Ritesh Batra returns with a love story 6 years after Photograph, shoot begins this September: Report

The acclaimed filmmaker Ritesh Batra’s is set to return to the director’s chair, six years after his last release, Photograph (2019), which starred Nawazuddin Siddiqui and Sanya Malhotra. As per a report in Mid-Day, Batra is gearing up to begin production on a new romantic drama—staying true to the gentle, emotional storytelling that has become his hallmark over the past 12 years. The project is expected to go on floors in September.

“Ritesh spent a considerable time writing this big romance. The film is in final prep mode,” an insider revealed to the publication. Known for delivering heartfelt Indian romantic dramas like The Lunchbox (2013) and Photograph (2019), as well as international narratives such as Our Souls at Night (2017) and The Sense of an Ending (2017), Batra is now set to bring a cross-cultural love story to life.

“It’s a mature romance between an Indian man and a foreigner. It’s the kind of sensitive drama about love and loss that Ritesh has come to be known for,” a source shared with Mid-Day. The cast for the project has already been finalized.

The project will mark Ritesh Batra’s reunion with Guneet Monga Kapoor, who was one of the producers of The Lunchbox. She returns as one of the producers on this international co-production.

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BREAKING: Jurassic World Rebirth to premiere at Raj Mandir, Jaipur; FIRST ever Hollywood event to be held at the ICONIC theatre; legendary dubbing director Ashim Samanta to be HONOURED for 31-year legacy

The box office performance of Hollywood films has been encouraging this year, more so in the second quarter. The trade and moviegoers are looking forward to three significant releases in three consecutive weeks. F1: The Movie was released on June 27. Superman will arrive in cinemas on July 11. In between, on July 4, Jurassic World Rebirth will be released worldwide. The series has had an incredible following across the country since the first part. Hence, the team at Universal Studios has decided to go all out for the premiere of the dinosaur saga.

Bollywood Hungama has learned that Jurassic World Rebirth will have its premiere in Raj Mandir Cinema, Jaipur. And that’s not all. The team of the film will be playing the dubbed Hindi version and not the original English version at the premiere. This is a unique move as normally, the premieres of Hollywood films in India are held in an elite multiplex in Mumbai.

The strategy is well thought out and also has a nostalgic factor attached to it. The first part of the series, Jurassic Park (1994), was also the first ever Hollywood film to be dubbed in India. The experiment worked and how. It attracted a sizeable number of audiences from the B and C centres, who otherwise stayed away from English films. This helped Jurassic Park become the first blockbuster Hollywood film in India, collecting almost Rs. 7.50 crores, a huge figure back then. It also opened up the market for dubbed Hollywood films.

Since then, the films of Jurassic series have always succeeded in dubbed format. Hence, to honour the mass audience for their patronage of the franchise, the Universal team decided to hold the premiere in the hinterland. A source said, “And what better place than Raj Mandir, the iconic single-screen cinema hall of Jaipur? What also works in their favour is that Raj Mandir is used to hosting big-ticket events. The management of the cinema hall is extremely excited to host the first-ever Hollywood premiere in its 50 years of existence.”

Guests will step into an immersive dinosaur-era world, complete with themed installations and interactive photo zones. The premiere will be hosted by digital star Nagma Mirajkar, will have Ashish Chanchlani in attendance with more leading influencers and celebrities. The idea is to have a full-scale cinematic experience with over 1000 attendees, including fans, press, and top digital creators.

Celebrating the legacy of the 1994 classic original Hindi dub, the event will also spotlight the legendary dubbing director Ashim Samanta, who has been overlooking the dubbing of the movies in this franchise and also the Hindi adaptation of Jurassic World Rebirth, bringing nostalgic authenticity and timeless continuity to a new generation of fans.

Denzil Dias, VP and Managing Director, India, Warner Bros. Pictures said, “We’re thrilled to bring this landmark event to Jaipur. Jurassic World Rebirth in Hindi isn’t just a premiere — it’s a tribute to the legacy of Jurassic Park and a celebration of how far Hindi-dubbed Hollywood has come.”

The premiere of Jurassic World Rebirth at Raj Mandir will be held on Thursday, July 3.

