EXCLUSIVE: Susanne Bier on balancing magic and emotion in Practical Magic 2: “The magic is there to test, question, enforce all those relations”

Practical Magic 2 may be built around supernatural elements, but director Susanne Bier insists that the film is ultimately about something far more universal: relationships. As she returns audiences to the world of the Owens family, Bier has deliberately placed sisterhood, motherhood, family and love at the centre of the story.

Explaining her approach to the sequel, Bier said the magic was never intended to become the story itself. “Magic is wonderful and fun and seductive. And I love it. But this movie is about relationships. This movie is about sisterhood, about motherhood. It’s about families. It’s about love, the very wide aspect of the word. And so, the magic needed to serve that purpose.”

According to Bier, the supernatural elements are designed to illuminate the emotional journeys of the characters rather than distract from them. “The magic is not an entity in itself. The magic is there to test, question, enforce all those relations. In that respect, it wasn’t difficult figuring out the balance, because the quest was very clear. That magic needs to be a tool, or it needs to be a potential antagonist. It’s there to inform all those relationships.”

That emotional foundation also extends to the film’s comedy, particularly through Sandra Bullock’s Sally. Bier describes Bullock’s performance as one where Sally’s attempt to remain in control repeatedly collides with circumstances that force her out of her comfort zone. “The comedic charms of Sandra’s Sally has very much to do with Sally fighting her own inner spirit. Like when Sally wants to keep control and then she’s put in a situation where the control is not that easy, then it becomes incredibly comedic and wonderfully endearing.”

Bier was clearly entertained by watching Bullock bring Sally back to life. “It’s almost like Sandra’s body tells her things before her mind’s registering it. And that’s also because she’s a genius comedian. So, she can actually do things with her body and then her mind registers afterwards. I literally had to stand on set and kind of hide somewhere, because otherwise I would start laughing in the middle of a take. And that happened frequently. And I know it was distracting, but it was incredibly funny and quite hard not to laugh.”

Nicole Kidman’s Gillian, meanwhile, brings a different comic energy. “I mean, Nicole, Nicole, Nicole! Gillian does not start out as traumatized as Sally does. She is much more of a free spirit and she has embraced magic the entire time.”

Bier adds, “And Nicole, first of all, she’s incredibly funny. When I think of Gillian, I start smiling, because she’s so funny. It would be wrong to say naiveté, but… She’s decided that she’s not going to stop herself. And that, at times, comes out of naiveté, but she’s also quite savvy. And that cocktail between savviness and naiveté is hilarious.”

For Bier, the sequel’s greatest strength lies in making the magic matter because the relationships matter.

Also Read: EXCLUSIVE: Susanne Bier on the Practical Magic 2 cast: “Dianne and Stockard, it was the biggest honor ever”

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Shah Rukh Khan BREAKS silence on Ranveer Singh starrer Dhurandhar; says, “Loved both the parts”

Shah Rukh Khan has finally shared his thoughts on Dhurandhar, the Ranveer Singh starrer duology that has been among the major talking points in Hindi cinema. The superstar spoke about the film during a recent #AskSRK session on X (formerly Twitter), where he responded to a fan’s question about whether he had watched the two-part franchise.

During the interactive session, a fan asked Shah Rukh Khan, “Have you seen Dhurandhar? #AskSRK.” Responding to the question, the actor revealed that he had watched both instalments of the film and praised the entire team.

Shah Rukh Khan replied, “Loved both the parts….fantastic by the whole team!!!”

The brief response marks his first direct reaction to Dhurandhar and comes as the franchise continues to remain a subject of discussion among audiences and the film industry. His appreciation also extends beyond the performances, as he specifically credited the entire team behind the project.

Loved both the parts….fantastic by the whole team!!!

— Shah Rukh Khan (@iamsrk) September 15, 2026

Directed by Aditya Dhar, Dhurandhar features Ranveer Singh in the lead, with the franchise presented as a two-part film. The project has generated considerable interest since its release, with its scale, cast and subject becoming key talking points.

Shah Rukh Khan’s comments came as part of his latest #AskSRK interaction, a format through which the actor connects with fans and answers questions about his films, career and personal interests.

With the superstar now having publicly expressed his appreciation for both parts of Dhurandhar, his simple yet enthusiastic reaction is likely to add another talking point around the franchise.

Also Read: R Madhavan auditioned for Shah Rukh Khan’s role in Swades, reveals co-writer Amin Hajee: “He absolutely killed it. He is a great actor”

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EXCLUSIVE: Susanne Bier on the theatrical experience of Practical Magic 2: “Watching a movie with other people is an entirely different experience”

For Susanne Bier, the ultimate purpose of Practical Magic 2 extends beyond the story, its supernatural elements or its star-studded cast. The director hopes the film brings audiences together for the kind of communal experience that she believes defines cinema.

Bier is particularly passionate about the difference between watching a movie in a theatre and consuming it alone at home. “I mean, that is the essence of cinema, and that is why I believe in cinema and why I believe in this movie: watching a movie with other people is an entirely different experience from watching it on your own.”

For the director, the shared reactions of an audience are an integral part of the cinematic experience. “You sit in a room, you share laughter, you share tears, you share a whole lot of things, and you have an experience with other human beings.”

Bier believes that this collective experience has become even more meaningful at a time when audiences have increasingly easy access to films on personal devices. “And watching a movie at home on your computer or even on your phone is the opposite. You can be engaged, but it doesn’t have the joy of being with other people doing it.”

