Netflix has unveiled the gripping trailer of Accused, a layered psychological drama thriller directed by Anubhuti Kashyap and produced by Dharma Productions. Starring Konkona Sen Sharma and Pratibha Rannta, the film, releasing on February 27, the haunting new drama unpacks power, bias and emotional fracture as a celebrated doctor’s life unravels under public scrutiny. Accused trailer The trailer offers a haunting glimpse into the life of Dr. Geetika Sen, a celebrated and respected surgeon and gynecologist whose world begins to unravel after allegations of sexual misconduct surface at her workplace. As scrutiny intensifies and public judgment grows louder, the fracture seeps into her most intimate space: her marriage to Dr. Meera. Set against an atmosphere of quiet tension and emotional restraint, Accused resists sensationalism, instead choosing to sit with ambiguity. It explores what happens when certainty collapses, and perception begins to reshape reality. The film does not rush toward answers; it lingers in discomfort, asking the audience to confront their own biases and question the fragility of truth itself. Speaking about the trailer, director Anubhuti Kashyap said, “With Accused, I wanted to explore what happens when we are denied clarity. The trailer reflects the emotional stillness and unease that runs through the film. I’m grateful to Netflix for backing a story that resists easy answers and allows ambiguity to breathe.” Konkona Sen Sharma and Pratibha Rannta on Accused Talking about her character in the film, Konkona Sen Sharma, who plays Dr. Geetika Sen, shared, “Geetika is a woman used to control, of her work, her credibility, her space. What moved me was her internal collapse under scrutiny. I’m glad Netflix is bringing a story like this to audiences, one that trusts performance and silence over spectacle.” Pratibha Rannta, who essays the role of Dr. Meera, said, “Playing Meera meant living in that messy space where you want to trust, but your heart isn't sure. She’s fragile, flawed, and so deeply human. I’m so glad Netflix tells these kinds of real, complicated stories about women.” Accused challenges conventional narratives by telling the story from the accused's perspective, a lens rarely explored in Indian cinema. With restrained performances and a measured directorial voice, the film navigates themes of power, vulnerability, bias, and emotional survival. Accused premieres on February 27, only on Netflix.
21 February,2026 12:00 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentTaapsee Pannu and Kangana Ranaut have carved a niche for themselves in the industry despite having no backing. The actresses have been vocal about how nepotism has affected their careers. However, there has been friction between them ever since Kangana’s sister, Rangoli, called Taapsee a ‘sasti copy’ of her sister. Addressing the remark, the Badla actress stated that she is open to friendship with Kangana and respects her. Taapsee addresses feud with Kangana In an interview with Shubhankar Mishra, the actress said, “I don’t know when I ever fought. A fight happens when two people clash. I never clashed. You tell me — have I ever said even a single line against her? Her sister called me a ‘cheap copy.’ She said that since I don’t earn as much money here, that makes me cheap. If she is such a brilliant actress, I have no problem being called her copy. You can take out any statement of mine — I haven’t said anything against her.” Taapsee also admitted that someone must have benefitted from their fight. “I don’t know about them, but someone or the other must have benefited in some way. I do feel that someone must have gained from it,” she added. When asked whether she would be open to a friendship with Kangana, the Pink actress said, “Absolutely. I’ve always said that if I ever see her around, I will definitely go up to her… Technically, she is my senior. Why wouldn’t I go up to her and respectfully say hello? What her response would be, I can’t guarantee. I can only guarantee my own behaviour. Honestly, I don’t have anything in my heart against her.” About Taapsee and Kangana’s feud The controversy dates back to 2019, when Taapsee praised the trailer of Kangana Ranaut’s film Judgementall Hai Kya without mentioning Kangana by name. Rangoli Chandel, Kangana’s sister, took offence and posted on X (formerly Twitter), “Kuch log Kangana ko copy kar ke hi apni dukaan chalate hain, magar pls note, they never acknowledge her, not even a mention of her name in praising the trailer. Last I heard, Taapsee ji said Kangana needs a double filter, and Taapsee ji, you need to stop being a sasti copy.” The post was later deleted, but the remark became a widely discussed topic. On the work front, Taapsee’s recently released courtroom drama, Assi, is garnering praise. She will next be seen in Kanika Dhillon’s Gandhari.
21 February,2026 11:33 AM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentBasking in the success of Mardaani 3, actor Rani Mukerji has described the film's milestones as "deeply personal". The film, which opened in theatres last month, has taken the Mardaani franchise forward by becoming the highest-grossing instalment. Mardaani 3 has collected Rs 47.55 crore in India, surpassing the earnings of the previous films that made Rs 47.51 crore (Mardaani 2) and Rs 35.86 crore (Mardaani) respectively. It also earned Rs 71.70 crore, beating the previous instalments by a great margin. Thrilled over having delivered a hat-trick of hits with the Mardaani films, Rani Mukerji said, "I have always believed that Mardaani is not just a film, it is a voice -- a voice for every woman who refuses to be silenced. The love and success of Mardaani 3 feels deeply personal because it tells me that audiences are not just watching someone like Shivani Shivaji Roy's journey; they are standing with her for justice, for the victory of good over evil. This franchise stood for courage, for the resilience that women carry within them every single day. I am grateful, humbled, and more determined than ever to continue telling stories that matter," as per the press release. Reflecting on the hat-trick of hits with Mardaani, she explained how the films discuss important social issues. "It will always be a call to address such crimes head-on and tell us not to look away because it might not be affecting us. Even if one girl is affected, targeted, and attacked, it is the failure of our society that we haven't been able to protect her," she concluded. Directed by Abhiraj Minawala and produced by Aditya Chopra, Mardaani 3 marks the return of Rani Mukerji as the tough and fearless cop Shivani Shivaji Roy. The film also features a new villain, with Mallika Prasad as the merciless, evil, and powerful Amma, who is shown as responsible for handling a beggar mafia, mostly targeting child victims. This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever
21 February,2026 11:32 AM IST | Mumbai | ANIVeteran actor Anupam Kher enjoyed some quality time with his new young friends, whom he first met on the Versova-MadhIsland Jetti. Kher accidentally met the young boys again on Friday on the road and remembered that they had asked him for colour pencil boxes during their first meeting. Keeping his promise, Kher bought them these colours. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Anupam Kher (@anupampkher) Not just that, Kher even made a video with the kids, which he uploaded on his official social media handle. In the clip, these boys were happily seen flaunting the gifts, while stating their names and the class they are in. They further shared that they belong to Ahmedabad and study in a Gujarati medium school. "Meet my new young friends! I remembered meeting them on the Versova-MadhIsland Jetti (boat) and they had asked me for colour pencil box. So I stopped my car and happily got them what they wanted. All of us were so happy. StreetsOfMumbai Friends (sic)," Kher penned the caption. On the work front, Kher will soon be seen reprising his beloved character Kamal Kishore Khosla in the second installment of the 2006 film Khosla Ka Ghosla! Made under the direction of Dibakar Banerjee, the original drama revolved around Kamal Kishore Khosla, a middle-class Delhiite, and his family, who leave no stone unturned to reclaim their land, which has been wrongfully seized by a corrupt builder, Khurana. The much-discussed sequel will have some familiar names from the cast of the original drama, such as Boman Irani, Parvin Dabas, Ranvir Shorey, Kiran Juneja, and Tara Sharma, along with some fresh faces such as Ravi Kishan. In addition to this, Kher is also working on his next with acclaimed director Sooraj Barjatya. While the cast, crew, and storyline of the upcoming project have been kept under wraps for now, Kher keeps on posting glimpses from his shoot diaries on social media. This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever
21 February,2026 11:23 AM IST | Mumbai | IANSActress Lara Dutta admitted that even at the age of 80, her mother continues to teach her some valuable life lessons. In a heartfelt birthday post for her mommy dear, Lara shared that despite suffering from Alzheimer's and Dementia for some time now, her mother has no complaints about life. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Lara Dutta Bhupathi (@larabhupathi) "My (red heart emoji) is full!! My beautiful, gentle ( not so gentle when we were growing up!) mumma, turns 80 today!! She’s been living with Alzheimer’s and dementia for a while now but everyday I’m still learning life lessons from her…..(sic)", the Partner actress wrote on her official Instagram handle. Other than living life with gratitude, Lara confessed that her mother also taught her some valuable life lessons. Listing them in the caption, she went on to write, " never complain about life. Regardless of how a day is going….its a good day! - Have faith - When the music plays, always dance if you can, or at the very least, catch the beat! - Smile and laugh your cares away ….." Lara loves to include her InstaFam in her celebrations with her loved ones through her social media posts. On February 16, she completed 15 years of marital bliss with her husband, Mahesh Bhupathi. Marking the milestone, Lara revealed that even after such a long time, they continue to choose each other every single day. The former Miss Universe added that her relationship with her husband is like that of fire and air. She keeps starting flames, while her husband is responsible for fanning them out. The Andaaz actress wished her hubby on their anniversary with the post that read, "15 years of Fire ( ME) + Air ( HIM) = me starting the flames, him fanning them ferociously … and somehow we haven’t burned the house down…….. yet!!! We’ve mastered the art of: • Annoying each other professionally • Fighting like it’s a sport • Pretending we’re not competitive • And still choosing each other every day. mbhupathi". This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever
21 February,2026 11:08 AM IST | Mumbai | IANSIn recent times, several Bollywood celebrities have been receiving threats from the Lawrence Bishnoi gang. The rising trend is worrying and deeply unsettling for the industry. After firing outside Rohit Shetty’s house, Ranveer Singh received a Rs 10 crore extortion threat via a voice message. The message was sent to the actor’s manager from an international number and is suspected to be from gangster Harry Boxer, a close aide of the Bishnoi gang. Now, a Look Out Circular has been issued against him. Look Out Circular issued against Bishnoi gang member In a major development in the ongoing probe into threats targeting Bollywood personalities, the Mumbai Crime Branch has issued a Look Out Circular (LOC) against Harichandra, alias Harry Boxer, a suspected member of the Lawrence Bishnoi gang, in connection with an extortion threat made to actor Ranveer Singh. Police had sent the threatening voice note received by Ranveer Singh's manager to Punjab and Haryana for verification. The sender of the voice note identified himself as Harry Boxer and demanded a ransom of Rs 20 crore. The Mumbai Police have recorded the statement of the Dhurandhar actor’s manager as part of the investigation. In the meantime, security around Ranveer Singh has been tightened as a precautionary measure. Sources confirmed that additional protection has been arranged at his residence and during public appearances. The actor has not issued any public statement regarding the incident so far. Authorities have assured that all necessary steps are being taken to ensure Ranveer’s safety and to identify those responsible for issuing the alleged threat. About the firing outside Rohit Shetty’s house Authorities earlier confirmed a series of high-profile threats targeting actors Ranveer Singh and Aayush Sharma, with investigators suspecting links to the Lawrence Bishnoi gang. The developments come amid a broader probe into the January 31, 2026, firing incident outside filmmaker Rohit Shetty's residence in Juhu. Police believe the threats may be part of a coordinated intimidation campaign targeting prominent figures in the film industry. The Bishnoi gang had previously claimed responsibility for the firing through a social media post, officials said. On February 17, five accused arrested in the Rohit Shetty firing case were produced before the MCOCA court after their police custody expired. The court remanded all five to police custody until February 23. Further inquiries are underway.
21 February,2026 10:58 AM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentAfghanistan’s Taliban regime has formalised a new penal code that “legalises” domestic violence against women. The new laws passed in the country have garnered massive backlash from across the world. Recently, Bhasker, who is quite vocal on social issues, slammed the new law. She called it absolutely despicable to formalise such a law. Actor Gauahar Khan also condemned the act. Swara Bhasker calls out new Taliban law Sharing media reports about the newly introduced law on February 20, Swara Bhasker expressed her anger. She wrote, “Unfucking-believable!!!!! Honestly, among the worst specimens of the human race — relentlessly cruel and brutal — absolute monsters, the Taliban. An insult to humanity and to the religion they claim to represent. Absolutely despicable.” Actor and host Gauahar Khan also responded to the reports, writing, “Disgusting.” Actor Nandish Sandhu questioned the rationale behind the law, stating, “What sense does this make?” Details about new Taliban law The backlash follows the Taliban’s formal adoption of a 90-page penal code, signed by its supreme leader, Hibatullah Akhundzada. According to multiple reports, the document largely permits domestic violence by a husband under certain conditions. A husband may beat his wife, but punishment applies only if the assault is carried out with a stick and causes severe injury, with the burden of proof falling on the woman. The code permits husbands to physically discipline their wives and children, provided the punishment does not result in broken bones or open wounds. Human rights advocates argue that such language effectively legalises domestic violence. The penal code does not explicitly criminalise psychological or sexual violence. The maximum penalty for the husband is 15 days’ imprisonment. Additionally, a woman who leaves her husband’s home without permission can face up to three months in jail. Further provisions state that women must appear in court fully covered and accompanied by a husband or male guardian, including in cases where the husband himself is the accused. On the professional front, Swara was recently seen on the sets of a celebrity laughter show alongside Fahad. She is known for her performances in films such as Tanu Weds Manu, Raanjhanaa, Nil Battey Sannata, and Veere Di Wedding. Fahad Ahmad, on the other hand, is known to be a political activist and youth leader. He has been actively involved in public affairs and student politics.
21 February,2026 09:38 AM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentPopular comic actor Rajpal Yadav has been in the news for quite some time for the wrong reasons. The actor was sent to Tihar Jail in a cheque bounce case after he failed to comply with the deadline and repay a loan. He was recently granted interim bail to attend his niece’s wedding in his hometown. After his release, Yadav recalled his time in jail, while his wife, Radha, thanked industry colleagues for their support. Rajpal Yadav on his time in jail In a chat with Hindustan Times, the actor recalled, “The most difficult part was being away from my family. Beyond that, I accepted the routine. I would wake up early and focus on breathing exercises and maintaining mental balance.” He added, “This matter has been ongoing for many years. I believed it was right to handle it legally.” To this, Radha added, “Every possible legal and respectful option was explored. Sometimes resolution is not just about willingness; it also depends on timing.” View this post on Instagram A post shared by Rajpal Naurang Yadav (@rajpalofficial) Rajpal Yadav also said, “After my release, I went straight to my niece’s wedding in Shahjahanpur and was grateful to be with my family. Being around loved ones in that moment meant a great deal after a difficult phase.” Radha reflected on their current approach to the legal proceedings, noting that the matter is far from resolved. She said they are taking it “one step at a time.” Although the couple did not name the industry colleagues who assisted in settling the loan, they expressed heartfelt gratitude to those who stood by their side during tough times. Rajpal Yadav also opened up about returning to work, saying, “Work schedules may fluctuate temporarily, but I will resume work gradually and responsibly. Acting has been my life for many years, and I remain committed to it.” About the case The actor received interim release to attend his niece's wedding in Shahjahanpur. Rajpal Yadav's lawyer informed the High Court that he has submitted a DD of Rs 1.5 crore after bail. The actor has been ordered to surrender his passport. The next hearing is on March 18. The Delhi High Court had ordered the actor to surrender to the police in connection with a financial irregularity case in which he had taken a loan to make his film Ata Pata Laapata in 2010 but was unable to repay it. In 2018, a magisterial court sentenced the actor and his wife to a six-month jail term. On the work front, he will next be seen in Priyadarshan’s Bhooth Bangla, co-starring Akshay Kumar, Tabu, Paresh Rawal, and many others.
21 February,2026 08:54 AM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentThree blind men rob a bank. That premise led to a gripping heist drama in filmmaker Vipul A Shah’s Aankhen (2002). With his next, Hisaab, the director promises a bank robbery “with a twist”. The cherry on the top is its cast — Jaideep Ahlawat and Shefali Shah. “After Aankhen, I always wanted to make another film on a bank heist, but I was not getting the right idea. Hisaab is as unique a story as Aankhen was — a kind of heist film that India has not seen before. It’s taken us a long time to write it. Comparisons with Aankhen are unavoidable, though there is nothing common between the two films [except] the bank robbery. So, we wanted to make something that had strong content,” shared the director. Jaideep Ahlawat and Shefali Shah starred in ‘Three of Us’ (2023) An ace up Vipul’s sleeve is the casting, as he has reunited Ahlawat and Shefali after their tender love story, Three of Us (2023). In them, the director found the strong performers he was seeking. “Jaideep and Shefali are two phenomenal actors who can deliver performances with ease and depth. [No matter] whether they have done Three of Us or 30 films together, they will be a pair to watch out for. The scenes light up when they are together, and it’s beautiful for me as a director to watch it happen.” The poster of ‘Aankhen’ With the shoot complete, Hisaab is being readied for a theatrical release. The director will zero in on a release date after his production, The Kerala Story 2: Goes Beyond — a film through which he wants “to be the voice of the victims” — arrives in cinemas. Shefali Shah with Vipul A Shah
21 February,2026 08:00 AM IST | Mumbai | Upala KBREvocative visuals are a staple in Vishal Bhardwaj’s films. The filmmaker’s latest offering, O’Romeo, is no exception. Cinematographer Ben Bernhard shared that he referred to two specific films when designing the visual language of the Shahid Kapoor-led underworld drama, which is set in the 1990s. “We followed world cinema influences like Road to Perdition [2002] and The Grandmaster [2013],” revealed the cinematographer. Shahid Kapoor (C) in ‘O’Romeo’ With O’Romeo being a love story set against the backdrop of the underworld, Bernhard was also mindful of visually differentiating the softer, romantic scenes from the action sequences. Decoding it further, he said, “We aimed for a soft, naturalistic visual language, rooted in a retro 1990s Bombay underworld aesthetic. For the story scenes, lighting and camera movement are gentle, with period colours supporting an understated realism. In contrast, the action sequences were treated in a more stylised manner using bolder lighting. Each narrative layer had its own distinct visual identity.”
21 February,2026 07:49 AM IST | Mumbai | Mohar BasuAfter a long wait, festival acclaim, and multiple delays, Anurag Kashyap’s Kennedy has finally arrived in India. Starring Rahul Bhat and Sunny Leone, the noir thriller premiered at international film festivals two years ago to strong critical reception. Following cuts and modifications by the CBFC, the film is now streaming on ZEE5. Kennedy plot Bhat plays the titular Kennedy- a man who wasn’t always Kennedy, a driver for a premier cab service and a contract killer. Once known as Uday Shetty, a cop now presumed dead, he lives in pandemic-stricken Mumbai, operating in isolation as a hired killer for a corrupt police commissioner. He executes assignments without question, driven by the promise of information about Saleem- a gangster he holds a deeply personal vendetta against. The film’s first half immerses us in Kennedy’s stark routine. A man of few words, he lets his gun speak for him. Emotionally vacant and mechanically precise, he is haunted by the voices of those he has murdered, though he never engages with them. Whether these voices are manifestations of guilt or simply fragments of a fractured mind remains deliberately ambiguous. The second half traces his descent or perhaps transformation from Uday Shetty, a notorious cop, into Kennedy, a weapon in a system he once served. This isn’t a tale of a righteous man betrayed by fate. Kennedy’s downfall is self-authored. He has no one to blame but himself, even as revenge consumes him when the consequences of his violence hit close to home. Set across five nights leading up to what is ominously called “The Night,” the film builds tension through fragmentation and restraint. We are not told what the final night entails, only given a confessional monologue delivered in Bhat’s gravelly voice- a chilling admission of countless murders committed without remorse. There is no guilt, no justification. Just facts. As the narrative unfolds, we too begin to lose count of the bodies. Kennedy eliminates not only his assigned targets but anyone who risks becoming collateral evidence. The violence is blunt, unsentimental, almost procedural. Yet, he spares one person- Charlie, played by Sunny Leone. A neighbour to his first on-screen victim, Charlie drowns her loneliness in alcohol and nervous laughter. In a world defined by corruption and duplicity, their unlikely connection offers the film its only fragile emotional thread apart from a sentimental father-daughter angle. What works in Kennedy and what does not Through Kennedy’s story, Kashyap paints a bleak portrait of systemic rot, a police force compromised by politics and wealth. The film gestures toward commentary on institutional decay but stops short of fully interrogating it. Ironically, a film about corruption found its own release delayed for two years. Where Kennedy truly excels is in atmosphere. Cinematographer Sylvester Fonseca transforms Mumbai into a nocturnal labyrinth-silent, suffocating, and morally vacant. The pandemic backdrop amplifies the isolation, making the city feel like an accomplice to Kennedy’s crimes. If the screenplay occasionally feels sparse, the film compensates through craft. Rahul Bhat delivers a commanding, controlled performance - internal, simmering, and deeply unsettling. His restraint becomes the film’s pulse. The music further strengthens the mood. With contributions from Aamir Aziz and Raghav Bhati, the soundtrack fills the emotional silences Kennedy refuses to articulate. Most notably, Tchaikovsky’s The Sound of Kennedy, performed by City of Prague Philharmonic Orchestra, becomes the film’s aching backbone- reflecting Kennedy state of mind after every kill. Kennedy may not be Kashyap’s most narratively tight work, but it is one of his most atmospheric. It thrives less on plot and more on presence and Rahul Bhat ensures you cannot look away.
20 February,2026 10:49 PM IST | Mumbai | Athulya NambiarADVERTISEMENT
