Kantara, the 2022 Kannada blockbuster, has transcended borders to become a global phenomenon. The film, which explores the rich cultural tapestry of coastal Karnataka, has not only captured the hearts of audiences across India but also found its way onto the global stage, connecting cultures and people from all walks of life.

One of the standout elements that has contributed to the film’s worldwide acclaim is the iconic Panjurli Muga mask of Tulu Nadu. A symbol of deep cultural significance, this fabled mask has made waves after its portrayal in the film. Meticulously preserved and revered for centuries, the mask has now travelled across continents to find a permanent residence in a renowned American museum. This marks a momentous occasion in the preservation and appreciation of Bharat’s rich folklore and artistry on the world stage.

For the uninitiated, Kantara Chapter 1 has shattered box office records, grossing over Rs 600 crores worldwide in just 11 days. The film's captivating storytelling, folklore, and breathtaking visuals has wooed the audiences globally, rightly calling it a cinematic masterpiece.

Popularised by Kantara, the fabled Panjurli Muga mask of Tulu Nadu has travelled across continents to establish a permanent residence at a renowned American museum. This rare artefact, which has been meticulously preserved for years, showcases the rich cultural heritage of… pic.twitter.com/EvFvqp4U9D

— Tathvam-asi (@ssaratht) October 12, 2025

Kantara: Chapter 1 is set in the 4th Century AD, unraveling the sacred origins of the mystical land of Kantara. This chapter dives deep into its rich mythology, age-old conflicts, and divine interventions, weaving a saga of folklore, faith, and fire, born from the very soil of the land. The film features Rishab Shetty, Sapthami Gowda, Gulshan Devaiah, Rukmini Vasanth, Jayaram, PD Satish Chandra, Prakash Thuminad, and an ensemble of talented actors, bringing this epic tale vividly to life.

Kantara: Chapter 1 is written, directed, and headlined by Rishab Shetty; the film is produced by Vijay Kiragandur under the prestigious banner of Hombale Films. The film features cinematography by Arvind S. Kashyap and music by B. Ajaneesh Loknath, both of whom were instrumental in creating the magical world of the original. Kantara: Chapter 1 is scheduled for a grand worldwide release on October 2, 2025.

Also Read: Gulshan Devaiah calls his collaboration with Rishabh Shetty for Kantara Chapter 1 “manifestation of mutual respect and artistic alignment”

The ongoing legal dispute over the estate of late businessman Sunjay Kapur reached the Delhi High Court on Monday as Kiaan Raj Kapoor and Samara Kapoor, the children of Sunjay and actor Karisma Kapoor, raised concerns about the authenticity of their father’s will. Their legal counsel made strong claims against Priya Sachdev, Sunjay’s widow and their stepmother, alleging irregularities in the document.

Kiaan and Samara Question Validity of Sunjay Kapur’s Will

Represented by senior advocate Mahesh Jethmalani, Kiaan and Samara filed a case accusing Priya Sachdev of allegedly forging Sunjay Kapur’s will. According to the legal team, the will contains multiple inaccuracies, including the incorrect spelling of Kiaan’s name and an error in Samara’s address. “These are not minor mistakes. Sunjay Kapur had a close relationship with his children. It's unlikely he would have gotten their names or addresses wrong. The nature of the errors raises serious questions about whether the will was actually written or approved by him,” Jethmalani argued in court.

Legal Team Suggests Only One Beneficiary

Although Karisma Kapoor is not a plaintiff in the case, she is reportedly supporting her children through the proceedings. The legal team further claimed that the will appears to benefit only one person—Priya Sachdev—and that no other individuals were listed as recipients of Sunjay’s assets. “There is no indication that anyone other than the beneficiary prepared the will. If the document is proven to be forged, then only one person would have had a motive to create it in this manner,” said Jethmalani. The court is scheduled to continue the hearing on Tuesday.

Previous Allegations Against Priya Sachdev

This isn’t the first time serious allegations have been made during the dispute. On October 9, Kiaan and Samara reportedly referred to their stepmother in court as being like "Cinderella’s evil stepmother," suggesting they felt unfairly treated in the matter of inheritance.

Earlier, on September 26, the court had granted Priya Sachdev the opportunity to submit a list of Sunjay Kapur’s assets in a sealed cover. The court also advised all parties to refrain from sharing sensitive information about the estate with the media, to preserve the privacy and integrity of the legal proceedings.

About Sunjay Kapur and His Family

Sunjay Kapur, the former chairman of Sona Comstar, a global automotive components company, passed away in June 2025 in London, reportedly due to a heart attack. He was previously married to Karisma Kapoor from 2003 to 2016, and the couple share two children—Samara and Kiaan. In 2017, Sunjay married Priya Sachdev, with whom he remained until his passing.

The estate case remains ongoing, with significant interest due to the high-profile nature of the family involved.

Also Read: Inside the SHOCKING allegations by Karisma Kapoor’s kids over Sunjay Kapur’s will: Metadata, WhatsApp chats, and more!

Maddock Films has unveiled powerful posters for the upcoming film Ikkis, capturing intense moods and dramatic settings that hint at the film’s gripping narrative. The posters evoke a dark, war-torn atmosphere, highlighting the bravery and sacrifice at the core of the story.

The first poster presents a lone figure clad in a rugged military uniform, standing amidst a smoky, ash-filled backdrop. The figure’s tense posture and concealed face add a layer of mystery and seriousness to the image. The tagline, "Woh Ikkis Ka Tha, Ikkis Ka Hi Rahega," emphasizes a sense of dedication and unwavering commitment. The title Ikkis is boldly displayed in a distressed, rugged font, reflecting the gritty nature of the film. The poster credits Sriram Raghavan as director and Dinesh Vijan as producer.

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The second poster plunges deeper into the battlefield, showing a soldier manning a machine gun aboard a tank with explosions and armored vehicles in the background. The gritty realism of this war setting is heightened by the embers and smoke rising from the combat zone, imprinting a tense, action-packed mood. This imagery solidifies the film's focus on heroic military action and sacrifice.

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Ikkis is based on the true story of Arun Khetarpal, India’s youngest Param Vir Chakra awardee, whose extraordinary bravery during the 1971 Indo-Pak war stands as an inspiring chapter in Indian military history. The film’s release, originally planned for October 2, 2025—clashing with the blockbuster Kantara Chapter 1—was postponed. Now, Maddock Films has confirmed that Ikkis will premiere in December 2025, although the exact date remains a mystery.

Notably, Ikkis marks the big-screen debut of Agastya Bachchan, grandson of the legendary Amitabh Bachchan. Agastya initially debuted in the Netflix original The Archies, a Zoya Akhtar directorial, which faced criticism for the performances of several debutants, particularly leading star kids. This film offers Agastya a fresh opportunity to establish himself in the cinematic world under the direction of acclaimed filmmaker Sriram Raghavan.

Also Read: Akshay Kumar cheers for niece Simar Bhatia’s Bollywood debut with Ikkis: “Bless you my baby, the sky is yours”

The Delhi High Court on Monday heard explosive claims that the will of late industrialist Sunjay Kapur, scion of the Sona BLW automotive group, was digitally fabricated to divert his Rs30,000-crore estate entirely to his third wife, Priya Kapur. What began as a private inheritance dispute has erupted into a courtroom thriller, with lawyers for Kapur’s children from his second marriage — Samaira and Kiaan Kapur, whose mother is Bollywood actor Karisma Kapoor — alleging a deliberate digital manipulation of files, secret WhatsApp groups, and a forged signature trail. The outcome could redefine not just the balance of one family’s fortune but the boundaries of digital evidence in India’s inheritance law.

“A will born on another man’s computer” Senior advocate Mahesh Jethmalani, representing the two children, told the bench that the contested will “was not the product of the deceased’s hand or mind” but a “manufactured document” created and edited on another man’s computer. According to Jethmalani, metadata shows that the will originated on the device of one Nitin Sharma, a person with no formal connection to Sunjay Kapur. “Who prepared this will?” he asked. “The file was created and altered on Sharma’s system on March 17, 2025 — the very day Sunjay was in Goa with his son Kiaan. It defies logic that he would rewrite his will on holiday while disinheriting his own children.”

The counsel added that the Word file was converted into a PDF on March 24 at 10:06 a.m., hours before a WhatsApp group named Family Office IC was formed to circulate it among a select circle that included Sharma, Priya Kapur, and Dinesh Agarwal, a director of Aureus Investment Pvt Ltd, part of the Sona BLW promoter group.

“Immediately after the document was shared,” Jethmalani said, “Priya Kapur responded, ‘Okay, thank you!’ — with no surprise or hesitation. It reads like an acknowledgment of a task completed, with no endorsement from the deceased.” Digital footprints and missing links Jethmalani argued that the electronic evidence showed multiple, unidentified edits before and after Kapur’s death, pointing to “a secretive and coordinated effort.” The will, he said, surfaced only on the 13th day after the cremation of the deceased. “There is no explanation for where this document was stored or who had possession of it,” he said. “The entire chain of custody is broken.” Contradictions and omissions The will, Jethmalani told the court, contains glaring internal contradictions — listing three bank accounts in one section and six in another, while omitting key properties including Kapur’s New York apartment, a 2010 family trust, and holdings in jewellery, artwork, and precious metals. “These are not clerical errors,” he said. “A Harvard-educated industrialist of Sunjay Kapur’s precision could not have drafted a document this casual.”

Even more striking, he said, are the incorrect addresses of Samaira and Kiaan and the five inconsistent spellings of his youngest son Azarias’ name. “A meticulous and affectionate father would never commit such mistakes,” he said. “A will standing on air” Jethmalani also drew attention to the absence of a schedule of assets, a mandatory annexure detailing the testator’s holdings. The bench itself described the omission as “a serious procedural lapse.”

“Without it,” Jethmalani said, “this will stands on air. It lists no inventory of what the deceased owned, and even the named executor appears unaware of the estate’s scale.” A matter of character and credibility To reinforce his case, Jethmalani portrayed Sunjay Kapur as “a devoted father and a perfectionist in both business and life,” citing his education at the University of Buckingham and Harvard Business School. “He never missed Kiaan’s birthdays,” he said. “The idea that such a man would exclude his children is beyond belief.” Concluding his arguments, Jethmalani declared: “This will should be cast into the dustbin of history. It bears no mark of the deceased’s hand or heart.” Court reaction and adjournment The High Court said the evidence raised “substantial questions” about the will’s origin and internal coherence. The case was adjourned to Tuesday, October 14, for further examination of the digital trail and the physical document’s custody.

Priya Kapur’s counsel maintains that “unimpeachable electronic evidence” supports the will’s authenticity. But for Samaira and Kiaan, the fight has become a broader test of truth — pitting memory against metadata in one of India’s most closely watched inheritance battles.

Also Read: Karisma Kapoor’s children’s lawyer calls Priya Sachdev “Cinderella’s stepmother” amid Rs 30,000-crores Sunjay Kapur estate legal battle 

Bollywood actor Jimmy Shergill, acclaimed for his performances in films such as Mohabbatein, Tanu Weds Manu, Special 26, and Saheb Biwi Aur Gangster, is mourning the loss of his father, Satyajit Singh Shergill, who passed away at the age of 90 on October 11. Satyajit Singh Shergill was a senior artist, reflecting the Shergill family's rich connection with art and creativity.​

Antim Ardas Details and Family Legacy The Bhog and Antim Ardas ceremony for the late Satyajit Singh Shergill will take place on October 14 from 4:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. at Gurudwara Dhan Pothohar Nagar, Santacruz West, Mumbai. The Shergill family traces its artistic roots to the iconic painter Amrita Sher-Gil, with Satyajit Singh’s family being related to the celebrated artist, thus underlining their deep ties to India's cultural and artistic heritage.

Jimmy Shergill has previously spoken about personal challenges and his relationship with his father, including tensions during his teenage years about his decision to cut his hair. Despite these personal struggles, Jimmy has remained a well-respected figure in both Hindi and Punjabi cinema. His latest work includes the Punjabi film Maa Jaye, released in August 2025, as well as appearances in the web series Ranneeti: Balakot & Beyond and the thriller Sikandar Ka Muqaddar.

Also Read: Jimmy Shergill breaks free from the ‘Chocolate Boy’ image: “Yeh he naach-gana karta raha, 3-4 saal mein ghar pe baith jaunga”

Shraddha Kapoor is on board for director Rahi Anil Barve’s upcoming film Pahadpangira. Putting to rest earlier speculations about her exit, the actor is not only slated to headline the dark fantasy project but also plans to contribute in a creative role alongside her acting duties. A report by Mid-Day indicates that Kapoor is captivated by the story’s originality and is actively offering creative input, with the possibility of serving as a creative producer for the film.

Reportedly, the shoot for Pahadpangira is expected to kick off in mid-2026, following Barve’s work on his Netflix series ‘Rakt Bramhand’. Kapoor will begin filming after she wraps up Laxman Utekar’s project later this year. The scheduling highlights Shraddha’s growing involvement in projects that push genre boundaries, and her commitment signals belief in the film’s potential to evolve into a franchise.​

Pahadpangira is described as a dark fantasy rooted in myth and folklore, tackling themes of feminism within the historical context of the Sati practice. It is speculated that Barve initially conceptualized Pahadpangira as part of the Tumbbad universe but later reimagined it as a standalone feature after parting ways with producer Sohum Shah. Meanwhile, Ektaa R Kapoor has been associated with the project as producer.

On the other hand, Shraddha Kapoor recently made headlines for announcing the animated theatrical film Chhoti Stree at the trailer launch event for Thamma. Sharing her excitement, Kapoor said, “Guys, Maddock Horror Comedy Universe is coming out with Chhoti Stree as an animated film! It’ll be released in theatres. It’ll be a dhamaal film for kids, families, basically, for everyone.” She further expressed, “It’s a really exciting time for India. It really feels amazing to be a part of this universe”.

Also Read: Shraddha Kapoor drops sun-kissed photos, calls mystery photographer ‘lucky’; see pics

After earning acclaim for his performance in Dhadak 2, Siddhant Chaturvedi seemed set to continue his momentum with Ramree, a two-hero OTT project backed by Ajay Devgn. However, the ambitious period drama has now reportedly been shelved before going on floors.

According to a report by Mid-Day, Ramree was conceived as a large-scale film set in 1945. The project, which had been under development for over a year, aimed to blend historical events with cinematic storytelling. However, given its elaborate setting and production requirements, the film’s mounting budget became a major hurdle.

A source close to the development told the publication, “For an OTT film, this would have set a benchmark in scale and imagination, but budget constraints caught up with it. Even though the platform heads were excited about the story, there was too much at stake financially. So, they decided not to move forward with it.”

Another insider offered a different perspective, suggesting that Ramree never reached the official greenlight stage. “A project is considered greenlit only when it goes on the floor. Ramree was an idea in development that did not move forward — a natural part of the creative process where multiple concepts are explored. While some take shape, some don’t,” the source explained.

The shelving of Ramree comes at a time when Siddhant Chaturvedi has been receiving praise for his recent performance in Dhadak 2, which released a couple of months ago. The film, co-starring Triptii Dimri, tells the story of Neelesh, a law student from a marginalized background, and Vidhi, an upper-caste girl. Through their relationship, Dhadak 2 explores the harsh realities of caste discrimination and societal prejudice, earning the actor widespread appreciation for his nuanced portrayal.

Also Read: Siddhant Chaturvedi turns heads at Singapore Grand Prix with Heineken 0.0

Actress Sangeeta Bijlani has formally applied for a gun license following a burglary at her farmhouse near Pavana, citing growing concerns over safety and the sluggish pace of the police investigation.

Bijlani recently met with Pune Rural Superintendent of Police Sandip Singh Gill to inquire about updates on the theft case. She revealed that despite the passage of about three and a half months since the incident, no significant breakthrough has been achieved.

Reflecting on the incident, she said, “I have been staying there for the last 20 years. Pavana has been a home to me, and it has been three and a half months since the horrific incident of theft at my farmhouse, but there is still no breakthrough.”

She added that SP Gill assured her the police would “go to the bottom of the case and nab the culprits.”

According to the complaint, in July, unidentified intruders had broken into her property and vandalised household items such as the refrigerator, televisions, and furniture. They also sketched obscene graffiti on the walls and made off with Rs. 50,000 in cash and a television valued at Rs. 7,000.

Describing the event as deeply unsettling, Bijlani remarked, “There was a theft and housebreaking. It was scary. Luckily, I was not there. There were obscene things and graffiti written on the wall inside the house.”

She emphasised that the burglary had shaken not just her but the broader community in Pavana. “There are several residents in Pavana, including senior citizens and families. Safety is important. Lately, because of these incidents, the residents of the Pavana area are feeling unsafe.”

Explaining her decision to seek a firearm license, Bijlani said, “In the wake of this incident, I have sought a firearm licence from the Pune rural police. As a woman, if I go alone to the house, I think some sort of protection needs to be there. I never felt the need to have a firearm licence, but this is the first time I am feeling insecure. I am in need of a firearm, and this is the first time I am feeling unsafe and a little afraid.”

She expressed hope that authorities will take stronger measures and expedite the investigation, thereby restoring confidence among residents in the area.

As the case develops, the local police and Bijlani’s team will likely push for faster resolution, while the actress awaits the decision on her firearm application.

Also Read : Burglary at Sangeeta Bijlani’s farmhouse in Pune, valuables stolen: Report

Kriti Sanon, actor, entrepreneur, producer, and UNFPA India’s Honorary Ambassador for Gender Equality, is set to take the global stage at the World Health Summit in Berlin as keynote speaker. As a prominent advocate for women’s health and empowerment, Kriti will join world leaders, policymakers, and experts for a pivotal discussion on Women’s Health-Global Wealth: Catalysing Returns on Bold Investments.”

The conversation will focus on the transformative impact of investing in women’s health, highlighting that such investments are not only morally imperative but essential for fostering stronger economies and thriving communities worldwide.

Kriti’s participation in this high-profile summit underscores her growing influence beyond the entertainment industry. From delivering powerhouse performances on screen to shaping trends as an entrepreneur and producer, she is now making waves as a global advocate for meaningful social change. Her role as UNFPA India’s Honorary Ambassador demonstrates her commitment to creating tangible impact, driving awareness, and inspiring action around gender equality and women’s health initiatives.

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By representing India on such a prestigious international platform, Kriti is setting a benchmark for Indian celebrities leveraging their visibility for global causes. Her presence reinforces the importance of inclusive, forward-thinking conversations around women’s health and positions her as a changemaker who seamlessly bridges the worlds of entertainment, entrepreneurship, and social advocacy.

Actor, entrepreneur, producer, and now an influential global advocate, Kriti Sanon continues to chart her own league of achievements. Her journey exemplifies how determination, vision, and purpose can translate into powerful, worldwide impact, proving that her influence is as far-reaching off-screen as it is on it.

Also Read: Amitabh Bachchan turns 83: Nimrat Kaur, Kriti Sanon, Milap Zaveri, Farhan Akhtar and other celebs send love to Big B!

National Award-winning actor Parvathy Thiruvothu is on an exciting creative streak. After making news for leading Hrithik Roshan’s production debut Storm, buzz now suggests she might be collaborating with filmmaker Bejoy Nambiar.

The speculation began after Bejoy shared a picture of Parvathy that appeared to be taken on a set. Alongside the photo, he wrote, “Thirteen years back, I saw her on the big screen in Maryaan and was absolutely mesmerized! After multiple attempts, we finally managed to do something together! Thank you @par_vathy! Hopefully, we won’t have to wait another 13 years to work together again!”

While neither has confirmed anything, the image has sparked curiosity about what could be brewing between the two. Adding fuel to the chatter is the fact that Parvathy and Bejoy have been long-time friends, often seen cheering for each other’s work. So, while it could easily be a casual moment captured between friends, many believe this might finally be the collaboration fans have been waiting for.

A partnership between Parvathy Thiruvothu and Bejoy Nambiar would feel entirely organic — both are known for their bold creative choices and emotional depth, with artistic sensibilities that naturally align. Following her upcoming project Storm, if Parvathy does team up with Bejoy, it could mark another compelling chapter in her ever-evolving journey.

Also Read: Hrithik Roshan rings in star-studded celebration with Storm cast; watch

Producer Boney Kapoor has dismissed recent reports claiming that actor Varun Dhawan has opted out of No Entry Mein Entry, the much-anticipated sequel to the 2005 comedy No Entry.

Over the weekend, several reports suggested that Dhawan had walked out of the film due to scheduling conflicts, following Diljit Dosanjh’s exit from the project. A report by Mid-Day had quoted a source stating, “Varun was very excited about No Entry 2, however, the changes in dates after Dosanjh's exit made things a bit complicated. Now Varun’s dates are locked for Bhediya 2.” The source further added that with both Dhawan and Dosanjh stepping away, the team was “back to the casting board.”

However, setting the record straight, Boney Kapoor told, “We are making No Entry Mein Entry, and Varun and Arjun are very much in the film. We are in active discussions to lock our other hero and the rest of the cast.”

Earlier in September, Kapoor had confirmed that Diljit Dosanjh is no longer a part of the sequel due to date issues. He told NDTV, “Yes, we have parted in good spirits as the dates were not aligning with our requirements. Hopefully, we will soon do a Punjabi film together.”

Dosanjh’s packed schedule — including his Aura Tour across Australia and New Zealand from October 26 to November 13 — reportedly clashed with the film’s shooting timeline. The singer-actor has been juggling multiple film commitments alongside his global tours, making coordination challenging.

The original No Entry, directed by Anees Bazmee and released in 2005, starred Salman Khan, Anil Kapoor, Fardeen Khan, Bipasha Basu, Esha Deol, Lara Dutta, and Celina Jaitly. The film went on to become one of the highest-grossing comedies of its time and recently completed 20 years in August 2025.

In 2024, Boney Kapoor and Anees Bazmee officially announced the sequel with a younger star cast, promising a refreshed take on the situational comedy that became a cult hit.

Also Read: No Entry 2 aiming for Christmas 2026 release, all three male leads to play double roles

In Malayalam cinema, references to beef and beef eating are common. No more so. According to a source in the know, all references to beef as cuisine will be banned by the Central Board of Film Certification(CBFC).

Recently, a reference to ‘beef biryani’ in the Malayalam film Haal was removed by the CBFC. The makers have now gone to court in the matter.

But a source in the know says that the CBFC’s beef over beef biryani is not a one-off thing.

“Malayalam films have, over the years, normalized references to beef consumption. It may be a part of the normal cuisine in Kerala for a certain section. But for the rest of the county, the cow is a sacred animal in the Hindu religion. Beef references will henceforth be removed from all films,” said the source.