September 10, 2025

THE CLIFF NEWS

National Daily Bilingual Newspaper

Tag: bollywood

Sunny Deol Praises South Indian Filmmakers, Says Bollywood Should Learn From Them

Bollywood superstar Sunny Deol, who will next be seen in “Jaat”, believes that Hindi cinema producers should take inspiration from their South Indian counterparts on how to make films with passion and dedication. Speaking at the trailer launch of “Jaat” on Monday, Deol praised the Hyderabad-based Mythri Movie Makers, known for producing blockbusters like the “Pushpa” franchise, for their commitment to storytelling. Directed by Gopichand Malineni (Veera Simha Reddy) and also produced by People Media Factory, Jaat is set for release on April 10, 2025. Sunny Deol: “South Filmmakers Focus on the Story as the Hero” Deol, who made a massive comeback with “Gadar 2” (2023), said he thoroughly enjoyed working with the South Indian producers. “My producers are so good. I want producers of Bombay to learn from them. You all call it Bollywood, but first, refer to it as Hindi cinema. They focus on the subject, rope in the director, trust his vision, and leave no stone unturned. The story is the hero. I thoroughly enjoyed working with them,” said Deol. The 67-year-old action star even hinted at doing more South films, jokingly saying, “Maybe I shall go and settle there (in the South). Let’s do another film!” Hindi Cinema Should Get Back to Its Roots Deol, known for ‘90s action hits like Ghatak, Arjun, Tridev, and Vishwatma, believes that Hindi filmmakers sometimes lose their cultural identity by getting influenced by Western trends. “South films retain their essence, which is why they become pan-India hits. Everyone relates to them. We should also follow this and get back to our roots. Films like ‘Ghatak’, ‘Damini’, and ‘Arjun’—we should make those kinds of movies again.” On Bollywood’s Changing Production Model When asked about what’s lacking in Bollywood, Deol clarified that the industry hasn’t necessarily fallen behind but has changed due to corporate involvement. “Earlier, producers believed in a story, committed to it, and gave it everything. But then corporate funding came in, making it all about business. In this, the hunger for filmmaking was lost.” He emphasized that South filmmakers give directors creative freedom, without compromising on budgets. “They don’t misuse directors. Yes, they spend more money, but it’s to enhance the quality of scenes. That patience is important.” On Playing Negative Roles When asked if he would follow his younger brother Bobby Deol (Animal) in taking on villainous roles, Sunny responded: “I won’t call it negative; it’s just a character. If I get such a role, I’d love to do it. But the director and producers need to have the guts to do that with me!” With Jaat set to release in April, fans are excited to see Deol back in his action-packed avatar, this time with a South Indian production powerhouse backing him.

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Editor05 mins

Kesari Chapter 2 Teaser Unveiled: Akshay Kumar’s Most Intense Role Yet

Hold your breath and grab some tissues—Akshay Kumar is all set to bring one of Bollywood’s most heart-wrenching stories to life. Dharma Productions has officially unveiled the teaser for Kesari Chapter 2: The Untold Story of Jallianwala Bagh, and it’s nothing short of powerful and unforgettable. A Bold and Impactful Teaser In a bold cinematic move, the teaser features 30 seconds of a black screen, yet it manages to send chills down the spine. Director Karan Singh Tyagi and his team have crafted an emotionally charged promo, gripping audiences with intense dialogues that set the stage for a gripping historical drama. Revisiting the Jallianwala Bagh Massacre Following the success of Kesari (2019), which depicted the Battle of Saragarhi, Kesari Chapter 2 delves into the tragic Jallianwala Bagh Massacre of 1919. The visuals are gut-wrenching, promising a film that will leave audiences in tears. This time, Akshay Kumar steps into the role of C. Sankaran Nair, the courageous lawyer who fought to expose the brutal truth and seek justice for the innocent victims. A First for Indian Cinema The teaser also includes a surprising moment—possibly the first instance of a cuss word in Indian cinema. In a courtroom scene, Akshay’s character delivers the line: “Fk you.”** The powerful dialogue is sure to evoke strong emotions and a desire for justice. Fans are hoping the censor board allows the film to retain its raw intensity without unnecessary cuts. A Powerhouse Team Behind the Film Produced by Dharma Productions, Cape of Good Films, and Leo Media Collective, Kesari Chapter 2 boasts an impressive cast, including R. Madhavan and Ananya Panday. The production team includes Hiroo Yash Johar, Aruna Bhatia, Karan Johar, Adar Poonawalla, Apoorva Mehta, Amritpal Singh Bindra, and Anand Tiwari, with co-production by Marijke deSouza, Somen Mishra, and Vedant Baali. The screenplay and story are penned by Karan Singh Tyagi and Amritpal Singh Bindra, with a gripping background score adding to the emotional depth of the film. Release Date Mark your calendars! Kesari Chapter 2: The Untold Story of Jallianwala Bagh is set for a worldwide release on April 18, 2025. Are you ready for one of Bollywood’s most intense historical dramas?

