Chidiya Poster Out: Poetic tribute to childhood dreams that never die, set to release on May 23

Smiley Films, in association with Reliance Entertainment, has released the official poster of Chidiya, a poetic drama set for theatrical release across India on May 23, 2025.

Written and directed by Mehran Amrohi, Chidiya is a memory, a quiet tribute to the invisible battles children fight to keep their dreams alive. Set in the lived-in world of a Mumbai chawl, the story follows two spirited brothers, Shanu and Bua, who transform a discarded junkyard into a makeshift badminton court. With only imagination, hope, and the help of their mother and community, they chase a dream far bigger than their circumstances.

What makes this film even more special is its journey — Chidiya was completed nearly a decade ago and has travelled across international festivals, quietly winning hearts and accolades. Its long path to release echoes the very themes it celebrates: patience, belief, and the beauty of dreams that wait.

Director Mehran Amrohi said, “Chidiya is a love letter to childhood — it is a film about dreaming with your eyes open, especially when life tells you not to. It’s a celebration of those forgotten by the city, but never by their own imagination. This film is a quiet reminder that hope is never out of date.”

Featuring a cast led by Vinay Pathak, Amrutha Subhash, Inaamulhaq, Brijendra Kala and standout child actors Svar Kamble, Ayush Pathak and Hetal Gada, the film combines poetic realism with emotional clarity. The music is by Shailendra Barve, with distribution by Reliance Entertainment.

Completed nearly a decade ago, Chidiya has already made its mark at international festivals, including Zlin IFF (Czech Republic), Cinekid (The Netherlands), SAIFF (USA), Spirit of Fire IFF (Russia), and the IFF for Children and Adults (Iran). Now, after years of quietly gathering acclaim, the film prepares for its Indian release — like a bird that patiently waited for the right moment to take flight.

The official poster is out now.

Smiley Films, in association with Reliance Entertainment, has released the official poster of Chidiya, a poetic drama set for theatrical release across India on May 23, 2025.

Written and directed by Mehran Amrohi, Chidiya is a memory, a quiet tribute to the invisible battles children fight to keep their dreams alive. Set in the lived-in world of a Mumbai chawl, the story follows two spirited brothers, Shanu and Bua, who transform a discarded junkyard into a makeshift badminton court. With only imagination, hope, and the help of their mother and community, they chase a dream far bigger than their circumstances.

What makes this film even more special is its journey — Chidiya was completed nearly a decade ago and has travelled across international festivals, quietly winning hearts and accolades. Its long path to release echoes the very themes it celebrates: patience, belief, and the beauty of dreams that wait.

Director Mehran Amrohi said, “Chidiya is a love letter to childhood — it is a film about dreaming with your eyes open, especially when life tells you not to. It’s a celebration of those forgotten by the city, but never by their own imagination. This film is a quiet reminder that hope is never out of date.”

Featuring a cast led by Vinay Pathak, Amrutha Subhash, Inaamulhaq, Brijendra Kala and standout child actors Svar Kamble, Ayush Pathak and Hetal Gada, the film combines poetic realism with emotional clarity. The music is by Shailendra Barve, with distribution by Reliance Entertainment.

Completed nearly a decade ago, Chidiya has already made its mark at international festivals, including Zlin IFF (Czech Republic), Cinekid (The Netherlands), SAIFF (USA), Spirit of Fire IFF (Russia), and the IFF for Children and Adults (Iran). Now, after years of quietly gathering acclaim, the film prepares for its Indian release — like a bird that patiently waited for the right moment to take flight.

The official poster is out now.

Sabyasachi confirms styling Shah Rukh Khan for MET Gala Debut; drops major hint on ‘Bengal Tiger’ look

Shah Rukh Khan is all set to roar into the global fashion spotlight with his much-awaited debut at the MET Gala this year. In what can only be described as a moment of pure excitement for fans worldwide, the superstar will be styled by celebrity couturier Sabyasachi Mukherjee for the prestigious event. The designer's team confirmed SRK’s MET Gala look, offering a tantalising four-word teaser on Instagram Stories that read: “King Khan – Bengal Tiger.”

