March is set to witness a major box office clash. On March 19, Dhurandhar: The Revenge and Toxic: A Fairytale for Grown Ups are slated for a theatrical release. Earlier, Adivi Sesh’s Dacoit was also scheduled for the same date but later postponed. While there was speculation that Toxic might shift its release, the latest reports suggest that its lead actor Yash has no such plans. Toxic to not be postponed March 19 coincides with Eid and Gudi Padwa/Ugadi festivities, and both films are aiming to capitalise on the holiday window. Aditya Dhar’s Dhurandhar: The Revenge reportedly enjoys stronger buzz in the Hindi belt due to the success of its first instalment. Meanwhile, Yash commands a massive fan base following the success of the KGF: Chapter 1 and KGF: Chapter 2 franchise. Amid rumours that Yash was considering postponing Toxic to avoid the clash, a report by Variety India claims otherwise. A source stated that Yash has immense confidence in the film and is banking on long-term theatrical performance rather than just opening weekend numbers. The source also revealed that Toxic’s release date was announced back in December 2023, and fans have been eagerly awaiting his return to the big screen. The actor reportedly does not want to disappoint them by moving the date. Toxic team irked with Dhurandhar makers However, the report adds that the team of Yash's may not be entirely pleased with the team of Ranveer Singh-starrer Dhurandhar 2. The team is believed to be upset that the makers did not inform him in advance about their Eid release plans before making the announcement public. “Toxic announced its date earlier. If Dhurandhar 2 was planning to release on the same day, they could have at least given him a courtesy call. The team feels that the Hindi film industry lacks the communication culture common in the southern industries,” the source added. About Toxic Written by Yash and Geetu Mohandas and directed by Geetu Mohandas, Toxic: A Fairytale for Grown-Ups has been simultaneously shot in Kannada and English, with dubbed versions planned in Hindi, Telugu, Tamil, Malayalam, and several other languages, underscoring the film’s global ambition. The film boasts a formidable technical lineup, with National Award-winning cinematographer Rajeev Ravi behind the lens, music composed by Ravi Basrur, editing by Ujwal Kulkarni, and production design by TP Abid. The action sequences are mounted on a grand scale, choreographed by Hollywood action director JJ Perry (John Wick), alongside National Award-winning action directors Anbariv and Kecha Khamphakdee.
16 February,2026 07:53 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentParineeti Chopra recently gave fans a heartwarming glimpse into the beautifully designed nursery of her son, Neer, offering a personal look at the space that has quickly become the centre of her world. The actress, who welcomed her baby boy with husband Raghav Chadha in October 2025, shared a video tour revealing the thoughtfully curated room that reflects both elegance and warmth. Parineeti Chopra talks about motherhood In the vlog, Parineeti candidly spoke about how motherhood has transformed her daily routine. She shared that she now spends most of her time in the nursery, joking that she barely leaves the room except to sleep. Laughing about her “new mom problems,” she admitted that rest has been scarce, but described this chapter of her life as one of pure happiness and fulfilment. The nursery embraces a classic and vintage aesthetic, designed in soft, soothing tones. A calming palette of beige, white, and light blue creates a serene atmosphere perfect for a newborn. The walls feature elegant panel detailing and framed vintage car artwork, adding a subtle nostalgic charm while maintaining a refined look. The overall vibe is understated yet stylish, blending comfort with sophistication. Parineeti Chopra gives a glimpse of Neer's nursery Parineeti revealed that she drew inspiration from Ralph Lauren style interiors, aiming for a timeless and minimalistic feel. A white crib sits at the heart of the room, surrounded by plush toys in neutral hues. A bespoke wardrobe with rattan detailing adds texture, while warm wooden flooring enhances the cosy ambience. One of the most special elements in the nursery is a vintage carpet gifted by Raghav’s father, adding sentimental value to the décor. Raghav shared that the nursery was once his study, a space where he prepared speeches and worked before Neer’s arrival. He credited Parineeti for transforming it into what he described as a “heavenly sanctuary,” noting that the room now radiates calm and positivity. The couple, who tied the knot in Udaipur in 2023, have embraced parenthood with visible joy. Their glimpse into Neer’s nursery not only highlights their design sensibilities but also reflects the love and care with which they are stepping into this new phase of life.
16 February,2026 07:19 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentRanbir Kapoor was last seen on screen in Animal, which released in theatres over two years ago. Since then, fans have been eagerly waiting to see him back on the big screen. Although the actor has two films lined up for release, the makers have not officially announced their release dates. Ranbir on Ramayana and Love & War release Amid the anticipation, Ranbir hosted an Insta live session for his brand ARKs, where he interacted with fans and spoke about his upcoming projects. During the session, a user pointed out that Nitesh Tiwari’s Ramayana is expected to be released on November 6, which also happens to be his daughter Raha’s birthday. Reacting to the comment, the Barfi actor called it a “beautiful coincidence.” Ramayana is reportedly scheduled for a Diwali release this year. Diwali begins on November 5 and continues until November 11, with November 6 falling on a Friday- the traditional day for theatrical releases. Ranbir Kapoor will be seen playing the role of Lord Ram in the Nitesh Tiwari directorial that will star Sai Pallavi as Sita. During the live interaction, Ranbir also revealed that Love & War will release after his ambitious project Ramayana: Part 1, which is slated for an October 2026 theatrical debut. With this confirmation, it is widely believed that Love & War may arrive in late 2026, possibly in December, though no official date has been locked yet. Ranbir on long gaps between his films The session also saw Ranbir respond to a fan who joked about his long gaps between releases. The comment read, “Ek superstar tha jo, ‘See you at the movies,’ bolke 3-4 saal gayab ho jaata hai.” (There was a superstar who would say ‘See you at the movies’ and then disappear for 3-4 years.) Smiling, Ranbir replied, “It’s my bad luck! Whenever I start a film, it takes a long time to complete. While some movies finish in 4-6 months, mine take longer. But I hope when they release, you forget the wait. I assure you I’ve been working very hard for the last 2-3 years. Good things take time.”
16 February,2026 06:59 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentOn Saturday afternoon, a slab from the under-construction Mumbai Metro Line 4 fell onto a road, killing one person and injuring three others. The concrete slab fell on a passing autorickshaw and a car, which was crushed under its weight. The autorickshaw passenger died on the spot, while two of the injured remain hospitalised. Hrithik Roshan reacts to Mumbai metro accident The tragic incident has once again sparked conversations about safety, especially as much of the city remains under construction. Actor Hrithik Roshan also shared his thoughts on the matter. On Sunday, he took to his Instagram Stories to post a news article about the incident. Along with the article, he wrote: “Heartbreaking and traumatic. My condolences to the family of the deceased and prayers for the speedy recovery of those injured. I commend the swift action taken by the authorities to ensure accountability, but the need for safety checks and prevention of such accidents must be a priority, especially with all the development work going on across Mumbai’s busiest streets.” “Safety of construction workers and the general public is of paramount importance, and I hope strict measures are taken to ensure guidelines and protocols are in place to avoid such incidents in the future,” he added. About Mumbai Metro slab collapse According to the preliminary investigation, the incident occurred due to a lack of concrete stitching or a technical issue with the fastening. Action has been initiated against the contractor, Milan Infra, which has been fined Rs 5 crore. The general consultants monitoring the line, Louis Berger and DB-Hill, have been penalised Rs 1 crore. The deceased’s family and the injured victims have been offered compensation, and their medical expenses will be covered. The Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority (MMRDA) has set up an inquiry committee led by Project Director Basavraj MB. Legal action will be initiated against those found guilty. The committee will submit day-wise inspection notes, identify unsafe conditions, outline immediate actions taken, prepare a corridor-wide compliance matrix, and present a consolidated report recommending corrective and preventive measures, along with guidance on whether work should resume. Meanwhile, Hrithik was last seen in War 2, directed by Ayan Mukerji. The sixth instalment in the YRF Spy Universe, it also stars N. T. Rama Rao Jr. and Kiara Advani.
16 February,2026 05:46 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentBollywood star Alia Bhatt shared that she’s “obsessed” with reading about motherhood, posting a picture of a book that offers ancient advice for modern parents. Alia took to her Instagram stories, where she shared a glimpse of the book she’s currently “obsessed” with, The Parent’s Tao Te Ching: Ancient Advice for Modern Parents by William Martin. The actress, who is married to actor Ranbir Kapoor and shares daughter Raha with him, posted a picture of the book and simply wrote, “obsessed.” The Parents Tao Te Ching talks about helping parents to have meaningful conversations and relationships with their children. Alia and Ranbir got married in April 2022. They welcomed their daughter, Raha, in November 2022. On the work front, Alia will be seen in the upcoming spy thriller Alpha. The film also stars Sharvari, Bobby Deol, and Anil Kapoor. The film will now bow in cinemas on April 17, 2026. Yash Raj Films confirmed as they shared that the VFX team of Alpha needs more time to present Alpha in its visually best shape. Alia and Sharvari will go toe to toe against Bobby in this brutal showdown that is a part of the YRF spy universe. She is currently busy shooting for Sanjay Leela Bhansali's Love & War. The upcoming epic romantic drama also stars Ranbir Kapoor, and Vicky Kaushal. The film, set in the 1960s against a war backdrop, features an intense love triangle where Ranbir and Vicky play Air Force officers. Alia and her sister, Shaheen Bhatt, are also backing the coming-of-age romantic comedy Don’t Be Shy under their home banner, Eternal Sunshine Productions, in association with Prime Video. “This film immediately spoke to us because of its sincerity and coming-of-age lens and Sreeti’s passion and energy naturally fed into the spirit of the story. It’s an incredibly special project for me and for Eternal Sunshine,” Alia had said. 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
16 February,2026 05:36 PM IST | Mumbai | IANSActress Shanaya Kapoor revealed that her latest release, the Bejoy Nambiar-directed survival thriller, Tu Yaa Main, came at a time when she was not really feeling confident about herself. She added that her character Avani ended up teaching her a lot. Taking to her official Instagram handle and shared a series of stills of herself and co-star Adarsh Gourav from the movie. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Shanaya 🐊 (@shanayakapoor02) Penning a heartfelt note about the lessons she learnt from the movie, she wrote, "Tu yaa main came into my life at a time when I really didn’t have the most confidence in myself.. and it gave me that.. and everything more. Tu Yaa Main is now in theatres and Avani is out there surviving crocodiles. She taught me so much.. especially taught me how to be a complete BADASS. (still trying.. getting there.. I think) (sic). Shanaya also thanked the audience for showering so much love on her as Avni. She added, "Thank you… thank you not just for letting me play her, but for accepting me as a part of something like this so early on in my career… all the love from the audience.. the reviews.. everything. Overwhelmed." Expressing her gratitude to director Bejoy Nambiar for trusting her, she wrote, "bejoynambiar sir thank you for bringing AVANI to life.. for believing in me and pushing me to be the best version of myself.. I’m forever grateful to have gotten the chance to be directed by YOU! Love u sir!" Shanaya further thanked producer Aanand L Rai, saying, "aanandlrai sir this whole madness exists because you back stories that aren’t the obvious choice. You backed me when you could have taken ANYONE else for this character and they would have happily done and been part of your project.. so thank you for believing in ME and giving me this opportunity. You gave me this chance, a chance on a new actor, that had to fill in shoes of a heavy and layered character. A chance to be part of a wild and super cool story. Thank you for trusting me. You’re the best." For her co-star Adarsh Gourav, she wrote, "gouravadarsh allaflowpara from nalasopara, talent hai bharpur, naa dekhoge dobara.. (Rap is not my thing). thank you for being you and the best partner through this roller coaster of a ride! See you at the next one Bacchi," Shanaya signed off.
16 February,2026 05:26 PM IST | Mumbai | IANSAn India vs Pakistan cricket match is always one of the most anticipated fixtures in any tournament. The two rivals faced off during the ongoing T20 World Cup on Sunday, February 15. Although India is hosting the tournament, the match was held in Colombo due to strained political relations between the two countries. Thousands of cricket enthusiasts arrived at the R. Premadasa Stadium in Colombo, Sri Lanka, to witness the high-voltage clash.\ Hanumankind setlist Before the game, Indian rapper Hanumankind, whose real name is Sooraj Cherukat, amped up the atmosphere with a fiery pre-match performance. He performed some of his popular tracks, including Big Dawgs and Run It Up. However, fans noticed that he did not perform his recent hit Dhurandhar, the title track from Aditya Dhar’s blockbuster Dhurandhar. Many took to social media to question why the rapper skipped the track, which has been the talk of the town since its December release. Some speculated that the song may have been intentionally left out due to the film’s themes surrounding India-Pakistan relations. Dhurandhar, released on December 5, stars Akshaye Khanna, Sanjay Dutt, R. Madhavan, Arjun Rampal, Sara Arjun, Rakesh Bedi, Saumya Tandon and Gaurav Gera in key roles. The first instalment of a two-part series follows an undercover Indian agent infiltrating Karachi’s criminal and political underworld as part of an anti-terror operation. The film was banned in Pakistan and some Gulf countries due to its portrayal of events linked to terrorism and internal conflicts involving Pakistan, including references to Lyari and historical incidents. Despite the ban, it was reportedly downloaded illegally over two million times in Pakistan within 12 days of release. Dhurandhar Trends at No. 1 in Pakistan Despite losing box office revenue in Pakistan and parts of the Middle East due to the ban, Dhurandhar grossed over Rs 33 million overseas and reportedly earned Rs 1,300 crore worldwide, becoming one of the highest-grossing Bollywood films globally. Screenshots circulating online showed the film ranking No. 1 on Netflix Pakistan, ahead of other Bollywood titles. The film follows an Indian spy infiltrating gangs in Lyari, Karachi, as part of India’s counter-terror efforts.
16 February,2026 05:16 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentActor Rajkummar Rao recently grabbed eyeballs with his appearance. He appeared to have gained alot of weight and even sported a changed hairstyle. Following the trolling and criticism, Rajkummar cleared the air through his latest social media post, on Monday, revealing that his changed look was for his upcoming biopic on the celebrated public prosecutor Ujjwal Nikam. Rajkummar Rao on his weight gain Rajkummar revealed that in order to achieve the look for is part in the film, he gained around 9 to 10 kilograms and also made his hair look thinner. Taking to social media, he said, "For Nikam I had to gain around 9-10 kgs and I was eating 2 pizzas and lot of sweets and my fav Aloo Parathas, Biryani and to not use anything glam to look like the part. Hopefully when you will see the film which will be releasing soon you will be able to see all that hardwork in the film." Similarly, Rajkummar concluded by sharing an update with his wife, adding that now he is working on shedding all those extra kilos as he will soon start working on his next biopic based on the life of the former captain of the Indian cricket team, Sourav Ganguly. "And now it's the transition phase and time to lose these extra kgs and get ready to slip into Ganguly mode. Our very own Dada. Will always work the hardest to engage you, entertain you through my work. Much Love", he shared. Patralekhaa defends Rajkummar Rao Now, Rajkummar's better half, actress Patralekhaa, has posted a note of appreciation for her husband on her Instagram Stories, noting how people fail to see the hard work that goes into bringing a character to life. She added that Rajkummar gives his all to every role he takes on. "So proud of you, rajkummar_rao. You give it your all for every film project you take on. The world doesn't see the process and hard work that an actor puts into developing a character. The end result always looks easy. Behind all the fame and glamour that meets the eye, and actor's life is filled with blood, sweat, tears, and the sacrifice of personal life," Patralekhaa wrote.
16 February,2026 05:14 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentKarti Chidambaram has addressed online speculation suggesting that a scene in Dhurandhar was inspired by him and his father, former Union minister P. Chidambaram. The controversy revolves around a sequence in the film that depicts a fictional politician and his son allegedly involved in a counterfeit currency racket. Following the film’s release, several social media users began drawing parallels between the storyline and past allegations involving the Chidambaram family. Karti Chidambaram breaks silence on the Dhurandhar controversy Responding to the buzz during a podcast interaction with ANI, Karti clarified that he has not even watched the nearly three hour Hindi film yet. With a touch of humour, he remarked, “No. I have been told that I have a cameo there. But it’s in Hindi... maybe on my multiple flights, I’ll watch it.” He jokingly added that if there truly was a cameo based on him, the makers could at least have consulted him about casting choices. When asked who he would prefer to play him and his father, he quipped that Hollywood actors like Pierce Brosnan and Michael Caine would be suitable picks. On a more serious note, Karti dismissed the speculation as a confusing mix of “fact, fiction and WhatsApp forwards.” He questioned the basis of the assumptions being circulated online, stating that if any such events had actually taken place, there would be official records to substantiate them. He pointed out how social media narratives often blur the lines between verified information and creative storytelling, making it easy for rumours to gain traction. All about the scene In the film, the contentious scene reportedly shows an intelligence officer uncovering a counterfeit currency operation linked to an unnamed Union minister and his son. Although no real individuals are mentioned, the sequence has fuelled debate and discussion across platforms. By responding with a blend of wit and scepticism, Karti Chidambaram sought to distance himself from the fictional narrative and underline the dangers of drawing conclusions based on cinematic storytelling. Starring Ranveer Singh, Akshaye Khanna, Sara Arjun, Sanjay Dutt, Arjun Rampal, R Madhavan, Rakesh Bedi, and others, Dhurandhar was released in theaters on December 5 of last year. On March 19, Dhurandhar: The Revenge, the sequel, will be shown in theaters.
16 February,2026 04:58 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentActor Rajpal Yadav has been granted interim relief by the Delhi High Court on Monday. The actor is currently undergoing trial in the Rs 9 crore cheque bounce case. He was lodged in Delhi’s Tihar Jail for over a week after he surrendered and is now expected to walk out of prison later on Monday. Rajpal Yadav gets interim bail On Monday, the Delhi High Court granted interim bail to Rajpal Yadav till March 18, 2026. Justice Swarana Kanta Sharma, who was hearing the case, granted Rajpal interim bail subject to his depositing Rs 1 lakh as bail bond as well as furnishing one surety. Earlier during the hearing, the court had ordered the actor to deposit Rs 1.5 crore by 3 PM for interim bail. After the lawyer of the complainant, M/S Murli Project, confirmed that the actor had deposited the amount in the company’s bank accounts against the bounced cheque amount, the Delhi High Court granted bail to Rajpal. About the case? Back in 2010, Rajpal Yadav had reportedly borrowed Rs 5 crore from Delhi-based Murali Projects Pvt Ltd to fund his directorial debut Ata Pata Laapata. The film failed miserably at the box office, and as a result, the loan remained unpaid. Court records indicate that seven cheques issued later bounced. The dispute took a legal turn, and in April 2018, a Magisterial Court convicted Rajpal Yadav and his wife, Radha. The actor was sentenced to six months of simple imprisonment. The conviction was later upheld by a Sessions Court in early 2019, following which Yadav approached the Delhi High Court in appeal. In 2024, the court directed the actor to show a sincere effortto repay the heavy dues; however, in February 2026, the court ordered the actor to surrender, due to multiple breaches of undertakings to repay the amount. Rajpal spoke to Bollywood Hungama before surrendering and made an emotional remark. Addressing the issue of failing to repay the amount even after years, Rajpal shared, “Sir, kya karoon? Mere paas paise nahin hain. Aur koi upaay nahin dikhta (sir, what to do? I don’t have the money to pay back. Can’t see another way out)."
16 February,2026 04:13 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentWith Shanaya Kapoor and Adarsh Gourav’s survival thriller, Tu Yaa Main, hitting the big screens recently, the film has been drawing strong reactions from both audiences and critics for its gripping storyline and compelling suspense. The excitement reached a new high at a special screening held in the South, attended by master filmmaker Mani Ratnam, who also shared his words of appreciation for the film. Mani Ratnam lauds Tu Yaa Main's energy The audience reaction video captures the excitement that followed the special screening of Tu Yaa Main, as they stepped out brimming with praise. While some called it a fantastic film, others described it as a breath of fresh air, applauding its energy, nail-biting moments, and gripping storytelling. Adding to the buzz, legendary filmmaker Mani Ratnam shared his appreciation, saying, “Bejoy Nambiar has brought a kinetic energy to the film that is best seen on the big screen with an audience.” View this post on Instagram A post shared by Colour Yellow Media Entertainment (@colouryellowmovies) Packed with pulse-pounding moments and an ever-present sense of danger, Tu Yaa Main is clearly striking a chord and reaffirming its place as a gripping theatrical watch. About Tu Yaa Main The edge-of-the-seat trailer pulls audiences into the world of two content creators until their lives take a terrifying turn when they come face-to-face with a menacing crocodile. The film introduces Shanaya Kapoor as Miss Vanity and Adarsh Gourav as ‘A’, a confident creator from Nalasopara. What starts as fun collabs and daring adventures quickly flips, as the duo end up trapped in a pool in an isolated guest house in Konkan, stained in blood and facing a bloodthirsty crocodile that won’t back down. Survival is the only content that matters now, but will they make it out alive? Blending romance, adrenaline, and danger with fresh, new-age storytelling, the Bejoy Nambiar directorial, starring Adarsh Gourav and Shanaya Kapoor, promises an experience that will turn an ordinary date into a chilling memory, making it the perfect experience for audiences seeking something beyond the usual Valentine’s watch. It released on 13 February 2026 and is currently playing in theatres.
16 February,2026 03:56 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentADVERTISEMENT
