The theatrical release landscape might be on the brink of a quiet, yet seismic shift – and it all revolves around Bhool Chuk Maaf. The upcoming romcom headlined by Rajkummar Rao and Wamiqa Gabbi has already made headlines for its back-and-forth release strategy. Initially believed to be heading straight to digital – allegedly due to market volatility and the tense geopolitical backdrop – the film is now set to release theatrically on May 23. But what has truly rattled the trade is the whisper of a mere 2-week window before it lands on Amazon Prime Video.

If true, this move would diverge from the traditionally followed 8-week theatrical exclusivity period, which exhibitors usually insist on to protect cinema revenues before a film hits OTT. But according to sources closely tracking the developments, Bhool Chuk Maaf may have just become a special case – thanks to a strategic behind-the-scenes meeting involving Maddock Films and PVRInox.

Earlier this week, a five-hour-long closed-door meeting was reportedly held at Maddock’s headquarters in Mumbai. Attendees included producer Dinesh Vijan and top brass from PVRInox, namely Kamal Gianchandani, Thomas D’Souza, and Rajender Jyala. An industry source privy to the meeting told Bollywood Hungama, “The conversation wasn’t just about this one film. It was about the long-term content pipeline, mutual partnerships, and business sustainability in a changing ecosystem. At first, a 4-week window was floated. But considering platform pressures – especially from Amazon – a 2-week compromise was settled upon.”

While PVRInox is said to be informing trade insiders that the shortened window is a by-product of legal negotiations and court proceedings, sources suggest the terms were arrived at through internal discussions, with a focus on future collaboration rather than confrontation.

Our source adds, “Amazon Prime Video was keen to premiere the film early, to time it with internal scheduling demands. That urgency nudged the stakeholders to evaluate whether exceptions could be made – particularly for a production house like Maddock, which has a strong and consistent track record with theatrical releases.” In return, Vijan is said to have offered future distribution tie-ins to PVRInox for upcoming Maddock projects – a lucrative proposal that helped soften the rigid stance around the 8-week norm.

While reports of legal tension between Maddock and PVRInox surfaced earlier this month – with the latter even obtaining a stay order against the digital-first release – the meeting may have helped cool down the legal heat. Interestingly, sources suggest that Vijan, during discussions, raised larger industry concerns such as Food & Beverage (F&B) pricing, rigid exhibitor expectations, and the imbalance in showcasing smaller films. “He allegedly questioned whether a commitment to 8-week theatrical exclusivity comes with any guarantee of screen retention or respectable show timings,” our source reveals. That pointed question, reportedly, made PVRInox reflect on the current dynamics. “With pressure from OTT platforms, competition from other releases, and rising viewer expectations, there was consensus that flexibility might be the need of the hour – especially when the producer has bargaining power.”

The Bhool Chuk Maaf scenario could be a test case – one that may influence future conversations between exhibitors and content producers, particularly mid-budget filmmakers who seek hybrid models. While no official statements have been released confirming the OTT window, the trade is abuzz with speculation, and exhibitors are reportedly watching this case closely. Many fear that this move – if not carefully framed as a one-off – might set a precedent that others could cite, thereby weakening the exhibitors’ collective stance on the 8-week rule.

With just a few days to go before the film’s release, all eyes are on whether the rumored 2-week OTT debut comes to pass – and if so, what the larger fallout might be in an already evolving exhibition ecosystem.

Also Read: Bhool Chuk Maaf’s ‘Zero VPF’ buzz SHAKES the industry; likely to spark FURY among struggling, independent producers

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The popular crime thriller Dahaad, which starred Sonakshi Sinha, Gulshan Devaiah, and Vijay Varma, is coming back with a second season. As per a report in The Hollywood Reporter, the new season is currently in the works. A source told the publication, “Dahaad 2 is on, and the team is working on the script. Prime Video is aiming to mount the show on a big scale, as the first season did extremely well, garnering immense praise. The work is underway, and the team will figure out a shooting timeline soon.”

Following the report, both Sonakshi and Gulshan confirmed the news through their Instagram stories. Sonakshi posted the article and wrote, “Finally!!! Can’t wait to get back in that uniform,” tagging Reema Kagti, Zoya Akhtar, and Prime Video. Gulshan also shared the news and jokingly wrote, “Now… where did I keep that uniform?” with thinking emojis.

