Actor Ranbir Kapoor was absent from the teaser reveal of Nitesh Tiwari’s 

in Mumbai on Thursday morning, despite marking his presence in earlier promotional events for the film.

On Wednesday evening. Kapoor had attended a closed-door media interaction and screening in Mumbai, a night prior to the launch. Before that, the actor was present at a promotional event in Los Angeles, where he participated in a Q&A session alongside producer Namit Malhotra and director Nitesh Tiwari and presented the first visual assets from the film. 

Ranbir Kapoor Calls ‘Ramayana’ 'A Turning Point In My Life', Misses Mumbai Event 

Music composer Ravi Basrur has reportedly replaced Ajaneesh Loknath for Antony Varghese Pepe's upcoming Malayalam film 

. The makers of the film announced Basrur's inclusion to the crew with a post on Instagram. "

KATTALAN X RAVI BASRUR X CUBES ENTERTAINMENTS," the caption read.

Ravi Basrur is best known for his work on Prashanth Neel's 

. Basrur made his Malayalam debut in 2024 with 

 the film's script is written by Joby Varghese, Paul George, and Jero Jacob. The film's dialogue 

 and will be released in Malayalam, Tamil, Telugu, Kannada, and Hindi, with reports suggesting a May 2026 theatrical release.

In an earlier interview, Antony Pepe had opened up about how he transformed himself for his previous release and how that changed his perception in the industry. The inspiration for him was Arya in 

. “But I realised through this process that both the audience and people within the industry 

 at you with so much respect once you go through a transformation 

. It’s not just about how I looked or performed in this movie, but they feel I will put in the effort to learn something totally new if a script challenges me. That, in a sense, will hopefully get writers to think of me, no matter what genre. Isn't that a way 

Said to be in production with a massive budget, it’s being directed by first-time director Paul George. Speaking about the film, he said, “It began with a modest budget. But at each stage, I was only encouraged to make the film bigger, in line with a huge vision. No expenses have been spared.” The director also said that this was the fourth script for Antony Varghese, having got his dates five years ago.

Ravi Basrur Replaces Ajaneesh Loknath As Composer For 'Kattalan'

, Sood shared that a seemingly innocuous chess board featured in the film carries historical significance. 

“Because India is a big chess-playing community, we have one really great, very subtle chess Easter egg in the movie that someone’s going to figure out at some point,” he said. “There’s one chess board in the movie—you have to look very carefully—and there’s a position in that chess board that actually has real historical significance.”

The reveal adds to the meticulous level of detail that went into the making of the film, directed by Phil Lord and Christopher Miller, and starring Ryan Gosling.

Sood also spoke about the filmmakers’ commitment to embedding personal and cultural touches throughout the film’s world-building, sometimes in ways even he didn’t anticipate. In one such instance, Lord and Miller paid tribute to his family by incorporating his parents’ names into the narrative.

“They surprised me by writing my parents’ names into characters in the movie,” Sood said. “The little girl who asks about the Petrova line is named Rekha—that’s my mom’s name. And a scientist character was named Narendra, after my dad.”

Even after edits forced the removal of the character’s spoken name, the directors found a workaround. “They didn’t tell me this, but they put a little badge on his jacket that says ‘Dr. N. Sood.’ It was one of the very last visual effects they added. I didn’t tell my parents and they were completely blown away when they saw it.”

Beyond these personal nods, Sood described a broader philosophy of hyper-detailed design that shaped the film’s aesthetic. The spaceship at the centre of 

 was conceived as a collaborative global effort, with each module attributed to a different country. It was reflected in materials, design language and visual cues.

This approach extended to India’s representation as well. The film’s medical bay, for instance, was imagined as being built by an Indian entity and named “Rekha Shanti,” combining his mother’s and grandmother’s names who were doctors. “We had little signs made up,” Sood said, noting that such details were carefully layered into the production design.

The cumulative effect, he suggested, is what encourages repeat viewings. “It’s those little things that people are noticing now,” he said. “It makes you want to go in for a second and a third watch.”

Exclusive | ‘Project Hail Mary’ Producer Aditya Sood Reveals India-Linked Easter Egg Hidden in Plain Sight 

Actor Rajkummar Rao has commenced filming for 

, a biopic of legendary Indian cricketer and former captain Sourav Ganguly. On social media, both Rao and director Vikramaditya Motwane shared the news of the shoot’s commencement. Motwane, known for directing acclaimed films like 

, posted a monochromatic picture of the Sourav Ganguly stand at Eden Gardens stadium in Kolkata.

is being shot in Kolkata, which will be followed by schedules in London and Mumbai. The film is produced by Luv Ranjan and Ankur Garg under the banner of Luv Films. The makers had earlier visited Sourav Ganguly’s home in Behala for a recee. 

Born and raised in a wealthy family in Kolkata, Sourav Ganguly made his One Day International debut for India in 1992, followed by his Test debut in 1996. Dubbed the 'Maharaja of Indian cricket', he rose to fame as a left-handed batsman known for iconic off-side shots, and an occasional right-arm bowler. Ganguly played 113 Test matches and 311 ODIs in his career. Between 2000 to 2005, he served as captain of the Indian national team, reaching the final of the ICC Cricket World Cup in 2003.

Sourav Ganguly retired from international cricket in 2008. He later served as President of the Board of Control for Cricket in India from 2019 to 2022. In Bengal, he continues to be celebrated as a popular television host, entrepreneur and cultural icon. 

Motwane and Rao are reuniting for a film ten years after 

, Rao is headlining another biopic based on the life of renowned public prosecutor Ujjwal Nikam.

Back in February, photos of Rao with a noticeably altered appearance circulated widely online, prompting speculation about the actor’s health. Rao later clarified that the change was deliberate and part of his preparation for 

. He added that he is reversing the process as he prepares for the biopic of Sourav Ganguly.

'Dada': Rajkummar Rao Begins Shooting For Sourav Ganguly Biopic

Actors Shahid Kapoor and Kriti Sanon’s reunion might be on the cards soon. The two could team up again for the sequel to their hit 2024 sci-fi romantic comedy 

. Joining them this time around would be Janhvi Kapoor, whose character was teased at the end of the first part. 

, producer Dinesh Vijan’s Maddock Films is developing the sequel, which will continue from where the original ended.  The publication quoted a source who stated that the film’s writing is currently underway, with the script expected to be ready by August. 

“The makers are planning to take the film on floors in the first quarter of 2027,” the source said, adding that the shooting timeline, if at all the movie is greenlit, would depend on the box-office performance of the studio’s 

, which also stars Kapoor and Sanon along with Rashmika Mandana. 

is billed as a spiritual sequel to the 2012 hit rom-com, which was penned by Imtiaz Ali and headlined by Saif Ali Khan, Deepika Padukone and Diana Penty. Filmmaker Homi Adajania, who directed the original, is also helming the sequel. 

which has begun its promotions with a song teaser, is gearing up for a release on June 19, a week after Imtiaz Ali's return to cinemas, 

headlined by Diljeet Dosanjh, Sharvari, Naseeruddin Shah, and Vedang Raina. The film is billed as a partition-set love story.

Sanon was last seen in Aanand L Rai’s romantic drama 

in 2025. Also featuring Dhanush, the film was a box-office hit. Kapoor, meanwhile, began the year with Vishal Bhardwaj’s 

, which opened to poor reviews and was a flop. The actor is currently filming 

, the Prime Video original series helmed by Raj and DK.

Shahid Kapoor, Kriti Sanon and Janhvi Kapoor To Team Up For ‘Teri Baaton Mein Aisa Uljha Jiya 2’: Reports

Mahesh Narayanan's upcoming Malayalam film 

 will now be released on May 1. The film, which is led by an ensemble cast including Mammootty, Mohanlal, Kunchacko Boban, Fahadh Faasil, Darshana Rajendran, and Nayanthara, was initially scheduled to be released in April.

Citing “unforeseen circumstances,” the producers said the decision was made to ensure the film meets the highest quality standards before release. They assured audiences that efforts are underway to complete final preparations. 

The postponement follows ongoing discussions between the producers and theatre associations over revenue-sharing terms, which had cast uncertainty over the original release plan. Anto Joseph Film Company also expressed gratitude for the continued support from audiences and sought patience as the team finalises arrangements for the film’s release.

 In Cinemas Worldwide from May 01 , 2026," Mammootty wrote on X, announcing the change in release. Consequently, it was also announced that the film's trailer will be launched on April 4. The film will be launched in Ragam Theatre in Thrissur by Mammootty, and in Kavitha Theatre in Ernakulam by Mohanlal.

, Mahesh Narayanan had revealed details about the film, saying, "

It is not based on any real-life incident, but I cannot reveal more about the film’s themes at this point in. However, it is great to have Fahadh and Chackochan amongst the cast; they are my friends who always want me to do better and push me constantly. Having said that, it's not like I am utilising them for just cameos, they have solid characters with lots of material to perform. The same goes for Lal sir (Mohanlal); he is going to appear in a proper full-fledged role. Now my challenge is to present all these actors on-screen together in the best possible manner."

s backed by Anto Joseph Productions and has music by composer 

'Patriot': Mammootty-Mohanlal Film Pushed To May 1

Producer Namit Malhotra on Thursday (April 2) showcased the first teaser of 

, directed by Nitesh Tiwari, offering an extended glimpse at Ranbir Kapoor in the role of Rama. 

The teaser introduces Rama as the central figure in the cosmic tale of god vs evil. We meet him as a beloved young prince in Ayodhya, skilled in archery and swordplay, a near-divine figure about to embark on a journey to fulfil a larger destiny. The teaser combines key moments from Rama's story while presenting the scale and grandeur of an ancient world, featuring lush forests and looming monsters. A hero in exile, Rama must prepare to face his ultimate nemesis—the demon god Ravana—who marks his eerie presence in the final moments of the teaser. 

An adaptation of the sacred Indian epic, 

is planned as a grand two-part franchise. Reportedly mounted on a ₹4000 budget (across both parts) and featuring an international cast and crew, It is the most expensive Indian film ever made. 

The makers described the unveiling as a “significant moment for audiences worldwide,” presenting a new interpretation of a timeless story.

Speaking of his adaptation, director Nitesh Tiwari highlighted the “emotional richness" at the heart of the Ramayana. “…it is not just about good and evil, but about choices, consequences, and the weight of doing what is right. Rama’s journey is deeply human and that is what we have tried to stay true to.”

For Ranbir Kapoor, embodying Rama was a transformative learning experience. “I don’t think I’m here to represent Rama. I’m here to learn from him. There is a simplicity and purity to him that is very rare; and trying to understand and imbibe that has been a deeply humbling experience.”

Producer Namit Malhotra spoke about the character’s moral core, adding, “The power of Rama’s story is not in what he conquers, but in what he lets go of. He represents a standard that is not easy, not convenient; but necessary. He chooses duty over desire, truth over comfort, and sacrifice over self.”

 is produced by Prime Focus Studios in association with DNEG and Monster Mind Creations. The film also stars Yash as Ravana, Sai Pallavi as Sita, Sunny Deol as Hanuman, and Ravie Dubey as Lakshman. The film’s music is composed by Oscar-winners Hans Zimmer and A. R. Rahman.

is set for a global theatrical release on Diwali 2026. The second part will release a year later, on Diwali 2027.

‘Ramayana’ Teaser: Ranbir Kapoor Readies For Battle as Rama In Extended Glimpse 

Fans of sci-fi, author Andy Weir’s enchanting grasp on space science, Ryan Gosling, and just deeply old-school American feel-good cinema from the Indian subcontinent doggedly assembled to watch 

 the way the filmmakers intended them to: on absorbing IMAX screens. 

It doesn’t really matter if IMAX screens were limited — India currently has 34 IMAX theatres, yet the film, led by Phil Lord and Christopher Miller, had just 13 shows scheduled across them on its first day, despite being tailored for an IMAX viewing experience. A chunk of it went to Aditya Dhar’s 

, during its time of release on March 26. 

Following a wave of online decrying, on Friday, the number of IMAX shows soon increased sharply, with more than 60 screenings listed across theatres. Tickets for early morning shows began filling up as quickly as they got listed. Moreover, 

India emerged as a key market for the title, with the film collecting a strong ₹17.28 crore extended opening weekend.

Film exhibitor and distributor Akkshay Rathie believes the interest around the film could be reverse-engineered back to its robust use of practical effects. The film is famously known not to have a single green screen shot. “This enhances the amazement around the film. It makes for a very IMAX-worthy experience, and that's why if you look at the kind of occupancy over the weekend, it's pretty much set to have a great, long run,” says Rathie. 

Aamer Bijli, Lead Specialist - Innovation, Film Marketing, and Digital Programming at PVR, says the response has been strong across India. "The demand has been very encouraging, particularly for late-night shows, many of which are running to packed houses. IMAX screenings of 

 are achieving over 40% occupancy, which is a very good result for the film designed as a large-format cinematic experience. Indian audiences are increasingly seeking exactly that: premium immersive storytelling that IMAX delivers." This surge in demand also reflects a broader trend, he notes. "High-concept, visually driven global films are finding a strong and growing audience in India, especially in IMAX. We continue to dynamically optimise the shows based on audience demand to ensure more viewers can access this premium experience."

Rakesh Gowthaman, proprietor of the popular Vettri Theatres in Chennai, notes a unique nature of the film’s success in India. “Surprisingly, after a long time, an original English film is doing well, rather than its dubbed regional versions.” 

For a film that’s a non-franchise title, unlike your 

, the success remains desirable. “I have only one screen right now because my other screen is under renovation. So I could fit in only an 8.30 am show for the weekend through Friday to Tuesday. For such an early show, the numbers were very good. Sony was also happy about the number of viewers.”

When a movie is made for IMAX, you need to watch it in such a theatre, and that's the expectation set among the public, Gowthaman says. “You might not have the same aspect ratio that IMAX does. When it's shot in IMAX, you have so much footage that gets cut when it gets converted to a scope screen. Obviously, when a film like 

 is shot for 3D, you don't want to watch a 2D version, do you?”

When his shows began running to houseful numbers last Friday, Gowthaman assumed the film hadn’t gotten enough IMAX shows. “There was an issue last week when the film’s IMAX release seemed uncertain, with Dhurandhar's release in IMAX. With the numbers that I saw in my theatre, I was under the assumption that the film didn't release in the IMAX format at all, but I had a chat with the production banner, who said that the IMAX screens were running full.”

Aditya Sood, one of the producers of the sci-fi spectacle, recalls being moved by the demand. “First of all, it is astonishing and so gratifying to hear about the passion that audiences here had, before they even saw the movie, that they wanted to see it in IMAX, and to really demand it.”

Sood also acknowledges navigating limited IMAX screens in the country. Most of the country’s IMAX theatres were initially occupied by 

. “You only have a certain amount of control over how the distribution works. We have great partners at Sony here in India — they know the market, and they have relationships, so they work really hard to get the screens they were able to get. So I think all we can do is make a movie that feels worthy of being seen that way,” he says.

Rathie still believes it’s possible for two high-profile releases to happily coexist. “The demographics that these films cater to are as different as they can be, but the beauty of cinema is that there's something out there for everyone,” he says. “

 opened really well last year.  It was briefly taken over by 

 made a comeback on IMAX and actually ran for many weeks to come. Let's hope 

Sood hopes this demand translates into more IMAX screens and greater access for viewers. “Obviously, as people become more discerning customers and understand formats, and really demand excellent presentations, I think that’s great, because it will create more demand for theatre owners to build more IMAX screens.”

Gowthaman, however, notes that the IMAX model might not be commercially viable in the end-pricing structure in Tamil Nadu. “As an individual non-multiplex chain holding an IMAX, it isn't profitable. The last time I was enquiring about IMAX, I learnt that for the tech part alone, you needed to invest `₹15 crore. I would rather build three screens with regular projects for the money. Going forward, I expect to see a lot of flat screens coming up rather than a scope.”

The ‘Project Hail Mary’ Effect: Why Sci-Fi Spectacle's Success Augurs Well For Future of IMAX Screens in India

Filmmaker Aditya Dhar's historic blockbuster 

might remain the highest-grossing film of the year, unless another big pan-India film lands the way makers are hoping it will: 

has already emerged as the biggest Hindi film of all time and is chasing the mighty global record of Aamir Khan's 

₹2000 crore thanks to a gigantic run in China, where it alone grossed over ₹1,300 crore. 

has managed to gross over 1,400 crore globally so far, without a release in China or the Gulf.

But the records could be reshuffled this Diwali, as Nitesh Tiwari, who also helmed 

starring Ranbir Kapoor, Yash, Sunny Deol and Sai Pallavi.

exhibitors Vishek Chauhan (CEO of Bihar-based Roopbani Cinemas) and Akkshay Rathie (Director, Ashirwad Theatres Pvt Ltd) spoke about the mammoth collections of 

and why the only film that could challenge it at the box office

"The sheer scale, the story, the present mood of the country, everything is going in its favour. And the only thing that needs to happen is that the film needs to deliver," said Chauhan, adding that the makers need to give the audiences a "correct experience" as anything about faith is a "difficult territory" to tread on.

"I cannot put a number to what the film could do, but if it is received well, maybe then we will do a podcast and to celebrate the new benchmark of ₹3,000 crores. Because that is the potential of the Hindi film industry," Chauhan added.

Rathie said the "architectural design" of the film, where a star from the Hindi cinema (Ranbir) will be seen with a star from the Kannada cinema (Yash) sets grounds for a massive box-office glory.

"Them coming together with a storyteller like Nitesh Tiwari and the whole infrastructure of DNEG, which has done some outstanding work not just for Indian cinema but for Hollywood as well, so it looks like the film has the potential to break the glass ceiling and create new benchmark," Rathie added.

despite sub-par visual assets and severe pre-release trolling, opened to over ₹35 crore in Hindi.

"Now, if that is done properly with that kind of budget, which has never been seen before in the Hindi film industry of over ₹3,500 crores, we are going to see something extraordinary," Chauhan added.

The film is produced by Namit Malhotra's Prime Focus Studios and 8-time Oscar-winning VFX studio DNEG in association with Yash’s Monster Mind Creations. 

Ranbir Kapoor's 'Ramayana' Could Topple 'Dhurandhar 2' Box-Office Numbers, Say Exhibitors: ‘₹3,000 Crore May Be The New Benchmark’

In a major development, the makers of Salman Khan’s next high-profile project have officially announced Nayanthara as the lead actress. Tentatively titled

, the project marks the first on-screen collaboration between the Bollywood star and the South Indian powerhouse, who recently made a successful Bollywood debut with 

The announcement was confirmed by the production house, Sri Venkateshwara Creations on social media describing Nayanthara as “the epitome of versatility and excellence,” as they welcomed her to the cast.  

The pairing has already created significant buzz among fans. While Khan remains one of the most bankable stars in the country, Nayanthara’s reputation for character-driven performances is expected to bring a uniqueness to the film’s narrative. The collaboration will also be an exploration of distinct acting approaches with Salman Khan’s instinctive style rooted in spontaneity meeting Nayanthara’s method-acting that brings emotional depth. 

was initially slated for release on 19 March 2026 but actor-producer Yash took to his social media to release a statement that it was postponed for a global release to 4 June 2026 owing to the ongoing regional conflicts in West Asia. Nayanthara plays Ganga, reportedly Yash’s sister in the film. Her first look was released in December 2025, showing her in a stylish black dress and a shotgun.     

 is directed by National Award winner Vamshi Paidipally—known for hits like 

and is produced by Dil Raju. The project marks several milestones as it is Paidipally’s first Hindi project and also his sixth collaboration with Dil Raju. It is reportedly being mounted as a grand-scale action thriller that aims to balance spectacle with strong emotional storytelling, a style that has become signature to Paidipally.  

With a massive budget and pan-India appeal, 

is set to go into production in April.  

Nayanthara Joins Salman Khan In Vamshi Paidipally's Action Drama

Actor Tovino Thomas has shared an update that may surprise fans following the much-anticipated collaboration between Jr NTR and director Prashanth Neel. The Malayalam star has confirmed that he is no longer part of the upcoming Telugu film, widely referred to as 

The project, first announced in 2022, has remained one of the most talked-about films in recent years, even as official updates have not been revealed.

Speaking during promotions for his upcoming Malayalam film 

 in Hyderabad, Tovino addressed ongoing speculation about his involvement and clarified his decision to step away. “It is really hard to allocate dates, so I am not doing it,” he said, citing scheduling constraints as the primary reason for his exit.

Elaborating further, Tovino pointed to differences in filmmaking processes across industries. “I don’t do multiple films at once. In Malayalam, we finish a film in one schedule. But in Telugu, a single project takes almost a year. I can give three months, not an entire year,” he explained.

The Jr NTR–Prashanth Neel project was officially announced on the actor’s birthday in 2022 and has since generated significant buzz. Production commenced with a pooja ceremony in Hyderabad on August 9. Jr NTR reportedly joined the sets on April 22 after wrapping up work on his Bollywood debut 

, directed by Ayan Mukerji and co-starring Hrithik Roshan.

Earlier, the film’s social media handles announced a theatrical release date of June 26, 2026, calling it “the most striking tale ever to erupt from the soil of Indian cinema.”

 releasing this year with Basil Joseph. He was last seen in a cameo in 

.  It was also announced that Tovino Thomas and Nazriya Nazim would share the screen in filmmaker Muhsin Parari’s next project, adding to the growing buzz around the upcoming film.  

, hinted at the upcoming project by sharing a casting call on Instagram, inviting aspiring actors to audition. The film, which is yet to be officially titled, is being written by Parari in collaboration with filmmaker Zakariya, who previously directed 

Tovino Thomas Not Part Of Jr NTR- Prashanth Neel Film Anymore Due To Date Issues

Actor-producer Ajay Devgn on Wednesday announced 

, a new thriller film created using generative AI technology. Purportedly inspired by real events, the film is scheduled for release on April 2, 2026.

Sharing the first-look poster on social media, Devgn wrote, “Everyone has a breaking point, His just went global. #HappyBirthdayJoshi Inspired by true events. Releasing on 2nd April.” The intriguing poster features a floppy disk bearing the film's title. The concept of something called the 'Joshi worm' is teased in the poster.

 is directed by Anshul Kumar Sharma and produced by Ajay Devgn along with Danish Devgn. The script has been written by Vatsal Sheth, who famously appeared alongside Devgn in the 2004 film Taarzan: The Wonder Car. Further details about the cast and storyline have not yet been disclosed.

The film marks Devgn’s second AI-led project following the announcement of Bal Tanhaji. The upcoming film is set within the ‘Unsung Warriors’ universe created by Devgn and focuses on the early life of Maratha military leader Tanaji Malusare, charting his journey from childhood to becoming a key historical figure. Devgn had played the live-action version of Malsure in 2020's 

In 2025, Devgn launched Prismix, a company focused on generative AI storytelling. The banner aims to explore new forms of filmmaking using artificial intelligence tools. 

On the acting front, Devgn was last seen in the comedy film 

 The actor has locked the release date of 

. The third chapter in the hugely successful thriller franchise will hit cinemas on October 2, 2026. 

Furthermore, Ajay Devgn was in talks for a horror comedy with director JP Thuminad, the filmmaker behind the blockbuster Kannada film 

 While there has been no official confirmation, reports from 2025 suggested that the film will be backed by KVN Productions, which is also producing KGF star Yash's next, Toxic.

Ajay Devgn Announces AI-Driven Thriller ‘Happy Birthday Joshi’

The release of the much-anticipated Malayalam espionage thriller 

 has been postponed, its makers announced. An official statement issued by Anto Joseph Film Company on March 31 confirmed that the film will no longer hit theatres on its previously scheduled date of April 23, 2026.

Citing “unforeseen circumstances,” the producers said the decision was made to ensure the film meets the highest quality standards before release. They assured audiences that efforts are underway to complete final preparations.

The new release date is set to be unveiled on April 1, 2026, at 6:00 PM through the official social media handles of the film’s lead stars, Mammootty and Mohanlal. 

The statement read, "We are working tirelessly to bring 'Patriot' to your screens at its highest quality. However, due to some unforeseen circumstances, the release of the film, which was previously set for April 23, is inevitably being postponed by a few days. The new release date for the film will be shared tomorrow at 6:00 PM through the official social media pages of our dear Mammukka (Mammootty) and Lalettan (Mohanlal). We look forward to your continued love and support."

 boasts a star-studded ensemble including Mammootty, Mohanlal and Fahadh Faasil, alongside Nayanthara, Rajeev Menon, Revathy, Grace Antony, Zarin Shihab, Sreeparvathy, Geethi Sangeetha, Jinu Joseph, Danish Husain, Shaheen Siddique, Sanal Aman and Prakash Belawadi in key roles.

'Patriot' Release Postponed; Makers To Announce New Date Soon

"The superhero who arrives in time of peril will be fire incarnate. Protection awaits should he clasp our hands. Destruction shall follow should he release it," announces a voice in the trailer of Jayasurya and Anushka Shetty's 

, as the visuals cut to Jayasurya landing in Kerala's 

The epic Malayalam film's trailer was launched on March 31, giving us glimpses of the film, including introductions to characters played by Prabhu Deva, Sandy, Vineeth, Harish Uthaman, and Anushka Shetty. The upcoming period thriller is set in Kanthaloor Sala, which is said to be 

the city's oldest educational institution.

previous release as a solo lead was 2022’s direct-to-OTT release 

is said to be in the making at least since 2023, with work going on into the writing from even before. What is also to be noted is that Jayasurya will be playing the character of 

, a sorcerer who has to encounter different forms of spirits and monsters along his path. And 

 will be seen playing Kaliyankaattu Neeli, the character Kalyani Priyadhashan’s role was based on in the recently released 

was also the name of a hit play and a successful television series that aired during the 2000s. Prabhu Deva is said to be playing the other lead in the film.

It is being produced by Gokulam Gopalan of Sree Gokulam Movies and is said to have a budget of ₹100 crore. Director Rojin’s previous film was released in 2021 and was titled

. The project was initially meant to be produced by Friday Film House, which had made two films of Rojin, including 

'Kathanar' Trailer: Jayasurya and Anushka Shetty In An Epic Tale Of A Sorcerer

dropped the first look teaser of the film, headlined, written, and directed by Riteish Vilasrao Deshmukh. Backed by Jio Studios and Mumbai Film Company, 

brings to life the legacy of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj.

The over two-minute-long teaser gives a glimpse into the scale of the film, which also stars Sanjay Dutt, Abhishek Bachchan, Vidya Balan, Mahesh Manjrekar, Sachin Khedekar, Bhagyashree, Fardeen Khan, Jitendra Joshi, Boman Irani, Amol Gupte and Genelia Deshmukh.

"At its core is a powerful story of vision, courage, and conviction, of a son who took a sacred vow and changed the course of history," a note from the makers read. The film features music by the celebrated duo Ajay–Atul and cinematography is by the acclaimed Santosh Sivan.

The first look teaser was launched digitally on late Tuesday evening, after debuting theatrically exclusively alongside Ranveer Singh-led 

Presented by Jio Studios and produced by Jyoti Deshpande and Genelia Deshmukh under the banner of Mumbai Film Company, 

 is set to release in cinemas worldwide on May 1 in Marathi, Hindi and Telugu.

Previously, Riteish had stated that he was honoured to chronicle the "extraordinary story" of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, being aware that a film on him is a great responsibility. "Releasing the film on Maharashtra Day feels especially meaningful, and with a cast we could only dream of, we feel truly fortunate."

While Jyoti Deshpande, President – Jio Studios (Media & Content Business – RIL), had said that the vision of the film could only be brought to life by someone like Riteish, who holds the story close to his heart. 

"Our goal is to bring the awe-inspiring life of Shivaji Maharaj, one of the greatest heroes to be born on the Indian soil, from India to the world. Backed by an ensemble of some of the finest talents from across industries, this film is one of the most ambitious ventures we’ve undertaken," she had said in a statement.

'Raja Shivaji' Teaser: Riteish Deshmukh, Abhishek Bachchan, Vidya Balan Lead Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj's Epic Saga

Malayalam filmmaker Ranjith was arrested on Tuesday (March 31) in connection with an attempted sexual assault case. He has been remanded in judicial custody for 14 days, 

, the action follows a complaint by a female actor, who alleged that Ranjith attempted to sexually assault her during the shooting of a film. In her statement, the actor claimed that the director had asked her to come to a caravan on set, where the alleged incident took place.

Ranjith is regarded as a prominent figure in Malayalam cinema. He is known for directing acclaimed films like 

, winning three National Awards in his career. 

As per reports, Ranjith was taken into custody on Tuesday night after the Thodupuzha police intercepted his car, acting on inputs that he might attempt to evade arrest. He was admitted to a General Hospital shortly after due to health concerns and was discharged the next morning. Around 7am on Wednesday, he was brought to the North Women’s Police Station, where his arrest was formally recorded. He was subsequently produced before a magistrate at a residence in Thrippunithura and remanded to 14 days in custody, after which he was shifted to Ernakulam sub-jail.

The filmmaker has faced prior allegations as well. His name had surfaced in the aftermath of disclosures linked to the Justice K Hema Committee report, which documented instances of abuse in the Malayalam film industry. In 2024, a separate complaint was filed by a Bengali actress with the Kochi City Police Commissioner via email. She alleged that Ranjith had touched her inappropriately with sexual intent after inviting her to act in the film Paleri Manikyam in 2009.

The Kerala High Court had earlier closed his anticipatory bail plea in the 2009 case after police informed the court that they were considering treating the offence as bailable.

Ranjith is regarded as a prominent figure in Malayalam cinema. He has directed acclaimed films like 

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