The design philosophy of the Bengal Tiger collection seems to mirror Shah Rukh Khan’s legendary charisma and stature. Known for merging Indian heritage with global couture aesthetics, Sabyasachi is expected to deliver a look that’s both bold and culturally rich — likely featuring intricate embroidery, rich textures, and standout jewellery that reimagines royalty for the modern red carpet.

While no visuals of Shah Rukh’s ensemble have been revealed yet, the hint was enough to send fans into a frenzy, especially after Sabyasachi recently unveiled his new thematic jewellery piece titled The Rouge Bengal Tiger Bracelet. Crafted in 18k gold and encrusted with an extraordinary blend of 30.32 carats of rubellite, over 138 carats of tourmalines, rubies, rhodolites, garnet, and a stunning array of EF VVS VS diamonds in both old mine cut and brilliant cut styles — the bracelet embodies fierce opulence and regal craftsmanship.

 

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  A post shared by Sabyasachi (@sabyasachiofficial)

 

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  A post shared by Sabyasachi (@sabyasachiofficial)

SRK’s presence at the MET Gala marks a milestone not just in fashion but also in the global representation of Indian cinema. His appearance is being touted as one of the most anticipated moments of this year's event, which traditionally sets the benchmark for avant-garde fashion.

Joining Shah Rukh at the MET Gala will be Bollywood’s glowing mom-to-be Kiara Advani, the ever-stylish global icon Priyanka Chopra Jonas, and Punjabi music sensation Diljit Dosanjh, who has been making waves internationally. Together, this dynamic Indian contingent is set to make a bold and elegant statement at the gala, which celebrates the intersection of fashion, art, and identity.

As fans eagerly await the final reveal of King Khan’s MET Gala look, one thing is certain — when the Bengal Tiger walks the red carpet, the world will be watching.

Also Read: Shah Rukh Khan quietly lands in New York amid rumours of Met Gala debut

Netflix Co-CEO Ted Sarandos meets Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis after attending WAVES 2025

Netflix Co-CEO Ted Sarandos met with Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis today to discuss the streaming giant's strategic focus on India as a key market over the next five years. The meeting, held on the sidelines of the WAVE Summit, centered on potential collaborations between Netflix and the state of Maharashtra to bolster skill development in the media and entertainment sector.

Sarandos highlighted India’s growing importance to Netflix’s global strategy, stating opportunities to nurture local talent and expand content creation. The discussions explored initiatives to upskill professionals in Maharashtra, a hub for India’s film and media industry, to meet the demands of the evolving digital entertainment landscape.

“It’s very difficult to predict where storytelling is headed. But what remains constant is the intent to connect with audiences. Our investments in India have generated over $2 billion in economic impact, post-COVID. That’s all the jobs created, skills developed, and infrastructure supported. We’ve filmed across 100+ towns and cities in India across 23 states, and collaborated with over 25,000 local cast and crew,” he said during the discussion.

The meeting marks a significant step toward strengthening ties between Netflix and regional stakeholders, aligning with the company’s commitment to fostering creative ecosystems in India. Further details on the collaboration are expected to emerge in the coming months.

Also Read: Netflix India to unveil immersive storytelling pavilion at WAVES 2025 in Mumbai

Hrithik Roshan wields a Japanese sword in War 2 LEAKED photo

The internet is in a frenzy after a high-octane sword fight scene featuring Bollywood heartthrob Hrithik Roshan from the upcoming action thriller War 2 was leaked online. The viral clip, showcasing Roshan in a breathtaking duel within a Japanese monastery, has sparked a whirlwind of excitement among fans while raising concerns about piracy and spoilers for one of 2025’s most anticipated films. As the sequel to the 2019 blockbuster War gears up for its August 14 release, this leak has only amplified the hype surrounding the Yash Raj Films (YRF) Spy Universe.

