Bollywood’s long-running comedy series Golmaal is gearing up for its fifth instalment with a casting development that has drawn notable industry attention. According to an exclusive report by Variety India, actor Akshay Kumar has joined the ensemble of Golmaal 5, set to portray the main antagonist opposite Ajay Devgn’s character in the film.

The Golmaal franchise, directed by Rohit Shetty and first launched in 2006 with Golmaal: Fun Unlimited, has carved its reputation through high-energy humour and a strong ensemble cast. The new instalment is said to expand on that formula by incorporating fantasy elements and a more pronounced antagonist arc, while still preserving the playful tone that defines the series.

Akshay Kumar’s involvement marks a significant addition to the franchise. Known for his work across several successful comedy series, including Hera Pheri, Housefull, and Welcome, Akshay will reportedly take on a negative role that diverges from the usual comic conflicts in the Golmaal universe. This will also be his second consecutive turn as an antagonist, following his role in Priyadarshan’s Haiwaan, where he starred opposite Saif Ali Khan.

Ajay Devgn continues to anchor the Golmaal ensemble, leading a familiar group of actors. Regular cast members such as Arshad Warsi, Tusshar Kapoor, Shreyas Talpade and Kunal Kemmu are expected to return, along with veteran comedians Johnny Lever, Sanjay Mishra, Mukesh Tiwari and Ashwini Kalsekar. There is also speculation that Sharman Joshi may reprise his role, though Kareena Kapoor Khan’s participation has not yet been confirmed.

Production for Golmaal 5 is scheduled to begin by the end of February 2026 at Film City in Mumbai, with a target theatrical release in early 2027. The film arrives as the franchise celebrates two decades since its inception, and it will mark the sixth collaboration between Akshay Kumar and Ajay Devgn, following projects such as Suhaag (1994), Khakee (2004), Insan (2005), Sooryavanshi (2021) and Singham Again (2024).

At the time of the report, the makers had not officially confirmed Akshay Kumar’s casting, leaving some details subject to formal announcements.

Also Read: Akshay Kumar calls Rani Mukerji “Goddeess of acting” as he reviews Mardaani 3: “I saw it. I loved it”

Filmmaker Shazia Iqbal, known for her directorial debut Dhadak 2, has publicly criticised the spy thriller Dhurandhar, calling it “sinister” and asserting that “inciting hate and violence is in its DNA.” Her remarks, shared via Instagram Stories, have sparked debate within Bollywood and among audiences following the film’s successful run and recent Netflix release.

Released in December 2025, Dhurandhar, directed by Aditya Dhar and featuring Ranveer Singh in the lead role, has become one of the highest-grossing Hindi films at the domestic box office. The action-oriented espionage narrative centres on an Indian spy embedded deep within a terror network, and includes a supporting cast of well-known actors such as Akshaye Khanna, Arjun Rampal, R Madhavan, Sanjay Dutt and Sara Arjun.

Shazia Iqbal’s comments did not explicitly name the film in her initial post, but she paired her message with Dhurandhar’s title track, making clear the target of her critique. In her Instagram Story, she described the film as intentionally provocative. “What a sinister film! It’s not hidden, it’s not unintentional — inciting hate and violence is in the DNA of the film,” she wrote, later adding that many in the industry appear unconcerned about the implications of such content on minority communities.

Iqbals’s post continued with a note of sarcasm directed at industry peers: “But it’s a ‘well made’ film guys… With some cool BgM (smile emoji). Well done industry dud bros. Glad that most of y’all don’t care about minorities enough to even hide your blatant apathy.”

Her critique extended beyond Dhurandhar. Iqbal also referenced the teaser for The Kerala Story 2, the sequel to the 2023 film that was itself embroiled in controversy. However, hours after sharing her thoughts, the director made her Instagram account private.

Also Read: Dhurandhar tops Netflix India chart within 24 hours of streaming release; Aditya Dhar REACTS!

Four men arrested in connection with the firing outside filmmaker Rohit Shetty’s Juhu residence were presented before an Esplanade court late Sunday, where they were remanded to police custody until February 5. Police allege the men conspired with a wanted suspect, Shubham Lonkar, to carry out the attack with the intention of killing the prominent director-producer.

The case stems from a complaint filed by a security guard who reported indiscriminate firing outside Shetty’s residence in the early hours of Sunday, an incident that triggered a swift police investigation. No injuries were reported in the firing, but authorities treated it as a serious attempted murder case and registered an FIR accordingly.

According to police sources, Samarth Shivsharan Pomaji (19), one of the arrested men, allegedly conspired with the wanted accused Shubham Lonkar to carry out the plot. Investigators say the group procured a Honda Dio scooter (MH 12 FN 2205) — allegedly with assistance arranged through accomplices, including Aditya Gyaneshwar Gayaki — to facilitate the execution of the firing near Shetty’s home.

#WATCH | Mumbai, Maharashtra: Pune Police have detained five people (Aman Anand, Aditya Gyaneshwar, Siddharth Deepak, Samarth, and Swapnil) in connection with the firing incident at Bollywood director Rohit Shetty's residence. Three of them have been arrested and brought to the… pic.twitter.com/s8Nb2MVpkW — ANI (@ANI) February 1, 2026

Authorities have alleged that Lonkar provided financial and logistical support for the crime. Police have described the involvement of the arrested suspects as key to supporting the main shooter, with Lonkar directing parts of the conspiracy from outside the Mumbai area. The motive behind the alleged conspiracy has not been publicly clarified by investigators, and Lonkar remains at large. According to multiple reports, law enforcement is also examining potential links between the incident and the Lawrence Bishnoi gang — a criminal network connected with several high-profile cases in recent years — though officials have cautioned against speculation until claims can be verified.

In a related development, a social media post attributed to individuals claiming association with the Bishnoi gang purported to take responsibility for the attack. The post described the firing as a “small trailer” and included a threat of further violence if demands were not met. Authorities are investigating the authenticity of the post and examining whether it is connected to the arrests or if it is a separate attempt at intimidation.

Also Read: Firing reported outside Rohit Shetty’s Juhu residence; police investigate

Veteran Bollywood actors Govinda, Shakti Kapoor, Chunky Panday, and BJP MP Manoj Tiwari have been named in a First Information Report (FIR) in connection with an alleged investment fraud linked to Ghaziabad-based company Maxizone Touch Private Limited, according to a complaint filed in Jharkhand’s Jamshedpur court.

The FIR was registered on the orders of a local court in Jamshedpur, after investors approached the judiciary claiming they were cheated by the firm, which had promised high returns on investments. The case was filed under various sections of the Indian Penal Code related to cheating and criminal conspiracy.

According to the complaint by an investor who said he invested over Rs 30 lakhs in Maxizone Touch Pvt Ltd, the company had assured returns of up to 15 per cent monthly interest. When neither the interest nor the principal amount was returned as promised, the investor moved the court, prompting police action.

The FIR names the four actors along with others, alleging that they were involved in promoting the company’s investment scheme and played a role in attracting unsuspecting investors through endorsements. The complaint asserts that their influence helped the firm lure more people into the scheme.

Earlier, Maxizone Touch Pvt Ltd directors — Chander Bhushan Singh and his wife, Priyanka Singh — were arrested in September 2025 by Jamshedpur police as part of a broader investigation into the company’s operations. Investigators have said the firm allegedly ran a fraudulent multi-level marketing (MLM) scheme and collected substantial unauthorised deposits from investors.

The Enforcement Directorate (ED) had also conducted searches linked to alleged investment and cryptocurrency fraud involving the company, reporting that the Singh couple remained absconding for nearly three years before their arrest.

Also Read: Neha Kakkar’s name misused in Rs 5 lakh investment scam; FIR filed at Worli police station

The makers of The Kerala Story 2: Goes Beyond have unveiled the character posters of its leading women — Ulka Gupta, Aishwarya Ojha and Aditi Bhatia — offering the first detailed visual insight into the film ahead of its release.

The newly released posters present intense close-ups of the actors, with half their faces covered by a burqa while the other half reveals visible bruises and tear-streaked expressions. The imagery suggests emotional and physical trauma, setting a sombre tone and indicating the difficult circumstances their characters navigate in the narrative.

Sharing the posters on social media, the makers wrote, “—”, keeping the focus on the visuals rather than revealing plot details at this stage.

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Directed by National Award-winning filmmaker Kamakhya Narayan Singh, The Kerala Story 2: Goes Beyond is positioned as a continuation of the first film, expanding its narrative scope. The sequel revolves around the story of three Hindu women whose lives take a troubling turn after they enter relationships that eventually expose a larger, calculated process of religious conversion.

Produced by Vipul Amrutlal Shah and co-produced by Aashin A Shah under the banner of Sunshine Pictures, the film follows the 2023 release The Kerala Story, which sparked widespread discussion upon its release.

With the character posters now out, the makers have begun their promotional rollout while keeping the storytelling details largely under wraps. The Kerala Story 2: Goes Beyond is scheduled to release in cinemas on February 27, 2026.

Also Read: The Kerala Story 2: Goes Beyond to release on February 27, 2026; teaser out

Early Sunday morning, unidentified individuals fired several gunshots outside the home of Bollywood filmmaker Rohit Shetty in the Juhu area of western Mumbai, prompting an immediate police response and a detailed investigation.

According to police sources, the incident occurred at around 12:45 am, when multiple rounds were discharged near Shetty’s residential building. Initial reports indicate that four to five shots were fired, though the precise number of rounds remains under verification by authorities.

Mumbai Police, along with crime branch teams, responded swiftly to the scene. Security around the building was heightened, and investigators cordoned off the area as a precautionary measure. Forensic experts and ballistic teams were reportedly brought in to collect evidence, and CCTV footage from the surrounding area is being reviewed to trace the movements of the suspects.

#WATCH | Mumbai, Maharashtra | Police and forensic teams reach Director Rohit Shetty's residence, after an incident of firing was reported outside his residence. Further details awaited. pic.twitter.com/h1wVhtCtY7 — ANI (@ANI) January 31, 2026

Officials said no injuries were reported in the incident, and there were no immediate signs of damage to residents. It was also not immediately clear whether Shetty was present inside the residence when the shots were fired.

A senior police official was quoted saying, “Someone fired on the building. Zonal police and crime branch teams are investigating,” underscoring that the probe is at an early stage and that all possible leads are being examined.

So far, there has been no claim of responsibility for the firing, and authorities are yet to determine a clear motive. Local residents shared that the sudden sound of gunshots late at night startled several people in the vicinity, highlighting concerns about safety in high-profile neighbourhoods. Police have assured continued vigilance in the area as the investigation progresses.

Also Read: Big Boy Toyz lists Shilpa Shetty, Rohit Shetty’s luxury cars for auction; deets inside!

Bollywood Hungama has been at the forefront in delivering exclusive news about one of the most-awaited films of 2026, Naagzilla, starring Kartik Aaryan. We are now back with another interesting piece of information – the shoot is steadily progressing and is expected to be completed this month, that is, February 2026.

A source told Bollywood Hungama, “Director Mrighdeep Singh Lamba shot a month-long schedule in Mumbai with Kartik Aaryan. Yesterday, on January 31, the Mumbai schedule was wrapped up. 70% of the shoot is now complete.”

The source added, “The team of Naagzilla are heading to Delhi this month, that is, February 2026, where a three-week-long schedule will take place. The completion of the Delhi leg will mark the wrap of the film.”

Naagzilla is produced by Karan Johar’s Dharma Productions and Mahaveer Jain’s Mahaveer Jain Films (with Mrighdeep Singh Lamba as a partner). The fantasy comedy features Kartik as a shape-shifting naag and, reportedly, Ravi Kishan essays the role of the antagonist. Also, as per reports, Sreeleela is the female lead. Interestingly, she is also paired opposite Kartik Aaryan in his other 2026 film, the untitled musical saga, directed by Anurag Basu.

The source further revealed, “Naagzilla went on floors on November 1, 2026, and within four months, the shoot will be wrapped up, thanks to advance planning and dedication of the cast and crew. This was a challenging and one-of-a-kind film and in between, Kartik went all out to promote his Christmas release, Tu Meri Main Tera Main Tera Tu Meri (2025; also produced by Karan Johar). At the same time, he gave more than a hundred per cent to Naagzilla as well. Once the shoot is completed, Mrighdeep Singh Lamba’s complete focus would be on post-production and ensuring that their labour of love turns out to be an exciting and fascinating piece of cinema for the audiences.”

Also Read: Ravi Kishan to play antagonist in Kartik Aaryan-starrer Naagzilla

Veteran filmmaker Priyadarshan is reportedly set to direct the sequel to the 2021 horror-comedy Bhoot Police, with significant changes to its cast and production approach. According to industry reports, Priyadarshan has been brought on board with a substantial fee of Rs 21 crores to lead the project, underlining confidence in his creative vision for the franchise’s next chapter.

Sources familiar with the development told entertainment portal Pinkvilla that while Bhoot Police 2 will maintain the core blend of humour and supernatural elements that defined the first film, it will not feature the original leads — Saif Ali Khan and Arjun Kapoor. “While the sequel retains the core idea of a horror-comedy, the casting will see a complete refresh. Saif Ali Khan and Arjun Kapoor will not be returning for the second instalment,” the source said.

“The idea is to reinvent the franchise with a new duo. The makers are looking at two actors — one senior and one junior — to create an interesting combo. It’s a proper horror-comedy, staying true to the genre but with more of a theatrical treatment,” the insider added.

Bhoot Police, directed by Pavan Kirpalani, originally starred Saif Ali Khan, Arjun Kapoor, Jacqueline Fernandez and Yami Gautam. The film garnered attention for its light-hearted take on ghost-hunting and became popular among audiences on OTT platforms following its 2021 release.

Priyadarshan, known for his work on films such as Hera Pheri, Hungama and Hulchul, is also juggling multiple projects including Bhooth Bangla and Haiwaan, both slated for 2026 releases. Bhooth Bangla — featuring Akshay Kumar — has already locked its theatrical date and marks a reunion between Kumar and the director after more than a decade.

Also Read: Makers of Haiwaan wish Priyadarshan on birthday, share exciting BTS glimpses

If sources are to be believed, Arijit Singh has decided to take the precarious plunge into politics. There are conflicting rumours on his political plans, though.

According to a source very close to the singer, “He feels very close to West Bengal. He is going into politics for sure. But he hasn’t decided whether to start his own party, or join Mamata Banerjee, whom he is very close to. But yes, he is very keen to work for the betterment of the grassroots sections. For this, he thinks politics is the right platform.”

Arijit’s friend describes the singer as a “saint”. “He has earned millions and millions. But he doesn’t spend a penny on himself. He uses his wealth to quietly help the needy.”

Arijit Singh is one of the most admired singers to have emerged from the Indian entertainment industry after he entered the music scene in 2011. His popularity and liking goes beyond the borders of India.

The celebrated singer shocked his fans earlier this week both in India and outside when he announced that he would be taking retirement from singing. He, however, soon clarified that he will continue composing music for movies.

Also Read: Arijit Singh announces he’s stepping away from playback singing; says he is “calling it off”

Aamir Khan’s nephew Imran Khan, once a star in Jaane Tu…Ya Jaane Na, is missing in action for ten years. Back in 2010, Imran was seen as the Next Best Thing alongside Ranbir Kapoor. Imran had the best of roles rolling out at his feet. He decided to turn his back on stardom.

Imran is now all set for a comeback with a hush-hush project. Some digging revealed Imran’s return vehicle is a Netflix film. Imran Khan and Bhumi Pednekar will play a husband and wife in a marital crisis.

Imran made his big debut with uncle Aamir Khan’s production Jaane Tu…. Ya Jaane Na in 2008. The film turned out to be an instant success driven by the youth and Imran became overnight popular. He also gave other successful films, including Delhi Belly in 2011. However, his career then went through a downslide. His last role as the main lead was in Katti Batti in 2015. He made a minor comeback earlier this month in Vir Das’ Happy Patel: Khatarnak Jasoos.

Bhumi, on the other hand, makes her web series debut with Prime Video’s Daldal, which starts streaming from today.

Also Read: Bhumi Satish Pednekkar shares birthday moment with Imran Khan ahead of rom-com collaboration: “This is going to be a special year!”

Prime Video has officially announced its upcoming original film Don’t Be Shy, marking a landmark collaboration with Eternal Sunshine Productions, the banner founded by Alia Bhatt and Shaheen Bhatt. The coming-of-age romantic comedy was unveiled on January 30 and promises a warm, youthful take on love, friendship, and growing up.

Produced by Alia Bhatt and Shaheen Bhatt under Eternal Sunshine Productions, the film is co-produced by Grishma Shah and Vikesh Bhutani. Don’t Be Shy is written and directed by Sreeti Mukerji and centres on Shyamili ‘Shy’ Das, a 20-year-old who believes she has her life perfectly planned—until unexpected twists send everything spiralling out of her control.

Speaking about the collaboration, Nikhil Madhok, Director & Head of Originals, Prime Video, India, said, “We’re thrilled to collaborate with Alia Bhatt and Shaheen Bhatt on this extremely fun yet warm romantic comedy, with a remarkable character like Shy Das at its heart. Alia’s innate instinct for stories that are emotionally rich, deeply relatable, and immensely entertaining shines through in this young adult story about friendship, love, and growing up.”

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He further highlighted the film’s creative strengths, adding, “With a strong female-forward narrative, writing that’s fresh, relatable and humorous, and earnest characters, complemented by infectious music from Ram Sampath, Don’t Be Shy promises to be a delightful experience for audiences around the world.”

Alia Bhatt, co-founder of Eternal Sunshine Productions, also shared why the project resonated deeply with her. “At Eternal Sunshine, we’ve always wanted to back stories that feel honest and voices that feel their own,” she said. “This film immediately spoke to us because of its sincerity and coming-of-age lens and Sreeti’s passion and energy naturally fed into the spirit of the story.”

Calling the project a personal milestone, she added, “It’s an incredibly special project for me and for Eternal Sunshine. And with Prime Video, we found partners who consistently take bold creative calls and genuinely support distinctive storytelling, which felt like a natural meeting of minds, and the right place for this story to find its audience.”

With Don’t Be Shy, Prime Video and Eternal Sunshine Productions come together to champion a fresh, relatable narrative led by a young female protagonist, further strengthening the platform’s slate of original Indian films focused on authentic, contemporary storytelling.

Also Read: Alia Bhatt shares nostalgic 2016 memories, calls Shah Rukh Khan her favourite co-actor

An FIR has been registered against actor Ranveer Singh at the High Grounds Police Station in Bengaluru for allegedly hurting Hindu religious sentiments and disrespecting the Chavundi Daiva tradition of coastal Karnataka, according to a report by NDTV. The case was filed on Wednesday, months after the incident that initially sparked controversy.

The complaint relates to an event held on November 28, 2025, during the closing ceremony of the International Film Festival of India (IFFI) in Goa. During the event, Ranveer Singh allegedly mimicked a Daiva performance inspired by Rishab Shetty’s film Kantara: A Legend – Chapter 1. The act reportedly drew sharp criticism on social media, with many users accusing the actor of mocking a sacred ritual deeply rooted in the cultural and religious practices of coastal Karnataka. Following the backlash, Ranveer Singh had issued a public apology through his Instagram Stories, expressing regret for hurting sentiments and clarifying that there was no intention to offend any community or tradition. Despite the apology, legal action has now been initiated in connection with the same incident.

The FIR has been registered under Sections 196, 299, and 302 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS). The complaint was filed by Prashanth Methal, a 46-year-old advocate based in Bengaluru. According to the complaint, the actor imitated expressions linked to Panjurli and Guliga Daiva in a crude and comical manner. It further alleged that Ranveer Singh referred to the revered Chavundi Daiva as a “female ghost,” which the complainant claimed amounted to a serious insult to religious beliefs and traditional practices.

The matter has since been referred to the 1st Additional Chief Metropolitan Magistrate (CMM) Court in Bengaluru. The court is scheduled to hear the case on April 8. As of now, there has been no response from the actor or his representatives regarding the registration of the FIR.

Also Read: Ranveer Singh continued dancing on Howrah Bridge despite leg injury during the shoot of Gunday, reveals choreographer Bosco Martis