Elnaaz Norouzi speaks on avoiding “getting comfortable” as an actor: “The moment you repeat yourself, you stop growing”

Elnaaz Norouzi has steadily carved a space for herself in both Indian and international entertainment industries by choosing roles that prioritize growth and experimentation over familiarity. At a time when many actors are often associated with a fixed image or genre, Elnaaz says she consciously looks for characters that challenge her emotionally and psychologically.

Speaking about her approach to acting, the 29-year-old actress shared that she does not want to remain confined to one kind of performance or storytelling space. “For me, it’s very important to not get comfortable in one space. I think as an actor, the moment you start repeating yourself, you stop growing. I don’t consciously chase different genres as a checklist, but I am very drawn to roles that challenge me emotionally or psychologically,” she said.

Elnaaz further explained that the genre itself is not the deciding factor for her. Instead, she looks for authenticity and emotional depth in the characters she portrays. “Sometimes that happens in a thriller, sometimes in a drama, sometimes even in something like a comedy. What matters to me is whether the character feels real and pushes me to discover something new about myself,” she added.

Over the years, Elnaaz has built a diverse filmography across streaming platforms, Indian cinema, and international projects. She first gained widespread recognition with Sacred Games, where her performance attracted significant attention. She later showcased her range further with projects such as Ranneeti and Tehran.

The actress has also expanded her global footprint through international productions, including Kandahar alongside Gerard Butler. Her growing presence in cross-cultural projects has positioned her as one of the few actors balancing Indian and international entertainment spaces simultaneously.

Also Read: Elnaaz Norouzi REACTS to US-Israel strikes on Iran; says, “Praying for all innocent civilians”

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Dibyendu Bhattacharya exposes Bollywood colourism; why the industry’s fairness bias refuses to die

Sometimes, one statement is enough to expose an entire system. Dibyendu Bhattacharya’s recent revelation that he was allegedly replaced in an advertisement because of his dark skin is not just another actor’s painful industry anecdote. It is a reminder of a truth that Bollywood has spoken around for decades but rarely confronted directly.

According to reports, the actor recalled that he was once replaced shortly before an ad shoot because the team supposedly did not want a kaala actor. The sentence is ugly. But what makes it uglier is that it does not shock anyone enough. And that, perhaps, is the real problem.

Colourism in Hindi cinema is not new. It has existed in casting rooms, brand meetings, makeup vans, magazine covers, song picturisations and advertising campaigns. The industry has always known it. The audience has always sensed it. Yet, every few years, when an actor says it aloud, everyone behaves as if this is a new wound. It is not. It is an old infection.

Bollywood has often celebrated itself as aspirational, glamorous and progressive. It speaks beautifully about representation. It gives speeches about diversity. It applauds itself when rooted stories become successful. But when it comes to the visual imagination of beauty, desirability and mainstream appeal, large parts of the system still remain trapped in outdated ideas. Fair is still too often treated as premium. Dark is still too often treated as earthy, intense, poor, dangerous, comic, villainous or character actor material.

This is not merely about who gets cast. It is about what kind of person a darker-skinned actor is allowed to be on screen. Can he be romantic? Can she be glamorous? Can he be wealthy? Can she be soft? Can he be the centre of desire? Can she be the face of luxury? Can he sell a perfume, a car, a watch, a wedding campaign or a premium brand without the casting brief suddenly becoming coded? This is where the real colourism lives, not only in rejection, but in categorisation.

Hindi cinema has always had brilliant, darker-skinned actors. Many of them have delivered unforgettable performances. But the industry has too often admired them as talented while reserving words like beautiful, heroic, desirable and aspirational for a narrower visual type. That is the polite hypocrisy. Talent is allowed. Stardom is rationed.

Dibyendu Bhattacharya’s case becomes even more significant because it reportedly came from the advertising space. Films can often hide behind excuses like script, character, region, realism or period setting. Advertising has fewer hiding places. Ads reveal what the market thinks desire looks like. Ads reveal who brands believe the consumer wants to become. If a talented actor can be rejected because his skin tone does not fit a brand’s idea of acceptability, then the issue is not merely artistic. It is commercial prejudice dressed up as market logic.

That is why this debate cannot stop at Bollywood alone. It must include brands, casting agencies, ad filmmakers, creative directors, marketing heads and the larger beauty economy. Cinema reflects society, yes. But cinema and advertising also train society. For decades, Indian audiences were told, directly or indirectly, that fairness equals confidence, marriageability, success, modernity and upward mobility. The names of fairness products may have changed. The vocabulary may have become safer. But has the mindset changed enough? Dibyendu’s revelation suggests that it has not.

The irony is that the audience has moved ahead faster than the industry in many ways. Today’s viewers are more accepting of faces, accents, body types and personalities that would once have been dismissed as non-mainstream. OTT has played a major role in this shift. Regional cinema has also challenged the old beauty template. Social media, too, has weakened the monopoly of the traditional glamour factory. Audiences now celebrate performers who feel authentic. They are not as obsessed with the airbrushed template as the industry imagines them to be.

And yet, the industry continues to second-guess the audience.

The excuse is always the same: This is what sells. But who decided that? And for how long will the industry keep hiding behind the consumer while actively shaping the consumer’s choices? If only one kind of face is repeatedly projected as desirable, the market will naturally learn to desire that face. If the screen keeps saying fair is premium, the audience will absorb it. If the screen changes, the audience can change too.

Bollywood cannot claim to be progressive while quietly preserving regressive casting filters. It is not enough for the industry to post supportive messages whenever such stories emerge. Casting briefs must change. Brand conversations must change. Makeup and lighting practices must change. Character descriptions must change.

