This week’s slate ranges from smaller regional entertainers to a large-scale Hollywood science-fiction spectacle. Telugu cinema offers a youthful musical romance with 

, Tamil audiences get a family-leaning romantic comedy in 

, while Hollywood brings the ambitious space survival drama 

. On streaming, a Tamil rural thriller series led by Vijay Sethupathi expands the week’s offerings for viewers staying in. 

Here’s what to watch in theatres and on OTT this week.

 is positioned as a musical romance set against the colourful world of traditional wedding bands. The film follows a group of young musicians navigating friendship, ambition and love while trying to establish themselves in a competitive environment. Harsh Roshan and Sridevi Apalla lead the cast, with Sai Kumar appearing in a key supporting role. The soundtrack, composed by Vijai Bulganin, leans heavily into festive rhythms that mirror the film’s celebratory backdrop.

GV Prakash Kumar headlines this Tamil romantic comedy directed by Maria Raja Elanchezian. Blending humour with emotional family dynamics, the film centres on a young man whose carefree outlook on life is challenged by responsibilities and relationships that demand maturity. The project has also drawn attention for marking the return of actor Abbas to the screen. Positioned as a light-hearted entertainer, 

 mixes romance, situational comedy and family sentiment.

What to Watch This Week: ‘Band Melam’, ‘Happy Raj’ and ‘Project Hail Mary’

starring Mrunal Thakur and Adivi Sesh with Anurag Kashyap was shot in Hindi and Telugu simultaneously over 149 days. Two respective bound scripts were used in order to capture the specific linguistic rhythms.  

Thakur hails from Maharashtra and got her Bollywood debut with the 2018 film 

, has since done three Telugu films, including the blockbuster 

 (2022), and gained a lot of momentum outside of mainstream Hindi cinema. When asked if there's a reason behind Hindi directors not casting her in diverse roles, she noted that she has been climbing the ladder one step at a time. "Maybe I was not ready then. I am absolutely ready now," she said. She further shared that she has started getting roles that are written for her. “A director saying I have written this script thinking of you in my mind is my biggest award,” she remarked. 

, became a blockbuster and I found recognition in the South. That's how I got accepted universally," she added.

in both Hindi and Telugu was a unique experience for her. For the actress, who is not fluent in Telugu, the Hindi takes functioned as a rehearsal. In an exclusive conversation with 

, she shared, “I would want to rehearse the scene in Hindi first but the best thing is we were shooting those scenes, so there were points where we would improvise and because of that the Telugu scene would even become better.”

 The environment of the set became what Sesh calls “an unsaid competition between languages” with him being most comfortable in Telugu, Thakur and Kashyap being new to the language and the director Shaneil Deo, who is Indo-Fijian, and speaks a mix of all these languages. He shared that they would constantly do re-takes if a scene in Telugu came out better in Hindi or vice versa.

Their technical approach emphasised the sensibilities of each language. Sesh's character in the Telugu version hails from Madanapalle which brought a contrast to the story compared to the Hindi version. The method ensured that the story was adapting to the expectations of two different audiences rather than a static translation. 

Watch our full interview with Adivi Sesh and Mrunal Thakur, dropping later today on The Hollywood Reporter India's 

Mrunal Thakur On Finding Recognition Outside Hindi Cinema: 'Maybe I was Not Ready Before; I Am Absolutely Ready Now' 

, actor-writer Adivi Sesh opened up about his collaboration with filmmaker-actor Anurag Kashyap. While primarily known for championing independent Indian cinema, Kashyap played a role on set that was far beyond his performance, Sesh revealed. 

For the actor, the decision to bring him on the project was also the result of a long-standing admiration for the director’s craft. “

is one of the reasons I wanted to make films," recalled Sesh recalled in an exclusive conversation with 

, noting that Kashyap’s sense of the craft is extraordinary. While there were some initial nerves about working with him, the team found Kashyap to be a grounding presence. “We were a little scared because he’s a legend,” Sesh admitted. Yet, he found the filmmaker to have a child-like genuineness and honesty which led him to eventually ask Kashyap to mentor him. 

Their relationship manifested in a unique way during production. Kashyap, whom Sesh jokingly refers to as “India’s best Hindi dialogue writer”, provided what he terms as “tremendous emotional guidance” all along the shoot.  

According to the actor, what sets Kashyap apart is also that he remains “unfazed by the idea of big or small,” displaying a rare humility. “Within the same hour, I saw him talking to a film student looking for work, asking him to fly down to Bombay and booking him tickets and in that same hour, we’d find him talking to an Oscar-winning filmmaker," Sesh shared, highlighting his ability to give back to cinema. 

Sesh recalled a moment where Kashyap “sheepishly” offered to give directorial advice for a specific sequence. This sequence ended up becoming the last shot in the trailer, which will be released soon. 

Mrunal Thakur, the other lead in the film, expressed that it is a rare experience to watch someone so authentic completely transform into a character in front of the camera.  “He’s just so fluid and authentic, I don’t think there’s another Anurag Kashyap in the world,” she remarked. She also recalls being conscious at first but eventually finding him to be incredibly supportive on set and thereon the shoot was just them having fun. 

is an emotionally driven action-drama. While the film features typical gritty action, Sesh insists that the heart of the story is the relationship between the two leads. The film is set to release in theatres on April 10, 2026. 

‘Dacoit’ Actors Adivi Sesh and Mrunal Thakur On Working with Anurag Kashyap: 'We Were A Little Scared'

The trailer of Sharwanand's upcoming Telugu film 

 is out, and the film features the actor as a biker in a race to the top. Billed to be the first motocross film from India, 

Abhilash Reddy. "Do you think our Indian racers can compete on International tracks?" someone asks in the trailer. Sharwanand plays Vicky, a maverick biker who wants to compete with international bikers. He is mentored by his father, who believes in tough love. The trailer details his journey to the top. 

Written and directed by Abhilash Reddy and presented by Vikram Reddy, the upcoming film will be produced by Vamsi Krishna Reddy and Pramodh Uppalapati. The film also co-stars Dr Rajashekhar and Malvika Nair. 

, a hit Sankranti release. Bal Govindraj Tadla, the proprietor of the popular Sudarshan 35mm theatre in Hyderabad, in an interview with

 spoke about the success of the Sankranti releases. “The response has been very encouraging, and the complete audience came back.” In keeping with the Sankranti tradition in Telugu cinema, comedy entertainers awaited audiences in the theatres this year. If the Ravipudi film saw Chiranjeevi and Nayanthara fight for a marriage, 

 saw Naveen Polishetty and Meenakshi Chaudhary scramble to find the best suitor 

 but both films provided ample laughs. The latter has raked in over ₹36 crores domestically and grossed ₹100 crores worldwide, according to its makers. The other Sankranti releases also included Ravi Teja’s 

. Tadla, whose theatres in Hyderabad screened 

is witnessing packed houses. “The films ran to almost a 90 per cent house.”

Sharwanand will also next be seen in period action drama 

. The film is produced by KK Radhamohan under the banner of Sri Sathya Sai Arts.

'Biker' Trailer: Sharwanand Is A Biker On A Mission

The Indian box office has a new juggernaut. 

, the high-octane spy thriller directed by Aditya Dhar and headlined by Ranveer Singh, has delivered a seismic opening, rewriting several records in its first extended weekend in theatres.

According to industry estimates, the sequel has amassed an India net total of ₹454.12 crore across its first four days, marking one of the biggest opening weekends ever recorded for an Indian film. The film earned ₹226.27 crore within its first two days of release before adding ₹113 crore on day three. On Sunday, the momentum continued with a further ₹114.85 crore, cementing its status as a box-office phenomenon.

Globally, the action spectacle has already crossed the ₹700 crore mark. With strong occupancy across major circuits and additional language versions rolling out, the total is expected to climb rapidly in the coming days.

According to the makers, the film created history with the highest paid previews, biggest opening day, biggest Saturday, biggest Sunday, and the highest opening weekend worldwide for any Indian film.

