Bhagam Bhag 2 confirmed, Akshay Kumar and Govinda set to return after 18 years

The mad, mad world of the blockbuster comedy Bhagam Bhag is set to return. Eighteen years after it captivated audiences, the much-awaited sequel, Bhagam Bhag 2, is finally happening.

For fans of the film, which has gained cult status over the years through the Internet and social media, this news is a celebration.

Starring Akshay Kumar, Govinda and Paresh Rawal in lead roles, Bhagam Bhag is considered as one of ace director Priyadarshan’s iconic films. Even in Akshay’s vast repertoire, Bhagam Bhag holds a very special position along with landmark films like Hera Pheri and Welcome.

The rights for the sequel were recently acquired from Shemaroo Entertainment by Sarita Ashwin Varde of Roaring River Productions who has simultaneously also been working on the film’s script. She will be producing the film along with Shemaroo.

When asked about the long wait for the sequel, Sarita said, “Because a special film like Bhagam Bhag deserves a sequel that’s just as much special; when the time was right, we decided to take the plunge.”

Sarita has been associated with filmdom for a long time. She has been the creative force behind her husband, Ashwin Varde, a producer known for films like Boss, Mubarakan, Kabir Singh, OMG-2, and Khel Khel Mein.

“We are excited to partner with an incredible team to create a film that will continue the legacy of its predecessor by bringing more laughter, fun and entertainment,” said Hiren Gada, CEO, Shemaroo Entertainment.

Bhagam Bhag 2 is slated to go on floors in mid 2025. Right now, all that the makers promise is that the sequel will be “madder, crazier and funnier.” All other details will be revealed soon when the film is officially announced.

Also Read : EXCLUSIVE: Manoj Desai on Akshay Kumar’s box office woes, “He needs to make better choices!”

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Pankaj Tripathi joins Arunachal Pradesh Government’s efforts to promote theatre in the state

Pankaj Tripathi has been appointed as the Festival Ambassador for the Arunachal Rang Mahotsav 2024 (ARM ’24). This prestigious international theatre festival, the largest of its kind in Northeast India, will run from November 22 to December 5, celebrating the rich cultural heritage and creative talent of Arunachal Pradesh. Pankaj will be attending this festival along with his wife Mridula.

Pankaj Tripathi’s journey in the performing arts began in the small village of Belsand in Gopalganj, Bihar, where he honed his skills through street plays and theatre. His passion for the art form led him to the National School of Drama (NSD) in New Delhi, India’s premier acting institute. Over the years, Tripathi has become one of the most sought-after actors in Indian cinema, earning widespread acclaim for his versatility and authenticity.

Reflecting on his appointment as Festival Ambassador, Pankaj Tripathi shared, “It’s a great honor for me to be associated with the Arunachal Rang Mahotsav 2024 as its Festival Ambassador. Theatre holds a very special place in my heart, as it was my first teacher, my first love in the performing arts. I owe everything I am today to the lessons I learned on the stage and the passion I developed for storytelling during my early days in Gopalganj, performing street plays and rangmanch.”

He further added, “To see a festival like Arunachal Rang Mahotsav celebrating the power and beauty of theatre, especially in the culturally rich and vibrant region of Arunachal Pradesh, is inspiring. This platform not only honors the traditional and contemporary performing arts of the region but also provides a dynamic space for artists from across the world to collaborate and showcase their work. I am particularly excited about the festival’s emphasis on Arunachal’s oral folklore traditions, martial art forms, and local performing arts, which are an essential part of our cultural fabric. The fusion of these traditional elements with modern theatre practices makes this festival a unique and transformative experience. I believe theatre has the power to connect people, transcend barriers, and create a deeper understanding of our shared humanity. I look forward to witnessing and celebrating the magic of performances at ARM ’24.”

Through the ultimate support and blessings of Honourable Deputy Chief Minister Shri Chowna Mein and the chief patron, The Arunachal Rang Mahotsav has reached its second edition and is spearheaded by Riken Ngomle, Assistant Professor of Acting at NSD. This 15-day festival will feature a wide array of performances, including proscenium theatre, street plays, and intimate stage productions, showcasing both national and international talent. With a mission to celebrate Arunachal’s artistic spirit, the festival will present performances inspired by the region’s rich oral traditions, local dance, and martial arts, creating a unique blend of traditional and contemporary art forms.

Also Read: Mirzapur the film announced: Divyenndu’s Munna Bhaiya to return in Pankaj Tripathi-Ali Fazal starrer; makers aim to release film on big screens in 2026

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Bigg Boss 18: Hina Khan to return to the reality show; to share the stage with host Salman Khan

Hina Khan, who has been a part of Bigg Boss multiple times in the past after being a contestant in Season 11, is expected to return to the reality show yet again. This time, the popular actress is expected to host a Weekend Ka Vaar episode alongside superstar host Salman Khan. Amid her battle with cancer and work commitments, Khan is expected to have taken time out to do this special episode.

To keep up with the entertainment quotient of Bigg Boss 18, recently the show invited popular actor, Bhojpuri megastar, and a former contestant – Ravi Kishan for a brief stint in an episode where he interacted with several contestants. Now, fans of Khan and the show are eagerly waiting to see what Hina has in store for them. While neither the actress nor the channel has confirmed these developments, reports have asserted that the actress has agreed to be a part of the show.

Meanwhile, Hina Khan continues to enjoy love and support not only from her family and close ones but also from her social media fam who have been her cheerleaders throughout her journey ever since she announced her battle with stage three breast cancer in June. The actress, however, revealed that she is taking regular chemo sessions and is on the road to recovery. Hina has also been attending events and fulfilling work commitments as well amid these health challenges.

On the other hand, speaking of Bigg Boss 18, the show has been experiencing several twist and turns. With new friendships being forged, new allies being formed, the show has been attempting to keep things interesting as contestants navigate through the changing dynamics with the introduction of wild card entries. As of now, Vivian DSena, Karan Veer Mehra, Shilpa Shirodkar, Eisha Singh, Avinash Mishra, Sara Arfeen Khan, among others are a part of the show whereas the journey of actors like Muskan Bamne, Nyrraa Banerji have already been evicted.

Also Read: Hina Khan enjoys vacation in Maldives, shares inspirational selfie amid breast Cancer battle

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All We Imagine As Light EXCLUSIVE: In the RAREST of RARE instance, CBFC allows frontal nudity

All We Imagine As Light, the film that has made India proud globally, finally gets an all-India release today, that is, November 22. The film’s censor process was completed more than two months ago and hasn’t cut a single scene or dialogue from the film by the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC)

A source told Bollywood Hungama, “All We Imagine As Light has an intense lovemaking scene and in another scene, frontal nudity can also be seen. Yet, the Examining Committee of the CBFC took a progressive stand. They didn’t hamper these scenes as they realized that they were an important part of the film’s theme and narrative. This makes All We Imagine As Light one of the rarest films of Indian cinema to be saved from Censor’s scissors despite the aforementioned scenes.”

In an interview with Mid-Day earlier this month, Payal Kapadia was asked about showing female nudity. The director said, “I wanted to normalize it. It’s a part of everyday life, like eating and drinking. I wanted to be authentic to one of the main themes, which is desire, and there are ways to get to it. But this felt the most organic thing to put into the film.”

All We Imagine As Light stars Kani Kusruti, Divya Prabha and Chhaya Kadam. It is the story of three women working in a hospital and the beautiful bond they share while tackling loneliness and other challenges in the city of Mumbai.

It premiered at the 77th Cannes Film Festival where it was the first film from India to compete in the main competition since 1994, and won the Grand Prix. Although All We Imagine As Light releases on November 22 across the country, it had a limited release in Kerala on September 21 so that it could qualify as India’s official entry to the Oscars. The film is distributed in India by none other than Rana Daggubati.

Also Read: Hansal Mehta calls out OTT industry as All We Imagine As Light struggles for digital release: “Harsh reality of making independent films in India”

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AR Rahman marks first social media post after divorce, celebrates HMMA win for The Goat Life

Composer AR Rahman made his first social media post since confirming his separation from wife Saira Banu. Just two days after the announcement, Rahman took to X (formerly Twitter) to celebrate his latest achievement: winning the Hollywood Music in Media Award (HMMA) for The Goat Life. The survival drama, starring Prithviraj Sukumaran, received nominations in two categories at the HMMA. Based on the 2008 novel Aadujeevitham by Benyamin, Rahman shared a video message expressing his gratitude, calling it an incredible honor to win the award and thanking the film’s team.

The official Instagram page of The Goat Life shared a video of director Blessy receiving the award on stage, along with AR Rahman’s video message to his fans. In the video, Rahman said, “It’s an incredible honour to receive this award for Best Score for a foreign language film, The Goat Life. I am deeply grateful to the Hollywood Music and Media Awards for recognizing the score. This project was a labour of love, and I share this moment with my amazing team of musicians and technicians, the director Blessy, and everyone who believed in the vision we brought to life.”

Score – Independent Film (Foreign Language)
The Goat Life – A. R. Rahmanhttps://t.co/835qBtzD01
— A.R.Rahman (@arrahman) November 21, 2024

After releasing a joint statement through their lawyer about their decision to part ways, Rahman took to his official X account to share a heartfelt message: “We had hoped to reach the grand thirty, but all things, it seems, carry an unseen end. Even the throne of God might tremble at the weight of broken hearts; in this shattering, we seek meaning, though the pieces may not find their place again. To our friends, thank you for your kindness and for respecting our privacy as we walk through this fragile chapter.”

AR Rahman and Saira Banu are parents to three children: two daughters, Raheema and Khatija, and a son, Ameen. The couple has often kept their family life private, but they are known to share a strong bond with their children. Khatija, their eldest daughter, has made public appearances and is involved in music, while Raheema and Ameen tend to stay out of the spotlight. AR Rahman, renowned for his music career, balances his professional life with his role as a father, guiding his children with values of creativity and discipline.

Also Read : AR Rahman, Saira Banu’s lawyer on speculations about reasons behind their separation: “It is a painful decision, but it is a joint decision”

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Salman Khan – Shah Rukh Khan starrer Karan Arjun makes historic re-release in 1114 theatres across India

In a groundbreaking move, Rakesh Roshan’s iconic film Karan Arjun has re-released in cinemas today, marking a significant milestone in Indian cinema. The 30-year-old blockbuster, starring Salman Khan and Shah Rukh Khan in full-fledged roles, will be screened in 1114 theatres and 2208 shows across India, as well as 250 shows overseas.

This simultaneous re-release in India and overseas is a first for any Bollywood film. Rakesh Roshan’s innovative re-release strategy aims to reintroduce the classic to modern audiences, blending new-age and traditional tools. Sources close to the project state that the makers have worked tirelessly to enhance the audio-visual experience, ensuring it resonates with new and old fans alike.

If that was not enough, making the three decade old film extra special, the re-release features a remastered version of the film with 5.1 Dolby sound and visual upgrade with Digital Intermediate (DI). New teaser and trailer, as well as fresh posters, have been created to promote the re-release.

Karan Arjun remains the only film featuring Salman Khan and Shah Rukh Khan in full-fledged roles, making this re-release a unique opportunity for fans to witness the magic of these two superstars on the big screen.

With this historic re-release, ‘Karan Arjun’ is set to captivate audiences once again, reliving the iconic moments, memorable dialogues, and unforgettable action sequences that made it a timeless classic.

Also Read: Reincarnated for 2024: Why “Mere Karan Arjun Aayenge” still holds a special place in Bollywood history and made 1995 a year to remember

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Alia Bhatt returns as ALT EFF goodwill ambassador; for sustainability and environmental awareness

ALT EFF has announced the return of Alia Bhatt as its goodwill ambassador. Through her production banner, Eternal Sunshine Productions, Bhatt continues to support sustainability and environmental awareness. Joining her is Richie Mehta, acclaimed filmmaker and brand ambassador, known for directing Poachers under Bhatt’s banner. The series explores the relationship between humans and the environment.

ALT EFF, known for curating impactful films that shed light on critical environmental issues, has found a steadfast ally in Alia Bhatt. Her production house Eternal Sunshine has previously produced Poachers, a gripping series that explores the intricate relationship between humanity and nature, reflecting her deep commitment to fostering conversations around ecological harmony.

Alia Bhatt expressed, “I am so thrilled to announce that once again Eternal Sunshine Productions partnering with All Living Things Environmental Film Festival for its 2024 edition. So this festival is truly special, it’s a celebration of films that uplifts and showcase nature’s resilience and reminds us how beautiful it is to protect our planet. It is an opportunity for all of us to see and feel the real impact of environmental change through powerful story telling. With over 100 screenings across India Alt Eff brings together the most compelling stories about our climate, our planet and the future shaping together.”

Festival Director Kunal Khanna expressed his excitement about Alia’s continued association and stated, “Alia Bhatt is not just a remarkable artist but also a passionate advocate for the environment. Her creative endeavors through Eternal Sunshine exemplify the transformative power of storytelling in addressing pressing global challenges. With Alia and Richie Mehta as our ambassadors, ALT EFF is uniquely positioned to amplify the voices of filmmakers who seek to use impact film and storytelling to drive environmental action. Together, we are building a platform that goes beyond films, inspiring tangible change and hope.”

ALT EFF 2024 will feature a lineup of films, workshops, and panel discussions focused on pressing environmental issues. With Alia Bhatt and Richie Mehta leading the initiative, the festival aims to inspire communities worldwide to reconsider their relationship with the planet.

Also Read : Alia Bhatt to collaborate with Nag Ashwin for emotional, empowering female-led drama; Report

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AR Rahman, Saira Banu’s lawyer on speculations about reasons behind their separation: “It is a painful decision, but it is a joint decision”

Oscar-winning composer AR Rahman and his wife, Saira, have chosen to part ways after almost 30 years of marriage. Their lawyer, Vandana Shah, confirmed the mutual decision and requested privacy for the family during this challenging period.

Rahman and Saira’s lawyer spoke out

Vandana Shah told ANI, “The divorce hasn’t happened yet. I am representing both of them. I can’t reveal the reason, but it is a marriage of 29 years. In every marriage, ups and downs are common. It is a painful decision, but it is a joint decision. Family’s privacy must be respected at this point of time.”

The news was first announced through a joint statement issued by Saira’s lawyer, Vandana Shah. The couple cited “significant emotional strain” as the reason for their decision to part ways.

“On behalf and instruction of Mrs. Saira and her husband renowned musician Allahrakka Rahman (A.R. Rahman), Vandana Shah and Associates issue the following statement regarding the couple’s decision to part ways,” the statement read in part.

The statement further read, “After many years of marriage, Mrs. Saira and her husband, Mr. A R. Rahman, have made the difficult decision to separate from each other. This decision comes after significant emotional strain in their relationship. Despite their deep love for each other, the couple has found that the tensions and difficulties have created an insurmountable gap between them, one that neither party feels able to bridge at this time. Mrs. Saira and her husband Mr. A R. Rahman emphasize that they have taken this decision out of pain and agony.”

AR Rahman and Saira Banu’s marriage

The composer also shared the news on his X account on Wednesday, expressing that while they had hoped to celebrate their “grand thirty,” life had different plans.

“We had hoped to reach the grand thirty, but all things, it seems, carry an unseen end. Even the throne of God might tremble at the weight of broken hearts. Yet, in this shattering, we seek meaning, though the pieces may not find their place again. To our friends, thank you for your kindness and for respecting our privacy as we walk through this fragile chapter,” his post on X read.

AR Rahman and Saira married in 1995 and have three children: Khatija, Raheema, and Ameen.

AR Rahman’s work

On the work front, Rahman was recently honoured with the ‘XTIC Award 2024 for Innovation’ by IIT Madras for his virtual reality film Le Musk. The renowned composer also launched the film’s soundtrack worldwide through Believe Music. Rahman has composed iconic soundtracks for films such as Roja, Bombay, Dil Se, Lagaan, and Rockstar. He gained international recognition for his work on Slumdog Millionaire, which earned him two Academy Awards.

In addition to his work in Bollywood, Rahman has contributed to Hollywood films such as 127 Hours and Million Dollar Arm. He has also collaborated with international artists including Mick Jagger, Andrew Lloyd Webber, and will.i.am.

Also Read : AR Rahman and wife Saira announce separation after 29 years of marriage: “Pieces may not find their place again”

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Shah Rukh Khan Death Threat Case: Accused lawyer Faizan Khan tracked Shah Rukh Khan’s family, searched security details

A new report suggests that the individual arrested for issuing death threats to actor Shah Rukh Khan was monitoring his activities and attempting to gather private details about his family. The accused, identified as Raipur-based lawyer Faizan Khan, is in custody for allegedly threatening the actor and demanding extortion.

According to a report by The Times of India, investigations revealed that Faizan Khan conducted extensive online searches to gather information about Shah Rukh Khan’s family’s security arrangements and movements. He also tracked the movements of the actor and his son, Aryan Khan. This discovery was made through a forensic analysis of Faizan’s second mobile phone, recovered by the Bandra Police investigation team.

Reports indicate that Faizan, currently in judicial custody for ten days, has been providing investigators with evasive and contradictory explanations for his searches related to Shah Rukh Khan and his family’s movements. Both Shah Rukh and Aryan Khan are under Y-plus security cover provided by the Maharashtra government.

On November 7, the Mumbai Police received an anonymous call threatening Shah Rukh Khan’s life and demanding a ₹50 lakh extortion. The call was traced to Raipur, linking the phone to Faizan Khan. Initially, Faizan claimed his phone had been stolen and that he was being framed.

Following preliminary investigations, the police arrested Faizan on November 12 and brought him in for questioning. He was placed in police custody until November 18 and later remanded to judicial custody for two weeks. Notably, Faizan had previously filed a complaint against Shah Rukh Khan regarding a dialogue in his 1994 film Anjaam about deer hunting.

Also Read : Shah Rukh Khan, Mahesh Babu, and Arjun Das lead star-studded voice cast for Mufasa: The Lion King in Hindi, Tamil and Telugu; deets inside

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Agni Trailer Out: Pratik Gandhi, Divyenndu Sharma starrer celebrates the courage and sacrifice of firefighters

On Thursday, Prime Video, in collaboration with Excel Entertainment, unveiled the powerful trailer of its upcoming Hindi film, Agni. A never-before-told story about firefighters in Hindi cinema, Agni is said to be a cinematic salute to the fearless spirit, honor, and sacrifices of firefighters. Directed and written by National Award-winning filmmaker Rahul Dholakia, the film features Pratik Gandhi and Divyenndu in lead roles with Saiyami Kher, Sai Tamhankar, Jitendra Joshi, Udit Arora, and Kabir Shah in pivotal roles.

“With Agni, I am thrilled to bring a story to life that not only celebrates the bravery of our firefighters but also delves into their emotional journeys,” said director Rahul Dholakia. “Firefighters are real-life heroes who go beyond battling fires—they rescue lives, respond to disasters, and take on countless high-risk challenges with unwavering dedication. Their courage often puts them in challenging and dangerous situations, sometimes intensified by our own actions. This story is a tribute to their sacrifice, loyalty, and resilience, and I hope it inspires audiences to recognize and appreciate these selfless protectors in our society,” he added.

“I am incredibly grateful to be reuniting with Prime Video and Excel Entertainment for Agni, a project that holds a special place in my heart,” shared actor Pratik Gandhi and continued, “Agni is not just a film; it’s a tribute to the courage of firefighters—the unsung heroes of our society. Delving into the emotional and physical challenges faced by these brave souls has been a transformative experience for me as an actor in a once-in-a-lifetime role. It’s an honor to portray a character that reflects such resilience and dedication, and I can’t wait to share this gripping journey with audiences who are seeking impactful stories that celebrate human fortitude.”

 

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Divyenndu Sharma also stated, “After the incredible journey I have had with Mirzapur; for me, Agni releasing on Prime Video is like a homecoming, especially with our trusted creative masterminds at Excel Entertainment. In Agni, I portray a cop, diving into the intense world of firefighters and the real-life heroes who protect us in this unique film. This fictional film represents more than just an engaging story, but is something meaningful for me to be a part of. I consider this as a significant shift in my career as I take on a character to showcase a hero’s personal sacrifices, beyond just their uniforms. It has enabled me to explore new depths of my craft that are raw and emotional, and I believe Agni will deeply resonate with audiences worldwide as it did with me.”

The much-anticipated film is set to premiere exclusively on Prime Video in India and across more than 240 countries and territories worldwide on December 6.

Also Read: Anaconda on Agni sets? Jitendra Joshi SHOCKS everyone at trailer launch until Divyenndu’s clarification brings the house down

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