Kamal Haasan’s upcoming film Thug Life will not see a release in Karnataka — but will that truly impact its overall success?

Industry experts estimate the producers may incur a loss of around ₹12 crore due to the Karnataka ban. However, this figure pales in comparison to the massive attention the film has garnered thanks to the controversy surrounding it.

Typically, marketing a big-budget film can cost between ₹30 to ₹50 crore, with no guaranteed returns. Prior to the controversy, Thug Life generated minimal buzz. Since then, however, the film has remained a hot topic, consistently featured in media headlines.

While the legal proceedings related to the film are still ongoing, Thug Life is set to release nationwide — except in Karnataka — on Thursday, June 5.

Film trade analyst Girish Wankhede notes, “The Karnataka ban may result in a ₹7 to ₹8 crore loss. But when viewed through the lens of marketing, this so-called loss has significantly raised the film’s profile. Now everyone knows Thug Life stars Kamal Haasan, is directed by Mani Ratnam, and features music by AR Rahman. The controversy has, in effect, become the film’s biggest promotional tool.”

Film distributor and cinema owner Raj Bansal shares, “Advance bookings for the Hindi version alone have reached around ₹65 lakh. Across all languages, pre-release sales have already surpassed ₹10 crore, and that number is expected to grow further.”

Kamal Haasan’s last release, Indian 2, failed to perform at the box office. However, his previous hit, Vikram, was a massive success, earning ₹247.32 crore net in India and ₹414.43 crore worldwide.

Pakistani actress Hania Aamir has publicly shown her support for Indian singer-rapper Badshah as he prepares to release his new track, Galiyon Ke Ghalib, amidst heightened tensions between India and Pakistan following the recent Pahalgam terror attack.

Despite the politically sensitive climate and ongoing criticism directed at cross-border artistic collaborations, Hania didn’t hesitate to express her admiration for Badshah on Instagram. On April 27, she shared a teaser of his upcoming song with a warm message: “Banaya tu ne Ghalib. Finally 😊,” celebrating its upcoming release on April 30 at 11:00 am.

Badshah, known as one of India’s leading music figures, continues to draw significant attention with the buildup to his latest track. Hania’s endorsement of the project was especially notable given the broader cultural tensions.

At the same time, Hania addressed the Pahalgam tragedy with heartfelt words on social media. In a touching message on Instagram, she wrote:
“Tragedy anywhere is a tragedy for all of us. My heart is with the innocent lives affected by the recent events. In pain, in grief, and in hope—we are one. When innocent lives are lost, the pain is not theirs alone—it belongs to all of us. No matter where we come from, grief speaks the same language. May we choose humanity, always.”

Her words resonated with many, emphasizing the importance of compassion and unity in times of crisis. Hania’s message served as a reminder that shared grief can bridge even the deepest divides.

The incident has also reignited debates about the future of Indo-Pak artistic collaborations. In the aftermath, projects like Abir Gulaal—a cross-border film starring Indian actress Vaani Kapoor and Pakistani actor Fawad Khan—have faced major setbacks, including a ban on the film’s release in India.

Last October, fans were treated to an unexpected and heartwarming moment when Punjabi superstar Diljit Dosanjh invited Pakistani actor Hania Aamir on stage during his London concert. The crowd erupted in cheers as Diljit serenaded Hania with his hit song Lover, fulfilling her dream of sharing the spotlight with “Diljit Paaji.”

Earlier this month, excitement peaked when rumours began circulating about the duo collaborating on a project together. Many speculated that Hania would be starring alongside Diljit in the highly anticipated Sardaar Ji 3.

However, the latest reports suggest that Hania’s involvement in the film may now be uncertain. Following the recent terror attack in Pahalgam, there is growing speculation that she might be replaced, leading to a divided response among netizens.

On April 22, around 26 tourists were shot dead in South Kashmir’s Pahalgam. This in turn soured India and Pakistan’s relations. As a result, Fawad Khan’s much-awaited film Abir Gulaal, which was going to mark his Bollywood comeback after 9 years, won’t be releasing in India. Well, rumours now suggest that Hania Aamir, who was all set to make her debut in India with Diljit Dosanjh and Neeru Bajwa’s Sardaar Ji 3, has reportedly been dropped from the film with makers looking for a replacement. The team had wrapped up the UK schedule last month, but viral reports now state that makers are considering removing Hania’s portions and reshooting them with another actor.

Salman Khan’s highly anticipated action-packed film Sikandar is already making a strong impact at the box office before its official release on March 30. With just three days to go, the film’s advance ticket sales have soared to an impressive ₹9.30 crore, inching closer to the ₹10 crore milestone.

