Nearly three years after The Kerala Story, the makers of the film are back with its sequel titled The Kerala Story 2: Goes Beyond. Like its predecessor, the film has been in the news after triggering a debate over the authenticity of the facts presented under the tagline ‘Inspired by many true events’. Now, filmmaker Anurag Kashyap has termed the film “propaganda” and said it was a greedy move by the makers to earn money. Anurag Kashyap slams The Kerala Story 2 Filmmaker Anurag Kashyap recently arrived in Kochi for the Filmfare Awards. At the airport, he was questioned by a reporter about the controversy surrounding the film produced by Vipul Amrutlal Shah and directed by Kamakhya Narayan Singh. An unfiltered and candid Kashyap said, “The Kerala Story is bullsh*t propaganda.” Referring to the viral beef scene from the trailer of The Kerala Story 2, Kashyap added, “Aisa beef kaun khilata hai? Aisa koi khichdi bhi nahi khilata hai (Who feeds someone beef like this? No one is fed even khichdi in this manner).” He further said, “They just want to make money and please everybody; divide people. The filmmaker is a greedy man. He just wants to make money.” Kerala HC issues notice over certification of The Kerala Story 2 Last week, the Kerala High Court issued notice to the producers of The Kerala Story 2: Goes Beyond on a writ petition challenging the certification granted to the movie by the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC). The court issued the notice while considering the plea, which raises objections to the teaser and trailer of the film. According to the petitioner, the promotional material depicts women from multiple states being lured into relationships and coerced into religious conversion. However, despite the storyline allegedly spanning several states, the film’s title associates incidents of terrorism, forced conversion, and demographic conspiracy exclusively with Kerala. The petition also flags the concluding Hindi slogan in the teaser- “Ab sahenge nahin… ladenge (We will not tolerate it anymore… we will fight)” — arguing that it amounts to a call for retaliatory action and carries the potential to incite communal tension. It was alleged that the CBFC failed to properly apply the statutory safeguards under Section 5B of the Cinematograph Act, 1952, which bars certification of films that are against public order, decency, or morality, or those likely to incite the commission of an offence. The plea further refers to litigation surrounding the first instalment of The Kerala Story in 2023 before the Supreme Court, where the producers had agreed to add a disclaimer clarifying that certain figures cited in the film lacked authentic data and that the narrative was fictionalised. The petitioner argues that despite earlier judicial scrutiny, the sequel was certified without adequate examination of its potential impact on communal harmony and regional dignity. The petitioner has sought quashing of the certification, reconsideration of the title and disclaimers, and suspension of the film’s release pending further review. Vipul Amrutlal Shah on the film’s title Producer Vipul Amrutlal Shah also explained the justification behind the film’s title, despite it not being a direct sequel to The Kerala Story. He told ANI, “Kerala Story 2 goes beyond Kerala and exposes the massive conspiracy of manipulative conversion going on throughout India. Because its central theme is the same as Kerala Story 1, we named it Kerala Story 2. Till now, there has been no threat to this film. When you are telling the truth, perhaps you are not in that much danger because people feel that if we threaten a person who tells the truth, there could be backlash.”
22 February,2026 08:09 AM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentSequel in the works Farhad Samji Here’s a piece of news that will surely spread cheer among fans of Govinda and Sanjay Dutt. The buzz in the industry is that a sequel is being planned to the hit comedy, ‘Haseena Maan Jaayegi’ (1999), which saw the two actors as rich, good-for-nothing brothers who are always up to mischief. Scripting of the second part is reportedly underway, with Farhad Samji taking on the directorial reins. Why not David Dhawan, you ask. According to reports, the makers wanted the senior director to helm the sequel, but he wasn’t keen to revisit it. Let’s see how Samji and his team give a modern update to the 1999 offering, which also starred Karisma Kapoor and Pooja Batra.
