SCOOP: From Rs. 200 crore to Rs. 30 crore! Toxic suffers BRUTAL OTT reality check after disastrous theatrical run as digital rights remain unsold

The Yash led Toxic has emerged as a disaster of epic proportions, with losses for the makers crossing all barriers. As per industry estimates, the team is looking at a loss of Rs. 300 crores on the gangster drama led by Yash, which is the biggest of all time for a feature film in India.

To add to the issues, the digital rights of Toxic are yet unsold. "The Toxic team had an offer of Rs. 150 crores from a leading platform, but the demand from the team was a lot higher, north of Rs. 200 crores. Yash was confident that the film would do blockbuster business in theatres, and that in turn, would boost the post-theatrical OTT prices to Rs. 200 crore plus. But the results are exactly opposite, as the digital players are now offering an amount as low as Rs. 30 crore for the post-theatrical streaming rights for all languages. The biggest offer has come from Zee 5," a source told Bollywood Hungama in confidence. The satellite recovery is expected to be almost nil owing to the largely adult format of storytelling. "The makers are now contemplating a completely new edit for the digital version, with the hope of fetching a bigger amount than what's on the table. The discussions are underway to figure out a way to reduce the losses, one of which is a new cut for OTT," the source tells us further. Toxic was released on August 26, and has turned out to be a huge disaster with unanimous negative talk. The film opened at Rs. 120 crore in India, and is looking to end its run under Rs. 250 crore, which speaks volumes about the audience wom. Also Read: Toxic’s English release turns EMBARRASSING: Only 450 tickets sold across India; collects a paltry Rs. 1.40 lakhs

Mirzapur: The Movie faces controversy as Rapperiya Baalam alleges his song was used without permission

Mirzapur: The Movie has run into controversy shortly after its theatrical release over the reported use of a song by Rajasthani artist and rapper Rapperiya Baalam. The musician has alleged that his track ‘Shoorveer,’ which was created as a tribute to Maharana Pratap, was used in the film without his permission or credit.

The film released in theatres on Friday, September 4. Rapperiya Baalam subsequently took to Instagram to express his disappointment over the song’s inclusion in a sequence featuring gangsters.

“Today, my heart is broken. Some of you may ask why my heart is broken. You might say I should be happy because my song is in Mirzapur. But the Mirzapur team did not take my permission to use my song. Who gave them the permission? I certainly did not,” he said. Rapperiya Baalam questions use of ‘Shoorveer’ According to the artist, ‘Shoorveer’ was specifically created as a tribute to Maharana Pratap. He questioned the decision to use the song in a sequence that, in his view, presents the film’s gangsters in a glorified manner.

“This song is dedicated to Maharana Pratap ji. We are using this song to glorify the villains in the movie. Is this right?” he said.

Rapperiya Baalam also said he would have been open to collaborating with the team had they approached him directly.

“If the Mirzapur team had approached me and said, 'Rapperiya bhai, we want to use your song,' we would have given them 10 ideas. But taking the song without permission is not right,” he said.

The artist further raised questions about the copyright and licensing process involved in using the track.

“I don't know who gave you these rights or from whom you obtained them. Whoever gave you the rights, I would like you to ask them: Do you have any copyright?” he added.

Artist says he will pursue necessary action

Rapperiya Baalam also described the alleged use of the song as disrespectful towards Rajasthan and Maharana Pratap.

“Why wouldn't it hurt? This is an insult to Rajasthan. It is an insult to Maharana Pratap ji, and we will not be able to tolerate this,” he said.

At the same time, the musician acknowledged that the song’s appearance in the film had led many listeners to reach out to him. He said he received messages from people who recognised the track while watching Mirzapur: The Movie.

“Being the composer and singer of the song, and seeing millions of people listening to it, of course, your enthusiasm brings a lot of messages. Thousands of messages have come to me in DMs saying, 'Brother, your song is in Mirzapur.' But, Mirzapur team, you should have done this properly. You should have spoken to me,” he said.

Rapperiya Baalam concluded by indicating that he would take whatever steps he considers necessary. “Anyway, whatever action needs to be taken will continue,” he said.

 

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As of now, the makers of Mirzapur: The Movie have not publicly responded to the allegations. The film, directed by Gurmeet Singh and written by Puneet Krishna, brings the popular franchise to the big screen following its run as a streaming series.

Also Read: Box Office Estimate Day 3: Mirzapur clocks Rs. 93 crore opening weekend; jumps to Rs. 37 crores on Sunday

Rajniesh Duggal to play Physics Wallah teacher Pankaj Sijairya in upcoming biopic

Actor Rajniesh Duggal has revealed that a biopic on Physics Wallah teacher Pankaj Sijairya is currently in development, with the actor set to portray the educator on screen. The film has been written and will be directed by James A., who was one of Sijairya’s students.

