Indus Chronicles

Fans of the classic David Dhawan brand of cinema will have to wait just a little longer. The much-anticipated romantic comedy, Hai Jawani Toh Ishq Hona Hai, has officially shifted its theatrical release. Originally slated for May 22, 2026, the film is now set to premiere on June 5, 2026.

A Strategic Shift The rescheduling comes amidst a significant shake-up in the Indian film calendar. The move follows the recent announcement from the makers of the Yash-starrer Toxic, who confirmed that their high-octane actioner would no longer be releasing on its June 4 slot. This vacancy in the first week of June provided a prime window for Tips Films to position their family entertainer for a solo-led weekend.

Produced by Ramesh Taurani under the Tips Films banner (in association with Maximilian Films UK), the movie marks another collaboration between the father-son duo of director David Dhawan and star Varun Dhawan.

The newly released poster showcases a vibrant, chaotic energy synonymous with David Dhawan’s style. It features Varun Dhawan in a quirky pose atop twin baby strollers, flanked by leading ladies Pooja Hegde and Mrunal Thakur. The poster also gives a glimpse of a stellar supporting cast, including Maniesh Paul, Mouni Roy, and veteran actors like Jimmy Sheirgill and Rakesh Bedi, hinting at a comedy of errors. What to Expect Positioned as a "vibrant rom-com," Hai Jawani Toh Ishq Hona Hai is expected to be a high-energy entertainer featuring remixed 90s hits and the signature slapstick humor that defined the David Dhawan era.

With the massive success of their previous collaborations like Main Tera Hero and Coolie No. 1, trade analysts expect this June release to be a major draw for family audiences looking for light-hearted summer entertainment.

Hai Jawani Toh Ishq Hona Hai arrives in cinemas worldwide on June 5, 2026.

Also Read: Pati Patni Aur Woh Do, Hai Jawani Toh Ishq Hona Hai, Cocktail 2: Bollywood brings back the ‘one hero, many heroines’ formula

Two days ago, Bollywood Hungama reported that the ticket sales of The Devil Wears Prada 2 were very encouraging. Raja Shivaji releases on the same day as the Hollywood comedy drama and this film, too, seems all set for a flying start, especially in its Marathi version.

According to data accessed by Bollywood Hungama, Raja Shivaji had sold more than 40,000 tickets as of 8:00 am on April 29. By 4:30 pm on April 28, PVR Inox sold 9,800 tickets for the historical entertainer’s Marathi version. Cinepolis sold 3,000 tickets, MovieMax saw sales of 2,400, while Miraj Cinemas sold more than 4,100 tickets.

The Marathi version has far more appeal due to its local flavour, ensemble cast, and the correct release period. Raja Shivaji releases on May 1, which is Maharashtra Day. Hence, the film will enjoy a three-day weekend in the state. Several films have been made on Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj in Marathi, but Raja Shivaji seems like the grandest of them all. This has further encouraged audiences to buy tickets.

A look at the ticketing websites indicates that several shows in Maharashtra are fast-filling. Mumbai is performing very well, but the surprise is Pune, where Raja Shivaji is on an overdrive. Several theatres in this city will play the film from 7:00 am, looking at the demand. Some Mumbai cinemas have also followed suit, although they are yet to catch up like their Pune counterparts.

In short, at present, Pune is the highest performing centre in India and is even giving a tough competition to Mumbai, which is a rare phenomenon. City Pride, which has 7 cinemas in Pune and E-Square, which has 3 properties in Pune and 1 in Solapur, will emerge among the top chains in terms of ticket sales for Raja Shivaji. Both chains are expected to sell more than 20,000 tickets by April 30. The advance booking in Maharashtra towns like Nashik, Latur, Solapur, Kolhapur, Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar etc. is also encouraging.

With such ticket sales, a healthy first-day collection is guaranteed. However, as aforementioned, a bulk of the advance sales have come for the Marathi version. Bookings for the Hindi version have yet to begin in a full-fledged manner across the country and it remains to be seen if it receives the same response as the Marathi version.

Raja Shivaji stars Riteish Deshmukh in the role of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj and he's joined by Genelia Deshmukh, Sanjay Dutt, Abhishek Bachchan, Vidya Balan, Fardeen Khan, Bhagyashree, Sachin Khedekar, Amole Gupte, Jitendra Joshi and others. It is produced by Riteish Deshmukh and Genelia Deshmukh’s Mumbai Film Company and Jyoti Deshpande’s Jio Studios.

Also Read: EXCLUSIVE: Raja Shivaji is 3 hours 15 minutes long; joins elite club of Animal, Pushpa 2, Dhurandhar, Border 2; CBFC replaces child violence visual in Riteish Deshmukh-starrer

Umesh Shukla has been a popular name among Gujarati audiences for several years and since 2012, he has also enjoyed nationwide popularity. That was the year when OMG Oh My God, an adaptation of his cult Gujarati play Kanji Viruddh Kanji, was made as a Bollywood film. Starring Paresh Rawal and Akshay Kumar, the devotional courtroom drama emerged as a sleeper super-hit. Six years later, he made 102 Not Out (2018), an adaptation of the Gujarati play of the same name. The film adaptation, starring Amitabh Bachchan and Rishi Kapoor, was also a success. And now, Umesh Shukla is all set to adapt yet another of his acclaimed plays for the big screen – Madhuri vs Dixit.

