The Times of India News

Jugal Hansraj recalls child stardom in 'Masoom', adult role droughts post-'Aa Gale Lag Jaa', and shelved films that broke his heart. Family and friends buoyed him through rejections. Breakthrough hit 'Mohabbatein' led to 'KKKG', 'Salaam Namaste', and National Award-winning 'Roadside Romeo', which he directed.

Aditya Dhar's 'Dhurandhar' tackles Hindi cinema's budget and moral debates through gritty realism. Danish Pandor praises Ranveer Singh's warmth from day one: We'll kill it. Their trust-fueled chemistry shines in adrenaline scenes. Star cast: Ranveer as Hamza, Akshaye Khanna, Sanjay Dutt, R. Madhavan, Arjun Rampal.

South Indian cinema saw major buzz as Thalapathy Vijay arrived in Malaysia for the 'Jana Nayagan' audio launch. Mammootty remembered MT Vasudevan Nair, while Anasuya Bharadwaj responded to trolls. Ram Charan's rugged 'Peddi' BTS photos emerged, and Rashmika Mandanna's twinning with Vijay Deverakonda sparked vacation rumors.

The Bombay High Court on Friday came down heavily on AI-generated and morphed images of Bollywood actress Shilpa Shetty, terming the content extremely disturbing and shocking and directing social media platforms to forthwith delete and remove all such links and websites.

Thalapathy Vijay's 'Jana Nayagan' audio launch in Malaysia on December 27 promises a grand farewell. Expect a 3-4 hour musical tribute to Vijay's hits, electrifying performances by Prabhudeva and Simran, and a live concert by Anirudh. Directors Nelson and Lokesh Kanagaraj will attend, with surprise guests adding to the excitement. Fans anticipate an emotional goodbye and Vijay's heartfelt final message.

Thalapathy Vijay's 'Jana Nayagan' audio launch in Malaysia on December 27 promises a grand farewell. Expect a 3-4 hour musical tribute to Vijay's hits, electrifying performances by Prabhudeva and Simran, and a live concert by Anirudh. Directors Nelson and Lokesh Kanagaraj will attend, with surprise guests adding to the excitement. Fans anticipate an emotional goodbye and Vijay's heartfelt final message.

Post-Dhurandhar's Rs 800cr worldwide smash, Ranveer Singh's old 'Bijlee Bijlee' dance clip goes viralwith smiling Deepika watching. The couple, parents to Dua (born Sept), wed in 2018. Ranveer's at a peak; Deepika eyes King with SRK and Allu Arjun's 'AA22xA6', skips 'Kalki 2898 AD' sequel.

'Drishyam 3' hits theaters October 2, 2026, with Ajay Devgn, Tabu, Shriya Saran, and Rajat Kapoor. Fans stunned by Akshaye's absence after his chilling 'Drishyam 2' role. Post-Dhurandhar and 'Chhaava' success, he demanded Rs 21 crore and a wigclashing with budget and continuity.

In 2025, Hollywood was the epicenter of pop culture phenomena, with jaw-dropping headlines lighting up our feeds. The engagement of Taylor Swift to Travis Kelce set tongues wagging, while Coldplay became the talk of the town for a comedic kiss-cam incident at a concert.

Cricketer Hardik Pandya and girlfriend Mahieka twinned in maroon at a Mumbai bash, escaping paparazzi. The day prior, a fan yelled Bhaad mein jao! outside a restaurantHardik stayed cool. He credits her for T20I success post-Natasa divorce; they co-parent son Agastya.

Actress Go Joon Hee bravely shared a taxing experience from the filming of her latest project, where a fellow actor continuously pointed fingers her way when things went wrong. Attempting to clarify the situation proved futile, as the cast member persisted in evading responsibility, ultimately affecting the morale and confidence of everyone involved.

Sunidhi Chauhan lit up Mumbai with hits, 60 dancers, lasers, and fireworks. Stars like Imtiaz Ali, Zakir Khan flocked in. Alisha Chinai's surprise Tinka Tinka and Aaj Ki Raat stole the show. Her thrilled IG post: Powerhouse sunidhichauhan5 rocked! Tour hits Delhi, Bengaluru next.

Tamil music composer GV Prakash Kumar fell victim to an online scam on X, losing Rs. 20,000. A scammer used a fake emotional plea about a deceased mother, accompanied by an old, unrelated photo. Fans exposed the fraud, highlighting the risks of well-intentioned online aid and urging users to verify requests before sending money.

Kichcha Sudeep's action thriller 'Mark,' released on Christmas, is slated for an OTT debut by January-end 2026, potentially on JioHotstar. The film, directed by Vijay Kartikeyaa, delves into a dark investigation of missing children, featuring a strong ensemble cast. This marks the second Kannada film to receive a digital launch, building anticipation among audiences.

2026 is poised to be a landmark year for Hindi cinema, featuring a diverse slate of ambitious films. From war epics like 'Ikkis' and 'Battle of Galwan' to mythological spectacles such as 'Ramayan' and franchise continuations like 'Border 2' and 'Mardaani 3', audiences can anticipate a blend of legacy, reinvention, and star-driven tentpoles.

Recently, Kim Jong Kook, the charismatic entertainer, shed light on his blissful married existence. He expressed deep appreciation for his wife's uniqueness, sharing that their life feels complete without children at the moment. He humorously connected with a listener's dilemma of having a miserly spouse, admitting to his own tight-fisted ways.

As 'Stranger Things 5' drops new episodes, reactions are as varied as the show's dimensions! Enthusiastic fans revel in the unfolding tale, while others express frustration over familiar plot twists. Yet, there's a universal appreciation for the powerful portrayals of Karen Wheeler and Steve Harrington, whose heartfelt exchanges resonate deeply, proving that even amidst mixed reviews, genuine talent shines bright.

Kiara Advani delighted fans with a rare glimpse of her daughter Saraayah's first Christmas. The adorable photos featured the baby in a festive red outfit, captioned My first Christmas. Advani also shared images of a decorated tree with personalized baubles. This comes after the couple introduced Saraayah Malhotra to the world last month, born in July 2025.

Fans are buzzing about the new 'Anaconda' film, which features a surprise cameo from Jennifer Lopez, reprising her role from the original. Her brief appearance hints at a potential sequel, with her character expressing interest in a new 'Anaconda' movie directed by Doug. The plot follows two struggling filmmakers who attempt to recreate the original's success.

Kaley Cuoco's daughter, 2-year-old Matilda, has a unique Christmas preference: she's scared of Santa Claus and instead believes the Grinch and Jack Skellington deliver her presents. The actress shared her daughter's fascination with these characters, even revealing they've watched 'The Nightmare Before Christmas' hundreds of times this season, making it a budding family tradition.

Rashmika Mandanna's intense first look in 'Mysaa' has garnered significant praise, even drawing a humorous compliment from director Homi Adajania. The actress is set to portray a fierce character from the Gond community. Meanwhile, she is also gearing up for her Hindi film 'Cocktail 2' alongside Shahid Kapoor and Kriti Sanon.

Stranger Things 5, Volume 2, ushers in a whirlwind of emotions for Eleven and Hopper, whose bond faces unprecedented challenges. Hopper's hidden 'failsafe' pulls them apart, compelling a confrontation with their trust dilemmas. The creators illuminate this season with a profound exploration of adolescent growth within the confines of a parent-child bond, underscored by the weight of grief.

Gujarati film 'Laalo' continues its impressive theatrical run, reaching its 77th day with Rs 15 lakh in collections. The film has achieved a remarkable worldwide total of approximately Rs 119.88 crore, with Rs 94.95 crore net in India. Makers expressed gratitude to the audience for their overwhelming love and support.

In light of the recent loss of her father, Dharmendra, Esha Deol took to social media to share a heartfelt Christmas promotion for a brand. Acknowledging the delicate timing, she chose to disable comments to navigate the complexities of public sentiment while she honors her professional commitments.

Kapil Sharma's 'Kis Kisko Pyaar Karoon 2' experienced a significant drop in box office collections, hitting a low of Rs 4 lakhs on its 14th day. The film struggled against strong competition from 'Dhurandhar' and the new release 'Tu Meri Main Tera Main Tera Tu Meri', ultimately amassing Rs 12.31 crore.

Rapper Cardi B recently shared heartwarming glimpses of her family's first Christmas as parents to four children. Her social media showcased elaborate decorations, including four white Christmas trees, and candid moments of her kids enjoying the festive spirit. Fans flooded her post with adoration, praising the eautiful family and the chaos and fun captured in the holiday snapshots.

Former Nickelodeon star Tylor Chase was seen back on the streets after a former co-star provided him holiday shelter. Despite efforts by friends and former castmates to secure him treatment for addiction and mental health issues, Chase reportedly refused help. His co-star expressed frustration with the system's inability to assist those in crisis.

Filmmaker Madhur Bhandarkar shares his top cinematic picks for 2025. Aditya Dhar's 'Dhurandhar' starring Ranveer Singh and Akshaye Khanna leads the list. Bhandarkar praises Dhar's directorial vision and the performances of Singh and Khanna. 'Saiyaara' and 'Kantara: Chapter 1' also feature among his favorites for the year.

Kumail Nanjiani, promoting his special 'Night Thoughts', declared Shah Rukh Khan a 'God' and not just a movie star during a chat with Hasan Minhaj. Nanjiani highlighted Khan's mastery of Urdu, humility, and versatility in playing complex roles, contrasting him with Hollywood's 'movie star' persona. He emphasized the profound cultural significance of cinema in India, a reverence America lacks.

Nandamuri Balakrishna's 'Akhanda 2: Thaandavam' enjoyed a strong Christmas day, collecting approximately Rs 1.65 crore on its fourteenth day. The holiday surge pushed the film's total earnings to around Rs 89.25 crore. The movie maintained a steady performance throughout its second week, with occupancy remaining decent on the festive occasion.

In a thrilling cinematic showdown, James Cameron's 'Avatar: Fire and Ash' has soared past Rs 100 crore at the Indian box office, despite tough competition from 'Dhurandhar'. The films release coincided with the Christmas festivities, which undoubtedly fueled its remarkable performance. With a global haul of USD 483 million.

Following actor Sivaji's controversial remarks on actresses' attire, Anasuya Bharadwaj faced online backlash and age-shaming. She defended herself, highlighting the double standard in addressing her and Sivaji, and asserted her commitment to speaking for the marginalized. Despite the negativity, she concluded with a positive message of love and resilience.

A massive fire erupted in a Mumbai residential tower, prompting the rescue of nearly 40 individuals. The blaze, which started on the 10th floor of Sorrento Tower, spread through the electrical shaft, gutting multiple floors. Fortunately, no injuries were reported as residents were safely evacuated. The cause of the fire remains under investigation.

Dileep's festive release, 'Bha. Bha. Ba.', is drawing crowds, collecting Rs 20.85 crore by its eighth day. The film saw a significant boost on Christmas, with families flocking to theaters. Occupancy rates improved throughout the day, especially in evening and night shows, indicating sustained audience interest despite mixed reviews.

Upendra's latest film '45' has launched strongly at the box office, raking in approximately Rs 4.25 crore on its opening day. The Kannada version saw impressive occupancy, particularly in afternoon and evening shows.

Ranveer Singh's 'Dhurandhar' shows no signs of slowing down, smashing records in its third week at the box office. The festive Christmas period added a remarkable boost, with the film netting THIS amount on its 21st day. Despite facing competition from new releases, 'Dhurandhar' has raked in an impressive Rs 633 in total in India.

Kartik Aaryan and Ananya Panday's much-anticipated film, 'Tu Meri Main Tera Main Tera Tu Meri', has opened to a strong reception on Christmas Day. The movie, which surprised audiences with an earlier release, is estimated to have earned Rs 7.50 Cr on its opening day.

After a long gap, a Nivin Pauly starrer is running in packed theatres. 'Sarvam Maya' has done a great job at minting more than Rs 3 crores at the box office on it's opening day

Mohanlal's new action film 'Vrusshabha' has had a disappointing box office debut, earning a mere Rs 61 lakhs in India on its opening day. Worldwide collections reached approximately Rs 70 lakhs. Despite a better performance in Malayalam, the film struggled to attract audiences across all languages, with early reviews on social media being largely negative, criticizing the story and VFX.

Yami Gautam reflects on her challenging journey to success, admitting to moments of career uncertainty even after her debut. She emphasizes the unpredictable nature of casting, often influenced by factors beyond an actor's potential. Gautam found her breakthrough by resetting her approach and focusing on meaningful stories and directors, leading to films like 'Uri' and 'Bala'.

Actress Samantha Ruth Prabhu celebrated a momentous 2025, marked by launching her production house and backing her first film. The year culminated in her December wedding to filmmaker Raj Nidimoru in an intimate ceremony at Isha Yoga Center. Their union follows a period of growing public speculation about their relationship, which began to surface in 2023.

Katrina Kaif and Vicky Kaushal are celebrating their first Christmas as parents to a baby boy. Katrina shared a heartwarming selfie with Vicky and family, radiating joy. Vicky recently spoke about fatherhood, describing it as a profound and grounding experience that has shifted his perspective. Fans eagerly await the baby's name and Katrina's return to the screen.

Alia Bhatt shared glimpses of her family's Christmas celebrations, featuring Ranbir Kapoor and daughter Raha. Meanwhile, reports suggest Ranbir and Alia's film 'Love And War' might face a release delay to June 2026, potentially to avoid a box office clash.

2025's box office proved a mixed bag, with strong content driving audiences despite fewer mega-hits. Trade experts highlight a 'K-shaped' model where successful films soar, while others falter quickly. Standout performers like 'Dhurandhar' and 'Chhaava' delivered massive returns, signaling content's enduring power and a modest 10-12% box office growth over 2024.

A heartwarming video of veteran actress Rekha sharing an emotional hug with Agastya Nanda, grandson of Amitabh Bachchan, from the Raj Kapoor centenary celebrations has resurfaced. This moment gains renewed attention ahead of Agastya's upcoming war drama 'Ikkis', inspired by the life of India's youngest Param Vir Chakra awardee, Second Lieutenant Arun Khetrapal.

Cricketer Hardik Pandya displayed remarkable composure during a public dinner date with Mahieka Sharma in Mumbai. He prioritized her safety, guiding her through a throng of fans before engaging with them. This protective gesture, along with his public acknowledgment of her support, has garnered widespread admiration, highlighting a caring and respectful side of the athlete.

Karisma Kapoor's children, Samaira and Kiaan, honored their late father, industrialist Sunjay Kapur, on their first Christmas without him by wearing jerseys from his Aureus Polo team. This poignant gesture follows the Delhi High Court concluding proceedings in a Rs 30,000 crore estate dispute involving Sunjay's will and his widowed wife, Priya Sachdev.

Vikram Prabhu and L.K. Akshay Kumar star in the action thriller 'Sirai,' directed by Suresh Rajakumari. The film, released on December 25, 2025, has garnered positive fan reactions, with praise for its intense introduction, emotional impact, and strong performances.

Kannada film '45', a unique blend of the metaphysical and real, has garnered positive initial reactions. Starring Shiva Rajkumar, Upendra, and Raj B Shetty, the movie is praised for its thought-provoking concept, exceptional performances, and captivating climax. Viewers are particularly impressed with the music and the film's philosophical depth, deeming it a must-watch theatrical experience.

Arun Vijay's dual performance in 'Retta Thala' is drawing significant praise, with fans lauding the film's gripping screenplay and unexpected plot twists. The action-thriller, released on December 25, 2025, is being hailed as a potential hit, with its fast pace and strong performances from the entire cast, including the antagonist, impressing audiences.