Ritesh Shah Makes Directorial Debut with Manoj Bajpayee, Akshay Oberoi & Saqib Saleem in Gripping Crime Thriller

After scripting critically acclaimed films like Sardar Udham (2021), Pink (2016), and Airlift (2016), screenwriter Ritesh Shah has taken the directorial plunge. Backed by filmmaker Neeraj Pandey as creative producer, Shah’s debut is a taut crime thriller featuring an eclectic lead trio — Manoj Bajpayee, Saqib Saleem, and Akshay Oberoi. The untitled film began shooting in Mumbai on April 18 and has now shifted to Bhopal for its second schedule. Through May and June, filming will continue across several Indian locations. Described as an intense, twist-laden thriller, the film is said to carry the storytelling DNA of Pandey’s signature suspenseful style. Sources close to the production reveal that the actors’ chemistry is already generating excitement on set. “It’s a dynamic combination. The actors are bonding really well, and the scenes are crackling with intensity. Their camaraderie is translating into great performances,” said a crew member. Though plot specifics remain tightly guarded, the crime drama is slated to premiere on Netflix in 2026. Behind-the-scenes glimpses have already started sparking buzz among fans. The cast adds serious heft to the project: With Shah’s gripping narrative skills, Pandey’s creative direction, and this powerhouse cast, the film is shaping up to be one of the most awaited crime dramas of the year.

Diljit Dosanjh Parts Ways with Long-Time Manager Sonali Singh After Over a Decade

Punjabi music icon Diljit Dosanjh has reportedly ended his long-standing professional relationship with manager Sonali Singh, bringing a significant chapter of his career to a close. The split, which has surprised fans and industry insiders alike, marks the end of a partnership that spanned more than a decade. As reported , the rift became apparent after Sonali unfollowed Diljit on Instagram. Her absence from the Met Gala, where Diljit made headlines with his historic appearance, and the lack of any related social media posts further fuelled speculation about a fallout. “This is a big shock for people who have followed Diljit’s journey. No one expected it, but things are not going well between them professionally,” a source close to the matter revealed. Sonali Singh has played a pivotal role in Diljit’s rise to international fame. Their professional journey began in 2013 with the album Bhangra Paa Mittra, where she was a marketing executive and Diljit was the lead performer. Over the years, their collaboration evolved into a formidable partnership, with Sonali widely credited for shaping Diljit’s global image. Her contribution was globally acknowledged when she was named Billboard’s Global Manager of the Year in 2024 as part of their Women in Music list—highlighting her key role in elevating the singer’s career on the world stage. While neither party has issued an official statement, the news of their split has stirred emotional reactions from fans who admired their decade-long camaraderie and professional synergy.

Sandeep Reddy Vanga Blasts Deepika Padukone Over ‘Spirit’ Exit, Faces Backlash for Targeting Feminism

The war of words—albeit one-sided—between filmmaker Sandeep Reddy Vanga and actor Deepika Padukone has escalated, despite Deepika’s continued silence on the matter. On Monday evening, Vanga posted a scathing note on Twitter (now X), seemingly accusing Deepika of leaking confidential plot details from his upcoming film Spirit, which she exited just last week. Her replacement, Triptii Dimri, was announced shortly after. The tension came to a head following a Pinkvilla report that published exclusive details about Spirit. Vanga, without naming Deepika, insinuated that she was responsible for the leak. In his post, the Animal director wrote: “When I narrate a story to an actor, I place 100% faith. There is an unsaid NDA between us. But by doing this, you’ve ‘DISCLOSED’ the person that you are… Putting down a younger actor and ousting my story? Is this what your feminism stands for?” He continued with a stinging remark: “As a filmmaker, I put years of hard work behind my craft & for me, filmmaking is everything. You didn’t get it. You won’t get it. You will never get it… Aisa karo… Agli baar poori kahani bolna… kyunki mujhe zara bhi farak nahi padta,”tagging the post with #PRGames, suggesting media manipulation and narrative control. Internet Reacts Swiftly and Sharply Vanga’s comments sparked instant backlash on social media, with many accusing him of using feminism as a scapegoat in a personal dispute. One viral tweet read: “Andhra Tate will never miss an opportunity to insert feminism when it has nothing to do with the power struggle and b***hing between two privileged cinema bourgeoisie.” Another user mocked the contradiction in Vanga’s tone: “Ego got hurt so blame feminism for it and write such a long ass post!! And then saying zara bhi farak nahi padta, lol, such a crybaby.” Some criticized the hypocrisy of Vanga’s statement, pointing out the controversial male behavior often glorified in his films like Kabir Singh and Animal. A tweet read: “Glorifying domestic violence, cheating, abuse and what not in your movies is not filmmaking, Vanga. You should be the last person calling out someone’s feminism.” Meanwhile, Deepika’s fans applauded her dignified silence. One wrote, “Deepika is true alpha for making this man-child cry.” The Fallout While Deepika has chosen to remain silent, this public spat has reignited debates around professionalism, gender dynamics in Bollywood, and the ethics of filmmaking and promotion. With Spirit still in pre-production and now headlined by Prabhas and Triptii Dimri, all eyes remain on whether the film can emerge unscathed from this war of egos—or if the damage has already been done.

“Stolen”: A Gritty, Globally Acclaimed Indian Thriller Set to Stream on Prime Video

Karan Tejpal’s gripping directorial debut, Stolen, is making waves both at home and abroad. Backed by a powerful creative team and lauded for its unflinching realism, the Hindi-language crime thriller is being hailed as one of the boldest indie films to come out of India in recent years. 🎬 Director: Karan Tejpal✍️ Screenplay: Karan Tejpal, Swapnil Salkar-Agadbumb, Gaurav Dhingra🎥 Producer: Gaurav Dhingra (Jungle Book Studio)👥 Executive Producers: Anurag Kashyap, Kiran Rao, Nikkhil Advani, Vikramaditya Motwane📺 Streaming Platform: Prime Video 🔍 Plot Set in rural India, Stolen follows two urbane brothers who witness a horrifying crime: a baby being snatched from a poor mother at a railway station. Compelled by conscience, the brothers plunge into a dangerous and emotionally charged investigation to uncover the truth — and possibly redeem themselves in the process. 🌟 Cast 🏆 Festival Triumphs After premiering at the Venice Film Festival (2023), Stolen earned rave reviews and racked up awards on the international circuit: 🎤 Praise from Industry Stalwarts 📣 Prime Video’s Statement “Stolen is more than entertainment – it’s a mirror to society,” said Manish Menghani of Prime Video India, emphasizing the platform’s commitment to promoting bold and socially relevant storytelling. Verdict: Stolen is not just a thriller, but a cinematic jolt of truth and empathy, combining taut narrative tension with deep socio-political commentary. With critical acclaim, a stellar cast, and powerhouse backing, this is one film Indian cinema lovers — and global thriller enthusiasts — won’t want to miss. 🕵️‍♂️ Streaming soon on Prime Video.

Double the Fun, Double the Mystery: Housefull 5 to Release in Two Versions with Alternate Endings!

In a first-of-its-kind move for Indian cinema, Housefull 5, produced by Sajid Nadiadwala, is set to release in two versions—each featuring a different killer and alternate climax. Titled Housefull 5 and Housefull 5A, the film promises a unique twist on the traditional comedy franchise format, encouraging fans to watch the film more than once to experience both endings. 🎬 Release Date: June 6, 2025🎭 Star Cast: Akshay Kumar leads the madness, supported by a record-breaking ensemble of 19 actors, making it the largest cast ever for a Hindi film. According to insider sources: “If the killer is X in Housefull 5, the killer will be Y in Housefull 5A. While the setup remains the same, the last 20 minutes will be completely different, offering a new twist, new jokes, and a brand-new payoff.” 🪙 Marketing Genius: 🎥 Industry Buzz:The dual-ending format is reminiscent of experimental cinema from the West, but it’s a first in Bollywood on this scale. With Sajid Nadiadwala backing the concept, trade experts are curious and optimistic about audience response. The Housefull franchise has always thrived on chaos, confusion, and comedy, but this time, it’s adding mystery and novelty into the mix. Whether you’re in for the laughs, the cast, or just the killer reveal — or both — Housefull 5 promises to be a summer spectacle like no other.

Fan Breaks Into Aditya Roy Kapur’s House With Gifts; FIR Filed for Trespassing

Bollywood actor Aditya Roy Kapur, known for his massive fan following—especially among female admirers—recently experienced a bizarre security breach when an overzealous fan unlawfully entered his residence in Bandra West, Mumbai. The incident occurred on Monday evening, around 6 PM, while the actor was away on a film shoot. According to reports by the Free Press Journal, the only person present in the flat at the time was Kapur’s domestic help, 49-year-old Sangita Pawar. She answered the door to find a woman who confirmed it was the actor’s house and claimed she had brought gifts and clothes for him. Assuming it was a planned visit, Pawar let her in after the woman confidently stated her expected time was “6 PM.” However, things took an unsettling turn when Kapur returned home shortly after and did not recognize the woman. Alarmed, he stepped back and informed the society manager, Jayashree Dunkdu, who then contacted his personal manager, Shruti Rao. Rao promptly alerted the Khar Police. Despite multiple requests to leave, the woman refused and insisted on staying. When questioned by authorities, she identified herself as Gazala Jhakaria Siddique, a 47-year-old resident of Dubai. Her responses were reportedly vague, and she could not provide a clear reason for her visit or explain how she found the actor’s address. Following a preliminary investigation, the police concluded that Siddique had unlawfully entered the property. An FIR was filed against her under Section 331(2) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, which deals with unlawful house trespass or house-breaking. This incident has sparked concerns about the safety and security of celebrities in Mumbai’s high-profile areas. On the work front, Aditya Roy Kapur is gearing up for the release of Metro… In Dino, a multi-starrer film featuring Sara Ali Khan, Pankaj Tripathi, Konkona Sen Sharma, Ali Fazal, Fatima Sana Shaikh, Anupam Kher, and Neena Gupta. The film is slated for release on July 4, 2025.

Lokesh Kanagaraj’s Coolie Starring Rajinikanth Set for August 14 Release with a Massive ₹350 Crore Budget

One of the most eagerly awaited Indian films of 2025, Coolie, directed by acclaimed filmmaker Lokesh Kanagaraj and featuring superstar Rajinikanth in the lead, is currently in post-production and scheduled for release on August 14. The excitement around the film is already palpable, thanks to its star-studded cast that includes Nagarjuna, Upendra, Soubin Shahir, Sathyaraj, and Shruti Haasan. Adding to the buzz are rumours of Bollywood legend Aamir Khan making a special cameo appearance. Coolie also marks a first-time collaboration between Rajinikanth and Lokesh Kanagaraj, the visionary behind blockbuster hits like Kaithi (2019), Master (2021), Vikram (2022), and Leo (2023). While the filmmakers have kept plot details tightly under wraps, with even the recently released teaser offering only cryptic glimpses, new reports reveal the film’s ambitious scale. According to reports, Coolie is being produced on a massive budget of ₹350 crore, which covers the fees for both Rajinikanth and Lokesh Kanagaraj. With such a substantial investment and an ensemble cast, expectations are sky-high for Coolie to be a major cinematic event this year.

Sandeep Reddy Vanga Calls Out Deepika Padukone Over ‘Spirit’ Controversy, Replaces Her with Tripti Dimri

Filmmaker Sandeep Reddy Vanga, known for his blockbuster hits like Animal and Kabir Singh, is gearing up for his next intense crime action thriller, Spirit. However, the film’s journey hit a snag when lead actress Deepika Padukone made a controversial exit from the project. Initially confirmed alongside actor Prabhas, Deepika reportedly left the film due to disagreements concerning working hours, Telugu dialogues, and the bold nature of certain scenes. Following her departure, Vanga replaced Padukone with actress Tripti Dimri, praising Tripti’s ease and comfort with the demanding and A-rated sequences the film promises. While announcing the new casting, Vanga appeared supportive of the change, emphasizing the commitment and intensity required for the role. The controversy escalated on May 26, when Sandeep Reddy Vanga took to Twitter (now X) to publicly call out Deepika Padukone. He accused her of playing “dirty PR games” and suggested she breached an unspoken NDA by leaking details about the film. Vanga’s tweets expressed his disappointment, stating, “When I narrate a story to an actor, I place 100% faith… Putting down a younger actor and ousting my story? Is this what your feminism stands for?” He further criticized her understanding of filmmaking, underscoring the years of hard work he invests into his craft. Though there is no official confirmation regarding the story leak, reports suggest that Deepika had requested a hefty salary of Rs 20 crore, limited working hours capped at eight per day, and a share in the film’s profits. This public fallout has stirred significant buzz around the film and its production, spotlighting the creative and professional clashes behind the scenes.

Triptii Dimri Confirmed as Female Lead in Sandeep Reddy Vanga’s Spirit Opposite Prabhas

Rising star Triptii Dimri has officially joined Prabhas as the female lead in Sandeep Reddy Vanga’s much-awaited action drama Spirit. This announcement comes as a major boost to Dimri’s already surging career, marking her first on-screen pairing with Prabhas and a reunion with Vanga after her acclaimed role in Animal (2023). Triptii Reacts: “Still Sinking In” Taking to Instagram on May 24, Triptii Dimri shared her excitement about being part of the project, writing: “Still sinking in 🖤 So grateful to be trusted with this journey. Thank you @sandeepreddy.vanga. Honoured to be a part of your vision.” Ram Gopal Varma Praises the Casting Filmmaker Ram Gopal Varma praised the casting decision on social media, posting: “Hey @imvangasandeep Going by both her tremendous screen presence and performance which you showcased in ANIMAL, I think your decision will make her the NEXT BIG THING IN BOLLWOOD far beyond the current BIGGIES. CONGRAAATS @tripti_dimri23. High Time for your SPIRIT to FLY into the SKY.” Casting Shuffle: Deepika Padukone Out Dimri’s casting follows reports of Deepika Padukone’s exit from the film due to creative and financial disagreements. Reportedly, Padukone demanded: These demands reportedly didn’t align with Vanga’s vision and working style, leading to the change in casting. What’s Next for Triptii Dimri? Triptii is also set to appear in Vanga’s Animal sequel, titled Animal Park, but production on that film will begin only after Spirit wraps up. The back-to-back collaborations with Vanga are expected to further establish her as a powerhouse performer in both commercial and critical cinema. With Spirit, Triptii Dimri joins the big league alongside Prabhas in what’s shaping up to be one of the most talked-about films in Vanga’s expanding cinematic universe.

Countdown Begins for Housefull 5; Makers Submit Two Versions to CBFC Ahead of June 6 Release

One of the most anticipated Bollywood films of the year, Housefull 5, is gearing up for a grand release on June 6, 2025. Directed by Tarun Mansukhani, the comedy mystery thriller stars Akshay Kumar in the lead and boasts one of the largest ensembles ever assembled in Indian cinema — a staggering 24 actors. Two Versions Submitted to CBFC In an unprecedented move, the makers of Housefull 5 have submitted two different versions of the film to the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC). According to Pinkvilla, both versions have been viewed and approved by the CBFC, each granted a U/A certificate. The reason for this unique strategy has been kept under wraps, but insiders suggest that it is tied to the film’s twisty, mystery-laced narrative — a fresh spin on the typically zany Housefull brand of comedy. This step is aimed at preserving the suspense and delivering a surprise element to audiences. Runtime and Cast The final theatrical runtime is 2 hours and 43 minutes, likely necessitated by the film’s massive cast, which includes: The film is produced by Sajid Nadiadwala under the Nadiadwala Grandson Entertainment banner. Trailer Launch The official trailer of Housefull 5 will be launched on May 27 at a star-studded event in Mumbai, with the entire ensemble cast expected to be present. This event is anticipated to be one of the biggest promotional spectacles of the year. With two CBFC-certified versions, a gigantic cast, and the promise of a comic thriller twist, Housefull 5 is poised to offer a truly unique big-screen experience.

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