July 28, 2025

THE CLIFF NEWS

National Daily Bilingual Newspaper

Category: Exclusive

Shanaya Kapoor to Play Double Role in Student of the Year 3, Filming Begins April 20

Shanaya Kapoor, daughter of Sanjay and Maheep Kapoor, is all set to headline Student of the Year 3, the next installment of Karan Johar’s iconic youth franchise. But this time, there’s a twist—SOTY 3 will be a six-episode web series instead of a theatrical release, and Shanaya will be seen in a double role, a first for the franchise. Directed by debutant Reema Maya—who garnered acclaim for her 2023 short film Nocturnal Burger—the series will begin filming in Mumbai on April 20, 2025, and is scheduled to wrap within just over 30 days. The fast-paced shoot reflects Maya’s dynamic storytelling style, as the series aims to bring a fresh, edgy take to the SOTY universe. The Student of the Year brand, previously known for launching major Bollywood stars like Alia Bhatt, Varun Dhawan, Sidharth Malhotra, Ananya Panday, and Tara Sutaria, is now transitioning to OTT, with SOTY 3 set to stream on JioHotstar. According to a report in Mid-Day, the project had been in development for the past six years. A source revealed, “Finally, Karan has given the green signal and the unit plans to begin filming it from April 20.” Another insider confirmed Shanaya’s dual role, which marks a bold new direction for the series. Shanaya Kapoor’s Busy 2025–2026 Line-up While SOTY 3 will mark Shanaya’s streaming debut, it will be her fourth project overall. Her debut film, Aankhon Ki Gustaakhiyan, a romantic drama directed by Santosh Singh, has wrapped and is targeting a theatrical release soon. She also stars opposite Adarsh Gourav in the survival thriller Tu Yaa Main, which is slated for a Valentine’s Day 2026 release. Additionally, she’s working on an untitled project with Abhay Verma. With a mix of romance, thrill, and now a double role in a cult franchise, Shanaya Kapoor is clearly being positioned as one of the most exciting new faces in the industry.

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Editor03 mins

KGF: Chapter 2 Turns 3 – Hombale Films Reaffirms KGF: Chapter 3 is Coming

April 14 marks the third anniversary of KGF: Chapter 2, the record-shattering Kannada blockbuster that redefined Indian cinema’s pan-India appeal. Directed by Prashanth Neel and headlined by superstar Yash, the action-packed sequel was released on this day in 2022 and went on to become the highest-grossing Kannada film of all time, earning over ₹1200 crores globally. The film, produced by Hombale Films, picked up from the events of KGF: Chapter 1 (2018) and built upon the saga of Rocky Bhai in a grander, more explosive fashion. It not only captivated Kannada audiences but also struck gold across India and overseas, cementing Yash as a national icon and Prashanth Neel as a visionary director. Fans were thrilled when the film ended with a teaser for KGF: Chapter 3, hinting that the saga of KGF was far from over. Over the past three years, the makers have consistently assured audiences that the third installment is on the way, though no official production timeline has been finalized. To commemorate the third anniversary, Hombale Films released a special celebratory video on Monday. Clocking in at over two minutes, the video showcases iconic moments from KGF: Chapter 2 and ends with a reaffirmation—KGF: Chapter 3 is indeed coming soon. However, fans will need to wait a while longer. Both Yash and Prashanth Neel are currently committed to other major projects. Yash is busy with Toxic: A Fairy Tale for Grown-Ups and Ramayana, while Neel is directing the Jr. NTR-led Dragon. All three films are scheduled for release in 2026. Given their packed schedules, KGF: Chapter 3 is expected to begin production only by late 2026 or early 2027. Despite the delay, the excitement remains sky-high, and the KGF universe continues to inspire hope for yet another cinematic spectacle.

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Editor03 mins

Pastor John Jebaraj Arrested for Sexual Assault of Minors; Second High-Profile Pastor Case in Weeks

