EXCLUSIVE: Wamiqa Gabbi joins Rishab Shetty in Prasanth Varma’s Jai Hanuman

2026 is turning out to be a great year for Wamiqa Gabbi. The Jubilee actress kicked off the year with the box-office success of Akshay Kumar and Priyadarshan’s Bhooth Bangla, followed it up with Pati, Patni Aur Woh Do, and is now earning acclaim for her performance as Chandra in her recently released Tamil film, DC: The Bloody Valentine. Her “acche din” are set to continue, as she has now bagged possibly the biggest film of her career.

Bollywood Hungama has exclusively learned that Wamiqa Gabbi has been signed on for Rishab Shetty’s upcoming pan-India mythological epic, Jai Hanuman. She will play a prominent and powerful character in the Prasanth Varma directorial, though details about her role are being kept under wraps. The actress is said to be excited about stepping into the immersive world of mythology, action and devotion, and will soon join the film’s Hyderabad schedule.

Jai Hanuman is the much-awaited sequel to Prasanth Varma’s 2024 blockbuster Hanu-Man, which starred Teja Sajja as a petty thief who discovers Hanuman-like powers. Rishab Shetty, who emerged as a pan-India star following the phenomenal success of the Kantara franchise, takes over as the lead in the sequel and will essay the role of Lord Hanuman. The film is described as a high-octane action epic set in Kaliyug that celebrates Hanuman’s unshakable devotion, loyalty and timeless strength while presenting him as an immortal spirit.

Produced by Mythri Movie Makers and presented by T-Series, Jai Hanuman expands the Prasanth Varma Cinematic Universe (PVCU), a superhero universe drawing profound inspiration from the sacred tapestry of Indian history. Other upcoming films under the PVCU include Mahakali, centred on Goddess Kali, and Adhira, based on Lord Indra. The film went on floors in March, and shooting has since been progressing at a brisk pace, with a mega theatrical release planned for the second half of 2027.

Meanwhile, Wamiqa has several exciting projects lined up. She will next be seen alongside Rajkummar Rao in Maddock Films’ Prahaar, set to release in September, and will follow it up with Adivi Sesh’s action thriller Goodachari 2 later this year. Her upcoming slate also includes Dil Ka Darwaza Khol Na Darling with Siddhant Chaturvedi, Genie with Ravi Mohan, and Dharma Productions’ Kuku Ki Kundali, co-starring Bhuvan Bam.

Also Read: Wamiqa Gabbi says brother Puran Gabbi earned Awarapan 2 on his own merit in an emotional post after the trailer release

BREAKING: EXCLUSIVE footage of Ramayana to be screened at Big Cine Expo 2026, Chennai; Rakesh Roshan to receive Special Achievement Award

An exhibition called Big Cine Expo is held every year where theatre owners, design consultants, equipment manufacturers, system integrators, project management professionals, and industry stakeholders come together to celebrate cinema and the exhibition sector. One major highlight of the expo is the presentation of exclusive footage from an upcoming film. And at this year’s edition of Big Cine Expo, attendees will get a chance to watch exclusive glimpses of arguably the most awaited film of the year – Ramayana! The period epic stars Ranbir Kapoor, Yash, Sunny Deol, Sai Pallavi, Ravie Dubey, Rakul Preet Singh, Lara Dutta and others.

The Big Cine Expo 2026 will be held on August 18 and 19 in Chennai, and the Ramayana glimpse preview will take place on the first day. Attendees will be strictly prohibited from using their mobile phones or recording any part of the presentation. This is because the team will showcase visuals from the film that have not yet been revealed to the public. Members of the organizing team will also be stationed inside the screening area to ensure that no one records the footage or clicks any pictures or videos during the presentation.

However, the film’s actors, director Nitesh Tiwari and producer Namit Malhotra, will not be present at the Big Cine Expo. Instead, Parminder Chadda, Technical Head at Prime Focus, will present the exclusive Ramayana footage.

In the 2024 edition of Big Cine Expo, Atlee shared exclusive glimpses of the Varun Dhawan-starrer Baby John (2024). A year before that, Boney Kapoor showed some scenes from his acclaimed film Maidaan (2024), while in 2022, exciting scenes from the Ranbir Kapoor-Alia Bhatt starrer Brahmastra (2022) were shown to the attendees.

Big honours at IMAX Big Cine Awards

On the same day, August 18, the IMAX Big Cine Awards 2026 will also take place. Blockbuster filmmaker Rakesh Roshan will be felicitated with the Special Achievement Award. Meanwhile, Roopbani Cinema in Purnia, Bihar, run by Vishek Chauhan, will be honoured with the Best Single-Screen Theatre of the Year Award. Vishek Chauhan is well-known in industry circles for his no-holds-barred and headline-grabbing views on cinema exhibition and the box office, and has also recently turned author.

Roopbani Cinema will share the honour with Mukta A2 Bharatmata in Lalbaug, Mumbai. The heritage single-screen theatre, which has been an important destination for Marathi and regional cinema since 1941, remained shut for a few years before reopening earlier this year on March 24. The revamped theatre now boasts Dolby Surround Sound, 2K laser projection and upgraded seating options, including recliners and sofas.

AMB Cinemas, City Pride, Roongta Cinemas, Rajhans Cinemas, Connplex Cinemas, Starline Cinemas and several other cinemas and exhibition chains will also be honoured across various categories at the awards.

Also Read: Nagarjuna praises Ramayana: Part 1 trailer; says, “I really liked Yash and Ranbir Kapoor”

CONFIRMED! Ajay Devgn to host Crime Patrol 2026, new season to premiere on August 31

One of India’s biggest superstars, Ajay Devgn is all set to bring stories inspired by cases that have shaken the nation through Crime Patrol 2026 on Sony Entertainment Television and Sony LIV.

Ajay Devgn’s commanding on-screen presence and resolute voice will take viewers through stories inspired by cases that have shaken the nation. Through the recently released promo, the actor communicates directly with viewers and urges them not to be consumed by fear and with the realities of today but to exercise more caution; he also promises to be a guide to them through this journey, assuring them, “Main rahunga aapke saath”

Ajay Devgn said: “Coming together with a show like Crime Patrol feels like a responsibility to my fans and viewers. The show has built a legacy of understanding crime stories while driving awareness among viewers, encouraging them to become more vigilant about the people around them and who they interact with and trust. As we bring to the forefront some of the stories inspired by cases that have shaken the nation, I hope and believe that I can help and guide audiences to navigate them with caution rather than fear.”

 

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Crime Patrol – Crime Ka Current Season will premiere on Monday, August 31, 2026 at 10:30 pm, only on Sony Entertainment Television and Sony LIV.

Also Read: Ajay Devgn replaces Anup Soni as Crime Patrol host; has shot 15 episodes: Report

Excel Entertainment turns 25: Farhan Akhtar, Ritesh Sidhwani announce Excel Origins to back filmmakers under 30

As Excel Entertainment marks 25 years in the Hindi film industry, co-founders Ritesh Sidhwani and Farhan Akhtar have announced Excel Origins, an initiative aimed at discovering and supporting a new generation of filmmakers.

Sidhwani and Akhtar announced the initiative through their social media posts, looking back at the journey that began with Dil Chahta Hai. The 2001 film, which marked Farhan Akhtar’s directorial debut, went on to become an influential coming-of-age film and established Excel Entertainment’s interest in backing fresh voices.

Reflecting on the company’s beginnings, the duo noted that they were 26 when they started Excel Entertainment. “We didn’t have all the answers but we had an idea we believed in, the courage to take risks and the tenacity to make it happen,” they said.

With Excel Origins, the filmmakers now intend to extend that philosophy to emerging talent. The initiative will focus on filmmakers under 30, with the aim of identifying writers and directors with distinctive voices and supporting them in developing original stories.

The initiative will explore projects across genres and formats, while also creating opportunities for emerging actors and other creative talent.

 

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Looking ahead, Sidhwani and Akhtar said the next 25 years would include “Excel empowering young, aspiring filmmakers with bold ideas and the courage to tell stories differently.”

The initiative, they added, is ultimately about investing in “where cinema goes next.”

Also Read: Excel Entertainment launches Excel Music label with Universal Music Group partnership

73 year old Director Shakeel Noorani arrested over alleged rape of 33 year old actor in Mumbai

Film director Shakeel Noorani, 73, has been arrested in Mumbai following a complaint filed by a 33-year-old actor, who has alleged that she was raped after being called to his residence in Malwani. According to the police complaint, Noorani allegedly invited the actor to his house on the pretext of discussing an upcoming film project.

The actor has alleged that after she reached the director's residence, she was allegedly drugged and sexually assaulted. The complaint further states that Noorani allegedly threatened her following the incident. Police subsequently registered a case based on the actor's allegations and arrested the filmmaker.

Following his arrest, Noorani was produced before the Borivali Holiday Court. The court has reportedly remanded him to police custody until August 12, during which the police are expected to investigate the allegations and gather further evidence in the case.

The allegations are currently part of an ongoing investigation, and the charges against Noorani have not been established in court.

Shakeel Noorani has been associated with Hindi cinema as a writer, producer and director. He is known for films including Bade Dilwala, released in 1999, and Joru Ka Ghulam, which came out in 2000.

The latest case has brought the veteran filmmaker into the spotlight as Mumbai Police continue their investigation into the actor's allegations. Further details regarding the case are expected to emerge as the investigation progresses and the police record statements and examine other evidence connected to the complaint.

Noorani's police custody is scheduled to continue until August 12, following which he is expected to be produced before the court again. The investigation will determine the circumstances surrounding the allegations and the events that allegedly took place at his Malwani residence.

TVF announces first Marathi film Bayangi: Palaychi Nahi, Talaychi

The Viral Fever (TVF) has announced its entry into Marathi cinema with its first Marathi film, Bayangi: Palaychi Nahi, Talaychi, Announced on August 8, 2026, the film is described as a supernatural comedy thriller inspired by one of Maharashtra’s intriguing folklores. With supernatural elements, humour and an unusual premise, the film brings together a promising cast and creative team.

Set against the backdrop of the Konkan region, Bayangi: Palaychi Nahi, Talaychi revolves around the folklore of Bayangi, a supernatural spirit believed to be trapped inside a coconut. According to the folklore, the spirit can bring prosperity to its owner. However, the promise of wealth comes with a dangerous condition.

The story follows four bachelors who unexpectedly come across a Bayangi and begin believing that they have found a shortcut to a luxurious life. Their excitement soon takes a darker turn when they discover that every wish they make, whether big or small, comes with a terrifying price. What begins as an opportunity to change their lives gradually turns into a dangerous situation.

 

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Produced by TVF Motion Pictures, the film is directed by Abhay Raut, who previously directed Gullak Season 5. The film features Amey Wagh in the lead role, with Hardeek Joshi, Manmeet Pem and Avinash Khedekar in pivotal roles.

With its combination of supernatural folklore and quirky humour, Bayangi marks a new direction for TVF as it ventures into Marathi films. The announcement comes at a busy time for the production house, which has released nine shows in 2026, including Gullak Season 5, Sapne Vs. Everyone Season 2, Aspirants Season 3, Hello Bachhon Season 1 and Space Gen: Chandrayaan Season 1. TVF has also announced projects such as Vvan and College Fest.

Also Read : EXCLUSIVE: Siddhaarth Mishra on reuniting with TVF through Gullak Season 5, “The hallmark of TVF is its direction and writing”

Jugal Hansraj joins Masoom: The Next Generation; says returning to the film after 43 years feels "like life coming full circle"

Actor Jugal Hansraj is set to return to the Masoom universe with Masoom: The Next Generation, reuniting with filmmaker Shekhar Kapur more than four decades after making his acting debut in the 1983 classic. The upcoming film will also see Naseeruddin Shah and Shabana Azmi reprise their roles from the original, marking a reunion of the central cast that introduced audiences to one of Hindi cinema's most memorable family dramas.

Shekhar Kapur reflects on Jugal Hansraj's return Speaking about bringing Jugal back for the new film, Shekhar Kapur described the reunion as an emotional moment. He said, "There is something profoundly beautiful about coming home, not to a place, but to a story that has stayed alive in people's hearts for decades. Jugal was just a young boy when we made Masoom, and today, welcoming him back as an accomplished actor is both emotional and deeply fulfilling. Reuniting him with Naseer and Shabana is a reminder that some relationships transcend cinema."

Kapur added, "As we begin this new chapter, I hope audiences experience the same honesty, tenderness and emotional truth that made Masoom so enduring." "People still call me the 'Masoom boy'" Jugal Hansraj shared that returning to the franchise was an easy decision when Shekhar Kapur approached him: "When Shekhar called to tell me he wanted me to be a part of the new Masoom, it made me so happy. Masoom has been a part of my life, my identity, for as long as I can remember. Even after all these years, I'm still 'that Masoom boy.'"

The actor said, "It's been more than 40 years since the film released, but people still remember it with so much affection. I constantly get stopped by people even here in New York, and they tell me with a warm smile that their kids or grandkids still listen to 'Lakdi Ki Kathi.' They meet me like I'm a member of their own family."

Reflecting on the emotional connection audiences have with the film, he added: "Masoom slowly made its way into people's hearts and made a home there. It continues to do so. I'm so excited that I can be a part of this special film and this special family. It's like life coming full circle."

Masoom: The Next Generation is described as a spiritual sequel to Shekhar Kapur's 1983 classic. Like the original, the film will explore themes of family relationships, identity and changing dynamics across generations.

The cast includes Naseeruddin Shah, Shabana Azmi, Jugal Hansraj, Manoj Bajpayee, Nithya Menen and Kaveri Kapur.

The film will feature music by Academy Award-winning composer A. R. Rahman, who is also attached as a co-producer.

Also Read: EXCLUSIVE: Shekhar Kapur rumoured to team up with Avani Rai as Director of Photography for Masoom: The Next Generation