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Editor04 mins

Yash’s Toxic Set for a Massive Box Office Clash with Love & War

Exciting news for all Yash fans! The much-awaited film Toxic: A Fairy Tale for Grown-Ups finally has an official release date. South superstar Yash took to Instagram to unveil a stunning new poster and announced that Toxic will hit theaters on March 19, 2026. A Big Box Office Battle What makes this even more thrilling? A major box-office showdown! Just a day after Toxic arrives, Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s Love & War—starring Ranbir Kapoor, Alia Bhatt, and Vicky Kaushal—will release on March 20, 2026. With two massive stars, Yash and Ranbir Kapoor, leading these projects, this clash is set to be one of the biggest in Indian cinema. Interestingly, both actors will also share screen space in Nitesh Tiwari’s Ramayana Part 1, which is slated for Diwali 2026. The Poster Reveal The newly released poster of Toxic presents Yash in a sleek, all-black outfit, walking through the rain with a gun in hand and a fiery backdrop behind him—hinting at an intense, action-packed experience. Yash captioned the post simply with the release date: “19-03-2026.” A Landmark Film in Indian Cinema Directed by Geetu Mohandas, Toxic: A Fairy Tale for Grown-Ups features Kiara Advani as the female lead. What makes this project unique is that it is the first major Indian film to be conceived, written, and shot in both English and Kannada. The film will also be dubbed in Hindi, Telugu, Tamil, and Malayalam, making it a truly pan-India and global cinematic experience. Speaking about the film, Geetu Mohandas previously stated: “Our goal with Toxic was to create a story that resonates deeply with both Indian and global audiences. We’ve taken great care to capture the essence of the narrative in both Kannada and English, ensuring an immersive experience for viewers from different linguistic and cultural backgrounds. This film is designed to transcend borders, languages, and cultural barriers, connecting with people worldwide.” Production & Release Toxic is jointly produced by Venkat K. Narayana and Yash under KVN Productions and Monster Mind Creations. With its grand vision, unique storytelling approach, and the presence of Yash in a never-seen-before avatar, Toxic is shaping up to be one of the most ambitious films of 2026. Are you excited for this Yash vs. Ranbir Kapoor box-office clash?

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Editor04 mins

Rhea Chakraborty Cleared of Allegations in Sushant Singh Rajput Case

Bollywood actress Rhea Chakraborty, who became the focus of intense media scrutiny following the tragic death of her boyfriend, actor Sushant Singh Rajput, in June 2020, has finally been cleared of all allegations. The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has reportedly given her a clean chit, concluding that Sushant died by suicide and that no foul play was involved. The Beginning: Love and Business Partnership Rhea and Sushant began dating in April 2019, and their relationship soon extended into professional collaboration. In September 2019, they co-founded an artificial intelligence startup, Vividrage Rhealityx, along with Rhea’s brother, Showik Chakraborty. By December 2019, the couple moved in together, signaling a deeper commitment. Tragic Loss: Sushant’s Sudden Death On June 14, 2020, the film industry and fans across the nation were left in shock when Sushant was found dead in his Mumbai apartment. Initial reports suggested suicide, and speculation surrounding his demise quickly took over news headlines. Rhea, who had been living with him, had reportedly moved out a week before his death. Legal Turmoil: FIR Against Rhea A month after Sushant’s death, on July 25, 2020, his father, KK Singh, filed an FIR in Patna, accusing Rhea of abetment to suicide, financial fraud, wrongful confinement, and criminal breach of trust. The case alleged that ₹15 crore had been siphoned from Sushant’s accounts. Multi-Agency Probe: ED, CBI, and NCB Investigations Several agencies became involved in the case, turning it into one of Bollywood’s most high-profile investigations. Rhea’s Counter FIR Amid mounting allegations, Rhea filed an FIR on September 7, 2020, against Sushant’s sisters, Priyanka and Meetu Singh, along with a doctor. She claimed they had obtained a fake medical prescription for Sushant without proper consultation, just days before his death. Arrest and Jail Time The situation worsened for Rhea when the NCB arrested her on September 8, 2020, accusing her of procuring drugs for Sushant. She was charged under the NDPS Act and spent 28 days in Byculla jail before the Bombay High Court granted her bail on October 7, 2020. Legal Developments and Court Rulings Closure and Remembering Sushant With the CBI’s latest findings clearing Rhea of any wrongdoing, the case has reached a turning point. The industry and fans continue to remember Sushant Singh Rajput for his remarkable work in films, with tributes pouring in from colleagues like Sara Ali Khan and Ankita Lokhande.

