Bombay High Court quashes 2010 FIR against Shekhar Suman and Bharti Singh over comedy show remarks

The Bombay High Court has quashed a 2010 FIR registered against actor Shekhar Suman and comedian Bharti Singh over alleged remarks made during a television comedy show, ruling that no offence of hurting religious sentiments was established.

The case was registered at Pydhonie Police Station under Section 295-A of the Indian Penal Code, which deals with deliberate acts intended to outrage religious feelings, along with Section 34, which relates to common intention. A representative of the Raza Academy had filed the complaint following an episode of Comedy Circus Ka Jadoo that aired in November 2010.

Justice Amit Borkar allowed separate petitions filed by Shekhar Suman and Bharti Singh seeking cancellation of the FIR and all related proceedings. While delivering the order, the court observed that the television programme was meant for light entertainment and should be viewed in the proper context.

The High Court stated that a comedy show cannot be judged in the same way as a serious speech, religious discourse, or political statement. It noted that performances in such formats should be considered as a whole instead of isolating a few words or expressions.

The court further clarified that for an offence under Section 295-A to be made out, there must be both deliberate and malicious intent to insult religious sentiments. According to the bench, both conditions are necessary, and if either one is missing, the offence is not complete.

After reviewing the available material, the court found no evidence to suggest that either Shekhar Suman or Bharti Singh had any intention to insult any religion. It also said that merely because some viewers may have felt offended would not be enough to justify criminal prosecution.

The bench also considered the specific roles of the two artists. It noted that Shekhar Suman was serving as a judge on the show, while Bharti Singh was performing as part of a scripted comic act. There was no material indicating any shared plan or common intention between them.

Additionally, the High Court pointed out that the prosecution had failed to obtain prior sanction under Section 196 of the Code of Criminal Procedure, a mandatory requirement for prosecuting offences under Section 295-A.

Rejecting the State’s argument that the matter should proceed to trial, the court held that a trial cannot replace the need for a legally valid case. It concluded that continuing criminal proceedings in the absence of required ingredients would amount to misuse of the legal process.

With this ruling, the FIR and all consequential proceedings against Shekhar Suman and Bharti Singh have been set aside.

Also Read: “Your talent should be your drug,” Shekhar Suman condemns Bharti Singh

Bombay High Court dismisses PIL seeking change in Raja Shivaji’s title

The Bombay High Court has dismissed a public interest litigation (PIL) that sought a stay on the theatrical release of the Marathi-Hindi bilingual film Raja Shivaji, clearing the way for the movie’s scheduled release on May 1, 2026. The petition had objected to the omission of the honorific “Chhatrapati” from the film’s title and claimed it was disrespectful to the legacy of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj.

The plea was filed by NGO Sree Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Foundation, which argued that leaving out the title “Chhatrapati” hurt the sentiments of followers of the iconic Maratha ruler. The petitioner requested the court to direct the makers to rename the film Chhatrapati Raja Shivaji and also sought restrictions on the release, screening, and public exhibition of the movie until changes were made.

A division bench led by Chief Justice Shree Chandrashekhar and Justice Gautam Ankhad rejected the petition, observing that the matter did not involve any real public cause. The court also noted the timing of the plea, pointing out that it was filed only two days before the film’s release.

According to the bench, there was nothing in the title Raja Shivaji that could be considered insulting or derogatory to the status of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj. The judges stated that the petition appeared to be motivated rather than filed in genuine public interest.

The respondents in the case included the Union of India, the State of Maharashtra, the Central Board of Film Certification, actor-director Riteish Deshmukh, producers Jyoti Deshpande, Genelia Deshmukh, and Mumbai Film Company Pvt Ltd.

During the hearing, counsel representing the film’s producers informed the court that the story focuses on Shivaji Maharaj’s life before his coronation in 1674, when he officially received the title of “Chhatrapati.” It was also stated that a disclaimer explaining this context had already been included in the film and approved by the CBFC.

The producers further submitted that the project had been publicly announced in February 2024, while its release date was declared in 2025, meaning the title had long been in the public domain.

In its final remarks, the High Court said public interest litigation was meant to amplify genuine public concerns, and not be misused for such last-minute objections.

Also Read: Raja Shivaji Box Office Prediction: Riteish Deshmukh’s film to open HUGE, take comfortable DOUBLE DIGIT opening

Ranveer Singh starrer Dhurandhar controversy: Santosh Kumar RS agrees to stay silent on Aditya Dhar amid court proceedings

The ongoing controversy surrounding Dhurandhar The Revenge, starring Ranveer Singh, has taken a fresh turn, with filmmaker Santosh Kumar RS agreeing to refrain from making any further public remarks against director Aditya Dhar.

As per reports, the matter came up before the Bombay High Court, where Santosh Kumar’s legal representative conveyed that the filmmaker would avoid speaking about the dispute in public going forward. Instead, he would rely on appropriate legal channels to address his concerns. It was also suggested on his behalf that earlier comments were not specifically aimed at Aditya Dhar. The court, however, noted that making such an assurance enforceable in a broader sense could be challenging but decided to formally record Kumar’s commitment to avoid any further statements that could be seen as defamatory.

On the other side, Aditya Dhar’s legal team pushed for a public apology over the earlier allegations. His counsel argued that publicly accusing someone of wrongdoing could have serious implications and maintained that an apology would be appropriate under the circumstances. However, Kumar’s side did not agree to this, stating that he believes he has sufficient grounds to support his claims and therefore would not apologise at this stage.

With this, the court chose to close the interim plea while clearly stating that no further controversial or potentially damaging remarks should be made by Santosh Kumar in the future.

The dispute traces back to claims made by Kumar, who alleged that Dhurandhar was based on a script he had previously registered under the title D Saheb. Following these accusations, Aditya Dhar had issued a legal notice asking for the statements to be withdrawn. When there was no response, the director approached the court, stating that the claims were unfounded and were affecting his professional reputation.

Earlier this month, the court had already instructed Kumar to refrain from repeating such allegations publicly until further hearings in the matter.

Despite the ongoing controversy, Dhurandhar The Revenge has performed strongly at the box office and continues to remain in the spotlight, driven by audience interest and discussions around the film.

Also Read: Dhurandhar The Revenge couldn’t beat Dangal, but trade says its Rs. 1800 crore run without Gulf and China is the bigger success story

Several cinemas yet to open May 1 bookings; exhibitors face ‘agni pariksha’ as they struggle to accommodate Raja Shivaji, Ek Din, The Devil Wears Prada 2, Patriot, KD - The Devil and holdover releases

Issues over screen-sharing have become extremely common now, and this week, the situation has intensified significantly. This is because several major films in different languages are releasing simultaneously, leaving programmers at their wits’ end while allocating the desired number of shows to each of them.

As expected, with less than 24 hours to go for the releases, the issues are yet to be sorted. In Mumbai, theatres like Regal, MovieTime Suburbia, PVR Le Reve, Roxy, Eros IMAX, Kasturba and Nazrana hadn’t opened bookings for May 1, as of 8:00 am on April 30. Surprisingly, even a three-screen multiplex like Sterling hadn’t opened plans for the coming week. Meanwhile, advance booking is yet to open in a full-fledged manner in cinemas like Devgn CineX Mulund, Devgn CineX Thane, Topiwala, MovieTime Malad, Tilak and Rajhans Ghatkopar.

An exhibition source told Bollywood Hungama, “This is like agni pariksha for us. We need to allot shows to Raja Shivaji (releasing in Hindi and Marathi), Ek Din (Hindi), The Devil Wears Prada 2 (English), Patriot (Malayalam), Kara (Tamil), Dhabkaaro (Gujarati), KD - The Devil (Kannada) etc. In a city like Mumbai, where there’s an audience for films in various languages, the programming team is working dedicatedly and in constant touch with distributors to ensure that the films get sufficient showcasing.”

Meanwhile, the holdover releases like Michael and Bhooth Bangla continue to do well and also need to be accommodated. As per sources, Patriot and KD - The Devil will also have Hindi dubbed release, but as of now, its booking hasn’t opened anywhere in the country, probably due to show sharing challenges.

Raja Shivaji’s show requirements

The biggest release of the week in the Hindi-speaking market is Raja Shivaji, and its distributors, Jio Studios, have gone all out to ensure that it gets a wide release. As per the requirement list sent by the studio, exhibitors have been asked to allot all shows to the film in single-screen cinemas. In 2-screen theatres, they have asked for 7 shows, while 10 shows need to be played in 3-screen multiplexes. In cinema halls with 4 screens, 14 shows of Raja Shivaji need to be played. As for cinemas with 5 screens and above, 16 shows of the film will be held daily. This number includes both the Hindi and Marathi versions.

Also, the theatres have been asked to play Raja Shivaji in 4DX and EPIQ premium formats.

Bountiful weekend loading

The challenges notwithstanding, exhibitors are thrilled as most films are expected to pull in considerable number of audiences. The Devil Wears Prada 2 can emerge as the surprise of the week as the advances are much better than expected. Patriot, Kara and KD - The Devil will open with a bang in their respective markets, while Raja Shivaji is all set to open very well in Maharashtra.

Also Read: EXCLUSIVE: Raja Shivaji to release with different runtimes in Hindi and Marathi; Hindi version shorter by 8 minutes

Ranveer Singh starrer Pralay back on track? Insider says zombie thriller begins shooting in August 2026

Ranveer Singh starrer upcoming film Pralay continues to generate strong buzz, especially after recent speculation suggested the project had run into difficulties. However, fresh developments indicate that the much-talked-about zombie thriller remains firmly on schedule, with shooting expected to begin in August 2026.

The actor, who is coming off the successful run of the Dhurandhar franchise, had earlier committed to filmmaker Jai Mehta’s next directorial venture. In recent weeks, reports claimed that the film was facing a roadblock due to alleged creative differences between Ranveer Singh and the director. Those rumours have now been denied by a source associated with the production.

An insider connected to the project stated, “Reports suggesting any uncertainty around Pralay are completely baseless. Ranveer and Jai have been in continuous discussions and have firmly locked the script. The project has already moved into pre-production, with the entire team actively gearing up to create a never-before-witnessed gigantic spectacle out of Indian cinema. As it stands, Pralay is on track to go on floors by August 2026.”

If the latest update is accurate, the film has now entered an important pre-production phase, which likely includes location scouting, concept design, action planning, VFX preparation, and casting formalities.

Pralay is being described as a large-scale post-apocalyptic action thriller set in a dystopian world. The film is also expected to explore the zombie genre in a way not commonly seen in mainstream Hindi cinema. While international audiences have seen several successful zombie-based franchises, the genre remains relatively untapped at this scale in Bollywood.

Director Jai Mehta, known for his work in the web space, has reportedly been developing the project since last year. The screenplay has been written by Jai Mehta along with Lootere writer Vishal Kapoor.

The film is being produced by Hansal Mehta’s True Story Films and Ranveer Singh’s Maa Kasam Films, in collaboration with Applause Entertainment. Industry reports suggest the makers are planning the film on a massive scale, with a budget estimated at around Rs. 300 crores, making it one of the more expensive Hindi productions currently in development.

Ranveer Singh is also said to be particularly excited about stepping into a fresh genre and experimenting with a new on-screen look for the project. At present, the actor has not officially announced any other film, though discussions around another collaboration with Aditya Dhar have also surfaced.

With pre-production underway and the makers reportedly targeting an August 2026 start date, Pralay could emerge as one of the most ambitious genre films in Ranveer Singh’s career.

Also Read: Ranveer Singh teams up with adidas Originals to launch India-inspired Superstar sneaker

Raj Kundra says ‘justice delayed is justice denied’ as court arguments conclude in ongoing pornography case

Businessman Raj Kundra has issued a fresh public statement amid the ongoing legal proceedings linked to the 2021 pornography case, stating that arguments on his behalf have now concluded in the lower court. Taking to X (formerly Twitter), Kundra said his advocate Prashant Patil had completed submissions after what he described as four years of hearings.

In his post, Kundra expressed frustration over the length of the process and the impact it has had on his personal and professional life. He wrote, “Four long years in the lower court in the ongoing pornography case. Today, my advocate Prashant Patil concluded our arguments. I stand by the truth if I’m guilty, punish me. If not, grant me a discharge, my freedom, and the respect taken away by relentless media trials. Justice delayed is justice denied. #Justice.”

Four long years in the lower court in the ongoing pornography case. Today, my advocate Prashant Patil concluded our arguments. I stand by the truth if I’m guilty, punish me. If not, grant me a discharge, my freedom, and the respect taken away by relentless media trials. Justice… — Raj Kundra (@onlyrajkundra) April 29, 2026

The case dates back to July 2021, when Raj Kundra was arrested by the Mumbai Crime Branch in connection with allegations related to the creation and distribution of pornographic content through mobile applications. Investigators had alleged that certain apps were being used to stream or circulate explicit material. Kundra denied wrongdoing at the time and maintained that the content in question did not fall under the category of pornography as alleged by authorities.

He was later granted bail by a Mumbai court after spending nearly two months in judicial custody. Since then, proceedings in the matter have continued, with multiple hearings taking place over the last several years.

In his latest remarks, Kundra indicated that prolonged legal uncertainty can affect not only the accused but also their families, careers, and public standing. While criticising delays, he also stated that he continues to have faith in the judicial system and said he is ready to accept the outcome of the case.

Kundra has previously spoken about media coverage surrounding the matter, especially reports that also mentioned his wife, actor Shilpa Shetty Kundra. Earlier, he had objected to what he described as speculative and sensational narratives, saying the matter should be dealt with as a legal issue rather than public entertainment.

The businessman has consistently maintained that his family supported him through the legal process. His latest statement appears to underline his demand for closure, either through conviction if guilt is established or discharge if the court finds no basis to proceed.

At present, the court is expected to consider the arguments placed before it and pass further orders in due course. No final verdict has been announced yet. The case continues to draw attention given the public profile of those involved, while the legal process remains ongoing.

Also Read: Raj Kundra breaks silence with explosive post: “Enough!! I will not be judged by noise, only by justice”

Varun Dhawan’s Hai Jawani Toh Ishq Hona Hai will now release on June 5, 2026

Fans of the classic David Dhawan brand of cinema will have to wait just a little longer. The much-anticipated romantic comedy, Hai Jawani Toh Ishq Hona Hai, has officially shifted its theatrical release. Originally slated for May 22, 2026, the film is now set to premiere on June 5, 2026.

A Strategic Shift The rescheduling comes amidst a significant shake-up in the Indian film calendar. The move follows the recent announcement from the makers of the Yash-starrer Toxic, who confirmed that their high-octane actioner would no longer be releasing on its June 4 slot. This vacancy in the first week of June provided a prime window for Tips Films to position their family entertainer for a solo-led weekend.

Produced by Ramesh Taurani under the Tips Films banner (in association with Maximilian Films UK), the movie marks another collaboration between the father-son duo of director David Dhawan and star Varun Dhawan.

The newly released poster showcases a vibrant, chaotic energy synonymous with David Dhawan’s style. It features Varun Dhawan in a quirky pose atop twin baby strollers, flanked by leading ladies Pooja Hegde and Mrunal Thakur. The poster also gives a glimpse of a stellar supporting cast, including Maniesh Paul, Mouni Roy, and veteran actors like Jimmy Sheirgill and Rakesh Bedi, hinting at a comedy of errors. What to Expect Positioned as a "vibrant rom-com," Hai Jawani Toh Ishq Hona Hai is expected to be a high-energy entertainer featuring remixed 90s hits and the signature slapstick humor that defined the David Dhawan era.

With the massive success of their previous collaborations like Main Tera Hero and Coolie No. 1, trade analysts expect this June release to be a major draw for family audiences looking for light-hearted summer entertainment.

Hai Jawani Toh Ishq Hona Hai arrives in cinemas worldwide on June 5, 2026.

Also Read: Pati Patni Aur Woh Do, Hai Jawani Toh Ishq Hona Hai, Cocktail 2: Bollywood brings back the ‘one hero, many heroines’ formula