Son of Sardaar 2, the much-awaited sequel to the 2012 hit film, is already creating a buzz with its exciting updates. One of the key highlights of the film will be a lively dance sequence featuring superstar Ajay Devgn and celebrated Punjabi-Indian actress Neeru Bajwa. According to a source close to the actress, the track is expected to be one of the standout moments in the film.

The source revealed to Bollywood Hungama, "It's an interesting bit. The song was shot in 3 days in Patiala at the Sheesh Mahal and Qila Mubarakh, as these were the archaeological restoration sites that have been closed for years and opened up now. Son of Sardaar 2 title song is the first Hindi song which was shoot there after the restoration work was completed. Neeru rehearsed dedicatedly for 2 days. Neeru's vibe got all the dancers and crew into the authentic punjabi dance vibes. Infact, she and Ajay had a gala time rehearsing on the set. One can say that they were naturals as both being Punjabis they automatically came into synch and their rhythm, which is evident from the smiles and punjab warmth and joy on their faces which one can see in the song.”

This vibrant dance number was shot in the historical sites of Sheesh Mahal and Qila Mubarak in Patiala, which recently reopened after extensive restoration. Notably, this marks the first Hindi song filmed at these iconic locations post-renovation, adding a special cultural significance to the sequence.

Neeru Bajwa, known for her charismatic screen presence and deep-rooted Punjabi heritage, reportedly infused the set with an authentic Punjabi energy, making it a joyful experience for the entire cast and crew. Her chemistry with Ajay Devgn, both being Punjabis, is expected to bring an organic charm to the track.

While the first film starred Sonakshi Sinha as the female lead, Son of Sardaar 2 will feature Mrunal Thakur in the lead role, alongside an ensemble cast that includes the late Mukul Dev in a significant part. The film, set against the backdrop of Scotland, is directed by Vijay Kumar Arora and jointly produced by Ajay Devgn, Jyoti Deshpande, N R Pachisia, and Pravin Talreja.

Son of Sardaar 2 is scheduled for release on July 25, and this high-energy song is already shaping up to be one of the film’s biggest attractions.

Also Read: Son of Sardaar 2 teaser video drops: Ajay Devgn returns with double the comedy, chaos, and Punjabi swagger

The Aamir Khan-starrer Sitaare Zameen Par will successfully enter its third week tomorrow, that is, July 4. Before its release, Bollywood Hungama did two stories to inform readers about the mandate given by the distributors to the exhibitors with regards to the distribution of shows. In this story, we’ll focus on the mandate provided by PVR Inox Pictures to cinemas across the country for the third week of the film.

A trade source told Bollywood Hungama, “The distributors have informed the theatres that from Friday, July 4, there should be no early morning show. Shows should commence only from 10:00 am. Secondly, cluttering of shows between 10:00 am and 5:00 pm will not be allowed. The distributors have requested that cinemas plan shows with sufficient gaps and that they should adequately cover all time slots. This is because different sets of audience prefer different time slots, based on their preference, ticket price, availability of time etc. Hence, everyone should get the show of their choice.”

The source continued, “At the same time, it has been seen that Sitaare Zameen Par attracts a chunk of the audience in the evening and night shows. Therefore, theatres are required to play maximum shows after 5:00 pm.”

The source further said, “The theatres are asked to go for regular weekend pricing. Moreover, the pricing should be aligned with the pricing of the national chains in the vicinity of the theatres. Lastly, the exhibitors have been asked not to go for any discount, combos or price reductions.”

Earlier mandate

As per the first directive sent 4 days before the release of Sitaare Zameen Par, there should be no show of the film before 9:00 am. They asked cinema halls to opt for popular weekend pricing for the film. If the single screen wanted to play the film, the exhibitor would be required to have all shows of Sitaare Zameen Par. Two-screen cinemas had to allot 8 shows. Multiplexes with 3, 4, 5 and 6 screens were asked to play 11, 14, 16 and 19 shows a day respectively. For 7-screen multiplexes, 22 shows were a must while for 8-screen plexes, 25 shows were mandatory in a day. There should be 28 shows in 9-screen cinemas and for multiplexes with 10 screens or more, the requirement was 31 shows.

In the revised mail, the distributor 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.

Also Read: EXCLUSIVE: RS Prasanna on getting Aamir Khan on board for Sitaare Zameen Par: “I had only one person in mind for this story, Aamir Khan”

Rajkummar Rao is on a roll, signing films left right and centre after the success of Stree 2. While Maalik is all set to release on July 12, we have exclusively learnt that Rajkummar Rao has signed a one of its kind creature film for Karan Johar to be directed by Sandeep Modi.

Reliable sources confirm that the film will go on floors towards the end of 2025, with a start-to-finish schedule. "Rajkummar Rao has signed on for Karan Johar's next with director Sandeep Modi. It's a creature-based thriller, to be mounted on a big scale and the makers are looking to create a franchise out of the same," a source shared with Bollywood Hungama.

The source further informed us that the film will go on floors around November 2025, and the director, Sandeep Modi, has already begun pre-production. “Rajkummar Rao has signed the film for an agreed sum of Rs. 12 crores, which is his biggest pay cheque to date. He is excited to partner with Karan Johar on the project,” the source added.

Interestingly, this is the second creature film in the making at Dharma after Kartik Aaryan led Nagzilla. Both the films are scheduled to go on floors in the second half of 2025 for a 2026 release.

Also Read: Anil Kapoor or Bobby Deol to play villain in Naagzilla with Kartik Aaryan

The Indian Film Festival of Melbourne (IFFM) has announced that actor and filmmaker Aamir Khan will attend the 2025 edition as its official Chief Guest. Now in its 16th year, the festival will feature a special retrospective on Khan’s work, including a spotlight on his latest film, Sitaare Zameen Par.

Aamir Khan’s career, spanning over four decades, includes several notable films such as Taare Zameen Par, Dangal, Lagaan, PK, and Secret Superstar. His latest release, Sitaare Zameen Par, follows the story of a basketball coach assigned community service, who finds meaning in mentoring a team of neurodivergent adults. The film has received appreciation for its emotional depth and relatable themes.

IFFM 2025 will honour Khan’s artistic impact with a specially curated selection of films that reflect his bold, socially conscious storytelling. A highlight of the retrospective will be a screening of Sitaare Zameen Par, followed by a live conversation with Aamir Khan, director RS Prasanna, and Aparna Purohit, CEO of Aamir Khan Films, offering audiences unique insight into the creative process behind the film.

Festival Director Mitu Bhowmick Lange AM said, “Aamir Khan is not just a cinematic legend but also someone whose work has always reflected sensitivity, depth, and a fearless commitment to storytelling. We are truly honoured to welcome him as our Chief Guest. His presence will undoubtedly elevate the festival experience for audiences and filmmakers alike. He is an artist who has consistently used cinema as a force for social change, and his journey continues to inspire generations. His work on Sitaare Zameen Par is a beautiful example of inclusive storytelling — filled with empathy, joy, and honesty.”

Aamir Khan said, “I’m humbled and thrilled to be a part of the Indian Film Festival of Melbourne. It’s a festival that truly celebrates the spirit of Indian cinema in all its diversity and richness. I look forward to engaging with audiences, sharing some of my most cherished work, and being part of conversations that celebrate the power of film. With Sitaare Zameen Par, we’ve tried to tell a story that embraces inclusivity and neurodivergence with sensitivity and heart — and I’m grateful that the film has resonated with so many. I’m excited to share this journey with Melbourne and shine a light on the stories that matter.”

The Honourable Jacinta Allan MP, Premier of Victoria said: "There’s something for all families to enjoy at the Indian Film Festival of Melbourne. This year, Victoria is so proud to welcome one of India’s most loved and respected actors - Aamir Khan - and celebrate his body of work. He is not just an icon for millions but is such a strong voice for the values of equality and inclusivity that we treasure here in Victoria.”

Minister for Creative Industries Colin Brooks said: “Indian Film Festival of Melbourne is a much-loved event on our cultural calendar, and a celebration of screen excellence, storytelling and community. The Allan Labor Government is proud to support the festival, which continues to present a packed program of screenings and special events and attract global stars like Aamir Khan each year.”

The 16th Indian Film Festival of Melbourne runs from 14–24 August 2025, with a dynamic program of screenings, panels, masterclasses, and cultural events. Aamir Khan’s retrospective will be a major highlight of this year’s celebrations.

Also Read : Aamir Khan says cricketer Javed Miandad ruined his wedding day with iconic last-ball six: “I said Javed bhai aapne theek nahi kiya”

Deepika Padukone continues to represent India on the global stage with another significant recognition. The Hollywood Chamber of Commerce has announced that Padukone will be honoured with a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame as part of the Class of 2026 in the Motion Pictures category. The announcement, made via a live-stream, marks a proud moment as she becomes the only Indian selected for this honour in the upcoming class. She joins a distinguished list that includes Emily Blunt, Timothée Chalamet, Rami Malek, Rachel McAdams, Stanley Tucci, Demi Moore, and others. Known for her impactful performances and growing international presence, this recognition adds to Padukone’s expanding global profile.

Among several internationally acclaimed names, Deepika Padukone has established a unique presence across both the Indian film industry and Hollywood. While many global personalities have been inducted into the Hollywood Walk of Fame, Padukone stands out as the only Indian to receive this honour in the upcoming class. This recognition not only highlights her individual achievements but also underscores India's growing footprint in the global entertainment landscape.

Deepika has consistently brought glory to the nation on many fronts. Previously, she was named one of the 100 most influential people in the world by TIME in 2018 and was also a recipient of the TIME100 Impact Award. The global figure further made history by unveiling the FIFA World Cup trophy at the final match in Qatar.

Among other notable achievements, as written in the golden pages of history, she became the first ever Indian to be signed by global luxury fashion houses for Louis Vuitton and Cartier, she set the stage for the country’s growing influence globally and has further paved the way for other Indian celebrity faces to join the wave in subsequent years.

Beyond international accolades, Deepika continues to dominate the entertainment world with major projects in her lineup. With her continued hold over box office with massive successes, she remains an unstoppable force in Indian cinema and will be seen on the bog screen next in Atlee’s directorial.

Also Read : Aamir Khan reveals Deepika Padukone, Alia Bhatt, and Shraddha Kapoor turned down the role later played by Fatima Sana Shaikh in Thugs of Hindostan

In a recent heartwarming interview with The Lallantop, Bollywood superstar Aamir Khan opened up about a memorable and unexpected twist on his wedding day. It wasn’t family drama or logistical chaos—but a cricket ball—that cast a shadow over what was supposed to be one of the happiest days of his life.

On April 18, 1986, 21-year-old Aamir and his neighbour-turned-love-interest Reena Dutta secretly married in a court ceremony, defying familial opposition. Their strategy? Keep it under wraps—and it worked. “Mujhe laga sab puchenge kaha the itni der,” Aamir confessed, admitting he and Reena feared their families would question their late return home.

To their surprise, no one noticed—they were too glued to a high-stakes India‑Pakistan cricket match being broadcast that day. Aamir said, “It was India-Pakistan match day. The same match where Javed Miandad hit a six on the last ball. We were winning that match so nobody cared to ask us about our absence for so long. I too joined them and was watching cricket, however, Javed’s six ruined it all.”

Aamir candidly recounted how even he, swept up in the excitement, found his joy shattered. “Once I happened to meet him on the flight when I told him, ‘Javed bhai aapne theek nahi kiya. Aapne meri shadi barbaad kardi .He was like, ‘Kaise?’ I said, Usi din aapne chakka mara tha. Depression mein chala gaya tha mai.”

That day marked not only a historic sporting moment, but also a poignant personal one. It remains a beloved anecdote in Aamir’s life—a reminder of how sport and emotion intertwine in the subcontinent. Today, Aamir and Reena maintain mutual respect as co-parents to their children, Junaid and Ira, even though they parted ways in 2002 after 16 years of marriage.

Also Read : EXCLUSIVE: RS Prasanna on getting Aamir Khan on board for Sitaare Zameen Par: “I had only one person in mind for this story, Aamir Khan”

This week on The Great Indian Kapil Show, the pitch is set and the comedy players are ready as Gautam Gambir, Rishabh Pant, Abhishek Sharma, and Yuzvendra Chahal grace the couch. As the episode dives into the world of cricket, it reminds us of one thing: in India, parivaar means the cricket team, and the dressing room is just another living room filled with rishtedaars, roasts, and running commentary.

This episode is all about unfiltered fun, with Kapil Sharma kicking things off by checking in with “Coach sir” Gambhir to make sure the boys are allowed to let loose. What follows is a barrel of laughs as Gautam Gambhir, Rishabh Pant, Abhishek Sharma, and Yuzvendra Chahal bring their dug out banter straight to Kapil’s couch.

And speaking of surprises, Gautam Gambhir, known for his serious on-field persona, slips into a brand-new avatar that is witty, sharp, and unexpectedly hilarious. From his one-liners to his playful jabs at Kapil, this is Gambhir like we’ve never seen him before! Rishabh Pant is in his best form, throwing laughter googlies at Kapil and the audience, Yuzi Chahal with his mischievous smile is Pant’s partner in crime while Abhishek Sharma, the innocent newcomer plays safe, has a steady joke rate but is never too cheeky given the seniors around, starting with Sherry Pa, the icon.

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Adding to the laughter riot are Krushna Abhishek and Kiku Sharda as the iconic duo Sona and Mona, two glam characters who spark absolute mayhem on stage. Whether it’s teasing the guests or firing off one-liners, their chemistry is an unmissable laughter knock out!

But the true mic-drop moment of the episode comes when Sunil Grover walks in as Manjot Singh Sidhu — a spoofed-up version of You Know WHO! The audience erupts. With classic Sidhu-isms, a blinged-out outfit, and over-the-top flair, Manjot takes over the stage like only Sunil Grover can.

With family dynamics, cricket chaos, and comedy that hits for six, this episode proves once again why The Great Indian Kapil Show is India’s favourite weekend watch. Streaming on July 5th, only on Netflix.

Also Read: Navjot Singh Sidhu returns as a guest on The Kapil Sharma Show after 5 years

Following the tragic Pahalgam terror attack on April 22, 2025, which resulted in the deaths of 26 civilians, primarily Hindu tourists, India initiated a series of retaliatory actions, including Operation Sindoor—a military operation targeting terrorist infrastructure in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir (PoJK). In the aftermath, the Indian government imposed restrictions on several Pakistani social media accounts, including those of prominent actors such as Mahira Khan, Hania Aamir, Ali Zafar, and others.

However, as of July 2, 2025, the Instagram accounts of several Pakistani artists, including Mawra Hocane, Saba Qamar, Ahad Raza Mir, Yumna Zaidi, and Danish Taimoor, have been restored and are now visible to Indian users. Despite this, profiles of other well-known figures like Fawad Khan, Mahira Khan, Hania Aamir, and Atif Aslam remain inaccessible in India, displaying a message stating, "Account not available in India. This is because we complied with a legal request to restrict this content."

The selective nature of these restrictions has sparked discussions among social media users, with many questioning the criteria used to determine which accounts are blocked and which are restored. Some have expressed confusion over the inconsistent application of these measures, while others have called for a more uniform approach.

This development highlights the complex interplay between international relations, national security concerns, and the digital presence of public figures. As tensions between India and Pakistan continue to influence cultural and media exchanges, the accessibility of social media accounts remains a sensitive and evolving issue.

Also Read : Sanam Teri Kasam producer Deepak Mukut on Mawra Hocane’s return in the sequel, “Am I mad to sign her when her character died at the end?”

Yash Raj Films have always deployed unique strategies to spike audience interest while promoting the YRF Spy Universe movies. We have learnt that since War 2 will see the first ever on-screen moment of Hrithik Roshan & Jr NTR coming together, YRF will keep them away from each other during promotions so that the experience of them ruthlessly fighting each other is served to the maximum to audience.

“Hrithik & Jr NTR will be promoting War 2 separately and all plans have been made keeping in mind that they would never share the stage together, never be in any promotional video together pre-release and never seen with each other. Hrithik and Jr NTR coming together is a once in a lifetime cinematic moment in Indian cinema and there will be a bloody carnage on the big screen. YRF is clear that the audience should first experience this rivalry before they see the two promote with camaraderie. They want to deliver the best movie-watching experience to people by preserving the conflict which is the unique selling point of the film,” informed a senior trade source.

“The YRF Spy Universe has always deployed very interesting strategies to build its film and the promise of entertainment. They were the first to resort to a no interview before release policy during promotions of spyverse films so that the actors don’t divulge details from the script during such interactions. In the first War, Hrithik & Tiger first came face to face with each other during the success bash of the film, in Pathaan they recorded capsules with Shah Rukh Khan to deploy on social media to reveal nuggets of Pathaan and kept hyping the buzz on the film without SRK doing any events. Pathaan went on to became an all-time blockbuster. For Tiger Zinda Hai, the film’s campaign celebrated how the Tiger franchise set up the YRF Spy Universe and fellow agents came into the promotional campaign much to people’s surprise and awe!” the source added.

War 2 is buzzing as the most-awaited film of 2025. Directed by acclaimed filmmaker Ayan Mukerji, War 2 will also see the big IMAX release when it arrives at the big screen on August 14, 2025 worldwide. War 2 has been produced by Aditya Chopra and Kiara Advani joins the YRF Spy Universe in her most lethal avatar to date.

Also Read: Ayan Mukerji calls directing War 2 “relishing opportunity”; speaks on working with “huge” actors Hrithik Roshan and Jr NTR

The single screen cinema halls have a charm but are also facing a tough time surviving in the times we are living in. Hence, it's not uncommon to hear about such theatres shutting every now and then. The latest theatre to down its shutters is Amber Cinema of Jamanagar. It was also one of the oldest running theatres in Gujarat.

As per reports, Amber Cinema was inaugurated in 1972 and the first film to play there was the Dharmendra and Hema Malini-starrer Raja Jani. The theatre soon became popular and an indispensable part of the lives of the movie buffs of the town. The reports stated that it became difficult for the management to run a single screen in today’s times. Hence, with a heavy heart, it ceased operations on Friday, June 27. A notice board has been put up inside the premises that states ‘The theatre will remain closed from today’.

Fanaa connection In 2006, Amber Cinema made news nationwide as it screened the Aamir Khan-Kajol starrer Fanaa, the only film in Gujarat to do so. The romantic thriller was banned in the state after Aamir Khan participated in a protest led by environmentalist Medha Patkar against the Narmada Dam. Aamir’s effigies were burned across the state and realizing that there can be law and order problems and even vandalism, theatres across Gujarat decided not to play Fanaa.

The matter reached the Supreme Court which made it clear that the Gujarat government was duty-bound to provide security for multiplex owners if they sought police protection. Accordingly, on June 6, that is on the 12th day of Fanaa’s release, Amber Cinema decided to release the Yash Raj Films saga. From the archives, we have learned that on the first day, the film recorded only 30% occupancy, possibly due to fear of protests and violence. But once the public realized that there was no danger, the shows ran with full occupancy. It was said that people flocked from outside Jamnagar as well to catch the film.

On June 11, however, a man set himself on fire in the washroom of Amber Cinema to protest the screening of Fanaa. It re-ignited the protests. On June 12, the Amber Cinema decided to discontinue the film. By then, nearly 13,000 people had watched Fanaa.

Meanwhile, Pravin Joshi, the man who attempted self-immolation in Amber, passed away after battling for life in a hospital for 9 days.

Radhe connection Amber Cinema was one of the three theatres in Gujarat to play Radhe – Your Most Wanted Bhai (2021). It was released in May that year, during the height of the second wave of COVID-19, when cinemas were shut. On June 27, when the Gujarat government allowed theatres to resume operations, the management of the film released the Salman Khan-starrer. The film was available on OTT and moreover, the word of mouth was poor to average. Yet, the film managed to get around 20-90 admissions a day, which was a feat. The film ran there for nearly 20 days.

RIP single screen culture in Jamnagar With Amber shutting down, no single-screen cinema is now in operation in Jamnagar. At one point, the Gujarat town had nearly 7 theatres like Deepak, Anupam, Jayshree, Galaxy, etc. At present, three theatres, all multiplexes, are running operations - Inox Crystal Mall, Mehul Cinemas and PVR Utsav JCR Entertainment. The first two are in the city while the last one is located on the outskirts and also consists of a Drive-In theatre.

Also Read: Aamir Khan hosts first success party for Sitaare Zameen Par cast, watch

Bollywood Hungama has been at the forefront in giving news about Andaaz 2 ever since its launch. In November 2023, we announced that it went on the floors. A month later, we informed readers that it’ll launch Aayush Kumar and Akaisha and also star Natasha Fernandez. Earlier this year, producer-director Suneel Darshan unveiled the teaser and exciting posters of the film along with some of the songs. And now, the makers have locked the release date of the film.

Bollywood Hungama has exclusively learned that Andaaz 2 will arrive in cinemas on August 1, 2025. A trade source told Bollywood Hungama, “The makers realized that it’s an ideal date for the film considering that there won’t be a significant release on August 8 since it's the pre-Independence week. Hence, Andaaz 2 will get a nice two-week window to prove its worth at the ticket window.”

On this significant occasion of the release date announcement, Andaaz 2 makers also launched four cool posters, again exclusively with Bollywood Hungama. Three posters belong to the leading actors while one poster features all three of them together.

In an exclusive interview with Bollywood Hungama in March 2024, director Suneel Darshan said, “Honestly, there was no calculation behind making Andaaz 2. When I wrote the script, I realized that Andaaz 2 is a befitting title. It's not the same story but somewhere, the storytelling was in the same zone and also, it was a musical and a love triangle just like Andaaz (2003) and much more. That’s how we ended up calling it Andaaz 2.”

In the same interview, Suneel Darshan revealed that he had initially planned to consider Aayush for the role of the lead hero’s friend but later changed his mind. On this, Aayush stated, “I came to meet him, hoping that I would be given some important role in the film. When Suneel sir told me (about the change in plan), I felt very fortunate.”

The music is composed by Nadeem and it is expected to be one of the USPs of the film. Suneel Darshan revealed, “We took our time constructing the music. It was very important to the structure of the film. Also, that era was of Kumar Sanu, Udit Narayan and Alka Yagnik. They worked in all of our films. Sonu Nigam had just come in at that time. But as two decades have passed since then, we have signed new and formidable singers. I retained Shaan as he was appropriate for one of the songs. Neeraj Shridhar has sung one song. From the younger lot, we have Javed Ali, Palak Mucchal, Asees Kaur, Amit Mishra, Mohd Irfan and Shadab Faridi. In short, there are 9 singers.”

Also Read: EXCLUSIVE: Meet Andaaz 2 actor Aayush Kumar, the Gurgaon boy who WALKED OUT of his MBA exam to chase his Bollywood dream: “I knew all the answers. Yet, I didn’t write them. I just walked off”

The trailer of Akshardham: Operation Vajra Shakti, produced by Zee Studios in association with Contiloe Pictures, has gripped audiences with its raw intensity and emotional depth. Inspired by true events, the film brings to the screen. The searing 2002 terrorist attack on the Akshardham Temple in Gujarat and the heroic counter-terror operation that followed. The film is slated for a nationwide theatrical release on July 4, 2025.

Headlined by Akshaye Khanna, with Gautam Rode and Vivek Dahiya in pivotal roles, the film is directed by Ken Ghosh and produced by Abhimanyu Singh. The trailer has already sparked widespread attention for its grounded tone, realistic action, and moving portrayal of sacrifice.

Director Ken Ghosh, reflecting on the making of the film, shared some of the emotionally charged experiences behind the scenes, "Portraying the bravery of commandos, their selfless grit, knowing their lives were at stake yet ready to sacrifice for their country, was just so moving."

“The bridge scene, which is at the end of the film, was actually the first shot. We landed in Manali, and it had just started snowing. That was shot literally in the snow," Ken further added about the logistical challenges faced during filming. While the film promises gripping action and a tense narrative, it’s the emotional honesty, the moments of sacrifice, family, and courage, that sets Akshardham: Operation Vajra Shakti apart.

As the release date approaches, Akshardham: Operation Vajra Shakti is not just being seen as a patriotic thriller, but as a tribute to the bravery, discipline and strength of India’s unsung heroes. Readers may know that the film was earlier released on Zee 5 with the title State of Siege: Temple Attack and it is now released in theatres with this new title.

Also Read: Akshaye Khanna starrer Akshardham: Operation Vajra Shakti gets big-screen release on July 4