The minute this writer read a girl named Ramya accusing Vijay Sethupathi for sexually exploiting an unknown girl, he sent the actor, a dear friend and an artiste and human being he truly admires, an anxious message.

Vijay immediately called and said, “Sir, you know me for years. Anyone who knows me even remotely would laugh at this. I know myself also. And this kind of filthy accusation can’t upset me. Sir, you seem more upset than I am. My family and close friends are also upset. To this I say, just let it slide. The woman is obviously doing it to be noticed. She has her few minutes of fame, let her enjoy it.”

Is Vijay going to let such an accusation slide? “No, Sir. I am not saying that. I am only saying that I won’t allow it to upset me. I’ve faced all kinds of whispering campaigns for seven years. Such targeting has not affected me so far. It never will.”

Vijay finds the timing of the current slander shady. “Sir, look at the timing! My new film is doing well. Probably, some jealous elements think by tarnishing me they can damage my film. It doesn’t work that way. In today’s day and age, anyone can say anything about anybody. There are no filters. All you need is an account on social media and you can write what you like without fear of a repercussion.”

Vijay isn’t in the mood to let it bother him. Nor is he letting the matter slide. “Sir my lawyer is on it as we talk. We’ve complained to cybercrime. That said, I am not going to let such a smear campaign ruin my happiness,” he said.

Also Read: EXCLUSIVE: Vijay Sethupathi’s son Surya Sethupathi says, “I don’t want to live in his shadow” as he insists on carving his own path after Phoenix debut

The Saiyaara craze has taken the country by storm, catapulting Ahaan Panday and Aneet Padda to instant fame. During a recent conversation with Komal Nahta, director Mohit Suri shared that Ahaan was initially supposed to debut in a grand YRF project, but it was ultimately scrapped. He also mentioned spending four months working closely with Ahaan to help him look more mature on screen.

Mohit Suri revealed that Ahaan and Aneet each had distinct paths leading up to their debut. He said, “Ahaan has been doing acting workshops with YRF for the last seven years. Before COVID, Ahaan and YRF were planning a grand, larger-than-life film. But post-COVID, cinema changed, and the project was dropped. The same guy who was telling everyone about his big launch—his pride and confidence were completely shattered.”

He went on to say, “People began asking him, ‘Weren’t you supposed to be launched by YRF? What happened now?’ I just know that Aditya Chopra called him after COVID and told him, ‘My faith in you hasn't diminished, but I won’t mind if you start your career elsewhere.’ But Ahaan responded, ‘No, I’ll be launched by YRF only.’ Vo bach gaya. kyunki agar pehle launch hota toh bhut chota lagta. I spent four months with him to make him appear more mature.”

The romantic musical drama follows the journey of Krrish Kapoor (Ahaan Panday), a struggling musician in pursuit of fame and success. Along the way, he meets Vaani Batra (Aneet Padda), an aspiring journalist who later becomes his lyricist. As their relationship blossoms into love, they face several hurdles that put their connection and strength to the test. The film resonated deeply with audiences and has gone on to become the highest-grossing love story in Indian cinema.

Also Read : Saiyaara Box Office: Mohit Suri directorial surpasses Pathaan, Kabir Singh, Sanju and Bajrangi Bhaijaan; breaks into Top 15 All-Time Highest Second Monday grossers

Ahead of its release this weekend, Son of Sardaar 2 is navigating screen allocation negotiations, with PVRInox working to secure single screens and non-national multiplexes. A trade source informed Bollywood Hungama , "PVRInox is demanding all shows from exhibitors who own single and dual-screen properties. It's an unreasonable demand, and as the exhibitors have an option, they are caught in a fix at this point in time."

An exhibitor on condition of anonymity shares, "PVRInox is an exhibitor and a distributor, and we can't bend to their demands of all 4 shows in a single screen, especially when Saiyaara, and Mahavatar Narsimha are doing well." At the moment, PVRInox is working to secure most of the single screens in India, and the negotiations are on. "The issue will be resolved, but this time around, the odds are in favour of exhibitors and not the distributor. Son of Sardaar 2 might have to settle for show sharing in single screens. The times are changing, and today, a film is as good as the trailer."

