Veteran singer-composer Leslee Lewis is set to make a comeback as a playback singer in Hindi cinema after a gap of 26 years, marking a significant moment in his long musical journey. Known for shaping India’s Indi-pop movement in the 1990s, Lewis is returning with the song Zorr Ka Dhakka, which will mark his re-entry into Bollywood playback singing.

Lewis rose to national fame as part of the iconic duo Colonial Cousins alongside Hariharan. Their fusion of Indian classical and Western pop in the mid-1990s helped redefine the independent music scene in India and earned them international recognition, including the MTV Asia Viewer’s Choice Award and the Billboard Viewer’s Choice Award.

Speaking about his return, Lewis shared his excitement about reconnecting with Bollywood after decades. “I was relevant then and I’m still relevant now,” he said while discussing his comeback and his continued passion for music. He added that singing for a composition by another musician after so many years feels refreshing and gives him the opportunity to explore a different creative process.

Over the years, Lewis has remained active in music through independent projects, composing advertising jingles and working on various albums and collaborations. His contribution to India’s pop and fusion music landscape extends beyond Bollywood, with several successful independent releases and musical experiments. Reflecting on the evolution of the music industry, Lewis noted that while trends may change, the essence of music remains the same. “What keeps you going is authenticity and passion,” he said, emphasising that originality continues to matter in an industry often driven by formulas. With his upcoming playback track, the veteran musician hopes to reconnect with audiences across generations.

Also Read: Leslee Lewis on returning to playback singing in Hindi films after 26 years with ‘Zorr Ka Dhakka’, “It’s exciting to be back, whole track is so cool”; also says he has been putting “zero efforts” to stay relevant for 30 years

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Veteran actress Neena Gupta was seen looking radiant at the wedding reception of Rashmika Mandanna and Vijay Deverakonda. However, what truly caught the internet’s attention was a noticeable bump that quickly sparked pregnancy rumours on social media.

When this writer reached out to the outspoken actress, Neena Gupta burst into laughter. “This is all I need, a real-life Badhai Ho,” she joked. For those who may recall, Neena Gupta famously played a woman who becomes pregnant in her 60s in the hit film Badhaai Ho.

Turning serious after the joke, the actress clarified, “There is no Badhai Ho. I am not pregnant. The truth is, the saree material was thick, so it made me look bulky at the reception. But I must say, I love all this speculation about my pregnancy at my age. It shows we are evolving as a nation.”

Also Read: Neena Gupta and Sanjay Mishra overwhelmed as Vadh 2 enters 3rd week: “The love is pouring in the form of messages, reviews, recommendations”

The makers of Dhurandhar: The Revenge have unveiled a gripping new trailer that promises a more intense and action-packed continuation of the story. The film serves as the sequel to Dhurandhar and is the second installment in a planned duology. Directed by Aditya Dhar, the upcoming spy action thriller stars Ranveer Singh in the lead role alongside Arjun Rampal, Sanjay Dutt, R. Madhavan, Sara Arjun, Rakesh Bedi, Danish Pandor, and Gaurav Gera. Several supporting actors from the first film are also set to reprise their roles.

The trailer begins with a voiceover that references the aftermath of the death of Rehman Dakait aka Akshaye Khanna, setting the stage for a darker and more dangerous chapter in the story. It also offers brief glimpses of Ranveer Singh’s character Jaskirat Singh Rangi before he takes on the identity of Hamza Ali Mazar, hinting at the deeper layers of his undercover mission.

In the film, Singh plays an Indian intelligence operative who continues his high-stakes infiltration into Karachi’s criminal networks and political power structures in Pakistan. As the narrative unfolds, the agent’s mission becomes more personal as he seeks to avenge the devastating attacks in India while confronting new threats that put both his cover and life at risk. The film has been produced by Jyoti Deshpande, Aditya Dhar, and Lokesh Dhar under the banners of Jio Studios and B62 Studios.

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Interestingly, the sequel was shot back-to-back with the first installment. Principal photography began in July 2024 in Bangkok and continued across several locations including Punjab, Chandigarh, Maharashtra, Ladakh, and Himachal Pradesh. Some international sequences were also filmed in Thailand, which doubled for Pakistan-based settings in the story. The technical team behind the film includes music composer Shashwat Sachdev, cinematographer Vikash Nowlakha, and editor Shivkumar V. Panicker.

With its mix of espionage, revenge, and high-octane action, Dhurandhar: The Revenge aims to expand the scale established by the first film while delving deeper into the protagonist’s journey. The film is scheduled to release in theatres on March 19, 2026, coinciding with festive occasions including Gudi Padwa, Ugadi, and Eid al-Fitr.

Also Read: BREAKING: Dhurandhar: The Revenge to have paid previews on March 18 from 5:00 pm onwards

Actor Vivek Oberoi has spoken about the situation in Dubai amid the ongoing tensions linked to the Israel–Iran conflict. After Lara Dutta shared her perspective earlier, Oberoi also took to social media to address his fans and followers, highlighting the efforts of the Government of the United Arab Emirates in supporting residents during the situation.

The actor shared a video on Instagram along with a note thanking the leadership and airline staff who helped maintain calm during the tense period. In the caption, he wrote, “My deepest gratitude to the UAE leadership, the frontline heroes, and the wings of @emirates for their incredible guardianship. It’s good to be back.”

In the video, Oberoi reflected on what the recent days felt like for residents of the country. He said, “For all of us from over 200 nationalities who live here, UAE is simply home. These past few days, as geopolitical tensions grew, the distance between where I was and where my family waited felt heavier than ever. Returning to Dubai, I felt every person on that Emirates plane had a silent story in their eyes.”

Speaking about the flight crew and the emotional atmosphere during the journey, he added, “Hats off to the Emirates crew for maintaining the calm and taking care of everyone with a smile despite their own fears. The moment we touched down, the atmosphere shifted from silent anxiety to a collective surge of relief. Walking through the terminal, I couldn't help but be moved to tears as I saw daughters throwing themselves into the parents' arms and fathers finally lifting their little ones into the air.”

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The actor also spoke about the anxiety he experienced while thinking about his children during the journey. “I had spent the entire journey with my own heart racing, my thoughts fixed entirely on my kids. A heartfelt thank you Emirates for being the bridge that brought us back together in a world that felt like it was shifting, you remained constant. Thank you for the safety you carry in your wings and for providing the quiet peace we all needed to find our way back.”

Expressing gratitude to the country’s leadership, Oberoi further said, “Today, I am more grateful than ever for the resilience of the UAE government in the face of global uncertainty. Your steady leadership and unwavering calm provided the safety we needed to come back. You have built a nation that doesn't just function, it protects.”

He concluded his message by acknowledging the country’s support for Indian residents. “As a proud Indian, on behalf of all the Indians settled in the UAE, thank you for keeping us safe and for standing with us as one of us rather than just meeting from a distance. Thank you.”

Oberoi’s post comes as several public figures continue to share their experiences and messages of reassurance for residents amid the evolving geopolitical situation in the region.

Also Read: Lara Dutta reveals stressful days in Dubai amid Israel–Iran conflict; thanks UAE government for protection

The wait is finally over for fans of raw, grounded action. A leaked image from the sets of the highly anticipated Force 3 has set social media ablaze, offering a first glimpse into the world of ACP Yashvardhan Singh’s return. The candid shot, captured during a creative discussion, features the franchise spearhead John Abraham alongside the new additions to the Force family: the current box-office favourite Harshvardhan Rane and the versatile Tanya Maniktala.

Standing at the centre of the frame is the man tasked with modernizing this iconic franchise—director Bhav Dhulia. Having earned massive acclaim for his gritty realism in Khakee: The Bihar Chapter, Dhulia’s presence suggests that Force 3 will pivot away from stylized stunts toward the hard-hitting, "desi" action that made the 2011 original a cult classic.

The biggest talking point of the leak is undoubtedly that Harshvardhan Rane looks ready for duty. Fresh off the massive success of Ek Deewane Ki Deewaniyat, Rane has been vocal about his admiration for John Abraham, often referring to him as a mentor.

Adding that bit of glamour to the action is Tanya Maniktala, known for her soulful and nuanced performances in A Suitable Boy and Kill, her inclusion marks a significant shift for the franchise. Dressed in an elegant yet practical ethnic outfit in the photo, industry insiders suggest her character is far from a traditional "flowerpot" role.

While plot details are being guarded with the utmost secrecy, a well-paced industry source shared an exciting update, "The film is officially going on floors this March, and the scale is massive. The audience can expect high-octane action that stays true to the franchise’s roots."

With John Abraham having reacquired the rights to the franchise to ensure it stays true to his vision, Force 3 is shaping up to be the definitive action event of late 2026.

Also Read: Harshvardhan Rane joins John Abraham starrer Force franchise; actor reveals he will take the legacy forward

While Yash has played it safe with his Toxic, relocating it as far away from Dhurandhar: The Revenge as possible, another braveheart has decided to take on Aditya Dhar’s sequel head-on.

Pawan Kalyan ambitious project Ustaad Bhagat Singh has been preponed from March 22 to March 19, thereby precipitating a direct clash with Dhurandhar 2. Pawan took this flash decision following the postponement of Yash’s Toxic from March 19 to June 4.

A source very close to Dhurandhar told this writer that Pawan Kalyan’s airdrop means nothing to the Dhurandhar team. They were not perturbed by the release of Toxic on March 19, they are not taking the competition from Ustaad Bhagat Singh seriously.

However, Pawan Kalyan is taking the clash to the highest level.

A source close to Pawan revealed, “He firmly feels the March 19 slot and its Eid and Rama Navami holidays offer enough room for more than one blockbuster. He will be vigorously promoting his film and urging his supporters to back the Telugu product over the Hindi one.”

On the other hand, the team of Dhurandhar: The Revenge is not doing any promotional activity. “Do we need to do any promotion?” Madhavan who plays key role in Dhurandhar: The Revenge wants to know.

Also Read: Ranveer Singh announces Dhurandhar: The Revenge trailer launch for March 7; actor asks fans to ‘brace themselves’

Actor Ranveer Singh has officially announced the trailer launch of his upcoming action thriller Dhurandhar: The Revenge. Taking to Instagram, the actor shared a new poster from the film while revealing that the trailer will be unveiled on Saturday, March 7, at precisely 11:01 AM.

The poster shared by the actor includes the exact timing of the launch, hinting at a carefully planned promotional rollout for the film. Along with the visual, Ranveer kept his caption short but intriguing, writing, “Brace Yourself,” which has further heightened curiosity among fans awaiting the sequel.

The film serves as the continuation of Dhurandhar (2025), which emerged as a major box-office success and helped establish the franchise as a significant entry in the spy-action genre. With the first installment receiving a strong response, expectations around the second part have grown considerably over the past year.

Interestingly, the film’s theatrical prospects appear to have strengthened after the release date shift of Toxic: A Fairy Tale for Grown-Ups, starring Yash. The latter was initially expected to arrive around the same period but has since been postponed to June, giving Dhurandhar: The Revenge a clearer window at the box office.

Directed, written and co-produced by Aditya Dhar, the film is backed by producers Jyoti Deshpande, Aditya Dhar and Lokesh Dhar. The project is produced under the banners of Jio Studios and B62 Studios. The film is positioned as the second and concluding chapter of the Dhurandhar duology.

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Apart from Ranveer Singh, the film features a multi-starrer cast including Arjun Rampal, Sanjay Dutt, R. Madhavan, Sara Arjun, Rakesh Bedi, Danish Pandor and Gaurav Gera, along with several actors reprising their roles from the first installment.

Both parts of the franchise were reportedly shot simultaneously, allowing the makers to maintain narrative continuity between the two films. The sequel is expected to delve deeper into the character arc of Jaskirat Singh Rangi and explore his transformation into Hamza Ali Mazari, a development that forms a crucial part of the storyline.

With the trailer set to arrive this weekend, the promotional campaign for the film is now entering its next phase. Dhurandhar: The Revenge is scheduled to release in cinemas worldwide on March 19, 2026, in multiple languages including Hindi, Telugu, Tamil, Kannada and Malayalam.

Also Read: The Grahan effect: The real reason why Dhurandhar: The Revenge’s trailer won’t release on March 3

Actor Preity Zinta has reportedly sold an apartment in Mumbai’s upscale Pali Hill neighbourhood in Bandra for Rs 18.50 crores. The transaction details emerged through property registration documents reviewed by real estate data analytics platform CRE Matrix.

The property is located in the Rustomjee Parishram building and measures approximately 1,770 square feet. Records indicate that the transaction was officially registered on March 2, 2026. The apartment was purchased by Priya Nagar and Rajeev Nagar, who are US citizens of Indian origin. As part of the transaction process, the buyers paid a stamp duty amount of Rs 1.11 crore, along with a registration fee of Rs 30,000, according to the documents.

This marks the second property sale by the actor within a span of four months. In November 2025, property registration records had shown that Zinta sold another apartment in the same building for more than Rs. 14 crore. That unit, measuring around 1,474 square feet, was also located on the 11th floor of the building. The apartment involved in the latest transaction was allotted to Zinta in April 2025 after the redevelopment of her earlier residential building. Following the redevelopment process, the actor received the apartment as part of a standard housing arrangement provided to existing residents.

According to CRE Matrix, the allotment of the apartment was formalised under a redevelopment agreement between the housing society and developer Keystone Realtors, which operates under the brand Rustomjee. The redevelopment project resulted in the construction of the current building where the actor had been allotted her residence. "Under a redevelopment agreement between the society and the developer (Keystone Realtors/Rustomjee), the flat was officially allotted to her as Permanent Alternate Accommodation. This arrangement was formalised in an agreement executed on October 23, 2023," CRE Matrix said.

Zinta has owned property in the building for several years and received the redeveloped apartment through the allotment process associated with the project. The actor, who divides her time between India and overseas commitments, has not publicly commented on the latest property transaction so far.

Zinta, known for her work in films such as Kal Ho Naa Ho and Veer-Zaara, continues to remain active across business and entertainment ventures while maintaining a relatively low profile in terms of real estate investments and property dealings. The actress is currently gearing for her big screen comeback alongside Sunny Deol in Lahore 1947 that is directed by Rajkumar Santoshi and produced by Aamir Khan.

Also Read: Preity Zinta shares relief while celebrating Holi: “So grateful to be back home in Mumbai after a very stressful trip”

Bollywood Hungama has been at the forefront in delivering exclusive news about one of the most-awaited films of 2026, Naagzilla, starring Kartik Aaryan. We are now back with another interesting piece of information – the talented actress Preity Mukhundhan, who has made a mark down South, will be launched in Bollywood with this promising flick.

A source told Bollywood Hungama, "Preity Mukhundhan fits the role perfectly and the makers are quite happy to have her on board. She’ll be seen in a hilarious role and her character contributes tremendously to the narrative. She’s also excited about the role as she’ll get a chance to exhibit a different side of her to the audience.”

Preity made her debut in the 2024 Telugu horror comedy Om Bheem Bush, followed by her Tamil debut in Star.

Naagzilla is produced by Karan Johar’s Dharma Productions and Mahaveer Jain’s Mahaveer Jain Films. The fantasy comedy features Kartik as a shape-shifting naag and, reportedly, Ravi Kishan essays the role of the antagonist. It marks the first association of Kartik Aaryan and Mahaveer Jain, Mahaveer Jain and Karan Johar and the second film for Kartik and KJo after Tu Meri Main Tera Main Tera Tu Meri.

Earlier, Bollywood Hungama had reported that a three-week-long schedule of Naagzilla will take place in Delhi in February 2026. Our source has got an update about the same, “The Delhi schedule has been successfully completed. Now, just 7 days of shooting remain. It’ll take place in Mumbai this month, that is, March 2026. Once the shoot is completed, Mrighdeep Singh Lamba’s complete focus would be on post-production and ensuring that their labour of love turns out to be an exciting and fascinating piece of cinema for the audiences.”

Naagzilla is scheduled to be released in cinemas on Independence Day 2026.

Also Read: Kartik Aaryan shoots crowd sequence at Delhi’s Connaught Place for Naagzilla with rainbow flags and banners, watch video

Subedaar has released today, March 5, and it has generated excitement due to lead actor Anil Kapoor’s massy performance and an exciting trailer. Viewers who would watch this film on Amazon Prime Video will be in for a surprise. This is because Nana Patekar also features in the film.

In a crucial scene in the film, Nana Patekar appears on screen all of a sudden. His presence adds to the fun and madness; in fact, if Subedaar was a theatrical film, Nana’s entry would have led to a frenzy in cinemas.

Anil Kapoor and Nana Patekar first shared screen space in Parinda (1989). Eighteen years later, they reunited in Welcome (2007) and struck gold. Nana played the unforgettable Uday Bhai, while Anil played his subordinate, Majnu Bhai. Together, their banter turned iconic and helped the film attain cult status. They came together once again in Welcome Back (2015), which remains their last on-screen collaboration to date. Ever since, fans have been demanding a full-fledged Uday Bhai-Majnu Bhai reunion, and Subedaar finally brings the duo back. It is sure to be lapped up by viewers.

Besides Anil Kapoor, Subedaar also stars Radhikka Madan, Mona Singh, Aditya Rawal, Saurabh Shukla, Faisal Malik and Kushboo Sundar in a cameo. It is directed by Suresh Trivedi of Tumhari Sulu (2017), Jalsa (2022) and Daldal (2026) fame.

