In what could be one of the most significant streaming deals of the year, Bollywood Hungama has exclusively learnt that Netflix has more than doubled its initial offer to acquire the digital rights to Aamir Khan’s upcoming film Sitaare Zameen Par (STP), now pitching a staggering Rs. 125 crores to secure the much-anticipated film.

Originally, the streaming giant had floated an offer in the range of Rs. 50 – 60 crores, a figure consistent with what most top-tier Bollywood titles command. However, the dramatic jump in valuation comes in response to Aamir Khan’s persistent advocacy for an alternative digital distribution model - namely, YouTube Pay-Per-View.

New Digital Battleground

Known for his fiercely independent mindset and unconventional marketing choices, Aamir Khan has made his displeasure with traditional subscription-based streaming platforms well known. Over the past year, the superstar has spoken extensively about making his films available on YouTube via a pay-per-view model, arguing that such a platform ensures far greater accessibility for Indian audiences, particularly in Tier-2 and Tier-3 cities where paid streaming subscriptions are less common.

According to Khan, this model would enable audiences to watch new films for a nominal one-time fee, bypassing the paywalls of expensive monthly subscriptions. This kind of release allows for deep penetration - the film becomes accessible to anyone with a smartphone; he had stated earlier this year at a closed-door industry conclave.

Netflix Raises the Stakes

This bold stance has seemingly rattled traditional streaming giants, with Netflix now leading the charge to keep Sitaare Zameen Par off YouTube. “The film’s move to a YouTube Pay-Per-View model could disrupt the whole ecosystem,” says a senior industry insider close to the negotiations. “If Aamir pulls it off, it will embolden more filmmakers to go direct-to-audience via open platforms. This would mean streaming platforms like Netflix and Amazon will now have to compete with a format that is cheaper, more accessible, and less exclusive.”

He adds, “For Netflix, acquiring Sitaare Zameen Par is no longer just about the film’s potential - it's about protecting their turf. Aamir’s audience reach and the credibility of the project make it a pivotal moment for OTT strategy in India.”

Will Netflix Win This Tug-of-War?

While it remains to be seen whether Aamir will accept Netflix’s hefty offer or stick to his disruptive release strategy, the stakes are undeniably high. If Khan chooses the YouTube Pay-Per-View route, it could redefine the economics and audience reach of mainstream Bollywood cinema - and potentially redraw the digital map of film distribution in India.

For now, all eyes remain on Sitaare Zameen Par - not just for its cinematic promise, but for the tectonic shift it could bring to the entertainment industry at large.

Also Read: Aamir Khan to promote Sitaare Zameen Par at IPL 2025 Finals, to join the Bhojpuri commentary team

Director Anees Bazmee has broken his silence on the reported exit of Diljit Dosanjh from No Entry 2, the long-awaited sequel to the 2005 comedy hit. While the news of Diljit walking out of the project has made headlines, Bazmee maintains that his focus remains on getting the film made, regardless of casting shifts.

Speaking to News18, Anees Bazmee said, “I’m just happy that the film is getting made. There’s no bigger joy than that. At this point, woh hi ho raha hai jo upar waala chahta hai (Whatever is happening is the will of God). I work with a lot of earnestness and I leave the rest to God.” Bazmee also reflected on the reality of filmmaking, noting that ideal casting doesn’t always work out. “It’s not like I’ve only worked with actors who’ve been my first choices on the films I’ve done so far. I’ve had to work with actors who were my second and even third choices. But once these films got released, audiences felt that those actors fit the characters perfectly and nobody else could’ve pulled off those parts the way they did.”

Meanwhile, Bazmee insisted that all is well between him Diljit despite the modalities not working out. Describing him as a “very honest and talented” actor, Anees revealed that the two had met only briefly. He recalled that Diljit had agreed to do the film almost immediately after hearing the basic premise. The actor was quoted saying he loved the first No Entry and trusted Bazmee’s vision. The director appreciated Diljit’s simplicity and said the actor didn’t even wait for a full narration before committing.

Addressing their last meeting, Bazmee added, “Our last meeting, which was the second time that we met, lasted for 10 minutes. We were discussing his dates because there was a bit of back and forth. He told me that he’s trying to work out his dates. Boney ji was also there. Since it’s a big film, everything that happens makes news. I’m used to these things and I don’t let such things bother me. Main kabhi safaiyaan nahi deta. Jo hona hai, woh hi hoga aur jo hoga, achcha hi hoga (I never explain myself. Whatever happens will happen, and it will be for the best).”

No Entry 2, produced by Boney Kapoor, is said to be a three-hero comedy entertainer. Varun Dhawan and Arjun Kapoor have reportedly been locked in for two of the lead roles, while the search continues for the third along with the leading ladies.

Also Read: Boney Kapoor refutes claims on Diljit Dosanjh’s exit from No Entry 2 due to creative differences; says, “That is absolutely false”

Aamir Khan is gearing up for the release of Sitaare Zameen Par. The film is in the news for many reasons, one of it being that Aamir plans to release it on YouTube after its theatrical run and not on any OTT platform. As part of the promotions of the film, he organized a Taare Zameen Par Fan Meetup featuring the team of the 2007 classic in the presence of hundreds of fans. Interestingly, another YouTube connection emerged with regards to Taare Zameen Par at this event.

The host Laksh Maheshwari said that in the scene where Aamir Khan is seen with a boat, the photograph seen in the room is that of the actor’s mother and father, as per trivia on the internet. Aamir Khan clarified, “No, that’s not my mom and dad. I guess, it is someone else’s mom and dad (smiles)! Maybe it’s Amole Gupte’s parents. I don’t know. But it's not my parents at all.”

The host expressed the desire to show the scene but then revealed that he couldn’t do so as Taare Zameen Par is not available on any streaming platform. Aamir Khan agreed, “Yes, the film is not anywhere.” He then said, “Ek kaam karte hai. I have started a YouTube channel called Aamir Khan Talkies. I’ll tell my team that let’s upload Taare Zameen Par there free of cost. It can be available for 1-2 weeks.” The audience clapped loudly, indicating that they approved of the idea.

TZP team goes down memory lane

Aamir Khan was then joined by Darsheel Safary, Tisca Chopra and Vipin Sharma and they went down memory lane. Aamir Khan revealed, “For a scene, there was a tear on my face; I didn’t want it. Hence, we removed it. But now, with VFX, such changes are a cakewalk.”

Darsheel Safary spoke about the song ‘Bumm Bumm Bole’, “It was a great experience shooting this song for sir. I was the only one who couldn’t dance. You can see me being upset in the song. I was upset in real life too as everyone around me was dancing. Shiamak Davar sir himself had come to choreograph the song and I was upset about it. Later on, Aamir sir and I did dance together.”

Aamir Khan talked highly of Darsheel, “When I used to explain the shot to him, he used to keep dancing continuously. I used to not mind it as I knew he was absorbing the whole scene. He was not distracted. As soon as we would go for a take, he would get into character immediately.”

Vipin Sharma opened up, “After the film, wherever I used to go, people used to say, ‘Where is Darsheel? You didn’t bring him’. Darsheel was asked the same question.”

Vipin raised laughs as he said, “He used to call me Vipin; it was the most cherished memory of the shoot! One day, I came in the vanity van. He sat on my lap and told me, ‘Vipin, they (people in the unit) will go to hell’. I asked, ‘Why’. He said, ‘They are all eating chicken. You are a vegetarian. You and I are safe’!”

A visibly embarrassed Darsheel Safary clarified, “I was 8 years old then!”

Vipin Sharma, on a serious note, added, “I am not married. I don’t have a family. I never experienced what it means to have a child. He (Darsheel) gave me that experience to feel like a father. I’ll always be there for him!” As expected, Darsheel was quite touched by this confession and so were all the attendees.

Also Read: Aamir Khan to promote Sitaare Zameen Par at IPL 2025 Finals, to join the Bhojpuri commentary team

Ranbir Kapoor is all set to take the Dhoom franchise forward, as reports suggest he will headline Dhoom 4 in a slick new avatar. The fourth instalment of the popular action-heist franchise is being planned as a reboot, with Brahmastra director Ayan Mukerji likely to helm the project under the Yash Raj Films (YRF) banner.

According to a report by Pinkvilla, YRF’s head honcho Aditya Chopra is personally invested in shaping the new vision for Dhoom 4 and is currently in the process of locking a script that matches with the legacy of the franchise, along with screenwriter Shridhar Raghavan. “Aditya Chopra has been closely involved in developing the story and screenplay of Dhoom 4 with Shridhar Raghavan. They are currently working on the story draft that’s worthy of the hype around the reboot with Dhoom 4,” a source said.

The franchise, known for its suave anti-heroes, looks to continue the trend with Ranbir playing the antagonist. “Ranbir is the apt choice for Dhoom 4, and the character is also designed keeping his aura and personality in mind. The new Dhoom film is being designed keeping the global action standards in mind, and the visual pallete, as also storytelling will be very different from the already established YRF Spy Universe,” the source added.

Details of the rest of the cast continues to stay under wraps including the names of the actors who will be seen in the roles of police officer Jai and Ali, originally played by Abhishek Bachchan and Uday Chopra in the film series. YRF is planning to take Dhoom 4 on floors by April 2026, with a target wrap by the end of the same year. The makers are eyeing a 2027 release.

Ranbir Kapoor, who is currently working on Love & War with real-life wife Alia Bhatt and Vicky Kaushal, will reunite with director Sanjay Leela Bhansali after 2007’s Saawariya for that period romance. Meanwhile, Ayan Mukerji is in the final stages of post-production for War 2, starring Hrithik Roshan, Jr NTR, and Kiara Advani. The action thriller is slated for release on August 14, 2025.

With Ranbir’s charisma and Ayan’s storytelling sensibilities coming together for the fourth time, Dhoom 4 is shaping up to be one of the most anticipated action spectacles in the coming years.

Also Read: Ranbir Kapoor, Vicky Kaushal scene postponed as Mumbai rains disrupt Love & War shoot: Report

Suhana Khan has officially joined the Adidas family as the new face of the brand's latest campaign, focusing on the Adidas Originals Superstar sneakers. With this association, Suhana steps into the world of high-profile brand endorsements, further establishing her presence in the entertainment and fashion industries.

Speaking about her collaboration, Suhana expressed excitement and a deep personal connection to the brand. “I’m super thrilled to be joining the iconic adidas family. The brand has always held a special place in my heart, with its classic sneakers being a staple in my wardrobe. adidas Originals stands for creativity, authenticity, and staying true to yourself — values I truly admire. To now be part of a legacy rooted in culture that has inspired so many across the world feels incredibly special,” she shared.

Known for her effortless style and poised public appearances, Suhana’s inclusion marks a significant moment for Adidas India’s evolving brand narrative — one that embraces cultural relevance and youthful energy. Neelendra Singh, general manager, Adidas India, highlighted the brand's vision behind the collaboration. “At Adidas India, we have always believed in the power of cultural creators, those who shape the now and define what’s next. Suhana Khan infuses fresh energy into some of our most iconic apparel pieces and classic sneaker silhouettes like the Superstar, reimagining them for a new generation. Her style is effortless and expressive, and we’re excited to welcome her into the adidas family as we continue to champion individuality and self-expression through street culture,” he added.

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The Adidas Originals Superstar sneakers have long been considered a cultural staple, blending legacy with modern relevance. With Suhana at the forefront, the campaign aims to resonate with Gen Z audiences while staying true to the brand’s timeless ethos.

The actress, who is expected to make her theatrical debut soon with King, has aimed at carving her niche as an actor and public figure. This latest role as a brand ambassador adds another notable chapter to Suhana Khan’s rising journey — one that’s deeply rooted in both heritage and contemporary cool.

Also Read: Suhana Khan cheers for Agastya Nanda as Ikkis motion poster drops; Ananya Panday and Navya Nanda join in

Aamir Khan is all set to return to the silver screen this month with Sitaare Zameen Par, the much-awaited spiritual sequel to his iconic 2007 film Taare Zameen Par. The upcoming film has already created a wave of excitement across the country, with its trailer filled with love, laughter, and happiness. With the excitement reaching new heights, promotions are in full swing. Aamir Khan was recently spotted promoting the film during an IPL match, merging the worlds of cricket and cinema. In a special treat for fans, Aamir Khan will be a part of the IPL 2025 Finale. He will also bring his unique charm to the event with live Hindi and Bhojpuri commentary during the highly anticipated match tomorrow evening.

Aamir Khan, who has previously showcased his Bhojpuri-speaking skills in films, is all set to join Ravi Kishan in the commentary box during the IPL 2025 finale. In a recent video shared by former Indian cricketer Suresh Raina, Aamir Khan, Genelia, and the ten debutants were seen playing cricket together in a fun and lively match session.

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Aamir Khan Productions proudly presents 10 rising stars: Aroush Datta, Gopi Krishna Varma, Samvit Desai, Vedant Sharma, Ayush Bhansali, Ashish Pendse, Rishi Shahani, Rishabh Jain, Naman Mishra, and Simran Mangeshkar. Directed by R. S. Prasanna, who previously helmed the barrier-breaking blockbuster Shubh Mangal Saavdhan, now returns with the biggest collaboration with Aamir Khan Productions' Sitaare Zameen Par.

Made under the banner of Aamir Khan Productions, Sitaare Zameen Par stars Aamir Khan and Genelia Deshmukh in lead roles, along with 10 rising stars. The lyrics are penned by Amitabh Bhattacharya, and the music is composed by Shankar-Ehsaan-Loy. The screenplay is written by Divy Nidhi Sharma. The film is produced by Aamir Khan and Aparna Purohit, with B. Shrinivas Rao and Ravi Bhagchandka as producers. Directed by R. S. Prasanna, the film will be released in theatres only on 20th June, 2025.

Also Read: Aamir Khan opens up on Sitaare Zameen Par’s release in theaters; says, “I am a cinema guy and I decided to only release it in the theatres”

Dharma Productions has officially confirmed that Ananya Panday will play the female lead in the upcoming romantic comedy Tu Meri Main Tera Main Tera Tu Meri, starring Kartik Aaryan. The announcement comes just a day after a viral video captured the duo shooting for the film in Europe, sparking fan speculation.

In the widely circulated clip shared by Zoom Entertainment, Kartik Aaryan is seen entering a quaint roadside café, while Ananya Panday appears seated with a friend—seemingly mid-scene. The candid footage quickly fuelled conversations online, and now the production house has put the rumours to rest with a formal confirmation.

Directed by Satyaprem Ki Katha filmmaker Sameer Vidwans, the film is a joint venture between Karan Johar’s Dharma Productions and Namah Pictures. Film trade analyst Taran Adarsh has revealed that the movie is slated to hit cinemas on February 13, 2026, just ahead of Valentine’s Day.

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Interestingly, Bollywood Hungama was the first to report back in January 2025 that Ananya Panday had been finalised as the female lead after an extended round of casting discussions. At the time, the choice reportedly boiled down to Ananya and Sharvari. A source close to the development had shared, “Kartik and Karan were looking for an actress with strong pull in the youth and after contemplating on the names, they have locked Ananya to play the female lead. Ananya and Kartik are a successful pair, and this would extend their partnership further.”

The film marks another collaboration between Kartik and Ananya, who were previously seen together in Pati Patni Aur Woh (2019). With this pairing, the makers are clearly aiming to recreate the chemistry that resonated well with younger audiences.

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

Vijay Varma has announced a new project, and this time he is joining forces with celebrated filmmaker Hansal Mehta. The actor took to Instagram Stories to share a picture of a bouquet and a handwritten note from Mehta, with the caption - “New beginnings.”

Mehta expressed his admiration for Varma’s craft and warmly welcomed him on board for their upcoming collaboration with a note that read, “Welcome on-board! Here's to a shoot filled with hard work, the pursuit of excellence & some great memories. Lots of love, Hansal & Vikram”. The filmmaker’s gesture, personal and appreciative, set the tone for what many expect to be a project rooted in strong storytelling and character depth.

While no official details have been revealed about the title, genre, or production timeline, the announcement has generated buzz. Varma, who has consistently taken on challenging and unconventional roles, appears to be teaming up with a filmmaker known for his nuanced and socially resonant narratives.

Hansal Mehta, best known for his work on Scam 1992: The Harshad Mehta Story and films like Shahid, Aligarh, and CityLights, is widely regarded for drawing out powerful performances from his actors. Vijay Varma, on the other hand, has recently received critical acclaim for his performances in Dahaad, Jaane Jaan, and the Mirzapur series.

The pairing of Varma and Mehta is being seen as a promising match of two creative minds, both known for their grounded approach to storytelling. The combination of Mehta’s directorial vision and Varma’s versatility has already raised expectations for what the project might offer.

As of now, the production remains under wraps with no official announcements about the supporting cast or release timeline. However, the collaboration marks an important new step in both Varma’s and Mehta’s professional journeys.

With the simple caption “New beginnings,” Vijay Varma’s announcement suggests that the groundwork is being laid for a meaningful and potentially impactful addition to Indian cinema. Further updates are awaited as the project moves forward.

Also Read: Vijay Varma attends Muhurat Pooja of new project in classic white kurta

The comic caper Housefull 5 is all set to release this Friday, that too with two versions, namely Housefull 5A and Housefull 5B. Producer Sajid Nadiadwala confirmed that they have shot two endings and they have decided to make both versions available to the public. He further added that this has never happened before in the history of cinema. With the bookings having commenced, Bollywood Hungama spoke to exhibitors and programmers to understand how they plan to divide the shows between Housefull 5A and Housefull 5B.

An exhibition source told Bollywood Hungama, “The idea is to have equal shows for both versions. So, if Housefull 5A has been allotted two screens and 10 shows, the same would also apply to Housefull 5B. But in some cases, that won’t be practical to do especially if the theatre can provide an odd number of shows, that is, 3, 5, 7, 9, etc. Then, Housefull 5A will have the edge.”

This situation arises especially in those single-screen theatres which usually play 3 or 5 shows. For instance, Maratha Mandir in Mumbai plays Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge (1995) at 11:30 am. Hence, it only has three shows to allot for new releases. Accordingly, Housefull 5A will play with two shows at 3:15 pm and 9:30 pm while Housefull 5B’s show is kept at 6:15 pm. Some other single-screen cinemas like Chitra, Roxy, Kasturba, Citylight, Inox Nakshatra, PVR Le Reve, Regal, MovieTime Suburbia, Gold Cinema Santacruz, Gold Cinema Thane, etc, are playing 3 shows of Housefull 5A and 2 shows of Housefull 5B. In the iconic G7 multiplex, Gaiety will screen 4 shows of Housefull 5A while Galaxy will screen 4 shows of Housefull 5B.

A multiplex programmer said, “There’s also Thug Life, which releases on Thursday, June 5. It has caught attention due to the star cast and Mani Ratnam’s association. Its shows also need to be accommodated along with holdover releases like Bhool Chuk Maaf, Mission: Impossible – The Final Reckoning, Final Destination Bloodlines, etc. This is yet to be decided and once that is locked, multiplexes can plan better with regards to dividing shows between two versions of Housefull 5. Thankfully, Pen Marudhar is distributing both Housefull 5 and Thug Life along with Bhool Chuk Maaf, making our job easier.”

An industry insider, meanwhile, commented, “It makes sense to keep shows 50-50 between the two for the initial few days. If Housefull 5A gets a better response, its shows can then be increased and the same can be done for Housefull 5B if it gets more appreciation. Of course, we would all want both versions to get equal love. That would also entice people to catch the other version for their second viewing.”

