September 10, 2025

THE CLIFF NEWS

National Daily Bilingual Newspaper

Tag: bollywood

Sidharth Malhotra and Kiara Advani Welcome Baby Girl, Say “Our World Forever Changed”

Actors Sidharth Malhotra and Kiara Advani have become proud parents to a baby girl, their first child, born on July 15. The couple shared the joyous news on Wednesday morning through a heartfelt social media post. “Our hearts are full and our world forever changed. We are blessed with a baby girl,” the couple wrote, expressing gratitude to their fans and well-wishers. Sidharth and Kiara, who starred together in the hit film Shershaah, had announced their pregnancy earlier in February 2025. Since then, they had chosen to keep a low profile, opting to enjoy the phase away from the public eye. Their daughter was born late on Tuesday night, and celebrations soon followed. The couple received a flood of congratulatory messages from their friends in the industry. Among the first to respond were YRF casting director Shanoo Sharma, Mukesh Chhabra, Athiya Shetty, Sunil Grover, Huma Qureshi, Manish Malhotra, and Tanya Ghavri, who all sent in love and blessings for the new parents. With this, Sidharth joins his fellow Student of the Year co-stars Varun Dhawan and Alia Bhatt in the “girl-parent” club. Alia and Ranbir Kapoor welcomed their daughter Raha in 2022, while Varun and Natasha became parents to Lara in 2024. Fans and film fraternity alike are overjoyed for the couple, who tied the knot in February 2023 in an intimate ceremony in Rajasthan.

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Nitesh Tiwari’s Ramayana Becomes India’s Most Expensive Film with ₹4,000+ Crore Budget

Nitesh Tiwari’s epic retelling of Ramayana has officially become India’s most expensive film ever, with an unprecedented budget of over ₹4,000 crore (nearly $500 million) spread across two parts. This staggering figure places the film among the costliest global productions, comparable to Hollywood’s biggest franchises. A Monumental Cinematic Vision Initially speculated to cost ₹1,600 crore, the scale of Ramayana has grown enormously. Producer Namit Malhotra confirmed the expanded budget and revealed that the project is being developed as a VFX-driven spectacle, tailored for IMAX screens and enhanced with AI-powered dubbing for seamless multilingual experiences — a first for Indian cinema. The visual effects are being handled by Prime Focus, the renowned studio led by Malhotra, which has worked on international blockbusters including Dune and Avengers: Endgame. “No Indian film, by a long distance, comes close to it… We’re making the largest film in the world for the greatest story, the greatest epic, that the world should see,” Malhotra stated, adding that the production remains cost-effective compared to similar Hollywood ventures. Star-Studded Cast and Grand Release The film boasts an ensemble cast: Ramayana will release in two parts, scheduled for Diwali 2026 and Diwali 2027 respectively, positioning it as a cultural and cinematic event. Honouring India’s Heritage Calling the film a “foundational piece of our culture,” Malhotra emphasized that Ramayana is not just a visual spectacle but a tribute to Indian heritage. “There has to be pride that must come through — in every Indian first, and then every other person in the world,” he said. Musical Legacy in the Making The motion poster launch, featuring stylized glimpses of Ranbir’s Ram and Yash’s Ravan, also unveiled a glimpse of the original score composed by Oscar winners Hans Zimmer and A.R. Rahman — a collaboration that has only intensified global anticipation. With its unmatched scale, legendary source material, and global production values, Ramayana is shaping up to be not only a landmark for Indian cinema but a global cinematic event.

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Vidya Balan Stuns with Bold Makeover on The Peacock Magazine’s July 2025 Cover

Vidya Balan is making waves with her stunning transformation on the cover of The Peacock Magazine’s July 2025 edition. Revealed on July 14 via Instagram, the new cover showcases Vidya like never before — flaunting a dramatic hair makeover and a glam look that has left fans in awe. For the shoot, Vidya embraced a chic shoulder-length bob, a significant shift from her signature long hairstyles. The sleek cut features soft layers and is enhanced with subtle blonde highlights that bring out added depth and texture. Her hair, parted to the side and styled into soft blowout waves, frames her face elegantly, with one side tucked inward for a sculpted, flattering effect. The Glam Breakdown Her makeup is as captivating as her hair. Vidya sports defined eyebrows, mascara-coated lashes, and a neat swipe of black eyeliner. Her eyelids shimmer with a pink eyeshadow with soft brown undertones, while her cheeks glow with a fresh blush and radiant highlighter that adds a dewy finish to her cheekbones. A glossy mauve lip and subtle contouring complete the luminous glam. A Showstopper in Flamingo Pink Styled by The Peacock Magazine, Vidya dazzles in a bold flamingo pink ensemble adorned with sequins and intricate beadwork. The dress features slim straps, a plunging V-neckline, and a body-hugging silhouette that flows into an ombré finish — transitioning from light pink to rich magenta tones. To elevate the drama, she layered the look with a feather-trimmed stole in matching ombré hues. Accessories included a gemstone-studded choker and a chunky statement bracelet, perfectly balancing the shimmer and adding extra sparkle to her already showstopping appearance.

