The Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 is set to kick off with a star-studded bang, as Shah Rukh Khan, Priyanka Chopra, and Salman Khan are expected to attend the opening ceremony, as per a report by Hindustan Times. This grand event, marking the start of the 18th IPL season, promises a dazzling blend of cricket and entertainment, with Salman Khan also using the platform to promote his upcoming film Sikandar. Here’s everything you need to know about this much-anticipated spectacle.

IPL 2025 Opening Ceremony: Date, Time, and Venue
The IPL 2025 opening ceremony is scheduled for March 22, 2025, at 6:00 PM IST, just before the toss for the season’s first match between defending champions Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) and Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB). Hosted at the iconic Eden Gardens in Kolkata, the event will set the tone for a thrilling season that runs until May 25, 2025, featuring 74 matches across 13 venues in India. Fans worldwide can catch the live action on Jio Hotstar and Star Sports Network, ensuring no one misses out on the excitement.
Bollywood Stars Take Center Stage
The presence of Shah Rukh Khan, Priyanka Chopra, and Salman Khan elevates the ceremony to a must-watch affair. Shah Rukh Khan, the charismatic co-owner of KKR, is expected to cheer on his team as they face RCB in the opener. SRK’s attendance is a major draw for fans and a boost for KKR’s morale.

Priyanka Chopra, a global superstar with a massive following, adds an international flair to the event. While her exact role—whether as a guest or performer—remains unconfirmed, her inclusion underscores the IPL’s growing appeal beyond Indian borders. Meanwhile, Salman Khan will seize the spotlight to promote his highly anticipated action film Sikandar, leveraging the IPL’s massive audience to create buzz ahead of its release.

Reportedly, The celebrity lineup doesn’t stop there. Reports suggest Vicky Kaushal and Sanjay Dutt will also attend, while Arijit Singh, Shraddha Kapoor, and Varun Dhawan are slated to deliver electrifying performances. An unexpected twist comes with the potential appearance of American band OneRepublic, promising a fusion of Western and Bollywood vibes that could redefine the IPL opening experience. The opening ceremony will be held on March 22, 2025, at Eden Gardens, Kolkata.

Also Read: Priyanka Chopra’s mom recalls Nick Jonas’ heartfelt proposal request before their wedding: “I was so amazed”

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Fans of Bollywood action films are in for a nostalgic treat as 1996 blockbuster Ghatak: Lethal starring Sunny Deol in the lead, is all set for a grand re-release in theatres on March 21, 2025. The much-loved action drama, known for its gripping storyline and high-octane performances, will be showcased once again at the Red Lorry Film Festival.

The official Instagram handle of the festival announced the news, writing, “Brace yourself for the return of a cult classic! GHATAK is hitting the big screen once again at the Red Lorry Film Festival. Relive the action on 21st March 2025 on the big screen!”

 

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Back in November 2024, Sunny Deol had taken to Instagram to commemorate 28 years of Ghatak, sharing a nostalgic video featuring some of the film’s most powerful moments. The actor also paid tribute to the late Amrish Puri, who played the memorable role of Shambhu Nath in the movie. Sharing the clip, Sunny wrote, “28 years of #Ghatak! My Diwali Release of 1996! Directed by #RajKumarSantoshi, Miss you #AmrishPuri sahab.”

 

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Directed by Rajkumar Santoshi, Ghatak featured Sunny Deol in one of his most iconic roles as Kashi, a righteous man who stands up against a tyrannical crime lord to protect his people. The film also starred the legendary Amrish Puri, Meenakshi Seshadri, Danny Denzongpa, and Om Puri in pivotal roles. With its intense action sequences, hard-hitting dialogues, and emotional depth, the film became an instant hit upon its release and has since remained a fan favorite.

Ghatak was not just an action film but a cinematic experience that showcased themes of justice, sacrifice, and the indomitable spirit of a common man. It was also one of the last films of Meenakshi Seshadri before she retired from acting. As the film gears up for its re-release, fans are eager to witness the magic of Ghatak on the big screen once again.

Also Read: Indian Idol 15: Sunny Deol reveals how he was shy during his childhood; says, “I went abroad and joined a theatre school where my confidence started building up”

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Starring John Abraham in the lead, latest political thriller, The Diplomat, has hit a roadblock in the Middle East, with reports confirming that the film has been banned in the United Arab Emirates (UAE), Saudi Arabia, Oman, and Qatar. While an official reason for the ban has not been disclosed, industry insiders suggest that the movie’s politically sensitive themes could be the cause.

John Abraham starrer is NOT the first film to face censor trouble

This ban adds The Diplomat to the growing list of Indian films restricted in the Gulf due to content deemed controversial in the region. Previously, Salman Khan’s Tiger 3 was banned in Kuwait, Oman, and Qatar over concerns about its depiction of Muslim characters. Similarly, Akshay Kumar’s Sky Force faced restrictions in multiple Middle Eastern countries.

As of now, neither the Middle Eastern authorities nor the filmmakers have commented on the ban. However, the restriction highlights the ongoing challenges filmmakers face in ensuring global distribution while navigating regional sensitivities. Despite this setback, The Diplomat continues to draw attention for its gripping storyline and powerful performances.

About The Diplomat

Directed by Shivam Nair and written by Ritesh Shah, the film is inspired by real events, focusing on Indian diplomat J.P. Singh’s efforts to rescue Uzma Ahmed, an Indian woman trapped in a forced marriage in Pakistan. The film, which released on March 14, 2025, has sparked discussions regarding its portrayal of diplomatic tensions and India-Pakistan relations.

The film promises a gripping narrative with high-stakes drama. Alongside John Abraham, the cast includes talented actors like Sadia Khateeb and Sharib Hashmi. Produced by T-Series, JA Entertainment, Wakaoo Films, and Fortune Pictures, The Diplomat is a dramatic thriller, further cementing John Abraham’s position as a powerhouse performer in political drama films.

Also Read: Shivam Nair ADMITS, “Before The Diplomat, I had to make compromises in everything I directed”

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Ajay Devgn is all set to explore the jungle adventure genre with his upcoming film Ranger, directed by Mission Mangal filmmaker Jagan Shakti. First reported in 2024, the project is touted as a unique and large-scale action-adventure. Now, as per a Pinkvilla report, Tamannaah Bhatia has been roped in as the female lead.

A source close to the development told the entertainment portal about Tamannaah Bhatia joining the cast and shared, “She is excited to embark on this journey with the team of Ranger. It’s a well-crafted role, with an arc of redemption. She has allotted bulk dates to the team and has already started work for the film on the personal fronts. Tamannaah has also undergone multiple script reading sessions with Jagan Shakti.”

The film is expected to be a high-budget spectacle, promising thrilling visuals and a gripping storyline. Speaking about Ajay Devgn’s enthusiasm for the project, the source added, “It’s a big-budget film, and Ajay too is eager to explore the jungle adventure space with the film. It’s more of an adventure, with newer visuals for Hindi Cinema, and Ajay is known to be fascinated with technology used for the creation of something unique.”

Produced by Luv Films, Ranger will mark Devgn’s reunion with the production house after the successful De De Pyaar De franchise. Adding to the film’s appeal, Sanjay Dutt has been cast as the antagonist. With Ajay expected to play the role of a forest officer, fans wonder if they can witness an exciting face-off between the two seasoned actors.

The pre-production work for Ranger has been in full swing, and the film is now gearing up to commence shooting by the end of March. While according to reports, this upcoming entertainer seems to be having an intriguing premise, a stellar cast, and cutting-edge technology, it has sparked ample excitement among fans, who are now eagerly awaiting an official announcement on the same.

Also Read: Ajay Devgn and Sanjay Dutt to clash in Jagan Shakti directorial Ranger: Report

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Sikandar is the biggest talking point among Bollywood fans. The film’s release is less than two weeks away and the excitement is considerable as it stars superstar Salman Khan in the lead role. Moreover, it’s releasing on Eid, a festival which has now become synonymous with Salman. Interestingly, the assets of the film simply mentioned ‘Eid 2025’ as the release period of the film. There have been speculations in the trade that the film might be released either on Friday, March 28, Saturday, March 29 or Sunday, March 30. Bollywood Hungama has now learned the actual release date of the film.

A source told Bollywood Hungama, “Sikandar’s release date has been locked. It’ll arrive in cinemas on Sunday, March 30. The makers are confident that it’s the correct day for release. Sunday will be a big holiday, more so in Maharashtra as Gudi Padwa falls on that day. Meanwhile, Ramzan Eid will be celebrated on Monday, March 31. There’ll be a post-Eid holiday effect on Tuesday, April 1 and Wednesday, April 2 in many centres as well. The collections will again see a jump from Friday, April 4. Hence, until Sunday, April 6, the film’s collections will remain very strong.”

Bollywood Hungama was among the first ones to report way back on March 3 that Sikandar is expected to release on March 30. Interestingly, Salman Khan’s last film Tiger 3 (2023) also went for an unconventional Sunday release. It arrived in theatres on Sunday, November 12, 2023, on the day of Diwali. It had the advantage of the post-Diwali holiday effect throughout the week.

On Sunday, March 16, Bollywood Hungama also broke the story that the makers will officially announce the release date by Wednesday, March 19. The much-awaited trailer will be out in the coming weekend. The advance booking is also expected to start at the same time. There are reports that a grand event is also being planned and all this would further enhance the buzz for the film.

Besides Salman Khan, Sikandar also stars Rashmika Mandanna, Kajal Aggarwal and Sharman Joshi. It is directed by A R Murugadoss.

Also Read: ‘Sikandar Nache’ teaser out: Salman Khan and Rashmika Mandanna starrer track to release tomorrow, watch

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Vicky Kaushal and Rashmika Mandanna starrer historical drama Chhaava has set a new milestone in Indian cinema by becoming the first-ever Hindi film to surpass 12 million ticket sales on BookMyShow. The film has outperformed major blockbusters, including Stree 2, solidifying its place as a cultural phenomenon rather than just a box office success.

Ashish Saksena, COO – Cinemas, BookMyShow, commented on this landmark achievement, stating, “In a historic achievement that has redefined the Indian cinema landscape, Chhaava has blazed past all previous records to become the first Hindi film ever to cross the monumental 12 million ticket sale milestone on BookMyShow. This extraordinary accomplishment sees Chhaava surpassing even the blockbuster Stree 2, creating a new benchmark in the industry. Vicky Kaushal has delivered what is being hailed as the performance of his lifetime as Sambhaji Maharaj, captivating audiences nationwide with his powerful portrayal striking an emotional chord with viewers of all ages. Rashmika Mandanna’s compelling performance as Maharani Yesubai has further elevated this epic saga, showcasing her remarkable range as an actress.”

He went on to continue, “The film has seen phenomenal response from across the country with key markets including Mumbai, Pune, Delhi-NCR, Hyderabad, Bengaluru, Nagpur, Nashik, Ahmedabad, Kolkata, and Lucknow, leading the charge on BookMyShow. What’s particularly remarkable is the exceptional repeat viewership, with fans returning multiple times to experience this cinematic masterpiece. More than a box office triumph, it’s a cultural phenomenon that demonstrates the enduring power of authentic storytelling rooted in our rich history. Chhaava’s record-shattering success reinforces our conviction that when powerful narratives meet exceptional performances, magic happens on screen that resonates deeply with Indian audiences.”

The film’s success highlights the audience’s growing appreciation for historical narratives and powerful storytelling. With repeat viewership on the rise, Chhaava has not only achieved commercial success but also left a lasting impact on Indian cinema.

Also Read: Vicky Kaushal pays tribute to Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj on his death anniversary; reflects on his role in Chhaava

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Aamir Khan celebrated his 60th birthday and on this occasion, the Aamir Khan film festival was held in cinemas across the country. As part of the celebrations, his 22 memorable films were re-released – Dangal, 3 Idiots, Lagaan, Hum Hain Rahi Pyar Ke, Raja Hindustani, Ghajini, Akele Hum Akele Tum, Andaz Apna Apna, Taare Zameen Par, Sarfarosh, Jo Jeeta Wohi Sikandar, Talaash, Fanaa, Dil Chahta Hai, Dil, PK, Dhoom 3, Rang De Basanti, Ghulam, Qayamat Se Qayamat Tak, Secret Superstar and Laal Singh Chaddha. Dil Chahta Hai was one of the films which was expected to get the maximum footfall due to its comic moments, cult following, music etc. Sadly, very few shows of the film took place across the country, disappointing fans.

A source told Bollywood Hungama, “Dil Chahta Hai’s shows were available for booking on the ticket booking apps. But its show wasn’t played on the first two days. It is said that the KDM wasn’t issued. A few shows of the film finally played on Sunday post-noon and that’s about it. There was a heavy demand for the film. The theatres had to issue refund to those who booked their tickets. In some cinemas, Taare Zameen Par and other Aamir Khan classics were shown in its place and patrons were given the option to watch those films instead of Dil Chahta Hai. Some agreed but most of them opted for a refund.”

The source continued, “This is the reason why there are no videos on social media of people dancing to ‘Koi Kahe Kehta Rahe’ or ‘Woh Ladki Hai Kahaan’ in the cinema halls, the way it happened with ‘Balam Pichkari’ (Yeh Jawaani Hai Deewani) or ‘Mahi Ve’ (Kal Ho Naa Ho) because barely any shows were played in the country.”

On the weekdays, no show of Dil Chahta Hai has been scheduled anywhere. Patrons are hoping that it’ll be back in cinemas in the coming weekend. The Aamir Khan festival will go on until March 27.

An industry insider commented, “Not just Dil Chahta Hai but even the other cult film, 3 Idiots, is no longer playing anywhere. On the other hand, films that are not as exciting as these two are playing with multiple shows like Dil, Talaash etc. The organizers should have planned this in a better manner and ensured that films with high demand have daily shows.”

Even Andaz Apna Apna didn’t get many shows but patrons are not complaining as its full-fledged release will be happening in April, as confirmed by Priti Sinha, the daughter of its producer Vinay Sinha.

Also Read: 23 years of Dil Chahta Hai EXCLUSIVE: Sonali Kulkarni recalls, “We rehearsed for ‘Woh Ladki Hai Kahan’ in 15-20 minutes”

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Sourav Ganguly is officially making his acting debut in the television series Khakee: The Bengal Chapter. Netflix confirmed the news with a promotional video released on Monday, March 17. The highly anticipated series is co-directed by Debatma Mandal and Tushar Kanti Ray.

The crime thriller series will premiere on Netflix starting March 20. Announcing the release, Netflix wrote on Instagram, “The Bengal Tiger meets the Bengal Chapter. Watch Khakee: The Bengal Chapter out March 20, only on Netflix.”

 

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The video begins with the director requesting the Prince of Calcutta, Sourav Ganguly, to portray a fearless and honest police officer.

The action-packed video, released on March 17, unveils Sourav Ganguly’s look as a police officer, showcasing his intense rage as he draws inspiration from a former coach he had past controversies with. In a humorous twist, he is asked to beat up a criminal, and while holding a wooden stick, he playfully references different cricket strokes.

Sharing his thoughts on Khakee: The Bengal Chapter, Sourav Ganguly stated that the Khakee franchise is one of his favorites, as reported by OTTplay. The series features a star-studded cast, including Saswata Chatterjee, Ritwik Bhowmik, Aadil Zafar Khan, Pooja Chopra, Aakanksha Singh, Mimoh Chakraborty, and Shraddha Das.

Interestingly, Khakee: The Bengal Chapter will be the first Hindi show on Netflix to stream simultaneously in both Hindi and Bengali. Starring Jeet Madnani, Prosenjit Chatterjee, Parambrata Chatterjee, and Chitrangada Singh in lead roles, the series serves as a standalone sequel to Neeraj Pandey’s Khakee: The Bihar Chapter. Set in Kolkata, the gripping story has been created by Pandey.

Set in 2002, the story centers on the death of a police officer in Bengal. The series follows IPS Arjun Maitra as he takes on ruthless gangsters and corrupt politicians, fighting to restore law and order in a crime-ridden region.

Also Read : Khakee: The Bengal Chapter – Netflix’s thrilling new chapter unveils Jeet and Prosenjit Chatterjee’s epic collaboration

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Legendary actor Amitabh Bachchan has recorded an impressive income of Rs.350 crores for the financial year 2024-25, making him one of the highest-earning individuals in the Indian film industry. This substantial income has resulted in a tax liability of Rs.120 crores, reaffirming his status as one of the country’s top taxpayers, as reported by Pinkvilla.

A source close to the development shed light on Bachchan’s enduring popularity, and told the portal, “From doing some of the biggest feature films of Indian cinema to being the top pick for most of the brands—Amitabh Bachchan is an actor in demand even at the age of 82. He is also the most loved host on television with Kaun Banega Crorepati. The income from all these sources amounts to Rs. 350 crores, which is among the highest in the capacity of an individual in the film fraternity.”

The actor has not only sustained his relevance in films but also remains a preferred choice for brand endorsements and television projects. His long-running association with Kaun Banega Crorepati continues to add to his earnings, alongside major Bollywood projects.

The source further revealed that Bachchan made his final advance tax payment of Rs. 52.50 crores on March 15, 2025, underscoring his commitment to financial responsibility. “He is a role model for all Indians even today and often makes it a point to pay all taxes on time. Amitabh Bachchan is committed to signing on for exciting projects in 2025 and leaving a mark among all his fans,” the source added.

In the past, a report had shared a detailed account of his net worth wherein it was said that, he boasts of a personal net worth of Rs. 273,74,96,590. In addition to his financial holdings, Bachchan reportedly also possesses a collection of jewellery worth Rs. 54.77 crores and a fleet of 16 vehicles valued at Rs. 17.66 crores.

At 82, Bachchan remains an unstoppable force, balancing a packed schedule of films, advertisements, and television projects. His work ethic and disciplined financial approach set an example for the industry and fans alike.

Also Read: Amitabh Bachchan to begin shooting for sequel of Kalki 2898 AD in May: Report

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Jio Studios, in collaboration with Reliance Entertainment and Dreamers and Doers Co., has successfully wrapped up filming for Paan Parda Zarda, a high-stakes saga crafted on an ambitious scale.

Boasting a powerhouse ensemble cast—including Mona Singh, Tanvi Azmi, Tanya Maniktala, Priyanshu Painyuli, Sushant Singh, Rajesh Tailang, and Manu Rishi—the series is set against the vibrant yet gritty landscape of Central India, weaving an electrifying tale of action, drama, and intrigue.

The web series will see multifaceted creative forces coming together including ace directors Gurmmeet Singh (Mirzapur and Inside Edge) & Shilpi Dasgupta along with Mrighdeep Singh Lamba (Fukrey franchise), Suparn S Varma (Sirf Ek Bandaa Kaafi Hain, The Family Man and Rana Naidu) and talented writer duo Hussain Dalal & Abbas Dalal (Bambai Meri Jaan, Farzi, Brahmastra), along with Radhika Anand & Vibha Singh.

With its grand scale, and a stellar team at its helm, Paan Parda Zarda aims to be a game-changer in the digital entertainment space. Jio Studios and Reliance Entertainment will soon bring this ambitious saga to audiences worldwide. Paan Parda Zarda is produced by Jyoti Deshpande and Namit Sharma.

Also Read: Maa: First Look of Kajol from the mythological horror drama unveiled by Jio Studios

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