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

Diwali usually brings family entertainers, but Ek Deewane Ki Deewaniyat takes a bold turn. The film has been certified ‘A’. With recent adult-rated hits like Animal (2023), Coolie (2025) etc., proving that an ‘A’ tag doesn’t stop box office success, this intense love story is ready to make its mark amid the festive fireworks.

Despite the ‘A’ rating, the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) requested six modifications from the makers of the romantic saga. A 2-minute 12-second shot was asked to be modified. The details of the shot aren't specified in the cut list. A 1-second visual of Mantralaya was asked to be removed.

Ek Deewane Ki Deewaniyat also suffered audio cuts. The dialogue 'sleep with her' was asked to be removed. At two places, 'Raavan' was replaced with 'villain'. The CBFC's Examining Committee, in fact, asked the makers to remove all the dialogue belonging to the epic Ramayana. Lastly, 'maal' was replaced with 'ladki'.

Once these changes were made, Ek Deewane Ki Deewaniyat was passed with an ‘A’ certificate on October 16. The length of the film, as mentioned on the censor certificate, is 140.17 minutes. In other words, Ek Deewane Ki Deewaniyat is 2 hours 20 minutes and 17 minutes long. Directed by Milap Zaveri, it stars Harshvardhan Rane and Sonam Bajwa.

Interestingly, Ek Deewane Ki Deewaniyat is the first Diwali release in 22 long years to be A-rated. The last time this occurred was during Diwali 2003. Four films were released in the festival week that year – the period drama Pinjar, Govinda’s comic caper Raja Bhaiya, Tanishaa Mukherji’s horror flick Sssshhh and Vikram Bhatt’s thriller Inteha. The last two were passed with ‘A’ rating by the CBFC.

A year prior, in 2002, Annarth, starring Sanjay Dutt, Sunil Shetty, Vinod Kambli and others, was given an adults-only rating. In 2001, Kamal Haasan’s ambitious venture Aalavandhan, which was released in Hindi as Abhay, was also meant only for adults. In 1999, the A-rated Shool, starring Manoj Bajpayee and Raveena Tandon with a special appearance by Shilpa Shetty, was a Diwali release and it clashed with Hum Saath Saath Hain.

Also Read: EXCLUSIVE: Thamma vs Ek Deewane Ki Deewaniyat screen-sharing battle begins; makers of Ayushmann Khurrana-starrer demand ALL shows in single and two-screen cinemas

After days of social media speculation surrounding her pregnancy, actress Sonakshi Sinha has finally broken her silence — and in her signature witty style. The actress took to Instagram to address the ongoing rumours while sharing a series of photos from one of the Diwali parties she recently attended.

In the photos, Sonakshi looked radiant in an elegant ivory ensemble, while her husband Zaheer Iqbal complimented her in a navy-blue outfit. The final slide captured the couple laughing heartily — a fitting response to the chatter surrounding them.

Putting an end to the rumours, Sonakshi wrote in her caption, “World record holder for longest pregnancy in human history (16 months and counting according to our lovely and hyper intelligent media) simply for posing with hand around midsection. Scroll to last slide for our reaction… and then continue to dazzle this Diwali.”

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Her playful tone instantly struck a chord with fans. One Instagram user commented, “Always glowing, which is why is it SO CONFUSING,” while social media influencer Kusha Kapila dropped laughing emojis in support.

For the unversed, Sonakshi Sinha and Zaheer Iqbal tied the knot on June 23, 2024, after dating for seven years. Professionally, Sonakshi is gearing up for her next big-screen outing, Jathadhara. The film’s trailer is set to be unveiled by superstar Mahesh Babu today, October 17, following the release of its motion poster earlier this week. Jathadhara will hit cinemas on November 7, 2025, in both Hindi and Telugu.

Also Read: Mahesh Babu to launch Jatadhara trailer tomorrow; Sonakshi Sinha & Sudheer Babu shine in motion poster

Param Sundari, a 2025 romantic drama produced by Maddock Films, has found a respectable place at the box office despite its modest scale. The film, starring Sidharth Malhotra and Janhvi Kapoor, has earned around Rs. 90 crores worldwide against a reported budget of Rs. 45 crores — a decent return in today’s uncertain theatrical climate.

Rather than relying on spectacle, Param Sundari takes a straightforward approach to storytelling. Its appeal lies in familiar emotions and accessible characters, supported by the lead pair’s natural chemistry and a soundtrack that gained steady traction after release. The film’s performance highlights how mid-range projects with clear creative and financial planning can still perform well with the right audience connect.

Trade analysts note that the film adds to Sidharth Malhotra’s record of consistent box office performances. Over the years, titles like Shershaah, Kapoor & Sons, and Ek Villain have helped him maintain a stable following that responds to emotionally grounded roles. Param Sundari continues in that vein, reinforcing his dependable presence in the romantic genre.

For Maddock Films, the project aligns with the company’s strategy of balancing costs with commercial viability. The studio, known for films like Luka Chuppi and Zara Hatke Zara Bachke, has once again demonstrated a pragmatic production model suited to the current market.

Param Sundari represents a realistic success story — one built on manageable expectations, effective budgeting, and audience relatability rather than hype or heavy marketing. Plus, it still has its OTT prospects ahead. At a time when many big-budget films struggle to find stable footing, such outcomes serve as a reminder that consistency can still count as success.

Also Read: From Param Sundari to Om Shanti Om: When songs became movie titles!

The streets of Mumbai are set to come alive once again with guns, power, and ambition as filmmaker Sandeep Singh of Legend Studios announces his next big venture — Dongri: Gangster’s Paradise. Helming the project is Remo Gopi D’Souza, who will be stepping away from his celebrated dance films to explore the action-drama space once again. The screenplay and dialogues are penned by Milap Zaveri, known for his command over commercial, dialogue-driven storytelling.

The upcoming action drama marks a return to the gritty, larger-than-life world of the Mumbai underworld, a genre that has defined some of Indian cinema’s most memorable narratives. The film’s central story revolves around a young and ambitious challenger who dares to take on the biggest Don of all time. What follows is a tense, explosive rivalry that promises to deliver a full-throttle cinematic experience, blending action, emotion, and high drama.

Speaking about the collaboration, Sandeep Singh said, “Remo, Milap & I have been friends for years. We have been trying to come for a film and it couldn't have been better than this as this couldn't have been expected from an ace choreographer Remo. But this one is a surprise by him to me. And I am sure that it will surprise the audience also equally. This is the most unique film under Legend Studios and I hope people will accept this genre from our banner.”

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Director Remo Gopi D’Souza shared his enthusiasm, stating, “This film is a raw, emotional, and powerful story rooted in the heart of Mumbai, and it is a genre I've always been fascinated by. The script is phenomenal, and I am thrilled to collaborate with Sandeep Singh and Milap Zaveri to bring this classic rivalry to the big screen, promising audiences an unforgettable, mass-market spectacle.”

Writer Milap Milan Zaveri added, “Writing Dongri has been an exhilarating experience because it brings back the iconic crime drama genre with a fresh, contemporary take. I believe the blend of raw emotion, powerful dialogue, and Remo Gopi D’Souza’s brilliant visual execution will resonate strongly with the audience, and I’m confident that this story will deliver all the action and intensity fans have been waiting for.”

Dongri: Gangster’s Paradise will go on floors in February 2026 and is slated for a theatrical release on October 9, 2026. Produced by Sandeep Singh and Vishal Gurnani, the film is co-produced by Juhi Parekh Mehta, Vicky Jain, and Golden Hour Production, with music composed by Sachin–Jigar.

Also Read: Remo D’Souza praises Sonam Bajwa’s performance in ‘Bol Kaffara Kya Hoga’: “She brought her own understanding of the character into every move”

In what could easily be one of the grandest advertising projects in India, filmmaker Atlee, known for his blockbuster hits like Jawan and Theri, has directed a Rs. 150 crores commercial for Ching’s Desi Chinese. The mega ad film stars Ranveer Singh, Sreeleela, and Bobby Deol in leading roles — bringing together an electrifying mix of Bollywood’s most dynamic stars under Atlee’s high-octane direction.

The upcoming campaign is said to be mounted on a cinematic scale rarely seen in the advertising space, complete with elaborate sets, extensive VFX, and a multi-location shoot schedule. The production reportedly aims to blend Atlee’s signature massy storytelling with the quirky, high-energy brand persona that Ching’s Desi Chinese is known for.

According to an independent industry source, “The ad campaign for Ching’s Desi Chinese, featuring Ranveer Singh, Bobby Deol and Sreeleela directed by Atlee, is being made on a massive budget of around Rs. 150 crores. This alone makes it one of the biggest ad campaigns ever executed, featuring celebrated stars and a huge budget.”

This marks Atlee’s first commercial project after the massive success of Jawan, which starred Shah Rukh Khan and became one of India’s highest-grossing films. His collaboration with Chings and Ranveer Singh — who previously fronted the brand in a series of humorous and action-packed ads — signals a fresh and ambitious phase for the food brand’s marketing.

With the addition of Bobby Deol, currently riding high after his web show The Ba***ds of Bollywood, and Sreeleela, one of South cinema’s fastest-rising stars, the project has already generated massive curiosity. The extravagant campaign is expected to redefine how Indian brands approach advertising — with cinema-scale storytelling meeting brand creativity.

Also Read: CONFIRMED! Ranveer Singh’s Dhurandhar trailer to drop on November 12

Filmmaker Rajkumar Santoshi, known for directing acclaimed films such as Ghayal, Damini, and Andaz Apna Apna, has faced a major legal setback after the Jamnagar sessions court dismissed his appeal in a cheque-bouncing case. The ruling, delivered on Thursday, October 15, upheld an earlier order passed by the Special Negotiable Instruments Court in Jamnagar, which had convicted Santoshi for issuing cheques that were dishonoured.

According to reports, the case stems from a loan of Rs. 1 crore that businessman Ashok Lal had allegedly lent to the filmmaker. To repay the borrowed amount, Santoshi issued post-dated cheques of Rs. 10 lakh each. However, when Lal presented the cheques for clearance, the bank reportedly returned them unpaid due to insufficient funds.

Following the dishonour of the cheques, Lal approached the Special Negotiable Instruments Court, which ruled in his favour. The court convicted Santoshi under provisions of the Negotiable Instruments Act, ordering him to repay double the cheque amount and sentencing him to two years of imprisonment.

Challenging this order, Santoshi filed an appeal in the Jamnagar sessions court. However, after reviewing the evidence and the previous judgment, the sessions court dismissed his appeal and affirmed the lower court’s decision.

In its directive, the sessions court has now instructed Rajkumar Santoshi to appear before it by October 27. The order further states that an arrest warrant will be issued if the filmmaker fails to comply within the given timeframe.

The case adds to the list of legal troubles faced by Santoshi in recent years. The filmmaker, who has been a part of the Hindi film industry for over three decades, has yet to comment publicly on the court’s latest ruling. On the work front, Santoshi is currently completing work on Lahore 1947, produced by Aamir Khan, which also stars Sunny Deol, Preity Zinta, Sunny’s son Karan Deol, among others.

With the sessions court’s decision reinforcing the earlier conviction, Rajkumar Santoshi’s legal options now appear limited, unless he seeks relief from a higher court before the stipulated deadline.

Also Read: Producers put a ‘no-can-do’ clause in contracts regarding extra demands of stars: “If a star halts shoot to get a favourite ice-cream from the other end of town, he or she better pay for the ice-cream and the delay,” says Rajkumar Santoshi

Anurag Basu's films are always like a glass of whisky - they take their own sweet time to hit the right notes. It's no secret that Anurag Basu's next project with Kartik Aaryan is no longer releasing on the Diwali or Christmas 2025 weekend due to the delay in shooting. But now, we have been informed by very reliable sources that Kartik Aaryan is all set to start shooting for the film from the month of November.

A little birdie informed Bollywood Hungama, "Kartik and Anurag Basu are reuniting for an important 25-day leg of this intense romantic saga from November. This includes the shoot of fresh sequences, alongside some reshoots of already canned moments. The shoot will take place in Mumbai, and the prep work is going on in full swing for the same."

The source also informs us that around 40 days of shoot for this yet untitled romance remains, and the makers are committed to call it a film wrap by the end of January. "The last 15 days of this film will be split shoot between December and January, as Kartik has allotted a bulk of dates for the promotions of his New Year release - Tu Meri Main Tera Main Tera Tu Meri."

Our reliable source has confirmed that the untitled romance will release in the Summer of 2026 period and the date announcement will be made once the shoot is wrapped up in January.

Also Read: Kartik Aaryan dedicates his FIRST Filmfare Award to “dreamers”: “Champion girta hai… par rukta nahi”

Indian actor Sonu Sood, along with his son Eshaan Sood, has purchased a land in Shirdon in Panvel Taluka, worth Rs. 1.05 crore, according to property registration documents reviewed by real estate marketplace squareyards.com on the website of the Inspector General of Registration (IGR). The transaction was registered in October 2025.

Panvel is strategically positioned along the Mumbai-Pune Expressway and the Panvel-Karjat railway line, offering seamless connectivity to Navi Mumbai, Thane, and Mumbai city. The area is emerging as a key residential and commercial hub, featuring a mix of upcoming IT parks, educational institutions, and industrial zones that attract professionals and families alike. With significant connectivity and infrastructure developments such as the Navi Mumbai International Airport and Atal Setu (Mumbai Trans Harbour Link), areas in and around Panvel are steadily transforming into a vibrant real estate market, combining convenience, connectivity, and livability.

The land purchased by Sonu Sood, along with his son Eshaan Sood, has a total area of 0.0650 hectares (~777 sq. yd.). The transaction incurred a stamp duty payment of Rs. 6.3 lakh and registration charges of Rs. 30,000.

In another transaction registered in August 2025, Sonu Sood’s son Eshaan Sood purchased an apartment worth Rs. 2.6 crore located in Andheri West, Mumbai, according to property registration documents from the Inspector General of Registration (IGR), reviewed by Square Yards. The apartment has a RERA carpet area of 83.61 sq. m.(~900 sq. ft.) and a total built-up area of 100.37 sq. m. (~1,080 sq. ft.). The deal incurred a stamp duty payment of Rs. 15.60 lakh and registration charges of Rs. 30,000.

Sonu Sood is a Bollywood actor known for his versatile roles and strong screen presence. Originally from Punjab, he began his acting career in the early 2000s and gained recognition through impactful performances in both Hindi and South Indian films. Known for his impressive physique and commanding roles, he has portrayed a wide range of characters, from villains to heroes. Beyond cinema, he earned widespread admiration for his humanitarian work, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic, where he helped thousands of stranded individuals reach home. His dedication to social causes and fitness has made him a respected figure both on and off screen.

Also Read: Sonu Sood reaches out to family he met during Punjab floods, help begins instantly

The world of Mirzapur is once again coming alive — this time on the big screen. After three blockbuster seasons on OTT, Excel Entertainment’s crime thriller franchise is expanding into cinema with Mirzapur: The Film, presented by Amazon MGM Studios and Excel Entertainment.

The team recently began shooting in Banaras, and joining the ensemble is Anjumm Shharma, fondly known to fans as Sharad Shukla — the “Last King of Mirzapur.” Announcing his return, the actor shared a glimpse from the set on social media, writing, “Sabhi sudhijan aur bandhu jo pooch rahe the ki bhaiya aap kab aayenge .. lijiye hum aa gaye... Banaras.”

After a brief appearance in season one, Anjumm rose to prominence in the later seasons, becoming one of the key players in the power dynamics of Purvanchal. His return to the franchise has stirred curiosity among fans, especially after his character’s fate in the season three finale.

Meanwhile, leaked on-set footage from Ramnagar Fort and the streets of Varanasi has sent the internet into a frenzy. The visuals feature Pankaj Tripathi as Kaleen Bhaiya and Ali Fazal as Guddu Pandit, reportedly filming one of the film’s climactic sequences. The sight of the two iconic rivals back in action has reignited excitement among fans who have followed their journey since 2018.

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Created by Puneet Krishna and directed by Gurmmeet Singh, Mirzapur: The Film will see the return of franchise favourites — Kaleen Bhaiya (Pankaj Tripathi), Guddu Pandit (Ali Fazal), and Munna Tripathi (Divyenndu) — along with Abhishek Banerjee. Following its nationwide theatrical release, the film will stream exclusively on Prime Video in India and over 240 countries and territories, eight weeks after its release.

Mirzapur: The Film is slated for release in 2026.

Also Read: Richa Chadha flies to Benares to spend quality time with beau Ali Fazal on the sets of Mirzapur: The Film

After weeks of heightened anticipation, the makers of Dhurandhar have finally confirmed that the trailer of the Ranveer Singh-starrer will be unveiled on November 12, 2025. The announcement follows the release of the film’s fiery title track, which has already taken the internet by storm with its high-energy sound and striking visuals.

Backed by Saregama India, Jio Studios, and B62 Studios, Dhurandhar is among the most awaited films of the year, marking filmmaker Aditya Dhar’s return after Uri: The Surgical Strike. The title track — a bold fusion of modern hip-hop, Punjabi folk, and cinematic intensity — has amplified excitement around the project, giving fans a taste of the world Dhar is about to unleash.

Composed by Shashwat Sachdev and Charanjit Ahuja, the track features vocals by Hanumankind, Jasmine Sandlas, Sudhir Yaduvanshi, Shashwat Sachdev, Muhammad Sadiq, and Ranjit Kaur. It has been described as the “heartbeat of the film” by Sachdev, who revealed that it was woven into the script from the very beginning.

Headlined by Ranveer Singh, the film also stars Sanjay Dutt, Akshaye Khanna, R. Madhavan, and Arjun Rampal in key roles. Written, directed, and produced by Aditya Dhar, and jointly produced by Jyoti Deshpande and Lokesh Dhar, Dhurandhar promises to be a large-scale cinematic spectacle.

The trailer is dropping on November 12, and the film is slated for a December 5, 2025, release.

Also Read: Dhurandhar title song out now: Hanumankind and Jasmine Sandlas bring explosive energy to Ranveer Singh’s film, watch

The buzz around Harshvardhan Rane and Sonam Bajwa's Ek Deewane Ki Deewaniyat is building, thanks to the sensational soundtrack, and an impactful trailer for the mass audiences. After Saiyaara and Sanam Teri Kasam, this is expected to be another film catering to the youth and lovers of intense love stories. The film is clashing with Dinesh Vijan's Thamma on the Diwali weekend, and the fight is getting intense.

Reliable trade sources have confirmed that team Ek Deewane Ki Deewaniyat has demanded equal showcasing to Thamma in national multiplex chains. "Deewaniyat team is confident that the hype for their film is on par with Thama despite a limited budget. They have requested the multiplex chains to be fair with the showcasing, rather than going for lopsided showcasing," the source told Bollywood Hungama.

The source told us further, "PVRInox is the distributor of Thamma, and one of the top management employees of PVRInox is now a part of Team Thama, heading distribution. Deewaniyat team has asked all the national chains to go by the demand among the audience, rather than the foul play of leveraging equations for better showcasing."

The advances for both films are opening on 17th October, and there is immense pressure on national chains to give preference to Thamma. "Dinesh Vijan and the senior former PVRInox executive have demanded 75 percent shows, leaving only 25 percent for Deewaniyat. It's going to be a battle, and there is a high chance for bookings to start late due to the fight between the two parties."

The Diwali weekend could be a battle royale between team Thamma and Deewaniyat. Also Read: Nawazuddin enters the Maddock Horror Comedy Universe (MHCU) with Thamma, says: “It’s first time my children will be able to watch me on the big screen