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Editor05 mins

David Warner Arrives in Hyderabad for Robinhood Trailer Launch

Cricketer-turned-actor David Warner landed in Hyderabad to attend the grand trailer launch and pre-release event for his debut film, Robinhood. The Australian star received a warm welcome with a massive bouquet upon arrival. Fans gathered in large numbers to catch a glimpse of him, and Warner graciously signed autographs, adding to the excitement surrounding his entry into Indian cinema. Warner’s Acting Debut in Telugu Cinema Warner is set to make his acting debut with Robinhood, a Telugu drama directed by Venky Kudumula. Expressing his enthusiasm, the cricketer stated that he thoroughly enjoyed shooting for the film. His involvement in the project has generated significant buzz, especially among cricket fans who have followed his stellar career on the field. Warm Welcome from Mythri Movie Makers The production house, Mythri Movie Makers, extended a heartfelt welcome to Warner last week. Taking to social media platform X (formerly Twitter), they wrote, “After shining and leaving a mark on the ground, it is time for him to shine on the silver screen. Introducing the widely loved @davidwarner31 to Indian Cinema with #Robinhood in an exciting cameo. Grand release worldwide on March 28th.” Warner, too, shared his excitement on X, writing, “Indian Cinema, here I come. Excited to be a part of #Robinhood. Thoroughly enjoyed shooting for this one.” Robinhood: A Thrilling Heist Drama The film stars Nithiin in the lead role as Honey Singh, a modern-day Robin Hood who steals from the rich to help the poor. Alongside Warner and Nithiin, the cast includes Sreeleela, Vennela Kishore, Rajendra Prasad, Devdatta Nage, Shine Tom Chacko, Aadukalam Naren, and Mime Gopi. Music, Cinematography, and Release Details Robinhood boasts music by National Award-winning composer G.V. Prakash Kumar, with Sai Sriram handling cinematography. The film’s art direction is overseen by Raam Kumar, and editing is done by Koti. With a talented team behind it, the movie is all set for a grand release in theaters worldwide on March 28, 2025.

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Editor03 mins

Salman Khan’s Sikandar Sets Fashion Trends with Zohra Jabeen Kurta

Sajid Nadiadwala’s highly anticipated action drama Sikandar is poised to be this year’s biggest blockbuster, set for a grand Eid release. Since the teaser and songs dropped, Salman Khan’s commanding screen presence has been the talk of the town. One of the film’s songs, Zohra Jabeen, has already crossed 50 million views on YouTube, further fueling excitement. Beyond cinema, Salman Khan has long been a trendsetter in fashion, and his effortless style once again has fans following his lead. His elegant yet simple kurta from Zohra Jabeen has become an instant sensation, blending tradition with modern aesthetics. The demand for similar kurtas has skyrocketed, particularly in cities like Indore, Surat, Jaipur, and Mumbai, with fashion retailers struggling to keep up with orders. Ashish Sharma, a factory owner in Jaipur, revealed, “The kurta Salman Khan is wearing in Zohra Jabeen is incredibly popular right now. We’ve received an order for over 20,000 to 25,000 pieces, and we’ll be working at full capacity to deliver them before Eid. We’ve already sold about 10,000 pieces since the song’s release.” This surge in demand reaffirms Salman’s influence not just in cinema but in shaping fashion trends as well. Sikandar Trailer Update: Final Touches in Progress Directed by AR Murugadoss, Sikandar features a stellar ensemble cast including Rashmika Mandanna, Prateik Babbar, Kajal Aggarwal, and Sathyaraj. As the film nears its release, fans eagerly await its trailer. According to a Mid-Day report, the makers are racing against time to finalize the trailer and the film’s final cut. A crew member shared, “Murugadoss is known for his meticulous approach. He wants to deliver an action spectacle with Sikandar. The post-production team is working round the clock to ensure everything is locked in time. With a song drop every few days, the audience is already invested. The trailer will only heighten the excitement further.” With Sikandar generating immense buzz and Salman Khan’s fashion setting new trends, the film is shaping up to be a major Eid blockbuster.

