Category: Exclusive

Actor Vijay Deverakonda has been booked under the SC/ST (Prevention of Atrocities) Act for allegedly making derogatory remarks about tribal communities during a film event held earlier this year, police officials confirmed on Sunday. Allegations and Complaint The incident stems from a statement Deverakonda reportedly made in April during a pre-release event for the film Retro, which stars actor Surya. According to the police, Deverakonda allegedly compared the recent terror attack in Pahalgam to tribal wars that occurred 500 years ago. The comment sparked outrage, and a formal complaint was lodged by Nenavath Ashok Kumar Naik, also known as Ashok Rathod, who serves as the State President of the Joint Action Committee of Tribal Communities. Rathod accused the actor of making racially insensitive remarks that equated tribal people with Pakistani terrorists, thereby hurting the sentiments of the Scheduled Tribe communities and insulting their historical legacy. Case Registered and Investigation Underway Following the complaint, a case under the SC/ST (Prevention of Atrocities) Act was officially registered on June 17, police said. The case is currently under investigation, and further details are awaited. Actor Issues Public Clarification In response to the controversy, Vijay Deverakonda issued a public statement on May 3 via social media platform X (formerly Twitter). He expressed regret over the incident, stating that his intention was never to hurt or target any community, especially the Scheduled Tribes, whom he said he holds in high regard. “If any part of my message was misunderstood or hurtful, I express my sincere regret. My only aim was to speak of peace, progress and togetherness. I remain committed to using my platform to uplift, unify—never divide,” Deverakonda wrote. Summary The case against Vijay Deverakonda highlights the increasing sensitivity around public statements made by celebrities, especially when they concern marginalized communities. While the actor has apologized, legal proceedings under the SC/ST Act are now in motion, and the matter remains under active police scrutiny.

Actress Diana Penty has offered a rare glimpse into her long-standing relationship with diamond merchant Harsh Sagar, revealing why the couple has chosen not to rush into marriage despite being together for over a decade. In a candid interview with Hauterrfly, the Cocktail star shared personal insights into their 12-year relationship and why they feel no pressure to make it official. “Yes, I am not single,” Diana said. “I will not go on a rooftop and shout about it, but my partner and I have been together for 12 years, and we’ve known each other for 22 years, which is half of my life. So even though I am not married, in my head I am. It’s the same thing because you’re respecting the relationship in the same way.” She went on to explain that both their families are supportive of their decision to take things at their own pace. “Both our families are very chill, and they respect what we have. Their priority is our happiness. It’s not like we don’t like the concept of marriage, but we live together, have a dog together, everybody knows we are together, so there’s no rush. It’s pretty much like being married—just that it’s not on paper, and it makes no difference to me or him.” Diana’s Work Front Diana Penty made a memorable debut with the 2012 hit Cocktail, starring alongside Deepika Padukone and Saif Ali Khan. Since then, she has featured in several well-received films such as Happy Bhag Jayegi, Parmanu: The Story of Pokhran, Azaad, and the historical drama Chhaava. She was last seen in Detective Sherdil, currently streaming on Zee5. The film stars Diljit Dosanjh in the lead and marks his second collaboration with director Ali Abbas Zafar after Jogi. The ensemble cast also includes Boman Irani, Chunky Panday, Ratna Pathak Shah, Sumeet Vyas, and Banita Sandhu.

Bollywood’s 2025 box office has delivered fireworks early, with several major releases making solid Day 1 splashes across genres—from historical dramas to action-packed entertainers and franchise comedies. Topping the list so far is Vicky Kaushal’s period epic Chaava, which opened with a phenomenal ₹31 crore, followed closely by Salman Khan’s Eid release Sikandar at ₹26 crore, and Akshay Kumar’s ensemble comedy Housefull 5 at ₹24 crore. In a year where high-octane actioners dominate, Aamir Khan’s emotionally rooted family drama Sitaare Zameen Par has made a decent start, collecting ₹11.7 crore on Day 1 and landing at #6 among 2025’s top Hindi openers. While this figure is modest compared to Aamir’s historic openers like Dangal or PK, it’s a respectable showing given the current market tilt toward action and spectacle. 🔟 Top Hindi Day 1 Openers of 2025 (So Far): ⭐ Spotlight: Sitaare Zameen Par Directed by RS Prasanna, Sitaare Zameen Par is a spiritual successor to Aamir Khan’s beloved Taare Zameen Par (2007). Despite facing stiff competition from event films, the film’s opening is bolstered by positive word-of-mouth, and the weekend collections will be crucial in defining its trajectory. 🔍 Observations: As we move further into the year, all eyes will be on how these films hold through the weekdays and if upcoming releases like Ramayana, Don 3, and The Raja Saab can shake up the leaderboard.

Hotstar’s Kerala Crime Files made history as the first Malayalam original series on the platform, and while its debut season had the first-mover advantage, it felt like a conventional film stretched into a series format. With season two, however, director Ahammed Khabeer and writer Bahul Ramesh (of Kishkindha Kaandam fame) evolve the show into a genuinely gripping and emotionally complex crime drama that thrives on subtlety, structure, and narrative depth. A Smarter, Subtler Season The second season moves the action to Kaniyarvila Police Station in Trivandrum, now under a new set of officers after the previous team was transferred over corruption links. As the new team settles in, they stumble upon the mysterious disappearance of Ambili Raju, one of the transferred officers. What unfolds is a layered investigation that steadily builds suspense without ever spoon-feeding the audience. Where the first season struggled with artificial cliffhangers and undercooked subplots, Season 2 excels with a smarter script. The non-linear narrative, used with precision rather than distraction, keeps the viewer alert but not confused. There’s a deliberate pacing to how the mystery unfolds, and the emotional undercurrents are revealed through well-placed character studies rather than dramatic monologues. A Psychological Thriller in Disguise Much like Kishkindha Kaandam, Bahul Ramesh uses the framework of a whodunit to tell a more introspective, human story. The character of Ambili Raju, in particular, is given a haunting backstory that becomes central to the show’s emotional weight. Other characters, too, are fleshed out meaningfully, creating a spectrum of personalities who all feel real and worth investing in. The series also employs an unusual narrative motif—dogs—to subtly guide the plot at key moments. Far from being a gimmick, each canine presence is thematically tied into the story’s arc, adding an unexpected but effective layer to the investigation. Unconventional Casting Pays Off Casting continues to be a standout aspect of the franchise. Indrans, as Ambili Raju, delivers a deeply internalized performance that’s far removed from his comedic roots. Harishree Ashokan, in a grey, world-weary role, is another revelation. Their interactions—often wordless, emotionally charged—are a reminder of the sheer talent they possess beyond slapstick. That they once shared screen space in Punjabi House only makes their restrained chemistry here more fascinating. Supporting performances from Renjit Shekar, Sirajudheen, Fara Shibla, Sanju Sanichen, Noorin Shereef, and Jeo Baby enrich the ensemble, each adding unique texture to the investigation. A Fitting Climax That Lingers While Season 1 wrapped up with procedural finality, Season 2 leaves a more emotional impact. The climax might be rooted in tragedy, but it ends with a moment of dual smiles—two characters on opposite ends of the moral scale—offering a poignant reflection on justice, loss, and resilience. It’s a quiet, resonant payoff that elevates the entire series. Final Thoughts Kerala Crime Files Season 2 is a rare sequel that improves in every department: storytelling, characterization, tone, and thematic richness. It respects the intelligence of its audience and trusts its performers to convey more with less. In a growing landscape of Indian crime series, this one stands out for its craft, restraint, and emotional depth. Rating: ★★★★☆ (4.5/5)Verdict: A must-watch for lovers of character-driven thrillers that go beyond just solving a case.

