Amid the rising tension between India and Pakistan, the Indian government has banned Pakistani dramas, songs, films, and podcasts on all Over-The-Top (OTT) platforms and other streaming services operating within the country. The directive, issued by the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting on Thursday, May 8, 2025, instructs these platforms and digital intermediaries to immediately remove all content originating from Pakistan.

The advisory stated, “In the interest of national security, all OTT platforms, media streaming platforms and intermediaries operating in India are advised to discontinue the web-series, films, songs, podcasts and other streaming media content, whether made available on a subscription based model or otherwise, having its origins in Pakistan with immediate effect.”

In the interest of national security, all OTT platforms, media streaming platforms and intermediaries operating in India are advised to discontinue the web-series, films, songs, podcasts and other streaming media content, whether made available on a subscription based model or… pic.twitter.com/8yjP6ULNEU
— ANI (@ANI) May 8, 2025

This ban on Pakistani content arrives against a backdrop of heightened tensions between India and Pakistan, particularly following the recent terror attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, on April 22, 2025. This tragic incident resulted in the loss of 26 lives, including tourists and a local resident, and has been widely condemned as a brutal act of terrorism with alleged cross-border linkages.

In the aftermath of the Pahalgam attack, there has been a palpable increase in national sentiment, with many calling for strong action against Pakistan and its perceived support for terrorist activities. This ban on Pakistani media content on OTT platforms can be seen as part of a broader response from the Indian government.

A day earlier, the All Indian Cine Workers Association (AICWA) had issued a statement criticising Pakistani actors Mahira Khan and Fawad Khan for making “anti-India” comments. In its press release, AICWA alleged that Mahira Khan referred to India’s military response as “seriously cowardly” and accused Fawad Khan of “supporting divisive narratives” instead of condemning terrorism. AICWA stated that it maintains a “strict and complete ban” on Pakistani artists, filmmakers, and financiers from working in India.

Also Read: Boycott Fawad Khan, Mahira Khan: AICWA REACTS to Pakistani actors criticising Operation Sindoor

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Bollywood actress Kangana Ranaut is all set to make her Hollywood debut in a leading role in the psychological horror drama, Blessed Be The Evil. Produced by US-based Lions Movies, this film marks a significant step in Ranaut’s career as she ventures into international cinema.

Star-Studded Cast of Kangana Ranaut’s Hollywood Debut
As per a report by Variety, Ranaut will share the screen with Teen Wolf actor Tyler Posey and Scarlet Rose Stallone, daughter of Sylvester Stallone, promising a blend of talent from both Hollywood and Bollywood. The movie is directed and co-written by Anurag Rudra, alongside Gatha Tiwary. Blessed Be The Evil delves into the chilling story of a Christian couple grappling with the pain of a miscarriage. Seeking solace, they purchase an abandoned farm, unaware of its dark past. As they try to rebuild their lives, a malevolent force tests their faith, setting the stage for a spine-tingling narrative.
Plot Details of Kangana Ranaut’s Hollywood Debut
The portal quotes Rudra saying, “Being born and spending my childhood in rural India, I was told stories that got embedded in my mind and heart. This folklore was so special that I truly believed in all the stories, and wanted to showcase them internationally through the art of cinema – the strongest and most beautiful way to connect to dreams and reality.”

According to the synopsis, as reported by Variety, the film follows a Christian couple who, after experiencing a devastating miscarriage, purchase an abandoned farm with a dark past. A malevolent presence soon tests their love and faith.

Fans eager to witness Ranaut’s Hollywood debut won’t have to wait too long. Production for Blessed Be The Evil is scheduled to commence this summer in New York.

Also Read: Kangana Ranaut moves into century-old Delhi MP residence; take a sneak peek!   

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Dinesh Vijan has been a darling of exhibitors as his films like Stree 2, Chhaava, Munjya etc. have done extraordinary business in cinemas. But on the morning of May 8, he broke the hearts of cinema owners across the country. An announcement came from the makers that Bhool Chuk Maaf, their next film starring Rajkummar Rao and Wamiqa Gabbi, will not release on May 9 in cinemas, as scheduled. That’s not all. The film will now directly release on the OTT platform Amazon Prime Video a week later, on May 16. The statement read, “In light of the recent events and the heightened security drills across the nation, we at Maddock Films and Amazon MGM Studios have decided to bring our family entertainer, Bhool Chuk Maaf, directly to your homes on May 16—only on Prime Video, worldwide. While we were eagerly looking forward to celebrating the film with you in theatres, the spirit of the nation comes first. Jai Hind.”

As expected, the exhibitors have not taken this decision in their stride. A multiplex official said on condition of anonymity, “We got the shock of our lives. We read the tweet from Mr Taran Adarsh about the cancellation of the release of the film. The distributor mailed us only 1 ½ hours later. Of course, by then, we had begun to issue refunds and change the programming. During a pandemic, we can understand films taking the direct-OTT release route. But what was the need to do in this case? It baffles all of us.”

A trade source said, “The film had sold around 5000 tickets in the national chains. It would have had an opening of Rs. 3 crores, and if the content was strong, it would have collected around Rs. 15 crores in the weekend. With no competition from Hindi films until June 6, Bhool Chuk Maaf could have sustained well, if the reports were on its side.”

Vishek Chauhan, owner of Roopbani Cinema in Purnia, Bihar, said, “The advance booking had begun a few days ago for the film and there was no traction. In Inox City Centre Patna, only 2 tickets were sold. Cinepolis P&M Mall hadn’t sold a single ticket.”

He added, “Hence, I don’t blame him. He can always claim that there’s a war-like situation and that people are diverted. He could have released his film on some other date. Maybe, he could have released it on May 23. However, he chose to premiere the film on OTT.”

Vishek further said, “The makers must have realized that Rajkummar Rao’s last film Vicky Vidya Ka Woh Wala Video did a business of around Rs. 35 crores. Though it had much better music, yet, it didn’t open well. They must have assumed that even this film would do business in the same range, which means a theatrical share of around Rs. 17 crores. Amazon probably must have increased the digital rights price by Rs. 10-15 crores for direct OTT release. The producers must have thought that for the next few days, people might not step out, and therefore, it is ideal to give them content to consume at home. Hence, the finances must have made sense. Otherwise, opening advances and then pulling out of releasing a film is unheard of. This never happens, that too on the last day.”

He remarked, “The root cause is that there was no demand for this film and hence, they decided to dress it up this way. Had the advances been extraordinary, then Dinesh Vijan wouldn’t have cancelled the release.”

Distributor and exhibitor Raj Bansal also had the same viewpoint, “I strongly feel that since the film didn’t create much buzz, they took the OTT route just to safeguard their interest. This is not good for the industry, especially multiplex screens. What will they now play? You need multiple movies to sustain.”

He added, “I was quite taken aback by the announcement. It is very unfair. The theatrical business is anyway struggling. If they feel the time is not right, they could have postponed the film by a few days. And isn’t Raid 2 doing well?”

Exhibitors confirmed that the news of Operation Sindoor or mock drills hasn’t caused a dent in the business. Raj Bansal revealed, “There’s no drop. I am getting enquiries for Raid 2. In fact, when the situation is so serious, people would definitely go to the cinemas to get entertained. I guess people are avoiding travelling outside the city. Otherwise, people within their own cities are going out for dinners and attending parties. Life is going on normally.”

Vishek Chauhan replied, “There was a small drop par unnees bees toh hote rehta hai. Yesterday, the collections were fine. It’s not like people will stop coming to cinemas. Jisko film dekhni hoti hai, woh dekhte hai. During the Bombay riots, Tirangaa (1993) was running successfully. Ya toh picture chalti hai, ya fir bahane chalte hai!”

An exhibitor from a small town in Rajasthan said, “I’d like to invite Maddock and Amazon MGM Studios head honchos to my theatre so that they can see what the potential of India’s theatrical is. Small-town stories do well across the country. Our centre would have contributed significantly to the revenues of the makers. It is disheartening that they are not releasing the film theatrically.”

Exhibitor and distributor Akshaye Rathi, meanwhile, said, “Every filmmaker, depending on the circumstances, tracking, potential at the theatres and external scenarios, makes decisions that are in the best interest of the film. While, as an exhibitor, it would have been good to have Bhool Chuk Maaf release in cinemas, I don’t doubt the integrity and Maddock’s commitment to theatrical business. Even their smaller films like Munjya got huge success in theatres. These are exceptional circumstances, and they have taken an exceptional decision, which is fine. I truly hope that going ahead, all their films come to theatres and do the amazing business that they have always done.”

Raj Bansal signed off by cautioning, “More producers might also get motivated to release their film directly on OTT. This is what happened during the pandemic.”

Also Read: Exhibitors furious as Bhool Chuk Maaf skips theatrical release for OTT: Betrayal or smart move, what really happened?

