The Times of India News

Two men convicted in the 2017 Kerala actress assault case have challenged their convictions in the High Court, seeking bail and a stay on their sentences. They claim a lack of evidence and procedural flaws in the trial. The court has acknowledged issues and will reopen the case after vacation, delaying the official appeal hearing.

While 'Dhurandhar' garners widespread industry praise, Alia Bhatt's silence on the film is noted, despite her close bond with co-star Ranveer Singh. She recently lauded Ranveer's 'Gully Boy' performance, highlighting their strong friendship and shared professional and personal histories.

Akshay Kumar and Vidya Balan will reunite for Anees Bazmees upcoming film after 'Mission Mangal' (2019). Reports confirm Vidya as one of the female leads, with their chemistry expected to elevate the story. Akshay, last seen in 'Jolly LLB 3', also gears up for 'Haiwaan', directed by Priyadarshan.

On December 1, 2025, the talented singer B Praak and his beloved wife Meera Bachan celebrated a special milestone as they welcomed their precious baby boy. Taking to Instagram, the ecstatic couple shared their joy and gratitude with their fans, sparking an outpouring of love and congratulations from their dedicated followers.

Farah Khan recently visited Sonakshi Sinha and Zaheer Iqbals Mumbai home, where she noticed a bright red fridge gifted by Huma Qureshi. Sonakshi revealed it was a wedding present reflecting Zaheers love for vibrant colours. The couple, married in June 2024, also hosted a star-studded reception attended by Bollywood celebrities.

Esha Deol, still grieving her father Dharmendras loss, shared that she will take a brief break from social media while resuming work. Recently, she and Hema Malini hosted a prayer meet in his memory. On his 90th birth anniversary, Esha paid tribute, vowing to honour his legacy with pride and love.

Filmmaker Farah Khan's most recent vlog brought her to the charming Mumbai abode of Sonakshi Sinha and Zaheer Iqbal. In an entertaining house tour, Farah hilariously confused a striking portrait for that of Sonu Sood, leading Sonakshi to clarify the identity of the artwork. In a cheeky moment, Zaheer suggested they capture additional memories with another photo.

Ranveer Singh's 'Dhurandhar' is drawing large audiences in Kashmir, despite being labeled propaganda. Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah noted the film's box office success in the Valley, even as he expressed no intention of watching it or 'The Kashmir Files'. The film has achieved significant box office numbers, with a sequel already announced.

The Bhojpuri industry continues to thrive, led by actresses like Rani Chatterjee, Akshara Singh, Monalisa, and Aamrapali Dubey. Known for their massive fan appeal, hit songs, and powerful screen presence, these stars ensure strong box office performances, blending glamour, talent, and mass connect across family dramas, romances, and action films.

At Waves Summit, Shah Rukh Khan and Aamir Khan advocated for more cinema screens to revitalize Indian theatrical business. However, the article argues that the core issue is a content drought, not screen scarcity, as most films fail to attract audiences despite available screens. The industry needs to invest in compelling storytelling to revive audience interest.

Rajkumar Hirani is set to direct the much-awaited sequel to the blockbuster '3 Idiots*' Titled '4 Idiots' (working title), the film will reunite Aamir Khan, R. Madhavan, Sharman Joshi, and Kareena Kapoor after 15 years. The makers plan to begin shooting in 2026, introducing a new fourth idiot.

After a short break, Shah Rukh Khan resumes shooting for Siddharth Anands action-drama 'King' from December 20. The new schedule will feature high-octane, technically complex action scenes. The film also marks Suhana Khans big-screen debut and promises to be an emotionally intense, massy entertainer blending action, drama, and style.

Bollywood superstar Madhuri Dixit Nene recalls bizarre fan encounters while promoting Mrs Deshpande. From a fan claiming she was adopting him to US neighbors almost calling the cops on fans casing her house, the actress shares the fascinating and frightening reality of her life in the global spotlight.

