Saswata Chatterjee joins Rajkummar Rao starrer Sourav Ganguly biopic Dada: Report

The upcoming film Dada, based on the life of former Indian cricket captain Sourav Ganguly, continues to generate buzz with fresh casting developments emerging from the film’s sets. After the makers officially announced the project earlier this year with Rajkummar Rao stepping into the lead role, the latest reports suggest that acclaimed Bengali actor Saswata Chatterjee has now joined the cast of the highly anticipated biopic.

Best known nationwide for portraying the chilling Bob Biswas in Kahaani, Saswata is reportedly set to essay the role of Sourav Ganguly’s father, Chandi Ganguly, in the film. According to reports, the actor has already joined the ongoing shoot alongside the rest of the cast currently filming in Mumbai. The film’s supporting cast is also gradually taking shape. Reports suggest that Aparajita Auddy and Rahul Dev Bose have come on board to portray Sourav Ganguly’s mother Nirupa Ganguly and brother Snehashish Ganguly respectively.

The ensemble is expected to play an important role in showcasing the personal side of the cricketing icon’s journey beyond the stadium. “All three actors are currently shooting in Mumbai. Dada was present on set during the shoot on Sunday. The production team will shoot in Kolkata from the end of this month”, a source was reported saying to Bombay Times.

The biopic officially went on floors in April this year after Rajkummar Rao confirmed the development on social media. Sharing behind-the-scenes photos, including a glimpse of the film’s clapperboard, the actor had written, “And it begins … The one and only #DADA ?? ???? @souravganguly @motwayne #LuvRanjan @gargankur82 @luv_films”.

 

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The film, directed by Vikramaditya Motwane, is expected to chronicle Sourav Ganguly’s inspiring journey from his early aspirations of becoming a cricketer to eventually leading the Indian national team and transforming Indian cricket during his captaincy era. Apart from focusing on his professional milestones and achievements on the field, the narrative is also expected to explore his personal life, particularly his relationship with wife Dona Ganguly. Meanwhile, reports also suggest that Tanya Maniktala, who gained attention for her performance in Kill, has been finalised to play Dona Ganguly after several Bengali actresses reportedly auditioned for the part.

With filming now progressing steadily and the team preparing for an extensive Kolkata schedule, Dada remains one of the most anticipated sports biopics currently in development.

Also Read: Rajkummar Rao reveals major career shift after becoming father: “I plan to do only two films a year”

Court grants interim relief to Pooja Entertainment in ‘Chunari Chunari’ rights dispute with Tips Music

The ongoing legal dispute between producer Vashu Bhagnani’s Pooja Entertainment and Tips Music has reignited the long-standing debate over ownership of film music rights in the Indian film industry. The controversy erupted after Pooja Entertainment approached the court alleging that Tips recreated the iconic track ‘Chunari Chunari’ for the upcoming film Hai Jawani Toh Ishq Hona Hai without obtaining permission. The song originally featured in Biwi No.1 (1999), produced by Pooja Entertainment. The court has currently granted interim protection in favour of Vashu Bhagnani.

While reacting to the matter on social media, Tips Music insisted that they remain to be “lawful owner” of the music rights and termed the allegations made by Pooja Entertainment as “malicious.” Responding to Tips’ statement, a legal spokesperson representing Vashu Bhagnani said that all music rights, songs, and films referred to in the suit are presently covered under the court’s “status quo” order. The spokesperson further maintained that, at this stage, the issue of lawful ownership or the validity of agreements cannot be determined as the matter is now under the jurisdiction of the court.

The spokesperson also stated that actors, filmmaker David Dhawan, producers, technicians, and everyone associated with the matter may be required to appear before the court and submit their responses, failing which they could face contempt proceedings.

Calling the interim relief a significant development, the spokesperson described it as a win for film producers and said that producers across the industry should unite to safeguard their rights. According to the statement, music companies have generated massive revenues over the years from rights and investments that originally belonged to producers, making it important for producers to collectively assert their claims. The spokesperson added that this interim order is only the beginning and expressed hope that complete justice would eventually be delivered.

Hai Jawani Toh Ishq Hona Hai stars Varun Dhawan, Mrunal Thakur and Pooja Hegde in lead roles.

Also Read: Puja Entertainment court order seen as landmark moment for producer rights; protection of film IP and legacy rights takes centre stage

EXCLUSIVE: Marathi film Deool Band 2 set for a HUGE start; sells 25,000 + tickets; popular series has a UNIQUE connection with Drishyam franchise

Marathi cinema had a tough time in 2025, but in 2026, it is expected to set new records. Krantijyoti Vidyalay Marathi Madhyam, which released on the first day of the year, collected around Rs. 25 crores. Raja Shivaji continues to remain strong, collecting Rs. 93.10 crores in 18 days and marching towards the Rs. 100 crore mark. And now, another film, Deool Band 2, is all set to surprise. The devotional cum drama film releases in cinemas tomorrow, that is, Thursday, May 21 and is set for a huge opening.

As per the data accessed by Bollywood Hungama, Deool Band 2 has sold more than 25,000 tickets. Despite the film releasing on a non-holiday Thursday, several shows in cities like Mumbai and Pune are already fast-filling. The latter, it seems, is ahead of Mumbai and is driving the collections. City Pride, which has 7 cinemas in Pune, has sold more tickets than PVR Inox. MovieMax opened bookings for Deool Band 2 around 12 noon on Wednesday and within 4 hours, it sold 400 tickets, which is quite a feat.

Deool Band 2 will have a strong weekend, if reports are in its favour. It now remains to be seen if post-midnight and early morning shows are organized by cinemas to cater to the demand on Saturday and Sunday.

Like Deool Band’s first part, Deool Band 2 also stars Mohan Joshi in the role of revered saint Swami Samartha. Deool Band appealed to millions of Swami Samartha’s devotees and moviegoers in general due to its premise, science vs spirituality angle, Mohan Joshi’s terrific portrayal and Pravin Tarde's mass-appealing direction. Deool Band 2 is a spiritual sequel and besides Mohan Joshi, it stars Mahesh Manjrekar, Snehal Tarde, Pravin Tarde, Prasad Oak, Om Bhutkar and others.

Interestingly, the Deool Band series has a fascinating Drishyam connection. The first part was released on July 31, 2015 – the same day as the release of the Hindi remake, Drishyam. And now, Deool Band 2 releases on the same day as the release of Drishyam 3’s Malayalam version.

Drishyam 3 is also set for a record start. The other major release of the week is Chand Mera Dil, starring Lakshya and Ananya Panday. The film is expected to fetch a good start at the box office, thanks to the reduced-price offer. In short, it’ll be a healthy weekend for the industry and exhibitors.

Also Read: He-Man and the Masters of the Universe Hindi trailer: Jaaved Jaaferi brings Skeletor to life, Meezaan Jafri powers up as He-Man

Sonu Nigam sells five Karjat land parcels for Rs 95 lakhs: Report

Playback singer Sonu Nigam has sold 1.067 hectares of land in Karjat, part of the emerging Mumbai 3.0 development corridor, for a total consideration of Rs 95 lakhs, according to property registration documents accessed by CRE Matrix and reported by Hindustan Times.

The recent transactions involve five adjoining land parcels located in Savele village of Karjat. Collectively spread across approximately 1.067 hectares, the land parcels were sold through multiple deals registered on May 12, 2026. Documents reveal that a stamp duty of Rs 5.7 lakhs was paid for the transactions.

As per the registration papers, one land parcel measuring 0.21 hectare was purchased by a group of four individuals for Rs 20 lakhs. Another adjoining plot measuring 0.215 hectare was acquired by two homebuyers for the same amount.

In a separate transaction, a 0.225-hectare parcel was sold to an individual buyer for Rs 20 lakhs. Meanwhile, another 0.20-hectare plot was purchased by two individuals for Rs 17 lakhs. The fifth parcel, measuring 0.217 hectare, was sold for Rs 18 lakhs.

Neither Sonu Nigam nor the buyers have publicly commented on the transactions so far.

Interestingly, this is the second set of land deals involving the singer in Karjat within a short span. In April 2026, Sonu Nigam sold multiple land parcels in the same region totalling over 1.9 hectares for ₹1.95 crore. Those transactions were registered on April 7, 2026, and reportedly involved four separate buyers.

According to the documents, the first parcel measuring 0.405 hectares was sold for Rs 50 lakhs, while another 0.718-hectare plot fetched Rs 75 lakhs. A third parcel spread across 0.607 hectares was sold for Rs 50 lakhs, while the fourth transaction involved a 0.208-hectare plot valued at Rs 20 lakhs. A stamp duty of Rs 11.70 lakhs was reportedly paid for those deals.

Apart from these sales, the Nigam family has also remained active in Mumbai’s real estate market. Earlier this year in February, Sonu Nigam’s father, Agam Kumar Nigam, purchased a 1,197 sq m property in Madh Island, Mumbai, for Rs 10 crores. The acquisition reportedly included a ground-plus-one-floor residential and commercial structure.

In 2025, Sonu Nigam was also in the news for leasing a commercial property in Mumbai’s Santacruz East for a five-year period at a total rental value exceeding Rs 12.61 crores.

Also Read: EXCLUSIVE: Sonu Nigam-Sunidhi Chauhan reunite after 8 years for Daadi Ki Shaadi: “It felt like no time has passed at all”

Ahaan Panday to shoot energetic dance number in Manchester for Ali Abbas Zafar film? Here’s what we know!

Ahaan Panday is reportedly set to showcase his dancing skills for the first time on the big screen in his upcoming untitled film with director Ali Abbas Zafar. After creating a strong fan following with Saiyaara, the young actor is now expected to step into a more commercial and larger-than-life space with an energetic dance number planned as part of the action entertainer.

While many expected Mohit Suri’s Saiyaara to introduce Ahaan in a more conventional Bollywood hero format, complete with dance and music, the filmmaker instead presented him in an intense and emotionally layered avatar. The film turned Ahaan into an overnight Gen Z sensation, with audiences particularly connecting to his romantic and emotionally vulnerable character.

Now, industry buzz suggests that Yash Raj Films and Ali Abbas Zafar are planning to unveil a completely different side of the actor in his second film. According to sources, a special dance sequence is being planned in Manchester, UK, where a major portion of the film is currently being shot.

“This will be the first time that Ahaan will be seen dancing on the big screen, and we expect this to be a spectacularly special moment. A four-day shoot is being planned to shoot Ahaan singing and dancing just like the stars we have all seen doing for all these years,” a source revealed.

The source further added that the makers want to present Ahaan in a full-fledged star avatar. “The sequence will show Ahaan in his effortless best, and that’s how Aditya Chopra and Ali Abbas Zafar want to present him onscreen.”

Reports also suggest that Ahaan will rehearse for the song during breaks in the UK shooting schedule before filming the track toward the end of the international leg. The makers are reportedly looking to create a song with viral appeal among younger audiences, with plans to finalise a leading choreographer soon.

Also Read: Mithoon reunites with Mohit Suri for the next Ahaan Panday – Aneet Padda starrer; composer begins work on intense love story

Rhea Chakraborty announces social media break, says “I’ve been missing myself a little”

Rhea Chakraborty has announced that she is taking a temporary break from social media, saying the constant digital noise had started affecting her mental well-being. The actor shared an emotional note on Instagram, explaining that she wanted to step away from the pressure of online life and reconnect with herself through real-world experiences.

In the note shared with her 3.6 million followers, Rhea wrote, “Lately, I’ve been missing myself a little. The constant noise, the scrolling, the keeping up — it’s all started to feel heavier than I expected... So, I’m taking a step back for a while — to slow down, breathe a little deeper, and reconnect with what feels real. Choosing lived moments over posted ones, for now.”

The actress has been slowly rebuilding both her personal and professional life after facing intense media scrutiny in 2020 following the death of actor Sushant Singh Rajput. Over the years, Rhea has largely stayed away from the spotlight while gradually returning to public life through selective appearances and projects.

On the professional front, Rhea is now preparing for a major acting comeback. She has been cast in filmmaker Hansal Mehta’s upcoming Netflix drama series Family Business. The show also stars Anil Kapoor, Vijay Varma, Neha Dhupia, and Dhruv Sehgal in key roles. The project marks her return to a significant acting role after several years, with her last feature film appearance being in the 2021 thriller Chehre alongside Amitabh Bachchan.

 

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Meanwhile, Rhea also recently received legal relief after a special court ordered the defreezing of her bank accounts. The Narcotics Control Bureau had frozen the accounts during the investigation linked to Sushant Singh Rajput’s death in 2020. According to reports, the court accepted her plea that keeping the accounts frozen for years had caused financial hardship and was no longer justified.

Also Read: EXCLUSIVE: “Whenever Rhea Chakraborty is proven innocent, will all these news channels publicly apologise?”- Saqib Saleem

BREAKING: Ram Charan starrer Peddi, Masters Of The Universe to release in IMAX

The trailer of the much awaited film Peddi, starring Ram Charan, Janhvi Kapoor and Divyenndu, was unveiled yesterday in a grand fashion in Mumbai. The trailer makes it clear that it's a grand film for the big screen. Fans of Ram Charan will be excited to know that the massy entertainer will be released in the IMAX version.

This was revealed by Preetham Daniel, IMAX Vice President for India, SE Asia, Korea, Australia, and New Zealand. On the morning of May 19, he confirmed on his X (formerly Twitter) account that Peddi will be releasing in the IMAX version.

Peddi releases worldwide on June 4. A day later, another exciting film, Masters Of The Universe, will be released in cinemas. Bollywood Hungama has learned that the Hollywood film, featuring Nicholas Galitzine as He-Man, will be releasing in IMAX. Hence, expect two mass-appealing films, of diverse genres and film industry, on the giant premium format in the first week of June.

Peddi is directed by Buchi Babu Sana, music is composed by A R Rahman, produced by Venkata Satish Kilaru and co-produced by Ishan Saksena under his banner IVY Entertainment.

Meanwhile, Masters Of The Universe is directed by Travis Knight is backed by Amazon MGM Studios and directed by Travis Knight, He-Man and The Masters of the Universe stars Nicholas Galitzine as Prince Adam, Camila Mendes as Teela, and Jared Leto as Skeletor, with Man-At-Arms played by Idris Elba. The film also features Alison Brie, Morena Baccarin, and Kristen Wiig as the voice of Roboto. It will be released by Sony Pictures Releasing International.

Also Read: From V Shantaram’s juggernaut Pinjara, Ashi Hi Banwa Banwi’s Rs. 3 cr milestone to Sairat’s HISTORIC craze and Raja Shivaji’s Rs. 90 cr+ feat: Tracing Marathi cinema’s BLOCKBUSTER evolution