The holiday season just got a lot more dangerous—and hilarious. While the Indian box office is currently being dominated by the "Ranveer-storm" of Dhurandhar, a massive reptile is gearing up to claim its share of the Christmas pie. Sony Pictures’ Anaconda (2025) is set for a massive release across India, securing 1,000+ screens despite the heavy competition. This meta-reboot is proving to be a top priority for exhibitors, driven by a combination of high-concept humor and the star power of its lead duo.

Despite the crowded theatrical window, several factors have tilted the scales in favor of this creature-comedy. Directed by Tom Gormican (The Unbearable Weight of Massive Talent), the film follows two friends (played by Jack Black and Paul Rudd) attempting to film an amateur remake of the 1997 classic, only to encounter a real, massive predator. Early reactions from global premieres have been surprisingly positive.

At a crisp 95–99 minutes, the film allows for more frequent showtimes per day, a major win for multiplexes looking to maximize footfall. To ensure a truly pan-India reach, the film is releasing in English, Hindi, Tamil, and Telugu.

'ANACONDA' TO HAVE 1,000+ SCREEN RELEASE ACROSS INDIA – CHRISTMAS 2025 RELEASE... #Anaconda is set for a 1,000+ screen count across #India, even amidst the #Dhurandhar wave. Rave international reactions, strong brand nostalgia, a crisp 90-minute runtime, an aggressive marketing… pic.twitter.com/cpcLaC6LoS

— taran adarsh (@taran_adarsh) December 23, 2025

The film slithers into Indian cinemas on Thursday, December 25, 2025, clashing with a Bollywood film, Tu Meri Main Tera Main Tera Tu Meri. By opting for a Christmas Day opening, the distributors are tapping into the peak holiday spirit.

While the 2025 version is a comedy, early viewers have reported a "shocking amount of Easter eggs" from the original 1997 film and its sequels, suggesting that longtime fans of the franchise will have plenty to look for. On the other hand, the latest reviews highlight Steve Zahn as the "real scene-stealer," with his performance being cited as one of the funniest of the year.

Also Read: Tom Gormican and Kevin Etten reveal how they turned Anaconda into a wild mix of comedy, chaos and high-stakes adventure

Being Human Clothing, the fashion and lifestyle brand founded by Salman Khan, has announced a special birthday sale to mark the actor’s birthday on December 23. Titled “Sale So Big, It’s Readyyy”, the limited-period offer includes discounts of up to 50 per cent across stores and online platforms.

To support the sale, the brand has launched a new campaign called “Cake Fake B’Day For Real,” which puts a playful spin on birthday celebrations. The campaign focuses on surprise and fun rather than traditional birthday moments, reflecting Salman Khan’s public persona.

A key moment in the campaign features actor-comedian Sunil Grover, who steps in to enact Salman Khan in a light-hearted sequence. This is followed by Salman Khan himself, tying the narrative together and leading into the birthday offer.

Speaking about the campaign, Ayaan Agnihotri, Executive Director at Four Aces Fashion House, Being Human Clothing, said, “This year’s “Cake Fake, B’Day for Real” campaign is our playful nod to the joy and energy that Salman Mamu brings into people’s lives. By taking the celebrations live with a 50% exclusive birthday sale in stores and online, we wanted to create a digital moment that fans everywhere can be part of—no matter where they are. It’s our way of saying thank you to everyone who continues to support the Being Human Clothing family and Salman Mamu.”

As part of the birthday celebration, Being Human Clothing is offering a flat 50 per cent discount across all exclusive brand stores, department stores, and multi-brand outlets. In addition, a minimum 50 per cent discount is available exclusively on the brand’s official website as part of the SKB Birthday Celebration.

View this post on Instagram

  A post shared by Being Human Clothing (@beinghumanclothing)

The sale applies to menswear, womenswear, accessories, and everyday essentials. Customers can shop from the brand’s range of comfortable, contemporary clothing designed for regular wear.

The Being Human Clothing Birthday Sale and SKB Birthday Celebration will be available for a limited period across offline stores nationwide and exclusively online at the brand’s website.

Also Read: Salman Khan steps up for Punjab flood victims with Being Human rescue aid

In a world where luxury is often measured in carats and rarity, Indian rapper and mogul Badshah has just performed the ultimate horological mic-drop.

Taking to Instagram from the sets of Indian Idol in December 2025, the ‘Paagal’ singer revealed his latest acquisition: the ultra-exclusive Rolex Daytona "Barbie." With this purchase, Badshah has officially become the first Indian to own this timepiece, solidifying his place in the upper echelons of global watch collectors.

This isn't just a watch you can walk into a boutique and buy. The "Barbie" Daytona is an off-catalogue piece, meaning it is reserved exclusively for Rolex's VIP clients and never appears on their website or in stores.

Exclusivity: Only 10 pieces are believed to exist globally. Design: Crafted in 18-carat yellow gold, the watch features a striking pink dial and a bezel adorned with 40 baguette-cut pink sapphires. Another 12 sapphires serve as the hour markers. The Price Tag: While the retail price is estimated at Rs 3.56 crores ($395,000), the sheer rarity has pushed its market value to a jaw-dropping Rs 9.02 crores to Rs 18 crores depending on the auction circle.

Badshah flaunted the watch with a signature witty rap caption: "Koi bar ni kamaai pe, Barbie kalaai pe, bar dete tod, launde aa jaate jo aayi pe." (No limits on the paycheck, Barbie on the wrist, breaking barriers...)

View this post on Instagram

  A post shared by BADSHAH (@badboyshah)

By securing this piece, Badshah joins a microscopic "global club" of owners that includes some of the world’s most famous faces:

Lionel Messi: Spotted wearing it pitch-side at an Inter Miami match.

Mark Wahlberg: Known for his legendary "unobtainable" Rolex collection.

Drake: A frequent wearer of off-catalogue "Rollies."

The "Barbie" Rolex is just the latest "gem" in a lifestyle that defines royalty. Badshah’s love for the finer things extends far beyond his wrist. In late 2025, he became the first India-born musician to own the Rolls-Royce Cullinan Series II, joining the likes of SRK and Ajay Devgn.

Also Read: Jeetendra gets emotional on Indian Idol 16 tribute episode for late Dharmendra as Badshah recalls the icon’s legacy

Fans of the 1997 hit Border are in for a surprise. Reports now say that actors Akshaye Khanna and Suniel Shetty, along with Sudesh Berry, are set to make cameo appearances in the upcoming sequel Border 2. The original Border was directed by J.P. Dutta and became one of India’s most popular war films. It starred Sunny De

Border 2 is directed by Anurag Singh and brings together a new generation of actors. The film stars Sunny Deol, Varun Dhawan, Diljit Dosanjh and Ahan Shetty in leading roles. According to reports, the makers have filmed short scenes with Khanna, Shetty and Berry. They are expected to reprise their original characters in the sequel, even though those characters did not survive in the first film.

A report by Mid-Day quoted a source saying, “Since Border 2 is also set against the backdrop of the 1971 India-Pakistan war, the characters from the original film will serve as their peers. Anurag and producer-writer Nidhi Dutta felt bringing the heroic characters from the 1997 war drama would make it a memorable experience. So, they incorporated this segment. The characters from the old and new films will cross paths at an event before the 1971 war begins. It’s a great idea as it not only brings the father-son duo of Suniel and Ahan on screen, but also harks back to the much-loved movie.”

Border 2 is scheduled to release in Indian theatres on January 23, 2026.

Also Read: Ahan Shetty talks about pushing physical limits for Border 2; recalls managing NDA training to 12-hour shoots in 40-degree heat

K-pop star JOSHUA from the globally popular group SEVENTEEN has entered India’s advertising space as the face of LG Electronics India’s Essential Series. The collaboration, titled JOSHUA X LG, marks his first association with an Indian consumer brand.

LG India said the partnership reflects its focus on making everyday life simpler through practical home appliances. In the new campaign, JOSHUA represents the idea that small, thoughtful conveniences can help reduce daily effort and allow people to focus on what matters most. The campaign features products such as the LG Essential Washing Machine, highlighting ease of use and routine-based living.

JOSHUA’s association brings a lifestyle-led approach to the campaign, especially aimed at Gen Z and millennial consumers. His global presence and calm, relatable personality are expected to connect with Indian audiences who follow international pop culture while valuing simplicity in daily life. The collaboration also points to the growing influence of K-pop artists in the Indian market.

SEVENTEEN, which debuted in 2015, is currently among the most influential music groups worldwide. The group is celebrating its 10th anniversary in 2025, with its latest album HAPPY BURSTDAY debuting at No. 2 on the Billboard 200. SEVENTEEN has also ranked among the top three touring acts globally on Billboard’s 2025 Midyear Boxscore Top Tours chart.

As a key member of the group’s vocal unit, JOSHUA has been part of several chart-topping releases and international tours. Known for his composed stage presence and understated style, he has also explored solo work and global collaborations with international artists. His role in the LG campaign reflects a growing trend of global music icons shaping brand communication in India.

LG India has not shared further details on the duration of the association, but the campaign is expected to roll out across digital and other platforms in the coming weeks.

Also Read: Pink Sweat$ to drop remix version of ’17’ and feature K-pop group SEVENTEEN’s members DK and Joshua

Phonographic Performance Ltd (PPL) India has approached the Bombay High Court in a copyright infringement case involving comedian Kapil Sharma’s Netflix show The Great Indian Kapil Show. The organisation claims that three songs were used without permission in Season 3 of the series, which aired between June and September this year.

A report by Mid-Day stated that according to the commercial suit filed on December 12, PPL India says the episodes included popular tracks without securing the necessary licences from the rights holders. The episodes in question featured ‘M Bole To’ from Munna Bhai MBBS (2003), ‘Rama Re’ from Kaante (2002), and ‘Subha Hone Na De’ from Desi Boyz (2011).

PPL India states the use of these songs amounts to “public performance/communication to the public” under the Indian Copyright Act, which requires a licence. Neither the producers nor Netflix obtained permission before using the music, the complaint alleges.

The organisation also highlighted that the show is first recorded before a live audience, where the songs are played audibly, and later streamed on Netflix. This, it says, adds to the extent of the alleged infringement. Prior to filing the suit, PPL India issued a cease-and-desist notice in early November, but claims the response from the show’s makers was only a holding reply and did not stop the use of its sound recordings.

PPL India has asked the High Court to stop the use of its copyrighted music without a licence, reveal any earnings from the allegedly unauthorised use, and consider appointing a court receiver to seize infringing materials. The matter is expected to come up in the commercial division of the Bombay High Court soon.

Representatives for Kapil Sharma, Netflix, and the production companies had not commented at the time of reporting.

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”

Two days are left for the release of Tu Meri Main Tera Main Tera Tu Meri, starring Kartik Aaryan and Ananya Panday, and the excitement is slowly building up thanks to its fresh look, youthful appeal, music and casting. The advance booking of the film commenced over the weekend and in this article, Bollywood Hungama will inform readers about the demand put forward by Dharma Productions’ in-house distribution team in front of the single-screen theatres and multiplexes.

A trade source told Bollywood Hungama, “The team of Tu Meri Main Tera Main Tera Tu Meri are aware that Dhurandhar is still unstoppable and will continue to find a huge audience on Christmas, when their film will arrive in cinemas. They also know that Avatar: Fire And Ash has taken up several shows and screens. Hence, they have asked for fair and modest showcasing, keeping in mind the realities.”

The source continued, “The distribution team of Tu Meri Main Tera Main Tera Tu Meri has asked for a minimum of 2 shows in theatres with 1 screen. In 2-screen plexes, they have asked for 5 shows. Multiplexes with 3, 4, 5 and 6 screens need to play 6, 8, 12 and 14 shows a day, respectively. Lastly, for multiplexes with 7 screens and more, the team of the film have asked for 16 shows. This is the minimum number of shows that they have requested.”

The source then said, “Despite these fair demands, the team of the film is struggling to get the desired number of shows. As of 9:00 am on December 23, only theatres with 4 more screens and more have opened bookings, that too in just one screen. Single-screens and 2 and 3-screen cinemas are yet to commence ticket sales as negotiations are still going on. Thankfully, Avatar: Fire And Ash didn’t get a release in single screens and hence, these theatres need to divide shows only between Dhurandhar and the romcom. But even that is proving to be a challenge as the demand for Dhurandhar is just not subsiding even after 18 days. Moreover, both Dhurandhar and Avatar: Fire And Ash are more than 3 hour films. So in multiplexes, dividing shows between the three films will also prove to be a challenge.”

An industry insider commented, “We have seen distributors being unreasonable and forcing cinemas to give 100% showcasing to their films. Keeping that in mind, kudos to Karan Johar and his team for being reasonable and practical and not asking for too many shows. Also, Tu Meri Main Tera Main Tera Tu Meri features a rising star like Kartik Aaryan and it belongs to a genre that has a lot of takers. Hence, we hope that cinemas give this film a chance.”

Also Read: Tu Meri Main Tera Main Tera Tu Meri faces copyright trouble; Trimurti Films moves Bombay HC against Karan Johar’s Dharma Productions over ‘Saat Samundar Paar’ use

Bengaluru-based D2C nutrition brand Supply6 has roped in actor and entrepreneur Kriti Sanon as its brand ambassador and investor, marking a strategic association rooted in her experience as a consumer of the brand’s products.

According to the company, the partnership evolved organically after Sanon began using Supply6’s offerings as part of her daily routine. Her continued engagement with the products eventually led to discussions around a deeper collaboration, aligning with her growing interest in the health and wellness space.

Founded in 2019 by Vaibhav Bhandari and Rahul Jacob, Supply6 focuses on addressing everyday nutritional gaps through routine-based consumption rather than trend-driven fitness solutions. Its product portfolio includes a daily nutrition drink, zero-sugar electrolytes and protein-based wafers. Sanon was first introduced to the brand through its zero-sugar electrolyte product, Supply6 Salts, which became a regular part of her routine.

The company stated that the association aims to strengthen its connection with urban consumers by emphasising simple, consistent habits such as hydration and balanced nutrition. Commenting on the partnership, co-founder Vaibhav Bhandari said Sanon’s transition from consumer to investor closely reflects the brand’s philosophy. He added that the collaboration will help Supply6 reach its next phase of growth by expanding its consumer base with a message grounded in everyday wellness.

View this post on Instagram

  A post shared by Supply6 — All-in-one Nutrition (@supply6)

Kriti Sanon, who has increasingly invested in consumer-facing businesses, said Supply6’s focus on practical nutrition drove her decision to join the company. She noted that the products were easy to integrate into daily life and that her trust in the brand’s science and intent developed over time, investing a natural progression.

The announcement comes shortly after Supply6 raised Rs 9.1 crore in a seed funding round led by Zeropearl VC, with participation from other investors. The company has also recently launched a Protein Wafer Bar containing 10 grams of protein, no maida and no added sugar. In addition, Supply6 is expanding its footprint in international markets, including the United States.

Supply6 had earlier onboarded former South African cricketer AB de Villiers as an investor and brand ambassador, strengthening its lineup of strategic partners as it scales its operations.

Also Read: Kriti Sanon on Tere Ishk Mein being called misogynistic, “That basically means the film made you think and feel and that is really important”

Yesterday, Bollywood Hungama broke the exciting news that the much-awaited teaser of Battle Of Galwan will be unveiled on the birthday of its lead actor Salman Khan, that is, December 27. We now bring to you one more update about the film and its release plans.

A source told Bollywood Hungama, “If all goes well, the release date of Battle Of Galwan will be mentioned in the teaser. This increases the excitement for the promo even more as not just fans, but even the industry and trade are curious to know when Salman Khan will bring his grand war epic into the cinemas.”

Bollywood Hungama had earlier reported that Battle Of Galwan is expected to release in June or July. Later, we also said that Salman is also toying with the idea of bringing the film on Eid and thus reclaiming the slot usually reserved for his films since 2009.”

The source further said, “The team of the film is looking at multiple dates. Eid was and is still in consideration. But since Dhurandhar 2 has been announced for an Eid release, the chances now are remote. Salman Khan is a fair person and he is clear that he would not like to clash with any other film. He feels it's wrong that someone has taken up a date and he should bring his film on the same day. Hence, the team is trying to get a date which is vacant and appropriate for a grand film like Battle Of Galwan. They are now looking at all the summer months, between March and June.”

