Filmmaker Rajkumar Santoshi, known for directing acclaimed films such as Ghayal, Damini, and Andaz Apna Apna, has faced a major legal setback after the Jamnagar sessions court dismissed his appeal in a cheque-bouncing case. The ruling, delivered on Thursday, October 15, upheld an earlier order passed by the Special Negotiable Instruments Court in Jamnagar, which had convicted Santoshi for issuing cheques that were dishonoured.

According to reports, the case stems from a loan of Rs. 1 crore that businessman Ashok Lal had allegedly lent to the filmmaker. To repay the borrowed amount, Santoshi issued post-dated cheques of Rs. 10 lakh each. However, when Lal presented the cheques for clearance, the bank reportedly returned them unpaid due to insufficient funds.

Following the dishonour of the cheques, Lal approached the Special Negotiable Instruments Court, which ruled in his favour. The court convicted Santoshi under provisions of the Negotiable Instruments Act, ordering him to repay double the cheque amount and sentencing him to two years of imprisonment.

Challenging this order, Santoshi filed an appeal in the Jamnagar sessions court. However, after reviewing the evidence and the previous judgment, the sessions court dismissed his appeal and affirmed the lower court’s decision.

In its directive, the sessions court has now instructed Rajkumar Santoshi to appear before it by October 27. The order further states that an arrest warrant will be issued if the filmmaker fails to comply within the given timeframe.

The case adds to the list of legal troubles faced by Santoshi in recent years. The filmmaker, who has been a part of the Hindi film industry for over three decades, has yet to comment publicly on the court’s latest ruling. On the work front, Santoshi is currently completing work on Lahore 1947, produced by Aamir Khan, which also stars Sunny Deol, Preity Zinta, Sunny’s son Karan Deol, among others.

With the sessions court’s decision reinforcing the earlier conviction, Rajkumar Santoshi’s legal options now appear limited, unless he seeks relief from a higher court before the stipulated deadline.

Also Read: Producers put a ‘no-can-do’ clause in contracts regarding extra demands of stars: “If a star halts shoot to get a favourite ice-cream from the other end of town, he or she better pay for the ice-cream and the delay,” says Rajkumar Santoshi

Anurag Basu's films are always like a glass of whisky - they take their own sweet time to hit the right notes. It's no secret that Anurag Basu's next project with Kartik Aaryan is no longer releasing on the Diwali or Christmas 2025 weekend due to the delay in shooting. But now, we have been informed by very reliable sources that Kartik Aaryan is all set to start shooting for the film from the month of November.

A little birdie informed Bollywood Hungama, "Kartik and Anurag Basu are reuniting for an important 25-day leg of this intense romantic saga from November. This includes the shoot of fresh sequences, alongside some reshoots of already canned moments. The shoot will take place in Mumbai, and the prep work is going on in full swing for the same."

The source also informs us that around 40 days of shoot for this yet untitled romance remains, and the makers are committed to call it a film wrap by the end of January. "The last 15 days of this film will be split shoot between December and January, as Kartik has allotted a bulk of dates for the promotions of his New Year release - Tu Meri Main Tera Main Tera Tu Meri."

Our reliable source has confirmed that the untitled romance will release in the Summer of 2026 period and the date announcement will be made once the shoot is wrapped up in January.

Also Read: Kartik Aaryan dedicates his FIRST Filmfare Award to “dreamers”: “Champion girta hai… par rukta nahi”

Indian actor Sonu Sood, along with his son Eshaan Sood, has purchased a land in Shirdon in Panvel Taluka, worth Rs. 1.05 crore, according to property registration documents reviewed by real estate marketplace squareyards.com on the website of the Inspector General of Registration (IGR). The transaction was registered in October 2025.

Panvel is strategically positioned along the Mumbai-Pune Expressway and the Panvel-Karjat railway line, offering seamless connectivity to Navi Mumbai, Thane, and Mumbai city. The area is emerging as a key residential and commercial hub, featuring a mix of upcoming IT parks, educational institutions, and industrial zones that attract professionals and families alike. With significant connectivity and infrastructure developments such as the Navi Mumbai International Airport and Atal Setu (Mumbai Trans Harbour Link), areas in and around Panvel are steadily transforming into a vibrant real estate market, combining convenience, connectivity, and livability.

The land purchased by Sonu Sood, along with his son Eshaan Sood, has a total area of 0.0650 hectares (~777 sq. yd.). The transaction incurred a stamp duty payment of Rs. 6.3 lakh and registration charges of Rs. 30,000.

In another transaction registered in August 2025, Sonu Sood’s son Eshaan Sood purchased an apartment worth Rs. 2.6 crore located in Andheri West, Mumbai, according to property registration documents from the Inspector General of Registration (IGR), reviewed by Square Yards. The apartment has a RERA carpet area of 83.61 sq. m.(~900 sq. ft.) and a total built-up area of 100.37 sq. m. (~1,080 sq. ft.). The deal incurred a stamp duty payment of Rs. 15.60 lakh and registration charges of Rs. 30,000.

Sonu Sood is a Bollywood actor known for his versatile roles and strong screen presence. Originally from Punjab, he began his acting career in the early 2000s and gained recognition through impactful performances in both Hindi and South Indian films. Known for his impressive physique and commanding roles, he has portrayed a wide range of characters, from villains to heroes. Beyond cinema, he earned widespread admiration for his humanitarian work, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic, where he helped thousands of stranded individuals reach home. His dedication to social causes and fitness has made him a respected figure both on and off screen.

Also Read: Sonu Sood reaches out to family he met during Punjab floods, help begins instantly

The world of Mirzapur is once again coming alive — this time on the big screen. After three blockbuster seasons on OTT, Excel Entertainment’s crime thriller franchise is expanding into cinema with Mirzapur: The Film, presented by Amazon MGM Studios and Excel Entertainment.

The team recently began shooting in Banaras, and joining the ensemble is Anjumm Shharma, fondly known to fans as Sharad Shukla — the “Last King of Mirzapur.” Announcing his return, the actor shared a glimpse from the set on social media, writing, “Sabhi sudhijan aur bandhu jo pooch rahe the ki bhaiya aap kab aayenge .. lijiye hum aa gaye... Banaras.”

After a brief appearance in season one, Anjumm rose to prominence in the later seasons, becoming one of the key players in the power dynamics of Purvanchal. His return to the franchise has stirred curiosity among fans, especially after his character’s fate in the season three finale.

Meanwhile, leaked on-set footage from Ramnagar Fort and the streets of Varanasi has sent the internet into a frenzy. The visuals feature Pankaj Tripathi as Kaleen Bhaiya and Ali Fazal as Guddu Pandit, reportedly filming one of the film’s climactic sequences. The sight of the two iconic rivals back in action has reignited excitement among fans who have followed their journey since 2018.

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Created by Puneet Krishna and directed by Gurmmeet Singh, Mirzapur: The Film will see the return of franchise favourites — Kaleen Bhaiya (Pankaj Tripathi), Guddu Pandit (Ali Fazal), and Munna Tripathi (Divyenndu) — along with Abhishek Banerjee. Following its nationwide theatrical release, the film will stream exclusively on Prime Video in India and over 240 countries and territories, eight weeks after its release.

Mirzapur: The Film is slated for release in 2026.

Also Read: Richa Chadha flies to Benares to spend quality time with beau Ali Fazal on the sets of Mirzapur: The Film

After weeks of heightened anticipation, the makers of Dhurandhar have finally confirmed that the trailer of the Ranveer Singh-starrer will be unveiled on November 12, 2025. The announcement follows the release of the film’s fiery title track, which has already taken the internet by storm with its high-energy sound and striking visuals.

Backed by Saregama India, Jio Studios, and B62 Studios, Dhurandhar is among the most awaited films of the year, marking filmmaker Aditya Dhar’s return after Uri: The Surgical Strike. The title track — a bold fusion of modern hip-hop, Punjabi folk, and cinematic intensity — has amplified excitement around the project, giving fans a taste of the world Dhar is about to unleash.

Composed by Shashwat Sachdev and Charanjit Ahuja, the track features vocals by Hanumankind, Jasmine Sandlas, Sudhir Yaduvanshi, Shashwat Sachdev, Muhammad Sadiq, and Ranjit Kaur. It has been described as the “heartbeat of the film” by Sachdev, who revealed that it was woven into the script from the very beginning.

Headlined by Ranveer Singh, the film also stars Sanjay Dutt, Akshaye Khanna, R. Madhavan, and Arjun Rampal in key roles. Written, directed, and produced by Aditya Dhar, and jointly produced by Jyoti Deshpande and Lokesh Dhar, Dhurandhar promises to be a large-scale cinematic spectacle.

The trailer is dropping on November 12, and the film is slated for a December 5, 2025, release.

Also Read: Dhurandhar title song out now: Hanumankind and Jasmine Sandlas bring explosive energy to Ranveer Singh’s film, watch

The buzz around Harshvardhan Rane and Sonam Bajwa's Ek Deewane Ki Deewaniyat is building, thanks to the sensational soundtrack, and an impactful trailer for the mass audiences. After Saiyaara and Sanam Teri Kasam, this is expected to be another film catering to the youth and lovers of intense love stories. The film is clashing with Dinesh Vijan's Thamma on the Diwali weekend, and the fight is getting intense.

Reliable trade sources have confirmed that team Ek Deewane Ki Deewaniyat has demanded equal showcasing to Thamma in national multiplex chains. "Deewaniyat team is confident that the hype for their film is on par with Thama despite a limited budget. They have requested the multiplex chains to be fair with the showcasing, rather than going for lopsided showcasing," the source told Bollywood Hungama.

The source told us further, "PVRInox is the distributor of Thamma, and one of the top management employees of PVRInox is now a part of Team Thama, heading distribution. Deewaniyat team has asked all the national chains to go by the demand among the audience, rather than the foul play of leveraging equations for better showcasing."

The advances for both films are opening on 17th October, and there is immense pressure on national chains to give preference to Thamma. "Dinesh Vijan and the senior former PVRInox executive have demanded 75 percent shows, leaving only 25 percent for Deewaniyat. It's going to be a battle, and there is a high chance for bookings to start late due to the fight between the two parties."

The Diwali weekend could be a battle royale between team Thamma and Deewaniyat. Also Read: Nawazuddin enters the Maddock Horror Comedy Universe (MHCU) with Thamma, says: “It’s first time my children will be able to watch me on the big screen

The Bombay High Court has granted interim relief in favour of actor Akshay Kumar, shielding him from the unauthorised use of his likeness, image, and voice through AI-generated content and deepfakes. The order marks a significant step in the ongoing conversation about celebrity personality rights and the ethical use of artificial intelligence in the media.

Justice Arif Doctor observed that such misuse of a public figure’s image “not only hurts his stature but has huge consequences,” emphasizing the growing urgency of tackling impersonation and misinformation driven by emerging technologies. The order follows a civil suit filed by the actor—legally known as Akshay Hari Om Bhatia—to prevent individuals and online platforms from exploiting his persona without consent.​

Representing Kumar, Senior Advocate Birendra Saraf argued that the issue transcends personal injury and has broader implications for public trust. “These acts cause grave harm to the plaintiff’s goodwill and reputation, dilute his personality and publicity rights, mislead the public, and amount to unfair competition and unjust enrichment,” Saraf said, urging the court to protect digital identity rights.

The petition outlines multiple instances of deepfake misuse — including a fabricated movie trailer showing Akshay as Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, and another clip falsely portraying him making remarks about Rishi Valmiki, which led to public backlash and forced clarifications from the actor. In one instance, a platform named Akshaykumar.ai allegedly allowed users to generate synthetic audio mimicking his voice and style.

Saraf also highlighted concerns over counterfeit merchandise, cloned social media accounts, and fake endorsements circulating under Kumar’s name across platforms such as YouTube, Instagram, X (formerly Twitter), and Facebook, as well as dark web listings.

The plea sought a John Doe injunction against both known and unknown entities, asking intermediaries, e-commerce platforms, and domain registrars to identify perpetrators and remove infringing content.

The court’s interim order aligns with a growing trend of Indian celebrities seeking protection from AI impersonations — the Bombay High Court has previously extended similar relief to Amitabh Bachchan, Aishwarya Rai Bachchan, Abhishek Bachchan, Suniel Shetty, Karan Johar, Rishab Shetty, and Asha Bhosle, who faced deepfake misuse of voice and image.​

Also Read: Akshay Kumar moves Bombay High Court to protect his personality rights amid AI deepfake threat

The wait is over, the madness is real. After weeks of fan frenzy and social media buzz, Saregama India, in association with Jio Studios and B62 Studios, dropped the title track of Dhurandhar and it's a fiery, high-energy anthem! Dhurandhar is the most anticipated film of the year and the title track is sure to take accelerate the excitement of the film dramatically!

The track is attached to a sensational lyrical video in all its raw, unfiltered and electrifying glory, a blazing visual experience that matches the song’s explosive sound and cinematic power, setting the tone for this year’s most anticipated film. The lyrical video is now live on Saregama Music’s YouTube channel, and the audio is streaming across all major platforms.

Composed by Shashwat Sachdev and Charanjit Ahuja, the track is a bold fusion of modern hip-hop, Punjabi flavour, and cinematic grit. With vocals by Hanumankind, Jasmine Sandlas, Sudhir Yaduvanshi, Shashwat Sachdev, Muhammad Sadiq, and Ranjit Kaur, the song mirrors the scale, energy, and intensity of Dhurandhar. Lyrics are penned by Hanumankind, Jasmine Sandlas, and Babu Singh Maan.

Marking Hanumankind’s first-ever Bollywood film project, the rapper brings his trademark power and precision to the track - merging new-school rap with old-school desi swagger that perfectly complements Ranveer Singh’s fierce screen presence.

Music director and producer Shashwat Sachdev shares, “‘Na De Dil Pardesi Nu’ is a folk classic that carries deep emotion, which made reimagining it for Dhurandhar both an honour and a responsibility. The song was written into the film’s soul it was in the script from the very beginning, and I built its sound from that spark. Ojas Gautam (Dhurandhar film DA) and I shaped the sonic energy around it until it became the heartbeat of the film’s world. Later, one night in the studio, Aditya Dhar, Hanumankind and I captured an impromptu rap that brought raw, instinctive fire to the track the kind of moment you live for as a composer. This version bridges generations resonating with those who grew up with the original, while connecting with a younger audience through its contemporary pulse.”

Following the viral first look that showcased Ranveer Singh in a never-seen-before avatar, the Dhurandhar - Title Track now turns up the heat, calling on audiences everywhere to ignite the fire within, ignite the Dhurandhar in you.

This cinematic spectacle features a stellar ensemble cast headlined by Ranveer Singh, along with Sanjay Dutt, Akshaye Khanna, R. Madhavan, and Arjun Rampal. Dhurandhar is written, directed, and produced by Aditya Dhar, and produced by Jyoti Deshpande and Lokesh Dhar.

The film Dhurandhar is slated for a December 5, 2025, release.

Also Read: EXCLUSIVE: Here’s what to expect from the Diwali asset of Ranveer Singh-Dhurandhar; likely to be played in cinemas with Thamma

Shahid Kapoor has made a name for himself in Bollywood as a credible actor, who can always deliver at the box office with the right film. He is collaborating with Dinesh Vijan on Cocktail 2 with Rashmika Mandanna and Kriti Sanon, and the film is presently on floors in Italy. Very reliable sources have confirmed that Cocktail 2 shoot will be wrapped up in the month of December, and producer Dinesh Vijan is looking to bring it to the big screen in the Summer of 2026.

Bollywood Hungama has exclusively learnt that Shahid Kapoor is all set to start shooting for the second season of his most loved OTT show, Farzi from the month of January 2026. A source told Bollywood Hungama, "Farzi is in the writing stage, and Amazon Prime, along with Raj and DK are excited to start the shoot for the second season from January 2026. Shahid has allotted 6 months to the shoot and is getting a fat pay cheque."

The source informs, "Shahid is drawing Rs. 40 crores for Farzi 2. This is the biggest pay cheque for him in his acting career, and this stems from the appreciation received by the first part." Farzi 2 will be the big project of Amazon Prime towards the end of 2026 - early 2027, and sources confirm that the second season will be a lot bigger than the first one.

Also Read: Shahid Kapoor – Vijay Sethupathi starrer Farzi 2 in development; Raj & DK to start season 2 after Citadel India and The Family Man 3

Making headlines is nothing new for Salman Khan. The superstar, who is currently in the news for his ongoing spat with Dabangg director Abhinav Kashyap, has also kept fans curious about updates on his much-awaited film Battle of Galwan. And now, there’s some exciting buzz for his fans.

According to a recent report by Mid-Day, Salman is currently filming a crucial patriotic song sequence in Mumbai with over 60 background dancers. The number, choreographed by Mudassar Khan, is said to be an emotionally charged tribute to the spirit of Indian soldiers.

An industry insider told the publication, “It’s not a celebratory number. The mood is patriotic, and the song reflects the pride, sacrifice, and pain of the soldiers. Salman and the director were clear that it should feel organic to the story.”

The source further added that Mudassar Khan is focusing more on evoking the soldiers’ emotions than on choreography-heavy moves. “Filming will continue through the week,” the insider revealed.

Mudassar and Salman have previously collaborated on blockbuster tracks from Dabangg (2010) and Ready (2011), both of which became chart-toppers. Given their history, expectations are naturally high for this emotionally intense sequence.

While the makers have yet to confirm or deny these reports, one confirmed update about Battle of Galwan is that Arijit Singh will lend his voice to one of the songs in the film. It’s highly likely that the patriotic number currently being shot features Arijit’s vocals.

For the uninitiated, Salman recently addressed his decade-long feud with Arijit Singh during a Bigg Boss 19 episode. Calling the misunderstanding “a thing of the past,” the actor publicly acknowledged that Arijit is his “very good friend,” confirming their long-awaited collaboration on Battle of Galwan.

Also Read: Salman Khan never made Govinda feel his career was struggling during Partner shoot, reveals Deepshikha Nagpal

The much-anticipated Diwali releases, Thamma and Ek Deewane Ki Deewaniyat, are just days away, and the excitement across the trade, industry, and audiences is palpable. As with every major festive clash, the battle for screens has intensified. Bollywood Hungama has learned that the first round of this tussle between the distributors of both films has already begun.

A trade source told Bollywood Hungama, “Thamma, starring Ayushmann Khurrana and Rashmika Mandanna, is being distributed by PVR Inox Pictures. Its distributor-partner in the Mumbai circuit, August Entertainment, has sent a mail to cinemas in the territory informing them about their screen-sharing requirements. They have asked for all shows in single-screen cinemas and two screen theatres. They have also asked for 12 shows in three-screen multiplexes; it means 100% showcasing in two of the three screens and a show or two in the third screen as well.”

The mail from August Entertainment further states that they want 15 shows of Thamma in four-screen theatres, 18 shows in five-screen cinemas, 21 shows in six-screen multiplexes, 24 shows in seven-screen multiplexes, 27 shows in eight-screen multiplexes, 30 shows in nine-screen plexes and 33 shows in 10-screen theatres.

It’s important to note that this move has come directly from August Entertainment, which is handling the release of Thamma in the Mumbai circuit. How distributors in other regions respond, and whether they follow suit with similar demands, remains to be seen.

Nevertheless, the exhibitors have expressed reservations. An exhibitor told us, “We would definitely want to show Thamma as it looks exciting. But single-screen cinemas should also be given a chance to play Ek Deewane Ki Deewaniyat. In fact, it’s the single-screen theatres where the Harshvardhan Rane-film can score big time. And let’s not forget that the Marathi film Premachi Goshta 2 and the Gujarati film Chaniya Toli are also up for release this Diwali. Some cinemas would want to accommodate it as well. Hence, we hope a solution can be found.”

Another exhibitor remarked, “The mail from August Entertainment mentions that the rule exists only for non-PVR, non-Inox and non-Cinepolis cinemas. We feel it’s not fair and it should be uniform for all cinemas.”

Meanwhile, a trade expert commented, “Just a few weeks ago, we saw what happened during the Kantara: A Legend – Chapter 1 vs Sunny Sanskari Ki Tulsi Kumari clash. At that time, the makers of the former asked for 100% shows in single-screen, two-screen and three-screen cinemas. Even in theatres with four screens and more, they asked for nearly 80-90% of showcasing. At least, the distributors are reasonable in the case of Thamma.”

Also Read: Ayushmann Khurrana flashes fake vampire teeth as he and Rashmika Mandanna promote Thamma in Delhi

Deepika Padukone has created history by becoming the first Indian to lend her voice to Meta AI, the virtual assistant integrated into Meta’s ecosystem, including the Ray-Ban Meta smart glasses, joining the list of the global lineup of voices for the AI assistant, including Hollywood celebrities Awkwafina, Judi Dench, etc. The collaboration marks a powerful intersection of technology and culture, positioning Deepika as a bridge between global innovation and Indian identity.

Meta announced that users in India will now be able to interact with Meta AI through Deepika’s voice, available in Indian English. Alongside this, the company introduced full Hindi language support and UPI Lite payments, making the experience more localised and personal. Yet, the biggest talking point remains Deepika’s voice — warm, poised, and unmistakably familiar.

Known for her global influence and grounded presence, Deepika brings authenticity and emotion to a space often dominated by synthetic tones. Her voice adds a human touch to artificial intelligence — turning digital interactions into something relatable and distinctly Indian. For millions of users, hearing Deepika guide them through tasks or respond to questions adds a sense of comfort and connection rarely found in technology.

This partnership also represents India’s growing significance in the global tech landscape. By featuring Deepika, Meta acknowledges India’s cultural power and linguistic diversity. The move goes beyond convenience — it celebrates representation and the inclusion of an Indian identity within a global product.

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For Deepika, this step expands her influence beyond cinema into the realm of digital innovation. It’s another milestone in a career defined by versatility, intelligence, and impact. With this collaboration, she becomes not just the voice of Meta AI — but the voice of a new era where technology feels a little more human, and a lot more Indian.

Also Read: Deepika Padukone’s 8-hour work rule sparks debate: Hansal Mehta, Hema Malini, and Sharmila Tagore weigh in