The Times of India News

Sunny Deol, preparing for 'Border 2', revealed a poignant deleted scene where his character addresses fallen soldiers. He spoke to them as if present, promising to care for their families and assuring them of their heavenly peace. This emotionally charged moment, though cut for runtime, highlighted the film's deep sentiment.

Shane Nigam's film 'Haal' is finally hitting theatres this Christmas after overcoming censorship hurdles. The High Court cleared the movie for release, overturning several proposed cuts. The poster itself highlights the legal battles, with the cast and crew now ready to present their work to audiences across multiple languages.

Films now face a crucial 'meme test' alongside traditional metrics. Viral moments, from dance clips to dramatic entries, are shaping popularity. Examples like 'Dhurandhar,' 'Wicked,' 'Saiyaara,' Shah Rukh Khan's 'King' look, and 'Spider-Man' demonstrate how memes can drive buzz and influence audience perception, sometimes even overshadowing conventional marketing efforts.

Sanjay Dutt, a Bollywood legend with a 44-year career, continues to rule both cinema and business. With properties in Mumbai and Dubai, ventures like whisky and Dutts Franktea, and luxury cars including a Rolls-Royce and Ferrari, his 295 crore empire reflects stardom built on talent, resilience, and ambition.

Divyendu Sharma continues to evolve as one of Bollywoods most versatile actors, balancing emotional depth with daring choices. In his latest film *Saali Mohabbat*, directed by Tisca Chopra, he plays a complex role. Known for shedding his boy-next-door image, Divyendu remains grounded, driven by creativity rather than conventional success.

Veteran actors Shatrughan Sinha and Rekha shared a remarkable 20-year silence. A minor disagreement during the filming of 'Khoon Bhari Maang' led to this prolonged cold war. Shatrughan Sinha revealed the fallout was over a silly issue. It was Shatrughan's wife, Poonam Sinha, who ultimately mended their relationship, restoring their friendship.

Bollywood icon Shah Rukh Khan finally met his football idol, Lionel Messi, in Kolkata. The actor, accompanied by his son AbRam, shared a heartwarming fan moment with the Argentine legend. Messi warmly greeted AbRam, signing his jersey, before shaking hands with Khan. This highly anticipated meeting of two global stars quickly went viral online.

Gaurav Gera's unrecognizable transformation as Mohammad Aalam in 'Dhurandhar' is a major talking point. The film's makeup team revealed the detailed process behind his makeover. Audiences expressed shock and admiration for the actor's versatility and the artist's skill. 'Dhurandhar' continues to be a box office success, with a sequel planned.

Filmmakers are increasingly embracing real locations for authentic cinematic experiences. From the spiritual backdrops of 'Kantara' in coastal Karnataka to the grand recreations and jungle adventures of SS Rajamouli's 'Varanasi', and the breathtaking Kerala landscapes in 'Raavan', these films leverage natural beauty. The Malayalam classic 'Manichitrathazhu' also utilized heritage structures for its chilling atmosphere, proving the power of real-world settings.

Ranveer Singh and Aditya Dhar's Dhurandhar is a box office hit. The film earned over USD 5.25 million in North America in just eight days. This makes it the fourth highest-grossing Indian film of the year. Dhurandhar had a strong opening and maintained good momentum. Its second Friday collection was a record for an Indian film.

Assam Police's SIT has filed a chargesheet against seven individuals in the death of singer Zubeen Garg, who reportedly drowned in Singapore. The charges include murder, criminal conspiracy, and negligence. Garg's wife welcomed the probe, expressing faith in the judicial process for justice. Singapore police are conducting a separate investigation.

Ranveer Singh's 'Dhurandhar' is a box office sensation, crossing Rs 239.25 crore in just eight days and surpassing 'War 2'. The film's strong opening and remarkable weekday consistency have propelled it to become the 6th biggest hit of 2025. Experts predict 'Dhurandhar' will soon challenge for the third spot, solidifying its status as a dominant cinematic success.

Dhurandhar is maintaining a strong box office presence, nearing Ranveer Singh's second-highest grossing film status. Despite a slight miss on its second Friday against Simmba's collection, the film's consistent weekday performance and a projected Saturday surge are set to secure its position. The action-packed narrative and stellar cast have propelled its success.

Akshaye Khanna's recent success in 'Dhurandhar' has brought renewed attention to his past. A former schoolmate from Lawrence School Lovedale recalled him as a quiet, mysterious teen who was the school's original 'Heartbreak Kid.' Despite his father Vinod Khanna's fame, Akshaye maintained a low-key and reserved persona throughout his school years.

Ranveer Singh and Aditya Dhar's 'Dhurandhar' has shattered box office records, achieving the highest second Friday collection of 2025 with Rs 32 crore. This remarkable feat, surpassing other major releases, highlights the film's deep audience connection and sustained momentum. The movie has now amassed Rs 239.25 crore, marking it as Ranveer Singh's third biggest hit.

Dhurandhar has achieved a historic box office milestone in North America. The film has now recorded the highest ever second Friday collection for an Indian movie in the region. This achievement surpasses the previous record held by Baahubali 2. Dhurandhar's performance highlights its strong audience reception and box office success.

Hollywood star Amy Schumer is divorcing chef Chris Fischer after seven years of marriage. The comedian announced the amicable split on Instagram, emphasizing their continued focus on co-parenting their son. This news follows weeks of speculation after Schumer removed photos of Fischer from her social media, though she had previously denied divorce rumors.

Aishwarya Rai Bachchan, at 52, reveals her secret to timeless radiance isn't complex routines but simplicity. She emphasizes early mornings, staying hydrated, and maintaining hygiene. Moisturizing daily, a habit since her career began, is crucial. Her approach highlights that glowing skin and graceful aging stem from consistent, basic self-care and inner confidence, proving a busy life can still be radiant.

HBO Max unveiled a 2026 slate promo, featuring a glimpse of 'House of the Dragon' Season 3. The teaser hints at a darker chapter with epic battles and bloodshed, including the massive Battle of the Gullet.

Despite a slight setback, the excitement surrounding Nandamuri Balakrishna's upcoming film 'Akhanda 2: Thaandavam' is palpable. With Netflix reportedly acquiring the digital streaming rights, fans are eagerly anticipating its debut following a four-week theatrical engagement, potentially on January 9, 2026. The film promises action-packed sequences, showcasing Balakrishna as the legendary warrior Akhanda, facing off against a formidable new mystic foe.

Bollywood superstar Shah Rukh Khan has arrived in Kolkata with his son AbRam, fueling immense fan excitement. His presence coincides with football legend Lionel Messi's 'GOAT India Tour 2025' stop in the city. Khan had previously teased a potential meeting at Salt Lake Stadium on December 13th, amplifying anticipation for this star-studded event.

Darshan Thoogudeepa's 'The Devil' opened strong but experienced a significant drop on its second day, earning Rs 3.50 crore. The action thriller, directed by Prakash Veer, garnered mixed reviews, with some criticizing its script and editing while fans appreciated Darshan's performance. The film's overall collection stands at Rs 13.50 crore.

Vinod Khanna's career took an unexpected turn when he left films for spiritual pursuits with Osho. This period significantly impacted his personal life, leading to his first divorce. After returning, Khanna remarried and found balance. He also built a political career, serving as a Member of Parliament. Khanna continued to deliver memorable performances in his later films before his passing.

Zootopia 2 has taken the cinematic world by storm, breaking the USD 1 billion barrier within just 17 days of its release. This animated masterpiece ranks as the third film of the year to achieve such a milestone.

Bollywood icon Amitabh Bachchan expressed profound gratitude for his fans' unwavering affection during Sunday darshan outside his Mumbai residence. He shared videos of the devoted crowd, questioning his own worthiness of such immense love. The legendary actor also reflected on the complexities of decision-making and the influence of external opinions, while acknowledging pride in his son Abhishek's achievements.

Kriti Sanon and Dhanush's 'Tere Ishk Mein' has crossed Rs 100 crore at the box office despite a significant dip in its third week. The film's collections slowed due to competition from 'Dhurandhar' and 'Kis Kis Ko Pyaar Karoon 2'. Dhanush expressed excitement for challenging roles, noting this is his first Rs 100 crore net grosser in India.

In a heartwarming revelation, actress Hailee Steinfeld and sports icon Josh Allen have announced they are set to welcome their first child! With an irresistibly sweet Instagram video, they shared the joyful moment of Allen affectionately kissing Steinfeld's baby bump.

Kapil Sharma's 'Kis Kisko Pyaar Karoon 2' opened to a disappointing Rs 1.75 crore on its first day, significantly underperforming its 2015 predecessor. Facing competition, the film's occupancy was low, though evening and night shows saw some improvement. The comedy, featuring an ensemble cast and the late Asrani, explores a man's chaotic life married to three women.

Ranveer Singh's 'Dhurandhar' is making waves, crossing the Rs 250 crore mark and eyeing historical box office records. The spy thriller's second Friday collections surged, surpassing its opening day and showing immense growth. With strong word-of-mouth, the film is poised for a massive second weekend, potentially outperforming major hits and setting new benchmarks for Ranveer Singh's career.

As 2025 approaches its end, ETimes reached out to Alexx ONell, Sadia Khateeb, director Tarun Mansukhani, and Gargi Kundu to explore the emotional patterns they uncovered, the beliefs they shed, and the lessons this year carved into their inner lives. Their reflections reveal a candid, vulnerable, and often surprising picture of what it means to be human in an industry that demands superhuman resilience.

'Sholay' re-released in theatres on December 12, it is an emotional moment for fans as recently Dharmendra passed away recently on December 4. The film also stars Sanjeev Kumar, Amitabh Bachchan, Hema Malini, Dharmendra, Amjad Khan and is directed by Ramesh Sippy.

Director Aditya Dhar expressed gratitude after Hrithik Roshan shared a second, highly enthusiastic review of 'Dhurandhar,' praising its performances. This followed Roshan's initial, more critical take on the film's politics. Dhar's response confirmed a sequel is in the works, as the film achieves significant box office success.

Fifty years after its release, Sholay, starring Amitabh Bachchan, Dharmendra alongside Hema Malini, Sanjeev Kumar and Amjad Khan, is back in theatres with its original endingone that audiences never got to see the first time. For director Ramesh Sippy, the re-release has reopened memories of a time when the film was written off long before it became a classic.

Director Aanand L Rai admits misjudging Shah Rukh Khan's persona in their 2018 film 'Zero'. He realized too late that the superstar's image needed to be integrated into the character, a crucial element he failed to incorporate. Rai confessed he was working with an actor, not fully accounting for the star power involved, leading to the film's box office disappointment.

The highly anticipated trailer for 'Avengers: Doomsday,' featuring Robert Downey Jr. as Doctor Doom, has reportedly arrived in theaters worldwide. This exclusive big-screen debut, a strategy mirroring Christopher Nolan's approach, aims to prevent early leaks before its potential online release during Christmas week. The teaser hints at Doom's pursuit of Captain America and Captain Carter for timeline tampering.

Director Aditya Dhars Dhurandhar has emerged as one of the biggest box-office successes of the year, surpassing the Rs 200 crore mark in India during its first run. Inspired by real incidents and crime syndicates in Karachis Lyari area, the film follows Indias covert fight against terror in Pakistan. The action drama stars Ranveer Singh, Akshaye Khanna, Arjun Rampal, Rakesh Bedi, Sara Arjun, R. Madhavan, and Sanjay Dutt, among others.

Saumya Tandon, returning to films after 18 years, reveals her initial meeting with Imtiaz Ali was for 'Rockstar', not 'Jab We Met'. She was a newcomer then, seeing the latter as an 'induction' into big films. 'Jab We Met' became a massive hit, a far cry from the 'Rockstar' project's initial uncertainty and eventual different casting.

