Filmmaker Madhur Bhandarkar, recipient of the National Award and Padma Shri, is set to explore the world of Bollywood in his upcoming project, The Wives.

Announced earlier this year, the film—featuring Sonali Kulkarni, Mouni Roy, Regina Cassandra, Rahul Bhatt, Saurabh Sachdeva, Arjan Bajwa, and Freddy Daruwala—has begun filming today in Mumbai.

Madhur Bhandarkar shared, “With The Wives, I want to peel back yet another glamorous layer of society and show what really lies beneath. This film will be a bold, unapologetic look at the secrets, struggles, and resilience of women who are often seen but seldom heard.”

Bhandarkar, known for films such as Chandni Bar, Page 3, Fashion, Heroine, Traffic Signal, and Babli Bouncer, which explore the complexities beneath glamorous surfaces, now turns his attention to the lives of Bollywood star wives—a world marked by luxury, intrigue, and behind-the-scenes dynamics rarely seen by the public.

With years of experience in storytelling, Bhandarkar continues to explore the less-visible aspects of the entertainment industry. In this film, he focuses on the personal and social lives behind the glamour, offering a closer look at the world of Bollywood’s inner circle through his characteristic attention to detail and realism.

The Wives also marks Bhandarkar’s second collaboration with producer Pranav Jain of P J Motion Pictures, after their successful project India Lockdown which won hearts with its straight-to-OTT release.

“Collaborating with Madhur sir again is truly exciting. He has a rare gift for telling stories that make people sit up and think. The Wives will be an eye-opener and I’m proud to be backing a project that’s so honest and relevant.” Said Jain

Produced by Bhandarkar Entertainment and P J Motion Pictures, the film is set to be another thought-provoking addition to the director’s celebrated filmography.

Also Read : EXCLUSIVE: Bollywood filmmakers rush to register ‘Operation Sindoor’ title; several big banners in the race

Actress and sports enthusiast Saiyami Kher successfully completed her second Ironman 70.3 Triathlon on July 6, 2025, in Jönköping, Sweden. With this achievement, she became the only Indian actor to have finished the Ironman 70.3 race twice within a year.

The Ironman 70.3 is an endurance challenge involving 1.9 km of open water swimming, 90 km of cycling, and a 21.1 km half marathon run, all completed within a single day. Saiyami completed her first Ironman 70.3 in September 2024, marking her debut in international endurance racing.

Her second race in Sweden was the European Championship and came with added challenges, including cold waters, steep hills, and strong headwinds. Saiyami completed the course 32 minutes faster than her previous race.

“People often ask why I put myself through this kind of torture. The truth is, it’s not about proving anything to the world. I’ve never thrived on external validation. For me, endurance sport is deeply personal — it’s a race against my own doubts. This year, my only goal was to be better than I was last year. And I did just that,” said Saiyami in a post after the race.

“As a woman, it’s additionally a big pain to do such a physically challenging activity with your period but it’s just a reminder that it’s always mind over matter. There’s a strange, quiet pride in finishing something that once felt impossible. A deep joy,” added the actress.

Saiyami has spoken openly about the role of sport in her life, often highlighting its impact on her mindset and approach to challenges. Her second Ironman 70.3 finish marks a significant personal milestone, as few Indian celebrities have participated in the event.

Also Read: Saiyami Kher is the only Bollywood female celebrity to participate in Germany’s Ironman Race at Brandenburg Forest

In a major development, Ek Din, the long-awaited project from Aamir Khan Productions, is quietly being readied for a theatrical release on November 7, 2025. While an official announcement is still under wraps, trusted sources confirm that the emotional drama starring Sai Pallavi and Junaid Khan has locked its release date.

Directed by Sunil Pandey, Ek Din is being seen as a film that could mark a turning point for both its leads—particularly Junaid Khan, who is being closely watched as he builds his on-screen journey. The film also brings the powerhouse performer Sai Pallavi into the Hindi film landscape with renewed buzz after her pan-India acclaim.

But what makes this release even more special is the reunion of Aamir Khan and Mansoor Khan. The cousins—who last collaborated 17 years ago on Jaane Tu… Ya Jaane Na—have come together once again to produce Ek Din, signalling a return to their storytelling roots. Given Mansoor’s legacy with cult favourites like Qayamat Se Qayamat Tak and Jo Jeeta Wohi Sikandar, the collaboration has already created a quiet ripple within industry circles.

