Producer Dinesh Vijan and actor Rajkummar Rao are set to collaborate once again for Prahaar – The Ujjwal Nikam Story, a new drama inspired by events that left a lasting impact on the nation. The film is scheduled to release in cinemas on August 7, 2026.

Directed by Avinash Arun, the project will see Rajkummar Rao in the lead role. The cast also includes Wamiqa Gabbi, Sikander Kher, and Jaideep Ahlawat in pivotal roles. The film is being produced under the banner of Maddock Films.

While the makers have kept plot details under wraps, the title indicates that the film will draw inspiration from the life and work of Ujjwal Nikam, one of India's most prominent public prosecutors. The announcement describes the film as a hard-hitting drama inspired by incidents that shaped public discourse and captured national attention.

The project marks another chapter in the long-standing creative partnership between Rajkummar Rao and Maddock Films. Over the years, the actor has become one of the studio's most frequent collaborators, working across genres ranging from horror-comedy to social dramas and family entertainers.

Their association gained widespread attention with the blockbuster hit Stree and continued with projects such as Made in China, Roohi, and Hum Do Hamare Do. The partnership reached new heights when Stree 2 emerged as one of the biggest box-office successes of 2024.

More recently, Rajkummar Rao teamed up with Wamiqa Gabbi in Bhool Chuk Maaf, a fantasy romantic comedy backed by Maddock Films. The upcoming Prahaar – The Ujjwal Nikam Story will mark another collaboration between the two actors.

Also Read: Taran Adarsh lauds Rajkummar Rao for building “creative synergy” with Maddock Films as Bhool Chuk Maaf releases: “Their collaborations seem to bring out the best in each other”

Actor Arshad Warsi will essay a double role for the first time in his career in Jeevan Bheema Yojana, a dark comedy crime thriller directed by Abhishek Dogra.

The film features an ensemble cast that includes Sanjeeda Shaikh, Vijay Raaz, Pooja Chopra, and Brijendra Kala.

Produced by Anshu Mishra under Star Beam Ventures Ltd (formerly BlueGod Entertainment Ltd), Jeevan Bheema Yojana has completed production and is scheduled for a theatrical release in monsoon 2026.

Warsi, known for his work in films such as Munna Bhai M.B.B.S., Ishqiya, and Jolly LLB, portrays two lookalike men whose lives become dangerously intertwined in a tale of crime, deception, and dark humour.

The film follows Jeevan and his wife Yojana, a couple burdened by mounting debt, who encounter Bheema, a stranger bearing an uncanny resemblance to Jeevan. What begins as a plan to fake Jeevan’s death and claim an insurance payout unravels when the man presumed dead turns out to be connected to a dangerous diamond-smuggling network.

Director Abhishek Dogra said, “Jeevan Bheema Yojana is a film about ordinary people making one extraordinary, catastrophic decision and then spending the rest of the film paying for it. The genre is dark comedy, but the heart of it is very human. Greed, desperation, love, and the terrible momentum of a lie you can’t stop telling. Arshad brings both men to life with a precision that constantly surprised us on set.”

Abhishek Dogra has previously directed Dolly Ki Doli and FryDay.

Jeevan Bheema Yojana is set to release in theatres during monsoon 2026.

Also Read: Arshad Warsi to portray double role for the first time in a quirky crime comedy titled Jeevan Bheema Yojana

Star Plus may be gearing up to make a grand return to the reality television space with what is being described as one of its most ambitious non-fiction projects in recent years. While the channel has delivered several successful reality properties in the past, including Dance Plus and Nach Baliye, industry sources indicate that a brand-new format could soon be heading to television screens.

According to sources close to the development, the broadcaster is planning a large-scale reality show that could rival the stature and scale of popular formats such as Bigg Boss. Interestingly, insiders claim that the concept may also draw comparisons with some of the newer reality formats that have recently gained attention on streaming platforms, including The 50. What makes the project particularly intriguing is its reported format. While official details remain tightly under wraps, sources suggest that the show may feature a fresh set of participants in every episode, offering viewers a constantly evolving narrative and a unique viewing experience unlike traditional reality competitions. Adding further weight to the speculation is the reported involvement of Endemol Shine India, the production house behind Bigg Boss and several other successful unscripted formats. Industry insiders believe that the collaboration signals the channel's intent to mount the project on a significant scale. The mystery surrounding the show has only intensified with reports that the first promotional shoot is currently underway in Mumbai. Sources reveal that the host has already begun filming the inaugural promo, although the identity of the face leading the show has not been officially confirmed. Meanwhile, industry chatter suggests that a major Bollywood name could be associated with the project. Among the names doing the rounds is Anil Kapoor, who has previously showcased his flair for hosting and television appearances. However, there has been no official confirmation regarding his involvement at the time of writing. With the channel maintaining complete secrecy around the project, fans and industry observers alike are eagerly awaiting an official announcement. If the reports hold true, Star Plus could be preparing to re-enter the reality entertainment arena in a big way, with a format that promises both scale and novelty. Also Read: Star Plus to launch its newest jodi from Sairaab at Fashion Ke Rang, Rishton Ke Sang

The advance booking of Christopher Nolan’s The Odyssey was thrown open in India at 10:00 am on June 8, though the release is more than a month away. As of now, Universal Pictures has opened plans for only two shows, that too in IMAX screens, one early morning and one at night or evening. It was expected that the rates of all shows across the country would be sky-high or the highest ever, surpassing the insane ticket prices of Nolan’s last film, Oppenheimer (2023) or the recently released Dhurandhar The Revenge (2026). But it’s a pleasant surprise to see that in several cinemas of IMAX, the rates are reasonable.

Mumbai

The luxurious Inox Malad is the cheapest place to watch The Odyssey as the morning show tickets are available for just Rs. 450, Rs. 470 and Rs. 520. The price of the tickets for the evening show of 5:00 pm is Rs. 700, 750 and Rs. 800. Erox IMAX meanwhile, is charging Rs. 500, Rs. 520 and Rs. 550 for 9:45 am and Rs. 700, Rs. 720 and Rs. 750 for the 4:45 pm show.

At PVR Lower Parel, the rates are slightly higher, though not the highest. The 10:00 am show tickets are sold for Rs. 700, Rs. 800 and Rs. 1400, while one will have to shell out Rs. 900, Rs. 1200 and Rs. 1400 for the 8:30 pm show.

The Cinepolis cinemas are charging the highest. At their Thane property, the rates are Rs. 950, Rs. 1000 and Rs. 1050 for the 7:00 am show and Rs. 1400, Rs. 1500 and Rs. 1600 for the 5:30 pm show. In Cinepolis Seawoods, no tickets are sold under Rs. 1300. While the 7:00 am show tickets are for Rs. 1300, Rs. 1400 and Rs. 1500, the 5:30 pm show tickets are sold for Rs. 1800, Rs. 1900 and Rs. 2000.

Delhi-NCR

In the capital city and surrounding places, two cinemas are charging in four digits. In PVR Vegas Dwarka, the rates for both shows are Rs. 830, Rs. 850 and Rs. 1050. PVR Priya tickets are reasonably priced at Rs. 450, Rs. 470 and Rs. 490; however, the recliners are available for Rs. 1400. PVR Superplex Noida comes next, as it charges Rs. 640, Rs. 660 and Rs. 760 for the afternoon show and Rs. 700, Rs. 720 and Rs. 810 for the late-night show. In Inox Vishal Mall, the tickets of early morning show are sold for Rs. 550, Rs. 600 and Rs. 650 and that of the night show at Rs. 700, Rs. 750 and Rs. 800.

Lastly, Inox Paras is charging Rs. 370, Rs. 390, Rs. 410 and Rs. 490 for 9:15 am show and Rs. 520, Rs. 570, Rs. 620 and Rs. 650 for the 7:45 pm show. In other words, it is the theatres with the cheapest tickets for The Odyssey in India.

Down South and Kolkata

In Cinepolis Nexus Bengaluru, the rates are Rs. 900, Rs. 950 and Rs. 1000 for both shows, while in Cinepolis Kochi, tickets are available for Rs. 750, Rs. 800, Rs. 850, Rs. 900 and Rs. 950. The popular Broadway in Coimbatore is charging a flat rate of Rs. 508.34. Meanwhile, in Inox South City Kolkata, the tickets for the 10:00 am show are Rs. 470 and Rs. 500 and that of the 8:30 pm show are Rs. 680 and Rs. 710.

Pune

If you are a resident of Pune, be prepared to pay the highest in the country to watch The Odyssey. The tickets of the 7:00 am show at Cinepolis Aundh and the 9:00 am show at Inox Megaplex are sold for Rs. 1400, Rs. 1500 and Rs. 2600. As for the evening shows in these cinemas, the rates are Rs. 1600, Rs. 1700 and Rs. 3000.

To conclude

As of 10:45 am on June 8, several IMAX properties are yet to open bookings like Miraj IMAX Wadala Mumbai, PVR Palazzo and Inox Velachery in Chennai, PVR Palladium Mall Ahmedabad, Inox Megaplex Lucknow, etc. Moreover, theatres often practice dynamic pricing. This means that the rates might increase as ticket sales go higher.

Also Read: Christopher Nolan’s The Odyssey to open IMAX ticket sales in India from June 8

Sriram Raghavan's Andhadhun continues to be regarded as one of the most acclaimed thrillers in modern Hindi cinema. Starring Ayushmann Khurrana, Tabu, and Radhika Apte, the 2018 film won both critical and commercial success. However, years after its release, actor Varun Dhawan has revealed that the film almost had a very different cast.

During a recent appearance on comedian and content creator Tanmay Bhat's YouTube channel, Varun opened up about one of the biggest films he passed on during his career. The conversation began when Tanmay asked if there was a major film that Varun had rejected and later regretted after seeing its success.

Responding to the question, Varun admitted that there was indeed a film he could not take up. "I think a good movie. I think I said no to a good film," he said.

When Tanmay asked him to name the project, Varun revealed, "Andhadhun. I was filming for something else. So I couldn't do it. And the original cast of the film was supposed to be me and Kangana."

The revelation has reignited discussions around the film's early development. For years, reports had suggested that director Sriram Raghavan had initially discussed the concept of Andhadhun with Varun Dhawan. The two had previously collaborated on the critically acclaimed thriller Badlapur in 2015.

According to reports at the time, Varun was impressed by the idea behind Andhadhun. However, he and Raghavan decided to prioritize Badlapur first. As the actor's schedule became increasingly packed with other commitments, Raghavan reportedly began searching for a new lead actor.

The role eventually went to Ayushmann Khurrana. The film also earned widespread praise for Tabu's layered performance and its unpredictable screenplay. Released in 2018, Andhadhun emerged as both a critical and box office success. The thriller won multiple awards and is still considered one of Raghavan's finest works.

Meanwhile, Varun Dhawan is currently seen in Hai Jawani Toh Ishq Hona Hai, directed by his father David Dhawan. The romantic comedy, which also stars Pooja Hegde and Mrunal Thakur, released in theatres on June 5. Despite generating pre-release buzz, the film recorded a modest opening at the box office.

Also Read: Here’s what happened when Sui Dhaaga actor Varun Dhawan meets Andhadhun star Ayushmann Khurrana

The development of Krrish 4 has been under intense scrutiny ever since reports surfaced claiming there were disagreements between Hrithik Roshan and Yash Raj Films over the film's budget. However, filmmaker Rakesh Roshan has now firmly dismissed such speculation, calling the reports baseless and reiterating that the ambitious superhero project is progressing smoothly.

Over the past few months, industry chatter suggested that Hrithik Roshan, who is set to make his directorial debut with Krrish 4, was keen on mounting the film on a massive scale with world-class visual effects and action sequences. Reports further claimed that while Hrithik envisioned a budget of around Rs 500 crores, Yash Raj Films preferred to keep production costs closer to Rs 350 crores to ensure commercial viability.

Addressing these rumours, Rakesh Roshan told Mid-Day, “It’s all nonsense that Hrithik has asked for a Rs 500 crore budget for top-tier VFX and world-class action for his directorial debut, while YRF wants to cap costs at Rs 350 crores. Making a good film catering to a [wide] audience takes time. Even I have taken time for each of my Krrish offerings.”

The filmmaker also shed light on why the much-awaited superhero sequel has yet to go on floors despite being announced some time ago. According to him, the delay has more to do with scheduling than any creative or financial differences. “Krrish is on another planet and we are all waiting for his dates,” Rakesh Roshan joked, referring to Hrithik's packed professional commitments.

He further clarified that there are no issues between the stakeholders involved in the project. “There are no issues; all is smooth. It’s teamwork between Adi, Hrithik, and me,” he said.

Krrish 4 has undergone several changes over the years. Earlier, director Karan Malhotra and filmmaker-producer Siddharth Anand were reportedly associated with the project. However, the film eventually took a new direction, with Hrithik Roshan stepping into the director's chair. The upcoming installment is being jointly backed by Rakesh Roshan's Filmkraft and Aditya Chopra's Yash Raj Films.

While Rakesh Roshan refrained from sharing a definitive timeline for production, he revealed that the script is nearly finalized and the makers are hoping to begin filming by the end of the year. “I will update you when everything is ready,” he concluded.

Also Read: Priyanka Chopra Jonas cast as female lead in Hrithik Roshan’s Krrish 4

As Tips Films celebrated the release of David Dhawan’s Varun Dhawan-Mrunal Thakur-Pooja Hegde starrer Hai Jawani Toh Ishq Hona Hai yesterday, June 5, the production house has already completed filming an exciting upcoming project. The banner’s next film, starring Pulkit Samrat and directed by Sneha Taurani, has officially wrapped principal photography.

According to sources, the film has completed its shoot, with only a song sequence remaining to be filmed. The project has now entered its final phase of production, bringing it one step closer to audiences.

The development highlights Tips Films’ busy and ambitious slate. Even as Hai Jawani Toh Ishq Hona Hai arrives in theatres, the banner has quietly wrapped another significant project, ensuring its momentum continues well beyond its latest release.

The film also marks an exciting collaboration between Pulkit Samrat, director Sneha Taurani and producer Ramesh Taurani. Though the makers have yet to officially unveil the project, industry circles have been closely tracking its progress ever since reports surfaced that Pulkit would be headlining the film.

For Pulkit, the wrap comes at a particularly exciting time. The actor recently earned appreciation for his performance in Netflix’s sports-cum-mystery web series, Glory, where he impressed audiences with a strikingly different avatar. The positive response has further strengthened anticipation around his upcoming projects, including this collaboration with Tips Films.

With Hai Jawani Toh Ishq Hona Hai now playing in theatres and Pulkit Samrat’s film wrapped, Tips Films appears to be seamlessly transitioning from one major project to the next, reinforcing its position as one of the industry’s most active production houses.

Also Read: “Count the tyres”: Pulkit Samrat drops BTS glimpse from Netflix’s sports thriller Glory

On June 8, Indian fans will be amongst the first in the world to secure their seats for The Odyssey. Shot across the world using brand new IMAX® film technology, The Odyssey is the first feature film shot entirely with IMAX® cameras, opening in cinemas worldwide and across India on July 17, 2026.

Written and directed by Academy Award-winning filmmaker Christopher Nolan, the film brings Homer's foundational epic to the screen in a way that has never been attempted before. The story of Odysseus, King of Ithaca, and his perilous journey home after the fall of Troy is brought to life by Matt Damon as Odysseus, Tom Holland as Telemachus, and Anne Hathaway as Penelope, alongside Zendaya, Robert Pattinson, Lupita Nyong'o, Charlize Theron, and Jon Bernthal. The Odyssey opens in cinemas across India in all formats on July 17, 2026.

Speaking about the opening of IMAX ticket bookings for The Odyssey in India, Denzil Dias, Vice President and Managing Director, Warner Bros. Discovery India, said, "The Odyssey is the first film in cinema history to be shot entirely on IMAX cameras, a milestone Warner Bros. Discovery Indiaspent nearly twenty years working toward. On June 8, for the first time in India, Nolan fans will be amongst the first in the world to be able to book their favorite seats alongside their fellow Christopher Nolan fans around the world. For Nolan fans in India, this is a moment worth marking. For the first time, they book their seats alongside the rest of the world, for the first film in history made entirely on IMAX cameras."

IMAX tickets for The Odyssey are on sale from June 8, 2026. The Odyssey opens in cinemas across India from July 17, 2026. Written and directed by Christopher Nolan. Produced by Emma Thomas and Christopher Nolan for Syncopy. Universal Pictures India, distributed by Warner Bros. Discovery. In cinemas worldwide July 17, 2026.

Also Read: IMAX returns to Hyderabad after a decade with three new AMB Cinemas locations

A few days ago, news came in that the shoot of the Hindi version of Drishyam 3 was completed, and now the team of the film is gearing up for its October 2 release. The original Malayalam version was released last month, on May 21, and many are wondering whether the Hindi version will be similar to it.

A trade source told Bollywood Hungama, “Drishyam (2015) and Drishyam 2 (2022) in Hindi were quite similar to the original films. But the Hindi Drishyam 3 will be an exception. The makers have drastically altered the plot and twists. At the same time, they have made sure that it does justice to the world of Drishyam.”

The source also said, “The makers are also excited with the new additions. It is said that Jaideep Ahlawat and Prakash Raj have put up great acts. At the same time, Ajay Devgn, Tabu, Shriya Saran and others have once again delivered fine performances.”

In a recent exclusive interview with Bollywood Hungama, director Abhishek Pathak had revealed that while both versions of Drishyam 3 will retain the same emotional core, the Hindi adaptation has been developed differently to suit its audience. “The Malayalam film is an emotional family drama, while ours is a family thriller,” Pathak had said.

The other interesting information from the film is that this time, the music has been given by Ravi Basrur of KGF, Salaar, Marco and Toxic fame. Interestingly, Ajay Devgn had worked with him in Bholaa (2023) and Singham Again (2024).

All three versions of Drishyam 3 in Hindi have had different music composers. Vishal Bhardwaj composed the songs in part 1, while Devi Sri Prasad took over in Drishyam 2.

Presented by Star Studio18, the Panorama Studios production is directed by Abhishek Pathak and written by Abhishek Pathak, Aamil Keeyan Khan and Parveez Shaikh. Produced by Alok Jain, Ajit Andhare, Kumar Mangat Pathak and Abhishek Pathak, Drishyam 3 is all set to release theatrically on October 2, 2026.

Also Read: Ajay Devgn-starrer Drishyam 3 completes shoot; Abhishek Pathak shares heartfelt wrap-up post: “This film has been our world”

Actress Celina Jaitly has issued a detailed statement in response to legal notices sent by her estranged husband Peter Haag and his father, Wolfgang Haag, who have threatened to initiate defamation proceedings against her. The development comes days after Semwal & Co., acting on behalf of Peter Haag and Wolfgang Haag, confirmed that two separate legal notices had been served to the actress. The notices alleged that Celina had circulated false, defamatory and misleading statements through social media, interviews and media interactions while matrimonial and child custody proceedings remain pending before courts in Austria.

Responding publicly, Celina said her legal team at Karanjawala & Co. has already submitted a formal reply. "Two legal notices have recently been sent to me by my estranged husband Peter & his father Wolfgang Haag, threatening to sue me for defamation. A response has aptly been submitted through my legal representatives, advocates at Karanjawala & Co.," she stated.

The actress alleged that the notices were intended to shift focus away from issues she has raised before authorities. "In my view, these notices are an attempt to divert attention from police complaints, lookout notices, allegations of violence, documented evidence before the competent authorities & pending before the courts," she wrote.

Celina also asserted that discussing her personal experiences and seeking legal remedies should not be considered defamatory. "Speaking about my lived experiences & pursuing lawful remedies is not defamation," she said. Referring to her family's past public appearances, the actress claimed that media visibility had previously been welcomed. "For years, publicity involving our family was actively embraced, including Peter's participation in magazine covers, interviews, articles featuring our children & me until it suited his own interests."

She further questioned why legal notices were issued after she began speaking publicly about her experiences. "It is therefore ironic that when I began speaking about my own experiences, legal battles, concerns as a mother & pursuit of justice, I was met with legal notices instead of answers." The actress emphasized her relationship with her children and said they remain central to her ongoing legal fight. "These are my children too. I am their mother & they are the reason I continue this fight."

Celina maintained that she has consistently supported joint custody and an amicable divorce. However, she claimed that despite court orders, she remains unable to contact her children. "I have consistently supported joint custody & amicable divorce. Yet despite court orders, I remain without contact with my children just because I chose to fight for my rights."

According to Celina, her public appeals stemmed from concerns regarding her children's whereabouts and possible relocation outside the jurisdiction of Austrian and Indian courts. "As a mother with joint custody, I believed it is both my right & responsibility to raise those concerns," she stated.

The actress further alleged that she has faced pressure and intimidation while living in Austria and claimed that efforts are being made to silence her. "What appears to trouble some is not that I have spoken, but that I have refused to remain silent."

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  A post shared by Celina Jaitly (@celinajaitlyofficial)

Concluding her statement, Celina said she would continue pursuing legal remedies and expressed confidence in the judicial systems of both countries. "I will not be intimidated into silence for speaking about my experiences or seeking the legal remedies available to me. I am fighting with evidence & have full faith in the judicial systems of India & Austria."

The dispute remains the subject of ongoing legal proceedings, with both sides presenting differing accounts of the matter sharply.

Also Read: Preity Zinta launches jewellery brand Jacarti; Celina Jaitly, Bobby Deol and Iulia Vantur join celebrations: “Mother of all selfies”

Actor and entrepreneur Preity Zinta has ventured into the luxury jewellery space with the launch of her fine jewellery brand, Jacarti Jewellery. The actress recently inaugurated the brand’s new store in Mumbai’s Bandra neighbourhood, with several friends from the entertainment industry attending the celebration.

Among those present at the event were actors Celina Jaitly, Bobby Deol and Iulia Vantur. The gathering marked an important milestone for Zinta as she expands her professional portfolio beyond cinema and sports into the luxury retail sector.

Sharing moments from the launch on social media, Celina Jaitly congratulated Preity and praised the new collection. Posting a selfie from the event, she wrote, “CONGRATULATIONS PREITY. What a wonderful evening celebrating my darling friend Preity Zinta and the launch of her luxury fine jewellery brand, Jacarti Jewellery, and its beautiful new store in Bandra, Mumbai.”

Speaking about the collection, Celina added, “Preity, congratulations on this incredible milestone. The jewellery is absolutely phenomenal elegant, distinctive, and truly out of this world. Wishing you and the entire Jacarti team every success as this exciting new chapter unfolds.”

She also encouraged jewellery enthusiasts to explore the collection, writing, “Guys, if you are jewellery buffs, do go check out this stunning, dreamy collection in Bandra.”

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  A post shared by Celina Jaitly (@celinajaitlyofficial)

The actress further revealed that the evening doubled as a reunion with friends from the industry. “The evening was made even more special being reunited with Lord Bobby, my co-star from Shakalaka Boom Boom, and catching up with Jiju Gene,” she wrote, referring to Bobby Deol and Preity’s husband Gene Goodenough.

Meanwhile, singer and television personality Iulia Vantur also shared glimpses from the launch event. Congratulating Preity on her latest venture, she wrote, “Friends, diamonds, memories and laughter. I was happy to celebrate my friend Preity's new venture. She brings her sparkle in whatever she does.”

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  A post shared by Iulia V Vantur (@vanturiulia)

Meanwhile, on the acting front, Preity is gearing up for a major theatrical comeback with two highly anticipated films releasing later this year: Vibe (September 18) and Lahore 1947 (August 13).

Also Read: Kunal Kemmu’s second directorial Vibe locks September 18 release; Preity Zinta, Sparsh Shrivastava join cast

Yesterday, Bollywood Hungama reported that Scary Movie, scheduled for a release on June 5, has been delayed, while Hai Jawani Toh Ishq Hona Hai, Peddi (Hindi version) and He-Man And The Masters Of The Universe are facing screen-sharing issues. We have now exclusively learned that the Bobby Deol-starrer Bandar is also facing problems securing the desired number of shows. As a result, Zee Studios has put its showcasing on hold in national chains.

A source told Bollywood Hungama, “The makers of Bandar planned for an audience-oriented release, requesting only 4 shows in 5-screen multiplexes and 3 shows in 4-screen plexes post 1 pm, which seems a fair and doable ask. But since PVR Inox and Cinepolis are distributing Hai Jawani Toh Ishq Hona Hai and PVR is partly distributing Peddi for Jio Studios, the national chains have allotted unfair shows to Bandar.”

The source further said, “The Bandar team has taken a firm stance and asked the national chains to put the programming of its film on hold until the showcasing is sorted, especially since the Bandar makers believe that the advance sales of Peddi and Hai Jawani Toh Ishq Hona Hai are underwhelming.”

Bollywood Hungama exclusively contacted Zee Studios Distribution & Revenue Head, Girish Johar. He said, “Our ask is very fair. The producers and us have devised a particular release strategy catering to the core target audience. Accordingly, we had requested cinemas across the country to give us certain allotted shows of the film, that is, 3-4 shows in 5 screens post 1 pm. The duration of the film is also not very long either (130 minutes). We are also aware that there is a heavy rush of releases this week. That is why, we didn’t go for a wide release. The plexes are still working on it and the back-and-forth is still going on.”

When asked about the screen count, Girish Johar replied, “We plan to release in 500-600 screens. It’s a smart release strategy. We want to build upon the word of mouth and then increase showcasing, as we believe the film will have long legs at the box office.”

Also Read: EXCLUSIVE: ‘B**** c***’ replaced with ‘banjo’ in Bandar; CBFC replaces extreme cuss words with ‘c*****e’, ‘g***u’, ‘f****r’

The dark drama, Bandar, will release tomorrow, June 5, and has caught attention due to its subject, Bobby Deol’s association with director Anurag Kashyap for the first time and the smart use of the song ‘Come On Baby’. The censor process was completed last week, and in this article, Bollywood Hungama will exclusively focus on the cuts given to the film.

The Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) passed the film with an 'A' certificate. The good news is that despite the theme, the CBFC's Examining Committee (EC) hasn't asked for any visual cuts.

However, too many changes were made to the dialogues, mostly involving abusive language used throughout the film. The word 'b**** c***' was replaced with 'banjo'. Moreover, several other, presumably extreme cuss words, were replaced with 'saale', 'c*****e', 'haramkhor', 'g***u', 'pagal', 'f****r', 'bloody', 'hooking up', 'moron', 'g***d', 'c****a', 'wise guy', 'f*****g', 'f****r', 'j***t ke baal', 'saamaan', 'ling', 'b****e', 'j***t', 'moron', 'willy', 'weenie' and 'clown'. Some words (not mentioned whether or not they were abuses) were replaced with 'aicha gavat', 'goddamit', 'baby', 'nasha', 'ladki', 'kamine' and 'hum sab'.

The word 'b*****d' was asked to be deleted while an abusive word in the third act was asked to be muted. Three more abusive words were also muted. The dialogue 'kitna bhi sindoor' was asked to be modified.

Lastly, the makers submitted documentary evidence stating that the story is inspired by true events. Also, a consent letter from celebrities was submitted for using their names in the film.

Once these changes were made, Bandar was handed over a censor certificate on May 30. The length of the film, as mentioned on the censor certificate, is 130.27 minutes. In other words, Bandar is 2 hours, 10 minutes and 27 seconds long.

Besides Bobby Deol, Bandar also stars Sapna Pabbi, Sanya Malhotra, Saba Azad, Indrajith Sukumaran, Jitendra Joshi and others.

Also Read: Producer Nikhil Dwivedi reveals Bobby Deol had “someone’s foot on his cheek, sometimes on his stomach” during Bandar’s jail shoot

On May 25, FWICE (Federation of Western India Cine Employees) issued a non-cooperation directive against actor Ranveer Singh, following the dispute between the actor and Excel Entertainment. The FWICE press conference was widely covered and became a huge talking point. Yesterday, FWICE announced that it would hold a second press conference today, Wednesday, June 3. As per the invite, the press meet would serve as a follow-up to the dispute between Farhan Akhtar and Ranveer Singh over Don 3. Bollywood Hungama has exclusively learned from sources what’s going to happen at this much-awaited press conference.

A source told Bollywood Hungama, “The head honchos of FWICE will likely announce that they are going to lift the non-cooperation directive against Ranveer. The revocation of their earlier order has been done in consultation with senior members of the film industry. In short, the workers are now free to work with Ranveer Singh in his upcoming projects.”

Just like last time, the press conference, which will be held today, will be presided over by chief advisor Ashoke Pandit, president B N Tiwari, general secretary Ashok Dubey and treasurer Gangeshwalal Shrivastav.

Matter takes a legal turn

Meanwhile, Hindustan Times reported last night that Ranveer Singh sent a legal notice to FWICE after it issued a non-cooperation directive against him.

On the other hand, veteran producer T P Aggarwal filed a petition in the Bombay Civil Court at Dindoshi against FWICE and IMPPA (Indian Motion Picture Producers' Association), stating that no individual or organization has the authority to impose a ban or issue a non-cooperation directive against members of the film industry.

T P Aggarwal said, “The film industry thrives on collaboration, and it is important that matters of this nature are addressed through proper legal and professional channels. Any attempt to discourage people from working with an individual should not be taken lightly. Such actions can have far-reaching consequences for livelihoods and creative freedom, and therefore must be dealt with in a fair, transparent, and lawful manner.”

What happened in the previous press conference

At the May 25 press meet, Ashoke Pandit explained, “Farhan Akhtar filed a complaint in IFTDA (Indian Film & Television Directors' Association), which I head. The complaint very clearly said that 3 weeks before the unit was to leave the shoot, Ranveer withdrew from the film and left Don 3. Farhan came on Zoom as he was in London, while Ritesh Sidhwani visited the office of IFTDA. In the next two hours, they explained to us the issue and why they had come to us. Then, as a rule, we approached the other party. Every 10 days, we reminded him (Ranveer Singh) three times to meet us and share his version as well. However, we didn’t get any response from him. When we announced the press conference, we got an email stating that our federation doesn’t fall in the jurisdiction of the entire issue. It said, ‘Your body has no reason to get involved in this matter’.”

Birendra Nath Tiwari added, “We feel that the message should go to the industry ki koi superstar niyam se bada nahin hai. Hence, we have put in place a non-cooperation directive against Ranveer from this very day. We would like to inform all the workers and associations that until the dispute is solved and until Ranveer Singh doesn’t meet us, this directive will remain in place. Since this is about the rights of a producer, I would request the producer associations to also lend their support.”

Also Read: Kangana Ranaut reacts to Ranveer Singh and Don 3 controversy: “When your status increases, your enemies also increase”