Have you heard? Anil Kapoor joins Jr NTR and Prashanth Neel's Dragon; Parineeti Chopra and Imran Khan spotted on sets

Anil Kapoor and Prashanth Neel. Pics/Satej Shinde, Yogen Shah, AFP, Youtube, Instagram

Dragons let loose

The much-anticipated actioner Dragon, starring Jr NTR and directed by Prashanth Neel, is getting bigger with Anil Kapoor reportedly joining as the main antagonist. However, we've learnt that the film's release may be pushed to late 2026 to match its mega scale. It was originally slated to release this June. Interestingly, mid-day snapped the actor-director duo in Mumbai today, where they reportedly met for discussions and prep, fuelling fresh excitement around the high-octane project.

Let's talk talk

Imran Khan and Parineeti Chopra

Actor Parineeti Chopra has reportedly resumed work after welcoming her son Neer with husband Raghav Chadha. She was spotted on set in viral paparazzi clips, marking her first appearance since embracing motherhood last year. Notably, she was seen alongside Imran Khan, fuelling speculation about a possible collaboration. mid-day has learnt that Parineeti is set to launch a podcast soon, with Imran expected to feature as one of the guests. On the work front, Parineeti was last seen in Amar Singh Chamkila (2024), while Imran featured in Vir Das's Happy Patel.

It's a leakproof plan

Sanjay Leela Bhansali; (right) Ranbir Kapoor and Alia Bhatt on the sets of ‘Love & War'

Expectations are high for Sanjay Leela Bhansali's Love and War, starring Ranbir Kapoor, Alia Bhatt, and Vicky Kaushal. The makers are reportedly enforcing strict anti-leak measures, with over 500 non-disclosure agreements signed across cast and crew to safeguard the film's material. Insiders have indicated that the team is taking extensive precautions to prevent visuals or details from surfacing online.

Life of a woman

Renuka Shahane; (right) A still from ‘Loop Line'

Actor Renuka Shahane's award-winning animated short Loop Line will be screened in Mumbai on March 18 at PVR Lido, Juhu, as part of the Mumbai Academy of the Moving Image (MAMI) Independent Program. The film, which has travelled to festivals including Dharamshala and New York, explores the inner life of a housewife trapped in domestic routine. Renuka said, "I am honoured! MAMI provides the visibility needed for unconventional projects like mine," adding that it addresses "mature themes within animation".

The film has won several awards:

. Best Animation Film & Honorary Mention at Tasveer South Asian Film Festival 2024
. Best Story & Best Animation Film at Mumbai Short and Documentary Film Festival 2025
. Best Animation Film at Bengaluru International Short Film Festival 2025; also made Oscars 2026 longlist