R. Madhavan is the embodiment of versatility in Indian cinema. From romantic leads to morally grey figures, from everyman protagonists to inspiring mentors, R. Madhavan’s characters resonate because he brings depth, vulnerability, and an innate charm to each role.

1. Rehnaa Hai Tere Dil Mein- Maddy Maddy! The guy who made an entire generation fall in love with love. He was charming, impulsive, and had that boyish grin that could launch a thousand ships. Maddy wasn’t just a character — he was the blueprint for every college romance fantasy in the early 2000s. Admit it: You too have lip-synced to 'Zara Zara' at least once in your life.

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2. Shaitaan- Vanraj Kashyap Who knew Maddy had a sinister side? In Shaitaan, he flips the nice-guy script and goes full dark mode as Vanraj Kashyap. Creepy? Yes. Unpredictable? Absolutely. Memorable? Oh, you bet. This is Madhavan proving he can be as terrifying as he is lovable. Respect.

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3. Tanu Weds Manu- Mannu Sharma Mannu is that sweet, slightly awkward doctor who waits (and waits) for love to happen. He’s the guy who brings flowers when he should bring a lawyer. But that’s what makes him so endearing! R. Madhavan’s subtle charm makes you root for Mannu, even when you kinda want to shake him and say, “Dude, wake up!”

4. Kesari Chapter 2- Neville McKinley In Kesari Chapter 2, R. Madhavan steps into the shoes of Neville McKinley, an Anglo-Indian lawyer caught in the turbulence of colonial India. And here’s the twist: McKinley is the man who famously went up against Sankaran Nair during the Jallianwala Bagh massacre inquiry, imagine that courtroom drama! It’s a complex character in which someone is caught between duty, justice, and loyalty to the British Crown.

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5. 3 Idiots- Farhan Farhan is all of us who wanted to chase our dreams but were too scared to jump. Thanks to Madhavan’s warm, relatable performance, 3 Idiots made us believe it’s never too late to follow your passion (and maybe buy that DSLR). Rumour has it, more people bought cameras after 3 Idiots than during Diwali sales!

6. Rocketry- Nambi Narayanan Portraying Nambi Narayanan in Rocketry: The Nambi Effect, R. Madhavan not only acted but also directed, telling the incredible true story of a man wronged by his own system. His layered, emotional performance was the heart of the film. R. Madhavan didn’t just play Nambi Narayanan; he became him. Goosebumps, every time!

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7. Rang De Basanti- Ajay Rathod He had limited screen time, but boy, did he leave a mark. Ajay Rathod’s death in Rang De Basanti wasn’t just a plot twist, it was the moment that ignited a generation. Madhavan’s portrayal made us feel the loss of a hero, a friend, a lover... and left us asking: “What are we doing for our country?”

On his birthday, we celebrate not just the characters he’s played, but the man who’s made us believe, dream, and feel every single time. Happy birthday, R. Madhavan. Thank you for the memories, the inspiration, and the sheer joy of watching you on screen. Here’s to many more years of magic!

Also Read: Happy Birthday R Madhavan: Celebrating a remarkable 25-year journey in cinema

ZEE5 has unveiled the trailer for its upcoming original series, Chhal Kapat The Deception. Directed by Ajay Bhuyan, produced by Juggernaut Production, and led by the dynamic Shriya Pilgaonkar, this gripping whodunnit is set to premiere exclusively on ZEE5 on June 6, 2025. Featuring a stellar ensemble cast including Kamya Ahlawat, Ragini Dwivedi, Tuhina Das, Yahhve Sharma, Pranay Pachauri, Smaran Sahu, and Anuj Sachdeva, the series promises a suspense-filled narrative packed with twists, secrets, and deception.

Set against the hauntingly beautiful backdrop of a village near Burhanpur, the story unfolds at an intimate destination wedding. Bride-to-be Alisha Dixit has chosen her ancestral haveli for the celebration, bringing together her childhood best friends—Mehak, Ira, and Shalu—under one roof for the first time in years. What begins as a joyful reunion soon takes a dark turn. As laughter fills the air and old memories are rekindled, long-buried tensions resurface—culminating in tragedy when Shalu, now a rising social media influencer, is found dead.

The celebration quickly descends into a psychological thriller, as suspicion, secrets, and betrayal cast shadows over the festivities. Each friend carries hidden scars and simmering resentments, and as the investigation deepens, every bond begins to fray. At the center of this chilling whodunnit is Inspector Devika (played by Shriya Pilgaonkar), a sharp, no-nonsense cop with a haunted past of her own.

Devika isn’t your conventional investigator—her experience as a survivor of domestic abuse has forged a unique intuition that cuts through deceit. Her personal demons don’t weaken her — they sharpen her perspective, allowing her to see through lies others might overlook. As she digs into the tangled relationships and conflicting motives of the group, long-held secrets come to light, friendships unravel, and the line between loyalty and deception blurs. Shriya Pilgaonkar said, “Chhal Kapat The Deception isn’t your typical murder mystery or whodunnit. I’m thrilled to be playing a police officer for the first time—but what makes this role truly special is the complexity of the character. Devika isn’t just an officer; she’s someone haunted by a dark past, which in turn sharpens her investigative instincts. She sees what others might miss, not in spite of her past, but because of it. It’s exciting to portray a cop who breaks the mold—Devika is sharp, and morally complex. Characters like hers are rarely seen in this space, where officers are often portrayed as strictly black or white. I am excited for viewers to watch me in this binge-worthy, past-faced whodunnit only on ZEE5 from 6th June”.

Director Ajay Bhuyan shared, "From the very beginning, I envisioned Chhal Kapat The Deception as more than just a murder mystery—I wanted to explore the dark undercurrents that run beneath seemingly joyous occasions. The wedding setting gave us the perfect canvas: drama, emotions, and stunning visuals—all wrapped in suspense. Having Shriya Pilgaonkar on board as Inspector Devika was a game-changer. She hasn’t just played the role; she’s lived it. The trailer is just a glimpse—what lies ahead is a deeply layered story that will keep audiences hooked till the very end. This series has everything—drama, emotion, a stunning backdrop, and edge-of-the-seat suspense. It’s a full-on entertainment package, and I can’t wait for the audience to experience the thrilling journey we’ve created”.

Mark your calendars — Chhal Kapat The Deception premieres on ZEE5 this June 6th

Also Read: Shriya Pilgaonkar stars as police officer in ZEE5’s Chhal Kapat: The Deception, teaser out now

Rohit Shetty is ready to surprise audiences with a genre he’s never explored before - horror. The filmmaker is stepping into the supernatural space with an upcoming film, which will star Nushrratt Bharuccha in the lead.

According to a report by Mid-Day, Shetty has been mulling over the idea of venturing into horror for over a year. “He’s always been drawn to stories that evoke strong emotional reactions, and horror can be just as visceral as action,” the report quoted an insider close to the development. “Nushrratt was his first choice. Her performance in Chhorii showed she can carry a horror plot with both vulnerability and strength.”

The film will be directed by E Niwas, who is known for Shool and Love Ke Liye Kuch Bhi Karega. Shetty is reportedly keen to keep the horror grounded and unsettling, a tone Niwas is expected to deliver with his gritty sensibility. The yet-untitled project is currently in pre-production.

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However, an official statement from Rohit Shetty's team has denied any such collaboration. The official statement read, "A story is doing the rounds claiming that Rohit Shetty is working on a horror film with Nushrratt Bharuccha and E Niwas. This news is completely false and baseless. We request the media to kindly reach out to us for verification before rehashing or publishing any stories related to Rohit Shetty or his production house to avoid the circulation of inaccurate news."

Also Read: BREAKING: John Abraham unveils his dashing Rakesh Maria biopic look at Lakadbaggha graphic novel launch; CONFIRMS Rohit Shetty’s film and Parmanu director Abhishek Sharma’s Munkeeman

Get ready for a thrilling laughter riot as Sajid Nadiadwala's Housefull 5, the latest installment of Bollywood’s most successful comedy franchise, gears up for its grand release! In celebration of advance booking opening tomorrow, the cast of Housefull 5 will make a special appearance at Seasons Mall, Pune, to meet fans and indulge in fun-filled activities.

The film, known for its comedy and blockbuster ensemble, promises yet another rollercoaster ride of confusion, chaos, and entertainment. Fans will have the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to interact with the star-studded cast in person.

This visit is part of the Housefull 5 promotional tour, aimed at giving fans an unforgettable experience and building momentum ahead of the film’s much-anticipated release. With advance bookings opening tomorrow, moviegoers are encouraged to grab their tickets early to avoid missing out on the madness, which has 2 different Climaxes depending on whether you are going for the 5A or 5B version.

Akshay Kumar, Nana Patekar, Riteish Deshmukh, Shreyas Talpade, Fardeen Khan, Nargis Fakhri, Jacqueline Fernandez, Sonam Bajwa, Johnny Lever, and Tarun Mansukhani will be seen interacting with fans in Pune on 1st June. The Story and Screenplay are also by Sajid Nadiadwala.

Produced by Sajid Nadiadwala under the banner of Nadiadwala Grandson Entertainment, Housefull 5 releases in cinemas worldwide on June 6th 2025.

Also Read: Trade experts predict that Housefull 5 has the potential to be the BIGGEST opener of Akshay Kumar; the holiday period, comedy king Akshay Kumar’s solid timing will prove to be an advantage

Aakanksha Singh is the latest celebrity to bring home the newly launched Mahindra XEV 9e, joining the growing list of public figures opting for the electric SUV. The actress recently took delivery of her vehicle, choosing the Ruby Velvet shade—a bold and striking option among the several colour schemes available for the model.

Her choice adds her name to a lineup that already includes notable personalities such as Anurag Kashyap, Jaaved Jaaferi, and AR Rahman. Shared through social media posts, Singh’s new acquisition has sparked interest among fans and automobile enthusiasts alike.

Mahindra’s XEV 9e, introduced as part of the brand’s first “Born Electric” lineup alongside the BE 6, features a distinct design language. The SUV stands out with its sloped roofline, signature front fascia, and 19-inch alloy wheels. In addition to Ruby Velvet, the car is available in shades like Stealth Black, Everest White, Deep Forest, Tango Red, Nebula Blue, and Desert Myst.

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Inside, the SUV is equipped with a host of premium features. These include a sunroof with UV protection, an air purification system, a Harman Kardon sound setup with Dolby Atmos, and a head-up display (HUD) that integrates augmented reality. Smart connectivity is another highlight, with built-in 5G support, Amazon Alexa integration, and a cooled centre console for added convenience.

The rear seats offer a 60:40 split configuration, and the steering wheel is both telescopic and adjustable—designed for driver comfort. On the safety front, the XEV 9e is fitted with Level 2+ Advanced Driver-Assistance Systems (ADAS), Secure360 monitoring, six airbags, an electronic parking brake, a tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS), and a driver fatigue detection feature.

Also Read: Watch Aakanksha Singh’s transformation to play a character spanning across three age groups in Rangbaaz 3

Hyundai Motor India Ltd (HMIL) has roped in actor Pankaj Tripathi as its new brand ambassador. Known for his grounded screen presence and relatable persona, Tripathi’s association with the brand is aimed at reinforcing Hyundai’s image as a reliable and people-first automobile company.

The company announced the partnership in a press release, describing the actor as a symbol of authenticity and trust, qualities Hyundai identifies with. “His grounded persona, exceptional talent, and widespread appeal resonate with the values of HMIL and our vision of ‘Progress for Humanity,’” said Tarun Garg, Whole-Time Director and COO, HMIL.

Tripathi also expressed a personal connection with the brand, revealing that his first car was a Hyundai. “Over the years, that relationship has grown into something truly personal,” he said. “As someone who deeply values simplicity, sincerity, and staying true to one’s roots, I find a natural alignment with HMIL’s ethos.”

The collaboration marks Hyundai's continuing effort to connect more deeply with Indian audiences. By bringing Tripathi on board, the brand hopes to reach a wider demographic while underlining its longstanding values of innovation, trust, and customer-centricity.

Speaking of Pankaj Tripathi, he is currently making headlines for his performance in Criminal Justice Season 4: A Family Matter, streaming on JioHotstar. Besides the web show, he will also be seen in Anurag Basu’s Metro… In Dino.

Also Read: Pankaj Tripathi on the joys of playing the canny lawyer Madhav Mishra in Applause Entertainment’s Criminal Justice for the fourth time

Singer Milind Gaba and his wife Pria have recently embraced a beautiful new chapter in their lives by welcoming twins — a baby boy and a baby girl. The joyous announcement was made public on Friday through Milind’s Instagram, where he shared his happiness with his fans and followers in an endearing joint post alongside his wife.

In his heartfelt message, Milind expressed profound gratitude and humility, writing, “I never asked anything for myself from you, so what else could I ask now. We are blessed with two miracles. Jai Mata Di.” This touching sentiment reflects not only his personal joy but also the spiritual blessing he feels in receiving this incredible gift of life.

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The couple also shared a charming illustration showing a doodle of a baby boy and girl dressed in blue and pink. Along with the sweet drawing, they added a touching message that said, "No twist in Gaba's story, there are twins."

Right after the couple shared the news, several members from the film and music industry flooded the comment section with warm congratulations and best wishes. “Congratulations,” commented actor Kishwer Merchant. “Huge congratulations,” wrote singer Tulsi Kumar.

On February 1, 2025, Milind and Pria announced their pregnancy to fans on Instagram. Milind is well-known for his songs like 'Zindagi Di Paudi,' 'Teri Yaari,' and 'Yaar Mod Do.' Meanwhile, Pria, a fashion blogger, is the older sister of popular YouTuber Harsh Beniwal.

AAZ Films and Offside Entertainment present, a Maurya Entertainment Production, directed by Ravi Chhabriya with a powerhouse ensemble cast, Diljit Dosanjh playing a quirky detective. An entertainer for the whole family. Twists that keep you guessing all the way! Looks like audiences are about to get the best of three worlds in Detective Sherdil, releasing on ZEE5 on 20th June 2025.

Detective Sherdil tells the tale of a unique detective tasked with solving a case that is far from ordinary. Shot in exotic Budapest, what sets the film apart is an entertaining blend of suspense and mystery with wit and humor.

Detective Sherdili marks Ravi Chhabriya’s first directorial venture after assisting Ali Abbas Zafar on projects like Sultan, Bharat and Tiger Zinda Hai. Featuring Diana Penty, Boman Irani, Chunky Panday, Ratna Pathak Shah, Banita Sandhu and Sumeet Vyas, the Diljit Dosanjh starrer is packed with an array of talented actors.

Written by Ali Abbas Zafar, Sagar Bajaj and Ravi Chhabriya, Detective Sherdil is Ali Abbas Zafar’s second collaboration with Diljit Dosanjh’s after the acclaimed Jogi. Talking about the much awaited release, producer Ali Abbas Zafar said, “Diljit and I have previously worked on Jogi. After wrapping that film, I was sure we must work together again. He is one of the biggest stars we have, and now, as we bring Detective Sherdil to audiences on ZEE5, I still can’t believe we’ve wrapped up our second collaboration! Our film will charm you with comedy, and thrill you with mystery, it’s an out and out family watch”.

Sharing his thoughts on the release, producer Himanshu Mehra said, “There are very few stars who have the versatility to pull off humor with the same ease as they handle suspense. Diljit is one such star actor. I’m very excited to bring families all over together for this thrilling ride on Zee5 on 20th June 2025.”

Talking about the film, Kaveri Das - ZEE5, Business Head, Hindi said, “At ZEE5, we understand the enduring charm of a good whodunit—but we also know today’s viewers want more than just clues and culprits. With Detective Sherdil, we're dialing up the mystery and mixing it with a twist of wit and unconventional storytelling. Think shadowy secrets, eccentric suspects, and plot turns you won’t see coming—all delivered with a wink. This title is a sharp, stylish addition to our slate of movies proving once again that ZEE5 is the destination for mystery lovers who like their crime stories with character”.

Detective Sherdil will keep viewers hooked from start to end. With Diljit Dosanjh in signature form, the film seems like the perfect excuse to gather all loved ones and have a thrilling time at home.

Detective Sherdil, produced by Himanshu Mehra, Ali Abbas Zafar, Rohini Singh and Manmeet Singh, premiering on ZEE5, starring Diljit Dosanjh, Diana Penty, and Boman Irani, releasing on 20th June 2025.

Also Read: Watch: Diljit Dosanjh tries “pheeki” coffee in London worth Rs 30,000; jokes he’d rather go to an Indian wedding

Following serious allegations of emotional abuse and manipulation made against cinematographer Pratik Shah by filmmaker Abhinav Singh, Dharma Productions has issued an official statement asserting its zero-tolerance policy toward inappropriate conduct on its sets.

The controversy began when Abhinav Singh, known for his work in short films and advertisements, took to Instagram to detail experiences involving a "predator" within the industry. While initially withholding the individual’s identity, Singh later named Pratik Shah, best known for his work on Homebound and Jubilee. He also revealed that nearly 20 women have come forward to him with accounts of Shah’s alleged behavior.

In response to the growing discourse online, Dharma Productions, under whose banner Homebound was produced, clarified Shah’s association with the project and underlined its stance on workplace safety. The official statement reads: “At Dharma Productions, we have a zero tolerance policy against inappropriate behavior and sexual harassment towards any individual working with us in any capacity, and we treat sexual harassment cases very seriously.”

The statement further read, “Mr. Pratik Shah was a freelancer on the project Homebound and was working on it for a limited period. His engagement with us has been completed. During this limited period, our internal committee for POSH didn’t receive any complaints against him from any cast or crew on our film Homebound.”

Pratik Shah’s social media presence has since gone dark, with his Instagram account being deleted shortly after Singh publicly named him. Singh has continued to spotlight the alleged silent abuse experienced by women in the film industry, stating that his inbox has been flooded with testimonies since his initial post on Thursday morning.

Also Read: EXCLUSIVE: With Naagzilla, Dharma Productions and Mahaveer Jain Films announce multi-film collaboration; expected to be a game-changing partnership

Varun Dhawan has officially wrapped up the Scotland schedule of his upcoming romantic comedy Hai Jawaani Toh Ishq Hona Hai. On May 30, the actor took to Instagram to share a carousel post filled with behind-the-scenes glimpses from the shoot.

“It’s a schedule wrap for us here in Scotland on #haijawaanitohishqhonahai. So many days everyone pulling together to make this happen. Bringing u all the laughs soon. Now back home,” Varun wrote in the caption, expressing gratitude towards the team.

Candid Moments and Co-Star Reactions

The post featured several photos with his co-stars, crew members, and producer Ramesh Taurani. Actor Arjun Kapoor couldn’t resist chiming in with a cheeky comment, calling Taurani “The hypebeast.” Meanwhile, Janhvi Kapoor, who stars opposite Varun in another upcoming film Sunny Sanskari Ki Tulsi Kumari, commented, “Sunny Sanskari is needed back in the bay asap pls.”

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Varun has been actively documenting his time on set. Just a few days ago, he shared a video of himself enjoying lunch during the shoot. His feed paints a lively picture of the production, giving fans a closer look at what’s to come.

