Category: Entertainment

The upcoming crime thriller “Raat Akeli Hai: The Bansal Murders” is set to make its world premiere at the 56th International Film Festival of India (IFFI) in Goa. Lead actor Nawazuddin Siddiqui expressed his excitement about returning as Jatil Yadav, stating that it feels like reconnecting with a part of himself that has always remained.

Nawazuddin shared, “Returning as Jatil Yadav feels like revisiting a part of myself that never left. This film takes him to places he’s never been, emotionally and morally. To see it premiere at IFFI before it reaches audiences worldwide on Netflix is truly special.”

The film is scheduled for a global release on Netflix on December 19.

Plot Overview

Set in Kanpur, the storyline begins with the affluent Bansal family found brutally murdered in their mansion. Jatil Yadav becomes entangled in a complex web of power, deception, faith, and buried secrets, where every suspect has a motive and each revelation uncovers another dark layer.

Creative Team and Cast

Directed by Honey Trehan and written by Smita Singh, this film is a continuation of the universe first introduced in “Raat Akeli Hai.” Produced by RSVP and MacGuffin Pictures, it features a stellar cast including Radhika Apte, Chitrangda Singh, Deepti Naval, Rajat Kapoor, Revathy, Ila Arun, Sanjay Kapoor, and Akhilendra Mishra.

Honey Trehan remarked, “With Raat Akeli Hai: The Bansal Murders, we’ve delved deeper into the world we created with the first film. This story explores the price of truth and the corruption of conscience, raising the stakes as Jatil must now unravel a mass murder. Collaborating with Netflix again has allowed us to portray this story with complete honesty and scale, creating a thriller that is equally emotionally gripping and shocking.”

IFFI Premiere Significance

Commenting on the premiere at IFFI, Trehan added, “IFFI has always been a platform that celebrates authentic storytelling. It’s an honour for our film to have its first screening here. This story is darker, more introspective, and intensely personal, making it an edge-of-the-seat whodunit focused on battling mysticism and influence to reveal the truth.”

Trehan explained that with “Raat Akeli Hai: The Bansal Murders,” they aimed to push the established world into “deeper emotional terrain, where deceit, silence, and power collide in unexpected ways.”

Ruchikaa Kapoor Sheikh, Director of Original Films, Netflix India, noted, “Raat Akeli Hai: The Bansal Murders is a unique mix of suspense and emotion that stirs something primal. Honey Trehan, who made a striking directorial debut with the first film in this franchise, returns to heighten the stakes with a mystery that is more ambitious in scale, layered in character, and grounded in emotional truth.”

“Raat Akeli Hai: The Bansal Murders” will be available on Netflix starting December 19.

Bollywood actress Shilpa Shetty is brimming with gratitude as she brings home Sai Baba’s sacred Kafni and Paduka, a significant spiritual moment for her family.

A Heartfelt Celebration

The ‘Hungama 2’ actress expressed her heartfelt thanks while welcoming these revered symbols into her home, describing it as a blessing and a moment of divine grace. On her Instagram handle, Shilpa shared a video showcasing her, alongside her husband Raj Kundra and other family members, engaging in worship of Sai Baba’s sacred belongings. The video featured Lata Mangeshkar’s soulful chorus ‘Shirdi Majhe Pandharpur’ as the background score.

Meaningful Words

In the caption, Shilpa wrote, “Filled with gratitude and love as I bring home your sacred Kafni and Paduka, Sai. May your divine presence fill my home and heart, guiding me with Shraddha and Saburi. Om Sai Ram #gratitude #love #blessings #miracles.”

Significance of Kafni and Paduka

For those unfamiliar, the “Kafni” is a long, robe-like garment worn by Shirdi Sai Baba, while the “Paduka” signifies his sacred sandals or footprints. Devotees deeply respect these items, often welcoming them into their homes as a significant gesture of devotion to Baba. Bringing these sacred items home is perceived as an auspicious and celebratory occasion.

A Symbol of Devotion

Hosting the Kafni and Paduka symbolizes heartfelt devotion, believed to invite Baba’s blessings and grace. These revered items, passed down through generations, hold immense spiritual significance and are cherished for their powerful presence.

