Ever since the makers of Dacoit announced ‘Touch Buddy’, a song featuring Pawan Singh, Adivi Sesh and Jonita Gandhi, fans knew they were in for a power-packed musical treat. The recently released teaser only amplified the buzz, adding a whole new level of hype to the high-energy track. Finally, the makers have dropped this banger, with Pawan Singh and Jonita lending their vocals to the much-awaited song. The song was shot in Telugu as well as Hindi.

Sung by the powerful duo Pawan Singh and Jonita Gandhi, the fiery lyrics are penned by Vayu Shrivastava, with music composed by Bheems Ceciroleo. Adding a touch of his own signature swag. Adivi Sesh will be seen shaking a leg alongside Pawan Singh and Jonita Gandhi, with the trio lighting up the screen with their moves, making ‘Touch Buddy’ the dance number of the season.

Speaking about the song, Bhojpuri King Pawan Singh shared, “I love experimenting with my music, and when Adivi Sesh came to me with the idea, I instantly knew the kind of energy I wanted to bring to this intense and action-packed film. I’m really excited to collaborate with such incredible talents like Sesh and Jonita Gandhi. We thoroughly enjoyed shooting for the song, and I’m sure the audience will feel that same energy.”

Jonita shared, “Recording ‘Touch Buddy’ in both Telugu and Hindi was a really enjoyable experience. It was exciting to collaborate with someone as iconic as Pawan Singh, and working with Adivi Sesh and the team made the entire process super special. I’m grateful to the whole team for making me feel so comfortable throughout. Stepping in front of the camera and dancing for the song - that’s a first for me for any film so far. I hope the audience enjoys the song as much as we enjoyed creating it.”

Marking Shaneil Deo’s directorial debut, this ambitious project, which is shot in Hindi as well Telugu, is produced by Supriya Yarlagadda, co-produced by Suniel Narang, and presented by Annapurna Studios. Shot simultaneously in Hindi and Telugu, the film’s story and screenplay have been jointly crafted by Adivi Sesh and Shaneil Deo. Dacoit is gearing up for a grand Pan-India theatrical release for April 10, 2026.

Also Read: Adivi Sesh meets Japanese fan who flew to Hyderabad dressed like him to wish him for Dacoit

Prime Video, one of India’s most loved entertainment destination, today, celebrated Vijay Varma’s birthday by announcing April 17 as the worldwide premiere date of his upcoming Prime Original drama Matka King. Created and written by Abhay Koranne and created and directed by Nagraj Popatrao Manjule, the series is set in the fast-changing Bombay of the 1960s and traces the fictional journey of an enterprising cotton trader who creates a new gambling system, dubbed ‘Matka’, turning an elite pastime into a nationwide phenomenon.

The series is produced by Siddharth Roy Kapur, Nagraj Popatrao Manjule, Gargi Kulkarni, Ashwini Sidwani, and Ashish Aryan, under the banners of Roy Kapur Films, Aatpat, and SMR Productions. Matka King features Vijay Varma, Kritika Kamra, Sai Tamhankar, Siddharth Jadhav, Bhupendra Jadawat, and Gulshan Grover in lead roles along with Vineet Kumar Singh, Bharat Jadhav, Girish Kulkarni, Jamie Lever, Kishor Kadam, Cyrus Sahukar, Arpita Sethia, Sambhaji Tangade, Ishtiyak Khan, Sanjivv Jotangia, and Simran Ashwini in pivotal roles. The series is set to premiere exclusively on Prime Video, in India and across 240 countries and territories worldwide on April 17.

Matka King follows Brij Bhatti, a sharp-minded and enterprising cotton trader, played by Vijay Varma, who navigates the fast-changing landscape of 1960s Bombay in pursuit of legitimacy and respect. Set against a world of bustling markets, crowded chawls, and shifting power dynamics, what begins as an ambitious idea soon takes on a life of its own, drawing in people across social strata. As aspirations grow and stakes rise, the series unfolds into a gripping narrative shaped by ambition, power, and belonging.

