TECH COMPARING

A couple of weeks after the release and surprising box office performance of Haunted – Echoes Of The Past, director Vikram Bhatt and producer Anand Pandit announced that they would join hands for 1920: Cold Winter. A month later, in July 2026, it was reported that Ahan Shetty has signed the horror flick. And now, Bollywood Hungama has come across an interesting information about the film. A source told Bollywood Hungama, “Anya Singh, who became widely known after The Ba***ds Of Bollywood, has come on board as the female lead of the film. The makers were impressed by Anya’s screen presence and talent, and felt that she would be apt for the part. Anya is also excited as she has never attempted horror before in Bollywood.” Interestingly, both Ahan Shetty and Anya Singh also shared screen space in this year’s super-hit war film, Border 2. While Ahan played the role of Lt Cdr Mahendra Singh Rawat, Anya was seen as his wife, Sudha Rawat. Hence, 1920: Cold Winter marks the second film in whi...

Sayani Gupta’s directorial debut Aasmani has been cleared of copyright infringement allegations by the Screenwriters Association’s (SWA) Dispute Settlement Committee (DSC). The complaint had been filed against Gupta and editor Paramita Ghosh, alleging similarities between the short film Aasmani and Prabha, an unfinished documentary. After examining the submissions from both sides and carrying out independent expert comparisons, the DSC observed that the two works shared only an underlying idea. According to the committee, the storytelling, character development, conflict and overall story arc were different in the two works. The DSC further noted that copyright law protects the expression of an idea rather than the idea itself. It also took into account that the complainant’s work is a documentary based on the publicly known life of a real person. The committee also referred to a separate defamation suit filed by Gupta against the complainant. The court has reportedly passed an order ...

In a significant development for the Indian film exhibition sector, PVR INOX Limited has proposed to completely discontinue the Virtual Print Fee (VPF) charged to film producers. The proposal has been submitted before the Competition Commission of India (CCI), which has now invited comments, objections and suggestions from the public and industry stakeholders until October 1, 2026. The matter relates to Case No. 42 of 2023 involving The Film and Television Producers’ Guild of India Limited and PVR INOX Limited. In September 2025, the CCI had directed an investigation into alleged contravention of Section 4 of the Competition Act. PVR INOX subsequently filed a commitment application under Section 48B of the Act. As per the non-confidential summary, the CCI had prima facie raised concerns over PVR INOX's continued levy of VPF. Among the allegations were that certain Hollywood and Hindi film producers were not required to pay VPF while others were, that the upfront payment could pose...

Ace still photographer Amit Ashar is working on a book on the life and legacy of legendary cinematographer Ashok Mehta, Bollywood Hungama has exclusively learned. The coffee table book traces Mehta’s filmmaking journey and his phenomenal career through a remarkable collection of photographs captured by Ashar over the span of more than three decades. Set to release in late 2026, the book features exclusive, unseen photographs, complemented by personal write-ups from some of Indian cinema's most respected filmmakers and celebrities Mehta has closely worked with. Together, the visuals and words aim to celebrate Mehta’s enduring influence on Indian cinematography and the legacy he has left along. Mehta started off as a runway hooker and ended up as a National Award-winning cinematographer. He was one of the highest-paid technicians of his generation and worked with both art-house and mainstream commercial filmmakers, leaving a distinct visual signature on every project he touched. His...

It’s the year of adult films, it seems. After Dhurandhar The Revenge, Mirzapur, Cocktail 2, Batwara 1947, O'Romeo, Assi, Bandar etc. the two big Hindi releases next week have also received an ‘A’ rating from the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC). Daayra, starring Kareena Kapoor Khan and Prithviraj Sukumaran, was passed today, that is, September 11, by the CBFC, with an ‘A’ rating. The length of the film, as per the censor certificate, is 143,16 minutes. In other words, Daayra is 2 hours, 23 minutes and 16 seconds long. The investigative thriller is directed by Meghna Gulzar. Daayra marks Kareena Kapoor Khan's tenth film that will be for adults only. The other 9 films were Ajnabee (2001), Chameli (2003), Dev (2004), Omkara (2006), Kurbaan (2009), Heroine (2012), Udta Punjab (2016), Veere Di Wedding (2018) and The Buckingham Murders (2024). Meanwhile, Vibe was also passed by the CBFC today. The comic caper also received an ‘adults only’ rating from the Censor Board. Acc...

Ameesha Patel’s parents’ residence in Mumbai’s Churchgate area was allegedly targeted in a jewellery theft, with valuables worth around Rs 5 lakh reported missing. Mumbai Police have arrested a 40-year-old domestic worker in connection with the case following a complaint filed by the actress’s mother, Asha Patel. According to IANS, the accused has been identified as 40-year-old Seema Ghate, a resident of Palghar. Ghate had reportedly been working as a domestic helper at the residence of Ameesha’s mother, Asha Patel, for around one and a half years. The alleged theft came to light after Asha Patel approached the Marine Drive police and filed a complaint. According to the police, a bangle was allegedly stolen from the residence in January 2026. Asha reportedly suspected Ghate of being involved in the incident and had allegedly been asking her for around five to six months to admit to the crime and return the jewellery. However, the bangle was allegedly not returned, following which Asha...