Shraddha Kapoor Signs Rs 17 Crore Deal for High-Concept Thriller With Ekta Kapoor, Directed by Tumbbad’s Rahi Anil Barve

Fresh off the blockbuster success of Stree 2, actress Shraddha Kapoor is set to make her next big move with a high-concept thriller produced by Ekta Kapoor and directed by Rahi Anil Barve, best known for the critically acclaimed Tumbbad. According to a Bollywood Hungama report, Shraddha is being paid a record-breaking fee of ₹17 crore, one of the highest for a female lead in Hindi cinema today. Key Details: A source revealed that Ekta Kapoor was “more than happy to splurge” on Shraddha, as this marks her first film after Stree 2, now touted as the highest-grossing Hindi film ever. Shraddha is also said to have secured a profit-sharing deal, which is rare and typically reserved for top-tier stars, underscoring her rising market value. Buzz Around the Film The collaboration is being hailed as a promising one, bringing together: The film is currently in pre-production, with more casting and plot details expected soon. What’s Next for Shraddha? Aside from this thriller, fans can look forward to Stree 3, officially slated for a theatrical release on August 13, 2027. The horror-comedy franchise will reunite her with Rajkummar Rao, Pankaj Tripathi, and the rest of the ensemble cast.

Akshay Kumar to Reunite with Priyadarshan for Thriller Oppam Remake; Saif Ali Khan Joins as Co-Lead

Akshay Kumar and veteran director Priyadarshan—celebrated for their string of comedy blockbusters—are set to explore new territory with a high-stakes thriller. The duo has reportedly signed on to remake the 2016 Malayalam hit Oppam, originally starring Mohanlal, with Akshay stepping into the lead role. According to industry sources, Saif Ali Khan will share top billing alongside Akshay, marking a “pure two-hero battle” at the heart of the narrative. “Akshay is a big fan of Oppam,” a source told Bollywood Hungama, “and when Priyadarshan offered him the film, he signed the dotted line immediately. He’s excited to tackle a thriller under Priyadarshan’s direction.” Production is slated to begin in August 2025, with a start-to-finish shooting schedule planned to keep the momentum tight. The makers are eyeing a release in the second half of 2026, positioning the film as one of the year’s most anticipated thrillers. This collaboration marks a departure from the comedic realm that defined Akshay–Priyadarshan’s partnership, promising audiences a darker, suspense-driven storyline rooted in the original’s premise of sighted butler Vikram’s gripping battle against unseen threats. With two of Bollywood’s biggest stars and a seasoned director at the helm, the Oppam remake is poised to bring a fresh pulse of suspense and star power to Hindi cinema.

Actor Vijay Deverakonda is now facing legal trouble after Hyderabad’s SR Nagar police registered a case

Actor Vijay Deverakonda is now facing legal trouble after Hyderabad’s SR Nagar police registered a case against him under the SC/ST (Prevention of Atrocities) Act. The FIR follows a complaint by advocate Lal Chauhan, who alleged that Deverakonda made offensive and derogatory comments about tribal communities during a recent public event. Background of the Controversy: Reactions: Legal Status: The FIR has been registered under provisions of the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act, which is a serious charge dealing with hate speech, discrimination, and derogatory references towards marginalized communities. This development adds to a growing wave of scrutiny around celebrities’ public comments, especially when linked to sensitive topics like terrorism or community identity.

‘House Arrest’ Controversy: ULLU Show Faces FIR Over Indecent Representation of Women, NCW Summons Host and CEO

The producer and host of the ULLU app’s reality show House Arrest are now facing serious legal trouble after a controversial clip from the show went viral. The video, which sparked outrage on social media, shows contestants—particularly women—being allegedly coerced into enacting sexual positions and responding to explicit questions, under pressure from the show’s host, Ajaz Khan, a former Bigg Boss contestant. The clip drew sharp criticism for its vulgar content and for violating participants’ consent. Mr. Khan was seen insisting that contestants comply with his provocative instructions despite visible discomfort, raising significant ethical and legal concerns. Acting on a complaint filed by a Bajrang Dal activist, Mumbai’s Amboli Police registered an FIR against Ajaz Khan and the show’s producer, Rajkumar Pandey. The charges are under sections related to obscene acts in public, indecent representation of women, and provisions of the Information Technology Act and the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita. Following public outrage, the House Arrest show was pulled from the ULLU app. The National Commission for Women (NCW) has taken suo motu cognizance of the incident. In an official post on X (formerly Twitter), NCW stated: “NCW takes suo motu cognisance of obscene content on Ullu App’s show House Arrest. Viral clips show women being coerced into intimate acts on camera. NCW slams the platform for promoting vulgarity and violating consent. CEO and host summoned on May 9.” Both Ajaz Khan and ULLU CEO Vibhu Agarwal have been summoned to appear before the NCW on May 9, 2025. The incident has reignited debates around content regulation on OTT platforms, exploitation under the guise of entertainment, and the need for stringent checks to safeguard the dignity and consent of women in reality programming.

Ananya Panday Breaks Down at Nirmal Kapoor’s Funeral; B-Town Mourns the Loss of Kapoor Matriarch

Ananya Panday was seen heartbroken and in tears as she attended the funeral of her best friend Shanaya Kapoor’s grandmother, Nirmal Kapoor, who passed away on Friday, May 2, 2025, at the age of 90. The actress, deeply affected by the loss, was dressed in an ethnic white kurti and tried to avoid the media while mourning privately. According to a video shared by Filmygyan, Ananya was seen wiping her tears and stepping aside from the crowd to grieve quietly. Ananya was joined by actor Vedang Raina, who wore a light blue shirt and black trousers as he arrived to pay his respects. Close friends Shikhar Pahariya and Veer Pahariya were also spotted consoling Ananya during this vulnerable time, offering support as she dealt with the emotional weight of the day. Several Bollywood celebrities were in attendance to honor the memory of Nirmal Kapoor. Notable personalities including Jackie Shroff, Javed Akhtar, Rani Mukerji, and Anupam Kher visited the Kapoors’ residence to offer their condolences. The family, led by Anil Kapoor and his nephew Arjun Kapoor, made preparations for the final rites and guided the ambulance during the funeral procession. The Kapoor family released an official statement late Friday night, expressing their grief and celebrating the legacy of their beloved matriarch. The statement read: “Passed away peacefully on the 2nd of May, 2025, surrounded by her beloved family. She lived a full and joyful life, leaving behind four devoted children, loving daughters-in-law, a caring son-in-law, eleven grandchildren, four great-grandchildren, and a lifetime of treasured memories.” The funeral took place at Vile Parle Crematorium, Pawan Hans, Mumbai, where many B-Town figures gathered to pay their last respects to Nirmal Kapoor, the mother of Producer Boney Kapoor, Actor Anil Kapoor, and Sanjay Kapoor. The somber event marked the end of an era for the Kapoor family, one of Bollywood’s most iconic dynasties.

India and Pakistan have now extended to social media, with a growing number of Pakistani celebrities having their Instagram accounts restricted in India

The ongoing tensions between India and Pakistan have now extended to social media, with a growing number of Pakistani celebrities having their Instagram accounts restricted in India. Fawad Khan and Atif Aslam, two prominent figures in the entertainment industry, have joined a list of celebrities whose accounts are inaccessible to Indian users. Along with Fawad Khan, the official YouTube channel and X account of Atif Aslam, known for hits like Aadat, Tu Jaane Na, Tera Hone Laga Hoon, and Tere Bin, were also blocked for Indian users on Saturday. The issue began after the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack, which led to the tragic deaths of 26 people, mostly tourists. Other Pakistani celebrities, including Hania Aamir, Mahira Khan, Ali Zafar, Arshad Nadeem, and Mawra Hocane, saw their accounts disappear from Indian social media platforms, further fueling the growing divide. The Instagram accounts of these stars display the message: “Account not available in India. This is because we complied with a legal request to restrict this content.” The terror attack, which took place in the Baisaran Valley near Pahalgam, has prompted Indian authorities to take swift actions against Pakistani cultural figures, as the attack has been linked to militant groups in Pakistan. Fawad Khan, in response to the incident, expressed his grief on his Instagram stories, sharing his condolences and offering prayers for the victims. His message read: “Deeply saddened to hear the news of the heinous attack in Pahalgam. Our thoughts and prayers are with the victims of this horrifying incident, and we pray for strength and healing for their families in this difficult time.” As a direct consequence of the attack, the film Abir Gulaal—which was set to feature Fawad Khan in a comeback role—has been banned in India. Vaani Kapoor, who stars in the film, has since deleted all her social media posts related to the project. Following the incident, the Federation of Western India Cine Employees (FWICE) announced a blanket boycott of all Pakistani artists, singers, and technicians working in Indian entertainment. This ban on Pakistani figures follows a broader trend of strained cultural ties between India and Pakistan, which have seen escalating measures following the 2019 Pulwama attack. The growing restriction on Pakistani content is further intensified by national security concerns amid these ongoing tensions.

BJP MLC Chitra Wagh Demands Ban on Ajaz Khan’s Web Show ‘House Arrest’ for Obscenity

Maharashtra BJP MLC Chitra Wagh has called for an immediate ban on actor Ajaz Khan’s web series House Arrest, alleging that it promotes obscene content harmful to society, particularly impressionable children. The series is currently being streamed on the Ullu app, known for its adult-themed content. Wagh expressed serious concerns over the show, stating, “Ajaz Khan, who calls himself an actor, has created a show called House Arrest, which is nothing but the epitome of obscenity. Clips from this show are now freely circulating on social media, and they are extremely vulgar.” Highlighting the accessibility of such content, Wagh warned that children are increasingly exposed to it on mobile phones. “These kinds of programmes not only insult our culture but also degrade the moral health of society. This is a perverse attack on the minds of the next generation,” she said. Urging strict action, Wagh appealed to Union Information and Broadcasting Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw to intervene and take steps against mobile platforms that enable the dissemination of such material. She accused content creators of misusing the principle of freedom of expression, saying, “In the name of freedom of expression, we must stop giving a free hand to obscenity. House Arrest is not merely content—it is an assault on the values of society.” Her demand has sparked renewed debate over the regulation of digital platforms and the boundaries of artistic freedom in India.

Shah Rukh Khan and Deepika Padukone Reunite for Siddharth Anand’s King; Shoot to Begin May 18

Shah Rukh Khan, fresh off a hat-trick of blockbusters in 2023 (Pathaan, Jawan, Dunki), is set to headline his next action spectacle King, directed by Siddharth Anand. After initial scheduling conflicts, Deepika Padukone has officially signed on to play a full-length role opposite him—marking yet another high-profile reunion of one of Bollywood’s most beloved on-screen pairs. A source reveals that the film’s delays actually played in Deepika’s favor. “Shah Rukh was always keen to have Deepika on board,” the insider explains. “Her dates clashed initially as she took time off after the birth of her child and focused on getting back in shape. Once King’s schedule shifted, everything aligned perfectly.” Other actresses such as Kareena Kapoor Khan and Katrina Kaif were briefly considered before the team settled on Deepika. Principal photography for King is slated to begin on May 18 in Mumbai. The movie boasts an ensemble cast that includes Abhishek Bachchan, Suhana Khan, Arshad Warsi, Jaideep Ahlawat, and newcomer Abhay Verma. The action sequences—promising international-level thrills—will be choreographed by renowned foreign stunt coordinators and filmed across locations in India and Europe. On the music front, composer duo Sachin-Jigar will craft the film’s songs, while Anirudh Ravichander has been brought in to score the background soundtrack. Director Siddharth Anand, known for previous Deepika collaborations (Bachna Ae Haseeno, Pathaan, Fighter), is aiming for a grand theatrical release in the final quarter of 2026, with the exact date to be locked in once filming wraps. With its all-star lineup, high-octane action, and the proven SRK–Deepika chemistry, King is already shaping up to be one of the most anticipated Bollywood releases of the coming year.

Aamir Khan’s Sitaare Zameen Par Trailer Launch Delayed Amid National Mourning; Darsheel Safary to Do the Honours

Fans of Aamir Khan will have to wait a little longer for the trailer of his highly anticipated comeback film Sitaare Zameen Par, as the actor has chosen to postpone the launch event in light of the tragic terror attack in Pahalgam that took the lives of several Indian soldiers. Initially planned as a high-profile release this week, the trailer will now be unveiled at a later date out of respect for the fallen. According to Hindustan Times, a source close to the project shared, “Aamir Khan and his team felt that it wouldn’t be appropriate to go ahead with a celebratory event during such a sombre time.” The new trailer launch date will be announced soon. Adding to the emotional resonance of the event, Zoom reports that Darsheel Safary—who played the unforgettable Ishaan in Aamir’s 2007 classic Taare Zameen Par—is set to unveil the trailer. The insider remarked, “It will be exciting to see Darsheel unveiling the trailer and being a part of the sequel to the 2007-released film.” About the Film Directed by Aamir Khan himself, Sitaare Zameen Par is being positioned as a spiritual successor to Taare Zameen Par and draws inspiration from the Spanish sports dramedy Champions (2018). The story reportedly blends humor with heart, centering around a man whose encounter with a group of children—each with unique perspectives—forces him to question and evolve his worldview. The film also features Genelia D’Souza in a pivotal role and is expected to blend emotional depth with a light-hearted, uplifting tone. Marking Aamir’s return to cinema after Laal Singh Chaddha (2022), Sitaare Zameen Par is slated for a December 2025 release and is already one of the most eagerly awaited films of the year.

Raj & DK Set for Theatrical Comeback After Seven Years Amid OTT Commitments

Acclaimed filmmakers Raj Nidimoru and Krishna DK — popularly known as Raj & DK — are gearing up for a highly anticipated return to the big screen after a seven-year hiatus. Best known in recent years for their critically acclaimed streaming series such as The Family Man, Farzi, Guns & Gulaabs (2023), and Citadel: Honey Bunny (2024), the duo is now balancing their robust OTT portfolio with plans for theatrical ventures, as reported by Mid-Day. According to sources, Raj & DK are currently immersed in the development of three major series: Farzi Season 2, the crime thriller Rakt Bramhand, and the post-production of The Family Man Season 3. Farzi 2, starring Shahid Kapoor and Vijay Sethupathi, is expected to go on floors in late 2025, with production scheduled to wrap by mid-2026. Once that is complete, the directors plan to kick off their theatrical comeback. The filmmakers have reportedly shortlisted two potential scripts for their theatrical return. While they will direct one of the films themselves, the other will be helmed by a collaborator — a method they’ve successfully employed in the past by nurturing fresh talent like Suparn Varma (The Family Man 2) and Amar Kaushik (Stree). They also previously launched Praveen Kandregula with the Telugu indie Cinema Bandi (2021). The last theatrical project Raj & DK directed was the horror comedy Stree (2018), which was a massive critical and commercial success. Prior to that, their filmography included cult hits like Go Goa Gone (2013) and Happy Ending (2014), as well as the underwhelming A Gentleman (2017). While they prepare for this cinematic return, Raj & DK remain deeply committed to the digital space that helped redefine their careers. As pioneers of long-form Hindi storytelling on streaming platforms, they continue to be among the most trusted names in India’s OTT landscape, consistently delivering high-quality, engaging content.

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