Dahaad was created by Zoya Akhtar and Reema Kagti. It followed the story of two police officers (played by Sonakshi and Gulshan) as they investigated the disappearance of 27 women in Rajasthan. The series, which premiered on Amazon Prime Video on May 12, 2023, was inspired by the real-life crimes of Mohan Kumar, also known as Cyanide Mohan.

The show also featured Vijay Varma as the main antagonist and Sohum Shah in an important role. Dahaad made history as the first Indian web series to premiere at the Berlin International Film Festival, where it competed for the Berlinale Series Award.

Also Read: Vijay Varma Reflects on One-Year Anniversary of Web Series ‘Dahaad’; says, “So grateful for this show that brought us so much love”

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Salman Khan is the most unexpected superstar of Indian Cinema, who works on his terms and conditions. He was flooded with offers from Ali Abbas Zafar, Kabir Khan, and Siddharth Anand, but has made the most shocking choice of director for his next after Sikandar.

According to reliable sources, Salman Khan has locked Apoorva Lakhia as his next film, and it is confirmed to go on floors in July 2025. “Salman Khan will be shooting at high-altitude Ladakh for director Apoorva Lakhia’s next. He has begun the training process and will be appearing in a lean physique for the film. It’s a 20-day schedule in Ladakh, followed by 50 days in Mumbai, calling it a wrap. The film will release in the first half of 2026,” a source informed Bollywood Hungama.

After Apoorva Lakhia, Salman could collaborate with Kabir Khan, but there is no confirmation on the same. Ali Abbas Zafar and YRF have also approached Salman Khan with a feature film, but he is yet to confirm his involvement. “Salman wants to work on a frontend fee model post Tiger 3, and is willing to work with films that assure him sure-shot returns on paper. Apoorva Lakhia’s film is one of those made on a controlled budget, and he is looking for another one next.”

Apoorva Lakhia film is based on India’s Most Fearless 3 and is scheduled to release in Summer 2026.

Also Read: Kabir Khan reveals that Salman Khan’s WHISTLE-WORTHY silhouette shot was NOT a part of Ek Tha Tiger script: “It was a reaction to the location”; also explains how the scarf became an ICONIC symbol of the character

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In the midst of escalating tensions between India and Pakistan, popular playback singer Ankit Tiwari has become the target of a disturbing cyber attack. The singer has officially reported the incident to the cyber crime cell after criminals allegedly attempted to impersonate him and members of his team across digital platforms.

The nature of the cyber attack involved the creation of fake identities, aimed at misleading others by pretending to be Ankit or individuals closely associated with him. The impersonators are believed to have tried reaching out to people under false pretenses, raising concerns of potential scams, misinformation, or misuse of Ankit’s name and reputation.

The suspicious activity came to light after several unofficial messages and digital interactions were flagged by those familiar with Ankit’s verified communication channels. In response, the singer alerted the public through his social media platforms, cautioning everyone to remain vigilant and to avoid responding to any message, email, or call not coming from his official handles.

The situation has caused unease among fans and followers, as the misuse of a public figure’s identity can have wide-reaching consequences, especially during politically sensitive times. Though the full extent of the attack is yet to be determined, the fact that both Ankit and his team were targeted suggests a deliberate and organized attempt to exploit their digital presence.

Ankit’s official channels remain the only legitimate source of updates and information. He has urged everyone to double-check sources and avoid falling victim to any suspicious outreach pretending to be from him or his associates.

The incident serves as a reminder of the growing digital threats faced by celebrities and public figures, especially during periods of heightened national tension.

Also Read: Mika Singh wonders why Ankit Tiwari didn’t achieve bigger success in Bollywood: says, “He’s a very talented singer”

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Shehzad Khan spoke exclusively to Bollywood Hungama last month, not just about Andaz Apna Apna (1994) and its re-release, but also about other aspects, including his father’s epic reaction to his character Bhalla, the sidekick of the villain, Teja (Paresh Rawal).

Shehzad Khan mimicked his father, Ajit, in the film. When asked how he reacted to it, the actor revealed, “He was very angry. He didn’t see the film for a very long time. When people informed him about my act in the film, he finally saw some portions of the film. Then he told me, ‘Dobara aisi himakat mat karna’ (impersonates Ajit)!”

Was Ajit not in favour of being mimicked? Shehzad Khan explained, “Yes, he had a very serious persona. Also, you need to understand that it’s not my doing entirely. A film is a director’s medium. Hum toh katputli hai. Agar director bolega ‘utho’, toh hum uthenge; agar director bolega ‘naacho’, toh hum naachenge. Agar director bolega ‘nange ho jaao’, toh hum nange ho jaayenge! Hence, it’s nothing in our hand.”

Shehzad Khan, at this point, shared an interesting trivia, “Andaz Apna Apna’s director Rajkumar Santoshi’s father K L Santoshi had worked with my father as a hero. (Ajit) had also worked with Salman Khan’s father, Salim Khan. That legacy continued with Andaz Apna Apna (smiles).” Salman was the leading actor of the comic caper along with Aamir Khan.

Nevertheless, Shehzad Khan is blessed with the fan following that Andaz Apna Apna enjoys, “People tell me that they have seen Andaz Apna Apna 50 times, 75 times and even 100 times. They also tell me that when they feel low, they watch this film. People have downloaded the film from OTT platforms on their phones and iPads. One person revealed that he watches Andaz Apna Apna daily!”

A lot of fans are hoping that Andaz Apna Apna 2 gets made. On this, he said, “If I were the film’s producer, I would have been the right person to talk about it! Hum toh mazdoor aadmi hai. Hum gareeb actor hai. Apni dihaadi lete hai aur ghar chale jaate hai. Hum kya jawab denge (smiles).”

Shehzad Khan’s explosive claims

There was a point when Shehzad Khan was seen extensively in several films and it’s not happening anymore. When asked the reason behind it, Shehzad Khan, who was having lunch while giving this interview explained, “Mera haath mein roti hai and I’ll answer you truthfully. There has been a community of casting directors which has now emerged. Woh khud acting kar rahe hai. Sab cheez woh log hi kar rahe hai. And they have certain selected actors whom they keep casting repeatedly. After doing so many films and working for so many years, I can’t be expected to do chamchagiri. Hum ek saaf suthre aadmi hai. Give me a role and I’ll perform with the best of my ability.”

He continued, “Through your medium, I’d like to make an appeal – Bhalla ko acche-acche characters do! He’s in a cult film and he’s a legend. I don’t usually tom-tom about myself. All I know is that main ek majdoor aadmi hoon. Until my last breath, I want to keep learning and keep acting. After working for so many years, I don’t even remember how many films I have done. I have lost count.”

However, he does have a few projects in his pipeline, “I have worked in a couple of web series. We are actors. Hum apna kaam karte hai, apni dihaadi lete hai aur ghar chale jaate hai. The producers and the OTT platform would know when it’ll be out. Until then, you can see me on news debates. Whenever the country needs me and whenever there is injustice, I always speak up. I talk without any bias. I don’t support any political party. I only support the people who do the right thing, where it is BJP government or any other government. I respect my Prime Minister and everybody should do the same.”

Also Read: “Andaz Apna Apna is our father’s legacy” – Priti Sinha on the cult comedy’s re-release and sequel plans; says, “IP rights belong entirely and exclusively to Vinay Pictures”

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Bollywood actor Taapsee Pannu, along with her sister, has purchased an apartment in Goregaon West, Mumbai, for Rs. 4.33 crore, according to property registration documents reviewed by Square Yards on the website of the Inspector General of Registration (IGR) https://ift.tt/9vSJTCX. The transaction was registered in May 2025.

Strategically located between key commercial centres like Andheri and Malad, Goregaon West offers seamless access via the Western Express Highway, Link Road, SV Road, and the suburban railway, making it highly accessible for professionals and businesses alike. The area has emerged as a significant commercial and residential hub, with a vibrant mix of office spaces, IT parks, co-working environments, high-street retail, and malls.

According to the IGR property registration documents reviewed by Square Yards, the property is located in a ready-to-move-in residential project known as Imperial Heights. The purchased apartment features a carpet area of 1,390 sq. ft. (~129 sq. m.) and a built-up area of 155.02 sq.m. (~1,669 sq.ft.). It comes with a total of two car parking spaces. The transaction incurred a stamp duty payment of Rs. 21.65 lakh and registration charges of Rs. 30,000.

According to Square Yards Data Intelligence, a total of 47 transactions amounting to a gross transaction value of Rs. 168 crore were registered with IGR in Imperial Heights, between April 2024 to March 2025. Currently, the average registered transaction property price in the project stands at Rs. 32,170 per sq. ft.

Taapsee Pannu is a celebrated Indian actress known for her impactful work across Hindi, Telugu, and Tamil cinema. Beginning her career as a model, she transitioned to acting with her debut in the 2010 Telugu film Jhummandi Naadam, followed by acclaimed roles in Tamil and Hindi films. Pannu is known for her roles in movies such as Pink, Mulk, Badla, and Thappad.

Also Read: Taapsee Pannu on influencer Misha Agrawal’s suicide, “It’s heartbreaking to see this”

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Recent reports reveal that Kajal Aggarwal may have officially joined the cast of Ramayana, the much-anticipated mythological epic directed by Nitesh Tiwari. The actress is said to be seen portraying the role of Mandodari, the noble and wise queen who is the first wife of Ravana — a role essayed by Kannada superstar Yash in the film. If this holds true, this will be the first time Kajal and Yash will be seen sharing screen space.

A source confirmed Kajal’s casting to ETimes, stating, “Kajal just did her look test last week, and will be playing the character of Mandodari opposite Yash. She has started shooting for the bit recently. The makers are currently shooting Ravana’s Lanka bits.”

Mandodari, a lesser-explored but significant figure in the Ramayana, is often portrayed as a deeply intelligent and virtuous woman. According to the original epic, she is known for her wisdom, devotion, and moral compass, which stands in contrast to Ravana’s eventual downfall. Her presence in the narrative often serves as the voice of reason in Lanka, urging peace and righteousness.

Kajal’s addition to the cast adds another layer of gravitas to the already star-studded project. Earlier reports had suggested that actress Sakshi Tanwar, who previously collaborated with Tiwari in the critically acclaimed Dangal, was being considered for the role. However, the makers have now locked Kajal for the part, and the actress has already begun filming for her portions.

Directed by Nitesh Tiwari, Ramayana is expected to be a multiple parts saga based on the ancient Indian epic. While official announcements are still awaited, the reported ensemble includes Ranbir Kapoor as Lord Ram, Sai Pallavi as Sita, Ravi Dubey as Laxman, Sunny Deol as Hanuman, and Lara Dutta as Kaikeyi. The film is being produced on a grand scale and aims to re-tell the story of Ramayana with cinematic richness and emotional depth.

For Kajal Aggarwal, this role marks another exciting addition to her diverse filmography. She was last seen in Sikandar, alongside Salman Khan and Rashmika Mandanna. With Ramayana, she steps into an iconic mythological universe, taking on a role that promises both substance and emotional complexity.

Also Read: WAVES 2025: Bhumi Pednekar hopes that Ranbir Kapoor-Sai Pallavi-Yash starrer Ramayana can be a game-changer: “It’ll be a visual spectacle; will bring a lot of business to our country”

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Following the massive success of Pathaan, Shah Rukh Khan and Siddharth Anand are teaming up again for the action-packed thriller King. Produced by Red Chillies and Marflix, the film boasts an impressive ensemble cast, including the big-screen debutant Suhana Khan. King stars SRK and Deepika Padukone in the lead roles, with Abhishek Bachchan, Anil Kapoor, Jackie Shroff, Suhana Khan, Arshad Warsi, Jaideep Ahlawat, and Abhay Verma in key roles. And now, we’ve exclusively learned that the cast of King has expanded even further.

As per a report in Pinkvilla, Rani Mukerji has joined King for a significant extended cameo alongside Shah Rukh Khan. A source told the publication, “Rani Mukerji and Shah Rukh Khan have worked together on films like Kuch Kuch Hota Hai, Kabhi Khushi Kabhi Gham, Chalte Chalte and Kabhi Alvida Na Kehna among others, and are now all set for a reunion. Rani Mukerji has been cast to play the part of Suhana Khan’s mother, and it’s a role which acts as a catalyst for the entire action-thriller in the film.”

