Indus Chronicles

A section of moviegoers is eagerly awaiting the reunion of Akshay Kumar and Priyadarshan in Bhooth Bangla, which is scheduled to release on April 10, 2026. While anticipation around the project continues to build, fans may soon get a glimpse into the film’s world.

Industry buzz suggests that a promotional song from Bhooth Bangla could be attached to Dhurandhar: The Revenge, which is slated to hit theatres on March 19.

According to a report by Mid-Day, a source said, “Akshay and Priyadarshan’s 2007 horror comedy Bhool Bhulaiyaa benefited immensely from its title song, ‘Teri Aankhein Bhool Bhulaiyaa’, which became wildly popular. So, this time, with Pritam having composed another song that has the potential to become a chartbuster, Ektaa felt it would catch on among listeners and create buzz around Bhooth Bangla. Attaching it to Dhurandhar: The Revenge made sense as it’s among the most awaited films.”

The source further added, “The song was filmed on a grand scale with Akshay and over 100 background dancers. Given the film’s theme, a set of a spooky mansion was built.”

However, there has been no official confirmation regarding the development. Audiences will likely have to wait until Dhurandhar: The Revenge releases in cinemas to see if the promotional strategy materialises.

It is also worth noting that Bhooth Bangla has seen multiple release date changes. The film was initially slated for April 3, 2026, before being postponed to May 15 to avoid the anticipated wave around Dhurandhar 2. The makers later finalised April 10, 2026, as the release date, ensuring a relatively comfortable window. Dhurandhar 2 is expected to clash with Yash’s Toxic at the box office.

For now, fans await official word on whether the promotional song will indeed be unveiled alongside Dhurandhar: The Revenge.

Also Read: Bhooth Bangla has no connection with Bhool Bhulaiyaa franchise, clarifies T-Series

Actor Sidharth Malhotra is mourning the loss of his father, Sunil Malhotra, who passed away in Delhi on February 14. The actor shared the news with his followers through a heartfelt message on social media, accompanied by a series of family photographs reflecting moments from the past.

In his note, Sidharth described his father as a man defined by principle and quiet resilience. “He was a man of rare honesty, integrity and culture. He lived by values that never bent. Discipline without harshness. Strength without ego. Positivity, even when life tested him beyond measure,” he wrote.

Sunil Malhotra had served as a Merchant Navy Captain and, according to reports, had been unwell for some time. Sidharth acknowledged his father’s determination through illness, recalling the strength he displayed even after a stroke left him wheelchair-bound. “From commanding the seas as a Merchant Navy Captain to facing illness with quiet courage, he never compromised, never lost his grace. Even when the stroke confined him to a wheelchair, his spirit stood tall,” the actor shared.

Concluding his tribute, Sidharth expressed gratitude for the values he inherited from his father. “Papa, your integrity is my inheritance. Your strength guides me every day. Your positivity still holds this family together. You left us peacefully in your sleep, but the space you leave behind is immeasurable. I am who I am because of you. And I will carry your name, your values and your light forward always. Love you Dad.”

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Members of the film fraternity extended their condolences in the comments section. Actress Rakul Preet Singh wrote, “May he be in a better place .. sending lots of love and strength to you and your family.” Soni Razdan commented, “This is so sad - so sorry for your loss. Losing a father is really hard. Take care of your mom and yourself.” Filmmaker Karan Johar and actors including Arjun Kapoor and Priyanka Chopra Jonas were among others who offered their support.

Fans also flooded social media with messages of sympathy, standing by the actor during this difficult time.

On the professional front, Sidharth was last seen in Param Sundari alongside Janhvi Kapoor. He is set to appear next in Vvan – Force of the Forest opposite Tamannaah Bhatia.

Also Read: Sidharth Malhotra and Tamannaah Bhatia likely to film a folklore dance sequence for Vvan in Mumbai

Veteran Bollywood actor Rajpal Yadav has received temporary relief from the Delhi High Court in the long-running Rs. 9 crores cheque bounce case that has resurfaced dramatically in February 2026. The court has suspended his sentence, granting him bail to attend a family wedding on February 19, even as legal proceedings against him continue.

Recent reports suggest that the actor is supposed to attend his niece’s wedding due to which the court reached this decision. While the latest bail order offers temporary relief, it does not amount to a final acquittal. The actor has been directed to remain present—physically or virtually—at the next major hearing scheduled for March 18, 2026.

The case traces its origins back to 2010, when Yadav borrowed Rs. 5 crores from Murali Projects Pvt Ltd, a Delhi-based company, to finance his directorial debut, Ata Pata Laapata. Released in 2012, the film failed to perform at the box office, leaving the actor unable to repay the loan. The financial dispute soon escalated into multiple cheque-bounce cases. Over the years, accumulated interest and penalties reportedly pushed the total outstanding amount to nearly Rs. 9 crores.

