After a lot of speculation about his debut in India, Kanye West- now known as Ye, has announced his show in New Delhi on March 29, 2026 at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium.

This announcement lands at a moment when Ye’s public journey has been as much about controversy as it has about artistic reinvention. Over the past couple of years, the 24-time Grammy winner’s public persona has undergone a turbulent evolution from issuing provocative statements, releasing divisive new material and sparking global debate, to a full-page apology placed in 

in late January 2026, in which he addressed antisemitic remarks and acknowledged periods of “losing touch with reality” amid untreated bipolar disorder. Despite all this, the continuing demand for his live presence underscores a polarising appeal.

Kanye West Announces Debut India Show in March 2026

It’s difficult to shake off Sudip Sharma's 

. The heaviness—of the people, the system and the sense of a place closing in on itself—outlives the final frame. That world is the result of careful, department-by-department design, which has already made the Mona Singh-Barun Sobti-led show among the most acclaimed titles in recent times.

The new season—directed by Sharma and Faizal Rehman and written by Gunjit Chopra, Diggi Sisodia and Sharma—expands the geography and the ensemble without altering the show’s interior gaze. The investigation now moves across Punjab, with a cast of 150 actors forming its core.

spoke to casting director Nikita Grover, Director of Photography Isshaan Ghosh and Production Designer Mukund Gupta about what went behind building the second season from the ground up.

Casting | Three Months On The Road And 800 Auditions

, much like her process for the 2023 season, Grover went back to Punjab, thinking familiarity would shorten the process. “I went in feeling really confident that I had already been there, so it would be easy this time,” she says. 

The recce turned into another three to three-and-a-half months of constant travel all over Punjab. "There are places where people can’t even imagine auditions can happen. We went there!"

Casting for this season began in Mumbai as some of the new characters (Sam Bajwa played by Rannvijay Singha and Preet, played by Pooja Bhamrrah) carried a distinctly urban life, so they didn’t want to cast those in Punjab. Once those were locked, Grover moved base.

From there, the search widened again, and with it, the realisation of how limited the visible casting pool for Punjabi actors still is. “In regional films, you see the same four or five faces. Most others are living through theatre. When we reached smaller towns, people were shocked that auditions were happening!" Grover says.

By the end of the process, Grover had auditioned around 700 to 800 actors, out of which she cast roughly 150 to 160 characters. "Some didn’t make it to the final cut, but that is the scale of the world," she adds.

Not every part revealed itself easily. The character of Rakesh Kumar (played by Satyakam Anand) took really long to cast, so did that of Sam. While one of her personal victories was to cast Parminder Pal Kaur, a 73-year-old actor facing the camera for the first time as Harsimrat Atwal. “She has done theatre all her life in Punjab. So for her, this was her first screen work! It was also such a joy to cast Pradhuman Singh Mall, who plays Mona Singh's husband."

When asked about the unassuming Jaideep Ahlawat cameo on the show, Grover laughs and says the appearance happened outside the design of the show. He had come to visit the set and asked if he could do the part. “I actually got angry because I had cast someone,” she says, laughing. “He said, can I just do this? And everyone was like, 'OMG! You will do this?!'"

Cinematography | Letting The Place Dictate The Frames

Isshaan Ghosh did not begin with visual references for 

The DOP says he dislikes following references, as one loses the essence of the place when approached with already decided images. Ghosh, instead, likes to take inspiration from the locations, actors and the story. For this season, the mood came from the material and from winter in Punjab. 

“The story is pretty grim and Punjab does have that side. So we kept high-contrast lighting. The images are softer because of the fog, but the shadows are deeper. When the sun is there, it is harsher. It was about replicating winter as truthfully as possible.” For Ghosh, the visual language had to reflect the inner weather of the characters. “There is a fogginess in their lives and that had to come across.”

His approach to cinematography on a show like 

was deliberately functional, where it was not about constantly trying to make everything look "the best." The most visually appealing frame might not have the greatest impact. What matters is the punch the audience feels," he says. The stillness of the show comes from extensive preparation rather than from minimal effort. 

“We had a very detailed shot breakdown. We went through each scene bit by bit and designed it properly. We had a three to four-month prep. So when we hit day one, we knew exactly what we were going to do.” 

The look of the show was developed in close conversation with production design and costume. “Mukund helped me immensely in deciphering the palette and keeping it true to Punjab,” he says. “Without that, it wouldn’t have looked like this.”

Production Design | Spaces That Carry Memory

Mukund Gupta’s brief was clear from the beginning: The show wasn't going to be a postcard of Punjab. “We weren’t interested in mustard fields or celebratory excess. The environment had to carry the same weight as the characters," he shares.

"For me, the word that anchored everything was 'interiority.' The landscapes are expansive, but the emotional world is suffocating. So we built a Punjab that feels weathered—damp walls, aging concrete, half-finished houses funded by remittances, rooms that hold memory and silence. The horror in 

is embedded in everyday spaces—police stations, homes, farms. That urgency comes from making the world feel uncomfortably real," he says.

The production design team consciously desaturated the visual palette. So, even when colour appears, it’s muted by dust, fog, or decay. The idea was that nothing feels decorative and everything feels inhabited. The world had to feel like it existed long before the camera arrived and would continue long after, Gupta informs.

The research began with immersion in small towns and peri-urban areas of Punjab—observing architecture, textures, paint, signage, wiring, furniture and even how people modify their homes over time. 

"A lot of attention went into transitional spaces — verandas, terraces, unfinished staircases — because they tell stories about aspiration and migration. We also researched police infrastructure — not just official layouts but how these spaces evolve through use. Files pile up, repairs are makeshift, furniture is mismatched. That sense of organic disorder was important."

Restraint then became the central challenge, Gupta notes, and the effort was to ensure that the sets couldn’t become theatrical backdrops. "There’s also the emotional challenge of working on material that’s this heavy; they had to support performances without overwhelming them. The production design had to breathe quietly beneath the narrative. In many ways, 

 is about what lies beneath surfaces—socially and psychologically— so the design philosophy followed the same idea."

Exclusive | Building 'Kohrra 2': 800 Auditions, That Lived-In Punjab Feel and Jaideep Ahlawat's Cameo

This week has something for everyone—whether it's romance, action, comedy, sci-fi, or drama. We have 

, a deeply unsettling courtroom drama starring Taapsee Pannu and Kani Kusruti, and Anurag Kashyap's 

, a gritty neo-noir crime-thriller, finally gets its India release. On the other end of the spectrum, we have 

 an endearing romance drama that explores the peculiarities of modern love in urban India. Finally, a special mention for family entertainers releasing this week: 

Anubhav Sinha’s hard-hitting legal drama pierces through the apathy and patriarchy within India’s legal infrastructure. The film follows the case of a teacher, played by Kani Kusruti, who is abducted and gang-raped, and her fight for justice with the help of her lawyer, played by Taapsee Pannu. Beyond the courtroom, the story reveals how survivors are let down by the system, their families, and their communities at every step—an unsettling, but important watch.   

This Siddhant Chaturvedi-Mrunal Thakur starrer is a romantic drama that explores the lives of two ‘awkward’ millennials who cross paths through an arranged marriage set-up. Set against the backdrop of the big city, the film follows the two as they struggle with their own internal turmoil, while simultaneously navigating an imperfect, confusing dynamic. Hailed as a refreshing, heartwarming romance, this film keeps the Valentine’s Day celebrations going.

, its sequel follows cop Seetharam, played by Vijay Raghavendra, navigating yet another gruesome case. This time, it’s a series of murders that just won’t stop, casting doubt on Seetharam’s competence as a police officer. The film offers a deeper exploration of his character, as he works against the clock to hunt down the culprit.

, this Telugu comedy starring Suhas is set to be an ‘out-and-out entertainer’. Directed by Gopi Atchara, the film follows a family navigating their mysterious business (the nature of which has been kept deliberately under wraps throughout the film’s promotional cycle), which leads to a comedy of errors. Despite being made on a relatively low budget, the film is predicted to be a hit among audiences. 

 is an animated sports comedy with heart. With a star-studded cast, (with the likes of Stephen Curry, who is debuting, Caleb McLaughlin, Gabrielle Union, Jennifer Hudson, Nicola Coughlan, and David Harbour), this underdog story follows a young goat with big dreams of being a ‘roarball’ (their version of basketball) champion. This one’s set to be a fun, lighthearted watch for all ages.

This A24 dark comedy-thriller is a satirical reimagining of the 1949 British film, 

. The story follows a blue-collar underdog (played by Glen Powell), who discovers that he is the rightful heir to a billionaire family’s inheritance. Following the death of his mother, he decides to take down everyone standing in the way of his fortune.

), this sci-fi action-comedy begins with a mysterious, eccentric ‘Man From the Future’ who recruits a rag-tag group of customers from a diner, to save the world from a rogue artificial intelligence.

Anurag Kashyap’s gritty crime-thriller—which first premiered at the Cannes Film Festival in 2023—is finally getting its release in India, on Zee 5. The story follows ‘Kennedy’ (played by Rahul Bhat), a rogue ex-cop who is a mild-mannered chauffeur by day, and a killer-for-hire by night. Hailed as a return to form for Kashyap, this film might be best-watched under the cover of darkness.

Starring G.V. Prakash Kumar and Anaswara Rajan, this feel-good family entertainer follows the adventures of a stray puppy trying to find her way home. Along the way, she brings a family together, and causes chaos wherever she goes.

What to Watch This Week: ‘Assi’, ‘Kennedy’, and ‘Do Deewane Sheher Mein’

Filmmaker brothers Imtiaz Ali and Sajid Ali are reuniting for 

, a new romantic drama produced by Ekta Kapoor. The project is positioned as a thematic continuation of 

, which has grown in popularity years after its original theatrical release.

Sajid Ali will direct the film, while Imtiaz Ali is attached as presenter and creative collaborator. According to the makers, shooting is expected to begin soon. Casting details have not yet been disclosed.

The announcement was accompanied by a short Valentine’s Day promotional clip carrying the message: “Some love stories never die… From 

— The Love Legacy Continues.” The film is described as rooted in classic romance but reinterpreted for contemporary audiences.

Kapoor said the filmmakers share a consistent emotional approach to storytelling and expressed hope the new film would connect with audiences across India and the diaspora. Imtiaz Ali added that the story retains the timelessness of the original legend while attempting to speak in the emotional language of the present generation.

The project follows the unexpected resurgence of 

, starring Triptii Dimri and Avinash Tiwary. Released in 2018, the film performed poorly at the box office but gradually built a dedicated following through streaming and word of mouth. A 2025 re-release reportedly earned additional revenue and helped the film recover its costs, turning it into a delayed commercial success.

The new film adapts another well-known Punjabi tragic romance, continuing the filmmakers’ interest in literary love stories anchored in fatalism and longing. The makers have not confirmed whether the narrative will exist in the same universe as the earlier film or function as a spiritual successor.

Production timelines, release window and music collaborators remain unannounced. The team indicated further details including the lead cast will be revealed closer to the start of filming. 

'Heer Ranjha': Imtiaz Ali and Sajid Ali Reunite After 'Laila Majnu' Revival; Ekta Kapoor to Produce

Just days after a Tamil Nadu MP made a statement connecting actress Trisha with TVK Chief Vijay, the actor has issued a press note, written by her legal counsel. She shared the press note on her various social media handles with the caption “Disrespect should and always will be called out.” This note reads, “My client never expected that such distasteful and inappropriate remark would be made

by a person holding a high stature in the State's political space. My client makes it very clear that she is not affiliated with any political party, nor

does she intend to be. Further, just as my client had continuously maintained in the past, she has always taken a neutral stand when it comes to politics."

It added, “My client wishes to be defined only by her craft and not by any alleged political

alignment. Further and most importantly, it is a common saying that personal lives should never be made the subject of public commentary or discourse, and it is expected that persons holding high positions maintain responsibility and equanimity in public discourse, ” wrote advocate Nithyaesh Natraj. 

Her statement was in response to what BJP State President Nainar Nagendran had commented about actor and politician Vijay’s recent rally in Tamil Nadu’s Salem district. Talking about Vijay’s lack of experience in politics, Nagendran said Vijay should focus on his own family and “come out of actor Trisha’s house.” Politicians from the ruling DMK party of Tamil Nadu had called out this statement. 

Actor Vijay has not yet responded. Just last week, the makers of Vijay’s 

 had withdrawn their petition before the Madras High Court challenging the Central Board of Film Certification’s (CBFC) decision to refer the film to a revising committee. The withdrawal clears the way for the CBFC’s revising committee to examine the film and determine whether it will be granted an Adult (A), Unrestricted Public Exhibition (U), or Unrestricted Exhibition with Parental Guidance (U/A) certificate. On February 10, Justice PT Asha of the Madras High Court heard the case and permitted the withdrawal of the petition, 

Trisha Krishnan On MP's Statement: 'Disrespect Will Be Called Out'

September 2025 should have been a milestone month for Indian independent cinema.

Within weeks of each other, five indie titles — 

 — found release. In an industry where independent films often struggle for budgets, screens, and visibility, the clustering of these projects could have resulted in momentum. Instead, according to Anurag Kashyap, it exposed a deeper problem.

Woh paanchon film ke filmmakers ne baaki chaar ke baare mein baat nahin ki

 (Each of the five filmmakers did not talk about the other four). 

Kashyap says he belongs to a generation of filmmakers who emerged in the late ’90s and early 2000s — when independent cinema in India operated on solidarity, despite fragile economics.

“It’s a very simple thing: I love cinema, I love people who love cinema,” he says. For Kashyap, that love has meant backing his peers, publicly and privately.

“We used to encourage each other and champion each other’s films,” he says, recalling buying tickets to support releases and actively fighting for one another’s projects. “

Woh time ek aisa tha ki ek camaraderie thi

 (That time, we shared a camaraderie).”

That camaraderie, he says, is missing today.

“In the process, we’re also killing our own film,” he says, referring to the reluctance to promote peers while one’s own film is in theatres. “Those things don’t matter.” In his view, supporting another filmmaker does not take away from one’s own release; it strengthens the ecosystem.

For him, the lack of vocal support among filmmakers reflects the absence of a collective identity. “There’s no collective,” he says bluntly. “There’s no joy, no celebration… no honest conversations, those things are missing.” Without studio backing or large marketing spends, visibility is often community-driven. Word of mouth endorsements can make a world of a difference for a film.

Kashyap contrasts this with his experience abroad. “There’s this camaraderie that I have internationally, that I don’t have in India.” He speaks of fellow independent filmmakers from other countries sending him their projects before screenings, seeking feedback and support. The exchange, he implies, is a symptom of collaboration, rather than competition.

The September slate in India could have had a major impact—five independent films occupying conversation at the same time. Instead, the director says, each operated in its own silo. 

Until that changes, Kashyap argues, “Independent cinema has no option in India."

Watch the full conversation with the filmmaker-actor on The Hollywood Reporter India's YouTube channel, dropping later today

Anurag Kashyap on the Lack of Solidarity Among Independent Filmmakers in India: 'There's No Collective'


Photos of Rajkummar Rao with a noticeably altered appearance circulated widely online this week, prompting speculation about the actor’s health. Rao later clarified that the change was deliberate and part of his preparation for an upcoming biographical film titled 

In a post on Instagram, the actor said he gained weight and thinned his hair to match the character’s age and physicality. He added that he prefers altering his own body rather than relying on prosthetics where possible.

“My being is through my art,” he wrote, explaining that the film required him to look older and physically different. Rao said he gained around 9–10 kilograms for the role, adjusting his diet accordingly and avoiding cosmetic styling to keep the appearance natural.

He also noted that the approach is consistent with his past work. For the series Bose: Dead/Alive he partially shaved his head, while for Trapped he significantly reduced his weight. During the filming of Srikanth, he maintained behavioural traits of a visually impaired character even when the camera was not rolling.

 required sustained dietary changes, including increased calorie intake, to achieve the desired body shape. He expressed hope that the effort would be visible to audiences once the film releases.

The actor is now reversing the process as he prepares for another biographical project based on former India cricket captain Sourav Ganguly. In the same note, he said he has begun losing the added weight to fit the next role’s physical requirements.

Rao’s comments emphasised his preference for physical preparation over technical alteration. He said he intends to continue “working the hardest” to engage viewers through performance rather than visual effects.

Rao did not share further plot details about 

, but indicated the film has completed principal photography and is in post-production. The Ganguly biopic, still in preparation stages, will require another physical recalibration. The actor said the transition between projects is ongoing and part of his routine process between character-driven roles.

Rajkummar Rao Gains Weight and Thins Hair for ‘Nikam’, Begins Prep for Sourav Ganguly Biopic

Filmmaker Vishal Bhardwaj's latest theatrical outing, 

, recorded decent but stable first-weekend figures at the box office, with the romantic action-drama recording its biggest collection on Valentine's Day. 

is headlined by Shahid Kapoor and Triptii Dimri.

According to the official collections by the makers, 

opened on Friday at ₹9.01 crore. While the industry would have hoped for a double-digit opening—especially because the budget of the film is reportedly high and the genre is heavy on action—the movie managed to register a big jump on its second day, February 14.

benefited from Valentine's Day on Saturday and netted ₹14.50 crore. The third-day momentum, however, was hit due to the India vs Pakistan cricket match, so the film couldn't match the Saturday figures The official first weekend collection of the film stands at ₹34.51 crore nett. While the global weekend gross hasn't been reported yet, it is expected to be around ₹50 crore.

Produced by Sajid Nadiadwala's Nadiadwala Grandson Entertainment, the makers have rolled out a buy-one-get-one offer on Monday. The film also stars Avinash Tiwary, Nana Patekar, Farida Jalal,  Vikrant Massey, Disha Patani and Tamannaah Bhatia in special appearances. 

The film was released last Friday along with Bejoy Nambiar's 

, the creature-survival thriller headlined by Shanaya Kapoor and Adarsh Gourav. Backed by Aanand L Rai, the film had a low first weekend, recording a huge jump on Saturday when it netted over ₹2 crore. The first weekend total of the film stands at around ₹3 crore.

follows two influencers—Maruti, played by Gourav, and Avani Shah (Miss Vanity), played by Kapoor—who find themselves trapped in a deadly fight for survival when a crocodile shows up in a pool. The film is an official adaptation of the 2018 Thai thriller 

'O'Romeo' Box-Office: Shahid Kapoor, Triptii Dimri Actioner Records Over ₹30 Crore Weekend

 and Ketan Mehta have teamed up for a new historical drama titled 

. The project will be produced under the banners of Bhansali Productions and Maya Movies, with Mehta attached as writer and director. The film is scheduled for release in 2027.

According to the makers, Jai Somnath is set against the events of 1025–1026 CE, when Mahmud of Ghazni plundered the Somnath Temple in present-day Gujarat. The announcement coincides with 1,000 years of the invasion of the temple, which was later rebuilt. The Somnath temple is regarded as religiously and culturally significant in Indian history. According to the announcement, the film will revisit this episode from India's past for the first time on the big screen. Further details on casting and production timelines are expected to be announced at a later date.

The collaboration brings together Bhansali, known for large-scale period dramas, and Mehta, known for socially driven films like the classic 

, an adaptation of the famous Manto short story, which released in 2018 on ZEE5. He is also known for 

, starring Nawazuddin Siddiqui and Radhika Apte. 

Bhansali’s recent credits include the streaming series 

. As a director, his upcoming venture is 

, starring Ranbir Kapoor, Alia Bhatt and Vicky Kaushal. Initially slated for a 2026 release, the film will now likely release next year. During a recent Instagram Live, Ranbir Kapoor confirmed the development, stating that 

Bhansali Productions is also bringing out 

, a contemporary romantic drama starring Siddhant Chaturvedi and Mrunal Thakur. The film will release theatrically on February 20.

'Jai Somnath': Sanjay Leela Bhansali and Ketan Mehta Team Up For Historical Drama on Somnath Invasion 

has learnt that there are no plans to push the star’s upcoming mega outing 

, with the film continuing to hold on to its March 19 worldwide opening despite rumours that the team was scouting for a new date. 

Industry insiders dismiss the postponement chatter as baseless, stating that the rollout is progressing as planned. The speculation began circulating on Sunday, with posts claiming that the makers of 

 were facing uncertainty over the film’s overseas distribution and could vacate the release slot. 

While the chatter gained some traction online, trade sources maintain there is no shift in strategy and that 

remains firmly dated for March 19, a day that will also see the release of 

“There is absolutely no truth to the rumours about 

being postponed. The film is firmly on track for its March 19 release, and there has been no change whatsoever to the schedule. Promotional activities are strategically lined up, and the team is executing everything as planned,” sources say.

Produced by KVN Productions and Monster Mind Creations, the film is written by Yash and Geetu Mohandas, who has also directed it. The film has been shot simultaneously in Kannada and English, with dubbed versions planned in multiple Indian languages.

Insiders further highlight that the film has already closed multiple record-setting distribution deals across key territories, with unprecedented numbers locked well in advance. “These landmark deals reflect the extraordinary confidence the trade and exhibitors have in the film. Such massive commitments simply would not be made if the release were uncertain.” 

secured a record overseas distribution deal, with Phars Film acquiring the international rights to the film’s Indian-language versions for an advance of ₹105 crore. The film also became the first non-Telugu production to secure a ₹120 crore distribution deal in the Andhra Pradesh–Telangana market, acquired by Sri Venkateswara Creations.

Billed as a stylish, noir-inspired thriller, 

also stars Kiara Advani, Huma Qureshi, Nayanthara and Tara Sutaria.

Exclusive | Yash’s ‘Toxic’ On Track for March 19 Release; Industry Insiders Dismiss Postponement Rumours

Prime Video spotlighted its expanding international slate at the inaugural Prime Video Presents: International Originals showcase in London, with India’s 

The event was introduced by Kelly Day, Vice President of Prime Video & Amazon MGM Studios International, and hosted by Nicole Clemens, Vice President of International Originals at Amazon MGM Studios. 

From India, Prime Video offered a first look at 

 Season 2, the comedy-drama series headlined by Ananya Panday. Directed by Collin D’Cunha and written by Ishita Moitra, the show follows a privileged young woman navigating independence and reinvention. An exclusive in-room image and clip were presented during the showcase as part of a broader young-adult sizzle highlighting upcoming titles.

, a young-adult, female-forward coming-of-age romantic comedy written and directed by Sreeti Mukerji. The film is produced by Alia Bhatt and Shaheen Bhatt under their banner, Eternal Sunshine Productions. A pre-released key image from the project was shared as part of the India showcase.

The London showcase also highlighted a broad international line-up, including Chile’s 

, starring Nicole Wallace and Dolores Fonzi; the French-Italian thriller 

 featuring Park Min-young and Wi Hajun; Japan’s animated reimagining 

Addressing the audience, Gaurav Gandhi, Vice President of Prime Video APAC, underscored the growing global appetite for Asian storytelling. “When we look at APAC, there's an extraordinary opportunity to take exceptional local content from multiple entertainment ecosystems across the region and bring it to the world,” he said, noting that Japanese anime, Korean dramas and Indian films are increasingly among the most watched titles outside their home territories.

Both Indian projects are slated to stream on Prime Video.

‘Call Me Bae’ Season 2, Alia Bhatt’s ‘Don’t Be Shy’ Lead India’s Line-Up at Prime Video International Showcase

, starring Nani, has been postponed. The action thriller, which was initially slated to hit theatres on March 26, 2026, will now arrive on August 21, 2026. The revised date was officially confirmed by SLV Cinemas and director Srikanth Odela through a social media announcement.

Taking to social media, the production banner shared a new release poster and addressed the delay. “We don’t want to rush. We need time to deliver it. #TheParadise – 21-08-2026,” the caption read, signalling the makers’ decision to prioritise quality and post-production timelines over the earlier release plan.

 marks his second collaboration with Nani following the commercial success of 

 in 2023. Expectations for the reunion have been high, particularly after 

 performed strongly at the box office and expanded Nani’s action-hero image.

In the upcoming film, Nani plays a character named Dhagad. When shooting commenced on June 21, 2025, the team unveiled a first-look image featuring the actor in a rugged avatar, complete with green leather shoes and a distinctive anklet — visual cues that hinted at the film’s rooted, raw setting.

The narrative centres on a marginalised tribal community long denied basic rights, with the story tracking the rise of a leader who challenges a deeply entrenched system of oppression. The ensemble cast includes Kayadu Lohar as the female lead, alongside Mohan Babu, Raghav Juyal as the antagonist, and Sampoornesh Babu in pivotal roles.

 in a festive window that includes Raksha Bandhan and Janmashtami, while also helping the film avoid a crowded March box office, which is expected to be dominated by 

 is one of many films that have been postponed to avoid the March clash, with projects like Ram Charan's 

 withdrawing their initial release dates.

Nani's 'The Paradise' Postponed, Makers Announce August 21 Release Date

, the sequel to the 2024 Telugu blockbuster 

, have locked February 22 for a formal launch event in Hampi, Karnataka. The ceremony is expected to be mounted on a large scale, with preparations already underway in the historic temple town.

Actor Rishab Shetty, who rose to nationwide prominence with 

, will play Lord Hanuman in the upcoming film. The project marks a significant casting shift for the franchise. The first installment starred Teja Sajja as a young man named Hanumanthu, who acquires powers from Lord Hanuman in order to protect his village. In 

, the narrative will move away from a mortal protagonist and centre directly on the mythological figure, indicating a more high-stakes storyline.

The film is directed by Prasanth Varma, who helmed 

 and has been developing what he describes as an interconnected superhero universe rooted in Indian mythology. Industry sources indicate that pre-production and scripting have been completed, with principal photography scheduled to begin in April 2026. Given the scale implied by the subject matter, the production is expected to rely heavily on visual effects and large-scale set pieces.

Actor Rana Daggubati has also been announced a key member of the cast, generating significant buzz, although details about his character remain under wraps. Sajja is expected to make a special appearance, maintaining continuity within the franchise and strengthening its cinematic universe ambitions.

The choice of Hampi as the launch venue carries symbolic and strategic value. A UNESCO World Heritage Site and a major tourist destination, the location reinforces the film’s mythological positioning while amplifying promotional visibility.

 emerged as one of 2024’s surprise commercial successes, performing strongly across languages. With 

, the makers appear to be scaling up both story and reach, aiming to consolidate the franchise’s place in India’s increasingly popular devotional mythology genre.

Rishab Shetty's 'Jai Hanuman' to Launch in the Historic City of Hampi

Sam Mendes has expanded the ensemble for 

The Beatles — A Four-Film Cinematic Event

, his forthcoming quartet of films chronicling the rise and rupture of the Liverpool band. The newly announced cast includes Lucy Boynton, Morfydd Clark, Harry Lawtey and Farhan Akhtar.

Boynton will portray Jane Asher, the actor and partner of Paul McCartney during the mid-1960s. Clark has been cast as Cynthia Lennon, John Lennon’s first wife, while Lawtey will play Stuart Sutcliffe, the band’s original bassist during their formative Hamburg years. Akhtar is set to appear as the Indian composer Ravi Shankar, whose collaborations with George Harrison helped shape the band’s later sound.

They join a previously confirmed principal cast: Paul Mescal as Paul McCartney, Harrison Dickinson as John Lennon, Barry Keoghan as Ringo Starr and Joseph Quinn as George Harrison. As earlier announced, Saoirse Ronan will play Linda McCartney, Anna Sawai will appear as Yoko Ono, Aimee Lou Wood as Pattie Boyd and Mia McKenna-Bruce as Maureen Starkey. James Norton has been cast as the band’s manager Brian Epstein, with Harry Lloyd portraying producer George Martin.

Mendes’s project, backed by Sony Pictures, will comprise four separate films, each told from the perspective of one member of the band. The narratives are designed to intersect, charting the group’s trajectory from Liverpool clubs to global prominence, culminating in their 1970 split. It marks the first time that Apple Corps Ltd and the band have granted full life story and music rights for a scripted feature adaptation. All four films are scheduled for theatrical release in April 2028.

Behind the camera, Mendes has assembled a high-profile creative team. Cinematography will be handled by Greig Fraser, with editing by Lee Smith. Production design duties are shared by Stefania Cella, Mark Tildesley and Neal Callow. The wider crew includes costume designer Sinéad Kidao, hair and make-up designer Naomi Donne, executive music producer Giles Martin and casting director Nina Gold.

Production timelines have not been disclosed, but the scale of the undertaking signals one of the most ambitious music biopics to date.

Farhan Akhtar Joins Sam Mendes' 'The Beatles' Film Project Ahead of 2028 Release

, the next instalment in its horror franchise, positioning it as a “Date Night Horror” entertainer. The film will be headlined by Tamannaah Bhatia and Junaid Khan, and directed by Shashanka Ghosh.

The project marks a new collaboration between Ghosh and Balaji Motion Pictures, following their previous work together on 

. While Ghosh steps in as director, Sahir Raza continues his association with the franchise as the creative force behind the project. The makers state that the latest chapter aims to elevate the scale and presentation of the series.

Produced by Ekta Kapoor under the Balaji Motion Pictures banner, a division of Balaji Telefilms Ltd, 

 is described as a stylised horror film blending thrills, humour and romance. Further plot details have not yet been disclosed.

Tamannaah Bhatia takes on the lead role in the film. Known for her work across Hindi, Tamil and Telugu cinema, she has previously featured in commercial entertainers as well as genre-driven projects. The makers indicated that she was their primary choice to front the film.

Junaid Khan will star opposite Tamannaah, marking a new on-screen pairing. Khan has been building his filmography with selective projects, and his casting signals a fresh direction for the franchise’s latest outing.

 series has previously combined elements of horror and romance, with an emphasis on young urban audiences. By branding the film as a “Date Night Horror,” the studio appears to be positioning it as a theatrical experience designed to merge suspense with relationship-driven storytelling.

Production timelines and release details have not yet been announced. However, the combination of Tamannaah Bhatia, Junaid Khan and Shashanka Ghosh under the Balaji Motion Pictures banner has already generated industry attention.

, including its storyline and release date, is expected to be revealed in the coming months.

Tamannaah Bhatia, Junaid Khan to Headline ‘Ragini 3’ Date Night Horror for Balaji Motion Pictures

 and Mahesh Bhatt stood shoulder to shoulder at a press conference unveiling their new films. Among the announcements was 

, an action film Vikram described as a genre-defining spectacle that would rival global tentpoles. He closed his address with the line, “The start of a revolution always begins with a whisper. So please listen to the whisper today, because you are the first to witness it."

Three years on, those who worked on the film tell 

 that the whisper never grew into anything. The project stalled, the promised revolution never arrived, and payments—collectively running into tens of lakhs—allegedly remain unpaid.

, which starred Anupriya Goenka, surfaced days after similar complaints were raised by the cast and crew associated with 

, who also claimed delays and non-payment of dues as reported by 

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