A fun event was hosted by the Cocktail 2 team at a premium restobar in central Mumbai on Sunday, May 17, and was attended by Shahid Kapoor, Kriti Sanon, Rashmika Mandanna, producers Dinesh Vijan and Luv Ranjan, director Homi Adajania and music director Pritam Chakraborty. The media was invited to the bash with the promise of a surprise.

The surprise turned out to be an exclusive preview of two songs from the film – ‘Mashooka’ and ‘Tujhko’. ‘Mashooka’ features Shahid Kapoor romancing Kriti Sanon in Sicily, Italy, and other picturesque locations. The foot-tapping number sees the duo in a playful, goofy mood before ending with a seductive dance sequence.

‘Tujhko’, meanwhile, is sung by Arijit Singh and focuses on Shahid Kapoor and Rashmika Mandanna. The slow romantic number hints that the two characters were college sweethearts before circumstances pulled them apart.

After both songs were unveiled, the media was asked to decide which one should release first. Initially, the journalists were asked to simply shout out the name of their preferred track. Later, a QR code flashed on the screen, directing them to a link where they could cast their vote.

The results were then announced, with ‘Mashooka’ receiving more votes than ‘Tujhko’. This led to some fun banter among the team, as they felt both tracks were equally strong and were in two minds about which one should be unveiled to the world first. Pritam Chakraborty insisted that the team should respect the voters’ choice and release ‘Mashooka’ first. Dinesh Vijan then announced that ‘Mashooka’ would indeed be the first song to be launched, followed by ‘Tujhko’.

Interestingly, ‘Tujhko’ ends with a slate announcing that the much-awaited trailer of Cocktail 2 will be launched on May 29. The film is scheduled to release in cinemas on June 19.

Also Read: Cocktail 2 first song ‘Jab Talak’ unveiled: Shahid Kapoor, Kriti Sanon and Rashmika Mandanna bring breezy summer romance to screen

Filmmaker and actor Anurag Kashyap has landed in legal trouble after a court in Surat directed police to register a criminal case against him over his alleged remarks about the Brahmin community on social media.

The order was passed on Saturday by the court of Judicial Magistrate First Class A S Jani following a private complaint filed by lawyer and Vishva Hindu Parishad leader Kamlesh Raval. According to reports, the court observed that there appeared to be sufficient grounds to examine whether the filmmaker’s posts could have harmed the reputation of a particular community and contributed to social tension.

As part of the order, the court instructed authorities to register a case under sections related to promoting hostility between groups, intentional insult aimed at disturbing public peace, and circulation of allegedly misleading information.

The complaint was filed by Raval, who belongs to the Brahmin community and alleged that Kashyap’s posts on X contained objectionable comments targeting Brahmins. According to the complaint, the controversy began after the filmmaker reacted to criticism surrounding the trailer launch of the Hindi film Phule in April last year.

The complainant claimed that Kashyap not only posted comments viewed as offensive but also continued making remarks while responding to users who opposed his views online. It was further alleged that the posts insulted the wider Brahmin community and had the potential to create division between social groups.

In the complaint submitted before the court, Raval reportedly argued that public figures like Kashyap hold significant influence because of their work in cinema and entertainment. The complaint stated that actors and filmmakers are widely followed by audiences across age groups, making their public statements highly impactful.

The plea also referred to an older social media post allegedly made by Kashyap in January 2020, where he had criticised the Union government and used terms that the complainant described as objectionable towards Hindus.

Reports further stated that several notices and summons had earlier been issued to the filmmaker in connection with the matter. However, according to the complainant, Kashyap did not respond to them, following which a non-bailable warrant was reportedly issued against him.

As of now, Anurag Kashyap has not publicly reacted to the latest court order.

Also Read: Anurag Kashyap hits back at Vipul Shah, “A person who calls an abuse a relationship has to come from an extremely patriarchal mind”

In a major development surrounding one of the year’s most talked-about films, Sanjay Dutt starrer Aakhri Sawal is set to hold a special screening at Rashtrapati Bhavan today, Bollywood Hungama has exclusively learned. The screening comes amid mounting controversy around the film. Over the past few days, Aakhri Sawal has been making headlines after reports surfaced of the film being banned in the UAE, while a PIL was also reportedly filed against the project in India.

Despite the storm surrounding the film, the makers appear unfazed and are moving ahead with an aggressive rollout strategy. Sources close to the development reveal that preparations for the Rashtrapati Bhavan screening have been underway quietly over the last few days, though details regarding the guest list and attendees remain under wraps.

Directed as a hard-hitting social drama, Aakhri Sawal features an ensemble cast led by Sanjay Dutt, the film has already generated substantial curiosity because of its subject matter and politically charged conversations surrounding it. Industry insiders believe the Rashtrapati Bhavan screening could become a pivotal moment in the film’s journey. The contrast between the ongoing legal and censorship-related challenges and a screening at one of the country’s most prestigious venues has only amplified intrigue around the project.

Sources close to the development inform Bollywood Hungama that preparations for the screening have been underway quietly over the last few days. While details regarding the guest list and attendees remain tightly under wraps, the very fact that the film is being screened at such a significant venue has already triggered conversations across industry and political circles alike.

The juxtaposition is hard to ignore. On one hand, the film is facing resistance and legal challenges; on the other, it is receiving a platform for a high-profile showcase at one of the country’s most important institutions. The move is expected to further intensify debate around the film and could significantly boost curiosity among audiences ahead of its release.

While the makers have remained tight-lipped on both the UAE ban and the PIL controversy, discussions around Aakhri Sawal continue to intensify across trade and social media circles.

Also Read: “Aakhri Sawal will show facts that have been floating over the years on social media,” says producer Nikhil Nanda

Something big is brewing at T-Series. Bollywood Hungama has exclusively learned that the Bhushan Kumar-led powerhouse is preparing to announce a brand-new film titled Satranga, described by insiders as a large-scale musical drama mounted on an ambitious cinematic canvas.

While an official announcement is expected soon, the project has already begun generating strong buzz within industry circles. Sources close to the development reveal that Satranga is being envisioned as more than just a conventional musical romance. The film is said to be a sweeping emotional spectacle where music forms the very backbone of the storytelling.

According to sources, the script is nearly locked, indicating that the creative groundwork is firmly in place. The makers are now focused on assembling the cast, which has not yet been finalized. Given the scale of the project and T-Series’ long-standing relationships with Bollywood’s biggest stars, expectations around the eventual casting are already high.

Known for backing some of Hindi cinema’s biggest music-driven successes, T-Series appears to be leaning fully into its musical legacy with Satranga. Industry insiders suggest the film is being designed as an immersive theatrical experience where songs won’t merely support the narrative but drive it.

Details regarding the director and cast are expected to be unveiled during the official announcement in the coming weeks. With the script nearing completion and development moving swiftly, Satranga is already shaping up to be one of the most closely watched upcoming Bollywood projects.

Bollywood Hungama will continue tracking all developments around Satranga and bring you further exclusive updates as they unfold.

Also Read: Mohit Suri and Yash Raj Film partner on a multi-film production deal

Parineeti Chopra has added yet another meaningful association to her journey as she has been announced as the new face of Johnson’s Baby. The actress attended a special event in Mumbai on May 12 to launch Johnson’s Baby’s new nourishment range, comprising milk and rice, and built around the concept of “Poshan Ka Pehla Sparsh” and the idea of “Food for Skin.”

Over the years, Parineeti has emerged as one of the most admired names among the youth. From her film choices to her candid personality and relatable public image, she has always struck a chord with young India. Now, as a new mother herself, her association with Johnson’s Baby feels both timely and organic. Her personal journey into motherhood gives the campaign a layer of authenticity, making her an ideal brand ambassador for a name that has been synonymous with baby care for generations.

Speaking about the association, Parineeti Chopra said, "Motherhood is truly a blessing, and I feel incredibly grateful to be experiencing something so magical. Becoming the brand ambassador for Johnson’s Baby felt very special to me because it allows me to be part of the care and comfort that every mother and baby deserves. I’m looking forward to this association.”

The collaboration also reflects the evolving face of celebrity endorsements, where brands are increasingly looking for personalities who bring not just popularity, but also lived experiences and emotional resonance. Parineeti’s new phase as a mother makes her connect naturally with parents who seek products built around gentleness, safety and trust.

With her warmth, relatability and strong connect with the youth as well as young parents, Parineeti Chopra’s association with Johnson’s Baby is expected to further strengthen the brand’s emotional bond with Indian families. For the actress, too, this marks a special milestone as she steps into a brand journey that mirrors one of the most beautiful chapters of her own life – motherhood.

Also Read: Parineeti Chopra to host Mom Talks on ZEE5; celeb parents open up on modern parenting

Thanks to affordable internet and the surge of social media, information travels faster than ever. The flip side, however, is that fake news and disinformation also have the potential to spread like wildfire. Prominent actress Anupria Goenka experienced this last week when an Instagram handle called ‘Sarcastic Tube’ put up a post attributing a quote to her. The alleged quote claimed that an actor lost control and crossed all limits while shooting an intimate scene with her. The post further claimed that Anupria couldn’t understand what was happening during the scene. The shocking part is that Anupria never made any such statement. She immediately called out the mischief-monger page on her Instagram story and slammed them for their behaviour. It’s been seven days since the controversial post was uploaded, and it continues to remain on the page. At the time of publishing this article, the post could still be seen on the Instagram handle and had not been deleted despite the actress tagging the page and making it clear that she never gave any such quote.

Anupria Goenka recently spoke to Bollywood Hungama exclusively for IIZ: Indian Institute Of Zombies. When asked about this controversial post and whether she plans to take legal action against the handle, Anupria said, “I don’t want to, as I don’t want to give that much energy to it. I don’t even know why and where it has come from. I had said something regarding intimate scenes 2 years back in an interview. Even then, I was misquoted. If you pick out one line in isolation from an interview and make it into a headline, it sounds very different from my entire intention behind the conversation.”

She continued, “Even in that interview, I had clearly stated that, for the most part, I have had very comfortable co-actors. The journalist kept prodding me about it, and I said that there was one instance where I had an issue and communicated to the person that I was not comfortable. Otherwise, on our sets, it has been a very safe environment, at least as per my experience. When you say something, the other person will definitely listen and understand whether you’re comfortable or not. Most directors are very, very sensitive, and so are the co-actors.”

She added, “The idea was to put the attention on agency, that is, being aware of what you want to do and don’t want to do, being very open about it, and not feeling pressured to do something that you are not comfortable with. But it was communicated as if someone had taken advantage of me. It’s so bizarre. I didn’t talk like that. Even then, it didn’t sound as bad as it did in that Instagram post. This one said, ‘He crossed all boundaries.’ Who would cross all boundaries? And why would I say, ‘I didn’t know what was happening?’ I have a mind of my own; why would I not know what was happening? Who talks like that?”

Anupria remarked, “It paints such a feeble picture of a woman, that ‘I am so weak, someone could come and take advantage of me, I could do nothing and now I feel sorry about it’. I’ll neither talk like nor will I ever promote it in the media. I don’t know where it's coming from. I have done no interview in the recent past.”

She concluded by saying, “I am not planning to take any action. I said what I had to say.”

Also Read: EXCLUSIVE: Anupria Goenka opens up on her IIZ: Indian Institute Of Zombies role: “Many times, a sexy woman becomes eye candy; very seldom do we see her as intelligent and desirable at the same time”

Huma Qureshi is all set to return to the prestigious Cannes Film Festival, adding another milestone to her steadily growing international journey. Over the years, the actor has built a strong reputation for balancing mainstream cinema with content-driven performances, and her Cannes 2026 appearance further highlights her expanding global footprint.

Having attended Cannes previously as well, Huma has consistently represented Indian cinema on international platforms through her unconventional film choices and impactful performances. Whether it was her breakthrough role in Gangs of Wasseypur or critically appreciated performances in projects like Maharani, Monica O My Darling, Tarla and Leila, the actor has continuously backed stories that stand apart. She also expanded her global reach with Army of the Dead, directed by Zack Snyder.

Last year proved to be particularly significant for Huma on the international front. The actor attended both the Toronto International Film Festival and the Busan International Film Festival for her film Bayaan. Notably, Bayaan emerged as the only Indian film selected in the Discovery section at TIFF 2025, earning considerable attention in global festival circuits.

As anticipation builds around her Cannes 2026 appearance, fans are eager to see what fashion and cinematic moments Huma brings to the iconic international platform this year. Known for her confident style choices and strong screen presence, the actor has often made headlines for effortlessly blending glamour with substance.

On the work front, Huma Qureshi has an exciting lineup ahead. She is expected to feature in Toxic alongside an ensemble cast headlined by Yash. She also has projects like Pooja Meri Jaan and Gulabi in the pipeline.

Apart from acting, Huma has also stepped into production with her brother Saqib Saleem under their banner Saleem Siblings. The duo is currently gearing up to complete their first production venture, Baby Do Die Do, which is expected to showcase Huma in a completely new avatar.

Also Read: Red Lorry Film Festival to open with The Testament of Ann Lee, Spotlight Bayaan, close with 13 Days, 13 Nights

Shahid Kapoor is among the most celebrated actors of Hindi Cinema, who is gearing up for the release of Cocktail 2. Known for his phenomenal acting talent, the actor was in talks with Anees Bazmee for a comic caper titled Ram Aur Shyam. But the film didn't materialise due to reasons best known to the stakeholders.

But the latest we hear is that the combo might team up for the first time soon. According to reliable sources, Anees Bazmee is in talks with Shahid Kapoor to come on board the sequel to his 2005 cult comedy, No Entry. "While Varun Dhawan is locked to play one of the three leads, the makers have initiated a conversation with Shahid Kapoor. The actor has heard the basic idea and will soon take the complete narration," a source informed Bollywood Hungama.

The source further informs that if Shahid agrees, this could mark the first ever collaboration of two of the most talented actors of the last 2 decades - Shahid Kapoor and Varun Dhawan. The dynamic shared by the two in the film will be similar to what Salman Khan and Aamir Khan shared in Andaz Apna Apna. "It's No Entry but with a twist. The producer Boney Kapoor is trying to take things a notch higher by getting Varun and Shahid together."

If everything goes as planned, No Entry 2 will go on floors towards the end of 2026 with a marathon schedule.

Also Read: Shahid Kapoor teams up with Amit Sharma for romantic comedy; Kiara Advani and Janhvi Kapoor in talks: Report

After the success of the Dhurandhar franchise, Ranveer Singh has become the new King of the Indian Film Industry. With back-to-back all-time grossers under his kitty, the young actor has officially secured the tag of a superstar, and all eyes are now on his next move. While several speculations on the financials of Pralay continue to grab chatters in the industry circles, Bollywood Hungama has exclusively learnt that Ranveer Singh has quietly acquired the rights for The Immortals of Meluha. 

"Ranveer Singh was to lead Immortals of Meluha for Sanjay Leela Bhansali. However, the project never materialised. But the actor was always fascinated by the world, and had the dream of playing Lord Shiva in the spectacle. The minute rights of Immortal of Meluha expired on Sanjay Leela Bhansali, Ranveer went ahead and procured it under his own banner - Maa Kasam Films," a source told Bollywood Hungama.

The source also informs that the sum splurged by Ranveer Singh to bag the rights is the highest ever for a novel. "Ranveer has bagged the Immortal of Meluha trilogy for a humongous sum of Rs. 40 crores. It's a passion project for him, and he has put it under development. While 5 years back, he relied on SLB to bring this to reality, today, he is in a position of power to pick the director for this. He is committed to bringing the Meluha trilogy to the spectacle."

The film will be produced by Ranveer Singh with Birla Studios, but all other updates will come only once the script is locked. The film is expected to go on floors in 2028. Also Read: Ranveer Singh to collaborate with Birla Studios for the adaptation of Amish Tripathi’s The Immortals of Meluha trilogy: Report

Amish Tripathi’s bestselling novel The Immortals of Meluha has remained one of the most sought-after Indian mythology adaptations for years, with several filmmakers reportedly expressing interest in bringing the epic saga to the big screen. Now, the project appears to have finally found its leading man and production backing.

As per recent reports, Ranveer Singh has shown keen interest in adapting the fantasy novel under his production banner Maa Kasam Films. The actor has reportedly joined hands with Ananya Birla’s Birla Studios to develop the ambitious trilogy, which will include The Immortals of Meluha, The Secret of the Nagas, and The Oath of the Vayuputras.

According to sources close to the development, the adaptation is currently in its early stages, with the team focusing heavily on writing and world-building. “Ranveer has been passionate about bringing Meluha to the big screen for a long time now. The acquisition happened recently, and the project is now officially under development. Makers are approaching the franchise as a long-term cinematic universe and the plan is to tell the story over 3 films. The writing work has already begun, and the team is taking its time to crack the screenplay and world-building. The first part is expected to go on floors in 2028,” the source confirms.

Interestingly, Ranveer Singh himself is expected to headline the trilogy in the role of Lord Shiva. However, the remaining cast members are yet to be finalized. The makers are reportedly prioritising script development before locking the creative team for the films. “The director will only be locked once the script work reaches a certain stage. Right now, the focus is entirely on developing the material,” the source added.

Reports further suggest that Ranveer Singh has acquired the rights to the trilogy for a substantial amount, although the exact figures remain undisclosed. Given the scale and popularity of Amish Tripathi’s literary universe, the adaptation is expected to be mounted as a large-scale cinematic franchise aimed at global audiences.

Meanwhile, on the work front, Ranveer Singh is currently concentrating on Hansal Mehta’s Pralay, which is said to revolve around a zombie outbreak. The actor also has several high-profile projects in various stages of development.

If the adaptation materialises as planned, The Immortals of Meluha could emerge as one of the biggest mythology-based cinematic universes in Indian cinema.

Also Read: Sachin Pilgaonkar applauds Ranveer Singh’s act in Dhurandhar: “Woh ghusta hai andar”; also vows to give him Rs. 100 as token of appreciation

Krishna Bhatt, the daughter of Vikram Bhatt, was blessed with a baby boy on Monday, May 11. The same day, Bollywood Hungama exclusively spoke to the director about how he feels about being a nana.

Vikram Bhatt joked, “Yes, I am a nana now. Ab main dadagiri kar sakta hoon!” On a serious note, he said, “I am very tired. We didn’t sleep all night and we’ve been working all day. It hasn’t sunk in yet.”

Krishna Bhatt is married to businessman Vedant Sarda. The couple tied the knot on June 11, 2023. When asked how the mother and son are doing, Vikram Bhatt replied, “Krishna and the baby both are fine. She insisted on working on Haunted – Echoes Of The Past even while going into the OT (Operation theatre). I call her ‘QC’ (Quality Check)! She always insists, ‘I want to see all the shots. Don’t okay anything without QC’.”

Vikram continued, “I am happy for her. It wasn’t easy for a girl who spent her pregnancy running around. She was mentioned in the FIR, but thankfully, the chargesheet didn’t include her name. The poor thing was stressed and had a miserable pregnancy. To all the people who wished her ill, I want to tell them – you all failed.”

Does he feel that the baby would start a new chapter in Vikram Bhatt’s life? The veteran filmmaker smiled and replied, “I don’t know. I am the grandfather. I hope it starts a new chapter in the parents’ lives. We have already lived most of our lives.”

Recently, Bollywood Hungama wrote about a public notice issued by CA Bharati Manoj Daga, Resolution Professional of Hare Krishna Media Tech Pvt. Ltd., in the May 9, 2026 issue of Atul Mohan’s Complete Cinema magazine, cautioning the Indian film trade and industry against proceeding with the release, distribution, exhibition, streaming, promotion or commercial exploitation of the upcoming film Haunted – Echoes Of The Past, amid the NCLT (National Company Law Tribunal) status quo order. On this, Vikram Bhatt simply said, “The lawyer is making a statement on it. All I can say is that it’s baseless.”

Finally, he gave an update about the promotions of Haunted – Echoes Of The Past, scheduled for a release on June 12, “A song is coming out on May 13. It's going to be good news from my end now. Enough of the bad!”

Also Read: EXCLUSIVE: Haunted – Echoes Of The Past to release in Tamil and Telugu; Vikram Bhatt says “ONLY Hindi star accepted in the South is horror”; also reveals he was on the pan-India bandwagon before it became cool: “1920 was dubbed in Telugu and even in English!”