Suniel Shetty Confirms Hera Pheri 3 Teaser Around IPL; Original Trio Reunites for a Nostalgic Ride

In an exciting update for fans of one of Bollywood’s most iconic comedy franchises, Suniel Shetty has confirmed that shooting for Hera Pheri 3 has begun, with the teaser expected to drop around the Indian Premier League (IPL) season. Speaking to Amar Ujala, Shetty shared, “We have just started shooting and have shot the teaser. I think it is expected to release around the IPL. Of course, I am excited, because we are the same team and it has always been a different film.” The return of the original trio — Akshay Kumar, Suniel Shetty, and Paresh Rawal — as Raju, Shyam, and Baburao, respectively, has reignited hope among fans longing for a true sequel to Hera Pheri (2000) and Phir Hera Pheri (2006). The third installment is being helmed by Priyadarshan, who directed the first film, raising expectations for a return to the roots of the franchise’s comedic brilliance. Sharing insights into the on-set camaraderie, Shetty added, “When the three of us met, it is so masti-bhara (super fun). To tell you the truth, there should be a danger sign. Because when the three of us come together, the people around us go crazy trying to keep us in line. Priyan sir keeps telling us whatever fun you guys wanna have, do it after the shot.” He emphasized that despite the laughter and chaos, the team has returned with the same sincerity and dedication they had in 2000. After years of rumors, casting shake-ups, and production delays, Hera Pheri 3 is finally on track, with a teaser lined up to drop during one of India’s biggest entertainment windows — the IPL. This move is likely to generate massive buzz and reintroduce the trio to a new generation of audiences while rewarding longtime fans with the chaos and heart they’ve missed. With nostalgia, impeccable timing, and a director who knows the pulse of the franchise, Hera Pheri 3 is shaping up to be one of the most anticipated comedy films in recent memory.

Ranbir Kapoor’s Ramayana Title Announcement Video Gets CBFC Nod, Release Imminent

One of the most eagerly awaited films in Bollywood, Ramayana, directed by Nitesh Tiwari and reportedly starring Ranbir Kapoor, has taken a major step forward with the clearance of its title announcement video. According to a report by Pinkvilla, the short video has been approved by the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC), receiving a ‘U’ certificate from its Mumbai Regional Office on May 5. The video runs for 2 minutes and 36 seconds, and while it hasn’t been officially unveiled yet, the certification has significantly heightened excitement among fans and cinephiles. The film is being positioned as a two-part cinematic epic. Ramayana Part 1 is slated for a grand theatrical release during Diwali 2026, with Part 2 expected to follow a year later during Diwali 2027. The story, rooted in the ancient Indian scripture, is expected to be a visually rich and immersive spectacle, blending mythology with cutting-edge technology and storytelling. The project is being spearheaded by Namit Malhotra of Prime Focus and DNEG, who shared his vision in November 2024 via Instagram. He wrote, “More than a decade ago, I embarked on a noble quest to bring this epic that has ruled billions of hearts for over 5,000 years to the big screen. And today, I am thrilled to see it taking shape beautifully… Join us as we fulfil our dream of bringing our greatest epic to life with pride and reverence.” While the official cast is yet to be formally announced, strong industry buzz and leaked set photos suggest that Ranbir Kapoor will be seen as Lord Ram, with Sai Pallavi playing Sita, and Yash taking on the role of Ravana. Yash, who is also co-producing the film, had earlier stated in an interview with The Hollywood Reporter India that Ravana is one of the “most fascinating” characters he’s ever had the opportunity to portray. With the title reveal video now certified, fans are eagerly waiting for its public release, which is expected to offer the first glimpse into the tone, aesthetics, and vision of what may become one of Indian cinema’s most iconic mythological adaptations.

