Indus Chronicles

Aamir Khan is reportedly set to join hands with Sidharth Malhotra and Tiger Shroff for the much-awaited Race Reboot. The upcoming project is said to be a fresh take on the popular action thriller franchise, which originally featured Saif Ali Khan in the first two instalments before Salman Khan took the lead in the third film.

The Race franchise has developed a cult following over the years, with the first two films starring Saif Ali Khan becoming popular for their high-octane action, twists and turns, and ensemble cast. Race 3, which arrived later with Salman Khan in the lead, took the series in a different direction.

Now, the reboot is reportedly being planned with an entirely new star cast. While Sidharth Malhotra’s name has been associated with the project for some time, Tiger Shroff has also recently been linked to the film. According to current reports, Aamir Khan is the latest major name to be added to the much-anticipated project. A source was quoted telling Pinkvilla, “Aamir has liked the script and is very involved in the writing process. He is working closely with the writers to develop the material further. He feels that the reboot can bring a completely new flavour to the Race franchise”

The source further revealed that the upcoming film is being envisioned as a thriller unlike anything previously attempted in India, with the makers looking to introduce a fresh perspective to the franchise. “It’s a thriller unlike anything done before in India. The idea is to take the franchise into a new space and create something that feels fresh for the audience. A strong ensemble will come on board the film, and the casting will be announced at the right time,” the source added.

Aamir Khan is reportedly taking an active interest in the development of the project and is said to be ensuring that the script reaches the desired level before making a final commitment. In a concluding statement, the source reportedly stated, “Aamir is very excited to embark on this journey of Race. He is taking his time to make sure the script reaches the level he wants before he commits fully. The idea is to make Race Reboot a big-screen thriller with a strong ensemble and a completely fresh flavour.”

Race Reboot is said to be directed by Vijay Krishna Acharya, who has previously collaborated with Aamir Khan on two action thrillers — Dhoom 3 and Thugs of Hindostan. If Aamir comes on board, the project will mark their third collaboration in the action-thriller space.

Meanwhile, Ramesh Taurani of Tips Films has reportedly already begun pre-production on the film. With Sidharth Malhotra, Tiger Shroff and potentially Aamir Khan forming part of the ensemble, Race Reboot is shaping up to be one of the more anticipated projects in the action thriller space.

Also Read: Ramesh Taurani clarifies Akshaye Khanna won’t return for Race 4: “The work on the script is on”

Akshay Oberoi impressed the audience with his short but impactful performance in Yash-starrer Toxic. In an exclusive interview with Bollywood Hungama, the talented and dashing actor spoke about his experience of working on the film a lot more.

Toxic is your biggest film to date. What are your thoughts now that it has finally released in cinemas? You said it yourself. It’s the biggest film I have done. It has opened me up to an audience that didn’t know me. There’s a chunk of cinemagoing audience in the South that are probably discovering my work for the first time. Across the country, the film probably must be playing in around 12,000-13,000 screens. Also, the box office number on the day of release has been astronomical. Some films do such numbers in their lifetime and they are called successful. Hence, it’s been very cool to be a part of that experience. It was also lovely to be on the promotional tour. I am grateful to Boss (Yash) and Geetu Mohandas that they even invited me to come, celebrate and promote the film across the country. It was super-fun (smiles).

Before Toxic, Geetu Mohandas had made small-budget films like Liar's Dice (2013) and Moothon (2019). Did you ever imagine that Toxic was going to be a big-scale production when it was offered to you? Well, we are all plugged into the business. Hence, I knew that Geetu Mohandas was doing a film with Boss. Once I found out that the film being offered to me is directed by her, I knew what the film was. Udti-udti khabarein suni thi maine ki aisi koi film ban rahi hai. As a result, I knew the scale of the film a day before she was going to call to offer me the film. In my mind, it was already a yes. It was not like main baat karunga aur fir main sochunga. I was sure I’ll give my nod for the project.

At the Toxic trailer launch in Bengaluru, you revealed that you were told to mouth a dialogue from The Godfather (1972) as part of your audition… Yes. She saw my film Fighter (2024), after which she got in touch with me. It's all thanks to her 13-year-old daughter, by the way! Geetu’s meeting had got cancelled and she was free. Her daughter insisted that she wanted to see Fighter. She agreed. She saw me in Fighter, liked my performance and sourced my number.

She told casting director Yash Nagarkoti that ‘I know how he acts in Hindi, but I want to see how he acts in English’. Hence, I was asked to send an audio of me speaking an English dialogue. I agreed and asked Yash Nagarkoti which scene I should perform. He told me to mouth a dialogue of Moe Greene’s character from The Godfather.

However, instead of simply sending an audio clip, I wore a suit, did my hair, performed the entire scene on camera and sent it to her. She told me she hadn’t expected that. I replied, ‘I was getting a chance to act in front of you. I wasn’t going to miss that opportunity. Audio bhej ke kya karta main? If I had a chance to make you watch me act, I thought I should put it on tape and do it in the best way possible.’

That’s how I bagged the part. It’s the film where I probably learned the most, including about the business of cinema. There were so many big stars and hence, it was a complete learning graph.

Was your death scene the most difficult one? Yes. Having said that, I don’t ever view acting like a difficult thing. It’s a joy. Getting a scene like that was so much fun. Of course, I am crying and screaming in that sequence. But I never find acting a burden and I am not like, ‘Oh, I have to do such a scene aur isliye main 4 ghante soch raha hoon’. I go with the flow and be in the moment. I work a lot on the character, like who the guy is, what he is after, where he has come from etc. I also make sure that I know my lines very, very well. Then, you surrender to the moment. You have fun.

Similarly, after completing that day’s shoot, I didn’t go home thinking, ‘Oh, what a difficult day. Thank God, it’s over.’ Instead, I was sad because the best scene I had in the film, the one where I got to do the most acting, was over!

Were you shocked reading the twist in the climax of Toxic when the film was offered to you? No, as we were only narrated until where we were in the film. Nobody knew the rest of the script! As time went on and because I got close to Geetu and Boss, I was able to roughly figure things out.

