Have you Heard? Ajay Devgn on Hindi films, Ayushmann on why stardom is no longer exclusive

Ajay Devgn and Ayushmann Khurrana

Bollywood woes

Ajay Devgn believes making a Hindi film is particularly challenging because of the diversity of its audience. "You do not know what your target audience is," he said at FICCI FRAMES event in Mumbai on Wednesday. Unlike regional cinema, where filmmakers can identify a specific audience and its tastes, Hindi films must cater to varied demographics across regions. "Every 80 to 90 kilometres the language changes. The thought process changes," he said, adding, "Here we have to target everybody."

Stardom no more

Ayushmann Khurrana

For Ayushmann Khurrana, stardom is no longer an "exclusive club". Speaking at FICCI Frames on Tuesday, the actor said the rise of social media content creators and YouTubers has created multiple entertainment worlds, each with its own stars. "There are certain stars who are big and you probably don't know about them," he said, adding that audiences now have access to talent across platforms. In this fragmented landscape, the actor believes a film's script and authenticity matter more than star power when it comes to bringing audiences to theatres.

What's next

Ayushmann Khurrana will next ve seen in ‘Udta Teer' coming in cinemas on October 9, and in ‘Yeh Prem Mol LIya', releasing on November 27. Where as Ajay Devgn's ‘Drishyam 3' is set to arrive in theatres on October 2.

What doesn't kill you, makes you stronger

Orry

Orry, AKA Orhan Awatramani, gave a glimpse of his daredevil side by sharing a clip from Khatron Ke Khiladi 15, in which he is seen taking on a dangerous stunt involving a crocodile. Reflecting on his stint on the Rohit Shetty-hosted show, Orry said the experience involved both "physical intensity and mental challenges". He also credited humour for helping contestants cope with the pressure. "Finding that sudden burst of comedy and humour became our absolute lifeline," he wrote on social media.

Credit where it's due

Rajkumar Rao as Ujjwal Nikam in ‘Prahaar'. PICS/SATEJ SHINDE, INSTAGRAM, YOUTUBE

The trailer of Prahaar: The Untold Story of Ujjwal Nikam was unveiled at Mumbai's Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus on Tuesday evening, with Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis praising the veteran prosecutor's role in the26/11 Mumbai terror attacks case. Calling Rajkummar Rao an "accomplished actor", Fadnavis said the film was "not mere entertainment" and "has a message". The launch at CSMT, one of the sites targeted during the 2008 attacks, was also attended by Wamiqa Gabbi.

Who is Ujjwal Nikam?

Devendra Fadnavis

Ujjwal Nikam is a senior special public prosecutor known for handling high-profile cases, including the 26/11 Mumbai attacks and 1993 Mumbai blasts. He was awarded the Padma Shri in 2016 for his contribution to law.