The box office has turned into a battlefield in Telugu as War 2 and Coolie have engaged in an intense screen battle in Andhra Pradesh and Telangana. Reliable sources confirm that Asian Cinemas and Sitara Entertainment are fighting it out for prime time shows in the Telugu states. "With NTR Jr. as the lead, War 2 will eventually win the showcasing battle in Telugu states. However, Suniel Narang, the owner of Asian Cinemas, is going out of his way to secure 40 percent screen for Coolie," a trade source shared with Bollywood Hungama.

The trade source informed that the exhibitors in Telugu states are, however, in favour of Naga Vamsi, as NTR Jr. is one of the biggest local stars, and none are willing for a face-off with him. "NTR Jr. is an influential personality, same for Naga Vamsi. No one is willing to upset them. The intense face-off between Coolie and War 2 will end soon, and the latter will get strong showcasing in the Telugu states. Approx. 62 percent of the screens will go to War 2, leaving just 38 percent for Coolie," the source told us further. While Asian Cinemas are trying for a 60:40 ratio, Sitara Entertainment is hoping to secure screens in the ratio of 70:30 in its favour.

It's going to be a clear lead for War 2 over Coolie in North India and Andhra Pradesh / Telangana, as the studio YRF, along with local distributor partners, are going all out to do complete justice to the scale of the film. "NTR Jr. too is flexing his equations and stardom to get premium showcasing and has succeeded in doing so against Rajinikanth."

With a rather low release in Telugu states, Coolie is sure to trail behind War 2, but in the long run, the winner will be decided by the audience's word of mouth. All eyes are on the August 14 releases now. Also Read: Hrithik Roshan unveils ‘unfiltered’ BTS glimpse from War 2 training: “No lights, no retakes”

Fans of Fawad Khan in India were an excited lot after they learned that his comeback Bollywood film, Abir Gulaal, was all set to release on May 9. But following the shocking Pahalgam attack on April 22, the industry was up in arms against Pakistani artists working in the Bollywood film industry. The opposition was huge and as a result, Abir Gulaal was postponed indefinitely. Many feared that the film might never see the light of day. But it has now come to light that Abir Gulaal is all set to release, that too this month.

As per a report in Biz Asia Live, Abir Gulaal will arrive in cinemas globally on August 29. The same report also mentioned that the film has been renamed as Aabeer Gulaal.

The report doesn’t mention anything about the India release. But as per industry sources, going by the anger against Pakistani artists, it is unlikely that Abir Gulaal would be allowed a release in the country.

An industry insider commented, “The makers of Abir Gulaal will go the Sardaar Ji 3 way. The Diljit Dosanjh-starrer did not get a release in India as it starred Pakistani actress, Hania Aamir. It went on to do huge business overseas. Another Punjabi film, Chal Mera Putt 4, also had a release only outside India and it also became a huge success.” It now remains to be seen if Abir Gulaal also follows the footsteps of these two Punjabi hits, in terms of box office.

Before the Pahalgam attack, the promotions of Abir Gulaal were happening in full swing. The music launch, which was held in Global Village, Dubai, on April 19, got a huge response from fans and media. But all changed after the Pahalgam attack. Two days after the attack, the songs of the film were pulled down by the audio company, Saregama.

Also Read: Fawad Khan – Vaani Kapoor starrer Abir Gulaal caught in cross-border controversy, Songs removed; release halted shelved Indefinitely amid India-Pakistan tensions

Director Ashwin Kumar, producer Shilpaa Dhawan, Chaluve Gowda of Homebale Films and eminent distributor Anil Thadani attended the success press meet of their surprise animated blockbuster, Mahavatar Narsimha. Usually, film events are held in five-star hotels. But the success press conference of this devotional film was held at Mumbai’s ISKCON Temple. Chaluve Gowda analyzed what worked for the film and also answered how he feels that their film thwarted the run of another blockbuster film, that is, Saiyaara.

Chaluve Gowda said, “If you see, the story was not new. In Kannada, Dr Rajkumar had acted in a film on this topic. The first Telugu colour film was Bhakta Prahlada (1967). So, the story was not new, but the way the animation was done (in Mahavatar Narsimha), especially in the last 20-25 minutes, it was no less than a live action movie.”

