A couple of days ago, producer Kumar Mangat Pathak spoke about his bad experience with Akshaye Khanna, which eventually led to the latter replaced by Jaideep Ahlawat in Drishyam 3, in an exclusive chat with Bollywood Hungama. Now, writer-director Manish Gupta has spoken about his experience with Khanna while working on Section 375.

Akshaye Khanna worked with you in Section 375. What was that experience like? In 2017, Akshaye signed my film Section 375 with me as director-writer and Kumar Mangat as producer. His fee was fixed at Rs. 2 crores. He took an advance of Rs. 21 lakhs, and he signed a contract with us. But suddenly, he gave away the dates he’d committed to us to another movie The Accidental Prime Minister and he flew off to London to shoot that movie, leaving me and my crew waiting idle for six months!

He left you stranded for six months? That’s right. Then, after finishing that movie, Akshaye came back and started demanding Rs. 3.25 crores. instead of the Rs. 2 crores signed by him in the contract. His thus breached his contract. Akshaye’s unreasonable demands did not end here.

What were his other demands? He wanted to fully control the film and wanted everything done his way. But I am not the sort of director who gives in to the whims of any actor. I stood up to Akshaye’s unreasonable behaviour. But sadly, in Bollywood, most directors bend to every wish of the actor.

That is true. Akshaye was just following the A-listers who direct the director Since it was hurting Akshaye’s ego to take orders from an authoritarian director like me, he started pestering the producer Kumar Mangat to remove me as the director of the film and give the entire control of the film to him (Akshaye) instead.

But the film has Ajay Bahl’s name as director? Producer Kumar Mangat, instead of disciplining the actor’s unreasonable behaviour, instead made me a scapegoat and removed me as the director while seizing my fully-written bound script and the hard drive containing my three years of hard work on the pre-production.

Didn’t you take them to court? I warned Akshaye that I would drag him to court, and I sent two legal notices to producer Kumar Mangat. My lawyers Naik Naik & Co. were filing a case at Bombay High Court against both of them, but Kumar Mangat promptly did an out-of-court settlement with me. Today, ironically when producer Kumar Mangat is facing the brunt of Akshaye’s unethical behaviour in an Ajay Devgan starrer film Drishyam 3, Mangat has taken legal action against Akshaye.

Do you feel, like I do, that Akshaye Khanna’s performance in Dhurandhar is over-hyped? Akshaye is no doubt a brilliant actor. I am only pointing out his lack of ethics. Akshaye’s comeback film after a decade of anonymity was my film Section 375 but this is how he repaid me for giving him such a beautiful script. Anyway, Section 375’s credits carry my name as the solo writer of the ‘story, screenplay and dialogues’. So, the world knows that the film was solely my vision.

Also Read: EXCLUSIVE: Kumar Mangat Pathak CONFIRMS Jaideep Ahlawat’s entry in Drishyam 3: “We have got a BETTER actor than Akshaye Khanna and most importantly, we have got a better person than Akshaye”

Recent reports suggesting that Zee TV is gearing up to launch a new show titled Pavitra Rishta have sparked controversy, with producer Ektaa R Kapoor openly expressing her displeasure over the use of the iconic name. While the original Pavitra Rishta remains deeply associated with Ankita Lokhande and the late Sushant Singh Rajput, who played Archana and Manav Deshmukh respectively, industry buzz indicates that the upcoming show will be a completely new story and not connected to the 2009 television classic.

Ektaa R Kapoor, who produced the original series under her banner Balaji Telefilms, took to social media to call out the makers for reusing the title. In a strongly worded post, she wrote, “When u can’t create an IP u feed on an established one of another creator!” She went on to further criticise the move, adding, “Terrible ethics or intellectual bankruptcy!!! Or both!!! Nothing Pavitra about it!!!”

The post quickly caught attention online. The producer revealed that she viewed this as an attempt to capitalise on the legacy of a beloved show. Pavitra Rishta, originally aired in 2009, went on to become one of Indian television’s most iconic dramas.

According to reports, the new - upcoming Zee TV show is expected to star Abrar Qazi, known for his work in Yeh Hai Chahatein, and Priyanshi Yadav, who played the female lead in shows like Pandya Store and Doree. The show is said to be helmed by Siddharttha Vankara and is reportedly a love story featuring an ensemble cast that includes Pallavi Pradhan and Roopa Divetia.

Further talking about the new Pavitra Rishta, it is slated to premiere on television in February. Meanwhile, the backlash surrounding the title has already stirred debate within industry circles and among audiences, many of whom continue to associate the name exclusively with Ektaa R Kapoor’s original creation.

However, while the makers of the new show have yet to issue an official statement addressing Ektaa Kapoor’s objections, the controversy has reignited discussions around intellectual property, originality and the ethics of reusing established titles in Indian television.

Also Read: Harshvardhan Rane to lead Ektaa R. Kapoor’s Shootout in Dubai: Report

After Chandu Champion, Kartik Aaryan and Kabir Khan are all set to reunite for the second time. According to reliable sources, Kartik and Kabir's next is a sports-adventure film set against the backdrop of Kashmir. "Kartik and Kabir are teaming up for what could be a game-changer in the genre. It's a one of its kind sports adventure with a high production budget. Kartik will be undergoing rigorous training for the film, and is committed to start shooting from the month of February 2026."

The film will be shot at real locations all across the globe and aims for a 2027 release. "Kabir is aiming to shoot the film from February to October 2026 at multiple locations, and Kartik will undergo physical transformation for his part. He dives into this new age commercial film right after wrapping up Nagzilla for Dharma Productions," a source told Bollywood Hungama

Kartik is currently reading multiple scripts and is also looking to start work on Bhool Bhulaiyaa 4 in the second half of 2026. He was in talks with Luv Ranjan too for a feature film. "After Nagzilla and Kabir Khan's next, Kartik is keen to start shooting for Bhool Bhulaiyaa 4 with Anees Bazmee. He is also expected to finish shooting for the remaining portions of Anurag Basu's next in 2026."

The Kartik Aaryan - Kabir Khan film will be produced by Applause Entertainment.

Also Read: Kabir Khan and Kartik Aaryan to reunite for a mega-budget sports-based action movie after Chandu Champion

Sanjay Leela Bhansali is all set to pull off one of the greatest casting coup of the modern era with his next directorial, Love And War, which brings together Ranbir Kapoor, Alia Bhatt and Vicky Kaushal for the first time. The film went on floors in November 2024 and was slated to arrive in December 2025. However, it has been stuck in the cycle of delays over the years.

The makers then announced an Eid 2026 release, but it seems that the March deadline too has been missed, as now, we have an exclusive update on the revised shoot schedule of this SLB film. Reliable sources have confirmed that Sanjay Leela Bhansali has extended the shoot schedule of Love And War to May 2026. A source informed Bollywood Hungama, "Ranbir, Alia and Vicky have blocked their calendars till May 2026 now. All their prior commitments stand delayed due to the increase in shoot days for Love And War."

As reported by Bollywood Hungama before, Ranbir had requested SLB to release Love & War in the month of June 2026, but the same stands invalid now. "There's no way for Love & War to release in June. Bhansali is now making an attempt to bring it on the big screen in August or September 2026. A date will be decided shortly. This has left some of the members of the Ramayana team disappointed, as they were hoping for a gap of at least 6 months between Love & War and Ramayana. The delay in shoots has also resulted in an increase of budgets for Love & War."

Buzz indicates that the date of Love & War will be announced in January, with the first look of all actors.

Also Read: SCOOP: Ranbir Kapoor’s special request to Sanjay Leela Bhansali; release Love And War in June 2026

PVR INOX, India’s largest and most premium cinema exhibitor, celebrates the legacy of one of India’s greatest filmmakers, Satyajit Ray, with the re-release of Aranyer Din Ratri in select cities on January 9, 2026. Widely regarded as the film that firmly established Satyajit Ray among the masters of world cinema, Aranyer Din Ratri follows four brash young men from the city who set off on a carefree trip to the forests of Jharkhand to escape their monotonous urban lives—only to find their assumptions about life, love, privilege, and identity deeply challenged. Revelatory in its nuanced exploration of identity politics and class, the film features stellar performances by Soumitra Chatterjee, Sharmila Tagore, Aparna Sen, and Simi Garewal. Beautifully shot and anchored by a remarkable ensemble cast, Aranyer Din Ratri remains a timeless and profoundly resonant cinematic experience.

An adaptation of Sunil Gangopadhyay’s novel of the same name and originally released over 55 years ago, Aranyer Din Ratri is a layered exploration of gender, class, complex human emotions, and moral ambiguity, offering a searing commentary on social structures that remains strikingly relevant. Talking about the re-release Niharika Bijli, Lead Strategist, PVR INOX Ltd., said: “Re-releasing Aranyer Din Ratri is a privilege, and it excites us immensely that people will get to watch this gorgeous film on the big screen. At PVR INOX, we believe cinema is a living archive of our cultural memory, and Satyajit Ray’s films continue to speak powerfully across generations. Bringing this timeless classic back to the big screen is our way of honouring his legacy while inviting younger audiences to experience the depth, relevance, and sheer cinematic brilliance of his storytelling.”

The re-release of Aranyer Din Ratri is part of PVR INOX’s ongoing initiative to honour exceptional talents and landmark films from India and around the world. By bringing timeless films back to the big screen, PVR INOX not only revives the magic of great cinema but also creates a rare opportunity—for a new generation to discover these cinematic masterpieces and for the generation that grew up with them to relive their nostalgia and charm.

The film is being re-released in association with Piyali Films, which holds the theatrical rights to Aranyer Din Ratri. Booking details and theatre listings will be available soon on the official PVR INOX app and website.

Also Read: Sharmila Tagore on Aranyer Din Ratri at Cannes; reveals, “Satyajit Ray did everything himself”

The anticipation around Drishyam 3 has entered an exciting new phase as Jaideep Ahlawat officially joins the franchise as the film moves from the Mumbai schedule to a crucial leg in Goa. Known for his intense screen presence and nuanced performances, Jaideep Ahlawat’s addition brings a compelling new energy to the Drishyam universe, promising a fresh and unpredictable dynamic as the story unfolds.

Filming in Goa is set to commence from January 8, 2026, with the schedule expected to continue till the end of February.

The entire cast will be part of the Goa schedule with Ajay Devgn, Tabu, Shriya Saran and Rajat Kapoor returning for this edge-of-the-seat family thriller.

Will Vijay Salgaonkar outwit the system once again, or will the future hold consequences beyond imagination? Audiences will discover the answers on Drishyam Day.

Presented by Star Studio18, the Panorama Studios production is directed by Abhishek Pathak and written by Abhishek Pathak, Aamil Keeyan Khan and Parveez Shaikh. Produced by Alok Jain, Ajit Andhare, Kumar Mangat Pathak and Abhishek Pathak, Drishyam 3 is all set to release theatrically on October 2, 2026.

Also Read:EXCLUSIVE: Kumar Mangat Pathak CONFIRMS Jaideep Ahlawat’s entry in Drishyam 3: “We have got a BETTER actor than Akshaye Khanna and most importantly, we have got a better person than Akshaye” 

Actor Kriti Kharbanda has alerted fans and followers to a case of identity theft after discovering that an unknown individual has been impersonating her on WhatsApp. Taking to Instagram, the actor shared details of the incident and urged people to remain cautious and verify information before responding to messages claiming to be from her.

Kriti posted a screenshot of the suspicious WhatsApp chat on her Instagram Stories, clarifying that the number in question does not belong to her. “Not ok. Not cool. Not my number. Pretending to be someone you're not is a clear case of identity theft. Be warned,” she wrote, making it clear that any communication from the said number should be treated as fraudulent.

The actor’s public warning comes amid a growing number of impersonation and cyber fraud cases targeting celebrities and public figures, often with the intent to mislead fans or solicit money and personal information. By flagging the issue promptly, Kriti aimed to prevent potential misuse of her identity and protect her followers from falling prey to scams.

Fans responded swiftly to her post, thanking her for the clarification and expressing concern over the increasing misuse of social media and messaging platforms. Several users also urged stricter action against online impersonation and stronger safeguards on digital platforms.

While Kriti Kharbanda did not confirm whether a formal complaint has been filed, her message serves as a reminder to remain vigilant online. Cyber experts advise users to verify their accounts, avoid sharing personal or financial details, and report suspicious activity directly to the platform's authorities.

Kriti Kharbanda, known for her work in Hindi and Kannada cinema, continues to be active on social media, where she frequently engages with fans. Her latest post underscores the importance of digital awareness and responsible online behaviour in an era of rising cybercrime.

Also Read: Kriti Kharbanda talks about the late-night drive that made her fall for Pulkit Samrat all over again: “I call him Annapurna”

Of late, the internet is afire with reports on Rajlumar Hirani’s 3 Idiots acquiring a sequel. When this writer approached the two principal players in 3 Idiots Aamir Khan and R Madhavan they individually declared they had no clue of this development.

Said Madhavan, “A sequel to 3 Idiots sounds great. But it also sounds far-fetched. All three of us Aamir Khan, Sharman Joshi and I are much older now. Where do we go in the sequel? What are our lives like now? It is an interesting thought. But hardly conducive to a proper sequel. I would love to work with Raju Hirani again. But 3 Idiots again? I think that would be idiotic.”

Aamir Khan said that he is delighted by the thought of sequel to 3 Idiots. “We had so much fun making that film! My character Rancho is the most popular character I’ve played. People still talk about Rancho. So yeah, I’d love to do a sequel. But no one has approached me.”

One hopes this puts an end to the endless speculation on a sequel to a beloved film.

Also Read: 3 Idiots sequel to be titled 4 Idiots, makers in search for a fourth lead to accompany Aamir Khan, R Madhavan and Sharman Joshi: Report

Bollywood filmmaker Sajid Khan was hospitalised over the weekend after sustaining an injury on a film set in Mumbai, and has since undergone successful surgery, his sister Farah Khan has confirmed. The incident occurred while Khan was shooting for a project produced by Ektaa R Kapoor, and prompted an immediate medical response from the production team.

According to reports, the director suffered a foot fracture during the course of filming on Saturday. He was promptly admitted to a hospital in the city, where medical professionals evaluated the injury and advised surgical intervention. Khan underwent the procedure on Sunday, and insiders say the operation was successful. Farah Khan — a filmmaker, choreographer, and Sajid’s sister — shared a health update on social media and with the media after the surgery. “The surgery is done, he is absolutely fine now,” she told Hindustan Times, reassuring fans and well-wishers about Khan’s condition. She added that he is currently resting and responding well to treatment, and is expected to recuperate before resuming his regular schedule. Sajid Khan, who recently turned 55, was preparing for a return to directing after a significant hiatus. His last directorial outing was the 2014 comedy Humshakals. Before that, he had garnered mainstream attention with projects such as HeyyBabyy (2007), Housefull (2010) and Housefull 2 (2012), which were commercial successes and helped cement his reputation in the comedy genre. Also Read: BREAKING: In a RARE instance, John Abraham issues public notice; distances himself from Sajid Khan’s 100% after producers name him as lead

Anil Sharma went on a high with Gadar 2 (2023). A sequel to the all-time blockbuster Gadar – Ek Prem Katha (2001), the sequel, starring Sunny Deol, Ameesha Patel and Utkarsh Sharma, was also a record grosser. The filmmaker then followed it up with a family entertainer, Vanvaas (2024), starring Nana Patekar and Utkarsh Sharma. It didn’t work at the box office as expected, though it managed to touch the hearts of the viewers due to its subject and mass-appealing treatment. Exactly a year after Vanvaas, Anil Sharma is now all set to take his next film on floors, Bollywood Hungama has learned.

A source told Bollywood Hungama, “Anil Sharma’s next is titled Arjun Naga. It stars his son Utkarsh Sharma in the leading role. This would be Anil and Utkarsh’s fifth film together after Gadar – Ek Prem Katha, Genius (2018), Gadar 2 and Vanvaas.”

The source further said, “Just like other films of Anil Sharma, Arjun Naga will be a wholesome entertainer and will have action, emotion, comedy and drama in ample doses. And of course, it would also have a soulful and catchy soundtrack. Utkarsh will be presented in his massiest avatar to date and like never before. That’s not all. There are multiple antagonists in the film and Utkarsh will be shown fighting them.”

The source also said, “Anil Sharma’s biggest strength is that he knows the pulse of the audience. His films appeal not just to the multiplex audience but also to the masses and the lowest common denominator. Hence, his films are well-received across the country. Arjun Naga is on the same lines.”

The source said, “Besides Utkarsh, the rest of the casting is underway. Once things fall in place, Anil Sharma is expected to make an official announcement. The film is expected to go on floors in early 2026.”

Also Read: Apne producer Deepak Mukut miffed with Anil Sharma for calling off Apne 2: “He is not authorized to make such a rash statement”

Bollywood actor Harshvardhan Rane is being linked with the next chapter of the popular Shootout franchise, with multiple reports suggesting he may headline a new project titled Shootout in Dubai. While neither the makers nor Rane have officially confirmed the film, reports say plans are moving forward for the franchise’s first international instalment.

According to a Mid-Day report, Shootout in Dubai is envisioned as a fresh entry that takes the gritty crime series beyond Mumbai’s underworld and into a fictional crime narrative set against Dubai’s cosmopolitan backdrop. The film is said to be produced by Ektaa R. Kapoor in collaboration with veteran filmmaker Sanjay Gupta, who co-created the original Shootout films.

The Shootout franchise began with Shootout at Lokhandwala in 2007, a dramatized retelling of one of Mumbai’s most notorious police encounters, followed by Shootout at Wadala in 2013. Both films were produced by Kapoor and Gupta and built a reputation for stylized action rooted in real-life events.

The report indicates that multiple drafts of the script for Shootout in Dubai have been developed since 2021, with creators ensuring the screenplay retains the tense atmosphere and visceral impact that fans expect from the series. Unlike its predecessors, this edition is expected to be entirely fictional while still embracing the franchise’s signature action and dramatic intensity.

Rane’s association with such a project could mark a shift in his filmography. In recent years, he has become one of Bollywood’s more visible young leads, particularly after the re-release of Sanam Teri Kasam and the 2025 romantic drama Ek Deewane Ki Deewaniyat found commercial success.

At this stage, details such as the full cast, crew, and release timeline remain unverified. Neither the production house nor Harshvardhan Rane has released an official statement either confirming his role or the project’s progress. Fans and industry watchers will likely watch closely for future announcements or confirmations as the story develops.

Also Read: BH OTT India Fest 2025: Shaad Randhawa on how Harshvardhan Rane won his heart on Ek Deewane Ki Deewaniyat sets: “He told me, ‘You speak my first 5 lines…RARELY seen an actor do that”

2026 will kick off on a massy note for Akshay Kumar, as he’s all set to begin shooting for Anees Bazmee’s next entertainer. It has now emerged that the film will go on floors in the second half of January.

As per an Instagram post by Vickey Lalwani, the shooting will commence in Mumbai on January 19. Around two weeks ago, Anees Bazmee confirmed to Mid-Day that he is indeed reuniting with Akshay Kumar after Thank You (2011). He also said, “There is mutual love and respect between us. When I told him about this film, he was more than happy.”

A few days after this interview, it was reported that Vidya Balan will be paired opposite Akshay Kumar. Vickey Lalwani, in his post, revealed that he spoke to producer Dil Raju, who confirmed that Akshay and Vidya are indeed signed for the film.

It has been reported that the project is a remake of Sankranthiki Vasthunam (2025). Dil Raju told Vickey Lalwani that the Akshay-Anees film is not a remake per se and only the basic concept has been taken from the Venkatesh-starrer.

This project also marks Akshay and Vidya’s first on-screen collaboration in six years, following their successful work in Mission Mangal (2019).

Earlier, Bollywood Hungama reported that Anees Bazmee's next is expected to feature two prominent female characters, with Vidya playing one of the leads. While details about the second female role and storyline are still under wraps, insiders suggest it will balance humour, emotion, and strong character arcs, elements Bazmee and Akshay are both known for.

This film will be produced by Dil Raju’s banner, Sri Venkateswara Creations. Producer Sirish of this production house told Gulte at the recently concluded 56th International Film Festival of India (IFFI) that they plan to make a film with superstar Salman Khan and that it would be directed by Vamshi Paidipally, known for directing popular films such as Munna (2007), Brindavanam (2010), Yevadu (2014), Oopiri (2016), Maharshi (2019) and Varisu (2023).

Lastly, Sirish also confirmed that their esteemed production house will produce a film starring superstar Pawan Kalyan.

Also Read: Akshay Kumar sports 2 different looks in new Welcome To The Jungle video: “Never have I ever been part of something so big”