A major controversy has disrupted the 12th International Film Festival of Kerala (IFFK) in Thiruvananthapuram, as the Union Ministry of Information and Broadcasting (I&B) has withheld screening permissions for several films, leading to cancellations.​

Congress MP Shashi Tharoor has sharply criticized the decision, calling it “deeply unfortunate” and highlighting the denial of clearance to 19 scheduled films. On December 16, 2025, he noted on social media that the original list was longer, but some approvals followed his intervention with I&B Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw, requested by festival chairman Riyas LP, while others await Ministry of External Affairs clearance.

Tharoor described the bureaucracy's stance as a “staggering lack of cinematic understanding,” questioning blocks on classics like Battleship Potemkin, a 1928 Russian Revolution film seen by millions worldwide, including in India. "The list of 19 films suggests an extraordinary degree of cinematic illiteracy on the part of the bureaucracy. To deny clearance to a classic like Battleship Potemkin, a 1928 film on the Russian Revolution which has been viewed by literally hundreds of millions around the world (and in India) over the last century, is laughable. Denying permission to some Palestinian films reflects bureaucratic over-cautiousness rather than the cultural breadth of vision that should be involved when it comes to world cinema," he wrote.

It is most unfortunate that an unseemly controversy has arisen over the central government's denial of clearance to 19 films which were scheduled to be screened at the International Film Festival of Kerala in Thiruvananthapuram.

The original list was much longer, but several… — Shashi Tharoor (@ShashiTharoor) December 16, 2025

He urged Ministers Ashwini Vaishnaw and S Jaishankar to expedite approvals, warning of damage to India’s cultural image, especially in cinema-loving Kerala.​

Films lacking Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) approval require special I&B Ministry exemption for festival screenings, and the absence of these has stalled the IFFK schedule.

Veteran filmmaker Adoor Gopalakrishnan decried restrictions on landmarks like Battleship Potemkin, The Hour of the Furnaces, and the Spanish film Beef, calling it a “clear misunderstanding of cinema” that judges by titles or politics, undermining artistic freedom. Organizers are negotiating resolutions before the festival ends on December 19, amid delegate inconvenience.

Also Read: Karan Johar, Malaika Arora compare Pitch To Get Rich contestant to Shashi Tharoor; Congress MP gives cheeky reply!

Filmmaker Anees Bazmee has officially confirmed that he is reuniting with Akshay Kumar after a gap of 15 years. While speculation around their collaboration had been circulating for some time, Bazmee put an end to the rumours by revealing that the duo is working on a new comedy project.

Speaking to Mid-Day, Bazmee shared that the script for the film is nearing completion. “It is a comedy. I am writing the script right now, it’s almost complete. If everything goes as planned, we will start shooting soon,” he said. The film is currently untitled, and while reports had suggested that it could be a remake of the Telugu action-comedy Sankranthiki Vasthunam, Bazmee chose not to comment on those claims.

The director, however, spoke warmly about his long-standing relationship with Akshay Kumar. Reflecting on their bond, Bazmee said there has always been mutual respect between them. “There is mutual love and respect between us. When I told him about this film, he was more than happy,” he added, noting that they remained in touch over the years despite not collaborating since Thank You (2011).

Having said that, it is worth mentioning that Bollywood Hungama was among the first ones to report about Akshay Kumar and Anees Bazmee's reunion. Readers may recall that a source told Bollywood Hungama, "Anees and Akshay loved the plot of the lead character stuck between his wife and ex-girlfriend that Sankranthiki Vasthunam rides on. However, the original had a lot of Telugu flavour. To make the film palatable for the Hindi audience, Anees Bazmee is reimagining the film, keeping the core plot intact."

On the work front, Akshay Kumar has a busy slate ahead. The actor will be seen in Haiwaan and Bhoot Bangla, both directed by Priyadarshan, and is also set to return to the Hera Pheri franchise with Hera Pheri 3, once again under Priyadarshan’s direction.

Also Read: Anees Bazmee CONFIRMS Bhool Bhulaiyaa 4, says, “It is work in progress”

After touching hearts with Sitaare Zameen Par, Aamir Khan Productions is now turning the spotlight towards the people who quietly shaped the journey behind the scenes. The makers have unveiled the trailer of Sitaaron Ke Sitaare, a documentary that introduces audiences to the real stars behind the film — the parents of the young actors who featured in the sports comedy-drama.

Sitaaron Ke Sitaare traces the lives, emotions, and everyday realities of the parents whose children became the ‘Sitaare’ of Sitaare Zameen Par. While the film itself emerged as a heartwarming family entertainer and resonated deeply with audiences, the documentary expands that emotional universe by focusing on the journeys that unfolded off-screen. The trailer offers glimpses of intimate moments, shared struggles, pride, and the process of growing up alongside their children’s dreams.

Directed by Shaanib Bakshi, the documentary continues Aamir Khan Productions’ pattern of taking unconventional routes to storytelling. It follows the studio’s earlier decision to make Sitaare Zameen Par available on YouTube through the “Janta Ka Theater” initiative at a nominal price, a move that challenged traditional distribution models and widened access for audiences across the country.

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Sitaaron Ke Sitaare is set to premiere on 19th December, exclusively on Aamir Khan Talkies’ YouTube channel.

The documentary builds upon the legacy of Sitaare Zameen Par, which starred Aamir Khan and Genelia Deshmukh in lead roles and introduced ten rising talents — Aroush Datta, Gopi Krishna Varma, Samvit Desai, Vedant Sharma, Ayush Bhansali, Ashish Pendse, Rishi Shahani, Rishabh Jain, Naman Mishra, and Simran Mangeshkar. The film was directed by R. S. Prasanna, known for Shubh Mangal Saavdhan, and released in theatres on June 20, 2025.

Also Read: PVR INOX hosts special screening of Sitaare Zameen Par for Indian Air Force personnel

Dharma Productions has acquired Cornerstone’s stake in its talent management venture, Dharma Cornerstone Agency, and relaunched it under a new name — Dharma Collab Artists Agency (DCAA). The move marks a strategic expansion of Dharma’s presence beyond filmmaking into a wider cultural and talent ecosystem.

With the rebranding, DCAA will function as Dharma Productions’ exclusive platform for artist representation, spanning film, music, sports, digital media, live experiences, and cultural collaborations. The agency will continue to be led by Uday Singh Gauri as CEO and Rajeev Masand as COO, ensuring continuity as the company enters its next phase of growth.

Uday Singh Gauri, who brings over two decades of experience across talent management, music, live entertainment, and strategic partnerships, is expected to focus on expanding the agency’s reach and building new verticals. The aim, according to the leadership, is to help artists navigate careers that increasingly move across formats and platforms rather than remain limited to a single medium.

Apoorva Mehta, CEO of Dharma Productions, said, "Talent has always shaped Dharma’s identity, influencing both our creative choices and how we build for the future. With DCAA, we are creating a structured platform that supports artists across disciplines. This is a deliberate and long-term step toward deepening our role in the creative economy."

Speaking about the relaunch, Uday Singh Gauri said, "With DCAA, we’re building a platform that reflects the way artists work, express, and grow today. Representation now goes far beyond negotiation and visibility. It requires cultural understanding, business instinct, and the ability to move with — and ahead of — the industry. Our focus is on developing long-term careers across multiple formats, while creating meaningful pathways between talent and opportunity. This is about scale, yes, but it’s also about care, clarity, and collaboration."

DCAA’s current roster includes a mix of film actors, musicians, digital creators, and cultural voices such as Janhvi Kapoor, Ananya Panday, Sara Ali Khan, Disha Patani, Rasha Thadani, Aditya Roy Kapur, Harshvardhan Rane, Lakshya, Rohit Saraf, Neeti Mohan, Jonita Gandhi, Orry, Sumukhi Suresh, among others.

Dharma Productions, founded in 1976 by the late Yash Johar and now jointly owned by Karan Johar and Adar Poonawalla, has built a reputation for launching new talent while delivering commercially successful and critically acclaimed films. With DCAA, the studio appears to be extending that legacy into artist management, positioning itself as a long-term partner in shaping careers across entertainment and culture.

Also Read: Karan Johar’s Dharma Productions takes 100% control of talent venture after amicable split with Cornerstone

Dhurandhar had a fair opening, but on the weekdays, it went on another level. It became clear to the trade and industry that the second weekend would be higher. Yet, no one was prepared for the fact that the film would earn a huge Rs. 146.60 crores from Day 8 to Day 10. And as expected, the Tuesday offer of Rs. 99 will not be implemented this week as well.

A source told Bollywood Hungama, “The weekend trend gave a strong indication that the demand to watch Dhurandhar is incredible. Hence, a decision was taken by the distributors that cinemas shouldn’t reduce the ticket prices on Tuesday, as they usually do for other movies. Accordingly, the cinemas have been asked to follow blockbuster pricing for all days of the week, including Tuesday. The excellent hold on the second Monday has given an indication that their decision will prove right and lead to steady collections despite no discount.”

Last week, Bollywood Hungama had reported that ever since the Tuesday offer began on April 22, 2025, only two other films didn’t opt for a discount offer in Week 1 – Raid 2 and Sitaare Zameen Par. However, both films took advantage of the scheme from Week 2. Dhurandhar is thus the first ever film to not opt for the Tuesday offer twice.

In fact, an industry insider revealed, “If the momentum continues, there will be no offer on subsequent Tuesdays as well, on December 23 and December 30. It’s holiday time when business is on the upswing. Therefore, don’t be surprised if the Tuesday offer for Dhurandhar is implemented directly on January 6, 2026.”

Dhurandhar stars Ranveer Singh, Akshaye Khanna, Sanjay Dutt, R Madhavan, Arjun Rampal and Sara Arjun. Backed by Jio Studios and B62 Studios, it is directed by Aditya Dhar. The sequel is scheduled to be released on March 19, 2026.

Also Read: Samantha applauds Ranveer Singh’s transformation in Dhurandhar, calls him “unreal”

Bhanushali Studios Limited announced a creative collaboration with acclaimed Hollywood filmmaker Michael Bay. Known globally for shaping modern blockbuster cinema, Bay marked his first-ever creative association with an Indian studio and an Indian film through this partnership, a milestone he also shared on social media.

Michael Bay, whose body of work as a director and producer includes franchises and films such as Bad Boys, Armageddon, Pearl Harbor, Transformers, and A Quiet Place, has been responsible for over USD 10 billion in global box office collections. His collaboration with Bhanushali Studios signals a notable cross-cultural exchange between Hollywood-scale action filmmaking and Indian storytelling.

The upcoming project is set to be directed by Anthony D’Souza, known for large-scale entertainers such as Boss, Blue, and Azhar. Elevating the film further is the involvement of Oscar-winning composer A R Rahman, whose music has consistently carried Indian narratives to a global audience.

Speaking about his first Indian collaboration, Michael Bay said, “It was an exciting opportunity to blend Hollywood’s action-driven approach with the heart and emotion of Indian storytelling. Working with Rahman, Vinod, and Tony offered the chance to create a new cinematic experience filled with energy, rhythm, and striking visuals. Anthony’s vision, particularly, his handling of scale and emotion made this collaboration especially fulfilling.”

A R Rahman reflected on the creative union, saying, “When different cinematic worlds come together, they open up a unique space for music. For me, composing has always been about discovering the soul of a film and giving the score its own identity — a voice for what remains unspoken. I let the music carry the emotion.”

Bhanushali Studios Limited has steadily built a strong slate of films through collaborations with prominent banners such as Warner Bros. Pictures, Aanand L Rai’s Colour Yellow Productions, Hansal Mehta’s True Story Films, and Ali Abbas Zafar’s AAZ Films. The alliance with Michael Bay marks a further step toward international collaboration and global storytelling.

Vinod Bhanushali, Chairman and Managing Director of Bhanushali Studios Limited, shared, “Cinema is global and stories are universal. Collaborations like this remind us that creative scale has no boundaries. Bringing together Michael Bay’s dynamic filmmaking with A R Rahman’s musical universe was an ambitious and inspiring vision. We believed an Indian story could find a strong voice on the global stage through such partnerships.”

Director Anthony D’Souza also spoke about the project, saying, “Collaborating with Michael Bay’s creative intensity, Rahman sir’s musical brilliance, and the support of Bhanushali Studios was both an honour and a responsibility. This film aspired to balance scale, speed, and emotion while delivering a cinematic experience that remained soulful at its core.”

The film is in the early stages of development at the time of the announcement, with further details expected to be revealed as the project progresses.

Also Read: Narcos cinematographer Juan Carlos Gil praises Vikrant Massey’s unmatched commitment for White: “He was generous about the job”

Ranveer Singh-starrer Dhurandhar continues to make waves at the box office, with the film racing towards the Rs 300 crore club and drawing praise from audiences and celebrities alike. Directed by Aditya Dhar, the film is inspired by real-life events and crime syndicates operating in Karachi’s Lyari area, and presents a fictionalised account of India’s fight against terror in Pakistan. However, the film’s depiction has now triggered a response across the border.

Amid the growing buzz around Dhurandhar, Pakistan’s Sindh government announced a new film titled Mera Lyari, which it claims will counter what it has termed as “negative propaganda” against the region. The announcement was made on Saturday, December 13, by Sindh Information Minister Sharjeel Inam Memon, who shared posters of the upcoming film on X.

In his post, Memon criticised Dhurandhar, alleging that it portrays Lyari in a negative light. “Indian movie Dhurandhar is yet another example of negative propaganda by the Indian film industry against Pakistan, especially targeting Lyari. Lyari is not violence—it is culture, peace, talent, and resilience,” he wrote. Announcing the film’s release next month, he added that Mera Lyari will aim to show “the true face of Lyari: peace, prosperity, and pride.”

The response has added a new dimension to the conversation surrounding Dhurandhar, which draws from true incidents linked to criminal networks in Lyari while framing its narrative around cross-border terror operations. While the film has been lauded in India for its scale, performances and storytelling, its subject matter has also sparked debate given the sensitive geopolitical context it touches upon.

Dhurandhar boasts an ensemble cast led by Ranveer Singh, alongside Akshaye Khanna, R. Madhavan, Arjun Rampal, Sara Arjun, Rakesh Bedi, Manav Gohil, Danish Pandor, Saumya Tandon and Gaurav Gera.

Also Read: Dhurandhar Box Office Tsunami: Ranveer Singh starrer clocks Rs. 545.6 cr at Worldwide box office, dominates India & Overseas

Actor Sohail Khan found himself at the centre of online criticism over the weekend after a video of him riding his Rs 17 lakh motorcycle on Mumbai’s Bandra roads without a helmet went viral. The clip quickly drew backlash from netizens, many of whom pointed out the importance of road safety and the responsibility public figures carry when it comes to following traffic rules.

Responding to the criticism, Sohail took to social media to issue a detailed apology and acknowledge his mistake. In his note, the actor admitted that not wearing a helmet was wrong, regardless of personal discomfort. “I would like to request all the bike riders please wear helmets. I avoid wearing them at times as I feel claustrophobic but that’s no excuse to not wear one,” he wrote.

Sohail went on to explain his long-standing passion for riding, sharing that it dates back to his childhood days of riding BMX cycles. He added that he usually rides late at night, when traffic is minimal, and maintains a slow pace with his car following him to reduce risk. However, he made it clear that these precautions do not justify breaking traffic rules. “I assure fellow riders that I will make a genuine effort to overcome my claustrophobia and wear a helmet so please bear with me,” he added.

The actor also apologised directly to the traffic authorities, stating that he would follow all rules going forward. He further saluted riders who wear helmets consistently despite discomfort, calling it necessary for safety and reiterating that “it is better to be safe than sorry.”

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Interestingly, this incident has brought Sohail Khan back into the public spotlight after a long gap. The actor has largely stayed away from films in recent years. He returned to acting in 2017 after a seven-year hiatus with Tubelight, where he appeared alongside his brother Salman Khan. Since then, Sohail has remained off the big screen, making this controversy one of the few times he has made headlines in recent years.

Also Read: Sohail Khan on Salman Khan’s O O jaane jaana impact: “Salman Khan ke jaise body chaiye toh doodh pi”

When Paresh Rawal had briefly stepped away from Hera Pheri 3, social media was quick to suggest Pankaj Tripathi as a worthy alternative. While Rawal’s return to the franchise has since put those conversations to rest, it turns out the internet’s instinct wasn’t entirely misplaced. Filmmaker Priyadarshan is now set to reunite with Tripathi for a new project, marking their first collaboration in over 15 years.

The director confirmed the development during a conversation with Mid-Day, expressing his excitement about working with the actor again. “It’s been over 15 years,” Priyadarshan said, referring to their last collaboration in Aakrosh (2010), where Tripathi played a hitman. In the yet-untitled film, however, the actor will be seen in a completely different space — as a lovable, comic character.

Describing the tone of the project, Priyadarshan revealed that the film will be a broad, situational comedy in the vein of his earlier hits. “It will be an all-out comedy like Hungama (2003) or Hera Pheri (2000), with Pankaj as the pivotal character. He is one of the finest actors we have today and it will be a pleasure working with him again,” he said. The film will also feature two other actors, whose casting will be finalised once the script is locked. “I am currently writing the story and once that is finalised, I will approach the other two actors,” he added.

The filmmaker, who recently wrapped up the shoot of the action thriller Haiwaan starring Akshay Kumar and Saif Ali Khan, has a packed slate ahead. Priyadarshan is set to have two releases in 2026 — Bhooth Bangla, a supernatural thriller featuring Akshay Kumar, Tabu, and Wamiqa Gabbi, and Haiwaan. If schedules fall into place, he plans to take the Tripathi-starrer comedy on floors by the summer.

“I will begin shooting for Pankaj’s movie from May, after these two movies release. It’s refreshing to write a comedy after so many years as I recently helmed an action movie and a psychological thriller,” Priyadarshan shared. Addressing whether he was considering a break after completing Haiwaan, the director laughed it off. “You know I cannot stay idle for long. I had this story in mind, and narrated it to Pankaj, who liked it. So, I started writing it.”

Meanwhile, speculation around Bhagam Bhag 2 continues to do the rounds. While Akshay Kumar and Akshaye Khanna are rumoured to return for the sequel, Priyadarshan clarified that he is not associated with the project. “I am not a part of it. My next movie [to be shot in 2026] is the Pankaj Tripathi-starrer,” he stated. Reports suggest that Raaj Shaandilyaa, known for Dream Girl 2 (2023), will helm Bhagam Bhag 2.

Also Read: Priyadarshan wraps Haiwaan on a nostalgic note as Saiyami Kher gets emotional shooting the final schedule at her alma mater, St. Xavier’s college

Ranveer Singh is closing 2025 on a strong note with the success of Dhurandhar, and his 2026 slate is shaping up to be just as ambitious. The actor’s much-talked-about post-apocalyptic film, tentatively titled Pralay, is now gearing up to go on floors, with filming expected to begin by mid-2026.

According to a report by Mid-Day, Pralay will roll after Ranveer wraps up his commitments for Don 3. A source told the publication, “Don 3, helmed by Farhan Akhtar, will roll first in 2026. After that, Ranveer will focus on Pralay. The final timeline will be locked in January after he gets his Don 3 schedule.”

The delayed start gives director Jai Mehta ample time to build the world of the film, which is described as a post-apocalyptic zombie thriller with a strong thematic core. Pralay reportedly follows a protagonist’s fight for survival, using the zombie genre as a lens to explore social, emotional, and moral collapse. The narrative is said to reimagine Mumbai in a dystopian, The Hunger Games-style set-up.

Insiders further revealed that the makers are planning an extensive visual overhaul of the city. Large portions of Mumbai will be recreated as a devastated landscape, blending physical sets with artificial intelligence-driven extensions. “Large sections of the city will be digitally aged to give it an abandoned look. Parts of the film will be shot in Mumbai, before moving to other locations,” the source added.

Pralay marks an important milestone for Jai Mehta, who previously co-directed the critically acclaimed Scam 1992: The Harshad Mehta Story with his father, filmmaker Hansal Mehta, and later directed the web series Lootere. The Ranveer Singh-starrer will be his feature film debut, and is being positioned as a large-scale, concept-driven project.

Meanwhile, Dhurandhar continues to perform well at the box office, reinforcing Ranveer Singh’s strong run. The film is backed by Aditya Dhar and Lokesh Dhar’s B62 Studios, and Jio Studios. It also stars Akshaye Khanna, Arjun Rampal, R Madhavan, and Sanjay Dutt.

Also Read: Dhurandhar Box Office: Film emerges as Ranveer Singh’s second Rs. 300 cr grosser

Vidya Balan has joined the cast of Jailer 2, adding a significant new dimension to the much-anticipated sequel to Rajinikanth’s 2023 blockbuster. Directed once again by Nelson Dilipkumar and produced by Sun Pictures, the film is shaping up to be a larger and more narratively driven follow-up to one of Kollywood’s biggest recent successes.

According to a source close to the production quoted by Pinkvilla, Vidya Balan was approached with the script and was immediately drawn to both the story and the depth of her character. The source revealed that the actor was impressed by the complexity of the role, which is said to be central to the plot and responsible for a major turning point in the film. Described as a strong, layered character, her part is expected to bring emotional weight and narrative depth to the sequel, marking her return to a high-profile commercial entertainer.

Vidya Balan’s inclusion is being seen as a move that pushes Jailer 2 beyond scale and spectacle, strengthening its storytelling ambitions. While the first film leaned heavily on Rajinikanth’s screen presence and mass moments, the sequel appears to be expanding its emotional and dramatic scope with carefully written supporting characters.

Rajinikanth will reprise his role as Tiger Muthuvel Pandian, a character that struck a chord across age groups in the original film. This time, the sequel promises higher stakes, with Muthuvel facing more dangerous adversaries and navigating bloodier, more intense conflicts. Nelson Dilipkumar returns to the director’s chair, aiming to raise the bar further while retaining the core elements that made Jailer a phenomenon.

On the release front, reports suggest that the makers are eyeing August 14, 2026, for the theatrical release of Jailer 2. The date would align the film with a long Independence Day weekend, a strategy similar to the August release window of the first part. Interestingly, it also mirrors the timing of Rajinikanth’s Coolie, which was released over the same holiday weekend earlier this year. While discussions around the final release date are still ongoing, the intention is clearly to position the sequel as a major festival release with Pan-India appeal.

Also Read: Rajinikanth’s 75th birthday becomes a star-studded celebration as Dhanush and Kamal Haasan honour him on his journey

Dharma Productions has taken full ownership of Dharma Cornerstone Agency (DCA) following an amicable restructuring with Cornerstone Sport and Entertainment, as reported by The Economic Times. As per insiders, the two partners have decided to pursue independent strategies going forward.

As part of the restructuring, Dharma is buying out Cornerstone’s 45% partnership interest in the talent management LLP, thereby acquiring Cornerstone’s entire economic rights and contribution in the venture, according to The Economic Times. Financial terms were not disclosed in the report.

The talent roster currently housed under the venture is expected to remain with Dharma, which will continue to manage ongoing and upcoming engagements, as per The Economic Times. The agency is known to represent film talent such as Janhvi Kapoor, Sara Ali Khan, Tiger Shroff, Harshvardhan Rane, Lakshya, Ananya Panday, Siddhant Chaturvedi, etc.

On the financial front, the joint venture’s turnover reportedly rose to Rs 110 crores in FY25 from Rs 77 crores in FY24, while net profit stood at Rs 12 crores versus Rs 14 crores in the previous year, as per The Economic Times. Industry executives cited in the report indicated that full control could allow Dharma to build a more integrated talent strategy, linking management, training and development more tightly with its film and digital content pipeline.

Dharma Productions CEO Apoorva Mehta and Cornerstone’s Bunty Sajdeh declined to comment to The Economic Times. Executives tracking the sector also suggested that consolidation in talent management can improve alignment across casting decisions, long-term career planning and brand strategy, especially as the creator economy and influencer-led IP continue to expand.

Cornerstone, meanwhile, will continue to operate independently through Cornerstone Sport and Entertainment and plans to scale its presence across sports, entertainment and digital talent, the report said. Its client list includes names such as K L Rahul, Sidhant Chaturvedi, Sania Mirza, Manu Bhaker, etc.

The move also aligns with a wider consolidation at Dharma. As reported by The Economic Times, Dharmatic Entertainment has been merged into Dharma Productions effective April 1, 2025, following Adar Poonawalla’s acquisition of a 50% stake in Dharma for Rs 1,000 crores, thus positioning the studio for its next phase of growth.

In October this year, Bollywood Hungama had reported that Dharmatic Entertainment, the digital arm of Dharma Productions, had officially merged with its parent company as part of Dharma’s plan “to consolidate operations amid the changing entertainment landscape”.

Also Read: Karan Johar calls Manish Malhotra’s new film Saali Mohabbat “juicy and riveting” in shoutout post; says, “Can’t wait for everyone to watch it”