Sources reveal that post-Sitaare Zameen Par’s success, Aamir is keen to back films with strong narrative depth, and Ek Din aligns with that vision. Though not positioned as a festive or holiday release, the film’s early November slot suggests confidence in its content and word-of-mouth potential.

While Junaid has remained media-shy, he has spoken in the past about how much he admires Sai Pallavi’s raw talent, and how the opportunity to share screen space with her has been creatively enriching. The duo’s pairing is fresh, and the narrative reportedly gives both actors ample scope to shine.

With its strong cast, emotional undercurrents, and the rare return of Mansoor Khan to the creative fold, Ek Din is one film industry insiders are watching very closely. The official confirmation of its release date is expected soon, but for now, consider this your exclusive first word.

Also Read: Aamir Khan reveals unknown origin story behind iconic ad ‘Thanda Matlab Coca-Cola’; reveals it was initially rejected

Actor-filmmaker Anshuman Jha has officially announced that actor and former Miss India Sarah Jane Dias has officially joined the cast of the highly anticipated sequel, Lakadbaggha 2 – The Monkey Business. The news was confirmed on Jha’s social media, where he wrote that the Lakadbaggha pack is getting “fiercer and stronger” with Sarah's entry into what he has proudly created as India’s first-ever Animal Lover Vigilante Universe.

Known for her striking screen presence and versatility, Sarah has delivered powerful performances in acclaimed projects like the recent Kankhajura, the hard-hitting sports drama Inside Edge, and the internationally celebrated Angry Indian Goddesses — India’s first female buddy film that resonated with audiences worldwide.

Following the success of cult action in Lakadbaggha, which introduced audiences to a unique action world where justice is served with compassion towards animals, the sequel brings even more intensity, layered characters, and high-stakes drama. With Ridhi Dogra and Anshuman Jha returning to their roles, the addition of Chinese Martial Arts Legent Sunny Pang and now of Sarah Jane Dias signals a powerful evolution of the narrative.

Anshuman Jha expressed his enthusiasm about the casting, saying, “Sarah brings a quiet storm to the screen. Her strength, elegance, and depth make her a perfect fit for the world of Lakadbaggha. Sarah is elegance with edge. She brings grace and fire to the role, and we can’t wait for audiences to meet her character. This time, the pack isn’t just back, it’s stronger, fiercer, and far more layered. With Ridhi and now Sarah, we’re expanding both the emotional resonance and the reach of this universe.”

Sharing her excitement about joining the film, Sarah Jane Dias added, “I loved Lakadbaggha 1. The moment I heard about the concept of the Animal Lover Vigilante Universe expanding, I was excited. It’s rare to find a project that blends action with a genuine purpose, protecting the voiceless. Lakadbaggha 2 is bold, relevant, and emotionally charged. And it gave me a chance to make my career-long dream of doing action come true. I’m thrilled to be a part of this journey along with Anshuman and the rest of the team.”

The sequel, directed by Anshuman Jha, continues the story of India’s first animal-loving vigilante, this time delving into the dark world of illegal primate trade and global conspiracy. With action, emotion, and a cause at its core, The Monkey Business raises the stakes for the franchise.

Lakadbaggha 2 – The Monkey Business is currently in production and is slated for theatrical release in Winter 2025 and is expected to push the boundaries of Indian action cinema while championing a deeply compassionate message.

Details about Sarah’s role are being kept under wraps, but sources suggest that her character will bring a strong moral perspective and physical intensity to the story.

Also Read: Lakadbaggha graphic novel launch: John Abraham jokes that he can’t fight like Anshuman Jha; reveals, “I am an atheist but I believe that if there’s God on Earth, it’s a dog”

Aamir Khan, whose most recent release Sitaare Zameen Par has cracked the success code, is now looking forward to his next screen appearance—this time, sharing the frame with none other than superstar Rajinikanth. Speaking for the first time about the project, Aamir reveals in an exclusive chat with this writer, “Mine is a cameo in a Tamil action thriller directed by Lokesh Kanagaraj. I can’t tell you much about my role, but I come in at a crucial point in the plot.”

On the experience of working alongside the Tamil cinema legend, Aamir adds, “It’s an important cameo—but it is still a cameo. When Lokesh approached me and I found out it was for Rajni Sir’s film, I jumped at it. I’m a huge fan of Rajni Sir. I really love him. The moment I heard it’s his film, I said yes—I’m in.”

Aamir also shared a nostalgic throwback to the early ‘90s, “I worked with Rajni Sir long back in a film called Aatank Hi Aatank. That was an attempt at remaking The Godfather… an attempt that didn’t quite succeed. That was around 30–32 years ago, right at the beginning of my career.”

Also Read: Aamir Khan honours Vishnu Vishal and Jwala Gutta by naming their newborn daughter Mira

Jr NTR is known for lighting up the big screen and delivering back-to-back blockbusters. His powerful screen presence and mass-action performances make every project of his highly anticipated by audiences. Up next is his eagerly awaited Bollywood debut, War 2, slated for release in August this year. He will also be seen in Dragon next year. One thing is for sure that the actor is a part of the biggest projects of the industry. The excitement is at an all-time high as the film promises to unleash a fiery new side of him. Amidst the buzz, NTR took to social media to share an update with fans. He posted an Instagram story revealing that he has officially wrapped up filming for War 2.

Jr NTR wrote in his Instagram story, “And It's a wrap for #War2! So much to take back from this one...It's always a blast being on set with @hrithikroshan Sir. @ayanmukerji has been amazing. He has truly set the stage for a big surprise package for the audience. A big thanks to the entire @yrf team and all our crew for the love and effort.Can't wait for all of you to experience this high on August 14th!”

Jr NTR praised his co-star Hrithik Roshan and director Ayan Mukerji in the post. Entering YRF’s spy universe, NTR will be seen alongside Hrithik and Kiara Advani. The film’s posters have already created a huge buzz. War 2 is set to release worldwide on 14th August 2025.

Apart from War 2, Jr NTR will next be seen leading Dragon, directed by KGF fame Prashanth Neel, now set to release on June 25, 2026. Backed by Mythri Movie Makers and NTR Arts, the film is already generating buzz. He is also reportedly teaming up with Trivikram Srinivas for a mythological drama, where he may play Lord Karthikeya, also known as Murugan.

Also Read: YRF to keep Hrithik Roshan & Jr NTR away from each other for War 2 promotions!

The much-awaited Bigg Boss 19 is gearing up for a major return and is expected to be one of the longest-running seasons in the show’s history. According to a report by Screen, the upcoming season will span across five months, offering extended entertainment for fans.

As per the latest updates, Bigg Boss 19 is scheduled to premiere in the last week of August. In an interesting format change this year, the show will follow a digital-first strategy, with episodes releasing initially on the Jio Hotstar platform before airing on television. A source revealed to Screen, “The makers are making this season as a digital-first property. This means the show will run simultaneously on TV and OTT. However, the fresh episodes will drop on Jio Hotstar first, and after one and a half hours, the same episode will appear on Colors TV.”

This format marks a shift in Bigg Boss’ traditional television-first approach, tapping into the growing digital audience and increasing the accessibility of the show.

Another exciting update is the hosting lineup for Bigg Boss 19. While Salman Khan remains the primary face of the show, reports suggest that this season will feature multiple celebrity hosts as the season progresses.

The source added, “Like every year, the makers are planning to bring in different celebrities as special hosts. After Salman finishes his three-month-long stint, makers will bring in Farah Khan, Karan Johar, and Anil Kapoor to step in as hosts.”

The introduction of multiple hosts throughout the extended season is expected to keep the format dynamic and engaging. In May this year, it was officially confirmed that Bigg Boss 19 will air this year with Salman Khan returning as host, but further details about the show’s format, house design, and rulebook have been tightly guarded by the makers.

Although names of various actors from television, reality shows, influencers, and even films have started circulating as potential contestants, no official announcements regarding the final lineup have been made yet.

Fans can expect more surprises and updates in the coming weeks as Bigg Boss 19 prepares for its highly anticipated premiere.

Also Read: Bigg Boss 19: Salman Khan returns as host for the longest season yet, reveals report

“Where Is the Guest?" asks the Murderbaad trailer as it unleashes a new-age Indian Romantic Thriller helmed by 25-year-old Arnab Chatterjee; Sharib Hashmi, Amole Gupte, Manish Chaudhari front the fascinating whodunit, along with Gully Boy’s Nakul Roshan Sahdev and Kanikka Kapur from Barjatiya’s Dono.

Who doesn't love a thrilling murder mystery? The official trailer of Murderbaad, the debut Hindi feature film from writer-director-producer Arnab Chatterjee, who was 24 when he shot the film, was unveiled today by Reliance Entertainment, and it’s already grabbing eyeballs for its taut suspense and stellar ensemble cast.

A pulse-pounding whodunit is set in a seemingly tranquil and picturesque city of Jaipur. Murderbaad follows the eerie disappearance of a guest at a Rajasthani palace. What starts off as a simple missing case quickly spirals into a web of secrets and long-buried truths of human psychology. The trailer teases with a gripping line that goes 'where love and death collide', suggesting that every character harbours a hidden motive.

Speaking about it, Arnab Chatterjee said, “The Murderbaad journey started 5 years ago, when I wrote the two-pager while still in college. It’s inspired by the romance and thrill I grew up watching, but I wanted to set that mood in a distinctly rooted setting. At its core, it’s about the stories people bury to protect their identity. I’m grateful to have had such a talented cast and crew bring this vision to life.”

The film boasts a powerful ensemble, featuring new talents Nakul Roshan Sahdev and Kanikka Kapur, along with veterans Sharib Hashmi, Manish Chaudhari, Amole Gupte, Aanjjan Srivastav, Vibha Chhibber, among others. Cinematography by the legendary Binod Pradhan (Devdas, Rang De Basanti, Bhaag Milkha Bhaag, Kalank), editing by Dev Rao Jadhav (Badhai Ho, Maidaan, Kaala Paani), and action by Sham Kaushal (Gangs of Wasseypur, Padmaavat, Bajirao Mastani) add to the film’s high production value.

Sharib Hashmi added, “Despite being his debut Hindi feature film, Arnab left no stones unturned in bringing together a complete mix of fresh and extremely experienced members in the team. I’ve enjoyed every day on set. The film is very unique in its own way, both in terms of story as well as the way it was made, with a 24-year-old (at the time of shooting) director-producer at the top of it. I pray for all the luck to our film, and wish Arnab all the success that he deserves in the future”.

Amole Gupte, who plays a crucial character, shared, “This young man, Arnab, all of 25, has managed to bring in industry veterans and mounted a whole film on his own shoulders. He has a unique way of approaching, and I was thrilled with his conviction, to which you can’t say no. When you know how to collaborate, you know how to approach life. I’m floored by the way he has done all of it!"

The trailer has already sparked conversation on social media for its haunting visuals, sharply cut suspense, and evocative score by Rickie, featuring vocals from Shaan, Nakash Aziz, and Amit Kumar. Produced under Arnab’s own banner, ACjee Entertainment, Murderbaad is slated for a theatrical release on 18th July 2025.

Also Read: ZEE5 unveils thriller series Khoj – Parchaiyon Ke Uss Paar, starring Sharib Hashmi, Anupriya Goenka, and Aamir Dalvi

Readers may recall that Bollywood Hungama was among the first publications to break updates on Shah Rukh Khan’s highly anticipated project, King. We were the first to report that Sajid Nadiadwala parted ways with the title, paving the way for SRK’s next big-screen venture. Since then, King has consistently made headlines, and now, fresh buzz suggests that the cast has taken a short break ahead of a major European shooting schedule set to begin in the last week of August.

According to a report by Mid-Day, a source close to the production revealed, “Locations are currently being locked. The shortlisted cities include Budapest, Prague, and possibly Berlin, where sleek chase sequences will unfold. Siddharth wants these sequences to be stunning and has told his team to scout for some never-before-seen locales.” The source further added, “These will be quick, smaller-unit shoots aimed at filling plot gaps without requiring the full crew’s return.”

Earlier, Bollywood Hungama exclusively reported that Siddharth Anand had taken over as director of King, which stars Shah Rukh Khan, Suhana Khan, and Abhishek Bachchan. Sujoy Ghosh was initially attached to helm the film, but Anand later came on board and reworked the script to deliver a larger-than-life cinematic experience — a process that eventually delayed the film’s shoot to June.

An industry insider told us, “Siddharth Anand and Shah Rukh Khan delivered Pathaan, and with King, the goal is to surpass the benchmark set by the YRF Spy Universe film. Sid wants everything to be perfect on paper before going on floors.”

King will mark the big-screen debut of Suhana Khan, who previously made her acting debut with Zoya Akhtar’s The Archies on Netflix. The film will also feature an impressive ensemble cast, including Deepika Padukone, Rani Mukerji, Abhay Verma, and Jaideep Ahlawat.

Also Read: Jitin Gulati opens up on working with Shah Rukh Khan: “You realise what it truly takes to be a superstar just by observing him”

Ever since the first glimpse of Nitesh Tiwari’s ambitious film Ramayana was unveiled, a section of moviegoers has been eager to see Ranbir Kapoor portray Lord Rama. However, the casting has also sparked controversy, particularly among a group of online trolls who are criticising the actor for his past remarks about eating beef. While both the makers and Ranbir Kapoor have remained tight-lipped on the matter, singer Chinmayi Sripada has stepped in to defend the actor.

The controversy resurfaced when an X (formerly Twitter) user posted, “Beef eater will be playing the role of Bhagavan Ram now! What's wrong with Bollywood?” Chinmayi swiftly responded, stating, “A babaji who uses the name of God can be a rapist and he can keep getting parole to get votes in bhakt India — however what someone eats is a big problem.”

When another user replied, “How can one bad thing justify another bad thing?” Chinmayi remained firm and added, “Nice. So someone playing a ROLE is the same 'bad' as a rapist campaigning for votes amongst you. You deserve to have Ram Rahim as your local MP and visit your house personally.”

For context, the controversy stems from an old interview during the promotions of Rockstar in 2011, where Ranbir had said on camera, “My family is from Peshawar, so a lot of Peshawari food has come with them. I am a mutton, paya, and beef fan. Yeah, I am a big beef fan.”

Despite the backlash, anticipation remains high for Ramayana, directed by Nitesh Tiwari. Ranbir Kapoor will portray Lord Ram, with Yash as Ravana, Sai Pallavi as Sita, Sunny Deol as Hanuman, and Ravi Dubey as Lakshman. The film is planned as a two-part release, with Part 1 scheduled for Diwali 2026 and Part 2 following in Diwali 2027.

Also Read: EXCLUSIVE: Bobby Deol NOT playing Kumbhkaran in Ramayana; is not a part of Ranbir Kapoor-Sai Pallavi-Yash starrer

The teaser of Ramayana was unveiled in a grand manner on July 3 and it got an unanimously positive response. Two days later, a report in a newspaper emerged that besides the principal cast mentioned on the poster, the film also stars Anil Kapoor, Adinath Kothare, Vikrant Massey, Vivek Oberoi and many others. This article re-ignited speculation that even Bobby Deol stars in the film. Some even speculated that the actor would be seen in the film as Kumbhakaran. It led to curiosity as his brother Sunny Deol stars in the film as Lord Hanuman.

Bollywood Hungama, however, has learned that Bobby Deol is not a part of Ramayana in any capacity. A trade source told us, “The reports are inaccurate. His name just cropped up all of a sudden.”

The source further said, “Ramayana is one of the most anticipated upcoming films of 2026. Given the scale of the project, casting speculations have been rife, but it is important to separate facts from rumours. Here’s hoping all the speculation regarding Bobby Deol’s involvement in Ramayana is put to rest soon.”

Ramayana stars Ranbir Kapoor as Rama, Yash as Ravana, Sai Pallavi as Sita, Ravie Dubey as Lakshman and Sunny Deol as Hanuman. The music is by Hans Zimmer and A R Rahman and the VFX is by 8-time Academy Award winners, DNEG. Part 1 of Ramayana will be released on Diwali 2026 and Part 2 on Diwali 2027. It is produced by Namit Malhotra and directed by Nitesh Tiwari of Dangal (2016) and Chhichhore (2019) fame.

Meanwhile, Bobby Deol is gearing up for the release of Hari Hara Veera Mallu: Part 1. Starring Pawan Kalyan in the lead along with Nidhhi Agerwal, Nargis Fakhri, Nora Fatehi and Sathyaraj, it arrives in cinemas on July 24. His other big release in 2025 is Alpha, a part of the YRF Spy Universe. He’ll be seen as the villain while Alia Bhatt and Sharvari will essay the role of protagonists. It’ll hit cinemas on Christmas. This will be followed by Jana Nayagan, the much-awaited final film of Vijay Thalapathy before he completely dives into politics. It will release theatrically on January 9, 2026.

Also Read: Namit Malhotra’s Ramayana starring Ranbir Kapoor, Sai Pallavi and Yash lights up NYC’s Times Square

Following the phenomenal success of its previous seasons, the much-loved series Panchayat returned with Season 4 on June 24 and has already solidified its standing as both a local and global sensation. The latest season recorded the strongest opening, surpassing all previous seasons in viewership, showcasing its wide appeal and gripping narrative. On launch day, Panchayat Season 4 trended among the Top 10 titles in over 42 countries, including the USA, Canada, Australia, the United Kingdom, and the UAE, among others, and was streamed in more than 180 countries during its launch week, highlighting its growing footprint. In India, it has been trending at #1 in India and was streamed across 95% of the country’s pin codes in the first week, reaffirming its deep-rooted popularity.

Riding on the overwhelming response to Season 4, Prime Video has confirmed that Season 5 is already in development and will premiere in 2026. Since its debut on Prime Video in 2018, Panchayat has consistently captured hearts and earned critical acclaim. Season 2 was honored with the inaugural Best Web Series (OTT) Award at the 54th International Film Festival of India in 2023. With Season 4 delivering the biggest opening for the series yet, Panchayat continues to scale new heights, resonating deeply with audiences in India and around the world.

“We are delighted with the phenomenal response to Panchayat Season 4, which has further elevated the series’ stature and set new benchmarks for authentic storytelling,” said Manish Menghani, Director & Head – Content Licensing, Prime Video India. “The season’s exceptional viewership across India and in over 180 countries within its launch week is a testament to its universal appeal and deep cultural resonance. With its heartfelt narrative and relatable characters, Panchayat has evolved into a global phenomenon, transcending borders and touching audiences with its warmth, simplicity, and authenticity. This milestone not only reflects the enduring love for the series but also reinforces the growing global appetite for rooted, Indian stories. We’re excited to share that work has already begun on Season 5, and we look forward to continuing the journey of Phulera and its beloved characters.”

“It has been a truly extraordinary journey collaborating with Prime Video to bring Panchayat to life and witness its incredible growth over the years,” said Vijay Koshy, President, The Viral Fever (TVF). “This series holds a special place in our hearts, as it beautifully captures the charm, humor, and nuances of rural India, celebrating the power of simple, human storytelling. Panchayat reflects the shared vision and values we hold with Prime Video: to tell meaningful, relatable stories that resonate with audiences across geographies. We are deeply grateful for the overwhelming love Season 4 has received—not just from viewers across India, but from audiences around the world. A heartfelt thank you to the incredible cast and crew whose passion and dedication made this journey possible, and to the fans whose unwavering support continues to inspire us. We’re excited for what lies ahead and look forward to bringing Season 5 to audiences in 2026.”

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Produced by The Viral Fever, created by Deepak Kumar Mishra and Chandan Kumar, written by Chandan Kumar, and directed by Akshat Vijaywargiya & Deepak Kumar Mishra. The series features a much-loved cast, including Jitendra Kumar, Neena Gupta, Raghubir Yadav, Faisal Malik, Chandan Roy, Sanvikaa, Durgesh Kumar, Sunita Rajwar, Ashok Pathak, and Pankaj Jha.

Panchayat Season 4 is a part of Prime Video’s Prime Day 2025 line-up. Amazon India returns with its much-awaited Prime Day from 12th to 14th July 2025.

Also Read: EXCLUSIVE: What Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara did for Spain, Panchayat is doing for Mahodiya aka Phulera; Sanvikaa spills the beans; also reveals on the kissing scene in initial draft: “Jitendra Kumar assured me, ‘If you are not comfortable, no one would force you'”