Is it time to hit pause for Ali Fazal? Absolutely. Over the past year, the actor shot back-to-back for Raakh, Mirzapur: The Film, Lahore 1947, and Lust Stories 3. Having spent months travelling and working across sets, Fazal is now taking it easy for a while. The teaser of Prime Video’s ‘Raakh’, inspired by the Ranga-Billa case, was unveiled on March 19 “It’s been a pretty packed few months with constant travel and long shooting schedules. I realised it was important to take a breather,” said the actor. ‘Mirzapur: The Film’ was among the projects Ali Fazal shot Often, the importance of such breaks in the fast-moving world of the Hindi film industry is overlooked. But Fazal believes that a pause once in a while only helps an artiste. He argued, “We underestimate how demanding this profession can be, mentally and physically. I feel it’s important for actors to take these breaks to reflect, reset, and come back sharper. I’ve started to understand that taking a step back every few projects is not a luxury, it’s a necessity if you want longevity. When I go back on the set next, I want to feel fully present. That’s only possible if I allow myself some semblance of balance.”
20 March,2026 08:03 AM IST | Mumbai | Mohar BasuA full kitty Actor Mona Singh has confirmed that she will star in a cyber-crime drama backed by Rajkumar Hirani, marking his debut as an OTT showrunner. Reports suggest that the yet-untitled series will also feature Vikrant Massey. “There’s a beautiful show that’s going to be announced. I’m excited about it,” Mona said in a recent interview and added that the project is backed by the filmmaker. The show reportedly centres on cyber crime, though details remain under wraps. The collaboration comes full circle for Mona, who made her film debut in Hirani’s ‘3 Idiots’ (2009), reuniting with the filmmaker over a decade later. Phone a friend Amitabh Bachchan and Prem Chopra Veteran actor Prem Chopra has revealed that Amitabh Bachchan has been sending him a daily “get well soon” message since his recent illness. Speaking to THR India, Prem said, “Every morning there is a message from him, which reads, ‘Get well soon, Prem’. Prayers for you’.” He added, “I told him I’ve recovered, but he persists sweetly.” Prem was hospitalised in Mumbai last November due to a viral infection and age-related complications, and is now back home, recovering well, while continuing to be touched by his Mard (1985) co-star’s thoughtful gesture. Stars arrive on the home screen Hrithik Roshan; (right) Alaya F, Parvathy Thiruvothu, Saba Azad, Rrama Sharma, and Srishti Shrivastava Amazon Prime Video unveiled its 2026 slate, headlined by two HRX Films projects — a web series, Storm, and film Mess — marking Hrithik Roshan’s OTT debut as a producer. “HRX was born out of a journey from hopelessness to inspiration,” he said. Starring Parvathy Thirovothu, Saba Azad, Alaya F, and others, Storm follows five women caught in a deadly housing scam, while Mess, starring Pratik Gandhi, is a dark comedy about a chaotic home invasion. Alia and Shaheen Bhatt At the event, Alia Bhatt also announced her production ‘Don’t Be Shy’, backed with Shaheen Bhatt. Directed by Sreeti Mukerji, the coming-of-age romantic comedy follows a young woman whose life spirals unexpectedly.
20 March,2026 07:56 AM IST | Mumbai | The Hitlist TeamDhurandhar: The RevengeA: Action, thrillerDir: Aditya DharActors: Ranveer Singh, Sanjay DuttRating: 3.5/5 Lemme first say what you already know about Dhurandhar: The Revenge — that, in over two decades of reviewing movies in North India, I haven’t come across a film that’s created such cultural urgency to collectively catch a film, like it was Kumbh mela. I didn’t think as much of the relatively fuzzy Dhurandhar (2025). Chiefly, because, for all its excruciating length — I was searching for the hero’s journey, while his backstory remained altogether in the backburner, making it hard for me to connect with Hamza (Ranveer Singh), the undercover agent, himself! Cracker craft apart, one could tell why crowds loved the film. Foremost, for the location, i.e. Pakistan/Karachi, and the well-told story of its ’90s Bombay-like underworld that made Lyari such an explosive landmine for devoted writer-director Aditya Dhar to realistically lay his hands on, and dig deeper. Sanjay Dutt in ‘Dhurandhar: The Revenge’ In parts, it felt like Satya (1998) with a touch of Company (2002), albeit of the Karachi kind. Many have, since, researched that neighbourhood, online (I’d recommend the Vice series on Lyari on YouTube). But more so, the audiences got drawn to the ensemble characters — mainly, don Rehman Dakait (Akshaye Khanna), who appeared as the actual ‘hero’ of Dhurandhar. Dead Rehman, of course, is no longer there. You’ve got to thank Dhar still for giving us back the great comedian, Rakesh Bedi, in his own, new, stellar form as the semi-serious, leery Jameel Jamali! The sequel, however, wholly belongs to Dhurandhar, as in Ranveer — staggeringly transforming from a lean, vulnerable, crew-cut Jaskirat to the wild, nutso, long-haired Hamza. You learn everything you ought to know to finally anchor your emotions on the protagonist; following, appreciating his every move, over 229.06 minutes, straight. It’s almost as if Dhar first made Ranveer (Jayeshbhai Jordaar, Cirkus) a proper ‘star’ — with box-office collections of the prequel — and then treated him as one, in the second part! The young Jaskirat story starts with him vanquishing a criminal family, back in Indian Punjab. There’s a property dispute. Land is a bone of contention in another sub-plot of Dhurandhar 2. This concerns Rehman Dakait and Bade Saab. Which is how the latter lost his brother, Noor, in Karachi. It's a widely reported anecdote. Bade Saab = Dawood Ibrahim — possibly the most serially fictionalised real-life character on Indian screen. Most recently, ‘Dawood’ appeared as a matador in Spain in Vishal Bhardwaj’s O’Romeo (2026), while the same actor (Avinash Tiwary) played him in Bombay’s streets on the show, Bambai Meri Jaan (2023)! Dawood, likely in his late 60s, appears as a wrecked, ailing baldie in Dhurandhar; seems closer to the truth. As do other publicly known figures around him from, say, Nawaz Sharief, referring to “Mr 10 per cent” Zardari, down to People’s Aman Committee in Pakistan (pronounced ‘Paak-stan’). It’s these straight-off connections playing on your mind, so seamlessly blurring fantasy and non-fiction, that lends immeasurable heft to Indian secret service agent Hamza’s work-life as he takes the Pak deep-state by its horns. Yet, make no mistake. This movie is make-believe. As all hardcore actioners tend to be; inevitably widening lens, upping scale. The more intimate action here is in, unequal parts, frantically pornographic, and unhingedly grotesque. There’s a certain rhythm to it, though, that you get used to, eventually — as super-composer, Shashwat Sachdev, pumps up volume, kills it with the beats, where you can even spot riffs from Michael Jackson! That’s the Dhurandhar template. I’m sure you’ll have a favourite set-piece. Mine’s the mortal-combat sequence inside a loo, where the dude getting walloped has a syringe-needle pierce through the apple of his eye, his head smashed against the bathtub! Pouf. The other question popping in people’s heads, as it popularly did during Dhurandhar is, if this is a pure propaganda picture. Frankly, with movies, I don’t consider propaganda a pejorative/insult, per se; unless downright offensive like, say, The Kerala Story. What’s James Bond, if not propaganda — overestimating might of the British Empire, through a spy-thriller. That said, there’s enough in this film, 2016 demonetisation onwards, that’ll warm the cockles of the current establishment’s heart. And still, if anything, it seems there’s more influence attributed to ISI on India — state elections, “NGO, media, socialists, universities…” — than even they may take credit for! As for sheer hate, Jaskirat/Hamza tells his wife, he has no problem with Pakistanis, only the extremists within. The main villain is the lethal Arjun Rampal, namely, ISI’s Major Iqbal. Ample footage focusses on raising his stature to stand as tall as the hero. Which also explains four hours of this film, besides extensive violence for violence’s sake. Yup, it’s four frickin’ hours! I didn’t quite feel it. But for certain passages. Such is the stunning quality of storytelling, immensely packed with material, that completes the circle from the first part that had left me bereft. Which often happens with movies where the end is merely the interval for the sequel. Hence, say, Baahubali, Gangs of Wasseypur 2 > 1. And The Revenge way better than Dhurandhar!
20 March,2026 07:43 AM IST | Mumbai | Mayank ShekharMonths ago, Manoj Bajpayee told mid-day that his next, Police Station Mein Bhoot, would be a “creative shock” as filmmaker Ram Gopal Varma had evolved significantly (Ramu sees me differently from others, November 9). When we met Varma recently and mentioned that his leading man was all praises for him, he smiled before replying, “He enjoyed shooting this film with me. I think he saw a different side to me because we had worked together before as well.” The horror comedy is the latest collaboration of the duo, who earlier teamed up on Daud (1997), Satya (1998), Kaun (1999), Shool (1999), and Sarkar 3 (2017). Pic/Instagram Evolution is necessary for an artiste seeking longevity in his career. Varma would be among the first to agree with that. Recently, at a film festival in Mumbai, the director spoke about embracing Artificial Intelligence (AI) in filmmaking. Naturally, we asked him if he would use it in his future films. “Any technology will enhance the craft of filmmaking. It will be very stupid not to use it because people tend to resist any new technology.” AI has certainly given rise to apprehension in many, including actors. The fear extends to filmmakers as well, noted Varma. “All the big-budget filmmakers are scared because a tool like Seedance [AI video generator] is creating sequences for a few dollars that hundreds of crores of rupees cannot do.” So how does he plan to protect himself and not become a slave to AI? “You can be a slave only when it requires you. I don’t think AI needs you, to begin with.”
20 March,2026 07:35 AM IST | Mumbai | Priyanka SharmaThe tale of Dhurandhar continues, as does its rampage at the box office. Dhurandhar: The Revenge, the sequel to Ranveer Singh’s 2025 action drama, is projected to have earned over Rs 72 crore in its Hindi version alone on the opening day, beating Jawan (2023) to become the biggest opener in Hindi cinema. Trade analysts believe the box-office run of Aditya Dhar’s directorial venture will surpass the three-week window it has before Akshay Kumar’s Bhooth Bangla arrives on April 10. According to Rajasthan-based exhibitor Raj Bansal, the makers of the horror comedy should defer its release. “I am sure they will do it. The prices at which Dhurandhar 2 tickets are being sold, it will drain out the entertainment budget for a family [for that month],” Bansal told mid-day. He added that director Priyadarshan’s film will have another disadvantage. “There will be an immediate comparison with Dhurandhar 2.” A still from Bhooth Bangla Even as fans lap up the sequel, Bansal had a point to make. “At INOX, the ticket rate is Rs 1750! That is unheard of in Jaipur. There will be excitement among the audience through the weekend. But from Monday, they will have to reduce the ticket price.” Rs 72 crThe projected first-day collection of ‘Dhurandhar 2’ Rs 43 crThe approximate collection from the paid previews
20 March,2026 07:26 AM IST | Mumbai | Priyanka SharmaFashion designer Manish Malhotra’s mother, Garima Malhotra, passed away on March 19, 2026. Though many details remain unknown, she was 94. Manish’s team has shared an official statement confirming the news and the last rites details. Meanwhile, his close industry friends, including Karan Johar, Karisma Kapoor, Arjun Kapoor, and others, visited the bereaved family. Manish Malhotra’s mom dies Manish’s team also released an official statement confirming the news and sharing details of the last rites. "With gratitude for a life beautifully lived, we share the peaceful passing of our beloved mother, Mrs Garima Malhotra, at the age of 94. Having been blessed with a long and fulfilling journey, she leaves behind cherished memories, generations of love, and a legacy that will continue to guide us. The cremation ceremony will be held on March 20, 2026, at 10 am. We invite you to join us in offering prayers and bidding her a respectful farewell. Om Shanti.” View this post on Instagram A post shared by Manish Malhotra (@manishmalhotra05) Members of the film and fashion fraternity have been arriving to pay their respects and extend support to the designer during this difficult time. Celebs including Arjun Kapoor, Karan Johar, Sonali Bendre, Fatima Sana Shaikh, Varun Dhawan, Sidharth Malhotra, Kiara Advani, and many more were spotted at his residence. More about Manish On Mother’s Day 2024, Manish shared a rare post with Garima, thanking her for encouraging him to pursue a career of his choice. In an interview with this writer some months ago, Manish had spoken at length about his mother. He said, “For me, as far as I can remember, from the age of 5 or 6, I was just born in love with cinema and clothes. I used to dance to every song. I used to cut my mother's saree. My mother, who came from undivided India, was always conscious about English, so she got me a tuition teacher in the first standard. And I remember, during COVID, when my mother told me the story that the tuition teacher told her, ‘Mrs Malhotra, your son keeps commenting on my shoes and not matching my dress, but he doesn't study.’ She encouraged my love for cinema.” On the work front, the designer made his directorial debut with Gustaakh Ishq, starring Fatima Sana Shaikh and Vijay Varma. He also has Bun Tikki, which stars Shabana Azmi.
19 March,2026 10:41 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentPreity Zinta has been away from the big screen for quite some time, leaving her fans eagerly waiting for her return to Bollywood. This year, however, promises to be special, as the actor is all set to make her comeback with the already announced 'Lahore 1947' and another film titled 'Vibe'. Preity Zinta joins Kunal Kemmu's next directorial On Thursday, Vibe was officially announced at a Prime Video event, where Preity appeared alongside her co-star Kunal Kemmu. Interestingly, the film is directed by Kunal himself, marking his second directorial venture after the success of his comedy-drama Madgaon Express. Vibe, which is touted to be a comedy drama, also features Sparsh Shrivastava and Vanshika Dhir. Official synopsis of the film read, "A clueless slacker and his by-the-book best friend--two men who can barely manage their own lives--find the fate of the nation in their hands when they accidentally stumble into a terrorist plot." On being a part of 'Vibe', Preity said, "When I heard the script, I just fell down laughing.And it was just so funny. I just couldn't say no to it." The release date of 'Vibe' has not been disclosed yet. Preity's work front Meanwhile, Preity is all set to make her comeback in Bollywood with Rajkumar Santoshi's directorial Lahore 1947. This project marks an important milestone for Preity as she returns to the silver screen after a hiatus. Lahore 1947, produced under Aamir Khan's banner, marks a significant collaboration between Sunny Deol and Aamir Khan's Productions. The film was officially announced in October 2023, garnering attention for its star-studded cast and promising storyline.It is slated to release this year. Kunal Kemmu's work front He made his directorial debut in 2024 with Madgaon Express. It stars an ensemble cast of Divyenndu, Pratik Gandhi, Avinash Tiwary, Nora Fatehi, Upendra Limaye and Chhaya Kadam. As an actor, his last appearance was in the film Kanjoos Makhichoos, directed by Vipul Mehta. The film is based on the famous Gujarati play Sajan Re Jhooth Mat Bolo. The film also stars Shweta Tripathi, Piyush Mishra, Alka Amin, Rajeev Gupta and Raju Srivastava. Known for his perfect comic timing, Kunal’s popular work includes films such as the Golmaal series, Kalyug, Dhol, Lootcase, Malang, Go Goa Gone, Traffic Signal and many others.
19 March,2026 06:32 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentSinger-rapper Badshah has found himself in the middle of a controversy following the release of his latest Haryanvi song Tateeree, drawing sharp reactions over obscenity and vulgarity. After the Haryana State Commission for Women issued orders to arrest Badshah, the National Commission for Women has summoned the singer. It has also summoned the directors and producer of the song. NCW summons Badshah over song Tateeree The National Commission for Women has summoned singer Badshah and others over alleged obscenity and vulgarity in his Haryanvi track Tateeree. In a statement, the Commission said the content of the song prima facie appears to be objectionable and violative of provisions under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, the Information Technology Act, and the Indecent Representation of Women (Prohibition) Act, 1986. “The National Commission for Women, in exercise of its powers under the NCW Act, 1990, has taken suo motu cognisance of media reports alleging obscenity and vulgarity in the song ‘Tattiri / Tatihari’,” the statement said. The NCW added that it has also summoned directors Mahi Sandhu and Joban Sandhu, and producer Hiten, to appear before it on March 25. They have been asked to be present along with relevant documents, the Commission said. “Failure to appear may invite appropriate action as per law,” it added. More about song controversy Badshah was recently served a notice by the Haryana State Women’s Commission, asking him to appear before it on March 13 to record his statement. The notice was issued following a complaint by Savita Arya, president of Nari Tu Narayani Sanstha, Panipat, and Shiv Kumar, head of Shiv Aarti Foundation. In the complaint, they objected to the line “Aaya Badshah doli chaddhane, in sabki ghodi banane”, claiming that the song used filthy language and featured minor girls in school dress boarding a Haryana Roadways bus and throwing their school bags. On Friday, the Haryana State Commission for Women issued orders to arrest Badshah after he failed to appear before the deadline. Meanwhile, Panchkula police had initiated the process to issue a look-out circular against Badshah to prevent him from leaving the country, a day after he was booked. The police said the video depicts minor girls wearing school uniforms throwing away their school bags and appearing to run away from studies. The use of words such as “Badshala” in the song has also been found to depict the school environment and education in a misleading and inappropriate manner. Badshah had recently uploaded a video on his official Instagram handle, apologising if anyone’s sentiments were hurt by his latest song.
19 March,2026 06:16 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentA year after the passing of actor Val Kilmer, a digitally recreated version of him is set to appear in an independent film. Production company First Line Films announced that Kilmer will feature posthumously in the movie As Deep as the Grave. According to the producers, Kilmer had originally agreed to act in the project but was unable to do so because of his declining health. Val Kilmer's daughter approves AI-version of her father Kilmer's estate granted approval for the creation of a digital likeness and is being compensated for its use. Kilmer’s daughter, Mercedes Kilmer, shared that the role felt meaningful to her father. She noted that he embraced new technologies and viewed them as tools that could expand storytelling possibilities, adding that the film honors that forward-looking spirit and his deep connection to the project. Kilmer passed away last April at 65 due to pneumonia. Years earlier, in 2014, he had been diagnosed with throat cancer and underwent two tracheotomies. After losing his natural speaking voice, he collaborated with an AI company to recreate it digitally. His final on-screen appearance was in Top Gun: Maverick (2022), where his voice was technologically modified. AI use in cinema Artificial intelligence has become one of Hollywood’s most debated developments in recent years. Some companies have increasingly explored AI-generated performers. For instance, Xicoia introduced a fully AI-created persona named Tilly Norwood last year and recently released a music video featuring the digital character. Filmmaker Coerte Voorhees and producer John Voorhees said they complied with SAG regulations. They emphasized that the production aims to demonstrate an ethical model for using AI, particularly when working with a deceased actor’s estate and family. The film, previously titled Canyon of the Dead, was shot years ago but remained in postproduction. Inspired by real events, it tells the story of archaeologists Ann and Earl Morris, whose excavations in Arizona revealed important Native American history. In the film, Kilmer’s AI recreation portrays Father Fintan, a Catholic priest with Native American spiritual ties. The ensemble cast also includes Abigail Lawrie, Tom Felton, Wes Studi, and Abigail Breslin. Voorhees explained that Kilmer—who identified as part Native American—felt a strong cultural and spiritual connection to the project when he joined it five years ago. Producers are now seeking distribution and hope to release the film this year. He added that while Kilmer’s health prevented him from performing the role in person, the team is honored to work with Mercedes Kilmer, whose filmmaking experience has helped bring the character to life as originally envisioned.
19 March,2026 05:37 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentDhurandhar 2 is finally out, and the cinema halls are flooded. As the paid previews opened on March 18, fans couldn't wait to get the first glimpse of the Ranveer Singh sequel helmed by Aditya Dhar. All the fan theories and speculations floating around have finally found thier answers. While some rumours were proven true, others vanished into thin air. Among the reports doing the rounds was that of Yami Gautam's cameo in Dhurandhar 2, which turned out to be true. Yami Gautam's cameo in Dhurandhar 2 Yami Gautam appears in a brief cameo in the sequel in a pivotal hospital scene in the film's plot. She appears as a nurse who kills one of Hamza Ali Mazari's key targets, who is undergoing treatment in the hospital. She has one dialogue after which she kills the patient before looking at Ranveer standing at the door, nodding and leaving. Interestingly, earlier reports suggested that the cameo would have a connection with Aditya Dhar's Uri: The Surgical Strike, starring Vicky Kaushal and Yami Gautam. However, Yami is introduced as Shazia Bano in the film, which was her character in her 2025 hit Haq. Contrary to the reports which suggested her cameo being a significant and crucial one in the development of the story, her appearance was brief, although she helped kill one of Hamza's targets. Yami Gautam reviews Dhurandhar 2 Earlier, while speaking at an event, Yami had praised Dhurandhar 2, saying, "I have already watched Dhurandhar 2. It is beyond extraordinary. I was really emotional. I had to catch a flight that day so I couldn't say anything to Aditya but later, I couldn't do anything. I had to read a script but I couldn't, I had to watch something but I couldn't. I was just watching the beautiful sunset outside and wondering what will I tell Aditya when the flight lands. I wanted to justify my feelings on the film and what I experienced. Aditya loves his audience and the country and he has given his life's effort to make this film. Dhurandhar 2 will be an experience that audience will never forget."
19 March,2026 05:30 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentDhurandhar: The Revenge has finally hit theatres, leaving audiences surprised—and sparking fresh controversy. Soon after its release, religious leaders raised objections to its content, accusing the makers of promoting a communal divide. Leaders from the All India Muslim Jamaat criticised the film’s portrayal of communities, alleging it fuels tension for commercial gain. Religious leaders accuse Dhurandhar 2 makers On Thursday, All India Muslim Jamaat chief Maulana Shahabuddin Razvi Barelvi and Chief Mufti of Uttar Pradesh (Shahi Mufti UP), Maulana Chaudhary Ifraheem Husain, accused filmmakers of fuelling divisions between Hindus and Muslims for commercial gain. Speaking to IANS, Maulana Barelvi said, “Look, after watching the film Dhurandhar 2, it feels that everything shown in it is based on false stories. And everything built on such fabricated stories is also false. Some people associated with the film industry, especially directors, seem to have only one motive: to make money. In the race for money, they are creating divisions between Hindus and Muslims and trying to create disputes. They want to end the harmony and brotherhood between Hindus and Muslims.” Echoing similar concerns, Maulana Husain questioned the legitimacy of films dealing with sensitive subjects without verification. He told IANS, “First of all, our country has its agencies and the judiciary. Until the judiciary or these agencies confirm or take action, no one has the right to make such images or films targeting a specific community. I would also like to clarify that terrorism has no religion. “Terrorism and crime are a form of mental disorder; anyone can commit them, but there must be proof and evidence. For all of this, there is the judiciary and also agencies that carry out investigations. But going against the court and agencies, and making such films, especially targeting Muslims, is unconstitutional and unlawful.” Dhurandhar 2 shows face technical issues Fans of Ranveer Singh’s Dhurandhar: The Revenge faced disappointment on Wednesday as paid preview shows in Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, and Telangana were reportedly cancelled just hours before their scheduled start. Several shows in Mumbai were also cancelled and rescheduled due to unforeseen technical issues. Amid this, the makers issued an apology to audiences, offering refunds or alternate options where required.
19 March,2026 05:27 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentADVERTISEMENT
