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Karnataka High Court quashes 2% cess on movie tickets; big relief for multiplexes and moviegoers

In a significant relief for cinema exhibitors, the Karnataka High Court has quashed notices that had made the collection and remittance of a 2% cess on cinema tickets mandatory. The order, delivered on September 10, 2026, came in response to a writ petition filed by the Multiplex Association of India (MAI), PVR INOX, and other stakeholders in the exhibition sector. The petitioners had challenged the notices on the grounds that they lacked legal backing. The Court agreed, noting that the Karnataka Cine and Cultural Workers (Welfare) Act, 2024, under which the cess was to be levied, had not yet been formally notified. In the absence of this notification, the Court held that the notices directing exhibitors to collect and remit the levy were issued without jurisdiction, and accordingly quashed them. The ruling comes alongside a related development on the administrative front, with the State Government having already withdrawn its office order dated August 29, 2026, which had pertained to...

IIFA 2027 set for January 22-23 in Abu Dhabi; Karan Johar and Varun Dhawan to host

Returning to Yas Island, Abu Dhabi, for its fourth showcase, IIFA 2027 builds on its landmark partnership with the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi and Miral, the leading creator of immersive destinations and experiences in Abu Dhabi, further deepening the connection between Abu Dhabi and the global Indian entertainment community. Taking place at the iconic Etihad Arena, Yas Island, Abu Dhabi, on 22 – 23 January, IIFA 2027 promises two spectacular days of star power, music and entertainment, bringing together leading talent and Indian cinema enthusiasts from across the world for an unforgettable LIVE experience. For more than 26 years, IIFA has taken Indian cinema to audiences around the world. Together with Abu Dhabi, IIFA continues to create extraordinary experiences that connect stars, fans and cultures across borders. IIFA 2027 will build on this shared vision, once again placing Yas Island, Abu Dhabi at the centre of a global celebration of Indian cinema, culture and...

Ranveer Singh pledges to support education of 1,000 girls: “I hope that this pleases Bappa”

Ranveer Singh recently visited the iconic Lalbaugcha Raja pandal in Mumbai during the ongoing Ganesh Chaturthi celebrations. During his interaction with News18, the actor announced his decision to support the education of 1,000 girls through the Seva Sankalp Abhiyan. Ranveer said that he had visited the pandal to seek the blessings of Lord Ganesha and express his gratitude for the happiness he and his family had experienced over the past year. He also made the announcement on the occasion of Ganesh Chaturthi and Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s birthday. “It feels wonderful to be here. By Bappa’s grace, the past year has been filled with happiness for both me and my family. So, we have come here to seek His darshan, to express our gratitude, and to receive His blessings for the journey ahead—for the journey of life," he said. The actor further shared his pledge, saying, “On the auspicious occasion of Ganesh Chaturthi and the birthday of our respected Prime Minister Shri Narendra Mo...

Anjali Arora gives her take on the ongoing Ranbir Kapoor - prasad controversy; says, “Prasad is God’s blessing, it doesn’t increase weight”

An old video of Ranbir Kapoor from a past Ganpati celebration has resurfaced online, sparking a fresh social media debate around prasad and celebrity conduct. In the clip, the actor is seen visiting a pandal, seeking blessings, and accepting a box of sweets from the priest. However, he then turns to the photographers and says, “Main diet par hoon. Aap log kha loge (I am on diet, will you guys eat?),” before handing the box over when they agree, and walking away. The moment quickly drew criticism from netizens, with many calling it disrespectful to refuse prasad, which in Hindu tradition is considered food blessed by the Gods. The incident has since become a reference point in conversations around faith, fitness and public image.   View this post on Instagram   A post shared by Bollywood Hungama🎥 (@realbollywoodhungama) Amid this backdrop, actress Anjali Arora offered a contrasting perspective during the trailer launch of Mahakavya Shri Ramayan Katha, the upcoming epic in w...

Devgn CineX appoints Ajay Agrawal as CEO

Devgn CineX has announced the appointment of Ajay Agrawal as its Chief Executive Officer. The appointment comes as the company looks to expand its cinema exhibition business and focus on customer experience and new entertainment offerings. Agrawal brings more than two decades of leadership experience across sectors including BFSI, infrastructure, fintech and manufacturing. During his career, he has been involved in business transformation, growth initiatives, project development and customer-focused operations across several major Indian business groups and organisations associated with ICICI, Tata, Reliance, Birla and Bharti, among others. His professional experience includes working on consumer-facing businesses, large-scale projects and growth strategies. At Devgn CineX, he will be responsible for the company’s growth strategy, expansion plans, innovation initiatives and efforts to enhance customer experience. Commenting on the appointment, Ajay Devgn, Promoter, Devgn CineX, said, ...

SCOOP: After Mirzapur The Movie’s success, Divyenndu set to headline a period drama next; to be seen in a never-seen-before avatar

2 weeks have passed since the release of Mirzapur The Movie and it continues to remain rock-steady. One of its lead actors, Divyenndu, appears to be gearing up for yet another interesting turn in his career. After making his presence felt across films and streaming projects in 2026, industry buzz suggests that the actor could next headline an ambitious period drama, which is currently in production. The yet-untitled project is being produced by Endemol, and while the makers have kept details surrounding the film and Divyenndu’s character tightly under wraps, sources suggest that the actor will be seen in a striking, never-seen-before avatar. If the development is indeed true, the period drama would mark yet another unexplored space for the versatile performer. 2026 has already emerged as a significant year for Divyenndu. The actor has enjoyed the success of Peddi and Mirzapur The Movie, while also making an impact in the streaming space with Netflix’s Glory. The varied slate has once ...

BREAKING: Government of India reconstitutes CBFC; Suniel Shetty, Preity Zinta, Priyadarshan, Pankaj Tripathi among 18 members

The Government of India’s Ministry of Information and Broadcasting has reconstituted the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC). As per an official notification dated September 16, 2026, the reconstituted Board will come into effect immediately and will remain in place for a period of three years or until further orders, whichever is earlier. Bollywood Hungama has learned these members will constitute the Revising Committee of the CBFC. The notification has been issued in exercise of the powers conferred under Section 3(1) of the Cinematograph Act, 1952, read with Rule 3 of the Cinematograph (Certification) Rules, 2024. The new CBFC Board comprises 18 members from varied fields, including cinema, music, literature and the arts. Among the prominent names on the list are actors Suniel Shetty and Pankaj Tripathi, actress Preity Zinta, filmmaker Priyadarshan, musician Ricky Kej, singer Hansraj Hans, filmmaker Nila Madhab Panda and actor-director Rupali Ganguly. The complete list of me...