Shape of Momo set for release on May 29 with support from Rana Daggubati’s Spirit Media

Award-winning independent feature Shape of Momo, directed by filmmaker Tribeny Rai, is all set for its theatrical release in India and Nepal on May 29, 2026. The film, which has already travelled across several prestigious international film festivals, will now reach audiences in theatres with support from Rana Daggubati’s Spirit Media.

Produced by Dalley Khorsani Production and co-produced by Kathkala Films, the film has also received backing from acclaimed filmmakers Zoya Akhtar, Reema Kagti and Payal Kapadia, who have joined the project as executive producers.

Set in a Himalayan village in Sikkim, Shape of Momo revolves around the lives of women from different generations within the same family. The film explores themes of womanhood, emotional inheritance, identity, belonging and the complicated relationship individuals often share with the idea of home. The story reflects both the comfort and emotional weight associated with one’s roots and upbringing.

The ensemble cast includes late Bhanu Maya Rai, Gaumaya Gurung, Pashupati Rai, Rahul Mukhia and Shyamashree Sherpa. The film has already earned widespread critical acclaim after premiering at prestigious festivals including the Busan International Film Festival and the San Sebastián International Film Festival. It also received recognition and awards during its global festival journey.

Speaking about her debut feature, Tribeny Rai described, "Shape of Momo is my debut feature, told from a personal lens and shaped by the women and experiences around me. As someone who observes closely, I always felt my first film had to come from that space. To now have the film release in theatres in India feels like a significant milestone for our team. We make films with the hope of experiencing them on the big screen, but we’re also aware of the challenges independent films like ours face, so to see it come together like this feels surreal but also rewarding."

She further added, "Spirit Media is one of the few Indian studios actively creating space for independent, creator-driven cinema, and we couldn’t have asked for better partners. To have Payal Kapadia champion the film is also very special, she has opened up so many avenues for Indian filmmakers, especially women filmmakers like me, and I’m deeply grateful for her support. At its heart, Shape of Momo is a film for everyone, its emotional core is universal. It looks at relationships and identity in ways that go beyond geography, and I hope audiences will find something of themselves within it."

Backing the film’s release, Rana Daggubati asserted, "Shape of Momo is a quietly powerful film that gently unfolds and stays with you. Tribeny brings a very personal lens to the film. She has a refreshing, distinct voice as a filmmaker in the way she observes her characters and their world. At Spirit, we’re drawn to stories that are deeply rooted in their world and told with emotional honesty, and Shape of Momo really reflects that. We’re committed to supporting filmmakers like Tribeny, and we’re excited to bring this film to audiences."

Talking about the film, Executive Producer Zoya Akhtar shared, “Shape of Momo is a deeply personal peek into the lives of three generations of Sikkimese women. With rare emotional truth, Tribeny Rai’s voice as a filmmaker is confident and clear. We love watching stories from across India, stories that bring distinct, lived-in perspectives and expand the world of Indian cinema. We are so excited that the audience that may never have visited parts of our diverse and lush country, including places like Sikkim, will now get to experience a beautiful and authentic story from there in the cinema.”

Executive Producer Reema Kagti added, “Tribeny Rai’s Shape of Momo is a film made with sensitivity, warmth and emotional insight. There’s an intimacy to the storytelling, but also an expansiveness in the way it engages with family, intergenerational bonds, womanhood, quiet rebellion, and identity. The film arrives at a moment when some of the most exciting independent cinema in India is emerging from newer voices and regions, especially from the Northeast. Films like Boong, Raptures and Village Rockstars have opened up exciting new creative possibilities within Indian independent cinema, and it’s wonderful to see Shape of Momo become part of that journey. I’m really glad that Shape of Momo is now finding its way to theatres, and I hope audiences across India discover the film and connect with it."

Executive Producer Payal Kapadia added, “Shape of Momo is a deeply moving coming-of-age story of a young woman conflicted by her yearning for a home. The film feels refreshingly contemporary, and Tribeny's stance is strong and uncompromising, yet by the end, very touching as well. I am so thrilled that this layered film - after a commendable festival journey around the world- will now find its way to audiences across India. I really hope more people come and see this wonderful movie.”

With its women-led crew, emotionally layered narrative and strong international reception, Shape of Momo is shaping up to be one of the most anticipated independent theatrical releases of the year.

