September 11, 2025

THE CLIFF NEWS

National Daily Bilingual Newspaper

Category: Entertainment

John Cena and Idris Elba Team Up in Action-Comedy Heads of State, Premiering Globally on Prime Video July 2, 2025

Prime Video has officially set the global premiere of its much-anticipated action-comedy blockbuster Heads of State for July 2, 2025. Directed by Ilya Naishuller, known for high-octane films like Hardcore Henry and Nobody, the movie promises a thrilling fusion of explosive action and sharp comedy, reminiscent of the classic buddy cop films of the 1990s. Heads of State stars John Cena as the President of the United States and Idris Elba as the Prime Minister of the United Kingdom—two powerful and competitive world leaders who are unexpectedly forced to work together when a global conspiracy threatens international security. What begins as an intense rivalry quickly evolves into a chaotic partnership as the duo embarks on a globe-trotting mission filled with adrenaline-pumping stunts and relentless banter. Joining the action is Priyanka Chopra Jonas, who plays MI6 agent Noel Bisset, bringing her own brand of grit and sophistication to the team. The film also features a stellar ensemble cast including Carla Gugino, Jack Quaid, Stephen Root, Sarah Niles, Richard Coyle, and Paddy Considine. This marks a highly anticipated reunion for Cena and Elba, who previously clashed in The Suicide Squad. In Heads of State, however, the two actors find themselves reluctantly on the same side—though the alliance is anything but smooth. Packed with explosive energy and humor, the film is set to be a must-watch event for fans of thrilling yet hilarious storytelling.

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Editor02 mins

Fawad Khan’s Bollywood Comeback in Abir Gulaal Halted Amid Diplomatic Fallout After Pahalgam Attacks

The highly anticipated film Abir Gulaal, starring Pakistani actor Fawad Khan and Bollywood’s Vaani Kapoor, will not release in India, following heightened tensions between India and Pakistan after the recent Pahalgam terror attacks. Government sources confirmed to The Indian Express that the film, scheduled to hit theatres on May 9, has been pulled from Indian distribution. The decision aligns with a broader diplomatic crackdown by India, which includes suspending the Indus Water Treaty and halting SAARC visa privileges. These moves come in response to the attack in Pahalgam, which claimed the lives of multiple civilians and led to widespread condemnation across the country. Abir Gulaal was set to mark Fawad Khan’s return to Bollywood, years after a ban was imposed on Pakistani artists in India following the Uri attack in 2016. Khan, known for his roles in Ae Dil Hai Mushkil, Khoobsurat, and Kapoor & Sons, had remained absent from Hindi films ever since. After the Pahalgam incident, Fawad Khan expressed his sorrow on social media, writing: “Deeply saddened to hear the news of the heinous attack in Pahalgam. Our thoughts and prayers are with the victims… we pray for strength and healing for their families.” His co-star Vaani Kapoor also posted her grief, calling the attack “gut-wrenching” and saying she was “numb” after seeing the visuals. Meanwhile, the Federation of Western India Cine Employees (FWICE) reiterated its ban on Pakistani artists, originally announced in 2019. In a statement, the federation declared it would “take all necessary steps to ensure that Abir Gulaal is not released in India” and emphasized its ongoing commitment to “national interest and solidarity.” The fallout once again highlights the fragile ties between cultural exchange and geopolitics, as cross-border artistic collaborations face renewed obstacles in the face of national security concerns.

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Editor03 mins

Elvish Yadav Apologises to Chum Darang After Facing NCW Summons Over Racist Remarks

Bigg Boss OTT 2 winner and YouTuber Elvish Yadav appeared before the National Commission for Women (NCW) on April 22, following a summons over his racist remarks targeting Bigg Boss 18 contestant and actor Chum Darang. The controversy stemmed from comments he made during a podcast earlier this year, which were widely criticized for mocking Chum’s name, ethnicity, and appearance. “I Apologise to Everyone I Hurt”: Elvish Speaking to ANI after his appearance at the NCW office, Elvish offered a public apology, admitting fault. “As we grow in life and age, maturity comes,” he said. “Those who were bothered by the ‘Chum’ part—there are many people who did not understand my intentions. I agree that if people are hurt by my statements, I must have said something wrong.” He added, “I have submitted my apology to all the people I have hurt, especially Chum. I don’t even know her personally, but I sincerely apologise.” The Controversial Remarks In February, Elvish made derogatory comments about Chum Darang during a podcast with fellow Bigg Boss 18 contestant Rajat Dalal. Referring to her appearance in Gangubai Kathiawadi, he mocked her name and ethnic background, saying, “Karanveer definitely had COVID because who would like Chum, bro? Who has such bad taste! And even Chum’s name itself is vulgar…” Backlash and Official Complaints Chum Darang swiftly condemned the remarks, calling them disrespectful and racially insensitive. The Arunachal Pradesh State Women’s Commission (APSCW) also reacted strongly, issuing a formal letter to the NCW demanding action against Elvish for his offensive comments. The incident triggered a wave of criticism on social media, with many users highlighting the need for greater respect toward Northeast Indian communities in mainstream media. What’s Next? While Elvish Yadav has issued a formal apology, it remains to be seen if further disciplinary or legal action will follow. The NCW has yet to release an official statement on whether they consider the matter closed or if additional steps will be taken.

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Editor03 mins

Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s Love And War Likely to Avoid Clash with Toxic; Film Delayed to Mid-2026

Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s much-anticipated film Love And War will reportedly not be releasing in March 2026 as originally planned. According to a trade source quoted by Bollywood Hungama, the film’s schedule has faced delays from Bhansali’s end, pushing the expected release to mid-2026. Production Delay and Budget Restructuring The source revealed that while the shoot began on time, the timeline was disrupted due to budgetary constraints. “The film was to conclude by November 2025, but as per the newest chalked schedule, SLB is now looking to finish the film by February 2026,” the insider said. Bhansali, who is self-financing the period drama, reportedly paused production temporarily to restructure the budget and secure adequate funding. “It’s a period film and needs the right costing to make things work. SLB has now procured the required funds and is restarting the shoot sans a delay of 2 months,” the source added. Clash with Toxic Averted With Love And War shifting its release window, a potential box office clash with Yash and Nayanthara’s Toxic: A Fairy Tale for Grown-Ups—which is slated for March 2026—has now been averted. Trade circles had speculated that the two big-ticket films might impact each other’s performance had they released simultaneously. New Release Date Under Discussion Although an official announcement is still awaited, industry insiders suggest that Love And War will now aim for a mid-2026 release. A final decision on the release date is expected once the revised production schedule is firmly in place. Starring Alia Bhatt, Ranbir Kapoor, and Vicky Kaushal, Love And War has been one of the most talked-about films of the year, especially since it marks Bhansali’s return to the big screen after Gangubai Kathiawadi.

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Editor03 mins

Dipika Kakar, Shoaib Ibrahim, and Aaliyah Kashyap Narrowly Escape Pahalgam Terror Attack

Television couple Dipika Kakar and Shoaib Ibrahim narrowly escaped a tragic fate on Tuesday after a terror attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, claimed at least 26 lives. The couple had been vacationing in the picturesque valley with their infant son Ruhaan and left just hours before the incident occurred. Shoaib took to Instagram to reassure concerned fans. “Hum sab safe hain, theek hain. Aaj hi morning me we left Kashmir… and we reached Delhi safely,” he wrote, thanking followers for their messages of concern. Leading up to the attack, Dipika and Shoaib had shared serene moments from their getaway on social media, including a now-heartbreaking video of Dipika walking through Pahalgam just two days prior. They were not the only celebrities in the region. Aaliyah Kashyap, daughter of filmmaker Anurag Kashyap, also visited Pahalgam earlier this week. She traveled with her husband Shane Gregoire and friends, sharing idyllic shots of the valley. After news of the attack broke, she expressed her shock in an Instagram story: “This is crazy, we were just here 2 days ago. Praying for all the victims, their families and all the people affected. This is heartbreaking.” The attack occurred around 3 PM on Tuesday, reportedly targeting civilians. As of now, details surrounding the motive and identity of the attackers remain under investigation. The tragedy has cast a dark cloud over what was meant to be a peaceful spring in the popular tourist destination. Fans, netizens, and fellow celebrities have since been pouring in prayers and condolences online for the victims and their families, while also expressing relief over the safe return of the celebrities who had recently visited the region.

