SCOOP: Bhagam Bhag 2 shoot delayed to August 2026; Akshay Kumar set to start Golmaal 5

Akshay Kumar means man in business. After wrapping up a major schedule of director Anees Bazmee's family comedy, Akshay took a break from the shoot and is now all charged up to embark on another new journey. According to reliable sources, Akshay Kumar is all set to start shooting for Golmaal 5 from the end of March. "He has allotted 18 days for the film, and it's a start-to-finish schedule starting from the end of March," a source told Bollywood Hungama on condition of confidentiality.

Earlier in the month, we exclusively reported that Bhagam Bhag had been stalled at the moment owing to a legal battle between Ekta Kapoor and director Raaj Shandilyaa. While a PR website clarified that the film is on schedule to go on floors, we have exclusive insight into the same.

Reliable sources confirm that the shooting for Bhagam Bhag 2 has been delayed to August 2026. "Bhagam Bhag 2 was set to begin in March in India, but the shoot schedule got stalled due to the legal battle between Ekta Kapoor and Raaj Shaandilyaa. The actor's dates went haywire, and the next window for everyone to reunite is in August. The team is working to reschedule the shoot in the second half of the year, and hopes that all legal issues are sorted by then," a source shared with Bollywood Hungama.

The source also informed that the team might shoot for a week or so in the middle if the dates align with Akshay Kumar, but all the combination sequences, which were planned from March to April, are pushed to August now. "Akshay has all his dates blocked for now, but if a window opens, he might give some days to team Bhagam Bhag 2."

He will finish Anees Bazmee's next, Golmaal 5 and another comedy before Bhagam Bhag 2 now.

Also Read: 21 Years of Bewafaa: Dharmesh Darshan reveals Murder had the same plot as the Akshay Kumar-starrer: “80% of the shoot was completed by then; I had to recorrect my film for rubbish reasons”

Is Lakshya Lalwani stepping away from Dostana 2? Here’s what we know!

Actor Lakshya Lalwani, who gained attention for his performance in The Ba***ds of Bollywood directed by Aryan Khan and released on Netflix in 2025, may reportedly be stepping away from Dostana 2 following fresh delays in the project.

Lakshya’s journey in the industry has seen several ups and downs. Two of his early high-profile films — Bedhadak, co-starring Shanaya Kapoor and Gurfateh Pirzada, and Dostana 2 — had earlier faced setbacks. The latter, backed by Dharma Productions and directed by Collin D'Cunha, was initially announced with Kartik Aaryan and Janhvi Kapoor in the lead roles.

In 2021, Dharma Productions confirmed that the film would be recast due to “professional circumstances,” after which Kartik exited the project. Despite the changes, Lakshya was expected to remain part of the sequel.

However, according to a recent report by Filmfare, the project has once again been delayed, which could lead to Lakshya’s exit from the film. The report claims that actor Vikrant Massey will continue to be associated with the project even if the cast undergoes changes. A source quoted in the report said, “Dostana 2 is happening for sure but the cast isn't locked as of now.” As of now, there has been no official confirmation regarding Lakshya’s departure.

Earlier, Vikrant Massey had confirmed his involvement in the film during an interaction with Times Now. Speaking about the project, he said, “I'm doing Dostana 2. I'm doing my first Dharma movie. You will see me wearing good designer clothes. Karan sir will make sure that I wear good clothes and those fancy sunglasses. Shooting somewhere in Europe.”

The actor, however, did not reveal the name of the female lead in the upcoming film.

Over the years, Dostana 2 has remained one of the most talked-about projects from Karan Johar’s banner, partly due to the multiple changes surrounding its casting. Earlier reports had also suggested a rift between Johar and Kartik Aaryan, which allegedly contributed to the project being put on hold.

Also Read: Vikrant Massey confirms Dostana 2 with Lakshya, marks his first film with Dharma Productions: “I’m doing my first Dharma movie”

Thamma set for World Television Premiere on Sony MAX on March 21, 2026

Thamma, a genre-bending supernatural romance, reimagines love through an unexpected lens, blending emotion, mystery and mythology into a deeply human story. Flipping the classic Beauty and the Beast trope, the film explores beauty, vulnerability and the idea of the ‘beast’ in a fresh, contemporary way. Don’t miss the world television premiere of Thamma only on Sony MAX on Saturday, March 21, 2026, at 8 PM.

On the occasion of the world television premiere of Thamma on Sony MAX, Director Aditya Sarpotdar shares that he had always wanted to collaborate with Ayushmann Khurrana. “From the very beginning, he was my first and only choice. Ayushmann has an inherent emotional honesty that allows audiences to instantly connect with him, even in the most unconventional worlds. We needed an actor who could ground an out-of-the-world narrative with sincerity and depth, and he does that effortlessly. His ability to make the extraordinary feel relatable made it easy to convince him, and I truly believe he brings a rare warmth and believability to this supernatural romance,” he says.

Ayushmann Khurrana plays Alok Goyal, a city-based journalist whose routine life is upended when he falls in love with Tadaka/Tarika, played by Rashmika Mandanna. Thamma is the fifth installment in the Maddock Horror Comedy Universe, and comes after Stree, Roohi, Bhediya, Munjya and Stree 2. The film was helmed by Munjya director Aditya Sarpotdar and also stars Nawazuddin Siddiqui, Paresh Rawal and Sathyaraj in pivotal roles.

Don’t miss the world television premiere Thamma only on Sony MAX on Saturday, 21st March 2026 at 8 PM.

Also Read: Western Railway earns RECORD Rs. 1.72 cr through film and ad shoots in 2025-26; spokesperson reveals, “Shoojit Sircar FIRST filmmaker to shoot aboard Vande Bharat; John Abraham’s Maria IPS and Ayushmann Khurrana-Sharvari’s Yeh Prem Mol Liya shot on WR premises”

Singer-Composer Leslee Lewis makes Bollywood playback comeback after 26 years

Veteran singer-composer Leslee Lewis is set to make a comeback as a playback singer in Hindi cinema after a gap of 26 years, marking a significant moment in his long musical journey. Known for shaping India’s Indi-pop movement in the 1990s, Lewis is returning with the song Zorr Ka Dhakka, which will mark his re-entry into Bollywood playback singing.

Lewis rose to national fame as part of the iconic duo Colonial Cousins alongside Hariharan. Their fusion of Indian classical and Western pop in the mid-1990s helped redefine the independent music scene in India and earned them international recognition, including the MTV Asia Viewer’s Choice Award and the Billboard Viewer’s Choice Award.

Speaking about his return, Lewis shared his excitement about reconnecting with Bollywood after decades. “I was relevant then and I’m still relevant now,” he said while discussing his comeback and his continued passion for music. He added that singing for a composition by another musician after so many years feels refreshing and gives him the opportunity to explore a different creative process.

Over the years, Lewis has remained active in music through independent projects, composing advertising jingles and working on various albums and collaborations. His contribution to India’s pop and fusion music landscape extends beyond Bollywood, with several successful independent releases and musical experiments. Reflecting on the evolution of the music industry, Lewis noted that while trends may change, the essence of music remains the same. “What keeps you going is authenticity and passion,” he said, emphasising that originality continues to matter in an industry often driven by formulas. With his upcoming playback track, the veteran musician hopes to reconnect with audiences across generations.

Also Read: Leslee Lewis on returning to playback singing in Hindi films after 26 years with ‘Zorr Ka Dhakka’, “It’s exciting to be back, whole track is so cool”; also says he has been putting “zero efforts” to stay relevant for 30 years

Alia Bhatt, Sharvari starrer Alpha locks July 10, 2026 for its theatrical release

The upcoming YRF Spy Universe film Alpha, starring Alia Bhatt and Sharvari, has officially locked its theatrical release date. The much-anticipated spy thriller is scheduled to hit cinemas on July 10, 2026, marking a significant addition to the blockbuster franchise created by Yash Raj Films.

Directed by Shiv Rawail, Alpha is expected to be the first female-led installment in the YRF Spy Universe, which previously delivered major box-office successes with films such as Pathaan and War 2. The film places two women at the centre of a high-octane espionage narrative, expanding the scope of the franchise that has so far largely revolved around male protagonists.

While the makers have kept specific plot details under wraps, the film is described as a gritty, globe-trotting espionage thriller. The narrative reportedly follows Alia Bhatt and Sharvari as elite secret agents undertaking a high-stakes mission. Unlike some of the more stylised entries in the spy franchise, Alpha is said to adopt a rugged and raw aesthetic, focusing on a more grounded and intense depiction of field intelligence operations.

 

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The film also brings together a strong ensemble cast. With Alia, Sharvari leading the narrative, Bobby Deol is set to play the primary antagonist. The actor’s role was previously teased through a brief appearance in the post-credits sequence of War 2. Veteran actor Anil Kapoor will also be seen in the film, portraying Vikrant Kaul, a senior intelligence official within the story’s spy network. Additionally, Hrithik Roshan is expected to make a special appearance, reprising his role as Major Kabir Dhaliwal, further connecting the film with the broader timeline of the YRF Spy Universe.

Behind the scenes, the screenplay has been written by Shridhar Raghavan, who has been associated with several action-driven projects. The film is being mounted on a large scale, with extensive action set pieces and visual effects work forming a key part of its cinematic experience.

Alpha has seen multiple shifts in its release schedule. The film was initially slated for a Christmas 2025 release before being moved to April 17, 2026. The project has now settled on the July 10, 2026 date, allowing the makers additional time to complete its extensive visual effects work.

Addressing speculation surrounding the delay, a YRF spokesperson said the team wanted to ensure the film was presented at its best possible scale, adding that Alpha is being mounted as a major theatrical spectacle and that the studio aims to present it in its most cinematic form.

Also Read: Aditya Chopra makes way for Salman Khan, moves Alpha from April 17th for Battle of Galwan!

Darsheel Safary joins Mohit Raina and Priya Mani in upcoming international film based on a true story

Actor Darsheel Safary has officially joined the cast of an upcoming cross-border international feature film that also stars Mohit Raina and National Award-winning actor Priya Mani. The yet-untitled project is being mounted as a global co-production between Mumbai-based Azure Entertainment and US-based Red Bison Productions.

The film will mark the first on-screen collaboration between Mohit Raina and Priya Mani, bringing together two performers known for their work across both theatrical cinema and streaming platforms. With Darsheel Safary joining the ensemble, the project brings together actors from different cinematic spaces, spanning mainstream films, prestige streaming content, and internationally recognised storytelling formats.

According to the makers, the film is positioned as a premium international project and is expected to be released on a global streaming platform. The story will reportedly explore themes of identity, resilience, and human connection across borders while blending cinematic scale with intimate human drama.

Darsheel Safary, who gained worldwide recognition with his debut performance in Taare Zameen Par, is said to play a key role in the narrative. Sources close to the production indicate that his character will act as an emotional bridge between the Indian and international worlds portrayed in the film, forming a central part of the story’s emotional arc.

Speaking about joining the project, Darsheel Safary shared, “This story moved me deeply. It speaks about courage, vulnerability, and choices that define who we become. I’m grateful to be part of a film that transcends geography and speaks to universal emotions.”

The untitled feature is based on a true story and will follow the emotional journey of an immigrant family navigating questions of identity, belonging, and life beyond the traditional idea of the American Dream. The narrative is described by the makers as intimate yet cinematic, focusing on themes that resonate across cultures and geographies.

The project is written and directed by Harsh Mahadeshwar and is currently in advanced pre-production. Principal photography is scheduled to commence later this year, with the film expected to be shot across multiple international locations. The production will be backed by an international team spanning India and the United States, with the makers aiming to combine high production values with a global distribution strategy.

Azure Entertainment, known for producing films such as Badla, Kesari, and Rocky Handsome, is collaborating with Red Bison Productions to bring the story to the screen. With its cross-border narrative and internationally mounted production, the film aims to appeal to audiences both in India and overseas.

Also Read: Mohit Raina and Priya Mani to star in first Indo-Hollywood collaboration by Azure Entertainment and Red Bison

Priyanka Chopra recalls piercing her belly button in the back of a cab: “I was that quintessential 90s girl”

Priyanka Chopra recently reflected on her early journey from beauty pageants to global stardom. Speaking on the Going Rogue podcast, the actor looked back at her teenage years and how quickly life changed after entering the world of pageants.

Priyanka first stepped into the spotlight when she participated in the Femina Miss India competition as a teenager. She later went on to win the prestigious Miss World 2000 title at the age of 18, a victory that transformed her life and launched her career in the entertainment industry.

Recalling that phase, Priyanka said she had no modelling experience when she entered the pageant and the entire process felt overwhelming for someone so young. The sudden exposure and responsibilities forced her to mature quickly.

Talking about her personal style during those years, Priyanka admitted that she was not particularly fashion-focused growing up. She said, “I wasn’t a fashion girl growing up. I was that quintessential 90s girl.”

She also shared a humorous memory about her love for belly button piercings at the time. Priyanka revealed that she once ended up piercing it again while travelling in a cab. “I loved my belly button ring. I had to get it re-pierced once in the back of a cab,” she recalled.

Looking back, the actor described those years as a time of rapid change and learning. Winning Miss World at such a young age brought global attention and opportunities, but it also required her to grow up quickly and adapt to a new life in the spotlight.

Also Read: Priyanka Chopra calls Kenya shoot with Mahesh Babu for SS Rajamouli’s ‘Varanasi’ a “Crazy Experience”