Bollywood heavyweights Akshay Kumar and Saif Ali Khan have officially begun filming for their much-anticipated collaboration with veteran director Priyadarshan, marking a reunion after nearly two decades. Production for the Hindi thriller Haiwaan officially kicked off today in Kochi, Kerala.

Akshay Kumar shared a behind-the-scenes video from the set, teasing his co-star and director and capturing fans’ attention with a playful exchange. In the video, Akshay is seen holding a clapperboard while wearing a T-shirt inscribed “Saint.” Priyadarshan jokingly insists he should instead wear “Haiwaan.” Akshay responds, “For all you know, he (Saif) must be the devil. This devil you know about and this devil you don’t know about.”

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Accompanying the clip, Akshay wrote, “Hum sab hi hain thode se shaitaan… Koi upar se Saint, koi andar se Haiwaan. Starting the shoot for #Haiwaan today with my absolute favourite captain of the ship, @priyadarshan.official Sir. Great to be working with Saif after nearly 18 years. Let’s get the haiwaniyat rolling!!”

This marks their first on-screen reunion after their last outing in Tashan (2008), bringing back the nostalgic duo of Akshay and Saif. Haiwaan is reportedly a Hindi remake of Priyadarshan’s acclaimed 2016 Malayalam thriller Oppam.

Produced by KVN Productions in association with Thespian Films, the movie also features Kajol, Bobby Deol, and Einar Haraldsson in pivotal roles. The filming will take place across Kochi, Ooty, and Mumbai. The film is slated for release in 2026.

Also Read : Akshay Kumar reveals why he eats dinner at 6:30 pm every day; says, “you get your time to digest your food and the stomach is completely ready to rest”

The Indian Express Group is proud to unveil a bold reimagining of Screen Awards 2025 on YouTube, one of India’s most iconic celebrations, of cinema and storytelling.

The Screen Awards 2025 is more than just an awards show. Combining editorial credibility, cultural legacy, and digital reach, it reflects the Indian Express Group’s journalism-first ethos. Winners are selected by the Screen Academy, an independent, not-for-profit body of respected filmmakers, artists, and cultural voices dedicated to honouring true excellence.

Anant Goenka, Executive Director of the Indian Express Group said, “Indian cinema deserves a stage that celebrates creativity beyond collections. Our storytellers carry 1.4 billion dreams — rooted in tradition and racing toward an exciting future. This award will honour that spirit and spotlight India’s boldest, most original voices. We’re thrilled YouTube shares our enthusiasm for this endeavour."

Taking a digital-first approach to content and format, the Screen Awards will stream on YouTube — offering open access to global audiences. For the first time ever, Bollywood’s biggest stars will share the spotlight with YouTube’s most influential creators, who will be woven into every leg of this three-month-long festival — from red carpet and behind-the-scenes content to creator-led storytelling and fan engagement.

This digital-first approach highlights how audiences are increasingly consuming entertainment, driven by trends like rising internet access, the growth of Connected TVs (CTV), and greater mobile usage. CTV, in particular, has been YouTube’s fastest-growing screen in India over the past five years, underlining the platform’s ability to deliver premium content across screens and formats. It combines the grandeur of cinema with the immediacy of digital storytelling, connecting generations, platforms, and communities.

Speaking on the collaboration, Gunjan Soni, Managing Director - India, YouTube said, “We are thrilled to be the digital home for the Screen Awards, bringing a cultural icon to its next chapter. YouTube is where billions of fans connect with the entertainment they love, and we're excited for them to experience one of cinema's biggest nights in an immersive way. By bridging Bollywood's biggest stars with YouTube's most influential creators, we're building an engaged community for an iconic event and unlocking the power of fandoms."

With unparalleled reach in India and globally, YouTube is an ideal home for the Screen Awards. According to ComScore, YouTube reaches four out of five internet users in India aged 18 and older, while entertainment videos on the platform generated over 7.5 billion daily views worldwide in 2024.

Adding to the announcement, Priyanka Sinha Jha, Curator of the Screen Awards, stated, "Established in 1995, Screen Awards has a legacy of  firsts: the first jury-based film award in India, the first award show the Oscars management attended and vouched for, and the first accolade earned by several of today’s superstars. With the inception of The Screen Academy and our partnership with YouTube, we mark another first for India — building on our reputation for presenting the nation’s most credible and coveted awards, delivered with path-breaking entertainment.”

Screen Awards 2025 offers unprecedented visibility, cultural relevance, and multi-format storytelling opportunities for brands looking to connect with India's most engaged audiences — both online and offline.

Also Read : SCREEN launches SCREEN academy to nurture India’s next generation of Filmmakers

Sriram Raghavan is one of the most celebrated filmmakers of our industry. Hence, his next film Ikkis is much awaited. It stars Agastya Nanda and this will be his first theatrical film and second film as an actor after the 2023 Netflix original, The Archies. It is scheduled to be released on October 2 and Bollywood Hungama has learned that the film has been postponed.

A source told Bollywood Hungama, "Ikkis will now release on November 7. The decision was taken by producer Dinesh Vijan of Maddock Films who felt that the first week of November and post-Diwali time will be ideal for their movie."

An industry insider commented, "This is a good move as two major films are scheduled for a release on October 2 - Sunny Sanskari Ki Tulsi Kumari and Kantara: A Legend - Chapter 1. November 7 is a better date in that regard."

Ikkis also stars Dharmendra and Jaideep Ahlawat. It is against the backdrop of the 1971 war and follows the life of second Lieutenant Arun Khetrapal. Agastya plays the war hero in Ikkis.

However, even on this new date, Ikkis will not have a solo release. It'll clash with Ek Din, that also features a star kid - Junaid Khan. It also stars Sai Pallavi and was shot during the beautiful Snow Festival in the town of Sapporo, Japan. It is directed by Sunil Pandey and produced by Aamir Khan’s Aamir Khan Productions.

Also Read: Suhana Khan cheers for Agastya Nanda as Ikkis motion poster drops; Ananya Panday and Navya Nanda join in

The much-anticipated action thriller Romeo, directed by Vishal Bhardwaj and headlined by Shahid Kapoor and Triptii Dimri, is nearing the end of its shoot, with principal photography set to conclude by August 25.

According to Mid-Day, the final schedule is currently underway in Malaga, Spain. Over the next ten days, the team will complete both a high-octane action sequence and an exuberant dance number before wrapping up filming.

Once filming wraps on August 25, Bhardwaj will move swiftly into post-production. Initial VFX and editing processes have already begun in Mumbai, keeping the film on track for its scheduled theatrical release on December 5, 2025.

Adding to the excitement, this project marks the fourth time Shahid Kapoor has collaborated with Vishal Bhardwaj, following Kaminey (2009), Haider (2014), and Rangoon (2017). The combination of high-octane thrills, melodic storytelling, and creative synergy continues to raise fans’ expectations.

The star-studded cast includes Triptii Dimri, Nana Patekar, Randeep Hooda, Vikrant Massey, and Farida Jalal—heightening its buzz among cinema enthusiasts.

Apart from this, Shahid will feature in Raj and DK’s highly anticipated web series Farzi Season 2, as well as Dinesh Vijan’s Cocktail 2, where he will star alongside Kriti Sanon and Rashmika Mandanna.

Meanwhile, Triptii is also set to appear in Sandeep Reddy Vanga’s action thriller Spirit, opposite Prabhas.

Also Read : Avinash Tiwary to team up with Shahid Kapoor and Triptii Dimri for Vishal Bhardwaj’s next? Here’s what we know!

Victor Banerjee has started a petition campaign for the smooth release of Vivek Agnihotri’s The Bengal Files in West Bengal.

