After Dhurandhar’s success, Ranveer Singh and Aditya Chopra hold a closed-door meeting at YRF; reunion on the cards?

Ranveer Singh is the star of the season, as the superstar has given two back-to-back industry hits. Today, he is at the top of the list for all producers, directors and brands - and why not? He has proved himself to be the king of the box office with thunderous results in just 4 months.

Bollywood Hungama has exclusively learnt that earlier this month, Aditya Chopra and Ranveer Singh had a closed-door meeting. "Ranveer Singh's success felt personal to Aditya Chopra, as he is the one who launched him and laid the foundation to excel in the Hindi Film Industry. The two met at YRF last to last Friday, and in a closed-door meeting, hugged and ironed out all their differences as well. It was a rather long discussion between the two, ranging from their future plans to the intent of collaboration, and of course, the success of Dhurandhar," a source told Bollywood Hungama.

The source also informed that Aditya Chopra and Ranveer Singh have also discussed a probable collaboration. "Ranveer and Adi are keen to collaborate on a big scale feature film. Adi has promised to come to Ranveer with a feature film within the next 6 months, and the actor too is looking forward to hearing from the maverick filmmaker," the source shared further.

Ranveer Singh is on a roll, as he has also acquired the rights for the Amish Tripathi best selling novel Immortals of Meluha and the same is in the development stage now. The Ranveer Singh and YRF reunion is now keenly awaited, as a re-entry in the banner is more like a homecoming for the actor.

Also Read: TRENDING: Dhurandhar back on Google trends; what does Jyoti Deshpande’s cryptic Bollywood Hungama statement really mean?

EXCLUSIVE: Anupria Goenka to make her Cannes debut with Bombay Stories; reveals, "Proud of War and Tiger Zinda Hai; thoroughly enjoyed shooting for them…Dhurandhar was a fabulous film"

May is a significant month for Anupria Goenka. Her film, IIZ: Indian Institute Of Zombies, was released on May 15, marking her first theatrical outing after four years. She’ll end the month on a celebratory note as she rings in her birthday on May 29. That’s not all. She has another reason to celebrate this month – the talented and gorgeous actress will make her debut at the Cannes Film Festival this year.

Anupria Goenka exclusively told Bollywood Hungama, “I am going to Cannes for the premiere of the film called Bombay Stories. It’s being screened at the market section; it’s not in the official selection. Nevertheless, this will be my first visit to Cannes.”

She continued, “After that, I plan to travel around. I haven’t explored Europe much; I have only been to the United Kingdom. So, this birthday, I want to break my pattern and visit other countries (smiles).”

She also revealed, “I am leaving for Cannes on May 18, after IIZ: Indian Institute Of Zombies releases on May 15. Wish me luck (smiles)!”

Anupria on YRF Spy Universe

Anupria Goenka has been a part of two successful films from the YRF Spy Universe – Tiger Zinda Hai (2017) and War (2019). The franchise has come under the scanner after the release of another spy film, Dhurandhar (2025) and its sequel, Dhurandhar The Revenge (2026).

When asked about the criticism directed at the YRF Spy Universe, Anupria opined, “I have no idea about it. The way I live and operate, I don’t really get to know what’s happening. I am very proud of both War and Tiger Zinda Hai and I thoroughly enjoyed shooting for them. I also enjoyed watching Pathaan (2023). For me, War and Tiger Zinda Hai were beautiful, entertaining films. Dhurandhar, meanwhile, is a different kind of entertaining film. There has to be space for everything. Everybody gets to choose what they like to watch. I enjoyed Dhurandhar a lot and felt it was a fabulous film. I am glad that kind of work is being done in India. At the same time, I have a huge amount of admiration for War and Tiger Zinda Hai, not just because I was a part of them, but also because I enjoyed them immensely as a viewer.”

Also Read: EXCLUSIVE: Anupria Goenka BLASTS fake Instagram post on intimate scene claim: “Who would cross all boundaries? I have a mind of my own…It paints such a feeble picture of a woman”

EXCLUSIVE: Dharma Productions adopts REVOLUTIONARY pricing strategy for Chand Mera Dil; tickets to be sold for just Rs. 149 and Rs. 199 on release day

Next Friday, May 22, will see the release of Chand Mera Dil, starring Lakshya and Ananya Panday. The film has caught attention due to its youthful flavour, casting, music and also because it belongs to the intense romance genre, which is working big time right now. Bollywood Hungama has learned that the love story might open better than expected due to an aggressive pricing strategy adopted by the makers.

A trade source told Bollywood Hungama, “Chand Mera Dil is produced by Dharma Productions, and they are also distributing the film. They have informed cinemas that the tickets need to be sold at a very affordable price. Accordingly, tickets for all shows before 5:00 pm on Friday, May 22, will be available for just Rs. 149. After 5:00 pm, the tickets will be sold for Rs. 199.”

The source added, “This offer will be valid only on the day of release. On Saturday and Sunday, theatres have been instructed to go for regular weekend rates. Also, tickets priced at Rs. 149 and Rs. 199 will be available only for regular seats. The offer won’t be applicable to recliners, luxury screens or premium classes.”

The trade and industry are expecting that the strategy can prove beneficial. The source explained, “Chand Mera Dil is aimed at the youth and the college-going crowd. They’ll be quite enticed by the offer. Thanks to the offer, theatres are expecting the under-25 population to come out in large numbers to watch Chand Mera Dil. This was last seen during last year’s sleeper blockbuster, Saiyaara (2025).”

The advance booking of Chand Mera Dil is expected to start from Monday, May 18. It is directed by Vivek Soni of Meenakshi Sundareshwar (2021) and Aap Jaisa Koi (2025) fame and produced by Hiroo Yash Johar, Karan Johar, Adar Poonawalla, Apoorva Mehta, Somen Mishra and Marijke deSouza.

Also Read: Chand Mera Dil trailer out: Ananya Panday and Lakshya promise an intense romance filled with passion and heartbreak

Golmaal 5 makers dismiss speculation about Akshay Kumar’s fee: “These claims are completely baseless”

Reports around Rohit Shetty Picturez and the alleged remuneration being paid to Akshay Kumar for Golmaal 5 have been dismissed by the production house’s spokesperson.

Over the past few days, several reports claimed that Akshay Kumar was being paid a massive fee for starring in the upcoming comedy franchise film. However, the spokesperson for Rohit Shetty Picturez has now clarified that all such reports are false and speculative.

In an official statement, the spokesperson said, “There have been several speculative reports doing the rounds regarding the commercials and remuneration associated with Golmaal 5 particularly in relation to Akshay Kumar’s fee for the film. We would like to categorically state that these claims are completely baseless, inaccurate and purely speculative.”

The spokesperson added, “The commercials of the film are confidential in nature and are never disclosed publicly by any of the core parties associated with the project. Any numbers, figures or financial details currently being reported are strictly rumours and untrue. We are making this film with a lot of love for all of you. All we request is your support in this journey.”

Golmaal 5 is one of the most-awaited films from filmmaker Rohit Shetty, with fans eagerly waiting for updates on the next installment of the popular comedy franchise. Apart from Akshay, it stars Ajay Devgn, Arshad Warsi, Tusshar Kapoor, Shreyas Talpade, Sharman Joshi, Kunal Kemmu among others.

Also Read: Akshay Kumar is playing the smartest game in Bollywood by turning legacy into franchise firepower

JioStar seeks Rs 250 million in alleged Bollywood film rights dispute with Zee Entertainment: Report

The legal battle between media giants JioStar and Zee Entertainment Enterprises appears to be intensifying. According to an exclusive Reuters report, JioStar has initiated legal proceedings against Zee Entertainment over the alleged unauthorised broadcast of several Bollywood films whose rights were reportedly held by the Reliance-Disney backed company.

As per the report, JioStar filed a plea on May 4 before the Delhi High Court Legal Services Committee, which functions as a mediation and dispute resolution body aimed at facilitating amicable settlements between parties. The matter is now scheduled for hearing on May 25, with Zee being asked to appear before the committee. The documents reportedly state that failure to appear could be treated as refusal to participate in the mediation process.

In its reported 120-page plea, JioStar has accused Zee of broadcasting 12 distinct Bollywood films around 20 times without authorisation. The films allegedly include titles featuring superstars Shah Rukh Khan and Aamir Khan. The Reliance-led company reportedly described Zee as a “habitual infringer” and alleged that the broadcaster continued to “engage in the unauthorised broadcast and exploitation of the films”.

The Reuters report further stated that the dispute over these film rights dates back to exchanges of more than a dozen legal notices and letters between the two companies since February 2025. Sources familiar with the matter reportedly claimed that JioStar may seek damages exceeding Rs 250 million, which is approximately $2.61 million, although the final compensation amount has not yet been confirmed.

Among the films reportedly mentioned in the plea are the 1975 classic Deewaar starring Amitabh Bachchan, as well as Tridev. JioStar has claimed it owns the rights to these films and alleged that Zee aired them without permission.

Zee, however, reportedly responded by stating that the broadcasts were “inadvertent and unintentional”. The company also said it would exercise caution moving forward, while denying liability for the damages being sought.

This latest development comes at a time when the two entertainment giants are already involved in multiple legal disputes. The report noted that both companies are currently engaged in a separate $1 billion arbitration battle in London linked to the collapse of a cricket licensing agreement in 2024.

In another ongoing dispute, Zee Entertainment reportedly filed a lawsuit against JioStar in April 2026 over alleged unauthorised use of copyrighted music. In that case, Zee is reportedly seeking damages of $3 million, alleging that JioStar used its music content at least 50 times after licensing agreements had expired.

JioStar was formed following the $8.5 billion merger of Reliance Industries and Disney’s Indian media assets in 2024. The company currently remains the largest player in India’s estimated $30 billion media and entertainment market. According to Reliance, JioStar commands a 34.2 per cent share of the Indian television market, while Zee claims its own market share has reached a four-year high of 18 per cent.

Neither JioStar nor Zee Entertainment officially commented on the matter.

Also Read: After Nykaa, Zee files Rs 25 crores lawsuit against JioStar; alleges unauthorised music usage

Vishal Bhardwaj and Shaunak Sen join new film fund initiative supporting independent cinema

What are the vital ingredients an aspiring filmmaker needs when they have a story to tell but no outlet? Beyond a script, they need financial stability, production expertise, and industry access. Addressing this gap, Humans of Cinema and Safarnaama Pictures have launched a landmark feature film co-production fund of Rs 40,00,000 designed to back an emerging filmmaker with a distinct voice and a clear vision.

In a significant boost to the independent ecosystem, Academy Award-nominated filmmaker Shaunak Sen (All That Breathes) and globally acclaimed auteur Vishal Bhardwaj have joined the initiative as mentors. Sen is also attached to the selected project as an Executive Producer.

The high-profile jury for the fund includes actor Imran Khan, filmmaker Arati Kadav (Cargo, Mrs), producer Aman Mann (All That Breathes), and renowned author and festival director Aseem Chhabra.

Harshit Bansal, Founder of Humans of Cinema, shared that the idea took shape when Nazim Momin of Safarnaama Pictures—a US-based engineer and producer—reached out via Instagram with a shared vision to back independent Indian cinema. Together, they aim to support a film that is both festival-ready and engaging for local audiences.

Commenting on the initiative, mentor Vishal Bhardwaj said, “Independent cinema survives because some people choose to believe in voices before the world discovers them. Happy to support an initiative that hopes to find and nurture the next fearless generation of filmmakers from India.”

Shaunak Sen, who will Executive Produce the chosen script, added, “Avenues for independent cinema today are rapidly wilting, and I'm delighted that Humans of Cinema is instating a filmmaker-forward seed fund. I'm excited to work with the chosen scripts.”

The jury also expressed a collective urgency for such a platform. Imran Khan stated, "Initiatives to discover and nurture the next generation of filmmaking talent are sorely needed, and I am thrilled to support the HOC Film fund.”

Calling the co-production fund a “logical next step”, Arati Kadav said, “I am excited to see the young voices and stories I will meet through this venture and I hope this goes from strength to strength in the coming years, where we will see many brilliant and radical voices finding support in this ecosystem.”

Aseem Chhabra added, “This will be a great opportunity for a young filmmaker who is keen to make their first feature and take it to an international festival. Such endeavors are essential if we want to take Indian cinema to the next level in the global market.”

Harshit Bansal emphasized that the country does not lack talent, but rather the avenues to turn scripts into reality. “Our intention is to find the next distinct filmmaking voice from the country, & offer them the financial, production & industry support they need to not just make their films, but also to help them find the right festival & distribution support.

"We feel fortunate that Shaunak Sen & Vishal Bhardwaj have joined our initiative as mentors, with Shaunak also being attached to the selected project as an Executive Producer. Their support & insights will be invaluable for the selected filmmaker as well as us. We’re also grateful to Shaunak’s production company, Kiterabbit Films, for offering us crucial support for this initiative, and to our jury members who are lending their expertise out of their sheer goodwill and a passion to support good cinema,” he added.

The fund is open to all Indian citizens aged 18 and above who have directed at least two short films or one feature film. Interested applicants can submit their projects for a non-refundable fee of Rs 1499.

Also Read: SHOCKING: Irrfan Khan’s car was attacked during Haider shoot in Srinagar; Vishal Bhardwaj reveals, “Any other actor would have left but Irrfan made fun of it. He said, ‘Arre, aisa nishaana tha saale ka…kya throw thi uski’!”

Ranbir Kapoor buys land in Ayodhya’s The Sarayu project for Rs 3.31 crores

Ranbir Kapoor has invested in a premium land parcel in Ayodhya, adding a significant real estate acquisition to his portfolio at a time when the city is witnessing rapid cultural and infrastructural growth. The actor has purchased land at The Sarayu, a large-scale plotted development by House of Abhinandan Lodha, according to information reported by PTI.

The transaction is valued at approximately Rs 3.31 crores for a total area of 2,134 square feet. The property forms part of The Sarayu, a 75-acre development situated along the banks of the Sarayu river. The project is designed as a premium lifestyle destination and will include a clubhouse, hospitality facilities, lifestyle amenities, and a luxury hotel managed by The Leela.

Speaking about the investment, Ranbir Kapoor said, “I believe Ayodhya has chosen me, and I have just answered this calling. Ayodhya is deep rooted in our history and is a critical part of our cultural fabric. This land at The Sarayu became my gateway to ensuring this becomes a part of my legacy for my family. HoABL made this journey seamless, transparent and easy with their fully digital process.”

The investment comes at an interesting phase in the actor’s career, especially as Ranbir is preparing to portray Lord Ram in Ramayana, one of the most anticipated Indian film projects currently in development. His purchase in Ayodhya, a city deeply associated with the Ramayana, has naturally drawn attention online and among fans.

Commenting on the development, Abhinandan Lodha, chairman of House of Abhinandan Lodha, said, “Ayodhya stands at the centre of India's cultural and spiritual resurgence. With The Sarayu, we are creating a benchmark for spiritually rooted, world-class land developments. Ranbir Kapoor's investment reflects the growing conviction among discerning buyers who are looking at Ayodhya not just emotionally, but also as a strategic, future-forward destination.”

Also Read: EXCLUSIVE: Sanjana Sanghi on how school life changed after Rockstar audition, “Within 3 days, I was with Ranbir Kapoor, Imtiaz Ali sir on Rockstar sets”