Also Read: Two endings in Housefull 5 – will it prove to be a game-changer or backfire? Trade experts share their views

Actor Surveen Chawla, known for her powerful screen presence and versatile performances, has sustained a major back injury, temporarily stepping away from her promotional duties for two of her projects — Criminal Justice: Adhura Sach Season 4, which released last week, and the upcoming Rana Naidu Season 2. The unexpected injury has forced her to take a break at a critical point in her professional calendar.

Surveen had been actively involved in promotional events and media interactions over the past few weeks, juggling a packed schedule with her trademark energy and dedication. However, sources close to the actor reveal that the injury has made it necessary for her to pause and focus on recovery. We hear that fellow actors, colleagues, and her close ones have extended their best wishes for her recovery amid such challenging times. A statement from her team has yet to be released regarding the extent of the injury or how long she is expected to be out of action, but insiders suggest she is on the path to recovery with proper medical care and rest.

Despite her absence from the promotional circuit, the actress remains in the public eye, thanks to the strong early reception of both series. Criminal Justice 4, the newest instalment in the hit legal drama franchise, has been garnering attention for its narrative as fans are eagerly waiting to see some impactful performances too. Simultaneously, Rana Naidu 2, the second season of the gritty Netflix crime drama starring Venkatesh Daggubati and Rana Daggubati, is among the most anticipated OTT releases of the year. Surveen’s role in the show as Rana’s wife received much love last season for her intensity and emotional depth as fans of the actress and the series have now set their eyes on what’s in store for them in the new season.

As fans eagerly await Surveen Chawla’s return, one thing is certain — this injury may have slowed her down temporarily, but her impact on screen continues to resonate. Here's wishing her a full and speedy recovery.

Also Read: SHOCKING! Surveen Chawla reveals a director tried to kiss her after talking about her husband: “I had to push him back. I was startled”

PVR INOX invites audiences to step back into the gilded courtyards of 19th-century Lucknow, as the cinematic treasure Umrao Jaan returns to theatres in a resplendent 4K restoration. The 4k restoration of the film has been done by NFDC- NFAI. The producers of the film are S.K.Jain & Sons and Integrated Films. Directed by the visionary Muzaffar Ali and headlined by the inimitable Rekha, the film is all set to reclaim its place in the cultural imagination through an immersive big-screen revival beginning June 27th.

To mark this momentous re-release, Muzaffar Ali is also unveiling a limited-edition coffee table book that offers a rare behind-the-scenes look into the making of Umrao Jaan. Featuring never-before-seen photographs, costume sketches, calligraphy, poetry, and personal anecdotes from the set, the book is both a collector’s item and a deeply reflective tribute to the film’s artistic vision. Designed for cinephiles, students of cinema, and lovers of culture alike, the book will be released simultaneously with the theatrical revival.

A lyrical exploration of love, loss and longing, Umrao Jaan has etched its legacy as one of Indian cinema’s most visually and emotionally evocative works. Rekha’s portrayal of the courtesan-poetess stands as one of the finest performances in film history — a portrayal that earned her the coveted National Film Award for Best Actress. With music by Khayyam and verses by Shahryar, the film’s ghazals—'Dil Cheez Kya Hai, ''In Aankhon Ki Masti,' and 'Justuju Jiski Thi'—still echo in the hearts of generations.

Now meticulously restored for today’s audiences, this edition of Umrao Jaan retains the soul of the original while enhancing its visual elegance and sonic depth. The film returns as part of PVR INOX’s Timeless Classics initiative, which curates landmark films that have shaped Indian cinema’s artistic legacy.

Reflecting on the re-release, Muzaffar Ali shared, "Umrao Jaan was not just a film—it was a journey into the soul of a lost culture, a forgotten tehzeeb. Through her pain, poetry, and grace, we tried to resurrect the elegance of an era where love and longing spoke in verse. I had actors who brought a lot of heft to their characters, and then there was Rekha, who lived Umrao Jaan and truly immortalised it. I am thrilled that the film is back on the big screen for a whole new generation to discover a time and culture that's very much a part of our being."

Rekha, reminiscing about the film, said, "Umrao Jaan is not just a film I acted in — she lives within me, breathes through me, even now. At the time, none of us could have imagined the timelessness of the film, the way it would gently etch itself into the soul of Indian cinema. To see it return to the big screen is like watching an old love letter being opened by a new generation. My heart is full.”

Niharika Bijli , Lead Strategist, PVR INOX, said, “Umrao Jaan is cinematic poetry in its truest form — a timeless tale of love, longing, and culture. We are honoured to bring this iconic film back to the big screen in a 4K restored version, offering audiences the chance to experience Muzaffar Ali’s masterpiece as it was originally envisioned. Re-release of a film like Umrao Jaan is a celebration of cinema, and all that makes community viewing a great experience. Through our Timeless Classics initiative, we are proud to celebrate landmark works of Indian cinema — films that not only define eras but continue to inspire, resonate, and shape our shared cultural memory.”

Umrao Jaan has been restored under the National Film Heritage Mission, an initiative by the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting. MD NFDC, Shri Prakash Magdum adds, "To restore Umrao Jaan, NFDC-NFAI has been working for almost a year in collaboration with Muzaffar Ali, the director of the film. He was instrumental in locating the original negatives of the film, which should have been the best source of restoration. Due to the condition of the negatives and the fragile nature of celluloid, the film was restored using a 35mm release print which had been preserved at NFAI for decades. This has been the case with many recent restorations of Indian films, where the only good source survives in the National Film Archive of India. The colour grading of the 4K restoration was supervised by Muzaffar Ali himself, and I am sure the film lovers would enjoy this restored cinematic gem nationwide in cinemas."

Screenings will begin across select PVR INOX cinemas in multiple cities from June 27.

Also Read: Ali Fazal recalls Rekha tearing up during Richa Chadha’s death scene in Heeramandi: “I thought, maybe it’s just my bias”

Gauahar Khan has spoken out against misinformation surrounding C-section deliveries, following a controversial remark made by actor Suniel Shetty during an interview. Shetty had praised his daughter Athiya Shetty for choosing a natural delivery, wherein he had referred to Caesarean delivery procedure as ‘a comfort everyone wants’ - a comment that drew massive backlash online.

Addressing this in the first episode of her new digital series MaaaNoranjan, Gauahar did not hold back in calling out what she sees as a harmful stereotype. “There was something said by a big personality recently that C-section was an easier option. I mean, what? I want to scream on top of my voice and ask ‘How can you say that?’” she said, visibly frustrated. The actress emphasized that such myths are not only untrue but also dismissive of the pain and reality of childbirth in all its forms.

“There are so many myths related to C-section, one of them being that it is an easier option. I don’t know what to say. How can there be so much misinformation? And for a male celebrity to say that, who didn’t go through a pregnancy, who didn’t carry a child, who doesn’t know how painful a C-section can actually be…” she continued. Gauahar added that the decision between natural and C-section deliveries is often out of a woman's control and does not define her strength or experience as a mother. “Let me just put this straight — having a normal delivery or a C-section is not in a woman’s hands. Some women can deliver normally, while some cannot and it’s completely natural, and if they are opting for C-section, then they are not choosing the easier route; that’s just a myth,” she insisted.

The Ishaqzaade actress also addressed a recurring question she faces from the public about her own delivery method, and used the opportunity to set the record straight. Gauahar Khan went on to clarify, “A lot of people ask me, mostly women, if I had a normal delivery or a C-section. I don’t know why is this such a big topic to know how I delivered my baby. Both are equally tough, and both give you the same feeling of motherhood. But let me just put this chatter to rest — I had a C-section when I gave birth to Zehaan.”

The actress’ candid and powerful response has resonated with many online. Meanwhile, addressing the backlash, actor Suniel Shetty has also apologized for his remark and insisted that his statements were misconstrued.

Also Read: Sandeep Singh and Doordarshan’s Fauji 2.0 completes 100 episodes; Gauahar Khan says, “Wanted to inspire girls who dream of serving the nation”