Filmmaker Sandhya Suri has voiced strong disappointment after the last-minute decision to pause the digital premiere of her film Santosh in India, calling the move “a real shame”. The film set to debut on Lionsgate Play in India on Friday, October 17 was suddenly pulled.

The delay follows persistent conflicts with India’s censorship system. Suri said, “The process in India is that the censor board (CBFC) may ask you to make cuts for a theatrical release. The cuts they asked for were not acceptable to me or my team. We could not make those cuts as they compromised the integrity of the film too profoundly.”

She further insisted that her objections to mandated cuts for theatrical release remained the same for a streaming run and stated, “The objections I had to cuts for the theatrical release remain my objections for a streaming release. The streamers don’t need, by law, to have censorship status to show films. But perhaps this is about an environment in which streamers take on certain objections of their own accord for a harmonious universe.”

Suri also flagged the unintended consequence of pulling the premiere: potential piracy. “It was announced and now we’re un-announcing, so a lot more people are going to watch it in some other form,” she remarked. “My wish is for the film to be distributed legitimately and uncut in India.”

Santosh revolves around a widowed police constable, Santosh (played by Shahana Goswami), who steps into her late husband’s job and ends up investigating the murder of a young girl. Produced by Good Chaos with co-producers Razor Film and Haut et Court, it was backed by BFI and BBC Film. The film also represented the UK’s submission for the Best International Feature category at the 97th Academy Awards.

Also Read : Santosh Release halted by CBFC over depiction of police brutality and caste issues; director Sandhya Suri REACTS!

In the wake of the tragic demise of Assam’s celebrated singer Zubeen Garg, the organisers of the Brahmaputra Valley Film Festival (BVFF) have announced the postponement of its 10th edition. The film festival, originally scheduled for December 4–7, 2025, will now be held in 2026, as a gesture of respect during a period of collective mourning.

According to the festival statement, “It is with a heavy heart that the 10th edition of the Brahmaputra Valley Film Festival, originally scheduled for December 4-7, 2025, has been postponed to a later date in 2026. This decision comes as Assam mourns the loss of its most beloved cultural icon Zubeen Garg, whose voice and vision defined generations. BVFF stands in solidarity with the people and the creative community.”

They further added, “As a festival deeply rooted in the cultural and emotional fabric of this land, we feel it is only right to pause our celebrations this year, in remembrance and respect. We are deeply grateful to our filmmakers, partners, and audience for their continued support and understanding. Refunds for all submissions will be processed in due course. BVFF Team.”

The decision has resonated deeply in Assam, where Zubeen Garg was considered more than an artist he was a symbol of cultural pride. His passing earlier this year in Singapore has triggered widespread grief, protest, and intense scrutiny of the circumstances surrounding his death.

Meanwhile, the legal and investigative fronts have seen swift actions. Authorities have arrested five individuals including the festival organiser, Garg’s manager, his cousin (a police officer), and his security personnel and sent them into 14-day judicial custody.

Tension flared outside Baksa District Jail when crowds gathered and reportedly hurled stones and sandals at the police convoy, with several vehicles in the vicinity set ablaze.

The BVFF organisers’ move to defer the festival underscores the magnitude of the loss: the creative community in Assam is not simply pausing an event, but collectively mourning a figure whose legacy transcended the stage. More details on the rescheduled dates and refunds are expected in the coming months.

Also Read : Zubeen Garg’s manager arrested in singer’s death caseb

The third weekend of October 2025 has brought a flood of diverse content to Indian streaming platforms, offering everything from high-stakes crime thrillers to international espionage and South Korean disaster comedy. With a mix of major Hindi releases, compelling international titles, and strong regional cinema, this week’s line-up—timed perfectly for pre-Diwali celebrations—offers something for every demographic.

Leading the charge is a packed slate of new releases that appeal to the core audience for prestige dramas and true crime.

BHAGWAT CHAPTER ONE: RAAKSHAS (ZEE5): Headlining the week's domestic offerings is this Hindi crime thriller, featuring a powerhouse cast including Arshad Warsi and Jitendra Kumar. The series plunges into a police investigation surrounding mysterious disappearances in Uttar Pradesh, promising a gritty and engaging procedural for fans of the genre. HOLLYWOOD HUSTLER: GLITZ, GLAM, SCAM (Amazon Prime Video): For true-crime enthusiasts, this documentary is a must-watch. It uncovers the staggering scale of a major Hollywood Ponzi scheme, peeling back the layers of Tinseltown glamour to expose the financial deceit beneath, providing a cautionary tale of greed and fraud. SHE WALKS IN DARKNESS (Netflix): Catering to the global thriller audience, this international espionage series is set in France. The political drama with a spy twist is expected to be a major draw for viewers who enjoy high-tension, geo-political narratives.