Said Vivek, “As you may already know, the film The Bengal Files is scheduled for screening on September 5, 2025. This film represents a courageous first attempt to bring to light a dark and painful chapter in the history of Bengal and India. However, in a deeply concerning development, the trailer of the film was illegally and forcibly stopped during its launch event in Kolkata.”

Victor reiterated his misgivings regarding the controversial film’s release in his home territory. “We have every reason to believe that the upcoming screening of the film in West Bengal may also face deliberate obstruction or suppression. Such actions not only violate the freedom of artistic expression but also deny citizens their constitutional right to truth and free thought. We are therefore making an urgent appeal to the Honorable President of Bharat to ensure that the screening is allowed to take place peacefully, without intimidation or interference, and that the rights of artists and audiences are fully protected.”

Also Read: Victor Banerjee on working with Shyam Benegal in Arohan, “He allowed me to actually become an electrician”

A big fear that plagues scriptwriters in our industry is that someone might plagiarize their script. Believe it or not, Imran Khan also went through a similar turmoil way back in 2005. The actor spoke about it in detail in an interview with Planet Bollywood.

Imran Khan began by saying, “The incident about me taking a script to a channel and it getting stolen happened in early 2005. In the aftermath of that, I found I was completely powerless and could not catch hold of the guys who did this to me. I had gone into this meeting. It had been set up through contacts. These people had no context of my family relationships or background. To them, I was just a kid off the street. That is why they felt comfortable enough to lift my script. I was helpless and could not hold them accountable. I was very upset about it. If I had some name or recognition of my own, they might not have done this. To what extent that is true is a debatable point. I was 22 at that point.”

Imran Khan further said, “I had spent a few months roaming the city and trying to find a position as an AD (assistant director). I had met a few people. One guy was working in the production department. He reached out to me and said that Abbas Tyrewala is making a film, and they are looking for new faces. They want you to come and audition for a part. I was aware of Abbas as I had seen his name on the credits of a few films I had liked. I had particularly appreciated his work as a lyricist. He had written lyrics for some songs I thought were very good. He had done some amount of screenwriting by then also. Since I recognized his name, I decided to meet him. We hit it off well in the very first meeting. I screen-tested for the part. Nandini Shrikent was the casting director of the film.”

The film in question was Jaane Tu Ya Jaane Na (2008), which became his debut film.

Also Read: Imran Khan shares how living with girlfriend Lekha Washington changed his lifestyle; says, “Lekha and I had to share one plate and fork”

Prime Video today announced the premiere date for its heartwarming and valiant film—Songs of Paradise, inspired by the extraordinary story and journey of Padma Shri award recipient Raj Begum. Presented by Excel Entertainment and produced by Apple Tree Pictures Production and Renzu Films Production, the story blends music, defiance, and the indomitable spirit of Kashmir’s first prominent playback singer, who not only inspired women in the region but also carved a cultural movement in the industry.

Directed by Danish Renzu, and written by him, along with Niranjan Iyengar and Sunayana Kachroo, Songs of Paradise boasts of a stellar cast featuring Saba Azad and Soni Razdan, embodying the lead role of Noor Begum in two different time periods, alongside Zain Khan Durrani, Sheeba Chaddha, Taaruk Raina, and Lillete Dubey. A poignant tribute to resilience, sense of identity, and courage set against the breathtaking backdrop of the valley, Songs of Paradise will premiere exclusively on Prime Video on August 29 in India and over 200 countries and territories worldwide.

“At Prime Video, we believe in the power of storytelling that can entertain, inspire, and foster a deeper connection with our wide range of audiences,” said Manish Menghani, director & head of content licensing, Prime Video, India. “Songs of Paradise offers a fresh and emotional perspective–rooted in Kashmir’s rich musical legacy and brings to life a remarkable lesser-known true story of resilience and independence, anchored by an extraordinary legacy and powerful performances. We’re proud to showcase this moving tale to audiences in over 200 countries and territories through our strong and successful partnership with Excel Entertainment.”