Aamir Khan Unveils First Poster of Sitaare Zameen Par, Sequel to His Iconic Taare Zameen Par

Aamir Khan has officially set the stage for one of the most anticipated films of the year — Sitaare Zameen Par, the spiritual sequel to his 2007 classic Taare Zameen Par. The film is scheduled to release in theatres on June 20, 2025, and marks the return of both Aamir and TZP child actor Darsheel Safary, along with Genelia Deshmukh in a key role. Unveiling the first poster, Aamir gave fans a peek into the world of Sitaare Zameen Par, which features him as a basketball coach leading a team of 10 debutant actors, including Aroush Datta, Gopi Krishna Varma, Vedant Sharma, Ashish Pendse, Rishi Shahani, Rishabh Jain, Naman Mishra, Ayush Bhansali, Samvit Desai, and Simran Mangeshkar. The tagline, “Sabka Apna Apna Normal,” suggests a continuation of the original’s empathetic and inclusive spirit, this time shifting its focus toward individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. The poster shows a close-up of Aamir Khan’s face at the top, with another image of him resting his head on a basketball in the lower section, flanked by his young team — a setup that has drawn mixed reactions. While many fans were overwhelmed with nostalgia and praised the message, others were critical of the poster design, saying it leaned too heavily on the aesthetics of Taare Zameen Par without delivering a fresh visual impact. Social media reactions were divided: While some netizens worry that Sitaare Zameen Par may not match up to the emotional depth of its predecessor, many remain hopeful. Based on the critically acclaimed Spanish film Champions (2018), the story is expected to blend humor, heart, and sensitivity in a way that highlights the dignity and individuality of people with disabilities, much like TZP did for children with dyslexia. With Aamir Khan back both in front of and behind the camera, anticipation is sky-high.

Kannada Film Chamber Boycotts Sonu Nigam Over Controversial Remarks; Bengaluru Police Summon Singer

Popular playback singer Sonu Nigam has come under fire in Karnataka after making controversial remarks during a live concert in Bengaluru on April 25, prompting the Kannada Film Chamber of Commerce (KFCC) to impose a boycott against him. The chamber has demanded an unconditional apology, stating they would sever all professional ties with the singer until the issue is resolved. At the concert, when a fan persistently asked Nigam to sing a Kannada song, the visibly irritated singer snapped, saying, “I always sing Kannada songs when requested. I had been singing in Kannada before that young man was born. But I did not like how he shouted ‘Kannada, Kannada’. Such behaviour leads to incidents such as the Pahalgam attack.” The comment—seen as comparing linguistic assertiveness to terrorism—sparked outrage among pro-Kannada groups and citizens alike. KFCC President M. Narasimhulu announced the boycott publicly, stating, “From today, whoever is calling him for a song … we have decided that we would not have any activities with him.” The chamber emphasized that Nigam’s words were disrespectful and hurtful to the sentiments of Kannadigas, demanding a formal apology before reconsidering the boycott. The controversy arrives at a sensitive time in Karnataka, following a recent claim by an Indian Air Force officer who alleged he was assaulted for not knowing Kannada. This, coupled with the growing tension between Kannada-speaking locals and migrants perceived to be indifferent to the regional language, has inflamed public sentiment. In response to the backlash, Sonu Nigam issued a clarification on social media, expressing his respect for the Kannada language and culture. “I have given unprecedented love to the language, culture, music, musicians, state, and people… I revere my Kannada songs way more than songs in other languages, including Hindi,” he stated. Despite his clarification, Bengaluru Police have summoned Nigam for further questioning, citing a complaint filed for hurting Kannada sentiments. Legal proceedings are underway, and the issue has reignited conversations around language sensitivity and regional pride. Prominent figures in Karnataka’s music industry, including Karnataka Film Musicians’ Association’s general secretary Dharma Vish, have acknowledged Nigam’s talent but condemned his statement. “You compare a person or people from a state to terrorists—it is very damaging,” Vish said, stressing that the issue is not about talent but about respecting cultural identities. The controversy remains a flashpoint in ongoing debates about Hindi imposition, regional identity, and cultural respect in India.

Ajaz Khan on the Run After R*pe FIR; Faces Backlash Over Controversial Reality Show

Actor Ajaz Khan, best known for his appearance on Bigg Boss 7 and roles in films like Rakhta Charitra and Allah Ke Banday, has found himself at the center of a serious criminal investigation. A rape complaint has been filed against him by a woman, prompting the Mumbai Police to launch a search for the actor, who has allegedly been untraceable since the FIR was lodged at Charkop Police Station. According to Mumbai Police, Ajaz’s phone has been switched off, and repeated attempts to contact or locate him have failed. When officers visited his known residence, he was not present. “Case registered at Charkop Police Station against actor Ajaz Khan for allegedly raping an actress. Police tried to contact him after registering the FIR, but his number has been switched off since then,” said a police official, as reported by ANI. In addition to the criminal allegations, Ajaz Khan is also embroiled in controversy surrounding the Ullu app’s new reality show House Arrest, which he hosts. The show, promoted as an uncensored version of Bigg Boss and Lock Upp, began streaming on April 11, 2025, featuring 12 contestants locked in a villa performing provocative tasks. The show sparked public outrage when a viral video clip showed Ajaz asking participants to enact Kamasutra positions. The clip drew backlash on social media and from political groups, with many accusing the show of promoting vulgarity under the guise of entertainment. Following a complaint by a Bajrang Dal member, Mumbai’s Amboli Police filed an FIR last week against Ajaz Khan and producer Rajkumar Pandey, citing sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, the IT Act, and the Indecent Representation of Women (Prohibition) Act. These charges pertain to obscene acts and violations of decency in online content. The National Commission for Women (NCW) also condemned the show, stating on X (formerly Twitter), “Viral clips show women being bullied into intimate activities on camera. NCW denounces the platform for encouraging vulgarity & violating consent.” With both legal and public pressure mounting, Ajaz Khan is now under scrutiny from multiple angles, and efforts to trace his whereabouts are ongoing.

Shraddha Kapoor Signs Rs 17 Crore Deal for High-Concept Thriller With Ekta Kapoor, Directed by Tumbbad’s Rahi Anil Barve

Fresh off the blockbuster success of Stree 2, actress Shraddha Kapoor is set to make her next big move with a high-concept thriller produced by Ekta Kapoor and directed by Rahi Anil Barve, best known for the critically acclaimed Tumbbad. According to a Bollywood Hungama report, Shraddha is being paid a record-breaking fee of ₹17 crore, one of the highest for a female lead in Hindi cinema today. Key Details: A source revealed that Ekta Kapoor was “more than happy to splurge” on Shraddha, as this marks her first film after Stree 2, now touted as the highest-grossing Hindi film ever. Shraddha is also said to have secured a profit-sharing deal, which is rare and typically reserved for top-tier stars, underscoring her rising market value. Buzz Around the Film The collaboration is being hailed as a promising one, bringing together: The film is currently in pre-production, with more casting and plot details expected soon. What’s Next for Shraddha? Aside from this thriller, fans can look forward to Stree 3, officially slated for a theatrical release on August 13, 2027. The horror-comedy franchise will reunite her with Rajkummar Rao, Pankaj Tripathi, and the rest of the ensemble cast.

Akshay Kumar to Reunite with Priyadarshan for Thriller Oppam Remake; Saif Ali Khan Joins as Co-Lead

Akshay Kumar and veteran director Priyadarshan—celebrated for their string of comedy blockbusters—are set to explore new territory with a high-stakes thriller. The duo has reportedly signed on to remake the 2016 Malayalam hit Oppam, originally starring Mohanlal, with Akshay stepping into the lead role. According to industry sources, Saif Ali Khan will share top billing alongside Akshay, marking a “pure two-hero battle” at the heart of the narrative. “Akshay is a big fan of Oppam,” a source told Bollywood Hungama, “and when Priyadarshan offered him the film, he signed the dotted line immediately. He’s excited to tackle a thriller under Priyadarshan’s direction.” Production is slated to begin in August 2025, with a start-to-finish shooting schedule planned to keep the momentum tight. The makers are eyeing a release in the second half of 2026, positioning the film as one of the year’s most anticipated thrillers. This collaboration marks a departure from the comedic realm that defined Akshay–Priyadarshan’s partnership, promising audiences a darker, suspense-driven storyline rooted in the original’s premise of sighted butler Vikram’s gripping battle against unseen threats. With two of Bollywood’s biggest stars and a seasoned director at the helm, the Oppam remake is poised to bring a fresh pulse of suspense and star power to Hindi cinema.

Actor Vijay Deverakonda is now facing legal trouble after Hyderabad’s SR Nagar police registered a case

Actor Vijay Deverakonda is now facing legal trouble after Hyderabad’s SR Nagar police registered a case against him under the SC/ST (Prevention of Atrocities) Act. The FIR follows a complaint by advocate Lal Chauhan, who alleged that Deverakonda made offensive and derogatory comments about tribal communities during a recent public event. Background of the Controversy: Reactions: Legal Status: The FIR has been registered under provisions of the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act, which is a serious charge dealing with hate speech, discrimination, and derogatory references towards marginalized communities. This development adds to a growing wave of scrutiny around celebrities’ public comments, especially when linked to sensitive topics like terrorism or community identity.

Singer Sonu Nigam Booked for Controversial Comment at Bengaluru Concert, FIR Filed Over ‘Kannada-Terrorism’ Remark

Renowned playback singer Sonu Nigam is facing legal trouble after an FIR was registered against him at Avalahalli Police Station in Bengaluru, following a controversial comment he made during a live concert on April 27, 2025. The complaint was filed by members of the Karnataka Rakshana Vedike (KRV), a prominent pro-Kannada organization, which accused the singer of making remarks that allegedly insulted the Kannada language and its speakers. According to CNN-News18, the FIR has been filed under Section 352 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, which pertains to intentional insult with intent to provoke breach of peace. The incident came to light after a video from the concert went viral on social media, drawing widespread backlash from Kannada-speaking citizens. The Controversial Remark The uproar began when Nigam responded sharply to a concertgoer who aggressively demanded a Kannada song. The singer, visibly upset, said: “Mujhe accha nahi laga… He was so rudely threatening me, ‘Kannada, Kannada’. Yahi kaaran hai, Pahalgam mein jo hua hai na? Yahi kaaran hai jo kiya tha na abhi?” He then attempted to clarify his love for the Kannada language and Kannadiga people, emphasizing that he often sings Kannada songs out of respect, but added that such behavior was unacceptable. The reference to Pahalgam, an area associated with terror attacks, in the context of a linguistic demand, has sparked outrage, with critics accusing Nigam of equating Kannada language activism with terrorism. Reaction from Kannada Groups Dharmaraj Gowda, KRV’s Bengaluru district president, told News18: “His statements have hurt the sentiments of the Kannadiga community and could incite violence between linguistic groups. The video has gone viral, and crores of Kannadigas are outraged.” The formal complaint by KRV also alleges that Nigam’s words were an attempt to incite enmity between different linguistic communities, a serious charge under Indian law. Legal and Public Repercussions While Sonu Nigam has not issued a detailed public apology or clarification yet, the incident has prompted significant discussion about celebrity accountability, cultural sensitivity, and the volatile nature of linguistic politics in India—especially in states like Karnataka, where the preservation of the regional language and identity is a sensitive issue.

‘House Arrest’ Controversy: ULLU Show Faces FIR Over Indecent Representation of Women, NCW Summons Host and CEO

The producer and host of the ULLU app’s reality show House Arrest are now facing serious legal trouble after a controversial clip from the show went viral. The video, which sparked outrage on social media, shows contestants—particularly women—being allegedly coerced into enacting sexual positions and responding to explicit questions, under pressure from the show’s host, Ajaz Khan, a former Bigg Boss contestant. The clip drew sharp criticism for its vulgar content and for violating participants’ consent. Mr. Khan was seen insisting that contestants comply with his provocative instructions despite visible discomfort, raising significant ethical and legal concerns. Acting on a complaint filed by a Bajrang Dal activist, Mumbai’s Amboli Police registered an FIR against Ajaz Khan and the show’s producer, Rajkumar Pandey. The charges are under sections related to obscene acts in public, indecent representation of women, and provisions of the Information Technology Act and the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita. Following public outrage, the House Arrest show was pulled from the ULLU app. The National Commission for Women (NCW) has taken suo motu cognizance of the incident. In an official post on X (formerly Twitter), NCW stated: “NCW takes suo motu cognisance of obscene content on Ullu App’s show House Arrest. Viral clips show women being coerced into intimate acts on camera. NCW slams the platform for promoting vulgarity and violating consent. CEO and host summoned on May 9.” Both Ajaz Khan and ULLU CEO Vibhu Agarwal have been summoned to appear before the NCW on May 9, 2025. The incident has reignited debates around content regulation on OTT platforms, exploitation under the guise of entertainment, and the need for stringent checks to safeguard the dignity and consent of women in reality programming.

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