In 2018, Yadav was sentenced to six months in prison and served three months in Tihar Jail before being released on bail pending appeal. However, the matter regained urgency this month after the High Court observed that the actor had breached multiple undertakings to settle the dues.

On February 2, 2026, the court noted that despite more than 25 adjournments granted for mediation and repayment discussions, there was a lack of “sincere and genuine measures” taken to clear the liability. Following the refusal to grant further extensions, Yadav surrendered on February 5 and was sent back to Tihar Jail to serve the remainder of his sentence.

During subsequent hearings on February 12 and 16, Justice Swarana Kanta Sharma underscored that restitution for the complainant remains the court’s top priority. The bench rejected a proposal to deposit funds via a Fixed Deposit Receipt (FDR), directing that payments be made through a Demand Draft (DD) to ensure immediate realization of funds.

Amid these developments, members of the film fraternity reportedly stepped forward to extend financial support. As of mid-February, Yadav’s legal team informed the court that approximately Rs. 1.5 crore had been deposited into the respondent’s bank account.

All eyes are now on whether Yadav can make substantial progress in settling the remaining dues before the case reaches its next decisive stage.

Also Read: Rajpal Yadav is still in Tihar jail; wife Radha dismisses release rumours: “We are hopeful that he will be out soon”

Few actors in Hindi cinema command the kind of quiet menace and psychological depth that Akshaye Khanna and Nawazuddin Siddiqui bring to morally complex roles. Whether it is Khanna’s recent turn as a formidable antagonist in Chhaava and his layered negative performance in Dhurandhar, or Siddiqui’s long-standing reputation for portraying unpredictable, grey-shaded characters, both actors have consistently elevated narratives with their intensity.

It is perhaps no surprise, then, that industry chatter suggests their names are being actively discussed for the primary antagonist in Tumbbad 2. A Villain to Match the Myth According to a report by Mid-Day, the sequel hinges heavily on its negative lead. “A powerful antagonist is central to the narrative of Tumbbad 2. The team is keen on elevating the sequel with a layered and formidable negative lead,” the report quoted a source as saying. “Akshaye Khanna and Nawazuddin Siddiqui are two names currently being discussed. Their ability to portray morally complex, unpredictable characters makes them compelling choices for the world of Tumbbad.”

The makers are reportedly looking for more than just a conventional villain. The aim is to craft a character who is psychologically dense and morally ambiguous — someone capable of standing toe-to-toe with Sohum Shah’s brooding presence in the expanding mythological universe.

The speculation comes at a time when Tumbbad 2 is gaining significant momentum. After officially joining forces with Pen Studios, led by Jayantilal Gada, the sequel is being positioned as a large-scale cinematic venture. Originally released in 2018, Tumbbad evolved from a sleeper success into a cult phenomenon celebrated globally for its atmospheric storytelling rooted in greed and folklore. Its 2024 re-release further expanded its audience base.

Also Read: EXCLUSIVE: Anand Gandhi opens up on Tumbbad 2: “NONE of the original creators, including me, are involved in the sequel; it’s HARD to see it as a true continuation…I hope it respects the sentiments of the fans”

The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) has initiated strict action against filmmaker Aditya Dhar’s production banner, B62 Studios, over alleged violations during the Mumbai shoot of Dhurandhar: The Revenge. According to a report by The Indian Express, the civic body has recommended permanent blacklisting of the production house from seeking future filming permissions, citing repeated breaches of conditions.

According to officials from the BMC’s A ward office, a letter has been sent to the Deputy Municipal Commissioner (Zone 1) proposing that B62 Studios be barred from applying for shooting permissions through the state-run portal managed by the Maharashtra Film, Stage and Cultural Development Corporation Limited. Alleged Violations During February Shoot The controversy stems from a shoot conducted between February 7 and 8 in South Mumbai, specifically between Modi Street and Perin Nariman Street in A ward. Permission for the schedule had been granted on January 30 through the state film corporation.

However, authorities allege that the production team violated police conditions that explicitly prohibited the use of crackers and flammable materials on set.

Following these alleged breaches, a subsequent application was submitted by Komal Pokhriyal seeking permission to shoot on February 13 and 14. Citing earlier violations, officials cancelled the request. Second Incident and Seizure of Torches A fresh application was later filed for filming between 12:30 am and 4:00 am on February 14. This time, conditional approval was granted after the applicants assured authorities that no flammable materials would be used.

