As the buzz around Hera Pheri 3 continues to stir public curiosity, Akshay Kumar has finally shared a cryptic update on the much-awaited third installment of the iconic comedy franchise. While promoting his upcoming film Kannappa in a conversation with Bollywood Hungama, Akshay was briefly asked about the status of Hera Pheri 3 following co-star Paresh Rawal’s recent exit. His response—"I am keeping my fingers and legs crossed"—might have been delivered with characteristic wit, but it also reflects the uncertainty looming over the project.

Timeline of Key Events of Paresh Rawal’s exit and Hera Pheri 3 shoot May 2025 – Paresh Rawal confirms exit

Rawal revealed he’d stepped away from Hera Pheri 3, citing personal discomfort rather than creative differences. His departure came as a surprise to fans and the film’s team, as he’d already participated in a promotional shoot with Akshay and Suniel Shetty.

I wish to put it on record that my decision to step away from Hera Pheri 3 was not due to creative differences. I REITERATE THAT THERE ARE NO CREATIVE DISAGREEMENT WITH THE FILM MAKER . I hold immense love, respect, and faith in Mr. Priyadarshan the film director. — Paresh Rawal (@SirPareshRawal) May 18, 2025

Late May – Legal action begins

Akshay’s production banner, Cape of Good Films, served Rawal with a Rs 25 crore lawsuit, alleging contract breach and losses due to cast and crew preparation costs.

Paresh returns advances

To mitigate the issue, Rawal reportedly returned a Rs 11 lakh advance plus 15% annual interest, asserting no formal binding contract existed. His lawyer contended the project lacked a finalized script and clear commitment.

Akshay defends Paresh

At the Housefull 5 trailer launch, Akshay expressed loyalty to Rawal and dismissed harsh words like “foolish” used against him, calling the matter serious and best suited for legal channels.

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June 2025 – Public reassurance

Following mounting speculation, Akshay said he’s optimistic the dispute will resolve: “I hope everything goes well,” adding later that he’s “keeping fingers and legs crossed.”

Also Read: EXCLUSIVE: Akshay Kumar recalls girls hiding faces, tipsy fan encounter, and more during his impromptu visit to theatre screening Housefull 5; says, “Everyone has a backstory”

Skechers, The Comfort Technology Company®, announced that Bollywood superstar Kartik Aaryan has signed on as its newest brand ambassador for India. The award-winning actor will first appear in a marketing campaign supporting the brand’s signature Skechers Hands Free Slip-ins® footwear.

Speaking on the association, Rahul Vira, CEO of Skechers South Asia Pvt. Ltd., said, "Kartik Aaryan embodies the spirit of Skechers—bold, versatile, stylish and innovative. We are proud to partner with Kartik, an award-winning actor that is equal parts talent, charisma and adventurous. As a prominent contemporary youth icon, his broad appeal coupled with his dynamic persona will help keep Skechers in the mind of consumers shopping for our in-demand lifestyle and athletic footwear across India. we believe Kartik’s influence will amplify our connection with his fans who value the innovation and comfort that is only offered by Skechers.”

Sharing his enthusiasm about joining the Skechers family, Kartik Aaryan said, “I am excited to collaborate with Skechers—a brand that stands at the intersection of cutting-edge performance and contemporary style. What truly impressed me is their relentless focus on innovation, especially the Slip-ins technology, which redefines convenience without compromising on design. I’m always on the move, so I love that I can just slip in and go. Skechers’ vision aligns perfectly with my own belief in pushing boundaries, and I look forward to being part of their incredible journey as they continue to inspire athletes and trendsetters alike.”

Designed for those who value both style and ease, the Skechers Hands Free Slip-ins feature the brand’s exclusive Heel Pillow® technology, allowing consumers to simply slip into their footwear without bending down or using their hands. The uniquely Skechers design makes comfort as effortless as it is stylish.

Kartik Aaryan joins a Skechers roster that includes Indian actress Ananya Panday, along with elite athletes including footballers Sunil Chhetri, Harry Kane, Baris Alper Yilmaz, Isco Alarcón and Mohammed Kudus; cricket players Jasprit Bumrah, Ishan Kishan and Yastika Bhatia; pickleball pros Sonu Vishwakarma, Vrushali Thakare, Vanshik Kapadia and Mayur Patil; as well as basketball stars Julius Randle, Joel Embiid, Norman Powell, and Rickea Jackson.

Also Read: Ananya Panday wraps up Tu Meri Main Tera Main Tera Tu Meri schedule; groves on ‘Dheeme Dheeme’ with co-star Kartik Aaryan in BTS video, watch

Hold onto your pagdis, because Jassi is back with double the dhamaka and double the masti! The wait is finally over. After a blockbuster run with the first film, Ajay Devgn returns with the much-anticipated sequel, Son of Sardaar 2, ready to bring the house down!

Directed by Vijay Kumar Arora, Ajay Devgn reprises his iconic role as Jassi in Son of Sardaar 2, set to explode onto the big screen on July 25, 2025. Presented by Jio Studios and Devgn Films, A Devgn Films and SOS 2 Limited production, Son of Sardar 2 is produced by Ajay Devgn and Jyoti Deshpande. Produced by N R Pachisia and Pravin Talreja, and co-produced by Kumar Mangat Pathak. Son Of Sardaar 2 is releasing on July 25, 2025.

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Ajay Devgn’s look in the poster of Son of Sardaar 2 captures a bold and larger-than-life presence. Dressed in a sleek black leather jacket paired with dark trousers and a white shirt, Ajay exudes confidence and charisma. His signature intense expression is complemented by a bright yellow turban, adding a traditional yet striking element to his appearance. Posing atop two military tanks, with one foot planted on each, he stands tall and commanding, reinforcing the tagline “The Return of the Sardaar.” The overall styling blends rugged masculinity with a touch of flamboyance, setting the tone for an action-packed, entertaining sequel.

Interestingly, Son Of Sardaar 2 will be clashing with Maddock Films' Param Sundari, starring Sidharth Malhotra and Janhvi Kapoor.

Also Read: Mrunal Thakur shares clapperboard pic sets of Son of Sardaar 2 sparking interest from fans

Amid growing speculation about financial troubles surrounding producer Firoz Nadiadwala’s ambitious film Welcome to the Jungle, director Ahmed Khan has spoken exclusively to this writer about the real reason behind the film’s delay.

“We’ve already shot two lengthy schedules. We were supposed to shoot in Kashmir in June for a third, long schedule. That would have brought us close to completing the film. But then the Pahalgam tragedy happened. The Kashmir schedule had to be cancelled,” reveals Ahmed.

The team is now exploring alternative locations.

“It could be any similar hinterland. We may shoot in Kullu or Himachal Pradesh. But going back to Kashmir is not feasible. We have to plan the schedule from scratch in another location. Coordinating the dates of thirty-six actors again is no small task. We’re working on it,” he says.

As for reports of financial trouble and non-payment on the sets, Ahmed clarifies, “I have no idea about that. All financial matters are handled by the producer, Firoz Nadiadwala.”

Also Read: Welcome To The Jungle shoot schedules gets cancelled amid financial crisis: Report

British singer-songwriter Ed Sheeran has confirmed that he has recorded a Hindi track for an upcoming Shah Rukh Khan film, sparking a wave of speculation online. The revelation came in a behind-the-scenes video shared during the making of his latest single ‘Sapphire,’ which already featured a surprise cameo from the Bollywood superstar himself.

While the name of the film hasn’t been officially announced, fans are convinced that the project in question is King — Shah Rukh Khan’s next big theatrical release, directed by Siddharth Anand. The project has remained tightly under wraps since its announcement, but Sheeran’s comments and the recent developments around ‘Sapphire’ are now being viewed as strong indicators of a deeper collaboration.

After Ed Sheeran posted a behind-the-scenes video on his YouTube channel, a fan noticed a short segment where he’s seen recording the Punjabi version of his song 'Sapphire' with Arijit Singh. A fan club later shared this clip on Instagram, writing, “Can’t wait for the full Punjabi version! Check out the BTS on Ed’s YouTube channel. Ed mentioned a Hindi version too—so now I’m not sure if the other version is in Hindi or Punjabi.”

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Ed Sheeran himself replied to the post and cleared the confusion. He wrote, “The Hindi song is for a Bollywood movie that Shah Rukh Khan is doing. This is the Punjabi version of Sapphire with Arijit. I’m just doing all languages at this point.”

It’s worth noting that Shah Rukh Khan’s appearance in ‘Sapphire’ has already stirred considerable buzz. The video also features Indian playback singer Arijit Singh.

This isn’t Ed Sheeran’s first brush with India. He recently got a Punjabi tattoo that says "Neelam," which translates to "sapphire" in English. During his recent tour in India, Sheeran mentioned how much he enjoys the vibrancy of Indian music, and there’s growing chatter that he might explore more collaborations within Indian cinema in the future.

King, which also stars Suhana Khan, Deepika Padukone, Anil Kapoor, Rani Mukerji, and others, is the only Shah Rukh Khan project actively in production at the moment. The film has been billed as a gritty action drama and marks Suhana’s theatrical debut following her OTT entry with The Archies.

As for the Hindi song itself, details remain under wraps. It is unclear whether it will be part of the King soundtrack, a promotional crossover, or even a separate single linked to the film’s marketing campaign. Given the speculative nature of these developments, neither Shah Rukh Khan nor Siddharth Anand has officially confirmed the association. However, the timing of the song’s recording, Sheeran’s statement, and the visuals from the ‘Sapphire’ BTS video all seem to point in one direction.

While fans wait for an official confirmation, the idea of a Sheeran-Khan musical crossover continues to dominate discussions online. If the speculation proves true, this could be one of the most unique global collaborations Bollywood has seen in recent years.

Also Read: Ed Sheeran gives special mention to Shah Rukh Khan and Arijit Singh in his “Sapphire dumpington” post: “Love that guy so much”

Bollywood star Vicky Kaushal takes centre stage in G-SHOCK’s latest campaign, building on the brand’s signature theme Rise Above the Shocks. The campaign, unveiled on June 18, 2025, puts the spotlight on the Gen Z spirit of perseverance, with Kaushal embodying the modern idea of toughness — one rooted in authenticity, grit, and self-expression.

Known for pushing boundaries both on-screen and off, Kaushal is a fitting choice for the campaign that targets young Indians navigating personal and societal expectations. In his association with the brand, the actor continues to lend his voice to narratives that resonate with today's youth.

“There is strength in silence and power in perseverance,” Kaushal said. “‘Rise Above the Shocks’ is for everyone who's had the resilience and will to rise above the hardest blows that life has thrown at them, and have a ‘Never Give Up’ outlook in life. That’s what G-SHOCK represents, and I’m proud to be part of such a brand story.”

The campaign, which also pays tribute to iconic G-SHOCK styles like the DW-5000R, GA-2100, DW-5600, and GA-110, blends nostalgia with a contemporary lens. These designs serve more as visual metaphors than just accessories—symbols of toughness that mirror Kaushal’s own career trajectory and public persona.

Takuto Kimura, Managing Director of Casio India, highlighted Kaushal’s alignment with the brand’s evolving identity. “With Rise Above the Shocks, we're celebrating a generation that is raw, unapologetic, and fearless. We are elated to have powerhouse Vicky Kaushal embodying the spirit and vision of this generation.”

The campaign was conceptualised and executed by Method Productions, with producer Ravneet Mahajan and director John Fredrick Peter crafting a visual narrative that aims to strike a chord with Gen Z and millennial audiences.

By anchoring its message around Kaushal and the resilience of a new generation, G-SHOCK continues to strengthen its cultural relevance in India while evolving from a product-first brand into a symbol of youth identity.

Also Read: Ranbir Kapoor, Vicky Kaushal scene postponed as Mumbai rains disrupt Love & War shoot: Report

Curzon Films in association with Purushottam Studios, has announced their most ambitious production yet — Sant Tukaram, a Hindi feature film based on the life, legacy, and lyrical revolution of the 17th-century Marathi saint-poet who transformed devotion into resistance. The, film made on a grand scale, comes up with historical authenticity, cinematic craft, and a powerful theatrical experience.

Written and directed by acclaimed filmmaker Aditya Om, the film is headlined by very popular Marathi actor Subodh Bhave, who steps into the iconic role of Sant Tukaram. Known for his deeply nuanced performances across Marathi and Hindi cinema, Bhave brings a rare combination of emotional depth and spiritual gravitas to the screen. His portrayal is expected to capture the quiet strength, inner turmoil, and divine transcendence of the 17th-century saint whose words sparked a devotional revolution. The film is scheduled for global release in the cinemas on July 18, 2025 and promises an intimate yet powerful interpretation of a man whose silence spoke louder than rebellion and whose poetry became a timeless voice of truth.

Set against the layered backdrop of 17th-century Maharashtra, the film will trace Tukaram’s transformation from a grieving husband to a voice that spoke for the voiceless through his spiritually electrified Abhanga poetry.

The film also boasts a stellar ensemble cast. Acclaimed actors such as Shiva Suryavanshi, Sheena Chohan, Sanjay Mishra, Arun Govil, Shishir Sharma, Hemant Pandey, Ganesh Yadav, Lalit Tiwari, Mukesh Bhatt, Gauri Shankar, Twinkle Kapoor, Rupali Jadhav and DJ Akbar Sami will bring to life key characters in Tukaram’s spiritual and social journey. Lending an iconic presence to the film, veteran actor Mukesh Khanna will serve as the narrator, providing philosophical insight and contextual grounding with his trademark voice and gravitas.

The soundtrack, composed by Nikhil Kamath, Ravi Tripathi, and Veeral and Laavan, will be deeply rooted in the Abhanga tradition, combining classical and folk influences to create a musical landscape that is both devotional and dramatic. Each song will echo the emotional and philosophical evolution of Tukaram’s character, inviting audiences to feel his bhakti as well as his pain, his surrender as well as his resistance.

Produced by B Gautham’s Curzon Films in association with Purushottam Studios, the film is being designed as a Pan-India cinematic experience, intended to resonate with audiences across linguistic, regional, and spiritual boundaries.

Also Read: EXCLUSIVE: Arun Govil to play Lord Vitthal in human form in Sant Tukaram; says, “Normally I don’t agree to act in devotional films”

Salakaar is a gripping spy drama that unfolds across two timelines, exploring how the past shapes the present. The series follows a young Indian intelligence officer on a covert mission that leads to the discovery of hidden truths and sensitive national secrets. Inspired by real events, Salakaar also traces the journey of a seasoned spymaster whose strategic decisions help avert major threats to national security. Blending elements of mystery, action, and quiet heroism, Salakaar offers a layered story of resilience and duty. Streaming on JioHotstar from August 15.

Alok Jain, JioStar, said, At JioHotstar, we are committed to shaping an entertainment ecosystem that reflects the evolving preferences of India’s diverse audience and Salakaar embodies that perfectly. We are proud to bring a story that is both emotionally resonant and cinematically ambitious. We continue to support stories that challenge convention while staying rooted in powerful human truths. I’m thankful to the entire team who dedicated their precious years to bringing this to audiences this Independence Day.”

Faruk Kabir, director and co-writer, said, “Salakaar is not just a spy thriller, it’s a deeply emotional narrative about fractured legacies and the cost of silence. We’re looking at espionage not only as a mission but as a burden, as a debt that passes from one generation to another.”

Sunjoy Waddhwa, Chairman & Managing Director, Sphereorigins said, “With Salakaar, we wanted to push the boundaries of spy thrillers in India - this is an incredible story, it is layered, relevant and emotionally sharp. We’ve found great partners in JioHotstar to bring this tale to life and are looking forward to Aug 15 when the audiences get a chance to watch Salakaar.”

Mahir Khan, Proprietor Mahir Films, added, “We at Mahir Films have been looking forward to telling the world about Salakaar and the phenomenal story that it is, filled with courage, thrill, vulnerability and so much more. Together with Sphereorigins and JioHotstar, we aspire to bring forth an all-consuming spy thriller to the audiences.”

The launch of Salakaar adds to JioHotstar’s growing lineup of compelling original content, following the success of titles like Criminal Justice: A Family Matter and the recent announcement of Special Ops Season 2. It highlights the platform’s ongoing efforts to develop stories that resonate with evolving audience preferences, while continuing to explore new ground in terms of scale, storytelling, and relevance.

Aami Dakini is a tale of love that transcends time and lifetimes. Dakini yearns for the love that was once hers, and she returns across lifetimes to reclaim it. To the world, she may seem like an echo from the past, but she has returned only to complete her love story.

At the centre of this new show is Dakini – focused and determined. On a relentless mission to find her long-lost husband, Dakini’s journey moves between love and obsession, and between desire and destruction. As she navigates a world of secrets and shadows, anyone who crosses her path faces fatal consequences.

Bringing Dakini to screen is actor Sheen Dass, who takes on one of her most complex roles to date. Speaking about her experience, Sheen shared, “This role is truly unlike anything I’ve ever done before. Dakini is an incredibly intense character layered with complexities that challenge every facet of her being. She is powerful, fierce, and unapologetic. Portraying her has been an exhilarating journey, pushing me emotionally and mentally to places I hadn’t explored as an actor before. There were moments of sheer adrenaline, moments of deep reflection, and moments when I had to confront raw, uncomfortable emotions head-on. I’m confident that audiences will be captivated by her unpredictable nature and the dark, thrilling world she inhabits. This isn’t just a show, it’s an emotional rollercoaster that will grip viewers from start to the end.”

Aami Dakini will premiere on June 23 and will air every Monday to Friday at 8:00 PM on Sony Entertainment Television and SonyLIV.

Also Read: Fauji 2.0 album launched as Doordarshan series marks 100 episodes with tribute to Pahalgam victims and armed forces

The release of Aamir Khan-Genelia Deshmukh starrer Sitaare Zameen Par is less than 48 hours away and the excitement is tremendous. If sources are to be believed, then the excitement might go a bit higher as the asset of an interesting upcoming film is attached to the film’s print.

A source told Bollywood Hungama, “The teaser of the next film of Aamir Khan Productions (AKP), starring Aamir’s son Junaid and South star Sai Pallavi, will be attached to Sitaare Zameen Par. The film is ready and up for release and Aamir and his team felt that Sitaare Zameen Par would be the right way to let the world know about it. Sitaare Zameen Par is expected to have a huge turnout and hence, a huge section of moviegoers will get acquainted with Junaid and Sai’s movie.”

There have been speculations that the Junaid Khan-Sai Pallavi starrer has been titled Ek Din and that it is a remake of the Korean film One Day (2011) but there has been no confirmation on the same.

The film was shot during the beautiful Snow Festival in the town of Sapporo, Japan and hence it promises to be a visual treat to the moviegoers. Images of Junaid and Sai in the Far East country got leaked during the Japan schedule, which took place in early 2024. The love story went on floors in December 2023 in Mumbai.

Earlier this year, there were reports that Aamir Khan was planning to release the film on Valentine’s Day. However, he decided to postpone the release after the makers of Junaid’s debut theatrical venture, Loveyapa, decided to bring the romcom on February 7. It co-starred Khushi Kapoor.

The Junaid Khan-Sai Pallavi starrer has been directed by Sunil Pandey. Interestingly, Junaid and Sunil have shot for one more film, also produced by Aamir Khan Productions, called Pritam Pyare.

Also Read: Sitaare Zameen Par makers send UPDATED release strategy to cinemas for Friday – NO shows before 11 am, ONLY 4 shows between 11 am – 6 pm; normal showcasing from Saturday

Earlier in the day, Bollywood Hungama informed readers about the release strategy followed by the makers and distributors of Aamir Khan’s much-awaited film, Sitaare Zameen Par. It has now come to light that another set of requirements was given to the cinemas earlier a few hours before, that is on the morning of Wednesday, June 18.

An exhibition source told Bollywood Hungama, “In the revised mail, the distributor has informed all the theatres and multiplexes that on the day of release, that is, Friday, June 20, they can’t play any show before 11 am. And that’s not all. The theatres were also requested to play a maximum of 4 shows only of Sitaare Zameen Par between 11 am and 6 pm.”

The source continued, “After 6:00 pm, the cinema halls can play as many shows of Sitaare Zameen Par as they wish to. Moreover, this requirement is only for Friday. From Saturday, June 21 onwards, there’ll be no such demand and the cinemas can follow the requirement sent to them before.”

The source further said, “As per the older directive, there should be no show of the film before 9:00 am. They have asked cinema halls to opt for popular weekend pricing for the film. If the single screen wants to play the film, the exhibitor will be required to have all shows of Sitaare Zameen Par. It can't exhibit any other film. Two-screen cinemas need to allot 8 shows. Multiplexes with 3, 4, 5 and 6 screens need to play 11, 14, 16 and 19 shows a day respectively. For 7-screen multiplexes, 22 shows are a must while for 8-screen plexes, 25 shows are mandatory in a day. There should be 28 shows in 9-screen cinemas and for multiplexes with 10 screens and more, the requirement is 31 shows. This directive will be followed from June 21.”

Also Read: EXCLUSIVE: No shows before 9 am, no blockbuster pricing, no sharing of shows in single screens – release strategy of Aamir Khan-starrer Sitaare Zameen Par REVEALED

Aamir Khan hosted a private screening of his much-anticipated film Sitaare Zameen Par on June 16, and it turned into an evening full of heartfelt emotions and unforgettable moments. Among those in attendance was a young boy named Agastya, whose emotional response to the film became the highlight of the night.

According to a touching post shared on social media by Agastya’s parent, the film struck a deep chord with the child, leaving him teary-eyed and visibly moved. The moment became even more special when Agastya met Aamir Khan in person. A photo from the evening shows Aamir gently consoling and hugging the emotional child — a powerful reminder of the emotional impact cinema can have.

The post read, “Last night was nothing short of magical. I had the absolute privilege of attending the private screening of @sitaarezameenpar, and I cannot thank @geneliad enough for the kind and thoughtful invite. What truly made the evening unforgettable was witnessing Agastya's reaction. He was completely moved by the film teary-eyed, silent in moments, and visibly emotional. It's rare to see a story touch a child that deeply. And just when I thought the moment couldn't get more special, he got to meet Aamir Khan in person. Watching Agastya hug him with so much honesty and awe was something I'll never forget.”

"It's rare to see a story touches a child that deeply. He was completely moved by #SitaareZameenPar – teary-eyed, silent in moments & visibly emotional. Stories like these spark empathy, open hearts, remind us how deeply cinema can move even the youngest among us". #AamirKhan pic.twitter.com/NetghYBspw — Kate Wordy (@KateWordy) June 17, 2025

“As a parent, there are moments that etch themselves into your heart this was one of them. Stories like these matter. They spark empathy, open hearts, and remind us how deeply cinema can move even the youngest among us. Grateful for this experience, for the warmth we were shown, and for memories we'll carry for a lifetime,” the post continued.

Sitaare Zameen Par, which reportedly centres around themes of empathy and childhood, has already begun resonating with audiences even before its public release. Aamir Khan, known for his emotionally rich storytelling, once again seems to have delivered a film that connects across generations.

The moment between Agastya and Aamir has since gone viral, symbolizing the deep emotional reach of cinema. For one family, the evening wasn’t just a movie night — it was a lifetime memory in the making.

Also Read : EXCLUSIVE: CBFC asks Sitaare Zameen Par makers to replace Michael Jackson with ‘Lovebirds’; add a quote of Narendra Modi after opening disclaimer