As the release of his fourth Hindi film Sikandar with Salman Khan approaches, acclaimed filmmaker AR Murugadoss has sparked excitement among fans by sharing updates on the much-speculated sequel to his 2008 blockbuster Ghajini. In an exclusive interview with Bollywood Hungama, the director addressed the buzz surrounding Ghajini 2, a project that has been generating significant interest since producer Allu Aravind expressed his desire to take the franchise forward.

“We Have Some Ideas”: AR Murugadoss on Ghajini 2
The original Ghajini, a Tamil film starring Suriya in 2005, was remade in Hindi in 2008 with Aamir Khan in the lead, becoming a landmark film as the first Bollywood movie to cross the Rs 100 crores mark at the box office. Recent reports have suggested that Ghajini 2 will be a bilingual project, shot simultaneously in Tamil and Hindi, with Suriya and Aamir Khan reprising their roles respectively.

When Bollywood Hungama asked Murugadoss if he was in the loop regarding these developments, the director shared, “We have some ideas. Right now, we all are busy with our respective projects. Once we get time, we will sit and discuss.”
Aamir Khan and AR Murugadoss’ Recent Meeting
The conversation also touched upon Murugadoss’ interactions with Aamir Khan after the Ghajini 2 speculations began circulating online. Revealing details of their recent meeting, Murugadoss said, “When I came to Mumbai first, I met him before I started the shoot of Sikandar. I met him on the sets of Sitaare Zameen Par and we discussed something. After that, we often spoke over the call.”

This revelation has fueled fans’ hopes, as it indicates that the director and Aamir Khan have been in touch, possibly laying the groundwork for the sequel. However, Murugadoss didn’t divulge specifics of their discussion. For now, Murugadoss’ words offer a glimmer of hope that the iconic Ghajini franchise may soon return to the big screen, bringing back the magic of Aamir Khan and Suriya under his direction.
Ghajini’s Re-Release Trend: A Nod to Aamir Khan’s Legacy
Adding to the nostalgia, Ghajini is among several Aamir Khan films being re-released to honor the actor’s contribution to Indian cinema. When asked about this trend, Murugadoss noted, “Now the re-release trend has started. So all the old hit films are released on the hero’s birthday or on holidays.”
What’s Next for AR Murugadoss?
While Ghajini 2 remains a topic of intrigue, Murugadoss is currently focused on the release of Sikandar, his first collaboration with Salman Khan, set to hit theatres on March 30, 2025. The film, produced by Sajid Nadiadwala, also stars Rashmika Mandanna and has already generated buzz with its action-packed teaser and songs.

Also Read: Is Ghajini 2 on the cards? Aamir Khan and Allu Aravind drop a MAJOR hint at Thandel event

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The much-anticipated action drama Ghamasaan, produced by Jio Studios and Golden Ratio Films, will be screened at the Cinevesture International Film Festival (CIFF) in Chandigarh on the 21st and 22nd of March, 2025. Directed by the acclaimed Tigmanshu Dhulia, the film has already garnered rave reviews following its premiere at the MAMI Mumbai Film Festival in 2024. Ghamasaan was praised for its gripping storyline, stellar performances, and powerful direction.

As part of the CIFF festival, the screening will be followed by a fireside chat with the director, Tigmanshu Dhulia, and lead actor, Pratik Gandhi. This insightful discussion will delve into the making of Ghamasaan, its compelling narrative, and the performances that have captivated audiences. The conversation promises to offer a deeper understanding of the creative process behind the film.

Ghamasaan is an intense action drama centered around Aditya (played by Pratik Gandhi), a fearless IPS officer on a mission to bring down the notorious dacoit Maharaj (Arshad Warsi). The film explores Aditya’s struggle against corruption in a dangerous world filled with high-stakes action and emotional depth.

Produced by Jyoti Deshpande, Piiyush Singh, Ashwini Chaudhary, Abhayanand Singh, and Saurabh Gupta, Ghamasaan made a spectacular debut at MAMI 2024, where it received an overwhelmingly positive response. The film is now set to shine at the second edition of the Cinevesture International Film Festival, where it will be screened alongside other cinematic gems. The festival will feature a diverse selection of celebrated international films and regional Indian masterpieces, celebrating global storytelling and artistic excellence. Ghamasaan promises to be one of the standout offerings, offering audiences a thrilling and immersive cinematic experience as part of this exceptional lineup.

Also Read: EXCLUSIVE: Tigmanshu Dhulia apologizes to Ishita Dutta for cutting down her role in Ghamasaan

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Kiara Advani has firmly established herself among the most prolific actresses in Indian cinema. With a remarkable career spanning over a decade, she has consistently delivered stellar performances, earning both critical acclaim and commercial success. Now, she has achieved a significant milestone—securing a substantial paycheck for her work.

The actress has reportedly secured Rs. 15 crore paycheck for her much-anticipated pan-world big-budget drama, Toxic, where she will be seen sharing the screen with superstar Yash. This milestone further solidifies her position as one of the most sought-after leading ladies in the industry. With this deal, she joins the ranks of top actresses like Deepika Padukone and Priyanka Chopra, reinforcing her prominence in Indian cinema.

Reportedly, Priyanka Chopra Jonas has secured Rs. 30 crore paycheck for her upcoming untitled film with SS Rajamouli and Mahesh Babu. Before her, Deepika Padukone was paid Rs. 20 crore for Kalki 2898 AD, starring Prabhas and Amitabh Bachchan. Now, with Toxic, Kiara Advani has further strengthened her position among the industry’s highest-paid actresses.

Kiara Advani’s string of back-to-back hits across multiple film industries has solidified her status as one of the most bankable female stars in the country. Her ability to balance commercial appeal with compelling performances has made her a favorite among filmmakers and audiences alike. Besides Toxic, she will be seen in the highly anticipated War 2 alongside Hrithik Roshan and Jr. NTR. From romance to action, drama to thriller, she continues to showcase her versatility and strong screen presence.

Also Read : Sidharth Malhotra recalls first meeting Kiara Advani on Lust Stories set: “I’m very grateful that short film to be made”

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In an exciting development, acclaimed filmmaker Hansal Mehta and producer Sahil Saigal are set to bring the official Hindi adaptation of Tentigo (originally Nelum Kuluna), the critically acclaimed Sri Lankan comedy, to Indian audiences. The film will be produced under their banner, True Story Films, which was announced earlier this year.

Tentigo first garnered international attention in 2023, premiering at the prestigious Tallinn Black Nights Film Festival, where it won the Special Jury Award. The film, produced by Hiranya Perera and the indie powerhouse Crawling Angel Films (known for Girls Will Be Girls, Once Again, and Nimtoh), was a standout at the festival. True Story Films will join forces with Crawling Angel Films, with the latter duo of Sanjay Gulati and Neeraj Pandey co-producing the Hindi adaptation.

Adding further excitement to the project, celebrated casting director and director, Mukesh Chhabra joins the team in his debut role as Producer. Hiranya Perera is attached as Associate Producer. Three-time Filmfare winner Karan Vyas, known for his work on Scam 1992, Scam 2003, Scoop, and Saas Bahu aur Flamingo, will adapt the irreverent and emotionally charged comedy into Hindi, promising a fresh madcap take on the original.

The official announcement was made at the premiere of Tentigo in Colombo on March 12, 2025, with the entire creative team in attendance. Tentigo opened in theaters on March 14, 2025, to rave critical reviews and audience acclaim, generating tremendous excitement for the upcoming Hindi adaptation.

Talking about the same Hansal Mehta shared, “I’m not usually in favor of remakes, but this one had me genuinely excited. The moment I saw Tentigo, I couldn’t stop laughing. It was sharp, irreverent, and yet deeply emotional—the kind of story that stays with you. I believe this adaptation will resonate with audiences across India. We at True Story Films are thrilled to bring this incredibly funny film to a wider audience”.

Casting director Mukesh Chhabra who has collaborated with Hansal Mehta earlier since ‘Shahid’ shared, “I’ve had the privilege of collaborating with Hansal Mehta as a casting director on all his projects since Shahid. Working alongside him as a producer feels like a natural extension of everything we’ve built over the years — I’m excited about this new chapter in my career and can’t wait for audiences to experience this exciting film”.

Sanjay Gulati of Crawling Angel Films, recognized for his work such as the Sundance-winning Girls Will Be Girls, Once Again, and Nimtoh, shared,” Over the last 10 years, many films I’ve been involved with have premiered at film festivals, but often remained out of the public eye. Tentigo, as a comedy, defies the typical ‘Festival Film’ label and is now gaining traction beyond that circle. Through this adaptation, I aim to break free from such definitions, as what truly matters is reaching a wide audience. I believe True Story Films and Hansal are the perfect partners to achieve this”.

While details about the director and cast are being kept under wraps, the producers promise a lineup of talent that will elevate this already anticipated project.

Also Read: Netflix’s Adolescence leaves Hansal Mehta “Terrified, concerned, and introspective”: “Just give it every award this season already”

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The Salman Khan-Rashmika Mandanna starrer Sikandar is all set to release on Eid, that is, in less than two weeks and the excitement is palpable. It’s well known that it is produced by Sajid Nadiadwala’s Nadiadwala Grandson Entertainment. Hence, many were surprised to see the logo of Tips Films in the end disclaimer in the teaser of Sikandar. Bollywood Hungama has found out the reason behind it.

A source told Bollywood Hungama, “Sikandar is being distributed by Pen Marudhar and Tips Films have now come on board as co-distributor. They will be aiding Pen Marudhar with the release of this much-awaited Eid film.”

When contacted, producer Kumar Taurani of Tips confirmed this development to Bollywood Hungama, “Yes, it’s true. We are aiding Mr Jayantibhai Gada and Mr Sanjay Chattar of Pen and we’ll be jointly releasing Sikandar.”

Kumar Taurani also revealed that this isn’t the first time that they are dabbling into distribution. He revealed, “The first film which we distributed was Kya Kehna (2000). Later on, we also released our films like Raaz (2002), The Legend Of Bhagat Singh (2002), Race (2008), Ajab Prem Ki Ghazab Kahani (2009) etc.”

Pen Marudhar and Tips have a long association. The former distributed the recent films made by the latter like Merry Christmas (2024) and Ishq Vishk Rebound (2024). Jayantilal Gada’s PEN India Ltd also co-produced Tips Films’ Entertainment (2014), starring Akshay Kumar, Tamannaah Bhatia and Sonu Sood. Pen Marudhar, meanwhile, also distributed the recent Nadiadwala Grandson Entertainment releases like Satyaprem Ki Katha (2023), Chandu Champion (2024) and Yek Number (2024).

Meanwhile, all eyes are now on the next round of promotions for Sikandar. Bollywood Hungama exclusively broke the viral news on March 18 that the film will arrive in cinemas on Sunday, March 30. The trailer is now expected to be out in the coming weekend. The advance booking is also expected to start at the same time.

Also Read: Sikandar: A.R. Murugadoss reveals shooting with Salman Khan amidst security threats; says, “Our biological cycles were disrupted, but once we adapted, it became a routine”

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Filmmaker AR Murugadoss recently opened up about the challenging shooting process of his upcoming film Sikandar, starring Salman Khan. Due to death threats against the Bollywood superstar, the production faced intense security measures, adding to the complexity of filming.

Speaking about the experience, Murugadoss shared, “Salman sir is completely different. The scale of Sikandar was massive, with scenes often involving 10,000 to 20,000 people on set. Managing such large crowds required high security and intense coordination. Our schedule was demanding, and the looming threat made it even more hectic.”

The director further revealed that security protocols were significantly heightened following the threats. “Post that, security was tightened, and checking all extra artistes on set took 2-3 hours daily. Their entries and exits consumed most of our time, often delaying our shoots until the early hours of the morning. Our biological cycles were disrupted, but once we adapted, it became a routine. Despite the challenges, the set maintained a very positive energy,” he added.

Salman Khan has been under constant security threats, leading to heightened protection around him. On November 5, 2024, Mumbai Police received a threatening message allegedly from the Lawrence Bishnoi gang, demanding that Khan either apologize at their community temple or pay Rs. 5 crore for his safety. Failure to comply, the message warned, would result in his assassination. The situation escalated further in April 2024, when two assailants opened fire outside Khan’s residence in Bandra West. Authorities have been actively investigating these threats to ensure the actor’s safety.

Sikandar, produced by Sajid Nadiadwala, is one of the most anticipated films of the year. Alongside Salman Khan, the film features Rashmika Mandanna, Kajal Aggarwal, and Prateik Babbar Patil in pivotal roles. The high-octane action drama is slated for release on March 30, 2025.

Also Read: Aamir Khan eager to see Salman Khan and AR Murugadoss’ collaboration in Sikandar produced by Sajid Nadiadwala

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Vicky Kaushal and Rashmika Mandanna starrer Chhaava has been in the headlines recently, but for an unexpected reason. The historical drama, which has emerged as a box office success, is being linked to the violence that erupted in Nagpur on Monday during protests over the removal of Aurangzeb’s tomb. While the film’s team has remained silent on the controversy, filmmaker Vivek Agnihotri has stepped forward to defend the film.

Addressing the situation, director Vivek Agnihotri took to social media and wrote, “The #UrbanNaxal ecosystem is waging a cultural jihad against our films—#TheKashmirFiles and #Chhaava are under attack because they dare to awaken the nation. Defeat them in this battle.”

The #UrbanNaxal ecosystem is waging a cultural jihad against our films—#TheKashmirFiles and #Chaava are under attack because they dare to awaken the nation.
Defeat them in this battle.

— Vivek Ranjan Agnihotri (@vivekagnihotri) March 19, 2025

His statement came in response to accusations that Chhaava, along with films like The Kashmir Files and The Sabarmati Report, is contributing to social polarization. One netizen pointed out that such movies deepen societal divides, prompting Agnihotri to respond, “Before #TheKashmirFiles the society wasn’t polarised at all. Muslim terrorists in Kashmir were helping Hindus find their houses and the corpses of their loved ones. JKLF never existed. See, how in Bengal, Islamists help in bringing down hanging bodies of Hindu women from trees.”

Before #TheKashmirFiles the society wasn’t polarised at all. Muslim terrorists in Kashmir were helping Hindus find their houses and the corpses of their loved ones. JKLF never existed. See, how in Bengal, Islamists help in bringing down hanging bodies of Hindu women from trees. https://t.co/qcMLybyad8
— Vivek Ranjan Agnihotri (@vivekagnihotri) March 19, 2025

The controversy arose after a protest in Nagpur demanding the removal of Aurangzeb’s tomb in Chhatrapati Sambhaji Nagar. Reports suggest that during the demonstration, an effigy of the Mughal ruler was burned along with a green cloth. However, rumors quickly spread that a holy book had also been set on fire, escalating tensions and leading to riots. In response, authorities imposed a curfew in several parts of Nagpur to control the situation.

Meanwhile, speaking of Chhaava, the film based on a book by the same name, points out the bravery of Chhatrapati Sambhaji Rane as he continues his war of Swarajya against the Mughal Empire and Aurangzeb.

Also Read: Chhaava creates history; becomes first Hindi film to cross 12 Million ticket sales on BookMyShow

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Dot. aka Aditi Saigal is set to make her big-screen debut with Decibel, a genre-bending sci-fi film directed by Vineet Joshi and produced by Vin Jos Productions. After her role as Ethel in The Archies, she returns alongside Sunny Singh in a thrilling journey uncovering chilling secrets that reshape their world.

Set in a quiet town, Decibel is a science fiction thriller that follows the journey of a research scientist and his partner navigating the intricacies of human relationships through Decibel, a groundbreaking device capable of extracting sounds from the past, while exploring the boundaries between silence and noise, chaos and calm.

Talking about her new film, Dot. said, “As a musician, sound is already so magical and important to me; so when I heard about Decibel—a story about using sound to uncover the past—I was immediately interested in it as a storytelling device. It’s got sci-fi, mystery, and a great dramatic story at its core. It’s intense and compelling, and I’m really looking forward to people watching it!”

With its richly layered narrative and immersive sound design, Decibel promises to be a unique cinematic experience. Dot. is set to make her mark with this sci-fi thriller, and audiences are eager to see her in this exciting new role.

Also Read : Dot. set to take the stage for Ed Sheeran in Pune, tonight

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Veteran actor Raza Murad recently faced criticism on social media after a video of him drinking went viral. A section of the Internet condemned the senior actor, assuming he was consuming alcohol during the holy month of Ramzan. Addressing the controversy, Murad clarified that the footage was from a film shoot and not a personal celebration.

Responding in the comments section of the viral video, Murad explained that the scene was filmed in Chhatarpur, Delhi, a few days ago as part of a movie. He emphasized that it was his character’s birthday being celebrated in the clip, not his actual birthday, which falls in November. In Hindi, he wrote, “Please don’t think that there was a birthday party or celebrations of some sort going on. The viral footage is from a film scene, shot in Chhatarpur Delhi, a few days ago. In those scenes, my character’s birthday is being celebrated.”

He further added, “Without knowing the incident, you assume that a party was going on. My birthday is in November. It’s March. You people assume I am drinking alcohol in public during Ramzan, which is absolutely wrong.”

The video was originally shared on Instagram by actor Kiran Kumar, who was also present in the clip. His caption read, “Dost jitne purane, yaari utni hi solid (The older the friendship, the stronger it is)! Sometimes when you’re working with friends, Reel aur Real ke beech ka antar hatt jaata hai (the difference between reel and real is often blurred).”

 

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Raza Murad has been a prominent figure in Hindi cinema for over three decades, portraying a wide range of roles across multiple genres. He has collaborated with some of the biggest names in Bollywood and is known for his commanding screen presence. From 90s films to recent ones, his contribution to Indian cinema remains significant, and he continues to be an influential figure in the industry.

Also Read: Here’s why Sanjay Leela Bhansali considers birthday boy Raza Murad his Lucky Mascot

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Filmmaker Shekhar Kapur recently took to social media to voice his frustration over the unauthorized editing of his iconic 1994 film, Bandit Queen, for its OTT release on Amazon Prime Video. In a series of impassioned posts, Kapur highlighted the painstaking effort that goes into crafting a film, only to see it “carelessly butchered” by an unknown hand for streaming platforms. Fellow filmmaker Hansal Mehta joined the discussion, amplifying Kapur’s concerns, while Sudhir Mishra’s earlier remarks set the stage for this ongoing debate.

The Heart of the Controversy: ‘Bandit Queen’ Edited Beyond Recognition
Kapur’s grievances center on the OTT version of Bandit Queen, a biographical drama based on the life of Phoolan Devi, which he claims has been altered without his consent. In a tweet, he reminisced about the months spent perfecting the film alongside editor Renu Saluja. “The anguish a director and editor go through when editing their films… And then some random person carelessly cuts the film for OTT release?” he wrote, questioning whether the individual responsible considered the love poured into the project, the impact on Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan’s haunting soundtrack, or the performances delivered under grueling 50-degree heat.

The filmmaker didn’t hold back, pointedly asking, “Did you even think about the love we give for our art?” He tagged peers Sudhir Mishra and Hansal Mehta, signaling a call to action among India’s cinematic community.

The anguish a director and editor go through when editing their films. The days/nights spent arguing, fighting over each edit, each cut. I remember those months with Renu Saluja and myself on #BanditQueen. And then some random person carelessly cuts the film for OTT release?
I…

— Shekhar Kapur (@shekharkapur) March 19, 2025

Hansal Mehta’s Response: A Cry for Artistic Integrity
Hansal Mehta responded with a scathing critique of the systemic issues plaguing Indian filmmakers. “It is sad to know that a film that should always be India’s pride gets treated this way,” he wrote, lamenting the lack of pushback against such practices. Mehta argued that Indian filmmakers have become accustomed to being “slaves of the West,” submitting to the whims of streaming platforms without protest. He pointed to the absence of a robust guild or association to protect directors’ rights, noting that existing bodies are more focused on political agendas than safeguarding artistic integrity.

Mehta expressed hope that Kapur’s stature— bolstered by his Padma Bhushan award and global recognition—might spur change. However, he concluded with a grim reflection: “Until then, back to our submissive selves? Members of the new content-driven colony that creates cattle feed to drive subscriptions while fulfilling the artistic ambitions of its Western masters.”

It is sad to know that a film that should always be India’s pride gets treated this way. But then what’s new? We’ve become so used to being treated as slaves of the west. No protest. No pushback. Total submission. Because they are doing us a favour. Our integrity as artistes is…
— Hansal Mehta (@mehtahansal) March 19, 2025

The Spark: Praise for Netflix’s Adolescence
The controversy traces back to Kapur’s earlier praise for Netflix’s British miniseries Adolescence, which he lauded as “next-level storytelling.” In a tweet, he wrote, “I’m not the first one to say this but #Adolescence from #Netflix redefines what truly great series can achieve. It defies the regular 3-act structure of cause and effect and plunges you deeply into the minds of the characters.”

The post caught the attention of Sudhir Mishra, who responded, “Nobody will let us do something like that. One should do it as an independent film. Something of our own which wanders, then stops, digs, and goes where the smell takes us.” This exchange prompted Kapur to reflect on whether he could even make Bandit Queen—a film celebrated for its raw, unfiltered narrative—under today’s OTT landscape.

Nobody will let us do something like that . One should do it as an independent film . Something of our own which is wanders , then stops , digs and goes where the smell takes us . https://t.co/BiHTjrwSfd
— Sudhir Mishra (@IAmSudhirMishra) March 18, 2025

A Broader Debate: Creative Freedom in the OTT Era
Kapur’s ordeal with Bandit Queen isn’t an isolated incident. The film, which won the National Film Award for Best Feature Film in Hindi and was India’s official entry for the Oscars in 1995, has long been a symbol of fearless storytelling. Its gritty depiction of caste violence and sexual oppression stirred controversy upon release, yet it earned global acclaim.

Also Read: EXCLUSIVE: Shekhar Kapur rumoured to team up with Avani Rai as Director of Photography for Masoom: The Next Generation

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