Janhvi Kapoor to pay tribute to mother Sridevi at IIFA 2027

Janhvi Kapoor could be set to create an emotional moment at the upcoming International Indian Film Academy (IIFA) Awards 2027 by paying tribute to her late mother, legendary actress Sridevi. IIFA co-founder Andre Timmins has revealed that the actress is expected to honour Sridevi through a special performance at the forthcoming ceremony, which will take place at the Etihad Arena on Yas Island, Abu Dhabi, on January 22 and 23.

Speaking to ANI, Andre Timmins shared details about the planned tribute and said that Janhvi was excited about the opportunity. He also revealed that her father, producer Boney Kapoor, was particularly enthusiastic about the performance. "Janhvi will pay tribute to her mother, Sridevi, who's a brilliant artist that we had on this planet. I think that's the only tribute right now, and she's excited about it and more than her, her father, Boney, is more excited about it, so I think it'll be exciting," he told the portal.

If confirmed as part of the final programme, the tribute would bring together Janhvi’s personal connection to Sridevi and the late actress’s enduring legacy in Indian cinema. Sridevi, one of Hindi cinema’s most celebrated performers, left behind a body of work spanning several languages and genres.

Meanwhile, Janhvi has also expressed her excitement about returning to IIFA, recalling the experience of her first performance at the awards ceremony in Abu Dhabi. In a statement, the actress spoke about the energy of performing before an international audience and the significance of the event in celebrating Indian cinema.

“My first IIFA performance in Abu Dhabi will always hold a very special place in my heart. I remember the excitement, the nerves and the incredible energy of that night, and to now return to the IIFA stage feels like coming back with so much more love and excitement. IIFA is such a beautiful celebration because it brings together artists, audiences and the global Indian community through something we all love, cinema. Performing at IIFA is an experience like no other. There is something incredibly special about seeing an audience from across the world come together and celebrate Indian music, films and performers with so much enthusiasm. Abu Dhabi gave me such a memorable first IIFA experience, and I am thrilled to return to Yas Island for another chapter. I cannot wait to dance, perform and hopefully create another moment that stays with the audience long after the lights go down,” she said.

On the work front, Janhvi Kapoor is next expected to feature in Lag Jaa Gale, co-starring Lakshya and Tiger Shroff. The actress also has an untitled project directed by Umesh Bisht, featuring Sreeleela alongside her, apart from other projects in the pipeline.

With the 27th edition of IIFA approaching, the possibility of Janhvi paying tribute to Sridevi has added an emotional dimension to the celebrations. Further details about the performance are awaited.

Also Read:  Janhvi Kapoor, Sreeleela and Siddharth Gupta team up for Umesh Bisht’s thriller, first schedule begins in Nainital

Police Company release date: Ram Gopal Varma’s crime saga starring Harshvardhan Rane to hit theatres on June 4, 2027

Filmmaker Ram Gopal Varma is returning to the Mumbai underworld with Police Company, an upcoming crime saga that will explore the city’s turbulent gang wars from the perspective of law enforcement. T-Series, in association with RGV Company Production, has officially announced the theatrical release date of the action thriller. Starring Harshvardhan Rane in the lead role, the film is scheduled to arrive in cinemas nationwide on June 4, 2027.

Known for exploring the underbelly of Mumbai through films like Satya and Company, Ram Gopal Varma is revisiting familiar territory with a narrative that shifts the focus from gangsters to the police officers who confronted them. In Police Company, Harshvardhan Rane will portray Daya Nayak, the Mumbai police encounter specialist whose operations became a significant part of the city’s underworld history.

Inspired by true events and real-life police officers who operated during the late 1990s and early 2000s, the film will delve into the functioning of Mumbai’s encounter squad during a particularly volatile period. The narrative is expected to explore the circumstances, aggressive policing tactics and high-stakes operations that shaped the battle against organised crime in the financial capital.

The film will revisit an era when gang-related violence and the underworld’s influence formed a significant part of Mumbai’s crime landscape. According to the film’s announcement, the story will trace the operations through which the encounter squad neutralised around 300 gangsters, eventually dismantling the underworld’s terror network in the city. By placing law enforcement at the centre of the narrative, Police Company aims to offer a different perspective on a chapter that has frequently inspired crime dramas in Hindi cinema.

Alongside Harshvardhan Rane, Police Company features Fardeen Khan, Fatima Sana Shaikh, Paresh Rawal, Saurabh Shukla, Makarand Deshpande and Ashwini Kalsekar in pivotal roles. The ensemble brings together several established performers, including actors who have previously been associated with Ram Gopal Varma’s distinctive brand of crime cinema.

 

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The casting also marks a creative reunion for several veteran actors whose work has contributed to Varma’s crime-film legacy over the decades. Their presence adds to the film’s focus on an intense, character-driven narrative set against the backdrop of Mumbai’s underworld and the police operations mounted against it.

Presented by Gulshan Kumar and T-Series, Police Company is directed by Ram Gopal Varma and produced by Bhushan Kumar, Krishan Kumar and Ram Gopal Varma. The film is being made under the banners of T-Series Films and RGV Company Production.

With its real-life inspiration, portrayal of a defining period in Mumbai’s underworld history and Harshvardhan Rane stepping into the role of Daya Nayak, Police Company marks Varma’s return to a genre closely associated with his filmography. The crime drama is slated for a nationwide theatrical release on June 4, 2027.

Also Read: Harshvardhan Rane on working with Ram Gopal Varma: “If you love geniuses, you won’t consider Sir a taskmaster”

Dil Raju calls Ranbir Kapoor ‘Ranveer Singh’ at Ramayana’s grand Hyderabad event; immediately apologizes: “Sorry, Ranbir Kapoor garu!”

Ranbir Kapoor, Yash, Sai Pallavi, Rakul Preet Singh, Ravie Dubey, producer Namit Malhotra, director Nitesh Tiwari and Andhra Pradesh-Telangana distributor Dil Raju attended the grand pre-release event of Ramayana in Hyderabad. The event followed a successful gathering in Bengaluru just a few days earlier. At the beginning of the film, Dil Raju, whose production and distribution company, Sri Venkateswara Creations, will release Ramayana in Andhra-Telangana, spoke highly of the film and its star cast. However, at one point, he goofed up, calling Ranbir Kapoor Ranveer Singh. He immediately realized his faux pas, laughed and apologized.

Dil Raju said, “Ranbir ji, we have distributed two of your films here – Brahmastra (2022) and Animal (2023). Ramayana is the third and hopefully, it’ll be a hattrick of success here. So, thank you, sir.”

He then said, “One of the best actors we have today is Ranveer Singh garu. Sorry, Ranbir Kapoor garu (laughs)!”

#DilRaju mistakenly referred to #RanbirKapoor as ‘RANVEER SINGH’ And later he apologised for the mixup…! https://t.co/EvgsTV92DG

— Rangasthalam (@RangasthalamIN) October 19, 2026

At the event, the makers proudly announced that the grand premiere of Ramayana will take place at the David Geffen Theatre of the Academy Museum of Motion Pictures in Los Angeles, on October 27.

Meanwhile, Yash gave his speech at the end and he said, “He (Namit Malhotra) has made a gamble. He has put his reputation, his money and everything at stake to put this film on a global platform. If people like cinema, they’ll talk about it. But please don’t try to find small faults in the VFX. It’ll never happen again. If we lose people like him now, we’ll go back many years. So, let’s watch Ramayana with an open mind. He has all the right intentions. When it comes to any criticism or correction, he has always taken it in stride and tried to make it better.”

Ramayana releases in cinemas worldwide on November 5.

Also Read: SCOOP: Ramayana advance booking may get DELAYED due to revenue-sharing tussle; distributors demand 60% share in Week 1

SCOOP: Ramayana advance booking may get DELAYED due to revenue-sharing tussle; distributors demand 60% share in Week 1

The advance booking of Ramayana, starring Ranbir Kapoor, Yash and Sai Pallavi, was scheduled to open today, October 20, on the auspicious occasion of Dussehra. However, as of 9:30 am, barely any cinemas across the country had opened bookings for the much-awaited film. Bollywood Hungama has learned that a disagreement between distributors and exhibitors over revenue-sharing terms is said to be one of the reasons behind the delay.

A trade source told Bollywood Hungama, “Usually, for big films, the distributor's share is 52.5% in Week 1, 45% in Week 2 and 37.5% in Week 3. But the distributors of Ramayana are reportedly demanding a 60% revenue share in the first week, 50% in the second week and 40% in the third week. This is significantly higher than the usual sharing terms followed for big-budget films. As a result, exhibitors, who are understandably concerned, are reluctant to agree to these terms and negotiations are currently underway.”

The source continued, “Unless both parties arrive at a mutually acceptable agreement, the advance booking could get delayed. Everyone is keen to release Ramayana on a grand scale, but there has to be mutual consensus when it comes to commercial terms.”

It remains to be seen whether the two sides can resolve their differences soon and ensure that advance bookings begin across the country. As of 9:30 am, INOX Korum Mall in Thane is the only cinema in the Mumbai Metropolitan Region to have opened bookings for Ramayana. Another prominent multiplex where advance bookings have commenced is AMB Cinemas Kapali in Bengaluru.

Ramayana is scheduled to release worldwide on November 5.

Also Read: Ramayana advance bookings to open on Dussehra ahead of November 5 theatrical release

EXCLUSIVE: Himesh Reshammiya to compose music for Veer Pahariya’s Naam - To Live Is War; reunites with Mahesh Bhatt after 16 years

One of the most awaited films of 2027, Naam - To Live Is War, has just got bigger. Presented by Mahesh Bhatt, the film was announced in June and stars Veer Pahariya in the lead. Varun Sharma of Fukrey fame will be seen playing a negative role for the first time in his career. Last week, the makers announced that Prashant Narayanan, Vijayant Kohli and Shefali Bagga had joined the cast. Now, Bollywood Hungama has exclusively learned that another prominent name has come on board – Himesh Reshammiya.

A source told Bollywood Hungama, “Naam - To Live Is War is an intense film and the makers wanted someone who could do musical justice to its subject and theme. They felt Himesh Reshammiya would be the right choice. Himesh was impressed with the film's plot and the passion of the team and hence, he readily came on board. He was also excited about collaborating with Mahesh Bhatt after a long time.”

Interestingly, Himesh Reshammiya and Mahesh Bhatt go back a long way. Himesh composed the song 'Soorat Pe Teri Pyar Aave' for Footpath (2003), starring Aftab Shivdasani and Emraan Hashmi. Mahesh Bhatt was associated with the film as a writer. Later, Mahesh Bhatt wrote the story and screenplay of Kajraare (2010), which starred Himesh Reshammiya in the lead. Himesh also composed and sang all the songs of the film.

Naam - To Live Is War, hence, marks their reunion after nearly 16 years. Although they haven't collaborated during this period, the mutual respect has remained intact. After the release of Himesh Reshammiya's 2014 mystery thriller The Xposé, he revealed in an interview with The Times of India that Mahesh Bhatt had personally called to congratulate him. Himesh had said, “Bhatt sahab called to congratulate me and that was an emotional moment for me. His praise means a lot.”

Himesh Reshammiya is on a roll. Besides Naam - To Live Is War, he has several interesting films in his pipeline, including Sooraj Barjatya's Yeh Prem Mol Liya, the Emraan Hashmi-starrer Gunmaaster G9, Anil Sharma's Arjun Naga and Vikram Bhatt's horror film, 1920: Cold Winter.

The source further revealed, “Like these upcoming films, the music rights of Naam - To Live Is War have also been acquired by Himesh Reshammiya's music label, Himesh Reshammiya Melodies.”

Coming back to Naam - To Live Is War, the film is presented by Mahesh Bhatt under Utsav Entertainment and Productions. Directed by Sidhaant Sachdev, it is produced by Utsav Upadhyay and Riddhi Chawda.

Naam - To Live Is War marks Veer Pahariya's third film after the Akshay Kumar-Sara Ali Khan co-starrer Sky Force (2025) and the recently released romantic comedy Prem Keetanu (2026).

Also Read: Himesh Reshammiya, Shilpa Rao, Anu Malik and others to perform at Bollywood Music Project’s 10th anniversary in Mumbai

Sonakshi Sinha and Zaheer Iqbal starrer Tu Hai Meri Kiran release put on hold by Bombay High Court over Rs 8.85 crores dispute

The Bombay High Court has restrained the commercial release of Tu Hai Meri Kiran, starring Sonakshi Sinha and Zaheer Iqbal, until its producer, Echelon Productions, secures the investment made by co-producer AND Movie Products LLP. The court has directed that the producer must provide financial security for the Rs 8.85 crores investment, along with 15% annual interest, before the film can be released commercially.

The order was passed by a single-judge bench of Justice Amit Borkar after AND Movie Products LLP approached the High Court seeking interim protection of its contractual rights and financial interests in the film. The dispute centres on the substantial amount invested by the co-producer in the project and the need to safeguard its financial stake.

Tu Hai Meri Kiran was originally scheduled to arrive in theatres on October 23, 2026. However, with the court imposing conditions on its commercial release, the film’s theatrical rollout will remain on hold until the required financial security is provided.

While considering the matter, the court acknowledged the considerable time, effort and money that go into making a film. It also indicated that it did not intend to permanently prevent the movie from reaching audiences. However, the court emphasised the need to protect the interests of the primary investor before allowing the commercial release to proceed.

As a result, Echelon Productions will have to ensure that the co-producer’s investment, along with the applicable interest, is secured in accordance with the court’s directions. Until the financial requirements are met, the film cannot be commercially released.

The development puts the theatrical release of Tu Hai Meri Kiran on hold, with the next steps dependent on compliance with the High Court’s order. The case highlights the financial and contractual considerations that can arise between production partners when substantial investments are involved in a film project.

Also Read : Amit Trivedi reveals the HEARTBREAKING story behind Lootera’s ‘Zinda’: “I was sad and distraught; I wrote the song for myself”

Tiger Shroff Shooting Incident: Mumbai Police register FIR against 3 unknown accused, form 15 teams to trace shooters

The Mumbai Police have registered an FIR against three unidentified accused in connection with the firing incident targeting Tiger Shroff in Juhu on Sunday evening, October 18. Meanwhile, the police have also formed 15 specialised investigation teams to identify and track down those involved in the incident.

According to a statement from the Mumbai Police given to ANI, the FIR has been registered under Sections 109(1) and 3(5) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), along with Sections 3 and 25 of the Arms Act. The police confirmed that an investigation is underway to establish the identities of the accused.

The incident took place near Pushpa Narsee Park in Juhu when Shroff was reportedly returning from a football session in his car. According to preliminary reports, unidentified armed men arrived on a motorcycle and fired multiple rounds at his vehicle before fleeing the scene.

The actor reportedly escaped direct bullet injuries, although some reports suggested he sustained minor abrasions from shattered glass. His driver, identified in reports as Firdosh, suffered a bullet injury to his left arm. An autorickshaw driver in the vicinity was also injured in the firing.

Both injured individuals were rushed to Nanavati Hospital in Vile Parle for medical attention. Reports indicated that the driver was stabilised and kept under medical observation. Further details about the condition of both injured individuals have not been independently confirmed.

Following the shooting, police officials cordoned off the area while forensic teams examined the scene and collected empty shell casings and other potential evidence. The investigation teams are reportedly examining CCTV footage, tracing possible escape routes and conducting technical surveillance to identify the shooters.

Investigators are also examining whether the assailants had monitored the actor’s movements before the incident. Additionally, the police are looking into an unverified social media message purportedly linked to associates of the Lawrence Bishnoi syndicate. The claim remains unverified, and the police have not established a motive for the shooting.

The incident also prompted a response from Maharashtra’s political leadership. Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis reportedly contacted the Mumbai Police Commissioner and directed the force to investigate the case swiftly. Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde later visited Shroff’s residence to check on the actor.

With an FIR now registered against three unknown accused and 15 teams reportedly involved in the investigation, the Mumbai Police are continuing to examine forensic evidence, CCTV footage and other leads to establish the sequence of events and identify those responsible.

Also Read: Tiger Shroff Shooting Incident: Eknath Shinde visits actor’s residence after gunfire in Juhu; Police launch manhunt

Tiger Shroff Shooting Incident: Eknath Shinde visits actor’s residence after gunfire in Juhu; Police launch manhunt

Mumbai witnessed a shooting incident in suburban Juhu on Sunday evening, October 18, after unidentified assailants allegedly opened fire at Tiger Shroff’s car. Following the incident, Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde visited the actor’s residence late at night to check on his well-being and review the situation. The visit came as the Mumbai Police and Crime Branch began investigating the attack and searching for those responsible.

Visuals shared by news agency ANI and circulated on social media showed Eknath Shinde meeting Shroff at his residence. In the footage, the actor appeared with dressings right below the neck, on his arm, and a crepe bandage too around his arm. Shinde has not yet addressed the media about the incident. According to the information available, the state government has indicated that the matter is being treated seriously, while the police continue efforts to identify and apprehend the assailants.

#WATCH | Mumbai | Visuals from inside the residence of Tiger Shroff as Maharashtra Dy CM Eknath Shinde arrived to visit him following an incident of firing at his car, injuring his driver The actor is safe and has not sustained any gunshot injuries, as per Mumbai Police

(Visuals source: Shivsena PR)

— ANI (@ANI) October 18, 2026

According to preliminary reports, the incident took place at around 7 pm on Sunday near Pushpa Park in Juhu, when Shroff was returning from a football session. The assailants reportedly arrived on a motorcycle and fired multiple rounds at the actor’s BMW. Shroff is said to have escaped without sustaining any bullet injuries, although the vehicle was hit during the firing.

The Mumbai Police and the Crime Branch subsequently cordoned off the area where the firing took place. Investigators reportedly recovered empty bullet shells from the scene, while forensic teams were mobilised to examine the evidence. The investigation is also focusing on CCTV footage from the surrounding area to establish the sequence of events and identify those involved. Reports indicate that the police are examining available evidence and pursuing leads as the search continues across the city.

Shortly after the incident, a message circulating on social media allegedly claimed responsibility in the name of the Lawrence Bishnoi syndicate. However, the claim remains unverified. Senior police officials have reportedly indicated that all angles are being examined as part of the ongoing investigation, and no conclusion has been established regarding the identity or motive of the assailants.

The incident has prompted heightened attention to the investigation, with authorities working to establish the circumstances surrounding the firing and trace those involved. Further details are expected as the police continue their probe into the shooting near Pushpa Park in Juhu.

Also Read: Tiger Shroff safe after firing incident reported under Juhu Police Station

Tiger Shroff safe after firing incident reported under Juhu Police Station

A firing incident has been reported under the jurisdiction of Juhu Police Station in Mumbai, with actor Tiger Shroff confirmed to be safe following the incident. According to news agency ANI, Mumbai Police said that the actor has not sustained any gunshot injuries.

ANI reported on Sunday, “A firing incident has been reported under Juhu Police Station. Actor Tiger Shroff is safe and has not sustained any gunshot injuries. Further investigation is underway: Mumbai Police.”

The circumstances surrounding the firing incident are not known yet. Mumbai Police is currently carrying out further investigation to establish the details of the incident. Tiger Shroff is safe The development sparked concern given Tiger Shroff’s connection to the incident. However, police have clarified that the actor is safe and has not suffered any gunshot injury.

The investigation remains underway, and more information is expected as the police establish the circumstances surrounding the firing.

Reacting to the incident, Congress leader Sachin Sawant wrote on X, “The news of a shooting at actor Tiger Shroff’s car is utterly shocking. What’s exactly going on in Mumbai? The murder of Baba Siddique, a shooting at Salman Khan’s house, threats to numerous actors and producers… Law and order in Mumbai has gone completely haywire."

Also Read: EXCLUSIVE: Sabbir Khan reflects on the PRIDE of launching Tiger Shroff, Kriti Sanon, Nidhhi Agerwal: “It becomes your GLORY”; says mass cinema needs to EVOLVE: “It should reach out to maximum people but with intellect. We can’t recycle the same tropes”

Amit Trivedi reveals Dev D was initially put on HOLD: “Ronnie Screwvala was not keen on making it”; recalls how he TREMBLED before presenting songs to Anurag Kashyap: "I feared this would be the first and last film of my career!"

Amit Trivedi had a conversation with Komal Nahta in which he revealed that he had no plans of composing songs for films. However, he made independent music with singer Shilpa Rao; the latter made Anurag Kashyap heard those songs and that’s how Anurag got interested to meet Amit Trivedi. This was a time when the acclaimed filmmaker was working on Dev D (2009), starring Abhay Deol.

Amit Trivedi said, “Anurag sir told me that he was doing a modern-day Devdas and that it had a requirement of some 12-15 songs. He shared some ideas and references. All this was very new for me. I went home and started working immediately. I took 6 months to compose 6 songs as my advertising work was also going on. 6 months later, Shilpa asked me for an update. I told her, ‘Are you sure you want to do this? Sir must have forgotten our meeting’. But she insisted that we had to meet him again.”

He continued, “Earlier, we met in Anurag sir’s office. This time, the meeting took place in my studio. Anurag sir came along with Vikas Bahl. Trust me, main kaanp raha tha. I was 26-27 years old. I had not seen Devdas. So, I saw both Dilip Kumar’s Devdas (1955) as well as Shah Rukh Khan’s Devdas (2002). That gave me an idea about the plot. Then, I composed as per what I understood. I feared ki main gaali khaunga and that this would be the first and last song of my career! However, they were so impressed and they liked all the songs.”

Amit added, “The next day, they called me for narration. I didn’t know what that meant (laughs). I heard the story after which I composed two more songs – ‘Saali Khushi’ and ‘Pardesi’. After listening to the tracks, Anurag sir tweaked a bit of the script and reimagined the film. I was like, ‘Wow. Aisa bhi hota hain’!”

He also stated, “Then, something happened. I don’t know exactly, but producer Ronnie Screwvala sir was not keen on making Dev D. So, the film went on hold. Anurag sir met me and said, ‘You have worked enough on Dev D. Tu abhi ruk jaa. Thoda hold pe hain. Meanwhile, I am producing a film called Aamir (2008). Raj Kumar Gupta is directing it. You work on this film while I figure out a way forward for Dev D’.”

Aamir, starring Rajeev Khandelwal, released first and hence marked Amit Trivedi’s debut as a film composer, even though Dev D was the first film he had worked on. Dev D eventually released eight months later.