In a disturbing development from Tamil Nadu, Pastor John Jebaraj of Kings Generation Church in Coimbatore has been arrested for the alleged sexual assault of two minor girls. The 37-year-old pastor, known for his presence on social media — particularly for his Christian devotional music with nearly 2 lakh Instagram followers — was apprehended on Saturday evening in Munnar, Kerala, by the Coimbatore City Police, after evading arrest for several months. The Case The incident dates back to May 2023, when the pastor allegedly assaulted the girls during a party at his home in Coimbatore. The case came to light after one of the survivors recently confided in a family member, prompting them to file a formal complaint at the Central All Women Police Station, Coimbatore. Jebaraj has been booked under the POCSO Act: Police officials have confirmed that further investigations are underway, including inquiries into whether other minors may have been harmed. Second Major Case Involving a Pastor This arrest follows another major case earlier this month involving self-styled pastor Bajinder Singh, who was convicted by a Mohali court for rape and sexual harassment in a 2018 case. The court delivered a strong verdict, rejecting Singh’s plea for leniency, and noted: “A religious leader holds a sacred responsibility and cannot betray the faith of devotees.” Singh, known for his controversial claims of “miracle healing” and running mega congregations, heads the Church of Glory and Wisdom in Jalandhar and Mohali, with claimed branches abroad. He became a preacher in 2012. Growing Scrutiny on Religious Figures These back-to-back cases have cast a spotlight on the accountability of self-proclaimed religious leaders, especially those with large online followings and direct access to young and vulnerable individuals. Activists and legal experts are calling for stricter background checks and oversight in faith-based organizations, particularly those involved in youth outreach. As the investigations continue, more survivors are being encouraged to come forward, and there is renewed pressure on authorities to crack down on abuse hiding behind spiritual authority.

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Editor03 mins

Pawan Kalyan’s Son Injured in Singapore School Fire, Family Offers Prayers at Tirumala Post-Recovery

Actor and Andhra Pradesh Deputy Chief Minister Pawan Kalyan‘s son, Mark Shankar Pavanovich, was among several children injured in a tragic school fire in Singapore last week. The incident occurred on April 8 at a shophouse on River Valley Road, where a fire broke out, prompting a swift response from the Singapore Civil Defence Force (SCDF). Eight-year-old Mark sustained injuries to his hands and legs, along with respiratory distress due to smoke inhalation. At the time, Pawan Kalyan was touring the Alluri Sitarama Raju district in Andhra Pradesh for official engagements. Upon receiving the news, he, along with his elder brother Chiranjeevi, immediately flew to Singapore to be by his son’s side. In a heartfelt public statement, Pawan Kalyan said: “Our youngest son, Mark Shankar, was injured in a school fire in Singapore and is being treated in hospital. He is gradually recovering.”He also extended gratitude to actors, politicians, and fans who prayed for Mark’s well-being and offered special poojas at temples on his behalf. After receiving treatment and recovering steadily, Mark Shankar has now returned to India with his family. To offer thanks for her son’s recovery, Pawan Kalyan’s wife Anna Lezhneva visited the Tirumala Sri Venkateswara Temple on April 14, where she performed a head tonsuring ritual at Padmavati Kalyana Katta — a sacred location within the temple premises where devotees offer their hair as a mark of devotion and gratitude. Anna also took part in several temple rituals and pujas following the ceremony. Chiranjeevi, who has been vocal about his nephew’s condition, shared a message of hope on social media: “Our baby Mark Shankar has come home. But he still needs to recover. With the grace and mercy of our clan deity, Anjaneya Swamy, he will soon be fully healthy and back to normal. Tomorrow is Hanuman Jayanti, and that Lord stood by us, saving that little child from great danger and tragedy.” He also thanked the public, writing: “People from various regions and villages stood in solidarity with our family by offering prayers and blessings. I, on behalf of my brother Pawan Kalyan and our entire family, wholeheartedly thank each and every one of you for your support.” The episode has brought a wave of concern and sympathy from fans and well-wishers across Andhra Pradesh and beyond, as the family continues to focus on Mark’s full recovery.

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Editor04 mins

Salman Khan Receives Fresh Death Threat via Mumbai Police Traffic Department’s WhatsApp

Bollywood actor Salman Khan received a fresh death threat early Sunday morning through the WhatsApp number of the Mumbai police’s traffic department in Worli. The unidentified sender sent a chilling message around 6:30 am, threatening to enter Khan’s residence and kill him. The message further stated intentions to plant a bomb in the actor’s vehicle and detonate it. A senior police officer confirmed the details of the threat, noting that the sender had explicitly stated their intention to kill Salman Khan. The threatening message was sent to the traffic police helpline, prompting the authorities to register a case. The Worli police have launched an investigation and are actively working to locate the suspect. This is not the first time Salman Khan has received threats. The actor has been on the hit list of gangster Lawrence Bishnoi, particularly linked to the 1998 Blackbuck poaching case. In recent months, Khan has faced multiple threats, some of which have come directly or indirectly through the Mumbai police. The most alarming incident occurred last April when a member of the Bishnoi gang opened fire outside Khan’s Bandra residence. Lawrence Bishnoi’s brother, Anmol Bishnoi, later claimed responsibility for the attack. Lawrence Bishnoi is currently imprisoned in Gujarat, while the Mumbai police arrested over a dozen members of the Bishnoi gang, invoking the Maharashtra Control of Organised Crime Act (MCOCA) against them.