Madhuri Dixit, a celebrated Bollywood icon, prioritized family and a peaceful life over superstardom, a choice she describes as a dream fulfilled. Relocating to Denver after marrying Dr. Shriram Nene, she embraced a simple life, cherishing motherhood and everyday joys away from the limelight. This personal journey offered her unparalleled contentment.

Madhuri Dixit left her soaring Bollywood career in the 1990s to marry cardiovascular surgeon Dr. Shriram Nene and relocate to the US. She embraced a quieter, family-oriented life in Denver for nearly 12 years, enjoying raising her children away from public attention and finding immense happiness in this new chapter.

Drishyam 2 director Abhishek Pathak and Shivaleeka Oberoi announced their first pregnancy on Instagram, two years after their 2023 Goa wedding. The post features baby socks, a Christmas tree, and Baby Pathak Arriving 2026. Caption: Tiny blessing joining our universe. Celebs like Rakul Preet congratulated them.

Arjun Rampal lauded the 'Border 2' teaser, praising the fresh energy of Varun Dhawan, Diljit Dosanjh, and Ahan Shetty alongside Sunny Deol's iconic presence. The film, a spiritual successor to the 1997 hit, launched its teaser on Vijay Diwas, with Deol delivering an emotional dialogue. Expectations are high for this new generation to carry the legacy forward.

'Avatar: Fire and Ash' has kicked off its Indian box office run with promising early trends, surpassing Rs 1 crore within hours of release. While projections suggest a strong opening day, potential competition and piracy concerns loom. The film's performance is being closely watched against its predecessor, 'The Way of Water'.

Gujarati film 'Laalo' is celebrating its 70th day in cinemas. The Ankit Sakhiya-directed movie has achieved remarkable lifetime collections of approximately Rs 93.91 crore in India. Despite a recent gradual dip in daily earnings, its overall performance highlights its significant success. Actress Reeva Rachh shared her excitement about the script and her character Tulsi, praising the team's passion.

Ranveer Singh's 'Dhurandhar' is a box office hit, with its songs trending globally. Priyanka Chopra's husband, Nick Jonas, shared a video grooving to the film's track 'Shararat' before a show, calling it his new pre-show hype song. This Bollywood moment has delighted fans, further boosting the film's immense popularity.

Moviegoers catching 'Avatar: Fire and Ash' this weekend are treated to a surprise 'Ramayana' promo. A viral video shows fans cheering Ranbir Kapoor as Lord Ram in the 3D trailer, hinting at a spectacular retelling of the epic. The film, also starring Yash and Sai Pallavi, is set for a Diwali 2026 release.

Singer Rahul Vaidya's recent social media post, advocating for Indians to embrace their own languages and culture over English, has sparked a debate. While some netizens agreed with his sentiment, many pointed out the irony of him sharing this message in English, leading to online trolling. Messi's India tour also saw him meet Bollywood celebrities.

Rukmini Vasanth confessed her anxiety about playing a manipulative character in 'Kantara: Chapter 1', fearing it would limit future roles. She felt the industry pressures young actresses into 'traditional heroine' molds. However, the audience's positive reception to her dual performance, appreciating both her range and the 'good girl' roles, eased her concerns and broadened her perspective on acting.

James Cameron's 'Avatar: Fire and Ash' has hit theatres, sparking a divided fan reaction. While praised for its stunning visuals and emotional depth, some critics point to repetition and a lengthy runtime. The film's villains, particularly Oona Chaplin's Varang, are a standout. Box office projections are strong, anticipating a significant global debut.

Actor Rakesh Bedi has addressed the controversy surrounding a kiss at the Dhurandhar trailer launch. He stated that the gesture towards co-star Sara Arjun, who plays his daughter, was misinterpreted. Bedi explained their father-daughter bond and warmth were misunderstood. He emphasized that Sara's parents were present, and his intentions were pure.

Kapil Sharma's comedy drama 'Kis Kisko Pyaar Karoon 2' has crossed Rs. 10 crore in its debut week but faced a significant drop in collections by its seventh day, earning only Rs. 0.75 crore. The film's box office performance is being impacted by strong competition from 'Dhurandhar' and upcoming releases like 'Avatar: Fire and Ash'.

Nandamuri Balakrishna's 'Akhanda 2: Thaandavam' has surpassed Rs 75 crore in India within its first week. Despite a dip in collections after an initial strong opening, the film maintained a steady performance. Early estimates suggest Rs 2.50 crore on Day 7, bringing the total net collection to approximately Rs 76.40 crore.

Ranveer Singh and Akshaye Khanna's 'Dhurandhar' achieved a historic second week at the box office, amassing Rs 253.5 crore net and becoming the highest-grossing second week for a Hindi film. The spy thriller crossed Rs 500 crore gross in India in just 13 days, now standing at Rs 460.

Dileep's comeback film, 'Bha. Bha. Ba.', has stormed the Kerala box office, raking in approximately Rs 6.75 crore on its opening day. The movie's success is significantly boosted by Mohanlal's impactful cameo, drawing in family audiences. Despite some script criticisms, viewers are enjoying the humor and energetic presentation, calling it a fun spoof.

Brad Pitt has secured a procedural legal victory in his long-running winery dispute with ex-wife Angelina Jolie. A Los Angeles Superior Court judge has ordered Jolie to turn over previously withheld, unredacted communications related to their legal battle over Chateau Miraval.

Girija Oak Godbole has finally addressed the comparisons being drawn between her and Hollywood stars Sydney Sweeney and Monica Bellucci after she found herself at the centre of sudden online attention. The Marathi actor, who went viral after clips of her interviewwhere she appeared in a blue saricirculated widely, has spoken about how admiration quickly slid into objectification.

The Bachchan family, including Abhishek, Aishwarya, and Amitabh, recently attended Aaradhya's school annual day. Aaradhya's charming pink attire captivated onlookers. Abhishek shared how Aishwarya guides their daughter in navigating public attention and instills respect for the film industry. He also highlighted Aaradhya's growing self-assurance and distinct opinions as she matures into a teenager.

Shilpa Shetty on Thursday strongly refuted reports claiming that an Income-Tax raid had been conducted at her and husband Raj Kundras house in Mumbai. Issuing a clarification, her lawyer Advocate Prashant Patil stated that no such raid had taken place and described the development as a routine follow-up by tax officials.

At the trailer launch of the Hindi version of Dacoit, Adivi Sesh surprised many by showering praise on Aditya Dhars blockbuster Dhurandhar. The appreciation comes at an interesting time, as Dhurandhar Part Two is slated to clash with Dacoitwhich stars Sesh alongside Mrunal Thakur and Anurag Kashyapon March 19.

The Dhirubhai Ambani School annual day function saw many Bollywood stars. Amitabh Bachchan, Abhishek Bachchan, and Aishwarya Rai Bachchan were present for Aaradhya Bachchan. Aishwarya's mother Vrinda Rai also attended. Shah Rukh Khan arrived with wife Gauri Khan and daughter Suhana Khan to support AbRAM. SRK was seen in a black shirt, sunglasses, and a beanie cap.

During the trailer launch of her upcoming film Tu Meri Main Tera Main Tera Tu Meri, Ananya Panday spoke candidly about her views on love and relationships, making it clear that her romantic ideals are rooted firmly in the past rather than modern dating trends.

While vanity vans are often discussed as symbols of stardom, interior designer Vinita Chaitanya suggests that, for some actors, they are deeply personal spaces shaped by routine and function. Speaking about her long-standing association with Deepika Padukone, who recently in the spotlight for moving into a Rs 100-crore quadruplex at Bandra Bandstand, Vinita revealed that the actress was one of the earliest stars to actively engage in designing her own vanity vans.

South Indian cinema saw significant developments this week, including a court dismissing a plea to lift the ban on Karthi's 'Vaa Vaathiyaar'. A case was registered over an unauthorized song launch for 'The Raja Saab' featuring Nidhhi Agerwal. Actor Dileep's passport was returned by the court, and the script for Mohanlal's 'Karmayodha' was ruled to belong to Reji Mathew.

In a shocking turn of events, actress Nidhhi Agerwal encountered a harrowing mobbing experience following a song launch in Hyderabad, with footage circulating online depicting her fight to navigate through the throngs of fans. This unsettling incident has ignited a firestorm of criticism across social media platforms.

Abhishek Bachchan and Aishwarya Rai Bachchan attended their daughter Aaradhya's annual day function at Dhirubhai Ambani International School. Amidst the event, Abhishek addressed recent divorce rumors, stating that he and Aishwarya know their truth and prioritize their happy family. He also highlighted the advantage of both being from the film industry in navigating media speculation.

Vicky Kaushal shares his transformative experience working with Sanjay Leela Bhansali on 'Love & War'. He highlights Bhansali's mastery in exploring character possibilities, which, while initially nerve-wracking, leads to immense creative fulfillment. Kaushal emphasizes that the director's clarity allows actors to approach scenes with greater relaxation and emotional commitment, even as preparation remains crucial.

Tamil films are gaining international acclaim but face challenges in the Hindi belt. Despite promotions and stars like Rajinikanth and Vijay, cultural differences and story relevance limit their reach. While critically appreciated, commercial success in North India remains elusive. Efforts to bridge this gap continue, with hopes for future convergence of content and global vision.

Mark your calendars! March 19, 2026, is the date for Adivi Sesh's action-packed flick 'Dacoit', which will go head-to-head with Ranveer Singh's 'Dhurandhar 2' and Yash's 'Toxic'. Undeterred by the fierce competition, Sesh confidently stated, With plenty of big contenders around, we may be the smaller goldfish, but we aim to shine the brightest in the cinematic sea.

Jaya Bachchan's recent strong remarks about paparazzi have ignited a fresh debate. Responding to fan queries, Govinda's wife Ssunita Ahuja shared her contrasting approach, emphasizing a positive outlook and enjoying life. While respecting Jaya's feelings, Ssunita advocates for living with a smile, suggesting that fighting serves no purpose as everyone eventually departs.

Veteran writer Javed Akhtar and former actor Zaira Wasim have strongly criticized Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar. The incident involved Kumar pulling a woman's naqab at a public event. Both figures demanded an unconditional apology from the Chief Minister. Akhtar rejected accusations of selective outrage regarding his stance. The event was captured on video and widely shared.

The second single, 'Oru Pere Varalaaru,' from Thalapathy Vijay's 'Jana Nayagan' has been released, generating significant fan excitement. Composed by Anirudh, the song blends political themes with emotional lyrics, reflecting the film's core message and Vijay's persona. This track amplifies the film's promotional momentum ahead of its January 9th release.

Nidhhi Agerwal shares her delight over food sent by Prabhas for 'The Raja Saab' sets. She also experienced a fan mobbing incident at the 'Sahana Sahana' song launch in Hyderabad. Police have registered a case against the event organizers. This highlights safety concerns for actresses in the film industry.

Ranveer Singh's 'Dhurandhar' is a box office sensation, nearing 450 crore in India and surpassing 600 crore globally. Amidst this success and the upcoming 'Avatar Fire And Ash' release, Dharmendra's final film 'Ikkis' has been postponed to January 1.

Ishaan Khatter, celebrating his film 'Homebound's' Oscar shortlist, reflects on Hollywood's lack of entourage culture. He experienced this firsthand on 'The Perfect Couple,' where he managed his own daily routines. This led him to question the extent to which Indian actors are coddled, emphasizing the need to distinguish between genuine necessity and entitlement in production support.