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Showing posts from October, 2026

Rishab Shetty visits Kollur with wife Pragathi Shetty and kids on the auspicious occasion of Dasara

Actor and filmmaker Rishab Shetty marked the auspicious occasion of Dasara with a family visit to Kollur, accompanied by his wife, Pragathi Shetty, and their children. The family visited the sacred town to perform puja and seek divine blessings on the festive occasion. For many, festivals are a time to reconnect with faith, traditions and loved ones. Rishab’s visit reflected the importance of observing auspicious occasions with family, taking a moment away from professional commitments to offer prayers and seek blessings for the journey ahead. Dasara holds a special place in India’s cultural calendar and is celebrated across the country with prayers, rituals and festivities. Symbolising the triumph of good over evil, the festival brings families and communities together in a spirit of devotion, gratitude and hope. Rishab, who has earned recognition for his work as an actor and filmmaker, continues to remain connected to his cultural roots. His visit to Kollur with Pragathi and their c...

Richa Chadha traces Mumbai’s journey from a cluster of islands to a financial capital in Musafiri

Richa Chadha explores Mumbai’s transformation from a group of islands into one of India’s leading financial centres in the latest episode of Musafiri. The episode takes viewers through the historic streets of South Mumbai, tracing the role of traders, colonial administrators and philanthropists in shaping the city’s economic and cultural landscape. The episode revisits key moments in Mumbai’s history, beginning with the transfer of the Bombay islands to the British Crown in 1661 as part of the marriage settlement of Catherine of Braganza and King Charles II. It also looks at the contribution of Gerald Aungier, the second Governor of Bombay, whose policies encouraged trade and attracted communities to the growing port city. Aungier is widely regarded as one of the key figures in the development of early Bombay. His efforts to promote commerce and engage with local communities helped establish the foundations for the city’s subsequent growth. The episode also explores Mumbai’s emergence...

Koffee with Karan 9: Vijay Deverakonda reveals he proposed to Rashmika Mandanna on their sangeet night; says, "I wanted to do it in Italy but..."

Vijay Deverakonda has opened up about his proposal to Rashmika Mandanna, revealing that he wanted to ensure she had a special proposal story of her own. The actor shared the details during the couple’s appearance on Koffee with Karan Season 9, where they made their first joint appearance on the talk show as newlyweds. Recalling how he planned the proposal, Vijay said he had initially wanted to pop the question while the couple were in Italy in December, ahead of their wedding in February. However, he could not find the right ring at the time. “Didn't want Rashmika not to have one. Before our marriage in February, so in December when we were in Italy, I felt like I didn't want her to not have a proposal story just because I am not that kind. I wanted to do it in Italy but couldn't find the right ring,” he said. Vijay Deverakonda reveals where he proposed to Rashmika Mandanna Vijay eventually proposed to Rashmika during their wedding celebrations in Udaipur. He revealed that...

Anushka Luhar talks about playing a “boss woman” in Tum Mere Ho; calls her character "sexy, hot siren"

Actor Anushka Luhar is set to make her Hindi feature film debut with Tum Mere Ho, which is scheduled for a theatrical release on October 23. The film stars Gurmeet Choudhary and Isha Malviya, with Anushka playing Nisha, a confident and glamorous woman who knows what she wants. After making her Telugu film debut with Chakkora, Anushka is exploring a different kind of character in her Hindi debut. Describing Nisha, the actor said, “Nisha is this sexy, hot siren who knows exactly who she is and what she wants. She’s bold, commanding, and unapologetically herself. She likes things done her way and definitely has that boss-woman energy about her. I’d say she’s the woman who drives everyone in the film a little crazy!” Anushka Luhar on landing her Hindi film debut Anushka said she went through multiple rounds of auditions and readings after being approached through a casting agent. She later met the film’s director, Ashish, and co-star Gurmeet Choudhary before receiving confirmation that sh...

