BY SACNILK TEAM

Mumbai, February 24 - Filmmaker Rohit Shetty has begun shooting for Golmaal 5, the next instalment of one of Bollywood's most successful comedy franchises. The director has quietly commenced principal photography in Mumbai, marking the return of his signature slapstick humour, madcap situations, and larger-than-life comedy that have defined the Golmaal series for nearly two decades. The film brings back franchise mainstay Ajay Devgn, who once again headlines the ensemble cast, including Arshad Warsi, Tusshar Kapoor, Kunal Kemmu and Shreyas Talpade, along with Johnny Lever, Sanjay Mishra, Mukesh Tiwari and Ashwini Kalsekar, all return for what promises to be another high-energy comedy of errors. The cast got bigger after it was revealed that superstar Akshay Kumar joined the iconic franchise as the antagonist. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}) Adding fresh energy to the cast, Priyamani has also reportedly joined Golmaal 5 in a key role. This marks her first association with the Golmaal franchise and her maiden collaboration with Rohit Shetty. While details about her character are being kept under wraps, her inclusion has sparked curiosity among fans, who are eager to see her in a full-fledged commercial comedy setup. Golmaal 5 continues the legacy of the blockbuster franchise that began with Golmaal: Fun Unlimited and went on to become a pop-culture phenomenon. With shooting now underway and the cast steadily coming together, expectations are high for the film to deliver nostalgia, humour, and mass entertainment. The makers are reportedly eyeing a theatrical release in 2027, making it one of the most anticipated Bollywood comedies in the coming years. Stay tuned...

BY CHRISTA LINCY

The gothic world of Nevermore Academy is set to expand as Netflix officially released the first teaser for the highly anticipated third season of Wednesday. Following the global phenomenon of the first two seasons, the Jenna Ortega-starrer is moving into even darker territory, shifting its production base from Romania to the misty, atmospheric landscapes of Ireland. The teaser has sent shockwaves through the fandom, hinting at a high-stakes family war that moves beyond the school walls and into the deep-seated secrets of the Addams family lineage. Building on the chilling cliffhangers from the Season 2 finale, the narrative is now set to delve into the dark mystery surrounding Aunt Ophelia. Following the subtle hints dropped in the final moments of the previous installment, it is clear that Ophelia has been positioned as a dangerous antagonist with a deadly obsession with her niece. Driven by the same chaotic Raven psychic visions that once led to her own isolation, she views Wednesday's burgeoning powers as a direct threat to the Addams family's survival. This internal feud, teased as the show's next major conflict, is expected to escalate into a high-stakes kill or be killed scenario, with Ophelia orchestrating a series of supernatural traps to ensure Wednesday does not survive her next semester. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({})   Parallel to the threat from her aunt, Wednesday faces a deeply personal crisis involving her best friend, Enid Sinclair. For the unversed, the aftermath of the previous season's climax has left Enid in a precarious state. Sources suggest that after her intense transformation to protect the school, Enid has struggled to regain her human form and has become lost to her animalistic wolf instincts. This season will likely follow Wednesday as she embarks on a desperate search to track down a feral Enid. This quest for her friend's humanity is expected to take Wednesday away from the safety of Nevermore and into the dangerous wilds, where she must balance her hunt for Enid with the constant threat of the stalker who has been trailing her every move. The production shift to Ireland is intended to give the series a more expansive and cinematic feel, leaning heavily into folk-horror elements that Tim Burton is known for. With the addition of new cast members and the return of fan favorites like Uncle Fester and Thing, Season 3 is shaping up to be a more mature and horror-centric chapter. While the teaser confirms that the show is coming soon, trade analysts suggest that the heavy visual effects required for the werewolf sequences and Ophelia's psychic battles mean fans should gear up for a late 2026 or early 2027 premiere. Regardless of the wait, the promise of a showdown between Wednesday and her deranged aunt has already made this the most talked-about upcoming release on Netflix.

BY SUNIT JANGIR

Hyderabad, February 24 - Pawan Kalyan's upcoming mass-action entertainer Ustaad Bhagat Singh is witnessing solid traction in the trade circles, with its pre-release theatrical business shaping up to be one of the biggest for a Telugu film in recent times. Directed by Harish Shankar, the film has reportedly generated strong interest from distributors, largely due to the powerful actor-director combination and its mass appeal. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}) According to industry buzz, the theatrical rights in the Telugu states are being valued at a premium price. The combined business of Andhra Pradesh and Telangana is reportedly hovering in the range of 110–125 crore, depending on final area-wise closures. It is said that the producers are demanding close to They Call Him OG, but the distributors are said to be offering around 15% less than the quoted price. ith the makers carefully evaluating offers, the final numbers are likely to be locked closer to the film's release. The momentum has picked up noticeably after recent promotional updates, pushing the film's market value higher. Beyond the Telugu states, Ustaad Bhagat Singh is also showing promise in Karnataka and overseas markets, where Pawan Kalyan's fan following remains strong. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}) Once these territories are included, the overall pre-release theatrical business is expected to cross 140 crore, with optimistic trade voices even hinting at a higher ceiling if buzz continues to grow. Overall, Ustaad Bhagat Singh is shaping up as a high-stakes commercial venture, with distributors placing big bets on its theatrical performance. With expectations riding high and business figures steadily climbing, the film is firmly positioned as one of the most anticipated Telugu releases of the year. It is scheduled to be released on March 26, 2026, worldwide. Stay tuned...

BY CHRISTA LINCY

The Indian film industry is bracing for one of its most significant theatrical face-offs as Ranveer Singh's action-packed Dhurandhar 2 and Yash's period gangster thriller Toxic prepare for a grand clash. Scheduled to arrive on March 19, 2026, during the festive Eid weekend, both films are expected to set new benchmarks at the box office. While fans are divided over the Dhuroxic fight, actress Huma Qureshi, who plays a pivotal role in Toxic, sees the situation through a different lens. Speaking exclusively to Variety India, Huma downplayed the rivalry, calling the clash a positive sign for the fraternity. No matter what I say, I think whichever way I look at it, it is a win for the Indian film industry and it's going to be great for the audiences, Huma told Variety India. It's a win-win, the way I look at it and I think it's going to be like just a fantastic time for movie-going audiences, and there is space for everyone to do well. With both films targeting a March 19 release, the industry is closely watching how the screen count will be divided. While the holiday weekend ensures high footfalls, a simultaneous release often eats into the business of both projects. However, the makers of both biggies remain adamant about sticking to the announced date, setting the stage for a high-stakes distribution battle. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({})   For the unversed, Dhurandhar 2 is a sequel to the high-octane actioner directed by Aditya Dhar. The film sees Ranveer Singh leading a massive ensemble cast including Arjun Rampal, Sanjay Dutt, and R. Madhavan, along with Sara Arjun, Rakesh Bedi, Danish Pandor, Gaurav Gera, and Manav Gohil reprising their roles. In a strategic move to capture the South Indian market, the sequel will also be released in Telugu, Tamil, Kannada, and Malayalam dubbed versions. On the other side of the ring is Toxic, directed by Geetu Mohandas. Simultaneously shot in Kannada and English, the period gangster thriller is Yash's first major outing after the global success of the KGF franchise. The film boasts a pan-India star cast including Nayanthara, Kiara Advani, Rukmini Vasanth, and Tara Sutaria, alongside Huma Qureshi. As March 19 approaches, the win-win situation Huma Qureshi speaks of will be tested at the ticket windows. Whether the audience chooses the high-tech espionage of Dhurandhar 2 or the gritty period drama of Toxic, the real winner seems to be the theatrical experience itself.

