HBO has unveiled the first teaser trailer for its upcoming 

 television series, offering a first look at a new cast stepping into some of the franchise’s most iconic roles. Beginning with 

, the footage introduces a reimagined Hogwarts and fresh portrayals of Harry Potter, Hermione Granger, Ron Weasley, Albus Dumbledore and Severus Snape, signalling a new chapter for the globally popular wizarding world.

The series is conceived as a multi-season adaptation of J.K. Rowling’s seven novels, with each season dedicated to one book. The first instalment will adapt 

Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone

, opting for the original U.K. title rather than the U.S. version, 

, which was used for the 2001 film directed by Chris Columbus. The teaser revisits several key moments from Harry’s first year at Hogwarts, reinterpreted for a longer-form television format.

Dominic McLaughlin leads the cast as Harry Potter, alongside Arabella Stanton as Hermione Granger and Alastair Stout as Ron Weasley. The adult ensemble includes John Lithgow as Albus Dumbledore, Janet McTeer as Minerva McGonagall, Nick Frost as Hagrid and Paapa Essiedu as Severus Snape.

In a notable update, the trailer confirms a premiere date of December 2026, earlier than the previously announced 2027 window. JB Perrette, CEO and president of global streaming and games at Warner Bros. Discovery, described the project as “the biggest streaming event in the history of HBO Max — and arguably in streaming, period,” adding that it ranks “number one, two and three in many ways.”

 writer Francesca Gardiner as showrunner, with 

 director Mark Mylod directing multiple episodes. Rowling, whose books have sold over 600 million copies worldwide, serves as an executive producer but has remained a controversial figure in recent years due to her views on trans rights issues.

The adaptation aims to explore the source material in greater depth, leveraging the extended runtime of television to revisit the story for a new generation.

First ‘Harry Potter’ TV Series Trailer Reveals Christmas Premiere Date


In an unprecedented move, Mohanlal has announced that his film 

 will release in theatres for the first time on April 10. The sequel, directed by Jeethu Joseph had premiered exclusively on Amazon Prime Video in 2021 during the heights of Covid 19 pandemic. 

This will be the first time in Malayalam that a movie that was sold exclusively to an OTT platform would find a theatrical re-release, giving audiences the chance to experience the film on the big screen. 

Mohanlal posted a new poster of the second film announcing the re-release and called it the film’s “Big Screen Debut”. 

In A First, Mohanlal’s 'Drishyam 2' To Get A Theatrical Release Next Month 

Filmmaker Vivek Ranjan Agnihotri and producer 

, inspired by the Indian Armed Forces' military attack on terrorist infrastructure in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir last year.

Based on Lt Gen KJS ‘Tiny’ Dhillon’s book Operation Sindoor: The Untold Story of India’s Deep Strikes Inside Pakistan, the film will be backed by Kumar's T-Series and Agnihotri's I Am Buddha Productions. 

Agnihotri, whose credits include films like 

"We have conducted extensive, ground-level research in collaboration with multiple wings of the Indian Armed Forces to understand not just what happened, but how and why it happened," the filmmaker said, adding that what emerged was a "reality far more complex, far more precise, and far more unsettling than what is available in the public domain."

"I have always believed in telling stories that are uncomfortable but necessary. My effort is to bring this story of courage, professionalism, and strategic clarity to audiences with authenticity, while also presenting it as an edge-of-the-seat cinematic experience," he said, noting that his intention with the film is not to "create noise, but to confront it—with facts, with clarity, and the magic of cinema.”

 chose the team and said it demands to be told with "honesty, courage, and responsibility."

"This is not just a film. It is a revelation. When a nation goes through events of such magnitude, it becomes important to document them truthfully," the producer added.

Further details about the project are currently under wraps and will be announced soon. Agnihotri last directed 

, which starred Mithun Chakraborty, Pallavi Joshi, Darshan Kumar, Anupam Kher and Simrat Kaur. Released in 2025, it was the third and final installment in Agnihotri's The Files Trilogy.

Vivek Ranjan Agnihotri, Bhushan Kumar Team Up for ‘Operation Sindoor' Film

The first trip after a wedding rarely looks the way travel brochures imagine it. The couple in question is often less interested in itinerary than in something simpler: time together, good food, and the company of the people who know them best. 

In Airbnb’s latest campaign, Vijay Deverakonda and Rashmika Mandanna take exactly that kind of trip, trading ceremony for a sunlit escape in Koh Samui.

The film follows the pair as they check into an oceanfront villa booked through Airbnb—a sprawling property with an infinity pool, open living spaces and indoor-outdoor design that makes island life feel effortless. Instead of the usual travel montage, what we see are the small pleasures that make a holiday memorable: breakfast conversations that stretch longer than planned, music playing in the kitchen, and afternoons that slip by beside the water.

Running through the film is a voiceover taken from the couple’s wedding notes to each other, lending the narrative a distinctly personal texture. “My husband… still getting used to saying that,” Mandanna says with a laugh. Later comes a line that feels less performative and more reflective: “My best friend. That part hasn’t changed.” These fragments turn everyday moments—dancing in the living room, teasing each other over breakfast—into something unexpectedly intimate.

Friends drift in and out of the frame throughout the trip, filling the villa with the easy bustle of a shared holiday. The setting lends itself to exactly that: large communal spaces, sun-drenched terraces and a pool that naturally becomes the centre of the day’s plans.

That dynamic mirrors a broader shift in the way people are travelling. According to Airbnb, nearly 40% of summer searches by Indian travellers are now for group stays, pointing to a growing appetite for trips that double as reunions. The trend even has a name: the “buddymoon”, where newlyweds celebrate their first holiday alongside their closest circle.

For Deverakonda and Mandanna, the appeal is straightforward. “Travel for us has always been about making memories with friends and family,” they say. “Staying in an Airbnb makes it easy because everyone can be together in one place—playing games, swimming, watching the sunset, sharing meals. It feels less like visiting somewhere and more like living there.”

Inside Vijay Deverakonda and Rashmika Mandanna’s Koh Samui Holiday Escape with Airbnb

Tamil actor Soori's next film will be a collaboration with Production house Mythri Movie Makers. The film will be directed by R Ravikumar, who made 

Naveen Yerneni and Y Ravi Shankar will produce the film. The announcement arrived with an intense poster, in which the protagonist is in the middle of a trail of wreckage- shattered utensils, scattered debris, and an overturned gas cylinder, capturing the raw aftermath of destruction. A dim red glow pouring through a doorway ahead casts an ominous silhouette, heightening the mood of dread. The text "Blood followed the flood” is also mentioned on the poster.

Soori was last seen in Tamil films such as 

, and more. Meanwhile, Mythri Movie Makers has previously ventured into Tamil with films such as 

Makers of the film dropped the Telugu poster of the upcoming sports drama. Directed by Mathimaran Pugazhenthi, the film will be released in Tamil and Telugu. 

The poster showcases Suhas and Soori amid a thrilling catamaran racing showdown, a form of maritime sport that finds its roots in Tamil culture.

Reports initially suggested that the Tamil version of 

will feature Soori as the lead and Suhas as the antagonist, with the Telugu film flipping the casting for the two roles. But Suhas recently clarified on X that he would be playing the antagonist in both films.

"Jallikattu happens on land, but boat racing happens at sea," Soori said at the film’s launch event, adding that the film speaks about the bravery of the Tamil fishing communities who indulge in this sport. 

Tamil filmmaker Vetri Maaran will serve as the executive producer on the film, which will be produced by Elred Kumar’s RS Infotainment banner. 

Soori's Film With Mythri Movie Makers Announced

Actor R. Madhavan has issued a clarification after a scene in 

 drew criticism for allegedly hurting religious sentiments. The controversy centres on an early sequence in which Madhavan’s character appears to smoke a cigarette while reciting a verse from the 

In a video message posted on Instagram, Madhavan said the backlash stems from a “misunderstanding”. He explained that his character extinguishes the cigarette before delivering the line, and that care was taken to ensure no smoke is visible during the recitation.

“There is a slight misunderstanding,” Madhavan said in Hindi. “I am certain that before this scene, Aditya Dhar, who pays more attention to these things than me, told me to put out the cigarette well before delivering this line. So, no smoke would come out of your mouth, nor would there be any smoke on screen, and you wouldn’t have a cigarette in your hand. Because this is extremely sacred and pure for us.”

He reiterated that the moment was treated with sensitivity and respect, confirming that there is no visual depiction of smoking during or after the recitation in the film. He stated that the team behind 

holds the deepest respect for the Sikh community. Emphasising his personal reverence, the actor said that he regularly visits the Golden Temple before the release of his films. 

Headlined by Ranveer Singh and directed by Aditya Dhar, 

s sequel was released in theatres on March 19. The film is enjoying a blockbuster run, having collected over ₹900 crore worldwide. The film continues the story of Indian spy Hamza Ali Mazari/Jaskirat and his ascent in the Karachi underworld. Madhavan's character, a spymaster named Ajay Sanjal, is closely modelled on National Security Advisor Ajit Doval. In the film, Sanyal rescues Jaskirat from death row and offers him a second life, training him as a covert agent. 

R. Madhavan Issues Clarification on Smoking Scene in 'Dhurandhar: The Revenge' 

Ranveer Singh is all set to file an unconditional apology following his mimicry of the daiva scenes from 

. While the actor had already issued an apology on Instagram a few months ago, it is now being reported that he is set to file an affidavit before the Karnataka High Court on April 10, 2026, offering an unconditional apology over the incident.

, Ranveer Singh's counsel "voluntarily expressed willingness" to get him to visit the Chamundi temple -  the goddess plays an important role in the Rishab Shetty Kannada film - in Mysore and apologise in person. The report suggested that the complainant, advocate Prashanth Methal, felt Singh's apology "was insincere, pointing out that Ranveer Singh had only posted an apology on Instagram and had not orally apologised."

The actor, in an Instagram story in December last year, said he has always respected every culture and tradition in the country. "My intention was to highlight Rishabh's incredible performance in the film. Actor to actor, I know how much it would take to perform that particular scene in the way that he did, for which he has my utmost admiration...If I've hurt anyone's sentiments, I sincerely apologise."

The apology came on the heels of severe backlash for Singh's comments on the film at the closing ceremony of 

 in Goa. Singh, in his attempt to appreciate the movie, erroneously called the daivas, or demigods, depicted in 

, ghosts. “I watched Kantara Chapter 1 in theatres, and Rishab, it was an outstanding performance, especially when the female ghost (Chamundi daiva) enters your body — that shot was amazing.” He further mimicked Rishab Shetty's performance of the daivas, an intrinsic part of the Bhoota Kola tradition from coastal Karnataka, earning ire from a Hindu outfit,

one of whose members filed a complaint against the actor on grounds of disrespecting the daivas. Singh reportedly went to the Karnataka high court in February, requesting relief after the FIR.

Singh was recently seen in Aditya Dhar's hit sequel 

Ranveer Singh Is Ready To File Unconditional Apology Over ‘Kantara’ Mimicry Controversy: Report

Amazon MX Player has announced its new original series, 

 which will be headlined by actor Arjun Rampal and backed by filmmakers Hansal Mehta and Robbie Grewal.

Written by Anubhav Chopra and Shantanu Sagara and produced by Prabhleen Sandhu, under the banner of Almighty Motion Picture, 

traces the rise of a powerful business magnate who rewrites the rules to build an empire of influence and ambition. "But when the very force that drives his success begins to consume everything around him, where does it all lead?" the logline from the show reads.

said, "Playing a role like this is definitely not something that comes your way every day, and when it does, you grab it with both hands, feet, and whatever you’ve got."

The actor added that collaborating with makers like Mehta and Grewal has been a dream-come-true moment. "It feels great to have the fabulous team at Amazon MX Player making this journey even more special. The preparation starts soon, I am soaking into the world, getting to know the character better and really gearing up for something will be a very rewarding journey. I can’t wait for everyone to see what we have in store for the audiences."

Amogh Dusad, Head of Content, Amazon MX Player, called 

a story about ambition, power, and the cost of success. 

"Unveiling the series at the Amazon Ads event marks a significant milestone for us, setting the tone for the next phase of our originals journey. Collaborating with filmmakers like Hansal Mehta and Robbie Grewal brings strong creative depth and vision to the project, while Arjun Rampal adds gravitas and intensity to this compelling character. At Amazon MX Player, we remain committed to building a slate of original stories that are engaging, accessible, and free for audiences across the country," Dusad added.

Arjun Rampal To Lead Amazon MX Player's 'Billionaire' Series Backed by Hansal Mehta-Robbie Grewal

According to online speculation, rapper-singer Badshah has tied the knot to Punjabi actor Isha Rishi. The couple were married quietly in a private ceremony, as has been suggested after the bride's mother posted pictures and videos from the wedding on social media. Neither Badshah's nor Rishi's team have issued an official confirmation. 

Isha Rikhi made her acting debut in 2013 with the Punjabi film 

 (2013). She also had a role in the Hindi film 

Badshah, 40, was previously married to Jasmine Masih. The couple has a daughter named Jessemy Grace Masih Singh, born in 2017. Badshah and Jasmine separated in 2020, citing marital issues. 

Badshah recently landed in a controversy over his Haryanvi track 'Tateeree.' An FIR was registered against the rapper following complaints that the song’s lyrics and visuals contained demeaned women and minors.

In response, the Haryana Police ordered the removal of 857 links linked to the song. This includes 154 videos on YouTube and 703 Instagram reels, with authorities coordinating with social media platforms to ensure the takedown of all versions, including re-uploads and short-form contents. Police have also warned that individuals creating or sharing reels using the song could face legal consequences.

According to reports, notices were issued to platforms directing them to remove the material, citing the need to curb the spread of content deemed derogatory towards women and minors. Director General of Police Ajay Singhal reiterated a zero-tolerance stance, stating that any content undermining the dignity of women or children would invite strict legal action. Badshah, whose real name is Aditya Prateek Singh Sisodia, has since apologised, saying he did not intend to hurt sentiments. 

In Hindi cinema, Badshah last had tracks in 

Badshah Marries Punjabi Actress Isha Rishi In Private Ceremony: Reports

Actor Mona Singh believes the most inspiring careers in Indian entertainment today belong to actresses who have constantly reinvented themselves over time. 

about the shifting culture of celebrity and performance across television, films and streaming, Singh pointed to these performers as examples of artists who continue to evolve while staying rooted in their craft. “I really look up to Tabu, Kareena [Kapoor Khan], Shefali [Shah], Tillotama [Shome],” Singh said. “I love their journeys. They’re so inspiring, making new norms and constantly reinventing themselves.”

For Singh, the appeal lies not in celebrity spectacle but in the freedom to pursue authenticity on screen. She says she has never subscribed to the increasingly elaborate culture of entourages and image management that now accompanies stardom.

“People feel the bigger the car and the bigger the entourage, the better the impression,” she said. “But I’ve never even insisted on having my own make-up team. As long as I’m looking the character, I’m happy.”

That approach, she believes, has also shaped how she views age and image in an industry that often polices both. “It’s never about looking pretty on screen just to prove a point,” she said. “It’s about looking the part that you’re playing. I know who I am personally and I’m very secure in that way.”

Streaming platforms, she argues, have played a crucial role in enabling that shift. In India, where OTT has expanded rapidly over the past decade, Singh says the format has given many actors a second creative life.

“OTT has given us those wings,” she said. “It’s only been seven or eight years that we’ve really been introduced to it, and there’s so much more to do.” 

The transition also allowed Singh to step away from television at a moment when she felt the medium had become creatively limiting. “I had done most of the shows, reality shows, everything,” she said. “If I wanted to stay in that comfort, I could have. I was getting the biggest offers. But that’s not me. As an actor you always want something you haven’t done before.”

Interestingly, she feels television in the early 2000s was more progressive than much of what is currently broadcast. Today, she says, the format has become trapped in repetitive tropes. “We need to give something new to TV,” Singh said. “People should watch stories that are real and relatable, not just kitchen politics with women putting each other down.”

Yet Singh believes streaming now risks repeating some of the same mistakes. As platforms chase viewership data and engagement metrics, storytelling can begin to follow rigid formulas designed to maximise retention. The result, she suggests, is a kind of algorithm-driven drama where suspense, cliffhangers and emotional beats are carefully engineered rather than organically written. “Of course that happens,” she said. “There will be a lot of stuff we won’t watch or like because they’re following those norms.”

But Singh insists the system can still be resisted. Even within the algorithmic ecosystem of streaming platforms, she says, standout shows continue to emerge. “There is a herd mentality and it will continue for some time,” she said. “But there are always those people who reinvent themselves and start writing what is real; there will always be a 

For actors, that ultimately comes down to choice. “We have the luxury to say yes or no,” she said. “There is a lot of rubbish happening even on the big screen, but there are still a few films and shows that stand out. That’s what you wait for.”

Mona Singh on Why OTT Must Escape Algorithms and Female Stars Redefining Longevity: 'I Really Look Up to Tabu and Kareena'

K-pop giant HYBE has launched an India-wide talent search initiative called HYBE India Audition. The announcement was accompanied by the release of a poster and a launch video introducing the first phase of the programme.

The audition aims to identify aspiring music talent from India and the Indian diaspora. Selected candidates will be given access to HYBE’s training and production system, which includes creative development, performance training, and global content positioning. 

The audition will be conducted through a combination of online and offline formats, with in-person auditions planned across key cities including Ahmedabad, Bengaluru, Chandigarh, Chennai, Delhi, Guwahati, Hyderabad, Kolkata, Mumbai, and Pune. Further details on timelines, eligibility, and participation are expected to be announced on the company’s official platforms.

The audition is presented in collaboration with leading global and national brands including H&M, Shoppers Stop, Samsung, and Nongshim. Snapchat and BookMyShow will join as Media and Ticketing Partners, respectively. Together, these partnerships will come to life through a series of integrated experiences- from on-ground pop-up activations and retail engagements to digital participation, designed to make the audition journey more exciting, accessible, and culturally resonant for young audiences.

Further details regarding audition timelines, eligibility, and participation guidelines will be announced soon across HYBE INDIA’s official platforms.

HYBE has previously developed global music acts including BTS and KATSEYE. The India initiative is part of its broader strategy to expand into emerging entertainment markets and build locally rooted artists with international reach.

As announced earlier, a new documentary will trace the reunion of BTS following their extended hiatus for mandatory military service. Titled 

, the feature-length film will premiere on Netflix on 27 March, offering an inside look at the group’s first steps back into the studio together.

Directed by Bao Nguyen, whose previous work includes the documentaries 

, the film follows the seven members of the South Korean group as they regroup in Los Angeles.

HYBE, the K-Pop Giant Behind Global Sensation BTS, Announces India-Wide Talent Hunt 

, an upcoming Tamil film headlined by Dhanush, has been released. In the film, Baiju will be playing a central character named Selli. In the poster, the actor appears in a simple red saree with a stricken look, hinting at complex undercurrents. The film appears to have a rural setting and a gritty, intense atmosphere.

The makers unveiled her first-look poster on Monday. Additional character reveals from the film are expected to roll out later today. 

One of the biggest Tamil titles of the year, 

is slated for a theatrical release on April 30, 2026. The film is directed by Vignesh Raja and written by him and Alfred Prakash. Vignesh rose to fame for writing and directing the investigative thriller Por Thozhil, co-starring Ashok Selvan and Sarathkumar, in 2023. For Kara, he has teamed up with producer Ishari K. Ganesh of Vels Film International. 

Known for her work in Malayalam and Tamil cinema, Mamitha Baiju was last seen in Pradeep Ranganathan's 

, a hit comedy drama. The actor, who rose to fame for her role in 

, which was postponed following a legal battle with the CBFC. The film also co-stars Pooja Hegde, Bobby Deol, and Prakash Raj. Baiju's other projects in the works include 

Dhanush was last seen in his own directorial, the Tamil film 

, alongside Kriti Sanon. Currently, the Tamil star is working on 

with director Rajkumar Periasamy. The film also features Sai Pallavi and Sreeleela, with Malayalam star Mammootty joining the cast last month. Periasamy delivered a blockbuster with 

, a biographical action drama starring Sivakarthikeyan, Sai Pallavi and Geetha Kailasam, in 2024.

Dhanush's 'Kara': Mamitha Baiju’s First Look as Selli Revealed  

The Madras High Court on Monday, according to a report in 

, dismissed an appeal filed by Tamil filmmaker-producer 

 and Photon Factory, in which Menon is a partner, against a single judge’s order directing them to pay ₹4.25 crore, along with interest at the rate of 12% per annum from May 2010, to S Elred Kumar's production company R.S. Infotainment.

The order comes on account of Menon reportedly not having completed an untitled movie described as 'production no. 6' as part of an agreement with RS Infotainment.

, the defendants said, ‘production no. 6’ was given a tentative title of ‘Nithya’ but finally got released in theatres on December 14, 2012, under the title of 

. "Mr. Menon himself had entered the witness box and got himself examined as well as cross-examined in the suit. However, after sifting through the oral evidence rendered by Mr. Kumar and Mr. Menon, as well as the documents related to the case, Justice Ramamoorthy found that 

 was produced pursuant to a ₹13.27 crore agreement entered between R.S. Infotainment, Photon Factory, and Mr. Menon on July 6, 2011, and it had nothing to do with the 2008 agreement related to ‘production no. 6'," the report read.

, the filmmaker spoke about writing his future project. "

I’m writing a script around the production of these concerts — almost like a Broadway-style musical. The idea is to have actors who can break into song and dance, with the songs becoming emotional expressions within a larger narrative. We are currently scouting for actors who can perform on stage, with a script and story based around the songs. That’s a big plan which is currently in motion," the filmmaker said.

Gautham Vasudev Menon Ordered to Pay ₹4.25 crore to R.S. Infotainment: Report

Casting director Mukesh Chhabra is currently experiencing deep joy and gratitude. Catching him after the long weekend, post the storming release and reception of 

, there is a palpable sense that the film marks an important moment in his career. “It took me 20 years to reach here, after doing over 300 films,” Chhabra tells 

When he began working as a casting director, in 

(2006), the job profile was nascent. Previously, directors would cast for their films, their assistants auditioning prospectives, decisions made and discussed in Cafe Coffee Day. “They used to cast the same three people in every film—same villain, same right hand, same mother, same sister, same driver. Now the audience gets to see so many new actors and faces,” Chhabra notes. 

The rise of the casting director coincided with the rise of realism and the presence of tier-two and three cities in Hindi cinema—accents, faces, comportment that was in tune with the milieu and place of the films became a categorical necessity. 

Initially, it was directors like Vishal Bhardwaj, Rakeysh Omprakash Mehra, Hansal Mehta, Anubhav Sinha, Rajkumar Hirani, Imtiaz Ali, and Anurag Kashyap who made use of Chhabra’s intuition and insight. 

“But now, every single director in Bollywood, even the big directors making commercial films, has a casting director,” Chhabra notes, having worked on films as small as 

. He is one of the first persons to come on board a project, after the writer, producer, and director. 

Today, over 70 people are working in his company, scouring local theater groups, Instagram, Facebook, local acting and film schools looking for the next breakout star. Besides, thousands of people walk into his office every day in pursuit of a part, however peripheral. “We keep recording data. But I only focus on a film once I get a script. I personally don’t find talent through Instagram,” Chhabra notes. 

A member of Casting Society of America (CSA), he has long rallied for reframing casting as an artform that deserves recognition in its own right. Along with names like Shanoo Sharma, Nandini Shrikent, Shruti Mahajan, Parag Mehta, Kavish Sinha, Abhishek Banerjee, and Anmol Ahuja, casting has increasingly become imperative, and not merely incidental, to storytelling in India. 

This year, the Academy Awards finally recognised casting as a category. Chhabra is waiting for India to catch up, “I hope in our country, more people take this job seriously, and I hope the National Award people also pay some attention to our work.”

Chhabra and Aditya Dhar, the director of 

, met when they were ADs, and became quick and close friends. Impressed with Dhar’s script, he started shopping around for actors. They used references of the real life people on whom the film is loosely based, but soon hit a roadblock. 

Casting for Rehman Dakait, the leader of the Baloch gang, for example, was particularly difficult. An important character and delicious villain, he disappears after the first part. “We were discussing so many actor’s names for the film, but the actors kept saying no, because they didn’t want to be part of an ensemble film.” 

The physicality of these actors Chhabra was considering would have been perfect for the role, he notes, “Sometimes you don’t have to create a look for an actor,” hoping the actor slips into that character the way they walk into a room. But to every actor, every role, their own destiny. After the film’s release, he got calls from all the actors who rejected the part, dripping in regret. 

“Akshaye Khanna’s name came towards the end. Akshaye has this capacity—give him anything and he will surprise you. When I first called him, he said, “Are you mad?” But I told him to just come at least and hear the story. He came and after the narration, looked at me and said, “Fantastic!” in that typical way of his. Within the day he called and confirmed he’s doing the film. It was that quick,” Chhabra notes. 

Madhavan, too, was a mere call away, “I had known him since the 

days. I told him, trust me, I am doing this film, and we need only 10-12 days from him. He was shooting for 

 (2025) at Mehboob Studios. Aditya [Dhar] went to the studio to meet him, and he called me within an hour, and said he is fantastic—a great actor. Madhavan, too, immediately said yes. He brought an authority to his performance. There is no action. He speaks calmly, and never loses his control.”  

A lot of Chhabra’s stories involve actors trusting his instinct to come and audition or listen to a narration. Shefali Shah, too, heeded his advice. Chhabra was struggling to cast the lead role for the first season of 

. “Every single actress I went to said no,” Chhabra remembers. The director, Richie Mehta, was from Canada, and did not know anyone. Besides, there was no streaming platform attached to the show. It was sold to Netflix much later. But Chhabra called Shefali and requested her to hear the story, an important one, “Shefali immediately understood and agreed.” 

Chhabra is no stranger to challenges. Casting Munni in 

(2015), for example, was especially hard, “Aisi ladki dhoondna tha jise poora Hindustan pyaar kare,” (I had to find a girl whom every Indian could love) Chhabra notes. He auditioned over 700 kids for that. “My brief was to break 

(1983) ka Jugal Hansraj, honestly,” he laughs.

was a difficult assignment, because the film was mounted on three fresh faces—Amit Sadh, Sushant Singh Rajput, and Rajkummar Rao. With OTT, these pressures are less, even as the scope of acting has magnified, “I have no pressure to cast a bigger star for a show, I only think of the character. I have a free hand. If 

 was a film I would not be able to cast Prateek Gandhi in it,” Chhabra who has also cast for shows like 

Chhabra has a unique perspective on casting. When asked how he distinguishes good acting from good casting, he responds, “I don’t think about acting. I only think about casting for my character. If the acting is not that great but the actor is correct for my part, I will go with that actor.” The challenge, then, is to find actors aligned enough to inhabit characters, as opposed to actors talented enough to reach characters.

 Chhabra expanded the challenge. “I wanted to cast every single person whoever is on screen, whether for a scene or dialogue. That was my request to Aditya. My eight assistants and I spent 2 years auditioning and casting over 300 people for the film.” 

Sara Arjun was found through this process of auditioning. She was one among a thousand auditions for the role. Chhabra was looking for a face that was untouched by any baggage of previous films. “When I saw her audition, I went mad. The scene in 

, when she confronts Ranveer Singh about being an Indian agent was her audition scene,” Chhabra notes. 

It is the joy of discovery in his voice, and in having discovered, being celebrated. People are asking him what his next project is, looking forward to what fresh face he is going to push into the limelight. It is a question often asked to directors or writers. The ambit, though, has expanded.

Mukesh Chhabra on Casting 'Dhurandhar: The Revenge': ‘Every Actor Who Said No... Called Me Later’

Malayalam actor Mohanlal is the latest Indian celebrity to seek legal protection for his personality rights. 

, the veteran star has approached the Delhi High Court seeking protection of his personality and publicity rights. The matter is scheduled to be heard on Tuesday (March 25) by Justice Jyoti Singh.

Mohanlal joins a growing list of actors, cricketers and public figures who have sought legal safeguards against the unauthorised commercial use of their identity. In recent years, with the advent of AI-generated deepfakes, courts have increasingly granted injunctions restraining the misuse of a celebrity’s name, voice, image and likeness, particularly in advertisements, merchandise and digitally manipulated content. Actors such as Anil Kapoor, Abhishek Bachchan, Salman Khan and Jr NTR have previously secured such protections. More recently, the Delhi High Court extended similar relief to actor Sonakshi Sinha by issuing an interim order.

The rise of generative artificial intelligence and deepfake technology has accelerated concerns around identity misuse, prompting more public figures to seek judicial intervention. Legal experts note that personality rights—though not codified in a single statute in India—are being actively shaped through court rulings, especially in cases involving digital exploitation.

On the film front, Mohanlal will next be seen in 

, the next chapter in the highly successful thriller franchise. Initially scheduled to be released on April 2, the film directed by Jeethu Joseph will now be arrive in cinemas on May 21. The new date also marks the Malayalam superstar's birthday.

Mohanlal posted this update on X along with a new poster from the film. "The past never stays silent…it only waits. Georgekutty arrives, May 21st 2026. #Drishyam3 | Worldwide Release," he wrote.

with Mahesh Narayanan and Mammootty, and Priyadarshan's 100th film, which was recently announced.

Mohanlal Approaches Delhi High Court Seeking Protection For Personality Rights

 has had a terrific run at the box office. The film has now crossed ₹75 crores at the global box office since its release in late February. The film's total India gross collections amount to ₹65.83 Cr, according to 

At a recent success meet of the film, Radikaa spoke about how the producers gave her a share of the profits, apart from her salary. "It's not about the money, but it's about the feeling of 'yes, we can do this."

"I asked Sudhan, 'Why are all the producers fixing more salaries for men and not for the female actors?'. But, I need to say this today—hats off to producers Sivakarthikeyan and Sudhan. For the first time in the Tamil industry, a heroine has been given a share in profits," she said at the event. She also added that this was an encouragement to all female actors. "It is a good example for the industry and a good encouragement for the women. It's not enough to just speak about women's empowerment, but they showed this in their actions."

The Tamil film is produced by Sivakarthikeyan and directed by Sivakumar Murugesan. He has also written the film. Illavarasu and Aruldoss play her relatives in the film. Nivas K Prassana has scored the film’s music. The film revolves around 

a fiercely independent, intimidating elderly woman in a rural village, known for being tough, ruthless, and blunt, especially as a moneylender whose strict enforcement of dues makes her feared by locals.

Sivakarthikeyan was last seen in Sudha Kongara's 

. He will next be seen in Sivakumar Murugesan's (it reunites him with Sivakarthikeyan following 

. In Seyon's meta teaser, Sivakarthikeyan paid homage to 

, Kamal Haasan's cult action drama from 2004. The teaser, which was released to mark Sivakarthikeyan's birthday on February 17, features the actor as Lord Viruman, a performer of God. Sivakarthikeyan released the teaser on his birthday with a caption thanking his fans.

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