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 discussions will now continue on Friday June 27, the day of release. The KDMs of certain properties, where Warner hasn't got the required programming, will be on hold. This means that the shows in those cinemas won't be played unless the issue is resolved."

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

Kussh S Sinha’s Sonakshi Sinha starrer Nikita Roy is not releasing tomorrow June 27 as per schedule. The producers have decided to postpone the release to July 18, keeping in mind the heavy traffic of movies this Friday. Not only the Kajol starrer horror Maa, but also Brad Pitt’s globally anticipated F1: The Movie and the multi-starrer Telugu mythological Kannappa are also releasing in theatres.

Reacting to his son’s film being pushed forward Shatrughan Sinha said, “It is better to wait than to be suffocated by the traffic. Nikita Roy is not a big budgeted film. But it is big in emotions and drama. If I may say so myself, Kussh has made an interesting film with unexpected turns and twists. It should be given space to breathe.”

Also Read: Sonakshi Sinha highlights why middle-class families are avoiding cinemas: “The theatre-going experience has become very expensive for a regular family”

The Aditya Chopra-curated YRF Spy Universe is among the most loved cinematic franchises of Indian Cinema. After tasting success with Ek Tha Tiger, Tiger Zinda Hai, War, Pathaan, and Tiger 3, the Spy Universe is expanding further with War 2 and Alpha in 2025. And now, Bollywood Hungama has another exciting scoop on the prospects of the Spy Verse.

According to reliable sources close to the production house, YRF's next in the spy universe is a spin-off of John Abraham's iconic character, Jim from Pathaan. "Aditya Chopra and Sridhar Raghavan have cracked a solid story for Jim's spin-off, which will play a key role in defining the reason for his negative angst in the film. They narrated the film to John Abraham, and the actor is all charged to take on the challenge of playing Jim again."

If everything goes well, the film will take off in 2026, for a 2027 release. "Jim will be a prequel to Pathaan, and will be packaged with cameos from all films of the Spy Universe, as the backstory of Jim shows him as one of the best agents from Indian Intelligence Agencies," the source told Bollywood Hungama.

John Abraham is meanwhile shooting for the Rakesh Maria Biopic with Rohit Shetty, and will then proceed to a superhero film with Mahaveer Jain and Abhishek Sharma. He is aiming to start for Jim from Mid-2026, though the future of the film will depend on the performance of War 2 and Alpha.

Also Read: BREAKING: John Abraham unveils his dashing Rakesh Maria biopic look at Lakadbaggha graphic novel launch; CONFIRMS Rohit Shetty’s film and Parmanu director Abhishek Sharma’s Munkeeman

Bollywood, cricket, and family came together as Suniel Shetty, his son Ahan Shetty, and cricketer KL Rahul were seen sharing a moment together.

Marking their first professional collaboration, Suniel Shetty, Ahan Shetty, and KL Rahul recently teamed up for a project that’s being kept under wraps. While details remain unclear, sources suggest it’s a personal and special venture for the family, promising something exciting for fans of both films and cricket.

Suniel, the ever-dependable action star, has always spoken openly about the tight-knit bond he shares with his family. But working with both his son and son-in-law on the same project? That’s a milestone even he hadn’t reached — until now.

The shoot, which reportedly took place recently, featured the trio engaging in lighthearted banter between takes. According to onlookers, Suniel brought his seasoned screen presence, Ahan displayed quiet confidence, and KL Rahul surprised many with his natural ease in front of the camera.

Suniel Shetty, who shares a close bond with KL Rahul, often speaks highly of him in interviews and on social media. Their relationship has deepened since Rahul married Suniel’s daughter Athiya in a private ceremony in 2023. The couple recently welcomed a baby girl on March 24 this year.

Also Read : Priyadarshan set to direct Hera Pheri 3; Akshay Kumar, Suniel Shetty, Paresh Rawal to reprise their iconic characters

The sardaar is officially back! Ajay Devgn has dropped the high-energy announcement video for Son of Sardaar 2, sending fans into a frenzy. A sequel to the 2012 hit Son of Sardaar, the upcoming film promises to take the chaos, comedy, and mayhem to a whole new level — this time, in the heart of Scotland.

Reprising his beloved role as the ever-charming and fearless Jassi, Ajay Devgn brings back his signature swagger, larger-than-life persona, and unstoppable energy that made the first film a massive hit. The video teases a full-blown Punjabi rollercoaster with colourful characters, punchy dialogues, quirky one-liners, and action-packed sequences — all with a hearty dose of masti.

From the moment the film’s first look was revealed, it was clear that Son of Sardaar 2 isn’t just another sequel — it’s a grand spectacle. The posters radiate boldness and personality, with Jassi front and centre, reminding fans why they fell in love with the character over a decade ago. The recently dropped announcement video only amplified the buzz, promising an even bigger and wilder ride filled with high-octane moments and laugh-out-loud comedy.

Directed by Vijay Kumar Arora, the film boasts a stellar ensemble cast including Ravi Kishan, Sanjay Mishra, Mrunal Thakur, Neeru Bajwa, Chunky Panday, Kubbra Sait, Deepak Dobriyal, Vindu Dara Singh, Roshni Walia, Sharat Saxena, Sahil Mehta, and a special tribute to the late Mukul Dev.

Presented by Jio Studios and Devgn Films, and produced by Ajay Devgn and Jyoti Deshpande in association with N R Pachisia, Pravin Talreja, and Kumar Mangat Pathak, Son of Sardaar 2 promises a perfect mix of humour, action, and heart, staying true to its roots while elevating the madness. The countdown has officially begun, with Son of Sardaar 2 slated to hit theatres worldwide on 25th July 2025.

Get ready to laugh, cheer, and groove to the beats of Punjab, because Jassi is back — and this time, he’s unstoppable!

Also Read: Are you ready for ‘Son Of Sardaar 2’? In Cinemas from 25th July 2025

Bollywood superstar Salman Khan has recently upgraded his collection of high-end vehicles with a bulletproof Mercedes‑Maybach GLS 600 SUV, reportedly costing a staggering Rs. 3.40 crores.

The latest edition to the star’s garage is not just visually imposing but also packing serious performance under the hood. At its heart lies a 4.0‑litre twin‑turbocharged V8 petrol engine, augmented by a 48V mild‑hybrid system. This potent drivetrain, linked to a 9‑speed automatic gearbox with 4MATIC all‑wheel drive, enables a sprint from 0 to 100 km/h in a swift 4.9 seconds, and a top speed nearing 250 km/h. The reported Rs. 3.40 crores price tag includes the luxurious Maybach shell and bulletproof enhancements—armored panels and reinforced glazing. Inside, the GLS 600 exudes Maybach-level luxury: panoramic sunroof, plush leather interiors, rear executive seating, a high-end Burmester audio system, and four‑zone climate control. In blending performance, protection, and prestige, Salman’s new GLS 600 stands as a clear statement—an unmissable, safe, and powerful presence on Mumbai’s roads. With his next major film imminent, the superstar appears determined that both his cinematic and real‑life journeys remain equally secure and spectacular. Rumours about Salman’s decision cite heightened security concerns, especially after recent threats allegedly linked to criminal outfits, prompting both his residence and ride to receive bulletproof upgrades.

On the work front, Salman was last seen earlier this year in AR Murugadoss’ Sikandar. The action drama also starred Rashmika Mandanna, Sathyaraj, Sharman Joshi, Kajal Aggarwal among others.

Also Read: Audit reveals Rs. 91 cr. damage from Sikandar piracy leak – NGEPL to file Bollywood’s BIGGEST piracy insurance claim

Yash Raj Films has dropped the explosive first look of Kiara Advani from its much-awaited action spectacle War 2, and the internet is already ablaze. The image captures Kiara in a never-seen-before fierce and combat-ready avatar, clad in all-black leather, armed with a gun, and exuding unshakeable confidence and strength.

The poster, which marks the 50-day countdown to the film’s global IMAX release on August 14, reveals a completely transformed Kiara, stepping into the action universe with power and precision. Her intense gaze and dominant stance send a clear message — this is not just eye candy, but a game-changing force in the YRF Spy Universe.

Kiara 2.0: From Glam to Grit

After creating waves with her glamorous appearance in a sizzling bikini scene teased earlier, Kiara now returns in full throttle, embracing a badass, bulletproof persona that’s already sending fans into a frenzy. Critics and netizens alike are hailing the transformation, calling it “her most powerful look yet.”

In a franchise previously helmed by Hrithik Roshan, Tiger Shroff, Shah Rukh Khan, and Salman Khan, Kiara’s entrance into the YRF Spy Universe symbolizes a shift — one that brings more agency and firepower to its female leads.

Poster Aesthetic: Bold, Fearless, Unapologetic

The poster showcases Kiara in a sleek all-black tactical leather outfit paired with combat boots, embodying a lethal combination of style and strength. Her intense expression, marked by a fiery determination in her eyes, is matched by a powerful low-slung, tactical crouch while gripping a pistol, ready to strike. Set against the backdrop of a shadowy underground parking lot lit by the harsh glare of headlights from a pursuing vehicle, the image evokes high-stakes tension and adrenaline-pumping drama — classic hallmarks of a spy thriller. Every element of the poster positions Kiara as a commanding presence in this global action franchise.

Adding to the buzz around the poster reveal, Hrithik Roshan, took to social media to share his reaction to Kiara Advani’s fierce new look. In a tweet that’s quickly gone viral, the superstar wrote, "She's lithe, lethal and locked on target. This is WAR! #50DaystoWar2 Releasing in Hindi, Telugu & Tamil on August 14th in cinemas worldwide!" His endorsement not only amplifies anticipation but also signals a powerful camaraderie between the lead stars, hinting at the high-voltage face-offs and team dynamics that await fans in this action-packed thriller.

She's lithe, lethal and locked on target. This is WAR! #50DaystoWar2 Releasing in Hindi, Telugu & Tamil on August 14th in cinemas worldwide!@advani_kiara |@tarak9999 | #AyanMukerji | @yrf | #War2 | #YRFSpyUniverse pic.twitter.com/jzVSkk9cmh

— Hrithik Roshan (@iHrithik) June 26, 2025

A Power-Packed Trio Awaits

War 2, directed by Ayan Mukerji and produced by Aditya Chopra, stars Hrithik Roshan, NTR Jr., and Kiara Advani — a lethal trio that promises unmatched intensity. With jaw-dropping action, slick visuals, and a global IMAX rollout, the film is easily one of the most anticipated releases of the year.

And if this poster is any indication, Kiara is here not just to keep up—but to take charge.

Also Read: Yash Raj Films’ War 2 set for global IMAX release on August 14; new posters unveiled featuring Hrithik Roshan, Ntr & Kiara Advani

Yash Raj Films (YRF), the powerhouse behind India’s most successful film franchises, has officially announced the global IMAX release of its highly anticipated action blockbuster War 2. Directed by Ayan Mukerji, the film will hit IMAX theatres across North America, the Middle East, the UK & Europe, Australasia, Africa, and Southeast Asia, simultaneously with its domestic release in India on August 14, 2025.

Marking the 50-day countdown to release, YRF also dropped visually striking new posters featuring Hrithik Roshan, NTR Jr., and Kiara Advani, turning up the excitement for what promises to be the most thrilling chapter yet in the YRF Spy Universe.

War 2: Taking the YRF Spy Universe Global

Building on the massive success of films like Pathaan, Tiger 3, and the original War, War 2 is poised to become a global action spectacle. The franchise’s last major hit, Pathaan, ranked among the top-grossing IMAX releases in Indian cinema history—raising expectations sky-high for its next instalment.

The upcoming film not only pits two megastars—Hrithik Roshan and NTR Jr.—in a high-octane showdown but also features cutting-edge visuals and next-level stunts that have been shot with IMAX presentation in mind, ensuring a larger-than-life cinematic experience.

YRF and IMAX Partner to Deliver a Global Action Extravaganza

Nelson D’Souza, Vice President of International Distribution at YRF, emphasized the studio’s vision to push Indian cinema onto the world stage, “War 2 is a landmark moment in the YRF Spy Universe and we’re thrilled to partner with IMAX to deliver it in the most immersive format possible. The film pits two of the biggest superstars in Indian cinema in a face-off that’s truly epic in every sense. IMAX will deliver this thrill in spades to audiences globally.”

Christopher Tillman, VP of International Development and Distribution at IMAX, echoed the excitement, “We’re thrilled to be collaborating with Aditya Chopra and YRF to bring ‘War 2’ to IMAX locations across the world. Ayan Mukerji is crafting an adrenaline-fueled spectacle, and with Hrithik Roshan and Jr. NTR’s electrifying performances, this film is designed to explode on the IMAX screen.”

Exclusive Teaser Now Playing in Theatres

A special IMAX teaser for War 2 is already playing in theatres across the globe, offering fans a taste of what’s to come. The full spectacle, however, lands on August 14, 2025, and will be available exclusively in IMAX, delivering an unparalleled action experience.

With director Ayan Mukerji at the helm and a power-packed cast, War 2 promises to raise the bar for Indian action cinema on a global scale.

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

A fresh controversy has erupted in the Hindi film industry after the Federation of Western India Cine Employees (FWICE) issued a strongly worded letter to the producers of the upcoming war drama Border 2, objecting to the casting of actor-singer Diljit Dosanjh. The federation has labelled the move a “blatant violation” of its earlier boycott directive against the actor.

The letter, addressed to producer Bhushan Kumar of T-Series and the team at JP Films, criticizes the decision of casting Dosanjh in the sequel to the iconic 1997 film Border, directed by Anurag Singh.

In the letter, FWICE stated, “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.”

The federation alleges that by associating with a Pakistani actor Hania Aamir, despite ongoing geopolitical tensions, Dosanjh has “brazenly ignored national sentiment.” It further stated that the decision by JP Films and T-Series undermines the collective stand taken by the Indian film industry “in solidarity with the nation.”

In a related move, the FWICE has also sent legal notices to filmmaker Imtiaz Ali and veteran actor Sunny Deol for their reported collaboration with Dosanjh in an upcoming film slated for release in April 2026. The federation referred to these associations as part of a broader “appeal regarding collaboration” with the blacklisted artist.

The FWICE’s stance stems from longstanding directives discouraging Indian artists from collaborating with Pakistani talent in the wake of border tensions. However, critics argue that such boycotts risk infringing on artistic freedom and the global nature of creative collaboration.

As the controversy unfolds, all eyes will be on whether the makers of Border 2 and other upcoming films involving Dosanjh will stand by their casting decisions or bow to the directive of FWICE.

Also Read : FWICE accuses Border 2 team of violating its ‘official directive’ by casting Diljit Dosanjh: “The core workforce of the Indian film and television industry is deeply disappointed”

One of the greatest films of Indian Cinema, Umrao Jaan (1981), is all set to re-release this Friday, June 27. The makers and distributors, PVR Inox Pictures, are all set to make this a grand affair and have called the who’s who of Bollywood for its premiere.

Reportedly, the special industry screening of the film will be hosted by Muzaffar Ali and Rekha at PVR Maison, Jio World Drive, BKC, Mumbai on Thursday, June 26. The red carpet will be a grand affair as the expected attendees are Aamir Khan, Alia Bhatt, Janhvi Kapoor, Khushi Kapoor, Ayushmann Khurrana, Kriti Sanon, Dimple Kapadia, Helen, Shabana Azmi, Anil Kapoor, Rakesh Roshan, A R Rahman, Suniel Shetty, Richa Chadha, Ali Fazal, Tabu, Jackie Shroff, Arbaaz Khan, Sohail Khan, Boney Kapoor, Vijay Varma, Vedang Raina and others.

Interestingly, just a week before, on June 19, it was Rekha who had attended the premiere of Sitaare Zameen Par where Aamir Khan was the host. Both greeted each other warmly and the pictures and videos got humongous views. On June 26, the tables will turn once Aamir walks the red carpet and meets the eternal host of the evening.

Interestingly, Priyanka Chopra Jonas was also invited to the premiere. In an Instagram story, she confessed that she won't be able to make it and expressed regret about it.

Muzaffar Ali in a recent interview with Bombay Times talked about the casting saying, “When I chose Rekha, I realized that there was this resilience in her eyes which could make her fall and rise in the same moment. She can be broken and not defeated. I couldn't see that in anybody else. I found in her a sense of total surrender. For this film, she knew something organic was taking place in her system to become what she could never become otherwise. Had she been reluctant about it, she wouldn’t have reached where she did.”

When asked about who he would cast if he remakes Umrao Jaan in the present day, he replied, “It's not easy for Umrao Jaan to find Rekha and for Rekha to find Umrao Jaan. There were layers of preparation that went into essaying this role. You must also be the right age. Kareena Kapoor has something. Alia Bhatt has something. They have a lot of magic, but I can't say till I open the book.”

Also Read: Priyanka Chopra pens note for Rekha’s Umrao Jaan, says she’s “sad to miss” the re-release