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The much-anticipated sequel to the 2012 hit Son of Sardar, titled Son of Sardar 2, has undergone a dramatic transformation, shifting from its original comedy roots to an epic historical action thriller. The sequel, announced in 2015, is based on the historic Battle of Saragarhi fought on September 12, 1897, and is being envisioned as a grand Hollywood-style war epic. The film highlights the valor of 21 Sikh soldiers who fought against overwhelming odds during the Indo-British era. Production of the ambitious project, which included filming in Scotland and the UK, began in 2024 but has been surrounded by controversies. Sanjay Dutt, who was part of the original cast, had to step away from the sequel as his UK visa application was rejected due to his previous imprisonment in 1993. Sonakshi Sinha was also replaced by Mrunal Thakur, with no official explanation provided. Additionally, veteran actor Vijay Raaz was removed from the project after disputes with the production team. While producers cited his “rude behavior” and “never-ending demands,” Raaz claimed his removal stemmed from failing to greet lead actor Ajay Devgn on set. Despite these hurdles, the makers are pushing forward to complete the magnum opus. The shift in tone and grandeur, combined with its historical significance, has generated considerable buzz. If executed well, Son of Sardar 2 could solidify its place as a significant contribution to Indian historical cinema.

India achieved a significant milestone on Thursday, January 16, 2025, becoming the fourth nation in the world to accomplish space docking, a key technological achievement that positions the country as a rising force in the global space market. At approximately 9 a.m. IST, the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) successfully executed the Space Docking Experiment (SpaDeX), a groundbreaking mission that saw two satellites, Target and Chaser, perform a series of complex orbital maneuvers to dock and undock. This indigenous capability is crucial for future space station assembly, satellite servicing, and interplanetary missions. ISRO overcame earlier postponements due to drift and simulation issues, showcasing India’s engineering precision and commitment to advancing its space technology. The mission also demonstrated the transfer of electric power between docked satellites, a capability essential for in-space robotics and composite spacecraft operations. Launched on December 30, SpaDeX also carried innovative experiments, including germinating cowpea seeds in microgravity to study plant growth. With a current global space market share of only 2%, India aims to expand its presence to $44 billion by 2040, driven by ambitious projects like space stations, solar studies, and planetary defense collaborations. Prime Minister Narendra Modi hailed the achievement as a significant step toward India’s growing prominence in space exploration and commercialization, a key part of his vision for the country to emerge as a global superpower.

Bollywood actor Saif Ali Khan sustained multiple stab wounds during an attempted robbery at his Bandra West residence in Mumbai early Thursday morning, January 16, 2025. An unidentified intruder reportedly entered the actor’s home around 2:30 a.m. and was confronted by Saif after the house help raised an alarm. During the altercation, Saif suffered injuries, including one near his spine, and was rushed to Lilavati Hospital by his son Ibrahim Ali Khan for immediate treatment. Lilavati Hospital’s COO, Dr. Niraj Uttamani, confirmed that Saif underwent surgery involving a neurosurgeon and other specialists. The actor’s team later issued a statement reassuring fans that Saif is “out of danger” and recovering under close medical supervision. They also extended gratitude to the hospital team and fans for their support during this difficult time. The Mumbai Police and forensic experts are investigating the case, with preliminary findings suggesting the intruder may have been known to a member of the household staff. The couple’s children, Taimur and Jehangir, were unharmed in the incident. Kareena Kapoor Khan, Saif’s wife, assured the public of their safety through a statement. Meanwhile, the entertainment industry and fans have expressed solidarity and condemned the attack.

It has been 100 days since the Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB) and Gujarat Police’s Anti-Terrorism Squad (ATS) conducted a major raid at a drug factory in Bagroda industrial complex, seizing MDMA drugs worth ₹1,814 crore. Despite the massive scale of the operation, significant gaps remain in the investigation, with authorities struggling to trace the supply chain or identify key players behind the racket. Following the October 5 raid, the NCB and ATS arrested four individuals: Amit Chaturvedi, Sannyal Bane, Harish Anjana, and Premsukh Patidar. However, no further arrests or breakthroughs have been reported since then. Investigators suspect the factory was part of a larger drug network but have yet to identify recipients, distributors, or other individuals involved. The suppliers of the raw materials, some of which require licences for purchase, also remain unknown. Special Public Prosecutor Sunil Shrivastava confirmed that the NCB is preparing a charge sheet, which will soon be submitted to the court. While authorities claim that many individuals are likely involved in the drug trade, the lack of progress has raised concerns about the investigation’s pace and effectiveness. It is believed that masterminds with significant control over the operation are still at large, posing a challenge to the agencies.

The Madhya Pradesh Forest Department has found itself in a complex situation after seizing four crocodiles from a pond within the residential premises of former BJP MLA Harvansh Singh Rathore. The pond is maintained by the Kailash Mandir Trust, located on Rathore’s property, leading to questions about accountability. While the forest department has filed a Primary Offense Report (POR) against the trust, it has not yet implicated the Rathore family, despite the temple being situated within their bungalow’s boundaries. The Rathore family claims they requested the removal of the crocodiles as early as 2014, but no action was taken by the department. They also assert that the temple portion of the property was legally transferred to the trust two decades ago. However, local residents report that crocodiles have been seen at Rathore’s property for nearly four decades, and there is no natural waterway connecting the pond to the outside, suggesting they were introduced intentionally. Keeping crocodiles without authorization is a violation under the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972. The situation came to light during Income Tax (I-T) raids targeting Rathore’s brother and relatives, who are associated with businessman Rajesh Kesharwani in a ₹150 crore tax evasion racket. Gold, cash, and documents related to benami properties were seized, revealing assets worth over ₹200 crore. Investigations are ongoing, and forest officials are seeking legal advice on the matter. Meanwhile, Harvansh Singh Rathore, a former MLA from Banda in Sagar district and a candidate for BJP District President, finds himself under increasing scrutiny.

Kartik Aaryan and Janhvi Kapoor were spotted together at a party in Mumbai, alongside filmmaker Karan Johar, rekindling public interest in their association after their shelved project Dostana 2. While Janhvi looked stunning in a black dress and Kartik opted for a casual look, the two did not pose together for the photographers. Their reunion marks a rare sighting since Dostana 2 was put on hold in 2021, leading to widespread speculation about behind-the-scenes tensions. The shelving of Dostana 2 was announced by Dharma Productions, which cited “professional circumstances” and maintained silence on the details. The project, directed by Collin D’Cunha, was originally set to star Kartik Aaryan and Janhvi Kapoor in lead roles. Following this announcement, rumours of a rift between Kartik and Karan Johar surfaced, though both parties refrained from addressing the issue publicly. In December last year, Karan Johar appeared to mend ties with Kartik by announcing a new film featuring him in the lead. Titled Tu Meri Main Tera, Main Tera Tu Meri, the romantic comedy is set for a 2026 release. The announcement video, shared on Karan’s Instagram, was seen as a reconciliation between the actor and the filmmaker. The two previously shared a stage at the Indian Film Festival of Melbourne 2023, further fueling speculation that their professional relationship had been repaired. With Kartik and Janhvi’s latest appearance at the same event, fans are eager to see if a new collaboration could be on the horizon.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi dedicated three frontline naval combatants—INS Surat, INS Nilgiri, and INS Vaghsheer—to the nation in a ceremony held in Mumbai. The commissioning of these vessels marks a significant milestone for the Indian Navy, as it is the first time a destroyer, a frigate, and a submarine have been inducted simultaneously. PM Modi emphasized that this development reflects India’s emergence as a major maritime power and aligns with the vision of Atmanirbhar Bharat. INS Vaghsheer, the sixth and final submarine of the P75 Scorpene Project, has been built in collaboration with the Naval Group of France. Known as the ‘hunter-killer’ submarine, it is equipped with advanced torpedoes, anti-ship missiles, and capabilities for anti-surface and anti-submarine warfare, intelligence gathering, and mine-laying. Defence experts have highlighted its role in strengthening India’s maritime dominance in the Indo-Pacific region, particularly against adversaries like China and Pakistan. INS Surat, a guided missile destroyer, boasts an indigenous content of 75% and advanced weapon-sensor packages for network-centric operations. Similarly, INS Nilgiri, the first ship of the P17A Stealth Frigate Project, incorporates state-of-the-art stealth and survivability features, showcasing the next generation of Indian frigates. Both vessels underscore India’s growing capabilities in indigenous shipbuilding. Addressing the ceremony, PM Modi highlighted India’s commitment to a secure, inclusive, and prosperous Indo-Pacific region, emphasizing development over expansionism. He also paid tribute to Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, acknowledging his contributions to naval power. Later, the Prime Minister is set to inaugurate an Iskcon Temple in Kharghar, Navi Mumbai, during his visit to Maharashtra.

In April 1978, Shah Bano Begum, a 62-year-old Muslim woman, petitioned the Supreme Court for maintenance under Section 125 CrPC after her divorce through triple talaq. Her husband, Mohd. Ahmed Khan, opposed it, citing Muslim Personal Law’s requirement for maintenance only during the ‘iddat’ period. The legal battle persisted for seven years, culminating in April 1985 when the Supreme Court ruled in favour of Shah Bano.  Four decades later, the landmark case of Mohd. Ahmad Khan v. Shah Bano Begum is set to be dramatized in a new motion picture. Peepingmoon.com has exclusively learned that Yami Gautam is doing a film based on the Shah Bano case of 1985. Fresh from the massive theatrical and critical success of her film ‘Article 370’, Yami will portray Shah Bano, bringing to life the remarkable story of the seven-year-long legal battle. Junglee Pictures is producing this film in collaboration with Vishal Gurnani and Juhi Parekh Mehta (of Insomnia Media), who also produced ‘Sirf Ek Bandaa Kaafi Hai,’ and ‘Harman Baweja’ under his Baweja Studios banner. Suparn Varma, renowned for directing web series like ‘The Family Man Season 2,’ ‘Rana Naidu,’ and ‘The Trial’, will direct this film, while Reshu Nath, who has previously worked on “Illegal” and “Heera Mandi”, has written the script. The film is said to be inspired by an unpublished book by Jigna Vora, whose memoir, ‘Behind Bars in Byculla: My Days in Prison,’ inspired the 2023 Netflix series ‘Scoop’.  This film marks Yami Gautam’s first project after giving birth to her child in May 2024. She is excited to return to the set with such a challenging project and has already begun preparing for the role. On the work front, she will next feature opposite Pratik Gandhi in the romantic comedy ‘Dhoom Dhaam’.

Congress leader Rahul Gandhi launched a rare criticism of Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) chief Arvind Kejriwal during his first rally for the upcoming Delhi Assembly elections on 5 February. The comments come despite Congress and AAP being allies in the INDIA Alliance and contesting together in the 2024 Lok Sabha elections. Gandhi’s Criticism of Kejriwal: Kejriwal’s Response: Arvind Kejriwal dismissed Gandhi’s remarks, stating he would not engage in a war of words. Kejriwal remarked on X (formerly Twitter), “While Rahul Gandhi is fighting to save Congress, I am fighting to save the country.” Context and Stakes: Election Dynamics: Gandhi’s rally underscores Congress’ renewed push to re-establish its foothold in Delhi, setting the stage for a competitive electoral battle.

Ram Gopal Varma Criticizes Box Office Claims of Game Changer Filmmaker Ram Gopal Varma (RGV) has stirred controversy by calling out discrepancies in the reported box office figures of Ram Charan’s latest release, Game Changer. Taking to X (formerly Twitter), RGV accused the film’s makers of inflating its numbers, questioning its credibility and casting doubts on the South Indian film industry’s achievements. Key Points from RGV’s Statements: Game Changer’s Box Office Journey: Industry Implications: RGV’s remarks have sparked a broader conversation about transparency in box office reporting, especially in the South Indian film industry. While the inflated numbers have brought scrutiny, Game Changer‘s performance highlights the challenges even high-budget films face in sustaining audience interest.