BY CHRISTA LINCY

The iconic duo that gave us cult classics like Hera Pheri, Garam Masala, and Bhool Bhulaiyaa is back! Akshay Kumar and legendary director Priyadarshan are reuniting after 14 years for a massive horror-comedy titled Bhooth Bangla. Produced by Ektaa R Kapoor's Balaji Motion Pictures, the film has already created a storm on social media with its latest release date announcement. The official motion picture of Bhooth Bangla, is been revealed . The visual features a shirtless, buffed-up Akshay Kumar sitting cross-legged on a throne adorned with demonic faces. Sporting dark sunglasses paired with traditional rudraksha beads and a white dhoti, the actor is seen in a state of intense, primal energy. This black magic aesthetic perfectly captures the essence of the film—a blend of high-octane horror and the chaotic comedy that Priyadarshan is famous for. Dus ko denge das-tak, intezar karo tab tak…Let the fun begin!#BhoothBangla in cinemas on 10th April 2026 👻@priyadarshandir @akshaykumar @SirPareshRawal @rajpalofficial #Tabu #WamiqaGabbi @Jisshusengupta @actormanojjoshi @mipalkar pic.twitter.com/UlV54g4Por— BalajiMotionPictures (@balajimotionpic) February 24, 2026 For the unversed, the release schedule for Bhooth Bangla has undergone a few changes over the past few months. While the film was originally planned for an April 2, 2026, arrival, the date was briefly moved to May 15. However, the makers have now finalized the theatrical release for April 10, 2026, a move aimed at capitalizing on the early summer holidays and the lucrative long weekend. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({})   The motion picture also serves as a reminder of the film's massive scale. Produced by Ektaa R Kapoor's Balaji Motion Pictures, Bhooth Bangla isn't just an Akshay Kumar show; it is a reunion of comedy royalty. The film stars legends Paresh Rawal and Rajpal Yadav, reuniting with Akshay and Priyadarshan to recreate the magic of the early 2000s. Joining them is a powerhouse ensemble including Tabu, Wamiqa Gabbi, Mithila Palkar, Manoj Joshi, Jisshu Sengupta, and Ismael Cruz Córdova. While the plot remains guarded, the essence of the motion picture confirms that this is not your typical horror film. Priyadarshan is exploring the theme of black magic and supernatural myths through a lens of dark comedy. With Akshay Kumar looking physically transformed and the production quality appearing top-notch, Bhooth Bangla is positioning itself as the definitive cinematic event of 2026.

BY SUNIT JANGIR

Hyderabad, February 24 - Natural Star Nani has teamed with Saaho director Sujeeth for the first time for an action thriller film. The film was officially announced last year, and now, on the occasion of the actor's 43rd birthday, the makers have confirmed the title of the film. Marking the occasion, the makers of his next film unveiled a special title glimpse and revealed that the film has been titled as Bloody Romeo, set against the backdrop of a gangster. The glimpse video, released in animated form, shows Nani playing a chef as well as a gangster. The video features voiceovers by Vennela Kishore, while the background score is composed by Pravin Veyra. The makers have also confirmed that the shooting for this much-awaited film, produced by Niharika Entertainment and Unanimous Productions, will commence this summer, for a grand worldwide release in 2027. Meanwhile, Nani will next be seen in director Srikanth Odela's The Paradise, which will be released on August 21, 2026. Sujeeth, on the other hand, last teamed up with Pawan Kalyan for They Call Him OG, which was released last year and went on to gross nearly 300 crores at the worldwide box office. Stay tuned...

BY SUNIT JANGIR

Mumbai, February 24 - The Kerala Story 2: Goes Beyond has cleared the censor ahead of its theatrical release. According to the reports, the film has been granted a U/A certificate by the Central Board of Film Certification after the makers agreed to carry out 15 cuts and modifications suggested by the board. As per the certification details, the CBFC asked the filmmakers to reduce the duration and intensity of certain sensitive visuals, including lip-lock scenes and disturbing sexual content. Portions depicting violence and abuse were also trimmed, while a few dialogues were modified to soften their impact. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}) The censor board also instructed the makers to include an updated disclaimer, reiterating that the film is inspired by events and does not intend to target any community. These changes were mandatory before the film could receive its U/A certification, allowing viewers under 12 years to watch it with parental guidance. Following the cuts, the final theatrical runtime of The Kerala Story 2: Goes Beyond stands at 131 minutes and 24 seconds, translating to approximately 2 hours, 11 minutes. This makes it the slighly shorter than the first film, which was 2 hours and 18 minutes long. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}) Much like its predecessor, The Kerala Story 2 has already attracted attention due to its subject matter. With the censor clearance now in place, the film is set to move ahead with its release plans, even as discussions around its content continue within the industry and among audiences. It is scheduled to be released on February 27. Stay tuned...

BY SACNILK TEAM

Mumbai, February 23 - Filmmaker Ali Abbas Zafar has officially confirmed his next directorial venture, and it will feature Saiyaara breakout star Ahaan Panday in the lead role. The project is a high-voltage action-romance backed by Yash Raj Films, marking Zafar's return to the banner after several successful collaborations in the past. The confirmation came after Ali Abbas Zafar shared a photo with Ahaan Panday on social media, hinting at the film's theme with the caption, "Power isn't given... It's taken." The post quickly went viral, making it the first direct acknowledgement from the filmmaker about the collaboration. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}) Power Isn’t Given … Its TAKEN . Let’s Roll 🔥 #AhaanPanday pic.twitter.com/0xt8P1Yveu— ali abbas zafar (@aliabbaszafar) February 23, 2026 The film is currently in advanced pre-production and is expected to go on floors by the end of March 2026. Major portions of the shoot are planned in Mumbai, with an international schedule, reportedly in London, being lined up for large-scale action sequences. The makers are aiming to wrap up principal photography by mid-2026. The yet-to-be-titled film is described as an action-romance designed to position Ahaan Panday as a mainstream commercial hero after his debut in Saiyaara. The film features Sharvari Wagh as the female lead, while Aaishvary Thackeray is said to be playing the antagonist. With Ali Abbas Zafar known for mounting big-canvas entertainers and Yash Raj Films backing the project, expectations are already high. Stay tuned...

BY SUNIT JANGIR

Mumbai, February 23 - Yash Raj Films has once again proved that big screen cinema remains the ultimate choice for its movies with Alia Bhatt's spy action thriller Alpha, which was postponed from December 2025 due to pending work. Alpha has been under immense pressure to deliver at the box office after the underperformance of the last two Spy Universe films from Yash Raj Films. Recently, it was reported that the studio was looking for an option to release the film directly on a digital platform, bypassing theatrical release. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}) However, the latest development suggests there is no truth in the direct-to-digital release reports. According to the report by Variety India, Netflix offered a massive 215 crore deal to secure the exclusive digital release of Alpha, but Aditya Chopra-led studio rejected it to keep Alia Bhatt-starrer a theatrical first watch. In an official statement to Variety India, the YRF spokesperson explains, "Yash Raj Films will never put films from its theatrical slate directly to streaming. We are a studio that takes immense pride in making cinematic experiences, and that Alpha is a tentpole movie for the company". (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}) This is not the first time YRF has rejected such big offers to sell its movies for direct-to-ott release. Earlier during the COVID days, the studio stood firm with the theatrical sector despite the uncertainty over big screen cinema, and it has once again shown the courage to do the same despite a lucrative offer. Directed by Shiv Rawail of The Railway Man, Alpha is the 7th film in the YRF Spy Universe. It also stars Sharvari Wagh and Bobby Deol in the key roles and is expected to have a cameo appearance of Hrithik Roshan's Kabir. The new release date is yet to be locked. Stay tuned...

BY SUNIT JANGIR

Chennai, February 23 - After months of speculation, Kaithi 2 is once again in the spotlight. The sequel to the 2019 cult action thriller Kaithi remains one of the most anticipated projects in the Lokesh Cinematic Universe (LCU), and recent developments have clarified its current status. Director Lokesh Kanagaraj has clearly stated that Kaithi 2 is not shelved, putting to rest rumours about the film being cancelled or indefinitely stalled. According to the filmmaker, the sequel is very much on his priority list, but scheduling issues have delayed its progress. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}) Now, a fresh development has occurred, hinting that an official announcement of the film might finally be around the corner. In a major update, Dream Warrior Pictures, the production house backing the film, has reportedly censored a 30-second promo titled Dilli. This development has sparked strong speculation that the makers have locked Dilli as the official title of Kaithi 2, named after Dilli, played by Karthi. According to industry rumours, the official announcement of the film is expected on March 14, which coincides with director Lokesh Kanagaraj's birthday. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}) However, despite the announcement buzz, the film's shooting is not expected to begin immediately. The biggest reason behind the delay is Lokesh Kanagaraj's packed lineup. The director is currently committed to a large-scale pan-Indian project with Allu Arjun, which is expected to be completed before he moves on to Kaithi 2. Once that film wraps up, the sequel starring Karthi is expected to finally move into active development. The bottom line is, Kaithi 2 is still happening, but fans will need to be patient. With no shooting date or release window announced yet, the sequel is likely to go on floors only after Lokesh Kanagaraj completes his current commitments. Until then, the return of Dilli remains delayed—but very much alive. Stay tuned...

BY SACNILK TEAM

Mumbai, February 23 - Sunny Deol's much-anticipated period drama Lahore 1947 has reportedly sparked discussions around a possible title change ahead of its theatrical release. The film, which marks Deol's reunion with director Rajkumar Santoshi after years, is set to release on Independence Day this year. Lahore 1947 is produced by Aamir Khan and is set against the backdrop of India's Partition, one of the most sensitive and defining chapters in the country's history. According to reports, the team feels that a new title might better communicate the film's core themes to a wider audience, especially considering the subject's emotional and historical weight. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}) Interestingly, Sunny Deol himself has addressed the speculation recently, hinting that while a title change is being discussed, the film may also retain its original name. This indicates that the makers are still weighing their options and will take a final call very soon. The film is an adaptation of the acclaimed play Jis Lahore Nai Vekhya, O Jamya E Nai and also stars Preity Zinta, Ali Fazal, and Shabana Azmi in key roles. Slated for release around Independence Day 2026, Lahore 1947 is expected to be a hard-hitting, emotionally driven narrative. Whether the title changes or not, the film remains one of the most-awaited projects in Sunny Deol’s upcoming lineup. Stay tuned...

BY SACNILK TEAM

Mumbai, February 23 - The Hindi remake of the Malayalam blockbuster Premalu is reportedly in development. The original film, which was released in 2024, emerged as one of the most loved romantic comedies of the year, especially among younger audiences and went on to become a big box office blockbuster. According to the latest reports, the Hindi remake will feature Veer Pahariya as the male lead. Veer, who has been gradually building his presence in Bollywood, is expected to step into a role inspired by Naslen's character from the original film. The project is being positioned as a youthful, urban rom-com, staying true to the tone and charm that made Premalu such a massive success in Malayalam. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}) The female lead in the remake will reportedly be played by Aafia Syed, marking her Bollywood debut. It is said that the makers were keen on casting a relatively fresh face to retain the innocence and relatability that defined the original love story. The shooting schedule is expected to kick off very soon. The original Premalu, directed by Girish A D, had also found success through its Hindi-dubbed OTT release, which further boosted demand for a full-fledged Hindi remake. With romance-driven films once again finding favour at the box office, the Hindi adaptation of Premalu can spring a surprise. Stay tuned...