Yesterday, on May 15, Maddock Films, the producers of Bhool Chuk Maaf and PVR Inox, in a joint statement, announced that the Rajkummar Rao-Wamiqa Gabbi starrer Bhool Chuk Maaf will arrive in cinemas on May 23. The official statement did not answer the question that was on the minds of several people in the industry and trade – is the romcom arriving on OTT in two weeks, as reported by a section of the media? Some stakeholders in the industry believed that one should wait for an answer from either of the two parties before jumping to conclusions. However, some believe that since both the producer and multiplex chain didn’t choose to address this aspect, it confirms the speculations. There’s also a claim that the OTT-theatrical window might be more than two weeks and a clear answer would emerge in a few days. While everyone was trying to process this development, another aspect of the release of Bhool Chuk Maaf has also come to light – the clause of the VPF waiver.

Some sources in the trade maintain that Bhool Chuk Maaf makers will have to pay the Virtual Print Fee (VPF) only if it crosses a certain number. If it fails to do so, then VPF will be waived off. However, certain experts have said that the producers have a complete waiver-off regarding VPF, regardless of its theatrical business. This aspect is significant considering the controversies that have rocked the industry over VPF in the past.

What is VPF?
Virtual Print Fee (VPF) is a charge that big multiplex chains in India take from producers or distributors to help cover the cost of upgrading their technology, which is meant to give audiences a better movie experience. On average, this fee is around Rs. 20,000 per screen. For smaller cinema chains and non-2K theatres, this fee is collected by companies like UFO, Scrabble, Qube etc., which provide digital cinema services.

For a long time, producers have argued that the VPF shouldn’t be charged indefinitely and it was supposed to have been imposed only for a certain time. The exhibitors, on the other hand, feel that VPF is necessary as it helps bear the cost of playing the film using the latest technology and has many advantages.

In 2019, the matter became widely known and discussed after producer Ronnie Screwvala filed a case with the Competition Commission of India (CCI) against PVR, Inox, Cinepolis and Carnival Cinemas over VPF. One of the points raised in this complaint was that this fee is charged only from Indian films and that Hollywood movies are exempted. Interestingly, Dangal (2016), a Bollywood film starring Aamir Khan, was exempted from VPF as UTV had released it under the branding of Disney, a Hollywood studio! This led to immense opposition and was included in the complaint to the CCI by Ronnie.

However, the CCI ruled in favour of the multiplexes. Ronnie Screwvala, in an interview with Bombay Times, had then said, “I am disappointed, though not surprised, at the complete lack of support from all colleagues, producers, distributors and the creative community who in private commended the action. But not one individual, company or association supported my complaint as that would have gone a long way to endorse with the CCI the apparent practices that is common knowledge to all.”

The VPF was back in the news a year later, in 2020, when the fee was exempted temporarily due to pandemic-related uncertainties and a reduction in footfalls in cinemas. That was the last time VPF made news until Bhool Chuk Maaf brought it back into the limelight.

Cut to the present day…
Thus, the history behind VPF has already led to raised eyebrows and even disbelief over the Bhool Chuk Maaf case outcome. An industry insider told Bollywood Hungama, “Already, there was a fear that if Bhool Chuk Maaf appears on OTT two weeks after its release in cinemas, other producers would also demand a similar arrangement. Now, the VPF waiver can also set a precedent. So many producers have claimed that they have suffered and had to pay more than Rs. 1.50-2.50 crores as VPF for releasing a film in 1000-1500 screens. Independent filmmakers also grouse about increased costs due to this fee. All of them can now rightfully ask the multiplexes, ‘If Bhool Chuk Maaf can have a VPF-free release, why not our film?’.”

Also Read: Maddock Films announces theatrical release of Bhool Chuk Maaf on May 23 starring Rajkummar Rao and Wamiqa Gabbi

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Diljit Dosanjh was recently reported to have exited No Entry 2, the much-anticipated sequel to the 2005 hit comedy No Entry. Earlier reports claimed that the singer-actor walked out of the project due to creative differences with the team. However, producer Boney Kapoor has now refuted the claims.

In an official statement shared with Times Entertainment, Kapoor dismissed the claims of a creative fallout. “Yes, there are date issues, but certainly no creative differences. That is absolutely false. We are trying our best to work the dates out,” he clarified.

