Actor Joju George is one of the most versatile performers to have come from the Malayalam film industry. He was last seen in the Tamil film 'Thug Life' alongside Kamal Haasan. Now, the actor is in the news for making a shocking revelation about the critically acclaimed Malayalam language film Churuli. The film was lauded for its experimental nature and sparked conversation for its intense use of profanities. Joju revealed that the version with abusive language was not meant for public release. Joju did not receive money for Churuli In an interview with The New Indian Express, Joju George revealed that the makers had promised him the version with abusive language would only be submitted for awards, and a cleaner version would be released for general audiences. However, the original version was released in theatres without his knowledge.“I was told the version containing expletives would be sent only for awards. But they went ahead and released that version. I’m still carrying the burden of the decision. They should have contacted me and informed me of the matter as an act of courtesy before the OTT release. I didn’t receive a single rupee for acting. Truly, I have expressed this issue directly to them," he said. Joju landed in trouble for Churuli He also said that the abusive version landed him in trouble, as a legal case was filed against him for mouthing the dialogues. “I had to weather it alone. I conveyed my concerns to the producers of the film, but no one called to check on me after the film was released in theatres," he continued. For the unaware, Churuli landed in legal trouble, with the Kerala High Court calling out the makers for its abusive language. After examining specific scenes from the film, Justice N. Nagaresh observed that the language used violated public decency standards. About Churuli Churuli tells the story of two undercover police officers who find themselves stuck in the mysterious village of Churuli while searching for a criminal on the run. Directed by Lijo Jose Pellisery, the film was released in February 2021.
25 June,2025 10:35 AM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentThis Friday, June 27, will see the release of Kajol-starrer Maa and Vishnu Manchu's Kannappa that also stars Akshay Kumar. Ahead of the release of both films, Akshay Kumar shared his best wishes to Ajay Devgn and Kajol. Maa is part of the Shaitaan universe and is backed by Ajay Devgn's production house. Akshay Kumar sends good wishes to Ajay Dropping a glimpse of 'Maa' on his X handle, Akshay penned a note that read, "Yaar Ajay hum dono ki picture aa rahi hain iss Friday. Tu apne fans ki good wishes #Kannappa ko bhej de aur main meri Mahadev ki blessing #Maa ko, Kya bolta hai? Goodluck to Kajol and you bhai...May the power be with you @ajaydevgn @kajol. (Hey Ajay, our movies are coming out this Friday. You send your fans' good wishes to #Kannappa and I will send my Mahadev's blessings to #Maa. What do you say? Good luck to Kajol and you brother... May the power be with you @ajaydevgn @kajol.)" Tu Trishul leke aa aur main Maa ka aashirwad…Good luck to us both 🙏 https://t.co/Kl4XHUQ9Cs — Ajay Devgn (@ajaydevgn) June 24, 2025 Reacting to the post, Ajay also extended good wishes. He wrote, "Tu Trishul leke aa aur main Maa ka aashirwad…Good luck to us both". About Kannappa Akshay will be seen essaying the role of Lord Shiva in Vishnu Manchu’s "Kannappa". Applauding Vishnu Manchu's dedication to the mythological drama, Akshay revealed how he perfectly multitasked on the set. The 'Housefull 5' actor shared, “I’ve seen Vishnu in action—not just as the lead, but as someone completely immersed in the soul of the film. He was acting, coordinating things on set, and even jumping in to help with the background and props when needed. At times, he felt like an art director too. He’s that hands-on." Sharing an example of Vishnu Manchu's eye for detail, Akshay added, "There was a particular sequence—barely six or seven minutes on screen—but he spent nearly two hours explaining it to me in detail. I understood it early on, but he kept going because that’s how passionate he is. You rarely see an actor put themselves into a role with this much energy and heart. He’s truly lived and breathed Kannappa." Meanwhile, Maa will mark Kajol's first in the horror genre. Apart from Maa and Kannappa, Sonakshi Sinha's 'Nikita Roy' will also be released in theatres on June 27.
25 June,2025 09:36 AM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentA long time ago, there were rumours that actress Esha Gupta was in a relationship with cricketer Hardik Pandya. Now, the actress has finally set the record straight. She revealed that she was in the "talking" stage with Pandya. Esha Gupta was dating Hardik Pandya? In a conversation with Siddharth Kannan, Esha Gupta addressed the link-up rumours with Hardik Pandya. “Yeah, for some time we were talking. I don’t think we were dating, but yeah, we were talking for a couple of months. We were at that ‘maybe it will happen, maybe it won’t’ stage. It ended before we even reached the dating stage. So it wasn’t dating-dating. We met once or twice, that’s it. So yeah, as I said, it was a couple of months, and then it ended.” When asked if a relationship between the two could have been possible, Esha said, "Maybe it could have happened," but added that it fizzled out soon.“There was no drama or bitterness. It just wasn’t meant to be,” she added. Meanwhile, Hardik Pandya got married to Natasa Stankovic and had a baby with her. The duo got separated last year. Now, Pandya is rumoured to be dating British singer Jasmin Walia. About Esha Gupta's partner Esha has been in a steady relationship with her Spanish boyfriend, Manuel Campos Guallar, for over five years now. She made her relationship with Manuel public in April 2020 after meeting him in 2019. "Since then, we both knew that we were serious about our relationship. We were very clear that if it goes well, our end goal is marriage. We want to get married and have kids. Manuel knows how much I love babies, and he's ready for fatherhood," the actress said in an earlier interview. Esha’s culinary venture Meanwhile, last year, Esha made her foray into the culinary world. The actress launched her fine-dining restaurant Casa Salesas in Madrid. The restaurant promises a fusion of Mediterranean flavours, world cuisine, impeccable service, and a luxurious ambiance. Talking about her new venture, Esha said, "Launching a fine-dining restaurant in a global hotspot like Madrid is like a dream coming true. I've always been passionate about food and creating memorable dining experiences. This allows me to blend my love for hospitality with my creative vision." "My dream is to take Casa Salesas all over the world, like they’ve done with Tatel and Toto, and I hope to bring it to India soon," Esha added.
25 June,2025 09:07 AM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentBollywood actress Sonakshi Sinha has expressed her views on the much-anticipated “Hera Pheri 3,” saying she can’t imagine the film without veteran actor Paresh Rawal. Sonakshi Sinha on Paresh Rawal exiting Hera Pheri Known for his iconic portrayal of Baburao Ganpatrao Apte, Rawal has been a central figure in the franchise, and Sonakshi’s remarks echo the sentiments of countless fans who consider him irreplaceable in the beloved comedy series. When asked if she could imagine ‘Hera Pheri 3’ without Paresh Rawal, Sinha responded candidly. Reflecting as an audience member herself, she told IANS that there’s absolutely no way she could picture the film without him. She firmly stated that Paresh Rawal’s presence is essential to the franchise’s charm. Sonakshi’s recent comment about not being able to imagine 'Hera Pheri 3' without Paresh comes shortly after the veteran actor confirmed his exit from the beloved comedy franchise. Meanwhile, speaking about working with the veteran actor for the first time in 'Nikita Roy', the Akira actress shared, “Fantastic. I think it was such an honor for me to share screen space with an actor of his calibre. And, you know, in terms of his body of work and how amazing he is, it was an amazing experience for me.” Paresh Rawal on exiting from Hera Pheri 3 Speculation had been rife that Rawal’s exit was due to creative disagreements with the film’s director, Priyadarshan. However, the actor was quick to dispel these rumours, putting the record straight. In a message on X, Paresh posted, “I wish to put it on record that my decision to step away from Hera Pheri 3 was not due to creative differences. I reiterate that there are no creative disagreements with the filmmaker. I hold immense love, respect, and faith in Mr. Priyadarshan the film director.” While Paresh Rawal did not specify the exact reasons behind his decision to leave the film, industry insiders suggest it could be due to scheduling conflicts or other professional commitments. About Nikita Roy The film directed by debutant Kussh Sinha, will mark Paresh's first theatrical release after his much-talked-about Hera Pheri exit. The film is a supernatural thriller that promises a gripping tale that will keep the audience hooked. The trailer offers a spine-chilling glimpse into a world where the lines between reality are blur. It leaves viewers unsettled with horrific scenes, emotional tension, and a feeling of growing terror. Sonakshi Sinha's character is seen facing some brutal incidents and experiencing supernatural events. Meanwhile, Paresh Rawal plays a character who helps people who are possessed by a supernatural soul. Nikita Roy is scheduled for a theatrical release on June 27, 2025.
25 June,2025 08:16 AM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentConviction over commerce At a special screening to mark Raanjhanaa’s (2013) 12th anniversary, Dhanush revealed that director Aanand L Rai “didn’t have the right kind of budget” to cast him, yet “invested his own money” to ensure he played Kundan. “He could have offered any actor this part, but he went against all odds. He saw Kundan in me and stayed true to his vision,” the actor said. The film, also starring Sonam Kapoor, was a box office hit. Calling it a result of “two mad men who believed in [the story],” Dhanush credited the director and writer Himanshu Sharma for creating a “cult classic” driven by conviction, not commerce. In a hurry to get home? Mani Ratnam; (right) Kamal Haasan in Thug Life At a time when filmmakers are trying to extend the gap between a film’s theatrical release and its OTT debut, Kamal Haasan’s Thug Life is reportedly heading to streaming in just four weeks. The buzz is that the Tamil actioner is set to arrive on Netflix sooner than expected. Despite originally promising an eight-week window, the team seems to have opted for an early release on OTT. The movie’s director, Mani Ratnam, recently reacted to the film’s underwhelming performance at the box office. He told 123 Telugu, “For those who were expecting another Nayakan [1987] from the two of us, all I can say is we are sorry. It was never our intention to go back. Why should we? We wanted to do something completely different. The audience expected something far removed from what we delivered.” The movie’s worldwide earning was Rs 97.87 crore gross. Nag is crushing on Rashmika Nagarjuna and Rashmika Mandanna After Animal (2023) and Pushpa 2: The Rule (2024), Rashmika Mandanna is back with yet another hit, her latest outing, Kuberaa, also starring Nagarjuna and Dhanush. Since the film released in cinemas on June 20, it has approximately grossed R87 crore globally. Nagarjuna, at the success event of the film, shared that he has a crush on Rashmika, and even compared her to Sridevi. This comparison left her blushing. The Telugu star said, “Watching Rashmika on screen made me think of Sridevi Garu from Kshana Kshanam [1991]. No wonder that Pushpa has earned her the nickname ‘National crush’. Because of this movie, she is in fact, now Nag’s crush also. I loved you. You look amazing in the movie. We all love you.” Govinda’s real Avatar Govinda Govinda’s wife, Sunita Ahuja, has reacted to the actor’s claim that he was offered James Cameron’s Avatar but turned it down. On a recent podcast with Uorfi Javed, Sunita candidly said, “Arre yaar mujhe nahin pata kab offer hui. forty saal toh mujhe hogaye Govinda ke saath. I don’t know when the director and producer of Avatar came!” Govinda had earlier said, “I said no [to the Hollywood project] because I had to shoot painted in body colours for 410 days,” leading to a wave of memes and disbelief online.
25 June,2025 07:32 AM IST | Mumbai | The Hitlist Team"Finally,” exclaims Shanaya Kapoor when we get on a call with her, weeks before her debut film Aankhon Ki Gustaakhiyan’s release. She has been waiting to foray into Bollywood for the past three years, but life had other plans. Today, as her maiden Hindi film is ready, the newbie — daughter of Sanjay and Maheep Kapoor — admits she can’t get enough of it. “Every day I log on to YouTube and watch myself on screen. I’m not going to lie; my dad and I get teary-eyed,” she grins. The happy tears are understandable considering it has been a long road to this point. In 2022, Shanaya was to be launched with Karan Johar’s production Bedhadak, but it got shelved. Heartbreaking as the episode was, strangely it led her to director Santosh Singh’s romantic drama opposite Vikrant Massey. She recalls, “It was a matter of five to six days where we had begun shooting. But due to COVID and various other reasons, that film didn’t come into fruition. Post that, I was giving auditions. I auditioned for another project, and the casting director sent the tape across to Santosh Singh. When I look back at it now, I realise why things didn’t happen then and why they are happening now. I feel much better prepared as an actor.” She says that instead of dwelling on projects that didn’t work out, she used the years in between to work on her craft. “I worked to get better so that the day I get that opportunity, I’m ready for it. It’s a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity and I never took it for granted.” (From left) Vikrant Massey and Shanaya Kapoor in the film Many may argue that her debut, though delayed, was inevitable. After all, she comes from one of the most prominent film families. “I do come from a film family and understand what that means. I had access and opportunity. But that access doesn’t mean guaranteed acceptance. At the end of the day, the audience has to accept me. I have to earn my place through a lot of hard work,” she insists, adding, “I value this chance a lot more because I got it after delays. I’ve had my ups and downs before coming here today. Having said that, I’m aware that it’s much easier for me compared to others.”
25 June,2025 07:23 AM IST | Mumbai | Priyanka SharmaPortraying a jawan on screen entails intense preparation. Salman Khan is finding that out, having dived into the prep for his next with director Apoorva Lakhia. In the yet-untitled war drama, Khan steps into the shoes of late Colonel Bikumalla Santosh Babu, the commanding officer of the 16 Bihar Regiment, who was killed during the India-China Galwan Valley clash in June 2020. mid-day has learnt that the superstar kicked off his physical training from early June, focusing on two areas — general fitness, and high altitude acclimatisation. And who is training him? Well, Khan himself. That’s not surprising considering the superstar has been a fitness enthusiast for decades. A source reveals, “Salman has refurbished his two gyms — a sprawling one at his Khandala farmhouse, and a smaller one at his Bandra apartment — to suit the current requirements. He trains for four hours daily and is undergoing circuit training focusing on different muscle groups. The exercises are designed to build strength, endurance, and cardiovascular improvement, the latter being important for high-altitude travellers.” Apoorva Lakhia and Colonel B Santosh Babu Lakhia has apparently slotted a look test for early July, and the first schedule for August. In the window between the two, the leading man will begin altitude training as a chunk of the film will be shot in Ladakh. The source adds, “The training includes periodically exposing the body to higher altitudes, thus giving it time to adjust to the lower oxygen level. Oxygen saturation level can be achieved at home through altitude simulation tents, chambers, or hypoxic masks. Salman may join an altitude training studio because at 59, he needs to be fighting fit to shoot combat sequences in Ladakh.”
25 June,2025 07:20 AM IST | Mumbai | Upala KBRTalking about 90s icons and not mentioning Karisma Kapoor would probably be a sin. Being one of the leading and highest-paid actresses back in the day, she etched her name in the cinema books of that decade, such that she's unforgettable. Be it her innocent beauty or her versatility in different roles and genres, Karisma made her way to the top only to become one of the most legendary stars of Bollywood. And when you talk about Karisma Kapoor and her illustrious career, you simply cannot miss her dance. Her dancing skills were commendable, and so were her skills to make you dance with her to her songs. As the actress turns a year older, let's take a walk down memory lane and recall Karisma Kapoor's most iconic dance songs. Karisma Kapoor's dance songs 1. Le Gayi - Dil Toh Pagal Hai Le Gayi 🤌pic.twitter.com/518ChNcrxR https://t.co/AM3PdgECf8 — Aman (@AmanDVSJ) June 21, 2025 THE most iconic dance numbers from the 90s that will make you hum and do the hook step. Karisma killed it in the song 'Le Gayi' from the love triangle 'Dil Toh Pagal Hai'. In fact all the songs from the Shah Rukh Khan-starrer film were amazing, but Karisma owned this one. Her complex moves with pretty outfits and Asha Bhosale's voice to Anand Bakshi's catchy lyrics made this track an instant hit. It remains to be cult favourite even today. 2. Main Toh Raste Se Ja Raha Tha - Coolie No.1 Iconic! Everything about this song is simply iconic. Karisma and Govinda's killer moves, the fun lyrics and the comical yet romantic nature of the song instantly hit. Also, the way Lolo performed the complex dance steps in a saree while still looking so graceful was unbelievable. 3. Maiya Yashoda - Hum Saath Saath Hain Karisma's character in Hum Saath Saath Hain was special. It was bubbly, fun, lovable, yet serious enough when needed. And that's exactly how she appears in the song Maiya Yashoda despite having actresses Sonali Bendre and Tabu with her, who play rather serious characters. Dressed in a heavy lehenga and lots of jewellery, Karisma hopped around dancing like it was nothing. 4. Main Albeli - Zubeidaa Main albeli ghoomu akeli..😍💃💃😌 pic.twitter.com/L0wWamhJk1 — zebs💥 (@Salmans_Network) August 5, 2023 Not only dance, Karisma aced the expressions too while dancing, and Main Albeli is proof. The film Zubeidaa was a milestone in her career, and so was this song, which cemented her place as one of the most graceful dancers. But above all, her expressions in this one are unmissable. 5. Tan Tana Tan - Judwaa 1997's Judwaa, featuring Karisma and Salman Khan, gave us several songs that turned into classics. And Tan Tana Tan arguably tops the list. You cannot resist continuing the lyrics whenever you hear 'Tan Tana Tan', and if you're on the dance floor, you know your moves - the signature dance step that the two performed. 6. Sona Kitna Sona Hai - Hero No.1 #oldskool #herono1 #sonakitnasonahai #favourite 💙 #travel_food_photography #Vaibhavbhatnagar pic.twitter.com/XJMRuvgLxx — Vaibhav Bhatnagar 🇮🇳 (@vkb18_vav) June 26, 2020 Another superhit song from Hero No. 1 was Sona Kitna Sona Hai - just another time when Govinda and Karisma made everyone groove with them. Karisma brings all her sexiness and glamour in this one while performing the hook steps with such grace. Even when surrounded by curious onlookers in a foreign land, she dances like nobody's business. 7. The Dance Of Envy - Dil Toh Pagal Hai Talking of Karisma Kapoor's dance, how can we even miss the ultimate dance-off sequence between Karisma and Madhuri Dixit, two of Hindi cinema's best dancers? With no lyrics and just instrumentals in the background, both the divas put their best foot forward, making it a treat to the eyes.
24 June,2025 10:40 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentKarisma Kapoor has made significant contributions to the industry and has showcased her versatility as an actor. She went on to deliver memorable performances in various genres, including romantic dramas, comedies, and cult classics. Karisma’s talent, striking looks, and remarkable dancing skills have contributed to her success in the Hindi film industry. She hails from the renowned Kapoor family, known for their contributions to Indian cinema, and she has upheld the family legacy with her own achievements. As the actor will turn 50 on June 25, let’s revisit her versatile acting roles. Biwi No. 1 ‘Biwi No. 1’ was a comedy-drama film in which she effortlessly transitioned between emotional scenes and comedic moments. Karisma played the role of Pooja, the loving and devoted wife. Her performance showcased her ability to portray a strong and resilient woman who is faced with challenges in her marital life. She brought depth and emotion to the character, capturing the audience’s empathy as she navigated through the complexities of her relationship. Dulhan Hum Le Jayenge In ‘Dulhan Hum Le Jayenge’, Karisma’s portrayal of an overly protected girl who seeks adventure and romance is endearing. Her character’s transformation and liberation through fashion were celebrated, and she seamlessly transitioned into a David Dhawan-style heroine while maintaining her acting prowess. Fiza Karisma delivered a remarkable performance in ‘Fiza’. Her portrayal of a woman wronged by the system, while also displaying protectiveness towards her family, showcased her ability to portray complex emotions. The role required her to balance strength, grace, and a yearning for a life that others her age easily enjoy. Raja Hindustani Karisma’s portrayal of Aarti in ‘Raja Hindustani,’ a poor girl who falls in love with a wealthy man, captivated audiences. Her transformation from a timid girl to a strong-willed and determined character displayed her versatility and acting range. Dil To Pagal Hai In ‘Dil To Pagal Hai,’ Karisma Kapoor played the role of Nisha, a supportive friend who experiences unrequited love. Her performance added depth to the story, and she showcased her ability to bring out both emotional and light-hearted moments on screen. Zubeidaa (2001) Karisma delivered one of her finest performances as a rebellious actress-turned-royal wife in this semi-biographical film. With vulnerability, fire, and elegance, she brought Zubeidaa to life, earning a Filmfare Critics Award and a National Award Special Mention. Hero No.1 (1997) Part of her iconic pairing with Govinda, Karisma stood out with her impeccable comic timing and lively screen presence. The film remains a classic example of 90s Bollywood masala fun. Karisma’s performances in these roles earned her accolades and demonstrated her ability to portray diverse characters with conviction. Her talent, coupled with her glamorous persona, made her a beloved actor in the Indian film industry.
24 June,2025 10:18 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentActress Karisma Kapoor's career in the industry has been an illustrious one. From starting her career at the age of just 16 to delivering five flops in a year immediately after debut, to going on to become one of the leading and highest-paid actresses in the industry in the 1990s and early 2000s, Karisma's graph has been nothing short of inspirational. But did you know, after enjoying a sparkling career in the 1990s, the actress made her debut into the television space in the early 2000s. And we say doing television, we don't mean reality shows. She worked in a television soap that later more than 250 episodes. Karisma Kapoor's TV show Karisma featured in the TV show titled Karishma – The Miracles Of Destiny. It was first broadcast on Sahara One in August 2003 and lasted over 262 episodes. The daily soap also starred top names like Sanjay Kapoor, Arbaaz Khan, Arshad Warsi, Vikas Bhalla, Jugal Hansraj, and Ayub Khan. The show was created by Akashdeep Sabir and was written by Sachin Bhowmick. Interestingly, it was directed by filmmaker Anurag Basu. The title song of the show was composed by Anu Malik and sung by Sonu Nigam and Sapna Mukherjee. Multi-starer TV Show "Karishma -The Miracles of Destiny" Written Sachin Bhowmick, Directed by @basuanurag, pic.twitter.com/jEbQzBTEXg — SaharaOne Media (@saharaonemedia) June 17, 2016 The serial revolves around the story of Devyani, played by Karisma, who comes from humble beginnings and goes on to become a very successful businesswoman. The 67-year-old Devyani has two sons, Jai and Sameer, who conspired to kill her. Interestingly, Sarisma played a dual role in the show, as the story shifts between Devyani in New Zealand and her lookalike, named Avni, in Mumbai. The story also includes flashbacks of Devyani in her 20s and the men in her life, including Arjun (Vikas Bhalla) and Amar (Sanjay Kapoor). After a successful run of over a year, the show closed its curtains in October 2004. Post the show's closure, Lolo took a sabbatical from full-time acting for about four years before returning with a film in 2006. Post that she again appeared on television as a judge in reality shows. Karisma Kapoor about working in television In 2020, during an interview with the Indian Express, the actress opened up about her experience working in the TV space. She revealed, "I have been doing selective appearances, but television is very tough. You need to put in 16-18 hours. It has been a conscious choice not to indulge in it, as it really gets very hectic." View this post on Instagram A post shared by Karisma Kapoor (@therealkarismakapoor) "I want to enjoy my time with my family and kids. Also, since I started early, when I was very young, just out of school, I enjoyed being on a break. I am in a very happy space," she added. Since then, Karisma has been seen in selective projects, taking sabbaticals from time to time. Nevertheless, she has been one of those actresses whom the audience eagerly waits to see on the screen. She has gained millions of fans for her acting and beauty, along with several accolades for her work. Here's wishing the ever-beautiful Karisma Kapoor a very happy birthday.
24 June,2025 09:12 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentActor Akshay Oberoi, known for his versatility and commitment to challenging characters, recently opened up about the importance of representation and inclusion in the Indian entertainment industry. Reflecting on his performance as a queer character in Inside Edge Season 3, Akshay candidly shared his thoughts on playing non-heteronormative roles and the lack of open acknowledgment from Bollywood towards the LGBTQ+ community. Reflecting on the often-overlooked support of the queer community in Bollywood, Akshay Oberoi acknowledged their unwavering fandom and importance.In a heartfelt statement, he said, "Bollywood doesn’t acknowledge it, but a lot of the love and fandom we get is actually from the queer community and we should acknowledge that. They have been a massive part of our support system as artists. As someone who truly values love and identity in all forms, I’ve never been bothered about the sexuality of my characters. For me, it's about telling human stories, and every human deserves to be seen." In Inside Edge Season 3, Oberoi delivered a nuanced performance as a closeted queer cricketer—one that was widely appreciated for its emotional depth and sensitivity. Akshay Oberoi opened up on playing a closeted queer cricketer in Inside Edge Season 3 His portrayal struck a chord with audiences and critics alike, breaking stereotypes and contributing meaningfully to conversations around representation. "I wasn’t shy or disgusted to play that character," he emphasized. "On the contrary, it was overwhelming and fulfilling to step into a role that carried so much internal conflict and courage. It’s easy to play parts that fall into the typical hero template. But when you get an opportunity to play a character that challenges societal norms, you grow not just as an actor, but as a person. Everyone deserves the right to be comfortable in their own skin." As conversations around inclusion and authentic representation gain momentum in the Indian entertainment space, Oberoi stands out as one of the few mainstream actors who not only embraces such roles but also uses his voice to call for acknowledgment and respect for the communities that support the industry. Akshay Oberoi's upcoming Kannada project: Toxic Toxic: A Fairy Tale for Grown-Ups is an upcoming action drama set against the backdrop of a bygone era. The film explores the underbelly of Goa, where a powerful drug cartel operates behind the illusion of sun-soaked beaches and vibrant local culture. The film stars Yash and Nayanthara in the lead roles, with Kiara Advani and Darrell D'Silva playing pivotal characters. Actor Akshay Oberoi will also make his South Indian cinema debut with this project, adding to the buzz around the ensemble cast. Toxic is being shot across multiple locations including Mumbai, Goa, and Bengaluru. The production is being jointly handled by Venkat K. Narayana and Yash under the banners of KVN Productions and Monster Mind Creations. Slated to release in theatres on March 19, 2026, the film promises a gritty, intense cinematic experience—one that blends high-stakes action with a dark, fairy tale-like narrative for adult audiences.
24 June,2025 04:00 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentADVERTISEMENT
