Aamir Khan productions’ Lahore 1947, starring Sunny Deol, locks Independence week release; deets inside

Aamir Khan Productions has officially announced August 13, 2026, as the theatrical release date for its upcoming period drama Lahore 1947. The film will hit cinemas during the Independence Day week, aligning its release with the historical and emotional backdrop at the heart of its narrative.

Lahore 1947 marks a significant first-time collaboration between Sunny Deol, director Rajkumar Santoshi, and producer Aamir Khan. The project has already generated considerable anticipation, not only for its subject matter but also for bringing together creative forces who have individually shaped some of Hindi cinema’s most memorable films.

Recently, Aamir Khan also shared a personal moment connected to the film, one that has gained deeper meaning following the passing of veteran actor Dharmendra. Speaking about the experience, he said, “I'm fortunate I got to spend some time with him (Dharamji). In fact, Lahore, the film we've made with Sunny, I had the good fortune of showing him the film. So he's seen the film. It's not released yet, of course. But I was so glad because this was one of his favorite scripts. I'm so glad he got to see the film.”

The film boasts a strong ensemble cast including Sunny Deol, Shabana Azmi, Preity Zinta, Karan Deol, Ali Fazal, and Abhimanyu Singh. The music is composed by AR Rahman, with lyrics penned by Javed Akhtar, adding further weight to the project’s creative lineup.

Based on Dr. Asghar Wajahat’s acclaimed play ‘Jis Lahore Nai Vekhya, O Jamya E Nai’, Lahore 1947 explores human relationships and emotional turmoil set against the backdrop of the Partition of India. Rather than focusing solely on political events, the story delves into personal loss, displacement, and the complexities of coexistence during one of the most defining chapters in the subcontinent’s history.

For Sunny Deol, Lahore 1947 will follow his appearance in Border 2, while for Aamir Khan, the film represents a notable production venture rooted in historical storytelling. With its Independence week release now confirmed, expectations are set to rise as audiences await further glimpses of the film.

Also Read: After the blockbuster success of Border 2, trade experts predict Sunny Deol’s Lahore 1947 will also open with a bang: “The combination of Sunny and Rajkumar Santoshi has NEVER gone wrong”

FWICE demands withdrawal of Ghooskhor Pandat title, warns of strict action

The controversy around the upcoming Netflix film Ghooskhor Pandat, produced by Neeraj Pandey and starring Manoj Bajpayee, grew more intense this week after the Federation of Western India Cine Employees (FWICE) formally objected to its title and urged the makers to withdraw it, warning of significant industry action if the demand is not met.

The dispute began soon after the film’s announcement and teaser release, with many viewers and various organisations criticising the title Ghooskhor Pandat as offensive and potentially derogatory toward a specific community. The title combines ghooskhor — a colloquial Hindi term for someone who takes bribes — with Pandat, commonly associated with the Brahmin community. Critics argued that this linkage could perpetuate stereotypes and hurt sentiments. FWICE’s Objection and Warning FWICE, a body representing workers, technicians and artists across more than three dozen affiliated associations, sent a letter to producers’ bodies and major OTT platforms, including Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, Zee5 and SonyLIV. The organisation, according to a PTI report, stated: “FWICE and all its affiliated associations strongly object to the use of this title, as it appears to single out and target a particular community and its traditional means of livelihood in a derogatory and offensive manner.”

The letter added, “Such a title has the potential to hurt sentiments, provoke misunderstanding, and disturb social harmony… We therefore appeal to all producer bodies to refrain from allowing the registration or continuation of film titles that are provocative in nature and capable of creating unrest among Indians.” The federation emphasised that the film industry, as a platform of influence, has a responsibility to avoid promoting disrespect or division.

FWICE also warned that if the title is not withdrawn promptly, it may advise its associations and members to distance themselves from any project associated with the film’s production house. This could translate into a boycott of technicians and crew working on future films by the same producers. Government, Legal and Public Reaction to Ghooskhor Pandat The controversy crossed into legal and political arenas. In Lucknow, an FIR was lodged against the film’s creators for allegedly hurting caste sentiments, and a writ petition has been filed in the Delhi High Court seeking a stay on the film’s release on grounds that the title is “communally offensive.”

Political organisations and leaders have also joined the criticism. The Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) labelled the title as “offensive” and has urged appropriate measures against the film. Amid the backlash, authorities reportedly directed Netflix India to remove the teaser and related promotional content from official channels.

Responding to the uproar, Neeraj Pandey issued a statement acknowledging that the title had “hurt” some viewers and announced that all promotional material for the project would be taken down for the moment. He clarified: “Our film is a fictional cop drama… the term ‘Pandat’ is used simply as a colloquial name for a character. The story focuses on an individual’s actions and choices and does not comment on or represent any caste, religion or community.”

Manoj Bajpayee also addressed the controversy on his official social media, writing: “I respect the emotions and concerns people have shared, and I take them seriously… For me, this was about portraying a flawed individual and his journey of self-realisation. This was not meant to be a statement about any community.”

Beyond FWICE, the Film Makers Combine (FMC) — another industry body — has objected to the title on procedural grounds, noting that Ghooskhor Pandat had not been formally approved under standard title registration processes. The organisation has cautioned the production and Netflix against using an unauthorized title.

Also Read: After Neeraj Pandey, Manoj Bajpayee addresses backlash over Ghooskhor Pandat title: “Not meant to be a statement about any community”

“Disappointing”: Vikrant Massey BREAKS SILENCE on being replaced by Raghav Juyal in Nitesh Tiwari’s Ramayana

Actor Vikrant Massey addressed widespread rumours surrounding his alleged role in Ramayana, a two-part film directed by Nitesh Tiwari, and reports that he was replaced by Raghav Juyal. The speculation began earlier this week, triggering reactions across social media and entertainment outlets.

In a post shared on his Instagram Stories, Massey firmly denied being part of the project. “Ok. To put the rumours to rest. I never was a part of Nitesh Tiwari’s Ramayan,” he wrote, reflecting on the coverage that suggested he had lost a role in the film. “The many media portals reporting about my supposed ‘replacement’ should’ve done the requisite background check. Disappointing. Nonetheless, wishing everyone a part of the movie all the very best. Love.”

The actor later deleted the post from his Instagram Story, though no explanation was given for its removal.

The controversy stemmed from a report by Variety India mentioning that Raghav Juyal had been cast as Meghanad (also called Indrajit) — the eldest son of Ravana and a key warrior in the Ramayana narrative — for Ramayana: Part 2. The same report indicated that the role was once linked to Massey before the filmmakers made a different casting choice. The publication quoted a source saying, “The role was initially supposed to be played by Vikrant Massey, but things apparently didn't work out. Raghav was subsequently approached, and he immediately came on board.”

Despite the buzz, Massey made it clear he had no official involvement with the project at any stage. The deleted clarification post was his way of countering the growing speculation.

Nitesh Tiwari’s Ramayana is being produced as a two-part cinematic adaptation of the ancient Indian epic and is expected to be among the biggest live-action films in Indian cinema. Ranbir Kapoor headlines as Lord Ram, while Sai Pallavi plays Goddess Sita. Yash embodies Ravana, with Sunny Deol as Hanuman and Ravie Dubey as Lakshman. The ensemble cast also includes several other prominent actors in key roles.

The first part of Ramayana is scheduled for a Diwali 2026 release, while the second installment is expected around Diwali 2027.

Also Read: Musafir Café on Netflix: Vikrant Massey, Vedika Pinto and Mahima Makwana lead a soulful love story

Ishaan Khatter buys Rs. 29.37 crore luxury apartment in Mumbai’s elite Pali Hill area

Bollywood actor Ishaan Khatter has reportedly made a significant real estate investment in Mumbai, purchasing a luxury apartment in the city’s upscale Pali Hill neighbourhood for Rs. 29.37 crore. The transaction details have emerged through property registration documents accessed by real estate data platform CRE Matrix.

According to the documents, Ishaan has acquired the apartment at Navroz Apartments, located in Bandra’s Pali Hill, under the Navroze Premises Co-operative Society. The high-end residence boasts a carpet area of 2,989.05 square feet, making it a spacious addition to the actor’s property portfolio. The seller of the apartment has been identified as Kapil M. Mahtani, and the transaction was officially registered on February 5, 2026.

The paperwork further reveals that the actor paid approximately Rs. 1.76 crore in stamp duty for the deal. In addition to the apartment, the purchase also includes four dedicated parking spaces, a valuable asset in one of Mumbai’s most sought-after residential zones. As of now, Ishaan Khatter has not issued any official statement confirming or commenting on the property purchase.

Pali Hill, situated in Bandra, continues to remain one of Mumbai’s most prestigious and exclusive residential areas. Known for its prime location and accessibility, the locality has long been home to several prominent Bollywood personalities and high-net-worth celebrities such as Aamir Khan, Shah Rukh Khan, Ranbir Kapoor, Alia Bhatt, Dilip Kumar, Jackie Shroff, and Sanjay Dutt, among others, own properties in and around the Pali Hill area, further underlining its elite status.

The reported purchase comes at a time when Ishaan Khatter is enjoying a notable phase in his career. The actor received widespread appreciation for his performance in Homebound, co-starring Vishal Jethwa and marking a reunion with his debut co-star Janhvi Kapoor. Produced by Dharma Productions and Neeraj Ghaywan, the film gained international attention and even entered the Oscars nomination race, bringing global visibility to the project.

Closer home, Ishaan also connected with Indian audiences through the Netflix series The Royals, where he featured alongside Bhumi Pednekar, Sakshi Tanwar, and Zeenat Aman. With strong critical and audience reception to his recent work, the actor’s reported investment in a prime Mumbai property appears to reflect both professional stability and long-term planning.

Also Read: Ishaan Khatter and Vishal Jethwa react to Homebound losing the Oscar race in heartfelt Instagram posts

SCOOP: Salman Khan-starrer Battle Of Galwan likely to be postponed; might not make it to cinemas on April 17

Bollywood Hungama has been at the forefront in providing timely updates about Battle Of Galwan. We are now back with another news, which might disappoint those who have been waiting to catch the Salman Khan-starrer on the big screen. As per latest developments, the superstar and the makers of the film are toying with the idea of delaying the release.

A source told Bollywood Hungama, “Battle Of Galwan is scheduled to be released on April 17. But the shoot is not yet over and the reshoot is taking more time than expected. From Monday, February 9, a one-week schedule will commence in the Golden Tobacco Factory in Mumbai. After this schedule gets over, a few more days of shooting are left and by February-end, it’ll be a wrap.”

The source further said, “Director Apoorva Lakhia will begin editing the reshot portions. And that’s not all. As per the rules, Battle Of Galwan needs to be shown to the Ministry of Defence and this process might also take time. Due to these two reasons, the makers feel that they would not be able to meet the April 17 deadline. Salman Khan is clear that such a special, patriotic film needs to be nurtured well. He has told the team of the film that they should not rush through the process and take their time in ensuring that the final product looks appealing, compelling and cinematic.”

The source continued, “Though Salman Khan and Apoorva Lakhia are seriously considering postponing the Battle Of Galwan, they are yet to take the final call. Salman bhai is unpredictable; he might still get the film out on April 17 despite the circumstances, but the chances seem remote. A clearer picture is expected to emerge in a few days from now.”

Besides Salman Khan, Battle Of Galwan also stars Chitrangda Singh. Salman plays the role of Colonel Bikkumalla Santosh Babu in this film, which is based on a chapter in the book ‘India’s Most Fearless 3’ (2022), authored by Shiv Aroor and Rahul Singh. The film is inspired by the events of June 15, 2020, when Indian and Chinese soldiers clashed in the Galwan Valley during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Also Read: Salman Khan BREAKS SILENCE on trolls over Battle of Galwan teaser expression: “Ye Colonel ka look hai”

BREAKING: Salman Khan, Ranbir Kapoor and others attend the 100-year celebration event of RSS in Mumbai

The Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) completed 100 years in 2025. As part of its centenary celebrations, a grand two-day event is being held at a sprawling auditorium in Mumbai. The first day of the event took place on Saturday, February 7, with several prominent personalities from various fields in attendance.

The Bollywood film fraternity was not far behind and several celebs attended the first day of the event like superstars Salman Khan and Ranbir Kapoor and filmmakers like Mohit Suri, Subhash Ghai, Nitesh Tiwari, Om Raut, Vikram Malhotra and others. Lyricist Prasoon Joshi was also present and he was seated next to Salman Khan.

Salman Khan could be seen dedicatedly listening to the speakers on stage. Ranbir Kapoor was seated in the front row and he was sporting a moustache; it is said to be his look from his upcoming film, Love & War, directed by Sanjay Leela Bhansali.

A video outside the auditorium showed Ranbir Kapoor warmly greeting and hugging Nitesh Tiwari. Interestingly, Nitesh has directed Ranbir in the much-awaited two-part saga, Ramayana. It features the actor in the role of Lord Rama. It also stars Sai Pallavi as Sita, Sunny Deol as Lord Hanuman and Yash of KGF and Toxic fame as Ravana. While the first part will release on Diwali 2026, the second part will arrive in cinemas on Diwali 2027.

As for Salman Khan, he’s gearing up for Battle Of Galwan, co-starring Chitrangda Singh. Salman plays the role of Colonel Bikkumalla Santosh Babu in this film, which is based on a chapter in the book ‘India’s Most Fearless 3’ (2022), authored by Shiv Aroor and Rahul Singh. The film is inspired by the events of June 15, 2020, when Indian and Chinese soldiers clashed in the Galwan Valley during the COVID-19 pandemic.

The second day of the event will take place on Sunday, February 8, and several more prominent personalities from across fields are expected to attend.

Also Read: Bigg Boss 19 becomes 2025’s most-watched OTT reality show with 20 million views, Salman Khan stays on top

Shaad Randhawa steps out for a cause, joins Mumbai Road Safety Awareness rally

Actor Shaad Randhawa was recently seen lending his support to a road safety awareness rally organised by the Mumbai/Maharashtra RTO, adding a recognisable face from the film industry to an initiative focused on civic responsibility. Known for his work across films and digital projects, Randhawa’s participation brought added visibility to the rally, which aimed to encourage mindful behaviour on the city’s busy roads.

The rally witnessed participation from officials, volunteers, and citizens, all united by the common goal of promoting safer road practices. Shaad Randhawa joined the participants on ground, interacting with organisers and acknowledging the effort that goes into planning such public initiatives. His presence underscored how public figures can contribute beyond their on-screen roles by engaging with causes that impact everyday life.

Speaking about his association with the rally, Shaad Randhawa said, “It’s a great privilege and honor to be a part of such a noble cause. Road safety awareness is absolutely vital and necessary. Measures like wearing a helmet or staying within speed limits are extremely important to follow. I thank the Mumbai/Maharashtra RTO and everyone responsible who organized this rally. Jai Hind! Jai Maharashtra.” The actor’s words reflected his appreciation for the organisers and his belief in supporting initiatives that benefit society at large.

While the rally’s core message centred on road safety, Randhawa’s involvement stood out as an example of celebrity participation in grassroots awareness efforts. In recent years, several actors have stepped forward to associate themselves with social campaigns, and Shaad’s participation adds to that growing list of industry members engaging with real-world issues.

For Randhawa, who continues to balance his acting commitments with public appearances, the rally marked a moment of engagement outside the entertainment space. His support also highlighted how visibility from the film industry can help draw attention to initiatives that might otherwise remain limited in reach.

As images and videos from the rally circulated online, fans appreciated seeing the actor in a socially conscious role, reinforcing his off-screen persona as someone willing to support meaningful causes. The event ultimately served as a reminder that when public figures step into community-driven initiatives, it helps bridge the gap between awareness campaigns and the wider audience they aim to reach.

Also Read: EXCLUSIVE: Shaad Randhawa on why directors like Mohit Suri, Milap Zaveri repeat him: “It’s my job to make life easier for director”; BREAKS silence on ‘recycled’ Main Tera Hero joke in Mastiii 4: “I didn’t expect people would remember it…”