Welcome back to Press Pass & Popcorn, your definitive guide to the frontlines of entertainment journalism. This week, Oshin Fernandes and Mohar Basu break down the most staggering censorship battle of the streaming era: the sudden, shocking ban on the Diljit Dosanjh-starrer Satluj (formerly Punjab 95). After surviving an exhausting four-year institutional limbo, the film quietly dropped uncut on ZEE5 on Friday night—only to be pulled down abruptly by Sunday evening, leaving thousands of viewers stranded mid-stream. Drawing from Mohar’s years of extensive, ground-level reporting on this specific case, we track the film’s agonizing journey. We detail the Central Board of Film Certification's (CBFC) escalating demands—which bloated from an initial 21 cuts to an unreasonable 127 changes—including explicit dictates to strip the word "Punjab" from the movie, delete sacred Gurbani scenes, and entirely erase the real-life identity of human rights activist Jaswant Singh Khalra.We look at how the creative team, led by director Honey Trehan and producer Ronnie Screwvala, chose structural integrity over compromise, bypassing theatrical release entirely to drop the unedited film on OTT. Finally, we tackle the hypocritical red-carpet treatment given to politically aligned cinema versus the aggressive silencing of real human rights history. We look at the dangerous precedent set by dissolving appellate bodies like the FCAT, the unsettling silence from Bollywood's elite, and how this state-enforced digital ban has completely backfired—triggering rampant internet piracy, underground Gurdwara screenings, and a massive national conversation that no establishment can suppress.
10 July,2026 08:29 PM IST
-11_d.jpg "The Ranveer Singh Ban")
04 June,2026 06:16 PM IST
Welcome to another hard-hitting episode of Press Pass & Popcorn! This week, Oshin Fernandes and Mohar Basu break down the absolute biggest crisis rocking Bollywood right now. The Federation of Western India Cine Employees (FWICE) has issued a massive, unprecedented "non-cooperation directive" against superstar Ranveer Singh. What started as a creative disagreement has exploded into a full-blown industry war. Oshin and Mohar take you behind closed doors to explain how Ranveer’s sudden exit from Farhan Akhtar and Ritesh Sidhwani’s highly anticipated Don 3 left Excel Entertainment facing an alleged pre-production loss of ₹45 lakh (format-adjusted to a staggering ₹45 crore rupees). We unpack the core arguments from both sides of the aisle: The FWICE's Stand: The federation insists that "no star is bigger than the law" after the actor reportedly skipped multiple meeting invitations. Ranveer's Legal Team: A counter-response stating that the dispute is strictly contractual, private, and completely outside the federation’s jurisdiction. Links: https://www.mid-day.com/entertainment/bollywood-news/article/don-3-row-fwice-bans-ranveer-singh-for-abruptly-exiting-the-project-23632140 Connect With Us: Read Mid-day Entertainment: mid-day.com/entertainment Follow us on Facebook: https://bit.ly/4x7PxGz Get latest scoop on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/midday_entertainment/ Subscribe on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@midday-entertainment
-2_d.jpg "The Bollywood Remake Epidemic")
05 June,2026 05:35 PM IST
Welcome to Press Pass & Popcorn. Why original music in Bollywood is taking a backseat to heavily sampled, remixed, and recreated tracks. Music labels and film producers are leaning heavily on nostalgia to guarantee viral hits. But where does creative adaptation end and lazy recycling begin? We dismantle the mechanics of the remake machinery, examining why the industry prefers a "tested hit" over original composition to beat the ruthless streaming algorithms. In this episode, we talk about: The Economics of Nostalgia The Legal Loophole Bollywood vs. Regional Industries
12 June,2026 06:02 PM IST
This week, Oshin Fernandes and Mohar Basu sit down to dissect the raging storm hitting the film industry following the theatrical release of the Ram Charan-starrer Peddi. While the massive sports-action drama is raking in hundreds of crores worldwide, it has found itself at the center of fierce criticism over the blatant objectification of its female lead, played by Janhvi Kapoor. We dive deep into what sparked the public outrage—from the camera's fixation on body shots in Janhvi's introductory sequence to highly problematic romantic subplots where non-consensual behavior is normalized as "romance." We break down director Buchi Babu Sana’s sudden public apology, his decision to chop out objectionable scenes from the running theatrical cuts, and co-star Jagapathi Babu's response to the backlash. We dissect: Introduction: The Box Office Success vs. The Peddi Backlash The Male Gaze: Analyzing Janhvi Kapoor’s Intro Scene & Navel Fixation The Industry Standard: Ratna Pathak Shah’s Viral Critique & The 8 Crore Paradox Wrap-Up: Will Mainstream Indian Cinema Ever Outgrow Objectification? Links: Janhvi Kapoor received the biggest paycheque of her career for Peddi? Here's how much she was paid 'Privileged actresses should say no': Ratna Pathak Shah's comments resurface amid Peddi backlash Finally, we trace the broader cultural ripples: how this controversy made an old clip of Ratna Pathak Shah on actresses rejecting objectification go viral overnight, Bhumi Pednekar's stance on accountability in scripts, and the paradoxical reality where Janhvi bagged her highest-ever career paycheque of 8 crore rupees for a role that fundamentally lacked narrative agency. Connect With Us: Read Mid-day Entertainment — mid-day.com/entertainment Follow us on Facebook Get latest scoop on Instagram — @midday_entertainment Subscribe on YouTube — www.youtube.com/@midday-entertainment
_d.jpg "Pranit More Row: How Toxic Misogyny is Plaguing Comedy")
19 June,2026 03:53 PM IST
Welcome back to Press Pass & Popcorn! This week, Oshin Fernandes and Tanisha Banerjee sit down for an urgent and critical conversation surrounding the Indian stand-up comedy ecosystem. What started as a standard crowd-work interaction during a Gurugram comedy show has snowballed into a massive national debate on consent, entitlement, and accountability, giving rise to the viral #BiryaniIsNotConsent movement. We deconstruct the infamous "₹370 Biryani" clip uploaded by comedian Pranit More. During the show, audience member Himanshu Jangra detailed a date, implying that spending money on a plate of chicken biryani entitled him to physical intimacy. We track the immense corporate and legal domino effect: Jangra being publicly terminated by his employer, Starvik Design; the Maharashtra Cyber Police and Gurugram Police registering FIRs under the BNS and IT Act; and the National Commission for Women (NCW) officially summoning both men. From Pranit More awarding cash prizes for derogatory comments to KEM Hospital's recent action against MBBS student Sejal Pawar for offensive remarks on the very same show, we question where crowd work ends and institutional disrespect begins. LINKS: Gurugram Police register FIR against Pranit More, Himanshu Jangra in Rs 370 biryani row All that went wrong with Pranit More and Himanshu Jangra: WATCH Connect With Us: Read Mid-day Entertainment — mid-day.com/entertainment Follow us on Facebook Get latest scoop on Instagram — @midday_entertainment Subscribe on YouTube — www.youtube.com/@midday-entertainment
26 June,2026 04:54 PM IST
Welcome back to Press Pass & Popcorn, your definitive behind-the-scenes insider commentary on the shifting dynamics of the entertainment ecosystem. This week, Oshin Fernandes and Mid-Day’s Entertainment Editor Mohar Basu take an unvarnished look at one of the biggest streaming phenomena of the year: Samay Raina’s massive comeback with India’s Got Latent Season 2. Following intense cancellation over a controversial joke made by Ranveer Allahbadia in the previous season, Raina has pulled off an unprecedented structural feat—securing a dual, simultaneous release on both Netflix and YouTube to capture his massive captive audience. We turn our lenses onto the streaming giants to challenge the modern entertainment ecosystem's selective memory—what we call the corporate 'Ghajini Effect'. Why is it that controversial male creators like Samay Raina or Ranveer Allahbadia find ready institutional wings to nurse them back to stardom, while brilliant female comics like Apoorva face prolonged, disproportionate professional exile? We trace the commercial calculations behind these decisions, examining how platforms like Netflix lean heavily into shock value and high-profile marketing campaigns—such as bringing in Alia Bhatt and Sharvari to promote Alpha—to manufacture a safe comeback.
03 July,2026 05:45 PM IST
Is Bollywood finally facing a reality check? This week on Press Pass and Popcorn, Oshin Fernandes and Mohar Basu dive straight into the raging controversy surrounding Ajay Devgn’s upcoming film 'Chauhaan'. Following intense pushback from the Kshatriya Parishad and the Rajput community over the teaser's polarising punchline ("pathano se keh dena Chauhaan aaya hai"), we unpack why pitting communities against each other for box office clout is no longer a guaranteed win. From the audience's growing "propaganda burnout" to why 2026 is shaping up to be a much-needed "correction year" for studio executives, we ask the hard questions: Where is the actual cinema behind the political bias? We look at why movies like Durandar still found a global audience despite their slant, contrast trend-chasing scripts with content-driven triumphs like Obsession and Imtiaz Ali’s Mai Wapas Aunga. Tune in as we discuss the social responsibility of filmmaking, the power of voting with your wallet, and why the industry urgently needs to return to the inclusive spirit of Amar Akbar Anthony—making movies that bring a divided society together rather than tearing it apart. Read more: Rajputs condemn Ajay Devgn’s Chauhaan over use of clan name in communal plot Chauhaan first look out! Ajay Devgn's actioner has a connection with Shah Rukh Khan's Pathaan
15 July,2026 01:41 PM IST
Welcome to another episode of Press Pass and Popcorn, your insider commentary on the entertainment world, presented by Mid-Day. This week, hosts Oshin Fernandes and Mohar Basu dive into the massive cultural storm surrounding superstar Aamir Khan. First, we unpack the public’s polarizing reaction to Aamir’s recent intimate marriage to Bengaluru-based entrepreneur Gauri Spratt. From harmless viral memes to highly toxic accusations of "love jihad" and a newly issued fatwa by a Muslim cleric, the couple’s union has exposed deep-seated societal anxieties. The hosts break down why weaponizing these terms takes away a woman’s fundamental agency, especially for an educated, independent partner like Gauri. But the conversation doesn't stop at their personal lives. We pivot to a highly debated political silence. As climate activist Sonam Wangchuk continues his indefinite hunger strike at Jantar Mantar, many are asking: Where is Aamir Khan? Having built a decades-long legacy as Bollywood's premier "social conscience"—from Rang De Basanti to Satyamev Jayate—does Aamir still have a moral responsibility to speak up when the tides get tough? Or has years of relentless cyber-hate and boycotts permanently shaken the industry's biggest influencers? Oshin and Mohar debate celebrity privilege, the mechanics of PR damage control, and the true power of cinematic influence. READ ALSO- Ent Top Stories: Aamir Khan on love jihad tag; Jana Nayagan release date Aamir Khan reacts to ‘love jihad’ tag after third marriage with Gauri Spratt, says none of his wives converted to Islam
17 July,2026 04:58 PM IST
Welcome to another episode of Press Pass and Popcorn, your insider commentary on the entertainment world, presented by Mid-Day. This week, hosts Oshin Fernandes and Mohar Basu unpack the massive industry fallout surrounding the recent Odyssey Mumbai Premier fiasco. What was advertised as a premium, gated, "no-influencer" event designed for journalistic credibility quickly spiraled into a frustrating display of control narratives and textbook PR arm-twisting. The hosts kick off by discussing how the friction started well before the cast even arrived, triggered by Mohar’s early breaking news report on the premiere—a move that ruffled feathers within the film’s team. They address the broader, worsening dynamic between publicists and entertainment journalists, diving into the rigid "gatekeeping" tactics used to craft heavily manicured celebrity images. From mandatory pre-approved question lists disguised as a "lottery system" to making veteran journalists wait hours under arbitrary tier systems, Oshin and Mohar dissect why this isn't just about one agency—it’s a systemic culture shift that threatens organic reporting. Finally, they reflect on Mumbai’s proven track record of flawlessly hosting massive global events—from Tom Cruise’s visit to the Citadel tour—and call on both journalists and publicists to break the cycle and restore mutual professional respect. READ ALSO- The Odyssey X review: Fans call Christopher Nolan's epic 'peak cinema' as Matt Damon earns praise The Odyssey: Reimagining Odysseus' journey in Mumbai to help you explore the city The Odyssey: THIS Mumbai theatre has the most expensive ticket for an IMAX screening
24 July,2026 07:10 PM IST
Welcome back to Press Pass and Popcorn! This week, hosts Oshin Fernandes and Mohar Basu tackle one of the most pressing national stories that has completely divided opinion across the film industry: the nationwide student protests over the NEET paper leaks. As thousands of young students hit the streets demanding accountability and systemic reform, the entertainment industry’s response has been wildly split. While a handful of stars have issued cautious social media statements and others have openly backed the cause, a vast majority of top-tier Bollywood remain dead silent—raising sharp questions about selective activism and industry fear. Oshin and Mohar dissect the spectrum of reactions, focusing heavily on veteran icon Shabana Azmi. Refusing to just tweet or watch from home, Azmi physically joined student demonstrators on the frontlines, braving tear gas and lathi charges to stand in solidarity. The duo discusses the contrast between PR-cleared social media posts and ground-level courage, asking a critical question: Why does Bollywood only speak up when it’s safe? READ ALSO: CJP protest: Shabana Azmi to Prakash Raj, actors who stepped out to support students ‘Tear gas and lathi charge were unwarranted’: Shabana Azmi on what happened at the Chalo Sansad march in Delhi | Exclusive
31 July,2026 05:36 PM IST
Are the National Film Awards losing their artistic credibility? This week on Press Pass & Popcorn, hosts Oshin Fernandes and Mohar Basu break down the highly controversial announcement of the 72nd National Film Awards (judging the 2024 film slate). From Chandu Salim Kumar calling out the snub of Manjummel Boys to the shocking exclusion of critical darlings like Payal Kapadia’s All We Imagine as Light and festival favorite Girls Will Be Girls, we ask the tough questions. Is political alignment driving award decisions? Why are ground-breaking OTT releases still completely ignored? And is Mammootty’s stunning performance in Bramayugam the only silver lining on a compromised list? Join the debate, share your thoughts in the comments, and tag us on social media!
07 August,2026 06:19 PM IST
This week on Press Pass & Popcorn, Oshin Fernandes and Mohar Basu dive into the controversy surrounding Bhumi Pednekkar’s viral videos on the recent student protests. From her initial comments lecturing the youth on "manners and language" to her swift follow-up addressing online harassment, we dissect why Bollywood’s "centrist" stance often falls flat. Is the industry losing touch with Gen Z? We unpack the thin line between PR-curated image management and authentic opinion, comparing Bhumi’s stance with responses from stars like Raghav Juyal, Siddharth, and Salman Khan. Should celebrities stick to acting if they can't address the core issues? Tune in to hear the full breakdown. READ ALSO: Bhumi Pednekkar defends young girl who faced rape and death threats after abusing PM Modi - watch video 'You dropped your spine': Bhumi Pednekkar receives flak for schooling student protesters in latest video Bhumi Pednekkar EXPOSES the Truth Behind Her Biggest Box Office Failure | Sit With Hitlist
