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Veteran actor Paresh Rawal turns 70 today, and while his recent fallout with Akshay Kumar over Hera Pheri 3 sparked headlines — including a ₹25 crore lawsuit filed by Kumar — let’s take a break from the drama and focus on Rawal’s remarkable cinematic journey. A master of comedy, drama, and everything in between, Rawal has gifted Bollywood some unforgettable characters over the decades. Here’s a specially curated binge-worthy list to honour his legacy: 1. OMG: Oh My God! – JioCinema/Disney+ HotstarAs the atheist Kanji Lalji Mehta, Rawal delivers a standout performance in this satirical drama that questions blind faith. Akshay Kumar joins him in this thoughtful hit. 2. Hera Pheri Series – Prime VideoRawal’s portrayal of Babu Bhaiya is legendary. His impeccable timing and hilarious one-liners make him the standout star of this cult comedy series. 3. Table No. 21 – Zee5In this psychological thriller, Rawal plays a mysterious game master. The film tackles the issue of college ragging with a chilling twist. 4. Andaz Apna Apna – Prime VideoA comedy classic where Rawal shines in a dual role — Teja and Ram Gopal Bajaj. His scenes are pure comedic brilliance. 5. Chachi 420 – YouTubeIn this Kamal Haasan-starrer, Rawal is the quirky landlord who adds his own flair to the mix of comedy and drama. Tusshar Kapoor says father Jeetendra has retired from acting: "He's moved on" 6. Chup Chup Ke – Prime VideoStarring as the lovable fisherman Gundya, Rawal's comic partnership with Rajpal Yadav is one of the film's biggest highlights. 7. Golmaal: Fun Unlimited – Prime VideoAs the blind yet sharp-witted Somnath Bhardwaj, he adds chaos and comedy to this ensemble laugh riot. 8. URI: The Surgical Strike – Zee5Rawal plays a character inspired by NSA Ajit Doval in this military drama. His performance is intense and memorable. 9. Nayak: The Real Hero – Prime VideoAs a corrupt politician, Rawal delivers one of his most quotable lines: “Apun ka ek hi funda hai — public ko thenga dikhana!” 10. Welcome – Prime VideoAs Dr. Ghunghroo, trying to manage a gangster family, Rawal had audiences roaring with laughter. “Control Uday, control!” still rings in our ears. Happy 70th, Paresh Rawal — your characters are etched in Bollywood history! Source: With input from NDTV

Fast-growing entertainment company Mugafi has joined the upcoming Indian film “Kubera” as its global presenting partner, marking a significant move for the story development-driven firm as it expands globally. Directed by acclaimed filmmaker Sekhar Kammula, “Kubera” features a star-studded cast including Dhanush, Rashmika Mandanna, Akkineni Nagarjuna, and Jim Sarbh. According to Variety, the high-concept drama follows an unsuspecting drifter who becomes entangled in a high-stakes conspiracy, triggering a tense chase where survival demands confronting powerful, unseen forces. Mugafi will lead the international rollout of “Kubera”, strengthening its global footprint and focus on championing emerging content. Ayushmann Khurrana’s horror-comedy ‘Thama’ set for Oct 20 release “This is a strategic move that aligns perfectly with our mission to champion compelling narratives and strengthen the creative foundation of film projects,” said Vipul Agrawal, founder of Mugafi. “Working with Sekhar Kammula and such a talented cast is an honour. At Mugafi, we believe in the power of storytelling that transcends boundaries, and ‘Kubera’ is a project that embodies this vision.” The film is produced by Suniel Narang and Puskur Rammohan Rao under the Sree Venkateswara Cinemas banner. “Partnering with Mugafi and Vipul brings a fresh energy and creative synergy to ‘Kubera’,” said Rao. “Their commitment to nurturing bold, meaningful narratives aligns perfectly with our vision for this film.” Manish Vasisht, strategic adviser to the association, added, “Mugafi’s global outreach for exploitation of ancillary rights backed by Sree Venkateswara Cinema’s vision of moviemaking will benefit ‘Kubera’ globally.” “Kubera” is set for a global theatrical release on June 20 in Telugu, Tamil, Hindi, Kannada, and Malayalam.

