The Indian film and television industry has been reeling under a series of losses in recent days, with the passing of several celebrated figures. After mourning the deaths of TV personality Shefali Jariwala, veteran actor Kota Srinivasa Rao, and iconic actress B. Saroja Devi, the fraternity is now grieving the demise of actor-producer Dheeraj Kumar. He was 80.

According to reports, Dheeraj Kumar passed away in Mumbai after battling acute pneumonia. His family had earlier stated his critical health condition, requesting prayers and privacy. Sadly, despite receiving intensive care, the veteran could not recover.

Dheeraj Kumar’s journey in the entertainment industry began in 1965 when he participated in a talent contest alongside Rajesh Khanna and Subhash Ghai. Though Rajesh Khanna won, Dheeraj stood out as one of the finalists and carved a niche for himself in the decades that followed.

He appeared in several Hindi and Punjabi films through the 1970s and 80s, including Roti Kapda Aur Makaan, Swami, and Bezubaan. He acted in over 20 Punjabi films between 1970 and 1984.

Later, he transitioned into television and left a lasting impact as a producer. He founded the banner Creative Eye and was the force behind popular shows such as Milee, Kahan Gaye Woh Log, Maayka, and the courtroom drama Adaalat. His contribution helped shape Indian television content during the early 2000s.

Also Read: Veteran actor Kota Srinivasa Rao passes away at 83 in Hyderabad

Earlier this year, actress Shweta Tripathi announced that she would be turning producer with a queer drama. News is now out that her maiden production is titled Mujhe Jaan Na Kaho Meri Jaan and it will star herself along with her friend and acclaimed actress Tillotama Shome, who will play a pivotal role in the movie. The film is a queer love story that aims to break stereotypes and spark meaningful conversations. It will be directed by Sanjoy Nag and is slated to go on floors by the end of 2025.

Earlier this year, Shweta had shared that her debut production would be centred around a queer narrative, and now with Tillotama on board, the project takes on a new emotional depth and resonance. The duo will be seen working together for the first time in this unique film.

This cinematic venture comes on the heels of the success of Shweta’s previous queer-themed production Cock, a play that has received widespread praise for its unflinching portrayal of identity and love. Encouraged by the overwhelming response, Shweta is now ready to expand her vision into the world of cinema.

Sharing her excitement about the collaboration, Shweta said, “This film is very close to my heart — not just because it’s my first as a producer, but because of what it stands for. Queer love stories deserve to be told with honesty, beauty, and nuance. Having Tillotama on board makes this even more special. She’s not just a phenomenal actor, she’s also someone I deeply admire and trust. We’ve been wanting to work together for a long time, and I can’t think of a better project to begin this journey with.”

With this film, Shweta hopes to amplify underrepresented voices and bring forth a narrative that is both tender and transformative. More details about the film’s title, cast, and release schedule will be announced soon.

Also Read: Mona Singh to team up with Shweta Tripathi and Barun Sobti for next venture

Mohit Suri’s intense romantic drama Saiyaara, starring Ahaan Panday and Aneet Padda, will release this Friday, July 18, and trade expects it to have a surprise opening. The producers, Yash Raj Films (YRF), are also distributing the film and they informed all cinemas about the release strategy yesterday.

An exhibition source told Bollywood Hungama, “YRF has asked all the cinemas that the shows of Saiyaara should start from 9:30 am onwards. This means that theatres can’t play shows very early in the morning. Secondly, theatres have been instructed that they can’t play more than 6 shows on July 18. This particular directive, however, is applicable only for the day of release. From Saturday, July 19, theatres can play as many shows as they wish to.”

The source continued, “To attract the youth, YRF has come up with two special initiatives. One is widely known, that is, if one uses the code ‘SAIYAARA’ on BookMyShow, the patron can get a discount of 50%. This is valid on a minimum of 2 tickets and the discount will be up to Rs. 200. That’s not all. YRF has also told the theatres that the first show of the day, that is, the one at 9:30 am, should be ‘specially priced’ to attract the college-going audience. YRF further said that the rest of the shows of the day should have the normal weekend rate.”

A trade expert commented, “By having just six shows in a day, the occupancy will be higher in all shows. Also, India is a price-conscious country. As a result, the BookMyShow offer will entice people. Lastly, by having cheaper ticket rates in the morning, many would be enticed to go for the early show. In fact, using the 50% discount offer in the morning show will ensure that the youth can watch the film at a very dirt-cheap price. Earlier, morning shows used to be crowded by the under-25 population but this trend took a hit in many centres in the post-pandemic era. Hopefully, with Saiyaara, this trend will be reversed.”

Saiyaara is the second film in recent times that has come up with out-of-the-box release strategies to attract moviegoers. Last month’s hit, Sitaare Zameen Par, starring Aamir Khan, also followed certain interesting ideas like no show before 11:00 am and only four shows between 11:00 and 5:00 pm on release day.

Also Read: Saiyaara song ‘Dhun’ out: Mohit Suri, Mithoon, and Arijit Singh reunite for Ahaan Panday starrer track, watch

In a sudden turn of events, Vikrant Massey, who just wooed audiences last Friday in Aankhon Ki Gustaakhiyan alongside Shanaya Kapoor, was poised to take on a pivotal role in the highly anticipated Don 3. Set to play the main antagonist opposite Ranveer Singh in Farhan Akhtar’s much talked about film, Vikrant was expected to bring a new level of intensity to the project.

But in a dramatic twist, industry insiders reveal that Vikrant made the bold decision to walk away. The character, a suave, smooth-talking scamster, demanded a significant makeover and featured numerous high-octane action combat scenes against the lead star Ranveer Singh. This unexpected move has left Farhan Akhtar and the production team scrambling to find a suitable replacement, who can do justice to this complex character.

Rumours are swirling that the makers have approached top talents, including Vijay Devarakonda and Aditya Roy Kapur, to fill Vikrant’s shoes. However, neither actor has confirmed the role yet, leaving fans and industry watchers on the edge of their seats.

A source close to the producers expressed confidence, saying, “There is no doubt that Vikrant would have been phenomenal. We are certain that another actor of his calibre will step up and take this challenge head-on.”

With the film slated to go on floors in January 2026, the clock is ticking for Farhan Akhtar to find the perfect fit for this enigmatic role.

Stay tuned as the drama unfolds and the search for the ideal antagonist continues in the world of Don 3.

Also Read: Farhan Akhtar to start shooting Don 3 with Ranveer Singh from January 2026

In recent years, Dinesh Vijan has carved out a unique space in Hindi cinema with his horror-comedy universe, beginning with Stree and expanding through Bhediya and Munjya. The next film to emerge from this quirky supernatural world is Thama, headlined by Ayushmann Khurrana and Rashmika Mandanna. The film is slated for a grand theatrical release this Diwali, and fans won’t have to wait long to catch their first glimpse.

According to a report by Pinkvilla, the teaser for Thama is all set to premiere during the Independence Day 2025 weekend, alongside the highly anticipated action spectacle War 2, starring Hrithik Roshan and Jr. NTR.

“Dinesh Vijan has already initiated discussions with exhibitors nationwide to attach the Thama teaser to War 2 screenings,” the publication quoted a source. “The response has been positive, and exhibitors are keen to showcase what promises to be the next big chapter in Maddock’s horror-comedy universe.”

The strategy is clear: to reach a wide, cinema-loving audience during one of the year’s biggest box office weekends and reinforce the film’s Diwali 2025 release date.

“The teaser is expected to be hard-attached not only to War 2 prints but also to those of Param Sundari, which hits theatres shortly after. This ensures extended visibility ahead of the film’s release,” the source added.

While plot details remain tightly under wraps, insiders suggest that Thama will introduce Bollywood audiences to vampires in a new light—infused with comedy, mythology, and stylized thrills, in true Maddock fashion. The teaser will reportedly offer a vivid, atmospheric entry into this supernatural world.

Joining Ayushmann and Rashmika in pivotal roles are Paresh Rawal and Nawazuddin Siddiqui. But the film also carries a major franchise hook: Thama will feature an extended cameo by Varun Dhawan as Bhediya, teasing a future conflict between vampires and werewolves within the Maddock Cinematic Universe.

Also Read: Ayushmann Khurrana shares excitement on Thama: “Feels amazing to have a big Diwali release”

Varun Dhawan got a lot of acclaim and also box office success with his previous two associations with Shashank Khaitan, namely Humpty Sharma Ki Dulhania (2014) and Badrinath Ki Dulhania (2017). He's now back with the director for the third time, Sunny Sanskari Ki Tulsi Kumari. The film was scheduled for release on September 12 but Bollywood Hungama has learned that there's a change in the release plan.

A source told Bollywood Hungama, "Sunny Sanskari Ki Tulsi Kumari has been postponed. It has now been confirmed for October 2. Producer Karan Johar and the whole team realized that this is the apt time to bring this romcom. This year, besides Gandhi Jayanti, Dussehra also falls on the same day. Hence, it'll be a festive period and hopefully, it will face no other competition until Diwali. In other words, it will have a clean run for three weeks."

Sunny Sanskari Ki Tulsi Kumari, however, will clash with Kantara: A Legend – Chapter 1 and Harshvardhan Rane starrer Ek Deewane Ki Deewaniyat.

With Sunny Sanskari Ki Tulsi Kumari pushed, there will also be sufficient gap between two releases of Janhvi. Her other romantic drama, Param Sundari, is expected to release on August 29. As for Varun Dhawan, this will be his only release in 2025 before he storms in cinemas with the much awaited big budget war film, Border 2 on Republic Day 2026.

Besides Varun Dhawan and Janhvi Kapoor, Sunny Sanskari Ki Tulsi Kumari also stars Akshay Oberoi, Rohit Saraf and Sanya Malhotra and Maniesh Paul.

Also Read: Maniesh Paul pens a heartfelt birthday note for Varun Dhawan: “My brother from another mother”

Since the last two days, there have been reports that the John Abraham-Manushi Chhillar starrer Tehran will have a direct release on OTT. The action thriller is backed by Maddock Films, headed by the blockbuster producer Dinesh Vijan.

A source told Bollywood Hungama, “In all probability, the film is expected to premiere on Zee5. A clearer picture on this front will emerge in a week’s time or 10 days. Also, reports claim that it’ll have a release on OTT on August 15. The date is still not locked. Again, this decision will be taken soon after which the makers will make an official announcement.”

Explaining the reason for releasing it directly on a streaming giant, an industry insider revealed, “Tehran is a no-nonsense geopolitical thriller and made on the lines of an international film. It has a run time of less than two hours and moreover, it's not just a Hindi language film. To maintain authenticity, certain dialogues are also in Farsi and English. Hence, the makers realized that it would suit the OTT medium more.”

Tehran makes the first-ever OTT release for John Abraham. Many actors had jumped on the OTT bandwagon but he had remained away from it until now. However, his production Sardar Ka Grandson (2021) was released directly on Netflix during the second wave of COVID-19. It featured Arjun Kapoor, Rakul Preet Singh and Neena Gupta in leading roles with John appearing in a cameo. Tehran will be his first OTT release as a full-fledged actor.

Tehran is directed by Arun Gopalan and produced by Dinesh Vijan of Maddock Films and Sandeep Leyzell and Shobhna Yadav of Bake My Cake Films. It is inspired by true events and also stars Madhurima Tuli. The geopolitical thriller was shot in 2022 across Glasgow, Mumbai and Delhi.

At one point, Tehran was scheduled to be released in cinemas on January 25, 2023. The plan was dropped possibly as John’s big-budget extravaganza, Pathaan, co-starring Shah Rukh Khan and Deepika Padukone, was also scheduled to arrive on the same day. Last year, there were murmurs that Tehran might release in the month of May but as per sources, the plan never materialized and was soon dropped.

Also Read: Some films are shot and ready waiting for a release date: A look at Maddock’s packed slate

Veteran filmmaker Ram Gopal Varma has weighed in on the ongoing Deepika Padukone-Sandeep Reddy Vanga controversy, offering a candid take that adds a fresh layer to the highly publicized debate on flexible working hours in the film industry. Speaking to Hindustan Times, the Satya director called the entire issue “exaggerated,” while emphasizing that both directors and actors have the freedom to agree or walk away from work terms.

Ram Gopal Varma, never one to mince words, stated: “When it comes to having fixed shift timings for actors, I really think that it is an agreement between two people. Each of them has a right to say what they want, and the other one has a right to refuse.” He further added, “The whole thing was a very exaggerated thing in my opinion. Because I can say, I want to work for 23 hours, and the actor can say I want to work only for one hour. That's their call. But how can one human being force another human being to do something? And they can agree to work or not work with each other. But that thing was just kind of blown up in the media.”

The controversy erupted after reports surfaced that Deepika Padukone had opted out of Vanga’s upcoming film Spirit starring Prabhas, allegedly due to the director’s refusal to accommodate her request for flexible working hours — a clause the actress reportedly introduced post motherhood. The situation escalated when Triptii Dimri was brought in to replace Padukone, prompting a social media storm and sparking conversations around work-life balance in the film world.

While some in the film fraternity have applauded Padukone for setting boundaries and prioritizing personal commitments, others have sided with Sandeep Reddy Vanga, arguing that directors too must retain creative control over their shooting schedules. The debate continues to divide opinions across Bollywood. Ram Gopal Varma’s neutral yet pointed take adds a sobering perspective to the noise, reminding the industry that filmmaking, at its core, remains a collaborative endeavour — one that relies on mutual consent and professional respect.

Also Read: Soha Ali Khan supports Deepika Padukone’s 8-hour shift demand: “I totally understand where Deepika is coming from”

On the occasion of Prime Day, July 14, Prime Video, India’s most loved entertainment destination, today unveiled the official first look for its upcoming period-drama, The Revolutionaries. Created for streaming and directed by Nikkhil Advani, the series, currently in production, boasts a power-packed cast led by Bhuvan Bam, Rohit Saraf, Pratibha Ranta, Gurfateh Pirzada, and Jason Shah, all under the banner of Emmay Entertainment, and produced by Monisha Advani and Madhu Bhojwani. The first-look asset offers a glimpse into the upcoming series adapted from Sanjeev Sanyal’s celebrated and widely acclaimed book, Revolutionaries: The Other Story Of How India Won Its Freedom.

It tells the powerful story of brave young Indian freedom fighters who believed that armed resistance was not just vital but indispensable to ending the British Raj. The Revolutionaries is a stirring tribute to their extraordinary lives, sacrifices, and their unwavering, undying love for their country. Currently on floors, the series is being mounted on a grand scale, with filming underway across multiple locations in India, including Mumbai, Amritsar, Varanasi, Dehradun, and more.

“India’s rich history is filled with stories of courage, valour and sacrifice – many of which have been lost to time. Sanjeev Sanyal’s remarkable book Revolutionaries: The Other Story of How India Won Its Freedom shines a light on a vital part of our freedom struggle, and we’re immensely proud to bring this story to life,” said Nikhil Madhok, Director and Head of Originals, Prime Video, India. “The Revolutionaries is an ambitious and deeply meaningful project for us, and we are delighted to once again join forces with our long-time collaborator Nikkhil Advani and the talented team at Emmay Entertainment. With Nikkhil’s creative vision at the helm, and Bhuvan, Rohit, Pratibha and Gurfateh bringing powerful characters to life, we are confident in our ability to authentically portray the spirit of the era and honour this inspiring chapter in India’s history.”

"For me, The Revolutionaries is a deeply enriching and enlightening experience. Sanjeev Sanyal's powerful book has given us a compelling foundation to tell the untold stories of these extraordinary young patriots,” said director Nikkhil Advani. “We’re thrilled to work once again with our long-standing collaborators at Prime Video, who are wholly supportive and encouraging of our vision. We have brought together an exceptional crew and cast, led by Bhuvan, Rohit, Pratibha and Gurfateh, who are ready to fully immerse themselves in the spirit of this story and breathe life into these iconic characters. We are committed to crafting a narrative that is both authentic and impactful for audiences across the globe.”

Also Read: Zero Se Restart: Vidhu Vinod Chopra, Vikrant Massey talk about the raw BTS documentary on 12th Fail after it drops on Prime Video

The question every fan of the Family Man franchise is asking: when is The Family Man 3 streaming? Manoj Bajpayee has now confirmed that the much-awaited third season of the massively popular Amazon Prime series will begin streaming in the last week of October or the first week of November.

“The shooting is complete,” Bajpayee shared. “When we started, we had no idea The Family Man would go this far. Is it the most popular work I’ve done? I would say, most definitely, yes. Although I’ve done some other excellent series on OTT, like Abhishek Chaubey’s Killer Soup, the reach of The Family Man has gone beyond anything I’ve experienced.”

The actor is confident that Season 3 will match — if not exceed — expectations. “All I can say at this moment is that those who loved Seasons 1 and 2 won’t be disappointed. If the highlight of Season 2 was Samantha, then Season 3 belongs to Jaideep Ahlawat. What a fine actor! I love working with actors who are as dedicated to getting it right as I am.”

Also Read: The Family Man 3 first look unveiled: Manoj Bajpayee returns as Srikant Tiwari in the highly anticipated new season

Television actor Kushal Tandon has issued a strong and heartfelt statement on his Instagram story after an unsettling incident involving a fan who broke into his house without permission. The incident has left the actor disturbed, prompting him to speak out about the importance of personal boundaries and the safety of his family.

In his statement, Tandon wrote, “Hey everyone, Today, something happened that I need to talk about. While I was out, a fan entered my home without permission. I want to make it very clear — this is not okay. My parents live with me now, and their safety and peace matter more than anything. I understand the love, and I'm grateful for the support, but crossing personal boundaries like this is deeply unsettling. Please respect my privacy and my space, especially now that my family is living with me. Let's keep the love alive — but with mutual respect and understanding. Thank you for listening. Kushal.”

The shocking revelation comes at a sensitive time for the actor, who has been in the news recently due to his reported breakup with Barsaatein co-star Shivangi Joshi. While Tandon had briefly confirmed the breakup in a since-deleted Instagram story, neither party has officially commented further.

This intrusion has not only highlighted the dangers of extreme fan behavior, but also sparked a conversation online about celebrity privacy and fan boundaries. Many fans and fellow celebrities have come forward in support of Tandon, emphasizing that admiration should never cross into personal space.

Kushal, who enjoys a loyal fan following thanks to his roles in shows like Ek Hazaaron Mein Meri Behna Hai, Beyhadh, and Barsaatein, and also reality shows, has been appreciative of the love he receives in the past. However, the actor has now made it abundantly clear that such admiration should be rooted in respect and responsibility.

As the actor now focuses on ensuring his family’s safety and well-being, he has drawn an important line between public admiration and personal intrusion — reminding everyone that celebrity homes are not public property. Fans are being urged to support Tandon’s request and help create a safer, more respectful environment for artists and their loved ones.

Also Read: Kushal Tandon lodges cybercrime complaint against abusive fans of Asim Riaz

Prime Video is turning up the heat with the teaser poster of an upcoming, mystery-packed project that has left fans buzzing with speculation. The poster, which dropped recently on social media, features Rohit Saraf, Bhuvan Bam, Pratibha Ranta, Gurfateh Pirzada, and Jason Shah, all locked in with intense, captivating gazes — setting the tone for what appears to be a gripping and bold narrative.

The official caption, “all eyes on tomorrow,” has sparked major intrigue, suggesting that the story may revolve around secrets, power dynamics, or even psychological drama. And if that wasn’t enough, the cast themselves joined the excitement by reposting the announcement on their Instagram stories.

Rohit Saraf, the heartthrob of Gen Z audiences, reshared the poster and dropped an additional solo shot with the cryptic message: “Don’t blink. Monday changes everything. Stay tuned.” He also confirmed that the official announcement will be made on Monday, July 14 — setting the internet abuzz with theories.

Bhuvan Bam, fresh off the success of his web series Taaza Khabar, continues to expand his acting repertoire and is expected to bring both depth and relatability to this new project. Pratibha Ranta, known for her powerful role in Laapataa Ladies, brings strong emotional gravitas, while Gurfateh Pirzada, who turned heads in Guilty, adds mystery and charm. Rounding out the cast is Jason Shah who too has reposted the poster along with the rest of the cast on their respective Instagram stories.

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Though the plot remains under wraps, the blend of fresh talent and familiar faces promises a never-seen-before spectacle that could easily straddle genres like thriller, drama, or even a twisted love saga.

With fans already counting down the hours to the big reveal, this Prime Video collaboration is shaping up to be one of the platform’s most anticipated drops this year. Stay tuned — July 14 might just change everything.

Also Read: Rohit Saraf on growing beyond labels in OTT and theatrical films: “I don’t see it as one versus the other, it’s always about stories that move people”