Amid the ongoing controversy surrounding Diljit Dosanjh and his upcoming film Sardaar Ji 3, filmmaker Imtiaz Ali has publicly voiced his support for the Punjabi actor-singer. The film has faced backlash after Pakistani actress Hania Aamir was cast as the leading lady, prompting the Federation of Western India Cine Employees (FWICE) to issue a statement against the actor and the producers associated with the project.

Imtiaz Ali, who recently worked with Diljit on the Netflix film Amar Singh Chamkila, spoke to NDTV about his experience with the artist and his personal views on the situation. "I can't say much on the row, but since I know Diljit, I can say that us mein deshbhakti ka jazbaa poora bhara hua hai (he is completely filled with the spirit of patriotism). He is a son of the soil. You can see at all his concerts, he shows up with the Indian flag."

Imtiaz added that Diljit’s patriotic spirit is not a performance but a genuine part of who he is. "He is not a guy who fakes things. Fakeness ke saath woh kuch nahi karta hai (he does nothing with fakeness). No one asked him to do it. At the end of all his concerts, he says, 'Main hoon Punjab' (I am Punjab), with the Indian flag."

Addressing the backlash and the decision-making process behind casting, Imtiaz said, "I don't know the details, but casting someone isn't the decision of the actor. I don't know how it went, but I know that uske andar desh prem bahut zyada hai (he has immense love for his country)… Jo log dekh paayenge unke andar ke sach ko, unko ye samajh mein aa jaayega (those who are able to see the truth within him will understand this)."

The controversy surrounding Sardaar Ji 3 escalated when FWICE called for action against Diljit Dosanjh and criticized the film's production team for collaborating with a Pakistani actress during ongoing Indo-Pak tensions. The organization’s statement has intensified scrutiny around the project, though the film was reportedly shot before the recent escalation.

Imtiaz Ali’s comments bring another perspective to the debate, highlighting his personal experience with Diljit and underscoring the actor’s consistent display of national pride at his public events. As the situation develops, the industry and audiences await further responses and updates regarding the release and reception of Sardaar Ji 3.

Also Read: Diljit Dosanjh ‘not replaced’ in Border 2 despite Sardaar Ji 3 controversy

Vivek Ranjan Agnihotri is known for his bold storytelling that uncovers buried truths. After the impactful The Tashkent Files and the all-time blockbuster The Kashmir Files, he now brings the third chapter of his truth trilogy, The Bengal Files. The highly awaited film is set to unravel yet another hidden chapter of India’s history.

Amidst growing excitement, the makers have announced 10 grand mega premieres across the United States, starting July 19 in New Jersey and concluding on August 10 in Houston. The premiere tour will include special screenings in key cities like Chicago, Atlanta, Washington DC, Raleigh, Tampa, Phoenix, Los Angeles, and the San Francisco Bay Area.

The demand for The Bengal Files is soaring in the overseas market, prompting filmmaker Vivek Ranjan Agnihotri to be approached for multiple international premieres. This highlights the film’s growing global appeal and the rising excitement beyond India.

The recently released teaser has sparked widespread attention, thanks to its powerful and intense visuals. It has been met with overwhelming praise from audiences and critics alike. One striking scene showing Mahakali engulfed in flames stirred some controversy, but the makers have clarified that the film is backed by thorough research. The teaser has successfully created intrigue, especially with its hard-hitting line: “If Kashmir hurt you, then Bengal will haunt you.” The anticipation is now higher than ever.

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The Bengal Files is written and directed by Vivek Ranjan Agnihotri and produced by Abhishek Agarwal and Pallavi Joshi. It stars Mithun Chakraborty, Pallavi Joshi, Anupam Kher, and Darshan Kumar. The film presented by Tej Narayan Agarwal & I Am Buddha is a part of Vivek’s Files trilogy that includes The Kashmir Files and The Tashkent Files. The film will arrive in theatres on September 5, 2025.

Also Read: Eklavya Sood joins Vivek Agnihotri’s The Bengal Files, calls it a ‘career-defining role’

Diljit Dosanjh is currently facing controversy over his upcoming film Sardaar Ji 3, which will not release in India. The film, which was shot before the recent escalation of Indo-Pak tensions, stars Pakistani actress Hania Aamir and has attracted significant backlash. The situation has not only impacted the film’s India release but has also raised speculation regarding Dosanjh’s involvement in his future projects.

Recent reports suggested that Dosanjh, who is playing an Indian Army officer in the patriotic war drama Border 2, was allegedly removed from the film due to the ongoing controversy surrounding Sardaar Ji 3. However, a source close to the production has denied these rumours, clarifying that the actor remains actively involved in the project. "The news about his replacement is not true. Diljit is part of Border 2 and we have already shot with him 50 percent of the film. The announcement about his casting was made almost 9 months back,” the source confirmed.

These rumours started fuelling after FWICE demanded strict action from producers being associated with Diljit Dosanjh in upcoming films. In a letter they sent to producer Bhushan Kumar and T-Series, regarding the war drama, read, “The Federation of Western India Cine Employees (FWICE), representing the core workforce of the Indian film and television industry, is deeply disappointed and concerned by the casting of actor-singer Mr. Diljit Dosanjh in your upcoming film Border 2... This casting decision is in blatant violation of FWICE’s official directive to boycott Mr. Diljit Dosanjh, which was issued after his unpatriotic act of working with a Pakistani actress, Ms. Hania Aamir, in the film Sardaar Ji 3.”

Meanwhile, speaking of Border 2, it is currently in production, with shooting underway in Pune. Actor Varun Dhawan has been filming key sequences at the National Defense Academy (NDA) as part of the ongoing schedule. The war-based film is directed by Anurag Singh and produced by Nidhi Dutta in collaboration with T-Series. The film also features Sunny Deol, Ahan Shetty, and several other prominent actors.

Despite the backlash surrounding Sardaar Ji 3, which is no longer slated for an Indian release, the production team behind Border 2 appears to remain committed to Dosanjh’s involvement. The film is currently scheduled to hit theatres on January 23 next year.

Also Read: Neeru Bajwa deletes post on Sardaar Ji 3 amid controversy over casting Pakistani actress Hania Aamir

Punjabi actress Neeru Bajwa has reportedly deleted a social media post related to the upcoming Punjabi film Sardaar Ji 3 following the growing controversy around the project’s casting. The film stars Diljit Dosanjh and Pakistani actress Hania Aamir, whose involvement has sparked significant backlash in India.

According to reports, Neeru Bajwa was set to play a key role in the horror-comedy, which revolves around ghost hunters. However, after the film faced public criticism over featuring a Pakistani artist, the actress appeared to distance herself from the project by removing related content from her social media platforms.

The controversy gained momentum after tensions between India and Pakistan escalated in April this year, particularly following India’s Operation Sindoor, which was a response to the terror attack in Pahalgam. Many Pakistani celebrities, including Hania Aamir, openly condemned the operation. This led to widespread anger in India, with both citizens and public figures criticizing those who opposed the retaliatory strike.

The Federation of Western India Cine Employees (FWICE) has now formally urged the Indian government to take strict action against Diljit Dosanjh for working in a project involving a Pakistani actress amid such sensitive times. The body has gone as far as recommending the cancellation of Dosanjh’s passport and citizenship, citing national sentiment and the ongoing diplomatic strain between the two countries.

Meanwhile, the producers of Sardaar Ji 3 have issued a statement defending the cast and production timeline. They clarified that the actors, including Hania Aamir, were signed well before the recent Indo-Pak tensions arose, and that the film had been completed prior to the escalation.

Despite the producers’ explanation, the film will reportedly not release in India, likely due to the intensifying backlash. However, Sardaar Ji 3 is expected to release internationally, with a scheduled premiere on June 27.

The situation has sparked a wider debate about the involvement of Pakistani artists in Indian projects and the future of cross-border collaborations in the entertainment industry. Neeru Bajwa has not made any public comment on the matter so far. The actress is currently gearing up for the release on action comedy Son of Sardaar 2.

Also Read: Diljit Dosanjh’s manager DEFENDS actor-singer amid Sardaar Ji 3 row: “Despite giving everything to his country, he is still seen as ‘the other’”

Bollywood actor Ayushmann Khurrana has been invited to join the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences (AMPAS), the organisation behind the Oscars. Known for his socially relevant and unconventional film choices, Khurrana’s work has consistently focused on breaking cinematic and societal stereotypes.

The Academy has invited a diverse group of artists and industry professionals from across the globe this year, acknowledging their significant contributions to cinema. Khurrana joins an international list of invitees, including Gillian Anderson, Ariana Grande, Kamal Haasan, Mikey Madison, Jeremy Strong, and Kieran Culkin.

In a joint statement, Academy CEO Bill Kramer and Academy President Janet Yang said, “We are thrilled to invite this esteemed class of artists, technologists, and professionals to join the Academy. Through their commitment to filmmaking and to the greater movie industry, these exceptionally talented individuals have made indelible contributions to our global filmmaking community.”

Throughout his career, Khurrana has taken on films that explore subjects such as gender identity, body image, caste discrimination, and unconventional relationships, often sparking social conversations through mainstream cinema. His projects have been widely discussed for addressing issues that are often underrepresented in popular Indian films.

Khurrana’s work has also gained global attention. He has been recognised by TIME Magazine twice—first, in its TIME100 list of the World’s Most Influential People, and later, with the TIME100 Impact Award in 2023.

In addition to his acting career, Ayushmann serves as a UNICEF India National Ambassador, focusing on child rights and protection. His invitation to join The Academy is seen as another step in his growing international presence, aligning him with artists who have influenced the global film industry.

Currently, the actor is gearing up for one of the biggest and most anticipated releases Thama this Diwali, featuring him alongside Rashmika Mandanna for the first time. The supernatural horror comedy is an essential part of the Maddock world that compromises films like Stree and Bhediya.

Also Read: Ayushmann Khurrana celebrates World Music Day by sharing his playlist of hidden gems; watch

The makers of the upcoming supernatural thriller Nikita Roy, starring Sonakshi Sinha, have officially announced a change in the film’s release date. Originally slated to hit cinemas on 27th of June, the film will now release on 18th July 2025.

The producers released an official statement, “Hi guys! We have found ourselves in the midst of multiple releases and a battle for screens. With advice from our well-wishers in the fraternity, distributors, and exhibitors, we have collectively decided to push our release to the 18th of July, so that we can reach a wider audience. Thank you for the immense love you have shown for the film so far but you’ll have to wait a little longer, and we promise you, 18th July will be worth the wait! See you in theatres!”

A supernatural thriller that’s already creating buzz, Nikita Roy follows a gripping and mysterious narrative that promises to keep audiences on the edge of their seats. With high anticipation and strong audience interest already building through the film’s trailer and music, Nikita Roy is expected to be one of the most exciting genre releases of the year. Directed by Kussh Sinha, Nikita Roy stars Sonakshi Sinha, Paresh Rawal, Arjun Rampal, and Suhail Nayyar amongst others.

Produced under the banner of Nicky Vicky Bhagnani Films and Nikita Pai Films Ltd., with a release by Baweja Studios in association with Bliss Entertainment, Movies PTE Limited, and Karmic Films.

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Written by acclaimed thriller specialist Pavan Kirpalani. The production is spearheaded by Nickky Khemchand Bhagnani, Viicky Bhagnani, Ankur Takrani, Dinesh Ratiram Gupta, Kinjal Ashok Ghone, and Kratos Entertainment, with co-producers Anand Mehta, Prakash Nand Bijlani, Shakti Bhatnagar, Mehnaaz Shaikh, Chintan Dave, and Prem Raj Joshi lending their support.

Also Read: Sonakshi Sinha starrer Nikita Roy postponed; Shatrughan Sinha says, “It is better to wait than to be suffocated by the traffic”

Aamir Khan is the producer of Rajkumar Santoshi’s post-Partition Indo-Pak drama Lahore 1947. It has been pending release for a year now. The understanding between Khan and Santoshi was that Aamir would release Santoshi’s film after Sitaare Zameen Par.

However now, with the drastically changed relations between the two countries, it is unlikely that Aamir will be able to keep his promise to Santoshi.

“This is not the right time to release a film named Lahore 1947 when restaurant and shop names with a Pakistani antecedent are being asked to change. Lahore 1947 would have to wait for release until the hostilities between the two countries simmer down,” said a source close to the project.

One suggestion to facilitate the film’s release is to change its title. But Santoshi is not willing to call his film anything but Lahore 1947.

Also Read: Aamir Khan hosts special screening of Sitaare Zameen Par for President Droupadi Murmu at Rashtrapati Bhavan

Bollywood star Kajol opened up about her parents' separation and how it shaped her childhood in a stable and emotionally secure environment. The actress, known for her authenticity both on and off screen, praised her parents—veteran actress Tanuja and late filmmaker Shomu Mukherjee—for maintaining a united front as co-parents despite their personal differences.

In a candid and heartfelt conversation with Nayandeep Rakshit, Kajol said, “I have to give kudos to them. My parents were very clear on one point that it does not matter if we are separated or not, but we will always be there together for you. The decisions we take for you will always be made together. We could not play them against one another. They were adults who behaved like mature people who would do the right things for their children.”

The actress highlighted how this level of emotional maturity helped her and her sister, Tanisha Mukerji, grow up in a home that prioritized consistency and emotional wellbeing. Rather than allowing conflict to disrupt the family dynamic, Kajol’s parents focused on co-parenting with purpose—something that left a lasting impression on her.

When asked if she understood the separation while it was happening, Kajol responded, “I did. I questioned it at that time, but I understood it. As an adult today, I can take that call and understand how brave it was as well to take that decision on both their parts.”

Kajol’s reflection offers a rare and mature insight into the lives of children of separated parents, especially in a society where such topics are often kept behind closed doors. Her admiration for how her parents handled the situation speaks volumes—not only about their parenting, but also about the emotional intelligence and resilience Kajol carries with her today.

Kajol is currently busy with the promotions of Maa, a mythological horror film directed by Vishal Furia, set to hit theatres on 27 June.

She will also be seen in the upcoming action-thriller Maharagni—Queen of Queens, helmed by Charan Tej Uppalapati. The film features a stellar ensemble including Naseeruddin Shah, Prabhu Deva, Jisshu Sengupta, Aditya Seal, and Pramod Pathak.

Also Read : EXCLUSIVE: Here’s why Sujoy Ghosh and his daughter Diya Annapurna Ghosh have been thanked in Kajol-starrer Maa: “Diya was bowled over by the fact that Ajay Devgn…”

Actor-filmmaker Anshuman Jha is confirmed to be directing the upcoming sequel to his 2023 cult vigilante action film Lakadbaggha. Titled Lakadbaggha 2 – The Monkey Business, the much-anticipated follow-up takes the animal-lover vigilante universe global, and is firmly under the creative leadership of Jha himself.

It was initially rumoured that the film would be helmed by adman and filmmaker Sanjay Shetty. However, after three days of principal photography, Jha stepped in to direct the film himself — a move reminiscent of Aamir Khan’s directorial takeover of Taare Zameen Par in 2007. But unlike the well-documented tension that followed that change between Khan & Gupte, this transition has reportedly been collaborative, mutual, and grounded in mutual respect.

A source close to the production revealed, “Anshuman told the team, ‘We will only make this film once — let’s make it the best it can be, regardless of who directs.’ It was never about ego, but about clarity and vision on the animal lover vigilante universe.”

The film’s 2nd AD, Aura Chandel, shared further insight: "Anshuman has been deeply involved from day one — from casting international martial arts legends like Sunny Pang and Dan Chupong to the Indian cast members, to shaping the VFX, score, and narrative tone. Sanjay Sir and Anshuman share a mentor-mentee bond. He assisted Sanjay on ad shoots when he was just 16. There’s no bad blood — only a shared love for the project. The initial bits have been reshot, and the energy on set was incredibly focused.”

Industry insiders say that the decision stemmed from creative alignment, with Jha being most connected to the world and ethos of the Lakadbaggha franchise, which uniquely combines action with a strong message on animal welfare. Shetty has remained on the project as a creative consultant.

With this move, Jha joins the ranks of actor-directors like Clint Eastwood, Bradley Cooper, and most recently Dev Patel (Monkey Man) — artists who bring a deeply personal vision to their storytelling. As one crew member put it, “He’s not just making a film — he’s building a legacy for the voiceless.”

Also Read: From Havoc to Bollywood: Sunny Pang to feature in action-packed Lakadbaggha 2 with Anshuman Jha

Vidya Balan has been announced as the new brand ambassador for Welspun, a leading name in home textiles. The collaboration marks a significant moment for the brand as it sets out to expand its presence across Indian households with a fresh and relatable face at the forefront.

As part of this high-impact partnership, Vidya will feature in Welspun’s upcoming 360-degree marketing campaign, aimed at highlighting the brand’s core promises—durability, comfort, innovation, and daily relevance across its extensive home textile range. The campaign will include brand films and promotional content designed to connect with consumers across both urban and rural India.

Speaking about the association, Saumil Mehta, president & business head of domestic home textile at Welspun Global Brands, said, “Welspun’s vision of ‘Har Ghar Welspun’ is about making trusted quality accessible to every Indian home. As millions of consumers move from unbranded to branded choices, we see a powerful opportunity to lead with authenticity and value. Vidya Balan embodies that spirit—grounded, relatable, and inspiring—which makes her the perfect partner as we expand our reach and deepen our relevance across Bharat.”

Known for her versatility and substance-driven roles, Vidya brings more than just star power—she brings trust and relatability, which aligns seamlessly with Welspun’s brand ethos. The choice of Vidya as the face of the brand also reflects Welspun’s focus on authenticity and emotional connect.

Pradnya Popade, head of marketing – domestic home textile, Welspun Global Brands, added, “Vidya Balan’s authenticity, grounded choices, and pan India connect make her a natural fit. Her effortless storytelling and the way she connects with audiences at large meaningfully, reflect the kind of relationship we aim to build with our consumers. She resonates with the same values that define our brand—trust, relevance, and purpose. At a time when Indian consumers are moving toward smarter, value-driven purchases, Welspun offers products that combine durability, functionality, innovation, making it worth their budget.”

Expressing her enthusiasm, Vidya Balan shared, “I have always believed in associating with brands that stand for something meaningful. Welspun’s focus on durability, comfort, and varied design really resonates with me. It’s a brand that understands people’s daily needs and delivers with sincerity—and I’m proud to be part of this journey.”

With this collaboration, Welspun is set to strengthen its connect with the evolving Indian consumer, and Vidya Balan’s presence promises to lend warmth, trust, and nationwide appeal to the brand’s evolving identity.

Also Read : Mahesh Bhatt on 10 years of Hamari Adhuri Kahani, “Incomplete stories are the only ones worth telling”

The mythological-horror film Maa was released today, June 27, and it has caught attention due to the genre, trailer, concept and association of Kajol. The film begins with the mention of Sujoy Ghosh and his director-daughter Diya Annapurna Ghosh under ‘Special Thanks’. It's sure to make a lot of people curious about the same as Sujoy is not associated with the project in any capacity.

This writer, too, was very curious and reached out exclusively to Sujoy Ghosh to understand the reason behind his and Diya’s mention. Sujoy, who is currently in London, explained, “My daughter Diya held the rights to the title ‘Maa’. She wanted to make a film with that title. One day, Ajay called me and expressed the desire to have the title for his film. I asked Diya about it. She agreed to part with the title. Her script is still under development and it’ll take time before her film can go on floors. On the other hand, Ajay and his team were all set to roll. Hence, we decided to live and let live (smiles).”

He added, “We’ll now think of some other title for our film.”

Sujoy Ghosh also revealed, “Diya is a fan of Ajay Devgn. We are also his fans. Diya was bowled over by the fact that Ajay Devgn asked her for the title rights. It was a true fan moment for her (laughs).”

Maa is backed by Jio Studios and Devgn Films and is directed by Vishal Furia. It also stars Ronit Roy, Kherin Sharma, Indraneil Sengupta and Dibyendu Bhattacharya in leading roles.

Diya Annapurna Ghosh, meanwhile, debuted as a director with the Zee5 flick Bob Biswas (2021) starring Abhishek Bachchan and Chitrangda Singh. It was a spin-off to the 2012 acclaimed thriller, Kahaani, which was incidentally directed by Sujoy Ghosh.

As for Sujoy Ghosh, he last directed Jaane Jaan (2023), starring Kareena Kapoor Khan, Vijay Varma and Jaideep Ahlawat. It dropped directly on Netflix and was one of the most-viewed films on the streaming giant that year.

Also Read: EXCLUSIVE: No cuts, no ‘A’ rating – Kajol-starrer Maa is a RARE horror film to be awarded with a U/A certificate

Show-sharing in theatres has now become a common issue, especially in the post-pandemic era. In a shocking turn of events, a feud emerged this week between Warner Bros, the studio backing F1: The Movie and PVR Inox, India’s largest multiplex chain and also now a leading distributor.

A trade source told Bollywood Hungama, “F1: The Movie has got a roaring response in paid previews, which were held on Wednesday, June 25, and also internationally. Warner also distributes films of Universal Studios whose M3GAN 2.0 also hits cinemas on June 27. Universal’s How To Train Your Dragon is also running in cinemas successfully. Hence, Warner asked for 4 shows of F1: The Movie, 2 shows of M3GAN 2.0 and 1 show of How To Train Your Dragon, that is, 7 shows across 3 films in premium multiplexes. They made it clear that this is not a one-size-fits-all approach and that it can be tweaked for certain multiplexes.”

The source continued, “The meetings, however, didn’t end on a good note. Warner felt that they were getting an unfair treatment. They also got a sense that PVR Inox was giving them a raw deal and giving preference to Sitaare Zameen Par and Maa, films which are distributed by PVR Inox Pictures.” The former is an Aamir Khan-starrer which released last week, on June 20, and is running successfully at the box office. The latter, featuring Kajol in the lead, releases tomorrow.

The source further said, “In recent times, it was Warner who distributed Final Destination Bloodlines, Sinners and How To Train Your Dragon, films which got the footfalls in urban multiplexes. With no other option in sight, they made it clear that if F1: The Movie is not given a justifiable number of shows, they’ll not provide July 4 release Jurassic World Rebirth and July 11 release Superman to PVR Inox.” Both these films have generated tremendous excitement and have the potential to strike gold at the box office. Hence, Warner’s warning has raised eyebrows.

The source also revealed, "The negotiations went on till late night but a middle ground was not reached. The KDMs of certain properties, where Warner wasn't getting the required programming, were put on hold. This meant that the shows in those cinemas won't be played unless the issue is resolved. However, on Friday morning, PVR agreed to the demand of Warner and increased the showcasing of F1: The Movie as per Warner's requirement."

Another trade expert, however, said, “There are times when there is a lack of releases. And then there’s the present-day scenario where there are too many new and holdover releases. Theatres have to accommodate Kannappa, which is releasing in multiple languages with Maa and F1: The Movie. They also need to play John Wick: Ballerina, Materialists and Housefull 5. In such a scenario, a few films are bound to get fewer shows than expected.”

The trade expert further commented, “F1: The Movie will ultimately release and so will Jurassic World Rebirth and Superman as that’s what happens if we go by the clashes which happened in the past. Warner probably felt that they needed to take a stand and hence, this decision.”

What is concerning is that the next 4 weeks are going to be packed with Hindi and English films every week and hence, this fight over screens might take place every week.

Nikita Roy pushed Meanwhile, the makers of the Sonakshi Sinha-starrer Nikita Roy have postponed the film at the last minute. It was all set to release on June 27 and is now postponed to July 18. The note by the makers read, “We have found ourselves in the midst of multiple releases and a battle of screens. With advice from our well-wishers in the fraternity, the distributors and exhibitors, we have collectively decided to push our release to the 18th of July so that we can reach a wider audience.”

Also Read: Sitaare Zameen Par’s success is a MASTERCLASS in why content is still KING – a powerful reminder that stories with heart still shine brightest in Indian cinema