Saif Ali Khan to star as a blind man in Priyadarshan's upcoming thriller

In a significant first for the versatile Saif Ali Khan, the actor is set to play a blind character in acclaimed filmmaker Priyadarshan’s next project — marking not only his first time portraying a visually impaired character but also his first collaboration with the veteran director.

Confirming the development, Saif said, “Yes, I am doing a film with Priyadarshan next. I play a blind guy. Very exciting.” Despite both being prominent figures in the Indian film industry for over 25 years, Saif and Priyadarshan have never previously worked together. That changes now, as the two have finally locked in a script that excites them both. Interestingly, the film will not be a comedy — a genre Priyadarshan is famously associated with — but a thriller.

Priyadarshan shared, “I’ve always liked Saif’s screen presence. I was waiting for something suitable to do with him.” Meanwhile, Saif will next be seen in Netflix’s Jewel Thief, a high-stakes heist drama in which he stars alongside Jaideep Ahlawat.

Also Read: Saif Ali Khan and Nikita Dutta’s sizzling chemistry shines in the romantic track ‘Ilzaam’ from Jewel Thief, watch

Makers of Jaat remove controversial church scene after opposition from members of Christian community

Sunny Deol’s latest release Jaat has been in the news not just for its action-packed storyline and patriotic fervour, but also for a scene that drew sharp criticism from members of the Christian community. The controversy revolved around a particular sequence featuring the film’s villain played by Randeep Hooda set inside a church, which some viewers from the Christian community found offensive and disrespectful to their religious sentiments.

Following the growing uproar, the makers of Jaat have acted swiftly to address the concerns. In an official statement, the team clarified their position and confirmed that the scene has been removed from all versions of the film.

The makers said in an official statement, “There has been a backlash for a specific scene in the film. The scene has been removed from the film with immediate effect. Our intention was not to hurt any religious sentiments. We deeply regret it and have taken a quick action of deleting the scene from the film. We sincerely apologize to everyone whose beliefs have been hurt.”

The controversy had begun gaining traction on social media soon after the film’s release, with several prominent voices from the Christian community demanding a public apology and action.

Directed by Gopichandh Malineni, Jaat also stars Saiyami Kher, Viineet Kumar Siingh, Regena Cassandrra among others. The film has earned over Rs. 60 crores at the India box office in its extended first week.

Also Read: EXCLUSIVE: Gopichandh Malineni ECSTATIC with response to Jaat: “Great to see people SCREAMING in theatres, ‘Sorry bol’; my idea for Sunny Deol was – less talking and MORE action!”; reveals that Jaat’s Telugu version to release in a couple of weeks

EXCLUSIVE: Gopichand Malineni on what one can expect in Jaat 2: “MORE action and entertainment than Jaat; also focus on Sunny Deol’s family”; CONFIRMS that his next is with Nandamuri Balakrishna: “We go on floors on NBK’s birthday”

The action entertainer Jaat was released on April 10 and emerged as a success at the box office. Exactly, a week later, on April 17, the makers announced a sequel to Jaat, titled Jaat 2. Like the first part, it’ll feature Sunny Deol in the lead role and it’ll be directed by Gopichand Malineni. A few hours after this epic announcement, the talented writer-director Gopichandh spoke exclusively to Bollywood Hungama about the sequel.

When asked if the script is ready for Jaat 2, Gopichand Malineni replied, “It’ll take time. However, it’ll have more action, more emotion and more entertainment than Jaat. This time, we’ll also have the family angle.”

Many felt that Sunny Deol should have had a heroine opposite him in Jaat. Also, though the makers establish his background in the second half, details about his family and hometown are not given out.

Gopichand Malineni assured that these aspects will be taken care of in Jaat 2, “Next time, we’ll show his family. It’ll be something interesting for the audience.”

However, Jaat 2 would take time as Gopichand Malineni is starting work on an action-packed Telugu film. He revealed, “I am immediately starting work on a Telugu film starring Nandamuri Balakrishna. It’s an action film. I had worked with NBK earlier in Veera Simha Reddy (2023); it was a blockbuster.” He added, “My script work is already going on and we go on floors on June 10, which is Balakrishna’s birthday.”

When asked if Jaat 2 can begin only next year, that is, 2026, he replied in the affirmative.

Censor cuts in Jaat

Certain scenes in Jaat have been blurred. On this, Gopichand Malineni stated, “When we approached the CBFC, they suggested dialogue cuts. They also pointed at the excessive violence. Hence, they told us that if we opt for an ‘A’ certificate, then we can retain the violence. We asked them what we should do in order to get a U/A certificate. They suggested the dialogue cuts and blurring of certain violent scenes. We accepted it as we wanted the family audience to also watch Jaat.”

Also Read: Jaat 2: Sunny Deol announces new mission announced by Mythri Movie Makers

Aamir Khan BREAKS silence on Sitaare Zameen Par characters, “There are 10 protagonists, some with Down Syndrome, some Autistic”

For my time and money, Aamir is the most creative Khan in Filmistan. Anything he does sets the pulse racing.

At the moment, all eyes are on Aamir Khan’s no sequel to 2007’s stunning Taare Zameen Par, but a companion piece, so to speak, or the spiritual Sitaare Zameen Par, sibling. Like Taare Zameen Par, Sitaare Zameen Par is also about broken lives and unbroken hope.

For the first time, Aamir reveals the characters in Sitaare Zameen Par: “There are ten protagonists, some with Down Syndrome, some Autistic, some with multiple challenges. Along the spectrum.”

All the protagonists are played by the specially abled. That Aamir chooses to deep-dive into special lives time after time, says a whole lot about his commitment to using cinema as a tool of social exposition and even reform.

Though the release date has not been officially announced as yet, Sitaare Zameen Par opens on June 20.

Also Read: Aamir Khan locks June 20 release for Sitaare Zameen Par; trailer to release on May 1: Report

Aamir Khan locks June 20 release for Sitaare Zameen Par; trailer to release on May 1: Report

Aamir Khan is officially returning to the big screen with Sitaare Zameen Par, his much-anticipated comeback film, which is now slated to release on June 20, 2025. Directed by RS Prasanna, the film is said to be a spiritual sequel to Taare Zameen Par and will once again delve into the theme of disability—this time with a fresh and heartwarming storyline.

According to a report by Pinkvilla, the makers have completed the film’s editing, and Aamir is now fully immersed in its promotional strategy. “Aamir is looking to capitalize on the open run in the month of June. Initially, he was contemplating to arrive on May 30, but a June 20 release is giving him a two-week clear run at the box office,” a source was quoted in these reports.

The source further added, “Aamir strongly believes in the content of Sitaare Zameen Par, as it rides on his formula of laughter-emotion-drama. He was looking for a good window and has found one with a June 20 release. The entire marketing plan of this social dramedy is locked.”

Fans can also look forward to the film’s trailer, which is expected to be unveiled in May. Aamir reportedly has a smart marketing move in place to ensure wide visibility. “The trailer is locked and Aamir is targeting to attach the trailer to Raid 2. The idea is to communicate the date directly to the cinema-going audience, and Raid 2 is a film which is expected to do well at the box office. This is his plan at the moment, but knowing Aamir, there could be last-minute changes too,” revealed the source.

Genelia Deshmukh will be returning to mainstream cinema, marking her first collaboration with Khan. With Sitaare Zameen Par, Aamir is aiming to once again strike an emotional chord with audiences while shedding light on important social themes—this time, through the lens of humor and heartfelt drama.

Also Read: BREAKING: Shah Rukh Khan, Aamir Khan, Ranbir Kapoor, Deepika Padukone, Diljit Dosanjh and other prominent celebs on WAVES advisory board; expected to attend WAVES Summit in Mumbai in May

EXCLUSIVE: Actor-turned-producer Nanda Yadav joins forces with Barun Sobti, Rajshri Deshpande, Ashish Vidyarthi and Yashpal Sharma for the thriller Hawks

Actor Nanda Yadav has stepped into the producer’s chair with director Deepankar Prakash for their upcoming commercial thriller, tentatively titled Hawks. With filming recently wrapped in the vibrant and majestic city of Jaipur, the project is already generating buzz for its high-stakes plot and powerhouse performances.

The film is backed by Nanda & Michael Grobe’s home production banner, Nayamigro Fashion Media, in collaboration with Pranay Garg (Neeljai films) Nishesh Tripathi.

Hawks dives deep into the dark, dangerous world of the money-interest mafia — a world where loyalty is currency, and survival is never guaranteed. Featuring an impressive ensemble cast including Barun Sobti, Rajshri Deshpande, Yashpal Sharma, Ashish Vidyarthi, Rajendra Gupta, and Resh Lamba, the film aims to provide an adrenaline-fueled ride packed with sharp storytelling and raw intensity.

“This isn’t just a film; it’s a story that needed the light of day,” said Nanda Yadav. “I’ve always believed cinema should entertain, but also awaken. Hawks does both — it’s punchy, pacy, and speaks to a deeper truth.”

Directed by Deepankar Prakash, Hawks blends the scale of mainstream cinema with the soul of purposeful storytelling — a formula that’s fast becoming the new-age audience’s favorite. Currently in post-production, Hawks is expected to hit theatres later this year, with a festival run also on the cards.

Also Read: Mona Singh to team up with Shweta Tripathi and Barun Sobti for next venture

Varun Dhawan, Samantha Ruth Prabhu’s Citadel: Honey Bunny and Matilda De Angelis’ Citadel: Diana, not renewed for season 2

Amazon has scrapped the spin-offs Citadel: Honey Bunny and Citadel: Diana following their first seasons. Meanwhile, the main Citadel series, featuring Priyanka Chopra Jonas and Richard Madden, is set for a 2026 release and now has an official synopsis.

Vernon Sanders, head of television at Amazon MGM Studios, announced that the Indian and Italian narratives from Honey Bunny

“Although these popular and well-received international chapters won’t move forward as standalone series, Season 2 of Citadel will be our most thrilling installment yet,” said Sanders. He also shared that the upcoming season will further explore the emotional arcs of Nadia (Priyanka Chopra Jonas), Mason (Richard Madden), and Orlick (Stanley Tucci).

Sanders also promised high-stakes storytelling, a bold cinematic experience, and exciting new cast members. “We can’t wait to reveal what’s coming next when Citadel Season 2 premieres worldwide in the second quarter of 2026,” he added.

The cancellation of Citadel's international spin-offs didn’t come as a shock, especially after the unexpected departure of Amazon MGM head Jennifer Salke, who had championed the global spy thriller as her most ambitious project with the company.

The series centers on the secretive spy agency Citadel. Following its downfall, its agents’ memories are erased. The official synopsis poses a gripping question: “Now the powerful syndicate, Manticore, is rising in the void. Can the Citadel agents recollect their past and summon the strength to fight back?”

The second season of the main Citadel series is currently in post-production, with Priyanka Chopra Jonas, Richard Madden, and Stanley Tucci returning to their roles. The cast also includes Leo Woodall, Ashleigh Cummings, Paul Bazely, Roland Møller, Moira Kelly, and more.

Season one of Citadel, along with its international spin-offs Citadel: Diana and Citadel: Honey Bunny, is available for streaming on Amazon Prime Video.

Also Read : Shoojit Sircar on 7 years of October, “I am so grateful to Varun Dhawan that he agreed to work with me”