TECH COMPARING

The year 2026 will begin on a thrilling and erotic note for Indian cinegoers, thanks to the release of The Housemaid. The film released in the West on December 19 and has been appreciated for its subject, twists and turns and performances, especially that of Sydney Sweeney and Amanda Seyfried. However, Indian audiences may be disappointed to learn that the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) has edited out a significant portion of the film’s intimate scenes. The CBFC awarded The Housemaid an ‘A’ certificate on December 4 after asking for some modifications. The words ‘b***h’, ‘c**t’ and ‘motherf****r’ were muted, as per the recommendations of the Examining Committee. Secondly, the studio partner was asked to delete ‘nudity visuals of women's breasts…whenever it occurs’. As a result, a whopping 8 minutes of screen time have been axed, the longest cut due to censor diktats in recent times. Bollywood Hungama has learned that a long, intense lovemaking scene involving Sydney S...

The much-anticipated Pan-India film Spirit, bringing together director Sandeep Reddy Vanga and Prabhas for the first time, has officially kicked off 2026 with a major reveal. As the clock struck midnight welcoming the New Year, the makers unveiled the first look of the film, instantly sending fans into a frenzy and reaffirming the project’s status as one of the most talked-about upcoming releases. Spirit has been under the spotlight ever since its announcement, largely due to the powerful combination of Prabhas and Vanga, both known for delivering intense, high-impact cinema. The first-look reveal at the turn of the year was a calculated promotional move, and one that Vanga has successfully employed in the past. Ahead of the reveal, the filmmaker teased audiences on social media on December 31 by writing, “People… A few hours more for SPIRIT – First Poster,” sparking widespread excitement and speculation. Interestingly, this strategy mirrors the promotional approach Vanga used years ...

The biggest grosser of 2025 and of Hindi cinema, Dhurandhar, has had a great run, collecting Rs. 754.50 crores in 26 days. There's a lot of gas left in the tank and hence, it’ll continue to collect considerably in 2026 as well, in the first few weeks. Bollywood Hungama has learned that those who’ll watch the Ranveer Singh-starrer in the New Year will get to see a revised version. An exhibition source told Bollywood Hungama, “Theatres across the country received an e-mail from the distributors today, December 31, informing them they are replacing the DCP of the film. The reason for the change is that the makers have muted two words and changed a dialogue in the film, as per the directives received from the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting of India.” The source added, “The cinemas were requested to download the new content and play the revised version of the film from January 1, 2026.” An industry insider commented, “One of the words removed from the new version of Dhurand...

Bollywood actor Nushrratt Bharuccha has found herself at the centre of a sensitive religious controversy after her recent visit to the Shri Mahakaleshwar Jyotirlinga Temple in Ujjain. The actress, who attended the Bhasma Aarti and offered prayers ahead of New Year 2026, was criticised by a prominent Muslim cleric. Bollywood actor Nushrratt Bharuccha has found herself at the centre of a sensitive religious controversy after her recent visit to the Shri Mahakaleshwar Jyotirlinga Temple in Ujjain. The actress, who attended the Bhasma Aarti and offered prayers ahead of New Year 2026, was criticised by a prominent Muslim cleric, prompting a broader discussion about spirituality, personal choice and religious tolerance in India. However, the visit drew sharp criticism from Maulana Shahabuddin Razvi Barelvi, National President of the All India Muslim Jamaat, who described Bharuccha’s actions as a “grave sin” under Sharia law. In a statement, the cleric said that performing puja and particip...

As anticipation builds for Ikkis, a touching behind-the-scenes detail has emerged that adds an emotional layer to the film. In a rare and heartfelt collaboration, Bobby Deol has dubbed a few dialogues for his father, late Dharmendra, lending his voice to portray the latter’s younger on-screen persona in the film. This creative decision brings an added sense of authenticity and legacy to Ikkis, seamlessly bridging generations both on and off screen. Bobby’s voice subtly enhances the portrayal of the character’s younger years, making the transition across timelines more intimate and impactful. For this very reason, Bobby has been given special thanks in the film. Meanwhile, the first impressions of Ikkis are now out, and the response has been overwhelmingly positive. Critics have praised the film for its emotional depth, sincerity, and powerful storytelling. Directed by Sriram Raghavan and produced by Dinesh Vijan’s Maddock Films, Ikkis is all set to arrive in cinemas on January 1. As...

The proposed visit of Sunny Leone to the holy city of Mathura has been cancelled following strong opposition from religious organisations over a planned New Year programme. The actress was reportedly scheduled to attend a private New Year event at a hotel in Mathura. The event was called off after the protests. Reacting on behalf of his wife, Sunny Leone’s husband Daniel Weber said, “First off, it’s not a New Year’s show. Her New Year’s show is in Hyderabad. Everyone knows. And it’s publicized everywhere. She’s had a show almost every day for the last five, six days, seven days.” Daniel feels the couple is needlessly made to prove their allegiance to India. “Sunny and I are in India for sixteen years. That is a very good portion of our lives. We have been, I believe, good citizens. We’ve done plenty of good deeds from the goodness of our heart because we like to give back to a country that has given us so much. So, I do find it amazing that there is still a group, ...