Pratibha Ranta REACTS to rumours of headlining Dear Comrade Hindi remake: “Wait for official confirmation”

Actress Pratibha Ranta has addressed recent reports linking her to the Hindi remake of the popular Telugu film Dear Comrade opposite Siddhant Chaturvedi, urging fans and media outlets to hold off until an official announcement is made. The star’s clarification comes amid widespread speculation that she and Chaturvedi could headline the project after Dharma Productions acquired remake rights.

Taking to her Instagram story on January 2, 2026, Ranta asked social-media pages to stop circulating unverified details that create confusion about her involvement. “With due respect, I kindly request all media pages to please refrain from posting or circulating any unverified information and wait for an official announcement,” she wrote. “This has been happening with me for quite some time now, with several projects that I am not associated with, which often leads to unnecessary confusion.”

She continued with a message of gratitude for her followers’ support, emphasising her desire for clear and accurate information. “I would truly appreciate your understanding, cooperation, and continued support in this matter,” Ranta added, signalling a careful approach as rumours swirl online.

Pratibha Ranta first drew attention with her performance in Kiran Rao’s Laapataa Ladies, where her screen presence garnered praise from audiences and critics alike. She is also slated to appear in The Revolutionaries, an adaptation of Sanjeev Sanyal’s book Revolutionaries: The Other Story Of How India Won Its Freedom.

Also Read: Birthday style diaries: 5 ethnic looks of Pratibha Ranta that are pure glam goals!

Javed Akhtar to take legal action against makers of a fake video showing him embracing Islam: "I won't let it slide"

Writer-thinker-poet-lyricist Javed Akhtar has repeatedly reiterated he is an atheist. Now, a mischievous, hugely damaging video showing Javed Akhtar wearing a cap and embracing Islam has surfaced on the internet.

And Javed saab is not amused. “Who does all this? Yeh log kaun hai (who are these people)? They must be taught a lesson. Religious belief is a very personal matter. It is a private equation between Man and God. It is especially inviolable when one doesn’t have a relationship with God. I don’t. So who are you to make up an equation between me and the Creator?”

Javed saab has taken a decision to take stern legal action against the perpetrators of this unauthorized video. “We often allow such mischief—and that’s a mild word, it’s much more deleterious—to slide from sight. That’s wrong. It only encourages the troublemakers to get bolder. I won’t let it slide.”

Also Read: Javed Akhtar and Shatrughan Sinha condemn Nitish Kumar for pulling off a woman’s hijab: “He owes an unconditional apology to the lady”

Ranveer Singh's debut film, Band Baaja Baaraat, to re-release on January 16, 2026, amid Dhurandhar wave

PVR INOX, in association with Yash Raj Films, will re-release Band Baaja Baaraat on January 16, 2026—15 years after its original release on December 10, 2010. Directed by Maneesh Sharma, the film marked the debut of Ranveer Singh and starred Anushka Sharma in a sparkling story of ambition, love, and friendship, set against the vibrant world of Delhi weddings. Produced by Yash Raj Films, Band Baaja Baaraat went on to become a cultural phenomenon, earning both critical acclaim and immense audience love for its youthful, infectious energy, memorable music, and refreshingly new storytelling.

Band Baaja Baaraat reimagined both romance and friendship by situating its protagonists within the frenetic, lived-in world of Delhi weddings. Deeply rooted in local culture and everyday reality, the film had quietly reset the rules of the modern Bollywood love story. It captured an aspirational, entrepreneurial India—young, ambitious, and unapologetically middle-class—with rare warmth and authenticity. Its cultural impact lay in normalising the idea that love could grow out of partnership, equality, and conflict rather than grand destiny alone, while also turning the Indian wedding from a glossy backdrop into a lived-in social ecosystem. Cinematically, it ushered in a new wave of rom-coms grounded in rooted settings, colloquial dialogue, and flawed characters.

Speaking about the re-release, Niharika Bijli, Lead Strategist, PVR INOX, said, “Band Baaja Baaraat is one of those rare films that never loses its charm. It remains fun and immensely relatable, no matter when—or with whom—you watch it. Re-releasing the film is our way of celebrating modern storytelling that continues to resonate across generations. With its timeless music, sharp humour, and deeply lived-in performances, the film captures the spirit of friendship, love, ambition, and life just as it is. We’re excited to bring it back for a new generation to discover its magic on the big screen."

Director of the film, Maneesh Sharma, said, “Band Baaja Baaraat was born from a very simple idea. I had read a magazine piece about young Indian entrepreneurs, and something stayed with me—people with limited resources still stepping out, taking risks, and trying to build something of their own, even on a small scale. That became the seed of the story. It eventually grew into a film about love, friendship, and ambition—authentic, messy, and deeply rooted in the streets we know. Over the years, the film has found a life of its own with audiences across generations, geographies, and different moments in their lives. I am really looking forward to see people loving our film that was made with a lot of heart again on the big screen.”

The re-release of Band Baaja Baaraat is part of PVR INOX’s ongoing initiative to honour exceptional talents and landmark films from India and around the world. By bringing timeless films back to the big screen, PVR INOX not only revives the magic of great cinema but also creates a rare opportunity—for a new generation to discover these cinematic masterpieces and for the generation that grew up with them to relive their nostalgia and charm.

Audiences can experience the joy, music, romance, and celebration of Band Baaja Baaraat once again at PVR INOX cinemas starting January 16, 2026. Booking details and theatre listings will be available soon on the official PVR INOX app and website.

Also Read: 14 Years Of Ranveer Singh: Actor gets nostalgic as he completes 14 years in Bollywood with Band Baaja Baaraat: “When my dreams became a reality”

SCOOP: Rajkumar Santoshi in talks for Sidharth Malhotra’s next, produced by Mahaveer Jain

Bollywood Hungama was one of the first ones to break the news that Sidharth Malhotra has bagged an out-and-out commercial entertainer, which will be produced by Mahaveer Jain's Mahaveer Jain Films. Now, Bollywood Hungama brings to you another exciting update about this film. We have learned that none other than Rajkumar Santoshi is expected to come on board for this film as a director.

A trade source told us, “Rajkumar Santoshi’s forte is not just hard-hitting flicks like Ghayal (1990), Damini (1993), Ghatak (1996), Khakee (2004) etc., but also entertainers like Andaz Apna Apna (1994), Ajab Prem Ki Ghazab Kahani (2009) etc. He knows how to make a wholesome entertainer and this film is right up his alley. The discussions are going on with him at an advanced stage.”

Rajkumar Santoshi is currently providing finishing touches to his dream project, Lahore 1947, starring Sunny Deol, Preity Zinta, Shabana Azmi and Ali Fazal. Aamir Khan serves as the film’s producer and he would also feature in the film in a cameo.

Earlier, it was reported that Raaj Shaandilyaa of Dream Girl (2019) fame was expected to come on board as a director. The source further said, “The pre-production is going on in full swing on this film. The makers expect to lock the director soon and they hope Raj ji can don the director’s hat for this film. There’s also a requirement for a senior actor for a crucial role and the makers are in talks for the same.”

The film is written by Sanjeev. Mrighdeep Singh Lamba serves as a producer, being a partner in Mahaveer Jain Films (MJF). Earlier, a source told Bollywood Hungama, “The film has loads of comedy and also has a thrill element. Sidharth excitedly came on board as he knows that it’s a film that’ll present him in a never-before-seen avatar and also expand his fan base. As a result, he’s giving his hundred per cent towards prepping for the role.”

Also Read: SCOOP: Rajkumar Santoshi to direct Sunny Deol in Jaat 2; director paid whopping Rs. 15 cr. as fees

Anees Bazmee to shoot his next comedy with Akshay Kumar and Vidya Balan from January 15

Birthday girl Vidya Balan gets an unexpected gift from Anees Bazmee. She begins shooting for the filmmaker’s next, which also stars Akshay Kumar, from January 15. The shooting will continue till January 20.

After Bhool Bhulaiyaa and Heyy Babyy in 2007, Thank You in 2011 and Mission Mangal in 2019, Vidya Balan and Akshay Kumar are coming together again. Anees Bazmee earlier directed the pair in the comedy Thank You.

On probing the captivating casting, one came to know that Anees would be tapping into Vidya-Akshay’s combined comic capabilities. Everyone knows of Akshay’s impeccable comic timing. But Vidya, who has flaunted a fleeting flair for the funnies in Anees’ Bhool Bhulaiya 3, would be exposing her humour fangs like never before.

Also Read: REVEALED: Akshay Kumar-Vidya Balan-Anees Bazmee film to go on floors on January 19 in Mumbai; Dil Raju clarifies on Sankranthiki Vasthunam remake reports

EXCLUSIVE: In a SHOCKING development, CBFC deletes a WHOPPING 8 minutes of Sydney Sweeney’s frontal nudity scenes in The Housemaid

The year 2026 will begin on a thrilling and erotic note for Indian cinegoers, thanks to the release of The Housemaid. The film released in the West on December 19 and has been appreciated for its subject, twists and turns and performances, especially that of Sydney Sweeney and Amanda Seyfried. However, Indian audiences may be disappointed to learn that the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) has edited out a significant portion of the film’s intimate scenes.

The CBFC awarded The Housemaid an ‘A’ certificate on December 4 after asking for some modifications. The words ‘b***h’, ‘c**t’ and ‘motherf****r’ were muted, as per the recommendations of the Examining Committee. Secondly, the studio partner was asked to delete ‘nudity visuals of women's breasts…whenever it occurs’. As a result, a whopping 8 minutes of screen time have been axed, the longest cut due to censor diktats in recent times.

Bollywood Hungama has learned that a long, intense lovemaking scene involving Sydney Sweeney won’t be available in India. Another similar sequence has also faced cuts. A scene of Amanda Seyfried using a breast pump was also asked to be removed. However, a brief shot showing the buttocks of the male lead, Brandon Sklenar, has been retained.

Despite the cuts, the film’s narrative and erotic nature remain largely unaffected, according to those who saw the censored version. The original run time of The Housemaid was 131.46 minutes, that is, 2 hours, 11 minutes and 46 seconds. After the cuts and inclusion of the anti-smoking ad in the beginning and after the interval, the revised duration of the film in India is 125.46 minutes. In other words, The Housemaid is now 2 hours, 5 minutes and 46 seconds long.

The Housemaid tells the story of a woman on parole who’s desperate to find work. She lands a job as a housemaid at the palatial residence of a wealthy family. All seems well at first, but she slowly realizes that her life could be in danger while working for them.

Spirit first look unveiled: Sandeep Reddy Vanga drops special New Year treat for Prabhas fans

The much-anticipated Pan-India film Spirit, bringing together director Sandeep Reddy Vanga and Prabhas for the first time, has officially kicked off 2026 with a major reveal. As the clock struck midnight welcoming the New Year, the makers unveiled the first look of the film, instantly sending fans into a frenzy and reaffirming the project’s status as one of the most talked-about upcoming releases.

Spirit has been under the spotlight ever since its announcement, largely due to the powerful combination of Prabhas and Vanga, both known for delivering intense, high-impact cinema. The first-look reveal at the turn of the year was a calculated promotional move, and one that Vanga has successfully employed in the past. Ahead of the reveal, the filmmaker teased audiences on social media on December 31 by writing, “People… A few hours more for SPIRIT – First Poster,” sparking widespread excitement and speculation.

Interestingly, this strategy mirrors the promotional approach Vanga used years ago while announcing Animal, starring Ranbir Kapoor. That midnight tease had gone on to create significant online chatter, and with Spirit, the director appears to have recreated the same sense of anticipation—this time on an even bigger, pan-India scale.

The film had already made headlines earlier this year following a casting change that drew considerable attention. Deepika Padukone, who was initially associated with the project, exited the film citing work-hour concerns. Subsequently, Triptii Dimri was brought on board, a move that further intensified curiosity around the film. Spirit marks Triptii’s first collaboration with Prabhas and her second association with Sandeep Reddy Vanga after Animal, making her casting particularly noteworthy.

Apart from Prabhas and Triptii Dimri, the film also stars Vivek Oberoi and Kanchana, among others, adding to its ensemble appeal. Backed by T-Series, Spirit is being mounted on a grand scale, aligning with Vanga’s signature storytelling style and Prabhas’ Pan-India stardom.

 

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With its first look now unveiled and promotional momentum firmly in place, Spirit is shaping up to be one of the most awaited films of 2026, setting the tone for a high-voltage cinematic year ahead.

Also Read: Vivek Oberoi to have an unrecognizable look in Prabhas starrer Spirit