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Showing posts from July, 2023

Rajya Sabha passes Cinematograph (Amendment) Bill, 2023, targeting film piracy and certification reforms

On July 27, 2023, the Rajya Sabha took a significant step in the battle against film piracy and introduced reforms in movie certification with the passage of the Cinematograph (Amendment) Bill, 2023. The amended bill aims to curb the unauthorised recording and exhibition of films, which have been causing substantial losses to the film industry. One of the key provisions of the bill is the crackdown on film piracy. Those involved in making pirated copies of movies could now face severe penalties, including a three-year jail term and a fine of up to 5% of the movie's production cost. This stern measure is expected to serve as a deterrent against the illegal reproduction and distribution of copyrighted content. The bill also brings notable changes in how movies are certified by the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC). It introduces three certifications under the 'UA' category: UA 7+, UA 13+, and UA 16+. This means that movies with such certifications can be viewed by

Kangana Ranaut reacts to Rajya Sabha member Subramanian Swamy questioning the massive security given to the actress

Kangana Ranaut, who is of late been in news for her controversial statements against ‘superstars’ and ‘Bollywood’ industry, was questioned by a Rajya Sabha member Subramanian Swamy for the Y plus security given to her. The actress received immense protection after she made accusations and statements against Shiv Sena which led to her being given ample security for protection. After Mr. Swamy questioned about the security on social media, the actress took to the platform to respond to his statement. Kangana Ranaut was left quite upset when a Rajya Sabha member accused her of being give too much security, responding to which, the actress called herself a ‘vocal and concerned citizen’. She added that her statements have often angered certain groups and also revealed that her upcoming projects can ruffle feathers, which led to her requesting for more protection. Subramanian Swamy took to Twitter to say, “The SPG knows, and has kept a register of her movements. I wonder why since it is no

Bigg Boss OTT 2: Pooja Bhatt to leave Salman Khan-show with Alia Bhatt: Report

Pooja Bhatt has been making waves in the Bigg Boss OTT 2 house with her unfiltered personality. However, there are reports that she may leave the show before it ends. According to a tweet by the Bigg Boss OTT 2 fan page, Pooja Bhatt has a contract of only 6 weeks and she may exit the show this weekend due to her prior commitments. There is also speculation that her sister, Alia Bhatt, might come as a guest to promote her new movie, Rocky Aur Rani Kii Prem Kahaani, and might take Pooja out of the show during her visit. Having said that, it is worth mentioning here that Alia Bhatt recently revealed her 3 favourite contestants from Bigg Boss OTT 2, and Elvish Yadav was one of them. She described him as a "rocky personality" and said that she likes his naughty and entertaining personality. However, no official announcement of the same has been made by either the makers of the show or the actress’ team. Speaking of this week’s eviction, wildcard contestant Aashika Bhatia. For t

Bhumi Pednekar joins Jio MAMI as the Brand Ambassador for Dimensions Mumbai

Dimensions Mumbai, a short film competition based on the theme of Mumbai City, is back and now open for submissions. The category was introduced in 2009 by Jaya Bachchan as an ode to Mumbai. Dimensions Mumbai competition is applicable for young filmmakers within the age group of 18–25 years across India; all they need to do is film Mumbai-based themes in Mumbai. Bhumi Pednekar is the Brand Ambassador for Dimensions Mumbai this year. A hard-core Mumbai girl herself, Bhumi Pednekar, in her role, will be engaging and supporting the young creative collective of aspiring filmmakers at Dimensions Mumbai. Commenting on this, Bhumi Pednekar said, "I am thrilled to be a part of Dimensions Mumbai this year. It's an incredible platform for young filmmakers; it empowers them to tell personal stories that mean something to them. It gives them an opportunity to showcase their film to a larger audience on a big screen. For decades, Mumbai has inspired filmmakers from around the world. This

Kangana Ranaut CONTINUES slamming Karan Johar, compares him with “Raavan”, accuses him of manipulating perception through “paid PR”; drags Rocky Aur Rani Kii Prem Kahaani

Ever since Ranveer Singh and Alia Bhatt's Rocky Aur Rani Kii Prem Kahaani released, Bollywood actress Kangana Ranaut has left no stone unturned to bash the film and its director Karan Johar. In fact, besides a bunch of Instagram Stories, yesterday, on July 30, Ranaut dedicated three posts to Johar, in which she accused him of manipulating the perception of his movies through “paid PR." In a series of Instagram posts and Stories, Ranaut shared videos of Johar talking about his ability to control the media and influence public opinion. She also alleged that Johar uses his connections to get positive reviews for his films, even if they are not well-received by audiences.   View this post on Instagram   A post shared by Kangana Ranaut (@kanganaranaut) "It's not a crime to do atrocious work but to warp people's perception to think of worse as best and best as worse is demonic, evil and malicious," Ranaut wrote. "Hindi film industry is like a sinking ship

Daler Mehndi and Mika Singh to feature as actors in Akshay Kumar-Sanjay Dutt-Arshad Warsi starrer Welcome 3

