Karan Johar is known for his candour, and in a recent conversation with Bollywood Hungama, the filmmaker once again shared some hard-hitting insights - this time on the current state of storytelling in the Hindi film industry. From genre fatigue to the obsession with cinematic universes, Johar didn’t hold back in expressing his views on why originality should be celebrated, not sidelined.

“I think it's everybody grappling to do what others are doing. I think herd mentality. So, we see Pushpa running and catering so strongly to the tier two and tier three audiences. Suddenly there'll be 20 others wanting to do the same. You see Chhaava working, and everybody will want to make historical dramas! After Stree, everybody wants to make horror comedies. Those worked because they were individually strong, and there was no other option in that genre. And it was a unique thought that made those films work. We all have individual thoughts that are unique to ourselves,” Karan told Bollywood Hungama.

Known for producing a wide range of stories across genres, Johar emphasized that he is not chasing the trend of building a cinematic universe. For him, storytelling is the true universe. KJo shared, “When somebody asked me the other day, you have a universe, I said, as in, so he said, like, you know, like, like, my universe is a comedy genre universe. I said, my universe is cinema itself. My universe is stories. I'm not here to build universes. I'm here to tell stories”.

He went on to continue, “And if there is in that story a universe, then why not? More power (to them)! I love that there is a horror comedy universe that Maddock has so brilliantly created and cultivated. It's fantastic. What Dinesh Vijan has done is outstanding. I have so much regard for Aditya Chopra - as I said, he's my mentor. The Spy universe is fantastic, but if I start emulating them, how am I going to stand out?”

Johar concluded his passionate take with a powerful reminder that originality is key to lasting success. “So my way of doing it is like really telling individual stories. And in that journey, if there is a universe that comes along, then why not? But I think what we are combating, to go back to your question, is herd mentality, and also grappling with what others are doing and trying to achieve the same success, right? Success, success cannot be emulated. You know, it cannot. You can't force a you cannot. You can't, no, you can't emulate success. You can create it with your own individuality, and that's what we should yearn,” he concluded.

Also Read: EXCLUSIVE: Karan Johar shuts down Ranbir Kapoor-Ranveer Singh rivalry rumours; says, “We are all friends above anything else”

Vatsal Sheth and Ishita Dutta have embraced parenthood once again! The much-loved couple, who welcomed their first child—a baby boy named Vayu—in July 2023, have now been blessed with a baby girl. On Monday, June 10, the actors took to Instagram to share the joyful news with fans and friends from the industry.

The couple posted a touching photo featuring the entire family, including their newborn daughter, son Vayu, and Ishita herself, who is still recovering at the hospital. Dressed in a hospital gown, Ishita smiled gently at her family, while holding their newborn daughter whereas Young Vayu, who was held by Vatsal, also posed adorably with his parents and new sibling, making the moment even more special.

The post was captioned with a heartfelt message: “From two to four hearts beating as one. Our family is now complete. Blessed with a baby girl.” The caption reflected the overwhelming joy the couple is experiencing as they step into this new phase of life with two children.

As soon as the announcement went live, wishes poured in from across the entertainment fraternity. Celebrities such as Bobby Deol, Rakul Preet Singh, Seema Sajdeh, Vahbiz Dorabjee, Suniel Shetty, Kishwer Merchantt, Sonnalli Seygall, Ridhima Pandit, Tanvi Thakker, Helly Shah, and many others flooded the comment section with love and blessings for the new parents.

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Vatsal Sheth and Ishita Dutta have both had successful careers across television, Bollywood, and regional cinema. The couple met on the sets of the television show Rishton Ka Saudagar – Baazigar and soon fell in love. They tied the knot on November 28, 2017, in an intimate yet dreamy ceremony attended by close friends and family.

After becoming first-time parents in July 2023, the couple had announced their second pregnancy in a special post on February 14 this year, marking Valentine’s Day with the news of their growing family.

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With the arrival of their daughter, Vatsal and Ishita have now stepped into an exciting new chapter. Fans and well-wishers continue to shower them with blessings as the couple begins life as a family of four.

Also Read: Ajay Devgn announces his AI company Prismix along with Danish Devgn, actor Vatsal Sheth, and Sahil Nayar

Miss World Manushi Chhillar is set to take on a unique role in her upcoming film Maalik, releasing on July 11. The makers have recently unveiled her look from the movie. Wearing simple, traditional Indian attire, Manushi appears natural and elegant alongside her co-star Rajkummar Rao. Her shift from a glamorous image to a more understated look has already caught attention on social media. Directed by Pulkit and produced by Kumar Taurani and Jay Shewakramani, the film presents Manushi in a role that’s different from anything she’s done before.

Manushi sure aimed to impress and surprise us with her look and count us impressed! She makes a subtle departure from her previous on-screen appearances and roles with Maalik, thus signaling her ambition to be taken seriously as a versatile performer in the industry. Introduced as Maalik Ki Dhadkan the poster sees Manushi and Rajkummar looking picture perfect together. Rajkummar Rao, introduced Manushi's character and wrote, “Jinke bina chalti nahi #Maalik ki dhadkan, unse hogi aaj mulaqaat.”

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While the poster showcases nothing but love and chemistry between the leading pair, given that Maalik is an intense gangster drama, there is speculation about how Manushi's character contains more layers than just meets the eye. Maalik also boasts an impressive ensemble cast featuring legendary actor Prosenjit Chatterjee, alongside powerful performers like Anshumaan Pushkar, and Swanand Kirkire in pivotal roles.

As per sources, Manushi's character, which was being kept under the wraps, will be seen playing a crucial role and makers want to keep it that way till its D-Day. Comments under the post ranged from netizens praising Manushi's simplicity in the posters for taking up roles that would challenge her comfort zone. After the release of Maalik, Manushi will next be seen in Tehran, where she will be sharing screen space with John Abraham.

Also Read : Rajkummar Rao boards Aditya Nimbalkar’s murder mystery as lead and co-producer: Report

Chhorii 2, the latest installment in the Chhorii franchise, received widespread acclaim and audience love. Built on the success of the original, Chhorii 2 was praised for pushing the boundaries of Indian horror with its gripping storyline, incredible performances, and chilling world, further cementing the Chhorii franchise as a successful standout in the genre.

Building on the momentous success of Chhorii 2 as well as their shared vision for creating genre-defying stories, Abundantia Entertainment’s Vikram Malhotra and director Vishal Furia are set to reunite to develop a fresh slate of projects under Abundantia Entertainment’s horror genre vertical, Psych.

This collaboration marks a significant step forward in Abundantia Entertainment’s commitment to delivering diverse, high-impact genre storytelling for Indian and global audiences. Vishal Furia, known for his unique directorial vision and horror genre expertise, once again brings his creative prowess to Abundantia’s upcoming horror slate.

With Psych, Abundantia aims to create high-quality, engaging narratives that go beyond jump scares and into exploring psychological, supernatural, and culturally rooted horror.

Vikram Malhotra, Founder & CEO, Abundantia Entertainment, said, “This collaboration is not just about creating scary films together—it’s about creating a compelling universe of horror that connects with today’s evolving audience. Vishal’s command over the genre and his distinct storytelling voice have already made the Chhorii franchise one of the country’s disruptive entertainment success stories. Vishal is the perfect creative partner as we scale Psych into a powerhouse destination for horror.”

Vishal Furia, Director of Chhoriiand Chhorii 2, added, “Our journey with the Chhorii franchise has been thrilling and enriching, and this collaboration is the next step in our shared ambition to shape a new wave of horror content in India, I’m excited to continue this creative partnership with Vikram and Abundantia Entertainment and build stories that stay with the audience long after the credits roll.”

The collaboration kicks off with two films that are already under development. The first one is inspired by a shocking and chilling true story set in the contemporary urban landscape, while the second story seeks to delve into Indian cultural mythology and a scary manifestation therein.

As one of the exceptional Indian content producers with a dedicated horror vertical, the partnership underscores Abundantia’s focus on impactful, creator-driven content and its ambition to be at the forefront of genre innovation in India. With Vishal Furia on board, Psych promises to deliver compelling, platform-agnostic stories that will redefine horror for Indian audiences.

Also Read: Madhuri Dixit and Triptii Dimri team up for a mother-daughter adventure with Abundantia Entertainment: Report

Vivek Ranjan Agnihotri is gearing up with the third installment of their trilogy, The Delhi Files: The Bengal Chapter, which is now renamed as The Bengal Files: Right to Life. The film will now be released as The Bengal Files: Right to Life, scheduled for theatrical release on September 5, 2025. The makers of the film, Abhishek Agarwal, Pallavi Joshi, along with Vivek Agnihotri, have finalised the decision.

This film marks the third installment in Agnihotri's "Files" trilogy, following The Tashkent Files (2019) and The Kashmir Files (2022). The upcoming film delves into the communal violence in undivided Bengal during the 1940s, particularly focusing on events like Direct Action Day and the Noakhali riots. Agnihotri has described these incidents as a "Hindu genocide" and aims to shed light on this often overlooked chapter of Indian history.

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The film features a stellar cast, including Mithun Chakraborty, Anupam Kher and Pallavi Joshi in pivotal roles. Despite the challenges faced during production, including safety concerns that led to filming in Mumbai instead of Kolkata, Agnihotri and his team have completed the project and are set to share this important story with audiences nationwide.

The makers had released the teaser of the film a few months ago, which featured veteran actor Mithun Chakraborty in a haunting first look, walking through an empty corridor with a rugged appearance and a white beard, reciting the Preamble to the Constitution with a burnt tongue.

The Bengal Files is written by Vivek 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 Productions is a part of Vivek’s Files trilogy that includes The Kashmir Files and The Tashkent Files.

Also Read: Vivek Agnihotri praises Anil Kapoor’s unparalleled dedication on the sets of Chocolate; says, “Woh set pe aate hi wahi pe patak se kapde change kar lete hain”

The Padukone School of Badminton (PSB), founded and funded by Deepika Padukone and mentored by former World No. 1 and All England Champion Prakash Padukone, has achieved a significant milestone by establishing over 75 grassroots coaching centres across 18 Indian cities - including Bengaluru, NCR, Mumbai, Chennai, Jaipur, Pune, Nashik, Mysuru, Panipat, Dehradun, Udaipur, Coimbatore, Sangli, and Surat - within its first year of operations.

With its “Badminton for All" mission, PSB aims to scale to 100 centres by the end of this year and 250 within the next three years.

Deepika Padukone, Founder of PSB, said: “As someone who grew up playing badminton, I’ve experienced firsthand how much this sport can shape one’s life – physically, mentally, and emotionally. Through PSB, I hope we can bring the joy and discipline of badminton to people from all walks of life, and build a generation that is healthier, more focused, and inspired by sport.”

Prakash Padukone, PSB’s Mentor and Advisor, said: “Sport is an integral part of growing up – it instills discipline, resilience, and a winning mindset that extends well beyond the court. With PSB, our goal is to make quality coaching accessible and affordable, nurture talent from the grassroots, and set a strong foundation for the future of Indian badminton.”

PSB’s vision is to democratize access to quality and affordable badminton coaching, providing opportunities for people of all ages and skill levels. Through its standardized, scalable coaching methodology, developed under the guidance of Prakash Padukone, the organization seeks to introduce a nationwide community of school children and working professionals to the sport. It also aims to empower aspiring coaches with certified training and sustainable career paths.

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PSB partners with schools, institutions, and existing venues to set up grassroots academies that feed into its flagship Training Program at the 3 High-Performance Centres of Excellence in Bengaluru. With over 100 coaches trained under a structured certification program and access to cutting-edge facilities, PSB’s coaching system ensures consistency, quality, and the ability to identify and nurture future champions.

Also Read: Hilton and Deepika Padukone launch It Matters Where You Stay campaign

The comic caper Housefull 5 performed well at the box office over the weekend as it collected more than Rs. 80 crores. It wasn’t just another laugh riot; it is a murder mystery and moreover, two versions of the film were released. Named Housefull 5A and Housefull 5B, it had two different endings, that is, the murderer differed. The strategy caught attention and further added to the chatter around the film. In this special feature, we’ll analyse whether this strategy paid dividends to the makers at the ticket window.

On Wednesday, we reported that the distributors and makers have planned to divide shows equally between the two versions and in single screens, 3 shows of 5A will be played and two shows of 5B will be played. But on the day of release, it became clear that 5A was getting more preference from the viewers. Accordingly, theatres reduced shows of Housefull 5B from Saturday or Sunday.

Bollywood Hungama looked at cinemas across the country to check the showcasing on Sunday and Monday. Many cinemas had reduced the shows of Housefull 5B on Sunday and it further went down on Monday.

Cinepolis Thane played 28 shows of 5A and 10 shows of 5B on Sunday. On Monday, the sprawling multiplex will play 29 shows of 5A and 7 shows of 5B. MovieTime Hub Goregaon has reduced 5B's shows from 5 on Sunday to 3 on Monday.

PVR Lower Parel played 10 shows of both Housefull 5A and 5B on Sunday. An industry insider explained, “Some cinemas had opened bookings until Sunday and patrons must have booked some tickets in every show. Hence, many cinemas didn't change the schedule until Sunday but will make the change from Monday.”

From Monday, PVR Lower Parel will play 6 shows of 5B while 5A will have 13 shows a day. The same applies to MovieMax Sion. From 5 shows to both 5A and 5B on Sunday, the schedule was tweaked from Monday. 5A will have 5 shows while only 3 shows a day have been allotted to 5B.

Outside Mumbai, the difference is even more profound. Cinepolis P&M Mall, Patna, on Sunday, had as many as 12 shows of Housefull 5A on Sunday while Housefull 5B had just 1 show. Connplex Cinemas JD Mall, Patna also allotted just 1 show of Housefull 5B. Entertainment Paradise, Jaipur had 5 shows of 5B on Sunday and on Monday, it'll have just 1 show.

PVR Logix, Noida played 23 shows of 5A on Sunday and 13 shows of 5B. The number went down to 11 for 5B. Inox Nehru Place, Delhi reduced the shows of 5B from 6 shows on Sunday to just 2 on Monday.

PVR Elante Chandigarh, too, will have just 2 shows of 5B from Monday, down from 5 shows on Sunday. In Kolkata, Cinepolis Lake Mall and Cinepolis Acropolis Mall are playing 5B with 1 show a day while 5A has 8 shows.

Some cinemas are an exception. Miraj Wadala, Mumbai had 6 shows of both 5A and 5B on Sunday and kept the same showcasing for Monday. Wide Angle Ahmedabad, meanwhile, has astonished one and all as it played more shows of Housefull 5B than 5A. On Sunday, it allotted 4 shows to 5A and 9 shows to 5B. On Monday, no show of 5A has been scheduled while 5B will continue to have all 9 shows.

On the other hand, some cinemas have done away with Housefull 5B completely. Cinepolis Mohali had 16 shows of Housefull 5A on Sunday and 15 shows on Monday. 5B, meanwhile, had zero shows on both days. The iconic Raj Mandir, Jaipur has 4 shows of Housefull 5, all of which are of 5A.

Even The Friday Cinema in Surat has done the same. Kiritbhai T Vaghasia, the owner of The Friday Cinema, explained, “On Friday, I kept equal shows of both versions. But we realized that moviegoers didn’t know about it and there was confusion. Some assumed that Housefull 5B is a sequel to Housefull 5A! Therefore, they decided to watch 5A first and hoped to watch 5B later in the week or next week.”

He added, “Moreover, on BookMyShow, patrons were invariably selecting 5A while checking the bookings. They would select the show of their choice and book tickets. This affected footfalls of 5B while Housefull 5A got a great response. Very few chose 5B; it was running at 50% occupancy of 5A.”

He continued, “On Saturday, I kept just one show of 5B, early in the morning. The other theatres of Surat have also opted for the same strategy.”

Vishek Chauhan, owner of Roopbani Cinema in Purnia, Bihar, exulted, “Logically, A comes before B. So, people opt for 5A.  I believe that there shouldn’t have been 2 versions. It created confusion. From Week 2, I’d suggest that the makers should play either 5A or 5B. Or ideally, the makers should have released Housefull 5B two weeks later, when Sitaare Zameen Par would arrive in cinemas. They should have announced that they had already shot an alternate ending and that it’s now available in cinemas. That would have made sense and would have enticed people to see it again.”

An exhibitor from North India said, “5B shows have been reduced. This is because when you open the booking websites, 5A is seen first. Hence, the sale of 5A is more. The public is not even looking at Housefull 5B’s page. Hence, to capitalize on 5A’s popularity, 5B’s shows are being reduced and replaced with the former. On Friday, it was 50-50 or 60-40. But when theatres realized what was happening, they immediately changed. Now it’s either 70-30 or 80-20.”

What is heartening is that the film has been accepted. Kiritbhai T Vaghasia said, “The ticket sales were very encouraging on Saturday and Sunday. As for the word of mouth, it is a bit mixed. Those who are watching with their families are getting embarrassed with certain jokes. Yet, it got a great turnout.”

Vishek Chauhan agreed, “Everywhere, the film has performed well. It is a success. In fact, 5B’s suspense has been liked more.”

The industry insider explained, “Producer Sajid Nadiadwala should be lauded for trying something new. No other producer would have dared to think of something like this, forget executing it. Sajid implemented it so neatly and hence, both he and this move would go down in history.”

Also Read: Akshay Kumar surprises fans in disguise outside Bandra theatre for Housefull 5

One of the biggest multi-starrers of Hindi Cinema, Housefull 5, was released on Friday and has been well-received. This was evident with the hold on Monday. The film has nearly 19 major actors - Akshay Kumar, Abhishek A Bachchan, Riteish Deshmukh, Jacqueline Fernandez, Sonam Bajwa, Nargis Fakhri, Sanjay Dutt, Jackie Shroff, Nana Patekar, Chitrangada Singh, Fardeen Khan, Chunky Pandey, Johnny Lever, Shreyas Talpade, Dino Morea, Ranjeet, Soundarya Sharma, Nikitin Dheer and Akashdeep Sabir. If producer Sajid Nadiadwala had his way, he would have expanded this already sprawling star cast.

Bollywood Hungama has learned that two veteran actors, Anil Kapoor and Amitabh Bachchan, were also offered roles in Housefull 5. A source told Bollywood Hungama, “Initially, the plan was to have Anil Kapoor and Nana Patekar play the cops. These roles were ultimately played by Sanjay Dutt and Jackie Shroff. The idea was to have Uday-Majnu kind of banter between Anil and Nana.”

The source continued, “However, Anil declined the offer. Hence, Sajid Nadiadwala decided to have Sanjay Dutt and Jackie Shroff as the cops. That combination also works as they both appeared in Khal Nayak (1993). On the other hand, Amitabh Bachchan was offered the role of the senior cop. He respectfully declined, probably because he is 80+ and is selective about his roles. Nana was already a part of the film and hence, he was given the role of the senior cop that was originally intended for Big B.”

Last year, there were reports that Anil Kapoor refused to come on board for Housefull 5 due to remuneration issues. Meanwhile, there are also speculations that Boman Irani was probably also offered the film, particularly the role of Batook Patel. The character has been a part of all Housefull films, except Housefull 4 (2019) and it was Boman who has always played Batook. In Housefull 5, the role of the Gujarati character was essayed by Johny Lever.

Also Read: Housefull 5: Choreographer Remo D’Souza faces dance plagiarism allegations from content creator over the song ‘Laal Pari’

Dancer, choreographer, and digital content creator Sandip Brahamin has publicly accused Housefull 5 choreographer Remo D’Souza of copying one of his signature dance moves for the film’s song ‘Laal Pari’, without giving him credit. The allegation was made through an Instagram video that Sandip shared recently, reigniting the debate around creative plagiarism in the entertainment industry.

About a month ago, after the song was unveiled, Sandip called out the choreographer for copying his original steps without attribution. In the video, he specifically addressed the resemblance of moves in ‘Laal Pari’ to a sequence from one of his older dance clips. He said in the video, “You all have seen my signature moves. My move has been copied in Housefull 5 song Laal Pari. Many of my friends DMed me on Instagram. Therefore, I rechecked on Instagram and YouTube. They’ve neither mentioned me nor have they given me credit. I don’t know what is happening.”

The video also included side-by-side comparisons showing lead actors Akshay Kumar, Abhishek Bachchan, and Riteish Deshmukh performing the contested step, followed by footage of Sandip performing what he claims to be the original choreography. The similarity between the moves has led many online viewers to question if the creative team behind the film should have acknowledged Sandip’s work.

