Renowned Bollywood actor Aamir Khan recently shared insights into major film roles he turned down, which later became iconic performances for Shah Rukh Khan and Salman Khan. Speaking at the trailer launch of Aamir Khan: Cinema Ka Jadugar in Mumbai on Sunday, the actor looked back on missed opportunities, including Darr and Bajrangi Bhaijaan. The film festival is set to begin on 14 March.  Aamir’s Perspective on Darr During the event, Aamir was asked if he regretted rejecting any films. He admitted that he was initially attached to Darr, but eventually stepped away for reasons unrelated to creativity. Reflecting on his decision, he said, “I was working on Darr but didn’t end up doing it. That was due to other reasons, not creative ones. In hindsight, I believe it worked out for the best because the tone that Yash ji envisioned suited Shah Rukh better. If I had done it, the film would have taken a different shape since I saw it from another perspective. I don't regret it because the film turned out well and was successful.”  Akshay Kumar says Twinkle Khanna teases him over patriotic films  The 1993 romantic thriller, directed by Yash Chopra, proved to be a career-defining film for Shah Rukh Khan, who played an obsessive lover opposite Juhi Chawla and Sunny Deol. His portrayal of a dark, unhinged character received widespread acclaim, cementing his position in Bollywood.  The Decision Behind Bajrangi Bhaijaan  As Aamir reflected on his past choices, someone from the audience reminded him of Bajrangi Bhaijaan, another film he was initially considered for.  He recalled, “Oh yes, I heard the script and told the writer that it would suit Salman Khan better. I liked the story, but I suggested that they approach Salman. However, instead of going directly to him, the writer took it to Kabir Khan, who then pitched it to Salman.” Bajrangi Bhaijaan, released in 2015 and directed by Kabir Khan, became a massive box office success. The film starred Salman Khan as a kind-hearted man on a mission to reunite a lost Pakistani girl with her family. It also featured Kareena Kapoor, Nawazuddin Siddiqui, and child actor Harshaali Malhotra.  Other Roles Aamir Passed On  Aamir also mentioned Munna Bhai MBBS, saying that director Rajkumar Hirani initially considered him for a role. However, when Hirani approached him with the script, the project had already evolved into more of a sequel, and Aamir ultimately did not take part in the film.  While these films became significant milestones for Shah Rukh Khan and Salman Khan, Aamir believes his decisions aligned with what was best for the projects. With inputs from Indian media

Bong Joon Ho’s sci-fi epic “Mickey 17” has debuted at the box office, aiming for an opening weekend of $18 million to $20 million in the United States (US). While this falls on the lower end of expectations, it is still enough to secure the top spot after earning $7.7 million on Friday.  The Warner Bros and Plan B production has been highly anticipated as Bong’s follow-up to his Oscar-winning “Parasite”, though it has faced several delays, according to The Hollywood Reporter.  Despite the excitement, the film has received mixed reactions from both critics and audiences. It holds a 78 per cent rating on Rotten Tomatoes, indicating generally positive but not overwhelming reviews. Meanwhile, audiences have given it a 79 per cent approval score, though it only managed a B grade on CinemaScore, suggesting lukewarm word-of-mouth.  Robert Downey Jr shapes doctor doom role in Avengers: Doomsday Sci-fi films often struggle at the box office, and Mickey 17 carries additional pressure due to its hefty $118 million production budget. However, its international performance shows promise. It has already grossed $18.7 million overseas, including $11.4 million from South Korea, bringing its global total to $26.4 million by Friday.  Set in a fledgling ice colony, the dark comedy stars Robert Pattinson as a repeatedly regenerated “expendable” worker who is killed and revived multiple times. The cast also includes Naomi Ackie, Steven Yeun, Toni Collette, and Mark Ruffalo. The film is based on Edward Ashton’s 2022 novel “Mickey 7”, which follows the story of the seventh iteration of protagonist Mickey Barnes.  Meanwhile, Captain America: Brave New World is set to slip to second place in its fourth weekend, with an estimated $8.7 million in earnings, bringing its domestic total to around $177 million.  A close battle is unfolding for third place among “Last Breath”, “Paddington in Peru”, and “The Monkey”, all projected to earn approximately $4 million.  Indie distributor Neon, which handled Parasite, is also behind The Monkey and this year’s Oscar-winning Anora. Following its Academy Awards success, Anora expanded into 1,750 theatres and is experiencing a significant boost, with estimates suggesting a weekend haul of $1.8 million, pushing its domestic earnings to $18.3 million.

Filmmaker AR Murugadoss has dismissed speculation that Salman Khan’s upcoming film Sikandar is a remake of Vijay’s Sarkar or inspired by Prashanth Neel’s Salaar. He clarified that the action entertainer features an entirely original storyline.  “This is a completely original story. Every scene and frame in Sikandar has been crafted with authenticity to deliver a fresh narrative and experience. It is not a remake or adaptation of any existing film,” Murugadoss said in a statement.  He also highlighted the contribution of composer Santosh Narayanan, whose background score enhances the film’s energetic tone. “His music complements the film’s visuals beautifully, adding emotional depth to every scene,” the director added.  Murugadoss is renowned for directing Tamil and Hindi films such as Ghajini, Thuppakki, Holiday: A Soldier Is Never Off Duty, and Sarkar.  Scheduled for release on Eid 2025, Sikandar features Salman Khan alongside Kajal Aggarwal and Rashmika Mandanna. While details of the plot remain undisclosed, Salman will reportedly sport a new look in the film.  Robert Downey Jr shapes doctor doom role in Avengers: Doomsday Recently, the makers unveiled the first song from the film, Zohra Jabeen, where Salman is seen expressing admiration for Rashmika’s beauty. In one of the visuals, he even kneels before her. The video’s caption read: "Celebrate this Eid with Sikandar and his #ZohraJabeen!"  The film is produced under Sajid Nadiadwala’s Nadiadwala Grandson Entertainment banner. With inputs from Indian media

Actor Akshay Kumar has built a reputation for producing and starring in patriotic films. Speaking at the Republic Plenary Summit, he revealed that his wife, Twinkle Khanna, often jokes about his film choices, asking, “How many times will you save the country?”  Akshay, who launched his production house Cape of Good Films, admitted to making numerous films centred on India. He explained, “Hollywood frequently depicts America as the saviour—whether from asteroids, terrorists, or aliens. This made me wonder why India doesn’t showcase its own achievements.”  Determined to change that, he took on projects like Airlift, Mission Mangal, and Sky Force. He added, “I will continue making films about my country, regardless of commercial success.”  Bobby Deol opens up about seeking work during career struggles In 2024, Akshay featured in Bade Miyan Chote Miyan, Sarfira, Khel Khel Mein, Stree 2, and Singham Again. His latest release, Sky Force, co-stars debutant Veer Pahariya, Nimrat Kaur, and Sara Ali Khan.  Looking ahead, he will star in Kesari Chapter 2, Jolly LLB 3, and Housefull 5, alongside the Telugu film Kannappa. Akshay is also filming Bhooth Bangla, Welcome to the Jungle, and Hera Pheri 3, expected to release later. With inputs from Indian media

Robert Downey Jr is actively involved in crafting his portrayal of Victor von Doom in the upcoming Avengers: Doomsday, according to directors Joe and Anthony Russo. Since his return to the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU), the actor has been deeply engaged in developing the character’s backstory and even contributing costume ideas.  Speaking to Deadline, Joe Russo highlighted Downey’s dedication, saying, “It’s a very intense process developing the character. He’s so immersed in it. He is so dialled in.” Anthony Russo echoed this sentiment, saying, “That’s the kind of artist he is. That’s the kind of actor he is.”  Downey, who famously played Tony Stark/Iron Man in multiple MCU films from 2008 to 2019, is now taking on a villainous role as the Avengers’ new adversary. His transformation into Doctor Doom marks a major shift from his previous heroic character, which he played for over a decade. The casting announcement at last year’s Comic-Con generated huge excitement among fans.  Matthew Modine joins cast of new ‘Godzilla x Kong’ film Joe Russo explained that Downey is drawn to complex characters, saying, “I think he just loves really rich three-dimensional characters, and he sees a real opportunity here with Doctor Doom.”  Alongside Downey, Avengers: Doomsday will feature other high-profile returns. Deadline reports that Chris Evans is set to make a comeback in an undisclosed role, while Hayley Atwell will reprise her role as Agent Peggy Carter.  The Russo brothers, known for directing Avengers: Endgame, Avengers: Infinity War, Captain America: The Winter Soldier, and Captain America: Civil War, are once again leading the project.  Fans will get their first look at Downey’s Doctor Doom when Avengers: Doomsday hits cinemas on 1 May 1, 2026, followed by Avengers: Secret Wars in May 2027.

Matthew Modine has signed on for Legendary’s latest instalment in the Godzilla x Kong franchise, joining an ensemble that already includes Kaitlyn Dever, Jack O’Connell, and Delroy Lindo, according to The Hollywood Reporter. Grant Sputore (I Am Mother) is directing the new creature feature, which once again brings colossal monsters to the big screen, with humans caught in the chaos. While plot details remain under wraps, the David Callaham-penned script will introduce several new characters alongside fan-favourite Titans, Godzilla and Kong, as they battle a world-ending threat. Dan Stevens is returning as Trapper, a laid-back monster veterinarian and dentist from Godzilla x Kong: The New Empire. Modine is expected to portray a general in the film, which begins shooting in Australia this April. Modine gained fame in the 1980s with roles in Full Metal Jacket and Married to the Mob, later earning renewed recognition for playing Dr Brenner—aka “Papa”—in Netflix’s Stranger Things. He also featured in Christopher Nolan’s Oppenheimer and The Martini Shot and currently stars opposite Robert De Niro in Netflix’s Zero Day. Robert Pattinson jokes about ageing as Batman amid sequel delay His upcoming projects include Amazon’s The Better Sister, alongside Elizabeth Banks and Jessica Biel, and The Protector with Milla Jovovich. Modine is represented by Untitled Entertainment and Goodman Genow.

Robert Pattinson has expressed his reluctance to portray an older version of Batman as the long-awaited sequel faces further delays.  The actor, who starred in Matt Reeves’ 2022 blockbuster “The Batman”, recently discussed the sequel’s status while speaking with his “Mickey 17” co-star Naomi Ackie for Hero magazine, according to The Hollywood Reporter.  When asked if he would be reprising his role soon, Pattinson joked, “I bloody hope so. I started as young Batman, and I’ll be an old Batman by the time the sequel comes out.”  The Twilight star, now 38, added, “I’m old—but healthier. I think I’ve actually reversed my biological age a little.”  DC Studios faces uncertainty with Batman franchise, Penguin series The sequel has been in development for some time, with production set to begin in late 2025. After multiple delays, it is now scheduled for release in October 2027.  While it is not part of James Gunn and Peter Safran’s restructured DC Universe, Gunn explained that the postponement was due to Reeves refining the script.  “Matt is dedicated to making the best film possible, and no one can predict how long writing will take,” Gunn stated on Threads last December. He added that once the script is finalised, major films require about two years for pre-production, filming, and post-production.  Despite disappointing some fans, Gunn defended the delay, saying, “A five-year gap or more is quite common for sequels.”  Following its 2022 release, “The Batman” was both a critical and commercial success, grossing over $772 million worldwide.

Bollywood star Rani Mukerji is set to return as the fearless cop Shivani Shivaji Roy in ‘Mardaani 3’, with filming expected to commence in June 2025. Director Abhiraj Minawala has begun pre-production work, and the makers are currently conducting look tests for key characters. The highly anticipated sequel was officially announced in August 2024, sparking excitement among fans eager to see Mukerji don the police uniform once again. According to a report by Mid-Day, the screenplay is being fine-tuned while auditions are underway to cast a powerful antagonist. The production team is also finalising primary shooting locations, with major sequences planned for Mumbai and Delhi. Additional locations in North India are being scouted and will be confirmed in the coming weeks. Speaking about the film’s progress, Rani Mukerji expressed her enthusiasm for the franchise. “I’m truly proud of my Mardaani franchise. It is a series that continues to inspire and resonate with audiences. The love, adulation, and respect I have received from Mardaani is truly humbling. I look forward to bringing back Shivani Shivaji Roy on the big screen. It has been a while since I have donned the cop uniform and paid tribute to the women police force of our country.” Aamir Khan on his dream project Mahabharata’ Mukerji had previously confirmed her involvement in Mardaani 3 in 2023, stating, “I’m excited to see how Mardaani 3 shapes up! I am crossing my fingers because I would love to play the part of Shivani once again.” The Mardaani franchise began in 2014, with the first film receiving critical and commercial acclaim. The sequel, released in 2019, also proved to be a box office success. Fans are now eagerly awaiting the next chapter in the action-thriller series, which continues to spotlight the challenges and triumphs of law enforcement officers in India. With pre-production progressing steadily, Mardaani 3 is poised to deliver yet another gripping cinematic experience when it hits the big screen. Source: Indian media

Netflix has released the trailer for ‘Havoc’, an intense crime thriller starring Tom Hardy. The film, directed and written by Gareth Evans, is set to premiere on April 25. The star-studded cast includes Forest Whitaker, Timothy Olyphant, Justin Cornwell, Jessie Mei Li, and Luis Guzmán, reports The Hollywood Reporter.  The story follows Walker (Hardy), a weary detective who must confront his past while searching for a politician’s estranged son, who vanished after a failed drug deal. The trailer teases tense moments, including a confrontation between Hardy’s character and an authority figure played by Whitaker. “Don’t forget, I know what you did,” Whitaker’s character warns, to which Hardy’s Walker replies, “You have no idea what I did.”  Evans not only directed but also penned the script for ‘Havoc’, with Hardy, Evans, Ed Talfan, and Aram Tertzakian producing.  Robert Pattinson reminds audiences that accents are a signature of his performances in 'Mickey 17' Hardy recently starred in The Bikeriders (2024) alongside Austin Butler and Jodie Comer, as well as Venom: The Last Dance, the final installment in Sony’s Venom trilogy. He is also set to appear in the Paramount+ series MobLand, produced by Guy Ritchie.  Evans, known for The Raid franchise and Netflix’s Apostle (2018), previously shared his enthusiasm for the action-packed Havoc. In a 2020 interview, he described the project as an opportunity to channel years of pent-up energy into large-scale action sequences.

DC Studios is grappling with uncertainty over its Batman-related projects, as the future of “The Batman” sequel and “The Penguin” TV series remains unclear. Despite previous speculation, DC Studios co-head James Gunn firmly ruled out the possibility of Robert Pattinson’s Batman joining the DC Universe (DCU), according to The Hollywood Reporter. During a press event, Gunn responded to rumours about Pattinson's role in “The Brave and the Bold” by clarifying there had been no serious discussions about sharing the actor between projects. Gunn’s comments followed an interview with “The Batman” director Matt Reeves at January's Golden Globes, where he hinted at uncertainty over Pattinson’s involvement in the broader DCU. The Batman (2022), which grossed an impressive $722 million, introduced Pattinson’s Bruce Wayne, but a sequel has faced multiple delays. Although “The Batman” Part II is slated for release in autumn 2027, it will be over five years since the original film's debut. According to DC Studios co-chief Peter Safran, Reeves has yet to submit a complete script, though what has been shared so far is "incredibly encouraging." Will Smith wins $1.7m copyright lawsuit over Gemini Man The sequel and the spin-off series “The Penguin”, starring Colin Farrell, exist in a separate universe from the DCU. Safran said that while work continues on “The Brave and the Bold”, which focuses on Batman and his son, Damian Wayne, the involvement of director Andy Muschietti is no longer clear. Gunn has taken a more hands-on approach with the project, working closely with an unnamed writer on the script. As for “The Penguin”, the series' second season is far from certain. Safran acknowledged that several factors are in play, notably Colin Farrell’s availability and the significant makeup involved in the role, which has made the series’ future unclear. With so many moving parts, the direction of DC Studios’ Batman-related projects remains in limbo, leaving fans uncertain about what the future holds for their favourite caped crusader.