SCOOP: Akshay Kumar rejected Mrighdeep Singh Lamba's high-concept comedy due to snake connect

Kartik Aaryan and Mrighdeep Singh Lamba are teaming up for the first time on a feature film produced by Karan Johar and Mahaveer Jain. The film is touted to be a one-of-a-kind high-concept comedy with a snake as the antagonist. On doing the research, Bollywood Hungama has exclusively learnt that the Mrighdeep Singh Lamba directorial was initially offered to Akshay Kumar.

A source told Bollywood Hungama on confidentiality, "Akshay Kumar was the first choice for director Mrighdeep Singh Lamba's next. He was in the discussion for a while now, however, he eventually backed out as he was not convinced with the script. He was not convinced with the conflict of snake vs human, and didn't want to venture into this genre again after Jaani Dushman."

Mahaveer Jain and Karan Johar had multiple rounds of meetings with Akshay, and when he finally backed off, they decided to reset the project with Kartik Aaryan in the lead. "Kartik loved the idea of man vs snake and instantly signed on for the film. He feels this is another winner under his kitty after Bhool Bhulaiyaa 2 and 3, as the supernatural elements are the flavor of the season for the big screen," the source shared.

The snake comedy is all set to go on floors in October 2025 and release in the second half of 2026.

Also Read: Kesari Chapter 2 Trailer Out: Akshay Kumar, Ananya Panday and R. Madhavan tease an intense historical drama; watch

Chhorii 2 trailer out: Nushrratt Bharuccha and Soha Ali Khan starrer promises darker and intense fight of a mother, watch

Prime Video today unveiled the spine-chilling trailer of Chhorii 2, the highly anticipated sequel of its 2021 Original horror film, Chhorii. Expanding the twisted world of its predecessor, which was celebrated for its suspenseful storytelling deeply rooted in folklore, this new chapter plunges even deeper into folkloric horror, supernatural terror, and the unbreakable will of a mother fighting against forces beyond comprehension. A T-Series, Abundantia Entertainment, Psych, and Tamarisk Lane Production, the horror film is helmed by Vishal Furia, and it brings back Nushrratt Bharuccha as Sakshi, joined by Soha Ali Khan in a pivotal role, alongside an ensemble cast featuring Gashmeer Mahajani, Saurabh Goyal, Pallavi Ajay, Kuldeep Sareen, and Hardika Sharma. Chhorii 2 is set to premiere exclusively on Prime Video in India and across more than 240 countries and territories worldwide on 11th April 2025.

Set in the unexplored realm of underground caves, the trailer of Chhorii 2 pulls viewers back into Sakshi’s haunting world, now even darker, deadlier, and more perilous. Haunting rituals, ghostly figures, and unsettling folklore build an atmosphere thick with dread as she confronts malevolent supernatural forces to protect her daughter, Ishani. Soha Ali Khan’s mysterious, ‘Daasi Ma’ character only adds to the tension. Beneath the scares, the trailer reveals an emotional survival story, a mother’s unyielding fight against evil, promising a chilling, more intense chapter filled with deeper fears and unexpected twists.

Speaking about stepping back into Sakshi’s world, Nushrratt Bharuccha shared, “Returning as Sakshi in Chhorii 2 has been one of the most intense yet rewarding experiences of my career. After 7 years of tirelessly protecting her child, Sakshi’s deepest fear comes true, which adds a whole new level of emotion and intensity to the narrative. The horror in this installment feels darker, more powerful, and very real because it taps into a mother’s worst nightmare. Vishal has masterfully woven spine-chilling moments with raw emotions making the story a gripping blend of survival, love, and the lengths a mother will go to protect her child."

Soha Ali Khan, who joins the Chhorii franchise, added, “Joining the talented cast of Chhorii 2 and stepping into such a compelling role was a thrilling new challenge for me. What drew me to the film was how it mixes unsettling, atmospheric horror with folklore that feels so rooted in our culture. My character is layered — there’s menace but also mystery. She’s not someone you can easily predict, which made her a fascinating character to portray on screen. Vishal has crafted a world where fear creeps in from all sides, and being a part of it allowed me to explore a completely new side of myself as an actor."

 

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Sharing insights about the film’s premise, director Vishal Furia highlighted, “With Chhorii 2, we didn’t just want to make a sequel – we wanted to amplify everything that made the first film so haunting and emotionally powerful. The world of Chhorii expands in this chapter; the folklore runs deeper, and the evil Sakshi faces feels more personal and dangerous. We’ve introduced new characters, fresh subplots, and unexpected twists, all while staying true to the rooted backdrop that gives the story its unique authenticity. At the heart of it, Chhorii 2 is about a mother’s relentless fight against something that is all pervasive, and that is where the real terror lies."

Vikram Malhotra, Founder & Chief Executive Officer, Abundantia Entertainment, said, "With Chhorii 2, we build upon the success of the first film, taking the franchise to new heights. As part of our commitment to genre-driven storytelling, this film is a key addition to our content library, dedicated to horror and paranormal narratives. Chhorii 2 is a perfect example of how the horror genre can tap into deep fears, challenge perceptions, and offer an immersive entertainment experience that truly connects with audiences. It remains our endeavour to bring such impactful stories to life, and we, along with our long-standing partners Prime Video, are excited to offer viewers across the globe another unforgettable chapter in the Chhorii universe."

Also Read: Nushrratt Bharuccha unveils spooky new poster of Chhorii 2; watch

Singer Hans Raj Hans' wife Resham Kaur passes away at 62 after prolonged illness

Resham Kaur, the wife of renowned Punjabi folk and Sufi singer and politician Hans Raj Hans, passed away on April 2, 2025, at the age of 62 after a prolonged illness. She breathed her last around 1 pm at Tagore Hospital in Jalandhar, where she had been receiving treatment for heart-related issues.

According to reports, Resham Kaur had been battling heart ailments for some time and had recently undergone a stent procedure. Despite medical efforts, her condition did not improve.

Her brother, Paramjit Singh, stated that she had been hospitalized for five days prior to her demise. The funeral is scheduled for Thursday at 11 am in Shafipur, the ancestral village of Hans Raj Hans.

Hans Raj Hans, a Padma Shri awardee, is celebrated for his contributions to Punjabi folk and Sufi music. He has collaborated with legendary artists like Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan and has contributed to several Bollywood films. The couple has two sons, Yuvraj and Navraj. Navraj is married to Ajit Kaur Mehndi, daughter of renowned singer Daler Mehndi.

Political leaders, including Union Minister Ravneet Singh Bittu and BJP national general secretary Tarun Chugh, have expressed their condolences. Bittu, in a post on X, formerly known as Twitter, wrote, “May Waheguru grant eternal peace to the departed soul and give the family the strength to bear this profound loss.”

Shiromani Akali Dal leader Daljit Singh Cheema also expressed his grief, stating, “This is a huge loss for the whole family. Resham Kaur ji had played a big role in the life of Mr. Hans Raj Hans. She was a religious lady who supported Mr. Hans and the family through thick and thin.”

The family is yet to release an official statement regarding her passing.

Vir Das to debut as author with memoir The Outsider

Comedian and actor-producer Vir Das is set to share his journey in his upcoming memoir, The Outsider. Known for his sharp wit and bold humor, Vir reflects on feeling like an outsider beyond just the comedy world. From being stranded on a beach in Mexico to navigating cultural identity and career ups and downs, the memoir explores his experiences of self-discovery, setbacks, and laughter.

Vir took to his social media to announce the book The Outsider - A Memoir for Misfits highlighting with a very deeply personal video showcasing the many chapters of his life, his identity, his career. The video announcement highlights his awkwardness, his global dominance, his lows as a comedian, his highs of being on world stage and to becoming the person he is today. In his words the book is guided from one idiot, fool, drifter, loser, dreamer and misfit to a world of such people.

In the book, amongst many incidents highlighted Vir recounts a memorable moment when, stranded on a pier in Cozumel, Mexico, with his cruise ship sailing away due to visa issues, he realized that being an outsider isn’t just something he experiences—it’s who he is. That moment, he says, perfectly encapsulates his life: “I was broke, hungover, dumped, jobless, and my trousers were full of sand. But, you know, when life gets absurd, the only way forward is to laugh.”

 

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The Outsider is more than just a memoir—it’s a journey through the highs and lows of a life spent between cultures. Born in India, Vir Das moved frequently between India and Lagos, Nigeria, never fully fitting into one identity. He was the Indian kid in Africa and the African kid in India. His outsider experience continued as he performed in Illinois, worked in Chicago, and eventually made his mark in Bollywood and global stand-up. With a career that defies convention, Vir has broken barriers and built a name for himself from New York to Mumbai.

Being an outsider hasn’t been all bad for Vir Das—it’s shaped him into who he is today. His memoir celebrates resilience, humor, and the power of embracing the unconventional. He shares how failure and rejection played a role in his success, how being different became his strength, and how he learned to thrive in situations where others might walk away.

Vir’s message is simple: being an outsider isn’t a setback—it’s something to embrace. He has turned challenges into opportunities, building a successful international career while staying true to himself.

Reflecting on his globe-trotting life, Vir says: “I’ve had a strange life that took me across the world more than anyone I know. I don’t know how one ends up being the Indian kid in Nigeria, the African kid in boarding school, the boarding school kid in Delhi Public School, the Delhi kid in Galesburg, Illinois, the Chicago guy in Alabama, the America-return in Mumbai, the Bollywood guy in comedy, the stand-up comedy guy in Bollywood, the Bollywood guy in Indie Music, and the Indian in American comedy. All I know is, when you are blessed enough to step into all those worlds, you write a book about it. I hope to take you across the world through the eyes of a fortunate fool.”

Also Read : From Shahid Kapoor to Vir Das to Anshuman Jha: Bollywood actors taking behind-the-scenes roles in 2025

SCOOP: Salman Khan and Sanjay Dutt's next titled Ganga Ram; debutant Krish Ahir to direct

In the last 2 weeks, both Salman Khan and Sanjay Dutt independently confirmed that they are coming together on a rustic action film. Post that, we did our due diligence trying to collate information from industry sources. And we have some exciting, good news for all Bhai fans. Reliable sources confirm that Salman Khan is indeed teaming up with Sanjay Dutt on an action film.

"Salman and Sanju are coming together for a rustic action film titled Ganga Ram, with the duo in the titular role. It's a film developed by Salman and his SKF team in-house, and everyone is very excited to get back the OG's on the big screen in the action set-up. When Salman's team told the one-line to Sanjay, he was also more than excited to partner and join forces with Salman on a two-hero film," a source shared with Bollywood Hungama.

The film will be directed by debutant Krish Ahir, who has been an associate on multiple films produced by Salman Khan over the last 5 years. "Ganga Ram aims to bring in the mass audience to the big screen like never before, as it would celebrate the two giants - Salman Khan and Sanjay Dutt - together. The tale is loaded with macho elements, and both of them have Alpha Male characteristics," the source told us further.

Ganga Ram is slated to go on floors around June / July 2025. It will be produced by SKF, however, Salman and his team are on the hunt to partner with another studio, to ensure that there is lavish spend and no compromise on the visuals.

Also Read: Amit Mishra on singing ‘Sikandar Naache’, “Always an honor to collaborate with Salman Khan”

Kartik Aaryan, Karan Johar and Mahaveer Jain unite for a big-budget comedy trilogy: Report

Kartik Aaryan and Karan Johar are set to collaborate once again, and this time, it’s for an ambitious comedy trilogy along with producer Mahaveer Jain. After Kartik and Karan recently kicked off the romantic comedy Tu Meri Main Tera Main Tera Tu Meri, the duo is coming together for a high-concept film that promises laughter, surprises, and grand visuals.

According to a report by Pinkvilla, the project will be helmed by filmmaker Mrighdeep Singh Lamba, known for the comedy franchise Fukrey. A source close to the development revealed, “Mrighdeep Singh Lamba has been working on this high concept comedy for a while now, and the film is being designed as a trilogy with Kartik Aaryan in the lead. Karan has loved the concept and instantly agreed to bankroll the project for the big screen. It's a script which has potential to resonate with every section of cinema-going audience.”

The film is currently in the pre-production stage, with the team working on its scale and visual appeal to make it a unique theatrical experience. Elaborating on the vision behind the film, the source further added, “It’s a lot more than just a comedy, as the team is looking to surprise the audience with the scale and visuals. The film is presently in the pre-production stage and scheduled to go on floors in September 2025.”

Given the scale of the project, the makers are eyeing a 2026 release. This collaboration is expected to mark a significant addition to Kartik Aaryan’s filmography, as he continues to establish himself as a versatile performer with a knack for comedy.

For Karan Johar, this film signals another exciting production under his banner, Dharma Productions, as he explores the comedy genre with a fresh perspective. With Mrighdeep Singh Lamba at the helm, known for delivering crowd-pleasing entertainers, expectations are already high for what could be one of the most anticipated comedy franchises in the coming years.

As anticipation builds, fans eagerly await more details on the cast, storyline, and what surprises the makers have in store.

Also Read: Kartik Aaryan and Sreeleela’s romantic chemistry shines in latest Instagram post from their upcoming film

Pulkit Samrat stars with Fukrey co-star Varun Sharma along with Shalini Pandey in Rahu Ketu

Leading entertainment banner Zee Studios has officially announced their ambitious new project, Rahu Ketu. The film will be headlined by actor Pulkit Samrat, renowned for his dynamic screen presence. Pulkit will be joined by his Fukrey co-star Varun Sharma along with Shalini Pandey, promising to immerse audiences in a thrilling adventure filled with laughter, fantasy, and captivating storytelling.

Directed by Vipul Vig, Rahu Ketu officially began filming today with a grand mahurat ceremony marked by enthusiasm and excitement. Pulkit Samrat and Varun Sharma, who previously captivated audiences with their unforgettable chemistry in the hit comedy Fukrey, are reuniting on-screen. Their much-loved bromance aims to deliver another round of memorable, comedic moments.

Announcing the film on social media, Zee Studios shared, “Some call it fate, we call it #RahuKetu ka khel! Aur yeh aapke life mein bhi jald hi pravesh karenge, shoot begins now.”

 

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With its intriguing title and promising concept, Rahu Ketu has already sparked significant curiosity among cinema enthusiasts. The film is expected to offer audiences a delightful combination of humor, fantasy, and larger-than-life storytelling—backed by fresh vision of the director, a stellar cast and an accomplished production team.

Pulkit will also be seen in the upcoming movie Glory. He wrapped up the intense Punjab schedule of the film earlier this month. But the actor will next be seen in the romantic comedy Suswagatam Khushamadeed on May 16 this year. The film will see him cast opposite Isabelle Kaif.

Also Read: Pulkit Samrat and Isabelle Kaif starrer Suswagatam Khushamadeed gets a new release date, the romantic comedy will hit the theatres in May on this date