The source continued, “There have been murmurs in the trade that one of the biggies, scheduled for a release in the summer, might get pushed. The team of Battle Of Galwan is closely keeping an eye on it and whether the team can take up that date. If that doesn’t happen, they’ll look for some other date. The team is working hard on this front and expect to lock the release date in a day or two and mention the same in the promo. There’s a small chance that they might not find an apt release date in the next 3-4 days. In such a scenario, no release date will be mentioned in the teaser. But they hope to find a slot and make it known to the world with the promo.”

Besides Salman Khan, Battle Of Galwan also stars Chitrangda Singh. Salman plays the role of Colonel Bikkumalla Santosh Babu in this film, which is based on a chapter in the book ‘India’s Most Fearless 3’ (2022), authored by Shiv Aroor and Rahul Singh. It is directed by Apoorva Lakhia.

Also Read: EXCLUSIVE: Teaser of Battle Of Galwan to be unveiled on Salman Khan’s 60th birthday on December 27

As 2025 draws to a close, the year stands out as a surprising one for the Indian film industry, marked by several sleeper hits. While the year is set to end with Kartik Aaryan’s Tu Meri Main Tera Main Tera Tu Meri, anticipation around a slate of 2026 releases is steadily building. One of the most keenly awaited among them is Shahid Kapoor’s fourth collaboration with filmmaker Vishal Bhardwaj, O Romeo.

The makers appear keen to wrap up filming quickly, with the final leg of the shoot scheduled to begin on December 28. The team is unlikely to take a break for New Year celebrations, as Bhardwaj plans to kick off a 10-day patch shoot at Vrundavan Studios in Malad.

According to a report by Mid-Day, this phase will include action sequences and dialogue-heavy scenes. A source quoted by the publication revealed, “It’s a patch shoot, with some action and dialogue-heavy scenes lined up.” The report further stated that the first two days will largely focus on Shahid Kapoor’s portions, while co-stars Triptii Dimri and Randeep Hooda will not be required during this phase.

View this post on Instagram

  A post shared by Shahid Kapoor (@shahidkapoor)

Following a brief New Year break, the production is expected to resume with an additional eight-day shoot in January 2026. This schedule will reportedly involve crowd scenes and sequences using body doubles. “If required, the actors may be asked to report for a day or two,” the source added. Meanwhile, post-production work on the action thriller is already underway to ensure the film stays on track for its February 13 release.

View this post on Instagram

  A post shared by Shahid Kapoor (@shahidkapoor)

Produced by Sajid Nadiadwala under the Nadiadwala Grandson Entertainment banner, O Romeo is being positioned as a visually driven, high-octane action thriller with a strong romantic thread. The film also stars veteran actor Nana Patekar. The film is slated for a Valentine’s Day 2026 release.

Also Read: BREAKING: Sajid Nadiadwala’s Shahid Kapoor-starrer O Romeo expands ensemble with Vikrant Massey, Tamannaah Bhatia, Disha Patani

Choreographer Vijay Ganguly has addressed the recent buzz surrounding the song ‘Shararat’ from Dhurandhar, firmly clarifying that Tamannaah Bhatia was never under consideration for the sequence. His statement comes in response to headlines and online chatter suggesting that the actress was “rejected” for the song—a claim he has categorically dismissed.

Taking to social media, Ganguly expressed disappointment over how conversations around creative decisions often get distorted. He highlighted how selective framing and sensationalised language can divert attention away from the craft itself. “I genuinely enjoy conversations around cinema and the many layers that go into making a film. That said, I've often refrained from putting myself out there because, at times, words get selectively lifted, misquoted or sensationalised to serve headlines rather than the craft. It's unfortunate that instead of the conversation staying on the song and the creative intent behind ‘Shararat’, the focus has shifted to comparisons between two wonderful artists, with strong and reductive terms like ‘rejections’ being used - something that was never the spirit of what was shared,” he wrote.

