shot-button

Fan asks Hrithik Roshan if he backed War 2 in VFX debate; actor responds

Ever since the Ramayana teaser released, it received mixed reactions, with many viewers calling out the overuse of VFX and CGI, further claiming it had killed the entire emotional essence of the mythological story. Amid this, Hrithik Roshan expressed his thoughts on the ongoing debate over VFX in the Ranbir Kapoor-starrer. However, some netizens felt the post was defending his film War 2. The actor has now given a sharp reply to fans. Hrithik’s reply to fans One fan asked him about his last release, War 2, and commented, “Hrithik Roshan makes us question ourselves that bad Ramayana VFX and War 2 VFX are debatable… Well Hr, I surrender in front of you! What a majestic stand you took! And did you just defend War 2 indirectly... Nevertheless, love always to My King.” In response, the actor replied, “War 2 had some physics/gravity issue and less time. It can happen. Whereas War 1 was absolutely spectacularly perfect." Meanwhile, a fan asked him, “Sir what about Fighter? What are your views about DNEG?” He replied, “Fighter VFX was very photorealistic.” About Hrithik Roshan’s post The Ramayana teaser’s first glimpse, showcasing Ranbir Kapoor as Ram, was unveiled on April 5 on the occasion of Hanuman Jayanti. Ever since the short video clip was released by the makers, it has sparked debate over VFX in the film. Hrithik Roshan addressed the debate surrounding the film’s VFX and visual style. Hrithik praised filmmakers who take risks to create something new for movie buffs. A part of his note read, “Today some special humans among us, like the makers of films like Kalki 2898 AD, Baahubali, Ramayana (also my dad for Koi Mil Gaya and Krrish of course) are my heroes. They have the guts and vision to do what’s never been done—all for the love of cinema so that we—the audience—get to experience something never watched before. From my point of view, they risked all that money and years and years of effort just so another 11-year-old kid could feel what I felt. To me, that’s noble.” Talking about War 2, the Ayan Mukerji-directed film opened to mixed-to-negative reviews and had a lacklustre opening. Its VFX was also criticised by viewers.

06 April,2026 11:24 AM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondent
Picture Courtesy/Sara Arjun's Instagram Account

Yami Gautam hails Sara Arjun: 'You are the present and future'

Bollywood actress Yami Gautam, who is the wife of Dhurandhar maker Aditya Dhar, has lauded the film’s actress Sara Arjun, calling her “the present and the future” as she heaped praise on her performance and dedication. Sara took to Instagram, where she shared a string of behind-the-scenes pictures from the duology, which has created history at the box office. The pictures featured her alongside Aditya and actor Ranveer Singh. Talking about meeting the director in the caption section, Sara wrote: “The first time I ever met Aditya sir, there was a look in his eyes. I realised that he would do something special for cinema. At every single step of this journey, the sheer magnitude of that realisation revealed itself.” Sara even spoke about the “peak detailing” made by Aditya for the film. “But the peak detailing we all miss along the way hit me only when I looked back, after it was all said and done, and saw the army of people standing outside the frame.”           View this post on Instagram                       A post shared by Sara Arjun (@saraarjunn) She said that the post is dedicated to the unsung heroes of Dhurandhar 1 & 2. “To the captain of the ship, adityadharfilms and his direction team: the architects of our focus, who tirelessly worked to take this dream to the screen. To the producers and the production team, dhar_lokesh Jyoti ma’am, officialjiostudios b62studios, weathering the storms so we could stand in the light. To our DOP, vik_now and camera team, who captured scale and soul in every frame,” she wrote. Sara went on: “To our casting director, castingchhabra and casting team, who set out looking for the right faces but ended up nailing the cast down to the very heartbeat. To the costume designer, smriti.schauhan and makeup designers preetisheel and their teams, who wove history into fabric and painted stories onto our skin, giving us identities that we immersed ourselves in. To shashwatology, the singers, lyricists, and background score, who created the pulse of this film." “To the editor, shivkumarpanicker, and VFX team, as well as ojas_gautam, who sculpted time and defied nature, taking our performances to the limits of reality. To the production design team, who built this sprawling universe from the ground up while the world wasn’t watching. To the safety and stunt crews, who traded their safety for ours, so we could look invincible on screen." “To the lighting, sound, and spot teams, who were the first to arrive and the last to leave: the first light of dawn and the last glimmer as the sun sets. To the countless others, your names may not be listed, but your contribution is impossible to overlook. Actors get to be the faces on the poster, but you are the spine of this cinema. Let’s all applaud the sweat in the shadows just as much as the stars in the spotlight. Thank you to the entire crew of Dhurandhar. History has been made,” she concluded the post. Yami Gautam took to the comment section, where he heaped praise on Sara, who played Yalina in the blockbuster franchise. “You are the present & future Sara... so proud of what you have done,” wrote Yami, to which Sara replied: “Yami Gautam, I have no words to express my gratitude.” Aditya too had a message for Sara, and said that there’s “a rare kind of courage in the way you feel things and an even rarer grace in how you let the world see it.” The filmmaker said that Sara did not just perform, but “it was something lived, something deeply and truthfully yours. Thank you for trusting the journey, for holding on with such quiet strength and honesty.” “Keep going, keep feeling, keep shining exactly as you are. The world needs that light, and this is only the beginning of something truly extraordinary. God Bless You!” he concluded in the comment section. 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

06 April,2026 10:43 AM IST | Mumbai | IANS
Ranveer Singh

Dhurandhar 2: Ranveer Singh's film mints Rs 1000 crore, beats Baahubali 2

Ranveer Singh’s Dhurandhar 2 has created a storm at the box office by breaking records and setting new milestones. The spy thriller, directed by Aditya Dhar, has crossed a major milestone by entering the Rs 1000 crore club at the domestic box office within 18 days of release. With this, it has also become the second fastest Indian movie to achieve this feat. Dhurandhar 2 earns over Rs 1000 crore Dhurandhar: The Revenge has crossed Rs 1000 crore net in the Indian market on April 5, its 18th day in theatres. This marks its entry into an elite club that houses only two other films—Baahubali 2 and Pushpa 2. Within just 18 days of its release, the film has collected Rs 1,013.77 crore (net) in India, making it the first Bollywood film to achieve this feat. Dhurandhar 2 now looks set to cross the lifetime collection of Baahubali 2: The Conclusion (Rs 1,030.42 crore). It will be interesting to see if it can cross the haul of Pushpa 2: The Rise (Rs 1,234.10 crore). Ranveer Singh's film fell two days short in the race to mint Rs 1000 crore (net) in all languages, compared to Pushpa 2. While Allu Arjun's blockbuster scripted history in 16 days, Dhurandhar 2 achieved the milestone in 18 days. Beyond the staggering Rs 1000 crore milestone, Dhurandhar: The Revenge stands as a celebration of Ranveer Singh’s relentless dedication, fearless choices, and transformative ability as an actor. Whether it’s physically embodying his characters or diving deep into their psychological cores, Ranveer continues to push boundaries in ways few actors dare to. From explosive action sequences to deeply internal, soul-stirring moments, Ranveer’s performance has struck a rare balance between mass appeal and artistic brilliance. The duality he brings to Jaskirat and Hamza—two contrasting yet intertwined personas—has elevated the narrative to an entirely different league. With this historic feat, Ranveer hasn’t just delivered a blockbuster—he has delivered a legacy-defining moment, proving yet again that he is not just part of Indian cinema’s present, but the force shaping its future. More about Dhurandhar 2 The Ranveer Singh-starrer has been performing exceptionally well at the box office, smashing records one after another. The film has received a strong response from moviegoers since its release on March 19. Directed by Aditya Dhar, the film is a sequel to Dhurandhar and features a multi-starrer cast including Sanjay Dutt, R. Madhavan, Rakesh Bedi, and Arjun Rampal.