Despite this undertaking, police reportedly received complaints around 12:45 am on February 14 regarding the use of flammable torches during filming. A senior BMC official stated that civic officers reached the spot within 15 minutes and seized five lit torches from the location.

After the second alleged violation, the applicants reportedly informed authorities that fire-related visuals would instead be created using visual effects (VFX). Proposed Penalties and Blacklisting In addition to recommending permanent blacklisting, the civic body has proposed a fine of Rs 1 lakh for allegedly shooting on a building terrace and deploying two generator vans without proper authorisation. The Rs 25,000 security deposit submitted by the applicant has also been forfeited.

The A ward office has further sought approval to formally register the seized items and proceed with penalties against the applicants — Komal Pokhriyal, Nashir Khan — along with B62 Studios.

If approved, the action would prevent the production house and named applicants from securing future filming permissions through the state film corporation portal.

Also Read: Raveena Tandon on calling Yami Gautam after watching Dhurandhar:’Sorry, I am the biggest fan of your husband’

Earlier this month, it was announced that Ananya Birla has established a production house called Birla Studios, which will focus on films which are commercial and also high-concept. Bollywood Hungama has learned that the business tycoon is in talks with several prominent filmmakers for films that would be produced under her banner.

A source told Bollywood Hungama, “Ananya Birla has initiated talks with Anees Bazmee, Shoojit Sircar, Neeraj Pandey etc., among others. Ananya has been an admirer of the films made by these filmmakers and feels that they could be apt to make content for her newly established production company. Anees, Shoojit and Neeraj have also been impressed with her vision, understanding of filmmaking and passion for cinema.”

The source added, “The talks are going on. If all goes well, Anees Bazmee, Shoojit Sircar and Neeraj Pandey will sign on the dotted line soon.”

As per the press release, “Birla Studios is shaping a multi-language slate that spans stories in Hindi, Gujarati, Malayalam, amongst other regional languages and international English language cinema, reflecting its ambition to engage audiences across borders and culture”. The press release also indicates that the studio plans to reveal its upcoming projects soon through an official announcement.

During the launch of Birla Studios, Ananya Birla said, “We are all stories. Cinema is one of the most powerful mediums through which those stories are told. At its most powerful, cinema creates an immediate connection while leaving a lasting resonance. At Birla Studios, our focus is on curating a slate of films that balance cultural significance with strong entertainment value and a conscious stand to nurture new talent, while exploring genres, amplifying fresh voices and diverse perspectives. As we put this slate together, we’ve been deeply encouraged by the kindness and receptiveness of everyone across the industry. It would be a privilege to play even a small part in taking Indian cinema forward.”

Meanwhile, Anees Bazmee is currently busy filming his next with Akshay Kumar, Vidya Balan, Raashii Khanna and others. Shoojit Sircar’s next is a mytho-horror film starring Manoj Bajpayee, Rajkummar Rao, Viineet Kumar Siingh and Saurabh Shukla. Neeraj Pandey’s next, Ghooskhor Pandat, was recently announced at the ‘Next on Netflix’ event. Starring Manoj Bajpayee and directed by Ritesh Shah, the heist movie got into trouble as a section of society has alleged that its title and promotional material are defamatory and communally offensive. The matter became serious, prompting the makers and Netflix to pull down the promotional material.

Also Read: Ananya Birla launches Birla Studios to back culturally relevant, commercial films

Actor Rajpal Yadav continues to remain in custody at Tihar Jail amid his ongoing legal battle in a cheque-bounce case, his wife Radha Yadav has confirmed. In a recent interaction with Bombay Times, Radha addressed growing speculation that the actor had been released. The rumours intensified after an old video resurfaced online showing Rajpal thanking Salman Khan, leading some to assume he had secured relief.

Dismissing the claims, Radha said, “As of now, he is not out of Tihar Jail. The bail hearing is scheduled for Monday (February 16).” When asked about his well-being, she shared a brief but reassuring update. “He is okay, from what I understand,” she added. Family Standing Strong Amid the legal turmoil, Radha emphasised that the family has remained united. “Our whole family is together at this time. We are grateful for the support and love he is receiving from his fans and the film fraternity,” she said, expressing gratitude for the concern shown by colleagues and admirers.

There have also been reports suggesting that actors such as Salman Khan, Sonu Sood, and Ajay Devgn stepped in to help clear Rajpal’s financial dues. However, Radha refrained from confirming any specific details.

“I can't take any specific names right now, but I would just want to say many people from the industry have stepped in to support. I'm not able to divulge names and figures at this stage,” she said cautiously. The Legal Case Rajpal’s legal troubles stem from a Rs 5 crores loan he took in 2010 to finance his directorial debut, Ata Pata Laapata. After the film underperformed at the box office, repayment issues led to a prolonged court battle. Over time, the outstanding amount, including interest, reportedly rose to nearly Rs 9 crores.

While the actor has deposited Rs 75 lakh so far, the court observed that a significant portion remains unpaid, leading to his recent surrender and continued custody. Hope for Resolution Ending on a hopeful note, Radha expressed confidence that the matter would soon be resolved. “We are hopeful that he will be out soon. That's all I can say now. Once Rajpalji is out, he will be able to speak to you and the media and give further clarity on the matter.”

As the bail hearing approaches, the family awaits the court’s decision, while support from fans and industry peers continues to pour in.

Also Read: Priyadarshan arranges higher fee for Rajpal Yadav amid Rs 9 crores cheque bounce case: “Made a blunder because of his poor education”

Sanjay Leela Bhansali and Ketan Mehta, two of Indian cinema’s most influential creative forces, have come together to tell an important tale from India’s spiritual history. Bhansali has announced an upcoming seminal tale of Indian civilization titled Jai Somnath, in collaboration with acclaimed director Ketan Mehta. This marks an interesting partnership between two of the most powerful creative voices in Indian cinema.

Jai Somnath traces back to 1025–1026 CE, when Mahmud of Ghazni attacked and plundered the Somnath Temple in Gujarat, a defining chapter in Indian history. This year marks 1000 years of the Ghazni attack and the destruction of the temple, and its subsequent resurrection.

Somnath symbolizes the indestructible spirit of India and the glory of Indian civilization. Given the deep emotional and cultural significance of this chapter, the film aims to strike a strong chord with audiences as it revisits an important moment from India’s past.

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What makes Jai Somnath even more significant is the collaboration between Sanjay Leela Bhansali an iconic storyteller celebrated for grand world-building and larger-than-life cinema, and Ketan Mehta, a director known for bold storytelling, historical narratives, and socially relevant cinema with international appeal. The film brings together historical depth and cinematic scale. With both filmmakers hailing from Gujarat, the project is also expected to bring authenticity and emotional depth to the narrative.

Jai Somnath will be produced under the banners of Bhansali Productions and Maya Movies, with Ketan Mehta serving as writer and director. The film is slated for release in 2027.

Also Read: Sanjay Leela Bhansali on joining hands with Ketan Mehta for Jai Somnath, “Always been a huge fan of Ketan Mehta’s cinema”

The biggest Bollywood news is the coming together of two epic filmmakers. Sanjay Leela Bhansali and Ketan Mehta are joining hands for Jai Somnath, a film that cinematizes the legend of the famous temple.

Jai Somnath is described as a “seminal tale of Indian civilisation”. The lavish period drama is slated for release in 2027. Mehta is writing and directing the project, which will be produced by Bhansali Productions and Ketan Mehta’s Maya Movies.

Speaking exclusively on the project to this writer, Sanjay Leela Bhansali said, “I’ve always been a huge huge fan of Ketan Mehta’s cinema. His Mirch Masala is one of my 10 most favourite Indian films of all times. We’ve been toying with the idea of working together. This project seems the best way to collaborate on something special.”

The project was announced on Maha Shivratri as it is the cinematic manifestation of one of the most sacred pilgrimage sites located in Gujarat.

Also Read: Karan Johar calls Sanjay Leela Bhansali an “Aesthetic Voice”, praises his film costumes

The recently released film O’Romeo, starring Shahid Kapoor and Triptii Dimri, has had its audience ratings and public reviews disabled on the popular ticketing platform BookMyShow, following a court order. This marks an unusual development for a Hindi film, with official audience feedback blocked shortly after the movie’s theatrical debut on February 13, 2026.

O’Romeo, directed by Vishal Bhardwaj and produced under the Nadiadwala Grandson Entertainment banner, opened to a mixed response at the box office. According to reports, the film initially displayed an audience rating on BookMyShow — starting around 6.8 and rising to about 7 by the second day — before the reviews and rating section was removed entirely.

On the film’s BookMyShow page, where ratings and comments typically appear, a notice now reads: “Reviews and ratings disabled as per court order.” While neither the platform nor the makers have issued detailed statements explaining the legal reasoning, industry observers note that this appears to be a strategic response amid concerns over organised negative campaigns and “review bombing” that can skew public perception.

O’Romeo features a strong ensemble cast including Vikrant Massey, Disha Patani, Farida Jalal and Nana Patekar, among others. Despite its early debut and attention around its stylistic elements and performances, the film’s reception among audiences has been varied, with some praising its ambition and others critiquing its pacing and narrative cohesion.

Also Read: O’Romeo Box Office: Shahid Kapoor starrer sees good growth on Saturday

Bollywood star Ranbir Kapoor has confirmed that the highly anticipated film Love & War has been postponed from its earlier target release date, choosing to avoid a direct box-office clash with the sequels Dhurandhar 2 and Toxic. The update came during an Instagram Live session hosted by Ranbir to mark the anniversary of his lifestyle brand ARKS.

Directed by Sanjay Leela Bhansali and featuring a star-studded cast including Ranbir, Alia Bhatt and Vicky Kaushal, Love & War was initially slated for a Christmas 2025 release before being shifted to March 20, 2026. Rumours had previously suggested the film might be pushed all the way into early 2027 due to production timelines, but a source close to the project has reiterated that the film is committed to a 2026 release.

During the live interaction, Ranbir confirmed that Love & War will now be released after his other upcoming project, Ramayana Part 1, which is scheduled for an October release. With that shift, Love & War is likely to aim for a late-year window, potentially targeting December 2026 for its theatrical debut, though an official date has not yet been locked.

The decision to move the release comes as a crowded March 19 weekend now features major films Dhurandhar 2 and Toxic head-to-head. By positioning Love & War after Ramayana, the makers hope to give Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s romantic saga room to breathe commercially without contending with the heavyweight releases.

With Ramayana Part 1 set to pave the way, audiences can expect Love & War to arrive later in 2026, well clear of the March summer slate clash.

Also Read: Ranbir Kapoor sweetly reveals he kisses Alia Bhatt every morning; calls his biography “Artist”

Today, global Punjabi superstar Diljit Dosanjh made history, delivering the largest Live Nation North America presale ever for a South Asian artist, moving over 130,000 tickets in just two days. The Aura World Tour North American dates mark a major step forward from Dosanjh’s record-breaking 2024 Dil-Luminati Tour, which became the largest North American tour by a Punjabi artist to date.

Promoted by Live Nation, the 15-date run kicks off Thursday, April 23, with a stadium performance at BC Place in Vancouver, before continuing across North America with stops in Dallas, Toronto, and more. The tour will also include two nights at Madison Square Garden in New York, with the second date added due to overwhelming demand, before concluding with a two-night run at Chase Centre in San Francisco on June 20 and 21.

Diljit’s Aura World Tour officially launched last year with multiple dates in Sydney and Melbourne in November, making history as the first Punjabi artist to headline and sell out stadiums across Australia, collectively drawing more than 90,000 fans.

In 2025, Diljit received an International Emmy Award nomination for Best Performance by an Actor for his acclaimed role in the Netflix film Amar Singh Chamkila, marking a significant moment for Indian representation on the global stage. That same year, VOGUEreaders named Diljit Best Dressed at the 2025 Met Gala, where he turned heads in a custom ivory Prabal Gurung sherwani and turban featuring meaningful cultural details. Most recently, J Balvin joined Diljit on a remix of his 2025 track 'Senorita.' DILJIT DOSANJH - AURA WORLD TOUR DATES: Thu, Apr 23 — Vancouver, BC — BC Place Thu, Apr 30 — Calgary, AB — Scotiabank Saddledome Sat, May 2 — Edmonton, AB — Rogers Place Thu, May 7 — Winnipeg, MB — Canada Life Centre Sun, May 10 — Rosemont, IL — Allstate Arena Wed, May 13 — Orlando, FL — Kia Center Sat, May 16 — Dallas, TX — American Airlines Center Wed, May 20 — Nashville, TN — Bridgestone Arena Fri, May 22 — Atlanta, GA — State Farm Arena Sun, May 24 — New York, NY — Madison Square Garden — SOLD OUT Mon, May 25 — New York, NY — Madison Square Garden — NEW SHOW ADDED Sun, May 31 — Toronto, ON — Rogers Centre — SOLD OUT Thu, Jun 18 — Los Angeles, CA — Crypto.com Arena Sat, Jun 20 — San Francisco, CA — Chase Center — SOLD OUT Sun, Jun 21 — San Francisco, CA — Chase Center — NEW SHOW ADDED

Also Read: EXCLUSIVE: Bhushan Kumar on backing Diljit Dosanjh in Border 2, “It was Anurag Singh’s call that for Nirmaljit Singh Sekhon’s character, he wanted only Diljit”

PVR INOX, one of India’s leading multiplex chains, has announced its ‘Valentine’s Special Showcase’, a curated re-release of 12 popular romantic films across Hindi, Tamil, Telugu, and Malayalam. The initiative aims to bring timeless love stories back to the big screen, offering both nostalgia for long-time viewers and discovery for younger audiences.

