Tag: bollywood

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.

Filmmaker Vivek Agnihotri has opened up about the challenges he faced while working with John Abraham during the making of his 2007 sports drama Dhan Dhana Dhan Goal. In a recent interview with Dainik Bhaskar, the director spoke candidly about the difficulties of navigating Bollywood’s star-driven system, indirectly pointing to Abraham’s limitations as an actor. Agnihotri said that John Abraham was cast primarily due to his football background, rather than his acting prowess. “Everyone was like, ‘Let’s take John, he is a footballer.’ That’s how he became a part of the film,” Agnihotri stated. He further added that during production, scenes involving Abraham had to be shot in parts, specifically focusing separately on his face and feet, implying performance constraints. Without directly naming Abraham, Agnihotri went on to express his frustration with actors who struggle to deliver dialogues fluently. “If someone tells me ‘reduce my dialogues,’ why? Because you can’t say them at once? You can’t say five lines of dialogue in rhythm at once? Then why are you taking so much money?” he said, in a clear jab at the industry’s reliance on actors based on popularity rather than merit. He criticized the broader Bollywood ecosystem, saying, “The entire ecosystem is dependent on an incompetent, very mediocre actor’s intelligence. From how marketing should be done, to who should be on the poster.” Dhan Dhana Dhan Goal featured a strong ensemble cast including Bipasha Basu, Arshad Warsi, Boman Irani, and others. Despite its star power and sports theme, the film received mixed reviews at the time of release. Agnihotri is currently gearing up for the release of his next film, The Bengal Files, a political drama based on the 1940s communal violence in undivided Bengal. The film features Anupam Kher, Mithun Chakraborty, Pallavi Joshi, Darshan Kumar, and Saswata Chatterjee, among others. Produced by Abhishek Agarwal and Pallavi Joshi, and presented by Tej Narayan Agarwal under I Am Buddha Productions, The Bengal Files is the third film in Agnihotri’s “Files” trilogy, following the critically discussed The Tashkent Files and The Kashmir Files. The Bengal Files is scheduled for a theatrical release on September 5, 2025.

Director Ahmed Khan has addressed the delay in the filming of Welcome to The Jungle, the much-awaited third installment in the Welcome franchise, starring Akshay Kumar and a massive ensemble cast. In a recent interview with Bollywood Hungama, Khan confirmed that the delay was caused not by financial issues, but by the tragic Pahalgam terrorist attack that took place in May 2025. “We were supposed to shoot in Kashmir in June for a third, long schedule. That would have brought us close to completing the film. But then the Pahalgam tragedy happened. The Kashmir schedule had to be cancelled,” Khan explained. Finding a New Location Amid Scheduling Chaos Khan revealed that while two major schedules had already been completed, the now-scrapped Kashmir shoot was critical for wrapping up production. The team is currently scouting alternate locations in Kullu or Himachal Pradesh, which offer similar terrain and visual aesthetics. “Coordinating the dates of thirty-six actors again is no small task. We’re working on it,” he added. The film, known for its chaotic humor and star-studded lineup, has a cast that includes Paresh Rawal, Sanjay Dutt, Raveena Tandon, Jacqueline Fernandez, Disha Patani, Suniel Shetty, Johnny Lever, Lara Dutta, Rajpal Yadav, Shreyas Talpade, Krushna Abhishek, Kiku Sharda, and Arshad Warsi, among others. Financial Rumors Denied by Director Responding to speculation that the delay was due to funding issues, Khan clarified that he has no control over production finances, saying: “I have no idea about that. All financial matters are handled by the producer, Firoz Nadiadwala.” Earlier reports had suggested that some cast members had stepped back amid uncertainty over the revised schedule and finances. However, no confirmations have been made by the actors themselves. Release Date Still On Track Despite the disruption, Welcome to The Jungle is still slated for a December 26, 2025 release — marking it as a major holiday season entertainer. It follows the immense success of Welcome (2007) and Welcome Back (2015), and is expected to be another zany comedy with high production value and ensemble madness. More updates on the revised shoot schedule and trailer are expected in the coming months.

Three highly anticipated films hit theatres this week: Pixar’s intergalactic tale of loneliness, Elio; Aamir Khan’s sensitively handled Sitaare Zameen Par, featuring special needs actors; and 28 Years Later, director Danny Boyle’s return to the zombie apocalypse franchise. Yet, in an unexpected twist, it is Boyle’s film—disguised as action-packed horror—that emerges as the most emotionally charged and deeply moving experience of the trio. A Misdirected Apocalypse That Finds Its Heart Right from its trailer to the early sequences, 28 Years Later presents itself as a gritty, pulse-pounding zombie thriller, seemingly led by Aaron Taylor-Johnson in a high-octane role. But the film is far from the usual post-apocalyptic gore-fest. At its emotional core lies a coming-of-age story, driven by 14-year-old Alfie Williams, whose breakout performance could become one for the ages. What we get is not just survival horror — but the tale of a boy navigating lies, death, and disillusionment in a decaying world. Plot That Rises Above Genre Set nearly three decades after the outbreak that decimated Britain in the earlier films, 28 Years Later shows the UK as a desolate quarantine zone while other nations have moved on. A band of survivors exists off the Scottish coast on a tidal island. When Jamie (Taylor-Johnson) takes his son Spike (Williams) to the mainland, secrets unravel — including the lie that a doctor (Ralph Fiennes’ enigmatic Dr Kelson) no longer exists. Spike’s journey back to retrieve his sick mother (Jodie Comer) reveals emotional depths rarely seen in the genre, filled with terror, hallucinations, and self-discovery. A Visual and Sonic Masterpiece While the initial few scenes feel slightly fragmented, the film quickly finds its footing with masterful visuals by Anthony Dod Mantle and a haunting score from Young Fathers. Boyle and writer Alex Garland construct a stylised, almost graphic novel-like world. The cinematography channels the eerie tension of earlier films while adding modern, abstract flair. One standout scene near the climax — with Spike facing mortality — is delivered with breathtaking stillness, drawing gasps and silence in theatres. A Slight Misstep in an Otherwise Bold Vision If the film falters, it’s in the final sequence — a jarring tonal shift into a Tarantino-style fight scene that feels more Trainspotting than 28 Days Later. However, this brief detour is easily forgiven in light of the film’s 110 minutes of restrained, emotionally intelligent storytelling. A Golden Age for Horror Redefined With Nosfearatu bringing noir back to the genre, Sinners fusing horror with musical experimentation, and now 28 Years Later adding a coming-of-age layer, Hollywood seems to be entering a new golden age of “nouveau horror.” Boyle’s film doesn’t just reboot a franchise — it reimagines what horror can emotionally encompass. In a week where a Pixar tale and a heartwarming Aamir Khan film vied for emotional supremacy, it’s Danny Boyle’s bleak, bloodied, yet beautiful 28 Years Later that leaves audiences truly shaken — and deeply moved.