Tuesday, November 4, 2025

Salman Khan to play Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj's right hand Jeeva Mahala in Riteish Deshmukh's Raja Shivaji

Salman Khan is reportedly set to make a significant appearance in Riteish Deshmukh’s historical epic Raja Shivaji. The superstar will portray Jeeva Mahala, the courageous and loyal warrior who stood as one of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj’s most trusted aides. According to reports, Salman will shoot his sequence on November 7, and the scene is expected to be one of the film’s standout moments.

Every time Salman Khan appears on the big screen, he creates a whole different aura. As he is set to recreate the same magic with his prominent appearance in Riteish Deshmukh's upcoming film Raja Shivaji, it's indeed a perfect choice to choose him for playing such a significant role.

Salman Khan has previously made cameo appearances in Riteish Deshmukh's Lai Bhaari and the song, 'Ved Lavlay' from the film Ved.

Jeeva Mahala played a crucial role in protecting Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj during the fierce attack by Sayyad Banda, the trusted lieutenant of Afzal Khan. This defining act of courage will be a major highlight in the film. With Salman Khan stepping into the role of Jeeva and Sanjay Dutt portraying Afzal Khan, the audience can look forward to a grand, emotionally charged cinematic moment that honors timeless bravery, loyalty, and history.

On the professional front, Salman Khan’s lineup remains packed with high-octane commercial entertainers like his upcoming and much awaited war drama, Battle of Galwan which has already set the internet talking and generated an intrigue amongst the audience ever since the first look was out. A reunion with Kabir Khan, especially one involving Bajrangi Bhaijaan 2, could mark a shift towards the emotionally resonant storytelling that defined their earlier work together.

Also Read: SCOOP: Battle Of Galwan makers considering June 2026 release; shoot of Salman Khan-starrer wraps up in December


Millie Bobby Brown accuses co-star David Harbour of bullying ahead of Stranger Things finale: Report

As anticipation builds for the final season of Netflix's hit series Stranger Things, reports have emerged about serious tensions off-screen among key cast members and personal turmoil in the life of one of its stars. Millie Bobby Brown, who plays Eleven on the show, has accused her co-star David Harbour, known for his role as Jim Hopper, of bullying and harassment. These allegations reportedly surfaced before filming for the last season commenced.

According to sources cited by the Daily Mail, Brown filed a harassment claim against Harbour, citing inappropriate behaviour, though there were no accusations of sexual misconduct. This led to a prolonged internal investigation lasting several months. Despite the turmoil, Harbour's wife, singer Lily Allen, supported him publicly during the probe.

Parallel to these workplace allegations, Harbour has been navigating a difficult personal phase. Reports indicate his marriage with Allen ended in February 2025 after allegations of infidelity surfaced. Allen released her album ‘West End Girl’ in October 2025, where she openly references heartbreak and betrayal, allegedly connected to Harbour's extramarital affairs. Songs like ‘Madeline,’ ‘Tennis,’ and ‘P****y Palace’ chronicle themes of cheating, obsessive control, and emotional pain experienced during their marriage. Allen has called Harbour a "sex addict" and accused him of manic control despite their "open marriage."

The allegations of bullying and harassment, coupled with Harbour's troubled marriage, have fueled speculation among fans about his reduced presence in promotional events for Stranger Things Season 5. Some fans note an old video resurfacing where Brown appears visibly uncomfortable speaking about Harbour.

Adding to the complexity, Brown was asked on MTV prior to her wedding whether Harbour would officiate the ceremony. She initially hesitated before naming actor Matthew Modine—the character who plays the antagonist "Dr. Martin Brenner" in the show—as her officiant, distancing the event from Harbour.

Stranger Things Season 5 is set to release in two parts, with the first premiering on November 26 and the second on Christmas Day, culminating with a finale on New Year’s Eve. As the series bids farewell, off-screen dynamics between beloved cast members and personal controversies have added unexpected drama to the highly awaited conclusion.

Also Read: Stranger Things 5 trailer: Cast teases “next-level action’ and a “chaotic start” in the final season


Monday, November 3, 2025

CONFIRMED: S S Rajamouli-Mahesh Babu-Priyanka Chopra's film titled Varanasi

S S Rajamouli recently released Baahubali: The Epic, which was a combined version of Baahubali: The Beginning (2015) and Baahubali 2: The Conclusion (2017). November is here and all his focus is on his upcoming ambitious film, starring Mahesh Babu, Priyanka Chopra and Prithviraj Sukumaran. There are reports that the name of the film, which is referred to as SSMB29, is Globetrotter. A few reports reveal that the film has been titled Varanasi.

Bollywood Hungama has learned that the team of the film has locked a title. A source told us, “The name of the film is indeed Varanasi. It is said that the title rights were with somebody, but S S Rajamouli’s team reached out and secured the rights.”

The source further said, “It is an apt title as per the story of the film. Hence, they were very keen on naming their film Varanasi.”

Reports also state that a grand announcement event will be held on November 15 in Ramoji Rao Film City, Hyderabad. Along with S S Rajamouli, Mahesh Babu, Priyanka Chopra and Prithviraj Sukumaran, the others from the team of the film are expected to be present, including Oscar-winning music director M M Keeravani. It is reported that fans will get a chance to attend the launch event and that the event will be live streamed on JioHotstar.

Varanasi is S S Rajamouli’s immediate next after the global blockbuster RRR (2022). The Ram Charan-Jr NTR starrer became a phenomenon across the world, thanks to its massy storytelling, performances and especially the songs. The song ‘Naatu Naatu’ went on to win the Best Music (Original Song) award at the 95th Academy Awards. As a result, the excitement is tremendous for Varanasi as it has the chance to score not just in India and among the South East Asian diaspora overseas but can also appeal to a global audience at large.

Also Read: S.S. Rajamouli proud as ISRO’s heaviest rocket, nicknamed ‘Bahubali,’ successfully launches CMS-03: “Truely a privilege for all of us”


Delhi HC intervenes in case of Celina Jaitly’s brother held in the UAE

The Delhi High Court has taken up the case on its own initiative involving Major (Retd.) Vikrant Kumar Jaitly, brother of Bollywood actress Celina Jaitly, who has been detained in the United Arab Emirates since September 2024. On November 3, 2025, the court issued directives to the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) and other relevant Union authorities to ensure that Vikrant receives effective legal representation and that his family is kept fully informed about his status and legal proceedings abroad.

Justice Sachin Datta, presiding over the matter, heard the case in the presence of Celina Jaitly, who appeared personally in court. The court issued a notice to the Union of India and mandated the appointment of a nodal officer who will act as a communication bridge between the Jaitly family and the UAE authorities. The nodal officer is tasked with providing regular updates on Vikrant’s condition, legal status, and any developments in the case.

Celina brought to the court’s attention the lack of sufficient consular access since her brother’s alleged detention on September 6, 2024. Vikrant, who has been residing in the UAE since 2016 and working with a trading and risk management firm, was reportedly taken into custody under unclear circumstances. Celina expressed the emotional difficulty caused by the limited communication and absence of clear information about her brother’s welfare.

The court directed the government to submit a detailed status report on Major Jaitly’s condition and legal proceedings before the next hearing scheduled for December 4, 2025. The bench emphasised the importance of maintaining contact between Vikrant and his family, as well as ensuring that his legal rights are upheld.

On the occasion of Bhai Dooj earlier this year, Celina Jaitly posted a heartfelt message for her brother, reflecting the strong family bond amidst the ongoing hardship.

Also Read: Celina Jaitley on 20 years of No Entry, “I was deeply saddened to know that the original cast will not be a part of the sequel”


Jennifer Lopez becomes global brand ambassador for Zen Diamond

Jennifer Lopez is named as the new brand ambassador for Zen Diamond. As the company continues its international expansion across 22 countries, this collaboration marks a significant step in its journey toward becoming a globally recognized brand.

At the beginning of August 2025, while performing across Europe and Asia on her “Jennifer Lopez Up All Night” tour, Jennifer Lopez was introduced to Zen Diamond, a jewelry house celebrated for its fusion of timeless craftsmanship with bold, modern design. Captivated by the brand’s artistry, she felt an immediate connection to its vision of elegance and empowerment. What began as a chance encounter soon grew into a creative partnership, and today, Jennifer Lopez serves as an ambassador for Zen Diamond and will be collaborating on suprises reflecting the brilliance, and sophistication that define both Jen and Zen.

The new Zen Diamond advertising campaign, shot in Los Angeles by renowned photographer Norman Jean Roy, blends Lopez’s signature charisma with the radiance of Zen’s diamond jewelry, capturing a powerful image of glamour and sophistication.

Emil Güzeliş, Chairman of the Board of Zen Diamond, added: “Collaborating with Jennifer Lopez, a powerful, inspiring artist with a truly global influence, is tremendously exciting for us. Her energy and presence perfectly embody Zen’s vision and the spirit of our creations. This partnership will be a milestone in our brand’s international growth story.”

Neil Sonawala, Managing Director, Zen Diamond India, said, “India represents an incredibly dynamic market where heritage meets modern aspiration. At Zen Diamond, our vision is to make natural diamond jewellery an everyday expression of individuality and confidence. With our expanding retail presence, strategic partnerships, and global collaboration with Jennifer Lopez, we are shaping a new era of contemporary luxury for Indian consumers. With its unwavering focus on innovation, artistry, and storytelling, Zen Diamond looks ahead to a luminous future — one defined by creativity, craftsmanship, and global collaboration.”

Also Read: Kiara Advani and Sidharth Malhotra enjoying Dubai brunch goes viral; Jennifer Lopez joins


Haq under legal scanner: Shah Bano’s daughter moves MP High Court over 'unauthorized' portrayal

Siddiqua Begum Khan, daughter and legal heir of Shah Bano Begum, has approached the Madhya Pradesh High Court seeking to restrain the release of the upcoming film Haq. The film, starring Emraan Hashmi and Yami Gautam and directed by Suparn S. Verma, is based on the landmark 1985 Supreme Court case Mohd Ahmed Khan vs Shah Bano Begum, which was pivotal in securing maintenance rights for divorced Muslim women in India.

Scheduled to release on November 7, 2025, Haq has come under judicial scrutiny with Siddiqua claiming that the filmmakers failed to obtain consent from Shah Bano’s legal heirs before depicting her personal life. The petition argues that the film distorts real-life personalities and private events, amounting to unauthorized commercial exploitation of Shah Bano’s legacy.

Siddiqua Begum’s plea states that the film causes emotional trauma by publicly showcasing her mother’s personal struggles, potentially damaging the family’s dignity and reputation. She asserts that she inherited her mother’s moral and personality rights and that the unauthorized portrayal infringes upon these rights.

During the hearing before Justice Pranay Verma at the Indore Bench, the film’s producers, represented by Junglee Films and other legal counsel, contended that Haq contains a disclaimer declaring it a fictional work and not a biopic. They argued that this disclaimer exempts them from seeking consent from Shah Bano’s heirs.

The Court responded by asking the filmmakers to produce the disclaimer on record and clarified its role in protecting privacy. Siddiqua’s lawyer emphasized that the objection lies not with the depiction of the Supreme Court judgment itself, which is public record, but with the fictionalized portrayal of Shah Bano’s personal life and hardships.

Further, the petition highlights that the film potentially violates provisions under the Cinematograph Act, 1952, which prohibits certification of films that defame or breach privacy. The petition also calls for the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) to revoke the censor certificate granted for the film’s release until proper consent is secured.

Siddiqua had earlier issued a legal notice to the producers, who reportedly refused to apologize or take legal responsibility for the lack of consent, prompting this court intervention.

The High Court has adjourned the matter for further hearing after reviewing the disclaimer and other pleadings.

Also Read: Yami Gautam on portraying Shah Bano in Haq, “This is a role any actor would dream of”


Sunday, November 2, 2025

Ikkis starring Dharmendra, Agastya Nanda and Jaideep Ahlawat to hit theatres on December 25

Filmmaker Sriram Raghavan's highly anticipated war drama, Ikkis, has completed filming and is now officially slated for a theatrical release on December 25, 2025. Produced by Dinesh Vijan under his banner Maddock Films, the movie is a biographical tribute to Second Lieutenant Arun Khetarpal, India's youngest recipient of the Param Vir Chakra, who was martyred during the 1971 Indo-Pak war.

The film, whose title Ikkis alludes to Khetarpal's age at the time of his sacrifice, stars Agastya Nanda in his big-screen debut as the young war hero. Veteran actor Dharmendra plays a pivotal emotional role as Arun Khetarpal's father, and the cast also features Jaideep Ahlawat and Sikandar Kher in key roles.

Ikkis marks a significant departure for National Award-winning director Sriram Raghavan, known for his mastery of noir thrillers and crime dramas like Andhadhun and Badlapur. Raghavan described the project as a welcome break from his usual genre, focusing on an emotionally charged war story with impactful battle sequences. The film was first announced in 2019 with Varun Dhawan attached to the lead role, but delays caused by the pandemic led to a casting change before Agastya Nanda was finalized.

The film's recently released trailer has generated significant buzz across the industry, with critics and fellow actors praising its gripping narrative and Nanda's performance. The story focuses on the Battle of Basantar during the 1971 war, where the young officer displayed extraordinary courage, refusing to abandon his tank despite being critically wounded and destroying several enemy vehicles. He was posthumously awarded the Param Vir Chakra, India's highest military honour.

For Agastya Nanda, grandson of megastar Amitabh Bachchan, Ikkis serves as his first major theatrical release following his debut in the Netflix film The Archies. Industry pundits view this challenging role as a crucial opportunity for the young actor to establish himself.

The film was initially scheduled for release on October 2, 2025, to coincide with Gandhi Jayanti. However, the makers at Maddock Films later confirmed a shift to a December 2025 window, positioning it as a major cinematic event for the end of the year. While the exact date within December is still awaiting official confirmation, industry speculation points towards a potential Christmas weekend release.

Jointly backed by Maddock Films and Jio Studios, Ikkis promises to be a powerful and emotional tribute to a national hero who, as the film's tagline suggests, will remain "forever twenty-one" in the annals of Indian military history.

Also Read : When Arun Khetarpal’s father met the Pakistani soldier responsible for his son’s death


Captain India: Bhushan Kumar film starring Kartik Aaryan to go on floors in London on September 1

Kartik Aaryan is set to begin work on one of his much-awaited projects, Captain India. The action drama, directed by Shimit Amin, is schedu...