Have you heard? Karan Johar opens up about Dhadak 2 delays; Mrunal Thakur about her first commercial film Son of Sardar 2

At the trailer launch of Dhadak 2 in Mumbai, on July 11, filmmaker Karan Johar, who has backed the Siddhant Chaturvedi and Triptii Dimri-starrer, addressed the delay in the film’s release. Directed by Shazia Iqbal, the film is now set to release in August, following 16 modifications mandated by the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC). Initially slated to release in November 2024, the schedule shifted due to the certification process. “Dharma Productions has quintessentially always been associated with a certain kind of cinema, which I think we’ve always tried to honour,” said Karan. Reflecting on the CBFC’s role, he shared that the board was supportive and sensitive to the film’s message. On the extended timeline, he said that such delays are sometimes necessary, and unlike the usual last-minute rush in the industry, this story demanded patience. The film offers a powerful glimpse into caste discrimination in India and is a remake of the Tamil film Pariyerum Perumal (2018), directed by Mari Selvaraj.

Of old romance and chivalry

R Madhavan recently opened up about evolving social expectations and the challenges he thinks men of his generation face in adapting to them. Mentioning that acts of chivalry are now sometimes considered impolite or offensive, he continued, “People like me have to learn the new-age way of showing respect. For example, I am used to opening doors of a car for women, or letting them pass before me. There are people who say, ‘Please don’t open the door for me.’ It confuses the man. The man is not tiptoeing between whether or not to do such things. Although they [men] don’t want to be offensive and want to be courteous and well-mannered, chivalry has been redefined now.” The actor plays a single 42-year-old man grappling with outdated ideas about romance and gender expectations in Aap Jaisa Koi, which is now streaming on OTT.

A no no to commercial cinema?

(From left) Ajay Devgn and Murnal Thakur in Son of Sardaar 2

Actor Mrunal Thakur, on Friday, said that she wasn’t sure she could pull off mainstream comedy like her upcoming film, Son of Sardaar 2, and thanked co-star Ajay Devgn for giving her the opportunity to explore the genre. The upcoming action-comedy film is a sequel to the 2012 film of the same name, fronted by Ajay. At the film’s trailer launch event in Mumbai, she said, “I loved troubling Jassi [Ajay’s character] in Son of Sardaar 2. In this film, four women trouble him. This is my first commercial film. I’m grateful to Ajay sir and the director who gave me this opportunity.”

‘Daunting task’

(From left) Vikrant Massey and Sri Sri Ravi Shankar

Vikrant Massey is nervous about playing the role of  Sri Sri Ravi Shankar in the biopic based on the godman’s life. The actor told PTI, “To play Sri Sri Ravi Shankar is a daunting task. I’m very nervous, and that chapter in his life is so phenomenal, but it’s also a tragedy that a lot of people don’t know about his contributions, not just to the art of living but through philanthropy.”

Wrapped in patriotism

Sunny Deol has wrapped up Border 2, the highly anticipated sequel to Border (1997). Sharing a still from the film on social media, he wrote, “Mission accomplished! Fauji, signing off! My shoot wrapped for Border 2. Jai Hind!” The Pune schedule, which was being conducted at the National Defence Academy, has also concluded.

(From left) Anurag Singh, Diljit Dosanjh, Ahan Shetty, and Varun Dhawan. PICS/YOGEN SHAH, YOUTUBE, INSTAGRAM

Celebrating the schedule wrap, Diljit Dosanjh, Varun Dhawan, and Ahan Shetty, along with director Anurag Singh, posed for a group picture. Production will now move to another location with the cast and crew. Border 2, also starring Sonam Bajwa, is scheduled to release next year, ahead of Republic Day, on January 23.

A dream come true moment

Chitrangada Singh

Chitrangada Singh has joined Salman Khan in the upcoming war drama Battle of Galwan, directed by Apoorva Lakhia. Based on the 2020 Galwan Valley clash, the film pays tribute to Indian soldiers. Reflecting on finally working with Khan, Chitrangada recalled a past project that fell through, she said, “Years ago, he had said there’d be a next time — and he kept his word.” She added that the filmmaker’s decision to cast her, despite many other names in contention, meant a great deal. “He trusted my craft, and I respect that,” she noted. Coming from an army family herself, Chitrangada said the role resonates with her personality. Meanwhile, Salman has reportedly given up alcohol and is undergoing intense physical training to prepare for the role of a soldier.