Netflix unveils first look of Freida Pinto and Siddharth starrer Unaccustomed Earth, to release on December 17

Netflix has unveiled the first look of its upcoming family drama series Unaccustomed Earth, starring Freida Pinto and Siddharth in the lead roles. The series is inspired by Jhumpa Lahiri’s acclaimed short story collection of the same name and is set to premiere on December 17, 2026.

Adapted by Madhuri Shekar, who also serves as the showrunner and writer, Unaccustomed Earth follows an Indian American community as its members navigate relationships, family expectations, loss and questions of belonging across generations.

Freida Pinto plays Parul Chaudhury

Freida Pinto plays Parul Chaudhury, a wife and mother whose life takes an unexpected turn after she is diagnosed with cancer. The character has previously made significant personal sacrifices, including giving up her college first love to respect her father’s wishes.

Following her diagnosis, Parul moves with her family from India to Cambridge, Massachusetts, a place where she had previously felt a strong sense of belonging. The move prompts her to reconsider the life choices she has made and pursue possibilities she had left behind.

Her decisions subsequently have an impact not only on her family but also on the wider immigrant community around her.

Siddharth plays Amit, with the series also featuring Indraneil Sengupta as Jai, Parveen Kaur as Nina, Sarayu Blue as Ruma, Justin Bartha as Adam, Adi Roy as Kaushik, Iyla Sundarsingh Mckaig as Hema and Jayant Kripalani as Pranab.

 

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Adapted from Jhumpa Lahiri’s short story collection

Unaccustomed Earth takes inspiration from Lahiri’s collection, which explores the experiences of Indian American families and their relationships with identity, culture, family and home.

The Netflix series is set across Cambridge and Boston, Massachusetts, and centres on multiple generations within the community. The story brings together themes of love, personal choices, family ties and the experience of living between cultures.

The series has Madhuri Shekar as showrunner and writer, with John Wells, Jhumpa Lahiri, Nisha Ganatra, Erica Saleh, Erin Jontow and Celia Costas also serving as executive producers. Ritesh Batra is set to direct and executive produce the first two episodes.

The additional cast includes Ishita Bansal as Divya, Meera Simham as Swati, Ravi Kapoor as Vishal, Swayam Bhatia as Sudha and Palomi Ghosh as Anjali.

Unaccustomed Earth is produced by Warner Bros. Television and will stream exclusively on Netflix from December 17, 2026.

Also Read: #Love: Arjun Das and Aishwarya Lekshmi starrer Netflix new-age romance to premiere on October 2

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SCOOP: Rajat Kapoor joins Akshay Kumar’s Samuk; actor to play a pivotal role

Akshay Kumar and Vipul Amrutlal Shah’s Samuk is continuing to build an eclectic ensemble, and we hear acclaimed actor-filmmaker Rajat Kapoor is the latest name to come on board the sci-fi action thriller.

According to sources, Kapoor is said to be playing a pivotal part in the Kanishk Varma directorial, which is being produced by Vipul Amrutlal Shah under Sunshine Pictures and co-produced by Aashin A Shah. The film, currently being shot in the UK, is being mounted as a large-scale theatrical spectacle combining science fiction, action and survival elements.

Kapoor is known for bringing a certain assured nuance and intelligence to his performances. Over the years, he has moved fluidly between character-driven parts and mainstream Hindi cinema, with performances in films such as Monsoon Wedding (2001), Bheja Fry (2007), Kapoor & Sons (2016), Mulk (2018), Drishyam (2015), Drishyam 2 (2022), Gehraiyaan (2022), etc., thus forming part of an unusually varied body of work. Recently, Rajat Kapoor was part of the ensemble of Netflix’s Raat Akeli Hai: The Bansal Murders (2025) and was also seen in Imtiaz Ali’s Main Vaapas Aaunga (2026).

Rajat Kapoor brings a very different quality to the ensemble. He has the ability to deliver an assured performance which amps up the movie, and that is important for a film like Samuk. The role has weight within the story, and the makers felt he was the right fit.