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Balan The Boy locks June 19, 2026 release ahead of premiere at Marché Du Film during Cannes Film Festival 2026

The makers of Balan The Boy have officially announced that the film will release in theatres on June 19, 2026. The announcement comes ahead of the film’s market screening at the Marché Du Film during the Cannes Film Festival 2026, marking a significant milestone for the project as it prepares to reach an international audience.

Backed by KVN Productions, led by Venkat K Narayana, and Thespian Films, headed by Shailaja Desai Fenn, the film is set for a multilingual theatrical release across Malayalam, Hindi, Telugu, Tamil and Kannada languages.

According to the makers, Balan The Boy is a deeply emotional and human story that explores themes of identity, belonging and the emotional burden of one’s roots and upbringing. The film aims to present a layered cinematic experience rooted in universal emotions that can resonate with audiences across regions and cultures.

The upcoming screening at Marché Du Film, one of the most prestigious film markets associated with the Cannes Film Festival, is expected to give the film global visibility. Industry observers often view participation in the Cannes market as a major step for Indian films looking to expand their international reach and connect with distributors and buyers worldwide.

 

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Directed by Chidambaram and written by Jithu Madhavan, the film has already generated curiosity among cinema enthusiasts because of its emotionally driven narrative and strong creative team. The collaboration between the filmmakers and production houses has further raised expectations around the project.

The makers believe that the film’s emotional storytelling and universal themes could make it one of the notable theatrical releases of the year. While further details about the cast and trailer are still awaited, the announcement has already created excitement among audiences eager to see fresh and meaningful storytelling on the big screen.

Presented by KVN Productions and Thespian Films, Balan The Boy will arrive in cinemas worldwide on June 19, 2026.

Also Read: Balan The Boy heads to Cannes 2026: KVN Productions & Thespian Films’ Malayalam film to be showcased at Marché du Film

Shilpa Shetty to host cooking reality show Maa Hai Na; Ssunita and Tina Ahuja to join as contestants

On the occasion of Mother’s Day, Shilpa Shetty announced her upcoming Zee5 reality show Maa Hai Na. The actress also revealed that the shoot for the show has already commenced, marking her latest venture into the non-fiction entertainment space.

Known for her association with wellness, fitness and food-related content, Shilpa appears set to headline a cooking-based reality format that aligns closely with her public image. Over the years, the actress has built a strong digital presence through her popular Sunday Binge videos and YouTube content centred around recipes and healthy eating.

According to reports surrounding the show, Maa Hai Na will feature a combination of celebrity contestants and social media personalities competing in various culinary challenges, games and entertainment segments. Shilpa Shetty will serve as the host of the series.

Among the names associated with the show are Ssunita Ahuja and Tina Ahuja, who are expected to participate as a mother-daughter duo. The pair will reportedly compete against other contestants in cooking tasks and interactive challenges designed around family dynamics and entertainment.

 

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There is also speculation that Tanya Mittal, who was last seen in Bigg Boss 19, may join the contestant lineup.

While Zee5 is yet to announce the premiere date of Maa Hai Na, the show is expected to blend cooking, celebrity interactions and family-oriented entertainment. For Shilpa Shetty, the project further expands her long-standing association with food and lifestyle content, now transitioning into a full-fledged reality show format on OTT.

Also Read: Ethnic Charm to Modern Sophistication: 6 times Shilpa Shetty won hearts with her fashion soirees

Babil Khan to make Malayalam debut in Babu Janardhanan’s Gandhi Bazar Sunday Market

Babil Khan is set to embark on an exciting new chapter in his acting journey as he will be making his Malayalam cinema debut with filmmaker Babu Janardhanan’s upcoming directorial titled Gandhi Bazar Sunday Market. The project will Babil step into the rich and nuanced world of Malayalam storytelling, an industry celebrated for its depth and authenticity.

Having steadily carved a space for himself through emotionally resonant performances and unconventional choices, Babil’s foray into Malayalam cinema underscores his commitment to pushing creative boundaries and embracing stories across languages. The film will feature Babil alongside an accomplished ensemble cast including Aparna Balamurali, Deepak Parambol, Nikhil Nair, Johny Antony, Jagadish, Sudheer Karamana, Unni Raja, Athmiya, and Jayashankar.

As per sources, “Babil has always been drawn to stories that challenge him and allow him to grow as an artist. Stepping into Malayalam cinema with a project of this scale and creative depth is an incredibly exciting moment. It reflects his desire to explore powerful narratives beyond boundaries and collaborate with storytellers who inspire him.”

Also Read: Babil Khan finds solace in music amidst busy shoot schedule: “Just my way of spending time with myself”

Will Chief Minister Vijay bring back Tamil Nadu's 4 AM FDFS culture? Exhibitors make an EMOTIONAL appeal: "Early morning shows are the lifeline of cinemas"

There was a time when cinemas would screen just four shows a day, usually beginning around 11:30 am or 12 noon. But with the advent of multiplexes, the system changed. Exhibitors began experimenting with 9:00 am and 10:00 am shows, and the strategy worked. For high-profile releases, cinemas even started organizing shows earlier than that, at 8:00 am, 7:00 am and, in some cases, even at 5:00 am or 6:00 am. However, Tamil Nadu stands out as the only state where early-morning shows are tightly regulated. Here, the first regular show generally begins around 10:30 am or 11:00 am. For big-ticket releases, producers and distributors seek special permission from the state government, after which theatres are usually allowed to start shows from 9:00 am.

However, shows at 4:00 am or even earlier have not been permitted in Tamil Nadu in recent times. The last major instance took place during the Pongal 2023 clash between Ajith Kumar’s Thunivu and Vijay’s Varisu. While Thunivu had shows beginning as early as 1:00 am in Tamil Nadu, Varisu was allowed to be screened from 4:00 am. The celebrations, however, took a tragic turn when an Ajith fan died while celebrating the release of Thunivu. This episode further prompted the state government to clamp down on early morning shows.

Since then, the first show for a biggie starts at 9:00 am. Meanwhile, in other states like Karnataka, Tamil Nadu and even in centres like Mumbai, viewers get to catch highly-awaited superstar-driven films at 6:00 am or even earlier, creating an awkward and bizarre scenario. As one movie buff from Tamil Nadu told us, “Rajinikanth, Vijay and Ajith are the heroes of our state. They became heroes here, but we don’t get to see their films first. Viewers in other places are done watching the film and have shared their reviews by the time our show begins here.” It's also common for fans living in border regions of Tamil Nadu to travel to neighbouring states to catch the first day, first show. For instance, Coimbatore movie buffs head to Palakkad in Kerala, located just 60 kms away, so that they can see the film of their favourite star before sunrise.

Yesterday, May 10, a historic development took place in Tamil Nadu as Thalapathy Vijay was sworn in as the Chief Minister. He has been a member of the entertainment fraternity and as a result, exhibitors are hopeful that he’ll resume the early morning shows for upcoming biggies.

Ruban Mathivanan of GK Cinemas, Chennai, said, “This is a welcoming change. We are hoping the new government does all the important stuff to save the cinema industry and theatres.”

When asked about the 4:00 am shows, he replied, “These early morning shows were the lifeline of cinemas. They kept us going amid the competition from OTT. In fact, they were a major factor that separated us from OTT. They displayed the charm of cinemas in all its glory.”

Film exhibitor and distributor Akshaye Rathi explained, “The early morning shows that used to take place in Tamil Nadu and continue to take place in Andhra Pradesh and Telangana for superstar films are not just about maximizing revenue. They are a part of the cultural ethos of the cinema-going tradition. By taking that away, we have chipped away at a cultural aspect of cinema that was present in these states for so many years. I am sure Thalapathy Vijay will carry out his responsibilities as Chief Minister and focus on governance. But being from the entertainment fraternity, I really hope he also lays special focus on the culture and cinema of the state, and helps take Tamil cinema not just to the grassroots of Tamil Nadu but to the entire country and the world in a manner that only political will and tailwinds can enable.”

He continued, “I really wish that his coming to power ushers the golden age of Tamil cinema where great cinema is made and backed well, filmmakers and producers are given the freedom and encouragement to do their best. But he also gives that added impetus that sometimes only political tailwinds can enable. As our Honourable Prime Minister says, the entertainment industry is the soft power of the nation. So, I hope that he can work in sync on one side with the Tamil fraternity and on the other hand, the I&B ministry of India to take Tamil cinema beyond its existing borders and markets.”

Jana Nayagan: Loading soon?

Vijay has quit cinema and his unreleased last film, Jana Nayagan, is expected to see the light of day soon. Ruban Mathivanan said, “We are expecting it to release on May 21 or May 28. It’ll be a celebration!”

Sadly, the film got leaked last month and on this Ruban said, “That won’t be an issue at all. The film will open with a bang.”

Akshaye Rathi confirmed, “Given the euphoria there is among his fans thanks to his political debut, I feel that at least in terms of opening, Jana Nayagan will be pretty historic. Social media is abuzz that the opening slate, which usually says ‘Thalapathy Vijay’ for his films, should be changed to ‘Chief Minister Vijay’ for Jana Nayagan. If that happens, it would be very interesting!”

Also Read: Jana Nayagan Leak Row: Madras High Court shields Thalapathy Vijay starrer; blocks illegal streaming before release

Haunted – Echoes Of The Past lands in legal storm ahead of June 12 release; public notice cautions industry against release, streaming and monetisation amid NCLT status quo order

A public notice issued by CA Bharati Manoj Daga, Resolution Professional of Hare Krishna Media Tech Pvt. Ltd., in the May 9, 2026 issue of Atul Mohan’s Complete Cinema magazine, cautioned the Indian film trade and industry against proceeding with the release, distribution, exhibition, streaming, promotion or commercial exploitation of the upcoming film Haunted – Echoes Of The Past, which is scheduled for a release on June 12, 2026. Directed by Vikram Bhatt, the horror film stars Mimoh Chakraborty in the lead.

The notice, issued regarding proceedings before the Hon’ble National Company Law Tribunal (NCLT), Mumbai Bench, refers to the matter involving CA Bharati Daga, Resolution Professional of Hare Krishna Media Tech Pvt. Ltd., versus Vikram Bhatt and others. According to the notice, the Resolution Professional has filed the application before the NCLT in connection with certain alleged preferential transactions and connected reliefs under the Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code, 2016.

The public notice states that by an order dated April 15, 2026, the NCLT directed all parties, related parties and connected parties, including assignors and assignees, to maintain a status quo in respect of and in relation to the subject matter of the proceedings. The order, as per the notice, continues to remain valid, subsisting and binding on all parties.

The notice further claims that certain persons, entities, related parties, assigns, or assignees have purportedly announced the release of the subject film (Haunted – Echoes Of The Past) on or around June 12, 2026, despite the subsisting status quo order. As a result, the Resolution Professional has cautioned distributors, exhibitors, OTT platforms, broadcasters, streaming platforms, cinema chains, advertisers, licensors, aggregators and all other persons or entities associated with the film to refrain from commercially exploiting the horror flick, directly or indirectly, until further orders of the NCLT.

The notice adds that any violation, facilitation, participation or non-compliance with the order would be at the concerned party’s own risk and may invite appropriate legal proceedings, including contempt action.

Also Read: Swayambhu director Bharat Krishnamachari on shooting in the same forests as Pushpa, “We made a conscious effort to explore untouched locations”

Mother’s Day 2026: Isha Koppikar says she wants daughter Rianna to achieve her dreams independently

On the occasion of Mother’s Day 2026, Isha Koppikar shared a message about parenting, independence and responsibility through a video posted on social media. Speaking about her daughter Rianna, the actor reflected on the importance of raising children to become self-reliant individuals rather than depending on others for emotional or personal security.

In the video, Isha revealed that a conversation with her daughter prompted her to think more deeply about modern parenting. According to the actor, Rianna asked her what she wished for her, to which she responded that she wanted her daughter to achieve her dreams independently and become a strong individual.

Speaking further, Isha questioned whether parents sometimes send mixed messages to children by encouraging independence while also raising them with the idea that someone else will eventually “take care” of them. She added that this mindset applies equally to both boys and girls.

The actor also spoke about how she views independence beyond financial stability. According to Isha, true independence comes when individuals are emotionally mature, capable of making their own decisions and taking responsibility for their lives before entering a marriage or long-term partnership.

 

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She further said that marriage should happen out of companionship and mutual respect rather than dependency or security. Extending the conversation beyond daughters, Isha noted that sons too should be raised with a sense of responsibility and emotional awareness.

Over the years, Isha Koppikar has often spoken openly about social and personal subjects on public platforms. Her Mother’s Day message this year focused less on celebration and more on conversations around parenting values and emotional independence.

Also Read: Isha Koppikar recalls ‘real cop’ confusion as Kyaa Kool Hai Hum completes 21 years