Sayani Gupta to make U.S. feature film debut with Arya

Indian actor Sayani Gupta is set to make her U.S. feature film debut with Arya, an upcoming independent film written and directed by Neil Tuli. The project is currently being filmed in Duluth, Minnesota, with principal photography underway.

Gupta will play the titular character, Arya Sinha, a disciplined piano teacher who has trained at a prestigious Indian conservatory. According to the film’s synopsis, Arya reluctantly travels to northern Minnesota after taking up an assignment to help revive a struggling school band programme. While pursuing the opportunity, she also hopes to advance her career ambitions in India.

However, Arya’s new surroundings prove to be far different from what she is accustomed to. As she struggles to adjust to the unfamiliar and chaotic environment, she is forced to reconsider her tightly controlled approach to life. The story follows her journey as she confronts insecurities she has kept hidden and begins to develop a different understanding of what success means to her.

Gupta is known for her work in films and series including Delhi Crime, Axone, Parched and The Hungry. Her breakout performance came in Shonali Bose’s Margarita with a Straw, in which she played a blind Pakistani-Bangladeshi queer student activist. The film premiered at the Toronto International Film Festival in 2014.

She later received an International Indian Film Academy Award nomination for her performance in the Hindi socio-political drama Article 15, which is currently streaming on Netflix.

For Tuli, Arya marks his feature directorial debut. He has previously worked in strategy roles at Netflix and Illumination. The film is being produced through his banner American Haathi, along with Pallavi and Keertana Sastry of Adda G Productions, known for Land of Gold.

Apart from acting, Gupta has also explored filmmaking, having written, directed and produced the short film Aasmani. She is also serving as an executive producer on Arya, adding another role to her involvement in the project.

Also Read : Bejoy Nambiar-backed Duet, starring Sidhant Gupta and directed by Sheetal Menon, becomes first short film to release on Spotify

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EXCLUSIVE: Wamiqa Gabbi joins Rishab Shetty in Prasanth Varma’s Jai Hanuman

2026 is turning out to be a great year for Wamiqa Gabbi. The Jubilee actress kicked off the year with the box-office success of Akshay Kumar and Priyadarshan’s Bhooth Bangla, followed it up with Pati, Patni Aur Woh Do, and is now earning acclaim for her performance as Chandra in her recently released Tamil film, DC: The Bloody Valentine. Her “acche din” are set to continue, as she has now bagged possibly the biggest film of her career.

Bollywood Hungama has exclusively learned that Wamiqa Gabbi has been signed on for Rishab Shetty’s upcoming pan-India mythological epic, Jai Hanuman. She will play a prominent and powerful character in the Prasanth Varma directorial, though details about her role are being kept under wraps. The actress is said to be excited about stepping into the immersive world of mythology, action and devotion, and will soon join the film’s Hyderabad schedule.

Jai Hanuman is the much-awaited sequel to Prasanth Varma’s 2024 blockbuster Hanu-Man, which starred Teja Sajja as a petty thief who discovers Hanuman-like powers. Rishab Shetty, who emerged as a pan-India star following the phenomenal success of the Kantara franchise, takes over as the lead in the sequel and will essay the role of Lord Hanuman. The film is described as a high-octane action epic set in Kaliyug that celebrates Hanuman’s unshakable devotion, loyalty and timeless strength while presenting him as an immortal spirit.

Produced by Mythri Movie Makers and presented by T-Series, Jai Hanuman expands the Prasanth Varma Cinematic Universe (PVCU), a superhero universe drawing profound inspiration from the sacred tapestry of Indian history. Other upcoming films under the PVCU include Mahakali, centred on Goddess Kali, and Adhira, based on Lord Indra. The film went on floors in March, and shooting has since been progressing at a brisk pace, with a mega theatrical release planned for the second half of 2027.

Meanwhile, Wamiqa has several exciting projects lined up. She will next be seen alongside Rajkummar Rao in Maddock Films’ Prahaar, set to release in September, and will follow it up with Adivi Sesh’s action thriller Goodachari 2 later this year. Her upcoming slate also includes Dil Ka Darwaza Khol Na Darling with Siddhant Chaturvedi, Genie with Ravi Mohan, and Dharma Productions’ Kuku Ki Kundali, co-starring Bhuvan Bam.

Also Read: Wamiqa Gabbi says brother Puran Gabbi earned Awarapan 2 on his own merit in an emotional post after the trailer release

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BREAKING: EXCLUSIVE footage of Ramayana to be screened at Big Cine Expo 2026, Chennai; Rakesh Roshan to receive Special Achievement Award

An exhibition called Big Cine Expo is held every year where theatre owners, design consultants, equipment manufacturers, system integrators, project management professionals, and industry stakeholders come together to celebrate cinema and the exhibition sector. One major highlight of the expo is the presentation of exclusive footage from an upcoming film. And at this year’s edition of Big Cine Expo, attendees will get a chance to watch exclusive glimpses of arguably the most awaited film of the year – Ramayana! The period epic stars Ranbir Kapoor, Yash, Sunny Deol, Sai Pallavi, Ravie Dubey, Rakul Preet Singh, Lara Dutta and others.

The Big Cine Expo 2026 will be held on August 18 and 19 in Chennai, and the Ramayana glimpse preview will take place on the first day. Attendees will be strictly prohibited from using their mobile phones or recording any part of the presentation. This is because the team will showcase visuals from the film that have not yet been revealed to the public. Members of the organizing team will also be stationed inside the screening area to ensure that no one records the footage or clicks any pictures or videos during the presentation.

However, the film’s actors, director Nitesh Tiwari and producer Namit Malhotra, will not be present at the Big Cine Expo. Instead, Parminder Chadda, Technical Head at Prime Focus, will present the exclusive Ramayana footage.

In the 2024 edition of Big Cine Expo, Atlee shared exclusive glimpses of the Varun Dhawan-starrer Baby John (2024). A year before that, Boney Kapoor showed some scenes from his acclaimed film Maidaan (2024), while in 2022, exciting scenes from the Ranbir Kapoor-Alia Bhatt starrer Brahmastra (2022) were shown to the attendees.

Big honours at IMAX Big Cine Awards

On the same day, August 18, the IMAX Big Cine Awards 2026 will also take place. Blockbuster filmmaker Rakesh Roshan will be felicitated with the Special Achievement Award. Meanwhile, Roopbani Cinema in Purnia, Bihar, run by Vishek Chauhan, will be honoured with the Best Single-Screen Theatre of the Year Award. Vishek Chauhan is well-known in industry circles for his no-holds-barred and headline-grabbing views on cinema exhibition and the box office, and has also recently turned author.

Roopbani Cinema will share the honour with Mukta A2 Bharatmata in Lalbaug, Mumbai. The heritage single-screen theatre, which has been an important destination for Marathi and regional cinema since 1941, remained shut for a few years before reopening earlier this year on March 24. The revamped theatre now boasts Dolby Surround Sound, 2K laser projection and upgraded seating options, including recliners and sofas.

AMB Cinemas, City Pride, Roongta Cinemas, Rajhans Cinemas, Connplex Cinemas, Starline Cinemas and several other cinemas and exhibition chains will also be honoured across various categories at the awards.

Also Read: Nagarjuna praises Ramayana: Part 1 trailer; says, “I really liked Yash and Ranbir Kapoor”

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Excel Entertainment turns 25: Farhan Akhtar, Ritesh Sidhwani announce Excel Origins to back filmmakers under 30

As Excel Entertainment marks 25 years in the Hindi film industry, co-founders Ritesh Sidhwani and Farhan Akhtar have announced Excel Origins, an initiative aimed at discovering and supporting a new generation of filmmakers.

Sidhwani and Akhtar announced the initiative through their social media posts, looking back at the journey that began with Dil Chahta Hai. The 2001 film, which marked Farhan Akhtar’s directorial debut, went on to become an influential coming-of-age film and established Excel Entertainment’s interest in backing fresh voices.

Reflecting on the company’s beginnings, the duo noted that they were 26 when they started Excel Entertainment. “We didn’t have all the answers but we had an idea we believed in, the courage to take risks and the tenacity to make it happen,” they said.

With Excel Origins, the filmmakers now intend to extend that philosophy to emerging talent. The initiative will focus on filmmakers under 30, with the aim of identifying writers and directors with distinctive voices and supporting them in developing original stories.

The initiative will explore projects across genres and formats, while also creating opportunities for emerging actors and other creative talent.

 

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Looking ahead, Sidhwani and Akhtar said the next 25 years would include “Excel empowering young, aspiring filmmakers with bold ideas and the courage to tell stories differently.”

The initiative, they added, is ultimately about investing in “where cinema goes next.”

Also Read: Excel Entertainment launches Excel Music label with Universal Music Group partnership

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73 year old Director Shakeel Noorani arrested over alleged rape of 33 year old actor in Mumbai

Film director Shakeel Noorani, 73, has been arrested in Mumbai following a complaint filed by a 33-year-old actor, who has alleged that she was raped after being called to his residence in Malwani. According to the police complaint, Noorani allegedly invited the actor to his house on the pretext of discussing an upcoming film project.

The actor has alleged that after she reached the director's residence, she was allegedly drugged and sexually assaulted. The complaint further states that Noorani allegedly threatened her following the incident. Police subsequently registered a case based on the actor's allegations and arrested the filmmaker.

Following his arrest, Noorani was produced before the Borivali Holiday Court. The court has reportedly remanded him to police custody until August 12, during which the police are expected to investigate the allegations and gather further evidence in the case.

The allegations are currently part of an ongoing investigation, and the charges against Noorani have not been established in court.

Shakeel Noorani has been associated with Hindi cinema as a writer, producer and director. He is known for films including Bade Dilwala, released in 1999, and Joru Ka Ghulam, which came out in 2000.

The latest case has brought the veteran filmmaker into the spotlight as Mumbai Police continue their investigation into the actor's allegations. Further details regarding the case are expected to emerge as the investigation progresses and the police record statements and examine other evidence connected to the complaint.

Noorani's police custody is scheduled to continue until August 12, following which he is expected to be produced before the court again. The investigation will determine the circumstances surrounding the allegations and the events that allegedly took place at his Malwani residence.

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Manoj Bajpayee’s Governor tops Prime Video India charts after leading rental rankings

Manoj Bajpayee’s latest film, Governor, has reached the No. 1 spot on Prime Video’s overall movie trending charts in India following its move from the rental service to regular streaming. The film, backed by Sunshine Pictures and produced by Vipul Amrutlal Shah, is based on the 1991 financial crisis and explores the story of an unsung figure whose decisions played an important role during the period of economic uncertainty.

Directed by Chinmay Mandlekar, Governor first released in theatres, where it drew attention for its subject and realistic portrayal of a significant chapter in India’s economic history. Following its theatrical run, the film made its digital debut on Prime Video’s rental service before becoming available for regular streaming to subscribers in India.

During its initial OTT release, Governor climbed to the top of Prime Video’s Rent Charts, surpassing several international titles, including Obsession. After becoming available to all Prime Video subscribers, the film continued its digital run by securing the No. 1 position on the platform’s overall movie trending charts in India.

Manoj Bajpayee leads the film, portraying the central character against the backdrop of the 1991 economic crisis. His performance forms an important part of the film’s narrative, with the story focusing on the personal and professional challenges surrounding the historic period. The film combines its economic and political backdrop with a human element, making the events accessible to a wider audience.

The film has been presented by Sunshine Pictures and produced by Vipul Amrutlal Shah, with Aashin A. Shah serving as co-producer. The screenplay has been written by Suvendu Bhattacharjee, Saurabh Bharat, Ravi Asrani, and Vipul Amrutlal Shah.

The film’s music has been composed by Amit Trivedi, while the lyrics have been penned by Javed Akhtar. With its latest achievement on Prime Video India, Governor has continued its digital journey after its theatrical release, reaching audiences across the streaming platform.

Also Read : Governor OTT release: Manoj Bajpayee-led historical drama now on Prime Video

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Siddhant Chaturvedi buys Rs 12.63 crores apartment in Mumbai weeks after buying Rs 13.91 crores apartment in the same building

Siddhant Chaturvedi has reportedly made another major property investment in Mumbai. The actor, along with his mother Meenal Laxman Chaturvedi, has purchased an apartment in Vile Parle West for Rs 12.63 crores. The latest deal comes just weeks after the mother-son duo bought another apartment in the same residential building for Rs 13.91 crores.

According to property registration documents accessed by real estate consultancy firm Liases Foras, the latest transaction was registered on July 31, 2026. The apartment is located on the seventh floor of Namo Krishna, a residential building situated on 10 N S Road in Mumbai’s Vile Parle West.

The newly purchased home has a RERA carpet area of 1,640.63 square feet and a total area of 1,804.67 square feet. The property also includes an automatic robotic car parking space. Siddhant and his mother purchased the apartment from Relcon Infraprojects Ltd and paid Rs 75.76 lakh as stamp duty for the transaction.

The latest purchase is notable because it follows another high-value property deal by the actor in the same building. On June 19, 2026, Siddhant and Meenal purchased an apartment on the sixth floor of Namo Krishna for Rs 13.91 crores. That property has a carpet area of 2,173.87 square feet and a built-up area of 222.24 square metres. The apartment was purchased from Suchita Ramesh Deora through an Agreement for Sale.

With the latest transaction, Siddhant and his mother have collectively spent more than Rs 26.5 crores on two apartments in the same building within less than two months.

Siddhant Chaturvedi began his acting career with the Amazon Prime Video series Inside Edge, in which he played a teenage cricketer from 2017 to 2019. He later made his film debut in a supporting role as a street rapper in the musical drama Gully Boy in 2019. He subsequently moved into lead roles and appeared in projects including the romantic drama Gehraiyaan (2022) and the coming-of-age drama Kho Gaye Hum Kahan (2023), both of which found an audience through streaming platforms.

Also Read : Siddhant Chaturvedi returns as face of Crocs’ Echo franchise for new ‘Let Them Talk’ campaign

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