That desire for togetherness is particularly fitting for a film whose central themes revolve around family, sisterhood and love. Throughout her approach to Practical Magic 2, Bier has emphasised that the magic exists to strengthen the human relationships at the heart of the story.

Her hope is that those themes translate into an emotional and entertaining theatrical experience. “And that’s what I hope for with this movie. I want this movie to have lots of people sharing a fun, joyful, at times sad, but most importantly, really engaging experience.”

That sentiment also encapsulates Bier’s broader approach to the sequel. While Practical Magic 2 has the spectacle and supernatural elements audiences expect, the director has deliberately kept its emotional core grounded in human connections.

For Bier, the magic works best when it serves those relationships—and when it gives audiences a reason to laugh, feel and ultimately experience the film together.

As the sequel brings Sandra Bullock, Nicole Kidman and the world of the Owens family back to the big screen, Bier’s ambition is therefore not simply to recreate the past, but to create a new shared cinematic memory for both longtime fans and a new generation.

Also Read: EXCLUSIVE: Susanne Bier reveals why she said yes to Practical Magic 2: “I’d love to work with both of you again”

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Nayanthara returns as Mookuthi Amman in Mahasakthi; teaser out now

Nayanthara is set to return as Mookuthi Amman in Mahasakthi, with the teaser of the upcoming film now released. Directed by Sundar C, the teaser offers a glimpse into the world of the film and introduces Nayanthara in a new avatar.

Produced by Dr. Ishari K. Ganesh under the banner of Vels Film International in association with Avni Media, IVY Entertainment and Rowdy Pictures, Mahasakthi brings Nayanthara back to the role of Mookuthi Amman. The character was first introduced in the 2020 film Mookuthi Amman, which went on to gain popularity among audiences.

The teaser features a mix of elaborate visuals, larger-than-life sequences and elements of mystery. It also gives a glimpse of Nayanthara as she reprises the character, while keeping several details about the story under wraps.

 

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The film features an ensemble cast that includes Regena Cassandra, Yogi Babu and Oorvasi, among others. With Sundar C at the helm, Mahasakthi marks another chapter involving the Mookuthi Amman character.

The makers are expected to present the story on a larger scale, with the film being positioned as a continuation of the world established by its predecessor. Nayanthara’s return to the role remains one of the key highlights of the project.

Mahasakthi is scheduled to release in November in Hindi, Tamil, Telugu, Malayalam and Kannada. AA Films will handle the film’s distribution across North India.

Also Read : SCOOP: From Rs. 200 crore to Rs. 30 crore! Toxic suffers BRUTAL OTT reality check after disastrous theatrical run as digital rights remain unsold

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EXCLUSIVE: Anya Singh bags Vikram Bhatt’s 1920: Cold Winter; reunites with Ahan Shetty after Border 2

A couple of weeks after the release and surprising box office performance of Haunted – Echoes Of The Past, director Vikram Bhatt and producer Anand Pandit announced that they would join hands for 1920: Cold Winter. A month later, in July 2026, it was reported that Ahan Shetty has signed the horror flick. And now, Bollywood Hungama has come across an interesting information about the film.

A source told Bollywood Hungama, “Anya Singh, who became widely known after The Ba***ds Of Bollywood, has come on board as the female lead of the film. The makers were impressed by Anya’s screen presence and talent, and felt that she would be apt for the part. Anya is also excited as she has never attempted horror before in Bollywood.”

Interestingly, both Ahan Shetty and Anya Singh also shared screen space in this year’s super-hit war film, Border 2. While Ahan played the role of Lt Cdr Mahendra Singh Rawat, Anya was seen as his wife, Sudha Rawat. Hence, 1920: Cold Winter marks the second film in which Ahan Shetty and Anya Singh will be paired opposite each other.

As per reports, 1920: Cold Winter will go on floors in November this year. It will be the sixth film in the 1920 franchise. The series began with 1920 in 2008. It was directed by Vikram Bhatt and launched Adah Sharma and Rajniesh Duggal. While 1920 was average, the next film, 1920: Evil Returns (2012), was a semi-hit. It starred Aftab Shivdasani and Tia Bajpai and was directed by Bhushan Patel. 1920 London (2016), meanwhile, was directed by Tinu Suresh Desai and featured Sharman Joshi and Meera Chopra. Vikram Bhatt was involved with the second and third parts as writer and producer.

1921 (2018) was produced, written and directed by Vikram and it featured Zareen Khan and Karan Kundrra. While 1920 London flopped at the box office, 1921 was an average grosser.

1920: Horrors Of The Heart (2023) was also directed by Vikram Bhatt and it was his first association with producer Anand Pandit. Starring Avika Gor and Danish Pandor, the horror flick performed decently at the box office.

Also Read: Anya Singh opens up about changing fashion views; says, “It’s such a generic thought to have, and women do that to other women as well”

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Photos: Shivaay snapped at the launch of his debut song ‘Hanju’ and grand birthday bash video directed by Ramji Gulati

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Sayani Gupta’s Aasmani cleared of copyright infringement allegations by SWA

Sayani Gupta’s directorial debut Aasmani has been cleared of copyright infringement allegations by the Screenwriters Association’s (SWA) Dispute Settlement Committee (DSC). The complaint had been filed against Gupta and editor Paramita Ghosh, alleging similarities between the short film Aasmani and Prabha, an unfinished documentary.

After examining the submissions from both sides and carrying out independent expert comparisons, the DSC observed that the two works shared only an underlying idea. According to the committee, the storytelling, character development, conflict and overall story arc were different in the two works.

