Indus Chronicles

The debut film of Varun Dhawan’s niece Anjini Dhawan, Binny And Family, was all set to release on August 30. Bollywood Hungama has exclusively learned that its release has been postponed.

A source told Bollywood Hungama, “Binny And Family will now be released on September 20. The decision was taken collectively by the makers. They are overwhelmed with the response generated by the film at the test screenings. Also, those from the film industry, who have seen the film, have raved about the film’s subject and the performances. Hence, the producers realized that they should look at the best release period. After careful analysis, they realized that September 20 is apt and this is how the new release date was locked.”

It now remains to be seen when the trailer of the film will be unveiled. An industry expert commented, “Interestingly, Grandparents' Day will be celebrated on Sunday, September 8. Since the film also revolves around the relationship of a girl with her grandmother and grandfather, the makers can make good use of it for the promotions.”

Besides Anjini Dhawan, Binny And Family also stars Pankaj Kapur, Himani Shivpuri, Rajesh Kumar, Naman Tripaathy and Charu Shankar and is written and directed by Ssanjay Tripaathy. It is produced by Mahaveer Jain Films and Wavebrand Productions and presented by Ektaa R Kapoor's Balaji Telefilms, Shashank Khaitan and Mrighdeep Singh Lamba.

Binny And Family will now be released alongside Yudhra. Directed by Mom (2017) director Ravi Udyawar, it stars Siddhant Chaturvedi, Malavika Mohanan and Raghav Juyal, it is produced by Farhan Akhtar and Ritesh Sidhwani’s Excel Entertainment. The first look posters were unveiled yesterday and they give the impression that Yudhra will be a violent action entertainer.

Interestingly, Balaji Telefilms also has one more film in September – The Buckingham Murders. It is produced by Ektaa R Kapoor, Shobha Kapoor and also Kareena Kapoor Khan. The talented actress also stars in the film in a lead role. The murder mystery is directed by Hansal Mehta.

Also Read: CONFIRMED! Varun Dhawan’s niece Anjini Dhawan set to make acting debut with Binny And Family; to release on THIS date

As Kangana Ranaut prepares for the release of her upcoming film Emergency, the Bollywood actress has stirred conversation with a recent revelation. In a candid interview, Ranaut shared that she turned down the opportunity to perform in the popular item number ‘Ram Chahe Leela’ from Sanjay Leela Bhansali's Goliyon Ki Raasleela Ram-Leela. The song, which ultimately featured Priyanka Chopra, has since become iconic in Bollywood, but Kangana's decision to reject it raised eyebrows.

Kangana Ranaut on Turning Down the Song Kangana Ranaut, known for her strong opinions and distinct choices, explained her reasoning behind rejecting the song in an interview with Navbharat Times. "When I was offered the item number, people thought I was 'mad' for refusing Sanjay Leela Bhansali," she stated. Ranaut explained that her refusal stemmed from a place of artistic integrity. "I said main nahi kar sakti. Chaahe Bhansali bula le chaahe koi bhi, I can’t do item numbers. Artists need to show such integrity. Women ko aap kaise portray karte hain," she added.

Following her remarks, the online community, particularly on platforms like Reddit, had mixed reactions. Many netizens praised Priyanka Chopra's performance in the song, with some expressing skepticism about whether Kangana could have delivered a similarly impactful performance.

While the debate around her decision continues, Kangana Ranaut remains focused on her latest project, Emergency. The film, which she has both directed and starred in, is set to release on September 6, 2024. Emergency also features a stellar cast, including Anupam Kher, Shreyas Talpade, Mahima Chaudhry, Milind Soman, and the late Satish Kaushik. Produced by Zee Studios and Manikarnika Films, the movie is highly anticipated and is expected to be one of the major releases of the year. 

Also Read: Kangana Ranaut receives death threats ahead of Emergency release, seeks police action

The buzz around Sandeep Reddy Vanga's 2023 film, Animal, continues to stir conversations even months after its release. While the film received a mixed response from the audience, with some highlighting its portrayal of toxic masculinity and misogyny, it has also garnered praise for its intense narrative and Ranbir Kapoor's powerful performance.

Farhan Akhtar's Take on Animal Now, actor-filmmaker Farhan Akhtar has added his voice to the discussion. In a recent interview with Faye D’Souza, Akhtar shared his personal perspective on the film, stating that Animal "didn't work" for him. While he acknowledged Ranbir Kapoor's performance, the background score, and Vanga's dedication to the project, he expressed reservations about the film's overall message.

In Farhan’s words: “The film didn't do much for me. Is it something that I would recommend somebody to watch? I guess not.” When asked if he gets an opportunity to produce a similar kind of project, he asserted, “No, I won't. It doesn't resonate with me. For me, I feel that the character is problematic.”

While Akhtar may not have connected with the film, he did praise Sandeep Reddy Vanga's passion and commitment to his vision. The director's unwavering belief in the project is a testament to his artistic drive. When Ranbir Kapoor REACTED to Animal being called misogynistic This comes weeks after Ranbir Kapoor broke his silence on Animal being called misogyny. In Nikhil Kamath’s podcast, RK explained, “Social media played havoc. They needed something to talk about, so they really went to town claiming it was a misogynistic film. What happens is that the hard work that you put in… I know the director had made Kabir Singh, who also faced the same thing, the hard work gets diminished. Because it gets this tag, which isn’t true, the perception stayed with this film.”

Also Read: Farhan Akhtar reflects on childhood experiences with divorced parents amidst his own divorce; says, “It’s never going to entirely go away”

Bollywood actress Kangana Ranaut has once again found herself at the center of a controversy. As her upcoming film, Emergency, nears its release date, the actress has reported receiving death threats and has called on law enforcement agencies in Maharashtra, Punjab, and Himachal Pradesh to take swift action.

Kangana Ranaut Faces Backlash Over Emergency Kangana Ranaut, who is both the lead actress and director of Emergency, is facing severe criticism and threats, particularly from members of the Sikh community. The film, which portrays India's former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi during the 1975 Emergency, has been accused of depicting Sikhs in a negative light. Harjinder Singh Dhami, president of the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC), has publicly demanded a ban on the film, asserting that it misrepresents Sikhs and perpetuates harmful stereotypes.

Dhami's criticism comes amid ongoing concerns about Ranaut's past remarks, which have been perceived as anti-Sikh and anti-Punjab. These allegations have only intensified the backlash against her latest project, Emergency. Death Threats Surface Online The situation escalated when a video featuring Punjabi influencer Viky Thomas Singh surfaced on social media. In the video, Singh is seen issuing a chilling threat to Kangana Ranaut, referencing historical figures who were involved in acts of violence. Singh's words, "Agar hum sar katwa sakte hai toh sar kaat bhi sakte hai," (If we can sacrifice our heads, we can also take heads) have sparked widespread concern.

Another man in the video threatened that if the film is released, Kangana would be met with violence, not only from Sikhs but from people of other faiths as well. The video quickly went viral, prompting a strong reaction from the public and raising serious concerns about Ranaut's safety. Kangana Ranaut Seeks Police Intervention In response to the threats, Kangana Ranaut used social media to appeal for police protection. She tagged the official accounts of the Maharashtra, Punjab, and Himachal Pradesh police, urging them to investigate the matter and ensure her safety. "Please look into this," she wrote. 

Please look in to this @DGPMaharashtra @himachalpolice @PunjabPoliceInd https://t.co/IAtJKIRvzI — Kangana Ranaut (@KanganaTeam) August 26, 2024

Emergency Set for September Release Despite the ongoing controversy, Emergency is slated for a nationwide release on September 6, 2024. The film features an ensemble cast, including Anupam Kher, Mahima Chaudhry, Milind Soman, and Shreyas Talpade. 

Also Read: Kangana Ranaut reprimanded by BJP over controversial remarks on farmers’ protest: “She is neither permitted nor authorised to make statements on party policy issues”

In an interview with iDream Media, Sitara Ghattamaneni, daughter of Tollywood star Mahesh Babu, revealed a playful side of her relationship with her father. The 12-year-old confessed that she often bunks school, and the reason behind it is none other than her father. Sitara shared that whenever Mahesh Babu has time off work, he loves to spend it with her, even if it means persuading her mother, Namrata Shirodkar, to let her skip school.

A special father-daughter bond

Sitara's comments highlighted the special bond she shares with her superstar dad. She fondly described how Mahesh Babu convinces her mother to let her take a break from school, allowing them to enjoy quality time together. "Half the time I bunk school is because of my dad," she admitted. "On days he doesn't have work… I don't know how he does it; he persuades my mother to let me not go to school. It's great and lovely, we have fun together."

Sitara also mentioned that she watches all of her father's films in theatres, including the recent re-release of Murari. "Honestly, everyone thinks of my dad as a hero. I feel that way when I watch his films. But at home, he's just my dad," she added, showing the difference between Mahesh Babu’s on-screen persona and his role as a father.

Following in their parents' footsteps

Sitara also shared her aspirations to follow in her parents’ footsteps and pursue a career in acting. She mentioned that her brother, Gautham, who already made his on-screen debut as a child artist in 1: Nenokkadine, is currently at New York University (NYU) studying drama. Sitara expressed her excitement for her brother’s future as an actor and revealed that she too is taking acting classes. "I used to have stage fright a year back, but I’m over it now," she said, hinting at her own future in the industry.

Mahesh Babu's upcoming projects

As for Mahesh Babu, he was last seen in Trivikram Srinivas' Guntur Kaaram, which was released for Sankranthi this year but received a lukewarm response at the box office. The actor is now gearing up for an action-adventure film directed by SS Rajamouli, which is highly anticipated by fans. The project, penned by Rajamouli’s father Vijayendra Prasad, is still in its early stages, with the cast and crew yet to be revealed.

Also Read: Mahesh Babu to voice Mufasa in Telugu version of Mufasa: The Lion King: “An experience I will cherish with my children”

The success of Stree 2 has been overshadowed by a growing controversy over who deserves the most credit for the film's success. While the horror-comedy, directed by Amar Kaushik, continues to break box office records, a tussle for perception credits between the lead stars, Rajkummar Rao and Shraddha Kapoor, has emerged, stirring discussions in the industry. Released on August 15, Stree 2 quickly became a blockbuster, grossing over Rs. 500 crores worldwide. Despite the film's massive success, a debate has sparked within the industry and among fans regarding which lead actor—Rajkummar or Shraddha—should be credited with pulling in the audience. This debate has led to an awkward PR battle, with both camps allegedly trying to tilt the perception in their favour.

In a recent interview with Zoom, Aparshakti Khurana, who plays a significant role in Stree 2, addressed this ongoing credit war. When suggested that Shraddha Kapoor has gained more popularity following the release of the film, despite not having as much screen time as Rajkummar Rao, Aparshakti appeared to agree but with reservations.

“See, this is a PR game. If your channel goes and asks the original audience on the street, are they saying this? I want to know that. So, this is a PR game, I don’t want to comment on it,” Aparshakti responded.

Aparshakti expressed his discomfort with the timing of this controversy, stating, “I love each and every actor of my film. I am attached to them. In such a happy space, where the film has gotten so much love and success, this can come across as slightly unpleasant.”

He further elaborated on his stance, pointing out the unfortunate nature of such disputes at a time when the entire team should be celebrating their success. “It shouldn’t have happened now, when everyone is in a happy space, celebrating the film. Amidst that, when this happens, then you have to also take a side, but I don’t want that. They are all equally close to me, and I respect their journeys. Someone can dance well, act well, look well, or maybe do PR well. So there exists talent of all kinds, which help you in your journey. I wouldn’t call PR my most strong part,” Aparshakti added.

As the film continues to draw audiences to theaters, it remains to be seen whether the focus will shift back to celebrating the team’s success as a whole or if the debate over individual credit will continue to dominate headlines. ALSO READ: Aparshakti Khurana reflects on journey from financial struggles to success; says, “I had just Rs 556 in my bank account”

Kriti Sanon has revealed her admiration for Shah Rukh Khan, the superstar she shared the screen with in the film Dilwale. In a recent podcast with Zerodha founder Nikhil Kamath, Kriti opened up about what makes SRK so cool. Kriti described Shah Rukh Khan as "cool," stating his unique blend of confidence, intelligence, wit, and humility.

“Shah Rukh Khan is cool”: Kriti Sanon Kriti asserted, “I think Shah Rukh Khan is cool. He has this sense of confidence in him while he is intelligent, he is witty, and he can make you laugh and also laugh at himself. He can be charming and mold himself based on where he is. He can make you laugh in a serious conversation.”  SRK’s ability to project “humility and arrogance” Nikhil Kamath echoed Kriti's sentiments, highlighting SRK's remarkable ability to “project humility and arrogance in the same conversation” without offending anyone. He described SRK's tact as "incredible to watch" and spoke about the importance of adding an "anti-thesis" to one's personality for depth.

Nikhil Kamath shared his personal experiences with SRK, revealing that he enjoys visiting the superstar's home for long conversations. He described SRK's advice as "incredible" and spoke about the value of seeking guidance from such experienced individuals. Kriti Sanon’s upcoming projects  On the work front, Kriti Sanon has been busy with multiple releases in 2024. Her recent films include Teri Baaton Mein Aisa Uljha Jiya and Crew. She also has upcoming projects like Housefull 5 and the No Entry sequel in her pipeline.

Also Read: Kriti Sanon and Badshah express admiration for Shah Rukh Khan: “I love him”

Aamir Khan recently reflected on the failures of his highly anticipated films, Laal Singh Chaddha and Thugs of Hindostan. In an interview with Rhea Chakraborty on her podcast Chapter 2, the actor candidly discussed the impact these box office flops had on him.