You addressed Yash as ‘Boss’. Since when are you doing that and how did it start? It’s a title given to him by his ardent fans who know him since the beginning of his career. Later on, he got the tag of ‘Rocking Star Yash’. However, the ‘Boss’ title predates the ‘Rocking Star Yash’ tag. And the title is apt because he is a boss. Everyone on the set and the people working for his production house, Monster Mind Creations, also call him Boss as he’s such a leader. Toh woh dil se cheez nikalti hai. I just can’t call him ‘Yash sir’, it has to be ‘Boss’.

Seeing him exposed me to so many things about my own career. I realized I am running behind big producers and directors. I guess doing so is important as well. But this man has believed in himself and invested in himself. Of course, he’s an actor par excellence, but he has learned every department of filmmaking – from lighting and editing to screenplay, distribution, production design and practically every other aspect of the craft. He’s curating his own content and carving his own path. He’s not waiting for anybody. The problem of an actor is that we wait for that one phone call that would change our lives.

Hence, when I saw him, I realized that there’s a whole different way of achieving your dream. This is the reason people like Yash are called path-breakers. When I saw that, it made me realize that mere andar yeh cheez nahin thi. But now I have imbibed the quality from him and you’ll see me implementing it big time in the next few years. I don’t know exactly when, but I know how. For that reason, I have to call him ‘Boss’. I have given him that place in my mind and heart as he’s that for me.

Also Read: Akshay Oberoi says he feels “fortunate” to join Geetu Mohandas’ female-led cast in Toxic

Ajay Devgn is set to return as one of his most memorable characters, Vijay Salgaonkar, with the much-awaited Drishyam The Conclusion. The third instalment of the Hindi crime thriller franchise is scheduled to release theatrically on October 2, 2026, promising to take forward the gripping story of Vijay and his family.

The makers recently dropped a poster confirming the release date with a powerful statement that captures Vijay’s central motivation: “Sahi ya galat, jo bhi ho... main apni family ke liye kisi bhi hadh tak ja sakta hoon (Whether it is right or wrong, whatever it is…. I can go to any extent for my family).” The announcement once again puts the spotlight on Vijay Salgaonkar, a man willing to cross every line to protect his loved ones.

Presented by Star Studio18, Drishyam The Conclusion is a Panorama Studios production directed by Abhishek Pathak. The screenplay and writing credits include Abhishek Pathak, Aamil Keeyan Khan and Parveez Shaikh. The film is produced by Alok Jain, Ajit Andhare, Kumar Mangat Pathak and Abhishek Pathak.

The Drishyam franchise has established a strong following among audiences with its combination of crime, suspense, family drama and psychological tension. The Hindi films, starring Ajay Devgn as Vijay Salgaonkar, are adaptations of the Malayalam franchise led by Mohanlal. Over the years, the Hindi series has developed a cult following, particularly for its layered storytelling and Vijay’s elaborate attempts to protect his family.

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Set against the backdrop of Goa, Drishyam The Conclusion will once again revolve around Vijay Salgaonkar but this time it will be focusing more on the emotional aftermath of the events surrounding a murder. Having spent years attempting to stay ahead of the police and protect his family, Vijay now faces another chapter in a story that has continued to haunt him.

With Ajay Devgn reprising the role, the third chapter is expected to further explore Vijay’s battle between protecting his family and confronting the emotional consequences of his actions. The title Drishyam The Conclusion also signals that the upcoming film could bring the long-running story of the Salgaonkar family to its decisive chapter.

Drishyam The Conclusion is slated to release in cinemas on October 2, 2026.

Also Read: Drishyam The Conclusion director Abhishek Pathak says story continues from where Drishyam 2 ended

Taapsee Pannu, Kanika Dhillon and Guneet Monga Kapoor attended a session organized by WIF India and Kathha Pictures on women driving Indian cinema and the rise of female-led collaborations. Taapsee stunned the audience as she spoke about her experience on a film early in her career.

Taapsee Pannu said, “We actresses are always called a few hours earlier, not just to the location, but even on set. So, the actress reaches first. Once the assistant sees that the heroine has arrived, that’s when the hero is called. Of course, we never get the same hotel rooms or cars either, courtesy our gender.”

She then revealed, “I shot an introduction sequence for a film and I really liked it. In fact, one of the reasons I said yes to the film was that entry scene because, at that point, that’s what I knew – aise teen-chaar scene hone chahiye, bahut hai aapke liye as a heroine! Suddenly, they changed the sequence. The hero was given equal footing and a more substantial part in it. It was a very expensive and fancy sequence, and he felt that he also wanted to be a part of it.”

Taapsee continued, “The hero filmed it and then I went to the director and said, ‘This is not supposed to be like this, right? At least you could have told me that you had changed it, forget asking me.’ He replied, ‘I did not know that I had to tell you!’ It was a harsh reality check.”

Taapsee Pannu shared another shocking incident film, “In one scene, there was a tight close-up of mine in which I tell the hero, ‘Go to hell’. But the director told me in the dubbing theatre that I should not say, ‘Go to hell’! He advised me to change it to ‘whatever’ or something on those lines. I explained to him, ‘It’s a tight close-up. It’s going to show’. But he kept giving me very lame reasons. I asked him what the problem was. I was not using a cuss word, after all. I kept arguing and he also probably got tired. Finally, he told me that the hero had told me to not say, ‘Go to hell’!”

Taapsee added, “But I made it clear and said, ‘I will not change the dialogue. You can mute it. I’ll prefer that. But I’ll not dub it wrongly’.” At this point, there was applause at the venue.

However, the actress asked the attendees to hold on as the story was far from over, prompting laughter at the venue. Taapsee Pannu further said, “Let me tell you what happened after that! The film came out and I specifically went to see it for that scene to see what they had done. They hired a dubbing artist and made sure that they dubbed what the hero told them to dub! The remaining film is in my voice. But that one dialogue was dubbed.”

The host asked if this happened recently on some film. Taapsee Pannu smiled and replied, “It was way back. Recently aisa mere saath karke toh dikhao!”

Also Read: Netflix unveils Gandhari Trailer starring Taapsee Pannu as a mother on a mission

Kareena Kapoor is set to explore a different side of her with Meghna Gulzar’s upcoming film Daayra. Ahead of the trailer release on August 31, Meghna has spoken about Kareena’s performance, describing it as an “entirely unseen facet” of the actor.

Daayra brings Kareena together with Malayalam actor Prithviraj Sukumaran. The two portray police officers who have contrasting approaches to their profession, justice and the situations they encounter. Their opposing personalities form a key part of the film’s narrative.

Sharing her thoughts on Kareena’s role, Meghna wrote in an Instagram note, “Daayra unveils an entirely unseen facet of the actor that is Kareena Kapoor. Kareena as Ajooni, is stoic, unreadable. She cracks open situations and people with a smile.”

Meghna also described how Prithviraj’s character Raman complements Ajooni. She wrote, “Prithviraj Sukumaran as Raman, is the hinge to Kareena's Ajooni. Seething with a caged rage. And almost never smiles. The two are the Ying and Yang of Daayra. And that's just one of the many dualities that Daayra navigates.”

The filmmaker said bringing together Kareena, who represents Hindi cinema, and Prithviraj, known for his work in Malayalam cinema, was a significant casting opportunity for her. “As a casting opportunity, it was a dream come true for me. To get two prolific actors from the Hindi and Malayalam film industry to face each other off,” she wrote.

Meghna Gulzar Explores the Grey Areas in Daayra

Inspired by several true events from different parts of India, Daayra does not focus on a single location. Instead, the film explores circumstances that can unfold across the country.

Meghna has previously explored morally complex situations in films such as Talvar, Raazi, Chhapaak and Sam Bahadur. She said her interest in such stories comes from her understanding that life cannot always be divided into simple categories.

“As a student of Sociology, I learned that our life and our society is not binary. It's not just black and white. There is a spectrum of grey that we exist in. In my journey as a filmmaker — through Talvar, Raazi, Chhapaak and Sam Bahadur, I have cherished exploring that very grey - within characters and within the world they, and we live in.”

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She added that Daayra takes this exploration a step further. “Daayra for me, not only explores that grey... It invades it... it attempts to dismantle it.”

At the heart of the story are Ajooni and Raman, two law enforcement officers who often find themselves on opposite sides of challenging situations. Meghna described Ajooni as “fiercely righteous” and Raman as “righteously fierce”.

“In it, the main protagonists — Kareena Kapoor Khan and Prithviraj Sukumaran are both officers of law enforcement; and yet, they often find themselves on opposite sides of a delicate line. Kareena's Ajooni is fiercely righteous. Prithviraj as Raman is righteously fierce.”

Daayra trailer is scheduled to release on August 31, giving audiences their first detailed glimpse at the central conflict and the performances. Directed by Meghna Gulzar, the film is co-written by her along with Yash Keswani and Sima Agarwal.

Backed by Junglee Pictures and Dr Jayantilal Gada’s Pen Studios, Daayra will be distributed by Pen Marudhar. The film is slated to arrive in theatres on September 18.

 Also Read : Meghna Gulzar cast nearly 90 theatre actors for Daayra; even one-scene roles underwent rigorous auditions

The box office can be highly unpredictable, as was recently demonstrated by the Chinese film Niu Lai. The animated venture released on August 5 and initially struggled to find an audience. But 10 days later, something extraordinary happened. Word spread on social media in China about its low-quality animation and unintentionally hilarious moments. As a result, from August 15, audiences began thronging cinemas, largely to laugh at the film’s absurd goings-on with their friends. Numerous videos have since gone viral showing moviegoers having a gala time, laughing out loud and even hooting at some of the film’s bizarre scenes.

In no time, Niu Lai entered the FOMO zone, with audiences feeling an increasing urgency to experience the film for themselves. As curiosity grew, the number of shows increased and so did its box office collections. At the same time, the film earned a degree of admiration after viewers learnt that it had been painstakingly made over five years by a mother-son duo, who were reportedly the only crew members. Another aspect that struck a chord was their decision not to use AI to enhance or fine-tune the animation. Ironically, several social media users later uploaded AI-enhanced versions of scenes to show how much better the animation could have looked. Yet, that only seemed to strengthen the appreciation for Niu Lai: despite its visibly low-quality animation, audiences respected the sheer human effort behind it, especially at a time when AI-generated art has become increasingly commonplace.

Clip from Movie Niulai. https://t.co/Y5jsAGpfV3 pic.twitter.com/0EbEfEFi3D — Record GBA (@RecordGBA) August 16, 2026

Nevertheless, one can safely say that 10% of the audience appreciated Niu Lai and even watched it on the big screen for these reasons. But largely, audiences entered the multiplex to laugh over the film’s content and animation.

Even Bollywood has produced films that were in the so-bad-that-its-so-good category. A few examples of such films are Gunda (1998), Jaani Dushman (2001), Deshdrohi (2008) etc. However, all these three films bombed at the box office. They found a life later on YouTube and then social media turned them into something else.

$1,000 TO $850,000 IN DAYS A Chinese animated movie went viral because people mocked how bad it looked - then paid to see it themselves.

It made just ~$1,000 in its first 10 days. Now it has passed ~$850,000.

- Made by a mother and son over 5 years - Meanwhile, The Odyssey has… https://t.co/XioapgadPu pic.twitter.com/ZZruBeubrm

— BuBBliK (@k1rallik) August 16, 2026

In other words, they came at a time when social media was non-existent. Niu Lai would have also sank without a trace had it been released in the 2000s. But it had a major advantage that it arrived at a time when social media is thriving. It is thanks to TikTok and other apps that netizens learned about the film and its substandard quality. It's on social media that these videos went viral and thus reached millions of people. In turn, it made viewers curious to check it out.

As a result, we believe that even Gunda, Jaani Dushman and Deshdrohi might have had a far more positive box office outcome had they been released in 2026. Gunda arrived in cinemas in 1998 and was largely dismissed as just another low-grade Mithun Chakraborty film of the kind he frequently did in that era. However, around 7-8 years later, it was rediscovered by a younger audience, who were amused by its bizarre characters, many of whom spoke in rhymes loaded with double entendres. Mithun Chakraborty, meanwhile, plays a coolie who, for some inexplicable reason, is seen at an airport rather than a railway station. One of the film’s most iconic scenes has Mithun taking cover behind a bicycle during a shootout, a hilariously futile attempt at protecting himself from bullets!

Jaani Dushman: Ek Anokhi Kahani, meanwhile, had huge names like Sunny Deol, Akshay Kumar, Suniel Shetty, Manisha Koirala, Aftab Shivdasani, Rambha, Sharad Kapoor etc. and it marked the debut of singh Sonu Nigam. Armaan Kohli was re-launched with this film, which was made by his father, Rajkumar Kohli. The film is a revenge drama of a snake-woman and is special effects heavy. However, the script and execution were poor and a few scenes, especially revolving around molestation, have received lot of criticism in today's times.

But the goings-on in the film are absolutely absurd. Moreover, to see reputed actors working in such a film adds to the amusement. The film also stars Rajat Bedi, whose dialogue ‘Sabki izzat karenge toh lootenge kiski’ has achieved iconic status in the world of memes.

Finally, Deshdrohi is written and produced by Kamaal Rashid Khan and he also stars in the lead. It stars respected names like Gracy Singh, Aman Verma, Hrishitaa Bhatt, Kader Khan, Mukesh Tiwari, Yashpal Sharma, Raza Murad etc. The execution is very poor, while the performance of the lead actor got a lot of ridicule. Bhojpuri star turned MP, Manoj Tiwari, has a supporting role and one of his scenes have become cult.

These films got a new lease of life only after they bombed in cinemas. Had they been released in today’s social media era, that might not have been the case. Much like Niu Lai, users on Instagram and X (formerly Twitter) would likely have uploaded clips of some of their most outrageous and unintentionally funny sequences. These videos could have gone viral, making audiences curious enough to experience the films on the big screen.

In no time, social media might have been flooded with videos of viewers laughing and hooting when Mukesh Rishi in Gunda says, ‘Mera naam hai Bulla, rakhta hoon khullaaaaaa’, or when Kamaal Rashid Khan in Deshdrohi mouths the now-iconic line, ‘Arre kaunsa shooter? Kaisa shooter? Yeh toh apna dost Shekhar hai’, followed by his unintentionally comic reaction after being shot by his best friend. Several scenes from Jaani Dushman would likely have triggered similar reactions inside theatres.

Had Gunda, Jaani Dushman or Deshdrohi released in today’s peak social media era, it is not impossible to imagine them crossing the Rs. 100 crore mark and even emerging among the biggest hits of the year. Of course, the success would have come for all the wrong reasons. But as Niu Lai has shown, in the age of memes, virality and FOMO, even ridicule can translate into serious box office numbers.

Jackie Shroff is set to appear in The Great Grand Superhero, a family entertainer that explores the special relationship between children and their grandparents. The film had its world digital premiere on KidZ on ZEE5 on August 21, 2026, bringing a heartwarming story to young viewers and families.

In the film, Jackie Shroff plays a grandfather who becomes a superhero in the eyes of the children around him. The role allowed the actor to explore the emotional bond between grandparents and grandchildren while portraying a character who fulfils a child’s dream of seeing his grandfather as a real-life superhero.

Speaking about what attracted him to the film and his character with Filmfare, Shroff said, “Every child thinks of their father or grandfather as a superhero. To be able to portray that kind of warmth on screen gave me a very beautiful, soulful feeling. Being surrounded by so many children and playing their grandfather, while fulfilling their dream of seeing him as a superhero, felt really special. I don't think there can be anything greater than seeing a child have a dream and then watching that dream come true. That feeling was very special to me.”

The film also arrives at a time when audiences continue to look for stories that offer warmth and positivity. For Shroff, films that focus on family, hope and simple emotions can have a meaningful impact, especially during difficult times.

Explaining why such stories matter, the actor compared positivity in challenging circumstances to the importance of a lamp in darkness. He said, “In darkness, even a small lamp feels like a source of light. If you light a lamp in bright sunlight, its importance isn't really felt. But when there is darkness and you cannot see anything, even a small light becomes very valuable. I think that's what films like The Great Grand Superhero can do. When there is darkness around us, even a little bit of light, warmth and positivity can make a big difference.”

Also Read : Manish Saini on why Jackie Shroff was the perfect fit for The Great Grand Superhero; says, “He is like a child himself”

Everlite, the lightweight jewellery brand from Senco Gold & Diamonds, has appointed actor Wamiqa Gabbi as its first-ever national brand ambassador. The association marks a new phase in the brand’s growth as it looks to expand its retail footprint across India and strengthen its connection with younger, fashion-conscious consumers.

Everlite currently has a presence across six states and eight cities, with 17 stores across the country. The appointment of Gabbi is part of the brand’s wider expansion strategy, which focuses on building its identity and increasing awareness around lightweight jewellery as an option for everyday styling.

Gabbi’s contemporary fashion sense and individual style align with Everlite’s focus on younger consumers, particularly millennials and Gen Z. Her association with the brand comes as lightweight jewellery continues to gain relevance among consumers looking for pieces that can easily transition between different occasions.

Speaking about the partnership, Wamiqa Gabbi said, "I've always been drawn to jewellery that I can actually live in, pieces I can put on in the morning and forget I'm wearing, but that still make a look feel considered. That is what I love about Everlite. The designs have the detail and beauty of fine jewellery, but they feel incredibly easy and natural to wear. Whether I'm dressing up for an evening out or keeping it simple during the day, I like jewellery that moves with me rather than dictates the look. That sense of freedom is something I really connect with, and it's what makes being part of Everlite feel so natural," said Wamiqa Gabbi.

Joita Sen, Whole-Time Director & Head of Marketing and Design, Senco Gold & Diamonds, also spoke about the association. "Wamiqa represents the way jewellery is evolving today, more personal, more versatile and more effortless. She has a very distinct sense of style and the confidence to make every look her own, which makes her a natural fit for Everlite. She embodies the modern Everlite woman, someone who wants jewellery to be part of her everyday wardrobe, rather than something reserved only for special occasions. We are delighted to have her represent the brand as we take the lightweight jewellery conversation to a new generation."

Everlite offers jewellery in 9K, 14K and 18K gold, along with diamond pieces across earrings, rings, pendants, bracelets, bangles and more. The brand operates compact and strategically located stores, including transit-led outlets, to improve accessibility.

Backed by Senco Gold & Diamonds, which operates more than 198 showrooms across 17 states in India and two international showrooms in Dubai, Everlite aims to further expand its presence while catering to changing preferences around everyday jewellery.

Also Read : Rajkummar Rao and Wamiqa Gabbi starrer Prahaar – The Untold Story of Ujjwal Nikam to release on October 16

Kriti Sanon has found support from her sister Nupur Sanon after a recent GIVA jewellery advertisement featuring the actor sparked a debate on social media over traditional dressing and the idea of an ‘appropriate’ outfit for family occasions. The campaign, which features Kriti in a bralette-style blouse paired with a cape and a draped skirt, has drawn mixed reactions from netizens, particularly in the context of Rakshabandhan celebrations.

Now, Nupur has joined the conversation, extending her support to Kriti. Taking to her Instagram Stories, she questioned why another woman’s clothing choice should become a matter of concern for others. “Imagine being this bothered by what another woman chooses to wear. Respectfully EVOLVE!” Nupur wrote. She further added, “I'm the one she ties the rakhi to, and if I don't have a problem, why do you?”

Responding to the criticism, Kriti previously shared her perspective on the festival and the importance of its emotions and traditions over clothing choices. “The essence of festivals is not in the clothes you wear, it is in the emotions and meaning you hold for the traditions. Rakshabandhan is a bond of protection. My sister and I tie rakhi to each other. We know we can protect each other no less than a brother would have. We pray for each other's health, happiness & long life,” she said.

The debate also saw Kangana Ranaut express her disapproval of the commercial. While she did not name Kriti or GIVA directly, Kangana appeared to take aim at the styling of the advertisement and questioned the choice of outfit in the context of Rakshabandhan. “Why would you tie your brother a rakhi in your bikini/undergarments?” she wrote, while also describing the commercial as ‘creepy’ and questioning the styling choices featured in it.

The contrasting reactions have since added another layer to the ongoing social media discussion around fashion, traditional occasions and individual choice. While Kriti has emphasised the emotional significance of Rakshabandhan, Nupur has defended her sister’s freedom to choose what she wears. Meanwhile, Kangana’s comments have further fuelled the conversation surrounding the campaign.

Also Read: Kriti Sanon hits back at outfit criticism over Raksha Bandhan Ad: “When will we stop telling women what to wear?”

For 40 days, The Odyssey had a historic performance at the 34 IMAX cinemas of India. The film performed strongly even in the normal theatres but in IMAX, the earnings were rock-solid even after the film entered its sixth week. Sadly, this unbelievable run will now come to a halt, thanks to the release of Toxic, starring Yash, on August 26.

A source told Bollywood Hungama, “Toxic is carrying tremendous buzz and moreover, it is an IMAX release. Hence, its distributors asked for all the IMAX shows. However, the performance of The Odyssey is at another level. Even after so many days and weeks, several shows across the country are going house-full. In fact, on Tuesday, August 25, the last day of the film in IMAX, the shows were running with huge occupancy. Of course, the discounted rates played a part. But when viewers are turning up in such large numbers on the 40th day, it is a feat.”

The source continued, “This proves that there’s a lot of gas left in the tank. Warner Bros, which distributed The Odyssey, asked for just one show in IMAX, considering the continued demand, from August 26. Sadly, the demand was not accepted as the distributors of Toxic were clear that they wanted all shows in IMAX.”

The silver lining is that the IMAX screen at Broadway Cinemas in Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu, has proved to be an exception. From August 26, it will continue to play two shows of The Odyssey, at 11:30 am and 11:00 pm. Toxic, meanwhile, will be showcased at 7:40 am, 3:10 pm and 7:05 pm.

The Odyssey box office performance in India

The Odyssey has collected around Rs. 184.23 crores in 40 days in India. Interestingly, its collections from IMAX alone stand at nearly Rs. 90-91 crores. In other words, nearly 50% of the film’s India collections have come from the IMAX format.

Out of its 40-day run so far, The Odyssey collected more than Rs. 1 crore on as many as 33 days. On August 25, the last day of its full-fledged IMAX run, the film collected Rs. 71 lakhs from IMAX alone, while its collections across all formats stood at around Rs. 83 lakhs. The occupancy across IMAX screens on August 25 was an impressive 43%.

An industry insider commented, “Had The Odyssey been allowed even one show on each IMAX screen, it had the potential to cross the Rs. 100 crore mark from IMAX alone. It would have been a record difficult to beat for years to come.”

The insider also revealed, “Maybe, after a week or two, The Odyssey may make a comeback in IMAX. In that case, it still has a shot at earning Rs. 100 crores. At the same time, once a film goes out of IMAX, there is always a risk of its momentum getting broken.”

The 40-day collections of The Odyssey

Week 1 - Rs. 85.65 cr

Week 2 - Rs. 45.67 cr

Week 3 - Rs. 24.15 cr

Week 4 - Rs. 15.65 cr

Week 5 - Rs. 7.74 cr

Week 6 [5 days] - Rs. 5.39 cr

The 40-day collections of The Odyssey in the IMAX format

Week 1 - Rs. 27.97 cr

Week 2 - Rs. 22.45 cr

Week 3 - Rs. 16.10 cr

Week 4 - Rs. 12.11 cr

Week 5 - Rs. 6.53 cr

Week 6 [5 days] - Rs. 5.11 cr

Nimrit Kaur Ahluwalia has opened up about a recent injury she suffered during a workout session. The actor reportedly injured herself while performing a deadlift and was subsequently required to take complete bed rest. Sharing an update on social media, Nimrit spoke about the experience and emphasised the need to prioritise recovery while training.

For Nimrit, who maintains an active fitness routine, the injury has meant temporarily stepping away from her regular workouts. However, the actor said she is viewing the break as an opportunity to allow her body to recover rather than treating it as a setback. She said, “This has honestly been one of the most painful experiences for me, and it has made me realise once again that no matter how strong or experienced you think you are, you can never take your body or a workout movement lightly. I injured myself while doing a deadlift, and it was serious enough that I had to take complete bed rest. For someone who loves being active and enjoys training, being forced to pause is not easy, but I have realised that sometimes you have to stop, rest and allow your body to recover. I don’t mind pausing right now because I know I am preparing myself for the battle that comes ahead. I will bounce back, but I also want to bounce back the right way.”

Nimrit also used the experience to underline the importance of paying attention to physical fatigue, sleep and nutrition while exercising. She urged those who train regularly to give recovery the same importance as their workouts. “I would genuinely urge everyone to be mindful whilst training & listening to your body. If your body feels fatigued, if you are under slept, if your nutrition isn’t proper; take active measures to fix it. Recovery is as important as training. And we often miss out on balancing between the two. I have had to acknowledge & learn this the hard way, you shouldn’t have to,” Nimrit added.

The actor is currently focusing on rest and recuperation as she works towards returning to her fitness routine. Rather than rushing her comeback, Nimrit has indicated that she intends to give herself the time required to recover properly.

Her latest update also highlights a more measured approach to fitness, with the actor acknowledging that pushing physical limits needs to be balanced with adequate rest and recovery. For now, Nimrit Kaur Ahluwalia is taking a pause before preparing to resume her training and other professional commitments.

Also Read: Nimrit Kaur Ahluwalia recalls shooting Ab Hoga Hisaab in Punjab: “It truly felt like a homecoming”

Harshvardhan Rane has been enjoying a renewed wave of popularity following the success and continued love for Sanam Teri Kasam, while Ek Deewane Ki Deewaniyat further strengthened his image among audiences as a romantic leading man. However, the actor is now keen to explore a different side of his screen persona with upcoming projects such as Force 3, co-starring John Abraham, and Ram Gopal Varma’s Police Company.

In the latter, Harshvardhan is expected to portray Daya Nayak, the real-life cop known for his career in the Mumbai Police. Speaking to News18 about his choice of projects, the actor made it clear that he does not want to be confined to one particular genre. “I don’t want to be stereotyped as just a romantic hero. I’m doing Force 3 and Police Company where I get to do action,” he said.

Harshvardhan, who has previously spoken about being a fan of Ram Gopal Varma, has also opened up about his experience of working with the filmmaker. When asked about RGV’s reputation as a taskmaster, the actor said that his own experience has been quite different. “I didn’t feel so. I’ve been shooting with him for over a week now. He has been very nice to me. So, if someone asks me if he’s a taskmaster, I won’t be able to relate to that word. Let me put it this way… If you love geniuses, you won’t consider sir a taskmaster,” Harshvardan shared.

The actor went on to explain why he is drawn to Ram Gopal Varma’s unconventional approach to filmmaking and the creative freedom that comes with it. “If you’re sitting with a real artist, you aren’t supposed to have a structure. You’ve to be okay with a free-flowing work environment. I’m okay with such people. I love such people. I feel such a pull towards his creative juices. He’s someone who follows great grammar and then unfollows it immediately. I love that kind of creative pull and push. I love tension, I love undercurrents,” he added.

Addressing RGV’s often-discussed social media presence, Harshvardhan continued, “I’m not on Twitter. Luckily, I haven’t been exposed to that side of sir even though I often hear people talk about it. All I can say is that I love what sir thinks about the grammar of filmmaking. I’ll always keep that in my heart. I can’t write a book on it. It can’t be defined.”

With Force 3 also promising to be a feast for action lovers along with Police Company, Harshvardhan Rane appears ready to step away from being labelled solely as a romantic hero and explore more action-driven characters.

Also Read: SCOOP: Police Company shoot halted for 2 hours on Day 1 after FWICE intervention over RGV’s pending dues

Fans have been eagerly awaiting updates on Brahmastra 2 ever since Brahmastra Part One: Shiva arrived in theatres in 2022. Directed by Ayan Mukerji, the first installment featured Ranbir Kapoor and Alia Bhatt in the lead, alongside Amitabh Bachchan, Shah Rukh Khan, Nagarjuna and Mouni Roy in pivotal roles. The film introduced audiences to the Astraverse and ended with several questions surrounding the characters and the larger story.

Speculation about the sequel has continued, particularly following the post-credit sequence of the first film. The scene appeared to tease Deepika Padukone’s character, although her face was blurred. She was shown holding a child, prompting several theories about how her character could fit into the next chapter. Deepika was subsequently expected to play a significant role in Brahmastra 2.

Amid the continued buzz around the much-awaited sequel, we hear that actress Aneet Padda has also been approached for a role in the film. The actress, who gained wider attention following Saiyaara last year, has emerged as one of the young actors attracting interest in the industry.

Aneet is currently working on Shakti Shalini. According to sources, she has been approached for a crucial role opposite Ranbir Kapoor in Brahmastra 2. However, discussions are still underway and her casting has not been officially confirmed.

A source tells us, “Aneet has been approached for an important role in Brahmastra 2. The conversations are currently underway, but nothing has been finalised yet. It is a very different space from what audiences have seen her do so far, which makes the possibility of her joining the franchise interesting.”

If Aneet eventually comes on board, her inclusion could bring another new dimension to the ensemble of Brahmastra 2. Her potential pairing with Ranbir would also mark an interesting addition to the franchise.

Meanwhile, there is also a development concerning Deepika Padukone. According to the latest information, Deepika’s team has denied reports of her involvement in the sequel and stated that the actress is not a part of Brahmastra 2. This adds another layer of uncertainty around the film’s casting as fans continue to wait for official announcements.

Also Read : Ahaan Panday and Aneet Padda reflect on the first anniversary of Saiyaara: “We never knew Saiyaara would reach so many people”

Anupam Kher recently met Kannada star Yash and shared glimpses of their meeting on social media. Kher also penned a heartfelt note appreciating Yash’s journey in Indian cinema, particularly his work in KGF: Chapter 1 and KGF: Chapter 2. He praised not only Yash’s performance as Rocky but also his personality and approach towards cinema and life.

Sharing pictures with Yash, Kher wrote, “MEETING YASH WAS A TOTAL JOY! It was a great joy to meet the phenomenon called Yash! I have loved his journey in KGF: Chapter 1 and KGF: Chapter 2. He didn't just play Rocky! He gave the character a soul, a swagger and an unforgettable place in Indian cinema.”

Kher further said that his interaction with Yash gave him an opportunity to see a different side of the actor. Beyond his strong screen presence, he found Yash to be grounded and thoughtful. Recalling their conversation at a studio, Kher wrote, “Behind that powerful screen presence, I discovered a warm, grounded and thoughtful human being. We met at a studio and spoke about cinema, life, parents, families, dreams and the journeys that shape us,”

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The veteran actor also spoke about how interactions with younger performers continue to motivate him. He said, “Whenever I meet talented younger actors who are passionate and hungry to create something extraordinary, I feel energised. Their fire inspires me to work harder, explore deeper and give my very best. Perhaps that is the beauty of cinema!”

Kher noted that while actors may belong to different generations, their aspirations can still be similar. “We may belong to different generations, but our dreams speak the same language,” he said.

He also wished Yash success for his upcoming film Toxic, writing, “My dearest Yash, may your forthcoming film #Toxic create its own magic and receive tremendous love and success. Keep inspiring, keep conquering. Lots of love and good luck, my friend!”

Toxic is a gangster action drama directed by Geetu Mohandas. The film features Yash alongside Nayanthara, Kiara Advani, Huma Qureshi, Tara Sutaria and Rukmini Vasanth.

Also Read : Anupam Kher opens up on over 40 years of his acting legacy; says, “I want people to remember that he was a good human being”

After Singham Again (2024), blockbuster filmmaker Rohit Shetty began working on a gritty action entertainer based on the life of decorated police officer Rakesh Maria. In January this year, Bollywood Hungama was the first one to reveal that the film has been titled Maria IPS. Now we bring to you another interesting piece of information about this film.

A source told Bollywood Hungama, “John Abraham will be seen in a never-before-seen avatar in the film. Maria IPS spans nearly 40 years in the life of Rakesh Maria, tracing his journey from his 20s to his 60s. For the portions featuring Maria in his 20s and 30s, John bulked up and put on muscle to look the part. For the scenes where the character is in his late 50s and 60s, the actor underwent another physical transformation, losing weight to sport a leaner and fitter look.”

The source further said, “John Abraham has never undergone this kind of physical transformation for a film before. Audiences will get to see him across different stages of Rakesh Maria’s life, and his transformation is sure to take them by surprise.”

The shoot of Maria IPS began in July 2025, with the first schedule taking place at Ellora Studios near Mumbai, where a police station set was erected. During the two-week schedule, John Abraham and Rohit Shetty filmed several dramatic police station scenes and high-intensity interrogation sequences.

In February, we reported that portions of Maria IPS were also shot at various Western Railway premises. Vineet Abhishek, Chief Public Relations Officer, Western Railway (WR), exclusively told Bollywood Hungama, “John Abraham shot at the WR Headquarters in Churchgate, Lower Parel railway station and Mumbai Central railway station for Maria IPS.”

Also Read: SCOOP: John Abraham reunites with The Diplomat director Shivam Nair for two-hero action thriller

Filmmaker Rajkumar Santoshi has spoken about his shelved film based on the Battle of Saragarhi and alleged that Karan Johar and Akshay Kumar’s Kesari affected the prospects of his project. Santoshi claimed that his film, which featured Randeep Hooda in the lead, was already being made when Kesari was announced and eventually released on the same historical subject.

Talking about his vision for the project, Santoshi said he wanted to make an authentic and realistic film. “We wanted to make an honest and real film. We had an audition, real Sardars. The people who had not touched the blood had auditioned them. We had them ready. We had a shoot in the 20 days, in Ganga Nagar, in Rajasthan.”

Santoshi also praised Randeep Hooda for his dedication to the role and his transformation for the film. He said, “Randeep Hooda is a great actor, a great man. He had completely become a Sardar after growing a beard.”

The filmmaker then addressed the making of Kesari, which starred Akshay Kumar and was produced by Karan Johar. Santoshi said he felt the makers should have approached him before making a film on the same subject, especially since his project was already in production.

He said, “In the industry, they have made Kesari. Karan Johar and Akshay Kumar made it. At least, they should have asked us. The industry is one family.”

Santoshi further claimed that the release of Kesari affected his film’s prospects with OTT and satellite platforms. According to him, people from these platforms who had been discussing his project backed out because they preferred to work with a major producer and a major star.

He explained, “When they made Kesari, the OTT and satellite and digital people, whom we were talking to, backed out. Because Akshay Kumar is a very big star and Karan Johar is a very big producer. They knew that they would make a film quickly and release it, so our business would not work.”

Santoshi alleged that this eventually left his project stuck despite having already completed 20 days of shooting. “So, my picture, it got stuck. After 20 days of shooting, the picture was shut down,” he said.

His remarks shed light on the challenges faced by filmmakers when two projects based on the same historical event are developed simultaneously, particularly when one involves a major Bollywood star and a leading production house.

Also Read: EXCLUSIVE: Sunny Deol and Rajkumar Santoshi set to reunite after Batwara 1947, exploring Ghatak sequel

Aditya Seal and his wife, actor Anushka Ranjan, have stepped into parenthood with double the joy. The couple has welcomed twin baby girls and shared the news with their fans on social media. Along with announcing the arrival of their daughters, Anushka and Aditya also revealed their names, making the occasion even more special for their followers.

The twins were born on August 23, 2026. The couple introduced their daughters as Vira Ranjan Seal and Mahi Ranjan Seal through an adorable announcement card featuring illustrations of two little girls. Aditya also shared a heartfelt note on Instagram, expressing his happiness and gratitude as the family begins this new chapter. "My sunshines are here to brighten our lives. Our hearts are full of love and gratitude. Vira ♾️ Mahi #TeamGirl."

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The couple had announced Anushka’s pregnancy earlier this year through a series of maternity photographs. In May 2026, Anushka spoke to HT City about sharing the news and explained why they had waited before making the announcement. She said, “We are a little late in sharing the news as the baby is set to arrive in September. We wanted to give ourselves some time, hence the delay. Also, it has been an overwhelming moment for us to share the news with all. I was more nervous than ever, even announcing my wedding was easier than this, but now I am at peace and relaxed, as people’s response and the way our friends reacted is so emotional for us.”

Anushka and Aditya first met on June 26, 2017, at an event organized by Anushka’s NGO, Beti. Their friendship eventually developed into a relationship, and after dating for a few years, the couple got married in Mumbai in November 2021. Nearly five years into their marriage, they have now welcomed their twin daughters, Vira and Mahi.

Aditya Seal and his wife, actor Anushka Ranjan, have stepped into parenthood with double the joy. The couple has welcomed twin baby girls and shared the news with their fans on social media. Along with announcing the arrival of their daughters, Anushka and Aditya also revealed their names, making the occasion even more special for their followers.

The twins were born on August 23, 2026. The couple introduced their daughters as Vira Ranjan Seal and Mahi Ranjan Seal through an adorable announcement card featuring illustrations of two little girls. Aditya also shared a heartfelt note on Instagram, expressing his happiness and gratitude as the family begins this new chapter. "My sunshines are here to brighten our lives. Our hearts are full of love and gratitude. Vira ♾️ Mahi #TeamGirl."

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  A post shared by Aditya Seal (@adityaseal)

The couple had announced Anushka’s pregnancy earlier this year through a series of maternity photographs. In May 2026, Anushka spoke to HT City about sharing the news and explained why they had waited before making the announcement. She said, “We are a little late in sharing the news as the baby is set to arrive in September. We wanted to give ourselves some time, hence the delay. Also, it has been an overwhelming moment for us to share the news with all. I was more nervous than ever, even announcing my wedding was easier than this, but now I am at peace and relaxed, as people’s response and the way our friends reacted is so emotional for us.”

Anushka and Aditya first met on June 26, 2017, at an event organized by Anushka’s NGO, Beti. Their friendship eventually developed into a relationship, and after dating for a few years, the couple got married in Mumbai in November 2021. Nearly five years into their marriage, they have now welcomed their twin daughters, Vira and Mahi.

Arijit Singh’s decision to step away from film playback singing has been one of the biggest developments of 2026. In a conversation with Komal Nahta, Shaan opened up about Arijit’s decision and revealed that he, too, had once contemplated quitting playback singing.

When asked about the decision of Arijit Singh, Shaan said, “It's not like he's hung his boots. He's singing and I think he's doing a lot of playback (singing). Aisi baat nahin hai.”

Why did he quit singing then? Shaan thought for a few seconds and then replied, “Only he can answer that question (laughs). However, he has recorded many songs that are yet to be released. So, in the next two years, you'll get to hear a lot of Arijit Singh.”

He also added, “You never know, he can change his mind. Pathar ki lakeer pe thodi kisi ne likh diya hai.”

Shaan then confessed that even he went through a similar dilemma, “I was about 33-34. It was a time when I had sung all kinds of songs. I had also won 2-3 big awards. Also, I am quite inclined towards social work. Ab aaye hai toh society ke liye kuch karna chahiye. However, because of my work, I didn't have time for it. And I used to feel that you are just rolling from one thing to another.”

Shaan continued, “Arijit at least did selective work. He reached the peak quickly and then he would work only for the top songs. As for me, I used to leave my house in the morning and I used to sing for all kinds of films – A-grade, B-grade and C-grade! My contemporaries like K K and Sonu Nigam used to tell me, 'Don't sing all kinds of songs. Keep your standard, bro'. But my point was that koi pyaar se bulata tha toh main naa kaise karoon? Moreover, my father (Manas Mukherjee) was also from this industry. So, his colleagues and the children of those colleagues used to request me to do playback singing. Turning them down was difficult. So, I would do those songs. I got a lot of blessings from them.”

He then stated, “When I used to return home, my wife would ask, 'Sunao aaj kya gaaya?'. I would say, 'Yaad nahin aa raha hai'. Usko shaque hone lagta tha! So that was the time when I would wonder what I was doing.”

Also Read: Shaan reveals wife Radhika told him to NEVER act again: "Give it to me in writing; you're a very bad actor… dal roti ke vaande ho jaayenge"

The teaser of Gunmaaster G9, starring Emraan Hashmi, Genelia Deshmukh and Aparshakti Khurana, is set to premiere theatrically ahead of the screening of Toxic: A Fairy Tale for Grown-ups, offering audiences an early glimpse of the much-awaited action-romance.

While Gunmaaster G9 is slated for a worldwide theatrical release on November 27, 2026, the makers are kickstarting the film’s promotional campaign well in advance with a dedicated theatrical teaser premiere.

Rather than being attached to the print of Toxic, the teaser will be screened separately ahead of the film, giving Gunmaaster G9 a distinct theatrical showcase. With Toxic expected to draw substantial audiences, the move is poised to give the teaser an expansive reach while creating early curiosity around Emraan Hashmi’s next.

The film also marks a notable creative reunion. Soham Rockstar Entertainment and Deepak Mukut bring together Emraan Hashmi, Himesh Reshammiya and director Aditya Datt once again, following their collaboration on the 2005 musical blockbuster. Mukut is also reuniting with Himesh Reshammiya following the success of Sanam Teri Kasam.

Positioned as an action-romance, Gunmaaster G9 arrives at an interesting juncture in Emraan Hashmi’s career, following the strong response to Awarapan 2. The announcement of its release date had already generated considerable interest among the actor’s fans, and the theatrical unveiling of the teaser is expected to build further momentum around the film.

Starring Emraan Hashmi, Genelia Deshmukh, Aparshakti Khurana and introducing Abhishek Singh, Gunmaaster G9 is produced by Deepak Mukut, Hunar Mukut and Sangeeta Ahir and presented by Soham Rockstar Entertainment Pvt. Ltd. Directed by Aditya Datt, the film is slated for a worldwide theatrical release on November 27, 2026.

Gunmaaster G9 is a SRE Studio LLP production.

Also Read: Gunmaaster G9 director Aditya Datt reveals Aparshakti Khurana was his first choice to play the villain; says, “He has never played an out-and-out commercial and crazy-ass villain”