As Aditya Dhar's Dhurandhar 2: The Revenge continues to rule at the box office, filmmaker Ram Gopal Varma has questioned the film industry’s silence over the box-office triumph of the drama. RGV questions silence from industry Calling out the entire film fraternity, the Satya maker wrote on his X (previously known as Twitter) handle, "Now that AdityaDharFilms has EXPLODED a ATOMIC BOMB right under the film industry, what is shocking is the loud silence from the rest of the film industry . (sic)" "I don’t know whether this is because the Dhurandhar 2's devastating explosion has hurled everyone else in the film industry so far into OUTER SPACE that their applause cannot reach here due to the long distances , OR whether they’re huddled in denial, whispering to each other , “It’s just propaganda… it will go away soon ,” so that they can crawl back and resume making their same old repetitive films. OR are they just paralysed by the film’s sheer brilliance , realising that whatever they’ve been making or planning to make , now simply cannot measure up?," he added. RGV calls Dhurandhar a fresh filmmaking course Ram Gopal Varma pointed out that ignoring a film like "Dhurandhar 2" is not wise. He shared, "But isn’t it extremely unwise to ignore a DINOSAUR like #Dhurandhar2 staring you in the face and BREATHING FIRE into your eyes with its BOX OFFICE ROAR shaking the very ground beneath their feet , how can anyone be so foolish enough to look away?" The 'Sarkar' maker further advised his contemporaries to see "Dhurandhar 2" as a fresh course in filmmaking. "My sincere advice to all my colleagues in the film industry is to please take #Dhurandhar2 deadly seriously and study it like a ultra fresh course in filmmaking and educate yourselves OR risk being buried forever in the graveyard of pre March 19th 2026 cinema," the post concluded. More about Dhurandhar 2 Directed by Aditya Dhar, actors Ranveer Singh, R. Madhavan, Arjun Rampal, Sanjay Dutt, Sara Arjun, and Rakesh Bedi are reprising their roles in the latest film. Set in Lyari town of Karachi, an area known for its history of gang wars and violent turf battles, Dhurandhar revolved around covert intelligence operations against the backdrop of geopolitical and terror events like the Kandahar plane hijack, the 2001 Parliament attack, and the 26/11 Mumbai attacks. The sequel charts the rise of Singh's character, Hamza Ali Mazari, in the Karachi underworld, while also delving into his origins as Jaskirat Singh Rangi, tracing the journey of the young man who eventually transforms into the covert operative. Due to the plot, the film has been under scrutiny, with several political leaders terming it as propaganda. Recently, a scene was also under scrutiny, after which the Sikh community sought the lodging of an FIR for hurting religious sentiments.
29 March,2026 09:46 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentBollywood heartthrob Shah Rukh Khan was seen attending BJP leader Mohit Kamboj's daughter Mishka Kamboj's birthday party alongside some other prominent names from the film industry, such as Ranveer Singh, Sanjay Dutt, Preity Zinta, and Shilpa Shetty, among others. Sanjay's better half, Maanayata Dutt, took to the Stories section of her official Instagram handle and uploaded a photo from the star-studded birthday bash. Posting the still on social media, Maanayata wrote, "Could the night be any more epic? (sic)" In one of the glimpses from the fun night, which has gone viral on social media, Ranveer was seen singing the title track from his film "Dhurandhar". His co-star, Sanjay Dutt, also later joined him on the stage. Shifting our focus to Shah Rukh Khan, after "Jawan", he is presently busy with Siddharth Anand's highly awaited "King". The drama will also see SRK sharing screen space with his daughter Suhana Khan for the first time. The project will reportedly further feature Abhishek Bachchan, Anil Kapoor, Jackie Shroff, Arshad Warsi, Rani Mukerji, Jaideep Ahlawat, Raghav Juyal, and Abhay Verma in crucial roles, along with others. In January, the makers shared the release date for "King" with a social media post that read, "#KING is Ready to ROAR on 24.12.2026 in Cinemas. #ItsKingTime #KingDateAnnouncement." The announcement clip opened with the bold title 'ROAR' set against a dramatic backdrop. Next came the line, “This Christmas, fear wears the crown,” hinting that the project enjoys a massive scale. Before that, commemorating Shah Rukh's 60th birthday in November last year, the makers unveiled the gripping title video from "King". The clip had Shah Rukh Khan getting ready to rule the screen yet again as a ruthless mercenary who has a hard time even remembering how many people he has killed so "100 desho’n mein badnaam, duniya ne diya sirf ek hi naam”, ‘KING’," SRK is heard saying. 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
29 March,2026 07:24 PM IST | Mumbai | IANSIn a moment that turned her birthday into a milestone, Kashika Kapoor announced her much-awaited film, tentatively titled Production No. 1. The reveal marks a powerful new beginning in her cinematic journey, setting the tone for an ambitious year ahead. Kashika Kapoor's new film Choosing to make the announcement on her special day, Kashika described the project as “the most personal and exciting step” of her career so far. While details about the storyline and cast are being kept under wraps, industry buzz suggests that the film will offer a fresh narrative and a strong, performance-driven role for the young actress. Over the past few years, Kashika has steadily carved a space for herself with her screen presence, brand endorsements, and evolving choice of projects. With Production No. 1, she signals a shift toward more substantial and impactful storytelling—a move that reflects both growth and clarity in her artistic vision. Calling it the “best birthday gift,” Kashika shared that the project represents courage, hard work, and belief in new beginnings. The film is expected to go on floors soon, with the makers planning a formal announcement about the director and production house in the coming weeks. As she celebrates her birthday this year, Kashika Kapoor isn’t just marking another year—she’s embracing a defining moment that could shape the next phase of her career. Kashika's impactful monologue in Aayushmati Geeta Matric Pass Recently, the actress made news or her breathtaking 4-minute monologue in Aayushmati Geeta Matric Pass that has left audiences stunned. Ever since glimpses of the scene surfaced, viewers haven’t stopped talking about the intensity, emotion, and sheer conviction Kashika brings to the screen. Known for her expressive performances, Kashika takes things several notches higher in this film. Her monologue, which is being hailed as one of the most impactful moments of the movie, showcases not just her acting prowess but also her ability to connect deeply with the audience. Every expression, every pause, and every line hits hard, making it a truly unforgettable cinematic moment. What makes this performance even more special is the powerful message it carries. Rooted in the theme of women’s education, Kashika’s character, Geeta, stands tall as a voice of strength, resilience, and change. Audiences are praising how convincingly she portrays the struggles and determination of a young girl fighting for her right to education—proving once again why she is one of the most promising talents to watch out for.
29 March,2026 05:36 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentBollywood actor Hrithik Roshan marked his elder son Hrehaan Roshan's 20th birthday on Saturday. The actor took to Instagram to share a series of unseen photos and videos from their family holidays, accompanied by a heartfelt note reflecting on adulthood and life lessons. In the post, Hrithik shared glimpses of cherished moments with his sons, including a video of them enjoying time together in the ocean and another from a boys' night out at a fine-dining restaurant. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Hrithik Roshan (@hrithikroshan) A road trip clip stood out, showing Hrehaan stretching his arms out of a moving car, evoking a scene reminiscent of 'Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara', while Hrithik drove. The actor also included throwback pictures from Hrehaan's childhood, capturing candid moments of laughter and bonding between father and son. Alongside the visuals, Hrithik penned an emotional note addressing his son, whom he affectionately called "Ray." "My dear Ray... as you so eagerly step into adulthood, here's a gentle reminder of why it's so important to be an adult," he wrote. Emphasising balance, he added that adulthood should be "strong enough, responsible enough, steady enough, wise enough" to allow the inner child to experience "endless moments of unbridled laughter" and "pure joy." "The adult steers the boat. But the child... is the captain," Hrithik wrote, encouraging Hrehaan to retain his sense of wonder and joy even as he embraces responsibility. Hrithik's girlfriend and actor Saba Azad posted, "Awwweeeee" in the comments section. Hrehaan's mother and Hrithik's former spouse, Sussanne Khan, also shared a loving tribute on social media. Calling him her "greatest blessing," she expressed pride in the man he has become and welcomed him into his twenties with an emotional message. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Sussanne Khan (@suzkr) Hrehaan's grandfather, Rakesh Roshan also shared a picture from the birthday celebrations, and wrote, "Hey Ray 20 looks great on you! May the coming years bring you closer to everything you are working towards. Love you." View this post on Instagram A post shared by Rakesh Roshan (@rakesh_roshan9) On the professional front, Hrithik was last seen in 'War 2', directed by Ayan Mukerji and co-starring Jr NTR and Kiara Advani. 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
29 March,2026 02:01 PM IST | Mumbai | ANIA controversy has erupted around Reet Padda, sister of actress Aneet Padda, after her remarks on Dhurandhar 2 triggered widespread backlash on social media. The issue began when Reet took to Instagram and labelled Dhurandhar 2, along with films like The Kashmir Files and The Kerala Story, as “propaganda.” She alleged that such films promote a government-aligned narrative and questioned how certain real-life issues are portrayed on screen. Her comments quickly went viral, sparking intense debate online and drawing both criticism and support from netizens. As the backlash grew, many social media users began targeting not just Reet but also Aneet Padda, dragging the actress into the controversy despite her not being directly involved. The situation escalated rapidly, with screenshots of Reet’s posts circulating widely across platforms, amplifying the outrage. In response to the criticism, Reet initially made her Instagram account private. However, soon after, users noticed that her profile was no longer accessible. Attempts to view her account reportedly resulted in an error message, leading to speculation that she may have either deleted or deactivated her Instagram account altogether. The controversy didn’t stop there. Reports suggest that Reet may have also removed her LinkedIn profile after it began circulating online, with users digging into her personal and professional background. This further intensified the discussion, as the debate moved beyond her comments to include her personal life. Meanwhile, several unverified claims about her personal relationships and background surfaced online, adding another layer of speculation. However, there has been no official confirmation regarding these claims, and they largely remain based on social media chatter. So far, neither Reet Padda nor Aneet Padda has issued an official statement addressing the controversy. Their silence has kept the conversation ongoing, with opinions divided between those criticising her remarks and others defending her right to express her views. The incident highlights how quickly social media debates can escalate, especially when linked to popular films and public figures, turning personal opinions into national talking points.
29 March,2026 01:59 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentResidents of Lyari have reportedly raised strong objections following the massive success of Dhurandhar 2, demanding compensation from filmmaker Aditya Dhar after the film crossed the Rs 1000 crore mark at the box office. Lyari residents demand share in Dhurandhar 2 profits According to reports, a group of residents from Lyari has sought Rs 500 crore, alleging that the film portrays their locality in a negative light. They claim that the depiction has reinforced stereotypes and damaged the reputation of the area, which is often associated with crime in popular narratives. The residents argue that such portrayals can have long-term social consequences, impacting how people perceive the community. Dhurandhar 2, starring Ranveer Singh, features Lyari as a key backdrop in its storyline. The film delves into themes of crime, conflict, and espionage, with several intense sequences set in the region. While the narrative has been widely praised for its gripping storytelling and performances, it has also sparked debate over its representation of real-life locations. The residents have reportedly expressed disappointment over not being consulted during the filmmaking process. They believe that filmmakers have a responsibility to ensure that real places are not misrepresented for cinematic effect. Their demand for compensation, they say, is not just about money but also about accountability and respect for communities. Despite the controversy, the film continues to perform strongly at the box office, becoming one of the highest-grossing films in recent times. Its commercial success has only amplified the discussion around its content and the responsibilities that come with portraying real-world settings. All about the controversy So far, there has been no official response from Aditya Dhar or the film’s production team regarding the demands. However, the situation has sparked wider conversations within the industry about balancing creative freedom with social sensitivity. As the debate unfolds, the controversy surrounding Dhurandhar 2 highlights the growing scrutiny filmmakers face when their stories intersect with real communities, especially when those portrayals influence public perception on a large scale. With the recent row, many Pakistani's influencers have reacted to the film. Though watching it overseas, a few of them were impressed by the precision on taking the right names of the areas in Karachi. While few also criticised Aditya Dhar's 'peak detailing'.
29 March,2026 12:06 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentAfter building visibility in Hindi-language projects, Paramvir Cheema is circling back to where it all began — his roots. The Border 2 actor is set to headline his first Punjabi film as lead, Pitt Siyapa, a move he sees as both personal and purposeful. “It was always important for me to stay connected to my roots. I grew up with Punjabi language, the culture, stories, and the people. They are a part of who I am. I don’t want to lose that connection.” Paramvir Cheema is paired opposite Sonam Bajwa in ‘Pitt Siyapa’ The plan was simple: Find his footing and then “take on something meaningful”. But Cheema doesn’t want to limit himself to one industry. “I want to move between industries, do good work wherever I can, and tell stories that matter. At the end of the day, it’s about honesty in the story. And sometimes, going back to your roots is the most honest thing you can do.”
29 March,2026 10:35 AM IST | Mumbai | Mohar BasuActress Shilpa Shirodkar was stuck in Mumbai traffic for around 4 hours on Saturday while traveling to work and back. Giving the frustrating situation a hilarious spin, the 'Jatadhara' actress said that instead of spending all this time in the car, she would have happily watched Ranveer Singh's "Dhurandhar 2: The Revenge" again in the theatre. Posting a still of the traffic on the Stories section of the official Instagram handle, Shilpa wrote, "I've spent over 4 hours today travelling to work and back. I would have rather watched #dhurandhartherevenge again happily (sic)." Earlier today, the 'Bigg Boss 18' contestant shared her traffic ordeal through another social media post. Shilpa dropped a glimpse of the early morning traffic in the maximum city. Uploading a photo of all the vehicles on the road on her Insta Stories, she penned, "Kahan jaa rahe ho aap sab itne subah? (Where are you all going so early in the morning?) Mumbai traffic at 5:55 am. (sic)". "Dhurandhar 2: The Revenge" has been gaining a lot of praise from the audience, with several prominent names from the entertainment industry also lauding the blockbuster. Work-wise, Shilpa will next be seen in the upcoming web series "Shankara The Revolutionary Man", which is based on the life and teachings of saint and philosopher Adi Shankaracharya. Produced by Modi Studios in collaboration with Rajarshi Bhupendra Modi, the series will see Abhishek Nigam, Rati Pandey, Rajesh Shringarpure, Farnaz Shetty, and Manoj Joshi in important roles, along with others. Earlier, speaking to IANS, Shilpa revealed how “Shankar - The Revolutionary Man” led her on a spiritual journey. She said that the experience helped her achieve personal growth while exploring a deeper sense of purpose beyond the screen. “I have always been spiritually inclined. I enjoy learning, listening, and exploring different kinds of knowledge. So, when this show came my way, it felt like a life-changing moment for me. I thought to myself that if I were to be a part of this project, it would offer so much more for me to learn, both professionally and personally," explained Shilpa. 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
29 March,2026 10:25 AM IST | Mumbai | IANSDate with destiny… delayed Akshay Kumar’s Bhooth Bangla has pushed its release from April 10 to April 17, 2026, making way for better box-office breathing room as Ranveer Singh-led Dhurandhar: The Revenge continues its strong run. The trailer launch, earlier set for March 30, will now drop in early April. The horror-comedy also marks Akshay’s reunion with filmmaker Priyadarshan after 14 years—now with a slightly later curtain call. A truly ‘Virat’ moment (L-R) Virat Kohli and Jaideep Ahlawat. Pics/AFP, Instagram For Jaideep Ahlawat, fangirl energy is real. The actor shared a picture with cricket icon Virat Kohli, calling it a “Virat lamha”. The meet-up, timed just a day before IPL 2026 kicked off, clearly meant a lot. “Virat Lamha. Just a day before the kick-start of IPL2026. It was so amazing to meet you finally. Thank you for your time, Capt,” he wrote on his Instagram account. A self-confessed cricket buff, Jaideep has long admired Virat and Sachin Tendulkar — and this one seems firmly framed for the memory books.
29 March,2026 10:22 AM IST | Mumbai | The Hitlist TeamBefore wrapping up its shoot in January, the cast and crew of Cocktail 2 shot a vibrant special number in Mumbai, featuring Shahid Kapoor, Rashmika Mandanna, and Kriti Sanon — bringing a splash of colour to an otherwise dark, edgy narrative. “Cocktail 2 is about love, betrayal, and revenge. The two girls — Rashmika and Kriti — have more layers to them. To lighten the intensity, there are lots of peppy dance tracks,” informs a source close to the production, adding that the setting of the song revolves around an engagement ceremony. Composed by Pritam, the track is an original, and the team built a “huge house” in Film City for the number. The trio also shot a final club song before the schedule came to a close. “Pritam has made some great stuff for this outing, including a peppy, fun, club song which features the three leads. We shot this in Film City,” shares the source, adding that the tracks were locked and ready before Mandanna’s February wedding with Vijay Deverakonda.
29 March,2026 09:12 AM IST | Mumbai | Upala KBRAt 69, Priyadarshan shows no signs of slowing down. After the release of Bhooth Bangla on April 17, the filmmaker will train his focus on the post production of the Akshay Kumar and Saif Ali Khan-starrer Haiwaan. The official Hindi remake of the Malayalam blockbuster Oppam (2016) marks his second collaboration with Kumar after 16 years, and his first with Khan. “The producers told me Saif was available. When we went to him, he was excited, so that’s how [he came aboard],” he says. Working with Khan has been an interesting experience, he adds with a smile. “Every morning, he comes with 10 questions. Once that one doubt is cleared, he forgets the other nine, and says, ‘Okay, I’m ready.’ He’s like a very cute [but] mature child.” Rohan Shankar That openness and curiosity on set that define Priyadarshan’s own filmmaking approach is something that has deeply influenced writer Rohan Shankar, who collaborates with him for the first time with Haiwaan. A self-confessed admirer, Shankar says his own films — Luka Chuppi (2019), Mimi (2021), Suraj Pe Mangal Bhari (2020), and Helmet (2021) — carry traces of the veteran’s signature “chaotic structures”. “I’ve always followed Priyan sir’s work, especially his comedies. The biggest lesson [I learnt from him] was humility. Even after 97 films, he says he doesn’t know anything. He approaches every film as if it’s his first — curious, eager to innovate whether it’s a new shot, dialogue, or visual. Despite his legacy, he listens, stays humble, and lets the work speak.” Shankar adds that Haiwaan marks a tonal shift from his earlier work. “It’s a slow-burn thriller, atmospheric, something like Drishyam. It’s got mystery, drama, great actors, and brilliant locations. The movie pushes me into a whole new creative zone.” Mohanlal Did you know? Mohanlal, who starred in the original, will play a powerful senior role in ‘Haiwaan’ Priyadarshan on teaming up with Akshay “I’m doing two films with him. For me, there’s no difference between then [Khatta Meetha, 2010] and now. He believes in me. Hence, I feel a huge responsibility to deliver for him. With me, he doesn’t ask many questions. He just says, ‘What do you want me to do?’ I explain what I expect, and he immediately does it.”
29 March,2026 08:59 AM IST | Mumbai | Mohar BasuADVERTISEMENT
