Ranbir Kapoor BREAKS SILENCE on backlash for Animal for the first time; social media calling it ‘misogynistic’: “People from the film industry told me they were disappointed in me”

Ranbir Kapoor BREAKS SILENCE on backlash for Animal for the first time; social media calling it ‘misogynistic’: “People from the film industry told me they were disappointed in me”

Ranbir Kapoor has candidly addressed the polarizing response to his recent blockbuster, Animal. The film, directed by Sandeep Reddy Vanga, ignited a fierce debate upon its release, with critics and audiences divided over its portrayal of masculinity and violence. In the latest episode of “People by WTF,” host Nikhil Kamath engages in a conversation with Ranbir Kapoor. Kapoor delves deep into his personal and professional life, discussing milestones, challenges, and the surprising commonalities between him and Kamath.

In the interview, Kapoor revealed the emotional toll the film’s aftermath has taken on him. While Animal emerged as a massive commercial success, solidifying Kapoor’s position as a leading Bollywood star, the film’s content drew significant criticism, particularly regarding its depiction of women.

“I was scared when I first heard the story,” Kapoor admitted. The actor explained that he was eager to break free from his “good boy” image and that Animal offered a chance to showcase a different facet of his acting abilities. However, the film’s controversial themes led to a mixed reception, with some praising Kapoor’s performance while others vehemently criticized the film’s overall tone. When the host said that society shouldn’t derive morality from the movies, Ranbir agreed and said, “That was the intention, but it was misconstrued.”

“Social media played havoc. They needed something to talk about, so they really went to town claiming it was a misogynistic film. What happens is that the hard work that you put in… I know the director had made Kabir Singh, which also faced the same thing, the hard work gets diminished. Because it gets this tag, which isn’t true, the perception stayed with this film. So, the general public will speak very fondly about the film, but there are many people I meet, who tell me, ‘You shouldn’t have done this film, we are so disappointed in you’,” Kapoor said.

The backlash against Animal extended beyond the general public. Kapoor revealed that he faced disappointment from within the industry, with several colleagues expressing their disapproval of his choice. “A lot of people from the film industry told me they were disappointed in me,” he shared. “I quietly apologize and say, ‘Sorry I won’t do it next time.’ I don’t really agree with them, but I am in that phase of my life I don’t argue with anyone. If you don’t like my work, I will say I am sorry, I will try harder next time,” he added.

Despite the controversies, Kapoor remains convinced that Animal was the right film at the right time for his career. It pushed him out of his comfort zone and revitalized his image. “I had always been following a career path where I was doing good roles, trying to give good social messages, play the ‘good boy’ basically, the coming-of-age romantic image that I had. So, I found this very bold, adult-rated. I was scared that maybe the audience will not accept me. When the film was released, even though it did amazing numbers and we got a lot of love, there is a big audience which found the film misogynist and wrong, in some way,” the actor said.

When asked if the film were to be offered to him today and whether he would do it, he added, “I was stagnating and hitting a saturation point in my career. I was called the ‘next superstar’ for a very long time–and I am not saying I am that today, because unless you have those continuous blockbuster films, you can’t be called a superstar–but Animal was the correct film at the right time, to take another step up. Because I had been flatlining in the same status, so that was very important for me, for my confidence, to shift from a boy to a man in some ways.”

Helmed by Sandeep Reddy Vanga, the film also starred Anil Kapoor, Bobby Deol, Rashmika Mandanna and Triptii Dimri.
ALSO READ: Ranbir Kapoor’s Ramayana becomes the costliest Indian film; redefines Bollywood with a staggering $100 Million [Rs. 835 crores] budget

Trailer of Akshay Kumar starrer Khel Khel Mein to unveil on August 2; gets U/A certificate from CBFC with runtime of 3 minutes of 8 seconds: Report

Trailer of Akshay Kumar starrer Khel Khel Mein to unveil on August 2; gets U/A certificate from CBFC with runtime of 3 minutes of 8 seconds: Report

The countdown to the release of the much-anticipated comedy caper, Khel Khel Mein, is officially on! The film, starring Akshay Kumar, Vaani Kapoor, Fardeen Khan, Taapsee Pannu, Ammy Virk, Aditya Seal, and Pragya Jaiswal, is set to hit theatres on Independence Day, August 15.

To build anticipation for the film, the makers recently unveiled the energetic track, ‘Hauli Hauli’, featuring a star-studded music video. Now, the excitement is reaching a fever pitch as the film’s theatrical trailer is all set to be unveiled on August 2. As per a report in Pinkvilla, the makers have planned a grand event in Mumbai, bringing together the entire star cast, including Akshay Kumar, for the much-awaited trailer launch. The trailer, which has already received a U/A certificate from the Central Board of Film Certification, promises to be a laugh riot, with a runtime of 3 minutes and 8 seconds.

Khel Khel Mein marks the reunion of Akshay Kumar and director Mudassar Aziz after a long gap. It also sees the return of Fardeen Khan to the big screen after a hiatus.

The Independence Day weekend is shaping up to be a box office battle, with Khel Khel Mein facing competition from Shraddha Kapoor and Rajkummar Rao’s Stree 2 and John Abraham and Sharvari Wagh’s Vedaa.
ALSO READ: Khel Khel Mein: Fardeen Khan calls Akshay Kumar’s discipline ‘inspiring’; pumped about his first theatrical release in 14 years: “I’m just really happy to be a part of it”

SCOOP: Karan Johar hits PAUSE on his war films with Salman Khan and Kartik Aaryan – Here’s Why!

SCOOP: Karan Johar hits PAUSE on his war films with Salman Khan and Kartik Aaryan – Here’s Why!

Back in 2023, Kartik Aaryan announced that he was teaming up with Karan Johar and Ekta Kapoor for the first time on an epic war film. The announcement created a stir on social media as it indicated a patch up between Kartik and Karan after a public fallout in the midst of shooting for Dostana. The film was to be directed by Sandeep Modi and slated to go on floors in October this year.

However, Bollywood Hungama has learnt from exclusive sources that Karan Johar has put his next with Kartik Aaryan on hold. “There is an overdose of patriotic films set against the backdrop of wars. Karan has identified the market trends after Yoddha and has decided to put Sandeep Modi and Kartik Aaryan’s next on hold,” a source told Bollywood Hungama.

That’s not all. Karan has put one more film on hold. It’s known to all that Karan Johar was teaming up with Salman Khan for the first time on Bull with Vishnu Vardhan as director. However, that film is also no longer happening. “Both Karan and Salman have officially moved on with the hope of collaborating in the future,” the source told us further.

Karan is now actively working on getting a lineup for Dharma Productions for 2025 and 2026.

Also Read: Salman Khan celebrates rumoured girlfriend Iulia Vantur’s birthday with his family, see photos

REVEALED! Raj & DK’s Rakt Brahmand to arrive on THIS OTT platform

REVEALED! Raj & DK’s Rakt Brahmand to arrive on THIS OTT platform

Netflix teams up once again with celebrated creator duo Raj & DK to bolster their creative partnership for its first action-fantasy series, Rakt Bramhand – The Bloody Kingdom. This announcement follows on the heels of their successful collaboration, the now-cult hit series Guns & Gulaabs.

For this ambitious project, Raj & DK partner with director Rahi Anil Barve and long-time collaborator Sita R Menon, under their production company, D2R Films.

The series promises a gripping, edgy narrative set against the backdrop of a fantastical kingdom with bloody action and spectacular visuals. Filming for the series commences soon. Stay tuned for the official cast announcement.

Speaking of their exciting collaboration with Netflix, Raj & DK share, “This is uncharted territory which makes it all the more thrilling for us! Our goal is to develop a fictional world that is both original and reminiscent of the fantastical tales we have heard in our childhood. We are having an amazing time working with the very talented Rahi and our uber versatile partner Sita to bring this unique vision to life. Working with Netflix has been excellent and we have their enthusiastic support to back the unconventional vision for Rakt Bramhand!”

 

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Monika Shergill, Vice-President Content Netflix India said, “After the outstanding success of the genre bending Guns & Gulaabs, we’re thrilled to team up with the masterful duo of Raj & DK for another defining series. Rakt Bramhand – The Bloody Kingdom will be Netflix India’s first ever mega action-fantasy series and is set to redefine the genre by combining grand-scale action with a thrilling storyline. With creative geniuses like Raj & DK, and the highly talented Rahi Anil Barve leading the project, we are eager to bring this epic adventure to life and entertain audiences everywhere.”

Witness the spectacular fusion of action and fantasy with Netflix’s latest venture with Raj & DK.

Also Read: Ali Fazal to share screen with Samantha Ruth Prabhu for Raj and DK’s 6-part limited show Rakht Brahmand, Aditya Roy Kapur and Wamiqa Gabbi to play key roles; deets inside!

REVEALED! Raj & DK’s Rakt Brahmand to arrive on THIS OTT platform

REVEALED! Raj & DK’s Rakt Brahmand to arrive on THIS OTT platform

Netflix teams up once again with celebrated creator duo Raj & DK to bolster their creative partnership for its first action-fantasy series, Rakt Bramhand – The Bloody Kingdom. This announcement follows on the heels of their successful collaboration, the now-cult hit series Guns & Gulaabs.

For this ambitious project, Raj & DK partner with director Rahi Anil Barve and long-time collaborator Sita R Menon, under their production company, D2R Films.

The series promises a gripping, edgy narrative set against the backdrop of a fantastical kingdom with bloody action and spectacular visuals. Filming for the series commences soon. Stay tuned for the official cast announcement.

Speaking of their exciting collaboration with Netflix, Raj & DK share, “This is uncharted territory which makes it all the more thrilling for us! Our goal is to develop a fictional world that is both original and reminiscent of the fantastical tales we have heard in our childhood. We are having an amazing time working with the very talented Rahi and our uber versatile partner Sita to bring this unique vision to life. Working with Netflix has been excellent and we have their enthusiastic support to back the unconventional vision for Rakt Bramhand!”

 

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Monika Shergill, Vice-President Content Netflix India said, “After the outstanding success of the genre bending Guns & Gulaabs, we’re thrilled to team up with the masterful duo of Raj & DK for another defining series. Rakt Bramhand – The Bloody Kingdom will be Netflix India’s first ever mega action-fantasy series and is set to redefine the genre by combining grand-scale action with a thrilling storyline. With creative geniuses like Raj & DK, and the highly talented Rahi Anil Barve leading the project, we are eager to bring this epic adventure to life and entertain audiences everywhere.”

Witness the spectacular fusion of action and fantasy with Netflix’s latest venture with Raj & DK.

Also Read: Ali Fazal to share screen with Samantha Ruth Prabhu for Raj and DK’s 6-part limited show Rakht Brahmand, Aditya Roy Kapur and Wamiqa Gabbi to play key roles; deets inside!

CONFIRMED! Ranveer Singh teams up with Aditya Dhar for his next backed by Jio Studios and B62 Studio; exciting details out!

CONFIRMED! Ranveer Singh teams up with Aditya Dhar for his next backed by Jio Studios and B62 Studio; exciting details out!

Powerhouse Ranveer Singh will headline a stellar cast featuring Sanjay Dutt, R. Madhavan, Akshaye Khanna, and Arjun Rampal in his next major theatrical feature, produced by Jio Studios and B62 Studios. This will be national-award winner Aditya Dhar’s second major motion picture after record-breaking all-time blockbuster URI-The Surgical Strike. Aditya Dhar created history as the first debutant director to deliver a 350-crore grossing film with URI: The Surgical Strike.

It is Ranveer Singh’s next big feature project after his universally loved & acclaimed turn in the super-hit rom-com Rocky Aur Rani Ki Prem Kahaani. Ranveer is expected to deliver a statement performance under Aditya Dhar’s direction. Whispers of this director-actor combination started some weeks ago within the film industry, making the whole trade and fraternity rapt with anticipation of the potential box-office thunder that this Jodi can create!

The film boasts of a star-studded cast featuring Sanjay Dutt, R. Madhavan, Akshaye Khanna, and Arjun Rampal. This phenomenal ensemble of men promises to create crackling drama and chemistry on the silver screen. It is said that Dhar managed to pull this hefty cast together on the back of his extraordinary vision for this film and its exceptional storyline.

With this project, Jio Studios and Aditya Dhar’s B62 Studios continue their collaboration after the successful Article 370. Their association goes a notch higher with Ranveer on board this massive project.

Interestingly, the association of Jio Studios’ head Jyoti Deshpande and Ranveer Singh goes back a long way with blockbusters like Ram-Leela and Bajirao Mastani when she was CEO of Eros International and later for Padmaavat at a time when Jyoti was Group CEO of Viacom18. All their films together have been very successful and it remains to be seen if they manage to continue their lucky streak for the fourth time as well.

The film is produced by Jyoti Deshpande from Jio Studios along with Lokesh Dhar and Aditya Dhar under their banner B62 Studios. This follows their recent super hit collaboration Article 370. Principal shooting for this giant theatrical presentation is now officially underway.

Also Read: Ranveer Singh and Aditya Dhar’s high-stakes espionage thriller Dhurandhar goes on floor; Jio Studios on board to bankroll the film: Report

BREAKING: Orry shoots for his Hollywood debut film in London

BREAKING: Orry shoots for his Hollywood debut film in London

Orhan Awatramani aka Orry has become a part of our lives as he’s constantly in the news and on the pap pages. After becoming famous for being at almost every Bollywood party, his popularity got a boost when he appeared on ‘Bigg Boss’ last year. And now, it has come to light that Orry is all set to make his film debut, that too in Hollywood. The information was revealed by Orry himself to a popular social media page, Things2Do.

Orry said, “The other day, I did a cameo in a Hollywood film. I can’t say which one but it’s my Hollywood debut (smiles)! They loved me so much on set that they offered me a role. They told me, ‘Don’t just do a cameo, come again and we’ll extend the character’.”

Orry, however, refused. He revealed, “I said, ‘Guys, I can’t. I’d really love more screen time but I can’t as I have things to do, places to be and a life to live’. I cannot sign away my time doing the same thing. I have done a cameo; I have worked in a movie. I have experienced what it’s like to be on a film set in London.”

Orry’s mother had reservations about the former declining a full-fledged part. He said, “My mom asked me, ‘Why didn’t you take it? You should have taken up. It’s a good film’. I explained, ‘I don’t have such time. I have events to attend and people to meet’. My mom replied, ‘Orry, you are a ‘liver’ but you haven’t got the full experience of acting on a UK set and being an actor’. I told her, ‘Mother, you are not wrong. But you are not right either’!”

Orry said that one of the reasons he doesn’t want to get into acting full-time is because “he hates film sets”. He explained, “There are so many wires (on a film set). You could just trip and die. Why are there so many wires? And that’s really something the film industry needs to tackle is the wire problem. Imagine you are travelling, you take out your bag and you see your laptop charger, phone charger and earphones all tangled up. Are you happy about that? Now imagine an entire set full of that!”

Also Read: Orry aka Orhan Awatramani takes viewers inside Anant Ambani-Radhika Merchant wedding with Janhvi Kapoor, Kim Kardashian, Deepika Padukone, watch

Salman Khan firing case: Non-bailable warrant issued against Lawrence Bishnoi’s brother Anmol

Salman Khan firing case: Non-bailable warrant issued against Lawrence Bishnoi’s brother Anmol

A special court in Mumbai has issued a non-bailable warrant against Anmol Bishnoi, the brother of jailed gangster Lawrence Bishnoi, in connection with the firing incident outside Bollywood actor Salman Khan’s residence.

The warrant was issued on Friday following a plea by the Mumbai police. Anmol Bishnoi, along with Rohit Godera, an alleged member of the Bishnoi gang, has been named as an absconding accused in the chargesheet filed earlier this month.
Bishnoi Gang Linked to Firing Incident
The firing incident took place on April 14, 2023, outside Salman Khan’s Bandra residence. The actor was not injured in the incident. The Mumbai police has since arrested six people in connection with the case, including the two alleged shooters, Vicky Gupta and Sagar Pal.

Lawrence Bishnoi, the alleged mastermind behind the attack, is currently lodged in the Sabarmati Central Prison in Ahmedabad. Anmol Bishnoi and Rohit Godera are believed to be hiding in Canada.
Crackdown on Bishnoi Gang
The issuance of the non-bailable warrant is a significant development in the ongoing investigation into the Salman Khan firing case. It highlights the efforts of the Mumbai police to crack down on the Bishnoi gang, which has been linked to several high-profile crimes.

The update comes days after a report by India Today quoted the actor saying, “I heard a cracker-like sound. Then, at around 4.55 am, the police bodyguard said that two people on a bike had fired from a weapon at the Galaxy Apartment’s first-floor balcony. There had been attempts to hurt me and my family prior to this as well. I have learnt that Lawrence Bishnoi has taken responsibility for the attack from social media. So, I believe that it is the Lawrence Bishnoi gang who have carried out the firing on my balcony,” in the chargesheet.

Also Read: Anmol Bishnoi ordered shooter to smoke while firing outside Salman Khan’s house, reveals chargesheet: “Aise lage ki bekhauf chalate hai”

Neelam Kothari and Jackie Shroff reunite after 3 decades for song ‘Tu’; music video to release on July 31

Neelam Kothari and Jackie Shroff reunite after 3 decades for song ‘Tu’; music video to release on July 31

Bollywood’s golden era stars, Jackie Shroff and Neelam Kothari, are set to mesmerize fans once again. The iconic duo, known for their sizzling on-screen chemistry, is reuniting for a romantic song titled ‘Tu’.

A Nostalgic Reunion Of Neelam Kothari, Jackie Shroff
T-Series recently created a buzz on social media by sharing a joint post featuring Jackie Shroff, Neelam Kothari, and music director Talwinder. The post announced the upcoming song ‘Tu’ with a captivating snippet. The caption read, “3 Legends in one song! #Tu releasing soon. #tseries #BhushanKumar @apnabhidu @neelamkotharisoni @talwiinder @sanjoyd @agam.mann @azeem.mann.” The news sent fans into a frenzy, with excitement palpable in the comments section.

 

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Jackie Shroff and Neelam Kothari have shared the screen in several blockbuster films including Doodh Ka Karz, Hum Bhi Insaan Hain, Laat Saab, and Antim Nyay. Their on-screen pairing was a hallmark of the 80s, and their reunion promises a nostalgic treat for fans.

 

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Neelam Kothari, a reigning star of the late 80s and 90s, continues to enjoy a strong fan following. Meanwhile, Jackie Shroff is currently gearing up for the release of the highly anticipated film Singham Again, directed by Rohit Shetty. The action-packed film boasts a stellar cast including Ajay Devgn, Kareena Kapoor Khan, Deepika Padukone, Akshay Kumar, Tiger Shroff, and Ranveer Singh.

Also Read: Anant Ambani-Radhika Merchant Wedding: Ananya Panday, John Cena, Sara Ali Khan, Jackie Shroff arrive in style

Goli says goodbye: Kush Shah quits Taarak Mehta Ka Ooltah Chashmah after 16 years

Goli says goodbye: Kush Shah quits Taarak Mehta Ka Ooltah Chashmah after 16 years

Kush Shah, the beloved actor who portrayed the character of Goli in the popular sitcom Taarak Mehta Ka Ooltah Chashmah (TMKOC), has announced his departure from the show. In a heartfelt video shared on the official TMKOC YouTube channel, Kush reflected on his journey and bid adieu to the audience and his on-screen family.

A Heartfelt Farewell
The video showcased a nostalgic look back at Kush’s time on the show, from his early days as a young actor to his growth as a beloved character. Expressing his gratitude, Kush shared, “When this show started, when you and I first met, I was very young. You have given me a lot of love since then. And this family has given me as much love as you have given me. I have made a lot of memories here. I have enjoyed a lot here.”

He further extended his appreciation to the show’s creator, Asit Kumar Modi, for his unwavering support and belief in him. “I have spent my childhood here and most importantly I want to thank the creator of Taarak Mehta Ka Ooltah Chashmah, Asit Kumar Modi for this journey. He trusted me so much, made my character so interesting and always inspired me. Because of his trust, Kush became Goli today,” Kush added.

The TMKOC cast organized a farewell party for Kush, filled with cake and warm wishes. However, a surprising twist awaited the audience at the end of the video – a glimpse of the new actor who will be taking on the role of Goli. While the identity of the new actor remains undisclosed, the announcement has stirred emotions among the show’s dedicated fanbase.

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Fans React to Goli’s Departure
The news of Kush Shah’s departure has left fans heartbroken. Many expressed their love for the actor and his portrayal of Goli. Comments on the farewell video reflected the sentiments of the viewers. One fan wrote, “Miss Old goli and Jethalal savage moments,” while another expressed, “Goli last 4 words , “thank you so much” was emotionaly real.” Many fans appreciated the show for giving Kush a proper farewell, with one comment stating, “Glad atleast they gave him a good farewell. Not randomly gone.”

The departure of Kush Shah marks the end of an era for Taarak Mehta Ka Ooltah Chashmah.

Also Read: Taarak Mehta Ka Ooltah Chashmah’s producer Asit Kumar Modi reunites with Gurucharan Singh after his return home: “For me, Sodhi is like my family”