Last week, a grand trailer launch was held at a restobar by the beach in Mumbai, where the whole team was present in full force. Anil said, “I shot the most difficult and crucial scene in the film amid thousands of bystanders. They were shouting 'Jhakaas' and 'Aye jee o jee'! However, I switched off the noise. I focused on my scene. If you want something from the bottom of your heart, you'll be able to achieve it.”

Also Read: Anil Kapoor brings back his swagger in ‘Balam Subedaar’ in Prime Video’s Subedaar, watch

Karan Aujla’s live concert in Delhi on February 28 turned into a free-for-all arena. A violent altercation broke out at the venue Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium during Karan Aujla’s concert. The concert, reportedly drawing a crowd of 75,000, was one of the largest single-day gatherings for a Punjabi artiste in India. Videos of the incident quickly spread across social media, igniting concerns regarding event safety and crowd control at large-scale music events.

Aujia’s concert in Mumbai on Tuesday at the MMRDA Grounds was an instant-replay version of the Delhi concert. Supreme chaos reigned at the Mumbai concert with attendees complaining about the absence of basic amenities such as drinking water.

Following the Delhi and Mumbai concert, Karan Aujla’s P-POP Culture India Tour is scheduled to continue across ten Indian cities, including Mumbai, Pune, Ahmedabad, Chandigarh, Bengaluru, Kolkata, Jaipur, Lucknow, and Ludhiana. The incidents in Delhi and Mumbai have intensified calls for improved safety measures at major entertainment events.

This is not the first time that the crowd at the singer's concert turned violent. Previously, the ‘Tauba Tauba’ singer's concert at Loud Park in Kharghar, Navi Mumbai, on November 23, 2025, part of the Rolling Loud India festival, was disrupted after a physical altercation erupted in the crowd. The incident involved Nigerian influencer Agu Stanley Chiedozie and another male attendee.

Also Read: Karan Aujla announces 6-city India leg of P-POP CULTURE world tour for 2026, with debut stadium shows in Delhi and Chandigarh

A new Public Interest Litigation (PIL) has been filed before the Kerala High Court challenging the title and release of the recently released film The Kerala Story 2. The petition, submitted on March 3 by a retired social science teacher and a practicing lawyer, calls for the removal of the word “Kerala” from the film’s title, arguing that it unfairly associates the State with sensitive and controversial themes.

According to the plea, the petitioners contend that the film’s title and subject matter risk portraying Kerala in a negative light. They have alleged that the narrative reportedly depicts the State as a centre for forced religious conversions, a portrayal they believe could damage its social and cultural image.

The petition also references an ongoing legal tussle involving the filmmakers. It notes that the producers have approached a Division Bench of the High Court challenging a recent interim order issued by a Single Bench, which had temporarily stayed the film’s release. The stay, the plea points out, was granted at a stage when the film was allegedly yet to be uploaded or publicly screened.

Beyond concerns over the State’s image, the petitioners have flagged the potential social repercussions of the film’s content. They argue that the narrative, as understood from available material, may foster hostility against members of the Muslim community in Kerala. The plea suggests that such a portrayal could disturb communal harmony and deepen existing sensitivities.

In addition to seeking changes to the title, the petitioners have requested judicial intervention to ensure that the film, if released, carries a clear disclaimer stating that the story is entirely fictional. They have urged the court to direct the Central Government and the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) to mandate such a disclaimer to prevent audiences from interpreting the narrative as factual.

The PIL further calls for broader regulatory reforms. Specifically, it seeks directions to the Centre and the CBFC to frame comprehensive guidelines governing film titles and taglines. According to the plea, such norms should ensure that no cinematic work denigrates or maligns any State, region, caste, or religion through its branding or promotional material.

The matter is expected to come up for consideration before the High Court in the coming days, adding another chapter to the ongoing debate around creative freedom, censorship, and the responsibility of filmmakers in handling sensitive socio-political themes.

Also Read: Madras High Court restrains illegal broadcast of The Kerala Story 2 until March 23

In an explosive, soul-bearing interview with Bollywood Hungama, actress and activist Mandana Karimi opened up about the personal and professional toll her advocacy for Iran has taken. The actress, who has been vocal against the Iranian regime amid the escalating Middle East conflict, revealed that her career in India has come to a standstill due to her outspoken political stance.

“Well since January, I've literally have left my work. I'm not working anymore. All my contract got cancelled. I've become too activist I've become too open about politics and I have messaged. I have emailed to platforms. I've said let's talk about it. I have videos I have images from Iran - Why are you not covering it?” Karimi shared, underscoring her frustration at what she describes as silence despite having access to ground-level material.

The actress, known for her appearance on Bigg Boss 9 and films like Kyaa Kool Hain Hum 3, also criticised sections of the Indian media for what she called skewed reporting. “No one has covered it and if they have covered it they were talking about how strong the regime is. They've kind of sold themselves into the whole propaganda of the government and Iranian government is very known for having these kind of Influencers or certain reporters to go to Iran and cover the situation. So I've been very disheartened from the media in India, and they haven't been covering well. Even now, when you look at India today, you know the way they're covering the news. It's so one-sided. It's not accurate - the answers and questions,” she stated.

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Karimi went on to urge Indian news platforms to provide space to opposition voices, specifically naming exiled Crown Prince Reza Pahlavi.“I would request Indian media - to whoever is watching this video from media – ‘Indian media, if you have brought the regime murderous Cabinet to India and you've actually given your platform to interview them and ask their opinion about what's happening in Iran; why aren't you bringing Reza Shah Pahlavi? Why aren't you bringing people who are working with Reza Shah Pahlavi? We want to also tell our side of the story’,” she urged.

She concluded with a pointed reminder: “Every story has two sides. It's never one-sided, right? You're a reporter, right? You're supposed to report the news. So why aren't you inviting Reza Pahlavi to your channel and let's talk.”

Her remarks come amid heightened tensions in the region. As of March 2026, the conflict has intensified following joint US-Israeli strikes targeting senior Iranian officials and military sites, prompting retaliatory missile attacks from Tehran and disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz. With reports of internal unrest and uncertainty within Iran’s leadership, the humanitarian situation continues to deteriorate, adding urgency to calls for broader global coverage of the crisis.

Also Read: EXCLUSIVE: Mandana Karimi plans to return to Iran if regime changes amid conflict; says, “I feel like I don’t have a voice in India”

Photos of Ranbir Kapoor from the sets of Ramayana have surfaced online, drawing widespread attention and sparking discussion among fans. The images, which began circulating on Reddit on Tuesday morning, appear to show the actor in costume during a shoot, holding a bow and dressed in traditional attire while crew members stand nearby with umbrellas and production equipment.

In the pictures, Kapoor is seen wearing long hair styled in waves, a tilak on his forehead, and period-style clothing. The images quickly made their way across social media platforms, where reactions were divided. While some fans expressed excitement about seeing a glimpse of the much-anticipated project, others criticised elements of the styling.

One Reddit user wrote, “All that $400 million budget and they couldn't arrange for a decent-looking wig?” Another commented, “Bollywood really sucks in the fake hair & fake beard department. You can notice this in any movie or TV show.” He looks so bad honestly 😭 by u/AgreeableScarcity568 in bollynewsandgossips

Producer Namit Malhotra has previously stated in interviews that the two-part adaptation of Ramayana is mounted on a budget of approximately $400–500 million, positioning it among the most expensive Indian film projects to date. However, the makers have not issued any statement regarding the leaked photos.

Alongside the images, a purported global promotion schedule for Ramayana also began circulating online. According to the unverified plan, the film’s trailer is slated for launch at the San Diego Comic-Con on July 23, 2026, followed by appearances at the Toronto International Film Festival. It further mentions promotional events at the Pingyao International Film Festival, the Tokyo International Film Festival, and the BFI London Film Festival, among others.

The schedule also lists a musical performance at London’s Royal Albert Hall featuring Hans Zimmer and A. R. Rahman, in addition to promotional events across India before a reported Diwali release on November 8, 2026.

As of now, none of these promotional details have been officially confirmed or denied by the production team.

Also Read: Love & War update: Ranbir Kapoor debuts clean-shaven look; sparks buzz around Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s next

Actor Esha Gupta has safely returned to India after being stranded in the United Arab Emirates during the recent escalation in tensions between the United States and Iran. Taking to Instagram, Gupta informed her followers about her return and expressed gratitude to the airline authorities, the UAE government and hotel staff for their support during the uncertain hours.

“Back home. Thank you all for your prayers and wishes. It was very tough to be in the situation that we all were. Truly gods blessing to safe!” she wrote.

Recounting the sequence of events, Gupta revealed that the situation began when she was at the airport on Sunday, the 28th. “It started when I was at the airport on the 28th (Sunday). By 1pm the airport was closed, chaos all around as none of us knew what happened. Then the news started coming of the missile attack and no one knew what the next minute held for us. Strangers consoling each other, all calling their families back home (sic),” she shared.

Several Indian celebrities were reportedly stuck in the UAE following the escalation, which saw heightened security concerns and disruptions across parts of the Gulf region. According to reports, airports faced temporary closures as news of missile and drone activity surfaced.

Gupta said she was at the Abu Dhabi airport when operations were halted. Praising the authorities, she added, “Here, I would like to mention, that what I saw was strength of a country which is UAE. We were at the Abu Dhabi airport. The ground staff and airport security immediately lunged to action and stayed calm throughout even though we were all in this situation together.”

The actor mentioned that she had not yet checked in for her flight when the airport shut down, prompting her to return to her hotel in Abu Dhabi. “I hadn't checked in myself by then so I took a turn and left back to my hotel in Abu Dhabi. Following are the stories that we heard first hand from the people we met later in our hotel that night (sic),” she wrote, indicating that many fellow travellers had similar accounts of confusion and uncertainty.

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Her post struck a note of relief and gratitude, with the actor acknowledging both the anxiety of the moment and the collective composure displayed by officials and travellers alike.

Also Read: Esha Gupta says “we are safe” amid the Iran–Israel crisis; hopes to return home soon

On Sunday, March 1, Bollywood Hungama announced that the trailer for Dhurandhar: The Revenge would be released digitally on Tuesday, March 3. However, by Monday, it emerged that Jio Studios was no longer planning to drop the highly anticipated promo on the stated date. Bollywood Hungama reached out to reliable sources to understand what triggered the last-minute change behind the scenes.

A source told Bollywood Hungama, “Reports of Dhurandhar: The Revenge’s trailer release on March 3 weren’t mere rumours. The makers genuinely planned to unveil it that day. But they were later informed that March 3 witnesses a Chandra Grahan (lunar eclipse), which is considered inauspicious for new beginnings. The inauspicious period is said to be from 9:39 am to 6:46 pm. Trailers are usually launched around noon, and this timing falls within the window. Hence, the team decided to postpone the trailer release.”

In February 2026, Bollywood Hungama had reported that the trailer of Dhurandhar: The Revenge would be launched on March 5 at Mumbai’s iconic Nita Mukesh Ambani Cultural Centre (NMACC). That plan was eventually dropped, and a digital launch was scheduled for March 3. Now, however, it appears the makers might unveil the trailer on March 5 or March 6 on digital platforms, without an event. The suspense continues on the exact date.

The Dhurandhar series stars Ranveer Singh, Akshaye Khanna, Sanjay Dutt, R Madhavan, Arjun Rampal, Sara Arjun and Rakesh Bedi. The first part told the story of an Indian spy who infiltrates Pakistan’s criminal syndicate and political system and creates havoc.

Interestingly, Dhurandhar: The Revenge will have a gigantic clash at the box office with Toxic: A Fairy Tale For Grown-Ups. Directed by Geetu Mohandas, it marks the return of Yash of KGF fame and also stars Kiara Advani, Nayanthara, Huma Qureshi, Akshay Oberoi and others. The trailer of this mass-appealing flick will be unveiled on March 8 in Bengaluru at a grand event.

Also Read: No Dhurandhar: The Revenge trailer launch on Holi? Here’s what we know

Actor Ahaan Panday has revealed that he underwent a major shoulder surgery following the release of Saiyaara, a procedure he describes as one of the most painful with the longest recovery period. In an interview with Esquire India, the actor shared that the decision to go under the knife stemmed from an old injury. A few years ago, Panday was involved in a snowmobile accident that resulted in a shoulder subluxation. The lingering impact of the injury began affecting his fitness goals, particularly as he prepared for an action film.

“I actually got a whole surgery done after the release of Saiyaara last year,” Panday said. “And it’s one of the most painful surgeries you can do, with the longest recovery time.”

According to him, his doctor had cautioned that post-surgery, his body would “go back to zero”, making it “nearly impossible” to achieve the desired physique for his next project. The warning did not deter him. Instead, Panday now says he feels satisfied being able to speak about the process and “prove everyone wrong.”

He reflected on how gym transformations in the film industry often serve as motivation, but pointed out that his journey was different. “I used to feel motivated by actors who had dramatic gym transformations,” he said, adding that those usually involved moving from an unhealthy body type to a healthier one. “This was different; I went from being injured, to not being able to move, to not being able to lift, to being able to lift.”

For months, Panday remained in a cast during recovery, a phase that he says largely went unnoticed. “I don’t know how nobody realised!” he remarked, amused. However, a few observant fans sensed something was off. Since Panday is not very active on social media, some turned to his mother’s fitness-focused social media pages, questioning why he appeared to be losing weight. “They were like, why is he losing so much weight,” he said, smiling at the memory.

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Having completed his recovery and returned to training, Panday is now focused on his upcoming projects. He will next be seen in a yet-untitled directorial by Ali Abbas Zafar, backed by Yash Raj Films. The actioner marks his second collaboration with the banner after Saiyaara, and the team has already commenced shooting.

Also Read: Ali Abbas Zafar on casting Ahaan Panday for next YRF film; says, “Audiences have connected with Ahaan because he’s simply present”

There was a time when it was not unusual for films to complete 50 or 100 weeks in cinemas. But as times passed and due to the shift in business models, increase in number of screens and rise of OTT platforms, it’s a feat even for a film to run for 50 days on the big screen. Hence, it’ll be a surprise for moviegoers to learn that a small-budget film, Ameena, is about to complete 100 weeks in theatres.

Ameena was released on April 12, 2024, that is, in the same week as Bade Miyan Chote Miyan and Maidaan. Since then, popular films and grossers like Stree 2, Pushpa 2, Chhaava, Saiyaara, Mahavatar Narsimha etc., have been released and none of them ran for more than 10 or 15 weeks (Bollywood’s biggest grosser, Dhurandhar, currently in its 13th week and will also complete 15 weeks). Meanwhile, Ameena is running non-stop at Mumbai’s extremely popular MovieTime Hub multiplex in the morning show. At present, it is running in its 99th week; on Friday, March 6, it’ll complete 100 weeks and thus create history.

An industry insider told Bollywood Hungama, “Ideally, if a film is pulling in so many viewers for nearly two long years, it would have become a talking point on social media, the way it happens with Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge (1995) or the longest running Gujarati film of all time, Chaal Jeevi Laiye (2019). People would have excitedly discussed the film’s plot, themes, performances, songs etc. But how many people do you know who have seen the film? Have you ever seen any tweet or Instagram post/story about it?”

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Ground reality check

Last week, when Ameena was in its 98th week, Bollywood Hungama decided to watch the film to get a first-hand sense of the ground reality. As per a ticketing website, 20 tickets had been sold for our show. The pattern seemed unusual because all seats in the screen were available at a flat price of Rs. 100. In a normal scenario, patrons would book the back rows first. But in the case of Ameena, 18 tickets were booked in the first two rows, followed by two seats in the third row from the front.

This writer purchased a ticket at the booking counter and, as expected, was the only person inside the auditorium. None of the 20 people who had supposedly booked tickets turned up. The show, however, began as scheduled. It was stifling inside, as the air-conditioning didn’t seem to be switched on. During the intermission, when this writer requested a staffer to turn on the AC, he looked in disbelief and asked if the writer was watching Ameena. When the writer nodded, the kind staffer assured it would be done, and he kept his word. It left us wondering: Is Ameena being screened every day to an empty hall

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Bollywood Hungama kept track of Ameena’s bookings on the ticketing website over the next few days and noticed a pattern: every day, 20 tickets for the show ‘get sold’ in the exact same order –18 in the first two rows, followed by two seats in the third row from the front.

That’s not all. The Instagram handle of the film’s production house, Kumar Raj Productions, has shared a video of a man informing his followers about Ameena’s unbelievable run. Text displayed throughout the video lists three phone numbers that viewers can call to get free tickets for Ameena. When the film was in its 65th week, a post mentioned in bold letters that tickets to the film were available for free.

Producer speaks up

Bollywood Hungama exclusively spoke to producer-director Kumar Raj, who also features in the film in a supporting role. He was very jovial and spoke warmly to us. He began by saying about his plans for the 100th week celebration, “We are going to call the press, party with them and gift them a 5-inch gold coin. Everyone who worked on the film would also be getting some gifts.”

He claimed that there’s a lot of demand even from foreign shores to write about Ameena, “I got a call from Time magazine. I don’t know if it was genuine or not! They were excited about the fact that Ameena is the first movie in the world to complete 100 weeks in the last 30 years. For 5 weeks, they were after me. Finally, I gave them an interview yesterday. I don’t know if they are going to publish a negative or positive report! As long as they are writing about our film, I am happy (smiles). They claimed that they are going to publish a full-page story along with posters of Ameena.”

The posters of Ameena, splashed across newspapers, mention that they are inviting OTT platforms to buy their film. Names of prominent streaming giants like Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, Zee5, SonyLIV, JioHotstar etc. are mentioned. Even Voot gets a mention, though it merged with JioCinema (which later merged with Hotstar).

