The Maddock Horror Comedy Cinematic Universe has emerged as a huge success, more so after its last film, Stree 2 (2024), earned more than Rs. 500 crores at the box office. As a result, the excitement is tremendous for its next film, Thama. It stars Ayushmann Khurrana, Rashmika Mandanna, Nawazuddin Siddiqui and Paresh Rawal and is directed by Aditya Sarpotdar of Munjya (2024), which was also a surprise success from this universe. It is common knowledge now that Varun Dhawan will reprise the role of Bhediya in this film. Bollywood Hungama has learned more information about the appearance of the young actor in this film.

A source told Bollywood Hungama, “Varun Dhawan has a lot more screen time in Thama, than in Stree 2. Even in Stree 2, he was a highlight and here, the makers have ensured that the impact of his performance is many notches higher. He shot for as many as 6 days, which clearly indicates how crucial he is to the narrative.”

The source further said, “Varun Dhawan plays Bhediya while in Thama, Ayushmann Khurrana is a vampire. The werewolf vs vampire enmity is a common trope for a long time. Blockbuster producer Dinesh Vijan of Maddock Films has taken this aspect in his upcoming release. Aditya Sarpotdar has canned it in a massive way and the action sequence between the two is expected to be a visual spectacle in terms of VFX and scale. The scene was shot in March-April this year.”

Interestingly, one of the upcoming films of Maddock Horror Comedy Cinematic Universe is Bhediya 2 and Thama is expected to give a hint about that as well. Bhediya 2 is scheduled for release on August 14, 2026 but as per trade sources, the film will be pushed due to delays. A new date for this film, as well as for other films of this universe like Shakti Shalini, originally meant for release on December 31, 2025 and Chamunda, which has been scheduled to hit cinemas on December 4, 2026, is also expected to be announced.

Thama, which will be out on Diwali 2025, marks Ayushmann Khurrana’s first release after more than 2 years. His last release, Dream Girl 2, was released on August 25, 2023. As for Varun, before Thama, he’ll be seen in a leading role in Sunny Sanskari Ki Tulsi Kumari, co-starring Janhvi Kapoor. It will be released on the big screen on October 2 this year.

Following the Indian government’s recent crackdown on 24 OTT platforms for allegedly broadcasting explicit content, one of the names that surfaced was ALTT, formerly known as ALTBalaji. Amid widespread speculation and media coverage, Balaji Telefilms Limited has issued a strong clarification distancing producer Ekta Kapoor and her mother Shobha Kapoor from the platform.

In an official statement released on July 26, Balaji Telefilms emphasized that the company is a “professionally run media organization” listed on both the BSE and NSE. The statement further confirmed that ALTT is now operated solely by Balaji Telefilms, following the approved amalgamation of ALT Digital Media Entertainment Ltd. with the parent company as of June 20, 2025. “No Longer Associated Since 2021” The clarification was issued in response to media reports suggesting that ALTT had been disabled by authorities and still had ties to Ekta and Shobha Kapoor. “Contrary to such reports, Ms. Ekta Kapoor and Mrs. Shobha Kapoor are not associated in any capacity whatsoever with ALTT,” the company asserted, noting that the duo had officially stepped down from their roles in June 2021.

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The company strongly denied any insinuations linking them to current developments around the ban and urged media outlets to report responsibly and factually.

The controversy stems from a Ministry of Information & Broadcasting order earlier this week, which directed internet service providers to block 24 OTT platforms allegedly involved in distributing vulgar or sexually explicit content.

Also Read: Govt blocks ALTT, ULLU and 22 other platforms over adult content violations: Reports

Tara Sutaria has finally addressed the growing speculation surrounding her rumoured relationship with Sky Force actor Veer Pahariya. The buzz began with a string of flirty social media interactions and escalated after their recent joint appearance at the Mumbai airport. Now, the actress has responded to the public curiosity during an interaction with ANI at the ongoing India Couture Week.

Reacting to the online chatter and the fan love that followed, Tara said, “That’s very, very sweet, and it’s so nice to see and read about it online.” However, when pressed further about her equation with Veer, she chose to stay discreet, adding, “I’m sorry, I won’t be able to talk about that at the moment.”

Dating rumours first surfaced after Tara shared behind-the-scenes pictures with AP Dhillon from their music video ‘Thodi Si Daaru.’ Veer dropped a comment saying, “My,” followed by a red heart and star emoji. Tara responded with “Mine,” accompanied by a red heart and an evil eye emoji. This brief yet telling exchange sparked curiosity among fans, many interpreting it as a soft confirmation of their relationship.

The speculation gained further traction when Tara and Veer were spotted arriving at the Mumbai airport in the same car. Dressed in coordinated white outfits, the duo opted not to pose for photographs but were seen walking close together, with Veer courteously holding the car door for Tara.

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While Tara continues to keep her personal life under wraps, the buzz around her and Veer Pahariya refuses to die down. On the work front, Veer made his Bollywood debut earlier this year with Sky Force, co-starring Akshay Kumar, Sara Ali Khan, and Nimrat Kaur. Tara, meanwhile, has been seen in back-to-back music videos, including 'Thodi Si Daaru' and 'Pyaar Aata Hai,' following her last big-screen appearance in Apurva (2023).

Also Read: Tara Sutaria blows kisses to rumoured beau Veer Pahariya during stunning ramp walk at India Couture Week

The entertainment industry is buzzing with anticipation as three dynamic stars — Ranveer Singh, Sreeleela, and Bobby Deol — come together for a massive new project that’s already being touted as one of the biggest collaborations of recent times. And now, the wait for more details may finally be nearing its end, as the film’s title and first look are expected to be revealed next week.

According to an independent industry source, “The collaboration of Ranveer Singh, Sreeleela, and Bobby Deol is shaping up to be even more thrilling with each passing update. Fans are in for a treat, as the title of the film will be revealed in the coming week, along with the unveiling of its first look!”

The casting alone has created enormous buzz, with all three stars bringing their distinct presence to the table. The film is believed to be a high-octane commercial entertainer, blending action, drama, and star power like never before.

Ranveer Singh, known for his magnetic screen presence and transformative roles, was recently seen at Mehboob Studio, fueling speculation about the film's progress. With Dhurandhar slated for a December 2025 release and Don 3 expected to go on floors soon, Ranveer is clearly on a career-high with a lineup that screams scale and ambition.

Sreeleela, the sensational South Indian actress who has rapidly risen through the ranks with her stunning performances in Telugu cinema, is all set to make her Bollywood debut this year. She stars opposite Kartik Aaryan in an untitled romantic musical directed by Anurag Basu, and her inclusion in this mega project only cements her position as one of the most promising talents in Indian cinema.

Meanwhile, Bobby Deol, who has been on a career resurgence post his impactful role in Animal, continues to impress with his multi-language lineup that includes the Tamil film Jana Nayagan, and several Bollywood projects.

As anticipation builds and curiosity reaches a fever pitch, this upcoming announcement could finally give fans a glimpse into what promises to be a cinematic spectacle. Audiences are now eagerly waiting for the title reveal and first look that is reportedly dropping next week.

Also Read: Deepika Padukone hilariously trolls Ranveer Singh with relatable meme: “Me phoning my husband to ask his opinion about something I’ve already decided”

Telugu actor and comedian Venkat Raj, popularly known as Fish Venkat, passed away on July 18 in Hyderabad due to complications related to kidney disease. He was 53 years old and had been undergoing dialysis while being treated in the ICU. His family had been appealing for financial assistance to cover the cost of a kidney transplant, which was estimated at around Rs 50 lakh. Unfortunately, Venkat passed away before the necessary funds could be raised.

Venkat had appeared in numerous Telugu films, including Adhurs, Gabbar Singh, Shivam, and Khaidi No 150. His final on-screen appearance was in the 2024 film Coffee with a Killer.

Following the heartbreaking news, actor Sonu Sood extended his support to Venkat’s bereaved family. He promptly transferred Rs 1.50 lakh as a gesture of assistance and also personally spoke to Venkat’s wife and relatives over a phone call to offer his condolences.

According to Sonu Sood’s team, he initially believed that Venkat was still hospitalized and had a chance of recovery. However, he was “shocked to know” that the actor had already passed away. As reported by Hindustan Times, Sonu personally spoke to Venkat’s wife and other family members over a phone call and assured them of his continued support whenever needed.

Venkat’s wife, who was deeply touched by the kind gesture, expressed a sense of relief, especially since her husband had always admired Sonu Sood, Hindustan Times also reported.

Earlier reports claimed that actor Prabhas had offered Rs 50 lakh for Venkat’s kidney transplant, but the family later clarified that they never received any such amount.

“Some unknown person called us pretending to be Prabhas Anna’s assistant. We found out after that it was a fake call. He doesn’t even know something like this is happening. We have not received any financial help yet," a family member told The Free Press Journal.

Before Venkat’s passing, actors like Vishwak Sen and Pawan Kalyan had also reportedly come forward to assist. Pawan Kalyan was said to have donated a sum after learning about Venkat’s condition. Although the financial help was delayed, the support from the film fraternity, especially Sonu Sood, provided some solace to the family during this difficult period.

Also Read : Sood rescues snake in Mumbai society, warns public against taking risks

The much-anticipated third installment of the Don franchise has seen its fair share of delays and changes since its official announcement. While Ranveer Singh has been confirmed as the new Don, replacing Shah Rukh Khan, recent developments suggest a significant shake-up in the casting of the female lead.

Kriti Sanon Replaces Kiara Advani Initially, Kiara Advani was onboard to play the leading lady in Don 3. However, according to fresh reports, the actress has now opted out of the project. Kriti Sanon is reportedly stepping into the role, marking her first collaboration with Farhan Akhtar and Ranveer Singh under the Don banner.

Fueling the speculation, Kriti recently dropped a birthday note for Ranveer on her Instagram Stories, writing, “P.S. looking forward to working with you soon!” The line has been interpreted by fans and media as a subtle confirmation of her involvement in Don 3. A Nod to the Past: Iconic Dance Track to Be Recreated Adding to the buzz, Don 3 is rumoured to feature a high-energy dance number reminiscent of the cult-favourite ‘Aaj Ki Raat’ from Don (2006), which originally starred Shah Rukh Khan, Priyanka Chopra, and Isha Koppikar. The song, known for its slick choreography and stylish visuals, remains one of the most iconic tracks from the franchise.

According to a report by India Today, the upcoming film will feature a similar peppy number, with Kriti Sanon already locked in for the performance. She will reportedly share screen space with another actress, recreating a trio dynamic similar to the original song sequence. For the unversed, it is worth mentioning here that Bollywood Hungama earlier reported that Sharvari will be seen playing the lead in Don 3. Release Timeline and Public Reaction Don 3 is slated to go on floors in January 2026, with a theatrical release planned for December 2026. While the reboot has generated substantial curiosity, Ranveer Singh’s casting as the new Don received mixed reactions upon announcement, with a section of fans drawing comparisons with previous actors who portrayed the role — Amitabh Bachchan in the 1978 original and Shah Rukh Khan in the 2006 reboot.

Also Read: SCOOP: Vikrant Massey walks out of Don 3. What went wrong?

Abhishek Banerjee’s recent Instagram post from Chennai drew attention, not just because he’s shooting something new, but because the city has personal significance for him. Born in Kharagpur and raised in Kalpakkam, a coastal township near Chennai, Abhishek spent much of his childhood in Tamil Nadu.

Now, years later, he is back in front of the camera, filming an undisclosed project in Chennai. The timing aligns with the recent momentum in his career. Paatal Lok continues to find viewers, and Stolen has generated buzz in Tamil Nadu film circles, contributing to his growing presence in the South.

For many, it feels like a cinematic homecoming, the boy from Kalpakkam returning as one of India’s intriguing screen talents. This visit to Chennai carries personal significance for him.

A source shared, “Chennai and Kalpakkam hold a special place in Abhishek’s childhood memories. The local food, the sea breeze, the monsoon rains — it all feels familiar to him. Returning here for a shoot feels like coming full circle for the Stolen actor. While details of the project are still under wraps, shooting in this new environment has been a unique and meaningful experience for him and his team.”

Also Read: Abhishek Banerjee to play cop on screen? Here’s what we know!

The Ministry of Information and Broadcasting (MIB) has ordered the blocking of 24 apps and websites for hosting and promoting obscene, adult, and vulgar content. The platforms were found to violate multiple Indian laws, including those governing digital content and the portrayal of women.

The order, issued under the Information Technology Act, 2000, directs all Internet Service Providers (ISPs) in the country to restrict public access to the identified platforms. These websites and mobile applications have been accused of distributing sexually explicit material and indecent representations of women, contravening Section 67 and 67A of the IT Act, Section 294 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023, and Section 4 of The Indecent Representation of Women (Prohibition) Act, 1986. List of Banned Platforms Among the platforms named in the MIB's directive are several popular streaming and entertainment apps that have faced criticism in the past for pushing boundaries with erotic content. Notable names include:

ALTT ULLU Big Shots App Desiflix Boomex Navarasa Lite Gulab App

In addition to these, the government has also banned the following platforms:

Kangan App Bull App Jalva App Wow Entertainment Look Entertainment Hitprime Feneo ShowX Sol Talkies Adda TV HotX VIP Hulchul App MoodX NeonX VIP Fugi Mojflix Triflicks

Legal Framework Behind the Action The move is rooted in specific legal provisions:

Section 67 & 67A of the IT Act: Prohibit publishing or transmitting obscene and sexually explicit material in electronic form. Section 294 of Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023: Replaces the previous IPC section, penalising obscene acts and content. The Indecent Representation of Women (Prohibition) Act, 1986: Bans the portrayal of women in an indecent manner in media and advertisements.

Coordination with DoT and ISPs To ensure effective enforcement, the MIB has also communicated with the Department of Telecommunications (DoT), requesting cooperation in coordinating with ISPs for swift implementation of the ban across Indian networks.

Also Read: SEBI bans Arshad Warsi, wife Maria Goretti for one year in market manipulation case

Bollywood’s July box office is seeing a clash of newcomers, with Arnab Chatterjee’s Murderbaad maintaining its presence. Despite the continued performance of Saiyaara, the thriller has sustained its run and added shows in Chandigarh, Hyderabad, and other key centers starting week 2.

The film, which opened on a modest number of screens, is gradually expanding its reach through word of mouth. Featuring Nakul Roshan Sahdev and Kanikka Kapur, it is set against a Jaipur backdrop that adds a unique visual setting to the thriller.

“Murderbaad is another surprise of the season. Despite competing with a bigger film like Saiyaara, its occupancies are climbing day by day—cinemas are reporting added shows and repeat audiences. This is how a sleeper hit builds,” said a trade analyst.

Director Arnab Chatterjee stated, “We made Murderbaad with passion and a lot of heart. The fact that audiences are discovering the film and talking about it beyond the first weekend is the biggest reward for me as a debut director. Especially when the box office finds itself packed, I am grateful that the audience is taking out time for my film.”

Industry trackers note that Murderbaad is maintaining occupancy despite competition. While Saiyaara captured early attention, Arnab Chatterjee’s debut feature is gradually building its presence. Its continued performance into the second week has drawn attention from trade analysts.

Also Read: Arnab Chatterjee recalls production chaos during Murderbaad shoot in Bengal: “Budgets shot up to nearly double”

The trailer of the biggest Hindi film of 2025, War 2, was finally unveiled earlier in the day. Unlike promos of other big-scale films, it doesn’t follow the set template. Most of the dialogues are in the form of voiceovers. Also, as reported by Bollywood Hungama earlier, it has a duration of less than 3 minutes (2 minutes and 35 seconds). As expected, it further touches upon the face-off between Hrithik Roshan and Jr NTR. But if you observe closely, it also gives out a clue about the character of Kiara Advani.

In the teaser of War 2, which was unveiled on May 20, 2025, Kiara Advani’s bikini-clad avatar stole the show, though she appeared for a mere two seconds. But in the trailer, she gets a lot of relevance. The trailer hints that she is the love interest of Hrithik’s cool spy character, Kabir. But she’s not just an arm candy in the film. She also gets a chance to do action and that also stands out in the trailer.

However, one quick shot that is significant is where she’s in army uniform and she’s seen saluting a senior officer. The name on the tag of her uniform in this shot is Kavya Luthra. In other words, one can conclude that she is the daughter of Colonel Luthra, the mentor and head of the protagonists in the YRF Spy Universe. This adds an interesting layer to the story, more so because at a crucial point in the trailer, we also see Colonel Luthra and Kabir in a confrontational mode. In fact, Luthra even spits on the lover of her daughter. How this plays in the film will be something to watch out for.

Interestingly, a few netizens have also made this observation. 

So she's the daughter of Colonel Luthra now makes sense!#WAR2TrailerEuphoria pic.twitter.com/kkkysN9J6W — aFORarthur ❁ (@curiouS_parth) July 25, 2025

Meanwhile, Kiara Advani is on cloud nine as she and her husband Sidharth Malhotra welcomed a baby boy on July 15. A few days later, on July 31, she’ll celebrate her birthday. In short, this will be her first birthday after becoming a mother.

War 2 is directed by Ayan Mukerji and releases in cinemas on August 14.

Also Read: Kiara Advani reacts to Hrithik Roshan’s praise after War 2 wrap: “The excitement is mutual, Hrithik!”

The latest Hollywood release, The Fantastic Four: First Steps, is all set for a decent opening in India. There was a perception that there’s limited awareness and hype for the film among the Indian audience. On top of it, last week’s Saiyaara refuses to slow down. However, The Fantastic Four: First Steps has managed to go beyond expectations with its advance ticket sales.

As per the information accessed by Bollywood Hungama, the Hollywood superhero flick has managed to sell nearly 50,000 tickets in the national chains – PVR, Inox and Cinepolis – by Thursday night. This is quite decent considering the challenges it faces. What has probably helped the film is the popularity of its actors, effective promotional campaign and most importantly, positive word of mouth from the Western critics. There has been an increased anticipation around the film in the last one week, which further made people curious to see it. The Marvel brand also played a part though the Marvel Cinematic Universe is not as big anymore as it was before. But with the much-loved Thunderbolts (2025), there seems to be a shift and at this rate, MCU gradually will now bounce back with a bang.

What’s significant is that Superman, which released two weeks ago, had sold 56,000 tickets. If The Fantastic Four: First Steps gets a bit more spot booking than expected for a film of this kind, it has chances of beating the opening-day collections of the DC superhero film, that is, Rs. 7.20 crores. It’s a long shot but possible if luck is on its side. Nevertheless, collections over Rs. 6.50 crores plus, in the midst of Saiyaara wave, itself is a feat. Also, Thunderbolts opened at Rs. 4 crores and these numbers are much better in that regard too.

Meanwhile, Hollywood is having a great run at the box office. It all started with F1: The Movie followed by Jurassic World: Rebirth and Superman. If collections increase over the weekend and hold steady over the weekdays, The Fantastic Four: First Steps can emerge as the fourth Hollywood hit of the season.

The Fantastic Four: First Steps stars Pedro Pascal, Vanessa Kirby, Ebon Moss-Bachrach and Joseph Quinn in leading roles. It is all set to collect around $100 million in North America and $90 to $100 million internationally. In short, it is expected to earn nearly $200 million worldwide in its opening weekend.

Also Read: Will The Fantastic Four: First Steps and Mahavatar Narsimha be affected due to the Saiyaara wave? Trade experts share their views: “Saiyaara wave is POWERFUL; will be the first choice in the Hindi-speaking markets at least”

The much-anticipated trailer of War 2, the sixth installment in Yash Raj Films’ expanding Spy Universe, is finally out. Clocking in at 2 minutes and 39 seconds, the trailer marks the return of Hrithik Roshan as Kabir — this time in a meaner, more enigmatic avatar.

Sharing the trailer, Hrithik Roshan took to X (formerly Twitter) and wrote, "It will not be easy to take sides in this War." Directed by Ayan Mukerji, War 2 stars Hrithik Roshan, Jr. NTR, and Kiara Advani in lead roles, and introduces a layered conflict with no clear good or bad. The visuals hint at a clash of ideologies, loyalties, and strategies — with Kabir caught at the heart of it all.

The trailer shows Hrithik navigating through themes of patriotism and romance while facing off against both Jr NTR and Kiara Advani in a series of elaborate action sequences. Ashutosh Rana also returns as Colonel Luthra, adding another layer of tension to the narrative.

One particular moment pays homage to War (2019), where Hrithik’s Kabir is seen remembering martyred Captain Khalid Rahmani, the character previously portrayed by Tiger Shroff. The dialogue exchange evokes a sense of emotional continuity from the first film.

It will not be easy to take sides in this War. #War2Trailer is out!#War2 releasing in Hindi, Telugu & Tamil on August 14th in cinemas worldwide! @tarak9999 | @advani_kiara |#AyanMukerji |@yrf #YRFSpyUniversepic.twitter.com/x6z6jTSjCw — Hrithik Roshan (@iHrithik) July 25, 2025

War 2 also marks Hrithik’s first on-screen collaboration with Jr NTR and Kiara Advani. The trailer reveals glimpses of his dynamic chemistry with Kiara and a fiery standoff with the RRR star. This is also the first time Hrithik teams up with director Ayan Mukerji, known for his work in fantasy and adventure-driven cinema.

Released in 2019, War was the highest-grossing Indian film of that year, with Kabir quickly becoming one of the most iconic action characters in the YRF universe. War 2 builds on that legacy, with the trailer promising an evolved version of the character. Produced by Aditya Chopra, War 2 is slated to hit theatres and IMAX screens worldwide on August 14, 2025 — just ahead of Independence Day.

Also Read: War 2: Jr NTR fans light up Melbourne skies with epic sky message; global craze for Hrithik Roshan starrer hits new high