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Diljit Dosanjh Unveils Intense Poster for ‘Punjab 95’, Transforms into Human Rights Icon Jaswant Singh Khalra

Diljit Dosanjh has shared a powerful new poster for his long-awaited biopic Punjab 95, in which he portrays the late human rights activist Jaswant Singh Khalra. The stark visual — showing Diljit with tied hands and a haunting, defiant stare — has gone viral, reigniting public interest in the film’s controversial and politically charged story. Directed by Honey Trehan and produced by Ronnie Screwvala’s RSVP Movies, Punjab 95 delves into the harrowing true story of Khalra, who courageously exposed thousands of extrajudicial killings in Punjab during the insurgency era of the 1980s and ’90s. A Film Marked by Censorship and Controversy Though initially set to premiere at the Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF) in 2023, the film was mysteriously pulled from the lineup just days before screening. The Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) reportedly demanded over 120 cuts, citing the politically sensitive nature of its content — further delaying the film’s release. Director Trehan has described Punjab 95 as “a haunting depiction of systemic brutality and the cost of speaking truth to power.” The film seeks to immortalize Khalra’s courage, who was abducted and murdered in 1995 after revealing the illegal cremation of thousands of unidentified bodies. Diljit’s Commitment to the Cause Despite the setbacks, Diljit has remained firm in his support for the film. His latest poster drop is more than just a promotional effort — it’s a bold statement about truth, justice, and remembrance, shared with his massive fanbase to keep the spotlight on Khalra’s legacy. Meanwhile, Diljit is also juggling work on Border 2, a war drama co-starring Varun Dhawan and Ahaan Shetty, but Punjab 95 remains his most politically and emotionally charged role to date. As the film awaits final certification and a release date, fans and human rights watchers alike are hoping Punjab 95 sees the light of day soon — not just as cinema, but as a crucial chapter in India’s reckoning with its past.

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Ayushmann Khurrana and Rashmika Mandanna’s Thama Set to Bring Vampire Chaos This Diwali; Teaser to Arrive with War 2

Dinesh Vijan’s Maddock Films is gearing up to expand its much-loved horror-comedy universe (Stree, Bhediya, Munjya) with a bold new chapter — Thama. Featuring Ayushmann Khurrana and Rashmika Mandanna in lead roles, alongside Paresh Rawal and Nawazuddin Siddiqui, Thama is touted to be Hindi cinema’s first major vampire film with an A-list cast. According to sources close to the production, the first teaser of Thama is set to debut during the Independence Day 2025 weekend, attached to the theatrical prints of War 2 — the high-octane spy thriller starring Hrithik Roshan and NTR Jr. “Dinesh Vijan is in talks with exhibitors nationwide, and most have agreed in principle. It’s a smart move to target a high-footfall weekend with an action blockbuster like War 2,” said a trade insider. To keep the promotional momentum going, the teaser will also be hard-attached to Maddock’s own Param Sundari, which releases two weeks after War 2. Vampire vs. Werewolf? Yes, Please. Thama is not just another horror comedy — insiders reveal the film is designed to introduce vampires to the Maddock universe and will be a visual spectacle blending horror, action, and quirky humour. There’s also a twist for fans: Varun Dhawan will reprise his role as Bhediya in an extended cameo, setting up an epic Vampire vs. Werewolf arc in the future. “The teaser will blow minds — it opens up a whole new dimension in the Maddock horror-verse. While Stree and Munjya focused on folk legends and creatures, Thama dives into gothic horror with a comedic twist,” the source added. Thama Release Date The film is locked for a Diwali 2025 theatrical release, making it one of the season’s biggest attractions. With a stellar cast, genre-defining themes, and a crossover-laced narrative, Thama promises to be the next tentpole horror-comedy blockbuster from Maddock Films.

