Teasers of Rajkummar Rao's Prahaar - The Ujjwal Nikam Story and Shraddha Kapoor's Eetha expected to be attached with Cocktail 2

A few days are left for the release of Cocktail 2, starring Shahid Kapoor, Kriti Sanon and Rashmika Mandanna, and excitement for the film is evident due to its casting, youthful flavour, franchise value and music. The excitement is expected to increase a few notches as it has come to light that the teasers of two highly awaited films may be attached with the prints of the romcom. Like Cocktail 2, both these films are produced by blockbuster producer Dinesh Vijan of Maddock Films.

The first one is Prahaar - The Ujjwal Nikam Story. As the title suggests, it is based on the life of prominent special public prosecutor Ujjwal Nikam. Rajkummar Rao plays the titular role in the film, which also stars Wamiqa Gabbi, Jaideep Ahlawat and Sikandar Kher. It is directed by Avinash Arun, who has also helmed the upcoming web series Pritam And Pedro, starring Arshad Warsi and marking the debut of Rajkumar Hirani’s son, Vir Hirani.

Prahaar - The Ujjwal Nikam Story releases in cinemas on August 7. On June 8, the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) passed its 1 minute and 57-second-long teaser with a U/A 16+ certificate.

The other teaser expected to be attached with Cocktail 2 is Eetha, starring Shraddha Kapoor in the role of Marathi Tamasha artist Vithabai Narayangaonkar. Directed by Laxman Utekar of Chhaava (2025) fame, it also stars Randeep Hooda and Mohd Zeeshan Ayyub. The film will release in cinemas on August 28, on the occasion of Raksha Bandhan.

A source told Bollywood Hungama, “In all probability, these two teasers will be shown with Cocktail 2, though the final call is yet to be taken. In the past, Maddock revealed the teaser of Bhool Chuk Maaf with Chhaava, the Shakti Shalini announcement asset with Thamma, Chhaava teaser with Stree 2, etc. Hence, it won’t be a surprise if audiences are treated with the promos for Prahaar - The Ujjwal Nikam Story and Eetha alongside Cocktail 2.”

An industry insider commented, “Both these upcoming films look promising. Rajkummar Rao is said to have done a stellar job as Ujjwal Nikam. Meanwhile, Shraddha Kapoor has essayed a powerful, author-backed role and will be seen in a never-before-seen avatar.”

Also Read: Rajkummar Rao to lead Maddock Films’ Prahaar – The Ujjwal Nikam Story; to release on August 7, 2026

Love & War cast gears up for grand song shoot with 200 dancers at Royal Palms: Report

Sanjay Leela Bhansali's ambitious period drama Love & War is set to resume filming on June 18 after a brief production break. The upcoming schedule will bring lead actors Ranbir Kapoor, Alia Bhatt and Vicky Kaushal back together for one of the film's biggest sequences to date.

The project has been in the spotlight in recent months due to speculation surrounding its shooting schedule and release plans. However, Bhansali recently clarified that the film remains largely on track, with around 90 per cent of the principal photography already completed.

According to a report by Mid-Day, the next phase of filming will focus on an elaborate song sequence mounted on a massive scale. The sequence is expected to feature nearly 200 dancers along with the lead cast. A production insider told the publication, “It's being designed as a spectacle. It was originally to kick off on June 8, but is now starting on the 18th at Royal Palms.”

The song will reportedly be filmed over several days on a specially designed set. Preparations for the sequence have been underway for weeks, with choreography, costumes and production design being finalised well before the cameras begin rolling.

The source further revealed, “The choreography, costumes, and production design have been in preparation for weeks. The scale is enormous, even by Bhansali standards. Every frame has been meticulously storyboarded, which is why the shoot was pushed by two weeks.”

The upcoming schedule follows a temporary pause due to the lead actors' commitments to other projects. Ranbir Kapoor recently shifted his attention to Ramayana: Part Two, as director Nitesh Tiwari moves ahead with the next phase of the mythological franchise. Meanwhile, Vicky Kaushal has been preparing for and filming Mahavatar, in which he will portray Lord Parashuram.

Earlier this year, reports suggested that the remaining portions of Love & War, particularly the climax, were facing scheduling challenges due to the stars' busy calendars. The latest schedule appears to mark the beginning of the film's final stretch.

