Director Tarun Mansukhani has finally broken his silence on the criticism surrounding Housefull 5, especially the trolling it has received on social media for objectifying women and excessive skin show. In an exclusive conversation with News18, the filmmaker addressed the backlash, asserting that the very fact people are discussing the film means they are engaging with it.

“I feel like that there’s a lot of scrutiny on social media. I also believe that scrutiny tends to only happen on successful films. You tend to keep quiet if a film isn’t working at all. That’s when no one has any opinion and they don’t say anything. So, when people are making noise about my film, I actually feel very happy about it,” he said.

Mansukhani, known for his nuanced storytelling in past ventures, maintained that he values audience feedback. He emphasized that viewers have every right to voice their opinions after investing time and money into watching a film. “It means that they’re watching it with a certain eye and sensibility. You can scrutinise it. That’s fine. You’ve paid money to watch it and so, you get to have an opinion on my film. It’s not a placid film about which you don’t care or have an opinion. For those who’re calling it out, I want to say that it’s your choice of seeing and focusing on that aspect of the film,” he added.

Defending the narrative arc and character depth, Mansukhani revealed that contrary to the perception of the film being male dominated, the women in Housefull 5 play a pivotal role in shaping the plot. “Akshay decides to play Jolly and he comes to know that there’s a missing son. So, he hires the character of Nargis (Fakhri) and asks him to join him on this search. One thing leads to another and they decide to backstab together. It’s Sonam (Bajwa) who backstabs Riteish (Deshmukh) and helps further the plot, that in turn helps bring a third Jolly. The actual plot is driven by women – to get the money. There’s a Soundarya who’s equal parts a suspect in this entire thing because she’s busy transferring funds into an offshore account.”

With this clarification, Tarun Mansukhani hopes viewers will look beyond the surface and appreciate the layered storytelling in Housefull 5.

Also Read: Housefull 5 EXCLUSIVE: Nana Patekar’s body double Tejas Dunbale opens up about his experience: “Nana Patekar appreciated my moves; Akshay Kumar was AMAZED to see my stunts and stamina; Abhishek Bachchan was concerned…”

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Ajmal Perfumes, a legacy fragrance house with over 300 scents to its name, has officially announced Bollywood actor Saif Ali Khan as its brand ambassador. Known for blending traditional perfumery with modern innovation, the brand has earned its moniker “King of Oud” and now aims to deepen its global presence by partnering with the versatile actor.

Ajmal Perfumes believes that Saif Ali Khan, with his lineage, refined persona, and blend of old-world charm and contemporary appeal, represent the values that the brand holds dear. The collaboration is set to highlight the brand’s mission of merging heritage with modern elegance, while also expanding awareness of Indian perfumery on an international scale.

Speaking about the new association, Abdulla Ajmal, CEO of Ajmal Perfumes, expressed his excitement, stating, “Ajmal Perfumes has always been about legacy, excellence and the power of scent to evoke memory and emotion. Saif Ali Khan, with his regal presence and universal appeal, embodies these values perfectly. We’re excited to welcome him to the Ajmal family as our brand ambassador and look forward to a fragrant journey ahead.”

As part of this partnership, Saif will be the face of an extensive campaign across digital platforms, print, in-store displays, and out-of-home (OOH) media. A special behind-the-scenes video featuring Saif will also be unveiled at the Ajmal store to mark the beginning of the collaboration.

Saif Ali Khan, too, expressed his admiration for the brand and what it stands for, saying,
“I am delighted to be associated with Ajmal Perfumes, a brand I have long admired and personally used. There’s something about a well-made perfume – it becomes a signature without trying too hard. Ajmal’s craft speaks to that idea, and that’s what I appreciate about it.”

On the work front, Saif Ali Khan was last seen in the Netflix heist drama Jewel Thief – The Heist Begins which featured him alongside Jaideep Ahlawat and Nikita Dutta. If reports are to be believed, the actor is also expected to return to his famous Race franchise in the fourth instalment but details of the same are currently being held under wraps.

Also Read: Inside the kitchen of Kareena Kapoor Khan: Saif Ali Khan has a ‘Kerala’ obsession and Kareena wants ‘Indian Meal’ daily

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With the release of Sitaare Zameen Par approaching, anticipation continues to build. Positioned as a spiritual successor to the 2007 film Taare Zameen Par, the trailer offers a glimpse into a heartfelt story filled with warmth and joy. Adding to the buzz, the film’s soulful soundtrack is resonating with audiences and keeping the excitement going ahead of its premiere.

Continuing the spree, yet another song, Shubh Mangalam, from the film is all set to release tomorrow.

The makers took to social media to share the teaser of ‘Shubh Mangalam’. As showcased in the teaser, the song radiates vibrant wedding vibes, featuring Aamir Khan, Genelia Deshmukh, and 10 shining Sitaare dancing and having a great time.

 

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They captioned the post with, “Alert the Pandit, prep the mandap. #ShubhMangalam arrives TOMORROW! Stay tuned! Watch #SitaareZameenPar 20th June Only in Theatres. Trailer out now.”

Aamir Khan Productions proudly presents 10 rising stars: Aroush Datta, Gopi Krishna Varma, Samvit Desai, Vedant Sharma, Ayush Bhansali, Ashish Pendse, Rishi Shahani, Rishabh Jain, Naman Mishra, and Simran Mangeshkar. Directed by R. S. Prasanna, who previously helmed the barrier-breaking blockbuster Shubh Mangal Saavdhan, now returns with the biggest collaboration with Aamir Khan Production’s Sitaare Zameen Par.

Made under the banner of Aamir Khan Productions, Sitaare Zameen Par stars Aamir Khan and Genelia Deshmukh in lead roles along with the 10 rising stars. The lyrics are penned by Amitabh Bhattacharya and music is composed by Shankar-Ehsaan-Loy. The screenplay is written By Divy Nidhi Sharma. The film is produced by Aamir Khan and Aparna Purohit, with B. Shrinivas Rao and Ravi Bhagchandka as producers. Directed by R. S. Prasanna, the film will be released in theatres only on 20th June, 2025.

Also Read : Sitaare Zameen Par early review: Sudha Murthy calls Aamir Khan starrer “eye-opener”; says, “This movie can bring a lot of change”

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India, prepare to be serenaded by the stirring melodies of one of the world’s most beloved indie folk singer-songwriters, Passenger aka Michael Rosenberg. The voice behind the timeless hit ‘Let Her Go’, is all set to bring his 3-city India Tour, produced and promoted by BookMyShow Live, to fans this November as part of his much-anticipated Asia Tour.

The multi-award-winning, multi-platinum-selling artist will perform at DLF CyberHub in Delhi-NCR on November 19, followed by Phoenix Marketcity in Mumbai on November 21 and Phoenix Marketcity in Bengaluru on November 22, marking his first ever performances in India.

Tickets for Passenger’s India Tour go on sale at 10 AM IST on June 17, 2025, exclusively on BookMyShow, India’s leading entertainment destination.

Passenger shot to global fame with ‘Let Her Go’, the breakout single from his 2012 album ‘All The Little Lights’. The track not only climbed to the number one spot in 19 countries but also became the second most searched song of all time on Shazam, with billions of streams worldwide, transforming Rosenberg into an international sensation. Fans can’t get enough of his extended discography – tracks like ‘Simple Song’, ‘Anywhere’, ‘Sword from the Stone’ and ‘Life’s For The Living’ are on constant repeat, echoing through playlists and hearts alike.

Commenting on the tour, Naman Pugalia, Chief Business Officer – Live Events, BookMyShow said, “Passenger’s music holds a rare emotional weight, one that is quiet, introspective and deeply resonant. For many fans in India, his songs have been the soundtrack to personal moments, quietly weaving their way into everyday life. Bringing him to India for the very first time across three cities is incredibly special for us at BookMyShow Live. We’ve always believed in curating experiences that are as meaningful as they are memorable, and this tour is exactly that: intimate, honest and led entirely by the music.”

From stripped-down acoustic sets to soaring anthems delivered with raw vulnerability, his performances are known for their deep emotional resonance and honest simplicity. With a discography of 15 independently released studio albums, Rosenberg has carved a unique space in the global music landscape through his intimate songwriting, emotional storytelling and grassroots approach to touring.

Whether busking on street corners or headlining world-renowned venues, his ability to connect with audiences remains unmatched. Over the past year alone, Passenger has performed at some of the world’s most iconic venues, including Red Rocks Amphitheatre in Colorado, The Beacon Theatre in New York City, the Royal Albert Hall in London and two sold-out nights at the prestigious Sydney Opera House, showcasing his enduring global appeal and the magnetic quality of his live shows.

Passenger’s India tour promises to be a once-in-a-lifetime experience for fans to witness one of the most soulful, passionate voices in contemporary music. With his heartfelt lyrics, minimalist sound and warm stage presence, Rosenberg brings stories of love, loss, hope and humanity to life, transcending borders and reaching millions of fans.

Also Read: Himesh Reshammiya’s Delhi show sells out: “We’re building something truly special for this night”

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A recent report by Mid-Day created a buzz in Bollywood circles by claiming that Vicky Kaushal is in talks to join Yash Raj Films’ (YRF) celebrated Spy Universe. According to the report, the makers approached Kaushal following his acclaimed performance in Chhaava, where he was hailed for his action chops.

A recent report in the portal quoted a trade source about Vicky Kaushal joining the YRF universe saying, “Conversations have been happening for a while, and Vicky is keen to be part of this ambitious franchise. It’s still in the early stages, but the idea is to introduce a fresh narrative thread within the existing world.”

However, a well-placed industry source has now clarified to Bollywood Hungama that there is no truth to these claims. “It is not true at all. Currently, YRF is completely focusing on War 2. Yes, while they do have big plans for the spy universe, there are no plans about adding any such film to the franchise. As of now, no such film is being made,” the source shared, putting speculation to rest.

The YRF Spy Universe, helmed by producer Aditya Chopra, includes mega blockbusters like Ek Tha Tiger, Tiger Zinda Hai, War, Pathaan, and Tiger 3. The next confirmed film in the pipeline is War 2, directed by Ayan Mukerji and starring Hrithik Roshan, Jr NTR, and Kiara Advani which is slated for a global release on August 14, 2025.

Following War 2, the spotlight will shift to Alpha, the first female-led narrative in the spyverse. The film stars Alia Bhatt in the lead, with Sharvari and Anil Kapoor playing pivotal roles. We hear that the team is going to dedicate its complete energy on Alpha after War 2, and the source has asserted that there are no plans as yet for any additional entries.

While fans may love the idea of Vicky Kaushal entering the YRF spy fold, for now, it appears to be nothing more than speculation. As always, the studio is keeping its cards close to the chest—prioritizing confirmed projects over conjecture.

Also Read: Guru Dutt biopic in early talks; Vicky Kaushal considered to play the icon

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India, prepare to be serenaded by the stirring melodies of one of the world’s most beloved indie folk singer-songwriters, Passenger aka Michael Rosenberg. The voice behind the timeless hit ‘Let Her Go’, is all set to bring his 3-city India Tour, produced and promoted by BookMyShow Live, to fans this November as part of his much-anticipated Asia Tour.

The multi-award-winning, multi-platinum-selling artist will perform at DLF CyberHub in Delhi-NCR on November 19, followed by Phoenix Marketcity in Mumbai on November 21 and Phoenix Marketcity in Bengaluru on November 22, marking his first ever performances in India.

Tickets for Passenger’s India Tour go on sale at 10 AM IST on June 17, 2025, exclusively on BookMyShow, India’s leading entertainment destination.

Passenger shot to global fame with ‘Let Her Go’, the breakout single from his 2012 album ‘All The Little Lights’. The track not only climbed to the number one spot in 19 countries but also became the second most searched song of all time on Shazam, with billions of streams worldwide, transforming Rosenberg into an international sensation. Fans can’t get enough of his extended discography – tracks like ‘Simple Song’, ‘Anywhere’, ‘Sword from the Stone’ and ‘Life’s For The Living’ are on constant repeat, echoing through playlists and hearts alike.

Commenting on the tour, Naman Pugalia, Chief Business Officer – Live Events, BookMyShow said, “Passenger’s music holds a rare emotional weight, one that is quiet, introspective and deeply resonant. For many fans in India, his songs have been the soundtrack to personal moments, quietly weaving their way into everyday life. Bringing him to India for the very first time across three cities is incredibly special for us at BookMyShow Live. We’ve always believed in curating experiences that are as meaningful as they are memorable, and this tour is exactly that: intimate, honest and led entirely by the music.”

From stripped-down acoustic sets to soaring anthems delivered with raw vulnerability, his performances are known for their deep emotional resonance and honest simplicity. With a discography of 15 independently released studio albums, Rosenberg has carved a unique space in the global music landscape through his intimate songwriting, emotional storytelling and grassroots approach to touring.

Whether busking on street corners or headlining world-renowned venues, his ability to connect with audiences remains unmatched. Over the past year alone, Passenger has performed at some of the world’s most iconic venues, including Red Rocks Amphitheatre in Colorado, The Beacon Theatre in New York City, the Royal Albert Hall in London and two sold-out nights at the prestigious Sydney Opera House, showcasing his enduring global appeal and the magnetic quality of his live shows.

Passenger’s India tour promises to be a once-in-a-lifetime experience for fans to witness one of the most soulful, passionate voices in contemporary music. With his heartfelt lyrics, minimalist sound and warm stage presence, Rosenberg brings stories of love, loss, hope and humanity to life, transcending borders and reaching millions of fans.

Also Read: Himesh Reshammiya’s Delhi show sells out: “We’re building something truly special for this night”

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Popular television couple Kunal Verma and Puja Banerjee recently revealed they were victims of a devastating financial scam. In an emotional interview with ETimes, the duo shared that they were betrayed by someone they considered family—a close friend who left them financially broken.

“These past 2-3 months have been extremely difficult for us, and we have no idea what will happen next. We have been victims of a fraudulent financial scam, and we lost a huge amount. We have to start from zero, and we won’t give up. We don’t want to give up. We lost all our savings in this fraud… Humein wapis zero pe laake khada kar diya hai,” said Puja, adding that the betrayal has taken a heavy emotional toll on them.

Kunal Verma, echoing her emotions, said, “When you trust someone for the past 3 years… Has been with you, became a part of your home and family…” To this, Puja added, “We are deeply hurt, but we don’t want to give up at this point and come out stronger.”

The couple, who welcomed their son Krishiv in October 2020, expressed that it was incredibly painful to disclose this ordeal publicly. “We have cried enough behind it and these past months were extremely shattering. All we want is support. It was impossible for us to share it with our family but now with this video they will come to know. It feels terrible to share such news with them. All our lives we have worked hard and earned.”

In a heartfelt plea to their fans and well-wishers, Puja asked for support and prayers. “We shall keep updating you all but pray that we get the amount that we lost back. We know it’s a long battle but we will fight it together.”

Kunal Verma and Puja Banerjee, who first met on the sets of Tujh Sang Preet Lagai Sajna in 2008, tied the knot in a court ceremony in April 2020 during the pandemic. They later celebrated with a traditional wedding in November 2021, with their son Krishiv also in attendance.

Despite this personal and financial setback, the couple remains determined to rebuild their lives.

Also Read: Kunal Verma and Puja Banerjee donate their wedding expenses for COVID-19 relief

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A recent report by Mid-Day created a buzz in Bollywood circles by claiming that Vicky Kaushal is in talks to join Yash Raj Films’ (YRF) celebrated Spy Universe. According to the report, the makers approached Kaushal following his acclaimed performance in Chhaava, where he was hailed for his action chops.

A recent report in the portal quoted a trade source about Vicky Kaushal joining the YRF universe saying, “Conversations have been happening for a while, and Vicky is keen to be part of this ambitious franchise. It’s still in the early stages, but the idea is to introduce a fresh narrative thread within the existing world.”

However, a well-placed industry source has now clarified to Bollywood Hungama that there is no truth to these claims. “It is not true at all. Currently, YRF is completely focusing on War 2. Yes, while they do have big plans for the spy universe, there are no plans about adding any such film to the franchise. As of now, no such film is being made,” the source shared, putting speculation to rest.

The YRF Spy Universe, helmed by producer Aditya Chopra, includes mega blockbusters like Ek Tha Tiger, Tiger Zinda Hai, War, Pathaan, and Tiger 3. The next confirmed film in the pipeline is War 2, directed by Ayan Mukerji and starring Hrithik Roshan, Jr NTR, and Kiara Advani which is slated for a global release on August 14, 2025.

Following War 2, the spotlight will shift to Alpha, the first female-led narrative in the spyverse. The film stars Alia Bhatt in the lead, with Sharvari and Anil Kapoor playing pivotal roles. We hear that the team is going to dedicate its complete energy on Alpha after War 2, and the source has asserted that there are no plans as yet for any additional entries.

While fans may love the idea of Vicky Kaushal entering the YRF spy fold, for now, it appears to be nothing more than speculation. As always, the studio is keeping its cards close to the chest—prioritizing confirmed projects over conjecture.

Also Read: Guru Dutt biopic in early talks; Vicky Kaushal considered to play the icon

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Applause Entertainment’s Criminal Justice: A Family Matter, which is the fourth season of the show, released two weeks ago on JioHotstar, and so far, it has maintained a high graph. For the second week in a row, Criminal Justice has stood as the most-watched show in India. Continuing with its upward trend, the Pankaj Tripathi-starrer show has been ranked #1 among the top 5 most-watched Indian originals for the week of June 2-8 with an impressive viewership of 10.3 million views.

It has stood among the most-watched original shows, including Heartbeat Season 2, The Last of Us Season 2, Hai Junoon: Dream. Dare. Dominate, and Kankhajura. At the time of its release, it registered the strongest opening for any OTT original on pay/freemium platforms in 2025, with and impressive 8.4 million views.

The official page of Applause Entertainment shared this feat on its social media page with a caption that read, “2 Weeks. 1 Verdict. India’s Most-Watched Series. Criminal Justice: A Family Matter now streaming only on @jiohotstar Catch a new episode every Thursday.”

 

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In Criminal Justice Season 4, Pankaj Tripathi reprises his role as Madhav Mishra and holds the court in a murder case by playing a defence lawyer. Apart from Pankaj Tripathi, the show also stars Mohammed Zeeshan Ayyub, Surveen Chawla, and Shweta Basu Prasad, who ensure to keep the series engaging. Produced by Applause Entertainment in association with BBC Studios India and directed by Rohan Sippy, Criminal Justice season 4 is now streaming on JioHotstar.

Though the platform has released four episodes in the latest season, the audience can’t wait to watch more episodes soon. Despite the makers unveiling one episode each week, viewers are hooked to its rich narrative.

Also Read: Metro…In Dino trailer launch: Pankaj Tripathi steals the show: “Aaj kal pyaar ke baad social media bhi ek ghante ke liye jaga deta hai! Premika so gayi hai lekin Instagram nahin”

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Karan Johar is known for his candour, and in a recent conversation with Bollywood Hungama, the filmmaker once again shared some hard-hitting insights – this time on the current state of storytelling in the Hindi film industry. From genre fatigue to the obsession with cinematic universes, Johar didn’t hold back in expressing his views on why originality should be celebrated, not sidelined.

“I think it’s everybody grappling to do what others are doing. I think herd mentality. So, we see Pushpa running and catering so strongly to the tier two and tier three audiences. Suddenly there’ll be 20 others wanting to do the same. You see Chhaava working, and everybody will want to make historical dramas! After Stree, everybody wants to make horror comedies. Those worked because they were individually strong, and there was no other option in that genre. And it was a unique thought that made those films work. We all have individual thoughts that are unique to ourselves,” Karan told Bollywood Hungama.

Known for producing a wide range of stories across genres, Johar emphasized that he is not chasing the trend of building a cinematic universe. For him, storytelling is the true universe. KJo shared, “When somebody asked me the other day, you have a universe, I said, as in, so he said, like, you know, like, like, my universe is a comedy genre universe. I said, my universe is cinema itself. My universe is stories. I’m not here to build universes. I’m here to tell stories”.

He went on to continue, “And if there is in that story a universe, then why not? More power (to them)! I love that there is a horror comedy universe that Maddock has so brilliantly created and cultivated. It’s fantastic. What Dinesh Vijan has done is outstanding. I have so much regard for Aditya Chopra – as I said, he’s my mentor. The Spy universe is fantastic, but if I start emulating them, how am I going to stand out?”

Johar concluded his passionate take with a powerful reminder that originality is key to lasting success. “So my way of doing it is like really telling individual stories. And in that journey, if there is a universe that comes along, then why not? But I think what we are combating, to go back to your question, is herd mentality, and also grappling with what others are doing and trying to achieve the same success, right? Success, success cannot be emulated. You know, it cannot. You can’t force a you cannot. You can’t, no, you can’t emulate success. You can create it with your own individuality, and that’s what we should yearn,” he concluded.

Also Read: EXCLUSIVE: Karan Johar shuts down Ranbir Kapoor-Ranveer Singh rivalry rumours; says, “We are all friends above anything else”

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