Pushpa 2 breaks records as it becomes first film to sell 18million+ tickets on BookMyShow

One of the most highly anticipated releases Pushpa 2: The Rule has definitely set the cash registers ringing with the tremendous response it has been experiencing. While it doesn’t come as a surprise considering the immense hoopla surrounding its release and the love of Indian fans towards Allu Arjun, it seems that the action movie has broken another major record. BookMyShow, a popular movie-ticket booking app, has reportedly revealed that Pushpa 2 has become the first ever film to sell 18 million+ tickets.

According to recent reports, it seems that the app has claimed that this is the first film to have experienced this kind of fan frenzy. Despite being a South language film, the prequel found major audience in the North. In fact, readers would be aware that despite being a Telugu film, Pushpa became the franchise to have held a trailer launch in the Northern city of India, Patna. Considering the mass appeal the first instalment of the film experienced across the country, the second instalment seems to be living up to its promise of taking the fame notches higher.

Coming to Pushpa, the film revolves around a small-time sandalwood smuggler and traces his journey towards becoming a feared gangster. Also starring Rashmika Mandanna as Srivalli, the second instalment Pushpa 2: The Rule focuses on the reign of Pushpa and the revenge of IPS Bhanwar Singh Shekhawat played by Fahadh Faasil. Directed by Sukumar and produced by Mythri Movie Makers, the film also features an ensemble cast in key roles and released on December 5 in Hindi, as well as all South languages.

Meanwhile, the makers, thrilled about the response for the second instalment, has also hinted about a third instalment of the franchise that has been titled Pushpa 3: The Rampage.

Also Read: Allu Arjun’s Pushpa 2 rules with 18 days of double-digit box office collections, leaves Baahubali 2 behind

Fateh trailer launch: Sonu Sood doesn’t fear adult certificate for his violent film; cites Animal and Kabir Singh’s example; reveals his hilarious marriage story: "When I was on the horse, I realized that I forgot to order the lights"

The trailer of Fateh was launched by actor-director-producer Sonu Sood at a multiplex in Mumbai. He was joined by producer-wife Sonali Sood, Umesh K R Bansal of Zee Studios and actors Jacqueline Fernandez, Sheeba Akashdeep and Dibyendu Bhattacharya. Sonu seemed in a fun and excited mood as he passionately spoke about Fateh and a lot more.

The teaser of Fateh proved that it’s one of the most violent films to come out of Bollywood. When asked if the film has been seen by the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) and if he fears getting an adult certificate, he replied, “The film is yet to be censored. ‘A’ certificate se problem nahin hoti. Animal and Kabir Singh were hits. Our audience is ready to see such kind of action. I also feel that when we see characters doing bad deeds, we want to see them getting punished severely. This aspect justifies the violence, as viewers think ‘Isne itna bura kiya. Isko aise hi marna chahiye’.”

Sonu Sood also said, “I saw comments when the teaser of Fateh was released. Many people wrote ‘Yeh picture ke andar kya action hai, kya maar raha hai. If this film gets an adult certificate, hum pakka dekhne jaayenge. Agar U/A hoga, toh isme scene kaat denge’! I was like, ‘Aisa thodi hota hai’ (laughs).”

He continued, “Nevertheless, our audience is well-informed. They are prepared to watch action that is so powerful.”

Sonu Sood’s funny wedding story Talking about being a producer, he said, “When you are an actor, you land up on the set and your vanity van is kept ready. The AD calls you. But when you are a producer, then you have to hear things like ‘Dal mein namak kam tha’! Nevertheless, it was a special experience for me. We got the support of Zee Studios, Sonali and my sons. My sons set the bar very high as they used to push me by saying, ‘Average kaam nahin hona chahiye’.”

He then raised laughs as he narrated, “Even when I got married, I was doing all the arrangements. Main band waale se baat kar raha tha, phool waale se baat kar raha tha, pagdi waale se baat kar raha tha. I even made sure that the food and ice cream came on time. My sister saw that and told me, ‘Baith jaa aaram se. Shaadi teri hi hai’. I told her, ‘I have made all the arrangements. Tension mat lo’.”

Sonu Sood continued, “It was a Punjabi wedding and I was on the horse. That’s why I realized that I forgot to order the lights! Unka arrangement karna hi bhool gaya tha! Then, we switched on the car lights and that’s how the baraat moved to the wedding venue.”

Sonali Sood was asked about her reaction to this blunder. She laughed and stated, “I learned about it much later! Ghodi pe toh yeh baith ke aaye the.”

About Fateh, she stated proudly, “He has surpassed all expectations. This is his baby. I am proud of my two boys that I produced but this is his baby!”

Fateh releases in cinemas on January 10.

Also Read: Sonu Sood drops the trailer of his directorial debut Fateh; promises to be a cybercrime action saga like no other

Veteran filmmaker Shyam Benegal passes away at 90

Renowned Indian filmmaker Shyam Benegal passed away on December 23 at the age of 90. According to reports, Benegal was suffering from kidney-related issues and was admitted to Mumbai's Wockhardt Hospital. According to a report in India Today, news of his demise was confirmed by his daughter, Pia Benegal.

Benegal's illustrious career spanned over five decades, during which he directed numerous critically acclaimed films. Some of his most notable works include Ankur, Manthan, Zubeidaa, Bhumika, and Sardaari Begum. His films often explored themes of social justice, women's empowerment, and rural development. Considered to be a pioneer of Indian parallel cinema, Benegal was honoured with several prestigious awards including eighteen National Film Awards, the Padma Shri in 1976 and the Padma Bhushan in 1991. His contributions to Indian cinema have been widely recognized and celebrated.

Benegal had celebrated his 90th birthday on December 14 with friends and family, including several prominent actors and filmmakers and a photo too was posted on social media by veteran actor Naseeruddin Shah. His passing has sent shockwaves through the Indian film industry, breaking the internet. Many of his fans and cinema lovers took to social media to share a heartfelt tribute to the filmmaker and his iconic works.

Shyam Benegal's legacy will continue to inspire generations of filmmakers and audiences alike. His commitment to telling stories that mattered and his dedication to the craft of filmmaking have left an indelible mark on Indian cinema. The legendary filmmaker is survived by his wife Nira Benegal and daughter Pia.

We at Bollywood Hungama extend our heartfelt condolences to the Benegal family.

Sonu Sood drops the trailer of his directorial debut Fateh; promises to be a cybercrime action saga like no other

With Sonu Sood's Fateh explosive action meets the digital battlefield, where he takes the fight to cybercriminals with unrelenting intensity. The trailer for this international action extravaganza has dropped, delivering a pulse-pounding glimpse into a world under siege. Directed by Sonu Sood in his debut behind the camera, this high-octane thriller promises to catapult Bollywood action to international heights.

Set against the backdrop of cybercrime, Fateh dives into the shadows of the digital age, where the stakes are as high as the action is relentless. Sonu Sood stars as an ex-special ops officer with a lethal skill set, a dark past, and a mission to dismantle a sprawling network of digital terror. The trailer teases a gripping narrative where one missing woman becomes the spark for an all-out war—a battle fought with fists, firepower, and unyielding resolve.

With an unmissable swagger and precision, Sood’s character is armed and dangerous—ready to debug the corrupt and execute a system wipe of the criminals threatening innocent lives. The stellar cast, featuring Jacqueline Fernandez, Vijay Raaz, and Naseeruddin Shah add layers to this adrenaline-fueled extravaganza.

Sonu Sood said, "The excitement for Fateh have been incredibly humbling. This film is more than my directorial debut—it’s a reflection of a world we’re all connected to but rarely understand. I wanted to bring that pulse-pounding reality to life with raw action that grips you and keeps you on the edge of your seat . Fateh is a battle cry for everyone who has faced these invisible threats—and for those who stand up and fight back".

Umesh Kr Bansal, CBO, Zee Studios, said, “Fateh is a unique blend of gripping action drama. Sonu’s vision brings cybercrime to life through a compelling narrative that’s a mass entertainer”.

Produced by Sonali Sood of Shakti Sagar Productions, and Umesh KR Bansal of Zee Studios and co-produced by Ajay Dhama, Fateh is a gripping action tale of courage, resilience, and the fight against cybercrime is slated to release on January 10, 2025.

Also Read: “Let’s make this epic!”: Sonu Sood praises Allu Arjun’s Pushpa 2 and launches Fateh teaser

SCOOP: Siddharth Anand takes over directorial reins of Shah Rukh Khan-Suhana Khan-Abhishek Bachchan starrer King

A while back, the industry was abuzz with the announcement of the highly anticipated film King, which will feature none other than Shah Rukh Khan sharing the screen with his daughter Suhana Khan for the first time. While since the announcement there have been no real updates on the progress of the film, Bollywood Hungama has managed to get the inside scoop. In fact, none other than Siddharth Anand, who in the recent past has given us hits like War, Pathaan, and Fighter, will be directing King, the script for which has been written by Sujoy Ghosh of Kahaani and Jaane Jaan fame.

Produced by two industry giants, viz. Shah Rukh Khan's Red Chillies Entertainment and Siddharth Anand's Marflix, King marks a unique partnership between the actor and director, as they join forces not only in front of the camera but also behind it. The script, penned by the talented Sujoy Ghosh, is set to bring a gripping narrative to life, blending emotion and high-octane action. With Siddharth Anand at the helm, audiences can expect an immersive cinematic experience, with stunning visuals and adrenaline-pumping sequences.

True to Siddharth Anand's reputation for delivering grand spectacles, King will be shot across multiple international locations. The filmmakers are sparing no effort in planning some of the biggest action sequences ever seen in Hindi cinema, aiming to set a new benchmark in the genre.

The makers have already locked in the production schedule, with filming set to commence by late February or early March 2025. This extended timeline ensures meticulous pre-production work, allowing for seamless execution of the film’s ambitious vision. King is slated for a mid-2026 release, giving the project ample time for post-production to achieve perfection.

While Shah Rukh Khan's towering presence is enough to generate massive buzz, all eyes are also on Suhana Khan, who is set to take on her first major project alongside her superstar father. This debut marks a significant step in Suhana’s budding acting career, and fans are eager to witness the father-daughter duo’s on-screen chemistry.

With a stellar track record of delivering blockbusters, Siddharth Anand’s association with King further elevates expectations. Known for crafting visually stunning narratives with a strong emotional core, Anand’s directorial touch is set to bring the best out of the Khan duo, making King one of the most awaited films of the decade.

As the countdown begins for the commencement of filming, King is already shaping up to be a cinematic event of epic proportions. With Shah Rukh Khan’s charisma, Suhana Khan’s promising debut, Sujoy Ghosh’s storytelling prowess, and Siddharth Anand’s visionary direction, this film is poised to leave an indelible mark on Indian cinema.

Also Read: Shah Rukh Khan Family Trust, Amitabh Bachchan buy shares worth Rs. 10 cr in Anand Pandit’s Lotus Developers’ IPO; Hrithik Roshan buys Rs. 1 cr worth of shares

EXCLUSIVE: Sonu Nigam credits success of ‘Mere Dholna 3.0’ to “divine blessing”; CONFESSES not being emotional during the recording of Kartik Aaryan-starrer track

Singer Sonu Nigam recently spoke exclusively to Bollywood Hungama about his experience of singing ‘Mere Dholna 3.0’ for Bhool Bhulaiyaa 3, starring Kartik Aaryan. The song, a reimagined version of the popular track from the original Bhool Bhulaiyaa, has generated significant buzz, and Nigam's contribution to the track has been a key highlight.

The Preparation Behind the Song Nigam shared how he prepared for the challenging song. "I went very prepared. I knew the song was very tough," he said. "I sat at home, wrote down the entire sargam (musical scale), and made some corrections. I memorized the whole song and when I went to the mic, I just sang it in one go."

However, what truly moved Nigam was the emotional response he received from his fans and listeners. The Emotional Impact of Success Speaking about the compliments he received after the song's release, Nigam became visibly emotional. "I became emotional when I received compliments from people," he confessed. "This was not my first hit. This is something that has come after 33 years of being in the industry. Now, I am a much more mature person, and I have much more gratitude towards life."

The veteran singer reflected on the challenges he has faced throughout his career and the wisdom that comes with time. "I have seen the ups and downs. I understand that when something comes to you, when success comes, it is such a big blessing," he shared. A Divine Blessing Nigam admitted that he found it difficult to take credit for the success of the song, attributing it to a higher power. "I couldn't credit myself for it, which is why tears came to my eyes. I realized that this is some divine blessing for me. Someone up there is happy for me, somewhere."

Also Read: Asha Bhosle and Sonu Nigam to perform live in Dubai on December 29, 2024 

Shah Rukh Khan Family Trust, Amitabh Bachchan buy shares worth Rs. 10 cr in Anand Pandit's Lotus Developers' IPO; Hrithik Roshan buys Rs. 1 cr worth of shares

Anand Pandit was in the news last year at this time when he threw one of the biggest bashes in recent times on his 60th birthday, on December 21, 2023. This year, around on his birthday, he is once again in the limelight, this time over the star-studded IPO for his company, Sri Lotus Developers & Real Estate.

As per an article in The Times of India dated December 23, AKP Holdings, a private limited company that used to operates under the brand name Lotus Developers, has changed its name to Sri Lotus Developers & Real Estate. The article further started that on December 4, it made private placements of approx. Rs. 2.7 crore shares to 125 people, including Bollywood stars. It added that the company made this private placement at Rs. 150 per share and was able to mobilize about Rs. 407.60 crores.

Reportedly, Amitabh Bachchan bought 6.70 lakh shares at Rs 10 crores. Shah Rukh Khan Family Trust meanwhile bought 6.75 lakh shares for Rs. 10.1 crores. As for Hrithik Roshan, he bought 70,000 shares for around Rs. 1 crores. Meanwhile, Sara Ali Khan, Ektaa Kapoor, Tiger Shroff and Rajkummar Rao have also bought small stakes in the company.

Anand Pandit has a long association with Bollywood as many stars own commercial and residential spaces in the properties developed and managed by Lotus Developers. He then turned producer and has backed several films like Pyaar Ka Punchnama 2 (2015), Sarkar 3 (2017), Satyameva Jayate (2018), Baazaar (2018), Batla House (2019), Total Dhamaal (2019), PM Narendra Modi (2019), The Big Bull (2021), Chehre (2021), Doctor G (2022), Thank God (2022), Kabzaa (2023), Swatantrya Veer Savarkar (2024) etc.

Anand Pandit's remarkable journey from a real estate mogul to a prominent film producer underscores his entrepreneurial vision and strong connections with Bollywood. The star-studded IPO for Sri Lotus Developers & Real Estate further cements his reputation as a leader who bridges the worlds of business and entertainment.

Also Read: Shah Rukh Khan enjoys performances on his songs from Baadshah and Swades as he attends AbRam’s annual day function; videos go viral