It has been more than six years since Mira Nair’s last outing, A Suitable Boy (2020); and the filmmaker is finally gearing up for her next — a biopic on modernist painter Amrita Sher-Gil. The large-scale international production will kick off in Amritsar this week with a recce. Nair will base her unit in the city to shoot key portions for two months, until March, before the project moves to Europe for its second schedule. Sources close to the production reveal that the international cast and crew will soon arrive in Punjab, while extensive logistical preparations are underway to recreate early 20th-century settings integral to Sher-Gil’s life. “Right now it’s just recce. The shoot begins a bit later. Punjab is central to Amrita Sher-Gil’s story, and Mira wanted to begin the film on that note,” explains a source, adding that the director has been closely involved in scouting locations and detailing the period. While casting details remain under wraps, industry buzz suggests the ensemble includes a mix of Indian and European actors. Our source shares, “The casting has been locked after months of research and auditions, but Mira is deliberately keeping it quiet until filming is well underway.” The film’s European schedule — expected to cover Hungary and France — will focus on Sher-Gil’s formative artistic years. An official announcement regarding the cast is expected later this year, once principal photography progresses. ‘Three Girls’ created by Amrita Sher-Gil in 1935 was the first major work she completed after returning to India. It won the Gold Medal at the annual exhibition of the Bombay Art Society in 1937, which catapulted her to fame Who was Amrita Sher-Gil? Amrita Sher-Gil is often referred to as the ‘Indian Frida Kahlo’. Born in Budapest to a Punjabi Sikh father and a Hungarian mother, she spent her early years in Hungary and India before moving to Paris at 16 to study at the École des Beaux-Arts. She revolutionised Indian art by choosing to paint the everyday reality of the Indian poor and the internal lives of women with deep empathy
08 January,2026 09:54 AM IST | Mumbai | Mohar BasuMain Smita Patil banna chaahti hoon Actor Chitrangda Singh says she would be “thrilled” to portray cinema legend Smita Patil if a biopic on the late star is ever made. In a recent interaction, Chitrangda spoke about frequently being compared to Patil and recalled a surreal moment involving her son, Prateik Babbar. “Prateik once shared my picture on Mother’s Day, thinking it was his mother. Someone pointed it out to me, and I realised it was actually my photograph,” she said, calling the moment shocking yet special. Chitrangda added that such incidents have made her reflect on the resemblance, saying she would “love” to play Patil on screen someday. Circus on celluloid Yash; (right) Kiara Advani in Toxic: A Fairy-Tale for Grown-Ups A visually ambitious sequence is expected to be one of the talking points of a major Indian release this year, with Kiara Advani playing a key role in it. According to reports, Toxic: A Fairy-Tale for Grown-Ups includes a Cirque du Soleil–inspired act that required months of preparation. The Geetu Mohandas–directed film reportedly sees the actor essay Nadia, a part that involved training with an international team to balance physical precision with emotional depth. Those associated with the film describe the character as intense and unguarded, contributing meaningfully to the narrative rather than just spectacle. The film has been shot in Kannada and English, with dubbed versions planned, and is slated for a March 19 theatrical release. Meanwhile, Yash, who recently turned 40, skipped his birthday fan meet as he is focussing on finishing the film. He has promised to meet his fans soon. Kya pata collab ho na ho Nikkhil Advani; (right) Shah Rukh Khan in Kal Ho Naa Ho Filmmaker Nikkhil Advani has opened up about wanting to collaborate with Shah Rukh Khan again, this time on a film centred on terrorism. Reflecting on his journey, Nikkhil said every storyteller evolves with time, noting that when he made Kal Ho Naa Ho (2003), his priorities were different and rooted in romance and optimism. He shared that he and SRK had once discussed a terrorism-based story, adding that he’s now keen to tell films that leave behind a lasting legacy.
08 January,2026 09:51 AM IST | Mumbai | The Hitlist TeamHorror-comedy has quietly turned into Hindi cinema’s most reliable crowd-pleaser these days. Everyone, it seems, wants in. So, why shouldn’t Yami Gautam have a piece of it, especially after her heavy-duty turn in the social courtroom drama, Haq (2025), which had an OTT release last week. mid-day has exclusively learnt that Gautam has been locked to headline a horror-comedy in Aanand L Rai’s next production. Titled Nayi Naveli, the film is set to go on floors in February. “It will mark Yami’s first collaboration with Colour Yellow [Rai’s production house]. It will be a new territory for Yami. It’s an ensemble film,” says a source. Aanand L Rai The horror-comedy rooted in Indian folklore and mythology is penned by Divy Nidhi Sharma, who previously wrote Aamir Khan’s Sitaare Zameen Par (2025), Laapataa Ladies (2024), and Heeramandi: The Diamond Bazaar (2024), among others. This is Sharma’s second collaboration with Rai after the yet-unreleased romance Nakhrewaalii. “The humour is atypical of Aanand L Rai’s slice-of-life productions. After Haq, Yami was looking to do something in a lighter zone, but with substance. Nayi Naveli is that perfect combination because while it’s a funny film, it’s not without elements that offer intrigue and emotionality. It is being envisioned on a big scale,” says an insider. While the script is ready, the film is currently in pre-production, and the rest of the cast is still being locked, adds another insider. Nayi Naveli will reportedly be helmed by Tamil filmmaker Balaji Mohan, of Maari (2015) fame, marking his Hindi directorial debut. Also in the works Aanand L Rai is reportedly also planning his third film with South star Dhanush, after ‘Raanjhanaa’ (2013) and ‘Tere Ishk Mein’ (2025)
08 January,2026 09:36 AM IST | Mumbai | Priyanka SharmaThe race to the final nomination of the Academy Awards’ Best International Feature Film category has begun. Homebound, directed by Neeraj Ghaywan, has made it to the top 15 shortlisted films, placing it in strong contention as voting progresses. Vishal Jethwa has flown to Los Angeles with co-actor Ishaan Khatter and Ghaywan to participate in a series of in-person screenings and post-screening discussions across the city. Beginning the year with the Oscar campaign, Jethwa describes it as a “surreal start to the New Year”. “Flying to Los Angeles for the Oscar run of Homebound feels like a dream I’m still processing.” A source says the itinerary has been designed around Academy-approved screening venues, enabling members from multiple branches to attend. “Each screening is followed by Q&A sessions, where the cast and filmmaker will discuss the film’s narrative choices, performances, and thematic concerns. Vishal is expected to talk about his character preparation and the emotional framework of his role,” the source adds. The campaign includes meetings with guild members and international film committees based in LA. The Homebound team will also engage in press conversations with international and US-based entertainment outlets. A still from ‘Homebound’ Grateful to Ghaywan for “the transformative experience”, Jethwa says, “This film has given me so much as an actor. Neeraj sir’s sensitivity, honesty, and vision pushed me to explore spaces I had never tapped into. Homebound is my first film to reach this level of international acknowledgement, and it is incredibly emotional for me. Standing here, representing our story, reminds me why I wanted to be an actor.” Other films in the running… . ‘The Secret Agent’ (Brazil). ‘It Was Just an Accident’ (France). ‘Sentimental Value’ (Norway). ‘No Other Choice’ (South Korea). ‘Sirât’ (Spain)
08 January,2026 09:33 AM IST | Mumbai | Mohar BasuBollywood actors Vicky Kaushal and Katrina Kaif have introduced their newborn son to the world. On Wednesday, January 7, the couple shared the first picture of their baby boy on Instagram, revealing his name as Vihaan Kaushal. Expressing the joy of stepping into parenthood, they penned an adorable note and received congratulatory messages from all corners. Vicky Kaushal, Katrina Kaif reveal baby boy’s name Taking to social media, they shared a joint post featuring the tiny hand of their little munchkin. They revealed his name, Vihaan Kaushal, and wrote, “Our Ray of Light. Vihaan Kaushal. Prayers are answered. Life is beautiful. Our world is changed in an instant. Gratitude beyond words. (sic)” Many quickly noticed the special connection to Vicky's Uri character, Major Vihaan Singh Shergil, making the name even more meaningful. As soon as they shared the post, congratulations poured in. Aahana Kumra, Shibani Akhtar, Sophie Choudry, and fans dropped heart emojis, while Parineeti Chopra wrote, “Little buddy.” View this post on Instagram A post shared by Katrina Kaif (@katrinakaif) More about Vicky and Katrina On November 7, Vicky Kaushal and Katrina Kaif joyfully announced the arrival of their first child, a baby boy. The couple shared the happy news on Instagram by posting a greeting card that read, “Our bundle of joy has arrived. With immense love and gratitude, we welcome our baby boy. 7th November, 2025. Katrina and Vicky.” In the caption, they kept it simple and heartfelt, writing, “Blessed. Om.” The duo had announced their pregnancy on September 23, 2025, through a joint post on social media. The actors shared a Polaroid-style photo in which Vicky was seen gently cradling Katrina’s baby bump. Vicky and Katrina tied the knot on December 9, 2021, in an intimate wedding ceremony in Rajasthan. The ceremony was a low-key affair with family members and close friends in attendance. Vicky Kaushal on fatherhood During an interaction with GQ India, Vicky Kaushal opened up on fatherhood, saying, “Becoming a father this year is my biggest moment of 2025. It is a magical feeling. I always felt that when the time came, I would be very emotional and ecstatic, but it has actually been the most grounding moment that I have ever experienced in my life.” On the work front, the actor is gearing up for Love and War with Ranbir Kapoor and Alia Bhatt. The film, directed by Sanjay Leela Bhansali, will release this year. Apart from this, he also has Maddock’s Mahavatar.
07 January,2026 09:10 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentThe new year begins on high alert as Arjun Meena’s team takes position. Netflix unveiled the electrifying trailer of Taskaree: The Smuggler’s Web, an upcoming thriller that thrusts viewers into a relentless battle of wits inside government customs, where concealment is craft, intel is currency, and there are no second chances. About Taskaree Spanning key smuggling corridors across Al-Dera, Addis Ababa, Milan and Bangkok, Taskaree opens up the complex machinery of the international smuggling world- a web built on coded routes, false manifests, and calculated misdirection. At its centre is a specialised customs task force at one of the busiest airports in the country, Mumbai International Airport, led by an uncompromisingly honest team of officers: Arjun Meena (Emraan Hashmi), Mitali Kamath (Amruta Khanvilkar), Ravinder Gujjar (Nandish Singh Sandhu), and Prakash Kumar (Anurag Sinha). These officers rely on instinct as much as intelligence, knowing one missed detail can undo weeks of surveillance. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Netflix India (@netflix_in) Standing in their way is the notorious kingpin, Bada Chaudhary (Sharad Kelkar), and his powerful syndicate, which operates through layers of deceit and global routes designed to stay off the radar. A nail-biting suspense from the house of Neeraj Pandey, Taskaree captures the tense world of global smuggling with every suitcase, passenger and shipment concealing secrets ripe for exposure and customs officers must stay three steps ahead in this relentless game of deception. Neeraj Pandey and Emraan Hashmi on Taskaree Creator Neeraj Pandey shares, “Customs has been a world I’ve always wanted to explore! The idea of stepping inside customs enforcement, a space that operates quietly, precisely and under constant pressure, drew me in. Bringing this vision to life has been incredibly exciting, especially with a cast and crew who were completely invested from day zero and understood the rhythm and realism the story demanded. We’re thrilled to collaborate once again with Netflix after a successful franchise with Khakee. What we’ve created together is a very distinct crime thriller, rooted in authenticity and hope we live up to the expectations of our audiences whose encouragement has always kept us going!” Emraan Hashmi says, “The love that’s been coming in since the teaser has been truly encouraging. Taskaree marks my first collaboration with Neeraj and this exceptionally talented ensemble, and it’s been an incredibly rewarding experience. What stood out to me about the series was its grounded, intelligent take on heroism — a story driven by quiet courage, discipline and duty rather than loud bravado. The entire cast and crew have worked relentlessly to bring this world to life, and I’m looking forward to audiences finally experiencing it on screen.”
07 January,2026 05:44 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentThe release of the much-awaited Border 2, starring Sunny Deol, Diljit Dosanjh, Varun Dhawan, and Ahan Shetty, is just around the corner. Marking a spiritual sequel to the 1997 classic, the upcoming war drama focuses on the 1971 Indo-Pak War. If recent reports are to be believed, Border 2 could join Bollywood’s 3-hour-plus club, with an expected runtime exceeding three hours. Border 2 Runtime is over 3 hours? According to the Bollywood Hungama report, "Border 2 is around 200 minutes long. In other words, its duration is around 3 hours and 20 minutes. The exact run time might change by a few minutes after the final touches are given. It will be locked in a few days and will be known once the film secures a censor certificate." If it is true, Border 2 will join the list of films like Dhurandhar, Pushpa 2, Animal and The Raja Saab, all of which had runtimes over three hours. Interestingly, each of these 3-hour-plus films has gone on to become a major box office blockbuster. The report further revealed that the makers of Border 2 were of the opinion that the film needed a lengthy runtime to give viewers an understanding of the war being depicted in the film. The makers also reportedly wanted to do justice to the narratives of the four leading actors, Sunny, Varun, Diljit, and Ahan, leading to the film’s runtime exceeding three hours. The report added, "The makers have ensured that the film has enough dramatic, massy and patriotic moments to keep the viewers gripped and also compel them to break into claps or whistles." About Border 2 Border 2 is believed to be one of the biggest sequels of 2026. The upcoming epic war film was initially announced on June 13, 2024, on the occasion of the original film's 27th anniversary. Along with the four lead actors, Border 2 also stars Mona Singh, Sonam Bajwa, Medha Rana and Anya Singh in important roles. Sunny will reportedly play Lt Colonel Fateh Singh Kaler, while Varun will be seen playing the role of Major Hoshiar Singh Dahiya, PVC. Meanwhile, Diljit joins the cast in a role which is reportedly inspired by Fg Offr Nirmal Jit Singh Sekhon, PVC. On the other hand, Ahan will portray Lt Cdr Joseph Pius Alfred Noronha, MVC.
07 January,2026 04:45 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentSonu Sood, widely celebrated as a real-life hero for his tireless humanitarian work, has once again used his voice to champion a cause rooted in empathy and responsibility, but this time, for India’s stray animals. Sonu Sood advocates for sterilising stray dogs In a heartfelt message supporting animal welfare organisation Jeev Sabha, Sood spoke about the urgent need for humane and sustainable solutions to address the growing stray dog population and rabies-related concerns. View this post on Instagram A post shared by StreetdogsofBombay (@streetdogsofbombay) “Namaskar, me hu Sonu Sood aur jaise me Indian hu, yaha pe paida aur rehne wale har stray dog bhi Indian hai, isliye unhe Indy bulaya jaata hai. Me sabse darkhast karta hu, ki jaise humne Covid jaisi bimari ka saamna kiya, waise hi vaccination aur sterilisation se jo stray dogs hai aur rabies jaisi jo bimari hai, unpe kaabu paaya jaa sakta hai.” he added. (I am Sonu Sood, and I am an Indian. Every stray dog that is born here and lives here is also an Indian, that's why they are called Indy. I request everyone that we can curb the spread of rabies and other diseases among stray dogs with vaccination and sterilization, like we did when faced with a disease like Covid.) By advocating vaccination and sterilisation as long-term measures, Sonu Sood highlighted the importance of science-backed, humane approaches over reactive responses. His message strongly reinforces the idea that coexistence is possible when guided by awareness, empathy, and collective responsibility.“Let’s choose kindness, let’s choose solutions. I support Jeev Sabha. God bless you all. Take care,” he concluded, urging citizens to be part of the solution rather than the problem. Sonu Sood's philanthropic nature Sood is known for his philanthropy work, which shone during the pandemic. He emerged as a beacon of hope during the Covid-19 crisis in India, as he used his social capital and star power to arrange oxygen cylinders and help people stuck in big cities reach their homes during the lockdown. On his birthday in 2025, he announced building an old-age home. Creating a safe and loving environment for those who need care and support, the old age home will also provide them with medical care, healthy meals, and emotional support. He also stepped in to take full responsibility for the education of a 10-month-old infant whose mother was tragically killed in Bihar poll violence. The actor often travels to different corners of the country and interacts with the locals on camera. He also appeals to his followers to support local businesses to help strengthen the local economy and help the local business owners gain a higher reach through his social media. Known for stepping up during national crises, Sonu Sood’s support for animal welfare feels like a natural extension of his values. Once again, he reminds the nation that compassion is not selective, and real change begins when humanity extends its kindness to every life it touches.
07 January,2026 04:40 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentIn an industry shaped by numbers, there are rare moments when figures turn into history. With Dhurandhar, Ranveer Singh has delivered one such moment by leading the highest-grossing film ever in a single language - Hindi. Dhurandhar becomes highest grossing Hindi film On its fifth Tuesday (Day 33), Dhurandhar reached an India net total of Rs 831.40 crore, marking a new milestone for the Hindi film industry. The film has crossed the lifetime collection of Allu Arjun's blockbuster Pushpa 2's Hindi version, which was Rs 830 crore. Dhurandhar's overseas collection reached a staggering USD 31.3 million. Despite not being released in the Middle East, it has managed to surpass even the overseas lifetime collections of the mega hit Pushpa 2: The Rule (USD 31 million). This achievement stands out not just for its scale, but for its journey. Dhurandhar didn’t rely on a brief surge; it grew steadily, held strong, and continued to perform week after week. It continued to record double-digit daily collections for nearly a month. It entered the Rs 1,000 crore club worldwide in just about three weeks, becoming one of the few Indian films to hit that milestone on a global stage. At the heart of this remarkable run is Ranveer Singh’s performance. He brings control, depth, and clarity to a role mounted on a large canvas. His presence is measured yet powerful, allowing the story to unfold with both scale and emotion. It’s this balance that enables the film to connect across audiences and sustain its momentum. The film’s consistent run reflects the trust viewers place in Ranveer Singh, not only as a leading star but as a performer who brings sincerity and strength to every role. Viewers returned to theatres for the character and the experience he delivered, including the amazing storyline. By leading the biggest single-language Hindi film to date, Ranveer Singh has set a new benchmark for Hindi cinema. It is a moment that reflects dedication, craft, and a deep connection with audiences, a milestone that will be remembered in the history of Hindi cinema. Dhurandhar declared tax-free in Ladakh Last week, the Lieutenant Governor of Ladakh, Kavinder Gupta, took to his X (formerly Twitter) account on Friday, and shared the update regarding the film, declaring it tax-free in the region. The decision was made to boost tourism since the film showcases the landscape. The Lieutenant Governor also stated that the administration is currently working on a new film policy while assuring full support to production houses that choose Ladakh as a filming location. He wrote, "Lt Governor Shri KavinderGupta declares Bollywood film Dhurandhar tax-free in UT Ladakh. Shot extensively in the region, the film spotlights Ladakh's cinematic landscapes, signalling strong support for filmmakers and reinforcing the UT's push to emerge as a preferred destination for film shoots and tourism. The Administration is also working on a New Film Policy and will provide full support to film productions in Ladakh".
07 January,2026 04:00 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentAkshaye Khanna has been in the news ever since Dhurandhar released. His role of Rehman Dakait has wooed audiences and earned him unprecedented popularity. With his impressive physique and charismatic on-screen presence, the audience is keen to know more about his lifestyle. In an interview with Bollywood Hungama, the actor shared how he prefers simple meals and sleeps around 10 hours a day to get enough rest. Akshaye Khanna on his lifestyle Opening up about his daily routine and eating habits, the actor revealed, “For as long as I can remember, even today, I never eat breakfast. I go straight to lunch and then dinner, and even between lunch and dinner, I don't eat anything at all—not even a sandwich or a biscuit. In the evening, I just have a cup of tea. That's it.” Talking about his sleep routine, he shared, “I sleep about 10 hours a day.” When it comes to meals, Akshaye’s preferences lean towards wholesome, home-style food. His lunch includes, “Dal and rice with one vegetable and one chicken or fish or some non-veg dish.” Dinner follows a similarly straightforward pattern. “At night, I usually eat roti with one vegetable and one chicken dish, and that's what I mostly eat. My favourite foods are lychee, bhindi, and cake.” About Dhurandhar Meanwhile, Dhurandhar has become a rage at the box office. The film traces the life of an Indian spy infiltrating criminal and organised crime networks in Pakistan. It presents a fictionalised account of how the collusion of the Pakistan underworld and the ISI leads to terrorist attacks in India. Domestically, the spy thriller crossed the INR 830 crore mark in India, defeating Pushpa 2 to become the highest-grossing Hindi film. Directed by Aditya Dhar, the project stars Ranveer Singh, Akshaye Khanna, Sanjay Dutt, R. Madhavan, and Arjun Rampal in significant roles, along with Sara Arjun and Rakesh Bedi. Akshaye Khanna’s upcoming movies Akshaye Khanna is set to play Asuraguru Shukracharya in HanuMan fame Prasanth Varma's upcoming superhero film, Mahakali. Directed by Puja Kolluru, Mahakali will mark Khanna's debut in Telugu cinema. He is also starring in Maharaj fame Siddharth P. Malhotra’s intense action thriller, Ikka, which is currently in production. Khanna is likely to play the main antagonist opposite Sunny Deol in the film. It also stars Dia Mirza, Tillotama Shome, and Sanjeeda Shaikh in pivotal roles.
07 January,2026 03:58 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentVir Das recently opened up about how he managed to convince Aamir Khan to produce Happy Patel Khatarnak Jasoos. He revealed details about his meeting with Aamir Khan for his upcoming directorial debut film. He shared how a superstar backs a project when he truly believes in it. How Aamir Khan came on board Happy Patel Recalling the moment, Vir revealed that Aamir had been placed on such a high pedestal that approaching him felt slightly daunting. Vir said, “He is on such a high pedestal that you don’t really communicate much with him. I hadn’t spoken to Aamir sir for almost 10 years. Then I messaged him saying, ‘Aamir sir, can I call you?’ He replied, ‘Yes, call now.’ And when he picked up, it felt like we speak every week.” Vir went on to reveal how candidly he pitched his film to Aamir Khan, “So I told him, ‘Sir, I have a film with me and I want you to make it. If you don’t make it, no one else will.’ He said, ‘Okay, come next week and give me the narration.’ I have never seen a superstar who is so accessible and gives you a meeting so quickly. I gave him the narration, and after that, there were nine more narrations. His main concern is always the script. After nine narrations, he said, ‘Take some money and shoot five scenes.’ I did the test shoot, and then he said, ‘Go on floors.” About the film The trailer of Happy Patel: Khatarnak Jasoos has taken the fun to another level. As both director and actor, Vir Das brings a refreshing brand of quirky comedy that is sure to deliver plenty of laughs. The trailer showcases Vir Das in a never-before-seen avatar as a perfectly imperfect spy on a mission. As the story unfolds, he lands in trouble, leading to a lot of chaos that looks absolutely fun. Mona Singh certainly stuns with her raw avatar, unlike anything she has portrayed on screen before, while Mithila Palkar adds her own distinct charm. Aamir Khan’s completely different avatar brings an extra punch to the narrative. Packed with energy, charm, a youthful vibe, a lot of twists and surprises, the trailer is nothing less than a rollercoaster ride of fun and madness. Produced under the banner of Aamir Khan Productions, Happy Patel stars Mona Singh, Sharib Hashmi and Mithila Palkar in pivotal roles and is slated to release in theatres on 16th January 2026.
07 January,2026 03:57 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentADVERTISEMENT
