The Karnataka High Court has accepted Bollywood actor Ranveer Singh’s unconditional apology in the controversy linked to his alleged mimicry of a character from Kantara: Chapter 1 during a public event last year. The court orally indicated that it is likely to dispose of the matter after taking note of the revised affidavit filed by the actor.

The case was heard before Justice M. Nagaprasanna, where senior advocate Sajan Poovayya, appearing for Ranveer Singh, informed the court that a fresh affidavit had been submitted without any conditions attached. According to the counsel, the actor had also undertaken to visit the concerned temple as a mark of respect.

The controversy began after an FIR was registered against Singh over remarks made during the 56th International Film Festival of India held in Goa. During the event, the actor was accused of mimicking a character associated with Kantara: Chapter 1 and allegedly referring to the Chamundeshwari temple deity in an objectionable manner. The complaint claimed that the remarks hurt religious sentiments and offended a deeply held belief system.

During the hearing, complainant Prashant Methel reportedly told the court that the issue was not just a legal dispute but one involving faith and community sentiment. Responding to this, the court observed that this was one reason it had not stayed the FIR earlier.

The bench also indicated that while closing the case, it may record Singh’s commitment to visit the temple within the next four weeks. The complainant further argued that public figures should treat such matters seriously and that celebrities should not take faith-related sensitivities lightly.

The court noted that it would issue an order while recording the contents of the affidavit. It also remarked that a cautionary observation may be made in the matter.

Earlier this month, Ranveer Singh had informed the court that he was willing to coordinate with the complainant regarding the language of his apology after concerns were raised that his previous affidavit did not reflect genuine remorse. The actor had approached the High Court seeking quashing of the FIR filed under provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita related to promoting disharmony and hurting religious feelings.

With the court now taking note of the unconditional apology, the matter appears to be heading toward closure.

Also Read: Ranveer Singh teams up with adidas Originals to launch India-inspired Superstar sneaker

Actor Riteish Deshmukh has strongly reacted to controversial remarks made by spiritual leader Bageshwar Baba about Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj. The statement triggered backlash online, with many expressing anger over the portrayal of the revered Maratha warrior king. Riteish, who is set to portray Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj in his upcoming historical film Raja Shivaji, also joined the criticism and shared a powerful response on social media.

The controversy began after Bageshwar Baba claimed in a speech that Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj had grown tired of fighting wars and once placed his crown before Ramdas Swami, asking him to take charge of the kingdom while he rested. The remarks were widely criticised by many who felt they misrepresented history and undermined Shivaji Maharaj’s legacy.

Responding to the issue, Riteish took to X, formerly Twitter, and posted a message in Marathi. Expressing his views as a devotee and admirer of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, the actor strongly objected to what he described as distorted statements.

Translated into English, Riteish wrote that when someone spreads false and twisted claims about a beloved figure like Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, it is unacceptable and deeply angering for every Shiv-bhakt and Shiv-premi. He added that attempts to diminish such a towering legacy would never succeed.

He further stated that just as the Sahyadri mountain ranges have stood strong for millions of years, the name of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj would continue to inspire generations for crores of years to come. He described the Maratha ruler as the pride of the Kshatriya lineage, the Lord of the Throne, and the Emperor of Emperors.

कोणीतरी येतो आणि आपल्या आराध्य दैवताबद्दल काहीतरी विकृत बरळतो, एक शिवप्रेमी-शिवभक्त म्हणून हे अमान्य आणि संतापजनक आहे. असले चौकटीत अडकवण्याचे फोल प्रयत्न काळाच्या उदरात गडप होतील. पण सह्याद्रीच्या पर्वतरांगा जशा लाखो वर्ष आधी होत्या तसंच ‘ते’ एकच नाव करोडो वर्ष भविष्यातही राहील.… — Riteish Deshmukh (@Riteishd) April 26, 2026

Meanwhile, the actor is preparing for the release of Raja Shivaji, one of the most anticipated historical dramas of the year. In the film, Riteish essays the role of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj. The project is backed by Jyoti Deshpande and Genelia Deshmukh under the Mumbai Film Company banner and presented by Jio Studios.

Scheduled to release in theatres on May 1, Raja Shivaji will focus on the early life of the legendary ruler, tracing his dream of Swarajya and his resistance against powerful empires. The film also features an ensemble cast including Sanjay Dutt, Abhishek Bachchan, Vidya Balan, Bhagyashree, Mahesh Manjrekar, and Boman Irani.

Also Read: EXCLUSIVE: Riteish Deshmukh explains cinema cannot be limited to one format after Dhurandhar success; says, “You cannot blind yourself to the changes”

Actor Shanaya Kapoor, who made an impressive debut with Aankhon Ki Gustakhiyan, followed it up with yet another standout performance this year—this time in a role vastly different from her first. Teaming up with director Bejoy Nambiar for Tu Yaa Main opposite Adarsh Gourav, Shanaya earned widespread appreciation for her portrayal of influencer Avnee, with audiences particularly praising her screen presence, performance range, and crackling chemistry with Adarsh.

One of her dialogues from the film—“Tu yedi ho gayi kya, bachi?”—has especially struck a chord online, quickly turning into a fan-favourite pop culture moment and finding its way into memes, reels, and internet conversations.

Following its theatrical run, Tu Yaa Main premiered on Netflix a few days ago and has continued to build momentum ever since. The film has been trending strongly on the platform, even reaching the No. 1 spot in India, while also charting in several international markets. Clips featuring Shanaya’s scenes have been widely shared across social media, resonating with both pop culture audiences and cinema enthusiasts alike, and drawing consistently positive reactions.

Even two weeks after its streaming debut, Tu Yaa Main remains in the Top 10 films across 12 countries, with love for the film—and especially for its lead performances—only continuing to grow.

What stands out most, however, is Shanaya Kapoor’s unconventional script journey. From the romantic intensity of Aankhon Ki Gustakhiyan to the edgy, contemporary world of Tu Yaa Main, her choices reflect a willingness to experiment rather than follow a predictable launch blueprint. In an industry often driven by safe debut vehicles and formulaic career moves, Shanaya appears to be carving her own lane—breaking the launch playbook and choosing the road less travelled.

Also Read: Shanaya Kapoor shuts down age, height difference talk: “It’s not about proving anyone wrong”

Sunny Deol is set to collaborate with Excel Entertainment for a new film that is currently in development. While the makers have not officially shared details about the project, early information suggests that it is being planned on a notable scale.

According to a source close to the development, “Sunny Deol is gearing up for a massive with Excel Entertainment, high-concept project that could redefine his big-screen presence. While the makers are keeping details tightly under wraps, insiders hint at an ambitious scale and powerful backing already in motion. The film has the potential to become one of his most impactful and talked-about ventures yet."

At present, the nature of the film, including its genre, storyline, and supporting cast, remains undisclosed. The production house is known for backing a range of projects across genres, and this collaboration adds another title to its upcoming slate.

Sunny Deol, who has continued to maintain a strong presence in Hindi cinema, is expected to bring his established screen persona to the project. Meanwhile, Excel Entertainment has built a reputation for producing films and series that balance commercial appeal with distinct storytelling.

Also Read: SCOOP: Sunny Deol-Aamir Khan-Rajkumar Santoshi’s Lahore 1947 likely to be renamed Batwara 1947

Pooja Dadlani, Shah Rukh Khan’s longtime manager and one of the most trusted members of his inner circle, has reportedly made a major real estate investment in Mumbai. According to property registration documents reviewed by CRE Matrix, Dadlani and her family have purchased three luxury sea-facing apartments in Bandra for a combined value of Rs.38.21 crores.

The reported purchase has quickly become one of the most talked-about celebrity property deals of the year. The apartments are located in an upscale redevelopment project on Carter Road, one of Mumbai’s most sought-after residential stretches known for its premium sea-facing properties and celebrity residents.

As per the reports, the ownership of the three apartments has been divided between Pooja Dadlani, her husband Hitesh Prakash Gurnani, and her father Mohan Seoram Dadlani, with one unit registered in each of their names. The homes are situated on one of the higher floors of a building named Varun, which is being developed by Tryksha Real Estate Private Limited, a subsidiary of Lotus Developers.

Each apartment reportedly features a carpet area of 1,511.15 sq. ft., along with an 81.16 sq. ft. private balcony. Collectively, the three units span approximately 4,776 sq. ft. The transaction was officially registered on April 21, 2026. Reports further state that the buyers paid Rs.2.16 crore in stamp duty and Rs.90,000 in registration charges. The project is currently under construction, with possession expected by December 2028. The deal also includes six dedicated parking spaces.

Pooja Dadlani has been associated with Shah Rukh Khan for several years and plays a key role in managing the superstar’s professional commitments. Since joining Red Chillies Entertainment in 2012, she has handled film schedules, brand endorsements, business interests, and multiple day-to-day operations linked to the actor’s career.

Over the years, Dadlani has become a familiar face to Shah Rukh Khan’s fans and is often seen accompanying the actor at public appearances, events, and family occasions. She also earned widespread recognition for standing firmly with the Khan family during Aryan Khan’s legal case in 2021.

Her latest investment further highlights the growing prominence of celebrity managers in Bollywood, many of whom have built influential careers behind the scenes. With this Rs.38 crores Bandra purchase, Pooja Dadlani has now added an impressive real estate milestone to her journey.

Also Read: Shah Rukh Khan’s manager Pooja Dadlani mourns the loss of mother-in-law Jyoti Gurnani

Allu Arjun’s Raaka has been the talk of the town right from the word go. Recently, the first look of the movie came out, and it added to the ongoing buzz. However, amid all the cheers, there were rumours that Deepika Padukone’s role had been reduced in the movie.

Shutting down such claims, team Raaka confirmed that things are going as planned, and the actress continues to be a pivotal part of the project. Raaka team shuts down baseless rumours regarding Deepika Padukone's reduced role. This comes amid some recent reports suggesting that the actress may not be a part of the film or that her role could be reduced. These claims have been dismissed, with the Raaka team terming them completely baseless rumours.

"Everything is moving as planned. Deepika Padukone plays a crucial role in Raaka, and the shoot is unfolding seamlessly with great energy on set," confirms the movie's team.

In addition to the team's confirmation, recently, media reports also mentioned that Deepika is in no mood to slow down amid her second pregnancy. The actress, who recently shared that she is expecting her second child, is working as of now. She most recently shot a brand campaign. Further, reportedly, she will be shooting for some heavy action-packed scenes for Allu Arjun's Raaka, with all precautionary measures in place.

Circling back to Raaka, the film, directed by Atlee, is currently being shot as per schedule, with the team maintaining a clear and consistent pace. The production remains tightly aligned with its timeline, ensuring smooth coordination across departments. Deepika Padukone's other upcoming projects Last seen in Singham Again, Deepika Padukone has an interesting lineup ahead. In addition to Raaka, she has Siddharth Anand's King alongside Shah Rukh Khan in her kitty. Deepika got on board for this SRK starrer a couple of days after her exit from Nag Ashwin's dystopian sci-fi thriller Kalki 2898 AD 2 and Sandeep Reddy Vanga's Spirit. Though the movie's central theme revolves around Shah Rukh Khan and his daughter Suhana Khan, Deepika Padukone has a pivotal part to play in the film.

Also Read: Deepika Padukone owes NOBODY an explanation: Her pregnancy announcement is the biggest slap to the troll brigade

Vikram Bhatt struck gold with Haunted 3D (2011). It’s a film that kick-started the 3D trend in Bollywood and became a sleeper hit at the box office. Hence, there are high expectations for the next film in this franchise, which is set to release on June 12. Interestingly, the film was earlier titled Haunted – Ghosts Of The Past. As per the motion poster that dropped yesterday to announce the release date, the film was renamed to Haunted – Echoes Of The Past. Bollywood Hungama exclusively spoke to director Vikram Bhatt about this aspect. This was probably the director’s first interaction with the media after he faced a major personal turmoil in his life.

Vikram Bhatt told Bollywood Hungama, “The Haunted films are not just about ghosts. At its heart, it’s a poignant love story. Meanwhile, the film was getting delayed for some reason or another and also, I had to face incarceration. A very close friend of mine said that this is probably happening due to the word ‘Ghost’ in the title. He told me, ‘Title mein se Ghost ko hata do’. I told him, ‘Theek hai. Hata dete hai (smiles)’. That’s how we came up with Echoes Of The Past.”

He further remarked, “I never believed in such things until now. Also, you can’t make a ghost film without believing in superstition (laughs).”

The use of AI in the motion poster was criticized by a section of the audience. Vikram Bhatt clarified, “This is how motion posters are designed. But I can assure you that there’s absolutely no AI in the film at all.”

Lastly, when asked when the teaser of Haunted – Echoes Of The Past will be out, he revealed, “We plan to release it this month itself.”

Like Haunted, Haunted – Echoes Of The Past also stars Mimoh Chakraborty and this time, he’s joined by Chetna Pande, Shruti Prakash, Gaurav Bajpai, Praneet Bhatt and Hemant Pandey. It is produced by Anand Pandit and Rakesh Juneja and will be distributed worldwide by Anand Pandit Motion Pictures.

Also Read: Haunted 3D motion poster unveiled: Vikram Bhatt and Anand Pandit confirm release date of Mimoh Chakraborty starrer as June 12, 2026

Actor Shraddha Kapoor is reportedly set to play Madhuri Jain Grover in the upcoming biopic on BharatPe co-founder Ashneer Grover, which is expected to feature Aamir Khan in the lead role. Filmmaker Rahul Mody is developing the film.

According to a report by Mid-Day, Kapoor has been associated with the project since its early stages. A source told the publication that it had been decided early in development that she would play the female lead and had closely followed the screenplay’s evolution over time.

The film is reportedly based on Grover’s journey as an entrepreneur and the controversies surrounding his exit from BharatPe in 2022, when allegations surfaced that he and members of his family had misused company funds. Madhuri Jain Grover had served as the company’s Head of Controls before her termination the same year.

Mody has been working on the screenplay for nearly three years. The filmmaker previously contributed as a writer to Sonu Ke Titu Ki Sweety (2018). He is also rumoured to be in a relationship with Kapoor.

Speculation about the project gained momentum recently after reports suggested that Aamir Khan is considering the Ashneer Grover biopic as his next film. Readers may recall that Bollywood Hungama exclusively reported Aamir has given a go ahead to doing Ashneer Grover biopic. Earlier, sources told us, "Aamir has read it and loved it; he is doing this film. It's in the pre-production stage. It's also very relatable as Ashneer is an extremely popular figure with today's audience."

At the same time, an official announcement from the makers is still awaited.

Also Read: Aamir Khan launches Ek Din Ki Mehfil: Singers across India get chance to perform live before him, Sai Pallavi and Junaid Khan

Global rapper and producer Kanye West has officially confirmed his India performance, putting an end to ongoing speculation after sharing the Ye Live in India tour flyer on social media. The announcement has quickly gained traction online, with fans reacting to the news across platforms.

The concert is scheduled to take place on May 23, 2026, at Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium, marking a major addition to India’s live music calendar. With the confirmation coming directly from the artist, the event is now being seen as one of the most high-profile international concerts to be hosted in the country in recent years.

Kanye West is known for delivering large-scale performances that go beyond conventional concerts. His shows often feature elaborate stage setups, experimental visuals, and a strong focus on creating an immersive experience for audiences. While specific details about the India show remain undisclosed, expectations are high that it will reflect his signature style of production.

The announcement has sparked widespread excitement among fans, many of whom have described the concert as a rare opportunity to witness the artist live in India. Social media has been filled with reactions, with users expressing anticipation and planning travel to attend the event. The show is also expected to attract audiences from across the country, and potentially from neighbouring regions, given Kanye’s global reach.

With just weeks to go, the focus now shifts to ticketing and event logistics, which are likely to be announced soon.

Also Read: Kanye West gears up to make India debut with in New Delhi in March; deets inside

In what is being described as one of Hindi cinema's most eagerly awaited announcements of the year, veteran filmmaker Sooraj Barjatya and Mahaveer Jain are set to reveal the title and release date of his upcoming film today a project that has been shrouded in deliberate, masterful secrecy for months.

The film, produced jointly by Rajshri Productions the house that Barjatya built into a byword for wholesome Indian storytelling and Mahaveer Jain, is understood to be a sweeping family entertainer, a genre the director has elevated and made entirely his own across a career spanning three decades.

At the heart of this highly anticipated project is a headline-grabbing pairing, National Award-winning actor Ayushmann Khurrana alongside the fast-rising Sharvari, whose star trajectory has made her one of the most sought-after talents in contemporary Bollywood. Their combination has already ignited fervent speculation among fans and trade observers alike.

Perhaps equally thrilling for music lovers is the confirmation that the film's soundtrack will be crafted by Himesh Reshammiya a maestro whose melodic sensibilities and anthemic compositions have defined multiple eras of Bollywood music. A Barjatya film with a Reshammiya score promises an auditory experience as emotionally resonant as its narrative.

Sources close to the production reveal that the announcement has been planned with characteristic Rajshri grandeur a formal, considered reveal that reflects the studio's deep respect for its audience. The title, rumoured to be Yeh Prem Mol Liya, when disclosed, is expected to signal the film's emotional register and thematic landscape, hallmarks that Barjatya has never compromised on across films like Maine Pyar Kiya, Hum Aapke Hain Koun..!, Hum Saath-Saath Hain, Vivah, and most recently, Uunchai.

Industry insiders are closely watching what Barjatya does with Ayushmann Khurrana an actor celebrated for his ability to anchor films in authentic, relatable humanity and whether this collaboration marks a new creative chapter for both artist and auteur. Sharvari's inclusion further signals a contemporary energy being woven into the fabric of a tradition-rooted cinematic universe.

Also Read: EXCLUSIVE: After Prem Ratan Dhan Payo, Himesh Reshammiya-Sooraj Barjatya join hands once again; ace music composer delivers 7 melodious songs for Ayushmann Khurrana-Sharvari starrer

Actor Gaurav Gera has spoken about his experience of working with Ranveer Singh in Dhurandhar: The Revenge, highlighting the latter’s approach to performance and presence on set.

In a recent interaction with India Today, Gera described Ranveer as someone deeply invested in his work. “Ranveer is a superstar for a reason, he is so good at what he does. He’s extremely organised and fully immersed in the character. He takes a keen interest,” he said, pointing to the actor’s focused preparation.

He also spoke about Ranveer’s involvement during scenes, even when he wasn’t required to be actively present. “He didn’t have to be there for cues in my scenes, which often happens on shoots. But he stayed back and remained present throughout. That’s just how he is—completely involved with the film,” Gera added.

Recalling a lighter moment, Gera mentioned their earlier ‘Chutki-shopkeeper’ act that recently resurfaced online amid the film’s buzz. He shared that Ranveer instantly recognised him on set. “He tapped my shoulder and said, ‘How are you, Chutki?’ I was surprised because I had a beard and looked quite different, but he still remembered,” he said.

Gera also noted a shift in Ranveer’s on-screen approach over time, especially while playing Hamza in the film. “He’s grown a lot as an actor. There’s a certain calmness in his performance here, which is very different from how people usually see him in public. That controlled energy comes across very strongly,” he explained.

Summing up, Gera described Ranveer as someone who can balance contrasting energies with ease, both on and off screen. Meanwhile, Dhurandhar: The Revenge has completed a steady run in theatres and continues to hold its ground at the box office.

Also Read: Gaurav Gera opens up on working with Ranveer Singh in Dhurandhar franchise: “Stars walk away… he was so involved”

Jio Studios and Collective Studios’ Historyverse today unveiled the global first teaser of Krishna, an upcoming theatrical feature directed by Manu Anand, at the NAB Show 2026 in Las Vegas. At the heart of Krishna lies a new cinematic pipeline developed by Galleri5, Collective Artists Network’s in-house AI platform, built on Microsoft Azure’s advanced AI and cloud capabilities. This collaboration brings together cutting-edge technology with Jio Studios’ scale, storytelling expertise, and commitment to creating globally resonant Indian content.

The film’s first look and Collective Artists Network’s AI platform were featured in Microsoft’s keynote at NAB, “Powering Intelligent Media; From AI Experimentation to Real-World Impact.” Collective was highlighted as a leading Frontier organization that is moving AI beyond experimentation into real, production-scale deployment in cinema. The technology is also featured in Microsoft’s NAB booth (West Hall, Booth W1731).

Krishna represents a departure from traditional VFX- or animation-led filmmaking. Instead, it is built on an AI-native production pipeline where technology is integrated into the core of the filmmaking process, from world-building and character systems to shot design and final output, while remaining guided by a director-led, cinematic approach to storytelling.

Even as the film explores scale and spectacle, there is a conscious emphasis on emotional authenticity, stillness, music, and performance, ensuring the story is felt as much as it is seen.

Powered by Galleri5’s proprietary workflows, the pipeline allows filmmakers to create large-format, theatrical content rooted in Indian history and culture, while expanding the boundaries of how films can be conceived and produced. Collective Artists Network runs its Galleri5 platform natively on Microsoft Azure, using Microsoft Foundry and advanced AI infrastructure to support end-to-end, production grade workflows across film, episodic, and advertising content. By operating in a secure, enterprise cloud environment, Galleri5 puts the power back in the hands of creators, allowing filmmakers to use AI in a way that meets their needs

Jyoti Deshpande, President – Jio Studios (Media & Content Business, Reliance Industries) said, “At Jio Studios, our endeavor has always been to take Indian stories to the world with scale, ambition, and authenticity. With Krishna, we are not only embracing cutting-edge AI-led filmmaking but also advancing our commitment to future-forward storytelling powered by world-class technology being built in India. At the same time, we see this as an opportunity to democratize these powerful tools making them more accessible, intuitive, and cost-effective for storytellers. Our focus is to empower creators to fully realize their vision, amplify diverse creative voices, and craft stories that connect emotionally with audiences.”

Speaking at the showcase, Vijay Subramaniam, Founder & Group CEO, Collective Artists Network, said, “Krishna is not just about rethinking how films are built, but also about where these stories can go. We’re using technology being developed here in India to take our culture and history to a global audience, at a scale that wasn’t possible earlier. For us, this is a long-term priority, building stories that are rooted in who we are, but can travel anywhere in the world.”

“The media industry has reached a clear inflection point, where AI is no longer about experimentation, but about delivering real impact at production scale for creators. Through this collaboration, Microsoft is helping Collective Artists Network enable the end-to-end flow of production outcomes, transform the creative process, and enhance process efficiencies,” said Silvia Candiani, Vice President, Telco, Media & Entertainment, Gaming, Microsoft. “By building AInative creative systems on Microsoft Azure, Collective exemplifies how storytellers can unlock new formats, move faster, and realize a true return on intelligence, while keeping human creativity at the center.”

Krishna is part of Historyverse, Collective Studios’ growing slate of history and culture-driven IPs. Positioned as one of India’s most ambitious mythology-led slates, it draws from figures and traditions that have shaped the subcontinent over centuries, spanning stories inspired by Kali, Karna, and Durga to name a few. The already released Mahabharat: Ek Dharmayudh series serves as the starting point for Historyverse’s larger vision, demonstrating how historically rooted narratives can be approached for modern screens.

Jio Studios, the media and content arm of Reliance Industries Limited, is a market leader and India’s No.1 content studio, delivering some of the biggest cinematic successes in Indian cinema. Led by the blockbuster Dhurandhar franchise, including Dhurandhar and Dhurandhar The Revenge, the studio has set new global benchmarks, with the duology grossing over $330 million USD (Rs. 3,000 crores) worldwide and securing a place among the top 10 highest-grossing films globally in 2026.

Jio Studios also holds the distinction of producing the highest-grossing Hindi films in India for three consecutive years—Stree 2 (2024), Dhurandhar (2025), and Dhurandhar The Revenge (2026). Its diverse slate includes genre-defining hits and acclaimed titles like Laapataa Ladies, India’s official entry to Oscars 2025, Stree, Article 370, Shaitaan, Mrs. etc. In just eight years, it has built a formidable library of 160+ films and series, with over 60 titles winning 500+ awards. Guided by its ‘Make in India, Show the World’ vision, Jio Studios remains committed to empowering storytellers and taking compelling Indian narratives to global audiences through world-class, platform-agnostic entertainment.

The unveiling at NAB marks a significant milestone for Jio Studios and Collective Studios as they continue to explore how technology can expand the scope of storytelling, bringing together talent, content, and innovation to shape the future of cinema.

Also Read: Sooraj Barjatya heaps praise on Dhurandhar: “It is a perfect picture after Sholay, hats off to Aditya Dhar”