TECH COMPARING

New Zealand, where almost 5 per cent of its population is of Indian origin, will finally get its own Indian film festival. Spread across 3 days and 3 cities, the Indian Film Festival of New Zealand promises 30 film screenings, industry panels, Q&A post-screenings, networking events, and an awards evening. The first edition will showcase 10 features, 16 shorts, and 4 special screenings. With 11 languages, including Gujarati, Bengali, Malayalam, Telugu, Tamil, Kannada, French, Japanese, Hindi, English, Nepali, Kashmiri, Punjabi, and Kumaoni, and even a silent film, the festival is celebrating languages and storytelling from across India. The highlight for the year is celebrating films that have been restored by Film Heritage Foundation and NFAI-NFDC. The opening film is Teesri Kasam, which was recently restored by NFAI-NFDC and has legendary actress Waheeda Rehman and Raj Kapoor in lead roles. The first edition will have legendary actress Waheeda Rehman attend the opening night scre...

On August 25, 2026, Swiggy announced the launch of a new ordering experience within the eating-out landscape with the launch of ‘Order-in-Cinemas’ on Swiggy Dineout. The feature debuts in partnership with top multiplex brands, Cinepolis and Asian Cinemas, across multiple screens, opening up a brand-new touchpoint for theaters to engage with audiences. In addition to this, Swiggy Dineout has also partnered with a leading PoS aggregator, Impact (owned and operated by UFO Moviez) as well as with Showbizz, a leading Cinema Software Solutions provider for PoS aggregation. The integration with multiple PoS aggregators is currently underway. By leveraging technology to elevate F&B and the cinema experience, the ‘Order-in-Cinemas’ offering on Swiggy Dineout is set to redefine the food ordering experience at cinemas. Designed around a simple four-step journey- Scan, Browse, Order & Pay, and Delivery, customers can simply scan a QR code placed in the cinema halls, browse the cinema’s me...

A few days ago, Bollywood Hungama broke the viral news that the makers of Brahmastra 2 were in talks with Jio Studios, but the premier studio eventually backed out. Earlier, Dharma Productions and Yash Raj Films had also been in discussions, though those talks too did not materialize. Now, we have learnt that another prominent producer, Namit Malhotra, has shown interest in coming on board. A trade source told Bollywood Hungama, “Ayan Mukerji’s production house, Starlight Pictures Private Limited, was one of the producers of the first Brahmastra and the banner holds the rights to the film’s IP. Starlight will be producing Brahmastra 2 and is currently looking for a studio partner to come on board. The makers recently got in touch with Namit Malhotra of Prime Focus.” The source continued, “Incidentally, Prime Focus was also one of the producers of Brahmastra (2022). The company is among the best in the world when it comes to VFX, and its expertise has only grown further after working o...

The teaser of the large-screen fantasy folklore spectacle The Vvaan lets you into the larger-than-life entertainer that takes Sidharth Malhotra and Tamannaah Bhatia into a mystical folklore world. Presented by Balaji Motion Pictures, the teaser of The Vvaan opens doors to a world rarely seen in the mainstream Hindi commercial space, a visually stunning fantasy folklore spectacle rooted in mystery, ancient beliefs and the supernatural. Starring Sidharth Malhotra and Tamannaah Bhatia in their fresh on-screen pairing, the teaser offers an exciting peek into a world that immediately leaves you wanting to know more. A forbidden forest governed by a chilling rule: “Suryast ke baad, Vvaan mein pravesh karna varjit hai.” What immediately stands out is the grand visual scale of The Vvaan. The upcoming film takes on fantasy folklore on a scale not often seen in Bollywood’s commercial space, creating a universe made for a big-screen watch! This combination of captivating imagery, immersive visua...

The much-awaited film, Toxic, will be released tomorrow, and strong advance sales make it clear that excitement is tremendous. While the original Kannada version was censored way back on August 13, the certification of the Hindi dubbed version took some time. Finally, it was completed today, August 25, that is, just a day before the release. In this article, Bollywood Hungama will exclusively focus on the cuts given to the Yash-starrer’s Hindi version. To begin with, an ‘abusive’ word was asked to be replaced. An ‘offensive’ dialogue in the first half and an ‘abusive’ dialogue uttered to a child in the second half were asked to be muted. A scene of drug abuse content was reduced as per the instructions of the Examining Committee of the CBFC. An ‘obscene’ dialogue in the second half of the film was asked to be replaced. Lastly, the statutory warning was mentioned in Tamil and it was asked to be replaced in Hindi. Once these changes were made, Toxic's Hindi version was passed with a...

Haiwaan's trailer has finally been released, and it gives a closer look at Saif Ali Khan's role in the film. The trailer revealed that Saif is playing a visually disabled character who is being hunted by Akshay Kumar. This is the first time that Saif is playing the role of a visually challenged character. Director Priyadarshan has now opened up about the actor playing the part. He revealed that he had a simple piece of advice for Saif: keep your eyes open. “The first thing I told him was, ‘Open your eyes completely, do not blink and think in your mind that you can't see.’ Saif said, ‘This is the best advice I ever got,'" Priyadarshan said. “For years, we have seen people acting blind, and we feel a little artificial about it. Because I have seen blind people much more confident. When I went to the blind school, I couldn't believe those boys were blind, because they move as if they can see everything,” he said, adding that he has observed visually challenged pe...

Netflix has unveiled the trailer of Gandhari, an action-thriller starring Taapsee Pannu as Bani, a mother whose daughter is abducted. The film, written and produced by Kanika Dhillon and directed by Devashish Makhija. a Set in the fictional town of Joypurra, the trailer introduces a world shaped by fear, silence and the mysterious Behrupiyas, who are an important part of the town's cultural identity. As the investigation into Bani's daughter's disappearance raises disturbing questions, she decides to take matters into her own hands and sets out to bring her daughter home. The story follows Bani as she navigates hidden truths, growing danger and unexpected alliances. The film combines action and suspense with themes of courage, sacrifice and determination.   View this post on Instagram   A post shared by Netflix India (@netflix_in) Taapsee Pannu plays one of the film's central characters, while Ishwak Singh portrays Gokul, a father dealing with the disappearance of h...

Arshad Warsi is set to take on his first-ever double role on the big screen with Jeevan Bheema Yojana, which will now release worldwide in cinemas on September 4, 2026. The film was earlier scheduled to hit theatres on August 28. The makers have now confirmed September 4 as the final theatrical release date, as the film enters the final phase of its promotional campaign. A new poster announcing the release date has also been unveiled. Directed by Abhishek Dogra, Jeevan Bheema Yojana features Arshad Warsi in two contrasting roles — Jeevan and Bheema. The cast also includes Sanjeeda Shaikh, Vijay Raaz, Pooja Chopra, Bijendra Kala and the late Atul Parchure. Presented and produced by Starbeam Ventures Limited (formerly Blue God Entertainment Limited), the film blends dark comedy, crime and suspense against the backdrop of an unusual case of mistaken identity. The story revolves around Jeevan, a debt-ridden common man whose life changes after he encounters his dangerous lookalike, Bheema....

The ongoing drama surrounding The Traitors India Season 2 has taken a new turn, with contestants Shahneel Gill and Krystle D’Souza making allegations about a contestant allegedly receiving inside information during the game. While neither contestant named Parul Gulati directly in their initial statements, their comments appeared to point towards the actress, whose repeated “gut feelings” about the Traitors have already sparked discussion among viewers. In a video shared on Instagram, Shahneel alleged that one contestant's “shadow” — a production-assigned person responsible for assisting contestants with their requirements — was allegedly paid to leak information from inside the game. She questioned how the contestant's “gut feeling” about the Traitors repeatedly turned out to be accurate. Shahneel claimed that contestants initially believed they were witnessing an unusual level of intuition, but alleged that the “gut had a source”. She also described the alleged practice as un...

Akshay Kumar has officially gone into alien territory. The actor has begun shooting for his much-awaited survival-action thriller Samuk, marking the reunion of him and producer-filmmaker Vipul Amrutlal Shah for their seventh collaboration. Directed by Kanishk Varma, the film has gone on floors in London and is being mounted as a large-scale Pan-India theatrical release with global production ambitions. According to industry sources, Akshay Kumar began filming for Samuk on August 23, 2026. As per an earlier report by Variety, the shooting was expected to commence in London as the makers are expected to shoot approximately 90 per cent of the film in the England capital, with the remaining portions planned in Mumbai. The production is being executed as one continuous schedule rather than being divided into multiple shooting legs. The film, which has been in development for over two years, combines military realism, survival horror and alien mythology. The makers have brought together an ...

Ajay Devgn is set to return as Vijay Salgaonkar in Drishyam The Conclusion, the final chapter of the popular Drishyam franchise. The upcoming film is presented by Star Studio18 and produced by Panorama Studios. Directed by Abhishek Pathak, the film has been written by Abhishek Pathak, Aamil Keeyan Khan and Parveez Shaikh. The story will once again follow Vijay Salgaonkar, the character played by Ajay Devgn, as the franchise moves towards its concluding chapter. Drishyam The Conclusion is produced by Alok Jain, Ajit Andhare, Kumar Mangat Pathak and Abhishek Pathak. The makers have announced that the film will arrive in theatres on 2nd October 2026. With Ajay Devgn reprising one of his most recognised roles as Vijay Salgaonkar, the film is positioned as the concluding chapter of the franchise. The announcement has also set the stage for the return of the character whose story has remained central to the Drishyam series. Also Read: Ajay Devgn extends heartfelt birthday wishes to Drishyam...

After Singham Again (2024), blockbuster filmmaker Rohit Shetty began working on a gritty action entertainer based on the life of decorated police officer Rakesh Maria. In January this year, Bollywood Hungama was the first one to reveal that the film has been titled Maria IPS. Now we bring to you another interesting piece of information about this film. A source told Bollywood Hungama, “John Abraham will be seen in a never-before-seen avatar in the film. Maria IPS spans nearly 40 years in the life of Rakesh Maria, tracing his journey from his 20s to his 60s. For the portions featuring Maria in his 20s and 30s, John bulked up and put on muscle to look the part. For the scenes where the character is in his late 50s and 60s, the actor underwent another physical transformation, losing weight to sport a leaner and fitter look.” The source further said, “John has never undergone this kind of physical transformation for a film before. Audiences will get to see him across different stages of R...

Aditya Seal and his wife, actor Anushka Ranjan, have stepped into parenthood with double the joy. The couple has welcomed twin baby girls and shared the news with their fans on social media. Along with announcing the arrival of their daughters, Anushka and Aditya also revealed their names, making the occasion even more special for their followers. The twins were born on August 23, 2026. The couple introduced their daughters as Vira Ranjan Seal and Mahi Ranjan Seal through an adorable announcement card featuring illustrations of two little girls. Aditya also shared a heartfelt note on Instagram, expressing his happiness and gratitude as the family begins this new chapter. "My sunshines are here to brighten our lives. Our hearts are full of love and gratitude. Vira ♾️ Mahi #TeamGirl."   View this post on Instagram   A post shared by Aditya Seal (@adityaseal) The couple had announced Anushka’s pregnancy earlier this year through a series of maternity photographs. In May 2026...

Sanjay Leela Bhansali is set to begin work on the much-awaited Madhubala biopic in September, soon after wrapping up his ongoing film Love & War, starring Ranbir Kapoor, Alia Bhatt and Vicky Kaushal. The director is expected to complete the final leg of the film’s shoot at Royal Palms in Goregaon by the end of August. According to a report by Mid-Day, Bhansali will shoot the last song of Love & War at Royal Palms next week. Once the shoot is completed, the same location will reportedly undergo a transformation for the Madhubala biopic, which stars Sara Arjun in the lead role. An industry insider revealed that the production design team will begin preparing the location immediately after the Love & War schedule concludes. The source said, “After the ‘Love & War’ shoot concludes at the end of August, the production design team of the Madhubala biopic will start work on transforming the space. The film is expected to roll in September.” The untitled biopic will be directe...

Poonam Dhillon has been hospitalised at Lilavati Hospital in Mumbai after being diagnosed with dengue. The 64-year-old actor has reportedly been undergoing treatment at the hospital for several days and is currently recovering. Journalist Vickey Lalwani shared an update about Dhillon’s health on Instagram on August 22. He wrote, “Poonam Dhillon has been admitted to Lilavati Hospital, Mumbai. The senior actress has been diagnosed with dengue and has been in the hospital for quite some days now.” Lalwani also revealed that he had contacted Dhillon on the morning of August 22 to enquire about her health. According to his update, the actress responded that she was recovering. The journalist subsequently wished her a speedy recovery and expressed hope that she would soon be able to return home. Dhillon’s hospitalisation comes days after she was involved in a controversy concerning the Cine and TV Artistes’ Association (CINTAA), where she serves as president. The issue began after eight ele...

Bollywood playback singer Shantanu ‘Shaan’ Mukherjee and his wife Radhika Mukherjee have made a high-value addition to their real estate portfolio with the purchase of a luxury residence at Palmera in Bandra West. The couple has acquired a 6,300-square-foot home for Rs 48 crore in the upscale residential development. The transaction was registered on August 20, 2026, and was brokered by Propbay India LLP. The residence has been created by combining three separate apartments spread across approximately one-and-a-half floors on the 18th level of the tower. Shaan’s latest property acquisition also adds another chapter to his family’s long-standing association with Bandra. His late father, musician Manas Mukherjee, had also lived in the Mumbai suburb. Located at 8 Turner Road, near the junction of St Martin’s Road, Palmera is a boutique residential project developed by Pantheion Real Estate. The tower stands on the redeveloped plot that once housed the bungalow of veteran actress Mala Sin...

Writer Bilal Siddiqi has opened up about the possibility of The Ba***ds of Bollywood returning for a second season, revealing that discussions between Netflix and Shah Rukh Khan’s Red Chillies Entertainment are currently underway. However, he stopped short of confirming that the series has been officially renewed. The series, which marked Aryan Khan’s directorial debut, received attention for its satirical take on the Hindi film industry. Siddiqi, who recently tasted success with Awarapan 2, was among the writers associated with the show. Speaking exclusively to NDTV about a potential second season, Siddiqi said, “I hope so too. Red Chillies and Netflix are talking, so there are things they want to speak about first. You know how it is. I hope so too. It's very exciting. We pulled off a great season one and we will be happy to do it another time.” While the two parties are reportedly in discussions, Siddiqi’s comments make it clear that a second season has not yet received an offi...

After Batwara 1947, Sunny Deol and Rajkumar Santoshi are set to collaborate once again. Bollywood Hungama has exclusively learned that the actor-director duo are reuniting for a high-octane action film, which is scheduled to go on floors next year. The upcoming project will mark their fifth collaboration, following Ghayal (1990), Damini (1993), Ghatak (1996), and the recently released Batwara 1947. While details are currently being kept under wraps, sources indicate that the project could be a sequel to the 1996 vigilante action film Ghatak, widely regarded as one of Deol and Santoshi's most celebrated collaborations. Whether the film retains the title Ghatak 2 or adopts a new name will depend on logistical considerations. However, the makers are developing it as a Ghatak sequel. The official announcement is expected within the next three months, with plans to take the film into production by the middle of next year, subject to Deol's availability. “Sunny Deol and Rajkumar San...

The casting speculation surrounding T-Series’ upcoming film starring Aditya Roy Kapur and directed by Milap Zaveri has taken a new turn. The production house has clarified that actress Bhagyashri Borse is not associated with the yet-to-be-titled project, putting an end to reports that had recently claimed she was finalised as the female lead opposite Aditya Roy Kapur. Borse’s name had surfaced in reports surrounding the project, leading to speculation about her possible collaboration with Aditya Roy Kapur. However, T-Series has now issued a clarification, stating that the reports are inaccurate and that the identity of the film’s leading lady has not yet been officially revealed. A T-Series spokesperson said, “The reports of Bhagyashri Borse being a part of T-Series and Milap Zaveri’s upcoming project with Aditya Roy Kapur are untrue. The production house will officially announce the actress soon.” With the clarification, Borse’s reported association with the project has been ruled ou...

Rajpal Yadav has opened up about the financial and legal challenges he has faced over the years, offering his perspective on the debt figures surrounding him. In an interview with NDTV, the actor spoke about his current liabilities, his approach towards repayment and the multiple legal cases he says he has dealt with since the release of his directorial venture Ata Pata Laapata. The actor’s comments come at a time when his long-running financial dispute has once again come into focus. In July 2026, the Delhi High Court upheld Rajpal Yadav’s conviction in seven cheque-bounce cases linked to the financing of Ata Pata Laapata. The court reduced his sentence to three months in each case, with the sentences to run concurrently, and also imposed financial penalties. The dispute dates back to 2010, when a company invested Rs 5 crores in Ata Pata Laapata. According to the Delhi High Court judgment, an agreement provided for repayment of Rs 8 crores, including the agreed profit, while Rajpal Y...