TECH COMPARING

Optimystix Entertainment is ready to enter a new phase as it is set to come up with its public issue on August 7. For Vipul D Shah, Founder and Chairman, Optimystix Entertainment, this represents both a moment of pride and a much larger responsibility. “Optimystix has been built over more than 25 years, from producing some of India’s most successful television programmes to expanding into Films, OTT, animation and digital content. Personally, it is gratifying to see a company that we started with a strong creative ambition now preparing to enter the public markets. At the same time, a public listing is not a destination; it is the beginning of a new phase. It brings greater accountability, transparency and responsibility towards a much wider group of stakeholders,” he said. Rajesh Bahl, Co-Founder and Group CEO, Optimystix Entertainment, said, “The milestone gives us an opportunity to unlock the capability, credibility and relationships we have built over the last two-and-a-half decad...

Punjabi singer-songwriter Guru Randhawa has contributed Rs 5 lakhs from his personal funds towards emergency relief efforts for flood-affected communities in Upper Assam. The contribution has been channelled through digital creator Dimpu Baruah, who is currently leading on-ground relief operations in some of the state's worst-hit regions. The donation comes as Assam continues to recover from devastating floods. According to the Assam State Disaster Management Authority, the floods had claimed 82 lives as of August 2, 2026, while around 1.78 lakh people remained affected across seven districts. Guru Randhawa appeals for nationwide support for Assam Speaking about the humanitarian crisis, Guru Randhawa urged people across the country to extend support to those impacted by the floods: "The devastation in Assam is heartbreaking, and we cannot let our brothers and sisters fight this crisis alone. While rescue teams and administrative authorities are doing their best, I appeal to e...

The promotional campaign for Batwara 1947 is in full swing, with the cast travelling across multiple cities ahead of the film's theatrical release on August 14, 2026. As part of the ongoing tour, Sunny Deol and his son Karan Deol are scheduled to visit Takht Sri Patna Sahib, one of the holiest Sikh pilgrimage sites, during their stop in Patna. According to the makers, the actors will offer prayers and seek blessings for the success of the film at the revered shrine, which is among the five Takhts—the highest seats of authority in Sikhism. The visit forms part of the film's promotional activities as the team continues to engage with audiences across the country in the lead-up to the release. The Patna leg of the tour has already witnessed enthusiastic participation from fans. During their visit to the city, Sunny Deol and Karan Deol were greeted by large crowds, reflecting the anticipation surrounding the upcoming period drama. The actors are expected to interact with audiences...

The promotional campaign for Batwara 1947 is underway, with the film's cast travelling across multiple cities ahead of its theatrical release on August 14, 2026. Now, a new report suggests that the makers have planned a unique initiative during the city tour, with lead actor Sunny Deol expected to honour individuals who have made noteworthy contributions to society. Directed by Rajkumar Santoshi and produced under the banner of Aamir Khan Productions, Batwara 1947 stars Shabana Azmi, Sunny Deol and Preity G Zinta in leading roles. Set against the backdrop of the Partition of India, the film explores the human stories that emerged during one of the most defining moments in the subcontinent's history. According to a source associated with the project, the promotional campaign will go beyond conventional film events by recognising real-life changemakers in every city the team visits. “Makers has planned a very special initiative during the Batwara 1947 promotional city tour. In e...

On the occasion of Friendship Day, actor Varun Sharma has exclusively spoken about his upcoming film, Side Heroes, a promising story celebrating friendship and centred on three friends. He assured audiences that it is not merely a maddening comedy but also explores important aspects of life. He further drew parallels with the iconic friendship film Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara (2011). Varun Sharma said, “Side Heroes is not just a hilarious friendship film. It’s like Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara – it makes us realize what truly matters in life, success and views happiness with a fresh lens.” Side Heroes is backed by Imtiaz Ali, Mahaveer Jain and Mrighdeep Singh Lamba. Besides Varun Sharma, the film also stars Abhishek Banerjee and Aparshakti Khurana. A few days ago, Bollywood Hungama exclusively revealed that a fresh face has been cast as the female lead in this coming-of-age friendship film. Set in the heartland of India, Side Heroes tells the poignant yet comical story of three childhood fri...

The cast of Remo D'Souza's upcoming untitled action entertainer has become even more exciting. Now it is being said that Nushrratt Bharuccha and Pashmina Roshan have come on board the film, joining an ensemble led by Tiger Shroff, Abhishek Banerjee, and Elvish Yadav. The film, which is being co-produced by Neeraj Tiwari and Viccky Jain, is expected to have gone on floors on August 1. While the makers are yet to officially announce the complete cast, sources indicate that the project is envisioned as a high-octane commercial action entertainer and will feature multiple first-time collaborations. One of the biggest highlights of the project is the fresh casting combinations. Nushrratt Bharuccha and Pashmina Roshan will be sharing screen space for the first time, while both actresses will also be seen opposite Tiger Shroff for the very first time in their careers. The film also marks the first collaboration between Tiger Shroff, Abhishek Banerjee and Elvish Yadav, making it an un...

Producer and entrepreneur Viccky Jain has announced the launch of his production house, VJ Frames, marking the beginning of a new chapter in his career as a filmmaker. Making the announcement on his birthday, Jain also revealed the banner's maiden project—an ambitious action franchise that will be directed by choreographer-filmmaker Remo D'Souza and feature Tiger Shroff, Abhishek Banerjee, and Elvish Yadav in lead roles. The newly launched banner aims to back commercial entertainers across genres, with its debut project expected to combine action, spectacle and mainstream storytelling. While the makers have kept plot details under wraps, the announcement has already generated curiosity owing to the unusual casting combination of Tiger Shroff, known for his action-packed performances, alongside versatile actor Abhishek Banerjee and content creator-turned-actor Elvish Yadav. Speaking about the launch of VJ Frames, Viccky Jain described the occasion as the fulfilment of a long-ch...

After impressing audiences with her performance in Brown and her stint on India's Best Dancer Season 5, Karisma Kapoor is taking on a new television role. The actor has joined Fevicreate Idea Labs Season 3 as a judge for the competition's grand finale, where she will mentor and celebrate some of India's most creative young minds. The four-episode finale will air over two weekends starting tomorrow on Nickelodeon and JioHotstar. The competition received more than 3 lakh applications, with only 12 finalists making it to the grand finale. The finalists have been shortlisted across two age groups, 5 to 8 years and 9 to 14 years, and will present innovative ideas centred on art, science and well-being. As part of the judging panel, Karisma will encourage participants to think creatively while celebrating originality, curiosity and problem-solving. While Karisma has long been associated with hit films, dance and glamour, her latest television appearance highlights another dimens...

Director Ahmed Khan has confirmed that his next directorial venture will reunite him with Akshay Kumar following the success of Welcome to the Jungle. The filmmaker revealed that the positive response to the film has encouraged the long-time collaborators to team up once again, adding another chapter to their friendship that spans over three decades. Speaking about the upcoming project, Khan shared that discussions are currently underway and that the duo is exploring multiple ideas before locking one. “With Welcome to the Jungle becoming a success, we had to work together again. I am so happy that the film has done well, and the cast is happy too. Akshay and I are planning something soon. We are in talks regarding two-three different genres — action comedy, romantic action drama, and an out-and-out action movie. Even Akshay has a script that he has told me about. We have to finalise one of our ideas. Once that and the dates are finalised, we’ll announce it.” The announcement also puts...

The countdown for Mirzapur: The Movie has officially begun. After generating considerable excitement with its teaser, the makers are now preparing to unveil the film's official trailer on August 11, offering fans a deeper look into the much-awaited cinematic adaptation of one of India's most popular crime franchises. The teaser, which marked the franchise's transition from streaming to the big screen, introduced audiences to the return of several fan-favourite characters while hinting at an all-new chapter packed with action, drama and power struggles. With the trailer launch now around the corner, anticipation surrounding the film has only grown stronger. According to sources, the trailer will be launched at a special event in the presence of the film's principal cast. It is expected to provide audiences with their most comprehensive glimpse yet into the scale, conflicts and cinematic treatment of the Mirzapur universe before the film arrives in theatres. A source clo...

