Vivek Agnihotri directorial The Bengal Files witnessed a fresh controversy as Shantanu Mukherjee, grandson of celebrated Bengali freedom fighter Gopal Mukherjee, filed a police complaint against the filmmaker. The grievance comes in response to the trailer of Agnihotri's upcoming political drama, unveiled on August 16, which coincides with the 80th anniversary of the "Great Calcutta Killings," also known as 'Direct Action Day.'

According to Shantanu Mukherjee, the film inaccurately portrays his grandfather, calling him “Kashai” (meaning butcher) and “Patha” (meaning goat), terms he describes as deeply disrespectful. "My grandfather was an important figure in the freedom movement, working alongside prominent leaders, with his ideology aligned with Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose. To label him in such derogatory terms is not only historically inaccurate but also offensive to our family and the community," Shantanu stated in a statement reported by India Today.

In protest, Shantanu has sent a legal notice to Vivek Agnihotri and lodged a formal FIR demanding a public apology. He expressed frustration that the filmmakers failed to consult the family or verify historical facts before the release of the trailer. "I think Vivek Agnihotri should research more on this. From where did they get this wrong information? He has not contacted us either. That's why we are protesting and will continue to do so," he said.

The film, which is the third installment in Agnihotri’s "Files Trilogy" following The Tashkent Files (2019) and The Kashmir Files (2022), revolves around the 1946 Great Calcutta Killings and the Noakhali riots. It seeks to depict the events as genocide and highlights how these historical atrocities were allegedly silenced or ignored in mainstream narratives. The trailer's release on the anniversary of the tragedy has added emotional weight and intensified public scrutiny.

Film analysts note that Agnihotri’s projects often stir debate for their portrayal of historical events, and this latest controversy underscores the sensitivity surrounding depictions of real-life freedom fighters. Historians and community leaders have echoed Shantanu’s concerns, emphasizing the importance of responsible storytelling when representing figures who played pivotal roles in India’s independence movement.

The dispute raises critical questions about the responsibility of filmmakers to consult families and historians before dramatizing historical events. Whether the controversy will lead to edits in the film or a formal apology remains to be seen, but the FIR and legal notice signal that the debate is only just beginning.

Also Read: Vivek Agnihotri’s The Bengal Files trailer stopped in West Bengal; says, “Democracy is dead in Tagore and Vivekananda’s land”

On Saturday, the trailer launch of Vivek Agnihotri’s upcoming and much-debated film The Bengal Files, which depicts the 1946 Calcutta communal riots, was halted at a luxury hotel in Kolkata. The move was met with little surprise, given the sensitive subject matter and the expected backlash. The ruling All India Trinamool Congress (TMC) in West Bengal is known for its strong stance on protecting the state’s minority community.

A senior Trinamool leader, who is also a veteran actor, told this writer on condition of anonymity, “It is unlikely Agnihotri’s film will be released in West Bengal. He has a reputation for being a troublemaker. The Kashmir Files stirred up disturbing anti-Muslim sentiments. That won’t be allowed to happen here.”

Responding to the incident, Vivek Agnihotri took to social media, tweeting, “With anguish I inform you: Today West Bengal police, on orders of ‘top authorities’, illegally stopped the trailer of #TheBengalFiles. First theatres, now even a private hotel.”

Later, speaking further on the controversy, Agnihotri remarked, “Who fears the truth of Hindu genocide? And why? Democracy is dead in Tagore and Vivekananda’s land. The trailer is now being seen all over the country, but since it is based in Bengal, we wanted its launch here. They don’t want the atrocities on Bengali Hindus in 1946 and the fightback of people like Gopal Mukherjee to be shown in cinema. If it is a part of history, do you want to change history? There can be only one reason behind such a move — to ignore the conspiracy to divide Bengal again.”

Veteran actor Anupam Kher, who essays the role of Mahatma Gandhi in The Bengal Files, also came forward in support of the film. Speaking exclusively to this writer, Kher said, “The Bengal Files tells only the truth. Why fear the truth?”