Global and Regional Diversity on Full Display This week’s slate underscores the platforms' commitment to both international and vernacular content, ensuring a well-rounded catalogue for a linguistically diverse audience.

GOOD NEWS (Netflix): Adding a touch of dark humour is the South Korean disaster comedy, which blends tension and laughs during a hijacking crisis. This continues the strong trend of global non-English content finding massive success with Indian viewers. KISHKINDHAPURI (ZEE5): The regional horror segment is covered by this Telugu horror thriller. Focused on ghost-hunting and supernatural suspense, the film ensures ZEE5 captures the audience demand for well-produced regional genre content.

The breadth of content—covering crime, thriller, horror, comedy, and investigative drama—is a clear reflection of the major trends shaping the OTT landscape in 2025. The timing of these releases around the Diwali festivities is strategic, encouraging friends and families to settle in for a weekend of collective binge-watching.

Also Read: Priyanka Chopra Jonas dazzles in ivory Indo-Western look at Anjula Acharia’s pre-Diwali bash in NYC

Bollywood King Shah Rukh Khan will soon be ringing in his Birthday on November 2. And this time there is all the more reason to have a grand celebration in the Khan household, his National Award win for Jawan. And now we hear that PVR INOX, one of the largest and premium cinema exhibitors in India will be celebrating Shah Rukh Khan's birthday with a special film festival that will showcase the actors’ blockbuster films till date starting from October 13, 2025. This will be a two-week-long film festival that will run across 30+ cities and 75+ cinemas, offering audiences a unique opportunity to relive the best of Shah Rukh Khan’s cinematic journey on the big screen.

Talking about the film festival curated by PVR INOX, Shah Rukh Khan said, “Cinema has always been my home, and seeing these films find their way back to the big screen feels like a beautiful reunion. These movies are not just my stories, they belong to the audience that have lovingly embraced them over the last 33 years. I am grateful to PVR INOX for celebrating this journey with such love, and to Red Chillies Entertainment, my creative home, for always believing in stories that connect us all. I hope everyone who comes to watch relives the joy, the music, the emotions, and the magic of cinema that we’ve shared together."

The film festival will feature titles like Chennai Express, a delightful action-comedy that blends high-octane adventure with Shah Rukh Khan’s unmatched comic timing; Devdas, a timeless epic of unfulfilled love and grandeur; Dil Se, a hauntingly poetic exploration of love and rebellion set against a turbulent political backdrop; Jawan, a powerful action spectacle that showcases SRK in a dual role embodying both rage and redemption; Kabhi Haan Kabhi Na, one of SRK’s most endearing performances as a flawed yet loveable dreamer; Main Hoon Na, a perfect blend of emotions, patriotic duty and Bollywood flair that made him both relatable and larger-than-life, setting a new benchmark for mainstream entertainers; and Om Shanti Om, a dazzling reincarnation saga that pays tribute to Hindi cinema’s golden era with wit, nostalgia, and style.

Niharika Bijli, Lead Strategist, PVR INOX Ltd., said, “Shah Rukh Khan is more than a global icon, he’s an emotion. We’re thrilled to celebrate his extraordinary journey through a line-up of films that capture his magic, versatility, and enduring influence on Indian cinema. He is loved by people across age groups, genders, and geographies. This festival is a tribute to his artistry and to the joy and hope he continues to bring to audiences around the world.”

On the professional front, Shah Rukh Khan will next be seen in the much-anticipated film King, which is expected to hit the screens in 2026. The film has an ensemble of cast including Shah Rukh Khan in the lead along with Deepika Padukone, Abhishek Bachchan and Suhana Khan, among others.

Also Read: MrBeast drops photo with Shah Rukh Khan, Salman Khan & Aamir Khan; sparks frenzy by teasing a collab with trio

Nestled deep within a beautiful valley lies the snow-covered, slow-paced city of Baramulla, where rumours and legends intertwine with reality. When a young boy mysteriously disappears, it sets off a chain of events that unravel unsettling truths and shake the town to its core. Into this charged atmosphere enters DSP Ridwaan Sayyed, a recently transferred Kashmiri Police officer tasked with investigating a case of missing children. As he and his family move into a derelict house in town, he feels the weight of his past pressing down on him. Little does he know that his pursuit for the truth will become both a personal reckoning and a journey through secrets — where the real and supernatural collide, threatening the fragile peace within his family and the sensitive town.

Netflix invites audiences into the mysterious and mesmerising world of Baramulla. A one-of-a-kind blend of genres, the film is an amalgamation of the supernatural, mystery and drama, promising an edge-of-the-seat experience set against the haunting beauty of Kashmir. Manav Kaul plays DSP Ridwaan Sayyad, who is brought into an eerie investigation to find missing children. The film also stars Bhasha Sumbli as Gulnaar, and will premiere on Netflix on November 7. Baramulla is set to showcase the Kashmir valley, the strife, and turmoil in a land with many forces at play, both in this world and beyond.

Helmed and written by Aditya Suhas Jambhale, the acclaimed filmmaker behind Article 370, and story by Aditya Dhar and co-produced with Lokesh Dhar of the visionary B62 Studios, Baramulla marks a powerful collaboration between two distinct cinematic voices. This is the second partnership between Netflix and B62 Studios, following the success of the rom-com Dhoom Dhaam. Together with Jyoti Deshpande of the power house content studio, Jio Studios, they deliver a film that stands out for its originality and bold vision.

Director Aditya Suhas Jambhale shared, “With a genre bending film like Baramulla, we wanted to tell a story rooted in emotion but elevated by tension and the supernatural. Kashmir is not just the setting; it's a living, breathing character that shapes every moment and every mystery. We hope the audience across the world feels the pulse of the valley and the humanity at the heart of this journey.”

Ruchikaa Kapoor Sheikh, Director, Original Films, Netflix India, shared, “We are drawn to stories that push boundaries—narratives that surprise, challenge, and leave a lasting impression on audiences. Baramulla stands firmly in that space, a one-of-its-kind supernatural thriller that’s as emotionally grounded as it is suspenseful. At its heart, it is a film about people: their choices, their fears, and the lengths they go to protect who they hold dear. Director Aditya Suhas Jambhale, along with our creative partners Aditya and Lokesh Dhar at B62 Studios and Jio Studios, have crafted a cinematic experience that feels bold, fresh, and unmistakably Netflix, bringing a distinctly Indian story to viewers around the world.”

Producer Jyoti Deshpande - President, Jio Studios (Media and Content Business, RIL) said, “At Jio Studios, we’ve always been drawn to stories that challenge the norm and break the mould, and Baramulla does exactly that. After the remarkable success of Article 370, our collaboration with B62 Studios and director Aditya Suhas Jambhale continues to evolve with Baramulla, a high-concept supernatural thriller that redefines the genre for Indian audiences. Collaborating once again with B62 Studios and Netflix after Dhoom Dhaam, we are excited to deliver a cinematic experience that’s fresh, unpredictable and powerfully told”.

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Producers Aditya Dhar and Lokesh Dhar added, “After Dhoom Dhaam, reuniting with Netflix and Jio Studios for Baramulla felt like a natural next step. We are also reuniting with Aditya Suhas Jambhale after he directed Article 370. This film ventures into a genre space rarely explored in Indian cinema where drama meets supernatural mystery. It’s thrilling, emotional, and unconventional. As producers, we have always been drawn to stories that defy the rules of mainstream storytelling, and Baramulla does exactly that. It’s a film that challenges, surprises, and stays with you long after it ends, and we can’t wait for audiences to experience it.”

With its one-of-a-kind genre narrative, emotionally charged storytelling, and the magnetic presence of Manav Kaul, Baramulla is set to redefine the Indian thriller landscape. Mysterious, gripping, and deeply human, the film promises to be a cinematic journey unlike any other.

Will DSP Ridwaan figure out all the powers at play, or will his quest for answers go unsolved? Find out on November 7, where mystery meets reality, and every secret has a story.

Also Read: Manav Kaul on playing a male sex worker in Tribhuvan Mishra CA Topper, “It was a lot of fun, no one was hesitant”

Delhi witnessed a legendary night as thousands of fans became part of a new Maddock Horror Comedy Universe (MHCU) tradition - the first public screening of Thamma. For the first time in Indian cinema, fans got to experience the first 20 minutes of the film before anyone else, creating a historic moment.

Hosted by comedians Biswa Kalyan Rath and Divay Agarwal, the night was electric — with Biswa’s razor-sharp humor, special appearances from MHCU’s Bhediya and Stree, and Delhi’s roaring crowd setting the perfect tone.

At the event, producer Dinesh Vijan addressed the audience, “This is the beginning of a fan ritual. From now on, fans will see a glimpse of the film before the world. We’re building a universe that belongs to its fans.”

The first 20 minutes left fans laughing, cheering, and on the edge of their seats, with the loudest applause reserved for Nawazuddin Siddiqui’s on-screen appearance. The event also saw cinematic icons Paresh Rawal, Rashmika Mandanna, Ayushmann Khurrana, director Aditya Sarpotdar, and the Thamma team take the centre stage.

Adding to the excitement, advance bookings for Thamma opened this morning, and the response has been phenomenal. Tickets are already selling rapidly across major cities, with morning shows filling fast and strong traction visible across both metros and tier-2 markets.

Trade analyst Taran Adarsh says, “Thamma has all the makings of a festive winner. The advance booking response is solid, and the buzz is translating into footfalls. With the Maddock Horror Comedy Universe brand and the Diwali advantage, this one’s positioned very strongly at the box office.”

Ashish Saksena, COO – Cinemas, BookMyShow, adds, “Advance bookings opened this morning and picked up quickly. We’re seeing strong demand across regions, and morning and evening shows are already filling fast. Audiences are clearly excited for a big-screen Diwali entertainer.”

Starring Ayushmann Khurrana, Rashmika Mandanna, and Nawazuddin Siddiqui, and directed by Aditya Sarpotdar, Thamma blends horror, comedy, and romance in a way that’s already connecting with audiences. With festive timing, high recall for its music, and growing social chatter, the film is poised for a powerful Diwali opening weekend.

Produced by Dinesh Vijan and Amar Kaushik, Thamma releases in cinemas worldwide on October 21.

Also Read: Dinesh Vijan’s Thamma becomes the MOST EXPENSIVE film of Maddock’s Horror Comedy Universe; Rs. 145 crores bet on Ayushmann & Rashmika!

Earlier this year, Kartik Aaryan fans were in for a treat when it was announced that he would be seen in the high-concept creature comedy Naagzilla, backed by Karan Johar’s Dharma Productions and Mahaveer Jain’s Mahaveer Jain Films (with Mrighdeep Singh Lamba and Sujit Jain as partners). Bollywood Hungama has now learned that the much-awaited film, featuring Kartik as a shape-shifting nag, goes on floors in around two weeks’ time.

A source told Bollywood Hungama, “Kartik Aaryan will start shooting for Naagzilla from November 1 in Mumbai. The actor and the whole team of the film are excited to begin shooting. The pre-production has been successfully going on in full swing for a while. Hence, the team is fully prepared to commence shooting. The aim is to release the film next year on Independence Day, as planned.”

When asked about the female lead, the source replied, “The makers are yet to take the final call, but rest assured, it’ll surely be a surprise that would further cheer all those who are waiting for this one-of-a-kind film.”

Yesterday, on October 16, Bollywood Hungama had reported that Kartik Aaryan would resume the shoot of Anurag Basu’s next in November as well. The source revealed, “Kartik will juggle the shoot of both the films. He’s a thorough professional and has planned his dates impeccably for next month.”

Naagzilla is directed by Mrighdeep Singh Lamba and marks the beginning of a long partnership between Karan Johar’s Dharma Productions and Mahaveer Jain’s Mahaveer Jain Films. The aim is to make out-of-the-box entertainers – from high-concept fantasies to contemporary dramas to compelling narratives rooted in Indian ethos, etc.

Interestingly, Kartik Aaryan and Mahaveer Jain were recently seen at Whistling Woods International, where they were honoured by Gautam Adani, Chairman of Adani Group. Earlier this year, Kartik and Karan Johar completed the filming of the romcom Tu Meri Main Tera Main Tera Tu Meri. Co-starring Ananya Panday, it is all set to release on December 31, 2025. Naagzilla marks the second collaboration between Kartik and KJo.

Also Read: After Naagzilla with Kartik Aaryan, Karan Johar sets up another creature universe with Rajkummar Rao

In a shocking development, a restaurant, Kaps Café, owned by comedian and television star Kapil Sharma, located in Surrey, British Columbia, Canada, was attacked for the third time in four months. The establishment was reportedly fired upon in the early hours of Thursday, leaving its façade and windows damaged. Fortunately, no injuries were reported.

According to News Derby, several shots were fired at the café, and a video from the site showed multiple Surrey Police Service (SPS) cruisers stationed around the location. This marks the third such attack, following similar incidents in July and August this year.

After the previous shooting on August 7, local law enforcement had insisted that no harm was caused to the staff or public in general apart from only property damages, some officials later told local media that the repeated attacks created panic among employees, residents, and businessmen around. They also confirmed that investigators had recovered what appeared to be a Molotov cocktail — an incendiary device — at the scene.

This latest incident comes shortly after the Canadian government officially designated the Lawrence Bishnoi gang as a terrorist organisation on September 29, 2025, citing its ongoing involvement in organised violence and spreading fear. The gang has since claimed responsibility for the attack on Kaps Café through a social media post, warning that “bullets can go anywhere.”

Reports suggest that the repeated targeting of Kapil Sharma’s café may be linked to his long-standing association with Bollywood superstar Salman Khan, who has been on the Bishnoi gang’s radar for years. Alongside Lawrence Bishnoi, names such as Goldy Dhillon and Kulveer Singh have also surfaced in connection with the case.

The Surrey Police Service Frontline Investigative Support Team has taken over the probe, with authorities continuing to investigate the motives behind the repeated assaults.

These recurring attacks have reignited concerns about the resurgence of gang-related extortion and intimidation targeting Bollywood personalities — a worrying trend reminiscent of the underworld’s grip on the film industry during the 1980s and 1990s. As investigations continue, questions remain over the safety of Indian entertainers living or operating abroad.

Also Read: Kapil Sharma faces MNS wrath over referring to Mumbai as ‘Bombay’: “A humble request-cum-warning is being issued”

Actor-filmmaker-activist Sonu Sood, who made a huge impact as a philanthropist during the COVID endemic, is ready to direct a new film, this time based on Bihar’s socio-political scenario.

Speaking exclusively on this, Sonu Sood said, “I have just finished writing the film. Besides playing the lead, I will be directing the film also. So, it's an action film. I will for sure announce it in a big way since Bihar is a state very close to my heart. I have grown up in Bihar and I have studied the state’s dynamics from close quarters.”

But Sonu Sood is not keen to do documentary-like political drama. “I’ve chosen the world of Bihar this time for its dramatic potential, and it's going to be definitely an action film. Something that we all will be proud of. We have been already working for past 7-8 months on the detailing of the film. Now, I will come up with a big announcement very very soon and obviously I am going to call you first.”

Sonu’s last directorial was the gritty action film Fateh. He has his own take on a film’s viability and the audience. “Sir, I don’t look at cinema as only a money-making machine. Of course, I want my films to do well. Who doesn’t want success? But for me, the public is not just an audience for my film. They are my extended family. Bahot gehra rishta hai hamara unke saath. I don’t look at them as a profit making machine.”

During the COVID pandemic, Sonu Sood helped thousands of people with transportation to their homes, medicines, oxygen emergency surgery, financial assistance, education etc.

Also Read: Sonu Sood buys land worth Rs 1.05 crore in Panvel with son Eshaan: Report

The next chapter of the Khanna–Kapadia film legacy is about to begin. Naomika Saran, granddaughter of iconic actors Rajesh Khanna and Dimple Kapadia, is all set to make her Bollywood debut with a Dinesh Vijan–produced romantic comedy under the banner of Maddock Films.

The film, expected to go on floors by mid-2026, will pair Naomiak Saran opposite Vedang Raina, who was last seen in the Alia Bhatt–produced Jigra (2024). According to a report by Mid-Day, the young debutante has been preparing intensively for her first film over the past year, with workshops in acting and dance designed to polish her craft before stepping into the spotlight.

Naomiak Saran is the daughter of Rinke Khanna, who made her own acting debut in Pyaar Mein Kabhi Kabhi (1998), and the niece of Twinkle Khanna and Akshay Kumar. Though she belongs to one of Bollywood’s most celebrated families, Naomika has largely stayed away from the media glare until recently, when her frequent visits to Maddock Films’ office set off speculation about her debut.​

Interestingly, the project initially had Agastya Nanda, the grandson of Amitabh Bachchan, attached as the male lead. However, after discussions and scheduling conflicts, the role was recast with Vedang Raina. A source told Mid-Day, “Vedang and Naomika have great chemistry. When the team saw them together, it just clicked. Vedang is currently shooting for an Imtiaz Ali film and will move on to this project next”.

The romantic comedy will reportedly be directed by a fresh face from the Maddock Films stable, aligning with producer Dinesh Vijan’s ongoing strategy of blending young talent with new-age storytelling.

Unlike the typical fanfare accompanying star-kid debuts, Naomika’s team has chosen a deliberate and low-key approach. “Dinesh and his team were clear they didn’t want to announce her debut until she was completely ready,” the source added.

Also Read: Rajesh Khanna’s granddaughter Naomika Saran set for Bollywood debut opposite Amitabh Bachchan’s grandson Agastya Nanda

A controversy erupted ahead of the Jubilee Hills Assembly by-election in Telangana after fake voter ID cards bearing the photos of actresses Tamannaah Bhatia, Samantha Ruth Prabhu, and Rakul Preet Singh were discovered at a single residential address. The authorities from the Election Commission have confirmed that they are investigating the matter to determine how these fraudulent entries were created.

Same Address, Multiple Fake IDs According to reports, all three fabricated voter ID cards listed the same address within the Jubilee Hills constituency, raising serious questions about the integrity of the electoral rolls. The Election Commission’s local office has taken note of the irregularities and stated that verification is underway to trace those responsible.

Telangana|Hyderabad EC takes serious note of fake posts claiming Tollywood heroines Rakul Preet, Samantha & Tamannaah are Jubilee Hills voters EC filed a police complaint over the misleading propaganda; Hyderabad officials have launched an inquiry into the alleged voter slips pic.twitter.com/F5VZyNIDQT

— Gummalla Lakshmana (@GUMMALLALAKSHM3) October 16, 2025

Political Stakes and Candidates The by-election for the Jubilee Hills Assembly seat is scheduled for November 11, with vote counting set for November 14. The seat fell vacant following the death of BRS MLA Maganti Gopinath in June due to a heart attack. The ruling Congress party has fielded V. Naveen Yadav as its candidate, while Maganti Sunitha, the widow of the late MLA, represents the BRS (Bharath Rashtra Samithi). BJP has nominated Lankala Deepak Reddy to contest from the seat. BRS Alleges “Thousands of Fake Voters” The opposition BRS has accused the ruling Congress of orchestrating a large-scale voter registration fraud in the constituency. BRS Working President KT Rama Rao alleged that the Congress manipulated electoral rolls by creating thousands of fake entries. “In one house, they got 43 fake votes were registered. In total, they registered thousands of fake votes. We are doing an exercise on that and will counter it in whatever way necessary,” KTR said. Legal Challenge and Court’s Observation Following these allegations, the BRS moved the Telangana High Court, seeking action against the alleged irregularities. However, during a recent hearing, the High Court observed that since the State Election Commission is already revising electoral rolls, no additional directions were necessary at this stage.

The incident involving fake voter ID cards featuring prominent film celebrities has added a dramatic twist to an already heated campaign in Jubilee Hills.

Also Read: Tamannaah Bhatia is more than just ‘Milky Beauty’: 6 Reasons that prove she’s an artist of substance

Dinesh Vijan has emerged as one of the most successful producers of the Indian Film Industry in the post-COVID world, tasting success with mid-budget films devoid of big stars. Diwali 2025 will see the release of Thamma, which is a follow-up to his Independence Day 2024 blockbuster - Stree 2. Reliable sources have confirmed that Thamma is the most expensive film of Maddock Horror Comedy Universe.

"Thamma is the most expensive and ambitious film of the Maddock Horror Comedy Universe. With VFX companies of international repute working on it, the final budget of Thamma is around Rs. 125 crores, excluding print and publicity, which is estimated to be in the bracket of Rs. 20 crores. The final landing cost of Thamma will fall in the vicinity of Rs. 145 crores," a source told Bollywood Hungama.

The source also informs that Thamma has surpassed Stree 2 to become the most expensive film of the universe. "Stree 2 was made on a budget of Rs. 125 crores including print and publicity. Thamma is almost Rs. 20 crores higher, and producer Dinesh Vijan is placing his bets on Rashmika and Ayushmann to bring in the audience. He truly believes in the magic of content, which has resulted in him investing such monies, and is now hoping for the lead actors to bring in the audience on opening day," the source told us further.

This isn't the first time that Dinesh Vijan is taking a risk of mounting a big film. "He made Chhaava with Vicky, which most thought of as a not-so-wise business decision. But the film delivered, and so did Vicky. He is now confident that the film and the lead actors will deliver again on Diwali, as he has already padded it with the tag of his most prestigious universe."

Thamma is set to release on 21st October, and the distributors have demanded 70 percent of the total showcasing at the India level.

Also Read: Thamma vs Deewaniyat: Will the superstar-less Diwali after 22 years bring in box office rewards? Trade experts share their views