Actress Kirti Kulhari has reportedly become the latest celebrity to fall victim to cyber fraud after unauthorized transactions amounting to Rs 2,43,852 were allegedly made using her credit card. Following the incident, the actress approached Mumbai Police, leading to the registration of a case against unidentified persons. Authorities have now launched an investigation to trace those responsible.

According to reports, the incident came to light while Kirti was at a multiplex near Fun Republic Mall in Andheri West, Mumbai. During her visit, she reportedly received an alert on her mobile phone informing her of a foreign transaction worth $2,525 on Aeromexico Airlines through her credit card. The unexpected notification immediately raised concerns, as the actress had not authorized any such payment.

Realizing the transaction appeared suspicious, Kirti is said to have contacted her bank's customer care helpline without delay. During the verification process, bank officials reportedly discovered that multiple unauthorized transactions had been carried out using her credit card. In total, four separate transactions had been processed without her consent, resulting in a financial loss of Rs 2,43,852.

As a precautionary measure, the bank immediately blocked the credit card to prevent any further misuse. The actress later filed a complaint with the Amboli Police Station, following which an FIR was registered against unknown accused under relevant sections pertaining to cyber fraud.

In her statement to the police, Kirti reportedly maintained that she had never shared her credit card password or confidential banking information with anyone. Investigators suspect that the fraud may have been executed through sophisticated digital methods, including the possible use of malware or spyware that compromised her phone or banking credentials. However, the exact modus operandi is yet to be determined.

The investigation has now been taken up by the Cyber Cell, which is working alongside local police officials to identify the perpetrators. Authorities are reportedly examining bank reference numbers, transaction records, and other digital footprints in an effort to trace those involved in the fraudulent activity.

The incident serves as another reminder of the growing threat posed by cybercrime, with online financial frauds increasingly targeting individuals through advanced hacking techniques.

On the professional front, Kirti Kulhari was last seen in the web-series Shekhar Home. She recently also celebrated a major milestone in her career after completing the shoot of her first feature film as a producer. Sharing the update with fans on social media, the actress reflected on the emotional journey behind the project.

Also Read: Kirti Kulhari and Rajeev Siddhartha make relationship official with New Year post

Salman Khan has added to the buzz surrounding Amazon Prime Video's reality series Alliance after being spotted on the show's sets. While there has been no official confirmation about the purpose of his visit, videos of the superstar arriving at the location have surfaced on social media, prompting speculation that he may be making a special appearance on the reality show.

Alliance has emerged as one of the most talked-about reality series in recent weeks, thanks to its mix of celebrity contestants, unexpected twists, and emotional moments. Among its prominent participants is actor-filmmaker Sohail Khan, who had earlier admitted that stepping into the world of reality television was something he was initially hesitant about.

The show recently witnessed one of its most emotional phases after Sohail's former wife, Seema Sajdeh, entered Alliance as a wildcard contestant. Her entry attracted considerable attention, offering viewers a glimpse into the former couple's present-day equation. During her stint on the show, Seema spoke candidly about her experiences before eventually being eliminated in an earlier eviction round.

Before leaving the competition, Seema shared that she found the atmosphere inside the show to be emotionally taxing and expressed her desire to return home to be with her children. Her departure visibly affected Sohail, with the actor struggling to hold back his emotions as she exited the competition.

Now, it appears another member of the Khan family could be stepping into the Alliance house. Several videos circulating online show Salman Khan arriving on the sets of the reality series, although neither the actor nor the makers have officially commented on whether he will feature in an upcoming episode.

Apart from his presence, Salman's look also caught the attention of fans. The superstar was seen sporting a western cowboy-inspired outfit, featuring a tucked-in blue shirt paired with faded black denims, a light brown cowboy hat, and his signature turquoise bracelet. His appearance quickly became a talking point across social media, with many fans praising the stylish look.

If Salman does make an appearance on Alliance, it is expected to be one of the season's biggest moments. Having successfully hosted Bigg Boss for several years, the actor is synonymous with reality television, and viewers will be eager to see whether he shares advice with Sohail or interacts with the contestants about their gameplay.

Hosted by Kunal Kemmu, Alliance features several well-known personalities from the entertainment industry, including Daisy Shah, Kushal Tandon, Aly Goni, Zaid Darbar, Mini Mathur, and Sohail Khan. With Salman Khan now reportedly entering the picture, anticipation surrounding the upcoming episodes has only intensified, even as fans await an official confirmation from the makers.

Also Read: Gauahar Khan slams Nikhil Chinapa over perimenopause remark on Alliance: “Get your facts right and please be sensitive to women”

In recent times, very few films have managed to generate as much excitement as Ramayana. The promotional campaign began nearly a year and a half before its release, in July 2025. Since then, the makers have organised events across the world, with several more expected to follow. Finally, the keenly awaited trailer was unveiled online on the morning of July 30. Bollywood Hungama got a sneak peek at the promo 10 days earlier at a multiplex in Mumbai, and it was evident that the experience was on another level when viewed on the big screen in 3D.

The earlier promotional asset focused on Lord Rama, played by Ranbir Kapoor, while the trailer introduces several other characters. However, the character which dominates the proceedings is Ravana, played by Yash. The trailer opens with him, and the manner in which he has been presented is sure to amaze viewers. His ferocious avatar and action sequences particularly stand out. Several actors have portrayed Ravana in the past, but Yash’s interpretation is distinctive, without a shred of doubt.

Meanwhile, Lord Rama, the Maryada Purushottam, also gets due prominence. Ranbir Kapoor’s performance appears graceful and divine, serving as the perfect contrast to Ravana’s arrogant persona.

Apart from Yash, Sai Pallavi also makes a striking appearance. As Sita, she appears suitably poised and convincing. Lara Dutta, Rakul Preet Singh, Ravie Dubey, Arun Govil and Vivek Oberoi also make their presence felt. Sadly, Sunny Deol’s Lord Hanuman does not feature in the four-minute-plus trailer. Nevertheless, there are no complaints, as the trailer offers enough to heighten the audience’s excitement for Ramayana.

The scale is spectacular, while the 3D effects are impressive. A particular sequence featuring Airavata, the divine white elephant, is especially stunning. Yet, a few shortcomings remain. The grandeur is comparable to that of Baahubali and perhaps does not surpass it. This may not be a major concern, but with reports suggesting that more than Rs. 1,000 crores have been spent on the film, one would have expected the scale and visual quality to be a notch higher. Thankfully, this is only a minor hiccup and is unlikely to affect the hype in any way.

The trailer is certain to attract massive viewership, and moviegoers will also get an opportunity to experience it in all its glory on the big screen with Spider-Man: Brand New Day. The superhero saga is expected to record the biggest opening ever for a Hollywood film in India. As a result, the Ramayana trailer will receive widespread exposure in cinemas, which is exactly how a spectacle of this magnitude deserves to be experienced. The trailer serves its purpose, and it goes without saying that the film is set to take a thunderous start during the Festival of Lights.

Ramayana stars Ranbir Kapoor as Lord Rama, Sai Pallavi as Sita, Yash as Ravana, Sunny Deol as Lord Hanuman and Ravie Dubey as Lakshman. It is directed by Nitesh Tiwari of Dangal (2016) fame and produced by Namit Malhotra. The music is composed by A R Rahman and Hans Zimmer. It's a two-part saga with the first part releasing on Diwali 2026. As for the second part, it'll arrive on the big screen on Diwali 2027.

Also Read: T-Series bags music rights to BOTH parts of Ramayana for Rs. 75 crores in an advance deal

Actress and artist Elli AvrRam has unveiled ‘Ellness Life’, a new platform that reflects her personal journey of growth, healing, curiosity and self-expression. Described as more than just a platform, Ellness Life is envisioned as a space that encourages authenticity over perfection while inspiring people to reconnect with themselves and the world around them.

According to its vision, Ellness Life represents living with heart, mind, body and purpose, celebrating the beauty of becoming rather than striving for perfection. Through honest reflections, movement, dance, creativity, nature, mindfulness, wellness and conscious living, the initiative aims to encourage people to slow down, breathe and embrace everyday moments as opportunities for self-discovery.

The platform also underlines that growth is not limited to major life milestones but can be found in everyday choices—choosing kindness, presence, movement, gratitude, authenticity, curiosity and care for oneself, others and the Earth. It emphasises that every individual moves at their own pace, making the journey about personal progress rather than comparison.

Ellness Life is envisioned as a home for those seeking to become more conscious human beings. Inspiration on the platform will come in many forms, including thoughts, conversations, dance, paintings, walks in nature, books, quotes and even quiet moments over a cup of tea. Elli also plans to share mindful living practices, wellness and self-care, movement and dance, creativity, artistic expression, nature, personal reflections and experiences that continue to shape her life.

Speaking about the initiative, Elli AvrRam shared, “Ellness Life isn’t about having all the answers. It’s about staying curious enough to keep asking the questions. It’s where I’ll share the things that continue to inspire me to grow, to become more conscious, and to live with more heart. If something I share resonates with even one person, then this little seed has already begun to bloom.”

She further explained the purpose behind the platform, saying, “Ellness Life is not about becoming someone else. It’s about gently returning to who you’ve always been. This is for those who are on a similar path and aligns with it. It’s another side of mine that I have been sharing bits of throughout my years on my personal page elliavrram. And now I want to share more of what my interests are. And it’s for those who feel like being part of it. There’s the actress/artist Elli AvrRam who gets into characters and perform different dance numbers and shares bits about her world. And then there is Elli who is just a normal girl on an inner journey to figure out herself and life, like most of us are. So it will be a parallel page I’ll be handling while I continue my work in the entertainment.”

With Ellness Life, Elli AvrRam is opening a new chapter that runs parallel to her work in the entertainment industry, offering followers a deeper glimpse into the interests, practices and perspectives that have shaped her personal journey beyond the screen.

Also Read: Elli AvrRam on mental and physical well-being, “I must allow myself to switch off sometimes too!”

Former actor Raja Chaudhary, the ex-husband of television actress Shweta Tiwari, has made a series of allegations regarding her personal life during a recent conversation with Siddharth Kanan. Speaking about the period when Tiwari was working on the popular television show Kasautii Zindagii Kay, Raja claimed that she was involved in a relationship with her co-star Cezanne Khan.

During the interview, Raja alleged that his suspicions about the two actors' relationship were based on incidents he claims to have witnessed at the time. "Not just Cezanne Khan. There are so many people. She had an affair with each and every person, I feel," he said.  He went on to elaborate on his allegations, claiming that people close to them had also spoken to him about the matter. “What I saw at that time was totally proven... yaar (friend), she was working with him. She was staying in his house. Even a common friend of ours confessed that she used to come here with him. What else can a man believe, yaar? Even he himself said yes, that we're in a relationship. Teri himmat hai toh tu aaja mere ghar, Koliwada (If you have the courage, come to my house in Koliwada).”

Raja further claimed that although he confronted the situation, he did not pursue a confrontation. "Ab main ye ladai karne baithunga kya tere sath (Am I supposed to sit and fight with you over this now)... but she never accepted. She said, 'No, no, we're just good friends.'” Recalling a phone conversation that he alleged took place with Cezanne Khan, Raja said, "He said this on the phone. I said, 'Why are you doing this? Why are you spoiling this family?' Bola, 'what family? She's never with you. Since day 1, she's with me. You're just his unpaid boy.' He said that. Be happy the way you're."

Speaking further, Raja questioned what he described as inconsistencies in Tiwari's whereabouts during that period. "Bhai (brother), you say you're going for a shoot, and the next day newspapers say you're in Delhi opening some showroom. What all does this indicate? In a relationship, you're lying and relying on this person with whom you're working. Maybe she got unbalanced between reel and real life. She mixed her reel life into real and real into reel. Usne kya socha hoga usse better toh koi nahi janta (No one knows better than her what she must have been thinking)."

Claiming that he personally witnessed incidents that strengthened his suspicions, Raja added, "Ye aapne aankhon se dekha. Ye proven hai (I saw this with my own eyes. For me, it was proven)." He further recalled one such incident, "She claimed she's going to shoot. Uske gadi mein mera kuch saman rakha tha (Some of my belongings were in her car), I went to pick them up. I went to the set. She wasn't there. But after an hour, she is coming in his car, and her car is followed by his driver." Raja also described another instance, "Second, she said I'm in a dubbing. I went to the dubbing to surprise her or something. Dubbing people said she's not there. There is no dubbing today. Where's she then? She's with Cezanne." According to him, there were multiple such occasions. "Two-three incidents happened like this."

He concluded by reiterating his allegations and claiming that dishonesty had damaged their relationship, "‘Aur isse zyada kya (What more proof do you need)?’ and you're not saying I'm with him. I'm somewhere else. Pile of lying. She lied about everything." Looking back on that phase of his life, Raja added, "What all I can say... I don't even remember. It took me a lot of time to get rid of this thought."

As of now, neither Shweta Tiwari nor Cezanne Khan has responded publicly to Raja Chaudhary's latest allegations. Their response is awaited.

Also Read: Palak Tiwari quips Shweta Tiwari is in her “teenage era”: “She steals my face masks”

Alia Bhatt has joined several members of the entertainment industry in raising awareness about the ongoing flood crisis in Assam. The actress took to Instagram Stories to express concern over the devastation caused by the floods and appealed to her followers to come forward and support those affected.

In her note, Alia highlighted the scale of the humanitarian crisis, pointing out the loss of lives, widespread displacement, and the destruction faced by thousands of families. She also stressed the need for both immediate relief and long-term rehabilitation efforts. She wrote, “Right now, floods are affecting so many parts of our country with Assam being among the hardest hit, facing an incredibly challenging time. More than 60 lives have been lost. Lakhs of people have been displaced. Entire families have lost their homes, their land, their livestock... and for some, even the people they love. It happens every year and it still catches us off guard.”

The actress further revealed that she would be using her platform to share information about organizations involved in relief work on the ground and encouraged people to contribute in whatever way they could. The note also added, “Assam needs immediate relief right now, and it'll need support for the long road to recovery. If you've been wondering how you can help, I'll be sharing a few ways we can support relief efforts over the next few days, through organisations working on the ground. #CircleOfHope.”

Alia is among several celebrities who have spoken about the situation in Assam, with many taking to social media to amplify relief efforts and encourage donations. As rescue and rehabilitation operations continue, public figures have been using their platforms to draw attention to the needs of those affected by the disaster.

Every year, seasonal flooding impacts large parts of Assam, leading to significant damage to homes, agricultural land, and public infrastructure. This year's floods have once again displaced lakhs of residents, prompting relief agencies and volunteers to intensify rescue and support operations across the state.

On the professional front, Alia Bhatt was last seen in YRF's spy thriller Alpha, alongside Sharvari, Bobby Deol, and Anil Kapoor. She will next be seen in Sanjay Leela Bhansali's Love & War, co-starring Ranbir Kapoor and Vicky Kaushal. The film is currently slated for a theatrical release in January 2027.

With her latest appeal, Alia Bhatt has urged her followers to look beyond social media and contribute towards relief efforts, while emphasizing that communities affected by the Assam floods will require sustained support even after the immediate crisis subsides.

Also Read: Alia Bhatt delivers emotional speech at Akansha Ranjan and Sharan Sharma’s wedding; watch

Actor Vikrant Massey is on a roll at present. After wowing audiences with two diverse performances in Pritam And Pedro and Musafir Cafe, the actor has now set his eyes on his most ambitious project to date – White. Bollywood Hungama has learned that the actor recently completed dubbing for the film. We also stumbled upon an exclusive image of the actor in the dubbing studio.

On this joyous occasion, which coincides with Guru Purnima, producer Mahaveer Jain told Bollywood Hungama, “At a time when the world is seeking solutions to wars and conflicts, White comes at the right moment. Through its powerful narrative, it shows the way forward and is a precious gift from India to the world.”

He added, “Vikrant has outdone himself in the film. I am sure that his powerful portrayal of global spiritual leader Gurudev Sri Sri Ravi Shankar, coupled with the film’s profound impact, will mesmerize audiences worldwide.”

White is a thriller with human drama set against a political background. It is inspired by the world’s longest and deadliest conflict – the internal war of Colombia – that was resolved by an Indian spiritual master by spiritual wisdom.

White features an international cast and crew. Juan Carlos Gil of Narcos fame serves as the cinematographer, while the cast includes Mexican actor Darío Yazbek Bernal and Panamanian actor Jaime Newball, among others. The film is directed by ace ad filmmaker Montoo Bassi and backed by leading filmmaker Siddharth Anand, PeaceCraft Pictures and Mahaveer Jain.

White is set for a global release in multiple international and Indian languages in the last quarter of the year.

Also Read: SCOOP: Vikrant Massey joins Ajay Devgn’s Chauhaan; to play a layered grey character

World Nature Conservation Day 2026 serves as a reminder of the importance of preserving the planet's natural resources and biodiversity for future generations. Marked every year on July 28, the day encourages individuals and communities to adopt sustainable practices while recognising that environmental conservation is a shared responsibility. Joining the conversation this year, filmmaker Tarun Mansukhani, actors Sadia Khateeb and Harshita Gaur, and actress-dancer Lauren Gottlieb shared their personal perspectives on why protecting nature matters and how conservation can become a part of everyday life.

Filmmaker Tarun Mansukhani highlighted the inseparable bond between nature and storytelling, saying, “As someone who's spent years working in cinema, I've come to realise that nature isn't just scenery we place a story in front of, it actually shapes the stories we end up telling and the memories we carry as an audience. Some of our most iconic landscapes have become inseparable from the films and folklore built around them. Take away the location, and often the story loses a part of its soul. Our festivals, our traditions, our folklore, all of it is deeply rooted in the natural world in ways we don't always stop to acknowledge. So when we talk about protecting nature, we're not just talking about the environment; we're talking about preserving cultural identity for the generations who come after us. That's what makes conservation feel personal to me, not abstract.”

Sadia Khateeb reflected on the importance of learning from traditional practices while embracing modern solutions. She shared, “Sometimes the most powerful thing we can do for conservation isn't inventing something new, it's preserving the wisdom we've already inherited. Traditional practices, the ones our grandparents followed without even calling them 'sustainable,' were built on a relationship with nature that was far more balanced than what we practise today. They didn't have the language of conservation, but they lived it in how they cooked, how they farmed, how they stored water and food for the seasons ahead. That restraint came from actually understanding scarcity, not from lack of access, but from respect for it. I don't believe progress and tradition need to compete with each other. We can move forward with new technology and still carry that older wisdom with us, using it as a foundation rather than something we've outgrown. For me, conservation starts with looking backward before we look forward.”