Also Read: Vivek Agnihotri launches The Bengal Files trailer on Direct Action Day in Kolkata – Here’s why the date matters

Last month, reports came in that a sequel to Khosla Ka Ghosla (2006) is in the offing and that Huma Qureshi is in talks to play the lead role. Bollywood Hungama has learned some interesting aspects about this exciting project.

A source told Bollywood Hungama, “Dibakar Banerjee directed Khosla Ka Ghosla; it was also his first directorial venture. However, he won’t be helming the sequel. Umesh Bist, who made the much-loved Pagglait (2021), starring Sanya Malhotra, and who also directed the 2024 acclaimed Zee5 show Gyaarah Gyaarah, has stepped in as the director of Khosla Ka Ghosla 2.”

The source further said, “The makers are confident of Umesh Bist’s direction abilities. He managed to get the dark humour aspect correctly in Pagglait and also excelled in the emotional scenes. Khosla Ka Ghosla 2 also has wicked humour and a family angle and hence, they feel that Umesh will surely do justice.”

Regarding the casting, the source revealed, “Huma Qureshi was in talks. However, the talk hasn’t materialized and she’s no longer doing the film. A hunt is on for the female lead.”

However, Boman Irani, who played the antagonist in Khosla Ka Ghosla, has come on board. In an interview with Bombay Times on August 10, Boman Irani confirmed that he’s doing the film and also stated, “I am very excited for the sequel. And for the first time and after a long time, I am fearful. We don’t want to make a weak effort to ruin a legacy. We have to work really hard to maintain that legacy of the film that it stood for.”

About Khosla Ka Ghosla

The first part tells the story of Kamal Kishore Khosla (Anupam Kher), who lives with his family in Delhi. He invests his hard-earned money, amounting to Rs. 30 lakhs, to buy a plot of land in South Delhi. Trouble arises when a powerful builder, Kishan Khurana (Boman Irani), usurps this plot of land and agrees to transfer it to Khosla's name only if he pays him Rs. 15 lakhs. This is when Khosla's sons and family friends come up with a novel and amusing plan to teach Khurana a lesson.

Also Read: REVEALED: Huma Qureshi looks menacing in the first look of Baby Die Do Die; also has a Badlapur connection

Netflix, in collaboration with Red Chillies Entertainment Pvt. Ltd., has unveiled the much-anticipated first look of The Ba***ds of Bollywood, marking Aryan Khan’s official directorial debut. The streaming giant shared a teaser across its social media platforms, giving audiences a first taste of what promises to be an unconventional, high-energy series.

The teaser opens with a voiceover reminiscent of the romantic tone from his father Shah Rukh Khan starrer classic Mohabbatein, evoking nostalgia for Bollywood’s golden era. However, the atmosphere quickly shifts, landing a biting punchline that signals a departure from convention. While the voice might faintly remind audiences of Shah Rukh Khan, the delivery, intent, and freshness is introduced by none other than Aryan showcasing his uniqueness.

With this teaser, Aryan Khan steps into the limelight as a storyteller in his own right. His opening words in the video encapsulate the essence of the show: “Bollywood – jisse aapne saalon se pyaar bhi kiya aur vaar bhi kiya, main bhi wohi karunga, bohot saara pyaar… aur thoda sa vaar.” The line suggests that the series will celebrate Bollywood’s charm while also critiquing its clichés, blending reverence with rebellion.

Described as “fun, filmy, aur thoda zyaada,” the show aims to straddle the line between homage and satire. It promises to be provocative yet rooted, stylised yet chaotic, bringing forward a voice that represents a generational shift in how Bollywood stories are told and consumed.

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The series features an ensemble cast including Bobby Deol, Lakshya, Sahher Bambba, Manoj Pahwa, Mona Singh, Manish Chaudhari, Raghav Juyal, Anya Singh, Vijayant Kohli, and Gautami Kapoor. With such a diverse lineup, expectations are high for a multi-layered narrative packed with drama, humour, and self-awareness.

