Bollywood is gearing up for a spine-chilling yet heart-throbbing Diwali 2025 as Maddock Films officially lifts the curtain on its much-talked-about spectacle, Thama. Produced by Dinesh Vijan and directed by Aditya Sarpotdar, the film marks a daring new chapter in the Maddock Horror-Comedy Universe that has already given audiences cult favorites like Stree, Munjya, and Bhediya.

On Tuesday, August 19, Maddock Films dropped the highly anticipated first look into The World of Thama — teasing a bloody love story that blends raw horror with unflinching romance. While Maddock’s earlier films leaned heavily into humor and chills, Thama breaks new ground by introducing the first-ever love story in the franchise.

The film boasts an extraordinary cast headlined by Ayushmann Khurrana and Rashmika Mandanna, marking their first on-screen pairing. Their unconventional chemistry is already stirring buzz, with fans eager to see how their romance unfolds in the middle of supernatural chaos. Adding further depth to the ensemble are powerhouses Nawazuddin Siddiqui and Paresh Rawal, joined by Faisal Malik and Geeta Agrawal.

Maddock Films has also revealed that the official teaser of Thama will hit the big screen alongside the release of Param Sundari on August 29, ensuring the buzz only grows louder before Diwali.

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Audiences can expect Thama to be wild, deadly, and packed with a cinematic punch that redefines both horror and romance for Bollywood. With haunting visuals, an unpredictable storyline, and the kind of genre-bending Maddock has mastered, Thama looks set to dominate the festive season.

As the tagline boldly declares: “Darr na kabhi itna shaktishaali tha, aur na pyaar kabhi itna bloody!” The World of Thama storms into cinemas worldwide this Diwali 2025. Horror, comedy, and love have never looked so dangerous.

Also Read: Thama First Look: Maddock introduces Ayushmann Khurrana as ‘insaaniyat ki aakhri umeed’ Alok, Rashmika Mandanna as ‘Tadaka’

Veteran actor Achyut Potdar, best known for his memorable role as a college professor in the iconic film 3 Idiots, passed away on Monday in Thane, Maharashtra, at the age of 91. As per reports, the actor was admitted to Jupiter Hospital in Thane due to health complications. The exact cause of his death has not been revealed, but reports suggest he had been recently hospitalised due to age-related health issues.

Before his acting career, Potdar had a distinguished journey in public service. He served as a captain in the Indian Army, later worked as a professor, and then took up a corporate role with Indian Oil Corporation, where he spent nearly 25 years before retiring in 1992. Remarkably, he entered Bollywood at the age of 44, where he went on to become one of the most recognizable character actors in Indian cinema.

Over his career, Potdar appeared in more than 125 films and nearly 100 television serials. His dignified presence and versatile portrayals—often as professors, doctors, judges, or father figures—made him a household name. His dialogue “Kehna kya chahte ho” from 3 Idiots became iconic, gaining cult popularity among fans and internet users alike.

His notable films include Tezaab, Parinda, Rangeela, Vaastav, Parineeta, Lage Raho Munna Bhai, Dabangg 2, and Ventilator. He also played memorable roles in television shows like Bharat Ek Khoj, Wagle Ki Duniya, Mrs. Tendulkar, and Majha Hoshil Na.

Tributes poured in after the news of his death. Filmmaker Hansal Mehta called it a “privilege” to work with him, while fans fondly remembered his warmth, humility, and honesty both on and off screen.

Achyut Potdar’s funeral rites will be held in Thane on August 19. His remarkable journey—from soldier and professor to one of Bollywood’s most respected character actors—leaves behind an enduring legacy.

2026 is going to be exciting as some of the biggest films, featuring popular names, are scheduled for release. One of the highly awaited ones is Love & War. It is directed by Sanjay Leela Bhansali and features an envious star cast comprising Ranbir Kapoor, Alia Bhatt and Vicky Kaushal. Another factor that is enticing about this film is that its Bhansali’s first film in 26 years, which will be shot abroad.

A source told Bollywood Hungama, “Sanjay Leela Bhansali is known for making grand and visually spectacular films. Yet, he hasn’t gone abroad for the same for his films like Devdas (2002), Black (2005), Saawariya (2007), Guzaarish (2010), Goliyon Ki Raasleela Ram-leela (2013), Bajirao Mastani (2015), Padmaavat (2018) and Gangubai Kathiawadi (2022). Hum Dil De Chuke Sanam (1998) was the last film for which he travelled abroad, to Hungary (depicted in the film as Italy), to shoot a crucial sequence of the second half.”

The source continued, “But for Love & War, there’s a requirement of a foreign location. Hence, the filmmaker travelled to Rome, Italy, for a recce earlier this month. The film is expected to be shot in the Italian capital and maybe, a few more places in Europe, later this year.”

As per reports, Sanjay Leela Bhansali will be shooting big face-off sequences between Ranbir Kapoor and Vicky Kaushal this month. The report further stated that around 100 days of shooting were completed until July and 90 more days of filming are left.

Love & War is scheduled to be released on March 20, 2026, on Ramzan Eid. It reunites Sanjay Leela Bhansali with Ranbir Kapoor after nearly 18 years. Ranbir debuted in SLB’s Saawariya. Meanwhile, Alia had worked with the blockbuster director in his last film, Gangubai Kathiawadi. As for Vicky Kaushal, this is his first outing with Sanjay Leela Bhansali.

Also Read: Love & War starring Vicky Kaushal, Ranbir Kapoor heads to Madhya Pradesh for 15-day shoot at British-era army base: Report

At least 120 crew members working on Ranveer Singh’s forthcoming film Dhurandhar have fallen ill due to suspected food poisoning during the shoot in Leh district of Ladakh, forcing the production to pause. The incident occurred on August 17 while filming at Pathar Sahib. “Over 100 workers of a Bollywood film crew were hospitalised in Leh after a suspected case of food poisoning late Sunday evening,” officials told Mid-Day.

The affected individuals experienced severe symptoms such as intense abdominal pain, vomiting, and headaches soon after eating, prompting immediate medical attention at the Sajal Narbbu Memorial Hospital. Around 600 people were served the food that day, out of whom 120 fell ill and required hospitalization. There are rumours suggesting that a few individuals also suffered cardiac-related complications.”

Food samples have been collected and sent for further analysis to pinpoint the root cause of the contamination. Meanwhile, the team has suspended shooting temporarily.

Dhurandhar marks Ranveer Singh’s first collaboration with director Aditya Dhar. While the storyline remains largely under wraps, the teaser hints at an origin story steeped in betrayal, courage, and a hidden war fought by unnamed figures in the shadows. The film also features an impressive ensemble, including Sanjay Dutt, Akshaye Khanna, R Madhavan, and Arjun Rampal.

Reports suggest Ranveer and Aditya are already planning another project, slated to begin once Don 3 wraps. Dhurandhar is currently scheduled to worldwide theatrical release on December 5, 2025.

Also Read : Ranveer Singh unveils Sansaar by D’Decor’s musical ode to sustainable living

Filmmaker Vivek Ranjan Agnihotri has warned that he will pursue legal recourse if the release of his film The Bengal Files is prohibited in West Bengal. This statement came during a press conference following the disruption of the film’s trailer launch in Kolkata.

Scheduled to hit theatres on September 5, The Bengal Files delves into the Calcutta riots of August 16, 1946, triggered by the All-India Muslim League’s call for “Direct Action Day” .

Vivek Agnihotri recounted the series of setbacks faced during the trailer launch: it was initially cancelled by a multiplex, then shifted to a hotel where the power suddenly went out, and police eventually intervened to inquire whether proper permissions had been obtained .

“We will go by the Constitution. We will go legally. If they stop us, we will take the legal course. What can we do? We are common citizens like you… We will pray that sanity prevails and the state government does not do it,” said the director, directly challenging the Mamata Banerjee-led TMC government over alleged suppression of the film .

Addressing controversy involving Gopal Chandra Mukherjee—whose grandson Santanu Mukherjee has registered an FIR claiming the film portrays his grandfather as a “butcher”—Agnihotri clarified that the character is “an inspired character and not central to the plot.” He added, “I will not go into his history. Watch Santanu's interview. I can give you all the links. There is an interview of Gopal Mukherjee on BBC. In that interview, what he has said, we have only shown that much. I have nothing to do with Gopal Mukherjee's life, politics. He was a hero, and I have shown him as a hero.”

He said, “I respect Gopal Mukherjee a lot. His grandsons work with TMC. There is a compulsion there… They have done it legally. We are giving a legal answer to that.”

Agnihotri framed his work as an effort to bring forward “untold stories of India,” explaining: “Our purpose is very clear. I make films on Hindu civilization. That is why I make films on Hindu history. I do not consider myself capable of making films on Islamic history or Christian history.”

Also Read : Vivek Agnihotri faces FIR over alleged misrepresentation of Freedom Fighter Gopal Mukherjee in new film trailer

Maddock Films has unveiled the first look posters of its upcoming horror comedy Thama, introducing its key characters and generating excitement for the film’s Diwali release. The film marks the first collaboration between Ayushmann Khurrana and Rashmika Mandanna in lead roles, while seasoned actors Nawazuddin Siddiqui and Paresh Rawal also play pivotal parts.

The makers shared individual posters highlighting the unique traits of each character. Ayushmann Khurrana appears in a dark and intense look as Alok, described as “Insaaniyat ki aakhri Umeed,” positioning him as the last hope for humanity. Rashmika Mandanna, portraying Tadaka, is introduced as “Roshni ki ek hi paheli kiran,” bringing a ray of light to the story.

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Nawazuddin Siddiqui showcases a quirky and unconventional avatar as Yakshasan, labeled “Andhere ka badshah,” adding a mysterious and enigmatic presence to the ensemble. Paresh Rawal, despite a seemingly ordinary look, intrigues audiences as Mr. Ram Bajaj Goyal, with the tagline “Jo Hamesha Comedy Mein Tragedy Dhoondhte Hain,” hinting at his comedic yet dramatic role in the narrative.

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To further fuel anticipation, Maddock Films announced that The World of Thama will drop online on August 19, providing fans with a deeper look into the Maddock Supernatural Universe. The captions across the posters read, “This Diwali, the universe gives us a bloody love story in cinemas worldwide,” underscoring the film’s blend of horror, comedy, and romance.

Thama joins an expanding universe of supernatural films under Maddock, which includes actors like Varun Dhawan, Shraddha Kapoor, Abhishek Banerjee, Sharvari, and Rajkummar Rao. While specific plot details remain under wraps, reports suggest that the film will involve vampires, promising a fresh twist on the genre.

With its intriguing character reveals and the expanding Maddock Supernatural Universe, Thama, directed by Aditya Sarpotdar, has already captured the attention of audiences, setting the stage for a Diwali release that combines horror, humor, and high-octane entertainment.

Also Read: Thama: Maddock Films to unveil first look of Ayushmann Khurrana on August 19; drops announcement video

Abhishek has won the Best Actor Award at the Melbourne Film Festival for your film I Want To Talk. This is pure joy for me. I was literally dancing when the winner was announced. I can’t even express how happy I am. I’m so glad he won for this film. Right from the first shot we took, I knew he deserved it. I still remember that moment — how genuine and real he was. From that instant, I believed he would shine in this role.

His father must be very happy too? Yes, I received a congratulatory message from Mr. Bachchan. I replied saying that it was all possible because of him, because I had worked with him earlier. That’s how I came to know Abhishek, and that’s how I was able to cast him. Honestly, never once while shooting did, I feel I was watching Abhishek Bachchan. For me, he was always Arjun Sen.

Was Abhishek your first choice for playing Arjun Sen? Yes, while researching Arjun Sen’s character, I realized how perfectly Abhishek could fit into the role. The mannerisms he picked up, the personality traits, the way Arjun Sen keeps talking and blabbering — Abhishek captured it all. In the film, Arjun says he hates manipulation, yet he is constantly manipulating with his body language. Abhishek connected deeply with that contradiction. It touched him personally, and he immersed himself so completely that we never saw Abhishek Bachchan on set — only Arjun Sen.

Tell me something about working with Abhishek. When I first met him, beyond being a fantastic actor, I discovered he’s a beautiful human being and a thorough gentleman. He’s so knowledgeable. He already understood much about the medical science aspects of Arjun’s story — the surgeries he went through, his relationship with his daughter. Abhishek absorbed it all into his performance. As a father myself, I could sense how deeply he connected with that element. It made his portrayal even more truthful.

Do you feel more people should watch I Want To Talk? Absolutely. This award is richly deserved, but I really want more people to watch the film. A lot of audiences still haven’t seen it, and they should. Abhishek has shown what a deeply talented, artistic performer he is in this film. I hope this recognition makes people acknowledge the great actor that he truly is.

Also Read: Rajkumar Hirani, Shoojit Sircar, Anjali Menon, Onir reunite for My Melbourne sequel

The makers of Mirzapur: The Film have confirmed the addition of Mohit Malik, Ravi Kishan, and Jitendra Kumar to the ensemble cast of the highly anticipated cinematic adaptation of the popular series that already features Ali Fazal, Pankaj Tripathi, and Divyenndu in lead roles.

Mohit Malik is set to bring his experience and nuanced acting style to the film, fitting the gritty tone of Mirzapur. Ravi Kishan, a veteran of Hindi and Bhojpuri cinema, adds his strong screen presence to the ensemble. Jitendra Kumar contributes a contemporary edge with his relatable and natural performance style. While details regarding their storyline and specific character roles remain under wraps, it is being said that their roles will leave audiences surprised. In fact, the announcement has already generated significant discussion among fans, eager to see how the new additions will influence the narrative.

Coming to Mirzapur: The film, it aims to take the Mirzapur legacy to a larger cinematic canvas, maintaining the gritty storytelling and strong character-driven plots that have made the series a landmark in Indian entertainment. The film adaptation of the popular web series was announced in 2024, featuring Ali Fazal as Guddu, Pankaj Tripathi as Kaleen Bhaiyya, Divyenndu as Munna, in a promotional video together. Also starring Shweta Tripathi with her reprising the character of Golu, it is created by Puneet Krishna and directed by Gurmmeet Singh.

The highly anticipated film is already expected to have gone on floors as the makers are keen on its theatrical release in 2026, with a subsequent streaming release on an OTT platform.

With an ensemble cast featuring both established and emerging talent, Mirzapur: The Film is positioned as one of the most anticipated releases in the current entertainment landscape.

Also Read: Ali Fazal pens beautiful note expressing his love for Mirzapur and its co-stars; also reviews Pataal Lok

Rapper Badshah and his management team have issued official statements clarifying concerns raised by the Federation of Western India Cine Employees (FWICE) regarding the Dallas leg of his Unfinished USA Tour 2025. FWICE had sought clarification following allegations of sponsorship by a Pakistani-owned company, amid heightened sensitivities over cross-border collaborations.

In a statement, Badshah’s team emphasized, “The Unfinished USA Tour 2025 is being conducted through a U.S.-based event agency operating under fully transparent contractual terms. The tour is exclusively managed by Manish Sood of Intense Entertainment, who acts as the sole promoter and point of contact, handling all operational aspects including venue bookings, sponsorships, accommodations, and logistics.”

The statement further highlighted Badshah’s limited involvement in financial matters, noting, “The artist is not privy to nor involved in any financial arrangements beyond those explicitly outlined in his performance contract. In a commitment to transparency, Badshah’s legal counsel has provided comprehensive clarification to FWICE on 16th August 2025, reaffirming his professional integrity and allowing him to dedicate his full attention to his artistic endeavours.”

Intense Entertainment, the tour promoter, also addressed the issue, confirming the Dallas venue was secured under their company’s name. The statement reads, “To ensure seamless execution, we have enlisted the support of 3Sixty Shows—a U.S.-based event management firm owned and led by President and CEO Chloe Jones—to assist with marketing and on-ground logistics. All venue bookings, hotel reservations, flight arrangements, and ancillary logistics for the tour have been coordinated directly through Intense Entertainment, in strict compliance with local regulations and industry best practices.”

The promoter added, “3Sixty Shows brings extensive experience in producing high-profile Indian entertainment events in the United States, including the recent Hrithik Roshan tour, and is currently managing upcoming concerts such as Aghori Muzik, Purva Mantri and Abhijeet Bhattacharya. We remain fully committed to transparency and cooperation with FWICE to address any concerns and ensure the integrity of our events.”

The statements collectively underscore Badshah’s commitment to maintaining ethical and transparent practices for his international tour, while reaffirming that the Dallas concert is fully managed by U.S.-based entities, dispelling allegations of foreign sponsorship.

Also Read: Badshah resumes the beat with ‘The Unfinished Tour’ in 2025 across the U.S

Bobbi Brown has unveiled its debut bridal campaign in India with brand ambassador Tara Sutaria as the face of the initiative, marking a milestone moment for the global beauty label in a market where weddings are both a tradition and an emotion. Titled #YourBestBridalGlow, the campaign celebrates the power of authenticity, urging brides to embrace their most natural, confident selves on the day they will remember forever.

Bridal beauty, long synonymous with heavy transformation in India, takes on a new meaning with Bobbi Brown’s philosophy of enhancing rather than masking. “I’ve always believed that bridal beauty should feel deeply personal – the truest, most beautiful version of yourself on a day you will forever remember,” Sutaria said at the launch. “Every bride wants to walk down the aisle feeling confident, cherished and like herself. This campaign isn’t about transforming yourself but honouring who you are and enhancing your natural beauty. Keeping this in mind, we have thoughtfully crafted a campaign that we hope feels authentic to Indian brides and resonates with our consumers.”

At the heart of the campaign is Bobbi Brown’s wedding-day artistry, a skin-first approach that highlights radiance without overstatement. The brand’s lineup of bridal essentials plays a starring role in this vision, offering brides a seamless blend of nourishment, coverage and elegance. From skin-prepping bases to weightless foundations, flawless concealers, and long-lasting eyeliners, the collection is designed to create a polished yet natural look. Sutaria herself embodies this philosophy, carrying forward Bobbi Brown’s global legacy of wearable, timeless beauty.

But the campaign goes beyond products. Bobbi Brown India has also introduced a bespoke Bridal Trousseau Service, a first-of-its-kind offering for the Indian consumer. Brides-to-be are invited into stores to curate their own dream wedding beauty kit with the guidance of expert artists. Each session includes a personalised masterclass in three signature bridal looks, tailored to different occasions and personal preferences. As part of the experience, brides receive a beautifully designed bridal trousseau box as a keepsake, with the entire service value redeemable in products — making it an indulgent yet practical investment.

With this launch, Bobbi Brown India is not just positioning itself as a go-to for bridal makeup, but also as a brand that understands the deeply emotional journey of a bride. By choosing authenticity over ornamentation, the campaign redefines bridal beauty for the modern Indian woman, making it more personal, more elegant, and more true to her story.

Also Read: Tara Sutaria says Apurva changed her life, plans return to stage with concert series: “Live music, big concerts, gala evenings – these are things that I want to put my energy into”

Despite a sharper-than-expected decline in moviegoers during FY25, PVR Inox — India’s largest multiplex chain — managed to keep revenues afloat by leaning into its Food & Beverage (F&B) offerings, according to company filings and annual reports. The cinemas business faced headwinds from a fallout of the 2023 Hollywood strikes and a softer line-up of mainstream Indian films. Footfalls dropped significantly — ticket sales earnings plunged from Rs. 3,258 crore in FY24 to approximately Rs. 2,942 crore last year, accounting for a Rs. 316 crore fall. Admissions fell nearly 10%, shrinking from 15.14 crore to 13.69 crore overall.

Yet the silver lining came from concessions. Not only did the average ticket price remain stable at Rs. 259, but the average spend per customer on F&B rose 1.5% — from Rs. 132 to Rs. 134. This helped F&B income decline at a lower rate of around Rs. 153 crore, compared to the sharper drop in ticketing revenue. Overall, cinema food revenues dropped from Rs. 1,886 crore to Rs. 1,733 crore. The company clearly doubled down on its F&B business as a growth lever. It launched its first proprietary brand, ‘Dog Father’ hot dogs and rolled out non-vegetarian menus across 116 Inox screens. In a strategic pivot beyond cinemas, PVR Inox entered a joint venture with Devyani International to operate food courts in malls — one has launched in Kota, Rajasthan, with 7 to 9 more planned in FY26.

The home delivery and outdoor catering segments too showed momentum, with aggregator-led deliveries increasing 20% to an average Rs. 2 crore per month in sales. A standout success came from a key snack investor, Zea Maize, which owns the premium popcorn brand ‘4700 BC.’ Its revenues surged nearly 35%, reaching Rs. 102 crore in FY25. With expansion plans into retail and modern trade, the brand is tapping into India’s rapidly growing snacks sector, projected to double from Rs. 45,000 crore in FY23 to Rs. 85,000 crore by 2030. Premium offerings in the segment are forecast to grow even faster.

To facilitate this boost, PVR Inox invested Rs. 44.7 crore in Zea Maize during FY25, earmarking funds for production scale-up as well as hiring leadership for sales and marketing.

Amid the cinema slowdown, PVR Inox’s adaptive strategy underscores the shift toward an integrated entertainment experience — one where popcorn and concessions play a key role in driving business even when ticket sales dip.

Also Read: PVR INOX ignites screens with fiery Kantara-themed logo ahead of Chapter 1 release

Filmmaker and producer Karan Johar recently shared an introspective note with fans, teasing his upcoming projects and giving a glimpse into his mindset ahead of 2026. The director, known for shaping some of Bollywood’s most iconic dramas, reflected on the past year, describing it as one of “internal revaluations, revelations and resolutions.”

In his candid social media post, Johar wrote, “The Sun … the Sea…. The Clarity … The last year has been a year of internal revaluations, revelations and resolutions…. It almost feels like the onset of the 2.0 version of my life… where you value what you truly have and feel for and the rest you slowly dissolve into emotional oblivion… 2026 is the year I will be back on set.. a promise I have made to myself… because that is not only my happy space and place but also my only calling in life… to tell stories with all the prerequisites of good old fashioned Hindi cinema… it’s in my DNA so why run away from it …( or try to please a bunch of people I don’t know ) The above may sound like a melange of random thoughts but it comes with so much clarity!!!! Seizing the moment not just the day… Love you all …”

Johar’s message signals a rejuvenated focus on filmmaking, promising audiences a return to the storytelling style that has defined his career. The filmmaker’s reflection resonates with many in the industry, as he highlights the importance of valuing genuine passions and letting go of distractions or external pressures.

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This year, Dharma Productions remained active across multiple platforms. The production house released a series of dramas for OTT audiences, including Nadaaniyan, Aap Jaisa Koi, and Sarzameen, while also delivering theatrical films like Kesari Chapter 2 and Dhadak 2. Despite the busy slate, Johar’s note suggests that he is looking forward to personally stepping back onto the set in 2026, reclaiming his creative space and immersing himself in hands-on storytelling once again.

KJo’s post, full of introspection and emotional honesty, reflects a man eager to embrace a “2.0” version of his life while staying true to his cinematic roots. As Karan Johar gears up for the next phase of his career, industry watchers are eager to see what projects he unveils and how he continues to shape Bollywood’s landscape in the coming year.

Also Read: Karan Johar opens up about Saiyaara defying industry expectations; says, “Suddenly, every logic, academia, information you have to trade goes out of the window”