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.

Ananya Panday Breaks Down at Nirmal Kapoor’s Funeral; B-Town Mourns the Loss of Kapoor Matriarch

Ananya Panday was seen heartbroken and in tears as she attended the funeral of her best friend Shanaya Kapoor’s grandmother, Nirmal Kapoor, who passed away on Friday, May 2, 2025, at the age of 90. The actress, deeply affected by the loss, was dressed in an ethnic white kurti and tried to avoid the media while mourning privately. According to a video shared by Filmygyan, Ananya was seen wiping her tears and stepping aside from the crowd to grieve quietly. Ananya was joined by actor Vedang Raina, who wore a light blue shirt and black trousers as he arrived to pay his respects. Close friends Shikhar Pahariya and Veer Pahariya were also spotted consoling Ananya during this vulnerable time, offering support as she dealt with the emotional weight of the day. Several Bollywood celebrities were in attendance to honor the memory of Nirmal Kapoor. Notable personalities including Jackie Shroff, Javed Akhtar, Rani Mukerji, and Anupam Kher visited the Kapoors’ residence to offer their condolences. The family, led by Anil Kapoor and his nephew Arjun Kapoor, made preparations for the final rites and guided the ambulance during the funeral procession. The Kapoor family released an official statement late Friday night, expressing their grief and celebrating the legacy of their beloved matriarch. The statement read: “Passed away peacefully on the 2nd of May, 2025, surrounded by her beloved family. She lived a full and joyful life, leaving behind four devoted children, loving daughters-in-law, a caring son-in-law, eleven grandchildren, four great-grandchildren, and a lifetime of treasured memories.” The funeral took place at Vile Parle Crematorium, Pawan Hans, Mumbai, where many B-Town figures gathered to pay their last respects to Nirmal Kapoor, the mother of Producer Boney Kapoor, Actor Anil Kapoor, and Sanjay Kapoor. The somber event marked the end of an era for the Kapoor family, one of Bollywood’s most iconic dynasties.

India and Pakistan have now extended to social media, with a growing number of Pakistani celebrities having their Instagram accounts restricted in India

The ongoing tensions between India and Pakistan have now extended to social media, with a growing number of Pakistani celebrities having their Instagram accounts restricted in India. Fawad Khan and Atif Aslam, two prominent figures in the entertainment industry, have joined a list of celebrities whose accounts are inaccessible to Indian users. Along with Fawad Khan, the official YouTube channel and X account of Atif Aslam, known for hits like Aadat, Tu Jaane Na, Tera Hone Laga Hoon, and Tere Bin, were also blocked for Indian users on Saturday. The issue began after the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack, which led to the tragic deaths of 26 people, mostly tourists. Other Pakistani celebrities, including Hania Aamir, Mahira Khan, Ali Zafar, Arshad Nadeem, and Mawra Hocane, saw their accounts disappear from Indian social media platforms, further fueling the growing divide. The Instagram accounts of these stars display the message: “Account not available in India. This is because we complied with a legal request to restrict this content.” The terror attack, which took place in the Baisaran Valley near Pahalgam, has prompted Indian authorities to take swift actions against Pakistani cultural figures, as the attack has been linked to militant groups in Pakistan. Fawad Khan, in response to the incident, expressed his grief on his Instagram stories, sharing his condolences and offering prayers for the victims. His message read: “Deeply saddened to hear the news of the heinous attack in Pahalgam. Our thoughts and prayers are with the victims of this horrifying incident, and we pray for strength and healing for their families in this difficult time.” As a direct consequence of the attack, the film Abir Gulaal—which was set to feature Fawad Khan in a comeback role—has been banned in India. Vaani Kapoor, who stars in the film, has since deleted all her social media posts related to the project. Following the incident, the Federation of Western India Cine Employees (FWICE) announced a blanket boycott of all Pakistani artists, singers, and technicians working in Indian entertainment. This ban on Pakistani figures follows a broader trend of strained cultural ties between India and Pakistan, which have seen escalating measures following the 2019 Pulwama attack. The growing restriction on Pakistani content is further intensified by national security concerns amid these ongoing tensions.

Bollywood Sequel Season: Kahaani 3, Queen 2, and Mujhse Shaadi Karogi 2 in the Works

Bollywood is currently witnessing a wave of sequels, with filmmakers reviving some of the industry’s most beloved franchises. As audiences continue to welcome nostalgia and familiar storytelling, three major projects are now in development—Kahaani 3, Queen 2, and Mujhse Shaadi Karogi 2. Kahaani 3: Vidya Balan Returns with Sujoy GhoshDirector Sujoy Ghosh has begun writing the script for Kahaani 3, which will see Vidya Balan reprise her iconic role. A source close to the development revealed that while Vidya is already on board with the concept, she is waiting for Sujoy to complete the full screenplay. The film aims to maintain the gripping intensity and suspenseful narrative that made the first two installments cult favourites. Queen 2: Kangana May Return, but Title Could ChangeMeanwhile, director Vikas Bahl is set to bring back Kangana Ranaut for a sequel to the 2013 blockbuster Queen. However, the original production house no longer exists, leading to legal complications regarding title rights. As a result, while the same cast will return, the film might release under a different title. Still, fans can expect another empowering and quirky adventure with Rani at the centre. Mujhse Shaadi Karogi 2: A Fresh Cast for the Comedy SequelProducer Sajid Nadiadwala is reportedly working on a second installment of the 2004 hit comedy Mujhse Shaadi Karogi, originally starring Salman Khan, Akshay Kumar, and Priyanka Chopra. This time around, the plan is to introduce a younger, fresher cast to bring new energy to the comic chaos. The film is still in the scripting stage, and its progress depends on the final quality of the script. If it meets expectations, casting will begin soon; otherwise, the project may be shelved temporarily. With other sequels like Kesari: Chapter 2 and Raid 2 also generating buzz, it’s clear that franchise fever is alive and well in Bollywood—and audiences are more than ready to revisit their favourite cinematic worlds.

Hania Aamir Reportedly Dropped from Sardaar Ji 3 After Pahalgam Attack Amid Indo-Pak Tensions

Back in October 2024, fans were treated to a heartwarming surprise when Punjabi music sensation Diljit Dosanjh welcomed Pakistani actor Hania Aamir on stage during his London concert. The crowd erupted with joy as Diljit sang his hit track Lover for Hania, who was visibly overjoyed to share the stage with her idol. The sweet moment ignited rumors of a professional collaboration between the two, with fans speculating that Hania would star alongside Diljit in his upcoming film, Sardaar Ji 3. Earlier this year, those rumors seemed to gain traction as reports surfaced suggesting that Hania would indeed be a part of the third installment of the hit Punjabi film franchise, co-starring Neeru Bajwa. The team had reportedly completed their UK schedule last month. However, the unfortunate terror attack in Pahalgam on April 22, which claimed the lives of 26 tourists, has led to renewed tensions between India and Pakistan. As a result, several cross-border collaborations in entertainment have come under scrutiny. One of the casualties of this geopolitical strain appears to be Hania Aamir’s Indian debut. According to viral reports, the makers of Sardaar Ji 3 are now considering removing Hania from the film and reshooting her portions with an Indian actor. This decision, although not officially confirmed by the production team, has sent social media into a frenzy. Online reactions have been deeply polarized. While some netizens supported the alleged move, citing national interest and the sensitivity of the current situation, others criticized it as unfair to artists who have no connection to political or militant actions. Comments ranged from celebratory nationalist tones to heartfelt disappointment from fans of Hania who believe art should transcend borders. This development follows the decision to withhold the Indian release of Fawad Khan’s film Abir Gulaal, another Indo-Pak collaboration, reportedly shelved due to the same tragic event. As of now, no official statement has been released by Diljit Dosanjh, Hania Aamir, or the makers of Sardaar Ji 3.

Ananya Panday Becomes Chanel’s First Indian Ambassador, Joins Cruise 2025/26 Show in Lake Como

Ananya Panday has officially joined the elite league of global fashion ambassadors as the first-ever Indian face of Chanel, marking a major milestone in her career. The actor will represent the iconic French luxury brand at its prestigious Chanel Cruise 2025/2026 show, being held at the opulent Villa d’Este on Lake Como, Italy. The show is set to be directed by Oscar-winning filmmaker Sofia Coppola, who also snapped a now-viral picture of Ananya and her sister Rysa Panday, both glowing against the stunning Lake Como backdrop. The actor posted several stories and photos capturing her “dolce vita” experience — from sunlit boat rides and scenic alley strolls to indulging in Italian cuisine and skincare rituals. A particularly heartwarming Instagram story showed a bouquet and a welcome letter from Chanel, reading: “Dear Ananya, Welcome to Lake Como! We are delighted to welcome you to the Cruise show in Italy’s most magical city… We look forward to sharing this solar dolce vita experience and creating unforgettable memories with you.” Ananya also wrote: “Living the sweet Italian life with @chanelofficial.” A Rising Star on the Global and Cinematic Stage While breaking new ground in the fashion world, Ananya is also riding high on professional success. Her latest film, Kesari: Chapter 2, a courtroom drama starring Akshay Kumar and R. Madhavan, has received positive reviews and strong box office numbers — raking in over ₹65 crore in just 10 days. The film has outperformed some of Akshay’s recent releases and bolstered Ananya’s position as a bankable young star.

Kareena Kapoor Faces Backlash After Posing with Pakistani Designer Amid Pahalgam Tragedy

Bollywood star Kareena Kapoor Khan has come under heavy scrutiny after a photo of her posing with renowned Pakistani designer Faraz Manan surfaced online during her recent trip to Dubai. The timing of this image — just days after the Pahalgam terror attack in Kashmir which claimed 26 innocent lives — has sparked intense outrage among sections of the Indian public. The attack, carried out by The Resistive Front, a proxy of the Lashkar-e-Taiba, has once again inflamed tensions between India and Pakistan. The massacre left the nation mourning, with many public figures, including Kareena herself, expressing grief. Taking to her Instagram story following the tragedy, Kareena had written: “Beyond heartbroken for the victims and their families. Praying for the lives lost #Pahalgam.” However, just days later, she was photographed leaving Mumbai for Dubai, where she reportedly reunited with Faraz Manan, a long-time collaborator and friend. On April 27, Faraz posted a picture with Kareena on his Instagram story — a moment that instantly went viral, but not for the reasons expected. Social media exploded with criticism, accusing Kareena of being “insensitive” and disrespectful to national sentiment, especially given the current strained relations between India and Pakistan. Many netizens questioned the actress’s priorities, writing comments like “Fame is everything for her, country doesn’t feature anywhere,” and “Bollywood cares only about money and fame.” Others went further with harsh personal attacks, questioning her patriotism and accusing Bollywood of being tone-deaf in times of national grief. It’s important to note that Kareena and Faraz share a long-standing professional and personal rapport. In a past interview with Elle, Faraz recounted how his association with Kareena began through Karisma Kapoor, and how their bond strengthened during a memorable fashion shoot in Jaipur. Despite their history, the public perception this time appears to be deeply influenced by the political climate and the emotional weight of the recent tragedy. The controversy adds to the broader debate around celebrity responsibility and timing — especially when national sentiment is raw. As of now, Kareena has not issued any statement regarding the criticism.

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