EXCLUSIVE: Avika Gor speaks on making TV comeback after eight years with Apsara; says, "It's always about finding a role that makes me curious"

Actress Avika Gor is set to explore the fantasy genre with her upcoming show Apsara, in which she plays the Queen of the Apsaras. The actor has spoken about preparing for the role, explaining how understanding her character’s personality, authority and body language helped her approach the part. Talking about the preparation involved in portraying the queen, Avika said, “The preparation involved understanding her personality, her authority as the Queen of the Apsaras, and the way she would carry herself in this extraordinary world. With a fantasy character, even the smallest details matter, your expressions, your body language, the way you move, and how you hold yourself in a particular situation. You have to make someone who belongs to a magical world feel believable to the audience.” Avika explained that portraying a character from a fantasy setting required attention to details beyond the visual appearance. Her expressions, movements and mannerisms were important to establishing th...

Hansal Mehta SLAMS Prahaar-Shahid box office comparison: “It deserves to succeed on its own merits”

Filmmaker Hansal Mehta has criticised the comparison between Rajkummar Rao’s latest release, Prahaar: The Ujjwal Nikam Story, and his 2013 film Shahid. While both films feature Rao in the lead and focus on real-life figures and the legal system, Mehta argued that comparing their box-office performance without considering their vastly different budgets and resources is unfair. Prahaar: The Ujjwal Nikam Story, directed by Avinash Arun, released in cinemas on October 16. The film stars Rajkummar Rao as renowned lawyer Ujjwal Nikam and has recorded a modest start at the box office. The film has shown some growth over the weekend, although its overall numbers remain limited. The comparison with Shahid came after a publication shared a box office report carrying the headline, “Prahaar Box Office Day 1: Surpasses Entire Opening Weekend Of Rajkummar Rao’s 1st Courtroom Drama Which Arrived Exactly 13 Years Ago!” Reacting to the report, Mehta shared a screenshot of the article on social media a...

Bigg Boss 20: Salman Khan reveals his Nana regretted staying away from family after opposing Salma and Salim Khan’s marriage; recalls how Sohail Khan’s birth prompted reconciliation

In the latest episode of Bigg Boss 20 Weekend Ka Vaar, Salman Khan spoke about the importance of resolving conflicts before they turn into lasting regrets. Drawing from his own experiences, the actor and host shared a personal conversation with his father, Salim Khan, before recalling how his maternal grandfather reacted to his parents’ marriage. Salman urged people not to let disagreements remain unresolved for too long, pointing out how delayed reconciliations can cost families precious time together. “We all have regrets, and then we repent. Like the other day, I was talking to my father; we were chilling, and I told him, as a son, if I have said anything at any given point of time or I have failed you, then I am really sorry,” the actor said. He went on to explain why it is important to address differences as soon as possible. “When these things happen, solve it right then. Don’t let time pass. If you had solved this the very next day, you could have spent this time with your brot...

Harman Baweja celebrates one year of Bhagwat; says Arshad Warsi and Jeetu brought “distinct identities” to the film

Actor-producer and writer Harman Baweja has reflected on Bhagwat: Chapter One – Raakshas as the crime thriller completes a year. Looking back at the film, Baweja spoke about bringing Arshad Warsi and Jitendra Kumar, popularly known as Jeetu, together and the contrasting characters they portrayed. Directed by Akshay Shere, Bhagwat: Chapter One – Raakshas was backed by Jio Studios and released on ZEE5. The film follows Inspector Vishwas Bhagwat, played by Arshad Warsi, as he investigates the disappearance of a young woman in a small town in Uttar Pradesh. His investigation eventually leads him to a larger trail of missing women and a man concealing a darker side. For Baweja, the casting of Warsi and Jeetu was one of the aspects that stood out about the film. Warsi played an investigating officer, while Jeetu took on a darker role that was different from some of his more familiar screen appearances. “Looking back at Bhagwat a year later, I think one of the most interesting things about t...

World Food Day 2026: Varun Dhawan backs biofortification after joining Better Nutrition as investor and brand ambassador

Actor and investor Varun Dhawan is highlighting biofortification as a way to improve the nutritional value of everyday staples such as atta, rice and dal. On the occasion of World Food Day, the actor has spoken about his investment in Better Nutrition, a brand working with biofortified staples, and his efforts to explore the process on his own farm. Explaining what drew him to the concept, Varun said, “I feel really proud to be part of something that could make a difference to India. When I first learnt about biofortification, I found the idea amazing. What if we could grow more nutrition into the atta, rice and dal we eat every day, right from the seed?” He added, “I believed in this enough to invest in Better Nutrition and start biofortifying my own farm. Imagine if this could reach millions of Indian homes. I’d be really proud to have played a part in that.” The actor has also shared a video on social media to explain the concept and encourage more people to learn about its potenti...

