CineNow appoints Siddharth Roy Kapur as Principal Advisor amid Rs 1,350 crores Film IP investment push

CineNow, the pioneering film and entertainment investment platform, today announced that acclaimed media entrepreneur, producer and industry leader Siddharth Roy Kapur has associated with the company as Principal Advisor to the Founding Team.

As CineNow advances its Rs 1,350-crores structured Film IP investment platform, Siddharth Roy Kapur will provide strategic guidance on content investment opportunities, industry partnerships, platform expansion and long-term value creation. His association with CineNow marks an important milestone in the company’s journey to establish film and content intellectual property as a credible institutional asset class while building the financial infrastructure for the next phase of growth in India’s entertainment industry.

Commenting on the development, Rohit Dalmia, Chairman and Managing Director, CineNow, said: "India’s media and entertainment industry is entering a defining decade. Consumption has scaled dramatically, content is increasingly becoming a global asset, and intellectual property is emerging as one of the most valuable forms of long-term value creation. However, the financial infrastructure around content remains underdeveloped. CineNow was created to bridge that gap by bringing transparency, governance, institutional capital and disciplined investment frameworks to the sector."

He further added, "We are privileged to have Siddharth Roy Kapur associated with CineNow as Principal Advisor to our Founding Team. His unparalleled experience across content creation, studio leadership and media entrepreneurship, combined with his deep understanding of audience behaviour and industry evolution, makes him one of the most respected voices in Indian entertainment. His strategic counsel will be invaluable as we continue building India’s most credible platform for entertainment investments."

Speaking on his association with CineNow, Siddharth Roy Kapur said: "The Indian entertainment industry is witnessing unprecedented growth, driven by expanding audiences, multiple distribution platforms and the increasing strategic importance of intellectual property. As the sector matures, innovative and well-governed capital solutions will play an important role in unlocking its next phase of growth. CineNow is building a unique platform at the intersection of content, capital and technology, and I am pleased to support the Founding Team as Principal Advisor and contribute to the company’s long-term vision."

Siddharth Roy Kapur brings decades of leadership experience across content creation, studio management and media entrepreneurship. Widely recognised for building and backing some of India’s most successful entertainment ventures, he is regarded as one of the foremost leaders in India’s media and entertainment industry. His insights into content economics, audience evolution and industry transformation will help guide CineNow’s strategic thinking as the company expands its engagement with creators, producers, investors and rights holders.

Also Read: Siddharth Roy Kapur credits Nagraj Manjule for Matka King’s authentic period detailing

SS Rajamouli set to shoot Varanasi battle sequence featuring 3500 junior artists in Hyderabad: Report

Acclaimed filmmaker SS Rajamouli is gearing up to resume shooting for Varanasi, starring Mahesh Babu, Priyanka Chopra Jonas and Prithviraj Sukumaran. As per the latest buzz, the production is scheduled to intensify starting July 7 in Hyderabad. The upcoming schedule will focus on filming one of the most demanding and significant segments of the movie: a massive war set-piece.

Hyderabad set to host a Varanasi battle sequence According to a report by Mid-Day, the scale of this specific sequence is completely unprecedented, surpassing even the grand standards previously established by Rajamouli. The sequence will feature the film's leading man, Mahesh Babu, alongside a massive crowd of 3,500 junior artists. Preparations for this complex shoot have already been underway for several weeks to ensure everything runs smoothly.

The reports of resuming the shoot come after the filmmaker captivated global audiences at La Cinémathèque Française in Paris. On June 27, he showcased the very first glimpse of the highly anticipated film. The exclusive preview of Varanasi marked the movie's debut presentation to a European audience, earning widespread applause and raising anticipation to new heights.

 

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Digital expansion to create an epic Vanar army While the physical shoot involving thousands of performers is a massive undertaking, it is only the foundation for what will eventually appear on the big screen. The report stated that the true ambition of the sequence will be realized during post-production.

The thousands of live-action performers filmed on set will be digitally expanded using advanced visual effects. Through VFX technology, the on-screen army will be multiplied significantly to create a battle of epic proportions. The production team aims to deliver one of the largest battle spectacles ever attempted in the history of Indian cinema, with plans to showcase an astonishing 50,000 vanars on screen simultaneously.