The DSC further noted that copyright law protects the expression of an idea rather than the idea itself. It also took into account that the complainant’s work is a documentary based on the publicly known life of a real person.

The committee also referred to a separate defamation suit filed by Gupta against the complainant. The court has reportedly passed an order favourable to Gupta in that matter. Since certain issues involved in the defamation proceedings overlap with those raised in the DSC complaint, the matter is now sub judice, which prevents the DSC from proceeding with further adjudication.

Accordingly, the SWA proceedings have been concluded and the complaint has been closed at its end, without prejudice to the legal rights and remedies available to either party.

The development comes as Aasmani continues its international festival journey. The copyright complaint had emerged during the film’s festival run, and the closure of the proceedings brings the dispute before the SWA to an end.

Reacting to the development, Gupta said, “As I had said earlier, truth will always prevail. I had respected the process and grateful that the truth has come out. It always does. This has been the most harrowing experience of my life. But as my grandmother would often quote Tagore and say ‘tomar potaka jaare dao, bohibare dao shokoti’.. ‘whoever you give your flag to bear, you also give them the strength to bear it.’”

Also Read : Sayani Gupta gets interim relief in defamation case over copyright dispute around Aasmani

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Sameer recalls, “Karan Johar gave me a narration for 6 ½ hours for Kuch Kuch Hota Hai; he explained in such detail – what will be the colour of Kajol’s saree, Shah Rukh Khan’s suit…”

Lyricist Sameer had a conversation with Komal Nahta where he criticized the current state of music in Bollywood. He began by saying, “Nowadays, there’s no meaning or thehrav in songs. This is because gaane ka matlab ab kahin bacha nahin hai. There’s no emotion or depth left in society. Cinema ultimately shows a reflection of society. Whatever it sees around, it is presented on celluloid. Secondly, there has been an advent of OTT. The digital platforms are only selling sex and violence. Kab tak log yeh sab dekhenge?”

He added, “Moreover, the makers have sidelined music. It’s like a fill-in-the-blanks situation – yahaan kuch nahin hai toh gaana aise hi daal do. I remember when I was writing Kuch Kuch Hota Hai (1998), Karan Johar gave me a narration of 6 ½ hours. He explained in such detail – what will be the colour of Kajol’s saree, Shah Rukh Khan’s suit, etc.”

Sameer continued, “Lastly, once corporates entered, they started making proposals and stopped making films. So, we started having bakwaas films with no scope for music. Now we have reached a point where the makers are not ready to narrate the film’s story to us. They tell me, ‘Koi hit gaana hai toh de do’. Arre, am I carrying hit and flop songs in my pocket?”

Sameer also remarked, “Nowadays, films have 12 music directors and 18 song writers. Phir kaise accha kaam hoga? There’s no coordination on what one has written and what the other has written. Due to all these reasons, the music is suffering. It’s not like the new lyricists are doing a poor job. However, they are not given the freedom.”

Also Read: Sameer reveals he OFFENDED Mithun Chakraborty while working as a journalist: “I asked him about his alleged affair with Ranjeeta; he retorted, ‘Maine suna hi ki tumhara Sridevi se affair chal raha hain’”

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Ameesha Patel’s parents’ Mumbai home robbed, jewellery worth Rs 5 lakh reportedly stolen

Ameesha Patel’s parents’ residence in Mumbai’s Churchgate area was allegedly targeted in a jewellery theft, with valuables worth around Rs 5 lakh reported missing. Mumbai Police have arrested a 40-year-old domestic worker in connection with the case following a complaint filed by the actress’s mother, Asha Patel.

According to IANS, the accused has been identified as 40-year-old Seema Ghate, a resident of Palghar. Ghate had reportedly been working as a domestic helper at the residence of Ameesha’s mother, Asha Patel, for around one and a half years.

The alleged theft came to light after Asha Patel approached the Marine Drive police and filed a complaint. According to the police, a bangle was allegedly stolen from the residence in January 2026. Asha reportedly suspected Ghate of being involved in the incident and had allegedly been asking her for around five to six months to admit to the crime and return the jewellery.

However, the bangle was allegedly not returned, following which Asha Patel decided to approach the police. The Marine Drive police initially registered a case against an unidentified woman under Section 306 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS).

As part of the investigation, a crime detection team worked on the case and traced the accused to Virar. Ghate was subsequently detained and arrested by the police. She was produced before a court and has been remanded to police custody until September 15.

The investigation into the alleged theft is currently underway. Police are attempting to recover the missing jewellery, while the bangle reportedly remains unrecovered. Authorities are also checking whether Ghate has any previous criminal record.

Meanwhile, Ameesha Patel has been associated with Bollywood for more than two decades. She made her acting debut in 2000 with Kaho Naa… Pyaar Hai, which went on to become a commercial success. She later appeared in films including Gadar: Ek Prem Katha, Humraaz, Honeymoon Travels Pvt. Ltd., Bhool Bhulaiyaa and Race 2.

In 2023, Ameesha reprised her role in Gadar 2, which became her highest-grossing release. She was last seen in Tauba Tera Jalwa, directed by Akashaditya Lama, which released in 2024.