Jailer 2 exposes the UGLY truth of pan-India cinema: Audiences wake up at 4:30 am for Rajinikanth, but theatres can't even guarantee English subtitles!

Gone are the days when South Indian films were watched only by those who understood the language. With the rise of the pan-India phenomenon, audiences are now willing to wake up before sunrise and catch 6:00 am or 7:00 am shows of major South releases, even if they don't understand a word of Tamil, Telugu, Malayalam or Kannada. Several of these films also feature Hindi film stars in significant roles or special appearances, further attracting audiences from the North. Moreover, thanks to the growing consumption of international content on OTT platforms, viewers have become accustomed to watching films and shows with subtitles. All these factors have encouraged audiences to experience South films in their original language rather than wait for the dubbed version. However, for such moviegoers, watching a film in a cinema hall can still be a gamble. The reason is simple: the uncertainty over English subtitles! This was one of the biggest talking points among moviegoers in North India...

Rakul Preet Singh becomes the face of Wacoal India’s Lingerie Collection; fronts Autumn/Winter 2026 Campaign

Rakul Preet Singh has been named the new brand ambassador for Japanese lingerie label Wacoal in India. The actor will front the brand’s lingerie collections in the country, beginning with its Autumn/Winter 2026 campaign, titled ‘In Pursuit of Beauty’. The campaign centres on beauty as an evolving expression of individuality, with Rakul featuring in a film that explores different facets of personal style and self-expression. The visuals combine fashion and movement with glimpses of the craftsmanship behind the collection, placing the actor at the centre of the brand’s latest campaign. For Rakul, the association reflects an approach to beauty that focuses on individuality and personal growth. Speaking about the collaboration, she said, "I've always believed that the best version of you is the one you're still working on. Wacoal approaches lingerie the same way, with so much thought and care going into every detail. When something fits you that well, you stop thinking about ...

Imran Khan’s partner Lekha Washington shares FIRST post after ‘Leave India’ notice, shares police van photo

Imran Khan’s partner, Lekha Washington, shared a photo of the couple inside a police van days after the actor was detained during a protest in Mumbai and later directed to leave India by October 28. The post, shared on Friday, October 16, appears to show Washington expressing her support for Khan amid the ongoing situation. Washington captioned the picture simply, “Just” followed by a string of heart emojis. The post also drew a reaction from Zayn Marie Khan, who commented, “Yall are ❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️”. The picture appears to be from the October 10 protest, during which Khan, Washington and his cousin Zayn Marie Khan were detained by Mumbai Police.   View this post on Instagram   A post shared by Lekha Washington (@lekhawashington) Imran Khan asked to leave India The development comes after the Foreigners Regional Registration Office (FRRO), Mumbai, issued a notice directing Khan to leave India by October 28. Th...

Shahid Kapoor draws parallels with Farzi’s Sunny as sequel shoot nears completion: “We both started as just a kid off the Mumbai streets”

Actor Shahid Kapoor has shared a new update from the sets of Farzi 2, giving fans a glimpse of the upcoming season as filming approaches its conclusion. On October 15, he posted a series of behind-the-scenes pictures on social media and reflected on his connection with Sunny, the character he plays in the crime thriller. In his caption, Shahid described how closely he relates to the character, drawing parallels between Sunny’s ambitions and his own journey as an artist. “As the shoot on FARZI 2 is coming to a close. It only reminds me of how much Sunny lives in me . I am him and he is me. We both started as just a kid off the mumbai streets with a fire in his heart to tell the world…. look at me. I AM AN ARTIST !!” he wrote.   View this post on Instagram   A post shared by Shahid Kapoor (@shahidkapoor) Shahid Kapoor returns as Sunny in Farzi 2 Created and directed by Raj and DK, Farzi premiered on Amazon Prime Video in 2023. The black comedy crime thriller follows Sunny, a ...

Celina Jaitly joins Anil Sharma’s Arjun Naga alongside Arjun Rampal, Utkarsh Sharma and Randeep Hooda: "Super elated"

Actress Celina Jaitly has joined the cast of the upcoming film Arjun Naga, which is being directed by filmmaker Anil Sharma. The project also features Arjun Rampal, Utkarsh Sharma and Randeep Hooda. Celina shared a behind-the-scenes picture from the sets on Instagram and described the film as a new beginning in her career. She also sought blessings from Mumbai’s Mumba Devi ahead of the project. Sharing the announcement, Celina wrote, “By the blessings of Mumba Devi, super elated and looking forward to be directed by the one & only legend Anil Sharma ji. I seek your blessings for this new beginning with our film Arjun Naga, alongside the fabulous Arjun Rampal, Utkarsh Sharma & Randeep Hooda.”   View this post on Instagram   A post shared by Celina Vikram Jaitly (@celinajaitlyofficial) Celina Jaitly expresses gratitude for Arjun Naga In her post, Celina also thanked DCAA Talent for the opportunity and acknowledged casting director Parag Mehta for his involvement with ...

Lalit Modi recalls how Disney declined to finance Ramanand Sagar’s Ramayan; reveals filmmaker couldn’t make an impression

Lalit Modi has recalled how the Walt Disney Company turned down an opportunity to finance Ramanand Sagar’s Ramayan, claiming that the company’s executives struggled to connect with the filmmaker during a meeting in India. According to Modi, he had tried to persuade Disney to back the television series, but the discussions did not progress as he had hoped. Speaking on a podcast with The Bharat Inc, Modi discussed the challenges of financing television programming at the time and his efforts to bring large-scale Indian productions to an international platform. He also revealed that both Ramanand Sagar and BR Chopra had approached him seeking financial support for Ramayan and Mahabharat, respectively. Lalit Modi says Doordarshan did not finance programmes Recalling the television landscape of that period, Modi said, “Ramanand Sagar and BR Chopra both came to me and wanted me to finance it, and I was ready to finance it. I had an integrated system of marketing, production, worldwide syndi...

EXCLUSIVE: Abhinay Deo reveals he speaks to Aamir Khan almost every month about Delhi Belly 2; opens up on possible studio hurdle: “They may ask me to remove abuses; yeh ek hi aisi film hai jo kabhi clean NAHIN ho sakti!”

Over the weekend, Imran Khan was back in the news after he was detained by the Mumbai Police for attempting to participate in a protest demanding the removal of India's Chief Election Commissioner, Gyanesh Kumar. Imran uploaded a picture of himself in a police van on Instagram, which quickly went viral. It also brought renewed attention to some of his popular films and songs. One track that was widely revisited over the weekend was 'Bhaag DK Bose' from his 2011 cult classic, Delhi Belly. The film continues to enjoy a loyal following, thanks to its memorable songs, performances, sharp writing and, importantly, its unabashed use of abusive language, which was quite rare in mainstream Hindi cinema at the time. Bollywood Hungama recently spoke exclusively to Delhi Belly director Abhinay Deo as part of the promotions of his upcoming film, Doosra. When asked about the tremendous demand for Delhi Belly 2, he confessed, "Every week, I come up with one idea for the sequel. But...

Hema Malini performs as goddess Durga in Hyderabad for Navratri; watch

Hema Malini continued her annual Navratri tradition by performing her popular dance ballet Durga at the Classic Convention Centre in Hyderabad on October 11, 2026. The performance was part of the Agarwal Samaj, Telangana’s Agra Dandiya Navratri celebrations and also coincided with Maharaja Agrasen Jayanti. The 77-year-old actor later shared pictures and videos from the event on social media, offering a glimpse of her performance and expressing her happiness at presenting the dance production on the occasion. Hema Malini shares glimpses of her Durga performance On Monday, Hema took to Instagram to share photographs from the event. One of the pictures showed her dressed as Mata Parvati alongside an actor portraying Lord Shiva. Reflecting on the performance, she wrote, "Performed last evening at the Classic Convention Centre for the Agarwal Samaj, Telangana's 'Agra Dandiya Navratri celebrations'. It also marked Maharaja Agrasen Jayanti on 11.10.2026. It was a lovely, spe...

EXCLUSIVE: Abhinay Deo reveals how Bhushan Kumar helped Doosra despite T-Series having no connection with the film: “He said, ‘Arre, trailer chalao’”’; explains why he hired an Israeli editor who knew NOTHING about cricket

After delivering acclaimed projects like Delhi Belly, 24, Blackmail and the recently released web series Brown, filmmaker Abhinay Deo is back with Doosra. The film not only chronicles key moments from Sourav Ganguly’s illustrious cricketing career, culminating in India’s historic victory over England in the 2002 NatWest Series final, but also follows the parallel journey of Tara (Plabita Borthakur), a young girl growing up in a deeply conservative household in Rajasthan. In an exclusive interview with Bollywood Hungama, Abhinay Deo opened up about the making of Doosra, its unusual narrative, the reasons behind its prolonged delay and a lot more. At the very beginning of the film, we see that Subhash Ghai, Jisshu U Sengupta and Bhushan Kumar have been thanked. Could you tell us how they contributed to Doosra? We thanked Mr Subhash Ghai because he invited us to Celebrating Cinema, a festival held at his institute, Whistling Woods International. He loved the trailer of Doosra so much tha...

Kritika Kamra on what to expect from Gulrukh in Matka King Season 2, “There is a greater sense of agency and a greater understanding of what she wants”

Kritika Kamra has consistently gravitated towards female characters that exist beyond easy definitions, choosing roles that allow her to explore women with contradictions, agency and an inner strength of their own. From characters that have challenged convention to women negotiating complicated emotional and social realities, her filmography has reflected a clear affinity for layered female protagonists. Gulrukh in Matka King is yet another addition to that spectrum. Having won appreciation for her portrayal in Season 1, Kritika is now returning as Gulrukh for the second season, with the character poised to take on an even more prominent role in the story. For Kritika, what makes Gulrukh particularly significant is the fact that her strength is not presented in a conventional or straightforward manner. She is a woman shaped by her circumstances, but equally someone who learns to exercise agency within them. “I’ve always been drawn to women who are complicated, who have contradictions ...

EXCLUSIVE: Hunkkaar writer-director Heeraz Marfatia talks about the writing process, reveals team's reaction to Saiyaara becoming a BLOCKBUSTER: “We were all ecstatic”; hails Aneet Padda: “Whole world is her playground”

Hunkkaar: The Roar, which was released last month, has received appreciation for its subject, treatment and performances. Moreover, there was tremendous curiosity surrounding the web series due to the presence of Aneet Padda, who became a huge sensation after the release of Saiyaara (2025). In an exclusive interview with Bollywood Hungama, Heeraz Marfatia, who developed the show, served as its lead writer, co-wrote all six episodes and directed the third and fourth episodes, spoke about the process of creating Hunkkaar: The Roar, Aneet Padda's casting and a lot more. How has life changed since the release of Hunkkaar: The Roar? The phone has just not stopped ringing (smiles). I have always believed in being courageous and never settling for what is ‘acceptable’ to a larger audience. I had made a short film called Birju more than two decades ago, which was Oscar-nominated. There were no stakes involved; it was just me making a sincere beginning to my filmmaking journey. Post Hunkka...

Kumar Taurani reveals Shobha Kapoor made an EXTRA Rs. 25 crores due to ‘Choli Ke Peeche’ in Crew; makes a BOLD statement: “EVERY film should have recreated songs”

Ramesh Taurani and Kumar Taurani spoke to Komal Nahta about remixes and recreated versions of old songs. While many believe that recreations are a worrying trend and that music composers should focus only on original compositions, Kumar Taurani had a different take. He said, “More recreations should be made. Every film should have recreated songs. Certain classic songs have a long legacy, have been promoted extensively and enjoy strong recall value. When these songs are presented in a new avatar, they tend to work big time. This happened with the recreated versions of ‘Chunari Chunari’ (Hai Jawani Toh Ishq Hona Hai; 2026) and ‘Chamma Chamma’ (Fraud Saiyaan; 2019). Recently, ‘Aankhon Se Tune 2.0’ (Bhai Tera Star Hai; 2026) also worked. Usually, songs would get around 20,000 streams. But after being recreated, their streams suddenly jumped into the millions! This benefits the original versions as well.” Ramesh Taurani added, “There was a film called Crew (2024). Two of its songs became ...

Ramesh Taurani hails Akshay Kumar, Ajay Devgn, takes a DIG at actors scared of flops: “Bhale 10 hit chhoot jaaye lekin 1 flop nahin chahiye!”; reveals, “I always tell Aamir Khan, ‘Aap zyaada picturein karo’”

Ramesh Taurani and Kumar Taurani spoke to Komal Nahta and urged actors to sign more films. Ramesh Taurani said, “In the olden days, we used to promote our films extensively, put up hoardings, publish posters in film magazines, play the songs on TV and radio, etc. Hence, actors used to get excited when signing a film produced by a music company. We used to just share one-line idea of the story and at times, actors agreed to do the film over a phone call and without even physically meeting us. Woh bharosa tha aur luckily, woh bharosa rang laaya kyunki hamari sab picturein chali.” Kumar Taurani then said, “Now, actors are very panicky, fearing that their film might flop. Actors should continue working, even if they deliver a couple of flops. They should not fear and should do at least 2-3 movies a year. At the same time, they should also be economical with the producers. From what I know, the actors and director of Dhurandhar opted for profit sharing; their upfront fees were not much.” R...

Pehla Pyaar Doosri Baar makers unveil the song ‘Jaane Kis Mod Pe’: Darshan Raval brings nostalgia and romance to Sparsh Walia, Kunal Vaid, Sargun Kaur Luthra starrer

The makers of Pehla Pyaar Doosri Baar have released a new song titled ‘Jaane Kis Mod Pe’, featuring vocals by Darshan Raval. The track captures the anticipation, nostalgia and excitement of young love, offering a glimpse into the film’s themes of friendship, romance and second chances. The film features Sparsh Walia, Alisha Chopra, Kunal Vaid, Sakshi Vaidya, Tushar Chhibber and Sargun Kaur Luthra, who are making their debuts with the project. Composed by Rochak Kohli and penned by lyricist Gurpreet Saini, ‘Jaane Kis Mod Pe’ follows three friends as they embark on a road trip to attend their school reunion. Their journey is driven by the possibility of meeting their first crushes again, bringing a sense of anticipation about what awaits them along the way. The song reflects the uncertainty of revisiting the past and wondering whether old feelings could find a new beginning. With its breezy sound and youthful mood, the track brings together the film’s focus on friendship and romance. It...

Ananya Panday and Aneet Padda pairing up for a game at Alanna Panday’s baby shower goes viral; watch

Celebrations are in full swing for the Panday family as digital content creator and model Alanna Panday is expecting her second child with husband Ivor McCray. To mark the occasion, the family hosted an intimate baby shower at Alanna’s parents’ residence in Mumbai. The gathering saw the presence of close friends and industry personalities, including Maniesh Paul and Kubbra Sait. However, it was a playful moment featuring Ananya Panday and Aneet Padda that caught the attention of social media users. Ananya Panday and Aneet Padda’s baby shower game steals the show Aneet Padda, who starred opposite Ahaan Panday in the romantic drama Saiyaara, joined the family celebrations and teamed up with Ananya for a baby shower game. In the activity, participants had to use a sheet to catch and toss a toy baby.   View this post on Instagram   A post shared by Bollywood Hungama🎥 (@realbollywoodhungama) The two actresses appeared to be enjoying themselves as they successfully caught the to...

Need Navratri 2026 outfit inspo? Sreeleela has a look for all 9 colours!

Navratri calls for nine days of colour, and if you are looking for outfit inspiration for each day, Sreeleela’s ethnic style has plenty to offer. From vibrant orange and sunshine yellow to rich red, royal blue and elegant ivory, her collection of traditional looks shows just how differently each shade can be styled. Whether you are dressing up in a saree, lehenga or a classic kurta set, here are nine Navratri colours to take inspiration from Sreeleela’s ethnic looks. Orange Make a statement in orange with a heavily embroidered ethnic ensemble like Sreeleela’s. The bright orange base is brought to life with colourful floral embellishments, giving the outfit a rich festive feel. She pairs the look with an ornate traditional necklace and statement earrings, while her loose waves keep the styling soft. For Navratri, this is the kind of look that lets a vibrant colour take centre stage.   View this post on Instagram   A post shared by SREELEELA (@sreeleela14) White For a more el...

After Oscar entry, Hombale Films brings acclaimed Marathi film Gondhal to global audiences

After national acclaim and its selection as India’s official entry for the 99th Academy Awards, Hombale Films expands its global footprint by bringing the Marathi drama Gondhal to international cinema screens. Written and directed by Santosh Davakhar, Gondhal is a Marathi folk-thriller starring an ensemble cast, including Kishor Kadam, Ishita Deshmukh, Yogesh Sohoni, and Nishad Bhoir, with music composed by Ilaiyaraaja. Based on a traditional overnight devotional ritual in rural Maharashtra, the film tells a story of faith, human passion, power, and betrayal that aims to keep viewers on the edge of their seats. Ever since its release, Gondhal has won critical acclaim, winning top honors at major film festivals, including the Silver Peacock for Best Director at the 56th International Film Festival of India (IFFI), and earning love from movie lovers for its storytelling, cultural backdrop, and visual depth. Adding another feather to its cap, the film was recently selected as India’s off...

Bigg Boss 20: Aman Gandhi’s team clarifies “population” remark to Qazi Touqeer; says, “It was about his gameplay”

A statement made by Bigg Boss 20 contestant Aman Gandhi during a heated argument with Qazi Touqeer has sparked discussion online, with some viewers interpreting his “population” remark as a reference to Qazi’s religion and community. Aman’s team has now issued a clarification, stating that the comment was directed at Qazi’s gameplay and had no religious context. The controversy erupted during an argument involving Qazi, Aman and other contestants, including Scout. At one point, Aman made a remark about Qazi increasing the country’s population. “Muh se dhuen nikaal ke log pregnant kar rahe ho. Population badha rahe ho hamare country ki. Apni jaisi mat kar dena population,” Aman said. The exchange took place amid an already heated confrontation. Scout had also accused Qazi of spitting while speaking during the argument. A clip of the interaction subsequently circulated on social media, leading to criticism from some viewers who interpreted Aman’s reference to population as a possible di...

Nana Patekar once revealed why Horn ‘OK’ Pleassss could never release: “When the distributors were paying Rs. 18 crores, producers wanted more”

The film industry and the audience around the world is mourning the death of the legendary actor Nana Patekar. The veteran passed away yesterday in the wee hours of the morning at his residence in Goa due to a sudden and severe heart attack at the age of 75. He was taken to a hospital where he was declared dead. Nana played a wide range of characters in a number of movies of different genres. But there is one film from his long career that could never release. It was director Rakesh Sarang’s Horn ‘OK’ Pleassss, which was shot in 2008. Apart from Nana, it also starred Muzammil Ibrahim and Rimi Sen. In February 2015, Nana gave a group interview, involving this writer, for his then upcoming film Ab Tak Chhappan 2, where he shared the reason for Horn ‘OK’ Pleassss never seeing the light of day. The interview was published in Trade Guide magazine in the same month. When asked why the film could never release, Nana revealed, “Some time back, the producers, after spending Rs. 8-10 crores on ...

Kommune and Netflix India launch fifth edition of Voices of Tomorrow for localisation writers

Kommune and Netflix India have announced the fifth edition of Voices of Tomorrow, a professional training programme focused on developing emerging talent in subtitling and adaptation. The latest edition will train writers to adapt Indian films and series from Hindi into English for audiences across the world. Following four editions that focused on expanding access to professional voice performance, the initiative will now explore the writing involved in subtitles and dubbed dialogue. The programme aims to create opportunities for writers interested in localisation, where understanding language also requires an understanding of storytelling, dialogue and cultural context. With Indian films and series reaching audiences in different parts of the world, the programme will focus on helping writers create English adaptations that retain the emotion and intent of the original material. A total of 30 participants will be selected for a three-month training programme in Mumbai, scheduled acr...