Aishwarya Rai Bachchan returned to the Cannes red carpet this year in a powerful tribute to Indian handloom and heritage, donning a bespoke ivory Banarasi saree by Manish Malhotra. The former Miss World, who has long been associated with the festival, made a memorable appearance in a handwoven kadwa Banarasi drape paired with a shimmering tissue veil and an imperial set of heirloom rubies from the Manish Malhotra Jewellery line.

The saree, rooted in India’s centuries-old weaving tradition, showcased kadwa technique detailing—an intricate handloom artistry that reflects the richness of Varanasi's textile legacy. With the caption calling her the “OG Indian Queen of Cannes,” Malhotra highlighted not just the craftsmanship but also Aishwarya’s consistent presence as a representative of Indian fashion on a global platform.

Styled by Allia Al Rufai and Nayaab Randhawa, Aishwarya’s look went beyond visual elegance. The actress opted for a mid-partition hairstyle by Stephane Lancien, and her makeup - done by Kavyesh Sharma—was classic yet impactful. Red lipstick and a vivid streak of sindoor added cultural symbolism to the ensemble, with many online noting the use of vermillion as a possible ode to Operation Sindoor - India’s recent military response following the tragic Pahalgam terror attack that claimed the lives of 28 civilians. Whether intended or not, the symbolism has sparked conversations about the actress’ silent support towards her nation as many believed that she remained silent during the India-Pakistan conflict situation.

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Meanwhile, some others see it as a subtle personal statement wherein Aishwarya has indirectly addressed the ongoing speculation regarding her separation rumours with actor-husband Abhishek Bachchan with this traditional red-carpet moment—particularly the use of sindoor, thereby shutting them down and assuring concerned fans that ‘all is well’.

On the professional front, Aishwarya was last seen portraying the layered and enigmatic antagonist Nandini in Mani Ratnam’s Ponniyin Selvan franchise, which released in two parts across 2022 and 2023. The period epic earned her praise for her poised performance and screen presence.

As the actress graced Cannes once again, her appearance in handwoven Indian textiles was less about grandeur and more about grace, symbolism, and celebrating India's craft on an international red carpet.

Also Read: Aishwarya Rai and Abhishek Bachchan steal the show with ‘Kajra Re’ moves in this viral wedding video

Salman Khan is among the very few in Indian Cinema, who has managed to successfully transition into television. He managed to capture the attention of audiences on the small screen with Dus Ka Dum and Bigg Boss, and over the years is termed as one of the most successful hosts of TV. We have an extremely exciting news for all Salman Khan fans now.

Reliable sources have confirmed that Salman Khan is in advanced talks to replace Amitabh Bachchan as the host of Kaun Banega Crorepati. "Salman Khan is the king of the small screen, and the best face to replace Amitabh Bachchan is him, as he also has a strong connect with the audience in the smaller centres. Earlier, Shah Rukh Khan has also hosted KBC, and if everything goes well, Salman will be the newest to take the television sets by storm," a source told Bollywood Hungama.

We have heard that the negotiations for the financials are going on in full swing at the moment. "Get ready to tune into Sony as Salman Khan might host the biggest and most popular quiz show of India as Amitabh Bachchan will be stepping back from KBC due to personal reasons," the source tells us further.

Meanwhile, Salman Khan will also be hosting the next season of Bigg Boss, and is gearing up to start shooting for director Apoorva Lakhia's next film from July.

Also Read: Salman Khan to play Colonel Bikumalla Santosh Babu in his next: Report

A biopic on Bharat Ratna Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam, India’s 11th President and renowned aerospace scientist, has been officially announced at the 2025 Cannes Film Festival. Titled Wings of Fire, the film will be directed by Om Raut, known for Tanhaji: The Unsung Warrior, and will feature National Award-winning actor Dhanush in the lead role.

The project brings together major names from the Indian film industry which includes Abhishek Agarwal under Abhishek Agarwal Arts — the banner behind The Kashmir Files — and Bhushan Kumar under the T-Series banner who will be coming together to produce the film. The screenplay is penned by Saiwyn Quadras, whose previous writing credits include Neerja, Maidaan, and Parmanu: The Story of Pokhran.

The film aims to trace Dr. Kalam’s extraordinary journey — from his modest beginnings in Rameswaram to his rise as one of India’s most respected scientific minds and eventually, the President of the country. Often referred to as the ‘Missile Man of India,’ Dr. Kalam’s legacy continues to inspire generations, most notably through his memoir ‘Wings of Fire’.

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Casting Dhanush in the titular role is being described as one of the film’s key moments. The actor, who has earned acclaim for his versatility and emotional depth, will portray a figure deeply cherished by the nation. The film is positioned not just as a political biography, but as an exploration of Dr. Kalam’s values — science, spirituality, education, and leadership.

Director Om Raut, in a statement, said, “In an era starved of true statesmen, Kalam stood above politics and pettiness. He was a man known for the power of education, excellence, and indigenous innovation. To bring his story to screen is an artistic challenge and a moral and cultural responsibility. It’s the most important experience of my life.”

Producer Abhishek Agarwal added, “We are excited to bring the epic life of Dr. Kalam to the big screen. Collaborating with Om Raut, Dhanush, and Bhushan Kumar makes this one of Indian cinema’s most prestigious projects. It is a privilege to tell this story.”

Bhushan Kumar of T-Series said, “Dr. Kalam’s journey continues to inspire millions. We feel honored to be part of a film that pays tribute to such an extraordinary individual. This marks our third collaboration with Om Raut, and our first with Dhanush and Abhishek Agarwal on a story of national significance.”

With production underway, further details remain under wraps. However, with Om Raut’s cinematic vision, Dhanush’s performance, and the support of two major production houses, Wings of Fire is being positioned as a biopic with global reach and national relevance.

Also Read: Tere Ishk Mein shooting update: Banaras schedule begins for Dhanush starrer with Aanand L Rai

After finalising paperwork to be the female lead of Spirit, Deepika Padukone seems to have lost out on the chance to be a part of Sandeep Reddy Vanga directorial with Prabhas. According to very reliable sources, Sandeep Reddy Vanga had a massive fallout with Deepika Padukone, and the actress is now out of his ambitious cop thriller led by Prabhas.

A source shared with Bollywood Hungama, "Sandeep Reddy Vanga got the shock of his life when Deepika Padukone refused to shoot for more than 6 hours a day for Spirit. That's not all, the actress, via her agency, also started to demand an amendment to the contract. Their point of contention was simple - if the shoot extends beyond 100 days, Deepika will have to be paid extra for every single day of shoot beyond the commitment on paper."

The source informed that Sandeep Reddy Vanga discussed this with his producer, who tried his best to bring both the talents on the same page. "However, Deepika and her team were not willing to bow. Sandeep Reddy Vanga eventually told Deepika to back out of the film. He is now looking to recast for the part," the source tells us further.

Apparently, Deepika was charging Rs. 40 crores for Spirit, and post the fallout, Sandeep is looking to cast someone with a lesser price. The film is scheduled to go on floors in October 2025, and the new cast will be locked in a month's time, but one can say with confidence that Sandeep is upset with Deepika Padukone's pattern of working at the moment.

Also Read: Deepika Padukone charges Rs 20 crores for Sandeep Reddy Vanga and Prabhas’ Spirit: Report

Actor Janhvi Kapoor made her much-anticipated debut at the prestigious Cannes Film Festival on May 20, before the world premiere of her upcoming film Homebound. For her red carpet appearance, Kapoor embraced Indian craftsmanship by wearing a custom ensemble designed by Tarun Tahiliani and styled by Rhea Kapoor.

The actor’s look seamlessly blended heritage and haute couture. Janhvi donned a soft blush-toned skirt and corset ensemble, crafted from handwoven real tissue fabric sourced from Benares. The outfit’s surface featured a distinctive hand-crushed technique, lending it both depth and texture. A signature Tarun Tahiliani drape added a sculptural fluidity to the silhouette, while the raw, uncut hem was left intentionally untouched, celebrating the authenticity of the weave.

She complemented the ensemble with classic old-world elegance — her makeup was kept minimal with softly defined eyes, pink-hued lips, and radiant skin. Her hair was styled in a low bun, draped in sheer pleated fabric matching her outfit, evoking a sense of vintage romance. Layers of pearl necklaces and a statement diamond pendant completed the look, adding a regal touch to her first Cannes outing.

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Sharing images from the red carpet, designer Tarun Tahiliani described the creation on Instagram as “an intentional ode to the authenticity of the weave.”

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Janhvi walked the red carpet alongside her Homebound co-stars Ishaan Khatter and Vishal Jethwa, as well as director Neeraj Ghaywan and producer Karan Johar. The film tells the story of two friends from a small village in North India whose bond is tested when they enter the police force.

Homebound was screened under the Un Certain Regard section at the festival, a category known for spotlighting unique storytelling voices. Acclaimed filmmaker Martin Scorsese has joined the project as its executive producer. The film is backed by Karan Johar, Adar Poonawalla, Apoorva Mehta, and Somen Mishra, with Marijke de Souza and Melita Toscan du Plantier serving as co-producers.

Also Read: Shikhar Pahariya steals the spotlight as he supports Janhvi Kapoor at Cannes for Homebound premiere

On the occasion of Jr NTR’s 42nd birthday, Yash Raj Films released the much-anticipated teaser of War 2, officially marking the Telugu superstar’s Bollywood debut. The film, set within the ever-expanding YRF Spy Universe, stars Hrithik Roshan in the lead and is being helmed by Ayan Mukerji.

While War (2019) was directed by Siddharth Anand, its sequel continues the story of Kabir, played by Hrithik Roshan. In War 2, Jr NTR enters the spy franchise as the antagonist, and the teaser gave audiences a brief glimpse into his character, one that appears menacing and calculated. The teaser primarily features a voiceover by Jr NTR, with quick flashes of high-stakes action sequences between him and Hrithik Roshan. Though it avoids revealing much about the plot or characters, the visual tone and intensity suggest a showdown-driven narrative.

Following the teaser drop, Jr NTR took to social media to share a note of gratitude. He wrote, “Sometimes I pause and look back at this journey and every time, it's you who come to mind first. Thank you my dear fans for your constant presence and heartfelt wishes. The response to the War 2 teaser has been incredible. I can't wait for you to experience it on August 14th. A big thank you to all my well wishers, media and colleagues in the industry for your warm wishes. Grateful, always.”

Thank you. pic.twitter.com/62BsFWHKHP — Jr NTR (@tarak9999) May 20, 2025

The teaser received a mixed response online. While many viewers praised Jr NTR’s intense screen presence and the scale of action glimpsed, others felt the teaser could have offered more clarity or visual content. Nonetheless, the announcement dominated social media discussions, especially among Jr NTR’s massive Telugu fanbase.

War 2 is scheduled for release on August 14, 2025, and will be a pan-India project, hitting theatres in Hindi, Telugu, and Tamil.

Also Read: Kiara Advani wishes War 2 co-star Jr NTR a happy birthday after teaser reveal

Kamal Haasan, Mani Ratnam, A R Rahman, Silambarasan T R, Trisha Krishnan, Abhirami and Ashok Selvan attended the press conference of their much-awaited Pan India film, Thug Life, at a multiplex in Mumbai. A few weeks ago, there were reports that this much-awaited film would arrive on a digital platform after completing 8 weeks in cinemas. This was a significant move as most Tamil biggies opt to arrive on OTT in just 4 weeks. The national chains, that is, PVR, Inox, and Cinepolis, have a strict rule of not releasing films that don’t adhere to the eight-week rule. As a result, the trade was excited over this development. With a release in the biggest multiplex chains, the chances of Thug Life scoring, especially in the Hindi version, will be significantly higher.

At the Thug Life Mumbai press conference, Kamal Haasan was asked about it and he confirmed that the reports were indeed true. He said, “It's not even an experiment. It's a pragmatic thing to do. I am glad the OTT platforms agreed and we sat together. It was not a negotiation. It's a plan which maybe others could follow. It'll make the industry healthy. We are glad that we are the first to be there to avail of that opportunity.”

The news comes at a time when Bhool Chuk Maaf, starring Rajkummar Rao and Wamiqa Gabbi, is all set to arrive on Amazon Prime Video within two weeks of its theatrical release. The national chains have made an exception with this film due to the intervention of the court.

Meanwhile, Kamal Haasan was also asked about the box office expectations for his upcoming film. He commented, “We are not looking at 'how big'. But it shouldn't be 'how small' (laughs). We have to look at break-even because it's a business. Mani is from a business school and I am from this business. I grew up in this business. So, you can't disrespect business and do business with the business.”

Thug Life releases in cinemas on June 5 worldwide.

Also Read: Kamal Haasan’s kiss scene with Abhirami from Thug Life to be removed from the film

You’re off to Cannes for the restored screening of Satyajit Ray’s Aranyer Din Ratri? Yes, thank God the war situation did not escalate—I wouldn’t have gone if it had. I’m glad Aranyer Din Ratri is being shown at Cannes. The film was actually better appreciated outside India, even when it was originally released. Europe, especially, loved it. It was a big, big hit in Paris. Every time I watched it with an international audience—every time Robi Ghosh came on screen—they clapped and thoroughly enjoyed the film.

Simi Garewal was cast as a tribal. Wasn't that rather unusual? It was rather unusual because the Santhals are generally shorter in stature, and Simi is quite tall.

Also, very sophisticated and urban? She didn’t come across that way in the film… thanks to the makeup and styling. She worked very well in the role. Yes, she was tall—very tall—but no one really noticed. Her height wasn’t a concern in the overall portrayal. Of course, in India—especially in Kolkata—there was some criticism. But her performance was very, very good. In fact, the entire cast was impeccable.

You mentioned earlier that the film was more appreciated abroad? Yes, they understood the alienation of a certain section of society from the mainstream. The class differences, so to speak. There’s a sense of superiority among the group—using English phrases, carrying an air of “I’m better than you.” Ashim, the character Soumitra Chatterjee plays, embodies that quality.

What about your character? I’m sort of the conscience of the plot—the agent of change, really. You have to watch the film to understand it fully. The other characters become slightly better after meeting my character. Soumitra’s character has a subtle relationship with mine—his arrogance is bruised by my quiet defiance. I don’t say much, but he knows I’m a little more clever than him. So, both women in the film impact the men in different, transformative ways. It’s a very subtle film—I can’t really explain the story in words.

Where would you place this film among your vast body of work? Of course, Devi is at the top of my list. Then Apur Sansar. I’d place Aranyer Din Ratri at number three—as far as the character, the experience, and the joy of working on a film goes. The camaraderie with the co-actors, the location—Palamu was a very challenging place to shoot in. And the film remains incredibly contemporary and relevant even today. The black-and-white cinematography looked stunning—the sharpness of the forest worked beautifully.

Ray shot the film himself. Yes, with Aranyer Din Ratri, Manikda went solo. Subrata Mitra wasn’t involved in this film.

But Soumendu Roy was there, right? Soumendu Roy handled the lighting, but Manikda operated the camera himself for the first time. After this film, he started doing more and more on his own—camera, dialogues, costumes, wardrobe—everything.

Not many people know this. Yes, it’s not widely known. But Ray’s versatility was extraordinary. Maybe it was also because he didn’t have much money to work with—that pushed him to take charge of every department himself.

Many years later, Goutam Ghose remade Aranyer Din Ratri as Abar Aranye? Yes, that was a tribute to Manikda. I won the National Award for Best Supporting Actress for that film. It was very well received.

Did you reprise the same character? Yes, we all retained the same names. Tabu was a new addition, but otherwise we had Soumitra Chatterjee, Shubhendu Chatterjee… Samit Bhanja, though he was battling cancer at the time. He wasn’t well, but he still chose to be a part of the film. He was very happy to work. Despite his illness, he wanted to be with us. Who does that kind of thing today? It was amazing—the dedication of those days. That was his last film. He made a real effort because he wanted to be part of it.

Also Read: Sharmila Tagore and Simi Garewal celebrate India and Indian Cinema as they grace Cannes screening of Aranyer Din Ratri

Sharmila Tagore and Simi Garewal made a striking appearance at the prestigious Cannes Film Festival as they attended the screening of the restored version of Aranyer Din Ratri, one of Satyajit Ray’s most acclaimed works. The film was showcased in the Cannes Classics section after a six-year-long restoration led by American filmmaker Wes Anderson.

Draped in a simple yet elegant emerald-green saree, Sharmila Tagore exuded timeless charm with her minimalistic jewellery and graceful presence on the red carpet. Accompanying her was her daughter and jewellery designer Saba Pataudi, who was seen in a bright yellow floral ethnic ensemble. Saba shared several glimpses from their Cannes experience on social media and wrote a reflective caption alongside her pictures, saying, “Let the party begin....! Moments before the Red carpet .... scene. In the midst of chaos was calm. Hectic yet happy. Frenzy and fantastic. And self conscious. Mixed emotions coursing through , yet here is a chance to explore the NEW. Always start afresh . Believe in yourself and make the most of opportunities. They're there today. The future isn't here yet. :) Live it up.”

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Simi Garewal, another iconic figure from Indian cinema, opted for her signature all-white ensemble created by designer Karleo. True to her classic style, Simi brought an air of understated elegance to the red carpet in her all-white embroidered outfit and a matching chunky necklace among her other low-key accessories.

Veteran actors Sharmila Tagore and Simi Garewal attended the screening of Aranyer Din ratri, directed by the legendary Oscar winning director Satyajit Ray at the 78th iconic annual Cannes Film Festival. Aranyer Dinratri is being screened under the Cannes classic section. pic.twitter.com/jHbRLkXwQ2 — Sourav || সৌরভ (@Sourav_3294) May 20, 2025

Social media was abuzz with photos and videos from the evening, with fans and cinephiles celebrating the presence of Indian legends at a global platform and lauding the film’s restored version. Many hailed the moment as a proud tribute to Indian cinema’s golden legacy, now shining afresh in 4K resolution.

Aranyer Din Ratri, originally released in 1970, is a poignant Bengali drama that follows four friends who leave the city behind for a holiday in the forests of Palamau, only to face a series of introspective and transformative encounters. The film is based on the novel by the same name written by Sunil Gangopadhyay and the cast includes Sharmila Tagore, Simi Garewal, Soumitra Chatterjee, and Subhendu Chatterjee. Its restored version was long awaited and the Cannes screening served as a reminder of Ray’s enduring cinematic legacy and global relevance.

Also Read: Indraneil Sengupta on working with Sharmila Tagore in Puratawn, “We actors thrive in that environment which Sharmila ji provided us by being so nice”

Amidst wrapping up the shoot for Bhooth Bangla, actor Akshay Kumar spent the weekend in Kerala engaging in creative discussions with OMG 2 director Amit Rai. The duo reportedly used the final leg of the horror-comedy shoot as an opportunity to flesh out early ideas for the third installment in the Oh My God franchise.

According to a report by Pinkvilla, Amit Rai accompanied Akshay Kumar to Kerala during the three-day song shoot of Bhooth Bangla, where they extensively discussed potential narratives for OMG 3. The report quoted a source saying, “Amit Rai had multiple ideas for OMG 3, and he discussed all the plot points with Akshay Kumar throughout the stay. The duo brainstormed over various directions the story could take. The intent is to continue the most loved franchise, and take the third part on floors in 2026.”

Both Akshay and Amit reportedly shared a strong creative rapport over the weekend. As of now, Amit Rai is working on developing a draft that could shape the third chapter of the courtroom social dramedy series. “Following the success of OMG and OMG 2, the stakes are high. The makers are in no hurry to rush through the process. They want the story to carry the franchise’s legacy while introducing fresh elements,” the source added.

If everything falls into place, OMG 3 is likely to go on floors in the second half of 2026. The casting will be finalised once the script is locked, but the tone of the film is expected to remain consistent with the earlier parts, tackling social themes through a courtroom setting with a touch of satire.

Meanwhile, Akshay Kumar has officially completed the shoot for Bhooth Bangla, a horror-comedy directed by Priyadarshan. The actor filmed a song with Wamiqa Gabbi over a three-day schedule in Kerala, marking the wrap of the film. The film is scheduled to release on April 2, 2026. Next on Akshay’s calendar is a thriller directed by Priyadarshan, co-starring Saif Ali Khan, which is scheduled to go on floors in August 2025. He will also be seen in Housefull 5, which will be released on June 6, 2025.

Also Read: Akshay Kumar announces wrap of Bhooth Bangla with a bts video: “Grateful for the madness, the magic, and the memories”

Singer and reality TV personality Rahul Vaidya has made headlines after revealing that he turned down a lucrative professional offer from Turkey, citing the country’s stance post Operation Sindoor. His decision comes days after actress Rupali Ganguly publicly called for a boycott of Turkey, criticizing the country’s support to Pakistan following the Indian military operation.

In an interview with Bombay Times, Vaidya opened up about his choice and said that no amount of money could sway him when it came to prioritizing national interest. “The offer was lucrative—they were paying me Rs 50 lakh. But I told them that no work, no money, and no fame is bigger than the interest of the country. They even offered me more, but I made it clear that it wasn’t about the money. This issue is far more important than that. It’s not about me as an individual; it’s about the nation. And we have to stand by our nation," he said.

Rahul, who gained immense popularity after his stint in Indian Idol and Bigg Boss, made it clear that patriotism holds greater value to him than international exposure or financial gain. “I have no interest in going to a country that is an enemy of my country and does not respect it. Whatever I am today is because of my country and my fellow countrymen. Anyone who goes against the interests of my country and countrymen will not be entertained,” he added.

Vaidya further highlighted how Indian citizens have significantly contributed to Turkey’s tourism and hospitality industry in recent years, especially through high-end destination weddings and luxury vacations. Expressing his disappointment, he said, “Indians spend so much money in Turkey and give them enormous business by hosting weddings there. We give them revenue worth crores and this is how they respond? How can we continue spending money in a country that isn’t even loyal to us?"

Rahul Vaidya’s stance has garnered attention on social media as more public figures express concern over geopolitical ties and national dignity igniting conversations around responsible global engagement and cultural diplomacy continue to intensify in the entertainment industry.

Also Read: Rahul Vaidya to paparazzi, “Unhone block kyun kiya uska jawab toh mile na mujhe” amid Virat Kohli row

Reports are doing the rounds that Shraddha Kapoor is no longer a part of Ekta Kapoor’s upcoming thriller. However, filmmaker Rahi Anil Barve, who is said to be directing the film, has seemingly dismissed the rumours. “These are all rumours. Everything is a rumor,” Barve told Bombay Times when asked about Shraddha’s exit. He did not confirm or deny her departure but added a cryptic note: “Right now all I can say is that I'm finishing Rakt Brahmand. I am working on my next. That's it.”

Readers may recall that Bollywood Hungama reported that Shraddha reportedly asked for a fee of Rs 17 crores, along with a share in the film’s profits. This would have made her one of the highest-paid actresses in Bollywood. However, the latest PeepingMoon report stated that Ekta Kapoor found the amount too high, especially considering the challenges faced by women-led films at the box office.

Due to this, the film’s budget may have been impacted, and the producers have now started looking for a new lead. The report added that the makers are in talks with several top actresses to step in.

Meanwhile, Shraddha is said to be exploring multiple projects. She is reportedly in talks with Dinesh Vijan, Boney Kapoor, and Bhushan Kumar. A formal announcement about her next project is expected within the next two months.

While there has been no official confirmation from Shraddha Kapoor or Ekta Kapoor's team, director Rahi Anil Barve has resumed work on his upcoming web series Rakt Brahmand. The fantasy drama stars Aditya Roy Kapur, Samantha Ruth Prabhu, Wamiqa Gabbi, and Ali Fazal. It was earlier delayed due to financial issues but is now set to begin filming in Mumbai next month. Barve is expected to focus on Ekta’s thriller only after finishing this project.

Also Read: Shraddha Kapoor backs out of Ektaa Kapoor’s next with Rahi Anil Barve? Fee dispute sparks exit: Report

Bollywood superstar Salman Khan is set to step into the shoes of a national hero for his next film, as reports confirm that he will portray Colonel Bikumalla Santosh Babu, the brave heart who laid down his life during the 2020 Galwan Valley clash between Indian and Chinese troops. The film will be directed by Shootout at Lokhandwala and Mission Istaanbul director Apoorva Lakhia and is scheduled to go on floors in July 2025.

The project is said to be based on the real-life story of Colonel Bikumalla Santosh Babu MVC, who served as the commanding officer of the 16 Bihar Regiment. He was killed in action during the 2020 China–India skirmishes in the Galwan Valley, becoming the first Indian Army officer to be KIA against the PLA since 1967. His heroic actions, despite being outnumbered, are chronicled in the acclaimed book ‘India’s Most Fearless 3’ by Shiv Aroor and Rahul Singh.

“Colonel Babu’s character is heroic. He had proved his mettle in several counterinsurgency and infiltration operations. The director has acquired the rights to the first chapter called I Had Never Seen Such Fierce Fighting — The Galwan clash of June 2020. It is a first-hand account of the 2020 clash at the Galwan Valley,” a source told Mid-Day. The screenplay has been adapted by Suresh Nair, in collaboration with Chintan Gandhi and Chintan Shah, with Shah also writing the dialogues. “Salman loved the story and will begin his prep from the end of May. He has already begun physical training for his role at his farmhouse in Panvel,” the source added.

This collaboration marks Salman Khan’s first project with Apoorva Lakhia. A source close to the production earlier confirmed, “Salman Khan has locked Apoorva Lakhia as his next film, and it is confirmed to go on floors in July 2025.”

In earlier report by Bollywood Hungama, sources stated, “Salman Khan will be shooting at high-altitude Ladakh for director Apoorva Lakhia's next. He has begun the training process and will be appearing in a lean physique for the film. It's a 20-day schedule in Ladakh, followed by 50 days in Mumbai, calling it a wrap. The film will release in the first half of 2026.”

With a tight 70-day schedule split between the rugged terrain of Ladakh and urban settings in Mumbai, the film is expected to offer a gripping and respectful portrayal of bravery, sacrifice, and national pride.

Also Read: SCOOP: Jio Studios in talks to come on board for Salman Khan – Apoorva Lakhia film

Filmmaker Ram Gopal Varma has once again sparked a debate with his unapologetically blunt take on the state of Indian cinema. Taking to X (formerly Twitter), Varma compared Indian filmmakers to Hollywood’s approach, specifically praising Mission Impossible – The Final Reckoning, which marks the last chapter in the globally popular spy franchise led by Tom Cruise.

In his post, Varma wrote, “The difference between them and us is they assume the audience to be intelligent and push their intelligence further up, by making films like #MissionImpossibleTheFinalReckoning. On the contrary, we assume the audience to be dumb and we push their dumbness further down in the hope of even reaching the dumbest of the audience by making films like ____________.”

While he left the last bit open-ended, many followers shared their disappointment over the filmmaker’s attitude—especially given his own track record in recent years. Social media users were quick to “fill in the blank” with titles from Varma’s own filmography, including Agyaat, Aag, D Company, Department, and even Sarkar 3, all of which failed to strike a chord with audiences or critics. Some also took issue with Varma’s tendency to praise Hollywood while mocking Indian cinema. “We Indians have habit of downgrading our things and hyping average stuff coming from International market....” read one of the comments.

The difference between them and us is they assume the audience to be intelligent and push their intelligence further up, by making films like #MissionImpossibleTheFinalReckoning On the contrary we assume the audience to be dumb and we push their dumbness further down in the hope… — Ram Gopal Varma (@RGVzoomin) May 18, 2025

Known for speaking out against the film industry on multiple occasions, Varma has never shied away from shocking statements including his recent comments on over-the-top commercial entertainers and the increasing trend of relying on CGI-heavy action without strong screenwriting or character arcs. His latest statement, however, directly pits Indian filmmakers against Hollywood’s legacy franchises, particularly praising Mission Impossible. Whether Varma’s comments lead to serious introspection or just more online noise, that remains to be seen!

Meanwhile, speaking of Mission Impossible – The Final Reckoning, it is expected to be Tom Cruise’s swan song in the role of IMF agent Ethan Hunt. Directed by Christopher McQuarrie, the film is the concluding part of the two-part finale, following Mission: Impossible – Dead Reckoning Part One (2023). The new instalment also starring Hayley Atwell, Vanessa Kirby, and Ving Rhames, released on May 17 in India.

Also Read: Ram Gopal Varma opens up on his unique style; says, “If you see Satya, it had no script at all”

Telugu superstar Jr NTR is all set to make his much-anticipated Hindi film debut in War 2, and recent reports suggest his character is not just a one-time appearance. According to a source quoted by ETimes, the actor's role has been crafted as a key player in the YRF Spy Universe, with plans extending far beyond the upcoming action film.

“His character won’t just be limited to War 2. Expect standalone films, spin-offs, and major crossover appearances,” the insider revealed to ETimes, hinting at the studio’s larger plans to integrate him across multiple projects which are a part of the franchise. Directed by Ayan Mukerji, War 2 stars Hrithik Roshan reprising his role as RAW agent Kabir, with Jr NTR playing an antagonist.

The film is scheduled for a theatrical release on August 14, 2025, and is being pitched as one of the biggest face-offs in Indian cinema. With this sequel, YRF is not only expanding the narrative of War (2019) but also strengthening the interconnected web of its espionage universe.

The YRF Spy Universe began with Salman Khan’s Ek Tha Tiger (2012) and has since grown to include Tiger Zinda Hai, War, Pathaan, and Tiger 3. Each instalment has introduced high-octane action, international missions, and larger-than-life characters. Shah Rukh Khan’s character Pathaan and Salman Khan’s Tiger have already crossed paths in Tiger 3, while Pathaan 2 and a rumored Tiger vs Pathaan film are in the works. Joining this world will also be Alia Bhatt starrer Alpha which will also star Sharvari in a key role.

With Jr NTR’s entry, the universe is getting its first major South Indian star, signalling a strategic move to appeal to Pan-India audiences. This aligns with Aditya Chopra’s long-term vision to build a Marvel-style spy-verse rooted in Indian cinema where characters cross paths across storylines and timelines.

Sources close to the development say that Jr NTR’s character is layered, morally complex, and could straddle the line between heroism and grey shades. Now with the new update on the Telugu superstar’s role, it seems that War 2 will not only be an explosive action spectacle but it will also lay the foundation of a much larger cinematic ecosystem.

Also Read: EXCLUSIVE: War 2 teaser to drop as a birthday treat for Jr NTR fans

After the huge success of Stree 2, fans have been eagerly waiting to know about Shraddha Kapoor’s next film. There were recent reports that she was in talks to star in filmmaker Rahi Anil Barve’s next, backed by producer Ektaa Kapoor.

Readers may recall that Bollywood Hungama had reported that Shraddha had charged a fee of Rs 17 crore along with a profit share for the project. A well-placed industry source told us, “This is among the highest upfront fees received by Shraddha Kapoor, as also one of the highest pay cheques in today's time for a female lead in Hindi. Ekta Kapoor was more than happy to splurge Rs. 17 crore to sign Shraddha, as the Rahi Anil Barve film will be Shraddha's follow-up to the highest-grossing film of Hindi Cinema - Stree 2.”

However, as per the latest report by PeepingMoon, the actress has now reportedly walked out of the film due to a disagreement over payment. A source told the portal, “Shraddha is no longer doing Ektaa’s upcoming film.” The report adds that the actress and producer could not agree on the financial terms. Ektaa Kapoor reportedly found Shraddha’s fee too high for a women-led film, and it would have raised the overall budget of the movie.

With Shraddha said to be out of the project, the makers are now looking for another lead actress. “The producers are already in talks with a leading actress for the role,” the report states.

As of now, Shraddha Kapoor only has Stree 3 officially lined up. The film is set to release in theatres on August 13, 2027. It will be the third part of Maddock Films’ hit horror-comedy franchise. In Stree 2, Shraddha starred alongside Rajkummar Rao, Aparshakti Khurana, Pankaj Tripathi, and Abhishek Banerjee. The film turned out to be a major box office hit.

Also Read: Shraddha Kapoor bags Rs. 17 crore remuneration plus profit share for Ekta Kapoor’s next with Rahi Anil Barve

The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) has sent a show cause notice to actor and BJP leader Mithun Chakraborty for allegedly building an illegal structure in Malad’s Madh area.

The notice says that a ground-floor structure was built on a plot in Erangle village without the required permission from the authorities. The BMC has asked Mithun Chakraborty to explain the changes made to the property. If he fails to give a proper explanation, the structure could be demolished. The BMC has also warned of possible legal action.

This action is part of a larger crackdown on unauthorised constructions in the Madh area. So far, the BMC has identified 101 illegal structures in the locality. These include bungalows built using fake documents. The civic body plans to demolish all illegal constructions by the end of May.

According to civic officials, during a recent inspection near the Hira Devi Mandir in Erangle village, they found two one-plus-mezzanine-storey buildings, one ground-floor structure, and three temporary units made of bricks, wood, glass, and AC sheets. These were all constructed without proper approval.

The show cause notice sent to Chakraborty is under Section 351(1A) of the Mumbai Municipal Corporation (MMC) Act. He has been given seven days from May 10 to explain why the structure should not be removed or demolished. Officials also said that such violations can lead to fines and even jail time under Section 475A of the MMC Act.

As per a report by Free Press Journal, when asked about the issue, Mithun Chakraborty said, “I have no unauthorised structures. Notices have been sent to many, and we are sending our replies.”

Also Read: Ayesha Jhulka laughs off link-up rumors with Akshay Kumar, Mithun Chakraborty and others: “How many affairs can one have at the same time?

Bhatt Saab, it’s been seventeen years since Jannat released? Seventeen years. It feels like yesterday—and yet, a lifetime has passed. On May 16, 2008, Jannat walked into our lives—not with fanfare, but with that quiet confidence some stories carry when they know they’ve touched something true. Now, as I look back, what comes to me is not the success, not the applause—but a moment. A face.

Whose face? I was in Gurgaon, at a friend’s home, when his wife—a middle-class woman draped in ordinariness but lit from within—was serving me hot chapatis. With a quiet intensity in her eyes, she said, “Jannat is about the war inside every man. Between the hunger to grab everything in the shop window—and the strength to walk away.” She didn’t speak of Arjun and Zoya as characters, but as mirrors. She had seen the film not just with her eyes, but with her life.

That just about sums up Jannat? Zoya, she said, was the true hero. Because when the man she loved broke under the weight of his own desire, she chose to endure. She chose dignity. And that one moment—her son returning a toy because his mother couldn’t afford it—cut deeper than any scene I’ve ever staged. In that simple act, a generation turned. The father who once smashed windows to steal what he craved was gone. The child had chosen another way. That, to me, was Jannat’s true victory.

Kunal Deshmukh was pretty impressive in his directorial debut? Kunal Deshmukh—young, unscarred, unafraid—took a gamble with this film. His first. He wove a tale of cricket betting and love, yes. But beneath it all was the seduction of sin and the price of surrender. He didn’t just direct a film. He lit a fire.

And your favourite, Emraan Hashmi? Emraan Hashmi… What can I say that hasn’t already been felt in a million hearts? His character Arjun was flawed, but Emraan gave him a soul. We rooted for him even as we knew he would fall. Because inside all of us, there’s an Arjun—burning, wanting, losing. And Sonal Chauhan, as Zoya, brought a rare grace—a quiet rebellion, a refusal to let life harden her.

The music of Jannat is remembered to this day? And then there was the music. Pritam gave us not just a soundtrack, but an ache. Zara Sa, Haan Tu Hain, Jannat Jahan—songs that felt like diary entries from a time when love hurt in the best possible way. KK, who is no longer with us, lives on in those notes. His voice was the shadow under our dreams.

Your closing thoughts? Jannat was never just a movie. It was a parable. A whisper in a noisy world. A reminder that every choice leaves a mark—and that sometimes, the strength to hold back makes the loudest noise of all. To Kunal, to Emraan, to Pritam, to Sonal, to that woman in Gurgaon who saw more clearly than most critics ever could—and to you, the audience, who’ve kept this story alive in your hearts—thank you. Jannat lives not on screens, but in memories. And memories… don’t age.

Also Read: Emraan Hashmi starrer Ground Zero offers Rs 99 tickets for one day ONLY! Check deets here

Recent reports reveal that Kajal Aggarwal may have officially joined the cast of Ramayana, the much-anticipated mythological epic directed by Nitesh Tiwari. The actress is said to be seen portraying the role of Mandodari, the noble and wise queen who is the first wife of Ravana — a role essayed by Kannada superstar Yash in the film. If this holds true, this will be the first time Kajal and Yash will be seen sharing screen space.

A source confirmed Kajal’s casting to ETimes, stating, “Kajal just did her look test last week, and will be playing the character of Mandodari opposite Yash. She has started shooting for the bit recently. The makers are currently shooting Ravana’s Lanka bits.”

Mandodari, a lesser-explored but significant figure in the Ramayana, is often portrayed as a deeply intelligent and virtuous woman. According to the original epic, she is known for her wisdom, devotion, and moral compass, which stands in contrast to Ravana’s eventual downfall. Her presence in the narrative often serves as the voice of reason in Lanka, urging peace and righteousness.

Kajal’s addition to the cast adds another layer of gravitas to the already star-studded project. Earlier reports had suggested that actress Sakshi Tanwar, who previously collaborated with Tiwari in the critically acclaimed Dangal, was being considered for the role. However, the makers have now locked Kajal for the part, and the actress has already begun filming for her portions.

Directed by Nitesh Tiwari, Ramayana is expected to be a multiple parts saga based on the ancient Indian epic. While official announcements are still awaited, the reported ensemble includes Ranbir Kapoor as Lord Ram, Sai Pallavi as Sita, Ravi Dubey as Laxman, Sunny Deol as Hanuman, and Lara Dutta as Kaikeyi. The film is being produced on a grand scale and aims to re-tell the story of Ramayana with cinematic richness and emotional depth.

For Kajal Aggarwal, this role marks another exciting addition to her diverse filmography. She was last seen in Sikandar, alongside Salman Khan and Rashmika Mandanna. With Ramayana, she steps into an iconic mythological universe, taking on a role that promises both substance and emotional complexity.

Also Read: WAVES 2025: Bhumi Pednekar hopes that Ranbir Kapoor-Sai Pallavi-Yash starrer Ramayana can be a game-changer: “It’ll be a visual spectacle; will bring a lot of business to our country”

Ananya Panday is no stranger to scrutiny, but the actress is now speaking out with honesty and introspection about the toll of unrealistic beauty standards and how they impact young women — including herself.

In a heartfelt conversation with popular YouTuber Lilly Singh, Ananya recalled the early days of her career when she was just 18 or 19 and how the criticism she faced was deeply personal. “I was really skinny, you know, and everyone used to kind of make fun about that. They were like, oh, you have chicken legs, and you look like a matchstick, and you don’t have t**s, and you don’t have an a**,” she said. “So that was what it was first.”

Even as her body changed and she grew in the public eye, the commentary didn’t stop. “They were like, oh, there’s no way she’s got her b*** done, or she’s got this done. So you can never win. People will constantly have something to say and criticize that,” she added, noting how such commentary disproportionately targets women. “That’s something that I’ve seen, especially with women. I don’t feel like they do that to men at all.”

The 25-year-old actress also took a moment to reflect on the role that the film industry plays in shaping public perception, admitting, “I feel like it’s our fault also, because we have set unrealistic beauty standards in the films that we’ve… You know, I, as an actress, feel like sometimes I do put that messaging out there in the films that I’ve done or the songs that I’ve done — that, oh, you’re all beautiful, you wake up in the morning, and your hair’s done, and it’s not true.”

Trying to counter the filtered perfection seen on screen, Ananya emphasized the importance of authenticity. “You kind of have to balance that out somewhere. You have to talk about it, and you have to tell people that that’s not the reality. We also don’t look like that. And I try to balance that out, maybe, by not being like that when I’m, you know, off-camera.”

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On the work front, Ananya is gearing up for Chand Mera Dil, a romantic drama under Karan Johar’s Dharma Productions. The film pairs her with Lakshya and is already generating buzz. Along with that, the actress is also expected to return as Bella aka Bae in her popular web series- Call Me Bae for Season 2 on Prime Video.

Also Read: EXCLUSIVE: Lisa Mishra CONFIRMS Ananya Panday-starrer Call Me Bae Season 2 to start shoot this year: “Everyone is SUPER EXCITED to be back on sets”; BREAKS silence on possibility of The Royals Season 2

Raj how did your first project materialize? It took us almost four or five years to get that film going because we were new to Mumbai. It was the first time we had landed in the city, and we didn’t know anyone. All we knew was that we could write a script. So, we wrote 99, Shor in the City, and Go Goa Gone, I think. As engineers aspiring to be filmmakers, we thought that if we wrote three scripts, at least one of them might get made. More scripts meant better odds. 99 was our first one. But again, we didn’t know anyone.

How did you convince a producer to back 99? Just making contacts, approaching any actor or producer—it was all taking forever. And we had zero clue how to go about it. Plus, we looked like we were from another world. We didn’t look like we belonged in Mumbai. People didn’t know who we were. But they did say the script was fun, fresh, and something they hadn’t read before.

So, 99 had no reference point? Right. That kind of proved to be tough and good at the same time because there was no precedent. We couldn’t say, “It’s like that film.” That made it harder. The only person we knew was Anupam Mittal, the CEO of Shaadi.com. He was a friend before we made the film. One day he said, “I’ll produce a film,” and that’s how it started.

Was it tough getting that impressive cast without any experience in feature filmmaking? Absolutely. We had no connections and no way to prove we were filmmakers. So we decided to make a short film based on Shor in the City. We had a full script, but we picked one part of it and shot it over a weekend. That short film came out really well. It became our calling card. It went to a bunch of festivals, and we started showing it around in Bombay to see who would bite. Based on that, we began casting. And before we knew it, we had a really cool ensemble: Kunal Khemu, Vinod Khanna, Boman Irani, and Cyrus Broacha—who was doing a feature film for the first time, I think. It was really fun.

Was it tough putting 99 out there? The release was another big pain point. We had no money for marketing. I don’t think we even had newspaper ads. Just ten hoardings in the city—that was it. No TV spots, no radio promotions. It just opened... and sat there.

The opening must have crushed you and DK. We thought it had sunk on Day 1 because nobody knew about it. It opened just about okay. We felt low on Friday and gave up. But by Sunday, things turned around. We visited packed theatres, and it was a relief. Word of mouth was strong, and the film ended up running for several weeks. We experienced all kinds of emotions in that one release.

So, a happy ending? Yeah, in the end, it was a happy one in terms of how the film ran. It had a great afterlife too. People still fondly remember it. Every time the anniversary of 99 comes around, we get sweet messages. The trailer had a great line: “The difference between 99 and 100 is one. Just one—but it’s a big one.” That really sums it up. So much happened on that set, and we learned a lot. We grew as a team.

You had quite a team. Yes, DK, Sita Menon, and I came together. And we’ve remained a team since. Filming was great fun. 99 is the only film we shot on Super 35 film stock. Even though digital was already mainstream, we wanted to shoot on film—because we felt it might be our last chance. It was so cool. We didn’t know the “rules” of filmmaking. We just made what we wanted to make.

You really carved your own space with that film. We realized there wasn’t really a crime comedy in Hindi cinema back then. So we said, let’s do something that’s not out there. Hence, 99. It was kind of a historical fiction in a weird way. We created a backstory that linked it to the real-life betting and match-fixing scandal. It was an original idea. A lot of fun to make.

It couldn’t have been easy cracking such a sensitive idea. Like walking on grass? Yes, it took a long time to crack the script. We were basically writing our first real Hindi feature film, and we had to figure out structure, climax, all of it. It was very satisfying. Interestingly, while we were working on 99, we started jumping between scripts—we don’t know why, but it turned out well for us. So, 99, Shor in the City, and Go Goa Gone were all being developed at the same time, in various stages.

Also Read: Raj Nidimoru of Raj-DK fame on Citadel: Honey Bunny, “We didn’t shoot it like a Hollywood production, we shot it like how we shot The Family Man”

Yesterday, on May 15, Maddock Films, the producers of Bhool Chuk Maaf and PVR Inox, in a joint statement, announced that the Rajkummar Rao-Wamiqa Gabbi starrer Bhool Chuk Maaf will arrive in cinemas on May 23. The official statement did not answer the question that was on the minds of several people in the industry and trade – is the romcom arriving on OTT in two weeks, as reported by a section of the media? Some stakeholders in the industry believed that one should wait for an answer from either of the two parties before jumping to conclusions. However, some believe that since both the producer and multiplex chain didn’t choose to address this aspect, it confirms the speculations. There’s also a claim that the OTT-theatrical window might be more than two weeks and a clear answer would emerge in a few days. While everyone was trying to process this development, another aspect of the release of Bhool Chuk Maaf has also come to light – the clause of the VPF waiver.

Some sources in the trade maintain that Bhool Chuk Maaf makers will have to pay the Virtual Print Fee (VPF) only if it crosses a certain number. If it fails to do so, then VPF will be waived off. However, certain experts have said that the producers have a complete waiver-off regarding VPF, regardless of its theatrical business. This aspect is significant considering the controversies that have rocked the industry over VPF in the past.

What is VPF? Virtual Print Fee (VPF) is a charge that big multiplex chains in India take from producers or distributors to help cover the cost of upgrading their technology, which is meant to give audiences a better movie experience. On average, this fee is around Rs. 20,000 per screen. For smaller cinema chains and non-2K theatres, this fee is collected by companies like UFO, Scrabble, Qube etc., which provide digital cinema services.

For a long time, producers have argued that the VPF shouldn’t be charged indefinitely and it was supposed to have been imposed only for a certain time. The exhibitors, on the other hand, feel that VPF is necessary as it helps bear the cost of playing the film using the latest technology and has many advantages.

In 2019, the matter became widely known and discussed after producer Ronnie Screwvala filed a case with the Competition Commission of India (CCI) against PVR, Inox, Cinepolis and Carnival Cinemas over VPF. One of the points raised in this complaint was that this fee is charged only from Indian films and that Hollywood movies are exempted. Interestingly, Dangal (2016), a Bollywood film starring Aamir Khan, was exempted from VPF as UTV had released it under the branding of Disney, a Hollywood studio! This led to immense opposition and was included in the complaint to the CCI by Ronnie.

However, the CCI ruled in favour of the multiplexes. Ronnie Screwvala, in an interview with Bombay Times, had then said, “I am disappointed, though not surprised, at the complete lack of support from all colleagues, producers, distributors and the creative community who in private commended the action. But not one individual, company or association supported my complaint as that would have gone a long way to endorse with the CCI the apparent practices that is common knowledge to all.”

The VPF was back in the news a year later, in 2020, when the fee was exempted temporarily due to pandemic-related uncertainties and a reduction in footfalls in cinemas. That was the last time VPF made news until Bhool Chuk Maaf brought it back into the limelight.

Cut to the present day… Thus, the history behind VPF has already led to raised eyebrows and even disbelief over the Bhool Chuk Maaf case outcome. An industry insider told Bollywood Hungama, “Already, there was a fear that if Bhool Chuk Maaf appears on OTT two weeks after its release in cinemas, other producers would also demand a similar arrangement. Now, the VPF waiver can also set a precedent. So many producers have claimed that they have suffered and had to pay more than Rs. 1.50-2.50 crores as VPF for releasing a film in 1000-1500 screens. Independent filmmakers also grouse about increased costs due to this fee. All of them can now rightfully ask the multiplexes, ‘If Bhool Chuk Maaf can have a VPF-free release, why not our film?’.”

Also Read: Maddock Films announces theatrical release of Bhool Chuk Maaf on May 23 starring Rajkummar Rao and Wamiqa Gabbi

The twists and turns in the Bhool Chuk Maaf legal row continue. On May 14, both PVR Inox and Maddock Films reached a consensus. As per reports, the Rajkummar Rao-Wamiqa Gabbi starrer will now release in cinemas on May 23. But what has shocked the industry and trade is that there are chances that the romcom will be made available on Amazon Prime Video in two weeks, that is, on June 6.

A source told Bollywood Hungama what happened, “PVR Inox dragged Dinesh Vijan of Maddock Films to court for cancelling Bhool Chuk Maaf’s theatrical release at the last minute and going directly on OTT. The belief was that Dinesh Vijan would land in a soup and that he would try for an out-of-court settlement. But the reality was that the producer was willing to fight the case until the very end. He had made it clear that if the decision was not in his favour in the Bombay High Court, he would knock on the doors of the Supreme Court. This was not what PVR had anticipated. They felt the matter would be resolved in a few days but Vijan was willing to fight it out for months.”

The source continued, “This is when PVR decided to sit across the table and end the matter. Dinesh Vijan at first asked for simultaneous OTT and theatrical release but it was not agreed upon. Eventually, both parties agreed, with the intervention of the court, that Bhool Chuk Maaf need to first release in cinemas and then it can premiere on Amazon Prime Video after two weeks. It might also be changed to four weeks, as per insiders. Last week, while filing the case, PVR had asked for Rs. 60 crores in damages over breach of contract. This demand has now been withdrawn.”

As expected, the development stunned the exhibition sector. A trade expert said, “The standard rule is that a film needs to be exclusively in cinemas for 8 weeks. Only then can it arrive on a streaming platform. If a producer refuses to follow this directive, then the national chains do not release that particular movie in their properties. A lot of Tamil and Telugu films arrive on OTT in 4 weeks and many of these movies don’t get a release in PVR, Inox and Cinepolis. But this case changes everything. Now, so many South filmmakers will also demand the release of their film in the national chains even if they don’t follow the 8-week window. Even producers of small Bollywood films can use this case.”

The expert continued, “Last week, the whole exhibition sector was rooting for PVR Inox for filing this case but the May 14 outcome has angered the theatres. PVR Inox can claim victory, claiming that they managed to get Bhool Chuk Maaf in cinemas. But at what cost? The case was in their favour. Maddock had signed the contract, stating an exclusive theatrical release for Bhool Chuk Maaf. Then why did they opt for such a decision?”

Exhibitors speak up

Exhibitor and distributor Akshaye Rathi said, “The official statements are still to come out. But if the two-week window directive is being agreed upon, then it sets a very wrong precedent. The confidence of those who have invested in the exhibition sector and those who are shareholders of listed companies in the sector will be shattered if these sorts of precedents are set. On one hand, we are discussing how the eight-week exclusive window is not enough and it should become a longer, wider window. On the other hand, this sort of scenario is detrimental to business. This ruling not just affects exhibitors. A proper window, like Mr Aamir Khan has also said, is beneficial to everyone in the value chain. Theatrical is a great monetization medium that sets the ball rolling for other avenues of monetization to be optimized. Hence, I hope producers stop being short-sighted and think long-term.”

Distributor and exhibitor Raj Bansal, meanwhile, explained, “This can’t be a precedent. But since the matter went to court, the decision in this case has been taken as per the order of the court.” When asked if other producers can use this case to lower the theatrical-OTT window, he replied, “No, they can’t. The conclusion in this case happened because of the court order.”

Also Read: Bhool Chuk Maaf to release in theatres on May 23 after court settlement between Maddock Films and PVR Inox

Darsheel, May 14 marks 15 years since your first post-Taare Zameen Par release. Wow—15 years of Bumm Bumm Bole! Time really does fly. Shooting for it right after Taare Zameen Par was such a memorable experience. I was still quite young, and everything felt new and exciting. I wouldn’t say I got “star treatment” in the typical sense—but yes, there definitely was a sense of familiarity and warmth from the crew after TZP. I felt looked after, and that made a huge difference. 

What was it like being directed by Priyadarshan? Working with Priyadarshan sir was a complete learning curve. His energy and pace on set were infectious, and he had such a clear vision of what he wanted. I remember how precise he was—even with emotions. We hardly wasted any time. He made sure we stayed natural while still hitting the right emotional notes. It’s always amazing to work with and be in the same room as someone as experienced as Priyan sir. 

Do you remember the spunky girl Ziyah Vastani, who played your baby sister? Of course, I remember Ziyah! She brought so much spunk and energy to the set. She really felt like a little sister to me during the shoot—I enjoyed annoying her! Spending so much time with her made me more caring and loving toward my own sister, whom I was always teasing. We had a blast working together. 

Did you get a chance to watch the original film by Majid Majidi? Yes, I watched Children of Heaven before and during the shoot. It’s such a beautiful, heartfelt film. Knowing that Bumm Bumm Bole was inspired by it was humbling. I felt proud to be part of something that echoed such a touching story. Some conversations I had with the writer and director during that time sparked my curiosity—and eventual love—for filmmaking. 

What are you working on now? Right now, I’m working on a few exciting projects—two films and a web series that I recently wrapped. It’s a fun mix of genres, and I’m super excited to share them with you soon!

Also Read: Subhash K. Jha speaks on Bumm Bumm Bole

In a significant turn of events, the much-anticipated Rajkummar Rao and Wamiqa Gabbi starrer Bhool Chuk Maaf will now release in theatres on May 23, 2025, following a court directive. The decision comes after a legal dispute between Maddock Films and PVR Inox Cinemas was resolved, putting an end to weeks of uncertainty surrounding the film's release.

The issue began when Maddock Films cancelled the film’s theatrical release just a day before its scheduled premiere due to rising Indo-Pak border tensions, opting instead for a direct-to-digital release on Amazon Prime Video. The abrupt move left PVR Inox fuming prompting them to sue Maddock for a breach of contract amounting to Rs. 60 crores.

However, the matter has now been settled in court with the filmmakers being directed to release the movie theatrically. A source close to the development told Pinkvilla, “The court has passed its order in the Maddock Films vs PVRInox Cinemas case. Bhool Chuk Maaf, featuring Rajkummar Rao and Wamiqa Gabbi, will now release in cinemas on May 23, 2025. Maddock Films plans to resume its marketing campaign from May 15.”

Interestingly, while the standard digital release window for Hindi films is typically eight weeks post-theatrical release, the court has made an exception in this case. “While the standard digital release window for Hindi films is eight weeks post-theatrical release, Bhool Chuk Maaf will debut on Prime Video in just two weeks — on June 6, 2025 — as per the court’s directive,” the source added.

PVR Inox has reportedly withdrawn its demand for monetary compensation following the court's order for a theatrical release. It has also been clarified that the two-week OTT premiere window will be a one-off decision given the unique circumstances, and the eight-week norm for other films will remain in place.

Directed by Karan Sharma and produced by Dinesh Vijan under Maddock Films in association with Amazon MGM Studios, Bhool Chuk Maaf is a romantic comedy with an interesting twist that also stars Seema Pahwa in a key role. The film’s new release plan is expected to revive its buzz as promotions are set to kick off again from May 15 onwards.

Also Read: EXCLUSIVE: Bombay High Court restrains OTT release of Bhool Chuk Maaf; upholds PVR Inox’s rights; next hearing on June 16 (COMPLETE DETAILS INSIDE)

Sunny Deol, riding high on the success of his recent action entertainer Jaat, is reportedly set to take a new leap in his career. According to a report by Peeping Moon, the veteran Bollywood star is in advanced negotiations with Netflix India to headline a high-budget action thriller, marking his much-anticipated OTT debut.

While the deal is yet to be officially signed, reports indicate that the modalities are being finalized swiftly. According to these reports, the project is in the writing phase, with the production team aligning schedules to accommodate Deol's existing commitments. The film promises to showcase the actor in his quintessential massy, action-packed avatar, something that fans of the Gadar star have long celebrated.

This upcoming thriller will be produced by Suparn Verma, who is known for backing gripping stories like The Family Man Season 2 and Rana Naidu, marking his third production venture and his most ambitious one yet. While the director for the Netflix film is yet to be finalized, industry chatter suggests a tight race among several notable filmmakers. One of the frontrunners is said to be a director who recently helmed a period drama for the platform, though an official confirmation is still awaited.

The move to digital appears to be a strategic step for Sunny Deol, who continues to enjoy a stronghold in theatrical cinema. His forthcoming film Lahore 1947—directed by Rajkumar Santoshi and produced by Aamir Khan Productions—features an ensemble cast including Preity Zinta, Karan Deol, and Ali Fazal. The actor is also set to return in Border 2, alongside Varun Dhawan, Diljit Dosanjh, and Ahan Shetty. Additionally, Deol is reportedly attached to Nitesh Tiwari’s magnum opus Ramayana.

If finalized, the Netflix actioner would mark a new chapter in Deol’s career, offering fans the thrill of watching their favourite action hero in a digital-first narrative. With high-octane stunts and a gripping storyline expected, this project could well be one of the biggest OTT launches for an A-list Bollywood actor.

Also Read: Border 2 BTS: Sunny Deol says, “Make hay while the sun shines” as he enjoys fun rainy day with ‘chai-pakoras’

On May 9, YouTube unexpectedly took down the teaser of the much-awaited film Housefull 5, citing a copyright claim by Mofusion Studios. Viewers were met with a message stating the video was unavailable due to this claim. Bollywood Hungama has exclusively learned that Yo Yo Honey Singh has officially provided a written declaration that he alone owns the rights to the song and has exclusively sold it to Nadiadwala Grandson, post which Sajid Nadiadwala has filed a Rs. 25 crores defamation suit each against Mofusion Studios and YouTube. The dispute centres around the song ‘Laal Pari’, composed by Yo Yo Honey Singh.

A source told Bollywood Hungama, “The matter arose as the song ‘Laal Pari’ was incorporated in the teaser of Housefull 5. It is composed by Yo Yo Honey Singh and Mofusion Studios has claimed that they hold the rights to the song. However, Yo Yo Honey Singh has given in writing to Sajid Nadiadwala that he’s the sole rights holder to ‘Laal Pari’.”

The source continued, “Based on this strong piece of evidence, the producer has decided to take legal action. Nadiadwala Grandson Entertainment is one of the biggest and most reputed production houses of Indian Cinema and the way the teaser of their expensive and grand film was removed without checking with them was unfair. Hence, they felt it was necessary to take action against Mofusion Studios. They also have a grouse against YouTube. The management of the banner believes that if a copyright claim did arise, then the video-sharing platform should have checked with the makers, especially considering that the channel of Nadiadwala Grandsons Entertainment has more than 16 lakhs subscribers and has never been accused of such malpractice in the past. But YouTube didn’t do so and simply removed the teaser, thus denting their image.”

The notices were delivered to YouTube and Mofusion Studios on May 12. The source said, “The legal team of Nadiadwala Grandson has asked YouTube to re-upload the teaser immediately or else pay damages amounting to Rs. 25 crores.”

Housefull 5 stars Akshay Kumar, Riteish Deshmukh, Abhishek Bachchan, Fardeen Khan, Jacqueline Fernandez, Sonam Bajwa, Nargis Fakhri, Sanjay Dutt, Jackie Shroff, Nana Patekar, Chunky Pandey, Johny Lever, Shreyas Talpade, Dino Morea, Chitrangda Singh, Ranjeet, Soundarya Sharma and Nikitin Dheer. It is directed by Tarun Mansukhani of Dostana (2008) fame and releases on Bakri Eid, on June 6, 2025.

Also Read: Honey Singh drops high-energy party anthem ‘Laal Pari’ from Housefull 5; watch

Actress Mrunal Thakur recently opened up about her personal and professional aspirations in a candid chat with Cosmo India. While reflecting on a goal she recently checked off — sending her brother to study filmmaking in the U.S. — Mrunal gave a peek into what’s next on her evolving bucket list.

“Currently, I am focusing on my bucket list, which includes sending my brother to America to study filmmaking at a place I would have liked to go,” she said, noting how fulfilling it was to live that dream vicariously through him.

Looking ahead, Mrunal's ambitions reflect both a desire for personal growth and a deep commitment to her craft. “I want to travel with my family to America, London, and Europe — basically, take them everywhere,” she shared, adding that one of her broader goals is “to change the definition of how Indian women are perceived” and to embrace motherhood along the way. “I think I’ll be a good mom. I just don’t know with whom, so that is something that I’m working on,” she said, candidly.

On the professional front, Mrunal isn’t limiting herself to the industries she’s already conquered. “I want to explore acting — not just stay limited to Telugu, Hindi, and Marathi films, but also debut in Tamil, Malayalam, English, and Spanish films,” she said, emphasizing her intent to expand her horizons, one step at a time.

The actress also shared her dream list of filmmakers she hopes to collaborate with. “I want to work with filmmakers that I have grown up watching — those who have inspired me to be in this industry. I loved the adaptation of The Namesake by Meera Nair,” she said. “Then, of course, I want to work with Sanjay Leela Bhansali, because who doesn’t love him? Imtiaz Ali, Anurag Kashyap — the list goes on.”

Coming to the work front, the 32-year-old actress is currently busy shooting Hai Jawani Toh Ishq Hona Hai, co-starring Varun Dhawan and Pooja Hegde. Interestingly, it is reported that Mrunal will be sharing the screen space with Siddhant Chaturvedi in Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s next project.

Also Read: Mrunal Thakur says she’s the “first girl in the family to own a Mercedes” as she recalls promising her mother a “crazy car” at age 12

Over a decade since their last film PK, actor Aamir Khan and filmmaker Rajkumar Hirani are in advanced discussions to reunite for a new project. As per a report by Pinkvilla, the potential collaboration is set to begin production in 2026, though the film remains untitled for now. According to the report, the idea for the film emerged after Rajkumar Hirani weighed multiple concepts.

“Rajkumar Hirani was toying with 3 ideas, and he has finally decided to move ahead with a subject. He discussed the same with Aamir Khan, and the actor has also loved the world that Raju is developing,” a source told Pinkvilla. “The two have principally agreed on the film, with the intent to take it on floors in 2026. The yet-untitled film will be Rajkumar Hirani’s next directorial after Dunki.”

While the film is still in its early stages, there is strong mutual interest. The source revealed that the film will blend slice-of-life elements with comedy and inspiration—genres often explored by Hirani. Further production decisions are expected to be finalized after Sitaare Zameen Par hits the theatres. Other Collaborations on Hold In addition to his project with Aamir Khan, Rajkumar Hirani has been in conversation with other actors as well. Discussions were held with Ranbir Kapoor and Vicky Kaushal for separate films, but scheduling conflicts stalled progress. “Those two ideas are reserved by Rajkumar Hirani for the near future with RK and VK respectively,” the source said. At present, Hirani is wrapping up work on his web series before fully shifting focus to the Aamir Khan project.

The Aamir-Hirani combination has previously delivered films that not only performed well at the box office but also left a lasting impression on audiences. 3 Idiots became a cultural phenomenon upon release in 2009, and PK broke several records in 2014.

Currently, Aamir is awaiting the release of Sitaare Zameen Par, scheduled to hit theaters on June 20. Directed by R.S. Prasanna, it also stars Genelia Deshmukh in the lead.

Also Read: Sitaare Zameen Par trailer out: Aamir Khan starrer promises to be a heartwarming sequel celebrating inclusivity with laughter, watch

Bollywood actor Ayushmann Khurrana has shared a heartfelt message for Indian cricket stalwarts Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma, who have both announced their retirement from Test cricket. As cricket fans across the country grapple with the news, Ayushmann added an emotional voice from the film industry, calling the duo “our forever GOATs in whites.”

Taking to Instagram, the Dream Girl star posted a picture of Kohli and Sharma in their Test jerseys and wrote, “Our forever GOATs in whites!” — a line that sums up the sentiment of an entire generation that watched the two dominate red-ball cricket for over a decade.

Kohli, in his retirement announcement, reflected on his 14-year journey in Test cricket with a message that struck a chord with fans worldwide. “It’s been 14 years since I first wore the baggy blue in Test cricket. Honestly, I never imagined the journey this format would take me on. It’s tested me, shaped me, and taught me lessons I’ll carry for life,” his post began.

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  A post shared by Ayushmann Khurrana (@ayushmannk)

He continued, “There’s something deeply personal about playing in whites. The quiet grind, the long days, the small moments that no one sees but that stay with you forever. As I step away from this format, it’s not easy — but it feels right. I’ve given it everything I had, and it’s given me back so much more than I could’ve hoped for. I’m walking away with a heart full of gratitude — for the game, for the people I shared the field with, and for every single person who made me feel seen along the way. I’ll always look back at my Test career with a smile.”

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  A post shared by Virat Kohli (@virat.kohli)

Rohit Sharma had earlier made a similar announcement, prompting many fans to call it “the end of an era.” Sharma, known for his elegance at the crease and steady leadership, leaves behind an equally cherished legacy.

Anushka Sharma, Kohli’s wife and actor-producer, also took to Instagram to post a supportive message, celebrating her husband’s journey and reiterating her pride in his accomplishments on the field.

On the work front, Ayushmann Khurrana is gearing up for his next film Thama opposite Rashmika Mandanna, but it’s his off-screen moment of tribute that’s currently winning hearts online.

Also Read: 13 Years of Vicky Donor: Yami Gautam and Ayushmann Khurrana celebrate its anniversary with heartfelt throwbacks as film returns to cinemas

The Cannes Film Festival 2025 is set to witness a glamorous Indian presence once again, as Alia Bhatt and Janhvi Kapoor are expected to join the ever-elegant Aishwarya Rai Bachchan on the red carpet of the prestigious international event. Held annually in the scenic French Riviera, the festival this year will not only celebrate global cinema but also showcase a dynamic mix of Indian fashion, heritage, and cinematic talent.

Speaking about the debuts to watch out for this year, we have Alia Bhatt, who has been making waves on the global fashion circuit as she will grace Festival De Cannes for the first time this year. She will be attending the prestigious film festival as the ambassador of the Italian luxury brand Gucci. Known for her chic and contemporary style, Alia's Cannes debut under Gucci’s banner is expected to merge high fashion with Bollywood charm. This will mark another significant milestone in her expanding international presence.

Adding to the star quotient is Janhvi Kapoor, who will be walking the red carpet for a more cinematic reason. The actress will be attending the premiere of Homebound, along with the team of the film that includes Ishaan Khatter, who plays the male lead along with Vishal Jethwa as well as filmmaker Karan Johar, who is the producer of the film. For the unversed, a few weeks ago, Dharma Productions in collaboration with KJo had shared a post about the film’s premiere in the ‘Un Certain Regard’ Category at the 78th edition of Cannes Film Festival, sparking much excitement among fans.

Meanwhile, veteran actress Aishwarya Rai Bachchan, a regular at Cannes and one of the most iconic faces on its red carpet, will continue her long-standing association with global beauty brand L’Oréal Paris. Her appearance is highly anticipated each year for its blend of sartorial elegance and red-carpet poise, and 2025 promises to be no different.

The Indian footprint at Cannes this year, however, goes beyond contemporary stars. Veteran actress Sharmila Tagore, who had attended the festival in 2009, will attend a special screening of Satyajit Ray’s 1970 classic Aranyer Din Ratri, which is being featured under the Cannes Classics segment. This tribute to Ray’s legacy highlights the enduring global relevance of Indian cinema’s golden era.

Also part of the Indian delegation is filmmaker Payal Kapadia, whose critically acclaimed film All We Imagine As Light continues its journey across international festivals. With a blend of timeless elegance, youthful glamour, and cinematic depth, India’s presence at Cannes 2025 promises to be as radiant as the Riviera sun.

Also Read: Tom Cruise heads to Cannes for Mission Impossible The Final Reckoning premiere

As tensions between India and Pakistan continue to make headlines following the Pahalgam attack and India’s swift retaliation through Operation Sindoor, voices of solidarity have emerged from different corners of the nation—including from within the entertainment industry. Actress Rhea Chakraborty, who hails from a military background, took to social media to pen a poignant note as a ‘Fauji daughter’, drawing attention to the emotional sacrifices made by armed forces families.

In her post, Rhea wrote, “I grew up watching my dad wear his uniform like second skin - calm, proud, ready. And I grew up watching my mom hold back tears like a soldier too. Being an Army officer's daughter means you learn early... That love often looks like distance. That pride quietly holds hands with fear. Today, I sleep safely in my home because someone else's father, mother, brother, or sister is out there- standing at the border, standing tall.” “To every Army, navy and airforce family waiting, hoping, praying - I see you. I feel you. I stand with you. From one fauji home to another... sending love, strength, and a salute. Jai hind,” she concluded. Rhea’s words struck a chord with netizens, especially those from armed forces backgrounds, who resonated with her message of resilience, pride, and unspoken grief.

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  A post shared by Rhea Chakraborty (@rhea_chakraborty)

The note comes at a time when emotions are running high across the country where celebs not only condemned the attack in Pahalgam region claiming the lives of innocent Indian civilians but also showcased their support towards Indian Armed Forces for protecting the nation. In this charged climate, Rhea's message was not political but deeply personal. Her post served as a reminder of the quiet strength of armed forces families, many of whom continue to pray for the safe return of their loved ones, even as they battle their own fears in silence. From one "fauji home to another", her message was not just a tribute—it was a call for empathy, unity, and strength.

Also Read: Rhea Chakraborty launches Freedom campaign for her brand Chapter 2: “Wearing our scars proudly we walk into the sunset”

After stepping into film production with Toaster, which is yet to release on Netflix, actor-producer duo Rajkummar Rao and Patralekhaa are already gearing up for their next project. Their second venture under their production banner will feature National Award-winning actors Rajkummar Rao and Keerthy Suresh in lead roles and is set to go on floors in Mumbai on June 1.

According to a report by Mid-Day, the untitled film will be a satirical take on India’s current education system, examining how profit motives have increasingly overshadowed the sector's primary purpose—imparting knowledge. The story will unfold through the lens of two educators, played by Rao and Suresh, who seek to expose the commercialization of education. The narrative reportedly uses humour and irony to shed light on how education in India has evolved into a lucrative business, often at the cost of academic integrity and student welfare.

The project marks a collaboration with director Aditya Nimbalkar, who recently helmed the thriller Sector 36 (2024). Shooting will begin in Mumbai after Keerthy Suresh wraps up work on her Tamil film Revolver Rita. A second schedule is planned in Delhi, with the team aiming to complete the film in a continuous 45-day shoot.

For the unversed, the Bollywood couple, earlier this year, announced their production banner, Kampa Films. “Launching KAMPA is an emotional milestone for us. Cinema has played a significant role in shaping our lives, and this is our way of giving back. Raj and I are transforming a shared dream into reality by creating a space for fresh voices and compelling storytelling,” Patralekhaa said during the launch.

Also Read: Patralekhaa expresses frustration over being defined as Rajkummar Rao’s wife; says, “I feel very small”

Recently, Paresh Rawal was in the news for his interview with The Lallantop. The veteran actor was asked if Akshay Kumar was his friend. Paresh Rawal replied, “Film industry mein colleague hote hain, theatre mein dost hote hain, aur school mein jigar jaan dost hote hain. But film ke andar colleague hote hain.” Unfortunately, the quote led to a lot of noise on social media, with many wondering if anything is wrong between him and his Hera Pheri co-star. In an exclusive interview with Bollywood Hungama, Paresh Rawal clarified on this issue. In the same interaction, he also opened up about his upcoming exciting films.

Recently, there were reports that Hera Pheri 3’s mahurat shot took place recently and it led to a lot of excitement. Paresh Rawal said, “When it comes to Hera Pheri, the reactions are always positive. It is the most loved franchise.”

The actor didn’t give out much information on the film. But when asked when it would go on floors, he replied, “We plan to shoot in January or February 2026.” He also shared an update on Welcome To The Jungle. Both these comic capers are produced by Firoz A. Nadiadwallah. He revealed, “The shoot of Welcome To The Jungle is not complete and hopefully, it’ll resume in July or August.”

Welcome To The Jungle and Hera Pheri 3 reunite Paresh Rawal with Akshay Kumar. Until now, they have worked together in 21 films – Dil Ki Baazi (1993), Kayda Kanoon (1993), Mohra (1994), Insaaf (1997), Mr And Mrs Khiladi (1997), Angaaray (1998), Aarzoo (1999), Hera Pheri (2000), Aankhen (2002), Awara Paagal Deewana (2002), Aan: Men At Work (2004), Aitraaz (2004), Garam Masala (2005), Deewane Huye Paagal (2005), Phir Hera Pheri (2006), Bhagam Bhag (2006), Bhool Bhulaiyaa (2007), Welcome (2007), De Dana Dan (2009), OMG Oh My God (2012) and Sarfira (2024).

Besides the aforementioned two comedies, Akshay and Paresh Rawal also have one more exciting film in their kitty – Bhooth Bangla. On this, Paresh Rawal stated, “It’s a stunningly shot movie of Mr Priyadarshan. No horror film in India has been shot this beautifully as Mr Priyadarshan has shot Bhooth Bangla. It's mind-blowing. Priyadarshan is a stunning filmmaker.”

This is not the only horror comedy in the pipeline for Paresh Rawal. He also features in Thama, co-starring Ayushmann Khurrana, Rashmika Mandanna and Nawazuddin Siddiqui. It releases on Diwali 2025 and belongs to the highly successful Maddock Horror Comedy Cinematic Universe, which also comprises Stree, Munjya, Bhediya etc.

Also Read: EXCLUSIVE: Paresh Rawal clarifies on ‘Akshay Kumar is a colleague’ statement: “People are asking ‘Kya ho gaya (aap dono ke beech)?’. Arre bhai, kuch nahin hua…he’s a friend and will remain a friend”

Amid escalating Indo-Pak tensions, Harshvardhan Rane has finally broken his silence after Pakistani actress Mawra Hocane lashed out at him on social media for stepping away from Sanam Teri Kasam 2. In a strongly-worded Instagram story, Rane called her statement ‘an attempt at personal attack’ while emphasizing that he chose to step down from the film because he ‘has zero tolerance for any attack on his nation's dignity’.

The controversy erupted when Hocane reacted sharply to reports that Rane had refused to work with her in the sequel to their 2016 romantic drama due to ongoing geopolitical issues. In a post shared on her social media (as reported by FilmiBeat), Mawra wrote, "I don't know whether to call this unfortunate, sad or comical. someone I expected to have basic common sense has risen from deep slumber with a PR strategy. Look around you, look at what's going on!!! We could all hear explosions, children in my country died due to an unjustified cowardly attack, innocent lives are lost and after multiple attempts to still maintain grace and peace, a befitting response by my armed forces have caused frenzy in your country last night. While our nations are at war, this is what you come up with.. a PR statement to get attention??? What a pity!"

"Making such announcements at this volatile time, it's both shameful and bizarre to see you so hungry and desperate. If throwing all the respect away and using my name after 9 years is getting you the headlines, you might be surrounded by the wrong team. Praying for our soldiers.. and civilians on both sides, not immersed in the thoughts of what my next film should be! May sense prevail", she added.

Responding to this, Harshvardhan Rane said, “That sounded like an attempt at personal attack. Fortunately, I have tolerance to overlook such attempts - but have zero tolerance for any attack on my nation's dignity. An Indian farmer would pluck out the unwanted weed from his crop its called WEEDING, the farmer doesnt need a PR team for this act, its called common sense. I simply offered to step down from Part 2. I am fully within my rights to choose not to work with individuals who label my country's actions as 'cowardly.' so much hate in her speech, so many personal remarks, I never mentioned her name or resorted to calling her names. Didn't attack her dignity as a woman. I intend to maintain that standard.”

The directors of Sanam Teri Kasam, Radhika Rao and Vinay Sapru, have also weighed in on the controversy, standing firmly with Rane. In a statement to Hindustan Times, they said, “So we fully agree with our government’s decision: Not a single rupee should be paid. Not a single minute of our time as a nation should be offered. Not a single Indian platform should engage with them. What matters most is our nation and the welfare of our people. We stand by our government and fully support its decision. Nation First - Always!”

With both the lead actor and directors aligned on their decision, it is now confirmed that Mawra Hocane will not be part of Sanam Teri Kasam 2.

 Also Read: Harshvardhan Rane refuses to work with Mawra Hocane in a powerful note condemning her anti-India comments

Veteran actor Amitabh Bachchan has finally broken his silence on the tragic Pahalgam attack with a powerful and emotionally charged message on X (formerly Twitter), saluting the Indian Armed Forces and expressing his support for Operation Sindoor — India’s retaliatory action following the brutal attack in Jammu and Kashmir. This marks the first time the legendary actor has spoken directly about the incident, following days of cryptic silence that saw him posting numbered tweets with no content since April 23.

Sharing a vivid and heart-wrenching description of the violence faced by a couple during the attack, Bachchan's post highlighted the inhumanity of the perpetrators while echoing a poetic reference from “Pujya Babuji” - his father and famous poet, Harivanshrai Bachchan. The tweet read, “While celebrating the holidays, that monster dragged the innocent couple outside, stripped the husband naked, and after fulfilling his duty, started shooting him. Even after the wife fell on her knees and cried and requested not to kill her husband, that cowardly monster shot her husband very ruthlessly, making the wife a widow. When the wife said "Kill me too"!! So the demon said, “No! You go and tell “….”! On my daughter's mental state, I remembered a line from a poem by Pujya Babuji: Suppose, that daughter went to "…. " and said: " There are ashes of the funeral pyre, the world is asking for vermilion " .. ( Babuji's line) So “….” I gave you the vermillion!!! OPERATION SINDOOR!!!”

The actor followed up with a stirring tribute to the Indian Army, quoting lines from one of his most impactful and iconic films, Agneepath, - “Jai Hind Jai Hind's Army You will never stop; you will never turn back; you will never bow down Take an oath, take an oath, take an oath! Agni Path! Agni Path! Agni Path!!!”

T 5375 - छुट्टियाँ मानते हुए, उस राक्षस ने, निर्दोष पति पत्नी को बाहर खींच कर, पति को नग्न कर, उसके धर्म की पूर्ति करने के बाद , उसे जब गोली मारने लगा, तो पत्नी ने, घुटने पे गिर कर, रो रो अनुरोध करने के बाद भी, की उसके पति को न मारो ; उसके पति को उस बुज़दिल राक्षस ने, बेहद… — Amitabh Bachchan (@SrBachchan) May 10, 2025

Bachchan’s post instantly struck a chord with fans and netizens alike, many lauding his dignified silence in the immediate aftermath and now his heartfelt expression of solidarity and pride in the Armed Forces. For days, the actor had maintained a curious pattern of posting tweet numbers without any accompanying content, which many believe reflected his silent mourning and disappointment over the tragic events of April 22.

The emotional post arrives at a crucial juncture when tensions between India and Pakistan remain high. Although a ceasefire was announced by former US President Donald Trump on Saturday, reports have already surfaced suggesting that Pakistan violated the terms within hours, reigniting anger and distrust among Indian citizens. Amitabh Bachchan’s words — poetic yet piercing — have once again reminded the country of the deep emotional undercurrents this conflict stirs, not only among citizens but also in the hearts of icons who carry the voice of the nation forward.

Also Read: Amitabh Bachchan ventures into gaming as co-founder of Tara Gaming Ltd