Also Read : Ameesha Patel shuts down Hardik Pandya romance speculation with sarcastic reply to X user: ” I don’t know u but surely u don’t have a girl even as a friend”

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Priyanka Chopra Jonas gives Fatima Sana Shaikh-Aneet Padda’s Hunkkaar – The Roar trailer a shoutout

Fatima Sana Shaikh is grabbing headlines for all the right reasons ever since the riveting trailer of Hunkkaar – The Roar was released. Shaikh has been receiving all the love from her fans and admirers, and while the excitement continues to build up, the global icon Priyanka Chopra Jonas has fueled it manifold by extending a massive shoutout.

The actress took to her social media handle to share the trailer alongwith a sweet note that captures Shaikh’s performance. “You are fantastic in this show! @fatimasanashaikh,” she wrote. What made it even more special is Fatima Sana Shaikh acknowledging the sweet shoutout and adding more to it. “Poori duniya alag, @priyankachopra championing our show bilkul alag,” she reacted on her social media handle. In this upcoming ambitious release, Shaikh steps into the role of a dedicated police officer, leaving the audience intrigued about what’s to come.

Hunkkaar – The Roar is a courtroom drama produced by Birla Studios and Applause Entertainment, in association with Priyanka Chopra’s production house, Purple Pebble Pictures, and Mangata Films Production. Directed by Karan D Kapadia and Nitya Mehra, Hunkkaar – The Roar is scheduled to stream on JioHotstar from September 25.

Also Read: Hunkkaar – The Roar trailer launch: Paparazzi go into a FRENZY as Aneet Padda makes FIRST promotional appearance after Saiyaara; reveals, “I was 19 when I auditioned; a very powerful and sensitive topic for somebody so young”

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EXCLUSIVE: Anjali Arora on Haryana CM Nayab Singh Saini unveiling new poster of Mahakavya Shri Ramayan Katha, “Moments like these give me even more strength and gratitude”

Haryana Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini unveiled a new poster of the upcoming film Mahakavya Shri Ramayan Katha at his office in Chandigarh on Wednesday. Actors Anjali Arora and Dev Sharma, along with producer Prakash Mahobiya, were present for the unveiling.

Revealed publicly for the first time during the meeting, the poster marks the latest stage of the film’s campaign ahead of its theatrical release on September 25, 2026. Dev Sharma portrays Lord Ram, while Anjali Arora makes her feature-film debut as Sita and Rajneish Duggal portrays Raavan while Sheel Verma will play Lakshman.

The Chief Minister extended his blessings and best wishes to the team for the film and its upcoming release, while also encouraging the young artistes associated with the project.

For Anjali Arora, who makes her feature-film debut with Mahakavya Shri Ramayan Katha, the meeting held particular significance as she and her co-star Dev Sharma both hail from Faridabad, Haryana.

Anjali Arora said, “Receiving the blessings and encouragement of Hon’ble Chief Minister Shri Nayab Singh Saini ji for my very first film is a moment I will always cherish. The warmth with which he encouraged us and supported young artistes like us was truly motivating. It was also very special to present him our new poster and have it unveiled by him for the first time. As I begin this new journey with the blessings of Shri Ram, moments like these give me even more strength and gratitude.”

Dev Sharma said, “Portraying Shri Ram is both an honour and an enormous responsibility. To meet Hon’ble Chief Minister Shri Nayab Singh Saini ji, present our film to him and receive his blessings and encouragement was deeply meaningful for all of us. Mahakavya Shri Ramayan Katha has been made with immense faith and sincerity, and we hope audiences receive it with the same love with which we have made it.”

Producer Prakash Mahobiya said, “This film has been a journey of faith, commitment and the collective effort of a large team. We are grateful to Hon’ble Chief Minister Shri Nayab Singh Saini ji for taking the time to meet our young artistes, unveil the new poster and encourage the entire team ahead of the release. His words and blessings mean a great deal to us as we prepare to take Mahakavya Shri Ramayan Katha to audiences on 25 September.”

 

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During their visit to Chandigarh, the team also met Haryana Minister of State for Food, Civil Supplies and Consumer Affairs Rajesh Nagar. He appreciated the team’s efforts, encouraged the artistes and makers, and conveyed his best wishes for the film and its theatrical release.

Directed by Abhishek Singh, Mahakavya Shri Ramayan Katha and its songs were shot simultaneously in Hindi and Chhattisgarhi rather than being dubbed from one language into the other. The makers filmed important sequences across the real landscapes of Chitrakoot in Bastar, Chhattisgarh, including portions depicting Shri Ram’s vanvaas and his meeting with Bharat. The production chose to shoot at actual locations instead of recreating these settings through VFX sets.

Presented by AJ Film’s Entertainment World and Ajay Kanojiya, Mahakavya Shri Ramayan Katha is produced by Prakash Mahobiya and Sanjay Bundela. Honey Kuldeep Agarwal and Moni Sen serve as co-producers. It is a Mahobiya Films Production.

Music forms an important part of the film’s campaign. Its soundtrack brings together singers including Kailash Kher, Javed Ali and Farhad Bhiwandiwala, among several others. The first two songs, ‘Siya Ram’ and ‘Ram Ji Ki Sena’, have already been released, with more songs from the film set to follow.

Mahakavya Shri Ramayan Katha will release in cinemas in Hindi and Chhattisgarhi on September 25, 2026.

Also Read: Mahakavya Shri Ramayan Katha song ‘Siya Ram’ out: Javed Ali calls the track a “prayer”

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Manasi Parekh and Parthiv Gohil unveil three international films at Venice Film Festival

Actress-producer Manasi Parekh and singer-performer-producer Parthiv Gohil have unveiled their upcoming slate of three international feature films at the Venice Film Festival. The three projects, which are being developed as Hinglish films, explore different genres and subjects while aiming to connect with audiences beyond geographical and linguistic boundaries.

Manasi Parekh and Parthiv Gohil shared the stage at the Venice Film Festival with award-winning international directors Maria Soccor, Michela Scolari and Sophie Venecia Reyes. During the event, Parekh spoke about the importance of nuanced storytelling and how meaningful stories can influence society, shape culture and, at times, redefine value systems.

The first film to go on floors will be Purple America, an adaptation of award-winning American author Rick Moody’s acclaimed novel. The film explores themes of family, mortality, trauma and love. Moody’s earlier novel, The Ice Storm, was previously adapted into a celebrated film by Academy Award-winning filmmaker Ang Lee.

The second project, Nanda Devi, is a high-concept international mystery thriller set against the Himalayas. Based on climber Rob Schaller’s life rights, the film explores the real-life disappearance of five kilograms of plutonium during a covert Himalayan mission.

The third film, Laxman, revolves around a young boy whose experiences with poverty and his love for drinking milk inspire him to dream of caring for abandoned cows. His personal dream eventually grows into a larger movement.

Speaking about the three international productions, actor-producer Manasi Parekh said, “Our production company Soul Sutra has already been taking Gujarati films to global audiences but now we will be expanding the scope & geography of our storytelling right from the scratch. As an actor I feel language can never constrict a good story, it will always find its audience and the world anyway has become a way smaller place, especially with OTT. All the three films that we will be producing now are high concept stories, distinct and have a global audience. Human emotions, fears, aspirations are the same from India to Indiana, we just have to address that”.

Parthiv Gohil also shared his perspective on their international slate, saying, “Great stories transcend borders, languages, and cultures. Our vision is to empower filmmakers and creators who dare to tell meaningful, transformative stories while building a sustainable investment ecosystem for high-quality media. We believe that prestige content is not only culturally valuable but also represents a significant opportunity in the evolving global entertainment landscape.”

The duo has produced more than a dozen films, with their projects receiving worldwide distribution, screenings at leading international film festivals and several awards. Laalo, which released last year, became the first Gujarati film to cross the Rs 130 crore mark, while Kutch Express won three National Awards for the production house, including the Best Actress award for Manasi Parekh.

The upcoming three-film slate will be backed by their newly launched AIF media fund, Orenda Creative, along with their US-based business partner, actor and producer Rashaana Shah.

Following their Venice schedule, Parthiv will prepare for his annual Navratra show, while Manasi is gearing up for the release of her upcoming Netflix series, Chumbak.

Also Read : Manasi Parekh on World Theatre Day: “Theatre has shaped me in ways I can’t quantify”

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Pulkit Samrat celebrates Fukrey co-star Ali Fazal after Mirzapur The Movie success: “So Freakin’ Proud of You Brother!”

Pulkit Samrat recently took to social media to celebrate the success of his Fukrey co-star and close friend Ali Fazal, following the theatrical release of Mirzapur: The Movie. The two actors, who have shared screen space in the Fukrey franchise, have maintained a close bond over the years, and Pulkit’s latest post reflected on Fazal’s journey and the effort behind his recent milestone.

Sharing a congratulatory note, Pulkit wrote, “So freakin’ proud of you brother!! I’ve witnessed your silences and your screams… I’ve witnessed your hard work and pains… and I’ve witnessed your zidd!! Congratulations, tumhari zidd ne tumhare hardwork se milkar Bhaukaal macha diya hai!! Love and only love brother!!”

Through the post, Pulkit referred to the years of hard work and determination he had witnessed in Fazal’s journey. His message also brought attention to the friendship between the two actors, which developed alongside their professional association in the Fukrey franchise.

Pulkit went on to acknowledge the role played by the women close to Fazal, including his mother, wife Richa Chadha and daughter Zuni. He added, “And obviously this all isn’t possible without all the special women in your life.. Ma, Richa and Zuni!”

The social media post came after Mirzapur: The Movie arrived in theatres on September 4, 2026. Directed by Gurmeet Singh and written by Puneet Krishna, the Hindi-language action crime thriller is based on the popular Mirzapur franchise. The film features Pankaj Tripathi, Ali Fazal, Divyenndu, Jitendra Kumar and Ravi Kishan in key roles.

Produced by Ritesh Sidhwani and Farhan Akhtar under Excel Entertainment, Mirzapur: The Movie marks the continuation of the franchise in a theatrical format after its run as a streaming series. Fazal reprises his role as Guddu Pandit, a character he has played across the series and the film.

Pulkit’s post thus became a personal note of appreciation from one Fukrey co-star to another, highlighting the friendship between the actors while celebrating Fazal’s latest chapter with Mirzapur: The Movie.

Also Read: Ali Fazal gets emotional at packed Gaiety Cinema as fans cheer for Guddu Bhaiya; Richa Chadha calls him ‘sexy’

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Nandamuri Balakrishna starrer NBK111 gets its title – Dada; makers unveil new announcement poster

Nandamuri Balakrishna’s much-awaited action entertainer, which was being referred to as #NBK111, has been officially titled Dada. Directed by Gopichand Malineni, the film has also locked its theatrical release date as December 24, 2026, coinciding with the Christmas period.

Produced by Venkata Satish Kilaru under the Vriddhi Cinemas banner, Dada has been generating buzz since the makers unveiled the glimpse titled ‘Entry Of An Era’ on Balakrishna’s birthday. The latest title announcement was accompanied by a poster and a short glimpse that offer a look at the actor’s character in the film.

In the poster, Balakrishna is seen sporting sunglasses, a leather jacket and a thick gold chain, with a weapon resting on his shoulder. The actor’s rugged appearance and stern expression are in keeping with the mass-oriented positioning of his character, who is described as a tough personality.

The title glimpse opens with a voiceover referring to Balakrishna’s character as Sher. The sequence then features police officers surrounding him and warning him that they will shoot him in the chest. Balakrishna’s response forms the central dialogue moment of the glimpse. The makers have also introduced him with the title ‘The King Of Chaos.’

Gopichand Malineni has presented Balakrishna in a larger-than-life action avatar, while S Thaman’s background score adds to the intensity of the sequence. The ‘Raja Hoon Main’ track also plays in the background during the glimpse.

 

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Dada is scheduled to arrive in theatres on December 24, making it a Christmas release. The film features Manoj Manchu and Kajal Aggarwal in important roles. The technical team includes cinematographer Arvind S Kashyap, composer S Thaman, production designer AS Prakash and editor Navin Nooli. Sai Madhav Burra has penned the dialogues, while Ram Lakshman, Ravi Varma and Vvenkat have handled the action choreography.

The film marks the reunion of Balakrishna and Gopichand Malineni after their previous collaboration Veera Simha Reddy. With Dada being mounted as a large-scale action entertainer, the new project is expected to continue their association in the action genre.

Also Read: Manoj Manchu joins Nandamuri Balakrishna and Gopichand Malineni’s NBK111

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Box Office Estimate Day 3: Mirzapur clocks Rs. 93 crore opening weekend; jumps to Rs. 37 crores on Sunday

Pankaj Tripathi, Ali Fazal,  Divyendu Sharma and Ravi Kishan led Mirzapur: The Movie is on a record-breaking spree at the box office in India. After collecting Rs. 55.77 crore on the first two days, the Excel Entertainment production is looking to collect in the range of Rs. 37 crore to Rs. 38 crore on Sunday, taking the opening weekend collections to Rs. 93 crore.

The film is a SUPER HIT venture, and the hold on Monday has a chance to take it to the BLOCKBUSTER level. The film has collected around Rs. 17 crore in the top 3 national chains on Sunday, which has contributed about 47 per cent to the total business. The single screens went berserk on Sunday, with most of the iconic places running to packed houses all through the day.

The success of Mirzapur: The Movie is an eye-opener, as the film is among the first to transition from OTT to the big screen, paving the way for many more in the near future. The film is turning out to be the much-needed success for Excel Entertainment, which has been on a low in the post Covid times.

The advances for Monday are strong, which means a double-digit day four is on the cards for the gangster drama.

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Adnan Sami’s SAVAGE take on social media manipulation: “You can ‘have’ a hit without a single person in the theatre… need I say more?”

Komal Nahta had a conversation with Adnan Sami, in which he gave an interesting answer when asked about social media. He began by stating, “Social media has revolutionized everything. There was a time when every individual did not have a voice or medium to amplify his voice. When composers used to plagiarize songs, at most you and I will speak about it and it would not spread in the world. In short, it did not go ‘viral’. But now every person has a voice and access and also, every person has become a critic! Some people turned out to be great critics of music while some are like Tansen ki naajaayaz aulad (laughs)! There are such critics in cinema as well.”

Adnan continued, “So, today, everybody has a voice. Today, everybody not only judges you but also puts that judgment out there. Now you get scrutinized minutely, which used to not happen before.”

Speaking about the pros and cons of social media, Adnan remarked, “There are both good and bad repercussions. The good thing is that you now have a direct connection with the public. On the flip side, you also have to deal with trolls. But as they say, haters will always hate (laughs).”

Adnan Sami added, “Before the digital boom, social media was a little contained. Now, everybody has got a platform, everybody speaks and everybody has also learned how to manipulate it also. You can suddenly ‘have’ a hit when you’ve not even got a single person in the theatre. Need I say more (laughs)?”

Also Read: Adnan Sami reveals ‘Lift Karadey’ was considered “downmarket” by record label: “I had to FIGHT 6 months to release the video; it was shot with ZERO budget and NO permissions; I would quickly dance and run!”

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Adnan Sami reveals ‘Lift Karadey’ was considered “downmarket” by record label: “I had to FIGHT 6 months to release the video; it was shot with ZERO budget and NO permissions; I would quickly dance and run!”

Komal Nahta had a conversation with Adnan Sami, during which he shared a fascinating piece of trivia about his breakout track ‘Lift Karadey’. He said, “‘Kabhi To Nazar Milao’ was a (huge hit). But it was a very romantic song and it had a slight niche. Meanwhile, ‘Lift Karadey’ broke me into the masses and my song was played everywhere. It became an anthem. The funny part is that the record label, at that time, was dead set against releasing ‘Lift Karadey’! They didn’t believe in it. Their justification was that two songs had already been released, both of which were romantic – ‘Kabhi To Nazar Milao’ and ‘Bheegi Bheegi Raaton Mein’. They were wondering which song to release next. That album had more romantic songs and that’s what they were eyeing.”

Adnan Sami continued, “I suggested releasing ‘Lift Karadey’. They told me, ‘Kya baat kar rahe ho? Kahan Kabhi To Nazar Milao or Barsaat aur kahan yeh downmarket song! Come on, you’ve got a sophisticated image of a romantic singer’. I replied, ‘I feel Lift Karadey has a lot of potential. Secondly, I don’t want to get trapped in one genre. This was the time for me to break that mould’. I also reminded them that the biggest of playback singers sang all kinds of songs, whether it was Mohammed Rafi, Kishore Kumar etc.”

Adnan Sami then revealed, “The argument went on for 6 months! Main apni zid pe adaa raha. They must have thought, ‘Iss artist kadimaag kharab ho gaya hai do hit deke. Chalo isko khush karte hain’. So as an ehsaan on me, they made the video of ‘Lift Karadey’ without any budget! We shot all scenes on the streets of Mumbai on Sunday morning in guerrilla style. We had no permissions. The team would check ki koi dekh nahin raha. Then, I would come out (of the car), do a couple of steps and quickly leave. Then we would go to the next location.”

Adnan added, “Once the song was released, it went through the roof. Now they came back to me and said, ‘Iss gaane ka remix karte hai’ (laughs). I made it clear that I’ll not create a typical remix. So, we did a fun, cinematic tribute. It featured Shatrughan Sinha, Asrani, Johny Lever, etc. And for this music video, unhone bada kharcha kiya! In short, ‘Lift Karadey’ almost didn’t happen. It happened due to my insistence.”

Also Read: “HUGE fan of Shankar-Jaikishan, R D Burman, Bappi Lahiri etc but they also lifted songs; Sholay’s ‘Mehbooba’ was inspired…agar aap original composer ka naam daal dete, toh aapke shaan mein koi kami nahin aati” – Adnan Sami

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EXCLUSIVE: Pratik Gandhi says his Ghamasaan character Aditya “is not scared of losing anything which makes him very powerful”

Actor Pratik Gandhi is set to return with Ghamasaan, an upcoming action thriller that will premiere on ZEE5 in Hindi on September 11, 2026. The actor plays Aditya, a police officer whose investigation into Maharaj gradually becomes a deeply personal pursuit.

Speaking about what drew him to the character, Pratik described Aditya as a passionate and fearless officer who is willing to go beyond the boundaries of his official duty.

“I think Aditya is very passionate and courageous, at the same time a fearless officer, he goes beyond the call of his duty. He was put on a particular project, a mission which was time-bound but when he realises what Maharaj has been doing to the people in that region for the longest time, he actually takes it very personally. And that makes it interesting as a character to create. There are many layers to him, he is charming, and there are scenes with his wife. But at the same time, he makes it very difficult for his wife as he is unable to create that boundary between his personal life and his duty and that makes the character very interesting for me.”

Pratik Gandhi on Aditya beyond his uniform

For Pratik, Aditya is not defined solely by his position as a police officer. The actor sees the character as someone who relies heavily on instinct and is willing to make difficult decisions based on what he believes is right.

“He is courageous, charming, and he strongly feels that he should follow his gut. He has taken a lot of decisions based on his gut feeling throughout the film, and that actually makes him a little different from the general officers that we have seen.”

Aditya’s inability to completely separate his personal life from his professional responsibilities is also an important part of his character. His relationship with his wife gives the audience a glimpse into the personal cost of his choices as his investigation becomes increasingly consuming.

Duty, justice and personal conviction drive Aditya

According to Pratik, Aditya’s actions are driven by a combination of professional responsibility, his belief in justice and a strong personal conviction to see his mission through.

“All of it. Duty, a strong sense of justice that he feels should be served to the people of the country, and his passion to deliver it at any cost. He is not scared of losing anything which makes him very powerful.”

Ghamasaan explores Aditya’s pursuit of Maharaj as his investigation takes him beyond the limits of a time-bound assignment. The character’s determination and willingness to follow his instincts form a key part of the film’s narrative.

Ghamasaan will begin streaming in Hindi on ZEE5 from September 11, 2026.

Also Read: Pratik Gandhi advocates ‘context over control’ in parenting at Netflix panel on screen time

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Ahsaas Channa joins Asur 3 alongside Arshad Warsi and Barun Sobti, begins shooting

Actress Ahsaas Channa has joined the cast of the upcoming third season of the crime thriller series Asur. The actress has begun filming for the JioHotstar series and will share screen space with returning cast members including Arshad Warsi, Barun Sobti, Ridhi Dogra, Anupriya Goenka, Vishesh Bansal and Shweta Basu Prasad.

Shooting for Asur 3 is currently underway and is expected to continue until December 2026. The makers are reportedly planning to release the new season on JioHotstar in mid-2027.

Speaking about joining the series, Ahsaas said, “I am beyond thrilled to join Asur 3, especially after being one of the biggest fans of the show. It feels surreal to have this opportunity to work alongside some of the most talented actors, including Arshad Warsi sir, Barun Sobti and Ridhi Dogra. Amongst everything else, I promise that Asur 3 will take the thrill and intensity several notches,”

The first two seasons of Asur were directed by Oni Sen, who is currently associated with Operation Safed Sagar. The upcoming season will be directed by Gaurav Shukla, who previously served as the writer of the first two seasons. Shukla will also produce the third season.

The series, which combines elements of crime, mythology and psychological thriller, has previously followed forensic expert Nikhil Nair, played by Barun Sobti, and CBI officer Dhananjay Rajpoot, played by Arshad Warsi, as they investigate a series of murders linked to a larger mystery.

With Ahsaas Channa now joining the cast, Asur 3 will introduce another addition to the ensemble as the story moves into its next chapter.