Duggal made the revelation during an Instagram Live conversation with Sijairya, sharing details about the project and the connection between its writer-director and the teacher. The actor also revealed that he had recently finished reading the script.

Speaking about the project, Duggal said, “I have a very interesting surprise for you, Pankaj sir. One of your students has actually written the film and asked me if I would like to play your role in it. So I said 100% that if there is something like this, I would absolutely want to be a part of it. In fact, I finished the script today, and it is written in a very interesting way.”

Sijairya is an Organic Chemistry teacher associated with Physics Wallah, the education platform founded by Alakh Pandey. He has gained a following among students for his teaching style, which combines Chemistry concepts with humour, relatable examples and shayari.

The upcoming project will see Duggal portray Sijairya, with the story being told through the perspective of someone who experienced his teaching first-hand. Esha Talwar has also been cast in the film as the female lead.

The film is currently in development, and further details about its production and release are expected to be announced later.

Also Read: The Wardrobe first poster out: Divya Agarwal and Rajniesh Duggall starrer to release on April 24, 2026

Manoj Bajpayee to play Mahatma Gandhi for the first time in Sudhir Mishra’s next

Manoj Bajpayee is set to portray Mahatma Gandhi on screen for the first time in filmmaker Sudhir Mishra’s upcoming directorial. While details about the project have largely been under wraps, a glimpse of Bajpayee’s look as the freedom movement leader has surfaced online, drawing attention to his transformation.

The image shows Bajpayee with a markedly different look, adopting physical attributes associated with Mahatma Gandhi. The look has sparked online discussion, with viewers commenting on the extent of the transformation and Bajpayee’s attempt to embody the historical figure.

The film is said to be set against a lesser-known 21-day period from India’s independence history. Bajpayee will headline the project alongside Saurabh Shukla, who is also part of the cast in a key role.

The film brings together filmmaker Sudhir Mishra and producer Anubhav Sinha, who is backing the project under his Benaras Mediaworks banner along with Narendra Hirawat. Mishra, known for films including Hazaaron Khwaishein Aisi and Dharavi, is directing the project.

For Bajpayee, the role marks a departure as he takes on the portrayal of one of the most recognisable figures in Indian history. The first glimpse has offered audiences an early look at the actor’s physical transformation, while further details about the film’s storyline and release are awaited.

The project is produced by Anubhav Sinha and Narendra Hirawat under A Benaras Mediaworks Production and presented by NH Studioz.

Also Read: Manoj Bajpayee praises Tukaram Mundhe’s dedication; says, “Honesty makes you a celebrity”

Bigg Boss to premiere across six languages on the SAME NIGHT as franchise marks 20 years

Endemol Shine India, part of Banijay Entertainment, has established itself as one of India’s leading entertainment production houses, consistently delivering blockbuster scripted and non-scripted content across television and digital platforms. Further strengthening its legacy in the reality entertainment space, the production house is all set to bring back one of India’s biggest and most iconic reality franchises, Bigg Boss, this time with a historic twist that promises to redefine the show yet again. The show will be launched simultaneously in six different languages across India, making it the first-of-its-kind reality show to do so.

As Bigg Boss completes 20 glorious years, Endemol Shine India has achieved something truly extraordinary and historic. The production house has made it possible to launch the audience’s favourite reality show across six different languages on the same night. Bigg Boss is already a renowned reality show with editions in multiple languages, each enjoying a massive and loyal fan base.

For the first time, India will watch Bigg Boss together in their own languages, with their favourite hosts appearing on screens simultaneously. Never before in the history of reality television has a single format been launched across multiple languages on the same evening. Moreover, for the first time, all the hosts from the different language editions will appear on screen alongside the Bigg Boss of their respective languages at the same time, creating a truly unprecedented television moment.

While Bigg Boss Hindi is hosted by Salman Khan, Bigg Boss Bangla is hosted by Sourav Ganguly, Bigg Boss Kannada is hosted by Kichcha Sudeep, Bigg Boss Telugu is hosted by Nagarjuna Akkineni, Bigg Boss Tamil is hosted by Vijay Sethupathi and Bigg Boss Malayalam is hosted by Mohanlal.

As Bigg Boss enters its milestone 20th season, Salman Khan returns not only as the host but also as the mentor who will once again take charge during the much-awaited Weekend Ka Vaar episodes. The new season promises fresh contestants, intense rivalries, and entertainment on an even grander scale.

Produced by Endemol Shine India, Bigg Boss Season 20 premieres on September 6, 2026, airing every day at 9:00 PM on JioHotstar and at 10:30 PM on Colors TV, promising viewers a season packed with drama, strategy, emotion, and blockbuster entertainment.

Also Read: Endemol Shine India’s Khatron Ke Khiladi: Darr Ka Naya Daur becomes no. 1 non-fiction launch of 2026

Ahsaas Channa joins Asur 3 alongside Arshad Warsi and Barun Sobti, begins shooting

Actress Ahsaas Channa has joined the cast of the upcoming third season of the crime thriller series Asur. The actress has begun filming for the JioHotstar series and will share screen space with returning cast members including Arshad Warsi, Barun Sobti, Ridhi Dogra, Anupriya Goenka, Vishesh Bansal and Shweta Basu Prasad.

Shooting for Asur 3 is currently underway and is expected to continue until December 2026. The makers are reportedly planning to release the new season on JioHotstar in mid-2027.

Speaking about joining the series, Ahsaas said, “I am beyond thrilled to join Asur 3, especially after being one of the biggest fans of the show. It feels surreal to have this opportunity to work alongside some of the most talented actors, including Arshad Warsi sir, Barun Sobti and Ridhi Dogra. Amongst everything else, I promise that Asur 3 will take the thrill and intensity several notches,”

The first two seasons of Asur were directed by Oni Sen, who is currently associated with Operation Safed Sagar. The upcoming season will be directed by Gaurav Shukla, who previously served as the writer of the first two seasons. Shukla will also produce the third season.

The series, which combines elements of crime, mythology and psychological thriller, has previously followed forensic expert Nikhil Nair, played by Barun Sobti, and CBI officer Dhananjay Rajpoot, played by Arshad Warsi, as they investigate a series of murders linked to a larger mystery.

With Ahsaas Channa now joining the cast, Asur 3 will introduce another addition to the ensemble as the story moves into its next chapter.

Also Read: Birthday Special! 6 times Ahsaas Channa stunned us with her fashion A-game

Lust Stories 3 set for September 18 premiere on Netflix with four new stories!

Lust Stories 3, the third instalment of Netflix’s anthology franchise, is set to premiere on September 18. The new edition brings together filmmakers Vikramaditya Motwane, Kiran Rao, Shakun Batra and Vishal Bhardwaj, who will each present a story centred on relationships, desire and human connection.

Produced by RSVP and Flying Unicorn Entertainment, the anthology features an ensemble cast including Radhika Apte, Konkona Sen Sharma, Aditi Rao Hydari, Radhika Madan, Sana Thampi, Vijay Varma, Abhishek Banerjee, Siddharth, Ali Fazal and Gurfateh Pirzada.

Netflix on the third edition of Lust Stories

Speaking about the anthology’s return, Ruchikaa Kapoor Sheikh, Director, Original Films, Netflix India, said the format allows each instalment to approach similar themes from different perspectives.

“What gives Lust Stories its enduring appeal is its ability to reinvent itself. Each chapter begins with a shared human impulse and arrives at a completely different emotional truth. Here, desire opens a window into power, vulnerability, agency, compromise, and the things people struggle to say aloud,” she said.

She added that the four directors bring different perspectives to the latest edition while allowing viewers to form their own interpretations of the stories.

 

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Ronnie Screwvala, Producer, RSVP, said the anthology has continued to explore changing ideas around relationships and intimacy. “With every edition, Lust Stories has challenged conventions by bringing together exceptional filmmakers to tell deeply human stories. Over the years, the anthology has continued to evolve, reflecting the changing nuances of relationships and the many shades of modern intimacy,” he said.

Screwvala also spoke about Netflix’s association with the franchise and added, “Netflix has been a valued partner in championing the anthology and giving these distinctive stories a global platform.”

Ashi Dua on Lust Stories 3

Producer Ashi Dua said the latest edition brings together different creative approaches while retaining a common focus on relationships.

“What makes Lust Stories special is its ability to bring together unique creative voices while creating a shared emotional experience. Every story in this anthology is different in tone and perspective, yet they are united by their honesty and vulnerability,” she said.

The four stories have been written by a team comprising Kiran Rao, Tanaji Dasgupta, Avinash Sampath, Sumukhi Suresh, Shakun Batra, Sameeha Sabnis, Ashwathi Namboodiri, Nitesh Bhatia, Utkarshini Vashishtha and Vishal Bhardwaj.

Lust Stories 3 will be directed by Vikramaditya Motwane, Kiran Rao, Shakun Batra and Vishal Bhardwaj. The anthology will stream on Netflix from September 18.

Also Read: Ali Fazal returns to romance with Lust Stories 3, calls working with Shakun Batra “Deeply Fulfilling”