Indus Chronicles

The biggest Hollywood film of the year, Avatar: Fire And Ash, is all set to release tomorrow, that is, Friday, December 19. While advance booking commenced on December 5, several cinemas, especially one-screen and two-screen cinemas, have yet to begin advance booking. Bollywood Hungama spoke to trade and exhibition sources to understand the reason behind it.

A trade source told Bollywood Hungama, “Disney, the studio releasing Avatar: Fire And Ash, has asked single-screen theatres that they want all shows for their film. In two-screen cinemas, they have asked for 5 or 6 shows. However, exhibitors are not comfortable with this directive as Dhurandhar is running very successfully. They are confident that even in its third week, the Ranveer Singh-starrer will find a huge audience, as evident by the steady footfalls the film has generated in the weekdays.”

The source continued, “The exhibitors have requested that they’d like to divide shows equally between the two films. After all, they realize that Avatar: Fire And Ash will also be a crowd puller. However, so is Dhurandhar. But Disney hasn’t accepted this idea. Negotiations are going on and a middle ground is expected to be reached today.”

As for 8:30 am on December 18, single-screen theatres in Mumbai like Gold Cinema Santacruz, Chitra Dadar, Roxy Opera House, Maratha Mandir, Kasturba Malad, Citylight Mahim, Inox Nakshatra Dadar, MovieTime Star City, New Excelsion, MovieTime Dahisar, Gold Cinema Sona Borivali, MovieMax Andheri East, MovieTime Suburbia, PVR Le Reve etc. are yet to start bookings for tomorrow.

The same issue can be seen in two-screen plexes like Sun City Vile Parle, Mukta A2 Cinemas Lalbaug, Topiwala Goregaon, PVR Milap Kandivali, Movietime Malad etc.

Shockingly, ticket sales for Avatar: Fire And Ash as well as Dhurandhar, for December 19 onwards are yet to commence in a full-fledged manner in even certain three-screen properties like Sterling, MovieMax Mira Road, MovieMax Sion etc. as well as in four-screen properties like Miraj R Mall Mulund, Inox Raghuleela Kandivali, PVR Odeon Ghatkopar, Inox Korum Mall Thane, MovieMax SM5 Kalyan, MovieMax Wonder Mall Thane, etc.

At Mumbai’s iconic G7 complex, popularly known as Gaiety-Galaxy, advance bookings have opened in four cinemas, but Galaxy and Gemini are yet to begin. Dhurandhar will continue at Gaiety with three shows from December 19. Until December 18, it was being screened in both Gaiety and Galaxy. It now remains to be seen whether Avatar: Fire And Ash will be accommodated at Galaxy or Gemini, or both, and whether Dhurandhar also gets additional shows in the other two cinemas at G7.

Also Read: EXCLUSIVE: Unlike Avatar: The Way Of Water, CBFC passes Avatar: Fire And Ash with ZERO cuts

Homebound, the critically acclaimed Hindi drama directed by Neeraj Ghaywan, has been officially selected as India’s entry for the Best International Feature Film category at the 98th Academy Awards and has now been shortlisted by the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences as one of the contenders moving forward in the awards process.

The film starring Ishaan Khatter, Vishal Jethwa, and Janhvi Kapoor was chosen by the Film Federation of India from a competitive list of 24 films submitted this year, cementing its place as the nation’s representative on cinema’s biggest global stage.

In the shortlist announced this week, Homebound is among only 15 international films advancing toward final nominations for the Best International Feature Film Award, marking a significant achievement for Indian cinema ahead of the Oscars scheduled in March 2026.

Homebound tells the poignant journey of two childhood friends striving to become police officers to earn dignity and respect in a system shaped by caste and socioeconomic divides.

Producer Karan Johar reacted emotionally to the film’s Oscars shortlist announcement, taking to social media to share his pride. He wrote, “I am not sure I can articulate how proud, elated and over the moon I am with the journey of #HOMEBOUND… all of us @dharmamovies are privileged to have this proud and important film in our filmography … thank you @neeraj.ghaywan for making so many dreams of ours come true… from Cannes to being on the Oscar shortlist this has been such an overwhelming journey! Love to the entire cast and crew and teams of this special special film!!!!!!!!! Upwards and onwards…….. #HOMEBOUND streaming now on @netflix_in.”

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The film has already earned international recognition after its premiere in the Un Certain Regard section at the 78th Cannes Film Festival, where it received a nine‑minute standing ovation from audiences. It also screened at the Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF), where it won the International People’s Choice Award as second runner‑up.

Industry insiders and audiences have celebrated Homebound’s selection, seeing it as a testament to the depth of India’s cinematic storytelling. Key cast and crew members expressed excitement as the film’s Oscar campaign progresses, with many hoping it will secure a nomination when the final list is announced early next year.

Also Read : Janhvi Kapoor, Ishaan Khatter, Vishal Jethwa react to Shah Rukh Khan showering love on Homebound

The inheritance battle over late industrialist Sunjay Kapur’s colossal Rs. 30,000 crores estate has taken a sensational twist. On Tuesday, Priya Sachdev Kapur, Sunjay’s third wife, fiercely opposed any forensic examination of the Will that forms the bedrock of her claim to his personal assets and control over the Sona Comstar Group. The plea for scientific scrutiny—covering handwriting, ink, and paper analysis—was pressed by Sunjay’s children from his previous marriage, Samaira and Kiaan Raj Kapur, who argue that such checks are vital to confirm authenticity.

Legal experts say Priya’s resistance is highly unusual in a probate dispute of this magnitude, as courts routinely rely on forensic tests to settle doubts over testamentary documents. Blocking this process, they warn, could amplify suspicions surrounding a Will that completely excludes Sunjay’s biological children.

Adding fuel to the fire, Shradha Suri Marwah—the Will’s purported executor—has dramatically altered her stance on how she first received the document. Initially claiming Priya handed it over on June 24, Suri later said it came from Dinesh Agarwal on June 14, only to revert to her original version after reviewing Priya’s submissions. These oscillations, coupled with her admission that she was unaware of being named executor and lacked independent legal advice, have raised eyebrows. Her request for indemnity from Priya and reluctance to probate the Will further deepen scepticism.

Senior counsel Mahesh Jethmalani, representing Samaira and Kiaan, argued that under Indian law, an executor cannot be appointed without prior consent. If the Will fails judicial scrutiny, Sunjay’s estate would devolve equally among all Class I heirs—a point even Suri’s counsel conceded.

The Delhi High Court will hear both the forensic inspection plea and Suri’s amendment application on January 20, 2026, a date that could decide whether the Will reflects Sunjay Kapur’s true intentions or collapses under scrutiny.

For the unversed, Sunjay Kapur, Chairman of Sona Comstar, died suddenly on June 12, 2025, during a polo match in Windsor, England. The contested Will, dated March 21, 2025, allegedly leaves his entire personal estate to Priya and their minor son Azarias, excluding his children from his previous marriage to Karisma Kapoor. The dispute has spiralled into one of India’s most high-stakes inheritance battles, with allegations of forgery, concealment, and even conspiracy swirling around the case.

Also Read: Explosion in Rs. 30,000-Crore Sunjay Kapur estate battle: Missing email attachment triggers Will scam suspicion

Cornerstone, one of India’s leading brand and talent management companies, and Armour Entertainment, led by Prarthana Ajmani, have announced a strategic partnership, marking a new phase in the long-term plans of both agencies. As part of the alliance, Bollywood actor Tiger Shroff has been signed as the first talent.

The collaboration points to a renewed focus on the evolving entertainment and talent ecosystem at a time of industry change. It reflects a joint effort by Bunty Sajdeh and Prarthana Ajmani to create a streamlined and integrated setup, with an emphasis on structure, long-term growth and consistent talent development across platforms.

Together, Cornerstone and Armour combine their respective strengths. Cornerstone’s experience in developing and positioning talent across sports and entertainment complements Armour Entertainment’s management approach, supported by Prarthana Ajmani’s industry experience and professional network built over years of working with leading actors. The partnership brings together complementary capabilities aimed at creating a cohesive ecosystem focused on credibility, brand development and comprehensive talent management.

Bunty Sajdeh, CEO, Cornerstone, said, “Look at Hollywood and you’ll see how the talent management approach has always worked in the West. There are unique skill sets that are clearly defined strategic, long-term brand and wealth building, alongside specialised talent management that is an industry in itself when done correctly and holistically. Both are equally important and must work hand in hand to ensure maximum output. I’ve known Prarthana for many years and have always admired her professionalism and strategic mindset, so when the opportunity arose to join hands, it was an easy decision.”

Prarthana Ajmani, CEO, Armour, added, “With CXA, we’re building a system that is structured, future-ready and truly talent-first. Partnering with Cornerstone brings together the strengths of two teams driven by excellence. On a personal level, Bunty’s strategic clarity and faith in my abilities have been key driving forces in this collaboration. I’m thrilled to embark on this journey with him."

Also Read : Dharma Productions relaunches talent arm as Dharma Collab Artists Agency after acquiring Cornerstone’s stake

A major controversy has disrupted the 12th International Film Festival of Kerala (IFFK) in Thiruvananthapuram, as the Union Ministry of Information and Broadcasting (I&B) has withheld screening permissions for several films, leading to cancellations.​

Congress MP Shashi Tharoor has sharply criticized the decision, calling it “deeply unfortunate” and highlighting the denial of clearance to 19 scheduled films. On December 16, 2025, he noted on social media that the original list was longer, but some approvals followed his intervention with I&B Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw, requested by festival chairman Riyas LP, while others await Ministry of External Affairs clearance.

Tharoor described the bureaucracy's stance as a “staggering lack of cinematic understanding,” questioning blocks on classics like Battleship Potemkin, a 1928 Russian Revolution film seen by millions worldwide, including in India. "The list of 19 films suggests an extraordinary degree of cinematic illiteracy on the part of the bureaucracy. To deny clearance to a classic like Battleship Potemkin, a 1928 film on the Russian Revolution which has been viewed by literally hundreds of millions around the world (and in India) over the last century, is laughable. Denying permission to some Palestinian films reflects bureaucratic over-cautiousness rather than the cultural breadth of vision that should be involved when it comes to world cinema," he wrote.

It is most unfortunate that an unseemly controversy has arisen over the central government's denial of clearance to 19 films which were scheduled to be screened at the International Film Festival of Kerala in Thiruvananthapuram.

The original list was much longer, but several… — Shashi Tharoor (@ShashiTharoor) December 16, 2025

He urged Ministers Ashwini Vaishnaw and S Jaishankar to expedite approvals, warning of damage to India’s cultural image, especially in cinema-loving Kerala.​

Films lacking Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) approval require special I&B Ministry exemption for festival screenings, and the absence of these has stalled the IFFK schedule.

Veteran filmmaker Adoor Gopalakrishnan decried restrictions on landmarks like Battleship Potemkin, The Hour of the Furnaces, and the Spanish film Beef, calling it a “clear misunderstanding of cinema” that judges by titles or politics, undermining artistic freedom. Organizers are negotiating resolutions before the festival ends on December 19, amid delegate inconvenience.

Also Read: Karan Johar, Malaika Arora compare Pitch To Get Rich contestant to Shashi Tharoor; Congress MP gives cheeky reply!

Filmmaker Anees Bazmee has officially confirmed that he is reuniting with Akshay Kumar after a gap of 15 years. While speculation around their collaboration had been circulating for some time, Bazmee put an end to the rumours by revealing that the duo is working on a new comedy project.

Speaking to Mid-Day, Bazmee shared that the script for the film is nearing completion. “It is a comedy. I am writing the script right now, it’s almost complete. If everything goes as planned, we will start shooting soon,” he said. The film is currently untitled, and while reports had suggested that it could be a remake of the Telugu action-comedy Sankranthiki Vasthunam, Bazmee chose not to comment on those claims.

The director, however, spoke warmly about his long-standing relationship with Akshay Kumar. Reflecting on their bond, Bazmee said there has always been mutual respect between them. “There is mutual love and respect between us. When I told him about this film, he was more than happy,” he added, noting that they remained in touch over the years despite not collaborating since Thank You (2011).

Having said that, it is worth mentioning that Bollywood Hungama was among the first ones to report about Akshay Kumar and Anees Bazmee's reunion. Readers may recall that a source told Bollywood Hungama, "Anees and Akshay loved the plot of the lead character stuck between his wife and ex-girlfriend that Sankranthiki Vasthunam rides on. However, the original had a lot of Telugu flavour. To make the film palatable for the Hindi audience, Anees Bazmee is reimagining the film, keeping the core plot intact."

On the work front, Akshay Kumar has a busy slate ahead. The actor will be seen in Haiwaan and Bhoot Bangla, both directed by Priyadarshan, and is also set to return to the Hera Pheri franchise with Hera Pheri 3, once again under Priyadarshan’s direction.

Also Read: Anees Bazmee CONFIRMS Bhool Bhulaiyaa 4, says, “It is work in progress”

After touching hearts with Sitaare Zameen Par, Aamir Khan Productions is now turning the spotlight towards the people who quietly shaped the journey behind the scenes. The makers have unveiled the trailer of Sitaaron Ke Sitaare, a documentary that introduces audiences to the real stars behind the film — the parents of the young actors who featured in the sports comedy-drama.

Sitaaron Ke Sitaare traces the lives, emotions, and everyday realities of the parents whose children became the ‘Sitaare’ of Sitaare Zameen Par. While the film itself emerged as a heartwarming family entertainer and resonated deeply with audiences, the documentary expands that emotional universe by focusing on the journeys that unfolded off-screen. The trailer offers glimpses of intimate moments, shared struggles, pride, and the process of growing up alongside their children’s dreams.

Directed by Shaanib Bakshi, the documentary continues Aamir Khan Productions’ pattern of taking unconventional routes to storytelling. It follows the studio’s earlier decision to make Sitaare Zameen Par available on YouTube through the “Janta Ka Theater” initiative at a nominal price, a move that challenged traditional distribution models and widened access for audiences across the country.

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Sitaaron Ke Sitaare is set to premiere on 19th December, exclusively on Aamir Khan Talkies’ YouTube channel.

The documentary builds upon the legacy of Sitaare Zameen Par, which starred Aamir Khan and Genelia Deshmukh in lead roles and introduced ten rising talents — Aroush Datta, Gopi Krishna Varma, Samvit Desai, Vedant Sharma, Ayush Bhansali, Ashish Pendse, Rishi Shahani, Rishabh Jain, Naman Mishra, and Simran Mangeshkar. The film was directed by R. S. Prasanna, known for Shubh Mangal Saavdhan, and released in theatres on June 20, 2025.

Also Read: PVR INOX hosts special screening of Sitaare Zameen Par for Indian Air Force personnel