Ajay Devgn and Tiger Shroff respond to Vimal Pan Masala FDA notice, Shah Rukh Khan yet to reply

Ajay Devgn and Tiger Shroff have reportedly submitted their responses to the Maharashtra Food and Drug Administration (FDA) over the ongoing controversy surrounding their association with a Vimal advertisement. Shah Rukh Khan, who was also served a show cause notice in the matter, is reportedly yet to respond to the regulator.

According to a report published by CNN, the Maharashtra FDA has received replies from Ajay Devgn and Tiger Shroff. The report, however, stated that further details regarding the responses have not been disclosed, with the matter being subject to legal considerations.

The controversy concerns a Vimal advertisement featuring Ajay Devgn, Shah Rukh Khan and Tiger Shroff. The commercial promotes the brand’s Elaichi variants, while the Maharashtra FDA has reportedly raised concerns that the advertisement could amount to indirect promotion of pan masala because of the association of the Vimal brand with the product.

The regulator’s show cause notice stated, “Upon examination of the said advertisement, it prima facie appears that the advertisement promotes the Vimal brand, which is mainly associated with Pan Masala, a product prohibited for manufacture, storage, transportation, distribution, and sale in the State of Maharashtra for a period of one year, with effect from the date specified in the Prohibition Order dated the 13th July, 2026, issued by the Commissioner of Food Safety, Maharashtra State, under Section 30(2)(a) of the FSS Act, 2006.”

The notices were reportedly served to the actors at different locations. Ajay Devgn received the notice at his Juhu residence, while Shah Rukh Khan was served at Mannat in Bandra. Tiger Shroff reportedly received the notice at the office of Tiger Shroff Productions LLP.

The development comes amid continued discussion around celebrity endorsements of brands associated with pan masala and surrogate advertising. The Maharashtra FDA’s action has brought renewed attention to the distinction between advertisements for products such as Elaichi and the promotion of brands that are also associated with pan masala.

Despite the attention surrounding the issue, the three actors have so far maintained silence publicly. Neither Ajay Devgn, Shah Rukh Khan nor Tiger Shroff has issued a direct statement or comment on the show cause notices or the responses submitted to the FDA.

At present, details of Ajay Devgn and Tiger Shroff’s respective replies remain undisclosed, while Shah Rukh Khan’s response to the notice is awaited.

Also Read: Shah Rukh Khan, Ajay Devgn, and Tiger Shroff receive notice from Jaipur Consumer Court over misleading pan masala ad

Hombale Films announces global release of Hanuman Ansh through Hombale Overseas, set for September 11

Hombale Films has announced that Hanuman Ansh, which has emerged as a major domestic box office success, will now reach international audiences through the studio’s overseas distribution arm, Hombale Overseas. The film is scheduled to have a worldwide theatrical release on September 11, 2026, with its international distribution being handled by Hombale Overseas in collaboration with local partner Phars Film.

Directed by Dr. Vishal Chaturvedi and produced under the SWAMbhu Media Network banner, Hanuman Ansh revolves around the spiritual life and journey of Neem Karoli Baba, popularly known as Maharaj-ji. The film features Shobhinaw Satyaa and Chandan K. Anand in key roles.

The film initially opened in India on August 7, 2026, with a modest opening of around Rs 8–10 lakh. However, its devotional subject and strong word-of-mouth response helped it gain momentum at the box office. Made on an estimated production budget of Rs 2 crores, the film went on to reportedly cross Rs 64.12 crores in domestic gross collections, turning into a notable sleeper success.

Announcing the international release, Hombale Films wrote, “We, @hombalefilms, are proud to take #HanumanAnsh to international audiences through @HombaleOverseas.”

𝐀 𝐬𝐭𝐨𝐫𝐲 𝐫𝐨𝐨𝐭𝐞𝐝 𝐢𝐧 𝐟𝐚𝐢𝐭𝐡. 𝐀 𝐣𝐨𝐮𝐫𝐧𝐞𝐲 𝐛𝐞𝐲𝐨𝐧𝐝 𝐛𝐨𝐫𝐝𝐞𝐫𝐬. 🌍🙏

We, @hombalefilms, are proud to take #HanumanAnsh to international audiences through @HombaleOverseas.

The spiritual journey of Maharaj-ji reaches the world, as @HanumanAnsh arrives… pic.twitter.com/CkhgnVTcEp — Hombale Films (@hombalefilms) September 3, 2026

The studio further stated, “The spiritual journey of Maharaj-ji reaches the world, as @HanumanAnsh arrives worldwide on September 11, 2026. Proud to bring this divine journey to audiences across the globe.”

The overseas release marks another step in Hombale Films’ efforts to expand its presence in international markets. The production house has previously backed pan-Indian titles including KGF, Salaar and Kantara, which established a strong audience base beyond their original language markets.

The studio had also announced its plans to strengthen its international distribution operations, with a focus on taking Indian stories to markets across North America, Europe, the Middle East and the Asia-Pacific region.

With Hanuman Ansh, Hombale Overseas is now extending its international distribution efforts to a film that has already found substantial success in the domestic market. The film is set to arrive in theatres worldwide on September 11, giving international audiences an opportunity to experience its story centred on Maharaj-ji and his spiritual journey.

Also Read : Madhur Bhandarkar praises Hanuman Ansh: “True conviction and powerful storytelling always triumph over massive budget films”

Sayani Gupta sues Vinita Negi for Rs 9 crores over Aasmani copyright claims

Actor and filmmaker Sayani Gupta has filed a Rs 9 crores defamation suit before the Mumbai City Civil Court against filmmaker Vinita Negi over allegations surrounding her directorial debut, the short fiction film Aasmani. The case, titled Sayani Gupta v. Vinita Negi & Ors., has also named Meta, Reddit and Deccan Chronicle Holdings Limited as defendants.

An application seeking an urgent hearing and interim relief was likely to be listed before additional sessions judge Shudhirkumar Murlidharrao Bukke on September 3.

The dispute began after Negi, an alumna of the Film and Television Institute of India (FTII), accused Gupta of copyright infringement and breach of trust. Negi had alleged that Aasmani drew substantially from her unfinished documentary Prabha, with both projects featuring an elderly woman and a vintage car.

Gupta has now denied the allegations and claimed in her suit that they were false, misleading, unsubstantiated and defamatory. Her plea argued that copyright law protects original expression rather than broad or abstract ideas.

“The mere presence of an elderly woman, a car, a driver or any other generic element in a creative work does not confer upon Negi a monopoly over such ideas or concepts,” the suit stated.

According to Gupta’s plea, Negi approached the Screenwriters Association (SWA) with a complaint in April 2026. While the proceedings were pending, Negi allegedly circulated a “Statement of Support” on WhatsApp and social media seeking backing from members of the film fraternity. The suit claimed that the campaign received more than 250 signatures.

Gupta further alleged that the controversy resulted in professional damage, including the withdrawal of Aasmani from the Indian Film Festival of New Zealand (TIFFNZ).

She has sought Rs 9 crores in damages, along with directions to Meta, Reddit and Deccan Chronicle to remove allegedly defamatory content. She has also sought an unconditional apology and public retraction from Negi.

Also Read : Sayani Gupta’s directorial debut Aasmani pulled from Indian Film Festival of New Zealand amid copyright dispute

Hrithik Roshan leases Mumbai office space for Rs. 4.84 crores; actor rents 2,727 sq. ft. property to QuantumX global

Bollywood actor Hrithik Roshan has entered into a five-year lease agreement for a commercial office space in Mumbai’s Goregaon East. According to property registration documents accessed by CRE Matrix, the actor has leased the 2,727 sq. ft. premises to QuantumX Global Private Limited for an estimated total rental value of Rs.4.84 crores over the lease period.

The office is situated on the 14th floor of the E-Wing at Lotus Corporate Park, located within the Graham Firth Steel Compound in Goregaon East. The registered agreement was executed on August 31, 2026, as per the property documents.

The lease carries a duration of 60 months, translating to five years. The registered agreement states that both the licence commencement and rent commencement dates have been fixed for September 5, 2026.

Under the terms of the agreement, the rental amount will be subject to a 5% annual escalation. The initial monthly rent has been set at Rs.7.30 lakhs. With the stipulated yearly increase, the monthly payment is expected to rise to around Rs.7.67 lakhs during the second year of the lease.

The rent would subsequently increase to approximately Rs.8.05 lakhs per month in the third year, followed by nearly Rs.8.45 lakhs in the fourth year. In the fifth year, the monthly rental obligation is projected to reach approximately Rs.8.87 lakhs, assuming the agreed 5% escalation is applied successively each year.

Based on these terms, the cumulative rental amount for the complete five-year tenure works out to approximately Rs.4.84 crores. The calculation assumes that the annual escalation outlined in the registered agreement is implemented throughout the lease period.

The commercial property transaction adds to Hrithik Roshan’s association with Mumbai’s premium real estate market. The actor has previously been linked to investments and properties in the city, while Goregaon East has emerged as a significant commercial and entertainment hub with several office developments.

As of now, Hrithik Roshan and QuantumX Global Private Limited have not commented on the reported lease transaction. The details regarding the agreement are based on the property registration documents accessed by CRE Matrix.

Also Read: Kroll Celebrity Brand Report 2025: Hrithik Roshan’s brand value reaches USD 88.9 million; climbs to No. 8 in the list

Sonu Sood reaches Nepal with relief supplies for flood victims: ‘We just want to be with the people and will try to bring their lives back”

Sonu Sood has travelled to Nepal to extend support to people affected by the devastating floods that hit several parts of the country last week. His Sood Charity Foundation has brought essential relief supplies from India and is coordinating assistance for communities impacted by the disaster.

Speaking to ANI, Sood said his team’s immediate focus was to reach out to flood victims, understand their requirements and provide them with necessary support. He emphasised that the relief initiative is not limited to the immediate aftermath of the floods and that his foundation plans to continue helping affected communities in the months ahead.

“We are here to meet the victims of the flood. We got lots of stuff from India. We just want to be with the people who are in need and will try to bring their lives back (on track),” he said.

The relief material being distributed includes blankets and food supplies. According to Sood, his team is also speaking with people on the ground to understand what additional resources are required. Based on those needs, the foundation plans to arrange and send further assistance from India.

#WATCH | Bollywood actor Sonu Sood arrives in Kathmandu to distribute relief to Nepali flood victims He says, "We are here to meet flood victims and to distribute relief material to them. We will try to build their lives again. We have brought a lot of blankets and food… pic.twitter.com/6rONSZfxjD

— ANI (@ANI) September 1, 2026

He added, “I think it's everyone's duty to do their part. We got a lot of blankets and food material. We are still asking them what they need, we try to send it from India. Sending from India to Nepal is always a little challenge because we need a lot of people.”

Sood also stressed that the foundation intends to maintain its relief efforts even after the immediate crisis subsides. Sonu said, “But we will make sure that not only this month but also in coming months, the relief keeps coming.”

The floods have resulted in significant loss of life and widespread disruption in Nepal. According to the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Authority (NDRRMA), 939 people have died, while 3,925 remain missing, including 592 foreign nationals.

Also Read : Kangana Ranaut vs EVERYONE: Why does Bollywood’s ‘moral referee’ have an opinion on Kriti, Taapsee, Sonu Sood and almost everybody else?

Sharmila Tagore to make special cameo in Son-in-Law Kunal Kemmu’s Vibe

Amazon MGM Studios and Drongo Films are preparing to release the trailer of Kunal Kemmu’s upcoming spy comedy Vibe. The trailer is expected to reveal more about the unusual mission involving two reluctant spies, played by Kunal Kemmu and Sparsh Shrivastava. The trailer arrives a few weeks after the film’s teaser generated interest around its quirky premise.

A special detail that viewers can look forward to is the appearance of Sharmila Tagore, who will reportedly make a cameo in the film. The appearance is particularly notable as Sharmila is Kunal Kemmu’s mother-in-law. Her cameo in Vibe will mark her first Hindi film appearance in three years, following her performance in Rahul V Chittella’s family drama Gulmohar, which premiered directly on JioHotstar.

Sharmila was last seen in Suman Ghosh’s Bengali psychological film Puratawn. With Vibe scheduled to arrive in cinemas on September 18, the film will also mark her first big-screen appearance in a Hindi film in 16 years. Her previous Hindi theatrical release was Danish Aslam’s 2010 romantic comedy Break Ke Baad, in which she played the mother of Deepika Padukone’s character.

The project also marks Sharmila’s first collaboration with son-in-law Kunal Kemmu. Interestingly, she has shared the screen with her daughter Soha Ali Khan only once, in the 2009 English-language family drama Life Goes On. She also appeared alongside son Saif Ali Khan in Eklavya in 2007.

For Kunal, Vibe is another major step behind the camera following the success of his 2024 directorial debut Madgaon Express. Unlike that film, where he only appeared in a cameo, Vibe features him in the lead while also crediting him as its writer and director. The film additionally marks his debut as a producer alongside Chirag Nihalani under their banner Drongo Films.

The teaser introduced Preity Zinta as a government official who kidnaps two clueless friends and recruits them for a mission to save the nation. Kunal’s character, however, is reluctant to become a spy and even takes a humorous dig at Preity’s 1998 action thriller Soldier, starring Bobby Deol.

Also Read : Kangana Ranaut hits back at Sharmila Tagore over ‘Vande Mataram’ remarks: “How can you reduce such a great piece of art to mere religious practice”

Shah Rukh Khan joins Vodafone Idea as brand ambassador, company unveils new ‘Vi’ logo

Vodafone Idea has announced Bollywood actor Shah Rukh Khan as its new brand ambassador as the telecom company unveiled a revamped brand identity, including a new logo that changes from “V!” to “Vi”. The company also launched a new campaign titled Vi badal raha hai... tayaar rahiye.

Khan, popularly known as SRK, will endorse the telecom service provider for the duration of the campaign, although the company has not specified how long the association will continue. The announcement comes as Vodafone Idea, backed by the Aditya Birla Group, works to strengthen its position in the competitive telecom market while seeking funding for its planned Rs 45,000 crores capital expenditure over the next three years.

Vodafone Idea CEO Abhijit Kishore said, “This is not simply a logo refresh, it is the first expression of the evolution we are bringing to the Vi Brand. It reflects our ambition for Vi and commitment to shaping what telecom can be – an experience that makes life more rewarding, and full of possibilities for our customers.”

 

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Kishore further outlined the company's plans for the coming weeks, saying, “Over the coming weeks, this evolution will come alive with strategic launches, new campaigns and a range of experiences that will shape how we engage with our customers. The new identity captures optimism—an optimism for everything that is possible today, more importantly for what we can bring to both; our retail customers and enterprises in the future as a tech co.”

The development comes amid Vodafone Idea's efforts to raise funds for network expansion. Business Standard had reported that the telecom operator was close to securing financing from State Bank of India, with its promoters backing guarantees for the proposed loans. The company raised Rs 6,400 crores through bank-funded and non-funded facilities in the quarter ended June, marking the first tranche of its planned ₹35,000 crore fundraising.

The funds are expected to support its 4G expansion and 5G rollout plans. Vodafone Idea also added 240,114 customers in July, its highest monthly addition in two years. This marked its fourth consecutive quarter of net customer additions since the beginning of FY27 and its sixth consecutive month of gains since February.

Customer additions form one of the three key pillars of Vodafone Idea's Vi 2.0 strategy, alongside double-digit revenue growth and a target to triple cash Ebitda over the next three years.

Aditya Birla Group chairman and Vodafone Idea non-executive chairman Kumar Mangalam Birla has said the company had moved beyond its “most challenging years” with improved financial clarity, continued promoter support and renewed investment capacity following the resolution of the long-pending adjusted gross revenue (AGR) issue.

“FY26 was a year of resolution. FY27 begins a period of execution,” Birla said in his address to shareholders in the annual report for FY26.

“The priorities ahead are clear: Execute the network investment programme, strengthen market competitiveness and translate a stronger balance sheet into sustained growth in customers and earnings," he had specified.

Also Read : King100: Teaser of Nagarjuna starrer unveiled on his birthday; film to clash with Shah Rukh Khan starrer King