22 February,2026 07:28 AM IST | Mumbai | The Hitlist TeamTeam saree, always When in doubt, reach out for a saree. These gorgeous ladies brought six yards of glam to the red carpet. (L-R) Rakul Preet Singh with Mrunal Thakur Taapsee Pannu and Shefali Shah Just in Hrithik Roshan and Ishaan Khatter
22 February,2026 07:19 AM IST | Mumbai | The Hitlist TeamThere’s something about the 1990s superstars that not only makes them relevant but also sees them at the top of their game today. Director Abhiraj Minawala may have an idea or two about it. After all, he worked closely with Shah Rukh Khan and Salman Khan on Jawan (2023) and Tiger 3 (2023) respectively, while his latest directorial venture Mardaani 3 enabled him to collaborate with Rani Mukerji. Abhiraj Minawala He found one striking similarity between the two Khans’ approach to work. He shared, “Their passion and dedication [are unmatched]. Their conversations are ‘Yeh karte hain, audience ko maza aayega!’ The thought is not that we should do this, but that the audience will love it. One thing common between them is that they think from a larger perspective of the audience. [It probably stems from] the fact that they started their journey as an audience, and then ended up here.” The director is equally in awe of Mukerji, who has completed 30 years in the industry. Having worked with her on Mardaani 3, Minawala walked away with keen observations about her. “She has achieved a lot, but I’ve seen that she still comes on set with the openness that she is here to perform. She is willing to learn things and collaborate with the team.”
22 February,2026 07:14 AM IST | Mumbai | Priyanka SharmaDuring the release of Anek (2022), filmmaker Anubhav Sinha had proposed that small films could adopt a model of limited theatrical release, followed by a quick OTT première. He believed the approach would give small movies the chance to co-exist alongside big-screen spectacles. However, now, days after his latest offering Assi has arrived in cinemas, the director admits he has had a change of heart. “I’m saying the exact opposite today. The future is this size [of films]. Mid-size, medium budget, and high-concept films have the highest chance of a good ROI [return on investment],” he tells mid-day. Anubhav Sinha In the past eight years, Sinha has championed mid-budget movies, delivering thoughtful stories in Mulk (2018), Thappad (2020), and Bheed (2023). “That’s the only cinema I know as a maker,” he smiles. Even as tentpole movies dominate theatres today, the director remains clear that filmmakers should continue to make rightly budgeted, content-driven movies and they will find their audience. “I love Rajkumar Hirani and Rohit Shetty films as a viewer. But as a filmmaker, this is all I want. So, I will fight for my and my peers’ right to make films we believe in.” Is making such films in today’s ecosystem difficult? Sinha admits it’s tough, probably tougher for others than him. “[You have to] make a good film and recover the money. I make my films frugally. But it’s not easy for everybody. There will be six more directors who want to make such films; they are running around with their scripts. But they won’t get funded. I’m too senior and I’ve seen more than reasonable success. [So] I get to do this.”
22 February,2026 07:04 AM IST | Mumbai | Mohar BasuDirector Ahmed Khan has brought Welcome to the Jungle to the finish line. Well, almost. All that’s left is the shoot of an elaborate song featuring the ensemble cast, including Akshay Kumar, Suniel Shetty, Raveena Tandon, Disha Patani, Jackie Shroff, and Arshad Warsi. We’ve heard that Khan called action on the song earlier this week, and intends to conclude the shoot in 10 days. Disha Patani and Raveena Tandon Sources close to the unit describe it as a high-energy celebratory number. An expansive set depicting a jungle has been built at Bahubali Studios in Borivali for the track, choreographed by Adil Shaikh. “Shooting a song with so many stars isn’t easy. Every actor has their moment in the song. Before beginning filming on February 17, extensive rehearsals were conducted so that principal actors and background dancers move seamlessly through the frame without disrupting camera continuity. It will be used as a post-credit track,” revealed a source. After this leg, Welcome to the Jungle will move to post-production. June 26When ‘Welcome to the Jungle’ is slated to arrive in cinemas
22 February,2026 07:01 AM IST | Mumbai | Mohar BasuVeteran Bollywood actor Shah Rukh Khan was recently spotted at Mumbai’s Lilavati Hospital, where he visited veteran screenwriter Salim Khan amid concerns about the latter’s health. The visit came after reports emerged that Salim Khan, father of superstar Salman Khan, had been admitted following a health scare that drew widespread attention from fans and members of the film fraternity. Shah Rukh Khan reached at the hospital Salim Khan, aged 90, was rushed to the Bandra hospital earlier this week after reportedly feeling unwell. Doctors determined that he had suffered a minor brain haemorrhage and placed him under close medical observation. Initial reports had speculated that surgery might be required, but it was later clarified that he underwent a medical procedure rather than a major operation. He remains in the Intensive Care Unit under supervision as doctors monitor his recovery and gradually reduce medical support. Shah Rukh Khan’s presence at the hospital quickly made headlines, with videos and photographs of his arrival circulating widely on social media. His visit reflected the longstanding respect and personal bond he shares with the Khan family. Over the years, Shah Rukh has spoken warmly about Salim Khan’s guidance and encouragement during his early days in the industry. In past interviews, he has recalled receiving support and kindness from the family during his struggling phase in Mumbai, memories that resurfaced online following his hospital visit. All about Salim Khan's health Meanwhile, Salman Khan and other members of the family have been by Salim Khan’s side throughout his hospitalisation. Several friends from the film industry have also visited to express solidarity and offer prayers for his speedy recovery. The veteran writer’s immense contribution to Hindi cinema over decades has earned him deep admiration across generations of filmmakers and actors. Hospital sources have indicated that Salim Khan’s condition is currently stable, though doctors are exercising caution given his age. As news of his health update continues to trend, fans across the country have been sending heartfelt messages, hoping for the screenwriting legend’s swift and full recovery. Recently, Salman Khan had requested the hospital not to share any statements or updates regarding his father's health.
