BREAKING: Baby Do Die Do follows in the footsteps of Dhurandhar The Revenge, Bhooth Bangla, Welcome To The Jungle; to have paid previews on July 2

The paid preview trend has significantly picked up for Bollywood this year. It began with Dhurandhar The Revenge, which did record business in the previews. This was followed by Bhooth Bangla. The other Akshay Kumar release, Welcome To The Jungle, also had paid previews; both films earned well in the pre-release screenings. And now, the next film to follow suit is Baby Do Die Do. It’ll have a full-fledged release on July 3 and paid previews on Thursday, July 2.

Yesterday, theatres across the country opened bookings for Baby Do Die Do. Viewers were surprised to see listings for the film on Thursday, as the makers had not publicized that the action thriller would have shows starting Thursday evening. Shows begin from 7:00 pm onwards, and as of now, advance booking has started in Mumbai, Hyderabad, Ahmedabad, and Pune. A few more cities are also expected to join the bandwagon.

Baby Do Die Do is a story of ‘India’s first desi hitwoman’. It features Huma Qureshi in the titular role of a deaf and mute assassin. It is produced by Huma Qureshi and Saqib Saleem under the banner of Saleem Siblings and directed by Nachiket Samant.

Meanwhile, one more film this week will also have paid previews – the Hollywood animated family entertainer Minions & Monsters. But unlike Baby Do Die Do, its shows will commence from 4:00 on July 2 while it’ll have a full-fledged release from Friday, July 3.

Finally, the other major film this week is Alpha. Coincidentally, just like Baby Do Die Do, Alpha is also about a badass female assassin. Produced by Yash Raj Films (YRF), it stars Alia Bhatt, Sharvari, Bobby Deol and Anil Kapoor. It is directed by Shiv Rawail, who previously helmed the globally acclaimed series The Railway Men. The film belongs to the much-loved YRF Spy Universe.

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

Gaurav Khanna breaks silence on Akanksha Chamola divorce rumours; says, “Main humesha support karunga Akanksha ko, meri biwi hai yaar”

Actor and Bigg Boss 19 winner Gaurav Khanna has finally reacted to the ongoing speculation surrounding his personal life after his wife, Akanksha Chamola, made a startling revelation on the stage of Lock Upp Season 2. Before entering the reality show's prison, Akanksha claimed that she and Gaurav have been living separately for over a year and are currently in the process of getting divorced, leaving fans surprised.

Amid the buzz surrounding their relationship, Gaurav has chosen to focus on extending his support to Akanksha and her participation in the reality show. The actor was recently spotted outside the sets of the comedy-cooking reality show Laughter Chefs, where paparazzi asked him about how he has been coping with the ongoing attention around his personal life. Responding to the questions, Gaurav said, “Bas yaar, wahi yaar jo pehle tha wahi haal hai abhi bhi. Pyaar abhi bhi utna hai, support abhi bhi utna hai… Main toh humesha support karunga Akanksha ko, meri biwi hai yaar. Pyaar kiya toh piche kyu hatu?(I'm the same as I was before. The love is still the same, and the support is still the same. I will always support Akanksha; she's my wife. If I've loved her, why would I step back now?)”

When a paparazzo further remarked, “Bhai lekin controversy bahut jyada hogayi hai (Brother, but the controversy has become too big),” Gaurav maintained his stance and replied, “All the very best to Akanksha for life. Main humesha uske sath khada hu aur usko support kar raha hu. Vo acha khele aur jeet ke aaye (I will always stand by her and support her. I hope she plays well and returns as the winner).”

Gaurav's comments come shortly after Akanksha's revelation on Lock Upp Season 2, where she stated that the couple has been living separately for more than a year and is heading towards a divorce after nearly a decade of marriage. Her statement quickly became a major talking point on social media, with fans expressing shock over the development.

The revelation has also led many to revisit the timeline of their relationship, particularly questioning whether the couple was already facing difficulties when Gaurav was inside the Bigg Boss house last year. Adding to the speculation, several social media users pointed out that despite Akanksha's claims of separation, the couple had shared multiple affectionate photos and videos together during the first few months of 2026. Their posts included romantic moments, playful proposal-themed videos, love confessions and kisses, prompting many to wonder whether the contrasting narratives were part of a publicity strategy or simply reflected a more complex personal situation.

While speculation around their relationship continues online, Gaurav Khanna has made it clear that he intends to support Akanksha publicly, wishing her well for her journey on Lock Upp Season 2 and reiterating that his support for her remains unchanged.

Also Read: Gaurav Khanna clarifies Bigg Boss 19 prize money confusion; says old vlog comment was ‘blown out of proportion’

SCOOP: After Cocktail 2, Shahid Kapoor signs Amit Ravindranath Sharma's next comedy for Rs. 18 crores

Shahid Kapoor is among the most credible actors of Indian Cinema, and the actor is presently busy shooting for the Raj and DK web-show, Farzi 2. His recent release, Cocktail 2 has done decent business at the box office, and he is now all set to move on to the next theatrical.

According to reliable sources close to the development, Shahid Kapoor is all set to start shooting for director Amit Ravindranath Sharma's next, Adal Badal, from October 2026. "The film is produced by Sunir Kheterpal with Amazon MGM, and is scheduled to kick off in October 2026. There was back-and-forth about taking on the project due to the budget, but everything has aligned now. Shahid Kapoor has signed the film for a sum of Rs. 18 crores, in addition to a sum reserved in the backend if the film makes a profit," a source told Bollywood Hungama.

The source also informed that Shahid will be paired with Janhvi Kapoor in the film. "It's a first-time pairing, and the duo are excited to start shooting for the film from October 2026. The film is based on the concept of soul swapping, and is touted to be a mad-cap entertainer," the source tells us further.

The casting for other key characters is presently underway.

Also Read: Imtiaz Ali reveals Shahid Kapoor was instrumental in making Jab We Met; says, “It happened because of Shahid honestly”

Ab Hoga Hisaab season 2 to start streaming from July 3 on Amazon MX Player; trailer out

Amazon MX Player, India's leading free, premium, ad-supported video streaming service, today dropped the trailer for Season 2 of its original revenge drama Ab Hoga Hisaab, following the exceptional audience response to its debut season. Since its premiere on June 18, the series has struck a powerful chord with viewers, earning widespread appreciation for its gripping narrative and compelling performances. Riding on this momentum, Amazon MX Player is bringing back the series with a second season sooner than anticipated. Produced by Arré Studio, Ab Hoga Hisaab Season 2 is all set to premiere on July 3, 2026.

The Season 2 trailer picks up exactly where the first season ended. Bobby, played by Shaheer, is consumed by a single mission: finding his brother Bunty, portrayed by Avinash Mishra, and is willing to go further than ever before to uncover the truth. His search leads him into the world of Goldy, played by Sanjay Kapoor, one of the most influential and guarded men around. But gaining access is easier said than done. Goldy is not someone who trusts easily, forcing Bobby to earn every inch of his confidence. As Bobby slowly gets closer, hidden truths begin to emerge, and cracks start to show. Goldy’s faith in Bobby begins to waver, turning what started as an uneasy alliance into a dangerous game of suspicion, betrayal and conflict.

Led by Sanjay Kapoor and Shaheer, alongside a stellar ensemble cast including Mouni Roy, Avinash Mishra, Nimrit Kaur Ahluwalia, Harman Singha, and Aasheema Vardaan in pivotal roles, Season 2 promises deeper layers, higher stakes, and twists that will keep viewers on the edge of their seats.

Amogh Dusad, Director and Head of Content, Amazon MX Player, said, “The response to Ab Hoga Hisaab has been truly heartwarming. Seeing viewers so deeply invested in the world of the series has been incredibly rewarding for everyone involved. At Amazon MX Player, we are committed to telling stories that are deeply rooted in India and resonate with audiences across the country, for free. The love this series has received is a testament to that vision, and we are excited to continue the journey with Season 2.”

Portraying the character of Bobby Manocha, Shaheer shared, “The love that audiences have showered on Ab Hoga Hisaab has been truly humbling. I’m grateful to Amazon MX Player for bringing Season 2 sooner than any of us expected. It's a direct result of the warmth viewers have given this story. Bobby's desperation in Season 2 is unlike anything we've seen from him before. He's willing to do whatever it takes to find Bunty, even if it means stepping into dangerous territory and playing a game he may not be able to control. The trailer offers just a glimpse of how far he's willing to go, and how much he stands to lose along the way.”

Sanjay Kapoor, essaying the role of Goldy Sekhon, shared, “Goldy has always been a character full of surprises, and Season 2 takes his journey to a whole new level. As trust begins to crack and loyalties are tested, viewers will see sides of him they've never seen before. We're incredibly grateful for the love the show and Goldy Sekhon has received in the first season on Amazon MX Player, and I can't wait for audiences to experience a season that's bigger, more intense, and packed with unexpected twists."

Mouni Roy added, “The overwhelming response to Season 1 has been truly heartening, and I'm so happy that audiences won't have to wait long for Season 2. This season explores new dimensions of my character, uncovering emotions, motivations, and complexities that haven't been seen before. There are plenty of surprises in store, and I can't wait for viewers to join her on this next chapter of the journey.”

Nimrit Kaur Ahluwalia said, “The love audiences have shown Ab Hoga Hisaab has been incredible, and I'm thrilled that Season 2 is returning sooner than expected. There's a lot more in store this season, and I can't wait for viewers to see how the story unfolds.”

Namit Sharma, CEO, Arré Studio, added, “Ab Hoga Hisaab is a story we have believed in deeply. It is built on raw emotion, authentic characters, and a world that feels both specific and universally relatable. The audience response has reaffirmed that belief in the most gratifying way. We are delighted to continue this journey with Amazon MX Player and look forward to bringing a lot more drama and colour in the narrative in season 2 as the conflict between Bobby and Goldy becomes more intense.”

Director Divyanshu Malhotra said, “The first season of Ab Hoga Hisaab introduced audiences to a world where every character carried their own truth and every choice had a consequence. Season 2 takes those choices to their natural conclusion. Relationships are tested, loyalties are challenged, and every character is forced to confront the cost of their decisions. We are grateful for the love the show has received on Amazon MX Player and can’t wait for the viewers to experience what this season has in store.”

Ab Hoga Hisaab Season 2 is coming on 3rd July. And the hisaab is far from over. The series will be streaming for free exclusively on Amazon MX Player, available across mobile devices, Connected TVs, the Amazon shopping app, Prime Video, Fire TV, JioTV and Airtel Xstream.

Also Read: Mouni Roy opens up about friendship, family and unforgettable memories on Ab Hoga Hisaab sets: “It felt less like a shoot and more like a family”

Kareena Kapoor Khan joins MINI family; becomes face of MINI Countryman C campaign

Actor Kareena Kapoor Khan has entered into a new association with luxury automobile brand MINI. The company announced that the Bollywood star has joined the MINI family and become a part of the MINI Inner Circle, marking the beginning of her journey with the MINI Countryman C.

The announcement brings together one of India's most recognised film personalities with a brand known for its distinctive design and driving experience. According to MINI, the partnership reflects a shared identity built around confidence, individuality and style. Sharing the news on social media, MINI wrote, "What happens when two icons with a bold personality share one frame? The real fun begins.”

Their caption further read, “We're thrilled to welcome @KareenaKapoorKhan into the MINI inner circle as she finds her perfect companion in the MINI Countryman C, the SUV of MINI. More space. More character. Unmistakable MINI attitude 👏 / A partnership built on individuality.”

 

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The newly released campaign images feature Kareena posing alongside the green MINI Countryman C in a tailored monochrome outfit, reflecting the premium positioning of both the actor and the vehicle. Kareena Kapoor Khan gears up for Daayra On the professional front, Kareena Kapoor Khan is preparing for the release of her upcoming film Daayra. The makers recently announced that the Meghna Gulzar directorial will arrive in cinemas on September 18, 2026. The film also stars Prithviraj Sukumaran and is backed by Junglee Pictures and Pen Studios.

 

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Daayra marks Meghna Gulzar's third collaboration with Junglee Pictures after the critically acclaimed films Talvar and Raazi.

Also Read: Alia Bhatt, Kareena Kapoor Khan, Janhvi Kapoor, Kiara Advani, and Bhumi Pednekkar show how to ace the corset look

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”