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”

In a major development that has sent waves through Bollywood, actress Rani Mukerji is reported to have signed on to star alongside Akshay Kumar in the highly anticipated third instalment of the Oh My God franchise, titled OMG 3. The collaboration would mark the first time these two stalwarts of Hindi cinema have shared screen space, sparking excitement among fans and industry watchers alike.

A source close to the project told entertainment portal Pinkvilla that Mukerji’s addition elevates the film into what could be one of the biggest casting coups in recent years. “This is easily one of the biggest castings in recent years. Oh My God is among Akshay Kumar’s most loved franchises, and it’s only getting bigger with Rani Mukerji joining the film. Her presence will add immense gravitas and freshness to the narrative,” the source said.

Oh My God and its sequel OMG 2 have built a reputation for blending social commentary with entertainment. The first film explored themes of blind faith, while OMG 2 tackled the sensitive subject of sex education in Indian schools — with Kumar returning in a divine role that resonated with Indian audiences.

While specific plot details for OMG 3 are still under wraps, the franchise’s creative team — led once again by director Amit Rai — is reportedly aiming to push the envelope further, with a story that is “bigger, more relevant and hard-hitting” than the previous instalments, according to the same insider. “Akshay was clear that OMG 3 had to scale up in every aspect, from story, emotions, to performances, and Rani coming on board has made the film even bigger,” the source added.

The project is currently in pre-production and is expected to go on floors by mid-2026, according to reports, with makers planning a formal announcement in the coming weeks.

Also Read: Anees Bazmee to shoot his next comedy with Akshay Kumar and Vidya Balan from January 15

Akshay Kumar and Priyadarshan are reuniting after 14 long years on the horror comedy Bhooth Bangla. The film is produced by Ekta Kapoor with Akshay Kumar and was announced to release on April 3, 2025. However, Bollywood Hungama has exclusively learnt that the film is getting postponed and a new release date will be announced soon.

A source close to the project shared with Bollywood Hungama, "Akshay Kumar is aware that Dhurandhar 2 could rewrite history at the box office and doesn't want to arrive in the middle of what could be a historic moment of Indian Cinema. He is a smart businessman, and also saw how the first part of Dhurandhar took a hit on the Christmas release, Tu Meri Main Tera Main Tera Tu Meri. He has discussed the idea of delay with Ekta Kapoor, and will be announcing a new date soon."

The source also confirmed that for Akshay, it is always about business acumen and not ego. "Akshay isn't someone who would claim ownership of a date just because he announced it first. He thinks for the industry, and after a long chat with Aditya Dhar and Jyoti Deshpande about Dhurandhar 2, he has himself decided to push the horror comedy back by a month or two," the source told Bollywood Hungama.

Also Read: Wamiqa Gabbi calls working with Akshay Kumar and Priyadarshan on Bhooth Bangla a ‘childhood dream’

Continuing its brilliant run since early December, Dhurandhar has emerged as a record-breaking box office performer and now the Union Territory of Ladakh has declared the Bollywood blockbuster Dhurandhar tax-free amid the film’s historic box office performance and widespread audience response in India and overseas.

The announcement was made by the Office of the Lt. Governor, Ladakh, through an official communication shared on X. Lt. Governor Shri Kavinder Gupta confirmed that the Aditya Dhar-directed espionage thriller will be exempt from entertainment tax across the UT.

Directed by National Award-winning filmmaker Aditya Dhar, Dhurandhar is produced by Jio Studios and B62 Studios. The film stars Ranveer Singh in the lead, alongside a heavyweight ensemble cast that includes Akshaye Khanna, R. Madhavan, Sanjay Dutt and Arjun Rampal. Designed as a large-scale espionage thriller, the film traces covert intelligence operations set against intelligence operations inspired by real events.

Lt Governor Shri @KavinderGupta declares Bollywood film “Dhurandhar” tax-free in UT #Ladakh. Shot extensively in the region, the film spotlights Ladakh’s cinematic landscapes, signalling strong support for filmmakers and reinforcing the UT’s push to emerge as a preferred — Office of the Lt. Governor, Ladakh (@lg_ladakh) January 2, 2026

Amid this unprecedented commercial success and strong audience reception worldwide, Ladakh’s decision to make the film tax-free is being seen as an impetus for the film to grow stronger. “Shot extensively in the region, the film spotlights Ladakh’s cinematic landscapes, signalling strong support for filmmakers and reinforcing the UT’s push to emerge as a preferred," the official tweet read.

Dhurandhar is a high-octane action-thriller written, directed, and produced by Aditya Dhar, and produced by Jyoti Deshpande and Lokesh Dhar. It features a stellar cast including Ranveer Singh, Akshaye Khanna, Sanjay Dutt, R. Madhavan, Arjun Rampal and Sara Arjun. Presented by Jio Studios, a B62 Studios production, the film opened to massive numbers at the box office and is witnessing a successful theatrical run.

With Dhurandhar continuing its glorious theatrical run and building anticipation for its sequel that drops in March, the tax-free declaration adds another milestone to the film’s already landmark journey.

Also Read: Ranveer Singh’s debut film, Band Baaja Baaraat, to re-release on January 16, 2026, amid Dhurandhar wave

Filmmaker Farhan Akhtar’s highly anticipated action film Don 3 is undergoing another wave of casting developments, with reports emerging that actor Rajat Bedi is being considered to replace Vikrant Massey in a pivotal role. It is speculated that the discussions are underway as the makers work to finalise the ensemble ahead of production.

According to a report by Hindustan Times, Farhan Akhtar — who is directing the third instalment of the celebrated Don franchise — has shown interest in bringing in Rajat Bedi, fresh off his widely-noticed performance in The Ba***ds of Bollywood (2025). Bedi’s potential involvement comes after several high-profile changes in the film’s cast, including the earlier exits of Vikrant Massey and Kiara Advani.

Readers may recall that in July 2025, Bollywood Hungama reported that Massey — who was initially cast in what was described as a significant character — stepped away from the project due to creative concerns about the depth and development of his role. While the makers have not officially confirmed any replacements, insider reports suggest that Akhtar’s team has entered discussions with Bedi, and further conversations are expected to take place in January 2026.

Don 3, which forms a part of the long-running and celebrated Don franchise, has been subject to speculation ever since Ranveer Singh, originally announced as part of the film, exited the project amid creative disagreements. The shifting dynamics have prompted several casting ideas, including suggestions involving other leading actors, but nothing has been finalised.

Also Read: Ranveer Singh did not quit Don 3 because of Dhurandhar success, but creative differences: Report

A political storm is brewing around Shah Rukh Khan’s IPL team Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) after the franchise signed Bangladeshi fast bowler Mustafizur Rahman ahead of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 season. The controversial decision has drawn sharp criticism not only from political leaders but also from the Shiv Sena (Uddhav Balasaheb Thackeray faction) — which warned that the player’s IPL earnings could potentially be diverted to fund terrorism.

The issue erupted after KKR selected Mustafizur Rahman, the only Bangladeshi cricketer picked in the 2026 IPL auction for Rs 9.2 crores. While some commentators have framed the move as a purely sporting decision, it quickly became a political flashpoint, with critics linking the signing to broader concerns about national security and religious sentiments.

Mumbai, Maharashtra: On KKR buying a Bangladeshi player, Shiv Sena (UBT) spokesperson Anand Dubey says, "...If Shah Rukh Khan removes him from his team, we will all respect him, honor him, and give him due recognition. But if Shah Rukh Khan plays him and earns money, that money… pic.twitter.com/o5s1bAhyYV — IANS (@ians_india) January 1, 2026

On January 1, 2026, Shiv Sena (UBT) spokesperson Anand Dubey issued a warning aimed at Khan — who co-owns KKR — saying that if the club allows Mustafizur Rahman to participate, the earnings he receives in the IPL might be used “to fund terrorism.” Dubey suggested that removing the player from the team could earn respect, but alleged that permitting him to play would pose potential risks.

This is not the first politically charged reaction to KKR’s signing. Earlier, BJP leaders and other figures voiced opposition over Mustafizur’s inclusion, linking it to minority persecution in Bangladesh and broader national sentiments. Some have even called Shah Rukh Khan a “traitor” for supporting foreign players after the killing of Deepu Chandra Das in Bangladesh.

While calling Shahrukh Khan a traitor, UP BJP leader Sangeet Som in a statement said," If a player like Rahman come to India, he will not be able to step out of the airport." pic.twitter.com/4RuhsGYWzJ — Piyush Rai (@Benarasiyaa) December 31, 2025

As the IPL 2026 season approaches, KKR’s roster choice remains a talking point, and reactions from both critics and supporters indicate that discussions will continue on and off the field.

Also Read: Shah Rukh Khan spotted at Mumbai dubbing studio, fans speculate major King update ahead

Writer-thinker-poet-lyricist Javed Akhtar has repeatedly reiterated he is an atheist. Now, a mischievous, hugely damaging video showing Javed Akhtar wearing a cap and embracing Islam has surfaced on the internet.

And Javed saab is not amused. “Who does all this? Yeh log kaun hai (who are these people)? They must be taught a lesson. Religious belief is a very personal matter. It is a private equation between Man and God. It is especially inviolable when one doesn’t have a relationship with God. I don’t. So who are you to make up an equation between me and the Creator?”

Javed saab has taken a decision to take stern legal action against the perpetrators of this unauthorized video. “We often allow such mischief—and that’s a mild word, it’s much more deleterious—to slide from sight. That’s wrong. It only encourages the troublemakers to get bolder. I won’t let it slide.”

Also Read: Javed Akhtar and Shatrughan Sinha condemn Nitish Kumar for pulling off a woman’s hijab: “He owes an unconditional apology to the lady”

PVR INOX, in association with Yash Raj Films, will re-release Band Baaja Baaraat on January 16, 2026—15 years after its original release on December 10, 2010. Directed by Maneesh Sharma, the film marked the debut of Ranveer Singh and starred Anushka Sharma in a sparkling story of ambition, love, and friendship, set against the vibrant world of Delhi weddings. Produced by Yash Raj Films, Band Baaja Baaraat went on to become a cultural phenomenon, earning both critical acclaim and immense audience love for its youthful, infectious energy, memorable music, and refreshingly new storytelling.

Band Baaja Baaraat reimagined both romance and friendship by situating its protagonists within the frenetic, lived-in world of Delhi weddings. Deeply rooted in local culture and everyday reality, the film had quietly reset the rules of the modern Bollywood love story. It captured an aspirational, entrepreneurial India—young, ambitious, and unapologetically middle-class—with rare warmth and authenticity. Its cultural impact lay in normalising the idea that love could grow out of partnership, equality, and conflict rather than grand destiny alone, while also turning the Indian wedding from a glossy backdrop into a lived-in social ecosystem. Cinematically, it ushered in a new wave of rom-coms grounded in rooted settings, colloquial dialogue, and flawed characters.

Speaking about the re-release, Niharika Bijli, Lead Strategist, PVR INOX, said, “Band Baaja Baaraat is one of those rare films that never loses its charm. It remains fun and immensely relatable, no matter when—or with whom—you watch it. Re-releasing the film is our way of celebrating modern storytelling that continues to resonate across generations. With its timeless music, sharp humour, and deeply lived-in performances, the film captures the spirit of friendship, love, ambition, and life just as it is. We’re excited to bring it back for a new generation to discover its magic on the big screen."

Director of the film, Maneesh Sharma, said, “Band Baaja Baaraat was born from a very simple idea. I had read a magazine piece about young Indian entrepreneurs, and something stayed with me—people with limited resources still stepping out, taking risks, and trying to build something of their own, even on a small scale. That became the seed of the story. It eventually grew into a film about love, friendship, and ambition—authentic, messy, and deeply rooted in the streets we know. Over the years, the film has found a life of its own with audiences across generations, geographies, and different moments in their lives. I am really looking forward to see people loving our film that was made with a lot of heart again on the big screen.”

The re-release of Band Baaja Baaraat is part of PVR INOX’s ongoing initiative to honour exceptional talents and landmark films from India and around the world. By bringing timeless films back to the big screen, PVR INOX not only revives the magic of great cinema but also creates a rare opportunity—for a new generation to discover these cinematic masterpieces and for the generation that grew up with them to relive their nostalgia and charm.

Audiences can experience the joy, music, romance, and celebration of Band Baaja Baaraat once again at PVR INOX cinemas starting January 16, 2026. Booking details and theatre listings will be available soon on the official PVR INOX app and website.

Also Read: 14 Years Of Ranveer Singh: Actor gets nostalgic as he completes 14 years in Bollywood with Band Baaja Baaraat: “When my dreams became a reality”

Bollywood Hungama was one of the first ones to break the news that Sidharth Malhotra has bagged an out-and-out commercial entertainer, which will be produced by Mahaveer Jain's Mahaveer Jain Films. Now, Bollywood Hungama brings to you another exciting update about this film. We have learned that none other than Rajkumar Santoshi is expected to come on board for this film as a director.

A trade source told us, “Rajkumar Santoshi’s forte is not just hard-hitting flicks like Ghayal (1990), Damini (1993), Ghatak (1996), Khakee (2004) etc., but also entertainers like Andaz Apna Apna (1994), Ajab Prem Ki Ghazab Kahani (2009) etc. He knows how to make a wholesome entertainer and this film is right up his alley. The discussions are going on with him at an advanced stage.”

Rajkumar Santoshi is currently providing finishing touches to his dream project, Lahore 1947, starring Sunny Deol, Preity Zinta, Shabana Azmi and Ali Fazal. Aamir Khan serves as the film’s producer and he would also feature in the film in a cameo.

Earlier, it was reported that Raaj Shaandilyaa of Dream Girl (2019) fame was expected to come on board as a director. The source further said, “The pre-production is going on in full swing on this film. The makers expect to lock the director soon and they hope Raj ji can don the director’s hat for this film. There’s also a requirement for a senior actor for a crucial role and the makers are in talks for the same.”

The film is written by Sanjeev. Mrighdeep Singh Lamba serves as a producer, being a partner in Mahaveer Jain Films (MJF). Earlier, a source told Bollywood Hungama, “The film has loads of comedy and also has a thrill element. Sidharth excitedly came on board as he knows that it’s a film that’ll present him in a never-before-seen avatar and also expand his fan base. As a result, he’s giving his hundred per cent towards prepping for the role.”

Also Read: SCOOP: Rajkumar Santoshi to direct Sunny Deol in Jaat 2; director paid whopping Rs. 15 cr. as fees

Birthday girl Vidya Balan gets an unexpected gift from Anees Bazmee. She begins shooting for the filmmaker’s next, which also stars Akshay Kumar, from January 15. The shooting will continue till January 20.

After Bhool Bhulaiyaa and Heyy Babyy in 2007, Thank You in 2011 and Mission Mangal in 2019, Vidya Balan and Akshay Kumar are coming together again. Anees Bazmee earlier directed the pair in the comedy Thank You.

On probing the captivating casting, one came to know that Anees would be tapping into Vidya-Akshay’s combined comic capabilities. Everyone knows of Akshay’s impeccable comic timing. But Vidya, who has flaunted a fleeting flair for the funnies in Anees’ Bhool Bhulaiya 3, would be exposing her humour fangs like never before.

Also Read: REVEALED: Akshay Kumar-Vidya Balan-Anees Bazmee film to go on floors on January 19 in Mumbai; Dil Raju clarifies on Sankranthiki Vasthunam remake reports

The year 2026 will begin on a thrilling and erotic note for Indian cinegoers, thanks to the release of The Housemaid. The film released in the West on December 19 and has been appreciated for its subject, twists and turns and performances, especially that of Sydney Sweeney and Amanda Seyfried. However, Indian audiences may be disappointed to learn that the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) has edited out a significant portion of the film’s intimate scenes.

The CBFC awarded The Housemaid an ‘A’ certificate on December 4 after asking for some modifications. The words ‘b***h’, ‘c**t’ and ‘motherf****r’ were muted, as per the recommendations of the Examining Committee. Secondly, the studio partner was asked to delete ‘nudity visuals of women's breasts…whenever it occurs’. As a result, a whopping 8 minutes of screen time have been axed, the longest cut due to censor diktats in recent times.

Bollywood Hungama has learned that a long, intense lovemaking scene involving Sydney Sweeney won’t be available in India. Another similar sequence has also faced cuts. A scene of Amanda Seyfried using a breast pump was also asked to be removed. However, a brief shot showing the buttocks of the male lead, Brandon Sklenar, has been retained.

Despite the cuts, the film’s narrative and erotic nature remain largely unaffected, according to those who saw the censored version. The original run time of The Housemaid was 131.46 minutes, that is, 2 hours, 11 minutes and 46 seconds. After the cuts and inclusion of the anti-smoking ad in the beginning and after the interval, the revised duration of the film in India is 125.46 minutes. In other words, The Housemaid is now 2 hours, 5 minutes and 46 seconds long.

The Housemaid tells the story of a woman on parole who’s desperate to find work. She lands a job as a housemaid at the palatial residence of a wealthy family. All seems well at first, but she slowly realizes that her life could be in danger while working for them.