EXCLUSIVE: The REAL reason Akshaye Khanna exited Drishyam 3 – Rs. 21 crore fee demand and more

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A few days ago, the makers of Drishyam 3 announced that their highly anticipated film will be released on October 2, 2026. The press note mentioned the name of the leading actors of the film – Ajay Devgn, Tabu, Shriya Saran and Rajat Kapoor. Akshaye Khanna’s name was missing and it raised eyebrows. The actor is on a high after Dhurandhar and hence, fans were looking forward to seeing him in the next part of Drishyam, especially when he rocked the show in Drishyam 2 (2022). Meanwhile, reports emerged that he had walked out of the third part due to remuneration differences. Bollywood Hungama has now found more information about what led to his exit.

A source told Bollywood Hungama, “Akshaye was menacing as the villain in Chhaava, while he stole the show, and how, in Dhurandhar. He has become the next big thing. Realizing the same, he decided to revise his fees. Accordingly, he asked for Rs. 21 crores from the makers of Drishyam 3.”

The source continued, “The makers of Drishyam 3 were taken aback. They tried to reason with him that if he’s paid a bomb, the film would go over-budget. But Akshaye Khanna felt that he was justified in his demand. He knew that his presence now significantly enhanced the excitement for a film.”

Meanwhile, another source said, “We also heard that there were a few more fronts where Akshaye Khanna and the makers had a disagreement as well. One of them was that Akshaye suggested that he'd like to wear a wig. The makers were not comfortable with the idea, probably because he was without a wig in the second part.”

The earlier source then said, “Since Akshaye Khanna’s demands were not met, he decided to walk out of Drishyam 3. Of course, he wished the makers well. The parting happened on a good note and the makers hope to collaborate with Akshaye in future when they’ll be on the same page.”

Also Read: Akshaye Khanna walks out of Drishyam 3 over remuneration differences after Dhurandhar success: Report

Tiger Shroff and Lakshya lead 100+ dancers for high-energy track in Lag Jaa Gale: Report

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Tiger Shroff and Lakshya are gearing up to shoot a major dance-off sequence for their upcoming film Lag Jaa Gale, with a large production number scheduled to be shot at Mukesh Mills in Colaba starting December 24, 2025. The sequence is being described by insiders, quoted by a Mid-Day report, as a full-scale dance battle designed to showcase contrasting performance styles between the two actors.

The report stated that choreographer Ganesh Acharya has crafted the routine, which involves over 100 professional dancers and is expected to be wrapped up by December 29. The beat-driven number is reportedly structured to highlight Tiger’s explosive, athletic dance approach alongside Lakshya’s more fluid and relaxed style, with rehearsals underway for the past three weeks.

The dance face-off adds a new layer of excitement to Lag Jaa Gale, a revenge action-drama produced by Dharma Productions and directed by Raj Mehta. The film also stars Janhvi Kapoor, with whom Tiger Shroff shares screen space for the first time in this project. Lag Jaa Gale is among the high-profile Hindi cinema releases lined up for 2026. Tiger’s commitment to intense choreography and physical performance has been a defining feature of his career.

Reportedly, the creative team is aiming for the dance-off sequence to stand out as one of the year’s most talked-about musical moments.

Also Read: Tiger Shroff and Janhvi Kapoor to headline Raj Mehta’s Lag Jaa Gale, backed by Karan Johar: Report

Ranbir Kapoor starrer Animal set for Japan release in 2026; Rs 1000 crores mark back in play amid Dhurandhar storm

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Ranbir Kapoor and Sandeep Reddy Vanga’s Animal is returning to theatres in a new market two years after its original release, with a Japanese release date now confirmed. The makers announced that the action drama will open in cinemas across Japan on February 13, 2026.

Production house Bhadrakali Films shared a specially designed poster for the Japanese audience on X (formerly Twitter), featuring Ranbir Kapoor’s intense portrayal of Ranvijay Singh, alongside a Japanese tagline that translates to “This man cannot be stopped.” The announcement highlighted the film as a memorable cinematic experience beyond its initial home market.

この男は誰にも止められない。🔥 Kono otoko wa Darenimo Tomerarenai🔥 The most talked-about, debated, and unforgettable cinematic experience is coming to Japan.🪓

Animal releases in Japanese theatres on February 13, 2026. 🇯🇵🇮🇳#Animal #AnimalinJapan #AnimalTheFilm #RanbirKapoor… pic.twitter.com/0ppdkqtd0W

— Bhadrakali Pictures (@VangaPictures) December 24, 2025

Animal was originally released in India in December 2023 and became a significant commercial success. It earned around Rs 553 crores net domestically and approximately Rs 915 crores worldwide, finishing its initial run among the top-grossing Indian films of all time.

With the Japanese release, the film now has an opportunity to push its worldwide total closer to, or beyond, the Rs 1000 crores mark. This benchmark has taken on added significance as Dhurandhar—the Ranveer Singh–led thriller directed by Aditya Dhar—has overtaken Animal’s global tally and is expected to finish its run between Rs 1000 crores and Rs 1100 crores globally.

Indian films have shown promising returns in Japan in recent years. RRR reportedly grossed over ¥2.4 billion (about Rs 150 crores) there, while KGF: Chapter 2 also delivered strong box office returns. If Animal replicates similar performance, it could significantly bolster its global revenue.

Directed by Sandeep Reddy Vanga, Animal features Ranbir Kapoor alongside Rashmika Mandanna, Anil Kapoor, Bobby Deol and Triptii Dimri in pivotal roles. Though commercially successful, the film drew debate for its depiction of violence and themes critics labeled as problematic. Supporters, including the director, maintained that those elements were intentional aspects of creative expression.

Also Read: EXCLUSIVE: “Single Papa is a vital balance to films like Animal, Kabir Singh and Dhurandhar,” says Ankur Rathee

EXCLUSIVE: In a RARE development, Tu Meri Main Tera Main Tera Tu Meri front-row seats priced HIGHER than back rows at PVR Oberoi Mall, Goregaon and yet SOLD OUT

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Tu Meri Main Tera Main Tera Tu Meri, starring Kartik Aaryan and Ananya Panday, is all set to release tomorrow. The advance booking has picked up since Monday night and the romcom is all set to take a decent start at the box office. Interestingly, an interesting development has happened, probably for the first time ever, with Tu Meri Main Tera Main Tera Tu Meri.

It’s generally understood that in most multiplexes, the front-row seats are priced the lowest, and the ticket rates steadily rise as you move towards the middle and back rows. But in the case of PVR Oberoi Mall Goregaon East, the unthinkable has happened. Here, you’ll have to shell out a higher price if you want to see the musical entertainer in the first three rows. But your ticket will be cheaper if you select the middle or the back rows!

For the 8:00 am and 10:45 am show of Tu Meri Main Tera Main Tera Tu Meri on December 25, the first three rows, which come under the Classic category, are available for Rs. 370. But the Prime Class tickets are sold for Rs. 290.

For the 1:50 pm show of the film, Classic seats are sold for Rs. 430 while Prime Class tickets are available for Rs. 350. For the shows at 4:55 pm, 8:00 pm and 11:05 pm, one will have to shell out Rs. 540 for Classic seats and Rs. 460 for Prime Seats.

Interestingly, despite the tickets being in the front row and despite the higher rates, most of them are sold out or almost full. An exhibition source explained to Bollywood Hungama, “Since the tickets of the front row were fast-filling, the dynamic pricing came into play, and its rates went up.”

However, the exhibition source agreed, “This is unusual and probably happened for the first time ever as far as I remember.”

Also Read: Tu Meri Main Tera Main Tera Tu Meri faces copyright trouble; Trimurti Films moves Bombay HC against Karan Johar’s Dharma Productions over ‘Saat Samundar Paar’ use

Chiranjeevi–Mohanlal collaboration confirmed; Bobby Kolli reunites with megastar

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Chiranjeevi and director Bobby Kolli, who earlier collaborated on Waltair Veerayya, are all set to reunite for their second project together. Multiple sources reveal that Mohanlal will join Chiranjeevi for the first time in his career. The two legends have long expressed deep admiration for each other’s work and often meet socially whenever they are in the same city.

Surprisingly, no one has previously attempted to bring Mohanlal and Chiranjeevi together on screen, making this collaboration a historic first for Indian cinema.

Shedding more light on the project, a source reveals, “Chiranjeevi plays the lead, while Mohanlal makes a powerful entry midway through the film—much like Amitabh Bachchan’s iconic appearance in Andha Kanoon.”

Also Read: Chiranjeevi and Venkatesh reunite for a high-energy dance number in Mana Shankara Vara Prasad Garu

Akshaye Khanna walks out of Drishyam 3 over remuneration differences after Dhurandhar success: Report

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Akshaye Khanna is currently enjoying a strong career resurgence, thanks to his power-packed performance in Dhurandhar. The actor has been widely praised for his restrained yet impactful screen presence, and the success of the recently released Ranveer Singh–starrer spy drama has firmly placed him back in the spotlight. Adding to this momentum, Khanna was also part of another blockbuster of 2025 — Chhaava as the lead antagonist— further consolidating his standing as one of the most reliable performers in the industry today.

With this renewed demand, it comes as little surprise that Akshaye Khanna has reportedly revised his remuneration. However, this fee hike may have had a ripple effect on one of the most anticipated films currently in production — Drishyam 3. For the unversed, Akshaye played a crucial role in Drishyam 2, the Hindi adaptation of the popular Malayalam thriller franchise led by Ajay Devgn and Tabu. His character added a significant narrative layer to the sequel, with audiences eagerly anticipating his return in the third installment.

However, according to a report by Bollywood Machine, the makers of Drishyam 3 were reportedly not prepared to meet Akshaye Khanna’s revised fee expectations. The report further claims that apart from financial negotiations, there may also be creative differences between the actor and the makers, which could have contributed to his reported decision to step away from the project.

That said, the situation may still be fluid. The same report suggests that this may not be a final call, as Akshaye Khanna is said to be in ongoing discussions with the makers to arrive at a mutually agreeable solution. Whether the actor ultimately continues with the franchise remains to be seen, but his involvement would undoubtedly add to the further intrigue surrounding the film.

Meanwhile, Drishyam 3 has already generated considerable buzz. Recently, the makers unveiled an announcement video featuring Ajay Devgn’s voiceover, teasing audiences about what lies ahead in the next chapter of the much-loved thriller. The film is being made simultaneously in Malayalam, with the original version expected to release first. The Hindi adaptation is slated to hit cinemas on October 2, 2026 — a date that holds special significance for the Drishyam franchise.

In addition to Ajay Devgn, Drishyam 3 will also star Tabu, Shriya Saran and Ishita Dutta in key roles. As fans await further updates, all eyes are now on whether Akshaye Khanna will return to the franchise that played a pivotal role in his recent cinematic journey.

Also Read: Akshaye Khanna, Suniel Shetty to make cameos in Border 2? Here’s what we know!

EXCLUSIVE: Minimum 2 shows in single screens, 5 shows in 2 screen cinemas, 6 shows in 3-screen multiplexes - Release strategy of Tu Meri Main Tera Main Tera Tu Meri REVEALED

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Two days are left for the release of Tu Meri Main Tera Main Tera Tu Meri, starring Kartik Aaryan and Ananya Panday, and the excitement is slowly building up thanks to its fresh look, youthful appeal, music and casting. The advance booking of the film commenced over the weekend and in this article, Bollywood Hungama will inform readers about the demand put forward by Dharma Productions’ in-house distribution team in front of the single-screen theatres and multiplexes.

A trade source told Bollywood Hungama, “The team of Tu Meri Main Tera Main Tera Tu Meri are aware that Dhurandhar is still unstoppable and will continue to find a huge audience on Christmas, when their film will arrive in cinemas. They also know that Avatar: Fire And Ash has taken up several shows and screens. Hence, they have asked for fair and modest showcasing, keeping in mind the realities.”

The source continued, “The distribution team of Tu Meri Main Tera Main Tera Tu Meri has asked for a minimum of 2 shows in theatres with 1 screen. In 2-screen plexes, they have asked for 5 shows. Multiplexes with 3, 4, 5 and 6 screens need to play 6, 8, 12 and 14 shows a day, respectively. Lastly, for multiplexes with 7 screens and more, the team of the film have asked for 16 shows. This is the minimum number of shows that they have requested.”

The source then said, “Despite these fair demands, the team of the film is struggling to get the desired number of shows. As of 9:00 am on December 23, only theatres with 4 more screens and more have opened bookings, that too in just one screen. Single-screens and 2 and 3-screen cinemas are yet to commence ticket sales as negotiations are still going on. Thankfully, Avatar: Fire And Ash didn’t get a release in single screens and hence, these theatres need to divide shows only between Dhurandhar and the romcom. But even that is proving to be a challenge as the demand for Dhurandhar is just not subsiding even after 18 days. Moreover, both Dhurandhar and Avatar: Fire And Ash are more than 3 hour films. So in multiplexes, dividing shows between the three films will also prove to be a challenge.”

An industry insider commented, “We have seen distributors being unreasonable and forcing cinemas to give 100% showcasing to their films. Keeping that in mind, kudos to Karan Johar and his team for being reasonable and practical and not asking for too many shows. Also, Tu Meri Main Tera Main Tera Tu Meri features a rising star like Kartik Aaryan and it belongs to a genre that has a lot of takers. Hence, we hope that cinemas give this film a chance.”

Also Read: Tu Meri Main Tera Main Tera Tu Meri faces copyright trouble; Trimurti Films moves Bombay HC against Karan Johar’s Dharma Productions over ‘Saat Samundar Paar’ use