US vs China over South China Sea: Washington backs Philippines, Beijing hits back

Bigg Boss 20: Isha Rikhi evicted after three weeks in Salman Khan’s show

Musk plans to more than double xAI's chips to over 1.2 million Nvidia GPUs by year-end

After JU, clash erupts at SRFTI: BJP’s ‘Dimagi Naxal’ jibe sparks political firestorm after students protest RSS-linked event

‘Anti-social elements spreading false rumours’: LPU issues statement amid massive unrest over alleged rape

LPU students go on rampage, vandalise campus amid widespread protest: What's happening

Trump asked Xi to pressure Iran. China did not say yes — here’s what Beijing wants

US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent hails global crackdown on Iranian banks and airlines

An OpenAI agent escaped its locked test cage again, by hiding questions in DNS lookups

'Our video was trimmed': LPU girls who featured in rape-denial video make U-turn

3 males killed, four others injured in shooting after fight at strip club in Detroit

'Victory for low-budget consumers': Raghav Chadha hails 30-day telecom recharge rules

Claude rebuilt the 1989 game 'Prince of Persia' by reusing the original's own code

Beyond metros: How Tier-2 and Tier-3 cities could drive India’s next AI wave

Tesla builds first Cybertruck with its own refined lithium: Elon Musk's $1 billion Texas bet pays off

IndiGo flight suffers tail strike in Bengaluru while landing; DGCA to probe incident

The US and China set up an AI 'red telephone', but skipped the rulebook

‘Terror suspects arrested near UK air base were looking to do big damage’: Trump

Russian envoy claims US tactics to contain India were revealed in ‘Freudian slip’

IND vs WI 1st ODI: Kohli breaks Sachin's most runs in one country record with unbeaten 139 as India thump West Indies by 8 wickets

Researchers rebuilt exactly how 700 AI agents hacked Hugging Face: a 900-link chain trick

‘Olympic inclusion is our major target’: WPA President Ishaun Singh on pool’s global ambitions

Nations League: Spain sink England at Wembley; Modric shines for Croatia

Why has Iran released no proof of life of Mojtaba Khamenei? Araghchi reveals...

'What kind of confession is this?': Pakistan PM Shehbaz Sharif’s 'terrorists would be roaming New York' remark goes viral, raises alarm online. Watch

South Korea demands apology from Ukraine over North Korean prisoners' transfer

Beyond BrahMos: India targets Rs 50,000 crore in defence exports with unmatched price edge

Sri Lankan Tamil migrant worker gets death sentence in Saudi Arabia, help sought from India

Muslim marriage cannot shield sex with minor wife from prosecution under POCSO: Delhi HC

'Can't help but draw painful parallels to Nirbhaya case': SC on latest incidents of rape cases in Delhi-NCR

99.9% more powerful - Scientists find boy who can recall memories from just 3 months of age

'FIRST LOOK from inside Noah’s Ark': Researchers share video from inside mysterious mound in Turkey

UNSC reform momentum grows: Russia, Portugal, Mauritius push for India's permanent seat bid

8 US marines injured in Iranian missile attack on vessel in Strait of Hormuz: Report

New OTT releases this week (September 28-October 4, 2026): Dupahiya 2, Pooja Meri Jaan, Ohh My Dog- 5 titles coming on Netflix, Prime Video and more

Afghanistan says 28 fighters killed in clash near Pakistan border, Islamabad denies

Ceuta migrant crisis: Protesters take to streets as Spain grapples with migrant challenge

LPU suspend classes, postpones exams as violence escalates over rape claims: What's happening

New York City wants a 'kill switch' on every AI, and will pay whistleblowers who report violations

India is gearing up to celebrate its 80th Independence Day, and for cinema lovers, we've curated a list of movies that audiences loved back in 1947. Scroll down to take a look.

<p>India is gearing up to celebrate its 80th Independence Day, and for cinema lovers, we've curated a list of movies that audiences loved back in 1947. Scroll down to take a look.</p>

