The 50, India’s upcoming large-scale reality show, is already sparking curiosity as it gears up for its premiere on 1st February. Produced by Banijay Asia, the show is a successful global reality franchise that has come to India after making waves internationally. Streaming soon on JioHotstar and Colors, The 50 promises a bold new format set to disrupt the Indian reality TV playbook.

At the centre of the intrigue is Farah Khan, who reacts to The 50 and its enigmatic host, The Lion, in her trademark witty, candid, and unfiltered style. The film opens with Farah pointing at a towering flex that declares, “Badalne waali hai reality shows ki reality,” prompting her to question why she hasn’t been called for what’s being touted as India’s biggest reality show. What follows is a sharp, playful exchange that sets the tone for the show’s bold ambition and disruptive spirit.

Speaking about the show, Farah Khan says, “Reality shows in India have followed a certain pattern for years, and finally The 50 is coming in to shake that up. The scale is massive, the number of people is unprecedented, and the constant pressure leaves no room for comfort. That’s exactly what makes it exciting—it’s intense, unpredictable, and a wild ride from start to finish. Comfort zone jaisi cheez yahaan exist hi nahi karti. Having seen and judged almost every kind of reality format, I genuinely believe The 50 will change the way audiences look at reality television."

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With its unprecedented scale, high-pressure gameplay, and a format that breaks away from familiar reality conventions, The 50 is positioning itself as a game-changer in the genre. Farah Khan’s reaction serves as the perfect entry point into this new world, one that promises intensity, unpredictability, and constant twists for both players and viewers alike. As anticipation builds, The 50 is set to usher in a new era of reality entertainment when it premieres soon on JioHotstar and Colors.

Also Read: Sajid Khan undergoes surgery after on-set foot injury, confirms Farah Khan; shares health update

Raaj Kamal Films International has officially announced the director of Thalaivar 173, the highly anticipated film starring Superstar Rajinikanth. The project will be directed by Cibi Chakaravarthi and produced by Kamal Haasan and R. Mahendran under the banner of Raaj Kamal Films International.

The announcement confirms that Thalaivar 173 will feature music composed by Anirudh, marking yet another high-profile collaboration between the composer and Rajinikanth. With this update, the makers have put to rest speculation surrounding the film’s creative leadership and have formally locked its core team.

According to the official statement, filming is set to begin shortly, while further details regarding the cast, technical crew, and production schedule will be revealed at a later stage. The makers have chosen to keep additional information under wraps for now, adding to the anticipation surrounding the project.

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Thalaivar 173 is slated for a grand theatrical release during Pongal 2027, positioning it as a major festive release. With Rajinikanth in the lead, Kamal Haasan backing the project as producer, and Cibi Chakaravarthi at the helm, the film is already shaping up to be one of the most closely watched Tamil releases on the horizon.

Also Read: Sundar C exits Thalaivar 173, Rajinikanth collaboration faces unexpected roadblock: “A difficult decision”

Zee Studios has announced the release date of its most ambitious and unconventional cinematic offering, Gandhi Talks, slated to hit theatres on January 30, 2026. Designed as a rare silent film in modern Indian cinema, Gandhi Talks stands as a bold creative leap where silence becomes the strongest form of storytelling.

At a time when cinema is often defined by scale and sound, Gandhi Talks chooses restraint, emotion, and stillness to communicate its message. The film brings together an extraordinary ensemble featuring Vijay Sethupathi, Arvind Swamy, Aditi Rao Hydari, and Siddharth Jadhav, all of whom have consciously stepped into a form of storytelling that relies purely on performance and expression.

For actors like Vijay Sethupathi and Arvind Swamy, the decision to headline a silent film reflects their unwavering belief in craft-driven cinema. Known for consistently choosing roles that challenge convention, their involvement underlines the film’s artistic integrity. Aditi Rao Hydari and Siddharth Jadhav further enrich the narrative with deeply nuanced, expression-led performances embracing vulnerability and emotion without the support of dialogue.

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Adding an exceptional layer to the film is A.R. Rahman’s music, which becomes the emotional voice of Gandhi Talks. In the absence of spoken words, Rahman’s score acts as the narrator, guiding the audience through the film’s emotional landscape. His music transforms silence into a powerful, immersive experience elevating the film to a global, festival-ready canvas.

Speaking about the vision behind the film, director Kishore Belekar shared, “Gandhi Talks is a film about trusting silence. As Indian cinema marks over a century of storytelling, we wanted to return to the medium’s most elemental form pure performance and emotion. The actors embraced that vulnerability completely, and A.R. Rahman’s score became the film’s voice. With Zee Studios’, Meera Chopra’s support, we were able to make a bold, honest piece of cinema.”

With Gandhi Talks, Zee Studios once again reinforces its commitment to supporting path breaking, prestigious storytelling films that challenge cinematic norms and expand the language of Indian cinema.

Set to release on January 30, 2026, Gandhi Talks promises to be a cinematic experience that speaks volumes without saying a word.

Also Read: EXCLUSIVE: Gaurav Verma explains the INSIDE story on why Shah Rukh Khan’s Jawan didn’t CLASH with any other film: “From the start, we were chasing Rs. 75 cr day 1…we called up Karan Johar, Zee Studios, Jailer makers…”

Veteran actor Anupam Kher marked a historic milestone in his career on January 3, 2026, as he commenced work on his 550th film, Khosla Ka Ghosla 2. Sharing the moment with his followers on social media, the actor reflected on his decades-long journey in Indian cinema, describing the achievement as one rooted in gratitude rather than finality.

In a heartfelt note, Kher revealed how an international director at the Cannes Film Festival had once dubbed him the “Marathon Man of Indian Cinema” upon learning about the sheer volume of his work. As he began filming the sequel in Delhi, the actor wrote, “So today as I start my 550th film #KhoslaKaGhosla2 my heart is filled with GRATITUDE and THANKFULNESS!”

Looking back at his early years, Kher recalled arriving in Mumbai on June 3, 1981, with little sense that such a landmark awaited him. “Never had I dreamt that I will reach this LANDMARK of 550 films,” he wrote, adding that despite the achievement, he feels far from done. “I have reached only the ‘interval point’ of my life and my career! Dreams have no EXPIRY date!”

The actor credited his longevity to optimism, perseverance, and hard work, while underlining the collective effort behind his survival in the industry. “My survival for all these years has only been possible because of the support I got from all my producers, directors, co-actors, technicians and above all YOU, my AUDIENCES!” Kher concluded the note with a message of gratitude and faith, signing off with “Jai Ho! Jai Hind! Om Namah Shivay!”

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What to Expect From Khosla Ka Ghosla 2 Khosla Ka Ghosla 2 serves as a sequel to the much-loved 2006 cult classic Khosla Ka Ghosla, in which Anupam Kher played the middle-class patriarch Kamal Kishore Khosla. Reportedly, the sequel is being directed by Umesh Bist, best known for Pagglait, and is expected to revisit the Khosla family with a contemporary lens while retaining the humour and emotional grounding of the original.

Also Read: Max Amini reflects on a life-changing India visit filled with acceptance, generosity and optimism: “There’s a magic here”; also speaks about his memorable meeting with Anupam Kher

The much-anticipated sequel to Vijay Deverakonda’s 2025 spy thriller Kingdom has officially been shelved, producer Naga Vamsi confirmed in a recent interview with Idlebrain. The decision comes after the first film’s lukewarm box-office performance, ending hopes of expanding the franchise.

Kingdom, directed by Gowtam Tinnanuri and starring Deverakonda as Suri — a constable-turned-spy — released in theatres in July 2025 with a narrative designed to leave room for future instalments. However, despite high expectations, the film failed to generate significant commercial traction.

When asked about the planned follow-up, Vamsi made it clear that Kingdom 2 is no longer in the cards. “No, we are not making it anymore,” he told entertainment portal Idlebrain, adding that he felt there was little value in re-hashing discussions about why the first film did not take off. “There is no point in talking about what happened because it’ll only hurt Gowtam. There’s nothing more to do now,” Vamsi stated, signaling a desire to move forward rather than dwell on setbacks.

Despite shelving the sequel, Vamsi affirmed that his working relationship with the director remains intact. “But yeah, we will collaborate with Gowtam. He is doing a different film now,” he said, hinting at new creative ventures beyond the Kingdom universe.

Meanwhile, Vijay Deverakonda — who had hoped Kingdom would be a career milestone after a few recent downturns at the box office — has other projects lined up, including the action film Rowdy Janardhana, directed by Ravi Kiran Kola, which is scheduled for release in 2026.

Also Read: Vijay Deverakonda celebrates New Year in Rome; fans spot Rashmika Mandanna in one of the pics

Although they have remained the best of friends over the years, Rani Mukerji and Akshay Kumar, believe it or not, have never worked together in any film so far. This is about to change. Rani Mukerji and Akshay Kumar are coming together for the first time in director Amit Rai’s OMG 3.

Apparently, Akshay, who played Lord Krishna in the first film titled OMG! Oh My God (2012) and Lord Shiva in OMG 2 (2023) will be cast as God again in part 3.

Right now, director Amit Rai is focusing on finishing and releasing a film called Dharma, which he shot with Pankaj Tripathi and Pavan Malhotra in Bihar. The film stars newcomers in the lead. It also features two hundred dogs.

Rai plunges into OMG 3 with Rani and Akshay as soon as Dharma is complete.

Also Read: OMG 3 in early development as Akshay Kumar, Amit Rai discuss ideas: Report

Sai Pallavi will have a promising 2026 as she’ll be seen in the highly awaited Ramayana. The VFX-heavy, star-studded film will release in cinemas on Diwali. However, this won’t be her Hindi debut. She’ll be introduced to the Hindi audience with Mere Raho, co-starring Junaid Khan. The film will finally be out in 2026. However, there’s been confusion and uncertainty in the trade about its release date.

A source told Bollywood Hungama, “Until recently, the makers had locked April 24 as the release date for Mere Raho. They felt that it would be an ideal time for the flick to hit cinemas. But now, there have been reports coming in that Mere Raho will be pushed to July 2026.”

Mid-Day recently reported about the July release of the film. The article carried a quote by a source who said, “July offers better leg room for a film like Mere Raho. It needs time, repeat value, and controlled screen density. The summer corridor allows the film to breathe without the noise that comes with the festive and holiday rush.”

Our source added, “The producer, Aamir Khan Productions, has been very secretive about the release date. It may be released on April 24, or it may not. But since the news of the July release has come to the fore, many have wondered if the film is being pushed due to Battle Of Galwan. The Salman Khan-starrer has been locked for release on April 17. May 1, meanwhile, will see Raja Shivaji and The Devil Wears Prada 2 arriving on the big screen. As a result, the makers may have thought of moving the film to a less-crowded window.”

Aamir Khan Productions’ Happy Patel Khatarnak Jasoos, written and acted by Vir Das, will hit the theatres on January 16. There is hope that Aamir would attach the first look teaser of Mere Raho with the prints of Happy Patel Khatarnak Jasoos.

About Mere Raho

Reportedly, Mere Raho is a remake of the Korean film One Day (2011). The love story was shot during the beautiful Snow Festival in the town of Sapporo, Japan and hence it promises to be a visual treat to the moviegoers. Images of Junaid and Sai in the Far East country got leaked during the Japan schedule, which took place in early 2024. The love story went on floors in December 2023 in Mumbai.

Last year, there were reports that Aamir Khan was planning to release the film on Valentine’s Day 2024. However, he decided to postpone the release after the makers of Junaid’s debut theatrical venture, Loveyapa, decided to bring the romcom on February 7. Mere Raho was then scheduled for a release on December 12 and now it’ll finally arrive in 2026.

Also Read:Junaid Khan-Sai Pallavi starrer Mere Raho release shifted to Summer 2026 amid crowded December line-up: Report

After Pratibha Ranta, Siddhant Chaturvedi has publicly addressed swirling rumours about his casting in the Hindi remake of the Telugu hit Dear Comrade. Siddhant took to social media to set expectations as fans awaited clarity on the bilingual project.

For the unversed, recent reports suggested that Siddhant — fresh off his role in Dhadak 2 — and Laapataa Ladies breakout Pratibha Ranta were being considered as the lead pair for the remake of the 2019 romantic action drama originally starring Vijay Deverakonda and Rashmika Mandanna. According to some accounts, leading production houses were in early talks to bring the story to Hindi audiences, spurring buzz about the casting.

Responding to the rumours in his Instagram Stories, Siddhant decisively denied involvement in the remake. “Just to clarify guys, this isn’t true,” he wrote, directly addressing the speculation. The actor also made his creative stance clear: “No remakes for me anymore, even though I’m a fan of the original film and the actors, much love and respect. Thank you.”

While distancing himself from the project, Siddhant didn’t completely rule out future collaborations with Ranta. He added with admiration, “Anyhow I’d love to collaborate with the supremely talented @pratibha_ranta on something original. Looking forward.”

Readers may recall that earlier Pratibha Ranta responded in her own Instagram story, neither confirming nor denying her involvement. Instead, she asked fans and media platforms to pause on speculation until an official announcement is made. “With due respect, I kindly request all media pages to please refrain from posting or circulating any unverified information and wait for an official announcement,” she wrote. “This has been happening with me for quite some time now, with several projects that I am not associated with, which often leads to unnecessary confusion.”

Dear Comrade, directed by Bharat Kamma, was a notable Telugu romantic action drama that connected with audiences for its emotional narrative and musical appeal upon its 2019 release. Interest in a Hindi remake intensified after reports that prominent studios had acquired rights, though no official production details or casting confirmations have yet been released.

In the meantime, Siddhant is gearing up for his next project, Do Deewane Seher Mein, co-starring Mrunal Thakur, which is slated for release around Valentine’s week in February 2026.

Also Read: Bollywood Hungama OTT India Fest 2025: Siddhant Chaturvedi dedicates his award for Dhadak 2 to late Saksham Tate

Anil Kapoor has had an illustrious career and has delivered several memorable films. One film that stands out in his filmography is Nayak (2001). The political drama didn’t work in cinemas but became a cult film later on. Fans have long demanded a sequel to Nayak and Bollywood Hungama has learned that the plan might finally materialize.

A source told Bollywood Hungama, “Producer Deepak Mukut of Sanam Teri Kasam (2016) fame held the rights to Nayak. It is said that Anil Kapoor has bought the rights from him. He plans to hold the rights as it’s a film close to his heart. Also, he aspires to make a sequel to it. He is fully aware of the love he has garnered for the film over the years and he also is of the belief that the subject of Nayak has tremendous potential for a second part.”

We contacted Deepak Mukut to find out if he has sold the rights of Nayak to Anil Kapoor but he was unavailable for comment.

In an exclusive interview with Bollywood Hungama in March 2024, Deepak Mukut told Bollywood Hungama, “I got the rights from Nayak’s producer, Mr A S Rathnam. I also have the negative rights to his other films like Tejasvini (1994), Dil Hi Dil Mein (1999), etc. It was 10 years ago that I procured these rights.”

Besides Anil Kapoor, Nayak also starred Rani Mukerji, the late Amrish Puri, Paresh Rawal, Saurabh Shukla, Johny Lever, Shivaji Satam, Neena Kulkarni and others. Pooja Batra appeared in a cameo while Sushmita Sen was seen in a song. Written and directed by Shankar, it told the story of a fearless reporter who becomes the Chief Minister of Maharashtra for a day. The changes he brings about in the state in 24 hours make him a national hero.

Also Read: FICCI Frames 2025: Anil Kapoor reacts to Devendra Fadnavis’ comment “Aap Nayak aur hum Nalayak”; also says, “The timing couldn’t be BETTER for Nayak 2”

Farhan Akhtar and Ritesh Sidhwani’s production powerhouse Excel Entertainment has entered into a strategic partnership with Hollywood giant Universal Studios, signalling a new phase of global collaboration and scale-up for Indian content. Universal Studios has acquired a minority stake in Excel, while the larger share remains with the Indian banner, according to a report by Mid-Day.

What the Partnership Means

Insiders tell Mid-Day that Universal’s minority acquisition is aimed at scaling up Excel’s production capabilities and bringing “big ideas” to life with broader global reach. “Excel wants to expand the scale of its productions going ahead,” shared a source. “There are big ideas in the pipeline.”

Excel Entertainment’s 2025 slate included a diverse mix of films such as 120 Bahadur, Ground Zero, Superboys of Malegaon, and the digital release Songs of Paradise. While these projects garnered critical acclaim, several did not see major box-office success — prompting strategic reassessment and expansion efforts via partnerships like this one.

This collaboration follows a trend of major studios investing in Indian entertainment. Earlier, Adar Poonawalla’s acquisition of a 50% stake in Dharma Productions demonstrated international interest in India’s film powerhouses.

For Akhtar and Sidhwani — whose banner has backed films like Dil Chahta Hai, Don, and acclaimed web series (Inside Edge, Mirzapur) — the Universal tie-up underscores a forward-looking approach to storytelling that blends Indian narratives with global ambitions. The collaboration may also unlock new opportunities for cross-border co-productions and innovative cinematic ventures that appeal to both domestic and international audiences.

Also Read: Kill director Nikhil Bhat makes Hollywood debut with Universal Studios, plans to cast a leading Hollywood star in the action film

Actress Pratibha Ranta has addressed recent reports linking her to the Hindi remake of the popular Telugu film Dear Comrade opposite Siddhant Chaturvedi, urging fans and media outlets to hold off until an official announcement is made. The star’s clarification comes amid widespread speculation that she and Chaturvedi could headline the project after Dharma Productions acquired remake rights.

Taking to her Instagram story on January 2, 2026, Ranta asked social-media pages to stop circulating unverified details that create confusion about her involvement. “With due respect, I kindly request all media pages to please refrain from posting or circulating any unverified information and wait for an official announcement,” she wrote. “This has been happening with me for quite some time now, with several projects that I am not associated with, which often leads to unnecessary confusion.”

She continued with a message of gratitude for her followers’ support, emphasising her desire for clear and accurate information. “I would truly appreciate your understanding, cooperation, and continued support in this matter,” Ranta added, signalling a careful approach as rumours swirl online.

Pratibha Ranta first drew attention with her performance in Kiran Rao’s Laapataa Ladies, where her screen presence garnered praise from audiences and critics alike. She is also slated to appear in The Revolutionaries, an adaptation of Sanjeev Sanyal’s book Revolutionaries: The Other Story Of How India Won Its Freedom.

Also Read: Birthday style diaries: 5 ethnic looks of Pratibha Ranta that are pure glam goals!

Dhurandhar is turning out to be a game-changer for the Indian Film Industry in a lot of ways, and why not? It has redefined the business at an unimaginable level. The sequel of Dhurandhar is now the most awaited spectacle of Indian Cinema, that too in a year that has Ramayana: Part One lined up for release. And now, the post-Dhurandhar impact is visible in the film industry.

Reliable sources have confirmed to Bollywood Hungama that there are very high-level discussions in Shah Rukh Khan and Sanjay Leela Bhansali's camp around the release of King and Love and War. "Both King and Love And War are big-budget spectacles and have gone beyond what was on paper when it comes to the cost of production. As Dhurandhar has set a trend, both SRK and Bhansali are individually contemplating splitting their epics into two parts and releasing them in a gap of less than 6 months."

While Love and War could arrive in August 2026 and January 2027, King is contemplating September 2026 and March 2027. "This will happen only if the two stalwarts have enough footage to split their films into two parts. Right now, they are both shooting for the film, and these are just preliminary discussions while dissecting the success of Dhurandhar. A final call on whether the films should arrive in a single part or two will be taken on the edit table," a source informed Bollywood Hungama

There are many more story-tellers who are writing scripts in longer formats, with the hope of two part formula. "Two parts doesn't only mean more money from satellite and digital, but also more creative freedom to explore sub-tracks. Dhurandhar has infused a fresh perspective in all creators as well as business honchos. The next few months will be exciting."

Meanwhile, Dhurandhar 2 is releasing on March 19.

Also Read: Sudhir Mishra DEFENDS Dhurandhar amid propaganda claims, calls it a “well-made film”