Priyadarshan’s Hera Pheri 3 has been in the news for a while now. The film has been embroiled in controversy ever since it was first announced. Fans of the franchise were excited to watch Akshay Kumar, Suniel Shetty and Paresh Rawal reunite once again. However, legal battles have left its fate in limbo. Writer Rohan Shankar exits Hera Pheri 3 Hera Pheri 3's writer Rohan Shankar, during a conversation with News18, opened up about how director Priyadarshan won’t let the crisis affect his work. Shankar revealed that he wrote Hera Pheri 3’s teaser and was supposed to work on the film, but now he is no longer a part of the project due to legal complications. He said, “I was in talks, and it was supposed to happen, but it didn’t because of legal issues. Hopefully, if Hera Pheri 3 happens and if Priyadarshan sir is there, maybe I will be too." Talking of filmmaker Priyadarshan, he said, “No, Priyan sir, because he is doing a lot of work, we have just shot Bhoot Bangla and Haiwan, and now he has to do another film. After that, he has to do a film with Mohanlal sir, which is his 100th film… He doesn’t stop. Priyan sir works a lot. Priyan sir and Akshay sir are workaholics." Rohan further explained, “He has to do one film, then write another, then shoot it, so he keeps on going. Now, in that structure, when will Hera Pheri happen and when will all of this be solved? If it’s solved quickly, then Priyan sir will do it. I don’t know what is happening there, but Priyan sir won’t stop amid all of this. He might make five films before Hera Pheri even starts." Hera Pheri 3's legal troubles For the unversed, Hera Pheri 3 landed in unexpected legal trouble soon after it was announced. A producer from the South had moved the Madras High Court, questioning if the film could even be made, claiming that the rights to the franchise do not belong to producer Firoz Nadiadwala. According to a Bar and Bench report, Seven Arts International Limited approached the Madras High Court, claiming that Nadiadwala was authorised to make only one Hindi remake of the Malayalam cult classic Ramji Rao Speaking (1989). That one remake was released as Hera Pheri in 2000, directed by Priyadarshan. The production house alleged that Nadiadwala exceeded his rights by making Phir Hera Pheri in 2006 and later even selling the rights for a third film. The issue has now turned into a full-fledged legal dispute, with the court questioning if Hera Pheri 3 is legally viable.
02 April,2026 04:04 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentIt would not be a stretch to say that Mona Singh is the actress of the season (or rather, every season). In the first quarter of 2026 alone, she was seen playing a Goan gangster in Happy Patel, a fauji wife in Border 2, a policewoman in Kohhra 2, and in a villainous avatar in Subedar. Now, she is beginning the second quarter of the year with the Amazon Prime Video show Maa Ka Sum. Mona Singh on math In the show, she plays Vinita, a single mother to a teenage son who is also a math genius. The story follows the son as he builds an algorithm using his mathematical skills to create the perfect dating app to find an ideal partner for his mother. Naturally, the show involves a lot of math. Ahead of its April 3 premiere, Mona spoke to Mid-day and shared her relationship with the subject during her school days. “I was terrible in math,” she laughed, adding that her father only asked her to secure passing marks, which she managed to do. She added that the subject gave her nightmares. “Just before examinations, I remember I couldn’t sleep. I used to have nightmares where I would go blank and leave the paper empty. I used to get those dreams.” Mona on playing diverse roles While math troubled her as a student, her career choices are now clearly paying off. Not just 2026, but the past two years have been strong for the actress, who has impressed audiences with diverse roles across films and series. When asked about this surge in opportunities, Mona said it stemmed from her decision to wait rather than chase regular paychecks and visibility. “I never wanted to repeat myself. The architecture was choosing to wait, and I waited happily.” She explained, “When I decided to take a break from TV, that leap was massive. You are still getting offers, the biggest daily soaps, but I didn’t want to box myself into something repetitive. I didn’t want that.” “I think a massive leap happens when you wait patiently and have faith in your journey and yourself. This is what I love to do, and I am getting the opportunities now. The wait paid off with projects like Made in Heaven, Laal Singh Chaddha, Maa Ka Sum, Subedaar, and Happy Patel,” she added. Mona also credited the OTT boom for enabling stronger roles for women. “OTT is the biggest game changer. It has given us more room to be messy, honest, raw, and unfiltered, and that’s what women are. Earlier, you were either positive or negative; there was nothing in between. Now, we are so much more. It’s a lovely change.” With better opportunities and audience response, she has also gained the confidence to say no. “Ninety percent of the time, I’ve said no to things I didn’t want to do. The shift happened when I stepped away from relatable tropes. Otherwise, it was the same setting, same décor, same character, and I didn’t want that.”
02 April,2026 03:52 PM IST | Mumbai | Athulya NambiarWith an intriguing teaser and chart-topping songs already creating waves, Bhooth Bangla has successfully sparked curiosity, positioning itself as a fun-filled family entertainer. However, the makers have announced that on account of Dhurandhar 2 emerging as a global box office phenomenon, the film will be released on 17th April, one week later than its original release date of 10th April. Paid preview for the film is all set to begin on 16th April 2026 from 9 PM onwards. Bhooth Bangla's release date shifted to 17th April In an Instagram note, producer Ektaa Kapoor announced, “After an extensive discussion and multiple requests from our distribution partner & exhibitors across key markets, we have decided to postpone the release of Bhooth Bangla by one week. We remain committed to delivering a great cinematic experience and are confident that this decision will benefit audiences and let the film have a powerful run at the cinemas!" "Dhurandhar: The Revenge is currently enjoying an exceptional run at the box office, which is great news for Producers at large. Our exhibitors felt that giving it a clear, uninterrupted window would be in the best interest of the industry ecosystem." "By moving Bhooth Bangla ahead by a week, we are ensuring that both films get the theatrical space, marketing focus, and audience attention they truly deserve! We believe this approach benefits everyone — the filmmakers, the exhibitors, and most importantly, the audiences who get to experience each film without compromise." "We will always prioritise the comfort of theatre going audiences, and strive to entertain them in the best way possible with our films!” View this post on Instagram A post shared by EktaaRkapoor (@ektarkapoor) About Bhooth Bangla Bhooth Bangla marks the much-awaited reunion of Akshay Kumar and Priyadarshan. The duo has previously delivered several iconic comedy hits that remain fan favourites, making this collaboration particularly exciting for audiences. Known for their impeccable comic timing and chaotic storytelling, their coming together again has raised expectations for another memorable entertainer. Balaji Motion Pictures, a division of Balaji Telefilms Ltd, in association with Cape of Good Films, presents Bhooth Bangla starring Akshay Kumar, Wamiqa Gabbi, Paresh Rawal, Tabu, Rajpal Yadav, Jisshu Sengupta, and Mithila Palkar. It is directed by Priyadarshan and produced by Akshay Kumar, Shobha Kapoor, and Ektaa R Kapoor. Advance Paid Previews begin in theatres on 16th April 2026, 9 PM onwards.
02 April,2026 03:41 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentAs fans and media finished watching the much-hyped ‘Rama’ glimpse from Ramayana, the captain of the ship, a visibly overwhelmed Nitesh Tiwari addressed the crowd, and opened up about the last seven years that he has spent making the epic. Nitesh Tiwari gets emotional In the morning, the over two-minute long teaser that introduced Ranbir Kapoor as Lord Ram was screened at a theatre in South Mumbai. The makers not only invited media but also fans, who queued up in large numbers. Reacting to the applause that followed the screening, Tiwari said, “Is moment tak pohochne mei mujhe personally saat saal lag chuke hain. Filmmaking is a very speculative as well as a lonely process. Every moment of these seven years I have imagined this moment as to what the reaction would be when it finally comes out. And today seeing your reaction I feel those seven years were worth it,” he said, even as his voice broke. The director also said, “A lot of hard work of a lot of people has gone for the film to reach here. And I hope we will get your love in the same proportion,” as crowd erupted in another round of applause. All about Ramayana Ramayana, co-produced by Namit Malhotra, also stars Sai Pallavi, Yash, Ravi Dubey and Sunny Deol in the primary roles. Apart from glimpses of Sai Pallavi, Yash and Dubey, the teaser also showed veteran actor Arun Govil, who played Lord Ram in the classic Ramanand Sagar’s Ramayana. Govil plays Ram’s father Dasharath in the new Ramayana. The part 1 of the film is slated to release this Diwali. Talking about the trailer, Rama aka Ranbir Kapoor's first look gets unveiled. A hero who puts duty before desires. and abandons authority when it is appropriate to do so. Even in the face of banishment, grief, and injustice, Rama, revered as Maryada Purushottama, "the highest ideal of human conduct," exemplifies dignity, compassion, and moral clarity. Ranbir Kapoor shared his views on playing Lord Rama, "I don’t think I’m here to represent Rama. I’m here to learn from him. There is a simplicity and purity to him that is very rare, and trying to understand and imbibe that has been a deeply humbling experience."
02 April,2026 02:37 PM IST | Mumbai | Priyanka SharmaActor Prakash Raj recently hit back at criticism on social media over the funeral of his mother according to Christian rituals, despite having previously claimed to be an atheist. His mother, Suvarnalatha, passed away on March 29 at the age of 86 from age-related ailments. Her funeral was held in Bengaluru on March 31 according to Christian rituals. Several emotional photos and videos from the funeral service surfaced online, showing the actor visibly heartbroken. Prakash Raj shuts down trolls However, amid the condolences, a section of users on the social media platform X began trolling the actor. They pulled out an old video in which Prakash Raj, in which he had called himself an atheist, and began questioning why he conducted the funeral following Christian traditions. Prakash Raj responded to the chatter by reposting one such tweet that criticised him. Along with the post he wrote, "Yes. I don’t believe in god .. but my mother believed in her god . Who am i to deny her .. the right to be buried according to her belief. This is the basic respect we give one another. Will you Hate mongering monsters understand this justasking" (sic) Yes. I don’t believe in god .. but my mother believed in her god . Who am i to deny her .. the right to be buried according to her belief. This is the basic respect we give one another. Will you Hate mongering monsters understand this #justasking https://t.co/vD1GhySf3M — Prakash Raj (@prakashraaj) April 2, 2026 He stressed that the Christian funeral ceremony was conducted in keeping with his mother's faith and wishes, stating it as an act of respect rather than personal belief. Prakash Raj's mother dies Prakash Raj's mother, Suvarnalatha, passed away on March 29 after prolonged age-related ailments. The actor had earlier spoken about her health challenges, sharing that she was once diagnosed with a brain cyst. She underwent surgery for the same, which reportedly led to severe memory loss. After the procedure, she even struggled to recognise close members of her family. Suvarnalatha was born in Karnataka and reportedly grew up as an orphan. She came from a Christian family background. During her early years, she worked as a nurse at a hospital, where she met her husband. Their friendship developed into a relationship, and the couple eventually got married. They had three children together. Prakash Raj was the eldest, followed by a daughter and a son.
02 April,2026 02:26 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentBollywood actor Sanjay Dutt has been receiving a lot of praise for his portrayal of Pakistani cop Chaudhry Aslam in Aditya Dhar’s Dhurandhar: The Revenge. His performance clearly struck a chord not just with the audiences, but with real-life Chaudhry Aslam’s wife, Naureen Aslam, as well. Naureen has praised his portrayal, admitting that in one particular scene, she felt as though she was watching her husband himself on screen. Chaudhry Aslam's wife on Sanjay Dutt's performance During a podcast with AajTak Radio, Naureen noted that Sanjay Dutt was perfect for the role of her husband. While praising his performance, she added, “When he stands near the car and raises his eyes, for a moment it felt like Aslam himself." She further opened up about how her husband used to say that a film would be made about his life after his death. On the other hand, Naureen also expressed that she felt that the film did not do full justice to his life or the depth of his character. She added, "If they were making a film, they could have at least called me, the police, or journalists to understand both his positive and negative sides. He fulfilled tasks that the rest of the police never could." She mentioned that she had only watched portions of the film through clips. She even joked about the character’s use of foul language, saying that although it might not be appropriate for a family audience, such language is fairly common in police circles and suited the role well. About Dhurandhar Directed by Aditya Dhar, Dhurandhar includes an ensemble cast including Ranveer Singh, Arjun Rampal, R. Madhavan, Sara Arjun and Akshaye Khanna. The story revolves around an undercover Indian intelligence agent navigating Karachi’s crime networks and political landscape, while seeking justice linked to the 26/11 attacks. The film performed brilliantly at the box office, emerging as a major commercial success of 2025 with collections crossing Rs 1,300 crore globally. Meanwhile, its sequel, Dhurandhar: The Revenge, released on March 19, continued to dominate the box office. The second instalment surpassed the first film’s lifetime earnings within its opening week. It has so far collected over Rs 900 crore domestically and more than Rs 1,400 crore worldwide.
02 April,2026 12:55 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentFollowing his maiden directorial debut, Happy Patel: Khatarnak Jasoos, actor-comedian-filmmaker Vir Das is set to explore a new creative space with his next project. The filmmaker has announced his first-ever found footage horror film, marking a significant genre shift in his directorial journey. Vir Das to direct horror story Baara Number The upcoming project Baara Number will see Vir Das collaborating once again with Kavi Shastri, with the duo co-directing the film. Known for their distinct storytelling approach and collaborative synergy, the pair is expected to bring a fresh perspective to the horror genre, focusing on a more layered and immersive narrative style. The movie Baara Number is scheduled to go on floors in June, with its initial shooting schedule planned in Mumbai. Continuing his inclination towards ensemble storytelling, Vir Das will also feature as part of a multi-character cast in the film. Positioned as a found footage horror narrative, the project aims to move beyond conventional tropes, blending psychological depth with atmospheric storytelling. The film has reportedly been in development for some time and is expected to offer a nuanced take on fear, exploring both external tension and internal human emotions. With this announcement, Vir Das further expands his creative repertoire, transitioning from comedy to horror while maintaining a strong focus on narrative innovation. The project is already generating industry interest as it gears up for production, emerging as one of the more intriguing upcoming ventures in the genre. Vir Das had a no-phone policy on Happy Patel's set Vir Das told mid-day that the film's making goes against the grain of the Hindi film industry. Producers have lately raised concerns over soaring entourage costs. So, the rules on the Happy Patel set — no mobile phones, no entourage, and one common hair and make-up crew for all — come as a surprise. For Das, the maths was simple. To finish the film on a tight budget and within a short schedule, he needed to do the opposite of what the industry considers normal. "It is a tiny film, shot in 31 days. So, it was crucial to do this. We had six action sequences and 14 original pieces of music. We also had cameos from Aamir [Khan] and Imran [Khan]. We had to keep our costs down,” Das explains, adding that he is thrilled to have set a new culture on a movie set. “The no-cell phone policy benefited us. We sped up shooting by one and a half times."
02 April,2026 12:53 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentStarring Sanjay Dutt and a stellar supporting cast comprising Amit Sadh, Namashi Chakravarthy, Sameera Reddy, Neetu Chandra and Tridha Chudhury, Aakhri Sawaal is among the most anticipated films that audiences are eagerly awaiting. After creating a stir with its announcement, the makers unveiled the teaser on the auspicious occasion of Hanuman Ji Janmotsav (April 2 at 11:11 AM), and it has already begun generating strong discussions. Aakhri Sawaal teaser The much-awaited teaser offers a powerful glimpse into the film’s subject, aiming to uncover layers of a hidden story that the nation needs to witness. Fearless, direct, and conversational, it ignites an intense debate that is expected to create a stir upon the film’s release. The story follows Vicky, a brilliant yet volatile scholar and an aspiring youth of progressive India, who accuses his mentor, Professor Gopal Nadkarni, of bias after his thesis is rejected. What begins as a private academic dispute escalates into a nationally televised debate. The film explores the burning questions in the minds of India’s youth — their aspirations, doubts, and search for truth through historical events and facts. At its core lies a powerful Guru–Shishya confrontation, where Vicky’s relentless questioning reveals a deeper personal motive. In the end, his Aakhri Sawaal (Final Question) uncovers a century-old secret that could either redeem the Professor or destroy them both. More about Aakhri Sawaal Produced under the banner of Nikhil Nanda Motion Pictures, which has executed multiple projects for JioHotstar and other platforms, the film is presented by Nikhil Nanda. Aakhri Sawaal is produced by Nikhil Nanda and Sanjay Dutt, and co-produced by Puneet Nanda, Dr. Deepak Singh, Gaurav Dubey, and Ujjwal Anand. Abhijeet Mohan Warang, who made his directorial debut with the Marathi-language drama Picasso (2021), received a Special Mention at the 67th National Film Awards and has consistently delivered impactful films in both Marathi and Hindi cinema. His notable works include Deja Vu, Prem Pratha Dhumshan, Piccolo, and the short film Virtual Reality. The story, screenplay, and dialogue are written by Utkarsh Naithani. The music is composed by Monty Sharma, with lyrics by Kumar Vishwas. Aakhri Sawaal is set to release in cinemas on 8th May 2026.
02 April,2026 12:07 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentAfter the roaring success of his concert in Delhi, rapper Yo Yo Honey Singh brought his landmark My Story tour to Mumbai, turning the city into a setting for his life's most defining chapters through music. Singh traced his journey through rise, fame, setbacks, and resurgence, with music, visuals and immersive storytelling as fans grooved to his hits such as Millionaire, Desi Kalakar, Mafia Mundeer and Dope Shope. In one of the most striking moments of the night, Honey Singh made a dramatic entry on stage in a Rolls-Royce, an image that instantly defined the scale and energy of the evening on March 28. Singh kicked off My Story - the India chapter, curated by NDTV Good Times, with a performance in Delhi on March 14 at Indira Gandhi Indoor Stadium.The Mumbai concert also delivered unforgettable moments of fan engagement. Winners of the Golden Ticket Contest received jewellery and one lucky fan rode home on a brand-new bike. The musician also recorded a live music video on stage, giving the fan a unique experience, just like he did in Delhi. For the thousands present in Mumbai, it was deeply personal - a reminder that music at its most powerful, touches hearts. As My Story World Tour with Honey Singh travels across India, every city will have something special waiting for its fans, be it the energy, unpredictability, or the sheer scale. This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever
02 April,2026 11:22 AM IST | Mumbai | PTIGaurav Gera's moment under the sun for his performance in Aditya Dhar's Dhurandhar feels like a personal victory for Mona Singh, his co-star and friend from the days of hit daily soap Jassi Jaissi Koi Nahin. Singh and Gera featured as best friends Jassi and Nandu in the popular TV show that ran from 2003 to 2006, and have remained close friends and each other's biggest cheerleaders off-screen ever since. In Dhurandhar, a two-part spy saga, Gera played Mohammad Aalam, an Indian spy working undercover as a juice vendor in the Lyari area of Pakistan's Karachi, secretly assisting Ranveer Singh's Hamza Ali Mazari to infiltrate the gang of Akshaye Khanna's Rehman Dakait. "Of course, it does (feel like personal victory). I feel so proud of him. He's worked very hard and he deserves all the appreciation and accolades coming his way. He's always been there when my shows are released, giving his inputs, telling me what he liked, what he didn't like," Singh told PTI in an interview. "So, I'm the same for him. We're both celebrating each other's success," added the actor. Interestingly, Singh and Gera met in Amritsar while they were filming for their respective projects Kohrra 2 and Dhurandhar. An excited Gera began showing her behind-the-scenes glimpses of his physical transformation -- a salt-white beard, textured ageing and cropped hair. Singh said she immediately cautioned him against it, drawing from her own experience of strict NDAs. " When you're so passionate about something that you do, you definitely don't want to spoil that, you respect your craft, NDA, you respect all that. A lot of detailing, a lot of time goes into creating a character, a story so when Gaurav was showing me all the pictures, I was like, don't do this. "I didn't do this during my Jassi time. I didn't show my pictures to people that this is how I look, but this is what I play, there were strict NDAs and you need to follow that. So, I told him, 'Mat kar', don't show this to people, don't talk about your craft." She added that Gera was bursting with excitement but understood the importance of not spilling details about the film and his character before it hits the screen. "He was like, 'You're so right, I'm just excited.' He was excited because he was doing something so big after such a long time, so he wanted to share it with his friends. But I was careful, I'm pretty vigilant when it comes to that. I make sure that nothing goes out of the set," Singh added. Dhurandhar released in 2025, followed by the release of the second part on March 19, both were directed by Aditya Dhar. The first part of the action spy thriller amassed Rs 1000 crore globally and the latest film, Dhurandhar: The Revenge, has earned over Rs 1300 crore at the global box office.
02 April,2026 11:21 AM IST | Mumbai | PTIRanbir Kapoor’s upcoming film Ramayana has kept fans on the edge of thier seats. The buzz surrounding the film heightened when the makers, last week, announced the launch of the Rama teaser on April 2. However, many were left disappointed after the teaser was unveiled in Los Angeles on March 31, ahead of its India release. The decision led to backlash online, with many questioning why an Indian film was first showcased overseas. Fans upset over Ramayana Rama teaser launch in LA The teaser, which was scheduled to drop in India on April 2, was premiered earlier in LA, triggering backlash across social media. Fans claimed that prioritising an international region and audience for the first glimpse of a film that's culturally rooted in India was misplaced. Some even accused the makers of sidelining domestic viewers. Soon after the visuals from the LA unveiling surfaced, users expressed their frustration on X (formerly Twitter), questioning why the teaser was not released in India first, given its roots in Indian mythology. Several posts online suggested the move was driven by commercial considerations, with claims that the makers were focusing on overseas markets, particularly NRIs. Meanwhile, others called the move “disrespectful”, asserting that audiences in India should have been prioritised for the initial reveal. About Ramayana Directed by Nitesh Tiwari, Ramayana is one of the most ambitious projects in Indian cinema. Ranbir Kapoor will portray Lord Ram, while Sai Pallavi stars as Goddess Sita. The film also features Yash as Ravana, alongside Sunny Deol as Hanuman and Ravie Dubey as Lakshman. Supporting roles include Kajal Aggarwal, Rakul Preet Singh, Arun Govil, and Kunal Kapoor, among others. Ramayana is planned as a two-part epic, with the first instalment slated for a theatrical release on Diwali 2026, followed by the second chapter expected to arrive on Diwali 2027. Nevertheless, the teaser controversy has added to the anticipation surrounding Ramayana. The teaser was officially launched in India on Friday, April 2, and has been receiving an overwhelming response. The Rama teaser introduces Ranbir Kapoor as Lord Rama, who looks regal in his king avatar, fierce as a warrior, and righteous in the exile avatar.
02 April,2026 11:04 AM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentADVERTISEMENT
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