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Editor03 mins

L2: Empuraan Breaks Records in Advance Bookings Ahead of March 27 Release

The highly anticipated political action thriller L2: Empuraan, starring Mohanlal and Prithviraj Sukumaran, is set for a grand release on March 27, 2025. The film has already achieved a historic milestone by surpassing ₹10 crore in pre-sales on its opening day overseas, making it the highest pre-sale for any Malayalam film internationally. Reports suggest that BookMyShow, India’s leading ticketing platform, briefly crashed due to an overwhelming surge in traffic as advance bookings went live. The film is expected to deliver the biggest worldwide opening for a Malayalam movie, potentially surpassing Marakkar: Arabikadalinte Simham (2021), which earned over ₹20 crore on its first day. Industry Experts Predict a ₹40 Crore+ Opening Trade analysts Ramesh Bala and AB George have predicted that L2: Empuraan will cross the ₹40 crore mark worldwide on its opening day. Currently, reports indicate that the film has already grossed over ₹12 crore in international advance bookings, with days still left before its release. Adding to the excitement, the film will have its first show at 6:00 AM IST on March 27, with screenings scheduled worldwide in different time zones. Makers Dismiss Release Date Delay Rumors Recently, speculation about a possible delay in L2: Empuraan‘s release surfaced due to reported issues between its production houses, Aashirvad Cinemas and Lyca Productions. However, the filmmakers promptly dismissed these rumors with a statement:“Misinformation spreads faster than facts, but let’s clear the air – #Empuraan is arriving in all its glory on March 27, 2025, as scheduled. No delays, no doubts.” Star-Studded Cast and Pan-India Release As the sequel to the 2019 blockbuster Lucifer, L2: Empuraan sees Mohanlal return as Khureshi-Ab’raam, aka Stephen Nedumpally, while Prithviraj Sukumaran reprises his role as Zayed Masood, now with a bigger on-screen presence. The film also features Tovino Thomas, Indrajith Sukumaran, Manju Warrier, Abhimanyu Singh, and Suraj Venjaramoodu in key roles. The film will be released in Malayalam, Hindi, Telugu, Kannada, and Tamil, making it a true pan-Indian spectacle. Clash with Salman Khan’s Sikandar Adding to the box office excitement, L2: Empuraan will face stiff competition from Salman Khan’s action thriller Sikandar, which releases on March 30. Directed by AR Murugadoss and produced by Sajid Nadiadwala, Sikandar stars Rashmika Mandanna, Kajal Aggarwal, Sathyaraj, and Sharman Joshi. With record-breaking advance sales and immense anticipation, L2: Empuraan is set to create history at the box office. Will it become the highest-grossing Malayalam film of all time? The countdown has begun!

