Although they have remained the best of friends over the years, Rani Mukerji and Akshay Kumar, believe it or not, have never worked together in any film so far. This is about to change. Rani Mukerji and Akshay Kumar are coming together for the first time in director Amit Rai’s OMG 3.

Apparently, Akshay, who played Lord Krishna in the first film titled OMG! Oh My God (2012) and Lord Shiva in OMG 2 (2023) will be cast as God again in part 3.

Right now, director Amit Rai is focusing on finishing and releasing a film called Dharma, which he shot with Pankaj Tripathi and Pavan Malhotra in Bihar. The film stars newcomers in the lead. It also features two hundred dogs.

Rai plunges into OMG 3 with Rani and Akshay as soon as Dharma is complete.

Also Read: OMG 3 in early development as Akshay Kumar, Amit Rai discuss ideas: Report

Sai Pallavi will have a promising 2026 as she’ll be seen in the highly awaited Ramayana. The VFX-heavy, star-studded film will release in cinemas on Diwali. However, this won’t be her Hindi debut. She’ll be introduced to the Hindi audience with Mere Raho, co-starring Junaid Khan. The film will finally be out in 2026. However, there’s been confusion and uncertainty in the trade about its release date.

A source told Bollywood Hungama, “Until recently, the makers had locked April 24 as the release date for Mere Raho. They felt that it would be an ideal time for the flick to hit cinemas. But now, there have been reports coming in that Mere Raho will be pushed to July 2026.”

Mid-Day recently reported about the July release of the film. The article carried a quote by a source who said, “July offers better leg room for a film like Mere Raho. It needs time, repeat value, and controlled screen density. The summer corridor allows the film to breathe without the noise that comes with the festive and holiday rush.”

Our source added, “The producer, Aamir Khan Productions, has been very secretive about the release date. It may be released on April 24, or it may not. But since the news of the July release has come to the fore, many have wondered if the film is being pushed due to Battle Of Galwan. The Salman Khan-starrer has been locked for release on April 17. May 1, meanwhile, will see Raja Shivaji and The Devil Wears Prada 2 arriving on the big screen. As a result, the makers may have thought of moving the film to a less-crowded window.”

Aamir Khan Productions’ Happy Patel Khatarnak Jasoos, written and acted by Vir Das, will hit the theatres on January 16. There is hope that Aamir would attach the first look teaser of Mere Raho with the prints of Happy Patel Khatarnak Jasoos.

About Mere Raho

Reportedly, Mere Raho is a remake of the Korean film One Day (2011). The love story was shot during the beautiful Snow Festival in the town of Sapporo, Japan and hence it promises to be a visual treat to the moviegoers. Images of Junaid and Sai in the Far East country got leaked during the Japan schedule, which took place in early 2024. The love story went on floors in December 2023 in Mumbai.

Last year, there were reports that Aamir Khan was planning to release the film on Valentine’s Day 2024. However, he decided to postpone the release after the makers of Junaid’s debut theatrical venture, Loveyapa, decided to bring the romcom on February 7. Mere Raho was then scheduled for a release on December 12 and now it’ll finally arrive in 2026.

Also Read:Junaid Khan-Sai Pallavi starrer Mere Raho release shifted to Summer 2026 amid crowded December line-up: Report

After Pratibha Ranta, Siddhant Chaturvedi has publicly addressed swirling rumours about his casting in the Hindi remake of the Telugu hit Dear Comrade. Siddhant took to social media to set expectations as fans awaited clarity on the bilingual project.

For the unversed, recent reports suggested that Siddhant — fresh off his role in Dhadak 2 — and Laapataa Ladies breakout Pratibha Ranta were being considered as the lead pair for the remake of the 2019 romantic action drama originally starring Vijay Deverakonda and Rashmika Mandanna. According to some accounts, leading production houses were in early talks to bring the story to Hindi audiences, spurring buzz about the casting.

Responding to the rumours in his Instagram Stories, Siddhant decisively denied involvement in the remake. “Just to clarify guys, this isn’t true,” he wrote, directly addressing the speculation. The actor also made his creative stance clear: “No remakes for me anymore, even though I’m a fan of the original film and the actors, much love and respect. Thank you.”

