September 10, 2025

THE CLIFF NEWS

National Daily Bilingual Newspaper

Category: Entertainment

Shrek 5 Release Pushed to Summer 2027

Universal Pictures has delayed Shrek 5 from December 23, 2026 to June 30, 2027, moving it out of a packed holiday slate that includes Avengers: Doomsday, Dune: Part III, and Ice Age 6. The vacated December slot will now host an untitled Illumination project scheduled for April 16, 2027. Produced by Universal and DreamWorks Animation, Shrek 5 marks the first main-series entry since Shrek Forever After (2010). It will be directed by Walt Dohrn and Conrad Vernon, with Brad Ableson (Minions: The Rise of Gru) as co-director. Producers include Gina Shay and Illumination founder Chris Meledandri, whose involvement follows Comcast-NBCUniversal’s 2016 acquisition of DreamWorks Animation. The voice cast features returning stars Mike Myers (Shrek), Eddie Murphy (Donkey), and Cameron Diaz (Princess Fiona), joined by Zendaya as Shrek and Fiona’s daughter. Based on William Steig’s 1990 book, the Shrek franchise debuted in 2001, won the first-ever Oscar for Best Animated Feature, and expanded into sequels, Puss in Boots spin-offs, and a newly announced Donkey-focused film. Universal’s date shift positions Shrek 5 to capitalize on the lucrative summer family market while avoiding the intense December 2026 competition.

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Monica Bellucci Praises Pooja Hegde for Coolie Song “Monica”

Italian actress Monica Bellucci has given her seal of approval to Pooja Hegde’s performance in the dance track Monica from the upcoming Rajinikanth film Coolie. The song, sung by Suhashini and Anirudh Ravichander, was released on July 11 and is set against a vibrant port backdrop, with Hegde performing atop a cargo ship alongside energetic background dancers. In a interview, Pooja learned that Bellucci had watched the track and said she was “loving it.” Fans have also highlighted Soubin Shahir’s cameo in the song, praising the Kumbalangi Nights actor’s infectious energy on the dance floor. Directed by Lokesh Kanagaraj in his seventh outing, Coolie features a star ensemble: Rajinikanth, Nagarjuna, Upendra, Shruti Haasan, Sathyaraj, and Aamir Khan. With a release date of August 14, the film is set for a major box-office clash with Hrithik Roshan and Jr NTR’s War 2. Kanagaraj, who created the Lokesh Cinematic Universe (LCU) with Kaithi (2019), Vikram (2022), and Leo (2023), has yet to confirm if Coolie belongs to the same shared universe.

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Jerry Bruckheimer Says Johnny Depp Open to Jack Sparrow Return in Pirates of the Caribbean 6

Eight years after Dead Men Tell No Tales (2017), producer Jerry Bruckheimer has revealed that Johnny Depp is now open to reprising his iconic role as Captain Jack Sparrow — provided the script meets his expectations. In an interview with published Tuesday, Bruckheimer confirmed that he and Depp have recently discussed the possibility: “If he likes the way the part’s written, I think he would do it… It’s all about what’s on the page, as we all know.” Depp first portrayed Jack Sparrow in The Curse of the Black Pearl (2003), followed by four sequels. His future with Disney had been uncertain since the fallout from his high-profile legal battles with ex-wife Amber Heard, during which he testified he felt “betrayed” by the studio and at one point said he wouldn’t return “even for $300 million and a million alpacas.” Plans for Pirates of the Caribbean 6 have been in discussion since 2019, with Bruckheimer previously hinting at a franchise reboot but leaving the door open for Jack Sparrow’s return — possibly as part of the reboot rather than a direct sequel. If Depp signs on, it would mark his first appearance as the swashbuckling antihero since 2017, joining the likes of Geoffrey Rush, Orlando Bloom, and Keira Knightley, who starred alongside him in earlier installments. Filming or release details remain unannounced.