Once filming is completed, the focus will shift to post-production, which is expected to be extensive given the film's scale and visual requirements. The makers have reportedly moved away from earlier release targets, including Christmas 2025, Eid 2026 and August 2026. The decision was taken to allow sufficient time for visual effects and post-production work.

Another factor influencing the release strategy is Ranbir Kapoor's Ramayana: Part One, which is expected to arrive in theatres in late 2026. To avoid a clash between two major Ranbir Kapoor releases, the team behind Love & War is now believed to be targeting a theatrical release in January 2027, possibly around the Republic Day holiday period.

Also Read: Alia Bhatt picks Love & War to premiere at Cannes Film Festival; describes her style as “dreamy, ethereal, princessy”

AICWA seeks high-level probe into the death of television actress Sanchita Ugale; industry body urges transparent investigation

The death of television actress Sanchita Ugale has sparked widespread shock within the entertainment industry, with the All Indian Cine Workers Association (AICWA) now calling for a high-level investigation into the circumstances surrounding the incident.

Sanchita Ugale, known for her work in television shows such as Kumkum Bhagya and Wagle Ki Duniya, passed away at her residence in Nalasopara East, Maharashtra, on June 14. She was reportedly found at her home in Sai Santoshi Building in Aachole Village and was rushed to a nearby hospital, where doctors declared her dead on arrival.

In the wake of the tragedy, AICWA President Suresh Shyamlal Gupta issued a statement urging Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis to order a comprehensive and transparent investigation into the actress’s death.

The association stated that the circumstances surrounding the incident warrant a thorough examination and that every possible angle should be investigated before any conclusions are drawn. AICWA emphasized that several questions often remain unanswered in high-profile deaths within the entertainment industry and stressed the need for transparency in the present case.

In its statement, the association expressed grief over the loss of the young actress and highlighted her contributions to the entertainment industry. Sanchita had appeared in several projects across television and film, including Kumkum Bhagya, Wagle Ki Duniya, Silence: The Night Owl Bar Shootout and Chhaava.

AICWA also referred to a social media post shared by the actress shortly before news of her death emerged, while reiterating its demand that investigators examine all available evidence and circumstances related to the case.

Beyond the ongoing investigation, the association called upon the Maharashtra government to establish a dedicated committee to study the growing number of deaths and mental health-related concerns reported within the entertainment industry. It further urged authorities to review the support systems available to artists and industry workers.

PRESS RELEASE

15 June 2026

AICWA DEMANDS HIGH-LEVEL INVESTIGATION INTO THE DEATH OF ACTRESS SANCHITA UGALE

“At just 26, Sanchita Ugale has gone too far, too soon. Her untimely departure has left her family shattered and the entire Indian film industry mourning the loss of a… pic.twitter.com/0vXaWtS3jr — All Indian Cine Workers Association (@aicwaofficial) June 15, 2026

The organization extended its condolences to Sanchita Ugale’s family and stated that it would stand with her loved ones in their pursuit of answers. As investigations continue, police are expected to examine all aspects of the case and await further findings from the inquiry.

According to police officials, a complaint was filed by the actress’ father, Machhindra Ugale and the Achole Police registered an Accidental Death Report (ADR) under Section 194 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS) on June 15. Authorities have conducted the required legal procedures, and a post-mortem examination has been carried out as part of the ongoing inquiry.

Sanchita Ugale is remembered by colleagues and audiences as a promising young performer whose career was steadily gaining momentum across television and film projects.

Also Read: Kumkum Bhagya and Wagle Ki Duniya actress Sanchita Ugale, 22, dies by suicide

Veer Pahariya and Varun Sharma set to face off in action thriller Naam – To Live Is War; Mahesh Bhatt comes on board as presenter

Actor Veer Pahariya has officially announced his next big-screen outing, Naam - To Live Is War, with veteran filmmaker Mahesh Bhatt backing the project as presenter. The upcoming film is being described as a dark action thriller and is expected to showcase Veer in an intense and rugged new avatar. Reports suggest that the film will blend high-octane action with strong emotional drama, making it one of the most anticipated projects in the actor’s growing filmography.

Adding to the excitement, actor Varun Sharma will reportedly be seen playing a negative role for the very first time in his career. Known largely for his comic timing and light-hearted performances, Varun’s shift into the antagonist space has already sparked curiosity among audiences and industry insiders alike. His face-off with Veer is expected to become one of the major highlights of the film.

 

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Naam - To Live Is War will mark Veer Pahariya’s third film. He made his debut with Sky Force, starring Akshay Kumar and Sara Ali Khan.

Also Read: Veer Pahariya shares a holiday dump from Kashmir, from the stillness of Dal Lake to the wide open sky of the valley

OPINION: Everyone’s talking about Alpha and that might just be the BEST thing to happen to Bollywood

Ever since the teaser of Alpha, starring Alia Bhatt and Sharvari, dropped online, it has become one of the most discussed Hindi films on social media. The reactions have been sharply divided. Some have applauded the makers for placing two women at the forefront of a slick action spectacle, while others have questioned whether Bollywood is ready for such a film. But perhaps that's precisely the point.

Whether the conversation is positive or critical, Alpha has managed to achieve something that many films struggle to do today—it has made people curious. In an era where indifference is a bigger threat than criticism, that is already a victory. More importantly, Alpha represents something Bollywood desperately needs: the courage to attempt something different.

For the Hindi film industry to thrive, it cannot survive on just one or two winning formulas. Every time a particular genre clicks, there's a temptation to flood theatres with similar films. While that may deliver occasional blockbusters, it rarely builds a healthy theatrical ecosystem. An industry as large as Bollywood needs variety to sustain itself. That is precisely why the trade is closely watching Alpha.

At its core, the film appears to be Bollywood's answer to the kind of high-octane, popcorn entertainers that franchises like Fast & Furious have mastered—stylish action, larger-than-life set pieces, adrenaline-pumping moments and pure theatrical entertainment. But unlike those films, Alpha brings a refreshing twist by placing women at the centre of the spectacle.

Will that translate into box office success? Nobody knows. But the attempt itself deserves appreciation.

The theatrical business has always flourished because it offered audiences choice. Family entertainers, romantic dramas, thrillers, comedies, horror films, historical epics, action spectacles and slice-of-life stories have all contributed to keeping cinema halls alive. When every Friday offers something different, audiences have a reason to keep coming back.

If every major release starts looking and feeling the same, theatre-going inevitably loses its excitement. That is why Alpha matters.

The film isn't merely introducing another action story. It is testing whether audiences are willing to embrace a commercial action entertainer led by women without treating it as a novelty. Alia Bhatt plays an assassin in a fictional, larger-than-life universe. Whether the execution works remains to be seen, but the premise certainly feels fresh within mainstream Hindi cinema. And freshness is exactly what Bollywood requires.

No film is a safe bet anymore. We've seen massive stars deliver underperformers, while modest films have emerged as surprise blockbusters. The traditional rules of box office success have become increasingly unpredictable. In such an environment, playing it safe isn't necessarily the safer option. Taking calculated creative risks may actually be the smarter business decision.

Credit must therefore go to Yash Raj Films for backing a project that doesn't simply recycle an already successful formula. Even if Alpha doesn't rewrite the rulebook overnight, it expands the industry's creative ambitions. Every film that challenges convention makes it easier for the next filmmaker to push boundaries even further.

History has repeatedly shown that today's risky idea often becomes tomorrow's accepted norm.

Audiences, too, have consistently rewarded novelty provided it comes wrapped in compelling storytelling and solid entertainment. They don't reject fresh ideas; they reject films that fail to engage them. Ultimately, that's what Alpha will be judged on. The online debate will continue. Opinions will remain divided. Social media will dissect every frame. But perhaps the biggest takeaway is that Bollywood is attempting something outside its comfort zone and that's something the industry should never stop doing.

The verdict, of course, will arrive only when audiences buy their tickets. We'll have the answer on July 3, when Alpha releases worldwide, exclusively in cinemas.

Also Read: BREAKING: Alpha’s songs ‘Haniya Ve’, ‘Massacre’ and ‘Champagne’ passed by CBFC

Kala Hiran row: Govind Namdev distances himself from film targeting Salman Khan; accuses producers of misleading him

Veteran actor Govind Namdev has publicly distanced himself from the controversial film Kala Hiran: The Battle for Legacy, claiming that he was misled about the nature of the project and would never have agreed to be associated with it had he known its actual premise. Speaking to Amar Ujala, the actor said he initially believed he was working on a film titled Sambhal. He later learned that another project titled Kala Hiran was being made, but was told that it would focus only on courtroom proceedings related to Salman Khan's blackbuck case.

Recalling his reaction after watching the teaser, Namdev said, "As soon as I watched the trailer, I was shaken to the core. I instantly understood that the project is completely different from what I was shot for. We were never told that a character resembling Salman Khan would be created and misrepresented in this manner in the film. The moment I saw the trailer, I felt like I had been kept in the dark and used. There is a world of difference between what I was told and what has actually been made."

The 71-year-old actor further explained that he had no knowledge of the storyline when he initially joined the project. "I was told that we were making a film named Sambhal. At that time, I had absolutely no idea that the story would later take a completely different direction," he said.

Namdev added that the filmmakers had assured him that his role was limited to a courtroom sequence based on documented legal proceedings. "I was informed that there is only a long courtroom scene, and that is all I had to do. It was also mentioned that nothing new was being added from our end. We were only supposed to show the audience what had happened in court. I felt that if only the things recorded on file were being shown, then there was nothing wrong with it, which is why I said yes," he stated.

The veteran actor also made it clear that he shares a cordial relationship with Salman Khan and would never knowingly participate in a project aimed at tarnishing the actor's image. He further clarified that he does not identify with any narrative linked to the Bishnoi community or gang references surrounding the case. "I cannot consider any Bishnoi gang as my ideal. I cannot even think of such a thing. I believed that I was only performing the courtroom portion. However, what has come to light now has made me uncomfortable as well," Namdev concluded.

The film has been at the center of a growing controversy due to its apparent similarities to Salman Khan and the 1998 blackbuck poaching case. While the makers have described the project as a work of fiction, the recently released teaser features a character named Ayaan Khan, portrayed by Kashif Iqbal Khan, whose appearance, mannerisms, clothing style, and accessories closely resemble those of the Bollywood superstar.

The controversy escalated further after Salman Khan and his legal team approached the Delhi High Court seeking an immediate and permanent stay on the film’s production, promotion, and release. The actor's team has argued that the film violates his personality and publicity rights while allegedly damaging his reputation by portraying an ongoing legal matter in a misleading manner. The court has since issued notices to the filmmakers seeking their response.

Also Read: Delhi High Court issues notices to ‘Kala Hiran’ makers after Salman Khan moves court over personality rights

CBFC censors ‘sex’ and ‘f**k’ in Steven Spielberg’s Disclosure Day

On June 10, Bollywood Hungama reported that the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) sprang a pleasant surprise by passing three crucial films of the week with zero cuts – Bharat Bhhagya Viddhaata, Haunted – Echoes Of The Past and Backrooms. However, the sole exception was Disclosure Day. The film received its censor certificate at the eleventh hour and was required to make a few cuts.

In a dialogue in the first act, the word ‘sex’ was muted. It occurs in the scene where Daniel Kellner (Josh O'Connor) learns that his girlfriend, Jane (Eve Hewson), was a nun. When asked whether she still follows the same religious commitments, Jane replies in the negative, pointing out that they’ve already had sex. It is in this dialogue that the CBFC made a change.

The other word that got muted was ‘f**k’, and it occurred twice in the film. Once these changes were made, Disclosure Day was passed with a U/A 13+ certificate on June 11. The length of the film, as mentioned on the censor certificate, was 145 minutes and 36 seconds. In other words, Disclosure Day is 2 hours, 25 minutes and 36 seconds long.

Disclosure Day is directed by Steven Spielberg, who reunites with screenwriter David Koepp. Both had earlier collaborated on Jurassic Park (1993), The Lost World: Jurassic Park (1997), War Of The Worlds (2005) and Indiana Jones And The Kingdom Of The Crystal Skull (2008). This is also legendary composer John Williams’s 30th film with the popular filmmaker.

Disclosure Day stars Emily Blunt, Josh O'Connor, Colin Firth, Colman Domingo and Eve Hewson. It tells the story of a small-time Kansas City reporter and cybersecurity specialist, Daniel Kellner. Both don’t seem to know the other, but they meet under mysterious circumstances while the world is in chaos.

The sci-fi film opened at 27.6 million USD worldwide and is expected to have a weekend of around 94 million USD. In India, it opened in the range of Rs. 1.75 crores and Rs. 2 crores. The start is fair considering the niche genre and the competition from new and holdover releases.

Also Read: Steven Spielberg reveals the 20-minute finale of Disclosure Day will “bring everyone to a united epiphany about what has been happening in the world”