There is a larger creative loss too. When an industry filters people through fairness, it damages storytelling. It narrows the emotional palette. It makes the screen less Indian, not more aspirational. India is not one shade. India is not one face. India is not one type of beauty. The more Bollywood tries to flatten that diversity, the more artificial it looks. Dibyendu Bhattacharya’s revelation hurts because it is believable. That is the shame of it.

The industry now has two choices. It can treat this as one more outrage cycle that will fade in 48 hours. Or it can use it as a mirror.

Because this is not about one advertisement. This is not about one actor. This is not about one casting decision. This is about the invisible hierarchy that decides who gets to be seen, how they get to be seen and whether they are allowed to be more than their complexion.

Bollywood loves to say that talent eventually wins. Dibyendu Bhattacharya’s revelation forces a more uncomfortable question: how many talented people were never even allowed to reach the starting line because the industry could not look beyond their skin?

Also Read: Sudhanshu Saria reveals he’s producing Pech and Silverfish to back fresh voices; says “filmmakers today feel disillusioned due to fewer opportunities…want my directors to feel safe and protected”

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EXCLUSIVE: Sudhanshu Saria reveals he’s producing Pech and Silverfish to back fresh voices; says “filmmakers today feel disillusioned due to fewer opportunities…want my directors to feel safe and protected”

After impressing audiences with Loev, Big Girls Don’t Cry and Ulajh, National Film Award-winning filmmaker Sudhanshu Saria is now all set to produce two films based on fresh ideas. Under his banner, Four Line Films, he’s producing Kumar Chheda’s Pech, which explores class and marginalization against the backdrop of Mumbai. Silverfish, directed by Krishna and co-written by Sudhanshu, is about a creature let loose in Silicon Valley. In an exclusive interview with Bollywood Hungama, Sudhanshu Saria spoke about turning producer and a lot more.

Sudhanshu Saria said, “Work has been going on for these two films for the last 2-2 ½ years. We’ll be going into production this year. When I run into filmmakers now, there’s a sense of disillusionment about how they are supposed to get started and launch their careers in this time when opportunities seem scarce. In these times, you can either make a very big film or not make a film at all. Hence, for all those reasons, it felt important to back new filmmakers with fresh voices.”

Does his experience as a director give him an advantage as a producer? Sudhanshu replied, “Absolutely. I have a lot of perspective to share and I can predict things before they happen. Of course, every film is a unique adventure. There are places where I’ll be way more overbearing because I know the ins and outs of it. I’ll be way more of a perfectionist and a micromanager. If taken in the right spirit, those things can be very useful. But when you don’t have that perspective, it can also be frustrating. So, like anything, it has its pros and cons. Obviously, I’d play to its strengths. I, myself, have been helped by and guided by so many experienced people who have contributed to my films and got me to where I am today. The idea is to do the same – provide guidance and perspective so that both my filmmakers are able to make terrific first films in a journey that makes them feel safe and protected and allows them to be at their creative best.”

It has become even more challenging to produce a film, especially on a certain budget. Sudhanshu Saria looks at this scenario differently, “Which industry is not facing a challenge right now? And I feel limitations are definitely a part of the job. People have less discretionary income while unemployment is rampant. So, it’s not something that I complain about – why is the public not going (to cinemas)? Why are they not paying and consequently, why are the budgets so low? I would anyway prefer a time where a lot of films are made at unheard-of budgets. I believe that when there’s wastage, it hurts creativity. My producer instinct begins from the moment we are doing subject selection. After making enough films, you do get a rough idea after reading the brief of what kind of budget a film requires. Also, with a first-time filmmaker, one also knows that there’s only a certain amount of money that the market can risk, what kind of casting potential it has, what the audience for it is, etc. In short, that math begins at subject selection. If the equation doesn’t add up, then I am not doing my job as a producer.”

Sudhanshu Saria’s films in the past have taken the festival route. Will Pech and Silverfish follow suit? The filmmaker explained, “Screening a film at a film festival is one of the best parts of making a film – to get that live reaction from people of different cultures and different places. Having said that, every film determines its own strategy. Both these films have very audience-friendly content. I was very clear when picking subjects that I am making films for people to go to the cinemas and watch. That is definitely the purpose. As we look to revitalize our business, now is the time to be very focused on films that bring people out of their homes. Now, festivals play a very important part in that journey but I have to do what’s correct for the films and make sure it reaches its audience. So, if it means holding it back from the festivals and building up an anticipation that explodes in cinema, that’s fine. But if it means giving people an early taste of the film so that we can build buzz and demand, that’s fine too. But yes, I am certainly grateful for the support I have got from the festivals.”

Will he juggle direction while producing these two films? Or would he like to focus on making these two films before donning the director’s hat? Sudhanshu stated, “I keep saying that I’ll multitask. But so far, that has not been true! I feel that I’ll prioritize the work on these films over my directorial. I feel very protective of these filmmakers. So, I definitely need to do a better job of focusing on my work. If I do my job right in this pre-production stage, then I can believe that during production, the team can take over. I’d very much like not directing something during the shoot. But if that happens, we’ll handle it then.”

Also Read: Sourabh Raaj Jain scores success on OTT and stage with Sangamarmar and Mere Krishn: “Grateful people are loving me”

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Alia Bhatt pours love on Vedang Raina and Sharvari’s ‘Maskara’ song from Main Vaapas Aaunga

Imtiaz Ali’s much-awaited Main Vaapas Aaunga is already creating a buzz ahead of its release. After the teaser and the soulful track ‘Kya Kamaal Hai’ by Diljit Dosanjh received immense love from audiences, the makers recently unveiled the romantic track ‘Maskara’, which continues to win hearts across streaming platforms and social media.

Adding to the growing excitement, Alia Bhatt, Ayushmann Khurrana and many more celebrities recently reacted with the love and appreciation.