In terms of global benchmarks, the film has recorded the highest overseas weekend ever for an Indian film,  

the biggest Opening day without a release in Gulf, the highest single day ever for an Indian film, ranked two in major markets and stood one in secondary markets. The records came on the back of what has been touted as the widest overseas release for a Hindi film: 2200 cinemas and 3000 screens.

The film has also surpassed the opening weekend benchmark set by 

: The Rule, which previously held the record with a ₹354 crore India net opening across languages. 

With Tamil and Telugu versions now entering additional screens and word of mouth fuelling repeat viewings, the spy thriller’s record-breaking run appears far from over. The film is on track to breach the 

₹1,000 crore global club in the next few days. 

'Dhurandhar 2' Box-Office: Ranveer Singh-Starrer Smashes Records With Over ₹700 Crore Global Opening Weekend

(The Church Rowdy) gives several fascinating glimpses that takes one into the captivating world of the film’s periodic setting. The action packed teaser, instead of dwelling on plotlines, suggests that the film will show images of Tovino’s character's violent past and why he became the titular rowdy. The film releases on April 10 on occasion of Easter and Vishu.

A song (composed by Jakes Bejoy) from the film has already amassed huge numbers on YouTube. It is Tovino Thomas’ first mass outing of the year. The period drama is being directed by Dijo Jose Antony, director of hits such as 

is being written by S Suresh Babu, the writer behind several hits such as 

. It is also Dijo Jose Antony’s first film, which was not written by his regular collaborator Sharis Muhammad. He had written last year’s hit comedy, 

’s release is that it will hit screens just a week after two high-profile sequels, Mohanlal’s 

. These three will be the films lined up for the Vishu holiday season of 2026. 

Meanwhile, Tovino Thomas is also set to share the screen with Nazriya Nazim in filmmaker Muhsin Parari’s next project, adding to the growing buzz around the upcoming film.

, hinted at the upcoming project recently 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 

'Pallichattambi' Teaser: Tovino Thomas’ Intriguing Period Mass Avatar

After several changes and shifts in production, Khalid Rahman’s second film with Megastar Mammootty is confirmed to be titled 

. The film will co-star Naslen and Asif Ali, and it is being produced by Khalid Rahman and B Rakesh. DOP is his brother Jimshi Khalid, and Sharfu-Suhas, Thasreeq Abdul Salam and Niyog Krishna are writing it. Noufal Abdullah is the editor, and the film’s music will be handled by Rex Vijayan and Sushin Shyam (BGM).

The same collaboration was initially expected to be produced by Cubes Entertainment’s Shareef Muhammad before it was taken over by Plan B Pictures. Khalid Rahman has worked with Mammootty in 

 before this. He has also worked with Asif Ali in 

. This anticipated reunion of two legends won't just debut theatrically but also open a movie gala. Superstars Mohanlal and Mammootty's 

 will be the opening feature of the 2026 Indian Film Festival of Los Angeles (IFFLA).  The Mahesh Narayanan-directed Malayalam thriller, one of the most anticipated Indian films of 2026, also stars Fahadh Faasil, Nayanthara, and Revathy. Described as a high-stakes thriller packed with combat, chases, secret missions, covert operatives, death threats and assassination attempts, Patriot marks Mohanlal and Mammootty’s first on-screen reunion in 18 years.

The announcement with Khalid Rahman created controversy online when Malayalam actor Hareesh Peradi posted on Facebook about the collaboration. He wondered if this would signal that Mammootty is supporting drug use in the industry because he has collaborated with a director who was arrested in a drug case.”

In April of last year, Khalid Rahman and Ashraf Hamsa were taken into custody along with a third individual, Shalif Muhammad, after Excise officials allegedly intercepted them preparing to use the substance. The apartment, reportedly belonging to director and cinematographer Sameer Thahir, was the target of a pre-dawn raid based on specific intelligence. Officials said the seized substance — 1.50 grams of what is believed to be hybrid ganja — had been sourced within Kerala. Investigators are continuing efforts to trace the supplier, whose mobile phone has reportedly been switched off since the arrests.