Also Read: Ajay Devgn saves Deepak Dobriyal from washroom mix-up in Scotland; actor recalls incident saying, “She was dragging me into the ladies washroom”

There is a strong buzz in the corridors of the Information & Broadcasting Ministry that the National film awards will be announced in the next 48 hours.

According to the rumours, Vikrant Massey is the “sure-shot winner” for best actor for 12th Fail, while the likely winner for best actress is Rani Mukerji for Mrs. Chatterjee vs Norway.

The source informed, “Vikrant Massey’s performance in 12th Fail is getting him the National Award. It is final. For the National Award for Best actress, Rani Mukerji is a very strong contender. There are two actresses from the South also in the reckoning. But for best actor, it is Vikrant.”

Vidhu Vinod Chopra’s 12th Fail is also expected to win in several other categories, including Best Film and Best Director.

Also Read: Shoojit Sircar on 20 years of his debut directorial Yahaan, “I love every moment that I’ve spent in that film”

Excel Entertainment is gearing up for an ambitious theatrical slate over the next two years, with films like 120 Bahadur, Mirzapur: The Movie, and Don 3 already creating a buzz. Now, the banner is all set to add another major project to its lineup — a high-octane action thriller starring Sunny Deol.

As per a report by Pinkvilla, Sunny Deol is teaming up with Excel Entertainment for the very first time for a large-scale action film. The project, still untitled, will be directed by Balaji, who makes his directorial debut after years of working as an assistant and associate director on several Tamil blockbusters.

A source close to the development revealed, “Sunny Deol is set to team up with Excel Entertainment for the first time on a big-budget action thriller.” Talks between the actor and the production house had been ongoing, and both parties are now officially on board.

The source further added, “The yet untitled action thriller will mark the first collaboration between Sunny Deol and Excel Entertainment. The two stakeholders have been in talks for a while now, and are excited to collaborate on a high-concept big-budget action thriller. Sunny loves the script and is excited to partner with Farhan Akhtar and Ritesh Sidhwani on the film.”

Balaji’s directorial debut will reportedly feature Sunny Deol in a powerful, action-driven avatar, a space the actor is closely associated with. The production team is aiming to deliver a theatre-worthy experience packed with high drama and intense action sequences.

“It’s a larger-than-life feature film with Sunny Deol in an avatar that the audience loves to see him in. Excel too is going all out to ensure that their maiden collaboration with Sunny turns out to be a special treat for the cinema-going audience, with a lot of intense and high-on-drama moments,” the source said.

The action thriller is expected to begin filming in December 2025 and will join Excel Entertainment’s growing list of high-profile productions. Meanwhile, their upcoming project 120 Bahadur—produced in collaboration with Trigger Happy Studios—will serve as a tribute to unsung heroes from Indian history.

Also Read: Sunny Deol meets Dalai Lama in Ladakh: “His presence, wisdom, and blessings filled my heart with peace”

After wrapping up its initial outdoor schedule in South Mumbai, Rohit Shetty’s much-anticipated biopic on former Mumbai Police Commissioner Rakesh Maria has now moved to a more controlled filming environment. According to a report by Mid-Day, the production is currently underway at Ellora Studios in Mira Road, where an elaborate police station set has been erected to capture some of the most intense portions of the story.

A Gritty Shift from Spectacle to Substance Unlike Shetty’s trademark action-heavy cop universe, the Rakesh Maria biopic is taking a more grounded approach. The filmmaker is this time delving into the world of real-life investigations, choosing a procedural drama tone over his usual stylized action. Reportedly, the yet-untitled film is based on Maria’s best-selling memoir, Let Me Say It Now, which chronicles his involvement in high-profile cases including the 1993 Mumbai blasts, the 26/11 attacks, and the interrogation of terrorist Ajmal Kasab.

