Have you heard? Mukesh Chhabra on Ranbir's casting as Lord Ram; Jolly LLB 3 to clash with Kantara-Chapter 1

Ranbir Kapoor will be seen as Lord Rama in Nitesh Tiwari’s epic Ramayana, and those involved in the project say he was the obvious choice. Casting director Mukesh Chhabra recently shared that the actor’s calm expression, quiet intensity and childlike innocence are said to reflect the qualities the role demands. Known for his ability to convey emotion without theatrics, Ranbir is also described as someone unaffected by commercial pressures — an actor who simply wants to perform. The actor has been undergoing serious physical and mental preparation. He recently shared that he has given up alcohol and non-vegetarian food for the past six months as part of his transformation. A video of him training intensely for a leaner look has also gone viral, underscoring his commitment to the character. Produced by Namit Malhotra, Ramayana features Sai Pallavi as Sita, Sunny Deol as Hanuman, and Yash as Raavana. The two-part saga is slated to release on Diwali 2026 and 2027.

The clash of the titans

Akshay Kumar in Jolly LLB 2; (right) Rishab Shetty in Kantara

Jolly LLB 3, starring Akshay Kumar and Arshad Warsi, is set to release in cinemas on  October 2, aiming to capitalise on the Gandhi Jayanti holiday. While initially slated for a September 19 release, insiders reveal the team sees greater potential in the extended weekend window. The courtroom drama, helmed by Subhash Kapoor, also features Saurabh Shukla. The third instalment follows the 2013 and 2017 hits. With the new release date, Jolly LLB 3 will lock horns with Rishab Shetty’s Kantara Chapter 1, which has reaffirmed its multi-language release for the same day making it an exciting box office battle between North and South India’s heavyweight offerings.

A peek into Bollywood’s inner circle

Madhur Bhandarkar, Mouni Roy, Sonali Kulkarni and Regina Cassandra

Filmmaker Madhur Bhandarkar has begun shooting his next project, The Wives, in Mumbai. Known for peeling back the gloss of high society, Bhandarkar now shifts focus to the hidden lives of Bollywood star wives. “This film will be a bold, unapologetic look at the secrets, struggles, and resilience of women who are often seen but seldom heard,” he shared. The movie features Sonali Kulkarni, Mouni Roy, Regina Cassandra and others. According to the makers, the film aims to spotlight the world behind red carpets, one of whispered scandals and guarded truths. The film was earlier titled Wives of Bollywood. The title was apparently changed following a request from Karan Johar, who has a reality show titled Fabulous Lives of Bollywood Wives.

More action on  the screens

Tiger Shroff wraps Baaghi 4. Pics/AFP, Yogen Shah, Instagram

Tiger Shroff has wrapped filming Baaghi 4, marking the completion of another chapter in the action franchise that’s closely tied to his career. Sharing photos with the film’s clapboard on social media, Tiger wrote, “Don’t think I’ve ever bled as much for any film. This one’s for you.” Directed by A Harsha, the film also stars Sanjay Dutt and Sonam Bajwa. It is scheduled for release on September 5. Speaking about Tiger’s evolution, former Baaghi director Ahmed Khan noted that the actor is now “shifting gears” and exploring new spaces. “That’s how actors survive — by changing. Otherwise, there’s nothing left to offer,” he said.