Mammootty-Khalid Rahman Film Titled 'Mattancherry Mafia', To Co-Star Asif Ali And Naslen 

, whose titles have been topping streaming charts over the last five years, is gearing up for his ambitious next directorial. While the filmmaker is tight-lipped about the subject, Pandey tells 

 that schedules are aligning for him to begin the feature, which he describes as a “consuming” film.

“I think by the end of this year I should be on floors with my film,” reveals Pandey, best known for acclaimed blockbusters like 

, the latter two headlined by Akshay Kumar.

“It’s an extensive film, so it requires a lot of prep. As we speak, there is scouting going on, trying to put everything together, and schedules are in the works. It’s going to be a consuming film.”

Pandey’s production house, Friday Filmworks — and its digital arm, Friday Storytellers — is building an “eclectic” mix of theatrical and streaming projects. At least four to five projects are in development in both categories, the filmmaker says, adding that in the next couple of years, his production house will back more films in terms of releases.

“It’s a good mix of genres. We are not doing something in just one particular space. It’s a diverse slate, chasing newer stories, chasing bigger ideas. By bigger ideas, I don’t mean budgets — it can be a small film with a big idea. So it’s an eclectic mix.”

The aim is to release at least five films over the next three years, two of which — including his own directorial — will begin production this year.

Pandey’s last theatrical outing was the 2024 romantic drama 

, headlined by Ajay Devgn and Tabu. On the streaming front, the filmmaker directed the Netflix heist thriller 

Exclusive | Neeraj Pandey’s Next to Go on Floors by Year-End; Filmmaker Says It’s Going to Be an ‘Extensive Film’

In a touching video posted on YouTube, director Priyadarshan shook hands with long-time colleague and best friend Mohanlal, announcing that his 100th film will feature the Malayalam superstar. It is being produced by Mohanlal’s Aashirvad Cinemas with Anthony Perumbavoor and Binu George Alexander as co-producers. In the four-minute video, we hear Priyadarshan say, “It’s not just a milestone because this is my 100th film and I’m doing it with you (Mohanlal), but this is a milestone because it is the first time in film history that the same director has made his first film and his 100th film with the hero.” It is a record that will never be broken, he added.

More details of the film are set to follow, and the video showed a montage of the different Priyadarshan movies Mohanlal had acted in their career spanning 45-plus years. Speaking about the film, the legendary director said, “It will be a very good entertainer with music and drama.” When Mohanlal stops him to ask if the film will have action, Priyan says, “It’s not possible to do a film with a star like Mohanlal without action anymore, so that’s surely a part of it.”

Mohanlal too had posted on X about this special collaboration. He wrote, “Some milestones do not belong to one person alone. They belong to everyone who stood closer enough to witness the journey. My dearest Priyan is stepping into his 100th film, and I find myself without words for what that truly means to me. A hundred films is not just a number. It is a lifetime of stories told with passion, countless mornings driven by the belief in the magic of cinema, and a journey of unwavering dedication that I have had the privilege of witnessing up close.”

who had earlier indicated his retirement after completing his 100th film

, expressed frustration over the growing number of people who crowd around actors on film sets. 

“I only get exhausted seeing the people around actors,” Priyadarshan, now 69, said. “On a floor, if I am working with three actors, I will see thirty people who are doing nothing and just standing around. I cannot see my visuals through the camera. They are blocking my view. I have never seen this in any other place than Bollywood,” he said. 

Priyadarshan’s 100th Film To Be With Mohanlal: 'Impossible To Not Have Action'

Filmmaker Aditya Dhar and Actor Ranveer Singh’s 

 made a record-smashing start at the Indian box office, collecting ₹102.55 crore net on its opening day, according to figures posted by tracking website Sacnilk. 

The film’s total India net collections are currently pegged at ₹145.55 crore after early adjustments from paid previews. Its total India gross stands at ₹172.63 crore, while overseas collections have reached ₹64.00 crore, taking the worldwide gross to ₹236.63 crore.

has recorded the highest Day 1 net collection, with the Hindi version contributing ₹99.10 crore. It has surpassed the opening day figures of 

Among Indians films across languages, Dhar’s film ranks among the top five openers, securing the fourth position. Allu Arjun’s

 leads the race with ₹164 crore, followed by 

 occupies the next position on the list with ₹103 crore, ahead of 

One of the most anticipated Indian films of the year, 

 recorded ₹43 crore net from paid previews alone. In terms of all-India gross collections, it crossed ₹50 crore from previews, surpassing the previous record held by the Pawan Kalyan-starrer Telugu film 

An espionage action thriller that blends facts and fiction, 

continues the story of Indian intelligence agent Hamza Ali Mazari, also known as Jaskirat Singh Rangi, operating undercover in Karachi to dismantle a terror network. In the new film, audiences learn about Jaskirat’s backstory and his transformation into a deadly spy. The narrative expands to include major events such as the 2016 Indian banknote demonetisation. It also portrays the alleged killings of international terror operatives by Indian intelligence forces on foreign soil. 

Produced by Jyoti Deshpande and Lokesh Dhar, the sequel released on March 19, coinciding with Eid, Gudi Padwa and Ugadi, in Hindi, Telugu, Tamil, Kannada, and Malayalam.

'Dhurandhar 2: The Revenge' Box Office: Ranveer Singh Film Scores Highest Opener For A Hindi Film, Nets ₹103 crore on Day 1 

has been denied certification for theatrical release in India by the Central Board of Film Certification, according to the film’s local distributor.

Manoj Nandwana, who acquired the film’s India distribution rights, said the board had communicated the decision orally and had not issued a written rejection. The film centres on a five-year-old Palestinian girl who was killed by Israeli forces in early 2024 during the Israel–Gaza War (2023–present).

The reported ban was first noted by a the trade publication on Thursday. Nandwana later confirmed the development in comments to 

According to the distributor, he had anticipated difficulties securing certification. He said the film had previously struggled to obtain clearances required for festival screenings in India. Events such as the Bengaluru International Film Festival and the International Film Festival of India in Goa reportedly did not receive approval from the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting to screen the film.

Nandwana said the only Indian festival where the film was screened was the Kolkata International Film Festival. He suggested that the organisers may have proceeded without seeking central government clearance.

The distributor said he did not plan to pursue a legal challenge against the decision. He added that the film’s producers were surprised by the outcome and that his acquisition of the distribution rights had not been insured against a possible ban. Nandwana said he had purchased the rights to the Tunisian-produced film several years earlier at the Venice Film Festival, before it became an awards contender. The deal was reportedly valued at around ₹1 crore.

The decision has drawn criticism from some political figures. Shashi Tharoor, a member of parliament from Thiruvananthapuram representing the Indian National Congress, described the reported ban as “disgraceful” and argued that the screening of films should be treated as a matter of freedom of expression rather than foreign policy considerations.

Officials from the CBFC and the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting have not issued an official comment.

Oscar-Nominated ‘The Voice of Hind Rajab’ Denied Certification by CBFC

Malayalam film actor Shane Nigam has announced his Telugu film debut. The film's makers released a glimpse featuring Nigam and detailing key members of the production crew.

"Get. Set. Go! For a thrilling ride with 

 Stepping into Telugu Cinema with this. Need all your blessings for this. Wishing everyone a very Happy Ugadi 😇🙏 

," the Malayalam actor wrote on Instagram. 

Sagar Udagandla, will have music by Sam CS. Shane was last seen in Malayalam film 

, which courted a few censor controversies. 

, the Catholic Congress contested that Haal had scenes showing forceful religious conversion. It also misrepresented interfaith relationships and portrayed the Thamarassery bishop as a supporter of such marriages, although his known stance is otherwise. An earlier report in The News Minute, the makers of the film had agreed to remove a scene involving characters eating a plate of beef biryani. The Kerala High Court on November 14 directed the makers to also approach the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) again to decide on the next steps for the film’s release. This report adds that the CBFC had originally mandated six cuts in the film while also restricting 

 finally released in theatres after a Division Bench of the Kerala High Court dismissed appeals filed by the Catholic Congress and the Union government. The appeals challenged a single judge’s decision to set aside the A certification issued by the Central Board of Film Certification(CBFC) to the Shane Nigam film. 

hanthnu Bhagyaraj and Preethi Asrani. It was written and directed by Unni Sivalingam, and produced by Santhosh T Kuruvilla and Binu George Alexander.

Shane Nigam Announces Telugu Film Debut

A group of Tamil creators, readers, and social activists has demanded that the Jnanpith Award given to Vairamuthu be revoked immediately.

In a letter endorsed by over 230 signatories, such as poet Sukumaran and actor Rohini, the group warned that honouring an individual they deem undeserving would undermine the award’s credibility and stature in the long run, as reported by 

“Vairamuthu’s writings are nowhere close to reflecting Tamil society’s core values or its long-cherished cultural pride. Instead, his literary identity is defined by lowbrow writing, adorned with superficial and ornate rhetoric. Bestowing such a high honour upon a commercial writer basking in mere wordplay, whose works fail to reflect the genuine emotions of the people, is an insult to true literary stalwarts,” the letter stated.

They highlighted that, during the #MeToo movement, nearly 18 women publicly accused Vairamuthu of sexual harassment, arguing that recognising someone facing such serious allegations conflicts with the principles of a society that seeks to uphold women’s rights.

The letter also cited the ONV Literary Award, which was earlier announced for Vairamuthu but subsequently withdrawn by the Kerala Cultural Academy following protests. The letter added, 

“It is essential for the Jnanpith committee to consider this moral precedent set by KCA. Since it is contrary to literary ethics to bestow a prestigious honour upon an individual facing such serious allegations, the Jnanpith committee may take its cue from this precedence and withdraw its decision."

Earlier, while popular Tamil stars, including Rajinikanth, Kamal Haasan and PC Sreeram, congratulated the lyricist-poet on social media, artists such as singer Chinmayi were quick to voice their disappointment. 

Vairamuthu had been accused of sexual harassment by many women, including Chinmayi, during the #MeToo movement. 

"In 2018, multiple women of different age groups named one Poet - Lyricist as their molester. Today the Gnanpith is awarded to the man, after someone like Sri Jayakantan, whose daughter called Vairamuthu out for presenting a forged, fake letter by Sri Jayakanthan ‘praising’ Vairamuthu. A committee from Kerala announced him as for the ONV Kurup award which was later ‘returned’ as voices of justice from their society rose to speak against sullying Sri ONV Kurup’s name. The collective voices of the women who named him, were silenced. I paid a very heavy price - the rest of the women who left their dreams behind weren’t half as lucky as I," Chinmayi wrote on X.

Vairamuthu's Jnanpith Award Row: Collective of Tamil Readers and Social Activists Demands Withdrawal of Honour

At the 2025 Telangana Gaddar Film Awards, South Indian stars Kamal Haasan and Chiranjeevi won special honours for their contribution to cinema. Chiranjeevi

 received the NTR National Film Award of the Telangana government, while Haasan grabbed the Paidi Jairaj Film Award for Indian film personality.

Jayasudha was the recipient of the Akkineni Nageswara Rao Film Award (female). The B N Reddy Film Award for a Telugu film director, which went to veteran director Singeetham Srinivasa Rao, was received on his behalf by Kamal Haasan.

Akkineni Naga Chaitanya and Rashmika Mandanna received the best leading actor and best leading actress awards, respectively, for 

In a post on X, Haasan thanked Telangana Chief Minister Revanth Reddy for the award. "

I thank Hon’ble Chief Minister Revanth Reddy garu 

and Hon’ble Deputy Chief Minister Mallu Bhatti Vikramarka garu 

, for resurrecting the Telangana Gaddar Film Awards and humbly accept the prestigious Paidi Jairaj Film Award. In reviving this institution, you have restored more than an honour, you have reaffirmed the vital role such platforms play in recognising artistic courage, cultural memory, and the people’s voice in cinema. My congratulations to all fellow awardees, and to the entire team for an excellently organised event. Long live cinema!" he wrote.

