EXCLUSIVE: Check out Sidharth Malhotra and Tamannaah Bhatia’s intense chemistry in 'Samjho Na'; Tamannaah, Jubin Nautiyal to launch The Vvaan’s romantic track on September 2 in a mall

After keeping audiences hooked with its mystery, folklore and larger-than-life fantasy world, The Vvaan gears up to reveal the side of its story that fans have been waiting to see — romance. The excitement is rife for the film’s first upcoming song, ‘Samjho Na’, which is set to bring Sidharth Malhotra and Tamannaah Bhatia’s fresh pairing into the spotlight, with a special launch that brings together Tamannaah Bhatia and Jubin Nautiyal ahead of the song’s release.

If the teaser had audiences wondering what lies inside The Vvaan, ‘Samjho Na’ promises to give them something emotional and romantic to latch on to. The first song will open the door to the film’s romantic world, giving audiences their first full glimpse of Sidharth and Tamannaah sharing screen space and bringing their never-seen-before chemistry to the centre of the story.

The lead pair are sharing screen space for the first time, making ‘Samjho Na’ the first showcase of a pairing audiences have never seen together before. Given the teaser's reveal of what happens to the couple in the film, the first upcoming song is the much-needed emotional grounding of the story.

The upcoming launch itself is being positioned as a lively event for fans, with Tamannaah and Jubin Nautiyal set to make an appearance at a mall on Wednesday, September 2, at 7:30 pm. With the singer performing and Tamannaah joining him, the evening is expected to bring the song's romantic energy straight to the audience.

Musically, ‘Samjho Na’ brings together a strong team, with Tanishk Bagchi as composer and music producer, Jubin Nautiyal and Suvarna Tiwari on vocals and Manoj Muntashir on lyrics. Krishna Kishor has handled additional live production, while Eric Pillai has mixed and mastered the track, with Michael Edwin Pillai as assistant mix engineer.

For The Vvaan, this is an important shift from “What is happening inside that forest?” to “What is happening between these two?” And with Sidharth and Tamannaah coming together on screen for the first time, ‘Samjho Na’ is set to bring all the ingredients of a launch that the audience will be watching with bated breath.

Backed by some of the country's most distinctive storytellers, The Vvaan brings together TVF’s Arunabh Kumar, director Deepak Mishra and Ektaa Kapoor for a commercial film that attempts to take Indian folklore into a new cinematic space. While its world is rooted in folklore and fantasy, the film brings together adventure, mystery and humour to shape itself as a complete family entertainer. The ambition extends beyond the film, with The Legend Of Vvaan comic book already introducing audiences to the larger folklore surrounding its universe.

Presented by Balaji Motion Pictures, a division of Balaji Telefilms Ltd, in association with TVF and 11.11 Production, The Vvaan stars Sidharth Malhotra and Tamannaah Bhatia. Written by Arunabh Kumar and directed by Deepak Mishra, with Manu Anand as DOP and Visual Director, the film is produced by Shobha Kapoor, Ektaa R Kapoor, Arunabh Kumar and Niraj Kothari.

The Vvaan arrives in cinemas on September 25, 2026, promising a big-screen fantasy folklore experience where the visuals, music, mystery and scale come together to create a world audiences will want to step into.

Also Read: Sidharth Malhotra says physical preparation for The Vvaan went beyond fitness: “Training has to support all of that”

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Badshah, Isha Rikhi confirm separation after months of speculation: “Mutually decided to part ways”

Rapper-singer Badshah and Punjabi actress Isha Rikhi have confirmed that they are parting ways. The couple made the announcement on Monday evening, August 31, months after their marriage became public and weeks after speculation about trouble in their relationship gained momentum. Badshah shared a joint statement on his Instagram Story, saying that the decision was mutual and made with respect. He also requested fans and the media to give them privacy as they move forward separately.

“I and Isha Rikhi have mutually decided to part ways and move forward on our separate paths. This decision has been made with mutual respect, and we request everyone to kindly respect our privacy during this time,” Badshah wrote.

The couple further made it clear that they do not wish to discuss the matter publicly. “This will be our only statement on the matter. We sincerely request that there be no further speculation or assumptions regarding our relationship,” the statement read.

 

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Isha Rikhi’s emotional post had sparked speculation The announcement comes weeks after Isha shared an emotional note on social media that led to questions about the status of her marriage. In the post shared in July, the actress spoke about staying silent because of fear and said she felt overwhelmed by what she described as her husband’s “influence, power, and resources.”

“There are battles that leave no visible scars. For a long time, I remained silent because I was afraid. I felt overwhelmed by the influence, power, and resources I believed my husband had, and I convinced myself that staying quiet was the safest thing to do,” she wrote.

Isha further said that her silence should not be seen as acceptance. “Silence was never acceptance. It was survival. Today, I'm choosing courage over fear. I may not be ready to tell the whole story, but I'm finally ready to stop pretending that everything was okay,” she added.

 

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Badshah’s second marriage The separation marks the end of Badshah’s second marriage. He was previously married to Jasmine Masih. The two reportedly met on Facebook and got married in 2012. Badshah and Jasmine welcomed their daughter, Jessemy Grace Masih Singh, in 2017. The couple later separated and finalised their divorce in 2020. Badshah has continued to co-parent their daughter following their separation.

Also Read: Isha Rikhi breaks silence on separation rumours with Badshah with cryptic post: “Silence was never acceptance”

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BREAKING: Hanuman Ansh ends with the promise of a sequel; writer-director Vishal Chaturvedi begins work on the second part

The month of August turned out to be a miraculous one thanks to Hanuman Ansh. Released on August 7, the film collected just Rs. 1.07 crore in its first week. The collections slipped to just Rs. 50 lakhs in its second week. After collecting a mere Rs. 5 lakhs on Thursday, August 20, Hanuman Ansh surprisingly collected Rs. 15 lakhs the next day, on August 21. While it earned Rs. 95 lakhs on August 22, the earnings zoomed to Rs. 2.58 crores on Sunday, August 23.

Since then, there has been no looking back for the film. Its third-week collections were Rs. 11.09 crores, while in its fourth weekend it earned Rs. 30 crores, shocking the trade and industry. Hanuman Ansh has earned approx. Rs. 42 crores to date and it seems like it now has a shot at crossing the Rs. 100 crore mark if it holds in the weekdays and the coming week. For a film made in a few crores and made in just Rs. 10 lakhs, this is a historic feat and it has been possible due to positive word of mouth and marketing.

Interestingly, audiences who ventured out to watch Hanuman Ansh have realized that the film ends with the promise of a sequel. A slate at the end mentions that the story of Neeb Karori Baba is yet to be completed. Over the weekend, the team of the film visited a multiplex in Agra, where they interacted with the viewers. Later, speaking to the media, writer-director Vishal Chaturvedi revealed that work has begun on the sequel.

Vishal also revealed that the second part will focus on Neeb Karori Baba’s life in his birthplace, Firozabad, and will then explore his life in Agra, Mathura, etc. Interestingly, Neeb Karori Baba’s family was based in Agra. Lead actor Shobhinaw Satyaa was also present alongside Vishal Chaturvedi at the interaction in the Agra theatre.

Hanuman Ansh was officially announced on February 20 this year, and the makers had revealed at the time that it would be a trilogy. The spiritual trilogy is inspired by the book ‘Divine Detour’, which is incidentally written by Vishal Chaturvedi.

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EXCLUSIVE: CBFC cuts 35 seconds of intimate scenes in Mirzapur The Movie; mutes cuss words in 4 places, replaces abuses in 6 places

On Saturday, August 29, Bollywood Hungama was among the first to inform readers that Mirzapur The Movie has been passed with an ‘A’ certificate by the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC). We further revealed that the run time of the film exceeds 3 hours. We now exclusively bring you the cuts given to the gangster-drama.

The CBFC asked for several cuts before handing over the censor certificate to the makers. To begin with, cuss words were muted at 4 places, while at 6 places, the abuses were replaced with ‘appropriate’ words. The dialogue ‘Galey se lag gar’ was also modified.

In the first half of the film, a word was replaced with 'kamar'. Meanwhile, in the post-interval part, the word 'lanth', which means idiot, was asked to be modified. A caste reference was also asked to be modified.

As for the visual cuts, the makers were asked to reduce intimate scenes by 50% through suitable modifications in visuals and sound. This was done in two scenes, one in first half and one in the second half. As a result, 35 seconds of intimate scenes were deleted.

Interestingly, not a single violent and gory scene was censored by the CBFC. Once these changes were made, the censor certificate was given to the makers of Mirzapur The Movie. The length of the film, as mentioned on the certificate, is 197.19 minutes. In other words, it is 3 hours, 17 minutes and 19 seconds long.

The censor certificate also mentions that Mirzapur The Movie was passed by the Revising Committee of the CBFC. Usually, the Examining Committee is the first to view the film, and when it asks for several modifications, the makers can approach the RC. The Revising Committee then reviews the film and makes the final call on the certification and suggested modifications.

Mirzapur The Movie releases on September 4 and stars Pankaj Tripathi, Ali Fazal, Divyenndu, Jitendra Kumar, Abhishek Banerjee, Rasika Dugal, Mohitt Malik, Sheeba Chadha, Rajesh Tailang, Shriya Pilgaonkar, Harshita Shekhar Gaur, Shweta Tripathi, Sonal S Chauhan, Anangsha Biswas, Shaji Choudhary, Sushant Singh and above all, Ravi Kishan.

Also Read: Mirzapur: The Movie teaser out – Ali Fazal, Pankaj Tripathi return ahead of September 4 release

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Chandrachur Singh files FIR over alleged forgery of grandfather’s will, accuses family members

Actor Chandrachur Singh has approached the police over a long-running family inheritance dispute, alleging that his grandfather’s will was forged to prevent his late father from receiving his rightful share of the family property. According to PTI, Singh has named his aunt Gaytri Devi, two cousins and four other family members in the FIR.

The complaint was registered at Rorawar police station in Aligarh on Friday. Singh has alleged that the signature of his grandfather, Thakur Harender Pal Singh, was forged on a will in 1997, at a time when his grandfather was seriously unwell and, according to the actor, was not in a condition to sign legal documents.

Singh has accused his uncle Ganga Singh and other relatives of being involved in the alleged forgery. He claimed that the disputed document resulted in his father, Captain Baldev Singh, being deprived of his share of the family inheritance.

The actor further alleged that his father was not present in Aligarh when the will was purportedly prepared. He also claimed that another uncle, Puniya Pratap Singh, had passed away before Harender Pal Singh.

