Anurag Kashyap criticizes Kerala Story, calls Vipul Shah a greedy man

While many powerful individual voices in the film fraternity have been denouncing the blatant Islamophobic tenor of The Kerala Story, the intrepid Anurag Kashyap is the first prominent personality from the Hindi film industry to speak up.

Says Kashyap, “The Kerala Story is bullsh*t propaganda.” Commenting on the viral beef scene from the trailer of The Kerala Story 2 where a woman is being shown being force-fed beef Kashyap added, “Aisa beef kaun khilata hai? Aisa koi khichdi bhi nahi khilata hai (Who feeds someone beef like this? No one is fed even khichdi in this manner).”

Continuing further while lashing out at the sequence and talking about the filmmaker, Kashyap adds, “They just want to make money and please everybody; divide people. The filmmaker is a greedy man. He just wants to make money.”

Also Read: Anurag Kashyap reveals why Vijay Sethupathi and Javed Akhtar have been mentioned under ‘Special Thanks’ in Kennedy

Tamil Nadu CM’s M.K. Stalin’s grandson backs Kamal–Rajinikanth’s big-screen comeback

In KH x RK, Kamal Haasan and Rajinikanth will share screen space for the first time in forty-eight years. The film is being produced by 21-year-old Inban Udhayanidhi, grandson of Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M.K. Stalin and son of Deputy Chief Minister Udhayanidhi Stalin.

Kamal Haasan currently heads his own political party, while Rajinikanth is not affiliated with any political party.

Inban is the CEO of the film production company Red Giant Movies. It is rumoured that Kamal Haasan and Rajinikanth have been paid equal remuneration, reportedly close to Rs. 70 crore each.

Also Read: Kamal Haasan – Rajinikanth to share screen space after 47 years with Nelson Dilipkumar as director; announcement video inside

Western Railway earns RECORD Rs. 1.72 cr through film and ad shoots in 2025-26; spokesperson reveals, "Shoojit Sircar FIRST filmmaker to shoot aboard Vande Bharat; John Abraham’s Maria IPS and Ayushmann Khurrana-Sharvari’s Yeh Prem Mol Liya shot on WR premises"

The Vande Bharat Express has emerged as one of Indian Railways’ proudest achievements. Launched in February 2019, it remained unseen on celluloid until last year, when Shoojit Sircar became the first filmmaker to shoot aboard the semi-high-speed train. This and a lot more fascinating information were revealed to Bollywood Hungama by Vineet Abhishek, Chief Public Relations Officer, Western Railway (WR).

The ad in question is for Independence, an FMCG brand of Reliance Consumer Products Limited. It was released digitally in May last year, and a making video, featuring Shoojit Sircar, was released by Western Railway in January 2025.

Western Railway recently announced that it has generated a record Rs 1.72 crore from film and advertisement shoots conducted on its premises between April 1, 2025 and February 15, 2026. Its earlier highest earnings were recorded in 2022–23, when it collected approximately Rs 1.64 crore from film shoots.

Vineet Abhishek told Bollywood Hungama, “It is often assumed that government offices function in a typical way where one will be asked to go from one counter to another. However, that’s not the case with Western Railway. We have a single window clearance system for approving film shoot permissions. One can also apply through India Cine Hub, run by the National Film Development Corporation (NFDC). Western Railway is the only railway zone to be covered under ICH.”

Vande Bharat Steals the Spotlight! For the first time, WR’s Vande Bharat train is being featured in an ad shoot at Mumbai Central. As Indian Railways transforms into a world-class network, its portrayal in media is evolving too. pic.twitter.com/O2pXZywS0s

— Western Railway (@WesternRly) January 10, 2025

Vineet Abhishek further revealed that shoots can be conducted not only in trains and railway stations but also in railway yards, carsheds, administrative offices, workshops and other railway premises. The spokesperson further revealed about the forthcoming films shot in WR property, “Recently, Ayushmann Khurrana and Sharvari shot for Rajshri Productions’ next (Yeh Prem Mol Liya) at Goregaon railway station. John Abraham shot at WR Headquarters in Churchgate, Lower Parel railway station and Mumbai Central railway station for Maria IPS.” Bollywood Hungama has learned that the permission to shoot for Maria IPS was applied for in November 2025.

Interestingly, the gripping railway sequence in the recently released film O'Romeo, featuring Shahid Kapoor, Nana Patekar and Triptii Dimri, was also shot on Western Railway property. Behind-the-scenes pictures were shared by Western Railway while announcing its record earnings from film shoots.

Some of the Western Railway locations where notable films have been shot:

1. Churchgate Administrative Office –

2. Mumbai Central Railway Station – Sikandar (2025), Bodyguard (2011), Once Upon A Time In Mumbaai (2010), Yeh Jawaani Hai Deewani (2013), Holiday – A Soldier Is Never Off Duty (2014), Jazbaa (2015)

3. Bandra Terminus – Goodbye (2022), OMG 2 (2023), Ghajini (2008), Joram (2023)

4. Goregaon Railway Station – All We Imagine As Light (2024), Ra.One (2011), Ek Villain (2014), Gully Boy (2019)

5. Jogeshwari Yard – Force (2011), Commando 3 (2019), Heropanti 2 (2022), Judwaa 2 (2017), Tera Yaar Hoon Main (2026; upcoming)

6. Kandivali Carshed – Ghayal Once Again (2016), Kaminey (2009)

7. Mahim Railway Station – Darlings (2022)

8. Lower Parel Workshop – Fateh (2025), Fiza (2000), Arjun Pandit (1999)

Also Read: Vicky Kaushal comments ‘Aabasaheb’ on Riteish Deshmukh starrer Raja Shivaji poster; revives Chhaava connection and wins hearts

EXCLUSIVE: Anurag Kashyap reveals why Vijay Sethupathi and Javed Akhtar have been mentioned under ‘Special Thanks’ in Kennedy

After a long wait, Anurag Kashyap’s Kennedy, starring Rahul Bhat and Sunny Leone, was finally released on Friday, February 20, on Zee5. The acclaimed film premiered at the 2023 Cannes Film Festival. The same year, it was screened at the Jio MAMI Mumbai Film Festival, that too in the sprawling Nita Mukesh Ambani Cultural Centre, where it got a thunderous response from the 1000+ attendees. Last year, Anurag had revealed in an interview that Vijay Sethupathi would be mentioned under ‘Special Thanks’ in Kennedy, but didn’t divulge the reason behind it. True to his statement, the popular actor is indeed credited, with Javed Akhtar also featuring in the ‘Special Thanks’ list.

Bollywood Hungama exclusively spoke to Anurag Kashyap to understand the reason behind their mentions. Anurag revealed, “Vijay made some edit suggestions into the film.” As for Javed Akhtar, he replied, “Earlier, we had used a dialogue from Javed Saab. But later, it got edited.”

In an event hosted by The Hindu in May 2025, Anurag Kashyap revealed how Vijay Sethupathi convinced him to take up the role of the antagonist in the 2024 cult Tamil flick, Maharaja. At that time, Anurag had said, “After Imaikka Nodigal (2018), I said no to a lot of South films because every other day, a South film would come to me. It started post-Kennedy. I was in the post-production of Kennedy. I was constantly meeting Vijay Sethupathi at my neighbour’s.”

Anurag continued, “He (Vijay Sethupathi) said there’s this amazing story, and they’ve (the makers of Maharaja) been trying to reach you. I said no first. Then he helped me find something in Kennedy. He has a ‘Thank You’ card in Kennedy. Then I couldn’t say no to him. Then I said, ‘Listen, I have to get my daughter married next year, and I don’t think I can afford it.’ Then Vijay Sethupathi said, ‘We’ll help you.’ And Maharaja happened (laughs).”

Also Read: EXCLUSIVE: CBFC replaces ‘Donald Trump’ with ‘Pump Trump’, ‘Dawood Ibrahim’ with ‘Pakistan Don’ in Anurag Kashyap’s Kennedy

Arbaaz Khan invests in Rs.2.78 crores luxury apartment in Mumbai’s Jogeshwari; deets inside

Actor and filmmaker Arbaaz Khan has reportedly purchased a premium apartment in Mumbai’s Jogeshwari locality, further strengthening his real estate portfolio. As per property registration documents accessed by Zapkey, the transaction is valued at approximately Rs.2.78 crore.

The apartment has been acquired from Mutistar Builders LLP at a rate exceeding Rs.22,000 per square foot. The residence measures 1,243 square feet in RERA carpet area and is situated on the 27th floor of the upcoming residential project, Autograph Residency, located on Link Road in Jogeshwari. In addition to the apartment, the deal also includes two dedicated parking spaces, adding to the overall value of the purchase.

Official records indicate that the transaction was registered on February 17, 2026. For the same, a stamp duty of over Rs.16 lakh was paid, along with a registration charge of Rs.30,000. The building is currently under construction, with possession of the apartment expected in December 2030.

Known for his work in Hindi cinema as well as projects in Telugu, Urdu and Malayalam industries, Arbaaz has built a diverse career over the years. Apart from acting in films, he has established himself as a producer and has also hosted several reality and chat shows. In 2019, he marked his foray into the digital space with his web series debut, expanding his presence across platforms.

On the personal front, Arbaaz welcomed a baby girl in 2025 with his second wife, Sshura Khan, marking a new chapter in his life as a father for the second time. He was previously married to Malaika Arora; the former couple share a 23-year-old son, Arhaan. They officially separated in 2017.

With this latest acquisition in Jogeshwari, Arbaaz Khan joins a growing list of Bollywood celebrities investing in Mumbai’s evolving residential hubs, particularly in high-rise projects that promise long-term value and modern amenities.

Also Read: Photos: Salman Khan, Arbaaz Khan, Salim Khan, Helen and others snapped at Sohail Khan’s birthday party in Bandra

SCOOP: Haseena Maan Jayegi 2 in the making; Farhad Samji to direct

In the era of hardcore action films, comedies are trying to make a comeback. And Bollywood Hungama has exclusively learnt that one of the most loved comedies of the 1990s is getting a sequel. Sources close to the development have confirmed to Bollywood Hungama that Haseena Maan Jayegi 2 is in the making.

"Smita Thackeray is keen to make a sequel to Haseena Maan Jayegi, and the scripting is underway in full swing. The second part retains the essence of the original film, but the story is revamped for today's audience. She has signed Farhad Samji to write and direct the film," revealed a source close to the development to Bollywood Hungama.

The source further informed that the makers were earlier keen to make it with David Dhawan, but the veteran filmmaker was not too keen to revisit another film of his after Judwaa and Coolie No. 1. "Farhad has come on board after seeking the blessings of David Dhawan. The scripting is going on in full swing, and the makers aim to move to casting by March 2026," the source added.

Haseena Maan Jayegi was directed by David Dhawan and featured Govinda and Sanjay Dutt in the lead. For the sequel, the makers will cast two top actors from the present generation, and hope to recreate the magic like the original film.

Also Read: Farhad Samji switches gears; writes screenplay and dialogues for film adaptation of Safed Khaki; based on police inspector Subhash Shinde and his cricket achievements

Salman Khan and family unhappy with public health update of Salim Khan: Report

The family of veteran screenwriter Salim Khan has expressed displeasure over the public disclosure of his medical condition and has requested that no further updates be shared with the media. The development comes after his treating doctor addressed the press about his health following his recent hospitalisation.

Salim Khan was admitted to Lilavati Hospital in Mumbai after suffering a minor brain haemorrhage. Dr Jalil Parkar, who is overseeing his treatment, confirmed to the media that the screenwriter was stable but on ventilator support. He also stated that Khan had undergone a medical procedure earlier this week.

However, according to a source close to the family who spoke to Variety India, the family was unhappy with the public nature of the statement. “Health is a private matter. Ideally, no updates should be shared with the media and any communication should be left entirely to the family, if and when they choose to address fans and well-wishers,” the source said.

The source further revealed that the family conveyed their concerns directly to hospital authorities. “Salman and his family were displeased with the doctor’s public statement and have clearly conveyed to the authorities that they do not want any further details disclosed,” the source added.

The hospital, which has previously issued regular updates regarding high-profile patients, has reportedly agreed to respect the family’s wishes in this case.

Despite the intense public interest in his condition, the family has emphasised that medical information remains confidential and that they wish to avoid speculation or unnecessary media scrutiny.

Over the past two days, several members of the family have been seen visiting the hospital, including his wife Salma Khan, sons Salman Khan and Arbaaz Khan, daughters Alvira and Arpita, and Helen.

Salim Khan continues to receive treatment at Lilavati Hospital.

Also Read: Salim Khan stable after minor brain procedure at Lilavati Hospital; doctor shares health update!