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Editor02 mins

Allu Arjun and Atlee Join Forces for ₹800 Crore Pan-India Spectacle #AA22XA6

Icon star Allu Arjun is all set to ignite the silver screen once again — this time by venturing into a brand-new genre with blockbuster director Atlee, known for his work on Jawan. The duo is collaborating on the tentatively titled film #AA22XA6, and the buzz around the project is already reaching fever pitch. Mounted on a staggering budget of ₹800 crores, this film will be the second most expensive Indian film ever, right behind S.S. Rajamouli’s upcoming epic SSMB29. The scale of #AA22XA6 reflects not only the ambition of its creators but also the rising pan-India stature of Allu Arjun. According to reports, ₹200 crores are being allocated solely to the production, while an enormous ₹250 crores are being dedicated to cutting-edge VFX — signaling that this will be a visually extravagant cinematic experience. Despite being just five films old, Atlee has already proven his mettle with Jawan, which grossed ₹386.34 crore in India and turned into a blockbuster across markets. Allu Arjun, riding high on the global box office domination of Pushpa 2: The Rule, which raked in a phenomenal ₹1785.84 crore worldwide, is taking his stardom to the next level. For #AA22XA6, the National Award-winning actor is reportedly charging a whopping ₹175 crores along with a 15% profit share, making him one of the most lucrative stars in the Indian film industry today. With Atlee’s flair for crafting mass entertainers and Allu Arjun’s unmatched charisma and popularity, #AA22XA6 is shaping up to be one of the most awaited films of the decade. A new genre, a mammoth budget, and two powerhouses coming together — fans can expect nothing short of cinematic fireworks.

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Editor03 mins

Tabu Joins Vijay Sethupathi in Puri Jagannadh’s Next Film

Bollywood powerhouse Tabu is all set to share screen space with acclaimed actor Vijay Sethupathi in an upcoming film directed by Puri Jagannadh. The yet-to-be-titled project is being produced under the Puri Connects banner by Jagannadh himself, alongside his frequent collaborator Charmme Kaur. The announcement was made via Puri Connects’ official Instagram handle on Thursday, with a striking image of Tabu posing with the director and Kaur. The caption read:“She’s electric. She’s explosive. She’s THE TABU. Team #PuriSethupathi proudly welcomes THE GEM OF INDIAN CINEMA, Actress @tabutiful on-board for a ROLE as DYNAMIC as her presence.” The film promises a high-octane collaboration between Makkalselvan Vijay Sethupathi and the ever-versatile Tabu, both known for their intense and layered performances. While details of the storyline and Tabu’s role remain under wraps, the makers have hinted that her character will be as impactful as her presence. Principal photography for the film is expected to commence in June. Meanwhile, Tabu is also gearing up for her next release, Bhooth Bangla, a horror comedy directed by Priyadarshan. The film, set to release next year, will see her reunite with Akshay Kumar. With PuriSethupathi on the horizon, fans can look forward to a dynamic blend of talent, style, and storytelling — helmed by one of South India’s most energetic filmmakers.

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Editor02 mins

Bazooka Movie Review: Even Mammootty Can’t Save This Misfired Game Thriller

Making a movie with a legendary star like Mammootty is no small task, and debutant director Deeno Dennis takes on this challenge with Bazooka, only to fall short in delivering a film that does justice to the actor’s stature. Billed as a stylish game thriller, Bazooka opens with promise but quickly nosedives into a muddled narrative that never quite finds its footing, only attempting redemption when it’s too late. Set in crime-ridden Kochi, the story introduces ACP Benjamin Joshua (played by filmmaker-actor Gautham Vasudev Menon), a determined officer brought in to clean up the city. He encounters an unusual adversary — a criminal mastermind who uses video games as a tool for heists and outsmarts law enforcement at every step. Baffled by this digital strategy, the ACP turns to retired forensic expert John Caesar (Mammootty) for help. The film unravels through Caesar’s interactions with his neighbour, a gamer named Hakkim Shah (Sunny Varghese), as they try to make sense of the clues left behind by the elusive criminal known only as Mr. Mario. While the premise of video games being used to commit crimes could have added a fresh layer to the thriller genre, Bazooka fails to leverage this unique concept. The games referenced — Super Mario, Temple Run, Snakes and Ladders — feel outdated and childish, undermining any real tension or intrigue the narrative could have created. Action sequences are peppered throughout, seemingly more to glorify Mammootty’s persona than to serve the plot. Where the film truly falters is in its writing. Deeno Dennis appears more focused on fan service—employing slow-motion shots, dramatic close-ups, and stylized action—to elevate Mammootty’s presence, rather than building a coherent or compelling storyline. The investigation track is riddled with logical inconsistencies, and the dialogue often borders on the absurd. Despite the intent to be slick and modern, the screenplay lacks substance. Technically, the film has its moments. Saeed Abbas’ background score is rousing and energetic, and the rap number “Loading Bazooka” by Sreenath Bhasi tries to inject life into the film. Nimish Ravi’s cinematography ensures that Mammootty dominates every frame, while editors Nishadh Yusuf and Praveen Prabhakar do their best with the material at hand. Ultimately, Bazooka had all the ingredients for a genre-defying thriller, but squanders the opportunity by prioritizing style over story. Mammootty tries to bring depth and charm to his role, but even his towering screen presence isn’t enough to salvage this misfire. Bazooka may attract fans of the star, but as a film, it fails to hit its mark.

