The Times of India News

During a recent Directors Roundtable hosted by Anupama Chopra, filmmaker Mohit Suri lavished praise on Aditya Dhar's film 'Dhurandhar.' Suri's enthusiasm stood in stark contrast to Chopra's previous critique of the film, igniting a lively debate online. While some fans applauded Suri's heartfelt endorsement, others questioned the timing of his comments, especially given Chopra's subsequently retracted review.

Veteran Malayalam actor, writer, director, and producer Sreenivasan has passed away at 69, leaving a void in the industry. Celebrities like Prithviraj Sukumaran, Basil Joseph, Tovino Thomas, and Indrajith Sukumaran mourned the loss of the honest storyteller. Known for impactful films like 'Vadakkunokkiyanthram', his legacy will endure.

Vijay's highly anticipated film 'Jana Nayagan' is set for a Pongal release, generating immense fan excitement. Zee Tamil has secured the satellite rights for a reported Rs 64 crore, while Amazon Prime has acquired OTT rights for Rs 120 crore. The film's strong commercial appeal is evident, with overseas business also completed. The audio launch is scheduled for Malaysia.

Actor Rakesh Bedi expressed excitement for 'Dhurandhar' Part 2, revealing his character Jameel will be even more cunning. He praised director Aditya Dhar for recognizing his potential and offering a complex role. Bedi also attributed the first film's massive box office success to its suspenseful pre-release strategy and strong ensemble cast.

In a light-hearted reflection, Radhika Apte revealed that she accidentally overlooked a call from the legendary Shah Rukh Khan, but fate had other plans as he followed up with a sweet message praising her role in 'Andhadhun.' Their paths serendipitously intersected at a gathering, leading to a wonderful half-hour exchange that left her on cloud nine.

Akshay Kumar's niece, Simar Bhatia, is set to make her acting debut in 'Ikkis' alongside Agastya Nanda, releasing January 1st, 2025. Her witty interaction with Karan Johar, asking why she wasn't offered a Dharma movie, has gone viral. Kumar shared a heartfelt note expressing pride in her journey from a shy child to a confident actress.

Malayalam cinema mourns the loss of veteran actor, writer, and director Sreenivasan, who passed away at 69. Celebrated for his honest narratives, sharp wit, and social commentary, he gave voice to the common man. His iconic films, blending humor with profound messages, and his natural acting style, leave an indelible mark on the industry.

Kapil Sharma's comedy drama 'Kis Kisko Pyaar Karoon 2' has seen a significant drop in box office collections, earning Rs 11.07 crore in India after eight days. Facing stiff competition from 'Dhurandhar' and 'Avatar Fire And Ash', the film's numbers declined sharply, with its eighth day collection at a mere Rs 0.22 crore.

The actress assault survivor bravely shared her pain online after fresh harassment, questioning her decision to seek justice. She condemned false claims, particularly a video by a convicted accused, and wished such suffering on no one. Her plea for peace follows a recent verdict where six accused were convicted, a journey she dedicated to her supporters.

Ranveer Singh's 'Dhurandhar' has achieved remarkable success, dominating the box office for 15 days. The film has already crossed Rs 730 crore globally, with an impressive Rs 483 crore net collection in India. Even with new releases, 'Dhurandhar' continues to hold its number one position.

Nandamuri Balakrishna's 'Akhanda 2: Thaandavam' has achieved a strong first week at the box office, raking in an estimated Rs 76.75 crore India net. The film saw a slight dip on its eighth day, collecting Rs 1.75 crore, bringing its total to Rs 78.50 crore. Occupancy rates for the Telugu version on Friday, December 19, 2025, hovered around 20.30%.

Dileep's new film 'Bha. Bha. Ba.' has made a strong debut, crossing the Rs 10 crore mark in just two days with an impressive opening weekend collection. The movie saw a significant surge in occupancy, especially during evening and night shows. Meanwhile, dubbing artist Bhagyalakshmi's social media statement supporting a survivor has gone viral, emphasizing solidarity with women.

Vicky Kaushal and Katrina Kaif have been basking in the joy of becoming parents to their first child, a baby boy. The couple welcomed their son on November 7, 2025, and have been cherishing every moment of their new journey together. Recently, Vicky made his first appearance outside Mumbai after the birth of his child, attending an event in Delhi, where he spoke candidly about fatherhood and life as a new dad.

Radhika Apte has opened up about one of the most defining and painful moments of her early careerbeing removed from a major film after gaining a few kilos during a vacation. In a candid conversation with India Today, the actor traced how that incident planted deep-seated anxiety around weight, ageing, and appearance in an industry obsessed with surface-level perfection.

For Agastya Nanda, Sriram Raghavans Ikkis will always hold a deeply personal meaning. The film marks the last on-screen appearance of Dharmendra, and for the young actor, sharing the screen with the legend became an experience he says he will carry for life.

As her web series Mrs. Deshpande releases, Madhuri Dixit has opened up about her sons career interests, revealing that neither Arin nor Ryan is keen on entering the film industry. In a recent interview, the actor shared how her children view Bollywood and why they have chosen paths far removed from the limelight.

As she marks 20 years in the film industry, Radhika Apte has revisited some of the most unsettling experiences from her early career, speaking candidly about the sexism she faced across film industries. Despite having far greater control over her choices today, the actor admitted that memories from those years still leave a lasting impact.

R. Madhavan shares his delight over Akshaye Khanna's viral acclaim for 'Dhurandhar', celebrating him as a gifted and humble artist who values his privacy. Madhavan, featured alongside Khanna in the successful film, admitted to feeling like an 'underplayer', especially contrasted against Khanna's easygoing attitude towards fame. Both actors are thrilled to be part of the films remarkable box office success.

Amid the ongoing debate around the use of cuss words in stand-up comedy, comedian Zakir Khan has shared his perspective on veteran lyricist and screenwriter Javed Akhtars recent remarks. The discussion comes at a time when comedians and their content are facing heightened scrutiny, following controversies around viral clips and backlash against shows like Samay Rainas YouTube series, which many viewers labelled vulgar.

Kavita Khanna, Vinod Khanna's second wife, spoke about her respectful relationship with his first wife, Geetanjali, and her bond with Vinod's sons, Akshaye and Rahul. She clarified she never tried to replace their mother, acknowledging Geetanjali as their best mother. Akshaye Khanna previously shared how his father's decision to renounce family life deeply affected him as a child.

Alia Bhatt celebrated Christmas at the iconic Krishna Raj Bungalow with an intimate family gathering. The festive evening included her mother Soni Razdan, sister Shaheen Bhatt, and mother-in-law Neetu Kapoor. This marks a significant milestone as the couple takes over the legacy of the historic family home, soon to be their residence with daughter Raha.

In a recent Instagram tribute, Naseem Mughal, who starred alongside Ranveer Singh as Lulli Dakait in the blockbuster 'Dhurandhar', celebrated Singh's magnetic on-screen charisma and vibrant energy. Mughal hailed Singh as a beacon of fearless artistry, inspiring not only himself but countless other performers in the industry. Released on December 5, 2025, 'Dhurandhar' has quickly soared to success.

Gautami Kapoor, who was recently seen opposite R Madhavan in De De Pyaar De 2 also starring Ajay Devgn and Rakul Preet Singh, has finally spoken about the online backlash she faced over a remark she made during a podcast about parenting and openness with her daughter, Sia Kapoor, about her willingness to buy a sex toy for her 16th birthday. The comment, which resurfaced months later, unexpectedly turned into a full-blown controversy, leaving the actor disturbed and emotionally drained.

Madhuri Dixit attributes the longevity of 90s stars to their consistency in making good films and investing deeply in their work. She also highlighted how many took control by becoming producers. Dixit fondly recalled her experiences with co-stars Shah Rukh Khan and Salman Khan, praising their charm, wit, and grounded nature.

Poonam Sinha candidly revealed that she didn't know about Sonakshi and Zaheer's five-year courtship until much later, though she sensed something was amiss. Sonakshi confirmed her mother was the first to know, while Zaheer acknowledged Poonam's intuition. The couple's mothers met informally before the wedding, with Poonam noticing Sonakshi's deference to Zaheer's mother.

Rashmika Mandanna and Vijay Deverakonda are fueling wedding rumors again. While AI-generated wedding photos circulated, a recent public display of affection at an event and Rashmika's coy responses about her engagement have intensified speculation. Vijay's team reportedly confirmed a wedding next year, delighting fans.

Ranveer Singh's dazzling film 'Dhurandhar' is taking the worldwide cinematic stage by storm! Recently, Nick Jonas was seen busting a move to the infectious beats of 'Shararat', prompting an ecstatic shout-out from Singh himself. The pop star even hinted at a future performance of the title track, reflecting his budding passion for Indian cinema.

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.