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Marvel Studios has released a second teaser for the upcoming film Avengers: Doomsday, highlighting Thor’s emotional fight to protect his daughter. The movie is scheduled to hit theatres on December 18, 2026. The teaser features Chris Hemsworth returning as Thor and focuses on family and sacrifice. It opens in a quiet forest where Thor is seen praying to his late father Odin, asking for strength to keep his adopted daughter Love safe as he prepares for another battle. In brief scenes, Love is shown older than when audiences last saw her in Thor: Love and Thunder. Thor is also seen at home, gently kissing her forehead as a serious voice-over continues in the background. The new teaser comes a week after the first Doomsday teaser, which revealed the return of Chris Evans as Captain America and introduced a surprising family twist involving his character. According to Variety, Love is the daughter of the villain Gorr the God Butcher, played by Christian Bale in Love and Thunder. The character is portrayed by Hemsworth’s real-life daughter, India. In the earlier film, Gorr revived Love before his death and asked Thor to raise her as his own. Marvel has earlier confirmed a large cast for Avengers: Doomsday, including Chris Evans, Anthony Mackie, Paul Rudd, Tom Hiddleston, Letitia Wright and Simu Liu. The film will also bring together characters from the Fantastic Four, Thunderbolts and the X-Men universe. The teaser suggests an emotional and action-packed chapter as Thor prepares to rejoin the Avengers to face new threats, including Doctor Doom.   With inputs from NDTV

The year 2026 is expected to be a blockbuster one for Indian cinema, with filmmakers lining up a diverse mix of war dramas, mythological spectacles, crime thrillers and emotionally driven stories. Packed with top stars, large-scale productions and ambitious storytelling, the upcoming slate promises something for every moviegoer. Here’s a look at some of the most anticipated Indian films scheduled for release in 2026: Ikkis (January 1, 2026)Directed by Sriram Raghavan, this war drama is based on the life of Second Lieutenant Arun Khetarpal, who lost his life at 21 during the 1971 India-Pakistan war. The film introduces Agastya Nanda, Amitabh Bachchan’s grandson, and marks the final on-screen appearance of veteran actor Dharmendra. Border 2 (January 23, 2026)A follow-up to the 1997 classic Border, the sequel revisits patriotic themes with a new cast alongside Sunny Deol. Varun Dhawan, Diljit Dosanjh and Ahan Shetty also feature, and the film’s teaser has already generated strong patriotic sentiment. Ramayana Part 1 (Expected Diwali 2026)Among the most ambitious projects of the year, this retelling of the epic Ramayana stars Ranbir Kapoor as Lord Rama and Sai Pallavi as Sita. Backed by high-end visual effects and a star-studded ensemble including Sunny Deol and Yash, the film aims for grand cinematic scale. Drishyam 3 (October 2, 2026)Ajay Devgn returns as Vijay Salgaonkar in the third instalment of the popular thriller franchise. Known for its clever twists and gripping suspense, the film arrives over the Gandhi Jayanti weekend. Jailer 2 (June 12, 2026)Rajinikanth reprises his role in this sequel, promising amplified action and signature style. Ramya Krishnan, Yogi Babu and Mirnaa return, while new cast members include SJ Suryah, Suraj Venjaramoodu and Anna Rajan. Love & War (2026)Sanjay Leela Bhansali brings Ranbir Kapoor, Alia Bhatt and Vicky Kaushal together for the first time in a romantic drama set against a wartime backdrop. Featuring Bhansali’s trademark grandeur and emotional depth, the film’s exact release date is yet to be confirmed. Mardaani 3 (February 27, 2026)Rani Mukerji once again dons the role of fearless cop Shivani Shivaji Roy. The third chapter continues the franchise’s focus on crime, social issues and strong female-led action. Toxic (March 19, 2026)Yash headlines this dark, stylised gangster drama titled Toxic: A Fairy Tale for Grown-Ups. With its edgy tone and intense narrative, the film is set to clash with other major releases in March. Dhurandhar 2 (March 19, 2026)Following the success of the first film, this sequel delves deeper into espionage and covert operations. Ranveer Singh’s character is expected to take on a more complex and unpredictable arc, with a stronger focus on psychological battles. Battle of Galwan (April 17, 2026)Salman Khan leads this war-action film inspired by the 2020 Galwan Valley clash between Indian and Chinese troops. The movie highlights bravery and sacrifice, with Chitrangada Singh in a key role. King (Late 2026)One of the most awaited films of the year, King stars Shah Rukh Khan in a high-octane action thriller. The film also marks the big-screen debut of his daughter Suhana Khan, alongside Deepika Padukone. The Raja Saab (January 9, 2026)Prabhas headlines this romantic fantasy-horror comedy directed by Maruthi Dasari. The cast includes Sanjay Dutt, Boman Irani, Malavika Mohanan and Nidhhi Agerwal. O’ Romeo (February 13, 2026)Shahid Kapoor teams up with director Vishal Bharadwaj for this intriguing new project, with Triptii Dimri as the female lead. The film’s promotional material has already stirred curiosity. Alpha (2026)Alia Bhatt and Sharvari Wagh lead Yash Raj Films’ first female-driven spy universe film. Directed by Shiv Rawail, the release was reportedly postponed to avoid a clash with Battle of Galwan. Jana Nayagan (January 9, 2026)Directed by H Vinoth, this film is designed as a tribute to Tamil superstar Thalapathy Vijay’s cinematic legacy. Featuring energetic dance numbers, powerful emotions and mass appeal, it is expected to be a major draw.  

The sudden exit of actor Akshaye Khanna from Drishyam 3 has sparked industry-wide discussion, with director Abhishek Pathak revealing the reasons behind the decision and sending a message to the Dhurandhar star. In an interview with ETimes, Pathak said, “People around him suggested he should now focus on projects that revolve entirely around him. I wish him all the best and would say—try doing a solo film now.” The director added that attempts to resolve the issue were unsuccessful, noting, “I stopped trying because he seemed to be on some other planet.” Pathak explained that Akshaye left the film five days before shooting began, despite having approved the look, costumes, and narration, and enjoying the story. A major point of disagreement was Akshaye’s insistence on wearing a wig, which the director felt was inconsistent with the film’s continuity. Currently, Akshaye Khanna is enjoying success with Dhurandhar. Pathak emphasized the collaborative nature of filmmaking, stating, “It’s a team effort—writer, director, actors, and many others contribute. It’s not about one person.” Drishyam 3 is scheduled for release on October 2, 2026.   With inputs from NDTV

As the finale of Netflix’s Stranger Things approaches, fans across social media are uniting to ensure the survival of Steve Harrington, played by Joe Keery. Over the show’s five seasons, many characters have died at the hands of the Upside Down, demogorgons, and Vecna, but viewers are determined not to lose Steve. Some fans have even threatened the Duffer brothers and Netflix, expressing their demand that he survives the upcoming events. Steve, who began as Nancy Wheeler’s boyfriend, has become a central figure, protecting the younger characters and fighting alongside Eleven, Mike, Will, Lucas, Dustin, Jim Hopper, and Joyce Byers. His friendship with Dustin Henderson, especially their pledge of mutual protection, has become a fan-favourite storyline. Social media platforms are flooded with memes, posts, and prayers from fans, reflecting the extraordinary attachment to the character. Despite assurances from the Duffer brothers that no major deaths are planned in the finale, fans continue to campaign vigorously for Steve’s safety.   With inputs from NDTV

American singer Beyoncé has officially become a billionaire, Forbes announced, making her the fifth musician to reach a 10-figure fortune. Beyoncé joins an exclusive group of musicians with immense wealth, including Taylor Swift, Rihanna, Bruce Springsteen, and her husband Jay-Z, whose net worth Forbes estimates at $2.5 billion. Earlier this month, Forbes valued Beyoncé’s fortune at $800 million and predicted she would cross the billionaire mark after years of successful music, tours, and business ventures. Her 2023 Renaissance World Tour alone grossed nearly $600 million, making her one of the world’s top pop icons. Beyoncé also produced a concert film from the tour, distributed through AMC theaters, earning her nearly half of the film’s $44 million global box office revenue. Her 2024 album, Cowboy Carter, celebrated the black roots of country music and won the Grammy Award for Album of the Year — her first Grammy win in that category. The accompanying tour, featuring Jay-Z, their children, and former Destiny’s Child members, generated over $400 million in ticket sales and $50 million from merchandise. Despite some slow ticket sales leading to price cuts, the tour set records at London’s Tottenham Hotspur Stadium and Paris’ Stade de France, with ticket prices ranging from £71 to £950. Additional earnings came from a Netflix halftime show for the NFL and Levi’s commercials. Forbes’ announcement confirms Beyoncé’s position among the world’s wealthiest musicians, marking a major milestone in her career.   With inputs from BBC

A wide range of Britons, from internationally known actors Idris Elba and Cynthia Erivo to a 102-year-old judo teacher, have been included in King Charles III’s New Year’s Honours list, which annually recognizes individuals for their service and contributions to public life in the United Kingdom. Idris Elba, famed for his roles in The Wire and as a U.S. president in A House of Dynamite, was awarded a knighthood in recognition of his work supporting young people. Alongside his wife Sabrina, Elba founded the Elba Hope Foundation, which focuses on tackling knife crime, improving education, and addressing poverty. Elba said he accepted the honor on behalf of the young people the charity supports, emphasizing the need for long-term, practical efforts to help steer youth away from violence. Celebrated ice dancers Jayne Torvill and Christopher Dean, who captured Olympic gold at the 1984 Winter Games in Sarajevo, were also among the top recipients. Torvill was made a dame, while Dean received a knighthood. Actress and singer Cynthia Erivo, known for her role in Wicked, was appointed a Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE) for her contributions to music and drama. John Hearn, popularly known as “Judo Jack,” received a British Empire Medal after being recognized by Guinness World Records as the world’s oldest judo instructor. Other notable honorees include author and comedian Richard Osman, creator of The Thursday Murder Club series, who was named an Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE); former marathon world-record holder Paula Radcliffe, also awarded an OBE; and 101-year-old D-Day veteran Mervyn Kersh, who received a British Empire Medal for his educational work on Holocaust remembrance and his wartime service. Britain’s honors system dates back to medieval times, when monarchs rewarded loyalty and service with land, wealth, and titles. Today, it has evolved into a structured system of ceremonial awards granted by the monarch on the advice of the government. Modern honors recognize achievements across a broad range of fields, including public service, academia, the arts, and sports. While high-profile figures often feature on the list, many recipients are everyday community contributors such as librarians, charity volunteers, and civil servants. A total of 1,150 people were recognized in this year’s New Year’s Honours. The highest distinctions are knighthoods and damehoods, which allow recipients to use the titles “Sir” or “Dame.” Below these are the ranks of the Order of the British Empire—Commander (CBE), Officer (OBE), and Member (MBE)—with recipients entitled to use post-nominal letters. Honours are announced twice annually, at New Year and on the monarch’s birthday, and are formally presented by the king or another senior royal at ceremonies held throughout the year.

Bollywood stars gathered in Mumbai on Monday for a special screening of Ikkis, the final film of legendary actor Dharmendra, who passed away on November 24 at the age of 89. The event drew actors Salman Khan, Rekha, Tabu, Jeetendra, Sunny Deol, Bobby Deol, Agastya Nanda, and others. The film also features newcomers Simar Bhatia and Agastya Nanda in leading roles, alongside Jaideep Ahlawat, Sikandar Kher, and Vivaan Shah. Salman Khan was seen paying an emotional tribute to Dharmendra by standing beside a poster of the late actor. Sunny Deol also appeared moved but posed for photographs with a calm smile. Bobby Deol attended with his wife Tanya, son Aryaman, and cousin Abhay Deol. Ikkis marks Dharmendra’s final on-screen appearance and tells the story of Arun, played by Agastya Nanda, the son of Dharmendra’s character Brigadier ML Khetarpal. The film is scheduled for release on January 1, 2026. The screening reflected an emotional evening for the film industry as colleagues and fans honored Dharmendra’s legacy.   With inputs from NDTV

Television viewers may see some of the strongest programming in years in 2026, with the return of popular series and the launch of several high-profile new shows, according to media reports. Broadcasters and streaming platforms are lining up a mix of long-awaited sequels, finales and fresh productions, although some schedules may change and a few shows could air later than planned. Among the major highlights is the second series of The Night Manager, nearly a decade after its debut, with Tom Hiddleston and Olivia Colman returning. ITV’s thriller Red Eye will also return for a second season, while Netflix is set to air the final chapter of the global hit Stranger Things. BBC’s reality hit The Traitors will come back with a new season, while fans of classic drama will see new adaptations such as Seven Dials, based on an Agatha Christie novel. The Game of Thrones universe will expand further with A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms, set a century before the original series. Several well-known shows are also scheduled to return or reboot in 2026, including Scrubs, Doctor Who and Malcolm in the Middle. Sporting events are expected to draw huge audiences as well, with the 2026 Football World Cup set to run from June to July. Other confirmed projects for 2026 include dramas such as Dear England, The Lady and Rivals, along with major entertainment shows like Strictly Come Dancing, which will see new hosts after long-serving presenters step down. Meanwhile, highly anticipated series such as Line of Duty are confirmed for filming, though their broadcast dates are yet to be announced, meaning they could air in late 2026 or 2027. Industry observers say the mix of returning favourites, star-studded casts and major global events could make 2026 one of the most exciting years for television in a long time.   With inputs from BBC

The Malayalam film industry stood out in 2025 with notable successes such as Lokah: Chapter 1 – Chandra and L2: Empuraan. The Indian film industry enjoyed an exceptional year in 2025, delivering everything from grand historical spectacles to heartfelt dramas. Films across languages and genres captivated audiences both in India and internationally. While Bollywood had its share of releases, South Indian cinema emerged as a dominant force at the box office worldwide. Among all regional industries, Malayalam cinema made a strong impact with standout films like Lokah: Chapter 1 – Chandra and L2: Empuraan, proving once again its strength in storytelling and production quality beyond regional boundaries. Kannada, Tamil, and Telugu industries also contributed major hits that earned both commercial success and critical praise. Here’s a look at the top 10 highest-grossing South Indian films of 2025. Kantara: Chapter 1Directed by Rishab Shetty, Kantara: Chapter 1 was produced on an estimated budget of Rs 125 crore. The film became a massive blockbuster, grossing over Rs 852 crore globally. Serving as a prequel to the 2022 hit Kantara, it earned acclaim for its stunning visuals, gripping narrative, and powerful action. The story delves into the origins of the Bhuta Kola tradition and the mythology surrounding divine guardians of the land. CoolieMade on a reported budget of Rs 400 crore, Coolie starred Rajinikanth in the lead role. Although expectations were high, the film received a mixed response from audiences. Still, it managed to earn Rs 518 crore worldwide. The storyline follows a former gold smuggler driven by vengeance, with Nagarjuna, Soubin Shahir, Shruti Haasan, and Sathyaraj playing key roles. Mahavatar NarsimhaDirected by Ashwin Kumar, Mahavatar Narsimha became a landmark success, emerging as India’s highest-grossing animated film. Produced on a modest budget of Rs 40 crore, the film went on to collect Rs 326.82 crore worldwide. It narrates the mythological tale of Lord Vishnu’s Narasimha avatar and the clash between the demon king Hiranyakashipu and his devoted son Prahlada. Lokah: Chapter 1 – ChandraThis film marked a historic milestone for Malayalam cinema by becoming its first movie to surpass Rs 300 crore globally. Produced by Dulquer Salmaan and featuring Kalyani Priyadarshan, the film was made on a budget of around Rs 30 crore. The plot follows a mysterious woman who uncovers her supernatural powers after surviving a near-fatal incident involving a bat bite. They Call Him OGWith worldwide earnings of Rs 293.65 crore, They Call Him OG also achieved remarkable overseas success, including a record-breaking North American premiere. Starring Pawan Kalyan, the film spans multiple decades and locations, from 1940s Japan to 1990s Mumbai. It centers on Ojas Gambheera, aka OG, who returns after a decade to reclaim his criminal empire and protect his mentor from rival gangster Omi Bhau. L2: EmpuraanThe second chapter in the Lucifer trilogy, L2: Empuraan, starred Mohanlal alongside Prithviraj Sukumaran, Tovino Thomas, and Manju Warrier. Produced with a budget of approximately Rs 175 crore, the film earned Rs 266.81 crore worldwide. The narrative follows crime lord Khureshi Ab’raam as he re-enters Kerala amid political unrest and rising extremist forces led by antagonist Balraj. Sankrathiki VastunamReleased in January 2025, this film quickly rose to become one of the year’s biggest South Indian earners, grossing Rs 255.2 crore worldwide. Featuring Venkatesh Daggubati, Aishwarya Rajesh, and Meenakshi Chaudhary, the story revolves around a retired police officer drawn back into action to rescue a kidnapped tech tycoon, with unexpected comedic twists involving his wife and former lover. ThudarumThudarum reunited iconic actors Mohanlal and Shobana after 15 years. The film tells the story of a humble taxi driver from Pathanamthitta who shares a deep bond with his old Ambassador car. The plot takes a darker turn when the car is confiscated in a drug-related investigation. The film earned over Rs 234.5 crore globally. Good Bad UglyDirected by Adhik Ravichandran, Good Bad Ugly starred Ajith Kumar, Trisha Krishnan, and Arjun Das. Ajith portrayed a former gangster striving for a peaceful life, only to be pulled back into violence after his son is falsely accused of a crime. Made on a budget of around Rs 300 crore, the film collected Rs 248.25 crore worldwide. Su From SoThis Kannada horror-comedy emerged as an unexpected breakout hit in 2025. Set in the coastal village of Marlur, the story follows a carefree young man who pretends to be possessed by a ghost named Sulochana to escape trouble. His act spirals into chaos as villagers conduct bizarre exorcisms. The film earned Rs 122.83 crore worldwide, gaining both commercial success and critical praise.

Suniel Shetty recently revealed that he turned down a ₹40 crore endorsement deal for a tobacco brand, saying he did not want to compromise his values or set a negative example for his children, Ahan and Athiya. The actor, whose career spans more than three decades, said his personal principles have always guided his choices, both professionally and personally. Speaking to Peeping Moon, Suniel said he made a firm decision long ago never to promote tobacco products, regardless of the financial incentive. He recalled being offered ₹40 crore for a tobacco advertisement but refusing the proposal outright, explaining that money alone could not sway him. Although he acknowledged that he could have used the money at the time, he said endorsing something he does not believe in was never an option. He added that he would not do anything that might reflect poorly on his children, and as a result, such offers no longer come his way. Suniel also spoke about a difficult period following the illness and death of his father, Veerappa Shetty, in 2017. He said his father had been unwell since 2014, and caring for him took an emotional toll that led him to step away from acting entirely. After a break of six to seven years, Suniel returned to films, though the comeback was challenging. He said that on the morning his father passed away, he received an offer to host a health show, which he viewed as a sign to resume work. He later took on a few South Indian film projects but admitted feeling uncertain after such a long gap, as the industry had changed and many faces were new. Reflecting on the post-pandemic period, Suniel said he experienced a personal transformation. He began focusing on fitness, learning and self-improvement, which boosted his confidence and helped him realize that he no longer needed external validation. The actor also expressed gratitude to his fans and the media for continuing to support and remember him during the years he was away from the spotlight.  source : NDTV