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SCOOP: Love & War REAL budget revealed; Sanjay Leela Bhansali's epic costs Rs 350 cr, not Rs 425 cr.

Sanjay Leela Bhansali is among the most celebrated directors of Indian Film industry, whose cinema has stood the test of time. His next, Love And War is a casting coup of the decade as the maverick filmmaker has brought Ranbir Kapoor, Alia Bhatt and Vicky Kaushal together for the first time. Earlier in the week, there were viral reports on how Love and War budget has shot up to Rs. 425 crores, and the production has gone into turmoil. However, our reliable sources close to the project confirm that Love And War is proceeding as planned. "Love And War budgets have shot up for sure, but it happens with all Sanjay Leela Bhansali films. Initially, it was planned as a Rs. 250 crore epic, and the costs through the shoot have now shot up to Rs. 350 crores. SLB doesn't compromise on his vision, and he is passionately filming this, which he believes could be his best work to date. The Rs. 425 crore figure of cost of production is trying to harm the project on purpose, and there is no t...

R Madhavan and family escape Dubai shutdown: "We are all fine"

R Madhavan, his wife Sarita and son Vedaant, who are Dubai residents, got away from the current shutdown of the city. The actor and his family are currently holidaying away from Dubai. When this writer contacted Madhavan, he replied, “We are all fine. Thank you so much for the concern. I am in the US with the family.” Madhavan and his family intend to stay put in the US until Dubai returns to normal. Kalpana Iyer, who is also a Dubai resident, confirmed to this writer that she is fine and safe. Also Read: R Madhavan reveals how wife Sarita once ‘kicked him out’ during lockdown from Latest Bollywood News | Hindi Movie News | Hindi Cinema News | Indian Movies | Films - Bollywood Hungama https://ift.tt/Wfi3cLn

REVEALED: Kerala High Court cites Padmaavat, Aarakshan verdicts to clear The Kerala Story 2: Goes Beyond’s release

On February 27, the Division Bench of the Kerala High Court, comprising Justice Sushrut Arvind Dharmadhikari and Justice P V Balakrishnan, stayed a Single Judge’s interim order that had halted the release of the film The Kerala Story 2: Goes Beyond for 15 days. The Single Judge had relied on excerpts from the film’s teaser to conclude that the content had the prima facie potential to disturb communal harmony and that the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) may not have adequately applied its mind under Section 5B of the Cinematograph Act, 1952. However, the appellate Bench emphasized a critical constitutional principle: once the CBFC, a statutory expert body, has granted certification after viewing the film in its entirety, courts must ordinarily presume due application of mind. In arriving at this conclusion, the Bench drew heavily from two landmark Supreme Court precedents. First, in Prakash Jha Productions v. Union of India, decided in 2011 in the context of the film Aaraks...

The Kerala Story 2 producer Vipul Shah says Kerala HC Division Bench’s final verdict is the “biggest proof of the truth of film”

Producer Vipul Amrutlal Shah has stated that The Kerala Story 2: Goes Beyond does not target the state of Kerala or its people. His remarks came after the Kerala High Court Division Bench vacated the interim stay on the film’s release on Friday, February 27, clearing the path for its theatrical run. Addressing the media shortly after the court’s decision, Shah said that the legal hurdle had been removed and screenings had begun. He described the film as a “true” account made after considerable effort and rejected allegations from certain quarters that it promotes propaganda. “The Kerala High Court Division Bench has withdrawn the stay that we got yesterday. And they have cleared the way for the release of the film. Now our shows have already started opening. So I request the people that this is a true film made with a lot of hard work. And the biggest proof of the truth of our film is that the Kerala court has vacated the stay order. If our film was a lie, then the Kerala court would...

Deepak Mukut claims Do Aur Do Paanch remake rights; reveals, “I wanted to remake it with Bobby Deol and Abhishek Bachchan”

Amid reports suggesting that Rohit Shetty’s Golmaal 5 would adapt the 1980 classic Do Aur Do Paanch, producer Deepak Mukut has set the record straight. Mukut, who owns the remake rights to the film, confirms that he, and not Shetty who is developing a new version of Do Aur Do Paanch, and intends to take it on floors soon. “I don’t know where or how the news of someone else doing Do Aur Do Paanch came from. I had to issue a public notice to prevent anyone else from remaking it. I am very serious about doing the film. For nearly ten years, I wanted to remake it with Bobby Deol and Abhishek Bachchan,” says Mukut. The original film, directed by Rakesh Kumar, featured Amitabh Bachchan and Shashi Kapoor as two small-time crooks posing as schoolteachers in a plot to kidnap a wealthy businessman’s son. Hema Malini played a genuine teacher at the same school, adding romance and comic tension to the caper. Interestingly, when Do Aur Do Paanch released in 1980, it turned out to be a rare box-o...

Inside Bastian Beach Club: Shilpa Shetty expands her hospitality brand with Mumbai’s first all-day beachfront hub

Actor-entrepreneur Shilpa Shetty has expanded her hospitality portfolio with the launch of Bastian Hospitality’s first beach club in Mumbai. The new property, Bastian Beach Club, was unveiled alongside founder Ranjit Bindra at the iconic Sun-n-Sand in Juhu. Positioned as the city’s first all-day beachfront destination, the club brings together dining, music, leisure and wellness in one large-format space overlooking the Arabian Sea. With direct sea views and a sprawling pool at its centre, the venue aims to introduce a European-style beach club experience to Mumbai’s social circuit. Design and space Designed by Minal Chopra, the property draws aesthetic cues from coastal destinations such as Ibiza, Mykonos and Saint-Tropez. Open layouts, fluid indoor-outdoor transitions and a neutral coastal palette define the space, while the sea-facing deck and pool area serve as its visual anchor.   View this post on Instagram   A post shared by Bastian Experience (@bastianexperience) ...

Aamir Khan reveals Salim Khan is still in ICU after DSA procedure: “We are all praying he returns home”

Actor Aamir Khan has shared a health update on veteran screenwriter Salim Khan, revealing that he remains in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) following a recent medical procedure. Speaking to the media at a recent event, Aamir said he had gone to visit Salim Khan at the hospital but could not meet him directly as he is currently in the ICU. “Main Salim Sahab se milne gaya tha. Hum sab dua kar rahe hain ki woh jaldi se theek ho jaayen because he is in the ICU. I couldn't meet him personally but sat with the family,” he said. The actor added that he has been receiving regular updates about the writer’s condition from the family. “Jo mujhe Alvira ji bata rahi hai, har roz unki health improve ho rahi hai. Hum sab prarthna kar rahe hain ki woh jaldi ghar aa jaayen aur unki health bhi wapas aa jaaye,” Aamir shared, expressing hope that Salim Khan will soon return home. Salim Khan was rushed to Lilavati Hospital a few days ago. On February 18, doctors confirmed that a Digital Subtraction ...

Siddhant Chaturvedi, Alizeh to lead Vikas Bahl’s 1990s-set UK Punjabi music drama: Report

Filmmaker Vikas Bahl is set to explore new ground with a full-fledged musical romance drama. The yet-untitled project will star Siddhant Chaturvedi and Alizeh Agnihotri in the lead roles and is being produced by Reliance Entertainment. According to a report by Variety India, the upcoming film is said to be inspired by the rise of the UK Punjabi underground movement of the 1990s — a period when music became a marker of identity for the post-immigrant generation. Blending traditional Punjabi folk with Western influences, the movement created a distinct cross-cultural sound that resonated widely across communities in the United Kingdom. Set against this backdrop, Bahl’s film will centre on a love story shaped by ambition, identity and artistic aspiration. Siddhant will reportedly play a drummer, while Alizeh will essay the role of a singer. The narrative is expected to trace their personal and creative journeys during what is often regarded as a defining era for UK Punjabi music. Bahl,...

Sanjay Leela Bhansali is “absolutely fine,” says official statement after heart attack rumours

Filmmaker Sanjay Leela Bhansali is “absolutely fine,” his team confirmed, putting to rest speculation about his health that surfaced earlier in the day. Reports had claimed that the director was hospitalised in Mumbai after allegedly suffering a heart attack on his 63rd birthday. The claims circulated widely on social media before being addressed by an official statement from his production banner, Bhansali Productions. “Mr. Sanjay Leela Bhansali is doing absolutely fine. He has gone in for a routine medical check-up and there is no cause for concern. We sincerely appreciate the love, care, and concern shown by everyone. Thank you for your continued support and warm wishes,” the statement read. The clarification comes after unverified posts suggested that the filmmaker had been rushed to a hospital following discomfort. However, his team has categorically denied the reports, confirming that the visit was part of a regular health check. Speaking of the professional front, Bhansali i...

Two marriage ceremonies for Rashmika Mandanna and Vijay Deverakonda

The Big Fat South Indian Wedding of Rashmika Mandanna and Vijay Deverakonda on February 26 promises to be special on many counts. A guest from the Udaipur venue revealed that the couple intends to go through two separate ceremonies. “The first wedding will be in the Telugu tradition while the second ceremony will be in the Kodava tradition, peculiar to the Coorg district in Karnataka, which Rashmika belongs to,” revealed a guest from Udaipur. Apparently, it was Vijay’s idea to have two different ceremonies to honour the culture and communities that the couple belongs to. Also Read: Rashmika Mandanna-Vijay Deverakonda wedding: From taking just a short break post-marriage to starting their joint production house, here’s the dope around the star couple before their big leap from Latest Bollywood News | Hindi Movie News | Hindi Cinema News | Indian Movies | Films - Bollywood Hungama https://ift.tt/qPe1UZ7

Ram Gopal Varma calls Seedance 2.0 the “asteroid” set to brutally murder film industry’s “arrogance”: “This is actually the liberation of cinema”

Filmmaker Ram Gopal Varma has stirred a fresh debate on the future of cinema, calling AI tool “Seedance 2.0” the “murderer of the film industry” while also describing it as a force of liberation. In a post shared on February 25, 2026, Varma argued that advanced AI filmmaking tools could dismantle the traditional structure of the movie business. Referring to blockbuster filmmaker S. S. Rajamouli, he wrote that directors like Rajamouli command massive budgets due to their proven creative vision and track record. However, he questioned how many equally talented storytellers across India never get access to funding or industry networks. According to Varma, tools like Seedance 2.0 have “kicked the gate down and set it on fire,” enabling creators from small towns to generate large-scale, cinematic visuals using descriptive prompts alone. He described it as “true democracy in motion,” suggesting that AI shifts power away from a select few and into the hands of the masses. Varma went furthe...

Priyamani boards Rohit Shetty’s Golmaal 5 as shoot begins in Mumbai, reunites with Maidaan co-star Ajay Devgn: Report

Actress Priyamani has reportedly joined the cast of Golmaal 5, the latest instalment of Rohit Shetty’s popular comedy franchise. The development marks her reunion with Ajay Devgn after their collaboration in Maidaan. According to Variety India, the first shooting schedule is expected to span approximately a month. Filming for the film commenced on Monday, February 23, in Mumbai, with Ajay Devgn slated to join the sets on February 25. While details about Priyamani’s character are being kept under wraps, reports suggest that she has already begun shooting her portions. The Golmaal franchise remains one of Hindi cinema’s most commercially successful comedy series, known for its ensemble-driven storytelling and recurring characters. The fifth instalment will see the return of its core cast, including Ajay Devgn, Arshad Warsi, Tusshar Kapoor, Kunal Kemmu and Shreyas Talpade. Veteran performers Johnny Lever, Sanjay Mishra, Mukesh Tiwari and Ashwini Kalsekar are also set to reprise their po...

Kalki 2 goes on floors in Hyderabad: Amitabh Bachchan shares BTS with Kamal Haasan

For years, actor Amitabh Bachchan has maintained a Sunday tradition of greeting fans outside his Juhu residence, Jalsa. However, this past weekend, the actor skipped the ritual due to work commitments. He has now revealed that he was in Hyderabad to begin shooting for the sequel to Kalki 2898 AD. On February 24, Bachchan took to his blog to explain his absence. Sharing pictures of fans gathered outside his home despite prior notice, he wrote, “told them that this Sunday I shall not be able to come, since I was shooting in Hyderabad .. but still they come .. to confirm .. ... even this cute little fellow (dog),” alongside images showing a sea of admirers waiting to catch a glimpse of him. Later, the actor apologised to his fans and confirmed that work on the sequel had commenced. He also shared behind-the-scenes photographs from the set, including images of his transformation into Ashwatthama and a candid moment with co-star Kamal Haasan.   View this post on Instagram   A ...

“New beginnings”: Tara Sutaria moves into her first house, shares glimpse of elegant Mumbai abode

Actor Tara Sutaria has marked a significant personal milestone by purchasing her first home in Mumbai. Sharing the news with her followers on social media, the actress offered a glimpse into her new space, describing the move as the beginning of a new chapter in her life. Posting a series of photographs from inside the house, Tara wrote, “To new beginnings.. / To endless laughter and love in my first home and to embracing 2026 with arms wide open.” The images reflect a tastefully designed home with warm lighting, neutral tones, and a blend of vintage and contemporary décor. One of the pictures shows Tara dressed in an elegant ivory sari, seated with folded hands beside a large arrangement of white flowers placed in a silver urn. The living area features a wooden coffee table, upholstered seating, and softly lit display shelves adorned with framed photographs, books, vinyl records, and decorative artefacts. A chandelier adds a classic touch to the space. Another wide-angle photograph...

EXCLUSIVE: CBFC asks for 15 cuts and modifications in The Kerala Story 2: Goes Beyond; reduces kiss and rape visuals by 50%

The Kerala Story 2: Goes Beyond is all set to release this Friday, February 27, and it has managed to create considerable noise on social media because of its shocking and controversial content. Usually, such films often contain disturbing content and, as a result, are meant for only adult-viewing. Hence, it was a surprise for the trade and industry that the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) passed the film with a U/A 16+ certificate. However, the CBFC asked for 16 cuts or modifications in the film. To begin with, the visuals of kissing were reduced by 50%. In short, the lip-lock scene was shortened by 7 seconds. Similarly, the rape scene visuals were also reduced by 50%, that is, by 20 seconds. Two scenes - one of a woman being slapped and the other of a woman's head being hit - were both reduced by 2 seconds. The visuals of the house of the accused being demolished with a bulldozer were asked to be modified. Three dialogues, at three different places, were modified whi...

Vijay Deverakonda - Rashmika Mandanna Wedding EXCLUSIVE: Banana leaf feast and coconut water to add traditional touch, reveals source

As excitement builds around the upcoming wedding of Rashmika Mandanna and Vijay Deverakonda, new details about the ceremony’s traditional elements have surfaced. A source close to the couple has revealed that the celebrations will incorporate distinct South Indian customs, offering guests an authentic cultural experience. “Guests at Rashmika vijay wedding are likely to experience a touch of South Indian tradition, with meals served on banana leaves and coconut water being specially arranged as part of the hospitality,” the source shared. The detail suggests that despite their pan-India popularity and high-profile status, the couple intends to keep the ceremony rooted in regional traditions. Serving food on banana leaves is a customary practice in many South Indian weddings, symbolising prosperity and auspicious beginnings, while coconut water is often associated with purity and welcome. The couple confirmed their wedding on February 22 via Instagram, announcing that the ceremony wil...

Shah Rukh Khan starrer In Which Annie Gives It Those Ones, Massey Sahib to Screen at Red Lorry retrospective

The Red Lorry Film Festival, India’s premier destination for world cinema, will present a special retrospective honouring acclaimed filmmaker Pradip Krishen, spotlighting his rare and influential body of work. Titled A Retrospective Celebrating Filmmaker Pradip Krishen, the showcase will revisit three of Krishen’s most distinctive films: In Which Annie Gives It Those Ones, Electric Moon, and Massey Sahib, offering audiences a chance to experience his sharp storytelling. Pradip Krishen remains one of Indian cinema’s most original filmmakers. His campus cult classic In Which Annie Gives It Those Ones, written by Arundhati Roy captured the spirit of 1970s Delhi student life with wit and quiet rebellion. His debut feature Massey Sahib earned international acclaim and launched the career of Raghuvir Yadav, while Electric Moon stood out for its satirical take on post colonial India. Beyond cinema, Krishen stepped away from filmmaking to become one of India’s leading naturalists. Ashish Sa...

SCOOP: Sunny Deol-Aamir Khan-Rajkumar Santoshi's Lahore 1947 likely to undergo title change

Sunny Deol began 2026 with a bang with Border 2 and he’s expected to release multiple films this year, all of which look exciting. The most awaited of them is Lahore 1947. It reunites Sunny Deol and Rajkumar Santoshi and is produced by Aamir Khan. Aamir will also be seen in the film in a supporting role and it also stars Preity Zinta, Ali Fazal and Shabana Azmi. Due to the stellar team and Sunny’s booming track record, Lahore 1947 is a film that is expected to set the cash registers ringing. However, as per the buzz in the trade, the makers of the film are looking for a change of title. A source told Bollywood Hungama, “Lahore 1947 is based on the famous play ‘Jis Lahore Nai Dekhya’. Since the film is set in the Pakistani city and during the Independence period, the title Lahore 1947 was initially deemed suitable. But now the makers feel that there can be a better title that is apt for the story of the film.” The source continued, “Accordingly, they have come up with a few options. A...

Farhan Akhtar-backed Boong wins at BAFTA 2026; beats Arco, Lilo & Stitch and Zootropolis 2

India registered a significant achievement at the BAFTA 2026 awards as the Manipuri-language film Boong won the Best Children’s & Family Film honour. Backed by Farhan Akhtar, the film emerged victorious over international nominees including Arco, Lilo & Stitch and Zootropolis 2. The win is being seen as a major moment for Indian cinema, particularly for stories emerging from the Northeast. It underscores the growing global visibility of regional narratives that centre on local realities while addressing universal themes. Farhan Akhtar attended the ceremony along with his wife, Shibani Dandekar. Directed by Lakshmipriya Devi, Boong is set in Manipur against the backdrop of social and political unrest. The title translates to “little boy” in Manipuri. The film follows a young boy, Boong, played by Gugun Kipgen, who believes that reuniting his family will restore happiness to his mother, Mandakini, portrayed by Bala Hijam. Determined to find his missing father, Boong embarks on ...

Tamil Nadu CM’s M.K. Stalin’s grandson backs Kamal–Rajinikanth’s big-screen comeback

In KH x RK, Kamal Haasan and Rajinikanth will share screen space for the first time in forty-eight years. The film is being produced by 21-year-old Inban Udhayanidhi, grandson of Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M.K. Stalin and son of Deputy Chief Minister Udhayanidhi Stalin. Kamal Haasan currently heads his own political party, while Rajinikanth is not affiliated with any political party. Inban is the CEO of the film production company Red Giant Movies. It is rumoured that Kamal Haasan and Rajinikanth have been paid equal remuneration, reportedly close to Rs. 70 crore each. Also Read: Kamal Haasan – Rajinikanth to share screen space after 47 years with Nelson Dilipkumar as director; announcement video inside from Latest Bollywood News | Hindi Movie News | Hindi Cinema News | Indian Movies | Films - Bollywood Hungama https://ift.tt/3OMXsla