Harshita Gaur stressed that conservation begins in our immediate surroundings and that even small actions can make a meaningful difference. She said, “We tend to think conservation is something that happens far away, in national parks or wildlife sanctuaries, somewhere removed from our everyday lives. But honestly, it begins right where we live. It's the birds that visit our balconies, the butterflies in a nearby park, the trees and plants that somehow still manage to survive in the middle of our cities. We just don't notice them enough to protect them. Even our cities can support biodiversity if we make a little room for it, instead of paving over every inch of green space. Something as simple as planting a native species instead of an ornamental one, or protecting a small patch of green in your locality, has a ripple effect that goes further than we realise. I think that's the part people forget, that conservation is often small and local before it's ever big and global.”

Lauren Gottlieb, meanwhile, spoke about responsible travel and the importance of respecting the places we visit. She said, “I love how much travel teaches you, if you let it go beyond just seeing a place. For me, the best way to experience somewhere new is by respecting it, not consuming it. I try to actually learn about the culture, the food, the people, and the environment of wherever I go, instead of just passing through it. It deepens the whole experience in a way that a checklist never could. I always try to leave a destination the way I found it, or better, whether that's how I engage with the local community, how I treat the land, or the small choices I make along the way. Local ecosystems aren't just photo backdrops for me; they're living, breathing systems I feel lucky to be a temporary guest in. There's something so grounding about that mindset; it makes every trip feel more meaningful.”

Also Read: Lauren Gottlieb had auditioned for Michael Jackson’s final tour: “I got to perform in front of him”

Vishal Bhardwaj is known for his Shakespeare trilogy in the form of Maqbool (2004), Omkara (2006) and Haider (2014), adapted from Macbeth, Othello and Hamlet. Out of these, Omkara completes 20 years today. The film starred Ajay Devgn, Saif Ali Khan, Kareena Kapoor Khan and Vivek Oberoi who reprised the characters of Othello, Iago, Desdemona and Michael Cassio respectively from the original Shakespearean play. It is still remembered for its bold storytelling and trying something hugely different at that time with mainstream Hindi film stars.

Omkara is also special for filmmaker Abhishek Chaubey as he was an associate director and co-writer on the project. In an exclusive and candid interview with Bollywood Hungama, he looked back at the enjoyable process of making Omkara.

Personal milestone

Chaubey calls Omkara a “milestone” for his career. “This was just the second film which I had written,” he said. “This was also the biggest film I had done in my life. It just fell into my lap because we were not expecting Vishal to make a thriller at that point of time. He was making something else. This happened all of a sudden. I had a fantastic time being a part of this film. It was Kumar ji’s (Kumar Mangat Pathak) first production and he didn’t leave any stone unturned. So, we were never in want of anything. There was very little stress on set. We enjoyed making the film.”

Script written in a jiffy

Chaubey had said in an interview that they had written the script of Omkara in 18 days. He elaborated on how it happened. “In 18 days we did the adaptation formally,” he said. “But when we were working on the post-production of Maqbool, Vishal and I were just generally talking that if he were to do another Shakespeare, what would it be. And he wanted to do Othello. There were no plans of making anything but just for fun we used to talk about adapting Othello. So, there were certain ideas about the film we had through our discussion about Othello early on; a year or two before we made the film,” he said.

Hence, when the opportunity came to adapt Othello, they were better prepared because they had a good vision about the film. “There was some amount of clarity with which we started,” said Chaubey. “It was not completely blind start in that sense. We had to write the film in a short period of time because Kumar Mangat had come as producer and got Ajay Devgn on board. Ajay was very keen to do a Shakespeare with Vishal but the condition was that his dates were open in January and we were already in September. So, we had to write the film in double quick time, otherwise we would lose out on his dates. Although there was pressure, it was a good pressure.”

Meeting real gangsters and politicians

Sharing the interesting research process, Chaubey revealed, “Robin (Bhatt) da joined us. Then Vishal, me and Robin da went on a general trip of western UP, particularly Meerut. We spent about a week there and met various kinds of people – gangsters, people behind bars, etc. Just a political and crime landscape of Meerut. Plus, Vishal is from Meerut, so he knew a lot of people we could meet and talk to. That energized us and also gave us a feel of the film, like how the characters are, how they talk, behave, etc. Directly from Meerut we went to Mussoorie to write the film.”

Due to their research and familiarity with Othello, which Chaubey had even studied in college, they were well-prepared when they sat down to write. “We would have discussions about the adaptation during the day – the story, characters and all of that. During lunch time, I would polish the notes Vishal ji and Robin da had discussed. Then post-lunch during tea time we would revise it and Vishal would that evening only try and do the dialogues of those scenes. It was almost like we were working double time. We wrote it very rapidly. It was a very long time ago. I was very young, so I had a lot of energy. I remember enjoying the process tremendously,” recalled Chaubey.

Only Vishal Bhardwaj was convinced about Saif Ali Khan’s casting as Langda Tyagi

Recalling the casting of Saif, Chaubey said, “I was of the view that for the role of Langda Tyagi we would be going for a different, more serious kind of an actor or an arthouse actor because we were coming from Maqbool and all of that. But Vishal said that he is going for Saif. And I was like, ‘Are you sure?’ Saif hadn’t done anything like this before, right? He played romantic characters in urban films. The only film where he had negative shades was Ek Hasina Thi. He was very good in it but he was playing a very urbane character. This was a very different and rugged sort of a character.”

Chaubey added, “I wasn’t sure if it would work but Vishal was supremely confident that he would make him do it. I have to give credit to him because not just me but everybody around him was not very sure about his choice. But Vishal being a director could see something which we, obviously, couldn’t. And when Saif got to know that he is getting to play Iago, he quickly jumped at it. I think his mother Sharmila ji had something to do with it. She, sort of, encouraged him to play this part because, knowing Shakespeare, she told him that Iago is the most memorable character of this play. But his dates were not clear. I think he was doing Race. But then Race got pushed and he came on board.”

Chaubey recalled that Kareena came on board fairly quickly because Desdemona was a great character for her. She also wanted to be in a Vishal Bhardwaj film specially with Ajay Devgn leading it. He said that the rest of the casting also happened very quickly.

Saif didn’t hesitate to use cuss words

Omkara was one of the earliest mainstream films to have a lot of cuss words, especially uttered by Langda Tyagi’s character. When asked whether Saif had any hesitation in uttering cuss words, Chaubey said, “Saif jumped at the opportunity (laughs). He said, ‘I am never going to get a chance to do something like this again’. There were some apprehensions how it will be acceptable to the Indian audience or how the censor board will pass it. But our intention behind it was very clear. Shakespeare has great poetry. So, there has to be something in the dialogue that gives it a rhythm and feel that sets it apart from what you normally see in a Hindi film. The way Vishal ji used the dialogue and even the abusive language worked – and I mean this seriously – in a very poetic way. It was not like how cuss words are used now without a thought carelessly.”

“20 years ago, the CBFC was more enlightened”

The reaction of how the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) to the cuss words was an obvious question to Chaubey. “CBFC of that era was very different from CBFC of present,” he said. “My first film (Ishqiya) came in 2010. It had a bold theme and colourful language. But at that time, people would give you Adult certificate and as long as anything was not demeaning to a gender or a community, they would let it be. In Omkara, there were some dialogue cuts but very minimal, which the committee felt were abusive towards a gender or anything of that sort. But otherwise, they let it pass. I think we had a very enlightened Censor Board 20 years ago. I think we have gone 20 years behind today.”

The craze behind “Langda Tyagi Baahubali”

Post the film’s release, the dialogue uttered by Deepak Dobriyal’s character, “Langda Tyagi Baahubali, Baahubali Langda Tyagi” became a rage and it continues to be popular. “When I saw it on set while shooting, I knew this is going to be a hit,” said Chaubey. “We had written it and we wanted it to be iconic. But when Deepak and Saif played that scene and then Deepak started jumping and saying this dialogue, we knew instantly that this is going to catch.”

Chaubey was speaking from Jharkhand where he was for a recce to scout locations for his upcoming web series.

Also Read: Saif Ali Khan makes an attention grabbing appearance at Lord’s Stadium; heritage-inspired Winchester College tie becomes the highlight of his look

Bollywood Hungama has been at the forefront of breaking news on Naagzilla. We have now exclusively learned that it’s a wrap on the film’s shoot. Moreover, we also stumbled upon an exclusive picture of the cake that was cut on the last day of filming.

A source told Bollywood Hungama, “Most of the shoot of Naagzilla had been completed, but one day of filming remained. It took place yesterday, Sunday, July 26, in Mumbai. Ravi Kishan was present along with director Mrighdeep Singh Lamba, writer Gautam Mehra and co-producer Divyansh Jain. They were jubilant about the wrap but also emotional, as they had shared a fun-filled and memorable journey while making the film. It was a hectic yet highly exciting shoot for the cast and crew.”

The source further said, “To celebrate the occasion, a cake bearing the words ‘Naagzilla Film Wrap’ was brought in and enjoyed by the cast and crew. Incidentally, July 25 was director Mrighdeep Singh Lamba’s birthday, which further added to the celebratory mood on the sets of Naagzilla.”

On this joyous occasion, Mahaveer Jain and Mrighdeep Singh Lamba jointly told Bollywood Hungama, “Dharma Productions is the best company to partner with. Karan Johar, Apoorva Mehta, Marijke DeSouza and their entire team are simply the best. Also, we are thankful to each and every crew member of Naagzilla. Everyone has worked really hard to execute this grand vision.”

Naagzilla’s lead actor, Kartik Aaryan, who recently won his first National Award, was not present on the sets, as he had completed filming his portion earlier this year. The source continued, “Now that the shoot is 100% complete, Mrighdeep Singh Lamba and his team are fully focused on post-production and the VFX. The film is set in a crazy world and is packed with maddening humour. According to the makers, its quirky world, outrageous comedy, solid casting and chartbuster soundtrack will draw audiences to cinemas.”

Naagzilla is produced by Karan Johar’s Dharma Productions and Mahaveer Jain’s Mahaveer Jain Films. It releases in cinemas on February 12, 2027.

Also Read: EXCLUSIVE: Ravi Kishan to be the SURPRISE package in Kartik Aaryan’s Naagzilla; Mahaveer Jain reveals, “He upped the MADNESS by many notches”

Pankaj Tripathi's upcoming family drama Ohh My Dog has reportedly suffered a last-minute release setback. The Amit Rai directorial, which was initially slated to arrive in theatres on July 31, has now been postponed by a week, with reports suggesting that the decision was taken to avoid a direct box office clash with Marvel Studios' highly anticipated Spider-Man: Brand New Day. The film will now arrive on August 7.

According to sources close to the development, the makers of Ohh My Dog have been facing a shortage of screens as exhibitors are expected to prioritize Spider-Man: Brand New Day, one of the most eagerly awaited films in the Marvel Cinematic Universe. Headlined by Tom Holland and Zendaya, the superhero entertainer is expected to command a massive theatrical rollout, making it challenging for smaller films to secure adequate showcasing.

The postponement is believed to be a strategic move aimed at ensuring Ohh My Dog receives better screen availability and a stronger theatrical presence. While the makers are yet to make an official announcement regarding the revised release date, the film is expected to hit cinemas a week later than originally planned.

The delay comes just days after Ohh My Dog successfully completed its certification process with the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC). The film has been awarded a U/A certificate, although the board directed a few modifications before granting clearance.

Among the changes mandated by the CBFC, references to brands including 'Truecaller' and 'Dettol' have been muted, along with a cuss word used in the film. A sequence involving a dog has also been shortened by two seconds, while a photo frame of Lord Hanuman appearing in one scene has been blurred. Additionally, the board instructed the makers to include two disclaimers—one addressing child labour, which forms part of the film's narrative, and another on human trafficking.

Directed by Amit Rai, Ohh My Dog marks the filmmaker's return to direction after a gap. The film stars Pankaj Tripathi alongside Pawan Malhotra, Maahi Rai, Rajesh Kumar and Geeta Agrawal Sharma in pivotal roles.

Adding to its unique appeal, the family entertainer features canine performers Oscar and Bruno, with more than 250 dogs appearing throughout the film. The story explores the emotional bond between a young child and his pet while blending humour, heartfelt moments and social commentary, a storytelling style that has become synonymous with Rai's work.

With its theatrical release now delayed, audiences will have to wait a little longer to witness the heartwarming tale. However, the postponement is expected to give the film a better opportunity to reach viewers without competing against one of the year's biggest Hollywood releases.

Also Read: Amit Rai directorial Ohh My Dog gets U/A certificate after CBFC orders 7 changes

Prosit Roy, who recently garnered widespread appreciation for his Amazon Prime Video series Raakh, is reportedly gearing up for an exciting new collaboration. According to a report by Pinkvilla, the filmmaker is expected to join hands with Dharma Productions for an untitled psychological romance, marking a rare and intriguing creative partnership.

While Dharma Productions has long been associated with grand romantic entertainers and commercial cinema, the production house is now said to be exploring a psychological love story with Roy at the helm. If the reports are to be believed, the project is currently in its initial stages of development, with the casting process yet to begin. As per the report, the makers are aiming to take the film on floors by the end of this year, provided everything progresses as planned.

A source quoted in the report shared insight into Roy’s vision for the project, saying, “Prosit has a very strong conviction for psychological stories, and that is clearly visible in the way he approaches his characters. After Raakh, he wanted to take up something that would allow him to explore love and relationships through a psychological lens. This is a very solid psychological love story, and Prosit is extremely passionate about it already.”

The source further added, “Everyone at Dharma is very excited about this film. They believe in Prosit’s vision and the world he has created for this story. It is a fresh take on the psychological love story genre, and the team is keen to bring it to the audience in the right way. The casting process will begin soon, and the makers are looking at taking the film on the floors towards the end of the year.”

Although the film remains untitled and no actors have been finalized so far, the reported collaboration has already generated considerable curiosity among cinephiles. Roy has earned acclaim for bringing layered narratives and emotionally complex characters to the screen, making him a fitting choice for a story that blends romance with psychological elements.

For Dharma Productions, the project could represent another step towards expanding its storytelling palette by backing unconventional narratives alongside its mainstream offerings. A psychological romance is relatively unexplored territory in Hindi cinema, and the reported collaboration has the potential to offer audiences a refreshing take on the genre.

An official announcement regarding the project, including its cast and production timeline, is still awaited. Until then, fans will have to wait for confirmation from the makers on what could be one of the most anticipated filmmaker-producer collaborations in the coming months.

Also Read: Ramayana: Karan Johar’s Dharma Productions comes on board to distribute Ranbir Kapoor starrer in India, says report

After making her mark as an actor, Sheetal Menon has now ventured into filmmaking. Following her directorial debut with the short film Siblings, she is all set to release her deeply intimate and ambitiously cinematic second short, Duet. Backed by acclaimed filmmaker and her husband Bejoy Nambiar, Duet stars Sidhant Gupta as a pianist going through a turbulent phase in his life. Duet also stands out for being the first film to release on Spotify. Meanwhile, earlier this year, Bejoy also had a release, Tu Yaa Main, starring Adarsh Gourav, Shanaya Kapoor and a terrifying crocodile. It was one of the most appreciated films of the year and yet, it didn’t get the box office success that it probably deserved. Moreover, it was a film meant for the big screen and to witness audiences freaking out and screaming in fear in some scenes added to the fun. Despite so many factors, the film missed the tag of a theatrical hit.

Sheetal Menon, who was credited under ‘Special Thanks’ in Tu Yaa Main, opened up about the creature thriller’s box office performance in an exclusive interview with Bollywood Hungama. She said, “You always hope that a film works. You try your best and hope that it has everything required to succeed in theatres.”

She added, “But what exactly does a film need to run successfully in cinemas? You put in your best effort, and the response to Tu Yaa Main was overwhelming. Yet, the film had mixed results at the box office. Of course, it is disappointing at some level. But you cannot sit with that disappointment. You have to get up, move on and try again.”

Sheetal admitted, “However, it wasn’t easy. You also feel helpless at times. How do you convince people to come to theatres and watch a film? We are living in a difficult period when audiences are no longer going to cinemas regularly. It is becoming increasingly difficult.”

Sheetal Menon added, “At the same time, there is still hope. I don’t think an experience like this would make anyone say, ‘I’m never going to do this again.’”

Also Read: EXCLUSIVE: Sheetal Menon praises Sidhant Gupta’s EXTRAORDINARY dedication to her short film Duet: “I asked for 3 days; he gave me 9 months…even learned to play the piano”

With less than three weeks to go for its release, the promotions of Batwara 1947 will be taken to the next level this week, as the trailer of the much-awaited film will finally be unveiled in a few days. In a unique initiative, the launch will be held in two different cities on two consecutive days.

A source told Bollywood Hungama, “On Tuesday, July 28, the trailer of Batwara 1947 will be unveiled in the iconic single-screen cinema, Raj Mandir in Jaipur, Rajasthan. Fans and local media will be invited to catch the trailer and also catch a glimpse of Sunny Deol and Rajkumar Santoshi.”

The source added, “Raj Mandir serves as the perfect venue for such events in Rajasthan. It has hosted several launches previously, so the management has experience handling fans and stars. Moreover, the single-screen is one-of-a-kind in the country in terms of ambience, screen and sound quality, etc. Also, it’s a theatre close to Sunny Deol’s heart. He promoted the re-release of his cult classic, Gadar – Ek Prem Katha (2001), as part of promotions of Gadar 2 (2023) and the response was extraordinary. He then returned to Raj Mandir to promote Jaat (2025) as well. Both films were successful and, in a way, promotional events at Raj Mandir have proved to be a lucky charm for the actor.”

The source then said, “The next day, July 29, a similar event will be held for media and fans in Mumbai.” Batwara 1947 is produced by superstar Aamir Khan, and he’s also expected to be present at both the events.

Besides Sunny Deol, Batwara 1947 also stars Shabana Azmi, Preity Zinta, Ali Fazal and Karan Deol. The film is highly awaited as it reunites Sunny Deol and Rajkumar Santoshi and moreover, it is produced by Aamir Khan.

Batwara 1947 is based on the play, ‘Jis Lahore Nai Dekhya’, by Syed Asghar Wajahat. The Partition-era story revolves around a Muslim family which migrates from Lucknow to Lahore and is allotted a haveli vacated by a Hindu family. The old Hindu matriarch refuses to leave her ancestral home and she also strikes a rare bond with the Muslim immigrants.

Also Read: BREAKING: Sunny Deol-starrer Batwara 1947 passed with an ‘A’ certificate by CBFC

The trailer of Bhai Tera Star Hai has caught attention thanks to its quirky content and Raghav Juyal’s promising performance. Interestingly, it’ll release on July 30 and thus clash with Spider-Man: Brand New Day. In an exclusive interview with Bollywood Hungama, producer-director Vivek B Agarwal explained the strategy behind the release.

Vivek B Agarwal said, “Honestly speaking, there’s no strategy. I did my homework. After the July 30 weekend, I don’t know if I’ll get another opportunity to release my film until the end of February 2027. There are either a couple of big Bollywood films, a solo monster film or a combination of Bollywood and pan-India South films. There’s something happening every week or every second week.”

He added, “Moreover, I realized that apart from Dhamaal 4 in July, there was no substantial Hindi release until the middle of August. It was either a choice of clashing with a big Hindi film or releasing alongside Spider-Man. Hence, this was the only viable option. I felt that since there was no Hindi film releasing for nearly a month, I’d rather release my film in the middle of this dry period and attract audiences who might prefer watching a Hindi film over an English one.”

When asked about the screen count, Vivek replied, “PVR Inox Pictures is distributing the film in India. We are targeting 900 to 1000 screens.”

Bhai Tera Star Hai’s promo reminds one of the small-budget-high-concept films that production houses like UTV and Phantom (that Vivek B Agarwal was a part of) regularly churned out in the 2000s and early 2010s. Moreover, such films can surprise with theatrical performance, as proven by Main Vaapas Aaunga, a film which was probably seen as a digital film before it surprised at the box office. Hence, how important was it for Vivek to give Bhai Tera Star Hai a theatrical release instead of going straight to OTT?

Vivek B Agarwal explained, “I kind of agree with you that there has been a change of mindset. At the end of the day, if the film is good, people do come to the theatres. Raghav and I were very keen that Bhai Tera Star Hai should have a theatrical release. We decided to go all out and indulge in a marketing campaign where he’s interacting with people and asking them to watch the film in theatres. Accordingly, he’s been doing city tours continuously and communicating with the potential audience.”

He continued, “Also, at the end of the day, the content has to work. People have to like the trailers and songs and then decide whether or not they want to see it in cinemas. I think we are achieving that balance. People are liking the trailer and humour quotient. It’s rare to have a film of this kind with such humour and ensemble cast.”

He added, “Moreover, I feel that people are tired of sitting at home and watching dark, serious thrillers, which make up nearly 80% of OTT content. Aisa nahin hai ki OTT pe bhasad comedy ban rahi hai. Majorly, sirf dark, serious aur toxic content hi ban raha hai. Hence, if a film offers them something fresh, I feel that they would love to give it a chance.”

Also Read: EXCLUSIVE: “Salman Khan called Raghav Juyal and told him, ‘I saw Bhai Tera Star Hai trailer TWICE and the Kisi Ka Bhai Kisi Ki Jaan joke was FABULOUS’” – Vivek B Agarwal

With just five days to go for the release of Spider-Man: Brand New Day, the excitement is tremendous, to say the least. Advance ticket sales are extremely strong, indicating that the superhero film is set to record one of the biggest opening-day collections ever in India. Given the extraordinary buzz, the studio has decided to position the film in the highest ticket-pricing category.

A trade source told Bollywood Hungama, “The studio has sent an email to exhibitors stating that Spider-Man: Brand New Day is the most anticipated film of the year, and not merely of the season. Hence, ‘keeping with the scale, legacy and premium positioning of this release’, it has decided to implement mega-blockbuster pricing bands for the film.”

The mega-blockbuster pricing category is a relatively recent phenomenon and has previously been implemented for films that generated tremendous pre-release buzz, such as Pushpa 2 – The Rule, War 2 and Dhurandhar The Revenge.

In accordance with this directive, the theatres have started advance booking, and, as expected, the rates are sky-high. Most cinemas are selling tickets for Rs. 300+, and in some, the rates have even reached four digits. For 3D and premium formats, the prices are obviously higher. The source noticed, “In a few cinemas, the rates are at par with Dhurandhar The Revenge, but in most theatres and multiplexes, the rates are lower than the Ranveer Singh-starrer. This is because Dhurandhar sequel’s buzz was historic and one-of-a-kind.”

In Mumbai, G7 multiplex, also popularly known as Gaiety-Galaxy, is one of the few cinemas where one can catch Spider-Man: Brand New Day at reasonable rates. The stall tickets are sold for Rs. 180 and balcony for Rs. 200. The same price slab exists in Maratha Mandir; both these cinemas are managed by Manoj Desai and will screen the film’s 2D version in Hindi. Also, Gaiety-Galaxy and Maratha Mandir are the only cinemas in Mumbai and one of the few ones in the country to sell tickets of the film at less than Rs. 200 (this does not include certain centres in South where the rates are cheap as per the government rules).

Meanwhile, the tickets for the 10:30 am 2D Hindi show at MovieTime Dahisar are available for Rs. 220. As for the English 2D version, Funcity Big Cinema, Ulhasnagar is among the cheapest in the Mumbai Metropolitan Region. One needs to shell out just Rs. 240 to watch the 2:15 pm show on July 30. Next comes the iconic Regal cinema in South Mumbai, where the ticket rates are Rs. 250 for stall and Rs. 300 for balcony.

If you enjoy English films more in the 3D version in Hindi, then Gold Thane, Gold Borivali and Tilak Dombivali is where you should head to in order to enjoy Spider-Man: Brand New Day without burning a hole in your pocket. The 10:00 am shows in these cinemas are priced at Rs. 200.

As for the English 3D version, the rates are slightly higher, but some cinemas have made an exception. Ajanta Cinex Borivali's 10:00 am show tickets are being sold for Rs. 200, the cheapest in this category and format in the region. This is followed by MovieTime Malad, where one needs to pay Rs. 230 to watch the 10:55 am show. The ticket price of the 8:30 am show in MovieTime Star City Matunga is Rs. 240. In BMX Cinemas Koparkhairane, the price is Rs. 250 for the 11:30 am show, while it is Rs. 260 for the 8:30 am show in PVR Odeon Ghatkopar. In Sun City, one can pay Rs. 270 in order to catch the 8:00 am show of the movie.

The source added, “Many cinemas, especially national chains, follow dynamic pricing. Hence, as demand rises, ticket prices will also increase.”

Also Read: Spider-Man: Brand New Day director explains why Sadie Sink’s role is being kept secret as final trailer drops

The makers of the Raghav Juyal-starrer Bhai Tera Star Hai recently released the song ‘Aankhon Se Tune 2.0’, a recreated version of the popular track from Ghulam (1998), starring Aamir Khan and Rani Mukerji. Meanwhile, in the trailer, Raghav’s character can be seen claiming that he would play Bhaijaan’s bhai in an upcoming film. The meta reference alludes to Kisi Ka Bhai Kisi Ki Jaan (2023), which starred Salman Khan and featured Raghav as one of his brothers. In an exclusive interview with Bollywood Hungama, producer-director Vivek B Agarwal spoke about this aspect and much more.

When asked if Bhai Tera Star Hai will have a grand premiere, Vivek B Agarwal replied, “We are working on it and are also planning to invite our industry friends. Making this film was like one big party for us! It was a comedy, and off-screen, everyone was indulging in crazy things. We had rehearsed the film so much ki sabko ek dusre ke dialogues yaad ho gaye the. So, we want to carry this momentum forward and hold a big cast-and-crew screening, which we can call a premiere. It’ll be held a day before the release, and we intend to celebrate the fun we had while making the film.”

Since Salman Khan and Aamir Khan are also connected with the film, would they be invited to the premiere of Bhai Tera Star Hai? Vivek Agarwal smiled and answered, “I would love it if they could come and if they have the time. I do know that Salman bhai called up Raghav and congratulated him on the trailer. He was very happy with the trailer. Raghav met him as well. He told him, ‘I saw your trailer twice and the Kisi Ka Bhai Kisi Ki Jaan joke in the end was fabulous’. So, I am happy that people are enjoying the humour and taking it in their stride. It’s also good to be encouraged by people who have seen it all and done it all.”

Bhai Tera Star Hai releases on July 30. Speaking about his future plans, Vivek B Agarwal said, “There are quite a few films in development. These are ideas that I have been writing and developing for years. It’s just that I had to take the step of producing films myself, and hence, those projects took a backseat. But yes, there are several things in the pipeline, and I hope to get them going in the early part of next year. Also, my wife (Avantika Hari Agrawal) is a National Award-winning writer-director, and she’s working on her next project. We are trying to put the cast together and hopefully get the film on the floors as soon as possible.”

Also Read: EXCLUSIVE: “Bhai Tera Star Hai was shot in LESS than a month,” says Vivek B Agarwal; adds, “It takes a phenomenal actor like Raghav Juyal to make bad acting look so convincing…Sanjay Kapoor wore the wig even when he wasn’t shooting!”

Veteran actor Shabana Azmi has revealed that she has been diagnosed with H1N1 (swine flu), forcing her to miss the student protest held at Mumbai's Shivaji Park on Friday. The actor shared the health update on social media, saying she has been advised to remain in isolation for the next five days.

Azmi has been one of the most prominent public figures supporting the student-led protests over the alleged NEET paper leak. Over the past three days, she actively participated in demonstrations at Delhi's Jantar Mantar, where she marched alongside students, joined the "Chalo Sansad" rally and extended support to those on hunger strike. Shabana Azmi shares health update Informing her followers about her absence from the Mumbai protest, Azmi wrote that she had planned to join demonstrators but was unable to do so after being diagnosed with H1N1. She wrote, “"My dear Mumbaikars, I was meant to join your protest yesterday, but I've come down with H1N1 and need to remain in isolation for the next five days."

Despite her illness, the actor said she remains closely connected with the movement and continues to receive updates from those participating on the ground. Actor praises students' courage Azmi also lauded the determination shown by young protesters, many of whom, she said, were taking part in a demonstration for the first time: "I want to express my solidarity and appreciation. I'm receiving first-hand reports from the young people on the ground. Many of them have taken part in a protest for the first time and have experienced how much their voice counts."

She added that their commitment continues to inspire her: "I continue to be inspired by your courage and commitment and stand by you in solidarity."

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  A post shared by Shabana Azmi (@azmishabana18)

The veteran actor concluded her post by sharing a poem written by her late father, renowned poet Kaifi Azmi.

Azmi has been among the few celebrities who chose to participate in the protests in person instead of limiting their support to social media. During the demonstrations at Jantar Mantar, she marched alongside students, rode atop a protest vehicle with actor Prakash Raj, addressed the gathering and was also seen serving food to students observing a hunger strike.

Also Read: Shabana Azmi suffers asthma attack at Delhi protest; says, “I got an attack because of the tear gas”

Recently, Salman Khan created a storm with his tweet about the happenings in the country. Interestingly, 14 years ago, another tweet by the superstar changed the course of several lives. It was through this tweet that he announced Sajid Nadiadwala’s directorial debut with Kick (2014). This is when he announced that Sajid Nadiadwala will turn director with Kick. The action entertainer was a blockbuster at the box office and one of the biggest box office successes for a debutant director. The film is remembered not just for providing wholesome entertainment but also because the makers released a special coffee table book ‘Kick: A Karizmatic Journey’. Launched a few months after the film’s release, it consists of rare BTS images and fascinating trivia shared by Sajid Nadiadwala and the various HODs. As Kick completed 12 years on July 25, Bollywood Hungama revisited this rare coffee table book to unearth fascinating behind-the-scenes trivia and previously unseen pictures from the blockbuster.

1. Zero VFX, 100% Salman’s swag

Cinematographer Ayananka Bose opened up about the legendary scene involving Salman Khan and the railway train, “The iconic sequence was never a part of the original plan. Mr Khan was supposed to ride across the tracks on the cycle but just before he was to perform the shot, he came with this idea that he would dismount the cycle, push it ahead and just walk across the tracks nonchalantly, without even looking at the train which was a fraction an inch away from him. Sajid sir asked the team to film both the options – first what Salman had suggested and second was the original idea of cycling across the tracks. It sounded impossible to place the camera on the path of an incoming train without the help of VFX for such a sequence. This is when we decided to dig a hole and place it right in the middle of the tracks onto the path of the train. In those failing light conditions, the crew worked frantically, including Sajid sir, who was most worried about the safety of Salman sir. With the failing light conditions, it was a one-shot ‘now or never’ moment.”

He added, “What followed was history. Once the walk across the track was filmed, the original idea was never filmed!”

2. From 27 takes to no retakes:

Sajid Nadiadwala revealed a fascinating anecdote about Randeep Hooda, who had a crucial part in the film, “On the first day of the shoot, we tried doing very different stuff for the role and I was not very satisfied on the monitor. We had about 27 takes until Randeep gave the shot exactly as I was looking for. From that day, we never had any issues and for all subsequent shots, he did not cross the second take.”

3. Apprehensions that were soon put to rest

As for Nawazuddin Siddiqui’s character, Sajid Nadiadwala revealed, “He was the last possible choice on anyone’s mind. Many of my HODs did not agree on his casting, but I was very sure.”

4. The evolution of the mask

Suresh Selvarajan, special prop designer, admitted, “We made nearly 300 different masks before settling for this one, and then we did an 8-month-long research on the material. This was the first time the mask was made using 3D print technology in India…we were clear that it would be a first-time-ever or never-before mask.”

5. How Salman turned singer

Sajid Nadiadwala explained how he convinced Salman Khan to sing ‘Hangover’, “We have been hearing him for the last 20 years in a room. So, this was the best chance for the world to hear him too.”

6. London’s bus in Poland

The double-decker bus chase scene is quite memorable. The veteran filmmaker revealed, “We started from London, then Glasgow, followed by Warsaw. Thank God we got permission to shoot in Warsaw. Otherwise, we would have had to shoot in Bangkok or Hong Kong. We put both buses on trucks to transport them from the UK to Poland as they were not allowed to drive on the highway on their own.”

7. Adorable cameos

Kick marked the debut of Sajid Nadiadwala as a director and one of his sons in front of the camera. He said, “My elder brother, Subhan, has made his lucky charm appearances in most of my productions, from his debut appearance in Mujhse Shaadi Karogi (2004) and thereafter in Heyy Babyy (2007), Housefull (2010) and Housefull 2 (2012). It was only befitting that with Kick, in which his father was making his debut as a director, my younger son, Sufiyan, also made his debut screen appearance with Subhan…their presence added to the sweet taste of Kick’s success, like the ice creams they were enjoying through the filming.”

8. Sajid’s Eureka moment

In one scene, Salman Khan admonishes bystanders for failing to act in the face of injustice. Sajid explained, “There was this particular real-life incident in which a few brave boys had unfortunately lost their lives amidst indifferent onlookers. The incident had disturbed me deeply. A Eureka moment occurred when I was taking a shower in the morning and got an idea to interpret this incident in my own way. I narrated the scene to my wife as I stepped out of the shower and her reaction gave me the positivity that I had hit the right chord.”

9. The girl who left the nation teary-eyed

Diya Chalwad, who played Jhumki, was the soul of the film. Sajid Nadiadwala confessed, “Every time this part of the scene was scheduled to be filmed, I used to look for some excuse to push it back as I was not emotionally prepared to take on this part. Finally, we filmed it towards the end of the schedule, when I matured as a director and was in the right emotional space for it.”

He continued, “A special mention to Diya who could emote and cry effortlessly and made us cry on the set”

10. Salman’s 2011 blockbuster to the rescue

Ayananka Bose also revealed, “I asked (Sajid sir) how he chose me for such a big project, when he could have hired anyone from India or abroad. He answered with such simplicity that while watching the film Bodyguard (2011; also starring Salman Khan), which was shot by multiple DOPs, he came across the song ‘Teri Meri’ that was shot by me. He liked it and decided on that basis. He said his most memorable visual from the sets of the film was “the ever-smiling face of Mr Sajid, be it rain or shine, a quality rare and to be learnt”.

11. How the writer’s block was overcome

Rajat Aroraa, one of the much-loved writers of the film, remarked, “The breakup scene was one of the hardest to crack. Time was running out…I had only the beginning of the scene sorted. Things were a little tense. Sajid sir walked up to me and told me, ‘Don’t worry, Rajat. It’ll work out. Like in life, har cheez mein problem second half mein hi aati hai.  And that’s it. That’s how I got the line, ‘Main tumhare saath boodha hona chahta hoon, tumhari wajah se nahin’!”

12. Sajid’s uncompromised vision

Production designer Rajnish Hedao of Acropolis stated, “Sajid Nadiadwala’s philosophy was that if you were going to show a close-up, make it closer than any close-up has ever been. And if you are going to take a long shot, make it a larger long shot than anyone else has ever done.”

13. Action directors floored by Sajid

The action directors of Kick have spoken highly of the director-producer. ANL Arasu said, “I found the greatest producer in the film industry, Mr Sajid Nadiadwala…he is a great captain. I can proudly say that my grandfather is Sajid Nadiadwala. May God bless him.” Stefan Richter, international action director, stated, “I was given the biggest chance in my career. I will never forget the time with you guys.”

14. The hard work behind the animation sequence

Kick’s animated sequence was lovely and set the mood. Viral Thakkar, VFX Supervisor, Pixion, opened up on what lengths they had to go, “We used various references of Salman sir’s childhood and teen pictures from the internet and carefully designed the characters. The idea was not to make it look too caricature-type. We had a task in front of us with the image he carries globally. The audience loves him. We had to make him look very appealing and lovable.”

He continued, “We went through various visual references from Salman sir’s previous films on the way he performs his comic scenes. He has his own style and the task we had in hand, as far as animation was concerned, was to capture his nuances. At one point, we had to make our animators perform like him in our office just to make sure they got the animation right.”

15. The untold story behind the car

The vehicle driven by Salman Khan at the beginning of the film was a cross between a car and a motorcycle. Deepak More, DC Motors, admitted, “Despite an intensive attempt to source a pristine VW Beetle, we couldn’t find one decent one in the whole country. Hence, we were forced to follow a process that is only done when prototyping elaborate programmes for auto manufacturers. We had to build a 3D data of the VW Beetle…”

PVR INOX reported a strong turnaround in the first quarter of FY27, posting a profit after tax (PAT) of Rs 56.5 crore, compared to a Rs 54 crore loss during the same period last year. The multiplex operator also recorded a 10.4 percent increase in consolidated revenue, which rose to Rs 1,622.2 crore from Rs 1,469 crore a year ago.

The company's performance comes alongside a robust recovery in the theatrical business, with India's total box office collections growing 20 percent year-on-year during the quarter. Strong film slate boosts admissions PVR INOX credited the quarter's performance to a healthy mix of Hindi, regional and Hollywood films. Among Hindi releases, Bhoot Bangla, Cocktail 2 and Main Wapas Aunga emerged as strong performers. Regional cinema also delivered impressive growth, led by films such as Raja Shivaji (Marathi), Drishyam 3 (Malayalam) and Karuppu (Tamil).

