Actress Elnaaz Norouzi, who was born in Iran, recently took to social media to react to the killing of Iran's Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei in the US and Israeli airstrikes. Elnaaz is best known for her roles in Sacred Games, Mastiii 4, as well as participating in reality shows like The Traitors India. Elnaaz Norouzi celebrates Ali Khamenei's death In a recent Instagram story she shared a post about Ali Khamenei's death news and wrote, "The most unbelievable news for us! The news we have been waiting for 47 years! Khamenei is dead. God is great." View this post on Instagram A post shared by Elnaaz Norouzi (@iamelnaaz) She followed up with another story featuring the same news headline, this time adding "thank you" and celebratory emojis. The actress also posted a video of herself dancing in celebration of Khamenei's death, referring to him as a "dictator." "We are celebrating a Dictators Death folks! Khamenei is gone," she wrote. Interestingly, Elnaaz was born in Iran and later moved to Germany before building a career in India. About Ali Khamenei's death Israeli-US strikes into Iran resulted in the death of Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Khamenei. The strikes which have been labelled by the Israeli Defence Forces as Operation Roaring Lion, comes after months of close and joint planning with the U.S. Armed Forces, IDF's Lt. Col. Nadav Shoshani said in a video message on Sunday. He added, "Our mission could not be more clear. The IDF will continue to act to remove emerging threats against Israel because the price of an action is too high". Iran is observing 40 days of public mourning following the death of Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, according to Iranian state media. In Shia Islam, the 40th day after death (Arba'een) holds immense spiritual weight. Iran's Supreme Leader's office has declared a period of national mourning, with flags flying at half-mast and public gatherings planned to pay respects, marking the closing of a 37-year chapter in the Islamic Republic's history. Ayatollah Khamenei was the successor to the Revolution's founder, Ruhollah Khomeini. Since 1989, his "story" was one of unwavering defiance against Western influence. According to reporting by Al Jazeera, Iran has launched coordinated attacks on US-linked targets across several Gulf Arab states in response to what Tehran described as a large-scale joint assault on its territory by the United States and Israel, raising concerns of a wider regional conflict. (With inputs from ANI)
01 March,2026 06:32 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentAmid the escalating US-Iran conflict in the UAE, actor and self-proclaimed film critic Kamaal R Khan has shared a terrifying update from Dubai. He shared that his family in Dubai could not sleep all night due to the sounds of missiles and drones. Kamaal R Khan reveals his family didn't sleep in Dubai On March 1, Kamaal R Khan took to X (formerly known as Twitter) to share that his family had a sleepless night due to the sound of explosions in the city. He wrote, "My family didn’t sleep for full night because of blast sound of missiles and drones in Dubai. It’s very dangerous situation for all the residents in the city." For the unversed, KRK has been actively sharing his views and reactions on social media as tensions continue to escalate in the Gulf region. His latest post about his family comes against the backdrop of coordinated strikes launched by the United States and Israel on Iran. The attack reportedly triggered retaliatory missile and drone attacks by Iran in the Middle East region. The terrifying developments have led to heightened security alerts and disruptions across the Gulf. Attacks in Dubai The Iranian state media has confirmed that Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei, along with his family, was killed in the joint US-Israeli airstrikes. Iran’s Fars News Agency reported that four of his relatives, including his daughter, grandchild and son-in-law, also lost their lives in the attacks. Earlier, former US President Donald Trump also publicly announced that the Iranian Supreme Leader had been killed in the joint strikes. Trump called hs killing the "single greatest chance" for Iranians to reclaim control of their country. Meanwhile, the ongoing conflict has also affected air travel. Several international airlines have suspended or rerouted flights. This comes after airspace over Iran, Iraq, Kuwait, Israel, and Bahrain appeared largely empty on flight-tracking maps. Operations at the Dubai International Airport and Al Maktoum International Airport in the UAE were also suspended until further notice due to security concerns. Authorities revealed that within hours of the shutdown, more than 280 flights were cancelled and over 250 were delayed.
01 March,2026 04:01 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentActress Esha Gupta took to social media on Sunday morning to assure fans that she is safe amid escalating tensions in the Middle East. The actress, who is currently in Abu Dhabi, said she is safe despite the ongoing conflict in the region, which began after Israel and the United States launched attacks on Iran, followed by retaliatory strikes. Iran reportedly launched attacks on US airbases located in the Middle East. Esha Gupta shares update amid attacks in Middle-East Taking to her Instagram Stories, Esha wrote, “To everyone checking in and messaging, I’m sorry for not replying. We are okay, we are safe! Times are scary, very tough. God is there to protect us." She further wrote, "We trust that the government is doing its best in protecting and intercepting. Praying for everyone affected, all those stranded, and safety for all above all. Hope to be home soon.” Sonal Chauhan appeals for help On Saturday night, actress Sonal Chauhan also shared a post appealing to the Indian government to help her return home. She is currently in Dubai, which temporarily shut its airspace after missiles were reportedly launched towards the region. The Jannat actress said she was “stranded” in Dubai as flights had been cancelled, with no clear update on when services would resume. In her post, she directly sought the government’s guidance and support during the crisis. Her post read, “Hon’ble PM NarendraModi ji, I’m currently stranded in Dubai amid the ongoing crisis. Flights have been canceled, and there is no clear way to return to India. I’m seeking the government’s guidance and support to help me get back home safely. I would be deeply grateful for any assistance from the Government and guidance for a safe return.” Earlier in the day, four people were reportedly injured after an Iranian drone struck Dubai International Airport, causing damage inside a passenger terminal, according to Al Jazeera. Emergency teams were immediately dispatched in coordination with relevant authorities, the report added. The incident occurred amid escalating regional tensions following joint missile strikes by the United States and Israel on Iran. Large explosions were reported in Tehran and other major cities. Iranian state media claimed that Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, was killed in the attacks.
01 March,2026 02:04 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentThe Kerala Story 2: Goes Beyond attempts to build on the controversy and momentum of its predecessor, but instead of offering a more layered or thoughtful narrative, it doubles down on shrill storytelling and heavy messaging. What could have been an opportunity to explore complex social realities with depth and sensitivity turns into a loud, one-note drama that leaves little room for nuance. The premise of The Kerala Story 2 The film follows the journey of three young Hindu women Ulka Gupta, Aishwarya Ojha, Aditi Bhatia who become romantically involved with Muslim men and soon find themselves entangled in coercion, manipulation and violence. On paper, the premise suggests emotional conflict and moral dilemmas. On screen, however, the execution feels blunt and exaggerated. Characters are drawn in extremes, heroes are virtuous to a fault, while antagonists are painted in broad, almost caricature-like strokes. The lack of grey areas flattens the emotional landscape, making it difficult to fully invest in the characters’ journeys. The performances themselves are earnest. The actors clearly commit to their roles and attempt to bring sincerity to the narrative. Yet they are often let down by a screenplay that prioritises declarations over dialogue and spectacle over subtlety. Scenes meant to shock or provoke frequently cross into melodrama, with background music and confrontations dialled up to maximum intensity. Instead of allowing tension to simmer, the film chooses to shout its point across. What doesn't work for the film? A major issue lies in the storytelling approach. Rather than unfolding organically, the plot feels repetitive, circling around the same arguments without adding new layers or perspective. As a result, the narrative struggles to maintain momentum. What begins as a dramatic warning soon becomes predictable, with developments that feel more like statements than storytelling. The ideological framing is impossible to ignore. The Kerala Story 2 leans heavily into alarmist rhetoric and presents its themes in stark binaries. In doing so, it sacrifices complexity for clarity of message. Cinema that tackles sensitive subjects demands balance and introspection; here, the emphasis appears to be on provocation. The result is a film that feels more like a prolonged argument than an engaging drama. Final verdict Ultimately, Vipul Amrutlal Shah's The Kerala Story 2 is less a cinematic experience and more a polemic wrapped in dramatic packaging. While it may resonate strongly with viewers who align with its viewpoint, it struggles as a piece of storytelling. By choosing volume over vulnerability and confrontation over conversation, the film limits its own impact, leaving behind noise where there could have been nuance.
01 March,2026 12:30 PM IST | Mumbai | Shruti SampatActor Suniel Shetty has been extensively promoting his son Ahan Shetty’s second theatrical release, Border 2, since the start of the year. The film was released in theatres on January 23 and had a strong opening weekend. However, Shetty is yet to watch the film. He had vowed to see it only after it crosses the Rs 500 crore mark at the box office. Suniel Shetty awaits 500 crore milestone for Border 2 A month later, Shetty remains hopeful that the film will achieve the milestone, allowing him to finally watch it on the big screen. In a recent conversation with ABP News, Suniel Shetty said, “Because I had decided long ago, even before the film, that since it’s a patriotic film, it should definitely cross Rs 500 crore. And I had set it in my mind that I will watch it only after that.” Currently, Border 2 has crossed Rs 440 crore at the box office. While the number of screens has reduced, the film continues to run in theatres. Most releases in February failed to make a significant impact at the box office, and the first half of March has not seen any major theatrical releases. "I think, for a father’s love, God will ensure we reach the Rs 500 crore mark.” He added sincerely, “It was just a thought, an emotion, and I have stuck to it. And just so you know, I haven’t seen a single frame of the film yet.” Suniel does not watch KL Rahul’s matches In the same conversation, Shetty also revealed that he does not watch matches played by his cricketer son-in-law, KL Rahul. Drawing parallels with his decision not to watch Border 2, he said, “I don’t watch matches at all. Even though I’m an avid cricket fan, I just don’t watch. I don’t even listen to commentary, but I understand what’s happening from my wife, who’s watching and reacting in the next room. I do watch highlights later, because by then everything has settled. Otherwise, I get extremely anxious. He’s my child, and we just want him to do well,” he explained.
01 March,2026 11:24 AM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentFilmmaker Vipul Amrutlal Shah has alleged that the theatre owners of Chennai and Kerala have been receiving threats to pull out their movie, "The Kerala Story 2" after it was released on Friday, following the stay on the movie was removed by the court. During an exclusive conversation with IANS, Shah requested the Chief Ministers of both states to ensure that the judgment by the court is implemented in full capacity in their jurisdiction. The filmmaker told IANS, "I request the Chief Ministers of both states to fully implement the judgment of the court and take strict action against the Gunda elements who are trying to stop the movie. Otherwise, what is the point of the law, if it is only implemented on us and not them?" He further pointed out that, "When there was a stay order on our film, we did not try to run any illegal screenings of the movie. We kept the utmost respect for the judiciary of this country." On Friday, the Kerala High Court lifted the interim stay on the release of "The Kerala Story 2", allowing the makers to proceed with the theatrical run of the drama. The court's decision came after a division bench revoked the earlier stay on the release of the movie imposed by a single-judge bench. During the conversation, when asked about the feedback from the theatre owners, Shah shared, "The film has been getting an extraordinary response at the theatres. Our distributors and theatre owners are extremely happy." Shah added that, given the audience reaction, the distributors and theatre owners even intend to increase the number of shows and screens for the movie. "They have even informed that they wish to increase the number of screens and the number of shows as they can see that the audience reaction will be translated into box office numbers," the maker went on to add. 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
01 March,2026 09:43 AM IST | Mumbai | IANSGrammy-winning American singer-songwriter SZA’s appearance at Isha Foundation during Mahashivratri went viral. At the celebrations, she was seen getting on stage and saying, “Can I get a Shiv Shambhu?” The moment quickly went viral, drawing varied reactions from netizens. Kailash Kher imitates SZA Now, singer Kailash Kher has recreated the viral moment during his live performance in Agra. However, he also stressed the importance of chanting for Lord Shiva in what he called the “original” style. Kailash took to Instagram and posted a clip in which he is seen imitating SZA. The video begins with him addressing the crowd and saying, “Can I get a Shambhu? Can I get a Shiv Shambhu?” He laughed as the audience responded with chants of “Har Har Mahadev.” The singer then said, “Aap ko bata doon main ki Mahadev ka asar yeh hai ki sirf desh mein nahi, videsh mein bhi apni apni bhashao mein bhagwan ka smaran kar rahe hain yeh log (Let me tell you that this is the impact of Mahadev — not only in India but abroad too, people are praising God in their own languages).” He added, “Keh rahe hai, ‘Can I get a Shambhu?’ jaise koi samaan ho. Dekh rahe ho kitna bada asar ho raha hai desh, duniya mein? Toh ek saath bolenge Agra walon, ‘Har Har Mahadev.’ Yahi humara original aur desi style hai (They are saying, ‘Can I get a Shambhu?’ as if it’s a commodity. Are you seeing the impact in India and across the world? So let’s all say together, ‘Har Har Mahadev.’ This is our original and Indian style).” Sharing the video, Kailash captioned it, “Can I get a Shambhu?… Nah, Har Har Mahadev, it is.” View this post on Instagram A post shared by Kailash Kher (@kailashkher) SZA’s India visit Known for her chart-topping hits and Grammy wins, SZA recently took part in spiritual and wellness programmes offered by the Isha Foundation, which she said significantly impacted her personal growth. SZA participated in the Samyama programme at the foundation. One of its most intense offerings, the Samyama programme involves a strict regimen that includes no phones, mirrors, or eye contact for over a week. Reflecting on her experience, SZA shared a series of photos and videos from her time at the ashram on Instagram, describing the process as both chaotic and beautiful. “I have no words for my Samyama experience. No phone, no mirrors, no eye contact for 8+ days… for a fundamental yapper, I lost my mind… then found it,” she wrote. She further expressed how overwhelming it was to return to the complexities of the world and her personal and professional life, but added that, in time, everything seemed to settle quietly. View this post on Instagram A post shared by SZA (@sza)
01 March,2026 09:32 AM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentThe city of Dubai in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) witnessed missile attacks launched from Iran in retaliation for strikes the country faced from the United States and Israel earlier on Saturday. Iran reportedly targeted US airbases in the Middle East as part of its response. In the aftermath, Dubai shut down its airspace as a precautionary measure, leaving many stranded in the country. Among them is Bollywood actress Sonal Chauhan, who has sought help from the Indian government for her safe return to India. Sonal Chauhan seeks India's help On Saturday night, Sonal took to social media to appeal for assistance from the Indian government. She wrote, “Hon’ble PM narendramodi ji, I am currently stranded in Dubai due to the ongoing crisis, with flights cancelled and no clear way to return to India. I respectfully seek the Government’s guidance for a safe journey home. Grateful for any support extended.” Hon’ble PM @narendramodi ji,I am currently stranded in Dubai due to the ongoing crisis, with flights cancelled and no clear way to return to India. I respectfully seek the Government’s guidance for a safe journey homeGrateful for any support extended🙏🏻🇮🇳@MEAIndia @IndiainDubai — SONAL CHAUHAN (@sonalchauhan7) February 28, 2026 PV Sindhu stranded at Dubai airport Indian badminton player PV Sindhu, who is also stranded in Dubai, has been sharing updates from the city. “It’s hard to process what’s unfolding right now. Hearing the interceptions overhead and seeing how quickly everything has escalated is honestly terrifying. So many disturbing videos are coming to light, and this is sadly the reality of what is happening. Dubai is a city I deeply love-a place that has always felt safe and full of life- which makes this moment even harder to comprehend." She further wrote, "To everyone who has been messaging and checking in, thank you- it truly means a lot. I am safe right now, stuck here in Dubai with my team, and we are doing okay as the situation around the war with Iran continues to evolve. The airport is chaotic, with many families stranded and waiting — all of us just hoping we get past this soon. Moments like these remind you how fragile normal life really is. Praying for safety and peace for everyone affected.” In another update, she wrote, “The ordeal continues to unfold, and the situation is becoming more frightening by the hour. A few hours ago, there was an explosion close to where we were holed up at the airport. My coach had to quickly run out of the area as he was closest to the smoke and debris. It was an extremely tense and scary moment for all of us." "We are all safe now and have been moved to a more secure place, thanks to the tireless efforts of the staff at Dubai Airport and the Dubai authorities. A special thanks as well to the Indian High Commission in Dubai for their incredible support and constant assistance in helping keep us safe. For now, we are trying to get some rest and hold on to hope as we wait for things to settle.” The ordeal continues to unfold, and the situation is becoming more frightening by the hour.A few hours ago, there was an explosion close to where we were holed up at the airport. My coach had to quickly run out of the area as he was closest to the smoke and debris. It was an… https://t.co/ZdNtuALk0P — Pvsindhu (@Pvsindhu1) March 1, 2026
01 March,2026 08:33 AM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentSaiee M Manjrekar dedicated a chunk of 2025 to the shoot of the Telugu film, The India House, produced by Ram Charan. While she was drawn to the love story, the bigger incentive for the actor was to star in a drama set in India’s pre-independence era. Having wrapped up the Ram Vamsi Krishna-directed venture mid-2025, Manjrekar now believes period dramas are much more demanding than regular feature films. “A period drama demands a lot more than just learning lines and showing up on set. There is so much homework involved — reading, researching, understanding how people lived, spoke, and carried themselves back then. Everything is rooted in a certain discipline and grace, different from today’s world,” said the actor. According to her, being part of the Anupam Kher and Nikhil Siddhartha-starrer taught her to embrace a character far removed from her, thus helping her hone her craft. “You have to unlearn many habits, and consciously build a new physical and emotional vocabulary. It’s demanding, but that’s what makes it so fulfilling.”
01 March,2026 07:43 AM IST | Mumbai | Mohar BasuWhat was acclaimed author Arundhati Roy’s first brush with acting like? See it for yourself, as In Which Annie Gives It Those Ones (1989) is set to arrive in theatres on March 13. Director Pradip Krishen’s film has been restored by Shivendra Singh Dungarpur’s Film Heritage Foundation. Reflecting on the movie, Roy stated, “Why does this scrappy little film, made 38 years ago, keep surfacing from its life underground? I believe it’s because all of us worked on it with joy. Looking back at Annie now… I see a light-hearted film about a group of young people who are certainly not from the most deprived sections of society, but for whom the cut-throat rat race is not the driving force.”
01 March,2026 07:37 AM IST | Mumbai | The Hitlist TeamA decade-old film has returned to haunt Monjoy Mukerji, son of late actor Joy Mukherjee and cousin to Kajol and Rani Mukerji. In 2016, Monjoy directed Hai Apna Dil Toh Awara. Now, the film’s associate producer Ashwani Kumar has claimed that in relation to a long dispute, the joint dispute settlement committee of Indian Motion Picture Producers’ Association (IMPPA) and Western India Film Producers’ Association (WIFPA) has instructed Monjoy to pay Rs 23.73 lakh to his production house. Kumar told mid-day that he had invested Rs 38.73 lakh in Hai Apna Dil Toh Awara for a 10 per cent profit share and co-producer credit. “After the film was made, I asked for my principal amount according to our contract. Monjoy paid me Rs 15 lakh over a period of time and asked me to take the rights for airing the film on Doordarshan,” he recalled. In 2025, Kumar approached IMPPA. “The joint dispute settlement committee asked Monjoy to pay me the remaining Rs 23.73 lakh.” Monjoy, however, offered a different version. “We had a mutual agreement settlement of Rs 20 lakh, out of which Rs 15 lakh was paid to him. In 2023, I sent him an email, saying that he can take the balance Rs 5 lakh and close the matter. But he took the matter to IMPPA, who suggested I pay him R5 lakh while another R5 lakh can be paid over 15 months. He refused that decision too.” Monjoy’s lawyer Sagar R Chabria added that they have not been informed of any revised decision by the settlement committee.
01 March,2026 07:24 AM IST | Mumbai | Upala KBRADVERTISEMENT