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Meanwhile, Housefull 5 has been creating waves at the box office. Released on June 6, it is the fifth film in the successful Housefull franchise. Directed by Tarun Mansukhani and produced by Sajid Nadiadwala, Warda Nadiadwala, and Firuzi Khan, the 2025 Hindi-language comedy thriller features a massive ensemble cast including Akshay Kumar, Abhishek Bachchan, Riteish Deshmukh, Sanjay Dutt, Fardeen Khan, Jacqueline Fernandez, Sonam Bajwa, and more. Notably, the film was released in two versions—Housefull 5A and Housefull 5B—each with a different climax.

While Remo D’Souza has not yet responded to the allegations, the controversy adds to the buzz surrounding Laal Pari, which has been trending since the film’s release. Whether or not the production team will address the matter remains to be seen, but Sandip Brahamin’s post has sparked discussions around the importance of acknowledging content creators in mainstream media.

Also Read: UP Police gives a safety twist to Housefull 5’s dual endings in safety campaign: “Book your climax wisely”

McDonald’s India (North & East), one of India’s most loved restaurant brands, has onboarded Bollywood powerhouse Ranveer Singh as its new brand ambassador. As part of this partnership, the brand has also launched the ‘The Ranveer Singh Meal’, a limited-time offering curated from the actor’s personal McDonald’s favourites inspired by its global Famous Orders platform.

With his favourite McDonald’s order on the menu, Ranveer Singh joins a global league of icons like BTS and Travis Scott, who have McDonald’s meals named after them. His vibrant energy, cultural relevance, and deep connection with young audiences make him a natural fit for a brand that’s all about fun, flavour, and fan love across generations.

Commenting on the association, Mr. Anant Agarwal, Vice-Chairperson, CPRL (McDonald’s India- North & East), said, "Ranveer embodies what McDonald’s stands for, vibrant and joyful. This collaboration is rooted in fan truth and the deep emotional bond people share with McDonald’s, reflecting real moments of joy and nostalgia, told through the lens of a genuine McDonald’s fan. We’re thrilled to welcome him to the McDonald’s family and to launch ‘The Ranveer Singh Meal’- a true celebration of fandom and flavour that resonates with fans of all ages, from youth and millennials to families".

Speaking about the partnership, Ranveer Singh said, " I’m thrilled to join the McDonald’s India (North & East) family as their brand ambassador! McDonald's has always been my favourite, just like it is for so many of us! I'm super excited to now have my very own meal with them, which I can share with my audience. It’s full of flavour and full of fun – just how I like it! It’s special to have a McDonald’s meal named after me; I can’t wait for my fans to try it."

The Ranveer Singh Meal, available from 13 June, is a 3-piece meal featuring two burger options, McVeggie® (Xplode) for veg lovers and McChicken® (Xplode) for non-veg lovers, along with a Bobaaa drink and Golden Pop Fries. Inspired by Ranveer’s vibrant personality, both burgers are elevated with a new chilli and creamy Xplode sauce, topped with golden crispy onions. This bold upgrade delivers richer flavours and a delightful crunch, turning familiar favourites into something fun and crave-worthy.

Paired with this are the all-new Golden Crispy Pop- bite-sized potato pops delivering the perfect crunch-pop combo ideal for munching. To top it all off, the meal includes the limited-edition Bobaaa Blast, a drink launching for the first time here, featuring a generous scoop of poppy boba pearls, creating a fun, sippable treat.

With this launch, McDonald’s is bringing fans closer to their favourite star with a celebration of taste, nostalgia, and iconic McDonald’s moments. This association reinforces a universal truth: McDonald’s is everybody’s favourite. Whether it’s a celebrity or a customer walking into a restaurant, the emotional bond remains timeless, joyful, and inclusive.

Exclusively available at McDonald’s North and East India starting at Rs 249 for the McVeggie Burger and Rs 269 for the McSpicy Burger, customers and fans can order The Ranveer Singh Meal across McDonald’s restaurants in North and East India, on the McDonald’s App, and through Swiggy, Zomato, as well as via takeaway and drive-thru, for a limited time.

Also Read: Ranveer Singh and Sanjay Dutt set internet abuzz with leaked video from Aditya Dhar’s espionage drama

While Rajkummar Rao is currently neck-deep in promotions for his upcoming action-packed gangster thriller Maalik, the actor is already setting the stage for his next exciting project, a Netflix dark comedy that promises to bring a wicked twist to the murder mystery genre.

Directed by Aditya Nimbalkar, the yet-untitled film is said to be a sharp departure from Nimbalkar’s last gritty outing, Sector 36 (2024). This time around, he's taking a lighter, albeit darker, route with a black comedy that centres on a murder with quirky undertones. The film is set to go on floors this month and will be primarily shot in Mumbai, with key locations including 1 Aerocity in Marol and Film City in Goregaon.

A report by Mid-Day quoted a source close to the production, revealing, “Aditya has charted out a two-month shoot. Rajkummar was so impressed by the script that he has also joined the project as a co-producer.” This marks Rao’s second foray into production after Toaster, another Netflix title slated for release later this year.

The news comes at a time when excitement around the Sourav Ganguly biopic, also starring Rao, is steadily building. The sports drama, which will reunite the actor with filmmaker Vikramaditya Motwane after their critically acclaimed 2016 film Trapped, is still in its pre-production phase. With the Ganguly project yet to roll, Rao has found the perfect window to squeeze in this dark comedy.

Meanwhile, the actor’s upcoming theatrical release, Maalik, hits cinemas on July 11. Directed by Pulkit and backed by producers Kumar Taurani and Jay Shewakramani, the film sees Rao stepping into the role of a gangster-turned-power player. He leads a stellar cast including Bengali superstar Prosenjit Chatterjee, former Miss World Manushi Chhillar, and 12th Fail breakout Medha Shankr.

Also Read: Akshay Kumar praises Abhishek Banerjee for Stolen, Ali Fazal, Nushrratt Bharuccha and Rajkummar Rao shower love too

Aamir Khan is known for breaking the mould - and with his upcoming film Sitaare Zameen Par, the actor-producer is doing just that by reshaping how films hit the big screen. The much-anticipated movie will follow a unique and thoughtfully crafted release pattern that aims to maximize longevity and audience engagement.

For domestic distribution, Aamir has partnered with cinema giant PVR-Inox, while overseas rights are being handled by veteran distributor Anil Thadani. But it’s not just the partnerships that are grabbing attention — it’s the innovative release plan that’s creating buzz across the industry.

Unlike the typical high-voltage Bollywood release that flood theatres with screens on Day 1, Sitaare Zameen Par will follow a novel approach. According to a well-placed industry source, the strategy involves starting with a controlled number of shows and gradually increasing screenings based on the word-of-mouth momentum. “Aamir isn’t looking at a weekend-centric business model,” the source revealed to Bollywood Hungama. “He believes in the power of sustained storytelling. The idea is to build slowly, allow the audience to connect with the film, and expand as the emotional resonance spreads. It’s a risk - but it’s calculated, and very much in line with Aamir’s belief in quality over quantity.”

Interestingly, this model harks back to a time-tested formula used by Rajshri Productions, known for their successful slow-burn theatrical runs. Films like Hum Aapke Hain Koun..!, which began with limited shows and grew into historic hits, are classic examples. In fact, insiders say Aamir personally reached out to members of the Rajshri team to understand the intricacies of their release playbook.

“He’s always been a student of cinema,” the source added. “He sat down with people from the Rajshri team to dive deep into how they sustained audience interest and expanded show counts organically. That’s the kind of foresight and humility Aamir brings to the table.”

The goal with this approach is not only to meet demand more dynamically but also to ensure that theatres aren’t overcrowded on Day 1 and empty by Week 2 - a growing trend in the current box office climate. By pacing the release, Aamir hopes to give Sitaare Zameen Par a longer, healthier theatrical life.

As anticipation builds for both the film and its accompanying documentary on special needs artists, Aamir Khan is clearly steering the narrative in a way that’s both socially impactful and commercially innovative. With this bold release strategy, he’s once again proving that in a world driven by instant gratification, sometimes patience, like the stories we tell, is the real game-changer.

Also Read: Team Sitaare Zameen Par to come under one roof for a musical night at Aamir Khan’s place on 6th June!