Behind the scenes, The Ba***ds of Bollywood has heavyweight backing. Gauri Khan serves as the producer, while Bonnie Jain and Akshat Verma take on the role of executive producers. Aryan Khan co-created the series along with Bilal Siddiqi and Manav Chauhan, with the trio also credited as writers.

The teaser concludes with Netflix’s announcement that a detailed preview of the series will be released on August 20, setting the stage for one of the most talked-about debuts in recent memory.

As anticipation builds, Aryan Khan’s first project signals not only a personal milestone but also the arrival of a new narrative voice - one that dares to playfully dissect the very industry it was born into.

Also Read: Shah Rukh Khan treats fans to a surprise; announces the teaser drop of the directorial debut of his son Aryan Khan on August 17

Filmmaker Vivek Ranjan Agnihotri, the man behind The Kashmir Files, has unveiled the trailer of his next hard-hitting drama The Bengal Files. Produced by Vivek Ranjan Agnihotri, Abhishek Agarwal and Pallavi Joshi, the film is part of the acclaimed Files trilogy and promises to be the director’s most daring work yet. The trailer launch took place in Kolkata on August 16, 2025 — a date deliberately chosen to coincide with the anniversary of Direct Action Day, one of the darkest chapters in India’s pre-independence history.

On August 16, 1946, a call by the Muslim League for a separate Muslim homeland spiraled into mass communal violence in Calcutta, leading to large-scale killings and destruction. Remembered from that time is Gopal Mukherjee, who mobilized local youth to defend Hindu communities. Speaking on the significance of the date, Agnihotri said, “We have chosen this day for the trailer launch, considering what happened on 16th August 1946 in Calcutta. While the protest by the Muslim League for a separate Muslim homeland escalated massively and led to the genocide of many Hindus, Gopal Mukherjee stood as a wall in defense of Hindus. So, as a tribute to them and to highlight the current scenario in Kolkata, we have decided this.”

The trailer of The Bengal Files doesn’t whisper — it roars. Set against the backdrop of West Bengal’s violent political past, it brings forward testimonies, chilling visuals, and dialogues that cut deep. In one of the most jarring moments, a voice declares, “Yeh Pachim Bangal hai, yaha do constitution chalta hai, ek Hinduao ka, ek Musalmanon ka.” Another asserts, “Sirf Zameen ka tukda nahi, Bharat ka light house hai Bangal.”

Vivek Ranjan Agnihotri said, “The Bengal Files is a wake-up call… a roar that we will not let Bengal become another Kashmir. We decided to launch the trailer in Kolkata to bring authenticity to the portrayal of untold story of Hindu Genocide and you will witness a glimpse of it in the trailer. The nation should prepare… because if Kashmir hurt you, Bengal will haunt you.”

Pallavi Joshi, who also stars in the film, added, “This is yet another face of reality we are bringing to society — something people truly need to see. The Bengal Files trailer is an attempt to take the audience closer to the haunting reality the film will portray. Every performance in this film comes from a place of deep truth, making the story even more powerful. It’s impactful cinema with the zeal to reveal a truth the nation has long forgotten. I hope the trailer receives the same love and warmth that our teaser did.”

Veteran actor Mithun Chakraborty echoed the sentiment, stating, "The Bengal Files is everything the audience never expected. For me, this is what cinema is for, making a difference and showing what people need to see. I tell you, I am representing all of you. This character has always brought me closer to you, and it will do the same for you as well."

Producer Abhishek Agarwal reinforced the mission behind the project: “The Bengal Files is not just a film. It is our sincere and uncompromising effort to bring forth the buried truths and forgotten history of Bengal to the people of this great nation. What happened in Bengal deserves to be in the public domain, and we are committed to telling the truth without yielding to any pressure or agenda. The overwhelming love and support we’ve received during our USA premieres only reaffirms the film’s relevance and urgency. I believe every Indian, no matter where they live, will be deeply moved by this story. When we choose to remain silent in the face of atrocities, we risk committing a greater injustice to the victims. As a nation, we stood united for The Kashmir Files. Now is the time to stand together and show the same solidarity for The Bengal Files.”

As the trailer closes, a chilling line echoes: “Kyu Azaadi ke 80 saal baad bhi hum ussi communal politics se ladh rahe hai? Kya hum aazad hai?”

The Bengal Files stars Mithun Chakraborty, Pallavi Joshi, Anupam Kher, and Darshan Kumar. Written and directed by Vivek Ranjan Agnihotri, it is produced by Abhishek Agarwal, Pallavi Joshi, and Agnihotri himself, with a worldwide release by Zee Studios. Presented by Tej Narayan Agarwal & I Am Buddha, the film arrives in theatres on September 5, 2025.

Also Read: The Bengal Files trailer to be launched with War 2 and Coolie in theatres

The Indian Film Festival of Melbourne (IFFM) 2025 turned into a star-studded celebration as Indian cinema’s finest talents were honoured at the prestigious Awards Night. Applause, emotion, and pride filled the air as filmmaker Neeraj Ghaywan’s poignant drama Homebound emerged as the evening’s biggest winner, bagging both Best Film and Best Director.

Bollywood icon Aamir Khan was conferred with the coveted Excellence in Cinema Award, recognising his unparalleled legacy and contribution to Indian cinema. Speaking about his win, Aamir Khan said, “I have been attracted to telling stories from a very young age. Filmmaking is a collaborative art and this award and recognition wouldn’t have been possible without my writers, directors, co-stars, and the audiences who have given me the opportunity to tell the stories and be part of the many stories I have been part of.”

Meanwhile, Abhishek Bachchan delivered an emotional moment on stage as he won Best Actor (Male) – Film for I Want to Talk. Abhishek Bachchan, visibly moved after his Best Actor win, added, “Life has come a full circle for me. I came here in 2022 where I was feted with the excellence in cinema award for my body of work. But this is an emotional moment for me to get the best actor on this very stage and be recognised for my role in a film that’s extremely special to me. It was 3 years back in Melbourne at this same festival where Shoojit Da offered me this role in I Want To Talk. It was Shoojit Da who believed in me that I could pull off this role and this role is an ode to my father and my daughter because it’s about caring and raising a parent.”

The festival’s winners reflected the incredible diversity and depth of Indian storytelling across formats. Homebound was declared Best Film, while Neeraj Ghaywan won Best Director for the same. Angammal earned the title of Best Indie Film with Gugun Kigpen receiving a Special Mention for Boong. Geetha Kailasam won Best Actor (Female) – Film for her performance in Angammal.

The television segment saw Black Warrant win Best Series, with Jaideep Ahlawat taking home Best Actor (Male) – Series for Paatal Lok Season 2, and Nimisha Sajayan winning Best Actor (Female) – Series for Dabba Cartel. Reflecting on the journey, Jaideep said "This award is truly overwhelming. To be recognized on an international platform like the Indian Film Festival of Melbourne is an honor I will cherish forever. Hathiram Chaudhary's journey has been an extraordinary one, and this award belongs to the entire team who poured their heart and soul into making Paatal Lok what it is today. I’m deeply grateful to the jury and, most importantly, to the audience for their love and support. This is for all of you."

Among the honorary recognitions, Arvind Swamy was celebrated with the Leadership in Cinema Award, Vir Das was honoured with the Disruptor Award, Aditi Rao Hydari was recognised for Diversity in Cinema, and Baksho Bondi won the Equality in Cinema Award. Arvind Swamy shared his happiness over the award and stated, “I’m still a student of cinema even though I have been given leadership in cinema for my work. If anyone offers me role even today that’s in my comfort zone, I wouldn’t do it, I always want roles that challenge me. I’m grateful for the recognition to be given the Leadership in Cinema award at IFFM 2025.”

Other categories included the short film  where Kalar Pencils by Dhananjay Santosh Goregaonkar won Best Short Film (India), while Drifters by David Liu was awarded Best Short Film (Australia).

Now in its 16th edition, IFFM has once again reaffirmed its status as the largest Indian film festival outside of India, bringing together filmmakers, stars, and audiences in a grand celebration of cinema. The festival continues until August 24, with Homebound serving as the closing film.

Also Read: Aamir Khan inaugurates Indian Film Festival of Melbourne 2025 with Gauri Spratt; unveils opening night film Baksho Bondi

Maddock Films is set to take the Indian horror-comedy landscape to new heights with its latest announcement, The World of Thama, which will be unveiled on August 19, 2025. The news comes as the production house celebrates the first anniversary of Stree 2, India’s number one Hindi film, on Independence Day. Producer Dinesh Vijan is expanding the Maddock Horror-Comedy Universe, promising audiences a glimpse of the ‘sarvashaktishaali’ villain destined to redefine fear in Bollywood.

The recently released teaser hints at the interconnected world of Maddock Supernatural Universe, which already includes hits like Bhediya, starring Varun Dhawan, Stree, featuring Shraddha Kapoor, and Munjya. According to the teaser, Thama will inject a fresh dimension into this universe with a story that blends romance and horror in a way the franchise has never explored before.

“Independence Day Special! The No. 1 Hindi film Stree 2 turns 1 today. To celebrate, Dinesh Vijan expands the Maddock Horror-Comedy Universe with #THAMA. The World of Thama unveils Tuesday, Aug 19 — your first glimpse at the sarvashaktishaali villain set to redefine fear. The film storms into cinemas this Diwali 2025. Brace yourself — this chapter is a love story, wilder and deadlier than anything you’ve seen before,” read Maddock Films’ official Instagram post on Friday.

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Directed by Aditya Sarpotdar, Thama will feature Ayushmann Khurrana in the lead role, with Rashmika Mandanna as the leading lady. Reports suggest that the film will delve into the world of vampires, promising a thrilling, blood-soaked narrative that combines romance, comedy, and high-octane horror. According to early descriptions, “This universe needed a love story. Unfortunately, it's a bloody one,” signaling the daring new direction of the franchise.

Maddock Films has built a reputation for blending unconventional storytelling, unforgettable characters, and high-concept entertainment that resonates with audiences across India and beyond. With Thama, the studio is set to push the boundaries of the horror-comedy genre, promising fans a visually stunning and narratively rich cinematic experience this Diwali.

As excitement builds for the August 19 announcement, audiences are eager to witness the next chapter in the Maddock Supernatural Universe, one that promises to be wilder, deadlier, and more romantic than anything the franchise has delivered so far.

Also Read: REVEALED: Varun Dhawan shoots for six days for Ayushmann Khurrana-Rashmika Mandanna starrer Thama; Vampire vs Bhediya battle expected to be a VISUAL spectacle

Kriti Sanon has made headlines again, this time for her latest luxury real estate investment. According to The Economic Times, the actress has purchased a sea-facing duplex penthouse in Mumbai’s prestigious Pali Hill locality in Bandra West. The property, located in the Supreme Prana residential tower, reportedly cost over Rs 78.20 crore, making it one of her most extravagant real estate acquisitions to date.

The newly acquired penthouse spans the 14th and 15th floors and covers 6,636 sq ft, with an additional 1,209 sq ft open terrace on the top floor. Valued at approximately Rs 1.18 lakh per sq ft, the deal includes six exclusive car parking slots. The transaction has been completed jointly with her mother, with stamp duty of Rs 3.91 crore and a total investment exceeding Rs 84.16 crore, inclusive of GST and other charges. The penthouse offers exclusive terrace rights, giving Kriti uninterrupted panoramic views of the Arabian Sea — a feature that adds to the allure of this ultra-luxury residence.

This isn’t Kriti’s first foray into Mumbai real estate. In 2024, she acquired a 4-BHK apartment in Bandra West priced at Rs 35 crore. In 2023, she also invested in a 2,000 sq ft plot in Alibaug, a popular getaway for celebrities near Mumbai. With this latest purchase, Kriti is steadily building a portfolio of high-value properties, cementing her presence in the city’s elite real estate circuit.

On the professional front, Kriti Sanon is gearing up for some exciting projects. She will be seen opposite Dhanush in Aanand L. Rai’s romantic drama, Tere Ishk Mein, which explores themes of love and obsession. Fans also have another reason to celebrate, as Kriti recently confirmed her next project, Cocktail 2, directed by Homi Adajania, promising yet another memorable performance from the actress.

With a blend of high-octane film projects and strategic real estate investments, Kriti Sanon continues to make waves both on and off the screen. The sea-facing penthouse in Pali Hill not only underscores her luxurious lifestyle but also reflects her growing penchant for premium properties that offer both elegance and privacy.

Also Read: Kriti Sanon joins Homi Adajania’s Cocktail 2; actress begins prep for ‘The Sicilian Chapter’

The Bombay High Court has thrown out a copyright infringement plea against Balaji Telefilms over its 2023 comedy Dream Girl 2, ruling that the film’s storyline is entirely different from the applicant’s work and that the claim of breach of confidence was ‘far-fetched’.

The case was filed by writer Ashim Kumar Bagchi, who claimed the Ayushmann Khurrana-starrer was based on his script originally titled Kal Kisne Dekha and later re-registered as The Show Must Go On. Bagchi alleged that his story — a gender-swap comedy about a man impersonating a woman and navigating hilarious situations whenever his real identity was at risk — had been shared in confidence with one of the film’s credited writers years ago. He argued that elements of his work had been used without permission.

However, the court observed that what Bagchi was seeking amounted to a monopoly over generic ideas and common comedic tropes — such as mistaken identity and disguise — that cannot be protected under copyright law. These elements, the court said, were “stock” and “unoriginal” in nature and therefore not eligible for protection. Finding no substantive similarity between the two works, the judges dismissed the case and ordered Bagchi to pay Rs 1 lakh each in costs to Balaji Telefilms and another defendant.

Directed by Raaj Shaandilyaa, Dream Girl 2 is the sequel to the 2019 blockbuster Dream Girl. The film sees Ayushmann Khurrana reprising his role as Karam, who once again takes on the female persona of ‘Pooja’, leading to a series of comedic chaos and romantic misunderstandings. Featuring Ananya Panday as the female lead alongside Paresh Rawal, Vijay Raaz, and Rajpal Yadav, the movie was a commercial success, cementing its place as one of Bollywood’s most popular comedy franchises. The film was a spiritual successor to the 2019 comedy also featuring Ayushmann.

Also Read: Sooraj Barjatya confirms Ayushmann Khurrana as the new ‘Prem’ in upcoming family drama; says, “Ayushmann is a committed and talented actor”

Amidst the unsavoury accusations from his brother, Aamir Khan quietly jetted off for a vacation with his ladylove Gauri Spratt on Tuesday. “I needed a breather; some pause from all the stress. Gauri has a very calming effect on me. Just being around her makes me feel peaceful,” Aamir told this writer.

The past week has been far from easy for the actor, with his brother Faisal accusing him of enforced confinement, among other things. Aamir was expected to attend a pre-release event in Hyderabad for Coolie alongside Rajinikanth and Nagarjuna, but chose to give it a miss, preferring to avoid uncomfortable questions from the media about his family situation.

In conversation, Aamir confirmed he hasn’t charged any money for Coolie. “No, Subhash, I haven’t charged any money. I have too much love and respect for Rajni Sir to even think of money. Just sharing the screen with him is reward enough.”

On his decision to fly off on the eve of the film’s release, Aamir explained, “It isn’t as if I am the hero of Coolie. I am just a cameo player. Rajini Sir and Nag play the central characters. If audiences flock to see Coolie, it will be to see them, not me.”

Also Read: SCOOP: Coolie shows increased in multiplexes on popular demand; showcasing battle with War 2 gets intense

The wait for one of Bollywood’s most anticipated sequels is finally over. On the occasion of India’s 79th Independence Day, the makers of Border 2 unveiled the film’s first poster along with its official release date. The war drama, inspired by true stories, is set to hit theatres on January 22, 2026, giving audiences the perfect build-up to the extended Republic Day weekend.

The timing of the announcement serves as a tribute to India’s Bravehearts, echoing the patriotic sentiment that made the original Border a landmark film in Indian cinema. The newly released poster showcases Sunny Deol back in his most memorable role — a battle-hardened soldier — dressed in military gear and gripping a bazooka with fierce determination. With an intense gaze and the weight of duty etched on his face, Deol embodies the courage and sacrifice of the Indian armed forces, ready to once again lead audiences into an emotionally charged cinematic battlefield.

Speaking about the announcement, producer Bhushan Kumar said, “Border is more than a film — it’s an emotion for every Indian. With Border 2, we aim to carry forward that legacy and bring it to a new generation. The new release date gives audiences more time to come together and experience the film in theatres during an extended Republic Day weekend.”

Producer Nidhi Dutta added, “The first Border was a heartfelt salute to our armed forces. This time, we return with the same passion, a fresh story, and a promise to evoke the same pride and tears in every theatre. With the new release date, we are happy to bring the film to cinemas sooner, allowing audiences to enjoy a longer Republic Day weekend.”

Director Anurag Singh highlighted the significance of the Independence Day reveal, stating, “Announcing the date on Independence Day is symbolic. This day reminds us of the sacrifices made by our soldiers for India’s freedom and so does our film. It’s an honour and a privilege to honour their undying spirit through this story.”

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Directed by Anurag Singh, Border 2 features an ensemble cast including Sunny Deol, Varun Dhawan, Diljit Dosanjh, Ahan Shetty, Medha Rana, Mona Singh, and Sonam Bajwa. The film is produced by Bhushan Kumar and J.P. Dutta, with production support from Krishan Kumar and Nidhi Dutta, under the banners of T-Series and J.P. Films.

Backed by a powerful production team including Bhushan Kumar, Krishan Kumar, J.P. Dutta, and Nidhi Dutta, Border 2 promises to uphold the emotional intensity and patriotic fervour of its predecessor while introducing a new generation of viewers to its legacy. With its release timed to coincide with a long Republic Day weekend, the film is poised to deliver a stirring tribute to the heroism and indomitable spirit of the Indian soldier.

Audiences can gear up for what promises to be a monumental saga of patriotism, courage, and sacrifice as Border 2 storms into cinemas nationwide on January 22, 2026.

Also Read: BREAKING: CBFC passes date announcement teaser of Border 2 with a U/A 16+ certificate

An old video of actress Mrunal Thakur from her Kumkum Bhagya days resurfaced online a couple of days ago, sparking controversy and heated discussions across social media. The clip, dating back to her time on the popular Ektaa R. Kapoor show on Zee TV, features Thakur in a light-hearted media interaction with her co-star Arjit Taneja.

In the video, Mrunal is heard asking, “Would you rather marry someone who is more manly with muscles?” When Taneja responds that he would prefer a physically fit partner, she quips, “Go marry Bipasha then. Listen, I am far better than Bipasha.” While seemingly meant as playful banter, the remark did not sit well with fans of Bollywood actress Bipasha Basu, many interpreting it as body-shaming and dismissive.

As the clip gained traction online with fans and followers slamming Thakur for her opinions, Mrunal decided to address the matter head-on by issuing a candid apology on her social media page. “19-year-old me as a teenager said many silly things. I didn’t always understand the weight of my voice or how much words, even in jest, could hurt. But it did, and for that I am deeply sorry. My intent was never to body-shame anyone,” her statement read. She further added, “It was playful banter in an interview that went too far. But I understand how it came across, and I truly wish I had chosen my words differently. With time, I’ve grown to appreciate that beauty comes in every form, and that’s something I truly value now.”

Her clarification has been widely shared, with many appreciating her honesty, growth, and willingness to take accountability. The actress, known for her strong yet empathetic persona, concluded by reiterating her belief that women can be both “soft and strong” — a combination she believes makes them unstoppable.

Also Read: Mrunal Thakur: “If someone hacks my phone they will find…” | Star Tech