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“Songs of Paradise is the timeless tale of a champion and torchbearer for artists from the culturally rich land of Kashmir layered with emotion, heritage, and hope. The film beautifully unfolds the chapters from the life of Padma Shri awardee, Noor Begum, whose voice not only made her the pride of the region but also inspired generations to come. We are glad to be associated with Danish Renzu in telling this unique and powerful story along with Prime Video - a true partner that shares the same vision and enables us to take this story to audiences across the globe,” said Ritesh Sidhwani, Excel Entertainment.

Director and writer—Danish Renzu added, “Songs of Paradise is a heartfelt tribute to Padma Shri recipient Raj Begum, the first female voice at Radio Kashmir. The film tells an emotionally stirring story inspired by her music, legacy, and grit during a time when societal restrictions bound women within both emotional and cultural confines. It is the story of a woman who dared to dream when dreaming itself was an unspoken taboo. Saba Azad and Soni Razdan beautifully embody the protagonist across two distinct phases of life in this poignant portrait of a true legend, complemented by unmissable performances from a stellar ensemble cast. Thanks to Prime Video, audiences across the world will now be able to witness her story—one that has long deserved a place of pride.”

Also Read: Farhan Akhtar expresses heartfelt gratitude for the overwhelming response to 120 Bahadur teaser; watch

Prime Video has announced a multi-year licensing agreement with Maddock Films, giving the platform worldwide exclusive streaming rights to eight upcoming titles. As part of the deal, the films will be available to Prime members across more than 240 countries and territories shortly after their theatrical release.

The new post-theatrical licensing deal makes Prime Video the exclusive streaming home for films from Maddock’s popular horror-comedy universe releasing between 2025 and 2027. This includes Thama, along with two other titles yet to be announced. Following the success of Stree 2, which performed strongly both in theatres and on streaming, Prime Video aims to further expand the reach and fandom of these upcoming films worldwide.

The slate also features Param Sundari, starring Sidharth Malhotra and Janhvi Kapoor, which is scheduled to release in theatres on 29 August 2025. Other titles include Shiddat 2 and Badlapur 2, continuations of two successful franchises. The collaboration further covers Ikkis, directed by Sriram Raghavan and starring Agastya Nanda, along with additional projects that will be announced later.

The collaboration builds on Prime Video’s ongoing association with Maddock Films, which has previously brought titles like Stree 2, Teri Baaton Mein Aisa Uljha Jiya, Stree, and others to the platform. It also follows the success of their co-production Bhool Chuk Maaf, which released theatrically before streaming on Prime Video, as well as the Original series Jee Karda.

Dinesh Vijan, CEO & founder, Maddock Films, said, “We’ve always believed in telling stories that surprise, entertain, and resonate—and in working with partners who share that belief. Prime Video has consistently championed cinema that transcends languages, geographies, and formats. From our horror-comedy universe to our most beloved franchises, our endeavour has always been to create worlds that audiences love to revisit. This strategic long-term post-theatrical licensing deal is a natural extension of our shared vision: to take Indian storytelling to a truly global stage. We’re excited that these films will now continue their journey beyond theatres on Prime Video, reaching an even wider audience across the world.”

“We are thrilled to expand our strategic collaboration with Dinesh Vijan’s Maddock Films to continue delivering on our promise of bringing compelling stories to audiences across the world. This multi-film slate not only builds on the unique and wildly popular horror-comedy universe and franchise sequels but also brings in a distinctive blend of creative originality and fresh storytelling that is synonymous with Maddock. We look forward to entertaining our customers with the post-theatrical premieres of some of India’s most eagerly awaited films,” said Manish Menghani, director & head of content licensing, Prime Video, India. “At Prime Video, we have consistently worked towards expanding the reach of Indian movies, not just deep within India but also globally by taking them to geographies much beyond the scope of other mediums.”

