72nd National Film Awards: Randeep Hooda wins Best Debut Director for Swatantrya Veer Savarkar, says “I’m still trying to process it”

Randeep Hooda has added another milestone to his career as he won the Best Debut Director award at the 72nd National Film Awards for Swatantrya Veer Savarkar. The actor, who directed, co-wrote, co-produced and headlined the 2024 biographical drama, reacted to the recognition with a heartfelt statement, describing the honour as a moment he is "still trying to process."

Sharing his thoughts after the announcement, Randeep said, “Being announced as the winner of the National Award for Best Debut Director for Swatantrya Veer Savarkar is a moment I’m still trying to process. This film asked more of me than anything I’ve ever done. The journey of this film was filled with challenges at every juncture, but I’m glad we saw it through and overcame each of those. And despite that, somehow we kept finding the strength to move forward.”

The actor went on to speak about the multiple responsibilities he undertook while making the film and the sense of responsibility he felt towards portraying Vinayak Damodar Savarkar's life on screen. “As an actor, co-writer and first-time director, I gave this film everything I had because I felt an immense responsibility towards telling Veer Savarkar’s story with sincerity and honesty. Whatever we endured while making this film is insignificant compared to the life he lived and the sacrifices he made,” he added.

Expressing gratitude to his collaborators, Hooda stated, “I’m deeply grateful to my entire team for believing in this dream and standing by it through every high and low. This recognition belongs to all of us, and I hope it inspires more people, especially the younger generation, to discover and reflect on Veer Savarkar’s legacy.”

Released in theatres on March 22, 2024, Swatantrya Veer Savarkar is a Hindi-language biographical drama based on the life of freedom fighter and political thinker Vinayak Damodar Savarkar. The film was directed, co-written and co-produced by Randeep Hooda, who also portrayed the titular role. Written by Utkarsh Naithani, the narrative traces Savarkar's journey from his early years to his role in India's freedom movement, highlighting key events from his life.

The film received praise for its performances, particularly Hooda's portrayal of Savarkar, with the actor undergoing a significant physical transformation for the role.

The Best Debut Director honour at the 72nd National Film Awards marks a significant achievement for Hooda, recognising his first outing behind the camera while adding another accolade to Swatantrya Veer Savarkar, a film that saw him take on multiple creative responsibilities.

Also Read: Randeep Hooda reveals Salman Khan advised him to avoid non-heroic roles: “Playing the same thing is boring”

The India Story trailer out! Kajal Aggarwal and Shreyas Talpade take on pesticide farming crisis in hard-hitting social drama

The makers of The India Story: Slow Poison in Progress have unveiled the official trailer of the upcoming social drama, offering a glimpse into a story centred around the issue of pesticide farming and its impact on society. Starring Kajal Aggarwal and Shreyas Talpade in the lead, the film aims to bring attention to a subject that affects millions while weaving it into a dramatic narrative of truth, justice and resilience.

The trailer hints at an emotionally charged story that follows characters caught in the middle of a larger crisis, while raising questions about the long-term effects of pesticide farming. With its blend of courtroom drama, social commentary and emotional conflict, the film seeks to spotlight an issue that often remains overlooked.

Speaking about the film, director Chettan DK said, "The India Story is more than just a film—it's a conversation we need to have. Through this story, we wanted to shine a light on an issue that silently impacts every household. The trailer offers a glimpse into a powerful journey of truth, courage, and resilience, and we hope it inspires audiences to question, reflect, and engage with the reality around them."

Sharing her experience of working on the project, Kajal Aggarwal said, "Being part of The India Story has been an incredibly meaningful experience. My character stands up for truth despite overwhelming odds, and that spirit is what makes this film so special. I hope the trailer connects with audiences and leaves them eager to witness this powerful story on the big screen."

 

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Shreyas Talpade also spoke about the film and its emotional core, adding, "The trailer captures the emotional core of The India Story. It's a story of an ordinary man's fight against an extraordinary challenge, driven by hope and determination. I believe audiences will relate to its emotions and message, and I'm excited for everyone to experience the film in theatres on July 24."

The project is backed by co-producers Swati Vinayak Saindane, Anita Jadhav, Vinayak Saindane, Kalpesh Shah, Devyani Khorate and Prem Joshi. The technical crew includes cinematographer Nishant Bhagwat, music composer Mangesh Dhakde, editor Ashish Mhatre, lyricist Shakeel Azami and sound designer Anmol Bhave.

Presented by Zee Studios in association with MIG Production & Studios, The India Story: Slow Poison in Progress is directed by Chettan DK and written and produced by Sagar B. Shinde. The film is scheduled for a worldwide theatrical release on July 24, 2026, and will release in Hindi, Telugu and Tamil.

With its socially relevant premise and multilingual release, the film aims to spark conversations around a pressing agricultural and public health issue when it arrives in cinemas on July 24.

Also Read: First song from The India Story featuring Kajal Aggarwal Kitchlu ‘Tu Chal’ out now

Ahaan Panday and Aneet Padda celebrate Saiyaara first anniversary at Wembley Stadium; unveil exclusive Collectors Edition Vinyl LP

A year after Saiyaara emerged as one of the biggest box office successes, Yash Raj Films marked the film's first anniversary with a special celebration at London's Wembley Stadium. Lead actors Ahaan Panday and Aneet Padda visited the iconic venue to unveil an exclusive Collector's Edition Vinyl LP, commemorating the film's music and its enduring popularity among audiences.

The venue holds special significance in Saiyaara, as it serves as the backdrop for one of the film's most memorable moments, where Ahaan Panday's character Krish Kapoor recognises Vaani Batra through her eyes on the stadium's giant screen. The film's climactic reunion between Krish and Vaani also takes place at Wembley, making it a fitting location for the anniversary celebration.

The newly launched Collector's Edition is a two-disc vinyl set featuring the complete musical experience of Saiyaara. The first LP includes all nine songs from the film's soundtrack, while the second disc comprises 25 tracks, including 16 original background score compositions and nine memorable dialogues from the film.

 

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Beyond the music, the Collector's Pack also includes a specially curated Saiyaara diary featuring notes from YRF CEO Akshaye Widhani, director Mohit Suri, actors Ahaan Panday and Aneet Padda, along with contributions from composers, lyricists and members of the film's music team. The package also contains an exclusive ink pen inspired by Vaani's notebook from the film and two character-themed bookmarks featuring Krish and Vaani.

Speaking about the launch, director Mohit Suri said, "Music is the soul of any love story - be it in life or in films. With Saiyaara, I felt that even more. The depth in Krish and Vaani’s relationship, the everlasting feeling, the innocence, and the magic wouldn’t be the same without the songs. I am truly grateful and overwhelmed for the love people have shown the film because of its music. Vaani said (in the film), ‘The mind forgets but the heart doesn’t, and great music stays in the heart…. forever!’ And it’s amazing that the music has stayed with you long after the film. The feeling is surreal, because the core of Saiyaara was always the fact that a song has the power to take you back to a moment, bring back a memory… bring back love! That's why this LP isn't just a collection of tracks. It’s a chance for people to experience the film all over again—one emotion, one melody, and one memory at a time. We thought very carefully about every single aspect of this record to bring your Saiyaara experience back to life! I really hope you love it."

Further, YRF CEO Akshaye Widhani added, "Saiyaara was a deeply personal film for us because it marked our return to romance, a genre that has always defined YRF and inspired some of our most sweeping love stories. We wanted to deliver not just a film but also a music album that is timeless in this genre and I have to thank Mohit Suri for delivering this in spades. As we celebrate Saiyaara's first anniversary, we are delighted to mark the occasion with the launch of an exclusive Collector's Edition Vinyl LP, giving fans and music lovers the ultimate Saiyaara listening experience through its music, it’s sounds and its dialogues. We wanted to create something that they could own, revisit and treasure for years to come, a definitive keepsake that preserves the complete emotional journey of Saiyaara.”

Directed by Mohit Suri and produced by YRF CEO Akshaye Widhani, Saiyaara emerged as a major commercial success, grossing over Rs. 580 crores worldwide. The film also established Ahaan Panday and Aneet Padda as one of the industry's most talked-about on-screen pairs. The Saiyaara Collector's Edition Vinyl LP will be made available to fans worldwide.

Also Read: 1 year of Saiyaara EXCLUSIVE: “That Friday changed everything for me, I took 2-3 months to digest the success,” says Shaan R Grover; also reveals how Ahaan Panday calmed his nerves before shoot: “He advised me to forget it’s a YRF film”

EXCLUSIVE: Rajesh Sharma is recuperating at his residence after getting discharged, set to resume work

Actor Rajesh Sharma was admitted in a hospital in Kolkata earlier this month following an insect bite that turned out to be problematic. The incident happened at Ramoji Film City in Hyderabad while he was shooting for the Prabhas starrer Fauzi. Following this, there were concerns about his well-being from his fans and admirers after reports of him being unwell.

Bollywood Hungama has now found out that the actor recently got discharged and is recovering at his residence. In fact, he is also all set to resume work. BN Tiwari, President of FWICE (Federation of Western India Cine Employees) told us exclusively, “Rajesh Sharma ji recently got discharged. He is currently recuperating at his residence in Mumbai. He is also set to travel abroad in the days to come to shoot for a project.”

As per statements released by actress Sudipta Chatterjee and filmmaker-producer Agnidev Chatterjee soon after the incident on July 8, Sharma got bitten by the insect when he was talking to local technicians near an area with dense vegetation. As it didn’t appear serious, he didn’t seek immediate medical attention and boarded a flight to Kolkata where he was supposed to fly. However, he started having severe pain in his right leg, developed high fever and grew restless. He was then admitted at Manipal Hospital in the city.

A couple of days later, Sudipta Chatterjee had said in a statement that the actor was doing better than before but was still admitted in the hospital.

Soon after the news about Sharma’s health spread, Akshay Kumar shared a post on X (formerly Twitter) and expressed his concern for the actor. He shared a picture with Sharma and wrote, “Very concerned to hear about my dear friend Rajesh’s health condition after an insect bite while shooting. Hope Mahadev blesses him with fast and complete recovery. Jaldi theek ho ja yaar, abhi saath baith ke bhot hansna hai.”

EXCLUSIVE: Imtiaz Ali and MahaveerJain to introduce a new face as the female lead in hilarious friendship film Side Heroes

Bollywood Hungama was among the first ones to break the news last year that Imtiaz Ali and Mahaveer Jain Films are all set to produce Side Heroes, a heartfelt and hilarious ode to friendship, nostalgia, and rediscovering joy. We have now exclusively learned that the producers are all set to launch a newcomer as the female lead.

A source told Bollywood Hungama, “Imtiaz Ali and Mahaveer Jain will introduce a new face as the lead actress in their coming-of-age friendship film, Side Heroes. The film’s team auditioned several girls before finally zeroing in on the chosen actress.”

The source added, “It’s a dream of every aspiring actress in India to be launched in an Imtiaz Ali film. Hence, there’s going to be a huge curiosity about who has bagged the coveted part. As of now, the makers have kept her identity under wraps and plan to make an official announcement soon.”

Side Heroes stars Abhishek Banerjee, Aparshakti Khurana and Varun Sharma. It is produced by Imtiaz Ali’s Window Seat Films and Mahaveer Jain Films (Neetu Mahaveer Jain, Mrighdeep Singh Lamba and Shikha Karan Ahluwalia). It is directed by Ssanjay Tripaathy and written by Siddarth Sen (director of Good Luck Jerry) and Pankaj Matta.

The film tells the poignant yet comical story of three childhood buddies who reconnect at a reunion after years of distance and silence. It is an enjoyable tale of friends rediscovering the true meaning of happiness, exploring themes of dreams, love, memories, and life.

The source also shared an update, “Side Heroes will go on floors later this year. The team feels it can connect big time as it’s a hilarious film with highly relatable emotions.”

Also Read: Celina Jaitly shares emotional throwback video with sons amid divorce case: “Trauma did not build me, it broke me”

Supreme Court allows Mahaprabhu Jagannath release after Rath Yatra, issues notices on Odisha HC ban

The Supreme Court has refused to allow the immediate release of the animated film Mahaprabhu Jagannath during the ongoing Lord Jagannath Rath Yatra. However, the court permitted the filmmakers to release the movie on or after July 28, once the annual festival concludes.

