Make me Gandhi Manoj Bajpayee and Sudhir Mishra Filmmaker Sudhir Mishra has confirmed that Manoj Bajpayee will portray Mahatma Gandhi in his upcoming biopic. Ending weeks of speculation, the director wrote on social media, “That’s roughly the plan. Hope it all works out.” The announcement marks the first official detail about the project, with production likely to begin in Kolkata this September. For the industry’s wellbeing Varun Dhawan Actor Varun Dhawan, along with his father, filmmaker David Dhawan, has contributed R20 lakh to Cine & TV Artistes’ Association (CINTAA) to support industry workers. The association said the funds will go towards the welfare of members, particularly those in need. On the work front, the actor was last seen in Border 2.
17 February,2026 07:50 AM IST | Mumbai | The Hitlist TeamSounds, lyrics, collaborators, distribution of music — a lot has changed in the last five decades that Hariharan has spent in the music industry. But one thing hasn’t. The singer, 70, says his approach to music as a source of healing remains the same. That may well be the secret to his 50-year career. In a chat with mid-day, Hariharan reflects on reaching the career milestone and remaining relevant in times of Instagram virality. Excerpts from the interview. Fifty years in music is extraordinary. What has changed the most?There have been many changes. But one thing has not changed — music has always been a healer. Years before and even today, it has that healing touch. How do you view the drastic change in the way music is consumed today?Society has changed, as has infrastructure. The way we distribute music has changed. But at the end of it, you still need good music. The tools — recording machines, electronic instruments — may be different, but rhythm is the same. You just have to keep abreast of technology. Now, songs are designed to have hooks for reels. How does a musician function in the Instagram era?Instagram is instantaneous and sensational. But you cannot become an instantaneous success. Musicians have to live a musician’s life — wake up, practise, get inspired, write songs, all for the love of it. Don’t take virality too seriously. Longevity is what matters. That takes time. Film music has changed too.Earlier films were dreamy; now they are realistic. Nobody lip-syncs like before. If the script is realistic, a song can feel out of context. The soundscape used to change every 10 years; now it changes every five. For me to sustain for 50 years in films was fantastic. Was the journey easier in your time?Not at all. Maine 15 years papad bele hain before I got a foothold. Nothing came instantly. This idea of instant success is an illusion. If you love music, you will stay. Colonial Cousins’ reunion in the works? Hariharan, one half of the popular Colonial Cousins, revealed that he may soon reunite with his former collaborator Leslee Lewis. “There are talks about making another album. Leslee and I are in touch. We meet, think about music, and spend time together,” the singer shared. Farhat Shahzad Hariharan has released his new album, ‘Jaan Meri’. The five-song album is written by poet Farhat Shahzad and presented by Sufiscore. “We started planning this album during COVID-19 and worked on it for three to four years. There are two traditional ghazals, one romantic song, and one I call a ‘ghazal nova’,” said Hariharan.
17 February,2026 07:37 AM IST | Mumbai | Komal RJ PanchalFor 17 years, Yash Raj Films (YRF) has been home to Abhiraj Minawala, who worked as an assistant director on its several productions. It’s not surprising then that YRF head honcho Aditya Chopra gave him the duty of helming Mardaani 3, led by Rani Mukerji. Minawala tells mid-day, “Among the many ideas we discussed, one dealt with the emotions of a parent and a child [against the backdrop of] human trafficking. As soon as I read the script of Mardaani 3, as a father, I was scared. So, the decision of taking this up was more important to me as a father than a filmmaker.” Abhiraj Minawala, who worked on a few scenes of ‘Jawan’, hopes to work on ‘King’ Minawala may have made his directorial debut with Loveyatri (2019) outside the YRF fold, but his equation with Chopra has always been of faith. So much so that the producer recommended him to Shah Rukh Khan for a few sequences of Jawan (2023). “I ended up working on two-three small sequences in Jawan. Shah Rukh sir is so sweet. He just called and said, ‘Beta kya kar raha hai? Chal, aaja.’ That’s it,” he recalls. Aditya Chopra Abhiraj Minawala also worked as an associate director on ‘War 2’ (2025)
17 February,2026 07:32 AM IST | Mumbai | Priyanka SharmaIn its first 10 seconds, the trailer of Assi tells you a chilling statistic — that there are 80 reported rape cases in India every day. “That’s one every 20 minutes. By the time you finish this interview, one more would have happened,” director Anubhav Sinha told us, when we met him to discuss his upcoming film that sees Taapsee Pannu as a lawyer, who takes up the case of a sexual assault survivor, essayed by Kani Kusruti. With Assi, Sinha aims to show how rape culture is rooted in patriarchy. More importantly, he wants to examine our society’s generational failure. “Mothers tell their daughters at 13 that this [sexual violence] may happen, and this is how you deal with it. But men don’t tell their sons about gender equality. We don’t tell them that you might be attracted to another person’s body, but you can’t snatch it,” he rued. Anubhav Sinha The director teamed up with Gaurav Solanki to write the social drama. Yet, they entered the writing process at a disadvantage. “Every time Gaurav and I went to write a scene, we were trying to think like a woman. That was the toughest part for me. I was watching a lot of films about women to understand women, to feel like one.” Reuniting with Pannu after Thappad (2020) was a deliberate choice. The director knew she’d front the film for the right reasons. “I meet a lot of actors who want to be in my movies because they think they should want to be in a movie like that. That doesn’t work for me. You will see Taapsee’s honesty in her eyes. She walks the talk.” ‘Mulk’ (2017) and ‘Thappad’ (2020) Filmmaker Anubhav Sinha and actor Taapsee Pannu previously collaborated on ‘Mulk’ (2017) and the acclaimed ‘Thappad’ (2020)
17 February,2026 07:06 AM IST | Mumbai | Mohar BasuThe Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) has taken strict action against Bollywood director Aditya Dhar’s production house, B62 Studios. The action comes after they repeatedly violated rules on the set of Dhurandhar: The Revenge, the much-awaited sequel to the 2025 blockbuster Dhurandhar, in Mumbai. BMC seeks permanent blacklisting of Aditya Dhar’s production house BMC's A ward office has written to the Deputy Municipal Commissioner (Zone 1). In the letter, they recommended that B62 Studios be permanently blacklisted from applying for future filming permissions. According to an Indian Express report, the civic body has also proposed a penalty of Rs 1 lakh for shooting on a building terrace and using two generator vans without proper authorisation. In addition to this, the Rs 25,000 security deposit submitted by the applicant has been forfeited. What's the issue? According to officials, the team was granted permission for the February 7 and 8 shoot between Modi Street and Perin Nariman Street in A ward on January 30 through the Maharashtra Film, Stage and Cultural Development Corporation Limited. However, according to the authorities, the production team 'violated' police conditions during the shoot, which banned the use of crackers and flammable materials. Following these alleged breaches, Komal Pokhriyal submitted a subsequent application seeking permission to film on February 13 and 14. Quoting the earlier violations, the authorities cancelled the request. Later, a fresh application was made for shooting between 12.30 am and 4.00 am on February 14. Officials state that this time, conditional permission was granted after the applicant assured them that no flammable materials would be used. However, despite their assurance, police allegedly received complaints around 12.45 am on February 14 about the use of flammable torches during filming. A senior BMC official revealed that their officers reached the location within 15 minutes, where they seized five lit torches. After the second incident, the applicants reportedly assured authorities that visuals involving fire would be created using VFX in the film. The A ward office has now sought approval to levy fines, and formally register the seized items along with permanently blacklist the applicants, namely Komal Pokhriyal, Nashir Khan, as well as the production house, from future permissions via the state film corporation portal.
16 February,2026 09:22 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentVeteran actor and Lok Sabha MP Shatrughan Sinha recently approached the Bombay High Court seeking protection of his personality rights. In his plea, he alleged rampant online misuse of his name, image and his iconic dialogue 'Khamosh', which featured in the film Vishwanath. He also claimed damages of Rs 20 crores or payment of profits. Shatrughan Sinha moves Bombay HC Justice Sharmila Deshmukh on Monday reserved her order on Sinha's plea seeking an interim injunction. Invoking his right to privacy under Article 21 of the Constitution and the performers’ rights under the Copyright Act, the actor claimed that his performances are being modified in a manner that is prejudicial to his reputation. During the pendency of the suit, the actor asked for a temporary injunction from the Bombay HC restraining John Doe parties from using his name, persona and mannerisms. Shatrughan Sinha also asked for a temporary injunction to stop passing off through the sale of unauthorised merchandise. About the lawsuit The suit was filed through his son Luv Sinha, against unknown parties and global tech companies, including Meta, X (formerly Twitter), Google, e‑commerce sites, bloggers, the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology as well as the Union Department of Telecommunication. In his plea, he sought a permanent injunction against parties from using his name, voice, mannerisms, signature dialogue ‘Khamosh’ and his overall persona from commercial exploitation without his consent. Shatrughan has also claimed damages of Rs 20 crores or payment of profits earned from the use of this persona. Advocate Hiren Kamod, who represented Sinha, argued that over the years, the veteran actor has created considerable goodwill and commercial value in his persona. However, he informed court that unknown individuals as well as various platforms are misappropriating his goodwill by creating fake social media profiles, sharing caricatures using clips of his performance, and also selling merchandise with his image and catchphrase. These acts often mislead the public into believing that the Vishwanath actor is associated with the goods or content, and taint his reputation by association with unsavoury humour, depriving him of control over the context in which his persona is used, Kamod added.
16 February,2026 08:49 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentThe buzz around Tumbbad’s sequel has intensified ever since actor-producer Sohum Shah officially joined hands with Pen Studios, helmed by veteran producer Jayantilal Gada. With a studio known for mounting cinematic spectacles like RRR and Gangubai Kathiawadi backing the sequel, trade circles are already positioning Tumbbad 2 as one of the most ambitious projects currently in development. Tumbbad 2 casting in works Released in 2018, Tumbbad evolved from a sleeper hit into a globally celebrated cult phenomenon. Its 2024 re-release further strengthened its legacy, drawing new audiences into its haunting world of greed, mythology, and psychological horror. Now, with the sequel set to go on floors early this year, the makers are looking to deepen and expand the dark universe that redefined Indian fantasy-horror. Amid mounting anticipation, fresh industry chatter suggests that the sequel’s antagonist could be a major casting masterstroke. Akshaye and Nawazuddin in consideration “A powerful antagonist is central to the narrative of Tumbbad 2. The team is keen on elevating the sequel with a layered and formidable negative lead,” shared a source close to the development. “Akshaye Khanna and Nawazuddin Siddiqui are two names currently being discussed. Their ability to portray morally complex, unpredictable characters makes them compelling choices for the world of Tumbbad.” According to the source, the makers aim to introduce an antagonist who is not just menacing but deeply layered — someone who can stand toe-to-toe with Sohum’s character in terms of intensity and depth. For Sohum Shah, Tumbbad 2 marks not just a sequel but a strategic expansion of a cinematic universe he has passionately nurtured over the years. As both actor and producer under his banner Sohum Shah Films, he has remained deeply invested in preserving the tonal integrity and mythological richness that made the original a landmark film. His collaboration with Pen Studios signals a larger vision, combining creative ambition with robust production backing. With Pen Studios’ scale and distribution strength, and speculation mounting over who will play the antagonist, Tumbbad 2 appears poised to raise the stakes both narratively and cinematically. While an official casting announcement is awaited, industry buzz suggests that the next chapter in the Tumbbad universe could be darker, grander, and more intense than before.
16 February,2026 08:04 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentMarch is set to witness a major box office clash. On March 19, Dhurandhar: The Revenge and Toxic: A Fairytale for Grown Ups are slated for a theatrical release. Earlier, Adivi Sesh’s Dacoit was also scheduled for the same date but later postponed. While there was speculation that Toxic might shift its release, the latest reports suggest that its lead actor Yash has no such plans. Toxic to not be postponed March 19 coincides with Eid and Gudi Padwa/Ugadi festivities, and both films are aiming to capitalise on the holiday window. Aditya Dhar’s Dhurandhar: The Revenge reportedly enjoys stronger buzz in the Hindi belt due to the success of its first instalment. Meanwhile, Yash commands a massive fan base following the success of the KGF: Chapter 1 and KGF: Chapter 2 franchise. Amid rumours that Yash was considering postponing Toxic to avoid the clash, a report by Variety India claims otherwise. A source stated that Yash has immense confidence in the film and is banking on long-term theatrical performance rather than just opening weekend numbers. The source also revealed that Toxic’s release date was announced back in December 2023, and fans have been eagerly awaiting his return to the big screen. The actor reportedly does not want to disappoint them by moving the date. Toxic team irked with Dhurandhar makers However, the report adds that the team of Yash's may not be entirely pleased with the team of Ranveer Singh-starrer Dhurandhar 2. The team is believed to be upset that the makers did not inform him in advance about their Eid release plans before making the announcement public. “Toxic announced its date earlier. If Dhurandhar 2 was planning to release on the same day, they could have at least given him a courtesy call. The team feels that the Hindi film industry lacks the communication culture common in the southern industries,” the source added. About Toxic Written by Yash and Geetu Mohandas and directed by Geetu Mohandas, Toxic: A Fairytale for Grown-Ups has been simultaneously shot in Kannada and English, with dubbed versions planned in Hindi, Telugu, Tamil, Malayalam, and several other languages, underscoring the film’s global ambition. The film boasts a formidable technical lineup, with National Award-winning cinematographer Rajeev Ravi behind the lens, music composed by Ravi Basrur, editing by Ujwal Kulkarni, and production design by TP Abid. The action sequences are mounted on a grand scale, choreographed by Hollywood action director JJ Perry (John Wick), alongside National Award-winning action directors Anbariv and Kecha Khamphakdee.
16 February,2026 07:53 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentParineeti Chopra recently gave fans a heartwarming glimpse into the beautifully designed nursery of her son, Neer, offering a personal look at the space that has quickly become the centre of her world. The actress, who welcomed her baby boy with husband Raghav Chadha in October 2025, shared a video tour revealing the thoughtfully curated room that reflects both elegance and warmth. Parineeti Chopra talks about motherhood In the vlog, Parineeti candidly spoke about how motherhood has transformed her daily routine. She shared that she now spends most of her time in the nursery, joking that she barely leaves the room except to sleep. Laughing about her “new mom problems,” she admitted that rest has been scarce, but described this chapter of her life as one of pure happiness and fulfilment. The nursery embraces a classic and vintage aesthetic, designed in soft, soothing tones. A calming palette of beige, white, and light blue creates a serene atmosphere perfect for a newborn. The walls feature elegant panel detailing and framed vintage car artwork, adding a subtle nostalgic charm while maintaining a refined look. The overall vibe is understated yet stylish, blending comfort with sophistication. Parineeti Chopra gives a glimpse of Neer's nursery Parineeti revealed that she drew inspiration from Ralph Lauren style interiors, aiming for a timeless and minimalistic feel. A white crib sits at the heart of the room, surrounded by plush toys in neutral hues. A bespoke wardrobe with rattan detailing adds texture, while warm wooden flooring enhances the cosy ambience. One of the most special elements in the nursery is a vintage carpet gifted by Raghav’s father, adding sentimental value to the décor. Raghav shared that the nursery was once his study, a space where he prepared speeches and worked before Neer’s arrival. He credited Parineeti for transforming it into what he described as a “heavenly sanctuary,” noting that the room now radiates calm and positivity. The couple, who tied the knot in Udaipur in 2023, have embraced parenthood with visible joy. Their glimpse into Neer’s nursery not only highlights their design sensibilities but also reflects the love and care with which they are stepping into this new phase of life.
16 February,2026 07:19 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentRanbir Kapoor was last seen on screen in Animal, which released in theatres over two years ago. Since then, fans have been eagerly waiting to see him back on the big screen. Although the actor has two films lined up for release, the makers have not officially announced their release dates. Ranbir on Ramayana and Love & War release Amid the anticipation, Ranbir hosted an Insta live session for his brand ARKs, where he interacted with fans and spoke about his upcoming projects. During the session, a user pointed out that Nitesh Tiwari’s Ramayana is expected to be released on November 6, which also happens to be his daughter Raha’s birthday. Reacting to the comment, the Barfi actor called it a “beautiful coincidence.” Ramayana is reportedly scheduled for a Diwali release this year. Diwali begins on November 5 and continues until November 11, with November 6 falling on a Friday- the traditional day for theatrical releases. Ranbir Kapoor will be seen playing the role of Lord Ram in the Nitesh Tiwari directorial that will star Sai Pallavi as Sita. During the live interaction, Ranbir also revealed that Love & War will release after his ambitious project Ramayana: Part 1, which is slated for an October 2026 theatrical debut. With this confirmation, it is widely believed that Love & War may arrive in late 2026, possibly in December, though no official date has been locked yet. Ranbir on long gaps between his films The session also saw Ranbir respond to a fan who joked about his long gaps between releases. The comment read, “Ek superstar tha jo, ‘See you at the movies,’ bolke 3-4 saal gayab ho jaata hai.” (There was a superstar who would say ‘See you at the movies’ and then disappear for 3-4 years.) Smiling, Ranbir replied, “It’s my bad luck! Whenever I start a film, it takes a long time to complete. While some movies finish in 4-6 months, mine take longer. But I hope when they release, you forget the wait. I assure you I’ve been working very hard for the last 2-3 years. Good things take time.”
16 February,2026 06:59 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentOn Saturday afternoon, a slab from the under-construction Mumbai Metro Line 4 fell onto a road, killing one person and injuring three others. The concrete slab fell on a passing autorickshaw and a car, which was crushed under its weight. The autorickshaw passenger died on the spot, while two of the injured remain hospitalised. Hrithik Roshan reacts to Mumbai metro accident The tragic incident has once again sparked conversations about safety, especially as much of the city remains under construction. Actor Hrithik Roshan also shared his thoughts on the matter. On Sunday, he took to his Instagram Stories to post a news article about the incident. Along with the article, he wrote: “Heartbreaking and traumatic. My condolences to the family of the deceased and prayers for the speedy recovery of those injured. I commend the swift action taken by the authorities to ensure accountability, but the need for safety checks and prevention of such accidents must be a priority, especially with all the development work going on across Mumbai’s busiest streets.” “Safety of construction workers and the general public is of paramount importance, and I hope strict measures are taken to ensure guidelines and protocols are in place to avoid such incidents in the future,” he added. About Mumbai Metro slab collapse According to the preliminary investigation, the incident occurred due to a lack of concrete stitching or a technical issue with the fastening. Action has been initiated against the contractor, Milan Infra, which has been fined Rs 5 crore. The general consultants monitoring the line, Louis Berger and DB-Hill, have been penalised Rs 1 crore. The deceased’s family and the injured victims have been offered compensation, and their medical expenses will be covered. The Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority (MMRDA) has set up an inquiry committee led by Project Director Basavraj MB. Legal action will be initiated against those found guilty. The committee will submit day-wise inspection notes, identify unsafe conditions, outline immediate actions taken, prepare a corridor-wide compliance matrix, and present a consolidated report recommending corrective and preventive measures, along with guidance on whether work should resume. Meanwhile, Hrithik was last seen in War 2, directed by Ayan Mukerji. The sixth instalment in the YRF Spy Universe, it also stars N. T. Rama Rao Jr. and Kiara Advani.
16 February,2026 05:46 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentADVERTISEMENT
