The Times of India News
Bollywood / The Times of India
Keeping the party alive, Nick Jonas treated fans to a playful dance to his wife Priyanka Chopra's beloved song 'Mujhse Shaadi Karogi' just moments ahead of a Jonas Brothers show. This dance is a continuation of his Bollywood-inspired pre-show hype, having previously danced to tracks like 'Shararat' and 'Aavan Jaavan'.
The iconic Ahn Sung Ki, a titan of South Korean cinema with a celebrated career spanning sixty years and more than 130 roles, is battling for survival in the ICU after experiencing a cardiac arrest at home on December 30. The 71-year-old star collapsed during a meal, leading to his immediate hospitalization.
Beloved actor Isiah Whitlock Jr., renowned for his unforgettable performances in Spike Lee's films and acclaimed series such as 'The Wire' and 'Veep,' has sadly passed away at the age of 71 following a brief illness. His memorable catchphrase 'Sheee-it' as Senator Clay Davis epitomized his unique style and humor.
Rajat Bedi's daughter, Vera Bedi, has captured public attention due to her striking resemblance to a young Kareena Kapoor. Recently spotted by paparazzi, Vera appeared camera shy but offered a sweet wave. Her father revealed she's both excited and overwhelmed by the sudden fame, with no immediate Bollywood aspirations as she prioritizes college.
Tom Hiddleston and Zawe Ashton have joyfully welcomed their second child, a news confirmed by Hiddleston himself. He described the birth as a life-altering experience. The couple, who are known for their privacy, also have a first child born in 2022. This happy news coincides with Hiddleston's upcoming MCU release, 'Avengers: Doomsday'.
Riya Shibu, 21, has captivated audiences as the charming ghost Maya in Nivin Pauly's 'Sarvam Maya'. Her natural acting and endearing presence have earned her widespread praise and the affectionate nickname 'Delulu'. Beyond her acting debut, Riya is also a young producer, having backed Chiyaan Vikram's 'Veera Dheera Sooran: Part 2', showcasing her early industry involvement.
As 2025 concludes, catch up on top entertainment. Ring in New Year's Eve with Dick Clark's New Year's Rockin' Eve featuring a star-studded lineup. Meanwhile, Netflix's Stranger Things airs its highly anticipated series finale, bidding farewell to Hawkins and its battle against Vecna after a decade on screen.
James Cameron's 'Avatar: Fire and Ash' maintains a strong presence at the Indian box office, nearing Rs 150 crore despite facing competition. The film's second Tuesday saw an estimated Rs 5.25 crore collection, bringing its total to approximately Rs 148.15 crore. While collections dipped in the second week, English versions lead performance, with Hindi and Tamil also contributing significantly.
Nandamuri Balakrishna's 'Akhanda 2: Thaandavam' is witnessing a notable drop at the box office as it enters its third week. On day 19, the film raked in only Rs 31 lakhs, pushing its total India net collection close to Rs 91.96 crores.
Tara Sutaria has called out a 'PAID' PR campaign allegedly aimed at tarnishing her reputation and relationship with Veer Pahariya following her appearance at an AP Dhillon concert. She shared an influencer's video claiming a PR agency offered Rs. 6000 for negative publicity, including derogatory captions about her and Veer.
Samantha Ruth Prabhu treated her followers to a sneak peek of her enchanting December getaway in Lisbon, Portugal, via her Instagram. Her carousel of snapshots showcases delightful moments spent with her husband, Raj Nidimoru, as they explore vibrant local culture, indulge in delicious cuisine, and soak in breathtaking views.
Dileep's film 'Bha. Bha. Ba.' experienced a significant drop in box office collections post-Christmas, with daily earnings plummeting after a strong opening week. Despite a Rs 20.9 crore first-week collection, the film's momentum faltered, leading to very low theatre occupancy and mixed audience reactions. Critics pointed to weak writing and screenplay as major drawbacks.
Nivin Pauly's 'Sarvam Maya' is making a significant comeback, crossing Rs 26.30 crore in India net within its first six days. The film is demonstrating a strong hold even on weekdays, with impressive occupancy rates in Malayalam theatres. Praised by fans and actors alike, this horror-comedy is being hailed as a triumphant return for the star.
Kartik Aaryan and Ananya Panday's 'Tu Meri Main Tera Main Tera Tu Meri' struggles, earning only Rs 27 crore after six days. Meanwhile, Ranveer Singh's 'Dhurandhar' continues its reign, surpassing Rs 710 crore domestically. James Cameron's 'Avatar: Fire And Ash' also shows resilience, nearing Rs 150 crore in India.
Aditya Dhar's spy-thriller 'Dhurandhar', starring Ranveer Singh and Akshaye Khanna, is dominating the box office, nearing Rs 712.25 crore in domestic net collections after 26 days. The film has achieved the biggest Bollywood grosser status with Rs 854.75 crore gross and a staggering Rs 1095.5 crore worldwide. It's now challenging 'Jawan's' record.
Mohanlal's ambitious pan-Indian film 'Vrusshabha' is struggling at the box office, with collections remaining low even on its sixth day. The film has garnered a meager Rs 2.04 crores worldwide, with Malayalam and other language versions showing minimal traction. Despite the extensive CGI and emotional narrative, the box office performance has yet to match the production's scale and effort.
The wait is over! The highly-anticipated trailer for 'Stranger Things 5' finale, titled 'The Rightside Up,' is finally here, and fans can't contain their excitement. This monumental episode, exceeding two hours, is set to premiere on Netflix and be screened in over 500 theaters across North America on New Year's Eve.
In a disturbing turn of events, singer D4vd stands on the brink of murder charges linked to the death of Celeste Rivas, a 14-year-old whose remains were tragically located inside his car. As prosecutors gather evidence for a grand jury, the spotlight intensifies on the relationship they shared.
Filmmaker Anurag Kashyap recently disclosed an intriguing behind-the-scenes twist for his highly ambitious project 'Bombay Velvet.' Originally, he had envisioned the film starring the charismatic Ranveer Singh. But as the budget ballooned, it became clear that Ranbir Kapoor would be the fitting choice for the lead.
On December 23, 2025, Bollywood buzzed: Shah Rukh Khan at Mumbai dubbing studio for King, Ira Khan shared body image struggles since 2020, Akshay Kumars fun Twinkle Khanna birthday post. At Ikkis screening, emotional Salman Khan and Sunny Deol honored late Dharmendra.
Chris Hemsworth's Thor takes center stage in the new 'Avengers: Doomsday' trailer, showcasing a darker, emotional tone. Thor's poignant plea for strength to protect his child marks a significant shift, with fans eagerly anticipating a more serious portrayal of the God of Thunder. The film, directed by the Russo Brothers, also features Robert Downey Jr. as the villain.
Salman Khan's Battle of Galwan teaser, unveiled on his 60th birthday, sparks buzz with his intense Colonel Santosh Babu-like role. Not a biopic, it's based on the real Galwan clash, directed by Apoorva Lakhia with Chitrangada Singh. Salman shares grueling training: Physically demandingrunning, kicking, punching.
Filmmaker Sriram Raghavan expressed his admiration for the box office hit 'Dhurandhar' by Aditya Dhar, but firmly stated that he would never venture into a similar filmmaking territory. He appreciates the film's success and compelling performances; however, he feels that its style does not resonate with his artistic vision or the evolving landscape of thriller cinema.
Rashmika Mandanna marked 9 years in cinema with an emotional Instagram note: I survived because of you. She thanked fans for love, patience, and support through 26 films, calling them family. Meanwhile, wedding rumors with Vijay Deverakonda heat upprivate engagement in Oct 2025, Udaipur palace nuptials on Feb 26, 2026.
Chitrangda Singh, with 20 years in Hindi cinema, shines in dark roles and 2025 hits like 'Raat Akeli Hai', 'Khakee', 'Housefull 5', 'Parikrama'. She praises chemistry with Nawazuddin, teases song-dance and intense scenes in Salman Khan's 'Battle of Galwan' war drama on 2020 clash, set for Eid 2026.
'Drishyam 3' sparks controversy: Akshaye Khanna exits Hindi version over Rs 21cr pay hike, wig demands post-Dhurandhar success; ghosts producers. Jaideep Ahlawat replaces with new role. Clashes on Malayalam original releasing first before Hindi's Oct 2026 slot. Ajay Devgn brand eyes Rs 300cr amid legal threats.
South Indian cinema saw significant news, including the passing of Malayalam superstar Mohanlal's mother, Santhakumari, at 90. Speculation is rife about Rashmika Mandanna and Vijay Deverakonda's February 2026 wedding venue in Udaipur. Meanwhile, Jr NTR secured legal protection for his personality rights, and director Shankar lauded the deeply moving film 'Sirai'.
Malayalam cinema mourns the loss of Santhakumari Amma, mother of superstar Mohanlal. She passed away at 90. Mohanlal shared a deep bond with his mother, often expressing his love and seeking her blessings. This connection was evident in his social media posts. Santhakumari Amma's influence on Mohanlal's life and career is remembered by fans and the industry.
Akshaye Khanna's unexpected withdrawal from 'Drishyam 3' has surprised many in the cinematic community. Clarifying the situation, director Abhishek Pathak explained that Jaideep Ahlawat would take on a fresh role rather than fill Khanna's shoes.
Saif Ali Khan loves literature, praising Nilanjana Roy's 'Black River'a poignant murder mystery about a girl's death that he bought film rights for. He adores Lafcadio Hearn's poetic Japanese ghost stories and Natalie Haynes' feminist Pandoras Jar retelling Medusa's tragedy. In the adaptation, he plays cop Ombir Singh.
Kavin and Andrea Jeremiah's crime thriller 'Mask' is set for a digital release on ZEE5 on January 9, 2026. The film, which follows a morally complex detective named Velu, aims for a wider audience after a modest theatrical run. Hoping for a second life, 'Mask' will cater to fans of dark films and antiheroes on the streaming platform.
Golmaal 5: Rohit Shetty revives OG cast including Ajay Devgn, Arshad Warsi, Tusshar Kapoor, Shreyas Talpade, Kunal Khemu, and Sharman Joshi for a fantasy comedy. It introduces the franchise's first female villain, blending chaotic humor with surreal elements. Supporting stars like Johnny Lever return, keeping the playful legacy alive.
Bollywood's 2025 was a year of internal drama, with casting controversies overshadowing box office hits. Deepika Padukone's exits from 'Spirit' and 'Kalki 2898 AD' sparked gender parity debates. Paresh Rawal's brief departure from 'Hera Pheri 3' and Akshaye Khanna's exit from 'Drishyam 3' highlighted franchise turbulence. Ranveer Singh and Saif Ali Khan also faced project disruptions, revealing industry-wide tensions.
Ranbir Kapoor's highly anticipated films, 'Love and War' and 'Ramayana', face release date uncertainties. Sanjay Leela Bhansali's 'Love and War' has been pushed to August or September 2026 due to extended shooting, reportedly upsetting the 'Ramayana' team who desired a larger gap. Bhansali is working to finalize a new date for his war-drama.
Ikkis, starring Agastya Nanda as hero Arun Khetarpal and Dharmendra in his final role as his father, is a touching war drama releasing January 1, 2026. Mumbai preview on Dec 29 moved Anil Sharma, who praised Dharmendra's grace and the team's tribute. Dharmendra passed away on Nov 24 at 89.
In an effort to safeguard the integrity of the highly anticipated 'Awarapan' sequel, security measures have been ramped up on set in Rajasthan after unauthorized glimpses of Emraan Hashmi's fresh appearance hit the internet.
In a notable turn of events, filmmaker Tyler Perry is now contending with a second $70 million lawsuit alleging sexual assault this year. His attorney, Alex Spiro, has labeled the accusations a 'money grab scam,' recalling a prior failed attempt by the accuser's legal team in a similar case.
Ranveer Singh's 'Dhurandhar' continues its box office reign, crossing Rs 700 crore after 26 days. Meanwhile, Kartik Aaryan and Ananya Panday's 'Tu Meri Main Tera Main Tera Tu Meri' struggles, earning only Rs 25.54 crore in its first week.
A special screening of 'Ikkis', the final film of veteran actor Dharmendra and the debut of Agastya Nanda, was held in Mumbai. The event saw industry stalwarts like Riteish and Genelia Deshmukh, Salman Khan, and Rekha paying tribute to Dharmendra. Casting director Mukesh Chhabra lauded the film's heartfelt storytelling and Dharmendra's profound performance.
Teyana Taylor is ringing in a new era with her first-ever Grammy and Golden Globe nominations, a momentous chapter in her storied career. Reflecting on her innovative visual album, 'Escape Room,' she expressed heartfelt gratitude for the acknowledgment, viewing it as a powerful affirmation of her artistic journey after a short hiatus.
Actress Greer Grammer candidly shared her emotional reunion with estranged father Kelsey Grammer after 12 years. She revealed hurtful comments he made about her using his last name, which deeply affected her. The two reconnected unexpectedly when he visited a Christmas tree lot where she was volunteering as Miss Teen Malibu.
The buzz surrounding Aditya Dhar's 'Dhurandhar' goes beyond its commercial achievements, thanks to an electrifying background score that has audiences talking. What began as a Doja Cat comparison took an intriguing turn when rapper Badshah disclosed that it actually channels the classic 'Knight Rider' theme, perfectly matching the movies espionage and reinvention motifs.
Malaika Arora recently shared her journey through the intense scrutiny she faced from family and friends after her divorce from Arbaaz Khan in 2017. She pointed out the unfair societal expectations that often judge women for their choices, advocating for the importance of achieving financial and emotional autonomy before tying the knot.
The red carpet of 'Ikkis' became a backdrop for a beautiful reunion between Bollywood stars Tabu and Fatima Sana Shaikh, who reminisced about their unforgettable times on the set of 'Chachi 420', where Fatima played Tabu's daughter. This heartfelt meeting was a dream come true for Fatima, who has always wanted to collaborate with Tabu again.
Govinda confessed he was deeply in love with Neelam and even broke his engagement to Sunita Ahuja for her. He admitted to mercilessly comparing Sunita to Neelam, urging her to change. Despite this, Govinda married Sunita in 1987, and they have been together for over 30 years.
Taylor Swift generously gifted $600 to each employee working at Travis Kelce's Chiefs game on Christmas Day. The singer, known for her philanthropy, personally thanked and handed out the holiday bonuses, bringing tears of gratitude to many. This act of kindness echoes her previous 'bonus days' for her own tour staff, highlighting her appreciation for hard work.
Bollywood superstar Shah Rukh Khan was spotted at a Mumbai dubbing studio, fueling speculation about his upcoming film 'King'. Fans are eagerly awaiting an announcement, with many anticipating a New Year's Day reveal. The film, slated for a 2026 release, boasts a star-studded cast and is already projected to be a massive box office success.
Bollywood stars gathered for a special screening of 'Ikkis' in Mumbai. Casting director Mukesh Chhabra lauded the film as 'honest' and 'emotional,' particularly praising Dharmendra's performance. He also commended Jaideep Ahlawat, Agastya Nanda, Simar Bhatia, Vivan Shah, Sikandar Kher, and director Sriram Raghavan for their contributions to the war drama.
Akhanda 2: Thaandavam has crossed Rs 91.51 crore net in India after 18 days, with day 18 collections estimated at Rs 21 lakhs. While Monday saw a dip from the weekend's strong performance, the film maintains a steady presence in theaters. Actress Samyuktha praised co-star Balakrishna's dedication to the director's vision.

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