Shashi Tharoor SLAMS I&B Ministry over withholding clearance for 19 films at IFFK

A major controversy has disrupted the 12th International Film Festival of Kerala (IFFK) in Thiruvananthapuram, as the Union Ministry of Information and Broadcasting (I&B) has withheld screening permissions for several films, leading to cancellations.​

Congress MP Shashi Tharoor has sharply criticized the decision, calling it “deeply unfortunate” and highlighting the denial of clearance to 19 scheduled films. On December 16, 2025, he noted on social media that the original list was longer, but some approvals followed his intervention with I&B Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw, requested by festival chairman Riyas LP, while others await Ministry of External Affairs clearance.

Tharoor described the bureaucracy's stance as a “staggering lack of cinematic understanding,” questioning blocks on classics like Battleship Potemkin, a 1928 Russian Revolution film seen by millions worldwide, including in India. "The list of 19 films suggests an extraordinary degree of cinematic illiteracy on the part of the bureaucracy. To deny clearance to a classic like Battleship Potemkin, a 1928 film on the Russian Revolution which has been viewed by literally hundreds of millions around the world (and in India) over the last century, is laughable. Denying permission to some Palestinian films reflects bureaucratic over-cautiousness rather than the cultural breadth of vision that should be involved when it comes to world cinema," he wrote.

It is most unfortunate that an unseemly controversy has arisen over the central government's denial of clearance to 19 films which were scheduled to be screened at the International Film Festival of Kerala in Thiruvananthapuram.

The original list was much longer, but several… — Shashi Tharoor (@ShashiTharoor) December 16, 2025

He urged Ministers Ashwini Vaishnaw and S Jaishankar to expedite approvals, warning of damage to India’s cultural image, especially in cinema-loving Kerala.​

Films lacking Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) approval require special I&B Ministry exemption for festival screenings, and the absence of these has stalled the IFFK schedule.

Veteran filmmaker Adoor Gopalakrishnan decried restrictions on landmarks like Battleship Potemkin, The Hour of the Furnaces, and the Spanish film Beef, calling it a “clear misunderstanding of cinema” that judges by titles or politics, undermining artistic freedom. Organizers are negotiating resolutions before the festival ends on December 19, amid delegate inconvenience.

Also Read: Karan Johar, Malaika Arora compare Pitch To Get Rich contestant to Shashi Tharoor; Congress MP gives cheeky reply!

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Sitaaron Ke Sitaare trailer out: Documentary shines light on parents behind Sitaare Zameen Par cast; to release on December 19, 2025

After touching hearts with Sitaare Zameen Par, Aamir Khan Productions is now turning the spotlight towards the people who quietly shaped the journey behind the scenes. The makers have unveiled the trailer of Sitaaron Ke Sitaare, a documentary that introduces audiences to the real stars behind the film — the parents of the young actors who featured in the sports comedy-drama.

Sitaaron Ke Sitaare traces the lives, emotions, and everyday realities of the parents whose children became the ‘Sitaare’ of Sitaare Zameen Par. While the film itself emerged as a heartwarming family entertainer and resonated deeply with audiences, the documentary expands that emotional universe by focusing on the journeys that unfolded off-screen. The trailer offers glimpses of intimate moments, shared struggles, pride, and the process of growing up alongside their children’s dreams.

Directed by Shaanib Bakshi, the documentary continues Aamir Khan Productions’ pattern of taking unconventional routes to storytelling. It follows the studio’s earlier decision to make Sitaare Zameen Par available on YouTube through the “Janta Ka Theater” initiative at a nominal price, a move that challenged traditional distribution models and widened access for audiences across the country.

 

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Sitaaron Ke Sitaare is set to premiere on 19th December, exclusively on Aamir Khan Talkies’ YouTube channel.

The documentary builds upon the legacy of Sitaare Zameen Par, which starred Aamir Khan and Genelia Deshmukh in lead roles and introduced ten rising talents — Aroush Datta, Gopi Krishna Varma, Samvit Desai, Vedant Sharma, Ayush Bhansali, Ashish Pendse, Rishi Shahani, Rishabh Jain, Naman Mishra, and Simran Mangeshkar. The film was directed by R. S. Prasanna, known for Shubh Mangal Saavdhan, and released in theatres on June 20, 2025.

Also Read: PVR INOX hosts special screening of Sitaare Zameen Par for Indian Air Force personnel

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Dharma Productions relaunches talent arm as Dharma Collab Artists Agency after acquiring Cornerstone’s stake

Dharma Productions has acquired Cornerstone’s stake in its talent management venture, Dharma Cornerstone Agency, and relaunched it under a new name — Dharma Collab Artists Agency (DCAA). The move marks a strategic expansion of Dharma’s presence beyond filmmaking into a wider cultural and talent ecosystem.

With the rebranding, DCAA will function as Dharma Productions’ exclusive platform for artist representation, spanning film, music, sports, digital media, live experiences, and cultural collaborations. The agency will continue to be led by Uday Singh Gauri as CEO and Rajeev Masand as COO, ensuring continuity as the company enters its next phase of growth.

Uday Singh Gauri, who brings over two decades of experience across talent management, music, live entertainment, and strategic partnerships, is expected to focus on expanding the agency’s reach and building new verticals. The aim, according to the leadership, is to help artists navigate careers that increasingly move across formats and platforms rather than remain limited to a single medium.

Apoorva Mehta, CEO of Dharma Productions, said, "Talent has always shaped Dharma’s identity, influencing both our creative choices and how we build for the future. With DCAA, we are creating a structured platform that supports artists across disciplines. This is a deliberate and long-term step toward deepening our role in the creative economy."

Speaking about the relaunch, Uday Singh Gauri said, "With DCAA, we’re building a platform that reflects the way artists work, express, and grow today. Representation now goes far beyond negotiation and visibility. It requires cultural understanding, business instinct, and the ability to move with — and ahead of — the industry. Our focus is on developing long-term careers across multiple formats, while creating meaningful pathways between talent and opportunity. This is about scale, yes, but it’s also about care, clarity, and collaboration."

DCAA’s current roster includes a mix of film actors, musicians, digital creators, and cultural voices such as Janhvi Kapoor, Ananya Panday, Sara Ali Khan, Disha Patani, Rasha Thadani, Aditya Roy Kapur, Harshvardhan Rane, Lakshya, Rohit Saraf, Neeti Mohan, Jonita Gandhi, Orry, Sumukhi Suresh, among others.

Dharma Productions, founded in 1976 by the late Yash Johar and now jointly owned by Karan Johar and Adar Poonawalla, has built a reputation for launching new talent while delivering commercially successful and critically acclaimed films. With DCAA, the studio appears to be extending that legacy into artist management, positioning itself as a long-term partner in shaping careers across entertainment and culture.

Also Read: Karan Johar’s Dharma Productions takes 100% control of talent venture after amicable split with Cornerstone

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Ranveer Singh’s Pralay to roll after Don 3; filming likely to begin by mid-2026: Report

Ranveer Singh is closing 2025 on a strong note with the success of Dhurandhar, and his 2026 slate is shaping up to be just as ambitious. The actor’s much-talked-about post-apocalyptic film, tentatively titled Pralay, is now gearing up to go on floors, with filming expected to begin by mid-2026.

According to a report by Mid-Day, Pralay will roll after Ranveer wraps up his commitments for Don 3. A source told the publication, “Don 3, helmed by Farhan Akhtar, will roll first in 2026. After that, Ranveer will focus on Pralay. The final timeline will be locked in January after he gets his Don 3 schedule.”

The delayed start gives director Jai Mehta ample time to build the world of the film, which is described as a post-apocalyptic zombie thriller with a strong thematic core. Pralay reportedly follows a protagonist’s fight for survival, using the zombie genre as a lens to explore social, emotional, and moral collapse. The narrative is said to reimagine Mumbai in a dystopian, The Hunger Games-style set-up.

Insiders further revealed that the makers are planning an extensive visual overhaul of the city. Large portions of Mumbai will be recreated as a devastated landscape, blending physical sets with artificial intelligence-driven extensions. “Large sections of the city will be digitally aged to give it an abandoned look. Parts of the film will be shot in Mumbai, before moving to other locations,” the source added.

Pralay marks an important milestone for Jai Mehta, who previously co-directed the critically acclaimed Scam 1992: The Harshad Mehta Story with his father, filmmaker Hansal Mehta, and later directed the web series Lootere. The Ranveer Singh-starrer will be his feature film debut, and is being positioned as a large-scale, concept-driven project.

Meanwhile, Dhurandhar continues to perform well at the box office, reinforcing Ranveer Singh’s strong run. The film is backed by Aditya Dhar and Lokesh Dhar’s B62 Studios, and Jio Studios. It also stars Akshaye Khanna, Arjun Rampal, R Madhavan, and Sanjay Dutt.

Also Read: Dhurandhar Box Office: Film emerges as Ranveer Singh’s second Rs. 300 cr grosser

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Vidya Balan joins Rajinikanth starrer Jailer 2, makers eye Independence Day 2026 release: Report

Vidya Balan has joined the cast of Jailer 2, adding a significant new dimension to the much-anticipated sequel to Rajinikanth’s 2023 blockbuster. Directed once again by Nelson Dilipkumar and produced by Sun Pictures, the film is shaping up to be a larger and more narratively driven follow-up to one of Kollywood’s biggest recent successes.

According to a source close to the production quoted by Pinkvilla, Vidya Balan was approached with the script and was immediately drawn to both the story and the depth of her character. The source revealed that the actor was impressed by the complexity of the role, which is said to be central to the plot and responsible for a major turning point in the film. Described as a strong, layered character, her part is expected to bring emotional weight and narrative depth to the sequel, marking her return to a high-profile commercial entertainer.

Vidya Balan’s inclusion is being seen as a move that pushes Jailer 2 beyond scale and spectacle, strengthening its storytelling ambitions. While the first film leaned heavily on Rajinikanth’s screen presence and mass moments, the sequel appears to be expanding its emotional and dramatic scope with carefully written supporting characters.

Rajinikanth will reprise his role as Tiger Muthuvel Pandian, a character that struck a chord across age groups in the original film. This time, the sequel promises higher stakes, with Muthuvel facing more dangerous adversaries and navigating bloodier, more intense conflicts. Nelson Dilipkumar returns to the director’s chair, aiming to raise the bar further while retaining the core elements that made Jailer a phenomenon.

On the release front, reports suggest that the makers are eyeing August 14, 2026, for the theatrical release of Jailer 2. The date would align the film with a long Independence Day weekend, a strategy similar to the August release window of the first part. Interestingly, it also mirrors the timing of Rajinikanth’s Coolie, which was released over the same holiday weekend earlier this year. While discussions around the final release date are still ongoing, the intention is clearly to position the sequel as a major festival release with Pan-India appeal.

Also Read: Rajinikanth’s 75th birthday becomes a star-studded celebration as Dhanush and Kamal Haasan honour him on his journey

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Karan Johar’s Dharma Productions takes 100% control of talent venture after amicable split with Cornerstone

Dharma Productions has taken full ownership of Dharma Cornerstone Agency (DCA) following an amicable restructuring with Cornerstone Sport and Entertainment, as reported by The Economic Times. As per insiders, the two partners have decided to pursue independent strategies going forward.

As part of the restructuring, Dharma is buying out Cornerstone’s 45% partnership interest in the talent management LLP, thereby acquiring Cornerstone’s entire economic rights and contribution in the venture, according to The Economic Times. Financial terms were not disclosed in the report.

The talent roster currently housed under the venture is expected to remain with Dharma, which will continue to manage ongoing and upcoming engagements, as per The Economic Times. The agency is known to represent film talent such as Janhvi Kapoor, Sara Ali Khan, Tiger Shroff, Harshvardhan Rane, Lakshya, Ananya Panday, Siddhant Chaturvedi, etc.

On the financial front, the joint venture’s turnover reportedly rose to Rs 110 crores in FY25 from Rs 77 crores in FY24, while net profit stood at Rs 12 crores versus Rs 14 crores in the previous year, as per The Economic Times. Industry executives cited in the report indicated that full control could allow Dharma to build a more integrated talent strategy, linking management, training and development more tightly with its film and digital content pipeline.

Dharma Productions CEO Apoorva Mehta and Cornerstone’s Bunty Sajdeh declined to comment to The Economic Times. Executives tracking the sector also suggested that consolidation in talent management can improve alignment across casting decisions, long-term career planning and brand strategy, especially as the creator economy and influencer-led IP continue to expand.

Cornerstone, meanwhile, will continue to operate independently through Cornerstone Sport and Entertainment and plans to scale its presence across sports, entertainment and digital talent, the report said. Its client list includes names such as K L Rahul, Sidhant Chaturvedi, Sania Mirza, Manu Bhaker, etc.

The move also aligns with a wider consolidation at Dharma. As reported by The Economic Times, Dharmatic Entertainment has been merged into Dharma Productions effective April 1, 2025, following Adar Poonawalla’s acquisition of a 50% stake in Dharma for Rs 1,000 crores, thus positioning the studio for its next phase of growth.

In October this year, Bollywood Hungama had reported that Dharmatic Entertainment, the digital arm of Dharma Productions, had officially merged with its parent company as part of Dharma’s plan “to consolidate operations amid the changing entertainment landscape”.

Also Read: Karan Johar calls Manish Malhotra’s new film Saali Mohabbat “juicy and riveting” in shoutout post; says, “Can’t wait for everyone to watch it”

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EXCLUSIVE: As a tribute to Dharmendra, Yamla Pagla Deewana expected to re-release in cinemas on January 1, 2026

Last month, the industry and moviegoers were in mourning as Dharmendra passed away on November 24 at the age of 89. More than a month after he left for the heavenly abode, his much-loved film Yamla Pagla Deewana (2011) is expected to be re-released in cinemas.

A source told Bollywood Hungama, “The re-release of Yamla Pagla Deewana will serve as a tribute to the man who was unanimously loved and who left an indelible mark in the world of cinema. The film seems apt for a re-run as it’s not very old, still looks fresh and entertaining and also stars Dharmendra along with his two sons, Sunny Deol and Bobby Deol.”

The source continued, “Earlier, the plan was to re-release Yamla Pagla Deewana this Friday, December 19. But due to the Dhurandhar wave, NH Studioz, which holds the rights to the film, has decided to change the plan. Yamla Pagla Deewana is now expected to arrive in cinemas on January 1, 2026. A final decision will be taken in a few days from now.”

Yamla Pagla Deewana was directed by Samir Karnik and its title was inspired by the song ‘Main Jat Yamla Pagla Deewana’ from the 1975 film, Pratigya, also starring Dharmendra. A remixed version of the title track was a part of the film and added to its popularity. Yamla Pagla Deewana told the story of an Indian based in Canada who travels to Banaras to locate his estranged brother and father. Trouble arises when the trio travel to Punjab to help the younger brother win the love of his life while dealing with her crazy family.

Yamla Pagla Deewana opened at Rs. 7.95 crores, which was a healthy number then, and collected Rs. 55.28 crores in its lifetime. The film was loved for its comedy and mass appeal, and also because Dharmendra, Sunny Deol and Bobby Deol all had strong roles with ample screen time. Its success led the makers to come up with Yamla Pagla Deewana 2 (2013) and Yamla Pagla Deewana Phir Se (2018). However, both these films failed to work at the box office.

Also Read: Esha Deol pays moving tribute to Dharmendra, sharing touching montage of personal and film memories

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