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Television actress Tinaa Dattaa, known for her roles in popular shows like Uttaran, ignited a heated debate on social media this week after posting a strongly-worded Instagram Story in response to Pakistan’s claims about shooting down Indian fighter jets. Her post read, “Pakistan claiming that they shot down Indian jets to let the world know about their military/air force strength. Wish they said the same about shooting down terror camps in their province. That would command more respect for them on a global level.” The message was a direct critique of the neighboring country’s perceived priorities and sparked a wave of reactions from both supporters and critics.

After sharing the post, Tinaa Dattaa faced significant backlash from several Instagram users, with many threatening to unfollow her. One user even sent her a message saying, “Unfollowing you to be andhbhakt urine drunk people,” to which the actress responded bluntly, “And there are people who only spread hatred. Why be in Bharat if you’ve so much problem with this country?” Her response made her stance clear and set the tone for a series of unapologetic stories in which she stood firm in her beliefs.

As criticism continued to flood in, Tinaa Dattaa addressed the unfollow threats head-on in another Instagram story. She wrote, “All those threatening to unfollow me and making announcements to do so, you should be gone by now… And I simply don’t care. Nothing will change my stand on what our country India and our PM is doing, and that is taking on terror and dealing with it the way it should be dealt with… for your own safety and ours and our country. Please unfollow, I encourage that. I don’t know you, don’t wanna know you and don’t need you… go get a workout, sleep, but just go… Bharat Power. Jai Hind.”

Tinaa Dattaa’s strong response came amidst heightened national sentiment following Operation Sindoor, a major offensive by the Indian Armed Forces targeting terror hideouts in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir. The operation was launched in retaliation for the tragic terror attack in Pahalgam, which claimed the lives of 26 civilians. As the news broke, several television celebrities, including Hina Khan, Karan Tacker, Abhishek Kumar, Avika Gor, and Shubhangi Atre, expressed their support for the government and the armed forces, praising their swift and decisive action. However, Tinaa has been one of the few to engage so directly and vocally with her online critics, firmly standing by her beliefs.

Also Read : Tina Datta welcomes Ganpati Bappa at her home after Covid hiatus; says, “The Bengali me is mixing in with the Maharashtrian traditions”

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While the official reason being cited for the sudden and unprecedented cancellation of Rajkummar Rao’s latest comedy Bhool Chuk Maaf is Operation Sindoor, many insiders I spoke to feel there’s more to this last-minute withdrawal than meets the eye. An irate film distributor from Bihar, who wishes to remain anonymous, called the shocking reversal “a betrayal.”

“Theatres were booked all across the country. Now the bookings have to be cancelled. Replacement films must be found. The producers are blaming it (the cancellation) on Operation Sindoor. But so far, normal life in our country is not the least affected by the cross-border tension. What I’ve heard is that the producers struck a lucrative deal with Amazon for a direct release. But what happens to movie theatres if producers only think of their own interests?”

However, trade guru Taran Adarsh gives the Bhool Chuk Maaf producers the benefit of the doubt. “It’s a bit too early to assess whether the decision was right or wrong, but knowing Dinesh Vijan, he must have consulted his stakeholders before arriving at this decision. The current situation may have prompted the producers to cancel the theatrical release in favour of a direct OTT premiere. With the box office witnessing a slowdown since Wednesday, even for Raid 2, the producers may have felt it was the best course. The team had already initiated advance bookings, and the promotional campaign had been in full swing for some time. Clearly, they were prepared for a theatrical release but had to cancel it at the last minute.”

Producer and trade analyst Girish Johar believes it was the right decision, considering the sensitivity of the situation. “It’s a strong decision taken by the makers, keeping in mind the sensitivity of the present scenario in the country. The film’s primary market is North India, and the government is taking extreme precautions there. The top priority is the safety of our citizens. Seeing the tense environment, this seems like a very sensible decision by the makers.”

Trade analyst Atul Mohan, however, feels the low-key interest in the film prompted Maddock Films’ eleventh-hour change of release plan. “I think the buzz around Bhool Chuk Maaf was quite low, with minimal awareness or excitement among both the public and the trade.” Atul also finds the official statement issued by the producers to be confusing. “Until just 48 hours before release, the team was actively promoting the film with city tours, media interviews, and had even opened advance bookings. Then, less than 24 hours before release, they suddenly opt for a direct OTT release. Ideally, the makers could have considered postponing the theatrical release by a month or two instead of pulling it out altogether. That would have been more sensible.”

Also Read: Bhool Chuk Maaf goes direct-to-OTT on May 16 amid “heightened security drills across the nation”

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Anupam Kher is making his directorial return with the upcoming film Tanvi: The Great. He recently revealed the first look of Jackie Shroff as Brigadier Joshi, dressed in an army officer’s uniform. Along with the reveal, Kher shared a few behind-the-scenes stories about casting Shroff and spoke about the strong bond they share off screen.

Anupam Kher wrote, “ACTORS of TANVI THE GREAT: My friend #JackieShroff is actually my brother from another mother. We have not only worked together in so many movies, we are also related. Not many know that his wife Ayesha Shroff has been tying Rakhi to me for more than 30 years. Jackie has a golden heart. ‘Love’ can be his second name. He has so much of it in him.”

 

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He added, “One day he dropped in at my place. I was yet to cast my film #TanviTheGreat! But I had recorded few songs. I made him listen to them. He was quiet for a long time after listening to them. Then he hugged me and said. Don’t make this film without me. Brig. Joshi like any Indian army officer is larger than life. Strong, decisive and yet compassionate. His portrayal will be remembered for years!”

“Thank you Shroff for your selfless friendship and brilliant acting. You are a pillar of my strength. Both, on and off screen! Jai Hind!” he concluded.

Jackie Shroff and Anupam Kher share a close-knit bond for years. Now that the two iconic actors are collaborating for a one-of-a-kind film, audiences are keen to see what they have to offer with their substantial vision towards filmmaking.

Tanvi: The Great is set to premiere at the Cannes Film Festival as part of the Marché du Film segment. Directed by Anupam Kher, the film features music by Oscar-winning composer M.M. Keeravani. It is produced by Anupam Kher Studios and NFDC, in collaboration with Lower Middle Class Corporation. The film stars newcomer Shubhangi Dutt in the lead role and is yet to announce its official release date.

Also Read : EXCLUSIVE: Sanjay Dutt-starrer Jung to re-release on its 25th anniversary; re-release poster out

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Sholay (1975) is considered one of the greatest films of all time, if not the greatest film, by several moviegoers. The year is significant for this epic as on August 15, it’ll complete 50 glorious years. Bollywood Hungama has learned that though the anniversary is more than three months away, the makers of the film have already started planning to bring it back in cinemas this year on Independence Day.

A source told Bollywood Hungama, “We are living in the era of re-releases, and moreover, Sholay is a film that has a fan base in every generation. There are many who were born much later and have never experienced the brilliance of this film on the big screen. Also, it has always done well whenever it has returned to the big screen. Post-2000s, the concept of re-releases became rare. Sholay was re-released in 2004 as part of its 30th anniversary and managed to do well. It was brought to cinemas in 2014, in 3D and again, got decent footfalls.”

The source continued, “Last year, the Film Heritage Foundation held one show of Sholay in Regal Cinema where the 50-year-old print was played. The show was sold out, and videos of people laughing on funny scenes and clapping and dancing during songs went viral. Many expressed regret at not being able to make it to the show. Hence, it’s clear that there’s a tremendous demand to catch the classic on the big screen.”

The source further said, “The makers are restoring the film in 4K. And they are also working on a path-breaking idea. If all goes well, they’ll release the film with the original ending of Thakur (Sanjeev Kumar) killing Gabbar Singh (Amjad Khan). It was cut by the then Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC), which led director Ramesh Sippy to reshoot the climax where Gabbar gets arrested.” The original ending was released on DVD, but this is the first time it’ll be seen in all its glory on the big screen, if all goes well.

Besides Sanjeev Kumar and Amjad Khan, Sholay also starred Amitabh Bachchan, Dharmendra, Hema Malini, Jaya Bachchan, Sachin Pilgaonkar, Asrani and others. Helen made a special appearance in the song ‘Mehbooba O Mehbooba’.

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After grandly unveiling lead actress Shubhangi, the maker has now released a poster featuring Game of Thrones star Iain Glen as Michael Simmons. Taking to social media, producer and director Anupam Kher shared, “I acted with Iain Glen (Game Of Thrones) in a #BBC three part series #MrsWilson. We became friends after the shoot. So when I was casting for Michael Simmons’s character in #TanviTheGreat I sent the script to Iain and he immediately agreed to play one of the most important characters in our film. He brings with him not only the brilliance of his acting to the character but also the gravitas, warmth and compassion so needed in the film. Thank you my friend for being part of this important Indian film for the world. Jai Ho! ????????”

Readers may recall that Iain’s casting was confirmed last year in August via a social media post by Anupam Kher. Iain Glen reacted to the post and commented, “Anupam is a very special man. It’s impossible to spend any time with him without your view of the world being enriched. I’m so happy to be part of his film #TanviTheGreat . And my first time in India. A beautiful country with beautiful people.”

Directed by Anupam Kher, with music by Oscar-winner M.M. Keeravani, the film is produced by Anupam Kher Studios and NFDC, in association with Lower Middle Class Corporation. The release date will be announced soon.

Also Read: Boman Irani’s first look as Raza Saab in Anupam Kher’s directorial Tanvi The Great unveiled; watch

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Paresh Rawal was in the news recently for his now-viral three-hour-long-plus interview with Lallantop. Among many quotes that grabbed eyeballs, one of them was about Akshay Kumar. When the host asked the veteran actor if Akshay was his friend, Paresh Rawal said, “Film industry mein colleague hote hain, theatre mein dost hote hain, aur school mein jigar jaan dost hote hain. But film ke andar colleague hote hain.” Unfortunately, the quote led to a lot of noise on social media, with many wondering if anything is wrong between him and his Hera Pheri co-star.

When Bollywood Hungama exclusively spoke to Paresh Rawal and asked about it, Paresh Rawal sighed, “Maatha kharab ho gaya, yaar!”. When asked about it, he clarified, “I simply said that he’s a colleague. When you say ‘friend’, it means those whom you meet 5-6 times a month and whom you talk to several times a week. Moreover, neither Akshay nor I are social. So, there’s no question of us bumping into any party. Hence, I called him a colleague. And this resulted in (speculations). People are asking ‘Kya ho gaya (aap dono ke beech)?’. Arre bhai, kuch nahin hua.”

Paresh Rawal also made it clear, “He’s a friend and will remain a friend. This whole brouhaha was unnecessary.”

The skeptics and critics simply ignored the fact that just two months ago, Paresh Rawal spoke highly about Akshay Kumar, that too at length, in an interview with Siddharth Kannan. Paresh said, “Exactly. I am so thankful you mentioned that. Also, it was a very recent interview. I was simply giving an example of how we have school and theatre friends.”

Has Akshay Kumar seen his Lallantop interview and how has he reacted? Paresh Rawal replied, “No. He’s a cool guy. Akshay and I have worked in at least 15-20 movies together. He’s a great guy to be friends with.”

Interestingly, both the actors are now currently working in three films together, all of which seem highly exciting – Bhooth Bangla, Welcome To The Jungle and one of the most awaited films, Hera Pheri 3. The last two are a part of successful franchises and are produced by Firoz A. Nadiadwallah.

When asked if he’ll be more careful now after this episode, Paresh Rawal confessed, “I’ll be more than careful now. I’ll now spell out everything, in black and white. People just take things out of context. It’s very tiring to clarify.”

Also Read: Paresh Rawal reveals Vidhu Vinod Chopra’s behaviour led him to refuse Munna Bhai MBBS: “If you throw around attitude, I won’t accept a role even if I’m paid in crores”

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The makers of the upcoming family entertainer Bhool Chuk Maaf, starring Rajkummar Rao and Wamiqa Gabbi, have announced a direct-to-OTT release on Prime Video, bypassing its originally planned theatrical debut on May 9, 2025. Citing the recent Operation Sindoor and heightened security drills nationwide, Maddock Films and Amazon MGM Studios decided to bring the film to audiences worldwide on May 16, 2025.

The statement from Maddock Films and Amazon MGM Studios reads, “In light of the recent events and the heightened security drills across the nation, we at Maddock Films and Amazon MGM Studios have decided to bring our family entertainer, Bhool Chuk Maaf, directly to your homes on May 16—only on Prime Video, worldwide. While we were eagerly looking forward to celebrating the film with you in theaters, the spirit of the nation comes first. Jai Hind.” The backdrop of Operation Sindoor, India’s military response on May 7 to the Pahalgam terror attack, has led to a cautious approach from the film industry, with Bhool Chuk Maaf joining other projects in adjusting release plans amid the tense climate.

Directed by Karan Sharmaa and produced by Dinesh Vijan under Maddock Films, Bhool Chuk Maaf promises a heartwarming blend of comedy and family drama. The film features a stellar ensemble, with Rajkummar Rao and Wamiqa Gabbi in the lead, supported by veteran actors Sanjay Mishra, Zakir Hussain, Raghubir Yadav, and Seema Pahwa. Described as a “family entertainer,” the movie’s vibrant promotional materials, including a colorful poster with a clock motif, hint at a whimsical narrative, likely centered on themes of forgiveness and familial bonds, as suggested by its title, which translates to “Mistakes Forgiven.”

Also Read: EXCLUSIVE: Rajkummar Rao-Wamiqa Gabbi starrer Bhool Chuk Maaf passed by CBFC with ZERO cuts

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