Chiranjeevi expressed his joy at receiving an award named after an actor as illustrious as NTR. "

Receiving the ‘NTR National Award’ named after such a great man is a great honor in my life.

My heartfelt thanks to the Government of Telangana, Hon’ble CM 

garu and the entire jury for this prestigious honour. 

Kamal Haasan will next be seen in the sequel to Nag Ashwin's Telugu magnum opus 

. Chiranjeevi was last seen in Anil Ravipudi's 

Chiranjeevi and Kamal Haasan Get Special Honours At Telangana Gaddar Film Awards

At the Prime Video Presents: India launch of their new 2026 slate, Prime Video announced a new original feature on the life of Phoolan Devi, to be written and directed by Richie Mehta.

, will focus on a dramatic episode from Devi’s life, centring on a 48-hour siege in which she is surrounded by thousands of armed men in the Chambal region. According to the official synopsis, the story unfolds as Devi fights to survive the confrontation, a moment framed as a turning point in her life and legend.

Mehta said he initially resisted the idea of directing the project. The filmmaker explained that the producers approached him several years ago, shortly after the success of his acclaimed crime series Delhi Crime.

According to Mehta, producers Shareen Mantri Kedia, Kishor Arora and Kanwal Kohli had secured the rights to Devi’s autobiography and believed he was the right filmmaker to tell the story. He said he initially declined, but the team continued discussions with him for several years before he eventually agreed to take on the project.

The film will be produced by Namah Pictures, with Mantri Kedia, Arora, Kohli and Mehta serving as producers.

Phoolan Devi remains one of the most controversial and mythologised figures in modern Indian history. Coming from a background of caste oppression and violence, she became a feared bandit leader in the ravines of the Chambal valley before later surrendering to authorities and entering politics. She was eventually elected to the Indian parliament, transforming her public identity from outlaw to political figure.

Mehta said the film will focus on a specific moment that illustrates the intensity of Devi’s struggle within a deeply patriarchal landscape. By narrowing the narrative to a single siege, the film aims to examine both the violence of the circumstances surrounding her rise and the personal resolve that shaped her reputation.

Further details about the cast and release timeline have not yet been announced.

Richie Mehta to Direct Prime Video Film on Phoolan Devi

Shahid Kapoor and Vijay Sethupathi are set to return to the world of 

, with the second season of Raj & DK’s hit counterfeit currency series now in development. The announcement was made at the recent Prime Video showcase in Mumbai, where the actor confirmed that work on

 is underway and teased what lies ahead for his character. 

, released in 2023, followed a small-time artist who gets drawn into the high-stakes world of counterfeiting. The series, created by Raj & DK, blended crime, satire and social commentary, ending on a cliffhanger that set up the next chapter.

Speaking about the upcoming season, Kapoor said the makers have taken things further this time. “They’ve organically developed it… it definitely feels like a level up,” he said. The actor had earlier confirmed his return to the show’s universe, sharing a picture with creators Raj & DK and writing, “The fakers are back at it.” Vijay Sethupathi, who played the charismatic cop Michael Vedanayagam, is also returning in the new season. 

, directed by Vishal Bhardwaj. Co-starring Triptii Dimri, the romantic gangster drama marked the fourth collaboration between Kapoor and Bhardwaj. The film, however, had an underwhelming run in theatres and received mixed reviews. 

, alongside Kriti Sanon and Rashmika Mandanna. A song from the upcoming film — featuring the leading trio — has been attached to 

At the Prime Presents showcase in Mumbai. Prime Video unveiled a slate of nearly 55 series and films in its pipeline. Some of the major new titles include T

he Revolutionaries, Matka King, Raakh, Lukkhe 

The slate also features returning seasons of shows such as 

Farzi Season 2, Panchayat Season 5, Call Me Bae Season 2, Dupahiya Season 2, Dahaad Season 2 

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What to Watch This Week: ‘Band Melam’, ‘Happy Raj’ and ‘Project Hail Mary’

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