Hombale Films announces their FIRST Marathi-Hindi film Yeto Ka Naay

Production banner Hombale Films has officially announced its upcoming project, Yeto Ka Naay, a hip-hop musical drama set against the backdrop of Mumbai. Along with the Marathi title, the makers have also revealed the Hindi version of the film, titled YKN-Pehla Vaar.

Known for backing large-scale films across different Indian film industries, Hombale Films stated that the new project will focus on youth culture, music, relationships, and self-discovery through a story rooted in the city’s evolving hip-hop scene.

The film is being produced by Vijay Kiragandur and directed by Sarang Sanjeev Sathaye. The screenplay and writing credits are shared by Sarang Sanjeev Sathaye, Sujay Jadhav, Srushti Tawade, and Shreyas Sagvekar. Cinematography has been handled by Harshvir Oberai, while the music has been composed by AV Prafullachandra.

According to the makers, the story is entirely set in Mumbai and aims to explore themes of friendship, love, identity, and ambition through the lens of underground and contemporary music culture. The production house also shared that the film blends elements of Marathi hip-hop with an emotional coming-of-age narrative.

The shoot for Yeto Ka Naay is currently underway in Mumbai. The makers are planning a theatrical release later this year, although an official release date has not yet been announced.

The announcement of Yeto Ka Naay marks a different creative direction for the studio as it enters the musical drama space with a story centered on urban youth experiences and local music culture. Chaluve Gowda, Co-Founder & Partner, Hombale Films, said, "At Hombale Films, we are constantly looking to tell stories that connect with all generations and reflect the evolving cultural landscape of India. Yeto Ka Naay is a fresh and contemporary narrative that speaks directly to Gen Z through the language of music, friendship, ambition, and self-expression. The world of hip-hop provides a powerful backdrop for a story that is both entertaining and emotionally resonant, and we are excited to bring this unique musical experience to audiences."

Also Read: Ram Charan starrer Peddi gets major boost as Hombale Films enters overseas distribution business

MEGA EXCLUSIVE: Alia Bhatt-Sharvari starrer Alpha preponed; to now release on July 3

Fans of Alia Bhatt and Sharvari are in for a treat as their much-awaited film, Alpha, will now arrive earlier than scheduled. The action entertainer was earlier scheduled to release on July 10. Bollywood Hungama has now exclusively learned that the film will arrive in cinemas a week earlier, on July 3.

A source in a prominent multiplex chain told Bollywood Hungama, “July 3 has emerged as an apt date to bring Alpha to cinemas since Dhamaal 4, which was scheduled to release on the same day, has now been pushed to July 17. With no major release planned for July 3, producer Aditya Chopra felt it was the right date to bring Alpha to theatres.”

A trade expert commented, “Christopher Nolan’s The Odyssey is also releasing on July 17, along with Dhamaal 4. As a result, Alpha will now get two weeks to make the most of an open run at the box office, especially since no Bollywood film is scheduled to hit theatres on July 10.”

Alpha is the next film from the YRF Spy Universe. Besides Alia Bhatt and Sharvari, the film also stars Bobby Deol and Anil Kapoor. It is directed by Shiv Rawail, who previously helmed the globally acclaimed series The Railway Men.

A few days ago, Bollywood Hungama had exclusively reported that Alia Bhatt’s character in Alpha is unlike anything seen before in the YRF Spy Universe. This makes things a lot more interesting because she isn’t playing a spy that YRF has so far given to the audience with every film.

“Alpha is definitely a major turn for the YRF Spy Universe,” said a senior trade source familiar with the developments of the film to Bollywood Hungama. “It presents a lead character who is an assassin, not a spy that we have seen all leads play earlier. For the first time, Aditya Chopra is giving us an origin story that introduces a character that is more grey, more of an anti-hero in tonality. It is refreshing because otherwise it would be extremely boring for us to watch,” said the source.

Also Read: “Amazing that we are making an action film in India like Alpha featuring two girls!”: Action star Bobby Deol on how much he enjoyed shooting Alpha and going toe to toe with Alia Bhatt

Rs. 400 crore SHOCKER! Vashu Bhagnani's Puja Entertainment sues Tips, Tauranis and David Dhawan; seeks Rs. 100 crore more over Hai Jawani Toh Ishq Hona Hai song row

Bollywood Hungama has been at the forefront in reporting the feud between producer Vashu Bhagnani and the makers of Hai Jawani Toh Ishq Hona Hai over the use of the songs ‘Chunari Chunari’ and ‘Ishq Sona Hai’ from Biwi No 1 (1999). Now, it has come to light that Vashu’s production house, Puja Entertainment (India) Ltd, has filed a whopping Rs. Rs. 400 crore suit before Bombay High Court against Tips Industries Limited, Ramesh Taurani, Kumar S Taurani and filmmaker David Dhawan over the alleged unauthorized use and alleged exploitation of iconic aforementioned songs in the upcoming Varun Dhawan-starrer, slated for a release on June 5.

As per the press statement, the suit, filed through Counsels V K Dubey Associates, seeks urgent and sweeping injunctive relief restraining the release, distribution, exhibition, streaming and further commercial exploitation of the film and its promotional material containing the disputed songs, including 'Chunnari Chunnari' and 'Ishq Sona Hai'. The Court has reportedly permitted the filing of the proceedings and has kept it for hearing soon. As per the press statement, it could be ‘one of the most explosive copyright battles in recent Bollywood history’.

Apart from seeking a complete injunction against the alleged infringing use of the songs, Puja Entertainment has also sought directions for the removal of the songs ‘Chunnari Chunnari’ and ‘Ishq Sona Hai’ from the film and its promotional material, along with a demand for a change of the title, Hai Jawani Toh Ishq Hona Hai. The production house has further demanded an additional Rs. 100 crores as damages in the event that Tips Industries Limited and David Dhawan fail to comply with the said demands and continue exploiting the disputed works. Puja Entertainment (India) Ltd has further alleged that the defendants have unlawfully exploited valuable intellectual property rights despite allegedly having no authority, assignment or licence to commercially use the original audio-visual works. The production house contended that the alleged infringement strikes at the very foundation of proprietary and commercial rights vested in the original cinematographic works associated with the late 1990s blockbuster banner.

The press statement also said that leading Counsel V K Dubey, representing Puja Entertainment, confirmed that after considering the entire scenario, the Honourable Court has decided to list the matter for hearing shortly, and the matter is presently sub judice.

Also Read: Team Hai Jawani Toh Ishq Hona Hai BREAKS SILENCE on Vashu Bhagnani row: “This is a smear campaign”

EXCLUSIVE: Hai Jawaani Toh Ishq Hona Hai cleared by CBFC with U/A rating; runtime locked at 136 minutes

Bollywood Hungama has exclusively learned that the much-awaited romantic entertainer Hai Jawaani Toh Ishq Hona Hai has officially received its censor certificate from the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC). The film has been granted a U/A certificate ahead of its theatrical release, indicating that it is suitable for viewers of all age groups, with parental guidance advised for children below 12 years.

According to sources close to the development, the film’s final approved runtime stands at 136 minutes, translating to 2 hours and 16 minutes. The certification process was completed recently, putting the film firmly on track for its planned release strategy.

Industry insiders suggest that the makers were keen on preserving the film’s youthful energy and musical narrative while ensuring a crisp theatrical experience. The 136-minute duration is being viewed as an ideal runtime for a mainstream romantic entertainer, balancing drama, humour, music, and emotional moments without overstaying its welcome.

The title Hai Jawaani Toh Ishq Hona Hai has already generated curiosity among audiences owing to its nostalgic appeal and classic Bollywood-style romantic flavour. Trade circles believe the film is aiming to tap into the audience’s appetite for vibrant love stories mounted on a large cinematic scale.

While the makers have remained tight-lipped about several key plot details, the censor clearance now signals that the promotional campaign is expected to intensify in the coming days. With the CBFC formalities completed, the film enters its final phase before release.

Also Read: Maniesh Paul on his full circle moment with David Dhawan in Hai Jawani Toh Ishq Hona Hai, “I purchased tickets in black to watch his Judwaa”

SCOOP: Salman Khan turns Cupid in Ranveer Singh-Farhan Akhtar’s Don 3 war; superstar steps in to broker peace

Salman Khan is rightfully called the Godfather of the Indian film industry, as the superstar is always there for people in their tough times. As the industry is divided over the Ranveer Singh vs Farhan Akhtar conflict over Don 3, Salman Khan has now stepped in to ensure that the two parties amicably resolve their issues without creating a media circus.

A source told Bollywood Hungama, "Salman Khan is fond of Ranveer Singh, and is equally fond of the Akhtars too. He picked up the call on both the stakeholders, and has asked them to resolve their issues without hurting the future of their respective projects. He explained to Farhan about creative differences being a common thing in the industry for decades, and he also had a long chat with Ranveer, understanding his stance. He is playing the cupid to ensure that no one feels sabotaged."

The source further informs that Salman also informed both parties to think as one industry, and work on another project together, once the heat of this debate settles down.

Both Farhan and Ranveer have taken the words from Salman Khan seriously, and are thinking to come together and amicably arrive at a solution without creating a controversy. He doesn't want any legal turbulence between Ranveer and Farhan, nor does he want the film bodies to take any uninformed decision. Apparently, he has asked the two to sort out their differences without involving any third party, which includes himself as well.

Salman is standing by Farhan for the losses, and also pushing Ranveer to start a new project to capitalise on the historic success of Dhurandhar.

Also Read: Rs. 10 cr. upfront, Rs. 25 cr. discount – Ranveer Singh’s March peace offer to Excel failed before yesterday’s Don 3 explosion

Anupam Kher, Ritwik Bhowmik to star in Shri Ram Bhoomi; The Kerala Story 2 director Kamakhaya Narayan Singh to helm Zee Studios film

Zee Studios has officially announced its next major cinematic venture titled Shri Ram Bhoomi. The production house shared the exciting news across its social media platforms, promising an emotionally charged narrative that combines deep intrigue with a powerful human journey.

The upcoming film boasts an impressive ensemble cast. Veteran actor Anupam Kher leads the project alongside rising star Ritwik Bhowmik and the versatile Amruta Khanvilkar. The movie will be directed by Kamakhaya Narayan Singh. It is backed by a collaborative team of producers and executives, including Anuya Chauhan Kudecha, Ritesh Kudecha, Umesh Kumar Bansal, Raedita, Akash Shah, Pranay Chokshi, Kalapi Shah, Kranti Shanbhag, Girish Johar, and Meet Mojo.

In their official social media announcement, Zee Studios gave fans a glimpse into the theme of the project. The studio wrote, “A title that echoes emotion. A story shrouded in intrigue. The journey of #ShriRamBhoomi officially begins. Starring @anupamkher @ritwikbhowmik and @amrutakhanvilkar. Directed by @kamakhayanrsingh.”

 

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Anupam Kher Celebrates His 552nd Cinematic Journey For Bollywood veteran Anupam Kher, Shri Ram Bhoomi marks a monumental milestone in his illustrious career as his 552nd film. Expressing his profound gratitude and excitement, the actor shared a heartfelt note in both Hindi and English on his social media handles to mark the occasion.

Reflecting on the cultural and emotional weight of the script, Kher emphasized that this project tells a vital story that spans generations. He expressed his pride in being a part of the film, calling it a story rooted in truth, faith, and the concept of returning home.

 

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While specific plot details are currently being kept under wraps, the statements from both the studio and the lead actor hint at a deeply spiritual and socially relevant drama. With the official announcement out, the film is expected to commence production soon, and further updates regarding the release date and supporting cast are anticipated by fans.

Also Read: Anupam Kher returns to DDLJ’s climax spot in Maharashtra, urges government to preserve cinematic heritage

SCOOP: Sanjay Dutt asks Rajkumar Santoshi to direct Khalnayak Returns; veteran filmmaker politely declines the offer

On April 24, Sanjay Dutt, Aksha Kamboj, Executive Chairperson of Aspect Global (Aspect Entertainment), Subhash Ghai and Jyoti Deshpande of Jio Studios announced Khalnayak Returns at an event in Mumbai. The intro teaser of Khalnayak Returns was unveiled at this event, and it received a thunderous response. Sanjay Dutt looked dashing, and the use of the iconic Khalnayak theme added to the excitement. Since Subhash Ghai had directed the original Khalnayak (1993), it was widely assumed that the Showman would return to helm Khalnayak Returns as well. Soon, Subhash Ghai confessed that he won’t be donning the director’s hat again.

A source told Bollywood Hungama, “Sanjay Dutt was keen that Rajkumar Santoshi should direct Khalnayak Returns. He felt that Raj ji has an understanding of commercial cinema and would be able to do justice. Moreover, the two powerhouse, talented individuals have never worked together. Hence, Sanjay Dutt felt that it would be great to finally join hands with Rajkumar Santoshi, that too for a special project. Accordingly, he met the director and offered him the film.”

The source continued, “However, Rajkumar Santoshi politely and respectfully declined the offer. He’s currently busy providing final touches to his film Lahore 1947, starring Sunny Deol. He’s also written scripts that he wants to pitch to Sunny as well as Aamir Khan. Hence, he told Sanjay Dutt that he doesn’t have the time to direct Khalnayak Returns.”

The source added, “However, Rajkumar Santoshi was touched by Sanjay Dutt’s gesture. He wished him all the best and appreciated his look and swag in the intro teaser. Meanwhile, Sanju sir is now considering other filmmakers to direct Khalnayak Returns.”

At the Khalnayak Returns event, Sanjay Dutt revealed, “I got the thought of making Khalnayak part 2 in jail (smiles). I used to play music inside the prison. The inmates used to insist only on the songs of Khalnayak. I asked them, ‘Agar Khalnayak phir se banaye, toh kaun dekhna chahega?’. All 4000 prisoners said in unison that they would love to see it. I told them, ‘Send me a one-pager idea of the film’. It took me a lot of time to read 4000 pages! One of the ideas that I got appealed to me.”

Also Read: Sanjay Dutt reveals that the spark for Khalnayak Returns came in jail: “I asked 4000 inmates to send me one-pager ideas”; reveals golden advice given to him by a hawaldar: “The day you stop hoping, you won’t even realize how time will fly in jail”