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Directed by David Dhawan, Packed with Star Power

Directed by Varun’s father David Dhawan, Hai Jawaani Toh Ishq Hona Hai stars Mrunal Thakur and Pooja Hegde in the lead roles alongside Varun. The film is slated for release on April 10. Recently, a clip from the sets went viral, showing Varun and Mrunal dancing together, fueling speculation that the film will feature a remake of the iconic ‘Chunnari Chunnari’ track originally performed by Salman Khan and Sushmita Sen. chunnari chunnari remake please NO byu/Normal_Weather8827 inBollyBlindsNGossip

A Busy Slate Ahead for Varun

Beyond this film, Varun Dhawan’s calendar is packed. He is currently working on Sunny Sanskari Ki Tulsi Kumari, Bhediya 2, No Entry 2, and Border 2, marking a dynamic phase in his career

Also Read: Varun Dhawan and Pooja Hegde recreate popular 90s song ‘Chunari Chunari’ in Hai Jawani Toh Ishq Hona Hai; BTS photos go viral

Ajay Devgn’s much-anticipated family thriller, Drishyam 3, is officially slated for release on October 2, 2026 — a date that’s not just iconic but deeply symbolic for the franchise’s devoted fanbase.

Directed by Abhishek Pathak, the film will be jointly produced by Panorama Studios and Viacom18, signalling a powerful collaboration for what is expected to be one of the biggest releases of the year. This formal announcement reinforces the fact that Drishyam 3 is a top priority for director Abhishek Pathak, his producer-father Kumar Mangat Pathak, and lead actor-producer Ajay Devgn.

Given the track record of the previous films, industry insiders and audiences alike have high expectations. The first Drishyam (2015) narrated the gripping story of Vijay Salgaonkar, a common man who cleverly protects his family after a shocking incident involving the son of a top cop. The film became a cult hit, especially post its OTT release, with the “pav bhaji on October 2” scene becoming an iconic pop culture reference.

Drishyam 2 (2022) carried the story forward with added layers of suspense and a stellar addition in Akshaye Khanna. It opened to strong box office numbers, further cementing the franchise’s legacy.

Releasing the third instalment on October 2 — the very date etched in the memory of fans — is a masterstroke. With the original cast expected to return and suspense at an all-time high, Drishyam 3 is shaping up to be one of the most-awaited thrillers of 2026.

Also Read : Maa trailer launch: Kajol NAILS it with a mic-drop reply on casting: “Who could Ajay Devgn imagine in a horror role besides me?”; Ajay wins hearts by featuring mothers’ names as middle names in the end credits

Yash Raj Films is the leading production house of Indian Cinema, and they are presently gearing up for the release of the Ayan Mukerji directed War 2 starring Hrithik Roshan and Jr. NTR in the lead. While the film is releasing on August 14, the makers unleashed their campaign with a teaser launch on NTR's birthday. And now, our exclusive sources have confirmed that the teaser of War 2 will air on the IPL final.

Industry sources confirm that WAR 2 holds the record of being YRF’s most expensive film ever produced, on a budget of almost Rs. 400 crores. The studio has meticulously planned a large-scale promotional rollout leading up to its highly anticipated release.

As part of this aggressive on-ground campaign, YRF has secured prime advertising slots during the IPL 2025 Final on May 30. These promos are expected to play during innings and over breaks - traditionally the most-watched television events in India. This move represents a calculated attempt to maximize visibility across a broad and diverse demographic. The initial phase of the campaign will heavily emphasize the action-packed "Hrithik Roshan vs NTR" dynamic, with the more dramatic portions of the film set to be unveiled closer to the film’s theatrical release, in the trailer.

Interestingly, sources close to YRF also confirm that Aditya Chopra strategically fast-tracked the teaser's release by a full month ahead of its original schedule. This accelerated rollout coincided with NTR’s birthday, a calculated move to target his regional fan base in the Telugu heartland early in the film’s extensive marketing cycle.

For those unaware, War 2 is all set to hit the big screen on August 14, 2025. The film also features Kiara Advani in a key role

Also Read: Hrithik Roshan and Jr NTR to shoot War 2 dance-off in June: Report