Ram Gopal Varma has been one of the most ardent admirers of Aditya Dhar’s blockbuster spy thriller franchise Dhurandhar. His praise has only grown manifold after the release of the sequel. The filmmaker has called the film a benchmark shift and revealed how it has pushed him to rethink his storytelling approach and reinvent himself. He also confirmed his next project, Syndicate, putting the Sarkar franchise on hold. Ram Gopal Varma confirms Syndicate Ram Gopal Varma reflected on how his aspirations and creative influences evolved over time, from wanting to be an auto rickshaw driver to eventually becoming a director. He shared how literature and cinema constantly reshaped his perspective, with benchmark inspirations like The Sound of Music, The Exorcist, and The Godfather influencing many of his films, especially the latter. The director also lauded the recently released Ranveer Singh-starrer Dhurandhar: The Revenge and shared that he has made a conscious decision to put the upcoming part of the Sarkar franchise on hold and work on Syndicate. WHY SYNDICATE and not SARKAR?SYNDICATE is based on a premise “ What if the entire law and order of INDIA collapses in just one single day”It will be almost like a HORROR film , not because of any super natural elements , but because it will bare open the horrors that exist in… — Ram Gopal Varma (@RGVzoomin) March 26, 2026 He shared, “WHY SYNDICATE and not SARKAR? Syndicate is based on a premise: ‘What if the entire law and order of India collapses in just one single day?’ It will be almost like a horror film, not because of any supernatural elements, but because it will bare the horrors that exist in some human minds, which they can enact terrifyingly. Syndicate is about the rise of an organisation so powerful, so integrated, and so maniacally driven that it threatens the very existence of India. I believe that Syndicate is something which will match up to the post-Dhurandhar 2 era, and that is the reason for my decision. Here’s my take on why I want to wipe out my entire past and be a newborn or a reborn director post watching Dhurandhar 2 (sic).” Ram Gopal Varma lauds Aditya Dhar’s Dhurandhar 2 He expressed his wish to be inspired by the new school of Aditya Dhar, writing, “But now, after seeing Dhurandhar 2, all my earlier films look like nothing. If The Godfather was my earlier benchmark in this genre, I now feel Dhurandhar 2 is like The Godfather’s Godfather in the way it redefined and reinvented everything—whether it’s craft, storytelling style, character design, background music, emotional landscapes, performances, or action choreography. So it’s common sense that I need to abandon the lessons learnt from the old schools of Coppola and join the new school of @AdityaDharFilms, and that’s the only way one can stay updated.” “It will be a suicidal blunder on the part of any filmmaker, writer, or star not to shed their egos and do an intensive academic study of Dhurandhar 2, then take a deep relook and rework whatever they believed so far, and drastically adapt. By not doing so, and if you still stick to the same old cinematic beliefs, which were brutally killed on March 19, 2026,” he added. When RGV confirmed Sarkar 4 National Award-winning filmmaker-producer Ram Gopal Varma had earlier confirmed the next instalment of his political crime franchise, Sarkar 4, while speaking on the opening day of the Red Lorry Film Festival. He had said that Amitabh Bachchan and Abhishek Bachchan will reprise their roles, while Aishwarya Rai Bachchan will not be part of the franchise.
26 March,2026 07:23 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentAjay Devgn has landed in legal trouble as the makers of the original Tamil film Kaithi have approached the Bombay High Court, alleging violations related to the remake rights of Bholaa. Dispute between Kaithi and Bholaa began in 2019 The dispute has been initiated by Dream Warrior Pictures, the production house behind Kaithi. According to reports, the company has claimed that it holds the sole copyright and remake rights to the 2019 hit film. The production house had earlier entered into agreements regarding the Hindi remake, which later became Bholaa. However, the producers now allege that certain financial obligations tied to the remake rights agreement were not fulfilled. As per their claims, only a partial payment was made, while the remaining agreed-upon amount including additional tranches and variable payments linked to the film’s earnings remains unpaid. The issue escalated after multiple attempts by the original producers to resolve the matter reportedly went unanswered. Following this, they issued a legal notice demanding dues along with interest, warning that failure to comply would lead to termination of the agreement and reversion of rights. When the dispute was not resolved, Dream Warrior Pictures moved legal forums, initially approaching the National Company Law Tribunal (NCLT). However, the tribunal dismissed the plea, stating that contractual and intellectual property disputes should be addressed in civil courts. Further proceedings in the case Subsequently, the producers filed a commercial intellectual property suit in the Bombay High Court. In their plea, they have sought an injunction to restrain the makers including Ajay Devgn’s production banner and associated companies from distributing, streaming, or monetising Bholaa and any related content. They have also requested damages and a formal declaration that the agreement stands terminated. On the other hand, the defence has reportedly argued that jurisdiction over the matter lies with courts in Chennai, as per the original agreement terms. The matter has since been heard by the court, with the judge reserving the order on the issue of jurisdiction. The controversy has once again highlighted the complexities involved in remake rights within the film industry, especially when multiple parties and agreements are involved. As the legal battle unfolds, the outcome could have significant implications for how such contracts are structured and enforced in the future.
26 March,2026 07:03 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentActor Sayani Gupta is all set to explore a new side of storytelling as she makes her directorial debut with the short film Aasmani. Not just directing, she has also written and produced the film, making it a very personal project close to her heart. The film stars veteran actor Revathi as the protagonist, along with Daria Bedi, who is being introduced in this film. Sayani Gupta talks about making her directorial debut A graduate of the Film and Television Institute of India, Sayani shared that this moment has been years in the making. “Making a film has been a 17-year-long dream ever since I stepped foot into film school,” she said. “All these years, with every set I’ve been on as an actor, that desire has only grown stronger. In a world ridden with so much chaos and atrocity, cinema can truly act as a medium for discourse, resistance, evocation, and perhaps even a balm.” "Aasmani is a film about love, companionship and freedom with themes of redundancy, values and loss,” Sayani said. “It’s a story about these spunky women (of different age groups) who know their minds and worth. I hope for the film to be a spot of sunshine, love and joy for anyone who watches it.” Sayani has always been known for picking unique and meaningful roles. From Margarita with a Straw to Four More Shots Please!, Article 15, Pagglait, Fan, Jolly LLB2 Axone, etc., she has built a strong and diverse filmography over the years. About Aasmani Aasmani is produced by Sayani Gupta Movies along with the Sumitra Gupta Foundation for Arts and One India Stories. The film is backed by names like Nikkhil Advani, Dia Mirza and Ananya Rane as Executive Directors. The film also marks the first project from the Sumitra Gupta Foundation for Arts, while One India Stories presents it as their second release. For the makers, Aasmani is not just a film but a step towards telling more heartfelt and meaningful stories. We are excited to see what this Magic Trio of Sayani Gupta, Nikkhil Advani and Dia Mirza has created. The film's script has won multiple international awards already. And the film is all set for its world premiere.
26 March,2026 06:30 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentBhumi Pednekar had a stressful start to her day after a hoax bomb threat disrupted her flight plans. The actress took to social media to recount the unsettling incident, revealing how an irresponsible remark by a man triggered security protocols, leading to delays and chaos. She also highlighted the need for better civic sense and accountability in such situations. Bhumi on hoax bomb threat that left her agitated In a video, she explained how a man who wasn’t even a passenger on the flight triggered a security protocol and caused inconvenience. Taking to her Instagram Stories, Bhumi Pednekar shared a video explaining a concerning experience she had that morning. She says in the video, “We had a crazy morning. Richa and I were flying for some Backbay work.” The Bhakshak actress continues, “Now, when we were boarding our flight, this guy was kind of misbehaving with the on-ground staff. And he wasn’t even a passenger on our flight. The on-ground staff had to call out, find a call, and so on. He kept getting triggered, saying, ‘Why are you disturbing me?’ We kind of laughed about it and entered.” “Ten minutes after we were deboarded, there was a security threat. We later found out that the same guy, who wasn’t even a passenger on our flight, thought it was funny to scream that there was a bomb on that flight. Obviously, Indigo had to follow protocol and take all the necessary security measures, and kudos to them for doing that. But he wasted three hours, and I’m sure there was a massive economic impact,” she adds. In an overlaying text on the video, she also wrote, “Crazy morning. Woke up at 5 am for an 8:45 am flight. Because of a silly joke or a loose statement some irresponsible man made, we were delayed by 3 hours. I’m told hoax calls/jokes like this happen often. We really need more civic sense. Finally reached.” Bhumi Pednekar upcoming movies The actress was last seen in the web series Daldal, which received a mixed response. She next has Danish Aslam’s romantic drama, tentatively titled Adhoore Hum Adhoore Tum. The film will release on OTT this year and marks Imran Khan’s comeback. Alongside Bhumi Pednekar and Imran Khan, the film also features Gurfateh Pirzada in a key role.
26 March,2026 05:36 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentDirector Aditya Dhar's spy thriller Dhurandhar: The Revenge continues its strong run at the box office, and actor Aamir Khan has now sent his best wishes to the team as the film keeps drawing large crowds to theatres. Speaking on the second day of the International Film Festival of Delhi (IFFD) 2026, Aamir said he has been hearing only "praises" about the film's performance and success. Aamir Khan on Dhurandhar The actor, while talking to the media said that he has been hearing good things about the Ranveer Singh-starrer. "I have not seen the film yet. But I hear only praises of the film. Dhurandhar 1 and now Dhurandhar 2. Both the films have done exceptionally well, and my very best wishes to the team." Directed by Aditya Dhar, Dhurandhar 2: The Revenge is a sequel to Dhurandhar (2025), which was the highest-grossing Hindi film of that year. Produced by Jio Studios and B62 Studios, the project features a multi-starrer cast including Sanjay Dutt, R. Madhavan, Rakesh Bedi, and Arjun Rampal. Aamir on Sitaare Zameen Par Aamir also spoke about his own film Sitaare Zameen Par being screened at the festival. Sharing his happiness about the "first year" of the festival and the opportunity to connect with audiences, he said, "It's a real pleasure that our film Sitaare Zameen Par is being screened at the Delhi Film Festival. And I think this is the first year of the festival? First time, yeah. And I'm really happy that our film is being screened here. It's a film that Prasanna has directed and both of us are very happy and proud of the film and what it says. And it gives us an opportunity to interact with audiences over here, which I think mostly are young films." Organised by the Delhi Tourism & Transport Development Corporation (DTTDC) in association with the Government of Delhi, with KPMG as knowledge partner, the International Film Festival of Delhi is a government-led, city-wide festival showcasing Indian and international cinema while making film culture accessible to audiences across the capital. The week-long festival, running from March 25 to 31, will offer a series of screenings, discussions, and industry events across various venues in New Delhi, uniting filmmakers, industry professionals, and audiences from around the globe. (with inputs from ANI)
26 March,2026 05:28 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentA fresh controversy has emerged around Dhurandhar 2 after a Pakistani singer claimed he was paid Rs 46 lakh by the film’s team for the use of his popular track “Hawa Hawa.” Pakistani singer claims he got paid by the film's team The singer revealed that the makers had officially acquired rights to the song, stating, “They paid me Rs 46 lakh for it.” His statement has sparked widespread discussion online, with many questioning the details of the deal and how the track was incorporated into the film. “Hawa Hawa,” which has long been a popular number across borders, reportedly features in Dhurandhar 2 as part of its soundtrack or background score. The claim has reignited conversations about cross-border collaborations in the entertainment industry, especially at a time when such associations often draw public and political scrutiny. According to the singer, the agreement was straightforward, with the production team approaching him for the rights and completing the transaction professionally. His remarks suggest that there was no dispute over payment, but the revelation itself has surprised many fans who were unaware of the behind-the-scenes arrangement. The development has also led to mixed reactions on social media. While some users appreciated the transparency and professionalism involved in acquiring rights, others debated the decision to include a Pakistani track in a major Indian film, given the sensitive nature of cross-border artistic exchanges. All about the movie and claims So far, the makers of Dhurandhar 2 have not publicly responded to the singer’s claims. However, the revelation has added another layer of intrigue to the film, which has already been making headlines for its performances, storyline, and post-release discussions. This incident once again highlights how music continues to transcend borders, even amid complex dynamics. It also sheds light on the often unseen business side of filmmaking, where negotiations and rights acquisitions play a crucial role in shaping the final product. As conversations continue to unfold, the claim has certainly brought attention to “Hawa Hawa” and its place in Dhurandhar 2, while also sparking a broader debate about collaboration, ownership, and the evolving landscape of the entertainment industry.
26 March,2026 04:30 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentActor and Fitness enthusiast Milind Soman decided to celebrate the festival of Holi in his unique way. While people across the country were busy celebrating with colours, Milind and his better half, Ankita Konwar, decided to put their swimming abilities to the test. While the Emergency actor swam for 15 kilometers in Goa on Tuesday, Ankita completed a stretch of 4.5 kilometers. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Milind Usha Soman (@milindrunning) Posting some photos and videos from the adventure on his official Instagram handle, Milind wrote, "15km swim yesterday in Goa ! 4.5km for ankita_earthy and big thank you to goaowsclub...Happy Holi to everyone!!!!! (sic)" Not just Milind, Ankita also shared her experience in her own words on social media, saying, "Happy Holi from Goa...A 4.5k swim for me and a 15k swim for milindrunning with the dolphins!! Had the best time with our friends at goaowsclub !! Managed to squeeze in a 6k Holi run before the flight...May this spring bring you strength and positivity". Milind's feed acts as a constant source of inspiration for fitness junkies across the country as the Four More Shots Please actor continues to push his physical boundaries even at 60. Back in February, Milind and Ankita cycled 55 kilometres uphill to an ‘elevation of 3,000 feet’ at Panhalad in Kolhapur with some of their friends. While they were there, they even paid respects to one of the brave Generals of Chhatrapati Shivaji, Baji Prabhu Deshpande. Taking to his official social media handle, Milind published snippets from the ride, and captioned the post, “Today ankita_earthy , our friends and I rode 55km with a climb of 3000ft in Kolhapur around the hills of Jyotiba temple and the fort of Panhala :) paid respects to one of the brave Generals of Chhatrapati Shivaji, Baji Prabhu Deshpande .. I ride only 10-15 times in a year, so every opportunity is welcome.” 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
26 March,2026 04:21 PM IST | Mumbai | IANSOn the occasion of Ram Navami, the makers of the upcoming film Valmiki Ramayana unveiled a poster from the film. The film brings together celebrated technicians to tell the story of the mythical Ramayana. The film is being envisioned as a theatrical experience grounded in faith and simplicity, staying true to the spirit of the original text. Valmiki Ramayana boasts of technical brilliance The visuals from the recently announced Valmiki Ramayana reflect devotion, purity, and reverence for one of India’s most sacred epics. It is helmed by Bhavna Talwar, and brings together an accomplished team of creative stalwarts committed to presenting the epic with authenticity and emotional depth. Renowned production designer Sabu Cyril leads the visual world-building, while celebrated author Anand Neelakantan has written the screenplay, drawing directly from the original Valmiki Ramayana. Adding further creative strength to the project, veteran cinematographer Binod Pradhan brings his signature visual storytelling, while Academy Award-winning sound designer Resul Pookutty helms the film’s soundscape. Filmmaker and scholar Chandraprakash Dwivedi joins the project as Creative Consultant and dialogue writer, lending his deep understanding of Indian history and mythology. The film is being approached with a sense of restraint and reverence, focusing on the spiritual and emotional core of the epic rather than spectacle alone. The makers aim to present Valmiki Ramayana as a heartfelt cinematic experience that resonates with audiences across generations. The film is set to release in theatres on October 2. 'VALMIKI RAMAYANA' ANNOUNCED – 2 OCT 2026 RELEASE... On the auspicious occasion of #RamNavami, director #BhavnaDattaTalwar announces #ValmikiRamayana, a theatrical retelling of the timeless epic.The film brings together an exceptional creative team:⭐️ Cinematographer Binod… pic.twitter.com/giZTYeZxOT — taran adarsh (@taran_adarsh) March 26, 2026 About Valmiki Ramayana The Valmiki Ramayana is one of the earliest Sanskrit epics and a foundational text of Indian literature. Composed around 500–100 BCE, it contains about 24,000 verses divided into seven books. The narrative follows Lord Ram, prince of Ayodhya, his exile, the abduction of his wife Sita by Ravana, and her eventual rescue with the help of allies including Hanuman. The text addresses kingship, duty (dharma), family obligations, and ethical conduct. It also provides early models of political authority and social order. The Valmiki Ramayana differs in tone and detail from later adaptations, serving as the primary source for subsequent regional and cultural retellings across South and Southeast Asia. (with inputs from IANS)
26 March,2026 04:15 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentAmid the massive success of Dhurandhar 2, Arjun Rampal was seen attending an event. However, his “Bharat Mata Ki Jai” remark concluding the speech sparked criticism from noted author Shobhaa De. Amid the backlash, his girlfriend Gabriella Demetriades came out strongly in his support, calling the criticism outrageous. Several social media users also supported him. Gabriella Demetriades supports Arjun Rampal A couple of days ago, at an award function, he received an award and, at the end of his speech, said, "Bharat Mata Ki Jai." This didn’t go down well with writer Shobhaa De, who wrote an article criticising the actor. The article grabbed the attention of Arjun’s girlfriend, Gabriella Demetriades, who slammed it. On the Instagram post of the article, Gabriella commented, "This is outrageous (sic)." View this post on Instagram A post shared by ThePrint (@theprintindia) An Instagram user also supported Rampal and wrote, "Wow, how does someone saying 'Bharat Mata Ki Jai' become problematic to you guys? This is literally nationalism, irrespective of any religious agenda. How does being patriotic to the country one resides in become a point of contention for a select few? This is seriously mind-boggling (sic)." About Dhurandhar Talking about Dhurandhar, Arjun Rampal plays Major Iqbal, a ruthless and chillingly calm ISI operative. Inspired by terrorist Ilyas Kashmiri, his character is a mastermind behind the 26/11 attacks. Dhurandhar: The Revenge released on March 19 and has already crossed the mark of Rs 900 crore at the global box office, according to industry tracking site Sacnilk. Featuring Ranveer in the lead role, the film sequel charts the rise of Singh's character, Hamza Ali Mazari, in the Karachi underworld while also delving into his origins as Jaskirat Singh Rangi, tracing the journey of the young man who eventually transforms into the covert operative. Directed by Aditya Dhar and produced by Jio Studios and B62 Studios, the project features a multi-starrer cast including Sanjay Dutt, R. Madhavan, Rakesh Bedi, Sara Arjun, and Danish Pandor. Arjun Rampal upcoming movies After delivering a memorable performance in Dhurandhar, Arjun Rampal is all set to grace the screen yet again with Amazon MX Player’s next project. He will be seen headlining the OTT platform’s forthcoming series Billionaire, which is helmed by Hansal Mehta. The series chronicles the rise of a powerful business magnate against the backdrop of a changing India. He is known to rewrite the rules to build an empire of influence. However, what happens when the very force that drives his success starts consuming everything around him?
26 March,2026 03:21 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentDiljit Dosanjh’s film Punjab 95 has been stuck with the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) for three years now. There is currently no update on the film’s release status. The film, directed by Honey Trehan, is based on the life of human rights defender Jaswant Singh Khalra. Amid this, Diljit Dosanjh on Wednesday shared an article that spoke about Sikh representation in movies while discussing Dhurandhar 2 and Punjab 95. Diljit Dosanjh shares article about Punjab 95 Diljit shared the social media post of the article. He highlighted the part which read, “Diljit Dosanjh is celebrated when he does a patriotic film like Dhurandhar 2. But his biopic on human rights defender Jaswant Singh Khalra has been stuck with the CBFC for three years.” The actor-singer simply shared the post without any comments. What is Punjab 95 about? Directed by Honey Trehan, the movie features Diljit Dosanjh as Khalra. Punjab ’95 has remained unreleased in India despite being completed several years ago. The film chronicles Khalra’s investigations into illegal cremations and enforced disappearances during Punjab’s counter-insurgency period of the 1990s. The CBFC has been demanding extreme cuts in the film, which the makers feel will hamper the movie's plot. In December last year, retired Punjab and Haryana High Court judge and human rights activist Ranjit Singh made a renewed appeal for the film to be released without any cuts. Singh, recently appointed chairman of the reconstituted Punjab Human Rights Organisation (PHRO), said the movie’s depiction of the custodial killing of Jaswant Singh Khalra is based on documented evidence and judicial findings, and is neither speculative nor exaggerated. He said, “The film is very close to reality. It depicts a sequence of events that was not merely an allegation, but something that was clearly established through evidence. These are facts that need to be told. I see no objection to any part of the film. What it shows is real and supported by material already on record. In my view, Punjab ’95 must be released without any cuts.” The film’s timelineEarly 2021: Film goes on floors.Mid 2022: Principal photography wrapped.December 2022: Submitted to the CBFC for certification.2023–24: No certification or release date issued.September 25, 2024: Mid-day reports CBFC suggests nearly 127 cuts.January 2025: Overseas release announced, then cancelled days before release.2025: Makers refuse cuts, say they will remove credits if altered..
26 March,2026 03:00 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentAction director Aejaz Gulab recently opened up about the action sequences in Dhurandhar: The Revenge amid the backlash and criticism over gory scenes. He shared that the scenes were grounded in emotion and realism. Gulab also revealed that director Aditya Dhar gave him complete creative freedom to work on the film's intense action scenes. Aejaz Gulab on directing action in Dhurandhar 2 Gulab, who has an elaborate filmography spanning over 500 projects, including Shootout at Lokhandwala, Ek Villain, and series like The Family Man and Rana Naidu, saus Dhurandhar has finally brought him long-overdue recognition. Gulab also called Dhurandhar a “career-defining milestone.” While speaking to PTI, Gulab shared, “People used to praise action in South films. It feels good that action in Hindi films is finally being appreciated." The action director added that nearly 135 days were spent filming action sequences in the film, after around 70 days of rigorous preparation. Unlike many Bollywood productions wherein the action is often curbed by time and budgets, Gulab revealed that Aditya Dhar allowed him the space to plan extensively. “The action is part fiction, part reality. Aditya sir gave me a free hand to do whatever I wanted,” Gulab said, adding he crafted every sequence keeping the story, characters, and their emotional intensity in mind before being refined with the director’s inputs. For the film, the action director led a large team comprising seven assistants, 12 stuntwomen, and close to 300 stunt performers. In order to achieve a global scale, he even collaborated with international stunt directors, Yannick Ben and Sea-Young Oh, both of whom are known for their work across Hollywood and major Indian films. Aejaz Gulab reacts to criticism In the interview, Gulab further addressed criticism over the film’s brutality, saying that the tone was dictated by the narrative. “The script demanded that we design action sequences in a brutal way. The film is about the underworld and gangsters, and these people are known for their ruthless acts. It’s not mindless action; the action is backed by emotion," he said He further pointed out that certain scenes were drawn from real-life incidents and hence designed to maintain authenticity. “If we did it differently, it would look fake because the audience has seen the news footage,” he noted. Despite its scale, the action director said the team exercised moderation. “We could have done much more terrifying things, but we did only 60 per cent of it, keeping the censor board and public sensitivity in mind,” he said.
26 March,2026 02:42 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentADVERTISEMENT
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