TECH COMPARING

Actor Dino Morea has landed in the headlines for reasons far removed from the film set. The Mumbai Police's Economic Offences Wing (EOW) questioned him on Friday, for the second time, over alleged irregularities in the Mithi River desilting project. Dino and his brother, Santino Rocco Morea, had also been questioned in the case in May 2025. According to a report by Hindustan Times, the fresh summons followed a lead from phone records. "We summoned Morea after investigators came across phone records indicating contact with some people linked to the case," a police officer, who did not wish to be named, told the publication. The officer also said that the Morea brothers and Punita Kadam, wife of arrested accused Ketan Kadam, are directors in a private company, UBO Ridez Private Limited. Investigators are now verifying financial transactions between the Kadams and Santino Rocco Morea. They are also examining how Ketan Kadam's desilting firm, Woder India LLP, won civic c...

In November 2022, Drishyam 2 was among the first major films of the post-pandemic era to witness post-midnight and early morning shows, as theatres responded to the tremendous demand for the Ajay Devgn-led thriller. Four years later, history is repeating itself with Drishyam The Conclusion. The much-awaited third instalment of the franchise is all set for a historic opening today, October 2, and the unprecedented demand is already visible in the way exhibitors have opened up post-midnight shows even before release day. Unlike Drishyam 2, where several post-midnight shows were added only in the second half of the opening day, exhibitors have acted much earlier this time. Realizing that the advances for Day 1 are exceptionally strong and anticipating historic collections, several theatres began opening bookings for post-midnight shows as early as October 1, a day before the film's release. In Mumbai and the surrounding areas, post-midnight shows have been opened at PVR Lower Parel, ...

Singer Abhay Jodhpurkar has received the National Film Award for Best Male Playback Singer for his Marathi song ‘Navasachi Gauri Mazi’ from Gharat Ganpati at the 72nd National Film Awards. The ceremony was held at Ekta Nagar, Gujarat, where President Droupadi Murmu presented the Rajat Kamal to this year’s winners. The event marked the first time in more than seven decades that the National Film Awards ceremony was held outside Delhi. For Jodhpurkar, the recognition holds personal significance as ‘Navasachi Gauri Mazi’ is rooted in the Gauri-Ganpati tradition that he has grown up celebrating with his family. Receiving the honour for a song in Marathi, his mother tongue, added another dimension to the achievement. The award also marks another milestone in Jodhpurkar’s career, which has seen him work across several Indian languages and film industries. He began his playback career at the age of 21 with A.R. Rahman’s ‘Moongil Thottam’ from Mani Ratnam’s Kadal. He later lent his voice to p...

Ayushmann Khurrana and Sobhita Dhulipala have been named the new brand ambassadors for Titan Skinn. The fragrance brand has also launched a new campaign titled ‘Make Every Moment Special’, which focuses on making fragrance part of everyday routines rather than reserving it for special occasions. The campaign features Khurrana and Dhulipala in separate everyday moments before bringing their stories together under a star-filled night sky. As they get ready, fragrance becomes part of their preparation, highlighting the campaign’s central idea that even ordinary moments can feel different depending on how people experience them. Ayushmann Khurrana on fragrance as a personal detail Speaking about his association with Titan Skinn, Ayushmann Khurrana said that getting ready is not only about clothing, with smaller choices also contributing to an overall look. “Getting ready is often about more than just what you wear. I think the smaller choices are what really bring a look together, and fra...

Disha Patani has completed a decade in films, marking 10 years since she began her journey in cinema. The actor, who made her Telugu debut with Loafer in 2015 before making her Bollywood debut with M.S. Dhoni: The Untold Story in 2016, looked back at the journey with a note of gratitude shared on social media. Taking to her Instagram Stories, Disha reflected on the characters she has played and the experiences that have shaped her career. She wrote, “Grateful to have completed a decade into this journey of exploring myself. Blessed to have lived through these beautiful characters that'll stay with me forver and for everyone who gave me the opportunity to do so. Thank you for all the love and support. Beyond grateful.” The actor's post comes as she completes 10 years since her breakthrough Hindi film appearance as Priyanka Jha in M.S. Dhoni: The Untold Story. Directed by Neeraj Pandey, the biographical sports drama featured Sushant Singh Rajput as former Indian cricket captain ...

Rajkummar Rao and producer Dinesh Vijan attended the Day 2 of FICCI Frames 2026 to promote their upcoming film, Prahaar. Towards the end, they spoke about Stree and the horror comedy universe, and shared some exciting news. Rajkummar Rao said, "Stree (2018) started as an independent small budget film. But we all had great faith in the story and in Amar Kaushik. He's hilarious. He's like us. So, we all were like laundas on the set! We would crack jokes and try to have fun with each other while shooting the scenes. That camaraderie and energy is very much visible on screen." He continued, "Stree was Amar's first theatrical release. I haven't shared this with anyone. When it started collecting very well and earned Rs. 70-75 crores, Amar was very nervous. He asked, 'Film kuch zyada nahin kama rahi hai?'! I said, 'Arre, acchhi baat hai na?'. He replied, 'Arre nahin. Pehli film itna business kar rahi hai?'." Stree 2 (2024), meanwhi...

Anne Hathaway is on a roll this year. After impressing the audience in The Devil Wears Prada 2, The Odyssey and The End Of Oak Street, the actress is back in another power-packed role in Verity. She's joined by Dakota Johnson and the casting as well as the subject has caught attention. The censor process was completed on time and in this article, Bollywood Hungama will exclusively focus on the cuts given to the thriller. The Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) passed Verity with an 'A' certificate. However, the makers had to go through some cuts. The anti-smoking and anti-alcohol static message was inserted in all those shots where the characters were seen smoking or consuming alcohol. The visuals of e-cigarette were asked to be deleted. The brand name of a medicine was asked to be blurred. Finally, the CBFC's Examining Committee asked the makers to 'suitably modify' the intimate visuals by removing the explicit portions. As a result, 23 seconds of the i...

Prime Video has announced the second season of its reality series Alliance, with the new season set to premiere on January 14, 2027. The show will stream exclusively on the platform, with Kunal Kemmu returning as host. The Indian adaptation of the Dutch reality format created by John de Mol is produced by Banijay Asia. The first season featured 16 celebrity contestants, known as Allies, who competed in physical and mental challenges while navigating alliances, shifting loyalties and tasks designed to test their strategy. Prime Video on bringing Alliance back Season 1 was Prime Video’s first daily reality series globally, with new episodes streaming every day at noon. According to Prime Video, the response to the first season led to the decision to bring the show back sooner. Nikhil Madhok, Director and Head of Originals, Prime Video, India, said the first season showed that viewers were interested in a reality format centred on strategy and gameplay. “The response to Alliance Season 1...

The trailer of Rajkummar Rao's much-awaited Prahaar: The Ujjwal Nikam Story is out, and while Rao impresses as special public prosecutor Ujjwal Nikam, it is the final reveal that has everyone talking. The actor unrecognisable as Ajmal Kasab, the lone terrorist captured alive during the 26/11 Mumbai attacks, is none other than Lalit Prabhakar. The trailer was launched on September 29 at Mumbai's Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus (CSMT), one of the sites targeted during the 2008 attacks. Since then, fans have been curious to know more about the actor behind the striking transformation. Lalit Prabhakar As Ajmal Kasab In Prahaar Lalit bagged the role of Kasab after auditioning for it. For the part, the actor went far beyond a physical makeover, studying Kasab's psychology, language and body language to bring the real-life figure to the screen. The role marks one of the most daring choices of his career, and a striking departure from the characters audiences have come to as...

Thirteen years after its theatrical release, Hansal Mehta’s National Award-winning biographical drama Shahid has finally found a streaming home. The Rajkummar Rao-starrer is now available on Prime Video, bringing the critically acclaimed film to a wider audience after years of limited digital availability. Released in 2013, Shahid is based on the life of lawyer and human rights activist Shahid Azmi, who was assassinated in Mumbai in 2010. Rajkummar Rao plays the titular character, with Mohammed Zeeshan Ayyub, Prabhleen Sandhu and Baljinder Kaur in supporting roles. The film earned major recognition at the 61st National Film Awards. Hansal Mehta won Best Director, while Rajkummar Rao shared the Best Actor award with Malayalam actor Suraj Venjaramoodu. The official National Film Awards citation described Shahid as a film tracing the true story of a slain human rights activist and lawyer against the backdrop of communal violence in Mumbai. Apurva Asrani reflects on Shahid’s long wait for...

The team of the Marathi film Gondhal met Hon’ble Chief Minister of Maharashtra Devendra Fadnavis to discuss the film’s journey after being selected as India’s official entry to the Oscars. The meeting was initiated by filmmaker and IFTDA President Ashoke Pandit and led by Ameet Satam, President, BJP Mumbai. The delegation made an appeal to the Chief Minister to extend financial and infrastructural support to the makers of Gondhal, particularly for the film’s promotional and representation-related activities in the United States. Written, directed and produced by Santosh Davakhar, Gondhal is produced by Diksha Davakhar. With the film now representing India on an international platform, the team highlighted the need for the right support and resources to help take the film’s journey forward in America. The delegation included Ashok Dubey, General Secretary, FWICE; Nishant Ujwal and filmmaker Swapna Waghmare Joshi from IFTDA, along with members of the film’s cast, including Kishore Kadam...

Yash Raj Films’ much-awaited revenge thriller series Akka has locked its release date. Bollywood Hungama has exclusively learned that the Keerthy Suresh and Radhika Apte starrer period gangster series will premiere on October 30 on Netflix. Akka is finally set to arrive on Netflix nearly three years after it went into production in November 2023. Mounted as Yash Raj Entertainment’s biggest tentpole streaming project to date, the series is set in the 1980s and revolves around a matriarchal society in a fictional city in South India. The show follows a pair of gangster queens whose matriarchal rule is challenged when an outsider brings an unseen threat, spiralling the all-powerful sisterhood into a storm of violence and survival. South Indian sensation Keerthy Suresh makes her streaming debut with the project and will be pitted against acting powerhouse Radhika Apte. Directed by debutant Dharmaraj Shetty, the series is a large-scale thriller revolving around fierce and powerful women na...

In a major development that has sent ripples across the film industry, the Income Tax Department on Monday, September 28, conducted search operations at around 12 locations in Mumbai linked to actor Rakul Preet Singh, her father-in-law and veteran producer Vashu Bhagnani, and Panorama Studios. Bollywood Hungama has further learnt that a search operation is also underway at filmmaker Ali Abbas Zafar’s office. According to a report in TV9, the action was initiated following information received by the Income Tax Department regarding substantial sums allegedly being remitted overseas under heads such as film shoots, foreign distribution and production expenses. Investigating officials are reportedly examining whether these transactions involved tax evasion or other financial irregularities. Multiple teams of the Income Tax Department are carrying out searches and examining documents and financial records at various premises across Mumbai. At the time of publishing, the operations were st...

Ankur Rathee is currently being seen in Netflix’s Best of the Best, a South Asian dance drama led by Maitreyi Ramakrishnan, Priyanka Kedia, Chaneil Kular and Rathee. The film, which explores identity, ambition and friendship through the world of competitive South Asian dance teams in the US, has also marked a new phase in Rathee’s international career. Rather than focusing on his Hollywood debut, which was announced previously, the actor has now opened up about his experience of playing Ronak, the charismatic and competitive captain of UCLA’s South Asian dance team. For Rathee, the role offered an opportunity to revisit a part of his own college experience. The actor was a member of South Asian and contemporary dance teams during his time at Princeton, and he drew from those experiences while portraying Ronak. “What made Ronak particularly exciting was the opportunity to revisit a part of myself I hadn’t accessed in years. I was a college dancer, I’ve lived the intensity of these team...

Microdramas are no longer being discussed only inside startup offices and short-video companies. The format is now entering one of India's most influential mainstream entertainment-industry forums. FICCI FRAMES 2026, to be held in Mumbai on September 29 and 30, has included a dedicated session titled Microdrama, Mega Business: The Next Content Disruption in its programme. The panel will examine how snackable fiction, creator-led series and platform-first originals are changing content creation, distribution and monetisation. Significantly, the discussion brings together representatives from different parts of the emerging ecosystem — Meta, Zee Entertainment's BULLET Microdrama, Eloelo Group, Kuku and the creative community. That places microdramas on an agenda otherwise populated by some of India's biggest entertainment names. FICCI FRAMES 2026 will feature discussions involving Ayushmann Khurrana, Ekta Kapoor, Ajay Devgn, filmmaker Sriram Raghavan and senior executives fr...

Anubhav Sinha is one of the most acclaimed directors and producer-writers in Indian cinema, having delivered a number of stories to audiences over the years. Known for his keen eye for storytelling, Sinha has consistently explored diverse narratives while also producing several notable films under his banner. Now, the filmmaker is all set to embark on a new journey as he launches his own music label, Benaras Beat, marking a new chapter in his creative journey. Talking about this new venture, Anubhav revealed that the idea of the label had been in his head for several years. Sharing his deep-rooted love for music and how the idea eventually took shape, he said, “So, there is a very interesting saying that if you want to do something and you don't do anything about it, then it's a dream, and if you want to do something and you do a lot about it, then it's an ambition. Benaras Beat was formed in my head and in the office about 7-8 years back. I love music, so much so that 3 y...

The makers of Ramayana have unveiled a new official poster featuring Yash as Ravana, following a special event attended by global internet personality MrBeast. Directed by Nitesh Tiwari, the two-part epic stars Ranbir Kapoor as Lord Ram, Sai Pallavi as Sita and Yash as Ravana. Yash’s portrayal of Ravana was already glimpsed in the trailer released a couple of months ago. The newly released poster offers another look at his interpretation of the character, with the actor seen in an elaborate royal appearance. In the poster, Yash is dressed in a heavily embellished golden crown featuring gemstones, along with layered pearl necklaces and gold bracelets. His intense expression and imposing appearance form the focus of the visual, offering another glimpse of how Ravana has been designed for the film. The poster comes shortly after the makers hosted a special event where MrBeast was present. The latest reveal adds to the promotional campaign around the upcoming epic ahead of its theatrical ...

Ramayana, produced by Namit Malhotra and directed by Nitesh Tiwari, is one of the most anticipated films of 2026. With every asset, from its teaser to its trailer, the excitement surrounding the film has been continuously soaring. Now, amidst the rising exhilaration, the makers have dropped an endearing poster featuring Ranbir Kapoor, Sai Pallavi and Ravie Dubey as Lord Ram, Mata Sita and Lakshman, respectively. In the poster of Ramayana, Ranbir Kapoor as Lord Ram looks composed, calm and courageous, carrying an aura of nobility with effortless grace. On the other hand, Sai Pallavi radiates grace, innocence, devotion, patience and fearlessness as Mata Sita, while Ravie Dubey as Lakshman stands as a true embodiment of loyalty, love and protectiveness. The poster holds immense significance as it brings Lord Ram, Mata Sita and Lakshman together in a single frame, making it a truly special moment in this epic. The poster further fuels the excitement to witness Ranbir Kapoor, Sai Pallavi a...

Kartik Aaryan has resumed shooting for Captain India in London following his National Award win for Best Actor at the 72nd National Film Awards, held in Gujarat on September 22. The actor was honoured for his performance in Chandu Champion, marking a major milestone in his career. Back on the sets of Captain India, Kartik received a warm welcome from the team, who celebrated his National Award win with a cake-cutting celebration. Baweja Studios shared a glimpse of the celebrations on Instagram, with the team writing, “Welcome back Captain @kartikaaryan. Team #CaptainIndia is super proud to have you back on sets and we can’t stop celebrating!! 🥳 From having a National Award winning director to now a National Award winning actor on board 👏👏”   View this post on Instagram   A post shared by Baweja Studio (@bawejastudio) Directed by Shimit Amin, Captain India stars Kartik Aaryan in the lead and is produced by T-Series, Baweja Studios and Dopamine Studios. The actor has now ...

Last Sunday, September 20, the title song of Yeh Prem Mol Liya was launched with much fanfare at Mumbai’s iconic Royal Opera House. The grand event instantly added to the buzz around the film, which is being positioned as a clean family entertainer in the quintessential Sooraj Barjatya space. Now, Bollywood Hungama has learnt of another significant development concerning the much-awaited film. Yash Raj Films (YRF) has acquired its overseas distribution rights. The distribution arm of the premier production house will release Yeh Prem Mol Liya across international markets. A trade source told Bollywood Hungama, “YRF has a very strong distribution network and is known to secure the best possible screens across key overseas territories. With YRF coming on board, Yeh Prem Mol Liya is expected to get a healthy release in the major international markets.” Yeh Prem Mol Liya is produced by Rajshri Productions and marks the fourth association between the banner and YRF. Their relationship date...