According to the complaint, several valuable properties mentioned in the disputed will were subsequently sold over the years. Singh said on Friday evening that he had collected sufficient evidence to back his allegations. He also confirmed that he recorded his statement before the police following the registration of the FIR.

Gaytri Devi Had Earlier Rejected Allegations

The family dispute had come into the public domain last year when Gaytri Devi denied the allegations against her. She had accused Chandrachur Singh of attempting to falsely implicate her and maintained that the will was genuine.

Singh’s father, Captain Baldev Singh, was a former Congress MLA from Aligarh city and died a few years ago.

The police have now registered a case and begun investigating the allegations. The claims made by Chandrachur Singh in the FIR are allegations at this stage and have not yet been established.

Chandrachur Singh’s Film Career

Chandrachur Singh has worked in Hindi cinema for several years and is known for films such as Maachis, Kya Kehna and Josh. He starred alongside Shah Rukh Khan and Aishwarya Rai in Josh. His filmography also includes Cuttputlli and several other projects.

Also Read : Chandrachur Singh interacts with officials during Gurugram demolition drive outside his residence

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Sonam Wangchuk REACTS to Aamir Khan’s 3 Idiots claim: “Maybe he was so deeply into his Ghajini character that he forgot meeting me”

Sonam Wangchuk has reacted to Aamir Khan’s statement that he had never met the innovator before making 3 Idiots and that his character Phunsuk Wangdu was not inspired by Wangchuk. Responding to Aamir’s claim during a podcast with Prakhar Gupta, Wangchuk recalled their meeting and funnily suggested that the actor may have forgotten the interaction.

“He said we had never met. Then some videos emerged in which he was watching my speech in his Ghajini outfit. As he was in the Ghajini look, maybe he would have suffered short-term memory loss. He must have forgotten after 15 minutes. I am not shocked. We had a detailed meet,” Wangchuk said.

Wangchuk also took a dig at Aamir’s reputation for immersing himself deeply into his characters. “We have heard that he enters deeply into his characters. Maybe he was so deeply into his Ghajini character that he forgot that he attended the award function where I was awarded. We had a detailed meet and we discussed a lot of ideas,” he added.

Wangchuk also explained why he believes their interaction could have influenced certain elements of Aamir’s character in 3 Idiots and it not necessarily would have been his direct biography or based completely on him. “This is what is called influence and inspiration. Maybe he would have taken some parts (of his life) and added in the script. Maybe he didn’t tell his team that he saw all this and spoke with me. He would have said he has added these things just like that. So, the writers and the director wouldn’t have known that Aamir added these details after meeting someone and discussing with him. That’s why he must have forgotten. It doesn’t matter to me,” he said.

Wangchuk’s latest remarks have once again brought the debate into focus, with the innovator maintaining that he had met Aamir before the film and that the two had discussed several ideas during their meeting.

For the unversed, Aamir’s comments came in July shortly after Omi Vaidya, who played Chatur in 3 Idiots, said that the superstar’s character was inspired from Sonam Wangchuk. It was a period when Sonam was on a hunger strike during the students’ protest in response to the leak of NEET question paper.

Also Read: Reema Kagti scolded Aamir Khan for “4-5 hours” for landing up late on Talaash sets; actor had gone to attend Sachin Tendulkar’s party: “She hasn’t let me forget about it till today”

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Why Toxic is more than just another gangster drama: 5 reasons to watch Yash’s latest

Rocking Star Yash’s Toxic: A Fairy Tale for Grown-Ups is not your typical commercial entertainer. The gangster drama unfolds through a distinctive narrative style, combining action, romance, family dynamics, and layered character arcs to create a world that demands your attention.

From its powerhouse performances to its ambitious visual scale, here are five reasons why Toxic deserves to be experienced on the big screen.

1. A gutsy film that dares to tell its story differently Toxic doesn’t take the familiar route. It is bold in its storytelling and builds its narrative in a way that gradually reveals the many layers of its world and characters. The film moves beyond the conventional gangster drama, bringing together action, emotion, love, and family against a larger-than-life backdrop.

2. It’s a film you may want to watch twice There is plenty happening beneath the surface in Toxic. The storytelling is layered and deliberately complex, with details, character motivations and narrative threads that may reveal themselves differently on a second viewing. It is the kind of film that invites you to revisit its world and piece together the larger picture.

3. A performance-heavy film led by Yash and an impressive ensemble At its centre is Yash, and Toxic is very much a showcase of the actor. But the film also gives its ensemble plenty to work with. Nayanthara brings a fearless intensity to her part, Kiara Advani leaves a striking impression, and Huma Qureshi delivers a performance that is haunting and powerful. Meanwhile, Rukmini Vasanth emerges as one of the film’s biggest surprises.

4. A different and softer side of Yash While Toxic is packed with intensity and action, its romantic moments bring a different dimension to the film. Yash’s scenes with Kiara reveal a softer and more vulnerable side of his character, adding emotional depth to the larger narrative. The romance is handled with restraint, allowing the chemistry and emotion between the characters to speak for themselves.

5. International-scale action and striking cinematography The action in Toxic is mounted on an ambitious scale, complemented by cinematography that gives the film a distinct visual identity. From its expansive world-building to its action set pieces, the film aims for a cinematic experience that feels grand, immersive, and unlike the usual.

Also Read: Toxic – A Fairy Tale For Grown-Ups BTS: JJ Perry reveals how Yash pulled off the vicious fight action sequence

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Reports of Kareena Kapoor Khan doing Arati Kadav’s film produced by Harman Baweja are untrue: Source

There have been reports suggesting that Kareena Kapoor Khan is set to be a part of filmmaker Arati Kadav’s upcoming film, which is being produced by Harman Baweja. However, the reports are not true.

Clarifying the speculation surrounding the project, a source stated, “The news of Kareena Kapoor being a part of Aarti Kadav’s film, produced by Harman Baweja, is untrue. Kareena is not associated with the project, and reports suggesting otherwise are incorrect. There is no confirmation of her involvement in the film.”

The clarification makes it clear that Kareena is not associated with Arati Kadav’s film at present. While reports had suggested that the actress would be part of the project, there is no confirmation of her involvement.

Arati Kadav, known for her last film Mrs., has several projects in her filmography as a filmmaker. Kareena Kapoor Khan, meanwhile, continues to have a busy professional schedule. She will next be seen in filmmaker Meghna Gulzar’s keenly-awaited Daayra, which also stars Prithviraj Sukumaran. The film is set to release in theatres on September 18.

Also Read: Daayra trailer to be released on August 31; makers drop new poster featuring Kareena Kapoor Khan, Prithviraj Sukumaran ahead of September release

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Captain India: Bhushan Kumar film starring Kartik Aaryan to go on floors in London on September 1

Kartik Aaryan is set to begin work on one of his much-awaited projects, Captain India. The action drama, directed by Shimit Amin, is scheduled to go on floors in London on September 1, 2026. The shoot is expected to continue through October, with the makers planning to wrap the schedule by the end of the month.

Captain India is inspired by the true events surrounding India’s courageous evacuation mission from a war-torn country. The film is being envisioned as an ambitious action drama that combines large-scale sequences with an emotionally driven narrative centred around a remarkable chapter involving the country and its people.

The project brings together Kartik Aaryan and filmmaker Shimit Amin, who is known for helming acclaimed films including Chak De! India. The latter continues to remain relevant and resonate with audiences years after its release, making Amin’s involvement in a story rooted in courage and national spirit particularly noteworthy.

Produced by Bhushan Kumar of T-Series and Baweja Studio, in association with Dopamine Studios, with production by S B Films, Captain India brings together a team aiming to mount the story on a large canvas. While Kartik Aaryan leads the project, the film is also expected to feature an ensemble cast, details of which are awaited.

The screenplay and story have been developed by Nash Vazifdar, Sanchit Gupta and Priyadarshee Shrivastava. With the film drawing inspiration from real events, the makers are looking to balance the action and scale with the human emotions at the heart of the evacuation mission.

For Kartik Aaryan, Captain India adds another ambitious project to his upcoming slate and sees him collaborate with Shimit Amin for the first time. The actor will be stepping into a story that is expected to demand both physical intensity and emotional depth.

Meanwhile, Bhushan Kumar and T-Series continue to back projects that seek to combine commercial scale with strong, content-driven narratives. With its London shoot beginning on September 1, Captain India is now moving into the production phase.

The film is scheduled to arrive in cinemas on August 13, 2027, during the Independence Day weekend.

Also Read: EXCLUSIVE: Kartik Aaryan joined by Qarib Qarib Single actress Parvathy Thiruvothu in Captain India; shooting begins next month

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Aamir Khan, Sidharth Malhotra, and Tiger Shroff to come together for the first time for Race Reboot: Report

Aamir Khan is reportedly set to join hands with Sidharth Malhotra and Tiger Shroff for the much-awaited Race Reboot. The upcoming project is said to be a fresh take on the popular action thriller franchise, which originally featured Saif Ali Khan in the first two instalments before Salman Khan took the lead in the third film.

The Race franchise has developed a cult following over the years, with the first two films starring Saif Ali Khan becoming popular for their high-octane action, twists and turns, and ensemble cast. Race 3, which arrived later with Salman Khan in the lead, took the series in a different direction.

Now, the reboot is reportedly being planned with an entirely new star cast. While Sidharth Malhotra’s name has been associated with the project for some time, Tiger Shroff has also recently been linked to the film. According to current reports, Aamir Khan is the latest major name to be added to the much-anticipated project. A source was quoted telling Pinkvilla, “Aamir has liked the script and is very involved in the writing process. He is working closely with the writers to develop the material further. He feels that the reboot can bring a completely new flavour to the Race franchise”

The source further revealed that the upcoming film is being envisioned as a thriller unlike anything previously attempted in India, with the makers looking to introduce a fresh perspective to the franchise. “It’s a thriller unlike anything done before in India. The idea is to take the franchise into a new space and create something that feels fresh for the audience. A strong ensemble will come on board the film, and the casting will be announced at the right time,” the source added.

Aamir Khan is reportedly taking an active interest in the development of the project and is said to be ensuring that the script reaches the desired level before making a final commitment. In a concluding statement, the source reportedly stated, “Aamir is very excited to embark on this journey of Race. He is taking his time to make sure the script reaches the level he wants before he commits fully. The idea is to make Race Reboot a big-screen thriller with a strong ensemble and a completely fresh flavour.”

Race Reboot is said to be directed by Vijay Krishna Acharya, who has previously collaborated with Aamir Khan on two action thrillers — Dhoom 3 and Thugs of Hindostan. If Aamir comes on board, the project will mark their third collaboration in the action-thriller space.

Meanwhile, Ramesh Taurani of Tips Films has reportedly already begun pre-production on the film. With Sidharth Malhotra, Tiger Shroff and potentially Aamir Khan forming part of the ensemble, Race Reboot is shaping up to be one of the more anticipated projects in the action thriller space.

Also Read: Ramesh Taurani clarifies Akshaye Khanna won’t return for Race 4: “The work on the script is on”

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Toxic debacle effect: The Odyssey storms back into IMAX screens across India just 2 days after being ousted

On August 26, Bollywood Hungama reported that The Odyssey’s shows were taken out of IMAX screens after a historic 40-day run in order to accommodate Yash-starrer Toxic. The Odyssey consistently drew audiences and managed to collect a record Rs. 90 crores, that too from just 34 IMAX screens. Remarkably, the film continued to register encouraging occupancy right until the end of its run. As a result, our report was widely shared and discussed, sending shockwaves among fans.

It has now come to light that due to the underperformance of Toxic, The Odyssey has been brought back to all IMAX screens in the country, except Bengaluru. A source told Bollywood Hungama, “Even on its last day, The Odyssey ran with 43% occupancy, which was unbelievable. It proved that there was a lot of gas left in the tank. Warner Bros, which distributed The Odyssey, asked for just one show in IMAX, considering the continued demand, from August 26. Sadly, the demand was not accepted as the distributors of Toxic were clear that they wanted all shows in IMAX.”

The source continued, “But since Toxic had not worked as expected, the IMAX theatres were allowed to bring back The Odyssey. It was expected that, if at all this happened, it would happen next week or after a fortnight. No one imagined that The Odyssey would be back in just two days.”

Earlier today, cinemas like Cinepolis Seawoods and Cinepolis Thane near Mumbai, Cinepolis Aundh in Pune, PVR Palazzo and Inox Luxe in Chennai, and Cinepolis Centre Square in Kochi programmed shows of The Odyssey from today, August 28. Within a few hours, several more theatres joined in, including Mumbai’s PVR Lower Parel, Inox R City, Maison Inox, Miraj Wadala and Eros. PVR Lower Parel and Cinepolis Seawoods will screen two shows of The Odyssey, while Delhi’s IMAX cinemas have also come on board with one show each of the Matt Damon-starrer. Cinepolis Aundh and Inox Megaplex in Pune, along with Inox Megaplex in Lucknow, will screen one show today before increasing it to two from tomorrow. Rajhans Surat and Inox South City Kolkata will also play two shows, while PVR Palladium will screen one show of the Hollywood hit.

Meanwhile, Broadway Cinemas in Coimbatore never discontinued The Odyssey. It was the only IMAX cinema in India to continue playing the film even after August 26, and it will continue to screen two shows. Bengaluru, meanwhile, remains the only centre in India where IMAX screens will continue to play Toxic without accommodating The Odyssey, at least until the weekend.

It is also important to note that on August 26, Toxic recorded 51.6% occupancy in IMAX, while The Odyssey registered 48.7%. On Thursday, August 27, Toxic’s occupancy dropped sharply to 17.4%, while The Odyssey remained steady at 37.6%.

It now remains to be seen whether The Odyssey can cross the Rs. 100 crore mark now that it is back in IMAX.

Also Read: From Thunderous Sound to Raw Aura: Why Toxic is one of the biggest theatrical events of 2026

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Uorfi hospitalised, shares photos from hospital bed: “Anaesthesia ke alag maze hai bhai”

Uorfi  has sparked concern among her fans after sharing a series of pictures from a hospital bed on social media. The actor and social media personality referred to the hospital visit as her “yearly admission in the hospital”, although she did not clarify whether the remark was serious, sarcastic or related to a routine annual health check-up.

 

In one of the pictures, Uorfi could be seen posing from the hospital bed while the song ‘Itni Shakti Hame De Na Data’ played in the background. She subsequently shared a photograph showing an IV cannula attached to her hand and captioned it, “Worst part!”

Uorfi later posted another picture from the hospital and appeared to comment on the effects of anaesthesia. She wrote, “Anesthesia k alag maze hai bhai.” However, neither Uorfi nor her team has so far shared details about the reason for her hospitalisation or revealed what medical procedure, if any, she underwent.

The recent post has also brought attention to Uorfi’s previous health-related disclosures. In January 2026, she opened up about a difficult phase in her life when her weight had dropped to 38 kg. At the time, she said she was "so sick and depressed." Uorfi revealed that she had been eating only one meal a day and avoiding carbohydrates. According to her, the restrictive routine affected her mood, leaving her feeling extremely moody, angry and irritated. She also recalled experiencing facial swelling despite being significantly underweight and later said weight training helped her feel better.

In June 2026, Uorfi also spoke about severe facial swelling that she had experienced around a year and a half earlier. Addressing speculation that the swelling was caused by fillers, she clarified that it was instead linked to allergies, stress and increased cortisol levels. She further revealed that she is allergic to cats despite having three pet cats at home.

Uorfi’s previous publicly reported hospitalisation was in January 2024, when she shared a photograph of herself wearing an oxygen mask from a hospital bed. At the time, she captioned the post, “Starting 2024 with a bang.” She later deleted the post and did not reveal the reason behind that hospital visit.

As of now, further details about Uorfi’s latest hospitalisation remain awaited.

Also Read : Sonu Sood, Preity Zinta, Soha Ali Khan among celebs extending support to students after ‘Chalo Sansad’ clashes

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EXCLUSIVE: Akshay Kumar’s niece Simar Bhatia lands her second film; to romance Roshan Mathew in a romantic comedy

Akshay Kumar's niece Simar Bhatia, who made her Bollywood debut with Sriram Raghavan's Ikkis earlier this year, has bagged her second project. Bollywood Hungama has exclusively learned that Bhatia will star alongside Malayalam actor Roshan Mathew in an upcoming romantic comedy.

The film is said to be a heartwarming, character-driven romantic drama that blends emotional beats with quirky and comedic elements. The makers are looking to create a fun-filled, entertaining love story, with Bhatia and Mathew coming together as a new on-screen romantic pair. Adhiraj Bose, who previously worked as an AD on Ek Thi Daayan and Talvar and has directed several short films, including the Naseeruddin Shah-starrer Interior Cafe Night (2014), will helm the yet-untitled film. He makes his feature directorial debut with this project.

The film will be produced by Aayush Maheshwari under his BLM Pictures banner, which has previously co-produced films such as Dhak Dhak, Loop Lapeta and Yaariyan 2. Shooting for the film is scheduled to begin in November, with the makers targeting a theatrical release in mid-2027.

Simar Bhatia is the daughter of Akshay Kumar's sister Alka Bhatia and made her acting debut opposite Agastya Nanda in Sriram Raghavan's Ikkis, which chronicles the life of 2nd Lieutenant Arun Khetarpal and his martyrdom during the Battle of Basantar in the 1971 India-Pakistan war. Although the film underperformed at the box office, Bhatia received praise for her subtle performance. She has since been looking for her next project and has found a promising opportunity in this latest rom-com, which will see her paired opposite Roshan Mathew, popularly known for his work in Malayalam films such as C U Soon, Moothon, Ronth and the recently released Uyir.

Mathew has also featured in several Hindi films, including Choked, Darlings and Ulajh, as well as shows such as Poacher and Kan Khajura. He will next be seen in Job Trafficking, an upcoming scam thriller series from Trial by Fire director Prashant Nair. The series is currently in production and is expected to premiere on Amazon Prime Video early next year.

Also Read: Simar Bhatia gets emotional as Ikkis releases, thanks family, makers, and co-star Agastya Nanda: “Thank you for taking care of me”

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Last Man In Tower to hit theatres on September 11 starring Manoj Bajpayee, Divya Dutta and Boman Irani

Aravind Adiga’s bestselling novel Last Man in Tower is set to make its way to the big screen, with the film scheduled to release in Indian theatres on September 11, 2026. Directed by Ben Rekhi and produced by Rana Daggubati’s Spirit Media, the film stars Manoj Bajpayee, Boman Irani, Divya Dutta and Sukant Goel in key roles.

The film explores themes of personal conviction, changing relationships and the difficult choices people face when circumstances around them begin to change. At its centre is Masterji, a retired school teacher who finds himself standing alone as people in his community begin to make choices that differ from his own. His determination to remain firm in what he believes creates tension among the people he has known for years.

Among those whose decisions clash with Masterji’s is Mrs Puri, whose own aspirations and compromises are influenced by the possibility of a different future. As the situation develops, the story looks at the choices people make when an opportunity for a new life comes within their reach.

Manoj Bajpayee and Divya Dutta headline the central conflict, while Boman Irani takes on a pivotal role. The film also marks the first time Irani and Bajpayee will share the screen. Sooni Taraporevala has adapted Adiga’s bestselling novel for the film.

Speaking about the film, director Ben Rekhi said, “It’s been a deeply fulfilling experience bringing Last Man In Tower to life with an incredible team top to bottom, from Rana Daggubati producing, to Sooni Taraporevala scripting, all based on Aravind Adiga’s incredible book. The most rewarding part has been witnessing the power of Manoj and Boman - two giants of cinema - working together for the first time in this film. Divya brings an incredible depth and emotional strength to the ensemble, and the combination of these three actors makes the world of the film particularly special. Last Man In Tower is an urgent story about holding onto community and family through turbulent times… a story that has only become more relevant with time.”

Rana Daggubati, who is producing the film through Spirit Media, said, “Last Man in Tower is a deeply human story. What drew us to it was how naturally it finds something universal in the lives of a very specific group of people. There is something very compelling about the way it explores the choices we make and the things we hold on to. The entire ensemble of cast led by Manoj, Divya, and Boman bring an incredible depth to their characters. Last Man in Tower also marks an important milestone for Spirit Media as our first Hindi feature production, and our continued effort towards creating space for fresh new stories and voices for the big-screen audience.”

Last Man in Tower is expected to take audiences into a story where personal choices, relationships and community ties intersect. The film will release in Indian theatres on September 11, 2026.

Also Read : Manoj Bajpayee to play Mahatma Gandhi in Sudhir Mishra directorial backed by Anubhav Sinha

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Ramayana’s NEVER-before-seen 15-minute footage STUNS exhibitors at Big Cine Expo 2026 in Chennai: “VFX at par with a big-scale Hollywood film like The Lord Of The Rings”

An exhibition called Big Cine Expo is held every year, bringing together theatre owners, design consultants, equipment manufacturers, system integrators, project management professionals and other industry stakeholders to celebrate cinema and the exhibition sector. One of the major highlights of the expo is the presentation of exclusive footage from upcoming films. Two weeks ago, Bollywood Hungama reported that attendees at this year’s edition would get a chance to watch exclusive glimpses of arguably the most awaited film of the year – Ramayana. Big Cine Expo 2026 was held on August 18 and 19 in Chennai, with the much-awaited Ramayana footage being showcased on the first day. In this article, we reveal what was shown during the exclusive 15-minute presentation.

An exhibitor who attended the preview told Bollywood Hungama, “It lasted for 15 minutes and, as expected, visuals from the film that have not yet been revealed to the public were presented to us. Hence, we were strictly prohibited from using our mobile phones or recording any part of the presentation.”

When asked what the preview consisted of, the exhibitor replied, “The major highlights were the various creatures in the film, including the one-eyed daitya. A bear-like creature was also given prominence. We were amazed by the vision, imagination and VFX. Ramayana truly looks like a global Indian film. Its effects are at par with those of any Hollywood movie, like The Lord Of The Rings. The trailer had already excited the exhibitors, and this footage preview has added to the hype for us.”

The source also said, “The asset was also like a making-of video. In between, quotes from producer Namit Malhotra were incorporated, in which he spoke about his ambitious endeavour. Finally, the Ramayana trailer, which has been out since July 30, formed the last part of the 15-minute preview.”

Ramayana stars Ranbir Kapoor, Yash, Sunny Deol, Sai Pallavi, Ravie Dubey, Rakul Preet Singh, Lara Dutta and others. The period epic’s first part will release on Diwali 2026 while the sequel will arrive in cinemas on Diwali 2027.

Also Read: Inside Rakul Preet Singh’s regal Surpanakha transformation for Ramayana

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Wamiqa Gabbi joins Everlite as first national brand ambassador for Senco Gold & Diamonds

Everlite, the lightweight jewellery brand from Senco Gold & Diamonds, has appointed actor Wamiqa Gabbi as its first-ever national brand ambassador. The association marks a new phase in the brand’s growth as it looks to expand its retail footprint across India and strengthen its connection with younger, fashion-conscious consumers.

Everlite currently has a presence across six states and eight cities, with 17 stores across the country. The appointment of Gabbi is part of the brand’s wider expansion strategy, which focuses on building its identity and increasing awareness around lightweight jewellery as an option for everyday styling.

Gabbi’s contemporary fashion sense and individual style align with Everlite’s focus on younger consumers, particularly millennials and Gen Z. Her association with the brand comes as lightweight jewellery continues to gain relevance among consumers looking for pieces that can easily transition between different occasions.

Speaking about the partnership, Wamiqa Gabbi said, "I've always been drawn to jewellery that I can actually live in, pieces I can put on in the morning and forget I'm wearing, but that still make a look feel considered. That is what I love about Everlite. The designs have the detail and beauty of fine jewellery, but they feel incredibly easy and natural to wear. Whether I'm dressing up for an evening out or keeping it simple during the day, I like jewellery that moves with me rather than dictates the look. That sense of freedom is something I really connect with, and it's what makes being part of Everlite feel so natural," said Wamiqa Gabbi.

Joita Sen, Whole-Time Director & Head of Marketing and Design, Senco Gold & Diamonds, also spoke about the association. "Wamiqa represents the way jewellery is evolving today, more personal, more versatile and more effortless. She has a very distinct sense of style and the confidence to make every look her own, which makes her a natural fit for Everlite. She embodies the modern Everlite woman, someone who wants jewellery to be part of her everyday wardrobe, rather than something reserved only for special occasions. We are delighted to have her represent the brand as we take the lightweight jewellery conversation to a new generation."

Everlite offers jewellery in 9K, 14K and 18K gold, along with diamond pieces across earrings, rings, pendants, bracelets, bangles and more. The brand operates compact and strategically located stores, including transit-led outlets, to improve accessibility.

Backed by Senco Gold & Diamonds, which operates more than 198 showrooms across 17 states in India and two international showrooms in Dubai, Everlite aims to further expand its presence while catering to changing preferences around everyday jewellery.

Also Read : Rajkummar Rao and Wamiqa Gabbi starrer Prahaar – The Untold Story of Ujjwal Nikam to release on October 16

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GIVA pulls down Kriti Sanon Raksha Bandhan ad after backlash; jewellery brand issues apology

GIVA has withdrawn its recent jewellery advertisement featuring Kriti Sanon following criticism and backlash on social media. The campaign, which was released around Rakshabandhan, has now been pulled down from all platforms. The jewellery brand has also issued an apology on its official Instagram handle, clarifying that hurting anyone’s sentiments was not the intention behind the campaign.

In its statement, GIVA said, “We have the highest regard and deep respect for Indian culture, traditions and festivals. As a brand, we have always believed in celebrating these joyous moments with the entire family and this time we wanted to extend the love and celebration to our pets. If our recent advertisement has inadvertently hurt the sentiments of some segments of society, that was not our intent at all. Out of respect, we have withdrawn the said advertisement from all media. Wish you all the love & positivity this festive season!”

The advertisement featured Kriti Sanon tying a rakhi to her onscreen brother. For the campaign, the actor was seen wearing a white bralette-style top with a sheer matching cape and a traditional-style skirt. The styling became a point of discussion online, with several social media users questioning the choice of outfit for a festival associated with family traditions.

 

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The campaign also drew criticism from Kangana Ranaut, who, without directly naming Kriti or the jewellery brand, questioned the styling and described the commercial as ‘creepy’.

Kriti subsequently responded to the criticism and defended her choice of attire. Addressing the broader conversation around women and clothing, she wrote, “Also, when will we stop telling women what to wear?? Ethnic fashion has evolved over the years, but still a woman's respect for her culture is measured with just her clothes!! Culture & Traditions are in her heart, not in her neckline!”

The controversy also saw Kriti’s sister Nupur Sanon extend her support to the actor. Nupur had earlier taken to Instagram Stories and questioned the criticism directed at her sister’s outfit.

With GIVA now withdrawing the campaign and issuing an apology, the advertisement has become the centre of a wider conversation around fashion, cultural traditions and the expectations placed on women’s clothing during festive occasions.

Also Read: Kriti Sanon GIVA Ad controversy: Nupur Sanon defends sister over ongoing criticism of the festive campaign

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Kriti Sanon GIVA Ad controversy: Nupur Sanon defends sister over ongoing criticism of the festive campaign

Kriti Sanon has found support from her sister Nupur Sanon after a recent GIVA jewellery advertisement featuring the actor sparked a debate on social media over traditional dressing and the idea of an ‘appropriate’ outfit for family occasions. The campaign, which features Kriti in a bralette-style blouse paired with a cape and a draped skirt, has drawn mixed reactions from netizens, particularly in the context of Rakshabandhan celebrations.

Now, Nupur has joined the conversation, extending her support to Kriti. Taking to her Instagram Stories, she questioned why another woman’s clothing choice should become a matter of concern for others. “Imagine being this bothered by what another woman chooses to wear. Respectfully EVOLVE!” Nupur wrote. She further added, “I'm the one she ties the rakhi to, and if I don't have a problem, why do you?”

Responding to the criticism, Kriti previously shared her perspective on the festival and the importance of its emotions and traditions over clothing choices. “The essence of festivals is not in the clothes you wear, it is in the emotions and meaning you hold for the traditions. Rakshabandhan is a bond of protection. My sister and I tie rakhi to each other. We know we can protect each other no less than a brother would have. We pray for each other's health, happiness & long life,” she said.

The debate also saw Kangana Ranaut express her disapproval of the commercial. While she did not name Kriti or GIVA directly, Kangana appeared to take aim at the styling of the advertisement and questioned the choice of outfit in the context of Rakshabandhan. “Why would you tie your brother a rakhi in your bikini/undergarments?” she wrote, while also describing the commercial as ‘creepy’ and questioning the styling choices featured in it.

The contrasting reactions have since added another layer to the ongoing social media discussion around fashion, traditional occasions and individual choice. While Kriti has emphasised the emotional significance of Rakshabandhan, Nupur has defended her sister’s freedom to choose what she wears. Meanwhile, Kangana’s comments have further fuelled the conversation surrounding the campaign.

Also Read: Kriti Sanon hits back at outfit criticism over Raksha Bandhan Ad: “When will we stop telling women what to wear?”

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SHOCKING: The Odyssey FORCED out of IMAX despite HISTORIC Rs. 90 cr collections from 34 IMAX screens and 43% occupancy on Day 40; Toxic takes over ALL shows

For 40 days, The Odyssey had a historic performance at the 34 IMAX cinemas of India. The film performed strongly even in the normal theatres but in IMAX, the earnings were rock-solid even after the film entered its sixth week. Sadly, this unbelievable run will now come to a halt, thanks to the release of Toxic, starring Yash, on August 26.

A source told Bollywood Hungama, “Toxic is carrying tremendous buzz and moreover, it is an IMAX release. Hence, its distributors asked for all the IMAX shows. However, the performance of The Odyssey is at another level. Even after so many days and weeks, several shows across the country are going house-full. In fact, on Tuesday, August 25, the last day of the film in IMAX, the shows were running with huge occupancy. Of course, the discounted rates played a part. But when viewers are turning up in such large numbers on the 40th day, it is a feat.”

The source continued, “This proves that there’s a lot of gas left in the tank. Warner Bros, which distributed The Odyssey, asked for just one show in IMAX, considering the continued demand, from August 26. Sadly, the demand was not accepted as the distributors of Toxic were clear that they wanted all shows in IMAX.”

The silver lining is that the IMAX screen at Broadway Cinemas in Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu, has proved to be an exception. From August 26, it will continue to play two shows of The Odyssey, at 11:30 am and 11:00 pm. Toxic, meanwhile, will be showcased at 7:40 am, 3:10 pm and 7:05 pm.

The Odyssey box office performance in India

The Odyssey has collected around Rs. 184.23 crores in 40 days in India. Interestingly, its collections from IMAX alone stand at nearly Rs. 90-91 crores. In other words, nearly 50% of the film’s India collections have come from the IMAX format.

Out of its 40-day run so far, The Odyssey collected more than Rs. 1 crore on as many as 33 days. On August 25, the last day of its full-fledged IMAX run, the film collected Rs. 71 lakhs from IMAX alone, while its collections across all formats stood at around Rs. 83 lakhs. The occupancy across IMAX screens on August 25 was an impressive 43%.

An industry insider commented, “Had The Odyssey been allowed even one show on each IMAX screen, it had the potential to cross the Rs. 100 crore mark from IMAX alone. It would have been a record difficult to beat for years to come.”

The insider also revealed, “Maybe, after a week or two, The Odyssey may make a comeback in IMAX. In that case, it still has a shot at earning Rs. 100 crores. At the same time, once a film goes out of IMAX, there is always a risk of its momentum getting broken.”

The 40-day collections of The Odyssey

Week 1 - Rs. 85.65 cr

Week 2 - Rs. 45.67 cr

Week 3 - Rs. 24.15 cr

Week 4 - Rs. 15.65 cr

Week 5 - Rs. 7.74 cr

Week 6 [5 days] - Rs. 5.39 cr

 

The 40-day collections of The Odyssey in the IMAX format

Week 1 - Rs. 27.97 cr

Week 2 - Rs. 22.45 cr

Week 3 - Rs. 16.10 cr

Week 4 - Rs. 12.11 cr

Week 5 - Rs. 6.53 cr

Week 6 [5 days] - Rs. 5.11 cr

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Nimrit Kaur Ahluwalia suffers deadlift injury; says, “I will bounce back, but I also want to bounce back the right way”

Nimrit Kaur Ahluwalia has opened up about a recent injury she suffered during a workout session. The actor reportedly injured herself while performing a deadlift and was subsequently required to take complete bed rest. Sharing an update on social media, Nimrit spoke about the experience and emphasised the need to prioritise recovery while training.

For Nimrit, who maintains an active fitness routine, the injury has meant temporarily stepping away from her regular workouts. However, the actor said she is viewing the break as an opportunity to allow her body to recover rather than treating it as a setback. She said, “This has honestly been one of the most painful experiences for me, and it has made me realise once again that no matter how strong or experienced you think you are, you can never take your body or a workout movement lightly. I injured myself while doing a deadlift, and it was serious enough that I had to take complete bed rest. For someone who loves being active and enjoys training, being forced to pause is not easy, but I have realised that sometimes you have to stop, rest and allow your body to recover. I don’t mind pausing right now because I know I am preparing myself for the battle that comes ahead. I will bounce back, but I also want to bounce back the right way.”

Nimrit also used the experience to underline the importance of paying attention to physical fatigue, sleep and nutrition while exercising. She urged those who train regularly to give recovery the same importance as their workouts. “I would genuinely urge everyone to be mindful whilst training & listening to your body. If your body feels fatigued, if you are under slept, if your nutrition isn’t proper; take active measures to fix it. Recovery is as important as training. And we often miss out on balancing between the two. I have had to acknowledge & learn this the hard way, you shouldn’t have to,” Nimrit added.

The actor is currently focusing on rest and recuperation as she works towards returning to her fitness routine. Rather than rushing her comeback, Nimrit has indicated that she intends to give herself the time required to recover properly.

Her latest update also highlights a more measured approach to fitness, with the actor acknowledging that pushing physical limits needs to be balanced with adequate rest and recovery. For now, Nimrit Kaur Ahluwalia is taking a pause before preparing to resume her training and other professional commitments.

Also Read: Nimrit Kaur Ahluwalia recalls shooting Ab Hoga Hisaab in Punjab: “It truly felt like a homecoming”

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EXCLUSIVE: Vikas Bahl forays into musical romance with Tribe starring Siddhant Chaturvedi and Alizeh Agnihotri; shooting begins in September

After wrapping up Queen Forever starring Kangana Ranaut, Vikas Bahl is set to embark on his next project. Bollywood Hungama has exclusively learned that Bahl will next direct Siddhant Chaturvedi and Alizeh Agnihotri in a musical drama, tentatively titled Tribe. The film will go on floors in September in the UK.

Tribe is said to be inspired by the rise of bhangra-fusion pop in the UK during the 1990s. For an entire generation, UK Punjabi music represented far more than entertainment, it became a form of rebellion wrapped in rhythm, seamlessly blending traditional Punjabi folk sounds with Western musical styles. Set in the 1990s, the film captures the momentum when the post-immigrant generation, with one foot in the UK and the other in Punjab, began experimenting with new sounds and infusing them with their own distinctive flavour, creating an electrifying cross-cultural sound that got audiences of every age onto the dance floor.

Produced by Reliance Entertainment, the film is described as a love story unfolding against a vibrant cultural backdrop, exploring romance, ambition and identity while capturing what is regarded as a golden era for UK Punjabi music. Although earlier speculation linked the project to a remake of the Hollywood film CODA, sources have confirmed that it is an original script. Siddhant will play the role of a drummer, while Alizeh will portray a singer.

Tribe will mark Siddhant's second collaboration with Vikas Bahl following their upcoming romantic comedy, Dil Ka Darwaza Khol Na Darling, which is yet to be released. For Alizeh, it will be her follow-up film after her outstanding debut with Soumendra Padhi's 2023 heist thriller Farrey. The musical will largely be shot in the UK and is expected to wrap by the end of the year, with the makers targeting a theatrical release in mid-2027.

Meanwhile, Vikas Bahl is lining up three releases as a director in 2027, including Tribe. The Queen and Super 30 director has already completed shooting for two projects — Dil Ka Darwaza Khol Na Darling, starring Siddhant Chaturvedi, Wamiqa Gabbi and Jaya Bachchan, and Kangana Ranaut-starrer Queen Forever, a sequel to his 2013 comedy-drama Queen.

Also Read: Vikas Bahl on the success of Shaitaan: “Ajay Devgn generously stepped back to let R Madhavan take centre-stage”

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Sajid Khan set to reunite with Akshay Kumar for new film: REPORT

Filmmaker Sajid Khan is reportedly set to collaborate with Akshay Kumar once again, marking a reunion between the director and actor more than a decade after their last film together. According to Filmfare, the duo is preparing to work on a new project that has already received the green light from the production house.

A source close to the development revealed, “Sajid Khan will direct Akshay Kumar again. Their new film has been green lit by the production house. Sajid is currently working on Yashvardhan Ahuja's film with Nitanshi Goel. Once that's wrapped up, Sajid and Akshay will shoot their film in London.”

Sajid Khan and Akshay Kumar previously worked together on Heyy Babyy, Housefull and Housefull 2, establishing a successful director-actor combination. Their collaboration, however, came to a halt in 2018 when Sajid stepped down as director of Housefull 4 after facing multiple sexual harassment allegations during the #MeToo movement.

At the time, Akshay had indicated that he would be willing to work with Sajid again if the filmmaker was acquitted. The reported reunion comes as Sajid is gradually returning to direction with Hero Ki Horrorine, a horror-comedy that marks the Bollywood debut of Yashvardhan Ahuja, son of actor Govinda. Nitanshi Goel, who gained recognition with Laapataa Ladies, is paired opposite him in the film.

Hero Ki Horrorine is backed by Ekta Kapoor and Shobha Kapoor's Balaji Telefilms, along with producer Amar Butala. The same production house is reportedly associated with Sajid and Akshay's upcoming project.

After completing Hero Ki Horrorine, Sajid is expected to head to London with Akshay to begin shooting the new film. However, details regarding the project's title, genre and additional cast members have not been revealed yet. The reported collaboration could mark a new chapter for the filmmaker-actor duo, whose previous films together were among their notable commercial outings.

Also Read : Ektaa R Kapoor joins hands with Amar Butala for Sajid Khan’s horror-comedy Hero Ki Horrorine

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Aneet Padda approached for crucial role opposite Ranbir Kapoor in Brahmastra 2

Fans have been eagerly awaiting updates on Brahmastra 2 ever since Brahmastra Part One: Shiva arrived in theatres in 2022. Directed by Ayan Mukerji, the first installment featured Ranbir Kapoor and Alia Bhatt in the lead, alongside Amitabh Bachchan, Shah Rukh Khan, Nagarjuna and Mouni Roy in pivotal roles. The film introduced audiences to the Astraverse and ended with several questions surrounding the characters and the larger story.

Speculation about the sequel has continued, particularly following the post-credit sequence of the first film. The scene appeared to tease Deepika Padukone’s character, although her face was blurred. She was shown holding a child, prompting several theories about how her character could fit into the next chapter. Deepika was subsequently expected to play a significant role in Brahmastra 2.

Amid the continued buzz around the much-awaited sequel, we hear that actress Aneet Padda has also been approached for a role in the film. The actress, who gained wider attention following Saiyaara last year, has emerged as one of the young actors attracting interest in the industry.

Aneet is currently working on Shakti Shalini. According to sources, she has been approached for a crucial role opposite Ranbir Kapoor in Brahmastra 2. However, discussions are still underway and her casting has not been officially confirmed.

A source tells us, “Aneet has been approached for an important role in Brahmastra 2. The conversations are currently underway, but nothing has been finalised yet. It is a very different space from what audiences have seen her do so far, which makes the possibility of her joining the franchise interesting.”

If Aneet eventually comes on board, her inclusion could bring another new dimension to the ensemble of Brahmastra 2. Her potential pairing with Ranbir would also mark an interesting addition to the franchise.

Meanwhile, there is also a development concerning Deepika Padukone. According to the latest information, Deepika’s team has denied reports of her involvement in the sequel and stated that the actress is not a part of Brahmastra 2. This adds another layer of uncertainty around the film’s casting as fans continue to wait for official announcements.

Also Read : Ahaan Panday and Aneet Padda reflect on the first anniversary of Saiyaara: “We never knew Saiyaara would reach so many people”

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Akshay Kumar begins shooting for alien action thriller Samuk

Akshay Kumar has officially gone into alien territory. The actor has begun shooting for his much-awaited survival-action thriller Samuk, marking the reunion of him and producer-filmmaker Vipul Amrutlal Shah for their seventh collaboration. Directed by Kanishk Varma, the film has gone on floors in London and is being mounted as a large-scale Pan-India theatrical release with global production ambitions.

According to industry sources, Akshay Kumar began filming for Samuk on August 23, 2026. As per an earlier report by Variety, the shooting was expected to commence in London as the makers are expected to shoot approximately 90 per cent of the film in the England capital, with the remaining portions planned in Mumbai. The production is being executed as one continuous schedule rather than being divided into multiple shooting legs.

The film, which has been in development for over two years, combines military realism, survival horror and alien mythology. The makers have brought together an international technical team to create the world of Samuk, including Academy Award-nominated creature effects designer Alec Gillis, who has worked on major creature-driven franchises including Alien and Predator. Gillis has designed the central alien creature for the film.

AKSHAY KUMAR - VIPUL AMRUTLAL SHAH REUNITE – ALIEN ACTION THRILLER 'SAMUK' SHOOTING BEGINS... #AkshayKumar is heading where he hasn't gone before – alien territory.

The actor has begun shooting for #Samuk, an ambitious survival-action thriller that brings together an… pic.twitter.com/dc4HMlStnn — taran adarsh (@taran_adarsh) August 24, 2026

The action is being designed by British action director Luke Tumber, further adding to the international scale of the project. The makers have also opted for extensive practical filmmaking, with the creature and action elements being developed to work as much as possible in a live-action environment.

Vipul Amrutlal Shah had earlier told Bollywood Hungama, “We are going to shoot extensively abroad. We plan to release it in 2027.” Speaking about the scale of the project, he had explained that the film was being developed to meet the expectations of audiences who now have access to global cinema through streaming platforms.

For Vipul Shah and Akshay Kumar, Samuk marks their seventh film together and another departure into a new genre. The producer has previously spoken about Akshay’s deep involvement in the project, revealing that the actor has been actively participating in discussions around various aspects of the film.

With filming now underway in London, Samuk is gearing up as one of Akshay Kumar’s most ambitious upcoming theatrical projects, bringing together a homegrown action star, an international creature-design team and a survival thriller set against an alien backdrop.

Also Read: Akshay Kumar’s alien thriller Samuk to begin London shoot on August 23

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Ajay Devgn returns with Drishyam The Conclusion, set to release on October 2, 2026, poster out

Ajay Devgn is set to return as Vijay Salgaonkar in Drishyam The Conclusion, the final chapter of the popular Drishyam franchise. The upcoming film is presented by Star Studio18 and produced by Panorama Studios.

Directed by Abhishek Pathak, the film has been written by Abhishek Pathak, Aamil Keeyan Khan and Parveez Shaikh. The story will once again follow Vijay Salgaonkar, the character played by Ajay Devgn, as the franchise moves towards its concluding chapter.

Drishyam The Conclusion is produced by Alok Jain, Ajit Andhare, Kumar Mangat Pathak and Abhishek Pathak. The makers have announced that the film will arrive in theatres on 2nd October 2026.

With Ajay Devgn reprising one of his most recognised roles as Vijay Salgaonkar, the film is positioned as the concluding chapter of the franchise. The announcement has also set the stage for the return of the character whose story has remained central to the Drishyam series.

Also Read: Ajay Devgn extends heartfelt birthday wishes to Drishyam director Abhishek Pathak; says, “Can’t wait for Drishyam 3!”

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SCOOP: John Abraham undergoes his BIGGEST physical transformation yet for Maria IPS; ages from 20s to 60s for Rohit Shetty’s flick

After Singham Again (2024), blockbuster filmmaker Rohit Shetty began working on a gritty action entertainer based on the life of decorated police officer Rakesh Maria. In January this year, Bollywood Hungama was the first one to reveal that the film has been titled Maria IPS. Now we bring to you another interesting piece of information about this film.

A source told Bollywood Hungama, “John Abraham will be seen in a never-before-seen avatar in the film. Maria IPS spans nearly 40 years in the life of Rakesh Maria, tracing his journey from his 20s to his 60s. For the portions featuring Maria in his 20s and 30s, John bulked up and put on muscle to look the part. For the scenes where the character is in his late 50s and 60s, the actor underwent another physical transformation, losing weight to sport a leaner and fitter look.”

The source further said, “John has never undergone this kind of physical transformation for a film before. Audiences will get to see him across different stages of Rakesh Maria’s life, and his transformation is sure to take them by surprise.”

The shoot of Maria IPS began in July 2025, with the first schedule taking place at Ellora Studios near Mumbai, where a police station set was erected. During the two-week schedule, John Abraham and Rohit Shetty filmed several dramatic police station scenes and high-intensity interrogation sequences.

In February, we reported that portions of Maria IPS were also shot at various Western Railway premises. Vineet Abhishek, Chief Public Relations Officer, Western Railway (WR), exclusively told Bollywood Hungama, “John Abraham shot at the WR Headquarters in Churchgate, Lower Parel railway station and Mumbai Central railway station for Maria IPS.”

Also Read: SCOOP: John Abraham reunites with The Diplomat director Shivam Nair for two-hero action thriller

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Anushka Ranjan and Aditya Seal welcome twin baby girls, Vira and Mahi

Aditya Seal and his wife, actor Anushka Ranjan, have stepped into parenthood with double the joy. The couple has welcomed twin baby girls and shared the news with their fans on social media. Along with announcing the arrival of their daughters, Anushka and Aditya also revealed their names, making the occasion even more special for their followers.

The twins were born on August 23, 2026. The couple introduced their daughters as Vira Ranjan Seal and Mahi Ranjan Seal through an adorable announcement card featuring illustrations of two little girls. Aditya also shared a heartfelt note on Instagram, expressing his happiness and gratitude as the family begins this new chapter. "My sunshines are here to brighten our lives. Our hearts are full of love and gratitude. Vira ♾️ Mahi #TeamGirl."

 

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The couple had announced Anushka’s pregnancy earlier this year through a series of maternity photographs. In May 2026, Anushka spoke to HT City about sharing the news and explained why they had waited before making the announcement. She said, “We are a little late in sharing the news as the baby is set to arrive in September. We wanted to give ourselves some time, hence the delay. Also, it has been an overwhelming moment for us to share the news with all. I was more nervous than ever, even announcing my wedding was easier than this, but now I am at peace and relaxed, as people’s response and the way our friends reacted is so emotional for us.”

Anushka and Aditya first met on June 26, 2017, at an event organized by Anushka’s NGO, Beti. Their friendship eventually developed into a relationship, and after dating for a few years, the couple got married in Mumbai in November 2021. Nearly five years into their marriage, they have now welcomed their twin daughters, Vira and Mahi.

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SCOOP: Emraan Hashmi starrer Gunmaster G9 teaser to play in theatres with Yash starrer Toxic

The teaser of Gunmaaster G9, starring Emraan Hashmi, Genelia Deshmukh and Aparshakti Khurana, is set to premiere theatrically ahead of the screening of Toxic: A Fairy Tale for Grown-ups, offering audiences an early glimpse of the much-awaited action-romance.

While Gunmaaster G9 is slated for a worldwide theatrical release on November 27, 2026, the makers are kickstarting the film’s promotional campaign well in advance with a dedicated theatrical teaser premiere.

Rather than being attached to the print of Toxic, the teaser will be screened separately ahead of the film, giving Gunmaaster G9 a distinct theatrical showcase. With Toxic expected to draw substantial audiences, the move is poised to give the teaser an expansive reach while creating early curiosity around Emraan Hashmi’s next.

The film also marks a notable creative reunion. Soham Rockstar Entertainment and Deepak Mukut bring together Emraan Hashmi, Himesh Reshammiya and director Aditya Datt once again, following their collaboration on the 2005 musical blockbuster. Mukut is also reuniting with Himesh Reshammiya following the success of Sanam Teri Kasam.

Positioned as an action-romance, Gunmaaster G9 arrives at an interesting juncture in Emraan Hashmi’s career, following the strong response to Awarapan 2. The announcement of its release date had already generated considerable interest among the actor’s fans, and the theatrical unveiling of the teaser is expected to build further momentum around the film.

Starring Emraan Hashmi, Genelia Deshmukh, Aparshakti Khurana and introducing Abhishek Singh, Gunmaaster G9 is produced by Deepak Mukut, Hunar Mukut and Sangeeta Ahir and presented by Soham Rockstar Entertainment Pvt. Ltd. Directed by Aditya Datt, the film is slated for a worldwide theatrical release on November 27, 2026.

Gunmaaster G9 is a SRE Studio LLP production.

Also Read: Gunmaaster G9 director Aditya Datt reveals Aparshakti Khurana was his first choice to play the villain; says, “He has never played an out-and-out commercial and crazy-ass villain”

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Shaan buys Rs 48 crores Palmera home, highlights Mumbai’s luxury housing boom

Bollywood playback singer Shantanu ‘Shaan’ Mukherjee and his wife Radhika Mukherjee have made a high-value addition to their real estate portfolio with the purchase of a luxury residence at Palmera in Bandra West. The couple has acquired a 6,300-square-foot home for Rs 48 crore in the upscale residential development. The transaction was registered on August 20, 2026, and was brokered by Propbay India LLP.

The residence has been created by combining three separate apartments spread across approximately one-and-a-half floors on the 18th level of the tower. Shaan’s latest property acquisition also adds another chapter to his family’s long-standing association with Bandra. His late father, musician Manas Mukherjee, had also lived in the Mumbai suburb.

Located at 8 Turner Road, near the junction of St Martin’s Road, Palmera is a boutique residential project developed by Pantheion Real Estate. The tower stands on the redeveloped plot that once housed the bungalow of veteran actress Mala Sinha. Rising 22 storeys above the ground, the development has only 32 residences, making it a low-density luxury address.

Palmera offers open-plan bare-shell apartments that can be customised according to the owners’ requirements. The residences feature private apartment lobbies, open decks and 3.3-metre floor-to-ceiling heights. Individual homes start at around 2,090 square feet of carpet area, while full-floor residences extend beyond 4,180 square feet.

The development also offers several lifestyle and wellness facilities, including a rooftop infinity pool, sky deck, gymnasium, Pilates and yoga studios, meditation rooms, spa, salon vanity room, business meeting room, banquet hall, game room, library, card room and children’s play area. Other facilities include a pet zone, EV charging stations and valet services.

Shaan’s Rs 48 crores purchase comes amid strong demand for premium homes in Mumbai. According to the Lighthouse Luxury Quarterly Real Estate Report, prepared with proptech intelligence platform Zapkey using verified Maharashtra government registration data, Mumbai recorded 1,499 luxury home registrations worth Rs 14,903 crore during Q1 FY27, covering April to June 2026.

The quarter saw nearly 16 luxury home transactions each day, with around Rs 164 crore in transaction value generated daily. April recorded the highest number of registrations at 563, valued at Rs 5,726 crores. Although registrations fell by 22.7 per cent in May to 435 deals worth Rs 4,492 crores, the average ticket size remained at Rs 10.3 crore.

The market picked up again in June, which saw 501 registrations worth Rs 4,686 crore. The recovery was largely driven by end-user demand for homes priced between Rs 5 crores and Rs 10 crores. Against this backdrop, Shaan’s high-value Palmera purchase reflects the continued appetite for premium residential properties in Mumbai.

Also Read : Shaan on cutting down drinking in his 40s: “Zindagi aapko parhez karna sikha deti hai”

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Alia Bhatt begins Tumbbad 2 shoot, joins Sohum Shah and Nawazuddin Siddiqui

Alia Bhatt has reportedly begun work on Tumbbad 2, adding further anticipation around the upcoming sequel to the 2018 folk horror film. Bhatt, who was officially announced as part of the franchise in July, was recently spotted on the sets alongside the film’s team.

Photos from the sets show Alia in a casual avatar. The actor was seen wearing an oversized striped shirt, with her hair tied back in a high ponytail, as she posed with members of the crew. According to reports, Bhatt visited the sets during the ongoing shooting schedule, which is said to include sequences set around a river and an old fort.

The development comes soon after the makers confirmed Alia’s addition to the cast. Actor-producer Sohum Shah welcomed her to the franchise through social media, announcing, “The world of Tumbbad expands, a new chapter takes shape, e are delighted to welcome @aliaabhatt to the cast of #Tumbbad2.”

Bhatt’s casting marks her first full-fledged project in the horror genre. She is set to share screen space with Sohum Shah and Nawazuddin Siddiqui, who has also been confirmed for an important role in the sequel. However, the filmmakers have maintained secrecy around the characters and major plot details. Siddiqui’s role is expected to have a significant place in the narrative, while Alia’s presence is likely to bring a new element to the folklore-driven story.

Directed by Adesh Prasad and led by Sohum Shah, Tumbbad 2 is expected to further explore the mythology established in the first film. The sequel will reportedly continue to examine themes of greed, fear and human nature while taking the story into a new chapter.

For the initial shoot, the production team has reportedly constructed a massive set spread across around 7-8 acres in Mumbai. The set has been designed to resemble an entire city, highlighting the scale of the upcoming production.

The makers have scheduled Tumbbad 2 for a theatrical release on December 3, 2027. Sohum Shah had earlier teased the sequel with the line, “A sinful past, an ominous future. The hunger rises, the legacy of greed continues... Mark your calendars #Tumbbad2 arrives on 3. 12. 2027.”

Also Read : Alia Bhatt reveals her go-to room dining orders: “I really like hotel sandwiches. They come with French fries…”

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Arjun Rampal marries longtime girlfriend Gabriella Demetriades in Goa

Actor Arjun Rampal has officially married his longtime partner Gabriella Demetriades in Goa. The couple, who have been together since 2018, registered their marriage at the Sub-Registrar’s office in Mapusa, North Goa, in the presence of close friends.

According to PTI, Arjun and Gabriella completed the required marriage formalities at the office. The couple had earlier secured special permission from the Assistant Public Prosecutor of the local court to waive the mandatory 15-day waiting period between the first and second signatures required under Goa’s marriage laws.

Sub-Registrar Suraj Vernekar confirmed that the marriage was registered under Goa’s Uniform Civil Code. Arjun and Gabriella reportedly reached the office at around 4 pm and kept their appearance casual for the occasion.

The couple’s relationship began in 2018, following Arjun’s separation from his former wife, Mehr Jesia. They welcomed their first child, son Arik, in 2019, before making their relationship official through marriage. Four years later, they became parents to their second son, Ariv. In 2025, Arjun announced his engagement to Gabriella, six years after the two started dating.

Before their marriage, Arjun had spoken about his decision to stay unmarried despite sharing two children with Gabriella. During an appearance on Ranveer Allahbadia’s YouTube channel, the actor explained his perspective on marriage and the legal bond it creates.

Arjun said, “It’s not me, it’s not her. What is marriage? A piece of paper after all. I think we are already married and there is no doubt in my mind about that. But, sometimes what that piece of paper can also do is change you. Because it’s like you think it’s permanent, it’s a false notion in fact but you are just legally bound.”

He further explained, “It could change your attitude towards each other. I think that’s how we both feel. Whatever has happened between us was very organic. I don’t want to speak much about it because I don’t want to jinx it. I don’t think I need to justify this to anybody. For us, this is beautiful. You should keep experiencing it for as long as you can. In both our minds, we are married to each other. We are both pushing each other in the right direction and at the same time, we are boyfriend-girlfriend.”

Arjun had also clarified that his views did not mean he was against marriage. The couple has now formally registered their relationship, marking a new chapter in their journey together.

Also Read : Arjun Rampal marks silver jubilee of his Bollywood debut; expresses gratitude to Amitabh Bachchan, Shah Rukh Khan and more: “Lots of Pyar Ishq aur mohabbat to all”

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Taapsee Pannu starrer Gandhari to premiere on September 3

Netflix is set to release Gandhari, an action thriller starring Taapsee Pannu, on September 3. Written and produced by Kanika Dhillon and directed by Devashish Makhija, the film follows a mother’s determined search for her daughter and the challenges she faces along the way.

Set in the fictional town of Joypurra, Gandhari centres on Bani, a mother whose search for her daughter takes her through a series of dangerous situations. The story explores themes of resilience, determination and a mother’s devotion while combining emotional drama with action.

Taapsee Pannu plays the central role of Bani, in what is described as one of her more physically demanding performances. The film also features Ishwak Singh, Chhaya Kadam, Swastika Mukherjee, Mita Vashisht and Jatin Sarna in key roles.

As Bani moves closer to finding her daughter, she encounters new threats and obstacles, with each situation adding to the tension surrounding her search. The film brings together action sequences and the emotional aspects of Bani’s journey.

 

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Gandhari also marks another collaboration between Netflix, Kanika Dhillon and Taapsee Pannu after Phir Aayi Hasseen Dillruba.

Kanika Dhillon, Writer & Producer, said, “With Gandhari, we wanted to tell the story of a woman who refuses to be defined by her circumstances. Bani's journey is raw, relentless and deeply personal, and that is what drew me to her from the very beginning. Reuniting with Taapsee once again has been incredibly special — there is a deep creative trust and understanding that we have built over the years, and watching her bring Bani to life with such commitment and intensity was truly rewarding. Collaborating with Devashish and an exceptional cast made this journey all the more fulfilling. Our partnership with Netflix has once again given us the opportunity to bring this story to life on the scale and canvas it deserves, and I’m incredibly excited for audiences to discover Gandhari on September 3.”

Ruchikaa Kapoor Sheikh, Director, Original Films, Netflix India, shared, "Gandhari is a bold, emotionally charged action thriller that turns a mother’s love into a force- fierce, instinctive and impossible to ignore. We are delighted to reunite with Taapsee Pannu and Kanika Dhillon, building on a creative partnership we deeply value and carrying it into a strikingly different space with Devashish Makhija at the helm. It has been a rewarding year so far for us at Netflix, and with Gandhari we strive to continue to focus on telling rooted, authentic and entertaining stories.”

Also Read : EXCLUSIVE: Taapsee Pannu on her motivation for staying fit, “I want to be able to eat the food I love”

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Rajkumar Santoshi questions audience hesitation over Sunny Deol playing a Muslim in Batwara 1947; asks, “If Spiderman’s name was Aslam Sheikh, would they reject him?”

Rajkumar Santoshi directorial Batwara 1947, starring Sunny Deol in a Muslim character for the first time, has been receiving positive feedback from audiences who have watched the film. However, director Rajkumar Santoshi says he is surprised that the appreciation has not translated into stronger box office numbers. The filmmaker has now urged audiences to come to theatres, watch the film and then form their own opinion.

Speaking to a portal/publication, Santoshi said, “It is important that people come out and watch the film.” He went on to highlight the response from those who have already seen the Partition drama. “The people who have seen the film Batwara are liking it a lot.”

According to Santoshi, the film has also prompted viewers to reach out to the team. “They are appreciating it a lot. They are sending so many fan mails. They are getting so many bookings.” The filmmaker further described the emotional response from audiences emerging from theatres. “People are calling and appreciating it. And when people who have come out of the theatres are asked how it is – their eyes are tearful.”

Santoshi also revealed that some viewers have compared Batwara 1947 with Sunny Deol’s blockbuster Gadar, which remains one of the actor’s biggest commercial successes. He said, “Everyone is saying that ‘it is a bigger film than Gadar. It is a better film than Gadar’. Gadar is one of the biggest hits of Sunny's career.”

Despite the positive word of mouth, Santoshi expressed his surprise over the film’s box office performance. “They are appreciating it so much. But they are not showing the box office numbers. I am surprised about the people who are not coming.”

The director believes that Sunny Deol’s Muslim character could potentially be one of the reasons why some audiences are staying away from the film. “I wonder why are they not coming? Either they have heard that Sunny is doing a Muslim character. Sunny has played a Muslim in the film for the first time. So why are they not watching the film?”

Rajkumar Santoshi Calls Out Hate Against #Batwara1947 🔥🚨

Rajkumar Santoshi slammed those spreading hate and said some people are refusing to watch Batwara 1947 because #SunnyDeol plays a Muslim character.

He questioned: If #SpiderMan were named “Aslam Sheikh” and came from… pic.twitter.com/2SHfueMr01 — Rahul Gupta (@RahulGupta25376) August 21, 2026

Santoshi stressed that viewers should experience the film before making a judgement. “I want people to come and watch the film. After watching it, they are entitled for their opinion. They can criticize me. I will never feel bad. But they should come and watch the film. What is it? Do they think – ‘Sunny is doing a Muslim role. That is why we will not watch the film?’”

The filmmaker then used the example of the globally popular superhero Spider-Man to question whether a character’s name or geographical setting should influence the audience’s perception. “If tomorrow we come to know that Spiderman's name is Aslam Sheikh. And it was going to be in Pakistan. Then will they reject Spiderman?” He added, “It was such a big hit in India. Just because of the name and the region. Will Spiderman lose all his qualities? Will he not exist only in that case? What is this?” Santoshi concluded by praising Sunny Deol’s work in Batwara 1947. “Sunny has done a good role. Batwara is the best performance of his career.”

Batwara 1947 is a period drama co-written and directed by Rajkumar Santoshi and produced by Aamir Khan under the banner of Aamir Khan Productions. Set in Lahore against the backdrop of the 1947 Partition of British India and the division of Punjab, the film stars Sunny Deol, Preity Zinta, Shabana Azmi, Karan Deol, Ali Fazal, Abhimanyu Singh, Khushi Hajare, Kanikka Kapur, Waseem Rajput and Isha Sandhir. The film is based on Asghar Wajahat’s drama ‘Jis Lahore Nai Vekhya, O Jamya E Nai’ and released on August 14, 2026, coinciding with Pakistan’s Independence Day.

Also Read: EXCLUSIVE: Batwara 1947 director Rajkumar Santoshi to host special screening for spiritual leaders; says, "This film does not divide people-it unites them"

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Spirit Controversy: Pranay Reddy Vanga claims Deepika Padukone made ‘unreasonable’ demands; says, “She demanded 10 percent from the film’s profit”

The controversy surrounding Deepika Padukone’s exit from Spirit has resurfaced after Pranay Reddy Vanga, brother of filmmaker Sandeep Reddy Vanga, made fresh claims about the disagreements that led to the actress’ departure from the Prabhas-starrer. While reports about Deepika’s demand for an eight-hour workday had earlier become a major talking point, Pranay has now alleged that remuneration and profit-sharing were also part of the discussions.

In a recent interview with NTV, Pranay spoke about the circumstances surrounding Deepika’s exit. He said the discussions involved her remuneration, working hours and other aspects of the project. “The reason is the same as what was already mentioned. One was remuneration, the second was timing. Apart from that, there are some other reasons too,” he said.

According to Pranay, Sandeep had been in talks with Deepika for around one-and-a-half years and was keen to have her on board. He also suggested that her recent box-office success gave her greater leverage during negotiations. However, he said the final decision to move ahead with another actress was Sandeep’s.

#DeepikaPadukone asked for unreasonable Remuneration hike, her schedule was unprofessional & unfair to the rest of the team, and she wanted 10% of post release profit from #Spirit - #PranayReddyVanga

This led to Sandeep choosing #TriptiDimri 👀 #Prabhas‌ #SandeepReddyVanga pic.twitter.com/GnafTRUWXv — The Climax India (@TheClimaxIndia) August 20, 2026

Pranay further claimed that Deepika had asked for a share in the film’s profits. “She demanded 10 percent from the film’s profit. Soon after, everything went overboard. See, she can ask for anything. If we are willing to give, we can give. But the economics (budget) should also work out for us. We thought that it was not working. This is why we thought of other options. Once we started looking for other options, they started leaking everything.”

He also alleged that details discussed privately about the film’s story and Deepika’s character later became public. “We discussed the story and character with her. Things discussed internally should not be revealed but she leaked all of them. That is why we are disturbed,” he said.

Following Deepika’s exit, Triptii Dimri was announced as her replacement. The controversy intensified after reports about the film’s plot emerged online, prompting Sandeep to express his anger on X and accuse someone of disclosing details he had shared in confidence.

Also Read : Deepika Padukone to wrap first Raaka schedule before maternity break; set to return in January 2027: Report

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Batwara 1947 vs Awarapan 2 screen-sharing fight Round 2 begins: Distributor of Sunny Deol starrer asks for one show in single screens; Toxic’s Wednesday release complicates matters

Bollywood Hungama had reported last week about the screen-sharing issues faced during the release of Batwara 1947 and Awarapan 2. The issue has cropped up in the second week of these films as well.

A trade source told Bollywood Hungama, “PVR Inox Pictures, the distributors of Batwara 1947, have asked several single-screen cinemas to play one show of their film from tomorrow, August 21. However, the single-screen exhibitors are bewildered by this demand. Batwara 1947 has underperformed, more so at single screens. Moreover, Awarapan 2 continues to do huge business. The single screens wish to play all shows of Awarapan 2 to meet the demand. However, they won’t be able to cater to that demand fully due to the directive to allot shows to Batwara 1947.”

The source also said, “On the other hand, Awarapan 2’s distributor has put forth two conditions. One is that they want all shows in single screens. The theatres have no problem with this demand. However, they have also asked for all shows of Awarapan 2 until next Thursday, August 27. This demand has caused an issue as Toxic releases on Wednesday, August 26. That film also carries huge buzz and deserves sufficient showcasing.”

The source continued, “The single screens are in touch with the distributors of both films to find a solution. The issue is expected to be resolved in a few hours, after which the plans for the second week of Batwara 1947 and Awarapan 2 will commence.”

Also Read: EXCLUSIVE: Preeta Mathur of Jis Lahore Nahin Dekhya fame describes Batwara 1947 as a nice and engaging watch; but raises concerns over Shabana Azmi’s character dragged out: “This doesn’t give a good impression of Lahore”

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Sonu Nigam reacts to impersonator case settlement; says, “Saste mein chhoot gaya bahut”

Sonu Nigam has opened up about his legal battle with Bihar-based criminal lawyer Sonu Nigam Singh, whose social media account was allegedly mistaken for that of the singer. The dispute, which involved alleged misuse of the singer’s identity and personality rights, has now been settled following an amicable agreement between the two parties.

The Bombay High Court recently disposed of the commercial intellectual property suit after the singer and the lawyer reached a settlement. However, Sonu Nigam has said that he is not completely satisfied with the outcome and believes that cases involving digital impersonation and identity rights require stricter legal action.

Speaking about the issue, the singer said, “I quit X in 2017 but this person kept impersonating me. If I met President Droupadi Murmu, he would post a photo as if I am posting it. It is cruel to put someone’s name, reputation and life at risk.”

Nigam further claimed that the alleged impersonation had consequences for him and his family. “My family and I started receiving threats for posts this guy had made. He would post something and people would hurl abuses at me,” he said.

The singer said he was relieved that the court had issued a strict warning to the lawyer, but felt that the consequences should have been more severe. “Such people should be put in prison. He may have not murdered me physically but he harmed me and my reputation. Saste mein chhoot gaya bahut. Even the PM (@narendramodi) follows him thinking that is my account,” Nigam said.

Sonu Nigam had filed the suit before the Bombay High Court in July last year, alleging violations of his personality rights and digital impersonation. The account in question was allegedly used to share politically charged and communally sensitive posts. Since Nigam had left X in 2017, the account was allegedly mistaken by some users for the singer’s official account.

While the legal dispute has now been resolved, Nigam’s comments highlight his concerns over the impact of social media impersonation on a public figure’s reputation and personal life.

Also Read : Sonu Nigam reveals he uses auto-tune in certain songs; says, “It can’t replace singers”

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Kangana Ranaut backs Isha Koppikar after the latter calls herself an ‘andhbhakt’: “I love my country I love my people”

Isha Koppikar recently addressed the label of ‘andhbhakt’ while speaking about her love for India and her belief in contributing towards the country’s progress. The actress made it clear that her devotion is not towards any political party but towards her nation. Her remarks have now received support from actress turned politician Kangana Ranaut, who responded to Isha’s video on social media.

Isha shared the video on her Instagram handle on Tuesday, explaining why she does not shy away from calling herself a ‘bhakt’ or an ‘andhbhakt’ when it comes to her country. Kangana reacted to the post and highlighted instances from her own life where she says she stood up against injustice and violence.

“Wow well explained for me as- in high school protested against a teacher who used to hit children in head with stick during assembly, protested against 26/11 violence. Protested against Nirbhaya brutality. Never blamed parents for any limitation that may have come my way. Instead uplifted whole family to the same standard of life that I earned for myself," Kangana wrote in response to Isha’s video. She further added, “Identifies being a bhakt of almost anyone who I meet, I love my country I love my people. I simply love my life," she added.

In her original video, Isha explained that her use of the term ‘andhbhakt’ is specifically linked to her love for the country rather than allegiance to a political party. She said, “Yes, I am an andhbhakt. If it is bhakti (devotion) to love your country and want to see it progress, then yes, I am proud to be a bhakti andhbhakt. But my blind devotion is not towards any political party; it’s towards my country. Nation first. I can question the government and disagree with its policies. And still love my country wholeheartedly.”

Isha also spoke about the importance of contributing to the nation instead of only questioning what one receives from it. “This country is my home, where I have earned and continue to earn a livelihood and where I continue to get opportunities. So, I am not ashamed to be proud of my country. Wherever you may live, learn to love that place, respect that place, and contribute to it. Be proud of the home you choose. Because patriotism is not just saying, I love my country. It is doing something that improves your country.”

She concluded by reiterating her belief in India and its future, saying, “Instead of asking what the country has given us all the time, why not start thinking about what we can contribute to the country? Because Bharat is changing. It’s time to change our thoughts to help in making a new Bharat. So, call me a bhakt, call me an andhbhakt, call me a nationalist. I am Indian, I love my India, I believe in my India. Not blindly, but proudly, passionately, and unapologetically.”

Kangana’s response comes as a public endorsement of Isha’s views, with the actress turned politician drawing parallels with moments when she says she chose to speak up against injustice and violence.

Also Read: Isha Koppikar REACTS to being called “andhbhakt”: “My devotion is not for any political party, but for my country”

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Kartik Aaryan to undergo knee surgery after injury on Kabir Khan’s film set

Kartik Aaryan has suffered a serious knee injury while shooting an intense action sequence for his upcoming untitled film with filmmaker Kabir Khan. The actor reportedly sustained the injury during the final phase of the shoot, which was scheduled to wrap after two more days of filming.

According to India Today, Kartik had been undergoing rigorous training with action coaches ahead of the demanding sequences. During one of the action scenes, he injured his knee and was subsequently rushed to a hospital in the town for medical attention.

A source close to the production told India Today, “Kartik has now been admitted to Fortis Raheja Hospital and is under medical care. The doctors will perform his knee surgery in a day, after which he will have to rest for a few days. He should then be able to resume his work commitments.”

Following the surgery, Kartik is expected to take a short break to recover. He will reportedly resume work on Anurag Basu’s untitled project once he is fit to return to the sets.

The injury comes at a busy phase in Kartik’s professional career. The actor recently received the National Film Award for Best Actor for his performance in Chandu Champion. He has also ventured into film production with Dopamine Studios and is collaborating with Kabir Khan on the upcoming project. The film marks Kartik’s second association with Khan after Chandu Champion.

Apart from the Kabir Khan directorial, Kartik has several projects lined up. He will next be seen in Naagzilla, a fantasy-comedy-adventure film directed by Mrighdeep Singh Lamba. The actor is also part of Captain India, which remains among his upcoming projects.

For now, Kartik is expected to prioritise his recovery following the knee injury and surgery before returning to his packed work schedule.

Also Read : Kartik Aaryan launches Dopamine Studios, joins Kabir Khan’s sports drama as producer

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