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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Alia Bhatt, Sharvari starrer Alpha locks July 10, 2026 for its theatrical release

The upcoming YRF Spy Universe film Alpha, starring Alia Bhatt and Sharvari, has officially locked its theatrical release date. The much-anticipated spy thriller is scheduled to hit cinemas on July 10, 2026, marking a significant addition to the blockbuster franchise created by Yash Raj Films.

Directed by Shiv Rawail, Alpha is expected to be the first female-led installment in the YRF Spy Universe, which previously delivered major box-office successes with films such as Pathaan and War 2. The film places two women at the centre of a high-octane espionage narrative, expanding the scope of the franchise that has so far largely revolved around male protagonists.

While the makers have kept specific plot details under wraps, the film is described as a gritty, globe-trotting espionage thriller. The narrative reportedly follows Alia Bhatt and Sharvari as elite secret agents undertaking a high-stakes mission. Unlike some of the more stylised entries in the spy franchise, Alpha is said to adopt a rugged and raw aesthetic, focusing on a more grounded and intense depiction of field intelligence operations.

 

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The film also brings together a strong ensemble cast. With Alia, Sharvari leading the narrative, Bobby Deol is set to play the primary antagonist. The actor’s role was previously teased through a brief appearance in the post-credits sequence of War 2. Veteran actor Anil Kapoor will also be seen in the film, portraying Vikrant Kaul, a senior intelligence official within the story’s spy network. Additionally, Hrithik Roshan is expected to make a special appearance, reprising his role as Major Kabir Dhaliwal, further connecting the film with the broader timeline of the YRF Spy Universe.

Behind the scenes, the screenplay has been written by Shridhar Raghavan, who has been associated with several action-driven projects. The film is being mounted on a large scale, with extensive action set pieces and visual effects work forming a key part of its cinematic experience.

Alpha has seen multiple shifts in its release schedule. The film was initially slated for a Christmas 2025 release before being moved to April 17, 2026. The project has now settled on the July 10, 2026 date, allowing the makers additional time to complete its extensive visual effects work.

Addressing speculation surrounding the delay, a YRF spokesperson said the team wanted to ensure the film was presented at its best possible scale, adding that Alpha is being mounted as a major theatrical spectacle and that the studio aims to present it in its most cinematic form.

Also Read: Aditya Chopra makes way for Salman Khan, moves Alpha from April 17th for Battle of Galwan!

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Darsheel Safary joins Mohit Raina and Priya Mani in upcoming international film based on a true story

Actor Darsheel Safary has officially joined the cast of an upcoming cross-border international feature film that also stars Mohit Raina and National Award-winning actor Priya Mani. The yet-untitled project is being mounted as a global co-production between Mumbai-based Azure Entertainment and US-based Red Bison Productions.

The film will mark the first on-screen collaboration between Mohit Raina and Priya Mani, bringing together two performers known for their work across both theatrical cinema and streaming platforms. With Darsheel Safary joining the ensemble, the project brings together actors from different cinematic spaces, spanning mainstream films, prestige streaming content, and internationally recognised storytelling formats.

According to the makers, the film is positioned as a premium international project and is expected to be released on a global streaming platform. The story will reportedly explore themes of identity, resilience, and human connection across borders while blending cinematic scale with intimate human drama.

Darsheel Safary, who gained worldwide recognition with his debut performance in Taare Zameen Par, is said to play a key role in the narrative. Sources close to the production indicate that his character will act as an emotional bridge between the Indian and international worlds portrayed in the film, forming a central part of the story’s emotional arc.

Speaking about joining the project, Darsheel Safary shared, “This story moved me deeply. It speaks about courage, vulnerability, and choices that define who we become. I’m grateful to be part of a film that transcends geography and speaks to universal emotions.”

The untitled feature is based on a true story and will follow the emotional journey of an immigrant family navigating questions of identity, belonging, and life beyond the traditional idea of the American Dream. The narrative is described by the makers as intimate yet cinematic, focusing on themes that resonate across cultures and geographies.

The project is written and directed by Harsh Mahadeshwar and is currently in advanced pre-production. Principal photography is scheduled to commence later this year, with the film expected to be shot across multiple international locations. The production will be backed by an international team spanning India and the United States, with the makers aiming to combine high production values with a global distribution strategy.

Azure Entertainment, known for producing films such as Badla, Kesari, and Rocky Handsome, is collaborating with Red Bison Productions to bring the story to the screen. With its cross-border narrative and internationally mounted production, the film aims to appeal to audiences both in India and overseas.

Also Read: Mohit Raina and Priya Mani to star in first Indo-Hollywood collaboration by Azure Entertainment and Red Bison

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