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Editor04 mins

Mohammed Siraj and Mahira Sharma Deny Dating Rumors

Speculation surrounding a romantic relationship between Indian cricketer Mohammed Siraj and actress Mahira Sharma has finally been addressed by both celebrities. On Friday, Mahira took to her Instagram stories to put an end to the rumors. She wrote, “Stop spreading rumours, I’m not dating anyone.” Her statement came amidst growing chatter about her alleged relationship with Siraj. Shortly before Mahira’s post, Siraj had also denied the rumors through his Instagram account. His statement read, “I request paparazzi to stop asking questions around me. It is completely untrue and baseless. I hope this ends.” However, the cricketer later deleted his post, further fueling speculation. The rumors gained momentum after Mahira attended an event in Mumbai on March 20, where paparazzi playfully questioned her about her IPL team preference. In a viral video, photographers could be heard asking, “Kal se IPL start ho raha hai. Mahira ji kiske side ho aap? Kaunse team ko support kar rahe ho? Aapke favourite team?” (From tomorrow, IPL is starting. Whose side are you on? Which team are you supporting? Which is your favorite team?). Reports of their alleged romance had been circulating for months. ETimes previously claimed that the duo was “romantically involved,” citing sources who suggested that Siraj and Mahira had been quietly getting to know each other over recent months. The dating speculation initially started when fans noticed Siraj liking one of Mahira’s Instagram posts. This was followed by both of them following each other on social media, leading to widespread fan theories about a possible relationship. However, with both Siraj and Mahira now categorically denying the rumors, it seems the speculation may finally be put to rest.

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Editor03 mins

SS Rajamouli’s ‘SSMB 29’: Mahesh Babu, Priyanka Chopra, and Prithviraj Sukumaran Begin Odisha Shoot Amid Tight Security

Ace filmmaker SS Rajamouli, the visionary behind blockbusters like RRR and Baahubali, is gearing up for his next epic project, ‘SSMB 29’. The film stars Mahesh Babu, Priyanka Chopra, and Prithviraj Sukumaran in pivotal roles and is currently being shot in Odisha. During the Odisha schedule, Mahesh Babu and Priyanka Chopra were seen interacting with locals, taking pictures, and engaging with fans. MLA Ramachandra Kadam met Rajamouli on set and presented him with handmade millet products. The film’s production commenced in February 2025 in Hyderabad, later moving to Odisha for crucial forest sequences. Despite the team’s efforts to maintain secrecy, leaked footage featuring Mahesh Babu and Prithviraj Sukumaran surfaced online. In response, the production has tightened security measures to prevent further leaks. A Grand Action-Adventure Epic Mahesh Babu plays the lead role, while Priyanka Chopra marks her return to Indian cinema after a long hiatus. Prithviraj Sukumaran is set to portray the antagonist. M.M. Keeravani is composing the music, and P.S. Vinod is handling cinematography. Made on a massive budget of over Rs 1000 crore, SSMB 29 is expected to be a spectacular action-adventure inspired by Indiana Jones, blending Indian history with mythology. A key part of the story unfolds in Kashi, which is being recreated in Hyderabad due to logistical challenges. The film is rumored to be a two-part saga, with the first installment speculated for a Summer 2027 release.

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Editor02 mins

Shah Rukh Khan and Sukumar in Talks for a Rural Political Action Drama

After successful collaborations with south Indian filmmakers like Mani Ratnam (Dil Se) and Atlee (Jawan), Shah Rukh Khan is reportedly in discussions with Pushpa director Sukumar for an exciting new project. Initially rumored to be a dark psychological thriller, fresh buzz now suggests that the film will instead be a rural political action drama. A source told Mid-Day, “King Khan will play an anti-hero, but this will be a rural political action drama that promises to show him in a raw, rustic, and desi avatar. The film will blend his mass appeal with his global superstar image while also exploring social issues like caste and class oppression.” However, fans may have to wait a while before this collaboration materializes, as both SRK and Sukumar have packed schedules. While Sukumar is currently working on RC 17 with Ram Charan, Pushpa 3: The Rampage, and another romantic drama with Ram, Shah Rukh is committed to King and Pathaan 2. Reports suggest that SRK has informed filmmakers eager to work with him that he won’t take on new projects for at least two years. King is set to begin a start-to-finish schedule in May. Atlee Keen on Salman Khan for His Next Meanwhile, director Atlee, who helmed SRK’s Jawan, is eyeing another major Bollywood collaboration. Rumors suggest that Allu Arjun is being considered for the lead in Atlee’s next mass-action entertainer. However, Atlee reportedly does not want to miss the chance to work with Salman Khan. According to industry insiders, Atlee is keen to have Salman play a parallel lead alongside Allu Arjun. If things fall into place, Salman will portray the hero while Arjun takes on the role of the anti-hero. With multiple high-profile collaborations in the works, Bollywood and South Indian cinema continue to blend their star power, promising massive projects for fans in the coming years.

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Editor03 mins
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