Monday, June 15, 2026

Veer Pahariya and Varun Sharma set to face off in action thriller Naam – To Live Is War; Mahesh Bhatt comes on board as presenter

Actor Veer Pahariya has officially announced his next big-screen outing, Naam - To Live Is War, with veteran filmmaker Mahesh Bhatt backing the project as presenter. The upcoming film is being described as a dark action thriller and is expected to showcase Veer in an intense and rugged new avatar. Reports suggest that the film will blend high-octane action with strong emotional drama, making it one of the most anticipated projects in the actor’s growing filmography.

Adding to the excitement, actor Varun Sharma will reportedly be seen playing a negative role for the very first time in his career. Known largely for his comic timing and light-hearted performances, Varun’s shift into the antagonist space has already sparked curiosity among audiences and industry insiders alike. His face-off with Veer is expected to become one of the major highlights of the film.

 

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Naam - To Live Is War will mark Veer Pahariya’s third film. He made his debut with Sky Force, starring Akshay Kumar and Sara Ali Khan.

Also Read: Veer Pahariya shares a holiday dump from Kashmir, from the stillness of Dal Lake to the wide open sky of the valley



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Sunday, June 14, 2026

OPINION: Everyone’s talking about Alpha and that might just be the BEST thing to happen to Bollywood

Ever since the teaser of Alpha, starring Alia Bhatt and Sharvari, dropped online, it has become one of the most discussed Hindi films on social media. The reactions have been sharply divided. Some have applauded the makers for placing two women at the forefront of a slick action spectacle, while others have questioned whether Bollywood is ready for such a film. But perhaps that's precisely the point.

Whether the conversation is positive or critical, Alpha has managed to achieve something that many films struggle to do today—it has made people curious. In an era where indifference is a bigger threat than criticism, that is already a victory. More importantly, Alpha represents something Bollywood desperately needs: the courage to attempt something different.

For the Hindi film industry to thrive, it cannot survive on just one or two winning formulas. Every time a particular genre clicks, there's a temptation to flood theatres with similar films. While that may deliver occasional blockbusters, it rarely builds a healthy theatrical ecosystem. An industry as large as Bollywood needs variety to sustain itself. That is precisely why the trade is closely watching Alpha.

At its core, the film appears to be Bollywood's answer to the kind of high-octane, popcorn entertainers that franchises like Fast & Furious have mastered—stylish action, larger-than-life set pieces, adrenaline-pumping moments and pure theatrical entertainment. But unlike those films, Alpha brings a refreshing twist by placing women at the centre of the spectacle.

Will that translate into box office success? Nobody knows. But the attempt itself deserves appreciation.

The theatrical business has always flourished because it offered audiences choice. Family entertainers, romantic dramas, thrillers, comedies, horror films, historical epics, action spectacles and slice-of-life stories have all contributed to keeping cinema halls alive. When every Friday offers something different, audiences have a reason to keep coming back.

If every major release starts looking and feeling the same, theatre-going inevitably loses its excitement. That is why Alpha matters.

The film isn't merely introducing another action story. It is testing whether audiences are willing to embrace a commercial action entertainer led by women without treating it as a novelty. Alia Bhatt plays an assassin in a fictional, larger-than-life universe. Whether the execution works remains to be seen, but the premise certainly feels fresh within mainstream Hindi cinema. And freshness is exactly what Bollywood requires.

No film is a safe bet anymore. We've seen massive stars deliver underperformers, while modest films have emerged as surprise blockbusters. The traditional rules of box office success have become increasingly unpredictable. In such an environment, playing it safe isn't necessarily the safer option. Taking calculated creative risks may actually be the smarter business decision.

Credit must therefore go to Yash Raj Films for backing a project that doesn't simply recycle an already successful formula. Even if Alpha doesn't rewrite the rulebook overnight, it expands the industry's creative ambitions. Every film that challenges convention makes it easier for the next filmmaker to push boundaries even further.

History has repeatedly shown that today's risky idea often becomes tomorrow's accepted norm.

Audiences, too, have consistently rewarded novelty provided it comes wrapped in compelling storytelling and solid entertainment. They don't reject fresh ideas; they reject films that fail to engage them. Ultimately, that's what Alpha will be judged on. The online debate will continue. Opinions will remain divided. Social media will dissect every frame. But perhaps the biggest takeaway is that Bollywood is attempting something outside its comfort zone and that's something the industry should never stop doing.

The verdict, of course, will arrive only when audiences buy their tickets. We'll have the answer on July 3, when Alpha releases worldwide, exclusively in cinemas.

Also Read: BREAKING: Alpha’s songs ‘Haniya Ve’, ‘Massacre’ and ‘Champagne’ passed by CBFC



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Kala Hiran row: Govind Namdev distances himself from film targeting Salman Khan; accuses producers of misleading him

Veteran actor Govind Namdev has publicly distanced himself from the controversial film Kala Hiran: The Battle for Legacy, claiming that he was misled about the nature of the project and would never have agreed to be associated with it had he known its actual premise. Speaking to Amar Ujala, the actor said he initially believed he was working on a film titled Sambhal. He later learned that another project titled Kala Hiran was being made, but was told that it would focus only on courtroom proceedings related to Salman Khan's blackbuck case.

Recalling his reaction after watching the teaser, Namdev said, "As soon as I watched the trailer, I was shaken to the core. I instantly understood that the project is completely different from what I was shot for. We were never told that a character resembling Salman Khan would be created and misrepresented in this manner in the film. The moment I saw the trailer, I felt like I had been kept in the dark and used. There is a world of difference between what I was told and what has actually been made."

The 71-year-old actor further explained that he had no knowledge of the storyline when he initially joined the project. "I was told that we were making a film named Sambhal. At that time, I had absolutely no idea that the story would later take a completely different direction," he said.

Namdev added that the filmmakers had assured him that his role was limited to a courtroom sequence based on documented legal proceedings. "I was informed that there is only a long courtroom scene, and that is all I had to do. It was also mentioned that nothing new was being added from our end. We were only supposed to show the audience what had happened in court. I felt that if only the things recorded on file were being shown, then there was nothing wrong with it, which is why I said yes," he stated.

The veteran actor also made it clear that he shares a cordial relationship with Salman Khan and would never knowingly participate in a project aimed at tarnishing the actor's image. He further clarified that he does not identify with any narrative linked to the Bishnoi community or gang references surrounding the case. "I cannot consider any Bishnoi gang as my ideal. I cannot even think of such a thing. I believed that I was only performing the courtroom portion. However, what has come to light now has made me uncomfortable as well," Namdev concluded.

The film has been at the center of a growing controversy due to its apparent similarities to Salman Khan and the 1998 blackbuck poaching case. While the makers have described the project as a work of fiction, the recently released teaser features a character named Ayaan Khan, portrayed by Kashif Iqbal Khan, whose appearance, mannerisms, clothing style, and accessories closely resemble those of the Bollywood superstar.

The controversy escalated further after Salman Khan and his legal team approached the Delhi High Court seeking an immediate and permanent stay on the film’s production, promotion, and release. The actor's team has argued that the film violates his personality and publicity rights while allegedly damaging his reputation by portraying an ongoing legal matter in a misleading manner. The court has since issued notices to the filmmakers seeking their response.

Also Read: Delhi High Court issues notices to ‘Kala Hiran’ makers after Salman Khan moves court over personality rights



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Saturday, June 13, 2026

CBFC censors ‘sex’ and ‘f**k’ in Steven Spielberg’s Disclosure Day

On June 10, Bollywood Hungama reported that the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) sprang a pleasant surprise by passing three crucial films of the week with zero cuts – Bharat Bhhagya Viddhaata, Haunted – Echoes Of The Past and Backrooms. However, the sole exception was Disclosure Day. The film received its censor certificate at the eleventh hour and was required to make a few cuts.

In a dialogue in the first act, the word ‘sex’ was muted. It occurs in the scene where Daniel Kellner (Josh O'Connor) learns that his girlfriend, Jane (Eve Hewson), was a nun. When asked whether she still follows the same religious commitments, Jane replies in the negative, pointing out that they’ve already had sex. It is in this dialogue that the CBFC made a change.

The other word that got muted was ‘f**k’, and it occurred twice in the film. Once these changes were made, Disclosure Day was passed with a U/A 13+ certificate on June 11. The length of the film, as mentioned on the censor certificate, was 145 minutes and 36 seconds. In other words, Disclosure Day is 2 hours, 25 minutes and 36 seconds long.

Disclosure Day is directed by Steven Spielberg, who reunites with screenwriter David Koepp. Both had earlier collaborated on Jurassic Park (1993), The Lost World: Jurassic Park (1997), War Of The Worlds (2005) and Indiana Jones And The Kingdom Of The Crystal Skull (2008). This is also legendary composer John Williams’s 30th film with the popular filmmaker.

Disclosure Day stars Emily Blunt, Josh O'Connor, Colin Firth, Colman Domingo and Eve Hewson. It tells the story of a small-time Kansas City reporter and cybersecurity specialist, Daniel Kellner. Both don’t seem to know the other, but they meet under mysterious circumstances while the world is in chaos.

The sci-fi film opened at 27.6 million USD worldwide and is expected to have a weekend of around 94 million USD. In India, it opened in the range of Rs. 1.75 crores and Rs. 2 crores. The start is fair considering the niche genre and the competition from new and holdover releases.

Also Read: Steven Spielberg reveals the 20-minute finale of Disclosure Day will “bring everyone to a united epiphany about what has been happening in the world”



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BREAKING: Cocktail 2 passed with ‘A’ certificate; marks Kriti Sanon’s FIRST adult-rated film and Rashmika Mandanna’s second after Animal

The next two weeks are expected to be exciting for the film industry, with two keenly-awaited films gearing up for release – Cocktail 2 and Welcome To The Jungle. The former, starring Shahid Kapoor, Kriti Sanon and Rashmika Mandanna, is all set to arrive in cinemas on Friday, June 19, and has already generated tremendous buzz due to its franchise value, chartbuster music, youthful appeal and fresh casting.

The advance booking of Cocktail 2 opened at the stroke of midnight on June 14 and it has now come to light that the romcom has been passed by the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) with an ‘A’ certificate. Moreover, the film’s runtime is said to be 150 minutes. In other words, Cocktail 2 is 2 hours and 30 minutes long.

With this, Cocktail 2 becomes the first-ever adult-rated film of Kriti Sanon’s 12-year career. For Rashmika Mandanna, it marks her second ‘A’-rated Hindi film after the blockbuster Animal (2023). As for Shahid Kapoor, this is the fifth adult-rated film of his career after Kaminey (2009), Udta Punjab (2016), Kabir Singh (2019) and O'Romeo (2026). Interestingly, O'Romeo was also his last release, which means that for the first time in his career, Shahid will have two consecutive adult-rated films.

Cocktail's first part, which released in 2012, starred Saif Ali Khan, Deepika Padukone and debutante Diana Penty. Like Cocktail 2, it was directed by Homi Adajania and produced by Dinesh Vijan’s Maddock Films. However, unlike the sequel, the first installment had received a U/A certificate from the CBFC. It had a runtime of 146 minutes, and hence, it was four minutes shorter than Cocktail 2.

Also Read: Shahid Kapoor opens up about his role in Cocktail 2: “After very long I’m playing an extremely likeable, warm and endearing character”



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Governor introduces Buy 1 Get 1 Ticket offer as Manoj Bajpayee starrer continues its theatrical run

The makers of Governor have announced a special Buy 1 Get 1 Free ticket offer for moviegoers as the Manoj Bajpayee-led drama continues its run in cinemas. The film, which released on June 12, is inspired by the events surrounding India’s 1991 financial crisis and focuses on the journey of an individual whose contributions played a key role during a crucial period in the country’s economic history.

Sharing the update on social media, the makers revealed that audiences can avail of the offer through BookMyShow by using the code ‘GOVERNOR’. Announcing the initiative, they wrote, “Witness the story behind India's turning point. BUY 1 AND GET 1 Use code GOVERNOR on BookMyShow. GOVERNOR, in cinemas now.”

Directed by Chinmay Mandlekar and backed by producer Vipul Amrutlal Shah, Governor features Manoj Bajpayee in the lead role. The film attempts to revisit a defining chapter in India’s economic journey, bringing to the screen the challenges, decisions, and circumstances that shaped the nation during a period of financial uncertainty.

 

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Since its release, the film has sparked conversations among viewers interested in political and economic dramas. While audience reactions have varied, many have highlighted the film’s subject matter and its effort to explore a lesser-known chapter of contemporary Indian history. The makers are now looking to attract a wider section of moviegoers through the newly announced ticket offer.

The film is produced under the banner of Sunshine Pictures and has been co-produced by Aashin A. Shah. The screenplay has been written by Suvendu Bhattacharyjee, Saurabh Bharat, Ravi Asrani, and Vipul Amrutlal Shah.

Apart from its historical backdrop, Governor also features music by Amit Trivedi, with lyrics penned by veteran lyricist Javed Akhtar. The film combines elements of drama and history while attempting to present the events leading up to one of the most significant economic turning points in modern India.

With the weekend underway, the makers are hoping that the promotional offer will encourage more viewers to experience the film on the big screen. Governor is currently playing in theatres across the country.

Also Read: EXCLUSIVE: Makers of Governor to host exclusive screening for CAs and families



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Mumbai's Regal cinema replaces Bharat Bhhagya Viddhaata, Main Vaapas Aaunga with Obsession; sleeper BLOCKBUSTER is the BEST performing film, beating new releases; makes an entry into mass-appealing theaters

There have been numerous releases this week and yet Obsession continues to remain rock-solid. The film entered its third week yesterday, on June 12, and collected Rs. 3.50 crores. This is higher than what it had collected on its second Friday – Rs. 3.30 crores. Hence, there’s a possibility that after collecting more in Week 2 than in Week 1, Obsession might collect more in its third week than in its second week. Moreover, the figure of Rs. 3.50 crores is higher than the collections of new releases like Haunted – Echoes Of The Past, Main Vaapas Aaunga, Bharat Bhhagya Viddhaata, Governor, Disclosure Day and Backrooms. Haunted – Echoes Of The Past has surprised the trade by collecting Rs. 2.72 crores, but it’s still short of Obsession’s 15th-day collection.

Realizing that the film continues to attract considerable footfalls, theatres are adding its shows. Mumbai’s iconic single screen, Regal, began playing Obsession for the first time since its release from June 12 at 1:30 pm and 9:45 pm. It had allotted a show of Main Vaapas Aaunga at 4:00 pm and Bharat Bhhagya Viddhaata at 7:15 pm. But from Saturday, it is playing Obsession in all four shows, possibly as the Hindi releases didn’t get the desired footfalls.

Meanwhile, Obsession also began playing in theatres like Mukta A2 Sun City, New Excelsior and Gold Santacruz from June 12. A trade expert explained, “These are not cinemas where niche Hollywood films are released, that too in the English version. But then, Obsession is no longer niche. The word has spread and people want to check it out, including a section of the masses.”

The expert also said, “These theatres have reasonably priced tickets, even on weekends, and hence, viewers will now get a chance to see the film without burning a hole in their pocket.”

Regal is selling tickets of Obsession for just Rs. 150, Rs. 200 and Rs. 250. In Sun City, while the morning show is priced at just Rs. 130, the night show tickets are available for Rs. 220 and Rs. 250. In Gold Santacruz, one needs to spend a mere Rs. 150 and in New Excelsior, one needs to shell out only Rs. 200 to buy a ticket for the film.

Obsession collected Rs. 18.55 crores in Week 1 and Rs. 31.28 crores in its second week. It crossed the Rs. 50 crore mark on Friday and hence, its 15-day collections stand at Rs. 53.33 crores. If the film continues to remain steady this week and the next, it has the chance of entering the Rs. 100 crore club.

Also Read: Kangana Ranaut reveals Mukesh Chhabra messaged her 10 times for Bharat Bhhagya Viddhaata; calls him a ‘gateway’ for new talent



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