Laal Singh Chaddha: A Heartbreaking Setback Laal Singh Chaddha, a 2022 film co-starring Kareena Kapoor Khan and Mona Singh, was an Indian adaptation of the iconic American film Forrest Gump. Despite high expectations, the movie failed to resonate with audiences. Khan admitted that the film's failure was a significant emotional blow, saying, "When Laal Singh Chaddha didn't work, mujhe bohot bada dhakka mila (it hit me hard)." He explained that the dedication and passion the team poured into the project, made the disappointment even more profound. Thugs of Hindostan: A Miscalculation Khan also addressed the underperformance of his 2018 film, Thugs of Hindostan. He acknowledged that he and the team had made mistakes in the film's execution. "When Thugs of Hindostan was made, mujhe bhi theek nahi lagi thi (I didn't like it). I had discussions with Adi and Victor but they liked the film. But it was a teamwork. We went wrong in that one," he confessed. Despite differing opinions among the team, Khan admitted that the film ultimately fell short. Lessons Learned and Future Aspirations Following the failures of these two films, Khan said he raised his performance standards even higher for Laal Singh Chaddha. He also highlighted the importance of a strong performance in making a film successful. He asserted, “The original one was successful. The reason was that though the writing structure was not for the mainstream, but Tom Hanks' performance was so brilliant that he pulled you with him.” He added, “My performance let the film down. My performance wasn't good. This is my reading. I've learned a lot from it. My performance will hopefully be better in the next film.”

As Khan prepares for his upcoming film, Sitaare Zameen Par, co-starring Genelia Deshmukh, he remains enthusiastic about his work and the lessons he has learned as he said, “I really enjoyed working in Sitaare Zameen Par. Bahot kamaal ki film hai.”

Also Read: EXCLUSIVE: Exhibitor Vishek Chauhan says Akshay Kumar was the biggest beneficiary as well as causality of elitist cinema; also says that Shah Rukh Khan, Salman Khan, Aamir Khan are forced to work with South filmmakers in the absence of mass directors in Bollywood

Earlier this month, Bollywood Hungama reported that the promo of Sky Force which was expected to be attached to Stree 2 has not been unveiled. While the teaser launch of the film was postponed, we had also reported that the film’s release itself may be pushed further. Now, the latest update on that front is that the multi-starrer action aerial entertainer starring Akshay Kumar, Sara Ali Khan, Nimrat Kaur, and others has been pushed to the first half of next year in January.

It was said that Sky Force is set against the backdrop of the much-loved patriotic theme which prompted the makers to lock October 2, that is Gandhi Jayanti, as the date for the film’s release. While it seems that it will not be possible, we hear that the makers are keen on releasing the film in January 2025 and that too around the 76th Republic Day, which falls on January 26. The news has been shared by journalist Rahul Raut on X, earlier known as Twitter. However, there has been no official confirmation issued by the makers.

Meanwhile, in an earlier Bollywood Hungama report, a source from the exhibition sector had opened up about the decision of pushing the release of the film and had said, “The film has been pushed back and will not be hitting theaters on October 2. Akshay Kumar, considering his recent releases and their performance at the box office, is looking to reinvigorate himself before diving further into shooting Sky Force. The makers want some gap between two releases of Akshay Kumar.”

Also, if this turns out to be the case, then first weekend of October is free of any Bollywood releases, paving way to the much-hyped Hollywood entertainer Joker 2 aka Joker: Folie à Deux as a solo release. The film marks the return of the DC supervillain franchise starring Joaquin Phoenix as the leading man and Lady Gaga as the much-loved Harley Quinn.

Speaking of Akshay Kumar starrer Sky Force, the film is a war drama directed by Abhishek Anil Kapur and Sandeep Kewlani. Produced by Maddock Films and Jio Studios, the film not only sees the actor reuniting with his Airlift co-star Nimrat Kaur and Atrangi Re co-star Sara Ali Khan but also marks the acting debut of Veer Pahariya.

Also Read: Akshay Kumar starrer Sky Force and Vicky Kaushal-led Chhava’s first glimpses to arrive with Stree 2 on Independence Day 2024

Three decades prior, Salman Khan and Bhagyashree created an uproar in theatres with their cute chemistry in one of the biggest Hindi blockbusters Maine Pyar Kiya, directed by Sooraj Barjatya. The sweet teenage romantic drama has now re-released in theatres to commemorate its 35th anniversary on August 23 and followed by the same, the leading lady, who also made her debut with this Rajshri production, decided to pen a heartfelt note expressing her happiness over the rerelease.

Bhagyashree shares photos from Maine Pyar Kiya on social media

While the actress has returned to the Indian entertainment industry and has been exploring multiple roles of late, Bhagyashree recalled her debut film with Salman Khan and decided to share her joy over doing the film and expressed her gratitude towards the team who put together this iconic romantic drama. In the note she wrote, “It's been 35 years..... but the love goes on and on. I feel blessed to have been part of a film that is written in history of our film industry. A pure love story that everyone related to in the characters we played. The audience took home memories, people fell in love, was part of people's first date, first anniversary... a film that got families together, and ofcourse got the theatres started again”.

She went on to add, “Thank you Soorajji, thank you Salman everyone in @rajshrifilms for #MainePyaarKiya. It is a memory etched in time for me. The film re releasing today(23rd aug).. im sure will bring back a lot of memories for all of you too.”

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About Maine Pyar Kiya

Along with marking the directorial debut of Sooraj Barjatya, the film marked Salman Khan’s debut too as a male lead. Also starring Alok Nath, Rajeev Verma, Mohnish Bahl, Reema Lagoo, Laxmikant Berde, among others in key roles, the film tells the story of two youngsters and their journey from friendship to how they fall in love. However, despite being the kids of old family friends, they have to overcome the issues arising to different financial backgrounds leading them to rebel against their parents to fight for their love.

Also Read: Salman Khan and Bhagyashree starrer Maine Pyar Kiya returns to the big screen on 35th anniversary on August 23

Actor Sidhant Gupta has made a significant impact in the digital space with his compelling performances in projects like Jubilee. Beyond his acting, he’s also known for his impeccable Instagram aesthetics. His feed consistently grabs attention for its unique and visually captivating posts.

Let’s take a look at some of his best posts to draw inspiration for creating your own perfect Instagram aesthetic.

Winning an award wasn’t this aesthetic unless it was Sidhant

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The perfect glitter and Gen Z posing

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Cherry-like monochrome

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Classy whites for the win

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Caffeine—the perfect aesthetic and companion

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Take cues from these stunning posts to elevate your own Instagram game and bring a touch of Sidhant's signature style to your feed!

On the work front, Sidhant Gupta will be seen portraying the historical character of Jawaharlal Nehru in Sony LIV's upcoming web series Freedom At Night.

Also Read: Jubilee actor Sidhant Gupta takes on the role of Jawaharlal Nehru in Nikkhil Advani’s Freedom at Midnight, watch teaser

Kangana Ranaut has always had the kindest words to share about the Khans in the industry-Salman Khan, Shah Rukh Khan, and Aamir Khan - as she asserted that they have always been generous and sweet to her. After showering praises on the Ek Tha Tiger actor at the Emergency trailer launch, Ranaut revealed that she continues to share a good bond with him even after rejecting films like Bajrangi Bhaijaan and Sultan. In the same interaction, she also mentioned how Ranbir Kapoor had once ‘pleaded her’ to do a role in Sanju.

Amid the promotions of Emergency, Kangana Ranaut, in an interview with Siddharth Kannan, made some candid statements regarding the movie offers she rejected wherein she revealed that she was offered roles in Kabir Khan’s Bajrangi Bhaijaan and YRF’s Sultan. The actress said, “Salman offered me a role in Bajrangi Bhaijaan, I was like ‘Yeh kya role diya hai?’ He then approached me for Sultan. I didn’t take that up. He was like ‘What more do I offer to you now?’” For the unversed, Kareena Kapoor Khan played the leading lady in the Kabir Khan directorial whereas Anushka Sharma played the female lead in the YRF massy entertainer.

However, she continued to shower her praises on Salman and added that they share a great camaraderie off screen and despite rejecting the films, the superstar continues to share a good bond with her. “Salman is so kind, he keeps talking to me. Even now, for Emergency, he said, ‘I have to see.’ So then he sent our common friend and said, ‘You go and see what kind of a film she has made.’ I showed it to him. He called me and said, ‘It’s a good film.’ I asked, ‘You have received the feedback but you didn’t watch it?’ He said, ‘No.’ That’s how he talks to me,” she added.

Meanwhile, she also mentioned about Ranbir Kapoor pleading her to do a role in Sanju. “Ranbir himself came to my house, and said, ‘Sanju mein role kar le please’. I didn’t do it, but that doesn’t mean…” she shared during the same interaction. The 2018 biographical drama was based on the life of Bollywood actor Sanjay Dutt and featured Dia Mirza, Anushka Sharma, Sonam Kapoor in key roles with Ranbir Kapoor as the leading man.

Also Read: EXCLUSIVE: Kangana Ranaut says PM Indira Gandhi didn’t struggle in her political career ahead of Emergency release: “She was privileged and coming from a nepotistic background”

Kriti Sanon, KL Rahul and Badshah – recently found themselves guests on Nikhil Kamath’s podcast, People By WTF. The conversation delved deeper than investment strategies and box office numbers, revealing a surprising connection – their mutual admiration for Bollywood legend Shah Rukh Khan.

Nikhil Kamath, a self-made billionaire and investment maverick, has disrupted the traditional financial landscape. Little known, however, is his close connection to Shah Rukh Khan. “Every time I come to Bombay,” Nikhil revealed, “one night, I go to Shah Rukh Khan's house. Both of us sit down and chat for four to five hours.” He went on to praise the superstar's intellect, saying, “The kind of advice the man gives, it's incredible. I go to him just for his 'gyan' (wisdom).”

Sharing Nikhil's sentiment, Kriti Sanon enthusiastically joined the conversation about Shah Rukh Khan. “He is one of those few people you are a fan of and then you meet him and become a bigger fan,” she stated.

The conversation then shifted to Badshah. While everyone knew him as Badshah, the episode unveiled a fascinating backstory. Originally christened Aditya Prateek Singh Sisodia, the rapper adopted his stage name due to his immense admiration for Shah Rukh Khan. As Nikhil probed him about the name change, Badshah confessed, “I am a huge Shah Rukh Khan fan.” This revelation sparked a wave of agreement, with Kriti adding, “I love him.”

The conversation then took a hilarious turn when Badshah revealed his pre-Badshah stage name: Cool Equal. “Prior to this, I used to rap in English and my name used to be Cool Equal,” he said, much to the amusement of his co-guests. “coolequal@hotmail.com was my email id back then,” he added, sending everyone into a fit of laughter. With the stage name Cool Equal clearly out of the running, Badshah decided on Badshah, a choice he described as a "conscious decision." ALSO READ: Badshah reveals how he approached Shah Rukh Khan for his album Ek Tha Raja, received his voice narrations within a day: “He gives his 200 percent”

The Race franchise is set to make a return with Race 4, and the anticipation is palpable. Producer Ramesh Taurani has confirmed that the film will be a reboot, bringing back the original star, Saif Ali Khan, to the heart of the action. Now, a significant development has emerged: Sidharth Malhotra is in advanced talks to join the cast alongside Saif Ali Khan.

According to a report in Pinkvilla, Sidharth Malhotra has expressed keen interest in the franchise and has been engaged in discussions with Taurani for some time. A source close to the project shared, “While Ramesh Taurani's in-house writers are working on the basic plot, he's also collaborating with seasoned writers and directors to develop a compelling screenplay. And as the writing process progresses, he's initiated conversations with Sidharth Malhotra to take on the lead role opposite Saif Ali Khan.”

The production is gearing up to begin filming in the first half of 2025. The team is currently focused on finalizing the script, laying the groundwork for a thrilling new chapter in the Race saga.

The Race franchise has always been defined by its dynamic and often antagonistic relationships between male protagonists. From Saif Ali Khan and Akshaye Khanna in Race to Saif and John Abraham in Race 2 and Salman Khan and Bobby Deol in Race 3, the series has consistently delivered high-stakes confrontations.

Race 4 is set to continue this tradition, with a face-off between Saif and Sidharth. As the source revealed, “Staying true to the essence of the franchise, Race 4 will feature a clash between two strong-headed men. It's a pure two-hero film, with both characters having shades of gray.”

Beyond the central conflict, Race 4 promises a strong ensemble cast and a blend of thrills and glamour. The source added, “The film is being planned on a grand scale, and Ramesh Taurani and his team have immense faith in the franchise.”

Both Saif and Sidharth are expected to sign on to the project once the final script is ready, which is anticipated to happen around November 2024. While the actors have shown positive interest, their official commitment will depend on their satisfaction with the narrative. ALSO READ: Saif Ali Khan returns to the Race franchise with fourth instalment: Report

Global superstar Priyanka Chopra has returned to India for a brief visit, just days after wrapping up the shoot of her upcoming film, The Bluff. The actress was spotted at Mumbai's airport early Friday morning, surprising fans with her unexpected arrival.

Priyanka Chopra Arrives in Mumbai for Paani Trailer Launch  Priyanka's visit to Mumbai is primarily for the launch of the trailer of her first Marathi production, Paani. The actress was seen walking out of the airport alone, waving to the waiting photographers. She was dressed in a stylish floral co-ord set, paired with a crop top and a baseball cap.

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Fans expressed their excitement and surprise at Priyanka's return to India so soon, especially since she was traveling solo without her daughter, Malti. Many speculated that her trip would be short-lived as she usually brings Malti along to the sets of her shoots.

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Priyanka had last visited Mumbai in July with her husband, Nick Jonas, to attend the grand wedding of Anant Ambani and Radhika Merchant. The couple had returned to New York City the following day to resume filming The Bluff.

Priyanka had recently shared the first teaser of Paani, a Marathi film that is set to release in October. The film marks her debut as a producer in the Marathi film industry. Meanwhile, The Bluff is a 19th-century Caribbean-set film directed by Frank E Flowers. Priyanka Chopra stars in the lead role as a former female pirate. The film also features Karl Urban, John Cena, Idris Elba, and Jack Quaid.

Also Read: Fashion actor-director duo Priyanka Chopra and Madhur Bhandarkar meet in LA amid speculations of sequel: “Delight to meet and engage in a fascinating discussion”

The recent controversy surrounding Arshad Warsi's comment on Kalki 2898 AD star Prabhas continues to spark debate within the film industry. While Warsi has faced criticism for his remark, actor Saswata Chatterjee has now come out in defense of Prabhas, calling him the best choice for the role.

Prabhas’ Kalki 2898 AD Co-Star Defends Him  Chatterjee, who played the role of Commander Manas in the Nag Ashwin directorial, expressed his disagreement with Warsi's opinion. "I don't want to say anything about him (Arshad), that's his opinion, not mine. As a matter of fact, Prabhas looks like a larger-than-life man. His screen presence is extraordinary. He was the best choice for this role. He is absolutely amazing in the film," Chatterjee told India Today.

Chatterjee is not the first actor to voice his disapproval of Warsi's comment. Previously, Sudheer Babu and Nani had also criticized Warsi for his remarks, calling them unprofessional and unnecessary. Director Ajay Bhupathi had also expressed his outrage, accusing Warsi of being jealous of Prabhas' success. Background of Arshad Warsi’s “Joker” Remark Controversy  Arshad Warsi's controversial statement was made during an interview for a YouTube channel called Unfiltered by Samdish. He expressed his admiration for Amitabh Bachchan's performance in the film but was not impressed by Prabhas' look. "I watched Kalki 2898 AD which I didn't like. Mujhe bahut takleef hoti hai jab... Amit ji was unbelievable! I cannot understand that man. I swear, jitna power unmein hai, thoda sa mil jaaye toh life ban jaaye. He's unreal," Warsi said. 

"Prabhas, I am really sad but, why was he like a joker? Why? I want to see a Mad Max yaar, I want to see Mel Gibson over there. Tumne usko kya bana diya yaar. Kyun karte hai aisa mujhe nahi samaj mein aata hai (What have you made it. Why do filmmakers do this, I will never understand)," he added.

Also Read: EXPLOSIVE: Boney Kapoor SLAMS Arshad Warsi over his allegations on being paid Rs. 25,000 less for Roop Ki Rani Choron Ka Raja: “At that time, he was not a star. Who would have paid him such a huge amount?”; Pankaj Parashar says, “Arshad didn’t control the shoot, I did”

Sanya Malhotra, who attended the premiere of Mrs at the Indian Film Festival of Melbourne, is on cloud nine. The actress received a standing ovation for her performance in the film, which is directed by Arati Kadav. A video featured Sanya getting emotional as audiences stood up and applauded the film as well as Sanya's performance.

Post the premiere, the actress expressed how she prepped for the role of Richa in Mrs. She said she met several women and took help of a very close friend, who had similar experiences as shown in the film.

"She graciously shared her therapy notes, which I used to read almost every day and used to feel anger and sadness, as I was very close to her. It pains me to know that some women are going through this, has accepted it and has given up on their dreams and their want," the actress shared, adding that every day on the sets of 'Mrs' was "brilliant". She also spoke about how she wants to do films that leave an impact and inspire, especially women.

The Sanya-starrer Mrs is an official adaptation of the Malayalam film The Great Indian Kitchen. The film has been receiving an incredible response at international film festivals. Earlier this year, Sanya won the Best Actress award at the New York Indian Film Festival, which has amped up excitement among her fans to witness the film in theatres. While Mrs continues to make waves nationally and internationally, Sanya Malhotra is gearing up for an interesting line-up of projects. She is currently prepping for Sunny Sanskari Ki Tulsi Kumari and Thug Life. She also has an untitled film with Anurag Kashyap in the pipeline.

Also Read: Sanya Malhotra shares behind-the-scenes photos from Mrs ahead of IFFM premiere: “Every day on the set was unique and memorable”

It was an evening of celebrating the many shades of childhood on Monday as director Kaushal Oza's children's comedy-drama Little Thomas had its world premiere at the Indian Film Festival of Melbourne. The Anurag Kashyap-backed film, starring Gulshan Devaiah, Rasika Dugal and child artiste Hridansh Parekh, was screened at Hoyts Melbourne Central, as part of the prestigious international film festival.

The comedy-drama, revolving around the misadventures of a seven-year-old boy, had audiences laughing, applauding, and cheering along. The screening also saw the attendance of ace filmmakers Imtiaz Ali, Shoojit Sircar, and Rima Das.

Oza, Dugal, and co-producer Ranjan Singh happily interacted with the audience and opened up about their journey with the charming film. Chatting about her experience, Duggal shared that she was thrilled to be able to exhibit this labor of love at such a prestigious festival. “It was quite an experience watching the film alongside the viewers at IFFM. I was delighted to see the audience keenly engaging with the film, often giggling in the comedic moments. They also made astute observations and their questions brought back fond memories of the shoot,” she said.

The actor expressed that she was also thrilled to see her favorite filmmakers — Imtiaz Ali, Shoojit Sircar and Rima Das — at the screening. “To be on a platform like this, celebrating Indian films and sharing one's own work with a global audience as well as with directors one looks up to — it's an unforgettable moment. It will always be etched in my mind,” she said.

Set in Goa, the movie revolves around seven-year-old Thomas and his attempts to unite his bickering parents — all in the hopes of getting a baby brother. “It's a film with a big heart. I'm so glad it has touched audiences here and got such a wonderful kick-off. I'm hopeful that it will be loved by viewers everywhere,” Duggal added.

The film marks Kashyap's return to the children's film genre in about 17 years. Little Thomas is produced by Kashyap, Ranjan Singh, Rajnikant Oza, Charu Oza, Anushka Shah and Kabir Ahuja.

Also Read: Rasika Duggal takes on the challenge of dual accents in Mirzapur and Little Thomas; says, “The switch in accents was the confusing bit but also an interesting challenge”

Rani Mukerji and Kajol's cousin filmmaker, Samrat Mukherjee, has clarified that he is not the Bengali actor who was arrested for hitting a motorcyclist in Kolkata.

The confusion arose after a Bengali actor named Samrat Mukherjee was involved in a road accident in Behala, Kolkata. Many people speculated that the actor was the same Samrat Mukherjee who is related to the Bollywood stars. However, the filmmaker has denied these claims. Samrat Mukherjee Denies Involvement in the Accident In an interview with Times Entertainment, Samrat Mukherjee stated that he is based in Mumbai and is not the same person who was involved in the accident. He further explained that the actor in question is a television star based in Kolkata.

He said, “I would like to clarify that the actor Samrat Mukherjee, who met with an accident is not me. The actor Samrat Mukherjee is based in Kolkata and I am a filmmaker, owner of Filmalaya studios, based in Mumbai. Since morning I have been getting calls and tired now, telling them how I am not the same Samrat. It is reported that the actor who met with an accident belongs to our family, but it is not true.” The Real Samrat Mukherjee The Bengali actor who was arrested is a television star known for his work in the Sun Bangla series, Akash Sumon. The motorcyclist who was injured in the accident was taken to a hospital for treatment.

Samrat Mukherjee, the filmmaker, is the owner of Filmalaya Studios in Mumbai. He is a well-known figure in the Indian film industry and has worked with many prominent filmmakers.

Also Read: Rani Mukerji says, “Truly manifesting a musical with Hugh Jackman” as she opens up about India-Australia cinematic collaboration

Renowned composer and Oscar-winning music maestro A.R. Rahman has released the highly anticipated soundtrack of his groundbreaking immersive film, Le Musk. The soundtrack with 12 soulful and varied tracks, launched globally today on Believe Music, promises to captivate listeners with a fusion of ethereal compositions that transcend boundaries, much like Rahman’s iconic body of work. Le Musk, an innovative sensory cinematic experience directed by A.R. Rahman himself, merges music, fragrance, and visual storytelling to immerse audiences in a new kind of film and narrative. The soundtrack, created to complement the immersive experience, features Rahman’s signature style — a blend of Jazz, Orchestra and eclectic elements combined with soulful melodies.

Speaking about the soundtrack launch, award-winning composer A.R. Rahman said, "Music is the heartbeat of Le Musk. It carries the soul of the film, guiding the audience through an emotional and sensory journey. The film is a labour of a lot of hard work and love, where we tried to push the boundaries of how we use technology to create something truly immersive and I am thrilled to finally share this soundtrack with the world and offer a glimpse into the world we’ve created.”

The Le Musk soundtrack takes listeners on an evocative journey, blending Jazz, orchestral, and world music influences to create an atmospheric soundscape. With tracks that echo the film's story of love, memory, and sensory exploration, this album promises to be a one-of-a-kind listening experience for both long-time Rahman fans and newcomers.

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Collaborating on the 12 varied tracks with notable names, including Nora Arnezeder, Sana Moussa, Linda Lind, Mayssa Karaa, Hiral Viradia, Simona Gilbert, The Firdaus orchestra and the Budapest Orchestra, the soundtrack of Le Musk also marks the association with the award-winning music engineer Greg penny. Global Impact and Collaboration The album's global release on Believe Music underscores Rahman’s vision to bring his innovative works to an international audience. Le Musk not only marks Rahman’s directorial debut but also sets a new standard for immersive storytelling. Speaking about showcasing the film to a larger world audience Rahman said “We are in the process of setting up immersive experience studios across the world to bring Le Musk to audiences the world over. The film would not have been possible if not for my team who worked tirelessly to push the boundary of what was known to be possible.”

The Le Musk soundtrack is now available on all major streaming platforms via Believe Music.

Also Read: Javed Akhtar praises AR Rahman’s collaborative approach: “He never imposes anything on his singers and lyricists”