Ranbir Kapoor makes history as only Bollywood star on TIME 100 list In a major global milestone, Ranbir Kapoor has been named among TIME Magazine’s 100 most influential people, becoming the only Bollywood actor to feature on this year’s prestigious list. The recognition places him alongside global icons across industries, further cementing his growing international impact. The superstar, last seen in Animal, continues to balance a thriving career with his personal life, embracing fatherhood with daughter Raha. While his on-screen choices have consistently drawn attention, this latest honour highlights his influence beyond the box office, particularly in shaping contemporary storytelling in Indian cinema. Adding a special touch to this achievement, actor Ayushmann Khurrana penned the biographical note for Kapoor in the magazine. Reflecting on his craft and impact, Khurrana wrote, “There are actors who chase legacy and there are actors who become one through their craft. Ranbir Kapoor is the latter. In an industry as prolific and passionate as Indian cinema, we often measure greatness in decibels—box-office numbers, fan frenzy, opening weekends. But every once in a while, an actor shifts something quieter yet far more enduring: our emotional vocabulary as an audience”. “Ranbir has been doing that film after film. In a world where performances are often amplified, Ranbir internalizes. He shows our culture through quiet restraint. He represents the India that is finally ... #Bollywood #Bollywood_actor #Ranbir_Kapoor #Bollywood_star #makes_history #TIME_Magazine #prestigious_list #influential_people #TIME #global_milestone
EXCLUSIVE: No direct-to-OTT release for Maatrubhumi; Salman Khan determined to bring his film to cinemas On Saturday, April 11, Bollywood Hungama reported that, following directives from the Ministry of Defence, China will not be named in the Salman Khan-starrer Maatrubhumi. The news went viral in no time and became not just a trending Bollywood topic but also national news. Meanwhile, murmurs began circulating that the film might not be released in cinemas and that the makers were considering bringing it directly to an OTT platform. Bollywood Hungama has now learned that there is no truth to this chatter. A source told Bollywood Hungama, “Salman continues to be a mega star and he has mounted Maatrubhumi on a grand scale. It’s a film for the big screen and hence, he and director Apoorva Lakhia are committed to releasing the film theatrically once the issues surrounding the film are resolved. ”An industry insider commented, “There’s a general misconception among certain people that there’s no censorship on OTT. Hence, they feel that if Salman Khan opts to skip a theatrical release, he’ll be able to drop the film on OTT without any problem. However, that’s not how it works. Every film that releases directly on streaming platforms also goes through the certification process, just like any theatrical film. So, even for a direct-to-OTT premiere, the government must clear the film before it can be presented to the public. ”On April 11, Bollywood Hungama quoted a source who ... #EXCLUSIVE #Bollywood #Salman_Khan #Salman_Khan-starrer #Bollywood_Hungama #film #Hungama_reported #Hungama #Khan-starrer_Maatrubhumi #Khan_determined
Ek Din's 39-day advance booking gamble shows Bollywood is rewriting the release playbook On April 11, it emerged that the advance bookings of Ek Din, starring Junaid Khan and Sai Pallavi, had been opened a remarkable 39 days before release. The rollout was not nationwide in the conventional sense, but it was visible enough to spark discussion: bookings were live in nearly 20 cities, with just one show per cinema opened so far. That is not standard Hindi-film release behaviour. It is a strategy designed to create a headline before the film creates a verdict. And that is precisely why Ek Din matters beyond Ek Din. This is not just about one film trying something unusual. It is about a Hindi film industry that increasingly seems terrified of letting a movie arrive quietly, breathe naturally and earn its stature over time. Today, attention is treated like inventory: scarce, unstable and always under threat. The result is an industry that wants to pre-sell importance before the public has actually decided whether the film deserves it. A release is no longer enough. It must now be framed as an event, signalled as an event, and marketed as an event weeks before it has proved that it is one. That is where the desperation shows. Opening ticket sales 39 days in advance is not merely a booking decision. It is a psychological operation. It tells the trade that something unusual is happening. It tells audiences that this film is not to be treated like an ordinary Friday title. ... #Bollywood #April #Sai_Pallavi #Pallavi #Junaid_Khan #Din #starring_Junaid #shows_Bollywood #booking_gamble #gamble_shows
