Filmmaker Karan Johar has announced the release date of his long-gestating film on Rameshwar Nath Kao, the founder of India's external intelligence agency, Research and Analysis Wing (R&AW). The film is scheduled to arrive in cinemas on August 11, 2028. The announcement was made by Karan on social media, although details about the cast have not been revealed yet.

Sharing the announcement, Karan described Kao as “The Man, The Myth, The Legend” and wrote, “RN Kao - The Man, The Myth, The Legend. The founder of R&AW, who led India to an unprecedented win in the 1971 War against Pakistan. The story of R&AW, it's founder and the first ever mission in cinema hall / 11th August, 2028!”

In another caption, Karan elaborated on the project and revealed that it is based on Nitin Gokhale's book Gentleman Spymaster. He wrote, “He built the invisible…but history remembers his impact. Today marks 58 years of R&AW and we’re thrilled to announce our film on the story of RN Kao, the man who operated in the shadows & brought to light an institution we know today as R&AW - and its first mission. Based on the book Gentleman Spymaster by Nitin Gokhale, his story comes alive on big screens on 11 August, 2028.”

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Karan Johar first announced the project in 2020 Karan had first officially announced the project in January 2020. At the time, Dharma Productions and Still and Still Media Collective announced their collaboration on a film based on Nitin Gokhale's R.N. Kao: Gentleman Spymaster.

Karan's announcement described the project as “The Untold Story of the Real Life Indian Spymaster - Rameshwar Nath Kao.” He had also said that the film would explore Kao's role in founding R&AW and his journey in international espionage.

The project has now received an official theatrical release date, more than eight years after its initial announcement. The makers are yet to announce the cast or provide further details about the director and other members of the creative team. Who was R.N. Kao? Rameshwar Nath Kao (1918-2002) was an Indian intelligence officer and bureaucrat who played a key role in the country's intelligence establishment. In 1968, then Prime Minister Indira Gandhi appointed him as the founding Secretary of R&AW. Kao headed the agency until 1977.

The upcoming film is expected to focus on the formation of R&AW, Kao's role in building the organisation and its first mission. Karan's announcement also positions the project around the historical events associated with the agency and its founder. Another R.N. Kao project was announced for OTT Karan Johar's film is not the only project that has previously been announced around R.N. Kao's life. In 2022, filmmaker Hansal Mehta was announced as the creator and showrunner of an upcoming OTT series based on R K Yadav's book Mission R&AW.

The series was set to chronicle Kao's journey and work as the first chief of R&AW. However, there have been no significant updates on the project since its announcement.

Karan's newly announced film, meanwhile, now has a confirmed theatrical release date of August 11, 2028. Further details, including its cast and other production information, are awaited.

Also Read: SCOOP: Hrithik Roshan approached by Dharma Productions for film on Indian spymaster RN Kao

Comedian Samay Raina and actress Medha Shankr have reacted to reports claiming that they are planning to get married in December 2026. The speculation surfaced online after an anonymous Reddit post alleged that the two were planning to tie the knot later this year.

The post went viral on social media and claimed that Samay and Medha were currently vacationing together. It also alleged that Samay wanted to marry the 12th Fail actress “as soon as possible”. However, neither Samay nor Medha has publicly confirmed that they are in a relationship.

The two have now addressed the wedding speculation, with Samay responding to the reports in his trademark humorous style. Samay Raina jokes about “postponing” wedding Reacting to the reports, Samay shared an Instagram story and tagged Medha. He jokingly pointed out that his India tour is scheduled for December and wrote, “December mai toh mera India tour hai @medhashankr sorry will have to postpone."

Medha reshared Samay’s story and responded with laughing emojis, appearing to play along with the joke surrounding the viral reports. The actress later shared another meme on her Instagram story, adding the caption, “Me scrolling past all the baseless wedding rumours like."

Speculation around Samay and Medha’s equation has previously surfaced online. Medha recently appeared on Samay Raina’s India’s Got Latent Season 2, where she joined Varun Dhawan and Sharon Verma on the panel.

Also Read: Nawazuddin Siddiqui to feature on India’s Got Latent; actor shoots episode with Samay Raina and Bhuvan Bam

Rohed Khan’s stint in the Bigg Boss 20 house may have come to an end, but the contestant walked out with words of appreciation from none other than host Salman Khan. Rohed has become the first contestant to be eliminated from the season.

As Rohed prepared to bid farewell to the house, Salman Khan acknowledged his journey and appreciated the way he carried himself during his time on the show. Salman praised Rohed for maintaining his dignity through the highs and lows of the Bigg Boss experience.

Addressing him, Salman said, “Job well done. Well played with dignity. Your are a good man.”

The appreciation made Rohed’s final moments on the show particularly meaningful. During his stint, he found himself navigating changing equations, nominations and different dynamics inside the house, while getting the opportunity to showcase his personality to the audience.

The farewell also turned into a memorable exchange when Rohed opened up about his desire to work with Salman in the future. Expressing his admiration for the superstar, Rohed said, “I really want to work with you.”

Salman’s response left the door open for a possible collaboration someday. Salman Khan told Rohed, “One day we will work.”

The encouraging exchange added an emotional touch to Rohed’s exit and gave his Bigg Boss journey a positive closing moment.

Although his Bigg Boss 20 journey has concluded, Rohed’s exit was marked by Salman’s appreciation for the way he conducted himself with dignity. With Salman Khan's words of encouragement and the possibility of working together in the future, Rohed left the show on a memorable note.

Also Read: Bigg Boss 20: Mahhi Vij, Mary Kom lock horns after Love Gill provokes boxer over ration task, watch promo!

Ajay Devgn is currently gearing up for the much-awaited Drishyam The Conclusion. The thriller releases in cinemas on October 2 and marks the veteran actor’s second release of the year after the super-hit Dhamaal 4. His next film, tentatively-titled Ranger, co-starring Sanjay Dutt and Tamannaah Bhatia, was expected to arrive in cinemas on December 4. However, since last month, there have been reports that the film has been pushed to 2027.

Bollywood Hungama has now learned that the film has indeed been postponed and will release only next year. A source told us, “The film should release after Eid, which falls in March 2027. Hence, expect Ranger to be a summer release, which would be apt. It’s a jungle adventure and would be an ideal film to release during the school and college holidays.”

December 4, meanwhile, will now see the release of Akshay Kumar-Vidya Balan-Raashii Khanna’s untitled comic caper, directed by Anees Bazmee. It will clash with Shraddha Kapoor-starrer Eetha. There’s also a possibility of Prabhas’ period action drama, Fauzi, releasing on December 3. However, as per trade sources, it’s unlikely and like Ranger, it maybe pushed to 2027.

This means Ajay Devgn will have just two releases in 2026. According to an August report in Mid-Day, Ranger features Ajay as a forest officer determined to protect tigers. However, his mission is made increasingly difficult by an inefficient team, corrupt superiors and a ruthless gang of poachers led by Sanjay Dutt, who plays the antagonist.

The Mid-Day report also said that the climax was shot last month in Mumbai, after which the makers plan to film a special dance number with Tamannaah Bhatia and Ajay Devgn.

Ranger is produced by Luv Ranjan and directed by Jagan Shakti. In an exclusive interview with Bollywood Hungama in January 2026, Luv said, “Ajay sir and Sanju sir have worked together so many times in these 25 years. Yet, they have never done an action film together. It is very shocking. It is extremely exciting that we’ll get to see them in an action film for the first time.”

Also Read: Alia Bhatt REACTS to Ajay Devgn’s Drishyam The Conclusion trailer: “Hat-trick incoming”

Netflix has unveiled the first look of its upcoming family drama series Unaccustomed Earth, starring Freida Pinto and Siddharth in the lead roles. The series is inspired by Jhumpa Lahiri’s acclaimed short story collection of the same name and is set to premiere on December 17, 2026.

Adapted by Madhuri Shekar, who also serves as the showrunner and writer, Unaccustomed Earth follows an Indian American community as its members navigate relationships, family expectations, loss and questions of belonging across generations.

Freida Pinto plays Parul Chaudhury

Freida Pinto plays Parul Chaudhury, a wife and mother whose life takes an unexpected turn after she is diagnosed with cancer. The character has previously made significant personal sacrifices, including giving up her college first love to respect her father’s wishes.

Following her diagnosis, Parul moves with her family from India to Cambridge, Massachusetts, a place where she had previously felt a strong sense of belonging. The move prompts her to reconsider the life choices she has made and pursue possibilities she had left behind.

Her decisions subsequently have an impact not only on her family but also on the wider immigrant community around her.

Siddharth plays Amit, with the series also featuring Indraneil Sengupta as Jai, Parveen Kaur as Nina, Sarayu Blue as Ruma, Justin Bartha as Adam, Adi Roy as Kaushik, Iyla Sundarsingh Mckaig as Hema and Jayant Kripalani as Pranab.