Kapoor’s reported addition gives Samuk yet another interesting casting, bringing together performers with very different screen energies around Akshay Kumar.

Samuk marks the reunion of Akshay Kumar and producer Vipul Amrutlal Shah after a gap of 13 years. The project has been in development for over two years and is being mounted on a large scale for theatrical audiences.

Also Read: BREAKING: Akshay Kumar and Vipul Shah’s Samuk takes authenticity to another level in London; makers use REAL helicopter for dramatic sequence instead of VFX

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SCOOP: After Mirzapur The Movie’s success, Divyenndu set to headline a period drama next; to be seen in a never-seen-before avatar

2 weeks have passed since the release of Mirzapur The Movie and it continues to remain rock-steady. One of its lead actors, Divyenndu, appears to be gearing up for yet another interesting turn in his career. After making his presence felt across films and streaming projects in 2026, industry buzz suggests that the actor could next headline an ambitious period drama, which is currently in production.

The yet-untitled project is being produced by Endemol, and while the makers have kept details surrounding the film and Divyenndu’s character tightly under wraps, sources suggest that the actor will be seen in a striking, never-seen-before avatar. If the development is indeed true, the period drama would mark yet another unexplored space for the versatile performer.

2026 has already emerged as a significant year for Divyenndu. The actor has enjoyed the success of Peddi and Mirzapur The Movie, while also making an impact in the streaming space with Netflix’s Glory. The varied slate has once again highlighted his ability to move seamlessly between formats, genres and vastly different characters.

Interestingly, the year also marks 15 years since Divyenndu’s breakthrough with Pyaar Ka Punchnama (2011). Since then, the actor has steadily built a career around distinct roles and unconventional choices rather than allowing himself to be confined to a particular image.

From comedy and crime to action and drama, Divyenndu has repeatedly experimented with his screen persona. A period drama, therefore, could offer audiences another fresh side of the actor and add a new dimension to his evolving filmography.

For now, details regarding the period, scale, supporting cast and Divyenndu’s role remain under wraps. An official announcement from the makers is awaited.

Meanwhile, Mirzapur The Movie is all set to cross the Rs. 200 crore mark in the coming weekend. Its success has stunned the industry, especially as it marks the first time in India that a popular series has been turned into a theatrical film. Interestingly, it was Divyenndu who first pitched the idea of turning Mirzapur into a film to Ritesh Sidhwani. The idea eventually took shape, and the rest, as they say, is history.

Also Read: Divyenndu celebrates 15 years in the film industry after Mirzapur: The Movie success; says, “I guess the patience has paid off”

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Luv Ranjan unveils first look of Pehla Pyaar Doosri Baar featuring six debutants, film to release on October 23

The first poster of Pehla Pyaar Doosri Baar has been unveiled, introducing six new faces who are set to make their big-screen debuts with the upcoming friendship-comedy. Directed by debutant Anuj Saini and backed by Luv Films, the film is scheduled to release worldwide in cinemas on October 23, 2026.

The film stars Alisha Chopra, Sparsh Walia, Sakshi Vaidya, Kunal Vaid, Sargun Kaur Luthra and Tushar Chhibber in their acting debuts. The first-look poster brings the six newcomers together, offering a glimpse of the ensemble at the centre of the film.

The poster features the six actors in a colourful setting, with their individual styles and playful poses giving it a youthful look. It marks the first official introduction of the cast ahead of the film’s theatrical release.

 

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Luv Ranjan, who has previously launched new faces through his films, spoke about the experience of introducing the newcomers. He said, “Introducing newcomers is always a challenge, but it’s the one I genuinely look forward to. Fifteen years ago, I got that opportunity with Pyaar Ka Punchnama, and when something similar came along with Pehla Pyaar Doosri Baar, I knew I didn’t want to let it pass. As a writer, creating a world for six new faces and watching them find their own rhythm within it was something I really enjoyed. When the people feel right, the story finds its own energy, and I’m excited for audiences to meet them.”

