The Kerala High Court, while hearing the plea against The Kerala Story 2 on Tuesday, questioned the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) over the U/A certification granted to the film. Meanwhile, the council appearing for the producers agreed to take down the teaser and trailer of the film, which they later retracted. Kerala HC questions CBFC over The Kerala Story 2's certification The Court said that it will watch the movie to decide the three petitions which have sought a stay on the film's release as well as the cancellation of its certification over concerns that it may cause communal strife. Justice Bechu Kurian Thomas, who was hearing the plea, emphasised that the CBFC has an important role to play when the movie shows a secular state like Kerala through a communal lens. "Kerala is so secular. It lives with total harmony, but have you considered this when something is portrayed as happening all over the state? There is a wrong indication and can even incite passion and that is when the censor board (CBFC) comes in picture", the Justice said. The judge further observed that the film claims to be based on true events, and thus the concerns raised by the petitioners regarding misrepresentation and inciting communal tensions were justified. "The film is projected as being inspired by true events and that, prima facie shows that the concerns raised by the petitioners appear to have some justification", Justice Thomas further said. He also orally remarked that given the fact that the name of the State is included in the title of the film, the concerns of the people of Kerala cannot be ignored. "Apprehensions of people in Kerala cannot be ignored because you have given the name Kerala. Normally, I do not interfere with any movie because it is a creation of an art but then you say it is inspired by true events and named it Kerala, which can create some communal tension", Justice Thomas noted. The judge also questioned whether the film complies with notifications issued by the CBFC itself which bans visuals or words contemptuous of racial, religious, and other similar groups. "See freedom of creativity is there but there are certain conditions by the CBFC to be followed. Question is are you aware of that. Presumption can be reversed by the movie itself but this is not just creation, you say it is inspired by true events. That has great bearing," Justice Thomas said. Producer agree to take down the teaser Meanwhile, Senior Advocate S Sreekumar, appearing on behalf of the producers, agreed to take down the teasers that have been released thus far, until the Court passes its verdict. Prior to lunch, the counsel also said that a screening could also be arranged so that Justice Kurian could watch the film before deciding the case. The judge responded saying that he will watch the movie tomorrow. "I don’t want to interfere with the artistic expression but the law and guidelines laid down indicate certain restrictions when it comes to religious matters," he said. However, when the case resumed after the lunch time, Sreekumar, submitted that the Court should first decide whether the petitions before the Court are in the nature of a public interest litigation or private litigation. "You are not keen that the Court should watch the movie. You want the issue to be decided on whether this petition is a private litigation or a public litigation," the judge remarked. Later on Tuesday, the makers clarified that they had not taken down the teaser and trailer. An official statement from the makers read, "Sunshine Pictures would like to categorically clarify that the news currently circulating regarding the removal of The Kerala Story 2 – Goes Beyond teaser is completely false, baseless, and misleading. The matter is presently sub judice. No judgment or order has been passed by any court directing the removal of any content. We have not deleted or taken down any material. Both the teaser and the trailer of The Kerala Story 2 – Goes Beyond continue to remain available across all our official platforms. We strongly urge media houses, digital platforms, and individuals to refrain from spreading unverified information and speculative reports. Such misinformation only creates unnecessary confusion."
24 February,2026 09:30 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentArijit Singh left millions of his fans heartbroken by announcing his retirement from Bollywood playback singing in late January 2026. However, his decision also attracted flak from certain individuals who questioned his decision to quit at such a young age. Others also slammed him after his songs released after his announcement. The singer has now shared a post on social media calling trolls 'ruthless', and thanking fans for their support. Arijit Singh thanks fans amid retirement Taking to X (formerly known as Twitter), Arijit thanked his fans in a touching note, which read, "This message is just for my listeners please dont read and swipe right now if you are not my listener, its a humble request. Hello beautiful people! I just want to tell you all that I love you. Thank you so much for your kindness in this ruthless world." (sic) He further confirmed that although he has retired, many of his unfinished songs will continue to be released this year. "Although I have stopped taking new assignments, the list of pending songs are not less you know. I will have to complete a lot of songs. Dont involve into explaining people, How many times will you? there are so many Unfinished songs, they are gonna keep releasing until done. May be through this whole year. may be it will touch next year too," he continued. Finally, he concluded the note by urging his fans to stay peaceful and cut out any negativity on social media, saying, "Be peaceful. Try to get out of this platform. Remove spike proteins from your body, leave 5g, Read love meditate. Jay Devi!" Arijit Singh announced his retirement On January 27, Arijit shared a long post on X, where he announced that he is retiring as a playback vocalist. The singer said, "Hello, Happy new year to all. I want to thank you for giving me so much of love all these years as listeners. I am happy to announce that I am not gonna be taking any new assignments as a playback vocalist from now on. I am calling it off. It was a wonderful journey." He further added, "God has been really kind to me. I am fan of good music and in future will be learning more and do more on my own as a small little artist. Thanks again for all your support." Arijit mentioned there are still few unfinished projects left for the year saying, "I still have to finish some pending commitments , will finish them. So you might get some releases this year. Just to be clear that I won't stop making music."
24 February,2026 07:37 PM IST | MumbaiDirector Rohit Shetty has commenced the shoot of Golmaal 5, the latest instalment of his popular comedy franchise. Ajay Devgn, who has been part of all the Golmaal films directed by Shetty, will return for the fifth instalment. Amid reports of gunshots fired outside his residence recently, Shetty quietly began shooting for the much-awaited film in Mumbai. About Golmaal 5 shoot and cast According to a report in Variety India, Ajay Devgn will join the cast of Golmaal 5 on February 25. On the first day of the shoot, Shetty was joined by the primary cast members. The report also suggests that actress Priyamani has joined the cast. However, there are no details yet about her role in the film. Priyamani has previously worked with Shetty in a special song in Chennai Express. The track, 1234 Get on the Dance Floor, saw her sharing screen space with Shah Rukh Khan. Reportedly, the first schedule of Golmaal 5 will last for a month. Returning to the franchise alongside Ajay Devgn are Arshad Warsi, Tusshar Kapoor, Kunal Kemmu, and Shreyas Talpade. Earlier this month, mid-day reported that Sharman Joshi will return to the franchise after nearly 20 years. He was part of the original gang in Golmaal: Fun Unlimited. There are also strong rumours of Akshay Kumar joining the franchise as the antagonist. However, there has been no official confirmation. The report further suggests that the makers are planning to release Golmaal 5 in the first half of 2027. Rohit Shetty on rumours about Golmaal 5 The filmmaker recently quashed rumours that the film is a remake of Do Aur Do Paanch, which starred Shashi Kapoor, Hema Malini, Parveen Babi, and Kader Khan. The official statement from Shetty's team read, “We wish to issue a strict clarification regarding certain news reports currently circulating across online and digital media platforms claiming that Golmaal 5 is inspired by or based on the film Do Aur Do Paanch. We categorically state that these reports are factually incorrect, misleading, and completely untrue. We strongly request all media houses, publications, portals, and digital platforms to refrain from publishing or circulating unverified information.” It further added, “Any news, update, or clarification pertaining to Rohit Shetty or Golmaal 5 must be verified with us or the official PR representatives prior to publication, failing which strict legal action will be taken. We expect your cooperation in maintaining journalistic accuracy and responsibility. We also request that incorrect reports currently in circulation be corrected or taken down at the earliest.”
24 February,2026 07:25 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentEven as controversies surround it, The Kerala Story 2: Goes Beyond has been cleared by the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) ahead of its release on February 27. The film has received a U/A 16+ certificate after multiple edits were implemented as advised by the Board. Cuts implemented by The Kerala Story 2 makers According to a report in Bollywood Hungama, the makers of The Kerala Story 2 had to implement 16 major cuts before obtaining censor approval. They were asked to trim scenes depicting intimacy and sexual violence. A specific lip-lock sequence was shortened by seven seconds, while rape scenes were reduced by 20 seconds. Two scenes portraying violence against women were each reduced by two seconds — one involving a woman being slapped and another where a woman’s head is struck. The Board also demanded changes to a scene showing an accused person’s house being demolished using a bulldozer. Three dialogues were modified, and one word was muted. Apart from visual cuts, the makers were instructed to add disclaimers to the film. They were asked to include a disclaimer stating that The Kerala Story 2 is based on true events, with the text remaining on screen for an additional two minutes and three seconds, accompanied by a voice-over. The producers were also directed to submit the complete script with dialogues and provide documents supporting the claims made in the film. Additionally, they were asked to furnish a consent letter regarding the casting of a minor, which was submitted to the Board. After complying with all CBFC directives, the film was issued a certificate on February 16. The final runtime of the film stands at 131 minutes and 24 seconds (2 hours, 11 minutes and 24 seconds). Kerala HC questions CBFC over The Kerala Story 2 certification On Tuesday, the Kerala High Court said it would watch the film before deciding on three petitions seeking a stay on its release and cancellation of its certification over concerns that it may cause communal strife. Justice Bechu Kurian Thomas, who was hearing the pleas, emphasised that the CBFC has an important role when a film portrays a secular state like Kerala through a communal lens. The judge further observed that since the film claims to be based on true events, concerns regarding misrepresentation and the potential to incite communal tensions cannot be ignored. He also orally remarked that given the State’s name appears in the film’s title, the concerns of Kerala’s people deserve serious consideration. Meanwhile, Senior Advocate S. Sreekumar, appearing for the producers, agreed to take down the teasers released so far until the Court delivers its verdict.
24 February,2026 06:58 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentWhile Ranveer Singh's blockbuster Dhurandhar impressed many, some were left sulking over the espionage drama, directed by Aditya Dhar. Among them is Hotmail co-founder Sabeer Bhatia, who shared that he recently watched the video and voiced his dislike, urging audiences to reject the film. Hotmail founder Sabeer Bhatia slams Dhurandhar Taking to Instagram, Sabeer Bhatia shared a video review in which he strongly slammed the film's narrative. He captioned the post, writing, "Movies today aren't made to emotionally empower you. They're engineered to trigger you. Be cautious!" View this post on Instagram A post shared by Sabeer Bhatia (@sabeerbhatia.official) He did not mince words in the video and said, "I just watched Dhurandhar. Emotionally charged, sensationalism, drama - but where is the intellectual component in this? All it is spreading is the message of revenge and hate. It's disgusting." Bhatia expressed particular concern about the film's impact on younger audiences. "We don't want our kids to be emotional reactors. We want the younger generation to be logical thinkers. Zero creativity. I know it's a movie, but I don't think there is any entertainment in watching senseless killings and revenge. It promotes a certain line of thinking that is terrible." The Hotmail founder further argued, "It paints entire countries and institutions with a broad brush. Not going into nuances of what is really going on in the minds of people. Individuals are good or bad, not countries. I hope you get this message and reject the movie Dhurandhar wholeheartedly." Internet reacts Bhatia's remarks triggered mixed reactions online. One user defended the film, saying, "I disagree with you....even hollywood produces senseless movie sometimes which has no meaning which certainly don't add any values or whatsoever so yah some movie made for entertainment purposes if your indulge knowledge and kind of stuff in every aspect then its critical! Thank you ! Jai hind !" Another fan commented, "Respected you alot for hotmail, sir, but your this and recent posts depicted your thought process." A third user noted, "I respect you since childhood from the era of Windows95 . BUT what depicted in the movie is quite based on real incidents. Please don't stoop to that level." Dhurandhar is about an Indian spy who infiltrates a Baloch gang operating in Pakistan's Lyari. The film features Ranveer Singh alongside Akshaye Khanna, Arjun Rampal, Sara Arjun, and Sanjay Dutt in pivotal roles. The sequel, Dhurandhar: The Revenge, is set for theatrical release on March 19, where it will lock horns with Toxic at the box office.
24 February,2026 06:03 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentActor Aditya Pancholi arrived at the Bombay High Court on Tuesday in connection with a case from 2019 against him. He had filed a plea to quash an FIR filed against him in an alleged rape case. The court heard the petition for the 28th time filed by the actor. About Aditya Pancholi's case The case was filed by a female actor in 2019. The actor said that he cannot say anything more on the legal procedure, and the outcome of the case will be on March 4. His lawyer Prashant Patil said that the FIR of rape (IPC 376 among other sections) registered at Versova police station in 2019 has been sought to be quashed, the next hearing of the case has been fixed on March 4. He told IANS, “The complainant in this case is a female actor and the accused is Aditya Pancholi. Pancholi's lawyer Patil said that the hearing was held in the court today and the demand to cancel the FIR was reiterated. Appearing for the police in the court, the public prosecutor said the victim did not turn up for the probe despite being served notices 11 times by the police”. Case adjourned After this, the High Court has issued a notice again today and directed to appear on the next date. Significantly, there has been a dispute over this FIR registered on June 27, 2019, the accused side claims that the complaint was filed almost 15 years after the alleged incident and this action is malafide, the petition has demanded to cancel the FIR citing the 'Bhajan Lal' decision of the Supreme Court. "Before the FIR was registered, one person had met Aditya Pancholi, whose recording is with us, we have produced that recording in the court and have explained how the intention behind registering this FIR is wrong and why it should be quashed”, Patil shared. A lawyer appeared in the court on Tuesday on behalf of the complainant who sought time from the court and said that he needs time in this matter so that he can take instruction from his client and present his side. The matter is currently pending in the court and the next hearing will be on March 4, 2026. (with inputs from IANS)
24 February,2026 05:41 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentSanjay Leela Bhansali is regarded as one of the finest and most visionary directors in Indian cinema, known for elevating storytelling with his grandeur and taking Indian films to the global stage. After delivering several timeless classics, the filmmaker is now gearing up for one of the most ambitious projects of his illustrious career, Love & War. The grand historical drama brings together some of Bollywood’s biggest stars, Alia Bhatt, Ranbir Kapoor, and Vicky Kaushal, in lead roles. Sanjay Leela Bhansali speaks about Love & War Audiences have been eagerly awaiting the film’s theatrical release. Interestingly, even on his birthday, Sanjay Leela Bhansali chose to remain on set, fully immersed in work on Love & War. Speaking about working on his birthday on the film, he said, “Work is all that I have to define my identity. When I am workless, I feel worthless. I’m more adventurous and fearless as an artist now. Today, I am working harder than I did five or 10 years ago. I put in nearly 20 hours every day, and I am enjoying it.” Without divulging too many details about the project, he further added, “I am trying to do something special here.” Recently, Bhansali filmed two massive musical sequences for Love & War, further raising anticipation around the project. Known for his grand visual storytelling, Bhansali has made sure these songs are with striking choreography, powerful movements, and innovative staging that deeply connect to the emotional heart of the film’s war-era love triangle. The prospect of Bhansali joining forces with the powerhouse trio of Ranbir Kapoor, Alia Bhatt, and Vicky Kaushal has sparked immense excitement. This massive collaboration is already being hailed as a monumental cinematic event. Love & War not postponed to 2027 In January 2026, a report in Pinkvilla claimed that a sizeable portion of the film’s shoot was still pending due to which the makers were reassessing and reworking the project’s schedule. The report suggested that the makers planned to complete principal photography by June 2026, after which the film was expected to move into an extensive post-production phase. According to the report, the makers wanted to maintain a comfortable gap between Ranbir Kapoor's Ramayana and Love & War to ensure focused promotions and allow each high-profile film to receive adequate attention. However, sources close to the development of the film quashed the PinkVilla report. The sources shared an update on the filming of the movie while confirming a 2026 release. Hence, Love and War has not been postponed to 2027.
24 February,2026 05:19 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentActress Saiyami Kher is asking for accountability from the authorities, who are entrusted with keeping the Mumbai air clean. The actress penned a long note speaking about the declining air quality of the city and how it has become difficult to do basic things as running on the streets. Saiyami Kher on Mumbai's air quality On Tuesday, the actress took to her Instagram and X account, and shared a picture of herself wearing a mask. She also penned a long note in the caption, as she wrote, “I started running a decade ago. Every morning, I’d find myself on Carter Road, chasing the ocean breeze. That wind is what made me fall in love with this city and running. I want to feel it again. And dystopian as it is, I put on a mask before lacing my shoes. It took me back to the pandemic. Except there’s no virus in the air endangering our life. The air itself could kill us. I never imagined a day when the very thing we breathe to survive would become a luxury”. I started running a decade ago. Every morning, I’d find myself on Carter Road, chasing the ocean breeze. That wind is what made me fall in love with this city and running.I want to feel it again. And dystopian as it is, I put on a mask before lacing my shoes. It took me back to… pic.twitter.com/FIu6uP5JNd — Saiyami Kher (@SaiyamiKher) February 24, 2026 The actress shared how doing everything is still not enough as the air is polluted beyond repair, and it needs urgent attention of the authorities. She further mentioned, “My doors and windows stay shut. I bought an air purifier. I moved my runs to a treadmill, staring at a wall instead of the sea. And it still isn’t enough. Running is the thing that keeps me whole. It clears my head. It heals something in me that nothing else reaches. But now the act I built my life around feels like it’s quietly destroying me. Pollution is undoing what years of discipline and sweat and devotion built, one breath at a time. This isn’t seasonal anymore. It shouldn’t be political”. “But somewhere between the data and the denial, people like me are out there in masks, grieving a morning run, mourning a city we loved. Is basic accountability really too much to ask for?”, she added. Richa Chadha reacts to Saiyami's post The actress who is herself vocal on civic issues lauded Kher for her post. Reposting the tweet, Chadha wrote, "The very significant, smart and sweet Saiyami… speaking for all of Mumbai."
24 February,2026 05:09 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentThe Kerala Story 2: Goes Beyond has landed in legal trouble amid fresh controversy surrounding its content. Like its predecessor, several objections have been raised against the film, which deals with alleged forced religious conversions in India. While the first part focused on victims from Kerala, the second instalment expands its scope to alleged incidents across the country. Kerala being disrespected? Amid the backlash, producer Vipul Amrutlal Shah and director Kamakhya Narayan Singh organised a press conference in Delhi recently, where they also introduced over 30 women who they claimed were victims of alleged forced religious conversions. At the event, the makers defended the film against allegations of peddling propaganda. Singh said the sequel presents a pan-India story and does not focus solely on Kerala. “It’s related to Kerala and from Kerala how it’s spreading all over India,” he said. Were the victims from Kerala? During the conference, Shah and Singh were asked whether the women present on stage were from Kerala. Initially, they remained silent on the question. Singh later responded, “Pichli baar hum log 25 victims ko Kerala se le kar aaye, isliye is baar nahi laaye.” The women at the event were reportedly from West Bengal, Bihar, Rajasthan, Jammu and Kashmir, Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh, Jharkhand, Haryana, Delhi, and the National Capital Region (NCR). Each briefly shared her experience, alleging deception, coercion, or pressure into conversion and marriage. When another reporter accused the makers of “disrespecting” Kerala, Singh responded, “I respect Kerala. No, not at all (I’m disrespecting Kerala). I have documentaries from Kerala.” Shah added, “If you are going to be blind towards the problem of your state, which is a wonderful state, you’re destroying it. You are responsible, not us. We are bringing the problem to you; you find the solution.” Release timing questioned At the press conference, the makers were also questioned about the timing of the film’s release and whether it could impact Kerala’s upcoming state elections. Responding to this, Shah said that West Bengal also has elections coming up, but they did not make a film specifically targeting that state. He added that several other states had elections recently, yet no films were made about them. Singh maintained that they are filmmakers, not politicians. “We are filmmakers; do not ask political questions,” he said.
24 February,2026 04:42 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentThe Karnataka High Court on Tuesday heard Ranveer Singh's plea to quash the FIR against him over his remarks about the film Kantara during a speech at the 55th International Film Festival of India (IFFI) in Goa. During the hearing, the court criticised the actor for hurting religious sentiments while granting him interim relief. Karnataka HC slams Ranveer Singh Justice M Nagaprasanna, on Tuesday, noted that Singh's reference to the film's depiction of Chamundi Devi and his mimicry of the deity during the event in December had hurt a community's sentiments. Justice Nagaprasanna said, "You may be Ranveer Singh or anybody. You can't be loose-tongued at all! We will see if there is mens rea (guilty intent). But you being an actor, you have influence on so many people. You have to be responsible. If you are speaking about a deity (you have to do your research), you can't call it a ghost. You have no right to hurt anybody's religious sentiments. You have apologised, but will your apology take back all the words? When actors go on stages and try to do all this, you should exercise restraint. Without having knowledge, you can't say anything. You can't take it so lightly. Super star is not upar (above) law, sir." Senior Advocate Sajan Poovayya, who represented Singh, admitted that the Dhurandhar actor made insensitive remarks, but questioned if he must continue to face the rigours of a criminal case when there was no intention to hurt anyone's sentiments. "I admit, a completely insensitive statement made by me at a formal occasion led to a complaint being filed. I am willing to do everything that could undo my recklessness," the Counsel stated. Justice Nagaprasanna countered the argument, saying that being an actor with influence, Singh is expected to be more restrained. The judge opined that Singh should not have commented on a deity before doing his research, while further questioning if a mere apology could undo the effect of his comments. Later, the judge directed the State to file its objections in the matter, and adjourned the case till next week. "You (State) file your objections, I will hear it on Monday. But don't take coercive steps. He is admitting he was reckless. You (Ranveer Singh) are reckless. And you have no right to do what you have done. No person in the garb of talent, comedy show has right to hurt religious sentiments or dignity of others," the judge noted. Karnataka HC grants interim relief to Ranveer Singh The Court also agreed to grant Singh interim relief on his plea to quash the criminal case filed against him till the next hearing, provided that the actor cooperates with the investigation. The interim order was passed after Justice Nagaprasanna took note of submissions that Singh had apologised for his comments and was willing to do everything to "undo his recklessness." The case emerged following a speech made by Singh, wherein he praised actor Rishab Shetty for his performance in Kantara: Chapter 1. While appreciating Shetty, Singh referred to a deity as a “female ghost” and also mimicked Shetty’s performance as the daiva.
24 February,2026 04:02 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentAward-winning actor, producer, and UN Goodwill Ambassador Dia Mirza gave a deeply personal address at Spoken Fest last evening, sharing a story she calls her “homecoming”, one that shaped not only her childhood but the woman and artist she has become. Dia Mirza speaks about her connection to nature Reflecting on the theme in her speech, Dia traced her connection to nature back to watching her father paint a rainforest on her school wall, a memory that became a lasting source of comfort after his passing. Years later, amid the pressures of a demanding career, a visit to the forests of Pench became a turning point. Immersed in the wild, she rediscovered stillness and breath, a life-changing moment that has informed her choices in crafting a career with purpose and intentionality. Beyond cinema, the Rehna Hai Tere Dil Mein actress remains deeply committed to climate action as a UN Goodwill Ambassador. Dia Mirza's upcoming projects This year marks Dia Mirza's 25th year in the film industry, and she steps into 2026 with a powerful slate. Her upcoming projects include Operation Safed Sagar, Ikka, a web series alongside Nawazuddin Siddiqui, and her award-winning short Panha (her production), among several unannounced projects in the pipeline. The recently unveiled slate of content by Netflix announced the upcoming courtroom drama Ikka, in which Sunny Deol plays a lawyer, against Akshaye Khanna, who plays a convict. Interestingly, what makes Ikka more special is that it marks the reunion of Sunny Deol and Akshaye Khanna on screen after 28 years. The two were last seen together in Border, a war epic that became a classic. Ikka is set to revive that on-screen chemistry, but this time, both stand on opposite sides. Sunny Deol plays a lawyer, as he is seen donning his black and white ensemble and walking towards the courtroom. Notably, the last time he played a lawyer on screen was in the 1993 film Damini. Dia is steering meaningful storytelling through her production house, One India Stories. Dia will also be marking her debut as an author this year, further expanding a journey defined by impact, evolution, and intent.
24 February,2026 02:59 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentADVERTISEMENT
