Ayushmann Khurrana teams up with Mumbai Police to tackle Cyber Crime

Ayushmann Khurrana, widely regarded as one of the most credible and trusted celebrities in India, has partnered with Mumbai Police to spearhead a crucial initiative aimed at spreading awareness about cybercrime. As the digital world expands, so does the reach of cybercriminals - making this campaign both timely and essential.

Becoming the face of Mumbai Police’s latest cyber security initiative, Ayushmann appears in a newly released promotional video where he shares practical advice on how to stay safe online. The initiative is focused on educating citizens, particularly those from vulnerable groups, about the evolving methods used by cyber fraudsters to deceive innocent people.

“Cyber safety has become of utmost importance in today's life with rampant online scams and frauds and it is crucial we stay vigilant and educated,” said Ayushmann in a statement and added, “Partnering with Mumbai Police, who have always been at the forefront at protecting our city's citizens and taking online safety a step further is a reminder to think twice before you fall for any of these frauds. This public safety announcement and the helpline launched by Mumbai Police is a remarkable effort to safeguard people from potential cybercrimes and keep them informed to stay vigilant about possible scams.”

Through the campaign, both Ayushmann and Mumbai Police aim to arm the public with awareness and actionable tools to avoid digital deception. The actor's trusted public image plays a vital role in delivering this message with authenticity and urgency.

 

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While playing a real-life hero off-screen, Ayushmann Khurrana is also lining up exciting projects on the work front. He is all set to make his entry into Maddock Films’ Supernatural Universe—home to hits like Stree and Bhediya—with Thama, where he will be seen alongside Rashmika Mandanna. The film is expected to blend horror, comedy, and social themes, much like its predecessors.

In addition, buzz is strong around his involvement in the much-anticipated biopic of cricketing legend Sourav Ganguly. Though yet to be officially confirmed, sources close to the actor reveal that he has already begun preparations for the role, diving deep into Ganguly’s cricketing journey and personality.

With meaningful collaborations and powerful performances ahead, Ayushmann Khurrana continues to be a force both on and off the screen.

Also Read: Ayushmann Khurrana drops a glimpse of his ‘spooky graveyard’ shift for Thama; see pic

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Piracy Shock: Man creates app to stream Chhaava illegally; nabbed by Mumbai Cyber Police

In a major boost to Bollywood’s ongoing battle against piracy, the South Cyber Police Station, Mumbai, has arrested a 26-year-old man for the illegal distribution of the historical epic Chhaava, starring Vicky Kaushal. The arrest happened nearly 12 days after another recent big-ticket release, Sikandar starring Salman Khan, has also fallen prey to digital piracy, compounding concerns within the film industry.

A case was registered under Crime Register No. 23/2025 following a complaint by Rajat Rahul Haksar (37), CEO of August Entertainment Company. The FIR includes charges under Sections 316(2), 318(3) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), Sections 51, 63, and 65(A) of the Copyright Act, Sections 6AA and 6AB of the Cinematograph Act, and Sections 66 and 63(j) of the IT Act. The complaint states that between February 14 and March 20, 2025, 1818 pirated links of Chhaava were illegally circulated via WhatsApp, Instagram, Telegram, YouTube and Google, causing significant financial damage to producers Maddock Films as well as August Entertainment.

During a detailed technical probe, cyber investigators traced one of the piracy links to Sagar Manik Randhavan, a resident of Daund, Pune. He had purchased a domain via Hostinger and created an app to stream pirated films — including Chhaava — to paying users. On April 10, with assistance from Daund Police, PSI Rupali Chaudhary and her team arrested the accused and brought him to Mumbai. He is currently in police custody until April 13, 2025.