Varanasi is being shaped as a grand mythological action epic. The narrative explores the thrilling adventures of its protagonist as he travels across different timelines. Alongside Mahesh Babu, the film features a stellar ensemble cast including Priyanka Chopra and Prithviraj in pivotal roles. Audiences will have to wait a bit longer to see the final visual spectacle, as the movie is currently slated to hit theatres in April 2027.

Also Read: S.S. Rajamouli shares Varanasi update: “We have completed major portions, all the important big spectacle action sequences are done”

Yash Raj Films partners with Rusk Media to develop next-generation digital entertainment IP

On June 29, 2026, Yash Raj Films (YRF) announced a strategic investment in Rusk Media, one of India’s leading digital-first entertainment companies that specialises in original vertical storytelling IPs for Gen Z and Gen Alpha audiences. The investment backs Rusk Media’s vision to build the next generation of enduring digital IP for India and the world.

Under the partnership, YRF will oversee the creative direction of original animation and vertical micro-drama IP, while Rusk Media will produce and distribute the content through its proprietary Alright! TV platform and global digital channels.

The collaboration aims at fuelling YRF & Rusk Media’s shared ambition of establishing India as a creative force in the vertical entertainment economy through original IPs across animation and vertical micro-drama, distributed across Rusk Media’s proprietary Alright! TV platform and global digital channels.

Akshaye Widhani, CEO, Yash Raj Films, said: “The instinct to evolve has always been central to YRF’s DNA. Platforms are infrastructure, content and IP are culture. Mayank and his team at Rusk Media have built a deep understanding of how the next generation discovers and inhabits stories, and that is exactly the kind of vision we want to invest in . Together, the aspiration is to build worlds, not just content.”

Mayank Yadav, Co-Founder and CEO, Rusk Media, said: “Vertical entertainment in India has produced extraordinary reach, but not the enduring IP that defines a category. That is the gap this collaboration is designed to close. We bring a native understanding of how digitally native audiences discover and build community around content, and with YRF’s backing, we are building for longevity, not the algorithm.”

As the boundaries between cinema, digital, and mobile entertainment continue to dissolve, the franchises that will define the next decade will be those built with both creative depth and digital fluency, and Rusk Media is building for exactly that future. ‎

Also Read: Yash Raj Films Box Office Report Card 2025: Rs. 522.91 cr. India nett, $29.18M overseas and Rs. 882.45 cr. worldwide – Saiyaara saves the scorecard while War 2 turns spoiler

Shraddha Kapoor's Eetha sparks title row: NCP and Vithabai Narayangaonkar's family seek title change

Shraddha Kapoor's upcoming film Eetha has landed in controversy even before its theatrical release. While the recently unveiled teaser drew appreciation for the actress's transformation into legendary Lavani and Tamasha artist Vithabai Narayangaonkar, the film's title has now become the subject of criticism.

After the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) questioned why the biographical drama was not named after Vithabai Narayangaonkar, members of the late folk icon's family have also urged the makers to reconsider the title and rename the film in her honour. NCP questions the choice of title According to a report by TV9 Marathi, the NCP's Film and Cultural Department has objected to the title Eetha, arguing that a film based on the life of Vithabai Narayangaonkar should carry her name. The party has suggested that titles such as Vitha or Vithabai would be more appropriate and would acknowledge her immense contribution to Maharashtra's Lavani and Tamasha traditions.

Babasaheb Patil, Maharashtra State President of the NCP's Film and Cultural Department, reportedly said the organisation considers it its responsibility to preserve and honour Vithabai's legacy. He questioned why the filmmakers chose not to name the biopic after the celebrated artist despite her lasting impact on Maharashtra's folk art. Vithabai Narayangaonkar's family backs the demand The demand has now found support within Vithabai Narayangaonkar's family. As per the report, her sons Kailash and Rajesh Narayangaonkar, along with her grandson Mohit Narayangaonkar, have expressed disappointment over the title and appealed to the makers to change it.

For the family, the concern extends beyond the name of the film. They believe a biopic celebrating Vithabai's extraordinary life and achievements should bear her name so that future generations continue to recognise the woman who played a defining role in shaping Maharashtra's Lavani and Tamasha heritage.

As of now, director Laxman Utekar and production house Maddock Films have not issued any statement regarding the controversy or the demand to rename the film. Eetha teaser showcases Shraddha Kapoor in an intense new avatar The teaser of Eetha offers a glimpse into what appears to be one of Shraddha Kapoor's most emotionally demanding performances to date. It opens with a packed Lavani performance as the audience eagerly chants for Eetha to take the stage.

 

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Backstage, Shraddha's character is shown preparing for her performance despite being heavily pregnant. Soon after, she goes into labour and is seen enduring severe pain. Even as a voice warns her that performing could cost her life, she refuses to step away from the stage. Moments after giving birth, she returns to complete her performance, highlighting the character's unwavering dedication to her art.

Also Read:Eetha co-star Anant Joshi lauds Shraddha Kapoor’s professionalism; says, “She is phenomenal”

Akshay Kumar, Saif Ali Khan starrer Haiwaan locks September 11, 2026 release date

The wait is finally over for fans eager to see Akshay Kumar and Saif Ali Khan share screen space once again. The makers of Haiwaan have officially announced that the much-anticipated thriller, directed by acclaimed filmmaker Priyadarshan, will hit cinemas worldwide on September 11, 2026.

Backed by KVN Productions in association with Thespian Films, Haiwaan is being positioned as an edge-of-the-seat thriller that promises suspense, gripping drama and high-stakes storytelling. The film marks a significant collaboration as Priyadarshan reunites with Akshay Kumar while also bringing together Akshay and Saif Ali Khan for a much-awaited on-screen reunion.

Announcing the release date on social media, KVN Productions shared an intriguing poster along with the caption, “One obsession. One relentless pursuit. One date you’ll want to remember. #Haiwaan - A Priyadarshan Film starring Saif Ali Khan and Akshay Kumar… In cinemas 11th September 2026. Mark your calendars”.

The announcement has already generated considerable excitement among moviegoers, with fans looking forward to watching Akshay Kumar and Saif Ali Khan together once again. Over the years, the duo has delivered memorable performances and has been appreciated for their effortless camaraderie on screen. With Haiwaan, audiences can expect to see the two actors in a completely different cinematic space, headlining what is being described as an intense and gripping thriller.

One obsession. One relentless pursuit. One date you’ll want to remember.#Haiwaan - A Priyadarshan Film starring Saif Ali Khan and Akshay Kumar ✨ In cinemas 11th September 2026. Mark your calendars 🗓️ #SaifAliKhan @akshaykumar@priyadarshandir @ipritamofficial… pic.twitter.com/cAuIDV7sTR

— KVN Productions (@KvnProductions) June 27, 2026

Apart from the leading pair, Haiwaan also boasts a strong supporting cast featuring Shriya Pilgaonkar and Saiyami Kher in key roles. While the makers have chosen to keep the storyline tightly under wraps, the film is expected to revolve around themes of obsession, pursuit and suspense, adding to the intrigue surrounding the project.

Directed by Priyadarshan, who is known for crafting films across genres with equal finesse, Haiwaan is expected to blend psychological tension with edge-of-the-seat drama. With an accomplished filmmaker at the helm and a star-studded cast leading the narrative, the film is already being counted among the most anticipated theatrical releases of 2026.

A KVN Productions and Thespian Films production, Haiwaan is produced by Venkat K Narayana and Shailaja Desai Fenn. The thriller is slated for a worldwide theatrical release on September 11, 2026.

Also Read: Saiyami Kher celebrates a full circle moment as she reunites with Saif Ali Khan in Haiwaan after 12 years

AICWA reiterates demand for FIR against Sanjay Leela Bhansali after Love & War set death; president Suresh Gupta says, “He was murdering them”

The All Indian Cine Workers Association (AICWA) has reiterated its demand for strict action against filmmaker Sanjay Leela Bhansali following the reported death of a worker on the sets of Love & War. The latest statement comes immediately after reports suggested that AICWA President Suresh Gupta had written to Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, seeking the registration of an FIR against Bhansali, a compensation of Rs. 1 crore for the deceased worker's family, and a high-level inquiry into the incident.

According to reports, carpenter Chandradhari Singh Yadav, 42, allegedly died after suffering an electric shock during the shooting of the film in the early hours of June 17, 2026. He is survived by his wife and two young daughters.  Addressing the incident, AICWA President Suresh Gupta alleged that the death resulted from a failure to maintain adequate safety measures on the film set.

Referring to the incident, Gupta said, “On 17th June, 2026, on the set of Sanjay Leela Bhansali's upcoming film Love & War, one of our workers dies. He is 42 years old, he has two young daughters, his wife. On that day, around 1.30 or 2 in the night, this incident happened. Sanjay Leela Bhansali is a big producer and filmmaker. And that worker died because of him. Because of Sanjay Leela Bhansali and his production, he lost his life. If he had followed all safety norms on the set that day, the worker would have been among us.”

Gupta further claimed that similar incidents had allegedly taken place during the production of Bhansali's previous films. “This is not the first incident of Sanjay Leela Bhansali. In his film, Devdas, he took two lives on the set. He took two lives because he didn't follow safety norms. Then in 2016, Padmaavat happened. On that set, another worker died. Then in 2026, now, another worker died. On their set, four deaths have happened again and again.”

Explaining why the association has sought criminal action, Gupta added, “That’s why, we had asked the AICW to file a murder case against Sanjay Leela Bhansali. He was murdering them. ‘Four workers are losing their lives on your set. And still, instead of shooting and learning your lesson, you are continuously murdering the workers on the set’. You don't follow safety norms. Today, go and ask that worker's family, who has two younger daughters and a wife what they feel.”

He concluded by stressing the need for stronger safety standards for workers in the film industry and shared, “You won't hear the news that a big producer died on the set or a big actor died. You will hear it every time that a worker died. Why do workers die every time? Because they don't give safety to the workers to save money. That's why we had asked the AICW to file a murder case against Sanjay Leela Bhansali and take strict action by registering an FIR for the same. That's what we had asked.”

At the time of publishing, there has been no official response from Sanjay Leela Bhansali or his production team regarding the latest remarks made by AICWA President Suresh Gupta. The matter remains under scrutiny following the reported incident on the sets of Love & War.

Also Read: Love & War set tragedy: Worker dies after alleged electric shock; Bhansali Productions offers Rs 40 lakhs as compensation

Huma Qureshi starrer Baby Do Die Do gears up for overseas release across GCC, Australia and Amsterdam ahead of July 3 premiere

The makers of Baby Do Die Do have announced an expanded overseas release plan for the upcoming action thriller, which is set to hit cinemas worldwide on July 3, 2026. Following the response to its recently released trailer, the film will now release across multiple international territories, including the GCC countries, Australia and Amsterdam, widening its global theatrical footprint.

Headlined by Huma Qureshi, Baby Do Die Do has been generating interest ever since its first trailer introduced audiences to its unusual premise and stylised action. The film features Huma in the role of what the makers describe as India's first desi hitwoman, with the story unfolding against the backdrop of Mumbai's underworld.

Adding to the momentum surrounding the film, acclaimed filmmaker Zack Snyder praised the action showcased in the trailer, further drawing attention to the project among international audiences. While the makers have highlighted Snyder's appreciation as a significant milestone, the film has also been witnessing growing conversations on social media since its promotional campaign began.

Inspired by true incidents, Baby Do Die Do follows the story of a deaf and mute serial killer in Mumbai who can only hear the voice of her deceased sister. Driven by mysterious motivations, she embarks on a series of murders, setting the stage for a psychological action thriller that blends crime, emotion and suspense. The premise marks a departure from conventional action films, placing a differently-abled protagonist at the centre of a dark and layered narrative.

Apart from Huma Qureshi, the film also stars Sikandar Kher, Chunky Panday and Seema Pahwa in pivotal roles. While Huma leads the story, the supporting cast is expected to play key roles in unraveling the mystery surrounding the protagonist and the circumstances that shape her actions.

Baby Do Die Do is directed by Nachiket Samant and produced by Saqib Saleem under the Saleem Siblings banner in association with Pune 04 Film. With its mix of action, psychological drama and crime, the film aims to offer audiences a distinctive cinematic experience when it arrives in theatres on July 3, 2026. Along with its India release, the film's simultaneous rollout across GCC countries, Australia and Amsterdam is expected to introduce the thriller to a wider international audience.

Also Read: Rachit Singh on working with director Nachiket Samant on Baby Do Die Do, “No matter what is happening on set, he does not panic”