One of India’s most iconic OTT franchises makes its long-awaited leap to cinemas. The makers announced September 4 as the theatrical release date of Mirzapur: The Movie, promising audiences a larger-than-life cinematic experience rooted in the gritty world they love. The film brings back iconic characters of Mirzapur — Kaleen Bhaiya (Pankaj Tripathi), Guddu Pandit (Ali Fazal), and marks the much-anticipated comeback of Munna Bhaiya (Divyenndu), one of the franchise’s most loved characters. Now, for the first time ever, the cult saga of Mirzapur steps into cinemas, transforming its beloved world into an epic big-screen experience.

The ensemble cast also includes Jitendra Kumar, Ravi Kishan, Abhishek Banerjee, Rasika Duggal, Shweta Tripathi, Shriya Pilgaonkar, Harshita Gaur, Sushant Singh, Mohit Malik, Sheeba Chadha, Rajesh Tailang, Kulbhushan Kharbanda, Sonal Chauhan, Pramod Pathak and Anangsha Biswas.

View this post on Instagram

  A post shared by Excel Entertainment (@excelmovies)

Amazon MGM Studios, and Excel Entertainment present an Excel Entertainment Production, directed by Gurmmeet Singh and written by Puneet Krishna. The film releases in cinemas on September 4, 2026.

Also Read: Ali Fazal announces wrap of Mirzapur: The Film final schedule: “We brought our A game when the camera rolled up”

Actor and entrepreneur Vivek Oberoi has approached the Delhi High Court, filing a civil suit seeking protection of his personality and publicity rights amid alleged widespread misuse of his identity through fake social media accounts, unauthorised merchandise and AI-generated content.

In the petition filed through advocates Sana Raees Khan and Pranay Chitale, Oberoi asserts that his name, image, voice, likeness and other distinctive attributes associated with him are being exploited without his consent for commercial and other gains. The suit names entities such as Collector Bazar, ZoomMantra and Indiancontent among the defendants, alongside unidentified individuals labelled as John Doe.

Oberoi’s legal team has sought a permanent injunction to restrain infringement of his personality rights, alleging that the defendants are actively impersonating him on platforms such as Instagram by operating fake accounts using his identity. The plea also highlights the sale of unauthorised merchandise — including posters, T-shirts and postcards bearing his name and likeness — on various e-commerce sites.

A significant aspect of the suit focuses on the alleged misuse of artificial intelligence and deepfake technology. Oberoi contends that AI-generated content has been used to create misleading and derogatory depictions of him, including superimposing his face onto objectionable imagery and spreading facts that he says are false. The petition describes this as potentially harmful to his reputation, creating public confusion about fake endorsements and diluting his personal identity.

Oberoi has argued that unchecked use of generative AI poses a serious risk to personality and publicity rights, leading to “public confusion regarding false endorsements, dilution of personal identity, infringement of privacy and erosion of an individual’s exclusive right to commercially benefit from their persona.”

Because such activities are widely accessible online, the actor has described it as nearly impossible to identify every infringer individually. In light of this, he has sought an omnibus ‘John Doe’ injunction to cover unknown persons found violating his rights.

Claiming that he has already suffered and is likely to suffer irreparable harm to his goodwill, reputation and business interests, Oberoi has urged the High Court to order the removal of unauthorised posts, merchandise and content, and to restrain further misuse of his identity in any form.

Also Read: Vivek Oberoi, Mona Singh, Sunny Leone, Lauren Gottlieb and other celebs share intimate glimpses from their Christmas 2025 celebrations

Sandeep Reddy Vanga’s Ranbir Kapoor-starrer blockbuster Animal may be getting even bigger than originally planned. While Animal Park, the second instalment of the franchise, is still in the scripting stage, strong industry buzz suggests that Vanga could be contemplating expanding the narrative into a three-part saga.

Though there has been no official announcement yet, sources familiar with the development indicate that the filmmaker’s creative ambitions for the sequel may have outgrown the idea of a simple two-part structure. “Vanga’s original plan was to tell the story in two films,” a source close to the project told this writer. “But while writing the second part, he realised the narrative had far more depth and material than could be contained in just one more instalment. That’s when the possibility of a third part entered the picture.”

If this plan moves forward, Ranbir Kapoor is expected to remain the common thread across all three films. Interestingly, insiders suggest that the antagonist may not be constant through the trilogy, with different villains potentially driving the conflict in Animal Park and a possible third film, allowing each chapter to explore new dimensions of the story.

At the moment, all decisions remain contingent on the final scripting of Animal Park. However, if the speculation proves true, Animal could well evolve into one of the most expansive character-driven franchises in recent Hindi cinema, redefining how dark, adult-themed narratives are mounted on a blockbuster scale.

Also Read: Ranbir Kapoor on Animal Park says: “It will be bigger, bolder, and more engaging”

The exciting teaser of Dacoit was launched with much fanfare in December in the presence of its lead actors, Adivi Sesh, Mrunal Thakur and Anurag Kashyap. The Pan-India action entertainer was scheduled to release on March 19, 2026 and Bollywood Hungama has now exclusively learned that Dacoit has been pushed.

A source told Bollywood Hungama, “With March witnessing multiple releases and announcements, the makers of Dacoit have thoughtfully realigned the film’s release plans, shifting the date to April 10. It was earlier set to arrive alongside Dhurandhar: The Revenge and Toxic: A Fairytale For Grown-Ups, making it a time when multiple highly anticipated films were slated to release together. The team holds great respect for both Dhurandhar as well as Toxic and their creative teams, and firmly believes that every theatrical release deserves its own moment with audiences.”

Trade sources believe that postponing the release date of Dacoit, previously described by the makers as a ‘gold fish’ among larger releases, reflects the maker’s confidence in the film’s content and its ability to strike a chord with the audiences. The source added, “Staying true to that thought, the decision to move to April 10 comes from a place of fairness and clarity, ensuring that Dacoit gets its due spotlight while audiences can enjoy all films on their own terms. It also reflects strategic planning and thoughtful timing, focused on the film’s theatrical experience.”

Dacoit is directed by Abhinay Deo, produced by Supriya Yarlagadda and backed by S S Creations and Suniel Narang Production. As for Dhurandhar: The Revenge, it is the sequel to the much-loved blockbuster, Dhurandhar (2025) and stars Ranveer Singh and others. Meanwhile, Toxic: A Fairytale For Grown-Ups, directed by Geetu Mohandas, is a multi-starrer, starring Yash of KGF fame, Nayanthara, Kiara Advani, Huma Qureshi, Tara Sutaria, Rukmini Vasanth, Akshay Oberoi and others.

Also Read: Adivi Sesh wraps final schedule of Dacoit ahead of its anticipated festive release in March: “This film has been an intense journey”

A few days ago, leaked images from the sets of Dhurandhar The Revenge dropped online and quickly spread like wildfire. The images featured Sanjay Dutt and Arjun Rampal shooting in South Mumbai’s Ballard Estate. The locality can also be seen being transformed into Karachi’s Lyari locality. However, two days ago, the shoot was abruptly halted by the Mumbai Police for flying a drone without permission.

As per a report in Mumbai Mirror, a First Information Report (FIR) was filed against location manager Rinku Rajpal Valmiki under Section 223 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) for “knowingly disobeying lawful orders from officials”. The FIR mentioned that the crew used drones but did not have permission. What added to the seriousness, as per the report, was that Fort is considered a high-security area of the city.

The Mumbai Mirror article then revealed on February 1, Sanjay Dutt had arrived on the set and was shooting a crucial scene of Dhurandhar The Revenge. He was wearing a white pathani suit and had a gun in his hand. The drone was meant to capture his dramatic walk. However, all of a sudden, the cops arrived and the shoot was stopped.

As per the Mumbai Mirror report, Zonal DCP Pravin Mundhe confirmed that an FIR has indeed been filed and that Rinku Rajpal Valmiki was arrested. The police sources told the tabloid that, though the line producers secured permission from the Maharashtra Film, Stage and Cultural Development Corporation Limited for the shoot, they did not secure permission to fly drones.

The article also carried a quote of a local resident, Sanjay Gurav, who revealed that the team of Dhurandhar The Revenge had blocked two parallel roads in Fort – Perin Nariman Street and Modi Street – for the shoot for three days, that is, January 30, January 31 and February 1.

Meanwhile, just some time back, the makers of Dhurandhar The Revenge dropped the much-awaited poster of the film, featuring Ranveer Singh in a gory and massy avatar. It reconfirmed that the sequel will indeed release on March 19 this year, as planned.

Also Read: Makers of Dhurandhar: The Revenge CONFIRM March 19, 2026 release; first poster featuring Ranveer Singh out!

Bollywood’s long-running comedy series Golmaal is gearing up for its fifth instalment with a casting development that has drawn notable industry attention. According to an exclusive report by Variety India, actor Akshay Kumar has joined the ensemble of Golmaal 5, set to portray the main antagonist opposite Ajay Devgn’s character in the film.

The Golmaal franchise, directed by Rohit Shetty and first launched in 2006 with Golmaal: Fun Unlimited, has carved its reputation through high-energy humour and a strong ensemble cast. The new instalment is said to expand on that formula by incorporating fantasy elements and a more pronounced antagonist arc, while still preserving the playful tone that defines the series.

Akshay Kumar’s involvement marks a significant addition to the franchise. Known for his work across several successful comedy series, including Hera Pheri, Housefull, and Welcome, Akshay will reportedly take on a negative role that diverges from the usual comic conflicts in the Golmaal universe. This will also be his second consecutive turn as an antagonist, following his role in Priyadarshan’s Haiwaan, where he starred opposite Saif Ali Khan.

Ajay Devgn continues to anchor the Golmaal ensemble, leading a familiar group of actors. Regular cast members such as Arshad Warsi, Tusshar Kapoor, Shreyas Talpade and Kunal Kemmu are expected to return, along with veteran comedians Johnny Lever, Sanjay Mishra, Mukesh Tiwari and Ashwini Kalsekar. There is also speculation that Sharman Joshi may reprise his role, though Kareena Kapoor Khan’s participation has not yet been confirmed.

Production for Golmaal 5 is scheduled to begin by the end of February 2026 at Film City in Mumbai, with a target theatrical release in early 2027. The film arrives as the franchise celebrates two decades since its inception, and it will mark the sixth collaboration between Akshay Kumar and Ajay Devgn, following projects such as Suhaag (1994), Khakee (2004), Insan (2005), Sooryavanshi (2021) and Singham Again (2024).

At the time of the report, the makers had not officially confirmed Akshay Kumar’s casting, leaving some details subject to formal announcements.

Also Read: Akshay Kumar calls Rani Mukerji “Goddeess of acting” as he reviews Mardaani 3: “I saw it. I loved it”

Riding the momentum from his widely successful Border 2, actor Ahan Shetty is set to reunite with cinematic storytelling in a new intense romantic drama directed by Shaad Ali, with principal photography expected to begin by March–April this year. The project marks a creative collaboration between one of Bollywood’s emerging performers and a filmmaker known for his work in memorable love stories.

Following Border 2’s robust box office performance, Ahan has expanded his slate with three new film commitments, one of which is this yet-untitled romance that blends action with emotional depth. “It’s an intense action love story, something I’m returning to after Tadap [2021]. I like such intense characters and the depth they carry,” Shetty told Mid-Day, underlining his interest in roles that challenge him artistically.

The film has been in development, with the creative team currently finalising both the script and music ahead of the planned shoot. Shetty — who is the son of veteran actor Suniel Shetty — described his experience working with director Shaad Ali as collaborative and reassuring. “Shaad sir knows exactly what he wants. I’m excited to work with him because we understand each other. I think he’ll get a great performance out of me. I believe in completely surrendering to my director,” he said.

While further details about the supporting cast and production schedule have yet to be confirmed, the film’s early planning reflects a deliberate approach, with flexibility in its shoot dates as creative elements come together.

Also Read: Suniel Shetty pens emotional note for “Sun” Ahan Shetty as Border 2 releases: “Watching you wear the uniform brings it full circle”

Filmmaker Shazia Iqbal, known for her directorial debut Dhadak 2, has publicly criticised the spy thriller Dhurandhar, calling it “sinister” and asserting that “inciting hate and violence is in its DNA.” Her remarks, shared via Instagram Stories, have sparked debate within Bollywood and among audiences following the film’s successful run and recent Netflix release.

Released in December 2025, Dhurandhar, directed by Aditya Dhar and featuring Ranveer Singh in the lead role, has become one of the highest-grossing Hindi films at the domestic box office. The action-oriented espionage narrative centres on an Indian spy embedded deep within a terror network, and includes a supporting cast of well-known actors such as Akshaye Khanna, Arjun Rampal, R Madhavan, Sanjay Dutt and Sara Arjun.

Shazia Iqbal’s comments did not explicitly name the film in her initial post, but she paired her message with Dhurandhar’s title track, making clear the target of her critique. In her Instagram Story, she described the film as intentionally provocative. “What a sinister film! It’s not hidden, it’s not unintentional — inciting hate and violence is in the DNA of the film,” she wrote, later adding that many in the industry appear unconcerned about the implications of such content on minority communities.

Iqbals’s post continued with a note of sarcasm directed at industry peers: “But it’s a ‘well made’ film guys… With some cool BgM (smile emoji). Well done industry dud bros. Glad that most of y’all don’t care about minorities enough to even hide your blatant apathy.”

Her critique extended beyond Dhurandhar. Iqbal also referenced the teaser for The Kerala Story 2, the sequel to the 2023 film that was itself embroiled in controversy. However, hours after sharing her thoughts, the director made her Instagram account private.

Also Read: Dhurandhar tops Netflix India chart within 24 hours of streaming release; Aditya Dhar REACTS!

Four men arrested in connection with the firing outside filmmaker Rohit Shetty’s Juhu residence were presented before an Esplanade court late Sunday, where they were remanded to police custody until February 5. Police allege the men conspired with a wanted suspect, Shubham Lonkar, to carry out the attack with the intention of killing the prominent director-producer.

The case stems from a complaint filed by a security guard who reported indiscriminate firing outside Shetty’s residence in the early hours of Sunday, an incident that triggered a swift police investigation. No injuries were reported in the firing, but authorities treated it as a serious attempted murder case and registered an FIR accordingly.

According to police sources, Samarth Shivsharan Pomaji (19), one of the arrested men, allegedly conspired with the wanted accused Shubham Lonkar to carry out the plot. Investigators say the group procured a Honda Dio scooter (MH 12 FN 2205) — allegedly with assistance arranged through accomplices, including Aditya Gyaneshwar Gayaki — to facilitate the execution of the firing near Shetty’s home.

#WATCH | Mumbai, Maharashtra: Pune Police have detained five people (Aman Anand, Aditya Gyaneshwar, Siddharth Deepak, Samarth, and Swapnil) in connection with the firing incident at Bollywood director Rohit Shetty's residence. Three of them have been arrested and brought to the… pic.twitter.com/s8Nb2MVpkW — ANI (@ANI) February 1, 2026

Authorities have alleged that Lonkar provided financial and logistical support for the crime. Police have described the involvement of the arrested suspects as key to supporting the main shooter, with Lonkar directing parts of the conspiracy from outside the Mumbai area. The motive behind the alleged conspiracy has not been publicly clarified by investigators, and Lonkar remains at large. According to multiple reports, law enforcement is also examining potential links between the incident and the Lawrence Bishnoi gang — a criminal network connected with several high-profile cases in recent years — though officials have cautioned against speculation until claims can be verified.

In a related development, a social media post attributed to individuals claiming association with the Bishnoi gang purported to take responsibility for the attack. The post described the firing as a “small trailer” and included a threat of further violence if demands were not met. Authorities are investigating the authenticity of the post and examining whether it is connected to the arrests or if it is a separate attempt at intimidation.

Also Read: Firing reported outside Rohit Shetty’s Juhu residence; police investigate

Veteran Bollywood actors Govinda, Shakti Kapoor, Chunky Panday, and BJP MP Manoj Tiwari have been named in a First Information Report (FIR) in connection with an alleged investment fraud linked to Ghaziabad-based company Maxizone Touch Private Limited, according to a complaint filed in Jharkhand’s Jamshedpur court.

The FIR was registered on the orders of a local court in Jamshedpur, after investors approached the judiciary claiming they were cheated by the firm, which had promised high returns on investments. The case was filed under various sections of the Indian Penal Code related to cheating and criminal conspiracy.

According to the complaint by an investor who said he invested over Rs 30 lakhs in Maxizone Touch Pvt Ltd, the company had assured returns of up to 15 per cent monthly interest. When neither the interest nor the principal amount was returned as promised, the investor moved the court, prompting police action.

The FIR names the four actors along with others, alleging that they were involved in promoting the company’s investment scheme and played a role in attracting unsuspecting investors through endorsements. The complaint asserts that their influence helped the firm lure more people into the scheme.

Earlier, Maxizone Touch Pvt Ltd directors — Chander Bhushan Singh and his wife, Priyanka Singh — were arrested in September 2025 by Jamshedpur police as part of a broader investigation into the company’s operations. Investigators have said the firm allegedly ran a fraudulent multi-level marketing (MLM) scheme and collected substantial unauthorised deposits from investors.

The Enforcement Directorate (ED) had also conducted searches linked to alleged investment and cryptocurrency fraud involving the company, reporting that the Singh couple remained absconding for nearly three years before their arrest.

Also Read: Neha Kakkar’s name misused in Rs 5 lakh investment scam; FIR filed at Worli police station

The makers of The Kerala Story 2: Goes Beyond have unveiled the character posters of its leading women — Ulka Gupta, Aishwarya Ojha and Aditi Bhatia — offering the first detailed visual insight into the film ahead of its release.

The newly released posters present intense close-ups of the actors, with half their faces covered by a burqa while the other half reveals visible bruises and tear-streaked expressions. The imagery suggests emotional and physical trauma, setting a sombre tone and indicating the difficult circumstances their characters navigate in the narrative.

Sharing the posters on social media, the makers wrote, “—”, keeping the focus on the visuals rather than revealing plot details at this stage.

View this post on Instagram

  A post shared by Sunshine Pictures (@sunshinepicturesofficial)

Directed by National Award-winning filmmaker Kamakhya Narayan Singh, The Kerala Story 2: Goes Beyond is positioned as a continuation of the first film, expanding its narrative scope. The sequel revolves around the story of three Hindu women whose lives take a troubling turn after they enter relationships that eventually expose a larger, calculated process of religious conversion.

Produced by Vipul Amrutlal Shah and co-produced by Aashin A Shah under the banner of Sunshine Pictures, the film follows the 2023 release The Kerala Story, which sparked widespread discussion upon its release.

With the character posters now out, the makers have begun their promotional rollout while keeping the storytelling details largely under wraps. The Kerala Story 2: Goes Beyond is scheduled to release in cinemas on February 27, 2026.

Also Read: The Kerala Story 2: Goes Beyond to release on February 27, 2026; teaser out

Early Sunday morning, unidentified individuals fired several gunshots outside the home of Bollywood filmmaker Rohit Shetty in the Juhu area of western Mumbai, prompting an immediate police response and a detailed investigation.

According to police sources, the incident occurred at around 12:45 am, when multiple rounds were discharged near Shetty’s residential building. Initial reports indicate that four to five shots were fired, though the precise number of rounds remains under verification by authorities.

Mumbai Police, along with crime branch teams, responded swiftly to the scene. Security around the building was heightened, and investigators cordoned off the area as a precautionary measure. Forensic experts and ballistic teams were reportedly brought in to collect evidence, and CCTV footage from the surrounding area is being reviewed to trace the movements of the suspects.

#WATCH | Mumbai, Maharashtra | Police and forensic teams reach Director Rohit Shetty's residence, after an incident of firing was reported outside his residence. Further details awaited. pic.twitter.com/h1wVhtCtY7 — ANI (@ANI) January 31, 2026

Officials said no injuries were reported in the incident, and there were no immediate signs of damage to residents. It was also not immediately clear whether Shetty was present inside the residence when the shots were fired.

A senior police official was quoted saying, “Someone fired on the building. Zonal police and crime branch teams are investigating,” underscoring that the probe is at an early stage and that all possible leads are being examined.

So far, there has been no claim of responsibility for the firing, and authorities are yet to determine a clear motive. Local residents shared that the sudden sound of gunshots late at night startled several people in the vicinity, highlighting concerns about safety in high-profile neighbourhoods. Police have assured continued vigilance in the area as the investigation progresses.

Also Read: Big Boy Toyz lists Shilpa Shetty, Rohit Shetty’s luxury cars for auction; deets inside!

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 shoot is steadily progressing and is expected to be completed this month, that is, February 2026.

A source told Bollywood Hungama, “Director Mrighdeep Singh Lamba shot a month-long schedule in Mumbai with Kartik Aaryan. Yesterday, on January 31, the Mumbai schedule was wrapped up. 70% of the shoot is now complete.”

The source added, “The team of Naagzilla are heading to Delhi this month, that is, February 2026, where a three-week-long schedule will take place. The completion of the Delhi leg will mark the wrap of the film.”

Naagzilla is produced by Karan Johar’s Dharma Productions and Mahaveer Jain’s Mahaveer Jain Films (with Mrighdeep Singh Lamba as a partner). The fantasy comedy features Kartik as a shape-shifting naag and, reportedly, Ravi Kishan essays the role of the antagonist. Also, as per reports, Sreeleela is the female lead. Interestingly, she is also paired opposite Kartik Aaryan in his other 2026 film, the untitled musical saga, directed by Anurag Basu.

The source further revealed, “Naagzilla went on floors on November 1, 2026, and within four months, the shoot will be wrapped up, thanks to advance planning and dedication of the cast and crew. This was a challenging and one-of-a-kind film and in between, Kartik went all out to promote his Christmas release, Tu Meri Main Tera Main Tera Tu Meri (2025; also produced by Karan Johar). At the same time, he gave more than a hundred per cent to Naagzilla as well. 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.”

Also Read: Ravi Kishan to play antagonist in Kartik Aaryan-starrer Naagzilla

Over the years, Tere Naam (2003) has become a cult film for movie buffs due to its subject, evergreen songs and the performance and hairstyle of lead actor, Salman Khan. As a result, there has been a huge demand for its re-release for a long time. The success of films like Kabir Singh (2019), Animal (2023), Ek Deewane Ki Deewaniyat (2025), Tere Ishk Mein (2025), etc. have further fuelled this demand since these films are considered to be in the same zone as Tere Naam. Moreover, the generation that was either not born or missed watching the film in cinemas has also been consistently demanding a re-release of Tere Naam. It has now come to light that their wish will be fulfilled in less than a month.

Yesterday, January 30, PVR Cinemas revealed that they plan to bring Tere Naam back into cinemas on February 27. As expected, the announcement has led to a wave of jubilation among fans of the superstar and the film.

In 2024, Bollywood Hungama spoke to trade experts and exhibitors on this aspect. Trade veteran Taran Adarsh said, “If the film were released in the present day or had been released even a few years ago, people would have gone crazy.” He also jokingly remarked, “The film is alive even because of memes.”

Trade analyst Atul Mohan had explained, “The audience that liked Kabir Singh and Animal would love Tere Naam. Bhai yeh sab filmein pehle hi kar chuke hai!”

Film exhibitor and distributor Akshaye Rathi had opined, “Tere Naam is a cult film. I remember so many youngsters across the country sporting Salman Khan’s hairstyle! It is truly a hallmark of a movie and a star which has resonated in a huge way. If it does re-release with the correct campaign, there’s a lot that can happen.”

Distributor and exhibitor Raj Bansal had exulted, “If it re-releases, it can do wonders.” Girish Johar, producer and film business analyst, in agreement, had stated, “Tere Naam has fantastic music and it was a one-of-its-kind love story at that point in time. I think it has a good chance to do well on its re-release.”

This was also the time when Bollywood Hungama exclusively reached out to producer Sunil Manchanda and asked him if there was any chance that Tere Naam might be re-released. He had told us then, “We haven’t discussed it yet, but we could look at the possibilities. We’d have to study the market and see if it’s worth giving it another round in cinemas and then take it from there.”

More re-releases in February

Tere Naam is not the only film which will have a re-run in February. On February 6, PVR Inox will re-release Shah Rukh Khan’s 2002 film Devdas (2002). Interestingly, the period musical was also re-released in November 2025, as part of the celebrations of Shah Rukh Khan’s 60th birthday. On February 13, Mani Ratnam’s gritty thriller, Yuva (2004), will have a re-release. All three of these films are being released as part of the Valentine’s Day celebrations

Also Read: Salman Khan sports Rs. 3.91 crore Rolex Daytona ‘Rainbow’; luxury watch steals the spotlight at Stebin Ben and Nupur Sanon’s wedding bash

Veteran filmmaker Priyadarshan is reportedly set to direct the sequel to the 2021 horror-comedy Bhoot Police, with significant changes to its cast and production approach. According to industry reports, Priyadarshan has been brought on board with a substantial fee of Rs 21 crores to lead the project, underlining confidence in his creative vision for the franchise’s next chapter.

Sources familiar with the development told entertainment portal Pinkvilla that while Bhoot Police 2 will maintain the core blend of humour and supernatural elements that defined the first film, it will not feature the original leads — Saif Ali Khan and Arjun Kapoor. “While the sequel retains the core idea of a horror-comedy, the casting will see a complete refresh. Saif Ali Khan and Arjun Kapoor will not be returning for the second instalment,” the source said.

“The idea is to reinvent the franchise with a new duo. The makers are looking at two actors — one senior and one junior — to create an interesting combo. It’s a proper horror-comedy, staying true to the genre but with more of a theatrical treatment,” the insider added.

Bhoot Police, directed by Pavan Kirpalani, originally starred Saif Ali Khan, Arjun Kapoor, Jacqueline Fernandez and Yami Gautam. The film garnered attention for its light-hearted take on ghost-hunting and became popular among audiences on OTT platforms following its 2021 release.

Priyadarshan, known for his work on films such as Hera Pheri, Hungama and Hulchul, is also juggling multiple projects including Bhooth Bangla and Haiwaan, both slated for 2026 releases. Bhooth Bangla — featuring Akshay Kumar — has already locked its theatrical date and marks a reunion between Kumar and the director after more than a decade.

Also Read: Makers of Haiwaan wish Priyadarshan on birthday, share exciting BTS glimpses

If sources are to be believed, Arijit Singh has decided to take the precarious plunge into politics. There are conflicting rumours on his political plans, though.

According to a source very close to the singer, “He feels very close to West Bengal. He is going into politics for sure. But he hasn’t decided whether to start his own party, or join Mamata Banerjee, whom he is very close to. But yes, he is very keen to work for the betterment of the grassroots sections. For this, he thinks politics is the right platform.”

Arijit’s friend describes the singer as a “saint”. “He has earned millions and millions. But he doesn’t spend a penny on himself. He uses his wealth to quietly help the needy.”

Arijit Singh is one of the most admired singers to have emerged from the Indian entertainment industry after he entered the music scene in 2011. His popularity and liking goes beyond the borders of India.

The celebrated singer shocked his fans earlier this week both in India and outside when he announced that he would be taking retirement from singing. He, however, soon clarified that he will continue composing music for movies.

Also Read: Arijit Singh announces he’s stepping away from playback singing; says he is “calling it off”

Aamir Khan’s nephew Imran Khan, once a star in Jaane Tu…Ya Jaane Na, is missing in action for ten years. Back in 2010, Imran was seen as the Next Best Thing alongside Ranbir Kapoor. Imran had the best of roles rolling out at his feet. He decided to turn his back on stardom.

Imran is now all set for a comeback with a hush-hush project. Some digging revealed Imran’s return vehicle is a Netflix film. Imran Khan and Bhumi Pednekar will play a husband and wife in a marital crisis.

Imran made his big debut with uncle Aamir Khan’s production Jaane Tu…. Ya Jaane Na in 2008. The film turned out to be an instant success driven by the youth and Imran became overnight popular. He also gave other successful films, including Delhi Belly in 2011. However, his career then went through a downslide. His last role as the main lead was in Katti Batti in 2015. He made a minor comeback earlier this month in Vir Das’ Happy Patel: Khatarnak Jasoos.

Bhumi, on the other hand, makes her web series debut with Prime Video’s Daldal, which starts streaming from today.

Also Read: Bhumi Satish Pednekkar shares birthday moment with Imran Khan ahead of rom-com collaboration: “This is going to be a special year!”

Prime Video has officially announced its upcoming original film Don’t Be Shy, marking a landmark collaboration with Eternal Sunshine Productions, the banner founded by Alia Bhatt and Shaheen Bhatt. The coming-of-age romantic comedy was unveiled on January 30 and promises a warm, youthful take on love, friendship, and growing up.

Produced by Alia Bhatt and Shaheen Bhatt under Eternal Sunshine Productions, the film is co-produced by Grishma Shah and Vikesh Bhutani. Don’t Be Shy is written and directed by Sreeti Mukerji and centres on Shyamili ‘Shy’ Das, a 20-year-old who believes she has her life perfectly planned—until unexpected twists send everything spiralling out of her control.

Speaking about the collaboration, Nikhil Madhok, Director & Head of Originals, Prime Video, India, said, “We’re thrilled to collaborate with Alia Bhatt and Shaheen Bhatt on this extremely fun yet warm romantic comedy, with a remarkable character like Shy Das at its heart. Alia’s innate instinct for stories that are emotionally rich, deeply relatable, and immensely entertaining shines through in this young adult story about friendship, love, and growing up.”

View this post on Instagram

  A post shared by prime video IN (@primevideoin)

He further highlighted the film’s creative strengths, adding, “With a strong female-forward narrative, writing that’s fresh, relatable and humorous, and earnest characters, complemented by infectious music from Ram Sampath, Don’t Be Shy promises to be a delightful experience for audiences around the world.”

Alia Bhatt, co-founder of Eternal Sunshine Productions, also shared why the project resonated deeply with her. “At Eternal Sunshine, we’ve always wanted to back stories that feel honest and voices that feel their own,” she said. “This film immediately spoke to us because of its sincerity and coming-of-age lens and Sreeti’s passion and energy naturally fed into the spirit of the story.”

Calling the project a personal milestone, she added, “It’s an incredibly special project for me and for Eternal Sunshine. And with Prime Video, we found partners who consistently take bold creative calls and genuinely support distinctive storytelling, which felt like a natural meeting of minds, and the right place for this story to find its audience.”

With Don’t Be Shy, Prime Video and Eternal Sunshine Productions come together to champion a fresh, relatable narrative led by a young female protagonist, further strengthening the platform’s slate of original Indian films focused on authentic, contemporary storytelling.

Also Read: Alia Bhatt shares nostalgic 2016 memories, calls Shah Rukh Khan her favourite co-actor

The Delhi High Court on Thursday dismissed the defamation suit filed by IRS officer Sameer Wankhede concerning his alleged depiction in the Netflix series The Ba***ds of Bollywood, directed by Aryan Khan. The court refused to hear the matter citing lack of jurisdiction and returned the plaint, allowing Wankhede to move the appropriate court.

While delivering the order, Justice Purushaindra Kumar Kaurav said that the plaint was being returned to the petitioner to approach a court of competent jurisdiction, adding that all pending applications stood dismissed. The ruling was passed during the hearing of Wankhede’s request for an interim injunction seeking to halt the streaming of the series.

During the course of arguments, the High Court identified two primary issues for determination — whether the suit was maintainable before the Delhi High Court and whether the allegedly objectionable portrayal in the series, when assessed in its full context, prima facie amounted to defamation rather than protected artistic expression.

Senior Advocate J Sai Deepak represented Sameer Wankhede in the matter. Shah Rukh Khan’s production banner Red Chillies Entertainment was represented by Senior Advocate Neeraj Kishan Kaul, while Netflix was represented by Senior Advocate Rajiv Nayyar.

The case stems from Wankhede’s claim that The Ba***ds of Bollywood contains a veiled portrayal of him through its depiction of a government officer, which he alleges has caused reputational damage. The officer has filed a Rs. 2 crore defamation suit, asserting that the series indirectly references the controversial 2021 Cordelia Empress cruise drug case, in which Aryan Khan was arrested and later cleared of charges.

Opposing the plea, Red Chillies Entertainment argued that the show does not depict Sameer Wankhede nor does it make any reference to the Cordelia cruise case. The production house maintained that the series is a work of fiction that broadly draws inspiration from the idea of overzealous law enforcement officers and falls within the ambit of creative and artistic expression.

With the Delhi High Court declining to grant relief on jurisdictional grounds, the legal battle is far from over. Wankhede may now approach the appropriate court to pursue his claims, while the series continues to remain available for streaming on Netflix.

Also Read: Delhi HC flags bias in Aryan Khan’s The Ba***ds Of Bollywood as Sameer Wankhede accuses Netflix show of targeting him

Recently, during his appearance on the Gujarati comedy YouTube series The Lavari Show, veteran actor Paresh Rawal spoke at length about the ongoing speculation surrounding Hera Pheri 3. The actor confirmed that the much-awaited third installment is definitely happening, but clarified that certain issues have temporarily stalled the film’s progress.

Hera Pheri remains one of the most iconic comedy franchises in Indian cinema, with Rawal’s Baburao Ganpatrao Apte continuing to enjoy cult status among fans. When asked about the status of the film, Rawal firmly stated, “Hera Pheri will hundred percent be made.” However, he added that the delay has been caused by technical complications rather than creative disagreements.

Addressing reports of legal trouble and rumours suggesting that Akshay Kumar had sued him for Rs 25 crores, Rawal brushed aside the controversy in his trademark candid style. He said, “All this that had blown up in between that Akshay Kumar has sued me for Rs 25 crores, that is all okay yaa, it’s like kachva chaap agarbatti.” Through the remark, Rawal indicated that the issue has been exaggerated and is being misunderstood by the public. Explaining the reason behind the delay, the actor clarified that the matter lies between the producer and Akshay Kumar. He stressed that the issue has nothing to do with him personally and that he remains committed to the project. Rawal added that once the technical issue is resolved, the film will be signed and will move forward without further obstacles.

Paresh Rawal also made it clear that Baburao is central to the identity of the franchise. Emphasising his point, he said, “If they are going ahead with the idea of doing Hera Pheri without Baburao, then it will be a disaster.” His statement underlined the importance of the character and its deep connection with audiences.

Also Read: Paresh Rawal BREAKS silence on “propaganda” tag for The Taj Story: “I was ZAPPED by the research…I don’t like doing anything for the sake of sensationalism”

An FIR has been registered against actor Ranveer Singh at the High Grounds Police Station in Bengaluru for allegedly hurting Hindu religious sentiments and disrespecting the Chavundi Daiva tradition of coastal Karnataka, according to a report by NDTV. The case was filed on Wednesday, months after the incident that initially sparked controversy.

The complaint relates to an event held on November 28, 2025, during the closing ceremony of the International Film Festival of India (IFFI) in Goa. During the event, Ranveer Singh allegedly mimicked a Daiva performance inspired by Rishab Shetty’s film Kantara: A Legend – Chapter 1. The act reportedly drew sharp criticism on social media, with many users accusing the actor of mocking a sacred ritual deeply rooted in the cultural and religious practices of coastal Karnataka. Following the backlash, Ranveer Singh had issued a public apology through his Instagram Stories, expressing regret for hurting sentiments and clarifying that there was no intention to offend any community or tradition. Despite the apology, legal action has now been initiated in connection with the same incident.

The FIR has been registered under Sections 196, 299, and 302 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS). The complaint was filed by Prashanth Methal, a 46-year-old advocate based in Bengaluru. According to the complaint, the actor imitated expressions linked to Panjurli and Guliga Daiva in a crude and comical manner. It further alleged that Ranveer Singh referred to the revered Chavundi Daiva as a “female ghost,” which the complainant claimed amounted to a serious insult to religious beliefs and traditional practices.

The matter has since been referred to the 1st Additional Chief Metropolitan Magistrate (CMM) Court in Bengaluru. The court is scheduled to hear the case on April 8. As of now, there has been no response from the actor or his representatives regarding the registration of the FIR.

Also Read: Ranveer Singh continued dancing on Howrah Bridge despite leg injury during the shoot of Gunday, reveals choreographer Bosco Martis

Indian actress and television personality Archana Puran Singh has revealed that she kept her marriage to actor Parmeet Sethi a secret for nearly four years, citing industry pressures that once discouraged married women from pursuing acting careers.

Archana, known for her work in several iconic Bollywood films, married Parmeet Sethi in 1992. However, she chose not to make the marriage public at the time. Speaking recently, the actress said that during that phase in the film industry, marriage was often seen as a setback for female actors, leading to fewer opportunities. She described this mindset as a “nonsense trend” and said it played a major role in her decision to keep her marital status private while continuing to work. She also shared that the secrecy around the marriage was influenced by several personal and social challenges. Parmeet was younger than her, which contributed to resistance from family members, and there was disapproval from both sides regarding the relationship.

Over the years, the couple has become more open about their journey together. Archana and Parmeet now run a YouTube family channel where they share glimpses of their personal life. They have also launched a new series centered on conversations about their relationship, offering viewers an honest look at their experiences as a couple.

Archana’s comments have sparked renewed discussion about gender bias in the entertainment industry and the career pressures faced by women actors in the past. Her revelation highlights how industry norms have evolved over time, while also shedding light on the personal compromises many artists once felt compelled to make behind the scenes.

Also Read: Parmeet Sethi was a red flag when we married’: Archana Puran Singh on how he was unemployed, depressed and had lost his business

Palash Mucchal has once again landed in controversy, months after his alleged cheating scandal and breakup with Indian women’s cricket team vice-captain Smriti Mandhana. This time, Marathi actor and director Vindyan Mane has made serious allegations against the music composer, accusing him of cheating him of a large sum of money and being dishonest in his past relationship with Smriti.

According to Vindyan Mane, Palash took a total of ₹40 lakhs from him in connection with his upcoming project Nazaria. Mane claimed that he initially paid ₹12 lakhs to come on board as a producer for the film. Later, Palash allegedly took an additional ₹25 lakhs from him with the promise of giving him a role in the film as well. Mane stated that despite investing this amount, the project did not move forward and he did not receive his money back. Along with the financial allegations, Vindyan Mane also accused Palash of being unfaithful during his relationship with Smriti Mandhana.

Following the fresh accusations, Palash Mucchal made his first public appearance since the controversy. He was seen yesterday outside the Andheri court along with his team of lawyers. Dressed in a simple outfit, Palash reportedly visited the court to file a defamation case against Vindyan Mane, calling the allegations false and damaging to his reputation. He had earlier also addressed the issue briefly through a post on Instagram.

These claims have once again brought Palash into the spotlight, especially after the events of December 2025, when Smriti confirmed that she had called off her wedding with the composer. When asked by the paparazzi about his cancelled wedding with Smriti Mandhana, Palash chose not to comment. He avoided all questions and walked straight to his car, remaining silent on the matter.

Also Read: Cheating allegations surface against Palaash Muchhal after wedding with Smriti Mandhana called off

While almost every component of Border 2 is being widely praised, a section of critics and audiences has expressed dissatisfaction with the dim lighting in the film’s climactic battle sequences.

Addressing the concern, director Anurag Singh explains, “The climax is not meant to be dark. It is set in the evening, but I think due to projection issues, it feels darker in some cinemas. In most theatres, it appears fine.”

Anurag confirms that corrective measures are already underway. “We have sent out a mail to all theatres explaining how to address this issue. Additionally, we are updating the print in theatres where the climax is appearing darker than intended.”

The director also spoke about the challenges of mounting the large-scale action set pieces. “Action is always tough to shoot. And action in a period war film is even more challenging. The trench warfare and tank sequences were particularly demanding. But like I said, I enjoy a good challenge.”

Also Read: 68 and still a hurricane! Sunny Deol 2.0 arrives as Border 2 proves the Dhai kilo ka haath still rules

In a major development for Bollywood, producer Bhushan Kumar and filmmaker Anurag Singh have officially joined hands for an exclusive joint venture aimed at developing multiple large-scale films. The announcement comes close on the heels of the massive success of Border 2, which has not only struck a chord with audiences but also emerged as one of the biggest box office drivers of early 2026.

The association between Bhushan Kumar and Anurag Singh is being envisioned as a long-term creative partnership. Under the joint venture, Anurag Singh will helm the upcoming projects, while the films will be produced under the banner of T-Series Films, continuing the collaborative framework that proved successful with Border 2. Industry sources suggest that the focus will remain on scale-driven, emotionally rooted cinema designed for theatrical impact.

Border 2, which released on January 23 in the Republic Day week, arrived at a time when patriotic fervour traditionally runs high across the country. Timed around India’s Republic Day on January 26, the film benefited from strong word-of-mouth and audience connect with the franchise, translating into impressive box office numbers. Its performance has been widely credited with giving the Hindi film industry a powerful start to 2026, setting an optimistic tone for the year ahead.

BHUSHAN KUMAR - ANURAG SINGH JOIN HANDS – WILL MAKE MULTIPLE FILMS... Producer #BhushanKumar and director #AnuragSingh, who recently collaborated on #Border2, have entered into an exclusive joint venture to develop and deliver a slate of large-scale films. The association is… pic.twitter.com/HixHV31OeM

— taran adarsh (@taran_adarsh) January 26, 2026

Directed by Anurag Singh and produced by Bhushan Kumar along with Krishan Kumar, J. P. Dutta and Nidhi Dutta, Border 2 expanded the legacy of the 1997 classic into a multi-front war drama set against the backdrop of the 1971 India–Pakistan war. The film, starring Sunny Deol in the lead role along with Varun Dhawan, Diljit Dosanjh, and Ahan Shetty in key roles, showcased coordinated operations of the Indian Army, Air Force and Navy, combining spectacle with emotion — a balance that resonated strongly with audiences.

The success of Border 2 appears to have reinforced mutual confidence between producer and director, paving the way for this larger collaboration. For Bhushan Kumar, the joint venture aligns with T-Series’ strategy of backing director-driven, event-scale films, while for Anurag Singh, it offers the creative stability to explore ambitious narratives with consistent backing.

With this new alliance, the industry now looks forward to a slate of films that promise scale, substance and strong theatrical appeal.

Also Read: A quiet confidence: Ahan Shetty holds his ground in the high-decibel world of Border 2

Bollywood Hungama has been at the forefront in giving out news about Salman Khan’s next, Battle Of Galwan. In December, we broke the news that the teaser of the war drama would be unveiled on Salman Khan’s birthday, on December 27. We further informed that the release date of the film will also be announced around the same time. Today, we bring you another exciting piece of information about the film. The shoot was wrapped up in December, and now, Salman is back on the sets for an additional shoot.

A source told Bollywood Hungama, “Salman Khan, director Apoorva Lakhia and the team are doing patchwork for the film. At the same time, they’re also adding a few new scenes, some of which feature action. It’s a 15-day schedule.”

The source explained the reason for it, “The patchwork was always intended to be done. The additional filming happened because the makers and Salman realized that those scenes are crucial to the narrative and that they would add to the impact. Salman doesn’t want to leave any stone unturned and wants to ensure that Battle Of Galwan turns out to be a great experience for the viewers. Accordingly, he wholeheartedly agreed to the additional shoot.”

The source remarked, “Thankfully, the makers also have time, since Battle Of Galwan releases nearly three months away. They are confident that the final product will be ready well before its scheduled release on April 17.”

Meanwhile, the first song of the film, ‘Maatrubhumi’, was unveiled on January 24. It now remains to be seen when the much-awaited theatrical trailer of the film will drop.

Besides Salman Khan, Battle Of Galwan also stars Chitrangda Singh. Salman plays the role of Colonel Bikkumalla Santosh Babu in this film, which is based on a chapter in the book ‘India’s Most Fearless 3’ (2022), authored by Shiv Aroor and Rahul Singh. The film is inspired by the events of June 15, 2020, when Indian and Chinese soldiers clashed in the Galwan Valley during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Also Read: Battle Of Galwan first track ‘Maatrubhumi’ to release on January 24; watch teaser

In a major development for Bollywood, producer Bhushan Kumar and filmmaker Anurag Singh have officially joined hands for an exclusive joint venture aimed at developing multiple large-scale films. The announcement comes close on the heels of the massive success of Border 2, which has not only struck a chord with audiences but also emerged as one of the biggest box office drivers of early 2026.

The association between Bhushan Kumar and Anurag Singh is being envisioned as a long-term creative partnership. Under the joint venture, Anurag Singh will helm the upcoming projects, while the films will be produced under the banner of T-Series Films, continuing the collaborative framework that proved successful with Border 2. Industry sources suggest that the focus will remain on scale-driven, emotionally rooted cinema designed for theatrical impact.

Border 2, which released on January 23 in the Republic Day week, arrived at a time when patriotic fervour traditionally runs high across the country. Timed around India’s Republic Day on January 26, the film benefited from strong word-of-mouth and audience connect with the franchise, translating into impressive box office numbers. Its performance has been widely credited with giving the Hindi film industry a powerful start to 2026, setting an optimistic tone for the year ahead.

BHUSHAN KUMAR - ANURAG SINGH JOIN HANDS – WILL MAKE MULTIPLE FILMS... Producer #BhushanKumar and director #AnuragSingh, who recently collaborated on #Border2, have entered into an exclusive joint venture to develop and deliver a slate of large-scale films. The association is… pic.twitter.com/HixHV31OeM

— taran adarsh (@taran_adarsh) January 26, 2026

Directed by Anurag Singh and produced by Bhushan Kumar along with Krishan Kumar, J. P. Dutta and Nidhi Dutta, Border 2 expanded the legacy of the 1997 classic into a multi-front war drama set against the backdrop of the 1971 India–Pakistan war. The film, starring Sunny Deol in the lead role along with Varun Dhawan, Diljit Dosanjh, and Ahan Shetty in key roles, showcased coordinated operations of the Indian Army, Air Force and Navy, combining spectacle with emotion — a balance that resonated strongly with audiences.

The success of Border 2 appears to have reinforced mutual confidence between producer and director, paving the way for this larger collaboration. For Bhushan Kumar, the joint venture aligns with T-Series’ strategy of backing director-driven, event-scale films, while for Anurag Singh, it offers the creative stability to explore ambitious narratives with consistent backing.

With this new alliance, the industry now looks forward to a slate of films that promise scale, substance and strong theatrical appeal.

Also Read: A quiet confidence: Ahan Shetty holds his ground in the high-decibel world of Border 2

Actor Mouni Roy has drawn widespread attention after a video surfaced online showing her briefly walking off the stage in the middle of a live performance at a wedding event in Haryana. The incident, which took place in Karnal, became a talking point after Roy shared a detailed account of what led to her decision, describing repeated harassment by members of the audience.

The viral video captures the actress pausing her performance, moving towards the stage exit, and then returning moments later to complete the act. While the clip initially left many speculating about the reason behind her sudden move, Roy later used Instagram Stories to explain the distressing experience that unfolded both before and during her time on stage.

View this post on Instagram

  A post shared by Bollywood Hungama🎥 (@realbollywoodhungama)

According to the actress, the discomfort began as soon as she arrived at the venue. While making her way to the stage, some male guests allegedly crossed personal boundaries under the pretext of clicking photographs, placing their hands on her waist despite her objections. She indicated that she verbally asked them to remove their hands, but the behaviour left her visibly unsettled even before the performance began.

Things reportedly escalated once she was on stage. Roy explained that two men positioned themselves right in front of the stage, making lewd remarks, inappropriate hand gestures and calling out to her in a derogatory manner. When she initially tried to signal them to stop, they allegedly responded by throwing roses towards the stage, turning the situation more hostile rather than diffusing it. This moment, she noted, prompted her to walk off stage mid-performance out of shock and discomfort.

Adding to her distress, Roy pointed out that the stage was elevated, and the men were allegedly filming her from low angles. When others attempted to intervene and ask them to stop, the men reportedly responded with verbal abuse. She also expressed disappointment that neither the organisers nor family members present took steps to remove the men from the front rows, despite the repeated misconduct.

Roy described the experience as humiliating and traumatic, stressing that performers attend such events as invited guests, aiming to contribute to celebrations like weddings. She also highlighted a broader concern, noting that if established actors face such treatment, the situation could be far worse for newcomers in the industry.

The actress’s account resonated with many, including fellow celebrities. Bhumi Pednekar and Tahira Kashyap publicly expressed support by commenting on the video, applauding Roy for speaking up and taking a stand.

The incident has reignited conversations around safety, consent and accountability at public events, with many calling for stricter measures to ensure that artists can perform without fear of harassment.

Also Read: Mouni Roy & Talwiinder’s fun banter with paps at Nupur & Stebin Ben’s reception

Madhavan, who ended 2025 with a bang in Dhurandhar, has begun the new year on a deeply heartening note. The Government of India has conferred upon him the prestigious Padma Shri.

I touched base with Madhavan soon after the announcement. The actor couldn’t be happier. “It’s like being told I’ve been doing something right. My life as an actor has always been unpredictable and you know what? I like it that way. Stability is for real life. By God’s grace, I have a fabulous wife and a son who makes me proud every day. Movies are where I seek adventure and excitement.

“My career has been like a rollercoaster. I started on television, then satellite, then Tamil cinema, and Hindi cinema. God has been kind. I never really had to encounter failure.”

And now, the Padma Shri. “It is truly the icing on the cake. I couldn’t be happier. My family and I are celebrating. We’ve never been happier.” Madhavan believes his journey is far from over. “The Padma Shri gives me a born-again feeling. I feel like my journey has just begun.”

Also Read: R Madhavan questions those who feel Dhurandhar is anti-Pakistan: “What do they have to say about the film’s popularity in Pakistan?”

A major collaboration is taking shape in Indian cinema as producers Ritesh Sidhwani and Farhan Akhtar officially announce their maiden project with acclaimed filmmaker A.R. Murugadoss. Bringing together formidable creative forces, the yet-to-be-titled action thriller will star Sunny Deol and Jyotika in lead roles and is set to go on floors in February 2026.

Backed by Excel Entertainment, the project marks the first collaboration between the banner and A.R. Murugadoss, known for delivering large-scale, socially rooted action entertainers. The film will be directed by Balaji Ganesh, who steps into the spotlight with this ambitious venture that promises to blend intense action with strong storytelling.

Sunny Deol’s casting has already generated significant buzz, especially given the actor’s enduring appeal in the action genre. Known for his powerful screen presence and iconic action roles, Deol’s association with the film signals a mass-driven narrative anchored by emotional depth. Joining him is National Award-winning actor Jyotika, whose inclusion adds further gravitas and intrigue to the project. The fresh pairing marks a notable collaboration and is expected to bring a compelling dynamic to the story.

While plot details remain tightly under wraps, the makers have described the film as a high-octane action thriller, designed on a large canvas. With Murugadoss involved in shaping the project, expectations are high for a narrative that balances adrenaline-fueled sequences with a strong thematic core—an approach that has defined many of his past successes. For Ritesh Sidhwani and Farhan Akhtar, this announcement further reinforces Excel Entertainment’s focus on expanding its slate with ambitious, genre-driven cinema.

The film is scheduled to begin principal photography in February 2026, with casting for key. supporting roles and technical details expected to be revealed in the coming months. Industry buzz suggests that the project is being mounted as a pan-Indian venture, aiming to appeal to audiences across markets.

With Sunny Deol’s mass appeal, Jyotika’s nuanced performances, and a creative team that includes some of the most influential names in the industry, the yet-untitled film is already being viewed as one of the most anticipated action thrillers currently in development.

Also Read: Border 2 opens big, emerges as 2026’s first big contender; trade predicts blockbuster trajectory

Actor Nadeem Khan, who was recently seen in the film Dhurandhar, has been arrested by Mumbai Police following serious allegations made by his former domestic worker. The case pertains to claims that the actor repeatedly sexually assaulted the woman over nearly a decade, allegedly luring her with a false promise of marriage.

Khan, who portrayed the character Akhlak—cook to the dacoit Rahman—in Dhurandhar, was taken into custody by Malvani Police on Thursday. Officials confirmed that he is currently in police custody as the investigation progresses.

According to police sources, the complainant is a 41-year-old woman who has worked as a domestic help at the residences of several actors over the years. In her statement, she said she first came into contact with Khan in 2015. What began as a professional association allegedly developed into a personal relationship, during which the actor is said to have assured her that he would marry her.

Relying on this assurance, the woman claimed she consented to a physical relationship that continued for nearly ten years. She alleged that the encounters took place both at her residence and at Khan’s home in Versova, with the belief that the relationship would culminate in marriage. However, when the actor allegedly refused to marry her later, she decided to approach the police.

The complainant initially lodged her complaint with Versova Police earlier this month. However, due to jurisdictional reasons, the case was subsequently transferred to Malvani Police. Explaining the transfer, an officer told Mid-Day, “Since the alleged physical relationship took place for the first time at the complainant’s house within the jurisdiction of Malvani police, and the victim resides in that area, Versova Police transferred the case on zero FIR to Malvani police.”

Based on the complaint and preliminary inquiry, Malvani Police registered a case and proceeded with Khan’s arrest. Further investigation is ongoing, and officials are expected to record additional statements and examine evidence related to the allegations.

The development has sent ripples through the industry, particularly given Khan’s recent screen appearance, while authorities stress that the probe will continue in accordance with due process.

Also Read: Aditya Dhar breaks silence on Dhurandhar 2 teaser; confirms release ‘in a few days’

Sajid Khan’s directorial journey began successfully and he delivered three back-to-back hits. After a hiatus, he has once again worn the director’s hat. Bollywood Hungama has learned that the filmmaker quietly began shooting for his next film, titled Hundred. Interestingly, while all his previous films were comic capers, Hundred is a horror flick.

A source told us, “The makers of Hundred began the shoot of the film in Mumbai’s Film City on Friday, January 23. They purposely chose this day to coincide with the commencement of the filming on the occasion of Basant Panchmi.”

Bollywood Hungama has further learned that Hundred marks the launch of Yashvardhan Ahuja, son of Govinda and Sunita Ahuja. Nitanshi Goel, of Laapataa Ladies (2024) fame, has come on board as the female lead.

Hundred is produced by Amar Butala’s Guilty By Association Media and Ekta Kapoor and Shobha Kapoor’s Balaji Telefilms. Amar Butala has earlier produced Sidharth Malhotra-Rashmika Mandanna starrer Mission Majnu (2023) and was the co-producer of Mission Mangal (2019), Kesari (2019), Total Dhamaal (2019), Tubelight (2017), Bajrangi Bhaijaan (2015) etc. He was the associate producer on Himmatwala (2013), which was incidentally also directed by Sajid Khan.

Interestingly, life comes full circle for Sajid Khan. This is because he began his directorial journey by directing one of the shorts in Darna Zaroori Hai (2006), which was also a horror film.

In December 2025, Sajid Khan was in the news after he suffered a foot injury while on a film set. As a result, the director had to undergo surgery. The surgery was successful and this update was provided by Sajid’s sister, Farah Khan.

According to reports, the director suffered a foot fracture on December 27. He was promptly admitted to a hospital in the city, where medical professionals evaluated the injury and advised surgical intervention. Khan underwent the procedure the next day, December 28.

Also Read: Adarsh Gourav chooses ideas over formulas: Actor talks high-concept films and bold storytelling

After the success of Mardaani (2014) and Mardaani 2 (2019), Rani Mukerji is back as the fiery inspector, Shivani Shivaji Roy, with Mardaani 3. The film, produced by Yash Raj Films (YRF), was originally scheduled to be released on February 27. Earlier this month, it was preponed and now it’ll arrive in cinemas in less than a week, on January 30. Accordingly, the makers completed the censor process in time. In this article, Bollywood Hungama will exclusively focus on the cuts suffered by the action thriller.

To begin with, the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) asked the makers to insert drug disclaimers. The word 'bachhi' was replaced with 'ladki'. Since the scene in question involved sexual violence, the makers had to submit age proof of the actor to clarify that she was not a minor.

Then, visuals of a girl being slapped were modified. The word 'wh**e' was replaced with 'trader' in the English subtitles. A derogatory reference towards mother was muted. The word having reference to sexual organs was replaced with appropriate words. Similarly, words having a negative reference to the Government of India were also asked to be replaced.

The names of certain countries were asked to be deleted in a scene. As asked by the CBFC, the makers submitted a clarification with regard to a dialogue made by kidnappers in the film. Lastly, the makers were asked to insert information text on child and woman trafficking.

Once these changes were made, Mardaani 3 was passed with a U/A 16+ certificate on January 14. The length of the film, as mentioned on the censor certificate, is 137.07 minutes. In other words, Mardaani 3 is 2 hours, 17 minutes and 7 seconds long.

YRF goes for voluntary modifications

Nearly 10 days after securing the certificate, the makers of Mardaani 3 approached the CBFC to make voluntary cuts to the film. Accordingly, changes were made in as many as 14 scenes. The scenes were either deleted or shortened. These cuts are in the range of 9 seconds and 59 seconds.

Thanks to these cuts, Mardaani 3 is now 6 minutes and 30 seconds shorter. The new run time of the film is 130.37 minutes, that is, 2 hours, 10 minutes and 37 seconds. The voluntary cuts were approved by the CBFC on January 23.

Also Read: EXCLUSIVE: Rani Mukerji says Mardaani 3 aims to instil fear in criminals and strength in women

Vadh 2 is all set to release on February 6 and in an exclusive interview with Bollywood Hungama, talented and enterprising producer Luv Ranjan spoke about the Sanjay Mishra-Neena Gupta starrer, when its trailer will be out, what Luv Films stands for, his love for Gurugram’s Cyber Hub and a lot more.

When did you decide that a sequel to Vadh would be a good idea? Jaspal Singh Sandhu sir and I were discussing what to do next. We realized that there can’t be a true sequel as such to this film. The story of the two characters in the first part had come to an end. However, the concept of ‘vadh’ can be revisited by exploring another social evil and how a simple man fights it to protect someone he loves.

With Vadh’s first part, the appreciation was slow, but suddenly, it got a lot of love and also awards. That also motivated us to try for a second part. Jaspal sir cracked a story which we all loved and we felt that its worth doing.

Vadh released when the Drishyam 2 wave was going strong. Also, Bhediya had taken up screens. Avatar: The Way Of Water was released a week later. It's believed that due to the clutter, it perhaps didn’t get its due in cinemas and it became big only when it dropped on Netflix. Meanwhile, Vadh 2 releases on February 6 with minimal competition. Was that a conscious decision? I believe that when a small, sweet film arrives after a barrage of big films, it gets a better reception. There won’t be too much crowd when Vadh 2 releases. That’s important as these kinds of films need time. They can’t be released in a rush. You need a slightly more relaxed time. Once the film gets appreciation, it slowly finds its audience.

It is often said that cinemas can be ruthless in allotting shows to such films. Do you fear about not getting enough shows? I genuinely believe that unless you’re clashing with a big, event film, screen space for this kind of film is not a problem. Realistically speaking, I don’t need 8 shows or I don’t need 2 whole screens in a 4-screen multiplex. We have a huge capacity of theatres and screens right now. So, that shouldn’t be a problem.

Vadh 2 had its grand premiere at the 56th International Film Festival of India (IFFI) 2025, Goa... I couldn’t make but I was told that it received a great reception. It has given us confidence.

When will the trailer be out? It’ll be released on Tuesday, January 27. Hopefully, everyone will love it!

I guess they would, as part 1 has tremendous goodwill and has been loved by one and all. Also, sometimes, we feel a sequel is forced. We are not getting that feeling with Vadh 2… It’s a very honest film. At times, filmmakers make a sequel to a small film and while doing so, they try to change the grain of the original film. When a small film does well, the makers then try to make the sequel in a grand way. The soul of the film changes. However, we have stuck to the grain. Like Vadh, Vadh 2 also stars Sanjay Gupta and Neena Gupta.

Luv Films’ journey has been interesting. You have not just worked with newcomer directors but also with experienced filmmakers like Hansal Mehta, Mohit Suri etc. and made exciting films with them… We started in 2017 and our first release was in 2018. So, our company is still in its early stages and we are figuring out things. However, we are quite greedy as producers. We want to do all kinds of films. I do want to work with veterans and with those filmmakers whose work I admired and loved. They can do something that I can’t do. They have their own style and signature. But at the same time, I built my career working with newcomers – actors, technicians etc. So, that greed is always there to give a break to new people and explore fresher ideas. At some point in time, somebody supported my career and journey. That is how I became a director. Now, if we are in a position to let somebody find his or her voice, we want to keep doing it.

Many among the moviegoers feel, and I believe in it as well, that there exists a ‘Luv Ranjan genre’ in Bollywood. The recent release, Shashank Khaitan’s Sunny Sanskari Ki Tulsi Kumari (2025), had characters doing things that were straight out of a Luv Ranjan-directorial. Even the title gave a déjà vu of Sonu Ke Titu Ki Sweety (2018). What were your thoughts when you saw Sunny Sanskari Ki Tulsi Kumari? Shashank and my journey coincided. Uska aur mera sur kayi baar similar hota hai. Sunny Sanskari Ki Tulsi Kumari is a Shashank Khaitan title, in my opinion. It is right in the alley of his film, Humpty Sharma Ki Dulhania (2014). So, I can’t own that (smiles). This happens. A lot of times, we are discussing ideas with fellow filmmakers. That’s when you realize that he or she is also thinking on the same lines. It’s very interesting that at times, someone shares their idea and you tell them that even you have a similar kind of subject. Aur ideas pe toh kisi ka copyright ho nahin sakta. And tonalities aas paas ki mil jaati hi hai. So, when I saw Sunny Sanskari Ki Tulsi Kumari, I thought it had trademark Shashank Khaitan stamp and same goes for Humpty Sharma Ki Dulhania and Badrinath Ki Dulhania (2017).

Speaking of your directorial ventures, one location common in your films is Cyber Hub, Gurugram. Thanks to your films, it’s become a must for me to go there or think about it whenever I am in Delhi-NCR… (Laughs) Same happened with me. We grew up in that area. It’s a fun, interesting place. It’s a matter of habit, more than anything else. It’s not like I shot there first and then partied in Cyber Hub. Pehle maine wahaan party ki aur phir realize kiya ki yahaan shoot kar lete hai (laughs).

I also discovered Wenger’s in Connaught Place, Delhi, thanks to its mention in Sonu Ke Titu Ki Sweety. Your films act as Lonely Planet guide-of-sorts for tourists visiting the Capital! (Smiles) These are iconic places. Maybe 100 bakeries better than Wenger’s must have opened in Delhi. But there’s a nostalgia attached to these places. We have been having its cakes since we were children. Swad ki aadat pad jaati hai; isliye pastry wahin se leke aani hoti hai. It happens in Mumbai too. People travel all the way to have a meal in Sardar Pav Bhaji. When you grew up on something, it becomes a habit.

It’ll be three years in March since your last directorial, Tu Jhoothi Main Makkaar (2023) was released. When can we expect an announcement of your next film? Very soon!

Also Read: With a month to go, Vadh 2 builds anticipation with new poster featuring Sanjay Mishra and Neena Gupta

Bollywood actor Sunny Deol is set to begin filming his next big-budget action thriller with director Balaji in the first week of February 2026, after the project was postponed by almost two months due to commitments related to his current release Border 2.

The yet-untitled film — marking Deol’s first collaboration with Farhan Akhtar and Ritesh Sidhwani’s banner Excel Entertainment — had initially been scheduled to go on floors in December 2025. However, reportedly, those plans were adjusted to accommodate the actor’s promotional schedule for Border 2. Sources familiar with the project confirmed that Deol is expected to join the set on February 10.

A report by Mid-Day quoted a person close to the production as saying the delay was mutually agreed upon. “Sunny is tied up with the promotional campaign of Border 2. Rather than rushing into the shoot, the makers felt it would be best to push the project and begin with complete focus,” the source explained.

Preparations for the film are already underway. Director Balaji, who will collaborate with Deol on this large-scale thriller, is said to have charted a detailed shooting schedule. According to insiders, the first leg of production will take place in Andheri, Mumbai, with principal photography planned to wrap by summer 2026.

While specific plot details and the full cast have not yet been officially announced, the project is expected to feature high-octane action sequences and expand Sunny Deol’s repertoire in the thriller genre. The film represents a significant creative partnership for both Deol and Excel Entertainment, which is also gearing up for other mid-to-big budget releases in the coming years.

Sunny Deol’s 2026 line-up already includes major films like Border 2 and Lahore 1947, as well as the mythological epic Ramayana: Part 1.

Also Read: Border 2 Final Box Office: Sunny Deol, Varun Dhawan starrer sells 1.35 lakh tickets across National multiplex chains; all set for a Rs. 35 crore day one

Filmmaker Aanand L Rai has responded to a Rs 84 crore lawsuit filed by Eros International Media Ltd, which has accused him and his production company of unauthorised use of intellectual property linked to the 2013 film Raanjhanaa.

Reacting to the legal action, Aanand L Rai described the dispute as a routine business issue and maintained that it does not warrant public speculation. Speaking to NDTV, he said, "These are part of life. When you step into business, such things keep happening. I don't even know why, how, or from where this has come. But I think it is a legal matter, so let the legal people handle it. There is a lawyer on their side, and a lawyer from here will respond too. I don't think it has any meaning. Anyone can say anything about anything at any time. So it's not something to be taken too seriously. It's more for the lawyers to deal with. Since it's a legal matter, I won't speak much about it, but it's nothing serious." Eros Alleges Misuse of Raanjhanaa Intellectual Property Eros International Media Ltd has alleged that Aanand L Rai and his banner, Colour Yellow Media Entertainment LLP, unlawfully used elements associated with Raanjhanaa while promoting Tere Ishk Mein, which released in theatres in November 2025.

The company claims it holds exclusive rights to Raanjhanaa, including copyright, registered trademarks, characters, dialogues, and sequel or remake rights. In its commercial IP suit and interim application, Eros has argued that these protected elements were used without authorisation to suggest a creative or narrative link between the two films.

According to a report by The Times of India, the dispute was triggered by a teaser released in July 2025. Eros has alleged that the teaser featured phrases, visual cues, background score elements, and references that pointed towards the fictional universe of Raanjhanaa. Character Parallels and ‘Spiritual Sequel’ Claims A key point of contention in the lawsuit revolves around character similarities. Eros has claimed that Mohammed Zeeshan Ayyub’s character in Tere Ishk Mein closely resembles his role as Murari in Raanjhanaa, both in temperament and narrative function. The company has further alleged that Dhanush’s character in the new film follows a similar emotional trajectory to Kundan Shankar, reinforcing the impression of continuity.

Eros has stated that despite issuing a cease-and-desist notice in July 2025, followed by reminders, the marketing campaign continued to position Tere Ishk Mein as a “spiritual sequel” to Raanjhanaa. Following the film’s release, the company has sought Rs 84 crore in damages, citing copyright infringement, trademark violation, and passing off.

The lawsuit names several defendants, including Aanand L Rai, Colour Yellow Media Entertainment LLP, writer Himanshu Sharma, Super Cassettes Industries (T-Series), and Netflix Entertainment Services India LLP. The matter is currently before the Bombay High Court.

Also Read: Eros seeks Rs. 84 crores in damages from Aanand L Rai, Colour Yellow for allegedly projecting Tere Ishk Mein as ‘spiritual sequel’ to Raanjhanaa

While burning the midnight oil to complete his big-screen wartime love story Love & War, Sanjay Leela Bhansali has taken time off to undertake a unique and unprecedented task: Bhansali has prepared a montage-tableau of the best moments and landmarks of 113 years of Indian cinema, which will be shown at the Republic Day parade on January 26 in New Delhi.

While Bhansali is not allowed to speak about the singular honour. a source very close to the epic filmmaker shared the details with this writer. “When the Ministry for Information & Broadcasting approached Bhansali for this historic venture, his first response was to decline the honour. He is currently rushing against deadlines to complete his Ranbir-Alia starrer Love & War and felt he needed no distraction.”

It was Bhansali’s team which convinced him to take up the challenge. “Bhansali’s team bluntly told him he would be foolish to turn down this opportunity to encapsulate the pride of Indian cinema.”

Losing almost all sleep for the last two months, Bhansali readied the tableau, which is already been described as an epoch-defining visitation of the choicest moments of our cinema.

Also Read: No delay for Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s Love & War; film STILL on track for 2026 release

The first biggie of 2026, Border 2, is all set to release tomorrow, and there’s tremendous excitement for it, as evident by the ticket sales. Not just in India, but it is poised for a healthy opening overseas as well. But those waiting to see the film in Gulf countries or the UAE/GCC belt would be disheartened to know that it would not get a release in the region.

A source told Bollywood Hungama, “Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and the UAE will not be releasing Border 2. By now, it's given that films which are perceived as having ‘anti-Pakistan’ content don’t get a release in this belt. Yet, the team of Border 2 did make an attempt and sadly, their attempts proved futile. One day is left for release and the hope is still there that they pass the film, though the possibility seems remote.”

The source continued, “Recently, even Dhurandhar was not allowed a release in the same region. However, the makers of Border 2 are not losing sleep over it as they are aware that if the film manages to strike a chord with the moviegoers, the sky would be the limit in terms of its collections. Even Dhurandhar excelled at the ticket window and the money lost due to no release in the UAE/GCC belt didn’t matter. Hopefully, Border 2 will go the same way.”

Past examples

Interestingly, Sunny Deol’s Gadar 2 (2023) was also not allowed a release in the Gulf region for the same reason. The 2024 Hrithik Roshan-Deepika Padukone starrer Fighter was initially banned in all the Gulf countries, except the UAE (United Arab Emirates). The film's depiction of the Pulwama attack sparked criticism from some sections in Pakistan, with accusations of the film promoting an ‘anti-Pakistan’ agenda and ‘exploiting a sensitive issue’.

Shockingly, a day later, even the UAE suspended its release in its territory. Following this, the makers of Fighter submitted the re-edited version of the film to the UAE ministry after removing some ‘problematic’ scenes and dialogues. However, the UAE ministry rejected the re-edited version of Fighter too.

In 2025, the Akshay Kumar-starrer Sky Force and the John Abraham-starrer The Diplomat were banned in several countries of the Middle East due to concerns over their content. Both these films also dealt with Pakistan.

Article 370 (2024), which was based on the revocation of a controversial article in Kashmir, was also refused certification in GCC. Tiger 3 (2023), starring Salman Khan, was banned in Oman, Kuwait and Qatar.

The Kashmir Files (2022) was banned in several Gulf states. UAE initially banned it too but later, it cleared it with an adults-only certificate.

Also Read: SCOOP: Anil Thadani attempts to club Toxic showcasing with Border 2; Exhibitors refuse deals due to Dhurandhar 2

In a significant meeting on January 20, India’s premier blockbuster filmmaker Siddharth Anand met global spiritual leader Gurudev Sri Sri Ravi Shankar along with producer Mahaveer Jain. Both Siddharth Anand and Gurudev Sri Sri Ravi Shankar have had several conversations before but this meeting was special. It was held in an atmosphere of deep reflection and vision, centred around the upcoming international thriller White, a project that marks a unique milestone in Indian cinema.

The film, which features National Award winner Vikrant Massey alongside an international cast, is inspired by the incredible true story of the 52-year-long civil conflict in Colombia and its historic resolution through non-violence and peace.

Reflecting on the film’s vision after his meeting with Gurudev, Siddharth Anand shared his excitement for the film, “In many ways, White is the story of the glory of India. At a time when the world is grappling with unprecedented division, this film is truly the need of the hour. It doesn’t just tell the story of one individual; it stands as a testament to the immense strength and weight that Indian values and philosophies carry on the world stage.”

Siddharth Anand further added about the spiritual leader, “Sitting with Gurudev is an incredibly grounding experience. His presence reinforces what we are trying to capture in White – the true power of peace”.

About the Film

The global thriller White boasts a solid international team, including cinematographer Juan Carlos Gil of Narcos fame. Having completed intensive schedules in both Colombia and India, the film is poised to be a landmark flick that showcases India’s philosophical leadership to a global audience.

White is backed by Siddharth Anand and Mahaveer Jain, directed by Montoo Bassi and co-produced by Concious Studios, PeaceCraft Pictures and BroadVision. Jaguar Bite, a leading production house in South America, has also come on board as a co-production partner.

Produced as an English-Spanish bilingual, White is set for a worldwide release across several countries later in 2026.

View this post on Instagram

  A post shared by Neetu Mahaveer Jain (@neetumahaveerjain)

A meeting to remember

Besides Siddharth Anand, several important personalities of the Indian film industry also met Gurudev Sri Sri Ravi Shankar on January 20, like producers Mamta Anand and Neetu Jain, Amit Chandra of Trigger Happy Entertainment Network, Prabhat Chaudhary of Spice PR, Jay Mehta, head of India and SAARC, Warner Music, Kamal Gianchandani CEO, PVR Inox Pictures Ltd, Shrenik Gandhi and Mitesh Kothari of White Rivers Media, music supervisor Azeem Dayani, Paras Kanani of reputed Entertainment Publicity studio House of Awe India, Sanjay Chatar of Pen Marudhar and others.

Also Read: SCOOP: Shah Rukh Khan and Siddharth Anand LOCK Christmas 2026 release for King; Announcement on the way