As per a report by Sacnilk.com, Sikandar has generated massive buzz since advance bookings opened on Wednesday. Initial figures estimated earnings of ₹2.81 crore from 2D screenings, which have now increased to ₹3.95 crore. When factoring in IMAX screenings, the total advance booking collection is estimated at ₹3.98 crore.

The report also highlights that, including blocked seats, the film’s total advance sales are projected to be around ₹9.31 crore. Maharashtra and Delhi have emerged as the film’s top-performing markets, with Maharashtra leading at ₹1.8 crore in advance bookings, followed closely by Delhi at ₹1.4 crore.

Ticket pricing is also playing a crucial role in Sikandar’s box office trajectory. In major metro cities, prices for premium screenings are significantly high. In Mumbai, some multiplexes are charging as much as ₹2,200 for ‘Director’s Cut’ or ‘Luxe’ seats, while in Delhi, premium tickets range between ₹1,600 and ₹1,900. Despite the steep pricing, several screens in the Delhi-NCR region have already sold out. Even standard multiplex tickets in key cities are priced between ₹850 and ₹900.

With advance bookings showing strong momentum, Sikandar is set for a powerful opening as it gears up for an Eid release.

The Puducherry police are set to question actresses Tamannaah Bhatia and Kajal Aggarwal in connection with a high-profile cryptocurrency fraud linked to a Coimbatore-based company. The firm, established in 2022, allegedly lured investors with promises of hefty returns, ultimately leading to losses worth several crores.

Tamannaah attended the company’s launch event, while Kajal later took part in a corporate gathering where top investors were presented with expensive gifts. The scam also involved a luxury cruise party in Mumbai, during which additional investments were solicited. Reports indicate that at least 10 individuals from Puducherry alone lost Rs 2.4 crore, while a retired government employee claimed he was defrauded of Rs 40 crore.

Authorities launched an investigation following multiple complaints, leading to the arrest of two key suspects, Nitish Jain and Arvind Kumar. The fraudulent scheme spanned several states, including Delhi, Odisha, Maharashtra, Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, and Kerala. Investigators discovered that the accused used fake online accounts to siphon funds, and one of their associates, Imran Pasha, had already been arrested by Raipur police in a related case. Some suspects remain at large, with efforts underway to track them down.

Since Tamannaah and Kajal were involved in the company’s promotional events, police seek to determine whether they were merely endorsing the firm or had any financial involvement. Investigators are also examining how the scam was executed on such a large scale. With the case drawing nationwide attention, authorities are working to uncover the full extent of the fraud and hold those responsible accountable.

Earlier this February, Bollywood legend Amitabh Bachchan sparked speculation after tweeting the words “time to go.” The cryptic message quickly went viral, leading fans to wonder if he was bidding farewell to films and Kaun Banega Crorepati (KBC).

In a recent promo for Kaun Banega Crorepati 16, the 82-year-old actor finally addressed the rumors. Bachchan revealed that the tweet was actually an accident—he had dozed off while typing, unknowingly sharing an incomplete sentence.

During the promo, a fan directly asked him about the tweet. With his signature wit, Bachchan responded, “It said ‘it’s time to go’… what’s wrong with that?” However, as he began explaining, the audience interrupted him, insisting he couldn’t leave.

Clarifying the situation, he said, “It was 2 AM, and I had just finished work. On my way home, I fell asleep while tweeting.”

Following the viral post, concerned fans flooded social media with messages urging him to stay. One wrote, “Please don’t say such things.” Another shared, “Amitji, you are our childhood hero and India’s greatest star. May God bless you with good health and many more years with us.”

For now, it seems the megastar isn’t going anywhere!

The highly anticipated next installment of Ek Badnaam Aashram is on its way, promising another gripping chapter in the thrilling saga. Earlier today, Amazon MX Player unveiled a riveting teaser, offering a sneak peek into the intense drama that awaits fans.

The teaser showcases Baba Nirala’s return to power, the unwavering devotion of his followers, and the brewing turmoil within his inner circle. As long-buried secrets threaten to resurface and past betrayals come back to haunt him, the upcoming season delves deeper into the complex web of deceit, vengeance, and redemption.

Reflecting on his journey, Bobby Deol expressed his excitement, saying, “Playing Baba Nirala has been an incredible experience, and the overwhelming love from fans has been truly humbling. This character’s intensity, the gripping storyline, and the audience’s connection to the series make it unlike anything else. With this new chapter, the drama intensifies, the stakes are higher, and the secrets are darker than ever before. I can’t wait for audiences to dive into this next phase of the story.”

Speaking about the show’s impact, Amogh Dusad, Head of Amazon MX Player, shared, “Ek Badnaam Aashram has redefined digital storytelling, cementing its place as one of India’s most successful web series. With its hard-hitting themes and compelling characters, it continues to resonate with audiences. This new season pushes boundaries even further, offering an electrifying narrative that challenges perceptions and delves into the repercussions of unchecked power.”

Creator and director Prakash Jha also weighed in, stating, “The series has always served as a mirror to society, shedding light on the murky intersections of faith, power, and exploitation. The overwhelming response over the past three seasons proves that stories rooted in reality strike a chord with audiences everywhere. In this new season, we’re peeling back even more layers, diving into the psychological grip of influence and the insatiable thirst for control, where morality is constantly tested. Fans can expect a no-holds-barred experience that will keep them hooked through all five episodes.”

With high-stakes drama and shocking revelations in store, Ek Badnaam Aashram promises to be more intense than ever. Get ready for another thrilling ride into Baba Nirala’s world.

A Mumbai Police team visited the studio in Khar on Monday, where the YouTube show India’s Got Latent was filmed, following an uproar over controversial remarks made in a recent episode.

The visit was prompted by a formal complaint against Ranveer Allahbadia, comedian Samay Raina, social media influencer Apoorva Makhija, and the show’s organizers. The complaint, lodged with the Mumbai Commissioner and the Maharashtra Women’s Commission, alleges that offensive language was used during the show, calling for strict legal action against those involved.

Reacting to the controversy, Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis stated, “I have come to know about it, though I have not watched it yet. The matter has been presented in a misleading manner.”

He emphasized the importance of responsible speech, saying, “Everyone has freedom of speech, but that freedom ends when it infringes on someone else’s rights. Our society operates under certain norms, and violating them is absolutely wrong. Action should be taken against such behavior,” ANI quoted him as saying.

Former National Commission for Women (NCW) chief and Rajya Sabha MP Rekha Sharma also expressed her dismay over the remarks. “The content of the video is shocking. Regardless of gender, such jokes are unacceptable in society. Making derogatory remarks about women or their bodies reflects a moral decline among today’s youth,” she said.

Sharma further stated, “Such content negatively impacts others involved in creative fields. I have forwarded the video to the NCW Chairperson for necessary action.”

The Eknath Shinde-led Shiv Sena also condemned the remarks made on the show. Party spokesperson Raju Wagamare issued a stern warning to the show’s producers, stating, “In Maharashtra, a state that upholds the legacy of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, such language will not be tolerated. They must put an end to this immediately, or we will take action in our own way.”

The controversy has sparked widespread debate about the limits of free speech in entertainment and the responsibilities of content creators in maintaining societal values.

The grand premiere of Loveyapa turned into a star-studded affair as rapper Yo Yo Honey Singh and actress Rhea Chakraborty joined the celebrations in Mumbai on Wednesday night. The romantic drama marks the theatrical debut of Junaid Khan, son of Aamir Khan, and Khushi Kapoor, daughter of Boney Kapoor. Singh and Chakraborty attended the event to cheer for the young talents.

A video shared on Instagram captured the duo posing for the paparazzi outside the venue. Honey Singh sported a traditional purple kurta-pyjama, while Rhea Chakraborty opted for a chic ensemble featuring a brown top, grey distressed jeans, and a matching jacket.

The video quickly caught the attention of fans, sparking reactions online. One Instagram user dubbed Singh as “The OG rap king of the Bluetooth era,” while another commented, “Rhea looks like a bunny.” A third admirer added, “Honey Singh is the best.”

The event saw the presence of Bollywood heavyweights, including Shah Rukh Khan, Salman Khan, Dharmendra, Rekha, Imran Khan, Ira Khan, Ayushmann Khurrana, Tahira Kashyap, Juhi Chawla, Janhvi Kapoor, Jaaved Jaaferi, and more.

Directed by Advait Chandan, Loveyapa is the official Hindi adaptation of the Tamil hit Love Today and is set to release in theaters on February 7. The film boasts an impressive ensemble cast featuring Grusha Kapoor, Ashutosh Rana, Tanvika Parlikar, Kiku Sharda, and Kunj Anand. Produced by Phantom Studios and AGS Entertainment, it is set for a box-office clash with Himesh Reshammiya’s action-packed Badass Ravi Kumar.

On a personal note, Honey Singh and Rhea Chakraborty recently collaborated for her podcast Chapter 2, where the rapper candidly spoke about his battle with bipolar disorder. “I have a severe case of bipolar disorder. I am still a mental health patient today,” he revealed during the conversation.