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Editor03 mins

Kartik Aaryan Turns Shape-Shifting Serpent in Karan Johar’s Fantasy Spectacle NagZilla

In a thrilling new venture, Kartik Aaryan is all set to mesmerize audiences in a never-seen-before avatar with Karan Johar’s upcoming fantasy film NagZilla. Directed by Mrigadeep Singh Lamba and co-produced by Dharma Productions and Mahaveer Jain Films, the movie promises a grand cinematic experience rooted in mythology and folklore. Earlier today, Karan Johar unveiled a striking motion poster of the film on Instagram. The teaser shows Kartik—clad in blue jeans—standing inside a massive snake den, his back turned to the camera as he gazes at a distant cityscape. Slowly, his human skin begins to morph into green, scaly snake skin, confirming his role as an icchadhari naag (a mythical shape-shifting serpent). Aaryan’s voiceover in the clip introduces his character: “Icchadhari naag. Roop badalne ke shakti rakhne waale saap. Jaise ki main. Preyamvadeshwar Pyare Chand. Umar 631 saal. Insaano wali picturein toh bohot dekhli, ab dekho naago waali picture.”(Shape-shifting serpents. Just like me. Name: Preyamvadeshwar Pyare Chand. Age: 631 years. You’ve seen enough films about humans—now watch one about snakes.) The caption accompanying the teaser cleverly teases the film’s tone: “Insanon wali picharein toh bahut dekh li, ab dekho naagon wali pichchar! NaagZilla – Naag Lok ka pehla kaand. Funnn phailaane aa raha hai Preyamvadeshwar Pyare Chand. Naag Panchami par aapke nazdeeki Sssssinemas mein 14 August 2026 ko.”(The first chapter of Naag Lok. Coming to spread the hood. In cinemas on Nag Panchami—14 August 2026.) NagZilla is set to hit the big screens on August 14, 2026, perfectly timed with Nag Panchami, a festival celebrating serpents in Indian mythology. Meanwhile, Kartik Aaryan is also reuniting with director Sameer Vidwans for another Dharma-backed film, Tu Meri Main Tera, Main Tera Tu Meri, a romantic comedy slated for release on Valentine’s Day eve 2026. The project, co-produced by Adar Poonawalla, Apoorva Mehta, Bhumika Tewari, Shareen Mantri Kedia, and Kishor Arora, marks Kartik’s second collaboration with Vidwans after Satyaprem Ki Katha (2023). With two major films on the horizon—one mythological and the other romantic—Kartik Aaryan is gearing up to rule both hearts and hoods!

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Editor03 mins

Narasimha Murthy Makes History with World’s First AI-Generated Feature Film, Love You

Indian filmmaker and screenwriter Narasimha Murthy has made cinematic history by creating the world’s first AI-generated feature film, Love You. A groundbreaking innovation from the Kannada film industry, the film is a landmark not just in Indian cinema, but globally, as it marks a bold leap into the future of storytelling. Reflecting on the film’s creation, Murthy said, “Every frame, every song, every moment, it’s AI-crafted. We didn’t use a single human performer.” With this project, he envisions a new era of creative collaboration between humans and machines. “This is not just a film; it’s the beginning of a new way to tell stories,” he emphasized, expressing pride in Kannada cinema for pioneering this movement. The 5-minute romantic drama was produced on a modest budget of ₹10 lakh and features AI-generated characters, visuals, and even 12 songs—all without actors, musicians, or traditional camera crews. Murthy wrote the dialogues and lyrics himself, while AI technician Nuthan, a graphic designer-turned-innovator, handled the AI production using 30 different AI tools. Creative guidance for the project came from Sundar Raj Gundurao, while Murthy and Nuthan worked closely to execute this never-before-seen vision in Indian cinema. In another historic first, Love You has been granted a U/A certificate by the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC), officially making it the first AI-generated film approved for theatrical release in India. Though the release date is yet to be announced, the film has already created significant buzz and is expected to release in theatres worldwide. Love You not only pushes the boundaries of what is technically possible in filmmaking, but also opens up new possibilities for storytelling, production, and creative expression—making it a milestone moment in global cinema.