Also Read: Abhay Deol recalls “creative flow” with Anurag Kashyap in BTS anecdote as Dev D set to re-release on April 24, 2026

EXCLUSIVE: Addinath M Kothare reveals 2 out of 5 ACs on Nayyi Navelli sets were reserved ONLY for him: “My sweat was dripping through the prosthetics; andar se mera body melt ho raha tha!”

For many viewers, Addinath M Kothare has emerged as one of the biggest surprises in Nayyi Navelli. An unexpected twist in the story has made his character and performance stand out. In an exclusive interview with Bollywood Hungama, Addinath M Kothare spoke about the response to his role, the challenges of working on the film, his experience with Yami Gautam Dhar and a lot more.

How has the response to your character in Nayyi Navelli been? It's been amazing so far. I am quite overwhelmed with the response that I am getting for my character. It's a festive family entertainer, which has been aptly released during the festive season. Hence, it's lovely to be in this space right now.

The film has a Dussehra connection. Is that why the makers decided to release it during this festive period? Absolutely. This is also why they fast-tracked the entire shoot. It was a very difficult film to make due to the VFX, fantasy elements, ensemble cast, songs, etc. Yet, it was a very well-planned and efficiently executed project. We started shooting in April, and here we are. So, it's amazing!

It's a passionately made film. The kind of detailing that has gone into it and the efforts taken by the team deserve special mention. Ravi Srivastava, who has worked on films like Slumdog Millionaire (2008) and Lion (2016), handled the production design of our film. Rishi Punjabi's cinematography is phenomenal. The whole team worked really hard. As for Aanand L Rai sir and Himanshu Sharma, they are master storytellers, as we all know (smiles).

Horror-comedy has become quite popular now, but you and your family have been pioneers in this genre. Your father, Mahesh Kothare, made the cult film Zapatlela (1993), followed by Pachhadlela (2004), on which you worked as an assistant director. You also acted in Zapatlela 2 (2013). What are your thoughts on returning to this genre?

(Laughs) Quite honestly, you can't plan or even predict these things. I feel blessed that I got a film in this genre. I am also fortunate that two of my films are releasing quite close to each other. While Nayyi Navelli is a fantasy centred around mythology, Ramayana is a historical.

How was your experience of working with Yami Gautam Dhar? It was amazing. Despite being such a big star, she is very grounded and easy to talk to. She was also extremely helpful.

When you begin working on a film, you are still searching for your character, his body language, etc. Moreover, the film is set in Meerut, and I had to work a lot on the dialect, as I was the only non-North Indian actor on the set! Thankfully, I was somewhat familiar with the accent because of the films we watch. So, it wasn't completely alien to me. Also, in Mumbai, you get to hear the UP accent quite often.

Nevertheless, I had to work a lot on the dialect and other aspects of the character. On my first or second day of the shoot, Yami, Balaji Mohan sir and I were having a conversation. Yami cracked a joke, and I laughed. As I laughed, she stared at me for a moment and said, "Adi, this is Raja!" At that point, I was still trying to find the character. I knew I was close, but her observation helped push me in the right direction.

You had to wear extensive prosthetics, and a lot of VFX was also used for your scenes. How challenging was the experience? That was the biggest challenge of the film. I was covered in prosthetics from head to toe. There were prosthetic patches on my face, including my forehead and the veins on my face and neck. From my neck to my toes, I was wearing a complete silicone prosthetic bodysuit. There were days when I had to wear it for 12 hours!

It used to take me four hours to get ready and another one-and-a-half hour to remove the prosthetics. Moreover, we were shooting in May! But the production and direction teams took great care of me. On the sets, we had these anaconda ACs. They consisted of an AC unit with huge tubes that would crawl all over the set, just like anaconda snakes. There were five such ACs in total. Whenever I wore the suit, two of those five anacondas were reserved exclusively for me (laughs)!

I remember that on the first and second days, I became so itchy that I simply couldn't bear it. Thankfully, the direction team asked me to take a break. I got out of the suit, and we began figuring out how to get rid of the itchiness and make it possible for me to wear the suit for longer durations. Slowly, through trial and error, we found a solution. Before putting on the suit, I would cover myself with Abzorb Dusting Powder. There would be a thick layer of powder, almost 2 cm, all over my body! On top of that, I would wear a sweatsuit, like the ones swimmers wear, and then the prosthetics. That made things easier, though it took us two days to figure it out.

Yet, there were challenges. One day, I was wearing the prosthetics and rehearsing with Yami. Suddenly, I noticed that the floor had become wet. I wondered, ‘Yeh paani kahan se aa raha hai?’ Then I realized that my sweat was dripping through the silicone prosthetics! Andar se mera body melt ho raha tha!

How many days did you have to shoot wearing the prosthetics? We shot for around 50 days, out of which I wore the prosthetics for 20 days. I had to perform and get the emotions right while wearing that suit. Hence, it was a physically and mentally challenging process. But the production team was well-equipped to ensure that the actors were comfortable despite these challenges. That's the only reason I could pull it off.

Also Read: Jacqueline Fernandez has a hilarious cameo in Yami Gautam Dhar’s Nayyi Navelli

EXCLUSIVE: Kartik Aaryan to headline Karan Johar's MOST AMBITIOUS film Kaaliya; GRAND announcement with Ramayana

Kartik Aaryan is on a roll. After delivering blockbusters like Bhool Bhulaiyaa 2 and Bhool Bhulaiyaa 3, Sonu Ke Titu Ki Sweety and the Punchnama franchise, the actor is all set to lead the biggest film of Dharma Productions. According to reliable sources, Kartik Aaryan's next is a big scale spectacle - Kaaliya - which is scheduled to go on floors in December 2026.

A source told Bollywood Hungama, "Karan Johar and team are collaborating with Kartik Aaryan for their biggest and most ambitious film till date. The film will be directed by Sandeep Modi, known for The Night Manager. Interestingly, it marks the union of 3 National Award-winning talents - Kartik Aaryan (Chandu Champion), Sandeep Modi (Best Friends Forever) and Karan Johar (Rocky Aur Rani Ki Prem Kahani)."

The source also informed that Kaaliya is one of its kind mytho creature feature rooted, which will be mounted on a big budget. "The film will be announced this Diwali with a strong video asset. The same will be attached to the prints of Ramayana all across," the source tells us further.

The film is currently in pre-production.

Also Read: SCOOP: RN Kao, Gadadhari Bheem, Radha Krishna, & Kartik Aaryan’s next: Karan Johar expands theatrical slate for 2028

Yo Yo Honey Singh records statement in alleged obscene remarks case, questioned for over two hours: Reports

Rapper and singer Yo Yo Honey Singh appeared before the Maharashtra Cyber Cell on Friday, October 16, and was questioned for more than two hours in connection with a complaint over his alleged objectionable remarks at a concert in Delhi in January 2026. The 43-year-old singer was summoned after a Mumbai resident filed a complaint regarding the remarks, following which the Maharashtra Cyber police registered a case and initiated an investigation.

Reportedly, the information shared by the Cyber Cell, Honey Singh had been summoned three times earlier but did not appear, citing his presence abroad. The authorities subsequently issued another summons directing him to appear on October 16. A senior Cyber Cell official had also warned that the process to issue a Look Out Circular (LOC) could be initiated if he failed to comply with the latest summons.

Honey Singh appeared before the investigating officers on Friday and was questioned for over two hours, according to sources. He left the premises after the questioning without responding to questions from the media. Why was Honey Singh summoned by the Maharashtra Cyber Cell? The case relates to alleged obscene remarks made by Honey Singh during a concert in Delhi in January 2026. A video clip from the performance later circulated on social media and drew criticism from several users.

According to earlier reports, the remarks allegedly included an indecent reference to having sex in cars. Following the online backlash, a Mumbai resident approached the cyber police with a complaint, leading to the registration of a case.

Honey Singh subsequently issued a video apology, acknowledging that his choice of words had offended people. Explaining his intention behind the remarks, he said, "Seeing a larger number of Gen Z, I tried to convey a message in a language which they would prefer. However, I deeply regret that the way I expressed this message was inappropriate and not acceptable to many. I offer my heartfelt apologies."

Also Read: Honey Singh, Badshah face legal trouble over controversial track ‘Volume 1’: Delhi High Court orders immediate removal

Akka teaser out: Netflix CONFIRMS October 30 premiere for Keerthy Suresh and Radhika Apte-starrer

Netflix has unveiled the teaser of Akka, its upcoming series starring Keerthy Suresh and Radhika Apte. The teaser introduces the two actors as Bhavani and Rudra, respectively, in Pernuru, a kingdom shaped by traditions, rivalries and shifting power dynamics. The series is set to premiere on October 30, 2026.

The teaser was released on October 17 to coincide with Keerthy Suresh’s birthday. Produced by YRF Entertainment, Akka is described as a gangster saga centred on women and their influence in a world governed by its own rules.

Set in the 1980s, the series follows a fictional kingdom shaped by generations of women who have built, governed and protected Pernuru. Written and directed by Dharmaraj Shetty, Akka marks his directorial debut. The cast also includes Tanvi Azmi. Keerthy Suresh on playing Bhavani in Akka Speaking about the teaser release, Keerthy Suresh said, “The love I receive from the audience every year makes this day incredibly meaningful, and being able to celebrate it by unveiling the teaser of Akka, a project so close to my heart, feels truly special.”

Describing her character, the actor added, “Bhavani is one of the most unique and memorable characters I have had the opportunity to play. It was lovely working with Radhika. Our characters bring such compelling dynamics to the story and the interplay between them adds an intriguing edge to the narrative.”

Akka also marks Keerthy’s first series with Netflix and YRF Entertainment. Explaining what drew her to the project, she said, “What drew me to this project was the distinctiveness of its story and the world it inhabits. I am looking forward to audiences immersing themselves in this world and discovering the many facets of Bhavani as her story unfolds.” Radhika Apte talks about her character Rudra Radhika Apte, who plays Rudra, spoke about the character’s motivations and the story’s central conflicts. “Rudra is a fascinating character, driven by her own convictions and an instinct to challenge the world around her. What drew me to the series was the complexity of its characters and the tensions that emerge from their differing perspectives,” she said.

The actor also noted that the teaser and date announcement coinciding with Keerthy’s birthday made the occasion special. “It's wonderful that the date announcement and the teaser drop of Akka has coincided with Keerthy's birthday. I am sure it is going to be lucky for us,” she added.

Radhika, who has worked with Netflix on several projects, also spoke about collaborating with YRF Entertainment. “Collaborating with YRF Entertainment on a story with such layered characters has been a rewarding experience, and I look forward to audiences discovering Rudra and the many dimensions of her journey,” she said.

Akka premieres on Netflix on October 30, 2026.

Also Read: Keerthy Suresh stays awake for 41 hours while juggling back-to-back shoots: “I consider this a blessing”

Giorgia Andriani to star in Hindi thriller web series Dice, shoot to begin in November

Actress-model Giorgia Andriani is set to feature in an upcoming Hindi thriller web series titled Dice. The series will see her play an Italian character and is scheduled to begin filming in November 2026.

The project will be shot across locations in Italy, including Potenza and Brindisi. The series is being produced and directed by Chandrakant Singh, with Angelo Viggino also attached as producer. Giorgia Andriani on exploring a new character For Giorgia, Dice will give her an opportunity to take on a new role while also bringing an aspect of her cultural background to the character.

Speaking about the project, Giorgia said, “I’m really excited to be a part of Dice and am eagerly looking forward to starting the shoot. It’s always exciting as an actor to explore a new character and immerse yourself in a different story.”

She added, “The fact that we will be shooting in Italy makes this experience even more special for me. I’m looking forward to being on set, working with the team and bringing this character to life.” Dice to be shot in Italy The upcoming thriller will be filmed in Italy, with Potenza and Brindisi among the locations planned for the shoot. The series will be presented in Hindi while Giorgia will portray an Italian character.

With production scheduled to begin in November, Dice adds another project to Giorgia’s acting journey as she takes on a role that connects her on-screen work with her Italian roots.

Also Read: Giorgia Andriani’s regal romance and Kiara Advani’s rose romance led this week’s best floral fashion moments

Ranbir Kapoor leases Pune apartment for Rs 4.63 lakh monthly rent: Report

Actor Ranbir Kapoor has leased out his apartment at Trump Towers in Pune’s Kalyani Nagar for a monthly rent of Rs 4.63 lakh. According to property registration documents accessed by CRE Matrix, the three-year leave-and-licence agreement was registered on October 6, 2026.

The agreement is expected to generate approximately Rs 1.75 crore in rental income for Ranbir Kapoor over the three-year tenure. Details of Ranbir Kapoor’s Pune property lease The agreement covers an apartment located on the 10th floor of Tower A at Trump Towers in Yerwada, Pune. The property measures around 6,094 sq ft and includes three covered parking spaces.

Ruchi Goel has been named as the licensee in the agreement, while Ranbir Kapoor is represented by his power of attorney holder, Shanti Shivdas Malik.

The leave-and-licence agreement is valid from September 20, 2026, to September 19, 2029. The monthly rent will increase by 5% each year during the tenure. The rent has been fixed at Rs 4.63 lakh per month for the first year, Rs 4.86 lakh for the second year and Rs 5.11 lakh for the third year.

The agreement also includes a security deposit of Rs 27.78 lakh. Ranbir Kapoor and Rishi Kapoor bought apartments in 2015 Ranbir Kapoor and his late father, veteran actor Rishi Kapoor, had purchased apartments at Trump Towers in Pune in 2015. The properties were reportedly bought for around Rs 13 crore each. Ranbir Kapoor currently gearing up for Ramayana The development comes as Ranbir Kapoor is busy with the promotions of Ramayana, directed by Nitesh Tiwari. The film is scheduled to release in cinemas on November 5, 2026.

Recently, the international trailer of Ramayana was unveiled at a grand event in Bengaluru. Ranbir attended the event along with the film’s cast and makers.

Also Read: Ramayana International trailer shares a glimpse of Ranbir Kapoor as Lord Rama having an epic face off with Yash as Ravana

Watch the drama, BUY the heroine's outfit! Microdramas cross 1 BILLION daily episode views as shopping enters the storyline

India's microdrama revolution is entering an exciting new phase. After capturing audiences with bite-sized stories, dramatic twists and addictive cliffhangers, the rapidly growing entertainment format is now venturing into online shopping! ShareChat and Moj have introduced a new feature called 'Shop the Scene', which allows viewers to purchase products featured in their favourite microdramas while watching them.

The development comes at a time when microdramas are generating a staggering 1 billion episode views every day across the ShareChat network, according to figures shared by the company. The numbers underline the phenomenal popularity of vertical storytelling, which has emerged as one of the fastest-growing segments of India's digital entertainment industry. However, the company-reported viewership figure has not been independently verified.

The most fascinating aspect of the new initiative is its potential to transform entertainment into a shopping experience. Imagine watching a romantic microdrama and instantly purchasing the outfit worn by the heroine. Or watching a family drama and ordering a product featured in a particular scene. With 'Shop the Scene', this concept is becoming a reality. The feature is currently being enabled through partnerships with two major e-commerce platforms, although their identities have not been revealed. But that's not all. ShareChat and Moj are also experimenting with advertisements featuring actors from the microdramas themselves. These advertisements are strategically placed between episodes, particularly at moments when a story reaches a dramatic cliffhanger. The idea is to make brand promotions feel like a natural extension of the entertainment rather than a conventional commercial break. According to ShareChat, such campaigns have recorded three times higher engagement and 1.5 times higher click-through rates, although the company has not disclosed the benchmarks against which these improvements were measured. Apart from 'Shop the Scene', the platforms have introduced other advertising innovations, including Regional AR Lens, Pincode Webcard and Superlikes, aimed at helping brands engage with audiences across different regions and markets.

The timing of these launches is significant. According to Kantar's State of Microdrama in India research, nearly 55% of surveyed microdrama viewers increase their consumption during the festive season. This presents an attractive opportunity for advertisers looking to reach consumers during India's biggest shopping period. For the entertainment industry, the implications could be substantial. Actors could find additional endorsement opportunities, production houses could explore branded storytelling, and microdrama creators could potentially generate revenue beyond advertising and subscriptions. However, the success of this model will ultimately depend on whether viewers actually purchase products while watching their favourite stories. For now, the initiative represents an interesting experiment in combining storytelling, advertising and e-commerce.

One thing is certain: India's microdrama business is no longer just about getting audiences hooked on the next episode. The next big cliffhanger could make viewers click not just 'Watch Next', but also 'Buy Now'!

Also Read: Microdramas CRASH the OTT party! Short-drama apps occupy 6 of India’s Top 12 free entertainment apps; one BEATS Netflix and Prime Video

Bigg Boss 20: Qazi Touqeer recalls being labelled “arrogant” after turning down Ekta Kapoor’s TV offer in 2005: “Main chhota tha, 20 saal ka…”

Bigg Boss 20 contestant Qazi Touqeer recently opened up about the opportunities he received in the early years of his career, including a television offer from producer Ekta Kapoor. During a conversation with Aamrapali Dubey, the singer recalled meeting Kapoor in 2005 and explained why he eventually turned down the opportunity.

Qazi, who shot to fame after winning Fame Gurukul with Ruprekha Banerjee in 2005, said, “TV maine kabhi kiya nahin. TV ki opportunity bahot badi badi thi. Main khushkismat tha jiske liye Ekta Kapoor ji aayi 2005 mein and she narrated the story.” Qazi Touqeer recalls Ekta Kapoor’s narration Qazi went on to recall his interaction with Ekta Kapoor, saying, “Main sirf unki anguthiyan (rings) dekh raha tha. Rockstar ka pura character Ekta ji mujhe narrate kar rahi hai.”

Rather than directly telling Kapoor that he did not want to take up the project, Qazi said he communicated his decision through a woman named Anupama. He explained that he already had a film commitment and a contract in place. “Ma’am, I am already doing a film. I have a contract, it’s already signed,” Qazi recalled telling her. Qazi says media reports portrayed him negatively The singer also remembered the media coverage that followed his decision. According to Qazi, reports the next morning suggested that he had deliberately turned down Kapoor’s offer because he had a bigger opportunity. “Main subah breakfast mein dekh raha hoon, ‘Qazi ditched Ekta Kapoor. Qazi has a bigger fish to fry.’ Ye paper aisa hi hai, media aisa hi hai,” he said.

Qazi pointed out that there was no social media at the time through which he could immediately clarify his side of the story. “Us time clarification karne ke liye thodi tha hamare paas social media. Ho gaya badnaam, ban gaya arrogant” he added. Qazi Touqeer’s journey from Fame Gurukul to Bigg Boss 20 Qazi became a household name after winning Fame Gurukul alongside Ruprekha Banerjee in 2005. The reality singing competition also earned him a cash prize, a music contract and a car.

He later explored acting, including an appearance in the song ‘Afghan Jalebi’ from Phantom, and participated in the reality show Sarkaar Ki Duniya. He subsequently spent years performing live and working on other projects before returning to the spotlight as a contestant on Salman Khan-hosted Bigg Boss 20 in 2026.

Also Read: Bigg Boss 20: Prince Narula REACTS to Nakul Dhull-Gullu clash, praises Kanika Mann for calmly handling the situation

Imran Khan to challenge FRRO’s directive asking him to leave India by Oct 28; veteran Raza Murad slams him for taking part in protest

Actor Imran Khan, an American citizen and Overseas Citizen of India (OCI) cardholder, is set to challenge the Foreigners Regional Registration Office’s (FRRO) directive asking him to leave India by October 28, as per a report by NDTV. His lawyer, Zulfiqar Memon, will file a petition before the Bombay High Court contesting the order.

The actor came under scrutiny following his participation in a protest organised by the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) in Mumbai. The demonstration called for the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar.

Following the protest, BJP (Bharatiya Janata Party) leader Kirit Somaiya lodged a complaint with the police, alleging that Imran Khan’s participation in the demonstration violated the restrictions applicable to foreign citizens. The police subsequently forwarded the complaint to the FRRO, which issued a notice directing the actor to leave the country.

The FRRO’s position is that holding an OCI card does not permit a foreign national to participate in protests. The order has been issued under the Immigration and Foreigners Act, 2025. Section 7 of the legislation empowers the Central Government to issue orders and directions regulating, restricting or prohibiting the entry, departure, presence or movement of foreign nationals in India.

Meanwhile, veteran actor Raza Murad has slammed Khan, asserting that foreign nationals should not interfere in India’s domestic affairs. He also defended the authorities’ handling of the matter, pointing out that the actor has been given time to respond to the order and can seek judicial intervention if he believes the decision is unjust.

“Whether it is Imran Khan or anyone else, no foreign national has any business interfering in the internal affairs of our country. I have only just learned that Imran Khan has become a U.S. national; he was an actor here. As a U.S. national, he has no right to participate so actively in the country’s internal affairs or its politics. The Mumbai Police are acting strictly within the legal framework,” Murad told the news agency ANI.

He further noted that the actor has been given 15 days and can approach the court if he believes he is being treated unfairly or is being compelled to leave the country.

“He has been given a full 15 days. If he feels he is being treated unfairly or being forced to leave the country, he is welcome to approach the court, and whatever the court decides, we must all accept it. Let’s see how he reacts. He has two options: either leave the country by October 28, or if he does not wish to leave, or feels that he has been wronged or treated unjustly, he can take his grievance to the court,” Murad added.

Imran Khan’s proposed legal challenge will now bring the dispute before the Bombay High Court, where the validity of the FRRO’s order can be contested.

Also Read: Imran Khan opens up on decade-long acting break; says, “My comeback film Adhure Hum Adhure Tum is age-appropriate to where I am now”

Kiss Ka Kissa: Vidhi Kasliwal announces romantic short film starring Priyanshu Painyuli and Vandana Josh

In a city where couples can stay connected over their phones all day but struggle to find a few uninterrupted minutes together, even a simple kiss can turn into an adventure. Exploring this idea is Kiss Ka Kissa, an upcoming romantic Hindi short film starring real-life couple Priyanshu Painyuli and Vandana Joshi. Landmarc Entertainment, led by filmmaker-producer Vidhi Kasliwal, has announced that the film will be released on October 22, 2026.

Set in Mumbai, Kiss Ka Kissa explores the romantic dreams people carry from their younger days and the little moments that sometimes remain unfulfilled. Combining humour, affection and everyday situations, the film looks at modern relationships and the ways romance can be found in seemingly ordinary experiences.

