Mahaveer Jain is on a roll. Recently, he announced the highly-exciting Naagzilla. It stars Kartik Aaryan as a quirky and entertaining protagonist. And now, the enterprising producer has earned another feather in his cap. Bollywood Hungama has learned that Mahaveer Jain and Mrighdeep Singh Lamba, who is a partner in Mahaveer Jain Films (MJF), have joined hands with none other than Imtiaz Ali.

A source told Bollywood Hungama, “The film with Imtiaz Ali is set in the heartland of India. It’s a story of the reunion of friends and is all about friendship, fun and nostalgia. Imtiaz Ali’s Window Seat Films will also be producing it.”

The source further said, “The concept is exciting and Imtiaz Ali was more than happy to collaborate with Mahaveer Jain and Mrighdeep Singh Lamba. Mahaveer and Mrighdeep are also very excited to have Imtiaz on board as they are huge admirers of his films and contribution to cinema.”

The source continued, “The casting is happening. Just like all other Imtiaz Ali films, music will be a strong point in this movie and the team is equally working on that aspect. A formal announcement is expected soon.”

Other projects of Mahaveer Jain Films

Speaking of Naagzilla, it is being jointly produced by Mahaveer Jain and Mrighdeep Singh Lamba of MJF and Karan Johar’s Dharma Productions. As the film deals with snakes, the makers have decided to bring the film on Nag Panchami next year. Hence, it’ll arrive in cinemas on August 14, 2026, and also get the advantage of Independence Day week.

As per reports, Mahaveer Jain is also making an out-and-out entertainer starring Sidharth Malhotra. Bollywood Hungama recently broke the news that Raaj Shaandilyaa of Dream Girl (2019) will be directing it. Bollywood Hungama also informed readers that Sreeleela or Ananya Panday will be playing the female lead in this film.

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

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Tamil actor Ajith Kumar was presented with the Padma Bhushan, India’s third-highest civilian award, by President Droupadi Murmu at the Rashtrapati Bhavan in New Delhi on Monday, April 28. As revealed in January, the actor is one of the 19 recipients of the Padma Bhushan honoured by the Union government.

Earlier today, photos and videos of the actor and his family at the Chennai airport went viral on social media.

Ajith, one of the most prominent figures in Indian cinema, has acted in over 60 films during his career that spans more than 30 years. After making a brief appearance in the 1990 film En Veedu En Kanavar, he made his lead debut in 1993 with Amaravathi. Initially known for his roles in romance-driven films, Ajith later shifted to action-packed roles at the turn of the century, with movies like Amarkalam, Dheena, and Citizen.

Movies like Varalaaru, Billa, and Mankatha solidified Ajith’s status as one of the top superstars in Tamil cinema. A recipient of the Kalaimamani award, he has also won three Tamil Nadu State Film Awards. Recently, the actor was seen in Vidaamuyarchi, directed by Magizh Thirumeni, and Good Bad Ugly, directed by Adhik Ravichandran.

In January, Ajith expressed his gratitude to the Indian government for the honour. In a statement, he said, “I am deeply humbled and honoured to receive the esteemed Padma Award from the President of India. I extend my heartfelt gratitude to the Hon’ble President of India, Smt. Droupadi Murmu and the Honourable Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi, for this prestigious honour. It is a privilege to be recognised at such a level, and I am truly grateful for this generous acknowledgement of my contributions to our nation. At the same time, I am mindful that this recognition is not just a personal accolade but a testament to the collective efforts and support of many.”

The star, who balances a successful career as a motorsport racer and team owner, is also a State-level shooting champion. Just last week, on April 20, his racing team, Ajith Kumar Racing, claimed second place at the renowned Spa Francorchamps circuit in Belgium.

At the same ceremony, actor-politician Nandamuri Balakrishna and veteran director Shekhar Kapur were also honoured with the Padma Bhushan. Other notable recipients from the cinema industry included Anant Nag and Shobana Chandrakumar, both awarded the Padma Bhushan, and Ricky Kej, who received the Padma Shri.

Renowned Malayalam author and screenwriter M. T. Vasudevan Nair, who passed away last year at the age of 91, has been posthumously awarded the Padma Vibhushan, along with late singer Pankaj Udhas.

The Padma awards, one of the country’s highest civilian honours, are presented in three categories—Padma Vibhushan, Padma Bhushan, and Padma Shri. These prestigious awards recognize achievements across a wide range of fields, including art, social work, public affairs, science and engineering, trade and industry, and more.

Also Read : Ajith Kumar Racing Team clinches second place at Spa Francorchamps in Belgium

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Eminent Malayalam filmmaker and cinematographer Shaji N Karun passed away on Monday, April 28, 2025, at his residence in Thiruvananthapuram.  He was 73 and had been battling cancer for some time.

Born on January 1, 1952, in Kollam, Kerala, Shaji N Karun emerged as a pioneering figure in Indian cinema, known for his profound visual storytelling and commitment to cinematic realism.  After graduating from the Film and Television Institute of India in 1974, he began his career as a cinematographer, collaborating extensively with renowned director G. Aravindan.  His exceptional work behind the camera earned him the National Award for Best Cinematography for the film Thampu in 1979.

Karun’s directorial debut, Piravi (1988), garnered international acclaim, winning the Caméra d’Or Special Mention at the Cannes Film Festival and multiple national awards.  His subsequent films, Swaham (1994) and Vanaprastham (1999), were also screened at Cannes, with Swaham competing for the Palme d’Or.   His 2009 film Kutty Srank won the National Award for Best Feature Film.

Beyond filmmaking, Karun played a pivotal role in shaping Kerala’s film institutions.  He served as the inaugural chairman of the Kerala State Chalachitra Academy and later chaired the Kerala State Film Development Corporation.   His contributions to cinema were recognized with several honours, including the Padma Shri in 2011 and France’s Order of Arts and Letters.

Karun is survived by his wife, Anasuya Devaki Warrier, and sons, Appu and Anil.  His funeral will be held with official honours at Santhikavadom, Thycaud, on Tuesday, April 29.

The passing of Shaji N Karun marks the end of an era in Malayalam cinema, leaving behind a legacy that continues to inspire filmmakers and audiences alike.

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In October 2023, fans were ecstatic when Pakistani actress Hania Aamir made a surprise appearance alongside Punjabi singer and actor Diljit Dosanjh at his London concert. Diljit dedicated his popular song Lover to Hania, making it a memorable experience for both the audience and the actress. Earlier this month, buzz grew around the possibility of a collaboration between the two, with many speculating it was for Sardaar Ji 3. However, new reports suggest that Hania may no longer be part of the film due to recent developments.

On April 22, a devastating terrorist attack in Pahalgam, South Kashmir, claimed the lives of 26 tourists, further straining the already tense relations between India and Pakistan. In the aftermath, Fawad Khan’s anticipated Bollywood return with Abir Gulaal reportedly saw its India release plans put on hold. Meanwhile, speculation is growing that Hania Aamir, who was set to debut in Indian cinema alongside Diljit Dosanjh and Neeru Bajwa in Sardaar Ji 3, might be dropped from the project. Although filming in the UK concluded last month, sources now suggest that the production team is considering reshooting Hania’s scenes with a different actress.

The speculation has triggered a flood of reactions across social media. Some users believe the decision is justified. One commented, “She got too much fame in India,” while another said, “This is what you call tit for tat ????????.” Many pointed out that a significant number of Pakistani artists—including actors, musicians, and writers—owe much of their fame to Indian audiences.

On the other hand, some expressed disappointment over the rumoured move. One user questioned the fairness of punishing innocent individuals, saying, “Those responsible have no religion, so why are innocent people being made to suffer?” Another urged for the film’s release to proceed as planned, stating, “It’s just a movie, and she’s an artist—they should go ahead with it.”

As of now, there has been no official statement from the film’s producers or Hania Aamir regarding her exit from Sardaar Ji 3. Both fans and industry insiders are eagerly watching to see how the situation develops.

Also Read : Hania Aamir gives shoutout to Badshah amid boycott calls for Pakistani actors in India

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After more than 2 ½ years, Aamir Khan will be finally seen in cinemas this year with Sitaare Zameen Par. The film has been in the news constantly over its various speculations about its release date, trailer launch etc. Bollywood Hungama has now learned that Aamir already has a distributor on board – PVR Inox Pictures.

A source told Bollywood Hungama, “Aamir has a very long association with PVR Inox team. On the occasion of his 60th birthday on March 14, the exhibition arm of PVR Inox held a film festival across their properties in the country and showcased some of his finest films. A week before this celebration, Aamir Khan had an interesting conversation with Javed Akhtar. This event was held in PVR Juhu, Mumbai. And that’s not all. Sitaare Zameen Par is a spiritual sequel to Taare Zameen Par (2007), which also had a PVR connection. It was backed by the then PVR Pictures and co-produced by Sanjeev Kumar Bijli and Ajay Bijli along with Aamir Khan Productions. Hence, it’s a case of life coming full circle.”

The source continued, “If all goes well, Aamir Khan will launch the trailer of Sitaare Zameen Par digitally on Wednesday, April 30. One can expect to experience it on the big screen from May 1. PVR Inox plans to show the promo in all their cinemas across the country with new releases like Raid 2, Thunderbolts, The Bhootnii etc.”

As per recent reports, the trailer of Sitaare Zameen Par is 3 minutes and 29 seconds long and has been passed with a U/A certificate by the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC). Reports also suggest that the film is expected to release in cinemas on June 20.

Sitaare Zameen Par is directed by R S Prasanna of Shubh Mangal Saavdhan (2017) fame and also stars Genelia Deshmukh. Speaking of PVR Inox Pictures, they have distributed several significant films in recent times like Bholaa (2023), Mission Raniganj (2023), Article 370 (2024), Bade Miyan Chote Miyan (2024), Stree 2 (2024), Singham Again (2024), Baby John (2024), Sky Force (2025) etc.

Also Read: Aamir Khan-starrer Sitaare Zameen Par trailer set to release next week, attached to Raid 2 screenings

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Netflix’s much-anticipated global fan event, Tudum, is set to return in 2025 with a major live show. Scheduled for May 31, 2025, the event will stream live on Netflix starting at 8:00 p.m. ET / 5:00 p.m. PT, which translates to 5:30 a.m. IST on June 1, 2025. The event will take place at the Kia Forum in Los Angeles.

Tudum 2025 will spotlight Netflix’s biggest stars and most popular titles, featuring live performances, exclusive reveals, and notable appearances. Some of the major shows and films expected to be represented include Emily in Paris, Frankenstein, Happy Gilmore 2, Love is Blind, One Piece, Outer Banks, The Rip, Squid Game, Stranger Things, America’s Sweethearts: Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders, The Life List, Wake Up Dead Man: A Knives Out Mystery, Wednesday, and WWE, among others.

Named after the signature sound that plays at the start of every Netflix movie and series, Tudum is Netflix’s largest celebration of its films, series, and the global community of fans that support them. The first Tudum event was held in January 2020 at the Bienal Pavilion in São Paulo, Brazil, focusing primarily on young adult content and attracting over 50,000 attendees across four days.

Since its debut, Tudum has expanded into a multi-format event, combining live festivals, digital streaming, and online content. In 2023, Tudum returned to São Paulo, drawing over 35,000 fans in person and recording more than 78 million views across Netflix’s global social media channels.

The 2025 edition marks a continuation of Netflix’s commitment to fan engagement, bringing stars, creators, and audiences closer through a shared celebration of entertainment.

How to Watch
Tudum 2025 will be streamed live on Netflix. Viewers in India can tune in at 5:30 a.m. IST on June 1, 2025. Further updates and exclusive content will also be available year-round on Tudum.com.

Also Read: Alia Bhatt takes fans behind the scenes at Netflix’s Tudum event with Gal Gadot and Jamie Dornan; see post

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Excel Entertainment’s Ground Zero has arrived in cinemas, bringing to the big screen a powerful and deeply moving story inspired by true events. Set against the backdrop of the BSF’s most remarkable operation in 50 years, the film captures the spirit of extraordinary bravery, selfless sacrifice, and unwavering patriotism. With emotionally charged storytelling and powerful performances, Ground Zero is leaving an indelible impact on audiences across the nation.

As audiences continue to celebrate this story of valour, sacrifice, and patriotism, the makers have announced an exciting offer: tickets for Ground Zero will be available starting from Rs 99, EXCLUDING recliners and premium formats. This offer is applicable in select cities, cinemas, and shows; other T&Cs apply. Offer valid only on Tuesday, April 29, 2025.

Don’t miss this chance to experience the powerful journey of Ground Zero with tickets starting from Rs 99 — only for a limited time tomorrow in cinemas near you.

Excel Entertainment presents an Excel Entertainment Production, produced by Ritesh Sidhwani & Farhan Akhtar. Directed by Tejas Deoskar, the film is co-produced by Kassim Jagmagia, Vishal Ramchandani, Sundeep C Sidhwani, Arhan Bagati, Talisman Films, Abhishek Kumar, and Nishikant Roy. The film was released in cinemas on April 25, 2025.

Also Read: Excel Entertainment’s Ground Zero jukebox launched in Kashmir ahead of the film’s historic premiere in the valley

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Prime Video announced May 9 as the premiere date for its upcoming Original drama series Gram Chikitsalay. Produced under the banner of The Viral Fever (TVF) and created by Deepak Kumar Mishra, the Original series is written by Vaibhav Suman and Shreya Shrivastava and directed by Rahul Pandey. The five-part series follows the journey of Dr. Prabhat, an ambitious city doctor, who navigates bureaucratic hurdles, sceptical locals, and small-town eccentricities to revive a nearly defunct Public Health Center in a remote village. Gram Chikitsalay features a stellar ensemble cast including Amol Parashar and Vinay Pathak in lead roles, along with Akansha Ranjan Kapoor, Anandeshwar Dwivedi, Akash Makhija, and Garima Vikrant Singh in pivotal roles. Set to premiere exclusively on Prime Video in India and over 240 countries and territories worldwide, Gram Chikitsalay will be available to stream starting May 9.

“At Prime Video, our mission extends beyond entertainment – we’re committed to showcasing India’s vibrant tapestry through stories that resonate universally while celebrating our distinct local flavours. Gram Chikitsalay embodies this vision perfectly,” said Manish Menghani, Director – Content Licensing, Prime Video India. “This series masterfully weaves together comedy and compelling social commentary, following an idealistic young doctor thrust into the heart of rural India. The story takes viewers through a journey that’s both uniquely Indian and universally human. Building on our successful partnership with The Viral Fever (TVF), which has consistently delivered path-breaking stories, we’re confident Gram Chikitsalay will captivate audiences with its nuanced storytelling, stellar ensemble cast, and richly detailed portrayal of village life.”

 

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“With Gram Chikitsalay, we bring to life a heartfelt and inspiring story that delves into the challenges and triumphs of rural healthcare, told through a lens that is both humorous and deeply relatable,” said Vijay Koshy, president, The Viral Fever. “At its core, the series is about resilience, connection, and the pursuit of change against all odds. Through Dr. Prabhat’s journey, we explore universal themes of idealism meeting reality. He isn’t just fighting diseases; he’s challenging deeply rooted systems, prejudices, and the status quo – all while learning that change is a two-way street. Amol Parashar has done a splendid job bringing this character to life. We are thrilled to collaborate with Prime Video once again and continue to push boundaries, bringing forth entertaining stories that matter and make an impact. We can’t wait for viewers to experience Dr. Prabhat’s journey as he tries to bring about change when the series premieres on Prime Video on May 9.”

Also Read: Akansha Ranjan Kapoor to play small-town doctor in Amazon Prime’s Gram Chikitsalay

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Television actor Shoaib Ibrahim has responded to criticism surrounding his and wife Dipika Kakar’s recent posts about their trip to Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir. The couple, who had earlier reassured their fans about their safety following reports of a terror attack in the region, found themselves at the centre of an unexpected social media backlash.

In his latest vlog, Shoaib explained the timeline of events and emphasized that there was no connection between their posts and the tragic incident. He said, “We flew from Srinagar to Delhi on April 22. While we were mid-flight, the Pahalgam terror attack occurred, and we had no knowledge about it. There was no connection. When we landed and switched our phones on, we were flooded with messages enquiring about our safety. Initially, the news was only a couple of injuries. We thought it was responsible to inform our well-wishers that we were safe, and in the same breath, I mentioned the vlog — but without any intention of promoting it.”

Addressing allegations that he used the situation to draw attention to his vlog, Shoaib added, “Maine ek story daal di that we are fine and we will update you. Uss story ka jo bawaal banaya hai kai logo ne, kuch media portals ne, aur kuch YouTube channels ne. Toh mera woh koi intention nahi tha ki mujhe apna vlog promote karna hai. It was just ki mere paas uss samay information nahi thi. Dheere dheere videos aa rahe the social media pe tab khud ko bura lag raha tha (I had simply put up a story informing that we are fine and that we will update you. The kind of uproar created by some people, some media portals, and some YouTube channels was unnecessary. I had no intention of promoting my vlog. At that moment, I had no detailed information. As more videos surfaced on social media, I myself started feeling terrible).”

Shoaib further urged everyone to exercise sensitivity during such situations, explaining that their first instinct was to ease the concerns of their fans and followers who were worried about their well-being. He reiterated that the timing was unfortunate and stressed that neither he nor his wife Dipika Kakar had any intention to be insensitive toward the tragedy.

The couple had recently shared pictures from their stay in Pahalgam, days before the unforeseen terror attack took place. Their social media updates triggered a wave of concern initially, but later spiralled into unfounded accusations, leading to Shoaib’s public clarification.

Also Read: Dipika Kakar and Shoaib Ibrahim assure fans of their safety after Kashmir visit amid terror attack concerns

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The Bhamla Foundation, under the leadership of its chairman Asif Bhamla, officially launched its World Environment Day 2025 campaign today, continuing its commitment to environmental advocacy on a global scale. This year’s campaign, titled “Tik Tik Plastic 3.0”, focuses on the theme of #BeatPlasticPollution, addressing one of the most pressing environmental challenges of our time.

Bollywood actor Ajay Devgn will headline the campaign, using his influence to promote awareness about plastic pollution and encourage sustainable practices. Acclaimed filmmaker Imtiaz Ali has been brought on board to curate the creative aspects of the initiative, ensuring the message is communicated with impact and imagination.

Supporting the campaign’s digital strategy is Neeraj Roy, Founder and CEO of Hungama Digital Media, who will help amplify the campaign’s reach through innovative online platforms.

“Tik Tik Plastic 3.0” marks the third installment of the Bhamla Foundation’s ongoing environmental movement, building on the success of its previous efforts to create mass awareness around plastic waste and ecological sustainability. By involving major figures from the entertainment and digital industries, the campaign aims to engage a wider audience, particularly the youth, and inspire collective action against plastic pollution.

The campaign will roll out across multiple platforms in the lead-up to World Environment Day on June 5, 2025, combining creative content, social media initiatives, and community outreach programs. With its focus on collaboration and creativity, “Tik Tik Plastic 3.0” seeks to make a meaningful contribution to global efforts aimed at reducing plastic waste and protecting the planet for future generations.

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