The comic caper Housefull 5 performed well at the box office over the weekend as it collected more than Rs. 80 crores. It wasn’t just another laugh riot; it is a murder mystery and moreover, two versions of the film were released. Named Housefull 5A and Housefull 5B, it had two different endings, that is, the murderer differed. The strategy caught attention and further added to the chatter around the film. In this special feature, we’ll analyse whether this strategy paid dividends to the makers at the ticket window.

On Wednesday, we reported that the distributors and makers have planned to divide shows equally between the two versions and in single screens, 3 shows of 5A will be played and two shows of 5B will be played. But on the day of release, it became clear that 5A was getting more preference from the viewers. Accordingly, theatres reduced shows of Housefull 5B from Saturday or Sunday.

Bollywood Hungama looked at cinemas across the country to check the showcasing on Sunday and Monday. Many cinemas had reduced the shows of Housefull 5B on Sunday and it further went down on Monday.

Cinepolis Thane played 28 shows of 5A and 10 shows of 5B on Sunday. On Monday, the sprawling multiplex will play 29 shows of 5A and 7 shows of 5B. MovieTime Hub Goregaon has reduced 5B's shows from 5 on Sunday to 3 on Monday.

PVR Lower Parel played 10 shows of both Housefull 5A and 5B on Sunday. An industry insider explained, “Some cinemas had opened bookings until Sunday and patrons must have booked some tickets in every show. Hence, many cinemas didn't change the schedule until Sunday but will make the change from Monday.”

From Monday, PVR Lower Parel will play 6 shows of 5B while 5A will have 13 shows a day. The same applies to MovieMax Sion. From 5 shows to both 5A and 5B on Sunday, the schedule was tweaked from Monday. 5A will have 5 shows while only 3 shows a day have been allotted to 5B.

Outside Mumbai, the difference is even more profound. Cinepolis P&M Mall, Patna, on Sunday, had as many as 12 shows of Housefull 5A on Sunday while Housefull 5B had just 1 show. Connplex Cinemas JD Mall, Patna also allotted just 1 show of Housefull 5B. Entertainment Paradise, Jaipur had 5 shows of 5B on Sunday and on Monday, it'll have just 1 show.

PVR Logix, Noida played 23 shows of 5A on Sunday and 13 shows of 5B. The number went down to 11 for 5B. Inox Nehru Place, Delhi reduced the shows of 5B from 6 shows on Sunday to just 2 on Monday.

PVR Elante Chandigarh, too, will have just 2 shows of 5B from Monday, down from 5 shows on Sunday. In Kolkata, Cinepolis Lake Mall and Cinepolis Acropolis Mall are playing 5B with 1 show a day while 5A has 8 shows.

Some cinemas are an exception. Miraj Wadala, Mumbai had 6 shows of both 5A and 5B on Sunday and kept the same showcasing for Monday. Wide Angle Ahmedabad, meanwhile, has astonished one and all as it played more shows of Housefull 5B than 5A. On Sunday, it allotted 4 shows to 5A and 9 shows to 5B. On Monday, no show of 5A has been scheduled while 5B will continue to have all 9 shows.

On the other hand, some cinemas have done away with Housefull 5B completely. Cinepolis Mohali had 16 shows of Housefull 5A on Sunday and 15 shows on Monday. 5B, meanwhile, had zero shows on both days. The iconic Raj Mandir, Jaipur has 4 shows of Housefull 5, all of which are of 5A.

Even The Friday Cinema in Surat has done the same. Kiritbhai T Vaghasia, the owner of The Friday Cinema, explained, “On Friday, I kept equal shows of both versions. But we realized that moviegoers didn’t know about it and there was confusion. Some assumed that Housefull 5B is a sequel to Housefull 5A! Therefore, they decided to watch 5A first and hoped to watch 5B later in the week or next week.”

He added, “Moreover, on BookMyShow, patrons were invariably selecting 5A while checking the bookings. They would select the show of their choice and book tickets. This affected footfalls of 5B while Housefull 5A got a great response. Very few chose 5B; it was running at 50% occupancy of 5A.”

He continued, “On Saturday, I kept just one show of 5B, early in the morning. The other theatres of Surat have also opted for the same strategy.”

Vishek Chauhan, owner of Roopbani Cinema in Purnia, Bihar, exulted, “Logically, A comes before B. So, people opt for 5A.  I believe that there shouldn’t have been 2 versions. It created confusion. From Week 2, I’d suggest that the makers should play either 5A or 5B. Or ideally, the makers should have released Housefull 5B two weeks later, when Sitaare Zameen Par would arrive in cinemas. They should have announced that they had already shot an alternate ending and that it’s now available in cinemas. That would have made sense and would have enticed people to see it again.”

An exhibitor from North India said, “5B shows have been reduced. This is because when you open the booking websites, 5A is seen first. Hence, the sale of 5A is more. The public is not even looking at Housefull 5B’s page. Hence, to capitalize on 5A’s popularity, 5B’s shows are being reduced and replaced with the former. On Friday, it was 50-50 or 60-40. But when theatres realized what was happening, they immediately changed. Now it’s either 70-30 or 80-20.”

What is heartening is that the film has been accepted. Kiritbhai T Vaghasia said, “The ticket sales were very encouraging on Saturday and Sunday. As for the word of mouth, it is a bit mixed. Those who are watching with their families are getting embarrassed with certain jokes. Yet, it got a great turnout.”

Vishek Chauhan agreed, “Everywhere, the film has performed well. It is a success. In fact, 5B’s suspense has been liked more.”

The industry insider explained, “Producer Sajid Nadiadwala should be lauded for trying something new. No other producer would have dared to think of something like this, forget executing it. Sajid implemented it so neatly and hence, both he and this move would go down in history.”

Also Read: Akshay Kumar surprises fans in disguise outside Bandra theatre for Housefull 5

One of the biggest multi-starrers of Hindi Cinema, Housefull 5, was released on Friday and has been well-received. This was evident with the hold on Monday. The film has nearly 19 major actors - Akshay Kumar, Abhishek A Bachchan, Riteish Deshmukh, Jacqueline Fernandez, Sonam Bajwa, Nargis Fakhri, Sanjay Dutt, Jackie Shroff, Nana Patekar, Chitrangada Singh, Fardeen Khan, Chunky Pandey, Johnny Lever, Shreyas Talpade, Dino Morea, Ranjeet, Soundarya Sharma, Nikitin Dheer and Akashdeep Sabir. If producer Sajid Nadiadwala had his way, he would have expanded this already sprawling star cast.

Bollywood Hungama has learned that two veteran actors, Anil Kapoor and Amitabh Bachchan, were also offered roles in Housefull 5. A source told Bollywood Hungama, “Initially, the plan was to have Anil Kapoor and Nana Patekar play the cops. These roles were ultimately played by Sanjay Dutt and Jackie Shroff. The idea was to have Uday-Majnu kind of banter between Anil and Nana.”

The source continued, “However, Anil declined the offer. Hence, Sajid Nadiadwala decided to have Sanjay Dutt and Jackie Shroff as the cops. That combination also works as they both appeared in Khal Nayak (1993). On the other hand, Amitabh Bachchan was offered the role of the senior cop. He respectfully declined, probably because he is 80+ and is selective about his roles. Nana was already a part of the film and hence, he was given the role of the senior cop that was originally intended for Big B.”

Last year, there were reports that Anil Kapoor refused to come on board for Housefull 5 due to remuneration issues. Meanwhile, there are also speculations that Boman Irani was probably also offered the film, particularly the role of Batook Patel. The character has been a part of all Housefull films, except Housefull 4 (2019) and it was Boman who has always played Batook. In Housefull 5, the role of the Gujarati character was essayed by Johny Lever.

Also Read: Housefull 5: Choreographer Remo D’Souza faces dance plagiarism allegations from content creator over the song ‘Laal Pari’

Dancer, choreographer, and digital content creator Sandip Brahamin has publicly accused Housefull 5 choreographer Remo D’Souza of copying one of his signature dance moves for the film’s song ‘Laal Pari’, without giving him credit. The allegation was made through an Instagram video that Sandip shared recently, reigniting the debate around creative plagiarism in the entertainment industry.