The much-awaited first poster of Harshvardhan Rane and Sonam Bajwa starrer Ek Deewane Ki Deewaniyat has been unveiled. The film is officially set for a grand release this Diwali on October 21, 2025.

The craze for Harshvardhan Rane continues to grow from strength to strength, and after the cult success of Sanam Teri Kasam re-release earlier this year, fans are eagerly awaiting his next big release. Securing a Diwali release slot—typically reserved for event blockbusters and superstar-led projects—highlights just how high the anticipation is for this musical drama.

Billed as a ‘musical obsessive romantic drama’, Ek Deewane Ki Deewaniyat is produced by Anshul Garg under his banner Desi Music Factory and co-produced by Raghav Sharma. The film is written by Mushtaq Shaikh and co-written by Milap Milan Zaveri, who also directs the project. This marks Anshul Garg’s debut as a feature film producer, following his success in the music industry with Desi Music Factory and Play DMF.

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Speaking about the film, director Milap Milan Zaveri said: “This is a passionate love story at its core. Harshvardhan and Sonam’s chemistry is electrifying, and I can’t wait for audiences to experience it this Diwali.”

The film also brings Sonam Bajwa to the big screen in a striking new avatar, pairing her opposite Harshvardhan Rane for the first time. Their fiery chemistry is already evident in the first look poster, igniting anticipation for a festive release that promises music, passion, and drama in equal measure.

Also Read: Trade experts say that Saiyaara’s massive success prove that Kartik Aaryan-Anurag Basu’s next and Harshvardhan Rane’s Ek Deewane Ki Deewaniyat are also at an advantage

‘Rowdy Rathore 2’ seems not to be happening anymore. Industry sources have exclusively informed us that producers Shabinaa Khan and Sanjay Leela Bhansali have scrapped the much-awaited sequel after three years of persistent but fruitless efforts to develop it. And the script intended for the sequel will now be used to make a standalone original film.

Disney India, which owns the intellectual property rights to the original Rowdy Rathore (2012) along with Sanjay Leela Bhansali after its acquisition of Ronnie Screwvala’s UTV Motion Pictures, has reportedly been hesitant to greenlight the sequel despite initial discussions. “With Disney unwilling to commit, Shabinaa Khan and Sanjay Leela Bhansali have decided to scrap the idea of Rowdy Rathore 2 altogether and repurpose the script into a standalone commercial entertainer, free from the Rowdy Rathore tag,” a source exclusively told Bollywood Hungama.

The script, penned by veteran screenplay writer V. Vijayendra Prasad, is now undergoing significant revisions to make it a fresh, high-octane cop drama while retaining the mass-entertainment appeal of the 2012 action blockbuster that got Akshay Kumar on top of the Bollywood charts again after a series of box office failures.

We have also heard that renowned Tamil filmmaker P.S. Mithran has been signed on to direct the film, with plans to take it into production early next year. Mithran is widely known for directing stylish and commercially successful Tamil films such as Vishal and Samantha Ruth Prabhu’s techno-thriller, ‘Irumbu Thirai’ (2018); Sivakarthikeyan’s 2019 superhero film, ‘Hero’; and Karthi’s spy action thriller ‘Sardar’ (2022). His next directorial, ‘Sardar 2,’ starring Karthi, SJ Suryah, and Malavika Mohanan, is scheduled to release in theatres in December 2025.

Casting of this revised, brand-new action entertainer hasn't been finalized yet, but sources indicate that Sidharth Malhotra, who was initially in talks to headline the film, might not be involved anymore as the makers are now hesitant to cast him, citing concerns about his box-office draw in an action-driven role. Instead, they are actively seeking a younger, bankable star to play a hard-hitting, larger-than-life police officer who will go to any lengths to protect his people. The Production is being planned for early 2026.

Also Read: 20 Years of Barsaat: Suneel Darshan reveals why Akshay Kumar was replaced in the film

Alia Bhatt recently appeared in a campaign video released by the Chandigarh division of the Narcotics Control Bureau. What was meant to be a strong awareness message soon turned into controversy online, drawing sharp reactions from many users. The criticism eventually forced the agency to turn off comments on the post, but the video still remained the talk of social media, with many continuing to share and react to it in different ways.

The clip was shared on NCB’s official X account, where Alia urged people to stand against drugs and support the bureau’s mission. Within hours of being posted, the video gained traction and went viral, crossing 1.1 million views and being shared more than 680 times. The caption on the post read, "Alia Bhatt joins hands with NCB to spread the message of a #DrugsFreeBharat #NashaMuktBharat #azadifromdrugs".

In the video, Alia addressed the issue of drug addiction, calling it a growing threat to individuals, society, and the nation. She asked people to support the special campaign by saying yes to life and no to drugs. She also encouraged viewers to take an e-pledge through the link or QR code provided, stressing the importance of collective action in fighting this problem.

The response online, however, was largely negative. The post received only six comments before the reply option was disabled, but trolling continued through quote tweets, where people didn’t hold back their criticism. Many users called the video ironic and even funny, with some questioning the choice of featuring Alia in such a campaign, making the entire conversation more about the controversy than the intended message.

On the work front, Alia was last seen in Jigra and will soon be seen in Alpha and Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s Love and War, where she stars alongside Ranbir Kapoor and Vicky Kaushal. With these big projects lined up, the actress continues to remain in the spotlight both for her professional choices and her off-screen appearances.

Also Read : REVEALED: Sanjay Leela Bhansali goes global; Love & War to be his first overseas shoot in 26 years after Hum Dil De Chuke Sanam

Ravi Chhabriya, who debuted as a director with the Diljit Dosanjh-starrer Detective Sherdil, had extensively worked as an assistant director in several films. Three of these films starred Salman Khan – Sultan (2016), Tiger Zinda Hai (2017) and Bharat (2019). In an exclusive interview with Bollywood Hungama, Ravi Chhabriya talked in detail about his association with Salman Khan and a lot more.

Before the release of Bharat, there were reports that Varun Dhawan had a cameo in the Salman Khan-Katrina Kaif starrer. Later, it came to light that the scene had been edited out. Often, filmmakers put out deleted scenes on YouTube. Hence, can we expect the said scene to be out in public?

Ravi Chhabriya replied, “I guess it’s upto producer Atul Agnihotri sir. I have no idea if they are planning to put it out on YouTube. We shot the scene and during the final cut, it was decided to get it out.”

When asked what the scene was all about, Ravi Chhabriya answered, “It appears when Bharat is working in the oil field in the Middle East. There was a scene where Salman sir’s character and Varun’s character came together. It was a fun scene. Dono panja ladate hai.”

Besides the three films of Salman Khan, Ravi Chhabriya earlier assisted in two ventures of Yash Raj Films (YRF). He also had the opportunity to be around when Yash Chopra was still alive. On this, he revealed, “I worked on two films before I worked with Ali Abbas Zafar sir – Aurangzeb (2013) and Kill Dil (2014). I was there and we (he and Yash Chopra) exchanged pleasantries, like ‘Hi, hello’. I still remember that in the evenings, he used to take a walk around the entire YRF property. It was a dream to be around such people and their energies. Like other ADs, I used to also dream that someday I would be able to assist him (smiles). I even tried.”

Is he still in touch with Aditya Chopra and others at YRF? Ravi Chhabriya answered, “Yes. I am always in touch. I have grown up there. It was like a university for me. I used to stay close by and have worked for almost 8-9 years. So, they were like family.”

Also Read: EXCLUSIVE: Detective Sherdil director Ravi Chhabriya talks about working in three Salman Khan films as an AD; opens up on Sultan’s unforgettable mirror scene: “The way he performed that scene gave us GOOSEBUMPS…camera GENUINELY loves him”