Chaluve Gowda continued, “This is what made the film different. It was no longer a film just for the kids. We had confidence in the movie. The intention was not to take away the success of other films. But the content was so good that it managed to run successfully. Also, I feel that the other films have done their business. Those films were showing a slowing trend.”

Chaluve Gowda was also asked about their upcoming films. He replied, “Our most anticipated film is coming on October 2, Kantara: Chapter 1. After that, we have Salaar 2 (titled Salaar Part 2: Shauryanga Parvam).”

Chaluve Gowda then revealed, “We have signed two more movies with Prabhas sir. We have also signed a film with Hrithik Roshan. It is in the preliminary stage. We also have a couple of more projects which are in very early stages. We’ll disclose about them at the right time. We are excited (about these films).”

Also Read: Ashwin Kumar promises Mahavatar Parshuram will make for a “NEVER-BEFORE-SEEN experience”; producer Chaluve Gowda reveals Prabhas-Prashanth Neel’s epic reaction to Mahavatar Narsimha: “They told Ashwin, ‘Come South and do an action film’”

Director Bharat Shrinate’s Udaipur Files finally hit theatres across India on Friday, August 8, following months of controversy and a prolonged legal battle.

The film is based on the Kanhaiyalal murder case of 2022, an incident that shocked the nation. Trouble began soon after the teaser’s release, when Kanhaiyalal’s family raised objections and filed a petition in the Rajasthan High Court. They argued that the film was causing them “mental agony” and could “spoil social harmony.” This led to a temporary stay on the release.

In July 2025, the Supreme Court overturned the stay, ruling that making a film on a true incident is not illegal, as long as it does not violate constitutional limits. The court’s decision cleared the way for the movie to be certified by the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) and released for the public.

Originally titled Gyanvapi Files: A Tailor’s Murder Story, the film was initially scheduled for release on July 11, 2025. However, its debut was postponed due to the legal proceedings. The Supreme Court ultimately directed its release on August 8.

Produced by Amit Jani and featuring Vijay Raaz in the lead role, Udaipur Files brings to screen a dramatized depiction of one of the most disturbing crimes in recent years. The project has drawn attention not only for its sensitive subject matter but also for the legal precedent reaffirming filmmakers’ right to portray real-life incidents within constitutional boundaries.

Also Read : Udaipur Files row: After Delhi HC stay, petition filed with I&B Ministry to ban Vijay Raaz starrer

Filmmaker S. S. Rajamouli, known for delivering films like the Baahubali franchise and RRR, has hinted at a major update for his upcoming project with Mahesh Babu.

In a social media post, Rajamouli revealed that a special unveiling for the film, tentatively titled Globetrotter, is planned for November 2025. Alongside the announcement, he shared an image of a bare chest with a hanging locket, captioned: “The First Reveal in November 2025… #GlobeTrotter”

The director also addressed fans through a note, explaining that the scale and scope of the film are such that traditional promotions wouldn’t do it justice. He wrote: “The story and scope of this film are so vast that I feel mere pictures or press conferences cannot do it justice. We are working on something to showcase the essence, depth, and immersive world we are creating… We are trying to make it a never-before-seen reveal.”

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The announcement has renewed buzz around the much-anticipated Rajamouli–Mahesh Babu collaboration, with fans now counting down to the November 2025 reveal.

Also Read: Priyanka Chopra arrives in Hyderabad with daughter Malti Marie for SS Rajamouli’s next

When veteran actor Boman Irani launched his writing initiative Spiral Bound during the pandemic, it became a creative refuge for emerging storytellers. Among the earliest voices to bloom in that space was Palak Malav Shah, a promising writer now carving her own niche with an inimitable blend of emotional honesty and wry humour.

Palak’s latest work is the short film Momo Deal, produced by Royal Stag Barrel Select Large Short Films, directed by Dheeraj Jindal, and starring Anushka Kaushik and Akashdeep Arora. The tender, witty narrative follows Naman, a quiet young man coping with the sudden loss of his best friend Mahima — until her ghost returns for one night in Jaipur to share one last plate of momos, turning grief into moments of unexpected laughter.

At its special premiere of the film, Boman Irani and members of the Spiral Bound writing community turned up in full support. Sharing his thoughts after watching the short film, Boman Irani said, "It’s truly heartening to see so many of us Spiral Bounders here today, supporting each other, and that, for me, is one of the most heartening things. I’m very proud to be here. As for Momo Deal, in just 13 minutes, Palak managed to capture exactly what life is all about — beyond friendships, relationships, and yes, even momos sneaking into the middle of it all. She’s woven metaphor, friendship, love, and the very philosophy of life and existence into this short film. I couldn’t be prouder.”

Writer Palak Shah shares, “Momo Deal was written at a time when my longer scripts were caught in endless cycles of approvals and feedback. I missed the joy of seeing words come alive on screen. So I wrote something small, intimate, and real. No twists, no stunts — just truth,”

The film has already travelled internationally, being an official selection at the Garofano Rosso Film Festival in Italy, the Accra Indie Filmfest in Ghana, and more. Now available on YouTube.

Palak’s journey as a writer has just begun. She is currently developing a feature with Divyang Thakkar (Director, Jayeshbhai Jordaar), a Netflix-commissioned drama with Balaji Telefilms, and another feature with a leading female filmmaker. In an industry often obsessed with spectacle, her work is proof that you don’t need noise to create impact — you just need to mean every word you write.

Also Read: Kayoze Irani opens up on working with dad Boman Irani in Sarzameen; says, “He directed me more than I directed him”

Popular casting director Shanoo Sharma recently came under the spotlight after actress Isha Talwar shared an unusual audition story from her early days in the film industry. Talwar revealed that she was once asked to perform an intense crying scene in the middle of a busy Mumbai restaurant — Mia Cucina in Versova — while customers dined nearby. She described the experience as “confusing” and “confidence-shattering” for a young newcomer, adding that she refused the audition and lost the role.

Following her account, Manipuri actor Bijou Thaangjam, best known for his role in Priyanka Chopra’s 2014 film Mary Kom, recalled going through a similar experience. Responding to Talwar’s comment, he wrote: “@talwarisha I hear you! My very first film audition was with her, for Byomkesh Bakshy. I wasn’t fluent in Hindi, not very confident, but hopeful to give it my best. And just like your experience, I was asked to perform a scene right in front of a café, the one that used to be called Bru World, Yari Road. I didn’t give in. A few days later, her assistant called me back for a proper studio audition. But by then, I had already signed Mary Kom.”

Talwar’s post also drew responses from other actors, including Nidhi Subbaiah, who claimed she was “shunned” and “made fun of” by Sharma’s assistants during her first audition.

Also Read: Isha Talwar recalls Shanoo Sharma’s “weird” audition request early in her career: “It shattered my confidence”

The biggest film of the year, War 2, starring Hrithik Roshan and Jr NTR, is all set to release on Thursday, August 14 and the excitement for it is tremendous. The producers, Yash Raj Films (YRF), completed the censor process in time and in this article, we’ll focus on the cuts given to the spy action entertainer by the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC).

The CBFC has not requested any deletions or changes to the action sequences. However, in certain other scenes, they have asked for modifications, including both audio and visual cuts. To begin with, the makers were asked to mute ‘inappropriate references’ in the audio as well as visuals. The changes were made in as many as six places in the film. An ‘obscene’ dialogue was replaced by an approved sentence. Just a minute after this dialogue, an ‘obscene’ gesture made by a character, lasting two seconds, was asked to be deleted.

That’s not all. The CBFC asked the makers to reduce sensual images by 50%. In terms of duration, that amounts to 9 seconds. These sensual visuals are assumed to be those of Kiara Advani’s bikini scene in the song ‘Aavan Jaavan’. Kiara’s never-before-seen hot avatar has got a roaring response ever since it was shown for just a few seconds in the teaser and the trailer of War 2. The song ‘Aavan Jaavan’ showed more glimpses of it. It broke the internet and now it remains to be seen how fans of Kiara would react after knowing that the CBFC has played spoilsport by censoring 9 seconds of it.

Once these changes were made, War 2 was passed with a U/A 16+ certificate on August 6. The length of the film, as mentioned on the censor certificate, is 179.49 minutes. In other words, War 2 is 2 hours, 59 minutes and 49 seconds long.

Interestingly, War 2 makers approached the CBFC yet again on August 8. As per sources, they voluntarily cut down the film’s length to make it crisper and more effective. The revised run time of the film is now 171.44 minutes, that is, 2 hours, 51 minutes and 44 seconds.

Another industry source pointed out to Bollywood Hungama that it was the Revising Committee (RC) that cleared War 2 instead of the Examining Committee (EC). The source said, “It is possible that the EC must have asked for many changes, which must have prompted War 2 makers to approach the RC.”

The source added, “The Presiding Officer of the RC was Padma Shri Ramesh Patange. He is known to clear those films for which the EC has had reservations. Last year, he had cleared the controversial film Hamare Baraah and also Vedaa. The latter also had faced issues with the EC after which the RC cleared the film, albeit with changes.”

Another biggie in recent times to be cleared by the RC was the Aamir Khan-starrer Sitaare Zameen Par.

Also Read: EXCLUSIVE: Yash Raj Films opts for MEGA blockbuster pricing for War 2; ticket rates expected to be at par with Pushpa 2

Less than a week is left for the release of the biggest Hindi film of the year, War 2, and the excitement is increasing for it with each passing day. Tomorrow, August 10, the advance booking will finally be thrown open. Meanwhile, Bollywood Hungama has learned that the producers, Yash Raj Films (YRF), have finalized the price slab for War 2.

A trade source told Bollywood Hungama, “YRF has asked cinemas to go for mega blockbuster pricing for War 2. They feel it is justified since it is a highly anticipated film and one of the biggest films to release in India across languages and industries in 2025. The cinemas have also agreed with the directive as they are confident that there is going to be a heavy demand for the film due to its casting, mass appeal, extended holiday period and the popularity of the YRF Spy Universe.”

Another source told us, “Since it is the mega blockbuster slab, the ticket rates are expected to be in the same range as Pushpa 2 – The Rule.” The Allu Arjun starrer was the last film that opted for pricing higher than the blockbuster category.

Bollywood Hungama had published a similar report in January 2023 about the price strategy for the Shah Rukh Khan-starrer Pathaan. This film was also a part of the YRF Spy Universe. At that time, YRF had asked cinemas to opt for blockbuster pricing and had specifically mentioned that the ticket prices should be the same as it was for the 3D version of Brahmastra (2022). But with War 2, the pricing is expected to be higher as it falls in the mega blockbuster category.

War 2 stars Hrithik Roshan, Jr NTR and Kiara Advani and is directed by Ayan Mukerji. The first part, War (2019), directed by Siddharth Anand, starred Hrithik along with Tiger Shroff, and was the biggest hit of that year. It now remains to be seen how War 2 performs at the box office and whether it manages to walk in the footsteps of its predecessor.

Also Read: Coolie tornado strikes War 2 internationally; Rajinikanth starrer grosses Rs. 27 crores compared to Rs. 4.5 crore for War 2

Director Ashwin Kumar, producer Shilpaa Dhawan, Chaluve Gowda of Homebale Films and eminent distributor Anil Thadani attended the success press meet of their surprise animated blockbuster, Mahavatar Narsimha. Usually, film events are held in five-star hotels. But the success press conference of this devotional film was held at Mumbai’s ISKCON Temple.

Mahavatar Narsimha ends with the promise of a sequel, Mahavatar Parshuram. Ashwin Kumar was asked about it and also spending eight years making the first part.

The director said, “When you look at the technological advances that are there today, we didn’t have those facilities when we started out. Also, we were dealing with a certain budget and technology at hand. Also, technology obsoletes faster than you think. It is only by the grace of the divine that it (Mahavatar Narsimha) has been pulled off to such an extent. But from the next time around, janta jandardhan ko expectation hai. Hence, we also need to up our game and up our technology. Fortunately, we have wonderful producers and distributors. Also, we have the tech and the artists. So, we need to pan it out faster. Hence, we are looking at arriving (with Mahavatar Parshuram) in two years.”