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Rajinikanth’s Coolie Song “Monica” Becomes Viral Hit — Soubin Shahir Steals the Show

Superstar Rajinikanth’s upcoming action thriller Coolie continues to ride high on fan frenzy, with each new release creating waves across social media. The latest to catch fire is the peppy dance number “Monica”, composed by Anirudh Ravichander and featuring Pooja Hegde — but it’s Soubin Shahir who has emerged as the unexpected show-stealer. While fans expected magic from the Anirudh-Pooja combo, it was Soubin’s carefree, energetic dance moves that truly lit up the screen. Known primarily for his intense acting in Malayalam cinema, Soubin surprised everyone with his uninhibited dancing, quickly becoming a trending topic. The song, set in a massive, vibrant setup featuring hundreds of background dancers, sees Soubin bursting into the frame with moves that fans are calling “out of syllabus” and “scene-stealing.” The song is already topping music charts, and clips of Soubin’s segment have gone viral, earning him praise for his versatility and unexpected energy. Social media is flooded with appreciation posts, dance edits, and memes celebrating his performance. About Coolie Directed by Lokesh Kanagaraj and produced by Kalanithi Maran’s Sun Pictures, Coolie stars Rajinikanth in a massy action avatar. The film also features Nagarjuna, Upendra, Soubin Shahir, Sathyaraj, Shruti Haasan, Reba Monica John, Junior MGR, Monisha Blessy, and a cameo by Aamir Khan. With music by Anirudh Ravichander, Coolie is set to hit theatres worldwide on August 14, in Tamil, Telugu, Hindi, Malayalam, and Kannada. With the buzz around “Monica” and Soubin’s breakout dance moment, Coolie is only gaining more momentum as it nears release.

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Bhuvan Bam, Rohit Saraf Lead ‘The Revolutionaries’: Prime Video Unveils Teaser for 2026 Historical Drama

Prime Video has unveiled the first teaser for its ambitious upcoming historical series The Revolutionaries, featuring Bhuvan Bam, Rohit Saraf, Pratibha Ranta, and Gurfateh Pirzada as young freedom fighters. Directed by Nikkhil Advani, the show is based on Sanjeev Sanyal’s acclaimed book Revolutionaries: The Other Story of How India Won Its Freedom. Set against the turbulent backdrop of the Indian independence movement, The Revolutionaries aims to shine a spotlight on the unsung youth heroes who believed in armed resistance as an essential means to overthrow British rule. The series is described by the makers as “a stirring tribute to their extraordinary lives, sacrifices, and unwavering love for their country.” The teaser, released on Monday, offers a gritty first glimpse — Bhuvan Bam and Rohit Saraf appear as determined rebels strategizing in a secret hideout, while Pratibha Ranta and Gurfateh Pirzada’s characters are seen confronting oppression and danger on their own fronts. Also joining the cast are Paoli Dam and Jason Shah in pivotal roles. Backed by Emmay Entertainment, the series is currently in production and being filmed across historically rich Indian cities like Mumbai, Amritsar, Varanasi, and Dehradun. The Revolutionaries is set to premiere in 2026 on Prime Video and promises a fresh, action-packed narrative in the freedom struggle genre. Recent Work Highlights:

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Ramayana Comes Alive on Karachi Stage with AI and Cultural Boldness; Sparks Parallel with Nitesh Tiwari’s Big-Budget Adaptation in India

In a rare and heartening instance of cultural exchange, a theatre group in Karachi, Pakistan, has captivated audiences by bringing the revered Hindu epic Ramayana to life on stage. The play, produced by drama collective Mauj and staged at the Karachi Arts Council, blends traditional storytelling with modern technology, including artificial intelligence, to enhance the narrative and visuals. Directed by Yoheshwar Karera, the production has garnered widespread appreciation for its ambitious vision and inclusive spirit. “To me, bringing the Ramayana to life on stage is a visual treat and shows the Pakistani society is more tolerant than it is often given credit for,” Karera shared, asserting that he felt no fear or hesitation in staging the production. The play has been lauded for its cinematic production design, live musical elements, and dynamic performances. Celebrated art and film critic Omair Alavi praised the show’s lighting, costumes, and narrative flow, calling it “top class” and emphasizing the global emotional resonance of the Ramayana. Rana Kazmi, who plays Sita and also produced the play, highlighted her passion for reviving ancient tales in new forms. “I was intrigued by the idea of bringing the ancient tale as a living, breathing experience for audiences,” she said, emphasizing the play’s timeless relevance. This bold initiative in a predominantly Muslim country has been widely appreciated for promoting interfaith understanding and artistic freedom, offering a rare moment of cultural bridge-building in South Asia. Meanwhile, in India, director Nitesh Tiwari’s mega-project Ramayana is creating massive buzz for its star cast and groundbreaking VFX. Starring Ranbir Kapoor as Lord Rama and Yash as Ravana, the film is being produced on a staggering budget of ₹1600 crore. Backed by Namit Malhotra’s Prime Focus Studios, global VFX giant DNEG, and Yash’s Monster Mind Creations, the two-part epic is being shot for IMAX with Part 1 scheduled for Diwali 2026 and Part 2 for Diwali 2027. The film’s first look and behind-the-scenes visuals have already set social media abuzz, hinting at an immersive, visually spectacular retelling of the mythological saga. Together, these two adaptations — one from a modest theatre in Karachi and the other from the largest production houses in India — reflect the enduring legacy and cross-cultural power of the Ramayana, showcasing how ancient epics continue to find new life through modern storytelling tools and global artistic expression.