A Glimpse of Epic Action The leaked photo captures Hrithik Roshan in “beast mode,” wielding a traditional Japanese katana in a meticulously choreographed sword fight set against the serene backdrop of a Japanese monastery. The scene, rumored to be Roshan’s grand entry as RAW agent Kabir Dhaliwal, was filmed at YRF’s state-of-the-art studio in Andheri, Mumbai, designed to resemble a 300-year-old hilltop monastery enveloped in misty grandeur.

Leaked picture of #HritikRoshan from War 2 Somebody's cooking. pic.twitter.com/6cAMYOvneU

— Let's Talk TV|Latest Updates (@letstalktv___) May 3, 2025

War 2, a direct sequel to the 2019 hit War, reunites Roshan with the YRF Spy Universe, where he reprises his role as the rogue-turned-hero Kabir. Joining him is Telugu superstar Jr NTR, rumored to play the formidable antagonist, and Kiara Advani in a pivotal role. Fans can expect cameos from Shah Rukh Khan and Salman Khan as Pathaan and Tiger, respectively, alongside a post-credit scene featuring Alia Bhatt from the upcoming Alpha. Directed by Ayan Mukerji, the sequences were shot in Spain, Italy, and Mumbai.

Also Read: Hrithik Roshan calls War 2 his ‘easiest film so far’; praises Jr NTR and Ayan Mukerji

Babil Khan calls Bollywood “f*cked” and “the fakest industry” in now-deleted video

Babil Khan, the son of late acting legend Irrfan Khan, sent shockwaves through the Bollywood community after posting a series of emotional videos on Instagram, where he was seen crying and lambasting the film industry. The now-deleted clips, which went viral on Reddit, featured Babil criticizing Bollywood as “f*cked” and “the fakest industry” he’s ever been part of, while naming actors like Ananya Panday, Arjun Kapoor, Shanaya Kapoor, Siddhant Chaturvedi, Raghav Juyal, and Adarsh Gourav. The raw outburst has raised widespread concern for the young actor’s well-being and ignited discussions about the pressures of navigating Bollywood’s competitive landscape.

In the videos, Babil appeared visibly distressed, slurring his words as he expressed frustration with the industry’s dynamics. “Bollywood is so f*cked. Bollywood is so, so rude,” he said, as shared by a Reddit user. In another clip, he added, “Bollywood is the most fakest industry that I’ve ever been a part of. But there are a few people who want Bollywood to be better… I have so much more to give you.” The videos were quickly removed from his Instagram Stories, but not before they spread across social media, prompting an outpouring of support and worry from fans. His PR is gonna have a hard time tomorrow byu/Anxious_Scratch2449 inBollyBlindsNGossip

another part of the story babil had put byu/Anxious_Scratch2449 inBollyBlindsNGossip

The context of Babil’s emotional breakdown remains unclear, leaving fans and netizens speculating about what triggered his anguish. As of now, Babil has not addressed the viral videos or issued an official statement.

Speaking of the work front, the 26-year-old actor made his acting debut with Qala and recently starred in the digital-age thriller Logout, streaming on Zee5.

Also Read: EXCLUSIVE: Babil Khan SLAMS formulaic cinema; says, “We’ve forgotten how to take risks”

EXCLUSIVE: Akshay Kumar to play villain opposite Saif Ali Khan in Priyadarshan’s Oppam remake

In what promises to be one of the most electrifying face-offs in recent Bollywood history, Akshay Kumar is set to take a dark turn in Priyadarshan’s upcoming thriller opposite Saif Ali Khan. While Bollywood Hungama was the first to report on Akshay Kumar joining the cast of the Hindi remake of Oppam, we now have an exclusive update on the superstar's role—and it's bound to surprise his fans.

According to a well-placed industry insider, Akshay Kumar will be playing the villain in this edge-of-the-seat thriller. “While Saif Ali Khan takes on the lead role, it’s Akshay who will be cast in a menacing avatar. The film is essentially a high-stakes battle between Akshay and Saif, and they’re going to go all out against each other. It’s going to be a gripping and intense watch,” the source revealed.

This marks a rare departure for Akshay Kumar, who is known for his heroic turns in action-packed dramas and comedies alike. His decision to play an antagonist in a Priyadarshan thriller adds a fresh dimension to both his career and the film's anticipation.

Priyadarshan, known for crafting some of Indian cinema’s most memorable comedies and dramas, is reuniting with Akshay after several years. The duo has given audiences beloved hits like Hera Pheri, Bhool Bhulaiyaa, and Garam Masala. However, this collaboration ventures into darker, more psychological territory, as it adapts Mohanlal’s acclaimed Malayalam film Oppam for Hindi audiences.

The film is scheduled to go on floors in August 2025 with a start-to-finish schedule, and is targeting a release in the second half of 2026. With Saif Ali Khan anchoring the lead role and Akshay Kumar stepping into the antagonist’s shoes, expectations are sky-high for a riveting showdown under Priyadarshan’s seasoned direction.

As fans gear up for this unexpected twist in casting, the Saif-Akshay dynamic, bolstered by Priyadarshan’s trademark storytelling, is all set to redefine thriller entertainment in Bollywood.

Also Read: Akshay Kumar signs Priyadarshan’s Oppam remake with Saif Ali Khan in lead

Sonu Nigam CLARIFIES Pahalgam remark at Bengaluru concert: “Jab pant utari gayi thi, toh bhasha nahin poochhi gayi thi”

Renowned playback singer Sonu Nigam has issued a clarification following a controversy at his recent Bengaluru concert, where he faced backlash for comments made in response to a fan’s demand for a Kannada song. The incident, which sparked widespread debate, led to an FIR being filed against the singer for allegedly making provocative statements that hurt the sentiments of the Kannadiga community.

During the concert on April 25 at East Point College of Engineering and Technology in Bengaluru, a fan repeatedly shouted for a Kannada song, which Nigam perceived as disruptive and rude. In a viral video, the singer paused his performance to address the audience, expressing his love for Kannada culture and his history of singing Kannada songs. However, his reference to the recent Pahalgam terror attack on April 22, which claimed 26 civilian lives, stirred controversy. Nigam stated, “Yahi kaaran hai, Pahalgam mein jo hua hai na. Dekho toh kaun saamne khada hai,” implying that such disruptive behavior could have broader consequences. Many interpreted this as equating the fan’s request to terrorism, prompting outrage among Kannada activists and netizens.

On Saturday, May 3, Nigam took to Instagram to share a video clarifying his remarks. He emphasized that his comments were directed at a small group of four or five individuals who were causing a disturbance, not the entire Kannadiga community. “Sirf chaar-panch gunday type the jo wahan pe chilla rahe the. In fact, wahan ke hazaron log unko mana bhi kar rahe the,” he said, noting that thousands of other attendees, including women, were urging the group to stop disrupting the event.

Nigam reiterated his respect for Kannadigas, stating, “Kannadigas are very sweet people,” but stressed the need to address the disruptive behavior. He further clarified his Pahalgam remark, saying, “Unn paachon ko yeh batana aur yaad dilana zarori tha ke Pahalgam mein jab pant utari gayi thi, toh bhasha nahi poochhi gayi thi,” referring to the terror attack where victims were targeted indiscriminately, regardless of language or identity.

 

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The controversy escalated when the Karnataka Rakshana Vedike, a pro-Kannada group, lodged a complaint with the Avalahalli Police Station, leading to an FIR under Section 153 for intentional insults intended to provoke a breach of peace. The group argued that Nigam’s statements portrayed Kannadigas as intolerant, contrary to their peace-loving nature, and demanded an apology.

Also Read: Police complaint filed against Sonu Nigam over alleged insensitive remarks towards Kannada community