Indus Chronicles

In recent times, several Hindi films, including Dhurandhar, Border 2, Fighter, Sky Force, Article 370, Tiger 3, etc, have reportedly been denied a release in certain Middle Eastern markets. However, the upcoming Ayushmann Khurrana-Sara Ali Khan starrer Udta Teer has now faced a roadblock closer to home, in the neighbouring country of Nepal.

Bollywood Hungama has learned that Udta Teer has not been granted permission for public screening in Nepal. Bollywood Hungama is in possession of a copy of the official order, which was communicated to the makers by Bishal Bhandari, Section Officer, Ministry of Communication and Information Technology, Government of Nepal.

The letter further stated that permission was denied as the film falls under the subject matter prohibited by Section 5(3) of the Film (Production, Exhibition and Distribution) Act, 2026 B.S.

The letter was issued on Ashwin 30, 2083, as per Nepal's Bikram Sambat calendar, which corresponds to Friday, October 16, 2026, in the Gregorian calendar.

Udta Teer stars Ayushmann Khurrana, Sara Ali Khan, the late Mukul Dev and several others. Written and directed by Akash A Kaushik, the film is produced by Karan Johar, Adar Poonawalla and Apoorva Mehta's Dharma Productions, along with Guneet Monga Kapoor and Achin Jain's Sikhya Entertainment.

The film tells the story of a Pakistani spy who infiltrates India but ends up losing his memory. In an unexpected turn of events, he begins believing that he is a hardcore Indian patriot, leading to chaos and madness.

Also Read: Ayushmann Khurrana promises unexpected twists and laughter in Udta Teer; says, “Just when you think you know where it’s going, it takes another turn”

Mumbai witnessed a shooting incident in suburban Juhu on Sunday evening, October 18, after unidentified assailants allegedly opened fire at Tiger Shroff’s car. Following the incident, Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde visited the actor’s residence late at night to check on his well-being and review the situation. The visit came as the Mumbai Police and Crime Branch began investigating the attack and searching for those responsible.

Visuals shared by news agency ANI and circulated on social media showed Eknath Shinde meeting Shroff at his residence. In the footage, the actor appeared with dressings right below the neck, on his arm, and a crepe bandage too around his arm. Shinde has not yet addressed the media about the incident. According to the information available, the state government has indicated that the matter is being treated seriously, while the police continue efforts to identify and apprehend the assailants.

#WATCH | Mumbai | Visuals from inside the residence of Tiger Shroff as Maharashtra Dy CM Eknath Shinde arrived to visit him following an incident of firing at his car, injuring his driver The actor is safe and has not sustained any gunshot injuries, as per Mumbai Police

(Visuals source: Shivsena PR)

— ANI (@ANI) October 18, 2026

According to preliminary reports, the incident took place at around 7 pm on Sunday near Pushpa Park in Juhu, when Shroff was returning from a football session. The assailants reportedly arrived on a motorcycle and fired multiple rounds at the actor’s BMW. Shroff is said to have escaped without sustaining any bullet injuries, although the vehicle was hit during the firing.

The Mumbai Police and the Crime Branch subsequently cordoned off the area where the firing took place. Investigators reportedly recovered empty bullet shells from the scene, while forensic teams were mobilised to examine the evidence. The investigation is also focusing on CCTV footage from the surrounding area to establish the sequence of events and identify those involved. Reports indicate that the police are examining available evidence and pursuing leads as the search continues across the city.

Shortly after the incident, a message circulating on social media allegedly claimed responsibility in the name of the Lawrence Bishnoi syndicate. However, the claim remains unverified. Senior police officials have reportedly indicated that all angles are being examined as part of the ongoing investigation, and no conclusion has been established regarding the identity or motive of the assailants.

The incident has prompted heightened attention to the investigation, with authorities working to establish the circumstances surrounding the firing and trace those involved. Further details are expected as the police continue their probe into the shooting near Pushpa Park in Juhu.

Also Read: Tiger Shroff safe after firing incident reported under Juhu Police Station

Actor-producer and writer Harman Baweja has reflected on Bhagwat: Chapter One – Raakshas as the crime thriller completes a year. Looking back at the film, Baweja spoke about bringing Arshad Warsi and Jitendra Kumar, popularly known as Jeetu, together and the contrasting characters they portrayed.

Directed by Akshay Shere, Bhagwat: Chapter One – Raakshas was backed by Jio Studios and released on ZEE5. The film follows Inspector Vishwas Bhagwat, played by Arshad Warsi, as he investigates the disappearance of a young woman in a small town in Uttar Pradesh. His investigation eventually leads him to a larger trail of missing women and a man concealing a darker side.

For Baweja, the casting of Warsi and Jeetu was one of the aspects that stood out about the film. Warsi played an investigating officer, while Jeetu took on a darker role that was different from some of his more familiar screen appearances.

“Looking back at Bhagwat a year later, I think one of the most interesting things about the film was bringing Arshad and Jeetu together. They both have such distinct identities as actors, and asking them to step into characters that audiences hadn't quite seen them play before was exciting,” Baweja said.

He also spoke about the approach taken by both actors to their respective roles. “Arshad brought a certain depth and honesty to Inspector Bhagwat, while Jeetu explored a much darker space, which was very different from the characters people have come to associate him with. What made it work was the way they both understood their characters and brought them to life,” he added. Harman Baweja on Bhagwat's audience response According to Baweja, audiences responded positively to the pairing of Warsi and Jeetu, and critics also appreciated their performances. “Their pairing was received well by audiences, and it was encouraging to see their performances appreciated by both audiences and critics,” he said.

Baweja also acknowledged Jio Studios' and ZEE5's role in taking the film to audiences beyond its initial release. “With Jio Studios backing the film and its strong performance on ZEE5, it was encouraging to see the story find its audience beyond its initial release as well,” he said.

Reflecting on the film from a producer and filmmaker's perspective, Baweja said that seeing a casting decision connect with viewers was particularly satisfying. “As a filmmaker and producer, it's always satisfying when a casting choice you believe in comes together on screen and the audience connects with the vision. A year later, that's something I look back at with a lot of satisfaction,” he said.

Baweja Studios has continued to work across genres, with projects including Mrs and Haq. Its upcoming slate includes Dil Ka Darwaaza Kholo Na Darling and Jugaadu, while Captain India is currently in production.

Also Read: 30 Years of Diljale: Harman Baweja recalls asking father Harry Baweja, “What do you do as a director?”

For many viewers, Addinath M Kothare has emerged as one of the biggest surprises in Nayyi Navelli. An unexpected twist in the story has made his character and performance stand out. In an exclusive interview with Bollywood Hungama, Addinath M Kothare spoke about the response to his role, the challenges of working on the film, his experience with Yami Gautam Dhar and a lot more.

How has the response to your character in Nayyi Navelli been? It's been amazing so far. I am quite overwhelmed with the response that I am getting for my character. It's a festive family entertainer, which has been aptly released during the festive season. Hence, it's lovely to be in this space right now.

The film has a Dussehra connection. Is that why the makers decided to release it during this festive period? Absolutely. This is also why they fast-tracked the entire shoot. It was a very difficult film to make due to the VFX, fantasy elements, ensemble cast, songs, etc. Yet, it was a very well-planned and efficiently executed project. We started shooting in April, and here we are. So, it's amazing!

It's a passionately made film. The kind of detailing that has gone into it and the efforts taken by the team deserve special mention. Ravi Srivastava, who has worked on films like Slumdog Millionaire (2008) and Lion (2016), handled the production design of our film. Rishi Punjabi's cinematography is phenomenal. The whole team worked really hard. As for Aanand L Rai sir and Himanshu Sharma, they are master storytellers, as we all know (smiles).

Horror-comedy has become quite popular now, but you and your family have been pioneers in this genre. Your father, Mahesh Kothare, made the cult film Zapatlela (1993), followed by Pachhadlela (2004), on which you worked as an assistant director. You also acted in Zapatlela 2 (2013). What are your thoughts on returning to this genre?

(Laughs) Quite honestly, you can't plan or even predict these things. I feel blessed that I got a film in this genre. I am also fortunate that two of my films are releasing quite close to each other. While Nayyi Navelli is a fantasy centred around mythology, Ramayana is a historical.

How was your experience of working with Yami Gautam Dhar? It was amazing. Despite being such a big star, she is very grounded and easy to talk to. She was also extremely helpful.

When you begin working on a film, you are still searching for your character, his body language, etc. Moreover, the film is set in Meerut, and I had to work a lot on the dialect, as I was the only non-North Indian actor on the set! Thankfully, I was somewhat familiar with the accent because of the films we watch. So, it wasn't completely alien to me. Also, in Mumbai, you get to hear the UP accent quite often.

Nevertheless, I had to work a lot on the dialect and other aspects of the character. On my first or second day of the shoot, Yami, Balaji Mohan sir and I were having a conversation. Yami cracked a joke, and I laughed. As I laughed, she stared at me for a moment and said, "Adi, this is Raja!" At that point, I was still trying to find the character. I knew I was close, but her observation helped push me in the right direction.

You had to wear extensive prosthetics, and a lot of VFX was also used for your scenes. How challenging was the experience? That was the biggest challenge of the film. I was covered in prosthetics from head to toe. There were prosthetic patches on my face, including my forehead and the veins on my face and neck. From my neck to my toes, I was wearing a complete silicone prosthetic bodysuit. There were days when I had to wear it for 12 hours!

It used to take me four hours to get ready and another one-and-a-half hour to remove the prosthetics. Moreover, we were shooting in May! But the production and direction teams took great care of me. On the sets, we had these anaconda ACs. They consisted of an AC unit with huge tubes that would crawl all over the set, just like anaconda snakes. There were five such ACs in total. Whenever I wore the suit, two of those five anacondas were reserved exclusively for me (laughs)!

I remember that on the first and second days, I became so itchy that I simply couldn't bear it. Thankfully, the direction team asked me to take a break. I got out of the suit, and we began figuring out how to get rid of the itchiness and make it possible for me to wear the suit for longer durations. Slowly, through trial and error, we found a solution. Before putting on the suit, I would cover myself with Abzorb Dusting Powder. There would be a thick layer of powder, almost 2 cm, all over my body! On top of that, I would wear a sweatsuit, like the ones swimmers wear, and then the prosthetics. That made things easier, though it took us two days to figure it out.

Yet, there were challenges. One day, I was wearing the prosthetics and rehearsing with Yami. Suddenly, I noticed that the floor had become wet. I wondered, ‘Yeh paani kahan se aa raha hai?’ Then I realized that my sweat was dripping through the silicone prosthetics! Andar se mera body melt ho raha tha!

How many days did you have to shoot wearing the prosthetics? We shot for around 50 days, out of which I wore the prosthetics for 20 days. I had to perform and get the emotions right while wearing that suit. Hence, it was a physically and mentally challenging process. But the production team was well-equipped to ensure that the actors were comfortable despite these challenges. That's the only reason I could pull it off.

Also Read: Jacqueline Fernandez has a hilarious cameo in Yami Gautam Dhar’s Nayyi Navelli

Filmmaker SS Rajamouli has extended his wishes to the team of Ramayana Part 1 ahead of the film's worldwide theatrical release on November 5. The filmmaker praised director Nitesh Tiwari and producer Namit Malhotra for bringing the epic to the screen on a large scale.

Rajamouli shared his thoughts on X, describing Ramayana as a story that Indian storytellers have long aspired to bring to the screen. He wrote, "It's a joy to see @niteshtiwari22 and @malhotra_namit bring it to the screen on such a grand scale. Each actor brings these timeless characters to life with depth."

Directed by Nitesh Tiwari and co-written by Shridhar Raghavan, Ramayana Part 1 stars Ranbir Kapoor as Prince Rama, Sai Pallavi as Sita and Yash as Ravana. The film also features Sunny Deol, Ravie Dubey, Anupam Kher, Kajal Aggarwal, Rakul Preet Singh, Vivek Oberoi, Kunal Kapoor, Adinath Kothare, Arun Govil, Indira Krishnan and Lara Dutta in key roles.

#Ramayana is a story every Indian storyteller grows up aspiring to tell. It's a joy to see @niteshtiwari22 and @malhotra_namit bring it to the screen on such a grand scale. Each actor brings these timeless characters to life with depth. Looking forward to 5th November. Best wishes to the entire team. https://t.co/zRAQ54SfJm

— rajamouli ss (@ssrajamouli) October 17, 2026

Ramayana Part 1 brings together a large ensemble The film's cast includes actors from different parts of Indian cinema, with Yash making his Hindi film debut as Ravana. The project brings together several performers for a new cinematic adaptation of the epic.

The music for the film has been composed by Oscar-winning composers Hans Zimmer and AR Rahman. The makers are also planning a worldwide theatrical release, including IMAX screenings.

Ramayana Part 1, also referred to as Ramayana: Rise of a Legend, is scheduled to release in cinemas worldwide on November 5.

Also Read: Yash calls himself “Radhikapati” at Ramayana international trailer launch in Bengaluru, credits wife Radhika Pandit for her support

Amit Trivedi had a conversation with Komal Nahta in which he revealed that he had a dream run as a music composer in the initial phase of his career. However, he got a reality check while working on Ek Main Aur Ekk Tu (2012), starring Imran Khan and Kareena Kapoor Khan.

Amit Trivedi said, “For Dev D, I made 18 songs and all of them got selected. The same happened with Aamir. There was a requirement of 5 songs. I only composed 5 songs and they all got selected. This was repeated with Udaan (2010) as well. I began to assume, ‘Wow. Aise hi hota hoga. This industry is amazing’ (laughs). Then, I got a shock of my life when Karan Johar came into my life. That’s also when mainstream Bollywood came into my life.”

He explained, “I signed Shakun Batra’s film, Ek Main Aur Ekk Tu, which was produced by Karan Johar. While working on the film, I asked myself, ‘Yeh kya ho raha hai?’. It was completely contrary to my previous experiences. Until then, I had worked in 5-6 films, including a song in Karan Johar’s Wake Up Sid (2009), that is, ‘Iktara’. Woh gaana bhi one shot tha. Everything was smooth. But during Ek Main Aur Ekk Tu, mere nakshatra badal gaye! Every song got bounced. If Shakun would like it, Karan sir won’t like it, and vice versa. Aur mujhe kuch samaj mein nahin aa raha tha!”

Amit Trivedi revealed, “At that time, I felt very vulnerable and sad. I even cried. I had self-doubt. I asked myself, ‘Am I not good enough? Don’t I know how to make good music? But then how did I manage to work on so many films? Also, many of those songs were hits as well. So, I am not the problem. The problem is somewhere. But Karan sir is also vastly experienced’.”

Also Read: Kiran Rao and Saba Azad react to Imran Khan facing legal trouble over Mumbai protest; come in support of the actor

Actress-model Giorgia Andriani is set to feature in an upcoming Hindi thriller web series titled Dice. The series will see her play an Italian character and is scheduled to begin filming in November 2026.

The project will be shot across locations in Italy, including Potenza and Brindisi. The series is being produced and directed by Chandrakant Singh, with Angelo Viggino also attached as producer. Giorgia Andriani on exploring a new character For Giorgia, Dice will give her an opportunity to take on a new role while also bringing an aspect of her cultural background to the character.

Speaking about the project, Giorgia said, “I’m really excited to be a part of Dice and am eagerly looking forward to starting the shoot. It’s always exciting as an actor to explore a new character and immerse yourself in a different story.”

She added, “The fact that we will be shooting in Italy makes this experience even more special for me. I’m looking forward to being on set, working with the team and bringing this character to life.” Dice to be shot in Italy The upcoming thriller will be filmed in Italy, with Potenza and Brindisi among the locations planned for the shoot. The series will be presented in Hindi while Giorgia will portray an Italian character.

With production scheduled to begin in November, Dice adds another project to Giorgia’s acting journey as she takes on a role that connects her on-screen work with her Italian roots.

Also Read: Giorgia Andriani’s regal romance and Kiara Advani’s rose romance led this week’s best floral fashion moments

Late actor Nana Patekar’s son, Malhar Patekar, has addressed the allegations made against his father by actor Tanushree Dutta, while also dismissing reports about his parents’ relationship and family dynamics. In an interview with Hindustan Times, Malhar said the legal case related to the allegations had already concluded and questioned why the matter kept being discussed. Without naming Tanushree, he said he had nothing further to add.

“Without naming anyone, I want to say that the case people are bringing up unnecessarily is already over. Judiciary se clear hua hain, case khatam ho chuka; phir bhi bol rahe [the case is over; they still keep talking],” he said.

Malhar added, “Aise logo ko mein unko kuch nahi bolunga; joh sach hai wahi rahega, bhagwan unka bhala kare [I have nothing to say to such people. The truth will remain the truth. May God bless them], this is what I have to say to them.” What Tanushree Dutta had alleged against Nana Patekar In 2018, Tanushree Dutta accused Nana Patekar and others of sexual harassment on the sets of Horn OK Pleasss. She had alleged that an incident took place during the filming of the movie and subsequently quit the project.

The allegations resurfaced during India’s #MeToo movement, with Tanushree reiterating her claims against Nana, choreographer Ganesh Acharya and the film’s producer.

Following Nana Patekar’s death on October 8 in Goa, Tanushree shared a video on her Instagram Stories in which she referred to the late actor as an “evil dead”. She later spoke to the media about the allegations and said that she would not forget what she claimed had happened on the sets of the film.

Nana Patekar died of a heart attack in Goa after reportedly experiencing chest pain early in the morning. He was later cremated with full state honours at his farmhouse in Pune in the presence of family, friends and members of the film fraternity.

Also Read: Nana Patekar’s autopsy CONFIRMS heart attack caused by blood clot in left main coronary artery: Report

Actor Ranbir Kapoor has leased out his apartment at Trump Towers in Pune’s Kalyani Nagar for a monthly rent of Rs 4.63 lakh. According to property registration documents accessed by CRE Matrix, the three-year leave-and-licence agreement was registered on October 6, 2026.

The agreement is expected to generate approximately Rs 1.75 crore in rental income for Ranbir Kapoor over the three-year tenure. Details of Ranbir Kapoor’s Pune property lease The agreement covers an apartment located on the 10th floor of Tower A at Trump Towers in Yerwada, Pune. The property measures around 6,094 sq ft and includes three covered parking spaces.

Ruchi Goel has been named as the licensee in the agreement, while Ranbir Kapoor is represented by his power of attorney holder, Shanti Shivdas Malik.

The leave-and-licence agreement is valid from September 20, 2026, to September 19, 2029. The monthly rent will increase by 5% each year during the tenure. The rent has been fixed at Rs 4.63 lakh per month for the first year, Rs 4.86 lakh for the second year and Rs 5.11 lakh for the third year.

The agreement also includes a security deposit of Rs 27.78 lakh. Ranbir Kapoor and Rishi Kapoor bought apartments in 2015 Ranbir Kapoor and his late father, veteran actor Rishi Kapoor, had purchased apartments at Trump Towers in Pune in 2015. The properties were reportedly bought for around Rs 13 crore each. Ranbir Kapoor currently gearing up for Ramayana The development comes as Ranbir Kapoor is busy with the promotions of Ramayana, directed by Nitesh Tiwari. The film is scheduled to release in cinemas on November 5, 2026.

Recently, the international trailer of Ramayana was unveiled at a grand event in Bengaluru. Ranbir attended the event along with the film’s cast and makers.

Also Read: Ramayana International trailer shares a glimpse of Ranbir Kapoor as Lord Rama having an epic face off with Yash as Ravana

Actor Imran Khan participating in a protest organised by the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) in Mumbai has triggered a debate, with filmmaker Kiran Rao and actress Saba Azad expressing support for him on social media. Their reactions came after the actor reportedly faced legal action over his participation in the demonstration, with the issue drawing attention to his citizenship status and the restrictions applicable to foreign nationals.

Kiran Rao took to her Instagram Stories to share a news report about the action against Imran Khan. Expressing her disbelief over the development, she wrote, “Wah, now it's Mumbai police?” She went on to highlight the actor’s long association with the country, adding, “43 years old. 40 of those years in India. Studied here, worked here, succeeded here, failed here, loved here and fought here.”

Kiran, who was previously married to Imran’s uncle, Aamir Khan, drew attention to the years the actor has spent in India, emphasising his personal and professional connections to the country.

Saba Azad also reacted to the news on Instagram. The actress, who is in a relationship with Hrithik Roshan, reposted a note shared by a journalist about Imran reportedly being arrested. Expressing her disapproval of the development, she wrote, “Whattttt!!!!????? This is absolute BS (bull shit)”.

The controversy follows Imran’s participation in a CJP protest in Mumbai that called for the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar. Following the demonstration, BJP leader Kirit Somaiya lodged a police complaint, alleging that the actor’s participation violated restrictions applicable to foreign citizens.

The complaint was subsequently forwarded to the Foreigners Regional Registration Office (FRRO), which issued a notice directing Imran to leave India. The FRRO’s position is that an Overseas Citizen of India (OCI) card does not permit foreign nationals to participate in protests. The order reportedly invokes the Immigration and Foreigners Act, 2025, under which Section 7 empowers the Central Government to regulate or restrict the entry, departure, presence and movement of foreign nationals in India.

Meanwhile, several other industry voices, including Raza Murad and Ashoke Pandit, have supported the position that foreign nationals should refrain from interfering in India’s domestic matters.

As reactions continue to emerge, Kiran and Saba’s posts have added a celebrity dimension to the debate surrounding Imran Khan’s participation in the protest and the legal action that followed.

Also Read: Imran Khan to challenge FRRO’s directive asking him to leave India by Oct 28; veteran Raza Murad slams him for taking part in protest

Bigg Boss 20 contestant Qazi Touqeer recently opened up about the opportunities he received in the early years of his career, including a television offer from producer Ekta Kapoor. During a conversation with Aamrapali Dubey, the singer recalled meeting Kapoor in 2005 and explained why he eventually turned down the opportunity.

Qazi, who shot to fame after winning Fame Gurukul with Ruprekha Banerjee in 2005, said, “TV maine kabhi kiya nahin. TV ki opportunity bahot badi badi thi. Main khushkismat tha jiske liye Ekta Kapoor ji aayi 2005 mein and she narrated the story.” Qazi Touqeer recalls Ekta Kapoor’s narration Qazi went on to recall his interaction with Ekta Kapoor, saying, “Main sirf unki anguthiyan (rings) dekh raha tha. Rockstar ka pura character Ekta ji mujhe narrate kar rahi hai.”

Rather than directly telling Kapoor that he did not want to take up the project, Qazi said he communicated his decision through a woman named Anupama. He explained that he already had a film commitment and a contract in place. “Ma’am, I am already doing a film. I have a contract, it’s already signed,” Qazi recalled telling her. Qazi says media reports portrayed him negatively The singer also remembered the media coverage that followed his decision. According to Qazi, reports the next morning suggested that he had deliberately turned down Kapoor’s offer because he had a bigger opportunity. “Main subah breakfast mein dekh raha hoon, ‘Qazi ditched Ekta Kapoor. Qazi has a bigger fish to fry.’ Ye paper aisa hi hai, media aisa hi hai,” he said.

Qazi pointed out that there was no social media at the time through which he could immediately clarify his side of the story. “Us time clarification karne ke liye thodi tha hamare paas social media. Ho gaya badnaam, ban gaya arrogant” he added. Qazi Touqeer’s journey from Fame Gurukul to Bigg Boss 20 Qazi became a household name after winning Fame Gurukul alongside Ruprekha Banerjee in 2005. The reality singing competition also earned him a cash prize, a music contract and a car.

He later explored acting, including an appearance in the song ‘Afghan Jalebi’ from Phantom, and participated in the reality show Sarkaar Ki Duniya. He subsequently spent years performing live and working on other projects before returning to the spotlight as a contestant on Salman Khan-hosted Bigg Boss 20 in 2026.

Also Read: Bigg Boss 20: Prince Narula REACTS to Nakul Dhull-Gullu clash, praises Kanika Mann for calmly handling the situation

The international trailer of Ramayana: Part 1, directed by Nitesh Tiwari, was unveiled in Bengaluru on October 15, marking the beginning of Sony Pictures’ global campaign to take Namit Malhotra’s ambitious adaptation of the Indian epic to audiences across international markets. The launch was attended by Ranbir Kapoor, Sai Pallavi, Yash, Ravi Dubey, composer A. R. Rahman and director Nitesh Tiwari, among other members of the cast and crew.

Hosted by Prime Focus Studios and Yash’s Monster Mind Creations, the event offered audiences a fresh look at the film ahead of its worldwide theatrical release. The international trailer presents the story on an expansive fantasy scale, centring on the cosmic conflict between light and darkness and the battle against tyranny.

The nearly two-and-a-half-minute preview opens in a mythic era of celestial order, when men and gods are depicted as coexisting, with Kunal Kapoor appearing as Lord Indra. The narrative then shifts to the rise of Yash as Ravana, who declares, “Before me, every head will bow”, establishing the central conflict that drives the epic.

Ranbir Kapoor as Lord Rama is presented as a righteous figure confronted with an extraordinary destiny, with the character emerging as humanity’s hope against the looming threat. The trailer features Rama’s resolve in the line, “If I don’t stop him, the world will fall”. Sai Pallavi as Sita also features in glimpses that hint at the emotional dimension of the story, while the preview places considerable emphasis on large-scale battles, ancient architecture, atmospheric landscapes and visual effects by DNEG.

The film’s score, composed by Hans Zimmer and A. R. Rahman, further shapes the trailer’s expansive presentation of the epic. The preview offers a glimpse of the scale on which the makers have envisioned the story for the big screen, combining its mythological setting with large-scale fantasy elements.

Ramayana stars Ranbir Kapoor as Lord Rama, Sai Pallavi as Sita, Yash as Ravana, Sunny Deol as Hanuman and Ravi Dubey as Lakshman. Directed by Nitesh Tiwari, the two-part saga is produced by Namit Malhotra’s Prime Focus Studios in collaboration with DNEG and Yash’s Monster Mind Creations.

With Sony Pictures spearheading its international campaign and handling distribution globally outside India, the film is being positioned for audiences across markets. Dharma Productions will distribute it in the Hindi-speaking market. The film will release in IMAX and in Hindi, Tamil, Telugu, Kannada and Malayalam across India.

Ramayana: Part 1 is scheduled to release worldwide in cinemas on November 5, 2026. The second instalment is slated to arrive during Diwali 2027.

Also Read: Ramayana international trailer to be unveiled at Bengaluru event; Ranbir Kapoor, Yash, Sai Pallavi to attend

The grand Diwali release, Ramayana, is three weeks away from release, and the excitement is steadily building up with each passing day. It's going to have the biggest release for an Indian film ever globally and the makers have been steadily working towards it. In a significant development, the censor process in the United States of America has been completed.

The Motion Picture Association has passed Ramayana with a PG-13 rating. This rating is similar to U/A in India and means that some material maybe inappropriate for children below the age of 13.

As per the Motion Picture Association website, Ramayana was awarded the said rating due to 'sequences of strong violence and action, and some bloody images'.

The other major development is that Ramayana has been passed internationally with a runtime of more than 3 hours. As per the website of IMAX, the duration of the film is 3 hours and 15 minutes. However, as per trade sources, the English version of Ramayana is expected to be shorter, at around 2 hours and 45 minutes. A clearer picture on this front will emerge in a few days.

Ramayana is Ranbir Kapoor's immediate release after Animal (2023). Incidentally, it is also the second film of his career, after Animal, to have a duration of more than 3 hours.

Also Read: Ramayana: Anupam Kher lends his voice to Jatayu as makers unveil new poster titled ‘The Wings of Dharma’

Salman Khan offered fans a heartwarming glimpse into his bond with his father, veteran screenwriter Salim Khan, through a new Instagram post featuring the father-son duo in a playful mood. The Bollywood superstar, who has often expressed his affection and admiration for his family, shared a series of candid photographs with his father, accompanying them with a quirky caption that blended humour, affection and a reflection on life.

In the pictures, Salman and Salim Khan are seen twinning in classic cowboy hats as they strike playful poses together. The photographs capture a relaxed moment between the two, with the superstar appearing to enjoy some light-hearted time with his father. Salman’s caption, meanwhile, added his characteristic mix of wit and emotion to the post.

Sharing the pictures, Salman wrote, “Howdy partner hee haw at 91 at 1 having one, baap baap hota hai, he is the real monster, hum sab ke baap mein hai dum Vande Mataram. Ek aur din nahi hota ek aur din kam hota hai, u guys get it? God’s been kind ..”

The post quickly attracted attention from fans and members of the entertainment industry, with several celebrities taking to the comments section to express their affection for the father-son duo. Bipasha Basu, Sophie Choudry, Arjun Bijlani, Maniesh Paul, Shilpa Shirodkar, filmmaker Apoorva Lakhia and singer Harshdeep Kaur were among those who reacted to the photographs, adding heart emojis and messages celebrating their camaraderie.

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Salim Khan, one of Hindi cinema’s most influential screenwriters, is best known for his celebrated partnership with Javed Akhtar. Together, the duo, popularly known as Salim-Javed, helped shape some of the most memorable films in Indian cinema, including Sholay, Deewaar and Zanjeer. Their work played a significant role in establishing the angry young man archetype that became synonymous with Amitabh Bachchan’s screen persona.

While Salman continues to share glimpses of his personal life with fans, the actor also has several projects lined up for the big screen. He is set to headline Maatrubhumi, a patriotic drama in which he will reportedly portray a decorated war hero. The film also marks his first on-screen collaboration with Chitrangda Singh.

Meanwhile, Salman’s reported collaboration with filmmaker Vamshi Paidipally has generated considerable interest. The upcoming action entertainer, reportedly titled Monster, is expected to feature Nayanthara alongside the superstar. With audiences awaiting further announcements about the project, Salman’s latest family post offers a charming reminder of the personal side of the actor beyond his larger-than-life screen presence.

Also Read: Koffee With Karan 9: Salman Khan takes a dig at Karan Johar over Shah Rukh Khan feud; says, “You were scared of me because of Shah Rukh Khan”

Salman Khan made a dashing entry on Koffee With Karan Season 9, bringing his trademark humour and decades-long camaraderie with host Karan Johar to the couch. However, what began as a playful exchange soon took an interesting turn when the superstar brought up his highly publicised fallout with Shah Rukh Khan, leaving the filmmaker at the centre of a conversation about one of Bollywood’s most talked-about feuds.

During their conversation, Karan Johar admitted that Salman had always made him nervous, saying, “No one gets me more stressed, nervous, and hyper than you. I don't know why, it hasn't changed.” Salman was quick to respond with a teasing question: “Is it because of you or is it because of somebody else?” The remark appeared to allude to Shah Rukh Khan, with whom Salman shared a close friendship before their relationship reportedly soured in 2008.

The fallout between Salman and Shah Rukh became one of the biggest talking points in Bollywood at the time. The two superstars, who had shared a warm equation through the 1990s and appeared together in films, reportedly had a disagreement at a birthday party hosted by Katrina Kaif in 2008. The incident was widely discussed in the media, with reports linking the rift to tensions surrounding Salman’s personal life and his relationship with Aishwarya Rai Bachchan. However, the precise circumstances behind their disagreement have remained a subject of public discussion over the years.

Karan Johar’s presence at the party also became part of the conversation, given his close friendship with Shah Rukh and Gauri Khan. Against that backdrop, Salman’s playful interrogation of the filmmaker on the Koffee With Karan couch carried an added layer of significance.

Putting the matter into perspective, Salman told Karan, “Right now you should not be stressed because everything is all good. It's been good for the longest time,” referring to the now-repaired equation between him and Shah Rukh. The two actors famously appeared to put their differences behind them when they reunited at politician Baba Siddique’s Iftaar party in 2013, after years of speculation surrounding their relationship. Salman, however, was not done teasing the filmmaker. He added, “At one point of time, it was not good. So, I could have understood that you were scared of me because of not you, because of Shah Rukh.”

Karan chose not to prolong the discussion, but Salman’s candid remarks brought the spotlight back to a chapter in Bollywood history that continues to intrigue fans. With the two superstars having since maintained a cordial relationship and supported each other’s film appearances, the exchange offered a reminder of how far their equation has evolved since the highly publicised fallout.

Also Read: Salman Khan REACTS as Karan Johar revisits ‘Are You Still A Virgin?’ moment in Koffee With Karan Season 9 promo: “Control yaar, Brother”

A physical altercation between Kushal Tanwar, popularly known as Gullu, and Nakul Dhull has sparked a fresh controversy inside the Bigg Boss 20 house. Following the confrontation, Gullu’s team has accused Nakul of entering the Salman Khan-hosted reality show with an intention to pick a fight with him and has questioned how details of the incident allegedly surfaced before it took place.

Tuesday’s episode appeared to hint at some history of conflict between the two contestants. During the confrontation, Nakul was heard threatening Gullu, saying, “Gurgaon mein aa ke marunga, jab bole tab.” Gullu responded by calling him out, saying, “Story kaa badmash hai tu.”

Nakul then referred to an alleged earlier incident involving Gullu, saying, “Goa bhaga tha na tu. Mere gaon ke ladke aaye the na, Goa bhag gaya tha tu.” As the argument escalated, Mahhi Vij intervened and remarked, “Ye firak mein hai do din se maarne ki.”

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Gullu’s team questions how fight was allegedly leaked beforehand

Following the altercation, Gullu’s team addressed the incident through his social media channel. The team questioned why someone with alleged unresolved issues with Gullu was allowed to enter the reality show. “This is so unfair. How are people like this even allowed to enter the house in the first place, and for what reason?” the team wrote.

Gullu’s team further alleged that Nakul had entered the house “with a plan to fight with Gullu” and questioned whether the confrontation was pre-planned. The team also raised questions about reports surrounding the altercation allegedly emerging on Saturday, a day before the fight reportedly took place on Sunday.

“Physical altercation between him and Gullu was leaked on Saturday when the actual fight happened on Sunday. How could such specific information about an incident be out a day before it even happened? Because, at that point, the incident hadn’t even taken place in real time,” the team stated. Team demands action against Nakul Dhull Gullu’s team also condemned what it described as unnecessary physical violence and an alleged breach of personal boundaries inside the Bigg Boss 20 house.

“Secondly, unnecessary physical violence and crossing someone’s personal boundaries are absolutely unacceptable. Bigg Boss is a show, not a place where people should be allowed to threaten or physically attack others,” the team said.

Maintaining that Gullu had entered the reality show to participate in the competition rather than be targeted, his team called for action against Nakul. It referred to Nakul as a “goon” and concluded its statement with a demand for his eviction.

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Also Read: Bigg Boss 20: ScoutOp’s friend questions Salman Khan’s criticism; accuses makers of targeting him

Anupam Kher and Boman Irani’s Khosla Ka Ghosla 2 has received a new theatrical release date. The sequel, originally scheduled for release on August 28, 2026, will now hit cinemas on March 5, 2027.

The makers announced the revised date on social media with a new poster. Sharing the update, they wrote, “Deal Pakki! The Khoslas are ready to take possession of cinemas with #KhoslaKaGhosla2, arriving on the big screen on 5th March 2027!”

The announcement confirms a delay of several months for the sequel, which brings back characters from the much-loved 2006 comedy Khosla Ka Ghosla. The original film, directed by Dibakar Banerjee, revolved around a middle-class Delhi family caught up in a property dispute.

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Anupam Kher and Boman Irani return to the franchise

Khosla Ka Ghosla 2 is directed by Prashant Bhagia and sees Anupam Kher and Boman Irani reprise their respective roles as Kamal Kishore Khosla and property dealer Kishan Khurana.

The returning cast also includes Ranvir Shorey, Parvin Dabas, Tara Sharma and Kiran Juneja. The sequel further features Ravi Kishan, Divya Khossla, Harsh Chhaya, Tanya Maniktala and Danish Iqbal, among others.

The makers have not revealed the full storyline yet. However, the sequel is expected to revisit the themes that defined the original film, including middle-class aspirations, property disputes and the schemes that emerge when the Khosla family finds itself dealing with another challenge.

Backed by T-Series Films and Tandav Films, the film is produced by Bhushan Kumar, Krishan Kumar, Savita Raj Hiremath and Raaj Hiremath. Khosla Ka Ghosla 2 is now scheduled to release in theatres on March 5, 2027.

Also Read: Anupam Kher REACTS after Khosla Ka Ghosla 2 reel crosses 150 million views: “A big highlight of our lives”

Singer Sona Mohapatra has questioned Congress leader Rahul Gandhi over his remarks on democracy and the BJP-led government, asking him to focus on governance in Himachal Pradesh before speaking about “repairing democracy”.

Taking to X, Sona said she was shocked by the condition of the state after returning to Himachal Pradesh following nine years. She claimed that she saw garbage-strewn hills and rivers affected by pollution, and urged the Congress to make the state an example of good governance.

“Dear @RahulGandhi, before repairing democracy, could you start by repairing Himachal Pradesh? I returned after 9 years and was shocked by garbage-strewn hills and choking rivers. Make this Congress-governed state a model of governance. Earn the people’s mandate, don’t just demand it,” she wrote. Sona Mohapatra responds to Rahul Gandhi's remarks Sona's post came after Rahul Gandhi commented on the Chief Election Commissioner and the BJP-led government. In a Hindi post on X, the Congress leader said that the departure of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar and the current government would pave the way for changes in the country's democratic system.

While responding to those remarks, Sona shifted the focus to Himachal Pradesh, which is governed by the Congress. Her comments centred on civic conditions and governance in the state, based on what she said she observed during her return after several years.

Dear @RahulGandhi, before repairing democracy, could you start by repairing Himachal Pradesh?I returned after 9 years & was shocked by garbage-strewn hills and choking rivers. Make this Congress-governed state a model of governance.Earn the people’s mandate,don’t just demand it🙏🏾 — Sona Mohapatra (@sonamohapatra) October 13, 2026

The singer also called on the Congress to demonstrate its governance record in Himachal Pradesh, rather than only seeking electoral support at the national level.

Also Read: Sona Mohapatra calls out lack of female-centric heartbreak songs in Bollywood; recalls being “flabbergasted” by ‘Zaalima’

In July, Bollywood Hungama was the first to inform readers that Imtiaz Ali and Mahaveer Jain were planning to introduce fresh faces as the female lead in their upcoming friendship comedy, Side Heroes. We have now learned that the makers have zeroed in on playback sensation Heer for one of the female leads in the film.

A source told Bollywood Hungama, “Heer is not just a talented singer but also a promising performer. She gave an impressive audition, and the makers felt that she would be perfect for the part. Interestingly, her character in the film is also a singer. Hence, casting a real-life playback singer would lend authenticity to the character.”

The source further revealed, “The makers are in advanced discussions with Heer and are expected to make an official announcement about her casting soon.”

About Heer

Heer has lent her voice to several notable songs in recent times. In Aamir Khan's production Batwara 1947, she sang 'Tabassum' alongside Sonu Nigam and 'Chal Anjaane'. Both songs were composed by A R Rahman, who also composed the music for Ram Charan-starrer Peddi. In this Pan-India film, Heer lent her voice to the song 'Hellallallo'.

Her other recent songs include 'Roop Di Rani' from Pati Patni Aur Woh Do, alongside Guru Randhawa, and 'Chhaap Tilak' from Ginny Wedss Sunny 2. Both songs were composed by Tanishk Bagchi.

About Side Heroes

Side Heroes is a hilarious friendship-reunion film with a touch of nostalgia, set in the heartland of India. Besides Heer, ot stars Varun Sharma, Abhishek Banerjee and Aparshakti Khurana. It is produced by Imtiaz Ali, Mahaveer Jain, Mrighdeep Singh Lamba and Shikha K Ahluwalia, written by Siddarth Sen (director of Good Luck Jerry) and Pankaj Matta, and directed by Ssanjay Tripaathy.

In September, Bollywood Hungama exclusively reported that Side Heroes would be among the rare Hindi films to be shot entirely in Bihar. The film is scheduled to release on Friendship Day 2027.

Also Read: Imtiaz Ali reveals how Subhash Ghai SAVED Socha Na Tha: “He bought the film at a price higher than its actual value”; admits Showman was once FURIOUS with him: “He signed me for a film, but I backed out”

Radhikka Madan has opened up about the pressure she faced to meet conventional beauty standards, recalling how she was told she was “too fat” to become a heroine after gaining weight for a film. The actress also spoke about the consequences of trying to meet those expectations, revealing that her efforts to lose weight eventually began affecting her health.

Recalling her transformation for Pataakha, Radhikka shared that she had gained 15 kilograms for the film and subsequently began losing the weight while working on Shiddat and Angrezi Medium. During this period, she faced comments about her appearance that pushed her to continue losing weight.

“I had gained 15 kgs for Pataakha, and I was losing that weight through Shiddat and Angrezi Medium. I was told that I was 'too fat. Heroine kaise banegi ye'. I kept losing weight and shooting back-to-back and fully became like bones. It started affecting my health, so I took a break,” she said.

The actress explained that the criticism continued even after her appearance changed, making her question why she was trying to satisfy other people’s expectations. She eventually decided to prioritise feeling healthy instead of chasing a particular body size. “Earlier, I was too fat, now I was too thin, and in between, I was neither here nor there. I asked myself why am I trying to please people when they will never be happy? So, I started focusing on feeling healthy rather than chasing a particular body size. Once you do that, others' opinions don't affect you as you become wiser. You don't know what insecurity they are coming from. But I have that security of knowing that now, I am chasing health,” she added.

Radhikka also reflected on how societal conditioning shapes perceptions of the so-called perfect woman, particularly for young girls who grow up seeing a narrow representation of beauty in magazines. She went on to share, “Us time pe aisa hota nahi hai (didn’t have money at that time) because we have this manicured idea and this burden, especially on girls, about how to look and what's a perfect size. And if you aren't fitting in that, you are going wrong. That conditioning comes from childhood as you see such women only on magazine covers. We have to realise that the idea of a perfect woman is fed to us.”

Looking back at her school years, the actress recalled having a unibrow and being very hairy but credited her positive upbringing with helping her develop self-confidence early on. She stated, “In school, I even had a unibrow and was really hairy, but because my parenting was quite positive, I was hyped so much that I felt people don't realise but I am beautiful.”

Radhikka was last seen alongside Ali Fazal in Lust Stories 3, which is currently streaming on Netflix.

Also Read: Radhikka Madan, Vijay Varma open up on intimate scenes leaking online: “You have to keep in mind that a leak is always a possibility”