Bollywood actor John Abraham, who plays the titular role, is currently filming a two-week schedule that focuses on high-stakes interrogation sequences. The report quoted an insider saying, “The South Mumbai schedule gave the film its authentic urban texture. Now, we’re focusing on pivotal indoor scenes that require controlled lighting, precise staging, and a crowd of 50 to 100 people each day.”

These scenes are said to be crucial in capturing the psychological depth and strategic brilliance of Maria during his investigative years. Action Still in Store While the film may be positioned as a character-driven drama, it won't be entirely devoid of action. Sources reveal that five major action sequences have been planned and are slated to be shot towards the end of August.

“Rohit is treating this project differently. It’s more than just an action movie — it’s a cinematic deep dive into the life of a man who was at the helm during some of Mumbai’s darkest and most challenging moments,” shared a unit insider.

Currently targeting a 2026 release, the film is expected to enter post-production soon after the completion of its current schedule.

Also Read: BREAKING: John Abraham unveils his dashing Rakesh Maria biopic look at Lakadbaggha graphic novel launch; CONFIRMS Rohit Shetty’s film and Parmanu director Abhishek Sharma’s Munkeeman

The comic caper Son Of Sardaar 2 is all set to be released this week, that is, Friday, August 1. The film was earlier scheduled for release on July 25. As a result, the makers completed the censor process in advance, on July 16. But on July 19, the team of Son Of Sardaar 2 decided to postpone its release as Saiyaara became an unexpected blockbuster and there were clear signs that it would have a strong second week as well. That could have affected the prospects of both Son Of Sardaar 2 and Saiyaara. With two days left until the release of the Ajay Devgn-starrer, we bring you the changes suggested by the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) after viewing the film, in this article.

The Examining Committee (EC) of the CBFC didn’t ask for any visual cuts. Hence, all the action scenes have been left untouched. However, they asked the makers to make changes in the dialogues in four places. The mention of Xi Jinping, the President of China, was asked to be muted and replaced. The word ‘item’ was replaced with ‘madam’. Meanwhile, ‘Kutte ki tarah’ was removed and changed to ‘Bahut buri tarah’. Lastly, a sentence that began with ‘Bhagwan…’ and ended with ‘…Pe Lezim’ was asked to be replaced with an appropriate dialogue.

Once these changes were made, Son Of Sardaar 2 was passed with a U/A 13+ certificate. The length of the film, as mentioned on the censor certificate, is 147.32 minutes. In other words, Son Of Sardaar 2 is 2 hours, 27 minutes and 32 seconds long.

Besides Ajay Devgn, Son Of Sardaar 2 also stars Mrunal Thakur, Ravi Kishan, Neeru Bajwa, Deepak Dobriyal, Kubbra Sait, Chunky Panday, Sharat Saxena, Vindu Dara Singh, Roshni Walia, Sanjay Mishra, Ashwini Kalsekar and the late Mukul Dev. It is backed by Devgn Films and Jio Studios and is directed by Vijay Kumar Arora.

Also Read: Son of Sardaar 2 Advance Bookings open with BOGO offer, but box office journey may be bumpy

PVR INOX, India’s largest cinema exhibitor, announced the 20th anniversary re-release of Parineeta, the romantic drama adapted from Sarat Chandra Chattopadhyay’s 1914 Bengali novel. The re-release marks 20 years since the film’s original release, along with Vidya Balan’s debut in Indian cinema and 50 years of Vinod Chopra Films. The studio has restored its entire film library in 8K resolution, with remastered 5.1 surround sound. Part of the restoration was completed at L’Immagine Ritrovata in Bologna, Italy, a lab known for its work on film restoration.

Parineeta was both critically and commercially successful upon its original release in 2005. Produced by Vidhu Vinod Chopra and directed by the late Pradeep Sarkar, the film is set in a specific period and features music by Shantanu Moitra. It stars Saif Ali Khan, Vidya Balan, and Sanjay Dutt. Shot across various locations in Kolkata, the film incorporates the city’s architecture and atmosphere into its narrative, using the setting to reflect the story’s tone and themes.

Speaking about the restored and remastered release, Vidhu Vinod Chopra shared, “Parineeta has always held a special place in my heart. It’s more than just a film—it’s a journey of love, elegance, and soulful music. Every frame carries its own emotion, evolving with the story in a way that touches something deep within. And now, in the restored and remastered 8k version, the visuals are even richer and the beautiful locations even more beautiful. I am so proud of Pradeep Sarkar for the way he made this film, the way he captured the grandeur of old Kolkata and infused it with timeless beauty that still lingers.”

Adding to this, Niharika Bijli, Lead Strategist at PVR INOX, said, “We’re delighted to bring Parineeta back to the cinemas. Today’s audiences are seeking a chance to re-experience classics on the big screen. Parineeta is a timeless film—an elegant exploration of love, class, and the evolving role of women in early 20th-century India. It is a jewel in Vidhu Vinodh Chopra’s rich cinematic legacy. We are excited to bring the film back to the big screen in a stunning restored print, inviting both new audiences and nostalgic fans to experience its cinematic splendour once again.”

Vidya Balan, who made her debut with Parineeta, said, “This is a very emotional moment for me. Parineeta is where it all began… Every frame of the film carries a piece of my heart, and I’ll forever be grateful to Pradeep da (my Dada) and Mr. Vinod Chopra for believing in me. I owe so much of who I am as an actor to this film. Even after all these years, people remember the film, the songs, and how it made them feel. People say every frame in the film is like a painting…and that is Pradeep Sarkar’s magic… So I do hope people and the new generation discover old-world love through Parineeta.”

Saif Ali Khan said, “Parineeta was a turning point for me—a film that allowed me to explore a quieter, more restrained side of my personality. It had elegance, depth, and a certain old-world charm that’s rare to come by. Working with Vidya, Pradeep da, Vidhu Vinod Chopra, Sanju, and the entire team was truly special. I have very warm memories of the film, and it will always hold a meaningful place in my journey.”

Sanjay Dutt shared, “Parineeta will always hold a special place in my heart. It was a beautiful film, crafted with immense love and honesty. This was my second project with Vidhu Vinod Chopra, right after Munnabhai MBBS, which was also produced by him. Pradeep Sarkar had a distinct and sensitive vision, and I enjoyed portraying a character that was so understated and real. I have wonderful memories from the shoot, and I’m very happy that a new generation will now have the chance to experience it on the big screen.” Sanjay Dutt began his association with Vinod Chopra Films in 2000 with Mission Kashmir and has since collaborated with the production house on multiple projects.

Parineeta received multiple awards upon its release, including National and Filmfare Awards. The film will have an all-India re-release in select theatres on August 29, 2025, exclusively for one week.

Also Read: 20 years of Parineeta: 5 reasons to rewatch this timeless classic in 2025

Shaad Randhawa has always been doing some great work, right from his first film Woh Lamhe (2006). But after his appearance in Saiyaara, there has been a shift in the perception around him. He’s being celebrated as more and more people realized his huge body of work. It led to fans creating memes on him, in a positive manner, about his filmography and how he has been a crucial part of many Mohit Suri’s films. In an exclusive interview with Bollywood Hungama, the dashing and talented actor, currently in London, talked about playing the role of rockstar Prince in the latest blockbuster, working with Ahaan Panday and Aneet Padda and a lot more.

How has life changed since the release of Saiyaara? It’s been amazing. What’s been so heartening to know is that the love I have been getting for all my past films. I was spotted in Saiyaara and it led to a chain reaction. The fans and the audience connected all the dots from Woh Lamhe (2006) to Awarapan (2007) to Aashiqui 2 (2013) to Ek Villain (2014). Hence, it feels really good to know that people have appreciated the hard work and sincerity of so many years.

It’s the first time that meme pages are uploading posts about you, right? Yes, it has never happened to me before. What I realized is that there’s a lot of love that the fans had for me right from my first film, Woh Lamhe. But now, social media is far more aggressive than it was 10 years ago. Hence, my reading and understanding is that the love was always there. It’s just coming out now and that’s heartening.

Shaad Randhawa in mohit suri movie pic.twitter.com/em86fWiD6P — Nachiket (@Nicotweeen) July 18, 2025

What Boman Irani is for Rajkumar Hirani, Shaad Randhawa is for Mohit Suri. pic.twitter.com/oyXNgXBIZd — Cinematic Syndicate (@cine_syndicate) July 22, 2025

In cinema halls in India, people are going crazy, especially during the climax of Saiyaara. Did you get a chance to witness it first-hand? Unfortunately, I am not in India. I have missed out on that. But I have been seeing stuff on social media. It’s the dream of every artist that something you’ve been a part of connects with the audience. That’s why we are in the business – to make a difference and to move the audience. So, I guess the film hit the right note (smiles).

How was it to play the rockstar? Were you inspired by real-life musicians like Honey Singh, Badshah etc.? I was quietly transforming physically as I was bored with the way I looked. As an actor, when you are unemployed, you tell yourself, ‘Chal, let’s do something’. Mohit noticed my physical transformation as we are friends. He suggested my name to Yash Raj Films’ casting director, Shanoo Sharma, and sent my new pictures. I was one of the zInitially, the plan was to give me long hair. Mohit walked into the make-up room during the look test. He saw and said, ‘No, it’s not working’. I agreed, ‘Yes, I agree. Jam nahin raha hai’. He asked me if I’d like to braid my hair. We went for it and it worked. Touchwood, the character worked and so did the film. People have now noticed my hard work and sincerity. I hope other directors also take notice of the actor that I am, more than anything else.

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  A post shared by Shaad Randhawa (@shaadrandhawa)

Have you got calls from the film industry after the release of Saiyaara? Yes, and it feels very good. They appreciated that I looked amazing, whether it was Emraan Hashmi or Aditya Roy Kapur. Rohit Dhawan called me up and said, ‘Oh my God, you look so different’. It was very sweet of him.

How was it working with Ahaan Panday and Aneet Padda? I had this scene with Ahaan and Aneet on the first day. I looked at Mohit and told him, ‘These kids are damn good, man’! He replied, ‘Yes, they are’. They were very grounded, sweet and confident of their skill. I can say that I was one of the first ones who finished a scene with them and told Mohit, ‘These two are stars’. Mohit asked, ‘Do you think so?’. I replied, ‘100%’. I told the same to Aneet and Ahaan as well. They asked me, ‘Are you sure?’. I replied, ‘I assure you that you both are going to do really well.’. They asked, ‘What if it doesn’t happen?’. I answered, ‘It will happen because you both deserve it. You both are so good’! I take pride in saying ‘I told you so’ (smiles).

It’s not like maine kuch khaas dekh liya. It was out there. They were good at their skill set and their performance, and that’s what the requirement was.

Did you say ‘I told you so’ to Mohit Suri as well? Of course (smiles). We have been talking. Finally, he’s getting his due. He has made around 14-15 films of different genres. He has made thrillers, love stories, action etc. Out of 14, half of them were big successes and each one of them had great music right from Zeher (2005). I can’t think of any Mohit Suri film that did not have blockbuster music. He deserves all the accolades for his 20 years of hard work and toil.

Also Read: EXCLUSIVE: Jubin Nautiyal reveals ‘Barbaad’ to be PERMANENT song in his concerts: “People told me it has helped them through heartbreaks…no bigger blessing than knowing your voice is someone’s comfort”; explains why Saiyaara’s music clicked so well: “Team treated the music like CENTRAL character, not an afterthought”

Actress Rupali Ganguly has become a household name across India, admired for her exceptional acting talent and commanding screen presence. While she has been part of several notable television shows over the years, it is her iconic role as Anupamaa that catapulted her to unparalleled fame. Her performance has resonated far beyond borders, earning her a devoted fan base not just in India, but around the world.

Now, celebrating women driving equity, inclusion, and transformation, the actress is set to attend the Inspiring Women Leaders West 2025.

Rupali Ganguly is truly an epitome of women's strength, and reflecting the same spirit, she will be a part of the Inspiring Women Leaders West 2025, a well-deserved honor added to her illustrious name. She has been felicitated for her exemplary contribution to Indian Television.

Joining her at the event will be other inspiring personalities such as Malaika Arora, Kusha Kapila, Richa Chadha, Shefali Shah, Rasika Dugal, Ashwiny Iyer Tiwari, Jonita Gandhi, and more.

On the work front, Rupali Ganguly continues to shine in her iconic role as Anupamaa. The show remains one of the highest TRP-rated serials on Indian television, with Rupali being its heart and soul. Her powerful performances and emotional depth have won the love of millions. With years of dedication, she has become a household name, and fans remain devoted to her journey on and off screen.

Also Read: Rupali Ganguly seeks blessings at Mahakaleshwar Temple on Sawan Somwar

Earlier this month, Bollywood Hungama reported that the Sidharth Malhotra and Janhvi Kapoor starrer Param Sundari will hit the theatres either on August 29 or September 5. The makers, Maddock Films, have now revealed that the film will be releasing in theatres on August 29.

Directed by Dasvi filmmaker Tushar Jalota, Param Sundari is presented as a heartfelt cross-cultural love story that explores the bond between a young man from North India and a young woman from South India. Featuring the fresh on-screen pairing of Sidharth Malhotra and Janhvi Kapoor, the film promises a contemporary romance infused with the signature warmth and storytelling style of Maddock Films. Fans are eagerly looking forward to witnessing this new and refreshing duo on screen.

By opting for August 29 release, the makers have now ensured that the film won’t be clashing with any other movie, at least till now.

The teaser of Param Sundari had released with the Rajkummar Rao and Wamiqa Gabbi starrer Bhul Chuk Maaf. It received a positive response and ever since, the fans of both Sidharth and Jahnvi have been waiting for the film’s release. They will need to wait just little under a month from now onwards.

After Param Sundari, Maddock Films has the Ayushmann Khurrana and Rashmika Mandanna starrer Thama coming up.

Also Read: Sidharth Malhotra seeks divine blessings for newborn daughter at Mumbai’s Siddhivinayak temple

A real-life tragedy is set to be adapted for the big screen in a gripping new film tentatively titled Honeymoon in Shillong. Directed by SP Nimbawat, the film is inspired by the shocking murder of Raja Raghuvanshi, a case that grabbed headlines for its chilling twists and turns following his marriage.

The filmmaker confirmed that the script is complete, and 80 percent of the movie will be shot in Indore, with the remaining 20 percent planned across different regions of Meghalaya. Though the cast has not yet been revealed, the makers assure the story will focus on betrayal, justice, and regional representation.

Speaking to reporters, Sachin Raghuvanshi, the elder brother of the victim, said the family has given their full support to the film. "We gave our consent for the upcoming film on the murder case. We believe that if we do not bring the story of my brother's murder on the big screen, people will not be able to know who was right and who was wrong?" he stated, underlining their hope that the film brings clarity and public attention to the truth.

Another brother, Vipin Raghuvanshi, emphasized the family’s desire to shed positive light on the region often misunderstood in mainstream media. “We want to present the correct image of Meghalaya through the film,” he added, suggesting that the film will also serve as a cultural bridge.

Director SP Nimbawat revealed that the central theme of the film revolves around betrayal and emotional manipulation. "Raja Raghuvanshi faced a big betrayal after his marriage," Nimbawat said, hinting at the deeply personal and emotional core of the narrative. He further elaborated on the film’s purpose, stating, "Through our film, we want to give a message to the public that such incidents of betrayal should be stopped," making it clear that the film is not just a thriller but also a social commentary.

With the backing of the victim’s family and a sensitive yet bold subject at its core, Honeymoon in Shillong is poised to be one of the most talked-about real-life adaptations in Indian cinema. The project promises not only to engage audiences but also spark conversations around justice, trust, and the lasting impact of betrayal.

Also Read: Aamir Khan shoots down rumours of a film on the Meghalaya murder case