Category: Entertainment

Akshay Kumar’s 2025 Film Lineup and OMG 3 Developments Akshay Kumar kicked off 2025 with Kesari Chapter 2, starring alongside R. Madhavan and Ananya Panday. Recently, he wrapped up shooting Bhoot Bangla, a horror-comedy directed by Priyadarshan. A song sequence featuring Akshay and Wamiqa Gabbi was shot in Kerala over three days, with a sneak peek shared on social media. Interestingly, Amit Rai, director of OMG 2, joined Akshay on set. According to sources, the two had extensive brainstorming sessions about the upcoming OMG 3. Amit Rai shared multiple story ideas and discussed new narrative directions with Akshay during the shoot. The team is committed to continuing the beloved franchise but is taking its time to develop a strong script. The plan is to start filming OMG 3 in the latter half of 2026, depending on when the final draft is locked. The makers are cautious about rushing the project, given the high expectations after the success of OMG and OMG 2. Apart from OMG 3, Akshay has Housefull 5 scheduled for release later this year. He is also set to begin work on Priyadarshan’s next thriller, co-starring Saif Ali Khan, starting August 2025.

Akshay Kumar has decided to take legal action against his co-star Paresh Rawal, seeking damages of Rs 25 crore after Rawal exited the much-anticipated Hera Pheri 3, reportedly causing disruptions to the film’s shoot, according to a report by Hindustan Times. This move comes just two days after Paresh Rawal publicly confirmed his departure from the project via a post on X. On May 18, Paresh Rawal addressed the rumors surrounding his exit, firmly stating that he left the film not due to creative differences or financial disputes. He emphasized his respect and faith in the director Priyadarshan, saying, “I wish to put it on record that my decision to step away from Hera Pheri 3 was not due to creative differences. I REITERATE THAT THERE ARE NO CREATIVE DISAGREEMENTS WITH THE FILM MAKER. I hold immense love, respect, and faith in Mr. Priyadarshan the film director.” Reports have also revealed that Paresh Rawal was paid three times his usual fee for this film, highlighting the scale of investment in the project. The shoot for Hera Pheri 3 began in April under the veteran director Priyadarshan, with Akshay Kumar not only starring but also producing the film after acquiring the rights from producer Feroz Nadiadwala. Earlier in January, Paresh Rawal had announced his involvement in the film, and he participated actively in pre-production and even shot a day’s work, including a teaser promo. A source close to the production told Hindustan Times, “Paresh himself announced doing the film on his X handle in January, he participated in all pre-production planning, shot for a day (including the teaser promo) willingly. When he never expressed dissatisfaction at any point, for him to now suddenly play with the emotions of the fans of this franchise and inflict losses on the producer is clearly in bad faith.” The source further added, “Paresh displayed a blatant disregard for professional integrity or commercial morality. If he wanted to not do the film, he should have said so before signing the legal contract, accepting the signing amount and making the producer spend so much money on the shoot.” This incident is being seen as a turning point for Bollywood, with the source noting, “It is high time Bollywood actors realise that like Hollywood, producers here too will no longer give in to the whims of an actor walking in and out of a film as he pleases.” Hera Pheri 3 is the sequel to the hugely popular Hera Pheri (2000), with the second installment released in 2006. Fans had been eagerly awaiting the third film before this controversy emerged.

Bollywood superstar Salman Khan is set to play Colonel Bikumalla Santosh Babu MVC, the Indian Army officer who heroically laid down his life during the 2020 Galwan Valley clash, in an upcoming biopic directed by Apoorva Lakhia (Shootout at Lokhandwala, Mission Istaanbul). The film, based on the first chapter of the book India’s Most Fearless 3 by Shiv Aroor and Rahul Singh, will begin filming in July 2025. The screenplay has been penned by Suresh Nair, with Chintan Gandhi and Chintan Shah (dialogue) contributing. Salman, who has already begun physical training at his Panvel farmhouse, will start prepping for the emotionally intense role by late May. The production will feature a 70-day schedule, including 20 days in high-altitude Ladakh and 50 days in Mumbai. This marks Salman’s first collaboration with Apoorva Lakhia. The film aims to be a gripping tribute to the bravery and sacrifice of Colonel Babu, the commanding officer of the 16 Bihar Regiment, who was the first Indian Army officer to be KIA against the PLA since 1967. The untitled film is slated for release in the first half of 2026.