The line-up features a mix of Hindi blockbusters and regional classics, including Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge, Veer-Zaara, Mohabbatein, Saiyaara, Devdas, Sanam Teri Kasam and Yeh Dil Aashiqanaa.

The Tamil titles include Minnale, Mounam Pesiyadhe, Kadhalar Dhinam and Uyirullavarai Usha, while the Telugu romantic drama Love Story and the Malayalam hit Premam complete the pan-Indian selection. Shah Rukh Khan’s romance returns to theatres Several films in the showcase prominently feature Shah Rukh Khan, whose performances in Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge, Veer-Zaara, Mohabbatein, and Devdas have played a defining role in shaping mainstream Hindi cinema’s portrayal of romance. From Raj and Simran’s cross-cultural love story to the poetic tragedy of Devdas, these films continue to resonate across generations.

While classics like Mohabbatein explored defiant young love and Veer-Zaara bridged borders through emotion, newer entries such as Saiyaara connected with younger audiences through contemporary storytelling and music-driven narratives. A celebration across generations Beyond Hindi cinema, the regional selections add depth to the showcase. Minnale, Mounam Pesiyadhe, and Kadhalar Dhinam are remembered for their music and youthful romance, while Uyirullavarai Usha remains an earlier example of Tamil cinema’s engagement with love stories. Premam brought a layered take on different phases of love, and Love Story struck a chord with its modern romantic arc.

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For millennials, the showcase offers a return to first dates and college memories. For Gen Z viewers, it presents an opportunity to experience these films in theatres, as they were originally intended.

Commenting on the initiative, Niharika Bijli, Lead Strategist, PVR INOX Limited, said, “This Valentine’s Day, we wanted to curate not just a line-up of films, but a spectrum of emotions. From the timeless romance of Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge to the poetic intensity of Devdas, the tender nostalgia of Premam, and the new-age love stories like Saiyaara, our curation reflects how every generation experiences romance differently, while certain beats remain the same. Whether it’s first love, heartbreak, friendship, or forever, there’s a story for everyone to celebrate at PVR INOX.”

The Valentine’s Special Showcase will be available across select PVR INOX cinemas, inviting audiences to revisit enduring love stories on the big screen.

Also Read: Valentine’s Day 2026: From Kriti Sanon to Shraddha Kapoor, 7 Bollywood divas who are turning up the heat in red

Bollywood actor Abhishek Bachchan has sold a duplex apartment in Mumbai’s Mahalaxmi area for Rs 14.5 crores, according to property registration documents accessed through Zapkey. The duplex is located on the 40th and 41st floors of Tower 4 (Strata) at Planet Godrej, a premium residential complex in central Mumbai. The transaction was registered on February 12, 2026.

The apartment, with a total carpet area of 2,249 sq ft, was sold at a rate of Rs 64,473 per sq ft. The deal includes three car parking spaces. Documents show that the buyers — Rishi Mandawat, a partner at Bain Capital Private Equity, and Smita Mehta — paid a stamp duty of Rs 89.76 lakhs for the transaction.

Mahalaxmi has emerged as a sought-after micro-market in recent years, witnessing steady activity in the luxury residential segment. Developments such as Planet Godrej have attracted high-net-worth individuals owing to their location and scale.

The sale comes at a time when Bachchan has been expanding his footprint beyond cinema. In January this year, he entered the real estate sector with a project in Gujarat’s GIFT City (Gujarat International Finance Tec-City), a planned global financial and IT services hub located between Ahmedabad and Gandhinagar. The land for the project was originally acquired years ago by his father, Amitabh Bachchan.

Abhishek Bachchan has entered into a profit-sharing agreement with producer and real estate entrepreneur Anand Pandit, whose firm is expanding into Gujarat for the first time through this collaboration.

Apart from films and real estate, Bachchan also co-owns the Jaipur Pink Panthers, a professional kabaddi team that competes in the Pro Kabaddi League.

On the professional front, the actor was last seen in Housefull 5. He also featured in the OTT release Kaalidhar Laapata on Zee5. He is currently attached to several upcoming projects, including Shah Rukh Khan’s next film King, directed by Siddharth Anand.

Also Read: Abhishek Bachchan fans embrace viral ‘Just a Boy’ AI trend; reimagine his iconic characters in style

A video claiming that pirated DVDs of the recently released Hindi film Dhurandhar are being openly sold in Pakistan for as little as Rs 16 has gone viral on social media, raising fresh concerns about film piracy and cross-border circulation of illegal copies.

The clip, widely shared online, shows a street vendor displaying stacks of DVDs allegedly containing the film. In the video, the seller can be heard saying the discs are available for “Rs 16,” drawing sharp reactions from viewers. The footage has since triggered debate among film trade observers and audiences over the scale and speed at which pirated versions surface after a theatrical release.

The video quickly gained traction across platforms, with many users expressing shock at how cheaply the film was being sold.

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Dhurandhar, starring Ranveer Singh and directed by Aditya Dhar, is currently trending at No. 1 on Netflix in multiple territories, including India, Pakistan, Bahrain, Oman and the UAE. The film has also charted strongly in regions where it did not receive theatrical clearance, ranking No. 7 in Saudi Arabia and No. 3 in Kuwait, while viewing data for Qatar remains unavailable. Its OTT performance contrasts with earlier theatrical challenges, as the film was banned across all six GCC countries over concerns related to its geopolitical themes. Centered on an undercover RAW agent, the film reportedly faced objections due to its portrayal of Pakistan, leading to denial of certification for cinema release in the region.

Also Read: Rupali Ganguly can’t stop praising brother Vijay Ganguly for his work on Ranveer Singh starrer Dhurandhar 2

Balaji Motion Pictures officially unveils Ragini 3, a gripping date-night horror that promises thrills, humour, and edge-of-your-seat entertainment. The film will be headlined by Tamannaah Bhatia, directed by acclaimed filmmaker Shashanka Ghosh, and will feature Junaid Khan opposite Tamannaah.

Marking an exciting new chapter, Ragini 3 brings together a dynamic team, with Shashanka Ghosh stepping in as Director, while Sahir Raza continues to be the creative force on the project. With this association, the scale of the film has risen to new heights, making it one of the most anticipated films in the genre. This project also marks another collaboration between Shashanka Ghosh and Balaji Motion Pictures, following their successful association on films like Veere Di Wedding and Freddy. With Ragini 3, the team aims to deliver a bold, fresh, and stylised Date Night Horror experience.

Tamannaah Bhatia, celebrated for her versatility and commanding screen presence across industries, takes on the lead role, bringing glamour, intensity, and intrigue to the narrative. She was always the one and only choice for the film. Joining her is Junaid Khan, who continues to impress with his unconventional choices and nuanced performances, making this a fresh and exciting new on-screen pairing.

Produced by Ekta Kapoor’s Balaji Motion Pictures, a division of Balaji Telefilms Ltd, Ragini 3 is already generating strong buzz. Further details about the project remain under wraps, but anticipation around this Date Night Horror continues to build.

Also Read: Tamannaah Bhatia’s Ragini MMS 3 put on hold as director Sahir Raza exits amid scheduling clash: Report

Actor Rajpal Yadav’s wife Radha Yadav has finally spoken about the actor’s ongoing debt and legal case. She shared that many people from the film industry have come forward to support Rajpal during this difficult time.

Rajpal Yadav, known for his comic roles in films like Hera Pheri and Bhool Bhulaiyaa, has been facing a long-running legal case linked to a loan taken years ago. Reports suggest that the loan was taken in 2010 for his film Ata Pata Laapata. Over time, the amount reportedly increased and the matter reached court. According to reports, Rajpal recently surrendered at Tihar Jail after a Delhi High Court order connected to a cheque bounce case.

Speaking to PTI, Radha Yadav thanked the industry for standing by her husband. She said, “Everybody has stood by him. The industry has been supportive, a big thank you to everyone who is coming out to help.” She also mentioned that the support has come from many well-known names. Singer Mika Singh has reportedly promised financial help as well. Mika was quoted saying he will support Rajpal and encouraged others to help too. Other celebrities who are also said to have extended support to Rajpal include Sonu Sood, Salman Khan, Ajay Devgn, and Varun Dhawan.

Rajpal’s manager Goldie Jain also spoke about the situation and said that while many people have offered help, the details are still being discussed. He said, “Many people are coming forward, but things are still being worked out.”

Rajpal Yadav has not yet made a detailed statement himself, but Radha’s comments show that the actor is receiving strong support from the entertainment industry as he continues to deal with the case.

Also Read: Rajpal Yadav debt case: Salman Khan, Ajay Devgn, David Dhawan, and others extend financial support

Janhvi Kapoor is gradually making inroads into the South. While she is being paid much more in Telugu cinema than what she gets in Bollywood, she is now trying to conquer the Tamil arena as well.

One hears Janhvi has inked a deal for a web series in Tamil with Netflix for an impressive fee (approximately Rs. 20 crores). The series, a female-oriented subject, is being directed by the popular Pa Ranjith, who directed Rajinikanth in the two back-to-back releases Kabali and Kaala.

For her latest Telugu outing Peddi, co-starring Ram Charan, Janhvi has been paid around Rs. 14 crores, which makes her the highest paid Telugu actress of all times.

How did this happen? It started with Devara in 2024 when she was offered the heroine’s part. Initially, Janhvi rejected the offer as she didn’t want to go regional, as it would impact her Hindi career.

It was her father producer Boney Kapoor who insisted she do the film… at an exorbitant price, which, to her surprise, the producers were willing to pay.

Also Read: Janhvi Kapoor reveals her new haircare obsession as Pantene unveils Miracle Rescue Bond Repair Conditioner

A Mumbai court has restrained YouTuber Ajey Nagar, popularly known as CarryMinati, along with talent manager Deepak Char and others, from publishing or circulating any defamatory content against filmmaker Karan Johar on social media platforms. The order was passed on February 9 by Principal Sessions Judge P.G. Bhonsale in the matter titled Karan Johar v. Ajey Nagar & Ors. The plea was filed by Johar through Apoorva Mehta, CEO of Dharma Productions, the banner owned by the filmmaker.

Allegations of defamatory and abusive content

In his plea, Johar claimed that the social media influencers had made defamatory statements about him in videos uploaded on YouTube. “The statements are so vulgar and abusive that they immediately needs to be taken down,” Johar’s plea stated. Counsel for Nagar argued before the court that the videos in question had already been taken down and that there was no surviving cause for Johar to approach the court.

However, Johar countered this submission, stating that although the original videos were deleted, they had already been viewed by “millions of people”. “Unknown persons are making reels of it and again circulating it in the social media,” Johar argued.

Court grants ad-interim injunction

After hearing the submissions, the court observed that prima facie it appeared that Nagar and Char had made defamatory statements and used vulgar language against Johar.

“These videos need to be taken down immediately. There should be injunction against all those who circulate and re-circulate these videos on the social media platform. This is fit case to pass ad-interim injunction orders against the defendants,” the Court held.

The court accordingly passed an order temporarily restraining content creators and others — including unnamed parties referred to as John Doe — from posting or circulating any further defamatory content against Johar until the filmmaker’s application for interim relief is finally heard.

Additionally, the court directed Meta Platforms to take down the video links flagged by Johar in the suit. The matter will now be heard further as the court considers Johar’s plea for interim relief.

Also Read: Karan Johar applauds Rani Mukerji as Mardaani 3 shows strong box office hold: “Rides on its own solid potential”

Veteran actor Prakash Raj has officially started shooting for the much-anticipated Hindi thriller Drishyam 3. The actor confirmed his participation through a social media post, while also addressing speculation surrounding the film’s casting after Akshaye Khanna’s reported exit from the project.

Taking to X, Prakash Raj shared an update from the sets and wrote: “Started shooting for this engaging franchise #Drishyam3 in Hindi. With a wonderful team and a scintillating role to play. I’m sure you will love it. (And yes, I’m not replacing anyone..)”

Started shooting for this engaging franchise #Drishyam3 in hindi. With a wonderful team and a scintillating role to play . Im sure you will love it . ❤️❤️❤️( and yes im not replacing anyone..) 😛😛😛 — Prakash Raj (@prakashraaj) February 10, 2026

The post appeared to directly respond to ongoing assumptions that he might be stepping into a role earlier associated with Khanna. His clarification suggests that his character is a new addition rather than a replacement.

Notably, Bollywood Hungama was the first to report that Prakash Raj would be joining the cast of Drishyam 3, hours before the actor confirmed the development himself.

The third instalment of the franchise continues the story of Vijay Salgaonkar and his family, with Ajay Devgn expected to reprise his lead role. The earlier films were both commercial successes and built a strong following, raising expectations for the upcoming chapter. Recent clarification on Spirit rumours The development comes shortly after Prakash Raj addressed separate reports claiming that he had been dropped from Sandeep Reddy Vanga’s upcoming film Spirit due to creative differences. The Prabhas and Triptii Dimri-starrer is currently in production and has been generating steady buzz since its announcement.

Earlier reports had suggested that Prakash Raj, who was initially announced as a key cast member, was removed from the project while the film was already being shot in Hyderabad. According to these claims, issues allegedly arose on set, leading to an unexpected casting change at that stage of production.

However, Prakash Raj strongly refuted these reports. Taking to his X handle (formerly Twitter), the actor wrote, “To all the toxic #Fakenews peddlers…. On #Spirit the movie. We have not even started shooting for my scenes, and you whatsup factories speculate stories. Grow up and have a life. #justasking.”

As Drishyam 3 moves forward in production and Spirit remains in active development, Prakash Raj has now publicly clarified his association with both projects, putting recent speculation on record.

Also Read: Prakash Raj slams National Film Awards: “When files and piles are getting awards! They don’t deserve Mammukka”