platform, today announced that acclaimed media entrepreneur, producer and industry leader Siddharth Roy Kapur has associated with the company as Principal Advisor to the Founding Team.

As CineNow advances its Rs 1,350-crores structured Film IP investment platform, Siddharth Roy Kapur will provide strategic guidance on content investment opportunities, industry partnerships, platform expansion and long-term value creation. His association with CineNow marks an important milestone in the company’s journey to establish film and content intellectual property as a credible institutional asset class while building the financial infrastructure for the next phase of growth in India’s entertainment industry.

Commenting on the development, Rohit Dalmia, Chairman and Managing Director, CineNow, said: "India’s media and entertainment industry is entering a defining decade. Consumption has scaled dramatically, content is increasingly becoming a global asset, and intellectual property is emerging as one of the most valuable forms of long-term value creation. However, the financial infrastructure around content remains underdeveloped. CineNow was created to bridge that gap by bringing transparency, governance, institutional capital and disciplined investment frameworks to the sector."

He further added, "We are privileged to have Siddharth Roy Kapur associated with CineNow as Principal Advisor to our Founding Team. His unparalleled experience across content creation, studio leadership and media entrepreneurship, combined with his deep understanding of audience behaviour and industry evolution, makes him one of the most respected voices in Indian entertainment. His strategic counsel will be invaluable as we continue building India’s most credible platform for entertainment investments."

Speaking on his association with CineNow, Siddharth Roy Kapur said: "The Indian entertainment industry is witnessing unprecedented growth, driven by expanding audiences, multiple distribution platforms and the increasing strategic importance of intellectual property. As the sector matures, innovative and well-governed capital solutions will play an important role in unlocking its next phase of growth. CineNow is building a unique platform at the intersection of content, capital and technology, and I am pleased to support the Founding Team as Principal Advisor and contribute to the company’s long-term vision."

Siddharth Roy Kapur brings decades of leadership experience across content creation, studio management and media entrepreneurship. Widely recognised for building and backing some of India’s most successful entertainment ventures, he is regarded as one of the foremost leaders in India’s media and entertainment industry. His insights into content economics, audience evolution and industry transformation will help guide CineNow’s strategic thinking as the company expands its engagement with creators, producers, investors and rights holders.

Also Read: Siddharth Roy Kapur credits Nagraj Manjule for Matka King’s authentic period detailing

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SS Rajamouli set to shoot Varanasi battle sequence featuring 3500 junior artists in Hyderabad: Report

Acclaimed filmmaker SS Rajamouli is gearing up to resume shooting for Varanasi, starring Mahesh Babu, Priyanka Chopra Jonas and Prithviraj Sukumaran. As per the latest buzz, the production is scheduled to intensify starting July 7 in Hyderabad. The upcoming schedule will focus on filming one of the most demanding and significant segments of the movie: a massive war set-piece.

Hyderabad set to host a Varanasi battle sequence According to a report by Mid-Day, the scale of this specific sequence is completely unprecedented, surpassing even the grand standards previously established by Rajamouli. The sequence will feature the film's leading man, Mahesh Babu, alongside a massive crowd of 3,500 junior artists. Preparations for this complex shoot have already been underway for several weeks to ensure everything runs smoothly.

The reports of resuming the shoot come after the filmmaker captivated global audiences at La Cinémathèque Française in Paris. On June 27, he showcased the very first glimpse of the highly anticipated film. The exclusive preview of Varanasi marked the movie's debut presentation to a European audience, earning widespread applause and raising anticipation to new heights.

 

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Digital expansion to create an epic Vanar army While the physical shoot involving thousands of performers is a massive undertaking, it is only the foundation for what will eventually appear on the big screen. The report stated that the true ambition of the sequence will be realized during post-production.

The thousands of live-action performers filmed on set will be digitally expanded using advanced visual effects. Through VFX technology, the on-screen army will be multiplied significantly to create a battle of epic proportions. The production team aims to deliver one of the largest battle spectacles ever attempted in the history of Indian cinema, with plans to showcase an astonishing 50,000 vanars on screen simultaneously.

Varanasi is being shaped as a grand mythological action epic. The narrative explores the thrilling adventures of its protagonist as he travels across different timelines. Alongside Mahesh Babu, the film features a stellar ensemble cast including Priyanka Chopra and Prithviraj in pivotal roles. Audiences will have to wait a bit longer to see the final visual spectacle, as the movie is currently slated to hit theatres in April 2027.

Also Read: S.S. Rajamouli shares Varanasi update: “We have completed major portions, all the important big spectacle action sequences are done”

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Yash Raj Films partners with Rusk Media to develop next-generation digital entertainment IP

On June 29, 2026, Yash Raj Films (YRF) announced a strategic investment in Rusk Media, one of India’s leading digital-first entertainment companies that specialises in original vertical storytelling IPs for Gen Z and Gen Alpha audiences. The investment backs Rusk Media’s vision to build the next generation of enduring digital IP for India and the world.

Under the partnership, YRF will oversee the creative direction of original animation and vertical micro-drama IP, while Rusk Media will produce and distribute the content through its proprietary Alright! TV platform and global digital channels.

