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.

The much-anticipated Pan-India film Spirit, bringing together director Sandeep Reddy Vanga and Prabhas for the first time, has officially kicked off 2026 with a major reveal. As the clock struck midnight welcoming the New Year, the makers unveiled the first look of the film, instantly sending fans into a frenzy and reaffirming the project’s status as one of the most talked-about upcoming releases.

Spirit has been under the spotlight ever since its announcement, largely due to the powerful combination of Prabhas and Vanga, both known for delivering intense, high-impact cinema. The first-look reveal at the turn of the year was a calculated promotional move, and one that Vanga has successfully employed in the past. Ahead of the reveal, the filmmaker teased audiences on social media on December 31 by writing, “People… A few hours more for SPIRIT – First Poster,” sparking widespread excitement and speculation.

Interestingly, this strategy mirrors the promotional approach Vanga used years ago while announcing Animal, starring Ranbir Kapoor. That midnight tease had gone on to create significant online chatter, and with Spirit, the director appears to have recreated the same sense of anticipation—this time on an even bigger, pan-India scale.

The film had already made headlines earlier this year following a casting change that drew considerable attention. Deepika Padukone, who was initially associated with the project, exited the film citing work-hour concerns. Subsequently, Triptii Dimri was brought on board, a move that further intensified curiosity around the film. Spirit marks Triptii’s first collaboration with Prabhas and her second association with Sandeep Reddy Vanga after Animal, making her casting particularly noteworthy.

Apart from Prabhas and Triptii Dimri, the film also stars Vivek Oberoi and Kanchana, among others, adding to its ensemble appeal. Backed by T-Series, Spirit is being mounted on a grand scale, aligning with Vanga’s signature storytelling style and Prabhas’ Pan-India stardom.

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  A post shared by Sandeep Reddy Vanga (@sandeepreddy.vanga)

With its first look now unveiled and promotional momentum firmly in place, Spirit is shaping up to be one of the most awaited films of 2026, setting the tone for a high-voltage cinematic year ahead.

Also Read: Vivek Oberoi to have an unrecognizable look in Prabhas starrer Spirit

The biggest grosser of 2025 and of Hindi cinema, Dhurandhar, has had a great run, collecting Rs. 754.50 crores in 26 days. There's a lot of gas left in the tank and hence, it’ll continue to collect considerably in 2026 as well, in the first few weeks. Bollywood Hungama has learned that those who’ll watch the Ranveer Singh-starrer in the New Year will get to see a revised version.

An exhibition source told Bollywood Hungama, “Theatres across the country received an e-mail from the distributors today, December 31, informing them they are replacing the DCP of the film. The reason for the change is that the makers have muted two words and changed a dialogue in the film, as per the directives received from the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting of India.”

The source added, “The cinemas were requested to download the new content and play the revised version of the film from January 1, 2026.”

An industry insider commented, “One of the words removed from the new version of Dhurandhar is ‘Baloch’.” However, Bollywood Hungama could not find out which other two words were muted or changed, at the time of publishing the article.

Dhurandhar stars Ranveer Singh, Sanjay Dutt, Akshaye Khanna, R Madhavan, Arjun Rampal and Sara Arjun. It tells the story of an Indian who infiltrates Pakistan and creates havoc. It is written and directed by Aditya Dhar, produced by Jyoti Deshpande's Jio Studios and Lokesh Dhar and Aditya Dhar's B62 Studios. It was released on December 5 and had a slow start. But thanks to the incredible word of mouth, the film grew with each passing day. As a result, while it collected Rs. 218 crores in Week 1, it went on to collect a whopping Rs. 261.50 crores in its second week, shocking trade and industry. It is expected to soon cross the Rs. 800 crores mark.

Also Read: Sikandar & War 2 rejected, but these 5 made 2025 ROAR: Trade hails the FANTASTIC FIVE who got the numbers – Vicky Kaushal, Ranveer Singh, Akshaye Khanna, Ahaan Panday, Aneet Padda

Bollywood actor Nushrratt Bharuccha has found herself at the centre of a sensitive religious controversy after her recent visit to the Shri Mahakaleshwar Jyotirlinga Temple in Ujjain. The actress, who attended the Bhasma Aarti and offered prayers ahead of New Year 2026, was criticised by a prominent Muslim cleric.

Bollywood actor Nushrratt Bharuccha has found herself at the centre of a sensitive religious controversy after her recent visit to the Shri Mahakaleshwar Jyotirlinga Temple in Ujjain. The actress, who attended the Bhasma Aarti and offered prayers ahead of New Year 2026, was criticised by a prominent Muslim cleric, prompting a broader discussion about spirituality, personal choice and religious tolerance in India.

However, the visit drew sharp criticism from Maulana Shahabuddin Razvi Barelvi, National President of the All India Muslim Jamaat, who described Bharuccha’s actions as a “grave sin” under Sharia law. In a statement, the cleric said that performing puja and participating in Hindu rituals is against Islamic principles and urged the actress to repent and recite the Kalma for forgiveness. According to him, such acts go against what he considers the fundamental tenets of Islam.

#WATCH उज्जैन, मध्य प्रदेश: अभिनेत्री नुसरत भरूचा महाकालेश्वर मंदिर में भस्म आरती में शामिल हुईं। pic.twitter.com/WexcORQv4U — ANI_HindiNews (@AHindinews) December 30, 2025

The Maulana asserted that “Islam does not permit such acts,” calling Bharuccha “guilty in the eyes of Sharia” for engaging in religious practices associated with another faith. He maintained that a Muslim performing temple rituals is in violation of Islamic teachings and should seek repentance.

#WATCH | Bareilly, Uttar Pradesh: On Nusrat Bharucha's visit to Mahakal Temple, National President, All India Muslim Jamaat, Maulana Shahabuddin Razvi Barelvi says, "... Nusrat Bharucha visited the Mahakal Temple in Ujjain, where she performed puja rituals. According to Sharia,… pic.twitter.com/EpAfc0gaM4 — ANI (@ANI) December 31, 2025

On the professional front, Nushrratt Bharuccha was last seen in the silent film Ufff Yeh Siyapaa. She is set to appear in the upcoming film Bun Tikki, scheduled for a 2026 release.

Also Read: Nushrratt Bharuccha gets candid on owning her choices; says, “I am an opportunist”

As Battle of Galwan — the upcoming war drama starring Salman Khan — continues to dominate headlines, it has also stirred controversy abroad. Chinese state-run media outlets, including the Global Times, have criticised the film’s teaser and narrative, accusing it of distorting facts about the 2020 Galwan Valley clash. In response, veteran filmmaker and FWICE Chief Advisor Ashoke Pandit has pushed back firmly against the criticism, calling it predictable and rooted in insecurity rather than artistic reality.

The controversy began after the Battle of Galwan teaser was released on Salman Khan’s 60th birthday, December 27, 2025. Set to depict the harrowing June 2020 hand-to-hand combat between Indian and Chinese troops along the Line of Actual Control (LAC), the film — directed by Apoorva Lakhia — aims to dramatise one of the most intense clashes in recent India–China relations.

The Global Times, a Chinese government-linked publication, published commentary suggesting that Battle of Galwan cannot “rewrite history” and accused the film of presenting a one-sided version of events. It also called out perceived factual inaccuracies in the teaser and dismissed the portrayal of Indian Army sacrifices as overblown or exaggerated.

Responding to the backlash, Ashoke Pandit told NDTV that China’s reaction was neither surprising nor impactful for the film’s prospects in India or internationally. “When an Indian filmmaker makes a film, he definitely sees to it that our enemy country’s activities are exposed. We as a nation are strong, and our security forces are really brave to fight their battles for the country. So it’s basically a kind of insecurity that Global Times feels.”

Producer Rahul Mitra echoed these sentiments in separate comments, stressing that filmmakers do due diligence with research and that established names like Lakhia and Salman would not produce a film that “distorts facts just to make a film.”

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  A post shared by Salman Khan (@beingsalmankhan)

The Chief Advisor, Federation of Western India Cine Employees, in a separate conversation with Hindustan Times, asserted, “It must have been in the minds of the producers that because it is Galwan, China would react because it is a film that is exposing them. We have the right to make a film like this on the subject and tell the world that this is what China has done to our country. China is a country that has supported Pakistan, and has created a lot of issues and problems for our country. It's a great thing that this film is made. If the film is good, it will do well."

Battle of Galwan is inspired by the June 2020 Galwan Valley clash, where Indian troops faced Chinese forces in a rare and brutal hand-to-hand conflict at high altitude, resulting in losses on both sides — including 20 Indian soldiers. The film stars Salman Khan as Colonel Bikkumalla Santosh Babu, the commanding officer of the 16 Bihar Regiment in the real battle. Chitrangda Singh, Zeyn Shaw, Ankur Bhatia and Vipin Bhardwaj feature in supporting roles. The film is scheduled for theatrical release on April 17, 2026.

Also Read: Salman Khan’s Battle of Galwan is not a biopic, film to highlight the human cost of the Galwan clash