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Last Man In Tower to hit theatres on September 11 starring Manoj Bajpayee, Divya Dutta and Boman Irani

Aravind Adiga’s bestselling novel Last Man in Tower is set to make its way to the big screen, with the film scheduled to release in Indian theatres on September 11, 2026. Directed by Ben Rekhi and produced by Rana Daggubati’s Spirit Media, the film stars Manoj Bajpayee, Boman Irani, Divya Dutta and Sukant Goel in key roles. The film explores themes of personal conviction, changing relationships and the difficult choices people face when circumstances around them begin to change. At its centre is Masterji, a retired school teacher who finds himself standing alone as people in his community begin to make choices that differ from his own. His determination to remain firm in what he believes creates tension among the people he has known for years. Among those whose decisions clash with Masterji’s is Mrs Puri, whose own aspirations and compromises are influenced by the possibility of a different future. As the situation develops, the story looks at the choices people make when an opportuni...

Ramayana’s NEVER-before-seen 15-minute footage STUNS exhibitors at Big Cine Expo 2026 in Chennai: “VFX at par with a big-scale Hollywood film like The Lord Of The Rings”

An exhibition called Big Cine Expo is held every year, bringing together theatre owners, design consultants, equipment manufacturers, system integrators, project management professionals and other industry stakeholders to celebrate cinema and the exhibition sector. One of the major highlights of the expo is the presentation of exclusive footage from upcoming films. Two weeks ago, Bollywood Hungama reported that attendees at this year’s edition would get a chance to watch exclusive glimpses of arguably the most awaited film of the year – Ramayana. Big Cine Expo 2026 was held on August 18 and 19 in Chennai, with the much-awaited Ramayana footage being showcased on the first day. In this article, we reveal what was shown during the exclusive 15-minute presentation. An exhibitor who attended the preview told Bollywood Hungama, “It lasted for 15 minutes and, as expected, visuals from the film that have not yet been revealed to the public were presented to us. Hence, we were strictly prohib...

Wamiqa Gabbi joins Everlite as first national brand ambassador for Senco Gold & Diamonds

Everlite, the lightweight jewellery brand from Senco Gold & Diamonds, has appointed actor Wamiqa Gabbi as its first-ever national brand ambassador. The association marks a new phase in the brand’s growth as it looks to expand its retail footprint across India and strengthen its connection with younger, fashion-conscious consumers. Everlite currently has a presence across six states and eight cities, with 17 stores across the country. The appointment of Gabbi is part of the brand’s wider expansion strategy, which focuses on building its identity and increasing awareness around lightweight jewellery as an option for everyday styling. Gabbi’s contemporary fashion sense and individual style align with Everlite’s focus on younger consumers, particularly millennials and Gen Z. Her association with the brand comes as lightweight jewellery continues to gain relevance among consumers looking for pieces that can easily transition between different occasions. Speaking about the partnership, ...

GIVA pulls down Kriti Sanon Raksha Bandhan ad after backlash; jewellery brand issues apology

GIVA has withdrawn its recent jewellery advertisement featuring Kriti Sanon following criticism and backlash on social media. The campaign, which was released around Rakshabandhan, has now been pulled down from all platforms. The jewellery brand has also issued an apology on its official Instagram handle, clarifying that hurting anyone’s sentiments was not the intention behind the campaign. In its statement, GIVA said, “We have the highest regard and deep respect for Indian culture, traditions and festivals. As a brand, we have always believed in celebrating these joyous moments with the entire family and this time we wanted to extend the love and celebration to our pets. If our recent advertisement has inadvertently hurt the sentiments of some segments of society, that was not our intent at all. Out of respect, we have withdrawn the said advertisement from all media. Wish you all the love & positivity this festive season!” The advertisement featured Kriti Sanon tying a rakhi to h...

Kriti Sanon GIVA Ad controversy: Nupur Sanon defends sister over ongoing criticism of the festive campaign

Kriti Sanon has found support from her sister Nupur Sanon after a recent GIVA jewellery advertisement featuring the actor sparked a debate on social media over traditional dressing and the idea of an ‘appropriate’ outfit for family occasions. The campaign, which features Kriti in a bralette-style blouse paired with a cape and a draped skirt, has drawn mixed reactions from netizens, particularly in the context of Rakshabandhan celebrations. Now, Nupur has joined the conversation, extending her support to Kriti. Taking to her Instagram Stories, she questioned why another woman’s clothing choice should become a matter of concern for others. “Imagine being this bothered by what another woman chooses to wear. Respectfully EVOLVE!” Nupur wrote. She further added, “I'm the one she ties the rakhi to, and if I don't have a problem, why do you?” Responding to the criticism, Kriti previously shared her perspective on the festival and the importance of its emotions and traditions over clo...

SHOCKING: The Odyssey FORCED out of IMAX despite HISTORIC Rs. 90 cr collections from 34 IMAX screens and 43% occupancy on Day 40; Toxic takes over ALL shows

For 40 days, The Odyssey had a historic performance at the 34 IMAX cinemas of India. The film performed strongly even in the normal theatres but in IMAX, the earnings were rock-solid even after the film entered its sixth week. Sadly, this unbelievable run will now come to a halt, thanks to the release of Toxic, starring Yash, on August 26. A source told Bollywood Hungama, “Toxic is carrying tremendous buzz and moreover, it is an IMAX release. Hence, its distributors asked for all the IMAX shows. However, the performance of The Odyssey is at another level. Even after so many days and weeks, several shows across the country are going house-full. In fact, on Tuesday, August 25, the last day of the film in IMAX, the shows were running with huge occupancy. Of course, the discounted rates played a part. But when viewers are turning up in such large numbers on the 40th day, it is a feat.” The source continued, “This proves that there’s a lot of gas left in the tank. Warner Bros, which distri...

Nimrit Kaur Ahluwalia suffers deadlift injury; says, “I will bounce back, but I also want to bounce back the right way”

Nimrit Kaur Ahluwalia has opened up about a recent injury she suffered during a workout session. The actor reportedly injured herself while performing a deadlift and was subsequently required to take complete bed rest. Sharing an update on social media, Nimrit spoke about the experience and emphasised the need to prioritise recovery while training. For Nimrit, who maintains an active fitness routine, the injury has meant temporarily stepping away from her regular workouts. However, the actor said she is viewing the break as an opportunity to allow her body to recover rather than treating it as a setback. She said, “This has honestly been one of the most painful experiences for me, and it has made me realise once again that no matter how strong or experienced you think you are, you can never take your body or a workout movement lightly. I injured myself while doing a deadlift, and it was serious enough that I had to take complete bed rest. For someone who loves being active and enjoys ...

EXCLUSIVE: Vikas Bahl forays into musical romance with Tribe starring Siddhant Chaturvedi and Alizeh Agnihotri; shooting begins in September

After wrapping up Queen Forever starring Kangana Ranaut, Vikas Bahl is set to embark on his next project. Bollywood Hungama has exclusively learned that Bahl will next direct Siddhant Chaturvedi and Alizeh Agnihotri in a musical drama, tentatively titled Tribe. The film will go on floors in September in the UK. Tribe is said to be inspired by the rise of bhangra-fusion pop in the UK during the 1990s. For an entire generation, UK Punjabi music represented far more than entertainment, it became a form of rebellion wrapped in rhythm, seamlessly blending traditional Punjabi folk sounds with Western musical styles. Set in the 1990s, the film captures the momentum when the post-immigrant generation, with one foot in the UK and the other in Punjab, began experimenting with new sounds and infusing them with their own distinctive flavour, creating an electrifying cross-cultural sound that got audiences of every age onto the dance floor. Produced by Reliance Entertainment, the film is described...

Aneet Padda approached for crucial role opposite Ranbir Kapoor in Brahmastra 2

Fans have been eagerly awaiting updates on Brahmastra 2 ever since Brahmastra Part One: Shiva arrived in theatres in 2022. Directed by Ayan Mukerji, the first installment featured Ranbir Kapoor and Alia Bhatt in the lead, alongside Amitabh Bachchan, Shah Rukh Khan, Nagarjuna and Mouni Roy in pivotal roles. The film introduced audiences to the Astraverse and ended with several questions surrounding the characters and the larger story. Speculation about the sequel has continued, particularly following the post-credit sequence of the first film. The scene appeared to tease Deepika Padukone’s character, although her face was blurred. She was shown holding a child, prompting several theories about how her character could fit into the next chapter. Deepika was subsequently expected to play a significant role in Brahmastra 2. Amid the continued buzz around the much-awaited sequel, we hear that actress Aneet Padda has also been approached for a role in the film. The actress, who gained wider ...

Akshay Kumar begins shooting for alien action thriller Samuk

Akshay Kumar has officially gone into alien territory. The actor has begun shooting for his much-awaited survival-action thriller Samuk, marking the reunion of him and producer-filmmaker Vipul Amrutlal Shah for their seventh collaboration. Directed by Kanishk Varma, the film has gone on floors in London and is being mounted as a large-scale Pan-India theatrical release with global production ambitions. According to industry sources, Akshay Kumar began filming for Samuk on August 23, 2026. As per an earlier report by Variety, the shooting was expected to commence in London as the makers are expected to shoot approximately 90 per cent of the film in the England capital, with the remaining portions planned in Mumbai. The production is being executed as one continuous schedule rather than being divided into multiple shooting legs. The film, which has been in development for over two years, combines military realism, survival horror and alien mythology. The makers have brought together an ...

SCOOP: John Abraham undergoes his BIGGEST physical transformation yet for Maria IPS; ages from 20s to 60s for Rohit Shetty’s flick

After Singham Again (2024), blockbuster filmmaker Rohit Shetty began working on a gritty action entertainer based on the life of decorated police officer Rakesh Maria. In January this year, Bollywood Hungama was the first one to reveal that the film has been titled Maria IPS. Now we bring to you another interesting piece of information about this film. A source told Bollywood Hungama, “John Abraham will be seen in a never-before-seen avatar in the film. Maria IPS spans nearly 40 years in the life of Rakesh Maria, tracing his journey from his 20s to his 60s. For the portions featuring Maria in his 20s and 30s, John bulked up and put on muscle to look the part. For the scenes where the character is in his late 50s and 60s, the actor underwent another physical transformation, losing weight to sport a leaner and fitter look.” The source further said, “John Abraham has never undergone this kind of physical transformation for a film before. Audiences will get to see him across different sta...

Anushka Ranjan and Aditya Seal welcome twin baby girls, Vira and Mahi

Aditya Seal and his wife, actor Anushka Ranjan, have stepped into parenthood with double the joy. The couple has welcomed twin baby girls and shared the news with their fans on social media. Along with announcing the arrival of their daughters, Anushka and Aditya also revealed their names, making the occasion even more special for their followers. The twins were born on August 23, 2026. The couple introduced their daughters as Vira Ranjan Seal and Mahi Ranjan Seal through an adorable announcement card featuring illustrations of two little girls. Aditya also shared a heartfelt note on Instagram, expressing his happiness and gratitude as the family begins this new chapter. "My sunshines are here to brighten our lives. Our hearts are full of love and gratitude. Vira ♾️ Mahi #TeamGirl."   View this post on Instagram   A post shared by Aditya Seal (@adityaseal) The couple had announced Anushka’s pregnancy earlier this year through a series of maternity photographs. In May 2026...

SCOOP: Emraan Hashmi starrer Gunmaster G9 teaser to play in theatres with Yash starrer Toxic

The teaser of Gunmaaster G9, starring Emraan Hashmi, Genelia Deshmukh and Aparshakti Khurana, is set to premiere theatrically ahead of the screening of Toxic: A Fairy Tale for Grown-ups, offering audiences an early glimpse of the much-awaited action-romance. While Gunmaaster G9 is slated for a worldwide theatrical release on November 27, 2026, the makers are kickstarting the film’s promotional campaign well in advance with a dedicated theatrical teaser premiere. Rather than being attached to the print of Toxic, the teaser will be screened separately ahead of the film, giving Gunmaaster G9 a distinct theatrical showcase. With Toxic expected to draw substantial audiences, the move is poised to give the teaser an expansive reach while creating early curiosity around Emraan Hashmi’s next. The film also marks a notable creative reunion. Soham Rockstar Entertainment and Deepak Mukut bring together Emraan Hashmi, Himesh Reshammiya and director Aditya Datt once again, following their collabor...

Shaan buys Rs 48 crores Palmera home, highlights Mumbai’s luxury housing boom

Bollywood playback singer Shantanu ‘Shaan’ Mukherjee and his wife Radhika Mukherjee have made a high-value addition to their real estate portfolio with the purchase of a luxury residence at Palmera in Bandra West. The couple has acquired a 6,300-square-foot home for Rs 48 crore in the upscale residential development. The transaction was registered on August 20, 2026, and was brokered by Propbay India LLP. The residence has been created by combining three separate apartments spread across approximately one-and-a-half floors on the 18th level of the tower. Shaan’s latest property acquisition also adds another chapter to his family’s long-standing association with Bandra. His late father, musician Manas Mukherjee, had also lived in the Mumbai suburb. Located at 8 Turner Road, near the junction of St Martin’s Road, Palmera is a boutique residential project developed by Pantheion Real Estate. The tower stands on the redeveloped plot that once housed the bungalow of veteran actress Mala Sin...

Arjun Rampal marries longtime girlfriend Gabriella Demetriades in Goa

Actor Arjun Rampal has officially married his longtime partner Gabriella Demetriades in Goa. The couple, who have been together since 2018, registered their marriage at the Sub-Registrar’s office in Mapusa, North Goa, in the presence of close friends. According to PTI, Arjun and Gabriella completed the required marriage formalities at the office. The couple had earlier secured special permission from the Assistant Public Prosecutor of the local court to waive the mandatory 15-day waiting period between the first and second signatures required under Goa’s marriage laws. Sub-Registrar Suraj Vernekar confirmed that the marriage was registered under Goa’s Uniform Civil Code. Arjun and Gabriella reportedly reached the office at around 4 pm and kept their appearance casual for the occasion. The couple’s relationship began in 2018, following Arjun’s separation from his former wife, Mehr Jesia. They welcomed their first child, son Arik, in 2019, before making their relationship official throu...

Taapsee Pannu starrer Gandhari to premiere on September 3

Netflix is set to release Gandhari, an action thriller starring Taapsee Pannu, on September 3. Written and produced by Kanika Dhillon and directed by Devashish Makhija, the film follows a mother’s determined search for her daughter and the challenges she faces along the way. Set in the fictional town of Joypurra, Gandhari centres on Bani, a mother whose search for her daughter takes her through a series of dangerous situations. The story explores themes of resilience, determination and a mother’s devotion while combining emotional drama with action. Taapsee Pannu plays the central role of Bani, in what is described as one of her more physically demanding performances. The film also features Ishwak Singh, Chhaya Kadam, Swastika Mukherjee, Mita Vashisht and Jatin Sarna in key roles. As Bani moves closer to finding her daughter, she encounters new threats and obstacles, with each situation adding to the tension surrounding her search. The film brings together action sequences and the emo...

Rajkumar Santoshi questions audience hesitation over Sunny Deol playing a Muslim in Batwara 1947; asks, “If Spiderman’s name was Aslam Sheikh, would they reject him?”

Rajkumar Santoshi directorial Batwara 1947, starring Sunny Deol in a Muslim character for the first time, has been receiving positive feedback from audiences who have watched the film. However, director Rajkumar Santoshi says he is surprised that the appreciation has not translated into stronger box office numbers. The filmmaker has now urged audiences to come to theatres, watch the film and then form their own opinion. Speaking to a portal/publication, Santoshi said, “It is important that people come out and watch the film.” He went on to highlight the response from those who have already seen the Partition drama. “The people who have seen the film Batwara are liking it a lot.” According to Santoshi, the film has also prompted viewers to reach out to the team. “They are appreciating it a lot. They are sending so many fan mails. They are getting so many bookings.” The filmmaker further described the emotional response from audiences emerging from theatres. “People are calling and appr...

Spirit Controversy: Pranay Reddy Vanga claims Deepika Padukone made ‘unreasonable’ demands; says, “She demanded 10 percent from the film’s profit”

The controversy surrounding Deepika Padukone’s exit from Spirit has resurfaced after Pranay Reddy Vanga, brother of filmmaker Sandeep Reddy Vanga, made fresh claims about the disagreements that led to the actress’ departure from the Prabhas-starrer. While reports about Deepika’s demand for an eight-hour workday had earlier become a major talking point, Pranay has now alleged that remuneration and profit-sharing were also part of the discussions. In a recent interview with NTV, Pranay spoke about the circumstances surrounding Deepika’s exit. He said the discussions involved her remuneration, working hours and other aspects of the project. “The reason is the same as what was already mentioned. One was remuneration, the second was timing. Apart from that, there are some other reasons too,” he said. According to Pranay, Sandeep had been in talks with Deepika for around one-and-a-half years and was keen to have her on board. He also suggested that her recent box-office success gave her gre...

Batwara 1947 vs Awarapan 2 screen-sharing fight Round 2 begins: Distributor of Sunny Deol starrer asks for one show in single screens; Toxic’s Wednesday release complicates matters

Bollywood Hungama had reported last week about the screen-sharing issues faced during the release of Batwara 1947 and Awarapan 2. The issue has cropped up in the second week of these films as well. A trade source told Bollywood Hungama, “PVR Inox Pictures, the distributors of Batwara 1947, have asked several single-screen cinemas to play one show of their film from tomorrow, August 21. However, the single-screen exhibitors are bewildered by this demand. Batwara 1947 has underperformed, more so at single screens. Moreover, Awarapan 2 continues to do huge business. The single screens wish to play all shows of Awarapan 2 to meet the demand. However, they won’t be able to cater to that demand fully due to the directive to allot shows to Batwara 1947.” The source also said, “On the other hand, Awarapan 2’s distributor has put forth two conditions. One is that they want all shows in single screens. The theatres have no problem with this demand. However, they have also asked for all shows of...

Sonu Nigam reacts to impersonator case settlement; says, “Saste mein chhoot gaya bahut”

Sonu Nigam has opened up about his legal battle with Bihar-based criminal lawyer Sonu Nigam Singh, whose social media account was allegedly mistaken for that of the singer. The dispute, which involved alleged misuse of the singer’s identity and personality rights, has now been settled following an amicable agreement between the two parties. The Bombay High Court recently disposed of the commercial intellectual property suit after the singer and the lawyer reached a settlement. However, Sonu Nigam has said that he is not completely satisfied with the outcome and believes that cases involving digital impersonation and identity rights require stricter legal action. Speaking about the issue, the singer said, “I quit X in 2017 but this person kept impersonating me. If I met President Droupadi Murmu, he would post a photo as if I am posting it. It is cruel to put someone’s name, reputation and life at risk.” Nigam further claimed that the alleged impersonation had consequences for him and h...