Hollywood titles also contributed significantly, with non-franchise films including Project Hail Mary, Michael and Obsession drawing audiences to cinemas. Admissions, ticket prices and F&B sales rise The multiplex chain recorded 36.6 million admissions during the quarter, reflecting an 8 percent year-on-year increase. Its Average Ticket Price (ATP) stood at Rs 273, up 8 percent from the previous year, while Spend Per Head (SPH) increased 9 percent to Rs 161. As a result, ticket revenue rose 16 percent, while food and beverage sales registered a 17 percent increase compared to the same quarter last year. EBITDA nearly doubles, company turns net cash positive PVR INOX also reported a sharp improvement in profitability. EBITDA climbed 90 percent to Rs 229.6 crore, with EBITDA margins expanding from 8.2 percent to 14 percent, driven by stronger operating leverage.

The company also achieved a key financial milestone by turning net cash positive, ending the quarter with Rs 80.7 crore in net cash as of June 30, 2026. Ajay Bijli on the quarter's performance Commenting on the results, PVR INOX Managing Director Ajay Bijli said the company's operational performance improved across key parameters: "The industry delivered broad-based growth, our operating metrics improved across the board, and the company is now net cash positive. With a diverse content slate ahead and a capital-light expansion model, our focus remains on delighting consumers, driving footfalls and creating enduring value for our shareholders."

Following the announcement of the quarterly results, PVR INOX shares climbed 5.5 per cent to Rs 1,047.85 on the Bombay Stock Exchange (BSE), reflecting positive investor sentiment after the company's return to profitability.

Also Read: Main Vaapas Aaunga Box Office: PVR INOX-Cinepolis Week 2 collections jump 89.8% over Week 1

Veteran actor and filmmaker Kamal Haasan has voiced his support for the students protesting at Jantar Mantar, becoming one of the few prominent South Indian film personalities to publicly speak out on the issue. Taking to X (formerly Twitter), the actor shared a strongly worded statement, questioning the country's education system and urging those in power to address the concerns raised by the protesting youth.

Expressing solidarity with the students, Haasan criticized what he described as systemic failures that have left young people feeling unheard. He also appealed to education reform activist Sonam Wangchuk to end his ongoing fast while emphasizing that the responsibility now lies with the nation to respond to the students' demands.

Sharing his thoughts on social media, Kamal Haasan wrote, “We should have listened when one child cried. Instead, we waited until far too many of our children died. A system where coaching replaces learning, anxiety replaces curiosity, and criminality replaces merit is rotten. A nation has failed when its children are met with barricades and batons instead of answers. @Wangchuk66, the nation will need your conscience for the journey ahead. Please end your fast. To the children of India: You are the best of us. You have done your duty. It is now time for the country to do its duty by you. May your dreams forever be bigger than our failures. @cockroachisback #CJPProtest.”

We should have listened when one child cried. Instead, we waited until far too many of our children died.

A system where coaching replaces learning, anxiety replaces curiosity, and criminality replaces merit is rotten.

A nation has failed when its children are met with…

— Kamal Haasan (@ikamalhaasan) July 23, 2026

The actor's statement comes amid growing conversations surrounding the ongoing demonstrations at Jantar Mantar, where students have been demanding accountability and reforms. Haasan's post highlights concerns over the pressures of the current education system and calls for meaningful action instead of confrontation. While several celebrities from the Hindi film industry have expressed support for the protesting students over the past few days, Kamal Haasan is among the few leading South Indian stars to publicly take a stand on the issue.

As the protests continue to draw nationwide attention, Haasan's message adds to the growing list of public figures urging authorities to engage with students' concerns and work towards meaningful solutions rather than allowing the crisis to deepen.

Also Read: PM Modi completes 12 years: Ajay Devgn, Kamal Haasan, Govinda, and other celebs react to historic milestone

Veteran actor and filmmaker Amol Palekar has voiced his support for students protesting over the NEET paper leak by writing an open letter expressing solidarity with the youth-led movement. As demonstrations continue in Delhi demanding accountability and education reforms, the actor praised the courage of students and said they are carrying forward the unfinished work of democracy.

Addressing the protesters as "Dear brave students," Palekar wrote that he was writing not only in solidarity but also with gratitude. "Every generation inherits the unfinished work of democracy. Yours has accepted both the burden and the privilege of carrying it forward," he wrote. Draws parallels with history and literature In his letter, Palekar referred to Albert Camus' Caligula, saying the play reflects how unchecked power can become detached from moral responsibility. He added that the recent developments in Delhi reminded him of those themes.

The veteran actor also cited historical student movements and struggles across the world, including the Paris student protests of 1968, the anti-apartheid movement in South Africa, Tiananmen Square and the Navnirman Andolan in Gujarat, arguing that attempts to silence young voices have never succeeded in suppressing the desire for freedom. "The images filled us with anguish and anger" Reacting to the reported police action against protesters, Palekar said the visuals left him deeply disturbed. "The images of the brutality inflicted upon you have filled us with anguish and anger," he wrote.

He added that universities are places where society learns to question itself and said asking those in power difficult questions is a democratic responsibility rather than a privilege. "When questions are answered with batons instead of reason, it is not the students who stand diminished. It is the State," the actor wrote. Explains why he did not join the protest Palekar also explained why he did not attend the demonstrations in person. He said advancing age has imposed physical limitations, even though his convictions remain unchanged. He also noted that he deliberately chose not to participate physically because he did not want public attention to shift away from the students.

"This is your movement, your voice, your moment of moral courage. You do not need celebrity validation. Democratic movements derive their legitimacy from the courage of those at their centre, not from the visibility of those who stand beside them," he wrote. Offers support to students The actor concluded his letter by assuring students that he and his wife, Sandhya, would continue supporting them in every way possible. He even offered legal, medical and financial assistance within their means if required. Encouraging students to remain hopeful, he wrote, "Today you may be called students. Tomorrow you will be known as the generation that chose courage over silence. The future belongs to those who refuse to surrender their humanity."

The ongoing demonstrations began over the alleged NEET paper leak and demands for systemic reforms in the education sector. The movement has received support from several members of the film industry, with many celebrities calling for accountability, dialogue and peaceful resolution while expressing solidarity with students.

Also Read: Kamal Haasan backs Jantar Mantar protest, questions system in powerful note: “A nation has failed when its children are met with barricades and batons”

Filmmaker Anurag Kashyap has opened up about his decision to distance himself from Bandar, starring Bobby Deol, revealing that the version released was not the one he had envisioned. During a conversation with comedian Kunal Kamra, the filmmaker candidly spoke about creative compromises, the impact of corporatisation on filmmaking, and why he deliberately chose not to respond to the criticism the film received.

Explaining his silence after the film's release, Kashyap admitted that he did not feel comfortable defending a project that no longer reflected his intended vision. Addressing the criticism surrounding the film, he said, “When I said don't watch, it's because I can't own up… If you noticed, I didn't give any interviews on the film. Because whatever came out is not my final cut. So, the criticisms that came the movie's way are quite valid. I wanted to put out something I could stand up for. As a result, I couldn't stand up against the criticisms against the movie."

The filmmaker also reflected on how the industry's functioning has changed over the years, suggesting that the increasing corporatisation of cinema has altered the creative process. Comparing the current ecosystem with the past, Kashyap remarked, "Unlike before, things have become corporatised today. It’s not like all producers are making movies by mortgaging their houses or because they believe in the work. Some are making just to ensure that their movie is a success."

Speaking further about the themes explored in Bandar, Kashyap maintained that audiences who understood his intent would recognise what he was trying to convey, despite the changes made to the film. He said, "Those who could see my intention, they didn't need to watch it, because they already know what's being shown. The problem is with those who don't know what it's about and they need to watch it to understand the perspective. Only those who aren't self-aware get carried away; or those who aren't aware of what goes on. Those who are aware won't have expresses solidarity with... protests, asks what... a problem; they will dismiss it right away.”

Kashyap further clarified that while the film largely retained his visual storytelling, editorial changes significantly altered its perspective. Elaborating on the impact of the final edit, he said, “Cinematically, everything else is pretty much mine… but they changed it by taking something out. Thus, the perspective has been changed. The tilt has changed a little bit. Whatever was there, was made by me. I shot it. But what they have edited out has really affected the outcome.”

His remarks have once again reignited conversations around creative freedom, director's cuts, and the influence of studios and producers on the final version of a film. While Bandar was discussed for its subject matter and performances, Kashyap's latest statements shed light on the challenges filmmakers often face in preserving their original creative vision.

Also Read: Anurag Kashyap joins Chaar Diwaari as presenter ahead of North American premiere at Fantasia Festival

Prime Focus Studios has announced a landmark partnership with Sony Pictures Entertainment, which will distribute Ramayana across international markets outside India. The announcement marks a significant milestone for the ambitious mythological epic, even as the makers confirmed that the film's much-awaited trailer launch has been postponed to a later date.

Producer Namit Malhotra shared the update through a detailed note on social media, revealing that the global partnership prompted the decision to reschedule the trailer launch. “Today is a very special moment for our "Ramayana", my dream of taking Ramayana to the world is now a reality with our partnership with Sony Pictures Entertainment. In light of the above we will be launching our trailer now globally at a later date. In over 100+ years of Indian Cinema this will become a moment of great pride where Ramayana will be shown to the entire world like any major global Hollywood film. This is special as it opens the door for people of the world to discover the richness of our culture and our stories with renewed pride and enthusiasm. I thank all the fans and the believers of Ramayana to help make this happen. The youth of our country are our future, let's all do the best we can to protect our future. Jai Hind,” the note read.

