King leak controversy: Siddharth Anand issues strong warning after Shah Rukh Khan, Deepika Padukone set photos go viral

Just a day after social media was flooded with leaked photos from the sets of the much-anticipated action-drama King, director Siddharth Anand has issued an official statement addressing the situation. The viral images, reportedly featuring Shah Rukh Khan and Deepika Padukone shooting in Cape Town, sparked massive excitement among fans, but have also left the film’s team concerned about preserving the cinematic experience.

Taking to social media, Siddharth Anand shared a note requesting fans and online platforms to refrain from circulating unauthorized content from the shoot. Emphasizing the importance of maintaining the film’s intrigue, the filmmaker urged audiences to wait for official reveals.

"Request to all the fans. Please do not post or circulate any leaked multimedia from the sets of King. The team is working round the clock to ensure the best cinematic experience for everyone. Let us wait for the surprise on the big screen and for the assets to be revealed as the team of King originally intends to. Thank you for your love, support and cooperation”.

pic.twitter.com/sTvx9IP4w3 — Siddharth Anand (@justSidAnand) May 1, 2026

The leaked visuals, which reportedly show Shah Rukh Khan and Deepika Padukone in an sweet moment holding hands, during filming, quickly went viral across platforms, further amplifying buzz around the project. The film, already one of the most awaited releases, has been making headlines for multiple reasons.

King holds particular significance for Shah Rukh Khan fans as it marks the theatrical debut of his daughter, Suhana Khan, in a full-fledged role alongside him. While Suhana previously made her acting debut with The Archies, this film will be her first major big-screen outing, adding an emotional and legacy-driven layer to the anticipation.

Apart from the father-daughter pairing, the film also boasts a strong ensemble cast including Abhishek Bachchan, Anil Kapoor, Rani Mukerji, Abhay Verma, and Raghav Juyal in pivotal roles. With Siddharth Anand at the helm—known for mounting large-scale action spectacles—the film is expected to deliver a high-octane cinematic experience.

Currently in production, King has been shot across multiple international locations, with Cape Town being one of the key schedules. The makers have been maintaining tight secrecy around the storyline and visuals, making the recent leak a setback to their carefully planned promotional strategy.

Slated for a theatrical release on December 24, 2026, King continues to build strong momentum, with fans eagerly awaiting official glimpses from what promises to be one of the biggest Bollywood releases of the year.

Also Read: Shah Rukh Khan, Deepika Padukone seen holding hands in LEAKED King photos from Cape Town

Aamir Khan and Junaid Khan greet fans during Ek Din theatre visit

Aamir Khan Productions’s much-awaited film Ek Din has now arrived in theatres after building anticipation in the lead-up to release. The film has drawn attention for its soft romantic storyline and for bringing Sai Pallavi and Junaid Khan together on screen for the first time.

As part of the film’s promotional campaign, the makers had earlier announced that Aamir Khan, Junaid Khan, director Sunil Pandey and members of the crew would be visiting select theatres after screenings. Following through on that plan, the team met audiences at cinemas, where they interacted with moviegoers and thanked them for their support.

Videos shared online showed enthusiastic reactions inside theatres, with fans welcoming the team with cheers, applause and requests for photographs. Aamir Khan and Junaid Khan were also seen speaking with viewers, making the outing a memorable promotional moment for those present.

The trailer and songs of Ek Din had already generated positive interest before release, especially for the fresh pairing of Sai Pallavi and Junaid Khan. The film has now opened to encouraging audience response, with early footfalls reflecting curiosity around the project.

 

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The release is also notable because it reunites Aamir Khan with filmmaker Mansoor Khan after a long gap. The two have previously collaborated on films such as Qayamat Se Qayamat Tak, Jo Jeeta Wohi Sikandar, Akele Hum Akele Tum and Jaane Tu... Ya Jaane Na. With Ek Din, the association returns to the romance genre once again.

Produced under the banner of Aamir Khan Productions, Ek Din stars Sai Pallavi and Junaid Khan in lead roles. The film is directed by Sunil Pandey and produced by Aamir Khan, Mansoor Khan and Aparna Purohit. It is currently running in theatres.

Also Read: Aamir Khan lets fans meet him for less than Rs. 100 as Ek Din makers price special audience interaction shows at just Rs. 92

Sudha Reddy Likely to return to Met Gala 2026 after one-year break

As excitement builds around the guest list for the Met Gala 2026, reports suggest that Indian business personality and philanthropist Sudha Reddy may be set for another appearance at fashion’s biggest night. According to sources, the Hyderabad-based social figure is expected to return to the iconic steps of the Metropolitan Museum of Art for her third outing after skipping last year’s edition.

Sudha Reddy has previously drawn attention for representing Indian craftsmanship on an international platform. She first attended the Met Gala in 2021 wearing a bespoke look by Falguni Shane Peacock. She returned in 2024 in a handcrafted creation by Tarun Tahiliani, further strengthening her identity as one of the few Indian personalities regularly seen at the global fashion event.

If reports are accurate, her 2026 look could once again place Indian design in the spotlight. Insiders claim she may collaborate with Manish Malhotra for the gala this year. Styling is reportedly expected to be overseen by Mariel Haenn, known for working with international names including Jennifer Lopez, Rihanna and Pharrell Williams.

A source from Hyderabad said, “Expect something rooted in heritage and culture but scaled for a global stage. Her Met Gala appearances are never just about fashion, they’re about identity and presence. She will be once again championing Indian craftsmanship on the world stage as her vision is to proudly make a statement for Indian textiles and jewellery.”

Beyond fashion, Sudha Reddy continues to maintain an active global profile. She serves as a director at Megha Engineering and Infrastructures Limited and leads the Sudha Reddy Foundation. She has also attended events such as the Cannes Film Festival, Paris Haute Couture Week and the White House Correspondents' Dinner.

The Met Gala 2026 is scheduled for May 4, 2026, and is expected to host around 450 global figures from entertainment, fashion, sports and business. This year’s theme is “Fashion Is Art,” exploring the connection between clothing and artistic expression over 5,000 years.

The gala will reportedly be co-chaired by Beyoncé, Nicole Kidman, Venus Williams and Anna Wintour.

With the official guest list still under wraps, growing speculation around Sudha Reddy’s return reflects the increasing visibility of Indian names on one of fashion’s most-watched stages.

Also Read: Ashwin Dhar, aka Arshad Pappu from Dhurandhar, REACTS to comparison with Shah Rukh Khan’s Met Gala look: “It is a big compliment” 

Bombay High Court quashes 2010 FIR against Shekhar Suman and Bharti Singh over comedy show remarks

The Bombay High Court has quashed a 2010 FIR registered against actor Shekhar Suman and comedian Bharti Singh over alleged remarks made during a television comedy show, ruling that no offence of hurting religious sentiments was established.

The case was registered at Pydhonie Police Station under Section 295-A of the Indian Penal Code, which deals with deliberate acts intended to outrage religious feelings, along with Section 34, which relates to common intention. A representative of the Raza Academy had filed the complaint following an episode of Comedy Circus Ka Jadoo that aired in November 2010.

Justice Amit Borkar allowed separate petitions filed by Shekhar Suman and Bharti Singh seeking cancellation of the FIR and all related proceedings. While delivering the order, the court observed that the television programme was meant for light entertainment and should be viewed in the proper context.

The High Court stated that a comedy show cannot be judged in the same way as a serious speech, religious discourse, or political statement. It noted that performances in such formats should be considered as a whole instead of isolating a few words or expressions.

The court further clarified that for an offence under Section 295-A to be made out, there must be both deliberate and malicious intent to insult religious sentiments. According to the bench, both conditions are necessary, and if either one is missing, the offence is not complete.

After reviewing the available material, the court found no evidence to suggest that either Shekhar Suman or Bharti Singh had any intention to insult any religion. It also said that merely because some viewers may have felt offended would not be enough to justify criminal prosecution.

The bench also considered the specific roles of the two artists. It noted that Shekhar Suman was serving as a judge on the show, while Bharti Singh was performing as part of a scripted comic act. There was no material indicating any shared plan or common intention between them.

Additionally, the High Court pointed out that the prosecution had failed to obtain prior sanction under Section 196 of the Code of Criminal Procedure, a mandatory requirement for prosecuting offences under Section 295-A.

Rejecting the State’s argument that the matter should proceed to trial, the court held that a trial cannot replace the need for a legally valid case. It concluded that continuing criminal proceedings in the absence of required ingredients would amount to misuse of the legal process.

With this ruling, the FIR and all consequential proceedings against Shekhar Suman and Bharti Singh have been set aside.

Also Read: “Your talent should be your drug,” Shekhar Suman condemns Bharti Singh

Bombay High Court dismisses PIL seeking change in Raja Shivaji’s title

The Bombay High Court has dismissed a public interest litigation (PIL) that sought a stay on the theatrical release of the Marathi-Hindi bilingual film Raja Shivaji, clearing the way for the movie’s scheduled release on May 1, 2026. The petition had objected to the omission of the honorific “Chhatrapati” from the film’s title and claimed it was disrespectful to the legacy of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj.

The plea was filed by NGO Sree Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Foundation, which argued that leaving out the title “Chhatrapati” hurt the sentiments of followers of the iconic Maratha ruler. The petitioner requested the court to direct the makers to rename the film Chhatrapati Raja Shivaji and also sought restrictions on the release, screening, and public exhibition of the movie until changes were made.

A division bench led by Chief Justice Shree Chandrashekhar and Justice Gautam Ankhad rejected the petition, observing that the matter did not involve any real public cause. The court also noted the timing of the plea, pointing out that it was filed only two days before the film’s release.

According to the bench, there was nothing in the title Raja Shivaji that could be considered insulting or derogatory to the status of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj. The judges stated that the petition appeared to be motivated rather than filed in genuine public interest.

The respondents in the case included the Union of India, the State of Maharashtra, the Central Board of Film Certification, actor-director Riteish Deshmukh, producers Jyoti Deshpande, Genelia Deshmukh, and Mumbai Film Company Pvt Ltd.

During the hearing, counsel representing the film’s producers informed the court that the story focuses on Shivaji Maharaj’s life before his coronation in 1674, when he officially received the title of “Chhatrapati.” It was also stated that a disclaimer explaining this context had already been included in the film and approved by the CBFC.

The producers further submitted that the project had been publicly announced in February 2024, while its release date was declared in 2025, meaning the title had long been in the public domain.

In its final remarks, the High Court said public interest litigation was meant to amplify genuine public concerns, and not be misused for such last-minute objections.

Also Read: Raja Shivaji Box Office Prediction: Riteish Deshmukh’s film to open HUGE, take comfortable DOUBLE DIGIT opening

Ranveer Singh starrer Dhurandhar controversy: Santosh Kumar RS agrees to stay silent on Aditya Dhar amid court proceedings

The ongoing controversy surrounding Dhurandhar The Revenge, starring Ranveer Singh, has taken a fresh turn, with filmmaker Santosh Kumar RS agreeing to refrain from making any further public remarks against director Aditya Dhar.

As per reports, the matter came up before the Bombay High Court, where Santosh Kumar’s legal representative conveyed that the filmmaker would avoid speaking about the dispute in public going forward. Instead, he would rely on appropriate legal channels to address his concerns. It was also suggested on his behalf that earlier comments were not specifically aimed at Aditya Dhar. The court, however, noted that making such an assurance enforceable in a broader sense could be challenging but decided to formally record Kumar’s commitment to avoid any further statements that could be seen as defamatory.

On the other side, Aditya Dhar’s legal team pushed for a public apology over the earlier allegations. His counsel argued that publicly accusing someone of wrongdoing could have serious implications and maintained that an apology would be appropriate under the circumstances. However, Kumar’s side did not agree to this, stating that he believes he has sufficient grounds to support his claims and therefore would not apologise at this stage.

With this, the court chose to close the interim plea while clearly stating that no further controversial or potentially damaging remarks should be made by Santosh Kumar in the future.

The dispute traces back to claims made by Kumar, who alleged that Dhurandhar was based on a script he had previously registered under the title D Saheb. Following these accusations, Aditya Dhar had issued a legal notice asking for the statements to be withdrawn. When there was no response, the director approached the court, stating that the claims were unfounded and were affecting his professional reputation.

Earlier this month, the court had already instructed Kumar to refrain from repeating such allegations publicly until further hearings in the matter.

Despite the ongoing controversy, Dhurandhar The Revenge has performed strongly at the box office and continues to remain in the spotlight, driven by audience interest and discussions around the film.

Also Read: Dhurandhar The Revenge couldn’t beat Dangal, but trade says its Rs. 1800 crore run without Gulf and China is the bigger success story

Several cinemas yet to open May 1 bookings; exhibitors face ‘agni pariksha’ as they struggle to accommodate Raja Shivaji, Ek Din, The Devil Wears Prada 2, Patriot, KD - The Devil and holdover releases

Issues over screen-sharing have become extremely common now, and this week, the situation has intensified significantly. This is because several major films in different languages are releasing simultaneously, leaving programmers at their wits’ end while allocating the desired number of shows to each of them.

As expected, with less than 24 hours to go for the releases, the issues are yet to be sorted. In Mumbai, theatres like Regal, MovieTime Suburbia, PVR Le Reve, Roxy, Eros IMAX, Kasturba and Nazrana hadn’t opened bookings for May 1, as of 8:00 am on April 30. Surprisingly, even a three-screen multiplex like Sterling hadn’t opened plans for the coming week. Meanwhile, advance booking is yet to open in a full-fledged manner in cinemas like Devgn CineX Mulund, Devgn CineX Thane, Topiwala, MovieTime Malad, Tilak and Rajhans Ghatkopar.

An exhibition source told Bollywood Hungama, “This is like agni pariksha for us. We need to allot shows to Raja Shivaji (releasing in Hindi and Marathi), Ek Din (Hindi), The Devil Wears Prada 2 (English), Patriot (Malayalam), Kara (Tamil), Dhabkaaro (Gujarati), KD - The Devil (Kannada) etc. In a city like Mumbai, where there’s an audience for films in various languages, the programming team is working dedicatedly and in constant touch with distributors to ensure that the films get sufficient showcasing.”

Meanwhile, the holdover releases like Michael and Bhooth Bangla continue to do well and also need to be accommodated. As per sources, Patriot and KD - The Devil will also have Hindi dubbed release, but as of now, its booking hasn’t opened anywhere in the country, probably due to show sharing challenges.

Raja Shivaji’s show requirements

The biggest release of the week in the Hindi-speaking market is Raja Shivaji, and its distributors, Jio Studios, have gone all out to ensure that it gets a wide release. As per the requirement list sent by the studio, exhibitors have been asked to allot all shows to the film in single-screen cinemas. In 2-screen theatres, they have asked for 7 shows, while 10 shows need to be played in 3-screen multiplexes. In cinema halls with 4 screens, 14 shows of Raja Shivaji need to be played. As for cinemas with 5 screens and above, 16 shows of the film will be held daily. This number includes both the Hindi and Marathi versions.

Also, the theatres have been asked to play Raja Shivaji in 4DX and EPIQ premium formats.

Bountiful weekend loading

The challenges notwithstanding, exhibitors are thrilled as most films are expected to pull in considerable number of audiences. The Devil Wears Prada 2 can emerge as the surprise of the week as the advances are much better than expected. Patriot, Kara and KD - The Devil will open with a bang in their respective markets, while Raja Shivaji is all set to open very well in Maharashtra.

Also Read: EXCLUSIVE: Raja Shivaji to release with different runtimes in Hindi and Marathi; Hindi version shorter by 8 minutes