Ranveer Singh-starrer Dhurandhar continues to make waves at the box office, with the film racing towards the Rs 300 crore club and drawing praise from audiences and celebrities alike. Directed by Aditya Dhar, the film is inspired by real-life events and crime syndicates operating in Karachi’s Lyari area, and presents a fictionalised account of India’s fight against terror in Pakistan. However, the film’s depiction has now triggered a response across the border.

Amid the growing buzz around Dhurandhar, Pakistan’s Sindh government announced a new film titled Mera Lyari, which it claims will counter what it has termed as “negative propaganda” against the region. The announcement was made on Saturday, December 13, by Sindh Information Minister Sharjeel Inam Memon, who shared posters of the upcoming film on X.

In his post, Memon criticised Dhurandhar, alleging that it portrays Lyari in a negative light. “Indian movie Dhurandhar is yet another example of negative propaganda by the Indian film industry against Pakistan, especially targeting Lyari. Lyari is not violence—it is culture, peace, talent, and resilience,” he wrote. Announcing the film’s release next month, he added that Mera Lyari will aim to show “the true face of Lyari: peace, prosperity, and pride.”

The response has added a new dimension to the conversation surrounding Dhurandhar, which draws from true incidents linked to criminal networks in Lyari while framing its narrative around cross-border terror operations. While the film has been lauded in India for its scale, performances and storytelling, its subject matter has also sparked debate given the sensitive geopolitical context it touches upon.

Dhurandhar boasts an ensemble cast led by Ranveer Singh, alongside Akshaye Khanna, R. Madhavan, Arjun Rampal, Sara Arjun, Rakesh Bedi, Manav Gohil, Danish Pandor, Saumya Tandon and Gaurav Gera.

Also Read: Dhurandhar Box Office Tsunami: Ranveer Singh starrer clocks Rs. 545.6 cr at Worldwide box office, dominates India & Overseas

Actor Sohail Khan found himself at the centre of online criticism over the weekend after a video of him riding his Rs 17 lakh motorcycle on Mumbai’s Bandra roads without a helmet went viral. The clip quickly drew backlash from netizens, many of whom pointed out the importance of road safety and the responsibility public figures carry when it comes to following traffic rules.

Responding to the criticism, Sohail took to social media to issue a detailed apology and acknowledge his mistake. In his note, the actor admitted that not wearing a helmet was wrong, regardless of personal discomfort. “I would like to request all the bike riders please wear helmets. I avoid wearing them at times as I feel claustrophobic but that’s no excuse to not wear one,” he wrote.

Sohail went on to explain his long-standing passion for riding, sharing that it dates back to his childhood days of riding BMX cycles. He added that he usually rides late at night, when traffic is minimal, and maintains a slow pace with his car following him to reduce risk. However, he made it clear that these precautions do not justify breaking traffic rules. “I assure fellow riders that I will make a genuine effort to overcome my claustrophobia and wear a helmet so please bear with me,” he added.

The actor also apologised directly to the traffic authorities, stating that he would follow all rules going forward. He further saluted riders who wear helmets consistently despite discomfort, calling it necessary for safety and reiterating that “it is better to be safe than sorry.”

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Interestingly, this incident has brought Sohail Khan back into the public spotlight after a long gap. The actor has largely stayed away from films in recent years. He returned to acting in 2017 after a seven-year hiatus with Tubelight, where he appeared alongside his brother Salman Khan. Since then, Sohail has remained off the big screen, making this controversy one of the few times he has made headlines in recent years.

Also Read: Sohail Khan on Salman Khan’s O O jaane jaana impact: “Salman Khan ke jaise body chaiye toh doodh pi”

When Paresh Rawal had briefly stepped away from Hera Pheri 3, social media was quick to suggest Pankaj Tripathi as a worthy alternative. While Rawal’s return to the franchise has since put those conversations to rest, it turns out the internet’s instinct wasn’t entirely misplaced. Filmmaker Priyadarshan is now set to reunite with Tripathi for a new project, marking their first collaboration in over 15 years.

The director confirmed the development during a conversation with Mid-Day, expressing his excitement about working with the actor again. “It’s been over 15 years,” Priyadarshan said, referring to their last collaboration in Aakrosh (2010), where Tripathi played a hitman. In the yet-untitled film, however, the actor will be seen in a completely different space — as a lovable, comic character.

Describing the tone of the project, Priyadarshan revealed that the film will be a broad, situational comedy in the vein of his earlier hits. “It will be an all-out comedy like Hungama (2003) or Hera Pheri (2000), with Pankaj as the pivotal character. He is one of the finest actors we have today and it will be a pleasure working with him again,” he said. The film will also feature two other actors, whose casting will be finalised once the script is locked. “I am currently writing the story and once that is finalised, I will approach the other two actors,” he added.

The filmmaker, who recently wrapped up the shoot of the action thriller Haiwaan starring Akshay Kumar and Saif Ali Khan, has a packed slate ahead. Priyadarshan is set to have two releases in 2026 — Bhooth Bangla, a supernatural thriller featuring Akshay Kumar, Tabu, and Wamiqa Gabbi, and Haiwaan. If schedules fall into place, he plans to take the Tripathi-starrer comedy on floors by the summer.

“I will begin shooting for Pankaj’s movie from May, after these two movies release. It’s refreshing to write a comedy after so many years as I recently helmed an action movie and a psychological thriller,” Priyadarshan shared. Addressing whether he was considering a break after completing Haiwaan, the director laughed it off. “You know I cannot stay idle for long. I had this story in mind, and narrated it to Pankaj, who liked it. So, I started writing it.”

Meanwhile, speculation around Bhagam Bhag 2 continues to do the rounds. While Akshay Kumar and Akshaye Khanna are rumoured to return for the sequel, Priyadarshan clarified that he is not associated with the project. “I am not a part of it. My next movie [to be shot in 2026] is the Pankaj Tripathi-starrer,” he stated. Reports suggest that Raaj Shaandilyaa, known for Dream Girl 2 (2023), will helm Bhagam Bhag 2.

Also Read: Priyadarshan wraps Haiwaan on a nostalgic note as Saiyami Kher gets emotional shooting the final schedule at her alma mater, St. Xavier’s college

Ranveer Singh is closing 2025 on a strong note with the success of Dhurandhar, and his 2026 slate is shaping up to be just as ambitious. The actor’s much-talked-about post-apocalyptic film, tentatively titled Pralay, is now gearing up to go on floors, with filming expected to begin by mid-2026.

According to a report by Mid-Day, Pralay will roll after Ranveer wraps up his commitments for Don 3. A source told the publication, “Don 3, helmed by Farhan Akhtar, will roll first in 2026. After that, Ranveer will focus on Pralay. The final timeline will be locked in January after he gets his Don 3 schedule.”

The delayed start gives director Jai Mehta ample time to build the world of the film, which is described as a post-apocalyptic zombie thriller with a strong thematic core. Pralay reportedly follows a protagonist’s fight for survival, using the zombie genre as a lens to explore social, emotional, and moral collapse. The narrative is said to reimagine Mumbai in a dystopian, The Hunger Games-style set-up.

Insiders further revealed that the makers are planning an extensive visual overhaul of the city. Large portions of Mumbai will be recreated as a devastated landscape, blending physical sets with artificial intelligence-driven extensions. “Large sections of the city will be digitally aged to give it an abandoned look. Parts of the film will be shot in Mumbai, before moving to other locations,” the source added.

Pralay marks an important milestone for Jai Mehta, who previously co-directed the critically acclaimed Scam 1992: The Harshad Mehta Story with his father, filmmaker Hansal Mehta, and later directed the web series Lootere. The Ranveer Singh-starrer will be his feature film debut, and is being positioned as a large-scale, concept-driven project.

Meanwhile, Dhurandhar continues to perform well at the box office, reinforcing Ranveer Singh’s strong run. The film is backed by Aditya Dhar and Lokesh Dhar’s B62 Studios, and Jio Studios. It also stars Akshaye Khanna, Arjun Rampal, R Madhavan, and Sanjay Dutt.

Also Read: Dhurandhar Box Office: Film emerges as Ranveer Singh’s second Rs. 300 cr grosser

Vidya Balan has joined the cast of Jailer 2, adding a significant new dimension to the much-anticipated sequel to Rajinikanth’s 2023 blockbuster. Directed once again by Nelson Dilipkumar and produced by Sun Pictures, the film is shaping up to be a larger and more narratively driven follow-up to one of Kollywood’s biggest recent successes.

According to a source close to the production quoted by Pinkvilla, Vidya Balan was approached with the script and was immediately drawn to both the story and the depth of her character. The source revealed that the actor was impressed by the complexity of the role, which is said to be central to the plot and responsible for a major turning point in the film. Described as a strong, layered character, her part is expected to bring emotional weight and narrative depth to the sequel, marking her return to a high-profile commercial entertainer.

Vidya Balan’s inclusion is being seen as a move that pushes Jailer 2 beyond scale and spectacle, strengthening its storytelling ambitions. While the first film leaned heavily on Rajinikanth’s screen presence and mass moments, the sequel appears to be expanding its emotional and dramatic scope with carefully written supporting characters.

Rajinikanth will reprise his role as Tiger Muthuvel Pandian, a character that struck a chord across age groups in the original film. This time, the sequel promises higher stakes, with Muthuvel facing more dangerous adversaries and navigating bloodier, more intense conflicts. Nelson Dilipkumar returns to the director’s chair, aiming to raise the bar further while retaining the core elements that made Jailer a phenomenon.

On the release front, reports suggest that the makers are eyeing August 14, 2026, for the theatrical release of Jailer 2. The date would align the film with a long Independence Day weekend, a strategy similar to the August release window of the first part. Interestingly, it also mirrors the timing of Rajinikanth’s Coolie, which was released over the same holiday weekend earlier this year. While discussions around the final release date are still ongoing, the intention is clearly to position the sequel as a major festival release with Pan-India appeal.

Also Read: Rajinikanth’s 75th birthday becomes a star-studded celebration as Dhanush and Kamal Haasan honour him on his journey

Dharma Productions has taken full ownership of Dharma Cornerstone Agency (DCA) following an amicable restructuring with Cornerstone Sport and Entertainment, as reported by The Economic Times. As per insiders, the two partners have decided to pursue independent strategies going forward.

As part of the restructuring, Dharma is buying out Cornerstone’s 45% partnership interest in the talent management LLP, thereby acquiring Cornerstone’s entire economic rights and contribution in the venture, according to The Economic Times. Financial terms were not disclosed in the report.

The talent roster currently housed under the venture is expected to remain with Dharma, which will continue to manage ongoing and upcoming engagements, as per The Economic Times. The agency is known to represent film talent such as Janhvi Kapoor, Sara Ali Khan, Tiger Shroff, Harshvardhan Rane, Lakshya, Ananya Panday, Siddhant Chaturvedi, etc.

On the financial front, the joint venture’s turnover reportedly rose to Rs 110 crores in FY25 from Rs 77 crores in FY24, while net profit stood at Rs 12 crores versus Rs 14 crores in the previous year, as per The Economic Times. Industry executives cited in the report indicated that full control could allow Dharma to build a more integrated talent strategy, linking management, training and development more tightly with its film and digital content pipeline.

Dharma Productions CEO Apoorva Mehta and Cornerstone’s Bunty Sajdeh declined to comment to The Economic Times. Executives tracking the sector also suggested that consolidation in talent management can improve alignment across casting decisions, long-term career planning and brand strategy, especially as the creator economy and influencer-led IP continue to expand.

Cornerstone, meanwhile, will continue to operate independently through Cornerstone Sport and Entertainment and plans to scale its presence across sports, entertainment and digital talent, the report said. Its client list includes names such as K L Rahul, Sidhant Chaturvedi, Sania Mirza, Manu Bhaker, etc.

The move also aligns with a wider consolidation at Dharma. As reported by The Economic Times, Dharmatic Entertainment has been merged into Dharma Productions effective April 1, 2025, following Adar Poonawalla’s acquisition of a 50% stake in Dharma for Rs 1,000 crores, thus positioning the studio for its next phase of growth.

In October this year, Bollywood Hungama had reported that Dharmatic Entertainment, the digital arm of Dharma Productions, had officially merged with its parent company as part of Dharma’s plan “to consolidate operations amid the changing entertainment landscape”.

Also Read: Karan Johar calls Manish Malhotra’s new film Saali Mohabbat “juicy and riveting” in shoutout post; says, “Can’t wait for everyone to watch it”

Last month, the industry and moviegoers were in mourning as Dharmendra passed away on November 24 at the age of 89. More than a month after he left for the heavenly abode, his much-loved film Yamla Pagla Deewana (2011) is expected to be re-released in cinemas.

A source told Bollywood Hungama, “The re-release of Yamla Pagla Deewana will serve as a tribute to the man who was unanimously loved and who left an indelible mark in the world of cinema. The film seems apt for a re-run as it’s not very old, still looks fresh and entertaining and also stars Dharmendra along with his two sons, Sunny Deol and Bobby Deol.”

The source continued, “Earlier, the plan was to re-release Yamla Pagla Deewana this Friday, December 19. But due to the Dhurandhar wave, NH Studioz, which holds the rights to the film, has decided to change the plan. Yamla Pagla Deewana is now expected to arrive in cinemas on January 1, 2026. A final decision will be taken in a few days from now.”

Yamla Pagla Deewana was directed by Samir Karnik and its title was inspired by the song ‘Main Jat Yamla Pagla Deewana’ from the 1975 film, Pratigya, also starring Dharmendra. A remixed version of the title track was a part of the film and added to its popularity. Yamla Pagla Deewana told the story of an Indian based in Canada who travels to Banaras to locate his estranged brother and father. Trouble arises when the trio travel to Punjab to help the younger brother win the love of his life while dealing with her crazy family.

Yamla Pagla Deewana opened at Rs. 7.95 crores, which was a healthy number then, and collected Rs. 55.28 crores in its lifetime. The film was loved for its comedy and mass appeal, and also because Dharmendra, Sunny Deol and Bobby Deol all had strong roles with ample screen time. Its success led the makers to come up with Yamla Pagla Deewana 2 (2013) and Yamla Pagla Deewana Phir Se (2018). However, both these films failed to work at the box office.

Also Read: Esha Deol pays moving tribute to Dharmendra, sharing touching montage of personal and film memories

Prominent Bollywood celebrities made their way to a five-star hotel in Mumbai on the evening of Saturday, December 13, to attend the wedding reception of the son of a popular ex-police officer. Since no paparazzi were informed, no usual celeb sightings happened for this high-profile wedding.

The wedding in question was that of Chaitanya Nayak, son of Dayanand Nayak aka Daya Nayak. The biggest celebrity that graced the happy occasion was none other than superstar Salman Khan. A few fan clubs of the actor have uploaded videos of Salman entering the venue.

Megastar #SalmanKhan Seen At Daya Nayak Sons Wedding Reception 🔥 pic.twitter.com/W3Pk3rP9OS — Filmy_Duniya (@FMovie82325) December 13, 2025

However, Bollywood Hungama has learned that besides Salman Khan, many more prominent celebrities attended the reception of Chaitanya Nayak like young actor Tiger Shroff, veteran performer Ashutosh Rana, this year's biggest comeback actor Rajat Bedi, unanimously loved celeb Manoj Bajpayee, Jayantilal Gada of PEN India Limited, Pravin Shah of Time Media And Entertainment, etc.

Daya Nayak joined the Mumbai Police department in 1985, and rose to fame as an encounter specialist in the late 1990s, as a member of the Detection Unit. In May 2025, he was promoted to Assistant Commissioner of the Police. He retired on July 31, 2025.

The 2004 Nana Patekar film, Ab Tak Chhappan, directed by Shimit Amin and produced by Ram Gopal Varma, is said to be inspired by the life of Daya Nayak.

Also Read: SCOOP: Salman Khan considering reclaiming his traditional Eid slot with Battle Of Galwan; might clash with Toxic and Dhamaal 4

The makers of Border 2 are planning an unprecedented teaser launch event on Vijay Diwas on December 16, turning the occasion into a powerful blend of cinema, patriotism, and fan celebration. Timed with the historic day that commemorates India’s victory in the 1971 war, the teaser launch is being positioned as more than just a promotional activity it is envisioned as a nationwide tribute to the bravery and sacrifice of Indian soldiers. With large-scale planning underway, the event promises to be one of the most ambitious teaser unveilings in recent times.

At the heart of the celebration will be Mumbai, where fans will be the first to witness the Border 2 teaser on the big screen. The city will host a grand event featuring meticulously recreated battlefield sets inspired by war-zone conditions seen in the film. From trenches and bunkers to military-style layouts, the venue will offer an immersive experience, allowing attendees to step into the world of Border 2 even before the teaser rolls.

Adding to the spectacle, the makers are creating a live museum-style installation showcasing actual props used in the film. Costumes, military gear, and other authentic elements from the shoot will be displayed, offering fans a rare behind-the-scenes glimpse into the scale, realism, and craftsmanship involved in bringing the war drama to life.

The event will also mark a significant milestone as the Border 2 cast will be seen together publicly for the first time. Their joint appearance is expected to generate massive excitement, making the teaser launch a landmark moment in the film’s promotional journey.

Extending the celebration beyond Mumbai, the teaser will be screened simultaneously across multiple cities, ensuring fans nationwide experience the reveal at the same time. Adding an emotional layer to the evening, school children will present a special patriotic performance at the Mumbai event, reinforcing the spirit of Vijay Diwas and underlining the film’s tribute to the nation’s heroes.

Also Read : Border 2 teaser to be attached with Avatar: Fire and Ash in cinemas

The buzz around Dhurandhar has been translating into packed theatres, with post-midnight shows being introduced across Maharashtra due to overwhelming public demand. In Mumbai, cinemas have begun screening the film from as late as 12:45 am onwards, marking a rare but telling response to the unstoppable excitement surrounding the release.

The decision to add post-midnight shows was taken after advance bookings surged across multiplexes and single screens alike. The move underlines the strong word-of-mouth and pre-release anticipation that Dhurandhar has managed to generate. The trend is not limited to Mumbai alone. Pune has also joined the celebration, with post-midnight shows commencing from 12:20 am onwards starting today due to similar reasons—heavy booking and consistent inquiries from moviegoers keen to catch the film at the earliest possible hour. Similarly, the trend of post-midnight shows is also seen in Ahmedabad. But this is not the first time that Dhurandhar’s post-midnight shows have been added. The same happened last weekend as well (which was the film’s first weekend) and Bollywood Hungama was the first one to report on the same. Midnight and post-midnight shows are usually reserved for films that demonstrate exceptional demand, often driven by mass appeal and fan-driven momentum. The fact that Dhurandhar has achieved this across multiple cities reflects its strong pull among audiences and its ability to cut across age groups and demographics. Directed and written by Aditya Dhar, Dhurandhar has an ensemble cast of Ranveer Singh, Akshaye Khanna, R Madhavan, Arjun Rampal, Sanjay Dutt, Sara Arjun and Rakesh Bedi. The film is produced under the banners of Jio Studios and B62 Studios.

Also Read: Rajkummar Rao and Zoya Akhtar praise Ranveer Singh’s performance in Dhurandhar

2024’s biggest blockbuster, Pushpa 2 – The Rule, opened with superstar Allu Arjun’s character making a dramatic entry at a port in Japan, hidden inside a container. More than a year later, Allu is finally set to head to the Far East country, this time legally, as he will take part in promotions ahead of the film’s Japan release.

Earlier this month, it was reported that Pushpa 2 - The Rule will have a release in Japan on January 16, 2026, under the title of Pushpa Kunrin. Geek Pictures announced that it’ll release the film in the Asian country along with Shochiku. A special, vibrant poster of Pushpa Kunrin was also unveiled, featuring Allu Arjun in his trademark flamboyant avatar, sunglasses on, floral shirts out, and swagger dialled all the way up. The Japanese-version trailer was also dropped on YouTube the same day.

As expected, the fans of Allu Arjun are excited to learn about this special release of Pushpa 2 - The Rule in Japan. A fan happened to wonder on Twitter if the superstar will be heading to Japan for the promotional event before release and also if he can ask Allu’s manager, Sarath Chandra Naidu, about it. Interestingly, Sarath replied, “Yes, he is”. What was significant was that Sarath Chandra Naidu was not even tagged, but somehow stumbled upon this tweet and even answered the fan query.

Yes, he is. — Sarath Chandra Naidu (@imsarathchandra) December 12, 2025

Needless to say, Sarath’s reply was widely shared and retweeted and it added to the excitement. This would probably be the first ever visit for Allu Arjun in Japan.

Another interesting bit is that a 200-minute version of Pushpa 2 - The Rule was released in India and worldwide. A month later, after the film became a certified record grosser, the makers released a 20-minute-extended version. As per the details released by Geek Pictures, it is this extended version, of 222 minutes, which will be released in Japan.

Also Read: Allu Arjun stuns in new BTS of Thums Up commercial: here’s why fans are obsessed

Madhavan has spoken candidly about the reactions surrounding his recently released film Dhurandhar, co-starring Ranveer Singh, directed by Aditya Dhar. In an interaction with Esquire India, Madhavan shared his thoughts on the film’s journey, the criticism it faced, and the resilience of the industry.

“When I heard Dhurandhar and saw the immaculate research that had been done by Aditya Dhar, the fearlessness of the man, the uniqueness of his storytelling—these were the signs I got before the release of my film. I knew that this was going to impact society. There will be people who will first give it very bad ratings, and then there will be people who will suddenly go and wonder, ‘Wow, this happened’,” Madhavan said.

The actor didn’t shy away from addressing the negativity that surfaced even before the film hit theatres. “You are free to express your opinion, but even before the film was released, obituaries had been written, and on its release, you posted a review calling it a disaster. One wonders if there is an agenda,” he remarked.

Madhavan further emphasized the emotional toll such criticism can take on those within the industry. “But as actors, we thrive on this situation. Please don’t forget, irrespective of whatever your opinions and agendas are, we are a very lonely family, and it is our job, no matter how much you like or hate a product or a person. Don’t take a jibe at the industry like an outsider. We have enough of them already,” he added.

Dhurandhar, released on December 5, 2025, is the first installment of a two-part series. Written, directed, and co-produced by Aditya Dhar under the banners of Jio Studios and B62 Studios, the film boasts an ensemble cast featuring Ranveer Singh, Akshaye Khanna, R. Madhavan, Arjun Rampal, Sanjay Dutt, Sara Arjun, and Rakesh Bedi, among others. Drawing inspiration from real-life geopolitical tensions and covert R&AW operations, the film has been performing well at the box office and is being hailed for its gripping narrative and high-octane action sequences.

With Madhavan’s powerful words echoing the challenges and camaraderie of Bollywood, the film continues to spark conversations—both for its cinematic ambition and the discourse it has ignited.

Also Read: Trade experts comment on Dhurandhar’s 3 hours 34-minute run time: “If the film is engaging, then length is not a problem. Animal and Pushpa 2 proved it and now, Dhurandhar joins the league”