Shah Rukh Khan's upcoming action thriller King continues to generate buzz, with fresh rumours about its storyline and characters surfacing almost every week. The latest speculation claimed that actor Raghav Juyal would portray the younger version of one of the film's principal antagonists. However, the actor has now dismissed the reports, calling them "completely false." Raghav, who is currently seen in Bhai Tera Star Hai and is also part of King, addressed the rumours during a recent interview while teasing that the film's story is unlike anything audiences have been speculating. Raghav Juyal calls the reports “absolutely false” Speaking to Movie Talkies, Raghav was asked about rumours surrounding his character in the Siddharth Anand directorial. Without revealing details about his role, the actor made it clear that the circulating reports were inaccurate. Responding to claims that he would play a younger version of a villain, Raghav said, "Yeh bilkul, sara...

The Bombay High Court has restrained media organisations and online platforms from referring to Aashirwad, the iconic bungalow once owned by late superstar Rajesh Khanna, as "haunted", "cursed" or "unlucky". The interim order came after businessman Shashi Shetty, the current owner of the property, argued that such descriptions were defamatory and affected his right to live peacefully. Justice Arif S Doctor passed the ad-interim order on July 24, observing that the allegations made against the property were, at first glance, defamatory and infringed upon the plaintiff's fundamental right to live with dignity. The case was filed by businessman Shashi Shetty, who now owns the property where Aashirwad once stood. Although the original bungalow was demolished nearly a decade ago, Shetty retained the name Aashirwad after constructing a new four-storey family residence on the same plot. According to court proceedings, Shetty approached the High Court after c...

Singer Adnan Sami has given fans an exciting update about Akshay Kumar's upcoming untitled film. The musician recently revealed that he has recorded a song for the project and shared a glimpse from the recording studio on social media. Taking to Instagram, Adnan posted a picture featuring himself alongside director Anees Bazmee and music composer Anand Raaj Anand. The trio appeared to be in high spirits as they posed together after the recording session. Adnan Sami Shares Recording Studio Update Sharing the picture, Adnan wrote, "Just recorded a lovely song for an upcoming film of @akshaykumar, directed by the incredible @aneesbazmee with music composed by the fabulous @anandraajanandofficial. We had a blast during the recording session!" While he did not reveal further details about the song, his post confirmed his association with the much-awaited project, adding to the anticipation surrounding the film. About Akshay Kumar's next with Anees Bazmee The yet-untitled...

Salman Khan has added to the buzz surrounding Amazon Prime Video's reality series Alliance after being spotted on the show's sets. While there has been no official confirmation about the purpose of his visit, videos of the superstar arriving at the location have surfaced on social media, prompting speculation that he may be making a special appearance on the reality show. Alliance has emerged as one of the most talked-about reality series in recent weeks, thanks to its mix of celebrity contestants, unexpected twists, and emotional moments. Among its prominent participants is actor-filmmaker Sohail Khan, who had earlier admitted that stepping into the world of reality television was something he was initially hesitant about. The show recently witnessed one of its most emotional phases after Sohail's former wife, Seema Sajdeh, entered Alliance as a wildcard contestant. Her entry attracted considerable attention, offering viewers a glimpse into the former couple's present...

In recent times, very few films have managed to generate as much excitement as Ramayana. The promotional campaign began nearly a year and a half before its release, in July 2025. Since then, the makers have organised events across the world, with several more expected to follow. Finally, the keenly awaited trailer was unveiled online on the morning of July 30. Bollywood Hungama got a sneak peek at the promo 10 days earlier at a multiplex in Mumbai, and it was evident that the experience was on another level when viewed on the big screen in 3D. The earlier promotional asset focused on Lord Rama, played by Ranbir Kapoor, while the trailer introduces several other characters. However, the character which dominates the proceedings is Ravana, played by Yash. The trailer opens with him, and the manner in which he has been presented is sure to amaze viewers. His ferocious avatar and action sequences particularly stand out. Several actors have portrayed Ravana in the past, but Yash’s interpre...

Sanjay Leela Bhansali has never been one to follow convention, and it appears that the filmmaker is once again preparing to redefine how audiences are introduced to one of his most anticipated projects. Bollywood Hungama has exclusively learnt that Love & War, starring Ranbir Kapoor, Alia Bhatt and Vicky Kaushal, will not begin its promotional campaign with a conventional teaser or motion poster. According to an independent industry source, Bhansali is personally overseeing the creation of a special promotional asset that is expected to offer audiences their first glimpse into the world of the film. The makers are eyeing August for the unveiling, which is expected to mark the official beginning of the film's promotional campaign. "The makers are taking a rather unconventional route with Love & War. Instead of a standard promotional launch, they are developing a special asset that will serve as the audience's first introduction to the film. Conceived as an immersiv...

Spider-Man: Brand New Day is gearing up for its theatrical release in India on July 30, and trade analyst Taran Adarsh has shared an update that is likely to excite both Marvel and Indian cinema fans. According to Adarsh, moviegoers will get to watch the theatrical trailers of Avengers: Doomsday and the latest trailer of Ramayana before the film begins in cinemas. Taking to X (formerly Twitter), Adarsh wrote, "'SPIDER-MAN: BRAND NEW DAY' ALL SET FOR A RECORD-SMASHING START – 'RAMAYANA', 'AVENGERS: DOOMSDAY' TRAILERS ATTACHED... #SpiderManBrandNewDay is all set for a massive opening in #India… And here's an #Xclusiv update." He further added, "Moviegoers watching #SpiderManBrandNewDay in cinemas [from 30 July 2026] are in for an added treat... The theatrical trailers of #AvengersDoomsday and the much-awaited latest trailer of #Ramayana will play before the film begins." Advance bookings indicate strong response Adarsh also highlighted the...

Actor Suneil Anand, the son of legendary Bollywood star Dev Anand, passed away in London on July 26 following a heart attack. He was 70. The news of his demise was confirmed by the family through a statement issued by his niece, Gina Narang, who requested privacy as they mourn the loss. Suneil Anand’s family issues statement Sharing the news, Gina Narang said the family is grateful for the support they have received during this difficult time: "With heavy hearts, our family mourns the passing of Suneil Anand. We are comforted by the outpouring of love, prayers, and support, for which we are truly grateful. We kindly request privacy as we navigate this difficult time together." Suneil Anand was the only son of iconic actor and filmmaker Dev Anand and his wife Kalpana Kartik. Born into one of Hindi cinema's most celebrated film families, Suneil made his acting debut with Anand Aur Anand (1984), a film directed by his father. Suneil Anand's passing marks the end of anot...

The promotional campaign for Sanjay Leela Bhansali's Love & War could soon be underway. According to recent reports, the makers are preparing to unveil the film's first official look in the coming weeks, offering audiences their first glimpse of the much-awaited period drama starring Ranbir Kapoor, Alia Bhatt, and Vicky Kaushal. While the makers are yet to make an official announcement regarding the first look, a source close to the production has indicated that the reveal is currently in the works and is expected to arrive before Diwali this year. According to the source, "The first look of Love & War is expected to be unveiled soon, building anticipation among fans who have been eagerly waiting. The big look reveal is currently in the works and should be released before Diwali 2026. While the exact date is still being finalized, the asset is expected to be unveiled in the weeks to come as the team begins building anticipation for the film." Since its announ...

Actress Shilpa Shetty has issued a strong clarification after a viral social media post on caste-based reservation was falsely attributed to her. As the message gained widespread traction across multiple platforms, several users believed that the statement reflected the actress' views on the ongoing debate surrounding reservation in education and opportunities. The viral post, which was widely shared online, read, “Don’t touch reservation. Let general category doctors treat only general category patients and let everyone else treat only patients from their own caste. Do this for a few years and people will start asking to end caste-based reservation themselves. You can't get skill through reservation.” As the post continued to circulate with her name attached to it, Shilpa Shetty took to social media to set the record straight and distance herself from the message. The actress categorically denied authoring or endorsing the statement, describing it as fabricated. Addressing th...