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Editor03 mins

Boycott Calls Intensify Against Abir Gulaal Following Pahalgam Terror Attack

The upcoming film Abir Gulaal, starring Pakistani actor Fawad Khan and Bollywood actress Vaani Kapoor, has come under intense scrutiny in the wake of a recent terror attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, that claimed 26 lives. The incident has led to mounting calls for a boycott of the film, with many questioning the timing and casting choices amid strained Indo-Pak diplomatic relations. A Cross-Border Love Story Amid Cross-Border Tensions Directed by Aarti S Bagdi, Abir Gulaal is scheduled to hit theatres on May 9. Billed as a romantic drama exploring a cross-border love story, the film was already a subject of controversy at the time of its announcement, primarily due to the inclusion of Fawad Khan—a Pakistani national—as its male lead. With tensions between India and Pakistan heightened once again following the Pahalgam attack, the outrage surrounding the film has grown significantly. Public Outcry and Social Media Backlash The attack has reignited public anger, particularly on social media platforms, where many users have condemned the Indian film industry’s continued collaboration with Pakistani artists. One user on X (formerly Twitter) expressed frustration, writing, “Why are Pakistani artists still being welcomed in Indian cinema while our soldiers are being martyred at the borders and innocent lives are being lost?” Another asked, “Are we still going to allow movies like Abir Gulaal to be made?” Parallels with Ae Dil Hai Mushkil The controversy has drawn parallels to the backlash faced by Karan Johar’s Ae Dil Hai Mushkil in 2016, which also featured Fawad Khan. That film was released shortly after the Uri terror attack and faced nationwide protests, ultimately leading to an informal ban on Pakistani artists in Indian entertainment. One X user recalled, “Last time it was Ae Dil Hai Mushkil… more than a month before its release, the Uri attack happened.” Political Opposition from MNS In a more organized response, the Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) has voiced strong objections to the release of Abir Gulaal in Maharashtra. The party has consistently opposed the involvement of Pakistani talent in Indian cinema, citing national sentiment and security concerns. Makers Stand Firm on Release Despite growing public and political pressure, the makers of Abir Gulaal have decided to proceed with the planned May 9 release. Whether the film will face disruptions in certain states or a larger nationwide impact due to the boycott calls remains to be seen. For now, Abir Gulaal continues to dominate headlines—not for its story or performances, but for the controversy it has stirred.

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Editor04 mins

Yami Gautam and Emraan Hashmi to Star in Legal Drama Inspired by Landmark Shah Bano Case

Yami Gautam and Emraan Hashmi are set to headline a powerful courtroom drama inspired by the historic 1985 Shah Bano vs Ahmed Khan case. The film, which marks the 40th anniversary of the landmark judgment, recently completed its shoot and is slated for a theatrical release in October or November 2025. The story draws from the real-life legal battle of Shah Bano, a Muslim woman who courageously challenged her husband — a lawyer himself — in a case that significantly shaped India’s constitutional and social fabric. It delves into Shah Bano’s relentless fight for justice and women’s rights in the face of financial hardship, societal pressure, and religious conservatism. Her case highlighted the tension between religion, individual rights, and gender justice, and became a cornerstone in the debate over Muslim personal law in India. Yami Gautam plays the central role, inspired by Shah Bano, while Emraan Hashmi portrays her husband, a character based on Ahmed Khan. The film underscores the social and legal impact of Shah Bano’s fight, which continues to influence jurisprudence and women’s rights movements across communities in India. Directed by Suparn S Verma, known for Sirf Ek Bandaa Kaafi Hain starring Manoj Bajpayee, the film has been shot across various locations in Lucknow and Uttar Pradesh. Backed by a compelling real-life narrative and powerful performances, the movie aims to bring one of India’s most significant legal battles back into public conversation — a story that still resonates in law schools and among rights advocates nationwide.

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Epic Action Sequence in Ramayan Featuring Kunal Kapoor and Yash

The highly anticipated epic adaptation of the Ramayan, directed by Nitesh Tiwari, continues to escalate in grandeur with new developments. Kunal Kapoor, who plays Lord Indra, is set to engage in a monumental action sequence opposite Yash, who portrays the mighty Raavan. This intense showdown marks a pivotal moment in Raavan’s quest for dominance after he gains near-immortality through penance. Key Highlights of the Battle: The Bigger Picture: Cast: Release and Expectations: The film, which is already in production, promises to be a visual spectacle with a strong narrative and intense performances from its cast. Fans can look forward to a larger-than-life adaptation with the battle between Lord Indra and Raavan shaping up to be one of its most thrilling sequences. This adaptation of Ramayan is already creating significant buzz and is expected to offer a fresh perspective on the classic epic, combining mythology with high-action cinematic appeal.

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