Bollywood

37 min ago

1339 views

Producer Reacts To Akshaye Khanna's Exit From Drishyam 3 and Confirms His Replacement

Mumbai, December 27 - Akshaye Khanna, who has been riding on the success of Dhurandhar, gave a major shock to the makers of the upcoming suspense thriller Drishyam 3 by exiting the film at the last moment. It was reported that the actor demanded high remuneration, among others, which wasn't met and eventually led the actor to exit the film. Now, Drishyam 3's producer Kumar Mangat Pathak has reacted to the news, and he has blasted Akshaye Khanna for his unprofessional behaviour. Speaking to Bollywood Hungama, the producer revealed what went on behind the scenes, accusing the actor of making unreasonable demands and stating that he plans to sue him. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}) "We had signed an agreement with Akshaye Khanna. His fees also got locked after a lot of renegotiations from his side. He insisted that he would like to wear a wig. But (director) Abhishek Pathak convinced him that it wouldn't be practical, as it would result in continuity issues since Drishyam 3 is a sequel. He understood his point and agreed to let go of that demand. However, the chamchas around him advised him that he would look smarter if he donned a wig. So, he again requested the same. Abhishek relented and was even ready to discuss this point with him. But then, he informed us that he doesn't want to be a part of the film at all", the producer told the portal. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}) Kumar Mangat Pathak further said that he gave Akshaye a chance in Article 375 (2019) and then Drishyam 2 (2022). He said that the actor was nothing before those films, but started getting big projects after the second instalment of the Ajay Devgn-led franchise. He even said that Akshaye liked the script of Drishyam 3 and confidently said that it is a 500 crore film, and signed the film and took the advances, but 10 days before the shoot commenced, he left the movie. The filmmaker also confirmed the casting of Jaideep Ahlawat, who has replaced Akshaye Khanna. Directed by Abhishek Pathak, the movie also stars Tabu, Shriya Saran, Ishita Dutta, Mrunal Jadhav, and Rajat Kapoor in key roles. It is scheduled to release on October 2, 2026. Stay tuned...

Bollywood

2 days ago

1178 views

Jaideep Ahlawat Joins Ajay Devgn's Drishyam 3 After Akshaye Khanna's Reported Exit; Details Inside

The Drishyam franchise, one of the most successful suspense thriller series in Indian cinema, is currently the talk of the town as it gears up for its third installment. While fans were recently treated to the official release date announcement, the film has now hit the headlines for a major casting shuffle. According to the latest industry reports,power house performer Jaideep Ahlawat has officially joined the cast of Drishyam 3 and will play a character that introduces a significant new twist to the investigative trail. While some speculated he might be replacing Akshaye Khanna (who played IG Tarun Ahlawat in Drishyam 2), sources suggest Jaideep's role is a fresh addition designed to raise the stakes for Vijay Salgaonkar.The Paatal Lok star is set to play a pivotal and extremely exciting role that is expected to bring a fresh layer of intensity to the cat and mouse chase between Vijay Salgaonkar and the authorities. Following his massive success in projects like Jaane Jaan and Dhurandhar, Jaideep Ahlawat's inclusion is being seen as a major boost to the project.Reports suggest that Jaideep will begin shooting for the film in January 2026.While details about his character remain under wraps, sources indicate that he will share significant screen space with Ajay Devgn and Tabu, marking their first-ever collaboration. Global Expansion of the Brand The Drishyam IP has officially gone global. Panorama Studios recently confirmed that the franchise is being remade in English (Hollywood) and Korean, making it the first Indian film franchise to achieve such a feat. The success of these international deals has added further prestige to the upcoming third part in India. Drishyam 3 is being touted as the final chapter of the Salgaonkar family's saga.Ajay Devgn will return as the mastermind Vijay Salgaonkar, while Tabu reprises her role as Meera Deshmukh.Other returning cast members include Shriya Saran, Ishita Dutta, and Rajat Kapoor. The film is produced by Panorama Studios and directed by Abhishek Pathak. In a strategic move to prevent spoilers, the makers are reportedly planning a simultaneous release of both the Hindi version and the original Malayalam version starring Mohanlal.

Bollywood

11 days ago

1580 views

Maddock Films' Ikkis Postponed By A Week Amid Dhurandhar Storm

Mumbai, December 17 "” Producer Dinesh Vijan's Maddock Films has postponed the release of its much-anticipated war drama Ikkis by a week amid the extraordinary box office dominance of Ranveer Singh-fronted Dhurandhar. The film was originally scheduled to release on December 25, but will now arrive in cinemas in early January 2026. The move comes as Dhurandhar continues its historic run, pulling massive footfalls across domestic and international markets even in its second week. It is said that Aditya Dhar's directorial has left very little room for another patriotic film to perform optimally during the same period. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}) This new year, gift yourself courage.Final #Ikkis trailer drops this weekend in theatres. A new chapter unfolds in legendary director Sriram Raghvan"™s first war film.The true story of India"™s youngest Param Vir Chakra Awardee, Second Lt. Arun Khetarpal. Some heroes die young."¦ pic.twitter.com/NaiEHPSOBm— Maddockfilms (@MaddockFilms) December 17, 2025 Ikkis stars Agastya Nanda as Second Lieutenant Arun Khetarpal, a Param Vir Chakra awardee, and is positioned as a high-intensity patriotic war drama. It also stars late Dharmendra, Jaideep Ahlawat, and Simar Bhatia. Ikkis marks the last feature film for legendary Dharmendra, who recently passed away due to prolonged illness. Industry insiders see the postponement as a strategic decision rather than a delay caused by concern. It was also in direct clash with Kartik Aaryan's Tu Meri Main Tera Main Tera Tu Meri, which is now arriving solo on December 25. With a solo release, Ikkis is now expected to get better showcasing and audience attention upon its revised release. Stay tuned...

Bollywood

30 days ago

1270 views

Ikkis: Dharmendra's final gift to cinema is a heartbreaking poem; Agastya Nanda's war drama sets Christmas 2025 release

In what promises to be one of the most emotional cinematic events of the year, the makers of the upcoming war drama Ikkis have unveiled a special tribute from the legendary Dharmendra. As the industry mourns the loss of the He-Man of Bollywood, his final silver-screen appearance has just been given a soul-stirring heartbeat"”a poem penned and recited by the icon himself. The makers, Maddock Films, released a moving video featuring a poem written by Dharmendra titled "Aj bhi ji karda hai, pind apne nu jaavan" (My heart still yearns to go back to my village). The verses capture the veteran actor's deep connection to his roots, mirroring the film's theme of love, loss, and the longing for home. Directed by National Award-winner Sriram Raghavan, the film uses this poetry to underline the emotional father-son bond that forms the crux of the story. While the film serves as a tribute to a legend, it also marks the arrival of a new star. Agastya Nanda, grandson of Amitabh Bachchan, is making his theatrical debut in the challenging role of Second Lieutenant Arun Khetarpal. Following his digital debut in The Archies, Agastya steps into the boots of India"™s youngest Param Vir Chakra awardee. The film chronicles the life of the 21-year-old war hero who made the ultimate sacrifice during the Battle of Basantar in the 1971 Indo-Pak war. Ikkis marks the highly anticipated reunion of the powerhouse duo, director Sriram Raghavan and producer Dinesh Vijan, who previously defined gritty cinema with their cult classic collaboration Badlapur (2015). Known for his mastery over suspense in hits like Andhadhun and Merry Christmas, Raghavan is now shifting gears to helm this biographical war drama, promising a narrative that is as deeply personal as it is patriotic. Adding weight to this vision is a stellar cast featuring Agastya Nanda alongside the legendary Dharmendra"”who portrays the hero's father, M.L. Khetarpal"”and the intense Jaideep Ahlawat in a pivotal role, setting the stage for a cinematic tour de force. Set against the backdrop of the 1971 Indo-Pak war, Ikkis chronicles the heroic life of Second Lieutenant Arun Khetarpal while delving into the poignant emotional journey of his family. The biographical drama is officially locked for a grand worldwide theatrical release this Christmas, hitting screens on Thursday, December 25, 2025. Beyond its patriotic core, the film has generated massive anticipation as a historic cinematic event, serving as the final cinematic chapter of the legendary Dharmendra"™s illustrious 65-year career.

Bollywood

34 days ago

15634 views

Christmas 2025 Box Office Clash: Will James Cameron's 'Avatar: Fire and Ash' crush Kartik Aaryan's 'Tu Meri Main Tera' and Agastya Nanda's 'Ikkis'?

The holiday season is getting crowded! From Pandora"™s Na'vi to Sriram Raghavan"™s war zone, here is a detailed look at the 5-way battle set to explode this December. If you thought the box office was cooling down, think again. The final month of 2025 is gearing up to be a historic battlefield at the ticket windows. While the Christmas window is lucrative, it is also ruthless. This year, we aren't just looking at a double clash; we are staring at a five-way face-off involving Hollywood titans, Bollywood superstars, and Pan-India legends. With the release dates locked, here is everything you need to know about the contenders fighting for screen space this December. Avatar: Fire and Ash Release Date: December 19, 2025 Director: James Cameron Cast: Sam Worthington, Zoe Saldana, Sigourney Weaver, Stephen Lang. Technically arriving a week early, this is the shark in the water. Avatar: Fire and Ash (Avatar 3) will introduce the "Ash People" (Fire Na'vi), adding a darker tone to the franchise.The previous installment, Avatar: The Way of Water (2022), was a monster in India, collecting approximately ₹ 391.4 Cr (India Net) and surpassing huge Bollywood blockbusters. With a head start of one week, it will likely hog the IMAX and premium format screens, making it a nightmare for the films releasing on Christmas Day. Tu Meri Main Tera Main Tera Tu Meri Release Date: December 25, 2025 Director:Sameer Sanjay Vidwans Cast: Kartik Aaryan,Ananya Panday, Neena Gupta and Jackie Shroff his film marks a massive "homecoming" of sorts. It is Kartik Aaryan"™s first major release with Dharma Productions (Karan Johar) after their highly publicized fallout years ago, making it a hot topic in the trade. Directed by Sameer Vidwans, who delivered the critical and commercial hit Satyaprem Ki Katha (2023) with Kartik, expectations are sky-high for this duo to recreate that magic The film boasts a potent "Combo Factor" that has the trade buzzing. Fans are thrilled to witness the big-screen reunion of Kartik Aaryan and Ananya Panday, whose sparkling chemistry was a key driver in the success of their 2019 hit Pati Patni Aur Woh, which collected approximately ₹ 84.56 Cr (India Net). Adding to the credibility is the return of the director-actor duo, Sameer Vidwans and Kartik; Vidwans is known for extracting emotional depth from the actor, a quality that was widely appreciated in their previous collaboration, Satyaprem Ki Katha. Billed as a "Gen-Z rom-com with a 90s soul," the movie promises to deliver the nostalgic charm of a classic Dharma romance, further elevated by the chart-topping tunes of returning composers Vishal-Shekhar. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}) Ikkis Release Date: December 25, 2025 Director:Sriram Raghavan Cast: Agastya Nanda, Dharmendra, Jaideep Ahlawat. This is the dark horse of the season. Directed by the master of thrillers, Sriram Raghavan (of Andhadhun fame), Ikkis is a biopic of Second Lieutenant Arun Khetarpal, the youngest Param Vir Chakra recipient. For Agastya Nanda, this is his big theatrical test after his debut in The Archies (Netflix). All eyes are on director Sriram Raghavan, whose previous masterpiece Andhadhun is a case study in box office longevity. The film started slow but raced to a massive ₹ 74.32 Cr India Net purely on word-of-mouth. However, its success wasn't limited to domestic borders; the thriller exploded globally, amassing a staggering ₹ 439.64 Cr Worldwide, driven by a colossal ₹ 344.54 Cr from Overseas markets (with a historic run in China). If Ikkis delivers similar content-driven power, it could be the "Jerry Maguire" of this season"”starting small but scoring big in the long run. Vrusshabha Release Date: December 25, 2025 Director:Nanda Kishore Cast: Mohanlal,Zahrah S Khan, Shanaya Kapoor,Roshan Meka Billed as an "Epical Action Entertainer," Vrusshabha is one of the most ambitious projects coming out of the Malayalam industry but shot as a proper Pan-India film.Mohanlal is a legend. The film marks the big Pan-India debut for Shanaya Kapoor and Zahrah S Khan. Adding to the lineup is the young and energetic Roshan Meka (known for Pelli SandaD), whose dynamic with Mohanlal is said to be the emotional core of the film. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}) Anaconda Release Date: December 25, 2025 Director:Tom Gormican Cast: Jack Black, Paul Rudd, Steve Zahn, Thandiwe Newton, Daniela Melchior, and Selton Mello This isn't your average creature feature"”it is a star-studded, meta-comedic reimagining of the 1997 cult classic. Directed by Tom Gormican, who gave us the critically acclaimed The Unbearable Weight of Massive Talent, this version promises a fresh twist on the genre. The story reportedly follows a group of friends facing mid-life crises who head to the rainforest to remake their favorite movie, only to find themselves hunted by giant snakes for real.With Godzilla and Kong movies performing exceptionally well in India recently collecting ₹ 106.99 Cr (India Nett), a high-budget snake disaster movie has a built-in audience in the mass centers. The battle lines are drawn. With James Cameron"™s Avatar: Fire and Ash arriving early to dominate premium formats, the four Christmas Day releases face a massive challenge to secure screens and footfalls. However, history has proven that multiple films can coexist if the content is strong. Will Kartik Aaryan"™s charm and Sriram Raghavan"™s storytelling hold the fort against the Hollywood tsunami? Or will Mohanlal"™s mass appeal surprise everyone? One thing is certain: The Box Office is about to witness fireworks like never before.

Bollywood

54 days ago

4544 views

Shah Rukh Khan's King Title Teaser Roars With 90+ Million Views in 24 Hours

Mumbai, November 3 - Superstar Shah Rukh Khan celebrated his 60th birthday by officially announcing his highly-awaited action thriller film King, directed by Siddharth Anand. The movie, which is currently under production, marks the duo's second film together after 2023's mega blockbuster Pathaan. Produced by Red Chillies Entertainment and Marflix, the King title teaser has ignited massive curiosity among cinephiles after the massive response across social media platforms. In the first 24 hours, the teaser generated over 90 million views across all platforms. On YouTube, the title teaser scored around 28 million views and over 40 million views on Instagram. This is among the highest viewership for a title announcement promo, which shows the excitement around the film. King, as the promo shows, promises to present SRK in a never-before-seen avatar that is both menace and magnetism. The makers have confirmed that King will be hitting worldwide theatres in 2026, most likely in the last quarter of the year. SRK is currently recovering from his shoulder injury and will resume filming in the next few days in Mumbai. The film stars Shah Rukh Khan in the titular role, alongside his daughter Suhana Khan (in her theatrical film debut), with an ensemble cast consisting of Deepika Padukone, Abhishek Bachchan, Raghav Juyal, Anil Kapoor, Jackie Shroff, Arshad Warsi, Jaideep Ahlawat, and Abhay Verma, among others. Stay tuned...