The apex court also issued notices to the Centre, the Odisha government, the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC), the Shree Jagannath Temple Administration and other respondents while hearing an appeal challenging the Orissa High Court's interim order that stayed the film's release. High Court had stayed the film's release The Orissa High Court had earlier stayed the nationwide release of Mahaprabhu Jagannath, observing that the film did not strictly adhere to the religious text of the Skanda Purana. The interim order came just a day before the film's scheduled theatrical release.

Challenging the decision, the makers moved the Supreme Court seeking urgent relief. Makers cite financial losses, CBFC certification Appearing for the filmmakers, Senior Advocate Devadatt Kamat urged the Supreme Court to hear the matter on an urgent basis. He submitted that Mahaprabhu Jagannath is an animated film primarily aimed at children and is based on the life and legacy of Lord Jagannath.

Kamat argued that the High Court stayed the release solely on the ground that the film was not made in strict accordance with the Skanda Purana. He also informed the court that the CBFC had already granted the film a U certificate under Section 5 of the Cinematograph Act, clearing it for release in Hindi, Odia and Telugu.

The senior advocate further pointed out that the High Court's order was uploaded only at 9 pm on the eve of the scheduled release, leaving the producers with very little time to seek legal remedies.

According to the submissions, the makers have invested crores of rupees in the project and had planned screenings in more than 300 theatres across the country. Kamat also argued that the Public Interest Litigation leading to the stay was heard shortly before the release date, describing the High Court's order as a hurried decision. Supreme Court issues notices While declining to permit the film's release during the Rath Yatra, the Supreme Court issued notices to the Centre, the Odisha government, the CBFC, the temple administration and other concerned parties on the appeal against the High Court's interim order.

With the latest direction, Mahaprabhu Jagannath can now be released in theatres on or after July 28, subject to any further orders in the case.

Also Read: Mahaprabhu Jagannath makers move Supreme Court after Orissa HC halts film release 

MEGA EXCLUSIVE: After Vikrant Massey’s White, Narcos cinematographer Juan Carlos Gil signs Ranveer Singh’s Pralay

In an exciting development for Bollywood, two major upcoming films will share the same international cinematographer. Bollywood Hungama has exclusively learnt that Juan Carlos Gil, the acclaimed DOP of Netflix’s global series Narcos and who has shot Vikrant Massey’s big-scale political drama White, has come on board for Ranveer Singh’s upcoming mega-budget film Pralay.

A source told Bollywood Hungama, “The team of Pralay is mounting the film on a lavish scale and wants it to have a Hollywood-style visual treatment. Juan Carlos Gil fits the bill perfectly. He is equally excited to come on board, while the team is thrilled to have him shoot this ambitious zombie film.”

About Pralay

Pralay is highly awaited not just because it’s a mega-budget zombie thriller but also because its Ranveer Singh’s immediate next after the all-time blockbuster, Dhurandhar. It is directed by Jai Mehta and produced by Birla Studios and Hansal Mehta.

About White

Vikrant Massey’s White is a big-scale human political drama inspired by a real-life episode from the life of global spiritual leader Gurudev Sri Sri Ravi Shankar. The film is based on the fascinating story of how the world’s longest internal conflict – the war in Colombia – was resolved without firing a single bullet, through ancient Indian philosophies and Gurudev’s intervention.

Vikrant Massey will be seen essaying the role of Gurudev Sri Sri Ravi Shankar. Major portions of the film have been shot in South America with an international cast and crew.

White is backed by Siddharth Anand of War, Pathaan and King fame, producer Mahaveer Jain, and PeaceCraft Pictures. The film is directed by ace ad filmmaker Montoo Bassi. It will be released in over 100 countries and in multiple languages, with the aim of reaching audiences across the globe.

With two vastly different genres - a zombie actioner and a political drama - both Pralay and White are set to bring a distinct, global visual language to Indian cinema, thanks to Juan Carlos Gil.

Also Read: Vikrant Massey leaves everyone in splits at Musafir Cafe trailer launch: “Sab zinda hai yahan pe; koi kisi ko maar nahin raha!”