Presented by Luv Films, Pehla Pyaar Doosri Baar is directed by Anuj Saini and produced by Luv Ranjan and Ankur Garg. The film is set to release worldwide in cinemas on October 23, 2026.

Also Read : EXCLUSIVE: Here’s why Aditya Chopra and Luv Ranjan are mentioned under ‘Special Thanks’ in Ikka

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EXCLUSIVE: Abundantia Entertainment and Almighty Motion Picture join hands for Kodaikanal Mercury thriller Heavy Metal

Abundantia Entertainment, led by Vikram Malhotra, and Almighty Motion Picture, led by Prabhleen Sandhu, have joined hands to produce Heavy Metal, a feature film based on Ameer Shahul’s investigative book Heavy Metal: How a Global Corporation Poisoned Kodaikanal, published by Pan Macmillan. The film is currently in pre-production, with principal casting underway and filming expected to begin soon.

The project will explore the mercury contamination controversy in Kodaikanal, Tamil Nadu, and the events surrounding a thermometer factory operated by Hindustan Unilever. The issue came into focus in 2001 following allegations related to the disposal of mercury-contaminated waste from the facility.

Over the years, the controversy developed into a prolonged campaign involving former factory workers, local residents, environmental activists and Greenpeace. The issue also attracted international attention, raising questions around worker safety, corporate accountability and environmental responsibility.

Based on Shahul’s investigative account, the film is being developed as a corporate-environmental thriller with an investigative narrative and a strong human element. The makers are looking to explore the events through the experiences of those affected by the controversy and the larger questions surrounding industrial practices and environmental impact.

According to those familiar with the project, the creative approach draws inspiration from films and series such as Erin Brockovich, Dark Waters and Chernobyl, while focusing on the specific events surrounding the Kodaikanal controversy.

For Almighty Motion Picture, Heavy Metal adds to its slate of projects inspired by real-world events, people and institutions. The production house recently backed the streaming series Made in India: A Titan Story.

The collaboration with Abundantia Entertainment brings together two production banners for a project that combines elements of a corporate thriller, investigative mystery and human drama.

The film is expected to go on floors shortly. Details about the director, cast and other members of the production team are expected to be announced in the coming days.

Also Read : Abundantia Entertainment CEO Vikram Malhotra says audiences want rooted stories and unique characters: “Indians want stories that reflect the world they live in”

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Amaal Mallik warns trolls amid ‘Main Hoon Hero Tera’ credit controversy: “Music ka SRK hoon, magar gussa mera Salman Khan wala hai”

Amaal Mallik has responded strongly to social media users targeting his family amid the ongoing discussion surrounding his song ‘Main Hoon Hero Tera’. The composer took to social media to address the criticism and made it clear that while he may respond to comments directed at him, he would not accept remarks aimed at his family.

On Wednesday, Amaal shared a post on X, formerly known as Twitter, drawing a distinction between criticism of his work and comments about his family. He wrote, “A statutory warning to the entire audience on each & every social platform of the world… Not a word about my family will be tolerated.”

Amaal was referring to the controversy surrounding ‘Main Hoon Hero Tera’, the 2015 song sung by Salman Khan. Addressing the discussion around the song's credits, he explained the contributions of everyone involved in its making. Amaal wrote, “Firstly, know that Armaan Malik has sung the main version, because of which it could be presented to the actor-producer Mr Salman Khan and director Mr Nikhil Advani. I made it, @kumaarofficial sir wrote it, @ArmaanMalik22 sang it; hence it got approved and then @BeingSalmanKhan sir sang it. That’s how the cookie crumbles, and that’s exactly how it happened, okay? FYI, without Me & Kumaar sir, there would be no song to sing. Without Armaan, there would be nothing to play to Salman, sir. Without SK’s face & voice version, the song wouldn’t be where it is today; never denied that. But does anyone even pause to think how much goes into creating a song and then get left out of every celebration post every year.”

A statutory warning to the entire audience on each & every social platform of the world…

Not a word about my family will be tolerated.

Targeting me is part of your game plan, gives you some likes and eyeballs - GREAT!

You are welcome ;)

Last few days I have been seeing… pic.twitter.com/nEx3qvLr3e — Amaal Mallik (@AmaalMallik) September 16, 2026

The composer further warned that he would publicly address those who make comments about his family. He also spoke about standing by his father, Daboo Malik, and his family despite their estrangement.

“I will expose each one of you here if I find you saying anything against my family. Also, if anyone from the film industry, without probable cause or reason, stands up against me and mine, watch out, I’ll be coming for you… Music ka #Srk hoon main, Magar gussa mera #SalmanKhan Aur #SanjayDutt wala hai. Yeh sab doosro ko saath chalta hoga, Daboo Malik aur unki family ke saath Bilkul nahi… Amaal Mallik unke saath khada tha, hai aur rahega bhi. So, bhidna at your own risk. (This might happen with others, but definitely not with Daboo Malik and his family… Amaal Mallik stood with them, stands with them, and will continue to stand with them. So, clash at your own risk).”

The controversy began after Salman Khan Films shared a social media post marking 10 years of ‘Main Hoon Hero Tera’ without initially mentioning Amaal Mallik as the composer. Amaal subsequently called out the omission, following which the post was edited to include his credit.

The incident also led to criticism of Amaal on social media, with some users calling him ‘ungrateful’ towards Salman Khan. Amaal and his singer-brother Armaan Malik subsequently defended his position publicly, resulting in further discussion online.

Also Read : Sau Aasmaan Turns 10: Amaal Malik, Armaan Malik and Neeti Mohan reflect on ‘Baar Baar Dekho’ song˝

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SHOCKING: Gurugram youth takes inspiration from Vikrant Massey’s Pritam And Pedro character to allegedly con student of Rs. 24.60 lakhs

The web series Pritam And Pedro, produced by Rajkumar Hirani and starring his son Vir Hirani alongside Arshad Warsi and Vikrant Massey, has been appreciated for its humour, writing, performances and, most importantly, its message about cybercrime. Ironically, a youth in Gurugram allegedly took inspiration from the series to commit a crime himself. His plan, however, was short-lived as the police tracked him down and arrested him.

As per an article in the Times of India, the accused, Alok K, posed as a student counsellor and met a 21-year-old person earlier this year, who was enrolled in a distance-learning programme for an MBA (finance) with a prestigious management institute. The student and the accused met at a cafe in Juhu, Mumbai and the latter helped the former complete his admission formalities. As a result, the student started to trust him.

A few months ago, the victim was appearing for an online exam when an alert appeared on his device screen that copying had been detected. According to the report in the Times of India, the student called the accused and clarified that he was not copying. The same alert popped up on the last day of the exam, and this time, the application crashed.

The article then states, “Alok called up the student and inquired whether he had been copying again. At this, the student once again denied any wrongdoing. The student grew nervous when Alok warned him that he would be debarred and blacklisted and would never be able to get admission in any other university in future. Alok offered to sort out the matter and started demanding money. He also promised to refund the money if he was unable to do the job.”

The student then transferred Rs. 24.60 lakhs in installments, out of which Alok refunded him only Rs. 1.15 lakh. Meanwhile, the student passed the exam and yet, the accused kept on demanding money. This is when the student realized that he had been conned. He told his parents about it and subsequently lodged a complaint at the Bangur Nagar police station earlier this month.

The cops surveilled Alok’s phone records and the money trail, which helped them track his location to Gurugram. He was arrested on September 11. The article revealed, “Police said Alok used to previously work at a call centre that had been contracted by the management institute to coordinate with all students regarding admissions and counselling. He got the victim’s phone number from the call centre’s database and targeted him. Police have seized two cellphones from him.”

Once arrested, the accused revealed to the cops that he was inspired by the antagonist, essayed by Vikrant Massey, in Pritam And Pedro and intended to use social engineering and impersonation to deceive the victim.

Also Read: Rajkumar Hirani’s Pritam and Pedro becomes India’s most-watched web series of 2026 with 23 million viewers

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