The Times of India

In an exciting development, director Siddharth P Malhotra has wrapped up the screenplay for 'Kamal Aur Meena', a biopic centered on the legendary Meena Kumari. This captivating story weaves together insights gathered from more than 2000 personal letters and diary excerpts exchanged between her and her spouse, Kamal Amrohi, providing a profound glimpse into their unique bond and the artistry behind 'Pakeezah'.

In Julian Schnabel's ambitious crime drama, 'In the Hand of Dante', Gerard Butler surprises with an audacious performance, portraying both a contemporary hitman and Pope Bonifacio VIII from the 14th century. The film unfolds a gripping narrative about corruption throughout history, featuring notable appearances by Oscar Isaac and Gal Gadot. Following its debut at the Venice Film Festival, the film is now accessible on OTT platforms.

Rajinikanth's 173rd film, 'Dharman,' has officially begun production, igniting fan excitement. A striking new poster reveals the superstar wielding a bloodied surgery knife. Director Ashwath Marimuthu describes the movie as a family-oriented thriller with strong entertainment value, blending mass appeal with investigative elements. Rajinikanth's collaborative spirit and dedication to the project were highlighted, with the actor reportedly treating himself as an assistant to the director.

The hunt for the next James Bond is heating up as producers and director Denis Villeneuve move into the second audition phase. Several actors, including Harris Dickinson, Callum Turner, and Jacob Elordi, are reportedly in contention. Notifications for August auditions have been sent, with a final decision anticipated by year-end to pave the way for a 2027 production start. This marks the search for Daniel Craig's successor.

Priyanka Chopra Jonas has ignited a vital discussion on domestic equality, asserting that household chores are not solely a woman's duty but fundamental life skills. She also highlighted the democratizing impact of technology on filmmaking, enabling independent creators to achieve widespread success. Furthermore, Chopra confirmed an exciting upcoming collaboration with Angelina Jolie and teased other significant projects, including a venture with Orlando Bloom and a role in SS Rajamouli's 'Varan

Ram Charan's sports drama 'Peddi' celebrated a grand success meet in Hyderabad, with the actor expressing profound gratitude for the audience's unparalleled love. He shared a heartwarming anecdote about his daughter Klin Kaara now calling him 'Peddi Nanna'. The film's exceptional run continues, nearing 333 crore worldwide, a testament to its strong audience connection and the impactful contributions of director Buchi Babu Sana and composer A. R. Rahman.

Following the AMMA executive committee's resignation, veteran actor Mammootty urged patience, stating that decisions will be made and problems resolved. Meanwhile, Shwetha Menon revealed her resignation stemmed from refusing to be a puppet and facing baseless allegations. She also called for a forensic audit of past AMMA accounts to ensure transparency, denying any political affiliations.

Marvel Studios is bringing back 'Avengers: Endgame' to cinemas this September as 'Avengers: Endgame Encore'. This special re-release will feature new footage and a post-credit scene designed to connect the film to the upcoming 'Avengers: Doomsday'. The theatrical event aims to set up the Multiverse Saga's conclusion, offering a fresh perspective on past events and their impact on future MCU narratives.

Filmmakers worldwide have masterfully employed rain, not just as a backdrop, but as a potent narrative device. South Indian cinema, in particular, imbues rain with profound meaning. From the drought-breaking deluge in 'Vaishali' to the emotional downpour mirroring characters' struggles in 'Perumazhakalam,' and the romantic showers in Mani Ratnam's 'Alaipayuthey' and 'Mouna Ragam,' rain consistently amplifies cinematic storytelling.

At the 'Spider-Man: Brand New Day' premiere in Rome, Tom Holland and Zendaya shared a heartwarming moment that showcased their closeness. Holland sweetly referred to Zendaya as 'Maree' when discussing their plans after the event, revealing a glimpse of their affectionate relationship. This interaction adds to the couple's narrative, especially after Holland recently announced their marriage, emphasizing the strength of their connection amid their busy careers.

'Main Vaapas Aaunga,' directed by Imtiaz Ali, is witnessing an impressive revival at the box office, fueled by enthusiastic audience feedback. Following a subdued premiere, the partition-era tale has picked up steam during its second week. The film has now raked in over Rs 32 crore domestically and is on track to reach nearly Rs 52 crore worldwide, indicating its successful rebound.

Chidambaram's thriller 'Balan: The Boy' is performing well in its opening week, crossing 20 crore worldwide. The film garnered 96 lakh on its sixth day, bringing its India net collection to 10.29 crore. Despite some script and characterization issues noted by ETimes, the movie maintains strong occupancy, particularly in evening and night shows, indicating audience engagement.

'Cocktail 2', directed by Homi Adajania, has seen a remarkable box office performance, amassing more than Rs 66 crore domestically within just six days. Despite receiving mixed reviews from viewers, the film boasts a strong star cast, including Shahid Kapoor, Rashmika Mandanna, and Kriti Sanon, and capitalizes on a lack of significant rivals. Its worldwide gross now stands at over Rs 102 crore, reflecting its triumph in theaters.

The deep rift between Princes Harry and William continues to strain the royal family, with former aide Jamie Lowther-Pinkerton expressing reluctance to discuss the sensitive issue. Despite Harry's upcoming UK visit for the Invictus Games, a reunion with his brother remains unlikely, as William reportedly views Harry's past actions as unforgivable. While reconciliation seems distant, sources close to Harry suggest he remains hopeful for future family unity.

Ram Charan's 'Peddi' continues its strong box-office run, crossing Rs 332 crore worldwide after 21 days. The film earned Rs 70 lakhs on its third Wednesday, bringing its India net total to Rs 236.60 crore. Ram Charan expressed his gratitude to the audience, stating the film's success belongs to them, highlighting their unwavering support.

Samantha Ruth Prabhu's 'Maa Inti Bangaaram' continues its strong box office run, crossing Rs 55.71 crore worldwide. The film garnered Rs 2.50 crore on its sixth day, with the Telugu version leading collections. Amidst this success, the actress joyfully confirmed her pregnancy at a recent event, announcing a forthcoming break from work. This news adds a personal milestone to the film's commercial triumph.

Bollywood icon Shah Rukh Khan paused his 'King' movie commitments for a city event, captivating fans with a dance performance to his hit songs. Sporting a new dark hair color and a sharp navy suit, Khan energized the crowd, even leading them in a medley of his popular tracks. The appearance comes as he continues filming the highly anticipated 'King', slated for a December 2026 release.

Priyanka Chopra, currently a major Hollywood player, revealed her ambition to bring the same diverse roles and storytelling variety she achieved in India to her English-language career. She emphasized the current era's creative freedom, where ideas are paramount. Chopra also discussed how motherhood has made her more selective about her work and time, leading to a significant shift in her priorities.

Anushka Ranjan has candidly spoken about her IVF journey, revealing the emotional and physical challenges she faced while trying to start a family with husband Aditya Seal. In a recent vlog, Anushka shared that she initially struggled with the idea of IVF, admitting that she wrongly associated the procedure with a personal shortcoming. She also called for greater awareness around fertility treatments and urged people to stop treating IVF as a taboo subject.

Vindu Dara Singh has opened up about his former marriage to actor and Tabu's sister, Farah Naaz, admitting that his father, wrestling legend Dara Singh, had cautioned him about the challenges of an interfaith marriage. Vindu reflected on a piece of advice from his father that he chose not to follow. While stressing that he has no regrets because the marriage gave him his son Fateh, the actor said Dara Singh's concerns eventually proved to be correct.

Robert Downey Jr. and Tobey Maguire were recently spotted together in Los Angeles, fueling speculation about Maguire's potential return as Spider-Man in the upcoming 'Avengers: Doomsday'. This sighting, coupled with Downey's confirmed role as Doctor Doom, hints at a possible epic showdown. The film, slated for a December 2026 release, promises a massive crossover event, making the reunion of these iconic actors a tantalizing prospect for fans.

Raveena Tandon and Akshay Kumar are all set to reunite on the big screen after a gap of 22 years with Welcome To The Jungle. The actors, who have shared screen space in several popular films over the years, were last seen together in Police Force: An Inside Story in 2004. For Raveena, returning to the sets alongside Akshay Kumar, Suniel Shetty and director Ahmed Khan felt less like work and more like a reunion of old friends.

Salman Khan's Sikandar may have failed to impress at the box office, but the film continues to make headlines over the debate surrounding the superstar's work ethic. After director AR Murugadoss reportedly blamed Salman for the film's underwhelming performance and alleged that the actor would arrive late on set, actor Vindu Dara Singh has come out in support of the Bollywood star.

Samantha Ruth Prabhu has confirmed that she is expecting her first child and will be taking a maternity break after completing her current professional commitments. Speaking to the media during the success meet of Maa Inti Bangaaram on Wednesday, Samantha addressed the speculation surrounding her pregnancy and revealed that she plans to step away from work for a brief period.

Alia Bhatt recently made a much-talked-about appearance on the first episode of Indias Got Latent Season 2 alongside Sharvari as the duo promoted their upcoming film Alpha. The episode turned out to be a massive hit, garnering over 43 million views on YouTube alone. Now, behind-the-scenes clips from the show are making waves online, with one particular moment featuring Alia grabbing fans' attention.

Veteran singer Alka Yagnik, recently honored with the Padma Bhushan, revealed her prolonged absence from public life is due to Sensorineural Hearing Loss (SNHL). This rare disorder, triggered by a viral attack, has significantly impacted her hearing. Despite her health challenges, Yagnik's immense contribution to Indian music continues to be celebrated, with fans expressing support for her recovery.

Director Ahmed Khan recently gave fans a tour of his lavish Mumbai home, which features stunning Versace-themed decor, antiques from Turkey, MF Husain paintings, and an impressive car collection including a Rs 3 crore Batmobile. His next film, Welcome To The Jungle, hits cinemas on June 26.

Hugh Jackman, 57, shared the gruelling reality of filming a mud-soaked battle scene for 'The Death of Robin Hood.' He described the intense fight with co-star Elijah Ungvary as he hardest thing I've ever done, humorously admitting he's still finding mud a year later. The film, directed by Michael Sarnoski, promises a gritty take on the legendary outlaw and is slated for a July 3, 2026 release.

Superstar Rajinikanth clarified his absence from social media birthday wishes for Tamil Nadu Chief Minister Vijay, stating he conveyed his greetings privately via phone. Addressing the media at his upcoming film 'Dharman's' launch, Rajinikanth also spoke candidly about the constant scrutiny and debate his public statements attract, highlighting the challenges of navigating public opinion after decades in the spotlight. The event marked the official announcement of his 173rd film.

Actor Prakash Raj is once again capturing attention, not only due to a recent court warrant but also for his controversial takes on the patriotic film 'Dhurandhar 2'. His pointed social media posts seemed to ridicule both the film and its endorsements by notable South Indian actors such as Allu Arjun and Mahesh Babu.

Actor Ravi Dubey, portraying Lakshman in Nitesh Tiwari's 'Ramayana', expressed his deep connection to the epic, calling it India's heritage. He shared that the team is making the film with faith, urging audiences to wait with theirs. The highly anticipated two-part film, featuring Ranbir Kapoor as Rama and Yash as Ravana, is set for a grand release, with the first part slated for Diwali 2026.

Boney Kapoor's much-anticipated sequel 'No Entry 2' has hit multiple roadblocks. Director Anees Bazmee was brought on board, while Varun Dhawan, Diljit Dosanjh and Arjun Kapoor replaced the original cast. However, Diljit and Varun both walked out. With reportedly 30 crore already spent, the film's release remains uncertain.

Tom Holland, star of 'Spider-Man: Brand New Day', has revealed a significant plot point: only one person remembers Peter Parker's identity as Spider-Man. This follows the memory-wiping spell from the previous film, leaving Peter isolated. Fans are speculating this individual could be the Hulk or potentially Jean Grey, adding intrigue to the upcoming movie's narrative.

Actor and physician Ashish Gokhale seamlessly juggles his two demanding professions, managing a bustling hospital while featuring in films such as 'Indian Police Force' and 'Raid 2'. He reflects on the intense, life-altering experience of treating COVID-19 patients, highlighting the value of hygiene and daily gratitude. Gokhale finds profound satisfaction in his role as a lifesaver, a driving force that propels him forward alongside his acting career.

Rajinikanth's 173rd film, titled 'Dharman,' is generating immense excitement. Produced by Kamal Haasan and directed by Ashwath Marimuthu, the movie features Rajinikanth in a swaggy and deadly doctor avatar. With Anirudh composing music and Anbarivu handling action, this collaboration promises a trend-setting family thriller blending style, attitude, and high-octane sequences, poised to be Tamil cinema's next big hit.

Sanjay Suri, who plays Jasmer in Imtiaz Ali's 'Main Vaapas Aaunga', opened up about his deep personal connect with the film. Having lost his father during the Kashmir militancy in 1990, Suri said the film's themes of displacement, grief and loss of home resonated with his own family's lived history.

Cancel your plans. This weekend's streaming lineup is one of the strongest in recent memory, with a Targaryen civil war finally erupting, a Harlan Coben prison break thriller, a Spanish luxury resort mystery, and enough drama to keep you busy well into Sunday night. Here is everything dropping this week and exactly where to find it.

During a heartfelt episode of the 'Smartless' podcast, Hollywood star Amy Adams shared an intense moment when she saved a man's life. While enjoying time with her family in Santa Monica, she swiftly intervened when a man suffered a stab wound to the neck, applying towels to stop the bleeding and offering reassurance. The man recovered and expressed profound gratitude to Adams, leaving a lasting impact on her.

Samantha Ruth Prabhu recently graced actor-director Rahul Ravindran's birthday bash in Hyderabad, turning heads in a chic black outfit. The event, attended by close friends and family, highlighted the enduring friendship between the 'MIB' actress and the birthday boy. This joyous occasion coincides with the successful run of Samantha's latest film, 'Maa Inti Bangaaram,' marking a celebratory period in her career.

Hacks actress Robby Hoffman admitted to storming out of the 2025 Creative Arts Emmys after losing the Outstanding Guest Actress in a Comedy Series award to co-star Julianne Nicholson. Hoffman, who had already envisioned her win, confessed to being a 'sore loser' and initially refused to present another award. Despite her disappointment, she later expressed happiness for Nicholson's well-deserved win.

The enchanting film 'Voicemails for Isabelle' has mesmerized audiences globally, thanks to its stellar cast and gripping narrative, further elevated by its emotionally charged soundtrack. Curated by seasoned professionals, the music features an eclectic mix from artists like Taylor Swift and Robyn, resonating themes of love and remembrance. The storyline centers on a young woman who forges an unexpected bond through heartfelt voicemails left for her late sister.

Sonakshi Sinha, who has over a million YouTube subscribers, made it clear that acting remains her true passion and content creation is merely a by-product of her work. She also spoke about beauty standards in Indian cinema and revealed her mother Poonam Sinha's skincare secret of using aloe vera.

Rajinikanth's 173rd film, 'Dharman,' faced several directorial changes before Ashwath Marimuthu took the helm. The Superstar revealed that K.S. Ravikumar, Sundar C, and Cibi Chakravarthi were initially considered. Rajinikanth expressed strong confidence in Marimuthu's vision, especially after producer Kamal Haasan also approved the script, making 'Dharman' a highly anticipated project.

Veteran singer Alka Yagnik received the Padma Bhushan, acknowledging her immense contribution to Indian music. Despite facing a recent hearing disorder, Yagnik expressed deep gratitude, dedicating the award to her listeners. Her emotional note highlighted her resilience and slow return to public life, earning widespread congratulations and well wishes for her recovery from industry peers.

Veteran actor Kamal Haasan became emotional at the launch of 'Dharman,' starring Rajinikanth. He reminisced about a decades-old promise made with his contemporary, where they vowed to produce films for each other. This dream has now materialized with 'Dharman' and another upcoming project, marking a significant milestone in their enduring friendship and careers.

Homi Adajania's 'Cocktail 2' starring Shahid Kapoor, Kriti Sanon and Rashmika Mandanna, has steadied itself after its steep Monday drop, holding flat at Rs 6.75 crore net on Day 5, exactly matching Day 4's collection. As it enters into Day 6 of its theatrical run, the domestic net now stands at Rs 61.50 crore, with the worldwide gross crossing Rs 95.11 crore. With a reported production budget of Rs 150 crore, the film is racing to cross the Rs 60 crore domestic net mark before Akshay Kumar's 'We

Pentatonix star Scott Hoying and husband Mark Hoying are celebrating the arrival of their baby girl, Birdie James. The couple, who have been trying for a child for years, revealed the joyous news online. Scott's sister served as the egg donor, making the journey deeply personal. They chose the name Birdie James for its musical connection and family ties, expressing immense gratitude for their new daughter.

Sherbet's iconic frontman, Daryl Braithwaite, is retiring from live performances after a remarkable 58-year career. The 77-year-old Australian singer cited physical challenges that diminished the joy of performing as the reason for his decision. Braithwaite expressed heartfelt gratitude to his loyal fans and the organizations that supported his musical journey, leaving a lasting legacy in the industry.

Comedian Kapil Sharma faced significant controversy around 2018 due to alleged shoot delays and cancellations. A public spat erupted with journalist Vickey Lalwani, who claims Sharma launched an abusive phone call, accusing him of publishing negative stories for money. Lalwani released the audio, citing Sharma's anger over reports of his tardiness and personal remarks about his daughter as triggers. Sharma also publicly accused Lalwani of defamation for financial gain.

Actor Prakash Raj faces a fresh legal challenge as a Bengaluru court reissued a non-bailable warrant for his alleged involvement in multiple voter registrations. This marks the third such warrant after the actor reportedly failed to appear for hearings. The case, concerning his name appearing on electoral rolls in Bengaluru, Chennai, and Telangana, is scheduled for its next hearing on July 25.