Madhuri vs Dixit is a Hindi play and its premiere took place on April 26 in Mumbai. Interestingly, it was earlier staged in Gujarati, with the title Madhuri Dixit. It stars Riddhi Shukla and Jaideep Shah in leading roles. Interestingly, the former is also the wife of Umesh Shukla. Unnati Gala and Harshad Patel feature in supporting parts. Umesh Shukla has penned the adapted screenplay and is also one of the producers of the play, along with Chetan Gandhi and Saumya Joshi. Madhuri vs Dixit as well as Madhuri Dixit is directed by Swapnil Baraskar.

Umesh Shukla spoke exclusively with Bollywood Hungama and began by revealing the premiere experience. He said, “Paresh Rawal, Dilip Joshi and many others gave very positive video bytes. The premiere yesterday was zabardast. Kya show tha; it was electrifying!”

Umesh then confirmed that the script is in its final stages. When asked if the film will feature the same cast or different actors, he replied, “I plan to have the same cast, mostly. I first plan to make it as a Gujarati film and then I’ll see whether I want to make it in Hindi. The other alternative is to make it bilingual in Hindi and Gujarati.” He also revealed, “This would be my first Gujarati film.”

Umesh Shukla continued, “We did 149 shows of Madhuri Dixit in Gujarati. For the landmark 150th show, we launched the Hindi version as Madhuri vs Dixit. Now, I’ll stage both the Hindi and Gujarati versions of the play parallelly. The Hindi version is far sharper.”

This reminds one of Kanji Viruddh Kanji, which also had versions in multiple languages. Umesh Shukla confirmed, “Yes. In fact, it used to run in three languages – Kanji Viruddh Kanji in Gujarati, Keshava Madhava in Marathi and Kishan vs Kanhaiya in Hindi.”

Will the film also be titled Madhuri vs Dixit? Umesh Shukla replied, “Indeed. That is what the title of the film would be.”

Lastly, when asked if noted actress Madhuri Dixit has seen the play, Umesh Shukla said, “She was busy shooting yesterday and couldn’t attend the premiere. Our next show is at ISKCON Auditorium, Mumbai on May 9. I’ll be inviting her again and I hope she can make it this time. I am in touch with her team and she’s aware of the play.”

Bharat Kapoor, known for his extensive work in Hindi cinema across several decades, passed away in Mumbai on Monday at the age of 80. The veteran actor reportedly breathed his last at Sion Hospital in the afternoon after facing health complications in recent days.

Reportedly, Bharat Kapoor had been unwell for the last few days and was undergoing treatment. His condition worsened due to multiple organ-related complications. His last rites were held later in the evening in the presence of family members, friends, and members of the film fraternity.

Actor Avtar Gill confirmed the news and shared details about Kapoor’s final hours. Speaking about the loss, he told India Today, “I just came from the cremation, it was done at 6:30 pm. He died at 3pm today in Sion Hospital, Mumbai. He was not feeling well from last three days. From last three days his multiple organs started failing.”

Bharat Kapoor was a recognizable presence in Hindi films, particularly through the 1970s, 1980s, and 1990s. While he may not always have played central roles, he built a respected career with memorable supporting performances. He was often cast in authoritative characters such as police officers, lawyers, businessmen, and antagonists, bringing a distinct screen presence to each role.

Over the years, he appeared in several notable films that remain popular with audiences. His filmography includes Noorie, Ram Balram, Love Story, Bazaar, Ghulami, Aakhree Raasta, Satyamev Jayate, Swarg, Khuda Gawah and Rang.

Also Read: Asha Bhosle dies at 92; last rites to be held tomorrow

The Karnataka High Court has accepted Bollywood actor Ranveer Singh’s unconditional apology in the controversy linked to his alleged mimicry of a character from Kantara: Chapter 1 during a public event last year. The court orally indicated that it is likely to dispose of the matter after taking note of the revised affidavit filed by the actor.

The case was heard before Justice M. Nagaprasanna, where senior advocate Sajan Poovayya, appearing for Ranveer Singh, informed the court that a fresh affidavit had been submitted without any conditions attached. According to the counsel, the actor had also undertaken to visit the concerned temple as a mark of respect.

The controversy began after an FIR was registered against Singh over remarks made during the 56th International Film Festival of India held in Goa. During the event, the actor was accused of mimicking a character associated with Kantara: Chapter 1 and allegedly referring to the Chamundeshwari temple deity in an objectionable manner. The complaint claimed that the remarks hurt religious sentiments and offended a deeply held belief system.

During the hearing, complainant Prashant Methel reportedly told the court that the issue was not just a legal dispute but one involving faith and community sentiment. Responding to this, the court observed that this was one reason it had not stayed the FIR earlier.

The bench also indicated that while closing the case, it may record Singh’s commitment to visit the temple within the next four weeks. The complainant further argued that public figures should treat such matters seriously and that celebrities should not take faith-related sensitivities lightly.

The court noted that it would issue an order while recording the contents of the affidavit. It also remarked that a cautionary observation may be made in the matter.

Earlier this month, Ranveer Singh had informed the court that he was willing to coordinate with the complainant regarding the language of his apology after concerns were raised that his previous affidavit did not reflect genuine remorse. The actor had approached the High Court seeking quashing of the FIR filed under provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita related to promoting disharmony and hurting religious feelings.

With the court now taking note of the unconditional apology, the matter appears to be heading toward closure.

Also Read: Ranveer Singh teams up with adidas Originals to launch India-inspired Superstar sneaker

Actor Riteish Deshmukh has strongly reacted to controversial remarks made by spiritual leader Bageshwar Baba about Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj. The statement triggered backlash online, with many expressing anger over the portrayal of the revered Maratha warrior king. Riteish, who is set to portray Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj in his upcoming historical film Raja Shivaji, also joined the criticism and shared a powerful response on social media.

The controversy began after Bageshwar Baba claimed in a speech that Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj had grown tired of fighting wars and once placed his crown before Ramdas Swami, asking him to take charge of the kingdom while he rested. The remarks were widely criticised by many who felt they misrepresented history and undermined Shivaji Maharaj’s legacy.

Responding to the issue, Riteish took to X, formerly Twitter, and posted a message in Marathi. Expressing his views as a devotee and admirer of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, the actor strongly objected to what he described as distorted statements.

Translated into English, Riteish wrote that when someone spreads false and twisted claims about a beloved figure like Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, it is unacceptable and deeply angering for every Shiv-bhakt and Shiv-premi. He added that attempts to diminish such a towering legacy would never succeed.

He further stated that just as the Sahyadri mountain ranges have stood strong for millions of years, the name of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj would continue to inspire generations for crores of years to come. He described the Maratha ruler as the pride of the Kshatriya lineage, the Lord of the Throne, and the Emperor of Emperors.

कोणीतरी येतो आणि आपल्या आराध्य दैवताबद्दल काहीतरी विकृत बरळतो, एक शिवप्रेमी-शिवभक्त म्हणून हे अमान्य आणि संतापजनक आहे. असले चौकटीत अडकवण्याचे फोल प्रयत्न काळाच्या उदरात गडप होतील. पण सह्याद्रीच्या पर्वतरांगा जशा लाखो वर्ष आधी होत्या तसंच ‘ते’ एकच नाव करोडो वर्ष भविष्यातही राहील.… — Riteish Deshmukh (@Riteishd) April 26, 2026

Meanwhile, the actor is preparing for the release of Raja Shivaji, one of the most anticipated historical dramas of the year. In the film, Riteish essays the role of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj. The project is backed by Jyoti Deshpande and Genelia Deshmukh under the Mumbai Film Company banner and presented by Jio Studios.

Scheduled to release in theatres on May 1, Raja Shivaji will focus on the early life of the legendary ruler, tracing his dream of Swarajya and his resistance against powerful empires. The film also features an ensemble cast including Sanjay Dutt, Abhishek Bachchan, Vidya Balan, Bhagyashree, Mahesh Manjrekar, and Boman Irani.

Also Read: EXCLUSIVE: Riteish Deshmukh explains cinema cannot be limited to one format after Dhurandhar success; says, “You cannot blind yourself to the changes”

Actor Shanaya Kapoor, who made an impressive debut with Aankhon Ki Gustakhiyan, followed it up with yet another standout performance this year—this time in a role vastly different from her first. Teaming up with director Bejoy Nambiar for Tu Yaa Main opposite Adarsh Gourav, Shanaya earned widespread appreciation for her portrayal of influencer Avnee, with audiences particularly praising her screen presence, performance range, and crackling chemistry with Adarsh.

One of her dialogues from the film—“Tu yedi ho gayi kya, bachi?”—has especially struck a chord online, quickly turning into a fan-favourite pop culture moment and finding its way into memes, reels, and internet conversations.

Following its theatrical run, Tu Yaa Main premiered on Netflix a few days ago and has continued to build momentum ever since. The film has been trending strongly on the platform, even reaching the No. 1 spot in India, while also charting in several international markets. Clips featuring Shanaya’s scenes have been widely shared across social media, resonating with both pop culture audiences and cinema enthusiasts alike, and drawing consistently positive reactions.

Even two weeks after its streaming debut, Tu Yaa Main remains in the Top 10 films across 12 countries, with love for the film—and especially for its lead performances—only continuing to grow.

