Have you heard? After Salman Khan, Shah Rukh Khan aids flood-hit Punjab by adopting 1500 families

For the book lovers’ club

Siddharth

An adaptation of Jhumpa Lahiri’s acclaimed short story collection Unaccustomed Earth is in development as an eight-episode series, with Siddharth joining the cast alongside Freida Pinto. Produced by John Wells and written by Madhuri Shekar, the drama explores the lives of an Indian American community in Cambridge, Massachusetts. Freida will play the role of Parul Chaudhury, a wife whose life is unsettled when she reconnects with her long-lost love. Siddharth will take on the role of Amit Mukherjee, a dependable Bengali American man who wrestles with instability at work and in relationships. The actor was last seen in Netflix’s Test. After Unaccustomed Earth, he will be seen in films like 3BHK and Indian 3.

Sam’s not entering the rat race

Samantha Ruth Prabhu

Missing in action? Samantha Ruth Prabhu, who was last seen in Citadel: Honey Bunny (2023), insists she is not worried. Speaking at the All India Management Association’s 52nd National Management Convention in Delhi recently, the actor opened up about how battling myositis, an autoimmune condition, changed her perspective on life and career. “The previous version of me probably had five films releasing in a year. Today, I haven’t had a film release in two years, but I am the happiest I have ever been,” she said. Admitting that Friday box-office results once dictated her self-worth, Sam revealed that she now focuses on wellness and gratitude. “Keeping a gratitude journal for one year changed my whole personality,” she noted, adding her podcast and investments aim to promote long-term health.

Investigating challenging roles

Prabhudeva

Actor and filmmaker Prabhudeva is set to make his OTT debut with Sony LIV’s Tamil original Sethurajan IPS, directed by Rafiq Ismail. The political crime thriller sees the actor in a departure from his familiar dance and romantic roles, as he takes on the character of a police officer navigating a politically sensitive murder investigation in rural Tamil Nadu. Speaking about the project, Prabhudeva said, “Sethurajan IPS isn’t just a cop; he’s a man caught in a storm of duty, identity, and politics. This role challenged me like never before. I believe this story is not just timely, but necessary.” The series explores themes of power, politics, and justice through the lens of its central investigation. 

Crackling deals

Rishab Shetty

Kannada star Rishab Shetty’s much-awaited prequel Kantara: Chapter 1 has wrapped filming and is gearing up for release on October 2, on the occasion of Gandhi Jayanti. The movie, produced by Hombale Films, explores the mythological roots of the Bhuta Kola tradition in coastal Karnataka. Much before the film’s arrival in cinemas, we have learnt that the team has already cracked its OTT deal. Amazon Prime Video is said to have acquired the post-theatrical streaming rights for a reported R125 crore, making it one of the biggest deals for a Kannada film after KGF:: Chapter 2 (2022). With 20 international VFX studios involved, post-production is in progress. 

Parambrata’s Mumbai pact 

(L-R) Lakshmi R Iyer, Parambrata Chattopadhyay, and Apurva Asrani

Bengali star Parambrata Chattopadhyay is set to headline Lakshmi R Iyer and Apurva Asrani’s upcoming short film, The Pact. Known for performances in Kahaani (2012), Baishe Srabon (2011), Pari (2018), Bulbbul (2020), and the Netflix series Aranyak (2021), Parambrata has also established himself as a director and producer. Talking about bringing the actor onboard, Lakshmi said, “Parambrata is not just acting in this film — he is engaging with it, questioning it, and enriching it with his instincts. This story is deeply personal to Apurva & me as it deals with family, memory, and values we hold close. We believe audiences will resonate with it, just as the three of us have.” Currently in post-production, The Pact is expected to release soon.