Hazel Keech penned a heartfelt birthday wish for cricketer Yuvraj Singh, highlighting his devotion as a father. She revealed his struggle with an injury that prevented him from holding their children, Orion and Aura, and his dedicated recovery. The touching tribute celebrated Yuvraj's resilience and the love within their family.

Keerthy Suresh marked her first wedding anniversary with husband and childhood sweetheart Antony Thattil by sharing an adorable video filled with unseen moments from their Hindu and Christian wedding ceremonies held in Goa last year.

Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma expressed renewed faith in the judiciary as a massive 12,000-page chargesheet was filed in the Zubeen Garg case. The SIT's extensive investigation, involving over 300 statements and substantial evidence, has led to charges against seven individuals. The government plans a fast-track trial and may involve a central agency for further probe.

Six individuals convicted in the 2017 Kerala actress assault case received 20-year sentences and fines. The court debated imposing equal punishment for all involved, despite varying degrees of direct involvement. This sentencing marks a significant development in the long-standing judicial process, while actor Dileep's acquittal on conspiracy charges remains a point of contention.

British-Pakistani actor Alyy Khan lauded Bollywood's punctuality, citing Kareena Kapoor's professionalism. He contrasted this with Pakistan's film industry, highlighting a lack of consistent work and exposure that hinders operational standards. Khan emphasized that producer leniency often enables actor tardiness, suggesting improvements are achievable with better management and sustainable industry practices.

R Madhavan drew parallels between the initial doubts surrounding 'Dhurandhar' and the release of 'Rang De Basanti'. Despite mixed early responses and critics calling it a 'disaster', Madhavan remained confident, recalling how 'Rang De Basanti' overcame similar skepticism to achieve historic success and significant cultural impact.

Nandamuri Balakrishna's 'Akhanda 2' has made a strong debut at the box office, with pre-sales alone reaching Rs 15.13 crore. The film is projected to cross Rs 25 crore worldwide on its opening day, despite a working day release and mixed reviews. Thaman's powerful music is a significant highlight, enhancing the mass action drama.

Actor Angad Bedi shared insights into his personal life and career. He spoke about his relationship with his father, the legendary cricketer Bishan Singh Bedi. Bedi revealed the emotional impact of cutting his hair, a decision made due to industry discrimination. This led to a long period of estrangement from his father.

Abhishek Bachchan highlighted that marriage and motherhood haven't diminished Aishwarya Rai Bachchan's stardom, citing her continued global appeal and Hema Malini's post-marriage success. He acknowledged life changes with family, emphasizing evolving responsibilities and the need for actors to adapt rather than remain self-absorbed. Aishwarya recently attended the Red Sea International Film Festival.

Akshaye Khanna's powerful portrayal of Rehman Dakait in 'Dhurandhar' has captivated audiences, sparking widespread praise. Unexpectedly, a meme trend emerged, humorously linking his success to Akshay Kumar's role in 'Tees Maar Khan'. Akshay responded humbly to the viral meme, acknowledging the playful connection. 'Dhurandhar' continues to achieve box office success, with a sequel confirmed.

Mark your calendars, as Bob Odenkirk's electrifying 'Nobody 2' is set to premiere in India. In this action-packed sequel, influenced by the dynamic choreography of Hong Kong martial arts and the charm of Jackie Chan, we witness Hutch Mansell navigate the chaos of his dual existence: a loving father by day and a fearsome hitman by night.

Aryan Khan's debut project, 'The Ba***ds of Bollywood,' has stirred the pot within the industry. While it has received commendation, fellow actor Alyy Khan raised eyebrows with his critique. He feels the show leans too heavily on coarse language, arguing it sets a poor example for audiences, especially families. Read on.

Actress Ayesha Khan revealed industry professionals suggested she alter her nose and teeth for more work. Khan, who stars in 'Kis Kisko Pyaar Karoon 2', expressed her confidence in her appearance, stating such comments came from non-decision-makers. She also shared a director's remark about her teeth being unsuitable for certain roles, despite praising her audition.