Rajkummar Rao to lead Maddock Films’ Prahaar – The Ujjwal Nikam Story; to release on August 7, 2026

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Producer Dinesh Vijan and actor Rajkummar Rao are set to collaborate once again for Prahaar – The Ujjwal Nikam Story, a new drama inspired by events that left a lasting impact on the nation. The film is scheduled to release in cinemas on August 7, 2026.

Directed by Avinash Arun, the project will see Rajkummar Rao in the lead role. The cast also includes Wamiqa Gabbi, Sikander Kher, and Jaideep Ahlawat in pivotal roles. The film is being produced under the banner of Maddock Films.

While the makers have kept plot details under wraps, the title indicates that the film will draw inspiration from the life and work of Ujjwal Nikam, one of India's most prominent public prosecutors. The announcement describes the film as a hard-hitting drama inspired by incidents that shaped public discourse and captured national attention.

The project marks another chapter in the long-standing creative partnership between Rajkummar Rao and Maddock Films. Over the years, the actor has become one of the studio's most frequent collaborators, working across genres ranging from horror-comedy to social dramas and family entertainers.

Their association gained widespread attention with the blockbuster hit Stree and continued with projects such as Made in China, Roohi, and Hum Do Hamare Do. The partnership reached new heights when Stree 2 emerged as one of the biggest box-office successes of 2024.

More recently, Rajkummar Rao teamed up with Wamiqa Gabbi in Bhool Chuk Maaf, a fantasy romantic comedy backed by Maddock Films. The upcoming Prahaar – The Ujjwal Nikam Story will mark another collaboration between the two actors.

Also Read: Taran Adarsh lauds Rajkummar Rao for building “creative synergy” with Maddock Films as Bhool Chuk Maaf releases: “Their collaborations seem to bring out the best in each other”

Arshad Warsi starrer Jeevan Bheema Yojana to release in monsoon 2026, actor plays double role for the first time

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Actor Arshad Warsi will essay a double role for the first time in his career in Jeevan Bheema Yojana, a dark comedy crime thriller directed by Abhishek Dogra.

The film features an ensemble cast that includes Sanjeeda Shaikh, Vijay Raaz, Pooja Chopra, and Brijendra Kala.

Produced by Anshu Mishra under Star Beam Ventures Ltd (formerly BlueGod Entertainment Ltd), Jeevan Bheema Yojana has completed production and is scheduled for a theatrical release in monsoon 2026.

Warsi, known for his work in films such as Munna Bhai M.B.B.S., Ishqiya, and Jolly LLB, portrays two lookalike men whose lives become dangerously intertwined in a tale of crime, deception, and dark humour.

The film follows Jeevan and his wife Yojana, a couple burdened by mounting debt, who encounter Bheema, a stranger bearing an uncanny resemblance to Jeevan. What begins as a plan to fake Jeevan’s death and claim an insurance payout unravels when the man presumed dead turns out to be connected to a dangerous diamond-smuggling network.

Director Abhishek Dogra said, “Jeevan Bheema Yojana is a film about ordinary people making one extraordinary, catastrophic decision and then spending the rest of the film paying for it. The genre is dark comedy, but the heart of it is very human. Greed, desperation, love, and the terrible momentum of a lie you can’t stop telling. Arshad brings both men to life with a precision that constantly surprised us on set.”

Abhishek Dogra has previously directed Dolly Ki Doli and FryDay.

Jeevan Bheema Yojana is set to release in theatres during monsoon 2026.

Also Read: Arshad Warsi to portray double role for the first time in a quirky crime comedy titled Jeevan Bheema Yojana

Star Plus to feature Bigg Boss-scale reality show? Endemol, mystery Bollywood host and a never-seen-before format spark buzz

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Star Plus may be gearing up to make a grand return to the reality television space with what is being described as one of its most ambitious non-fiction projects in recent years. While the channel has delivered several successful reality properties in the past, including Dance Plus and Nach Baliye, industry sources indicate that a brand-new format could soon be heading to television screens.

According to sources close to the development, the broadcaster is planning a large-scale reality show that could rival the stature and scale of popular formats such as Bigg Boss. Interestingly, insiders claim that the concept may also draw comparisons with some of the newer reality formats that have recently gained attention on streaming platforms, including The 50. What makes the project particularly intriguing is its reported format. While official details remain tightly under wraps, sources suggest that the show may feature a fresh set of participants in every episode, offering viewers a constantly evolving narrative and a unique viewing experience unlike traditional reality competitions. Adding further weight to the speculation is the reported involvement of Endemol Shine India, the production house behind Bigg Boss and several other successful unscripted formats. Industry insiders believe that the collaboration signals the channel's intent to mount the project on a significant scale. The mystery surrounding the show has only intensified with reports that the first promotional shoot is currently underway in Mumbai. Sources reveal that the host has already begun filming the inaugural promo, although the identity of the face leading the show has not been officially confirmed. Meanwhile, industry chatter suggests that a major Bollywood name could be associated with the project. Among the names doing the rounds is Anil Kapoor, who has previously showcased his flair for hosting and television appearances. However, there has been no official confirmation regarding his involvement at the time of writing. With the channel maintaining complete secrecy around the project, fans and industry observers alike are eagerly awaiting an official announcement. If the reports hold true, Star Plus could be preparing to re-enter the reality entertainment arena in a big way, with a format that promises both scale and novelty. Also Read: Star Plus to launch its newest jodi from Sairaab at Fashion Ke Rang, Rishton Ke Sang

SHOCKING: Christopher Nolan's The Odyssey IMAX tickets touch Rs. 3000 in Pune; Delhi's Paras keeps it LOWEST at just Rs. 370

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The advance booking of Christopher Nolan’s The Odyssey was thrown open in India at 10:00 am on June 8, though the release is more than a month away. As of now, Universal Pictures has opened plans for only two shows, that too in IMAX screens, one early morning and one at night or evening. It was expected that the rates of all shows across the country would be sky-high or the highest ever, surpassing the insane ticket prices of Nolan’s last film, Oppenheimer (2023) or the recently released Dhurandhar The Revenge (2026). But it’s a pleasant surprise to see that in several cinemas of IMAX, the rates are reasonable.

Mumbai

The luxurious Inox Malad is the cheapest place to watch The Odyssey as the morning show tickets are available for just Rs. 450, Rs. 470 and Rs. 520. The price of the tickets for the evening show of 5:00 pm is Rs. 700, 750 and Rs. 800. Erox IMAX meanwhile, is charging Rs. 500, Rs. 520 and Rs. 550 for 9:45 am and Rs. 700, Rs. 720 and Rs. 750 for the 4:45 pm show.

At PVR Lower Parel, the rates are slightly higher, though not the highest. The 10:00 am show tickets are sold for Rs. 700, Rs. 800 and Rs. 1400, while one will have to shell out Rs. 900, Rs. 1200 and Rs. 1400 for the 8:30 pm show.

The Cinepolis cinemas are charging the highest. At their Thane property, the rates are Rs. 950, Rs. 1000 and Rs. 1050 for the 7:00 am show and Rs. 1400, Rs. 1500 and Rs. 1600 for the 5:30 pm show. In Cinepolis Seawoods, no tickets are sold under Rs. 1300. While the 7:00 am show tickets are for Rs. 1300, Rs. 1400 and Rs. 1500, the 5:30 pm show tickets are sold for Rs. 1800, Rs. 1900 and Rs. 2000.

Delhi-NCR

In the capital city and surrounding places, two cinemas are charging in four digits. In PVR Vegas Dwarka, the rates for both shows are Rs. 830, Rs. 850 and Rs. 1050. PVR Priya tickets are reasonably priced at Rs. 450, Rs. 470 and Rs. 490; however, the recliners are available for Rs. 1400. PVR Superplex Noida comes next, as it charges Rs. 640, Rs. 660 and Rs. 760 for the afternoon show and Rs. 700, Rs. 720 and Rs. 810 for the late-night show. In Inox Vishal Mall, the tickets of early morning show are sold for Rs. 550, Rs. 600 and Rs. 650 and that of the night show at Rs. 700, Rs. 750 and Rs. 800.

Lastly, Inox Paras is charging Rs. 370, Rs. 390, Rs. 410 and Rs. 490 for 9:15 am show and Rs. 520, Rs. 570, Rs. 620 and Rs. 650 for the 7:45 pm show. In other words, it is the theatres with the cheapest tickets for The Odyssey in India.

Down South and Kolkata

In Cinepolis Nexus Bengaluru, the rates are Rs. 900, Rs. 950 and Rs. 1000 for both shows, while in Cinepolis Kochi, tickets are available for Rs. 750, Rs. 800, Rs. 850, Rs. 900 and Rs. 950. The popular Broadway in Coimbatore is charging a flat rate of Rs. 508.34. Meanwhile, in Inox South City Kolkata, the tickets for the 10:00 am show are Rs. 470 and Rs. 500 and that of the 8:30 pm show are Rs. 680 and Rs. 710.

Pune

If you are a resident of Pune, be prepared to pay the highest in the country to watch The Odyssey. The tickets of the 7:00 am show at Cinepolis Aundh and the 9:00 am show at Inox Megaplex are sold for Rs. 1400, Rs. 1500 and Rs. 2600. As for the evening shows in these cinemas, the rates are Rs. 1600, Rs. 1700 and Rs. 3000.

To conclude

As of 10:45 am on June 8, several IMAX properties are yet to open bookings like Miraj IMAX Wadala Mumbai, PVR Palazzo and Inox Velachery in Chennai, PVR Palladium Mall Ahmedabad, Inox Megaplex Lucknow, etc. Moreover, theatres often practice dynamic pricing. This means that the rates might increase as ticket sales go higher.

Also Read: Christopher Nolan’s The Odyssey to open IMAX ticket sales in India from June 8

Varun Dhawan CONFIRMS he said no to Andhadhun; says, “Original cast was me and Kangana Ranaut”

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Sriram Raghavan's Andhadhun continues to be regarded as one of the most acclaimed thrillers in modern Hindi cinema. Starring Ayushmann Khurrana, Tabu, and Radhika Apte, the 2018 film won both critical and commercial success. However, years after its release, actor Varun Dhawan has revealed that the film almost had a very different cast.

During a recent appearance on comedian and content creator Tanmay Bhat's YouTube channel, Varun opened up about one of the biggest films he passed on during his career. The conversation began when Tanmay asked if there was a major film that Varun had rejected and later regretted after seeing its success.

Responding to the question, Varun admitted that there was indeed a film he could not take up. "I think a good movie. I think I said no to a good film," he said.

When Tanmay asked him to name the project, Varun revealed, "Andhadhun. I was filming for something else. So I couldn't do it. And the original cast of the film was supposed to be me and Kangana."

The revelation has reignited discussions around the film's early development. For years, reports had suggested that director Sriram Raghavan had initially discussed the concept of Andhadhun with Varun Dhawan. The two had previously collaborated on the critically acclaimed thriller Badlapur in 2015.

According to reports at the time, Varun was impressed by the idea behind Andhadhun. However, he and Raghavan decided to prioritize Badlapur first. As the actor's schedule became increasingly packed with other commitments, Raghavan reportedly began searching for a new lead actor.

The role eventually went to Ayushmann Khurrana. The film also earned widespread praise for Tabu's layered performance and its unpredictable screenplay. Released in 2018, Andhadhun emerged as both a critical and box office success. The thriller won multiple awards and is still considered one of Raghavan's finest works.

Meanwhile, Varun Dhawan is currently seen in Hai Jawani Toh Ishq Hona Hai, directed by his father David Dhawan. The romantic comedy, which also stars Pooja Hegde and Mrunal Thakur, released in theatres on June 5. Despite generating pre-release buzz, the film recorded a modest opening at the box office.

Also Read: Here’s what happened when Sui Dhaaga actor Varun Dhawan meets Andhadhun star Ayushmann Khurrana

Rakesh Roshan shuts down reports of Hrithik Roshan-YRF budget clash over Krrish 4: “There are no issues”

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The development of Krrish 4 has been under intense scrutiny ever since reports surfaced claiming there were disagreements between Hrithik Roshan and Yash Raj Films over the film's budget. However, filmmaker Rakesh Roshan has now firmly dismissed such speculation, calling the reports baseless and reiterating that the ambitious superhero project is progressing smoothly.

Over the past few months, industry chatter suggested that Hrithik Roshan, who is set to make his directorial debut with Krrish 4, was keen on mounting the film on a massive scale with world-class visual effects and action sequences. Reports further claimed that while Hrithik envisioned a budget of around Rs 500 crores, Yash Raj Films preferred to keep production costs closer to Rs 350 crores to ensure commercial viability.

Addressing these rumours, Rakesh Roshan told Mid-Day, “It’s all nonsense that Hrithik has asked for a Rs 500 crore budget for top-tier VFX and world-class action for his directorial debut, while YRF wants to cap costs at Rs 350 crores. Making a good film catering to a [wide] audience takes time. Even I have taken time for each of my Krrish offerings.”

The filmmaker also shed light on why the much-awaited superhero sequel has yet to go on floors despite being announced some time ago. According to him, the delay has more to do with scheduling than any creative or financial differences. “Krrish is on another planet and we are all waiting for his dates,” Rakesh Roshan joked, referring to Hrithik's packed professional commitments.

He further clarified that there are no issues between the stakeholders involved in the project. “There are no issues; all is smooth. It’s teamwork between Adi, Hrithik, and me,” he said.

Krrish 4 has undergone several changes over the years. Earlier, director Karan Malhotra and filmmaker-producer Siddharth Anand were reportedly associated with the project. However, the film eventually took a new direction, with Hrithik Roshan stepping into the director's chair. The upcoming installment is being jointly backed by Rakesh Roshan's Filmkraft and Aditya Chopra's Yash Raj Films.

While Rakesh Roshan refrained from sharing a definitive timeline for production, he revealed that the script is nearly finalized and the makers are hoping to begin filming by the end of the year. “I will update you when everything is ready,” he concluded.

Also Read: Priyanka Chopra Jonas cast as female lead in Hrithik Roshan’s Krrish 4

SCOOP: Batwara’s special promo, featuring Sunny Deol and Karan Deol, expected to be unveiled on Father’s Day

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About two months remain before the release of Batwara, and the film's team is gearing up in full force to unveil the much-anticipated teaser. Recently, it was reported that the asset will be launched on June 15. Bollywood Hungama has now learned that the makers are putting together another interesting promo, which will also be out this month itself.

A source told Bollywood Hungama, “Batwara stars Preity Zinta, Shabana Azmi and Ali Fazal, and it also features Sunny’s son, Karan Deol. This is the first time that the father and son will share screen space, and they have an interesting dynamic in the film. The makers wanted to present the same to the audience. Hence, a special promo is being designed to highlight their bond.”

The source continued, “Father’s Day will be celebrated on June 21. Hence, the team of Batwara 1947 felt that it would be an apt day to bring the father-son asset out. A final call will be taken in the coming week, but as of now, the Father’s Day asset plan is on.”

Karan Deol made his acting debut with Pal Pal Dil Ke Paas (2019), which was directed by Sunny Deol. He later appeared in Velle (2021), and Batwara marks his third film.

Batwara 1947 was earlier titled Lahore 1947. On April 18, Bollywood Hungama had reported that the name of the film is likely to undergo a change and be rechristened as Batwara 1947. In February 2026, Bollywood Hungama carried a quote from a source that stated, “Lahore 1947 is based on the famous play ‘Jis Lahore Nai Dekhya’. Since the film is set in the Pakistani city and during the Independence period, the title Lahore 1947 was initially deemed suitable. But now the makers feel that there can be a better title that is apt for the story of the film.”

We have now learned that the makers have decided to name the film simply as Batwara. The film will release in cinemas on August 13, that is, in the Independence Day week.

The play, ‘Jis Lahore Nai Dekhya’, was written by Syed Asghar Wajahat in 1980. The Partition-era story revolves around a Muslim family which migrates from Lucknow to Lahore and is allotted a haveli vacated by a Hindu family. The old Hindu matriarch refuses to leave her ancestral home and she also strikes a rare bond with the Muslim immigrants.

Batwara is highly awaited as it reunites Sunny Deol and Rajkumar Santoshi and moreover, it is produced by Aamir Khan. Aamir will also be seen in the film in a supporting role and it also stars Preity Zinta, Ali Fazal and Shabana Azmi. Due to the stellar team and Sunny’s booming track record (that got a boost with the success of Border 2), the period drama is expected to set the cash registers ringing.

Also Read: Sunny Deol cheers for brother Bobby Deol’s intense Bandar teaser, calls him “Lord Bobby”