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Adapted from Jhumpa Lahiri’s short story collection

Unaccustomed Earth takes inspiration from Lahiri’s collection, which explores the experiences of Indian American families and their relationships with identity, culture, family and home.

The Netflix series is set across Cambridge and Boston, Massachusetts, and centres on multiple generations within the community. The story brings together themes of love, personal choices, family ties and the experience of living between cultures.

The series has Madhuri Shekar as showrunner and writer, with John Wells, Jhumpa Lahiri, Nisha Ganatra, Erica Saleh, Erin Jontow and Celia Costas also serving as executive producers. Ritesh Batra is set to direct and executive produce the first two episodes.

The additional cast includes Ishita Bansal as Divya, Meera Simham as Swati, Ravi Kapoor as Vishal, Swayam Bhatia as Sudha and Palomi Ghosh as Anjali.

Unaccustomed Earth is produced by Warner Bros. Television and will stream exclusively on Netflix from December 17, 2026.

Also Read: #Love: Arjun Das and Aishwarya Lekshmi starrer Netflix new-age romance to premiere on October 2

Akshay Kumar and Vipul Amrutlal Shah’s Samuk is continuing to build an eclectic ensemble, and we hear acclaimed actor-filmmaker Rajat Kapoor is the latest name to come on board the sci-fi action thriller.

According to sources, Kapoor is said to be playing a pivotal part in the Kanishk Varma directorial, which is being produced by Vipul Amrutlal Shah under Sunshine Pictures and co-produced by Aashin A Shah. The film, currently being shot in the UK, is being mounted as a large-scale theatrical spectacle combining science fiction, action and survival elements.

Kapoor is known for bringing a certain assured nuance and intelligence to his performances. Over the years, he has moved fluidly between character-driven parts and mainstream Hindi cinema, with performances in films such as Monsoon Wedding (2001), Bheja Fry (2007), Kapoor & Sons (2016), Mulk (2018), Drishyam (2015), Drishyam 2 (2022), Gehraiyaan (2022), etc., thus forming part of an unusually varied body of work. Recently, Rajat Kapoor was part of the ensemble of Netflix’s Raat Akeli Hai: The Bansal Murders (2025) and was also seen in Imtiaz Ali’s Main Vaapas Aaunga (2026).

Rajat Kapoor brings a very different quality to the ensemble. He has the ability to deliver an assured performance which amps up the movie, and that is important for a film like Samuk. The role has weight within the story, and the makers felt he was the right fit.

Kapoor’s reported addition gives Samuk yet another interesting casting, bringing together performers with very different screen energies around Akshay Kumar.

Samuk marks the reunion of Akshay Kumar and producer Vipul Amrutlal Shah after a gap of 13 years. The project has been in development for over two years and is being mounted on a large scale for theatrical audiences.

Also Read: BREAKING: Akshay Kumar and Vipul Shah’s Samuk takes authenticity to another level in London; makers use REAL helicopter for dramatic sequence instead of VFX

Abundantia Entertainment, led by Vikram Malhotra, and Almighty Motion Picture, led by Prabhleen Sandhu, have joined hands to produce Heavy Metal, a feature film based on Ameer Shahul’s investigative book Heavy Metal: How a Global Corporation Poisoned Kodaikanal, published by Pan Macmillan. The film is currently in pre-production, with principal casting underway and filming expected to begin soon.

The project will explore the mercury contamination controversy in Kodaikanal, Tamil Nadu, and the events surrounding a thermometer factory operated by Hindustan Unilever. The issue came into focus in 2001 following allegations related to the disposal of mercury-contaminated waste from the facility.

Over the years, the controversy developed into a prolonged campaign involving former factory workers, local residents, environmental activists and Greenpeace. The issue also attracted international attention, raising questions around worker safety, corporate accountability and environmental responsibility.

Based on Shahul’s investigative account, the film is being developed as a corporate-environmental thriller with an investigative narrative and a strong human element. The makers are looking to explore the events through the experiences of those affected by the controversy and the larger questions surrounding industrial practices and environmental impact.

According to those familiar with the project, the creative approach draws inspiration from films and series such as Erin Brockovich, Dark Waters and Chernobyl, while focusing on the specific events surrounding the Kodaikanal controversy.

For Almighty Motion Picture, Heavy Metal adds to its slate of projects inspired by real-world events, people and institutions. The production house recently backed the streaming series Made in India: A Titan Story.

The collaboration with Abundantia Entertainment brings together two production banners for a project that combines elements of a corporate thriller, investigative mystery and human drama.

The film is expected to go on floors shortly. Details about the director, cast and other members of the production team are expected to be announced in the coming days.

Also Read : Abundantia Entertainment CEO Vikram Malhotra says audiences want rooted stories and unique characters: “Indians want stories that reflect the world they live in”

Amaal Mallik has responded strongly to social media users targeting his family amid the ongoing discussion surrounding his song ‘Main Hoon Hero Tera’. The composer took to social media to address the criticism and made it clear that while he may respond to comments directed at him, he would not accept remarks aimed at his family.

On Wednesday, Amaal shared a post on X, formerly known as Twitter, drawing a distinction between criticism of his work and comments about his family. He wrote, “A statutory warning to the entire audience on each & every social platform of the world… Not a word about my family will be tolerated.”

Amaal was referring to the controversy surrounding ‘Main Hoon Hero Tera’, the 2015 song sung by Salman Khan. Addressing the discussion around the song's credits, he explained the contributions of everyone involved in its making. Amaal wrote, “Firstly, know that Armaan Malik has sung the main version, because of which it could be presented to the actor-producer Mr Salman Khan and director Mr Nikhil Advani. I made it, @kumaarofficial sir wrote it, @ArmaanMalik22 sang it; hence it got approved and then @BeingSalmanKhan sir sang it. That’s how the cookie crumbles, and that’s exactly how it happened, okay? FYI, without Me & Kumaar sir, there would be no song to sing. Without Armaan, there would be nothing to play to Salman, sir. Without SK’s face & voice version, the song wouldn’t be where it is today; never denied that. But does anyone even pause to think how much goes into creating a song and then get left out of every celebration post every year.”

A statutory warning to the entire audience on each & every social platform of the world…

Not a word about my family will be tolerated.

Targeting me is part of your game plan, gives you some likes and eyeballs - GREAT!

You are welcome ;)

Last few days I have been seeing… pic.twitter.com/nEx3qvLr3e — Amaal Mallik (@AmaalMallik) September 16, 2026

The composer further warned that he would publicly address those who make comments about his family. He also spoke about standing by his father, Daboo Malik, and his family despite their estrangement.

“I will expose each one of you here if I find you saying anything against my family. Also, if anyone from the film industry, without probable cause or reason, stands up against me and mine, watch out, I’ll be coming for you… Music ka #Srk hoon main, Magar gussa mera #SalmanKhan Aur #SanjayDutt wala hai. Yeh sab doosro ko saath chalta hoga, Daboo Malik aur unki family ke saath Bilkul nahi… Amaal Mallik unke saath khada tha, hai aur rahega bhi. So, bhidna at your own risk. (This might happen with others, but definitely not with Daboo Malik and his family… Amaal Mallik stood with them, stands with them, and will continue to stand with them. So, clash at your own risk).”

The controversy began after Salman Khan Films shared a social media post marking 10 years of ‘Main Hoon Hero Tera’ without initially mentioning Amaal Mallik as the composer. Amaal subsequently called out the omission, following which the post was edited to include his credit.

The incident also led to criticism of Amaal on social media, with some users calling him ‘ungrateful’ towards Salman Khan. Amaal and his singer-brother Armaan Malik subsequently defended his position publicly, resulting in further discussion online.

Also Read : Sau Aasmaan Turns 10: Amaal Malik, Armaan Malik and Neeti Mohan reflect on ‘Baar Baar Dekho’ song˝

Filmmaker Rakesh Roshan has leased two commercial units in Mumbai’s Andheri West to Beingu Studios Private Limited. According to property registration documents accessed by CRE Matrix, the two offices have a combined area of 5,574 sq ft and are being leased for a monthly fee of Rs 7.30 lakh.

The commercial units are situated at Commerce Centre, off New Link Road in Oshiwara, Andheri West. The deal also includes two car parking spaces.

The leave and license agreement was registered on September 9, 2026. The lease has been signed for a period of three years, with a 5% annual increase in the monthly rent. The security deposit for the transaction stands at Rs 10.95 lakh. Rent To Increase Over Three-Year Lease As per the registered agreement, Beingu Studios will pay Rs 7.30 lakh per month during the first year of the lease. The monthly license fee will rise to Rs 7.66 lakh in the second year and further increase to Rs 8.04 lakh during the third year.

The escalation clause is part of the three-year leave and license agreement registered with the authorities.

Beingu Studios describes itself on its website as a content enterprise with operations spanning cinema, television, live concerts and digital platforms. Rakesh Roshan’s Recent Property Transactions The latest commercial lease comes a few months after Rakesh Roshan and his wife, Pramila Roshan, leased their apartment in Mumbai’s Juhu-Vile Parle Development Scheme. The residential property was leased for three years. Property registration documents accessed by CRE Matrix indicated that the agreement could generate approximately Rs 1.89 crore in rental income over the complete lease period.

The Roshan family has also been involved in several property transactions in Mumbai and other parts of the country in recent months.

In January 2026, Rakesh Roshan sold a 1.09-hectare land parcel in Pune district for Rs 15 crore. The transaction was recorded in property registration documents accessed by CRE Matrix.

Also Read: BREAKING: EXCLUSIVE footage of Ramayana to be screened at Big Cine Expo 2026, Chennai; Rakesh Roshan to receive Special Achievement Award

Ganesh Acharya has announced his next directorial, Ganesh Dust To Stardust, unveiling the film’s first poster and an announcement video. The first glimpse introduces the film’s visual world while keeping details about its story and characters under wraps.

Written and directed by Ganesh Acharya, the film marks his next project as a filmmaker. The announcement video offers an initial look at the scale and setting of Ganesh Dust To Stardust, using dramatic visuals and an expansive presentation to build curiosity around the project.

The first poster also gives a glimpse into the film’s visual identity, while further details about its narrative and characters are yet to be revealed. The makers are expected to announce more information about the cast and the film in the coming days.

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Speaking about the film, Ganesh Acharya says, “Ganesh Dust To Stardust is a very special film for me. We have made it with a lot of heart, and I am excited to finally share its first glimpse with the audience. I hope they enjoy what we have created.”

Known primarily for his work as a choreographer and filmmaker, Ganesh Acharya has also directed films across mainstream Hindi cinema. With Ganesh Dust To Stardust, he takes on the role of storyteller once again, with the project being presented on a larger cinematic canvas.

The film is produced by Soundarya under V2S Production & Entertainment. Ganesh Acharya is directing the project, while the screenplay and dialogues have been written by Digangana Suryavanshi and Ganesh Acharya.

With the first poster and announcement video now released, the film has begun its promotional journey. More details about the cast, storyline and other aspects of Ganesh Dust To Stardust are expected to be revealed in due course.

Also Read : Ganesh Acharya on his first collaboration with Anil Kapoor, “I had wanted to work with Anil sir for a long time”

A couple of weeks after the release and surprising box office performance of Haunted – Echoes Of The Past, director Vikram Bhatt and producer Anand Pandit announced that they would join hands for 1920: Cold Winter. A month later, in July 2026, it was reported that Ahan Shetty has signed the horror flick. And now, Bollywood Hungama has come across an interesting information about the film.

A source told Bollywood Hungama, “Anya Singh, who became widely known after The Ba***ds Of Bollywood, has come on board as the female lead of the film. The makers were impressed by Anya’s screen presence and talent, and felt that she would be apt for the part. Anya is also excited as she has never attempted horror before in Bollywood.”

Interestingly, both Ahan Shetty and Anya Singh also shared screen space in this year’s super-hit war film, Border 2. While Ahan played the role of Lt Cdr Mahendra Singh Rawat, Anya was seen as his wife, Sudha Rawat. Hence, 1920: Cold Winter marks the second film in which Ahan Shetty and Anya Singh will be paired opposite each other.

As per reports, 1920: Cold Winter will go on floors in November this year. It will be the sixth film in the 1920 franchise. The series began with 1920 in 2008. It was directed by Vikram Bhatt and launched Adah Sharma and Rajniesh Duggal. While 1920 was average, the next film, 1920: Evil Returns (2012), was a semi-hit. It starred Aftab Shivdasani and Tia Bajpai and was directed by Bhushan Patel. 1920 London (2016), meanwhile, was directed by Tinu Suresh Desai and featured Sharman Joshi and Meera Chopra. Vikram Bhatt was involved with the second and third parts as writer and producer.

1921 (2018) was produced, written and directed by Vikram and it featured Zareen Khan and Karan Kundrra. While 1920 London flopped at the box office, 1921 was an average grosser.

1920: Horrors Of The Heart (2023) was also directed by Vikram Bhatt and it was his first association with producer Anand Pandit. Starring Avika Gor and Danish Pandor, the horror flick performed decently at the box office.

Also Read: Anya Singh opens up about changing fashion views; says, “It’s such a generic thought to have, and women do that to other women as well”