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The Bollywood industry is constantly evolving, with new talent emerging every year. One such promising debutant who has captured the attention of audiences and critics alike is Lakshya.
Making a striking debut in the critically acclaimed film Kill earlier this year, Lakshya’s intense performance as a rugged and intense character immediately made him a promising face to look out for. Directed by Nikhil Nagesh Bhat, Kill also starred Raghav Juyal and Tanya Maniktala in pivotal roles.
However, Lakshya is not limiting himself to one genre. In his upcoming film, Chand Mera Dil, he will be seen playing a charming lover boy alongside Ananya Panday.
Now, Lakshya is all set to strike a hat-trick with Karan Johar’s Dharma Productions. As per a source, “Lakshya will spearhead a new-age action film to be produced by Karan Johar. Much like Kill, this one too will be a high-octane action thriller.”
And that’s not all. Rumor has it that Lakshya is set to headline a major OTT series, further solidifying his position as one of the most sought-after actors in the industry.
Also Read: Karan Johar marks new era of romance with Lakshya and Ananya Panday; announces Chand Mera Dil
Rapper Badshah, who recently surprised fans with a performance at Karan Aujla’s concert in Gurugram, has found himself at the center of controversy over allegations of violating traffic rules. Reports claimed that Badshah’s convoy drove on the wrong side of the road, resulting in a fine of Rs 15,000. Addressing the matter, Badshah and his team have categorically denied any wrongdoing.
Badshah’s Response on Instagram
Taking to Instagram on Tuesday night, Badshah clarified the situation with a lighthearted tone. He wrote, “Bhai Thar toh hai bhi nahi mere paas, na main drive kar raha tha us din. I was being driven in a white Vellfire and we always drive responsibly, chahe gaadiyan chahe game.”
The incident allegedly occurred on December 15, following Badshah’s appearance at Karan Aujla’s concert at Aria Mall, Gurugram. Viral posts claimed that a vehicle in Badshah’s convoy was fined for the violation. However, further investigation revealed that the vehicle in question was registered in the name of a youth from Panipat and not the rapper.
Traffic Police and Official Statement
The Gurugram Traffic Police confirmed that a challan of Rs. 15,500 had been issued against one vehicle, while the remaining vehicles in the convoy were still being identified. A traffic police official, speaking anonymously, stated that fines under the Motor Vehicles Act 2019 would also be issued to other vehicles found in violation.
In response, Badshah’s team issued a detailed statement denying all allegations. The statement read, “We categorically deny any involvement of Badshah or his team in the reported traffic violation. None of the vehicles in our party, including those transporting Badshah, were involved in the incident of driving on the wrong side of the road.”
Denial of Fines and Cooperation with Authorities
Badshah’s team emphasized that no fines were levied on any vehicle associated with the rapper. They further clarified that the vehicles involved in transporting him were driven by professionally licensed drivers from a trusted transportation provider. The statement added, “We are cooperating fully with any official inquiries into this matter and will provide all necessary documentation to confirm Badshah’s whereabouts and travel arrangements that evening.” The team also highlighted attempts to contact the authorities for clarity, which they claimed went unanswered.
Also Read: Badshah’s club in Chandigarh hit by crude bombs, investigation on: Reports
After the buzz surrounding Baby John, the upcoming Christmas 2024 release starring Varun Dhawan, producers Atlee and Murad Khetani have announced their next project: a Tamil thriller featuring Vijay Sethupathi in the lead. The duo has teamed up once again, this time for a gripping story that promises to blend the actor’s versatility with his star power.
Film Details and Timeline
Sources close to the project revealed that the yet-untitled film will go on floors in the first quarter of 2025, with a planned theatrical release by the year’s end. “The film’s subject is terrific, and everyone involved is excited to begin production. This thriller will do justice to Vijay Sethupathi’s stature as both an actor and a star,” said a source quoted in a Pinkvilla report.
Official Confirmations
Murad Khetani confirmed the collaboration in an exclusive interview with the portal. “There are several projects in the pipeline, but one film has been locked. Atlee sir and I are starting a Tamil film, which will go on floors very soon. We will share more details shortly,” he said.
Adding to this, Atlee shared his enthusiasm for the project: “Yes, it’s a film with Vijay Sethupathi sir. It’s a fantastic story that Murad sir and I have been working on for the past two years. This is the next banger from Cine1 and A For Apple.”
A Thrilling Follow-Up to Baby John
The announcement comes just ahead of the release of Baby John, produced by Atlee, Murad Khetani, and Jio Studios. The film, featuring Varun Dhawan, is slated for a Christmas release, with advance bookings opening this weekend.
Also Read: Atlee says Salman Khan agreed for Baby John cameo in 10 seconds, reveals latter reached set 30 minutes early: “We saw him sitting like a lion and waiting for us”
Anshuman Jha has signed his next film opposite Australian actress Sara Hopkins titled Welcome To Agra. Helmed by debutant film maker Ashish Dubey the film is a quintessential old school love story between a cycle rickshaw driver and a British tourist in Agra, set at the cusp of the millennium in 2000. The UP born director has been in Chennai, assisting some of the biggest names in the South industry like N. Lingusamy and wants to make a classical love story in Hindi since he hails from Uttar Pradesh.
Ashish said, “Agra is the mecca of love. And I have dreamt of making this film for years. It has been a wish to work with Anshuman Sir since his debut film LSD (Love Sex Aur Dhoka). I am so glad he hasn’t done any out and out love story in the past decade and this film will showcase the unadulterated power of genuine love and connect. With the symbol of love Taj Mahal in the background, we truly hope to bring back the audiences into theatres for a pure love story. Since I feel these have ceased to exist in the modern day style of living. This film is pure, clean romance.”
Anshuman added, “I believe in the power of love and how it can move mountains. And I truly believe that as an audience we haven’t really had a quintessential love story like a DDLJ (Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge) or a Jab We Met in the past decade at the movies. This film has a rare story before the times of social media and mobile phones. And I am excited to play a rickshawalla in Uttrakhand Pradesh – it’s been a dream to play one.”
Produced by Mad Films, Welcome To Agra goes on floor in January end as Anshuman wraps his action film Lakadbaggha 2’s shoot in December before taking a break with his Triathlete wife and 9 month old daughter for Christmas.
Filmmaker Hansal Mehta has publicly criticized the Film Federation of India (FFI) after Kiran Rao’s Laapataa Ladies, India’s official entry for Best International Feature at the 97th Academy Awards, failed to make the Oscars shortlist. Taking to X (formerly Twitter), Mehta expressed his disappointment, questioning the selection process and the track record of the FFI.
Mehta shared a screenshot of the shortlisted films in the Best International Feature category and remarked sarcastically, “Film Federation of India does it again! Their strike rate and selection of films year after year is impeccable.”
Film Federation of India does it again! Their strike rate and selection of films year after year is impeccable. pic.twitter.com/hiwmatzDbW
— Hansal Mehta (@mehtahansal) December 17, 2024
Ricky Kej Joins the Criticism: ‘Wrong Choice’ for India’s Oscars Entry
Grammy-winning composer Ricky Kej also weighed in on the issue, calling Laapataa Ladies the “wrong choice” to represent India at the Oscars. Kej took to X to express his views, stating, “When are we going to realise… year after year… we are choosing the wrong films? There are so many excellent movies made, and we should be winning the #InternationalFeatureFilm category every year!”
He added, “Unfortunately, we live in a ‘Mainstream Bollywood’ bubble, where we cannot look beyond films that we ourselves find entertaining. Instead, we should just look for good films made by filmmakers who are uncompromising in their art… low budget or big budget… star or no star… just great artistic cinema.”
Laapataa Ladies Out of the Race: India’s Selection Process Under Scrutiny
In September 2023, the Film Federation of India, led by Jahnu Barua, selected Laapataa Ladies as India’s official entry for the Best International Feature category. However, despite its selection from a list of 29 films, including Payal Kapadia’s All We Imagine As Light and the National Award-winning Aattam, Laapataa Ladies did not make it to the Oscars shortlist.
While Laapataa Ladies is now out of the race, there is still some hope for India at the Oscars. Shahana Goswami-starrer Santosh, directed by British-Indian filmmaker Sandhya Suri, remains in contention as the United Kingdom’s official entry. Additionally, Guneet Monga’s live-action short film Anuja has made it to the Oscars shortlist, offering a glimmer of hope for India’s representation in 2025.
Also Read: Laapataa Ladies out from Oscars 2025 race: Grammy-award winner Ricky Tej calls Aamir Khan-backed film “wrong choice”; says, “We live in a ‘Mainstream Bollywood’ bubble”
