Filmmakers Anurag Kashyap and Vikramaditya Motwane have teamed up to present writer-director Ravi Muppa's acclaimed short film, Incognito. Starring Vikram Singh, Ayushi Nema, and Dev Chauhan, the psychological thriller—set to release on July 15—will officially launch a brand-new, shorts-exclusive YouTube channel, Oh Flip Shorts, backed by producer Ranjan Singh and curated by Kashyap. The platform aims to serve as a premium home for groundbreaking short-form cinema, dropping one curated title every month to foster a dedicated community for indie creators.

Incognito arrives on the platform on the heels of a decorated global festival run, playing at over 20 international festivals including the prestigious, Oscar-qualifying Palm Springs International ShortFest.

“I’ve always loved short films as they are the first stepping stone for a director to test their storytelling style and give them actual practice in shooting a story,” said Kashyap. “Continuing the same, this is our effort to showcase some excellent short films, curated by me and presented by filmmakers whose work I look up to. We’re glad to begin with Incognito by Ravi Muppa, and very hopeful that it’ll be liked by the audience,” he added.

Vikramaditya Motwane says, “Incognito is gripping and beautifully atmospheric, a true blue genre short with an out of the box ending. Congratulations to Ravi and his team and I’m so happy that we can present this to the audience”.

Incognito follows the story of a cash-strapped motel receptionist who profits off hidden-cam videos—until he records a girl in danger of being trafficked and must decide whether to save her or protect himself.

Writer-director Ravi Muppa, whose works include titles like Stree (2018), Bala (2019) and The Family Man (2019), noted that the digital release marks a major milestone for the project.

“The film has been an incredibly special journey, and I’m deeply grateful to the producers, collaborators, and champions who believed in it and helped carry it forward. I’m especially excited that this is just the beginning, as we now look ahead to expanding Incognito into a feature.”

Executive Producer Ranjan Singh, who backed the short under the Flip Films banner, expressed immense gratitude for the directorial support anchoring the channel's launch. He said,  “We are thankful to Anurag for the curation, and Vikram and other directors to lend their support to the same. Every month we’ll be premiering one new short on the channel and hope that we’ll be able to make a community very soon.”

As previously announced, a feature-length adaptation of Incognito is currently in active development. The upcoming feature will be co-produced by Hollywood's Invention Studios alongside Flip Films and Campfire Studios, with Anurag Kashyap, Nicholas Weinstock, Divya Souza, and Ranjan Singh locked to serve as producers.

Also Read: Guneet Monga feels Vikramaditya Motwane should direct Gangs of Wasseypur 3: “Anurag Kashyap will be happy with it”

Bollywood actor Arshad Warsi has made a significant gain from a real estate transaction after selling a commercial property in Mumbai's sought-after Lokhandwala Complex. According to property registration documents accessed by real estate data analytics firm Liases Foras, the actor has sold the commercial unit for Rs. 6.25 crores, generating an estimated profit of nearly Rs. 4 crores over his original purchase price.

As per these documents, the property is situated in Andheri West's Lokhandwala area and comprises a carpet area of 63.87 square metres (684 square feet). The unit was acquired by Umang Rajkumar Budhraja for Rs. 6.25 crores. The transaction was officially registered with the Maharashtra Inspector General of Registration on July 1, 2026.

The registration records further indicate that the buyer paid a stamp duty of Rs. 37.50 lakhs to complete the purchase. Based on the transaction value and the property's carpet area, the deal translates to an approximate price of Rs. 91,400 per square foot, underlining the premium commanded by commercial real estate in one of Mumbai's most prominent business and residential hubs.

Documents accessed by the firm also show that Arshad Warsi had originally purchased the same commercial shop in February 2012 for a little over Rs. 2.12 crores. At the time of acquisition, the actor paid stamp duty exceeding Rs. 10 lakhs along with a registration fee of Rs. 30,000. With the latest sale, the property has appreciated substantially in value over the past 14 years, resulting in a sizeable return on investment for the actor.

Mumbai's commercial real estate market has continued to witness several high-value transactions involving celebrities in recent months, with prime locations such as Andheri West remaining attractive for investors and business owners alike.

On the professional front, Arshad Warsi has an interesting slate of releases lined up. The actor was recently seen in the comedy entertainers Welcome To The Jungle and Dhamaal 4, where he further showcased why his association with the comedy genre has garnered him fruitful results over the years.

Also Read: Arshad Warsi praises on Vir Hirani’s acting debut in Pritam and Pedro; says, “I’ve seen him grow up so I’m very happy since his first job was with me”

Set during the 1999 Kargil War, the series follows the untold story of the Golden Arrows Squadron, highlighting the courage, sacrifice and determination of the personnel involved. Rather than focusing solely on the battlefield, the drama explores the people behind the mission and their contribution to a defining chapter in India's modern military history.

Directed by Oni Sen and created by Abhijeet Singh Parmar and Kushal Srivastava, Operation Safed Sagar features an ensemble cast including Siddharth, Jimmy Shergill, Abhay Verma, Dia Mirza, Prajakta Koli, Adil Hussain, Mihir Ahuja, Taaruk Raina, Arnav Bhasin and Amrita Bagchi.

Tanya Bami, Series Head, Netflix India said, “At Netflix, we are committed to championing bold, original stories that haven't been told before. Operation Safed Sagar is a story the Indian Air Force has trusted us to tell, a first-of-its-kind series inspired by the IAF's role in the Kargil War. It is a tribute to the courage, camaraderie and sacrifice of The Golden Arrows, a squadron that went beyond the call of duty, in service of the nation. This is a first of its kind war drama series from India that will take the audience into the world of airforce pilots. Their lives, their bravery and the split-second decision-making that goes into keeping our borders safe. All this along with a truly cinematic scale, world-class production values and visual effects makes this series a truly authentic and immersive experience. Bringing this story to life is director Oni Sen, alongside a young, fresh creative team of creators and co producers Abhijeet Singh Parmar, Kushal Srivastava and Mehboob Pal Singh Brar and a cast that blends new faces with veteran talent. We're proud to team up with Matchbox Shots once again, a studio that shares our passion for powerful, character-led storytelling.”

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Abhijeet Singh Parmar and Mehboob Pal Singh Brar from Feel Good Films said, "What drew us to creating and producing Operation Safed Sagar was the opportunity to explore a world that very few people get to see from the inside, a world that opened up to us through our Co-Creator Kushal Srivastava's experience in the Indian Air Force. As we explored the lives of Air Force pilots, their families and the people around them, we realised that beyond the conflict and the mission, this was ultimately a story about friendship, sacrifice, leadership and impossible choices. Whether it was recreating this world across more than 100 locations, including filming at over 16,000 feet, or bringing together a large ensemble cast and extensive visual effects, our endeavour was always to balance scale with intimate human drama."

Sanjay Routray of Matchbox Shots LLP said, “Some chapters in our nation's history demand more than remembrance- they deserve to be brought to life with honesty and scale. Operation Safed Sagar is one such story that reminds us that the greatest acts of heroism are often driven by duty, sacrifice, and humanity. When Kushal Shrivastva brought us this extensively researched script, we knew it deserved to be told on the scale it demands. The story finely balances large-scale military action with deeply personal moments of heroism. We're thrilled to partner with Netflix to bring this powerful story to audiences around the world."

Produced by Matchbox Shots and Feel Good Films, Operation Safed Sagar serves as a tribute to the men and women of the Indian Air Force whose service, commitment and sense of duty continue to inspire generations. The series will begin streaming exclusively on Netflix from August 7.

Also Read : From Salman Khan starrer Maatrubhumi to Rajkummar Rao starrer Prahaar: 8 real life inspired films to watch out for in the second half of 2026

Nissan India has announced actor Hrithik Roshan as its new brand ambassador, coinciding with the launch of its latest mid-size SUV, the Tekton. The partnership comes at a significant time for the automaker as it expands its presence in one of India's most competitive automotive segments with a new flagship offering.

The Tekton, priced from Rs 10.49 lakh (ex-showroom), marks Nissan's entry into the mid-size SUV category and now sits at the top of the company's domestic portfolio. Bookings for the SUV have officially opened, while customer deliveries are scheduled to begin on July 20.

By bringing Hrithik Roshan on board as the face of the brand, Nissan aims to strengthen its visibility and connect with a wider audience as it introduces the Tekton to Indian buyers. The collaboration is expected to support the company's efforts to establish a stronger foothold in the growing SUV market.

On the design front, the Tekton features a bold and upright stance with a prominent front grille, LED headlamps and signature C-shaped daytime running lights. A sculpted bonnet with distinctive "Tekton" lettering enhances its road presence, while the side profile is highlighted by flared wheel arches, 18-inch alloy wheels and pull-style front door handles. The rear continues the rugged styling theme with uniquely designed tail lamps and a robust bumper. Nissan is offering the SUV in 11 exterior colour options, including six monotone and five dual-tone shades.

Inside, the Tekton comes with a dual-tone cabin available in four interior themes. The SUV features a modern digital cockpit with a large infotainment touchscreen and a fully digital instrument cluster. It is also equipped with premium features such as ventilated front seats, powered front seats, wireless phone charging, dual-zone automatic climate control, a panoramic sunroof and Google built-in services, including Google Maps and Gemini.

Additional equipment includes paddle shifters, an electronic parking brake, a smart powered tailgate and adaptive cruise control. Buyers can choose from six trim levels, offering a range of features to suit different requirements and budgets.

Powering the Tekton are two turbo-petrol engine options. The first is a 1.0-litre turbocharged petrol engine producing 100 hp and 166 Nm of torque, while the second is a 1.3-litre turbo-petrol unit delivering 163 hp and 280 Nm of torque. Transmission choices include a six-speed manual gearbox and a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic (DCT) for the larger engine. Nissan claims a fuel efficiency of 19.4 kmpl for the 1.0-litre variant, while the 1.3-litre engine offers up to 18.5 kmpl. With the Tekton's launch and a renewed branding strategy led by Hrithik Roshan, Nissan is looking to strengthen its position in India's expanding SUV market.

Also Read : Laxman Utekar approaches Hrithik Roshan for his next after Eetha: Report

The controversy surrounding Diljit Dosanjh's Satluj continues to intensify. A public interest litigation (PIL) has now been filed before the Punjab and Haryana High Court, challenging the sudden removal of the film from streaming platform Zee5 and seeking its restoration across the country.

The PIL has been filed by Sharwan Singh, with the Union Government, the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC), the Punjab Government, Zee Entertainment Enterprises Limited, and ZEE5 named as respondents. The petition questions why the film, which is based on the life and work of human rights activist Jaswant Singh Kalra, was removed from the platform without any judicial, legal, or government directive.

Filed under Article 226 of the Constitution of India, the petition argues that the removal of Satluj infringes upon the fundamental right to freedom of speech and expression. It further contends that the explanation citing only "current circumstances" is vague and fails to specify any concrete reason for taking down the film.

The PIL also raises concerns over the rights of paid subscribers, stating that viewers who have purchased access to content on the streaming platform deserve a transparent explanation for the film's abrupt removal. According to the petition, the lack of clarity has left audiences without any official justification despite having paid for the service.

Seeking the restoration of Satluj, the petition asserts that the film is based entirely on material already available in the public domain and does not disclose any confidential or classified information. It further notes that the events depicted in the film have previously been examined by the Supreme Court, various other courts, the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI), the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC), and other official proceedings, making the content a matter of public record.

The matter is expected to come up for hearing before the Punjab and Haryana High Court in the coming days.

For the unversed, Satluj, which was earlier titled Punjab '95, finally premiered on ZEE5 on July 3 after a prolonged battle involving the CBFC and several organisations. However, the film was unexpectedly removed from the streaming platform just two days later, on July 5, sparking widespread debate and criticism over its abrupt takedown.

Also Read: Diljit Dosanjh’s Satluj to be screened at gurudwaras across five states after ZEE5 removal

After delivering the cult musical romance Aashiqui 2, Malang, Ludo and Metro… In Dino, producer Bhushan Kumar reunites with Aditya Roy Kapur for an all-new cinematic experience. Joining them is director Milap Milan Zaveri, fresh off the success of Ek Deewane Ki Deewaniyat, as the trio comes together for an intense, violent, and deeply emotional musical love story.

Blending powerful romance, high-octane action, and a soul-stirring soundtrack, the yet-untitled film promises to present love in its most passionate and raw form. Backed by T-Series, the film is being mounted on a grand scale and is set to offer audiences a compelling theatrical experience.

On coming back together once again, producer Bhushan Kumar said, “Our association with Aditya goes back many years and has given us films that audiences continue to love. From Aashiqui 2 to Metro… In Dino, every collaboration has been special in its own way. We share a great creative comfort, and I’m happy we’re coming together once again for a story that’s intense, emotional and mounted on a grand scale.”

Talking about the collaboration with actor Aditya Roy Kapur, director Milap Milan Zaveri said, “Aditya has always had a rare ability to portray love with honesty and emotional depth. Ever since Aashiqui 2, audiences have connected with him in stories driven by passion and heartbreak. This character is layered, intense, and emotionally complex, and I couldn’t think of anyone better to bring that journey to life.”

The principal photography of the film is scheduled to commence later this year. With music at its heart, intense storytelling, and a powerful creative team coming together, the film is set to go on floors later this year before arriving in cinemas in 2027.

Also Read: Collin D’Cunha roped in to direct Aditya Roy Kapur starrer produced by Dharma Productions: Report

The much awaited Dhamaal 4 is all set to release tomorrow, July 10, and the excitement is tremendous due to the casting, hilarious trailer and popularity of the franchise. It seems like the makers are very confident that just like the previous parts, the fourth part of the Dhamaal franchise will also be a hit. This is because they have ended the film with a hint of a sequel.

A source told Bollywood Hungama, "At the end of Dhamaal 4, there's a scene which indicates that Dhamaal 5 is also in the offing. And just like the first four parts, Dhamaal 5 is also expected to be a madcap, crazy entertainer, going by the sequence."

Directed by Indra Kumar, Dhamaal 4 brings back the franchise’s core cast, including Ajay Devgn, Riteish Deshmukh, Arshad Warsi, Sanjay Mishra, and Jaaved Jaaferi. The ensemble cast also features Esha Gupta, Sanjeeda Shaikh, Anjali Anand, Upendra Limaye, Vijay Patkar, and Ravi Kishan, adding new faces to the comedy series.

Dhamaal 4 is presented by Gulshan Kumar and T-Series, in association with Devgn Films and is a T-Series Films, Maruti International, Panorama Studios production. It is directed by Indra Kumar and produced by Ajay Devgn, Bhushan Kumar, Krishan Kumar, Ashok Thakeria, Indra Kumar, Anand Pandit, and Kumar Mangat Pathak.

Also Read: Will Dhamaal 4 affect Welcome To The Jungle? Trade experts voice their opinion; celebrate the return of the comedy genre: “Thanks to these films, the audience is back, not just in urban areas but in mass areas as well”

Hrithik Roshan is preparing to unlock a portion of his investment in fitness and wellness platform Cult.fit as the company moves ahead with its proposed initial public offering (IPO). While the actor will participate in the offer-for-sale (OFS), he is not exiting the business and will continue to hold equity in the company after the public issue.

As per the Draft Red Herring Prospectus (DRHP) submitted by Cult.fit to the Securities and Exchange Board of India (Sebi), Hrithik plans to sell 6,33,824 equity shares as part of the OFS portion of the IPO. The actor has been associated with the company for several years, wearing multiple hats as both an investor and one of its prominent brand ambassadors.

The filing further indicates that before the IPO, Hrithik owns approximately 19.01 lakh equity shares in the company, translating to nearly 0.20 percent of the pre-offer equity share capital. Following the proposed sale, he will continue to own the remaining shares, with the final holding depending on the eventual structure of the public issue.

At present, the financial value of Hrithik's stake sale cannot be determined as the company has not yet disclosed the IPO's price band. The valuation of the shares being offered will become clear once the pricing details are officially announced.

Cult.fit's proposed IPO consists of two components. The company intends to raise fresh capital through the issuance of equity shares worth up to Rs 950 crore. In addition, existing investors will collectively sell up to 17.86 crore equity shares through the offer-for-sale route. Hrithik Roshan is among the shareholders participating in this segment alongside several early investors.

Hrithik's decision to offload only a part of his holding suggests that he continues to have confidence in the company's long-term growth prospects. Rather than signalling a complete exit, the transaction represents a partial monetisation of his investment while maintaining his association with the fitness and lifestyle brand.

Over the years, the actor has played an important role in strengthening Cult.fit's public image through brand campaigns while also backing the company as an investor. His continued stake after the IPO reflects an ongoing relationship with the platform even as it prepares to enter the public markets.

Also Read: “Sussanne Khan took no alimony from Hrithik Roshan,” says sister Farah Khan Ali, refuting Rs 400 crore rumours

Shah Rukh Khan means big, bigger and biggest. As the superstar gears up to make a comeback to the big screen after 3-long years with the Siddharth Anand directed King, the excitement is sky-rocketing on a day-to-day basis. The film went on floors in May 2025, and the shoot is expected to be wrapped up by August 2026. Through the 1 year and 3 months, the team of King has extensively shot the film all across the world for about 150+ days, with some of the biggest stunt teams of the world.

The action design of the film also requires state-of-art VFX, which is being done by Shah Rukh Khan's own company, Red Chillies Entertainment. With 6 months to go for the release, Bollywood Hungama has exclusively learnt that King is set to become the most expensive film of Shah Rukh Khan's career, surpassing his previous best Jawan. "Shah Rukh Khan always believes in delivering an uncompromised product to the audience. King started-off as an action thriller, but the ambition of SRK and Sid have made it a tentpole action thriller, with some of the biggest action sequences that the audience will get to witness on the spectacle," a source told Bollywood Hungama.

The source further informs that the budget of King is around Rs. 450 crore, excluding print and publicity, as well as the acting fees of Shah Rukh Khan. "All the money spent is to ensure an uncompromised cinematic experience to the audience. You will see every penny spent by the makers on the screen, as it's a new Shah Rukh Khan experience," the source tells us further.

For those unaware, the budget of Jawan was also around the Rs. 400 crore mark, surpassing the budget of Pathaan at Rs. 350 crore. With King, the superstar is all set to raise the standards of action in India Cinema further.

Also Read: “Shah Rukh Khan rolled on the floor laughing”: Farah Khan recalls Main Hoon Naa stunt gone wrong!

The makers of Dada: The Sourav Ganguly Story have unveiled the first-look poster of the much-awaited biographical drama on the occasion of former India captain Sourav Ganguly's birthday. Along with the poster, the team also confirmed that the film will release in theatres worldwide on May 14, 2027, during an extended holiday weekend.

The first-look poster features Rajkummar Rao recreating one of the most memorable moments in Indian cricket history. The actor is seen portraying Ganguly during his iconic jersey-waving celebration from the Lord's balcony after India's memorable NatWest Trophy victory over England in 2002. The moment remains one of the defining images of Ganguly's captaincy and is widely remembered by cricket fans.

The film will trace Ganguly's journey from a promising young cricketer to one of India's most influential captains. It aims to explore key moments from his personal and professional life while highlighting the leadership, determination and resilience that shaped his career and left a lasting impact on Indian cricket.

The makers shared the first-look poster on social media, giving fans a glimpse of Rajkummar Rao's transformation into the former cricketer. The announcement has generated excitement among both cinema lovers and cricket enthusiasts, especially as it coincides with Ganguly's birthday.

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Dada: The Sourav Ganguly Story is directed by acclaimed filmmaker Vikramaditya Motwane and produced by Luv Ranjan and Ankur Garg under the banner of Luv Films. The project is presented by Gulshan Kumar, Bhushan Kumar, T-Series and DBL.

Rajkummar Rao, known for portraying real-life personalities on screen, takes on the role of Ganguly in what is expected to be one of his biggest films to date. The first-look poster suggests the film will revisit several landmark moments from the former Indian captain's career, beginning with one of his most celebrated on-field celebrations.

With filming progressing and the release date now locked, Dada: The Sourav Ganguly Story is set to arrive in cinemas worldwide on May 14, 2027, bringing the story of one of Indian cricket's most successful captains to the big screen.

Also Read: Akash Makhija recalls Rajkummar Rao’s call after watching Raakh: “You guys have no idea what you’ve done”

The Ranbir Kapoor, Sai Pallavi, Yash and Sunny Deol led Ramayana produced by Namit Malhotra is among the most anticipated releases of the years. Mounted on a budget of Rs. 1500 crores, the first part of the epic saga directed by Nitesh Tiwari is all set for a theatrical release this Diwali. But obviously, everyone is making an attempt to grab the headlines with all possible updates on the film.

Earlier in the day, it was revealed that the all-India distribution rights of Namit Malhotra produced-Ramayana have been acquired by Dharma Productions for a sum of Rs. 250 crores. Turns out the amount is a lot higher. Reliable sources confirmed that the Hindi distribution rights of Namit Malhotra's Ramayana have been acquired by Karan Johar for a sum of Rs. 350 crores. "It's the biggest theatrical distribution deal of all time. The Rs. 350 crores fetched by Namit Malhotra's Ramayana is higher than the previous best, King, by a margin of Rs. 100 crores. The expectations are sky high, and the entire film fraternity is bullish on the prospects of Ramayana produced by Namit Malhotra," a source told Bollywood Hungama.

The source also confirmed that Dharma Production will be going all out to ensure the widest release for this epic tale celebrating triumph of good over evil. "Big plans are already underway for the theatrical release of Ramayana. It's undoubtedly the most awaited film of India with the biggest ever star-cast led by Ranbir Kapoor and Yash with Sai Pallavi and Sunny Deol. There are enquiries from all across the country, and the film is destined to rewrite box-office in India. Namit Malhotra has personally sat on the post-production of the film to ensure that the visuals represent India at a global level. He has created something special, and everyone is blown away with the epic vision."

The work on the theatrical trailer is going on in full swing. Ramayana is slated for a global release on October 30, 2026.

Also Read: Ramayana: Karan Johar’s Dharma Productions comes on board to distribute Ranbir Kapoor starrer in India, says report

When Satluj quietly appeared on ZEE5 late on Friday night, it felt to co-writer Niren Bhatt like the end of a three-year fight. By Sunday evening, that relief had vanished, with ZEE5 abruptly pulling the biographical drama from its platform in India.

A miraculous release, then silence

Originally titled Panjab 95, the film had spent three years mired in controversy, facing an unprecedented 127 cuts demanded by the CBFC. In an interview with Variety India, Bhatt recalled that the digital release came as a complete surprise. “Honestly, we only found out on Friday evening when we got a message saying it was live,” he said. “No one had a clue. We had completely given up hope that it would ever release. Honey (Trehan) was in talks with RSVP, but even he did not believe it would actually happen until it dropped. For the last four years, we have lived with these endless cycles of conversations, so when it finally went live, I genuinely believed it was safe.”

Comparisons to other controversial films

Bhatt pushed back against suggestions that Satluj could be exploited by “anti-India forces,” pointing to precedents in Hindi cinema. “That argument simply does not hold,” he said. “If The Kashmir Files can exist, if The Kerala Story can exist, why can they exist without being labeled tools for international forces? Why is our film the chosen one that will suddenly be misused by extreme elements? You cannot jump to far-fetched, paranoid conclusions just to suppress a straightforward biography. It makes absolutely no sense.”

He noted that the suppression had already backfired, with international curiosity fuelling a wave of piracy since the film remains accessible to audiences abroad. “Banning or restricting content is a false move because it only triggers immense curiosity,” Bhatt explained. “People loved the film. There are thousands of videos and tweets from viewers saying they broke down or were left speechless. When a movie evokes such a profound emotional reaction, word of mouth travels fast. If people cannot find it on an official platform, they will inevitably look elsewhere. It is deeply frustrating because this film belonged in theaters. They stopped our premiere at the Toronto International Film Festival, they blocked the international theatrical release and now they are pausing it on OTT.”

Reflecting on the emotional cost of the fight, Bhatt admitted uncertainty over what it means for the future of courageous storytelling in the country. “The world needs stories like this,” he said, “but after watching what we went through, who will ever dare to attempt a movie like this again?”

Satluj remains unavailable for streaming in India, with no update on when it may return to ZEE5. Bhatt said the makers plan to challenge the decision in court, while the reasons behind the film's removal have not been officially disclosed.

Also Read: Satluj leaked online after abrupt Zee5 removal; social media rallies behind Diljit Dosanjh starrer

Corporate (2006) completed 20 years on July 7 and it’s a film that Madhur Bhandarkar considers his favourite. Starring Bipasha Basu, Kay Kay Menon, Raj Babbar and Rajat Kapoor, the film was loved for its subject, shocking climax, performances, music, etc. Despite dealing with the complex worlds of corporate business and the stock market, the narrative was easy to understand, an aspect that was widely praised by audiences and critics alike. On Corporate’s 20th anniversary, Madhur Bhandarkar went down memory lane and shared fascinating trivia.

You had made Page 3 (2005) and it was a sleeper-hit. What made you make a film on the corporate world at that stage?

Corporate was a film which was ahead of its time. It was a very different world for me. I didn’t have a story. The title fascinated me and I decided to make Corporate, obviously based on the corporate world. I collaborated with writer Manoj Tyagi, who had written Satta (2003) and Page 3 with me. He was an MBA guy and had a lot of knowledge, unlike me, about the corporate world.

After Page 3, I received a lot of backlash from the corporate people and socialites. A lot of people believed that we had exposed the underbelly of the high-end rich people. Hence, many were reluctant to give us access to their boardrooms (laughs)! They feared I’d expose them as well.

Nevertheless, I managed to do my research and met a lot of people in Mumbai and Delhi. We zeroed in on the rivalry between two soft drink giants as the crux of the story. We also focused on the nitty-gritties of these people and their superstitions. For instance, we showed Raj Babbar’s character wearing a ring according to the day of the week. The film was 70% inspired by real life. We took real incidents that happened at that time.

I met people not just from the corporate world but also the financial side. Several finance journalists also shared interesting inputs. I believe it was a well-scripted film and slickly cut.

Was Bipasha Basu the first choice?

She came to my mind instantly when I was wondering whom to cast for the role. At that time, she had an overtly glamorous image. Jism (2003) had released two years before. In Corporate, I was going to make her fully clothed from head to toe, that too in a suit-boot! Hence, many were apprehensive, but I was adamant about casting her. To be honest, I had not seen Jism; I still haven’t seen it. The only film of her that I had seen until then was Ajnabee (2001). I liked her in that film.

A lot of people remarked that my films are performance-heavy and wondered if she could pull it off. I was confident that I’d extract a fine performance from her. To date, Corporate is a landmark film in Bipasha Basu’s career. Now, it’s the era of OTT. At that time, she told me that she used to hand over the DVDs of Corporate to filmmakers who wanted to see her performance. It was like a showreel for her. So, I feel very happy for her.

How was the feedback to the film post-release?

Corporate was a big multiplex hit and was quite appreciated. There were organizations that alleged that I had painted everyone in the corporate world with the same brush. They were of the opinion that every character in the film was immoral. Hence, they feared that people would be discouraged from taking up an MBA after watching the film!

However, people from the corporate field appreciated the film a lot. Some of the biggest businessmen of the country sent me bouquets and shared their positive feedback. I don’t want to name them. They took the pains of finding my number and told me, ‘You got the nuances and jargon right’. One business personality remarked, ‘I felt as if you have put a camera in my office and shot the film. It is so real’! The stock market people were amazed by the research and nitty-gritties. Those were the biggest compliments I got.

In some offices, a half-day was declared and employees were encouraged to watch Corporate. Groups of 30, 40 and even 50 people used to watch the film. We can say that corporate booking, in a good way, started in 2006 with the movie Corporate (laughs)!

So, yes, the response was great. I used to get SMSes non-stop on my Nokia phone. Bipasha Basu was flooded with bouquets and positive feedback. Sahara and Percept threw a success party at Taj Lands End. They even gifted me a Pajero car. I was very overwhelmed.

Do you ever plan to make Corporate 2?

A lot of people have been asking me this since the release of Corporate, and even today, I continue to receive that feedback. The corporate world has completely changed since then, and I also believe that Corporate has immense potential for a sequel. So, never say never. However, if I do make it, it will be set in a different context, offer a different perspective and explore an entirely different corporate world.

Corporate is a case study in IIM Ahmedabad…

(Smiles) Indeed. I had the fortune of addressing the MBA students there. It was great to interact with them and they noticed something which I myself never detected in my own film! I asked the students about their takeaway. They unanimously told me, ‘Corporate world mein logon ko dimaag se kaam karna chahiye, dil se nahin’! I was amazed. I asked them the reason. They reasoned that Bipasha’s character made a big sacrifice because she was in love. Ultimately, her emotional decision led her to jail. Hence, they concluded that one needs to be very practical in this field.

It reminded me of what a lot of bar girls told me after watching Chandni Bar (2001). They noted, ‘Your film teaches us how important it is to be financially strong in life. Life mein kabhi bhi kuch bhi ho sakta hai aur bure din bolke nahin aate’.

The film seems to be inspired by the Coca-Cola and Pepsi rivalry. The pesticide angle also seems to be taken from real life…

Yes, a lot of people drew parallels. So many people told me that they had stopped consuming soft drinks after watching Corporate! I was flooded with such interesting feedback. Many who protested against the film before release invited me to their events after watching the film. I never kept any grudges and accepted such invitations.

In short, it’s been a great journey for me and even after 20 years, people connect with the film.

Also Read: Madhur Bhandarkar THUNDERS: “Producers complain that actors ask for 12-13 vanity vans. But if a prominent actor signs his film, same producer would have no qualms in arranging for 14 vans!”

Actor Neha Dhupia is all set to mark a major milestone in her career as her first international feature film, 52 Blue, gears up to open the prestigious London Indian Film Festival with its European premiere at BFI Southbank on July 9.

The film has received an overwhelmingly positive response for Neha’s striking transformation and powerful performance. Audiences and critics alike have praised the emotional depth of the film, making 52 Blue one of the most anticipated showcases at the festival this year.

Adding to the excitement, globally celebrated football icon Lionel Messi is also associated with the film, further amplifying international attention around the project. The film’s global appeal, coupled with its emotionally rich storytelling, has made it a standout title on the festival circuit. Neha Dhupia will be attending the grand premiere in London alongside acclaimed actor Adil Hussain and the ensemble cast of the film. The premiere is expected to draw international cinema lovers, industry veterans, and members of the South Asian film community from across the globe.

Speaking about this special moment, Neha Dhupia shared, “52 Blue will always be an incredibly special film for me because it marks my first international project, and to see it opening a festival as prestigious as the London Indian Film Festival feels surreal. As actors, we constantly seek stories that move us, challenge us, and stay with us long after the camera stops rolling, and this film did exactly that for me. The response to the trailer has been deeply encouraging, especially the love coming in for my character and performance. It reassures you that audiences are connecting with the emotional world of the film.”

She further added, “To have our European premiere at the iconic BFI Southbank is a huge honour for the entire team. Sharing this moment with such talented co-actors like Adil Hussain and the rest of the cast makes it even more memorable. The association of someone as globally admired as Lionel Messi with the film has also brought an incredible spotlight to the project internationally. I genuinely cannot wait to experience the audience reaction in London and celebrate this journey with everyone who has been part of bringing 52 Blue to life.”

With international attention building steadily around the film, 52 Blue is poised to make a strong impact at the London Indian Film Festival, setting the stage for an exciting global journey ahead.

Also Read: 52 Blue first look out: Neha Dhupia steps into raw, deglam avatar in debut international film