The pairing of Priyanshu Painyuli and Vandana Joshi, who are also a couple in real life, brings an element of familiarity to the story. Rather than relying on grand romantic gestures, the film focuses on the emotions that emerge from everyday interactions. At its core, it celebrates spontaneity in love and the small moments that bring two people closer.

For Vidhi Kasliwal, the project continues her interest in stories centred on human emotions. Her filmmaking journey includes working with Rajshri Productions alongside Sooraj R. Barjatya before making her writing and directorial debut with Isi Life Mein.

"What drew me to Kiss Ka Kissa was its simplicity. We often associate romance with grand gestures, but sometimes the smallest moments carry the deepest emotions. There is something wonderfully relatable about two people trying to find a little space for themselves in a city that never slows down. At Landmarc, we have always believed that stories don't need to be larger than life to touch lives. They simply need to feel real," says Vidhi Kasliwal.

Written and directed by Ashish Sharma, Kiss Ka Kissa marks his fiction debut following more than a decade of work in advertising films, music videos and branded storytelling. The film is presented by Landmarc Entertainment and produced under its Landmarc Films banner. Vidhi Kasliwal has handled the production and creative direction, while Aarti Bagdi serves as the creative producer.

Speaking about the film, Ashish Sharma shares, "I wanted to make Kiss Ka Kissa for two reasons: the little romantic dreams we carry from our younger days, and the joy of telling a simple, feel-good story. A first kiss, a stolen moment, a romantic adventure—sometimes life moves on, leaving these little dreams unfinished. Set against the chaos of Mumbai, the film explores how even the simplest romantic gesture can become an adventure when privacy is a luxury. I wanted the humour to emerge naturally from everyday situations. At its heart, the film celebrates love, youthful innocence and life's delightful unpredictability. I hope it leaves audiences smiling and perhaps remembering a little unfinished romantic story of their own."

Over the past 15 years, Landmarc has developed a filmography that includes Sanngto Aika, Vazandar, Ringan, Gachchi, Redu, Pipsi, Nashibvaan and Medium Spicy. As the company transitions into Landmarc Entertainment, it is expanding its operations through three initial verticals: Landmarc Films, Landmarc Melodies and Landmarc Digital. The company aims to explore new storytelling formats and support new voices while continuing to focus on emotionally driven narratives.

The film's creative team includes Vidhi Kasliwal as producer and creative visionary, Ashish Sharma as director, Aarti Bagdi as creative producer, Vikrant Thakur as director of photography and Puloma Pal as editor. Sarthak Karkare has composed the music, written the lyrics and created the background score. Prince Kumar of Casting Cubicle is responsible for casting, while K. R. Mahadevan [Mohan] serves as executive producer.

With its title reflecting the story's central idea, Kiss Ka Kissa looks beyond the kiss itself to explore the circumstances surrounding it. Against the pace of Mumbai, the film highlights how finding time for romance can be challenging, and how a single moment can become meaningful when two people make the most of it.

Also Read : EXCLUSIVE: Akshay Oberoi on completing 15 years in the film industry: “I was paid Rs. 1.50 lakhs for my debut film Isi Life Mein”; speaks highly of Salman Khan, “He called us on Bigg Boss out of his love for Sooraj Barjatya; he had lot of ideas for marketing”

Vidya Balan to open Indian Film Festival of Perth as chief guest in January 2027

The inaugural Indian Film Festival of Perth (IFFP) will be held from January 22 to 24, 2027, with actor Vidya Balan announced as the Chief Guest. She will officially open the first edition of the festival, which aims to introduce audiences in Western Australia to the diversity of Indian cinema.

The festival marks a new addition to the celebration of Indian films in Australia. It is being organised by the team behind the Indian Film Festival of Melbourne (IFFM) and the Indian Film Festival of Sydney (IFFS). With established platforms in Melbourne and Sydney, the Perth edition aims to expand the reach of Indian cinema, provide opportunities for filmmakers and audiences to connect, and strengthen cultural ties between India and Western Australia.

The announcement of the festival coincided with the visit of Western Australia's Premier, Hon Roger Cook MLA, to India. The initiative reflects the growing cultural and creative links between the two regions and aims to encourage further cultural exchange through cinema.

Vidya Balan, known for her work across a range of roles and narratives, has been associated with films that explore distinctive stories and women-led characters. Her participation as Chief Guest at the inaugural festival will mark the beginning of the event, which seeks to bring audiences together through Indian cinema across languages, cultures and regions.

Speaking about the announcement, Mitu Bhowmick Lange AM, Festival Director, said, “Bringing the Indian Film Festival to Perth is a very special milestone for us. Having built platforms for Indian cinema in Melbourne and Sydney, we are delighted to now bring this celebration to Western Australia and connect with a new community of audiences and film lovers. Cinema has a remarkable ability to bring people together, transcend borders and create a deeper understanding of one another. We are thrilled to welcome Vidya Balan as the Chief Guest for our inaugural edition, and we look forward to creating a festival that celebrates the extraordinary diversity of Indian storytelling while building meaningful cultural connections between India and Western Australia.”

Through its first edition, the Indian Film Festival of Perth aims to establish a platform for Indian cinema in Western Australia and bring together film enthusiasts, filmmakers and members of the creative community. The programme will showcase stories from across Indian languages, genres and perspectives, while providing opportunities for discussions, collaborations and cultural exchange.

The festival's launch adds another platform for Indian cinema in Australia, with the organisers looking to build connections between audiences and the film industry while highlighting the range of stories emerging from India.

Also Read : Ekta Kapoor confirms The Dirty Picture 2: “I’m planning it after 15 years”

BREAKING: Jailer 2 ends with the promise of third part; Hrithik Roshan's massy special appearance has a Chulbul Pandey connection (Spoilers ahead)

The much awaited film Jailer 2 finally released today and has opened on a great note. The first film was highly remembered not just for superstar Rajinikanth's massy performance, songs and elevation moments but also for its various special appearances. The same continues in Jailer 2 as well. However, there's one more exciting cameo this time, that too by none other than Hrithik Roshan. Warning: Spoilers ahead.

There were reports already floating pre-release that Hrithik will be seen in Jailer 2. The reports turned out to be true. Hrithik appears at a crucial juncture in the film and helps out Tiger Muthuvel Pandian, played by Rajinikanth. He plays a cool, suave character named Roddy. Roddy confesses that Tiger helped him out 20 years ago and hence, he's forever indebted to him. Hrithik also speaks Tamil and it makes for a great watch.

Interestingly, Hrithik Roshan tucks his sunglasses behind his shirt collar, instantly reminding one of Chulbul Pandey (Salman Khan) and his signature style in the Dabangg series.

And that's not all. Hrithik also wears his sunglasses in typical Rajinikanth style, right in front of the superstar himself. The moment is sure to send audiences into a frenzy in cinemas.

Jailer 3 loading soon

Jailer's first part ended in such a manner that it didn't give any indication that a sequel is in the offing. However, Jailer 2 clearly ends with the promise that Jailer 3 is definitely coming. The last scene of the film features Vijay Sethupathi, which again, will be lapped up by the masses.

Also Read: Jailer 2 Hindi release: Makers clarify Rajinikanth-starrer will hit theatres on October 15; say, “There has been no change”

BREAKING: Ramayana is Ranbir Kapoor's second film after Animal to be 3 hours+; gets PG-13 rating in USA

The grand Diwali release, Ramayana, is three weeks away from release, and the excitement is steadily building up with each passing day. It's going to have the biggest release for an Indian film ever globally and the makers have been steadily working towards it. In a significant development, the censor process in the United States of America has been completed.

The Motion Picture Association has passed Ramayana with a PG-13 rating. This rating is similar to U/A in India and means that some material maybe inappropriate for children below the age of 13.

As per the Motion Picture Association website, Ramayana was awarded the said rating due to 'sequences of strong violence and action, and some bloody images'.

The other major development is that Ramayana has been passed internationally with a runtime of more than 3 hours. As per the website of IMAX, the duration of the film is 3 hours and 15 minutes. However, as per trade sources, the English version of Ramayana is expected to be shorter, at around 2 hours and 45 minutes. A clearer picture on this front will emerge in a few days.

Ramayana is Ranbir Kapoor's immediate release after Animal (2023). Incidentally, it is also the second film of his career, after Animal, to have a duration of more than 3 hours.

Also Read: Ramayana: Anupam Kher lends his voice to Jatayu as makers unveil new poster titled ‘The Wings of Dharma’

Drishyam The Conclusion show-sharing row: Panorama Studios’ Week 3 show demands put exhibitors in a fix as Nayyi Navelli, Prahaar, Jailer 2 gear up for release

The much-loved Drishyam The Conclusion continues to remain steady at the box office. The Ajay Devgn-starrer crossed the Rs. 300 crore mark on Sunday, October 11, and is now expected to cross the Rs. 375 crore mark at the very least, with an outside chance of entering the coveted Rs. 400 crore club. The film has remained strong even on weekdays. As a result, its distributors, Panorama Studios, have asked cinemas to ensure that the thriller gets sufficient shows in its third week.

A trade source told Bollywood Hungama, “The distributors have asked single-screen cinemas to allot at least 3 shows to Drishyam The Conclusion from October 16. In two-screen theatres, they have sought 5 shows, while in three-screen cinemas, they have asked for 6 shows, including 1 morning show. In four-screen multiplexes, their request is for 7 shows, including 1 morning show, and in five-screen multiplexes, they have asked for 8 shows, including 1 morning show. In six-screen cinemas, they have sought 10 shows, while for theatres with seven screens or more, their demand is for 15 shows.”

The source continued, “Their request has put exhibitors in a dilemma, as several films are lined up for release this week, including Nayyi Navelli, Prahaar, Street Fighter, Jailer 2, Ranabaali, etc. All these films have the potential to attract audiences, including the last two, which will also release in Hindi. As a result, cinemas are trying to negotiate with the distributors of various films and arrive at a consensus.”

It is for this reason that advance bookings for the upcoming week are yet to open at several cinemas. When asked when the issue is likely to be resolved, the source replied, “It's difficult to say, going by recent experiences. The matter might be resolved by Wednesday morning or evening, or it could even extend to Thursday, just a day before the new releases arrive in cinemas.”

An industry insider commented, “Drishyam The Conclusion still has a lot of gas left in the tank and can continue to attract audiences despite the competition. The makers have also asked exhibitors to sell tickets at regular prices, which should further entice moviegoers.”

Also Read: Mohanlal reviews Ajay Devgn starrer Drishyam The Conclusion; Star Studios thanks him

Khosla Ka Ghosla 2 release postponed to March 5, 2027

Anupam Kher and Boman Irani’s Khosla Ka Ghosla 2 has received a new theatrical release date. The sequel, originally scheduled for release on August 28, 2026, will now hit cinemas on March 5, 2027.

The makers announced the revised date on social media with a new poster. Sharing the update, they wrote, “Deal Pakki! The Khoslas are ready to take possession of cinemas with #KhoslaKaGhosla2, arriving on the big screen on 5th March 2027!”

The announcement confirms a delay of several months for the sequel, which brings back characters from the much-loved 2006 comedy Khosla Ka Ghosla. The original film, directed by Dibakar Banerjee, revolved around a middle-class Delhi family caught up in a property dispute.

 

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Anupam Kher and Boman Irani return to the franchise

Khosla Ka Ghosla 2 is directed by Prashant Bhagia and sees Anupam Kher and Boman Irani reprise their respective roles as Kamal Kishore Khosla and property dealer Kishan Khurana.

The returning cast also includes Ranvir Shorey, Parvin Dabas, Tara Sharma and Kiran Juneja. The sequel further features Ravi Kishan, Divya Khossla, Harsh Chhaya, Tanya Maniktala and Danish Iqbal, among others.

The makers have not revealed the full storyline yet. However, the sequel is expected to revisit the themes that defined the original film, including middle-class aspirations, property disputes and the schemes that emerge when the Khosla family finds itself dealing with another challenge.

Backed by T-Series Films and Tandav Films, the film is produced by Bhushan Kumar, Krishan Kumar, Savita Raj Hiremath and Raaj Hiremath. Khosla Ka Ghosla 2 is now scheduled to release in theatres on March 5, 2027.

Also Read: Anupam Kher REACTS after Khosla Ka Ghosla 2 reel crosses 150 million views: “A big highlight of our lives”

Emraan Hashmi narrowly escapes injury after car flip stunt goes wrong on Gunmaaster G9 set; watch

Emraan Hashmi reportedly had a close call while shooting the climax sequence of his upcoming spy thriller Gunmaaster G9 in Bengaluru on October 13, 2026. The incident took place during a car flip stunt when a vehicle involved in the sequence reportedly came loose from its mechanism and fell close to the actor.

The car had been rigged to remain suspended in mid-air for the stunt. However, the mechanism reportedly gave way unexpectedly, causing the vehicle to crash down just a foot away from Hashmi’s face. The incident caught the crew off guard and briefly disrupted the shoot.

The sudden malfunction raised concerns on set, given how close the vehicle came to the actor. A fall of that nature could have resulted in serious injuries. However, Hashmi escaped the incident without sustaining any injuries.

 

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The sequence was being filmed as part of the movie’s climax, which involves action-oriented scenes. Such sequences often require specialised equipment and careful coordination between the cast and crew. However, the reported incident highlights how technical issues can create unexpected challenges during stunt shoots.

Gunmaaster G9 is an upcoming spy thriller featuring Hashmi. The Bengaluru shoot was underway when the reported mishap occurred. While the incident briefly interrupted the proceedings, the actor was unharmed.

Also Read : Gunmaaster G9: Emraan Hashmi starrer gets a major overseas distribution boost ahead of November 27 release

Rahul Vaidya passes beeped remark about Disha Parmar on Pati Patni Aur Panga 2; leaves contestants shocked as fans call him out on Reddit

Singer Rahul Vaidya has landed in the middle of an online debate over a remark he made on the celebrity couple reality show Pati Patni Aur Panga Season 2. The comment, about his marriage to Disha Parmar, was beeped out on the show, but the reactions around him and a viral clip have kept the internet talking.

The show, hosted by Sonali Bendre and Munawar Faruqui, tests the marriage compatibility of celebrity couples through a series of games. In the round in question, Rahul, Vivek Dahiya and Parmeet Sethi were asked questions about their wives against a timer. Their wives, Disha Parmar, Divyanka Tripathi Dahiya and Archana Puran Singh, sat opposite and used their husbands' nicknames as buzzers.

The hosts asked the men to name five things their wives used to do before marriage but no longer do. Disha buzzed first, and Rahul was asked to answer. His response was completely beeped, and the audio does not make clear what he said. It drew an immediate reaction from everyone present.

Archana Puran Singh could not hide her shock. Mangal Lakshmi actress Deepika Singh said, "Allowed nahi hai TV pe bolna" (You cannot say this on TV). Disha asked him to stop. "Arrey mat hi bolo kuch, galat hi bologe, aur kya. Abhi chup raho" (Don't say anything at all, you will say something wrong only. Please keep quiet), she said. The hosts and others in the room were also visibly embarrassed. Rahul Vaidya claims on national television that his wife Disha Parmar doesn't give him s*x after Marriage. by u/RockstarRanger247 in IndianTellyTalk

Co-contestant Arjun Bijlani reacted sharply, asking, "Phir bachhe kaise ho rahein hai" (how are you having kids then). When Rahul tried to defend himself, saying, "Logon ko meri personal life mein bahut interests hai" (People are very interested in my personal life), Arjun's wife Neha Swamy responded, "Tu hi toh bata raha hai" (You are only saying it out loud).

A video of the moment has gone viral on Reddit. Many viewers in the comments have called out Rahul, saying he disrespected his wife by making such a remark on national television. Neither Rahul nor Disha has commented publicly on the reaction.

Also Read: “Alia Bhatt is out there representing India”: Rahul Vaidya and Aly Goni DEFEND actress amid Cannes 2026 backlash

SCOOP: Playback sensation Heer of Batwara 1947 and Peddi fame to make acting debut in Imtiaz Ali and Mahaveer Jain’s Side Heroes

In July, Bollywood Hungama was the first to inform readers that Imtiaz Ali and Mahaveer Jain were planning to introduce fresh faces as the female lead in their upcoming friendship comedy, Side Heroes. We have now learned that the makers have zeroed in on playback sensation Heer for one of the female leads in the film.

A source told Bollywood Hungama, “Heer is not just a talented singer but also a promising performer. She gave an impressive audition, and the makers felt that she would be perfect for the part. Interestingly, her character in the film is also a singer. Hence, casting a real-life playback singer would lend authenticity to the character.”

The source further revealed, “The makers are in advanced discussions with Heer and are expected to make an official announcement about her casting soon.”

About Heer

Heer has lent her voice to several notable songs in recent times. In Aamir Khan's production Batwara 1947, she sang 'Tabassum' alongside Sonu Nigam and 'Chal Anjaane'. Both songs were composed by A R Rahman, who also composed the music for Ram Charan-starrer Peddi. In this Pan-India film, Heer lent her voice to the song 'Hellallallo'.

Her other recent songs include 'Roop Di Rani' from Pati Patni Aur Woh Do, alongside Guru Randhawa, and 'Chhaap Tilak' from Ginny Wedss Sunny 2. Both songs were composed by Tanishk Bagchi.

About Side Heroes

Side Heroes is a hilarious friendship-reunion film with a touch of nostalgia, set in the heartland of India. Besides Heer, ot stars Varun Sharma, Abhishek Banerjee and Aparshakti Khurana. It is produced by Imtiaz Ali, Mahaveer Jain, Mrighdeep Singh Lamba and Shikha K Ahluwalia, written by Siddarth Sen (director of Good Luck Jerry) and Pankaj Matta, and directed by Ssanjay Tripaathy.

In September, Bollywood Hungama exclusively reported that Side Heroes would be among the rare Hindi films to be shot entirely in Bihar. The film is scheduled to release on Friendship Day 2027.

Also Read: Imtiaz Ali reveals how Subhash Ghai SAVED Socha Na Tha: “He bought the film at a price higher than its actual value”; admits Showman was once FURIOUS with him: “He signed me for a film, but I backed out”

EXCLUSIVE: Shah Rukh Khan's birthday to witness a KING-sized BLAST; Siddharth Anand gears up to launch EXPLOSIVE teaser on November 2

The Siddharth Anand directed King is among the most awaited films of 2026 as it marks the return of Shah Rukh Khan to the big screen after 3 long years. The action-packed thriller is touted to be one of the most expensive films ever made, with a reported cost of production of Rs. 450 crores, and the insiders can't stop raving about the scale of this Siddharth Anand entertainer. With just 70 days left for its big theatrical release all across the globe, Bollywood Hungama has an earth-shattering update on King.

According to very reliable insiders, Siddharth Anand is all set to unleash an action-packed teaser of King on Shah Rukh Khan's birthday - 2nd November 2026. "It's a birthday gift from team King to all Shah Rukh Khan fans, and Siddharth Anand is going to deliver a new SRK experience. The teaser cut is apparently mind-blowing with Shah Rukh Khan like never before, delivering larger-than-life dialogues with style and suave," a source told Bollywood Hungama discreetly.

We hear that the teaser will mark the global launch of the marketing campaign for King, as the intent of the team is to deliver a project that's unlike anything seen before from India in the genre. "If audiences loved the scale of Pathaan and Jawan, Sid has taken things a notch higher with King. The action, thrill, and most importantly music will take the audiences on a ride this Christmas," tells the source.

King also features Kareena Kapoor in a special appearance, as she will be seen shaking the legs with SRK on a song titled Daddy Cool. The makers plan to shoot it in South Africa in October, and it is said to be one of the major highlights of the film. Produced by Red Chillies and Marflix, King is slated for release on December 24, 2026.

Also Read: Shah Rukh Khan, Ranbir Kapoor, and Alia Bhatt reunite for a new and fun Rungta Steel ad, and the internet can’t get enough

Ramesh Taurani recalls Alka Yagnik’s rise in the ’90s: “She was getting the most songs”

Producer Ramesh Taurani recently reflected on the changing dynamics of Hindi film music in the 1990s and recalled how Alka Yagnik emerged as one of the most sought-after female playback singers of the decade. Taurani was speaking alongside his brother Kumar Taurani on Komal Nahta’s Game Changers: The Music Series.

Discussing the music landscape of the period, Ramesh Taurani recalled that established voices such as Lata Mangeshkar and Asha Bhosle continued to be important choices for filmmakers, while a new generation of singers was gaining prominence.

“Back then, Lata Ji and Asha Ji were already established. When we used to make music, Lata Ji was our first preference, followed by Alka and Anuradha,” Taurani said.

He went on to recall the emergence of singers including Kumar Sanu, Anuradha Paudwal, Alka Yagnik and Udit Narayan. According to him, films such as Qayamat Se Qayamat Tak, Aashiqui, Saajan and Phool Aur Kaante helped establish the new voices in the industry as their songs became popular with audiences.

“The idea was that in the ’90s, when new singers like Shanu, Anuradha Paudwal, Alka Yagnik and Udit Narayan came in, these four made it big. Qayamat Se Qayamat Tak, Aashiqui, Saajan and Phool Aur Kaante were hits, and their songs became superhits,” he recalled. How Alka Yagnik emerged as a leading female voice Taurani also drew a comparison between the newer singers and the established female playback voices of the previous generation. He recalled that Anuradha Paudwal was being viewed as a successor to Lata Mangeshkar, while Alka Yagnik was increasingly being positioned as a voice comparable to Asha Bhosle.

“The idea then was that Anuradha Paudwal was the new Lata Mangeshkar, while Alka Yagnik became the new Asha Bhosle,” Taurani said.

According to Taurani, the shift in Anuradha Paudwal’s film career eventually created more opportunities for Alka Yagnik. He recalled that after Paudwal stopped singing for films and became associated exclusively with T-Series, Alka began receiving a wider variety of female playback assignments.

“Luckily, Anuradha Ji stopped singing for films and made herself exclusive to T-Series. This worked in Alka Ji’s favour, as she got both Lata Ji and Asha Ji type songs, whether they were solos, duets or shayari,” he said.

Taurani further recalled the scale of Alka Yagnik’s presence during the period, saying she was receiving a significant number of songs compared with some of the leading male playback singers of the time.

“The situation was such that, among Udit, Sanu and Sonu, Alka Ji was getting the most songs,” he added.

The conversation featured Ramesh and Kumar Taurani discussing their experiences in the Hindi music industry and the changes they witnessed during the rise of the 1990s playback generation. The episode is part of Komal Nahta’s Game Changers: The Music Series, which focuses on conversations with singers, composers and other figures associated with Indian film music.

Also Read: Ramesh Taurani reveals UNTOLD behind-the-scenes story of Soldier: “Nadeem-Shravan and Javed Akhtar were a WRONG combination”; reveals a song featuring Bobby Deol and Preity Zinta was SCRAPPED and replaced with ‘Tera Rang Balle Balle’

FIR register against Imran Khan and others over August Kranti Maidan protest: REPORT

Mumbai Police have registered a First Information Report (FIR) against actor Imran Khan, his girlfriend Lekha Washington and several others following their detention during a protest at August Kranti Maidan on Saturday, October 10. The demonstration was organised in support of the Cockroach Janta Party’s (CJP) protest in Delhi, which called for the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar.

The FIR was registered at Gamdevi police station under Sections 223, 126(2), 189(2), 189(3) and 189(5) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), according to reports. The provisions cited in the case relate to disobedience of orders issued by public servants, wrongful restraint and offences associated with unlawful assembly. The complaint was filed by police personnel following the gathering, which took place amid heightened security arrangements in the area.

According to reports, more than 400 people were detained during the protest, with some accounts putting the number at around 600 across Mumbai. Those detained included Imran, Lekha and Imran’s cousin, Zayn Marie Khan. They were released later that night.

Ahead of the demonstration, police personnel had barricaded roads surrounding August Kranti Maidan and deployed additional staff to prevent the gathering from proceeding. The detentions took place as authorities maintained security in the area.

Following his detention, Imran took to Instagram to share a selfie from inside a police van. The actor accompanied the picture with the caption, “Apparently I'm going for a drive.”

Lekha also shared updates on social media following the detention. She said she did not know where the police were taking them. After their release, she alleged that the police were not allowing them to return home or arrange a vehicle. She later reassured her followers that they were safe and on their way home.

The Mumbai protest was held in solidarity with the CJP’s demonstration in Delhi, where protesters were also detained during a major police operation. The movement has been demanding Gyanesh Kumar’s resignation over allegations concerning the revision of electoral rolls.

With the registration of the FIR, the legal proceedings against Imran, Lekha and the other individuals named in the case have become a fresh development following Saturday’s demonstration. Further details about the case and any subsequent police action remain awaited.

Also Read : Imran Khan to showcase his drift skills at Royal Enfield GRRR Nights × Underground in Mumbai on August 23

Arjun Rampal begins his new journey with Billionaire on the auspicious occasion of Navratri

Arjun Rampal has embarked on an exciting new journey with Billionaire, which commenced with a traditional mahurat puja on the auspicious occasion of Navratri.

The big-scale business drama, directed by Hansal Mehta and Robbie Grewal, marks the first-ever collaboration between the two acclaimed filmmakers. Produced by Prabhleen Sandhu under the banner of Almighty Motion Picture, the series is set to begin its extensive 45-day shooting schedule in the United Kingdom from November 15.

Arjun Rampal also took to his Instagram handle to share his joy and excitement about the new beginning.

The actor is currently enjoying the enormous success of the Dhurandhar duology. Directed by Aditya Dhar, Dhurandhar, the first film, released in December 2025 and became a blockbuster after taking just a decent start at the box office. The second film, Dhurandhar The Revenge, which released in March this year, turned out to be a blockbuster of mammoth proportions and the highest grossing Hindi film till date by earning over Rs. 1000 crores at the domestic box office itself. Arjun’s act as the ISI (Inter-Services Intelligence) chief Major Iqbal was also highly praised.

Written by Anubhav Chopra and Shantanu Sagara, with dialogues by Karan Vyas, Billionaire promises a gripping tale of ambition, power and the high-stakes world of business.

The series will premiere exclusively on Prime Video.

Also Read: 3 Monkeys: Mustafa Burmawala drops the first look poster of the Abbas–Mustan thriller also starring Arjun Rampal

EXCLUSIVE: Mahaveer Jain Films to present ambitious Kannada sci-fi thriller Lambodhara 2.0, starring Kunal Kapoor and directed by acclaimed filmmaker Simple Suni; set for November 20 release

Mahaveer Jain Films, which has been backing several exciting projects across genres, is all set to present an ambitious Kannada sci-fi social thriller, Lambodhara 2.0. Bollywood Hungama has exclusively learned that the film, directed by acclaimed Kannada filmmaker Simple Suni, will release in cinemas on November 20, 2026, in Kannada and Hindi. Its exciting first look will be unveiled later this week, on Wednesday, October 14.

The film stars the talented and dashing actor Kunal Kapoor, Saachi Bindra and debutant Anil Shetty. Interestingly, Lambodhara 2.0 also features a real humanoid robot named JIA, making it one of the most intriguing aspects of the project.

Set in a world increasingly dominated by artificial intelligence and digital validation, Lambodhara 2.0 raises an interesting question: Can technology truly make human beings happy? Blending suspense, humour, entertainment and thought-provoking ideas, the film explores the intersection of artificial intelligence, human emotions, happiness and free will.

Meanwhile, Mahaveer Jain has an interesting slate of films lined up. He, along with Rajshri Productions, is also producing Yeh Prem Mol Liya, directed by Sooraj Barjatya and starring Ayushmann Khurrana and Sharvari. He has also announced RamBola, which will be directed by Vishal Chaturvedi of Hanuman Ansh fame. Another exciting project associated with Mahaveer Jain is Naagzilla, starring Kartik Aaryan, which is scheduled to release in cinemas on February 12, 2027. A few weeks ago, Bollywood Hungama had exclusively reported that Mahaveer Jain Films is producing a devotional drama fronted by Ravi Kishan.

Also Read: MEGA EXCLUSIVE: Viral Sensation Ravi Kishan bags solo-lead Hindi film; to star in Mahaveer Jain’s devotional drama

Ramayana makers announce worldwide release of Part 1 on November 5, 2026 with new poster featuring Ranbir Kapoor, Sai Pallavi, Ravie Dubey and Yash

Marking the first day of Navratri with a special announcement, the makers of Ramayana have unveiled a new ensemble poster featuring Ranbir Kapoor as Lord Rama, Sai Pallavi as Sita, Ravie Dubey as Lakshman and Yash as Ravana, while announcing that Part 1 of the two-part epic will release worldwide on November 5, 2026. The makers also confirmed that the advance bookings will open this Dussehra.

The poster captures Ranbir Kapoor as Lord Rama alongside Sai Pallavi as Sita and Ravie Dubey as Lakshman in the foreground, while Yash’s Ravana towers over them, creating a visual contrast between the characters at the heart of the story.

Taking to social media, the makers shared the announcement with the caption: “On the auspicious occasion of Navratri, we celebrate the beginning of a new era. Yeh Ram ke Yug ka Aarambh hai. 🏹 Namit Malhotra’s Ramayana Part 1: In cinemas WORLDWIDE, across all premium formats, from 5th November. Advance bookings open on Dussehra.”

 

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Bringing one of the world’s most revered epics to the big screen, Ramayana features Ranbir Kapoor as Lord Rama, Sai Pallavi as Sita, Rocking Star Yash as Ravana, Sunny Deol as Hanuman and Ravie Dubey as Lakshman.

Directed by Nitesh Tiwari and produced by Namit Malhotra’s Prime Focus Studios in collaboration with 8-time Oscar-winning DNEG and Yash’s Monster Mind Creations, Ramayana is envisioned as a two-part epic. Part 1 will release worldwide on November 5, 2026, followed by Part 2 in Diwali 2027, in Hindi, Tamil, Telugu, Kannada and Malayalam across India. The film will release in IMAX, with Sony Pictures distributing the film globally (excluding India), while Dharma Productions will act as distributors for the Hindi-speaking market.

Also Read: Ramayana: Lara Dutta as Queen Kaikeyi and Sheeba Chadha as Manthara unveiled in new character posters

Salman Khan gears up for 50-day close-combat final schedule of Monster, deets inside

Superstar Salman Khan is all set to get onto intense work mode as his upcoming action drama Monster enters its final and most intense stretch of filming. Directed by Vamshi Paidipally, the Pan-India project is officially charging towards the finish line, with the superstar gearing up for a 50-day schedule dedicated entirely to high-stakes, close-quarter combat sequences.

The team has set up base at a studio in Mira Road to film these action sequences. Moving away from slick, glossy effects, the makers are aiming for a raw and grounded action experience, with Salman at the centre of intense, hand-to-hand combat against his opponents.

Ever since principal photography began in Mumbai in mid-April 2026, Monster has been mounted on a massive scale. The film completed a packed six-week schedule in Goregaon this August, featuring large-scale action set-pieces, crowd sequences and an elaborate Afghan village setup. This was followed by a focused 10-day combat training schedule in Mumbai in September.

Salman Khan is balancing his Bigg Boss 20 commitments with the physically demanding action schedule, keping the film firmly on track for a November wrap. With filming entering its final lap, the team will move directly into post-production to prepare for its Eid 2027 theatrical release.

Produced by Dil Raju under the banner of Sri Venkateswara Creations, Monster stars Salman Khan alongside an ensemble cast featuring Nayanthara, Jackie Shroff, Arvind Swamy, Rahul Dev, Ronit Roy and Seema Biswas.

Also Read: Bigg Boss 20: Salman Khan reveals he hesitated to host Dus Ka Dum due to negativity around his public image; recalls father Salim Khan’s advice

Imran Khan detained by Mumbai Police during protest at August Kranti Maidan; says, “I am here to see why people’s voices are being suppressed”

Actor Imran Khan was detained by Mumbai Police while participating in a protest at August Kranti Maidan in Mumbai on October 10. The protest was held in solidarity with the Cockroach Janata Party’s (CJP) protest in Delhi, which called for the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar.

Following his detention, Imran shared a selfie from inside the police van on Instagram and captioned it, “Apparently I’m going for a drive.”

Before being detained, the actor spoke about his reasons for participating in the protest, clarifying that he was present as a citizen and was not representing any organization. He told the news agency ANI, “I don't have demands. I am here as a citizen, as someone who lives in this city. I am here to see why freedom of movement is being restricted—why people’s voices are being suppressed. That is why I am here. I am not in a position to make demands of anyone. Nor am I part of any organization. I am just here as a representative.”

 

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Imran Khan, known for films such as Jaane Tu... Ya Jaane Na and I Hate Luv Storys, has largely stayed away from the limelight in recent years. But he had participated in the protests held in July this year for the resignation of Dharmendra Pradhan as the Education Minister following the leak of NEET question paper.

Also Read: Imran Khan to showcase his drift skills at Royal Enfield GRRR Nights × Underground in Mumbai on August 23

Ajay Devgn begins shooting for Chauhaan in Kargil; returns to Ladakh 23 years after LOC: Kargil

Ajay Devgn delivered a blockbuster this year with Drishyam The Conclusion, which was released during the lucrative October 2 weekend. Interestingly, the actor is gearing up for another release around the same period next year, Chauhaan. Bollywood Hungama has learned that Ajay recently began shooting for the war drama in Kargil, Ladakh.

A source from Ladakh told Bollywood Hungama, “Ajay Devgn is shooting for Chauhaan in Kargil. He arrived here a few days ago and has already begun filming. Some key scenes will be shot in this picturesque town. The makers had obtained the necessary permissions in advance and have made elaborate arrangements to ensure that the shoot goes smoothly.”

The source continued, “It’s quite cold here in Kargil, and the weather will surely add an authentic touch to the scenes of Chauhaan.”

Interestingly, this is not the first time Ajay Devgn is shooting in Ladakh. He had earlier filmed some crucial scenes for J P Dutta’s war film LOC: Kargil (2003) in the mountainous region. At that time, Ladakh was part of the erstwhile state of Jammu & Kashmir. It became a separate Union Territory in 2019, with Leh and Kargil as its two capitals.

Chauhaan is directed by Neeraj Yadav and produced by Jyoti Deshpande, Aanand L Rai and Himanshu Sharma under Jio Studios and Colour Yellow Productions. The film was announced on June 25, 2026, on the birth anniversary of the late action director Veeru Devgan, Ajay Devgn’s father. It is scheduled to release in cinemas on October 1, 2027.

The announcement video featured the song ‘Jumma Chumma De De’ playing in the background and ended with the dialogue, “Pathaanon se kehna, Chauhaan aa raha hai.” The film marks Ajay Devgn’s first collaboration with filmmaker Aanand L Rai. Jio Studios serves as both presenter and producer on the project.

Also Read: Ajay Devgn’s Chauhaan rights deal REVEALED: Jio Studios gets 50% IP, 100% exploitation and music rights

Ranveer Singh brings home a Rs. 1.95 crore electric luxury sedan; all you need to know about his BMW i7

Bollywood star Ranveer Singh has added a new luxury car to his garage, with the actor taking delivery of the BMW i7 50 xDrive, the all-electric version of the German automaker’s flagship 7 Series sedan. The luxury electric car is priced at Rs. 1.95 crore (ex-showroom), making it a significant addition to the actor’s already impressive collection of automobiles.

The acquisition comes shortly after Ranveer was unveiled as BMW India’s brand ambassador and introduced the company’s latest 7 Series range at a launch event in New Delhi in September. The actor’s association with the brand now gets an interesting personal touch, with the star bringing home one of its flagship electric offerings.

The BMW i7 50 xDrive M Sport combines the presence and comfort expected from a flagship luxury sedan with the benefits of an all-electric powertrain. The model produces 455 hp and 600 Nm of torque, with a claimed 0-100 kmph acceleration time of 5.5 seconds. It features a 112.5 kWh battery pack and offers a claimed driving range of up to 728 km on the WLTP cycle.

The car also places considerable emphasis on passenger comfort and in-cabin technology. Its features include a large rear-seat entertainment screen, a premium Bowers & Wilkins sound system, executive lounge seating and an upgraded infotainment setup. The new i7 is locally manufactured at BMW Group’s Chennai facility, making India the only country outside Germany to produce the electric flagship.

For Ranveer, whose larger-than-life personality often extends to his automobile choices, the i7 represents a move towards electric luxury without compromising on performance or road presence. With its imposing design, technology-led cabin and all-electric credentials, the BMW is a fitting addition to the actor’s collection.

Also Read: Ranveer Singh calls Captain Smit Machchhar ‘Captain Courageous’ after Flydubai mid-air incident

Ronit Roy leases Andheri west office space for Rs 1.39 crores over five yearsi

Actor Ronit Roy has leased a commercial office space in Mumbai’s Andheri West for a total rent of approximately Rs 1.39 crores over a five-year period. The transaction adds to the actor’s reported real estate holdings in the city, where he also owns a residential apartment in Versova.

According to a Business Standard report citing property registration documents accessed by CRE Matrix, the office measures 950 square feet and is situated on the fourth floor of Vastu Prestige, near City Mall in Andheri West.

The leave-and-licence agreement was registered on June 12, with the lease commencing on July 10. The agreement will remain valid until July 9, 2031, covering a total tenure of 60 months.

As per the report, the commercial premises have been leased to Kerawi Care (OPC) Private Limited, represented by its director, Vandana Verma. Roy is listed as the licensor in the agreement, while the company is the licensee.

The office space carries a monthly rent of Rs 2.1 lakhs, while the security deposit has been set at Rs 6.5 lakhs. The total rent payable over the five-year period amounts to Rs 1,39,24,584. The agreement also provides for an annual rent escalation of 5%, along with a lock-in period of 36 months for both parties.

The terms further specify the division of property-related expenses between the parties. Roy, as the licensor, will be responsible for property taxes, maintenance charges and non-occupancy charges. Meanwhile, the tenant will pay electricity bills according to actual consumption. The report also noted that the agreement does not mention any designated car parking space for the office.

This is not the actor’s first reported real estate transaction in Mumbai. According to a Hindustan Times report citing property registration documents accessed by IndexTap.com, Roy purchased a 4,258-square-foot apartment in the Lodha Versova project in 2024 for Rs 18.94 crores. The property reportedly came with four car parking spaces.

A separate Economic Times report published in September 2026 stated that Roy and his family reside in Versova, where they expanded their home over the years by acquiring adjoining apartments.

Apart from his acting career, Roy is known for his roles as Mihir Virani in Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi and Rishabh Bajaj in Kasautii Zindagii Kay. He also owns Ace Security and Protection, a security agency that has reportedly served several prominent Bollywood personalities, including Amitabh Bachchan, Shah Rukh Khan, Salman Khan and Aamir Khan. The agency also provided protection to Saif Ali Khan following the attack on the actor.

Also Read : Rohit Roy shares goofy gym moments with brother Ronit Roy; watch

Awarapan 2 gets OTT premiere: Emraan Hashmi starrer starts streaming on Prime Video

On October 9, 2026, Prime Video announced the exclusive global streaming premiere of Vishesh Bhatt’s Awarapan 2, the Hindi action drama that brought back Emraan Hashmi as one of his most-remembered characters. The return of Shivam comes nearly two decades after Awarapan, directed by Mohit Suri, became a defining film for a generation of viewers, with its brooding protagonist, poignant storytelling, and soulful music leaving a lasting imprint on popular culture.

Directed by Nitin Kakkar, Awarapan 2 builds on that familiarity, while taking Shivam into a next chapter, blending the emotional intensity of his story with high-octane action and the nostalgic musical sensibility audiences remember from the era. The film also stars Disha Patani, Shabana Azmi, Puran Gabbi, Vijayant Kohli, and Suvinder Vicky in pivotal roles, and weaves romance, action, and drama against the backdrop of the criminal underworld.

Vishesh Bhatt brings Awarapan 2, the second chapter of the blockbuster franchise. In a remote Rajasthan village, Shivam Pandit grieves at his beloved’s grave, questioning his purpose, his life. Having withdrawn from the world of crime and carrying the guilt of a past he cannot alter, he has resigned himself to a life in solitude. Then, an unexpected bond gives him a glimpse of something he had long thought beyond his reach - a reason to care, to hope, and perhaps to live differently.

 

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But fate has other plans. Drawn into Bangkok’s cartel war, Shivam is forced back into the darkness he had left behind. Amid violence, betrayal and an unexpected chance in love, he finds himself responsible for something beyond himself. As the lives of those he has come to care for become entwined with his own, Shivam must confront the choices that brought him here - and decide what he is willing to fight for.

Also Read: PEN Marudhar wins big bidding war for Gunmaaster G9; bags all-India distribution rights after Awarapan 2 success

Nana Patekar cremated at Pune farmhouse with Full State Honours; son Malhar Patekar performs last rites

Veteran actor Nana Patekar was cremated at his Pune farmhouse on Thursday, October 8, following his sudden demise earlier that morning. The actor was accorded full state honours, as announced by Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, in recognition of his contribution to Indian cinema and his social welfare initiatives. Fadnavis, along with Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, was also seen paying his respects to the late actor at Pune airport.

Although Nana Patekar passed away in Goa, his mortal remains were brought to Pune in accordance with his wishes. According to reports, the actor had expressed his desire to be cremated at his Donje farmhouse in Pune. His son, Malhar Patekar, performed the last rites and lit the funeral pyre in the presence of family members, friends and colleagues from the film industry.

Several prominent personalities attended the funeral to pay their final respects to the veteran actor. Among those present were Jackie Shroff, producer Sajid Nadiadwala and filmmaker Anil Sharma, along with other members of the entertainment fraternity. The gathering reflected the impact Patekar had made through his work over a career spanning several decades.

The Maharashtra government's decision to accord him a state funeral recognised not only his cinematic legacy but also his contributions to society through the Naam Foundation, which he co-founded with actor Makarand Anaspure to support drought-affected farmers and rural communities.

Nana Patekar's demise: What happened?

Nana Patekar, a Padma Shri recipient known for his acclaimed performances across Hindi and Marathi cinema, passed away at the age of 75 in the early hours of Thursday, October 8, 2026.

According to reports, the actor suffered a severe cardiac arrest at his residence in Dona Paula, Goa. He was found unresponsive early in the morning and rushed to Manipal Hospital, where medical personnel reportedly attempted cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) for approximately 45 minutes. However, he could not be revived and was declared dead at around 5:20 AM IST. His son, Malhar Patekar, subsequently confirmed the news.

Known for his intense screen presence and memorable performances, Patekar leaves behind a significant body of work spanning multiple genres and languages. His passing has prompted tributes from colleagues, admirers and members of the film fraternity, as the industry remembers an actor whose contributions extended beyond the screen.

Also Read: Ajay Devgn mourns the death of Nana Patekar with a heartfelt note: “His presence was powerful, his performances unforgettable”

Salman Khan postpones Mumbai event after the death of Khamoshi co-star Nana Patekar: Report

Salman Khan has reportedly put a scheduled public appearance on hold following the sudden demise of veteran actor Nana Patekar. The actor was expected to attend an event for GB Realty on 8 October at Taj Lands End in Bandra, Mumbai. Reports now suggest that the event has been postponed and will be rescheduled.

The event was pulled off mainly because Nana Patekar held immense respect and affection by his colleagues across the industry, and Salman is said to have shared a good relationship with him. We hear that the actor felt this was not the right time to participate in a public event and decided to delay it. A fresh date has not been announced, and neither Salman nor the organisers have issued a formal statement on the matter.

The two actors shared screen space in Sanjay Leela Bhansali's Khamoshi The Musical. In the film, Salman played the love interest of Manisha Koirala, who portrayed an aspiring singer born to mute and deaf parents. Nana Patekar and Seema Biswas played the parents. The film remains one of the more fondly remembered titles in the careers of its cast, and Patekar's performance as a father who communicates without words was among its defining elements.

Several other celebrities have expressed their grief at Patekar's passing, with many posting heartfelt notes on social media to remember the actor.

Patekar, a Padma Shri recipient, passed away in the early hours of Thursday, 8 October 2026, at the age of 75, after a cardiac arrest at his residence in Dona Paula, Goa. His son, Malhar Patekar, confirmed the news.

The Maharashtra government has announced that Patekar will be accorded a state funeral with full state honours, in recognition of his cinematic legacy and his social welfare work through the Naam Foundation. His mortal remains were brought from Goa to Pune so that family, dignitaries, colleagues from Hindi and Marathi cinema, and admirers can pay their last respects. The last rites took place on the premises of his farmhouse in Donje, on the outskirts of Pune, on Thursday afternoon.

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