06 April,2026 10:37 AM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondent
Picture Courtesy/Salman Khan's Instagram account

Salman Khan spends quality time with his furry friend

Bollywood superstar Salman Khan took to his social media account on the midnight of Monday to share a glimpse of his candid moments with his fur baby. Calling it his ‘3: 55- My Sukh’, Salman shared a lot of pictures of himself and his pet dog having a fun-filled time with each other. Salman shared a carousel post featuring his candid laughter and his play time with his canine.           View this post on Instagram                       A post shared by Salman Khan (@beingsalmankhan) In the first few pictures, Salman, dressed in a crisp white shirt, is seen breaking into soft laughter. In the other pictures, Salman has clicked his furry companion, a fluffy white dog, capturing his playful mood and even offering his paw to Salman. In one of the pictures, Salman is seen bending down to his pet companion as the furry baby jumps to interact with him. The dog, from the looks of it, appears to be a ‘Samoyed’, a breed that is known for its thick white coat and friendly nature. Talking about Salman Khan, the superstar has long been known as a devoted animal lover, especially a dog lover. Over the years, Khan has had many pet dogs and has often shared glimpses of them on his social media, expressing his immense love and affection for his fur babies. The actor rarely showcases his candid side on social media. On the personal front, Salman Khan was recently seen stepping out with his legendary father, Salim Khan, on the occasion of Eid celebrations. The outing marked Salim Khan's first public appearance after being discharged from the hospital after a month-long treatment. On the professional front, Salman Khan has been during up for his upcoming movie, Matrubhoomi- May War Rest In Peace. The movie, which was earlier titled as Battle of Galwan, stars Chitrangada Singh, Ankur Bhatia and others. 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

06 April,2026 10:25 AM IST | Mumbai | IANS
Diljit Dosanjh in Main Vaapas Aunga

Main Vaapas Aaunga: AR Rahman, Diljit Dosanjh collaborate on a soulful song

Critically acclaimed filmmaker Imtiaz Ali's upcoming film Main Vaapas Aaunga is set to feature a song which will mark the collaboration of Oscar-winning musician AR Rahman and singer Diljit Dosanjh for a song penned by Irshad Kamil. According to the press note, the new track is titled Kya Kamaal Hai. The makers call this a "song of hope" amidst the noise, violence and displacement that surrounds us today. "It serves as a gentle reminder of the beautiful world we live in, one where love is abundant, happiness outweighs sorrow, and togetherness has the power to break every barrier," read the press note. To introduce the highly awaited collaboration, Imtiaz Ali, Irshad Kamil and Diljit Dosanjh posed for the paparazzi as a group, signifying their union for the film's track. Starring Diljit Dosanjh, Vedang Raina, Sharvari and Naseeruddin Shah in the lead roles, the film Main Vaapas Aaunga captures the journey "that lingers in stolen glances, unfinished conversations and memories that refuse to fade away". The one-minute and thirteen-second teaser opens with the narration of Diljit Dosanjh, which introduces the heartbreaking love story of Naseer as he rests on a hospital bed. In the film, Vedang Raina portrays the young version of Naseer, while Sharvari dons the character of his lover. As per the teaser, the makers describe the movie as a story of "love and longing" due to the partition between India and Pakistan in 1947. The music of the film is composed by AR Rahman, while the lyrics have been penned by Irshad Kamil. The movie is jointly produced by Sameer Nair, Deepak Segal, Mohit Choudhary, and Shibhasish Sarkar under the banner of Window Seat Film and presented by Applause Entertainment. The movie is slated to hit theatres on June 12. 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

06 April,2026 10:09 AM IST | Mumbai | ANI
Palak Tiwari

Palak Tiwari spills the beans on her make-up routine

Actress Palak Tiwari, who is known for Bijlee Bijlee, has shared her makeup secret. The actress, who walked the ramp as a show stopper at Bombay Times Fashion Week on Sunday, said that she used her mother Shweta Tiwari’s make-up products for over a year. She told IANS, “I have only used her makeup. She didn't have makeup for a whole year of her life because I stole all her makeup. I have taken all the inspiration from my mom. The way I talk, the way I am, my nature. I am exactly like my mother”. When asked what fashion means to her, she said, “Fashion for me is comfort. And you should be able to move easily, be yourself. I think that's when you are the most fashionable. I think when I was young, it was a lot. I used to think that I should impress everyone, everyone should like my clothes. Now even if someone doesn't like the clothes, it's okay. Clothes are clothes. I want them to like me”, she added. Palak gained widespread attention with the music video of Bijlee Bijlee alongside Harrdy Sandhu, which became a major viral hit. She made her foray in Hindi cinema with the Salman Khan-starrer Kisi Ka Bhai Kisi Ki Jaan. Before acting, she worked as an assistant director on ‘Antim: The Final Truth’. She is also active in fashion and brand endorsements, building a strong social media presence and emerging as a young face in Bollywood. Earlier, Palak Tiwari was spotted at a movie outing with Sara Ali Khan. The duo was seen giggling and exchanging smiles, while the papas clicked them. Actor Ibrahim Ali Khan was also spotted at the same theatre just minutes earlier. The video showed Sara Ali Khan walking ahead in a flowing blue ethnic outfit, while Palak followed behind in a casual black top paired with denims. Interestingly, Ibrahim Ali Khan was also seen arriving at the venue earlier, dressed in a hoodie, maintaining a low profile. His presence has once again fueled chatter around his rumoured relationship with Palak Tiwari. The two have often been linked together, but to date, neither Ibrahim nor Palak has ever publicly confirmed their relationship. Sara Ali Khan, on the other hand, shares a friendly bond with Palak and is often spotted together in social settings. 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

06 April,2026 10:03 AM IST | Mumbai | IANS
Dev D

Anurag Kashyap's blockbuster Dev D to re-release on April 24

Anurag Kashyap's cult classic film Dev D is set to re-release in theatres on April 24. It starred Abhay Deol and Kalki Koechlin in the lead roles. Taking to their Instagram, PVR Inox shared the announcement of the film's re-release. The film was originally released in 2009. The movie will re-release in PVR Inox nationwide on April 24. "A cult classic that redefined romance and heartbreak! Experience Dev.D on the big screen once again, as every emotion hits harder and every moment feels unforgettable. DevD re-releasing at PVR INOX on April 24!" wrote PVR Inox.           View this post on Instagram                       A post shared by PVR Cinemas (@pvrcinemas_official) The film revolves around the characters of Abhay Deol, Mahie Gill and Kalki Koechlin. Dev (Abhay), who, after spurning Paro's love due to a misunderstanding, turns to drugs and vodka for solace. Paro (Mahie Gill) moves on, but Dev is still in remorse. Dev then meets Chanda (Kalki Koechlin), a prostitute with problems of her own. Dev likes her, but a few restrictions and problems prevent them from getting together. The music of the film is composed by Amit Trivedi. The trend of movie re-releases has been going on for a couple of years. Recently, actor Kartik Aaryan's beloved rom-com Sonu Ke Titu Ki Sweety returned to cinemas, bringing back memories for movie lovers. The popular film, which hit theatres in 2018 and became a major hit, was re-released in theatres on March 6, 2026. The makers have confirmed the news, much to the excitement of fans. Directed by Luv Ranjan and produced by Luv Films and T-Series Films, the film also starred Nushrratt Bharuccha and Sunny Singh in key roles. The story depicted the clash between friendship and love in a light-hearted yet emotional way.

06 April,2026 10:01 AM IST | Mumbai | ANI
Rakesh Bedi

Rakesh Bedi apologises over use of Harijan term: 'Didn't know it's prohibited'

Rakesh Bedi, currently basking in the success of Dhurandhar, has found himself in controversy after an old interview resurfaced. The clip drew attention for his use of the word ‘Harijan’, leading to backlash from Azad Samaj Party’s Mumbai State President Kailash Jaiswar. The actor has since issued a public apology, clarifying his intent. Rakesh Bedi issues apology The actor landed in trouble when one of his old interviews surfaced and came to the notice of Azad Samaj Party's Mumbai State President Kailash Jaiswar, when the actor had used the word ‘Harijan’, which is banned for use. Now, Bedi has publicly apologised for it. The Dhurandhar actor said, "Namaskar friends, I am Rakesh Bedi. A few months ago, I posted a video in which I said that in our country, Bheem Rao Ambedkar ji worked a lot for Dalits, for Harijans and for people of backward society. He worked very hard for their upliftment. So now I have come to know that it is prohibited to use the word Harijan in our country. And I said it with a good intention that he worked very hard for Harijans and Dalits." कैलाश जैसवार ने फिल्म अभिनेता व धुरंधर फिल्म के जमील जमाली "राकेश बेदी" से माफी मंगवाईं. अभिनेता द्वारा दिए गए आपत्तिजनक बयान - डॉ. बाबासाहेब आंबेडकर जी 'हरिजनों' के लिए लड़ाई लड़ते रहे, इस बयान पर मैंने राकेश बेदी से विडियो संदेश के जरिए माफी मंगवाईं।@AzadSamajParty मुंबई pic.twitter.com/obxYiB92ql — Kailash Jaiswar (@kailashJai_ASP) April 5, 2026 He added, "But if my use of the word Harijan has offended a person or a society, then I apologise for that. I did not say it on purpose. I did not know that it was prohibited." Earlier, Jaiswar had also shared a voice note on social media in which he could be heard speaking to Bedi over the phone. During the conversation, he explained to the actor that the term he used is banned and inappropriate, and requested that he apologise publicly. More about Rakesh Bedi The actor left a lasting impression as Jameel Jamali in Dhurandhar: The Revenge. The film, directed by Aditya Dhar, stars Ranveer Singh, R Madhavan, Arjun Rampal, Sara Arjun, Danish Pandor, and Sanjay Dutt among others in pivotal roles. Dhurandhar: The Revenge follows an undercover Indian intelligence agent who continues to infiltrate Karachi's criminal syndicates and Pakistani politics while avenging the 26/11 attacks and confronting bigger threats. So far, the film has shattered several records and has even grossed over Rs 1000 crore domestically. It is likely to beat records of films like Baahubali and Pushpa.

06 April,2026 09:12 AM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondent
Paresh Rawal

Paresh Rawal calls social media a puking pot: 'You have no right to criticise'

Hera Pheri actor Paresh Rawal never believes in mincing his words, and his sharp tweets and jabs are proof of it. He recently called out growing negativity on social media. Calling social media platforms a ‘puking pot’, the actor urged users to avoid criticism and focus on positivity while maintaining restraint in online interactions. Paresh Rawal on social media Paresh, in a recent interview with PTI, spoke about the growing negativity on social media and urged users to use the platform responsibly. He said, “I am trying to improve myself. In my opinion, social media is like a puking pot. It says what it wants to say. It should not be like that. Negativity should not spread. You have no right to say anything about anyone. Even if you are sure that the person is wrong, you have no right to criticise or demean them or tarnish their image. But I am saying all these things, and I am listening to myself. And I have done very little.” He further continued, “Sometimes when I get angry, I get angry. But still, I keep a limit. I never abuse. Social media is a good medium to spread positivity. If there is negativity, stay away from it.” A few days back, Rawal, on X, responded sharply to a post by an RJ who shared videos sarcastically reviewing Aditya Dhar's Dhurandhar 2. Her post did not go down well with Rawal, who hit back and clarified her profession. He wrote, "Your job as a stupid reporter is secured. Nobody wants it (sic)." Paresh Rawal has been in the news for quite some time after he reportedly exited Hera Pheri 3. Akshay Kumar, who is also producing the film, reportedly sent a notice to the actor claiming that he had already been paid Rs 11 lakh as part payment. However, the dispute was later resolved, with Rawal coming back to the film. Paresh Rawal upcoming movies On the work front, the actor is all set to reunite with Priyadarshan and Akshay Kumar in Bhooth Bangla. The film is set to release on April 16 and also stars Tabu, Wamiqa Gabbi, Mithila Palkar, and Rajpal Yadav in pivotal roles. He is also a part of Welcome to the Jungle. The Ahmed Khan directorial features an ensemble cast.

