On Tuesday, Prime Video, in collaboration with Opening Image Films and Anil Kapoor Film & Communication Network (AKFCN), treated fans to a spectacular surprise on the occasion of Anil Kapoor’s birthday. They dropped a sneak peek into the highly anticipated Prime original movie, Subedaar. Featuring the dynamic actor, alongside popular actress Radhikka Madan, who plays his daughter, Subedaar is helmed by the acclaimed director Suresh Triveni.

The film, set against the backdrop of India’s heartland, delves into the gripping journey of Subedaar Arjun Maurya, who now faces the turbulence of civilian life. An Opening Image Films and Anil Kapoor Film & Communication Network (AKFCN) production, this masala action-packed drama recently wrapped an intense outdoor shoot in UP and is set to commence its last leg of filming in January.

Coming to the first look, the short clip kicks off with gritty visuals, accompanied by an adrenaline-pumping Subedaar theme track that aims at captivating audience throughout. Anil Kapoor’s embodies a rugged and intense persona who is seen giving a glimpse of his army officer avatar. The video, with its escalating tension, offers a glimpse into what can only be described as a full-throttle performance by Kapoor.

Speaking of the film, Anil Kapoor shared, "Subedaar is special!!! It’s much more than just an action film; it’s about resilience, honor, family and the relentless fight we face in life. I could not have asked a better director than Suresh to captain this film and it is equally special to partner with Vikram and team as we bring this story to life. Revealing this first glimpse of Subedaar Arjun Maurya on my birthday is my gift to the fans who have supported me all these years!

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Subedaar is produced by Vikram Malhotra, Anil Kapoor, and Suresh Triveni. The compelling narrative is written by Suresh Triveni and Prajwal Chandrashekar. The release date of the film continues to stay under wraps.

Also Read: Boney Kapoor recalls sharing post featuring Javed Akhtar with a witty caption about hair; says doctors assured him of better hair than Anil Kapoor: “I’m going to challenge them to make my hair better than Arjun Kapoor’s”

While Bollywood experienced its own fair share of successes this year, the love that Pushpa 2 – The Rule garnered has been record-breaking. The film, starring Allu Arjun and Rashmika Mandanna, was the most anticipated movies of the year considering the tremendous success of the prequel. Taking success, fame, and box office figures several notches higher, the second instalment has received love from across the country and now the renowned production house Yash Raj Films has cheered for the film’s success.

YRF shares congratulatory note on social media

In a rare moment, Yash Raj Films has showcased love and support towards production house Mythri Movie Makers and the movie Pushpa 2 – The Rule as the film has created history at the box office. Applauding the entire team including the cast and crew, YRF shared a heartfelt congratulatory note on social media that read, “Records are meant to be broken and new ones push everyone towards excellence. Congratulations to the entire #Pushpa2TheRule team for rewriting history books. Fire nahi, Wildfire!!!!!”

Congratulations to the entire #Pushpa2TheRule team! @mythriofficial | @aryasukku | @alluarjun | @iamRashmika | #FahadhFaasil pic.twitter.com/BtUYeocfzk — Yash Raj Films (@yrf) December 23, 2024

Allu Arjun reacts to the note and says he is ‘humbled’ by their gesture

In response to this lovely gesture, actor Allu Arjun decided to respond to it and took to the social media platform X aka Twitter, and said, “Thank you … so graceful.  Humbled by your wishes. Thank you, I am touched. May this record soon be broken by a heart-melting #YRF film, and may we all collectively move towards excellence.”

Thank you … so graceful . Humbled by your wishes. Thank you , I am touched . May this record soon be broken by a heart-melting #YRF film , and may we all collectively move towards excellence. — Allu Arjun (@alluarjun) December 23, 2024

About Pushpa 2 – The Rule

Also starring Rashmika Mandanna as Pushpa’s wife Srivalli and Fahadh Faasil as the antagonist IPS officer Bhanwar Singh Shekhawat, the action entertainer traces the journey of a small-time sandalwood smuggler Pushparaj and his journey of becoming one of the most feared gangsters. The film released on December 5 in multiple languages including Hindi.

Also Read: Allu Arjun’s kids Arha and Ayaan forced to leave their residence after their Hyderabad home gets vandalized

Since Thursday, there have been reports that Pushpa 2 – The Rule’s distributor Anil Thadani and Baby John’s distributor PVR Inox Pictures are having a tussle over show-sharing. Yesterday, Bollywood Hungama reported that the advance booking of Baby John, starring Varun Dhawan, is yet to open in several cinemas as PVR has asked for 60% of the shows for their film and 40% of shows for Pushpa 2 – The Rule. Reportedly, the distributor of Pushpa 2 and even some exhibitors have reservations about this arrangement.

Bollywood Hungama exclusively spoke to Baby John’s producer Murad Khetani on Sunday evening (December 22) and he clarified these reports. He also assured that the advance booking for the film would begin across the country on Monday, December 23.

Murad Khetani began by saying, “There’s no issue. MovieMax, Miraj, Mukta etc. have also opened advances. There were some little things that needed to be taken care of, regarding programming. We need to go step-by-step and it takes time. Our distribution team has been working on it. Everything can’t be closed and arranged together.”

There were murmurs that PVR Inox had started the booking of both Baby John and Pushpa 2 – The Rule for December 25 while other chains were not allowed to do so, leading to a first-mover advantage for PVR and Inox cinemas.

On this, Murad Khetani clarified, “The other multiplexes follow the programming pattern of the national chains. That’s why PVR, Inox and Cinepolis opened first. PVR Inox is distributing the film. Other chains wanted to see what PVR Inox is asking for and are also implementing similar showcasing in their own theatres. This is the reason why PVR Inox opened the advances first. The idea was to convey to other multiplexes that ‘Look, we are also giving so many shows to Baby John. We’d want you to follow suit’. By doing so, they made it clear that they are not asking for many shows for Baby John while not doing the same in their multiplexes.”

He continued, “In other words, the intention was never for PVR Inox to open the advances so that they get the advantage over other multiplex chains.”

When asked about an update for show-sharing in the single screens, Murad Khetani replied, “We are working on it as we need to take a lot of factors into consideration, including the film’s run time. Some single screens are okay with show-sharing while some are not. By Monday, December 23, it’ll be sorted. We are being very reasonable. We are asking for 50-50 show sharing. And if some theatres play 5 shows a day, then we are asking for 3 shows.” He added, “By tomorrow (December 23) hopefully, Baby John’s advance will open all over India.”

What’s the screen count for Baby John? Murad Khetani informed us, “We are looking at releasing the film in approximately 3000 screens.” Will there be a paid preview for the film from the evening of December 24? He said, “There are no such plans.”

Also Read: Varun Dhawan makes SHOCKING claim: Baby John star reveals “wife of a powerful man” stalked him, broke into his house; says, “She thought I’d leave my family for her”

AP Dhillon, currently on his India tour, addressed the audience during his Chandigarh performance and made a surprising revelation about fellow singer Diljit Dosanjh. Dhillon thanked Diljit for a recent shout-out but added a twist, stating in Punjabi, “First unblock me on Instagram and then talk to me. I don’t want to talk about what marketing is happening, but first unblock me. I've been working for three years. Have you ever seen me in any controversy?”

The comment referred to Diljit’s acknowledgment of AP Dhillon and Karan Aujla during his Indore concert, where he had said, “Mere aur do bhaiyon ne tour shuru kiya hai Karan Aujla aur AP Dhillon nein, unke liye bhi best of luck (Two of my brothers, Karan Aujla and AP Dhillon, have started their tour; best of luck to them, too).”

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Diljit’s Response: “Mere Pange Sarkaaran Naal” Diljit Dosanjh wasted no time addressing AP Dhillon’s remarks. Taking to Instagram Stories, Diljit shared a screenshot of AP Dhillon’s Instagram page, showing that the singer’s posts were visible. The move implied AP Dhillon was never blocked. Diljit captioned the screenshot, “I never blocked you. Mere pange sarkaaran naal ho sakde aa....kalaakaran naal ni (My issues could be with the government…not with the artists).”

Diljit Promotes Unity Among Independent Artists During his Indore concert, Diljit spoke about the importance of unity in the independent music scene. He remarked, “Yeh independent music ka time shuru hai. Musibate toh ayengi. Jab koi revolution aata hai toh musibat aati hai. Hum apna kam karte jayenge (The time for independent music has started. Problems will arise. When there is a revolution, problems will arise. We will keep working).”

Diljit Dosanjh’s Dil-Luminati India Tour kicked off on October 26 in New Delhi and will conclude on December 29 in Guwahati. Most recently, he performed in Mumbai on December 19. Meanwhile, AP Dhillon’s India tour has also garnered attention, adding momentum to the country's rising wave of independent music.

Also Read: Diljit Dosanjh REACTS to advisory for Mumbai concert, recites Sagar Manthan’s story: “People will bother and interrupt, but never let that disturb you”

Readers may recall that Shemaroo Entertainment and producer Sarita Ashwin Varde recently announced the sequel of Bhagam Bhag. Many reports speculated that the OG trio, Paresh Rawal, Akshay Kumar and Govinda, will be returning. However, it’s time for the reality check! Interestingly, Govinda has denied being offered the sequel of 2006 film.

Govinda REACTS to reports of doing Bhagam Bhag 2 A report by Mid-Day quoted the actor saying, “Nobody has approached me for Bhagam Bhag 2, or sat down for a discussion. There are stories of me doing not just Bhagam Bhag 2, but many other sequels, including Partner.”

When asked if offered, would he join the star cast of the sequel, the veteran actor said, “I know sequels are popular today, but one should not go by beliefs, suggestions and popularity. If I do a project, I must discuss it in its entirety—from the remuneration to the script, my character and the director.” Bhagam Bhag 2 Announced For the unversed, the rights for the sequel were recently acquired from Shemaroo Entertainment by Sarita Ashwin Varde of Roaring River Productions, who has simultaneously also been working on the film’s script. In a statement, she said, “A special film like Bhagam Bhag deserves a sequel that’s just as much special; when the time was right, we decided to take the plunge.”

Meanwhile, Hiren Gada, CEO, Shemaroo Entertainment, asserted, “We are excited to partner with an incredible team to create a film that will continue the legacy of its predecessor by bringing more laughter, fun and entertainment.” Reportedly, the upcoming film is slated to go on floors in mid-2025 and all that the makers promise is that the sequel will be “madder, crazier and funnier.”

Also Read: Bhagam Bhag 2 confirmed, Akshay Kumar and Govinda set to return after 18 years

The last big Bollywood film of 2024, Baby John, will be released in a few days and it has managed to generate excitement due to the casting, mass appeal and association of Atlee. The makers managed to complete the censor process in time and Bollywood Hungama, in this exclusive article, will focus on its cut list.

The Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) awarded Baby John a U/A certificate. However, the Examining Committee (EC) asked for certain modifications. The duration of the opening disclaimer was increased and the makers were asked to add a line, 'The title of the film, Baby John, bears no connection or resemblance to any political figure or entity'. Then, a voiceover and text were added stating that the performance of the child artists has been as per the existing guidelines. A consent letter was also submitted to the CBFC.

The EC censored two dialogues in the film. At one place, 'Phule' was muted in a dialogue which referred to Mahatma Jyotiba Phule. In another scene, Lal Bahadur Shastri was replaced by another word; the replacement term is unspecified in the cut list.

The CBFC asked the makers for four visual modifications. The scene where a character kicks a 'kalash' (pot) was modified. The visuals of characters being set on fire were reduced by 50%. Thirdly, the visual of a character tapping cigarette buds on another character's face was modified. Lastly, a close shot of a gunshot was also modified.

That's not all. The CBFC members asked the makers to submit an AWBI (Animal Welfare Board of India) certificate and factual sources to the statistical data on rape mentioned by a character in the film.

Once these changes were made, Baby John was passed by the CBFC on December 16. The length of the film, as mentioned on the censor certificate, is 164.01 minutes. In other words, the run time of Baby John is 2 hours 44 minutes and 1 second.

Starring Varun Dhawan, Jackie Shroff, Keerthy Suresh and Wamiqa Gabbi, Baby John releases in cinemas on December 25.

Also Read: Varun Dhawan is all praises for Jackie Shroff in Baby John; says, “This will be Jackie Shroff 3.0 in the film”

Yesterday, Bollywood Hungama reported the viral news about the show-sharing issues between Anil Thadani’s AA Films, the distributors of Pushpa 2 – The Rule and PVR Inox Pictures, who are releasing Baby John in cinemas this Christmas. The meeting between the two parties went on for a long time yesterday, that is, Thursday, December 19. A little after midnight, the issue was finally resolved, for now.

Last night, it seemed like Pushpa 2 – The Rule will be discontinued from the properties of PVR and Inox. A source told Bollywood Hungama, “Both parties have decided to take a pause. The issues aren’t solved but nevertheless, Pushpa 2 – The Rule’s advance booking for the third weekend was opened after midnight. However, the multiplexes can sell tickets for the film only until Sunday, December 22. It is yet to be seen how the showcasing plays out for Monday, December 23 and Tuesday, December 24, and of course, once Baby John releases on Wednesday, December 25.”

Another source told us, “Many cinemas of PVR Inox haven’t given sufficient showcasing to Pushpa 2 – The Rule. A theatre like PVR Juhu has allotted 11 shows to Mufasa: The Lion King while Pushpa 2 – The Rule will play 7 shows a day. While 8 shows a day of Pushpa 2 – The Rule is allotted in PVR Oberoi Mall Goregaon, Mufasa: The Lion King has as many as 12 shows a day. The demand is still tremendous for the Allu Arjun-starrer and hence, in an ideal situation, it should have got more shows.” Other multiplex chains, however, have given equal showcasing to both films, and in some places, Pushpa 2 has more shows.

The issue arose yesterday when Anil Thadani instructed all the exhibitors that they’ll have to play an equal number of shows of Pushpa 2 – The Rule from Friday, December 20 to Thursday, December 26. This means that they cannot reduce their showcasing of Pushpa 2 from Wednesday, December 25, to accommodate Baby John.

A source informed us yesterday, “Anil Thadani asked all exhibitors to give in writing that this condition has to be met. If they don’t do so, the RO, that is the release order, to play Pushpa 2 – The Rule for the weekend, will not be given. If the RO doesn’t come through, theatres will not be able to play Pushpa 2 – The Rule over this weekend.”

Though the shows of Pushpa 2 – The Rule are back in the national chains, the issue is far from over. It now remains to be seen when Baby John’s advance booking will begin and how its showcasing is going to be like.

Also Read: Varun Dhawan is all praises for Jackie Shroff in Baby John; says, “This will be Jackie Shroff 3.0 in the film”

Veteran filmmaker Vidhu Vinod Chopra has officially confirmed that the much-awaited sequels to his iconic films 3 Idiots and Munna Bhai are currently in the works. While promoting his latest release Zero Se Start, Chopra shed light on the development status of these films and provided insights into his creative approach.

Writing Underway for 2 Idiots and Munna Bhai 3 Speaking in an interview with Dainik Bhaskar, Chopra revealed that he is dedicating significant time to crafting the scripts for 2 Idiots and Munna Bhai 3. “I am writing both 2 Idiots and Munna Bhai 3. On top of that, I am trying to make a film for kids. The film’s title hasn’t been decided yet. I am also writing a horror comedy, and it is very interesting. First, we will write for 1-2 years, and then it should be made. I think the possibility of 2 Idiots and Munna Bhai 3 is there soon,” Chopra stated. A Commitment to Quality Over Quick Gains Chopra’s approach to filmmaking is deeply rooted in his commitment to delivering quality cinema. Reflecting on his philosophy, he shared, “I could have made 2-3 sequels of Munna Bhai and 3 Idiots. Bahut maal kama leta main (I could have earned loads of money), bought a big car and a big house. But if those weren’t good films, I wouldn’t have enjoyed talking about them because I would know that I compromised my conscience just to mint money.” Zero Se Start: A Look Into Chopra’s Creative Journey Vidhu Vinod Chopra’s latest endeavor, Zero Se Start, offers an intimate behind-the-scenes look at the making of his critically acclaimed film 12th Fail. The documentary debuted at the International Film Festival of India (IFFI) in Goa and hit theaters on December 13.

12th Fail, Chopra’s last theatrical release, became a sleeper hit. Featuring Vikrant Massey and Medha Shankar, the film was based on Anurag Pathak’s book and chronicled the inspiring story of IPS officer Manoj Kumar Sharma and IRS officer Shraddha Joshi.

Also Read: Vidhu Vinod Chopra’s Zero Se Restart sets new benchmark in Hindi cinema, distilled from 18,947 minutes of footage

Yesterday, Sajid Nadiadwala gave an interesting update about his film with Vishal Bhardwaj, which became a major talking point. Their next film, starring Shahid Kapoor and Triptii Dimri, will go on floors on January 6, 2025, and will release on December 5 the next year. The announcement also revealed that the film also stars Nana Patekar and Randeep Hooda.

Bollywood Hungama has now learned of another aspect of the film. A source told us, “The first schedule of the film will take place in Ballard Pier in South Mumbai. The makers have constructed a huge set for the film where some major key scenes will be shot. The team of the film plans to shoot here for around 20-25 days. All the main actors of the film will be a part of this schedule.”

The source continued, “Mustafa Stationwala, who created the sets of Laal Singh Chaddha (2022), Hindi Medium (2017), Airlift (2016), etc. is the production designer on this film. Sajid Nadiadwala has gone all out, like always, in ensuring that the set is grand but at the same time, authentic to the storyline. He and director Vishal Bhardwaj have also meticulously worked on the scheduling of the film. The idea is to complete the shoot of the flick and then dive into post-production so that it's ready to arrive in cinemas on December 5.”

Besides Vishal Bhardwaj’s untitled next, Sajid Nadiadwala’s Nadiadwala Grandson Entertainment will have three more releases in 2025 – Salman Khan-starrer Sikandar on Eid, the multi-starrer comedy Housefull 5 on June 6 and Tiger Shroff’s actioner Baaghi 4 on September 5. Interestingly, he’s the only producer to have multiple mega releases under his banner without any collaborations.

Meanwhile, as per reports, Sajid Nadiadwala is all set to unveil the much-awaited teaser of Salman Khan starrer Sikandar on his birthday, that is, December 27.

Also Read: CONFIRMED! Shahid Kapoor and Vishal Bhardwaj’s next to release on December 5, 2025

Godrej Professional, a leading professional hair brand offering hair colour and hair care from the house of Godrej Consumer Products Ltd (GCPL), announced Bollywood star Sharvari as its first-ever brand ambassador. The reveal took place at the grand finale of Godrej Professional Spotlight, a platform celebrating hairstylists on a national stage.

Known for her standout performances in films like Munjya, Maharaj and Vedaa, Sharvari perfectly reflects the brand’s commitment to style, confidence, and empowerment. Her fashion-forward persona and values align seamlessly with Godrej Professional, making her the ideal face of the brand. Sharvari dazzled as the showstopper unveiling 2025’s trending hair colour and styling looks in a stunning showcase which was curated by Godrej Professional's dynamic trio: Yianni Tsapatori, Creative Director – Hair; Shailesh Moolya, National Technical Head; and Najeeb-Ur-Rehman, Technical Ambassador.

Commenting on the development, Abhinav Grandhi, General Manager, Godrej Consumer Products Limited (GCPL), said, “We are excited to have Sharvari as the very first brand ambassador for Godrej Professional. Being a fashion & lifestyle icon, Sharvari has millions who look up to her for her impeccable sense of style and grace. Her association with Godrej Professional comes at a time as we are growing and continuing to expand our footprint in the hair and beauty industry.”

Expressing her excitement about the association, Sharvari said, “It’s an honour to be the first-ever brand ambassador for Godrej Professional. Godrej has been a trusted name amongst Indian households for over 120 years and has truly revolutionized the hair colour category in the country. They’re known for their innovative and high-quality hair colour range such as Dimension & Colourplay. Hair has always been a defining part of my style—whether I am embodying a character on screen or turning heads on the red carpet. When approached to represent Godrej Professional, I was thrilled as it resonates with my personal style."

Alongside the unveiling of its brand ambassador, Godrej Professional announced the winners of Spotlight, a platform celebrating hairstylists' creativity on a national stage. Monica Bahl, CEO, Beauty & Wellness Sector Skill Council (B&WSSC), emphasized the initiative’s impact, stating, “Godrej Professional Spotlight is a shining example of how skill development and industry collaboration can drive growth and recognition for hairstylists across India. By partnering with Godrej Professional, we are elevating Indian talent to global standards and creating opportunities that inspire the next generation of salon professionals.”

At the Spotlight event, attended by over 300 hair stylists, Kapil Sharma, Founder of Kapil’s Salon, delivered an inspiring talk on thriving in the beauty, wellness, and grooming industry. Adding to the glamour, renowned actor Karanvir Bohra hosted the event, making it a memorable celebration of talent and creativity.

Also Read: Sharvari serves Monday Motivation with slick basketball moves; says, “Monday : 0 – Sharvari : 1”

Shahid Kapoor and acclaimed filmmaker Vishal Bhardwaj are set to reunite for an action-packed entertainer. The much-anticipated film, produced by Sajid Nadiadwala under Nadiadwala Grandson Entertainment, has been scheduled to release on December 5, 2025. Filming for the untitled project is set to commence on January 6, 2025, promising to be a cinematic treat for audiences.

Shahid Kapoor Hints at a New Role

Ahead of the official announcement, Shahid Kapoor shared an intriguing Instagram story, dropping hints about his upcoming role. “Prep time ... Naya saal naya maal ..... Next character next film what can I do that I haven't before ....... lost in the woods.... Sliding into the edgy nasty gangster 90s,” he wrote. Shahid’s last role in Bloody Daddy showcased his dark, intense side, and fans are eager to see how he reinvents himself in this new project.

A Power-Packed Collaboration

The film marks a reunion for Shahid Kapoor and Vishal Bhardwaj, who previously delivered critically acclaimed films like Haider and Kaminey. Adding to the excitement, actress Triptii Dimri has been roped in for the film, which is touted as a big commercial action entertainer.

Speaking about the project, Sajid Nadiadwala expressed his excitement about bringing together the dynamic duo of Shahid Kapoor and Vishal Bhardwaj. Known for his creative storytelling, Bhardwaj is expected to craft an engaging narrative that combines action, drama, and memorable performances.

Also Read: Shahid Kapoor describes his character in Deva as “Dark, menacing, and vulnerable”; begins prep for his next

Veteran actor Mukesh Khanna has reacted to actress Sonakshi Sinha’s recent remarks criticizing his comments about her upbringing. The debate stems from Khanna’s criticism of Sonakshi’s inability to answer a Ramayana-related question on Kaun Banega Crorepati 11 (KBC 11) in 2019.

Mukesh Khanna Clarifies Intent In a statement, Khanna stated he was “surprised” it took Sonakshi nearly four years to respond to his comments. “I knew I was antagonising her by taking her name from that incident,” Khanna admitted, adding, “But I had no malicious intention to malign her or her father, who is my senior, and I have a very cordial relationship with him.”

Khanna further clarified that his remarks were meant as a general observation about today’s youth, whom he believes are overly reliant on Google and Wikipedia. "We have a huge and vast knowledge preserved in our culture, Sanskriti and history which every youth of today should know. And not only know but also feel proud about it. That’s all," he concluded.

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Sonakshi’s Strong Response

Sonakshi Sinha, in turn, criticized Khanna’s repeated reference to the KBC 11 incident in public forums. Addressing him through a note shared on Instagram Stories, she wrote, “Dear Sir, Mukesh Khanna ji... I recently read a statement you made saying it’s my father’s fault I did not answer a question about the Ramayana correctly... Firstly, let me remind you there were two women on the hot seat that day who did not know the answer to the same question, but you choose to keep taking my name.”

Sonakshi also pointed out that her lapse was momentary and unrelated to her upbringing. “I blanked out on the show... I respectfully request you to forget the incident that you keep on touching upon in public to be back in the news,” she wrote.

Background on the KBC 11 Incident

The controversy dates back to 2019 when Sonakshi Sinha, appearing on KBC 11, was unable to answer a question about Ramayana. Mukesh Khanna later commented on the incident, saying, “It’s not Sonakshi’s fault; it’s her father’s fault. Why did you not tell your kids? Why did you let them be so modern?”

Also Read: Sonakshi Sinha CALLS OUT Mukesh Khanna for “Distasteful statements” over Shatrughan Sinha’s upbringing: “Stop bringing up the same incident time and again to be back in the news”

The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences announced the shortlist of 15 films for the Best International Feature Film category at the 2025 Oscars on Tuesday. While global favorites such as Emilia Perez and From Ground Zero secured spots, India’s official entry, Laapataa Ladies, was conspicuously absent. The exclusion of the Aamir Khan-produced Hindi film, directed by Kiran Rao, has reignited debates on India’s Oscars strategy.

Backlash Over Film Federation of India’s Selection The decision to send Laapataa Ladies as India’s official entry had sparked controversy earlier this year, with many arguing that Payal Kapadia’s Cannes-winning All We Imagine As Light was a stronger contender. Following the failure of Laapataa Ladies to make the shortlist, criticism of the Film Federation of India (FFI) has intensified.

One social media user expressed frustration, writing, "FFI snubbed AWIAL, destroying our chances to be on the list. The Film Federation of India requires a full revamp." Another added, "A shattering humiliation for India. If the only measure of success is to make choices that make you competitive, they have utterly failed."

Kiran Rao’s Laapataa Ladies received critical acclaim for its portrayal of two brides interchanged in rural India during the 1990s. The cast featured newcomers Sparsh Srivastava, Pratibha Ranta, and Nitanshi Goel alongside seasoned actors Ravi Kishen and Chhaya Kadam.

On the other hand, All We Imagine As Light, an exploration of Mumbai’s working class, has consistently been a presence at international awards shows. It won the Grand Prize at Cannes and was nominated for the Golden Globes and Critics’ Choice Awards.

While Laapataa Ladies failed to advance, there was some good news for Indian cinema. Santosh, a UK-based Hindi film by Sandhya Suri, featuring Indian actors Shahana Goswami and Sunita Rajwar, made it to the Oscars shortlist as the UK’s official entry.

Also Read: Laapataa Ladies actor Pratibha Ranta hopes for Oscars shortlist on her birthday: “It would be the biggest gift”

The year 2025 will kick off with the most awaited aerial action-drama film, Skyforce, set against the backdrop of the heated Indo-Pak tensions during the 1960s-70s. The film marks the collaboration of two visionary filmmakers, Sandeep Kewlani and Abhishek Anil Kapur. It features superstar Akshay Kumar alongside promising debutant Veer, Sara Ali Khan, Nimrat Kaur, and Sharad Kelkar in pivotal roles. The film is produced by Dinesh Vijan’s Maddock Films, Jio Studios, and Amar Kaushik (director of Stree 2).

Skyforce is all set to hit theaters on January 24, 2025, during the Republic Day weekend. The film has been shot at various locations, including Mumbai, Lucknow, Sitapur, Amritsar, Hyderabad, Delhi, Pathankot, the UK, and now Mussoorie, where a special song has been filmed.

Sandeep Kewlani and Abhishek Anil Kapur took to Instagram to express their gratitude toward the entire crew. Sandeep Kewlani shared, “I’m incredibly grateful to everyone who worked on Skyforce. The film was definitely a challenging one to bring to life, but it’s the dedication of the crew that made it possible.” Meanwhile, Abhishek Anil Kapur also praised the incredible team of the film and also billed Amar Kaushik as the backbone of Skyforce.

Sandeep Kewlani, who not only directed but also wrote the script, has been accompanied by talented writers such as Niren Bhatt (Stree 2, Bala, Stree 1) and Aamil Keeyan Khan (Drishyam 2, Shaitan). Together, they have created a gripping narrative that promises high-octane action and a pure cinematic spectacle that Hindi film audiences are craving.

The action in the film is choreographed by Craig Macrae, who is known as an action choreographer, action director, and stunt coordinator. Some of his notable work includes Jawan (2023), Pathaan, War, and other Hollywood blockbusters like Mad Max: Fury Road, Grimsby, and Alien Outpost. He was mentored by Indian action director Parvez Shaikh, known for Kill, Fighter, and the YRF Tiger & Spy franchise, among others.

Soon, the motion poster, teaser, trailer, and songs will be released by Maddock Films to build anticipation. Produced by Dinesh Vijan, Amar Kaushik, and Jyoti Deshpande, Skyforce is gearing up for its theatrical release on January 24, 2025. We hope that Dinesh Vijan and Maddock Films once again win the hearts of the audience with a potential blockbuster.

Also Read: SCOOP: G V Prakash Kumar replaces Oscar-winning composer M M Keeravani as music director in Akshay Kumar-starrer Skyforce

Sonakshi Sinha has strongly criticized veteran actor Mukesh Khanna for his recent comments blaming her father, Shatrughan Sinha, for her lack of knowledge about the Ramayana. The actress, taking to her Instagram Stories, expressed disappointment at Khanna’s repeated reference to her inability to answer a question about the Hindu epic on Kaun Banega Crorepati (KBC) in 2019.

Sonakshi SLAMS Mukesh Khanna: “Distasteful Statements” Addressing Mukesh Khanna directly, Sonakshi wrote, "Dear Sir, Mukesh Khanna ji... I recently read a statement you made saying that it’s my father’s fault I did not answer a question about the Ramayana correctly on a show I attended many, many years back." She noted that another contestant also struggled with the same question but questioned why Khanna keeps singling her out.

Sonakshi further accused the Shaktimaan star of using the incident for publicity at her and her family’s expense. “Stop bringing up the same incident time and again to be back in the news,” she added. Sonakshi Defends Her Father Responding to Khanna’s remarks, Sonakshi highlighted the values imparted by her father, Shatrughan Sinha. "The next time you decide to say anything about the values my father has instilled in me, please remember it’s because of those values that I have only said what I said, very respectfully,” she wrote.

Sonakshi reminded Khanna about the lessons of forgiveness taught in the Ramayana itself, adding, “If Lord Ram can forgive Manthara, Kaikeyi, and even Ravan after the great battle, surely you can let go of this extremely small thing.”

Revisiting the 2019 Incident In 2019, Sonakshi Sinha appeared on KBC 11, where she was asked about whom Hanuman brought Sanjeevani booti for in the Ramayana. She failed to provide the correct answer, sparking criticism and memes on social media. In an interview with Siddharth Kannan, Mukesh Khanna recently reignited the debate, blaming her father for her lack of knowledge. He stated, “It’s not Sonakshi’s fault; it’s her father’s fault. Why did you not teach your kids?”

Also Read: Sonakshi Sinha shares heartfelt birthday post for husband Zaheer Iqbal: “I’m the happiest you were born” 

Globally celebrated Tabla virtuoso Zakir Hussain passed away on Monday at the age of 73 in San Francisco. His family confirmed his demise in an official statement, citing idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis as the cause of death. Hussain's exceptional contribution to Indian classical music and his role as a cultural ambassador have left an indelible mark on the global music community.

Hussain is survived by his wife, Antonia Minnecola, his daughters Anisa Qureshi and Isabella Qureshi, their families, his brothers Taufiq and Fazal Qureshi, and his sister Khurshid Aulia. Health Struggles and Family’s Statement On Sunday, reports surfaced regarding the musician's deteriorating health, with flautist Rakesh Chaurasia revealing that Hussain had been admitted to a San Francisco hospital’s ICU with heart-related complications. However, premature reports of his passing were dismissed by his publicist, who had requested prayers for Hussain’s recovery.

In an official statement released on Monday, Hussain’s family confirmed the unfortunate news, saying: “His prolific work as a teacher, mentor, and educator has left an indelible mark on countless musicians. He hoped to inspire the next generation to go further. He leaves behind an unparalleled legacy as a cultural ambassador and one of the greatest musicians of all time.”

The family also requested privacy during this difficult time.

Also Read: Grammy winners Zakir Hussain, Béla Fleck, Edgar Meyer and Rakesh Chaurasia announce As We Speak India Tour in January 2025

Veteran actor Mukesh Khanna, best known for portraying the iconic superhero Shaktimaan, recently revealed that he once rejected an offer from Yash Raj Films (YRF) to sell the character’s rights. During an interview with Siddharth Kannan on YouTube, Khanna discussed why he turned down the proposal and expressed his views on potential actors for a Shaktimaan reboot.

Mukesh Khanna’s Encounter with YRF Mukesh Khanna shared that Aditya Chopra’s team approached him a decade ago with a proposition to acquire the rights to Shaktimaan. Recalling the conversation, Khanna said, “Ten years ago, I was contacted by Aditya Chopra’s group. They asked me if I could give them the rights to Shaktimaan.” He added, “At that time, coincidentally, Ranveer Singh’s fan-made picture as Shaktimaan surfaced on social media. And then, suddenly, I got this call for the rights. I said, ‘Rights nahin doonga main (I won’t give the rights).'”

Khanna explained that he was concerned about the creative direction YRF might take with the character. He stated, “I told them, ‘Tell Aditya, whoever he is, if you want to make it, make it with me.’ I didn’t want to give away the rights only for them to make a disco drama. I refused.” Casting Preferences for Shaktimaan Earlier, in a video posted on his YouTube channel, Khanna expressed his views on actors who could potentially reprise the role of Shaktimaan on the big screen. While he acknowledged Allu Arjun as a viable candidate, he ruled out Ranveer Singh. “I think I have to watch more Allu Arjun films. Also, let me go out on a limb and say that he has it in him to be Shaktimaan. I am not saying he is doing it or anything. I’m just suggesting that it would look good on him. He has the personality to pull it off,” Khanna remarked.

Also Read: Mukesh Khanna aka Shaktimaan takes a dig at Akshay Kumar playing Prithviraj Chauhan; says, “Sirf muche aur wig lagaake thodi na ban sakte hai?”

Sandeep Reddy Vanga is preparing for his next ambitious project, titled Spirit. The film stars Prabhas in the lead role as a cop. This high-budget action film is set to go on floors in early 2025, with a planned release in 2026. Pre-production work is already underway, and the team is finalizing its star-studded cast.

According to a recent report by Pinkvilla, Sandeep Reddy Vanga is in discussions with Mrunal Thakur to play the female lead opposite Prabhas. A source revealed to Pinkvilla, “Spirit is the most ambitious and awaited film of Indian cinema, and the makers are going all out to have the best and most talented actors of world cinema on board the film. While Prabhas is locked to play the role of a cop, the conversations are in progress with Mrunal Thakur, Saif Ali Khan, and Kareena Kapoor with the latter two for the negative turn.”

Having said that, it is worth mentioning here that, a couple of months ago, Bollywood Hungama was the first one to report about Saif Ali Khan and Kareena Kapoor Khan being considered as the movie’s antagonists. A New Approach to Cop-Based Films Spirit is expected to break the mold of traditional cop dramas in Indian cinema. The story is described as a “never-before-seen template for a commercial Indian film,” blending characters with good, bad, and grey shades—a hallmark of Vanga’s storytelling.