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Headlined by Ranbir Kapoor, Yash and Sai Pallavi, Ramayana is envisioned as a global cinematic spectacle that will be released internationally in multiple languages, including a premium English-language version. The film seeks to introduce one of India's most celebrated epics to audiences across cultures while staying rooted in its timeless themes of duty, courage, compassion, sacrifice and righteousness.

Directed by Nitesh Tiwari, the fantasy action-adventure film brings together an extensive international crew. The project features music by Academy Award winners Hans Zimmer and A.R. Rahman, action choreography by Terry Notary and Guy Norris, and production design by Ramsey Avery and Ravi Bansal. The film is produced by Prime Focus Studios' Namit Malhotra, who also serves as the Global CEO of the Academy Award-winning visual effects company DNEG.

Sharing his vision for the project, Malhotra said, "For generations, the Ramayana has inspired people through its timeless humanity and enduring values. Our ambition has always been to honor that legacy while creating a cinematic experience worthy of audiences everywhere. Through DNEG, we have spent decades helping filmmakers realize some of the world's most ambitious cinematic visions. With Prime Focus Studios, we are now bringing that same commitment to storytelling to one of the world's greatest epics. Collaborating with Sony Pictures gives Ramayana an extraordinary opportunity to connect with international audiences and introduce this timeless story to moviegoers around the world."

The collaboration with Sony Pictures marks one of the biggest international distribution deals for an Indian film, positioning Ramayana for a large-scale worldwide release comparable to major Hollywood tentpole productions. With the trailer now set to debut globally at a later date, anticipation surrounding the film continues to grow ahead of its release.

Also Read: Ramayana makers unveil behind-the-scenes glimpse from Pratham Sankalp event; Sunny Deol surprise appearance steals attention

Actor Ahan Shetty may soon be seen exploring the horror genre for the first time. According to the latest reports, the Border 2 actor has reportedly come on board for filmmaker Vikram Bhatt's 1920: Cold Winter, the sixth instalment in the long-running 1920 franchise.

As per a Mid-Day report, the film is currently in the scripting stage. A source quoted by the publication claimed that Ahan was looking to diversify his filmography after making his debut with Tadap and recently returning to the big screen with Border 2.

"This will be Ahan's first brush with the supernatural genre. He wants to do a variety of roles, after being launched in the romantic action drama Tadap. That's why he is carefully choosing movies that belong to different genres," the source said.

The report further stated that Vikram Bhatt and producer Anand Pandit are currently searching for the film's female lead. They are reportedly looking to cast a reasonably well-known actress rather than a newcomer.

If everything goes according to plan, filming is expected to begin in November. Before that, the producer-director duo is said to travel to Scotland for a location recce. Some portions of the film are also expected to be shot in Shimla.

The 1920 franchise began with the 2008 film 1920 and has since expanded with 1920: Evil Returns, 1920: London, 1921, and 1920: Horrors of the Heart. 1920: Cold Winter will mark the sixth chapter in the supernatural horror series.

Neither Ahan Shetty nor the makers have officially confirmed or denied the report so far.

Meanwhile, Ahan will next be seen in director Tinu Desai's Sanki.

Also Read: Ahan Shetty secures title Sanki for next film after personally approaching Sajid Nadiadwala

Actor Kajal Aggarwal has shared her thoughts on the differences between the Hindi and South Indian film industries, saying she prefers the discipline and punctuality followed on South film sets. During a recent interview with Shubhankar Mishra, the actor also recalled that Salman Khan made her wait the longest while working on a Hindi film.

Kajal Aggarwal compares work culture in Bollywood and South cinema Speaking about the contrasting work cultures, Kajal said schedules in the South are followed much more strictly. "In Hindi films, things don't always happen on time. In the South, we work according to the clock. If the call time is 6 am, it means exactly 6. I've become used to that way of working and I really like it. We work until 1 pm and then everyone gets a proper lunch break on time. In Hindi films, it's not always like that," she said. Kajal Aggarwal recalls waiting the longest for Salman Khan on set Recalling one of her experiences in Bollywood, Kajal revealed that Salman Khan kept her waiting for the longest during a shoot. However, she chose to make productive use of the time. "Salman Khan made me wait the longest. I was wondering, 'What's going on here?' So I would go and work out in the gym that was set up on the film set. At least I managed to lose some weight during that time, so it worked out well. But the point is that I have become very used to the punctuality and discipline of the South Indian film industry," she shared. Why Kajal Aggarwal prioritised South films over Hindi cinema The actor also explained why she became selective about signing Hindi films despite being a familiar face among audiences in North India. "The kind of quality work I was getting in the South was something I wasn't getting in Hindi films at that time. The roles and characters I wanted were being offered to me there. For me, the quality of work over quantity of work was my priority. Since I was getting strong and meaningful roles in the South, I didn't see a reason to do supporting or average roles elsewhere," Kajal said.

Kajal Aggarwal is currently promoting her upcoming film The India Story. She will also be seen in Nitesh Tiwari's Ramayana Part 1 and Ramayana Part 2, where she essays the role of Mandodari.

Also Read: The India Story trailer out! Kajal Aggarwal and Shreyas Talpade take on pesticide farming crisis in hard-hitting social drama

Veteran actor Naseeruddin Shah has once again spoken out on the ongoing controversy surrounding the alleged NEET paper leak and the police action against students protesting at Delhi's Jantar Mantar. Days after sharing an emotional video condemning the crackdown, the actor criticised Prime Minister Narendra Modi's handling of the issue during an interview with The Wire.

Naseeruddin Shah says he is “not surprised” by government's response When asked how he viewed the Prime Minister's response to what was described as one of the most serious issues of his tenure, Shah said he was not surprised. "I'm not surprised at all. When has he spoken honestly about anything? Has he accepted responsibility for any of his blunders? Has he ever accepted the fact that he was perhaps wrong? No. He's divine, and this supposed divinity of his has affected all his followers," Shah said.

The actor went on to question what he described as a lack of accountability, while referring to several statements made by the Prime Minister in the past. "It's amazing to hear and see the magic he seems to have performed. He talks about gutter gas to a group of scientists who applaud. He talks about Lord Ganesha's head being the result of plastic surgery, Karna and the Kauravas being IVF-born, and he's applauded by doctors. What is happening to us? Is there no one who is ever going to question this man?" he said.

Shah also criticised the Prime Minister for not holding press conferences, claiming he avoids difficult questions. "He never speaks to the press because he's scared. He'll be asked about 2002. He'll be asked about his supposed 35 years of begging, meditating in the Himalayas, and travelling abroad before he entered politics," he alleged.

Continuing his criticism, the veteran actor questioned the Prime Minister's public messaging and actions. "He tells us to save petrol and drives around in a convoy of SUVs. He tells us not to travel abroad and then leaves on foreign tours. I find it difficult to take anything he says seriously," Shah said.

When the interviewer remarked that, in his view, the Prime Minister appeared to be "a fraud," Shah responded, "Well, he's very close to being one, but I find it difficult to take anything he says seriously."

Shah's latest remarks come shortly after he shared an emotional Instagram video expressing anger over the police action against students protesting over the alleged NEET paper leak. In that video, he said he was "boiling with anger" after watching footage of security personnel using force on demonstrators and compared the masked officers to American ICE agents.

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Also Read: Naseeruddin Shah joins Dhanush and Mammootty’s Om, returns to Tamil cinema after 26 years

The makers of Ramayana have shared a new video offering a behind-the-scenes look at Pratham Sankalp, the grand launch event held in Delhi to introduce audiences to the vision behind the much-awaited two-part mythological epic. The event, which took place at Bharat Mandapam, brought together the film's cast, creators, members of the media, and several dignitaries.

The newly released video captures key moments from the evening, including producer Namit Malhotra speaking about his ambition to present one of India's most celebrated epics on a global scale. It also features appearances by the film's cast and crew, along with a surprise entry by Sunny Deol, who essays the role of Lord Hanuman in the film.

Sharing the video on social media, the makers wrote, "Here's a glimpse into Pratham Sankalp, an evening that marked the beginning of our journey from -Bharat to the World. @iamnamitmalhotra's Ramayana Directed by @niteshtiwari22 In cinemas, globally - Diwali 2026 & 2027."

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Directed by Nitesh Tiwari, Ramayana is based on the ancient Indian epic and is being mounted as a two-part cinematic franchise. Ranbir Kapoor stars as Lord Ram, while Sai Pallavi plays Sita. Popular pan India star Yash takes on the role of Ravana, with Sunny Deol portraying Lord Hanuman and Ravi Dubey essaying Lakshman.

The project is backed by producer Namit Malhotra's Prime Focus Studios in association with eight-time Academy Award-winning visual effects studio DNEG and Yash's Monster Mind Creations. The makers have positioned the film as a large-scale cinematic adaptation that combines mythology with advanced visual effects technology for a worldwide audience.

Ramayana will release globally in IMAX, with Part 1 slated to arrive during Diwali 2026, followed by Part 2 in Diwali 2027. With the release of the Pratham Sankalp event highlights, the makers have offered audiences another look at the scale of the project as anticipation continues to build ahead of its theatrical release.

Also Read: Siddharth Anand praises Ramayana trailer, says, “Expect the world, and you shall not be disappointed”