Adhik Maas 2026: The Extra Month of Purity and Devotion Begins The sacred month of Adhik Maas, also known as Purnuhotam Mas or Mal Mas, commenced on May 17, 2026, and will continue until June 15, 2026. This additional month in the Hindu calendar is designed to reconcile the difference between the solar year (365 days) and the lunar year (354 days), ensuring that festivals and rituals align with the correct seasonal cycles. According to Vedic astronomy, this month is dedicated to Lord Vishnu, the preserver of the universe, and is considered highly auspicious for spiritual practices, penance, and charitable acts. During Adhik Maas, devotees are encouraged to focus on self-discipline, meditation, and devotion to the divine. The month is believed to amplify the spiritual benefits of rituals, prayers, and offerings, with the promise of immense merit for those who observe its guidelines. Key practices include reciting specific mantras, engaging in acts of charity, and studying sacred texts such as the Bhagavad Gita, Ramayana, or Bhagavata Purana. Rules and Guidelines for Adhik Maas The month is marked by a strict adherence to spiritual principles. Devotees are advised to avoid worldly distractions and prioritize inner purity. This includes abstaining from non-sattvic foods such as onions, garlic, and meat, while consuming simple, wholesome meals. Morning prayers, meditation, and bathing at Brahma Muhurta (the auspicious early morning hour) are emphasized to maintain mental and physical clarity. Special Mantras for Devotion The month is dedicated to Lord Vishnu, and specific mantras are recommended for maximum spiritual benefit. The mantra "ॐ नमो भगवते वासुदेवाय" is considered the most powerful, invoking peace and liberation. Another significant mantra is "गोवर्धनधरं वन्दे गोपालं गोपीवल्लभम्.#lord_vishnu #ramayana #adhik_maas #padma_purana #bhagavad_gita
Sai Pallavi's Hindi Proficiency Sparks Debate Over 'Ramayana' Casting Sai Pallavi, the South Indian actress set to debut in Bollywood with the film Ek Din, faced scrutiny after a recent event in Mumbai where she openly admitted to struggling with Hindi. During a promotional gathering for her upcoming project, the actress apologized for her limited Hindi speaking skills, a revelation that quickly sparked online discussions about her casting in the epic film Ramayana. The incident has raised questions about her ability to portray Sita, the central character in the ancient Indian epic, and has led to mixed reactions from fans and critics. The event, held in Mumbai days before the release of Ek Din, saw Pallavi join the film’s star cast, including Junaid Khana, the son of superstar Amir Khan. However, when it was her turn to speak, Pallavi candidly acknowledged her difficulties with the language. She informed the audience that she was unprepared to deliver a speech in Hindi and warned that grammatical errors might occur during the event. Her honesty, while praised by some for its sincerity, has also fueled concerns about her readiness for the role of Sita in Ramayana, a film with a massive budget and global ambitions. Social media platforms quickly picked up the story, with users expressing both support and criticism. Some defended Pallavi, highlighting her humility in admitting her limitations, while others questioned the decision to cast her in a film that requires precise language. A tweet from user @idfcwau sarcastically remarked, “Can’t speak basic words of Hindi—now she’s playing Sita Mata in Ramayana.#sai_pallavi #ek_din #ramayana #amir_khan #junaid_khanna
At a Time of Gory Hyper-Nationalistic Blockbusters Like 'Dhurandhar', There are Smaller, Well-Made Films That Get Ignored The Hindi film industry is currently dominated by hyper-nationalistic blockbusters like Dhurandhar: The Revenge, which has set box office records and sparked debates about its perceived propaganda. Amid this landscape, smaller, artistically ambitious films are often overlooked, despite their potential to challenge the industry’s formulaic approach. Critics argue that the focus on high-concept projects—often defined as “too sophisticated” or “destined to fail”—has created a dystopian environment where only a few films are considered safe bets. These include projects starring megastars like Shah Rukh Khan, who often embody flagrant socio-political ideologies, ultra-violence, and nationalist narratives. The industry’s fixation on franchises and superstar-led ventures has led to a scarcity of original content. In April alone, only a handful of Hindi films are slated for release, a stark contrast to the industry’s usual pace of three films per day. The discourse surrounding Dhurandhar has centered on its box office success, industry jealousy, and debates over its intent, with some critics dismissing it as propaganda. Meanwhile, other upcoming films like Toxic: A Fairytale for Grownups (June 4), Ramayana (November 6), and King (December 24) are expected to follow similar patterns. Even Hollywood films like Dune: Part Three and Avengers: Doomsday are being framed as part of this trend, suggesting that Indian cinema is increasingly driven by franchises and superstar-driven narratives. Despite this, the first quarter of the year saw at least four “high-concept” films attempting to engage audiences as equals.#king #dhurandhar_the_revenge #shah_rukh_khan #ramayana #toxic_a_fairytale_for_grownups
Hrithik Roshan Reacts To Ramayana's VFX Backlash: "It's Painful To Watch" Nitesh Tiwari's Ramayana, a two-part mythological epic, has sparked intense debate in Indian cinema circles, with its visual effects drawing sharp criticism from audiences and critics alike. The film, which stars Ranbir Kapoor as Lord Rama, Sai Pallavi as Sita, and Yash as Ravana, is set to premiere on Diwali 2026, with a sequel planned for Diwali 2027. Despite its massive budget and ambitious scope, the project has faced early scrutiny, particularly over its use of visual effects (VFX), which have been described as subpar in some teasers. The backlash has prompted Hrithik Roshan, a prominent Bollywood actor and co-producer of the film, to publicly defend the project and its creators. In a detailed Instagram post, Roshan addressed the criticism, emphasizing the importance of contextualizing VFX within the film's artistic vision. "Yes, bad VFX exists," he wrote. "It's sometimes so bad it's painful to watch—especially for me, and especially when it's a film I'm part of." The actor reflected on his own childhood fascination with VFX, recalling how watching Back to the Future during a trip to London as an 11-year-old left a lasting impression on him. "It changed me forever. I became obsessed," he shared, using the anecdote to underscore the subjective nature of visual storytelling. Roshan also highlighted the diversity of VFX approaches, arguing that not all visual effects aim to replicate reality. "It's not all about creating something real," he explained. "Criticism should take into account the film's style and what it's trying to achieve." He urged viewers to approach the film with an open mind, urging them to consider whether the VFX align with the narrative and emotional intent rather than focusing solely on technical realism.#sai_pallavi #nitesh_tiwari #hrithik_roshan #ranbir_kapoor #ramayana
Ramayana Teaser: Ranbir Kapoor Debuts as Lord Rama in Epic First Glimpse The highly anticipated teaser for the epic film Ramayana, titled Rama, premiered online with immense fanfare, marking a significant moment for the project. Directed by Namit Malhotra, the trailer was released on the film’s official social media handle, accompanied by a caption that emphasized Lord Rama’s enduring legacy as a symbol of selflessness, duty, and compassion. The clip, which debuted ahead of Hanuman Jayanti, was hailed as a visual spectacle, blending action, adventure, and mythological grandeur to captivate audiences. The teaser features Ranbir Kapoor in the titular role of Lord Rama, marking his first major portrayal of a mythological figure. The trailer offers glimpses of Rama’s journey as both a warrior and a king, showcasing his royal attire, golden jewelry, and moments from his life, including his exile and battles against demons and giants. Yash is cast as Ravana, while Sai Pallavi plays Sita, Sunny Deol portrays Hanuman, and Ravi Dubey appears as Lakshman. The film’s cast also includes Alia Bhatt, who expressed her excitement for the project, calling the teaser “absolutely fabulous” and praising Ranbir’s performance as “beautiful” and “out of this world.” The release of the teaser was accompanied by a global rollout, with previews in Los Angeles and New York, where early reactions praised its scale and ambition. Ranbir Kapoor himself described Lord Rama as “the conscience keeper of billions of people around the globe for centuries,” highlighting the character’s embodiment of compassion, courage, righteousness, and forgiveness. The film’s narrative promises to explore themes of conflict resolution, peace, and the timeless relevance of Rama’s teachings.#yash #sai_pallavi #ranbir_kapoor #ramayana #namit_malhotra
Sargun Mehta Reveals Ravi Dubey Secretly Signed 'Ramayana' Without Her Knowledge Actress Sargun Mehta has shared an intriguing insight into her husband, Ravi Dubey’s, professional life, revealing that he kept his casting as Lakshman in Nitesh Tiwari’s upcoming epic film Ramayana entirely private from her. According to Mehta, Dubey adhered to a strict household rule of not discussing individual acting projects until they were officially announced to the public. This rule, she explained, was a mutual agreement between the couple to maintain personal boundaries and avoid unnecessary speculation about their careers. The revelation came as Mehta recounted how Dubey often left for the high-profile shoot of Ramayana with only a vague explanation, such as “going to work,” without disclosing the nature of his involvement. This secrecy, she noted, was not a result of any conflict but rather a conscious choice to protect their privacy. Mehta emphasized that while she was proud of Dubey’s professional achievements, she respected his decision to keep certain aspects of his career private. The Ramayana project, directed by Nitesh Tiwari, is a highly anticipated adaptation of the ancient Indian epic, known for its grand scale and cultural significance. Dubey’s casting as Lakshman, the devoted brother of Lord Rama, has sparked considerable interest among fans and critics alike. However, the couple’s approach to handling such high-profile roles has drawn attention to the balance between personal privacy and public scrutiny in the entertainment industry. Mehta’s comments highlight the growing trend of celebrities maintaining a level of discretion in their personal and professional lives, even amid intense media attention.#bollywood #nitesh_tiwari #ramayana #sargun_mehta #ravi_dubey
Ramayana’s Lakshman Ravie Dubey Kept Shoot Secret From Wife Sargun Mehta The teaser for Nitesh Tiwari’s upcoming film Ramayana was released on April 2, 2026, marking the project’s first official promotional look. The trailer, titled Rama, premiered at special screenings in Los Angeles and New York, generating significant buzz among fans. The film stars Ranbir Kapoor as Lord Rama, Sai Pallavi as Sita, Yash as Ravana, and Sunny Deol as Hanuman. Lakshman, played by debutant Ravie Dubey, is set to make his Bollywood debut in the ensemble cast. However, Dubey’s wife, Sargun Mehta, was unaware of his role in the film until the teaser’s release, as he had kept the project a secret from her. Sargun revealed during an interview on Ranveer Allahbadia’s podcast that Dubey never discussed the film with her, even as rumors about the project circulated online. “We don’t really talk about work at home,” she explained. “Just like he doesn’t know what I’m doing until my projects are announced, I also don’t find out about his work until it becomes public.” This dynamic meant Sargun had no prior knowledge of Dubey’s involvement in Ramayana, despite the film’s growing anticipation. The revelation came unexpectedly. Sargun said she learned about Dubey’s casting through a third party, who casually mentioned his role. “Someone randomly told me, ‘Congratulations, Ravie is…’ and I said, ‘Sssh. I don’t know what you’re talking about — we’re not allowed to tell each other, so don’t tell me,’” she recalled. She later confirmed the news by reading about it online, but admitted she hesitated to ask Dubey directly. “He didn’t even tell me, so I can’t even ask!” she said, highlighting the couple’s unspoken rule of not discussing work. During the film’s production, Dubey maintained a vague approach to his commitments.#nitesh_tiwari #ranbir_kapoor #ramayana #ravie_dubey #sargun_mehta
Ram Navami in Punarvasu Nakshatra, It Destroys All the Defects: Pt. Sharma The birth of Lord Rama, celebrated as Ram Navami, holds profound significance in Sanatan Hindu dharma. According to ancient texts, Lord Rama, the seventh avatar of Lord Vishnu, was born in Ayodhya to King Dasharatha and Queen Kausalya during the Treta Yuga. This festival marks the divine manifestation of righteousness and is believed to bring spiritual and material prosperity to devotees. The timing of Ram Navami coincides with natural beauty and seasonal changes, symbolizing renewal and harmony. Devotees are encouraged to worship Lord Rama daily, seeking his blessings for peace, prosperity, and the removal of obstacles. Pandit Sunil Sharma explained that the Punarvasu Nakshatra, associated with this festival, is considered auspicious for spiritual growth and the purification of karma. He emphasized that the festival's essence lies in its ability to cleanse the soul and restore balance. Rituals during Ram Navami include offering tulsi leaves, kumkum, and sweets like kheer, while reciting hymns from the Ramayana. Charity and self-discipline are also highlighted as integral practices. Sharma noted that the festival's deeper meaning lies in its capacity to dissolve negative energies and foster inner peace. The celebration also serves as a reminder of Lord Rama's teachings, particularly his commitment to dharma and non-violence. His exile in the forest, marked by unwavering devotion to his wife Sita and brother Lakshmana, is seen as an example of self-sacrifice and spiritual endurance. Devotees are encouraged to reflect on these values, using the occasion to renew their own moral and ethical resolve. The festival's significance extends beyond religious observance, offering a moment for communal unity and cultural preservation.#ayodhya #ramayana #pt_sharma #lord_rama #treta_yuga
Imax Expands Asia-Pacific Strategy After Record Box Office in 2025 Imax has embarked on a strategic shift in the Asia-Pacific region, marked by a record-breaking performance in 2025 that underscores its growing diversification beyond its traditional reliance on China. The company reported $1.28 billion in global box office revenue for the year, a 40% increase compared to 2024. The Asia-Pacific region alone contributed nearly half of this total, with a year-on-year surge of almost 80%. China, which had long been Imax’s primary market in Asia, accounted for $407 million in revenue—its highest-ever contribution, surpassing the previous record set in 2019 by 5%. Asia excluding China added $230 million, also a record for that region. This spread of success across diverse markets such as Japan, India, Australia, Indonesia, Malaysia, Thailand, and Vietnam signals a fundamental shift in Imax’s growth strategy. Giovanni Dolci, Imax’s chief commercial officer, emphasized that the era of a single market driving the company’s expansion is over. Speaking to Variety, Dolci noted that in 2025, Imax’s new theater agreements were evenly distributed across Asia-Pacific, continental Europe, and other regions. Record signings in Japan and Australia, new deals in Germany and France, and a balanced contribution from multiple markets highlighted a more resilient and diversified growth model. “Five years ago, if you asked me where Imax’s growth was coming from, the answer was China. Ten years ago, it was North America,” Dolci said. Now, no single market dominates, and this balance is a deliberate business strategy. China remains Imax’s largest market, with 797 locations—nearly 44% of the company’s 1,796 total theaters.#pvr_inox #imax #giovanni_dolci #wanda #ramayana
