A lot of dust has been flying around concerning Deepika Padukone’s exit from Sandeep Reddy Vanga’s next film Spirit. It has been widely reported that Vanga had Deepika replaced by another actress (Triptii Dimri) after Deepika made “unreasonable demands”, like a limited amount of working hours per day, etc.

However, for the first time here is the truth on why Deepika actually walked out of Vanga’s film Spirit starring Prabhas.

From a source very close to the development here is the truth. “Deepika loved the script and role in Sandeep Vanga’s film. The contract was being drawn up, when a week later she was offered Atlee’s film with Allu Arjun which she liked even more than Sandeep Vanga’s film. Since she couldn’t do both the projects, she decided to opt out of Spirit, citing differences of opinion on fee, work hours, etc,” said the source.

The truth is, Vanga had no objections to whatever misgivings Deepika expressed on the project. She just got an offer that she liked better and changed her mind about Spirit with Prabhas. And no harm in that. She had already worked with Prabhas in Kalki 2898 AD. Allu Arjun is going to be a new experience for her.

Also Read: Ali Fazal joins debate after Deepika Padukone’s exit from Spirit: “We are creators. This is not like a corporate job”

Salman Khan’s balcony at Galaxy Apartment has long held iconic status, as the actor traditionally greets his fans from there on occasions like Eid. Earlier this year, however, fans were disappointed when the balcony was enclosed with bulletproof glass. Many assumed it was due to the ongoing threats against the superstar. However, Khan has now disclosed the actual reason behind the decision to shield the balcony.

In a recent interview with Bollywood Bubble, Salman Khan shared that the real reason behind enclosing his balcony was due to people climbing up and staying there in hopes of meeting him. “I would find them sleeping there,” he revealed as quoted by the publication. As a result, the actor decided to cover the balcony to ensure the safety of everyone at home.

For those who may not know, Salman Khan’s balcony at his Galaxy Apartments residence was enclosed with bulletproof glass in January this year. This heightened security measure was implemented during a period when the actor was receiving multiple death threats, primarily from the gang of jailed gangster Lawrence Bishnoi.

In April 2024, gunshots were fired outside Salman Khan’s Galaxy Apartments in the Bandra area of Mumbai. Following the incident, it was reported that the Lawrence Bishnoi gang was allegedly involved. Anmol Bishnoi, the gangster’s brother, later claimed responsibility for the shooting through a post on Facebook.

Subsequently, the Mumbai Traffic Police received a threatening message from the gang, demanding Rs. 5 crores in exchange for Salman Khan’s “forgiveness.” The message warned that if the demand was not fulfilled, the actor would face a fate “worse than Baba Siddique,” who was shot dead in Mumbai on October 12, 2024.

Following these alarming events, Salman Khan’s security was significantly enhanced. In October 2024, he purchased a bulletproof Nissan Patrol SUV valued at around Rs 2 crores, imported directly from Dubai to Mumbai. Additionally, security protocols were strengthened outside the Bigg Boss 18 sets in Mumbai’s Film City. Reports also state that Khan’s security team was bolstered with an extra eight to ten armed officers, and the Mumbai Police set up a special command centre at his residence.

Also Read : Salman Khan to begin filming Battle of Galwan in August, studio shoot followed by intense Ladakh schedule: Report

Actress Tanushree Dutta has once again raised alarming concerns about her safety and well-being, sharing an emotional video on social media where she breaks down while alleging ongoing harassment at her residence in Mumbai. The video, which has now gone viral, captures Dutta visibly distressed as she pleads for help from the public and authorities.

The actress captioned the video saying, “I'm sick and tired of this harassment!! It's been going on since 2018 #metoo Aaj fed up hokar maine police ko call kiya.. Please someone help me! Do something before it's too late.”

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Tanushree, who rose to fame with films like Aashiq Banaya Aapne, has been at the forefront of India’s #MeToo movement. In 2018, she accused veteran actor Nana Patekar of sexual harassment during a film shoot—an allegation that triggered industry-wide conversations on abuse of power. Although the charges against Patekar were later dropped, Dutta has continued to maintain that her life has been filled with trauma and resistance ever since.

In another recent post, Tanushree shared an audio clip accompanied by a dark video, highlighting the disturbing noises she claims have become a regular part of her life. “I have also dealt with loud noises like this and other very very loud banging noises above my roof and outside my door almost every day at odd hours since 2020! I got tired of complaining to the building management and gave up a few years ago. Now I just live with it and put headphones with Hindu mantras to distract my mind and keep my sanity," she wrote.