Shilpa’s Recent Projects

On the professional front, Shilpa Shetty made her film comeback with the 2021 release “Hungama 2,” marking her return after 14 years. She was recently seen as a judge on the reality show “Super Dancer Chapter 5.” Her upcoming project includes the Kannada action entertainer “KD: The Devil,” where she plays the role of Satyavati. Directed by Prem, the film also stars Sanjay Dutt, V. Ravichandran, Ramesh Aravind, Reeshma Nanaiah, and Nora Fatehi.

Actors Vijay Sethupathi and Sasikumar recently unveiled the trailer for director A R Jeeva’s compelling drama, ‘Lockdown,’ which stars actress Anupama Parameswaran in the lead role.

Vijay Sethupathi shared the trailer on his X timeline, stating, “Launching the Trailer of #Lockdown. Best wishes to the team.” Sasikumar expressed his excitement, saying, “Happy to unveil the Trailer of #Lockdown. Dive into a world of fear, truth, and survival. Wishing the whole team grand success.”

A Woman-Centric Narrative

The trailer reveals that this woman-centric film is inspired by a true story. It opens with Anupama Parameswaran, portraying the character Anitha, expressing her fear of going home. She grapples with a troubling issue that she can’t share with her family. Compounding her troubles, she faces unwanted advances from men.

As a 21-day nationwide lockdown is announced to combat the COVID-19 pandemic, Anitha is forced to stay home, increasing her parents’ concern. Her mother observes that Anitha is frequently checking her phone and becoming irritable. The trailer depicts Anitha and her friend trying to reach out to a doctor, but he is in isolation after contracting the virus.

Anitha is seen desperately calling her friends to borrow cash, prompting her parents to question her motives for asking everyone for money. The trailer concludes with Anitha apologizing to her father, promising not to repeat her actions.

Star-Studded Cast and Crew

Produced by Subaskaran of Lyca Productions, ‘Lockdown’ features a remarkable ensemble cast, including Charlie, Nirosha, Priya Venkat, Livingston, Indhumathi, Rajkumar, Shamji, Lollu Sabha Maran, Vinayak Raj, Vidhu, Abhirami, Ravathi, Sanjivie, Priya Ganesh, and Asha.

The film’s music is composed by NR Raghunanthan and Siddharth Vipin, while K.A. Sakthivel handles cinematography. Editing is done by V J Sabu Joseph, with A Jayakumar as the art director. Choreography is led by Sherif and Sri Girish, while Om Sivaprakash handles the stunts. Costumes are designed by Meenakshi Shreedharan.

With rising anticipation, ‘Lockdown’ is set to release in theaters on December 5.

Actress-politician Hema Malini expressed deep sorrow over the passing of her husband, the legendary actor Dharmendra, sharing a heartfelt tribute that highlighted his significance in her life.

A Touching Tribute

Taking to X, formerly known as Twitter, Hema penned an emotional message. She described Dharmendra as “many things to me,” “my ‘go-to’ person,” stating that he “was everything to me.”

In her note, she wrote: “Dharam ji. He was many things to me. Loving Husband, adoring Father of our two girls, Esha & Ahaana, Friend, Philosopher, Guide, Poet, my ‘go to’ person in all times of need – in fact, he was everything to me! And always has been through good times and bad. He endeared himself to all my family members with his easy, friendly ways, always showing affection and interest in all of them.”

Legacy of a Star

Hema emphasized Dharmendra’s lasting legacy as a public figure. She remarked, “As a public personality, his talent, his humility in spite of his popularity, and his universal appeal set him apart as a unique icon unequalled among all the legends. His enduring fame and achievements in the film industry will last forever.”

Reflecting on her immense personal loss, she stated, “My personal loss is indescribable and the vacuum created is something that will last through the rest of my life. After years of togetherness, I am left with myriad memories to relive the many special moments…”

Memorable Moments Shared

Hema also shared a collection of images on X, captioning it: “Togetherness over the years – always there for us. Some special moments…”

Final Days

Dharmendra passed away on November 24. He had been hospitalized at Mumbai’s Breach Candy Hospital after experiencing breathlessness. Following necessary treatment, he was discharged on November 12 and continued his recovery at home.

Future Projects

On the professional front, Dharmendra is set to appear posthumously in the movie ‘Ikkis,’ directed by acclaimed filmmaker Sriram Raghavan. The film, which also stars Agastya Nanda and Simar Bhatia, is a war drama based on the life of Arun Khetarpal, the youngest Param Vir Chakra recipient.

The makers of director Sandeep Raj’s upcoming romantic action film ‘Mowgli 2025’, featuring Roshan Kanakala in the lead, recently unveiled ‘Vanavaasam’, the lyrical video of the second single from the film. This upbeat track has thrilled fans and film enthusiasts alike.

Exciting Release

The production house, People Media Factory, shared the link to the track on their X timeline. They captioned the post: “BANG! The Loudest WarCry of the Modern Ramayana is here. #Mowgli second Single #Vanavaasam Lyrical Video out Now. A @sandeepraaaj Cinema. A @kaalabhairava7 musical. Lyrics by @tripuranenikalyanachakravarthy. #Mowgli2025 GRAND RELEASE WORLDWIDE on 12th DEC 2025.”

Musical Highlights

This energetic number, composed by music director Kaala Bhairava, features lyrics by Kalyan Chakravarthy, sung by Kaala Bhairava and Sony Komanduri. The film has generated a lot of excitement since the release of its glimpse video.

Intriguing Narrative

The glimpse begins with actor Nani’s voice-over, introducing a love story set in 2025, a time when technology is not fully developed. Nani narrates how Kittu, the film’s protagonist, manages to keep thirty people running without food or water—not a gangster or a smuggler, but a passionate lover.

As romantic visuals unfold, Nani continues, explaining that the main character lacks some urban survival skills but has more knowledge about surviving in the jungle.

The video features Bandi Saroj Kumar stating, “Mowgli, get ready for Sher Khan is on his way,” indicating a central conflict revolving around love between Roshan Kanakala’s character and that of Bandi Saroj Kumar.

Production Insights

Sources close to the production revealed that the team completed its third shooting schedule in August this year, which included a significant climax action sequence filmed in Maredumilli over a duration of 15 days.

Roshan Kanakala, the film’s lead star, took on considerable risks by performing many of his own stunts during this climax sequence, which are expected to be a major highlight of the film.

Film Details

For those unaware, Roshan Kanakala, who garnered attention with his debut performance in ‘Bubble Gum’, stars in ‘Mowgli 2025’, a film directed by Sandeep Raj, known for the National Award-winning ‘Color Photo’.

Producers TG Vishwa Prasad and Kriti Prasad are behind this project, under the People Media Factory banner. Sakshi Sagar Mhadolkar makes her debut as the heroine in this film, which features cinematography by Rama Maruthi M. The music is composed by Kaala Bhairava, with editing by Kodati Pawan Kalyan and art direction by Kiran Mamidi. The action sequences are choreographed by Nataraj Madigonda, while the screenplay is crafted by Rama Maruthi M and Radhakrishna Reddy.

On her husband Himalaya Dasani’s birthday, actress Bhagyashree shared a heartfelt romantic note for her “forever waala pyaar.”

Instagram Tribute

Bhagyashree took to Instagram Stories to post a lovely picture of herself with Himalaya. In the snapshot, Himalaya looks relaxed in a white shirt and denim, while Bhagyashree dazzles in a beautiful sunset-hued saree. She captioned the photo, “My forever waala pyaar! Happy birthday Hubby.”

A Long-Lasting Relationship

Bhagyashree tied the knot with Himalaya in 1989. They are proud parents to two children: a son and a daughter. Their son, Abhimanyu Dasani, made his acting debut in 2019 with the film Mard Ko Dard Nahi Hota. Their daughter, Avantika Dassani, debuted in the web series Mithya.

Upcoming Projects

Looking ahead, Bhagyashree will star in the Riteish Deshmukh-starrer Raja Shivaji, which is based on the life of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj. This historical action drama also features Sanjay Dutt, Abhishek Bachchan, Mahesh Manjrekar, Sachin Khedekar, Fardeen Khan, Jitendra Joshi, Amole Gupte, and Genelia Deshmukh.

Raja Shivaji is a pan-India film that portrays the tumultuous era of warring empires and uprisings. It follows the inspiring journey of a young Shivaji as he challenges powerful forces, ignites a revolution, and becomes the legendary Raja Shivaji, paving the way for Swarajya. The film is currently being shot at various locations in Mumbai and Wai, Maharashtra, with a worldwide release scheduled for May 1, 2026.

Himalaya’s Upcoming Biopic

Himalaya Dasani is preparing to produce a biopic on Galwan hero Sepoy Gurtej Singh, featuring their son Abhimanyu in the lead role. The film, titled Galwan, centers on the life of Sepoy Gurtej Singh, one of the youngest soldiers martyred during the Galwan Valley clash in June 2020.

Abhimanyu will portray the 23-year-old soldier from Mansa, Punjab. The filming will take place in the real-life locations of Gurtej Singh’s hometown and parts of Delhi, while warzone sequences will be shot entirely in Ladakh.

Actress-author Soha Ali Khan recently revealed her new venture into growing micro-greens, hinting at more details to come.

Personal Growth and Sustainability

Known for her dedication to fitness and mindful living, Soha shared a video on her Instagram Stories showcasing the plants flourishing on her balcony. She also posted a close-up image of the micro-greens growing in a pot. In her post, she wrote: “Growing my own micro-greens…will tell you why soon.”

Concerns About Air Quality

On November 26, Soha expressed her concerns regarding the deteriorating air quality as the AQI in various cities reached alarming levels. She shared a picture of the sky with a “toxic” sticker, emphasizing the urgent need for systematic changes to combat pollution. Her message highlighted the severity of the situation: “The AQI is at a severe level. Almost and rising. We are breathing in toxic fumes. Please can we implement some systemic changes to address this.??”

Recent Work and Future Projects

On the professional front, the 46-year-old actress, married to actor-filmmaker Kunal Kemmu, was last featured in the horror drama “Chhorii 2,” where she delivered a powerful performance as Daasi Maa. Directed by Vishal Furia, this film is a sequel to the 2021 thriller “Chhorii” and stars Nushrratt Bharuccha in the lead role, alongside notable performances from Gashmeer Mahajani and Saurabh Goyal. The sequel was produced by Bhushan Kumar, Krishan Kumar, and Vikram Malhotra, and released on April 11, 2025. Soha is also set to appear in the upcoming film “Bridge.”

Soha began her acting career with the romantic comedy “Dil Maange More” in 2004 and is best recognized for her performances in the drama “Rang De Basanti” and the romance “Ahista Ahista.” In 2017, she authored a book titled “The Perils of Being Moderately Famous.”

Actor-filmmaker Rishab Shetty recently met with Goa Chief Minister Pramod Sawant, where they exchanged views on cinema, the state’s cultural heritage, and ongoing development initiatives.

Rishab shared glimpses of this meeting on Instagram, posting several pictures featuring himself, his wife Pragathi, and Chief Minister Sawant. He noted that the gathering was both warm and engaging, highlighting the Chief Minister’s insights regarding Goa’s evolving creative ecosystem. Their conversation also covered the state’s rich cultural spirit.

“Had a wonderful time with the Honourable Chief Minister of Goa, @drpramodpsawant Ji, at Mahalaxmi, Altinho, Panjim. Our conversation about Goa, cinema, development, and the state’s rich cultural spirit was insightful,” Rishab captioned the post.

On the cinematic front, Rishab’s latest release is the blockbuster “Kantara: A Legend – Chapter 1”. This film features Jayaram, Rukmini Vasanth, and Gulshan Devaiah, and serves as a prequel to the 2022 hit Kantara, exploring deeper into the origins of the tradition and ancestral conflicts introduced in its predecessor.

Set against the backdrop of pre-colonial coastal Karnataka, the film delves into the ancient roots of the Bhuta Kola ritual, blending regional folklore, spirituality, and action. It continues the narrative of humanity’s relationship with nature and the divine.

Meanwhile, the original Kantara, released in 2022, revolves around Bhuta Kola, a traditional worship form in the region. The story follows a Kambala champion at odds with an upright forest officer, culminating in a larger conflict involving sacred land, ancestral legacy, and the balance between nature and man-made laws.

As for Rishab’s journey in the film industry, he made his acting debut in 2012 with Tuglak. His role in Ulidavaru Kandante was significant, and he made his directorial debut with Ricky in 2016. His subsequent directorial effort, Kirik Party, was a commercial success. Rishab has since appeared in notable films such as Bell Bottom, Garuda Gamana Vrishabha Vahana, and Kantara.

The battle for the top spot in the finale is heating up in the upcoming episode of “Bigg Boss 19,” as major contenders gear up for an intense showdown.

A new promo shared on Instagram featured the caption: “Ticket to Finale ki jung mein gharwaale takra rahe hai ek dusre se aur ho rahi hai behes. Are you curious to see who wins it?”

With Bigg Boss announcing, “Four, three, two, one. One of these four contestants will become the first finalist,” the housemates prepared for a fierce competition.

Tanya Mittal quickly asserted her position, claiming she would “stay ahead” and “trouble everyone” during the task.

Tensions escalated as Farrhana Bhatt confronted Malti Chahar for disrupting her task, which led to Farrhana being knocked out of the race for the Ticket to Finale. She bluntly told Malti, “I don’t call you a disgusting woman. You are. From inside and outside.” Unperturbed, Malti countered, “Whatever you do, I don’t care.”

In a dramatic moment, Ashnoor Kaur was seen throwing a wooden plank at Tanya during the task. Tanya responded with a warning, saying, “Don’t try all this with me.”

Kunickaa Sadanand is the latest contestant to exit the show. The current lineup includes Tanya, Farrhana, Ashnoor, Gaurav, Shehbaz, Malti, Pranit More, and Amaal Mallik.

“Bigg Boss,” based on the Dutch format of Big Brother, first premiered on November 3, 2006, and has successfully completed eighteen seasons along with three OTT seasons. The initial season was hosted by Arshad Warsi, with Shilpa Shetty taking over in the second season and Amitabh Bachchan in the third. Farah Khan led the Halla Bol season, while Sanjay Dutt co-hosted the fifth season with Salman Khan. Since season 4, Salman Khan has been the primary host of the show.

Sanjay Dutt recently visited Shankaracharya Swami Avimukteshwaranand, a meeting he described as a moment of profound spiritual significance.

Sharing his experience on Instagram, Sanjay posted two pictures from their encounter. He expressed his honor at being in the presence of a spiritual personality whose humility and inner strength made a lasting impression on him. “Had the blessing of meeting Shankaracharya Swami Avimukteshwaranand ji today. A soul filled with humility and deep spiritual strength. Har Har Mahadev,” he captioned the images.

In addition to his spiritual journey, Sanjay is preparing for the release of his upcoming film “Dhurandhar,” a spy thriller in which he plays an officer.

Cast and Release Details
“Dhurandhar” features a stellar cast, including Ranveer Singh, Arjun Rampal, Akshaye Khanna, R. Madhavan, and Sara Arjun. Presented by Jio Studios and produced by B62 Studios, the film is written and directed by Aditya Dhar. It will hit theaters globally on December 5.

The plot of this thriller is loosely inspired by the Lyari Gang Wars in Pakistan, showcasing the involvement of Indian intelligence, with many characters based on real-life figures.

Upcoming Projects
Sanjay will also appear in “The RajaSaab,” a Telugu-language romantic horror comedy starring Prabhas, Nidhhi Agerwal, Malavika Mohanan, and Riddhi Kumar. The storyline follows a young man aiming to claim his ancestral property to alleviate his financial struggles.

Sanjay’s last appearance was in “Baaghi 4,” directed by A. Harsha, where he shared the screen with Tiger Shroff, Harnaaz Sandhu, and Sonam Bajwa. This film marks the fourth installment in the “Baaghi” series and is an unofficial remake of the 2013 Tamil film “Ainthu Ainthu Ainthu.” The plot centers around a man who awakens from a coma and seeks the truth about his missing girlfriend, whom no one believes exists.