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Subhash K Jha looks back at Mahesh Manjrekar’s Rakht, which starred Bipasha Basu, Sanjay Dutt, Suniel Shetty, Dino Morea, Amrita Arora and Neha Dhupia, as it clocks 21 years since it hit the big screen.

Not often do we get a mainstream Hindi film that allows some of our biggest stars to defiantly depart from their images. Rakht gives macho actors like Sanjay Dutt and Dino Morea a chance to broaden their histrionic horizons in unexpected and startling ways.

Most of all, the plot is handed over to the leading lady. Playing a widowed clairvoyant with a growing son, Bipasha Basu gets into character like never before.

From the time he made Nidaan,...

Was Katrina Kaif The First Choice For Saaho Alongside Prabhas? (Photo Credit – Instagram)

After the massive success of Baahubali 2, Prabhas struggled with some underperformers. But Kalki, 2898 Ad, has turned the tables, and how! Many wouldn’t know, but our Darling star wanted to work with Bollywood actress Katrina Kaif, but she allegedly rejected the offers. Scroll below for an interesting throwback.

In 2019, Prabhas collaborated with Shraddha Kapoor for the action thriller, Saaho. The movie starred multiple actors from South and Bollywood, including Chunky Pandey, Jackie Shroff, Arun Vijay, Neil Nitin Mukesh, Lal, Murali Sharma, Mandira Bedi, and Mahesh Manjrekar, among others. Despite mixed reviews, the film was a hit affair...

Subhash K Jha, in a new installment of This Day That Year, looks back at Salman Khan’s Bodyguard which released 14 years ago.

“And I…Will Always Love You…” Remember Whitney Houston’s unforgettable ballad from the film Bodyguard? Well, this is not that film. Salman Khan-Kareena Kapoor’a Bodyguard is a very strange entertainer. Salman Khan is a certified entertainer and his Eid releases are meant to be full-on entertainers. No questions asked. No answers given. Bodyguard nonetheless leaves us in a state of paralyzed perplexity. It espouses a kind of primitive allegiance to the cult of master-slave affinity whereby a bodyguard is ready to lay down his life for his lord and master.

“ Photography Reimagined: From Film to AI-Driven Frames"

RAJAN_LAKULE

On the occasion of World Photography Day (19 August), we remember the visionaries who enriched this field with their creativity. Joseph Nicéphore Niépce (1765–1833), a French scientist and inventor, is regarded as the world’s first photographer. In 1826–27, he captured the world’s first permanent photograph, View from the Window at Le Gras, using a process he developed called Heliography, thereby laying the foundation of photography. His life and contribution were later highlighted in the English film The Naked Eye (1956).

Decades afterward, Founder of World Photography Day” George Eastman (1854–1932), founder of Kodak and inventor of the film roll, revolutionized photography by making it simple and accessible to the masses with his famous idea: “You press the button, we do the rest.” Though some modern listings mistakenly describe Niépce as a “producer,” he was not a film producer, but remains celebrated as the true pioneer of photography.

When Priyanka Chopra Wanted To Quit Bajirao Mastani( Photo Credit – YouTube )

Priyanka Chopra is one of the biggest stars in the Indian film industry, making the country proud on a global level. She has also gained recognition in Hollywood, and while PC has her own swag and everything, the actress was once moved to tears while working with Sanjay Leela Bhansali on the film Bajirao Mastani. Ranveer Singh once shared the incident in an interview. Scroll below for the deets.

The movie, released in 2015, also featured Deepika Padukone alongside Ranveer and Priyanka. The supporting cast comprised Tanvi Azmi, Vaibhav Tatwawaadi, Milind Soman, Mahesh Manjrekar, and Aditya Pancholi. It was based on Nagnath S Inamdar’s Marathi novel Rau. It follows the story of Maratha Peshwa Bajirao I and his second wife Mastani, portrayed by Ranveer and Deepika, respectively.

Celebrated filmmaker Sanjay Leela Bhansali is known for being a hard taskmaster,...

Vidya Balan is gearing up for a grand comeback to the big screen with Raja Shivaji, a historical drama directed by Riteish Deshmukh that aims to make waves across India. The film, which tells the legendary story of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, has already created quite a buzz thanks to its impressive cast and ambitious vision — and Vidya’s participation brings an extra layer of depth.

After her memorable role in Bhool Bhulaiyaa 3, Vidya is stepping back into a genre that lets her explore deep emotions and rich narratives. This time around, she’s not just acting — she’s bringing history to life. But it’s not just the storyline that’s capturing attention. Her partnership with Riteish Deshmukh, who is making a surprising yet warmly welcomed debut as a director, has ignited genuine excitement in the industry.

Reflecting on her experience, Vidya recently remarked, “It felt like having a...

Thug Life Ott Verdict (Week 1)Update (Photo Credit –Instagram)

Kamal Haasan-led Thug Life landed on Netflix a few days back, and it has secured a top spot in Netflix’s weekly global top 10. Despite decent views, the film failed to crack the top five viewership of South Indian movies on the streaming platform. It missed the cut to enter the top by a narrow margin, staying below Officer on Duty and Good Bad Ugly’s debut-week views. Keep scrolling for more.

The Tamil-language gangster action drama was directed by Mani Ratnam, who co-wrote the script with Haasan. Kamal Haasan stars in the lead role alongside an ensemble cast that includes Trisha Krishnan, Aishwarya Lekshmi, Abhirami, Ashok Selvan, Joju George, Nassar, Mahesh Manjrekar, Ali Fazal, Sanjana Krishnamoorthy, and Tanikella Bharani.

Thug Life Ott Verdict (Week 1)

According to Netflix‘s weekly data for June 30 to July 6, Thug Life landed in the...

Subhash K Jha revisits the history of the hit game show Kaun Banega Crorepati to celebrate 25 years!

Within one week of this millennium, the face of Indian television changed beyond recognition. Nobody—not even the enterprising far-sighted Star Plus boss Sameer Nair who surreptitiously initiated moves to import Who Wants To Be A Millionaire into this country—could have guessed what was in store for and on Indian television in and from July 2,000 onwards.

The other channels were left looking like honorary denizens of the idiot box ( with the stress on idiot). From being a distant third Star Plus simply swept past the competition to emerge way ahead of Zee and Sony Entertainment who didn’t know what hit them until it was too late.

Who would have thought that Kaun Banega Crorepati would change us into a nation of knowledge-thirsty gamblers? Children in their free time no longer play—or watch—Antakshari.

Vadh in Hindi released in 2022 about a retired school teacher who kills a vile moneylender, got more than its share of attention. Its Marathi remake, Devamanus, is an honourable remake, nothing to get very excited about, but nonetheless a well-meaning exposition on how far evil must be allowed to travel before it gets intolerable.

The crux of the moral dilemma is a little girl whom the villainous loan shark sets his lustful eyes on. The righteous educationist Keshav (Mahesh Manjrekar) hacks the lecherous criminal to death buries his body in the back of the beyond while all his well wishers including his stiff upper lipped wife Laxmi (Renuka Shahane) form a protective cordon around the ‘Devamanus’ a man of God who had to get murderous to vanquish evil.

While the original film was raw and sometimes effective, Devmanus replaces realism with loads of melodrama and a villain who appears more like a parody of villainy.

Which Kamal Haasan Film On IMDb Has A Lower Rating Than Thug Life? (Photo Credit – Instagram)

Kamal Haasan’s latest outing, Thug Life, hit the big screen last week and received an underwhelming response from many critics. While the lead performances earned praise, several other aspects were criticized, including the weak storyline and a lacklustre second half.

The inevitable comparisons to Mani Ratnam and Kamal Haasan’s iconic collaboration, Nayakan, didn’t do the film any favours either. As of now, Thug Life holds a below-average user rating of 4.4/10 on IMDb. But is it his lowest-rated movie on the platform? Not quite. Read on to find out which movie actually holds that unfortunate distinction.

The Lowest-Rated Kamal Haasan Film On IMDb

If we observe Kamal Haasan’s filmography, especially the movies in which he played a major role, the one that has received the lowest user rating on IMDb is...

Thug Life Movie Review Rating:

Star Cast: Kamal Haasan, Silambarasan, Abhirami, Trisha Krishnan, Nassar, Joju George, Ashok Selvan, Aishwarya Lekshmi, Mahesh Manjrekar, Ali Fazal, Rohit Saraf

Director: Mani Ratnam

Thug Life Movie Review(Photo Credit –Instagram)

What’s Good: Kamal Haasan’s performance, the gripping first half, some of the action sequences and Silambarasan’s performance.

What’s Bad: The second half completely falters, half-baked plot and sequences devoid of logic, no development of the supporting star cast.

Loo Break: You can honestly take one in the second half, it won’t result in much of a miss.

Watch or Not?: It can be a one-time watch for all the Kamal Haasan fans out there but it was certainly a missed opportunity.

Language: Tamil

Available On: Theatrical Release

Runtime: 163 minutes

User Rating:

The beginning of Kamal Haasan’s Thug Life starts with a brief monologue of the superstar...

Looking back, Subhash K Jha re-examines the 2011 action comedy Ready, starring Salman Khan and directed by Anees Bazmi.

Salman Khan and his director, Anees Bazmi, pay a hefty comic homage to Hum Aapke Hain Koun. The Salman-Asin romance unfolds against the backdrop of a commodious joint family where every family member seems determined to have a good time, even at the expense of good taste.

True, Asin lacks the gamine charm of Madhuri Dixit. But then the Salman Khan in Ready is not quite the Salman Khan from Hum Aapke Hain Koun. He hasn’t aged. He’s just become more smug and self-confident and far less vulnerable.

Many times, we catch him looking bored on camera. But that is this iconic star’s style statement. When you are Salman Khan, you can slip out of a character if you want. No one is complaining; Bazmi’s script,...

Subhash K Jha looks back at the 2005 Ram Gopal Varma drama D, which starred Randeep Hooda, in a new installment of This Day That Year.

After Ram Gopal Varma’s Satya and Company, after Mahesh Manjrekar’s Vaastav and Hansal Mehta’s Chhal D gives us this day our daily dread… Enough about unwashed men washing their conscience in the blood of the slain. Enough of this swivel-and-snarl routine with blood-red eyes, slurring speech, and smoking guns.

That reminds me…. Why are the censors so worried about smoking people when they should be concerned about those blazing guns that signal urban anarchy? In places D glamorizes violence with disdainful words and crackerjack visuals to a point where you wonder whom the script supports.

“Why do people look at us as freaks? We’re just doing our jobs like doctors and engineers,” Deshu tells his ‘gori chamri’ girlfriend. That’s how...

Hifaa: Healthcare Heroes Get a New Platform – For the First Time, Nurses, Ward Boys, and Ambulance Drivers Honored Alongside Doctors at Hifaa

A historic and emotional event took place at Hotel Sahara Star in Mumbai – Hifaa (Healthcare Iconic Fashion and Awards) – where, for the very first time, not only doctors but also nurses, ward boys, ambulance drivers, and social workers were honored for their exceptional contributions to healthcare.

This unique initiative was the brainchild of Dr. Biswajit Mondal who recognized that beyond doctors, the roles of nurses, ward boys, and ambulance drivers are equally critical in the healthcare system. During the Covid-19 pandemic, these frontline warriors displayed extraordinary courage and dedication, often without due recognition.

At this grand ceremony, healthcare staff across all levels were not only honored with awards but also given the opportunity to walk the ramp – a symbolic and empowering gesture that boosted their confidence and social identity.

Mani Ratnam Reunites With Kamal Haasan After 38 Years For Pan-Indian Film ( Photo Credit – X )

They last came together in Nayakan (1987), though Kamal Haasan did do a voice-over in Mani Ratnam’s Ponniyin Selvan in 2022. The veteran filmmaker speaks on his new film, alluringly named Thug Life, and his reunion with the acting stalwart after almost four decades when they both individually went places in their respective domains.

First & Foremost, Thug Life Is A Very Interesting Title For A Pan-Indian Film. I Read Somewhere That It Was A Title Liked By Kamal Haasan. How Did This Name Come About?

I think the idea was his. We were working on this script and thinking about titles, and when the story was narrated, this seemed the right idea as it seemed very close to the film’s theme, and so it became the title.

Trending Exclusive! Soundarya Sharma Subtly Shades Bollywood Celebs Prioritising Fashion Over Films At Cannes,...

India’s Jio Studios and Mumbai Film Company have planted their flag on Maharashtra Day 2026, revealing a global rollout for historical action epic “Raja Shivaji” on May 1 of that year.

The film, helmed by Riteish Deshmukh (who also stars in the titular role), will simultaneously launch in the Marathi, Hindi, Tamil, Telugu, Kannada, and Malayalam languages, positioning the story of one of India’s most celebrated warriors for both local and international audiences.

“Raja Shivaji” chronicles the rise of young Shivaji Bhonsale, who challenged the might of established empires to found the Maratha kingdom and lay the groundwork for “Swarajya” (self-rule) during a turbulent period of Indian history.

The cast brings together heavyweight talent spanning both the Hindi and Marathi-language film industries, with Sanjay Dutt, Abhishek Bachchan, Mahesh Manjrekar, Sachin Khedekar, Bhagyashree, Fardeen Khan, Jitendra Joshi, and Amole Gupte joining the ensemble. Genelia Deshmukh, who also serves as producer under the Mumbai Film Company banner,...

Thug Life Hindi Trailer Review: Kamal Haasan Looks In Top Form! (photo credit- YouTube)

Finally, the wait ended at 5 pm Ist on May 1 as the highly anticipated trailer of Thug Life was dropped online. Needless to say, all Kamal Haasan fans were pumped up, including me, scrolling over YouTube and social media platforms to catch the promo on time. To everyone’s pleasant surprise, the Hindi trailer was also unveiled on time, which is not often seen in the case of pan-India biggies. So, in this case, the makers deserve full marks. But was it appealing, meeting our high expectations? Let’s discuss it below in the detailed review!

The legendary actor of Indian cinema, widely popular as Ulaganayagan, has been impressing us over the years. He has given us too many iconic performances to remember in his career spanning over five decades. Lately, especially in the post-covid era, fans...

Chennai was ground zero for cinematic happiness as the much-awaited trailer of Thug Life — the incredible collaboration between Kamal Haasan, Mani Ratnam, and A.R. Rahman—was launched with thunderous applause in a star-studded event.

The evening saw the titans of the film grace the stage—Kamal Haasan, Mani Ratnam, A.R. Rahman, Silambarasan Tr (Str), Trisha, Abhirami, and Ashok Selvan—each met with a standing ovation. As the trailer rolled, the atmosphere electrified with gasps, cheers, and overwhelming excitement. Kamal Haasan’s fierce transformation and magnetic screen presence, Ravi K. Chandran’s arresting visuals, and Rahman’s soul-piercing score was showcased in a montage that evoked power, pain, and purpose. At its core, Thug Life promises a saga of revenge and betrayal, told through the eyes of a man who refuses to be tamed.

The evening featured candid talk sessions with the cast, where Kamal Haasan and Mani Ratnam opened...

Subhash K Jha revisits Raj-dk’s 2009 crime comedy 99, in a new installment of This Day That Year.

Raj Nidimoru and Dk’s 99 serves up a tangy aperitif that you can nibble with pleasure but not quite sink your teeth into. This is a sorted-out sly swipe at the cinema of Quentin Tarantino and Oliver Stone where violence is satirised into a quirky comic capricious crime caper colonised by characters who are losers by instinct, nonetheless endearing in their defeatism.

The film takes some time to settle down in its groove. The first half an hour is a zonked-out mess with the co-directors indulging in a smirky we-know-it-all game of camera cockiness which leaves us exasperated.

The characters, like the wacked-out crime-dud Mahesh Manjrekar and the two petty criminals – Kunal Khemu and Cyrus Brocha – begin to make sense once they move to Delhi. The two are sent to collect...

Abhishek Bachchan revisits 21 Years of his romantic action drama Run with Subhash K Jha.

What makes this Tamil-to-Hindi adaptation nominally watchable is the way director Jeeva treats the very old and very predictable story of a headstrong boy from a semi-hick town who falls in love in the metro with the coy and simpering sister of a monstrously possessive gangster who, we are told, chops off a boy’s limb for teasing his precious sister.

“Tum ho hi aisi. Would you prefer girls to tease you? Any boy would do what my son did,” says the limbless boy’s hot-blooded dad.

Sanskar, as you can see, isn’t high on this film’s list of priorities. In fact, a whole commodious parallel subplot featuring the insufferably aggressive Vijay Raaz runs through the main love story. Raaz calls his screen dad (Anjan Shrivastava) every name from a boozard to a smelly skunk.

Renowned producer, speaker, and lyricist Kumarr, the force behind Studio Refuel, is making waves in the Indian entertainment industry through a series of successful musical events and innovative initiatives to uplift emerging talent.

With a deep-rooted passion for music and a vision to create meaningful entertainment, Kumarr has helmed several prestigious musical shows including Antakshari and Suhana Safar with legendary host Dr. Annu Kapoor, Ae Zindagi Gale Laga Le with the soulful Suresh Wadkar, and a spiritually enriching Bhajan Show with Anup Jalota. He has also made a few films such as Sharto Lagu and Vikkida No Varghodo, and is now planning new projects in cinema. His creative energy continues to bring timeless musical experiences to audiences across India.

In a recent highlight, Kumarr met Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Shri Mohan Yadav along with Dr. Annu Kapoor, further strengthening his ties with cultural leadership. He also successfully conducted an Antakshari...

Director Tejas Prabha Vijay Deoskar, talks with Subhash K Jha about the making of his new films, Ground Zero starring Emraan Hashmi and his Marathi drama Devmanus, both which released on Friday, April 25th.

What attracted you to the story of Bsf officer Narendra Nath Dhar Dubey in Ground Zero?

What I found interesting in the story was actually the relevance of that story because there are so many stories of soldiers attempting an operation and fulfilling it, successfully completing it. But with this particular story, what I really liked about is that the impact after the operation was done, after Ghazi Baba was killed, the impact on the entire society was so huge.

You mean in terms of his heinous ambitions?

The person who he was, was such a dreaded criminal he was, so that once he was eliminated, a lot of people might have felt that, yes, actually,...

Get ready to step into your dancing vibes because the Hindi version of Ar Rahman’s brilliant ‘Jinguchaa’ from Kamal Haasan’s Thug Life, is here. After setting Tamil Nadu ablaze with its killer beats, the song now drops in Hindi—promising to crash sangeets, baraats, and every playlist that needs a dose of groove to naach too.

Packing full-on baraat vibes, ‘Jinguchaa’ is a visual feast wrapped in wedding finery, pulsing beats, and the unmistakable attitude of Thug Life. With Kamal Haasan, Silambarasan, and Sanya Malhotra turning the dance floor into a battlefield of swag, the track captures the chaos, colour, and charisma of a big fat Indian wedding—powered by Academy Award-winning maestro A.R. Rahman. As only he can do.

Premiered earlier this year in Tamil to roaring cheers at a grand event in Chennai—attended by the film’s star-studded ensemble, Rahman himself, and cinematic titan Mani...

Looking back at Mahesh Manjrekar’s underrated political thriller, City Of Gold, released in 2010.

There is no room for artifice in Mahesh Manjrekar’s City Of Gold. A raw, guttural, gritty, intense, edgy, mordant, and finally devastating look at the world of the damaged and the ravaged, City Of Gold is as powerful in portraying a bereft working class as Molly Maguires was about Irish mine-workers. Except for the fact that there is no room for pretty visuals in City Of Gold.

Manjrekar portrays the opposite of the beau monde. That murky end of the spectrum where the shenanigans of the Ipl brigade seem as distant as the promise of that pot of Gold at the end of the rainbow.

Manjrekar’s chawl-life, captured on camera with merciless frankness by Ajit Reddy, is a bleak world of dreamers and losers who are often the one and the same. His heroes...

The prestigious Itfs Awards 2025, organized by renowned social and cultural figure Dattatraya Mane, was held at Y.B. Chavan Auditorium, Nariman Point, Mumbai. The event witnessed the presence of several eminent personalities from the fields of entertainment, music, social work, and administration.

Chief Guest and Maharashtra Industry Minister Uday Samant, along with other dignitaries, graced the occasion. The awardees included Mahesh Manjrekar, Sudesh Bhosale, Anup Jalota, Indian Idol child singer Mohammad Faiz, Ayaan Khan, Vindu Dara Singh, playback singer Harshdeep Kaur, Divyanka Tripathi, Usha Nadkarni, Niketan Dheer, Dr. Nitin Dange (Neurosurgeon), Dr. Prashant Rasal (Stroke Specialist), Joint Commissioner of Urban Development Mr. Pankaj Devre, Additional Collector of Mumbai Suburbs, Kumarr from Studio Refuel, Ias Suraj Mandhare, Agriculture Commissioner, and special guests Ruhan Kapoor and Sidhant Kapoor.

Veteran singer and Padma Shri awardee Anup Jalota received the prestigious Padma Shri Mahendra Kapoor Award, along with Sudesh Bhosle and several other artists.

Active in the fields of social service, arts, sports, and culture since 2000, Mane has provided support through his organizations to economically weak patients, students, farmer families, and disaster-affected communities. His initiatives also support old age homes, orphanages, and the Lok Biradari project led by Dr. Prakash Baba Amte.

The Itsf Awards aim to recognize exceptional individuals and organizations contributing to society in fields such as social work, medicine, industry, education, culture, and public administration.

This year’s event will be graced by Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, Deputy Cm Eknath Shinde, Higher and Technical Education Minister Uday Samant, and Mla Ashish Shelar.

Honourees Include:

Mahesh Manjrekar, Actor-Director

Sudesh Bhosale, Playback Singer

Anup Jalota, Bhajan Samrat

Mohd Faiz, Singer

Ayan Khan, Young Talent

Vindu Dara Singh, Actor

Harshdeep Kaur, Singer

Dr. Nitin Dange, Neurosurgeon & Stroke Specialist

Mr. Abhinay Kamaji, Preetam Group of Industries

Dr. Prashant Rasal, Joint Commissioner, Urban Development Department

Mr.

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Novocaine is a romantic action comedy film co-directed by Dan Berk and Robert Olsen from a screenplay by Lars Jacobson. The 2025 film follows Nathan Caine, a young bank manager with a rare disease that allows him to feel no pain. When his girlfriend is kidnapped during a bank robbery, he decides to chase the robbers to get his girlfriend back and use his ability in his favor for once. Novocaine stars Jack Quaid, Amber Midthunder, Ray Nicholson, Betty Gabriel, Matt Walsh, and Jacob Batalon. So, if you loved the insane action, hilarious comedy, and compelling characters in Novocaine, here are some similar shows you should check out next.

Mard Ko Dard Nahi Hota (Netflix) Credit – RSVP Movies

Mard Ko Dard Nahi Hota is an Indian romantic action comedy film written and directed by Vasan Bala. The 2018 film follows Surya,...

Did Shahid Kapoor ask to be replaced from Vivah? (Photo Credit – Instagram)

In an interview with Bollywood Hungama, Shahid recalled the low and rough phase in his career where his three films went flop back to back before he started shooting for Vivah. He shared, “Just before Vivah, one film had come out from Sooraj ji’s only called Main prem Ki Dewani Hoon which had not done well, and right before that I had 3 flops in one month. I had done Shikhar with Ajay Devgan sir and John Matthew, who was the director of a film called Sarfarosh, and it was a disaster. Then, I did another film called Life Ho Toh Aisi with Sanjay Dutt sir and that was with Mahesh Manjrekar, who was a hit combination, woh bhi flop ho gayi. They must be thinking ‘Iska luck kharab hai.’ Then, number 3 was an amazing film called Deewane Huye Paagal,...

In this amazing list, Subhash K Jha reveals his choice for the top 10 female characters in Bollywood.

Nargis’ Radha in Mehboob Khan’s Mother India(1957):

Nargis played Radha, the deserted wife who brings up her two sons on her own and kills one of them when he turns into an outlaw. For the first time in a Hindi film, the female protagonist was portrayed as strong, resilient, conscientious, and doughty without losing her femininity. Nargis won both national and international awards.

Meena Kumari’s Choti Bahu in Guru Dutt’s Sahib Bibi Aur Ghulam (1962): In the feudal household where women were content wearing expensive sarees and jewellery and never mind what their husbands did with other women, this wife dared to raise her voice. If her husband liked to drink, no problem. Choti Bahu hit the bottle to have him stay at home. The portrait of a woman...

25 years ago, the face of Indian television changed beyond recognition. Nobody—not even the enterprising, far-sighted Star Plus boss Sameer Nair, who surreptitiously initiated moves to import Who Wants To Be A Millionaire (Kaun Banega Crorepati) into this country—could have guessed what was in store for and on Indian television in and from July 2000 onwards.

The other channels were left looking like honorary denizens of the idiot box (with the stress on idiot). From a distant third, Star Plus simply swept past the competition to emerge way ahead of Zee and Sony Entertainment, who didn’t know what hit them until it was too late.

Who would have thought that Kaun Banega Crorepati would change us into a nation of knowledge-thirsty gamblers? Now children in their free time no longer play—or watch—Antakshari. They play Kaun Banega Crorepati, and everyone wants to be Amitabh Bachchan. An unprecedented Gk wave took over the country.

Pinkvilla has managed to whip up a minor stir by declaring that Mahesh Manjrekar and Sanjay Dutt are reuniting for a sequel to the 1999 gangster drama Vaastav: The Reality, which is still very much alive and ticking in the public’s mind. Since its release, scores and scores of underworld sagas have dripped their sanguinary violence on screen. But none with the same untameable intensity as Vaastav.

In fact a very poor sequel titled Hathyar: Face To Face With Reality was released in 2002. The sequel was so poorly executed and received that everybody connected to it has conveniently forgotten it.

This is where the “news” of a “sequel” to Vaastav comes in. It is nothing but a marketing gimmick to generate interest in project that has long crossed the line of revival.

Namrata Shirodkar who starred in both Vaastav and its sequel Hathyar expresses surprise at talk of a sequel.

Box Office: Top 10 Highest-Grossing Marathi Films Of 2024 – Nach Ga Ghuma & Navra Maza Navsacha 2 Grab The First Two Spots (Photo Credit – Prime Video)

The year 2024 hasn’t been that good for the Marathi film industry. Yes, there have been some commercially successful films, but none of them have managed to make it big like Ved (2022) or Baipan Bhari Deva (2023). The positive thing is that a women-centric film like Nach Ga Ghuma has managed to top the list of the top 10 highest-grossing Marathi films in 2024 at the Indian box office. Keep reading for a detailed report!

As mentioned above, Mukta Barve and Namrata Sambherao’s Nach Ga Ghuma has emerged as the top grosser from the Marathi film industry this year. Made on a modest budget, it earned 23.55 crore net in India and became a huge hit. Released in May, the film remained unbeatable despite big films releasing in the year’s second half.

Dabangg is the story of a village cop, Chulbul ‘Robin Hood’ Pandey, who deals with corruption and the system according to his own moral compass. The film offers a glimpse into Chulbul’s romantic escapades and his strained relationship with his family, which the local politician Chedi Singh (Sonu Sood) cunningly exploits to his advantage.

When Dabangg first hit theaters in 2010, I couldn’t quite understand the hype surrounding it. It was madness—everyone seemed gaga over it. But why? It had ear-splitting sound effects, and most annoyingly, music that drowned out many of the one-liners delivered by the cast.

It was a spectacle of exaggerated fights and loud sounds, a film where Salman pandered to his audience by ripping his shirt off, driven by the sheer force of his rage. Of course, at the time, a Salman Khan film without a shirtless scene was unthinkable. Like most Hindi films,...

The highly anticipated second season of Taaza Khabar, starring YouTube sensation Bhuvan Bam, is set to thrill audiences once again. Bhuvan, who also serves as the co-producer of the show, took to social media to unveil the trailer, building excitement for the new season. The action-drama series will premiere exclusively on Disney+ Hotstar on September 27, 2024.

Sharing the trailer on Instagram, Bhuvan captioned it, “Karza aur gunah chukaane padhte hain! Kabhi kabhi marr ke bhi.. #HotstarSpecials #TaazaKhabar Season 2 streaming from September 27 on @disneyplushotstar”. This season will see Vasya, Bhuvan’s character, grapple with a powerful new adversary, Yusuf Akhtar, played by veteran actor Jaaved Jaaferi. Yusuf poses a grave threat not only to Vasya but also to his loved ones, ensuring that this installment will be packed with drama, suspense, and intense action.

Vicky Vidya Ka Woh Wala Video Dialogues: Rajkummar Rao and Triptii Dimri’s funny dialogues

Produced under the...

The highly anticipated second season of Taaza Khabar, featuring Bhuvan Bam, is set to release on Disney+ Hotstar on September 27. The popular YouTuber and actor shared that this series holds a special place in his heart as it resonates with his real-life experiences. In the show, Bhuvan reprises his role as Vasant “Vasya” Gawde, a character whose life takes a dramatic turn due to a miraculous gift.

Ranbir Kapoor as Jordan singing “Jo Bhi Main” song from the sets of Rockstar in this viral video

The recently released trailer for Taaza Khabar Season 2 has already generated significant buzz. This season delves deeper into the darker side of Vasya’s newfound abilities, exploring the complex consequences of his actions. Set against the gritty and vibrant backdrop of Mumbai, the series promises an intense and emotionally charged narrative as Vasya faces life-threatening challenges and the loss of his powers.

Directed by Himank Gaur...

Fardeen Khan is making a notable comeback with Visfot, an edge-of-your-seat thriller directed by Kookie V Gulati. Following his return to the Ott platform with Heeramandi: The Diamond Bazaar and the big screen with Khel Khel Mein, Khan teams up with Riteish Deshmukh in this film.

Visfot is an official remake of the 2012 Venezuelan film Rock, Paper, Scissors. The plot centers on two families from starkly different backgrounds—a Mumbai slum and a luxurious high-rise whose lives intersect in a tragic explosion. The film follows Fardeen Khan’s character, who is wrongfully accused of the crime and must navigate a web of corruption and deceit to clear his name.

Akshay Kumar reunites with Riteish Deshmukh and Fardeen Khan groove on the iconic Heyy Babyy and Hauli Hauli song

The trailer has generated excitement among viewers, with many praising Fardeen’s return to action. Comments on the trailer include praise for...

The popular Indian web series “Taaza Khabar” is set to return for its second season on September 27, 2024. The Disney+ Hotstar show follows the life of Vasant Gawde, portrayed by YouTuber Bhuvan Bam, and his mysterious new abilities.

The upcoming season will delve deeper into how Vasya’s secret power impacts his relationships and life. Actor Bhuvan Bam said he connected strongly with his character, stating “Vasya reflects parts of my own life.” Bam will reprise his lead role alongside returning cast members Shriya Pilgaonkar, Mahesh Manjrekar, Deven Bhojani, Shilpa Shukla, Prathamesh Parab, and Nitya Mathur.

Series director Himank Gaur and writers Hussain Dalal and Abbas Dalal will also return. Rohit Raj, producer through Bb Ki Vines Productions, described the show’s vision as a “rags-to-riches journey with a Mumbai twist.” The first season garnered international attention through a Global Breakout award from Deadline magazine in 2024.

Bam recently revealed a new...

Exclusive: Disney+ Hotstar’s action drama Taaza Khabar will return to the Indian streamer on September 27.

The second season of the series will follow Vasya as he embarks on a new journey as he navigates the dangers of his secret power, which may end up destroying his relationships with his loved ones and leave his life at stake.

Bhuvan Bam reprises his titular role, starring alongside Shriya Pilgaonkar, Mahesh Manjrekar, Deven Bhojani, Shilpa Shukla, Prathamesh Parab and Nitya Mathur.

Himank Gaur returned to direct the second season, as do co-writers Hussain Dalal and Abbas Dalal. You can watch a teaser trailer above, but note it is not subtitled.

The series is produced by Rohit Raj and Bhuvan Bam under their banner Bb Ki Vines Productions.

Deadline revealed the drama had been renewed for a second season in April, after the first season premiered in January 2023. It was also selected as...

Ajay Devgn Paid Way Higher Than Tabu For Auron Mein Kahan Dum Tha?( Photo Credit – YouTube )

Ajay Devgn and Tabu have failed to create any impact with their mature love story Auron Mein Kahan Dum Tha, directed by Neeraj Pandey. However, you would be surprised to know that the actor was paid a huge amount for his role as Krishna. Meanwhile, the actress who played Krishna’s love interest, Vasudha, was paid way less.

Auron Mein Kahan Dum Tha Starcast Salary

A total of around 30 crores has been spent on the salary of the main star cast of the film. However, 83% of this entire 30 crore salary budget has been owned by Ajay Devgn as his professional acting fee for the film.

In fact, this huge difference has recently irked Tabu, and the actress spitfire, stating, “Why don’t you ask the male actor why you are getting paid more? This might change the perspective,...

Bigg Boss Ott 3 Winner Prediction: Is Sana Makbul Set To Steal The Crown From Naezy and Luv Kataria? ( Photo Credit – YouTube )

Bigg Boss Ott Season 3’s grand finale, scheduled for the first week of August, is rapidly approaching. On Friday, August 2, the live performance will stream live on JioCinema, enabling viewers worldwide to watch it in real-time.

Despite discussions about a possible third season due to the show’s popularity, Bigg Boss Ott 3 will conclude on schedule, it has been confirmed. There will be plenty of excitement during the grand finale as the top competitors compete for the winner’s trophy. Armaan Malik, Kritika Malik, Sana Makbul, Ranvir Shorey, Sai Ketan Rao, Naezy, and Lovekesh Kataria are the contestants vying for first place in the final week.

A special eviction is set to take place soon, and the top five finalists will compete in the grand finale. As of now,...

Dilip Joshi On Taarak Mehta Ka Ooltah Chashmah Completing 16 Years ( Photo Credit – SonyLiv )

Taarak Mehta Ka Ooltah Chashmah is one of the iconic sitcoms in television history, and yesterday, it achieved a huge milestone. Yesterday, it completed 16 years since its first episode was aired, and as expected, social media platforms were flooded with congratulatory messages for the show. Even Dilip Joshi joined the online celebration and interacted with fans on the auspicious occasion. Keep reading to know more!

The show is based on Duniye Ne Undha Chasma, written by veteran Gujarati writer Taarak Mehta. Asit Kumarr Modi adapted it into a TV series, and the first episode of Tmkoc aired on 28 July 2008. Since then, the show has continued to entertain the audience, and over the years, it has attained unprecedented popularity not just in India but also overseas.

Yesterday, Tmkoc completed 16 years, and on this special occasion, Dilip Joshi, who plays Jethalal in the show,...

Juna Furniture Box Office Day 3: Mahesh Manjrekar’s Marathi Film Opens With Average Weekend Collections. (Photo Credit – IMDb)

Directed by veteran filmmaker Mahesh Manjrekar, Juna Furniture opened in theatres on April 26, 2024. While the film has sparked conversations about parent-child relationships, its critical reception hasn’t necessarily translated into a box office boom. Read further to know Juna Furniture’s opening weekend box office collection.

Marathi film Juna Furniture features a multi-generational cast of Marathi cinema veterans. The story revolves around the Pathak family, with Mahesh Manjrekar himself starring as Govind Pathak, alongside his wife Medha Manjrekar as Suhas. Veteran actors like Upendra Limaye, Sachin Khedekar, and Shreyas Talpade (special appearance) round out the ensemble cast.

Critics’ responses to Juna Furniture have been mixed. Some reviewers have praised the film’s exploration of familial bonds and the struggles faced by the elderly. One review highlights the “witty and situational humour” despite the serious theme.

Khel Khel Mein Stars, Akshay Kumar, Tapsee Pannu, Vaani Kapoor, Fardeen Khan In Pivotal Roles, and Is produced by Bhushan Kumar(Photo Credit –Instagram)

Akshay Kumar does not stop for success or failure; he keeps going. Khiladi Kumar returns to his victory genre, comedy, and comedy ensembles. After reuniting with his hit directors like Anees Bazmee and more for comedy quips, he is surprising fans with another comedy caper in the pipeline. Bhushan Kumar’s Khel Khel Mein reunites Kumar with Fardeen Khan after 17 years, and the movie finally has a release date.

Akshay and Fardeen go way back; not only did the two star in the buddy comedy Heyy Baby back in 2007, but they have been friends for a long time. This movie would mark his official comeback to the big screen. Khel Khel Mein is a comedy ensemble that stars Tapsee Pannu, Vaani Kapoor, Aditya Seal, Ammy Virk,...

Actor and YouTube sensation Bhuvan Bam has announced his decision to relocate his base from Delhi to Mumbai, marking a significant shift in his career trajectory. He believes the city holds immense potential and endless possibilities for growth in the entertainment industry.

“I am thrilled to embark on this new chapter of my career in Mumbai,” said Bhuvan, who is currently busy with ‘Taaza Khabar 2’.

Bhuvan said: “The city holds immense potential and endless possibilities for growth in the entertainment industry. I’ve always been drawn to the vibrant energy of Mumbai, and now, as my work demands more of my time here, it feels like the natural next step for me.”

‘Taaza Khabar 2’, directed by Himank Gaur and written by the duo Hussain and Abbas Dalal, also stars Mahesh Manjrekar, Deven Bhojani, Shilpa Shukla, Prathmesh Parab, Nitya Mathur, and others in pivotal roles.

Produced by Rohit Raj and Bhuvan...

Father Shocked Over Son’s Involvement In Firing Near Salman Khan’s House(Photo Credit –Facebook)

Salman Khan has been provided extra protection by the Maharashtra government after gunshots were fired near his Galaxy Apartments in Mumbai. Two accused, identified as Vicky Gupta (24) and Sagar Pal (21), have been arrested by the police. Now, the latter’s father has broken his silence on his involvement. Below are all the details you need!

Vicky and Sagar hail from Mahsi village in Bihar’s West Champaran district. After the wrongdoing, they fled the city but were caught by the police in Bhuj, Gujarat, on Monday evening. The Mumbai Crime Branch has brought them to Mumbai for interrogation.

Sagar Pal’s father breaks silence on Salman Khan house fire incident!

Sagar Pal’s father, Joginder Shah, is shocked to learn about his involvement. He told Ndtv, “I was really shocked to learn about his involvement through social media…...

The second season of the hit streaming series ‘Taaza Khabar’, which stars India’s one of the biggest YouTubers Bhuvan Bam, and actress Shriya Pilgaonkar, has wrapped up its shoot.

Pictures from the wrap up show the cast and the crew in a jolly mood as the series is now set to enter post-production. The actors can be seen cutting a cake to celebrate their labour of love.

Content creator and actor Bhuvan Bam said: “Shooting for ‘Taaza Khabar’ Season 2 was like homecoming, it was a great time each day on set. The team is like family and we share a great camaraderie. Shriya, Prathmesh, Deven ji, all of us were super excited and enthusiastic about shooting this season. I remember when we launched Season 1, I never imagined it would become such a big fan favourite, especially my character Vasant.”

He further mentioned that with Season 2, they’re delving deeper into Vasant’s life.

Bollywood Actor Arbaaz Khan has spoken out about the recent firing incident outside his brother Salman Khan’s residence in Mumbai. Taking to Instagram, Arbaaz expressed shock and concern over the incident, stating that his family was deeply affected by it.

He refuted claims made by some individuals who purported to speak on behalf of the family, labeling the incident as a publicity stunt. Arbaaz clarified that no official statement had been issued by the family to the media. He emphasized their cooperation with the investigation and their trust in the Mumbai police to ensure their safety.

Following the incident, Arbaaz, along with his wife Sshura Khan, brother Sohail Khan, Aayush Sharma, Arpita Khan, and Mahesh Manjrekar, rushed to Salman’s residence. Several politicians, including Raj Thackrey, Rahul Kanal, and Baba Siddiqui, were also seen visiting Salman’s home.

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A post shared by Arbaaz Khan...

Sanjay Gupta Stands In Solidarity With Salman Khan Amid House Firing! ( Photo Credit – Instagram; Twitter )

Fans, followers, and loved ones of Salman Khan are yet again worried about his security. Months after the death threat by Lawrence Bishnoi, gunshots were fired near Galaxy Apartments on Sunday morning. While the investigation is currently underway, Mumbai Saga director Sanjay Gupta is slamming the culprits. Scroll below for all the details!

Many renowned names from the political world reached Salman’s residence to check on him since the incident occurred. Raj Thackeray, Baba Siddique, and Mahesh Manjrekar were spotted outside Galaxy Apartments in Mumbai. Unfortunately, Bollywood celebrities have remained tight-lipped while most expected them to stand in solidarity with Bhaijaan.

Sanjay Gupta takes a stand for Salman Khan

Taking to his Twitter/ X handle, Kaabir director Sanjay Gupta wrote, “Firing at a building at 5am displays cowardice you fukn a**holes.”

Trending Salman...

Mumbai, April 5 (Ians) Bhuvan Bam is all set to return as Vasya as the second season of his series ‘Taaza Khabar’ was announced on Friday.

he actor and YouTube sensation said that the character resonates with him on many levels and his journey nudged him to delve deeper into Vasya’s mind.

Bhuvan said: “ ‘Taaza Khabar’ Season 1 was loved and appreciated by everyone and I cannot thank all my fans enough for this massive support. Vasya is very close to my heart and I resonate with him on many levels.”

“His journey nudged me to delve deeper into his mind and understand the character more,” he said.

The actor added: “Slipping back into the skin of Vasya for ‘Taaza Khabar’ Season 2 is an enriching experience and I can’t wait to explore more intricacies of the character. As a concept, the show has been relatable for the viewers and I...

90’s Hindi Movies: The 1990s marked a significant era in Bollywood, often referred to as the “Golden Age” of Hindi cinema. During this period, Bollywood witnessed the emergence of iconic films that left an indelible mark on Indian cinema. Here are the top 10 90’s Hindi movies from the 90s era that continue to captivate audiences even today:

1. Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge (1995)

Directed by Aditya Chopra, this romantic drama starring Shah Rukh Khan and Kajol became a cultural phenomenon and is one of Bollywood’s longest-running films.

2. Hum Aapke Hain Koun..! (1994)

Directed by Sooraj Barjatya, this family drama featuring Salman Khan and Madhuri Dixit was a blockbuster hit and set new benchmarks for Indian cinema.

3. Rangeela (1995)

Directed by Ram Gopal Varma, this romantic comedy starring Aamir Khan, Urmila Matondkar, and Jackie Shroff was praised for its innovative storyline and memorable music.

4. Dil To Pagal Hai (1997)

Directed by Yash Chopra, this musical...