Tentatively titled No Entry Mein Entry, the sequel is expected to feature Varun, Diljit, and Arjun in leading roles, alongside six female leads. The film has already moved into its pre-production phase, with the team recently conducting a recce in Greece. The makers are eyeing an early 2026 start-to-finish shoot, though timelines hinge on resolving Diljit’s schedule.

No Entry 2 has been in development for some time and is being produced under Boney Kapoor’s banner. The original film, directed by Anees Bazmee, was a major box office success and remains a cult favourite in the comedy genre. The sequel is expected to carry forward the franchise’s legacy with a new storyline and updated cast.

While scheduling conflicts are common in the film industry, the clarification from Boney Kapoor indicates that the team is still hopeful of resolving the matter and retaining Dosanjh in the project. As of now, there is no official word from Diljit Dosanjh on the matter.

Also Read : Boney Kapoor REACTS to Arjun Kapoor’s Instagram post celebrating 13 years of Ishaqzaade: “Best son, adorable man”

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Singer Shreya Ghoshal is set to take the stage in Mumbai on May 24 as part of her ongoing ‘All Hearts Tour,’ the announcement confirmed via her official Instagram handle.

Taking to her social media, the singer announced her upcoming performance later this month. Sharing the update, she wrote, “Mumbai!! New date alert: Thank you for your love, patience and understanding. As promised, we are coming back stronger and here to heal All Hearts with love and music. See you in just a few days @jioworldgarden.”

 

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Originally scheduled for May 10, Shreya Ghoshal’s concert was postponed due to nationwide concerns and security threats. While the delay left fans disappointed, the decision was made in the interest of safety. The singer assured her audience that new dates would be announced soon, reaffirming her commitment to return and perform.

Shreya Ghoshal, known for her versatility across languages like Hindi, Tamil, Malayalam, Bengali, Telugu, and Marathi, recently served as a judge on Indian Idol alongside Badshah and Vishal Dadlani. With a decades-long career and a repertoire of Bollywood hits and regional favourites, her upcoming Mumbai concert promises an unforgettable evening of music and nostalgia.

Amidst the ongoing India-Pakistan tensions, several singers including Arijit Singh, Shankar Mahadevan, Papon, and Usha Uthup have cancelled their scheduled concerts.

Also Read: Salman Khan disapproved of Shefali Zariwala’s Kaanta Laga music video, reveal directors

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The film follows two police officers, played by Dileesh Pothan and Roshan Mathew, on night patrol duty—referred to as “Ronth duty.” What begins as a routine shift soon unfolds into a series of intense and emotionally charged events. Set over a single night, the story explores the tension between professional responsibilities and personal struggles, offering a grounded mix of drama, realism, and suspense.

After the critically acclaimed Ela Veezha Poonchira, Shahi Kabir returns to directing with Ronth, his next project following Officer on Duty, which he wrote. He is also known for writing Nayattu, which earned him the National Award for Best Screenplay, and Joseph. Ronth is produced by Vineet Jain of Junglee Pictures—a Times Group subsidiary—and Festival Cinemas, backed by Ratheesh Ambat, Ranjith E.V.M, and Jojo Jose. Co-produced by Amrita Pandey, CEO of Junglee Pictures, the film marks Junglee Pictures’ debut production in the Malayalam film industry.

The film features a talented ensemble cast including Sudhi Koppa, Arun Cherukavil, Crisha Kurup, Nandanunni, and popular digital stars Lakshmi Menon and Baby Nandutti.

The production team includes Mahesh Madhavan (Cinematography), Anil Johnson (Composer), Dileep Nath (Production Designer), Praveen Mangalath (Editor), Sinoy Joseph (Sound Mixing), Arun Asok – Sonu KP (Sync Sound & Sound Design), Anwar Ali (Lyrics), Shelly Srees (Chief Associate), Kalpesh Damani (Associate Producer), Surya Ranganathan Iyer (Supervising Producer),  Shabeer Malavattath (Production Controller), Dino Davis- Vishak Sanalkumar (Costume Design), Ronex Xavier (Makeup), and Abhilash Mullassery (Stills Photography). Satheesh Eriyalath serves as PRO, with Yellow Tooth managing the publicity design.

With writer-director Shahi Kabir at the helm, a strong cast, and a noted studio making its Malayalam debut, Ronth is set to release in cinemas on June 13.

Also Read : Junglee Pictures makes its Malayalam debut with Ronth

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Following the timely intervention of the Hon’ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi and the Indian Army, peace has been restored, creating a renewed environment for artistic and cinematic expression. In light of this, Bhool Chuk Maaf will release as originally planned—celebrating cinema on the big screen. After open and constructive discussions among all stakeholders, PVRINOX Limited, Maddock Films Pvt. Ltd., and Amazon MGM Studios are pleased to announce that Maddock Films’ much-anticipated Bhool Chuk Maaf will hit theatres on 23 May 2025.

Directed by Karan Sharma and featuring Rajkumar Rao and Wamiqa Gabbi, Bhool Chuk Maaf is a romantic comedy and a family entertainer. We can’t wait to share this story with audiences around the world in the setting it was created for.

 

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Dinesh Vijan, Founder, Maddock Films, said, “As our surroundings begin to heal, we’re especially grateful to offer a theatrical experience for a film that speaks from the heart. In these times, when family means everything, we urge audiences to head to theatres with their loved ones, share a laugh, reflect on life, and enjoy a story that, we hope, brings joy. We’re also incredibly thankful to our exhibitors as partners for their continued support, flexibility, and commitment to theatrical storytelling. The release environment has changed for the better, and we’re proud to collaborate once again with them for our film’s release.”

Kamal Gianchandani of PVRINOX, added, “We are proud to affirm our deep commitment to the theatrical experience — a cornerstone of Indian cinema culture and the most immersive way to experience storytelling at its finest. We fully understand and respect the challenges faced by the team at Maddock Films in finalising the release of Bhool Chuk Maaf. We are thankful for their continued faith in the theatrical model and their decision to bring this film to audiences where it truly belongs — in cinemas. Their support reinforces the strong bond between content creators and exhibitors, and we look forward to a successful release.”

Also Read : Patralekhaa opens up about her ‘middle class’ life with Rajkummar Rao; says, “I still call up my bhaajiwala and bargain”

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PVR INOX Pictures and PictureWorks India are proud to bring to Indian cinemas Karan Kandhari’s genre-defying feature Sister Midnight, releasing on 23rd May. Nominated for Outstanding British Debut at this year’s BAFTA Awards, Sister Midnight was one of the most talked-about titles at the Cannes Film Festival, where it was nominated for the Golden Camera award and in Director’s Fortnight. Also nominated for four BIFA awards, Sister Midnight won Best Picture in the Next Wave Award at Austin’s Fantastic Fest and was warmly received at festivals across the globe.

The cast includes Radhika Apte, Ashok Pathak, Chhaya Kadam, Smita Tambe and Navya Sawant. Written and directed by Karan Kandhari, produced by Alastair Clark, Anna Griffin and Alan McAlex, edited by Napoleon Stratogiannakis with cinematography by Sverre Sørdal.

The synopsis of the film reads : Newly married, UMA sets out to adjust to life with her husband, GOPAL. Living in a small room together in Mumbai, life isn’t easy for her, especially when Gopal disappears for hours on end, leaving her without money. Grudgingly, she learns to cook, with the help of neighbour SHEETAL. But things change for the disgruntled Uma after attending the wedding of Gopal’s cousin. Bitten by a mosquito, she begins to feel sick, as she grows pale and thin. Gradually, she experiences a ravenous thirst for the blood of animals. Yet as others fear her, Uma must learn to embrace this transformation or face extinction.

“It started from just the idea of what happens the very first morning in an arranged marriage when the wife wakes up…and if the guy goes to work and she’s just there and you have no manual to do this…” says Karan Kandhari. “It’s really just about the fact that there is no manual for anything in life.”

While this may sound serious, Kandhari infuses his storytelling with a uniquely dry wit. “I mean, humour is the most important part of storytelling for me,” he continues. “So if it’s not funny, I won’t write it.” He credits the legendary silent movie star Buster Keaton as a major influence. “He was one of my heroes because he could do so much with these subtle facial gestures. And just beyond that, as a filmmaker, what he could do with a restricted frame and the body language and stuff…that’s my humour.”

A curious blend of marital realism, body horror, and dark comedy, this is a story that explores the isolation of womanhood, the strangeness of domestic life, and the hunger for freedom—both literal and metaphorical. It captures the unease and absurdity of transformation, set against the backdrop of Mumbai’s dense urban life.

Don’t miss this hauntingly humorous, visually striking tale of transformation and survival—in cinemas across India from May 23.

Also Read: Radhika Apte flaunts her baby bump as she drops pics from Sister Midnight premiere in UK

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Diljit Dosanjh, who was reportedly set to join the cast of No Entry 2, has now exited the project. According to a report by Filmfare, the singer-actor walked away from the sequel of the 2005 hit comedy No Entry due to creative differences.

The report quoted a source saying, “Diljit was very excited to collaborate with Varun Dhawan and Arjun Kapoor. But over the last few weeks, he couldn’t align with the film’s creative ideas. That’s why he’s decided to leave the project.”

The sequel is being helmed by Anees Bazmee, who also directed the original, and is being produced by Boney Kapoor. The portal also stated that it reached out to the director, Anees Bazmee, and he did not confirm or deny Diljit’s exit. “I will not be able to speak about the matter right now. It is better if you reach out to Boney for the same,” he told the portal. The report also stated that Boney Kapoor had not responded to the claim.

No Entry 2 is expected to feature Varun Dhawan and Arjun Kapoor in leading roles, while Tamannaah Bhatia is reportedly on board as well. Her character is believed to mirror Bipasha Basu’s from the original, though this has not been officially confirmed.

The original No Entry, released in 2005, starred Salman Khan, Anil Kapoor, and Fardeen Khan. It followed the comedic misadventures of two married men whose lives spiral into chaos after a friend introduces them to a woman under questionable circumstances. The film also starred Lara Dutta, Esha Deol, and Celina Jaitly, with Bipasha Basu in an extended cameo.

The sequel was initially slated for a 2025 release, but with casting changes underway, an official announcement is awaited.

Also Read: Jackson Wang unleashes “BUCK” with Diljit Dosanjh ahead of MAGICMAN 2 album release

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Bollywood star Kriti Sanon is lending her star power to a new campaign by Pedigree, aimed at raising awareness about the benefits of wet food for dogs. Launched by Mars Petcare’s Pedigree brand, the campaign, titled “A Whole New Level of Happy,” features Sanon in a heartwarming advertisement that highlights how wet food can enhance canine health and happiness. The initiative underscores Pedigree’s commitment to pet nutrition and marks another high-profile endorsement for Sanon, who has become a sought-after brand ambassador in India’s advertising landscape.

The campaign, which debuted during the IPL 2025 season, showcases Sanon interacting with a dog, emphasizing the nutritional advantages of Pedigree’s wet food range. Available in variants like Chicken & Liver Chunks in Gravy and Chicken & Vegetable Chunks in Gravy, the product is designed to support dogs’ digestion, skin and coat health, and immunity through high-quality protein and essential nutrients. “The ad captures the joy that comes with feeding your pet food that’s not just tasty but also nutritious,” said Salil Murthy, general manager of Mars Petcare India. “Kriti’s warmth and authenticity make her the perfect advocate for this message.”

Sanon, a National Award-winning actress and self-professed pet lover, expressed her enthusiasm for the campaign. “As someone who adores dogs, I know how important it is to give them food that keeps them healthy and happy,” she said in a press release. “Pedigree’s wet food range does exactly that, and I’m thrilled to be part of this campaign that celebrates the bond between pets and their owners.” Her involvement is expected to resonate with India’s growing pet parent community, where 46% of dog owners now feed their pets packaged wet food at least once a week, according to industry data cited by Pedigree.

The advertisement, conceptualized by BBDO India, blends emotional storytelling with practical messaging. It shows Sanon preparing a meal for her dog, followed by scenes of the pet’s increased energy and playfulness, reinforcing the tagline, “A Whole New Level of Happy.” The campaign is being rolled out across television, digital platforms, and social media, with a focus on engaging pet owners during the high-visibility IPL season. “Kriti’s appeal cuts across audiences, and her genuine love for pets shines through,” said Josy Paul, chairman and chief creative officer of BBDO India. “This campaign is about making pet parents aware of small choices that can make a big difference.”

Sanon’s role in the Pedigree campaign adds to her growing portfolio of brand endorsements.In recent months, she has been named brand ambassador for Zouk’s “A Bagful of You” campaign, which celebrates individuality and Indian craftsmanship, and Dreame Technology, promoting smart home appliances. She also starred alongside Ranbir Kapoor in Ozone’s “Makes the World Go O” campaign and fronted Biba’s Spring-Summer 2025 collection, showcasing her versatility in appealing to diverse consumer segments. Her frequent collaborations with brands reflect her marketability, blending her on-screen charisma with a relatable, modern persona.

The Pedigree campaign also aligns with broader trends in India’s pet care industry, which is witnessing rapid growth. With pet ownership on the rise—India is home to over 30 million pet dogs—brands like Pedigree are investing heavily in education and innovation. Wet food, in particular, is gaining traction due to its palatability and health benefits, especially for dogs with specific dietary needs. “Pet parents are becoming more conscious about what they feed their dogs,” Murthy noted. “Our goal is to make wet food a staple in their diets, and this campaign is a step toward that.”

 

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Also Read: From Kriti Sanon to Rajkummar Rao, celebs can’t stop praising Rupali Ganguly’s mom’s energetic dance moves

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JioHotstar has officially announced the return of one of Indian streaming’s most successful spy thrillers — Special Ops. Known for pioneering the espionage genre on Indian OTT platforms, the show is back with its second season and promises to raise the stakes with a more intense, emotionally layered narrative.

The series, created by Neeraj Pandey under Friday Storytellers, will once again feature Kay Kay Menon in his much-acclaimed role as intelligence officer Himmat Singh. Speaking about the show’s return, Alok Jain, Head of Cluster, Entertainment (Colors, Digital Hindi, Niche, Movies and Studio) at JioStar, said, “At JioHotstar, we are committed to bringing bold, high-impact storytelling to our audiences, and Special Ops has been a defining example of that vision. The return of Himmat Singh in Special Ops season 2 marks not just the continuation of a beloved franchise, but a significant milestone in the evolution of premium Indian content. We are excited to deliver a season that’s bigger, smarter, and even more gripping.”

Neeraj Pandey shared how the journey from the inception of Special Ops to its newest chapter has challenged the team to constantly evolve. “With Special Ops, we aimed to create a lasting legacy in action, scale, and storytelling, something that resonates across audiences and generations. The overwhelming response to past seasons not only humbled us but challenged us to push our creative boundaries even further. This season, we’ve dialled up the stakes, the intensity, and the emotional arcs, delivering an even more thrilling experience,” he shared.

 

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Lead actor Kay Kay Menon, who has become synonymous with the character of Himmat Singh, added, “Himmat Singh is a character that has resonated deeply with audiences. Returning to this role is both a challenge and a privilege. In Special Ops season 2, viewers will witness new facets of Himmat’s journey – his vulnerabilities, his grit, and the weight of choices he’s made. It’s a powerful script, and I can’t wait for audiences to experience it.”

Actor Karan Tacker, who returns as Farooq Ali, also expressed his excitement. “The love I received as FAROOQALI since the first season of Special Ops has been unreal. I’ve just been so excited for the world to see the second season… I have always loved the espionage spy world since I was a kid and I just feel Farooq has become my alter ego.”

With scale, emotion, and action all dialled up, Special Ops Season 2 is expected to hit JioHotstar soon, aiming to once again immerse viewers into a high-stakes world of covert intelligence and personal sacrifice.

Also Read: Saiyami Kher expresses gratitude for portraying diverse female characters ahead of Special Ops and Agni: “It’s a privilege”

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In what can only be termed as a dream reunion, Bollywood’s perfectionist Aamir Khan and ace filmmaker Rajkumar Hirani are coming together once again – this time for a biopic on the father of Indian cinema, Dadasaheb Phalke. The project has already created a storm in the industry circles, and for good reason.

A source close to the development told Bollywood Hungama, “This is a project that has been quietly in development for over four years. Both Aamir and Hirani wanted to do justice to the life of Dadasaheb Phalke, the man who gave birth to Indian cinema. The script has gone through multiple layers of research and refinement. It’s not just a biopic—it’s a cinematic tribute.”

Set against the backdrop of India’s freedom struggle, the film will trace Phalke’s relentless vision, obstacles, and cinematic legacy, starting from the making of Raja Harishchandra in 1913. The emotional and inspirational journey is expected to be deeply rooted in history and layered with Hirani’s trademark storytelling.

Interestingly, Aamir Khan will begin prepping for the role post the release of Sitaare Zameen Par. Sources confirm that the film is slated to go on floors in October 2025, and will be mounted on a grand scale, with detailed period setups and cutting-edge prosthetics to recreate the era of silent cinema.

Given their past collaborations on blockbusters like PK and 3 Idiots, expectations are sky-high. The film is being pegged as a major cinematic event of 2026, likely to travel across international film festivals as well.

Stay tuned to Bollywood Hungama for more EXCLUSIVE updates on this mega project!

Also Read: Aamir Khan and Rajkumar Hirani in talks for slice-of-life film after 11 years: Report

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