Ashwin Kumar further said, “It’ll make for a never-seen-before experience and on a scale that’s never been experienced before. That is my promise to you!”

Chaluve Gowda, meanwhile, shared about the epic reaction given by superstar Prabhas and blockbuster filmmaker Prashanth Neel of Salaar and KGF fame, “Anil sir saw the film with Prabhas sir and Prashanth Neel. After the screening, they called Ashwin and told him, ‘You come down South and do an action movie’ (laughs)!”

Interestingly, even before the release of Mahavatar Narsimha, the makers announced that they’ll be making several films under the Mahavatar Cinematic Universe. After Mahavatar Parshuram, Mahavatar Raghunandan will be released in 2029, followed by Mahavatar Dwarkadhish in 2031, Mahavatar Gokulananda in 2033, Mahavatar Kalki Part 1 in 2035 and Mahavatar Kalki Part 2 in 2037.

Also Read: Homable Films and Kleem Production unveil success trailer of Mahavatar Narsimha as the film creates history at the Box Office

The much-anticipated war drama Battle of Galwan, starring Salman Khan as Colonel Bikkumalla Santosh Babu, is set to roll cameras in Ladakh later this month, skipping its originally planned Mumbai schedule. Earlier, it was reported that an elaborate set was under construction at Mehboob Studios in Bandra for the first leg of shooting for Apoorva Lakhia’s directorial venture. However, production plans have now shifted. Reportedly, the film will commence its shoot in Ladakh from August 22 to September 3, with the Mumbai leg postponed indefinitely.

Creative Call Behind the Change

Mid-Day quoted an insider saying, “It’s a creative decision. The makers want to start directly with the action scenes. Also, Salman sports a distinct look, and for continuity purposes, there couldn’t have been a 30-day gap between the Mumbai and Ladakh stints. Apoorva felt that the sequences would need to be shot in succession.”

The report further added that the Bandra set, which had been readied for the initial shoot, is now being dismantled. Whether any sequences — such as a song or patchwork shots — will eventually be filmed in Mumbai will be decided during the project’s final phase.

Battle of Galwan will depict the India–China military clash that occurred in June 2020. Salman Khan will portray Colonel Bikkumalla Santosh Babu, the commanding officer of the 16 Bihar Regiment, who was posthumously awarded the Maha Vir Chakra in 2021 for his bravery during the confrontation.

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While rumours have circulated about potential hurdles with the Ministry of Defence over the film’s sensitive subject, sources close to the production dismiss them. “The film is about a soldier’s bravery. It’s not villainising another country. The makers wouldn’t have announced the film without permissions in place,” the insider clarified.

Also Read: Lawrence Bishnoi gang claims responsibility for second attack on Kapil Sharma’s cafe in Canada; threatens Bollywood over Salman Khan links

The Rajinikanth led Coolie is turning out to be a box office hurricane as the film has surpassed all expectations in the advance booking. With 6 days to go for release, Coolie has sold tickets worth Rs. 27 crores in the international markets, making it the best advance of all time for an Indian film outside of Baahubali 2. Leading from the front is the US, followed by Malaysia, the UAE, and Australia/New Zealand.

The film is looking to score history at the box office with an unimaginable opening day at the overseas market. The first day could be as high as Rs. 80 crores on Thursday, which speaks volumes about the hype commanded by Coolie among the cinema-going audience. While the total overseas advance of Coolie stands at Rs. 27 crores, War 2 has a sub-par response with advances of Rs. 4.50 crores. The Telugu version of War 2 has contributed 50 percent to the total advances so far.

The film is trailing behind Coolie internationally, and the hope for revival in this will be the business in India, especially driven by NTR Jr. in Andhra Pradesh and Telangana, and Hrithik Roshan in the Hindi markets. At the moment, it looks like a clean sweep for Coolie to emerge as the first pick at the worldwide box office, until and unless War 2 makes up for the overseas gap with performance in India. Right now, it's safe to conclude that the hype for War 2 is hit by a tornado in the form of Coolie.

Also Read: Aamir Khan intervenes in Coolie release: Makes direct call to PVR-Inox, seeks premium showcasing ahead of War 2 clash