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“Matka King is a gripping story of one man’s journey to succeed against all odds in a changing world, told in a way that will surprise audiences,” said Nikhil Madhok, director & head of Originals, Prime Video, India. “The tale of Brij Bhatti’s rise as the Mata King is equal parts fascinating and cautionary. We are thrilled to have partnered with Roy Kapur Films, Aatpat, and SMR Productions to bring this bold story to viewers worldwide on April 17.”

Siddharth Roy Kapur, co-producer for Matka King, shared, “What drew us to Matka King was the scale and uniqueness of the world it is set in, and the story of an individual navigating ambition, identity, and the pursuit of respect in a rapidly evolving society. It is a narrative rooted in a specific time and place, yet universally relatable in its exploration of human aspirations and choices. Combining forces with Nagraj Popatrao Manjule, whose extraordinary work I have always admired has been extremely rewarding. And the talented Abhay Koranne, who we have successfully collaborated with before, has brought a distinct creative vision and authenticity to the storytelling. With a stellar ensemble led by Vijay Varma, Kritika Kamra, and Gulshan Grover, the series is brought to life with remarkable depth and nuance. We are delighted to deepen our collaboration with Prime Video on this ambitious project and look forward to bringing Matka King to audiences starting April 17, only on Prime Video.”

Also Read: Sunny Deol and Vijay Varma likely to team up for high-intensity action drama

Akshaye Khanna is being very selective after Dhurandhar, as he used to be even before his resurrection. In his next release Mahakali, Akshaye Khanna plays Shukracharya, a manipulative sage, marking his entry into Tollywood.

The film, part of the Prasanth Varma Cinematic Universe (PVCU), is directed by Puja Aparna Kolluru.

Said producer Prashanth Varma, “We had signed Akshaye Sir much before Dhurandhar. He is the highlight of Mahakali.”

Varma intends to highlight Akshay Khanna’s presence in the North Hindi speaking belt. Earlier, the plan was to release Mahakali in Telugu only. But now after Dhurandhar, there will be a Hindi version highlighting Akshaye Khanna in the marketing.

Also Read: Feroz Abbas Khan on birthday boy Akshaye Khanna’s performance in Gandhi My Father, “His emotional investment to play the part was palpable, he has made Harilal memorable in cinema”

National Geographic India has announced a new two-episode travel series titled Postcards from Hong Kong, featuring Ridhi Dogra exploring a different perspective of Hong Kong beyond its familiar skyline and urban image. The series premieres on March 28 at 8 PM on National Geographic Channel and will also stream on JioHotstar.

Produced by National Geographic Creative Works, the show follows Ridhi as she travels through both well-known landmarks and lesser-seen locations across the city. The series highlights coastal landscapes, hiking trails and cultural experiences while also presenting everyday local life through interactions with guides and influencers.

In the first episode, Ridhi explores quieter and nature-focused destinations such as Sai Kung, Big Wave Bay, Dragon’s Back, Tai O, Ngong Ping, Po Lin Monastery and the Tian Tan Buddha. The journey reflects a slower and more reflective side of the city while also documenting her personal experience of travel and discovery.

The second episode shifts focus to the energetic side of Hong Kong. With 72 hours remaining in the city, Ridhi visits Causeway Bay, Happy Valley Racecourse and Michelin-recognised dining destinations, along with luxury shopping at Landmark. The episode captures the fast-paced character often associated with Hong Kong’s global identity.

Speaking about the experience, Ridhi Dogra said, “Being part of Postcards from Hong Kong with Nat Geo was a deeply enriching experience. What I love about this journey is that it goes beyond the obvious; it’s not just about the skyline or the speed of the city but about the stories that live in its quieter corners. From hiking through misty trails to understanding local traditions, I found myself connecting with Hong Kong in a way that felt real, immersive and meaningful.”

A spokesperson from National Geographic India said, “With Postcards from Hong Kong, we set out to go beyond the familiar and explore the city through a more intimate, human lens. At National Geographic, storytelling is rooted in depth and discovery, and our collaboration with Hong Kong Tourism Board reflects that ethos—bringing together local insights and global storytelling to showcase this exciting city in a whole new light. The series presents Hong Kong as a layered, living narrative, rich in culture, tradition, and unexpected experiences.”

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Hong Kong Tourism Board Director for South Asia Puneet Kumar added, “Postcards from Hong Kong is a reflection of meaningful storytelling that brings the city to life in an immersive way. We are delighted to see Hong Kong portrayed through such a fresh and nuanced lens. Through this collaboration with National Geographic, the series showcases a side of the city that many travellers are yet to discover—from scenic trails and coastal escapes to rich cultural traditions and vibrant local communities. It beautifully captures the diversity and spirit that define Hong Kong.”

The series also features experiences such as watching the Symphony of Lights aboard Aqua Luna, alongside explorations of local cuisine and neighbourhood spaces, presenting Hong Kong through a mix of travel, culture and personal storytelling

Also Read: Ridhi Dogra reflects on a tough decision in The 50 : “The guilt of not voting for your friends is too much”

On the occasion of Ram Charan’s birthday, the makers of his upcoming film, Peddi, unveiled a fascinating ‘Peddi Pehelwan’ teaser. An earlier asset, which was released in 2025, showed Ram Charan as a village cricketer. Meanwhile, the newly released content focuses on wrestling and presents Ram Charan in a physically demanding role. What also stood out in the teaser was the mention of Jio Studios in the end slate.

According to reports and trade sources, Jio Studios has come on board to distribute Peddi in North India. This marks a significant move for the studio, as it will be the first time Jio releases a Pan-India film in the Hindi-speaking markets.

Besides Ram Charan, Peddi also stars Janhvi Kapoor, Shiva Rajkumar, Jagapathi Babu and Divyenndu. It is presented by Mythri Movie Makers and Sukumar Writings of Pushpa fame, produced by Venkata Satish Kilaru's Vriddhi Cinemas and directed by Buchi Babu Sana. The music is composed by A R Rahman.

Peddi releases on April 30. Interestingly, Raja Shivaji, produced by Jio Studios, releases a day later, on May 1. It is based on the life of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, with Riteish Deshmukh playing the titular role. Riteish is also the film’s director and it also stars Abhishek Bachchan, Sanjay Dutt, Bhagyashree, Fardeen Khan, Vidya Balan, Genelia Deshmukh, Mahesh Manjrekar, Sachin Khedekar, Amole Gupte and others. Salman Khan also features in the film in a cameo. Besides Jyoti Deshpande of Jio Studios, the historical is also produced by Riteish and Genelia Deshmukh’s Mumbai Film Company.

A trade source told Bollywood Hungama, “Two big films are releasing in the same week. But since Jio has backed both films, it will ensure that screen-sharing happens meticulously and that justice is done to both. It gives a déjà vu of the Oppenheimer-Barbie clash in July 2023. Warner Bros produced Barbie and also distributed Oppenheimer, which was backed by Universal Pictures. The way the showcasing was allocated was praiseworthy, and a similar scenario is expected to unfold in May.”

Also Read: Ram Charan drops new ‘Peddi Pehelwan’ look unveiled; makers unveil this wrestler transformation

Actor-director Deepak Tijori has raised concerns over censorship practices in the theatrical release of Dhurandhar 2: The Revenge, questioning what he describes as inconsistencies in how abusive language is handled across platforms.

In a recent statement, Tijori criticised the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) for “half-muting” cuss words in the film’s theatrical version. He said he was unable to understand the rationale behind partially censoring expletives instead of either muting them completely or leaving them intact. “I genuinely don’t understand this, why mute half the abuses and let the other half stay?” he remarked, adding that the approach appears arbitrary.

The filmmaker also pointed out that the film has already been granted an adults-only certification, questioning the purpose of such partial censorship. “Who exactly are we protecting here? And from what, half a word?” he said, highlighting what he views as a lack of clarity in the guidelines.

Tijori further flagged what he termed a “double standard” in censorship between theatrical and digital releases. He noted that while the cinema version features muted language, the same film is later released on OTT platforms without such alterations. “The same film releases on OTT completely unmuted, exactly as it was meant to be,” he said, suggesting that this undermines the logic of theatrical cuts.

According to him, this discrepancy may inadvertently expose younger audiences to unfiltered content at home, despite stricter controls in cinemas. He argued that the current system raises broader questions about the effectiveness and consistency of content regulation across viewing platforms.

Also Read: Deepak Tijori alleges he was cheated of Rs 2.5 lakhs in false funding promise, case registered: Reports

A legal dispute has been brewing between the makers of the Hindi remake Bholaa starring Ajay Devgn and Tabu and the Tamil production house Dream Warrior Pictures who produced Karthi starrer Kaithi. The latter has approached the Bombay High Court, alleging infringement of copyright and remake rights linked to its original film Kaithi.

The matter was heard by a single-judge bench led by Justice Sharmila Deshmukh, who has currently reserved her decision on a preliminary issue—whether the Bombay High Court has the authority to hear the case. The producers of Bholaa have challenged the court’s jurisdiction, arguing that the dispute should be addressed elsewhere.

According to Dream Warrior Pictures, it produced and released Kaithi in October 2019 and retains complete ownership over the film’s intellectual property, including remake rights. The company stated that it later entered into multiple agreements regarding the Hindi adaptation, beginning with a collaboration involving a Reliance Group entity in early 2020.

A key agreement was signed on March 29, 2023, between Dream Warrior and Reliance Entertainment Studios, granting rights for the Hindi remake titled Bholaa. Under this deal, Dream Warrior claims it was to receive a fixed fee in instalments, along with additional earnings tied to the film’s performance. However, it alleges that only an initial payment of Rs.1 crore plus GST was made in April 2022.

The Hindi remake, starring Ajay Devgn, was released globally on March 30, 2023. Shortly after, on April 1, 2023, a second agreement was executed between Dream Warrior, Reliance, and Ajay Devgn Ffilms LLP. This arrangement reportedly granted all three parties joint ownership of remake rights, while leaving exploitation rights with Reliance.

Dream Warrior has claimed that subsequent payments due in April and May 2023 were never cleared. After repeated follow-ups over the next two years allegedly went unanswered, the company issued a legal notice in October 2024 demanding Rs. 4 crore along with interest. It also warned that failure to pay within 30 days would lead to termination of the agreement and restoration of all rights.

Following the lapse of this deadline in November 2024, Dream Warrior maintains that the agreement stood cancelled and that all rights related to Bholaa reverted to it.

In parallel, the production house had earlier approached the National Company Law Tribunal (NCLT) in Mumbai, seeking insolvency proceedings against Reliance Entertainment over unpaid dues. However, the tribunal dismissed the plea in August 2025, stating that the dispute did not qualify as an operational debt matter and should instead be resolved through civil proceedings.

Subsequently, Dream Warrior filed the present commercial intellectual property suit on March 22, 2026. It has sought a court order to restrain Reliance and Ajay Devgn Ffilms from distributing, streaming, or monetising Bholaa. The plea also seeks a formal declaration that the agreements stand terminated, along with compensation based on revenues earned from the film and its associated content.

The case also names several downstream platforms, including Amazon Prime Video, Zee Entertainment Enterprises, and T-Series, alleging that any streaming of the film after November 27, 2024 is unauthorised and amounts to wrongful gain.

During the hearing, the defendants argued that the primary agreement between the parties clearly specifies that courts in Chennai alone would have jurisdiction. They contended that the case cannot be brought before the Bombay High Court based on a secondary agreement.

After considering submissions from both sides, the court has reserved its order on the question of jurisdiction.

Also Read: Ajay Devgn starrer Bholaa gets its world television premiere on Zee Cinema

The upcoming cinematic adaptation of the Ramayana continues to build momentum as producer Namit Malhotra confirmed a major update regarding the film’s promotional rollout. The first glimpse titled ‘Rama’ is set to be unveiled on April 2, coinciding with the auspicious occasion of Hanuman Jayanti, and will be marked by a grand global reveal for fans.

The announcement came as Malhotra shared a note on social media on the occasion of Ram Navami, on Friday, March 27, offering insight into the vision and effort behind the ambitious project. In his message, he wished everyone and said, “Shubh Rama Navami. This is a story that belongs to all of us, and every step we take has been guided by a deep sense of responsibility, devotion, and care to bring our very own Ramayana to life in its truest spirit and scale with utmost sincerity. we look forward to sharing the next glimpse, ‘Rama’ On 2nd April, On the auspicious occasion of Hanuman Jayanti, as we begin to showcase all these years of our effort through a grand world reveal with fans, celebrating this moment across the world. Thank you for your love, faith, and patience. Namit Malhotra”.

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Directed by Nitesh Tiwari, Ramayana is envisioned as a large-scale, two-part cinematic spectacle mounted with global collaboration. Set about 5000 years ago, the project aims to blend advanced technology with immersive storytelling, positioning itself as a visually grand yet emotionally resonant retelling of the ancient epic.

The film has already generated significant buzz following its initial reveal, which included a multi-city launch in India and a prominent showcase at Times Square. With the upcoming ‘Rama’ glimpse, the makers are expanding the scale further by turning the reveal into a worldwide fan-driven celebration.

Featuring an ensemble cast, the film stars Ranbir Kapoor as Lord Ram, Sai Pallavi as Sita, Yash as Ravana, Sunny Deol as Hanuman, and Ravi Dubey as Lakshman.

Backed by Prime Focus Studios in association with the eight-time Oscar-winning DNEG and Yash’s Monster Mind Creations, the film is slated for a worldwide IMAX release. The first part is scheduled to arrive during Diwali 2026, followed by the second instalment in Diwali 2027.

Also Read: Dinesh Vijan says “Mahavatar is SIX times the size of Chhaava”; also reveals, “I told Namit Malhotra, ‘If Ramayana runs, Mahavatar is all set'”

Netflix has announced its upcoming dark comedy Toaster, a film that turns an everyday object into the centre of an increasingly chaotic chain of events. Set to premiere on April 15, 2026, the film promises a quirky and unpredictable narrative that begins with a seemingly trivial situation—a wedding gift that refuses to be forgotten after the wedding itself is called off.

Directed by Vivek Das Chaudhary, Toaster marks a significant milestone for Patralekhaa, who steps into production with her banner Kampa Film. The project brings together Rajkummar Rao and Sanya Malhotra in leading roles, supported by a vibrant ensemble that includes Archana Puran Singh, Abhishek Banerjee, Farah Khan, Upendra Limaye, Vinod Rawat, Jitendra Joshi and Seema Pahwa.

The film also sees Rajkummar Rao returning to the comedy genre, a space where he has previously earned audience appreciation for his comic timing. With Toaster, he is set to headline a story that blends relatable situations with escalating absurdity and dark humour.

Speaking about stepping into production, Patralekhaa said, “Stepping into production with Kampa Film has been an incredibly meaningful milestone for us, and beginning this journey with Netflix — who have consistently championed distinctive and unconventional stories — makes it even more special. Toaster immediately stood out because it finds humour in the most unexpected places, and the moment we read it, we knew it was a story we wanted to bring to life. Being our very first film makes the experience even more personal for us. Having such a wonderful ensemble come together for this journey has been truly exciting, and we can’t wait for audiences to dive into this entertaining and unpredictable ride.”

