What was only being whispered about is now out in the open. Justice Hema Committee report on sexual bullying in the Malayalam film industry has opened up a pandora’s box. It is reliably turned by this writer that the Maharashtra government now intends to set up a similar committee to probe the casting couch syndrome in the Hindi film industry.

The information of an impending investigation on sexual misconduct has put many Filmistan personalities on the backfoot.

Said veteran actress Asha Parekh, “This must be probed at the highest level. The safety of women at their workplace must be the highest priority for the government.”

A prominent Hindi producer-director spoke on the issue on condition of anonymity and said, “Some years ago that whole MeToo thing happened in Bollywood. But what was the result? Only the small fish were taken into the net. The really big players, and that includes a multi-content tycoon producer and an A-list hero known for his clean image, both of whom paid multi-crores to the accusers to hush up allegations against them. This time the biggest of heads will roll.”

In this context, Malayalam actor Tovino Thomas’s expressions of “hurt” over the Malayalam film industry being “targeted” on the casting couch has created controversy.

One of his colleagues observed, “A start had to be made somewhere, and Thomas should be happy and proud that the Malayalam film industry has spearheaded MeToo Part 2. Thomas whining about why-us is like saying a crime’s impact is lessened as there are others perpetrating the same crime. For God’s sake this is not kindergarten school. Grow up, and face reality.”

This writer spoke to several members of the Malayalam film industry about the Hema committee report. Very few spoke on record. One of the few who responded was The Great Indian Kitchen director Jeo Baby who remarked, “All registered complaints should be treated very seriously. Many changes should be brought in the film sector with the support of the state government. I take this occasion to congratulate WCC (Women In Cinema, Collective). They have done a great job for the future of Malayalam cinema.”

Salman Khan is all charged up to return to theatres in his much-loved massy avatar in Sikandar. The film was announced in Eid earlier this year with Sajid Nadiadwala producing and filmmaker AR Murugadoss marking his first collaboration with the superstar. Furthermore, adding to the anticipation is that the film will see Khan paired up with popular actress Rashmika Mandanna. Considering all this, the anticipation around the film is massive with the latest update revealing that the actors will be shooting for an extended period of time in Mumbai for the film.

According to a Pinkvilla report, the makers have planned a long shoot schedule of 45 days in Mumbai, which will also have Salman Khan shoot his high-octane stunt sequences for the film. In fact, we hear that massive sets have been erected in a film studio of the city and a source reportedly confirmed the details and was quoted saying, “Local parts of Mumbai are re-created at a big studio in Mumbai. It took over 3 months to build the entire set and the makers have spent a bomb to make all the aspects look authentic. This is one of the most important schedules of Sikandar as the team will be shooting for not just action, but also the emotional and dramatic sequences,”

Furthermore, the source also added that the rest of the cast including Rashmika Mandanna, Baahubali star Sathyaraj, and actor Prateik Babbar too will be joining the schedule. The source went on to share, “While Sikandar has a lot of action in it, there are ample of emotional and dramatic moments in the screenplay, and Salman is looking forward for the high-octane moments under the direction of AR Murugadoss.” After wrapping this up, the sources stated that the makers will be shooting in a palace too for about 15 to 20 days and added, “The team is in the process of identifying a palace which brings scale and rich production values to the film. The third schedule will take place around November.”

It is being said that Sikandar will mark the return of Salman Khan as the quintessential massy bad boy that the actor is famous for. The makers are aiming at releasing the film as a treat to fans in Eid 2025.

Also Read: Salman Khan soars and brawls with three thrilling action sequences in new schedule of Sikandar starting August 26: Report

1. Apple’s iPhone 16 announcement and release dates revealed – GSMArena.com news  GSMArena.com
2. Apple iPhone 16 series price leak: Here’s how much the upcoming models might cost in India  Business Today
3. iPhone 16 series launch in September: 7 cool things to expect  Hindustan Times
4. Apple iPhone 16 vs iPhone 15: All the rumoured differences to expect  The Indian Express
5. Apple Targets Sept. 10 Debut for New iPhones, AirPods and Watches  Bloomberg

Filmmaker Srinath Rajendran, known for his hard-hitting Malayalam thrillers, is set to make his Bollywood debut with a film inspired by the life of Dhani Ram Mittal, India’s most notorious conman and master forger. Rajendran, who gained recognition for films like Dulquer Salmaan starrer Kurup and Mohanlal starrer Koothara, is ready to bring his unique storytelling to the Hindi film industry with this interesting biographical drama.

The upcoming untitled film is based on the book ‘MoneyRam’, co-authored by Preeti Aggarwal and Chetan Unniyal. The book delves into the extraordinary life of Dhani Ram Mittal, also known as Junior Natwarlal, whose criminal career spanned an astonishing 45 years, from 1969 until his death in April 2024. Mittal’s life story, filled with daring cons and forged documents, is a true example of how “fact is stranger than fiction”.

Srinath Rajendran’s previous film, Kurup (2021), became one of the most successful Malayalam films and it was based on the real-life story of Sukumara Kurup, one of Kerala’s most infamous fugitives, who has been on the run since 1984 after being charged with murder in an attempt to fake his own death and claim an insurance sum of ₹8 lakh. Known to have a penchant for this kind of thriller genre, Rajendran has once again chosen a compelling narrative for his Bollywood debut. He expressed his excitement about the project, stating, “Cinema today transcends borders and languages. I am thrilled to embark on this new journey in Hindi cinema. Dhani Ram Mittal, or ‘MoneyRam,’ is arguably the most fascinating conman in modern Indian history, and I can’t wait to bring his story to the big screen.”

The screenplay for the film is already in progress, with plans to begin shooting in early 2025. The film, produced by Insomnia Media and Content Services Limited, will be shot in Hindi and released in Hindi, Malayalam, and Telugu, aiming to captivate a Pan-Indian audience. However, the cast and other details are currently being kept under wraps.

Also Read: Dulquer Salmaan’s Kurup becomes the first Malayalam movie trailer to screen on Burj Khalifa; actor experiences the moment with family

The One With All The One-Liners.

View Entire Post ›

After Ayesha Takia experienced severe backlash over her appearance in a recent post on social media, she decided to temporarily deactivate her account. Now a couple of days later, the former Bollywood star turned internet personality decided to respond to her critics in subtle and ‘classy, demure’ manner with a series of posts. Earlier during the weekend, the actress decided to share a couple of posts on the platform as a response to the severe flak she received.

Taking to Instagram, the actress posted a video where she is seen taking a mirror selfie in a casual denim and tee attire with the caption, “Very demure, very mindful”. Furthermore, she went on to also share a story about the same wherein she wrote, “Did you notice how I just didn’t respond? Very mind, very cutesy, very demure.” Both of which were a jibe at the social media users who went berserk posting negative comments on her changed look.

View this post on Instagram

 
A post shared by ????Ayesha Takia Azmi (@ayeshatakia)

The issue started when the actress posted her changed look in a series of posts where she is also seen sporting the traditional Indian attire. Followed by the same, many netizens took to the platform to share their two cents on the actress’ avatar. One fan compared her look to the one she had when she made her debut in Tarzan: The Wonder Car and said, “Ye kya ? Ye Konsa jeev hai ? Humne to Tarzan me dekha kuch or tha yaha aya kuch or hai”. Many of them lashed out on her for allegedly ‘ruining her face’ and added, “Ye wali achhi nahi lagi pahle wali bahot cute Nd sundar thi”, “Egyptian mummy lg rhii hai” and “She ruined her natural beauty ??,,,why ?? Looking so bad” were some of the comments dropped on her post.

View this post on Instagram

 
A post shared by ????Ayesha Takia Azmi (@ayeshatakia)

This is not the first time she received such hateful comments. In the past too, when the actress had undergone a change in her look, she was at the receiving end of such brutal comments on social media and the actress has always ensured to address them by sharing an apt response on the platform.

Also Read: Ayesha Takia hits back at trolls over her looks; says, “I’m sending back all ur shitty energy”

Mona Singh is set for the second season of the critically acclaimed Netflix series, Kohrra. The actor, who recently garnered praise for her roles in projects like Made in Heaven 2, Kaala Paani, and Munjya, has now joined the ensemble cast of this gripping crime thriller. Created by Sudip Sharma, Kohrra follows a gripping story set against the backdrop of Punjab. The first season, starring Suvinder Vicky, Barun Sobti, and Harleen Sethi, received widespread acclaim for its compelling narrative and powerful performances.

According to a report in Mid-Day, Mona Singh has begun shooting for the second season of Kohrra in Punjab. Her fluency in Punjabi makes her a natural fit for the project, and her talent and experience are expected to elevate the storytelling. While details about her character are currently under wraps, it is clear that her presence will significantly contribute to the show’s overall impact.

The second season of Kohrra is being directed by Randeep Jha, who also helmed the first season. The show’s creator, Sudip Sharma, is once again involved in the writing process. The team is excited to have Mona Singh on board and believes that her contribution will be invaluable to the series’ success.

The first season followed the death of an NRI (Non-Resident Indians) and the impact of grief, mutual suspicion and hidden secrets of the characters involved in the drama. Set in the heartland of Punjab and steeped in suspense, this series followed dual storylines of hunting down a killer and navigating love and relationships.
ALSO READ: Mona Singh-starrer Happy Patel Khatarnaak Jasoos, produced by Aamir Khan, expected to release during Diwali

The action thriller, Yudhra, is set to hit theaters on September 20, and its first posters have just been released, offering a glimpse into the intense and brutal world of the film. The posters showcase the lead actors, Siddhant Chaturvedi and Malavika Mohanan, in a state of disarray, their faces bloodied and bruised. The images convey a sense of raw intensity and suggest that the film will be filled with heart-pounding action sequences and gripping storytelling.

Siddhant Chaturvedi is seen with a determined expression, his body covered in injuries. Mohanan, portraying a strong and independent character, is also shown with visible wounds, is seen hugging Siddhant’s character and is covered in blood.

View this post on Instagram

 
A post shared by Excel Entertainment (@excelmovies)

Yudhra marks a significant milestone in Siddhant’s career as he takes on a role like never before. The actor underwent rigorous training in mixed martial arts (MMA), kickboxing, and jiu-jitsu to prepare for his action-heavy role. This dedication is evident in the posters, where Siddhant’s transformation into a formidable action hero is on full display. The film marks Malavika’s foray into Hindi cinema.

Yudhra is directed by Ravi Udyawar, who is known for his work on the critically acclaimed film Mom. Raghav Juyal plays the antagonist in the movie.

Produced by Excel Entertainment’s Ritesh Sidhwani & Farhan Akhtar and directed by Ravi Udyawar, the film has a story and screenplay from Farhan Akhtar & Shridhar Raghavan. It was announced in February 2021.
ALSO READ: Siddhant Chaturvedi starrer Yudhra set for September 2024 release: Report

1. More Apple intelligence features coming to upcoming iOS 18.1 beta releases  PhoneArena
2. List of iPhone models to support Apple’s iOS 18 and Apple Intelligence  Hindustan Times
3. Will your iPhone support Apple Intelligence? Here’s which device will and which won’t  The Indian Express
4. List of iPhones which will support Apple Intelligence  India Today
5. The iOS 18 public beta is available for iPhone right now. How to download it (and which models support it)  ZDNet