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Independence Day Box Office Clash: ‘Coolie’ Surges Ahead of ‘War 2’ in Advance Sales

The August 14 release battle between Rajinikanth’s “Coolie” and Hrithik Roshan–Jr NTR’s “War 2” is turning into a one-sided race in early ticket sales, with Coolie establishing a commanding lead. According to Sacnilk reports, Coolie has already raked in ₹26.55 crore in advance bookings — jumping to ₹34.89 crore when blocked seats are included. The Tamil version is the main engine of this success, contributing a massive ₹22.70 crore, followed by the Telugu version at ₹3.07 crore, Hindi at ₹71.87 lakh, and Kannada at ₹5.38 lakh. Directed by Lokesh Kanagaraj, the action-packed entertainer features a powerhouse ensemble: Rajinikanth, Nagarjuna Akkineni, Shruti Haasan, Upendra, Sathyaraj, Soubin Shahir, and Aamir Khan. In contrast, War 2 — helmed by Ayan Mukerji and starring Hrithik Roshan, Jr NTR, Kiara Advani, Ashutosh Rana, and Anil Kapoor — has sold about ₹9.47 crore worth of tickets in advance, climbing to ₹17.66 crore with blocked seats. While it remains strong in the Hindi-speaking belt, its all-language tally lags far behind Coolie’s Tamil-driven dominance. Notably, the Tamil version of Coolie alone has outgrossed War 2’s total advance sales. Combined, the two films have already generated ₹52.55 crore in advance bookings — with one full day left, trade experts anticipate further spikes, potentially pushing this festival weekend into record-breaking territory.

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KBC’s Independence Day Special Featuring Operation Sindoor Officers Sparks Protocol and PR Debate

A teaser for the August 15 Independence Day episode of Kaun Banega Crorepati has triggered a heated discussion online after it showcased Colonel Sofiya Qureshi and Wing Commander Vyomika Singh — both of whom led official media briefings during Operation Sindoor — appearing in full uniform on the reality show. The special episode will also feature Commander Prerna Deosthalee, the first woman officer to command an Indian Navy warship. Host Amitabh Bachchan is seen giving the officers a grand welcome, with Col. Qureshi explaining the rationale behind the post-Pahalgam attack military operation: “Pakistan has been carrying out such (terror) acts repeatedly. A response was necessary, and that’s why Operation Sindoor was planned.” While some hailed the episode as a fitting tribute, many social media users criticised it as politicisation of the armed forces and an attempt at “PR” for the government. Critics also questioned whether such an appearance was permitted under armed forces protocol. Army dress regulations explicitly bar wearing the uniform at cultural events, social gatherings, or while travelling in civilian settings, unless written authorisation is given by a commanding officer. Wearing it for non-official activities is generally prohibited. Several netizens compared the situation to Malayalam actor Mohanlal’s earlier controversy, when he was accused of misusing his honorary Lieutenant Colonel uniform in government ads — charges he denied. The debate now centres on whether the officers’ participation — especially in operational context while in service uniform — respects or breaches military protocol and the apolitical standing of the armed forces.

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Kay Kay Menon Denies Role in Congress ‘Vote Chori’ Campaign

Actor Kay Kay Menon has refuted claims of his involvement in the Congress party’s ‘vote chori’ campaign, stating that a video featuring him was used without his consent. The controversy erupted after the party shared a clip that appeared to show the actor endorsing their drive against alleged electoral fraud. Responding in the comment section, Menon clarified, “Please let it be noted that I have not acted in this ad. A clip from my Special Ops promotions has been edited and used without permission.” The video, posted by the official Instagram handle of the Congress party (@IncIndia), depicted Menon’s character Himmat Singh, an intelligence officer from the web series Special Ops, urging viewers to join the campaign. However, Menon explained that the footage was taken from promotional material for the show and was never intended to support any political cause. The party captioned the video: “Himmat Singh kuch keh rahe hain, jaldi se kar aao! Band karo (Himmat Singh is saying something, go quickly! Stop it).” Meanwhile, the Congress party has intensified its campaign against alleged voter manipulation, echoing Rahul Gandhi’s repeated claims of poll rigging. As part of the effort, they have launched a webpage allowing citizens to sign up, hold the Election Commission of India (ECI) accountable, and support the demand for digital voter rolls.

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Mrunal Thakur Addresses Dhanush Dating Rumours: “Just a Good Friend”

Mrunal Thakur has finally reacted to the swirl of dating rumours linking her with actor Dhanush, calling the speculation “baseless” and “funny.” In an interaction reported by Only Kollywood, the Son of Sardaar 2 actress clarified, “Dhanush is just a good friend to me.” The gossip intensified after the two were spotted together at multiple events, including the Son of Sardaar 2 screening — which many assumed Dhanush attended for her. Mrunal explained that his presence was unrelated, noting, “It was Ajay Devgn who invited him.” The buzz initially began at the wrap-up party of Tere Ishq Mein, Dhanush’s upcoming film with Kriti Sanon, where the duo’s friendly interactions drew attention. A viral clip of Mrunal singing his hit track Idli Kadai and her recent decision to follow his sisters on Instagram further fuelled chatter. Dhanush, who separated from Aishwaryaa Rajinikanth in 2022, has kept silent on the matter. Professionally, he recently won acclaim for his role in Kuberaa. Mrunal, meanwhile, has Dacoit and Hai Jawani Toh Ishq Hona Hai in the pipeline after her recent role in Son of Sardaar 2.