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Randeep Hooda buys lavish Versova apartment worth Rs 5.63 crores

A few days ago, actor Randeep Hooda made headlines with his mysterious bald look, sparking curiosity across the internet. Now, he’s once again in the spotlight—this time, for his latest real estate investment. While the secret behind his look remains under wraps, property documents reviewed by Square Yards reveal that the actor has purchased a luxurious apartment in Versova for Rs 5.63 crores.

According to the documents, the apartment is located on the 8th floor of a building named Bianca CHS. It has a built-up area of 1,530 sq. ft. The transaction was officially registered on June 10, 2025, with a stamp duty payment of Rs 33.78 lakhs and a registration fee of Rs 30,000. As of now, Randeep has neither confirmed nor denied the news of the purchase.
Taking Time Off to Give Back to Nature
On the professional front, the 48-year-old actor was last seen playing the antagonist in Sunny Deol’s Jaat. While he hasn’t officially announced any upcoming projects, it seems Randeep is currently on a short break, focusing on environmental initiatives.

 

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Earlier this month, on the occasion of World Environment Day, he and his wife, Lin Laishram, planted over 500 trees near Kanha. Sharing the experience on Instagram, the actor wrote: “Forests are the lungs of our planet. They don’t just shelter wildlife, they sustain us all. Every time I walk through Kanha’s wild trails, I’m reminded that nature doesn’t need us — we need nature. Planting a tree may seem like a small act, but it’s a powerful one. It’s a step toward balance, toward giving back to the Earth that gives us everything.”

Also Read: Randeep Hooda opens up on his long association with Raid 2 actor Amit Sial: “We were roommates and cabbies in Australia”; reveals why he THREW him out of his Mumbai house at 2:00 am: “He was upset with me for MANY years”

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Ranveer Singh to join Maddock Films’ expanding horror-comedy universe?

The unprecedented success of Stree, starring Shraddha Kapoor and Rajkummar Rao, laid the foundation for Maddock Films to build its own horror-comedy universe. This cinematic world already features popular names like Pankaj Tripathi, Akshay Kumar, Rashmika Mandanna, and Ayushmann Khurrana. Now, the latest buzz suggests that Ranveer Singh may also be joining this growing universe.

According to a report by Mid-Day, a source close to the production revealed, “Ranveer has been in conversations with Dinesh for a while. He was at the Maddock office last week. The makers wanted a fresh energy to drive the next chapter, and Ranveer is keen to explore the genre. The paperwork is likely to be completed soon.” The source further added, “The idea is to create an Avengers-style culmination down the road. They are discussing dates, as Ranveer will soon wrap up Aditya Dhar’s Dhurandhar. He has also allotted dates for Don 3. This project is expected to go on floors in early 2026.”

As of now, neither Ranveer Singh nor Maddock Films has officially confirmed or denied the report. However, the possibility of seeing Ranveer enter the horror-comedy space is exciting, especially since this would mark his first project in the genre. Additionally, it has been a while since fans have seen him in a full-fledged role, with his last release being Rocky Aur Rani Kii Prem Kahaani in 2023.

Speaking of his current projects, Ranveer is presently shooting for Dhurandhar, directed by Aditya Dhar. The film boasts a strong ensemble cast including Arjun Rampal, Sanjay Dutt, R. Madhavan, and Akshaye Khanna. Beyond that, he also has Don 3 lined up in his upcoming slate.

Also Read: Basil Joseph shuts down casting rumours: “Shaktimaan is ONLY Ranveer Singh!”

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Ileana D’Cruz welcomes second child, shares name and photo

Actress Ileana D’Cruz may appear less frequently on the big screen these days and rarely gives interviews. Still, she continues to keep her fans updated about her personal life, be it her pregnancy journey or the challenges of motherhood. On June 28, the actress shared yet another heartwarming update: the birth of her second child, a baby boy, with husband Michael Dolan.

For those unaware, Ileana and Michael tied the knot in an intimate ceremony in 2023 and welcomed their first child, Koa Phoenix Dolan, in August of the same year.

Taking to Instagram, Ileana shared an adorable monochrome photograph showing the newborn sleeping peacefully. Along with the picture, she wrote, “Our hearts are so full.” The image also revealed the name and birthdate of their second child, Keanu Rafe Dolan, born on June 19, 2025.

Thousands of her fans took to the comments section to congratulate the actress. Among them was her Barfi! co-star Priyanka Chopra, who commented, “Congratulations beautiful.”

 

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Ileana had confirmed her second pregnancy in October 2024. A few months later, she hosted an Ask Me Anything session on Instagram, during which she opened up about her parenting values. “People, and especially kids, should be taught that being cruel, wicked, unkind or selfish are not lovable traits… Love has to be earned, just like respect and happiness,” she said. She added, “I want to raise happy, healthy, kind children (I’m sure all parents do), and I will do my best to ensure that they know how loved they are.”

On the professional front, Ileana was last seen in Do Aur Do Pyaar (2024), co-starring Pratik Gandhi, Vidya Balan, and Sendhil Ramamurthy. Before that, she featured in Tera Kya Hoga Lovely (2022). When Raid 2 was announced, fans were eager to see her reprise her role in the Ajay Devgn-led sequel. However, due to the responsibilities of early motherhood, Ileana opted out of the film and was eventually replaced by Vaani Kapoor.

Also Read: Ileana D’Cruz announces second pregnancy with baby bump photo: “I want to raise happy, healthy, kind children”

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‘Kaanta Laga’ fame Shefali Jariwala passes away at 42

Shefali Jariwala, best known for her appearance in the iconic music video ‘Kaanta Laga’, passed away on June 27, 2025, at the age of 42.

According to news agency ANI, “Mumbai Police received information about this at 1 a.m. Her body has been sent to Cooper Hospital for postmortem. The cause of death is not yet clear.” However, the All Indian Cine Workers Association has claimed that Shefali Jariwala died due to a heart attack. Fans will have to wait for an official confirmation from the authorities or her husband, actor Parag Tyagi.

Shefali Jariwala is no longer with us. Gone too soon at just 42 due to a sudden heart attack. It’s hard to believe she’s gone.
May her soul rest in peace, and may God give strength to her family during this heartbreaking time.#RIPShefaliJariwala #GoneTooSoon #RestInPeace… pic.twitter.com/ZUnI3WlETr

— All Indian Cine Workers Association (@AICWAOfficial) June 28, 2025

For those unfamiliar, Shefali rose to fame with her dance performance in ‘Kaanta Laga.’ Following the song’s success, she went on to participate in several reality shows, including Nach Baliye 5, Nach Baliye 7 (alongside Parag Tyagi), and Bigg Boss 13. Shefali had a strong social media presence, with 3.3 million followers on Instagram and 135k on X (formerly Twitter).

Notably, her last tweet was a heartfelt tribute to the late actor and her ex-boyfriend, Sidharth Shukla. The post, shared on September 2, 2024, featured a photo of the two hugging inside the Bigg Boss 13 house, accompanied by the caption: “Thinking of you today mere dost.”

Thinking of you today mere dost @sidharth_shukla ❤️ pic.twitter.com/sZNv6Ft1hG
— Shefali Jariwala (@shefalijariwala) September 2, 2024

The news of Shefali’s sudden passing has shocked the film and television industry. Colleagues, co-stars, and friends took to social media to express their grief. Bigg Boss fame Aly Goni wrote on X, “Shocked and saddened to hear about Shefali Jariwala’s sudden demise. Life is so unpredictable. Rest in peace.”

Yeh Hai Mohabbatein actress Divyanka Tripathi shared, “It’s unbelievable. We are shocked and sad for the family.”

Singer Mika Singh also mourned her loss, writing, “I’m deeply shocked, saddened, and feeling a heavy heart… Our beloved star and my dearest friend @shefalijariwala has left us. Still can’t believe it. You will always be remembered for your grace, smile, and spirit. Om Shanti.”

Also Read: EXCLUSIVE: Kaanta Laga girl Shefali Jariwala REACTS to paparazzi shooting her backside; says, “I have never felt disrespected by them”

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Imtiaz Ali supports Diljit Dosanjh amid Sardaar Ji 3 backlash; calls him a true patriot

Amid the ongoing controversy surrounding Diljit Dosanjh and his upcoming film Sardaar Ji 3, filmmaker Imtiaz Ali has publicly voiced his support for the Punjabi actor-singer. The film has faced backlash after Pakistani actress Hania Aamir was cast as the leading lady, prompting the Federation of Western India Cine Employees (FWICE) to issue a statement against the actor and the producers associated with the project.

Imtiaz Ali, who recently worked with Diljit on the Netflix film Amar Singh Chamkila, spoke to NDTV about his experience with the artist and his personal views on the situation. “I can’t say much on the row, but since I know Diljit, I can say that us mein deshbhakti ka jazbaa poora bhara hua hai (he is completely filled with the spirit of patriotism). He is a son of the soil. You can see at all his concerts, he shows up with the Indian flag.”

Imtiaz added that Diljit’s patriotic spirit is not a performance but a genuine part of who he is. “He is not a guy who fakes things. Fakeness ke saath woh kuch nahi karta hai (he does nothing with fakeness). No one asked him to do it. At the end of all his concerts, he says, ‘Main hoon Punjab’ (I am Punjab), with the Indian flag.”

Addressing the backlash and the decision-making process behind casting, Imtiaz said, “I don’t know the details, but casting someone isn’t the decision of the actor. I don’t know how it went, but I know that uske andar desh prem bahut zyada hai (he has immense love for his country)… Jo log dekh paayenge unke andar ke sach ko, unko ye samajh mein aa jaayega (those who are able to see the truth within him will understand this).”

The controversy surrounding Sardaar Ji 3 escalated when FWICE called for action against Diljit Dosanjh and criticized the film’s production team for collaborating with a Pakistani actress during ongoing Indo-Pak tensions. The organization’s statement has intensified scrutiny around the project, though the film was reportedly shot before the recent escalation.

Imtiaz Ali’s comments bring another perspective to the debate, highlighting his personal experience with Diljit and underscoring the actor’s consistent display of national pride at his public events. As the situation develops, the industry and audiences await further responses and updates regarding the release and reception of Sardaar Ji 3.

Also Read: Diljit Dosanjh ‘not replaced’ in Border 2 despite Sardaar Ji 3 controversy

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Vivek Ranjan Agnihotri directorial The Bengal Files set to ignite America with 10 premieres!

Vivek Ranjan Agnihotri is known for his bold storytelling that uncovers buried truths. After the impactful The Tashkent Files and the all-time blockbuster The Kashmir Files, he now brings the third chapter of his truth trilogy, The Bengal Files. The highly awaited film is set to unravel yet another hidden chapter of India’s history.

Amidst growing excitement, the makers have announced 10 grand mega premieres across the United States, starting July 19 in New Jersey and concluding on August 10 in Houston. The premiere tour will include special screenings in key cities like Chicago, Atlanta, Washington DC, Raleigh, Tampa, Phoenix, Los Angeles, and the San Francisco Bay Area.

The demand for The Bengal Files is soaring in the overseas market, prompting filmmaker Vivek Ranjan Agnihotri to be approached for multiple international premieres. This highlights the film’s growing global appeal and the rising excitement beyond India.

The recently released teaser has sparked widespread attention, thanks to its powerful and intense visuals. It has been met with overwhelming praise from audiences and critics alike. One striking scene showing Mahakali engulfed in flames stirred some controversy, but the makers have clarified that the film is backed by thorough research. The teaser has successfully created intrigue, especially with its hard-hitting line: “If Kashmir hurt you, then Bengal will haunt you.” The anticipation is now higher than ever.

 

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The Bengal Files is written and directed by Vivek Ranjan Agnihotri and produced by Abhishek Agarwal and Pallavi Joshi. It stars Mithun Chakraborty, Pallavi Joshi, Anupam Kher, and Darshan Kumar. The film presented by Tej Narayan Agarwal & I Am Buddha is a part of Vivek’s Files trilogy that includes The Kashmir Files and The Tashkent Files. The film will arrive in theatres on September 5, 2025.

Also Read: Eklavya Sood joins Vivek Agnihotri’s The Bengal Files, calls it a ‘career-defining role’

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Diljit Dosanjh ‘not replaced’ in Border 2 despite Sardaar Ji 3 controversy

Diljit Dosanjh is currently facing controversy over his upcoming film Sardaar Ji 3, which will not release in India. The film, which was shot before the recent escalation of Indo-Pak tensions, stars Pakistani actress Hania Aamir and has attracted significant backlash. The situation has not only impacted the film’s India release but has also raised speculation regarding Dosanjh’s involvement in his future projects.

Recent reports suggested that Dosanjh, who is playing an Indian Army officer in the patriotic war drama Border 2, was allegedly removed from the film due to the ongoing controversy surrounding Sardaar Ji 3. However, a source close to the production has denied these rumours, clarifying that the actor remains actively involved in the project. “The news about his replacement is not true. Diljit is part of Border 2 and we have already shot with him 50 percent of the film. The announcement about his casting was made almost 9 months back,” the source confirmed.

These rumours started fuelling after FWICE demanded strict action from producers being associated with Diljit Dosanjh in upcoming films. In a letter they sent to producer Bhushan Kumar and T-Series, regarding the war drama, read, “The Federation of Western India Cine Employees (FWICE), representing the core workforce of the Indian film and television industry, is deeply disappointed and concerned by the casting of actor-singer Mr. Diljit Dosanjh in your upcoming film Border 2… This casting decision is in blatant violation of FWICE’s official directive to boycott Mr. Diljit Dosanjh, which was issued after his unpatriotic act of working with a Pakistani actress, Ms. Hania Aamir, in the film Sardaar Ji 3.”

Meanwhile, speaking of Border 2, it is currently in production, with shooting underway in Pune. Actor Varun Dhawan has been filming key sequences at the National Defense Academy (NDA) as part of the ongoing schedule. The war-based film is directed by Anurag Singh and produced by Nidhi Dutta in collaboration with T-Series. The film also features Sunny Deol, Ahan Shetty, and several other prominent actors.

Despite the backlash surrounding Sardaar Ji 3, which is no longer slated for an Indian release, the production team behind Border 2 appears to remain committed to Dosanjh’s involvement. The film is currently scheduled to hit theatres on January 23 next year.

Also Read: Neeru Bajwa deletes post on Sardaar Ji 3 amid controversy over casting Pakistani actress Hania Aamir

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Neeru Bajwa deletes post on Sardaar Ji 3 amid controversy over casting Pakistani actress Hania Aamir

Punjabi actress Neeru Bajwa has reportedly deleted a social media post related to the upcoming Punjabi film Sardaar Ji 3 following the growing controversy around the project’s casting. The film stars Diljit Dosanjh and Pakistani actress Hania Aamir, whose involvement has sparked significant backlash in India.

According to reports, Neeru Bajwa was set to play a key role in the horror-comedy, which revolves around ghost hunters. However, after the film faced public criticism over featuring a Pakistani artist, the actress appeared to distance herself from the project by removing related content from her social media platforms.

The controversy gained momentum after tensions between India and Pakistan escalated in April this year, particularly following India’s Operation Sindoor, which was a response to the terror attack in Pahalgam. Many Pakistani celebrities, including Hania Aamir, openly condemned the operation. This led to widespread anger in India, with both citizens and public figures criticizing those who opposed the retaliatory strike.

The Federation of Western India Cine Employees (FWICE) has now formally urged the Indian government to take strict action against Diljit Dosanjh for working in a project involving a Pakistani actress amid such sensitive times. The body has gone as far as recommending the cancellation of Dosanjh’s passport and citizenship, citing national sentiment and the ongoing diplomatic strain between the two countries.

Meanwhile, the producers of Sardaar Ji 3 have issued a statement defending the cast and production timeline. They clarified that the actors, including Hania Aamir, were signed well before the recent Indo-Pak tensions arose, and that the film had been completed prior to the escalation.

Despite the producers’ explanation, the film will reportedly not release in India, likely due to the intensifying backlash. However, Sardaar Ji 3 is expected to release internationally, with a scheduled premiere on June 27.

The situation has sparked a wider debate about the involvement of Pakistani artists in Indian projects and the future of cross-border collaborations in the entertainment industry. Neeru Bajwa has not made any public comment on the matter so far. The actress is currently gearing up for the release on action comedy Son of Sardaar 2.

Also Read: Diljit Dosanjh’s manager DEFENDS actor-singer amid Sardaar Ji 3 row: “Despite giving everything to his country, he is still seen as ‘the other’”

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