The Times of India News

Akshay Kumar, visiting Bhubaneswar, implored young people to shun substance abuse and cherish their parents as their greatest strength. He lauded the city's hospitality, calling it beautiful and pure. Professionally, Kumar is set to reunite with Saif Ali Khan in Priyadarshan's 'Haiwaan,' a film also featuring Mohanlal in a significant role, marking their first on-screen collaboration in 17 years.

Akshaye Khanna, a social media favorite for his candid nature, recently amused audiences by calling Karan Johar's cheetah-print shoes annoying. This moment, from a 2017 talk show, resurfaced as Khanna continues to impress with recent performances in films like 'Dhurandhar,' which is nearing Rs 300 crore at the box office.

In a recent interview, actor Naveen Kaushik shared his experiences working alongside Bollywood luminaries Ranbir Kapoor and Ranveer Singh. He reflected on their genuine warmth and humility, noting how they both take the time to engage with everyone on set, from remembering names to cracking jokes that lighten the mood.

Ranveer Singh's 'Dhurandhar' features a song that echoes the iconic qawwali from 1960's 'Barsat Ki Raat'. This film qawwali, composed by Roshan, was itself inspired by an earlier composition by Ustad Mubarak Ali and Fateh Ali Khan. The original creators, however, never received credit for their work.

Star-studded duo Anushka Sharma and Virat Kohli made waves in Mumbai as they were seen arriving on Saturday and making their swift exit Sunday morning. Their relaxed airport attire radiated a laid-back charm that delighted fans. The coverage also highlights their family dynamics, featuring their little ones Vamika and Akaay, alongside a glimpse of Anushka's cinematic journey.

Speculation is rife about director Selvaraghavan and his wife Gitanjali heading for divorce. Gitanjali's removal of their photos from Instagram fuels the buzz. Selvaraghavan's past interview comments are also being re-examined. The couple has not officially commented on the growing rumors. Fans await confirmation on this developing story.

'Kis Kisko Pyaar Karoon 2' shows promising box office growth, earning approximately Rs 2.50 crore on its second day. The comedy film saw increasing occupancy throughout Saturday, with night shows being the most popular. Directed by Anukalp Goswami, the movie stars Kapil Sharma and relies on his signature humor for entertainment.

In a delightful turn of the spotlight, iconic figures like Robin Williams and Riteish Deshmukh left their comedic roots behind, captivating audiences with unexpected depth. Meanwhile, Robert Pattinson transformed his 'Twilight' persona, exploring darker, more complex characters, while Alia Bhatt took bold strides into serious narratives, far from her romantic comedies.

Ranveer Singh's film 'Dhurandhar' is experiencing overwhelming demand, leading to extended showtimes, including midnight and early morning slots in major cities. The action drama, directed by Aditya Dhar, is nearing Rs 300 crore at the box office, with impressive weekend collections and a strong opening day, indicating its potential to surpass 'Padmaavat'.

Akshaye Khanna is reportedly set to star in 'Bhagam Bhag 2', reuniting with Akshay Kumar after over a decade. Directed by Raaj Shaandilyaa, the sequel is expected to pick up from the 2006 hit and will also feature Meenakshi Chaudhary. The film is slated to begin shooting in 2026.

Nandamuri Balakrishna's 'Akhanda 2: Thaandavam' has stormed the box office, raking in approximately Rs 46 crore in its opening two days. The action-packed film saw a massive jump on its first day, collecting Rs 22.5 crore, and maintained a strong run on Saturday with Rs 15.50 crore.

Gujarati film 'Laalo Shri Krishna Sada Sahayate' has achieved a remarkable 64-day run in theatres, continuing its steady performance with a Rs 20 lakh collection on Day 64. The movie has amassed an impressive Rs 91.95 crore India net and is set for a Malaysia release on December 12, 2025.

Ranveer Singh's espionage thriller 'Dhurandhar' is a massive box office success, nearing Rs. 300 crore in its second week. The film, featuring a stellar cast, has shown consistent growth, with its Day 8 collection surging over 20%. At this trajectory, 'Dhurandhar' is poised to surpass 'Padmaavat' and become Singh's highest-grossing film ever.

Arjun Rampal, who is currently riding high on the success of his latest theatrical release Dhurandhar, just made his relationship milestone official. The actor, who plays Major Iqbal in the film released on December 5 and is set to cross the Rs 300 crore mark at the box office, appears to have confirmed his engagement to longtime partner, fashion designer Gabriella Demetriades.

People gathered in large numbers on Saturday to offer prayers for legendary actor Dharmendra at a prayer meet organised by his wife, veteran actress and politician Hema Malini. The atmosphere was heavy with grief as fans, colleagues, and well-wishers came together to remember the man fondly known as Bollywoods original He-Man.

Peter Greene, who is best known for his chilling turns in Pulp Fiction and The Mask, was found dead inside his Lower East Side apartment in New York City on Friday. He was 60. The news was first reported by the New York Daily News and later confirmed by his manager, Gregg Edwards. The cause of death has not been disclosed.

Five decades after Sholay rewrote the grammar of Indian cinema, director-producer Ramesh Sippy has revealed a chilling behind-the-scenes moment that could have altered film history forever. In a recent interview, Sippy recalled how Amitabh Bachchan escaped death by just half a centimetre with Dharmendra unknowingly pulling the trigger.

Salman Khan recently attended the Red Sea Film Festival 2025 in Jeddah, and what was meant to be a routine interaction soon turned into one of the most talked-about moments of the event. In a refreshingly candid admission, the Bollywood superstar surprised everyone by questioning his own acting abilities.

Newlyweds Samantha Ruth Prabhu and Raj Nidimoru made their first public appearance post their intimate Coimbatore wedding, spotted at Hyderabad airport. Meanwhile, an unseen mehendi ceremony photo shared by Raj's sister has gone viral, showcasing the couple's joy. Their traditional Bhuta Shuddhi Vivaha ceremony took place on December 1, 2025.

Malayalam cinema's storytelling has been revolutionized by iconic scenes. From the tragic climax of 'Kireedam' to the psychological horror of 'Manichitrathazhu' and the intelligent twists in 'Drishyam,' these moments redefined genres. Films like 'Mathilukal,' 'Vanaprastham,' and 'Manjummel Boys' explored love, art, and brotherhood in groundbreaking ways, showcasing the industry's artistic evolution.

'Dhurandhars music has captivated listeners across India with its global influences. Among its stars is Daiaphi Lamare, aka Reble, a rapper from Meghalaya whose tracks have earned praise nationwide. From her early start as Daya to breaking through with bold lyrics and Northeast representation, Reble is redefining Indias hip-hop scene.

Twinkle Khanna credits her mother, Dimple Kapadia, for shaping her life and outlook. Raised by Dimple after her parents separation, Twinkle learned strength and independence by example. She recalls her mothers discipline, work ethic, and resilience, calling her the real superwoman who inspired her feminist beliefs and lifelong sense of self-worth.

Tara Sutaria and Veer Pahariya confirmed their relationship in July 2025 after months of speculation. In a interview, they shared details of their first date, musical moments, and a romantic trip to the Isle of Capri and Amalfi Coast. The couple now often appears together at events and online.

Ranveer Singh's 'Dhurandhar' is a box office hit, crossing 255 crore by its ninth day. Director Rohit Shetty lauded the film as 'naya Hindi cinema.' The movie boasts a strong ensemble cast and has garnered significant audience appreciation, particularly for Ranveer's intense portrayal and Akshaye Khanna's memorable introduction.

Akshaye Khanna once said he couldnt portray his father Vinod Khanna in a biopic, noting, I dont look anywhere close to my father. Calling real-life roles challenging and risky, he praised his fathers legendary career. Akshaye, known for 'Dil Chahta Hai' and 'Ittefaq', continues to impress with diverse roles.

Anushka Sharma was spotted in Mumbai with Virat Kohli after months away. Dressed in a grey trench coat and black shirt, she kept it simple while Virat greeted paparazzi. Their visits purpose is unknown. Reports suggest the couple lives in London, where they were last seen with their kids.

Ranveer Singh and Aditya Dhar's 'Dhurandhar' has achieved remarkable success, nearing Rs 240 crore in India and becoming a top hit in North America. Strong demand from southern states is prompting makers to consider dubbing the film into local languages, following the trend of successful South Indian film releases in Hindi.

Young State Award winner Akhil Vishwanath, known for his role in 'Chola', was found dead at his home. The 30-year-old actor, who began his career as a child artist, was discovered by his mother. Industry figures, including director Sanal Kumar Sasidharan and actor Joju George, have expressed shock and grief over his untimely demise.

Gujarati film Laalo-Krishna Sada Sahaayate has achieved a remarkable box office feat, becoming the 30th biggest hit of the year with Rs 92 crore. Defying expectations, the film's success was driven by strong word-of-mouth and cultural resonance, unlike Nandamuri Balakrishna's Daaku Maharaj. Laalo's impressive rise, particularly from its fifth week onwards, showcases the growing power of regional cinema.

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.