Lust Stories 3 set for September 18 premiere on Netflix with four new stories!

Lust Stories 3, the third instalment of Netflix’s anthology franchise, is set to premiere on September 18. The new edition brings together filmmakers Vikramaditya Motwane, Kiran Rao, Shakun Batra and Vishal Bhardwaj, who will each present a story centred on relationships, desire and human connection.

Produced by RSVP and Flying Unicorn Entertainment, the anthology features an ensemble cast including Radhika Apte, Konkona Sen Sharma, Aditi Rao Hydari, Radhika Madan, Sana Thampi, Vijay Varma, Abhishek Banerjee, Siddharth, Ali Fazal and Gurfateh Pirzada.

Netflix on the third edition of Lust Stories

Speaking about the anthology’s return, Ruchikaa Kapoor Sheikh, Director, Original Films, Netflix India, said the format allows each instalment to approach similar themes from different perspectives.

“What gives Lust Stories its enduring appeal is its ability to reinvent itself. Each chapter begins with a shared human impulse and arrives at a completely different emotional truth. Here, desire opens a window into power, vulnerability, agency, compromise, and the things people struggle to say aloud,” she said.

She added that the four directors bring different perspectives to the latest edition while allowing viewers to form their own interpretations of the stories.

 

View this post on Instagram

  A post shared by Netflix India (@netflix_in)

Ronnie Screwvala, Producer, RSVP, said the anthology has continued to explore changing ideas around relationships and intimacy. “With every edition, Lust Stories has challenged conventions by bringing together exceptional filmmakers to tell deeply human stories. Over the years, the anthology has continued to evolve, reflecting the changing nuances of relationships and the many shades of modern intimacy,” he said.

Screwvala also spoke about Netflix’s association with the franchise and added, “Netflix has been a valued partner in championing the anthology and giving these distinctive stories a global platform.”

Ashi Dua on Lust Stories 3

Producer Ashi Dua said the latest edition brings together different creative approaches while retaining a common focus on relationships.

“What makes Lust Stories special is its ability to bring together unique creative voices while creating a shared emotional experience. Every story in this anthology is different in tone and perspective, yet they are united by their honesty and vulnerability,” she said.

The four stories have been written by a team comprising Kiran Rao, Tanaji Dasgupta, Avinash Sampath, Sumukhi Suresh, Shakun Batra, Sameeha Sabnis, Ashwathi Namboodiri, Nitesh Bhatia, Utkarshini Vashishtha and Vishal Bhardwaj.

Lust Stories 3 will be directed by Vikramaditya Motwane, Kiran Rao, Shakun Batra and Vishal Bhardwaj. The anthology will stream on Netflix from September 18.

Also Read: Ali Fazal returns to romance with Lust Stories 3, calls working with Shakun Batra “Deeply Fulfilling”

Kartik Aaryan begins shooting for Shimit Amin’s Captain India in London after recovering from injury

Kartik Aaryan has begun shooting for Shimit Amin’s Captain India in London. The actor recently shared a glimpse of his journey on social media, giving fans an update on the upcoming film.

Kartik posted a travel picture in which he was seen holding the shooting draft of Captain India. The cover also features the name of director Shimit Amin. Alongside the picture, the actor wrote, “VABB to EGLL ✈️ #CaptainIndia 🇮🇳”, seemingly referring to his journey from Mumbai to London as he starts work on the film.

The post also offered a glimpse of Kartik’s injured foot. The actor had recently undergone knee surgery after sustaining an injury while performing an action sequence for his upcoming sports drama with director Kabir Khan. He was subsequently advised to take time to recover.

 

View this post on Instagram

  A post shared by KARTIK AARYAN (@kartikaaryan)

With Captain India, Kartik will be seen playing a pilot in a story inspired by a historic evacuation mission. The film marks his collaboration with Shimit Amin, known for films such as Chak De! India and Rocket Singh: Salesman of the Year.

Captain India is being produced by T-Series, Baweja Studios and Dopamine Studios. The film is scheduled to release in theatres on August 13, 2027.

Also Read: Captain India: Bhushan Kumar film starring Kartik Aaryan to go on floors in London on September 1

Toxic’s English release turns EMBARRASSING: Only 450 tickets sold across India; collects a paltry Rs. 1.40 lakhs

Bollywood Hungama was one of the first ones to report yesterday that Toxic’s English version will release in cinemas in India on September 4. The original Kannada version and the dubbed Hindi, Tamil, Telugu and Malayalam versions had already hit cinemas on August 26. Word of mouth was terrible and moreover, competition was immense from Hanuman Ansh and Mirzapur The Movie. As a result, Toxic’s English version was played in just 11 shows, that too in only four cities – Mumbai, Bengaluru, Gurugram and Noida.

As per data accessed by Bollywood Hungama, Toxic’s English version earned just Rs. 1.40 lakhs approx. The occupancy was the best in Mumbai and Bengaluru, while fewer than 25 tickets were sold in Gurugram and Noida. In all, around 450 tickets of the film were sold on the first day. With the film already facing outright rejection and the English version recording such poor collections, its showcasing is expected to reduce further on Saturday, September 5, and Sunday, September 6. At this rate, the lifetime collections of Toxic’s English version might not even reach the Rs. 10 lakh mark.

The total collection of Toxic across all languages on September 4 is around Rs. 1.50-1.60 crores. The Kannada version has contributed around Rs. 75-80 lakhs, while the Hindi version accounted for around Rs. 70-75 lakhs, as per early estimates. The extended first-week collections of Toxic’s Hindi version stand at Rs. 130.09 crores. The drop from Thursday, September 3, to Friday, September 4, is significant, as the Hindi version had netted Rs. 2.54 crores on Thursday. It now remains to be seen whether Toxic’s Hindi version will be able to cross the Rs. 150 crore mark.

Also Read: Toxic’s English version to release in India on September 4; is 18 minutes shorter than the Indian-language versions

REVEALED: Arshad Warsi’s Jeevan Bheema Yojana retitled Jeevan Ya Bheema Con on CBFC’s instruction over similarity to Pradhan Mantri Jeevan Jyoti Bima Yojana; CBFC also censors 'obscene' visuals and dialogues

Jeevan Ya Bheema Con, featuring Arshad Warsi in a double role, releases in cinemas today, that is, September 4. Interestingly, the film was earlier titled Jeevan Bheema Yojana. The name was changed just three days before the film was released. It has now come to light that the film had to undergo a title change due to a directive from the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC).

The CBFC passed Jeevan Ya Bheema Con with a U/A 16+ certificate. However, the film had to undergo certain changes. To begin with, 'inappropriate' references were suitably modified in four places. An 'obscene' hand gesture and visual were asked to be replaced in two places. One more 'obscene' visual was asked to be suitably modified in the second half. Similarly, an 'obscene dialogue' was suitably modified, again in the film's post-interval portion.

Lastly, the CBFC's Examining Committee instructed the makers to replace the film's title from Jeevan Bheema Yojana to Jeevan Ya Bheema Con.

According to trade sources and an article in News9Live, the makers were asked to alter the title to eliminate its phonetic similarity to the government-backed life insurance scheme, Pradhan Mantri Jeevan Jyoti Bima Yojana.

Once the changes were made, the CBFC passed Jeevan Ya Bheema Con on September 1. The length of the film, as mentioned on the censor certificate, is 119.56 minutes. In other words, the quirky comic caper is 1 hours, 59 minutes and 56 minutes long. Besides Arshad Warsi, Jeevan Ya Bheema Con stars Sanjeeda Shaikh, Vijay Raaz, Brijendra Kala, Pooja Chopra, Madhu Anand Chandhock, Atul Parchure, Jaywant Wadkar and Dimple Srivastava. It is directed by Abhishek Dogra of Dolly Ki Doli (2015) fame.

Also Read: Arshad Warsi’s Jeevan Bheema Yojana gets a twist as its official title is revealed as Jeevan Ya Bheema Con?

Ajay Devgn and Tiger Shroff respond to Vimal Pan Masala FDA notice, Shah Rukh Khan yet to reply

Ajay Devgn and Tiger Shroff have reportedly submitted their responses to the Maharashtra Food and Drug Administration (FDA) over the ongoing controversy surrounding their association with a Vimal advertisement. Shah Rukh Khan, who was also served a show cause notice in the matter, is reportedly yet to respond to the regulator.

According to a report published by CNN, the Maharashtra FDA has received replies from Ajay Devgn and Tiger Shroff. The report, however, stated that further details regarding the responses have not been disclosed, with the matter being subject to legal considerations.

The controversy concerns a Vimal advertisement featuring Ajay Devgn, Shah Rukh Khan and Tiger Shroff. The commercial promotes the brand’s Elaichi variants, while the Maharashtra FDA has reportedly raised concerns that the advertisement could amount to indirect promotion of pan masala because of the association of the Vimal brand with the product.

The regulator’s show cause notice stated, “Upon examination of the said advertisement, it prima facie appears that the advertisement promotes the Vimal brand, which is mainly associated with Pan Masala, a product prohibited for manufacture, storage, transportation, distribution, and sale in the State of Maharashtra for a period of one year, with effect from the date specified in the Prohibition Order dated the 13th July, 2026, issued by the Commissioner of Food Safety, Maharashtra State, under Section 30(2)(a) of the FSS Act, 2006.”

The notices were reportedly served to the actors at different locations. Ajay Devgn received the notice at his Juhu residence, while Shah Rukh Khan was served at Mannat in Bandra. Tiger Shroff reportedly received the notice at the office of Tiger Shroff Productions LLP.

The development comes amid continued discussion around celebrity endorsements of brands associated with pan masala and surrogate advertising. The Maharashtra FDA’s action has brought renewed attention to the distinction between advertisements for products such as Elaichi and the promotion of brands that are also associated with pan masala.

Despite the attention surrounding the issue, the three actors have so far maintained silence publicly. Neither Ajay Devgn, Shah Rukh Khan nor Tiger Shroff has issued a direct statement or comment on the show cause notices or the responses submitted to the FDA.

At present, details of Ajay Devgn and Tiger Shroff’s respective replies remain undisclosed, while Shah Rukh Khan’s response to the notice is awaited.

Also Read: Shah Rukh Khan, Ajay Devgn, and Tiger Shroff receive notice from Jaipur Consumer Court over misleading pan masala ad

Hombale Films announces global release of Hanuman Ansh through Hombale Overseas, set for September 11

Hombale Films has announced that Hanuman Ansh, which has emerged as a major domestic box office success, will now reach international audiences through the studio’s overseas distribution arm, Hombale Overseas. The film is scheduled to have a worldwide theatrical release on September 11, 2026, with its international distribution being handled by Hombale Overseas in collaboration with local partner Phars Film.

Directed by Dr. Vishal Chaturvedi and produced under the SWAMbhu Media Network banner, Hanuman Ansh revolves around the spiritual life and journey of Neem Karoli Baba, popularly known as Maharaj-ji. The film features Shobhinaw Satyaa and Chandan K. Anand in key roles.

The film initially opened in India on August 7, 2026, with a modest opening of around Rs 8–10 lakh. However, its devotional subject and strong word-of-mouth response helped it gain momentum at the box office. Made on an estimated production budget of Rs 2 crores, the film went on to reportedly cross Rs 64.12 crores in domestic gross collections, turning into a notable sleeper success.

Announcing the international release, Hombale Films wrote, “We, @hombalefilms, are proud to take #HanumanAnsh to international audiences through @HombaleOverseas.”

𝐀 𝐬𝐭𝐨𝐫𝐲 𝐫𝐨𝐨𝐭𝐞𝐝 𝐢𝐧 𝐟𝐚𝐢𝐭𝐡. 𝐀 𝐣𝐨𝐮𝐫𝐧𝐞𝐲 𝐛𝐞𝐲𝐨𝐧𝐝 𝐛𝐨𝐫𝐝𝐞𝐫𝐬. 🌍🙏

We, @hombalefilms, are proud to take #HanumanAnsh to international audiences through @HombaleOverseas.

The spiritual journey of Maharaj-ji reaches the world, as @HanumanAnsh arrives… pic.twitter.com/CkhgnVTcEp — Hombale Films (@hombalefilms) September 3, 2026

The studio further stated, “The spiritual journey of Maharaj-ji reaches the world, as @HanumanAnsh arrives worldwide on September 11, 2026. Proud to bring this divine journey to audiences across the globe.”

The overseas release marks another step in Hombale Films’ efforts to expand its presence in international markets. The production house has previously backed pan-Indian titles including KGF, Salaar and Kantara, which established a strong audience base beyond their original language markets.

The studio had also announced its plans to strengthen its international distribution operations, with a focus on taking Indian stories to markets across North America, Europe, the Middle East and the Asia-Pacific region.

With Hanuman Ansh, Hombale Overseas is now extending its international distribution efforts to a film that has already found substantial success in the domestic market. The film is set to arrive in theatres worldwide on September 11, giving international audiences an opportunity to experience its story centred on Maharaj-ji and his spiritual journey.

Also Read : Madhur Bhandarkar praises Hanuman Ansh: “True conviction and powerful storytelling always triumph over massive budget films”

Sayani Gupta sues Vinita Negi for Rs 9 crores over Aasmani copyright claims

Actor and filmmaker Sayani Gupta has filed a Rs 9 crores defamation suit before the Mumbai City Civil Court against filmmaker Vinita Negi over allegations surrounding her directorial debut, the short fiction film Aasmani. The case, titled Sayani Gupta v. Vinita Negi & Ors., has also named Meta, Reddit and Deccan Chronicle Holdings Limited as defendants.

An application seeking an urgent hearing and interim relief was likely to be listed before additional sessions judge Shudhirkumar Murlidharrao Bukke on September 3.

The dispute began after Negi, an alumna of the Film and Television Institute of India (FTII), accused Gupta of copyright infringement and breach of trust. Negi had alleged that Aasmani drew substantially from her unfinished documentary Prabha, with both projects featuring an elderly woman and a vintage car.

Gupta has now denied the allegations and claimed in her suit that they were false, misleading, unsubstantiated and defamatory. Her plea argued that copyright law protects original expression rather than broad or abstract ideas.

“The mere presence of an elderly woman, a car, a driver or any other generic element in a creative work does not confer upon Negi a monopoly over such ideas or concepts,” the suit stated.

According to Gupta’s plea, Negi approached the Screenwriters Association (SWA) with a complaint in April 2026. While the proceedings were pending, Negi allegedly circulated a “Statement of Support” on WhatsApp and social media seeking backing from members of the film fraternity. The suit claimed that the campaign received more than 250 signatures.

Gupta further alleged that the controversy resulted in professional damage, including the withdrawal of Aasmani from the Indian Film Festival of New Zealand (TIFFNZ).

She has sought Rs 9 crores in damages, along with directions to Meta, Reddit and Deccan Chronicle to remove allegedly defamatory content. She has also sought an unconditional apology and public retraction from Negi.

Also Read : Sayani Gupta’s directorial debut Aasmani pulled from Indian Film Festival of New Zealand amid copyright dispute