Ganguly went on to reiterate the collaborative nature of filmmaking and urged for a more nuanced understanding of creative choices. “Cinema is collaborative. It thrives on respect, nuance and context. I hope we can keep the spotlight where it belongs - on the work and the many people who pour their hearts into it,” he added.

Putting speculation to rest, the choreographer clearly explained why Tamannaah Bhatia was not part of the discussion for ‘Shararat’. “To clarify: Tamannaah Bhatia was never under consideration because her star power is so significant it might have overwhelmed the specific needs of this scene. In Dhurandhar, the music is woven into a high-stakes moment where the tension is key. The makers opted for two performers to keep the focus on the story's progression. This choice was about protecting the film's atmosphere and ensuring the narrative remains the hero of the sequence,” Ganguly stated.

His clarification effectively counters claims of rejection, instead highlighting that casting decisions are driven by storytelling requirements and tonal balance, rather than notions of acceptance or refusal. The emphasis, according to Ganguly, was on ensuring that the song served the film’s tension and narrative momentum without distraction.

Meanwhile, Tamannaah Bhatia continues to receive widespread appreciation for her recent work. She was last seen in The Ba***ds of Bollywood, where her song ‘Ghafoor’ has been trending across social media platforms, reinforcing her strong screen presence and popularity.

With Ganguly’s statement now on record, the focus returns to the creative intent of Dhurandhar —underlining a key filmmaking truth that every casting choice is ultimately about serving the story, not sidelining star power.

Also Read: Ranveer Singh starrer Dhurandhar rewrites overseas box office records in 2025; is now the biggest overseas grosser of 2025, surpasses Saiyaara with USD 20.9 million

In a significant order aimed at curbing the misuse of celebrity identities in the digital space, the Delhi High Court on Monday, December 22, passed an interim injunction safeguarding the personality rights of actor R Madhavan. The court restrained the unauthorised commercial use of the actor’s name, image, and likeness, while also directing action against obscene and misleading content circulated online.

The ad interim order was passed by Justice Manmeet Pritam Singh Arora, who acknowledged the growing threat posed by deepfake technology and AI-generated content. The court barred the sale of merchandise and other commercial products that exploit Madhavan’s personality traits without consent and ordered the removal of objectionable material found to be infringing upon his rights.

Appearing for the actor, Senior Advocate Swathi Sukumar detailed how several defendants had allegedly circulated deepfake and AI-generated content, including fabricated trailers and misleading visuals falsely associated with Madhavan. It was submitted that such material not only misrepresents the actor but also risks causing reputational harm.

The court was informed that Madhavan had already taken steps to address the issue by approaching social media platforms to seek removal of the infringing content before filing the suit. This aspect gained significance in light of the judge’s earlier clarification that individuals seeking urgent relief against objectionable online content must first exhaust remedies available with digital platforms before invoking judicial intervention.

While granting relief, Justice Arora specifically ordered an injunction against the sale of unauthorised merchandise linked to certain defendants and extended protection against obscene content circulated using the actor’s identity. The court observed that misuse of a public figure’s persona—particularly through advanced technologies—raises serious legal and ethical concerns.

The order adds R Madhavan’s name to a growing list of public figures who have sought judicial protection for their personality rights amid the rapid rise of AI-driven impersonation. Similar legal actions have previously been initiated by personalities such as Pawan Kalyan, Sunil Gavaskar, Salman Khan, and Jr NTR, while courts have also extended protection to figures including Sri Sri Ravi Shankar, Nagarjuna, Aishwarya Rai Bachchan, Abhishek Bachchan, and Karan Johar.

Notably, Justice Arora has recently passed comparable orders in favour of journalist Sudhir Chaudhary and podcaster Raj Shamani, recognising the heightened vulnerability of well-known individuals to digital misuse.

The ruling in Madhavan’s case reinforces the judiciary’s evolving stance on personality rights in the age of artificial intelligence, underlining that public visibility does not dilute an individual’s right to dignity, reputation, and lawful control over their identity.

Also Read: R Madhavan on Akshaye Khanna grabbing attention for Dhurandhar, “I cannot be happier for Akshaye, he deserves every bit of the adulation”