The source further explained that Rani Mukerji’s role is more of an extended cameo, requiring only five days of shooting. The source added, “It was an easy decision for Rani to say yes to Shah Rukh Khan and Siddharth Anand’s offer for King. After hearing the role, she immediately agreed to join the film. Rani’s storyline is the emotional core of King, adding significant depth to the film.”

With the cast now finalized, King is shaping up to be a star-studded project under Siddharth Anand’s direction. The filmmaker is set to begin shooting with a schedule in Mumbai starting May 20, followed by an international segment in Europe. King is reportedly slated for a big-screen release between October and December 2026. The film will feature Shah Rukh Khan as an assassin, facing off against Abhishek Bachchan.

Also Read : Sabyasachi Mukherjee reveals Rani Mukerji’s ‘mad’ wedding with Aditya Chopra: “She was very chilled out”

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Sanjay Leela Bhansali is set to mesmerize audiences once again with his grand storytelling in his next film, Love & War. The film is one of the most anticipated and biggest projects in Bollywood, starring three of the industry’s biggest names — Vicky Kaushal, Alia Bhatt, and Ranbir Kapoor — in lead roles. With such a celebrated cast and a visionary director like Bhansali at the helm, the film promises to be a cinematic spectacle of epic proportions. Filming has already begun, and amidst the roaring anticipation for its release, a source from the set has revealed that the three lead stars are finally shooting together for the first time for an intense sequence.

A source close to the production revealed, “A major schedule began this week with the three leads. While Sanjay Sir kicked off the project last October, this is the first time that Ranbir, Alia, and Vicky are shooting together. It will be an intense few days of filming, with the director crafting some of the most emotionally demanding scenes in this leg.”

 

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Given the acting brilliance of the three stars, it will be fascinating to see them share the frame, especially when combined with Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s masterful storytelling. Recent sightings of Ranbir Kapoor and Vicky Kaushal donning mustaches at SLB’s birthday party added to the buzz. While details about the film remain under wraps, the anticipation continues to build, making Love & War a cinematic spectacle like no other.

Also Read: Shruti Mahajan, casting director of Love & War, shares which Bollywood actors have the ‘X-Factor’ in IMDb Exclusive: “It exists or it doesn’t, but it cannot be defined in words”

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The much-awaited folk thriller VVAN: Force of the Forrest, starring Sidharth Malhotra and Tamannaah Bhatia, is officially set to hit theatres on May 15, 2026. A unique collaboration between Balaji Motion Pictures and The Viral Fever (TVF), the film marks the first-ever on-screen pairing of Sidharth and Tamannaah, and also the first project jointly helmed by two content powerhouses — Ekta Kapoor’s Balaji Telefilms and TVF.

Directed by Deepak Mishra and Arunabh Kumar, VVAN explores the rich tapestry of Indian folklore while delivering a visually striking, emotionally intense cinematic experience. Set in the mystical heartlands of Central India, the film unravels a story woven with ancient legends, hidden temples, and the mystique of an untamed forest that holds secrets waiting to be unearthed.

The story follows an enigmatic journey where myth and reality collide, immersing audiences into a narrative that celebrates the forgotten wisdom of the land. It is being said that the filmmakers have gone to great lengths to ensure authenticity, shooting extensively in real forest locations to capture the raw beauty and eerie atmosphere of the region, in order to bring a folk legend to life like never before.

 

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VVAN: Force of the Forrest has already piqued the curiosity of fans with the release of two character posters earlier this year. Featuring Sidharth Malhotra and Tamannaah Bhatia in never-before-seen avatars, the posters hinted at the film’s haunting tone and layered characters with the visuals carrying an aesthetic steeped in folklore and mysticism.

Speaking about the film earlier, producer Ekta Kapoor noted that VVAN combines “grand storytelling with emotionally rooted drama,” while TVF’s involvement brings a fresh narrative voice to the folklore thriller space.

With Sidharth and Tamannaah leading the cast, a gripping story rooted in Indian mythology, and the creative collaboration of two major production houses, VVAN: Force of the Forrest is gearing up to be one of 2026’s most ambitious and awaited theatrical releases. The countdown to this myth-meets-mystery thriller begins as VVAN gets ready to bring the forest’s force alive on the big screen this May.

 Also Read: It’s Confirmed! Tamannaah Bhatia team up with Sidharth Malhotra in mystical thriller VVAN – Force of the Forrest

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