21 February,2026 10:34 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentThe Bombay High Court has moved to protect the personality rights of veteran actor and politician Shatrughan Sinha, ruling that his iconic dialogue “Khamosh” is exclusively associated with his public persona and cannot be used without authorization. The interim order restrains individuals and online platforms from misusing his name, image, voice, or distinctive style, particularly for commercial purposes or through artificial intelligence generated content. Shatrughan Sinha's khamosh gets a ruling The order was passed by Justice Sharmila Deshmukh, who observed that Sinha’s trademark dialogue delivery and screen presence are inseparably linked to his identity in the public domain. The court agreed that unauthorized usage of these attributes amounts to a violation of his personality rights and could potentially harm his reputation and goodwill. Sinha had approached the court alleging widespread misuse of his identity across digital platforms. His legal team argued that his famous catchphrase and unique style have become symbolic of his persona over decades in cinema and public life. The court recognized that such distinctive elements deserve protection under the law, especially in an era where digital manipulation is increasingly common. Bombay HC issues the hearing in Sinha's favour The High Court directed websites, social media platforms, and other online entities to immediately take down infringing content and refrain from publishing similar material in the future. It also took note of the growing misuse of artificial intelligence tools to create deepfake videos and manipulated audio clips that imitate celebrities without consent. Such AI generated content, the court said, can mislead the public and damage an individual’s carefully built public image. The ruling reflects a broader shift in India’s legal landscape, where courts are increasingly acknowledging and safeguarding personality rights. Public figures have been seeking judicial intervention to prevent unauthorized endorsements, fake profiles, and digitally altered content that exploits their identity for profit or attention. Although the current order is interim and the matter will be heard further, it sends a strong message about respecting individual identity in the digital age. By recognizing that “Khamosh” is uniquely tied to Shatrughan Sinha’s persona, the court has reinforced the principle that a celebrity’s name, voice, image, and signature style cannot be commercially or digitally exploited without permission.
21 February,2026 08:10 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentDirector Ravi Udyawar, who has helmed the recently released film Do Deewane Seher Mein, has spoken about the logistics of the film and how he arrived at the colour palette of the film. He spoke with IANS during the promotions of the film and shared insights into the look and feel of the film and its visual texture. Ravi Udaywar on the visual texture of the film The director told IANS, “I think every film has its own canvas. I'm an artist, I paint. I remember so Abhiruchi Chand has written the story and she's also written the screenplay. We spent a lot of time together. Every film has emotional highs and lows. And so the minute you decide, ‘Okay, these are the characters,’ when you fixate on that, a lot of things fall into place”. Ravi shared that the film talks about the flaws within and how one has to accept them. He said, “The minute you open it, it changes the world. Like the person that you're hiding, in today's world, you always show the best side of you. So the flaw is always hidden. The minute you show that, because this is who you are, is when you connect, is when everything gets easier because you're not scared of anything. You're like, ‘Okay, this is who I am’. Even the characters’ outfit, there is a colour journey”. “Like you see them finding their own self. So it's a discovery of colour. They're very different as people. And when they find their true identity is when they find their colour and the colours bring out. When you fall in love, you start liking colours. So all that, you see it beautifully designed to the film. And that's how it's designed. We've made the city of Mumbai as the character as it always had that softer, romantic side to it”, he added. Mrunal Thakur on her role in the film Mrunal has shed light on her character, her thought process in the film, and how similar some of these things were for her personally. The actress said that she realised during the narration that her character, Roshni, in the film, is someone who hides behind the glasses. She told IANS, "When Abhiruchi was narrating the story in Ravi sir's other office, I was just sitting there, and she said something very beautiful. She said that Roshni always tries to hide behind the glasses. And there were such moments in my life also, maybe there were times where even if I knew the answer, I would just stay quiet. That was something that I resonated the most with Roshni, even Shashank's character in that case, because a lot of people don't have that confidence. What they look like from outside, they are not like that inside". She further mentioned, "And I just feel like I had to be a part of this movie because there are so many people like Roshni and Shashank (played by Siddhant Chaturvedi) who are dealing with their own troubles and their own securities and they're just not able to break those barriers. Because they have the talent, they have the ability, but they have this seed in their mind that they are not good enough or they are not better than their sister or they're less. So in these comparisons, we always forget ourselves. We don't want to go out there". Do Deewane Seher Mein is currently playing in theatres near you!
21 February,2026 04:08 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentActress Soha Ali Khan gave a candid peek into the Naruto-themed birthday celebrations of her nephew Jeh, revealing that the cake-cutting ceremony was nothing short of delightful chaos. Soha took to Instagram to share a string of images from the birthday party. The pictures featured Soha, Saif Ali Khan, Kareena, Karisma Kapoor, Saba Pataudi, Neha Dhupia, several children, and Jeh, who seemed to be at the centre of the cheerful mayhem, even if he wasn’t clearly visible in the frames. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Soha (@sakpataudi) Taking to social media, Soha shared snapshots from the celebration and wrote, “Blink and he’s five. Cake cutting photos have to be chaos. Can see the cake - birthday boy, not so much! (But we could hear him) And through it all is Bebo looking as cool as a cucumber - how??!!” Kareena married Saif Ali Khan in 2012, in an intimate ceremony in Mumbai, following a five-year courtship. The couple welcomed their second child, Jehangir Ali Khan, on February 21, 2021. The two had welcomed their first son, Taimur, in 2016. On the work front, Soha, who is married to actor-filmmaker Kunal Kemmu, was last seen in the horror drama Chhorii 2, where she played an impactful portrayal of Daasi Maa. Directed by Vishal Furia, the film is a sequel to the 2021 thriller Chhorii. Starring Nushrratt Bharuccha in the lead, the sequel also featured key performances by Gashmeer Mahajani and Saurabh Goyal, among others. The film, produced by Bhushan Kumar, Krishan Kumar, and Vikram Malhotra, was released on 11 April 2025. She is set to star in the upcoming film Bridge. Soha started her acting career with the romantic comedy film Dil Maange More in 2004, and is best known for her role in the drama film Rang De Basanti and the romance film Ahista Ahista. In 2017, she authored a book, The Perils of Being Moderately Famous. 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
21 February,2026 02:06 PM IST | Mumbai | IANSThe Supreme Court on Thursday granted regular bail to Bollywood filmmaker Vikram Bhatt and his wife, Shwetambari, in connection with an alleged Rs 30 crore fraud case. The couple was arrested at their Mumbai residence on December 7, 2025, after a complaint was filed against them by a Udaipur-based doctor. After getting bail, Vikram Bhatt addressed the media and opened up about his jail term. Vikram Bhatt on his jail term “I have spent two and a half months in jail. I was not only hopeful but also completely confident that the law and order here, and the truth, will definitely come out. I made a friend in jail who told me about the nature of the soil of Mewar. He told me that truth may be troubled in the soil of Mewar, but it cannot be defeated. I am leaving from here after applying the tilak of the same soil of Mewar. Truth will always remain victorious here,” he said, as quoted by Hindustan Times. “This is the paanchva dhaam (fifth abode). I am a devotee of Lord Krishna. I lived in the very place where Lord Krishna was born. Understand that I am coming out twice as good as I was before. Like Lord Krishna, I have to fight a new battle. I don’t want to say much about law and order. I have complete faith in this country’s legal system. Whatever justice is done will be in everyone’s interest,” he added. About the case An FIR was registered on November 17 at Bhupalpura police station, Udaipur, against Vikram Bhatt and eight others by Dr Ajay Murdia, owner of the Indira Group and Indira IVF. The complainant alleged that the director and his associates collected funds under the pretext of producing a biopic based on his wife. Bhatt allegedly assured him that an investment of Rs 7 crore could generate four films with a projected return of Rs 100–200 crore. Following this, multiple transfers were made into the accounts of various individuals associated with Bhatt's team. According to the complaint, only two films were completed and released. The third film, Vishwa Virat, is reportedly only 25 per cent completed, while the fourth, Maharana-Ran, has not yet begun. Bhatt is accused of misappropriating Rs 25 crore meant for the fourth film. Murdia alleged that the money was siphoned off by showing fake bills and receipts.
21 February,2026 01:46 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentADVERTISEMENT
