SCOOP: Alia Bhatt CONFIRMED to lead Tumbbad 3 with Sohum Shah; actress to make an extended cameo in Tumbbad 2 Alia Bhatt is touted to be one of the most talented actresses of Indian Cinema. While her next for the big screen is the Sanjay Leela Bhansali directed Love and War, we have exclusively learnt that Alia has silently started shooting for another film. Reliable sources confirm that Alia Bhatt is shooting for a 15-day cameo in the Sohum Shah led Tumbbad 2, which is presently on floors. "Alia is doing a 15-day extended cameo in Tumbbad 2, and it's a character that is integral to the overall narrative of the film. That's not all, her character will carry forward in the third part, which is the finale of the Tummbad trilogy. Tumbbad 2 will introduce Alia Bhatt as the central character of Tumbbad 3, alongside Sohum Shah," a source close to the development told Bollywood Hungama on condition of confidentiality. Alia is expected to wrap up shooting for Tummbad 2 by the end of May, and then move on to the last leg of Love and War. "Love and War restarts from June and will be wrapped up by August 2026. The Sanjay Leela Bhansali directorial hits the big screen on Republic Day 2027," the source added. As for Tumbbad 3, the film goes on floors right after the release of Tumbbad 2, and Alia's addition has just made the trilogy all the more exciting. Also Read: Alia Bhatt’s special appearance in Tumbbad 2 could be more than a cameo; it could be a box office omen... #Indian_Cinema #Bhatt #Sanjay_Leela #Leela_Bhansali #Tumbbad #Sohum_Shah #Alia_Bhatt #Alia #Bhatt_CONFIRMED #lead_Tumbbad
SCOOP: Ranveer Singh buys the rights for The Immortal of Meluha trilogy for Rs. 40 crores from Amish Tripathi After the success of the Dhurandhar franchise, Ranveer Singh has become the new King of the Indian Film Industry. With back-to-back all-time grossers under his kitty, the young actor has officially secured the tag of a superstar, and all eyes are now on his next move. While several speculations on the financials of Pralay continue to grab chatters in the industry circles, Bollywood Hungama has exclusively learnt that Ranveer Singh has quietly acquired the rights for The Immortals of Meluha. "Ranveer Singh was to lead Immortals of Meluha for Sanjay Leela Bhansali. However, the project never materialised. But the actor was always fascinated by the world, and had the dream of playing Lord Shiva in the spectacle. The minute rights of Immortal of Meluha expired on Sanjay Leela Bhansali, Ranveer went ahead and procured it under his own banner - Maa Kasam Films," a source told Bollywood Hungama. The source also informs that the sum splurged by Ranveer Singh to bag the rights is the highest ever for a novel. "Ranveer has bagged the Immortal of Meluha trilogy for a humongous sum of Rs. 40 crores. It's a passion project for him, and he has put it under development. While 5 years back, he relied on SLB to bring this to reality, today, he is in a position of power to pick the director for this. He is committed to bringing the Meluha trilogy to the spectacle. "The fil... #Singh #Bollywood_Hungama #Ranveer_Singh #Ranveer #Sanjay_Leela #Leela_Bhansali #Amish_Tripathi #Meluha_trilogy #Meluha #Singh_buys
Sanjay Leela Bhansali's Love & War gears up for 15 to 20-day song schedule in May Sanjay Leela Bhansali, one of Indian cinema’s most visionary directors, is gearing up for his biggest and most-awaited project yet. Titled Love & War, the film brings together, for the first time, three of Bollywood’s biggest stars, Ranbir Kapoor, Vicky Kaushal, and Alia Bhatt, in lead roles. Positioned as a grand historical drama, the film is already generating massive excitement among audiences. The shoot is currently in full swing, with Bhansali reportedly leaving no stone unturned to craft a visually stunning cinematic spectacle. Amid this, sources reveal that Love & War is now gearing up for a major song shoot, expected to begin in the coming days. The source revealed, "Love & War is about to start a song shoot schedule in early May. As the grandeur of SLB's is always magnificent, it will be a 15 to 20-day schedule. "This update has further heightened anticipation around the film. Known for Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s grand vision, especially in songs, expectations are soaring for another visual spectacle, with his signature larger-than-life cinematic storytelling. With Sanjay Leela Bhansali at the helm, a director known for his meticulous storytelling, opulent frames, and emotionally charged narratives, expectations are monumental. The three most bankable and versatile performers in the industry, paired with Bhansali’s directorial brilliance, further fuel speculation about t... #War #Ranbir_Kapoor #Vicky_Kaushal #Sanjay_Leela #Leela_Bhansali #Bhansali #Indian_cinema #Alia_Bhatt #War_gears #most-awaited_project
Richa Chadha to head crime thriller series, set to play detective After leaving a lasting impression with her powerful portrayal of Lajjo, the courtesan in Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s grand period drama series Heeramandi, Richa Chadha is all set to surprise audiences once again with a completely different avatar. According to reliable industry sources, Richa will soon be seen heading a gripping crime thriller series for a leading OTT platform. In a sharp departure from her recent period role, the actress is reportedly stepping into the shoes of a detective for the upcoming project. While details about the series are being kept tightly under wraps, it has been learnt that Richa has already begun shooting. The show is expected to explore a layered narrative set against the backdrop of crime and investigation, with Richa’s character said to be central to the unfolding mystery. A source close to the development shared, “After Heeramandi and post pregnancy, Richa was keen to explore something radically different. The role of a detective allows her to tap into a sharp, restrained, and cerebral space. It’s a character that demands both emotional intelligence and quiet intensity qualities she naturally brings to the screen. She has already started filming, and the look and tonality are very distinct from anything she has done before. ”Known for choosing unconventional and performance-driven roles, Richa Chadha’s foray into the crime thriller space as a detective is expected to furth... #Sanjay_Leela #Leela_Bhansali #Richa_Chadha #crime_thriller #Richa #thriller_series #lasting_impression #powerful_portrayal #surprise_audiences #drama_series
Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s Love & War set for January 21, 2027 release worldwide Filmmaker Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s upcoming romantic drama Love & War will release worldwide on January 21, 2027. The film will arrive during the Republic Day weekend and is expected to be one of the major theatrical releases of the year. The project stars Ranbir Kapoor, Vicky Kaushal and Alia Bhatt in lead roles. The casting has already generated strong interest among audiences, as the trio come together for the first time in a film directed by Bhansali. The announcement comes after Ranbir Kapoor recently confirmed that the film had been postponed from its earlier planned release window. The actor shared the update during an Instagram Live session marking the anniversary of his lifestyle brand ARKS. The film was earlier expected to release in June 2026. According to reports, the makers decided to shift the release date to avoid a direct box office clash with Dhurandhar 2 and Toxic. Mounted on a large scale, Love & War is described as a romantic drama with a strong emotional core. The film is expected to reflect Bhansali’s signature storytelling style and visual approach. It is also being positioned as one of his most ambitious romantic projects so far. The film will release in Hindi, Tamil and Telugu, indicating a wide theatrical rollout across multiple markets in India and overseas. Also Read: Love & War: No Phones, No Leaks – Sanjay Leela Bhansali enforces strict security on sets... #January #Republic_Day #Ranbir_Kapoor #film #Sanjay_Leela #Leela_Bhansali #Bhansali #worldwide_Filmmaker #Filmmaker_Sanjay #release_worldwide
Love & War: No Phones, No Leaks— Sanjay Leela Bhansali enforces strict security on sets of the Ranbir Kapoor, Alia Bhatt, Vicky Kaushal starrer Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s Love & War continues to remain one of the most closely followed projects in development, and recent measures on set indicate the makers’ intent to maintain tight control over the visual and narrative elements of the Ranbir Kapoor, Alia Bhatt, Vicky Kaushal starrer. As anticipation grows around the film, strict security protocols have reportedly been enforced to avoid any unauthorised leaks. According to an independent industry source, the production has gone beyond standard confidentiality practices. “Not just NDAs, the team of SLB’s Love & War is taking extra measures to prevent any leaks. Phones are not allowed on set, and every member has to submit their devices before entering. This is definitely taking the curiosity to see the set a notch higher. ”The move comes at a time when audience interest around the film is steadily increasing, particularly given its casting. The project brings together the trio together in leading roles— marking the first time they will share screen space in a single film. The combination alone has contributed significantly to the film’s visibility even in its production stage. Bhansali, known for his detailed storytelling approach and emphasis on visual scale, is reportedly maintaining a high level of confidentiality around the project’s look and treatment. Over the ... #Ranbir_Kapoor #Kapoor #Vicky_Kaushal #Bhatt #Sanjay_Leela #Leela_Bhansali #Alia_Bhatt #Kaushal_starrer #starrer_Sanjay #Alia
REVEALED: Nearly 2 years after Heeramandi, Manisha Koirala signs Arbaaz Khan’s Raazdar 2 years ago, Manisha Koirala made her grand debut in the OTT space with Heeramandi. She was seen as Mallikajaan in the Sanjay Leela Bhansali-directed Netflix original, and it earned her numerous accolades. The period grand show will complete 2 years on May 1 this year. A few months before the anniversary, the veteran, talented actress began working on her next film, titled Raazdar. A source told Bollywood Hungama, “Manisha Koirala’s stint in Heeramandi was quite loved and she was flooded with offers. However, the actress was clear that she wanted to only take up author-backed roles and work with like-minded people. She was in advanced talks for a film featuring a young actor, but it didn’t materialize; the film was also shelved later. Meanwhile, Raazdar came her way and it ticked all the boxes for her. That’s how she signed the film. ”According to Box Office Worldwide, Raazdar went on the floors earlier this year. The film's team completed a 25-day shooting schedule in Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh and then shot in Mumbai for 10 days. The article further mentioned that the film stars Arbaaz Khan and Bhuvan Arora of Farzi fame. Arbaaz is also producing the film under his banner, Arbaaz Khan Production. In an interview with Hindustan Times, Bhuvan Arora confirmed that he shot for Raazdar. The actor is soon going to be a father and while speaking about it, he revealed, “I was working with ... #Sanjay_Leela #Arbaaz_Khan #OTT_space #Manisha_Koirala #Koirala_signs #Koirala_made #Leela_Bhansali-directed #Bhansali-directed_Netflix #Manisha #Raazdar
Sanjay Leela Bhansali confirms Love & War is 90% complete Amidst unnecessarily alarming reports on Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s health, there are also reports of multiple delays in the shooting of his Ranbir Kapoor-Alia Bhatt-Vicky Kaushal love triangle Love & War…which are absolutely untrue. In a conversation that this writer had with Bhansali, he has confirmed that 90% of Love & War is complete and that remaining 10% will be completed in the next two months. A source close to the project revealed, “These attempts to sabotage the project are nothing new to Sanjay Bhansali. Every time he makes a film, the same stories of delay and budget-pressures are spread. The truth is, the actors of Love & War have shot for the number of days they were signed for. ”Also Read: BREAKING: Ranbir Kapoor’s Love And War bows out of Eid 2026 clash with Yash’s Toxic; to release post June 2026... #Sanjay_Leela #Leela_Bhansali #Leela #Amidst_unnecessarily #Bhatt-Vicky_Kaushal #Kaushal_love #complete_Amidst #absolutely_untrue #alarming_reports #Bhansali_confirms
Kiara Advani is not a part of Madhubala Biopic: Industry sources Reports suggesting that Kiara Advani would headline a biopic on legendary screen icon Madhubala have been doing the rounds since earlier today. The speculation also claimed that Jasmeet K. Reen—known for directing Darlings—would helm the film, backed by filmmaker Sanjay Leela Bhansali. The rumours quickly generated buzz online, especially as they suggested that Kiara Advani, who is currently in the early stages of motherhood, would mark her return to the big screen by portraying one of Indian cinema’s most celebrated actresses. Given Madhubala’s enduring legacy and the scale typically associated with Bhansali-backed projects, the reports sparked widespread curiosity among film followers. However, industry sources have now dismissed the claims, stating that there is no truth to the speculation linking the actress to such a project. An industry insider clarified that the reports about Kiara Advani being cast in a Madhubala biopic produced by Sanjay Leela Bhansali are inaccurate. Addressing the rumours, the source said, “There is absolutely no truth to the reports currently circulating about Kiara Advani being cast in a Madhubala biopic produced by Sanjay Leela Bhansali. The claims are completely baseless. ”The clarification comes amid increasing online discussion about this cinematic retelling of Madhubala’s life. The iconic star, remembered for her performances in classics such as Mughal-e-Azam and Chalti ... #Sanjay_Leela #Leela_Bhansali #Kiara_Advani #Madhubala_Biopic #Madhubala #earlier_today #Advani #Kiara #icon_Madhubala #Reports_suggesting
SCOOP: Love & War REAL budget revealed; Sanjay Leela Bhansali's epic costs Rs 350 cr, not Rs 425 cr. Sanjay Leela Bhansali is among the most celebrated directors of Indian Film industry, whose cinema has stood the test of time. His next, Love And War is a casting coup of the decade as the maverick filmmaker has brought Ranbir Kapoor, Alia Bhatt and Vicky Kaushal together for the first time. Earlier in the week, there were viral reports on how Love and War budget has shot up to Rs. 425 crores, and the production has gone into turmoil. However, our reliable sources close to the project confirm that Love And War is proceeding as planned. "Love And War budgets have shot up for sure, but it happens with all Sanjay Leela Bhansali films. Initially, it was planned as a Rs. 250 crore epic, and the costs through the shoot have now shot up to Rs. 350 crores. SLB doesn't compromise on his vision, and he is passionately filming this, which he believes could be his best work to date. The Rs. 425 crore figure of cost of production is trying to harm the project on purpose, and there is no truth to the claims," a source shared with Bollywood Hungama. The source told us further, "Unlike many high on VFX films, Love And War is largely shot on sets, with recreation of the era gone by. This doesn't cost much. Anyone who understands filmmaking would say that the Rs. 425 crore budget is a bluff. But truth finds its way, and it's for the people to know that Love And War is a Rs. 350 c... #Love #War #SCOOP #Sanjay_Leela #Leela_Bhansali #Leela #Bhansali #War_REAL #REAL_budget #Sanjay
Sanjay Leela Bhansali is “absolutely fine,” says official statement after heart attack rumours Filmmaker Sanjay Leela Bhansali is “absolutely fine,” his team confirmed, putting to rest speculation about his health that surfaced earlier in the day. Reports had claimed that the director was hospitalised in Mumbai after allegedly suffering a heart attack on his 63rd birthday. The claims circulated widely on social media before being addressed by an official statement from his production banner, Bhansali Productions. “Mr. Sanjay Leela Bhansali is doing absolutely fine. He has gone in for a routine medical check-up and there is no cause for concern. We sincerely appreciate the love, care, and concern shown by everyone. Thank you for your continued support and warm wishes,” the statement read. The clarification comes after unverified posts suggested that the filmmaker had been rushed to a hospital following discomfort. However, his team has categorically denied the reports, confirming that the visit was part of a regular health check. Speaking of the professional front, Bhansali is currently in the middle of filming Love & War, a period drama starring Ranbir Kapoor, Alia Bhatt and Vicky Kaushal. Also Read: “You sculpt feelings”: Manisha Koirala pens heartfelt tribute to Sanjay Leela Bhansali on his birthday... #heart_attack #Sanjay_Leela #Leela_Bhansali #Leela #Bhansali #absolutely_fine #rest_speculation #surfaced_earlier #attack_rumours #Bhansali_Productions
First poster of Sanjay Leela Bhansali and Ketan Mehta’s Jai Somnath unveiled on Maha Shivratri Sanjay Leela Bhansali and Ketan Mehta, two of Indian cinema’s most influential creative forces, have come together to tell an important tale from India’s spiritual history. Bhansali has announced an upcoming seminal tale of Indian civilization titled Jai Somnath, in collaboration with acclaimed director Ketan Mehta. This marks an interesting partnership between two of the most powerful creative voices in Indian cinema. Jai Somnath traces back to 1025–1026 CE, when Mahmud of Ghazni attacked and plundered the Somnath Temple in Gujarat, a defining chapter in Indian history. This year marks 1000 years of the Ghazni attack and the destruction of the temple, and its subsequent resurrection. Somnath symbolizes the indestructible spirit of India and the glory of Indian civilization. Given the deep emotional and cultural significance of this chapter, the film aims to strike a strong chord with audiences as it revisits an important moment from India’s past. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Bhansali Productions (@bhansaliproductions) What makes Jai Somnath even more significant is the collaboration between Sanjay Leela Bhansali an iconic storyteller celebrated for grand world-building and larger-than-life cinema, and Ketan Mehta, a director known for bold storytelling, historical narratives, and socially relevant cinema with international appeal. The film brings ... #Indian #Sanjay_Leela #Leela_Bhansali #Ketan_Mehta #Jai_Somnath #Ketan #Maha_Shivratri #Shivratri_Sanjay #Bhansali #Indian_cinema
Sanjay Leela Bhansali on joining hands with Ketan Mehta for Jai Somnath, "Always been a huge fan of Ketan Mehta's cinema" The biggest Bollywood news is the coming together of two epic filmmakers. Sanjay Leela Bhansali and Ketan Mehta are joining hands for Jai Somnath, a film that cinematizes the legend of the famous temple. Jai Somnath is described as a “seminal tale of Indian civilisation”. The lavish period drama is slated for release in 2027. Mehta is writing and directing the project, which will be produced by Bhansali Productions and Ketan Mehta’s Maya Movies. Speaking exclusively on the project to this writer, Sanjay Leela Bhansali said, “I’ve always been a huge huge fan of Ketan Mehta’s cinema. His Mirch Masala is one of my 10 most favourite Indian films of all times. We’ve been toying with the idea of working together. This project seems the best way to collaborate on something special. ”The project was announced on Maha Shivratri as it is the cinematic manifestation of one of the most sacred pilgrimage sites located in Gujarat. Also Read: Karan Johar calls Sanjay Leela Bhansali an “Aesthetic Voice”, praises his film costumes... #Sanjay_Leela #Leela_Bhansali #Ketan_Mehta #Jai_Somnath #biggest_Bollywood #Mehta #Ketan #joining_hands #epic_filmmakers #Leela
Ranbir Kapoor CONFIRMS Love & War release postponed; Sanjay Leela Bhansali directorial to release after Ramayana Part 1 Bollywood star Ranbir Kapoor has confirmed that the highly anticipated film Love & War has been postponed from its earlier target release date, choosing to avoid a direct box-office clash with the sequels Dhurandhar 2 and Toxic. The update came during an Instagram Live session hosted by Ranbir to mark the anniversary of his lifestyle brand ARKS. Directed by Sanjay Leela Bhansali and featuring a star-studded cast including Ranbir, Alia Bhatt and Vicky Kaushal, Love & War was initially slated for a Christmas 2025 release before being shifted to March 20, 2026. Rumours had previously suggested the film might be pushed all the way into early 2027 due to production timelines, but a source close to the project has reiterated that the film is committed to a 2026 release. During the live interaction, Ranbir confirmed that Love & War will now be released after his other upcoming project, Ramayana Part 1, which is scheduled for an October release. With that shift, Love & War is likely to aim for a late-year window, potentially targeting December 2026 for its theatrical debut, though an official date has not yet been locked. The decision to move the release comes as a crowded March 19 weekend now features major films Dhurandhar 2 and Toxic head-to-head. By positioning Love & War after Ramayana, the makers hope to give Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s rom... #Love #War #Ranbir_Kapoor #Kapoor #Kapoor_CONFIRMS #Sanjay_Leela #Leela_Bhansali #Bollywood_star #CONFIRMS_Love #Ramayana_Part
