Ajay Devgn’s Drishyam 3 went on floors in December last year. While the core cast, including Ajay Devgn, Tabu and Shriya Saran, will return for the third part, some new faces will also be seen in the film. After Jaideep Ahlawat, actor Prakash Raj has now joined the team of the popular franchise. Prkash Raj joins team of Drishaym 3 On Tuesday, Prakash Raj took to his X handle to announce that he has begun shooting for the film. He also clarified that he is not replacing any actor in the project. “Started shooting for this engaging franchise Drishyam3 in Hindi. With a wonderful team and a scintillating role to play. I’m sure you will love it (and yes, I’m not replacing anyone),” his tweet read. Earlier, reports had suggested that Akshaye Khanna had exited the Drishyam franchise after being a part of the second instalment. Prakash Raj’s clarification appears to be aimed at dismissing speculation that he was stepping in as Khanna’s replacement. About Drishyam 3 The original ensemble cast, including Ajay Devgn, Tabu, Shriya Saran, Rajat Kapoor and other celebrated actors, returns for this edge-of-the-seat instalment, promising a completely new and unexpected twist in the lives of the Salgaonkars as the story moves forward in the quintessential Drishyam timeline. Will the seemingly simple Salgaonkars be able to outwit the system once again, or will fate bring a future they cannot foresee? The answers will unfold on Drishyam Day. Presented by Star Studios and produced by Panorama Studios, Drishyam 3 is directed by Abhishek Pathak and written by Abhishek Pathak, Aamil Keeyan Khan and Parveez Shaikh. The film is produced by Alok Jain, Ajit Andhare, Kumar Mangat Pathak and Abhishek Pathak, and promises to elevate the family thriller genre to new heights. About Malayalam Drishyam 3 Meanwhile, the makers of the original Malayalam Drishyam franchise have wrapped the third instalment. Directed and written by Jeethu Joseph, the film stars Mohanlal in the lead and is set to release in theatres on April 2, 2026. Recently, Jeethu Joseph confirmed that Drishyam 3 will be the final film in the franchise. In an interaction with Silly Monks Malayalam, the director stated that he has no plans to continue the series beyond the upcoming instalment. “I have not even thought of it in my dreams. I am trying to end this because even people are asking me to stop it. That’s why I am thinking this way,” he said.
10 February,2026 05:47 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentPriyadarshan has two films in line for release this year. While his next release will be Bhooth Bangla, he also Haiwaan lined up with Akshay Kumar. The film also stars Saif Ali Khan in the lead. The team of Haiwaan has secured a massive digital and satellite deal with Sony Pictures Networks India. Haiwaan locks satellite and digital release Akshay Kumar and Saif Ali Khan starrer Haiwaan, directed by the legendary filmmaker Priyadarshan, is one of the most highly anticipated films of 2026. Touted as a taut, edge-of-the-seat thriller, Haiwaan has already sparked significant buzz, especially around the massive collaboration between Akshay Kumar and Saif Ali Khan after a long span of time. According to sources, the film has now secured a massive digital and satellite deal with Sony Pictures Networks India. A source revealed, “Haiwaan is the maiden project of Thespian films and KVN Productions together, and the team has successfully locked this massive deal with the prestigious Sony Pictures Networks India for the film’s digital and satellite release. The makers are currently in discussions regarding the release date, which shall happen very soon." The shoot of Haiwaan has already been wrapped, and the makers have been sharing intriguing behind-the-scenes glimpses, taking audiences by surprise. The Priyadarshan directorial also boasts an eclectic ensemble cast, including Shriya Pilgaonkar, Saiyami Kher, among others. Haiwaan is produced by KVN Production and Thespian Films, by Venkat K Narayana and Shailaja Desai Fenn. More about Haiwaan Haiwaan is an adaptation of Priyadarshan’s Malayalam thriller Oppam (2016). The Hindi movie sees Khan as a visually challenged man with a heightened sense of smell and hearing, who takes on Kumar’s antagonist. “I am doing an action-oriented movie after a long time. Haiwaan is a comedy thriller, almost a cat-and-mouse game with a lot of action,” says the director, whose last Hindi release was the comedy Hungama 2 (2021). The film will also see a cameo by Mohanlal. Saif and Akshay last worked together in Tashan, which was a commercial and critical disaster. Haiwaan is produced by KVN Productions in association with Thespian Films, and jointly produced by Venkat K Narayana and Shailaja Desai Fenn.
10 February,2026 05:27 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentRanbir Kapoor recently spoke about how fatherhood has changed him and how he is craving his own path as a father and a member of the Kapoor family legacy. After welcoming his daughter, Raha, the Ramayana actor shared how his approach differs from the previous generation of parents. Ranbir Kapoor on fatherhood In a video posted on the YouTube channel Ranbir Kapoor Kingdom, the actor was seen comparing his relationship with his late father, Rishi Kapoor, to his own with his daughter. "My father’s relationship with me had a little bit of distance; it was not like a friendship, because that’s how that generation was; there was a glass wall. But now, differently with my child, I want to break that glass wall. I want to be a friend to her, give her the wings to fly in whichever direction she wants," Ranbir said. He also opened up about the Kapoor legacy, emphasising on the importance of an individualistic approach. He said, "Once you know you have come from a family of achievers, the next generation doesn’t succeed on past laurels. You have to take an individualistic approach, your own thought process, bringing something new to the table. If you are doing the same copy-paste of what your forefathers have done, somewhere there would be a saturation point. So I think it’s the intention—you have to really carry a feeling, a feeling of legacy and emotion forward. If you have that in the true sense, then nothing can stop you." When Alia Bhatt spoke about Ranbir Kapoor as a father Earlier, Ranbir's wife and actor Alia Bhatt had shared her perspective on how he has transformed as a father. Speaking to Esquire India, she described him as more sensitive saying, "He’s shy, so he holds a lot back. But with her, he’s incredibly expressive. His eyes, his face, everything lights up. He almost becomes a child himself." Alia also spoke about Ranbir’s constant eagerness to spend time with their daughter, Raha. "He would go for a shoot and literally run home. He’d run straight into the room to see her. His love is very obvious. He can’t help himself," she shared. On the work front, Ranbir Kapoor is currently working on Sanjay Leela Bhansali's Love and War with Alia Bhatt and Vicky Kaushal. Later, he also has Nitesh Tiwari's Ramayana with Sai Pallavi and Yash in the pipeline, followed by Animal Park.
10 February,2026 05:03 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentAnsh Chopra, who will be seen in director Bejoy Nambiar's survival thriller, Tu Yaa Main, sat down with Mid-day to share memorable anecdotes from set, open up about his camaraderie with Adarsh Gourav and Shanaya Kapoor, and express his views on nepotism in the industry. Ansh, an actor and content creator, is best known for his Instagram page titled Bigg Nerds, where he creates comedic reels. In the film, he plays the role of Adarsh Gourav's best friend and manager. He was approached for the role by director Bejoy Nambiar, who saw his content on social media. Ansh Chopra shares how the cast pranked each other Talking about his experience on set, Ansh stated that it was extremely fun performing with Adarsh and Shanaya because they instantly made him feel comfortable during the initial ice-breaking sessions. They were also given leeway to improvise. “Bejoy sir was open to everything, and whenever we asked if we could improvise a scene, he told us to go ahead. We pranked everyone on set - Shanaya, Adarsh, Parul (Gulati).” Ansh recalled how he became the victim of a prank on his very first day on set. Shanaya and Adarsh convinced him to greet Bejoy Nambiar by touching his feet and seeking blessings. “They told me, ‘It’s your first day on set. So when you meet Bejoy sir, you have to touch his feet, because he views it as a sign of respect.’ So, during my first take, I went up to him and did just that. He was completely taken aback and told me I had been pranked.” On another instance, he was locked in his vanity van for hours by Adarsh Gourav, while the crew frantically searched for him to begin filming. Sharing how he avenged the prank, he said, “There was a scene where we were shooting with the crocodile. The crocodile was right behind Adarsh and Shanaya, but they were both facing ahead and listening to the narration. I went behind them and grabbed their legs, and they screamed hysterically. I couldn't stop laughing. They thought it was the crocodile.” Ansh shares his views on nepotism Ansh began his career as a child star. He revealed how he had a cameo in Love Sex aur Dhokha (2010), which was set to be his Bollywood debut. However, his scene didn’t make the final cut, leading to disappointment. He then made a brief appearance in the Tamil movie Thalaivaa (2013), starring Thalapathy Vijay, which he described as an amazing experience. As it became tougher to secure film roles, he turned to content creation to keep his passion for acting alive. When asked about his views on the nepotism debate, as he struggled for a meaty role like this for years while Shanaya Kapoor got to headline a film without having proven her mettle, he stresses that every individual has their own journey. Dismissing comparisons with Shanaya, he firmly states, “I know she has worked a lot on herself to reach this stage. She went to film school. She worked as an assistant director first, assisting on Gunjan Saxena, and then she got this opportunity. So, don’t think it is unfair. I believe everyone has their own journey and their own struggles.”
10 February,2026 04:17 PM IST | Mumbai | Nandini ShahManoj Bajpayee and the makers of his forthcoming Netflix drama Ghooskhor Pandat received a major relief after the Delhi High Court dismissed the petition seeking a ban on the release of the film. Notably, the decision comes after the producers of the film, including streaming platform Netflix, informed the Delhi High Court that they are going to change the name of the movie. Netflix to change the name of Ghooskhor Pandat The decision of the producers was informed before Justice Purushaindra Kumar Kaurav, who was dealing with a petition that sought a stay on the release of the film due to its 'offensive' and 'defamatory' title. "The producer has taken a conscious decision in light of the concern that has arisen to change the title of the film from Ghooskhor Pandat to an alternate title which more accurately reflects the film's narrative and intent," recorded Justice Kaurav. Netflix's senior counsel further added that the film, which is in editing stage, is a purely fictional police drama, and the title gave rise to "unintended interruptions" which did not align with the film's content. They also informed the court that all promotional material has also been taken down. In view of the decision taken by Netflix, the court closed the proceedings on the petition, observing that "nothing more was required to be adjudicated". About the controversy Netflix's announcement of the film, directed by filmmaker Neeraj Pandey, earlier this month sparked a storm on social media, with many users terming the title 'casteist' and offensive. A massive row erupted after social media users criticised the title of the film, calling it derogatory towards the Brahmin community. Apart from this, multiple FIRs were filed seeking a ban on the release of the project. A writ petition filed in the Delhi High Court challenged the show’s proposed release, claiming that its title and promotional content are defamatory and communally sensitive. Parallelly, political protests have erupted in Uttar Pradesh and Madhya Pradesh, with members of Brahmin organisations demanding a ban and accusing the project of targeting a particular community. In Uttar Pradesh, an FIR has been registered against the director, and effigies of the filmmakers and Bajpayee have been burnt at several locations. (With inputs from agencies)
10 February,2026 04:10 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentBollywood actor and dancer Nora Fatehi has publicly voiced her admiration for global superstar Bad Bunny after his Super Bowl LX halftime performance sparked widespread and mixed reactions. Fatehi took to her social media platform to share an emotional video message, explaining that Bad Bunny’s show deeply moved her and even brought tears to her eyes. Her reaction came after audiences and commentators around the world weighed in on the historic performance. Nora Fatehi comes out in support The Super Bowl halftime show, one of the most watched musical performances of the year, saw Bad Bunny become the first solo artist to headline the event with a primarily Spanish-language set. His performance emphasised cultural pride and unity, featuring energetic choreography, vivid visuals, and appearances by other celebrated entertainers, and was widely discussed for its emotional resonance. While many music fans and celebrities celebrated the show for its artistry and cultural representation, reactions were sharply divided. Some praised the heartfelt, unity-focused message and its celebration of Latin heritage, while others criticised the choice of language and style for a mainstream American audience. Former U.S. President Donald Trump was among the prominent critics, describing the show in harsh terms and expressing disapproval publicly. Fatehi’s heartfelt endorsement reflects the positive responses from many viewers who felt the performance transcended language barriers and connected on a personal level through emotion and expression. She expressed that the show’s artistic and emotional impact outweighed the criticism it faced, standing by the idea that music can touch people’s hearts regardless of linguistic or cultural differences. All about Bad Bunny's performance The debate around Bad Bunny’s performance extended beyond the show itself. The artist later erased all posts from his Instagram account in a move that drew additional attention and speculation, with some fans interpreting it as a strategic reset or creative statement following the high-profile appearance. Overall, Fatehi’s message adds to a larger conversation about cultural representation in global entertainment and the power of music to evoke emotional reactions across diverse audiences.
10 February,2026 04:06 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentAmerican-born singer and actor Nick Jonas was introduced to Indian culture and Hinduism after marrying actor Priyanka Chopra. The couple, who are parents to a four-year-old daughter, celebrate both cultures with equal enthusiasm. Over the years, Nick has often spoken about how deeply influenced he has been by India and is frequently seen sharing reels of himself grooving to Bollywood music. He also celebrates Indian and Hindu festivals with Priyanka and their daughter. Recently, Nick opened up about embracing his wife’s culture and raising their daughter with strong values from both traditions in a multi-religious household. Nick Jonas on embracing Hinduism Speaking on the Sach Sang Show, Nick Jonas shared that he had always envisioned a big extended family and a partner who shared the same outlook. “It was kind of magic when I went to India for the first time and got the chance to spend time with her family and friends and experience her culture in a more meaningful way. Some of my favourite traditions and holidays are now Indian traditions. Some of my favourite memories in life are either based in India or India-adjacent, and it’s pretty incredible,” he said. The actor also spoke about learning more about Hinduism and embracing its philosophies. “I have learned a lot about Hinduism as well, which is just amazing. It’s profound and beautiful. The practice of karma doing unto others as you would like to have done to you and good things coming back to you if you do good. Dharma is beautiful, and we are raising our daughter to have real Hindu values and an understanding of them in a meaningful way. I am very blessed to have a multicultural and multi-religious family,” Nick shared. About Priyanka Chopra and Nick Jonas After dating for some time, Nick and Priyanka tied the knot in 2018 in a grand wedding that included both Christian and Hindu ceremonies. The couple welcomed their daughter, Malti, via surrogacy in January 2022. Speaking about opting for surrogacy, Priyanka had earlier shared, “I had medical complications, so this was a necessary step, and I’m so grateful I was in a position where I could do this.” Recalling the difficult early months, Priyanka once said, “We spent every single day with her on my chest, on my husband’s chest. I didn’t know if she would make it or not.” Nick Jonas and Priyanka Chopra’s upcoming projects On the work front, Nick Jonas will next be seen alongside Paul Rudd in Power Ballad. Priyanka Chopra, meanwhile, is set to make her return to Indian cinema with SS Rajamouli’s next directorial venture, Varanasi, starring Mahesh Babu. She has already shot several crucial scenes in Hyderabad and other locations.
10 February,2026 03:01 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentSajid Nadiadwala’s O’Romeo has the anticipation soaring and is touted to be one of the highly-awaited movies of the year. Directed by Vishal Bhardwaj and inspired by true events, O’Romeo stars Shahid Kapoor, Triptii Dimri, Nana Patekar, Avinash Tiwary and Farida Jalal in the lead. Avinash Tiwary’s look as Jalal in the movie is menacing and sends a chill down your spine. With powerful dialogues, intense looks and a never-seen-before avatar, Avinash is all set to win hearts with his acting chops in this action-romantic drama. Avinash Tiwary reveals the advice Vishal Bharadwaj gave him O’Romeo marks the first collaboration between Avinash Tiwary & Vishal Bhardwaj. Talking about one unexpected piece of advice he received from director Vishal Bhardwaj, he said, “The most unexpected piece of advice would be ‘extreme.’ Make your choices extreme. It started right from the way we thought about how he would look, to the choices that he would make as the person I was playing. So yes, I wasn’t expecting that voice to be extreme.” Avinash Tiwary has also learnt the Spanish folk dance Flamenco for an important sequence in O’Romeo, choreographed by renowned International Flamenco artist Kunal Om. It will be interesting to watch him perform this expressive dance form on screen for the very first time in Bollywood. Vikrant Massey-Tamannah Bhatia did O'Romeo for free O’Romeo is mounted on a substantial budget of Rs 75-80 crore and will need to cross the Rs 100 crore mark at the box office to be declared a hit. The film ranks among the big-budget projects of Shahid Kapoor’s career and marks one of Vishal Bhardwaj’s most ambitious directorial projects to date. With its OTT and satellite television rights already sold, the film enters its theatrical release with a strong pre-release recovery in place. Speaking about Vikrant Massey, Vishal Bhardwaj shared that the actor had committed to O’Romeo years ago when he was still an emerging talent. Despite becoming a major star after 12th Fail, Vikrant honoured that promise when approached again, choosing to do the role free of cost. He further revealed that Tamannaah Bhatia also agreed to do the film without charging a single penny. Though her role is brief, it plays a crucial part in unveiling a major plot twist in the film. Tamannaah immediately said yes when approached and went on to shoot for nearly 12 days more than initially planned. Sajid Nadiadwala presents O’Romeo, a film by Vishal Bhardwaj, produced by Nadiadwala Grandson Entertainment. Releasing theatrically on 13th February 2026.
10 February,2026 01:55 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentYash Raj Films is famously protective of its antagonists, often cloaking them in secrecy until the big reveal. This was certainly the strategy for Prajesh Kashyap, the actor behind Ramanujan, the calculating mastermind and surprise villain of Mardaani 3. In the film, Prajesh's character aligns with the fearsome matriarch Amma (portrayed by Mallika Prasad Sinha). In an exclusive conversation with mid-day, the actor reflects on his professional trajectory and the experience of going toe-to-toe with Rani Mukerji. Prajesh Kashyap on bagging Mardaani 3 Prajesh, who was studying at Drama School Mumbai, maintains that he has no idea how YRF’s casting director, Shanoo Sharma, discovered him eight years ago. Thereafter, she called him to audition for various projects while he simultaneously pursued theatre. “She had more faith in my ability than I did!” He approached the audition for Mardaani 3 not expecting a callback, giving it his best and moving on, but fate had other plans. "This time I got lucky, and maybe I was at the right place at the right time. Prepared and hungry for a part like this,” he shares. Prajesh was thrilled with his role. He elaborates, “It’s fun to play something dark. Of course, it’s very challenging. When I read the killing scene, I freaked out. I was like, ‘Dude, this is crazy.’ That was one of the scenes I had to do in my first audition. I always saw Ramanujan as a snake. He slithers his way through the narrative until he’s attacked! I was excited to bite into this extremely layered and meaty character. Unlike the villains we have seen, this one was not caricature-ish. His evil was more mental than physical, perhaps very close to the evil we see in real life.” Prajesh Kashyap on working with Rani Mukerji Prajesh, who had to take a few punches from Rani Mukerji in the film, states that he had to pinch himself multiple times while working with Rani. “I was star-struck!” However, he had no choice but to bottle up the excitement till the film’s release and not tell a soul about his association. The actor explains, “I was not supposed to let anybody know I'm doing this for a year. And that was so difficult. Rani ma’am is not just a fantastic actor, but I think she is a school in herself. Her vision for a scene is very clear. There have been instances where she helped me. This was my first attempt at such action, so I had to train hard, but she was simply outstanding.” Prajesh feels overwhelmed with the newfound fame and acknowledges how there are many actors in the country still waiting for such an opportunity. “I feel validated as an actor. People are constantly writing to me and giving their love and support. I'm just trying to soak it in,” he concludes.
10 February,2026 01:15 PM IST | Mumbai | Oshin FernandesGovinda’s manager recently made a shocking revelation about the actor being attacked by a mob. He claimed that the actor was saved because he owned a licensed gun and was able to scare the group away. Now, Govinda himself has opened up about the incident, narrating what unfolded when a mob of over 20 people surrounded his residence. The actor said he took out his gun only after he failed to get through to the police. Govinda on mob entering his residence Recalling the incident, Govinda told ANI, “There were 22–23 people. Luckily, I saw them coming. At first, I thought they were here for a party, but they didn’t seem like party people. So I captured their video.” He said that he immediately called the city police but received no response. “When Mumbai Police didn’t pick up my call, I called the police of another country and asked them to be on the line,” he added. Govinda felt the situation was far from normal when one of the people from the group climbed onto his terrace. “They’d started surrounding me. In the meantime, I informed everybody. I have a licensed gun, so I took it out,” he shared. The actor said he confronted the group and asked them who they were. This was followed by complete silence before one of them replied, “We’re here to fix the power system.” When Govinda questioned why they had been there for a while and why they weren’t leaving, the group reportedly had no answer. “So I pointed the gun and asked them to leave. They were not expecting that,” he recalled. Govinda says finding who they were is waste of time When asked whether he later found out who the mob was, Govinda said, “That’s a waste of time. People divert your energy into thinking about all that. A good actor can’t work like that. They can either act or react. An actor’s job is to act. If an actor starts reacting to everything anyone and everyone in society is saying, that doesn’t feel nice. Yes, if you stay silent for too long, that silence can be misconstrued with suspicion. Even that’s not good.”
10 February,2026 01:09 PM IST | MumbaiBollywood actor Rajpal Yadav has been a part of the Hindi film industry for the last three decades. However, he is currently in the news after he surrendered in Tihar Jail as he failed to comply with the timeline in a cheque bounce case. While he claimed there are no friends from the industry supporting him, Sonu Sood has now come out in support of the actor and offered him help. Sonu Sood backs Rajpal Yadav Taking to X, Sonu Sood wrote, “Rajpal Yadav is a gifted actor who has given years of unforgettable work to our industry. Sometimes life turns unfair, not because of talent, but because timing can be brutal. He will be part of my film, and I believe this is the moment for all of us—producers, directors, colleagues—to stand together.” Sonu also appealed to the industry to provide Rajpal with dignity and suggested financial help in the form of adjustable remuneration. He wrote, “A small signing amount, adjustable against future work, is not charity, it’s dignity. When one of our own is going through a tough phase, the industry must remind him he’s not alone. This is how we show we are more than just an industry.” Rajpal Yadav’s emotional statement According to a report in NewsX, the actor made an emotional statement before he surrendered to the authorities. He said, "Sir, kya karoon? Mere paas paise nahin hain. Aur koi upaay nahin dikhta… Sir, yahan hum sab akele hain. There are no friends. I have to deal with this crisis on my own." About the cheque bounce case In 2010, Rajpal Yadav took a loan of Rs 5 crore from Murali Projects Pvt Ltd to finance his directorial debut, Ata Pata Laapata. The film turned out to be a massive flop, leaving Rajpal and his wife, Radha Yadav, in serious financial trouble, resulting in a debt of Rs 9 crore. The sentence awarded by the trial court in June 2024 was to facilitate an amicable settlement between the parties. However, the court recorded that commitments made in successive judicial orders were not honoured. The court further refused his plea for extending time, and he had to surrender. On the work front, Rajpal Yadav will next appear in Akshay Kumar’s horror-comedy Bhooth Bangla, which is slated for release on April 10. The film, directed by Priyadarshan, also stars Tabu, Paresh Rawal, Mithila Palkar, Asrani, and many other actors.
10 February,2026 12:28 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentADVERTISEMENT
