Laapataa Ladies writer Biplab Goswami SLAMS plagiarism claims, shares proof of originality: “The story, the dialogues, the characters, and the scenes all stem from years of research and honest reflection”

Biplab Goswami, the screenwriter behind the acclaimed Bollywood film Laapataa Ladies, has firmly denied allegations of plagiarism that have recently cast a shadow over the movie’s reputation. Responding to claims that the film bears striking similarities to the 2019 Arabic short film Burqa City, Goswami presented documented proof of his script’s originality, asserting that the story was conceived and registered years before the controversy emerged.

The Kiran Rao-directed Laapataa Ladies, which was India’s official entry for the 2025 Oscars, has been under scrutiny after social media users pointed out parallels between its plot and that of Burqa City. Both stories revolve around mistaken identities due to veiled attire—ghunghats in the Indian film and burqas in the Arabic short—leading to accusations that the former borrowed heavily from the latter. The debate intensified earlier this week, with some netizens labeling the film as unoriginal and questioning its credibility as an Oscar contender.

In a detailed statement shared on social media, Goswami addressed the accusations head-on. “Our story, characters, and dialogues are 100% original,” he wrote. “The screenplay for Laapataa Ladies was developed over many years, with a detailed synopsis registered under the working title Two Brides with the Screenwriters Association on July 3, 2014—well before Burqa City was released in 2019.” To bolster his defense, he released registration documents as evidence, emphasizing that the narrative stemmed from extensive research into gender dynamics and rural Indian life.

Goswami argued that the concept of mistaken identities due to veils is a timeless storytelling trope, used by literary giants like Shakespeare and Tagore, and not exclusive to any single work. “The allegations of plagiarism are baseless,” he continued. “They undermine not just my efforts as a writer but the hard work of the entire team that brought this film to life.” He highlighted the unique characters, setting, and social commentary in Laapataa Ladies as distinct from any supposed inspiration.

 

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The controversy has stirred mixed reactions online. While some fans have rallied behind Goswami, praising the film’s heartfelt execution and cultural resonance, others remain skeptical, pointing to specific scenes—like a police station sequence—that echo moments in Burqa City. This isn’t the first time Laapataa Ladies has faced such claims; last year, filmmaker Ananth Mahadevan suggested its premise resembled his 1999 telefilm Ghunghat Ke Pat Khol. However, no official response from director Kiran Rao or producer Aamir Khan has been issued regarding the latest allegations.

Released in March 2024, Laapataa Ladies earned widespread acclaim for its blend of humor and poignant social critique, securing 10 awards at the IIFA 2025. Despite failing to make the Oscar shortlist, the film—produced by Aamir Khan Productions, Kindling Pictures, and Jio Studios—continues to be celebrated for its performances by Nitanshi Goel, Pratibha Ranta, and Sparsh Shrivastav.

Also Read: Kiran Rao’s Laapataa Ladies faces plagiarism claims over similarities to Arabic film Burqa City

Madhu Mantena starts production house, names it Mad Man

After making a spectacular success of Phantom, the production company which gave us scintillating films such as Queen, Masaan, Udta Punjab and Super 30, Madhu Mantena has moved on.

He has now launched a new production company, and named it, hold your breath, Mad Man. A source close to Madhu revealed, “Mad Man not only conveys the mood of unpredictability and adventure, which would be the hallmark of Madhu’s future film productions, but is also derived from the first three letters of Madhu Mantena’s first name and surname.”

The source added, “While the ventures planned by Mad Man are strictly under wraps right now, we can safely say that the line-up of films in 2026-27 reveals both bigness and innovation. Mad Man would be introducing a slate of new talent. At the same time, they would also be working with the A-listers of Hindi cinema. The idea is to take Indian cinema ahead and not wallow in stagnancy.”

Also Read: Bobby Deol on working in South, “Some films work, some don’t but…”

Subhash Ghai sells Jogeshwari flats for Rs 11.61 crores: Reports

Veteran Bollywood filmmaker Subhash Ghai has made headlines with a significant real estate transaction, selling two luxurious apartments in Mumbai’s Jogeshwari for a combined Rs 11.61 crores. The properties, located in the upscale Splendor Complex Co-op Housing Society Ltd., were offloaded in March 2025 under his company, Mukta Tele Arts Private Limited. This move by the “Showman of Bollywood” underscores the thriving luxury property market in Mumbai’s western suburbs and highlights Ghai’s strategic approach to his real estate portfolio.

A Lucrative Deal in Jogeshwari’s Splendor Complex The two apartments, each fetching Rs 5.80 crores, boast a carpet area of 889 sq ft and a built-up area of 1,067 sq ft, reflecting a premium price point in Jogeshwari’s competitive real estate scene. Registered with a stamp duty of Rs 34.83 lakh per unit and a Rs 30,000 registration fee, the transactions signal strong demand for high-end residences in this well-connected locality. Developed by Oberoi Realty, the Splendor Complex offers modern amenities and proximity to Mumbai’s commercial and entertainment hubs, making it a hotspot for affluent buyers. Why Jogeshwari? Mumbai’s Rising Real Estate Star Jogeshwari, nestled in Mumbai’s western suburbs, has emerged as a prime residential destination thanks to its seamless connectivity via the Western Express Highway and Jogeshwari-Vikhroli Link Road (JVLR). With easy access to Andheri’s bustling business districts and Goregaon’s film studios, the area appeals to Bollywood elites like Ghai. The sale of these apartments at over Rs 54,000 per sq ft (built-up area) reflects the suburb’s growing value, driven by infrastructure upgrades and a surge in luxury housing demand in 2025. Subhash Ghai’s Real Estate Playbook This isn’t Ghai’s first foray into Mumbai’s property market this year. In February 2025, he and his wife, Mukta Ghai, acquired a sprawling 4BHK apartment in Bandra’s elite 81 Aureate Tower for Rs 24 crores, a purchase that included three parking spaces and a hefty Rs 1.44 crore stamp duty. Just a month prior, in January, the couple sold an Andheri apartment for Rs 12.85 crores, pocketing a 47% profit from their 2016 investment of Rs 8.72 crores.

Also Read: Subhash Ghai jokes at Karz screening at Red Lorry Film Festival: “Date during my film and you’ll end up married” – Neetu Kapoor agrees; takes a dig at Filmfare for snubbing Simi Garewal’s performance, says “It’s their LOSS”

Sanjay Leela Bhansali plans massive Pan-India release of Ranbir Kapoor, Alia Bhatt, and Vicky Kaushal’s Love & War

Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s upcoming cinematic saga, Love & War, starring Ranbir Kapoor, Alia Bhatt, and Vicky Kaushal, is generating buzz not just for its star-studded cast but also for its ambitious release strategy. According to a leading daily, industry insiders have revealed that the makers are eyeing a grand Pan-India release for the film, set to hit theaters on March 20, 2026. With Bhansali’s signature grandeur and a trio of Bollywood heavyweights, Love & War could redefine the Pan-India film landscape—here’s everything we know so far.

A Pan-India Powerhouse in the Making Reports suggest that Love & War is being crafted as more than just a Bollywood spectacle—it’s poised to conquer audiences across India. “The makers are planning a grand pan-India release for Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s Love & War,” an independent industry source told a prominent daily. This move aligns with the growing trend of films transcending regional boundaries, a feat already mastered by South Indian blockbusters like Baahubali and RRR. Bhansali seems ready to tap into this lucrative market, leveraging the nationwide appeal of his leading stars. Ranbir Kapoor and Vicky Kaushal: The Pan-India Game Changers The film’s Pan-India ambitions are bolstered by the recent successes of its male leads. “Ranbir and Vicky have recently delivered massive hits with Animal and Chhaava, respectively,” the source noted. Ranbir Kapoor’s Animal (2023) smashed box office records, raking in over Rs 900 crores worldwide, with a strong foothold in Telugu-speaking regions. Similarly, Vicky Kaushal’s Chhaava (2024) has cemented his versatility, resonating beyond Hindi markets. “Both actors have made a stronger impact in these markets, with their films seeing significant success in Telugu territories and beyond,” the insider added, hinting at a built-in audience base for Love & War.

Also Read: Alia Bhatt flaunts Ranbir Kapoor’s shoe brand, shares behind-the-scenes from Love & War and more in March photo dump; see pics

Shivaji Satam BREAKS SILENCE on ACP Pradyuman’s rumored exit from CID: “I am not aware”

Veteran actor Shivaji Satam, beloved for his iconic role as ACP Pradyuman in the long-running crime series CID, has finally broken his silence on swirling rumors about his character’s potential departure. Speaking to Mid-Day on Friday, Satam dismissed speculation that the makers plan to kill off his character, stating, “I am not aware.” The statement comes amid growing buzz about a dramatic twist in the show’s second season, currently streaming on Netflix, leaving fans anxious about the future of one of Indian television’s most recognizable figures.

Rumors of ACP Pradyuman’s Death Spark Fan Frenzy The internet has been abuzz with reports suggesting that ACP Pradyuman, a cornerstone of CID since its debut in 1998, might meet a tragic end in an upcoming episode. Reports claim the storyline involves Barbosa, portrayed by Tigmanshu Dhulia, orchestrating a bomb blast targeting the CID team, with Pradyuman succumbing to the explosion. However, Satam, currently enjoying a well-deserved vacation, quashed these claims with a calm rebuttal: “I am personally not aware if the character will be exiting the show or not.” His response has left fans hopeful yet uncertain, as the actor stated that only Sony, the show’s parent network, can provide official updates. Shivaji Satam’s Holiday Amid CID Speculation While speculation mounts, Satam remains unfazed, soaking in a “nice long holiday” far from the chaos of rumors. “I have not been informed about any future shooting for CID,” he added, distancing himself from the production’s alleged plans. This laid-back stance contrasts sharply with the fervor surrounding CID Season 2, which returned in December 2024 after a six-year hiatus, reigniting nostalgia for characters like ACP Pradyuman, Daya (Dayanand Shetty), and Abhijeet (Aditya Srivastava). Satam’s nonchalance has only fueled curiosity—could this be a deliberate sidestep, or is he genuinely in the dark?

Also Read: Maharashtra State Film Awards 2024: Asha Parekh and Shivaji Satam to receive lifetime achievement awards; Rohini Hattangadi, Anuradha Paudwal to get felicitated

EXCLUSIVE: Trailer of Ajay Devgn-starrer Raid 2 to be launched on April 8; will be attached with the prints of Sunny Deol Jaat

The teaser of Raid 2 was unveiled on March 28 and it got a very positive response, enhancing the buzz for the thriller. Since then, there has been a tremendous demand for the trailer. Several reports speculated that Raid 2's trailer will be launched on April 2, on the occasion of lead actor Ajay Devgn's birthday. Bollywood Hungama has now learned when the much-awaited trailer will finally be out.

A source told Bollywood Hungama, "The trailer of Raid 2 will be out on Tuesday, April 8. A trailer launch will be held on a grand scale in Mumbai. Ajay Devgn and the entire star cast of the film will be present."

The source further said, "The viewers will get a chance to see Raid 2's trailer on the big screen from Thursday, April 10. This is because the promo will be attached with Sunny Deol's upcoming release Jaat. The makers of Raid 2 requested Sunny Deol and the producers of Jaat and they were more than happy to attach Raid 2's trailer with their prints."

Raid 2 releases in cinemas on May 1. Apart from Ajay Devgn, it stars Riteish Deshmukh as the antagonist. The villain of the first part, Saurabh Shukla, also features in the film. Vaani Kapoor is paired opposite Ajay Devgn. Rajat Kapoor, Supriya Pathak and Amit Sial also are a part of the star cast.

Raid released in 2018 and featured Ajay Devgn as honest officer Amay Patnaik with Ileana DCruz playing his wife. The film told the story of an officer and his team and the challenges they faced when they raided a corrupt and powerful politician’s palatial residence. In Raid 2, Ajay Devgn once again essays the part of Amay Patnaik. Just like part 1, the second installment is also directed by Raj Kumar Gupta and produced by Bhushan Kumar and Krishan Kumar's T-Series and Kumar Mangat Pathak and Abhishek Pathak's Panorama Studios.

Also Read: Ajay Devgn, Janhvi Kapoor seek blessings at Mumbai’s Krishna Kali Temple

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