What stands out most, however, is Shanaya Kapoor’s unconventional script journey. From the romantic intensity of Aankhon Ki Gustakhiyan to the edgy, contemporary world of Tu Yaa Main, her choices reflect a willingness to experiment rather than follow a predictable launch blueprint. In an industry often driven by safe debut vehicles and formulaic career moves, Shanaya appears to be carving her own lane—breaking the launch playbook and choosing the road less travelled.

Also Read: Shanaya Kapoor shuts down age, height difference talk: “It’s not about proving anyone wrong”

Actor-entrepreneur Kriti Sanon is no longer serving as the Chief Customer Officer of her skincare brand Hyphen, the company confirmed in a recent statement. The development comes nearly three years after the brand’s launch in 2023, during which Kriti had been closely associated with its positioning and outreach.

The announcement was made through Hyphen’s official social media handle on April 24. In its statement, the brand acknowledged the significance of the decision and described it as part of a broader transition. “This is not a statement we make lightly. After careful study, we believe that this should be addressed honestly. The road ahead represents a tremendous transition. Certain painful but important decisions were taken. With that, we publicly announce that Kriti Sanon is no longer functioning as our Chief Customer Officer,” the statement read.

The update quickly gained traction online, with users expressing a mix of surprise and curiosity about the move. Given Kriti Sanon’s visible involvement in the brand since its inception, the change has raised questions about what it could mean for the company’s future direction.

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Among those reacting to the news was entrepreneur Parul Gulati, who shared her perspective in support of the actor. “She was never a customer officer.... She is the brand herself…. 😍 we love @kritisanon way too much,” she commented, echoing sentiments expressed by several fans across social media platforms.

While the company has confirmed the leadership change, it has not provided additional details about the reasons behind the decision or what Kriti Sanon’s role, if any, will be going forward. The term “transition” mentioned in the statement suggests internal restructuring, though specifics remain undisclosed at this stage.

Also Read: Kriti Sanon opens up on success formula: “It’s always a combination of hard work, talent and destiny”

Sunny Deol is set to collaborate with Excel Entertainment for a new film that is currently in development. While the makers have not officially shared details about the project, early information suggests that it is being planned on a notable scale.

According to a source close to the development, “Sunny Deol is gearing up for a massive with Excel Entertainment, high-concept project that could redefine his big-screen presence. While the makers are keeping details tightly under wraps, insiders hint at an ambitious scale and powerful backing already in motion. The film has the potential to become one of his most impactful and talked-about ventures yet."

At present, the nature of the film, including its genre, storyline, and supporting cast, remains undisclosed. The production house is known for backing a range of projects across genres, and this collaboration adds another title to its upcoming slate.

Sunny Deol, who has continued to maintain a strong presence in Hindi cinema, is expected to bring his established screen persona to the project. Meanwhile, Excel Entertainment has built a reputation for producing films and series that balance commercial appeal with distinct storytelling.

Also Read: SCOOP: Sunny Deol-Aamir Khan-Rajkumar Santoshi’s Lahore 1947 likely to be renamed Batwara 1947

Actor-producer Sanjay Dutt, Aksha Kamboj, Executive Chairperson of Aspect Global (Aspect Entertainment), Subhash Ghai and Jyoti Deshpande of Jio Studios announced Khalnayak Returns at an event in Mumbai. Sanjay Dutt revealed that he’ll be producing the second part of the cult 1993 film under his banner, Three Dimension Motion Pictures.

A journalist asked that besides Khalnayak, the other characters of the actor who have achieved legendary status are Raghu from Vaastav (1999) and Murli Prasad Sharma from Munna Bhai. Hence, the journalist enquired if sequels to these films could be made.

Sanjay Dutt replied, “We are working on Vaastav 2. As for Munna Bhai, you’ll have to ask Raju Hirani. Raju, please make Munna Bhai again!”

At one point during the event, Subhash Ghai narrated, “With Sanju, I first worked in Vidhaata (1982), in which he played the grandson of Dilip Kumar. He was forced into acting by his father (Sunil Dutt). He was like ‘Main kyun actor banu? Mujhe motorcycle chalani hai’! He was enjoying life. He didn’t know he would have to work so much as an actor. He was hardly 20 at that time. I observed him and felt ‘Yeh bechara phas gaya’! But somehow, he managed to work with Dilip saab. Slowly, he realized that he needed to take this career very seriously. That’s how he started getting better at this craft. I could see his progress with each passing film like Sadak (1991), Saajan (1993), etc. I was like ‘Yeh ab serious actor ban gaya hai’.”

Subhash Ghai continued, “When I started working on Khalnayak, the news spread in the industry. Many stars met with me and expressed interest in doing the film. But I told them, ‘I have an actor in mind already’. I invited Sanju and narrated the story. He told me, ‘Sir, I trust you. We are doing this film’.”

Sanjay Dutt raised laughs as he corrected, “Subhas ji, you never narrated the story. You just told me, ‘Yeh film tujhe karni hai’!”

Also Read: Ballu is back! Sanjay Dutt announces Khalnayak Returns; teaser gets massive response at launch event

The much-awaited collaboration between filmmaker Mohit Suri and composer Mithoon is set to continue with a new romantic project starring Ahaan Panday and Aneet Padda. The upcoming film, backed by Yash Raj Films, has already generated strong buzz, and the latest update about Mithoon joining the team has only heightened excitement among music lovers.

Known for creating some of Bollywood’s most iconic romantic soundtracks, Mithoon has officially come on board the yet-untitled project, which is currently in the pre-production stage. The film is being backed by Akshaye Widhani, CEO of Yash Raj Films, who was also associated with Saiyaara.

According to a source close to the development, the composer has already started work on the music for the film. “It is going to be an intense love story with YRF, and the music will reflect that emotional depth. There’s also buzz that the team is keen on introducing a new voice with this album,” the source revealed.

The Mohit Suri-Mithoon partnership has long been regarded as one of Hindi cinema’s most successful filmmaker-composer collaborations. Their journey began with Zeher, which featured the unforgettable track ‘Woh Lamhe’. Over the years, the duo has consistently delivered music that connected deeply with audiences and helped define the romantic genre in Bollywood.

Some of their most popular collaborations include Murder 2, Aashiqui 2, Ek Villain, Half Girlfriend, and Malang. Songs from these films continue to enjoy massive popularity, with several tracks becoming timeless additions to Bollywood playlists. Their recent success with Saiyaara further strengthened their reputation as a dependable creative pairing known for emotionally resonant music. Speaking about the expectations surrounding their latest collaboration, the source added, “One can expect nothing short of extraordinary from this collaboration, especially after the response to Saiyaara.”

The upcoming film also marks another important step in the careers of Ahaan Panday and Aneet Padda, who are being positioned as a loved on-screen pair in the romantic space. With Mohit Suri at the helm and Mithoon crafting the soundtrack, the project is expected to rely heavily on emotion, storytelling, and memorable music.

As the film moves closer to production, industry watchers and fans alike will be eager to see how Mohit Suri and Mithoon once again recreate the magic that has made them one of Bollywood’s most celebrated creative duos.

Also Read: SCOOP: After Saiyaara, Mohit Suri and Ahaan Panday’s next is a twisted love story for Aditya Chopra

Trade analyst Taran Adarsh has shared a key update about the upcoming Malayalam film Drishyam 3, confirming a major financial development ahead of its release. In a tweet posted on April 24, 2026, he revealed that PEN Studios will invest Rs 100 crores in Aashirvad Cinemas through Panorama Studios for the much-anticipated third instalment of the franchise starring Mohanlal.

The investment signals strong confidence from the Hindi film distribution ecosystem in the Malayalam original, which has historically served as the foundation for multiple successful remakes across languages. The upcoming film is directed by Jeethu Joseph and is scheduled for a worldwide theatrical release on May 21, 2026. The date also coincides with Mohanlal’s birthday, adding further significance to the launch.

As previously reported, the Malayalam version of Drishyam 3 has already wrapped filming and is currently in the final stages of post-production. Principal photography began on September 22, 2025, and concluded on December 2, 2025. The project is positioned as the final chapter in the widely followed thriller franchise that began in 2013 and later expanded into several language adaptations, including the Hindi versions starring Ajay Devgn.

Director Jeethu Joseph had earlier shared that he approached the writing process of the third part differently by crafting the climax first before building the narrative around it. This detail has increased curiosity among audiences who closely followed the layered storytelling of the earlier films.

The core family cast returns for the concluding chapter, with Mohanlal reprising his role as Georgekutty alongside Meena as Rani, Ansiba Hassan as Anju and Esther Anil as Anu. Their continuity has remained central to the emotional thread of the franchise.

Taran Adarsh also mentioned that producers Antony Perumbavoor, Kumar Mangat Pathak and Jayantilal Gada are associated with the project.

With a confirmed release date, completed shoot schedule and fresh investment backing, Drishyam 3 is moving steadily toward its theatrical debut as expectations continue to build around how the story of Georgekutty reaches its conclusion.

Also Read: Drishyam 2 set for theatrical release on April 10 ahead of Drishyam 3 release in May

Pooja Dadlani, Shah Rukh Khan’s longtime manager and one of the most trusted members of his inner circle, has reportedly made a major real estate investment in Mumbai. According to property registration documents reviewed by CRE Matrix, Dadlani and her family have purchased three luxury sea-facing apartments in Bandra for a combined value of Rs.38.21 crores.

The reported purchase has quickly become one of the most talked-about celebrity property deals of the year. The apartments are located in an upscale redevelopment project on Carter Road, one of Mumbai’s most sought-after residential stretches known for its premium sea-facing properties and celebrity residents.

As per the reports, the ownership of the three apartments has been divided between Pooja Dadlani, her husband Hitesh Prakash Gurnani, and her father Mohan Seoram Dadlani, with one unit registered in each of their names. The homes are situated on one of the higher floors of a building named Varun, which is being developed by Tryksha Real Estate Private Limited, a subsidiary of Lotus Developers.

Each apartment reportedly features a carpet area of 1,511.15 sq. ft., along with an 81.16 sq. ft. private balcony. Collectively, the three units span approximately 4,776 sq. ft. The transaction was officially registered on April 21, 2026. Reports further state that the buyers paid Rs.2.16 crore in stamp duty and Rs.90,000 in registration charges. The project is currently under construction, with possession expected by December 2028. The deal also includes six dedicated parking spaces.

Pooja Dadlani has been associated with Shah Rukh Khan for several years and plays a key role in managing the superstar’s professional commitments. Since joining Red Chillies Entertainment in 2012, she has handled film schedules, brand endorsements, business interests, and multiple day-to-day operations linked to the actor’s career.

Over the years, Dadlani has become a familiar face to Shah Rukh Khan’s fans and is often seen accompanying the actor at public appearances, events, and family occasions. She also earned widespread recognition for standing firmly with the Khan family during Aryan Khan’s legal case in 2021.

Her latest investment further highlights the growing prominence of celebrity managers in Bollywood, many of whom have built influential careers behind the scenes. With this Rs.38 crores Bandra purchase, Pooja Dadlani has now added an impressive real estate milestone to her journey.

Also Read: Shah Rukh Khan’s manager Pooja Dadlani mourns the loss of mother-in-law Jyoti Gurnani

Filmmaker Ritwik Pareek’s comedy mystery satire Dug Dug is set to release in Indian theatres on May 8 following a widely appreciated run across international film festivals. The film now has the backing of filmmakers Anurag Kashyap, Nikkhil Advani, Vikramaditya Motwane and Vasan Bala, who have come on board as executive producers ahead of its India release.

Inspired by true events, Dug Dug follows a strange development in a village where a deceased man’s motorbike begins to be worshipped after locals believe it can grant wishes if devotees pray to it and offer alcohol. As reports of wishes being fulfilled spread, the belief gradually turns into a full-fledged commercialised religion.

The feature is produced by Bottle Rocket Pictures, led by Prerna Pareek and Ritwik Pareek, and will be released theatrically in India in association with Ranjan Singh’s Flip Films.

Speaking about the film, Anurag Kashyap said, “I was blown away by Dug Dug, its storytelling, cinematography and music. It was like a visual rave. I am stumped by the fact that this film hadn’t released theatrically. That got the four of us together along with Ranjan to release it. Fingers crossed it will receive the same love.”

Calling it one of the strongest debuts he has seen, Vikramaditya Motwane said, “Dug Dug is a fantastic and genuine Indian story about our society and our belief systems. Ritwik has told it with the perfect amount of irreverence and humour. I hope that the film can reach a wider audience.”

After its world premiere at the Toronto International Film Festival in 2021, the film travelled to several international platforms including the Santa Barbara International Film Festival, Indian Film Festival of Melbourne, Indian Film Festival of Los Angeles, MAMI Mumbai Film Festival and the International Film Festival of Kerala.

Nikkhil Advani described the film as “as authentic and a genuine Indian film as it can be,” adding that Ritwik Pareek’s storytelling approach stood out to him. “His flair for taking a simple story and telling it with a pragmatic and yet humorous take is what impressed me the most. I feel the audience will also love it as much as I did.”

Sharing his response to the film, Vasan Bala said, “There is nothing absurd in Ritwik’s Dug Dug, if anything it’s the world as he sees it not what he assumes it could be. I am totally captivated by its telling and visualization. Hope to see more of his splendour being unleashed in cinema.”

The film stars Altaf Khan, Gaurav Soni, Yogendra Singh and Durga Lal Saini in key roles.

Reflecting on the theatrical release, Ritwik Pareek said Dug Dug is meant to be experienced on the big screen. “We’ve waited a long time for this and finally it’s happening. Not just happening, but happening with Anurag Kashyap, Vikramaditya Motwane, Nikkhil Advani and Vasan Bala coming on board, filmmakers I have grown up watching and learning from, which makes it very special for me. I feel grateful and eternally thankful for all the support they are giving.”

Also Read: Guneet Monga feels Vikramaditya Motwane should direct Gangs of Wasseypur 3: “Anurag Kashyap will be happy with it”

Allu Arjun’s Raaka has been the talk of the town right from the word go. Recently, the first look of the movie came out, and it added to the ongoing buzz. However, amid all the cheers, there were rumours that Deepika Padukone’s role had been reduced in the movie.

Shutting down such claims, team Raaka confirmed that things are going as planned, and the actress continues to be a pivotal part of the project. Raaka team shuts down baseless rumours regarding Deepika Padukone's reduced role. This comes amid some recent reports suggesting that the actress may not be a part of the film or that her role could be reduced. These claims have been dismissed, with the Raaka team terming them completely baseless rumours.

"Everything is moving as planned. Deepika Padukone plays a crucial role in Raaka, and the shoot is unfolding seamlessly with great energy on set," confirms the movie's team.

In addition to the team's confirmation, recently, media reports also mentioned that Deepika is in no mood to slow down amid her second pregnancy. The actress, who recently shared that she is expecting her second child, is working as of now. She most recently shot a brand campaign. Further, reportedly, she will be shooting for some heavy action-packed scenes for Allu Arjun's Raaka, with all precautionary measures in place.

Circling back to Raaka, the film, directed by Atlee, is currently being shot as per schedule, with the team maintaining a clear and consistent pace. The production remains tightly aligned with its timeline, ensuring smooth coordination across departments. Deepika Padukone's other upcoming projects Last seen in Singham Again, Deepika Padukone has an interesting lineup ahead. In addition to Raaka, she has Siddharth Anand's King alongside Shah Rukh Khan in her kitty. Deepika got on board for this SRK starrer a couple of days after her exit from Nag Ashwin's dystopian sci-fi thriller Kalki 2898 AD 2 and Sandeep Reddy Vanga's Spirit. Though the movie's central theme revolves around Shah Rukh Khan and his daughter Suhana Khan, Deepika Padukone has a pivotal part to play in the film.

Also Read: Deepika Padukone owes NOBODY an explanation: Her pregnancy announcement is the biggest slap to the troll brigade

India's leading production house Yash Raj Films (YRF) has signed filmmaker Abhay Pannu to direct a horror film for the studio. Pannu, best known for creating the critically acclaimed series Rocket Boys, has also developed the script for the project, which is scheduled to go on floors later in 2026. The yet untitled project will mark the first-ever horror film to be produced by Yash Raj Films in the last 50 years.

"Yash Raj Films have made films all across the genres except for horror. Come 2027, and the banner will step into the horror space with a feature film directed by Abhay Pannu. YRF CEO, Akshaye Widhani, facilitated this conversation and the collaboration, as he gave the confidence to Aditya Chopra to explore the uncharted domain of horror for the first time in the ever-so-evolving world of cinema," a source shared with Bollywood Hungama.

Post the success of Saiyaara, YRF, under the leadership of CEO Akshaye Widhani, has been actively engaging with a new generation of storytellers, including Mohit Suri, Sameer Saxena, and Abhay Pannu, with the objective of expanding the studio’s storytelling canvas across genres and formats

As part of this strategic direction, YRF is strengthening its internal creative framework to support a dual development model. A slate of films creatively developed and produced by Aditya Chopra and a parallel slate led by Akshaye Widhani and his team, focused on fostering fresh creative voices and new-age storytelling

The source concludes, "It's the first time in history that Aditya Chopra has decentralised the film production game by bestowing the responsibility of content creation to Akshaye Widhani, who, after the success of Saiyaara, is looking to produce a lot more with a newer set of filmmakers.

More details on the horror films are awaited.

Vikram Bhatt struck gold with Haunted 3D (2011). It’s a film that kick-started the 3D trend in Bollywood and became a sleeper hit at the box office. Hence, there are high expectations for the next film in this franchise, which is set to release on June 12. Interestingly, the film was earlier titled Haunted – Ghosts Of The Past. As per the motion poster that dropped yesterday to announce the release date, the film was renamed to Haunted – Echoes Of The Past. Bollywood Hungama exclusively spoke to director Vikram Bhatt about this aspect. This was probably the director’s first interaction with the media after he faced a major personal turmoil in his life.

Vikram Bhatt told Bollywood Hungama, “The Haunted films are not just about ghosts. At its heart, it’s a poignant love story. Meanwhile, the film was getting delayed for some reason or another and also, I had to face incarceration. A very close friend of mine said that this is probably happening due to the word ‘Ghost’ in the title. He told me, ‘Title mein se Ghost ko hata do’. I told him, ‘Theek hai. Hata dete hai (smiles)’. That’s how we came up with Echoes Of The Past.”

He further remarked, “I never believed in such things until now. Also, you can’t make a ghost film without believing in superstition (laughs).”

The use of AI in the motion poster was criticized by a section of the audience. Vikram Bhatt clarified, “This is how motion posters are designed. But I can assure you that there’s absolutely no AI in the film at all.”

Lastly, when asked when the teaser of Haunted – Echoes Of The Past will be out, he revealed, “We plan to release it this month itself.”

Like Haunted, Haunted – Echoes Of The Past also stars Mimoh Chakraborty and this time, he’s joined by Chetna Pande, Shruti Prakash, Gaurav Bajpai, Praneet Bhatt and Hemant Pandey. It is produced by Anand Pandit and Rakesh Juneja and will be distributed worldwide by Anand Pandit Motion Pictures.

Also Read: Haunted 3D motion poster unveiled: Vikram Bhatt and Anand Pandit confirm release date of Mimoh Chakraborty starrer as June 12, 2026

Actor Shraddha Kapoor is reportedly set to play Madhuri Jain Grover in the upcoming biopic on BharatPe co-founder Ashneer Grover, which is expected to feature Aamir Khan in the lead role. Filmmaker Rahul Mody is developing the film.

According to a report by Mid-Day, Kapoor has been associated with the project since its early stages. A source told the publication that it had been decided early in development that she would play the female lead and had closely followed the screenplay’s evolution over time.

The film is reportedly based on Grover’s journey as an entrepreneur and the controversies surrounding his exit from BharatPe in 2022, when allegations surfaced that he and members of his family had misused company funds. Madhuri Jain Grover had served as the company’s Head of Controls before her termination the same year.

Mody has been working on the screenplay for nearly three years. The filmmaker previously contributed as a writer to Sonu Ke Titu Ki Sweety (2018). He is also rumoured to be in a relationship with Kapoor.

Speculation about the project gained momentum recently after reports suggested that Aamir Khan is considering the Ashneer Grover biopic as his next film. Readers may recall that Bollywood Hungama exclusively reported Aamir has given a go ahead to doing Ashneer Grover biopic. Earlier, sources told us, "Aamir has read it and loved it; he is doing this film. It's in the pre-production stage. It's also very relatable as Ashneer is an extremely popular figure with today's audience."

At the same time, an official announcement from the makers is still awaited.

Also Read: Aamir Khan launches Ek Din Ki Mehfil: Singers across India get chance to perform live before him, Sai Pallavi and Junaid Khan

Filmmaker Suresh Triveni, who is gearing up for his upcoming film Maa Behen and is known for his acclaimed work on Tumhari Sulu and Subedaar, is now backing the short film Razaa. Directed by Pooja Tolani and produced by Radhika Sawhney alongside Triveni, the film unfolds within the tense confines of a gynaecologist’s waiting room, where a mother and daughter grapple with a life-altering decision.

With Razaa earning a nomination at the New York Indian Film Festival (NYIFF), the film has further cemented its place on the global stage, something that aligns with Suresh Triveni’s consistent eye for meaningful storytelling. The film has enjoyed an impressive festival run with multiple international selections and wins, including recognition at prestigious platforms such as the Chicago South Asian Film Festival, Tasveer Film Festival, IDSFFK, and many more. The film has also picked up wins at the Yellowstone International Film Festival, further cementing its impact on the global stage.

Reinforcing his belief in strong, content-driven cinema, Suresh Triveni shared, “The first time I heard the film from Pooja, I was very sure I wanted to make it. I spoke to my producer partner Radhika, and we decided to produce it. It’s the second short film I have produced, and I’ll keep doing it till I can. Pooja being a writer too helps the film. We are very proud to be attached to the film. The accolades keep pouring, and the nomination at the New York Indian Film Festival has only made us prouder.”

Producer Radhika Sawhney echoed the sentiment, saying, “When Pooja narrated the script, I had no second thoughts. Women taking agency of their lives is a topic I feel very strongly about. Pooja is a very fine writer, and it was great to support her in bringing her story to life. Having Geetanjali Kulkarni was the icing on the cake. All the actors, in fact, brought such inspired performances to the film. While producing the film, we had to make sure we stayed authentic to the world of Razaa. There was much effort in choosing the cast, the locations, the art, and the visual tone of the film. Even the sound design was chosen with a lot of intent. I am very proud of Razaa and happy to be part of NYIFF.”

At its core, Razaa thrives on emotional contrast – Razaa’s striking detachment versus Sabeen’s deeply rooted fear and moral conflict. As tempers flare and silences stretch, the film dives into layered conversations around choice, control, and generational expectations.

Director Pooja Tolani offered insight into this dynamic, saying, “Mother-daughter relationships are often seen as loving and tender, but I find them deeply complex, caught between visceral love and constant judgement. Many mothers express love by telling their daughters what is right, as a way of protecting them. In that process, daughters inherit a deep sense of morality. For me, Razaa and Sabeen share a very real dynamic, where love is rarely expressed, but displeasure almost always is.”

Also Read: Anil Kapoor shares BTS glimpse from Subedaar; director Suresh Triveni calls him “rare”

Global rapper and producer Kanye West has officially confirmed his India performance, putting an end to ongoing speculation after sharing the Ye Live in India tour flyer on social media. The announcement has quickly gained traction online, with fans reacting to the news across platforms.

The concert is scheduled to take place on May 23, 2026, at Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium, marking a major addition to India’s live music calendar. With the confirmation coming directly from the artist, the event is now being seen as one of the most high-profile international concerts to be hosted in the country in recent years.

Kanye West is known for delivering large-scale performances that go beyond conventional concerts. His shows often feature elaborate stage setups, experimental visuals, and a strong focus on creating an immersive experience for audiences. While specific details about the India show remain undisclosed, expectations are high that it will reflect his signature style of production.

The announcement has sparked widespread excitement among fans, many of whom have described the concert as a rare opportunity to witness the artist live in India. Social media has been filled with reactions, with users expressing anticipation and planning travel to attend the event. The show is also expected to attract audiences from across the country, and potentially from neighbouring regions, given Kanye’s global reach.

With just weeks to go, the focus now shifts to ticketing and event logistics, which are likely to be announced soon.

Also Read: Kanye West gears up to make India debut with in New Delhi in March; deets inside