MAMI unveils new logo and brand identity; launches year-round MAMI Independent initiative

Mumbai Academy of the Moving Image (MAMI), a leading institution dedicated to celebrating Indian and world cinema since 1997, today unveiled a new logo and brand identity, marking the beginning of a renewed chapter for one of India’s most influential and celebrated film organisations.

Rooted in the belief that cinema is an art form that is of the people and for the people, that brings people together and sparks meaningful dialogue, the rebrand reflects MAMI’s evolution into a festival shaped by its community, powered by diverse voices and driven by the belief that stories connect the human race. While remaining deeply anchored in Mumbai, MAMI continues to engage with cinema from across India and the world.

Coinciding with this moment of renewal, MAMI also announced MAMI Independent, a new year-round initiative designed to provide a vital platform for bold, contemporary independent cinema from India and internationally. The programme will present weekly screenings on the big screen, offering sustained visibility to films that often struggle to find space within mainstream exhibition circuits.

 

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MAMI Independent represents a significant step towards building a stronger ecosystem for independent cinema. The initiative will provide filmmakers with a platform to present their work to engaged audiences, while fostering meaningful dialogue between filmmakers, cinephiles, industry professionals and emerging talent. The screenings aim to expand audiences for independent films and create opportunities for discovery, conversation, and potential distribution. The programme will showcase films that break away from the mould, stories that rise from the margins, challenge conventions and invite audiences not just to watch, but to feel, question and reflect. Often created with limited resources but driven by immense passion, these films are frequently overshadowed by the volume of mainstream releases. MAMI Independent seeks to bring them out of the shadows and into the spotlight they deserve.

Beginning 25th February 2026, audiences in Mumbai can attend weekly screenings every Wednesday at 7 p.m. at PVR Lido, Santacruz, featuring a curated selection of independent feature films, documentaries, shorts, and experimental works from India.

Shivendra Singh Dungarpur, Festival Director, MAMI Mumbai Film Festival states “I am excited to launch the new face of MAMI with a new logo and brand identity for the Mumbai Film Festival that reflects our belief that cinema is about people, about ideas and sparking conversations, and that the festival is about the storytellers and the public, that come together as a community to make the Mumbai Film Festival a celebration of film.”

MAMI Independent will commence on 25 February 2026, with details of the screening slate and monthly calendar to be shared through MAMI’s official channels. The initiative reinforces MAMI’s commitment to nurturing cinematic excellence, supporting independent filmmakers, strengthening the connection between storytellers and audiences, and enabling new pathways for films to reach wider audiences.

Together, the new brand identity and the launch of MAMI Independent reaffirm MAMI’s dedication to creative freedom, the discovery of new voices, and the continued positioning of Mumbai as a vital meeting ground for Indian and global cinema.

Also Read: Manoj Bajpayee delighted as The Fable wins Special Jury Prize at MAMI Mumbai Film Festival 2024: “It reflects the film’s power and the dedication of everyone who made it possible”

Mirzapur: The Movie to hit theaters on September 4; Amazon MGM Studios and Excel Entertainment unveil release date

One of India’s most iconic OTT franchises makes its long-awaited leap to cinemas. The makers announced September 4 as the theatrical release date of Mirzapur: The Movie, promising audiences a larger-than-life cinematic experience rooted in the gritty world they love. The film brings back iconic characters of Mirzapur — Kaleen Bhaiya (Pankaj Tripathi), Guddu Pandit (Ali Fazal), and marks the much-anticipated comeback of Munna Bhaiya (Divyenndu), one of the franchise’s most loved characters. Now, for the first time ever, the cult saga of Mirzapur steps into cinemas, transforming its beloved world into an epic big-screen experience.

The ensemble cast also includes Jitendra Kumar, Ravi Kishan, Abhishek Banerjee, Rasika Duggal, Shweta Tripathi, Shriya Pilgaonkar, Harshita Gaur, Sushant Singh, Mohit Malik, Sheeba Chadha, Rajesh Tailang, Kulbhushan Kharbanda, Sonal Chauhan, Pramod Pathak and Anangsha Biswas.

 

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Amazon MGM Studios, and Excel Entertainment present an Excel Entertainment Production, directed by Gurmmeet Singh and written by Puneet Krishna. The film releases in cinemas on September 4, 2026.

Also Read: Ali Fazal announces wrap of Mirzapur: The Film final schedule: “We brought our A game when the camera rolled up”

Vivek Oberoi files suit in Delhi HC against AI-generated misuse and fake social accounts

Actor and entrepreneur Vivek Oberoi has approached the Delhi High Court, filing a civil suit seeking protection of his personality and publicity rights amid alleged widespread misuse of his identity through fake social media accounts, unauthorised merchandise and AI-generated content.

In the petition filed through advocates Sana Raees Khan and Pranay Chitale, Oberoi asserts that his name, image, voice, likeness and other distinctive attributes associated with him are being exploited without his consent for commercial and other gains. The suit names entities such as Collector Bazar, ZoomMantra and Indiancontent among the defendants, alongside unidentified individuals labelled as John Doe.

Oberoi’s legal team has sought a permanent injunction to restrain infringement of his personality rights, alleging that the defendants are actively impersonating him on platforms such as Instagram by operating fake accounts using his identity. The plea also highlights the sale of unauthorised merchandise — including posters, T-shirts and postcards bearing his name and likeness — on various e-commerce sites.

A significant aspect of the suit focuses on the alleged misuse of artificial intelligence and deepfake technology. Oberoi contends that AI-generated content has been used to create misleading and derogatory depictions of him, including superimposing his face onto objectionable imagery and spreading facts that he says are false. The petition describes this as potentially harmful to his reputation, creating public confusion about fake endorsements and diluting his personal identity.

Oberoi has argued that unchecked use of generative AI poses a serious risk to personality and publicity rights, leading to “public confusion regarding false endorsements, dilution of personal identity, infringement of privacy and erosion of an individual’s exclusive right to commercially benefit from their persona.”

Because such activities are widely accessible online, the actor has described it as nearly impossible to identify every infringer individually. In light of this, he has sought an omnibus ‘John Doe’ injunction to cover unknown persons found violating his rights.

Claiming that he has already suffered and is likely to suffer irreparable harm to his goodwill, reputation and business interests, Oberoi has urged the High Court to order the removal of unauthorised posts, merchandise and content, and to restrain further misuse of his identity in any form.

Also Read: Vivek Oberoi, Mona Singh, Sunny Leone, Lauren Gottlieb and other celebs share intimate glimpses from their Christmas 2025 celebrations

Badshah makes history as first Indian Rapper to play at NBA All-Star Celebrity Game 2026

Indian hip-hop star Badshah is set to achieve a major international milestone as he becomes the first-ever Indian rapper to participate in the Ruffles NBA All-Star Celebrity Game. The high-profile event will take place on February 13, 2026, at the Kia Forum in Inglewood, California, and will be broadcast exclusively on ESPN as part of the NBA All-Star Weekend celebrations.

Marking his debut at the globally followed fan-favourite game, Badshah will represent India on an international sporting stage, joining a diverse roster of celebrities spanning music, film, television, and professional sports. Known for his larger-than-life persona and cross-cultural appeal, the rapper is expected to bring his signature energy to both the court and the surrounding festivities.

Badshah’s appearance at the NBA All-Star Celebrity Game caps off an eventful period in his career. Over the past year, he has expanded his global footprint by becoming the first rapper worldwide to co-create a Maybach Eyewear range and the first Asian rapper to announce a headline show at London’s The O2. He also led one of the largest Indian hip-hop tours across North America, attended Paris and New York Fashion Weeks, collaborated with international artists such as Davido, and launched his own pizza and vodka brands.

Speaking about the opportunity, Badshah said, "I'm beyond excited to be part of this incredible event and take Indian hip hop center court during NBA All-Star Weekend. Basketball has always been one of my biggest passions, and playing on the same court as legends from the NBA, NFL, Hollywood and music is truly an honour. The NBA represents a powerful mix of sport, culture and self-expression, and as basketball's fan base continues to grow in India, it's exciting to represent that energy on a global stage. I can't wait to bring my energy, my game and some unforgettable moments for fans around the world!"

The 2026 Celebrity Game line-up includes well-known entertainment and sports personalities such as actor and comedian Keegan-Michael Key, rapper GloRilla, producer DJ Mustard, actor Simu Liu, Emmy-winning actor Rome Flynn, Chinese star Dylan Wang, and Olympic medallist Andre De Grasse, among others. Former NBA players and sports figures will also feature prominently, adding to the event’s crossover appeal.

Adding to the spectacle, the game will feature a halftime performance by K-pop group CORTIS and return segments such as the Green Carpet presentation and fan-favourite in-game highlights.

With Badshah’s participation, the 2026 Ruffles NBA All-Star Celebrity Game marks a significant moment for Indian pop culture on a global platform, further highlighting the growing intersection of music, sports, and international entertainment.

Also Read: Badshah hands over permanent homes to flood-affected families in Punjab’s Amritsar

Not just Animal Park, is Sandeep Reddy Vanga planning a part 3 of Animal too?

Sandeep Reddy Vanga’s Ranbir Kapoor-starrer blockbuster Animal may be getting even bigger than originally planned. While Animal Park, the second instalment of the franchise, is still in the scripting stage, strong industry buzz suggests that Vanga could be contemplating expanding the narrative into a three-part saga.

Though there has been no official announcement yet, sources familiar with the development indicate that the filmmaker’s creative ambitions for the sequel may have outgrown the idea of a simple two-part structure. “Vanga’s original plan was to tell the story in two films,” a source close to the project told this writer. “But while writing the second part, he realised the narrative had far more depth and material than could be contained in just one more instalment. That’s when the possibility of a third part entered the picture.”

If this plan moves forward, Ranbir Kapoor is expected to remain the common thread across all three films. Interestingly, insiders suggest that the antagonist may not be constant through the trilogy, with different villains potentially driving the conflict in Animal Park and a possible third film, allowing each chapter to explore new dimensions of the story.

At the moment, all decisions remain contingent on the final scripting of Animal Park. However, if the speculation proves true, Animal could well evolve into one of the most expansive character-driven franchises in recent Hindi cinema, redefining how dark, adult-themed narratives are mounted on a blockbuster scale.

Also Read: Ranbir Kapoor on Animal Park says: “It will be bigger, bolder, and more engaging”

EXCLUSIVE: Adivi Sesh-Mrunal Thakur starrer Dacoit to release on April 10; makers of Pan-India action entertainer realign strategy amid multiple big releases

The exciting teaser of Dacoit was launched with much fanfare in December in the presence of its lead actors, Adivi Sesh, Mrunal Thakur and Anurag Kashyap. The Pan-India action entertainer was scheduled to release on March 19, 2026 and Bollywood Hungama has now exclusively learned that Dacoit has been pushed.

A source told Bollywood Hungama, “With March witnessing multiple releases and announcements, the makers of Dacoit have thoughtfully realigned the film’s release plans, shifting the date to April 10. It was earlier set to arrive alongside Dhurandhar: The Revenge and Toxic: A Fairytale For Grown-Ups, making it a time when multiple highly anticipated films were slated to release together. The team holds great respect for both Dhurandhar as well as Toxic and their creative teams, and firmly believes that every theatrical release deserves its own moment with audiences.”

Trade sources believe that postponing the release date of Dacoit, previously described by the makers as a ‘gold fish’ among larger releases, reflects the maker’s confidence in the film’s content and its ability to strike a chord with the audiences. The source added, “Staying true to that thought, the decision to move to April 10 comes from a place of fairness and clarity, ensuring that Dacoit gets its due spotlight while audiences can enjoy all films on their own terms. It also reflects strategic planning and thoughtful timing, focused on the film’s theatrical experience.”

Dacoit is directed by Abhinay Deo, produced by Supriya Yarlagadda and backed by S S Creations and Suniel Narang Production. As for Dhurandhar: The Revenge, it is the sequel to the much-loved blockbuster, Dhurandhar (2025) and stars Ranveer Singh and others. Meanwhile, Toxic: A Fairytale For Grown-Ups, directed by Geetu Mohandas, is a multi-starrer, starring Yash of KGF fame, Nayanthara, Kiara Advani, Huma Qureshi, Tara Sutaria, Rukmini Vasanth, Akshay Oberoi and others.

Also Read: Adivi Sesh wraps final schedule of Dacoit ahead of its anticipated festive release in March: “This film has been an intense journey”

T-Series takes over music rights of Dhurandhar 2, replaces Saregama: Report

The music rights for Dhurandhar 2 have officially moved to T-Series, marking a significant shift from the first instalment, which was backed by Saregama. The development signals a fresh musical direction for the sequel to the Ranveer Singh-led spy action thriller, which is slated to hit theatres on March 19.

According to an exclusive report published by The Hollywood Reporter, the soundtrack of Dhurandhar 2 is already generating strong buzz within industry circles. A source was quoted saying, “It's a massive chartbuster soundtrack and the response from the film team whoever has heard it- has been fabulous.” Another industry insider added, “The album will again have a wide variety of songs,” suggesting that the sequel will follow the musical diversity that worked well for the first part.

The shift in music label comes at a time when expectations from the sequel are already high. Dhurandhar 2 is expected to expand on the narrative introduced in Chapter 1, taking audiences deeper into the backstory of the spy character played by Ranveer Singh. The film will reportedly weave deliberate flashbacks into the present-day storyline, aiming to offer a more layered and complete conclusion to the two-part saga.

Adding to the excitement, the makers of the film — including Jio Studios, director Aditya Dhar, and Ranveer Singh — took to social media on February 2 to tease an upcoming announcement scheduled for February 3. While details of the announcement remain under wraps, fans are speculating that a teaser or promotional asset could be unveiled soon, especially with the film being less than two months away from release.

For context, Dhurandhar 2 follows the strong performance of the first instalment, which released in December and went on to register record-breaking box office numbers. The film reportedly surpassed several of the biggest hits of 2025, setting a high benchmark for the sequel. The first part is currently streaming on Netflix, where it continues to attract viewers.

Directed, written and co-produced by Aditya Dhar, Dhurandhar is backed by Jyoti Deshpande, Aditya Dhar and Lokesh Dhar under the banners of Jio Studios and B62 Studios. The franchise features an ensemble cast including Ranveer Singh, Akshaye Khanna, Sanjay Dutt, Arjun Rampal and R. Madhavan. As the concluding chapter approaches, Dhurandhar 2 is shaping up to be one of the most closely watched releases of the year, both musically and cinematically.

Also Read: No additional shooting with Arjun Rampal for Dhurandhar 2