Welcome (2007) is one of the funniest films of Bollywood and has a tremendous recall value. Though the sequel, Welcome Back (2015), was not as memorable, there’s a lot of excitement for Welcome 3. Recently, Arshad Warsi spilled the beans and confessed that apart from him, Akshay Kumar, Sanjay Dutt and Paresh Rawal are also a part of the third part of the franchise. A few days later, reports emerged that Sanjay Dutt and Arshad Warsi have replaced Anil Kapoor and Nana Patekar in Welcome 3. Bollywood Hungama now brings another exciting and unexpected update from this much-awaited comic caper. A source told us, “Daler Mehndi and Mika Singh have also bagged Welcome 3. They’ll be seen as actors in this film. It’s an interesting addition to the multi-starrer and their roles are expected to be very funny and crucial to the plot. Both Daler and Mika were taken aback when they were offered the film. However, they realized that theirs is a fun role. Hence, both the talented brothers decided to s

Producer Dinesh Vijan buys apartments worth whopping Rs. 103 crore in Mumbai

Bollywood producer Dinesh Vijan of Maddock Films has spent a whopping Rs. 103 crore to purchase apartments. The producer purchased apartments on the 15th and 16th floors respectively at Parishram by Rustomjee on Nargis Dutt Road at Pali Hill in Mumbai. As per a report in Money Control, the apartment units are spread across 9,000 square feet and were registered on July 25, 2023. The carpet area of the units is 7,791 sq. ft. The registration took place between Keystone Realtors and Dinesh Prem Vijan. The documents showed that a stamp duty of Rs 6.17 crore was paid. Meanwhile, Dinesh Vijan is busy with many projects. Following Zara Hatke Zara Bachke, he is producing Stree 2 starring Shraddha Kapoor and Rajkummar Rao. He also has an untitled project with Kriti Sanon and Shahid Kapoor, Pooja Meri Jaan with Mrunal Thakur and many more. ALSO READ: Stree 2: Filming begins for Jio Studios and Dinesh Vijan’s horror comedy sequel from Latest Bollywood News | Hindi Movie News | Hindi Cinema N

NCW India raises Celina Jaitly's complaint against self-proclaimed Pakistani journalist for demeaning her; MEA initiates action

Celina Jaitly has taken action against a self-proclaimed Hindi film critic and journalist from Pakistan named Umair Sandhu who alleged that she was in a relationship with her mentor Feroz Khan and his son Fardeen and made some bizarre allegations. Celina took the matter to the National Commission of Women in India who in turn initiated action after the actress’ complaint and took the matter to the Ministry of External Affairs. In a long tweet, Celina revealed, “A few months ago, a self-proclaimed Hindi film critic and journalist from Pakistan named @UmairSandu took to Twitter to make viral untrue horrific claims about me which included bizarre allegations like my relations with both my mentor Feroz Khan and his son Fardeen , in addition he made claims targeting me and my family’s safety and security even in Austria.” A few months ago, a self-proclaimed Hindi film critic and journalist from Pakistan named @UmairSandu took to Twitter to make viral untrue horrific claims about me which

Singer Usha Uthup to grace Star Plus show Baatein Kuch Ankahee Si starring Mohit Malik and Sayli Salunkhe

With Baatein Kuch Ankahee Si, StarPlus is all set to venture into something different and relatable. The show is to be produced by Rajan Shahi. The story is going to revolve around a girl with a unique voice trying to make a place in the music industry against all odds. Baatein Kuch Ankaheen Si, starring Mohit Malik and Sayli Salunkhe in lead roles, revolves around two middle-aged people from different backgrounds and how their worldviews collide when they meet, with music set to play an important role in their journey. It is going to be a musical, fictional love saga. Baatein Kuch Ankahee Si will be the biggest musical television show. As we had earlier reported, Star Plus is going to bring a singer on board to promote their new show Baatein Kuch Ankahee Si, and we finally know who it is. Singer Usha Uthup will be seen promoting the show through a music video. As the show is about the protagonist, Vandana, making it big against the tides, she has a very unconventional voice and talen

Kangana Ranaut accuses a “womaniser superstar” of hacking her account; requests Mumbai Cyber Police to “take action”

Bollywood actress Kangana Ranaut has accused two of her colleagues of criminal activities, including hacking her social media accounts, buying fake bulk tickets, and manipulating box office collections. In a series of Instagram stories on Sunday, Ranaut said that she was informed by a fan about a scam in which people were using her name to hack into accounts. She shared a screenshot of the scam, which showed a message from someone claiming to be Ranaut's online manager. Ranaut said that she had nothing to do with the scam and that the people behind it were part of the "film mafia." She also made some shocking claims about two of her colleagues, whom she did not name. "Film mafia has always indulged in criminal activities," she said. "This superstar who I dated later claimed that I was dating his imposter. He used to use different numbers and accounts to chat with me, he also hacked my account and operated in a shady way." Ranaut said that she also

The Storyteller to have Australian premiere at Indian Film Festival of Melbourne; Paresh Rawal REACTS

The highly acclaimed film The Storyteller, starring the renowned actor Paresh Rawal, after having been screened in Busan is now all set to have its Australian premiere at the Indian Film Festival of Melbourne next month in August. Directed by Anant Narayan Mahadevan, the film is based on the legendary Satyajit Ray's short story "Golpo Boliye Tarini Khuro" and explores the themes of originality versus plagiarism. Alongside Rawal, the film features an exceptional ensemble cast including Adil Hussain, Revathi, Tannishtha Chatterjee, Anindita Bose, and Jayesh More. The Storyteller is a cinematic gem that pays homage to the literary genius of Satyajit Ray. Based on the renowned author's celebrated short story, the film delves into the captivating conflict between originality and plagiarism. Through compelling storytelling and thought-provoking performances, The Storyteller poses important questions about creativity, inspiration, and the ethical boundaries of artistic expr

Sonam Kapoor becomes spokesperson for hair care brand Kérastase

French Luxury hair care brand, Kérastase is delighted to reveal Sonam Kapoor as their brand spokesperson in India! The Bollywood star known for her impeccable fashion choices, is looking radiant in her new hair campaign with the brand! “For me, self-care is something I’ve always believed in! When you’re travelling, working, and trying to play multiple roles at the same time it’s so important to make sure that you invest in the right kind of care. Kérastase is a brand I deeply resonate with. It not only stands for innovative luxurious hair products but also for the message they deliver to women: dare to be who you want, because you have the potential! I’m so excited for our collaboration!” says Sonam Kapoor. Kérastase has been in India since 2005 and is now well known for its innovative and luxurious hair care offering that it brings to consumers through salons across 41 cities in India and through its own DTC platform www.kerastase.in. Today it is the leading luxury hair care brand i

Israel ambassador reacts to Auschwitz-Holocaust reference in Varun Dhawan, Janhvi Kapoor starrer Baawal: “Trivialisation of the Holocaust should disturb all”

Bawaal, starring Varun Dhawan and Janhvi Kapoor, released on Prime Video on July 21. Helmed by Nitesh Tiwari, the film has opened to mixed reviews. While many applauded the performances of the actors, the film was also criticized for the analogies related to Auschwitz, Hitler and World War II references. Some even called the makers insensitive for using a highly sensitive topic as analogies in a romance drama. Ambassador of Israel to India Naor Gilon on Friday spoke about the Auschwitz–Holocaust reference in Bawaal. He said that he has not watched the film, but the trivialization of the Holocaust should disturb all. “I did not and will not watch the film Bawaal but from what I’ve read, there was a poor choice of terminology and symbolism. Trivialisation of the Holocaust should disturb all. I urge those who don’t know enough about the horrors of the #Holocaust to educate themselves about it,” the ambassador wrote. I did not and will not watch the film Bawaal but from what I’ve read, t

Rasika Dugal starrer Lord Curzon Ki Haveli to have its world premiere at Indian Film Festival of Melbourne

Actor Anshuman Jha is making his directorial debut with Lord Curzon Ki Haveli. The film has been chosen for its world premiere at the Indian Film Festival of Melbourne (IFFM) as the Centrepiece Spotlight Film (Official Selection - out of competition). It stars Arjun Mathur, Rasika Dugal, Paresh Pahuja, Zoha Rahman and Tanmay Dhaninia. The film’s tale is a revelation about the Asian diaspora in the UK and is touted to be the first mainstream Indian feature film to be shot on a single lens. The film was shot in the UK last year and it is touted as a unique new age cinema experience for worldwide audiences. Paolo Bertolin, Selection Committee, Venice International Film Festival, described the film saying, “Lord Curzon Ki Haveli is a cinematic work that muses over identity & gender in a very contemporary way, within the framework of an entertaining mystery.” Sharing his reaction at the film’s selection at IIFM, Jha said in a statement, “I am thrilled to present Lord Curzon Ki Haveli

Allegations escalate: Jennifer Mistry accuses TMKOC producer Asit Kumarr Modi of “influencing” key witness Gurucharan Singh

The controversy surrounding Taarak Mehta Ka Ooltah Chashmah has taken a new turn as actress Jennifer Mistry, who portrayed the character of Mrs Roshan Sodhi in the popular sitcom, has come forward with fresh allegations against producer Asit Kumarr Modi. In a series of serious accusations, Jennifer claims that Modi influenced a key witness in her sexual harassment case against him. In May 2023, Jennifer accused Asit Kumarr Modi of sexual harassment, and recently, the Mumbai Police registered a case against the makers of the long-running show based on her complaint. Now, in an interview with ETimes, Jennifer has accused Modi of trying to manipulate Gurucharan Singh, who played the role of Jennifer's on-screen husband, into turning against her in court. She said, “Gurucharan knows everything and in May 2023, he called me and had assured me that he would be a witness for me in the court. He had categorically told me he would not comment in the media, but he will come to the court to

Bhuvan Bam is all set to lend his voice for an international animated series

Bhuvan Bam is all set to add another feather to his cap. As per sources, following the success of his show, Taaza Khabar, Bhuvan Bam is all set to enchant young audiences by lending his voice to the lead character in an upcoming international animated series. The highly anticipated animated series, is scheduled to stream at the end of this year on a digital platform. Bhuvan Ban has been leaving hints on social media with stories of him dubbing for the said series. There are also posts where he is seen spending time at the studio. Although not many details are revealed, we hear that the show in question is a fun filled animated drama series targeted towards young kids and teenagers. A source close to the digital celebrity said, “Bhuvan has been spending time at the recording studio for the last three weeks. He worked with his voice coach ahead of recording. He’s known for embodying different roles and characters right from the start when he started with content on YouTube. This is his

The Archies' Vedang Raina cast in Alia Bhatt - Vasan Bala project for Karan Johar's Dharma Productions

Alia Bhatt has an array of line-up after Rocky Aur Rani Kii Prem Kahaani which is releasing tomorrow in theatres. The actress will make her Hollywood debut and has signed a YRF actioner and Vasan Bala Project. Now, it's been learnt that The Archies debutante Vedang Raina will be joining Alia in Bala's next for Karan Johar's Dharma Productions. According to a report in Pinkvilla, a source revealed, "The Vasan Bala film will mark his first foray into the world of theatrical business. Karan and Vasan were impressed with his performance in the rushes of The Archies and believe that he fits the bill.”  The film will go on floors in September after the reading sessions in August. “In August, Alia Bhatt and Vedang will have multiple script reading sessions to break the ice. In fact, there will also be action workshops as the premise of Vasan Bala’s film has ample of action. The core plot is centered around a prison break,” the source added. Meanwhile, Vedang Raina will mak

SCOOP: The INSIDE reason why Oh My God 2 has been asked for 20 cuts and ‘Adults only’ certification; ULTRA SENSITIVE premise

Akshay Kumar, Yami Gautam and Pankaj Tripathi's Oh My God 2 is just 15 days away from its release now. And yet we await a clear picture of the film's release scenario. As everyone is aware, Oh My God 2 is stuck at the censor board and no one has been able to dwell deep into the real reason for the reservations from CBFC. Bollywood Hungama has now got inside access to the delay in certification for OMG 2. According to a source close to CBFC, the issue with OMG 2 is the core plot itself. "While OMG 2 speaks about sex education on the face of it, there is a major conflict in the film that deals with masturbation. While it's an extremely brave subject and tackled with the utmost sensitivity, the CBFC feels that the religious angle could hurt the sentiments of the Indian audience. They are hence being super cautious to grant a certificate," a source told Bollywood Hungama. The CBFC doesn't want OMG 2 to be another film after Adipurush to hurt religious sentiments.

Rahul Bhatt, Sunny Leone starrer Kennedy gets chosen as the closing film at the Indian Film Festival of Melbourne

The 14th Indian Film Festival of Melbourne (IFFM) is thrilled to announce that the highly anticipated film Kennedy starring Rahul Bhatt and Sunny Leone, directed by filmmaker Anurag Kashyap, has been selected as the prestigious closing night film. The festival, celebrating the best of Indian cinema, will conclude with the screening of this neo-noir thriller on August 20, 2023 in Melbourne. Kennedy had its grand world premiere at the Cannes Film Festival earlier this year, and it also received a lot of critical acclaim and attention for its gripping storyline and for the performances of Sunny Leone and Rahul Bhatt. The closing night ceremony promises to be a star-studded affair, as it will be graced by the director himself, Anurag Kashyap, who is known for his bold and unique storytelling. Alongside him, the lead cast of Kennedy, Sunny Leone and Rahul Bhatt will also be present to share their experiences and insights into their roles in the film. But that's not all; A day ahead of

Kriti Sanon launches own skincare brand “Hyphen” on her 33rd birthday!

In the ever-expanding world of celebrity beauty brands, a new entrant has emerged. Bollywood star and birthday girl Kriti Sanon is the latest celebrity to jump on the bandwagon, as she recently launched her own skincare line named “Hyphen.” The expectations are naturally high when it comes to celebrity brands, and Kriti Sanon's venture into the beauty industry has created a buzz. Today, Kriti took to her Instagram and shared a post announcing her brand. Talking about it, Kriti said in the video, “Why do we put people in a box? And say, this is who you are? Why can't we be everything we want to be in life? I refuse to be a full stop or be limited by a bracket. I'd rather be a hyphen. Hyphen has hope! Hope that there's going to be something more after it. Hyphen is a hope of possibilities, opportunities of adding more chapters to my life. I'm an engineer, a model, an actor, an entrepreneur, a producer, a separately poet, a fitness enthusiast, a skin nerd and a lot mo

Vikramaditya Motwane and Applause Entertainment join hands for two ambitious projects Black Warrant and Indi(r)a’s Emergency

Applause Entertainment announces collaboration with Andolan Films, spearheaded by Vikramaditya Motwane, to embark on an exciting journey of revolutionary storytelling. This collaboration marks a significant milestone as two powerhouses in the entertainment industry come together to announce two ambitious projects, breathing new life into the art of storytelling. The first, titled "Indi(r)a’s Emergency, is a captivating three-part docu-series that will immerse audiences into one of the starkest chapters in India's post-independence history—The Emergency. With the compelling narration of Swanand Kirkire, this contemporary historical exploration employs a combination of archival footage and animation, bringing to life events that shook a nation. The second series is an adaptation of the book "Black Warrant – Confessions of a Tihar Jailer" authored by Sunil Gupta and Sunetra Choudhury. Offering a glimpse into the mystery and enigma surrounding Tihar, India's larges

Sunny Leone and Ameesha Patel skip meeting amid non-payment of dues issues of Rs. 21 lakh and Rs. 1.2 crore respectively; IMPPA to take strict action against them

Actors Sunny Leone and Ameesha Patel are making headlines for non-payment of dues of Rs. 21 lakh and Rs. 1.2 crore respectively with producers. Both the actresses were summoned before the Arbitration Tribunal of the Indian Motion Picture Producers’ Association (IMPPA) on July 25 in response to the complaints by the producers about their pending dues. However, the actresses failed to appear before them and now IMPPA plans to take strict action. Reports stated that producers Haresh Patel of M/s AD Films and Vinod Bachchan of M/s Soundarya Productions had filed complaints against Sunny Leone and Ameesha Patel respectively. As per ETimes, IMPPA has “directed them to pay the entire claim payable to the aforementioned producers within 7 days of the meeting failing which there will be consequences.’ Meanwhile, on the work front, Ameesha Patel will be next seen in Gadar 2 alongside Sunny Deol wherein she reprises the role of Sakeena. The trailer was launched on Wednesday. It will release on

EXCLUSIVE: Yami Gautam starrer Dhoom Dhaam opts for direct-to-digital release; sold to JioCinema

The makers of Yami Gautam-Pratik Gandhi starrer Dhoom Dhaam were in a happy dilemma for a long time whether to release the film in theatres or on OTT and after a lot of discussions, the film has been sold to an OTT platform JioCinema for a direct-to-digital release. As per the industry source, “The producers of the film (Aditya Dhar, Lokesh Dhar, Jyoti Deshpande) have been extremely confident about the film and have been aware that they have a winner at hand thanks to the multiple focus group/trial screenings that have been held by them. The unanimous feedback from all these screenings, which had people from different walks of life has been phenomenal. It is after a very long time that, such a good, fun film, family-entertainer, new age caper comedy will be released for the audiences. It will definitely be a breath of fresh air in a time when there is so much dark, gritty content available online. As per the source, the film has been sold at the highest price compared to the previous

One Friday Night Trailer: Raveena Tandon and Milind Soman starrer to premiere on JioCinema on July 28

JioCinema presents One Friday Night, a thriller that promises an evening of romance, betrayal, and suspense! Starring the trio of Raveena Tandon, Milind Soman, and Vidhi Chitalia, this drama explores the complexities of relationships, secrets, and the unexpected turns life can take. Presented by Jio Studios, produced by Jyoti Deshpande and Manish Trehan, the film is directed by Manish Gupta. Slated for a digital premiere on 28th July, One Friday Night will continue to stream for free on JioCinema. One Friday Night, centres around Ram, an affluent man who finds himself entangled in an affair with Niru, a woman half his age. Their secret rendezvous in a clandestine love nest takes an unforeseen turn when a life-altering accident leaves Ram severely injured, and in dire need of medical attention. With no other options available, Niru is forced to make a fateful decision - to reach out to Ram's unsuspecting wife, Lata. What happens thereafter is total rollercoaster. Actor Milind Soma

BREAKING: 20 cuts and ‘Adults only’ certificate for OMG Oh My God 2 as suggested by the CBFC’s Revising Committee

Bollywood Hungama has been at the forefront to report about the developments with regards to the censor process of OMG Oh My God 2. On July 13, we were one of the first ones to report that the Examining Committee (EC) of the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) referred the Akshay Kumar-starrer to the Revising Committee (RC) due to its content. We also reported how the team of the film is trying its best to get the film and trailer cleared this week or by Monday, July 31 latest so that it can make it in cinemas on August 11. Bollywood Hungama has now heard that the Revising Committee has suggested several modifications in the films, which the makers are not comfortable with. A source told Bollywood Hungama, “In all, the RC has asked for 20 cuts. These include both visual and audio deletions. On top of it, they have also suggested the makers opt for an adults-only certification.” The source continued, “However, the makers are not comfortable with these cuts as they believe that

Is there a sequel to RRR on the anvil? Writer Vijayendra Prasad spills the beans

There has been a lot of talk lately on a sequel to A S Rajamouli’s international blockbuster RRR, which has broken nearly every box office record of Indian cinema. So the talk of a sequel seemed more like wishful thinking than reality. However when I asked the RRR writer Vijayendra Prasad to throw light on the ostensible sequel to RRR, he replied, “Sir, it’s both a yes and a no...After the release of RRR I shared an idea of the sequel where the story continues with Sitarama Raju (Ram Charan) and Komaram Bheem (NTR Jr) set in Africa.” Vijayendra Prasad, who is a regular writer on his son Rajamouli’s projects, says the idea of the sequel appealed to Rajamouli. “My son liked it and asked me to develop it into a full script.” Vijayendraji says the sequel is likely to happen after Rajamouli completes his film with Mahesh Babu. “Right now he is fully into the movie with Mahesh Babu...and knowing my son’s temperament he will not pay any attention to the sequel-idea till the movie with Mahes

Varun Dhawan defends Auschwitz, Hitler analogies in Bawaal, takes a dig at Bhagavad Gita scene in Oppenheimer: “Don't understand where that sensitivity or the trigger goes when they watch an English film”

Bawaal starring Varun Dhawan and Janhvi Kapoor released on Prime Video on July 21. Helmed by Nitesh Tiwari, the film has opened to mixed reviews. While many applauded the performances of the actors, they were equally criticized for the analogies related to Auschwitz, Hitler and World War II references. The makers were being called insensitive for using a highly sensitive topic as analogies in a romance drama. Varun Dhawan recently defended Bawaal saying that people can’t have different yardstick for films. Speaking to Pinkvilla, the actor said, “I'm not new to criticism. My films Judwaa, Main Tera Hero, and ABCD2, have been criticized which is totally cool. I respect the criticism. What I don't understand like how Sir (Nitesh Tiwari) said that it's a context and the protagonist is from Lucknow and it's showing that the character which is Ajju Bhaiya is initially a tone-deaf character. This is how it has been shown and it's not showing the character as a hero but as

Mumbai court drops extortion charge against Javed Akhtar filed by Kangana Ranaut

A Mumbai court on Tuesday dismissed the extortion charge against lyricist Javed Akhtar which was filed by Kangana Ranaut. The case revolves around her public dispute with Hrithik Roshan. According to her plea, she alleged that Akhtar had called her and her sister Rangoli Chandel to his house in March 2016, and demanded an apology from her to Hrithik Roshan. "Asking a person to give a written apology will not come under the definition of valuable security....because no legal right is created, extended, transferred, restricted, extinguished or released," a Magistrate court said in Mumbai, as reported by India Today. "However, the accused, with a malafide intention and ulterior motive, called her and her sister Rangoli Chandel at his house in Juhu in the month of March 2016 and criminally intimidated and threatened the complainant (Kangana Ranaut) as well as forced her to tender a written apology to the co-star thereby forcefully seeking to create a document (valuable sec

The Storyteller wins the German Star of India 2023 Audience Award at the Indian Film Festival Stuttgart

Jio Studios’ The Storyteller continues to earn international recognition during its festival run, by receiving the German Star of India 2023 for director Ananth Mahadevan in the category Audience Award at the Indian Film Festival Stuttgart in Germany. The film received a warm reception, with a packed audience and appreciation during its recent screening at the festival where it was also the Closing Film. The Storyteller is based on one of Satyajit Ray’s short stories. The film stars Paresh Rawal, Adil Hussain, Tannishtha Chatterjee and Naseeruddin Shah. Ananth Mahadevan, the director of the movie, reacted at the achievement saying, “The unanimous acknowledgement of The Storyteller from Busan to Houston, London, IFFI, now Stuttgart and on to Melbourne next month is absolutely overwhelming. What has indeed been rewarding is the acceptance of understated performances and subtle storytelling that conforms to global cinema. When I set out to pay tribute to the Master (Satyajit Ray), I had

Vicky Kaushal backs out of Rohit Shetty's Singham Again due to date clash with Chhava

Bollywood Hungama had earlier reported that the young star, Vicky Kaushal, riding high on the success of Zara Hatke Zara Bachke is joining the Rohit Shetty cop universe. The actor had come on board to play a cop in the role of Ajay Devgn aka. Bajirao Singham's younger brother in the film. However, in the latest development, Bollywood Hungama has exclusively learnt that Vicky Kaushal has taken a back seat from Singham Again. "Vicky Kaushal was very keen to do a front-footed mass film for Rohit Shetty and had even decided on his look for Singham Again. However, the dates of shooting for Singham Again are clashing with the shooting dates of Chhava. He has a certain look from the period era in Chavva and that can't be replicated in a modern film like Singham Again. After making all attempts to set things up for Singham Again, he couldn't and informed his decision to Rohit Shetty. Being a thorough professional, Rohit too understood his plight," revealed a source close

Richa Chadha begins shooting her first international project in London; deets inside

Richa Chadha, who is all set to make her international debut this year, has begun shooting for it. Her first international film, which is titled Aaina, is set in the UK and Richa flew to London last week to commence shooting for it. It's an Indo-British project where Richa will be seen playing the lead character alongside Chronicles of Narnia fame William Moseley. The movie is going to be a drama which is based on real-life events. Having been eying on an interesting project for quite some time, Richa, after listening to many scripts, finally zeroed in on this project. The film after its London schedule will be shot in different locations in India. Richa says, "I had read a couple of scripts for international projects but nothing was fitting well. When Aaina came my way, I knew this was the one and now, as it is finally happening, I am extremely thrilled. The movie has a very interesting storyline." She adds, "I have manifested a strong script for my international

Rocky Aur Rani Kii Prem Kahaani: Alia Bhatt reacts as CBFC asks to remove abusive words, references to Mamata Banerjee and Khela Hobe: “The final cut is seamlessly flowing regardless of these minor cuts”

Bollywood actors Ranveer Singh and Alia Bhatt have been busy promoting their upcoming movie Rocky Aur Rani Kii Prem Kahaani. Billed as a new era of love, the film is helmed by Karan Johar. The fourth song 'Dhindhora Baje Re' was launched in Kolkata as the song features sindoor khela during Durga Puja. The two were accompanied by Tota Roy Chowdhury and Churni Ganguly. However, CBFC had asked for several cuts in the movie. From scenes containing abusive words to references to West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, including the dialogue ‘Khela Hobe’ (Game on) which was the slogan for TMC during the 2021 Assembly elections, were asked to be removed. While interacting with the media, Alia addressed the CBFC cuts. When asked about the cuts in the movie, Alia Bhatt said that they followed the protocol but also said that even after those cuts, the final film flows seamlessly. She said, “There have been some minor cuts that have been asked by the board and we respect that complet

Punjab '95: Jaswant Singh Khalra biopic starring Diljit Dosanjh to premiere at Toronto International Film Festival 2023

Ronnie Screwvala's RSVP is set to captivate audiences with their latest venture, Punjab' 95, a biopic based on the life of eminent human rights activist Jaswant Singh Khalra. Starring the immensely talented Diljit Dosanjh, Punjab '95 is the only film this year to get a gala premiere from India, at the prestigious Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF). In an era where real stories have struck a chord with audiences, Punjab '95 promises to be another thought-provoking masterpiece from the house of RSVP. With Diljit Dosanjh, Arjun Rampal, and Surinder Vicky leading the cast, the film is expected to be a gripping portrayal of Jaswant Singh Khalra's life and his remarkable journey as a human rights activist. World Premiere at the Toronto International Film Festival! Presenting the first look of Punjab ‘95, a compelling story based on the life of human rights activist Jaswant Singh Khalra Ji ????????@honeytrehan @rampalarjun @Suvinder_Vicky #GeetikaVidyaOhlyan @kuk

Bigg Boss OTT 2: Falaq Naaz gets evicted during recent Weekend Ka Vaar

The Weekend Ka Vaar yet again brought in a lot of drama in the ongoing web reality show Bigg Boss OTT 2. With Salman Khan as the host, audiences were eager to see a new name getting evicted this week but were in for a disappointment when the housemates kicked out Falaq Naaz. Interestingly, she got kicked because of lack of votes from housemates and not because of lack of votes from the public. Amid brewing relationship between Naaz and co-contestant Avinash Sachdev and Falaq also creating some bonds, fights within the house, the actress was expected to have a longer stint on the show. During the Weekend Ka Vaar episode, Falaq Naaz was among the lowest three contestants along with Avinash Sachdev and Jad Hadid. Later, host Salman Khan asked the housemates’ opinion regarding the least interested or disinterested person on the show among the three nominated contestants. Maximum votes were directed towards Falaq Naaz with Abhishek Malhan, Manisha Rani, Pooja Bhatt, wildcard entry Elvish Y

Manish Malhotra confirms he is making Meena Kumari biopic, says Rekha inspired him: “We are still working on the script”

Fashion designer Manish Malhotra is turning to direction. Ready to launch his production house Stage 5 with three movies, one of the projects will be a biopic on veteran legend, late Meena Kumari. The ace designer recently confirmed that he is indeed working on the biopic and that the scripting is currently underway. In an interview with Film Companion, Manish Malhotra said, “I don’t know how it got out but it is happening. We are still working on the script. The script is key, always. I have been reading her books. The film is based on her books. I have always been fascinated by Meena Kumari.” He revealed that Rekha inspired him to go ahead with the Meena Kumari project. He added, “Rekha told me once that you know when you turn 40, you will understand the genius of Meena Kumari. And that is true. But I was young and I was busy working but when I turned 40 I not only understood the genius of Meena Kumari but even Nargis ji and Dilip Kumar and Guru Dutt. I started watching that cinema

Brands excited about Rocky Aur Rani Kii Prem Kahaani; to buy nearly 50,000 tickets for Ranveer Singh & Alia Bhatt film

After the success of Gully Boy, Ranveer Singh, and Alia Bhatt are reuniting on the Karan Johar-directed Rocky Aur Rani Kii Prem Kahaani. But obviously, the film is keenly awaited by everyone - from the audiences to the industry - as everyone is hoping for Karan Johar to set the cash registers ringing at the box office in India. The excitement of the film release has extended itself to the brands as well, as several top brands across India have come together to support Rocky Aur Rani Kii Prem Kahaani. "Rare are the films which can be watched by an entire family and Rocky Aur Rani Kii Prem Kahaani is one of those. Hence, brands are planning to reward their consumers with free tickets over the weekend. Two of Ranveer Singh's biggest brands, Kajaria and Pepsi, will be partnering with PVR, Inox, and Cinepolis to treat their consumers with Rocky Aur Rani Kii Prem Kahaani," revealed a trade source to Bollywood Hungama, adding further that a leading biotechnology company will al

Kartik Aaryan to be honoured with the Rising Global Superstar of Indian Cinema award at the 14th Indian Film Festival of Melbourne

The 14th Indian Film Festival of Melbourne (IFFM) has announced that the renowned Indian actor Kartik Aaryan will be celebrated at this year's festival, recognizing his exceptional contributions to Indian cinema. Kartik Aaryan has not only risen to become one of the biggest stars in Indian cinema but has also solidified his position as one of the favourites at the box office. As a testament to his extraordinary work, Kartik Aaryan will be honoured with the Rising Global Superstar of Indian Cinema award at the annual awards Gala night on August 11. The award will be presented by the esteemed Governor of Victoria, recognizing Kartik’s remarkable achievements and his significant impact on the world of Indian cinema. IFFM has emerged as a major Indian film festival outside the Indian subcontinent, and uniquely, it enjoys the backing of the government of another country. The festival celebrates the diversity and richness of Indian cinema, showcasing the talent and creativity of Indian

Zeenat Aman to return to silver screen with Bun Tikki, set to join Shabana Azmi and Abhay Deol

Veteran actor Zeenat Aman, who has been garnering a lot of attention due to her Instagram, will return to the silver screen with Faraz Arif Ansari’s next, Bun Tikki. Last seen in Panipat, she will join actors Shabana Azmi and Abhay Deol in the upcoming movie. The plan is to take the movie on floors by November of this year in Himachal Pradesh. The director plans to talk about parenting and gender identity throughout the movie. Abhay Deol will play the role of a father. According to a report in Mid-Day, a source from the creative team revealed, “Though Bun Tikki revolves around Abhay and his on-screen son, Shabana and Zeenat form the film’s backbone. Casting for the child is underway. When Faraz approached Zeenat, she loved the script. She always knew that if she made a comeback, it would be with a story that aligned with her ideas and beliefs. Bun Tikki was just that. She told Faraz she had to be a part of this film as it explores many causes she feels strongly about.” The source fur

Rocky Aur Rani Kii Prem Kahaani has a runtime of 168 minutes, gets U/A certificate from CBFC

Karan Johar is all set to return as a director after almost seven years with Rocky Aur Rani Kii Prem Kahaani. His last directorial venture Ae Dil Hai Mushkil had released in 2016. His latest film stars Ranveer Singh and Alia Bhatt in lead roles and the two have been religiously promoting the film in different parts of India these days in various events. As the film readies itself for release, more details about the movie have emerged. Veteran trade analyst Taran Adarsh has revealed on Twitter that the runtime for Rocky Aur Rani Kii Prem Kahaani is 168 minutes and 33 seconds, which comes down to 2 hours, 48 minutes and 33 seconds. He also mentioned that the movie has been granted U/A certificate by the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC). Bollywood Hungama was the first one to recently disclose the censor details of the movie. The CBFC asked the makers to remove the abuse ‘b******d,’ which is used several times in the film, with ‘behen di’. The rum brand ‘Old Monk’ is changed t

Kajol opens up on the success of The Trial: Pyaar, Kaanoon, Dhokha; says, “Being able to represent the strength of a woman and being appreciated for that portrayal is empowering for me”

Kajol’s web series debut The Trial: Pyaar, Kaanoon, Dhokha is garnering a positive response from the audience. Streaming on Disney + Hotstar, the show trails the journey of Noyonika played by the stunning Kajol, as she embarks on a journey that truly makes her stand the test of time after her husband’s betrayal. Kajol’s portrayal of a vulnerable woman who takes the rein of her life in her own hand has been unanimously appreciated by audiences. The show’s esteemed star cast Sheeba Chaddha, Jisshu Sengupta, Alyy Khan, Kubbra Sait and Gaurav Pandey have raised the bar with their impactful performances in this gripping journey of Noyonika’s life. Directed by Suparn S Varma, the show has reached a remarkable number of views and has been receiving good word of mouth. Elated with the response Kajol has garnered for the series, she shared, “Noyonika’s character is very close to my heart. She is a strong and practical woman who is always ready to tackle every situation in her life. Hearing t

Oppenheimer is the BIGGEST Hollywood opener in Inox Srinagar, Kashmir; has an outside chance of crossing the collections of Shah Rukh Khan-starrer Pathaan

Bollywood Hungama has been at the forefront to report about the reopening of cinemas in Kashmir. The first multiplex in the beautiful state was opened on September 20, 2022. Two days earlier, on September 18, Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha inaugurated Multipurpose Cinema Halls, located in Pulwama and Shopian districts. RRR (2022) was the first film shown in Kashmir in these theatres and also the first film to be screened in Kashmir in three decades. Last week, we also reported on how Shah Rukh Khan’s Pathaan (2023) will be the first film to be screened at the newly opened theatres in Kashmir’s Baramulla and Handwara. And now, Kashmir theatres are back in the news, thanks to Oppenheimer. The Christopher Nolan directorial is done beyond expectations across the country, and Inox Srinagar is no exception. It emerged as the biggest Hollywood opener and could possibly emerge as the highest Hollywood grosser in the state, beating other recent Hollywood biggies like Fast X (2023), John Wick:

Karan Johar and Kartik Aaryan to share stage at the Indian Film Festival of Melbourne

The 14th edition of the Indian Film Festival of Melbourne (IFFM) is all set to kick off from August 11 to 20. Apart from the many movies that would be screened at the festival, the other attraction that the festival offers is the presence of a number of Indian film celebrities. Like previous editions, this time also a list of Bollywood celebrities would be gracing the occasion. Interestingly, during the opening of the IFFM, filmmaker Karan Johar and star actor Kartik Aaryan would be present. Not just that, the two would also be sharing the stage! This is going to be a big moment that is sure to get heads turned. For the unversed, there was an alleged fallout between Karan and Kartik in 2021 over the making of Dostana 2, the second film in the franchise. Kartik was cast in the film but he walked out of the project after starting it off. Hence, there were reports of a major fallout between the two. However, neither Karan nor Kartik confirmed the same. In June last year, Karan and Kart