Ramayana Delhi trailer launch: Yash delivers a RARE speech in Hindi; calls Ranbir Kapoor “phenomenal”: “WHOLE of India will understand what MAGIC you have created!”

Ranbir Kapoor, Sai Pallavi, Ravi Dubey, director Nitesh Tiwari, producer Namit Malhotra, Kunal Kapoor, Rakul Preet Singh, Vivek Oberoi, Arun Govil, Ajinkya Deo, Shobhna, sitar player Rishab Rikhiram Sharma, Swami Ramdev, Ashwiny Iyer Tiwari, Karan Johar, Apoorva Mehta and others attended the grand trailer launch of Ramayana held in Delhi. The event was hosted by Kumar Vishwas, who has also contributed to the film in a big way. Towards the end of the event, Yash came on stage and he gave a rare speech in Hindi.

He began by saying, “I am really happy to be a part of this wonderful project. Sab Hindi mein baat kar rahe hain yahaan. Main bhi koshish karunga. Iss mukaam tak laane ke liye all credit should go to Namit Malhotra. Unhone mujhe yeh patra nibhaane ka avsar diya (laughs), uske liye main unko dhanyawaad kehta hoon. Hindi seekhne ka bhi mauka mila (smiles).”

He added, “This is India’s dream. We all have come together with one vision and one conviction – to put our story on the global platform. So, all of us are keeping all our interests aside. We have only one interest – to tell Prabhu Shri Ram’s story to the global audience, and also to celebrate him in our country. So, thank you, Namit, for having this courage and conviction. Thank you so much, Nitesh sir, for guiding me and helping me understand the character’s nuances.”

Yash then praised the film’s actors, “Ranbir, you’ve been phenomenal. The whole of India will understand how you’ve surrendered to this role and what magic you have created! Sai, of course, is a fabulous actress. To see her perform Sita’s role was a great experience. Her eyes say it all. Watch out for how Rakul Preet has carried the role of Surpanakha. It's our luck that Shobhna ma’am agreed to do this role as she brings in so much grace and value to the role. Ravi Dubey will be a surprise package; all viewers will become his fan. Vivek and I had a lot of fun. There are a lot of surprises in the film.”

Ramayana is a two-part saga with the first part releasing on Diwali 2026. As for the second part, it'll arrive on the big screen on Diwali 2027.

Also Read: Ramayana Delhi trailer launch: Sai Pallavi says, “On the sets, I would meditate and say, ‘Sita Maa, you act through me. Whatever comes through me is what you want for the film’”

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Mrunal Thakur and Huma Qureshi starrer Pooja Meri Jaan set to stream on ZEE5 after four-year delay

After remaining unreleased for nearly four years, Pooja Meri Jaan, starring Mrunal Thakur and Huma Qureshi, is finally set to reach audiences through streaming. The thriller has officially found a platform on ZEE5, bringing an end to years of uncertainty surrounding its release. While the streaming service has announced the film as part of its upcoming content slate, the official premiere date is yet to be revealed.

Directed by Navjot Gulati and produced under Dinesh Vijan's Maddock Films banner, Pooja Meri Jaan was originally planned as a direct-to-digital release on JioCinema. However, following the merger of JioCinema with Disney+ Hotstar, the film's release plans were stalled, leaving its future uncertain for an extended period. The prolonged delay reportedly left both the cast and makers frustrated as the project remained in limbo.

Alongside Pooja Meri Jaan, ZEE5 also announced an extensive Hindi content slate featuring several new films and series. Upcoming shows include Kambli, inspired by the life of former cricketer Vinod Kambli, The Scam: Leaked, Coffee King, Jeena Isi Ka Naam Hai 2.0 hosted by R. Madhavan, and the return of the classic Zee Horror Show. Popular franchises such as Rangbaaz, Janaawar, and Bakaiti are also returning with new seasons.

The platform's film lineup includes Hai Jawani Toh Ishq Hona Hai starring Varun Dhawan, Pooja Hegde and Mouni Roy, Bandar featuring Bobby Deol and Sanya Malhotra, Kangana Ranaut's Bharat Bhagya Vidhata, Vaani Kapoor's Sarvgunn Sampann, as well as Ghamasaan, Ikroop, and Dalimb.

Earlier this year, director Navjot Gulati spoke about the emotional and professional impact of the prolonged delay. He revealed that his father, who passed away in 2024, spent the final months of his life asking when the film would be released. The filmmaker also alleged that co-producer Amar Kaushik stopped responding to his calls and messages after October 2025. Navjot claimed the film was held back due to a pricing dispute, alleging that Maddock Films was unwilling to sell it below its expected valuation. He further questioned why a theatrical release was never explored, citing Vadh 2 as an example of an OTT-backed film that eventually made it to cinemas.

According to Navjot, the delay has adversely affected his career, as producers have become hesitant to collaborate with him while his completed debut film remained unreleased. He even expressed willingness to buy back the film himself if the producers chose not to move forward. Pooja Meri Jaan explores the themes of stalking and cybercrime and also stars Vikram Singh Chauhan and Vijay Raaz in pivotal roles. The film completed shooting and post-production by the end of 2022.

Also Read: Navjot Gulati SLAMS Maddock Films over delay of Pooja Meri Jaan release: “They don’t care about the small films”

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BREAKING: Kunal Kohli follows Shekhar Kapur’s footsteps; makes international debut with haunting English film All About Her

Kunal Kohli, who made a mark with films like Hum Tum (2004) and Fanaa (2006), has now taken a leap, graduating to making international films. In June, he wrapped up the shoot of a British English feature film, All About Her. It stars Hollywood actor Nick Sagar, best known for his role in The Princess Switch film franchise. The female lead is played by British actress Amelia Gething, who caught attention with her performances in Emily and The Spanish Princess.

Kunal Kohli opened up about All About Her in an interview with Bombay Times last month. He said, “Directing an English film and working with a full British and international crew is a whole new chapter in my life. Shekhar Kapur has always been my inspiration, and I am hoping this starts a trend of more Indian filmmakers working globally. Though English is not my first language, the experience of directing a film in English has been incredibly rewarding.”

He also said, “Shooting a film in the UK with British actors and crew gave me a great deal of creative freedom. Direct interaction with the actors helped bring the characters to life on screen exactly as I had envisioned, in complete sync with Amelia and Nick. Although I was new to their industry, the actors placed their trust in me and together we created an incredible cinematic journey that we are excited to share with audiences across the world.”

All About Her is produced by Sheetal Parab. An intriguing first-look teaser poster was dropped on June 5 and the caption with the picture read, ‘A haunting psychological drama where love, guilt and identity blur into one dangerous truth’. According to a Bombay Times report, the makers plan to premiere the film at various film festivals before its release.

About Kunal Kohli

Kunal Kohli began as a film critic in the 90s and then hosted the TV show 'Chalo Cinema'. After making several music videos, he debuted as a feature film director with Mujhse Dosti Karoge (2002), starring Hrithik Roshan, Kareena Kapoor Khan and Rani Mukerji. However, it was his second film, Hum Tum (2004), which made him a director to watch out for. The Saif Ali Khan-Rani Mukerji starrer was loved for its performances, music and fresh treatment, which resonated big time with the emerging multiplex audience.

Kunal’s next directorial, Fanaa (2006), starring Aamir Khan and Kajol, emerged as a major box-office success. He later directed Thoda Pyaar Thoda Magic (2008) and Teri Meri Kahaani (2012), while also producing Break Ke Baad (2010). In 2018, he ventured into Telugu cinema with Next Enti, starring Tamannaah Bhatia. The same year, 2018, he turned actor with his production, Phir Se, co-starring Jennifer Winget and Sumona Chakravarti. It was one of the first Indian films to release directly on Netflix.

In the post-pandemic era, Kunal Kohli directed Lahore Confidential (2021) and Bobby Aur Rishi Ki Love Story (2025), both of which had a direct release on OTT.

Also Read: Kunal Kohli says “biggest directors” expected Ranveer Singh’s Dhurandhar to slow down after Monday

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Batwara 1947 teaser out: Sunny Deol takes on the horrors of Partition in Rajkumar Santoshi directorial

The makers of Batwara 1947 have unveiled a new teaser of the much-awaited period drama, offering audiences another glimpse into the film's backdrop of India's Partition. Headlined by Sunny Deol and directed by National Award-winning filmmaker Rajkumar Santoshi, the latest teaser focuses on the emotional and action-driven journey of a man determined to protect his family amid one of the most turbulent chapters in Indian history.

The newly released teaser builds on the anticipation generated by the film's motion poster, character posters and the first teaser, while offering a deeper look at Sunny Deol's role. Set against the backdrop of the 1947 Partition, the teaser hints at a story of survival, sacrifice and resilience as communities grapple with violence, displacement and uncertainty.

Sunny Deol is seen portraying a determined protagonist who refuses to back down despite overwhelming odds. The teaser combines emotionally charged moments with large-scale action sequences, suggesting that the film will blend personal relationships with the larger historical events unfolding around its characters.

While the teaser refrains from revealing major plot details, it establishes the tone of the film by highlighting the human cost of Partition and the difficult choices faced by families during that period. It also underscores themes of courage and hope amid conflict, with the narrative centred on a father's resolve to keep his loved ones safe.

 

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Batwara 1947 also marks the reunion of Sunny Deol and director Rajkumar Santoshi after nearly three decades. The duo has previously collaborated on films such as Ghayal, Damini and Ghatak, making their latest project one of the notable filmmaker-actor reunions in recent years.

The film boasts an ensemble cast featuring Shabana Azmi, Preity G Zinta, Karan Deol, Ali Fazal and Abhimanyu Singh in pivotal roles. It is produced under the banner of Aamir Khan Productions by Aamir Khan and Aparna Purohit. Adding to the scale of the project is its music, composed by Academy Award-winning composer A. R. Rahman, with lyrics penned by veteran lyricist Javed Akhtar.

Scheduled for a worldwide theatrical release on August 14, 2026, coinciding with the eve of India's Independence Day, Batwara 1947 revisits one of the defining moments in the subcontinent's history through a fictional narrative centred on family, loss and resilience. With its latest teaser now out, the film has offered audiences another preview of the story it aims to bring to the big screen next month.

Also Read: Batwara 1947 team to embark on 12-city promotional tour ahead of release

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Arshad Warsi starrer Jeevan Bheema Yojana to release on August 28

The makers of Jeevan Bheema Yojana have announced the release date of the upcoming dark comedy crime thriller. Headlined by Arshad Warsi, the film is slated to arrive in cinemas worldwide next month. Directed by Abhishek Dogra, the project marks the first time in Warsi's career that he will be seen in a double role.

The film revolves around Arshad Warsi's dual characters, Jeevan and Bheema—a debt-ridden common man and his dangerous lookalike—whose lives intersect in unexpected circumstances, leading to a series of chaotic events. Sanjeeda Shaikh plays Yojana, a resourceful wife who devises an ambitious fraud, while Vijay Raaz essays the role of Vinayak, a mysterious man with secrets that gradually unfold.

Sharing details about the film, director Abhishek Dogra said, "Jeevan Bheema Yojana is a film about ordinary people making one extraordinary, catastrophic decision — and then spending the rest of the film paying for it. The genre is dark comedy, but the heart of it is very human. Greed, desperation, love, and the terrible momentum of a lie you can't stop telling. Arshad brings both men to life with a precision that constantly surprised us on set."

Raman Raheja, Director of StarBeam Ventures Ltd and co-producer, also spoke about the project, saying, "This is the first of the multiple releases lined up by StarBeam Ventures Ltd in the next 6-12 months and what better way to start than having the ever-loved Arshad Warsi featuring in a double role for the first time in his career. Audiences will love it."

The announcement adds another project to Arshad Warsi's upcoming slate, with the actor exploring a dual-character narrative for the first time. Directed by Abhishek Dogra, Jeevan Bheema Yojana combines elements of crime, dark humour and family drama, with the story centring on how one decision triggers an increasingly complicated chain of events.

Presented and produced by StarBeam Ventures Ltd (formerly Blue God Entertainment Ltd), Jeevan Bheema Yojana also features Pooja Chopra, Bijendra Kala and the late Atul Parchure in pivotal roles.

With its ensemble cast and a premise built around mistaken identity and deception, Jeevan Bheema Yojana is set to release in cinemas worldwide on August 28, 2026.

Also Read: Vir Hirani thanks Arshad Warsi after Pritam and Pedro debut; says, “Having you by my side made all the difference”

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The India Story trailer out! Kajal Aggarwal and Shreyas Talpade take on pesticide farming crisis in hard-hitting social drama

The makers of The India Story: Slow Poison in Progress have unveiled the official trailer of the upcoming social drama, offering a glimpse into a story centred around the issue of pesticide farming and its impact on society. Starring Kajal Aggarwal and Shreyas Talpade in the lead, the film aims to bring attention to a subject that affects millions while weaving it into a dramatic narrative of truth, justice and resilience.

The trailer hints at an emotionally charged story that follows characters caught in the middle of a larger crisis, while raising questions about the long-term effects of pesticide farming. With its blend of courtroom drama, social commentary and emotional conflict, the film seeks to spotlight an issue that often remains overlooked.

Speaking about the film, director Chettan DK said, "The India Story is more than just a film—it's a conversation we need to have. Through this story, we wanted to shine a light on an issue that silently impacts every household. The trailer offers a glimpse into a powerful journey of truth, courage, and resilience, and we hope it inspires audiences to question, reflect, and engage with the reality around them."

Sharing her experience of working on the project, Kajal Aggarwal said, "Being part of The India Story has been an incredibly meaningful experience. My character stands up for truth despite overwhelming odds, and that spirit is what makes this film so special. I hope the trailer connects with audiences and leaves them eager to witness this powerful story on the big screen."

 

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Shreyas Talpade also spoke about the film and its emotional core, adding, "The trailer captures the emotional core of The India Story. It's a story of an ordinary man's fight against an extraordinary challenge, driven by hope and determination. I believe audiences will relate to its emotions and message, and I'm excited for everyone to experience the film in theatres on July 24."

The project is backed by co-producers Swati Vinayak Saindane, Anita Jadhav, Vinayak Saindane, Kalpesh Shah, Devyani Khorate and Prem Joshi. The technical crew includes cinematographer Nishant Bhagwat, music composer Mangesh Dhakde, editor Ashish Mhatre, lyricist Shakeel Azami and sound designer Anmol Bhave.

Presented by Zee Studios in association with MIG Production & Studios, The India Story: Slow Poison in Progress is directed by Chettan DK and written and produced by Sagar B. Shinde. The film is scheduled for a worldwide theatrical release on July 24, 2026, and will release in Hindi, Telugu and Tamil.

With its socially relevant premise and multilingual release, the film aims to spark conversations around a pressing agricultural and public health issue when it arrives in cinemas on July 24.

Also Read: First song from The India Story featuring Kajal Aggarwal Kitchlu ‘Tu Chal’ out now

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Ahaan Panday and Aneet Padda celebrate Saiyaara first anniversary at Wembley Stadium; unveil exclusive Collectors Edition Vinyl LP

A year after Saiyaara emerged as one of the biggest box office successes, Yash Raj Films marked the film's first anniversary with a special celebration at London's Wembley Stadium. Lead actors Ahaan Panday and Aneet Padda visited the iconic venue to unveil an exclusive Collector's Edition Vinyl LP, commemorating the film's music and its enduring popularity among audiences.

The venue holds special significance in Saiyaara, as it serves as the backdrop for one of the film's most memorable moments, where Ahaan Panday's character Krish Kapoor recognises Vaani Batra through her eyes on the stadium's giant screen. The film's climactic reunion between Krish and Vaani also takes place at Wembley, making it a fitting location for the anniversary celebration.

The newly launched Collector's Edition is a two-disc vinyl set featuring the complete musical experience of Saiyaara. The first LP includes all nine songs from the film's soundtrack, while the second disc comprises 25 tracks, including 16 original background score compositions and nine memorable dialogues from the film.

 

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Beyond the music, the Collector's Pack also includes a specially curated Saiyaara diary featuring notes from YRF CEO Akshaye Widhani, director Mohit Suri, actors Ahaan Panday and Aneet Padda, along with contributions from composers, lyricists and members of the film's music team. The package also contains an exclusive ink pen inspired by Vaani's notebook from the film and two character-themed bookmarks featuring Krish and Vaani.

Speaking about the launch, director Mohit Suri said, "Music is the soul of any love story - be it in life or in films. With Saiyaara, I felt that even more. The depth in Krish and Vaani’s relationship, the everlasting feeling, the innocence, and the magic wouldn’t be the same without the songs. I am truly grateful and overwhelmed for the love people have shown the film because of its music. Vaani said (in the film), ‘The mind forgets but the heart doesn’t, and great music stays in the heart…. forever!’ And it’s amazing that the music has stayed with you long after the film. The feeling is surreal, because the core of Saiyaara was always the fact that a song has the power to take you back to a moment, bring back a memory… bring back love! That's why this LP isn't just a collection of tracks. It’s a chance for people to experience the film all over again—one emotion, one melody, and one memory at a time. We thought very carefully about every single aspect of this record to bring your Saiyaara experience back to life! I really hope you love it."

Further, YRF CEO Akshaye Widhani added, "Saiyaara was a deeply personal film for us because it marked our return to romance, a genre that has always defined YRF and inspired some of our most sweeping love stories. We wanted to deliver not just a film but also a music album that is timeless in this genre and I have to thank Mohit Suri for delivering this in spades. As we celebrate Saiyaara's first anniversary, we are delighted to mark the occasion with the launch of an exclusive Collector's Edition Vinyl LP, giving fans and music lovers the ultimate Saiyaara listening experience through its music, it’s sounds and its dialogues. We wanted to create something that they could own, revisit and treasure for years to come, a definitive keepsake that preserves the complete emotional journey of Saiyaara.”

Directed by Mohit Suri and produced by YRF CEO Akshaye Widhani, Saiyaara emerged as a major commercial success, grossing over Rs. 580 crores worldwide. The film also established Ahaan Panday and Aneet Padda as one of the industry's most talked-about on-screen pairs. The Saiyaara Collector's Edition Vinyl LP will be made available to fans worldwide.

Also Read: 1 year of Saiyaara EXCLUSIVE: “That Friday changed everything for me, I took 2-3 months to digest the success,” says Shaan R Grover; also reveals how Ahaan Panday calmed his nerves before shoot: “He advised me to forget it’s a YRF film”

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Supreme Court allows Mahaprabhu Jagannath release after Rath Yatra, issues notices on Odisha HC ban

The Supreme Court has refused to allow the immediate release of the animated film Mahaprabhu Jagannath during the ongoing Lord Jagannath Rath Yatra. However, the court permitted the filmmakers to release the movie on or after July 28, once the annual festival concludes.

The apex court also issued notices to the Centre, the Odisha government, the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC), the Shree Jagannath Temple Administration and other respondents while hearing an appeal challenging the Orissa High Court's interim order that stayed the film's release. High Court had stayed the film's release The Orissa High Court had earlier stayed the nationwide release of Mahaprabhu Jagannath, observing that the film did not strictly adhere to the religious text of the Skanda Purana. The interim order came just a day before the film's scheduled theatrical release.

Challenging the decision, the makers moved the Supreme Court seeking urgent relief. Makers cite financial losses, CBFC certification Appearing for the filmmakers, Senior Advocate Devadatt Kamat urged the Supreme Court to hear the matter on an urgent basis. He submitted that Mahaprabhu Jagannath is an animated film primarily aimed at children and is based on the life and legacy of Lord Jagannath.

Kamat argued that the High Court stayed the release solely on the ground that the film was not made in strict accordance with the Skanda Purana. He also informed the court that the CBFC had already granted the film a U certificate under Section 5 of the Cinematograph Act, clearing it for release in Hindi, Odia and Telugu.

The senior advocate further pointed out that the High Court's order was uploaded only at 9 pm on the eve of the scheduled release, leaving the producers with very little time to seek legal remedies.

According to the submissions, the makers have invested crores of rupees in the project and had planned screenings in more than 300 theatres across the country. Kamat also argued that the Public Interest Litigation leading to the stay was heard shortly before the release date, describing the High Court's order as a hurried decision. Supreme Court issues notices While declining to permit the film's release during the Rath Yatra, the Supreme Court issued notices to the Centre, the Odisha government, the CBFC, the temple administration and other concerned parties on the appeal against the High Court's interim order.

With the latest direction, Mahaprabhu Jagannath can now be released in theatres on or after July 28, subject to any further orders in the case.

Also Read: Mahaprabhu Jagannath makers move Supreme Court after Orissa HC halts film release 

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MEGA EXCLUSIVE: After Vikrant Massey’s White, Narcos cinematographer Juan Carlos Gil signs Ranveer Singh’s Pralay

In an exciting development for Bollywood, two major upcoming films will share the same international cinematographer. Bollywood Hungama has exclusively learnt that Juan Carlos Gil, the acclaimed DOP of Netflix’s global series Narcos and who has shot Vikrant Massey’s big-scale political drama White, has come on board for Ranveer Singh’s upcoming mega-budget film Pralay.

A source told Bollywood Hungama, “The team of Pralay is mounting the film on a lavish scale and wants it to have a Hollywood-style visual treatment. Juan Carlos Gil fits the bill perfectly. He is equally excited to come on board, while the team is thrilled to have him shoot this ambitious zombie film.”

About Pralay

Pralay is highly awaited not just because it’s a mega-budget zombie thriller but also because its Ranveer Singh’s immediate next after the all-time blockbuster, Dhurandhar. It is directed by Jai Mehta and produced by Birla Studios and Hansal Mehta.

About White

Vikrant Massey’s White is a big-scale human political drama inspired by a real-life episode from the life of global spiritual leader Gurudev Sri Sri Ravi Shankar. The film is based on the fascinating story of how the world’s longest internal conflict – the war in Colombia – was resolved without firing a single bullet, through ancient Indian philosophies and Gurudev’s intervention.

Vikrant Massey will be seen essaying the role of Gurudev Sri Sri Ravi Shankar. Major portions of the film have been shot in South America with an international cast and crew.

White is backed by Siddharth Anand of War, Pathaan and King fame, producer Mahaveer Jain, and PeaceCraft Pictures. The film is directed by ace ad filmmaker Montoo Bassi. It will be released in over 100 countries and in multiple languages, with the aim of reaching audiences across the globe.

With two vastly different genres - a zombie actioner and a political drama - both Pralay and White are set to bring a distinct, global visual language to Indian cinema, thanks to Juan Carlos Gil.

Also Read: Vikrant Massey leaves everyone in splits at Musafir Cafe trailer launch: “Sab zinda hai yahan pe; koi kisi ko maar nahin raha!”

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Paresh Rawal claims OMG 2 was based on his original idea; says he walked away after script changes: “There was no need for a divine character”

Paresh Rawal has claimed that the original idea behind OMG 2 came from him, adding that the film underwent significant changes after Akshay Kumar came on board. Speaking to Vickey Lalwani, the veteran actor also alleged that he did not receive credit for the story or concept despite being closely involved in its early development.

Paresh Rawal recalls developing the original concept Rawal said he first approached filmmaker Amit Rai with the idea after watching Road to Sangam. He asserted, "I had approached Amit Rai, the director of Road to Sangam, and asked him if he was planning another film. I admire him a lot. I told him, 'I have an idea. Let's sit and write it.' I told him I wasn't a writer, but I could contribute ideas and help identify where we were going wrong because I understand screenplay to some extent."

He went on to reveal, "The story was about a boy who gets caught masturbating, and a video of the incident goes viral, making his life miserable. His father was a tourist guide at the Khajuraho temple. Amit suggested making him a part-time priest at the Mahakal Temple. We developed the script together and even brought sexologist Dr Prakash Kothari on board. We had several meetings because our intention was to make the film educational, entertaining and not vulgar. We were deeply involved in the process." 'There was no need for a divine character' According to Rawal, the project was never conceived as a sequel to OMG and did not feature a godly figure. He said, "Our main idea was to have a biker guiding the father, not God. In the first OMG, God appeared because the case was against God. But this film was about a father's fight to get justice for his son. There was no need for a divine character. We wanted someone like Kader Khan's character in Muqaddar Ka Sikandar."

He further revealed that he had initially considered Ajay Devgn and Salman Khan for the biker's role: "I didn't approach Akshay because people would have assumed it was OMG 2, whereas that wasn't the plan." How Akshay Kumar came on board Rawal said he later learnt that Akshay Kumar wanted to do the film after the script reached him through producer Ashwin Varde. He continued, "I was under the impression that we were still figuring things out. We even had a meeting with Vipul Shah of Optimystix. They also asked about Akshay, and I said if I wanted to make it with him, I would have approached him directly. Akshay and I were partners in OMG. I didn't need anyone to bridge the gap. A few days later, Amit Rai called and told me Akshay wanted to do the film. The issue was that Amit had tentatively written 'OMG 2' on the script because the genre was similar."

He added, "In one of our meetings, Ashwin Varde was present. That's when they decided they wanted to do it with Akshay." Why Paresh Rawal declined the film Rawal said Akshay later requested him to be a part of the project, but he declined because he no longer recognised the story: "I spoke to Akshay. He asked me to do the film. I told him, 'No. This isn't the film I had envisioned. There is no role of God in this story.' He tried to convince me, but I had lived with the script from the beginning. I knew exactly what it was supposed to be. That's why I walked away."

The actor also claimed he did not receive any acknowledgement for his contribution to the original concept: "The saddest part is that I wasn't even given credit for the story or the concept. My name wasn't mentioned anywhere."

He further said, "Amit, Akshay, Ashwin, Ajay Devgn, Karan Johar and Salman Khan... all know it was my idea and my story. Ajay and Salman probably said no because of the subject. They thought it could become controversial. I tried explaining the concept to them."

Neither Akshay Kumar, director Amit Rai nor the producers of OMG 2 have publicly responded to Paresh Rawal's claims at the time of writing.

Also Read: EXCLUSIVE: Paresh Rawal reveals, “We’ll miss Govinda in Bhagam Bhag 2”; opens up on Akshay Kumar-Manoj Bajpayee casting: “It’ll make for a different and unique combination”

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Is Bhool Bhulaiyaa 4 happening? Here’s what we know!

The Bhool Bhulaiyaa franchise could soon be expanding with a fourth instalment. According to a report by Mid-Day, producer Bhushan Kumar has begun work on Bhool Bhulaiyaa 4, with Kartik Aaryan expected to reprise his role as Rooh Baba after the commercial success of Bhool Bhulaiyaa 3 (2024).

The report states that the screenplay is currently under development, with the makers focusing on finalising a strong script before locking the film's director. It further claims that if everything proceeds as planned, the horror-comedy could go on floors in the second half of 2027.

However, it is important to note that the production house has not made any official announcement regarding the project, and the report has not been independently confirmed by the makers or any other publication. Anees Bazmee to return as director The report also suggests that filmmaker Anees Bazmee, who directed Bhool Bhulaiyaa 2 and Bhool Bhulaiyaa 3, is expected to return to helm the fourth film. Priyadarshan directed the original Bhool Bhulaiyaa, while Bazmee successfully revived the franchise with its recent instalments.

According to the publication, an official announcement is likely only after the screenplay is completed and the director is formally locked.

For now, Bhool Bhulaiyaa 4 remains the subject of industry speculation. Until the makers issue an official statement, details regarding the film's cast, director and production timeline should be treated as unconfirmed.

While fans await clarity on the future of the Bhool Bhulaiyaa franchise, Kartik Aaryan already has several films lined up. The actor will next be seen in Naagzilla: Naag Lok Ka Pehla Kaand, which is slated for release in 2026. He also has Anurag Basu's untitled romantic drama opposite Sreeleela in the pipeline. Apart from these, Kartik is attached to Captain India, directed by Shimit Amin, and an untitled sports drama with Kabir Khan.

Also Read: Akshay Kumar reveals son Aarav was scared of Vidya Balan for six years after watching Bhool Bhulaiyaa: “He had developed a problem with her”

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