Just a day before the Independence Day, makers Swarnim Global Services Pvt. Ltd and CA Suresh Jha ignited curiosity and conversation by officially announcing The Taj Story. To mark the announcement, the makers unveiled a powerful short teaser that captures the soul and essence of the film, leaving audiences intrigued about its message.

Featuring a powerhouse ensemble led by Paresh Rawal, along with Zakir Hussain, Amruta Khanvilkar, Sneha Wagh, and Namit Das, The Taj Story is positioned as a hard-hitting social drama that fearlessly raises one of the most provocative questions of our times: “Even after 79 years of Independence, are we still slaves of intellectual terrorism?”

After 79 year of Independence are we still a slave of Intellectual Terrorism? The Taj Story in cinemas on 31st October 2025 Producer : CA Suresh Jha Writer & Director : Tushar Amrish Goel Creative Producer: Vikas Radhesham @casureshjha @tusharamrish@vikasradhe @dasnamit… pic.twitter.com/F0J46NzA02 — Paresh Rawal (@SirPareshRawal) August 14, 2025

Penned and directed by Tushar Amrish Goel, with Vikas Radhesham as Creative Producer and music being scored by Rohit Sharma, The Taj Story is not just another period or historical film — it’s a cinematic debate. Among its core themes is a question that has sparked discussions for decades: Who really built the Taj Mahal? Was it Shah Jahan, or does history hide another truth? The film dives into this contested narrative, blending social commentary with a re-examination of historical facts.

The Taj Story is set for a grand nationwide theatrical release on October 31, 2025, and it aims to be a conversation starter, urging viewers to question, reflect, and perhaps, reframe the way they see both history and freedom.

Also Read: Akshay Kumar DENIES Hera Pheri 3 rift with Paresh Rawal was “publicity stunt”: “There were some ups and downs. But now everything is solved”

Veteran actor Anupam Kher has announced the launch of the Satish Kaushik Scholarship at his acting institute, Actor Prepares, in memory of his late friend and acclaimed actor-filmmaker Satish Kaushik.

Taking to X (formerly Twitter) today, Anupam Kher shared, “SATISH KAUSHIK SCHOLARSHIP: The money I received from #MaharashtaGovernment for my #RajKapoorAward, I am happy to announce and institute the #SatisKaushikScholarship for a deserving poor candidate at my acting school @actorprepares! Also a statue of the smiling #SatishKaushik will be installed in one of studios at the #ActingSchool! We do give scholarships from time to time to students but this is the First Time in 20 Years it is named after an individual. BRILLIANT ACTOR and an AMAZING HUMAN BEING and my BEST FRIEND!! Jai Ho!" Award Money Dedicated to Scholarship Anupam Kher had received the Raj Kapoor Lifetime Achievement Award from the Maharashtra Government on August 5, 2025, during the joint celebration of the 60th and 61st Maharashtra State Film Awards. The actor revealed that the prize money from this prestigious honour will fully fund the scholarship for a “deserving poor candidate” at his school. Tribute to Satish Kaushik Satish Kaushik, celebrated for his versatility in acting, writing, and direction, passed away on March 9, 2023. He shared a decades-long friendship with Anupam Kher, often referred to as one of his closest friends in the industry. In addition to the scholarship, Kher announced that a statue of Satish Kaushik, smiling as he was in life, will be installed in one of the studios at Actor Prepares.

Also Read: Satish Kaushik, Raj Babbar, and Anup Soni starrer Mirg releases on JioCinema

People Media Factory’s hugely awaited Mirai, starring Teja Sajja, continues to make headlines for all the right reasons. From its striking posters to its gripping teaser, the 'Vibe Hai Baby' song has every glimpse fueling curiosity and excitement, promising audiences an unforgettable cinematic experience when it hits theaters worldwide on September 5, 2025. After weeks of industry buzz, it is now officially confirmed—Karan Johar’s Dharma Productions will partner with People Media Factory for Mirai in the Hindi-speaking markets.

Confirming the association, Karan Johar said, “From the moment we experienced Mirai’s breathtaking visuals, grand scale, and compelling storytelling, we knew it was a film that deserved the widest possible reach. It’s a rare mix of mass appeal and visual artistry, and we’re proud to partner with People Media Factory and take the film to Hindi-speaking audiences across India.”

Producer T.G. Vishwa Prasad of People Media Factory said, “We’re thrilled to have Dharma Productions join us for Mirai in the Hindi market. Their unmatched legacy and nationwide influence make them the perfect partner for this journey. Mirai is a high-octane cinematic spectacle that fuses action and Indian culture. We’re confident its universal appeal will connect with audiences across the globe.”

Dharma Productions is renowned for its strategic collaborations in monumental blockbusters such as SS Rajamouli-Prabhas’s Baahubali franchise and NTR's Devara. Their entry into Mirai signals a powerful move in the pan-India arena, ensuring the film’s impact extends across the country.

Starring the charismatic Teja Sajja, who delivered the 2024 pan-India blockbuster HanuMan, the film is helmed by visionary director Karthik Gattamneni and produced by TG Vishwa Prasad and Krithi Prasad. Blending high-octane action, mythical storytelling, and cutting-edge visuals, Mirai promises an experience unlike anything Indian cinema has ever seen. The narrative follows a fearless warrior entrusted with the protection of nine sacred scriptures.

Enhancing the spectacle is a stirring score by Gowra Hari, which amplifies both the emotional depth and the grandeur of the storytelling. The film also features impactful performances from Manoj Manchu, Ritika Nayak, Jagapathi Babu, and Shriya Saran, bringing intensity and nuance to this epic saga.

Also Read: 19 Years of Kabhi Alvida Naa Kehna: Karan Johar remembers “bold, brave” love story in heartfelt tribute note 

By now, Prabhas’ films have acquired a notorious reputation for multiple delays and postponements. The Raja Saab, which has been in the making for two years, shows no clear sign of completion. Directed by Maruthi, the film was initially slated to finally release on April 10, 2025.

However, it failed to meet that deadline due to incomplete post-production work. The film is now scheduled for release on December 5, 2025. But multiple industry sources in the know have confirmed to Subhash K Jha that even this new release date is unlikely to be met.

A source reveals, “The film is far from completion. Prabhas is juggling dates for three or four projects at once. Earlier, he would work on only one project at a time. But that approach resulted in long gaps between his releases, as every film of his from Baahubali onwards has taken a minimum of two years. So, for the first time, Prabhas is working on multiple projects simultaneously.”

On the current shooting status of The Raja Saab, the source adds, “About 20 percent of the shooting still remains. The post-production work is going on in parallel.”

Also Read: Ivy Entertainment drags co-producer of Prabhas-starrer The Raja Saab to Delhi High Court over alleged contractual breaches: Report

On August 13, Sridevi would have turned 62. Without a shadow of a doubt, she would have been as relevant at 70 as she was at 34 when she married Boney Kapoor. Ram Gopal Varma, one of the millions of diehard Sridevi fans, went into mourning after her wedding.

Recalls Ramu, “I was quite heartbroken. I think 75 percent of the male population in India was heartbroken after she got married. Like your favourite Lata Mangeshkar, there will never be another Sridevi. She was perfect in every sense — flawless in her comic timing, incomparable in dramatic scenes, and electric in her dancing. I got to direct her only once, in Kshanam Kshanam. It was more than enough proof of what she could do. For every scene, she had 15–20 interpretations and expressions. Working with her was like staying at a 7-star hotel — you were spoilt for life.”

He also recalls his first meeting with Sridevi. “I had gone to meet her at her residence in Chennai to sign her for a film. I was sitting in the living room with her mother, while Sridevi just flitted in and out of the room, as she was packing to catch a flight. Every time she came into the room, it was like a sudden rush of fresh, invigorating breeze.”

Ramu has one birthday wish. “I want her to come back to earth again. Just once. So that humanity would know she really existed.”

Also Read: Ram Gopal Varma insists that the Deepika Padukone – Sandeep Reddy Vanga row is just ‘blown up in the media’; says, “The whole thing is very exaggerated”

The trailer of Vivek Ranjan Agnihotri’s highly anticipated historical drama, The Bengal Files, is all set to debut on August 16, 2025, in Kolkata. The teaser of the film is attached to the action thriller War 2, directed by Ayan Mukerji, and Rajinikanth's Coolie directed by Lokesh Kanagaraj.

The Bengal Files, the concluding chapter of Agnihotri’s controversial Files trilogy, following The Kashmir Files and The Tashkent Files, explores the traumatic events of Bengal’s Direct Action Day and the 1946 Calcutta killings. The film’s first trailer, which was released in June, created a stir with its haunting imagery and intense tone, including blood-soaked visuals, a Kashmiri Pandit warning that ‘Bengal is becoming another Kashmir,’ and a burning idol of Goddess Durga. The film itself is slated for theatrical release on 5th September, 2025.

Meanwhile, War 2, starring Hrithik Roshan, Jr NTR, and Kiara Advani, is set to release globally on 14 August 2025, marking the Indian Independence Day weekend along with Coolie directed by Lokesh Kanagaraj starring Superstar Rajinikanth in the lead. Leveraging this festive momentum, Agnihotri’s choice to hitch his teaser to War 2 and Coolie is a savvy move, ensuring maximum visibility ahead of his film’s September release.

The Bengal Files is written and directed by Vivek Ranjan Agnihotri and produced by Abhishek Agarwal and Pallavi Joshi. It stars Mithun Chakraborty, Pallavi Joshi, Anupam Kher, and Darshan Kumar. The film presented by Tej Narayan Agarwal & I Am Buddha is a part of Vivek’s Files trilogy that includes The Kashmir Files and The Tashkent Files. The film will arrive in theatres on September 5, 2025.

Also Read: Vivek Agnihotri drops promo for The Bengal Files’ Never Again USA tour with premiere dates!

Avinash Tiwary is on a roll! After wrapping up Ginny Wedss Sunny 2, the actor is rumoured to be up for his next! Buzz is rife that the Madgaon Express star has come on board for Vishal Bhardwaj’s next big project, joining hands for the first time with Shahid Kapoor and reuniting with his Laila Majnu co-star Triptii Dimri.

As per a source close to the development, “Whispers in film circles suggest that Avinash Tiwary might be part of Vishal Bhardwaj’s next big project, reportedly being shot in Spain with Shahid Kapoor and Triptii Dimri. While no confirmations have surfaced, sources hint at Avinash stepping into a powerful role with a bold new look. If true, it would reunite him with Triptii Dimri and mark his first collaboration with both Shahid Kapoor and Vishal Bhardwaj, a combination already sparking excitement among fans and industry watchers alike.”

Avinash Tiwary has always experimented and explored himself on screen, breaking barriers and constantly pushing himself as an actor. If rumours of his next big collaboration turn true, his audience can expect a big-screen treat - bringing together Avinash Tiwary, Shahid Kapoor and Triptii Dimri for the first time under the direction of Vishal Bhardwaj!

Also Read: Avinash Tiwary shuts down body-shaming with classy comeback on Instagram

Actors Sidharth Malhotra and Janhvi Kapoor, along with director Tushar Jalota, visited the Tirupati temple to seek divine blessings ahead of the release of their upcoming romantic drama Param Sundari. The film, produced by Maddock Films, is slated to hit theatres on August 29, 2025.

The visit to the holy shrine comes just days after the makers unveiled the trailer on August 12, 2025. The film marks the first on-screen collaboration between Sidharth Malhotra and Janhvi Kapoor, a pairing that has already generated buzz among fans.

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  A post shared by Sidharth Malhotra (@sidmalhotra)

About the Trailer The 2-minute, 40-second trailer introduces viewers to Param Sundari’s central love story — a romance that transcends geography, language, and cultural boundaries. Sidharth plays Param, a charming Punjabi boy, while Janhvi portrays Sundari, a spirited South Indian girl.

The trailer opens with a light-hearted sequence of Param and Sundari flirting inside a church. Their playful banter is peppered with witty references to both Bollywood and regional cinema. However, the tone shifts when Sundari accuses Param of playing with people’s emotions, setting the stage for a dramatic conflict.

The narrative follows Param’s journey as he attempts to win back Sundari’s trust and prove the sincerity of his love, against the backdrop of familial and societal expectations.

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  A post shared by Maddock Films (@maddockfilms)

The Buzz Around Param Sundari Backed by Maddock Films, the project has been touted as a pan-India romantic entertainer that blends humour, drama, and cross-cultural charm. With Sidharth and Janhvi pairing up for the first time, expectations are high for their on-screen chemistry. Param Sundari is scheduled for a nationwide theatrical release on August 29, 2025.

Also Read: Janhvi Kapoor’s dialect coach Sheba Raju showers praise on her for her accent in Param Sundari: “You sound perfect as a half Malayali, half Tamil ponnu”

In a decisive move to protect the integrity of its upcoming big-ticket release, War 2, Yash Raj Films (YRF) has issued a strict directive to exhibitors across India, warning of severe consequences for any underreporting of box office collections, Bollywood Hungama has learned. The Hrithik Roshan–Jr NTR starrer is slated to hit theatres on Thursday, August 14, 2025, and is being touted as one of the biggest releases of the year.

In an official communication, Gaurav Paul, who heads distribution for Delhi and UP at YRF, acknowledged the long-standing relationship with cinema partners, stating that most have “stood by YRF like a rock for decades.” However, he also noted that there have been “stray cases” in recent times where box office numbers for certain films were allegedly underreported at the cinema level.

To address this concern, YRF has taken a proactive approach by deploying multiple independent monitoring teams to track collections directly from theatres nationwide. These teams will be tasked with ensuring complete transparency and accuracy in reporting, leaving no room for discrepancies.

And that’s not all. The email further mentioned that any cinema found guilty of underreporting collections will face a penalty of Rs. 2,00,000 per screen. This monetary fine will be accompanied by “stringent legal action,” which may also include a ban on the supply of future YRF films to the offending theatre. The studio made it clear that these measures are not symbolic but will be implemented rigorously if violations are detected.

YRF’s warning is significant in the context of the film industry’s ongoing battle with revenue leakages, where even small-scale underreporting across multiple screens can lead to substantial losses for producers and distributors. By placing legal and financial deterrents upfront, the studio is sending a strong message that it will not tolerate malpractice—especially for a high-stakes release like War 2.

At the same time, the statement also struck a reassuring tone for compliant exhibitors, noting that “if all rules are adhered to at the cinema level, there will be no cause for concern.” This balance between trust and vigilance reflects YRF’s intent to safeguard business interests while maintaining healthy relationships with its long-term partners.

Later, Sun Pictures also gave a similar warning to cinemas. Their communication mentioned that their authorized representative will visit cinemas to check the actual number of tickets sold, ticket prices, and the DCR for their film Coolie. It added that “This check includes all tickets, with no exceptions for friends, family, or government officials.”

The letter mentioned that those found guilty of malpractice will have to pay a penalty of Rs. 2 lakhs. Moreover, the RO and KDM in that cinema will for Coolie will be cancelled immediately.

Also Read: Trade predicts that War 2 can cross Chhaava’s day 1 collections and emerge as the HIGHEST opener of the year: “Collections of Hindi + Telugu can be around Rs. 70 cr”

Actor Shilpa Shetty Kundra, her businessman husband Raj Kundra, and another unidentified individual have been booked by the Economic Offences Wing (EOW) of the Mumbai Police for allegedly cheating a city-based businessman of Rs 60.48 crores in a loan-cum-investment arrangement tied to their now-defunct company, Best Deal TV Pvt Ltd, according to a report by Free Press Journal.

The FIR, initially registered at Juhu police station under various sections of the IPC for cheating and forgery, was later transferred to the EOW as the financial sum involved exceeded Rs 10 crores. The complaint was lodged by Deepak Kothari (60), a Juhu resident and director of Lotus Capital Financial Services, a non-banking financial company, through his advocates Dr Yusuf Iqbal and Zain Shroff, reported Free Press Journal, citing Times of India. Allegations Against Shetty and Kundra As per the FIR, Kothari was introduced to the Kundras by Rajesh Arya. At the time, Shilpa Shetty and Raj Kundra reportedly held 87.6% shares in Best Deal TV, an online retail and home shopping platform.

The accused allegedly sought a Rs 75 crores loan at 12% annual interest, but later advised Kothari to route it as an investment to avoid higher taxation. They allegedly promised fixed monthly returns along with the repayment of the principal amount.

Kothari claims he transferred Rs 31.95 crores in April 2015 under a share subscription agreement, followed by Rs 28.53 crores in September 2015 under a supplementary agreement. In April 2016, a personal guarantee was reportedly provided. However, Shilpa Shetty resigned as company director in September 2016. Discovery of Insolvency Proceedings According to the complaint, in 2017, Kothari discovered insolvency proceedings against Best Deal TV for defaulting on another agreement. Despite repeated follow-ups — including during the COVID-19 pandemic — he alleges that the money was never returned. Kothari has claimed that the transactions were misrepresented and that his funds were diverted, causing major financial losses. Legal Response from the Kundras Reacting to the allegations, Prashant Patil, legal counsel for Shetty and Kundra, strongly denied the claims. He stated, as quoted by Times of India, “My clients deny all the allegations, which are purely civil in nature and have been adjudicated by the NCLT Mumbai on 04/10/2024. There is no criminality involved.”

Patil further added that the Kundras’ auditors have already provided the EOW with detailed cash flow statements and all requested documents, emphasising that the matter has been legally settled in the appropriate forum.

The EOW is now examining financial transactions, agreements, and alleged diversion of funds linked to the case. Further developments are awaited as the investigation continues.

Also Read: Shilpa Shetty drops stunning pics with sister Shamita Shetty as they celebrate Raksha Bandhan; watch

In a move as bold as it is rooted, Ugaoo — India’s #1 home gardening company — has announced beloved actor and pop culture icon Jackie Shroff as its brand ambassador. This collaboration with the well-known environmentalist marks a pivotal moment for Ugaoo as it evolves from a green brand adored by urban audiences to a cultural mainstay across India’s Tier 2 and 3 cities.

Having spent a decade cultivating a greener India, Ugaoo has played a key role in shaping how urban Indians perceive and interact with nature in their everyday lives. The brand has steadily built emotional equity through a strong content-first strategy, using storytelling, community-driven campaigns, and relatable plant care content to make gardening less intimidating and more joyful for everybody. Ugaoo’s digital presence has cultivated a loyal, plant-loving community that views houseplants not just as décor, but as meaningful companions, symbols of personal growth, and tools for emotional expression.

As Ugaoo enters its next phase of growth, reaching deeper into the heartland, it needs more than a campaign; it needs a cultural bridge. Jackie Shroff, the beloved Bollywood actor and original green crusader, fits this role seamlessly. Known for his earthy authenticity, irreverent charm, and lifelong love for plants, Jackie has always walked the walk. From arriving at events with a spider plant slung around his neck, spreading the green message far and wide, to nurturing his organic farm, his connection to nature is both personal and deeply profound.

Moreover, Jackie’s legacy as a pop culture icon with a devoted fan base that cuts across age groups makes him the perfect ambassador for Ugaoo. This brand resonates equally with Gen Z, millennials, and older generations. His persona is timeless, his appeal is cross-generational, and his relevance in India’s cultural imagination makes this collaboration a natural fit.

“Jackie Shroff is not just a face, he’s a feeling. For years, we’ve worked to make plants a part of India’s emotional and cultural fabric. And Jackie embodies everything we believe in: he's playful, rooted, and passionately green. There is nobody we would have worked with in this capacity — it was Jackie or no one. As we prepare to expand across Bharat, his presence brings instant relatability, timeless credibility, and a refreshing sense of fun to our story,” said Siddhant Bhalinge, Founder & CEO of Ugaoo.

Jackie’s association with Ugaoo launches with a high-impact campaign film conceptualised by Thought Over Design and produced by Cathect Studios. Set in a cozy living room, the film opens on a dramatic note with a distraught plant parent grieving over her wilted Alocasia. Jackie consoles her in his signature style, ordering a fresh one from Ugaoo, with the promise of a longer and healthier plant for life. The film ends with the unforgettable line, “Ugaoo, Bhidu, Ugaoo,” blending emotion, humour, and plant care into a perfectly potted story.

Speaking of the association, Jackie Shroff said, "Plants aren't just decor; they're companions, therapy, and a connection to life. Putting my hands in the soil brings me peace. Associating with Ugaoo is a no-brainer; they're spreading a green movement across India. Together, we're nurturing a generation that values nature. I'm glad to be a part of this mission, inspiring others to live rooted and connected."

This collaboration is more than a celebrity tie-in; it’s a cultural moment. It signals Ugaoo’s ambition to embed itself into the everyday lives of Indians by using plants not just as décor but as emotional connectors. The brand is also tapping into a growing trend: making plant gifting a thoughtful, lasting alternative to traditional gifts like flowers and chocolates, symbolising care, growth, and continuity.

Whether it’s a spider plant sent as an apology, twin succulents exchanged as modern-day friendship bracelets, or a potted pothos marking a couple’s first home together, Ugaoo is redefining how India expresses emotion. Plants, unlike other conventional gifts, last longer, grow with you, and become shared symbols of care and connection.

Simultaneously, Ugaoo continues to champion gardening as a mental wellness ritual. With more people seeking mindful habits in their fast-paced urban lives, simple acts like watering plants, nurturing leaves, and watching something grow have emerged as a powerful, grounding routine.

With over 1 million customers and a growing footprint across e-commerce, q-commerce, and offline stores in Mumbai, Pune, and Bengaluru, Ugaoo is now primed for outsized scale. Jackie’s association marks the beginning of a series of initiatives, from new product formats to regional storytelling, that will cement Ugaoo’s position as India’s most culturally relevant and emotionally resonant green brand.

As India begins to view plants not just as purchases but as an integral part of how we live, love, and heal, Ugaoo — with Jackie Shroff by its side — is here to lead the way.

Also Read: Ajay Devgn mimics Sunny Deol, Suniel Shetty, Jackie Shroff in hilarious Border spoof in Son of Sardaar 2

Alia Bhatt is set to explore the young adult genre with her next production venture under Eternal Sunshine Pictures, in collaboration with Amazon Prime Video and Chalkboard Entertainment, as per a report in Peeping Moon. The untitled film is described as a coming-of-age story set on a vibrant Indian college campus.

Directed by Sreeti Mukerji, who has previously assisted Ayan Mukerji on Yeh Jawani Hai Deewani and Brahmastra, the film will mark her directorial debut. Sources revealed to the publication that the narrative will be “in the zone of Wake Up Sid, but from a girl’s point of view,” offering a refreshing perspective on youth, aspirations, and personal growth. Filming is expected to commence in October.

This marks Alia Bhatt’s first feature-film project with Amazon Prime Video, following her role as executive producer on Richie Mehta’s acclaimed crime drama series Poacher. Speaking about her journey as a producer, Alia had earlier said, “Producing content allows me to tell the stories I believe in and champion fresh voices in filmmaking.”

Alia first ventured into production with Netflix’s Darlings in 2022. She is also backing the adaptation of Manju Kapur’s novel Difficult Daughters, to be directed by her mother, Soni Razdan.

On the acting front, Alia will next be seen alongside Ranbir Kapoor and Vicky Kaushal in Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s Love & War, which is scheduled to wrap up by December and release in June 2026. She is also expected to star in Maddock Films’ horror-comedy Chamunda in 2026 and is in talks with Kalki 2898 AD director Nag Ashwin for a high-concept, female-led project.

With this new young adult film, Alia Bhatt continues to diversify her creative portfolio, both as an actor and a producer, bringing fresh narratives to Indian cinema.

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