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Editor04 mins

‘Jailer 2’ Heats Up in Attappadi: Rajinikanth, Mirnaa, and SJ Suryah Bring Firepower to the Sequel

The megastar-led sequel ‘Jailer 2’, directed by Nelson Dilipkumar, is shifting gears quickly as it enters its next crucial filming phase. After a successful initial schedule in Chennai, the production has now moved to the picturesque terrains of Attappadi, near Coimbatore, with filming officially kicking off on April 11. Superstar Rajinikanth has already arrived at the scenic Kerala-Tamil Nadu border to resume his role as Muthuvel Pandian, and this schedule promises to be packed with key emotional and action-heavy sequences. 🔁 Familiar Faces Return: Mirnaa Is Back A heartening return in the sequel is Mirnaa, who played Rajinikanth’s daughter-in-law in the original blockbuster. According to Cinema Vikatan, she’s involved in this new leg of shooting, suggesting that the emotional threads from ‘Jailer’ will be deepened. Fans can expect her character to evolve and take on a more central role, possibly adding gravitas to the family dynamics that stood out in the original film. 🎭 Enter SJ Suryah: A Dynamic New Addition The big surprise? The addition of actor-director S.J. Suryah in a pivotal role. Known for his intense screen presence and unique performances, Suryah’s inclusion has stirred massive fan excitement. Interestingly, he had once pitched a powerful concept to Rajinikanth involving triple roles and river water issues—though that film didn’t materialize, his collaboration with Thalaivar has finally taken form in Jailer 2. Sources suggest Suryah was personally keen on being part of the film, and with Nelson’s knack for giving characters strong narrative weight, his role is expected to be a major highlight. 🎬 What’s Next? The Attappadi schedule is expected to continue for two weeks, covering major scenes with both returning and fresh cast members. Post this, the unit will return to Chennai for the next leg of filming. With Nelson at the helm, Anirudh likely returning to score the music, and a cast that includes Rajinikanth, Mirnaa, and SJ Suryah, ‘Jailer 2’ is shaping up as a high-octane sequel with emotional depth and a fresh antagonist twist.

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Editor03 mins

Hrithik Roshan to Direct Krrish 4 with Priyanka Chopra Returning as Priya; Film to Begin in 2026

Hrithik Roshan is officially stepping into the director’s chair for Krrish 4, taking over the reins from his father and franchise creator, Rakesh Roshan. The highly anticipated superhero film will be made in collaboration with Aditya Chopra’s Yash Raj Films (YRF), aiming to set a new benchmark by marrying global cinematic standards with the emotional depth and essence of Indian storytelling. In a major casting update, Pinkvilla has learned that Priyanka Chopra Jonas will reprise her role as Priya in the upcoming installment. According to sources close to the development, both Hrithik and Aditya were keen on bringing her back, given her successful on-screen pairing with Hrithik and their longstanding professional rapport. The story continues from where Koi Mil Gaya, Krrish, and Krrish 3 left off, making Priyanka’s return a natural and significant part of the narrative. The actress was reportedly impressed by Hrithik’s vision for the film and thrilled to see him take on the dual responsibility of acting and directing. Pre-production is currently in full swing at YRF Studios. The studio’s VFX division, YFX, is already working on pre-visualization for this ambitious superhero epic. A source revealed that what makes Krrish 4 unique is its story-first approach to VFX, stating, “There are some projects which are designed keeping VFX in mind, but Krrish 4 is a film where the inception of VFX stems from the story, which is magical. Pun intended.” The film is set to go on floors in the first quarter of 2026, with casting still underway. One of the most exciting aspects for fans is the confirmed return of Jadoo, the beloved alien from Koi Mil Gaya, making his comeback to the big screen after 23 years. Krrish 4 promises to be a grand cinematic event and one of the costliest films ever made in Indian cinema. It will mark the return of Hrithik Roshan’s iconic superhero character after a 14-year hiatus and aims to deliver an unforgettable experience to audiences across the globe.

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Editor03 mins
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