Sunny Deol, Jyotika come together for the first time for a film that brings together Excel Entertainment and A.R. Murugadoss

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A major collaboration is taking shape in Indian cinema as producers Ritesh Sidhwani and Farhan Akhtar officially announce their maiden project with acclaimed filmmaker A.R. Murugadoss. Bringing together formidable creative forces, the yet-to-be-titled action thriller will star Sunny Deol and Jyotika in lead roles and is set to go on floors in February 2026.

Backed by Excel Entertainment, the project marks the first collaboration between the banner and A.R. Murugadoss, known for delivering large-scale, socially rooted action entertainers. The film will be directed by Balaji Ganesh, who steps into the spotlight with this ambitious venture that promises to blend intense action with strong storytelling.

Sunny Deol’s casting has already generated significant buzz, especially given the actor’s enduring appeal in the action genre. Known for his powerful screen presence and iconic action roles, Deol’s association with the film signals a mass-driven narrative anchored by emotional depth. Joining him is National Award-winning actor Jyotika, whose inclusion adds further gravitas and intrigue to the project. The fresh pairing marks a notable collaboration and is expected to bring a compelling dynamic to the story.

While plot details remain tightly under wraps, the makers have described the film as a high-octane action thriller, designed on a large canvas. With Murugadoss involved in shaping the project, expectations are high for a narrative that balances adrenaline-fueled sequences with a strong thematic core—an approach that has defined many of his past successes. For Ritesh Sidhwani and Farhan Akhtar, this announcement further reinforces Excel Entertainment’s focus on expanding its slate with ambitious, genre-driven cinema.

The film is scheduled to begin principal photography in February 2026, with casting for key. supporting roles and technical details expected to be revealed in the coming months. Industry buzz suggests that the project is being mounted as a pan-Indian venture, aiming to appeal to audiences across markets.

With Sunny Deol’s mass appeal, Jyotika’s nuanced performances, and a creative team that includes some of the most influential names in the industry, the yet-untitled film is already being viewed as one of the most anticipated action thrillers currently in development.

Also Read: Border 2 opens big, emerges as 2026’s first big contender; trade predicts blockbuster trajectory

Dhurandhar actor Nadeem Khan arrested for alleged 10-Year sexual exploitation of domestic worker on false marriage promise

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Actor Nadeem Khan, who was recently seen in the film Dhurandhar, has been arrested by Mumbai Police following serious allegations made by his former domestic worker. The case pertains to claims that the actor repeatedly sexually assaulted the woman over nearly a decade, allegedly luring her with a false promise of marriage.

Khan, who portrayed the character Akhlak—cook to the dacoit Rahman—in Dhurandhar, was taken into custody by Malvani Police on Thursday. Officials confirmed that he is currently in police custody as the investigation progresses.

According to police sources, the complainant is a 41-year-old woman who has worked as a domestic help at the residences of several actors over the years. In her statement, she said she first came into contact with Khan in 2015. What began as a professional association allegedly developed into a personal relationship, during which the actor is said to have assured her that he would marry her.

Relying on this assurance, the woman claimed she consented to a physical relationship that continued for nearly ten years. She alleged that the encounters took place both at her residence and at Khan’s home in Versova, with the belief that the relationship would culminate in marriage. However, when the actor allegedly refused to marry her later, she decided to approach the police.

The complainant initially lodged her complaint with Versova Police earlier this month. However, due to jurisdictional reasons, the case was subsequently transferred to Malvani Police. Explaining the transfer, an officer told Mid-Day, “Since the alleged physical relationship took place for the first time at the complainant’s house within the jurisdiction of Malvani police, and the victim resides in that area, Versova Police transferred the case on zero FIR to Malvani police.”

Based on the complaint and preliminary inquiry, Malvani Police registered a case and proceeded with Khan’s arrest. Further investigation is ongoing, and officials are expected to record additional statements and examine evidence related to the allegations.

The development has sent ripples through the industry, particularly given Khan’s recent screen appearance, while authorities stress that the probe will continue in accordance with due process.

Also Read: Aditya Dhar breaks silence on Dhurandhar 2 teaser; confirms release ‘in a few days’

EXCLUSIVE: Sajid Khan’s horror flick Hundred goes on floors; stars Yashvardhan Ahuja, Nitanshi Goel

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Sajid Khan’s directorial journey began successfully and he delivered three back-to-back hits. After a hiatus, he has once again worn the director’s hat. Bollywood Hungama has learned that the filmmaker quietly began shooting for his next film, titled Hundred. Interestingly, while all his previous films were comic capers, Hundred is a horror flick.

A source told us, “The makers of Hundred began the shoot of the film in Mumbai’s Film City on Friday, January 23. They purposely chose this day to coincide with the commencement of the filming on the occasion of Basant Panchmi.”

Bollywood Hungama has further learned that Hundred marks the launch of Yashvardhan Ahuja, son of Govinda and Sunita Ahuja. Nitanshi Goel, of Laapataa Ladies (2024) fame, has come on board as the female lead.

Hundred is produced by Amar Butala’s Guilty By Association Media and Ekta Kapoor and Shobha Kapoor’s Balaji Telefilms. Amar Butala has earlier produced Sidharth Malhotra-Rashmika Mandanna starrer Mission Majnu (2023) and was the co-producer of Mission Mangal (2019), Kesari (2019), Total Dhamaal (2019), Tubelight (2017), Bajrangi Bhaijaan (2015) etc. He was the associate producer on Himmatwala (2013), which was incidentally also directed by Sajid Khan.

Interestingly, life comes full circle for Sajid Khan. This is because he began his directorial journey by directing one of the shorts in Darna Zaroori Hai (2006), which was also a horror film.

In December 2025, Sajid Khan was in the news after he suffered a foot injury while on a film set. As a result, the director had to undergo surgery. The surgery was successful and this update was provided by Sajid’s sister, Farah Khan.

According to reports, the director suffered a foot fracture on December 27. He was promptly admitted to a hospital in the city, where medical professionals evaluated the injury and advised surgical intervention. Khan underwent the procedure the next day, December 28.

Also Read: Adarsh Gourav chooses ideas over formulas: Actor talks high-concept films and bold storytelling

EXCLUSIVE: CBFC replaces 'bachhi' with 'ladki' in Mardaani 3; modifies slapping visuals

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After the success of Mardaani (2014) and Mardaani 2 (2019), Rani Mukerji is back as the fiery inspector, Shivani Shivaji Roy, with Mardaani 3. The film, produced by Yash Raj Films (YRF), was originally scheduled to be released on February 27. Earlier this month, it was preponed and now it’ll arrive in cinemas in less than a week, on January 30. Accordingly, the makers completed the censor process in time. In this article, Bollywood Hungama will exclusively focus on the cuts suffered by the action thriller.

To begin with, the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) asked the makers to insert drug disclaimers. The word 'bachhi' was replaced with 'ladki'. Since the scene in question involved sexual violence, the makers had to submit age proof of the actor to clarify that she was not a minor.

Then, visuals of a girl being slapped were modified. The word 'wh**e' was replaced with 'trader' in the English subtitles. A derogatory reference towards mother was muted. The word having reference to sexual organs was replaced with appropriate words. Similarly, words having a negative reference to the Government of India were also asked to be replaced.

The names of certain countries were asked to be deleted in a scene. As asked by the CBFC, the makers submitted a clarification with regard to a dialogue made by kidnappers in the film. Lastly, the makers were asked to insert information text on child and woman trafficking.

Once these changes were made, Mardaani 3 was passed with a U/A 16+ certificate on January 14. The length of the film, as mentioned on the censor certificate, is 137.07 minutes. In other words, Mardaani 3 is 2 hours, 17 minutes and 7 seconds long.

YRF goes for voluntary modifications

Nearly 10 days after securing the certificate, the makers of Mardaani 3 approached the CBFC to make voluntary cuts to the film. Accordingly, changes were made in as many as 14 scenes. The scenes were either deleted or shortened. These cuts are in the range of 9 seconds and 59 seconds.

Thanks to these cuts, Mardaani 3 is now 6 minutes and 30 seconds shorter. The new run time of the film is 130.37 minutes, that is, 2 hours, 10 minutes and 37 seconds. The voluntary cuts were approved by the CBFC on January 23.

Also Read: EXCLUSIVE: Rani Mukerji says Mardaani 3 aims to instil fear in criminals and strength in women

EXCLUSIVE: Vadh 2 trailer to drop on January 27; Luv Ranjan reveals why it's not a "forced sequel": "When a small film does well, makers try to make the sequel grand…we haven't changed the grain"

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Vadh 2 is all set to release on February 6 and in an exclusive interview with Bollywood Hungama, talented and enterprising producer Luv Ranjan spoke about the Sanjay Mishra-Neena Gupta starrer, when its trailer will be out, what Luv Films stands for, his love for Gurugram’s Cyber Hub and a lot more.

When did you decide that a sequel to Vadh would be a good idea? Jaspal Singh Sandhu sir and I were discussing what to do next. We realized that there can’t be a true sequel as such to this film. The story of the two characters in the first part had come to an end. However, the concept of ‘vadh’ can be revisited by exploring another social evil and how a simple man fights it to protect someone he loves.

With Vadh’s first part, the appreciation was slow, but suddenly, it got a lot of love and also awards. That also motivated us to try for a second part. Jaspal sir cracked a story which we all loved and we felt that its worth doing.

Vadh released when the Drishyam 2 wave was going strong. Also, Bhediya had taken up screens. Avatar: The Way Of Water was released a week later. It's believed that due to the clutter, it perhaps didn’t get its due in cinemas and it became big only when it dropped on Netflix. Meanwhile, Vadh 2 releases on February 6 with minimal competition. Was that a conscious decision? I believe that when a small, sweet film arrives after a barrage of big films, it gets a better reception. There won’t be too much crowd when Vadh 2 releases. That’s important as these kinds of films need time. They can’t be released in a rush. You need a slightly more relaxed time. Once the film gets appreciation, it slowly finds its audience.

It is often said that cinemas can be ruthless in allotting shows to such films. Do you fear about not getting enough shows? I genuinely believe that unless you’re clashing with a big, event film, screen space for this kind of film is not a problem. Realistically speaking, I don’t need 8 shows or I don’t need 2 whole screens in a 4-screen multiplex. We have a huge capacity of theatres and screens right now. So, that shouldn’t be a problem.

Vadh 2 had its grand premiere at the 56th International Film Festival of India (IFFI) 2025, Goa... I couldn’t make but I was told that it received a great reception. It has given us confidence.

When will the trailer be out? It’ll be released on Tuesday, January 27. Hopefully, everyone will love it!

I guess they would, as part 1 has tremendous goodwill and has been loved by one and all. Also, sometimes, we feel a sequel is forced. We are not getting that feeling with Vadh 2… It’s a very honest film. At times, filmmakers make a sequel to a small film and while doing so, they try to change the grain of the original film. When a small film does well, the makers then try to make the sequel in a grand way. The soul of the film changes. However, we have stuck to the grain. Like Vadh, Vadh 2 also stars Sanjay Gupta and Neena Gupta.

Luv Films’ journey has been interesting. You have not just worked with newcomer directors but also with experienced filmmakers like Hansal Mehta, Mohit Suri etc. and made exciting films with them… We started in 2017 and our first release was in 2018. So, our company is still in its early stages and we are figuring out things. However, we are quite greedy as producers. We want to do all kinds of films. I do want to work with veterans and with those filmmakers whose work I admired and loved. They can do something that I can’t do. They have their own style and signature. But at the same time, I built my career working with newcomers – actors, technicians etc. So, that greed is always there to give a break to new people and explore fresher ideas. At some point in time, somebody supported my career and journey. That is how I became a director. Now, if we are in a position to let somebody find his or her voice, we want to keep doing it.

Many among the moviegoers feel, and I believe in it as well, that there exists a ‘Luv Ranjan genre’ in Bollywood. The recent release, Shashank Khaitan’s Sunny Sanskari Ki Tulsi Kumari (2025), had characters doing things that were straight out of a Luv Ranjan-directorial. Even the title gave a déjà vu of Sonu Ke Titu Ki Sweety (2018). What were your thoughts when you saw Sunny Sanskari Ki Tulsi Kumari? Shashank and my journey coincided. Uska aur mera sur kayi baar similar hota hai. Sunny Sanskari Ki Tulsi Kumari is a Shashank Khaitan title, in my opinion. It is right in the alley of his film, Humpty Sharma Ki Dulhania (2014). So, I can’t own that (smiles). This happens. A lot of times, we are discussing ideas with fellow filmmakers. That’s when you realize that he or she is also thinking on the same lines. It’s very interesting that at times, someone shares their idea and you tell them that even you have a similar kind of subject. Aur ideas pe toh kisi ka copyright ho nahin sakta. And tonalities aas paas ki mil jaati hi hai. So, when I saw Sunny Sanskari Ki Tulsi Kumari, I thought it had trademark Shashank Khaitan stamp and same goes for Humpty Sharma Ki Dulhania and Badrinath Ki Dulhania (2017).

Speaking of your directorial ventures, one location common in your films is Cyber Hub, Gurugram. Thanks to your films, it’s become a must for me to go there or think about it whenever I am in Delhi-NCR… (Laughs) Same happened with me. We grew up in that area. It’s a fun, interesting place. It’s a matter of habit, more than anything else. It’s not like I shot there first and then partied in Cyber Hub. Pehle maine wahaan party ki aur phir realize kiya ki yahaan shoot kar lete hai (laughs).

I also discovered Wenger’s in Connaught Place, Delhi, thanks to its mention in Sonu Ke Titu Ki Sweety. Your films act as Lonely Planet guide-of-sorts for tourists visiting the Capital! (Smiles) These are iconic places. Maybe 100 bakeries better than Wenger’s must have opened in Delhi. But there’s a nostalgia attached to these places. We have been having its cakes since we were children. Swad ki aadat pad jaati hai; isliye pastry wahin se leke aani hoti hai. It happens in Mumbai too. People travel all the way to have a meal in Sardar Pav Bhaji. When you grew up on something, it becomes a habit.

It’ll be three years in March since your last directorial, Tu Jhoothi Main Makkaar (2023) was released. When can we expect an announcement of your next film? Very soon!

Also Read: With a month to go, Vadh 2 builds anticipation with new poster featuring Sanjay Mishra and Neena Gupta

Sunny Deol’s action thriller with director Balaji to roll in February after delay: Report

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Bollywood actor Sunny Deol is set to begin filming his next big-budget action thriller with director Balaji in the first week of February 2026, after the project was postponed by almost two months due to commitments related to his current release Border 2.

The yet-untitled film — marking Deol’s first collaboration with Farhan Akhtar and Ritesh Sidhwani’s banner Excel Entertainment — had initially been scheduled to go on floors in December 2025. However, reportedly, those plans were adjusted to accommodate the actor’s promotional schedule for Border 2. Sources familiar with the project confirmed that Deol is expected to join the set on February 10.

A report by Mid-Day quoted a person close to the production as saying the delay was mutually agreed upon. “Sunny is tied up with the promotional campaign of Border 2. Rather than rushing into the shoot, the makers felt it would be best to push the project and begin with complete focus,” the source explained.

Preparations for the film are already underway. Director Balaji, who will collaborate with Deol on this large-scale thriller, is said to have charted a detailed shooting schedule. According to insiders, the first leg of production will take place in Andheri, Mumbai, with principal photography planned to wrap by summer 2026.

While specific plot details and the full cast have not yet been officially announced, the project is expected to feature high-octane action sequences and expand Sunny Deol’s repertoire in the thriller genre. The film represents a significant creative partnership for both Deol and Excel Entertainment, which is also gearing up for other mid-to-big budget releases in the coming years.

Sunny Deol’s 2026 line-up already includes major films like Border 2 and Lahore 1947, as well as the mythological epic Ramayana: Part 1.

Also Read: Border 2 Final Box Office: Sunny Deol, Varun Dhawan starrer sells 1.35 lakh tickets across National multiplex chains; all set for a Rs. 35 crore day one

Aanand L Rai REACTS to Rs 84 crores lawsuit over Raanjhanaa IP dispute: “I don't think it has any meaning”

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Filmmaker Aanand L Rai has responded to a Rs 84 crore lawsuit filed by Eros International Media Ltd, which has accused him and his production company of unauthorised use of intellectual property linked to the 2013 film Raanjhanaa.

Reacting to the legal action, Aanand L Rai described the dispute as a routine business issue and maintained that it does not warrant public speculation. Speaking to NDTV, he said, "These are part of life. When you step into business, such things keep happening. I don't even know why, how, or from where this has come. But I think it is a legal matter, so let the legal people handle it. There is a lawyer on their side, and a lawyer from here will respond too. I don't think it has any meaning. Anyone can say anything about anything at any time. So it's not something to be taken too seriously. It's more for the lawyers to deal with. Since it's a legal matter, I won't speak much about it, but it's nothing serious." Eros Alleges Misuse of Raanjhanaa Intellectual Property Eros International Media Ltd has alleged that Aanand L Rai and his banner, Colour Yellow Media Entertainment LLP, unlawfully used elements associated with Raanjhanaa while promoting Tere Ishk Mein, which released in theatres in November 2025.

The company claims it holds exclusive rights to Raanjhanaa, including copyright, registered trademarks, characters, dialogues, and sequel or remake rights. In its commercial IP suit and interim application, Eros has argued that these protected elements were used without authorisation to suggest a creative or narrative link between the two films.

According to a report by The Times of India, the dispute was triggered by a teaser released in July 2025. Eros has alleged that the teaser featured phrases, visual cues, background score elements, and references that pointed towards the fictional universe of Raanjhanaa. Character Parallels and ‘Spiritual Sequel’ Claims A key point of contention in the lawsuit revolves around character similarities. Eros has claimed that Mohammed Zeeshan Ayyub’s character in Tere Ishk Mein closely resembles his role as Murari in Raanjhanaa, both in temperament and narrative function. The company has further alleged that Dhanush’s character in the new film follows a similar emotional trajectory to Kundan Shankar, reinforcing the impression of continuity.

Eros has stated that despite issuing a cease-and-desist notice in July 2025, followed by reminders, the marketing campaign continued to position Tere Ishk Mein as a “spiritual sequel” to Raanjhanaa. Following the film’s release, the company has sought Rs 84 crore in damages, citing copyright infringement, trademark violation, and passing off.

The lawsuit names several defendants, including Aanand L Rai, Colour Yellow Media Entertainment LLP, writer Himanshu Sharma, Super Cassettes Industries (T-Series), and Netflix Entertainment Services India LLP. The matter is currently before the Bombay High Court.

Also Read: Eros seeks Rs. 84 crores in damages from Aanand L Rai, Colour Yellow for allegedly projecting Tere Ishk Mein as ‘spiritual sequel’ to Raanjhanaa