Netflix and Amazon taught India to binge and Dhurandhar 2 taught Bollywood how to cash in on it Let’s be honest: 3 hours 49 minutes is a ridiculous runtime on paper. This is not a breezy popcorn watch. This is not a “let’s catch a quick evening show” movie. This is a commitment. You’re booking tickets, finding parking, surviving multiplex chaos, standing in snack queues, and then sitting through the length of what is essentially two regular Bollywood films stitched together. By every old school theatrical rule, Dhurandhar 2 should have been in trouble. And yet, it isn’t. In fact, the most interesting thing about Dhurandhar 2 is not that it is nearly four hours long. It is that audiences are sitting through every single minute of it. Not restlessly. Not reluctantly. But willingly. That tells you something important: cinema in India is quietly changing, and most people haven’t even noticed it yet. The old runtime rule is deadFor years, the industry treated runtime like a landmine. Anything above 2 hours 30 minutes invited panic. Trade experts worried about fewer shows per day. Exhibitors worried about occupancy. Audiences were assumed to have vanishing attention spans. Filmmakers were told to trim, tighten and rush. Then comes Aditya Dhar, who seems to have looked at all those warnings and casually said: what if the problem was never length, but laziness in storytelling?That is the real provocation of Dhurandhar 2. Dhar reportedly shot nearly seven hours of mater... #Netflix #Amazon #Bollywood #Dhurandhar #hours #Amazon_taught #taught_Bollywood #taught_India #taught #ridiculous_runtime
Mani Shankar on 16 December sequel, "It's as original, exciting and relevant as the first" 24 years ago, director/engineer Mani Shankar’s 16 December predicted tech far ahead of its time. From 3D holography as a surveillance tool, to Gen AI image enhancement techniques, voice activated command systems, camera grids in Indian cities, ethical hacking, and long range wireless spy cams and EarPods. As a true-blue spy film, it set a new bar that Bollywood has since built on. The brilliance of the integration of this as yet future tech into the story happening on the streets of India, made the film one of the top 10 grossers of the year. Gulshan Grover’s iconic “Dulhan ki bidaai ka waqt badalna hai” as a voice activated command for a nuke, that is hacked by a 13 year old ethical hacker was radically new as a climax concept in Bollywood. It is also among the most quoted one-liners in Bollywood films. The concept of the surveillance command control centre was first created for 16 December. It’s a norm for every film of the genre now. Now, Mani Shankar is on to the sequel. It’s taken him over a year to craft a sequel to this story. Mani said, “It’s just as original, exciting and relevant as the first. ”The grim faced holster wearing and butt kicking female lead Sheba is the template followed by countless female spies down the decades. This was the first script to weave the larger geopolitics of our region into its narration. Said Mani Shankar, “The script of the sequel 16 Dece... #December #years_ago #Bollywood #Shankar #Mani_Shankar #Mani #Indian_cities #December_predicted #engineer_Mani #predicted_tech