While distancing himself from the project, Siddhant didn’t completely rule out future collaborations with Ranta. He added with admiration, “Anyhow I’d love to collaborate with the supremely talented @pratibha_ranta on something original. Looking forward.”

Readers may recall that earlier Pratibha Ranta responded in her own Instagram story, neither confirming nor denying her involvement. Instead, she asked fans and media platforms to pause on speculation until an official announcement is made. “With due respect, I kindly request all media pages to please refrain from posting or circulating any unverified information and wait for an official announcement,” she wrote. “This has been happening with me for quite some time now, with several projects that I am not associated with, which often leads to unnecessary confusion.”

Dear Comrade, directed by Bharat Kamma, was a notable Telugu romantic action drama that connected with audiences for its emotional narrative and musical appeal upon its 2019 release. Interest in a Hindi remake intensified after reports that prominent studios had acquired rights, though no official production details or casting confirmations have yet been released.

In the meantime, Siddhant is gearing up for his next project, Do Deewane Seher Mein, co-starring Mrunal Thakur, which is slated for release around Valentine’s week in February 2026.

Also Read: Bollywood Hungama OTT India Fest 2025: Siddhant Chaturvedi dedicates his award for Dhadak 2 to late Saksham Tate

Anil Kapoor has had an illustrious career and has delivered several memorable films. One film that stands out in his filmography is Nayak (2001). The political drama didn’t work in cinemas but became a cult film later on. Fans have long demanded a sequel to Nayak and Bollywood Hungama has learned that the plan might finally materialize.

A source told Bollywood Hungama, “Producer Deepak Mukut of Sanam Teri Kasam (2016) fame held the rights to Nayak. It is said that Anil Kapoor has bought the rights from him. He plans to hold the rights as it’s a film close to his heart. Also, he aspires to make a sequel to it. He is fully aware of the love he has garnered for the film over the years and he also is of the belief that the subject of Nayak has tremendous potential for a second part.”

We contacted Deepak Mukut to find out if he has sold the rights of Nayak to Anil Kapoor but he was unavailable for comment.

In an exclusive interview with Bollywood Hungama in March 2024, Deepak Mukut told Bollywood Hungama, “I got the rights from Nayak’s producer, Mr A S Rathnam. I also have the negative rights to his other films like Tejasvini (1994), Dil Hi Dil Mein (1999), etc. It was 10 years ago that I procured these rights.”

Besides Anil Kapoor, Nayak also starred Rani Mukerji, the late Amrish Puri, Paresh Rawal, Saurabh Shukla, Johny Lever, Shivaji Satam, Neena Kulkarni and others. Pooja Batra appeared in a cameo while Sushmita Sen was seen in a song. Written and directed by Shankar, it told the story of a fearless reporter who becomes the Chief Minister of Maharashtra for a day. The changes he brings about in the state in 24 hours make him a national hero.

Also Read: FICCI Frames 2025: Anil Kapoor reacts to Devendra Fadnavis’ comment “Aap Nayak aur hum Nalayak”; also says, “The timing couldn’t be BETTER for Nayak 2”

Farhan Akhtar and Ritesh Sidhwani’s production powerhouse Excel Entertainment has entered into a strategic partnership with Hollywood giant Universal Studios, signalling a new phase of global collaboration and scale-up for Indian content. Universal Studios has acquired a minority stake in Excel, while the larger share remains with the Indian banner, according to a report by Mid-Day.

What the Partnership Means

Insiders tell Mid-Day that Universal’s minority acquisition is aimed at scaling up Excel’s production capabilities and bringing “big ideas” to life with broader global reach. “Excel wants to expand the scale of its productions going ahead,” shared a source. “There are big ideas in the pipeline.”

Excel Entertainment’s 2025 slate included a diverse mix of films such as 120 Bahadur, Ground Zero, Superboys of Malegaon, and the digital release Songs of Paradise. While these projects garnered critical acclaim, several did not see major box-office success — prompting strategic reassessment and expansion efforts via partnerships like this one.

This collaboration follows a trend of major studios investing in Indian entertainment. Earlier, Adar Poonawalla’s acquisition of a 50% stake in Dharma Productions demonstrated international interest in India’s film powerhouses.

