REVEALED: Mohanlal-Prithviraj Sukumaran starrer L2 Empuraan ends with the promise of a sequel L3 The Beginning

The wait for L2 Empuraan, the highly anticipated sequel to Lucifer, finally got over. The fans of Mohanlal and Prithviraj Sukumaran have more than one reason to celebrate when they venture out to see this grand entertainer. The film, which continues the gripping saga of Stephen Nedumpally, ends on a massive high—with the announcement of a third instalment titled L3 The Beginning.

L2 Empuraan not only raises the stakes with its intense political drama, high-octane action, and global scale, but it also sets the foundation for an even bigger cinematic universe. The closing moments of the film tease a powerful narrative turn and introduces more characters. It also goes back into the past to answer questions which weren’t answered either by Lucifer or L2 Empuraan.

Moreover, the title L3 The Beginning also suggests a prequel-sequel hybrid that could explore the backstory of Stephen Nedumpally while simultaneously advancing the saga. This move hints at Prithviraj’s vision to create a multi-part crime-political thriller saga akin to international franchises.

With L2 Empuraan already generating immense buzz and now the confirmation of L3 The Beginning, the Lucifer universe has the potential to become one of Indian cinema’s most ambitious and successful trilogies. For fans, this is just the beginning of a larger-than-life journey.

Besides Mohanlal and Prithviraj Sukumaran, L2 Empuraan also stars Tovino Thomas, Manju Warrier, Abhimanyu Singh and others. The first part focused on a mysterious influential character of Kerala who shapes the politics of the state. Lucifer also hinted at the protagonist’s close association with a dreaded mercenary. The sequel further explores their relationship and their beginnings and at the same time, throws light on the political chaos that ensues in Kerala.

At the promotional events of L2 Empuraan, Prithviraj Sukumaran said that Lucifer was always meant to have three parts. But L3 The Beginning is sure to make moviegoers wonder – can there be many more parts in the offing in the future?

Also Read: Mohanlal’s L2: Empuraan sparks celebration as Bengaluru college declares holiday on release day

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Indira Dhar announces Bollywood debut with Divya Dutta and Neeraj Kabi after Oscar contender Putul

Filmmaker Indira Dhar, known for her Bengali debut Putul, which was in contention for the Oscars, is now venturing into Bollywood. She has announced her next project, an untitled film featuring Divya Dutta and Neeraj Kabi.

Kolkata-based filmmaker Indira Dhar is a self-made artist and single parent who entered cinema without industry backing or mentorship. Her debut film, Putul, was a deeply personal, self-funded project that showcased her determination and storytelling skills. This year, Putul was among the few Indian films in contention at the Oscars, alongside All We Imagine As Light and Girls Will Be Girls, considered in the Best Picture and Best Original Song categories.

Now, Indira is stepping into the world of Bollywood with a compelling new project. Featuring Divya Dutta, who was recently seen in the blockbuster hit Chhaava, and Neeraj Kabi, a celebrated actor, theatre director, and acting coach, the film promises a gripping narrative and powerhouse performances.

Speaking about her film, Indira shared, “I am thrilled to be making my Bollywood debut with this film, starring the incredible Divya Dutta and Neeraj Kabi. We are in the final stages of completing this project, which is a biopic centered around an Indian Army family, and we’re still in the process of locking a title for the film. Following Putul, which became the first Bengali film to be in contention for Best Picture at the Oscars, I wanted to tell another deeply rooted and emotionally resonant story. My focus has always been on authentic storytelling through live-action filmmaking, and I have given my all to do justice to this subject. I hope this film finds its audience, has a fulfilling journey and that our collective efforts pay off.”

With Indira Dhar’s bold approach to filmmaking, her Bollywood debut is one to watch. Bringing her unique storytelling to Hindi cinema, she continues to inspire with her journey from independent filmmaker to internationally recognized director. More details, including the title and release plans, will be announced soon.

Also Read : Divya Dutta comes in support of Rashmika Mandanna after actress faces criticism for portraying a Maratha queen

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Ground Zero first look poster introduces Emraan Hashmi as a BSF Commandant

Since its announcement, Excel Entertainment’s Ground Zero has gripped audiences with its intense narrative, inspired by a classified battle kept from the public eye. Set against a backdrop of courage, sacrifice, and the unseen struggles of those who defend the nation, the film promises a powerful cinematic experience.

As anticipation builds, Excel Entertainment—producers of Lakshya—have now introduced Emraan Hashmi’s character with a striking first poster.

Taking to social media, the team unveiled a captivating visual of Emraan Hashmi standing with a gun, seen from the back against the hauntingly beautiful Kashmir landscape. The poster also confirms the film’s release date: April 25, 2025.

Emraan Hashmi steps into the role of BSF Deputy Commandant Narendra Nath Dubey, leading a high-stakes two-year investigation into a national security threat inspired by try events. Ground Zero offers intense and high-octane action with an emotionally gripping storyline.

Excel Entertainment presents an Excel Entertainment Production, the film is directed by Tejas Deoskar and co-produced by Kassim Jagmagia, Vishal Ramchandani, Sundeep C Sidhwani, Arhan Bagati, Talisman Films, Abhishek Kumar, and Nishikant Roy. It will be released in cinemas on April 25, 2025.

Also Read: Emraan Hashmi reflects on Excel Entertainment’s Ground Zero: “I was blown away by the script”

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Salman Khan wants Karnataka-style price cap on movie tickets across the country: “There should be price cap on popcorn as well”; remarks that India is an under-screened market: “We are a minimum 20,000 + theatres short”

Salman Khan spoke his heart out during the group interaction held at a five-star hotel in Mumbai as part of promotions of Sikandar. Towards the end of the interview, he was asked about the recent decision by the government of Karnataka to have a cap of Rs. 200 on movie tickets.

Salman Khan said, “I really want that there’s a price cap on movie tickets. I also feel that there should be capping on the prices of popcorn and cold drinks. The producer should also get a share out of it.”

He also sighed over the fact that India is an under-screened market, “We are a minimum 20,000 + theatres short in our country. We are releasing our films in just 6000 screens. We were shooting for Bajrangi Bhaijaan (2015) in Mandawa, Rajasthan, from where 100 billionaires have come out. There’s not a single theatre in that town. You have to drive 2 ½ drive to see a film. Hence, there’s a shortage of cinema halls.”

When asked how he defines mass cinema, Salman Khan made an important comment, “The separation between mass and class cinema has gone away. Now, even in multiplexes, people have started whistling. The same happens in Gaiety-Galaxy.”

He continued, “People pay a huge amount and buy tickets in black. Ideally, they should be paying the same amount – Rs. 1500 or Rs. 2000 – and watch the film in a multiplex. You might get maybe 3 tickets in that amount. But they say ‘Nahin, humko toh Gaiety mein hi film dekhni hai’!”

The superstar continued, “Even PVR Inox waale prefer to watch a film in a Gaiety-Galaxy. They enjoy the experience there. They watch the film again as they are unable to understand (due to the whistles and noise).”

Sikandar releases in cinemas on March 30.

Also Read: Salman Khan talks about Salim Khan-Salma Khan’s love story: “The issue was not that my father was a Muslim while my mother was a Hindu. The problem was that ‘Yeh aadmi film industry ka hai’”

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Salman Khan explains why his Atlee film couldn’t materialize: “I believe it was the budget of the film”; CONFIRMS film with Sooraj Barjatya; funnily shares challenges for Bajrangi Bhaijaan 2

Salman Khan spoke his heart out during the group interaction held at a five-star hotel in Mumbai as part of promotions of Sikandar. Since a few months, there have been a lot of reports revolving around his next film. It was earlier reported that he is going to join hands with blockbuster director Atlee, who made the much-loved Shah Rukh Khan-starrer Jawan (2023). Later, it was said that the project won’t be happening due to funding issues. Some portals claimed that it was not the budget but the casting issues that forced the makers to put the film on the backburner. During this group interaction, Salman Khan broke the silence on this topic.

Salman Khan said, “I don’t think it’s happening right now. It was happening at one point in time. We tried really hard to work it out but something happened. I don’t know what exactly it was. I believe it was the budget of the film. It’s a very, very high-budgeted film. Hence, that film has been pushed. Woh film 2 film ka time leke chala jaata. Now, I have got enough time to do one film and then, I’ll do another film.”

When prodded about it, he replied, “I have two films in the pipeline. I’ll soon decide which one to do first.”

Besides Atlee, it was speculated that Salman Khan will be doing a film with Sooraj Barjatya as well. On this, he stated, “Bajratya saab is doing some film. Once he’s done with it, I’ll do his next film.”

Meanwhile, his highly acclaimed and commercially successful flick Bajrangi Bhaijaan (2015) will complete 10 years. There’s a lot of demand for Bajrangi Bhaijaan 2. On this, he said, “Bajrangi Bhaijaan sequel can indeed be made. The problem is that when its sequel will be made, toh Munni baat karegi!” On a serious note, he revealed, “K V Vijayendra Prasad is writing it. There’s a draft which is ready.”

Lastly, he said that he is open to doing comedy and also talked about Andaz Apna Apna 2, “I am not able to get No Entry or Ready type comedy. If I have to do a comedy, then it has to be a film like No Entry. And if Andaz Apna Apna 2 ho jaati hai, then (nothing like it). I am sure Rajkumar Santoshi would do a fantastic job.”

Also Read: Salman Khan talks about Salim Khan-Salma Khan’s love story: “The issue was not that my father was a Muslim while my mother was a Hindu. The problem was that ‘Yeh aadmi film industry ka hai’”

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Aishwarya Rai Bachchan’s Rs 1.49 crore car hit by BEST bus in Mumbai

Aishwarya Rai Bachchan found herself at the center of a viral moment when her Rs 1.49 crore luxury car, a Toyota Vellfire, was struck by a Brihanmumbai Electric Supply and Transport (BEST) bus in Mumbai’s Juhu suburb on March 26, 2025. A video capturing the incident has taken social media by storm, leaving fans worried about the actress’s safety.

What Happened in Mumbai?
The incident occurred near Amitabh Bachchan’s residence on Juhu Tara Road, where Aishwarya’s sleek grey Toyota Vellfire was reportedly grazed from behind by a BEST bus. The viral video, first shared by celebrity paparazzo Varinder Chawla on Instagram, shows the luxury car momentarily halted as the red bus makes contact, drawing a small crowd of onlookers. Aishwarya’s security team quickly stepped out to assess the situation, but the car sustained no major damage and drove off after a brief exchange.

Many reports speculated that Aishwarya Rai Bachchan was not in the vehicle at the time, easing concerns among her legion of fans. However, the minor collision escalated when a bouncer from a nearby bungalow allegedly slapped the bus driver, prompting police intervention. After an apology from the bungalow’s supervisor, the driver chose not to file a complaint, and the matter was resolved amicably.
Aishwarya’s Luxury Car: The Toyota Vellfire
Aishwarya’s Toyota Vellfire, priced at Rs 1.49 crore, is a favorite among Bollywood elites like Akshay Kumar, Ajay Devgn, and her husband, Abhishek Bachchan. The car’s distinctive ‘5050’ number plate, a signature across Aishwarya’s vehicle collection, made it instantly recognizable in the viral footage. Her garage also boasts high-end rides like a Rolls Royce Ghost (Rs 6.95 crore) and a Mercedes-Benz S500 (Rs 1.98 crore), reflecting her taste for luxury.

Also Read: Aishwarya Rai Bachchan remembers late Father Krishnaraj Rai in heartfelt tribute

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Santosh Release halted by CBFC over depiction of police brutality and caste issues; director Sandhya Suri REACTS!

The Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) has stirred controversy by blocking the theatrical release of the internationally acclaimed film Santosh in India. Directed by British-Indian filmmaker Sandhya Suri and starring Shahana Goswami, the film has been lauded globally for its raw depiction of police brutality, sexual violence, caste discrimination, and misogyny within the Indian police force. However, these very themes have led to its rejection by the CBFC.

Why did the CBFC block Santosh?
Santosh, set in a fictional north Indian town, follows the journey of a young widow (played by Shahana Goswami) who joins the police force and investigates the murder of a Dalit girl. The film doesn’t shy away from exposing systemic issues like police brutality, sexual violence against lower-caste women, and institutional biases such as Islamophobia. While these themes earned Santosh critical acclaim at the Cannes Film Festival and a nomination as the UK’s official entry for the 2025 Oscars in the International Feature category, they have proven too provocative for the CBFC.

According to reports, the CBFC demanded extensive cuts to the film, citing concerns over its “negative portrayal” of the Indian police force. Director Sandhya Suri revealed that the suggested edits spanned several pages and targeted core elements of the narrative, making them “impossible” to implement without compromising the film’s integrity.
Santosh director REACTS to CBFC blocking the film
In an interview with The Guardian, Suri said, “It was important to me that the film is released in India, so I did try to figure out if there was a way to make it work. But in the end, it was just too difficult to make those cuts and have a film that still made sense, let alone stayed true to its vision. I don’t feel my film glorifies violence in a way that many other films focusing on the police have done. There’s nothing sensationalist about it.”

For now, Indian audiences hoping to see Santosh in theaters may be out of luck.

Also Read: EXCLUSIVE: Salman Khan’s Sikandar faces CBFC scissor – ‘Home Minister’ reference scrapped, political hoarding visuals blurred

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Aamir Khan takes over YouTube; launches ‘Aamir Khan Talkies’

Bollywood superstar Aamir Khan has always been known for his meticulous approach to filmmaking, and now, he’s giving fans an exclusive front-row seat to the world of cinema. The actor-producer has officially launched his YouTube channel, ‘Aamir Khan Talkies,’ promising rare insights into the creative process behind some of the most iconic films in Indian cinema.

The announcement was made by Aamir Khan Productions, which shared a teaser video introducing the channel’s concept. The caption read, “Cinema. Stories. Unfiltered moments. We’ve created stories that have made you laugh, cry, and think for years. Now, we’re welcoming you to the world of cinema like never before with Aamir Khan Talkies! A place where storytelling meets reality. This is your front-row seat to the magic of moviemaking, from rare behind-the-scenes moments to conversations about films that shaped us!”

The YouTube channel aims to pull back the curtain on filmmaking, offering fans behind-the-scenes footage, discussions on cinematic storytelling, and exclusive insights from actors and filmmakers. In the welcome video, Aamir Khan shares his vision, explaining how he always wanted to create a platform where he could delve deeper into the artistry of cinema.

 

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Through Aamir Khan Talkies, audiences can expect deep dives into the creative process, from script discussions to the director’s vision and cinematography techniques. The channel will also feature conversations with actors and crew members, offering a rare glimpse into what goes into making a film successful.

Fans are already excited about the launch, as this initiative marks a one-of-a-kind effort by a Bollywood superstar to bring cinema lovers closer to the industry. With Aamir Khan’s reputation for perfectionism and passion for storytelling, Aamir Khan Talkies is bound to be a goldmine for cinephiles. Stay tuned as Aamir Khan redefines digital storytelling, one video at a time!

Also Read: SCOOP: May to get crowded as Aamir Khan eyes May 30 for Sitaare Zameen Par; Rajkummar Rao-Wamiqa Gabbi’s Bhool Chuk Maaf might release on May 9

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BREAKING: Teaser of Aamir Khan’s Sitaare Zameen Par passed with a ‘U’ certificate; WON’T be attached with Salman Khan’s Sikandar

After more than 2 ½ years, Aamir Khan will be finally seen in cinemas this year with Sitaare Zameen Par. The film is expected to release in a few months and it has now come to light that the teaser of the film was recently passed by the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC).

The teaser of the film has a run time of 79 seconds, that is, 1 minute and 19 seconds. It was passed with a clean ‘U’ certificate by the CBFC on March 24. Interestingly, since the teaser was censored in the Sikandar release week, many are wondering if the promo will be attached to Salman Khan’s much-awaited Eid release. But Bollywood Hungama has found out that it won’t be happening. There’s no clarity yet on when the teaser will be unveiled either.

Even the release date hasn’t been officially announced yet. Aamir Khan revealed during his 60th birthday celebrations on March 13 that Sitaare Zameen Par will be released in June. Yesterday, Bollywood Hungama reported that besides June, Aamir is eyeing May 30 to get his film to cinemas as well. An official announcement is expected soon, as per this article.

Sitaare Zameen Par is directed by R S Prasanna of Shubh Mangal Saavdhan (2017) fame and it also stars Genelia Deshmukh. Co-producer Ravi Bhagchandka, who earlier produced Sachin: A Billion Dreams (2017), said in a Mid-Day interview in May 2024, “When Aamir sir is exploring a subject, the experiences, insight and eye for detail he has is fantastic. It’s not just about weaving in the nuances into a story, it’s also about communicating it to the audience. He will make things stand out in the story, which didn’t register with you when you read it before. He can tell the same story but with a fresh takeaway.”

Also Read: Aamir Khan poses a fun question to A.R. Murugadoss: “Who is the Real Sikandar – Aamir or Salman Khan?”; watch

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Bhool Chuk Maaf: Rajkummar Rao, Wamiqa Gabbi starrer to release on May 9

Dinesh Vijan’s Maddock Films continues its streak of exciting releases in 2025 with yet another promising entertainer. After delivering highly anticipated films like Skyforce and Chhaava, the renowned production house is set to charm audiences with Bhool Chuk Maaf, a heartwarming romantic comedy starring Rajkummar Rao and Wamiqa Gabbi. Slated for a theatrical release on May 9, 2025, the film promises a delightful mix of humor, romance, and small-town chaos.

While we at Bollywood Hungama were the first one to report it, the production house has confirmed the date on social media. Directed and written by Karan Sharma, Bhool Chuk Maaf marks the first-ever on-screen pairing of Rajkummar Rao and Wamiqa Gabbi, a combination that has already piqued the curiosity of cinephiles. The film is set against the colourful and culturally rich backdrop of Varanasi, where love, destiny, and unexpected twists take centre stage.

The story follows Ranjan, a hopeless romantic who is determined to secure a stable government job in order to win over his love, Titli. Everything seems to be falling into place as their wedding nears, but fate intervenes with an unforeseen twist that turns Ranjan’s world upside down. What ensues is a rollercoaster of emotions, humor, and second chances, making Bhool Chuk Maaf a must-watch for lovers of light-hearted yet meaningful cinema.

 

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Presented by Dinesh Vijan in association with Amazon MGM Studios, Bhool Chuk Maaf embodies Maddock Films’ signature storytelling style, which seamlessly blends humor with heartfelt narratives. Fans of previous Maddock Films productions like Luka Chuppi and Zara Hatke Zara Bachke can expect a similar balance of laughter and emotions.

With Rajkummar Rao’s impeccable comic timing and Wamiqa Gabbi’s growing popularity, Bhool Chuk Maaf is poised to be one of 2025’s most entertaining releases. As the countdown begins, audiences can gear up for a cinematic experience filled with romance, laughter, and unexpected surprises when the film hits theaters on May 9.

Also Read: SCOOP: May to get crowded as Aamir Khan eyes May 30 for Sitaare Zameen Par; Rajkummar Rao-Wamiqa Gabbi’s Bhool Chuk Maaf might release on May 9

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