Himesh Reshammiya confirms plans to turn director: “It would collect Rs. 100 cr on day of release!”; wishes to become a superstar actor: “Amitabh Bachchan’s 13th film was a hit; I have done 12 films until now...”

Himesh Reshammiya recently had a conversation with Komal Nahta, during which he opened up about his plans to turn director. He also made it clear that he intends to continue acting regularly and is determined to become a superstar actor. Interestingly, he revealed that he already has scripts ready for his directorial debut.

Himesh Reshammiya was asked, “Can we see a film that mentions ‘Directed by Himesh Reshammiya’ in the future?” Himesh replied, “100% you’ll see that. When I used to produce serials, I used to be asked, ‘Will you ever turn music director?’ Today, when I have achieved so much in the field of music and films, I do want to try my hand at direction. However, my vision is very definite for my directorial venture in terms of scale, emotional connect and beautiful songs. I am very clear about these aspects.”

When asked if his directorial debut would be a musical romance, Himesh Reshammiya answered, “I have 2-3 ideas. The scripts are ready and they are blockbusters. The music in my directorial venture would be such that it would fetch Rs. 100 crore on the day of release! I am very sure of that.”

He was also asked if he had any unfulfilled wishes. Himesh Reshammiya confessed, “I want to become a superstar actor. Mujhe banna hi hai aur banoonga bhi. Yeh toh hona hi hai, aaj nahin toh kal. Amitabh Bachchan’s 13th film was a hit. I have done 12 films until now. So, my thirteenth film would be a blockbuster!”

Also Read: “Deepika Padukone is IRREPLACEABLE; I LOVE Sandeep Reddy Vanga; Salman Khan, Akshay Kumar are musically conscious” – Himesh Reshammiya

SCOOP: Shah Rukh Khan PERSONALLY called Aditya Chopra before shifting King’s overseas distribution to Phars Films; YRF head honcho gives his blessings

A few days ago, news emerged that Phars Films had acquired the international distribution rights to Shah Rukh Khan’s much-awaited film, King. Interestingly, Yash Raj Films (YRF) was originally supposed to distribute the film in international markets. Bollywood Hungama has now learned that Shah Rukh Khan personally spoke to YRF head honcho Aditya Chopra before going ahead with the deal with Phars Films.

A source from Shah Rukh Khan’s team told Bollywood Hungama, “Shah Rukh Khan shares a very close relationship with Aditya Chopra. He starred in Adi’s directorial debut, Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge (1995), which, as we all know, was a historic blockbuster and continues to run at Mumbai’s Maratha Mandir. He also worked in several other memorable YRF films and shared a wonderful bond with Aditya Chopra’s late father, the legendary filmmaker Yash Chopra. Hence, SRK decided to personally call Aditya Chopra and explain the situation.”

The source continued, “Both had a lovely conversation. Aditya Chopra completely understood Shah Rukh Khan’s point of view and readily agreed to part with King’s overseas distribution rights. He wished SRK all the best for King and told him that he was eagerly looking forward to watching the film this Christmas.”

This development comes amid several interesting changes surrounding King. A few days ago, Bollywood Hungama reported that Anirudh Ravichander, who has earned a massive following for his electrifying background scores, had amicably parted ways with the film owing to his packed schedule. Before his exit, however, he handed over the theme track of King to Shah Rukh Khan as a mark of respect for the superstar. Meanwhile, composer duo Sachin-Jigar will reimagine the track and use it as the foundation for the film’s background score.

Bollywood Hungama had also informed readers that T-Series has secured the exclusive global commercial music rights to King for a period of 50 years. The agreement, as revealed through details shared by the music company, was facilitated by Red Chillies Entertainment through Zee Music Company.

Besides Shah Rukh Khan, King also stars Deepika Padukone, Rani Mukerji, Abhishek Bachchan, Jaideep Ahlawat, Anil Kapoor and several others. Meanwhile, an exciting promotional asset from the film is expected to be unveiled tomorrow, November 2, coinciding with Shah Rukh Khan’s 61st birthday.

Also Read: Shah Rukh Khan birthday surprise: Is Siddharth Anand planning a midnight teaser reveal for KING on November 2?

R Madhavan reunites with horror genre after 13B and Shaitaan; joins hands with Vishal Furia

R Madhavan is set to return to the horror genre with an untitled feature film directed by Vishal Furia. The collaboration brings together the actor, known for his performances in films such as 13B and Shaitaan, and a filmmaker who has worked across several horror projects, including Lapachhapi, Chhorii and Maa.

Madhavan’s association with horror dates back to 13B, which developed a cult following for its unsettling premise. He later appeared in Shaitaan, further adding to his filmography in the genre. Over the years, the actor has also worked across a range of roles and languages, with credits including Rehnaa Hai Terre Dil Mein, Tanu Weds Manu, 3 Idiots, Vikram Vedha and Rocketry: The Nambi Effect. He was also recently seen in Dhurandhar.

Furia, meanwhile, has established a presence in the horror space, beginning with the Marathi film Lapachhapi and subsequently developing the Chhorii franchise. His recent directorial work includes Maa, in which Madhavan made a surprise cameo. The upcoming project marks their first collaboration as actor and director on a feature film.

Speaking about casting Madhavan, Furia said, “Madhavan sir was always my first and only choice. I’m stoked that he has come on board and has already started getting into the world of the film. He is the true OG horror star of the cult classic Indian horror '13B' - one of my favourite films of all times. His conviction, his experience and his understanding of serious horror are very rare, and I couldn’t think of anyone better for this film,” he said.

The filmmaker also spoke about the creative direction he hopes to explore with the actor. “Madhavan sir has years of experience as a writer, director and producer, so it’s really special to have him with us on this film. Together, we want to create something audiences have never seen before in Indian horror - the kind of fear they will feel in their bones! (smiles)”

The film will be produced by Rohit Ranjan under the banner of Frostlit Production Limited. Further details about the project, including its title, supporting cast and release timeline, have not yet been announced.

Also Read: R. Madhavan set to host Game Changers featuring startup founders and global investors; details inside!

Naagzilla producers take legal action over alleged Rs. 3.92 crores misappropriation; Mumbai court rejects anticipatory bail pleas of 3 production executives

The makers of Naagzilla, starring Kartik Aaryan, have initiated legal action over alleged financial irregularities during the film’s production, with three production executives accused of misappropriating more than Rs. 3.92 crores. In the latest development, a Mumbai sessions court has rejected the anticipatory bail applications filed by the three accused, observing that there was prima facie material indicating their involvement in the case.

According to a PTI report, Additional Sessions Judge M Mohiuddin of the Dindoshi court also noted that custodial interrogation was necessary for a detailed investigation into the alleged financial irregularities. The accused have been identified as Kuldeep Singh Champawat (47), who was working as a consultant and signing authority; Mahipal Karan Rathore (42), a service provider and executive producer; and Shivkumar Tiwari (45), who was appointed as the line producer.

The complaint was filed by Tukaram Mahadev Sawant, an accountant with Mahaveer Jain Films Pvt. Ltd. According to the complaint, Mahaveer Jain Films had entered into an agreement with Dharma Productions on October 30 last year to produce Naagzilla with a budget of Rs. 82.50 crores.

As part of the production arrangements, Champawat was approached to handle the film’s production work. He subsequently recommended Rathore as a service provider, while Tiwari was brought on board as the line producer. Tiwari was responsible for appointing vendors for various production requirements, including vehicles, makeup and junior artistes.

The prosecution has alleged that the three executives worked together to bypass the production company’s standard operating procedures and incurred expenses amounting to Rs. 3,92,76,308 without providing the necessary bills or supporting documents. The complaint also refers to alleged inflated vendor bills and fabricated invoices.

Further, the investigating officer reportedly informed the court that the accused had allegedly demanded commissions and expensive items from vendors in exchange for awarding them work and clearing payments. These allegations form part of the investigation, and the accused have not been convicted.

The court’s rejection of their anticipatory bail pleas marks a significant development in the case, which concerns alleged financial misconduct during a major film production.

Naagzilla: Naag Lok Ka Pehla Kaand is a fantasy-adventure comedy directed by Mrighdeep Singh Lamba and written by Gautam Mehra. The film features Kartik Aaryan in the lead role as an ichchhadhari naag and also stars Preity Mukhundhan. Produced by Dharma Productions and Mahaveer Jain Films, the film is scheduled to release in cinemas on February 12, 2027.

Also Read: EXCLUSIVE: Kartik Aaryan-starrer Naagzilla wraps shoot on a sweet note; Ravi Kishan and team celebrate as Mahaveer Jain, Mrighdeep Singh Lamba say, “Dharma is the BEST company to partner with”

After Krishnavataram, Hardik Gajjar announces Tana Riri and Ajay Abhimanyu ki Mahabharat; films set for 2027 and 2028 releases

Filmmaker Hardik Gajjar has announced two upcoming projects following Krishnavataram. The director is set to explore Gujarat's folklore with Tana Riri and revisit an important chapter from the Mahabharata with Ajay Abhimanyu ki Mahabharat. The two films are scheduled to release in October 2027 and June 2028, respectively.

Gajjar reunites with Krishnavataram actor Sanskruti Jayana for Tana Riri, which draws from the story of the twin sisters Tana and Riri. Rooted in 16th-century Gujarat, the film will explore the lives of the sisters from Vadnagar, who are remembered for their musical abilities and their association with the region's cultural history.

The first poster of the film offers a glimpse of the period setting, featuring the twin sisters walking through the gates of a kingdom. The project aims to bring their story and its connection with Indian classical music to the big screen. Hardik Gajjar to bring Abhimanyu's story to the big screen Alongside Tana Riri, Gajjar is also developing Ajay Abhimanyu ki Mahabharat, a cinematic retelling centred on Abhimanyu, one of the prominent warriors from the Hindu epic.

 

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Known for his courage and sacrifice during the Kurukshetra war, Abhimanyu's story remains one of the significant episodes in the Mahabharata. The upcoming film will revisit his journey and the events associated with his role in the epic.

 

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Both projects are directed by Hardik Gajjar and produced by Athashrikatha Motion Pictures LLP. While Tana Riri is scheduled to arrive in cinemas in October 2027, Ajay Abhimanyu ki Mahabharat is slated for a June 2028 release.

With these announcements, Gajjar has two projects in the pipeline that draw from different aspects of India's storytelling traditions, one rooted in Gujarat's cultural history and the other in the Mahabharata.

Also Read: Pratik Gandhi’s next is a Gujarati romantic comedy directed by Hardik Gajjar

From Zoya Hussain in Hunkkaar 2 to Chandan Roy Sanyal in Aashram 4: 5 OTT characters we want to see return

A successful OTT show often leaves audiences invested in its characters long after the season ends. While new seasons bring fresh storylines and conflicts, the return of familiar characters is equally important, particularly when their journeys have unfinished arcs.

Several Indian web series are expected to return with new seasons, allowing their established characters to explore different sides of their personalities. From Zoya Hussain’s Shivani in Hunkkaar: The Roar to Chandan Roy Sanyal’s Bhopa Swami in Aashram, here are five characters whose next chapters we are looking forward to. 1. Zoya Hussain as Shivani in Hunkkaar: The Roar 2 Zoya Hussain’s Shivani could have an important role to play in the next chapter of Hunkkaar: The Roar. The first season ends with Guruji, the influential spiritual leader, being sent to jail. Shivani, who is his daughter, is now positioned at an interesting point in the story.

With her father behind bars, questions remain about what she will do next. Will she take responsibility for his empire and continue his legacy, or distance herself from his influence? Her decisions could introduce a new dimension to the show's exploration of power, influence and family dynamics. 2. Avinash Dwivedi as Kuber Tripathi in Dupahiya 3 Avinash Dwivedi’s Kuber Tripathi is among the characters audiences can look forward to revisiting in Dupahiya 2. Set in the fictional village of Dhadakpur, the series combines small-town humour with wedding-related complications and village politics.

Kuber's interactions with the other residents contribute to the show's ensemble-driven storytelling. With the second season bringing the characters back, his relationships and involvement in the village's everyday chaos could offer more opportunities for humour. 3. Bhuvan Arora as Firoz in Farzi 2 Bhuvan Arora’s Firoz is an important part of Farzi, particularly because of his partnership with Sunny, played by Shahid Kapoor. The two are involved in the counterfeit currency business, with their friendship forming an important part of the crime thriller.

Firoz's easygoing personality and chemistry with Sunny provide moments of humour amid the show's tense narrative. With the second season expected to take their story forward, it will be interesting to see how their partnership evolves as the risks associated with their business increase. 4. Chandan Roy Sanyal as Bhopa Swami in Aashram Season 4 Chandan Roy Sanyal’s Bhopa Swami has remained an important character in Aashram. As Baba Nirala's trusted aide, Bhopa is known for his loyalty, ambition and ability to navigate situations involving power and manipulation.

His relationship with Baba Nirala has been central to several developments in the series. With another season on the way, Bhopa's position within the ashram and his equation with his master offer room for further conflict. Whether he continues to stand by Baba Nirala or begins prioritising his own interests remains an interesting possibility. 5. Akansha Ranjan Kapoor as Dr Gargi in Gram Chikitsalay Season 3 Akansha Ranjan Kapoor’s Dr Gargi brings a different perspective to this list. In Gram Chikitsalay, her character navigates the challenges of working in a rural healthcare setting, offering a look at the realities of medical practice beyond urban hospitals.

The series explores the everyday difficulties faced by healthcare professionals in smaller communities. With the next season, Dr Gargi's professional journey and her adjustment to rural life could be explored further. Her interactions with the people around her also leave room for new developments.

As these shows prepare to revisit familiar worlds, the return of these characters could give audiences a chance to see how their journeys have progressed. Whether through new conflicts, changing relationships or unfinished storylines, there is plenty of scope for these performances to find another chapter.

Also Read: The Meme Effect: When scenes from OTT shows take over the internet

HUGEL to bring 'Make The Girls Dance' to India for first time, New Delhi to host exclusive edition; deets inside!

International DJ and producer HUGEL is set to bring his music IP 'Make The Girls Dance' to India for the first time. The New Delhi edition will take place on December 26, 2026, as part of his six-city India tour, with the capital hosting the only edition of the concept on the tour.

The event is being brought to India by Soundsimplify and presented by White Fox Labs. The Delhi show will feature stage design, lighting and visual elements alongside HUGEL's Afro House and Latin House sets. HUGEL is known for tracks including 'I Adore You,' 'Jamaican' (Bam Bam) and 'Moving to the Sun.' His 'Make The Girls Dance' concept combines his music with a larger production built around visuals and stage design. Studio Majime to work on Delhi edition For the New Delhi show, White Fox Labs will collaborate with Dubai-based creative design studio Studio Majime. The studio will work on the creative direction, stage design, visual identity and marketing for the event, adapting the concept for the Indian audience. The venue will feature a multi-level layout, along with VIP sections, backstage access and a dedicated food and beverage area for VIP guests.

Speaking about the event, Aman Kumar, Co-founder of Whitefox and AVA Experience, said, “At Whitefox, we wanted to bring something truly special to India with HUGEL’s globally celebrated ‘Make The Girls Dance’ experience. This will be much more than a conventional DJ performance, with HUGEL bringing together multiple DJs for an immersive, high-energy musical experience complemented by world-class stage design and production. Making New Delhi the exclusive destination for this IP on the six-city India tour allows us to create something distinctive for audiences, combining international music, spectacular visuals and an atmosphere that promises to be unforgettable.” HUGEL's Make The Girls Dance India debut Tickets for the New Delhi event are available through Thumpn across three categories. General Admission tickets start at Rs 3,000, while the Backstage Experience starts at Rs 12,000 and the Premium VIP Experience starts at Rs 30,000.

The New Delhi event is scheduled for December 26, 2026. It will mark the first Indian edition of HUGEL's 'Make The Girls Dance' concept.

Also Read: The Yellow Diary announces biggest-ever India tour, to perform across 15 cities with In Case We Forget live show