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Have you heard? Raj and DK tease Shahid Kapoor's Farzi 2 production

Bring it on The Sunny Deol wave is unstoppable. After a massive box office run with Border 2, the actor’s next big-screen outing is Lahore 1947, a period drama backed by Aamir Khan Productions. While announcing its release on August 13, the makers in their statement revealed that late Dharmendra has seen the period drama, and considered it one of his “favourite scripts”. The film marks Sunny’s first collaboration with Aamir. It also stars Shabana Azmi, Preity Zinta, and Karan Deol, with music by AR Rahman. The fakers are back (L-R) Shahid Kapoor and Bhuvan Arora in ‘Farzi’ Filmmaker duo Raj Nidimoru and Krishna DK, better known as Raj-DK, have teased the production of the second season of Farzi. The directors shared a poster on social media featuring lead cast members Shahid Kapoor, Bhuvan Arora, Vijay Sethupathi, and Kay Kay Menon. Posted on their Instagram handle on Tuesday (February 10), the poster read, “Round 2 in progress.” The announcement also coincided with the series completing two years since it premièred in 2023. Re-sharing the poster on his Instagram story, Shahid posted a picture with the filmmakers and wrote, “The fakers are back at it.”

11 February,2026 07:42 AM IST | Mumbai | The Hitlist Team
(L-R)  Alia Bhatt and Ranbir Kapoor

Love and War update: 70 days of shoot pending, six lavish songs yet to roll

Sanjay Leela Bhansali builds his on-screen world perfectly and patiently. Love & War is no exception. Word in the industry is that the Ranbir Kapoor, Alia Bhatt, and Vicky Kaushal-starrer, which went on floors in November 2024, still has 70 days of filming left.  Sanjay Leela Bhansali The love triangle is currently being shot at Film City in Goregaon, Mumbai. A source close to the production told mid-day, “We have over two months of shoot remaining, with six songs yet to be filmed. Nearly 35 days have been blocked only for the songs. As with any Bhansali film, these aren’t quick tracks; they have been envisioned as elaborate sequences mounted on a grand canvas. These period-specific songs will need a lot of prep before being filmed.” Sunny Deol, Rajkumar Santoshi and Aamir Khan Naturally, the delay in completion has impacted its release plans. Love & War was earlier targeting an Independence Day release. However, Aamir Khan recently announced that his production, Lahore 1947, will arrive in cinemas on August 13. “Independence Day was an attractive window, but Love & War’s team would have to race against time to meet that deadline. Plus, with Lahore 1947 booking the date, it didn’t make sense to crowd the space. Bhansali would prefer a clear run for his love story,” added the source. The movie’s new release date is yet to be finalised. 

11 February,2026 07:22 AM IST | Mumbai | Mohar Basu
Vicky Kaushal

Mahavatar: Vicky Kaushal to attain a bulky physique for the role of Parashurama

If Chhaava (2025) was any indication, Vicky Kaushal slips effortlessly into larger-than-life characters. Now, another ambitious role is waiting for him. We’ve heard that Mahavatar — which will see the actor play Chiranjeevi Parashurama, the sixth avatar of Lord Vishnu — will go on floors in October. That’s eight months away, and for good reason. The actor needs to build a bulky physique for the mythological epic that will be directed by Amar Kaushik of Stree fame.   The first look of ‘Mahavatar’. Considering the epic is mounted on a grand scale, its pre-production has already begun. But it will be a while before Kaushal immerses himself in its world. A source told mid-day, “The actor cannot begin his physical prep as he is currently shooting Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s Love & War, in which he sports an athletic look. For Mahavatar, he will need to build a heavy frame like that of a wrestler, complete with a rugged look and long, matted hair. After Love & War reaches the finish line in April, the actor will adopt a new diet plan and workout regime to attain the required look.” Given his distinct look for the epic, it’s unlikely that Kaushal will sign any new projects while filming it.  Amar Kaushik Producer Dinesh Vijan and the director are using this time to build the mythological drama’s world. The source added, “The DoP [Director of Photography], art, production, and costume design teams have begun soft prep. The hunt for the leading lady, who will play Dharini, is underway. The rumour of Deepika Padukone being the female lead was baseless.” ‘Zara Hatke Zara Bachke’ and ‘Chhaava’ Vicky Kaushal previously worked with producer Dinesh Vijan on ‘Zara Hatke Zara Bachke’ and ‘Chhaava’ Nov 2024When ‘Mahavatar’ was announced Oct 2026When the film is expected to roll

11 February,2026 07:09 AM IST | Mumbai | Upala KBR
Ranveer Singh and Deepika Padukone

Ranveer Singh, Deepika Padukone tighten security as actor recieves threat

Actor-couple Ranveer Singh and Deepika Padukone have reportedly heightened security outside their Mumbai residence soon after the actor received a threat message on Tuesday evening. An official letter was sent from their housing complex to the Dadar Police Station. The letter revealed that the couple have deployed additional armed personnel outside their residence. This comes after several reports claimed that the Dhurandhar star had received a threatening message via a WhatsApp voice note. Ranveer Singh, Deepika Padukone tighten security Hindustan Times reportedly accessed the letter sent to the Dadar Police Station, which stated that the couple had deployed six armed security personnel without seeking the ‘permission’ of the Society Managing Committee. Additionally, another uniformed police personnel was also stationed with the two actors, the letter added. Meanwhile, the Committee voiced thier ‘serious concern’ for the safety and comfort of the other residents of the complex in the letter. They mentioned that the armed personnel were moving around with weapons in the lobby, gymnasium and children's area. The open letter urged immediate verification from the Mumbai Police department and clarification on whether permission for the security personnel had been granted. Ranveer Singh receives an extortion threat After the firing incident outside the house of superstar director Rohit Shetty, Bollywood actor Ranveer Singh has now received a threat from an unidentified source. The actor received the threat in the form of a WhatsApp voice note. A report from India Today claimed that Ranveer informed the Mumbai Police after receiving the extortion threat, after which security outside his residence was immediately heightened. The security has been beefed up outside Ranveer Singh's house after the voice note was sent to him, demanding crores of rupees through the message, after which the Mumbai Police was informed. Police have launched a manhunt for the sender of the threatening voice note. Earlier, shots were fired outside director Rohit Shetty's house. The investigation by the Mumbai Crime Branch has revealed that the vehicle used in the firing was sourced from Pune. For the uninitiated, five rounds of bullets were fired at filmmaker Rohit Shetty's Juhu residence. An exclusive footage, shot by IANS, shows three bullet holes on the building. Rohit Shetty's home has two gates, and more than 10 CCTVs can be seen across the tower. After the shooting, the suspects managed to escape from the scene. As soon as the incident was reported, senior officers of the Mumbai Police and teams from the Mumbai Crime Branch reached the scene. (With inputs from IANS)

10 February,2026 10:16 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondent
Ghooskhor Pandat

Ghooskhor Pandat: FWICE demands screening despite title change

Following the backlash over the title of Neeraj Pandey’s film Ghooskhor Pandat, the makers told the Delhi High Court, on Tuesday, that they will change the title. The Manoj Bajpayee-starrer is set to get a new title, following multiple FIRs, protests and calls for a ban. However, after the decision, Federation of Western India Cine Employees (FWICE) president BN Tiwari has reacted to the decision, saying that merely changing the title is “not enough”. FWICE demands screening of Ghooskhor Pandat In an interview with Hindustan Times, BN Tiwari demanded that the filmmakers must hold a special screening of the film for the concerned community to secure their approval before releasing it to the public.  “We are fine with the decision to change the title, but that alone is not enough. We would like to watch the film and understand how the community is depicted, as a title usually stems from the essence of the narrative,” Tiwari told the portal. He further said, “We are shocked and surprised that such big names involving Neeraj and Manoj did this, and used a name of the community in the title. Title kahani se hi banta hai aur related hota hai isiliye community ke liye screening honi chaiyeh (The title is derived from the story, that’s why we want a screening for the community). The film should not be released without a screening. The makers need to get a go-ahead from the community before releasing it. If they get it, then we don’t have any issue with it.” FWICE president threatens consequences The FWICE President also warned of action if the makers proceed with the release without holding the screening. Tiwari claimed that the makers did not get the title registered with the film body. “In fact, I also reached out to other concerned bodies, and they, too, stated that the title is not registered with them. If they would have got the title registered with us, we would have raised our concerns at that moment only,” he stated. Warning the makers of strict action if they go ahead with the release without hosting a screening for both the film bodies and the community beforehand, Tiwari added, “Screening dhikhae bina nahi release hogi… Agar makers nahi mante toh non-corporation notice dal denge aur aage unke saath kaam nahi karenge (The film will not be released without a screening. If the makers do not agree, we will issue a non-cooperation notice and will not work with them going forward)."

10 February,2026 08:58 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondent
Ranveer Singh and Hrithik Roshan

Don 3: Farhan Akhtar tried to replace Ranveer Singh with Hrithik Roshan?

After Dhurandhar's ground-breaking success in December, reports emerged that lead actor Ranveer Singh has exited Farhan Akhtar’s much-anticipated Don 3 due to creative differences. Recently, reports claimed that Farhan and Ritesh Sidhwani’s production company, Excel Entertainment were seeking compensation of Rs 40 crore from Ranveer for his exit. The two parties reportedly had two meetings mediated by the Producers Guild of India. Now reports about what unfolded behind the closed-door meetings have emerged, claiming Farhan and his team allegedly locked horns with Ranveer. Ranveer Singh claims Farhan Akhtar tried to replace him with Hrithik Roshan? According to a report shared by Bollywood Hungama, the meeting took place nearly a week ago, where key industry stakeholders evaluated the matter from both ends. However, things escalated last weekend when a second meeting took place, which was organised. A source, who claimed to be a producer present at the meeting, reportedly told the portal, “Ranveer blamed Excel Entertainment for unprofessionalism and not being serious about taking Don 3 on floors. He stated that Farhan Akhtar never had a bound script in place and that, as an actor, he prefers to work only with fully developed material. Ranveer also pointed out that Farhan was never open to feedback on the script and had issues incorporating certain subplots. He further alleged that Excel was exploring the possibility of getting Hrithik Roshan on board and only re-approached him after the success of Dhurandhar, to capitalise on his momentum.” For the unversed, Hrithik Roshan had a cameo in Shah Rukh Khan and Priyanka Chopra's Don 2 (2011). The source further added, “Farhan maintained that Ranveer never flagged any script issues. In fact, he was enthusiastic about portraying the third generation of Don after Amitabh Bachchan and Shah Rukh Khan. He claimed the script was shared at regular intervals and approved by Ranveer at every stage.” Ranveer Singh says he endured three years of indecision Farhan and Ritesh are reportedly hoping to get their losses reimbursed and have even asked for a resolution against the unreasonable demands of actors. On the other hand, Ranveer Singh has reportedly left the project to save his sanity. He is seemingly upset about how a potential hit, such as Don 3, was treated by the makers. The actor also reportedly claimed that Farhan tried to prioritise other projects and his acting career over Don 3, which left the Dhurandhar star to ‘endure’ three years of indecision.

10 February,2026 07:59 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondent
Govinda

Govinda says Karan Johar's Govinda Naam Mera is based on his marriage

Govinda and Sunita Ahuja's troubled marriage has often made news due to the latter's comments and cheating allegations on her husband. Now, the actor has made shocking claims about Karan Johar's film Govinda Naam Mera, which revolves around the theme of marital infedelity, alleging that it was based on his life.  Govinda on Karan Johar's film Govinda Naam Mera In an interview with ANI, Govinda claimed that Karan Johar's Govinda Naam Mera is based on his troubled marriage with Sunita and even threatened that if he ever crosses paths with the filmmaker, he will give him the 'Rajinikanth treatment', presumably indicating the way the superstar beats up goons in films. "Someone made a film on my name, Govinda Naam Mera. I think it was Karan Johar. In the story, the husband and the wife get into a quarrel because of the girlfriend. They start doubting each other. So, they try to force-fit someone's personal life into a film," Govinda said. He further added, "I promise if we ever cross paths, I'll give them the Rajinikanth treatment in public. No misbehaving please! I request with folded hands—jokes don't look good every time, everywhere." Govinda Naam Mera stars Vicky Kaushal, Bhumi Pednekar and Kiara Advani and is produced by Dharma Productions. In the film, Govinda (Vicky) is going through a troubled marriage with Gauri (Bhumi) and wishes to divorce her and marry his girlfriend and fellow backup dancer Suku (Kiara). However, he's stuck in the marriage as Bhumi asks him to return the Rs 2 crore amount given to him at the time of the marriage as dowry.  Govinda and Sunita Ahuja's marriage Sunita Ahuja has often made revelations about their married life in public. In a recent interview with Miss Malini, Sunita claimed that Govinda should behave himself as it's not his 'age' to engage in such activities. "Mere bache bade ho gaye (My kids are grown up now). I have always said that they get disturbed. I always say that ye tumhari umar nahi hai (this is not the age for this). Lekin kya hai na, aajkal ki jo ladkiyan aati hain struggle karne ke liye, they need a sugar daddy jo unka kharcha chalaye. Shakal do kaudi ki hai, heroine banna chahti hai. Phir kya karte hain, phasa lenge, blackmail karenge (The girls who come today to struggle need a sugar daddy to pick up their expenses. They don't have a good face but want to be heroines. So they entice men and blackmail them)," Sunita said. Reacting to the ongoing chatter, Govinda had claimed that his 'loved ones' are being used against him in a bigger 'conspiracy'.

10 February,2026 07:32 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondent
Ranveer Singh

Ranveer Singh receives threatening voice note days after firing at Rohit Shetty'

Bollywood star Ranveer Singh, who has been enjoying the laurels of his latest release Dhurandhar received a concerning voice note. According to reports on IANS, the actor received a threatening voice note on Whatsapp demanding money. This comes days after a firing incident at filmmaker Rohit Shetty's Mumbai residence.  Ranveer Singh receives threatening note According to reports, Ranveer received the threat in the form of a WhatsApp voice-note. The security has been beefed up outside Ranveer Singh's house after the voice-note was sent to him, demanding crores of rupees through the message, after which the Mumbai Police was informed. Police have launched a manhunt for the sender of the threatening voice note. About firing at Rohit Shetty's house This comes days after the entertainment capital was shocked with firings at Rohit Shetty's home. The investigation by the Mumbai Crime Branch has revealed that the vehicle used in the firing was sourced from Pune. The vehicle used in the firing belongs to a man from Pune, who sold it to Aditya Gayki, one of the arrested accused, for Rs 30000 a few days ago. Later, Aditya Gayki and another accused, Samarth Pomaji, left the vehicle at a pre-decided place in Juhu area of Mumbai. According to the Crime Branch, the people who bought the vehicle and reached Mumbai do not know who the shooter is, later it was Shubham Lonkar who ordered the shooter to pick up the vehicle from where it was left and fire. According to the police, in previous crimes, a similar modus operandi is followed in which several small groups are hired for a crime but it is also taken care that one group does not know about the other group. For the uninitiated, five rounds of bullets were fired at filmmaker Rohit Shetty's Juhu residence. An exclusive footage, shot by IANS, shows three bullet holes on the building. Rohit Shetty's home has two gates, and more than 10 CCTVs can be seen across the tower. After the shooting, the suspects managed to escape from the scene. As soon as the incident was reported, senior officers of the Mumbai Police and teams from the Mumbai Crime Branch reached the scene. (with inputs from IANS)

10 February,2026 07:32 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondent
Kunal Om

Flamenco artist Kunal Om opens up about choreographing for O'Romeo

Professional dancer and flamenco artist Kunal Om spoke to mid-day in an exclusive conversation about making his Bollywood debut as a choreographer in Vishal Bhardwaj's O' Romeo. Kunal Om opened up about his experience working with Avinash Tiwary and Vishal Bharadwaj. Kunal shared that he was drawn to Flamenco after discovering the connection between his Rajasthani roots and Flamenco, as it is inspired by the traditional dance of the Romani people. He surrendered himself completely to flamenco and trained with the most acclaimed maestros in Spain for several years. He is also known for experimenting with flamenco, creating a fusion with kathak, as well as with Rajasthani folk, Qawwali, and Bollywood music. He recently performed at the Kala Ghoda Arts Festival. Now, Kunal is all set to bring flamenco to Bollywood by choreographing a dynamic, never-seen-before sequence for Avinash Tiwary. Kunal Om on working with Vishal Bhardwaj Vishal Bharadwaj is known for his artistic sensibilities, so it was no surprise when Kunal divulged that Bhardwaj was familiar with the dance form and was keen to incorporate it in his film. He received a call from Bhardwaj's office and was called for a meeting, during which he was left in awe of Bhardwaj's humility and artistic vision. Though Bhardwaj had a distinct vision for the sequence, he had faith in Kunal’s choreography skills and gave him complete artistic freedom. “I wanted to prove my mettle and give my best to live up to Vishal ji's expectations. With his guidance, the sequence has come out really well. He gave me the liberty to create and explore. His passion towards flamenco was so encouraging and addictive. I am blessed that my journey started with him. He’s a gem of a person, a dynamic director, and he understands all elements and facets of art. It was so nice to see a person of his stature bringing out something so different.” Kunal Om on training Avinash Tiwary Talking about working with Avinash Tiwary, who plays a bullfighter named Jalal in the film, Kunal couldn't stop heaping praises on the actor. He revealed that he did a lot of one-on-one work with Tiwary to train him for the sequence. When asked about the difficulty of adapting flamenco for a non-dancer like Tiwary, Kunal remarked that he faced no challenges due to Tiwary’s patience and dedication. "Avinash wanted to completely immerse himself in the culture to lend authenticity to his performance." Citing an example of his commitment, he stated. "Avinash went the extra mile and did his own research about flamenco by watching videos of performances and studying the body language to prepare." For Avinash, flamenco became a tool for character-building, as he conditioned his body to play a bullfighter with carefully controlled footwork and posture.

10 February,2026 06:51 PM IST | Mumbai | Nandini Shah
Prakash Raj

Drishyam 3: Prakash Raj joins the cast of Ajay Devgn-starrer thriller

Ajay Devgn’s Drishyam 3 went on floors in December last year. While the core cast, including Ajay Devgn, Tabu and Shriya Saran, will return for the third part, some new faces will also be seen in the film. After Jaideep Ahlawat, actor Prakash Raj has now joined the team of the popular franchise. Prkash Raj joins team of Drishaym 3 On Tuesday, Prakash Raj took to his X handle to announce that he has begun shooting for the film. He also clarified that he is not replacing any actor in the project. “Started shooting for this engaging franchise Drishyam3 in Hindi. With a wonderful team and a scintillating role to play. I’m sure you will love it (and yes, I’m not replacing anyone),” his tweet read. Earlier, reports had suggested that Akshaye Khanna had exited the Drishyam franchise after being a part of the second instalment. Prakash Raj’s clarification appears to be aimed at dismissing speculation that he was stepping in as Khanna’s replacement. About Drishyam 3 The original ensemble cast, including Ajay Devgn, Tabu, Shriya Saran, Rajat Kapoor and other celebrated actors, returns for this edge-of-the-seat instalment, promising a completely new and unexpected twist in the lives of the Salgaonkars as the story moves forward in the quintessential Drishyam timeline. Will the seemingly simple Salgaonkars be able to outwit the system once again, or will fate bring a future they cannot foresee? The answers will unfold on Drishyam Day. Presented by Star Studios and produced by Panorama Studios, Drishyam 3 is directed by Abhishek Pathak and written by Abhishek Pathak, Aamil Keeyan Khan and Parveez Shaikh. The film is produced by Alok Jain, Ajit Andhare, Kumar Mangat Pathak and Abhishek Pathak, and promises to elevate the family thriller genre to new heights. About Malayalam Drishyam 3 Meanwhile, the makers of the original Malayalam Drishyam franchise have wrapped the third instalment. Directed and written by Jeethu Joseph, the film stars Mohanlal in the lead and is set to release in theatres on April 2, 2026. Recently, Jeethu Joseph confirmed that Drishyam 3 will be the final film in the franchise. In an interaction with Silly Monks Malayalam, the director stated that he has no plans to continue the series beyond the upcoming instalment. “I have not even thought of it in my dreams. I am trying to end this because even people are asking me to stop it. That’s why I am thinking this way,” he said.

10 February,2026 05:47 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondent
Akshay Kumar and Priyadarshan

Haiwaan's satellite and digital release acquired by Sony Pictures Network India

Priyadarshan has two films in line for release this year. While his next release will be Bhooth Bangla, he also Haiwaan lined up with Akshay Kumar. The film also stars Saif Ali Khan in the lead. The team of Haiwaan has secured a massive digital and satellite deal with Sony Pictures Networks India.  Haiwaan locks satellite and digital release Akshay Kumar and Saif Ali Khan starrer Haiwaan, directed by the legendary filmmaker Priyadarshan, is one of the most highly anticipated films of 2026. Touted as a taut, edge-of-the-seat thriller, Haiwaan has already sparked significant buzz, especially around the massive collaboration between Akshay Kumar and Saif Ali Khan after a long span of time. According to sources, the film has now secured a massive digital and satellite deal with Sony Pictures Networks India. A source revealed, “Haiwaan is the maiden project of Thespian films and KVN Productions together, and the team has successfully locked this massive deal with the prestigious Sony Pictures Networks India for the film’s digital and satellite release. The makers are currently in discussions regarding the release date, which shall happen very soon." The shoot of Haiwaan has already been wrapped, and the makers have been sharing intriguing behind-the-scenes glimpses, taking audiences by surprise. The Priyadarshan directorial also boasts an eclectic ensemble cast, including Shriya Pilgaonkar, Saiyami Kher, among others. Haiwaan is produced by KVN Production and Thespian Films, by Venkat K Narayana and Shailaja Desai Fenn. More about Haiwaan Haiwaan is an adaptation of Priyadarshan’s Malayalam thriller Oppam (2016). The Hindi movie sees Khan as a visually challenged man with a heightened sense of smell and hearing, who takes on Kumar’s antagonist. “I am doing an action-oriented movie after a long time. Haiwaan is a comedy thriller, almost a cat-and-mouse game with a lot of action,” says the director, whose last Hindi release was the comedy Hungama 2 (2021). The film will also see a cameo by Mohanlal.  Saif and Akshay last worked together in Tashan, which was a commercial and critical disaster. Haiwaan is produced by KVN Productions in association with Thespian Films, and jointly produced by Venkat K Narayana and Shailaja Desai Fenn.

10 February,2026 05:27 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondent
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