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First Look: Jolly LLB 3 — Akshay Kumar and Arshad Warsi Face Off in New Courtroom Comedy

The makers of Jolly LLB 3 on Monday unveiled the film’s first-look poster for the much-anticipated black comedy courtroom drama written and directed by Subhash Kapoor. The third instalment in the Jolly LLB franchise — and a sequel to Jolly LLB 2 — teases a showdown between two familiar faces. The poster prominently features Akshay Kumar and Arshad Warsi, hinting at a comic duel to decide who is the “real” Jolly. The ensemble cast includes Akshay Kumar, Arshad Warsi, Amrita Rao (making a comeback after six years), Huma Qureshi, Saurabh Shukla, and Annu Kapoor. Filmmakers also announced that the film’s teaser will be released today, ramping up excitement online. Social media reaction poured in fast — fans flooded the post with comments like “Two Jollies = Two x fun,” “hasi bhi aa rahi ho, excited bhi hu — SRK voice in last,” and “Is baar Jolly LLB 3 dhamaka karegi.” Jolly LLB 3 is scheduled for theatrical release on September 19, 2025.

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‘Coolie’ FDFS Frenzy: Tickets Sold Up to ₹4,500 as Fans Scramble for First Shows

The Rajinikanth mania for Coolie has reached fever pitch, with first-day first-show (FDFS) tickets being sold at exorbitant rates — reportedly up to ₹4,500 — as fans across South India and beyond rush to secure seats. Advance bookings have slammed ticketing platforms, while some genuine fans are left shocked by black-market prices for early shows. Sources say a popular Chennai theatre listed some tickets at a staggering ₹4,500. In Pollachi, a staffer was filmed selling an FDFS ticket for ₹400 — a practice that violates Tamil Nadu government rules. Observers say single-screen theatres and fan clubs are exploiting demand to sell tickets unofficially at inflated rates. Many fans told media they tried booking through official apps but found shows already blocked or sold out, forcing some either to buy from scalpers or wait for later shows at government-regulated prices. The craze extends beyond Tamil Nadu: dubbed versions of Coolie are seeing high demand in other states and international markets. Andhra Pradesh and Telangana will screen the film in Tamil and Telugu, and both states permit early-morning shows under certain conditions — a key reason some fans plan cross-border travel to catch FDFS screenings. One Chennai resident said friends were even willing to drive overnight to Nagari in Andhra Pradesh to watch the first show and then head to work. Early-morning screenings were widely allowed in Tamil Nadu before 2023 (1 am, 4 am, 5 am slots). However, after a fan died outside Rohini theatre during the Thunivu vs Varisu clash in 2023, the state government curtailed permissions for such shows. That restriction has pushed many die-hard fans to neighbouring states to continue the tradition of pre-dawn celebrations. These morning shows are often accompanied by exuberant fanfare — crackers, dances and in-theatre celebrations — turning a film premiere into a full-scale festival for devotees of the star.

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Editor03 mins

Sooraj Barjatya Confirms Mumbai Shoot for Ayushmann Khurrana’s ‘Prem’ Era Film with Sharvari

Veteran filmmaker Sooraj Barjatya is set to introduce a new-age ‘Prem’ with Ayushmann Khurrana in his upcoming family drama, co-starring Sharvari. Known for his iconic collaborations with Salman Khan in blockbusters like Maine Pyaar Kiya, Hum Aapke Hain Koun, Hum Saath Saath Hain, and Prem Ratan Dhan Payo, Barjatya is shifting the setting this time to Mumbai, where the film will be shot entirely. Barjatya said, “We’re shooting the film with them (Ayushmann and Sharvari) in Mumbai. It’s a story set in Mumbai. He (Ayushmann) is a dedicated and fine actor. It’s all about getting the right story, making it look real, and casting it right. Besides them, there are more people in the cast, as in all my films.” The director admitted he still feels pre-shoot nervousness, just as he did before his debut film: “It’s not about box office numbers — it’s about whether you connect with the thought or scene.” While Ayushmann will step into the shoes of Barjatya’s beloved ‘Prem’ archetype, Salman Khan may reunite with the filmmaker in the future if an age-appropriate script comes along. Current projects:

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