Bollywood superstar Salman Khan is all set to headline a powerful patriotic drama inspired by the 2020 Galwan Valley conflict, with director Apoorva Lakhia at the helm. The film, based on the best-selling book India’s Most Fearless, will see Salman portraying an Indian Army officer in what sources call one of his most physically and emotionally demanding roles in recent years. A New Look for a New Role Salman is reportedly undergoing an intense transformation for the film. “He’s following a strict fitness regime and shifting to a leaner physique to match the look of a serving army officer,” said a source close to the development. Adding to the authenticity, Salman will also sport a crew cut, marking a sharp departure from his trademark style. A look test is scheduled for early July, and the resulting images may be used for the film’s official announcement. Shooting Schedule and Locations The film’s first shooting schedule kicks off in Ladakh in July 2025 and will run for approximately 25 days. This will be followed by studio-based shoots in Mumbai, replicating battle and war-zone extensions. “Most of the action sequences will be shot at real locations in Ladakh to maintain visual authenticity. Salman has allotted bulk dates to the film with an aim to wrap up by November 2025,” added the source. Casting and Production The casting process is actively underway for three critical roles alongside Salman. Interestingly, none of the familiar faces from Salman’s close-knit circle or his home banner SKF are being considered. “The filmmakers are prioritizing credible, fresh talent for key roles,” confirming that the team is focusing on realism and dramatic depth over star power. A Reunion with Kabir Khan on the Horizon Following this intense action drama, Salman is likely to reunite with Kabir Khan, the director of the beloved 2015 hit Bajrangi Bhaijaan. The two have reportedly locked in an original feature film that will likely serve as a thematic follow-up to the Galwan project. “There’s a 90% chance that Kabir and Salman’s next will pick up on a similar patriotic or emotional vein. The intention is to do a fresh film before venturing into the long-discussed Bajrangi Bhaijaan 2,” revealed the source. What to Expect Salman Khan’s Galwan-based project is shaping up to be one of the most anticipated films of 2025, blending real-life heroism with cinematic spectacle. With Apoorva Lakhia’s direction, authentic locations, rigorous prep, and a compelling storyline, this marks a significant shift from Salman’s typical massy entertainers. The film is expected to honor the valor of the Indian Armed Forces, and with the current casting and production approach, could deliver both box office appeal and critical acclaim.

Renowned actor and filmmaker R Madhavan and his wife, Sarita, have leased their luxury apartment in Mumbai’s upscale Bandra Kurla Complex (BKC) for a monthly rent of ₹6.50 lakh, according to property registration documents accessed via Square Yards. The lessee is BP Exploration (Alpha) Limited, a British multinational oil and gas company formerly known as British Petroleum. The lease agreement was officially registered on June 11, 2025. Lease and Rental Details The 4,182 sq ft apartment is located in Signia Pearl, one of BKC’s premium residential towers. The lease is for a two-year term, with a 16-month lock-in period. The monthly rent of ₹6.50 lakh in the first year will escalate by 5% to approximately ₹6.83 lakh in the second year. Over the course of the lease, the total rental income will amount to ₹1.60 crore. Madhavan has also received a security deposit of ₹39 lakh. The stamp duty for the transaction was ₹47,000, with a registration fee of ₹1,000. Investment Returns R Madhavan and Sarita purchased the apartment in July 2024 for ₹17.50 crore. Based on the current rental agreement, the gross rental yield is estimated at 4.5% in the first year, increasing to about 4.7% in the second year—a healthy return for luxury real estate in the area. About the Actor R Madhavan is a well-established actor and filmmaker known for his work across Tamil, Hindi, Telugu, Kannada, Malayalam, and English films. His career spans critically acclaimed roles in Minnale, Kannathil Muthamittal, Anbe Sivam, and Aaytha Ezhuthu, along with popular Bollywood hits such as Rang De Basanti, Guru, and 3 Idiots. BKC – Mumbai’s Prime Business District The Bandra Kurla Complex (BKC) is Mumbai’s central business district and among the costliest commercial zones in India. It houses major offices of Fortune 500 companies such as Apple, Amazon, Netflix, Facebook, and Jio, along with critical government institutions like the GST, Reserve Bank of India, Income Tax Department, and the Family Court. The US Consulate is also located within BKC, making it a strategic and high-value location for real estate investment. While R Madhavan has not commented publicly on the transaction, it reflects a growing trend of celebrities turning to premium real estate for investment and leasing opportunities in India’s top business hubs.

Mumbai: As the countdown begins for one of 2025’s most awaited films, director Ayan Mukerji has opened up about the creative and emotional journey behind War 2. The film, a sequel to the blockbuster War (2019), stars Hrithik Roshan reprising his role as Kabir and Jr NTR in a power-packed new avatar. Slated for a global release on August 14, 2025, War 2 promises a grand cinematic spectacle. In a statement shared by the makers, Ayan Mukerji said stepping into a franchise loved by millions came with “huge responsibility.” He added, “I saw directing War 2 as a relishing opportunity to give a hat-tip to the first film. You can’t have fun otherwise while coming on board such a huge blockbuster franchise. One has to take what has been set and then make the fans of the film and the fans of these gigantic superstars of our country go on a journey that is new, that hopefully leaves them hungry for more.” Ayan, known for his visual storytelling in films like Brahmāstra and Yeh Jawaani Hai Deewani, revealed that much of the production time was dedicated to designing the action sequences and constructing a storyline with a worthy conflict. “Everything about War 2 has been crafted with a lot of planning to elevate the theatrical experience of the audience. The maximum time spent was on the action set pieces and crafting the storyline and the conflict, which was needed to mount the face-off between Hrithik Roshan and NTR.” Calling the film a celebration of Indian cinema’s might, Mukerji remarked, “War 2 is truly the coming together of Indian cinema with these two huge actors joining forces. We were aware of the expectations this pairing would set in the minds of their fans and the audience, and every second was spent thinking of how to give them an experience of a lifetime when they sit in the theatres.” The original War (2019), directed by Siddharth Anand, starred Hrithik Roshan, Tiger Shroff, and Vaani Kapoor. It was a massive box office success, earning over ₹200 crore in its first week, and became one of the top-grossing Hindi films of that year. With War 2, the YRF Spy Universe expands even further, following hits like Pathaan and Tiger 3, building towards a shared cinematic world. Fans are now eagerly waiting to witness the explosive clash between Hrithik Roshan’s seasoned spy and Jr NTR’s enigmatic new force.

Actor Vivek Oberoi, once celebrated for his romantic role in Saathiya (2002), is now making waves far beyond the film industry—with a real estate empire reportedly worth over ₹1,200 crore. At 48, the actor-turned-entrepreneur has found a new calling in luxury real estate, steering his UAE-based company BNW Developments to massive success. In a candid interview with Dubai Property Insider, Oberoi revealed that his move to Dubai during the COVID-19 pandemic—initially intended to be temporary—became a life-altering shift. “It was supposed to be a short-term move, and I just loved the experience,” he shared. After discussing with his family, they “democratically voted” to stay. Now, four years later, Dubai has become “more like home.” Dubai’s Culture Boosted His Growth Praising the UAE’s culture, safety, and business-friendly environment, Oberoi said, “You have complete freedom. Just respect the local laws, customs, and people, and you have no problem.” He credits this conflict-free, relaxed space as a key factor behind his thriving business. From Teen Crorepati to Global Investor Vivek, son of veteran actor Suresh Oberoi, has long nurtured a passion for entrepreneurship. Reports suggest he became a crorepati in his teens through smart early investments. While his acting career saw highs in films like Company, Yuva, Omkara, and Shootout at Lokhandwala, his business acumen now overshadows his cinematic achievements. BNW Developments and Billion-Dollar Valuation Oberoi currently heads BNW Developments, a luxury real estate firm headquartered in Dubai. According to Fortune India, the company boasts a valuation of USD 7 billion in assets—a stunning achievement for someone who started as a Bollywood star. A Darker Chapter In the same interview, Vivek also touched on a deeply personal chapter of his life, revealing that at one point, he felt so overwhelmed that he “wanted to end things.” He said he strongly related to what happened with Sushant Singh Rajput, suggesting that mental health struggles and industry pressures can take a heavy toll. However, Vivek’s journey reflects resilience, transformation, and an ability to reinvent himself in the face of adversity. From romantic hero to real estate tycoon, Vivek Oberoi’s story is one of reinvention, global ambition, and quiet triumph.