For Akhtar and Sidhwani — whose banner has backed films like Dil Chahta Hai, Don, and acclaimed web series (Inside Edge, Mirzapur) — the Universal tie-up underscores a forward-looking approach to storytelling that blends Indian narratives with global ambitions. The collaboration may also unlock new opportunities for cross-border co-productions and innovative cinematic ventures that appeal to both domestic and international audiences.

Also Read: Kill director Nikhil Bhat makes Hollywood debut with Universal Studios, plans to cast a leading Hollywood star in the action film

Actress Pratibha Ranta has addressed recent reports linking her to the Hindi remake of the popular Telugu film Dear Comrade opposite Siddhant Chaturvedi, urging fans and media outlets to hold off until an official announcement is made. The star’s clarification comes amid widespread speculation that she and Chaturvedi could headline the project after Dharma Productions acquired remake rights.

Taking to her Instagram story on January 2, 2026, Ranta asked social-media pages to stop circulating unverified details that create confusion about her involvement. “With due respect, I kindly request all media pages to please refrain from posting or circulating any unverified information and wait for an official announcement,” she wrote. “This has been happening with me for quite some time now, with several projects that I am not associated with, which often leads to unnecessary confusion.”

She continued with a message of gratitude for her followers’ support, emphasising her desire for clear and accurate information. “I would truly appreciate your understanding, cooperation, and continued support in this matter,” Ranta added, signalling a careful approach as rumours swirl online.

Pratibha Ranta first drew attention with her performance in Kiran Rao’s Laapataa Ladies, where her screen presence garnered praise from audiences and critics alike. She is also slated to appear in The Revolutionaries, an adaptation of Sanjeev Sanyal’s book Revolutionaries: The Other Story Of How India Won Its Freedom.

Also Read: Birthday style diaries: 5 ethnic looks of Pratibha Ranta that are pure glam goals!

Dhurandhar is turning out to be a game-changer for the Indian Film Industry in a lot of ways, and why not? It has redefined the business at an unimaginable level. The sequel of Dhurandhar is now the most awaited spectacle of Indian Cinema, that too in a year that has Ramayana: Part One lined up for release. And now, the post-Dhurandhar impact is visible in the film industry.

Reliable sources have confirmed to Bollywood Hungama that there are very high-level discussions in Shah Rukh Khan and Sanjay Leela Bhansali's camp around the release of King and Love and War. "Both King and Love And War are big-budget spectacles and have gone beyond what was on paper when it comes to the cost of production. As Dhurandhar has set a trend, both SRK and Bhansali are individually contemplating splitting their epics into two parts and releasing them in a gap of less than 6 months."

While Love and War could arrive in August 2026 and January 2027, King is contemplating September 2026 and March 2027. "This will happen only if the two stalwarts have enough footage to split their films into two parts. Right now, they are both shooting for the film, and these are just preliminary discussions while dissecting the success of Dhurandhar. A final call on whether the films should arrive in a single part or two will be taken on the edit table," a source informed Bollywood Hungama

There are many more story-tellers who are writing scripts in longer formats, with the hope of two part formula. "Two parts doesn't only mean more money from satellite and digital, but also more creative freedom to explore sub-tracks. Dhurandhar has infused a fresh perspective in all creators as well as business honchos. The next few months will be exciting."

Meanwhile, Dhurandhar 2 is releasing on March 19.

Also Read: Sudhir Mishra DEFENDS Dhurandhar amid propaganda claims, calls it a “well-made film”

In a major development that has sent waves through Bollywood, actress Rani Mukerji is reported to have signed on to star alongside Akshay Kumar in the highly anticipated third instalment of the Oh My God franchise, titled OMG 3. The collaboration would mark the first time these two stalwarts of Hindi cinema have shared screen space, sparking excitement among fans and industry watchers alike.

A source close to the project told entertainment portal Pinkvilla that Mukerji’s addition elevates the film into what could be one of the biggest casting coups in recent years. “This is easily one of the biggest castings in recent years. Oh My God is among Akshay Kumar’s most loved franchises, and it’s only getting bigger with Rani Mukerji joining the film. Her presence will add immense gravitas and freshness to the narrative,” the source said.

Oh My God and its sequel OMG 2 have built a reputation for blending social commentary with entertainment. The first film explored themes of blind faith, while OMG 2 tackled the sensitive subject of sex education in Indian schools — with Kumar returning in a divine role that resonated with Indian audiences.

While specific plot details for OMG 3 are still under wraps, the franchise’s creative team — led once again by director Amit Rai — is reportedly aiming to push the envelope further, with a story that is “bigger, more relevant and hard-hitting” than the previous instalments, according to the same insider. “Akshay was clear that OMG 3 had to scale up in every aspect, from story, emotions, to performances, and Rani coming on board has made the film even bigger,” the source added.

The project is currently in pre-production and is expected to go on floors by mid-2026, according to reports, with makers planning a formal announcement in the coming weeks.

Also Read: Anees Bazmee to shoot his next comedy with Akshay Kumar and Vidya Balan from January 15

Akshay Kumar and Priyadarshan are reuniting after 14 long years on the horror comedy Bhooth Bangla. The film is produced by Ekta Kapoor with Akshay Kumar and was announced to release on April 3, 2025. However, Bollywood Hungama has exclusively learnt that the film is getting postponed and a new release date will be announced soon.

A source close to the project shared with Bollywood Hungama, "Akshay Kumar is aware that Dhurandhar 2 could rewrite history at the box office and doesn't want to arrive in the middle of what could be a historic moment of Indian Cinema. He is a smart businessman, and also saw how the first part of Dhurandhar took a hit on the Christmas release, Tu Meri Main Tera Main Tera Tu Meri. He has discussed the idea of delay with Ekta Kapoor, and will be announcing a new date soon."

The source also confirmed that for Akshay, it is always about business acumen and not ego. "Akshay isn't someone who would claim ownership of a date just because he announced it first. He thinks for the industry, and after a long chat with Aditya Dhar and Jyoti Deshpande about Dhurandhar 2, he has himself decided to push the horror comedy back by a month or two," the source told Bollywood Hungama.

Also Read: Wamiqa Gabbi calls working with Akshay Kumar and Priyadarshan on Bhooth Bangla a ‘childhood dream’

Continuing its brilliant run since early December, Dhurandhar has emerged as a record-breaking box office performer and now the Union Territory of Ladakh has declared the Bollywood blockbuster Dhurandhar tax-free amid the film’s historic box office performance and widespread audience response in India and overseas.

The announcement was made by the Office of the Lt. Governor, Ladakh, through an official communication shared on X. Lt. Governor Shri Kavinder Gupta confirmed that the Aditya Dhar-directed espionage thriller will be exempt from entertainment tax across the UT.

Directed by National Award-winning filmmaker Aditya Dhar, Dhurandhar is produced by Jio Studios and B62 Studios. The film stars Ranveer Singh in the lead, alongside a heavyweight ensemble cast that includes Akshaye Khanna, R. Madhavan, Sanjay Dutt and Arjun Rampal. Designed as a large-scale espionage thriller, the film traces covert intelligence operations set against intelligence operations inspired by real events.

Lt Governor Shri @KavinderGupta declares Bollywood film “Dhurandhar” tax-free in UT #Ladakh. Shot extensively in the region, the film spotlights Ladakh’s cinematic landscapes, signalling strong support for filmmakers and reinforcing the UT’s push to emerge as a preferred — Office of the Lt. Governor, Ladakh (@lg_ladakh) January 2, 2026

Amid this unprecedented commercial success and strong audience reception worldwide, Ladakh’s decision to make the film tax-free is being seen as an impetus for the film to grow stronger. “Shot extensively in the region, the film spotlights Ladakh’s cinematic landscapes, signalling strong support for filmmakers and reinforcing the UT’s push to emerge as a preferred," the official tweet read.

Dhurandhar is a high-octane action-thriller written, directed, and produced by Aditya Dhar, and produced by Jyoti Deshpande and Lokesh Dhar. It features a stellar cast including Ranveer Singh, Akshaye Khanna, Sanjay Dutt, R. Madhavan, Arjun Rampal and Sara Arjun. Presented by Jio Studios, a B62 Studios production, the film opened to massive numbers at the box office and is witnessing a successful theatrical run.

With Dhurandhar continuing its glorious theatrical run and building anticipation for its sequel that drops in March, the tax-free declaration adds another milestone to the film’s already landmark journey.

Also Read: Ranveer Singh’s debut film, Band Baaja Baaraat, to re-release on January 16, 2026, amid Dhurandhar wave

Filmmaker Farhan Akhtar’s highly anticipated action film Don 3 is undergoing another wave of casting developments, with reports emerging that actor Rajat Bedi is being considered to replace Vikrant Massey in a pivotal role. It is speculated that the discussions are underway as the makers work to finalise the ensemble ahead of production.

According to a report by Hindustan Times, Farhan Akhtar — who is directing the third instalment of the celebrated Don franchise — has shown interest in bringing in Rajat Bedi, fresh off his widely-noticed performance in The Ba***ds of Bollywood (2025). Bedi’s potential involvement comes after several high-profile changes in the film’s cast, including the earlier exits of Vikrant Massey and Kiara Advani.

Readers may recall that in July 2025, Bollywood Hungama reported that Massey — who was initially cast in what was described as a significant character — stepped away from the project due to creative concerns about the depth and development of his role. While the makers have not officially confirmed any replacements, insider reports suggest that Akhtar’s team has entered discussions with Bedi, and further conversations are expected to take place in January 2026.

Don 3, which forms a part of the long-running and celebrated Don franchise, has been subject to speculation ever since Ranveer Singh, originally announced as part of the film, exited the project amid creative disagreements. The shifting dynamics have prompted several casting ideas, including suggestions involving other leading actors, but nothing has been finalised.

Also Read: Ranveer Singh did not quit Don 3 because of Dhurandhar success, but creative differences: Report

A political storm is brewing around Shah Rukh Khan’s IPL team Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) after the franchise signed Bangladeshi fast bowler Mustafizur Rahman ahead of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 season. The controversial decision has drawn sharp criticism not only from political leaders but also from the Shiv Sena (Uddhav Balasaheb Thackeray faction) — which warned that the player’s IPL earnings could potentially be diverted to fund terrorism.

The issue erupted after KKR selected Mustafizur Rahman, the only Bangladeshi cricketer picked in the 2026 IPL auction for Rs 9.2 crores. While some commentators have framed the move as a purely sporting decision, it quickly became a political flashpoint, with critics linking the signing to broader concerns about national security and religious sentiments.

Mumbai, Maharashtra: On KKR buying a Bangladeshi player, Shiv Sena (UBT) spokesperson Anand Dubey says, "...If Shah Rukh Khan removes him from his team, we will all respect him, honor him, and give him due recognition. But if Shah Rukh Khan plays him and earns money, that money… pic.twitter.com/o5s1bAhyYV — IANS (@ians_india) January 1, 2026

On January 1, 2026, Shiv Sena (UBT) spokesperson Anand Dubey issued a warning aimed at Khan — who co-owns KKR — saying that if the club allows Mustafizur Rahman to participate, the earnings he receives in the IPL might be used “to fund terrorism.” Dubey suggested that removing the player from the team could earn respect, but alleged that permitting him to play would pose potential risks.

This is not the first politically charged reaction to KKR’s signing. Earlier, BJP leaders and other figures voiced opposition over Mustafizur’s inclusion, linking it to minority persecution in Bangladesh and broader national sentiments. Some have even called Shah Rukh Khan a “traitor” for supporting foreign players after the killing of Deepu Chandra Das in Bangladesh.

While calling Shahrukh Khan a traitor, UP BJP leader Sangeet Som in a statement said," If a player like Rahman come to India, he will not be able to step out of the airport." pic.twitter.com/4RuhsGYWzJ — Piyush Rai (@Benarasiyaa) December 31, 2025

As the IPL 2026 season approaches, KKR’s roster choice remains a talking point, and reactions from both critics and supporters indicate that discussions will continue on and off the field.

Also Read: Shah Rukh Khan spotted at Mumbai dubbing studio, fans speculate major King update ahead