Sandeep Reddy Vanga cancels New Year break to wrap Prabhas’ Spirit early: Report

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Filmmaker Sandeep Reddy Vanga has shelved his New Year’s break plans in order to push ahead with filming on his highly anticipated cop action drama Spirit, starring Prabhas, Triptii Dimri and Vivek Oberoi. The decision was taken to fast-track production so the project can meet its planned mid-2027 release timeframe, according to a report by Mid-Day.

Originally, Spirit was scheduled to shoot its first schedule through December and then pause for a New Year break. However, Vanga and his team decided to continue filming through the New Year’s week, with production now expected to run until at least the first week of January before a short pause. The report quoted a source close to the film revealing that the director called off holiday plans in a bid to wrap up the shoot ahead of schedule.

The movie marks Vanga’s first collaboration with both Prabhas and Vivek Oberoi. Insiders say the director is planning distinctive looks for the stars — a move reminiscent of how Vanga’s previous film Animal presented Bobby Deol in an unexpected avatar — indicating that Spirit will continue the filmmaker’s signature visual and narrative style.

Spirit began shooting on November 27 in Hyderabad, and the extended schedule means the cast and crew are now working through late December and into January to keep the production on track.

As it stands, Spirit is shaping up to be one of the most closely watched Indian films of 2027, powered by its high-profile star cast and the creative vision of one of Bollywood’s most discussed directors.

Also Read: 2 Years of Animal EXCLUSIVE: Khushaal Pawaar shares FASCINATING secret behind casting process: “Sandeep Reddy Vanga DIDN’T provide us with a script; a FIRST-ever such experience for me…you CANNOT manipulate him”

Sara Ali Khan becomes new face of Swiss watch brand Longines

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Indian film star Sara Ali Khan has been officially announced as the latest Friend of the Brand for iconic Swiss watchmaker Longines, marking a significant collaboration between one of Bollywood’s most admired young actresses and a heritage luxury timepiece house. The announcement was shared widely across media today following a press release and Sara’s own social media post, where she expressed her excitement over the partnership.

Sara took to Instagram to share the news with her followers, writing, “I’m delighted to share that I’ve joined the Swiss watch brand LONGINES as a Friend of the Brand. Its timeless elegance, rich heritage and authenticity have long inspired me and I cannot wait to show you what’s ahead! #Longines #ElegancelsAnAttitude #LonginesPrimaluna.” This message reflects her personal admiration for the brand’s legacy and values, setting the tone for what both parties hope will be a creative and inspiring collaboration.

 

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Longines, founded in Saint-Imier, Switzerland in 1832, is known for its graceful designs, precision engineering, and long history of sport timing and aviation partnerships. Its winged hourglass logo is recognised in more than 150 countries around the world. The brand’s association with India dates back to 1878, when it first sold watches in the country, a historical connection that the company says this new collaboration will further strengthen.

In the official statement, Longines praised Sara’s radiant personality, effortless charm and refined sense of style, noting that she perfectly embodies the spirit of timeless elegance which is a hallmark of the brand’s identity. Her versatility and strong public presence in cinema have made her an influential figure among modern audiences, aligning with Longines’ efforts to celebrate individuals who represent elegance not just through appearance, but through authenticity, confidence, and attitude.

Sara Ali Khan, who made her film debut in 2018 with the hit Kedarnath and has since starred in successful films like Simmba, Atrangi Re, and Zara Hatke Zara Bachke, brings both contemporary appeal and cultural relevance to the Longines family. A graduate of Columbia University with a degree in history and political science, she is widely respected for her intellect as well as her on-screen presence qualities that the brand sees as reflective of its values of precision and heritage.

The collaboration is expected to spotlight Longines’ PrimaLuna collection, known for its elegant design and feminine sophistication an aesthetic that resonates with Sara’s personal style and public image, making this partnership a blend of tradition and modernity that appeals to watch enthusiasts and fashion followers alike.

This announcement adds to Sara Ali Khan’s growing list of high-profile partnerships and reinforces Longines’ commitment to working with influential cultural figures who embody its core principles of grace, authenticity, and timeless elegance.

Also Read : Sara Ali Khan shares heartfelt note for Sushant Singh Rajput on 7 years of Kedarnath: “Thank you for reminding me to be curious”

EXCLUSIVE: Teaser of Ranbir Kapoor-starrer Ramayana and controversial AI film Chiranjeevi Hanuman – The Eternal attached with Avatar: Fire And Ash

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Less than 24 hours are left for the release of Avatar: Fire And Ash and the excitement is building up for it thanks to its big-screen appeal, grandeur and popularity of the franchise. Interestingly, viewers will be treated with two tantalizing assets when they venture out to watch the James Cameron directorial in cinemas from December 19.

Bollywood Hungama has learned that the introduction teaser of Ramayana has been attached to Avatar: Fire And Ash. It was launched on July 3 and has been loved for its ensemble cast and stunning VFX.

Directed by Nitesh Tiwari of Dangal (2016) and Chhichhore (2019) fame, Ramayana stars Ranbir Kapoor as Rama, KGF star Yash as Ravana, Sai Pallavi as Sita, Ravie Dubey as Lakshman and Sunny Deol as Hanuman. It is produced by Namit Malhotra’s Prime Focus Studios and 8-time Oscar-winning VFX studio DNEG in association with Yash’s Monster Mind Creations, written by Shridhar Raghavan and has music by the greats, A R Rahman and Hans Zimmer. The first part releases in cinemas on Diwali 2026, while part 2 will arrive on Diwali 2027.

The other teaser attached to the Hollywood flick is that of Hanuman – The Eternal. This video isn’t out yet on digital and hence, viewers will see a glimpse of the film for the first time on the big screen. It is one of India’s first theatrical films made using AI and arrests attention thanks to its visual appeal, scale and depiction of Lord Hanuman. It is directed by Rajesh Mapuskar of Ferrari Ki Sawaari (2012) and Rudra: The Edge Of Darkness (2022) fame, produced by Vikram Malhotra’s Abundantia Entertainment and Collective Media Network’s Historyverse. As per reports, it is slated for a theatrical release on Hanuman Jayanti, that is, April 2 next year.

However, Hanuman – The Eternal has been in the news after Anurag Kashyap slammed the announcement news and also one of the film's producers, Vijay Subramaniam, for backing an AI-generated film while heading an artists' agency. Shockingly, Anurag even mentioned in the post, “This right here is the future for the spineless and cowardly so-called artists in the Hindi Film industry. Well done Vijay Subramaniam. Shame is not enough on you. You should be in the gutter.”

Also Read: Ramayana: Ranbir Kapoor starrer to mark a historic collab with Avatar: Fire and Ash as it premieres in theatres

SCOOP: Dhurandhar vs Avatar: Fire And Ash showdown – Single-screens and two-screen cinemas yet to start bookings due to reservations over ‘all shows’ demand

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The biggest Hollywood film of the year, Avatar: Fire And Ash, is all set to release tomorrow, that is, Friday, December 19. While advance booking commenced on December 5, several cinemas, especially one-screen and two-screen cinemas, have yet to begin advance booking. Bollywood Hungama spoke to trade and exhibition sources to understand the reason behind it.

A trade source told Bollywood Hungama, “Disney, the studio releasing Avatar: Fire And Ash, has asked single-screen theatres that they want all shows for their film. In two-screen cinemas, they have asked for 5 or 6 shows. However, exhibitors are not comfortable with this directive as Dhurandhar is running very successfully. They are confident that even in its third week, the Ranveer Singh-starrer will find a huge audience, as evident by the steady footfalls the film has generated in the weekdays.”

The source continued, “The exhibitors have requested that they’d like to divide shows equally between the two films. After all, they realize that Avatar: Fire And Ash will also be a crowd puller. However, so is Dhurandhar. But Disney hasn’t accepted this idea. Negotiations are going on and a middle ground is expected to be reached today.”

As for 8:30 am on December 18, single-screen theatres in Mumbai like Gold Cinema Santacruz, Chitra Dadar, Roxy Opera House, Maratha Mandir, Kasturba Malad, Citylight Mahim, Inox Nakshatra Dadar, MovieTime Star City, New Excelsion, MovieTime Dahisar, Gold Cinema Sona Borivali, MovieMax Andheri East, MovieTime Suburbia, PVR Le Reve etc. are yet to start bookings for tomorrow.

The same issue can be seen in two-screen plexes like Sun City Vile Parle, Mukta A2 Cinemas Lalbaug, Topiwala Goregaon, PVR Milap Kandivali, Movietime Malad etc.

Shockingly, ticket sales for Avatar: Fire And Ash as well as Dhurandhar, for December 19 onwards are yet to commence in a full-fledged manner in even certain three-screen properties like Sterling, MovieMax Mira Road, MovieMax Sion etc. as well as in four-screen properties like Miraj R Mall Mulund, Inox Raghuleela Kandivali, PVR Odeon Ghatkopar, Inox Korum Mall Thane, MovieMax SM5 Kalyan, MovieMax Wonder Mall Thane, etc.

At Mumbai’s iconic G7 complex, popularly known as Gaiety-Galaxy, advance bookings have opened in four cinemas, but Galaxy and Gemini are yet to begin. Dhurandhar will continue at Gaiety with three shows from December 19. Until December 18, it was being screened in both Gaiety and Galaxy. It now remains to be seen whether Avatar: Fire And Ash will be accommodated at Galaxy or Gemini, or both, and whether Dhurandhar also gets additional shows in the other two cinemas at G7.

Also Read: EXCLUSIVE: Unlike Avatar: The Way Of Water, CBFC passes Avatar: Fire And Ash with ZERO cuts

Homebound makes Oscars 2026 shortlist in Best International Feature Film category

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Homebound, the critically acclaimed Hindi drama directed by Neeraj Ghaywan, has been officially selected as India’s entry for the Best International Feature Film category at the 98th Academy Awards and has now been shortlisted by the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences as one of the contenders moving forward in the awards process.

The film starring Ishaan Khatter, Vishal Jethwa, and Janhvi Kapoor was chosen by the Film Federation of India from a competitive list of 24 films submitted this year, cementing its place as the nation’s representative on cinema’s biggest global stage.

In the shortlist announced this week, Homebound is among only 15 international films advancing toward final nominations for the Best International Feature Film Award, marking a significant achievement for Indian cinema ahead of the Oscars scheduled in March 2026.

Homebound tells the poignant journey of two childhood friends striving to become police officers to earn dignity and respect in a system shaped by caste and socioeconomic divides.

Producer Karan Johar reacted emotionally to the film’s Oscars shortlist announcement, taking to social media to share his pride. He wrote, “I am not sure I can articulate how proud, elated and over the moon I am with the journey of #HOMEBOUND… all of us @dharmamovies are privileged to have this proud and important film in our filmography … thank you @neeraj.ghaywan for making so many dreams of ours come true… from Cannes to being on the Oscar shortlist this has been such an overwhelming journey! Love to the entire cast and crew and teams of this special special film!!!!!!!!! Upwards and onwards…….. #HOMEBOUND streaming now on @netflix_in.”

 

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The film has already earned international recognition after its premiere in the Un Certain Regard section at the 78th Cannes Film Festival, where it received a nine‑minute standing ovation from audiences. It also screened at the Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF), where it won the International People’s Choice Award as second runner‑up.

Industry insiders and audiences have celebrated Homebound’s selection, seeing it as a testament to the depth of India’s cinematic storytelling. Key cast and crew members expressed excitement as the film’s Oscar campaign progresses, with many hoping it will secure a nomination when the final list is announced early next year.

Also Read : Janhvi Kapoor, Ishaan Khatter, Vishal Jethwa react to Shah Rukh Khan showering love on Homebound

Priya Kapur’s battle over Sunjay Kapur’s Rs. 30,000 crores fortune takes dramatic turn amid Will dispute

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The inheritance battle over late industrialist Sunjay Kapur’s colossal Rs. 30,000 crores estate has taken a sensational twist. On Tuesday, Priya Sachdev Kapur, Sunjay’s third wife, fiercely opposed any forensic examination of the Will that forms the bedrock of her claim to his personal assets and control over the Sona Comstar Group. The plea for scientific scrutiny—covering handwriting, ink, and paper analysis—was pressed by Sunjay’s children from his previous marriage, Samaira and Kiaan Raj Kapur, who argue that such checks are vital to confirm authenticity.

Legal experts say Priya’s resistance is highly unusual in a probate dispute of this magnitude, as courts routinely rely on forensic tests to settle doubts over testamentary documents. Blocking this process, they warn, could amplify suspicions surrounding a Will that completely excludes Sunjay’s biological children.

Adding fuel to the fire, Shradha Suri Marwah—the Will’s purported executor—has dramatically altered her stance on how she first received the document. Initially claiming Priya handed it over on June 24, Suri later said it came from Dinesh Agarwal on June 14, only to revert to her original version after reviewing Priya’s submissions. These oscillations, coupled with her admission that she was unaware of being named executor and lacked independent legal advice, have raised eyebrows. Her request for indemnity from Priya and reluctance to probate the Will further deepen scepticism.

Senior counsel Mahesh Jethmalani, representing Samaira and Kiaan, argued that under Indian law, an executor cannot be appointed without prior consent. If the Will fails judicial scrutiny, Sunjay’s estate would devolve equally among all Class I heirs—a point even Suri’s counsel conceded.

The Delhi High Court will hear both the forensic inspection plea and Suri’s amendment application on January 20, 2026, a date that could decide whether the Will reflects Sunjay Kapur’s true intentions or collapses under scrutiny.

For the unversed, Sunjay Kapur, Chairman of Sona Comstar, died suddenly on June 12, 2025, during a polo match in Windsor, England. The contested Will, dated March 21, 2025, allegedly leaves his entire personal estate to Priya and their minor son Azarias, excluding his children from his previous marriage to Karisma Kapoor. The dispute has spiralled into one of India’s most high-stakes inheritance battles, with allegations of forgery, concealment, and even conspiracy swirling around the case.

Also Read: Explosion in Rs. 30,000-Crore Sunjay Kapur estate battle: Missing email attachment triggers Will scam suspicion

Cornerstone announces CXA, a ‘new-age entertainment and talent agency’ led by Bunty Sajdeh and Prarthana Ajmani

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Cornerstone, one of India’s leading brand and talent management companies, and Armour Entertainment, led by Prarthana Ajmani, have announced a strategic partnership, marking a new phase in the long-term plans of both agencies. As part of the alliance, Bollywood actor Tiger Shroff has been signed as the first talent.

The collaboration points to a renewed focus on the evolving entertainment and talent ecosystem at a time of industry change. It reflects a joint effort by Bunty Sajdeh and Prarthana Ajmani to create a streamlined and integrated setup, with an emphasis on structure, long-term growth and consistent talent development across platforms.

Together, Cornerstone and Armour combine their respective strengths. Cornerstone’s experience in developing and positioning talent across sports and entertainment complements Armour Entertainment’s management approach, supported by Prarthana Ajmani’s industry experience and professional network built over years of working with leading actors. The partnership brings together complementary capabilities aimed at creating a cohesive ecosystem focused on credibility, brand development and comprehensive talent management.

Bunty Sajdeh, CEO, Cornerstone, said, “Look at Hollywood and you’ll see how the talent management approach has always worked in the West. There are unique skill sets that are clearly defined strategic, long-term brand and wealth building, alongside specialised talent management that is an industry in itself when done correctly and holistically. Both are equally important and must work hand in hand to ensure maximum output. I’ve known Prarthana for many years and have always admired her professionalism and strategic mindset, so when the opportunity arose to join hands, it was an easy decision.”

Prarthana Ajmani, CEO, Armour, added, “With CXA, we’re building a system that is structured, future-ready and truly talent-first. Partnering with Cornerstone brings together the strengths of two teams driven by excellence. On a personal level, Bunty’s strategic clarity and faith in my abilities have been key driving forces in this collaboration. I’m thrilled to embark on this journey with him."

Also Read : Dharma Productions relaunches talent arm as Dharma Collab Artists Agency after acquiring Cornerstone’s stake