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However, Kumar Raj said, “I started getting a lot of offers from OTT in the very first week itself. But I was clear, ‘Picture jab tak chalti hai, chalne do’. My film was also released in Tamil, Telugu, Malayalam and Kannada.”

He continued, “A famous distributor from down South has arrived in Mumbai. Tomorrow, he’s going to see the movie. He wants to screen this film in several cinemas. In fact, he asked me to send him a flight ticket so that he could come down to Mumbai. But I categorically told him to fly down at his own cost.”

When asked about the average occupancy of Ameena’s shows, Kumar Raj replied, “On the weekends, it is 75% full. During the holidays, the show is 100% sold out. We are getting a lot of repeat audiences as well. During weekdays, shows are approx. 30% full. This is a huge feat, as even the biggest of films don’t get such an audience. At times, when I watch a biggie in the theatre, there are barely 4-5 people in the auditorium.”

He added, “You can ask the team of BookMyShow. They’ll officially provide you with actual collections of the film.”

Kumar Raj also opened up about his earlier film, Tara: The Journey Of Love And Passion (2013), “It has amassed 16 million views on one of the websites (YouTube). It has won 600 international awards and has a mention in 35 book of world records. However, I don’t like to blow my own trumpet.”

Finally, we asked him about the belief in the industry that he’s himself buying the tickets of Ameena. He smiled and simply replied, “Kuch toh log kahenge, logon ka kaam hai kehna.”

About Ameena and Tara

Ameena stars Rekha Rana in the lead role of Meena, a theatre actor. One day, she is brutally raped by three men. She fears that she may not get justice in the court of law and hence, decides to eliminate her rapists. Help comes in the form of a cartel of those directly or indirectly affected by rape. The other actors in the film are Ananth Narayan Mahadevan, Utkarsh Kohli, Manu Malkan etc. The film has been shot not just in Mumbai but also in Los Angeles, Senegal, Dubai, Abu Dhabi, as well as Cannes.

Meanwhile, Kumar Raj’s earlier film, Tara: The Journey Of Love And Passion also starred Rekha Rana. While Ameena aims to complete 100 weeks, Tara ‘ran’ for 50 weeks, in Mumbai’s now-defunct single-screen cinema, Imperial.

Yesterday, March 1, Bollywood Hungama reported that Dhurandhar: The Revenge is expected to run between 220 minutes (3 hours 40 minutes) and 235 minutes (3 hours 55 minutes). The much-awaited film clashes with Toxic on Eid (March 19), and the face-off has sparked major buzz across the trade, industry and fans. Bollywood Hungama has now learned that, like Dhurandhar, Toxic too is likely to be a lengthy affair.

A source told Bollywood Hungama, “Toxic’s final length is yet to be locked, but it comes to around 200 minutes, that is, 3 hours and 20 minutes. The makers feel that there’s enough entertainment and mass-appealing moments in the film and that the audience won’t get bored or restless. Also, earlier, having a long film would lead to a negative perception. But it all changed with Animal (2023). It was 3 hours and 21 minutes long and ran very successfully. In recent times, Border 2 (2026) was released with a runtime of 3 hours and 19 minutes. Not to forget, the duration of Dhurandhar’s (2026) first part was 3 hours and 34 minutes. All these films were huge hits and it remains to be seen if Toxic also follows suit.”

However, the exhibitors were already at their wits' end over the clash and the news of the runtimes of Dhurandhar: The Revenge and Toxic have added to their woes. A single-screen cinema hall owner, said on condition of anonymity, sighed, “The distributors anyway were not going to be ready for show-sharing. But we hoped that it might be possible, especially if both films had concise lengths. But now, there’s no chance. It’ll be a challenge even for theatres with multiple screens to accommodate sufficient shows of both films.”

Meanwhile, it’s a crucial week as the trailer of Dhurandhar: The Revenge will be launched digitally on March 3, as confirmed by Bollywood Hungama yesterday in an article. As for Toxic, the makers have planned a grand trailer launch on March 8 in Bengaluru. Directed by Geetu Mohandas, it marks the return of Yash of KGF fame and also stars Kiara Advani, Nayanthara, Huma Qureshi, Akshay Oberoi and others.

Also Read: IMAX bets big on India: Ramayana, Toxic gets special mention in IMAX quarterly report amid RECORD $1.28 billion global box office earnings in 2025 from 1796 properties

Tiger Shroff celebrates his birthday today, March 2, and on this special occasion, Bollywood Hungama brings exciting news which will be lapped up by his fans. We have learned from reliable sources that Tiger’s upcoming film by director Ram Madhvani and producer Mahaveer Jain has been given a title.

A source told Bollywood Hungama, “The film is named Vajra. The makers, as well as Tiger, feel that the title is apt for the storyline and also because it's connected with our rich Indian culture.”

The source continued, “In Vajra, Tiger Shroff will be seen in a never-seen-before avatar, one that blends raw power with emotional depth. He is extremely excited about Vajra and its concept and is working very hard. He's determined to give the audience an experience that they'll cherish. Ram Madhvani and Mahaveer Jain are also going all out to mount their spiritual big-budget action film on a grand scale.”

In November 2025, Bollywood Hungama was the first to report that Tiger Shroff had signed on for Ram Madhvani and Mahaveer Jain's film. At that time, a source had told us, “It's a spiritual action thriller. This has never been attempted before in Indian cinema. It has an appeal and huge potential for a global audience and not just the moviegoers of the Indian diaspora.”

The source continued, “Tiger Shroff will be undergoing extensive preparation for this ambitious film. It will go on floors in the second quarter of 2026. A major portion of the film will be shot in Japan.”

Also Read: Tiger Shroff delivers energetic stage performance on Valentine’s Day eve in Delhi

Sanjay Leela Bhansali is among the most celebrated directors of Indian Film industry, whose cinema has stood the test of time. His next, Love And War is a casting coup of the decade as the maverick filmmaker has brought Ranbir Kapoor, Alia Bhatt and Vicky Kaushal together for the first time. Earlier in the week, there were viral reports on how Love and War budget has shot up to Rs. 425 crores, and the production has gone into turmoil.

However, our reliable sources close to the project confirm that Love And War is proceeding as planned. "Love And War budgets have shot up for sure, but it happens with all Sanjay Leela Bhansali films. Initially, it was planned as a Rs. 250 crore epic, and the costs through the shoot have now shot up to Rs. 350 crores. SLB doesn't compromise on his vision, and he is passionately filming this, which he believes could be his best work to date. The Rs. 425 crore figure of cost of production is trying to harm the project on purpose, and there is no truth to the claims," a source shared with Bollywood Hungama.

The source told us further, "Unlike many high on VFX films, Love And War is largely shot on sets, with recreation of the era gone by. This doesn't cost much. Anyone who understands filmmaking would say that the Rs. 425 crore budget is a bluff. But truth finds its way, and it's for the people to know that Love And War is a Rs. 350 crore film, and the makers plan to splurge another Rs. 30 crore on marketing, taking total landing cost to Rs. 380 crore."

As for the release, Love And War will now be released in 2027, between the two Ramayana films. The shoot will be wrapped up by June.

Also Read: SCOOP: Ranbir Kapoor’s special request to Sanjay Leela Bhansali; release Love And War in June 2026

R Madhavan, his wife Sarita and son Vedaant, who are Dubai residents, got away from the current shutdown of the city.

The actor and his family are currently holidaying away from Dubai.

When this writer contacted Madhavan, he replied, “We are all fine. Thank you so much for the concern. I am in the US with the family.” Madhavan and his family intend to stay put in the US until Dubai returns to normal.

Kalpana Iyer, who is also a Dubai resident, confirmed to this writer that she is fine and safe.

Also Read: R Madhavan reveals how wife Sarita once ‘kicked him out’ during lockdown

On February 27, the Division Bench of the Kerala High Court, comprising Justice Sushrut Arvind Dharmadhikari and Justice P V Balakrishnan, stayed a Single Judge’s interim order that had halted the release of the film The Kerala Story 2: Goes Beyond for 15 days.

The Single Judge had relied on excerpts from the film’s teaser to conclude that the content had the prima facie potential to disturb communal harmony and that the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) may not have adequately applied its mind under Section 5B of the Cinematograph Act, 1952. However, the appellate Bench emphasized a critical constitutional principle: once the CBFC, a statutory expert body, has granted certification after viewing the film in its entirety, courts must ordinarily presume due application of mind.

In arriving at this conclusion, the Bench drew heavily from two landmark Supreme Court precedents. First, in Prakash Jha Productions v. Union of India, decided in 2011 in the context of the film Aarakshan, the Supreme Court held that once a film has been certified by the CBFC, States cannot suspend or prohibit its exhibition merely on apprehensions of law and order problems. The Court made it clear that maintaining public order is the responsibility of the State, not a ground to curtail certified expression.

Second, the Bench relied on Viacom18 Media Pvt. Ltd. v. Union of India, the 2018 judgment concerning the film Padmaavat. In that case, the Supreme Court reaffirmed that creative content is protected under Article 19(1)(a) of the Constitution. Once certification is granted, there exists a presumption that statutory guidelines, including those relating to public order and communal harmony, have been duly considered. States cannot pre-emptively block exhibition on speculative grounds.

The Kerala High Court noted that the petitioners had not viewed the film in full and were relying solely on teaser clippings. It further observed that the producer had incorporated modifications directed by the CBFC, reinforcing the inference of due scrutiny. Therefore, merely on the basis of selective excerpts, the finding of non-application of mind could not be sustained.

In Viacom18 Media Private Limited and others v. Union of India and others [(2018) 1 SCC 761], the Supreme Court of India stayed state-imposed bans (Gujarat, Rajasthan, etc.) on the film Padmaavat upholding freedom of expression. The court ruled that states cannot prohibit a film already certified by the CBFC, as maintaining law and order is a state responsibility, not a ground to curtail film exhibition.

Meanwhile, M/S Prakash Jha Productions & Anr vs Union Of India & Ors (2011) 8 SCC 372 is a landmark Supreme Court case affirming that state governments cannot ban films already certified by the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC). The court held that once cleared, a film’s screening cannot be halted due to hypothetical public unrest, reinforcing freedom of speech.

Also Read: Kerala HC Division Bench lifts stay on The Kerala Story 2: Goes Beyond

Producer Vipul Amrutlal Shah has stated that The Kerala Story 2: Goes Beyond does not target the state of Kerala or its people. His remarks came after the Kerala High Court Division Bench vacated the interim stay on the film’s release on Friday, February 27, clearing the path for its theatrical run.

Addressing the media shortly after the court’s decision, Shah said that the legal hurdle had been removed and screenings had begun. He described the film as a “true” account made after considerable effort and rejected allegations from certain quarters that it promotes propaganda.

“The Kerala High Court Division Bench has withdrawn the stay that we got yesterday. And they have cleared the way for the release of the film. Now our shows have already started opening. So I request the people that this is a true film made with a lot of hard work. And the biggest proof of the truth of our film is that the Kerala court has vacated the stay order. If our film was a lie, then the Kerala court would have seen it and the stay order would not have been vacated,” he said.

#WATCH | Mumbai: Kerala High Court Division Bench lifts the stay on the release of the film Kerala Story 2 Kerala Story 2 Producer Vipul Amrutlal Shah says, "Neither our film, nor I, nor anyone in my team is against the state of Kerala or the people of Kerala. Kerala is a… pic.twitter.com/caiaeJcktn

— ANI (@ANI) February 27, 2026

Shah also expressed gratitude to the court on behalf of his team and appealed to audiences in Kerala to approach the film with an open mind. Emphasising that neither he nor his team holds any bias against the state—often referred to as ‘God’s Own Country’—he maintained that the intention behind the project was not to malign Kerala.

With the stay lifted, attention now shifts to the film’s release plans across theatres. The Kerala Story 2: Goes Beyond features Ulka Gupta, Aditi Bhatia, and Aishwarya Ojha in the lead roles.

An official update on its wider theatrical rollout is awaited.

Also Read: Kerala HC Division Bench lifts stay on The Kerala Story 2: Goes Beyond

Amid reports suggesting that Rohit Shetty’s Golmaal 5 would adapt the 1980 classic Do Aur Do Paanch, producer Deepak Mukut has set the record straight. Mukut, who owns the remake rights to the film, confirms that he, and not Shetty who is developing a new version of Do Aur Do Paanch, and intends to take it on floors soon.

“I don’t know where or how the news of someone else doing Do Aur Do Paanch came from. I had to issue a public notice to prevent anyone else from remaking it. I am very serious about doing the film. For nearly ten years, I wanted to remake it with Bobby Deol and Abhishek Bachchan,” says Mukut.

The original film, directed by Rakesh Kumar, featured Amitabh Bachchan and Shashi Kapoor as two small-time crooks posing as schoolteachers in a plot to kidnap a wealthy businessman’s son. Hema Malini played a genuine teacher at the same school, adding romance and comic tension to the caper.

Interestingly, when Do Aur Do Paanch released in 1980, it turned out to be a rare box-office disappointment in Amitabh Bachchan’s otherwise golden run. The film’s performance was affected by its proximity to Suhaag, directed by Manmohan Desai, which also starred Bachchan and Kapoor and had already become a major success.

Meanwhile, industry buzz suggests that a separate project may pair Ajay Devgn and Akshay Kumar in the comedy space for the first time. The two actors have collaborated on several action films in the past, beginning with Suhaag, directed by Kuku Kohli (not to be confused with Desai’s earlier film of the same name).

For now, however, Deepak Mukut remains firm: the remake of Do Aur Do Paanch is very much his project and he plans to bring the classic caper back to the big screen on his own terms.

Also Read: EXCLUSIVE: From 50 screens to 1200 screens – producer Deepak Mukut reveals how STUNNED exhibitors increased Sanam Teri Kasam’s shows due to CRAZY demand from fans

Actor-entrepreneur Shilpa Shetty has expanded her hospitality portfolio with the launch of Bastian Hospitality’s first beach club in Mumbai. The new property, Bastian Beach Club, was unveiled alongside founder Ranjit Bindra at the iconic Sun-n-Sand in Juhu.

Positioned as the city’s first all-day beachfront destination, the club brings together dining, music, leisure and wellness in one large-format space overlooking the Arabian Sea. With direct sea views and a sprawling pool at its centre, the venue aims to introduce a European-style beach club experience to Mumbai’s social circuit. Design and space Designed by Minal Chopra, the property draws aesthetic cues from coastal destinations such as Ibiza, Mykonos and Saint-Tropez. Open layouts, fluid indoor-outdoor transitions and a neutral coastal palette define the space, while the sea-facing deck and pool area serve as its visual anchor.

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During the day, the focus is on relaxed lounging. The club is designed to host brunches, family outings and curated children’s activities, alongside wellness-led mornings. As the evening progresses, the mood shifts to sundowners and live DJ-led sessions, eventually transitioning into a high-energy nightlife setting. The food programme The culinary direction combines popular dishes from Bastian’s existing menu with influences from Inka, offering Asian and Latin-inspired flavours. The small plates section includes dishes such as Veg Dry Corn Ceviche with chipotle and green apple, Like Guacamole with habanero, and Rock Broccolini tossed with curry leaf and chilli. Seafood options feature Hamachi Ceviche paired with sweet potato and tiger milk.

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Sushi, bao and dumplings form a key part of the menu, while larger plates include the Tropical Bowl with coconut milk and turmeric-spiced cottage cheese and Kinoko Hikari with wild mushrooms and truffle oil. Non-vegetarian offerings include the 5 Pimientas Chicken Bowl and Arabian Seabass Amazonico.

Desserts range from tiramisu and cheesecake to a hazelnut pull-me-up cake and a citrus-forward lime-lemon creation. Cocktail-led evenings The bar menu has been curated to complement the coastal theme. The Sakura Cloud Martini blends gin, sake and lychee topped with jasmine foam. Tigre Verde pairs vodka with coriander and citrus, while Pacific Breeze combines tequila with lemongrass, ginger and coconut water. The Shogun Mojito introduces shiso and sake into the classic mix.

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Bastian Beach Club is located at 39, Sun-n-Sand, Juhu Beach, Mumbai. It operates from Tuesday to Sunday, 4 pm to 1 am. The weekend cover charge is priced at Rs 5,000 per person.

Also Read: Shilpa Shetty performs puja for new Bastian outlet in Goa amid Rs 60 crores fraud case

Actor Aamir Khan has shared a health update on veteran screenwriter Salim Khan, revealing that he remains in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) following a recent medical procedure.

Speaking to the media at a recent event, Aamir said he had gone to visit Salim Khan at the hospital but could not meet him directly as he is currently in the ICU. “Main Salim Sahab se milne gaya tha. Hum sab dua kar rahe hain ki woh jaldi se theek ho jaayen because he is in the ICU. I couldn't meet him personally but sat with the family,” he said.

The actor added that he has been receiving regular updates about the writer’s condition from the family. “Jo mujhe Alvira ji bata rahi hai, har roz unki health improve ho rahi hai. Hum sab prarthna kar rahe hain ki woh jaldi ghar aa jaayen aur unki health bhi wapas aa jaaye,” Aamir shared, expressing hope that Salim Khan will soon return home.

Salim Khan was rushed to Lilavati Hospital a few days ago. On February 18, doctors confirmed that a Digital Subtraction Angiography (DSA) procedure had been successfully performed by a neurosurgeon. The attending physician had addressed the media outside the hospital to confirm the development.

Subsequently, reports suggested that the family, including actor Salman Khan, was upset over the public disclosure of detailed medical information and had reportedly requested hospital authorities to refrain from sharing further health updates.

Also Read: Shah Rukh Khan visits Salim Khan at Lilavati Hospital amid health scare; video of late-night visit goes viral

On February 26, Prime Video announced the exclusive global streaming premiere of Ikkis, a powerful biographical war drama inspired by the extraordinary true story of India’s youngest Param Vir Chakra recipient, Second Lieutenant Arun Khetarpal.

Directed by National Award-winning filmmaker Sriram Raghavan, the film is headlined by Agastya Nanda as young Arun Khetarpal PVC, alongside a powerhouse ensemble cast, including late Dharmendra in a touching final on-screen appearance as Brigadier Khetarpal, and Jaideep Ahlawat, Simar Bhatia, and Rahul Dev in key roles. Ikkis is produced by Dinesh Vijan and co-produced by Binny Padda under the banner of Maddock Films and is now available to stream exclusively on Prime Video.

At its heart, Ikkis traces the short yet extraordinary life of Arun Khetarpal, PVC, a 21-year-old officer whose fearless leadership during the Battle of Basantar posthumously earned him the nation’s highest military honour. Thoughtfully crafted and emotionally engaging, the film offers audiences a powerful and immersive viewing experience as it moves between the battleground and the aftermath, where a father seeks to piece together the fragments of his son’s final days; finding meaning in the silence left behind.

While rooted in wartime action, Ikkis transcends the genre to explore themes of valour, humanity, the futility of war, and the emotional scars left behind by conflict and partition. It is a moving story that honours bravery while reflecting on the cost a generation pays for it.

Also Read: Sriram Raghavan BREAKS silence on ‘Pakistan is not trustworthy’ disclaimer in Ikkis: “I was personally NOT happy with it”

Filmmaker Vikas Bahl is set to explore new ground with a full-fledged musical romance drama. The yet-untitled project will star Siddhant Chaturvedi and Alizeh Agnihotri in the lead roles and is being produced by Reliance Entertainment.

According to a report by Variety India, the upcoming film is said to be inspired by the rise of the UK Punjabi underground movement of the 1990s — a period when music became a marker of identity for the post-immigrant generation. Blending traditional Punjabi folk with Western influences, the movement created a distinct cross-cultural sound that resonated widely across communities in the United Kingdom.

Set against this backdrop, Bahl’s film will centre on a love story shaped by ambition, identity and artistic aspiration. Siddhant will reportedly play a drummer, while Alizeh will essay the role of a singer. The narrative is expected to trace their personal and creative journeys during what is often regarded as a defining era for UK Punjabi music.

Bahl, known for films such as Queen, Super 30 and Shaitaan, has completed the script and is preparing to move into pre-production. Shooting is planned for the second half of 2026.

The project will mark Siddhant’s second collaboration with Bahl after their upcoming romantic comedy Dil Ka Darwaza Khol Na Darling, which is slated for release later this year. The actor was recently seen in Do Deewane Seher Mein and is expected to begin work on a biopic based on legendary filmmaker V. Shantaram before starting this musical.

Alizeh made her acting debut with Farrey, the Hindi adaptation of the Thai film Bad Genius. Bahl’s musical will mark her second feature outing.

Also Read: Siddhant Chaturvedi expresses desire to play Yuvraj Singh in biopic: “I’ll keep manifesting it”

Filmmaker Sanjay Leela Bhansali is “absolutely fine,” his team confirmed, putting to rest speculation about his health that surfaced earlier in the day.

Reports had claimed that the director was hospitalised in Mumbai after allegedly suffering a heart attack on his 63rd birthday. The claims circulated widely on social media before being addressed by an official statement from his production banner, Bhansali Productions.

“Mr. Sanjay Leela Bhansali is doing absolutely fine. He has gone in for a routine medical check-up and there is no cause for concern. We sincerely appreciate the love, care, and concern shown by everyone. Thank you for your continued support and warm wishes,” the statement read.

The clarification comes after unverified posts suggested that the filmmaker had been rushed to a hospital following discomfort. However, his team has categorically denied the reports, confirming that the visit was part of a regular health check.

Speaking of the professional front, Bhansali is currently in the middle of filming Love & War, a period drama starring Ranbir Kapoor, Alia Bhatt and Vicky Kaushal.

Also Read: “You sculpt feelings”: Manisha Koirala pens heartfelt tribute to Sanjay Leela Bhansali on his birthday

The Big Fat South Indian Wedding of Rashmika Mandanna and Vijay Deverakonda on February 26 promises to be special on many counts. A guest from the Udaipur venue revealed that the couple intends to go through two separate ceremonies.

“The first wedding will be in the Telugu tradition while the second ceremony will be in the Kodava tradition, peculiar to the Coorg district in Karnataka, which Rashmika belongs to,” revealed a guest from Udaipur.

Apparently, it was Vijay’s idea to have two different ceremonies to honour the culture and communities that the couple belongs to.

Also Read: Rashmika Mandanna-Vijay Deverakonda wedding: From taking just a short break post-marriage to starting their joint production house, here’s the dope around the star couple before their big leap

Filmmaker Ram Gopal Varma has stirred a fresh debate on the future of cinema, calling AI tool “Seedance 2.0” the “murderer of the film industry” while also describing it as a force of liberation.

In a post shared on February 25, 2026, Varma argued that advanced AI filmmaking tools could dismantle the traditional structure of the movie business. Referring to blockbuster filmmaker S. S. Rajamouli, he wrote that directors like Rajamouli command massive budgets due to their proven creative vision and track record. However, he questioned how many equally talented storytellers across India never get access to funding or industry networks.

According to Varma, tools like Seedance 2.0 have “kicked the gate down and set it on fire,” enabling creators from small towns to generate large-scale, cinematic visuals using descriptive prompts alone. He described it as “true democracy in motion,” suggesting that AI shifts power away from a select few and into the hands of the masses.

Varma went further, predicting a structural collapse of the current filmmaking ecosystem. “A director’s primary job is to take a scene on paper and transfer it onto screen,” he wrote, listing the vast crew involved in the process. Advanced AI, he claimed, could eliminate the need for actors, technicians, production teams and even large budgets.

“No more star issues. No more producers panicking over budgets. No more 300 people standing around waiting for one shot. Just one person. One prompt. One mind,” he stated.

Calling the evolution inevitable, Varma likened the shift to an asteroid striking dinosaurs. “The dinosaurs had their 100 year reign. Now the asteroid has arrived. And its name is A I,” he wrote, adding that the industry “will get murdered brutally — not slowly, not peacefully.”

SEEDANCE 2.0 , the MURDERER of FILM INDUSTRY Leaving aside its copyright infringements etc which is another matter , here’s my take on Seedance 2.0

@ssrajsmouli is the no. 1 director because he makes the most expensive films and the most successful ..People fund him a 1000…

— Ram Gopal Varma (@RGVzoomin) February 25, 2026

He concluded by posing a provocative question: Is this the death of the film industry, or its ultimate democratisation?

Varma’s remarks have already sparked conversations on the social media platform, reigniting the ongoing debate over whether artificial intelligence will disrupt or redefine the future of cinema.

Also Read: Ram Gopal Verma says he “pities the ones who will come in Dhurandhar 2’s way” ahead of its release on March 19

Actress Priyamani has reportedly joined the cast of Golmaal 5, the latest instalment of Rohit Shetty’s popular comedy franchise. The development marks her reunion with Ajay Devgn after their collaboration in Maidaan.

According to Variety India, the first shooting schedule is expected to span approximately a month. Filming for the film commenced on Monday, February 23, in Mumbai, with Ajay Devgn slated to join the sets on February 25. While details about Priyamani’s character are being kept under wraps, reports suggest that she has already begun shooting her portions.

The Golmaal franchise remains one of Hindi cinema’s most commercially successful comedy series, known for its ensemble-driven storytelling and recurring characters. The fifth instalment will see the return of its core cast, including Ajay Devgn, Arshad Warsi, Tusshar Kapoor, Kunal Kemmu and Shreyas Talpade. Veteran performers Johnny Lever, Sanjay Mishra, Mukesh Tiwari and Ashwini Kalsekar are also set to reprise their popular roles.

There have also been reports suggesting that Akshay Kumar may join the cast. However, the makers have not officially confirmed this development.

The film’s production gains momentum weeks after an alarming incident at Rohit Shetty’s Juhu residence, where five rounds of bullets were reportedly fired. The Mumbai Crime Branch investigation revealed that the vehicle used in the firing was sourced from Pune. Officials earlier stated that the accused, including Subham Lonkar, allegedly intended to create panic in the city. Investigators also said that Rs 40,000 was transferred to one of the arrested accused, who was in contact with Lonkar through a single messaging application.

Also Read: SCOOP: Rohit Shetty takes the Do Aur Do Paanch route for Golmaal 5; sets up a Tom & Jerry rivalry between Ajay Devgn and Akshay Kumar

For years, actor Amitabh Bachchan has maintained a Sunday tradition of greeting fans outside his Juhu residence, Jalsa. However, this past weekend, the actor skipped the ritual due to work commitments. He has now revealed that he was in Hyderabad to begin shooting for the sequel to Kalki 2898 AD.

On February 24, Bachchan took to his blog to explain his absence. Sharing pictures of fans gathered outside his home despite prior notice, he wrote, “told them that this Sunday I shall not be able to come, since I was shooting in Hyderabad .. but still they come .. to confirm .. ... even this cute little fellow (dog),” alongside images showing a sea of admirers waiting to catch a glimpse of him.

Later, the actor apologised to his fans and confirmed that work on the sequel had commenced. He also shared behind-the-scenes photographs from the set, including images of his transformation into Ashwatthama and a candid moment with co-star Kamal Haasan.

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Expressing his happiness at collaborating with Haasan again, Bachchan wrote, “but apologies .. work first .. rest later .. ... and meeting up with the great KAMAL HAASAN ... we shall be working together after ages .. last in Giraftar .. Kalki 2 begun the work .. and shall ever cherish the love and affection of anticipated presence on the Sunday .. but hopefully shall be with all this coming Sunday ..My love.”

The sequel, directed by Nag Ashwin, has gone on floors months after reports emerged about Deepika Padukone’s exit from the franchise. While the makers have not officially announced a replacement for her character SUM-80 (Sumathi), there have been reports suggesting that Sai Pallavi is in advanced talks to step into the role.

Also Read: Amitabh Bachchan skips Sunday meet at Jalsa, assures fans “shall meet up soon”

Actor Tara Sutaria has marked a significant personal milestone by purchasing her first home in Mumbai. Sharing the news with her followers on social media, the actress offered a glimpse into her new space, describing the move as the beginning of a new chapter in her life.

Posting a series of photographs from inside the house, Tara wrote, “To new beginnings.. / To endless laughter and love in my first home and to embracing 2026 with arms wide open.” The images reflect a tastefully designed home with warm lighting, neutral tones, and a blend of vintage and contemporary décor.

One of the pictures shows Tara dressed in an elegant ivory sari, seated with folded hands beside a large arrangement of white flowers placed in a silver urn. The living area features a wooden coffee table, upholstered seating, and softly lit display shelves adorned with framed photographs, books, vinyl records, and decorative artefacts. A chandelier adds a classic touch to the space.

Another wide-angle photograph captures her adjusting a floral arrangement in the living room, offering a clearer look at the cream-toned sofas, textured rug, and carefully curated shelves. In a separate frame, Tara is seen standing beside a grand piano in what appears to be a dedicated music corner, hinting at her well-known love for singing and performing arts. The room is accented with framed artwork, indoor plants, and a polished wooden floor laid in a herringbone pattern.

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Several members of the film fraternity congratulated the actor in the comments section, including Krishna Shroff, Disha Patani, Rhea Chakraborty, and Mahima Chaudhary, among others.

The development comes shortly after reports suggested that Tara had parted ways with Veer Pahariya. The two reportedly began dating in early 2025 and made their relationship public by mid-year, frequently appearing together at events and on social media. However, speculation about a split gained momentum in recent weeks, with industry reports claiming that the couple had quietly ended their relationship.

On the professional front, Tara will next be seen in Toxic, headlined by Yash.

Also Read: Tara Sutaria steps out with Rs. 3.32 lakh Gucci Diana Mini, making a quiet power statement

The Kerala Story 2: Goes Beyond is all set to release this Friday, February 27, and it has managed to create considerable noise on social media because of its shocking and controversial content. Usually, such films often contain disturbing content and, as a result, are meant for only adult-viewing. Hence, it was a surprise for the trade and industry that the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) passed the film with a U/A 16+ certificate.

However, the CBFC asked for 16 cuts or modifications in the film. To begin with, the visuals of kissing were reduced by 50%. In short, the lip-lock scene was shortened by 7 seconds. Similarly, the rape scene visuals were also reduced by 50%, that is, by 20 seconds. Two scenes - one of a woman being slapped and the other of a woman's head being hit - were both reduced by 2 seconds.

The visuals of the house of the accused being demolished with a bulldozer were asked to be modified. Three dialogues, at three different places, were modified while a word was asked to be muted. However, no details of these are available in the cut list.

The makers were instructed to add a disclaimer that the film is based on true events. The duration of the static text, presumably a disclaimer, was asked to be increased by 2 minute and 3 seconds, along with voice over. The makers were asked to submit the script, as per script dialogue and also submit proper documents for a true event depicted in the film. Finally, a consent letter was submitted to the CBFC for casting a minor artist in the film.

Once these changes were made, The Kerala Story 2: Goes Beyond was handed over the censor certificate on February 16. The length of the film, as mentioned on the censor certificate, is 131.24 minutes. In other words, The Kerala Story 2: Goes Beyond is 2 hours, 11 minutes and 24 seconds long.

The Kerala Story 2: Goes Beyond is produced by Vipul Shah and directed by Kamakhya Narayan Singh. It stars Ulka Gupta, Aditi Bhatia and Aishwarya Ojha in leading roles. It releases in cinemas on February 27.

Also Read: Makers of the The Kerala Story 2: Goes Beyond unveil character posters of Ulka Gupta, Aishwarya Ojha and Aditi Bhatia

As excitement builds around the upcoming wedding of Rashmika Mandanna and Vijay Deverakonda, new details about the ceremony’s traditional elements have surfaced. A source close to the couple has revealed that the celebrations will incorporate distinct South Indian customs, offering guests an authentic cultural experience.

“Guests at Rashmika vijay wedding are likely to experience a touch of South Indian tradition, with meals served on banana leaves and coconut water being specially arranged as part of the hospitality,” the source shared.

The detail suggests that despite their pan-India popularity and high-profile status, the couple intends to keep the ceremony rooted in regional traditions. Serving food on banana leaves is a customary practice in many South Indian weddings, symbolising prosperity and auspicious beginnings, while coconut water is often associated with purity and welcome.

The couple confirmed their wedding on February 22 via Instagram, announcing that the ceremony will be known as “The Wedding of VIROSH” — a name coined by fans who combined their names years ago. In a heartfelt note, they dedicated the celebration to their supporters, stating that the identity created by admirers had become an integral part of their journey together.

While the emotional announcement garnered significant attention online, preparations now appear to be in full swing. The duo is expected to tie the knot on February 26 in an intimate ceremony in Udaipur, attended by close family and friends. A grand reception is reportedly planned for March in Hyderabad, following an invitation that recently went viral on social media.

Over the years, Rashmika and Vijay have maintained a strong fan following both individually and as a pair, with speculation about their relationship frequently making headlines. By formally acknowledging “VIROSH” as part of their wedding identity, the actors have turned what would typically be a private milestone into a shared celebration with their audience.

With traditional hospitality details now emerging, anticipation continues to grow around what is being described as one of the most talked-about weddings of the year.

Also Read: Photos: Rashmika Mandanna and Vijay Deverakonda spotted at Udaipur airport

The Red Lorry Film Festival, India’s premier destination for world cinema, will present a special retrospective honouring acclaimed filmmaker Pradip Krishen, spotlighting his rare and influential body of work.

Titled A Retrospective Celebrating Filmmaker Pradip Krishen, the showcase will revisit three of Krishen’s most distinctive films: In Which Annie Gives It Those Ones, Electric Moon, and Massey Sahib, offering audiences a chance to experience his sharp storytelling.

Pradip Krishen remains one of Indian cinema’s most original filmmakers. His campus cult classic In Which Annie Gives It Those Ones, written by Arundhati Roy captured the spirit of 1970s Delhi student life with wit and quiet rebellion. His debut feature Massey Sahib earned international acclaim and launched the career of Raghuvir Yadav, while Electric Moon stood out for its satirical take on post colonial India. Beyond cinema, Krishen stepped away from filmmaking to become one of India’s leading naturalists.

Ashish Saksena, COO Cinemas, BookMyShow and Festival Director, Red Lorry Film Festival, said, “Pradip Krishen’s films occupy a special place in Indian cinema for their originality, intelligence and cultural depth. Through this retrospective, we are proud to bring his landmark works back to the big screen for new and longtime audiences of the Red Lorry Film Festival.”

“This is a pinch-me-to-see-if-I’m-dreaming moment for me! Truly an honour to have all 3 of my films shown together at the Red Lorry Festival in Mumbai. Wonderful to be able to see them return to the big screen,” says filmmaker Pradip Krishen.

The Red Lorry Film Festival will be held from 13 to 15 March in Mumbai and will feature over 120 films from across the world. Festival passes are now available on BookMyShow.

Also Read: Subhash Ghai jokes at Karz screening at Red Lorry Film Festival: “Date during my film and you’ll end up married” – Neetu Kapoor agrees; takes a dig at Filmfare for snubbing Simi Garewal’s performance, says “It’s their LOSS”