EXCLUSIVE: “Salman Khan called Raghav Juyal and told him, ‘I saw Bhai Tera Star Hai trailer TWICE and the Kisi Ka Bhai Kisi Ki Jaan joke was FABULOUS’” – Vivek B Agarwal

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The makers of the Raghav Juyal-starrer Bhai Tera Star Hai recently released the song ‘Aankhon Se Tune 2.0’, a recreated version of the popular track from Ghulam (1998), starring Aamir Khan and Rani Mukerji. Meanwhile, in the trailer, Raghav’s character can be seen claiming that he would play Bhaijaan’s bhai in an upcoming film. The meta reference alludes to Kisi Ka Bhai Kisi Ki Jaan (2023), which starred Salman Khan and featured Raghav as one of his brothers. In an exclusive interview with Bollywood Hungama, producer-director Vivek B Agarwal spoke about this aspect and much more.

When asked if Bhai Tera Star Hai will have a grand premiere, Vivek B Agarwal replied, “We are working on it and are also planning to invite our industry friends. Making this film was like one big party for us! It was a comedy, and off-screen, everyone was indulging in crazy things. We had rehearsed the film so much ki sabko ek dusre ke dialogues yaad ho gaye the. So, we want to carry this momentum forward and hold a big cast-and-crew screening, which we can call a premiere. It’ll be held a day before the release, and we intend to celebrate the fun we had while making the film.”

Since Salman Khan and Aamir Khan are also connected with the film, would they be invited to the premiere of Bhai Tera Star Hai? Vivek Agarwal smiled and answered, “I would love it if they could come and if they have the time. I do know that Salman bhai called up Raghav and congratulated him on the trailer. He was very happy with the trailer. Raghav met him as well. He told him, ‘I saw your trailer twice and the Kisi Ka Bhai Kisi Ki Jaan joke in the end was fabulous’. So, I am happy that people are enjoying the humour and taking it in their stride. It’s also good to be encouraged by people who have seen it all and done it all.”

Bhai Tera Star Hai releases on July 30. Speaking about his future plans, Vivek B Agarwal said, “There are quite a few films in development. These are ideas that I have been writing and developing for years. It’s just that I had to take the step of producing films myself, and hence, those projects took a backseat. But yes, there are several things in the pipeline, and I hope to get them going in the early part of next year. Also, my wife (Avantika Hari Agrawal) is a National Award-winning writer-director, and she’s working on her next project. We are trying to put the cast together and hopefully get the film on the floors as soon as possible.”

Also Read: EXCLUSIVE: “Bhai Tera Star Hai was shot in LESS than a month,” says Vivek B Agarwal; adds, “It takes a phenomenal actor like Raghav Juyal to make bad acting look so convincing…Sanjay Kapoor wore the wig even when he wasn’t shooting!”

Shabana Azmi diagnosed with swine flu after Jantar Mantar protest, misses Mumbai demonstration; says she stands in solidarity with students

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Veteran actor Shabana Azmi has revealed that she has been diagnosed with H1N1 (swine flu), forcing her to miss the student protest held at Mumbai's Shivaji Park on Friday. The actor shared the health update on social media, saying she has been advised to remain in isolation for the next five days.

Azmi has been one of the most prominent public figures supporting the student-led protests over the alleged NEET paper leak. Over the past three days, she actively participated in demonstrations at Delhi's Jantar Mantar, where she marched alongside students, joined the "Chalo Sansad" rally and extended support to those on hunger strike. Shabana Azmi shares health update Informing her followers about her absence from the Mumbai protest, Azmi wrote that she had planned to join demonstrators but was unable to do so after being diagnosed with H1N1. She wrote, “"My dear Mumbaikars, I was meant to join your protest yesterday, but I've come down with H1N1 and need to remain in isolation for the next five days."

Despite her illness, the actor said she remains closely connected with the movement and continues to receive updates from those participating on the ground. Actor praises students' courage Azmi also lauded the determination shown by young protesters, many of whom, she said, were taking part in a demonstration for the first time: "I want to express my solidarity and appreciation. I'm receiving first-hand reports from the young people on the ground. Many of them have taken part in a protest for the first time and have experienced how much their voice counts."

She added that their commitment continues to inspire her: "I continue to be inspired by your courage and commitment and stand by you in solidarity."

 

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The veteran actor concluded her post by sharing a poem written by her late father, renowned poet Kaifi Azmi.

Azmi has been among the few celebrities who chose to participate in the protests in person instead of limiting their support to social media. During the demonstrations at Jantar Mantar, she marched alongside students, rode atop a protest vehicle with actor Prakash Raj, addressed the gathering and was also seen serving food to students observing a hunger strike.

Also Read: Shabana Azmi suffers asthma attack at Delhi protest; says, “I got an attack because of the tear gas”

PVR INOX Q1 results: Profit at Rs 56.5 crore, revenue up 10.4%, box office surges

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PVR INOX reported a strong turnaround in the first quarter of FY27, posting a profit after tax (PAT) of Rs 56.5 crore, compared to a Rs 54 crore loss during the same period last year. The multiplex operator also recorded a 10.4 percent increase in consolidated revenue, which rose to Rs 1,622.2 crore from Rs 1,469 crore a year ago.

The company's performance comes alongside a robust recovery in the theatrical business, with India's total box office collections growing 20 percent year-on-year during the quarter. Strong film slate boosts admissions PVR INOX credited the quarter's performance to a healthy mix of Hindi, regional and Hollywood films. Among Hindi releases, Bhoot Bangla, Cocktail 2 and Main Wapas Aunga emerged as strong performers. Regional cinema also delivered impressive growth, led by films such as Raja Shivaji (Marathi), Drishyam 3 (Malayalam) and Karuppu (Tamil).

Hollywood titles also contributed significantly, with non-franchise films including Project Hail Mary, Michael and Obsession drawing audiences to cinemas. Admissions, ticket prices and F&B sales rise The multiplex chain recorded 36.6 million admissions during the quarter, reflecting an 8 percent year-on-year increase. Its Average Ticket Price (ATP) stood at Rs 273, up 8 percent from the previous year, while Spend Per Head (SPH) increased 9 percent to Rs 161. As a result, ticket revenue rose 16 percent, while food and beverage sales registered a 17 percent increase compared to the same quarter last year. EBITDA nearly doubles, company turns net cash positive PVR INOX also reported a sharp improvement in profitability. EBITDA climbed 90 percent to Rs 229.6 crore, with EBITDA margins expanding from 8.2 percent to 14 percent, driven by stronger operating leverage.

The company also achieved a key financial milestone by turning net cash positive, ending the quarter with Rs 80.7 crore in net cash as of June 30, 2026. Ajay Bijli on the quarter's performance Commenting on the results, PVR INOX Managing Director Ajay Bijli said the company's operational performance improved across key parameters: "The industry delivered broad-based growth, our operating metrics improved across the board, and the company is now net cash positive. With a diverse content slate ahead and a capital-light expansion model, our focus remains on delighting consumers, driving footfalls and creating enduring value for our shareholders."

Following the announcement of the quarterly results, PVR INOX shares climbed 5.5 per cent to Rs 1,047.85 on the Bombay Stock Exchange (BSE), reflecting positive investor sentiment after the company's return to profitability.

Also Read: Main Vaapas Aaunga Box Office: PVR INOX-Cinepolis Week 2 collections jump 89.8% over Week 1

Amol Palekar offers legal and financial support to students protesting over NEET paper leak: “Do not allow anger to harden into hatred”

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Veteran actor and filmmaker Amol Palekar has voiced his support for students protesting over the NEET paper leak by writing an open letter expressing solidarity with the youth-led movement. As demonstrations continue in Delhi demanding accountability and education reforms, the actor praised the courage of students and said they are carrying forward the unfinished work of democracy.

Addressing the protesters as "Dear brave students," Palekar wrote that he was writing not only in solidarity but also with gratitude. "Every generation inherits the unfinished work of democracy. Yours has accepted both the burden and the privilege of carrying it forward," he wrote. Draws parallels with history and literature In his letter, Palekar referred to Albert Camus' Caligula, saying the play reflects how unchecked power can become detached from moral responsibility. He added that the recent developments in Delhi reminded him of those themes.

The veteran actor also cited historical student movements and struggles across the world, including the Paris student protests of 1968, the anti-apartheid movement in South Africa, Tiananmen Square and the Navnirman Andolan in Gujarat, arguing that attempts to silence young voices have never succeeded in suppressing the desire for freedom. "The images filled us with anguish and anger" Reacting to the reported police action against protesters, Palekar said the visuals left him deeply disturbed. "The images of the brutality inflicted upon you have filled us with anguish and anger," he wrote.

He added that universities are places where society learns to question itself and said asking those in power difficult questions is a democratic responsibility rather than a privilege. "When questions are answered with batons instead of reason, it is not the students who stand diminished. It is the State," the actor wrote. Explains why he did not join the protest Palekar also explained why he did not attend the demonstrations in person. He said advancing age has imposed physical limitations, even though his convictions remain unchanged. He also noted that he deliberately chose not to participate physically because he did not want public attention to shift away from the students.

"This is your movement, your voice, your moment of moral courage. You do not need celebrity validation. Democratic movements derive their legitimacy from the courage of those at their centre, not from the visibility of those who stand beside them," he wrote. Offers support to students The actor concluded his letter by assuring students that he and his wife, Sandhya, would continue supporting them in every way possible. He even offered legal, medical and financial assistance within their means if required. Encouraging students to remain hopeful, he wrote, "Today you may be called students. Tomorrow you will be known as the generation that chose courage over silence. The future belongs to those who refuse to surrender their humanity."

The ongoing demonstrations began over the alleged NEET paper leak and demands for systemic reforms in the education sector. The movement has received support from several members of the film industry, with many celebrities calling for accountability, dialogue and peaceful resolution while expressing solidarity with students.

Also Read: Kamal Haasan backs Jantar Mantar protest, questions system in powerful note: “A nation has failed when its children are met with barricades and batons”

Anurag Kashyap distances himself from Bobby Deol starrer Bandar, says “Whatever came out is not my final cut”

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Filmmaker Anurag Kashyap has opened up about his decision to distance himself from Bandar, starring Bobby Deol, revealing that the version released was not the one he had envisioned. During a conversation with comedian Kunal Kamra, the filmmaker candidly spoke about creative compromises, the impact of corporatisation on filmmaking, and why he deliberately chose not to respond to the criticism the film received.

Explaining his silence after the film's release, Kashyap admitted that he did not feel comfortable defending a project that no longer reflected his intended vision. Addressing the criticism surrounding the film, he said, “When I said don't watch, it's because I can't own up… If you noticed, I didn't give any interviews on the film. Because whatever came out is not my final cut. So, the criticisms that came the movie's way are quite valid. I wanted to put out something I could stand up for. As a result, I couldn't stand up against the criticisms against the movie."

The filmmaker also reflected on how the industry's functioning has changed over the years, suggesting that the increasing corporatisation of cinema has altered the creative process. Comparing the current ecosystem with the past, Kashyap remarked, "Unlike before, things have become corporatised today. It’s not like all producers are making movies by mortgaging their houses or because they believe in the work. Some are making just to ensure that their movie is a success."

Speaking further about the themes explored in Bandar, Kashyap maintained that audiences who understood his intent would recognise what he was trying to convey, despite the changes made to the film. He said, "Those who could see my intention, they didn't need to watch it, because they already know what's being shown. The problem is with those who don't know what it's about and they need to watch it to understand the perspective. Only those who aren't self-aware get carried away; or those who aren't aware of what goes on. Those who are aware won't have expresses solidarity with... protests, asks what... a problem; they will dismiss it right away.”

Kashyap further clarified that while the film largely retained his visual storytelling, editorial changes significantly altered its perspective. Elaborating on the impact of the final edit, he said, “Cinematically, everything else is pretty much mine… but they changed it by taking something out. Thus, the perspective has been changed. The tilt has changed a little bit. Whatever was there, was made by me. I shot it. But what they have edited out has really affected the outcome.”

His remarks have once again reignited conversations around creative freedom, director's cuts, and the influence of studios and producers on the final version of a film. While Bandar was discussed for its subject matter and performances, Kashyap's latest statements shed light on the challenges filmmakers often face in preserving their original creative vision.

Also Read: Anurag Kashyap joins Chaar Diwaari as presenter ahead of North American premiere at Fantasia Festival

Ramayana trailer postponed as Sony Pictures comes on board for global release outside India; Namit Malhotra calls it historic moment

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Prime Focus Studios has announced a landmark partnership with Sony Pictures Entertainment, which will distribute Ramayana across international markets outside India. The announcement marks a significant milestone for the ambitious mythological epic, even as the makers confirmed that the film's much-awaited trailer launch has been postponed to a later date.

Producer Namit Malhotra shared the update through a detailed note on social media, revealing that the global partnership prompted the decision to reschedule the trailer launch. “Today is a very special moment for our "Ramayana", my dream of taking Ramayana to the world is now a reality with our partnership with Sony Pictures Entertainment. In light of the above we will be launching our trailer now globally at a later date. In over 100+ years of Indian Cinema this will become a moment of great pride where Ramayana will be shown to the entire world like any major global Hollywood film. This is special as it opens the door for people of the world to discover the richness of our culture and our stories with renewed pride and enthusiasm. I thank all the fans and the believers of Ramayana to help make this happen. The youth of our country are our future, let's all do the best we can to protect our future. Jai Hind,” the note read.

 

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Headlined by Ranbir Kapoor, Yash and Sai Pallavi, Ramayana is envisioned as a global cinematic spectacle that will be released internationally in multiple languages, including a premium English-language version. The film seeks to introduce one of India's most celebrated epics to audiences across cultures while staying rooted in its timeless themes of duty, courage, compassion, sacrifice and righteousness.

Directed by Nitesh Tiwari, the fantasy action-adventure film brings together an extensive international crew. The project features music by Academy Award winners Hans Zimmer and A.R. Rahman, action choreography by Terry Notary and Guy Norris, and production design by Ramsey Avery and Ravi Bansal. The film is produced by Prime Focus Studios' Namit Malhotra, who also serves as the Global CEO of the Academy Award-winning visual effects company DNEG.

Sharing his vision for the project, Malhotra said, "For generations, the Ramayana has inspired people through its timeless humanity and enduring values. Our ambition has always been to honor that legacy while creating a cinematic experience worthy of audiences everywhere. Through DNEG, we have spent decades helping filmmakers realize some of the world's most ambitious cinematic visions. With Prime Focus Studios, we are now bringing that same commitment to storytelling to one of the world's greatest epics. Collaborating with Sony Pictures gives Ramayana an extraordinary opportunity to connect with international audiences and introduce this timeless story to moviegoers around the world."

The collaboration with Sony Pictures marks one of the biggest international distribution deals for an Indian film, positioning Ramayana for a large-scale worldwide release comparable to major Hollywood tentpole productions. With the trailer now set to debut globally at a later date, anticipation surrounding the film continues to grow ahead of its release.

Also Read: Ramayana makers unveil behind-the-scenes glimpse from Pratham Sankalp event; Sunny Deol surprise appearance steals attention

Ahan Shetty joins Vikram Bhatt's 1920: Cold Winter; shoot expected to begin in November: Report

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Actor Ahan Shetty may soon be seen exploring the horror genre for the first time. According to the latest reports, the Border 2 actor has reportedly come on board for filmmaker Vikram Bhatt's 1920: Cold Winter, the sixth instalment in the long-running 1920 franchise.

As per a Mid-Day report, the film is currently in the scripting stage. A source quoted by the publication claimed that Ahan was looking to diversify his filmography after making his debut with Tadap and recently returning to the big screen with Border 2.

"This will be Ahan's first brush with the supernatural genre. He wants to do a variety of roles, after being launched in the romantic action drama Tadap. That's why he is carefully choosing movies that belong to different genres," the source said.

The report further stated that Vikram Bhatt and producer Anand Pandit are currently searching for the film's female lead. They are reportedly looking to cast a reasonably well-known actress rather than a newcomer.

If everything goes according to plan, filming is expected to begin in November. Before that, the producer-director duo is said to travel to Scotland for a location recce. Some portions of the film are also expected to be shot in Shimla.

The 1920 franchise began with the 2008 film 1920 and has since expanded with 1920: Evil Returns, 1920: London, 1921, and 1920: Horrors of the Heart. 1920: Cold Winter will mark the sixth chapter in the supernatural horror series.

Neither Ahan Shetty nor the makers have officially confirmed or denied the report so far.

Meanwhile, Ahan will next be seen in director Tinu Desai's Sanki.

Also Read: Ahan Shetty secures title Sanki for next film after personally approaching Sajid Nadiadwala