Kannada Zee5 recently unveiled the trailer of its upcoming original series Rakshasa, a haunting crime thriller that plunges viewers into a world where belief, violence, and truth collide. Set to premiere on 20th February, the seven-episode series unfolds along the misty banks of the Malaprabha River in rural North Karnataka, where fear moves quietly, and nothing is what it seems. What is Rakshasa about? The two-minute trailer introduces Sub-Inspector Hanmappa (Vijay Raghavendra), who is assigned to probe a string of alleged crocodile attacks near the Yellamma temple in Savadatti. What initially appears to be accidental deaths soon takes a darker turn as bloodied remains surface and murmurs of folklore begin to cloud public perception. As faith and fear intertwine, Hanmappa finds himself navigating a psychological maze that challenges not just his investigative instincts, but also his own beliefs. The seven-episode series has been written by Suhan Prasad and Apoorva, and directed by Suhan Prasad, Rakshasa is produced by Tharunsudheer Productions. The series is led by Vijay Raghavendra, alongside Mayuri, Avinash, Malavika, Appanna, and Abhijith, who together anchor a narrative driven as much by inner conflict as by investigation. Vijay Raghavendra about Rakshasa trailer Speaking about the trailer, Vijay Raghavendra said, “Rakshasa is not a story that reveals itself easily. What excited me was the silence in the narrative, the pauses, the unanswered questions, and the emotional weight carried by the character. Hanmappa is a man torn between duty and belief, and the trailer gives a glimpse of that conflict without giving anything away.” Sharing his perspective as producer, Tharun Sudheer added, “From the very beginning, we wanted Rakshasa to feel rooted and unsettling rather than loud. The setting of North Karnataka, the folklore, and the psychological depth of the story make it unique. The trailer captures the mood of the series, where fear isn’t created by spectacle, but by what people choose to believe.” With its atmospheric visuals, restrained storytelling, and a premise that blurs the line between myth and murder, Rakshasa promises a gripping viewing experience that lingers long after the investigation begins.
13 February,2026 01:45 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentFilmmaker Anurag Kashyap is full of praise for Mona Singh and Barun Sobti-starrer Kohrra Season 2, stating that he was left crying after watching the show. Taking to his Instagram handle, Kashyap penned a long note, dedicating it to the Kohrra team as he hailed directors Sudip Sharma and Faisal Rahman. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Anurag Kashyap (@anuragkashyap10) "Could not stop watching it. Sudip Sharma is officially the first showrunner in India who now has two better second seasons of two great shows. First Paatal Lok and now Kohraa. The storytelling is peak, taking its time to unfold, letting characters breathe. Is in no hurry to solve the mystery, and in the process unpacks a whole town of people that needs therapy, including its protagonists. Mona Singh and Barun Sobti's characters and performances are so cathartic. By the last episode I was weeping. You won't believe that it's directed by two first-time filmmakers," he wrote. Hailing the show's narrative, cinematography, performances, and music, he added, "Gives me a lot of hope. Unmissable and unmistakably world class. Haven't seen better writing in a long time. And then congratulations netflix.in for letting the language of the land be and not alter with the genetics of its milieu. Cinematography, music, performances, every single department deserves all the praise. This is going to blow up." A Film Squad Production in association with Act Three, Kohrra Season 2 is produced by Saurabh Malhotra, Sudip Sharma, Manuj Mittra, and Tina Tharwani. Directed by Sudip Sharma and Faisal Rahman, Kohrra Season 2 was released on Wednesday, February 11 on Netflix. The sequel picked up after the events of the first season, introducing Mona Singh as the new commanding officer Dhanwant Kaur and Rannvijay Singha. Barun Sobti made a strong return as Assistant Sub-Inspector Amarpal Garundi. 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
13 February,2026 10:53 AM IST | Mumbai | ANIPrime Video debuted the official teaser trailer and premiere date for its groundbreaking new series, Spider-Noir, starring Nicolas Cage in his first leading television role, premiering worldwide on May 27, 2026. Produced by Sony Pictures Television exclusively for MGM+ and Prime Video, the hotly anticipated series will debut domestically on MGM+’s linear broadcast channel on May 25, then globally on Prime Video on May 27 as a binge release, in more than 240 countries and territories. For a special and unique viewing experience, Spider-Noir will be available to stream two ways, in “Authentic Black & White” and “True-Hue Full Color” for audiences to choose their own adventure to watch. Spider-Noir teaser trailer unveiled Spider-Noir is a live-action series based on the Marvel comic Spider-Man Noir. Spider-Noir tells the story of Ben Reilly (Nicolas Cage), a seasoned, down-on-his-luck private investigator in 1930s New York, who is forced to grapple with his past life, following a deeply personal tragedy, as the city’s one and only superhero. With no power comes no responsibility. "Spider-Noir" - a live-action series starring Nicolas Cage - arrives in authentic Black & White and True-Hue full color May 27 on Prime. pic.twitter.com/bKQqzphRNw — Prime Video (@PrimeVideo) February 12, 2026 Cast and team behind Spider-Noir Full cast includes Academy Award winning actor Nicolas Cage (Adaptation, Pig), Emmy Award-winning actor Lamorne Morris (Fargo, New Girl)), Li Jun Li (Sinners, Babylon), Karen Rodriguez (The Hunting Wives, Acapulco), Abraham Popoola (Atlas, Slow Horses), with SAG Award-winning actor Jack Huston (Boardwalk Empire, Day of The Fight), and Emmy Award-winning and Academy Award-nominated actor Brendan Gleeson (The Banshees of Inisherin, Harry Potter). Guest star cast includes Lukas Haas, Cameron Britton, Cary Christopher, Michael Kostroff, Scott MacArthur, Joe Massingill, Whitney Rice, Amanda Schull, Andrew Caldwell, Amy Aquino, Andrew Robinson, and Kai Caster. Spider-Noir is produced by Sony Pictures Television exclusively for MGM+ and Prime Video. Emmy Award-winning director Harry Bradbeer (Fleabag, Killing Eve) directed, and executive-produced the first two episodes. Oren Uziel (The Lost City, 22 Jump Street) and Steve Lightfoot (Marvel’s The Punisher, Shantaram) serve as co-showrunners and executive producers. Uziel and Lightfoot developed the series with the Academy Award-winning team behind Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse: Phil Lord, Christopher Miller, and Amy Pascal. Lord and Miller executive produce for their shingle Lord Miller along with Aditya Sood and Dan Shear. Amy Pascal also serves as an executive producer via Pascal Pictures. Cage and Pavlina Hatoupis also serve as executive producers.
13 February,2026 10:40 AM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentIt’s been a busy few weeks for Raj Amit Kumar. While his series Bindiya Ke Bahubali 2 has dropped on Amazon MX Player, the director is now focusing his energies on releasing his feature film, Brown. It isn’t lost on him that his drama is particularly relevant in today’s times. “It’s a story of a brown immigrant chased by ICE [Immigration and Customs Enforcement] agents in America. It’s a hot subject considering what we are seeing in the US. We are figuring out its distribution,” he said. Kumar is also pleased with the response to the second season of his ensemble comedy, which stars Saurabh Shukla, Viineet Kumar Siingh, and more. He revealed that the series was shot in one go, but released in two parts. While a project with a huge cast can be tricky for a director, who has to manage insecurities of actors, Kumar faced no such problem. “I have written characters and actors have agreed to play them, so there is complete clarity. Why should there be any demand beyond that?”
13 February,2026 07:25 AM IST | Mumbai | Priyanka SharmaIn 2026, Abhishek Banerjee may have three projects lined up on the same platform, but he insists they couldn’t be more different from one another. While the actor is excited about being part of Netflix’s anthology Lust Stories 3 and Rajkummar Rao’s maiden production Toaster, the project closest to his heart is Legacy. After all, it marks his first Tamil web series. “Working in a different language and cultural environment pushed me out of my comfort zone. It made me more aware, more prepared, and more respectful of how storytelling changes with context and region,” he said of the crime drama led by R Madhavan. Unlike Legacy, Lust Stories 3 may have offered Banerjee a familiar language, but the material made him explore unfamiliar terrain. The actor, who stars in filmmaker Vikramaditya Motwane’s segment of the anthology, shared, “Lust Stories has always been bold, honest, and unapologetic in the way it talks about relationships and desire. It allows you to explore silences, awkwardness, and vulnerability — things we don’t often talk about openly. As an actor, that space is both frightening and liberating.” Meanwhile, Toaster, a comedy, is starkly opposite to the more serious offerings. Aware of the variety he has on his plate, the actor reflected, “That’s the beauty of where storytelling is today. As actors, we’re no longer confined to one image or format.” Abhishek Banerjee and Konkona Sensharma Abhishek Banerjee will also be seen in ‘Lust Stories 3’ alongside Konkona Sensharma, Radhika Apte, and Vijay Varma
12 February,2026 07:24 AM IST | Mumbai | Mohar BasuValentine’s Day receives a full Bollywood-style makeover on Netflix’s The Great Indian Kapil Show as the cast of O Romeo — Shahid Kapoor, Triptii Dimri, Avinash Tiwary, Farida Jalal, and director Vishal Bhardwaj, take over Kapil Sharma’s stage with charm, laughter, and plenty of romantic banter. The atmosphere is festive from the start, filled with playful teasing, heartfelt confessions, and the signature humor the show is known for. Shahid Kapoor makes a funny confession The conversation quickly turns cheeky when Kapil casually asks Shahid whether direct messages still reach him after marriage. Shahid flashes his trademark grin and quips, “Bachon ki mummy ko pata chal jaata hai yaar,” instantly sending the audience into fits of laughter. Keeping the romantic theme alive, he goes on to share a hilarious memory of his first crush. Shahid reveals that he once wrote her name on his hand using a compass, only for the wound to turn septic later. The anecdote draws roaring reactions, with the actor jokingly proving that love can sometimes be literally painful. Triptii Dimri brings a softer note to the conversation when asked about her college love-letter phase. With a shy smile, she admits, “Likha kabhi nahi… par padha bohot saare,” creating a nostalgic, filmi moment that resonates with anyone who remembers the thrill of secret admirers and handwritten notes. Avinash Tiwary isn’t spared either. Kapil playfully puts him on the spot with the teasing question, “Career ke peeche bhaag rahe ho ya Triptii ke?” The remark sparks blushes and laughter, cleverly referencing the duo’s popular on-screen collaborations in projects like Laila Majnu and Bulbbul. The lighthearted ribbing adds to the Valentine’s spirit, blending romance with comedy. Interesting segment of debate with Kiku Sharda and Sunil Grover The fun escalates when Kiku Sharda enters as an overprotective saas, while Sunil Grover transforms into an overly emotional bahu, turning the stage into a parody of dramatic daily soaps. Just when the romance seems to peak, the set shifts into a mock “TGIKS News Debate,” with Sunil’s fiery anchor avatar pulling the cast into a comical prime-time showdown about love. With roses, gossip, and nonstop laughter, the Valentine’s special perfectly balances romance and humor. The episode celebrates love in all its forms, sweet, awkward, dramatic, and hilarious, delivering an entertaining ride packed with Bollywood flair and Kapil’s unmistakable comic timing.
11 February,2026 08:57 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentFans of Slytherin can expect a more layered portrayal of Draco Malfoy in HBO's upcoming Harry Potter series, according to actor Lox Pratt, who is stepping into the iconic role, according to E! News.The 14-year-old actor recently shared insights into how the new adaptation will expand on Draco's character beyond what was seen in the original films and books."I think with this adaptation, you get to see so much more than the books," Pratt said in an interview. "The books are very much over Harry's shoulder, which is great, and that's how they played the film as well. And I think showrunners Francesca Gardiner and Mark Mylod have been audible about this in their interviews, there's just so much more that you get to see," according to E! News.Pratt revealed that viewers will gain deeper insight into Draco's home life and the influences that shape him into a rival of Harry Potter."You get to see Draco at home. I won't spoil too much about that, but there are some brilliant scenes at home where you start to get an insight into how he is," he said. "Because in the films, Draco is sort of 2D; he is the sneery villain. I feel like there's so much more you need to understand why."Draco Malfoy was previously portrayed by Tom Felton in the film series. Pratt said he feels "grateful" for the creative freedom he has been given to explore the character in greater depth."You see little glints of it in the film with Lucius and stuff. I think [the series] is really brilliant. I can't wait to bring it to the screen," he added, according to E! News.HBO first announced in April 2023 that J.K. Rowling's beloved book series would be reimagined as a television adaptation. The new series will also star Dominic McLaughlin as Harry Potter, Arabella Stanton as Hermione Granger and Alastair Stout as Ron Weasley, according to E! News.Seven-time Emmy winner John Lithgow has been cast as Hogwarts headmaster Albus Dumbledore. The 80-year-old actor previously admitted he had reservations about taking on the role."It was not an easy decision because it's going to define me for the last chapter of my life, I'm afraid. But I'm very excited," Lithgow told ScreenRant last February. "Some wonderful people are turning their attention back to Harry Potter. That's why it's been such a hard decision. I'll be about 87 years old at the wrap party, but I've said yes," according to E! News.The new series is currently in production. 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
11 February,2026 03:21 PM IST | Mumbai | ANIPrime Video unveiled the heartfelt trailer of Bandwaale, its upcoming musical dramedy series. Created and written by Ankur Tewari and Swanand Kirkire, and directed by Akshat Verma and Ankur Tewari, the Prime Original series is produced by OML Entertainment. Music plays a central role in the narrative, with original compositions by Yashraj Mukhate, marking his first long-form series as a composer and beautiful poems by Kausar Munir, further shaping the emotional spine of the show. Bandwaale boasts an ensemble cast led by Shalini Pandey, Zahan Kapoor, Swanand Kirkire, Sanjana Dipu, Ashish Vidyarthi, and Anupama Kumar in pivotal roles. The series will premiere exclusively on Prime Video across India and over 240 countries and territories worldwide on February 13. Bandwaale trailer The trailer sets the tone for a story rooted in creativity, friendship, and quiet rebellion, capturing the emotional pulse of small-town dreamers finding their voice. Set in the heart of Ratlam, Bandwaale follows Mariam (Shalini Pandey), a young poet who begins anonymously sharing her writing online as she navigates questions of identity, freedom, and belonging. Her journey unfolds alongside Robo and DJ Psycho, as the trio leans on music, humour, and shared ambition to imagine a life beyond their circumstances. The trailer offers glimpses into their bond, creative restlessness, and the fragile hope that art can become both a way out and a way forward. The music drives the story’s emotional arc, becoming an integral part of the narrative itself. View this post on Instagram A post shared by prime video IN (@primevideoin) Zahan Kapoor on playing DJ Psycho “DJ Psycho is somewhat of a mystery, doing all sorts of odd jobs in Ratlam, he feels deeply but expresses himself through collaborative music with beats and sounds” said Zahan Kapoor. “He tries to keep a low profile and stick to business, but that’s until he meets Mariam, and of course Robo inevitably too. He gets swept up and intertwined in their lives while his old life lurks eerily around the corner. Playing him was incredibly freeing because it allowed me to explore new emotions and relationships linked with music and sound design. Collaborating with Ankur Tewari, Swanand Kirkire, Akshat Verma and the entire teams put together by Prime Video and OML has been a truly unique, enriching experience. Through the process of filming Bandwaale, I found myself surrounded by a wonderful team facilitating honest, layered storytelling and I’m grateful for the immense trust placed upon me. Bandwaale has stayed with me long after we wrapped. I’m extremely excited that our coming-of-age musical adventure will be available in every home on Prime Video.” Shalini on playing Mariam “Mariam is someone who is constantly negotiating between what she feels and what the world expects her to be”, said Shalini Pandey. “Poetry becomes her most honest form of expression, a space where she can be vulnerable without fear or permission. Playing her was a deeply personal journey of understanding silence, restraint, and the courage it takes to slowly find your voice. With Prime Video, Bandwaale allowed me to explore those emotional shifts that often define small-town lives, and being part of a story where art leads the narrative was fulfilling.”
11 February,2026 03:14 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentKapil Sharma may be one of India’s most successful comedians today, but he has seen extreme highs and crushing lows in his career. From losing his father to battling depression at 36, his life has not been easy. In a recent chat, the actor-comedian opened up about being written off by critics and hitting rock bottom. Kapil Sharma on battling depression While speaking to The Times of India, Kapil shared his struggle and recalled, “Every phase had its own charm. Childhood was different. When my father was there, that phase was different. After he passed away in 2004, life went completely off track.” He further continued, “Then I got another chance on TV and came back on track. At 36, depression hit me hard and I went completely down. People started saying, ‘He’s finished.’ Then I got married. Then the show came back. Then I did 300 plus episodes again.” View this post on Instagram A post shared by Team Kapil Sharma (@team.kapilsharma) Remembering his father, the comedian recalled how he stood quietly outside his house when his show began, hearing laughter from every home nearby. “I thought to myself, if Papa were alive, how happy he’d be. I miss him every day, but some moments hit harder,” he said. Kapil also shared that when he won The Great Indian Laughter Challenge Season 3 trophy and received a cheque of Rs 10 lakh, he cried thinking of his father. Kapil Sharma on fatherhood The actor-comedian also said that he wants his children to grow up feeling proud of the work he has done. “Sometimes I think that I want to do a certain kind of work so that when my children grow up, they can see that I didn’t just do light or superficial things all my life. Like the film Zwigato (2022) that I did with Nandita Das — it made my heart feel good. I did it because tomorrow, when my kids grow up, they shouldn’t feel that their father spent his entire life doing meaningless things — he also did work of substance,” he said. Addressing ongoing speculation about a biopic on his life, Kapil cleared the air, saying, “Those people are actually our friends, the producers. They wanted to make it. But I feel I’ve just begun to understand life properly. What biopic will they make right now?”
11 February,2026 09:02 AM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentSuvinder Vicky may have lost out on the second season of Kohrra, but he has gained a highly anticipated series. The actor is currently shooting for Storm, which marks Hrithik Roshan’s production debut in the OTT world. If Vicky was impressed by the Prime Video series’ script, he was bowled over by the first-time producer. The actor, who recently met Roshan, said, “He is really the Greek God that people call him. He has that aura. He gave me so much respect.” Vicky was a Punjabi cinema regular before breaking out in Hindi entertainment with Kohrra. He admitted to being overwhelmed with the admiration that the Hindi film industry artistes have shown him since. “Whether it’s Amitji [Amitabh Bachchan], Hrithik, or any actor, the more people become successful, the humbler they get here. They touch your feet and you feel embarrassed.” Who stars in ‘Storm’ Parvathy Thiruvothu, Saba Azad and Alaya F
11 February,2026 07:15 AM IST | Mumbai | Priyanka SharmaThe Canadian series Heated Rivalry has built a strong fan base in India. While the show was released globally last year, it did not initially secure a streaming platform in the country. Fans have been eagerly waiting for an Indian platform to acquire the rights, and the wait is now almost over, with Lionsgate Play stepping in. The first season of Heated Rivalry which has six epsiodes will stream soon on the platform. When and where to stream Heated Rivalry The series has been a massive global hit and is widely discussed on social media. It premiered on Crave in Canada and HBO Max in the USA in late 2025. However, licensing issues kept it away from Indian streaming platforms until now. According to a report by OTTPlat, the show's India release has been locked for February 20 on Lionsgate Play. You can buy a subscription to the platform as an add-on to your Prime Video. What is Heated Rivalry about? The Canadian sports romance series is created, written, and directed by Jacob Tierney. It is a screen adaptation of Rachel Reid’s Game Changers novel series. The show stars Hudson Williams as Shane Hollander and Connor Storrie as Ilya Rozanov—two professional hockey players who secretly maintain a long-term romantic relationship while playing for rival teams. The ensemble cast also includes François Arnaud, Robbie G.K., Christina Chang, Ksenia Daniela Kharlamova, Sophie Nélisse, and Dylan Walsh. What sets Heated Rivalry apart is its slow-burn storytelling. The narrative moves back and forth in time, tracing how a casual, anonymous hookup evolves into a deeply emotional and complex relationship. The series explores identity, vulnerability, trust, and the pressures of being queer in a professional sports environment where openness still comes with risks. Shane’s unapologetic confidence contrasts with Ilya’s emotional restraint, creating a dynamic that is both explosive and tender. About season 2 On December 12, 2025, it was announced that the series has been renewed for a second season by Crave, with HBO Max returning as a key distribution partner. The renewal follows strong viewer interest and streaming performance during the first season's rollout. The agreement also includes expanded distribution deals, with rights for season two secured across multiple international markets via Warner Bros. Discovery's distribution arm and other partners. It is set to adapt The Long Game, the sixth book of the Game Changers series, which serves as a sequel to Heated Rivalry.
10 February,2026 02:20 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentADVERTISEMENT
