The teaser of The Kerala Story 2 – Goes Beyond made a sharp and intense progression from the first installment. Helmed by National Award–winning director Kamakhya Narayan Singh, the film unfolds the disturbing journey of three Hindu girls, played by Ulka Gupta, Aishwarya Ojha, and Aditi Bhatia, whose lives spiral into darkness after they enter relationships with three Muslim men. What begins as love gradually exposes a chilling, orchestrated plot centered around religious conversion. While the excitement for the film is constantly rising at a fever pitch, an immensely emotional O Maayi Ri song has been released. O Maayi Ri out A deeply moving ode to the timeless bond between a mother and her child, O Maayi Ri has been unveiled. Rendered with pure emotion by Shreya Ghoshal, the song is beautifully woven together by Mannan Shaah’s soul-touching composition and Manoj Muntashir’s heartfelt lyrics. It encapsulates the warmth, protection, and unconditional love that live on in every heartbeat, a melody that lingers long after it ends, embracing you like a gentle hug in moments of quiet reflection. Moreover, O Maayi Ri is yet another magical creation of Vipul Amrutlal Shah and Shreya Ghosh. Their previous films are Force (2011) Main Chali, Action Replayy, O Bekhabar, and Tera Mera Pyaar. Echoing through the teaser is the slogan that defines the film’s soul and spirit: “Ab Sahenge Nahi… Ladenge!” Following the massive impact of The Kerala Story, which shook audiences nationwide with its bold narrative, the sequel promises to push boundaries even further, going beyond comfort, beyond silence. Directed by Kamakhya Narayan Singh, The Kerala Story 2- Goes Beyond is produced by Vipul Amrutlal Shah, co-produced by Aashin A Shah under the banner Sunshine Pictures. The film is slated to release in cinemas on 27th February, 2026. The Kerala Story controversy The film highlighted forced conversions of women in Kerala and how they are recruited by ISIS. The film claimed that as many as 32000 women were victims of forced conversion to Islam, and many were taken to ISIS-ruled Syria. The film landed in a legal soup after the release of the trailer. A petition was filed at the Supreme Court seeking a stay on its release on ground of "worst kind of hate speech" and "audio-visual propaganda". However, the Supreme Court refused to take up the matter, saying, "There are varieties of hate speeches. This film has got certification and has been cleared by the board." Congress MP Shashi Tharoor also slammed the makers in a series of tweets, accusing them of making false claims and portraying the state of Kerala in a bad light. Activists and lawyers announced rewards to those who could prove the allegations made in the film. Kerala State Committee of Muslim Youth League has announced a reward of Rs 1 crore for anyone who proves the allegations levelled in the film, and said collection centres for providing the proof will be opened in every district, reported ANI. "Prove the allegations that 32,000 Keralites converted and fled to Syria. Take up the challenge and submit the evidence," the poster by the committee read.
09 February,2026 01:17 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentWhat happens when belief becomes a choice, and standing by someone comes at a personal cost? Directed by Anubhuti Kashyap, starring Konkona Sen Sharma and Pratibha Ranta, Accused brings to the screen a layered, emotionally charged story that interrogates truth, power, and trust in the face of accusation. The film premieres on Netflix on 27 February. About Accused Produced by Dharma Productions, Accused follows a celebrated doctor in London whose carefully constructed life begins to fracture after she is accused of sexual misconduct. As scrutiny intensifies and public opinion hardens, the film explores the strains this places on her closest relationships, and how quickly perception can take hold when certainty is out of reach. By centring on a woman as the accused, Accused asks viewers to sit with discomfort and doubt, unfolding as a story of one woman’s word against another. Netflix unveiled two posters of Accused on its official Instagram account, with the caption: "Dr. Geetika's toughest case yet. A reputed surgeon sees her reputation at stake." View this post on Instagram A post shared by Netflix India (@netflix_in) 'A narrative where power, perception, and belief are shifting' Talking about the film, Team Accused shared, “Accused is the kind of story that stays with you because it refuses to simplify human behaviour or moral conflict. Anubhuti has crafted a deeply nuanced film that places women at the centre of a narrative we rarely explore, one where power, perception, and belief are constantly shifting. With Konkona and Pratibha leading the film, we’re looking at a relationship tested not just by accusation, but by doubt itself. It’s a story told with restraint, empathy, and courage, and we’re proud to bring it to Netflix, a platform that has supported the film’s intent to provoke thought rather than judgment.” Ruchikaa Kapoor Sheikh, Director, Original Films, Netflix India, shared, “Accused is a meaningful, emotionally resonant film that explores truth, belief, and the personal consequences of an accusation. Anubhuti Kashyap’s sensitivity and restraint add depth to a powerful subject. With standout performances from Konkona Sen Sharma and Pratibha Ranta, the film embodies the kind of layered, character-driven storytelling Netflix stands behind.” With its nuanced storytelling from writers Sima Agarwal and Yash Keswani, restrained tension, and deeply felt performances, Accused offers a compelling exploration of trust under pressure and the emotional cost of choosing sides when certainty is absent. The film invites audiences to confront uncomfortable questions about belief, loyalty, and the fragile line between truth and perception. Accused streams exclusively on Netflix from 27 February
09 February,2026 12:20 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentActor Harshvardhan Rane and filmmaker Milap Zaveri marked the first anniversary of their collaboration Ek Deewane Ki Deewaniyat with an emotional exchange, celebrating a journey built on faith, friendship and mutual respect. Milap took to Instagram, where he shared two pictures from the shoot of the film and a heartfelt note recalling how, exactly a year ago, he had messaged Rane requesting him to hear the script of Ek Deewane Ki Deewaniyat, a moment he described as life-changing. “Dear harshvardhanrane 1 year ago on this day i sent you a message requesting you to hear EkDeewaneKiDEEWANIYAT Today is the 1st anniversary of that day,” Milap wrote. Calling the film a “super hit,” Zaveri said the biggest takeaway from the journey was gaining “a brother and a friend for life.” He called Harshvardhan a real-life hero, crediting the actor’s kindness for restoring his confidence at a time when he was labelled a failure by the industry. “A man who is not just an on screen HERO but a HERO in real life too. Your faith in me, your humility, your talent, your hard work, all make me your FAN. I’m grateful to sonambajwa anshul300 raghav.sharma.14661 amanthegill gauravarora08 gauravverma shaadrandhawa mushtaqshiekh and so many others who joined us on this amazing journey.” “But it all started with your kindness and belief in a failed director. Coz that’s what i was. A failure. And the world did its best to make me feel like one.” The filmmaker continued: “Till you said YES. And once again you have said YES to my next film and dream. I know this new journey with Bhushan ji, akanksharmaa and others who will join us will be as special. Coz YOU always make it SPECIAL. Love you my friend. Happy anniversary! Can’t wait to say “Roll sound, Camera, ACTION!” To you again” View this post on Instagram A post shared by Milap Zaveri (@milapzaveri) Responding in the comments, Harshvardhan wrote: “I am really lucky to find you, maalik! You have the goodness that always looked for.” Ek Deewane Ki Deewaniyat is a romantic drama film that emerged as the 12th-highest-grossing Hindi film of 2025. The plot follows Vikramaditya Bhonsle, an influential politician whose growing infatuation with Adaa Randhawa, a film actress, slowly transforms his admiration into a dangerous fixation. As Vikramaditya’s obsession begins to shadow every corner of Adaa’s life, the two are pulled toward an inevitable clash where power, fear, and unchecked desire collide. 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
09 February,2026 11:48 AM IST | Mumbai | IANSBAFTA-nominated actor Adarsh Gourav has taken an immersive approach for his upcoming film Tu Yaa Main, in which he essays the role of Maruti, a local rapper from Nalasopara. Adarsh spent time across Govandi, Nalasopara, Kurla, Dharavi, and Andheri, observing and jamming with artists who have built the city’s independent rap movement from the ground up. Speaking about the process, Adarsh said: “Very early on, I realised that Maruti couldn’t be built in isolation. His voice, his body language, even his silences come from a place that’s deeply tied to where he grew up.” Adarsh said that he felt it was important to step into that world before attempting to portray it on screen. He shared: “I spent time with artists across different parts of the city, Govandi, Nalasopara, Kurla, Dharavi, and Andheri, and what stayed with me was how personal their music is. We spoke about ambition, about being unheard, about using music as a way to claim space.” “Those conversations shaped how I approached the character far more than any written note could.” Reflecting on what the experience gave him as an actor, Adarsh says, “Being around the underground rap community helped me understand where the fire comes from. Their music isn’t performative, it’s lived.” “I wanted Maruti to carry that truth, to feel like someone who belongs to that world rather than someone pretending to. That honesty is what I’ve tried to hold on to while playing him.” Directed by Bejoy Nambiar, Tu Yaa Main is produced by Aanand L Rai and Himanshu Sharma under the banner of Colour Yellow, along with Vinod Bhanushali and Kamlesh Bhanushali of Bhanushali Studios Limited. Rooted in today’s creator-driven culture, the film offers a fresh, youthful take on love and survival, and is set for release on 13 February 2026. Talking about Adarsh Gourav, he is known for his work across film, television, and digital platforms. He trained in Hindustani classical music before transitioning fully into acting. He began his career as a child artiste, appearing in films such as My Name Is Khan, where he played a younger version of Shah Rukh Khan’s character. He gained wider recognition for his role in the Prime Video series Made in Heaven, portraying Balram Menon, a layered, contemporary character, showcasing his ability to handle such roles. His international breakthrough came with The White Tiger, in which he played the lead role of Balram Halwai. The performance earned him critical acclaim globally and a nomination for Best Actor in a Motion Picture, Drama at the Golden Globe Awards, making him one of the few Indian actors to receive that recognition. He has also acted in international productions, including ‘Extrapolations’, an Apple TV+ series. Gourav is regarded for his grounded performances and consistent choice of character-driven roles. 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
09 February,2026 11:24 AM IST | Mumbai | IANSVeteran actor Naseeruddin Shah was left livid after his invitation to a college event was withdrawn at the last moment. The actor claimed that the move was linked to his political views. While he had addressed the incident earlier, he was prodded about the same during his appearance at the airport, which left him irked. Netizens expressed disappointment over the way the actor was harassed. Naseeruddin Shah loses cool at reporter At the airport, a journalist questioned Naseeruddin about being disinvited from the university, and he replied, “I do not want to talk about this issue, so please do not harass me.” Still, the questions persisted, and the actor lost his cool, saying, “What kind of people are you? Can't you see that I have just come in from a journey and I have said to you politely that I do not want to talk about this issue? Why are you persisting, why are you harassing me?” Many users expressed anger over this incident. Actor Prakash Raj also reacted strongly, writing on his X account, “Have some shame. This is not confronting but arrogant behaviour while you are engaging with legends who have inspired generations. Disgusting.” Have some shame . @TimesNow .. this is not confronting but arrogant behaviour while you are engaging with legends who have inspired generations.. Disgusting #justasking https://t.co/rgh3csRmZM — Prakash Raj (@prakashraaj) February 6, 2026 Talking about the incident, the actor claimed he was disinvited from a Mumbai University event at the last minute, without explanation or apology. In his opinion piece for The Indian Express on Thursday, Naseeruddin called the experience both insulting and disappointing: “The university, after informing me that I needn't attend (on the night of January 31, and giving no reason, forget an apology), obviously considered this not insulting enough. So they decided to rub a little salt in by announcing to the audience that I had refused to be there,” he wrote. The actor alleged the university later told the audience that he had refused to attend. Naseeruddin Shah’s upcoming movies On the work front, the actor will next be seen in Anubhav Sinha’s Assi, which stars Taapsee Pannu in the lead role. While his character details remain under wraps, his appearance is said to add drama and gravitas to the film. Apart from this, the actor will be seen as JRD Tata in the upcoming series Made in India: A Titan’s Story. Directed by Robby Grewal, the series also stars Jim Sarbh as Xerxes Desai, the pioneering founder of Titan Watch Company.
09 February,2026 11:19 AM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentVeteran actress Manisha Koirala paid a heartfelt tribute to the late Nepali and Bollywood actor Sunil Thapa, who passed away on Saturday at the age of 68. In her latest social media post, Manisha pointed out that the depth, truthfulness, and human empathy of his character were clearly visible in his acting. Her emotional post read, "Heartfelt tribute to Sunil Thapa. We have lost a strong, fearless and dedicated artist of Nepali cinema and theater. Depth, truthfulness and human empathy were always reflected in his acting. Whether on screen or in the theatre, his presence weighed the story, soul to the character. (sic)." Offering her condolences to those who had been close to Sunil Thapa, she added, "His contribution to the Nepali art field is priceless and his works will live in memory forever. Deepest condolences to the family, colleagues, and well wishers. May peace be upon you." It must be noted that Manisha herself has her roots in Nepal. She is the granddaughter of the former Prime Minister of Nepal, Bishweshwar Prasad Koirala. Previously, actress Priyanka Chopra also remembered how her late Mary Kom co-star Sunil Thapa helped her through one of the toughest phases of her life after the passing away of her father, Ashok Chopra. "You will always be my Coach Sir. You kept me together when I had just lost my dad. You loved me and helped me through many tough days without even realizing. Your warm hugs and your laugh will always be part of my memories. Gone too young but never forgotten. Thank you for your kindness at a time that I was broken," PeeCee penned. She added, "Rest in peace Sunil Thapa...My condolences and prayers are with the family and loved ones." The officials told the local media that Sunil Thapa was brought to the hospital in an unconscious state on Saturday. He was later declared dead due to suspected cardiac arrest. 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
09 February,2026 10:06 AM IST | Mumbai | ANIArijit Singh’s decision to step back from playback singing sent shockwaves across the music industry. While some called it the end of an era, others expressed excitement about what the singer might explore next. In a moment that left fans stunned, Arijit returned to the stage for the first time since his retirement, joining Anoushka Shankar for a special performance. Arijit Singh’s first live performance after retirement Arijit was present as a guest performer at sitar maestro Anoushka Shankar’s show at Kolkata’s Netaji Indoor Stadium. A clip shows the crowd hooting and cheering for Arijit as Anoushka invites him on stage. Coming on stage, Arijit, while interacting with the audience, said, “I am very nervous. Thank you for having me.” Anoushka and Arijit, along with Bickram Ghosh, sang Maya Bhora Raati. The song is a Bengali track originally performed by Lakshmi Shankar, with music composed by the late sitar legend Pandit Ravi Shankar. Following the performance, Arijit also mentioned visiting Anoushka at her home, where they collaborated on composing a song together. Probably the first time that one heard #ArijitSingh after his retirement from bollywood playback !When two legends from Bengal enthralled us in KolkataThe audience was stunned when #anoushkashankar announced her surprise guest the one and only ARIJIT SINGH !! pic.twitter.com/fyFX7CCRRn — Suparna (@shupornaa) February 8, 2026 Videos and photographs from the concert quickly circulated online, drawing widespread attention. “I feel so emotional—happy and heartbroken at the same time,” one fan wrote. Another commented, “It feels like listening to him live after ages.” About Arijit Singh’s retirement On January 27, Arijit Singh shared on his social media handles that he would not take any new assignments as a playback singer. “Hello. Happy New Year to all. I want to thank you all for giving me so much love all these years as listeners. I am happy to announce that I am not going to take any new assignments as a playback vocalist from now on. I am calling it quits. It was a wonderful journey,” he wrote in a note on Instagram. Talking about Arijit Singh, the singer has, over the last decade, gone on to become one of the most influential voices of contemporary Hindi cinema. Over the years, the superstar singer has delivered a string of chart-topping songs across genres, including Channa Mereya, Agar Tum Saath Ho, Gerua, Ae Dil Hai Mushkil, Kesariya, Phir Le Aaya Dil, Khairiyat and Shayad, among many other hits. Known for keeping a low profile, the singer leads an extremely quiet personal life with his wife, Koel Roy, and their children.
09 February,2026 08:29 AM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentStop me if you can Sunny Deol and Nikhil Nagesh Bhat Actor Sunny Deol has once again delivered a strong box-office performance with Border 2, which has reportedly collected over R302 crore at the box-office. And wow, we have learnt that he is already working on his next project. The buzz is that Sunny is set to collaborate with Kill (2023) director Nikhil Nagesh Bhat for a “big-scale action film”. The high-octane action thriller, which will see Sunny in a new avatar, is expected to go on floors in the second half of this year. Success has a number Tamannaah Bhatia I am all for numbers, actor Tamannaah Bhatia said, stressing that views, likes, and box-office figures are an indication of how many people have engaged with a film or song. Tamannaah, who shot to renewed fame with Stree 2 (2024) dance number, Aaj ki raat, believes success is measurable. She said, “I believe we should give importance to numbers because from that we can ascertain which film or song has been watched a lot by people. So, numbers and art are not different, rather they are reflections of one another,” she said. Love is in the air (L-R) Kareena Kapoor Khan and Saif Ali Khan. PICS/SHADAB KHAN, YOGEN SHAH, INSTAGRAM The OG royal couple of Bollywood, Kareena Kapoor Khan and Saif Ali Khan, were spotted in Mumbai as the Nawab treated his wife to some jewellery ahead of Valentine’s Day. The stylish outing had fans and onlookers gushing over the duo’s timeless charm and understated elegance.
09 February,2026 07:52 AM IST | Mumbai | The Hitlist TeamWhen composer Prateek Rajagopal left India in 2019 to build a career in Hollywood, returning to score a Hindi feature wasn’t exactly part of the plan. But Tu Yaa Main, director Bejoy Nambiar’s survival thriller, came calling. What drew the composer to the project was the sensibility. “I’ve always wanted to work with filmmakers who are thoughtful and experimental. Bejoy was like that,” said the musician. Rajagopal’s transition from Hollywood productions to a Hindi feature revealed glaring differences. He pointed out that a structured ecosystem exists in Hollywood. “There is a dedicated music department of music editors, mixers, and agents. Here, I ended up wearing every hat, from scoring the film to writing music for the trailer and teaser.” Prateek Rajagopal The process of developing the background score for the Adarsh Gourav and Shanaya Kapoor-led thriller was “intense, but also rewarding” for him. Considering it was a creature thriller that sees the leads battling for survival against a crocodile, the score had to mirror the film’s pulse. “Genre films like this really thrive on score. Think of something like Jaws [1975]; you can’t separate the film from its theme. Creepy string melodies, retro synth ideas, and specific percussive rhythms are all wrapped in a modern electronic production language,” he explained. Developing a score that reflected the leads’ tension and dread became a back-and-forth exchange between Nambiar and him, as they fed off each other. With Tu Yaa Main, Rajagopal consciously wanted to export one facet from Hollywood. “Hollywood films place an emphasis on background score, whereas in Hindi cinema, the focus has traditionally been on songs. I wanted to bring that level of care and intention to the score here.”
09 February,2026 07:42 AM IST | Mumbai | Mohar BasuFor Rakesh Chaurasia, the flute is his best friend, something that keeps him “balanced and alive”. As the globally renowned flautist tours India, he believes live concerts have become something more than an interaction between an artiste and the audience — they remind people of the beauty of authenticity in today’s world of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and fabrication. In a chat with mid-day, Chaurasia discusses the changing concert landscape and the perils of AI. Excerpts from the interview. What motivates you to perform live after all these years?Live concerts are a lifesaver for performing artistes. In this world of AI, you never know what you are listening to — whether it is the person actually playing or something fabricated. Live music is still safe. Whatever mistakes happen, they happen in front of people, and you correct them. The energy, positivity, and connection you get from the audience are the biggest motivation. Has AI affected classical musicians like you?I have heard that my uncle Hariji’s [Hariprasad Chaurasia] and my tone have already been taken. If everybody starts sounding like Lataji [Mangeshkar] or Kishore Kumarji, then there is no individuality. Inspiration is different from becoming a carbon copy. We need guidance from legends, but we must polish what is within us and present that. Has the audience changed over the years?In the last few years, I’ve seen more young people attending classical concerts. I was recently in London and was surprised to see so many youngsters in the audience. You had earlier said that you used to think playing a flute was easy, but then your perspective changed.People think it’s just a piece of bamboo. Even I thought playing the flute was easy when I was four, but then I grew up. Now, after so many years, I realise how difficult it is. It needs a lot of breath, lung power, and inner energy. What excites you about stepping outside your comfort zone?I am always searching to learn something new. Collaborations force you to adapt. That curiosity comes from Hariji. He never stopped us from experimenting. Music has only seven notes. Even today, with all the progress, nobody has found an eighth note. It’s something God has kept in his own hands. Your music often leaves listeners feeling calm. Is that intentional?Legends like Hariji and Zakir [Hussain] bhai always said, ‘Play for yourself first. If you enjoy what you are doing, the audience will enjoy it too.’ Earlier, artistes wanted instant applause. With maturity, you realise music should first please your own heart. One lesson you learnt from your uncle, Pandit Hariprasad Chaurasia: I have never seen him get angry. He believes that anger ruins your performance. I learnt to keep myself calm, avoid arguments, and focus only on what I want to do on stage
09 February,2026 07:30 AM IST | Mumbai | Komal RJ PanchalWhile trade circles are abuzz with speculation that Battle of Galwan may miss its Eid release, Salman Khan and director Apoorva Lakhia are going full throttle. The team has begun shooting a special dance number from February 6, with Shabina Khan as the choreographer. An insider told us, “It’s a celebratory song. The unit is currently filming in Gorai, after which they will move to a set that has been constructed at Golden Tobacco in Vile Parle.” After the number is wrapped by February 12, only a two-week shoot will remain of the war drama that chronicles the 2020 military clash that took place between Indian and Chinese troops in Galwan Valley. About the movie missing its April 17 release date, the insider said, “It’s all speculation stemming from talk that the film may need a clearance from the Ministry of Defence. The makers are aiming for an Eid release. If they are unable to meet it, they’ll line it up for Independence Day.” Salman songs choreographed by Shabina Khan>> ‘Naach Meri Jaan’ (‘Tubelight’)>> ‘Dil De Diya’ (‘Radhe: Your Most Wanted Bhai’) >> ‘Naiyo Lagda’ (‘Kisi Ka Bhai Kisi Ki Jaan’)
09 February,2026 07:23 AM IST | Mumbai | Mohar BasuADVERTISEMENT