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Sharing insights into the film, Ruchikaa Kapoor Sheikh, Director of Original Films at Netflix India, added, “Toaster is a quirky dark comedy that begins with a simple miser whose life spirals into complete mayhem in pursuit of getting back his toaster. It’s the kind of inventive storytelling we love to champion at Netflix. With Vivek Das Chaudhary making his directorial debut and Patralekhaa & Raj stepping into the producer’s role for the first time with Kampa Film, the project reflects our continued focus on championing emerging talent behind the camera while bringing an exciting burst of fresh creative energy. All of this comes alive with two phenomenal and much-loved actors, Rajkummar Rao and Sanya Malhotra, headlining this family entertainer, alongside a vibrant ensemble. Toaster adds a wonderfully fun note to the diverse mix of stories we’re bringing to audiences this year- an entertaining comedy that builds on relatable situations, dark humour and delightfully escalating chaos.”

Backed by a strong creative team, the film’s story and screenplay are written by Parveez Shaikh, with additional screenplay credits going to Akshat Ghildial and Anagh Mukerjee. The dialogues have been penned by Akshat Ghildial, while Tarun Bali serves as the executive producer.

With its eccentric characters, madcap twists and an unusual premise, Toaster aims to deliver a chaotic yet engaging viewing experience when it premieres exclusively on Netflix on April 15, 2026.

Also Read: TOASTER: Rajkummar Rao and Sanya Malhotra reunite for a dark comedy where a wedding gift sparks murder

Yesterday morning, Bollywood Hungama reported that Project Hail Mary is struggling to secure screens in IMAX properties in India. Dhurandhar The Revenge was released in an IMAX version on Thursday, March 19, in the country, and due to its historic performance, it was expected that both films would share shows in IMAX. In a shocking turn of events, that hasn’t happened in most IMAX screens. As of 8:00 am on March 26, only six out of 34 IMAX theatres in the country are playing Project Hail Mary. The anger among the fans of the Hollywood film is quite visible on social media.

A source told Bollywood Hungama, “Project Hail Mary is filmed for IMAX and hence for many moviegoers, it is a must-watch in the IMAX theatres. Issues over screen-sharing are very common and it was expected that they would get resolved on the night of Wednesday, March 25. Sadly, that didn’t happen as the studio backing Dhurandhar The Revenge refused to let go of the shows in IMAX. Finally, late at night, Sony Pictures managed to secure 6 shows in 6 different screens in the country.”

An industry insider, on condition of anonymity, told us, “I was checking the booking app every 15 minutes as I was desperate to book tickets in IMAX and I knew that the moment the bookings would commence, all the best seats would be grabbed by other enthusiastic fans. However, this is not how it should be – there should be some clarity and some confirmation in advance, especially for a film shot in IMAX.”

At present, the six IMAX theatres in India that are playing Project Hail Mary are Maison Inox BKC in Mumbai, Cinepolis Seawoods in Navi Mumbai, Inox Megaplex Wakad and Cinepolis Nexus in Pune, Inox South City in Kolkata and Broadway Cinemas in Coimbatore. No show has been allotted yet in the 7 screens in Delhi-NCR.

Meanwhile, there’s hope that Project Hail Mary’s shows will increase as theatres like Cinepolis Centre Square in Kochi, Cinepolis Thane, PVR Nexus, Cinepolis Nexus Shantiniketan and Inox Mantri Square in Bengaluru, PVR Palladium Mall in Ahmedabad, Cinepolis Nexus in Pune, PVR Palazzo and Inox Phoenix Market City in Chennai, Rajhans Precia in Surat and PVR Lulu in Trivandrum have kept one slot vacant. In Delhi-NCR, PVR Vegas, PVR Superplex Noida, PVR Ambience Gurugram, Inox Vishal Mall Rajouri Garden, PVR Select City Walk and PVR Superplex Logix Noida have programmed only the morning shows of Dhurandhar The Revenge and haven’t yet declared which film they’ll play later in the day. Lucknow’s Inox Megaplex Phoenix Pallasio Mall is yet to open booking for any film in the IMAX screen for the day. This has further raised expectations that the acclaimed Hollywood film will make it to these cinemas.

On the other hand, the IMAX cinemas that won’t play Project Hail Mary today are PVR Lower Parel, Inox R City Ghatkopar, Inox Malad, Inox Sky City Mall Borivali, Eros and Miraj Wadala in Mumbai, PVR Priya and Inox Paras in Delhi and PVR Vega City, PVR VR Whitefield Road and Inox Galleria Mall in Bengaluru. These cinemas will continue to showcase Dhurandhar The Revenge.

A trade source told us, “This is a developing situation. Sony is trying its best to increase the number of shows in IMAX for today. Also, none of the IMAX theatres has commenced bookings for the weekend. Hence, there’s a possibility that Project Hail Mary will have more shows in more screens from Friday, March 27. Sony is trying its best to push for at least one show of their film in all the IMAX centres in India. The healthy advance bookings have given them all the more reason to persuade theatres to give them shows.”

Also Read: Project Hail Mary struggles to get screens in India despite healthy advance sales; expected to share shows with Dhurandhar The Revenge in IMAX properties

In a significant development ahead of the upcoming Tamil Nadu Assembly elections, a plea has been raised before the Madras High Court seeking a ban on the recently released film Dhurandhar The Revenge in the state. The matter was mentioned urgently on Monday, March 23, with concerns that the film’s politically charged narrative could influence voters during the crucial election period.

Advocate Sheela brought the issue before a bench comprising Chief Justice SA Dharmadhikari and Justice G Arul Murugan. The counsel argued that the film contains strong political undertones and may impact voter sentiment, especially with elections scheduled to take place on April 23, 2026.

Highlighting the timing of the release, the advocate pointed out that the Model Code of Conduct is currently in force following the March 15 announcement by the Election Commission of India. She urged the court to restrain the screening of the film in Tamil Nadu until the completion of polling, suggesting that its exhibition could resume thereafter.

Dhurandhar The Revenge, which hit theatres on March 19, has been generating considerable buzz for its high-octane narrative and intense political backdrop. The film reportedly follows the journey of a covert operative returning to India after a long mission, only to find himself entangled in a web of power, corruption, and political intrigue. With its layered storytelling and dramatic conflicts, the film has sparked conversations among audiences and critics alike.

While the court did not pass an immediate order on the oral mention, it directed the complainant to file a formal petition to examine the matter in detail. An urgent hearing is expected to take place after the complainant completes the filing process, which could determine whether the film continues its theatrical run in the state during the election period.

The development adds a fresh layer of controversy to the Ranveer Singh starrer, which has already been in the spotlight for its bold themes and strong narrative tone. As the legal proceedings unfold, all eyes will be on the court’s decision and its potential impact on both the film’s box office performance and the broader conversation around cinema and political sensitivity during elections.

Also Read: Dhurandhar The Revenge creates HISTORY on Monday with Rs. 60 crores; smashes Rs. 500 crores in 5 days

Bollywood star Ranbir Kapoor has partnered with Bengaluru-based real estate developer Mana Projects as its brand ambassador, marking a significant crossover between entertainment and the evolving urban housing space. The collaboration coincides with the company unveiling a refreshed brand identity, aimed at redefining modern community living.

Known for being selective with endorsements, Ranbir’s association signals a strategic move by the developer to connect with a younger, aspirational audience. The actor will be the face of a large-scale campaign spanning digital, outdoor, and experiential platforms, positioning the brand at the intersection of design, sustainability, and contemporary lifestyles.

Speaking about the association, Ranbir Kapoor highlighted the emotional value attached to homes, stating, “A home is one of the most meaningful investments people make in their lives, and it should reflect comfort, warmth and a sense of belonging. What impressed me about Mana Projects is the brilliance of their thought, the way design, nature and functionality come together to enhance everyday living. I'm delighted to be associated with Mana Projects as they continue to create homes that inspire modern urban families to truly live brilliantly.”

For Mana Projects, the move represents more than just a celebrity endorsement. Chairman and Managing Director D. Kishore Reddy described it as a reflection of the company’s evolving identity and future vision. “This rebranding represents the natural evolution of Mana Projects as we align ourselves with the aspirations of a new generation of homeowners, particularly millennials who form the backbone of Bengaluru's dynamic homebuyer community. Today's homebuyers seek more than just an apartment; they look for thoughtfully designed spaces, meaningful community living and a deeper connection with nature. At Mana, our philosophy centres on creating homes where space is purposeful, design is intelligent, nature is respected, and engineering ensures long-term sustainability. Our association with Ranbir Kapoor reflects this new chapter as we continue to build communities that enable people to truly Live Brilliantly.”

The refreshed brand philosophy places emphasis on creating living spaces that blend architecture with nature, focusing on sustainability, intelligent design, and community-driven environments. With Ranbir Kapoor now fronting its vision, the brand is set to amplify its reach, leveraging the actor’s wide appeal to resonate with modern homebuyers looking for more than just a place to live.

Also Read: Mohit Suri clarifies he is not working with Ranbir Kapoor yet: “I wish there was”

A legal tussle surrounding the Hera Pheri franchise has come into focus, with Vijay Kumar asserting complete ownership over the intellectual property, as his dispute with producer Firoz Nadiadwala continues in court.

In a candid interaction with Pinkvilla, Vijay Kumar laid out his stance on the matter, claiming that the rights to the franchise have always remained with his side. Addressing the ongoing case, he confirmed, “We have the total rights for Hera Pheri franchise clean and clear, everything. And guess what? This man did the second instalment without permission.”

According to Vijay, the issue dates back to the sequel itself. While a one-time remake right for the Hindi version was granted, he alleges that subsequent developments took place without consent. “We had only given a one-time remake right for the Hindi version. He made that, but then proceeded with a second film without our consent or knowledge,” he stated, adding that the matter was not pursued legally at the time.

The dispute intensified when plans for Hera Pheri 3 surfaced. Vijay revealed that repeated attempts to resolve the issue amicably did not yield results, prompting legal action. “When he attempted a third film, we issued a notice stating clearly that he has no rights, and even the second film was a violation,” he said. He further alleged that Nadiadwala attempted to transfer or sell the project, which led to the filing of an intellectual property rights case.

Providing an update on the legal proceedings, Vijay claimed that the court has already indicated its stance. “The court has made it very clear that the rights are with us, and we are confident of getting that order as well,” he said, while also accusing the opposing side of delaying the process through repeated adjournments and non-appearance.

Despite the ongoing dispute, Vijay acknowledged the commercial value of the franchise and did not rule out future collaborations once the matter is resolved. “Selling can only be considered after we sort things out with Nadiadwala. Once that is resolved, all options are open… because it is a prime brand,” he explained.

On the creative front, he emphasised that the original trio of Akshay Kumar, Paresh Rawal, and Suniel Shetty remains integral to the franchise’s identity, noting that retaining them “makes the most business sense in every way.”

For now, the fate of Hera Pheri 3 remains uncertain, hinging largely on the outcome of the legal proceedings, which Vijay believes will eventually conclude in his favour, even as delays continue to stall a final resolution.

Also Read: Paresh Rawal Addresses Hera Pheri 3 Delay, Clarifies It’s Due to Technical Issues