06 April,2026 08:31 AM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondent
Sayani Gupta

Sayani Gupta on Aasmani: ‘I was close to shifting from acting to direction’

Finally!’ That has largely been the reaction of her co-stars and batchmates at Film & Television Institute of India (FTII) when Sayani Gupta told them about her directorial debut. The actor has turned writer, director, and producer with the upcoming short film, Aasmani. Gupta always knew that her work in the movies would go beyond acting. “I had taken specialisation in acting, but I was always interested in understanding how films were made. While studying [at FTII], I was doing well in other departments. In fact, I was very close to shifting from acting to direction. A lot of my directors and co-stars have asked me about when I would make a film because I’ve always been a filmmaker and not just an actor on a set,” she told mid-day. On the film’s set. Pics/Instagram After the pandemic, Gupta took some time off from her acting projects and wrote Aasmani. “I never thought I’d make a short film. I always thought I’d make a feature,” she smiled. The first look of ‘Aasmani’. Pic/By Special Arrangement The short film is the first-time director’s homage to the strong women who raised her. She found another inspiring woman in Revathy, her leading lady. “I lucked out with her. She has worked with a lot of first-time directors, all of them women, and being a director herself, her understanding is top notch. Yet, she was like a student.” Did you know? Revathy, who leads ‘Aasmani’, worked with Sayani Gupta in ‘Margarita With A Straw’ earlier.

06 April,2026 07:55 AM IST | Mumbai | Priyanka Sharma
Vivek Agrawal. Pic/By Special Arrangement

Composer Vivek Agrawal on using virtual reality to make his album LoveTalk

In a sun-scorched desert, singer and composer Vivek Agrawal sits at a piano. Not quite him, but his avatar, suspended inside The Oasis. It’s an interactive virtual world created by Agrawal where listeners explore an album through immersive visuals, storytelling, and digital environments rather than traditional streaming. “I was initially inspired to create The Oasis as I wanted fans to immerse themselves in my album through both audio and visuals. I saw a lot of potential in augmented reality to enable fans to connect with artistes, so I created a virtual avatar of myself,” he told mid-day. At the centre of this experience is LoveTalk, Agrawal’s debut Hindi album that dropped on April 2. The album’s genesis was driven by a personal experience. He recalled, “At one point, I was going through a lot in my life, but struggled to put it into words. So, I turned to music to express myself.” The musician collaborated with singers, including Neeti Mohan, Jonita Gandhi, Benny Dayal, and more for LoveTalk. Jonita Gandhi, Udit Narayan and Neeti Mohan. Pics/Instagram For the Stanford-trained technologist, experimenting with technology forms an integral part of his music. According to him, musicians have always adapted to the tools available to them. Agrawal sees this as just the beginning. “In a world where augmented reality headsets transform into more wearable forms, immersive music experiences will become more accessible. Artistes have new ways to create and share their art. I have experienced this, both as an artiste who remade classic Bollywood songs in English as short reels and as a technologist who developed The Oasis.” Miley sur mera tumhara Singers Neeti Mohan, Jonita Gandhi, Benny Dayal, Udit Narayan, Aditya Narayan, and Javed Ali have lent their voice to Vivek Agrawal’s compositions for ‘LoveTalk’ Today in music ABBA won the Eurovision song contest with their hit number, ‘Waterloo’. Representing Sweden, the band secured their first major international success, which launched their global career. Pic/AFP ABBA: April 6, 1974 The Oasis is an interactive virtual world where listeners can explore Agrawal’s songs with immersive visuals.

06 April,2026 07:48 AM IST | Mumbai | Mohar Basu
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