EXCLUSIVE: It’s a wrap for Naagzilla; shoot of Kartik Aaryan’s much-awaited fantasy entertainer completed Bollywood Hungama has been at the forefront of breaking news on Naagzilla. We now bring to you another major update: the shoot of the film has been completed. A source told Bollywood Hungama, “March 16 was the final day of the shoot of Naagzilla. Lead actor Kartik Aaryan was not present as he had completed his portions a few days ago. Director Mrighdeep Singh Lamba shot with the other actors in Mumbai. There was jubilation on the sets when the director shouted, ‘Pack up’. At the same time, the unit was also disheartened to know that their adventurous journey has come to an end. ”The source added, “Now that the shoot is completed, Mrighdeep Singh Lamba’s complete focus would be on post-production and ensuring that their labour of love turns out to be an exciting and fascinating piece of cinema for the audiences. ”Naagzilla is produced by Karan Johar’s Dharma Productions and Mahaveer Jain’s Mahaveer Jain Films. The fantasy comedy features Kartik as a shape-shifting naag and, reportedly, Ravi Kishan essays the role of the antagonist. Earlier this month, Bollywood Hungama reported that the talented actress Preity Mukhundhan, who has made a mark down South, will be launched in Bollywood with this film. Naagzilla is scheduled to be released in cinemas on Independence Day 2026. It marks the first association of Kartik Aaryan and Mahaveer Jain, Mahaveer Jain and Karan Joh... #EXCLUSIVE #Bollywood #Bollywood_Hungama #Kartik_Aaryan #Mahaveer_Jain #Kartik #Mrighdeep_Singh #Singh_Lamba #Naagzilla #shoot
Entertainment News at Forefront The TOI Entertainment Desk is a team of journalists dedicated to bringing readers of The Times of India the latest updates from the world of entertainment. The team covers all aspects of the industry, including Bollywood, Hollywood, and other popular entertainment hotspots globally. The desk's focus extends beyond reporting news; it delves into stories of stardom and those yet untold. Whether covering a new talent's rise to fame or an experienced professional's journey, the TOI Entertainment Desk provides readers with front-row access to the narratives shaping the entertainment landscape. In addition to breaking news, the desk celebrates culture by exploring the connections between entertainment, society, politics, and everyday life.#Bollywood #TOI_Entertainment_Desk #The_Times_of_India #Hollywood
BREAKING: Preity Mukhundhan to make her Bollywood debut in Naagzilla; only 7 days of shooting left for Kartik Aaryan's fantasy comedy Bollywood Hungama has been at the forefront in delivering exclusive news about one of the most-awaited films of 2026, Naagzilla, starring Kartik Aaryan. We are now back with another interesting piece of information – the talented actress Preity Mukhundhan, who has made a mark down South, will be launched in Bollywood with this promising flick. A source told Bollywood Hungama, "Preity Mukhundhan fits the role perfectly and the makers are quite happy to have her on board. She’ll be seen in a hilarious role and her character contributes tremendously to the narrative. She’s also excited about the role as she’ll get a chance to exhibit a different side of her to the audience. ”Preity made her debut in the 2024 Telugu horror comedy Om Bheem Bush, followed by her Tamil debut in Star. Naagzilla is produced by Karan Johar’s Dharma Productions and Mahaveer Jain’s Mahaveer Jain Films. The fantasy comedy features Kartik as a shape-shifting naag and, reportedly, Ravi Kishan essays the role of the antagonist. It marks the first association of Kartik Aaryan and Mahaveer Jain, Mahaveer Jain and Karan Johar and the second film for Kartik and KJo after Tu Meri Main Tera Main Tera Tu Meri. Earlier, Bollywood Hungama had reported that a three-week-long schedule of Naagzilla will take place in Delhi in February 2026. Our source has got an update about the sam... #Bollywood #Bollywood_Hungama #Kartik_Aaryan #Mahaveer_Jain #Preity_Mukhundhan #Preity #shooting_left #delivering_exclusive #Mukhundhan #starring_Kartik
The Grahan effect: The real reason why Dhurandhar: The Revenge’s trailer won’t release on March 3 On Sunday, March 1, Bollywood Hungama announced that the trailer for Dhurandhar: The Revenge would be released digitally on Tuesday, March 3. However, by Monday, it emerged that Jio Studios was no longer planning to drop the highly anticipated promo on the stated date. Bollywood Hungama reached out to reliable sources to understand what triggered the last-minute change behind the scenes. A source told Bollywood Hungama, “Reports of Dhurandhar: The Revenge’s trailer release on March 3 weren’t mere rumours. The makers genuinely planned to unveil it that day. But they were later informed that March 3 witnesses a Chandra Grahan (lunar eclipse), which is considered inauspicious for new beginnings. The inauspicious period is said to be from 9:39 am to 6:46 pm. Trailers are usually launched around noon, and this timing falls within the window. Hence, the team decided to postpone the trailer release. ”In February 2026, Bollywood Hungama had reported that the trailer of Dhurandhar: The Revenge would be launched on March 5 at Mumbai’s iconic Nita Mukesh Ambani Cultural Centre (NMACC). That plan was eventually dropped, and a digital launch was scheduled for March 3. Now, however, it appears the makers might unveil the trailer on March 5 or March 6 on digital platforms, without an event. The suspense continues on the exact date. The Dhurandhar series stars Ranveer Singh, Akshaye Kh... #March #Bollywood #Bollywood_Hungama #Hungama_announced #Revenge #Jio_Studios #real_reason #released_digitally #Hungama #Grahan_effect
SCOOP: Haseena Maan Jayegi 2 in the making; Farhad Samji to direct In the era of hardcore action films, comedies are trying to make a comeback. And Bollywood Hungama has exclusively learnt that one of the most loved comedies of the 1990s is getting a sequel. Sources close to the development have confirmed to Bollywood Hungama that Haseena Maan Jayegi 2 is in the making. "Smita Thackeray is keen to make a sequel to Haseena Maan Jayegi, and the scripting is underway in full swing. The second part retains the essence of the original film, but the story is revamped for today's audience. She has signed Farhad Samji to write and direct the film," revealed a source close to the development to Bollywood Hungama. The source further informed that the makers were earlier keen to make it with David Dhawan, but the veteran filmmaker was not too keen to revisit another film of his after Judwaa and Coolie No. 1. "Farhad has come on board after seeking the blessings of David Dhawan. The scripting is going on in full swing, and the makers aim to move to casting by March 2026," the source added. Haseena Maan Jayegi was directed by David Dhawan and featured Govinda and Sanjay Dutt in the lead. For the sequel, the makers will cast two top actors from the present generation, and hope to recreate the magic like the original film. Also Read: Farhad Samji switches gears; writes screenplay and dialogues for film adaptation of Safed Khaki; based on police inspector Subhash Shinde and his crick... #Bollywood #Bollywood_Hungama #David_Dhawan #Maan_Jayegi #Haseena_Maan #Farhad_Samji #hardcore_action #Maan #Jayegi #Haseena
Priyanka Chopra Jonas cast as female lead in Hrithik Roshan’s Krrish 4 It is confirmed! Priyanka Chopra Jonas is back in Bollywood. Sources confirmed that she has been finalized for the female lead of the fourth segment of Hrithik Roshan’s Krrish. For those who came in late, Priyanka played the lead in the last two instalments of Krrish. She then headed westwards for stardom and marriage. She is back in Indian cinema with SS Rajamouli’s Varanasi, and now into Bollywood with Krrish 4. Her last Bollywood assignment was Shonali Bose’s The Sky Is Pink in 2019, after which she was finalized for Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s Gangubai Kathiawadi. But the role slipped out of Priyanka’s fingers at the last minute and went to Alia Bhatt. This is where S S Rajamouli and Mahesh Babu stepped in. A source in the know revealed what happened next: “Unlike the A-listers in Bollywood, Rajamouli and Mahesh Babu had absolutely no problem working with Priyanka. They treated her like the cinema royalty that she is, offered her the money that she gets in the West, which is much more than what she ever got for any Hindi film, and expanded her role when she stepped in. ”A source very close to the project revealed that Priyanka has become very close to Mahesh Babu, his wife Namrata and their daughter Sitara. “This is Priyanka’s gateway into Bollywood via Telugu cinema. She has chosen to represent Indian cinema on a global platform through Rajamouli’s cinematic universe,” informed a hotshot Bollywood f... #Chopra_Jonas #Hrithik_Roshan #Priyanka_Chopra #Jonas_cast #Mahesh_Babu #Krrish #Priyanka #Bollywood #Chopra #Jonas
Bollywood dance teammates raised $5.3 million for their Y Combinator AI startup. Read their pitch deck. Michigan grads Vihaar Nandigala and Kishan Sripada's startup Orange Slice raises $5.3M for AI-driven sales tools, backed by Y Combinator. #raised #million #Bollywood #Bollywood_dance #teammates_raised #dance_teammates #Combinator