The collaboration aims at fuelling YRF & Rusk Media’s shared ambition of establishing India as a creative force in the vertical entertainment economy through original IPs across animation and vertical micro-drama, distributed across Rusk Media’s proprietary Alright! TV platform and global digital channels.

Akshaye Widhani, CEO, Yash Raj Films, said: “The instinct to evolve has always been central to YRF’s DNA. Platforms are infrastructure, content and IP are culture. Mayank and his team at Rusk Media have built a deep understanding of how the next generation discovers and inhabits stories, and that is exactly the kind of vision we want to invest in . Together, the aspiration is to build worlds, not just content.”

Mayank Yadav, Co-Founder and CEO, Rusk Media, said: “Vertical entertainment in India has produced extraordinary reach, but not the enduring IP that defines a category. That is the gap this collaboration is designed to close. We bring a native understanding of how digitally native audiences discover and build community around content, and with YRF’s backing, we are building for longevity, not the algorithm.”

As the boundaries between cinema, digital, and mobile entertainment continue to dissolve, the franchises that will define the next decade will be those built with both creative depth and digital fluency, and Rusk Media is building for exactly that future. ‎

Also Read: Yash Raj Films Box Office Report Card 2025: Rs. 522.91 cr. India nett, $29.18M overseas and Rs. 882.45 cr. worldwide – Saiyaara saves the scorecard while War 2 turns spoiler

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Shraddha Kapoor's Eetha sparks title row: NCP and Vithabai Narayangaonkar's family seek title change

Shraddha Kapoor's upcoming film Eetha has landed in controversy even before its theatrical release. While the recently unveiled teaser drew appreciation for the actress's transformation into legendary Lavani and Tamasha artist Vithabai Narayangaonkar, the film's title has now become the subject of criticism.

After the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) questioned why the biographical drama was not named after Vithabai Narayangaonkar, members of the late folk icon's family have also urged the makers to reconsider the title and rename the film in her honour. NCP questions the choice of title According to a report by TV9 Marathi, the NCP's Film and Cultural Department has objected to the title Eetha, arguing that a film based on the life of Vithabai Narayangaonkar should carry her name. The party has suggested that titles such as Vitha or Vithabai would be more appropriate and would acknowledge her immense contribution to Maharashtra's Lavani and Tamasha traditions.

Babasaheb Patil, Maharashtra State President of the NCP's Film and Cultural Department, reportedly said the organisation considers it its responsibility to preserve and honour Vithabai's legacy. He questioned why the filmmakers chose not to name the biopic after the celebrated artist despite her lasting impact on Maharashtra's folk art. Vithabai Narayangaonkar's family backs the demand The demand has now found support within Vithabai Narayangaonkar's family. As per the report, her sons Kailash and Rajesh Narayangaonkar, along with her grandson Mohit Narayangaonkar, have expressed disappointment over the title and appealed to the makers to change it.

For the family, the concern extends beyond the name of the film. They believe a biopic celebrating Vithabai's extraordinary life and achievements should bear her name so that future generations continue to recognise the woman who played a defining role in shaping Maharashtra's Lavani and Tamasha heritage.

As of now, director Laxman Utekar and production house Maddock Films have not issued any statement regarding the controversy or the demand to rename the film. Eetha teaser showcases Shraddha Kapoor in an intense new avatar The teaser of Eetha offers a glimpse into what appears to be one of Shraddha Kapoor's most emotionally demanding performances to date. It opens with a packed Lavani performance as the audience eagerly chants for Eetha to take the stage.

 

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Backstage, Shraddha's character is shown preparing for her performance despite being heavily pregnant. Soon after, she goes into labour and is seen enduring severe pain. Even as a voice warns her that performing could cost her life, she refuses to step away from the stage. Moments after giving birth, she returns to complete her performance, highlighting the character's unwavering dedication to her art.

Also Read:Eetha co-star Anant Joshi lauds Shraddha Kapoor’s professionalism; says, “She is phenomenal”

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Shahid Kapoor becomes Bvlgari’s first Friend of the House for fragrances in India; says, “It feels like a partnership that makes sense to me”

Shahid Kapoor has added another milestone to his career by becoming Bvlgari's first-ever Friend of the House for fragrances in India. The announcement marks a significant development for the Italian luxury maison, as it is also the brand's first fragrance collaboration with a male personality in the Indian market.

The partnership comes at a time when Shahid Kapoor is enjoying the success of his recently released film Cocktail 2, which has received a positive response from audiences. Beyond the big screen, the actor has continued to expand his presence in the luxury and lifestyle space with this latest association.

As part of the collaboration, Shahid will represent a curated selection of Bvlgari's fragrance portfolio, including the widely recognised Bvlgari Man and Bvlgari Le Gemme collections. The brand stated that Shahid's personality and style align with Bvlgari's identity of timeless luxury, craftsmanship and contemporary sophistication, making him a natural choice for the association.

Speaking about the partnership, Shahid Kapoor said, “It’s definitely special. Fragrance is something I’ve always enjoyed and connected with on a personal level. What I like about Bvlgari’s fragrances is that they feel distinctive without being overpowering. They have a personality of their own. It feels like a partnership that makes sense to me, and I’m excited to begin this journey with the Maison.”

The collaboration reflects Bvlgari's continued focus on strengthening its presence in India, where the luxury fragrance market has witnessed steady growth in recent years. By appointing Shahid Kapoor as the face of its fragrance portfolio in the country, the maison is looking to deepen its connect with Indian consumers while highlighting its premium collections.

For Shahid, the announcement marks another addition to a career that has steadily evolved beyond films into fashion, lifestyle and luxury endorsements. Known for balancing commercial entertainers with performance-driven roles, the actor has also built a strong presence as a style icon over the years.

On the work front, Shahid Kapoor was recently seen in Cocktail 2, where his performance as Kunal has been appreciated by audiences. With this latest association, the actor continues to broaden his portfolio while representing one of the world's most recognised luxury brands in the fragrance segment.

Also Read: Bollywood Hungama Style Icons and Awards 2026: Akshay Kumar to Shahid Kapoor to Ananya Panday to Ayushmann Khurrana, celebrities win big

 

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EXCLUSIVE: Tanishk Bagchi gets engaged to Payal Dangodra in a close-knit ceremony at Mahaveer Jain’s home; Amruta Fadnavis attends

One of the most prominent composers of the film industry, Tanishk Bagchi, is now engaged. Bollywood Hungama has exclusively learned that the engagement took place yesterday, Friday, June 26.

Tanishk Bagchi's engagement took place with Payal Dangodra, a prominent fashion, beauty, food, travel and lifestyle content creator.

The engagement ceremony was a close knit one and took place in the Mumbai residence of producer Mahaveer Jain. Only close friends and family members were present to indulge in the celebrations and bless the couple.

As per inside sources, Amruta Fadnavis, wife of the Chief Minister of Maharashtra, Devendra Fadnavis, was one of the guests and she even sang songs.

Interestingly, Tanishk Bagchi has now turned producer along with dynamic young producer Divyansh Jain under 'MJF NXT', a platform by Mahaveer Jain Films to present a platform for emerging creative talents in the entertainment industry landscape.

Also Read: EXCLUSIVE: Tanishk Bagchi of Saiyaara fame turns producer with ‘MJF NXT’ initiative of Mahaveer Jain Films along with Divyansh Jain

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Akshay Kumar, Saif Ali Khan starrer Haiwaan locks September 11, 2026 release date

The wait is finally over for fans eager to see Akshay Kumar and Saif Ali Khan share screen space once again. The makers of Haiwaan have officially announced that the much-anticipated thriller, directed by acclaimed filmmaker Priyadarshan, will hit cinemas worldwide on September 11, 2026.

Backed by KVN Productions in association with Thespian Films, Haiwaan is being positioned as an edge-of-the-seat thriller that promises suspense, gripping drama and high-stakes storytelling. The film marks a significant collaboration as Priyadarshan reunites with Akshay Kumar while also bringing together Akshay and Saif Ali Khan for a much-awaited on-screen reunion.

Announcing the release date on social media, KVN Productions shared an intriguing poster along with the caption, “One obsession. One relentless pursuit. One date you’ll want to remember. #Haiwaan - A Priyadarshan Film starring Saif Ali Khan and Akshay Kumar… In cinemas 11th September 2026. Mark your calendars”.

The announcement has already generated considerable excitement among moviegoers, with fans looking forward to watching Akshay Kumar and Saif Ali Khan together once again. Over the years, the duo has delivered memorable performances and has been appreciated for their effortless camaraderie on screen. With Haiwaan, audiences can expect to see the two actors in a completely different cinematic space, headlining what is being described as an intense and gripping thriller.

One obsession. One relentless pursuit. One date you’ll want to remember.#Haiwaan - A Priyadarshan Film starring Saif Ali Khan and Akshay Kumar ✨ In cinemas 11th September 2026. Mark your calendars 🗓️ #SaifAliKhan @akshaykumar@priyadarshandir @ipritamofficial… pic.twitter.com/cAuIDV7sTR

— KVN Productions (@KvnProductions) June 27, 2026

Apart from the leading pair, Haiwaan also boasts a strong supporting cast featuring Shriya Pilgaonkar and Saiyami Kher in key roles. While the makers have chosen to keep the storyline tightly under wraps, the film is expected to revolve around themes of obsession, pursuit and suspense, adding to the intrigue surrounding the project.

Directed by Priyadarshan, who is known for crafting films across genres with equal finesse, Haiwaan is expected to blend psychological tension with edge-of-the-seat drama. With an accomplished filmmaker at the helm and a star-studded cast leading the narrative, the film is already being counted among the most anticipated theatrical releases of 2026.

A KVN Productions and Thespian Films production, Haiwaan is produced by Venkat K Narayana and Shailaja Desai Fenn. The thriller is slated for a worldwide theatrical release on September 11, 2026.

Also Read: Saiyami Kher celebrates a full circle moment as she reunites with Saif Ali Khan in Haiwaan after 12 years

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