While the arrest in the Chhava case is a step in the right direction, the Bollywood industry now hopes that those responsible for leaking the Salman Khan-starrer Sikandar are also swiftly brought to justice. The matter was particularly serious, as the pirated print of Sikandar surfaced before the film’s first theatrical show had even begun, sending shockwaves across the trade. Moreover, the leaked version was a raw, uncut copy, suggesting an insider-level breach that demands a thorough investigation. The industry continues to urge authorities to treat such cases with urgency, as piracy not only dents box office collections but also undermines months of creative and financial investment.

Meanwhile, an industry insider commented, “There have been videos where Chhaava was screened in a school ground and it was also being played on a big screen put up on a busy junction! Here’s hoping the authorities also act upon those responsible for it.

Also Read: Chhaava OTT release: When and where to watch Vicky Kaushal-Akshaye Khanna starrer

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Maddock Films’ Dinesh Vijan urges Bollywood to embrace Indian identity over western aspiration; says, “The common man wants stories about them”

Maddock Films is enjoying a winning streak with its recent productions. Following the success of last year's Stree 2 and the blockbuster performance of Chhaava, the production house continues to deliver box office hits. Their upcoming release is the romantic comedy Bhool Chuk Maaf, featuring Rajkummar Rao and Wamiqa Gabbi. During a press conference held before the trailer launch, the head of Maddock Films shared insights on the current landscape of Bollywood and the kind of stories that deserve to be highlighted.

At the press conference, Dinesh Vijan, as reported by News18, emphasized the importance of collective success in the industry. He said, “It’s very important to wish for everyone to do well. Just us doing well is not enough. I can’t tell you what I am doing, and others are not doing. We learn from whatever we are doing. We are trying to understand that right now, we are not aspirational to the West. We are very Indian in how we think. The common man wants stories about them. They are coming to the theatre on Friday, a slightly elitist crowd is coming 8-9 days later. The people we are with and surrounded by are very important because they are going to influence the decision you make.”

He further added, “I am fortunate that my writers and directors are grounded and real people and are connected to the new Bharat. It is very important to know who we are because the new Bharat is proud of who they are.”

Bhool Chuk Maaf will be Maddock Films’ third release this year, following the success of Sky Force featuring Akshay Kumar and last week’s Chhaava starring Vicky Kaushal. The rom-com is scheduled to hit theatres on May 9.

Also Read : Bhool Chuk Maaf trailer launch: Bollywood’s most successful producer Dinesh Vijan shares his secret success mantra: “Aam junta wants stories about them. They come to theatres on Fridays. Elite crowd comes 8-9 days later…”

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CBFC grants ‘A’ certificate to Kesari Chapter 2 starring Akshay Kumar, Ananya Panday and R Madhavan

With the countdown to its theatrical release underway, Kesari Chapter 2 has officially been granted an ‘A’ certificate by the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC). Starring Akshay Kumar, Ananya Panday, and R Madhavan, the film is now cleared for release with a runtime of 135 minutes and 6 seconds — just over two hours and fifteen minutes.

As per the CBFC website, the film was certified on April 9, 2025. The ‘A’ rating suggests that Kesari Chapter 2 may feature intense and possibly graphic depictions, as it explores one of India’s most turbulent historical events — the aftermath of the Jallianwala Bagh massacre.

The courtroom drama has already stirred anticipation with its bold narrative and impactful performances. Akshay Kumar stars as C. Sankaran Nair, the courageous lawyer who challenged the British Empire after the Jallianwala Bagh massacre. Ananya Panday plays Dilreet Gill, while R. Madhavan takes on the role of Neville Mckinley. Simon Paisley Day portrays General Reginald Dyer — the officer behind the horrific events at Jallianwala Bagh.

Earlier today, Akshay Kumar unveiled a powerful poster on Instagram, where he’s seen in elaborate Kathakali attire, frozen mid-performance. Alongside the image, he wrote, “This is not a costume. It’s a symbol — of tradition, of resistance, of truth, of my nation. C. Sankaran Nair didn’t fight with a weapon. He fought the British Empire with the law — and with fire in his soul.”

He added, “This 18th APRIL, we bring you the court trial they never taught in textbooks.”

Directed by Karan Singh Tyagi, Kesari Chapter 2: The Untold Story of Jallianwala Bagh is inspired by the book The Case That Shook The Empire by Raghu Palat and Pushpa Palat. The film is produced by a formidable team that includes Hiroo Yash Johar, Aruna Bhatia, Karan Johar, Adar Poonawalla, Apoorva Mehta, Amritpal Singh Bindra, and Anand Tiwari.

Also Read : Kesari Chapter 2: Akshay Kumar channels Kathakali warrior spirit in powerful new look

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Ajay Devgn becomes investor and partner in Cartel Bros' GlenJourneys, a single malt whisky priced at Rs. 50,000

Bollywood actors Shah Rukh Khan and Sanjay Dutt have recently ventured into the alcohol business, and now Ajay Devgn has joined the league with an impressive debut in the global alcobev space. He has introduced a premium 21-year-old single malt named GlenJourneys, priced at Rs. 50,000. Known for his diverse roles over the years, Ajay is now also an investor in Cartel Bros—the company behind the globally acclaimed Glenwalk, launched last year in collaboration with Sanjay Dutt.

In an open chat with CNBC-TV18, the Bollywood star discussed his personal journey with alcohol, the rising international acclaim for Indian single malts, and his latest move into the whisky industry.

Ajay Devgn has come on board Cartel Bros as both an investor and a partner for GlenJourneys. Best known for iconic roles like Vijay Salgaonkar in Drishyam, Devgn candidly shared that he once had a reputation for being a heavy drinker. “I’ve enjoyed drinking good alcohol ever since I was legally qualified to drink,” he admitted.

Devgn experienced a turning point when he chose to give up alcohol completely. “I went to a wellness spa, and since then, I didn’t feel like drinking at all,” he recalled. After staying sober for a year, he gradually began exploring more refined spirits and developed an appreciation for single malts. “Now, I only have two small drinks a day. The bold flavour of the malt is something I love,” he said.

The first release of the brand includes only 1,200 bottles, which will be rolled out in two phases and sold exclusively through travel retail in India and internationally. Devgn highlighted that the emphasis isn’t on pricing but on delivering a niche, high-quality product for those who appreciate craftsmanship. With a price tag of Rs. 50,000–60,000 in India and around Rs. 30,000 globally, GlenJourneys is aimed at connoisseurs as a premium, limited-edition whisky.

Indian single malts have been steadily gaining global acclaim, winning honours at renowned international awards. This growing demand provided the perfect opportunity for Devgn to enter the whisky space. Ajay recalled, “I’m more of a fashion guy, but when I met my partner in the form of Moksh Sani and tasted the whisky, I was hooked. That’s when we decided to create something together.” That moment sparked the idea for a collaboration, ultimately leading to the launch of GlenJourneys, a premium single malt whisky brand.

Looking ahead, Devgn has ambitious plans for GlenJourneys. “We want to take GlenJourneys worldwide,” he stated. The next release, expected in August, will showcase whisky aged in cask finishes, with older expressions planned for the future. The broader goal is to position GlenJourneys as a global brand, with travel retail serving as a key distribution channel.

Ajay added, “Brands are built in travel retail, and once you see our product on shelves at airports or duty-free shops, that’s when people really take notice.”

Also Read : Raid 2 trailer launch: Ajay Devgn BREAKS silence on Amay Patnaik’s ‘second wife’; Vaani Kapoor jokes, “No jealousy with the previous one”

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Raashii Khanna speaks out on Bollywood’s South remake trend; says, “Dubbed films are anyway available to watch online”

Actor Raashii Khanna acknowledges the prevalent trend of Bollywood drawing inspiration from successful South Indian films to boost box office performance. However, she believes it’s time for the industry to shift gears. With audiences now craving original storytelling and dubbed South films easily available online, Raashii stresses the need for fresh content. In today’s pan-India cinema landscape, she agrees that Bollywood’s attempt to replicate South hits is a reality, but one that needs rethinking.

Raashii told Hindustan Times, “⁠I can’t disagree that we do see remakes from the south quite often but I think the industry is also realising more and more that the audience needs newer content and that dubbed films are anyway available to watch online.”

She added, “With the rise of OTT platforms, language is no longer a barrier. I can sense a shift in the industry's mindset, and I genuinely hope we start creating more original content and exploring different genres—because honestly, no one really knows what will work anymore.”

Raashii Khanna, who made her debut in 2013 with Madras Cafe, has established herself across Hindi, Telugu, and Tamil cinema. Her filmography includes titles like Oohalu Gusagusalade, Bengal Tiger, Supreme, Jai Lava Kusa, Tholi Prema, Imaikkaa Nodigal, Venky Mama, Sardar, and Aranmanai 4.

Speaking about her experience in both industries, Raashii Khanna said, “Everyone shares the same passion—to make good films and be part of them.” She added, “The only thing I can think of, except the language; which is also not a barrier anymore is that each industry is rooted in its culture. You will see those flavours of their traditional values subtly in their films. It’s amazing how united we are even in diversity because the emotions run the same through all languages. And that’s the common string.”

For The Sabarmati Report actor, working on Aghathiyaa was a valuable learning experience. She stated, “The genre was the first thing that attracted me to Aghathiyaa and then of course the story which is a perfect element of thriller, horror and fantasy. ⁠My biggest takeaway is that horror films aren’t easy to shoot. It takes a lot to bring it together. As an actor, it’s challenging in a way where you are reacting to things that aren’t really in front of you. It expands your imagination a bit also. So it was quite a learning experience. And for Aghathiyaa, they have used a lot of new technology to give the audience a good theatrical experience.”

Also Read : Raashii Khanna showcases fluency in Punjabi in a new video; fans speculate new role

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Odela 2 trailer launch: Writer reveals "During the shoot, Tamannaah Bhatia did not wear chappals, eat non-veg"; actress BREAKS silence on Telangana Forest row: "Naa usse aap badal sakte hai aur naa main…"

Tamannaah Bhatia, Vasishta N Simha, writer Sampath Nandi, director Ashok Teja and others attended the trailer launch of the Pan-India film Odela 2 at Mumbai's iconic Gaiety-Galaxy aka G7 single screen complex in Mumbai. Hundreds of Tamannaah fans had assembled. The actress, who looked stunning in her red dress, was overwhelmed by the love for her and Odela 2.

Odela 2 is primarily a Telugu film, and the home market of Telangana was recently in the news when its state government fell nearly 400 trees in the Kancha Gachibowli area near the University of Hyderabad for IT and infrastructure projects. The students at the university staged a massive protest and the matter even reached the Supreme Court.

Tamannaah Bhatia was asked about this, and she said, “We are artists. We make cinema and are here to entertain you all. Whenever we have to raise a point, we have to do so in an entertaining format. Jo ho raha hai, na usse aap badal sakte hai aur naa main badal sakti hoon. But our attempt is that what we feel and the message that needs to be conveyed to people, we do so through cinema. Because someone, somewhere will get impacted by it.”

She added, “I don’t mean to say that things can change in a jiffy. But the idea is that we convey an impactful story and hope that it can influence you positively. Usse hum sab ka bhala hoga.”

At the end of the event, writer Sampath Nandi said, “Before signing off, I’d like to mention a few things about Tamannaah. We shot in peak summer and yet, she did not wear chappals. She never consumed non-veg food on sets. That is the kind of dedication she has put in for Odela 2. The film will give you a great, theatrical experience. Do go to cinemas on April 17 and have a blast!”

Also Read: Tamannaah Bhatia channels divine rage in Odela 2 trailer as a mythical battle of God vs Evil unfolds

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