Bollywood star Ayushmann Khurrana is set to make his debut in the coveted Diwali holiday release slot with his upcoming horror-comedy “Thama”, marking a major milestone in his decade-long career. The film, produced by Maddock Films and directed by Aditya Sarpotdar, will hit theatres during the Diwali this year, with the release date confirmed as October 20, according to Variety. “This is the biggest release of my career and I’m really eager to spread joy, happiness and laughter with the entire country with ‘Thama,’” Khurrana said. “The fact that my film could be one of the reasons for people to have a great festive period feels really surreal.” Known for his offbeat and socially conscious roles, Khurrana has steadily climbed the ladder to become one of Hindi cinema’s most dependable leading men. His entry into the Diwali slot — traditionally dominated by big-ticket entertainers starring A-list actors — is being seen as a sign of his rising commercial stature. Upcoming OTT and Theatrical Releases: A week packed with drama, action and emotion “For me, Diwali is about togetherness, it is about family and it is about having the best community experience by spending time with your friends,” the Vicky Donor actor said. “I’m a big movie buff and every year, I have a ritual to go to the theatres with my family and watch a film on Diwali. We have so much fun together and it makes me so happy to see scores of people thronging to the theatres to watch these big releases.” “Thama” also features a strong ensemble cast, including Rashmika Mandanna, Paresh Rawal, and Nawazuddin Siddiqui. The screenplay is written by Niren Bhatt, Suresh Mathew, and Arun Fulara. Producers Dinesh Vijan and Amar Kaushik are backing the film under the Maddock Films banner. The film also marks the launch of Maddock’s ambitious horror-comedy cinematic universe, a genre the studio popularized with the 2018 hit “Stree”. In 2024, Maddock continued its genre dominance with “Stree 2”, “Munjya”, and “Teri Baaton Mein Aisa Uljha Jiya”, and earlier this year, it unveiled an eight-film interconnected slate to release over the next four years.

The trailer for Housefull 5 dropped on Tuesday, teasing a wild comedy filled with chaos, confusion, and classic slapstick. Akshay Kumar returns to the franchise he’s been part of since the beginning. This latest installment features one of the most star-studded casts in recent memory and sticks to the series' signature blend of outrageous humor and quirky one-liners. Narrated by Nana Patekar, the trailer opens with a lavish 100th birthday celebration for a billionaire (played by Ranjeet) aboard a luxury yacht, where he plans to reveal his will. Enter three men—Jalabuddin (Riteish Deshmukh), Jalbhushan (Abhishek Bachchan), and Julius (Akshay Kumar)—all claiming to be the rightful heir. But things take a sharp turn when the billionaire suddenly dies, and the trio becomes the main suspects in a murder investigation. The twist? None of them remembers what happened because their drinks were spiked. The chaos escalates with Akshay Kumar being smacked around by monkeys, Jackie Shroff spoofing his son Tiger Shroff's viral line, and a nonstop series of absurd events. Upcoming OTT and Theatrical Releases: A week packed with drama, action and emotion Packed with over-the-top comedy, cheeky dialogues, and a flashy visual style, the trailer promises another madcap adventure. Directed by Tarun Mansukhani, Housefull 5 features a sprawling ensemble cast, including Jacqueline Fernandez, Sonam Bajwa, Nargis Fakhri, Fardeen Khan, Shreyas Talpade, Chitrangda Singh, Dino Morea, Chunky Panday, Johnny Lever, Nana Patekar, Jackie Shroff, Nikitin Dheer, Soundarya Sharma, Ranjeet, and Sanjay Dutt. The earlier four parts were helmed by Sajid Khan and Farhad Samji. Housefull 5 hits theatres on June 6. Source: NDTV

Get ready for a thrilling week as a fresh lineup of new content makes its way to both OTT platforms and theatres. From gripping courtroom dramas and superhero blockbusters to quirky comedies and heartfelt thrillers, this week’s releases offer something for every kind of viewer. Here’s a curated look at some of the most awaited releases coming your way this week: 1. Karate Kid: Legends (May 30 – Theatres)Follow Li Fong, a kung fu prodigy navigating life in New York City who finds himself at odds with a local karate champion. Guided by mentors Mr. Han and Daniel LaRusso, he prepares for a defining karate tournament. The film stars Jackie Chan, Ben Wang, and Ralph Macchio. 2. Sister Midnight (May 30 – Theatres)A dark comedy set in small-town Mumbai, starring Radhika Apte as Uma—a newlywed woman breaking free from societal expectations as she embraces her darker instincts and personal liberation. 3. Criminal Justice: A Family Matter (Season 4 – May 29 – JioCinema/Hotstar)Pankaj Tripathi returns as Madhav Mishra in a new season packed with emotional intensity and legal suspense, as he defends a client in a complicated family murder case filled with hidden secrets and moral quandaries. 4. Captain America: Brave New World (May 29 – JioCinema/Hotstar)The next chapter in the Marvel saga sees Sam Wilson stepping into the role of Captain America. As new global threats emerge, he grapples with identity, leadership, and the legacy of the shield. 5. HIT: The Third Case (May 29 – Netflix)This Telugu crime thriller features Nani as a brilliant detective unraveling a tangled homicide case. Expect edge-of-your-seat storytelling, mystery, and sharp twists. 6. And Just Like That (Season 3 – May 29 – JioCinema/Hotstar)Carrie, Miranda, and Charlotte return with more drama, relationships, and personal evolution. With Sarah Jessica Parker leading the cast, the season teases a possible return of John Corbett’s character. 7. The Better Sister (May 29 – Prime Video)Jessica Biel and Elizabeth Banks play estranged sisters drawn back together after the murder of Chloe’s husband. Based on Alafair Burke’s novel, this limited series explores family bonds, secrets, and betrayal over eight compelling episodes. 8. A Complete Unknown (May 30 – JioCinema/Hotstar)Timothée Chalamet stars in this musical biopic chronicling Bob Dylan’s rise in the 1960s. The film explores his early inspirations, musical genius, and the era’s transformative culture. 9. Lost in Starlight (May 30 – Netflix)This Korean animated love story set in 2050 follows aspiring astronaut Nan-young and musician Jay. As their romance grows, a mission to Mars tests their bond. Featuring stunning retro-futuristic visuals, the film stars Kim Tae-ri and Hong Kyung (Korean version), with Maitreyi Ramakrishnan and Justin H. Min in the English dub. 10. Good Boy (May 31 – JTBC)This Korean drama stars Park Bo Gum and Kim So Hyun as retired Olympic athletes turned police officers. Their athletic prowess helps them take on violent crimes and deliver justice with determination and grit. Source: NDTV  

Bhool Chuk Maaf, starring Rajkummar Rao as Ranjan and Wamiqa Gabbi as Titli Mishra, has made an impressive start at the box office, crossing the ₹15 crore mark within just two days of release. According to Sacnilk, the film earned ₹9 crore on its second day, bringing its total domestic earnings to ₹16 crore. The Karan Sharma-directed film recorded a 25.18% overall Hindi occupancy on May 24. Breaking it down further: morning shows saw a 10.46% turnout, which rose to 27.27% in the afternoon, 29.11% in the evening, and peaked at 33.87% during night shows. Cannes awards Palme d'Or to Iranian revenge drama 'It Was Just an Accident' On Saturday, film trade analyst Taran Adarsh took to X (formerly Twitter) to share the Day 1 figures and reactions. He remarked, “#BhoolChukMaaf delivered a surprising performance on its first day, surpassing expectations due to attractive ticket pricing. Industry projections had been modest, but last-minute bookings drove strong numbers. While national chains performed well, regional circuits also showed solid turnout. A significant jump in collections is expected on Saturday.” Adarsh also noted that Bhool Chuk Maaf outperformed Maddock Films’ previous release Zara Hatke Zara Bachke, which had an opening day collection of ₹5.49 crore, even with the help of a Buy-One-Get-One (BOGO) offer. In contrast, Bhool Chuk Maaf pulled in ₹7.20 crore on Day 1 without such promotions. The film features a strong ensemble cast including Seema Pahwa, Sanjay Mishra, Zakir Hussain, Raghubir Yadav, Ishtiyak Khan, and Purnima Sharma. The story follows Ranjan, a die-hard romantic who secures a government job in hopes of marrying his girlfriend Titli. However, just as their wedding approaches, Ranjan finds himself caught in a strange time loop that restarts daily at their Haldi ceremony—while Titli remains oblivious. The narrative centers on Ranjan’s desperate attempts to break free from this never-ending cycle. Source: NDTV

Marvel Studios has pushed back the release dates of its highly anticipated team-up films, “Avengers: Doomsday” and “Avengers: Secret Wars,” as part of a wider shake-up of Disney’s theatrical release calendar. “Avengers: Doomsday” will now premiere on December 18, 2026, a delay of more than seven months from its originally planned May 1, 2026 debut. In line with that change, “Avengers: Secret Wars” has also been moved, shifting from May 7, 2027 to December 17, 2027, according to Variety. The delays were confirmed by Disney on Thursday afternoon, as the studio also revealed a substantial reorganisation of its upcoming film schedule. Among the key changes was the removal of several unannounced Marvel titles. The slot previously held on February 13, 2026 for an “Untitled Marvel” film has been entirely dropped, while the November 6, 2026 and November 5, 2027 dates have been reclassified as “Untitled Disney” releases. Shankar Mahadevan collaborates with Google’s AI tool to create new song As a result, only two Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) films are now slated for 2026 — “Avengers: Doomsday” and Sony’s “Spider-Man: Brand New Day.” The changes also create a notable content gap for Marvel. There will be no theatrical MCU release between “The Fantastic 4: First Steps” on July 25 and the next Tom Holland-led “Spider-Man” film on July 31, 2026. This marks the longest interval between MCU features since the COVID-19 pandemic halted releases between 2019’s “Spider-Man: Far From Home” and 2021’s “Black Widow.”

The much-anticipated teaser for ‘War 2’, the latest instalment in Yash Raj Films’ (YRF) spy universe, is taking the internet by storm, racking up more than 30 million views on X and three million on Instagram. The film features Telugu superstar NTR Jr in a face-off with Bollywood heavyweight Hrithik Roshan, promising high-octane action and intense drama. Directed by Ayan Mukerji—best known for Brahmastra—War 2 marks his debut in the spy thriller genre. According to Variety, the film also introduces Kiara Advani into the YRF spy universe as the female lead. NTR Jr, whose previous outing ‘RRR’ gained global acclaim, expressed gratitude for the overwhelming response the teaser has received. “It is truly a blessing to be an actor because you get to experience so much unconditional love from people,” he said. “It is a very precious and a rare feeling and I’m really lucky to be receiving the same for War 2. This YRF spy universe film presents me in an all new avatar which I had a lot of fun portraying and I’m overwhelmed with the positivity and the love coming in from every quarter of the country.” Describing the role as particularly meaningful, NTR Jr added that the character is extremely special to him. “When you give so much emotion, so much intensity and energy to your role, it is all the more exciting to see this kind of response from my fans, from people who love to see good cinema on the big screen.” Daniel Craig, Cillian Murphy may star in Damien Chazelle’s upcoming prison drama ‘War 2’ is slated for a global theatrical release on August 14, with versions available in Hindi, Tamil, and Telugu. Created by producer Aditya Chopra, the YRF spy universe began with the Tiger franchise and includes major hits like War (2019), Pathaan (2023), and Tiger 3 (2023). Upcoming projects include Alpha, the first female-led entry in the franchise, and Tiger vs Pathaan. “YRF spy universe has always created new cinematic and box office benchmarks and I’m really happy to see the start of our campaign making this huge a mark on people,” NTR Jr said. “Can’t wait to see the madness unfold in theatres from August 14.”

Amid soaring anticipation, ‘War 2’ teases a power-packed face-off between cinematic giants. Slated for release on August 14, 2025, this high-octane action thriller brings together Hrithik Roshan, Jr. NTR, and Kiara Advani. With this compelling blend of Bollywood and Tollywood forces, the newly released teaser hints at a spectacle of intensity. Let’s break down the teaser, explore the star cast, and uncover how this crossover aims to leave a lasting impact. WAR 2 Teased Darker Kabir The 1-minute 34-second teaser was unveiled on X by Hrithik Roshan, who marked the occasion by welcoming Jr. NTR into the ‘War’ universe. In a message laced with intensity and menace, Hrithik, channelling the persona of Kabir, extended a challenge rather than a greeting. NTR, in a fittingly fierce tone, responded with conviction. Without breaking character, the ‘RRR’ star declared that mercy held no place in his world, stating his readiness for war. The exchange between the two actors electrified social media, setting the tone for what promises to be a monumental face-off. Read more: 28 Years Later (2025) Film Reveals New Posters with More Surprises to Follow Teasers were simultaneously released in Telugu, Tamil, and Hindi, amplifying anticipation across linguistic boundaries. Hrithik Roshan returns as Kabir, but with a sharper edge, physically transformed and more lethal than before. Scenes of sword-fighting, muscle-flexing, and a confrontation with a wolf signal a grittier evolution of the character. From high-speed car chases to bone-crunching combat, the teaser delivers relentless action. Hrithik’s revamped Kabir portrays a character who is ruthless, unyielding, and ready for destruction. A Power Glimpse into the YRF Spy Universe The film ‘War 2’ stands for more than just a continuation of the 2019 blockbuster. It launches as the sixth chapter in the steadily expanding YRF (Yash Raj Films) Spy Universe. The franchise began with ‘Ek Tha Tiger’ in 2012 and evolved through ‘Tiger Zinda Hai’ (2017), ‘War’ (2019), ‘Pathaan’ (2023), and ‘Tiger 3’ (2023). Read more: Watch The Skies: World's First AI-dubbed Feature Film to Change The Way of Watching Movies Now, with NTR and Kiara Advani stepping into the frame, the narrative shifts into darker, more intense terrain. Their entry signals a tonal shift, deepening the stakes within this high-stakes universe. Touted as the most ambitious project in the series so far, the action movie was filmed over 150 days across six countries. Filmed across exotic locales such as Italy, Spain, Japan, Abu Dhabi, Russia, and India, the sequel embraces an expansive global canvas. It promises globe-trotting espionage of a scale seldom witnessed in Indian cinema. Jr NTR Debuts as the Villain The excitement surrounding the project gained momentum with the confirmation of NTR as the antagonist. This isn’t a typical villain role. Described as morally complex and richly layered, the character is designed to challenge the audience’s expectations and highlight NTR’s versatile craft. Read more: Asif Ali-starrer Tiki Taka Filmmaking in Full Swing, Release Window Revealed The stakes rise significantly with this casting choice. With Hrithik returning as the lethal Kabir, the stage is set for a compelling clash. It pits ideology against instinct and charisma against sheer intensity. Bigger than Ever Action Showdown Every hallmark of the spy genre finds a place in War 2, from visceral hand-to-hand combat to swift swordplay and mid-ocean boat fights. The action extends across sky and land, with sequences involving planes, trains, bikes, and cars pushing physical limits. These aren’t just stunts; they’re spectacles. Hrithik and NTR take centre stage in a celebration of presence, power, and purpose. It’s a fierce collision of equals, driven by pride, grit, and a relentless will to dominate. Read more: 8 New K-Dramas to Watch in June 2025 Kiara Advani's First-ever Action Movie Amid the charged intensity between NTR and Hrithik in the teaser, Kiara Advani’s striking presence adds a refreshing contrast. Her appearance brings a hint of glamour, with subtle cues pointing toward a possible romantic thread linked to Kabir. This marks her debut with YRF and her very first venture into action territory. It’s also a milestone collaboration, her first project with both leading superstars and with director Ayan Mukerji. In the previous installment, Vaani Kapoor portrayed Naina Sahani, the love interest of Kabir. While the specifics of Kiara’s character remain under wraps, the narrative promises a blend of drama, romance, and, of course, dance. Read more: Paresh Rawal Quits Hera Pheri 3, Leaving Franchise Fans Shocked Music and Dance Craft Beyond the high-voltage action and shadowy intrigue, music finds a bold footing in ‘War 2’. The soundtrack features only two songs, but each has been crafted to leave a lasting impression. A standout moment comes in the form of a high-octane dance face-off between Hrithik and Jr. NTR. Planned for a late-June shoot, the number is being described as a one-of-a-kind spectacle. Composed by Pritam, it’s designed to channel raw energy and screen charisma. Alongside it, a romantic track featuring Hrithik and Kiara Advani adds emotional texture. Both songs are poised to dominate charts and screen time alike. Ayan Mukerji at the Helm Ayan Mukerji began his directorial journey with ‘Wake Up Sid’ (2009). It earned him the Filmfare Award for Best Debut Director. He followed this success with ‘Yeh Jawaani Hai Deewani’ (2013) and ‘Brahmastra: Part One - Shiva’ (2022). Both movies were among the highest-grossing Hindi films of their time. Read more: Bhool Chuk Maaf Movie Update: New Theatrical and OTT Release Dates ‘War 2’ marks his first project outside the Dharma Productions banner. Mukerji’s move into the high-octane spy genre might come as a surprise. Yet his signature blend of scale and emotional depth touts a fresh take on action cinema. Summing Up The on-screen collaboration of Hrithik Roshan, Jr. NTR, and Kiara Advani in the War 2 teaser ushers in a fierce and stylish showdown. Crafted under the direction of Ayan Mukerji, it signals YRF’s most ambitious project to date. Alongside its adrenaline-charged sequences, the spy movie promises a blend of music, dance, and drama. With a star-studded cast, globe-spanning visuals, and two power-packed songs, the anticipation is immense. Fans are eagerly awaiting the premiere of this epic cinematic crossover. Read more: Top 10 Netflix Originals Streaming in June 2025

Sushmita Sen took to Instagram to celebrate a major milestone — the 31st anniversary of her historic win as Miss Universe. On May 21, 1994, she became the first Indian to claim the prestigious title, and today, she commemorated the moment with a heartfelt tribute and a series of nostalgic photos from the pageant. The images capture key highlights from her Miss Universe journey: posing gracefully among fellow contestants, exuding confidence on stage, and the emotional moment she was crowned — her hands clasped in joyous disbelief. Reflecting on the life-changing event, Sushmita wrote: “21st May 1994 #Manila. A historical win that introduced an 18yr old Indian girl to the Universe!!! Opening up a world of possibilities, highlighting the strength of hope, the power of inclusion, the generosity of love…To travel the world & to have the privilege of meeting some of the most inspiring people…life defining for sure!!!” Thanking her parents, the actress added, “Thank you God, Maa Shubra & Baba Subir Happy 31st Anniversary of India's first ever victory at Miss Universe!!! To have the honour of representing my country, I will proudly cherish forever!!!” The post drew warm responses from fellow beauty queens. Harnaaz Kaur Sandhu, Miss Universe 2021, commented “Forever” with red heart emojis, while Dia Mirza, Miss Asia Pacific International 2000, wrote, “Will never ever forget what you made me feel and believe. Love you!” Sushmita Sen was last seen in the biographical series Taali: Bajaungi Nahi, Bajwaungi, based on the life of transgender activist Shreegauri Sawant. Source: NDTV