Also Read: Birthday Special! 6 times Ahsaas Channa stunned us with her fashion A-game

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11 Years of Welcome Back: When John Abraham proved he could be just as funny as he is cool

Eleven years after Welcome Back hit theatres, the Anees Bazmee comedy is remembered for its madcap humour, colourful characters and larger-than-life chaos. But its anniversary also offers a chance to revisit an underrated aspect of John Abraham’s stardom — his ability to be genuinely funny.

John has long been associated with being a particular kind of Bollywood hero: physically imposing, effortlessly cool and increasingly synonymous with action. Yet, well before becoming one of Hindi cinema’s most dependable action stars, he showed that comedy could also be part of his repertoire.

In Welcome Back, John played Ajju Bhai and stepped into a world dominated by Uday Shetty, Majnu Bhai and Bazmee’s trademark madness. Instead of competing with the film’s louder comic personalities, John largely played it straight. That restraint became part of the humour.

It was a quality he had already displayed in Garam Masala. Sharing screen space with Akshay Kumar, John’s straight-faced reactions made the increasingly chaotic situations even funnier.

Dostana showcased another side. His easy chemistry with Abhishek Bachchan and his natural charm helped him hold his own without having to dominate every scene.

While Desi Boyz took that comic persona further, Housefull 2 placed him comfortably within an ensemble built around confusion and broad humour.

In Dishoom, John’s restrained, serious cop persona playing off Varun Dhawan’s far more energetic character spelt comedy

That, perhaps, is the secret of John’s comic timing. He rarely appears to be trying too hard to be funny. Instead, the humour comes from watching the quintessential John Abraham — cool, composed and physically imposing — being thrown into situations where nothing is under control. His reactions become the punchline.

Of course, action has since become a defining part of his screen identity, with films such as Force, Rocky Handsome, Satyameva Jayate, Attack and Pathaan reinforcing that image. At the same time, films like Batla House and Parmanu: The Story of Pokhran have showcased a more grounded performer.

But 11 years of Welcome Back is a timely reminder that there is more to John Abraham than just six-pack action. His comic roles remain some of the most rewatchable parts of his filmography — proof that sometimes, the coolest guy in the room can also be the funniest.

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Lollapalooza India 2027 lineup announced: Olivia Dean, Limp Bizkit, KATSEYE, St. Vincent and more to perform in Mumbai

Lollapalooza India has announced the lineup for its 2027 edition, with Olivia Dean and Limp Bizkit set to headline the festival’s fifth edition. The two-day event will be held on January 23 and 24, 2027, at Mumbai’s Mahalaxmi Racecourse.

The 2027 edition will feature performances across four stages, bringing together international acts and Indian artists from a range of musical genres. General ticket sales for the festival are now live through the official Lollapalooza India website.

Olivia Dean, who won Best New Artist at the 2026 Grammy Awards, will headline the festival with songs including ‘Messy’, ‘Dive’ and ‘Man I Need’. Limp Bizkit, meanwhile, will make their India debut as part of the festival. The American nu-metal band, known for tracks such as ‘Break Stuff’, ‘Rollin’ and ‘Nookie’, has received three Grammy nominations and has sold more than 40 million records worldwide, according to the festival organisers.

The international lineup also includes KATSEYE, Fontaines D.C., 5 Seconds of Summer and six-time Grammy winner St. Vincent. KATSEYE will bring their contemporary pop sound to the festival, while Dublin-based Fontaines D.C. will represent the alternative and post-punk side of the lineup. 5 Seconds of Summer will perform tracks from their catalogue, including ‘Youngblood’, while St. Vincent will bring her art-rock and experimental sound to the festival.

The electronic music roster features Steve Angello of Swedish House Mafia, Japanese artist ¥ØU$UK€ ¥UK1MAT$U and Belgian DJ duo 2manydjs. Rachel Chinouriri, Ecca Vandal, Pinkshift and Alain Johannes are among the other international performers announced for the 2027 edition.

The festival will also have a significant representation from the Indian independent and contemporary music scene. Aditya Gadhvi, Anuv Jain, Indian Ocean, Blackstratblues, Kayan, Rhea Raj, Yashraj, Isyana Sarasvati, Swadesi, Varijashree Venugopal, Donn Bhat and Shanka Tribe are among the Indian artists on the lineup.

A special collaboration will see Stewart Copeland of The Police perform with three-time Grammy winner and Padma Shri recipient Ricky Kej. The Manganiyar Seduction will also bring its folk music traditions to the festival, while Scribe, Maneesh On The Beat, RANJ x Clifr and several independent artists will feature across the stages.

The wider lineup includes Rafiki, Curtain Blue, Run It’s The Kid, Janisht Joshi, The Lightyears Explode, Meewakching, Calcutta Cowboy, Anoushka Maskey, Dohnraj & The Peculiars, Rasa, Noni-Mouse, Karshni, Raj and Shriya Rao, among others.

With artists representing genres ranging from nu-metal and post-punk to electronic music, hip-hop, jazz, R&B, folk and classical fusion, Lollapalooza India 2027 is set to continue the festival’s focus on a diverse musical lineup.

 

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Beyond the performances, the festival will feature immersive installations, the Lolla Food Park and its #LollaForChange initiative. The organisers have also announced partnerships with international and Indian brands for the 2027 edition.

Lollapalooza India 2027 will take place on January 23 and 24 at Mumbai’s Mahalaxmi Racecourse. General tickets are currently on sale.

Also Read: Lollapalooza India 2026 Day 1 turns Mumbai into a genre-defying music playground with Playboi Carti, YUNGBLUD & more

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