The much-anticipated Pan-India film Spirit, bringing together director Sandeep Reddy Vanga and Prabhas for the first time, has officially kicked off 2026 with a major reveal. As the clock struck midnight welcoming the New Year, the makers unveiled the first look of the film, instantly sending fans into a frenzy and reaffirming the project’s status as one of the most talked-about upcoming releases.

Spirit has been under the spotlight ever since its announcement, largely due to the powerful combination of Prabhas and Vanga, both known for delivering intense, high-impact cinema. The first-look reveal at the turn of the year was a calculated promotional move, and one that Vanga has successfully employed in the past. Ahead of the reveal, the filmmaker teased audiences on social media on December 31 by writing, “People… A few hours more for SPIRIT – First Poster,” sparking widespread excitement and speculation.

Interestingly, this strategy mirrors the promotional approach Vanga used years ago while announcing Animal, starring Ranbir Kapoor. That midnight tease had gone on to create significant online chatter, and with Spirit, the director appears to have recreated the same sense of anticipation—this time on an even bigger, pan-India scale.

The film had already made headlines earlier this year following a casting change that drew considerable attention. Deepika Padukone, who was initially associated with the project, exited the film citing work-hour concerns. Subsequently, Triptii Dimri was brought on board, a move that further intensified curiosity around the film. Spirit marks Triptii’s first collaboration with Prabhas and her second association with Sandeep Reddy Vanga after Animal, making her casting particularly noteworthy.

Apart from Prabhas and Triptii Dimri, the film also stars Vivek Oberoi and Kanchana, among others, adding to its ensemble appeal. Backed by T-Series, Spirit is being mounted on a grand scale, aligning with Vanga’s signature storytelling style and Prabhas’ Pan-India stardom.

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With its first look now unveiled and promotional momentum firmly in place, Spirit is shaping up to be one of the most awaited films of 2026, setting the tone for a high-voltage cinematic year ahead.

Also Read: Vivek Oberoi to have an unrecognizable look in Prabhas starrer Spirit

The biggest grosser of 2025 and of Hindi cinema, Dhurandhar, has had a great run, collecting Rs. 754.50 crores in 26 days. There's a lot of gas left in the tank and hence, it’ll continue to collect considerably in 2026 as well, in the first few weeks. Bollywood Hungama has learned that those who’ll watch the Ranveer Singh-starrer in the New Year will get to see a revised version.

An exhibition source told Bollywood Hungama, “Theatres across the country received an e-mail from the distributors today, December 31, informing them they are replacing the DCP of the film. The reason for the change is that the makers have muted two words and changed a dialogue in the film, as per the directives received from the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting of India.”

The source added, “The cinemas were requested to download the new content and play the revised version of the film from January 1, 2026.”

An industry insider commented, “One of the words removed from the new version of Dhurandhar is ‘Baloch’.” However, Bollywood Hungama could not find out which other two words were muted or changed, at the time of publishing the article.

Dhurandhar stars Ranveer Singh, Sanjay Dutt, Akshaye Khanna, R Madhavan, Arjun Rampal and Sara Arjun. It tells the story of an Indian who infiltrates Pakistan and creates havoc. It is written and directed by Aditya Dhar, produced by Jyoti Deshpande's Jio Studios and Lokesh Dhar and Aditya Dhar's B62 Studios. It was released on December 5 and had a slow start. But thanks to the incredible word of mouth, the film grew with each passing day. As a result, while it collected Rs. 218 crores in Week 1, it went on to collect a whopping Rs. 261.50 crores in its second week, shocking trade and industry. It is expected to soon cross the Rs. 800 crores mark.

Also Read: Sikandar & War 2 rejected, but these 5 made 2025 ROAR: Trade hails the FANTASTIC FIVE who got the numbers – Vicky Kaushal, Ranveer Singh, Akshaye Khanna, Ahaan Panday, Aneet Padda

Bollywood actor Nushrratt Bharuccha has found herself at the centre of a sensitive religious controversy after her recent visit to the Shri Mahakaleshwar Jyotirlinga Temple in Ujjain. The actress, who attended the Bhasma Aarti and offered prayers ahead of New Year 2026, was criticised by a prominent Muslim cleric.

Bollywood actor Nushrratt Bharuccha has found herself at the centre of a sensitive religious controversy after her recent visit to the Shri Mahakaleshwar Jyotirlinga Temple in Ujjain. The actress, who attended the Bhasma Aarti and offered prayers ahead of New Year 2026, was criticised by a prominent Muslim cleric, prompting a broader discussion about spirituality, personal choice and religious tolerance in India.

However, the visit drew sharp criticism from Maulana Shahabuddin Razvi Barelvi, National President of the All India Muslim Jamaat, who described Bharuccha’s actions as a “grave sin” under Sharia law. In a statement, the cleric said that performing puja and participating in Hindu rituals is against Islamic principles and urged the actress to repent and recite the Kalma for forgiveness. According to him, such acts go against what he considers the fundamental tenets of Islam.

#WATCH उज्जैन, मध्य प्रदेश: अभिनेत्री नुसरत भरूचा महाकालेश्वर मंदिर में भस्म आरती में शामिल हुईं। pic.twitter.com/WexcORQv4U — ANI_HindiNews (@AHindinews) December 30, 2025

The Maulana asserted that “Islam does not permit such acts,” calling Bharuccha “guilty in the eyes of Sharia” for engaging in religious practices associated with another faith. He maintained that a Muslim performing temple rituals is in violation of Islamic teachings and should seek repentance.

#WATCH | Bareilly, Uttar Pradesh: On Nusrat Bharucha's visit to Mahakal Temple, National President, All India Muslim Jamaat, Maulana Shahabuddin Razvi Barelvi says, "... Nusrat Bharucha visited the Mahakal Temple in Ujjain, where she performed puja rituals. According to Sharia,… pic.twitter.com/EpAfc0gaM4 — ANI (@ANI) December 31, 2025

On the professional front, Nushrratt Bharuccha was last seen in the silent film Ufff Yeh Siyapaa. She is set to appear in the upcoming film Bun Tikki, scheduled for a 2026 release.

Also Read: Nushrratt Bharuccha gets candid on owning her choices; says, “I am an opportunist”

As Battle of Galwan — the upcoming war drama starring Salman Khan — continues to dominate headlines, it has also stirred controversy abroad. Chinese state-run media outlets, including the Global Times, have criticised the film’s teaser and narrative, accusing it of distorting facts about the 2020 Galwan Valley clash. In response, veteran filmmaker and FWICE Chief Advisor Ashoke Pandit has pushed back firmly against the criticism, calling it predictable and rooted in insecurity rather than artistic reality.

The controversy began after the Battle of Galwan teaser was released on Salman Khan’s 60th birthday, December 27, 2025. Set to depict the harrowing June 2020 hand-to-hand combat between Indian and Chinese troops along the Line of Actual Control (LAC), the film — directed by Apoorva Lakhia — aims to dramatise one of the most intense clashes in recent India–China relations.

The Global Times, a Chinese government-linked publication, published commentary suggesting that Battle of Galwan cannot “rewrite history” and accused the film of presenting a one-sided version of events. It also called out perceived factual inaccuracies in the teaser and dismissed the portrayal of Indian Army sacrifices as overblown or exaggerated.

Responding to the backlash, Ashoke Pandit told NDTV that China’s reaction was neither surprising nor impactful for the film’s prospects in India or internationally. “When an Indian filmmaker makes a film, he definitely sees to it that our enemy country’s activities are exposed. We as a nation are strong, and our security forces are really brave to fight their battles for the country. So it’s basically a kind of insecurity that Global Times feels.”

Producer Rahul Mitra echoed these sentiments in separate comments, stressing that filmmakers do due diligence with research and that established names like Lakhia and Salman would not produce a film that “distorts facts just to make a film.”

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The Chief Advisor, Federation of Western India Cine Employees, in a separate conversation with Hindustan Times, asserted, “It must have been in the minds of the producers that because it is Galwan, China would react because it is a film that is exposing them. We have the right to make a film like this on the subject and tell the world that this is what China has done to our country. China is a country that has supported Pakistan, and has created a lot of issues and problems for our country. It's a great thing that this film is made. If the film is good, it will do well."

Battle of Galwan is inspired by the June 2020 Galwan Valley clash, where Indian troops faced Chinese forces in a rare and brutal hand-to-hand conflict at high altitude, resulting in losses on both sides — including 20 Indian soldiers. The film stars Salman Khan as Colonel Bikkumalla Santosh Babu, the commanding officer of the 16 Bihar Regiment in the real battle. Chitrangda Singh, Zeyn Shaw, Ankur Bhatia and Vipin Bhardwaj feature in supporting roles. The film is scheduled for theatrical release on April 17, 2026.

Also Read: Salman Khan’s Battle of Galwan is not a biopic, film to highlight the human cost of the Galwan clash

Comedian and television star Kapil Sharma is expanding his brand beyond the screen with the opening of Kap’s Cafe in Dubai, bringing a slice of his signature humour and hospitality to the UAE just in time for New Year’s Eve. The eatery — inspired by the set and vibe of his popular Netflix series — is scheduled to welcome customers on December 31, 2025, offering fans and food lovers a chance to experience a themed space linked to Sharma’s entertainment empire.

Announcing the Kap’s Cafe launch on Instagram, Sharma shared a brief video that opens with the Dubai skyline before zooming in on the café’s inviting facade, where he is seen greeting a customer with a cup of coffee in hand. The eatery’s décor is expected to follow a cosy and visually engaging style similar to its counterpart in Surrey, Canada.

Reportedly, Kap’s Cafe will operate from 4 pm to 12 am on its opening day, and while its full menu for the Dubai branch remains under wraps, the Canadian location offers a mix of Indian and Western favourites — from vada pav and pasta to various coffees, teas and matchas — suggesting a diverse culinary experience ahead.

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Meanwhile, The Great Indian Kapil Show has been steadily gaining traction in the digital space. The fourth season recently recorded 2.3 million views in its first two weeks and ranked second among the Top 5 most-watched non-fiction shows on Netflix India, indicating strong viewer engagement for the comedian’s latest content. The first two episodes of the fourth season featured Priyanka Chopra Jonas and the Indian Women’s Cricket Team.

Also Read: Kapil Sharma admits that he was sceptical of the plot of Kis Kisko Pyaar Karoon 2: “The idea of one man married to 3 women from different religious communities sounded too controversial”

The Dhurandhar wave refuses to slow down and it has affected the collections as well as showcasing of other films as well like Kis Kisko Pyaar Karoon 2, Avatar: Fire And Ash and the recently-released romcom, Tu Meri Main Tera Main Tera Tu Meri. Bollywood Hungama has reported how fights and disagreements arose over screen-sharing as Dhurandhar had an upper hand from the distributor and also the exhibitors. Ikkis, starring Agastya Nanda and the late Dharmendra, releases tomorrow and is the first release of 2026; however, it won’t have gone through such an ordeal, Bollywood Hungama has learned.

An exhibition source told us, “Ikkis is distributed by Jio Studios, which is also the distributor as well as the producer of Dhurandhar. Hence, they have no qualms now if Dhurandhar’s shows reduce since the Ranveer Singh-starrer has already done huge business. Moreover, it will enter into its fifth week on Friday, January 2. Accordingly, they have asked for around 30-40% showcasing for Ikkis.”

The source explained, “In cinemas with 2 screens, they have asked for 4 shows. In three-screen cinemas, they have requested for 6 shows and 8 shows in 4-screen multiplexes. In cinemas with 5 screens and more, they have made a request for 10+ shows. And that’s not all. In single-screens and 2-screen and 3-screen cinemas, they have instructed exhibitors not to have shows very early in the morning, possibly because Ikkis is a film that will not attract the audience early morning and would grow gradually by word of mouth.”

The source also said, “Lastly, the theatres have been instructed to sell tickets at regular weekend rates. Hence, the tickets of Ikkis will be available at reasonable prices.”

A trade expert commented, “Ikkis probably has more shows in a city like Mumbai than Tu Meri Main Tera Main Tera Tu Meri, though the latter had wider appeal as it was a romcom. The biggest advantage for Ikkis is that it has secured shows in those single screens where it can attract an audience. Until last week, such cinemas were only screening Dhurandhar.”

Bollywood Hungama went through the listings and observed that Dhurandhar’s shows have been halved from tomorrow – from 4 shows to 2 shows – in most single screens like Gold Cinema Santacruz, Chitra, Plaza, Roxy, Citylight, Star City, MovieTime Dahisar, Inox Nakshatra Dadar, PVR Le Reve, MovieTime Suburbia, Gold Cinema Dadar etc. Tu Meri Main Tera Main Tera Tu Meri didn’t get shows in Gaiety and Galaxy, the biggest theatres of G7 Multiplex. It had to settle for shows in 228-seater Gemini and 105-seater Gossip. On the other hand, Ikkis will be played with 4-shows a day in the sprawling 819-seater Galaxy.

Several single-sceren theatres will play 2 shows of Dhurandhar, 2 shows of Ikkis and 1 show of the Marathi flick, Krantijyoti Vidyalay Marathi Madhyam. It stars Sachin Khedekar and marks the Marathi debut of Prajakta Koli.

Some single-screens across the country are expected to skip Ikkis as the distributors have gone for limited release. Also, theatres in certain mass-appealing pockets will continue to play Dhurandhar. Meanwhile, in a few single-screen theatres of Mumbai like Anand, Kasturba, Gold Cinema Borivali, Gold Cinema Thane, shows have been divided only berween Dhurandhar and Krantijyoti Vidyalay Marathi Madhyam, as per the tastes of their target audience.

Also Read: EXCLUSIVE: Sriram Raghavan reveals how Arun Khetrapal’s brother reacted after watching Ikkis: “He had long chat with Agastya Nanda; told us, ‘Now, I imagine what Arun must have gone through…’”

The release of Mere Raho, the upcoming romantic drama starring Junaid Khan and Sai Pallavi, has been postponed from its originally scheduled December 12, 2025, debut. The film — produced by Aamir Khan Productions — is now being earmarked for a summer 2026 release, with movers and shakers in the industry pointing to a July window as a preferred launch period.

Filming and post-production for Mere Raho wrapped earlier this year, completing principal photography by April 2025. The marketing responsibilities for the project were entrusted to Aamir Khan himself, who, according to trade sources, was instrumental in re-evaluating the release strategy.

A source told Mid-Day that the decision to shift the date was rooted in commercial pragmatism: “December is a high-pressure corridor.” The insider noted that the end-of-year calendar was dominated by heavyweight productions, including Dhurandhar and a major romantic comedy starring Kartik Aaryan and Ananya Panday, making it difficult for a content-driven romance like Mere Raho to secure a strong foothold at the box office.

“July offers better leg room for a film like Mere Raho. It needs time, repeat value, and controlled screen density,” the source explained, suggesting that the comparatively quieter summer corridor would allow the film to grow through word of mouth and sustained audience engagement.

The genre and cast — combining Sai Pallavi’s heartfelt screen presence with Junaid Khan’s rising star profile — make Mere Raho a sought-after summer option for urban audiences. The film, a Hindi remake of the 2016 Thai romance One Day, is directed by Sunil Pandey and marks a key milestone for Sai Pallavi, who is also generating buzz for her role in the 2026 mythological epic Ramayana.

An official release date for Mere Raho has not yet been announced, but close observers expect a formal announcement in the coming months as pre-release marketing ramps up.

Also Read: Aamir Khan Productions’ Mere Raho with Junaid Khan and Sai Pallavi to release on December 12, 2025

As anticipation builds for Ikkis, a touching behind-the-scenes detail has emerged that adds an emotional layer to the film. In a rare and heartfelt collaboration, Bobby Deol has dubbed a few dialogues for his father, late Dharmendra, lending his voice to portray the latter’s younger on-screen persona in the film.

This creative decision brings an added sense of authenticity and legacy to Ikkis, seamlessly bridging generations both on and off screen. Bobby’s voice subtly enhances the portrayal of the character’s younger years, making the transition across timelines more intimate and impactful. For this very reason, Bobby has been given special thanks in the film.

Meanwhile, the first impressions of Ikkis are now out, and the response has been overwhelmingly positive. Critics have praised the film for its emotional depth, sincerity, and powerful storytelling.

Directed by Sriram Raghavan and produced by Dinesh Vijan’s Maddock Films, Ikkis is all set to arrive in cinemas on January 1. As the first film of 2026, Ikkis aims to begin the New Year on a note of courage, legacy, and heartfelt tribute.

Ikkis is based on the martyrdom of Second Lieutenant Arun Khetarpal, the youngest recipient of the Param Vir Chakra at the age of 21. He sacrificed his life while fighting for the nation during the 1971 war between India and Pakistan. His character in the film is played by Agastya Nanda while it also stars Jaideep Ahlawat and Simar Bhatia in key roles.

Also Read: EXCLUSIVE: CBFC deletes 15-second dialogue on India-Pakistan relations in Ikkis

The proposed visit of Sunny Leone to the holy city of Mathura has been cancelled following strong opposition from religious organisations over a planned New Year programme. The actress was reportedly scheduled to attend a private New Year event at a hotel in Mathura. The event was called off after the protests.

Reacting on behalf of his wife, Sunny Leone’s husband Daniel Weber said, “First off, it’s not a New Year’s show. Her New Year’s show is in Hyderabad. Everyone knows. And it’s publicized everywhere. She’s had a show almost every day for the last five, six days, seven days.”

Daniel feels the couple is needlessly made to prove their allegiance to India. “Sunny and I are in India for sixteen years. That is a very good portion of our lives. We have been, I believe, good citizens. We’ve done plenty of good deeds from the goodness of our heart because we like to give back to a country that has given us so much. So, I do find it amazing that there is still a group, be it whatever group it is, that protests that Sunny is coming somewhere.”

Daniel feels Sunny’s presence in any city brings positivity. “When she visits a city, it brings revenue, brings business, brings eyeballs, and it brings, you know, it is not bringing anything bad. It is bringing entertainment. And I believe that we should celebrate that. And I do find it very strange that 16 years later, that we are still facing something like this. We haven’t faced something like this in a long time. So I’m very surprised.”

Daniel hopes to be invited to Mathura someday. “I hope that they do one-day invite us back and realize that that was a wrong decision. I do believe it’s a wrong decision. But we will respect it and let them do what they want to do. And we will go somewhere else and have great entertainment somewhere else and enjoy and provide wonderful entertainment for another city and another place. And they will enjoy it. And we will all have a wonderful year. God bless everyone.”

Also Read: Sunny Leone shares video of woodwork session with kids, Daniel Weber calls it “the best”

Ananya Panday has once again found herself at the centre of industry chatter, this time for a mysterious new shoot that has set fashion and luxury circles abuzz. While no official announcement has been made, sources close to the actress suggest that something significant may be brewing behind the scenes.

“There's growing intrigue around Ananya Panday's latest hush-hush shoot, with industry insiders hinting that she may be fronting a major new collaboration with a leading jewellery brand. Those close to the production describe the mood as distinctly ‘elevated and modern,’ featuring sleek lighting, reflective surfaces, and intimate, beauty-led close-ups—an aesthetic departure from Ananya's recent brand outings,” a source revealed.

The visual language of the shoot, coupled with tight confidentiality around the project, has only fuelled curiosity. According to insiders, the styling and overall mood appear to signal a more luxe, contemporary direction, sparking conversations about whether this could mark a defining moment in Ananya’s brand journey.

“While the team involved has remained tight-lipped, subtle styling cues and early behind-the-scenes whispers have sparked speculation within fashion and luxury circles. Some believe this could be her biggest jewellery partnership yet, possibly tied to a new-age collection aimed at younger audiences or maybe miss Pandey is launching her own brand!!?? Is this AP's latest bait to attract the Gen Z audience and jewellery divas. Well only time can tell!” the source added.

Though speculation is rife, those close to the development stress that nothing has been formally confirmed. However, the buzz surrounding the project has already ensured that all eyes are firmly on Ananya, with many keen to see whether this mystery shoot translates into a major luxury association or an entrepreneurial leap.

On the film front, Ananya Panday was recently seen reuniting with Kartik Aaryan in Tu Mera Main Teri Main Teri Tu Mera, which hit theatres on December 25. Looking ahead, the actress has Chand Mera Dil lined up alongside Lakshya and is also set to return as Bella in Call Me Bae 2. In addition, she is reportedly juggling a few unannounced projects, further underlining her busy slate.

Whether it’s a high-profile jewellery collaboration or something entirely unexpected, Ananya Panday’s latest move has undeniably captured industry attention, making it one of the most closely watched developments in the fashion and entertainment space right now.

Also Read: Tu Meri Main Tera Main Tera Tu Meri gets prestigious screening at Rashtrapati Bhavan

2026 will begin on a patriotic and emotional note, thanks to Ikkis. It tells the story of Arun Khetarpal, who, at 21, became the youngest recipient of the Param Vir Chakra for the bravery he showed during the 1971 India-Pakistan war. It was originally scheduled for a release on December 25 and was pushed to January 1. With the Christmas release in mind, the makers of Ikkis completed the censor process on time. In this article, Bollywood Hungama will exclusively focus on this aspect.

To begin with, the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) asked the makers to suitably modify the opening disclaimer and include the acknowledgement for Poona Horse Regiment, Colonel Hanuth Singh and the tank crew. The same was also to be communicated in a voiceover. This was followed by photographs of warriors and an introductory voiceover about Arun’s tank crew.

In the end credits, the makers were also asked to add a text with a voiceover. They also suitably modified the credits and added a full iconic image of a Lt. General as per the suggestion of a defence expert.

Due to the genre and realism of the subject, the makers submitted a consent letter from a member of the Khetarpal family and also proper documents for scenes based on true events.

Now, coming to the cuts. In the second half of the film, the name of a tank was asked to be deleted. Lastly, a 15-second dialogue about India-Pakistan relations was asked to be deleted. The CBFC members also asked the makers to blur the alcohol brand name and add anti-smoking static.

Once these changes were made, Ikkis was passed with a U/A 13+ certificate on December 15. The length of the film, as mentioned on the censor certificate, is 147.15 minutes. In other words, Ikkis is 2 hours, 27 minutes and 15 seconds long.

Ikkis stars Agastya Nanda, Jaideep Ahlawat, newcomer Simar Bhatia and the late Dharmendra.

Also Read:  “Ikkis is 100 times of what we see in the trailer”: Arun Khetarpal’s brother gets emotional after special screening

The much‑anticipated fifth instalment of the Golmaal franchise is shaping up to be a fresh and bold entry in the popular comedy series, with new elements including a fantasy‑inspired tone and a female antagonist. Directed by Rohit Shetty, the upcoming film marks a new creative direction for the long‑running ensemble franchise that began with Golmaal: Fun Unlimited in 2006.

According to a report by PTI, Golmaal 5 will bring back the familiar team of mischief‑prone characters led by Ajay Devgn, Arshad Warsi, Tusshar Kapoor, Shreyas Talpade and Kunal Khemu, with Sharman Joshi rejoining the cast this time — reviving a connection to the original film.

An insider told the news agency that the new chapter is more than just another comedic romp: “The fifth part is going to be a fantasy comedy.” This suggests that the film will blend the franchise’s signature humour with elements of fantasy or surreal storytelling, potentially raising the stakes beyond the prank‑filled situational comedy of earlier editions.

One of the biggest twists in Golmaal 5 is the plan to introduce the franchise’s first female villain. While casting discussions are reportedly still underway, makers have chosen to write the story in a way that places a woman in the negative role — breaking new ground for the series. “This story was written in a manner that the negative character is (played by) a woman,” the insider explained.

Alongside the core cast, familiar supporting actors such as Johnny Lever, Ashwini Kaleshkar, Mukesh Tiwari and Sanjay Mishra are also expected to return, ensuring that the distinctive comic flavour of the series is preserved.

Over nearly two decades, the Golmaal franchise has built a reputation for chaotic humour and quirky characters who find themselves in absurd situations. With Golmaal 5, the shift toward fantasy could broaden the film’s visual and narrative palette while keeping its heart in the same mischief‑driven comedy that audiences have enjoyed.

Also Read: BREAKING: Rohit Shetty features in a rocking cameo in Ajay Devgn-starrer Son Of Sardaar 2; has a Golmaal 5 connection