Actor Prithviraj Sukumaran recently shared that he had wrapped a schedule of his upcoming film, Varanasi, helmed by SS Rajamouli. The actor, who plays the antagonist in the film, celebrated the wrap with a "well-earned" cheat meal. He also announced the one-year countdown for the magnum opus, which will release on April 7, 2027. Varanasi features Mahesh Babu, Priyanka Chopra and Prithviraj Sukumaran in lead roles. Prithiviraj wraps Varanasi schedule On Tuesday, the actor took to his Instagram stories to share a photo and drop an update regarding the film's shoot. He shared a picture of a scrumptious meal and thanked producer KL Narayana for the spread. Sharing the announcement of schedule wrap, he wrote, "End of a schedule that I've worked immensely hard for! Cheat meal well earned (sic)," accompanied by three heart emojis. Along with the schedule wrap announcement, Prithviraj also announced the one-year countdown for Varanasi's release. SS Rajamouli's time travel film is all set for a grand release on April 7, 2027. "See you in theatres April 7th 2027! Varanasi (sic)," the actor wrote. Similarly, the official X (formerly Twitter) page of Varanasi also shared a post keeping in sync with the time-travel theme to mark a one-year countdown until the film's release. Their post read, "If we're time-trotting to a year, it's Showtime...Varanasi (sic)." About Varanasi Varanasi is a Telugu time travel adventure drama helmed by SS Rajamouli, who has also co-written the film with V Vijayendra Prasad and SS Kanchi. The film is produced by Sri Durga Arts and Showing Business, and is believed to be made on a massive budget of Rs 1,200 crore. While Mahesh Babu is expected to portray two roles as bounty hunter Rudhra and Lord Rama, Priyanka Chopra will be seen as Mandakini. Meanwhile, Prithviraj Sukumaran will be seen playing the role of Kumbha. The makers had earlier dropped the first look posters of the characters, in which Prithviraj is seen confined to a wheelchair, seemingly physically disabled, yet fierce as an antagonist. Similarly, Priyanka Chopra was seen performing an action sequence with a gun in her hand wearing a yellow saree.
07 April,2026 10:09 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentComedian Zakir Khan’s remark at a recent award function has sparked a controversy. The comedian suggested Bollywood celebrities are ‘jealous’ of Dhurandhar 2’s massive success, leading to strong reactions from the industry. Ameesha Patel has also come forward to call out Zakir over his remark, urging him to stop 'spreading negativity,' and highlighting how the industry has consistently valued and respected the Aditya Dhar directorial. Ameesha Patel slams Zakir Khan Taking to her X (formerly Twitter) handle on Tuesday, April 7, Ameesha Patel wrote, "DUDE—Stop spreading NEGATIVITY! The film industry has valued and respected DHURANDHAR! Superstars like SRK, SALMAN, SUNNY, HRITHIK, AJAY et have given not just 1 but 25 plus mega hits and will continue to do so. CHILL-GADAR bahut saalon se sabne already machai hain aur aage bhi machaayenge." DUDE-Stop spreading NEGATIVITY!film industry has valued n respected DHURANDHAR!Superstars like SRK,SALMAN,SUNNY , HRITHIK,AJAY et have given not just 1 but 25 plus mega hits n will continue to do so👍CHILL-GADAR bahut saalon se sabne already machai hain aur aage bhi machaayenge👍 pic.twitter.com/MqOD74LH83 — ameesha patel (@ameesha_patel) April 7, 2026 Earlier, filmmaker Siddharth Anand also took a jibe at the comedian and wrote, "Juhu - Bandra peeps have given all ATBB's (all-time blockbusters) since the past 50 years. You have to be a real duffer to undermine their contribution". Zakir Khan's comment For the unversed, while hosting a recent award ceremony, Zakir said, "Kitne hi congratulatory post aap daal dein, kitni hi stories daal dein, kitne hi interview mein aap bol dein my favourite film, magar sach toh yeh hai ki Dhurandhar se sabki jalti toh hai. (No matter how many congratulatory posts you put up, no matter how many Stories you share, no matter how often you say in interviews that it's your favourite film - the truth is, everyone is jealous of Dhurandhar)." His remark drew laughter from the audience; however, it did not seem to land well with many in the industry. Apart from Zakir's comment, the recent awards ceremony has also come under the scanner over a few controversial instances. Elsewhere, during the awards ceremony, another host made a cheeky remark on Rajpal Yadav in reference to his case of financial irregularities, saying, "Dollar ka rate kitna bhi upar neeche ho jaaye apko paise utne hi vapas lautaane hain (No matter how much the dollar rate fluctuates, you have to return the same amount of money)".
07 April,2026 08:43 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentBigg Boss 18 and The 50 fame Rajat Dalal surprised everyone a few days back by sharing photos from his wedding ceremony. He reportedly tied the knot with his girlfriend last month. However, Rajat did not reveal the identity of his partner and decided to keep it private. Now, he has shared a video from their haldi festivities with friends and family, which reveals her name. Rajat Dalal shares Haldi video Taking to Instagram, Rajat shared a video from his Haldi ceremony on Tuesday, April 7. The video starts with a board at the entrance of the venue that reads, “Mahi and Gullu." While it was known that Gullu is Rajat’s nickname, the clip confirmed that his wife’s name is Mahi. Further in the video, a kid is seen wearing sunglasses with the couple's name. While one side has Rajat written, the other side reads, "Mahi." View this post on Instagram A post shared by Rajat Dalal (@rajat_9629) The video also shows him and Mahi walking hand-in-hand as they make their way to the venue. The Bigg Boss 18 contestant wore a yellow and orange shaded kurta with ivory pyjama, while Mahi radiated the bridal glow in a bright pink ensemble. The couple looked deeply in love as they celebrated their Haldi ceremony with family and friends dancing and enjoying the festivities. The video also reveals that they had a pool party, wherein Rajat is seen jumping into the pool with his friends, joining in the fun and celebration. Rajat Dalal’s Wedding On March 29, Rajat Dalal surprised his fans and followers by sharing stunning pictures from his wedding ceremony. He was seen dressed in elegant traditional attire, while his bride complemented him perfectly in her red bridal ensemble. The photos showed the couple posing against the serene backdrop of a river, as the wedding moments looked straight out of a fairytale! A few days later, Rajat dropped a video from his wedding ceremony, wherein he subtly shared a hint about his wife’s name in the caption, which read, “O Mahi." A few weeks before his wedding, Rajat, in an interview with Film Window, hinted that he was in a serious relationship. He shared that his ‘girlfriend’ could become his ‘wife’ soon.
07 April,2026 08:41 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentRiding on a strong wave of appreciation and conversation following the unveiling of the Rama glimpse, it’s clear that Ramayana is emerging as one of the most anticipated cinematic spectacles globally. Directed by Nitesh Tiwari and produced by Namit Malhotra under Prime Focus Studios, the two-part epic is envisioned as a grand, immersive experience rooted in scale, emotion, and cultural pride. While the glimpse of Lord Ram has struck a deep chord with audiences, the makers emphasize that what has been revealed so far is only the beginning, with a far more expansive and definitive vision still to unfold. Ramayana producer expresses gratitude While the glimpse of Rama continues to receive an incredible response from audiences, producer Namit Malhotra expressed gratitude and shared that such reactions only strengthen the team’s commitment to telling this story with sincerity and responsibility. He shared an endearing note, highlighting how the emotion, conversations, and feedback surrounding the glimpse have further energized the entire team working tirelessly behind the scenes. He wrote, "The response over the past few days has truly been inspiring and humbling. Seeing how our Rama continues to touch so many hearts across the world fills me with deep humility and joy. I cherish all of the conversations, the excitement, and feedback. This is a story etched in the souls of billions and deserves our utmost care." Namit Malhotra says feedback is being heard He further wrote, "The many thousands of artists and collaborators who have been working away passionately are enthusiastic and energized to get out there and continue to deliver the absolute best in every department." The producer said that the team is listening to all the feedback and working on bringing the best output. "We’re listening closely, working diligently, and pouring every effort possible into honoring it with the reverence it holds. This is our Ramayana. It belongs to us all, and that shared emotion and massive responsibility to make every Indian proud is what drives me forward every single day. What you’ve seen so far is just the beginning… we are all striving to bring our epic to life this Diwali on the biggest screens to celebrate our culture and our history." Directed by Nitesh Tiwari and produced by Namit Malhotra’s Prime Focus Studios in association with DNEG and Yash’s Monster Mind Creations, the two-part epic will be released in IMAX worldwide—Part 1 in Diwali 2026 and Part 2 in Diwali 2027.
07 April,2026 07:59 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentComedian Zakir Khan recently hosted a Bollywood awards show. He had a monologue where he gave a humorous spin to the current situation in the film industry. His made a remark on the success of Dhurandhar and how it has left certain people jealous. This comment did not go down well with some people. Among them was director Siddharth Anand, who is known for Pathaan, War, and Fighter and upcoming film King. Siddharth Anand reacts to Zakir's joke During a recent awards show, Zakir, who served as the host, said, “Kitne hi congratulatory posts aap daal dein, kitni hi stories daal dein, kitne hi interview mein aap bol dein ‘my favourite film’, magar sach toh yeh hai ki Dhurandhar se sabki jalti toh hai”. His comment drew laughter, with many seeing it as a light-hearted jab. However, it has also riled a section of the industry. Siddharth Anand also took a dim view of the joke, as he wrote, “Juhu - Bandra peeps have given all ATBB’s (all-time blockbusters) since the past 50 years. You have to be a real duffer to undermine their contribution”. Juhu - Bandra peeps have given all ATBB’s since the past 50 years. You have to be a real duffer to undermine their contribution 😂 — Siddharth Anand (@justSidAnand) April 7, 2026 Ameesha Patel reacts to Zakir's monologue On Tuesday, Ameesha Patel took to her X, formerly Twitter, as she wrote, “DUDE, Stop spreading NEGATIVITY! The film industry has valued and respected DHURANDHAR! Superstars like SRK, SALMAN, SUNNY, HRITHIK, AJAY, etc. have given not just one but 25-plus mega hits and will continue to do so. CHILL, GADAR bahut saalon se sabne machai hai, aur aage bhi machaayenge”. The recent awards ceremony has come under the scanner over a few controversial statements by the show’s hosts. Rajpal Yadav's controversy Elsewhere, during the awards ceremony, another host made a snide remark on Rajpal Yadav pointing to his case of financial irregularities, saying, “Dollar ka rate kitna bhi upar neeche ho jaaye apko paise utne hi vapas lautaane hain (No matter how much the dollar rate fluctuates, you have to return the same amount of money)”. Rajpal Yadav was convicted in a cheque-bounce case by the Delhi High Court. The actor was accused by Murli Projects Pvt Ltd over the default in repayment. A few weeks ago, the court asked the actor if he had taken the loan to which he replied in positive. The court then told the actor that he was given several chances but he failed to comply.
07 April,2026 07:32 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentTumbbad 2 is one of the biggest films eagerly awaited by the audience. Sohum Shah has been joined by Nawazuddin Siddiqui, which has further elevated the curiosity about the film! Tumbbad 2 goes on floors Now, finally, the big moment has arrived, as the film has gone on floors with a mahurat shot. While this in itself has elevated the excitement, the mahurat shot was attended by producer Dr. Jayantilal Gada and his son Dhaval Gada, along with industry stalwarts Boney Kapoor and Tutu Sharma. This has further heightened anticipation for glimpses from the film. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Sohum Shah Films (@sohumshahfilms) A massive set of 7-8 acres has been built in Mumbai, resembling a city, for the initial shoot of the movie. This indicates that Sohum Shah Films is creating a far more immersive experience for the audience, increasing the excitement for the much-awaited sequel. Now that the shoot has officially begun, more exciting updates are eagerly awaited. About Tumbbad 2 Tumbbad gained a cult following over time and is considered one of the best Hindi fantasy folklore films. It was re-released in 2024 and went on to become the second-highest-grossing re-released Indian film. Ever since then, audiences have been eagerly waiting for Tumbbad 2, and its announcement by Sohum Shah has only added to the intrigue. Prosthetic designer Shaune Harrison had shed light on the process of designing prosthetics for the film, revealing that the character undergoes three distinct physical transformations created through complex prosthetic work He said, "The team had to carefully design multiple prosthetic pieces to maintain visual continuity throughout the shoot. “I mean, there is one main character that we're doing, for which we go through three different looks. And they're quite extensive makeups. Obviously, we'll have double makeups as well, because we always want to make sure, you know, with any film you do, you'll have a stunt double and the acting double." Tumbbad 2 is being directed by Adesh Prasad and spearheaded by actor-producer Sohum Shah under his banner Sohum Shah Films, with Pen Studios, headed by veteran producer Dr. Jayantilal Gada, the powerhouse behind blockbusters such as RRR and Gangubai Kathiawadi. The distribution will be done by Pen Marudhar.
07 April,2026 07:31 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentBusinessman Raj Kundra has finally broken his silence amid the ongoing legal turmoil he has found himself embroiled in, in recent years. The businessman and husband of actress Shilpa Shetty took to his X handle to share a resilient message, noting that he has respected the system. He also opened up about facing media judgments, speculations and online trolling; however, he will wait for the truth through a fair and final verdict. Raj Kundra on legal trials Taking to his X account on Tuesday, Raj wrote, “Justice delayed is justice denied. I’ve stayed silent, I’ve respected the system, and endured media trials, speculation & trolling. Enough!! I want the truth through a fair and final verdict. If found guilty by a court of law, I will face every consequence. Until then, I will not be judged by noise, only by justice. Raj Kundra." The businessman has often maintained silence amid allegations and controversies, allowing the law and order to bring light to the truth. However, his recent message addressed the public perception and scrutiny he has faced through it all. Ongoing legal trials against Raj Kundra For the unversed, in August 2025, Kundra and his wife, Shilpa Shetty, were booked by the Mumbai Economic Offences Wing (EOW) after a complaint was filed by businessman Deepak Kothari. The complaint alleged that the couple defrauded him of Rs 60.4 crore between 2015 and 2023. In return, they allegedly promised him high returns on an investment in their company, Best Deal TV Pvt Ltd, which they failed to deliver. Similarly, the businessman and celebrity found himself embroiled in a Bitcoin money laundering investigation early in 2026. The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has been investigating Kundra since then over his connection with a Bitcoin ponzi scam worth roughly Rs 150 crore. The agency claimed that Raj Kundra received proceeds of crime (285 bitcoins) and that he has been dealing with cases under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA). Prior to this, Kundra was arrested by the Mumbai Police Crime Branch in July 2021 over his alleged involvement in the creation and supply of pornographic content through mobile applications. Although he was later granted bail in the case, the investigations into the digital apps continued.
07 April,2026 06:51 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentIn a significant moment for rising actor Kashika Kapoor, acclaimed filmmaker V. V. Vinayak unveiled the poster of her upcoming film Spirit shortly after the project wrapped its shoot. With the film now gearing up for release, the development has generated considerable buzz across industry circles. Spirit poster unveiled The unveiling took place in an intimate setting, with Kashika Kapoor present alongside V. V. Vinayak as he revealed the first look of Spirit. The timing of the launch, right after the film’s shoot completion, has added to the anticipation, suggesting that the project is now in its final stages ahead of release. Spirit is being positioned as a key film in Kashika Kapoor’s evolving career trajectory. Having steadily built her presence across projects, the actor now appears to be entering a phase where her choices reflect a balance between performance-driven roles and wider commercial appeal. Kashika Kapoor on the poster unveiling of Spirit Speaking about the moment, Kashika Kapoor said, “Having someone like V. V. Vinayak sir unveil the poster of Spirit right after we wrapped the shoot is truly special for me. It feels like a moment of validation and encouragement at a very important stage of my journey. I’ve always admired his work, and this gesture means a lot as we get ready to bring this film to the audience.” What has particularly caught attention is V. V. Vinayak’s association with the launch. Known for helming large-scale entertainers and identifying strong screen talent, his presence has sparked speculation about a potential collaboration with Kashika Kapoor in the future. Industry observers note that post-shoot announcements and strategic unveilings often play a crucial role in building momentum ahead of a film’s release. In this case, SPIRIT has already begun generating curiosity, aided by the visual reveal and Vinayak’s endorsement. As the film moves closer to release, all eyes are now on Spirit and what it will bring to audiences. At the same time, the association between Kashika Kapoor and V. V. Vinayak has added an extra layer of intrigue—one that could potentially extend beyond just this launch.
07 April,2026 06:46 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentRapper Badshah appeared before the National Commission for Women (NCW) in Delhi in connection with the ongoing controversy surrounding his song Tateeree. The singer was reportedly questioned for over an hour as the panel examined complaints about the song’s lyrics and visuals. The controversy erupted soon after the release of Tateeree, with several groups alleging that the track contained objectionable and disrespectful content towards women. The issue quickly escalated, prompting intervention from authorities and women’s rights bodies. National Commission for Women took cognisance of the matter and issued summons to the rapper. Badshah quizzed for an hour by NCW During his appearance, Badshah was grilled by the commission regarding the intent behind the song and the nature of its content. Sources suggest that officials sought detailed explanations about the lyrics, which have been criticised for being vulgar and inappropriate. The commission has been actively pursuing the case amid growing public outrage. Earlier, the song had already sparked widespread backlash online, with many accusing it of objectifying women and promoting problematic imagery. Complaints also led to legal action, including the filing of an FIR and summons from state-level women’s panels. Facing mounting criticism, Badshah had issued a public apology and removed the song from all platforms. However, the controversy did not die down, as authorities continued to investigate the matter and seek accountability. The NCW’s involvement marks a significant escalation in the case, highlighting concerns around the portrayal of women in popular media. The panel has been examining whether the content violates legal and ethical standards, especially in terms of dignity and representation. All about the controversy Reports indicate that the questioning session focused on understanding the creative choices behind the song and whether due sensitivity was exercised during its production. While Badshah has not made a detailed public statement after his appearance, the proceedings suggest that the matter remains under scrutiny. The Tateeree controversy has once again sparked a broader debate about artistic freedom versus social responsibility in the music industry. Critics argue that content creators must be mindful of the impact their work can have, while others stress the importance of creative expression. As the investigation continues, all eyes remain on the next course of action by the commission. The outcome could have wider implications for how controversial content in music is regulated and addressed in the future.
07 April,2026 06:40 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentAditya Dhar has heaped praise on composer Shashwat Sachdev for his extraordinary work on Dhurandhar 2, revealing that the musician created 14 songs in just 11 days an achievement he described as almost unbelievable. Aditya Dhar pens an emotional note Taking to social media, Dhar shared an emotional note reflecting on their collaboration, calling it deeply personal and far beyond a typical professional relationship. He wrote, “Some collaborations go beyond work; they become deeply personal,” adding that Sachdev is someone he considers “like a younger brother.” The filmmaker highlighted the sheer speed and scale at which the music for the film was produced. According to him, Sachdev not only composed 14 songs for Dhurandhar 2 in 11 days but also completed the background score in just three days. This, Dhar noted, was no ordinary feat given the complexity and emotional depth required for a project of such magnitude. Expressing his amazement, Dhar admitted that the accomplishment still feels surreal. “What he’s done on this film still doesn’t feel real,” he wrote, emphasizing how rare such efficiency is in the film industry. He further described the process as “beyond crazy,” pointing out that achieving such speed while maintaining high quality and emotional richness is almost unheard of. Dhar also reflected on their previous collaboration on the first Dhurandhar film, where Sachdev had composed nine songs in nine days and completed the background score in six days. The composer’s ability to replicate and even surpass that pace for the sequel only reinforced Dhar’s admiration for his talent and dedication. Lauds Shashwat Sachdev for his music in Dhurandhar The filmmaker credited Sachdev’s resilience and creative intensity for the success of the film’s music. He noted that despite the tight timelines, the songs have resonated strongly with audiences, contributing significantly to the film’s overall impact. The Dhurandhar franchise has been widely appreciated not only for its storytelling and performances but also for its music, which blends contemporary sounds with emotional depth. Dhar pointed out that both film albums achieved remarkable success, with tracks topping charts and receiving widespread acclaim. Concluding his note, Dhar reiterated his respect and gratitude for Sachdev, underscoring how rare it is to find someone who can deliver at such a level under pressure. His heartfelt words highlight not just a successful collaboration, but a creative partnership built on trust, passion, and shared vision.
07 April,2026 06:36 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentAjay Devgn is currently filming for Rohit Shetty’s directorial Golmaal 5. The beloved franchise is known for its slapstick humour and has seen several actors be a part of it over the years. Akshay Kumar will be joining the fifth instalment as the antagonist. However, there is one big change in this part, there will be no romantic plot in the film, unlike previous instalments. Even though Priyamani has been roped in, she will be seen in a non-romantic role. Rohit Shetty says no to romance According to a report in Variety India, Rohit Shetty is attempting to break the franchise tradition of including a romantic subplot. In the first Golmaal (2006), Rimi Sen played the romantic interest for the leads until Tusshar Kapoor’s character ended up with her. In Golmaal Returns (2008) and Golmaal 3 (2010), Kareena Kapoor Khan played the female lead. While she was married to Ajay Devgn’s character in part 2, part 3 hinted at romantic feelings. The third instalment also focused on the romance between Ratna Pathak Shah and Mithun Chakraborty’s characters. The last instalment, Golmaal Again (2017), featured Parineeti Chopra as the female lead. When Golmaal 5 went on floors In March, Rohit Shetty officially commenced the shoot for Golmaal 5. This time, the madness gets bigger with familiar faces like Arshad Warsi, Tusshar Kapoor, Shreyas Talpade, and Kunal Kemmu returning, alongside new entrant Akshay Kumar. In the announcement video, Akshay was seen donning a bold look for his role. Teasing him, Ajay joked, “Koi franchise nahi chhodta hai ye (He does not leave any franchise).” If reports are to be believed, Akshay will play the antagonist in Golmaal 5. Wishing Rohit on his birthday, Akshay expressed his excitement on Instagram, writing, “Happy Birthday itsrohitshetty… On your birthday, the madness just got bigger and louder. Excited to be joining this crazy family of Golmaal 5! Let the chaos begin.” The video unveiled by the makers showed crew members preparing the set before introducing the cast as they arrived for the shoot. It also teased the return of Sharman Joshi to the Golmaal franchise after nearly two decades. Sharing the video, Rohit wrote, “20 years ago, the first Golmaal released, a film that changed my life. The credit goes to you, my audience. Over the past 20 years, we have entertained you, and yes, sometimes disappointed you, but we have always been honest in our work. Now, once again, my team and I are ready to entertain you as we begin filming G5. All we need is your blessings. See you at the movies.”
07 April,2026 05:05 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentADVERTISEMENT
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