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She further added, "Today I was so unwell, as you guys know I have developed Chronic fatigue syndrome due to dealing with constant stress and anxiety for last 5 years and this was going on all day and evening way past acceptable and allowed hours! Imagine… Yesterday I posted and today this! Ab samajh jao sab log ki what I've been dealing with. Aur bhi bohut kuch hai jo FIR mein mention karoongi."

Tanushree has appealed for immediate intervention, claiming that despite years of raising complaints, the situation continues to deteriorate. Her latest revelations have sparked a renewed wave of concern from fans and well-wishers, many of whom are urging the authorities to take swift action before matters escalate further.

Also Read: Tanushree Dutta remembers her breakout role in Raqeeb; reveals, “We shot 18 hours a day”

Shahid Kapoor’s film on Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj has been officially shelved. Director Amit Rai, renowned for OMG 2, confirmed this in a recent interview with Mid-Day. He also voiced his disappointment with the ongoing systemic problems within the film industry.

In an interview with Mid-Day, director Amit Rai stated, “The system is so cruel. Even if you have proved your mettle with a Rs 180 crores film (OMG 2), it’s not enough. How is a director supposed to work here, under these systems of casting, production, star, and management? You live with a story for five years, and within minutes, somebody writes a five-pager, pointing out what is wrong and what is right in the film.”

Amit also shared that Pankaj Tripathi, who starred in OMG 2, was involved in his upcoming project. He mentioned that Akshay Kumar had also shown interest in being part of it. Praising both actors for being ‘generous’, he said, “An actor will only do what’s working at the box office. Very few actors were honest to me. Sometimes, they weren’t interested in being part of a film that’s speaking the truth about society, and instead wanted to do a love story.”

Shahid Kapoor is currently occupied with the filming of Vishal Bhardwaj’s upcoming project. A major box office clash is expected this December. Reportedly, the makers of Shahid’s next have chosen to retain the film’s original release date, despite facing strong competition from Ranveer Singh’s Dhurandhar and Prabhas’ highly awaited The Raja Saab. There are no plans to change the release schedule, setting up a massive three-way showdown at the box office.

Also Read : EXCLUSIVE: No change in release date for Shahid Kapoor-Vishal Bhardwaj’s next; to CLASH with Ranveer Singh’s Dhurandhar and Prabhas’ The RajaSaab on December 5

Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Mohan Yadav on Tuesday announced that Anupam Kher’s directorial Tanvi The Great will be made tax-free in the state. The decision comes after a special screening held in Bhopal, where CM Yadav watched it alongside the veteran actor-director.

“Today, I had the opportunity to watch the film Tanvi The Great with the renowned actor and director Shri @AnupamPKher ji in Bhopal. I announce that the film will be made tax-free in Madhya Pradesh,” Yadav said in a post on X (formerly Twitter).

The film, which features the story of an autistic girl navigating challenges and aspirations, has drawn attention for its subject matter. Speaking about the film’s impact, Yadav added, “This touching film, dedicated to the struggles, determination, and dreams of an autistic girl, inspires people to be more sensitive, humane, and compassionate towards such special children. Heartfelt congratulations and best wishes to Shri Kher ji and his entire team for this wonderful film.” Anupam Kher, was present during the Bhopal screening.

आज भोपाल में सुप्रसिद्ध अभिनेता एवं निर्देशक श्री @AnupamPKher जी के साथ उनकी फिल्म Tanvi The Great देखने का अवसर मिला। फिल्म को मध्यप्रदेश में टैक्स फ्री करने की घोषणा करता हूं। ऑटिस्टिक बच्ची के संघर्ष, संकल्प व सपनों को समर्पित यह मार्मिक फिल्म ऐसे विशेष बच्चों के प्रति लोगों… pic.twitter.com/8BHZ8xWaXk

— Dr Mohan Yadav (@DrMohanYadav51) July 22, 2025

The tax exemption is expected to make the film more accessible to audiences across the state. While it is not uncommon for states to waive entertainment tax on films dealing with social issues, Tanvi The Great is among the few this year to receive such a status.

With this move, Madhya Pradesh joins a growing list of states supporting films with social themes, particularly those spotlighting neurodiversity and inclusion.

Produced by NFDC, Tanvi The Great stars debutant Shubhangi in the titular role along with Jackie Shroff, Karan Tacker, Arvind Swamy, Pallavi Joshi, Boman Irani among others.

Also Read: EXCLUSIVE: Anupam Kher says, “After Saaransh, the kind of appreciation I have got for making Tanvi The Great is phenomenal”

Bollywood Hungama was the first one to report on July 12 that Everest Entertainment published a public notice in Atul Mohan’s Complete Cinema magazine in the June 28 – July 5, 2025 issue, informing the public and industry that they have the rights to the 2009 cult Marathi film Mi Shivajiraje Bhosale Boltoy. The notice was published after the teaser of Mahesh Manjrekar’s Punha Shivajiraje Bhosale was dropped online. The film is all set to release on Diwali and is perceived as a spiritual sequel to Mi Shivajiraje Bhosale Boltoy.

Bollywood Hungama has now learned that the makers of Punha Shivajiraje Bhosale, on July 7, have also published a public notice, in reply to the public notice of Everest Entertainment. The notice was published in Film Information Magazine by advocate Manjit Singh Jolly.

It stated that “The public in general and the media and entertainment industry in particular are hereby informed that at or around 28-06-2025 and 05-07-2025, a public notice was issued in a film trade journal by Bar & Brief Attorneys for and on behalf of their client, Everest Entertainment LLP, concerning the rights of the Marathi language cinematograph film titled Me Shivajiraje Bhosale Boltoy (Film) and cautioning the public against dealing with the rights of the said film with Mahesh Manjrekar and/or Rahul Sughand and/or Rahul Puranik and/or any third person and further calling to inform about the claims with documentary proof within 14 (fourteen) days from the date of publication of the said notice with respect to any such alleged dealing (Everest Notice).”

It further said, “(Firstly), The Everest Notice is blatantly false, misleading and without any reasonable basis in law and fact. (Secondly), Mahesh Manjrekar, Rahul Sughand and Rahul Puranik (collectively My Clients) are reputable, distinguished and esteemed persons and members of the society at large and enjoy tremendous goodwill in the media and entertainment industry, in particular. (Thirdly), My Clients were shocked to read the contents of the Everest Notice, particularly with respect to the insinuation cast therein against My Clients. (Fourthly), Everest Notice was recently brought to My Clients’ knowledge, and My Clients wish to vehemently, stoutly and resolutely refute and deny the contents of the Everest Notice as utterly baseless and mischievous in intent. (Lastly), My Clients categorically and unequivocally pronounce that My Clients severally and/or collectively have not infringed the rights of the Film.”

The notice ended stating that “This Notice is without prejudice to My Clients’ rights at law and equity.”

Also Read: EXCLUSIVE: Mahesh Manjrekar’s grand Diwali release Punha Shivajiraje Bhosale triggers IP Battle; Everest Entertainment warns of legal action

On Ranveer Singh’s birthday on July 6, it was announced that his highly anticipated film, Dhurandhar, will release on December 5, 2025. A week before this announcement, the makers of the big-budget Pan-India horror comedy, The RajaSaab, also scheduled the Prabhas-starrer for a December 5 release. This led to speculations that Shahid Kapoor’s untitled next, directed by Vishal Bhardwaj, will not arrive on the same day and would move to another date, possibly on the second Friday of January 2026. Bollywood Hungama has learned that the makers of this film have no such intentions and have decided to stick to the December 5 date.

A source told Bollywood Hungama, “It was the makers of Shahid Kapoor’s next that took the December 5 slot first. The filming is going on at a steady pace and the film has shaped up well. Producer Sajid Nadiadwala is confident of the product and doesn’t feel the need to move from the date that he was the first one to reserve.”

An industry insider commented, “The fact that Sajid Nadiadwala has decided not to move from the December 5 date shows his extreme confidence in his product. The film has an interesting star cast; besides Shahid Kapoor, it also stars Triptii Dimri, Nana Patekar and Randeep Hooda. It promises to have not just the trademark Vishal Bhardwaj stamp but also commercial elements, which will make the film worth watching on the big screen. Moreover, since it’s a Vishal Bhardwaj film, it’ll also have some soulful songs. As a result, it can be a film to watch out for.”

In the last two years, the first Friday of December has emerged as a sought-after date. Animal was released on the same day and became a Rs. 500 crore blockbuster. Vicky Kaushal’s Sam Bahadur also arrived on the same day – December 1, 2023 – and despite being a serious drama, it performed well at the box office. In 2024, the monstrous all-time grosser Pushpa 2 hit cinemas across the world on December 5, 2024. Will Shahid Kapoor-Vishal Bhardwaj’s next, Dhurandhar and The RajaSaab also follow suit? Time will tell.

Also Read: YRF to celebrates Hrithik Roshan and Jr. NTR’s 25 years in cinema with War 2 trailer drop on July 25

Earlier reports suggested that the release of the romantic drama Param Sundari, starring Sidharth Malhotra and Janhvi Kapoor, was pushed from its original July 25 date to steer clear of a box office clash with Son of Sardaar 2. However, insider sources reveal that the decision to postpone was also driven by the crowded release calendar, with several romantic films lined up in the following weeks.

According to a report, the makers of Param Sundari made a calculated decision to delay the film’s release, aiming to avoid a direct clash with two major romantic dramas—Anurag Basu’s Metro…In Dino and Mohit Suri’s Saiyaara. Adding to the packed schedule, Dhadak 2 is also set to hit theatres on August 1. A source close to the development shared, “Param Sundari has its own voice. With two romantic dramas releasing in quick succession, the makers didn’t want it to be reduced to just another love story. They felt the film would benefit from a breather.”

Param Sundari is now expected to hit theatres on either August 29 or September 5, a window that should offer the film greater visibility and a more defined space at the box office. The team is also making strategic use of the delay. A source revealed, “A new promotional song will be filmed closer to the release, once Sidharth wraps up his current commitments and eases into his new role as a father.”

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.

Also Read : Vicky Kaushal pens heartfelt message to new parents Sidharth Malhotra and Kiara Advani; melts the internet

Actor Shreyas Talpade has been granted interim protection from arrest by the Supreme Court in connection with a multi-crore chit fund scam spanning several states. The court’s order comes amid ongoing investigations into allegations that Talpade and others defrauded hundreds of villagers through a fraudulent investment scheme.

In an interim ruling passed on Monday, a bench led by Justices BV Nagarathna and KV Viswanathan issued notices to the Union government and the states of Haryana, Uttar Pradesh, and Uttarakhand. The court also scheduled the next hearing for August 29, when it will consider Talpade’s plea to consolidate the multiple FIRs filed against him and transfer the investigation to Lucknow.

Until then, the bench has directed that no coercive action be taken against the actor.

The controversy traces back to March this year, when Jammu and Kashmir Police registered a fraud case against Talpade and 14 others. They were accused of operating a company named The Loni Urban Multistate Credit and Thrift Cooperative Society Limited, which allegedly promised villagers unusually high returns on their investments. Agents working for the company are said to have convinced local residents that their money would double within a short period.

The scheme reportedly amassed crores of rupees from unsuspecting investors before the company abruptly ceased operations, leaving many in financial distress.

According to reports, the scam had been active for nearly a decade in Mahoba, Uttar Pradesh, before coming under legal scrutiny. In February 2024, an FIR was filed against Shreyas Talpade and veteran actor Alok Nath at Gomti Nagar Police Station in Lucknow. The complaint accused them and five other members of the cooperative society of defrauding investors of more than Rs 9 crore.

Also Read: Shreyas Talpade on the serious business of comedy and his return in Housefull 5

The 2020 Galwan Valley clash between Indian and Chinese troops, one of the deadliest military confrontations in decades, continues to inspire cinematic retellings. Following projects like Battle of Galwan, starring Salman Khan and directed by Apoorva Lakhia, and Rahul Roy’s LAC: Battle of Galwan, now streaming on YouTube, another film is in the works, this time focusing on the life of Vir Chakra awardee Sepoy Gurtej Singh.

As per a report by Mid-Day, titled The Lion of Galwan (working title), the film will be produced by businessman Himalay Dassani, husband of actor Bhagyashree. Their son, actor Abhimanyu Dassani, known for Meenakshi Sundareshwar (2021), is set to portray the late soldier in what promises to be an emotionally charged performance.

Speaking about the motivation behind the project, Himalay said, “It’s the life story of Sepoy Gurtej Singh. I was intrigued, so I traced his family down to his village in Mansa, Punjab, and acquired the biopic rights from his parents.”

The narrative will span three key phases of Singh’s life — his early years, the events of the night of June 15, 2020, when 20 Indian soldiers, including Singh and Colonel Bikkumalla Santosh Babu, were martyred in a hand-to-hand clash near the Line of Actual Control (LAC) in eastern Ladakh, and the larger strategic stance taken by the Indian government in response to the Chinese aggression.

According to Himalay, research is currently underway with two teams stationed in Chandigarh and Delhi. “We are working closely with various ministries, the Indian Army, and government bodies to ensure accuracy. The film will also depict how the defence and foreign ministries responded that night, and how our soldiers fought bare-handed in freezing temperatures.”

The makers plan to begin filming in Ladakh in early 2026, as the extreme winter conditions make shooting unfeasible before that. Himalay adds that he is currently in discussion with three potential directors, and a final choice will be made soon.

When asked about the parallel Salman Khan project on the same subject, Himalay welcomed it, saying, “It’s like the Indo-Pak wars — each battle has multiple stories and perspectives. Salman playing Colonel Santosh Babu is a great thing. There’s room for more than one film when the stories are this important.”

Also Read: Salman Khan to begin filming Battle of Galwan in August, studio shoot followed by intense Ladakh schedule: Report

Acclaimed filmmaker Anurag Kashyap's latest directorial venture Bandar / Monkey in a Cage has been selected for world premiere at the 50th Toronto International Film Festival, running September 4-14, 2025. The film, produced by Nikhil Dwivedi, features Bobby Deol and Sanya Malhotra in pivotal roles. This marks the first official announcement about the project, revealing both the title and the star cast.

The makers posted the first-ever glimpse of actor Bobby Deol’s intense look from the film, announcing the film’s official selection at TIFF. They captioned it, “The Story that should not have been told... But is the Offical Selection at the 50th Toronto International Film Festival 2025. Our Film inspired from True Events is Premiering at #tiff50”

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Bandar will screen as part of TIFF's Special Presentations programme, which celebrates contemporary cinema from across the globe. The selection represents a significant milestone for Indian cinema at one of the world's most prestigious film festivals.

Director Anurag Kashyap, known for cult classics like Gangs of Wasseypur, Black Friday, and Ugly, brings his signature raw storytelling style to this new project. Bobby Deol, who has been experiencing a remarkable career resurgence, leads the ensemble cast alongside acclaimed actresses Sanya Malhotra, Saba Azad, and Sapna Pabbi.

Producer Nikhil Dwivedi, who has backed successful films including Veere Di Wedding (2018) and CTRL (2024), continues his track record of backing unique stories. Dwivedi is also producing the upcoming fantasy drama Naagin starring Shraddha Kapoor.

The 50th edition of TIFF, presented by Rogers, will showcase films from over 30 countries. Monkey in a Cage joins an impressive lineup of world premieres and international titles competing for attention at the festival.

Also Read: Anurag Kashyap opens up about T-Series: “If T-Series is not buying it, it is great music”

On July 22, Prime Video announced the start of production for its upcoming Original talk show—Two Much with Kajol and Twinkle, hosted and helmed by two enigmatic and powerhouse personalities, the sassy Kajol and the witty Mrs. Funnybones herself, Twinkle Khanna. Premiering soon, the bold, fiery, and candid talk show is produced by Banijay Asia.

Promising a guest list featuring the biggest names in Bollywood and the industry’s Who’s Who—outshining even the most glamorous red carpets, Two Much with Kajol and Twinkle is set to be a bold, brilliant, and unapologetically unfiltered talk show, delivering their hottest takes on the coolest topics, all fired up by the infectious energy of its vivacious hosts.

“We are very thrilled to announce Two Much with Kajol and Twinkle—a first-of-its-kind talk show, hosted by two of the sharpest voices in Indian entertainment, who are set to reinvent the genre,” said Nikhil Madhok, Director and Head of Originals, Prime Video, India. “With a mix of charismatic celebrities on the guest list, Kajol and Twinkle will bring their signature blend of wit, feistiness, and unparalleled insights to sparkling conversations that are humorous, unfiltered, and unapologetic. Joining forces with Banijay Asia, we are creating something truly bold, fresh, and unforgettable for our audiences.”

Mrinalini Jain, Group Chief Development Officer–Banijay Asia and Endemol Shine India, said, “Two Much with Kajol and Twinkle is a bold blend of unfiltered honesty, sharp viewpoints, and unapologetic conversations with India’s biggest stars. At its heart, it celebrates the firebrand personalities of Kajol and Twinkle—distinct, fearless, and refreshingly real. Built on their camaraderie and lived experiences, the show is packed with insight, laughter, and relatable topics for everyone! At Banijay Asia, we’re committed to crafting original formats that keep audiences engaged, and with Two Much with Kajol and Twinkle, we couldn’t have asked for a better partner than Prime Video—a streaming service that continues to redefine unscripted content in India.”

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Stay tuned for more, as Two Much with Kajol and Twinkle gets ready to deliver twice the sass, spark, and surprise—only on Prime Video.

Also Read: Viineet Kumar Singh gets real about modern relationships in Prime Video’s Rangeen; says, “The show is about two of life’s most important pillars: knowing and accepting”