The source further stated, “Every character has a purpose, and it’s among the most ambitious films for Sandeep Reddy Vanga.” With such an innovative narrative, Spirit aims to redefine how Bollywood approaches the cop genre. What’s Next for Sandeep Reddy Vanga? While Spirit is scheduled for a 2026 release, Vanga’s plans extend beyond the Prabhas starrer. After completing Spirit, he will move forward with his upcoming project Animal Park, featuring Ranbir Kapoor.

Also Read: EXCLUSIVE: Bhushan Kumar confirms Ranbir Kapoor starrer Animal Park shoot to begin after Prabhas’ Spirit: “We will have a six-month gap…”

Telugu superstar Allu Arjun broke his silence on Saturday morning after being released from jail in connection with the stampede incident at a Hyderabad theatre screening Pushpa 2. The tragedy, which occurred earlier this month, claimed the life of a woman and left her son critically injured. Arjun had been arrested on Friday after returning from the success meet of Pushpa 2 in Delhi.

Actor Expresses Condolences and Vows Support Accompanied by his father Allu Aravind and father-in-law Kancharla Chandrasekhar Reddy, Allu Arjun exited the jail through the back gate and addressed the media. In his first statement since the arrest, he said:

“I would like to first thank everybody for their immense love and support. I thank my fans. I am well; there is nothing to worry. I am a law-abiding citizen, I respect the law, I will cooperate with them, and do the needful. I would like to give my condolences to the family. It is very unfortunate—we went to watch a movie, and due to an unfortunate incident, we lost a person. It was totally out of my personal control.”

He further added, “I have been going to watch my films for the last 20 years; I have been there 30 times. I will be there to support the family in whatever possible way. I know we can never cover the loss, but I will be doing what I can. I thank everyone for the support.”

VIDEO | "I would like to first thank everybody for their immense love and support. I thank my fans. I am well, there is nothing to worry. I am a law abiding citizen, I respect the law, I will cooperate with them, and do the needful. I would like to give my condolences to the… pic.twitter.com/SQjJAdeVGm — Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) December 14, 2024

Legal Battle and Controversy Allu Arjun’s lawyer, Ashok Reddy, described the arrest as “illegal detention,” alleging that jail authorities delayed his release despite receiving the Telangana High Court’s interim bail order on Friday.

“They received an order copy from the High Court, but despite that, they didn’t release him,” Reddy stated. “This is an illegal detention. We will take legal action. As of now, he has been released.”

Arjun had been remanded to 14-day judicial custody by a lower court, but the Telangana High Court granted him interim bail, citing his right to liberty. The court also noted, “He couldn’t be detained just because he’s an actor… he cannot be held like this.” Background of the Incident The stampede occurred on December 4 at Hyderabad’s Sandhya Theatre during an unscheduled visit by Allu Arjun. The actor’s surprise appearance reportedly caused chaos as no prior intimation was given to the police or the theatre management. The theatre owner, general manager, and security manager were arrested days later for inadequate crowd control measures.

The victim’s husband filed a complaint, leading to charges against Arjun, his security team, and the theatre management. Authorities emphasized the lack of additional provisions for managing the crowd, which ultimately resulted in the tragic loss of life.

Also Read: Allu Arjun walks free after spending a night in jail in Hyderabad stampede case

Bollywood actor Akshay Kumar, known for his dedication to performing his stunts, injured his eye while filming for Housefull 5. The incident occurred on the film’s set in Mumbai when a flying object hit the actor. Despite the injury, Akshay remains determined to complete the project.

Mishap on the Sets of Housefull 5

According to a report by Hindustan Times, the accident occurred during a stunt sequence. An ophthalmologist was immediately called to the set to examine the actor. The report stated, “An object came flying in Akshay's eye while he was doing a stunt. An ophthalmologist was called on the set immediately, who bandaged the eye and asked him to take some rest, while the shoot resumed with the other actors. However, even with the injury, Akshay is determined to join the shoot back soon because the film is in the final stages of the shoot, and he doesn't want it to get delayed.”

Housefull 5: A Landmark in Indian Cinema

Directed by Tarun Mansukhani, Housefull 5 is set to release in theatres on June 6, 2025. The film, produced by Sajid Nadiadwala, marks a significant milestone as the first Indian cinema franchise to have five installments. The ensemble cast includes Abhishek Bachchan, Jacqueline Fernandez, Sanjay Dutt, Jackie Shroff, Riteish Deshmukh, Fardeen Khan, Sonam Bajwa, Nargis Fakhri, Chitrangda Singh, Nana Patekar, Chunky Panday, Dino Morea, and Johnny Lever.

Upcoming Projects of Akshay Kumar

Beyond Housefull 5, Akshay Kumar is also gearing up for his much-anticipated horror-comedy, Bhooth Bangla. The film reunites him with veteran director Priyadarshan and is slated for release on April 2, 2026.

Also Read: Barroz trailer launch: Mohanlal BREAKS silence on Akshay Kumar-starrer remakes of his classics; also says “Akshay is a 100% professional actor. I am not that professional”