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Screen Academy Launches in India to Empower Next-Gen Filmmakers with Scholarships and Mentorships

In a landmark initiative to nurture emerging film talent across India, the newly launched Screen Academy — a not-for-profit venture supported by the Lodha Foundation and spearheaded is set to provide fully-funded postgraduate fellowships to aspiring filmmakers. The Academy aims to democratize access to quality film education and will work closely with top Indian film institutes to identify students with extraordinary storytelling talent but limited financial resources. Backed by Icons of Indian Cinema The Academy boasts an impressive and diverse advisory panel featuring Cannes and Oscar winners such as Guneet Monga, Payal Kapadia, Resul Pookutty, and veteran screenwriter Anjum Rajabali, who will head the selection committee. In collaboration with premier institutions like FTII (Pune), SRFTI (Kolkata), and Whistling Woods International (Mumbai), the Screen Academy Fellowships 2025 will fully support tuition and related costs for postgraduate study. More institutions are expected to be added as the initiative scales. Government and Industry Support Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis lauded the initiative’s timing and Mumbai-based launch, calling it deeply aligned with the city’s historic role in Indian cinema. Anant Goenka, Executive Director of The Indian Express Group, emphasized the need to institutionalize cultural excellence: “We will create an ecosystem that not only celebrates excellence but actively nurtures diverse and promising talent with both financial aid and access.” Abhishek Lodha, Founding Patron from the Lodha Foundation, noted the Academy’s role in India’s soft power: “Films and creative arts are a key strength of our nation, and the Screen Academy will help India become a global leader in this space.” Mentorship and Industry Integration In addition to scholarships, fellows will have access to a robust mentorship programme that includes masterclasses, internships, and long-term industry guidance from leading studios and professionals. Film school directors have welcomed the initiative: A Boost to Storytelling and Screenwriting Panel head Anjum Rajabali called the programme a vital investment in India’s creative ecosystem: “These scholarships will help in driving up the quality of writing and filmmaking in India, providing the industry with a much-needed pipeline of trained talent.” Applications for the fellowship can be made via With a focus on education, representation, and recognition, the Academy promises to become a cornerstone in India’s cultural and cinematic development.

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Anupam Kher to Screen ‘Tanvi The Great’ for President Droupadi Murmu at Rashtrapati Bhavan

Veteran actor and filmmaker Anupam Kher is all set to present his much-anticipated film Tanvi The Great to the President of India, Droupadi Murmu, at a special screening on Friday. The screening will be held at the Rashtrapati Bhavan Cultural Centre (RBCC) in New Delhi. Speaking about the honor, Kher told IANS, “We are very excited because I think the President is the epitome of ‘different but no less’. I mean, where has she come from? And today, she holds the biggest seat in our country. That in itself is so amazing.” The special event will also be attended by the film’s debutant lead Shubhangi, Karan Tacker, Boman Irani, co-writers Ankur and Abhishek, and key technical crew members. A Story of Determination and Dreams Tanvi The Great follows the inspiring journey of Tanvi Raina, a 21-year-old woman on the autism spectrum. Living with her mother Vidya and grandfather Colonel Pratap Raina, Tanvi is driven by the dream of her late father Captain Samar Raina, an Indian Army officer who once hoped to salute the Indian flag at the Siachen Glacier. Determined to fulfill his dream, Tanvi sets her sights on joining the army herself. A Film Backed by Powerhouse Talent The cast features an impressive lineup from both Indian and international cinema, including: The film also includes contributions from Oscar-winning composer M.M. Keeravani and sound designer Resul Pookutty. Cinematography is helmed by Keiko Nakahara from Japan. Production and Release Produced by Anupam Kher Studios in association with NFDC, Tanvi The Great will be globally distributed by Excel Entertainment (Ritesh Sidhwani and Farhan Akhtar) and AA Films (Anil Thadani). The film is scheduled for worldwide theatrical release on July 18. With a powerful message of inclusion, courage, and national pride, Tanvi The Great is poised to strike an emotional chord with audiences across generations.

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