Rekha starrer Umrao Jaan gets 4K re-release in cinemas from June 27: "None of us could have imagined the timelessness of the film"

PVR INOX invites audiences to step back into the gilded courtyards of 19th-century Lucknow, as the cinematic treasure Umrao Jaan returns to theatres in a resplendent 4K restoration. The 4k restoration of the film has been done by NFDC- NFAI. The producers of the film are S.K.Jain & Sons and Integrated Films. Directed by the visionary Muzaffar Ali and headlined by the inimitable Rekha, the film is all set to reclaim its place in the cultural imagination through an immersive big-screen revival beginning June 27th.

To mark this momentous re-release, Muzaffar Ali is also unveiling a limited-edition coffee table book that offers a rare behind-the-scenes look into the making of Umrao Jaan. Featuring never-before-seen photographs, costume sketches, calligraphy, poetry, and personal anecdotes from the set, the book is both a collector’s item and a deeply reflective tribute to the film’s artistic vision. Designed for cinephiles, students of cinema, and lovers of culture alike, the book will be released simultaneously with the theatrical revival.

A lyrical exploration of love, loss and longing, Umrao Jaan has etched its legacy as one of Indian cinema’s most visually and emotionally evocative works. Rekha’s portrayal of the courtesan-poetess stands as one of the finest performances in film history — a portrayal that earned her the coveted National Film Award for Best Actress. With music by Khayyam and verses by Shahryar, the film’s ghazals—'Dil Cheez Kya Hai, ''In Aankhon Ki Masti,' and 'Justuju Jiski Thi'—still echo in the hearts of generations.

Now meticulously restored for today’s audiences, this edition of Umrao Jaan retains the soul of the original while enhancing its visual elegance and sonic depth. The film returns as part of PVR INOX’s Timeless Classics initiative, which curates landmark films that have shaped Indian cinema’s artistic legacy.

Reflecting on the re-release, Muzaffar Ali shared, "Umrao Jaan was not just a film—it was a journey into the soul of a lost culture, a forgotten tehzeeb. Through her pain, poetry, and grace, we tried to resurrect the elegance of an era where love and longing spoke in verse. I had actors who brought a lot of heft to their characters, and then there was Rekha, who lived Umrao Jaan and truly immortalised it. I am thrilled that the film is back on the big screen for a whole new generation to discover a time and culture that's very much a part of our being."

Rekha, reminiscing about the film, said, "Umrao Jaan is not just a film I acted in — she lives within me, breathes through me, even now. At the time, none of us could have imagined the timelessness of the film, the way it would gently etch itself into the soul of Indian cinema. To see it return to the big screen is like watching an old love letter being opened by a new generation. My heart is full.”

Niharika Bijli , Lead Strategist, PVR INOX, said, “Umrao Jaan is cinematic poetry in its truest form — a timeless tale of love, longing, and culture. We are honoured to bring this iconic film back to the big screen in a 4K restored version, offering audiences the chance to experience Muzaffar Ali’s masterpiece as it was originally envisioned. Re-release of a film like Umrao Jaan is a celebration of cinema, and all that makes community viewing a great experience. Through our Timeless Classics initiative, we are proud to celebrate landmark works of Indian cinema — films that not only define eras but continue to inspire, resonate, and shape our shared cultural memory.”

Umrao Jaan has been restored under the National Film Heritage Mission, an initiative by the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting. MD NFDC, Shri Prakash Magdum adds, "To restore Umrao Jaan, NFDC-NFAI has been working for almost a year in collaboration with Muzaffar Ali, the director of the film. He was instrumental in locating the original negatives of the film, which should have been the best source of restoration. Due to the condition of the negatives and the fragile nature of celluloid, the film was restored using a 35mm release print which had been preserved at NFAI for decades. This has been the case with many recent restorations of Indian films, where the only good source survives in the National Film Archive of India. The colour grading of the 4K restoration was supervised by Muzaffar Ali himself, and I am sure the film lovers would enjoy this restored cinematic gem nationwide in cinemas."

Screenings will begin across select PVR INOX cinemas in multiple cities from June 27.

Also Read: Ali Fazal recalls Rekha tearing up during Richa Chadha’s death scene in Heeramandi: “I thought, maybe it’s just my bias”

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Gauahar Khan slams C-Section comments made by Suniel Shetty; says, “Both deliveries are equally tough”

Gauahar Khan has spoken out against misinformation surrounding C-section deliveries, following a controversial remark made by actor Suniel Shetty during an interview. Shetty had praised his daughter Athiya Shetty for choosing a natural delivery, wherein he had referred to Caesarean delivery procedure as ‘a comfort everyone wants’ - a comment that drew massive backlash online.

Addressing this in the first episode of her new digital series MaaaNoranjan, Gauahar did not hold back in calling out what she sees as a harmful stereotype. “There was something said by a big personality recently that C-section was an easier option. I mean, what? I want to scream on top of my voice and ask ‘How can you say that?’” she said, visibly frustrated. The actress emphasized that such myths are not only untrue but also dismissive of the pain and reality of childbirth in all its forms.

“There are so many myths related to C-section, one of them being that it is an easier option. I don’t know what to say. How can there be so much misinformation? And for a male celebrity to say that, who didn’t go through a pregnancy, who didn’t carry a child, who doesn’t know how painful a C-section can actually be…” she continued. Gauahar added that the decision between natural and C-section deliveries is often out of a woman's control and does not define her strength or experience as a mother. “Let me just put this straight — having a normal delivery or a C-section is not in a woman’s hands. Some women can deliver normally, while some cannot and it’s completely natural, and if they are opting for C-section, then they are not choosing the easier route; that’s just a myth,” she insisted.

The Ishaqzaade actress also addressed a recurring question she faces from the public about her own delivery method, and used the opportunity to set the record straight. Gauahar Khan went on to clarify, “A lot of people ask me, mostly women, if I had a normal delivery or a C-section. I don’t know why is this such a big topic to know how I delivered my baby. Both are equally tough, and both give you the same feeling of motherhood. But let me just put this chatter to rest — I had a C-section when I gave birth to Zehaan.”

The actress’ candid and powerful response has resonated with many online. Meanwhile, addressing the backlash, actor Suniel Shetty has also apologized for his remark and insisted that his statements were misconstrued.

Also Read: Sandeep Singh and Doordarshan’s Fauji 2.0 completes 100 episodes; Gauahar Khan says, “Wanted to inspire girls who dream of serving the nation”

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Ali Fazal reveals he instantly said yes to Thug Life; says, “A Mani Ratnam film isn’t something you get offered every day, and certainly not alongside someone as iconic as Kamal Haasan”

Actor Ali Fazal is set to make his South Indian cinema debut in Mani Ratnam’s upcoming film Thug Life. Starring Kamal Haasan in the lead, the film brings together a cast of actors from both Hindi and South Indian industries. It is scheduled for a theatrical release on June 5 in Tamil, Hindi, Telugu, Malayalam, and Kannada.

Marking a pivotal new chapter in his versatile career, Ali Fazal revealed that it didn’t take him more than a second to say yes to the project.

“There are some calls you get in your life that you know instantly are meant to change the course of your journey — this was one of them,” said Ali. “When you hear the name Mani Ratnam, you don’t just think of cinema — you think of legacy, you think of storytelling that’s transcendent, timeless, and deeply rooted in human emotion. I didn’t have to think for a moment before saying yes to Thug Life. A Mani Ratnam film isn’t something you get offered every day, and certainly not alongside someone as iconic as Kamal Haasan. The fact that this project brings together talent from across the Indian film industries in multiple languages makes it even more special. It’s the kind of ambitious, large-scale storytelling I’ve always wanted to be part of. I feel incredibly honoured and excited to step into this universe.”

Thug Life is being mounted as a cinematic extravaganza that blends powerful performances with a gripping narrative and grand visuals, true to Mani Ratnam’s directorial legacy. As the anticipation builds, the makers have promised an epic film that will cater to audiences across geographies and languages.

Ali Fazal, known for his roles in Mirzapur, Victoria & Abdul, Death on the Nile, and Fukrey, is expected to bring his unique screen presence to Thug Life. His debut in South Indian cinema marks a notable step in his career and adds to the growing collaboration between regional and Hindi film industries.

Also Read : Thug Life: Ali Fazal calls Kamal Haasan a global icon of storytelling; says, “To share the screen with is an honour”

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Two endings in Housefull 5 – will it prove to be a game-changer or backfire? Trade experts share their views

The trailer of Housefull 5 is out and during the launch, producer Sajid Nadiadwala confirmed that 2 versions of the comic caper will be released. He said, “So, if you see at Gaiety, you'll see a character playing a killer but in Galaxy, the culprit will be somebody else. In PVR Audi 4, you'll have one killer but in PVR Audi 5, you'll see a version with a different killer. Even in the same audi, different show timings will have different actors playing the killer. This is happening in the world for the first time.” We asked the trade experts if this move could be a game-changer or will it backfire?

Trade veteran Taran Adarsh said, “It remains to be seen how people react to it. I don’t think it has happened before. People have shot two endings, like what happened with Sholay (1975). But with Housefull 5, there are two versions and they’ll also be available to the audience. That would be very interesting.”

He added, “I’d love to watch it twice as I would want to know what the second ending would be. However, it all boils down to the content. Otherwise, people might watch it only once. The film needs to have repeat value. After all, the identity of the killer comes only towards the end. Hence, for the remainder of the film, you need to have a very gripping screenplay.”

Vishek Chauhan, owner of Roopbani Cinema in Purnia, Bihar, said, “It’s a novelty. It’s not something that happens every week. The idea behind it is to create conversation to get people talking about the film. The worst thing about a film is being royally ignored. If people don’t talk about a film in a positive or negative manner, then you have a problem in hand.”

Trade analyst Atul Mohan explained, “This has never happened in the history of cinema. It is novel but there are also doubts. Today, people hesitate to watch a film in cinema even once and here, there are 2 endings, with the hope that the audience would catch two versions.”

He also appealed that there should be complete clarity on the two versions to avoid confusion. He noted, “There’s an apprehension that one might go watch the second version, to see who the alternate killer is and that person might end up watching the same version for the second time!”

Distributor and exhibitor Raj Bansal, meanwhile, said, “With my experience as a film distributor and exhibitor, I don’t think such an idea can work and guarantee success at the box office.”

Also Read: Housefull 5 cast to visit Seasons Mall in Pune for fan interaction ahead of the release

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Anurag Kashyap reveals he left Mission Kashmir mid-way; Ram Gopal Varma confesses how he ANGERED Vidhu Vinod Chopra by misunderstanding ‘shikara’ for a hunter during narration: "I thought VVC is about to HIT me"

In the tenth and last episode of The Filmy Hustle, hosted by distributor-exhibitor Akshaye Rathi, Ram Gopal Varma and Anurag Kashyap came together for the first time for an interview and as expected, they went down memory lane and raised interesting points on filmmaking like never before. A memorable aspect of the episode was when they spoke about Vidhu Vinod Chopra.

Anurag Kashyap revealed, “My learning process started from Satya (1998). It became a quest. The reason to become a director came much later when I was working on Mission Kashmir (2000; directed by Vidhu Vinod Chopra). I left that film mid-way.”

Anurag didn’t delve much into the reason behind his exit but added, “I had written a script for Shivam Nair to do for television. That is when I left Mission Kashmir and I asked Shivam, ‘Can I direct my own script?’. Shivam gracefully agreed.”

Anurag Kashyap, however, praised Vidhu Vinod Chopra saying, “The child in him is still alive. His self-obsession and vanity co-exist.”

Ram Gopal Varma raised laughs as he narrated, “My best episode with him was when he was narrating Mission Kashmir to me in his office. He mentioned ‘shikara’. Now, I am not a Hindi guy. I assumed that ‘shikara’ meant hunter! I thought that he differently pronounced ‘shikari’ (laughs). A little ahead into the narration, he told me, ‘The shikara blows up’. He continued but after 10 minutes, I asked him, ‘Why was the hunter killed?’. He asked me, ‘What hunter?’. I mentioned shikara. He said, ‘Ramu, you don’t know shikara’! He was so angry with me (laughs). He explained, ‘It’s a houseboat in Kashmir’. How the f**k will I know that? I am not from Kashmir!”

RGV continued, “I screwed up the entire narration. He was so angry with me that I thought he was about to hit me or something!”

But he also said, “He genuinely believes that he’s the best filmmaker in the world. Whether he’s one or not, I am not going to say that. But I don’t think any filmmaker in the world will believe that.”

Anurag Kashyap gave an instance from VVC’s latest flick saying, “There’s one sequence in 12th Fail (2023) where Vikrant Massey’s character has gone all the way to (Uttarakhand). It’s a single-shot scene. The way he has designed it, he’s a craftsman. When he’s at his peak craftsmanship, you do admire him.”

Also Read: Anurag Kashyap says Vijay Sethupathi helped him fund his daughter’s wedding by giving him a role in Maharaja, “I told him I needed to get my daughter married next year”

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Rohit Shetty to venture into horror with Nushrratt Bharuccha led film: Report

Rohit Shetty is ready to surprise audiences with a genre he’s never explored before - horror. The filmmaker is stepping into the supernatural space with an upcoming film, which will star Nushrratt Bharuccha in the lead.

According to a report by Mid-Day, Shetty has been mulling over the idea of venturing into horror for over a year. “He’s always been drawn to stories that evoke strong emotional reactions, and horror can be just as visceral as action,” the report quoted an insider close to the development. “Nushrratt was his first choice. Her performance in Chhorii showed she can carry a horror plot with both vulnerability and strength.”

The film will be directed by E Niwas, who is known for Shool and Love Ke Liye Kuch Bhi Karega. Shetty is reportedly keen to keep the horror grounded and unsettling, a tone Niwas is expected to deliver with his gritty sensibility. The yet-untitled project is currently in pre-production.

Plot details are being kept under wraps. But speculation is that the story revolves around a woman confronting supernatural forces tied to a deeply buried secret. The team is still working through script revisions and finalising the rest of the cast. If all goes as planned, the film is expected to go on the floors later this year.

For Shetty, this project expands his production portfolio. As for Nushrratt, this could be another opportunity to build on her horror credentials following the critical acclaim she received for Chhorii.

 

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More details, including the title and supporting cast, are expected to be announced in the coming months.

Also Read: BREAKING: John Abraham unveils his dashing Rakesh Maria biopic look at Lakadbaggha graphic novel launch; CONFIRMS Rohit Shetty’s film and Parmanu director Abhishek Sharma’s Munkeeman

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Housefull 5 cast to visit Seasons Mall in Pune for fan interaction ahead of the release

Get ready for a thrilling laughter riot as Sajid Nadiadwala's Housefull 5, the latest installment of Bollywood’s most successful comedy franchise, gears up for its grand release! In celebration of advance booking opening tomorrow, the cast of Housefull 5 will make a special appearance at Seasons Mall, Pune, to meet fans and indulge in fun-filled activities.

The film, known for its comedy and blockbuster ensemble, promises yet another rollercoaster ride of confusion, chaos, and entertainment. Fans will have the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to interact with the star-studded cast in person.

This visit is part of the Housefull 5 promotional tour, aimed at giving fans an unforgettable experience and building momentum ahead of the film’s much-anticipated release. With advance bookings opening tomorrow, moviegoers are encouraged to grab their tickets early to avoid missing out on the madness, which has 2 different Climaxes depending on whether you are going for the 5A or 5B version.

Akshay Kumar, Nana Patekar, Riteish Deshmukh, Shreyas Talpade, Fardeen Khan, Nargis Fakhri, Jacqueline Fernandez, Sonam Bajwa, Johnny Lever, and Tarun Mansukhani will be seen interacting with fans in Pune on 1st June. The Story and Screenplay are also by Sajid Nadiadwala.

Produced by Sajid Nadiadwala under the banner of Nadiadwala Grandson Entertainment, Housefull 5 releases in cinemas worldwide on June 6th 2025.

Also Read: Trade experts predict that Housefull 5 has the potential to be the BIGGEST opener of Akshay Kumar; the holiday period, comedy king Akshay Kumar’s solid timing will prove to be an advantage

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