Alia Bhatt commented, calling the song “So so lovely ”, while showering love on Vedang Raina and Sharvari’s chemistry in the track. Vedang also responded warmly to Alia’s comment with heart emojis, making fans even more excited.

Ayushmann Khurrana also reacted to the song with “”, to which Sharvari sweetly replied, “AK .”

 

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The song has been receiving an overwhelmingly positive response from listeners, with audiences praising its soulful melody, dreamy visuals, and the refreshing chemistry between Vedang and Sharvari. Social media continues to be flooded with appreciation posts and fan reactions celebrating the romantic vibe of ‘Maskara’.

Main Vaapas Aaunga is set in Imtiaz Ali’s dreamy world of love and longing, starring Diljit Dosanjh, Naseeruddin Shah, Sharvari Wagh, and Vedang Raina in pivotal roles. Produced by Applause Entertainment and Mohit Choudhary and Shibasish Sarkar of Window Seat Films, the film releases in cinemas on June 12, 2026.

Also Read: Sharvari and Vedang Raina show their playful chemistry in ‘Maskara’ from Main Vaapas Aaunga, lighting up the romantic world of Imtiaz Ali

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Does Bollywood really need 3 Idiots 2, or should Rancho, Farhan and Raju be left in peace?

Aamir Khan has confirmed that Rajkumar Hirani is working on 3 Idiots 2, with reports saying the sequel is set years after the original and aims to retain the humour of the 2009 film.

A sequel to 3 Idiots sounds like the easiest yes in Bollywood until one remembers what 3 Idiots means to people.

Veteran trade analyst Taran Adarsh has fond memories of 3 Idiots. “I distinctly remember I had watched 3 Idiots almost 10 days before the release,” he said. “Vinod Chopra and Raju Hirani had kept a screening for the main crew and I was invited. I think I was the only outsider there. And I distinctly remember when the movie ended, I got up from my seat and I gave it an ovation. If you see the review on Bollywood Hungama, I had put it before the release.”

This was not just a successful film. It was not merely a blockbuster, a comedy, a campus entertainer or another Rajkumar Hirani social drama. For an entire generation, 3 Idiots became part of the emotional vocabulary. It gave students a line to repeat when the pressure felt unbearable. It gave parents a film through which they could understand the suffocation of marks, ranks and expectations. It made friendship, failure and rebellion feel mainstream. It made Aal izz well more than a dialogue; it became therapy disguised as cinema. That is why the idea of 3 Idiots 2 is both exciting and terrifying.

Exciting, because the characters are beloved. Rancho, Farhan, Raju, Virus and Chatur are not forgotten names. They are part of popular culture. The original film has survived beautifully through television reruns, memes, reels, hostel nostalgia and family viewing. A follow-up by Rajkumar Hirani with Aamir Khan’s involvement naturally creates curiosity. Where is Rancho today? What happened to Farhan and Raju? Did the system change, or did it simply become more brutal? These are genuinely interesting questions.

But the fear is equally real. Some films become classics because they end at the right time. 3 Idiots ended with closure, laughter, emotion and hope. It did not leave the audience hungry in a frustrating way. It left them fulfilled. That is a dangerous place from which to build a sequel. When a film has already said what it needed to say, a continuation risks becoming an explanation nobody asked for.

Bollywood’s current relationship with nostalgia is complicated. On one hand, revisiting loved films makes business sense. Familiar titles reduce risk. Audiences already know the emotional world. Marketing becomes easier. On the other hand, nostalgia can become a trap. When a classic is revived merely because the title has recall value, the result often feels like a brand extension rather than a story that demanded to be told.

With 3 Idiots 2, the biggest challenge is not humour. It is relevance. The educational pressure that the first film addressed has not disappeared. In fact, it has mutated. Today’s students are dealing with entrance exams, international admissions pressure, AI disruption, social media comparison, career uncertainty, mental health issues and the fear of becoming obsolete before even starting adult life. If the sequel has the courage to engage with this new reality, it can become meaningful. If it simply tries to repeat the old magic with familiar jokes and callbacks, it may disappoint.

The original worked because it attacked a system while entertaining the masses. It did not feel like a lecture. It made people laugh before making them uncomfortable. That balance is extremely hard to recreate.

Rajkumar Hirani understands emotion and humour better than most Hindi filmmakers, but even he will know that 3 Idiots 2 carries unusual pressure. This is not just another sequel. This is a sequel to a film people are protective about.

Aamir Khan’s return to Rancho also raises expectations. The character cannot simply be older; he has to be evolved. A sequel set years later must answer a difficult question: what happens to idealists when they age? Does Rancho still believe in changing the system? Has he compromised? Has he built something revolutionary? Or has the world become too cynical even for him? These questions could make the sequel fascinating.

But the larger debate remains: does every classic need continuation? Audiences often demand sequels, then punish them for not matching memories. That is the cruellest part. 3 Idiots 2 will not be compared to a normal film. It will be compared to people’s youth, their college days, their friendships, their exam stress, their parents, their dreams. No film can easily compete with memory.

Adarsh does, however, hold out hope for this particular team. “Rajkumar Hirani is not the type who would capitalise on his own brand,” he said. “So, when he made Munna Bhai (MBBS) and the latter part (Lage Raho Munna Bhai), they worked because it was a natural and organic transition. The fact that Raju Hirani has come up with an idea, I think, sounds very interesting.” That said, he added a note of caution: “But 3 Idiots is a much-loved, flawless, outstanding film. To attain that kind of benchmark again will be challenging. You will be competing not with other films; you will be competing with the first part. People will compare it very minutely, so you will have to get it very right. A sequel for the sake of a sequel would not work. I think it’s still in the initial stages right now. But if at all it happens when the script is locked, I would be very happy to see it. As I said, my only concern is that it ought to be a natural, organic transition from the first part.”

Rajkumar Hirani understands the pulse of middle class India, Aamir Khan knows the weight of Rancho, and the audience still has enormous affection for that world. But 3 Idiots 2 cannot simply survive on nostalgia, callbacks and a few Aal izz well moments thrown in for applause. It has to answer why Rancho is needed in 2026, not just why he was loved in 2009. The sequel must justify its existence not with memory, but with meaning. Because this time, the audience will not be giving grace marks. They will enter the theatre with excitement, emotion and a red pen in hand. If the film works, everyone will happily say, Jahapanah tussi great ho. But if it feels like a forced extension of a perfect memory, then even Rancho might need to sit through one final viva and this time, Virus won’t be the only one asking tough questions.

Also Read: Aamir Khan CONFIRMS 3 Idiots sequel is in the works, reveals Rajkumar Hirani directorial is set 10 years later: “It’s a beautiful story”

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EXCLUSIVE: Nikhita Gandhi reveals why she’s partial to Bhooth Bangla’s ‘Tu Hi Disda’: “It’s RARE that a song gives equal real estate to male and female singers”; BREAKS silence on AI threat to singers: “If you can’t beat it, then join it”

Nine years ago, Nikhita Gandhi made a stunning entry into Hindi film music with the title track of Raabta (2017), and since then, she hasn’t looked back. After getting her big break from A R Rahman with I (2015), she went on to lend her voice to several memorable Hindi film albums, including Jagga Jasoos (2017), Jab Harry Met Sejal (2017), Sanju (2018), Stree (2018), Kedarnath (2018), Luka Chuppi (2019), Tu Jhoothi Main Makkaar (2023), Tiger 3 (2023), War 2 (2025), etc. Over the years, she has collaborated with artists such as Pritam Chakraborty, Sachin-Jigar, Arijit Singh, Diljit Dosanjh, and many more. Her recent release, ‘Tu Hi Disda’ from Bhooth Bangla, featuring Akshay Kumar and Wamiqa Gabbi, has amassed 50 lakh views on YouTube and counting. In an exclusive interview with Bollywood Hungama, Nikhita opened up about ‘Tu Hi Disda’, her singing career, the concert boom in India, AI in music and a lot more.

How has the feedback been for ‘Tu Hi Disda’? It’s quite a catchy number…
Of all the new releases, I am a little partial to this song for sure. It’s very rare that a song gives equal real estate to the male and female singers. It’s a very quintessential duet. There are lots of duets out there where the female portion comes only towards the end. Some of my biggest songs are like that, like ‘Qaafirana’ (Kedarnath; 2018). ‘Tu Hi Disda’ is not like that; it has a really cute banter between the boy and the girl. I find it refreshing and very Indian. Hence, I am glad to be a part of it.

Why is it that male and female playback singers don’t have equal prominence in songs nowadays? This was not the case earlier…
I don’t think there’s a conscious decision behind it. In the past, there were proper lip-sync songs, more on the lines of ‘he-said-this-and-then-she-said-this’. It was like a conversation. So, it required male and female playback singers to alternate. That’s how cinema was in the past. Now, songs are sometimes from a third person’s perspective. So, it has nothing to do with gender as such. Also, songs are usually composed by a male composer. So, they automatically compose it in a male scale and from a male perspective. The female perspective is a refreshing in-between.

But as I said, it’s not a conscious thing. In the case of ‘Tu Hi Disda’, it’s a balanced duet. Also, the female character is wearing a saree, and there’s a conversation going on between the two, just like it was in the olden times.

The concert boom is happening right now in India. How much do you enjoy doing concerts and live performances?
I love being on stage and performing. When I started out, I didn’t plan to be a singer. It wasn’t a career path that I had worked towards; it happened accidentally. So, even the role of being a performer was something I had slipped into inadvertently, but never truly explored until I actually became a singer (smiles).

Sometimes, attendees surprise performers by requesting an underrated track, something the singer never expected to be asked for. Has that ever happened to you?
Of course. I love when these surprises happen because it’s so important to be surprised by life and by people. You never want to feel complacent and think you have done everything you wanted to do. I did a wedding show recently. We started late and hence I skipped a few songs. I went straight away to the party tracks in order to cater to the mood of the event. After the event, a fan told me that he was a big fan of my music and requested me to sing ‘Qaafirana’ (smiles).

It was not surprising because of the song; after all, ‘Qaafirana’ is my biggest song. But the fact that somebody paid so much attention and specifically wanted to hear that. That just made it so special and beautiful. Some of the underdogs from my discography are also requested. When that happens, it’s such a win.

What are your views on AI’s ability to replicate singers’ voices? Do you see it as a threat?
The ultimate truth is that if you can’t beat it, then join it! You need to work with it to your advantage. For instance, there’s a singer who wants to present her music, but she’s not a producer. She doesn’t even have the budget to hire a producer. AI can prove to be of help. That’s how I would function as an artist – if I am bad at something or don’t want to spend time as much as doing it because it’s not my primary skillset, and if I don’t have the means to hire someone to do it, I’ll resort to AI. We are also living in a world where everyone wants to see a finished product. No one wants to see a pitched idea; they all want a complete product. My filmmaker friends create AI animation as a pitch before the pilot, so that the producers can see what the film is going to look like. Hence, the best way to move ahead is to find ways to implement it in your work.

Also Read: Nikhita Gandhi and Rekha Bhardwaj express happiness after working on the web-series Khalbali Records

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EXCLUSIVE: Tadanobu Asano reveals the heart behind Mortal Kombat II; says, “I hope I make my son proud”

The thunder is about to strike again. New Line Cinema is dialling up the brutality, bloodshed, and fan-favourite characters as Mortal Kombat II gears up for its grand theatrical release in India on May 8, 2026. Set to hit cinemas and IMAX screens in English, Hindi, Tamil, and Telugu, the sequel promises a bigger, darker, and more intense chapter in the iconic franchise.

At the centre of this mythological mayhem stands Lord Raiden, Earthrealm’s all-powerful thunder god and protector, brought to life once again by acclaimed Japanese actor Tadanobu Asano.

In an exclusive conversation, Asano offered an insightful glimpse into the evolution of Raiden and what fans can expect this time around. “Lord Raiden chooses the champions for Earthrealm. In the last film, he found Cole Young, and in this film, he finds Johnny Cage. Raiden feels that Johnny has great power, even though no one else sees it. He’s a very funny character, but he seeks his power step by step,” the actor revealed.

Picking up after the events of the 2021 film directed by Simon McQuoid, the sequel raises the stakes as Earthrealm’s champions face a fierce and unforgiving threat under the dark reign of Shao Kahn. A major highlight this time is the arrival of fan-favourite Johnny Cage, played by Karl Urban, an unexpected yet crucial addition to Raiden’s chosen warriors.

For Asano, stepping into Raiden’s shoes goes far beyond delivering dialogues or executing elaborate fight choreography. The transformation into the thunder god is deeply tied to the character’s physical identity, especially one iconic element. According to the actor, Raiden truly comes alive the moment he dons his signature headgear, making it a defining part of his performance.

Beyond the action, Mortal Kombat II is also shaping up to be a visual spectacle. Asano was particularly effusive about the film’s production design and his reunion with celebrated designer Taneda-san. “The production designer, Taneda-san, is wonderful. I worked with him in Japan, and I was so happy to work with him again. One of the sets he designed for this film is Raiden’s Sky Temple. It was so beautiful and made being in character as Raiden very easy,” he shared.

The Sky Temple sequence is already being touted as one of the film’s standout moments, with its immersive design helping actors fully inhabit their roles and elevating the cinematic experience.

However, beyond the spectacle and scale, it was Asano’s personal revelation that truly stood out. In a heartfelt moment, the actor shared the emotional anchor behind his performance. “I hope I make my son proud! He loves this game,” he said, offering a rare glimpse into the deeply personal motivation that fuels his portrayal of the thunder god.

With a powerhouse team including director Simon McQuoid and writer Jeremy Slater based on the iconic video game created by Ed Boon and John Tobias Mortal Kombat II is gearing up to deliver an electrifying cinematic experience.

Brace yourselves. The battle for Earthrealm is about to get even more brutal.

Also Read: EXCLUSIVE: No CGI, just carnage: Martyn Ford promises brutal realism as Shao Kahn in Mortal Kombat 2

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Adivi Sesh eyes romantic turn after Dacoit success; signs two love stories ahead of G2

After the commercial performance of Dacoit, Adivi Sesh is preparing to explore a different genre in his upcoming projects. The Telugu action thriller has emerged to be one of the most loved Telugu films of 2026 so far and is said to have even recovered its costs. While Sesh has largely been associated with high-stakes, action-driven films, the actor is now set to take on romantic dramas, indicating a shift in his choice of roles. Before that, he will return to familiar territory with G2, the sequel to Goodachari, which continues his established action franchise.

Following G2, Sesh has signed two romantic projects. The first will be directed by Sai Marthand, who recently delivered the Telugu film Little Hearts. The projects are expected to explore relationships and emotional narratives, marking a contrast from the intense roles Sesh has portrayed in recent years. Speaking about this transition, Sesh said, “Dacoit has been an incredibly rewarding journey, especially because of the love it has received from audiences. But as an actor, I’ve always believed in the importance of not getting too comfortable in one space.”

He added, “Over the last few years, I’ve explored intense, high-stakes narratives, and I’m grateful for how strongly they’ve connected. At the same time, I’ve been feeling a strong pull towards stories that are more intimate and emotionally driven. Romance, when done right, can be incredibly powerful and deeply relatable.”

Opening up about his decision to take on two romantic films, Sesh said, “These two scripts really stood out to me because they approach love and relationships in very different ways. They’re not just love stories, they’re about people, vulnerability, and the choices that define us. That’s something I’m very excited to explore as an actor.”

Despite this shift, the actor clarified that he is not moving away from action. “I don’t see it as a shift away from action, but rather an expansion of what I want to do. G2 is very much in that high-octane space, but these romantic dramas allow me to tap into a completely different emotional spectrum. As an actor, that’s the kind of diversity I’ve been seeking.”

With G2 and two romantic films in the pipeline, Adivi Sesh appears set to balance both action and emotionally driven storytelling in his upcoming slate.

Also Read: Adivi Sesh’s Dacoit becomes first hit in Telugu post Sankranti season; actor says, “It motivates me to keep pushing boundaries”

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Photos: Athiya Shetty attends a special Mother’s Day event hosted by Fossil

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Balan The Boy heads to Cannes 2026: KVN Productions & Thespian Films’ Malayalam film to be showcased at Marché du Film

In a significant development for regional cinema, Balan The Boy is set to be showcased at the prestigious Cannes Film Festival 2026. The film will have a special market screening at the Marché du Film on May 14, introducing it to an international audience of buyers, distributors, and cinema professionals.

Backed by KVN Productions and Thespian Films, the project has already generated early buzz, particularly for bringing together two prominent creative voices from Malayalam cinema—director Chidambaram, known for Manjummel Boys, and writer Jithu Madhavan, associated with Aavesham.

Speaking about the film’s presentation at Cannes, director Chidambaram shared, “Balan The Boy is a film about what we carry without knowing… the weight of where we come from, and the hunger to find where we belong. I made this film for the person who has felt both of those things deeply and never found the words for them. Cannes has always been a home for cinema that trusts its audience with exactly that kind of truth and Balan The Boy trusts its audience completely. To feel before they understand. And to carry something home long after it is over.”

 

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Producer Venkat K Narayana of KVN Productions also expressed his thoughts on the film’s global showcase. “Balan The Boy is not just a film, it is a statement. The kind that reminds you exactly why you got into this industry in the first place. Malayalam cinema is making work the world cannot afford to ignore, and we are at Cannes because we believe, with everything we have, that Balan The Boy belongs at the centre of that conversation.”

Sharing her personal connection to the festival, Shailaja Desai Fenn of Thespian Films added, “Cannes holds a very personal place in my heart. When I visited in 2022, I made a quiet promise to myself, that the next time I come here, it will be with a film. Standing here today with Balan The Boy, I can tell you that some promises are worth every sleepless night it takes to keep them. It is a matter of immense pride for all of us at KVN Productions and Thespian Films to be here at the Marché du Film with a story we deeply believe in. I am grateful to our incredibly talented director Chidambaram for making this vision a reality. Balan The Boy is a universal story that will move audiences across all ages, everywhere in the world. And that, for me, is the most beautiful thing a film can be.”

Exploring themes of identity, survival, and the emotional bond between a mother and child, Balan The Boy aims to present a universally resonant narrative. With its screening at the Marché du Film, the film is poised to expand its global footprint and engage with the international film community.

Also Read: Yash starrer Toxic release postponed again, new date to be announced soon

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Photos: Malaika Arora, Kritika Kamra, Amrita Arora and others snapped in Bandra

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Photos: Aditi Rao Hydari snapped outside the gym in Bandra

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Sanya Malhotra-starrer Pagglait 2 in the works at Sikhya Entertainment and Netflix India: Report

A sequel to Pagglait is officially in development, with Sanya Malhotra set to return in the lead role. The project, titled Pagglait 2, will once again bring together Sikhya Entertainment and Netflix India, continuing their successful creative partnership.

According to a report by Variety India, director Umesh Bist, who helmed the original film, is also returning for the sequel. The filmmaker is expected to take the story forward with a new narrative approach while preserving the emotional and humorous tone that made the first installment stand out.

At present, it is unclear whether Pagglait 2 will directly continue the events of the 2021 film or explore a fresh story connected by similar themes and characters. However, the sequel is expected to retain the distinct blend of wit, grief, family drama and self-discovery that resonated with audiences in the original release.

Production on the sequel is likely to begin around August or September 2026. No official release date has been announced yet.

Released in 2021, Pagglait received praise for its unconventional storytelling and strong performances. The film followed the journey of a young widow navigating personal loss, family expectations and emotional transformation. Sanya Malhotra’s performance in the lead role was widely appreciated.

Founded by Guneet Monga Kapoor and Achin Jain, Sikhya Entertainment is known for backing notable projects such as the Academy Award-winning documentary The Elephant Whisperers, The Lunchbox, Kathal and Peddlers.

The company also has several upcoming releases in the pipeline, including a new project from filmmaker Karthik Subbaraj and the spy comedy Udta Teer, starring Ayushmann Khurrana and Sara Ali Khan.

Also Read: Sanya Malhotra starrer Pagglait turns 3, actress shares memory on social media

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Final Destination Bloodlines grows UNBELIEVABLY despite competition from Mission Impossible; 2 shows added in Gaiety-Galaxy on Sunday due to INSANE public demand; all set for a HUGE Tuesday

Final Destination Bloodlines has emerged as a surprise and has gone beyond expectations, shocking the trade. The film faced numerous challenges – it was an ‘A’ rated film and not meant for the faint-hearted. There was no idea if the series had a following in India as the last part, Final Destination 5, was released way back in 2011. On top of it, it had competition from the highly anticipated flick, Mission: Impossible – The Final Reckoning. Yet, the supernatural thriller managed to show encouraging trending and is all set for a huge lifetime total.

As per the initial plan, Final Destination Bloodlines was to release on May 16 and Mission: Impossible – The Final Reckoning on May 23. But after the latter was preponed to Saturday, May 17, Warner Bros decided to bring Final Destination Bloodlines on Thursday, May 15, with midnight paid previews on Wednesday, May 14. A trade expert told Bollywood Hungama, “Mission: Impossible – The Final Reckoning is the last part of the series and hence, it was a given that it would attract the audience in hordes. Many felt that Final Destination Bloodlines shouldn’t be released in the same week and should be pushed to May 23.”

Final Destination Bloodlines did face challenges in getting screens; Bollywood Hungama had reported about it in the weekdays. The trade expert said, “Everyone in the trade and industry expected that Final Destination Bloodlines would have decent collections on Thursday and Friday. And once the Tom Cruise film arrives on Saturday, the earnings would suffer.”

But the opposite happened. Final Destination Bloodlines collected around Rs. 4.30 crores on Thursday and around Rs. 5 crores on Friday. Instead of a drop, the earnings jumped to around Rs. 5.50 crores on Saturday. The Sunday collections are expected to be in the range of Rs. 6 crores, and this means it had a four-day weekend of nearly Rs. 21 crores.

The trade expert revealed, “Final Destination Bloodlines had a nearly 30% jump in screen count on Friday. Ideally, the showcasing should have decreased on Saturday, thanks to Mission: Impossible – The Final Reckoning. Instead, Final Destination’s showcasing jumped by 10-15% on Saturday compared to Friday. The show count further increased by 10-15% on Sunday compared to Saturday.”

This became possible due to a positive word of mouth and the urgency to see the film. One of the most astonishing developments occurred on Sunday at Mumbai’s iconic single-screen complex, Gaiety-Galaxy aka G7. Final Destination Bloodlines was playing with 4 shows in the 238-seater Gemini until Saturday, while Raid 2 was playing in the 818-seater Galaxy with 4 shows. On Sunday, the management reduced 2 shows of Raid 2 and replaced them with Final Destination Bloodlines. Thus, the horror film played with 6 shows as there was a huge demand for the mass audience that frequents G7. From Monday, however, Raid 2 is back with 4 shows in Galaxy. As for Final Destination Bloodlines, it now has 5 shows daily in Gemini.

Final Destination Bloodlines’ collections will suffer a drop on Monday but numbers can jump once again tomorrow, on Tuesday, May 20, due to the Rs. 99 and Rs. 149 offer. At this rate, a Rs. 50 crore lifetime is now very much possible. The exhibitors are in celebratory mode as the month of May has turned out to be a good one due to this film and also Raid 2 and Mission: Impossible – The Final Reckoning.

Also Read: Viacom18 asks certain single and two-screen theatres to DITCH Final Destination Bloodlines and play only Mission: Impossible – The Final Reckoning

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Mission: Impossible – The Final Reckoning Box Office: Tom Cruise starrer opens well

Tom Cruise has done it again. His Mission: Impossible is a much-loved franchise in India and hence all eyes were on how big the newest instalment would, Mission: Impossible – The Final Reckoning, turn out to be. It was a given that the film will take a very good opening and a start of 10 cores was pretty much there for the taking. In fact, when the advance booking started and tickets started flying away quick, an opening of 15 crores was given. What had to be seen was, whether the film will turn out to be even bigger.

Well, as it turned out, the film in fact emerged as a one-horse race as it was way ahead of any competition around it. While Hollywood’s own Final Destination – Bloodlines had arrived and there was Bollywood’s Raid 2 as well continuing with good showcasing, it was Mission: Impossible – The Final Reckoning that had all eyes on it as audiences embraced it well. The start is in fact the best ever for the franchise.

The first day collections have come as Rs. 17 crores* and pretty much ensures a success in the making. Surprisingly, the film took a very odd start on a Saturday when such event releases actually choose to arrive on a Thursday instead of a conventional Friday. As a result, the core weekend per se will be for just two days since Monday is anyways a regular day with no partial holiday advantage either. Had this come on Friday then there would have been an advantage of at least Rs. 10-15 crores in the overall three-day weekend total.

*Estimates

Note: All collections as per various box office sources

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Athiya Shetty drops ‘life lately’ post featuring Baby Evaarah’s one month celebration

Athiya Shetty, who recently welcomed her first child with cricketer KL Rahul, took to Instagram to share a heartwarming ‘Life Lately’ post that offered a peek into her new life as a mother. The carousel featured a mix of tender, aesthetic, and deeply personal snapshots that struck an emotional chord with her followers.

The first image in the series was a radiant sunlit selfie of Athiya, exuding calm and grace. She followed it up with many intimate moments including one black-and-white beloved father-daughter moment where KL Rahul’s tattooed arm cradled her protectively, capturing the delicate feet of baby Evaarah who is lovingly nestled in a soft blanket. Some other photos included a picturesque sunset, a picture of beautiful lotuses nestled in a beautiful uruli, among others.

Another touching photograph displayed a wooden baby comb and brush set with floral design and it was custom-engraved with their daughter’s name, giving a glimpse into the thoughtful touches the couple has added to their baby’s world. A celebratory image showed a small cake with the words “1 month” iced on top, marking a quiet but joyful milestone in theirs as well as their daughter’s journey.

 

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Athiya also shared a contemplative image of a children’s storybook open to a meaningful quote: “Is your glass half empty or half full?” asked the mole. “I think I’m just grateful to have a glass,” replied the boy. The quote seemed to reflect the overwhelming gratitude and emotional fullness that often accompany early parenthood. She captioned the post simply, “life lately.” KL Rahul responded with emojis, adding to the understated yet affectionate vibe of the post.

Athiya Shetty and KL Rahul, who had been in a steady relationship for several years, tied the knot in an intimate ceremony on January 23, 2023, at the Shetty farmhouse in Khandala. The couple welcomed their daughter, Evaarah, in April 2025, and have since kept most details of their personal life private. With this post, Athiya offered a rare but touching glimpse into their new chapter as a family of three.

Also Read: KL Rahul shares the heartwarming story behind baby girl Evaarah’s name, “I stumbled upon this name… I loved it from the minute I saw it”

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Sharvari reflects on breakthrough year after recognition for Munjya, Maharaj and Vedaa

Sharvari has been honoured with the ‘Outstanding Performance by a Young Talent’ award at the ZEE Cine Awards 2025 for her performances in Munjya and Vedaa. The recognition comes after what has been a notable year for the actor, with commercial and critical success marking her presence in the industry.

In 2024, Sharvari starred in Munjya, a film that crossed the Rs.100 crore mark at the box office, and followed it up with performances in Vedaa and Maharaj, which received appreciation for her acting range. Speaking about the year gone by, she said, “2024 has truly been my luckiest year — a year filled with amazing opportunities and huge success stories. To have a Rs. 100 crore hit, to receive unanimous love for my acting in Vedaa and Maharaj, to get the kind of films that I have got now due to these successes is truly incredible.”

Sharvari acknowledged the filmmakers who placed their trust in her at different stages of her journey. “I would like to thank all my directors and producers—my Maddock family Dinesh Vijan sir and Aditya Sarpotdar, my Emmay family Nikhil Advani sir, Monisha and Madhu, and of course my YRF family Aditya Chopra sir, Sidharth P. Malhotra sir, and my entire team for believing in me,” she said. “You have helped me live my dream of being an actor who wants to spread smiles on the faces of everyone.”

She also credited the audience for their role in her growing career. “I would like to thank the audience for their support and love — this award is for you! You fuel my passion every single day, you have helped me find my feet in this industry and I promise to keep giving my best with every performance for you.”

Sharvari’s next project is Alpha, a part of Yash Raj Films’ Spy Universe, in which she stars alongside Alia Bhatt. Directed by The Railway Men’s Shiv Rawail, the film is set to release on December 25, 2025. Reports also suggest that the actress may be working with Imtiaz Ali in the latter’s second collaboration with Diljit Dosanjh.

Also Read: EXCLUSIVE: Ajay Devgn, Sharvari and Imtiaz Ali join hands with Bhamla Foundation to create two short films for Tik Tik Plastic 3.0 campaign: “We wanted to make it non-preachy”

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Ankit Tiwari reports cyber cell attack after criminals attempt to impersonate him and his team

In the midst of escalating tensions between India and Pakistan, popular playback singer Ankit Tiwari has become the target of a disturbing cyber attack. The singer has officially reported the incident to the cyber crime cell after criminals allegedly attempted to impersonate him and members of his team across digital platforms.

The nature of the cyber attack involved the creation of fake identities, aimed at misleading others by pretending to be Ankit or individuals closely associated with him. The impersonators are believed to have tried reaching out to people under false pretenses, raising concerns of potential scams, misinformation, or misuse of Ankit’s name and reputation.

The suspicious activity came to light after several unofficial messages and digital interactions were flagged by those familiar with Ankit’s verified communication channels. In response, the singer alerted the public through his social media platforms, cautioning everyone to remain vigilant and to avoid responding to any message, email, or call not coming from his official handles.

The situation has caused unease among fans and followers, as the misuse of a public figure’s identity can have wide-reaching consequences, especially during politically sensitive times. Though the full extent of the attack is yet to be determined, the fact that both Ankit and his team were targeted suggests a deliberate and organized attempt to exploit their digital presence.

Ankit’s official channels remain the only legitimate source of updates and information. He has urged everyone to double-check sources and avoid falling victim to any suspicious outreach pretending to be from him or his associates.

The incident serves as a reminder of the growing digital threats faced by celebrities and public figures, especially during periods of heightened national tension.

Also Read: Mika Singh wonders why Ankit Tiwari didn’t achieve bigger success in Bollywood: says, “He’s a very talented singer”

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Kunal Kemmu faces backlash after sharing late post on India-Pakistan conflict: “Too late”

As the situation between India and Pakistan gradually returns to normal, actor Kunal Kemmu has shared his sorrow over the conflict, praising India’s Operation Sindoor. However, his late post has sparked backlash from social media users, who are criticizing him.

On Friday, Kunal, originally from Srinagar, Kashmir, took to Instagram to share his thoughts on the conflict. He acknowledged that while things may seem normal now, “nothing can replace the loss of lives and the effect of the fear this has left on many.”

In his note, Kunal expressed, “Fear, heartbreak, anxiety, loss, victory, confusion, a sense of unity, a sense of division, a sense of anger, a sense of sorrow, a sense of power and a sense of powerlessness. A sense of valour, a sense of gratitude, a sense of numbness, a sense of realisation. Things slowly find their way back to normalcy or somewhere close to it. We went through testing times as individuals, as families and as a nation. We’ve been through some in the past and I’m sure we will go through more in the future. I say ‘we’ because even if this didn’t directly affect most of us, it did still affect almost all of us. We all dealt with it in our own way.”

The actor also praised India’s successful Operation Sindoor, emphasizing that there is no room for terrorism in the world.

He further stated, “But nothing can replace the loss of lives and the effect of the fear this has left on many. Terror should not have a place in this world and the retaliatory response in the form of Operation Sindoor is what it deserves. I’m grateful as a citizen of India to the leaders of the nation and the might of its armed forces not just for protecting the people and the values of this nation but also showing the entire world that if we can bow our heads in respect we will not tolerate anyone stepping on them and that we possess the power and the resolve to crush the feet of those who threaten us or the lives of our families and fellow citizens.”

 

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Kunal, who is married to Soha Ali Khan, ended his post on a patriotic note, stressing that he cannot tolerate any outsider attacking his country.

Social media users are criticizing Kunal, saying his post feels like “too little, too late.” Many are questioning why he stayed silent during the peak of the tensions and is only speaking out now that the situation has settled.

One user commented, “Too little, too late. Seems calculated due to the backlash on Bollywood,” while another shared, “You are too late, sir.”

“News travels much more slowly in Mumbai, perhaps,” one joked, with another adding, “He got up from his slumber.”

One comment read, “Unfollowing immediately. Finally, they started crawling out,” while another questioned, “It’s too late… why even post now?”

“I’ve always had so much respect for you since I’m from the same place in Mumbai. But people aren’t crazy enough to feel your emotions or acknowledge them now. It’s already done and dusted. Bollywood should be ashamed sometimes. No hard feelings though, I’ll still watch your movies,” one user wrote.

One social media user posted, “Now why is he even coming out and talking! Where were you when the situation was tense? Now don’t talk nonsense! You being a Kashmiri Pandit can’t even speak about your own land! Such a shame you are.”

Tensions between India and Pakistan have risen sharply following the terrorist attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, on April 22, which resulted in the deaths of 26 people. This incident triggered a diplomatic crisis. In response, the Armed Forces launched Operation Sindoor on May 7, a precise strike aimed at dismantling terrorist infrastructure in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir. However, with the ceasefire between the two nations, normalcy is gradually returning.

Also Read : From Aamir Khan to Randeep Hooda to Vir Das: 10 Bollywood actors who have or will soon be donning the director’s hat

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