After Bhool Bhulaiyaa, Akshay Kumar and Priyadarshan are back with another haunted palace and another ghost. But when the first movie's lurking, unseen, mysterious entity is replaced by a poorly rendered CGI ghost, is there any comparison? The film introduces us to Arjun Acharya (Akshay Kumar), who lives in London. His younger sister Meera (Mithila Palkar) is about to get married, but cannot find an appropriate destination wedding location in India. Things fall in place miraculously when a lawyer shows up at their door, informing them that their grandfather is dead and has bequeathed all his wealth, which includes a haveli, to them. Grateful and befuddled (since he was unaware of the existence of his grandfather), Arjun heads to Mangalpur to survey the property and prepare it for the wedding. There, he encounters Shantaram (Asrani), the caretaker, who warns him that the haveli is a bhooth bangla. No marriage can take place within the city of Mangalpur, as in it resides a bat-like rakshas called Vadhusur, who abducts newly-wed brides. He launches into the lore of how Vadhusur was born and why he turned vengeful, while Arjun is disbelieving. He calls a wedding planner, Jagdish (Paresh Rawal), who arrives with his electrician nephew Sunder (Rajpal Yadav). While the reunion of this trio should have been a rollicking affair, all it elicits are the occasional chuckles. Odd (and supposedly comic) things happen: A ghostly entity grabs Rajpal Yadav by the legs while he's sleeping, Paresh Rawal's lungi catches fire, a mysterious recording of Kahin Deep Jale Kahin Dil reverberates in the long, shadowy passages, and the flames of lanterns suddenly dwindle. These episodes serve to give Jagdish and Sunder the jitters. Arjun, by now a bit worried, tells all his freaking-out employees that these are the machinations of Shantaram, who wants to drive him back to London. And so the wedding will take place, but what of Vadhusur? In the first half, Akshay Kumar succumbs to his need to bung in comedy by spouting loud dialogues at the top of his voice (I feel sorry for his throat) and raucously hitting everyone who gets in his way. In fact, Sunder is slapped so many times that Yadav gets to utter his famous ‘Main koi mandir ka ghanta hoon’ dialogue again. Priyadarshan's humour has always been heavy-handed, his plots hare-brained, his characters whackadoodles, but his previous films worked because he knew how to combine the crazy and dynamic energies to create a laugh riot. Here, the gags he resorts to make you want to pull your hair out - for instance, a series of misunderstandings leads Arjun to think Sunder is a lecher, ogling at a woman whose pallu conveniently keeps slipping. The joke, really, is on us. When the central figure of horror, Vadhusur, is just a man in a Batman-esque costume, how are you supposed to get scared? There are jump scares galore that don't catch you off guard, and they're punctuated with overbearing background music in a poor attempt to spook. I wish he had devoted more time to exploring Vadhusur's backstory, because that was by far the most interesting portion of the film. His Bhool Bhulaiyaa was novel in its idea because it rejected superstition and opted for a psychological framing; the cure wasn’t in faith but in medical science. Another horror-comedy, Stree, worked because of its subversion, allowing a woman to be a threat to all of mankind and confining men to their homes instead. So when Priyadarshan returns to the genre after almost 20 years, the last thing you expect is this outrageous attempt to cash in on the genre's popularity with a dated and hackneyed plot.
17 April,2026 10:21 PM IST | Mumbai | Nandini ShahActress Neha Dhupia has spoken in support of actress and producer Patralekhaa after she was subjected to body-shaming comments. The actress who recently gave birth to a baby girl hit back at trolls for commenting on her body. The actress, who is married to actor Rajkummar Rao, welcomed their child last year. Neha Dhupia supports Patralekhaa Hitting back at the trolls, Patralekhaa said that her body is naturally changing as a part of bringing a new life into this world. Reiterating the sentiment, Neha called out the unnecessary scrutiny faced by women every day regarding their appearance, especially new mothers. In her latest post, Neha said that instead of judging others, it would be more beneficial if one worked on improving their own mindset. Re-sharing Patralekhaa's post on her Instagram Stories, Neha wrote, “Commenting on someone’s body has to stop. Especially a new mom who’s grown a whole human being inside her and is nurturing life with everything she has. Before judging us fix your own thinking… Sending love Patra. (sic)” Patralekhaa slams body shamers Earlier today, Patralekhaa bashed social media pages for body-shaming her when she appeared for the special screening of her recently released film Toaster. The film marked her debut as a producer with Rajkummar. She said that she has recently given birth to her first child and is also working on two films simultaneously. Patralekhaa further stressed that changes in the body are a natural part of pregnancy. The CityLights actress urged all to show some empathy and kindness instead of passing judgment without thinking. She wrote on the photo-sharing app, “Pap pages! What's happened to me!? is that I have just given birth! Yes, I have gained the weight, which seems like an unnatural phenomenon to you all. I have not sat and eaten a mountain, I just delivered a baby and produced two films simultaneously which are not easy jobs". "If I could I would not be this way. But that's how my body has reacted to pregnancy. For God's sake please learn to be a little kind," added Patralekhaa. Rajkummar and Patralekhaa embraced parenthood on November 15, last year, as they welcomed their baby girl on their 4th wedding anniversary.
17 April,2026 08:28 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentActress Zareen Khan's mother, Parveen Khan, died on April 8 after a prolonged illness. Now, almost 10 days after her mother's passing away, the Veer actress remembered her late mother with a heavy heart, calling her 'her first love'. Zarine Khan pens emotional note for mother Sharing a throwback picture with her mother from her childhood on Instagram, Zareen penned an emotional note which read, "linaa lillh wa'iinaa 'iilayh rajiewn (To Allah we belong and to him we shall return)." My Mother, my first love, my best friend, my baby, my world, my everything.... It's been 10 days that you are gone (sic)." Zareen added that ever since her mother left her, she had been feeling a constant ache and emptiness in her heart "I'm not gonna write some long caption for the world to read bcoz you know exactly what I'm going through right now without you. There's a constant ache and emptiness in my heart which is irreplaceable," the actress wrote. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Zareen Khan 🦄🌈✨👼🏻 (@zareenkhan) She concluded the note by wishing her mother peace and love in heaven, saying, "Be the Chota baby you always were and enjoy your parents' love in Jannat... Until we meet again !" Zarine Khan's mother's death Zareen's mother, Parveen Khan, passed away in Mumbai at the age of 65 after suffering from a prolonged illness. Her last rites were held at the Versova Muslim Kabrastan in Andheri West, Mumbai. Confirming the unfortunate news, Zareen's team had shared a statement that read, "Inna lillahi wa inna ilayhi raji'un (Indeed we belong to Allah, and indeed to Him we will return). This is to inform that our beloved Ms Parveen Khan, mother of Zareen Khan & Sana Khan, has departed peacefully to her heavenly abode on the 8th of April. May Allah grant her the highest place in Jannatul Firdaus. Ameen." Zareen Khan made her debut in 2010 with the film Veer alongside Salman Khan. She was later seen in movies like Housefull 2, Hate Story 3, Aksar 2, 1921, and others. Foe the past few years, Zareen has been away from the big screens, while her fans are eagerly waiting for her comeback. (With inputs from IANS)
17 April,2026 07:27 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentAditya Dhar's Dhurandhar 2 has been largely receiving positive reviews ever since its release on March 19 this year. Filmmaker Ram Gopal Varma has been one of the biggest supporters of the film and has been publicly lauding the film. However, after showering the film with a barrage of praises, he has now voiced concerns over how Dawood Ibrahim has been portrayed in the film. Ram Gopal Varma criticises Dhurandhar 2 Shortly after the film’s release, Varma took to social media to shower it with praise, even calling Dhurandhar 2 the best film after Sholay. He described it as a “quantum leap” in Indian cinema, referred to Dhar as his “new guru". He had even met Aditya Dhar and Yami Gautam after the release of the film. However, in a recent YouTube conversation with writer Hussain Zaidi, Varma admitted that one particular aspect did not work for him. Speaking about the film’s depiction of Dawood, shown as ‘Bade Sahab’ and the mastermind behind terror operations based out of Pakistan, Varma said he disagreed with the way the character has been presented. “The only element I disagree with is that… I feel that the portrayal of Dawood Ibrahim… They might have their own sources (but) I think it is being shown incorrectly," he said. He clarified that while he cannot claim absolute authority, the version shown in the film does not align with what he believes to be true. “It’s not like I can say that with authority. But it is not falling in line with what I know." Varma further suggested that, based on what he has heard over the years, Dawood Ibrahim has been largely inactive by choice. According to him, the underworld figure may have stepped away from criminal activities nearly two decades ago. He also admitted that such portrayals exist in a grey area, where neither side can definitively prove or disprove the truth. As he put it, no one can claim complete certainty about such narratives. Danish Iqbal on playing Dawood The actor who plays Bade Sahab was kept a mystery throughout the first part and was only revealed in part 2. Talking about the same, Danish told mid-day, "I initially thought it was just one film and that I would be a part of it. But when the first part released, I realised I would be in part two. Meanwhile, the mention of Bade Sahab created such a buzz. Even I was surprised. There was so much speculation, with people guessing names like Emraan Hashmi, Salman Khan, and many others. Everyone was casting their favourite actor as Bade Sahab." Box Office success continues Despite the ongoing debate, Dhurandhar 2 continues to perform strongly at the box office, reportedly earning Rs 1733.2 crore worldwide. Headlined by Ranveer Singh, the film also features R. Madhavan, Arjun Rampal, Sara Arjun, and Gaurav Gera. Together, the two films in the franchise have crossed Rs 3,000 crore globally.
17 April,2026 06:51 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentAamir Khan Productions is currently gearing up for the release of their upcoming film Ek Din, starring Sai Pallavi and Junaid Khan, and therefore shared a video on their social media account wherein Aamir Khan opened up about the idea that sometimes, all it takes is one day to transform the course of an entire life. Tying into the central theme of their upcoming film Ek Din, the video strikes an emotional chord, blending personal insight with the film’s core message. Aamir Khan recalls how one day changed his life Sharing the video, Aamir Khan Productions’ wrote, “Sometimes, all it takes is one day to change your whole life. Tell us about your Ek Din using EkDin And stand a chance to meet the star cast. Watch EkDin only in theatres on 1st May 2026.” In the clip, Aamir recalls a pivotal moment from his early career, losing out on a play that he had been deeply invested in. What initially felt like a setback turned out to be a turning point, as that very day eventually led him to his first big break. Reflecting on the experience, he emphasised how life’s unexpected detours often carry hidden opportunities, reinforcing the belief that a single day can redefine one’s journey. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Aamir Khan Productions (@aamirkhanproductions) About Ek Din The trailer introduces a magical love story. Junaid Khan portrays a shy guy who develops feelings for Sai Pallavi, a cheerful and full-of-life girl. While they both work in the same office, Junaid struggles to gather the confidence to talk to her. However, a twist unfolds in Japan when Sai meets with an accident and suffers from Transient Global Amnesia (TGA), remembering only Junaid, who saved her life. While this turn completely changes the course of the story, it will be exciting to see how this love story develops and takes another direction. Ek Din reunites Aamir Khan with filmmaker Mansoor Khan after a significant hiatus, reviving one of Hindi cinema’s most cherished creative partnerships. Together, they have gifted audiences unforgettable films like Qayamat Se Qayamat Tak, Jo Jeeta Wohi Sikandar, Akele Hum Akele Tum, and Jaane Tu... Ya Jaane Na. With Ek Din, the duo returns to the romance genre, sparking fresh excitement among fans. Their coming together once again has heightened curiosity, with audiences keen to witness the charm they recreate on screen. Produced under the banner of Aamir Khan Productions, Ek Din stars Sai Pallavi and Junaid Khan. The film is directed by Sunil Pandey and produced by Aamir Khan, Mansoor Khan, and Aparna Purohit. The film is set to release in theatres on 1st May 2026.
17 April,2026 06:42 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentBhooth Bangla actor, Akshay Kumar, was all set to star as a soldier in the war drama by Anand L. Rai, titled Gorkha. While the anticipation was high and fans had been awaiting updates from the film, Akshay has now confirmed that the war drama, which was announced in 2021, was shelved. He confirmed it during a fan interaction. Akshay Kumar confirms Gorkha is shelved During a recent live fan interaction held earlier this week, Akshay replied to a fan query about the film. Akshay responded, saying, "Nahi Gorkha movie nahi ban rahi hai - kisine abhi poocha hai (No... Gorkha movie is not being made - someone had asked about the film)." Sometimes you come across stories so inspiring that you just want to make them. #Gorkha - on the life of legendary war hero, Major General Ian Cardozo is one such film. Honoured to essay the role of an icon and present this special film.Directed By - @sanjaypchauhan pic.twitter.com/4emlmiVPPJ — Akshay Kumar (@akshaykumar) October 15, 2021 Notably, Akshay's confirmation comes years after director Anand L Rai addressed the reports that Akshay walked out of the project back in 2023. The filmmaker had earlier denied reports that Akshay Kumar had walked out of the project; however, he acknowledged that the film had been put on hold due to certain challenges. Anand had said, "Yes, it is true. We are not making this film for now. There are technical issues. There are factual clarifications that need to be made." About Gorkha For the unversed, Gorkha was originally announced in October 2021 as a collaboration between Anand L Rai's Colour Yellow Productions and Akshya's Cape of Good Films. The war drama, based on the life of Major General Ian Cardozo, was set to be directed by National Award-winning filmmaker Sanjay Puran Singh Chauhan. Cardozo was a decorated officer of the 5th Gorkha Rifles of the Indian Army. Akshay Kumar was expected to portray the lead role of the brave war hero, who had a significant role in the wars of 1962, 1965, and especially the Indo-Pakistan War of 1971. Akshay had even shared the first look of the film back in 2021. Sharing the look, e wrote, "Sometimes you come across stories so inspiring that you just want to make them. Gorkha - on the life of legendary war hero, Major General Ian Cardozo is one such film. Honoured to essay the role of an icon and present this special film."
17 April,2026 06:36 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentGet set to groove on Senti, the season’s ultimate dance anthem! Neetu Kapoor, Kapil Sharma, Riddhima Kapoor, Sadia Khateeb and others tease you with the unmissable dance moves and tempt you to shake a leg. The makers recently announced the release date of Daadi Ki Shaadi, with the quirky title that caught everyone’s attention. Senti song out This electrifying song is composed by Payal Dev and Aditya Dev, with vocals by Payal Dev and Divya Kumar. Senti is the perfect song for every family gathering. The foot-tapping lyrics by Payal Dev, Aditya Dev, and Mohsin Shaikh will surely get you to the dance floor. Kapil Sharma shared his thoughts on the song, saying, “For me, Senti is all about good vibes and togetherness. It’s the kind of song you’d want to play when you’re surrounded by family and friends, just enjoying the moment. Shooting it didn’t feel like work at all we were simply having fun on set. Working with Neetu ji, Riddhima, Sadia, Sharad Sir, and the entire cast was truly lovely. The stunning locations of Shimla added a special charm, it was like cherry on the cake. And I have to say, Payal Dev and Divya Kumar have brought so much life into the song, beautifully composed by Payal and Aditya Dev. The choreography by Ganesh Acharya is definitely a highlight for me.” About Daadi Ki Shaadi Daadi Ki Shaadi is a celebration of family, the quirks, the chaos, the secrets, and the unconditional love. Revealing the release date on social media, the makers wrote, "Daadi is breaking the internet — and the rules! Is the family with her or against her? Find out in Daadi Ki Shaadi, releasing on 8th May. Gen D to Gen Z — all are invited (sic)." Along with Neetu and Kapil as the lead, Daadi Ki Shaadi also marks the Bollywood debut of Neetu's daughter and actor Ranbir Kapoor's sister, Riddhima Kapoor Sahni. The ensemble cast features Sadia Khateeb, Tejaswini Kolhapure, R Sarath Kumar and others. The makers also unveiled a feel-good poster from the movie, announcing the quirky title and release date, giving the audience a glimpse into this joyous, surprising, and irresistibly emotional family entertainer. Produced by Rtake Studios, BeingU Studios and Shimla Talkies, the film is written and directed by Ashish R Mohan. The music is released via Warner Music India and is now available on all major streaming platforms. Daadi Ki Shaadi arrives in cinemas on 8th May 2026.
17 April,2026 06:11 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentActor Patralekhaa has strongly reacted to body-shaming comments directed at her after childbirth, calling for empathy and kindness toward new mothers navigating physical and emotional changes. Patralekhaa faces body-shaming The actress, who recently welcomed her baby with Rajkummar Rao, found herself at the receiving end of online criticism over her post-pregnancy appearance. As photos and videos of her surfaced online, some social media users focused on her weight gain, sparking a wave of unsolicited remarks. However, Patralekhaa chose to address the issue head-on, using her voice to call out the toxic culture of body-shaming. Responding to the criticism, she made it clear that people need to be more sensitive, especially when it comes to women who have just given birth. Emphasising the physical toll of pregnancy, she said, “I just delivered a baby, please be kind,” urging people to understand the realities of motherhood rather than judge appearances. She further highlighted how society often places unrealistic expectations on women to “bounce back” immediately after childbirth. Instead, she stressed that the postpartum phase is deeply personal and different for every woman, and should not be scrutinised through a superficial lens. The backlash against the trolling has also been significant, with many fans coming out in her support. Several social media users defended the actress, pointing out that weight gain and bodily changes after pregnancy are natural and should not be criticised. Many praised her for embracing her natural self and speaking up against negativity. Patralekhaa issues a stern statement Patralekhaa’s statement has reignited a broader conversation about body image and societal pressures faced by women, particularly in the public eye. The incident sheds light on how celebrity mothers are often unfairly judged for their appearance rather than being appreciated for the life-changing journey they have undergone. This is not the first time the actress has spoken about online scrutiny. In the past too, she has addressed criticism around her looks and choices, asserting her right to live life on her own terms. Her latest response continues that stance, reinforcing the importance of self-acceptance and respect. By speaking out, Patralekhaa has not only defended herself but also echoed the sentiments of countless women who face similar judgment. Her message is clear—kindness and understanding should always come before criticism, especially during such a transformative phase of life.
17 April,2026 05:58 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentActor Rohit Bose Roy shared a cheeky yet adorable birthday message for his wife, actress Manasi Joshi Roy, stating that she “irritates the hell out of him” but also confessing that he knows he made the right choice in choosing her as his life partner. Rohit took to Instagram, where he shared a picture of himself hugging his wife, Manasi, who made her acting debut with a lead role in the 1998 show Saaya. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Rohit Bose Roy (@rohitboseroy) For the caption, Rohit wrote: “You irritate the hell out of me with such amazing regularity that I can set a watch to that… But then I see your face and I know that I made the right choice…” The actor said that he couldn’t have prayed for a better partner. “That I couldn’t have prayed for a better partner and I have done nothing, in this life at least, to deserve you … this song says how I feel about you to the T… the only line that’s untrue is that I have never been in love before you… nor after… nor ever will … Happy birthday my darling. manasijoshiroy,” he concluded the post. Talking about Manasi, she is the sister of actor Sharman Joshi. She married Rohit in 1999 and the two have a daughter named Kiara. Over the years, Manasi has worked in memorable shows such as Gharwali Uparwali, Kkusum, Dhhai Kilo Prem, Yeh Jhuki Jhuki Si Nazar, Kyunki Saas Maa Bahu Beti Hoti Hai,The Miranda Brothers and is currently seen in Lakshmi Niwas. Meanwhile, Rohit, who is the younger brother of actor Ronit Bose Roy, is best known for his role in serials such as Des Mein Niklla Hoga Chand and Swabhimaan. He has also appeared in popular Bollywood movies such as Kaabil, Ek Khiladi Ek Haseena, Apartment, and Plan. He starred in the movie Shootout at Lokhandwala, alongside actor Vivek Oberoi. He has also directed a short film named Rice Plate as a part of the anthology film Dus Kahaniyaan. 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
17 April,2026 05:53 PM IST | Mumbai | IANSBollywood actor Shah Rukh Khan is a global star, and the international platforms keep reminding us why he is one. On Thursday, the Academy took to its Instagram, and shared a clip of SRK’s speech from Om Shanti Om: They wrote in the caption, “One thing about destiny... it doesn't miss. Film: OM SHANTI OM (2007) Directed by Farah Khan Written by Farah Khan, Mushtaq Shiekh and Mayur Puri Starring Shah Rukh Khan, Deepika Padukone, Arjun Rampal, Shreyas Talpade and Kirron Kher. View this post on Instagram A post shared by The Academy (@theacademy) Om Shanti Om is a classic from commercial Hindi cinema. It is directed by Farah Khan and blends romance, reincarnation, and self-aware humour into a wildly entertaining package. Starring Shah Rukh Khan in a dual role and marking the debut of Deepika Padukone, the film follows Om, a junior artist in the 1970s who is reborn decades later to avenge his tragic past and lost love. The film is known for its vibrant homage to Bollywood, complete with grand sets, dramatic storytelling, and iconic songs. Beneath its glossy surface lies a clever satire of film industry tropes and celebrity culture. Released in 2007, it became a massive commercial success and a cultural phenomenon, cementing its place as a modern Bollywood classic that celebrates cinema while playfully poking fun at it. Meanwhile, Shah Rukh Khan was last seen in Jawan, for which he was feted with the National Film Award for Best Actor. He shared the award with Vikrant Massey, who was lionised for his work in 12th Fail. On the work front, SRK will be next seen in King, for which he has summoned practically the entire Hindi film industry. The film is helmed by Siddharth Anand, who directed SRK in Pathaan. 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
17 April,2026 05:38 PM IST | Mumbai | IANSAction superstar Tiger Shroff has once again captured the internet’s attention with a powerful and emotional post paying tribute to the King of Pop, Michael Jackson, whom he considers his idol. Tiger Shroff's tribute to Michael Jackson Sharing a striking video on his Instagram account, Tiger captioned it, “He taught me everything I know about movement. About presence. About what it means to give a stage everything you have." Adding to the moment, Tiger is seen performing to the iconic track Billie Jean, one of Michael Jackson’s most celebrated songs, known for its instantly recognisable bassline and unforgettable performances that shaped pop culture across generations. The choice of track brings a strong sense of nostalgia while staying true to the spirit of the tribute. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Tiger shroff (@tigerjackieshroff) The tribute has struck a chord with audiences instantly, with MJ fans flooding social media with praise, calling it a fitting homage to one of the greatest performers of all time. Known for his unmatched dance ability and stage presence, Tiger has often credited Michael Jackson as a key influence in shaping his journey as a performer - making this moment feel deeply personal and authentic. Interestingly, this comes shortly after Tiger teased a Michael Jackson-inspired look, which was even reposted by the official page of the upcoming Michael Jackson biopic - further fueling speculation around a larger pop culture moment, especially with the film slated for release on April 24, 2026. Whether it’s a tribute, a moment, or something more, one thing is certain - the internet is loving this ode. And once again, Tiger Shroff proves why he remains one of the few Indian superstars with true global pop performer energy. About Michael movie Michael stars Colman Domingo and Nia Long as family heads Joe and Katherine Jackson, while Miles Teller will play Jackson's attorney and advisor John Branca. Larenz Tate will star as Motown Records founder Berry Gordy, while Laura Harrier will portray pioneering female music executive Suzanne de Passe and Kat Graham will appear as the legendary Diana Ross. Other cast members of the film include Jessica Sula as La Toya Jackson, Michael's older sister; Liv Symone as Gladys Knight; Kevin Shinick as Dick Clark; KeiLyn Durrel Jones as Jackson's former security-turned-trusted friend and confidante Bill Bray; and Kendrick Sampson as industry icon Quincy Jones, who first met Michael Jackson when he was just 12 years old, reported Variety.
17 April,2026 05:36 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentADVERTISEMENT
