A massive fire broke out on the set of the popular television show Anupamaa, starring Rupali Ganguly, early Monday morning at Film City in Mumbai. According to reports, the blaze erupted around 5 AM and completely gutted the set before it could be doused by the fire brigade after a few hours. Fortunately, no injuries were reported.

Visuals of the fire were shared by news agency PTI on its X (formerly Twitter) account, showing the scale of the damage. The fire broke out before the day’s shooting was scheduled to begin around 7 AM. The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) confirmed that its fire brigade received an alert at around 6 AM. The cause of the fire is currently under investigation.

VIDEO | Mumbai: Fire breaks out on the set of TV show ‘Anupamaa’ at Film City, Goregaon. Further details awaited. (Source: Third Party)

(Full video available on PTI Videos - https://t.co/n147TvqRQz) pic.twitter.com/LyCY2wAUFx

— Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) June 23, 2025

In the aftermath of the incident, the All Indian Cine Workers Association (AICWA) released a strongly worded statement condemning what it called the “ongoing negligence” in enforcing fire safety norms on sets. The association has demanded the immediate suspension of the Managing Director of Film City and the Labour Commissioner of Mumbai, alleging gross negligence and collusion that allow production houses to flout mandatory safety protocols.

AICWA President Suresh Shyamlal Gupta has also called upon Maharashtra’s Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis to order a high-level judicial inquiry into the incident. In a separate post on X, AICWA further alleged the possibility of deliberate arson for insurance fraud, demanding that the probe also look into whether the fire was intentionally set by the producers or the channel to claim insurance money.

Massive Fire Breaks Out on the Serial Set of ‘Anupamaa’ in Mumbai’s Film City – AICWA Demands High-Level Investigation and Accountability Mumbai, 23rd June 2025 – A major fire broke out early this morning at 5:00 AM on the set of the popular television serial Anupamaa in Film… pic.twitter.com/p9bDGFCQdF

— All Indian Cine Workers Association (@AICWAOfficial) June 23, 2025

The association has gone a step further, urging authorities to file a criminal FIR against the producers, the production house, the broadcasting channel, the Film City MD, and the Labour Commissioner. It has also demanded that any production house or channel found violating fire safety norms be blacklisted immediately.

Also Read: EXCLUSIVE: Sudhanshu Pandey on life post-Anupamaa: “People still think that I would come back; every post I put on Instagram has AT LEAST 50 comments about Vanraj”; CONFIRMS A Band Of Boys concerts across India

Following widespread backlash over the casting of Pakistani actress Hania Aamir in Sardaar Ji 3, producer Gunbir Singh Sidhu has broken his silence. In a statement to India Today, Sidhu clarified the timeline of production and confirmed that the film will not see a theatrical release in India.

“The film was shot before the conflict with Pakistan. Keeping sentiments of Indians in mind, there will be no India release for the movie,” Sidhu said, referring to the rising tensions following the recent Pahalgam terror attack in Jammu & Kashmir, which claimed the lives of Indian soldiers and civilians.

The announcement comes after mounting criticism on social media and news platforms, where users questioned the inclusion of a Pakistani actor in an Indian production during a sensitive time. Hania Aamir, a popular name in Pakistan’s entertainment industry, made a brief appearance in the trailer of Sardaar Ji 3 alongside lead star Diljit Dosanjh. Her presence sparked debates about cultural collaboration in times of geopolitical strain.

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As of now, Sardaar Ji 3 is expected to release in international markets, excluding India. Both the production house and Diljit Dosanjh have yet to issue any further statements on the matter.

Also Read: Diljit Dosanjh starrer Sardaar Ji 3 trailer out, features Pakistani actress Hania Aamir; skips India release amid controversy

The trailer for Sardaar Ji 3 has stirred headlines after headlines with its unexpected casting and release strategy. Released on social media by Diljit Dosanjh, the two-minute glimpse confirms that Pakistani actress Hania Aamir plays a prominent role alongside Diljit and Neeru Bajwa, reprising her character as a ghost hunter in the UK-set horror-comedy.

However, the trailer reveals a notable rift in distribution plans: the film is set to skip theatrical release in India and will premiere only in overseas markets starting June 27. When fans in India attempt to view the trailer on YouTube, they encounter a geo-block message notifying them of its restricted availability.

The decision follows mounting political tensions after the April 22 Pahalgam terrorist attack and India’s retaliatory “Operation Sindoor.” Industry bodies like the Federation of Western India Cine Employees (FWICE) had urged the CBFC to withhold certification for Sardaar Ji 3, citing concerns over Pakistani actors' inclusion. Faced with potential bans and protests, the filmmakers appear to have chosen a safer overseas-only release strategy.

Adding further context, an earlier report suggested that Hania Aamir might be removed from the project due to the growing backlash. Yet Diljit’s trailer release quashes those rumors, showing Hania still firmly in her role.

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The Sardaar Ji franchise, launched in 2015 by Rohit Jugraj Chauhan, has earned a cult following as one of Punjabi cinema’s first fantasy-horror comedies. In its third installment, directed by Amar Hundal, Diljit and Hania lead a team of demon-fighters in a spooky UK mansion, with co-stars Neeru Bajwa, Gulshan Grover, Jasmin Bajwa, Manav Vij, and others rounding out the cast.

Reactions online have been mixed. Some fans applaud Diljit and Hania’s on-screen chemistry and the film’s overseas reach, others have voiced disappointment, accusing Diljit of ignoring national sentiment. “Was really excited for this movie but not anymore. Nation is always 1st priority over anyone,” wrote an Instagram user, while another asserted, “I'm really proud of you but I really love my country first.”

Also Read: Operation Sindoor: Fawad Khan, Hania Aamir, and other Pakistani actors slam India’s military strikes, call it “cowardly”

The Aamir Khan-starrer Sitaare Zameen Par had a fair opening and had a dramatic jump on Saturday, leading to cheer in the industry. However, a section of exhibitors are unhappy. They were all set to screen the acclaimed flick but at the last moment, the distributors, PVR Inox Pictures, changed their mind.

A source told Bollywood Hungama, “Earlier, the plan was to provide a controlled release to Sitaare Zameen Par. After several exhibitors reached out to the film’s team and showed interest in playing the film, it was decided to increase the screen count to 3000. However, on Thursday, some cinemas were informed that the film won’t be provided to them.”

The source added, “Some 700-800 theatres in the country didn’t release Sitaare Zameen Par due to this reason.”

An exhibitor from West Bengal rued, “I was so excited to play Sitaare Zameen Par as I am a die-hard Aamir Khan fan. The distributors sent the publicity materials and poster of the film to us. At the last minute, they expressed their inability to provide the film. They claimed that they are now opting for a limited release. I was heartbroken as a fan and also an exhibitor. I inquired and realized that out of 150 cinemas in Bengal that were going to show the film, 80 of them couldn’t do so, due to this reason.”

What also boiled the blood of these theatre owners, many of them are single screens, was the Multiplex Association of India applauding Sitaare Zameen Par team for releasing the film exclusively in cinemas. A cinema owner from central India exulted, “We truly respect Aamir Khan for not selling the OTT rights and showing his faith in cinemas. We are here to support him fully and we request him to please look into our situation and find a solution to it. Assuring us of the film and then adhering to your word is not done at all.”

Film exhibitor and distributor Akshaye Rathi said, “The programming of a film is done on the basis of the law of demand and supply for every market. On the basis of that, the distribution plans are very locked. For example, nobody believed in the potential of The Kashmir Files (2022) before its release. Hence, it was released in around 320 screens on day 1. By day 2, the film was showing in around 600 screens and by day 3, it was playing in 1000 screens. By day 4, it was playing on a much higher number of screens. Similarly, there are films which opened very big in terms of the number of screens. However, due to minimal demand, the shows and screens were cut down drastically. As a result, the distribution plans become very fluid in the week of release.”

He added, “Sitaare Zameen Par was initially meant to be released in a limited manner. Then the release plan became a little wider after which, it was again somewhat cut down.”

When asked if committing to deliver a film and then backing off a day before release is a common practice, Akshaye Rathi replied, “Things like these happen very rarely. It takes serious experience and specialization as a distributor to be very precise with the release planning. I believe that once you have shaken hands over some work you are doing, you should really honour it. It leads to a situation which isn’t terribly pleasant.”

No show in Raj Mandir

A lot of eyebrows have been raised as Sitaare Zameen Par isn’t playing in Jaipur’s iconic Raj Mandir Cinema. A local exhibition source explained, “The theatre was keen to play 2 shows of Sitaare Zameen Par and allot the rest of the shows to Housefull 5. But the distributor insisted that Sitaare Zameen Par should play in all 4 shows. The theatre assured that if Sitaare Zameen Par sees a jump in collections, they are open to allotting all shows to it from Sunday. The discussion went on until Thursday 5:00 pm after which no solution was found. Raj Mandir management, with a heavy heart, had to forgo Sitaare Zameen Par.” At present, it is playing 4 shows of Housefull 5.

On June 18, Bollywood Hungama was the first one to reveal that the distributors of Sitaare Zameen Par have asked single screens that they will have to allot all the shows to the Aamir Khan-starrer. Trade sources, however, pointed out that this rule wasn’t followed across the country.

A trade expert commented, “In Mumbai’s Plaza cinema, the Marathi film Jarann has a show at 12:30 pm while the rest of the 3 shows are given to Sitaare Zameen Par. In many single screens of Bengaluru, shows have been divided between Sitaare Zameen Par and Kuberaa. In Roopbani, Purnea, Housefull 5 is playing at 9:00 and 3:00 pm while the rest of the 3 shows are given to Sitaare Zameen Par. Hence, the distributors should have been understanding and allotted 2 shows to Raj Mandir. The theatre always attracts a crowd and would have ultimately benefited the film.”

Past instances

This is not the first time that PVR Inox’s distribution strategy has come under the scanner. During Singham Again (2024), many cinemas complained that advance booking was opened first in the properties of PVR and Inox and then they were allowed to commence ticket sales. They alleged that as a result, they were given step-motherly treatment.

In December 2024, Bollywood Hungama broke the news that Baby John was released in just 4 out of 275 single-screen cinemas of CP Berar. The news created a storm in the industry.

Baby John’s advance booking was also affected as PVR Inox Pictures had asked for 60% of showcasing for the Varun Dhawan-starrer while they asked exhibitors to allot the balance 40% of the shows to Pushpa 2 – The Rule. To the single screens, they insisted that there should be 3 shows of their film and 1 show of Pushpa 2 – The Rule. The theatres didn’t agree to this demand as the Allu Arjun-starrer was doing historic business.

Also Read: BREAKING: After Sitaare Zameen Par’s HISTORIC Saturday jump, several multiplexes add post-midnight shows at 1:00 am and 3:00 am

The fan screening of Raanjhanaa (2013) was held at a multiplex in Mumbai on the occasion of its 12th anniversary by DIY Solutions and was attended by the film’s team – actors Dhanush and Mohd Zeeshan Ayyub, then-child-actor Naman Jain, director Aanand L Rai, writer Himanshu Sharma and lyricist Irshad Kamil. Sonam Kapoor couldn’t make it and the team kept a picture of her on the seat. The event began with the screening of the film after which stand-up comic Devansh Singh entertained the crowd. Laksh Maheshwari, then, in his trademark style narrated the film’s story and also hosted the talk. The very final scene of the film, which shows younger Kundan and adult Kundan crossing paths and looking at each other, has achieved cult status. Aanand L Rai revealed the madness that happened on the day he shot the said scene.

Aanand L Rai was asked if the scene was a part of the script. He replied, “The emotion was always a part of it. But the visual was planned spontaneously. Himanshu and I had fought with each other! I didn’t have just that part of the climax and it was the last day of the shoot in Banaras. As always, he was confident the night before and told me, ‘Main subah tak de deta hoon’. He’ll sweetly ask me, ‘Shift kitne baje ki hai aapki?’. I told him, ‘7:00 am’ (laughs)!”

Aanand continued, “At 6:00 am, I woke him up. I knew he must have not written! Still, I asked him, ‘Did you write?’. Then, I shouted at him, ‘You have to write and give. Or else, I’ll not leave Banaras’.”

Aanand further stated, “2 hours later, he came to the shooting location. Woh waisi hi haalat mein tha jaise main usko chod ke gaya tha. I was shooting with Naman. It was the scene where he says ‘Kya apni lugaai bachane ke liye kya Ram ji khud chanda maangne aate hai?’. I asked him, ‘Did you write?’. He said, ‘Kuch kuch likha hai’. He narrated me the scene. I heard it and I knew it was what I wanted. I wanted to tell him, ‘Kya likha hai tune yaar’. But I was upset with him. Director ka ego bhi hota hai! Hence, I couldn’t praise him. Still, the moment he ended his narration, I said ‘Bahut accha’ and I walked off.”

Aanand L Rai added, “Those lines gave me the visual. I called Dhanush and asked him, ‘Will you come for an hour for the shoot after lunch?’. He agreed and he asked me what was the scene. I told him that it was just one shot for which we require him.”

Also Read: Raanjhanaa returns to the big screen with fan screening marking 12-Year anniversary

In 2023, Shah Rukh Khan made a major impact at the box office with three consecutive blockbusters — Pathaan, Jawan, and Dunki. Now, anticipation is building around his upcoming film titled King. While Saurabh Shukla had earlier confirmed his role in the project, actor Jaideep Ahlawat has also revealed in an interview with Lallantop that he is part of the film.

Jaideep Ahlawat confirmed his involvement in Shah Rukh Khan’s upcoming film King and shared how he became part of the project. He recalled, “SRK sir kaafi time se soch rahe the iss cheez ko, jaisa mujhe pata laga hai, but Siddharth Anand bhai thoda hichak rahe honge ki chota part hai to offer after Jewel Thief. But Khan saab being Khan saab, he said I’ll talk to him. Ab unki baat kaun nakarega (SRK sir had been thinking about this for quite some time, as far as I know. But Siddharth (Anand) bhai was a bit hesitant to offer it since it was a small role after Jewel Thief. But Khan saab being Khan saab, he said, ‘I’ll talk to him.’ Now who could say no to him?.”

He went on to praise Shah Rukh Khan, expressing deep admiration for the superstar. He said, “I really like him. In all my interactions with him — in the five to seven times we've met — starting from Raees, where I shot with him for four to five days, and even after that, whenever we met, he always made me feel like I was the closest person to him. He’s a wonderful human being. He has some amazing qualities. Every time I’ve met him, he’s made me feel important.”

For those who may not know, Jaideep Ahlawat portrayed the main antagonist in Siddharth Anand's Jewel Thief, which starred Saif Ali Khan in the lead role. Alongside his powerful performance, Jaideep also received praise for his impressive dance moves. The film is currently available for streaming on Netflix.

Directed by Siddharth Anand, King also features Suhana Khan and Saurabh Shukla in key roles. According to reports, Deepika Padukone, Rani Mukerji, Abhishek Bachchan, Jackie Shroff, Raghav Juyal, and Anil Kapoor are rumored to be part of the cast as well, though no official confirmation has been made yet. The film is currently in production, with the release date still to be announced.

Also Read : Jaideep Ahlawat and wife Jyoti Hooda buy second Rs. 10 crore apartment in Mumbai within two months

A heartfelt letter from the Elite Games Federation has gone viral on social media after the organization formally requested the Government of Maharashtra to grant tax-free status to the latest release, Aamir Khan starrer Sitaare Zameen Par. In a powerful appeal, the Federation emphasized the film’s core message of empathy, awareness, and inclusion for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

Taking to public platforms, the Federation wrote, “This film is not only a cinematic creation but a heartfelt tribute to individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. It spreads awareness, promotes empathy, and encourages inclusivity — values we, as a society, must collectively uphold and champion.”

The Elite Games Federation, a registered not-for-profit under the Ministry of Corporate Affairs, Government of India, is known for promoting sports and supporting para-athletes across the country. The letter further highlighted the organization’s mission to uplift specially-abled communities and expressed its alignment with the themes explored in Sitaare Zameen Par. “Declaring it tax-free in Maharashtra will ensure that it reaches a wider audience, particularly schools, colleges, NGOs, and families who will benefit from its message,” the letter added.

Directed by R. S. Prasanna and jointly produced by Aamir Khan and Aparna Purohit, Sitaare Zameen Par hit theatres on June 20, 2025. The sports comedy-drama stars Aamir Khan and Genelia Deshmukh in lead roles and serves as a spiritual successor to Khan’s 2007 classic Taare Zameen Par. It is the official remake of the Spanish film Champions (2018).

"#SitaareZameenPar is not just entertainment – it is a moving portrayal of the abilities, struggles & dreams of children with intellectual & developmental disabilities. It aligns perfectly with our mission to promote inclusion in sports and society, especially for para-athletes". pic.twitter.com/Ghv51P8BRS — Kate Wordy (@KateWordy) June 21, 2025

The film follows the story of a hot-headed basketball coach (played by Khan) who, after being suspended, is sentenced to community service. Tasked with training a team of athletes with disabilities for an upcoming tournament, he embarks on a journey of personal transformation and discovers the power of empathy, resilience, and teamwork.

Given its sensitive yet uplifting narrative, Sitaare Zameen Par has been lauded by audiences and advocacy groups alike. The viral request from the Elite Games Federation has only amplified the conversation around the film’s societal relevance. The government is yet to respond, but support for the tax-free demand continues to grow online, with fans, educators, and disability rights activists echoing the call.

Also Read: BREAKING: After Sitaare Zameen Par’s HISTORIC Saturday jump, several multiplexes add post-midnight shows at 1:00 am and 3:00 am

Sitaare Zameen Par has managed to do the unthinkable. The advance booking wasn’t upto the mark and the makers, in a unique strategy, decided not to have shows before 11:00 am on the day of release, possibly to avoid negativity over poor occupancy in these shows. The film opened at Rs. 10 crores, which was a fair opening but below par for a star like Aamir Khan. However, the positive word of mouth along with the credibility that Aamir enjoys has finally come into play. The film jumped dramatically on Saturday. The shows of Sunday also began to get full and looking at the demand, the multiplexes had to add post-midnight shows.

The trend of having shows at 1:00 am, 2:00 am and 3:00 am is a post-pandemic phenomenon. The 2021 Diwali biggie Sooryavanshi was the first film to have such shows at night. Later, Gangubai Kathiawadi (2022), Drishyam 2 (2022), Gadar 2 (2023), Animal (2023), Pathaan (2023), Jawan (2023), Stree 2 (2024), Chhaava (2025) etc. also got shows allotted at the unearthly hour due to huge turnout. Hence, these shows became synonymous with the fact that the film is doing exceedingly well.

Some of the theatres in Mumbai which added post-midnight shows of Sitaare Zameen Par to cope with the demand are PVR Oberoi Mall Goregaon (1:00 am), PVR Lower Parel (1:00 am), Maxus Kandivali (3:00 am and 6:00 am), PVR Sangam Andheri (1:05 am), Maxus Borivali (1:30 am, 3:00 am and 6:00 am), Metro Inox (1:00 am), PVR Orion Mall Panvel (1:10 am) etc.

Sitaare Zameen Par opened at Rs. 10.70 crores while on Day 2, it is expected to earn around Rs. 20 crores. The advance booking for Sunday is super-strong and a weekend of Rs. 50 crores is now certain. The Saturday trend and demand for post-midnight shows makes it clear that it would hold strongly on Monday as well.

What is also heartening is that on the day of release, Sitaare Zameen Par was performing better mainly in elite cinemas and A centres but now the mass audience has also come out in full force. As a result, a healthy lifetime and solid trending is expected from the perfectionists’ latest release in the long run.

Also Read: Before you watch Aamir Khan’s Sitaare Zameen Par, these tweets are a must-read

Bollywood superstar Shah Rukh Khan’s iconic bungalow, Mannat, located at Mumbai’s Bandra Bandstand, came under official scrutiny on Friday as a joint team from the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) and the forest department conducted an inspection following a complaint alleging violations of Coastal Regulation Zone (CRZ) rules during its ongoing renovation.

According to a report by ETimes, the inspection was prompted by claims that renovation work at Mannat may be in breach of regulatory permissions. A forest department official confirmed the visit, stating, “A team did carry out a site inspection as we received a complaint about renovation permissions. A report will be prepared based on the findings and submitted soon.”

Officials from the BMC’s H-West ward building and factory department and the building proposal department also accompanied the forest team. However, BMC clarified their limited involvement, noting that they were present only on request. “Our officials were accompanying the team, based on a request by the forest department. We had no other role,” a BMC official told the portal.

An officer present during the inspection added that Mannat’s staff assured the authorities that all necessary documents and permissions had been acquired and would be submitted for review. Addressing the controversy, Shah Rukh Khan’s manager has confirmed that there are no complaints and that all work is getting processed as per guidelines.

The inspection and allegations come just a day after former IPS officer and lawyer Y P Singh raised concerns about the historical and legal aspects of the property. He claimed that the original layout of Mannat included a heritage building named Villa Vienna, which was later renamed. He further alleged that in 2005, an extension building of seven floors was made behind the heritage bungalow along with an approval for 12 small independent flats which was taken from the BMC. However, after the approval, these flats were merged into a super luxury accommodation of a single family.

With the Mannat renovation now under regulatory review, the incident has sparked fresh conversations about heritage conservation, urban planning permissions, and celebrity real estate in Mumbai’s prime coastal zones. More clarity is expected once the inspection report is submitted.

Also Read: Photos: Aamir Khan, Salman Khan, Tiger Shroff, Genelia Deshmukh, Vicky Kaushal and others grace the premiere of Sitaare Zameen Par

Filmmaker Karan Johar, known for crafting some of Indian cinema’s most iconic love stories, is now lending his voice to a new kind of narrative—one that unfolds far from the glitter of wedding décor and dreamy romantic moments. Johar has been announced as the brand ambassador for The Bridal Retreat, a first-of-its-kind initiative that focuses not on the big day itself, but on the emotional and mental preparation that comes before and beyond it.

“I’ve spent years telling love stories through cinema—but The Bridal Retreat is about the story behind the scenes,” said Karan Johar and added, “It’s not about perfect weddings—it’s about preparing women for what comes after. This retreat offers a rare opportunity: a chance for brides to meet themselves before the world meets the bride. In a world of beautifully curated celebrations, we sometimes forget the inner transformation that marriage brings. The Bridal Retreat places that journey at the centre.”

Organised by E-Factor Experiences, The Bridal Retreat is a five-day experiential programme curated specifically for brides-to-be. It includes sessions on identity, wellness, body movement, communication, and cultural reflection, all conducted by seasoned experts from the fields of mental health, fashion, and relationship coaching. The idea is to guide women through introspection and self-awareness—helping them make mindful transitions into married life.

Samit Garg, co-founder and managing director of E-Factor Experiences, elaborates on the intent behind the programme. “The Bridal Retreat is not just a concept—it’s a commitment. It recognises that while weddings are important milestones, what truly shapes a woman’s journey is how she enters this new phase—mindfully, emotionally equipped, and in tune with her sense of self. With Karan Johar joining us, we’re adding another layer of meaning and purpose to this platform,” he shard.

In 2025, limited-edition retreats will be held across seven Indian cities—Mumbai, Delhi, Bengaluru, Hyderabad, Chennai, Jaipur, and Goa. Each edition will offer an intimate, supportive environment for brides-to-be to pause, reflect, and align with their personal vision of partnership and change.

With Karan Johar bringing emotional depth and cinematic insight to the initiative, The Bridal Retreat promises to redefine the bridal experience—shifting the focus from picture-perfect ceremonies to personal transformation and conscious beginnings.

Also Read: Photos: Karan Johar announced as Brand Ambassador for ‘The Bridal Retreat’ by E-Factor Experiences

Akshaye Khanna-starrer Akshardham: Operation Vajra Shakti, featuring an ensemble cast, will hit cinema halls on July 4, 2025, offering audiences a gripping, large-screen retelling of one of India’s most harrowing terror incidents.

Directed by Ken Ghosh, the film is a dramatic recreation of the 2002 terrorist attack on the Akshardham Temple in Gujarat. It captures the horror of the assault and the bravery of the National Security Guard (NSG) commandos who led the operation to neutralise the attackers. The story, inspired by real events, blends tension, patriotism, and action in equal measure.

To mark the announcement, the makers released a new poster on Instagram, which features haunting temple pillars casting the silhouette of a lone armed commando — a striking visual that evokes both reverence and courage. The caption reads, “An act of terror met with unmatched bravery, The story of courage, sacrifice, and survival comes alive in #AkshardhamOperationVajraShakti”.

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Akshaye Khanna headlines the cast as Major Hanut Singh, a fierce and strategic NSG officer. The ensemble includes Gautam Rode as Major Samar, Vivek Dahiya as Captain Rohit Bagga, Akshay Oberoi as Captain Bibek, and Abhilash Chaudhary portraying the main antagonist, terrorist Iqbal. Supporting roles are essayed by Parvin Dabas, Samir Soni, Abhimanyu Singh, Mir Sarwar, Manjari Fadnis, Chandan Roy, and Shivam Bhaargava.

The film is presented by Zee Studios and produced by Abhimanyu Singh in collaboration with Contiloe Pictures. Key credits include Tejal Shetye as the director of photography, Mukesh Thakur in charge of editing, and a screenplay penned by William Borthwick and Simon Fantauzzo.

Serving as a standalone sequel to State of Siege: 26/11, this new chapter continues to spotlight the valor of India’s elite forces, bringing their untold stories to life on the silver screen.

Also Read: Akshaye Khanna joins Prashanth Varma Cinematic Universe; to play a key character in Mahakali

The overzealous PR machinery around certain stars often spins stories that serve their clients' agendas — even if they’re far from the truth. The latest “news” being floated for Allu Arjun fans is that he’s likely to replace Ranveer Singh in the much-anticipated big-screen adaptation of Shaktimaan, the iconic Doordarshan superhero series that aired from 1997 and ran for eight years.

Originally portrayed by Mukesh Khanna, Shaktimaan remains one of India’s most beloved homegrown superheroes. The film adaptation — currently in development — is being written and directed by actor-filmmaker Basil Joseph, who has always had Ranveer Singh in mind for the titular role.

While speculative reports of casting changes surface periodically, with the most recent rumour linking Allu Arjun to the role, a source close to the project has dismissed the chatter outright.

“No one else is doing Shaktimaan. It is Ranveer Singh and no one else. Whoever is spreading rumours of his replacement clearly has their own agenda,” the source stated.

To get clarity, I reached out directly to Basil Joseph, who firmly confirmed, “Shaktimaan will be made only with Ranveer Singh.”

Also Read: BREAKING: Basil Joseph’s Shaktimaan with Ranveer Singh is not a 3-part project