Indus Chronicles

Actor Kartik Aaryan has added the Mercedes-Benz V-Class to his growing collection of premium vehicles, bringing a new level of comfort-focused practicality to a garage that already includes several performance-oriented and luxury models.

Interestingly, film producer Boney Kapoor also recently brought home the same luxury MPV, highlighting its rising popularity among film industry personalities who prefer spacious, chauffeur-driven vehicles for daily travel.

Kartik Aaryan’s existing car collection already reflects a strong preference for high-performance and premium vehicles. Among these is the McLaren GT, known for its speed and touring capability, the Lamborghini Urus, along with the Range Rover, BMW 5 Series and Mini Cooper.

With the addition of the Mercedes-Benz V-Class, the actor’s garage now includes a vehicle designed primarily for comfort, space and convenience. The move brings balance to his collection by complementing performance-focused machines with a practical luxury people mover suited for everyday city movement and professional commitments. Why the Mercedes-Benz V-Class is a celebrity favourite The Mercedes-Benz V-Class is widely known for its spacious cabin layout and executive-style seating configuration, especially suited for those who prefer chauffeur-driven travel. The six-seater arrangement with captain seats, ambient lighting and advanced suspension enhances long-distance comfort and privacy.

In India, the luxury MPV is typically priced between Rs 1.4 crore and Rs 1.7 crore, depending on the variant and features.

Speaking of the professional front, Kartik has an exciting line-up with multiple films in his pipeline, including NaagZilla and an untitled Anurag Basu directorial musical.

Also Read: Boney Kapoor adds Mercedes-Benz V-Class worth up to Rs 1.7 crore to his garage

2 years ago, Manisha Koirala made her grand debut in the OTT space with Heeramandi. She was seen as Mallikajaan in the Sanjay Leela Bhansali-directed Netflix original, and it earned her numerous accolades. The period grand show will complete 2 years on May 1 this year. A few months before the anniversary, the veteran, talented actress began working on her next film, titled Raazdar.

A source told Bollywood Hungama, “Manisha Koirala’s stint in Heeramandi was quite loved and she was flooded with offers. However, the actress was clear that she wanted to only take up author-backed roles and work with like-minded people. She was in advanced talks for a film featuring a young actor, but it didn’t materialize; the film was also shelved later. Meanwhile, Raazdar came her way and it ticked all the boxes for her. That’s how she signed the film.”

According to Box Office Worldwide, Raazdar went on the floors earlier this year. The film's team completed a 25-day shooting schedule in Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh and then shot in Mumbai for 10 days. The article further mentioned that the film stars Arbaaz Khan and Bhuvan Arora of Farzi fame. Arbaaz is also producing the film under his banner, Arbaaz Khan Production.

In an interview with Hindustan Times, Bhuvan Arora confirmed that he shot for Raazdar. The actor is soon going to be a father and while speaking about it, he revealed, “I was working with Arbaaz Khan (in Raazdar), and he also guided me on how to make it easier for the mother, which is the top priority.”

Interestingly, this is not the first time that Manisha Koirala and Arbaaz Khan will share screen space. They were earlier seen in the historical epic Taj Mahal: An Eternal Love Story (2005). In this film, while Arbaaz essayed the role of Aurangzeb, Manisha was seen as Aurangzeb’s sister Jahan Ara.

Raazdar is the seventh film to be produced under Arbaaz Khan Production. The other films made by this banner are Dabangg (2010), Dabangg 2 (2012), Dolly Ki Doli (2015), Dabangg 3 (2019), Patna Shuklla (2024) and Bandaa Singh Chaudhary (2024). Arbaaz also served as the executive producer on the Prime Video documentary, Angry Young Men (2025).

Also Read: “You sculpt feelings”: Manisha Koirala pens heartfelt tribute to Sanjay Leela Bhansali on his birthday

Film producer Boney Kapoor has expanded his garage with the addition of a premium new vehicle, the Mercedes-Benz V-Class, a model widely known for its emphasis on comfort, space and chauffeur-driven luxury. The acquisition reflects a growing preference among film personalities for high-end multi-purpose vehicles designed to double as mobile work and relaxation spaces.

A luxury MPV designed for comfort and privacy The Mercedes-Benz V-Class is often described as a private lounge on wheels because of its spacious cabin layout and executive-focused interiors. It is especially popular among celebrities and business leaders who rely on chauffeur-driven travel and require both comfort and discretion during commutes.

In India, the vehicle is available in multiple variants, with prices typically ranging between Rs 1.4 crore and Rs 1.7 crore depending on specifications and customization options. Premium interiors with executive seating One of the defining highlights of the V-Class is its six-seater configuration featuring captain seats in the rear. These seats are designed for long-distance comfort and provide a business-class style travel experience.

The vehicle also includes ambient lighting, advanced suspension tuned for smoother rides and a high-end infotainment system that enhances in-car convenience. Together, these features position the V-Class as a preferred choice for buyers seeking a balance between practicality and luxury. A growing celebrity favourite in Bollywood The Mercedes-Benz V-Class has steadily become a common presence in celebrity garages due to its generous cabin space and privacy-focused layout. For film industry professionals who often travel between studios, meetings and events across the city, the vehicle offers both functionality and prestige.

With this addition, Boney Kapoor joins a long list of prominent personalities who have opted for luxury MPVs as part of their everyday travel setup.

Also Read: Jisshu Sengupta, Karishma Tanna starrer Mom 2 goes on floors at Yamuna Expressway Film City; Boney Kapoor shares details

A few days ago, Bollywood Hungama exclusively informed readers that a revised print of Dhurandhar The Revenge has been sent to cinemas since last weekend. The earlier print of the Ranveer Singh-Sanjay Dutt-R Madhavan-Arjun Rampal starrer had a minor blunder – the cameraman’s reflection was visible in the mirror in a crucial scene in the second half featuring Hamza aka Jaskirat Singh Rangi (Ranveer Singh) amd Gurbaaz Singh aka Pinda (Udaybir Sandhu). This blunder was rectified in the revised print. Bollywood Hungama has now learned that the makers have made one more change as well.

A source told Bollywood Hungama, “In the earlier version, some abuses were muted but many of them were left untouched. In the new print, more cuss words have been censored. The dialogue where (Sanjay Dutt) says ‘L***d c******a kya’ in the Operation Lyari sequence has been muted, though the gesture made by the actor while mouthing the dialogue remains. The abuse, ‘B******a’, said by Rakesh Bedi while getting his pedicure done, and by a character in the ‘Aari Aari’ song sequence was also silenced. A few more abuses have been similarly muted in other parts of the film. Words like ‘B****a’ and ‘G***u’ were kept untouched.”

Before the release of Dhurandhar The Revenge, Bollywood Hungama had exclusively reported that among the 21 modifications listed by the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC), abusive words were asked to be muted and some abuses were asked to be replaced. No details were provided in the cut list about these cuss words. At another point, a non-abusive word was replaced. In two places, a word was muted while a name was replaced, possibly with a fictional name.

Dhurandhar The Revenge is written and directed by Aditya Dhar and produced by Jyoti Deshpande of Jio Studios and Aditya Dhar and Lokesh Dhar of B62 Studios.

Also Read: Ranveer Singh shot Dhurandhar The Revenge climax in 48°C heat, reveals makeup artist: “Containers were literally burning”

The Chetak Screen Awards 2026 honoured some of the most notable achievements in Indian cinema this year, with Dhurandhar emerging as the biggest winner of the night by taking home 14 trophies across major categories. While Dhurandhar dominated the technical and performance honours, Homebound secured the top prize for Best Film, marking a balanced spread of recognition across the industry’s biggest titles.

Here is the complete winners' list from the ceremony. Major award winners Best Film Homebound

Best Actor (Female) Yami Gautam Dhar – Haq

Best Actor (Male) Ranveer Singh – Dhurandhar

Best Director Aditya Dhar – Dhurandhar

Best Actor in a Supporting Role (Female) Shalini Vatsa – Homebound

Best Actor in a Supporting Role (Male) Akshaye Khanna – Dhurandhar Technical category winners Best Action Aejaz Gulab, Sea Young Oh, Yannick Ben, Ramazan Bulut – Dhurandhar

Best Background Score Shashwat Sachdev – Dhurandhar

Best Choreography Vijay Ganguly – ‘Shararat’ (Dhurandhar)

Best Cinematography Vikash Nowlakha – Dhurandhar

Best Costume Sheetal Iqbal Sharma – Chhaava Smriti Chauhan – Dhurandhar

Best Dialogue Aditya Dhar – Dhurandhar

Best Editing Shivkumar V. Panicker – Dhurandhar

Best Hairstyling and Make-Up Preetisheel Singh D'Souza – Dhurandhar

Best Production Design Saini S. Johray – Dhurandhar

Best Sound Design Bishwadeep Chatterjee – Dhurandhar

Best Special Effects Envision VFX, Philm CGI, Resonance Digital, Dhruti Ranjan Sahoo, Vishal Tyagi, Raza Mohammed Shaikh – Dhurandhar Writing and special recognition Best Film for Gender Sensitivity Haq – Vineet Jain, Vishal Gurnani, Harman Baweja, Juhi Parekh Mehta, Amrita Pandey, Suparn S Varma, Rowena Baweja, Sandeep Singh

Best Film Writing (Story and Screenplay) Basharat Peer, Neeraj Ghaywan, Sumit Roy – Homebound Music category winners Best Song “Title Track” – ‘Saiyaara’ (Tanishk Bagchi, Faheem Abdullah, Arslan Nizami)

Best Lyrics Ul Julool Ishq – Gulzar

Best Playback Singer (Male) Faheem Abdullah – ‘Saiyaara Title Track’

Best Playback Singer (Female) Shreya Ghoshal – ‘Saiyaara Title Track’ Breakthrough winners Breakthrough Debut Director Shazia Iqbal – Dhadak 2

Breakthrough New Actor (Female) Aneet Padda – Saiyaara

Breakthrough New Actor (Male) Ahaan Panday – Saiyaara OTT category winners 📺 Best OTT Film Stolen – Gaurav Dhingra

Best Actor (Female) – OTT Film Sanya Malhotra – Mrs.

Best Actor (Male) – OTT Film Abhishek Banerjee – Stolen

Best Director – OTT Film Karan Tejpal – Stolen

Best Script – OTT Film Karan Tejpal, Gaurav Dhingra, Swapnil Salkar – Stolen

With 14 awards across acting, direction, and multiple technical categories, Dhurandhar emerged as the night’s biggest winner, while Homebound, Saiyaara, and Stolen also secured major honours across theatrical and streaming segments

Also Read: Chetak Screen Awards nominations announced: Dhurandhar leads with 24 nods; Saiyaara, Homebound follow

Last night, Bollywood Hungama got a sneak peek of the trailer of the much-awaited film of the month, Bhooth Bangla, more than 12 hours before its launch today (April 6). The film has already created a buzz due to its horror-comedy genre, casting and more, and the trailer is expected to further enhance the hype around it.

The trailer is around 2 minutes and 58 seconds long and offers a better idea of the premise. The focus, of course, is on the humour quotient. As expected, Akshay Kumar steals the show. There’s no one like him when it comes to comedy, and he proves it yet again. He is ably supported by a stellar cast comprising Rajpal Yadav, Paresh Rawal and the late Asrani. Just seeing all of them together, that too in a Priyadarshan film, is sure to make fans nostalgic and excited. To add to the nostalgia, the makers have used two famous dialogues from Priyadarshan’s memorable comedies of the past, which are sure to be lapped up.

Wamiqa Gabbi and Mithila Palkar get limited screen time, but it’s clear that they, too, have a significant part to play in the narrative. However, the surprise element of the trailer is Tabu. She seems to be the surprise package, and the makers have smartly kept her character under wraps. In fact, it’s evident that a major chunk of the plot, especially the horror element, has not been revealed. Hence, expect horror, comedy and a blend of suspense when the trailer drops at 9:00 pm on April 16.

The postponement of the film by a week led to disappointment among fans. However, the delay could work in the film’s favour, as Dhurandhar The Revenge would have almost exhausted its run by then. A healthy opening seems to be on the cards. Moreover, with no major competition until May 1, Bhooth Bangla will enjoy a clean two-week window to leave a mark at the box office, provided the audience response is favourable.

Also Read: Wamiqa Gabbi to play female lead in Akshay Kumar starrer Bhoot Bangla: Sources

Actor Janhvi Kapoor has spoken candidly about being oversexualised in the public eye, addressing concerns around consent, paparazzi culture, and the growing misuse of digital content. During a conversation on the Raj Shamani Podcast, the actress shared how such experiences have shaped her personal and professional decisions.

Recalling a recent interaction with paparazzi, Kapoor said, “I actually had a conversation with paparazzi recently. I told them—this is bad for us, it feels invasive and non-consensual. Even if we dress a certain way, we’re not expecting someone to zoom in on specific body parts. And more than us, it reflects badly on them—that they’re commodifying a woman’s body for money and views.”

While she noted that the photographers appeared receptive, Kapoor acknowledged the issue runs deeper. “They seemed receptive, but the issue is larger—it’s about consumption. Globally, content that objectifies women is the most consumed. That’s why it keeps getting circulated. Since you’re a public figure in glamour, it happens more to you,” she explained.

Highlighting the importance of consent, she drew a distinction between performance and exploitation. “At every stage, you have to ask—what did I consent to? For example, I did a song called ‘Bheegi Saadi’, where I’m dancing sensually in a wet saree. That was meant to be sensual. If someone finds it attractive, that’s fine. But sexualising someone without consent is completely different—and I’m not okay with that.”

Kapoor further pointed out how visuals are often altered without her knowledge. “There are angles and ways things are shot or edited—zoomed, slowed down—without my knowledge. That’s not my consent. Even on film sets, if a camera is placed somewhere I’m not comfortable with, I should be able to say no without being seen as unprofessional,” she said, adding, “Earlier, I was more polite and picked my battles. Now I make my point more clearly—though still politely.”

The actress also addressed how such portrayals affect her career trajectory. “I can’t afford to stop caring, because these perceptions affect audiences, filmmakers, and the opportunities I get. If people keep seeing you in compromising visuals, they form a perception about your character. It’s wrong, but it happens,” she noted.

She added that these perceptions influence casting decisions as well. “Filmmakers also think this way. If they feel you’re already overly visible in a certain way, they might hesitate to cast you. Audience perception directly impacts casting decisions. It’s sad that people judge your values based on your clothes—but that’s the reality.”

Kapoor revealed that she has recently taken steps to limit her public visibility. “In the past couple of months, I’ve gone to great lengths to avoid being photographed. I had three releases back-to-back last year—I felt like people had seen too much of me.”

Despite not actively seeking media attention, she said the volume of content around her remains high. “People say actors call the media—I don’t, except for promotions. But there’s already so much content of me out there that it doesn’t feel like I’ve disappeared at all.”

Concluding her thoughts, Kapoor admitted that the fear of misuse continues to affect her. “I didn’t like how I was being consumed—because of AI, edits, and everything. Even when I post something now, I overthink—will this be misused or edited? I wish I could say I don’t care—but I do.”

For now, she believes caution is necessary. “Right now, I’m not in a position of power where I can completely ignore it. So, I’ll play it safe for now, until I build enough credibility to fully be myself without consequences,” she said.

Also Read: Janhvi Kapoor recalls disturbing early deepfake experience: “I saw a picture of myself on a porn site”

Actor Janhvi Kapoor has candidly spoken about her first encounter with manipulated imagery resembling deepfakes, recalling a deeply unsettling experience from her school days. Appearing on the Raj Shamani Podcast, the actress shared how the incident left a lasting impression on her and shaped her views on digital ethics and consent.

Reflecting on the episode, Kapoor said, “I don’t know if it was technically a deepfake, but it was something like that. I saw a picture of myself on a porn site. We had IT class in school, and the boys used to go on those sites for fun—and my pictures were there. This was while I was still in school. That was a weird experience.”

The actor admitted that the incident forced her to confront the darker realities of being in the public eye at a young age. “At some point, I thought, ‘Why? Is this just the price you have to pay?’ Like there’s no morality in these things. With social media, everyone is just putting things out there. If anything, this new ‘woke’ sensitivity has slightly corrected behaviour in terms of ethics and morality—but largely, it’s still a problem. A lot of people think it’s normal—‘This happens, you’re a public figure, so it will happen’,” she said.

Kapoor also expressed concern over the growing circulation of AI-generated visuals that misrepresent her. “I’m not at peace with it. There are visuals of me out there—circulated even by official news pages—that are completely AI-generated. I’ve never worn those things, I’ve never been photographed like that. But it’s circulated as if it’s real, creating a certain impression,” she revealed.

Highlighting the professional implications, she added, “Tomorrow, if I’m doing a film and I tell a director I’m not comfortable wearing something, they could say, ‘But you’ve already done this—people have seen it.’”

Despite her discomfort, Kapoor acknowledged the limitations she feels in speaking out. “It makes you question what the moral guidelines even are. It upsets me, of course. But I feel like I don’t have enough voice or credibility to complain about it. People might say, ‘You’ve got so much in life, just tolerate this. Don’t complain.’ So I don’t think my voice carries enough weight yet to address it without backlash. But it’s not just me—others have spoken about it too,” she concluded.

Her remarks add to the ongoing conversation around AI misuse, digital consent, and the urgent need for stronger ethical boundaries in the age of rapidly evolving technology.

Also Read: Janhvi Kapoor partners with Amaha to reframe alcohol addiction as a mental health condition, not a moral failing: “The conversation around alcohol is either absent or deeply judgmental”

The anticipation surrounding Ramayana continues to grow, especially after the teaser featuring Ranbir Kapoor as Lord Ram was unveiled in the United States earlier this week. During the event, the actor interacted with the media and offered insights into one of the most intriguing aspects of the film—his dual role as both Lord Rama and Lord Parashurama in Nitesh Tiwari’s ambitious magnum opus.

While Ranbir Kapoor is primarily expected to portray Lord Rama, reports suggest that he will also be seen as Lord Parashurama in a brief yet significant appearance. The actor spoke about the mythological connection between the two characters, both of whom are considered incarnations of Lord Vishnu.

“Lord Vishnu had different avatars. Lord Rama was an avatar, and Lord Parshurama was an avatar before Lord Rama." Sharing his excitement about getting the opportunity to portray both roles, Ranbir highlighted how rare and creatively fulfilling the experience has been for him as an actor. “Just to get the opportunity, you know, how I got to play Lord Rama, to also play Lord Parshurama was fantastic. I think as an actor, apart from body language, I think if you deeply understand the spirituality and the emotionality of the characters, I think everything starts from there. I think that’s what I did the year leading up to the shoot of Ramayana, to understand who these people and characters are, what they stand for and what their motives are."

Ranbir Officially Confirms He is Playing Bhagwan Parshuram!#Ramayana pic.twitter.com/n2WxVroeP0 — RK🐰 (@rksbunny) April 3, 2026

Directed by Nitesh Tiwari, Ramayana is being mounted on a grand scale and is widely regarded as one of the most ambitious adaptations of the ancient Indian epic. The film aims to bring the timeless story of Lord Rama—his journey, ideals, and battle against evil—to a global audience with cutting-edge visuals and a large ensemble cast.

The inclusion of Parashurama, an earlier avatar of Vishnu known for his fierce temperament and warrior spirit, adds an additional mythological layer to the narrative. Though expected to appear briefly, the character holds symbolic importance within the larger context of the epic.

Ranbir Kapoor’s preparation for the role has reportedly involved extensive physical training as well as a deep dive into the philosophical and emotional underpinnings of the characters. His emphasis on understanding spirituality reflects the film’s attempt to go beyond spectacle and present a more nuanced portrayal of these revered figures.

As excitement builds around the project, Ramayana continues to remain one of the most closely watched films in development, with audiences eager to see how this iconic tale is reimagined for the big screen.

Also Read: Ramayana: Dipika Chikhlia reacts to Lord Rama’s teaser; says, “It’s very grand, very beautiful,” says OG Sita

A few days ago, reports came in that the sequel to Kangana Ranaut’s iconic film, Queen (2014), is in the works. According to the article in Mid-Day, the film will be directed by Vikas Bahl, who also helmed the first part, and is set to go on floors in April. Bollywood Hungama has learned that the film won't be called Queen 2 and that the makers have a title in mind.

A source told Bollywood Hungama, “The makers had several options for the film’s title and the one that has really caught their eye is Queen Forever. If all goes well, this will be what the film will be called.”

The source continued, “The makers feel Queen Forever is the apt title and that it suits the film’s subject. They are expected to finalize it very soon and make an official announcement, hopefully before the film’s shoot begins.”

Bollywood Hungama has also learned that Amit Chandrra of Trigger Happy Entertainment will be producing Queen Forever. His banner, Trigger Happy Studios, earlier produced the Farhan Akhtar-starrer 120 Bahadur along with Excel Entertainment.

As per the Mid-Day story, in Queen’s sequel, Kangana Ranaut’s character, Rani, will not go to foreign shores. Instead, she’ll travel to different cities across India while also embarking on a journey of self-discovery.

About Queen Besides Kangana Ranaut, Queen also starred Rajkummar Rao, Lisa Haydon, Nayani Dixit and others. It was produced by Vikramaditya Motwane and Anurag Kashyap of Phantom Films, along with Viacom18 Motion Pictures, and told the story of a girl left devastated after her fiancé calls off their wedding at the last minute. Nevertheless, she decides to go on her honeymoon alone. How this trip transforms her life completely formed the rest of the film.

Queen emerged as a pathbreaking film and was loved for its subject, progressive theme, treatment, award-winning performance by Kangana Ranaut and music by Amit Trivedi. The film opened at just Rs. 1.75 crores and then went on to earn Rs. 61 crores in its lifetime through sheer word of mouth. It was also a rare film in the 2010s to collect more in Week 2 than in Week 1.

Also Read: Vicky Kaushal, Kangana Ranaut and others shower love on Dhurandhar franchise; applaud Aditya Dhar and his work

In the pre-Gangs Of Wasseypur (2012) era, it was Dev D (2009) that made Anurag Kashyap a force to reckon with. It attained a cult following and 17 years after its release, it's all set to re-release in cinemas on April 24.

As per an article in Bombay Times, the Abhay Deol-Kalki Koechlin-Mahie Gill starrer will be back on the big screen, but only in select theatres. It also carried quotes of Anurag Kashyap, Abhay Deol, Kalki Koechlin and music director Amit Trivedi. Anurag said, “To see Dev D return to the big screen feels special. It’s a film meant to be experienced collectively with Amit Trivedi’s music and Rajeev Ravi’s cinematography powering the narrative. I am curious to see how the new generation responds to it.”

Kalki Koechlin revealed, “I remember being so nervous about my Hindi lines that every morning on set, I would practise all my vowels and consonants in Devanagari to get the pronunciation right. The best part about shooting the film was not knowing anything about filmmaking, because it meant I didn’t care about the camera angle or how I looked on camera.”

Interestingly, it was lead actor Abhay Deol who suggested the idea of the film to Anurag. He explained, “I remember when I would narrate the idea of Dev D, the most common reaction I got was that it was ‘too arty’ to be made. When I narrated it to Anurag, I didn’t tell him it was a contemporary treatment. I just narrated a love story. He did not guess what I was actually narrating, and when I revealed that it was a contemporary Devdas, he went quiet for 20 minutes, imagining it in his head. He loved the idea of treating it with a musical score that would take the story forward, one song at a time. Although he went with a different ending (my idea remains Dev dying in the end), my thought was to call out Devdas’ misogyny and highlight the women’s resilience. It’s my only idea that got made into a movie.”

Amit Trivedi’s career also got a boost with Dev D. He stated, “Each song was deeply rooted in the narrative, whether it was the wild energy of ‘Emosanal Attyachaar’ or the quiet ache of ‘Nayan Tarse’. When the film was released, something shifted for me and helped me find my voice as a composer.”

About Dev D Dev D was a contemporary reimagining of the classic Bengali novel Devdas by Sarat Chandra Chattopadhyay and was produced by Ronnie Screwvala. While Abhay Deol played Dev, Mahie Gill essayed the role of Paro. Kalki Koechlin was launched with this film and she played Chanda. Nawazuddin Siddiqui featured in an entertaining cameo as a band singer in the song ‘Emosanal Attyachar’.

Also Read: Tanuja picks ‘director’ Aditya Dhar over Ranveer Singh as the hero of ‘Dhurandhar’; calls it a ‘landmark’ film in fun review with Tanishaa Mukerji

The Emraan Hashmi and Disha Patani led Awarapan 2 is among the keenly awaited films of 2026. A sequel to Awarapan, the film has been trending on Book My Show and Instagram as the makers had earlier announced an April 3 release. Since the shoot is still pending, we have exclusively learnt that a new release date of Awarapan 2 is locked.

Reliable sources confirm that Awarapan 2 is all set to hit the big screen during the Independence Day 2026 weekend. "Awarapan 2 has shaped up well as a musical intense love story with Emraan Hashmi, and Disha Patani. The makers were considering several release dates, and have finally decided on Independence Day weekend," the source told Bollywood Hungama.

Awarapan 2 is presently on floors, and the shoot is expected to be wrapped up by the end of April. Following two months of post-production, the makers are all set to bring it during the festive period of Independence Day.

For those unaware, Awarapan has gained a cult status over the years, with songs becoming evergreen for the cinema-going audiences. For the sequel too, the makers have recreated two songs from the original album, and they are said to be among the major highlights. Awarapan 2 is directed by Nitin Kakkar.

Also Read: REVEALED: Not Emraan Hashmi or Akshay Kumar, this actor plays Bade Sahab in Dhurandhar The Revenge

For a celebrity, watching their own film in a theatre is always a risk, as there’s the fear of being recognized by the audience, which can lead to chaos. This is especially true in single-screen cinemas. But at the same time, that’s where one gets to witness the most electric audience response. Two days ago, on April 1, R Madhavan weighed the pros and cons and took the plunge. He watched his film, Dhurandhar The Revenge, with the audience at a single-screen theatre in Mumbai. Usually, actors prefer visiting G7, aka Gaiety-Galaxy. However, R Madhavan chose Chitra Cinema in Dadar instead.

Yesterday, on April 2, film exhibitor and distributor Akshaye Rathi posted a story where the actor can be seen enjoying the film. Sometime later, he also posted a picture where R Madhavan is seen posing with Akshaye Rathi and a few more friends in the lobby of Chitra.

After the story and post were uploaded, Bollywood Hungama spoke to Akshaye Rathi. He said, “R Madhavan was keen to get a first-hand experience of how the audience was reacting to Dhurandhar The Revenge. That’s why we chose Chitra Cinema. It attracts the masses and, at the same time, its sound, picture quality and seating are top-class.”

On April 1, @ActorMadhavan secretly watched #DhurandharTheRevenge at Mumbai's Chitra Cinema with @akshayerathi and a few friends. Video Courtesy: Story uploaded by Akshaye Rathi on April 2 pic.twitter.com/XdyiYfPugM

— Fenil Seta (@fenil_seta) April 3, 2026

Akshaye continued, “We knew that if people realized R Madhavan was seated among them, it would become an issue, especially since we weren’t accompanied by any security personnel or bouncers. Hence, we entered the theatre a few minutes after the film had begun. He also wore a cap and hoodie while entering the auditorium. As expected, the staff and the patrons didn’t realize that the actor had visited the cinema hall. However, the manager was informed about his presence.”

Akshaye Rathi then said, “In the intermission, R Madhavan stepped out in the F&B area. This is when some patrons recognized him. However, the actor was quickly ushered into the manager’s cabin. He left from there only when the second half began. The actor is always more than happy to meet the fans and aam junta. But he realized that if word would spread about his presence, it would have caused issues.”

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  A post shared by Akkshay Rathie / अक्षय राठी 🇮🇳 (@akshayerathi)

Before the credits rolled, R Madhavan exited the theatre. His mission was successful, much like that of his character, Ajay Sanyal, in the film.

The story uploaded by Akshaye Rathi also revealed that the actor was seated in the last row of the balcony, next to the exit. This, too, was meticulously planned so that he could enter and leave without drawing anyone’s attention.

Also Read: R Madhavan reacts to the praise showered by Allu Arjun on him and Dhurandhar: The Revenge; calls it ‘super super special’ at a pivotal moment

Move over, Shah Rukh Khan. Well, almost. The Mercedes-Benz V-Class has only been on Indian roads since late March 2026, and it has already become the must-have luxury MPV for India's biggest celebrities. First, it was cricketer Hardik Pandya who snapped one up for his girlfriend Mahieka Sharma. Then Shah Rukh Khan drove home an Obsidian Black example that was spotted outside his temporary residence Puja Casa. And now, completing a hat-trick of high-profile acquisitions, Ajay Devgn has become the latest and arguably most perfectly timed celebrity to add the Rs 1.40 crore Mercedes-Benz V-Class to his garage. The occasion? His own 57th birthday on April 2. Because some men send themselves flowers, and some men send themselves a rolling German palace.

The timing could not be more fitting. On the morning of April 2, thousands of fans had already assembled outside Devgn's Juhu residence, Shivshakti, holding banners and chanting his name in scenes that made the bungalow look more like a concert venue. When the actor stepped out hands folded, smile quiet and warm it was a reminder that after 35 years and over 100 films, few stars in Hindi cinema command this kind of unfiltered public love. Later that day, the news broke that Devgn had gifted himself the V-Class, and the internet, predictably, went into overdrive. Fans noted that only Ajay Devgn could make buying a car feel like a Singham entrance.

The V-Class story in India has moved fast. Mercedes-Benz launched the luxury MPV in early March 2026 at an introductory ex-showroom price of Rs 1.40 crore the first time the model has returned to the Indian market in four years and deliveries began almost immediately. Within weeks, it had already found its way into some of the most famous garages in the country. Pandya was first off, the blocks, followed swiftly by Shah Rukh Khan and Gauri Khan who selected the stealth Obsidian Black shade. Devgn's acquisition now cements the V-Class's status as the unofficial celebrity MPV of 2026.

And what a vehicle it is. The Mercedes-Benz V-Class Extra Long Wheelbase is marketed as a "private suite on wheels" and once you look at the feature list, the description feels entirely earned. The cabin, available in four or six-seat configurations, is built around an extraordinary rear passenger experience. Lounge seats with electrically adjustable recline, ventilation, heating, and massage functions are standard. Three-zone climate control, dual 12.3-inch screens for infotainment and instrumentation, wireless charging pads, 64-colour ambient lighting, and a 640W Burmester 15-speaker system with Dolby Atmos round out an interior that puts many hotel suites to shame.

The V-Class sits atop a 2.0-litre engine available in both petrol mild-hybrid (231 bhp) and diesel (237 bhp) guises, both mated to a 9-speed automatic gearbox. The peak torque figure of 500 Nm ensures effortless highway cruising appropriate for a vehicle that has no intention of ever being in a hurry. Safety credentials are equally robust: seven airbags, a 360-degree camera, Active Distance Assist DISTRONIC, Active Lane Keeping Assist, Blind Spot Assist, and traffic sign recognition are all standard, contributing to its five-star Euro NCAP rating.

For Devgn, the V-Class slots naturally alongside a garage that already reflects his well-established taste for powerful, authoritative vehicles. His collection includes a Mercedes-Benz GLS, a Mercedes-Benz S-Class, a Mercedes-Maybach GLS 600, an Audi Q7, and a BMW X7 a fleet built on substance and quiet command rather than flashy horsepower figures. The V-Class is, if anything, the most refined expression of that philosophy: a vehicle that says everything without raising its voice. Very Ajay Devgn, in other words.

Also Read: Ajay Devgn’s Lens Vault Studios unveils AI short film ‘Happy Birthday Joshi’ on his birthday

The much-anticipated magnum opus Ramayana has finally revealed its most crucial element — the first glimpse of Ranbir Kapoor as Lord Rama. Backed by filmmaker and producer Namit Malhotra and directed by Nitesh Tiwari, the two-part cinematic franchise is being mounted on a global scale, with the teaser offering audiences their first look at the iconic character.

Positioned as a landmark cinematic moment, the ‘Rama’ teaser introduces one of mythology’s most enduring figures to a worldwide audience. The film aims to present the story with a fresh perspective while retaining the emotional depth that has made it timeless across generations.

Speaking about the essence of the story, Nitesh Tiwari said, “Ramayana’s greatness lies in its emotional richness. At its heart, it is not just about good and evil, but about choices, consequences, and the weight of doing what is right. Rama’s journey is deeply human and that is what we have tried to stay true to.”

Sharing his experience of stepping into the role, Ranbir Kapoor added, “I don’t think I’m here to represent Rama. I’m here to learn from him. There is a simplicity and purity to him that is very rare; and trying to understand and imbibe that has been a deeply humbling experience.”

Producer Namit Malhotra further elaborated on the significance of the character, stating, “The power of Rama’s story is not in what he conquers, but in what he lets go of. He represents a standard that is not easy, not convenient; but necessary. He chooses duty over desire, truth over comfort, and sacrifice over self. That is why his story has endured for thousands of years, and why it continues to matter today.”

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The film boasts of a massive ensemble cast, with Yash portraying Ravana, while Sai Pallavi plays Sita, Sunny Deol as Hanuman, and Ravie Dubey essaying Lakshman. Apart from them, Rakul Preet Singh, Lara Dutta, Bobby Deol, among others are also expected to be a part of this venture.

Adding to its global appeal, the project brings together international heavyweights, including Oscar-winning composers Hans Zimmer and A. R. Rahman for the music. The film is produced by Prime Focus Studios in association with the eight-time Academy Award-winning VFX studio DNEG and Yash’s Monster Mind Creations.

Mounted as one of the most ambitious films in Indian cinema, Ramayana will release in two parts. The first instalment is slated for a global theatrical release during Diwali 2026, with the second part expected to follow in Diwali 2027.

Also Read: Ranbir Kapoor cites “Dharmo Rakshati Rakshitah” as he shares his approach to playing Lord Ram in Ramayana: “My Dharma is to do my job”

A major collaboration is taking shape in Indian cinema as Salman Khan teams up with filmmaker Vamshi Paidipally for the first time in a film produced by noted South producer Dil Raju. The yet-untitled project has already generated significant buzz, especially after the recent announcement of Nayanthara as the female lead. The film marks her first collaboration with Salman Khan and her second Hindi outing after Jawan alongside Shah Rukh Khan.

The casting momentum continues, with reports suggesting that Arvind Swamy is likely to join the ensemble. Known for his iconic roles in films like Roja and Bombay, Swamy is expected to play a key role in the film. While initial speculation hinted at him taking on an antagonist’s part, reports clarify that his character will instead be portrayed in a positive light, steering clear of negative shades.

Interestingly, the makers are still on the lookout for a strong antagonist to face Salman Khan on screen, indicating that a major casting announcement could be on the horizon. Additionally, there are ongoing discussions with Anil Kapoor for an important role, although details regarding his character remain tightly under wraps.

Providing insight into the film’s timeline, a source told Bollywood Hungama, "Salman Khan is in talks with Dil Raju and Vamshi Padilpally to plan their schedules in a way that an Eid 2027 release becomes a reality. The producer - director duo is contemplating the option, and plan to get back to Salman with a plan soon."

The source further informs that the film in question is an action-packed entertainer with a strong emotional core.

"It's a pure commercial entertainer with Salman Khan playing to the gallery. Vamshi plans to present Salman in a way audiences like to see him. The pre-production is going on in full swing, and the makers aim to take the film on floors in April," the source added.

The film is expected to go on floors in April and will be shot extensively across multiple locations in India. With substantial VFX work also involved, the team is currently focusing on locking all aspects before making an official announcement. While several details are still under wraps, the makers are committed to bringing the film to theatres in the first half of 2027, with an Eid release firmly in consideration.

Also Read: It’s Official! Salman Khan joins hands with Nayanthara for the first time for Vamshi Paidipally’s next

One major disadvantage of social media is that it can become a tool for spreading fake news. This mostly happens through memes and image posts that go viral and are considered the Gospel Truth. There are times when a celebrity is attributed with a quote he or she never said in memes. The same is happening with John Abraham right now.

Since recent times, a meme where John has been quoted criticizing Dhurandhar has gone viral in no time. It quotes the actor saying, “Movies like Dhurandhar and The Kashmir Files can sometimes lead people in the wrong direction, and it’s scary to see them being welcomed by so many. I would never produce films like that.”

Once the post got viral, the supporters of Dhurandhar have been slamming John while those who are against the movie are hailing him for showing guts to speak his mind.

However, the truth is that John hasn’t made any such comment against Dhurandhar. In fact, he hasn’t said anything about Dhurandhar in the media or any public space. If you search for his statement on the internet, you won’t find a single news publication to have reported this. Apart from memes on various social media pages, you won’t find this comment anywhere. It is clear that this meme is created by someone who wanted to make a post viral or maybe malign Dhurandhar.

Just imagine – in case John had slammed Dhurandhar in real, almost every news publication would have carried the quote as breaking news. Which publication would not want to capitalize on such a comment?

One needs to note that last year in August in an interview with veteran journalist Rajdeep Sardesai on India Today, John did say that he would never produce films like The Kashmir Files and Chhaava and expressed his concern on these films finding mass acceptance. At that time, his comment had gone viral and was covered by a number of publications.

But there is no instance where he has spoken against Dhurandhar. In fact, these comments were made four months before the first Dhurandhar released.

Also Read: Rs. 1240 cr, Rs. 1310 cr or Rs. 1400 cr: where will Dhurandhar 2 finally land?

Following public outrage over images of a captive elephant painted bright pink for a photoshoot in Rajasthan, Anupamaa star and People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) India supporter Rupali Ganguly who officially joined the Bharatiya Janata Party in 2024 has written to Honourable Prime Minister of India, Shri Narendra Modi ji, urging an end to elephant rides and encouraging the use of robot elephants and other non-animal means instead of animal performances. In her letter, Ganguly mourns Chanchal, the elephant featured in the photoshoot, who is reported to have died, and expresses her shared respect for wildlife with the Prime Minister.

Ganguly notes that the owner quoted in news reports — Saddik/Shadik Khan — is also associated with Malti, an elephant who was used for rides at Amer Fort, violently beaten and later transferred to a sanctuary after efforts by PETA India. She stresses that while the photoshoot shocked the public, elephants used for rides at sites such as Amer Fort are routinely kept chained when not in use and controlled using weapons, conditions that can cause severe physical and psychological distress.

“This incident has upset people across India and beyond, reflecting how strongly the public now feels against elephant exploitation,” Ganguly wrote. She appealed, “On World Wildlife Day, you shared the importance of wildlife protection. It is in this spirit, I respectfully urge that India end all elephant rides as Indonesia has now done, and that robotic elephants, decorated electric vehicles, and other non-animal alternatives be encouraged for use to protect our national heritage animal from use in cruel spectacles.”

PETA India notes that frustrated elephants forced into close contact with humans can become unpredictable, and attacks involving elephants used for rides and other performances are regular occurrences. For elephant and human welfare, the Kerala Tourism Department is promoting a mechanical elephant safari experience at Thamboormozhi Butterfly Garden near the iconic Athirapilly waterfalls, instead of a live elephant.

Also Read: Actress-turned-politician Rupali Ganguly writes letter to West Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee to stop horse-drawn carriages: Reports 

Actor Akshay Kumar visited the Shri Mahakaleshwar Temple in Ujjain on April 1 along with his mother-in-law and veteran actor Dimple Kapadia. The visit comes days ahead of the release of his upcoming film Bhooth Bangla.

After offering prayers at the temple, Akshay spoke about the significance of the visit and shared that he prayed not only for his family but also for the country. He said, “It was really good...I prayed for the entire country and my family. I prayed that may our country always excel and progress.”

#WATCH | Madhya Pradesh: Actor Akshay Kumar, along with his mother-in-law and veteran actor Dimple Kapadia, visited Shri Mahakaleshwar Temple in Ujjain and offered prayers today. pic.twitter.com/Q21mMHWmZy — ANI (@ANI) April 1, 2026

#WATCH | Ujjain, MP: After the prayers, actor Akshay Kumar says, "It was really good...I prayed for the entire country and my family. I prayed that may our country always excel and progress." https://t.co/xUwoYsIfWl pic.twitter.com/rpZMgroK1E — ANI (@ANI) April 1, 2026

Visit comes ahead of Bhooth Bangla release Akshay’s visit to the Mahakaleshwar Temple takes place shortly before the theatrical release of Bhooth Bangla, which marks his reunion with director Priyadarshan after several successful collaborations in the past.

The film is scheduled to release on April 17 after its earlier release date of April 10 was revised. The change in schedule came amid strong theatrical buzz surrounding Dhurandhar The Revenge, prompting the makers to push the release slightly.

Apart from Akshay Kumar, the film also stars Wamiqa Gabbi, Tabu, Rajpal Yadav, Paresh Rawal and late actor Asrani in key roles. Akshay Kumar’s long-standing devotion to Lord Shiva Akshay Kumar has often spoken publicly about his devotion to Lord Shiva. In February last year, he released the devotional track ‘Mahakal Chalo,’ which reflected his spiritual connection with Mahakal. The actor has also portrayed Lord Shiva on screen in films such as Oh My God 2 and Kannappa, further highlighting his association with the deity in his cinematic work as well.

Also Read: Ahmed Khan reveals ambitious new plan for Akshay Kumar starrer Welcome To The Jungle; shift grand sets to Mumbai

Actor Mona Singh says the phrase “Mona Ka Magic,” often used by audiences to describe her screen presence, comes from years of building trust through honest performances and carefully chosen roles. Speaking at the India Today conclave, the actor reflected on what the label means to her after more than two decades in the industry. She said she believes her connection with viewers has grown from her willingness to prioritise authenticity over glamour on screen.

“I honestly feel that I’ve managed to build a two-decade-long bridge of trust with the viewers. So it’s also my approach of being the anti-diva on screen. I’m ready, I’m willing to look raw, I’m willing to look fatigued and tired, and whatever the character demands,” she said.

“I’m ready to look raw, fatigued or tired—whatever the character demands. That honesty gives a gut punch that feels stronger than something overly scripted,” she explained. Choosing stories that stay with audiences Singh also spoke about how her project choices have shaped her reputation. According to her, she has consistently tried to balance commercial storytelling with narratives that spark discussion.

“Most of the projects I’ve picked are not only commercially viable but also conversation starters,” she said, suggesting that this balance may be one reason audiences associate her work with the phrase “Mona Ka Magic.”

Her recent and upcoming slate reflects that direction. The actor is set to appear in projects including Happy Patel, Border 2, Kohrra Season 2, and Subedaar. Across genres and formats, Singh’s selections continue to emphasise character-driven storytelling rather than conventional screen positioning.

Also Read: Maa Ka Sum trailer introduces Mihir Ahuja as math prodigy on mission to find love for his mother, played by Mona Singh