The Times of India News

The wait is over! The highly-anticipated trailer for 'Stranger Things 5' finale, titled 'The Rightside Up,' is finally here, and fans can't contain their excitement. This monumental episode, exceeding two hours, is set to premiere on Netflix and be screened in over 500 theaters across North America on New Year's Eve.

In a disturbing turn of events, singer D4vd stands on the brink of murder charges linked to the death of Celeste Rivas, a 14-year-old whose remains were tragically located inside his car. As prosecutors gather evidence for a grand jury, the spotlight intensifies on the relationship they shared.

Filmmaker Anurag Kashyap recently disclosed an intriguing behind-the-scenes twist for his highly ambitious project 'Bombay Velvet.' Originally, he had envisioned the film starring the charismatic Ranveer Singh. But as the budget ballooned, it became clear that Ranbir Kapoor would be the fitting choice for the lead.

On December 23, 2025, Bollywood buzzed: Shah Rukh Khan at Mumbai dubbing studio for King, Ira Khan shared body image struggles since 2020, Akshay Kumars fun Twinkle Khanna birthday post. At Ikkis screening, emotional Salman Khan and Sunny Deol honored late Dharmendra.

Chris Hemsworth's Thor takes center stage in the new 'Avengers: Doomsday' trailer, showcasing a darker, emotional tone. Thor's poignant plea for strength to protect his child marks a significant shift, with fans eagerly anticipating a more serious portrayal of the God of Thunder. The film, directed by the Russo Brothers, also features Robert Downey Jr. as the villain.

Salman Khan's Battle of Galwan teaser, unveiled on his 60th birthday, sparks buzz with his intense Colonel Santosh Babu-like role. Not a biopic, it's based on the real Galwan clash, directed by Apoorva Lakhia with Chitrangada Singh. Salman shares grueling training: Physically demandingrunning, kicking, punching.

Filmmaker Sriram Raghavan expressed his admiration for the box office hit 'Dhurandhar' by Aditya Dhar, but firmly stated that he would never venture into a similar filmmaking territory. He appreciates the film's success and compelling performances; however, he feels that its style does not resonate with his artistic vision or the evolving landscape of thriller cinema.

Rashmika Mandanna marked 9 years in cinema with an emotional Instagram note: I survived because of you. She thanked fans for love, patience, and support through 26 films, calling them family. Meanwhile, wedding rumors with Vijay Deverakonda heat upprivate engagement in Oct 2025, Udaipur palace nuptials on Feb 26, 2026.

Chitrangda Singh, with 20 years in Hindi cinema, shines in dark roles and 2025 hits like 'Raat Akeli Hai', 'Khakee', 'Housefull 5', 'Parikrama'. She praises chemistry with Nawazuddin, teases song-dance and intense scenes in Salman Khan's 'Battle of Galwan' war drama on 2020 clash, set for Eid 2026.

'Drishyam 3' sparks controversy: Akshaye Khanna exits Hindi version over Rs 21cr pay hike, wig demands post-Dhurandhar success; ghosts producers. Jaideep Ahlawat replaces with new role. Clashes on Malayalam original releasing first before Hindi's Oct 2026 slot. Ajay Devgn brand eyes Rs 300cr amid legal threats.

South Indian cinema saw significant news, including the passing of Malayalam superstar Mohanlal's mother, Santhakumari, at 90. Speculation is rife about Rashmika Mandanna and Vijay Deverakonda's February 2026 wedding venue in Udaipur. Meanwhile, Jr NTR secured legal protection for his personality rights, and director Shankar lauded the deeply moving film 'Sirai'.

Malayalam cinema mourns the loss of Santhakumari Amma, mother of superstar Mohanlal. She passed away at 90. Mohanlal shared a deep bond with his mother, often expressing his love and seeking her blessings. This connection was evident in his social media posts. Santhakumari Amma's influence on Mohanlal's life and career is remembered by fans and the industry.

Akshaye Khanna's unexpected withdrawal from 'Drishyam 3' has surprised many in the cinematic community. Clarifying the situation, director Abhishek Pathak explained that Jaideep Ahlawat would take on a fresh role rather than fill Khanna's shoes.

Saif Ali Khan loves literature, praising Nilanjana Roy's 'Black River'a poignant murder mystery about a girl's death that he bought film rights for. He adores Lafcadio Hearn's poetic Japanese ghost stories and Natalie Haynes' feminist Pandoras Jar retelling Medusa's tragedy. In the adaptation, he plays cop Ombir Singh.

Kavin and Andrea Jeremiah's crime thriller 'Mask' is set for a digital release on ZEE5 on January 9, 2026. The film, which follows a morally complex detective named Velu, aims for a wider audience after a modest theatrical run. Hoping for a second life, 'Mask' will cater to fans of dark films and antiheroes on the streaming platform.

Golmaal 5: Rohit Shetty revives OG cast including Ajay Devgn, Arshad Warsi, Tusshar Kapoor, Shreyas Talpade, Kunal Khemu, and Sharman Joshi for a fantasy comedy. It introduces the franchise's first female villain, blending chaotic humor with surreal elements. Supporting stars like Johnny Lever return, keeping the playful legacy alive.

Bollywood's 2025 was a year of internal drama, with casting controversies overshadowing box office hits. Deepika Padukone's exits from 'Spirit' and 'Kalki 2898 AD' sparked gender parity debates. Paresh Rawal's brief departure from 'Hera Pheri 3' and Akshaye Khanna's exit from 'Drishyam 3' highlighted franchise turbulence. Ranveer Singh and Saif Ali Khan also faced project disruptions, revealing industry-wide tensions.

Ranbir Kapoor's highly anticipated films, 'Love and War' and 'Ramayana', face release date uncertainties. Sanjay Leela Bhansali's 'Love and War' has been pushed to August or September 2026 due to extended shooting, reportedly upsetting the 'Ramayana' team who desired a larger gap. Bhansali is working to finalize a new date for his war-drama.

Ikkis, starring Agastya Nanda as hero Arun Khetarpal and Dharmendra in his final role as his father, is a touching war drama releasing January 1, 2026. Mumbai preview on Dec 29 moved Anil Sharma, who praised Dharmendra's grace and the team's tribute. Dharmendra passed away on Nov 24 at 89.

In an effort to safeguard the integrity of the highly anticipated 'Awarapan' sequel, security measures have been ramped up on set in Rajasthan after unauthorized glimpses of Emraan Hashmi's fresh appearance hit the internet.

In a notable turn of events, filmmaker Tyler Perry is now contending with a second $70 million lawsuit alleging sexual assault this year. His attorney, Alex Spiro, has labeled the accusations a 'money grab scam,' recalling a prior failed attempt by the accuser's legal team in a similar case.

Ranveer Singh's 'Dhurandhar' continues its box office reign, crossing Rs 700 crore after 26 days. Meanwhile, Kartik Aaryan and Ananya Panday's 'Tu Meri Main Tera Main Tera Tu Meri' struggles, earning only Rs 25.54 crore in its first week.

A special screening of 'Ikkis', the final film of veteran actor Dharmendra and the debut of Agastya Nanda, was held in Mumbai. The event saw industry stalwarts like Riteish and Genelia Deshmukh, Salman Khan, and Rekha paying tribute to Dharmendra. Casting director Mukesh Chhabra lauded the film's heartfelt storytelling and Dharmendra's profound performance.

Teyana Taylor is ringing in a new era with her first-ever Grammy and Golden Globe nominations, a momentous chapter in her storied career. Reflecting on her innovative visual album, 'Escape Room,' she expressed heartfelt gratitude for the acknowledgment, viewing it as a powerful affirmation of her artistic journey after a short hiatus.

Actress Greer Grammer candidly shared her emotional reunion with estranged father Kelsey Grammer after 12 years. She revealed hurtful comments he made about her using his last name, which deeply affected her. The two reconnected unexpectedly when he visited a Christmas tree lot where she was volunteering as Miss Teen Malibu.

The buzz surrounding Aditya Dhar's 'Dhurandhar' goes beyond its commercial achievements, thanks to an electrifying background score that has audiences talking. What began as a Doja Cat comparison took an intriguing turn when rapper Badshah disclosed that it actually channels the classic 'Knight Rider' theme, perfectly matching the movies espionage and reinvention motifs.

Malaika Arora recently shared her journey through the intense scrutiny she faced from family and friends after her divorce from Arbaaz Khan in 2017. She pointed out the unfair societal expectations that often judge women for their choices, advocating for the importance of achieving financial and emotional autonomy before tying the knot.

The red carpet of 'Ikkis' became a backdrop for a beautiful reunion between Bollywood stars Tabu and Fatima Sana Shaikh, who reminisced about their unforgettable times on the set of 'Chachi 420', where Fatima played Tabu's daughter. This heartfelt meeting was a dream come true for Fatima, who has always wanted to collaborate with Tabu again.

Govinda confessed he was deeply in love with Neelam and even broke his engagement to Sunita Ahuja for her. He admitted to mercilessly comparing Sunita to Neelam, urging her to change. Despite this, Govinda married Sunita in 1987, and they have been together for over 30 years.

Taylor Swift generously gifted $600 to each employee working at Travis Kelce's Chiefs game on Christmas Day. The singer, known for her philanthropy, personally thanked and handed out the holiday bonuses, bringing tears of gratitude to many. This act of kindness echoes her previous 'bonus days' for her own tour staff, highlighting her appreciation for hard work.

Bollywood superstar Shah Rukh Khan was spotted at a Mumbai dubbing studio, fueling speculation about his upcoming film 'King'. Fans are eagerly awaiting an announcement, with many anticipating a New Year's Day reveal. The film, slated for a 2026 release, boasts a star-studded cast and is already projected to be a massive box office success.

Bollywood stars gathered for a special screening of 'Ikkis' in Mumbai. Casting director Mukesh Chhabra lauded the film as 'honest' and 'emotional,' particularly praising Dharmendra's performance. He also commended Jaideep Ahlawat, Agastya Nanda, Simar Bhatia, Vivan Shah, Sikandar Kher, and director Sriram Raghavan for their contributions to the war drama.

Akhanda 2: Thaandavam has crossed Rs 91.51 crore net in India after 18 days, with day 18 collections estimated at Rs 21 lakhs. While Monday saw a dip from the weekend's strong performance, the film maintains a steady presence in theaters. Actress Samyuktha praised co-star Balakrishna's dedication to the director's vision.

The film 'Champion' has achieved a strong opening at the box office, collecting approximately Rs 7.70 crore in its first four days in India. Despite a normal weekday drop on day five, earning around Rs 75 lakhs, the total collection has reached Rs 8.45 crore. Positive audience reactions highlight the film's engaging plot, performances, and music.

Veteran actress Rekha captivated attendees at the 'Ikkis' screening, showering affection on Agastya Nanda's poster and bowing to Dharmendra's. Salman Khan also appeared moved by Dharmendra's image. The war biopic, directed by Sriram Raghavan, stars Agastya as Second Lieutenant Arun Khetarpal and is set for a January 1, 2026 release. Amitabh Bachchan expressed immense pride in his grandson's performance.

Kannada film '45' has made a strong debut, raking in approximately Rs 11.45 crore net in its first four days. Despite a slight dip on day five, the movie has surpassed Rs 12 crore, showing promising box office performance. Directed by Arjun Janya, the film stars Shivarajkumar and Upendra. Reviews highlight its rich themes but note uneven execution.

Dileep's film 'Bha. Bha. Ba.' shows a significant dip in box office collections, earning just Rs 17 lakhs on day 12, bringing the total to Rs 22.72 crore. While the first week was strong, the second week has seen uneven performance with very low occupancy, particularly on Monday.

Chitrangda Singh addressed criticism of 'Housefull 5' regarding its portrayal of female characters and jokes. She explained that actors visualize scripts as presented, with directors having final say on scene execution. Singh acknowledged women's roles were less strong but noted the industry's pressure on actresses to prove themselves in glamorous parts first.

A special screening of the upcoming war drama 'Ikkis' saw Bollywood's elite gather, notably marking Dharmendra's final on-screen appearance. Salman Khan, visibly moved, paid tribute to the late actor by his poster, reminiscing about their profound bond. The film also features Agastya Nanda's debut and brings real-life heroes to the screen.

James Cameron's 'Avatar: Fire and Ash' experienced a significant 50% drop in Indian box office collections on its second Monday, earning an estimated Rs 4.75 crore. Despite this slowdown, the film has amassed Rs 142.65 crore net in India. While the English version leads, its performance falls short of earlier predictions and its predecessor, 'Avatar: The Way Of Water'.

Mammootty's thrilling serial killer role in 'Kalamkaval' is set for an OTT release on Sony LIV in January 2026, available in multiple languages. The film, directed by Jithin K. Jose and featuring Vinayakan, garnered mostly positive reviews, with Mammootty's performance highlighted. Meanwhile, his action thriller 'Patriot' with Mohanlal is highly anticipated.

Nivin Pauly's 'Sarvam Maya' is a resounding box office hit, raking in over Rs 22 crore in just five days. The film's strong performance, with solid weekday collections and high theatre occupancy, signals a significant comeback for the actor. Audiences are praising the movie as a clean entertainer, with positive word-of-mouth driving its success.

Kartik Aaryan and Ananya Panday's 'Tu Meri Main Tera Main Tera Tu Meri' opened to a decent start but saw a significant dip, earning Rs 25.25 crore after five days. Meanwhile, Ranveer Singh's 'Dhurandhar' continues its reign, crossing Rs 701 crore on its 25th day. James Cameron's 'Avatar: Fire And Ash' also performed well, reaching Rs 142.8 crore.

'Laalo Krishna Sada Sahaayate' continues its remarkable theatrical run, crossing 80 days and still drawing audiences. Despite a recent dip in box office collections, the film has achieved an impressive Rs 120.4 crore worldwide. Viewers praise its spiritual depth and relatable narrative, calling it an unforgettable experience.

Dhurandhar, the spy-thriller starring Ranveer Singh and Akshaye Khanna, is a massive box office success. The film has crossed Rs 701 crore in India and Rs 1078 crore worldwide. It has surpassed Kalki 2898 AD and Pathaan in collections. Dhurandhar is now chasing Jawan's lifetime earnings and is set to become the biggest Bollywood grosser.

Mohanlal's multilingual film 'Vrusshabha' is struggling at the box office, with meager collections even on its fifth day. Despite the star power, the film has failed to gain traction, collecting a mere Rs 1.94 crore worldwide. The Malayalam version saw a low Rs 9 lakh on day 5, indicating a weak performance across all languages.

In a delightful birthday shout-out, Akshay Kumar celebrated his wife Twinkle Khanna, cheekily remarking on her remarkable skill of taking him down with just a glance or a deft kick, showcasing their playful chemistry. He posted a captivating image of her in action, embodying their fun-loving spirits.

Singer Neha Bhasin and producer Sameer Uddin revealed their personal choice to remain childfree, emphasizing that legacy isn't solely biological. They expressed a desire to end worldly attachments with themselves. Bhasin also discussed the unique dynamic of their marriage, where their shared passion for creation takes precedence, yet she feels deeply understood.

Riteish Deshmukh captured a glamorous moment from Salman Khan's landmark 60th birthday celebration, showcasing stars like Ram Charan among others. Meanwhile, Genelia Deshmukh shared a charming clip depicting Salman whipping up a unique 'Bhau chi bhel' for his guests, a testament to his warm hospitality.