About a month ago, after the song was unveiled, Sandip called out the choreographer for copying his original steps without attribution. In the video, he specifically addressed the resemblance of moves in ‘Laal Pari’ to a sequence from one of his older dance clips. He said in the video, “You all have seen my signature moves. My move has been copied in Housefull 5 song Laal Pari. Many of my friends DMed me on Instagram. Therefore, I rechecked on Instagram and YouTube. They’ve neither mentioned me nor have they given me credit. I don’t know what is happening.”

The video also included side-by-side comparisons showing lead actors Akshay Kumar, Abhishek Bachchan, and Riteish Deshmukh performing the contested step, followed by footage of Sandip performing what he claims to be the original choreography. The similarity between the moves has led many online viewers to question if the creative team behind the film should have acknowledged Sandip’s work.

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Meanwhile, Housefull 5 has been creating waves at the box office. Released on June 6, it is the fifth film in the successful Housefull franchise. Directed by Tarun Mansukhani and produced by Sajid Nadiadwala, Warda Nadiadwala, and Firuzi Khan, the 2025 Hindi-language comedy thriller features a massive ensemble cast including Akshay Kumar, Abhishek Bachchan, Riteish Deshmukh, Sanjay Dutt, Fardeen Khan, Jacqueline Fernandez, Sonam Bajwa, and more. Notably, the film was released in two versions—Housefull 5A and Housefull 5B—each with a different climax.

While Remo D’Souza has not yet responded to the allegations, the controversy adds to the buzz surrounding Laal Pari, which has been trending since the film’s release. Whether or not the production team will address the matter remains to be seen, but Sandip Brahamin’s post has sparked discussions around the importance of acknowledging content creators in mainstream media.

Also Read: UP Police gives a safety twist to Housefull 5’s dual endings in safety campaign: “Book your climax wisely”

McDonald’s India (North & East), one of India’s most loved restaurant brands, has onboarded Bollywood powerhouse Ranveer Singh as its new brand ambassador. As part of this partnership, the brand has also launched the ‘The Ranveer Singh Meal’, a limited-time offering curated from the actor’s personal McDonald’s favourites inspired by its global Famous Orders platform.

With his favourite McDonald’s order on the menu, Ranveer Singh joins a global league of icons like BTS and Travis Scott, who have McDonald’s meals named after them. His vibrant energy, cultural relevance, and deep connection with young audiences make him a natural fit for a brand that’s all about fun, flavour, and fan love across generations.

Commenting on the association, Mr. Anant Agarwal, Vice-Chairperson, CPRL (McDonald’s India- North & East), said, "Ranveer embodies what McDonald’s stands for, vibrant and joyful. This collaboration is rooted in fan truth and the deep emotional bond people share with McDonald’s, reflecting real moments of joy and nostalgia, told through the lens of a genuine McDonald’s fan. We’re thrilled to welcome him to the McDonald’s family and to launch ‘The Ranveer Singh Meal’- a true celebration of fandom and flavour that resonates with fans of all ages, from youth and millennials to families".

Speaking about the partnership, Ranveer Singh said, " I’m thrilled to join the McDonald’s India (North & East) family as their brand ambassador! McDonald's has always been my favourite, just like it is for so many of us! I'm super excited to now have my very own meal with them, which I can share with my audience. It’s full of flavour and full of fun – just how I like it! It’s special to have a McDonald’s meal named after me; I can’t wait for my fans to try it."

The Ranveer Singh Meal, available from 13 June, is a 3-piece meal featuring two burger options, McVeggie® (Xplode) for veg lovers and McChicken® (Xplode) for non-veg lovers, along with a Bobaaa drink and Golden Pop Fries. Inspired by Ranveer’s vibrant personality, both burgers are elevated with a new chilli and creamy Xplode sauce, topped with golden crispy onions. This bold upgrade delivers richer flavours and a delightful crunch, turning familiar favourites into something fun and crave-worthy.

Paired with this are the all-new Golden Crispy Pop- bite-sized potato pops delivering the perfect crunch-pop combo ideal for munching. To top it all off, the meal includes the limited-edition Bobaaa Blast, a drink launching for the first time here, featuring a generous scoop of poppy boba pearls, creating a fun, sippable treat.

With this launch, McDonald’s is bringing fans closer to their favourite star with a celebration of taste, nostalgia, and iconic McDonald’s moments. This association reinforces a universal truth: McDonald’s is everybody’s favourite. Whether it’s a celebrity or a customer walking into a restaurant, the emotional bond remains timeless, joyful, and inclusive.

Exclusively available at McDonald’s North and East India starting at Rs 249 for the McVeggie Burger and Rs 269 for the McSpicy Burger, customers and fans can order The Ranveer Singh Meal across McDonald’s restaurants in North and East India, on the McDonald’s App, and through Swiggy, Zomato, as well as via takeaway and drive-thru, for a limited time.

Also Read: Ranveer Singh and Sanjay Dutt set internet abuzz with leaked video from Aditya Dhar’s espionage drama

While Rajkummar Rao is currently neck-deep in promotions for his upcoming action-packed gangster thriller Maalik, the actor is already setting the stage for his next exciting project, a Netflix dark comedy that promises to bring a wicked twist to the murder mystery genre.

Directed by Aditya Nimbalkar, the yet-untitled film is said to be a sharp departure from Nimbalkar’s last gritty outing, Sector 36 (2024). This time around, he's taking a lighter, albeit darker, route with a black comedy that centres on a murder with quirky undertones. The film is set to go on floors this month and will be primarily shot in Mumbai, with key locations including 1 Aerocity in Marol and Film City in Goregaon.

A report by Mid-Day quoted a source close to the production, revealing, “Aditya has charted out a two-month shoot. Rajkummar was so impressed by the script that he has also joined the project as a co-producer.” This marks Rao’s second foray into production after Toaster, another Netflix title slated for release later this year.

The news comes at a time when excitement around the Sourav Ganguly biopic, also starring Rao, is steadily building. The sports drama, which will reunite the actor with filmmaker Vikramaditya Motwane after their critically acclaimed 2016 film Trapped, is still in its pre-production phase. With the Ganguly project yet to roll, Rao has found the perfect window to squeeze in this dark comedy.

Meanwhile, the actor’s upcoming theatrical release, Maalik, hits cinemas on July 11. Directed by Pulkit and backed by producers Kumar Taurani and Jay Shewakramani, the film sees Rao stepping into the role of a gangster-turned-power player. He leads a stellar cast including Bengali superstar Prosenjit Chatterjee, former Miss World Manushi Chhillar, and 12th Fail breakout Medha Shankr.

Also Read: Akshay Kumar praises Abhishek Banerjee for Stolen, Ali Fazal, Nushrratt Bharuccha and Rajkummar Rao shower love too

Aamir Khan is known for breaking the mould - and with his upcoming film Sitaare Zameen Par, the actor-producer is doing just that by reshaping how films hit the big screen. The much-anticipated movie will follow a unique and thoughtfully crafted release pattern that aims to maximize longevity and audience engagement.

For domestic distribution, Aamir has partnered with cinema giant PVR-Inox, while overseas rights are being handled by veteran distributor Anil Thadani. But it’s not just the partnerships that are grabbing attention — it’s the innovative release plan that’s creating buzz across the industry.

Unlike the typical high-voltage Bollywood release that flood theatres with screens on Day 1, Sitaare Zameen Par will follow a novel approach. According to a well-placed industry source, the strategy involves starting with a controlled number of shows and gradually increasing screenings based on the word-of-mouth momentum. “Aamir isn’t looking at a weekend-centric business model,” the source revealed to Bollywood Hungama. “He believes in the power of sustained storytelling. The idea is to build slowly, allow the audience to connect with the film, and expand as the emotional resonance spreads. It’s a risk - but it’s calculated, and very much in line with Aamir’s belief in quality over quantity.”

Interestingly, this model harks back to a time-tested formula used by Rajshri Productions, known for their successful slow-burn theatrical runs. Films like Hum Aapke Hain Koun..!, which began with limited shows and grew into historic hits, are classic examples. In fact, insiders say Aamir personally reached out to members of the Rajshri team to understand the intricacies of their release playbook.

“He’s always been a student of cinema,” the source added. “He sat down with people from the Rajshri team to dive deep into how they sustained audience interest and expanded show counts organically. That’s the kind of foresight and humility Aamir brings to the table.”

The goal with this approach is not only to meet demand more dynamically but also to ensure that theatres aren’t overcrowded on Day 1 and empty by Week 2 - a growing trend in the current box office climate. By pacing the release, Aamir hopes to give Sitaare Zameen Par a longer, healthier theatrical life.

As anticipation builds for both the film and its accompanying documentary on special needs artists, Aamir Khan is clearly steering the narrative in a way that’s both socially impactful and commercially innovative. With this bold release strategy, he’s once again proving that in a world driven by instant gratification, sometimes patience, like the stories we tell, is the real game-changer.

Also Read: Team Sitaare Zameen Par to come under one roof for a musical night at Aamir Khan’s place on 6th June!

Producer and TV mogul Ektaa Kapoor has responded sharply to filmmaker Anurag Kashyap over his recent comments dismissing the relevance of ‘saas-bahu’ dramas. Kapoor, who has been the face of Indian daily soaps for over two decades, didn’t hold back in calling out the acclaimed director for being "classist" and lacking grace.

Where It All Began The controversy traces back to a recent interview featuring Netflix CEO Ted Sarandos on Nikhil Kamath’s podcast, where Sarandos reflected on the platform’s India launch with Sacred Games — the gritty, critically acclaimed crime thriller co-directed by Anurag Kashyap and Vikramaditya Motwane. Sarandos referred to the move as possibly a "mistake", suggesting a “more populist” show might have worked better in the early days.

Kashyap, who was pivotal in shaping Netflix India's first original, took to Instagram to vent his frustration. Sharing a headline that quoted Sarandos' comments, the Gangs of Wasseypur director sarcastically wrote, “He should have started with Saas Bahu… he would have done well. Which he is doing now.” He then went a step further and called the Netflix CEO “the definition of dumb,” criticizing tech executives for not understanding storytelling. Ektaa’s Explosive Response Kapoor, known for iconic shows like Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi and Kahaani Ghar Ghar Kii, didn’t take kindly to the implication. In a fiery Instagram Story, she slammed Kashyap’s tone and approach, writing: “Ur so dumb... saying this put u on an advantage 'I'm smarter cooler' but naaaaaaaa! Darling how about gracious!!! N self aware?????? An art a lot of artists don't have! ‘Saas bahu’ n their impact on Indian masses (how women got a voice in mass India) is well documented by a prestigious Chicago research! But artists who talk of an inclusive world are actually more classist.”

Interestingly, Netflix has recently partnered with Ektaa Kapoor’s Balaji Telefilms, a move that perhaps underscores the very shift Kashyap was referencing, the platform’s pivot towards more accessible, drama-driven narratives.

Also Read: Anurag Kashyap REACTS strongly to Netflix CEO Ted Sarandos’ Sacred Games remarks: “Tech guys are dumb when it comes to storytelling”

Actress and Bigg Boss OTT 3 winner Sana Makbul was admitted to the hospital on June 8, leaving her fans deeply concerned. The actress, who had recently celebrated Eid in traditional Indian attire, surprised followers with a sudden health update that has since gone viral.

Taking to her Instagram stories on Monday, Sana shared a heartfelt update about her condition with a picture of herself posing on the hospital bed, clutching a soft toy. She wrote, “And in the middle of my chaos, he got my first Labubu… Keep me in ur duas.. I m better”, reassuring fans that her condition had slightly improved.

Sana’s close friend Aashna also shared an emotional note along with a photo of the actress receiving treatment and sitting on the hospital bed with IV drips attached. In her message, she wrote, “My strongest Diva (red heart and nazar amulet emoji). I’m so proud of you, for showing so much strength and resilience as you battle such a grave condition. Inshallah, you will fight this and come out even stronger… Allah is with you (prayer hands and emotional face emojis). And I am always standing by you. Get well soon (bandaged heart emoji), my love @divasana.”

The sudden news left many fans surprised, especially after the actress was seen smiling and celebrating Eid on social media just before her hospitalisation.

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Sana had earlier opened up about her health struggles in March this year during a podcast appearance with Bharti Singh. She revealed that she suffers from autoimmune hepatitis, a chronic liver condition that was diagnosed in 2020. “I have turned vegan recently due to health reasons... a lot of people don't know that I am an autoimmune hepatitis patient. I have a liver disease, it was diagnosed in 2020. It has no specific symptoms... in this, my body cells are attacking the organ, so in my case, it’s sometimes Lupus; it hits your kidneys or causes arthritis. Samantha Ruth Prabhu has myositis, which is a muscle condition. I have it with the liver,” she had shared.

Sana’s fans and industry friends have been flooding social media with prayers and support for the actress, hoping for her speedy recovery.

Also Read: Sana Makbul opens up about being diagnosed with autoimmune hepatitis and liver disease; says, “I take steroids, suppressants, some medicines”

Rasha Thadani and Munjya breakout star Abhay Verma just dropped a reel that has the internet buzzing with one burning question — are they starring in something together? While their collaboration is still hush-hush, the duo looks stunning in the video they posted on Instagram, setting off major speculation in the comment section.

From slow-motion smiles to effortless chemistry, the reel screams “new pairing alert!” Whether it’s a brand endorsement, a music video, a film, or a web series — fans are already sold on this fresh on-screen jodi.

Rasha, who’s been making waves with her upcoming debut, and Abhay, who’s won hearts with his performance in Munjya, seem to complement each other with an ease that’s hard to fake. Their vibe? Youthful, charming, and very promising.

While neither of them has officially revealed what the project is, insiders suggest an announcement might just be around the corner. Until then, fans are left to piece together clues — and rewatch the reel on loop. Whatever it is, we’re definitely watching this space (and their Instagram stories) closely!

Besides this mysterious video, Rash recently made headlines for winning an award for Most Promising Debut Of The Year at the Bollywood Hungama Style Icons Summit and Awards 2025. “Grateful for the beginning, but this is a call to action. to work harder, dream bigger, and stay committed to growing as an artist and as a human being,” the caption of one of her latest Instagram posts read.

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Also Read: Janhvi Kapoor, Ananya Panday, Suhana Khan, Pashmina Roshan, Rasha Thadani: Young Bollywood stars make a statement in red sarees

Veteran Bollywood filmmaker Kawal Sharma, who directed more than a dozen Hindi films featuring stars like Sanjay Dutt, Mithun Chakraborty, Govinda, and Jeetendra, has been arrested in Mumbai by the Haldwani Police after evading a court-ordered sentence since 2022. Kawal has directed films like Jeete Hain Shaan Se (1987), Maalamaal (1988), Mar Mitenge (1988), Namak (1996), Heeralal Pannalal (1999) etc.

Kawal Sharma was apprehended from City Mall, Andheri on June 7. The arrest was executed under the leadership of Haldwani policeman Rajesh Yadav and his team, as per an a report in Samachar Shagun.

Sharma was convicted in a cheque bounce case under Section 138 of the Negotiable Instruments Act, 1881. In 2013, during the release of his film Delhi Eye, Sharma allegedly borrowed Rs. 25 lakhs from a businessman and supermodel, promising to repay Rs. 50 lakhs within 30 days post-release. He issued a cheque for Rs. 50 lakhs, which later bounced.

In 2015, the businessman filed a legal complaint, and on January 17, 2019, the Additional Chief Judicial Magistrate, Haldwani, sentenced Sharma to one year of imprisonment and a fine of Rs. 51.10 lakhs. Though he secured bail from the District and Sessions Judge, Nainital, in February 2019, Sharma’s appeal was dismissed in 2022.

Since then, Sharma remained absconding. Despite several court summons, warrants, and public notices published in Mumbai newspapers, Sharma failed to appear, citing financial hardship and fear of incarceration. A non-bailable warrant was issued against him after an FIR (No. 0-37/2024) was registered under Sections 229K and 174K of the IPC at Kotwali Haldwani for non-cooperation in the judicial process.

As per reports, Kawal Sharma will be transported to Uttarakhand for further proceedings.

In a tragic loss for Indian cinema, veteran filmmaker Partho Ghosh passed away following a heart attack. The heartbreaking news was confirmed by actress Rituparna Sengupta, who expressed her grief. Ghosh was best known for his powerful storytelling and critically acclaimed films that defined the cinematic landscape of the 1990s.

“Heartbroken beyond words. We have lost an exceptional talent, a visionary director, and a kind soul. Partho da, you will always be remembered for the magic you created on screen. Rest in peace,” wrote Rituparna Sengupta, mourning the director's passing.

The director of classics such as Agni Sakshi (1996), Ghulam-E-Musthafa (1997), Teesra Kaun? (1994), and Yugpurush (1998), Partho Ghosh carved a niche for himself with films that blended social realism with mainstream appeal. His work tackled complex themes with emotional depth, making him one of the most respected voices of his time.

Ghosh’s Agni Sakshi, starring Manisha Koirala, Nana Patekar, and Jackie Shroff, became a landmark film on domestic violence and was both a critical and commercial success. His next, Ghulam-E-Musthafa, featuring Nana Patekar and Raveena Tandon, portrayed the emotional journey of a gangster and went on to become a cult classic. The filmmaker’s nuanced direction and ability to evoke powerful performances made him a trusted name among top actors and producers during the golden era of 90s Bollywood.

Family, friends, and media personnel will reportedly bid farewell to the veteran filmmaker in Madh Island, Mumbai, later on Monday.

As condolences pour in from across the film fraternity and his fans, Partho Ghosh’s contribution to Indian cinema remains timeless. His legacy will continue through the stories he told, which still strike a chord with movie lovers.

The Hera Pheri franchise has found itself in the middle of fresh controversy after veteran actor Paresh Rawal reportedly exited the upcoming installment mid-way through filming. His sudden departure has not only created ripples within the production team but has also triggered legal consequences, with Akshay Kumar’s production house said to be considering legal action against Rawal for breach of commitment.

Paresh Rawal, who played the iconic character of Baburao Ganpatrao Apte in the beloved comedy series, is widely considered the soul of Hera Pheri. His exit has left fans disappointed and heartbroken — many of whom have taken to social media to plead with the actor to return to the project. One such fan recently addressed Rawal on X (formerly Twitter), urging him to rethink his decision. “Sir please think ???? Once again to join HERA FERI movie ?? You are the hero of this movie,” the fan wrote in an emotional plea.

Rawal’s response, though brief, hinted at deeper issues behind the scenes. Quoting the fan’s post, he replied, “NO … There are Three Heroes in Hera Pheri.” His words have since gone viral, sparking intense debate about creative differences, possible ego clashes, and contractual disputes within the Hera Pheri team.

NO … There are Three Heroes in Hera Pheri . ????❤️ https://t.co/k7naUD5jiC — Paresh Rawal (@SirPareshRawal) June 9, 2025

While neither Paresh Rawal nor Akshay Kumar has officially commented in detail on the reasons behind the fallout, insiders suggest that creative disagreements and miscommunication may have led to the actor walking out. The legal team associated with Akshay Kumar’s production house is reportedly preparing to serve notices related to breach of agreement, adding a legal layer to the unfolding drama.

As fans continue to rally behind the original cast and voice their disappointment online, the future of the third Hera Pheri film remains uncertain. Whether Paresh Rawal’s decision is final or reversible still hangs in the balance — but one thing is clear: Hera Pheri without Baburao may not be the comedy reunion fans were hoping for.

Also Read: Mahesh Bhatt on Paresh Rawal as the latter turns 70, “Someone who looks like the guy next door but carries within him a volcanic talent”