SCOOP: Abhay Pannu signed to direct the FIRST HORROR film in the history of Yash Raj Films

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India's leading production house Yash Raj Films (YRF) has signed filmmaker Abhay Pannu to direct a horror film for the studio. Pannu, best known for creating the critically acclaimed series Rocket Boys, has also developed the script for the project, which is scheduled to go on floors later in 2026. The yet untitled project will mark the first-ever horror film to be produced by Yash Raj Films in the last 50 years.

"Yash Raj Films have made films all across the genres except for horror. Come 2027, and the banner will step into the horror space with a feature film directed by Abhay Pannu. YRF CEO, Akshaye Widhani, facilitated this conversation and the collaboration, as he gave the confidence to Aditya Chopra to explore the uncharted domain of horror for the first time in the ever-so-evolving world of cinema," a source shared with Bollywood Hungama.

Post the success of Saiyaara, YRF, under the leadership of CEO Akshaye Widhani, has been actively engaging with a new generation of storytellers, including Mohit Suri, Sameer Saxena, and Abhay Pannu, with the objective of expanding the studio’s storytelling canvas across genres and formats

As part of this strategic direction, YRF is strengthening its internal creative framework to support a dual development model. A slate of films creatively developed and produced by Aditya Chopra and a parallel slate led by Akshaye Widhani and his team, focused on fostering fresh creative voices and new-age storytelling

The source concludes, "It's the first time in history that Aditya Chopra has decentralised the film production game by bestowing the responsibility of content creation to Akshaye Widhani, who, after the success of Saiyaara, is looking to produce a lot more with a newer set of filmmakers.

More details on the horror films are awaited.

EXCLUSIVE: Vikram Bhatt reveals why Haunted - Ghosts Of The Past was renamed as Haunted - Echoes Of The Past: "You can't make a ghost film without believing in superstition"

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Vikram Bhatt struck gold with Haunted 3D (2011). It’s a film that kick-started the 3D trend in Bollywood and became a sleeper hit at the box office. Hence, there are high expectations for the next film in this franchise, which is set to release on June 12. Interestingly, the film was earlier titled Haunted – Ghosts Of The Past. As per the motion poster that dropped yesterday to announce the release date, the film was renamed to Haunted – Echoes Of The Past. Bollywood Hungama exclusively spoke to director Vikram Bhatt about this aspect. This was probably the director’s first interaction with the media after he faced a major personal turmoil in his life.

Vikram Bhatt told Bollywood Hungama, “The Haunted films are not just about ghosts. At its heart, it’s a poignant love story. Meanwhile, the film was getting delayed for some reason or another and also, I had to face incarceration. A very close friend of mine said that this is probably happening due to the word ‘Ghost’ in the title. He told me, ‘Title mein se Ghost ko hata do’. I told him, ‘Theek hai. Hata dete hai (smiles)’. That’s how we came up with Echoes Of The Past.”

He further remarked, “I never believed in such things until now. Also, you can’t make a ghost film without believing in superstition (laughs).”

The use of AI in the motion poster was criticized by a section of the audience. Vikram Bhatt clarified, “This is how motion posters are designed. But I can assure you that there’s absolutely no AI in the film at all.”

Lastly, when asked when the teaser of Haunted – Echoes Of The Past will be out, he revealed, “We plan to release it this month itself.”

Like Haunted, Haunted – Echoes Of The Past also stars Mimoh Chakraborty and this time, he’s joined by Chetna Pande, Shruti Prakash, Gaurav Bajpai, Praneet Bhatt and Hemant Pandey. It is produced by Anand Pandit and Rakesh Juneja and will be distributed worldwide by Anand Pandit Motion Pictures.

Also Read: Haunted 3D motion poster unveiled: Vikram Bhatt and Anand Pandit confirm release date of Mimoh Chakraborty starrer as June 12, 2026

Shraddha Kapoor joins Aamir Khan in Rahul Mody’s Ashneer Grover biopic: Report

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Actor Shraddha Kapoor is reportedly set to play Madhuri Jain Grover in the upcoming biopic on BharatPe co-founder Ashneer Grover, which is expected to feature Aamir Khan in the lead role. Filmmaker Rahul Mody is developing the film.

According to a report by Mid-Day, Kapoor has been associated with the project since its early stages. A source told the publication that it had been decided early in development that she would play the female lead and had closely followed the screenplay’s evolution over time.

The film is reportedly based on Grover’s journey as an entrepreneur and the controversies surrounding his exit from BharatPe in 2022, when allegations surfaced that he and members of his family had misused company funds. Madhuri Jain Grover had served as the company’s Head of Controls before her termination the same year.

Mody has been working on the screenplay for nearly three years. The filmmaker previously contributed as a writer to Sonu Ke Titu Ki Sweety (2018). He is also rumoured to be in a relationship with Kapoor.

Speculation about the project gained momentum recently after reports suggested that Aamir Khan is considering the Ashneer Grover biopic as his next film. Readers may recall that Bollywood Hungama exclusively reported Aamir has given a go ahead to doing Ashneer Grover biopic. Earlier, sources told us, "Aamir has read it and loved it; he is doing this film. It's in the pre-production stage. It's also very relatable as Ashneer is an extremely popular figure with today's audience."

At the same time, an official announcement from the makers is still awaited.

Also Read: Aamir Khan launches Ek Din Ki Mehfil: Singers across India get chance to perform live before him, Sai Pallavi and Junaid Khan

Ahead of Maa Behen, Suresh Triveni’s mother-daughter drama Razaa headed to NYIFF

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Filmmaker Suresh Triveni, who is gearing up for his upcoming film Maa Behen and is known for his acclaimed work on Tumhari Sulu and Subedaar, is now backing the short film Razaa. Directed by Pooja Tolani and produced by Radhika Sawhney alongside Triveni, the film unfolds within the tense confines of a gynaecologist’s waiting room, where a mother and daughter grapple with a life-altering decision.

With Razaa earning a nomination at the New York Indian Film Festival (NYIFF), the film has further cemented its place on the global stage, something that aligns with Suresh Triveni’s consistent eye for meaningful storytelling. The film has enjoyed an impressive festival run with multiple international selections and wins, including recognition at prestigious platforms such as the Chicago South Asian Film Festival, Tasveer Film Festival, IDSFFK, and many more. The film has also picked up wins at the Yellowstone International Film Festival, further cementing its impact on the global stage.

Reinforcing his belief in strong, content-driven cinema, Suresh Triveni shared, “The first time I heard the film from Pooja, I was very sure I wanted to make it. I spoke to my producer partner Radhika, and we decided to produce it. It’s the second short film I have produced, and I’ll keep doing it till I can. Pooja being a writer too helps the film. We are very proud to be attached to the film. The accolades keep pouring, and the nomination at the New York Indian Film Festival has only made us prouder.”

Producer Radhika Sawhney echoed the sentiment, saying, “When Pooja narrated the script, I had no second thoughts. Women taking agency of their lives is a topic I feel very strongly about. Pooja is a very fine writer, and it was great to support her in bringing her story to life. Having Geetanjali Kulkarni was the icing on the cake. All the actors, in fact, brought such inspired performances to the film. While producing the film, we had to make sure we stayed authentic to the world of Razaa. There was much effort in choosing the cast, the locations, the art, and the visual tone of the film. Even the sound design was chosen with a lot of intent. I am very proud of Razaa and happy to be part of NYIFF.”

At its core, Razaa thrives on emotional contrast – Razaa’s striking detachment versus Sabeen’s deeply rooted fear and moral conflict. As tempers flare and silences stretch, the film dives into layered conversations around choice, control, and generational expectations.

Director Pooja Tolani offered insight into this dynamic, saying, “Mother-daughter relationships are often seen as loving and tender, but I find them deeply complex, caught between visceral love and constant judgement. Many mothers express love by telling their daughters what is right, as a way of protecting them. In that process, daughters inherit a deep sense of morality. For me, Razaa and Sabeen share a very real dynamic, where love is rarely expressed, but displeasure almost always is.”

Also Read: Anil Kapoor shares BTS glimpse from Subedaar; director Suresh Triveni calls him “rare”

Ye confirms India concert at Delhi’s Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium on may 23

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Global rapper and producer Kanye West has officially confirmed his India performance, putting an end to ongoing speculation after sharing the Ye Live in India tour flyer on social media. The announcement has quickly gained traction online, with fans reacting to the news across platforms.

The concert is scheduled to take place on May 23, 2026, at Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium, marking a major addition to India’s live music calendar. With the confirmation coming directly from the artist, the event is now being seen as one of the most high-profile international concerts to be hosted in the country in recent years.

Kanye West is known for delivering large-scale performances that go beyond conventional concerts. His shows often feature elaborate stage setups, experimental visuals, and a strong focus on creating an immersive experience for audiences. While specific details about the India show remain undisclosed, expectations are high that it will reflect his signature style of production.

The announcement has sparked widespread excitement among fans, many of whom have described the concert as a rare opportunity to witness the artist live in India. Social media has been filled with reactions, with users expressing anticipation and planning travel to attend the event. The show is also expected to attract audiences from across the country, and potentially from neighbouring regions, given Kanye’s global reach.

With just weeks to go, the focus now shifts to ticketing and event logistics, which are likely to be announced soon.

Also Read: Kanye West gears up to make India debut with in New Delhi in March; deets inside

Sooraj Barjatya & Mahaveer Jain to unveil title and release date of Ayushmann Khurrana and Sharvari starrer

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In what is being described as one of Hindi cinema's most eagerly awaited announcements of the year, veteran filmmaker Sooraj Barjatya and Mahaveer Jain are set to reveal the title and release date of his upcoming film today a project that has been shrouded in deliberate, masterful secrecy for months.

The film, produced jointly by Rajshri Productions the house that Barjatya built into a byword for wholesome Indian storytelling and Mahaveer Jain, is understood to be a sweeping family entertainer, a genre the director has elevated and made entirely his own across a career spanning three decades.

At the heart of this highly anticipated project is a headline-grabbing pairing, National Award-winning actor Ayushmann Khurrana alongside the fast-rising Sharvari, whose star trajectory has made her one of the most sought-after talents in contemporary Bollywood. Their combination has already ignited fervent speculation among fans and trade observers alike.

Perhaps equally thrilling for music lovers is the confirmation that the film's soundtrack will be crafted by Himesh Reshammiya a maestro whose melodic sensibilities and anthemic compositions have defined multiple eras of Bollywood music. A Barjatya film with a Reshammiya score promises an auditory experience as emotionally resonant as its narrative.

Sources close to the production reveal that the announcement has been planned with characteristic Rajshri grandeur a formal, considered reveal that reflects the studio's deep respect for its audience. The title, rumoured to be Yeh Prem Mol Liya, when disclosed, is expected to signal the film's emotional register and thematic landscape, hallmarks that Barjatya has never compromised on across films like Maine Pyar Kiya, Hum Aapke Hain Koun..!, Hum Saath-Saath Hain, Vivah, and most recently, Uunchai.

Industry insiders are closely watching what Barjatya does with Ayushmann Khurrana an actor celebrated for his ability to anchor films in authentic, relatable humanity and whether this collaboration marks a new creative chapter for both artist and auteur. Sharvari's inclusion further signals a contemporary energy being woven into the fabric of a tradition-rooted cinematic universe.

Also Read: EXCLUSIVE: After Prem Ratan Dhan Payo, Himesh Reshammiya-Sooraj Barjatya join hands once again; ace music composer delivers 7 melodious songs for Ayushmann Khurrana-Sharvari starrer

Gaurav Gera praises Ranveer Singh's discipline and on-set involvement in Dhurandhar: The Revenge

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Actor Gaurav Gera has spoken about his experience of working with Ranveer Singh in Dhurandhar: The Revenge, highlighting the latter’s approach to performance and presence on set.

In a recent interaction with India Today, Gera described Ranveer as someone deeply invested in his work. “Ranveer is a superstar for a reason, he is so good at what he does. He’s extremely organised and fully immersed in the character. He takes a keen interest,” he said, pointing to the actor’s focused preparation.

He also spoke about Ranveer’s involvement during scenes, even when he wasn’t required to be actively present. “He didn’t have to be there for cues in my scenes, which often happens on shoots. But he stayed back and remained present throughout. That’s just how he is—completely involved with the film,” Gera added.

Recalling a lighter moment, Gera mentioned their earlier ‘Chutki-shopkeeper’ act that recently resurfaced online amid the film’s buzz. He shared that Ranveer instantly recognised him on set. “He tapped my shoulder and said, ‘How are you, Chutki?’ I was surprised because I had a beard and looked quite different, but he still remembered,” he said.

Gera also noted a shift in Ranveer’s on-screen approach over time, especially while playing Hamza in the film. “He’s grown a lot as an actor. There’s a certain calmness in his performance here, which is very different from how people usually see him in public. That controlled energy comes across very strongly,” he explained.

Summing up, Gera described Ranveer as someone who can balance contrasting energies with ease, both on and off screen. Meanwhile, Dhurandhar: The Revenge has completed a steady run in theatres and continues to hold its ground at the box office.

Also Read: Gaurav Gera opens up on working with Ranveer Singh in Dhurandhar franchise: “Stars walk away… he was so involved”