Amid ongoing discussions surrounding Salman Khan’s upcoming war drama Maatrubhumi: May War Rest in Peace, filmmaker Subhash Ghai has now shared his reaction after watching a rough cut of the film alongside several members of the film industry.

Late on May 28, 2026, Subhash Ghai took to social media and posted a picture featuring Salman Khan, Chitrangda Singh, director Apoorva Lakhia, Kabir Khan, Sooraj Barjatya, Rumy Jafry, Riteish Deshmukh, and producer Siddharth Roy Kapur. The gathering came together to watch an early version of the film.

Sharing his thoughts, Ghai wrote, “It was so beautiful to see my favourite directors together at food square today to watch a rough cut of Apoorva lakhiya film MAATRU BHUMI with lead stars salman khan n Chitrangada based on a touching story of soldiers of india n china with their respective emotions for their nations n their families with a theme of mutual peace n respect.”

His statement comes at a time when the film continues to remain in the spotlight due to delays and controversy linked to its subject matter.

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Originally titled Battle of Galwan, the film was reportedly inspired by the 2020 Galwan Valley clash between Indian and Chinese troops. However, after the teaser release attracted criticism from Chinese state-backed media outlet Global Times, reports suggested that the makers were asked to soften the film’s political tone and reduce direct references that could escalate diplomatic sensitivities.

The Salman Khan-starrer was initially expected to release on April 17, 2026. However, the film is yet to receive a confirmed release date as it continues to navigate multiple approval stages, including defence-related clearances and certification procedures.

Meanwhile, writer-director Rumy Jafry also shared the same photograph from the screening and praised the project. In his social media caption, he wrote, “Watched Salman Khan’s Matrabhumi first cut 🎥🎬with the most amazing friends — @subhashghai1 @beingsalmankhan @kabirkhankk @riteishd @chitrangda @lakhiaapoorva , and Sooraj Barjatya. What an experience! ✨ The film is truly a must watch.”

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The latest reactions from filmmakers and industry members indicate that Maatrubhumi may be positioning itself as an emotional war drama focused not only on conflict, but also on the human side of soldiers and their families across borders. The makers are yet to officially announce the revised release plans.

Also Read: Salman Khan shot for five days for Maatrubhumi song featuring 200 dancers, reveals Mudassar Khan

The Maddock Horror Comedy Universe is all set to expand further with its upcoming film Shakti Shalini, which promises a unique blend of horror, folklore, revenge, and comedy. The film stars Aneet Padda and Vishal Jethwa in lead roles and is already generating buzz for its intriguing storyline and supernatural backdrop. Adding to the excitement, recent reports suggest that the film has officially wrapped up its shoot.

According to a Mid-Day report, on May 27, Shakti Shalini completed filming at Chitrath Studio in Powai after an extensive shooting schedule across picturesque locations in Madhya Pradesh and Rajasthan. The film reportedly went on floors in March and has now concluded production after months of elaborate filming.

Speaking about the climax portions and large-scale setup created for the film, a source was quoted as saying, “Massive sets depicting a Rajasthani village and the interiors of a house were built. The sequence shows the village people, especially women, celebrating the defeat of evil.”

One of the major highlights of the film is expected to be Aneet Padda’s double role. Reports suggest that the actress will portray two entirely contrasting characters — one symbolising divine goodness and another embodying a vengeful evil spirit. The narrative is believed to revolve around a supernatural battle between these two powerful personas.

The report further stated, “Viineet, who portrays the antagonist, and Aneet shot the climax across Chambal, Datia, Antri, Panihar, Gwalior, and Morena in Madhya Pradesh. They filmed significant portions in Dholpur and Barkhandi in Rajasthan. Nana Patekar and Seema Biswas joined the unit in May.”

Interestingly, Shakti Shalini is reportedly inspired by a Bengali folklore about a woman who returns as a vengeful spirit after being brutally killed. The supernatural entity is said to target men as part of her revenge-driven mission. The film is expected to combine elements of folklore horror with the signature entertainment style associated with the Maddock Horror Comedy Universe.

Over the years, Maddock Films has successfully built a dedicated fanbase for its horror-comedy franchise with films like Stree, Bhediya, and Munjya. With Shakti Shalini, the makers appear to be exploring darker and more emotionally layered territory while still retaining commercial appeal.

While an official release date is yet to be announced, the film has already emerged as one of the most anticipated additions to the Maddock Horror Comedy Universe. Fans are now eagerly waiting to see Aneet Padda’s transformation in the supernatural drama and the intense showdown that lies at the heart of the story.

Also Read: Aneet Padda’s Shakti Shalini may shift to 2027 to avoid Shah Rukh Khan’s King clash: Report

Bollywood Hungama has been at the forefront in reporting the feud between producer Vashu Bhagnani and the makers of Hai Jawani Toh Ishq Hona Hai over the use of the songs ‘Chunari Chunari’ and ‘Ishq Sona Hai’ from Biwi No 1 (1999). Now, it has come to light that Vashu’s production house, Puja Entertainment (India) Ltd, has filed a whopping Rs. Rs. 400 crore suit before Bombay High Court against Tips Industries Limited, Ramesh Taurani, Kumar S Taurani and filmmaker David Dhawan over the alleged unauthorized use and alleged exploitation of iconic aforementioned songs in the upcoming Varun Dhawan-starrer, slated for a release on June 5.

As per the press statement, the suit, filed through Counsels V K Dubey Associates, seeks urgent and sweeping injunctive relief restraining the release, distribution, exhibition, streaming and further commercial exploitation of the film and its promotional material containing the disputed songs, including 'Chunnari Chunnari' and 'Ishq Sona Hai'. The Court has reportedly permitted the filing of the proceedings and has kept it for hearing soon. As per the press statement, it could be ‘one of the most explosive copyright battles in recent Bollywood history’.

Apart from seeking a complete injunction against the alleged infringing use of the songs, Puja Entertainment has also sought directions for the removal of the songs ‘Chunnari Chunnari’ and ‘Ishq Sona Hai’ from the film and its promotional material, along with a demand for a change of the title, Hai Jawani Toh Ishq Hona Hai. The production house has further demanded an additional Rs. 100 crores as damages in the event that Tips Industries Limited and David Dhawan fail to comply with the said demands and continue exploiting the disputed works. Puja Entertainment (India) Ltd has further alleged that the defendants have unlawfully exploited valuable intellectual property rights despite allegedly having no authority, assignment or licence to commercially use the original audio-visual works. The production house contended that the alleged infringement strikes at the very foundation of proprietary and commercial rights vested in the original cinematographic works associated with the late 1990s blockbuster banner.

The press statement also said that leading Counsel V K Dubey, representing Puja Entertainment, confirmed that after considering the entire scenario, the Honourable Court has decided to list the matter for hearing shortly, and the matter is presently sub judice.

Also Read: Team Hai Jawani Toh Ishq Hona Hai BREAKS SILENCE on Vashu Bhagnani row: “This is a smear campaign”

The upcoming Punjabi film Carry On Jatta 4 has landed in legal trouble ahead of its scheduled theatrical release on June 26, 2026. According to a report in the May 23, 2026 issue of Atul Mohan’s Complete Cinema magazine, Reliance Industries Ltd. has approached the Bombay High Court seeking to restrain the release of the much-awaited comedy entertainer.

As per the article, the matter reportedly arises from a contractual dispute linked to a tripartite arrangement involving Reliance Industries Ltd., Panorama Studios International Ltd. and Humble Motion Pictures. The dispute has now reached the court, with Reliance seeking urgent protection in connection with the film’s rights and release.

The matter came up before Justice Abhay Ahuja, who permitted Reliance to correct certain procedural defects in its commercial plaint. The court also granted Reliance liberty to approach the Vacation Court for appropriate relief.

During the hearing, the defence raised objections to the maintainability of the suit, pointing out non-compliance with the verification requirements for commercial disputes. Senior Advocate Venkatesh Dhond, appearing for Reliance, sought a status quo order, expressing apprehension that the defendants could create third-party rights over the property.

On the other hand, Senior Advocate Ashish Kamat, appearing for Panorama Studios, opposed the request for status quo. He argued that third-party rights had already been created before Reliance moved its application before the court.

With the film’s release date already announced, the legal proceedings could become crucial in determining whether Carry On Jatta 4 faces any delay or hurdle before its theatrical arrival.

About Carry On Jatta 4

Carry On Jatta 4 is the part of a very popular franchise and stars Gippy Grewal, Binnu Dhillon, Sargun Mehta, Gurpreet Ghuggi, Late Jaswinder Bhalla, Karamjit Anmol and others. It is directed by Smeep Kang. The trade and industry have tremendous expectations, especially considering how Carry On Jatta 3 (2023) performed at the box office. It continues to hold the record of the highest opening for a Punjabi film, at Rs. 4.50 crore nett. In its lifetime, the third part grossed around Rs. 54 crore nett in India and Rs. 49 crore Overseas and hence, it entered the Rs. 100 crore club.

Also Read: Punjabi superstar Gippy Grewal gets death threat from notorious gangster

Стабильное подключение к Kraken Marketplace Узнайте, как обеспечить надежный доступ к Kraken Marketplace и безопасно пользоваться его возможностями. Kraken Marketplace является одним из наиболее популярных ресурсов в даркнете, предлагая пользователям широкий спектр товаров и услуг. Однако для успешной работы с платформой важно обеспечить стабильное подключение и соблюдать меры безопасности. В этой статье мы рассмотрим основные аспекты работы с Kraken Marketplace и дадим рекомендации по безопасному использованию. Особенности Kraken Marketplace Kraken Marketplace выделяется среди других платформ даркнета своей надежностью и удобством использования. Здесь можно найти все: от цифровых товаров до физических продуктов. Однако для доступа к ресурсу требуется специальное программное обеспечение, такое как Tor браузер, который обеспечивает анонимность и безопасность. Как получить доступ к Kraken Marketplace Для подключения к Kraken Marketplace важно использовать только официальные источники. Это поможет избежать мошенничества и утечки личных данных. Одним из проверенных способов является использование главное зеркало кракен тор, которое обеспечивает стабильный доступ к платформе. Безопасность при работе с Kraken Работа в даркнете требует повышенного внимания к безопасности. Используйте только надежные инструменты, такие как Tor браузер, и избегайте подозрительных ссылок. Также рекомендуется регулярно обновлять программное обеспечение и использовать VPN для дополнительной защиты. Рекомендации по использованию Kraken Marketplace Для максимальной эффективности работы с Kraken Marketplace важно следовать нескольким простым правилам. Во-первых, используйте только официальные зеркала платформы. Во-вторых, не делитесь личными данными с третьими лицами. И, наконец, для стабильного подключения рекомендуется выбрать оптимальный вариант: кракен тор, который обеспечит надежный доступ к ресурсу. Заключение Kraken Marketplace предлагает уникальные возможности для пользователей даркнета, но их реализация требует соблюдения определенных правил безопасности. Используя проверенные методы подключения и следуя рекомендациям, вы сможете обеспечить стабильную работу с платформой и защитить свои данные.

There are songs that arrive with mood lighting, designer costumes, international locations, 400 background dancers, drone shots, neon frames and a marketing deck longer than the screenplay. And then there is Ghis Ghis Ghis from Welcome To The Jungle, which seems to have arrived with only one mission: Boss, speaker phaadna hai.

In an industry that has become painfully obsessed with looking cool, sleek, premium, curated and Instagram-safe, Ghis Ghis Ghis feels like that one loud baraati who enters the wedding before the groom, dances with the band, argues with the dholwala, eats two plates of chaat and still becomes the most memorable person of the evening.

The recently released song from Welcome To The Jungle features Akshay Kumar with Bhojpuri star Akshara Singh has clocked more than 6 million views in the past 24 hours. But the bigger story is not just the song. The bigger story is what the song represents.

Bollywood has spent the last few years trying very hard to decode virality. There are social media teams, trend analysts, reel strategies, influencer campaigns, hook-step consultants, meme calendars and launch-day hashtags. Yet, after all this, some songs vanish in 48 hours while a completely mad, unapologetically desi track suddenly gets people talking.

Why? Because virality does not always come from perfection. Sometimes, it comes from personality.

And Ghis Ghis Ghis has personality in abundance. It is loud. It is odd. It is cheeky. It is not trying to be approved by a South Bombay brunch table. That is the difference.

Akshay Kumar, at his best, has always understood this side of popular entertainment. He is not just an action star, not just a comedy star, not just a patriotic-film machine, not just the actor who can do five genres before lunch. His real superpower has always been rhythm: comic rhythm, physical rhythm, public rhythm. He knows how to be ridiculous without appearing embarrassed by the ridiculousness. That quality is essential for a film like Welcome To The Jungle.

Because let’s be honest: a comedy of this scale cannot survive on sophistication. It has to embrace chaos. It has to look like fifty people landed on set, nobody knew who was saying what, and somehow the confusion became the punchline. That is the DNA of the Welcome universe. This is not a franchise where people sit quietly in Scandinavian furniture and discuss trauma. This is a franchise where a painting of a donkey can become more iconic than half the characters in serious cinema.

So when Akshay Kumar steps into a song like Ghis Ghis Ghis, it feels strangely appropriate. It tells the audience not to come here looking for subtlety. This jungle has no meditation zone. And that is exactly what Bollywood needs right now: a proper stress-buster.

In today’s time, getting an ensemble cast itself is a heroic task. In such a climate, mounting a film like Welcome To The Jungle with a huge cast is not just production; it is wildlife management. Making a multi-starrer comedy today is like arranging a family WhatsApp group picnic where every member is a celebrity.

Welcome To The Jungle is bringing Akshay back into the kind of zone where audiences don’t want him to carry the nation, save the system or explain a social issue. They want him to be trapped in madness and somehow make the madness worse. And Ghis Ghis Ghis is a smart reminder of that promise. The song may or may not become a long-term chartbuster. That only time will tell. But it has already done one thing right: it has made people react. That matters.

In the current attention economy, indifference is more dangerous than criticism. A song that divides people, amuses people, shocks people or makes people laugh has a better chance than a song that everyone politely ignores. Nobody makes reels on pleasant. Nobody forwards tasteful. But give people something mad enough and they will either dance to it, mock it, defend it or secretly enjoy it while publicly pretending they are above it. That is the sweet spot of mass entertainment.

The funniest part is that songs like Ghis Ghis Ghis often expose Bollywood’s class anxiety. The same industry that wants mass numbers sometimes gets nervous about mass taste. It wants the single-screen whistle but also wants multiplex approval. It wants viral reach but also wants elite validation. It wants the meme but not the embarrassment. But true mass entertainment has never been neat. It is sweaty, loud, repetitive, shameless and deeply democratic.

With Ghis Ghis Ghis, Akshay Kumar and the team of Welcome To The Jungle seem to have understood one simple truth: you cannot manufacture madness in a boardroom. You have to allow it to spill.

And if the song is any indication, this jungle may be loud, crowded and completely out of control. In other words, exactly what Bollywood comedy has been missing.

Also Read: Akshay Kumar teams up with Vipul Shah for alien action thriller Samuk; Hollywood creature and action experts join project

A major data-theft case has emerged from Tiger Baby Digital LLP, the production house of filmmakers Zoya Akhtar and Reema Kagti. As per a report in Mumbai Mirror, as many as 66 hard disks containing important production material have allegedly gone missing from the company’s Bandra office. Some of these drives reportedly contained unreleased footage and work-in-progress content, making the matter serious for the production house.

The complaint was filed by Mehjabeen Mushtaq Shaikh, who works as the executive assistant and HR administrator at the company. Acting on her complaint, the Bandra police registered an FIR against Mohammad Shahid Azim Khan and Ritesh Suresh Shah, a 44-year-old Borivali resident. The police confirmed to Mumbai Mirror that both have been arrested and sent to police custody till May 29.

The issue was discovered on May 21, when the staff needed certain hard disks for ongoing work but could not find them. This led to an internal check of the office storage area. During the inspection, several hard-disk boxes were allegedly found empty and damaged. The company’s records showed that it had an inventory of 119 hard disks, out of which 66 were allegedly missing.

The scale of the missing material has made the case even more alarming. The hard disks reportedly had storage capacities between 16TB and 72TB. They contained raw shooting footage, edited scenes, post-production files, advertisement projects, backups, archival material and completed movie-related data. Some of the content was connected to film and OTT projects, while some was still unreleased.

Investigators have said that Khan allegedly admitted during internal questioning that he stole 24 hard disks over the last five months. These drives were allegedly sold to Shah for Rs. 15,000 to Rs. 20,000 each. The police also suspect that some of the hard disks may have later entered the grey market.

The data on the stolen drives reportedly included material linked to projects such as Made In Heaven and Ghost Stories, along with advertisement campaigns for beauty and digital-content companies.

The police are now trying to find out whether the data was copied, accessed, transferred or leaked before the drives disappeared. Cyber experts may be asked to examine if any of the material has been circulated online or misused.

Meanwhile, investigators are also checking whether any other employee had a role in the matter. However, officials have not reached any conclusion on that aspect yet.

The golden era of Indian television comedy is officially making a comeback, and leading the charge is actress Shruti Sharma. In a latest update that has sent a wave of nostalgia through TV buffs, the beloved Office Office is returning for a brand-new season, with Shruti stepping into the spotlight as the main lead.

Known for its sharp wit, relatable bureaucratic satire, and iconic characters, the show holds a special place in the hearts of millions. For Shruti, taking on the mantle of the lead in Season 2 isn't just a major career milestone it is a deeply personal, full-circle moment.

Reflecting on her association with the show and the incredible journey from a young viewer to the face of the franchise, Shruti shared her excitement saying, “My memories of Office Office are very close to my heart. Whenever I used to return from school, while having lunch with my mom, we used to watch its episodes. Because of that, I remember all the characters, their nuances, and their famous hook lines perfectly. So when I started shooting for this new season, it felt incredibly nostalgic. I grew up watching this show, and now, actually playing the lead in it is completely surreal.”

She further added, “Getting the prime-time slot for the show is also a huge achievement. I truly hope the audience will enjoy this season the exact same way I enjoyed the first one. Just like the characters from the original run became a part of my childhood, I hope I can also become some child’s favorite comedy show character with this season.”

Shruti Sharma has proven her mettle across diverse genres on Indian television. She first shot to fame with her powerful performance in Gathbandhan, where she played a fierce IPS officer. She further seen in impactful roles in daily soaps like Nazar 2, Namak Issk Ka, and recently released Mitti.

While she is largely known for her intense emotional performances and dramatic flair, Office Office Season 2 marks an exciting shift into the space of situational comedy.

Breaking away from decades of polished on-screen glamour, Bollywood icon Karisma Kapoor is steering her career into highly intense, uncharted territory. Streaming giant ZEE5 has officially unveiled the teaser for its upcoming web series Brown, offering audiences a striking first look at the actress in what is tracking to be her most transformative avatar to date.

Set against a haunting, morally fractured backdrop of Kolkata, Brown is a neo-noir psychological crime thriller that extends far beyond a conventional murder mystery. The teaser introduces Karisma stepping into the boots of Rita Brown, a fiercely resilient officer in the Kolkata Police Force. The gritty visuals and deeply emotionally charged atmosphere immediately set a dark tone, establishing the series as a deeply layered psychological portrait. Dropping her familiar, expressive style for a rugged, stripped-down look, Karisma's first glimpse promises a fearless, unfiltered performance.

As one of the few leading ladies from the '90s who continues to connect effortlessly across generations, Karisma Kapoor has consistently adapted to changing digital storytelling formats. Brown marks one of the boldest narrative shifts of her career as she embraces contemporary character complexities on OTT platforms. Portraying an emotionally fractured officer battling deep-seated personal demons while investigating disturbing metropolitan crimes, the actress takes a dramatic leap into pitch-black storytelling territory.

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The series is helmed by director Abhinay Deo, who mounts a suspenseful, hard-boiled atmosphere to complement Karisma's rugged and resilient performance. If the first snippet is any indication, Brown is gearing up to be a definitive milestone in the actress's digital filmography, presenting her in an avatar unlike anything she has attempted before.

Also Read: Akshay Kumar, Karisma Kapoor and other stars from Sony TV share heartfelt messages on Maharashtra Day 2026

Actor Kangana Ranaut has come out in support of Aishwarya Rai Bachchan after the latter faced criticism on social media over her appearance at the Cannes Film Festival 2026. Responding to the online discourse surrounding Aishwarya’s fashion choices, Kangana shared a strongly worded note defending the actor and speaking about individuality, self-expression, and the scrutiny faced by women in the public eye.

Taking to her Instagram Stories, Kangana posted a photo from Aishwarya’s first Cannes red carpet appearance this year, where the actor was seen wearing a striking blue gown. Sharing her thoughts on the criticism, Kangana wrote, “Fashion and style is a self expression, it is one's own interpretation of life and their attitude, no woman owes anything to anyone, Ash looks great!!”

The actor further criticised those judging Aishwarya’s appearance and questioned the unrealistic standards often imposed on women, especially senior actresses. “Those of you who want to see her any other way, why don't you show what you got?? She is not here to please you, she is glorious,” Kangana added.

Addressing conversations around ageism and representation on international red carpets, Kangana also wrote, “if you are not used to seeing older women on red carpets, get used to them now. Thanks.”

Aishwarya Rai Bachchan made her 24th appearance at the Cannes Film Festival this year, continuing her long-standing association with the prestigious global event as the brand ambassador for L'Oréal Paris. Joining her at Cannes was daughter Aaradhya Bachchan, who also made an official appearance alongside her mother at the Lights on Women’s Worth Gala dinner hosted during the festival.

Interestingly, Aishwarya was not the only Bollywood celebrity to face online criticism over fashion choices during Cannes this year. Actor Alia Bhatt, who was also a part of L’Oreal, too found herself at the centre of social media discussions regarding her outfits and overall styling during her appearances at the festival. Several actors, filmmakers, and fans had also stepped forward in support of Alia, highlighting the growing conversations around trolling, unrealistic beauty standards, and personal expression in fashion.

Kangana’s statement has since garnered attention online, with many social media users appreciating her for standing in solidarity with Aishwarya and speaking against age-based criticism directed at women in entertainment and fashion spaces.

Also Read: Aishwarya Rai Bachchan impresses fashion police with more Cannes looks: From ethereal feather glam to avant-garde floral drama

Exactly a year ago, Bollywood Hungama reported what was probably one of the biggest newsbreaks of 2025 – Paresh Rawal had quit Hera Pheri 3. It shocked the trade, the industry, fans and even the team of the film. A few days after this news broke, Akshay Kumar’s Cape of Good Films, the producer of Hera Pheri 3, sued Paresh Rawal for Rs. 25 crores. A couple of days later, Bollywood Hungama published another report stating that Paresh Rawal had returned the signing amount of Rs. 11 lakhs with 15% p.a. interest, along with some additional money for stepping away from the series. A few weeks later, Paresh Rawal and Akshay Kumar resolved the matter, and the former returned to the franchise. The issue was put to rest and had even become history. But now, amusingly, it is back in the news.

On Saturday, reports started coming in that Paresh Rawal has once again quit Hera Pheri 3. Interestingly, these reports carried the same information that Bollywood Hungama had published exactly a year ago – that Paresh Rawal had returned the signing amount with 15% interest and additional compensation for walking out of the film. CLICK HERE TO READ THE NEWS

Back then, Bollywood Hungama had also reported further details about the development – that the actor was being paid Rs. 15 crores for the film, had received Rs. 11 lakhs as the signing amount and was to receive the balance Rs. 14.89 crores a month after the film’s release. A source had told us then, “The senior actor had reservations about this clause. Also, the film’s principal shoot was to commence sometime next year. This means that Hera Pheri 3 was unlikely to be released before late 2026 or in the year 2027. In short, Paresh would have had to wait for nearly two years to get the rest of his acting fees.”

The same information has now been picked up by certain news outlets, and the source of the information has been attributed to Bollywood Hungama. However, what they forgot to inform readers was that Bollywood Hungama had published this report on May 23, 2025, while these outlets wrote about it exactly a year later, on May 23, 2026!

Another amusing aspect is that the articles mention that Paresh Rawal would have to wait two years to get his acting fees if Hera Pheri 3 is released in late 2026 or 2027. But we are now in 2026. Hence, if the news was actually fresh, he would have to wait just six months or less than a year to receive Rs. 14.89 crores. This itself proves that the information being circulated is a year old.

As expected, the report has spread like wildfire on the internet and has panicked fans. However, they need not worry. Whenever Hera Pheri 3 is made, everyone’s favourite Baburao Ganpatrao Apte will definitely be there to entertain them.

Also Read: Akshay Kumar recreates his iconic Phir Hera Pheri pose; flaunts ‘side wala swag’

Actor Akshay Kumar is set to headline a new large-scale sci-fi action thriller titled Samuk, directed by Kanishk Varma and produced by Vipul Amrutlal Shah. Positioned as an ambitious alien survival thriller, the film is currently in development and is expected to go on floors soon.

The project marks Akshay Kumar’s return to a full-scale action role and will reportedly combine elements of survival horror, military realism, and alien thriller storytelling. The makers are also bringing together an international technical team with experience across several Hollywood franchise films. Speaking about the project, producer Vipul Shah said, “We always try to challenge ourselves with different genres, and Samuk is something Indian cinema hasn’t attempted before. Our aim is to create a world-class alien thriller for audiences.”

Director Kanishk Varma, known for projects such as Sanak and Inside Edge, revealed that the idea for the film emerged from his interest in survival thrillers and elite security force worlds. “Samuk was born from my love for the SPG world and survival thrillers like Alien and Predator. Bringing those influences together with Akshay sir has been surreal,” he said. The filmmaker also emphasised the use of practical effects over fully CGI-driven visuals. “I always wanted the creature to feel physically real on set. That old-school tactile horror is what made films like Alien timeless,” he added.

Joining the project is acclaimed Hollywood creature effects designer Alec Gillis, whose filmography includes work on the Alien and Predator franchises, along with films such as Starship Troopers, It, and Tremors. Gillis, who previously worked under legendary filmmaker Stan Winston, described the collaboration as creatively exciting.

“Working with Kanishk has been fantastic because he genuinely loves practical creature filmmaking. Our goal is to create an alien predator unlike anything audiences have seen before,” Gillis said. He further added, “Together Kanishk and I designed the title character, which is truly a unique alien horror. In an era of CGI and AI, it is gratifying that directors and audiences still value handcrafted, human-made traditional monsters.”

Praising Akshay Kumar’s screen presence, Gillis said, “He has the physicality of Jason Statham and the likeability of Tom Cruise. The challenge is creating a monster worthy of facing him. My goal is to create an alien nemesis in Samuk whose energy and screen charisma equal Mr. Kumar's. Defeating this new classic movie monster will not be an easy task, even for him.”

The action sequences for the film will be overseen by British stunt coordinator Luke Tumber, whose credits include the Mission: Impossible films, Star Wars, No Time To Die, and the Venom franchise. Speaking about the collaboration, Tumber said, “Kanishk has a very clear vision for the action, and Vipul Shah wants the scale to feel truly Hollywood-level. Working with Akshay Kumar on this kind of grounded, high-intensity action film is incredibly exciting.”

He added, “This project represents an exciting fusion of international stunt expeakshay kumarrtise, visionary filmmaking, and authentic action cinema, and I'm proud to be part of bringing that vision to life. Together, we aim to deliver a film that combines powerful storytelling with cutting-edge live-action sequences that will resonate with audiences internationally.”

Akshay Kumar also confirmed his involvement in the project, saying, “Yes, I've signed this film. I found the script and subject of Samuk fascinating. Alien thriller is a totally new genre for me and also for our films. I am very excited about it.”

Co-produced by Aashin A Shah, Samuk is being developed as a pan-Indian theatrical project with a planned 2027 release window.

Also Read: Akshay Kumar to make Bhojpuri debut? Actor collaborates with Akshara Singh for music video; deets inside!

The makers of Hai Jawani Toh Ishq Hona Hai have finally unveiled the much-awaited trailer of the film, and it promises a full-fledged Bollywood entertainer loaded with comedy, romance, confusion, music, and nonstop chaos. Bringing back the signature flavour of classic commercial Hindi cinema, the film also marks the fourth collaboration between filmmaker David Dhawan and actor Varun Dhawan.

The trailer offers glimpses into a colourful world packed with mistaken identities, comic misunderstandings, quirky family dynamics, larger-than-life situations, and energetic dance numbers — elements that have long defined David Dhawan’s style of filmmaking. Known for directing several iconic comedy entertainers over the years, the filmmaker appears to return to his comfort zone with this family-oriented comedy drama.

Leading the cast alongside Varun are Mrunal Thakur and Pooja Hegde, both of whom add glamour and romance to the chaotic narrative teased in the trailer. The film also boasts an ensemble supporting cast featuring Rakesh Bedi, Chunky Panday, Jimmy Shergill, Mouni Roy, Rajesh Kumar, and Ali Asgar in pivotal roles.

Speaking about the film, David Dhawan said, “This is my 46th film, and entertaining my audience continues to give me biggest joy. The film has all the ingredients of a classic family entertainer — humour, confusion, music, and heart.”

Apart from the comedy quotient, the film’s music album has already started generating buzz online. Tracks like ‘WOW’ have emerged as energetic dance numbers, while ‘Tera Ho Jaun’ adds a romantic layer to the story. Meanwhile, ‘Vyah Karwado Ji’ is steadily becoming a popular wedding playlist favourite among audiences.

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Producer Ramesh Taurani also opened up about the vision behind the entertainer. “With Hai Jawani Toh Ishq Hona Hai, we wanted to create a wholesome entertainer filled with laughter, music, romance, and family fun. We’re excited for audiences to experience the film’s energy and madness,” he said.

Directed by David Dhawan, produced by Tips Films, and co-produced by Maximilian Films UK, the film aims to deliver a nostalgic big-screen comedy experience for family audiences. Hai Jawani Toh Ishq Hona Hai is slated to release in cinemas on June 5.

Also Read: Hai Jawani Toh Ishq Hona Hai trailer launch’s most EMOTIONAL moment: David Dhawan gets teary-eyed and says, “Everybody should have a son like Varun”

Varun Dhawan, Pooja Hegde, Mrunal Thakur, David Dhawan, Ramesh Taurani, Anu Malik, Sameer, Maniesh Paul, Chunky Panday, Rajesh Kumar, Jimmy Sheirgill, Rajat Rawail, Ali Asgar, Girish Kumar, Kumar Taurani, writer Rumy Jafry and cinematographer Ayananka Bose attended the trailer launch of Hai Jawani Toh Ishq Hona Hai in Mumbai on May 23. The trailer launch was originally scheduled for May 21 but was cancelled at the last minute. Varun began the event by speaking about the rescheduling.

Varun Dhawan said, “Thank you to the media and fans for coming again. I genuinely mean it, as you guys came twice, that too in this terrible Mumbai heat. Hence, each one of you will get Fast & Up and a free iPhone from Ramesh ji!”

Maniesh Paul, in his trademark style, joked, “This has happened for the first time in the history of cinema that there was a rehearsal of a trailer launch! Aap log rehearsal pe aaye, bahut accha laga! And we are glad that you made it for the actual trailer launch as well (smiles).”

The film is embroiled in a legal matter after Vashu Bhagnani went to court over the use of the songs ‘Ishq Sona Hai’ and ‘Chunari Chunari’. He claimed that the songs belong to his film Biwi No 1 (1999) and hence, the makers of Hai Jawani Toh Ishq Hona Hai can’t use them in their film. Tips, meanwhile, argued that they have the rights to use the song.

Ramesh Taurani was asked about the case and he said, “There’s no problem at all. Hamara jo bhi tha, woh sort hua hai. Aur aage bhi sort ho jaayega. So, there’s no problem. Also, it’s a sub-judice matter. Hence, we are handling it.”

Varun also hinted at the matter when the team of the film was being called. When it was time to call Girish Kumar, he said, “I want to sing one song for Girish. It’s my favourite song and I was listening to it today in the car.” Varun then sang ‘Jeena Laga Hoon’ from Ramaiya Vastavaiya (2013), starring Girish.

After singing the song, Varun raised laughs as he asked, “Ramesh ji, iss gaane ke rights hai na?” Ramesh laughed and replied, “We have all the rights!” Maniesh Paul joked, “Nahin toh phir se aana padega!”

Hai Jawani Toh Ishq Hona Hai releases in cinemas on June 5.

Also Read: Vashu Bhagnani claims David Dhawan refused to shoot Coolie No 1 in London: “He and Varun felt they would get trolled if a Coolie was shown in London. But they shot in Bangkok. According to David ji, a Coolie can go to Bangkok but not London!”

It’s been almost six months since the first look teaser of King was unveiled on the occasion of Shah Rukh Khan’s 60th birthday. Yet, the excitement around the film has remained constant, even though its release is still nearly seven months away. Recently, we came across a tweet by an SRK fan that made an interesting observation – the superstar is collaborating with several members of King’s ensemble cast after a very long gap. While he is reuniting with some after a decade, others are sharing screen space with him after nearly 20 or even 30 years. In this article, Bollywood Hungama takes a closer look at this nostalgic reunion factor.

Anil Kapoor will feature in a crucial role in King and he was last seen with Shah Rukh Khan in Trimurti (1995), which was released 31 years ago. This is the only film that featured both actors. With Saurabh Shukla, SRK has worked thrice — in Baadshah (1999), Hey Ram (2000) and Mohabbatein (2000). Hence, both will be seen together in a film after 26 years.

Shah Rukh Khan and Arshad Warsi haven’t shared screen space in full-fledged roles in a film. However, Shah Rukh appeared in an entertaining and crucial cameo in the Arshad Warsi-starrer Kuchh Meetha Ho Jaye (2005).

Then, Shah Rukh Khan and Rani Mukerji last appeared together in Kabhi Alvida Naa Kehna (2006). She’s the co-star in King with whom SRK has worked the maximum — 7 times to be exact — in Kuch Kuch Hota Hai (1998), Hey Ram, Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham (2001), Chalte Chalte (2003), Veer-Zaara (2004), Paheli (2005) and Kabhi Alvida Naa Kehna. SRK was seen in a cameo in Rani Mukerji’s Har Dil Jo Pyar Karega (2000) and Saathiya (2002). In Shah Rukh Khan-fronted films, Rani was seen in a special appearance in Kal Ho Naa Ho (2003), Om Shanti Om (2007) and Rab Ne Bana Di Jodi (2008). That way, both have done a whopping 12 films in all.

Jackie Shroff and Abhishek Bachchan starred in Happy New Year (2014), which was their last film with the superstar. Jackie and SRK earlier worked together in King Uncle (1993), One 2 Ka 4 (2001) and Devdas (2002). SRK and Abhishek, meanwhile, shared screen space in Kabhi Alvida Naa Kehna before Happy New Year.

Jaideep Ahlawat played a supporting part in Raees (2017), which was his only film with SRK. Finally, Deepika Padukone was last seen in an important supporting role in Jawan (2023), which was released three years ago. Together, SRK and Deepika have come together five times, and all these films have emerged as huge hits – Om Shanti Om, Chennai Express (2013), Happy New Year, Pathaan (2023) and Jawan. Deepika also made special appearances in Shah Rukh’s Billu (2009) and Zero (2018).

Lastly, actors like Akshay Oberoi, Abhay Verma, Raghav Juyal, Fahim Fazli and Karanvir Malhotra are also seen in King and they’ll be sharing screen space with Shah Rukh Khan for the first time.

When King’s ensemble last shared screen space with Shah Rukh Khan: 1. Anil Kapoor – Trimurti (1995) 2. Saurabh Shukla – Mohabbatein (2000) 3. Arshad Warsi – Kuchh Meetha Ho Jaye (2005; SRK in a cameo) 4. Rani Mukerji – Kabhi Alvida Naa Kehna (2006) and Rab Ne Bana Di Jodi (2008; Rani in a cameo) 5. Jackie Shroff – Happy New Year (2014) 6. Abhishek Bachchan – Happy New Year (2014) 7. Jaideep – Raees (2017) 8. Deepika Padukone – Jawan (2023)

Also Read: “We have grown up in Shah Rukh Khan’s era; we are bound to feel romance”: Shaalien Malhotra on his writing-directorial debut with Seven and a Half Dates