Chandni Bar (2001) is remembered not just for its gritty narrative and award-winning performance but also because it made Madhur Bhandarkar a director to watch out for. Talks of the sequel have been going on for a long time and if recent reports are to be believed, then it’s all set to materialize soon.

Sudipto Sen of The Kerala Story (2023) and Bastar – The Naxal Story (2024) fame confirmed to journalist Vickey Lalwani that he was in the process of acquiring the rights to the first film from producer R Mohan. He further added that certain legal formalities remain and that it should be completed by next week. He further expressed his desire to make a sequel to this much-acclaimed film.

But when Bollywood Hungama contacted Amit Mohan, the son of R Mohan, he clarified, “We had discussed with him some months ago. Nothing has been decided or finalized. The rights are with us”

Chandni Bar starred Tabu and Atul Kulkarni and was the story of a girl working in a dance bar to earn a living. It was released with minimal expectations and awareness but by its sheer word of mouth, it managed to be not just critically acclaimed but also commercially successful. It also won 4 National Awards – Best Film on Other Social Issues, Best Actress (Tabu), Best Supporting Actor (Atul Kulkarni) and Best Supporting Actress (Ananya Khare).

Interestingly, last year, Chandni Bar’s writer Mohan Azad confirmed that he was making Chandni Bar 2. He said in a press note, “The producer of this film R. Mohan had expressed this desire long ago about the sequel of Chandni Bar, about whose story we were very confused. But I am happy that we have written the story of this sequel film in a tremendous manner. And I am sure that we will be able to repeat the same success of Chandni Bar once again in the coming year.”

And that’s not all. In 2018, producer Shaailesh R Singh claimed that he had the rights to the film. He said, “I am really excited to produce Chandni Bar 2 with Madhur as the director once again. I have already acquired the rights to the film and can’t wait to take it to the floors.”

Also Read: EXCLUSIVE: Sudipto Sen on Bastar: The Naxal Story, “I strongly believe that we have been largely successful in this endeavour”

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Over four years after taking over the investigation, the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has submitted a closure report in the Sushant Singh Rajput death case, sources revealed on Saturday.

Sushant Singh Rajput, 34, was discovered dead in his Mumbai Bandra apartment on June 14, 2020. His passing stunned numerous fans and led to various conspiracy theories, including claims of black magic involvement, which triggered an inquiry.

Officials confirmed that the closure report was filed for two cases: the accusations made by Sushant Rajput’s father against his then-girlfriend and actress Rhea Chakraborty, and Ms. Chakraborty’s claims against Sushant’s family.

The CBI took over the investigation from the Bihar Police in August 2020. After more than four years of inquiry, sources said the agency found no evidence that anyone had caused Sushant Rajput’s death, clearing Ms. Chakraborty and her family of any wrongdoing. The CBI absolved all individuals named in the two FIRs filed in the case, including Ms. Chakraborty, her parents, and her brother.

A forensic team from the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) had also concluded that Sushant Rajput’s death was not a murder, but rather a case of suicide.

Following Sushant Rajput’s death, the Bihar Police filed a case of abetment to suicide based on a complaint lodged by his father, KK Singh, in Patna. The actor’s family accused Ms. Chakraborty of mentally tormenting him, administering medication to him, exploiting him financially, and being involved in his death.

When the CBI assumed control of the investigation, the Central Forensic Science Laboratory (CFSL) was instructed to conduct a forensic examination of the crime scene. A laptop, hard drives, a Canon camera, and two mobile phones were confiscated and thoroughly analyzed.

Ms. Chakraborty was one of more than 20 individuals questioned during the investigation.

Following the submission of the closure report, the Bandra magistrate court has set the next hearing for April 8. Once the court approves the closure report, the case can be officially closed.

In a statement, Rhea Chakraborty’s lawyer, Satish Maneshinde, expressed gratitude to the CBI for thoroughly investigating every aspect of the case but criticized the false narratives surrounding it, calling them “totally uncalled for.”

He stated, “Due to the pandemic everyone was glued to the TV & social media in the absence of anything happening in the country. Innocent people were hounded and paraded before the media and investigative authorities. I hope this does not repeat in any case… Rhea Chakraborty had to undergo untold miseries and was behind bars for 27 days for no fault of hers until Justice Sarang V Kotwal released her on bail.”

Also Read : EXCLUSIVE: Vardhaan Puri shares heartfelt memories of working with Sushant Singh Rajput in Shuddh Desi Romance: “We were like brothers, roamed Jaipur on a bike, read scenes at random places; his name is still stored in my phone as ‘Sushant bhai’ with a heart emoji”

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Rocking Star Yash is gearing up for his highly anticipated action film, Toxic: A Fairy Tale for Grown-Ups, which is set to hit theaters on March 19, 2026. The release coincides with festivals like Ugadi, Gudi Padwa, and Chaitra Navratri, with Eid-al-Fitr following on March 20/21. With a four-day extended weekend, the film is well-timed to attract a wide audience across India.

This Thursday’s release is a significant moment for Kannada cinema, taking it to a global stage. Toxic is the first large-scale Indian film to be conceptualized, written, and shot in both Kannada and English, offering an international cinematic experience. Bringing together top talent from Indian and international cinema, the film will also be dubbed in Hindi, Telugu, Tamil, Malayalam, and other languages to reach a wider audience.

To mark the date announcement, a striking new poster for Toxic: A Fairy Tale for Grown-Ups has been unveiled. The action-packed image features Rocking Star Yash emerging from the flames, setting the stage for an intense cinematic ride. A shadowy figure shrouded in smoke adds an element of mystery, hinting at the film’s gritty, stylized world. Following the viral birthday glimpse earlier this year, this poster offers a closer look at Toxic, building anticipation for its action-packed drama.

Leading this ambitious project is internationally acclaimed filmmaker Geetu Mohandas, known for her emotionally powerful and award-winning films. With a National Award and the Global Filmmaking Award from the Sundance Film Festival to her credit, she has made a mark on the global stage.

Jointly produced by Venkat K. Narayana and Yash under KVN Productions and Monster Mind Creations, Toxic: A Fairy Tale for Grown-Ups is set to release in theaters on March 19, 2026.

Also Read : Love And War Vs. Toxic: Ranbir Kapoor, Alia Bhatt, Vicky Kaushal starrer to clash with Yash starrer on March 19, 2026

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The stage is set for one of the biggest box office clashes in recent times, as two highly anticipated films—Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s Love And War and Geetu Mohandas’s Toxic—gear up for a grand showdown on March 19, 2026. The Ugadi, Gudi Padwa, and Eid weekend is expected to witness a fierce battle between two power-packed cinematic spectacles featuring some of the biggest names in the industry.

Ranbir, Alia, and Vicky Unite for Bhansali’s Love And War
Renowned filmmaker Sanjay Leela Bhansali returns to the silver screen with Love And War, bringing together an electrifying trio—Ranbir Kapoor, Alia Bhatt, and Vicky Kaushal. Known for his opulent storytelling, larger-than-life sets, and emotionally charged narratives, Bhansali’s latest offering is already generating immense buzz.

With Love And War, Bhansali reunites with Ranbir Kapoor after Saawariya and collaborates once again with Alia Bhatt post the critically acclaimed Gangubai Kathiawadi. Adding to the excitement is Vicky Kaushal, who will be seen in a Bhansali directorial for the first time. With a star-studded cast and a gripping storyline, the film is poised to be a cinematic masterpiece.

Yash’s Toxic: A High-Octane Action Thriller
Facing off against Love And War is Toxic, an action-packed thriller headlined by Kannada superstar Yash. Helmed by acclaimed director Geetu Mohandas, Toxic promises an adrenaline-fueled narrative packed with intense drama, jaw-dropping action sequences, and high-stakes storytelling. The film boasts a stellar ensemble cast, including Nayanthara, Huma Qureshi, Kiara Advani, Tara Sutaria, Darrell D’Silva, and Akshay Oberoi. With Yash’s massive fanbase eagerly awaiting his first big-screen appearance post-KGF, Toxic is shaping up to be a major crowd-puller.

The Big Clash: Who Will Dominate the Box Office?
Both films cater to different audiences—Love And War is expected to be a visual and emotional spectacle rooted in Bhansali’s signature grandeur, while Toxic is likely to attract action lovers and Yash’s pan-India fandom. The Ugadi, Gudi Padwa, and Eid weekend offers a lucrative release window, ensuring a massive turnout for both films. However, with two big-ticket releases locking horns, the competition for screens and audience attention will be intense.

Final Verdict: A Win for Cinema Lovers
Regardless of who emerges victorious at the box office, one thing is certain—March 19, 2026, will be a treat for moviegoers. Whether you prefer Bhansali’s poetic storytelling or Geetu Mohandas’s gritty action-packed vision, this festival weekend promises an epic cinematic experience.

Also Read: Hollywood’s action director J.J. Perry heaps praises on Yash’s upcoming action thriller Toxic: “It’s a banger!”

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Veteran actor Rakesh Pandey, known for his contributions to Hindi and Bhojpuri cinema, passed away on March 21, 2025, at the age of 77. He breathed his last at 8:50 AM at Arogyanidhi Hospital, Juhu, where he was in the ICU. The cause of death was cardiac arrest. He is survived by his wife, daughter Jasmeet, and a granddaughter. His last rites were held at Shastri Nagar crematorium, attended by family and close acquaintances.

Rakesh Pandey made a remarkable debut in Indian cinema with Basu Chatterjee’s 1969 classic Sara Akash, a film that established him as a promising actor and earned him the President’s Award. Trained at the Film and Television Institute of India (FTII), Pune, and later associated with the Bhartendu Academy of Dramatic Arts, Pandey had strong roots in theater before transitioning to films. In his early years, he was also linked with IPTA (Indian People’s Theatre Association), which helped shape his craft and bring natural realism to his performances.

Throughout his expansive career, Rakesh Pandey built a diverse filmography, seamlessly balancing roles in both mainstream and regional cinema. In Hindi films, he was known for performances in Mera Rakshak, Yehi Hai Zindagi, Woh Main Nahin, Do Raha, and Eeshwar. His talent also shone in Bhojpuri cinema, with notable roles in Balam Pardesiya and Bhaiya Dooj, where he brought depth and authenticity to his characters. In later years, he appeared in significant Bollywood projects like Devdas (2002), Dil Chahta Hai (2001), Lakshya (2004), and Black (2005).

Beyond the big screen, Rakesh Pandey had a significant presence on television. He appeared in popular serials like Chotti Bahu, Dehleez, and the acclaimed historical series Bharat Ek Khoj (1988). After stepping away from acting for over two decades, he made a strong comeback in 2017 with Kapil Sharma’s Firangi, reaffirming his passion for the craft. In recent years, he remained active with roles in films like Hurdang (2022) and the web series The Lawyers Show.

Rakesh Pandey’s legacy lies in his ability to portray relatable, grounded characters with sincerity and finesse. His contribution to Indian cinema, particularly in shaping family-centric and culturally rich narratives, remains significant. His dedication, versatility, and lasting presence across decades have left an imprint on audiences and the industry alike. His demise marks the end of an era, but his work continues to be celebrated and remembered.

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Bollywood fans have a reason to mark their calendars as filmmaker Karan Johar has officially announced that the teaser for his much-anticipated production, Kesari Chapter 2, will drop on Monday, March 24, 2025. The announcement, shared today via social media, has sparked excitement among cinephiles eagerly awaiting the next chapter in the Kesari saga, which promises to delve into a pivotal moment in Indian history.

Taking to Instagram, Johar teased the project with the cryptic yet powerful caption: “Kuch ladaaiyan hathiyaaron se nahi ladi jaati. #KesariChapter2 teaser out on 24th March. In cinemas 18th April, worldwide.” Accompanied by a striking promotional snippet featuring the tagline “A revolution painted in courage,” the announcement hints at the film’s intense and inspiring narrative. The movie, slated for a theatrical release on April 18, 2025, is poised to be one of the most significant releases of the year.
A Stellar Cast and a Historical Epic
Kesari Chapter 2 brings together an impressive ensemble featuring Akshay Kumar, R. Madhavan, and Ananya Panday. Produced under the banners of Dharma Productions, Leo Media Collective, and Cape of Good Films, the film is directed by debutant filmmaker Karan Singh Tyagi, marking his entry into Hindi cinema as the 24th first-time director backed by Johar’s production house.

 

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Unlike its predecessor, Kesari (2019), which depicted the heroic Battle of Saragarhi, this sequel shifts focus to another monumental event—the Jallianwala Bagh massacre of 1919. Titled Kesari Chapter 2: The Untold Story of Jallianwala Bagh, the film is inspired by the book The Case That Shook the Empire by Raghu Palat and Pushpa Palat. It centers on the life of barrister C. Sankaran Nair, a courageous figure who challenged the British Raj to uncover the truth behind the tragic massacre.
Building Anticipation
The announcement comes after weeks of speculation and cryptic hints from Johar, who had previously fueled excitement with a heartfelt Instagram note on March 20. In that post, he praised the dedication of the debutant director and the team, calling Kesari Chapter 2 one of Dharma Productions’ “proudest films.” The saffron-themed backdrop and orange heart emojis in his posts subtly pointed to the Kesari connection, which has now been confirmed with today’s reveal.

 

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Fans have already taken to social media to express their enthusiasm. The timing of the announcement aligns with the sixth anniversary of the original Kesari film, released on March 21, 2019, adding a layer of nostalgia to the buzz. The first installment, which showcased the bravery of 21 Sikh soldiers against overwhelming odds, was a critical and commercial success, setting high expectations for the sequel.

Also Read: EXCLUSIVE: Ram Madhvani on Akshay Kumar starrer Kesari 2 having the same premise as The Waking of a Nation, “We know how much of a miracle it is to…”

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Malaika Arora, currently a judge on the second season of Hip Hop India, recently confronted a 16-year-old contestant for making inappropriate gestures toward her during his performance. After the act, she directly addressed his behavior without hesitation.

The clip quickly went viral, with netizens praising Malaika for addressing the situation with composure while voicing their disappointment over the contestant’s behavior.

In a recent interview with ANI, Malaika addressed the incident and explained her response. She clarified that she didn’t intend to scold the contestant but felt he was going “a little too far.”

Malaika said, “Maybe that moment, I didn’t have any intention to scold him or tell him that what you’re doing is wrong. That wasn’t my intention. I was just going to say that you’re doing too much. Whatever you’re doing, tone it down a little. We’re your judges, and you’re 16 years old. We also blow kisses and do a little drama in performances, but maybe at that moment, I felt it was a bit too much.”

Despite her reaction, Malaika still praised the young performer, saying, “He’s an amazing dancer. He’s a very nice kid, in fact,” recognizing his talent.

Malaika judges the show alongside Remo D’Souza, who shared his excitement about its progress. “There has been a lot of improvement from the first season to the second. The contestants this time have raised the bar,” Remo remarked.

The second season of Hip Hop India is now streaming on Amazon MX Player, featuring high-energy performances and fierce competition.

Also Read : Malaika Arora embraces self-love in stunning poolside photos: “I like me better”

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Rumors about Rohit Shetty’s highly anticipated collaboration with John Abraham have been circulating for some time. While fans eagerly awaited their first project together, there was no official confirmation—until now. In a recent interview, John Abraham not only confirmed teaming up with the renowned filmmaker but also heightened the excitement, describing the project as a total “banger.”

In an interview with Pinkvilla, John Abraham was asked about a possible collaboration with Rohit Shetty. Responding to the question, he said, “We’ve spoken. I’ll be very honest with you—I’m very, very excited to work with him because we’ve been wanting to do something together. We’ve spoken quite often, so I hope something very productive comes up really soon. That would be great.”

John also shared that the film’s storyline is likely to strike a chord with audiences. He added, “The subject we’re talking about is a banger that’ll blow people away. It’s not just about two people collaborating; it’s also about the subject, and that’s unbelievable.”

In the interview, John also expressed hope for a successful prequel to his popular character, Jim, from Shah Rukh Khan’s Pathaan. Additionally, he hinted at the possibility of a sequel to one of his favorite comedies, Garam Masala or Desi Boyz, both of which feature Akshay Kumar. He said, “We are very excited about making either or both of those films happen because they’ll be fun. For me, working with Akshay is like going on a holiday. He’s a nice bloke, so we’ll have a good time.”

On the work front, John Abraham was last seen in the political thriller The Diplomat, directed by Shivam Nair. Currently playing in theatres, the film also stars Sadia Khateeb, Revathy, Kumud Mishra, Sharib Hashmi, and Jagjeet Sandhu in key roles. Prior to this, he appeared in Vedaa alongside Sharvari. The film explores caste-based violence and socioeconomic disparity, following three central characters caught in a storm of social injustice. Sharvari plays the titular role of Vedaa, while John portrays Abhimanyu Kanwar, a court-martialed army officer whose life is shattered after his wife is brutally killed by terrorists.

Also Read : The Diplomat Box Office: John Abraham starrer comes close to Rs. 20 crores in Week One

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This is not the first time an actor’s insanely inflated remuneration has been circulated, and it certainly won’t be the last. Hold your breath! Kiara Advani’s remuneration for Geetu Mohandas’s Toxic is rumoured to be a whopping Rs. 15 crores.

When I reached out to someone close to the project, they dismissed the claim outright. “Firstly, no actress in India gets that kind of money—not even Alia Bhatt or Deepika Padukone. Secondly, Kiara is certainly not being paid Rs. 15 crores. It’s ridiculous to even suggest such a figure.

Let’s be very honest—Toxic is being marketed worldwide as Yash’s film. The co-stars don’t impact the film’s economics in the same way. This is Yash’s first project post-KGF, and his fans are eagerly awaiting its release in March 2026.”

However, the source was quick to clarify that Kiara does play a significant role in Toxic. “It’s not as if she has an inconsequential part. But in terms of the film’s commercial viability, her presence doesn’t alter the equation.”

So, how much has Ms. Advani actually been paid? “That, I won’t disclose. It’s a good amount but nowhere near the exaggerated figures circulating in the media. These inflated numbers only harm the actor in the long run, even if they might seem beneficial for future negotiations.”

Also Read: Kiara Advani charges a whopping Rs. 15 crores for Toxic

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Bollywood fans have reason to celebrate as the highly anticipated third installment of the Jolly LLB franchise, Jolly LLB 3, has officially locked its release date. Film critic and trade analyst Taran Adarsh shared the exciting update on X, announcing, “#Xclusiv… AKSHAY KUMAR – ARSHAD WARSI: ‘JOLLY LLB 3’ RELEASE DATE LOCKED… #Viacom18Studios locks 19 Sept 2025 for the highly anticipated #JollyLLB3, the biggest film in the franchise. Stars #AkshayKumar [as #JollyMishra] and #ArshadWarsi [as #JollyTyagi]… Directed by #SubhashKapoor.”

A Blockbuster Return for the Jolly LLB Franchise
Jolly LLB 3 marks the return of Akshay Kumar as Advocate Jagdishwar “Jolly” Mishra and Arshad Warsi as Advocate Jagdish “Jolly” Tyagi, reprising their iconic roles from the previous installments. Directed by Subhash Kapoor, who helmed the first two films (Jolly LLB in 2013 and Jolly LLB 2 in 2017), this courtroom comedy-drama promises to be the grandest chapter yet in the beloved franchise. Viacom18 Studios, the production house behind the film, has set September 19, 2025, as the release date, generating massive excitement among audiences.

 

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The Jolly LLB series, known for its sharp wit, satirical take on the Indian legal system, and stellar performances, has become a cult favorite. Akshay Kumar took over the lead role from Arshad Warsi in Jolly LLB 2, and their on-screen clash in Jolly LLB 3 is expected to bring double the humor and drama, pitting the two Jollies against each other in a legal showdown.

#Xclusiv… AKSHAY KUMAR – ARSHAD WARSI: ‘JOLLY LLB 3’ RELEASE DATE LOCKED… #Viacom18Studios locks 19 Sept 2025 for the highly anticipated #JollyLLB3, the biggest film in the franchise.
Stars #AkshayKumar [as #JollyMishra] and #ArshadWarsi [as #JollyTyagi]… Directed by… pic.twitter.com/Es8EwGAvQo

— taran adarsh (@taran_adarsh) March 21, 2025

Social media platforms are buzzing with reactions to Taran Adarsh’s announcement, with fans posting comments like “Can’t wait for Akshay and Arshad’s Jolly showdown!” and “September 19, 2025, is already marked on my calendar for Jolly LLB 3!”

Also Read: Akshay Kumars Jolly LLB 3 delayed to August 2025, Kesari 2 joins April 2025 line-up in place of Sunny Sanskari Ki Tulsi Kumari

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