Cinema in 1947: The films Indians watched the year freedom arrived

<p>India’s independence from British rule came at a price. As the British left India, they ravaged and divided the country - emotionally, based on religion and geographically. The happiness of independence was far less on 15 August 1947, as so many families were destroyed; people were separated from their loved ones, their homes, and their motherland. The Partition led to the birth of Pakistan but also to a great Hindu-Muslim divide, an enmity that continues to this day between the two countries. Bollywood has made innumerable stories on India’s Independence and the partition. Most have narrated stories of brutality and riots that preceded partition. Filmmaker Rajkumar Santoshi’s latest release, Batwara 1947, flips the narrative a bit- telling the story of a Muslim family in Lahore in the aftermath of partition. Santoshi teams up with Sunny Deol, with whom he has delivered iconic films like Damini, Ghatak and more. Deol and Santoshi collaborate after decades, making Batwara 1947 special. The film also features Shabana Azmi, marks Preity Zinta’s comeback to Bollywood after a long time and has Aamir Khan as the producer. With such impressive names attached to the project, expectations are bound to be high for Batwara 1947. So, does it deliver? Let’s find out.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><h2>The Plot of Batwara 1947</h2><p>Sunny Deol plays Sikandar Mirza, a Meerut businessman who is forced to move to Lahore during partition after being targetted by Hindu rioters. 2 months later, he is allotted a huge haveli in the heart of Lahore when he moves in with wife Hamida (Preity Zinta) and daughter Tanno, only to discover that the house is not completely vacant but a certain Durgavati Johri (Shabana Azmi) still lives in the upper story, waiting for her son to come and fetch her. She refuses to vacate the house, despite the family’s repeated request. Instead, she wants to co-inhabit and wait till her son arrives.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>New to Lahore, Sikandar has plenty of troubles. His son Javed (Karan Deol) and the rest of the family are missing. He is unable to find a space to restart his business, and local goon/councillor Yaqub (Abhimanyu Singh) has eyes on the giant haveli. Durgavati’s refusal to leave the premises only adds more to Sikander’s woes.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p><strong>Also read: </strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/bollywood/father-s-film-on-15-august-1947-son-s-film-in-2026-can-you-guess-this-father-son-duo-p-l-santoshi-rajkumar-santoshi-1786621563652"><strong>Did You Know? Batwara 1947 director Rajkumar Santoshi's father made India's first film after Independence</strong></a></p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>Yaqub is also a fanatic who wants to get rid of the neighbourhood’s Hindu past, and as soon as he realises that a Hindu woman is still in a Muslim-dominated Pakistan, he wants her out at any cost. But with time, the Mirzas get used to Durga’s presence in the family. Having lost his mother at a young age, Sikander eventually warms up to Durga, and then is willing to fight the world to keep her at his home. But amid tensions and hostility, including some from his son Javed, will he be able to keep her at his new home?</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p><strong>Also read: </strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/bollywood/awarapan-2-vs-batwara-1947-which-film-is-leading-the-advance-booking-battle-1786634460471"><strong>Awarapan 2 vs Batwara 1947: Which film is leading the advance booking battle?</strong></a></p><h2>What works and what does not</h2><p>Santoshi, along with Asghar Wajahat, writes a film that delivers a very powerful message. ‘Insaniyat se bada koi dharm nahi hota (no religion is greater than humanity). In the polarised world that we live in, Batwara 1947 effectively talks of humanity over religious divides set in the backdrop of partition. Santoshi also extracts the best performances from Sunny Deol, who isn’t a loud, angry, chest-thumping patriot like Tara Singh from Gadar. Sure, even in Batwara, he takes on five or six goons in one go and uproots heavy wooden carts, but Deol’s Sikandar Mirza is a quiet man who doesn’t lose his temper that often. He is kind, generous and always willing to see the point of view of the person in front.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>One of Deol’s finest performances was in Rajkumar Santoshi’s Damini, which fetched him a National Award. Batwara’s Sikandar Mirza is not quite similar, but Deol manages to deliver a fine performance. The other star who stands out is Shabana Azmi. A helpless, vulnerable old woman left behind amid the riots and atrocities- Azmi’s act makes you emotional. Because her off screen persona is well known - that of a confident actor who always speaks her mind- her performance as a starkly different character in Batwara is truly outstanding, reminding us again why she is considered a powerful performer.</p><p>The film has some very defining moments. One has an entire neighbourhood coming together to bid one of its old occupants a final goodbye. A scene featuring Ali Fazal and Karan Deol sitting and discussing the Hindu-Muslim divide, where a man calls the Hindu’s rioters and violent, to which Fazal asks, ‘And what are we doing?” is special.</p><p>&nbsp;</p>

<p>&nbsp;</p><p>Another scene has Sunny Deol declaring that Islam does not teach us to break temples is a very loaded sentence, particularly for the times we live in.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>While Batwara 1947 has its heart in the right place, it is still flawed. Apart from Deol and Azmi, most performances are very theatrical. Preity Zinta seems to be still stuck in the Veer Zara phase. Come rain or sunshine, or even a mob breaking the door, she is seen running every time with one arm stretched out, as her dupatta cascades down the stairs. Karan Deol needs to work on his dialogue delivery, and Abhimanyu Singh hams through his part.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>The screenplay is adapted from an acclaimed play, Jis Lahore Nai Vekhya, O Jamya E Nai, and it shows. Certain scenes can easily be visualised on stage and are not necessarily written for a film. The editing is too patchy, and the narrative is slightly dull.</p><h2>Final Verdict</h2><p>Coming on the heels of Imtiaz Ali’s <i>Mani Vaapas Aaunga</i>—which laid bare the raw, impartial tragedy of Partition—<i>Batwaara 1947</i> delivers a sharp, defiant plea for secularism.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>At its core is a Muslim man standing alone against his own community to shield a Hindu woman. The film could have probed deeper into the staggering human tragedy of the era, which it doesn't, but it reiterates that there is no greater religion than human good. Unlike partition films, this story is not as impactful as it ideally sets out to be, but it has its moments.&nbsp;</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/bollywood/the-play-about-lahore-that-pakistan-banned-is-now-sunny-deol-s-baatwara-1947-1786600842498">The play about Lahore that Pakistan banned is now Sunny Deol’s Batwara 1947</a></p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>Against all odds, Batwara 1947 champions tolerance when it matters most. Arriving right on India’s 80th Independence Day, it offers an essential, heartwarming reminder that humanity must always triumph over religious divides.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>Batwara 1947 is now in theatres.</p>

Batwara 1947 is a timely reminder about the secular fabric of India. Set against the backdrop of partition, Rajkumar Santoshi's film delivers a sharp message on communal harmony and has Shabana Azmi delivering a class act. 

India’s independence from British rule came at a price. As the British left India, they ravaged and divided the country - emotionally, based on religion and geographically. The happiness of independence was far less on 15 August 1947, as so many families were destroyed; people were separated from their loved ones, their homes, and their motherland. The Partition led to the birth of Pakistan but also to a great Hindu-Muslim divide, an enmity that continues to this day between the two countries. Bollywood has made innumerable stories on India’s Independence and the partition. Most have narrated stories of brutality and riots that preceded partition. Filmmaker Rajkumar Santoshi’s latest release, Batwara 1947, flips the narrative a bit- telling the story of a Muslim family in Lahore in the aftermath of partition. Santoshi teams up with Sunny Deol, with whom he has delivered iconic films like Damini, Ghatak and more. Deol and Santoshi collaborate after decades, making Batwara 1947 special. The film also features Shabana Azmi, marks Preity Zinta’s comeback to Bollywood after a long time and has Aamir Khan as the producer. With such impressive names attached to the project, expectations are bound to be high for Batwara 1947. So, does it deliver? Let’s find out. The Plot of Batwara 1947 Sunny Deol plays Sikandar Mirza, a Meerut businessman who is forced to move to Lahore during partition after being targetted by Hindu rioters. 2 months later, he is allotted a huge haveli in the heart of Lahore when he moves in with wife Hamida (Preity Zinta) and daughter Tanno, only to discover that the house is not completely vacant but a certain Durgavati Johri (Shabana Azmi) still lives in the upper story, waiting for her son to come and fetch her. She refuses to vacate the house, despite the family’s repeated request. Instead, she wants to co-inhabit and wait till her son arrives. New to Lahore, Sikandar has plenty of troubles. His son Javed (Karan Deol) and the rest of the family are missing. He is unable to find a space to restart his business, and local goon/councillor Yaqub (Abhimanyu Singh) has eyes on the giant haveli. Durgavati’s refusal to leave the premises only adds more to Sikander’s woes. Also read: Did You Know? Batwara 1947 director Rajkumar Santoshi's father made India's first film after Independence Yaqub is also a fanatic who wants to get rid of the neighbourhood’s Hindu past, and as soon as he realises that a Hindu woman is still in a Muslim-dominated Pakistan, he wants her out at any cost. But with time, the Mirzas get used to Durga’s presence in the family. Having lost his mother at a young age, Sikander eventually warms up to Durga, and then is willing to fight the world to keep her at his home. But amid tensions and hostility, including some from his son Javed, will he be able to keep her at his new home? Also read: Awarapan 2 vs Batwara 1947: Which film is leading the advance booking battle? What works and what does not Santoshi, along with Asghar Wajahat, writes a film that delivers a very powerful message. ‘Insaniyat se bada koi dharm nahi hota (no religion is greater than humanity). In the polarised world that we live in, Batwara 1947 effectively talks of humanity over religious divides set in the backdrop of partition. Santoshi also extracts the best performances from Sunny Deol, who isn’t a loud, angry, chest-thumping patriot like Tara Singh from Gadar. Sure, even in Batwara, he takes on five or six goons in one go and uproots heavy wooden carts, but Deol’s Sikandar Mirza is a quiet man who doesn’t lose his temper that often. He is kind, generous and always willing to see the point of view of the person in front. One of Deol’s finest performances was in Rajkumar Santoshi’s Damini, which fetched him a National Award. Batwara’s Sikandar Mirza is not quite similar, but Deol manages to deliver a fine performance. The other star who stands out is Shabana Azmi. A helpless, vulnerable old woman left behind amid the riots and atrocities- Azmi’s act makes you emotional. Because her off screen persona is well known - that of a confident actor who always speaks her mind- her performance as a starkly different character in Batwara is truly outstanding, reminding us again why she is considered a powerful performer. The film has some very defining moments. One has an entire neighbourhood coming together to bid one of its old occupants a final goodbye. A scene featuring Ali Fazal and Karan Deol sitting and discussing the Hindu-Muslim divide, where a man calls the Hindu’s rioters and violent, to which Fazal asks, ‘And what are we doing?” is special.

<p>Batwara 1947 is a timely reminder about the secular fabric of India. Set against the backdrop of partition, Rajkumar Santoshi's film delivers a sharp message on communal harmony and has Shabana Azmi delivering a class act.&nbsp;</p>

Batwara 1947 movie review: Sunny Deol, Shabana Azmi's film delivers a powerful message on secularism

From the battlefields of Kargil to the skies guarded by the Indian Air Force, several Bollywood stars have stepped into uniform on screen, portraying soldiers, officers and real-life heroes. Here are some memorable performances. 

<p>From the battlefields of Kargil to the skies guarded by the Indian Air Force, several Bollywood stars have stepped into uniform on screen, portraying soldiers, officers and real-life heroes. Here are some memorable performances.&nbsp;</p>

Independence Day special: Akshay Kumar to SRK, Bollywood stars who played India’s bravehearts

<p>India is celebrating 80 years of independence. And in Bollywood, some stories come full circle. On 15 August 1947, the very day India got its freedom, a film called Shehnai was released. It was one of the first Hindi films of free India. Starring Rehana, Nasir Khan, V.H. Desai and an 18-year-old Kishore Kumar, the musical was directed and written by P.L. Santoshi.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>Interestingly, 80 years down the line, as India prepares to celebrate Independence Day again, Batwara 1947 is set to release. What’s the connection? The film is directed by Rajkumar Santoshi, son of PL Santoshi. A full-circle moment for the Santoshi family.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>Rajkumar Santoshi, the director behind classics like Ghayal, Ghatak, and Damini, is set to release his new film this year. From his father’s first film in independent India to his own film releasing on the Independence Day weekend, the legacy continues.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p><strong>Also read:</strong> <a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/bollywood/did-you-know-this-was-the-first-film-to-release-on-15-august-1947-independence-day-special-1786607534554">Did you know? This was the first film to release on 15 August 1947 | Independence Day special</a></p><h3>Batwara 1947 and Shehnai special 'Santoshi' connection</h3><p>Santoshi is back with actor Sunny Deol after decades, and this time for the movie Batwara 1947. Starring Sunny Deol and Priety Zinta, &nbsp;the movie is based on one of the most famous plays, Jis Lahore Nai Vekhya, O Jamya E Nai. &nbsp;Audiences will now get to experience this story on the big screen. But 80 years ago, it was PL Santoshi’s film that audiences watched and loved. Released on the day India got its freedom, Shehnai ran successfully for over 25 weeks.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>Shehnai wasn’t just a film. It was released at a historic moment. India was free, and audiences were looking for hope and entertainment. Shehnai gave them both. It had songs that went on to become timeless classics and marked the beginning of a new era in Indian cinema. &nbsp;</p>

<blockquote class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-captioned data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/reel/Dbfw4drsD5z/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" data-instgrm-version="14" style=" background:#FFF; border:0; border-radius:3px; box-shadow:0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width:540px; min-width:326px; padding:0; width:99.375%; width:-webkit-calc(100% - 2px); width:calc(100% - 2px);"><div style="padding:16px;"> <a href="https://www.instagram.com/reel/Dbfw4drsD5z/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" style=" background:#FFFFFF; line-height:0; padding:0 0; text-align:center; text-decoration:none; width:100%;" target="_blank"> <div style=" display: flex; flex-direction: row; align-items: center;"> <div style="background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 40px; margin-right: 14px; width: 40px;"></div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center;"> <div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 100px;"></div> <div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 60px;"></div></div></div><div style="padding: 19% 0;"></div> <div style="display:block; height:50px; margin:0 auto 12px; width:50px;"><svg width="50px" height="50px" viewBox="0 0 60 60" version="1.1" xmlns="https://www.w3.org/2000/svg" xmlns:xlink="https://www.w3.org/1999/xlink"><g stroke="none" stroke-width="1" fill="none" fill-rule="evenodd"><g transform="translate(-511.000000, -20.000000)" fill="#000000"><g><path d="M556.869,30.41 C554.814,30.41 553.148,32.076 553.148,34.131 C553.148,36.186 554.814,37.852 556.869,37.852 C558.924,37.852 560.59,36.186 560.59,34.131 C560.59,32.076 558.924,30.41 556.869,30.41 M541,60.657 C535.114,60.657 530.342,55.887 530.342,50 C530.342,44.114 535.114,39.342 541,39.342 C546.887,39.342 551.658,44.114 551.658,50 C551.658,55.887 546.887,60.657 541,60.657 M541,33.886 C532.1,33.886 524.886,41.1 524.886,50 C524.886,58.899 532.1,66.113 541,66.113 C549.9,66.113 557.115,58.899 557.115,50 C557.115,41.1 549.9,33.886 541,33.886 M565.378,62.101 C565.244,65.022 564.756,66.606 564.346,67.663 C563.803,69.06 563.154,70.057 562.106,71.106 C561.058,72.155 560.06,72.803 558.662,73.347 C557.607,73.757 556.021,74.244 553.102,74.378 C549.944,74.521 548.997,74.552 541,74.552 C533.003,74.552 532.056,74.521 528.898,74.378 C525.979,74.244 524.393,73.757 523.338,73.347 C521.94,72.803 520.942,72.155 519.894,71.106 C518.846,70.057 518.197,69.06 517.654,67.663 C517.244,66.606 516.755,65.022 516.623,62.101 C516.479,58.943 516.448,57.996 516.448,50 C516.448,42.003 516.479,41.056 516.623,37.899 C516.755,34.978 517.244,33.391 517.654,32.338 C518.197,30.938 518.846,29.942 519.894,28.894 C520.942,27.846 521.94,27.196 523.338,26.654 C524.393,26.244 525.979,25.756 528.898,25.623 C532.057,25.479 533.004,25.448 541,25.448 C548.997,25.448 549.943,25.479 553.102,25.623 C556.021,25.756 557.607,26.244 558.662,26.654 C560.06,27.196 561.058,27.846 562.106,28.894 C563.154,29.942 563.803,30.938 564.346,32.338 C564.756,33.391 565.244,34.978 565.378,37.899 C565.522,41.056 565.552,42.003 565.552,50 C565.552,57.996 565.522,58.943 565.378,62.101 M570.82,37.631 C570.674,34.438 570.167,32.258 569.425,30.349 C568.659,28.377 567.633,26.702 565.965,25.035 C564.297,23.368 562.623,22.342 560.652,21.575 C558.743,20.834 556.562,20.326 553.369,20.18 C550.169,20.033 549.148,20 541,20 C532.853,20 531.831,20.033 528.631,20.18 C525.438,20.326 523.257,20.834 521.349,21.575 C519.376,22.342 517.703,23.368 516.035,25.035 C514.368,26.702 513.342,28.377 512.574,30.349 C511.834,32.258 511.326,34.438 511.181,37.631 C511.035,40.831 511,41.851 511,50 C511,58.147 511.035,59.17 511.181,62.369 C511.326,65.562 511.834,67.743 512.574,69.651 C513.342,71.625 514.368,73.296 516.035,74.965 C517.703,76.634 519.376,77.658 521.349,78.425 C523.257,79.167 525.438,79.673 528.631,79.82 C531.831,79.965 532.853,80.001 541,80.001 C549.148,80.001 550.169,79.965 553.369,79.82 C556.562,79.673 558.743,79.167 560.652,78.425 C562.623,77.658 564.297,76.634 565.965,74.965 C567.633,73.296 568.659,71.625 569.425,69.651 C570.167,67.743 570.674,65.562 570.82,62.369 C570.966,59.17 571,58.147 571,50 C571,41.851 570.966,40.831 570.82,37.631"></path></g></g></g></svg></div><div style="padding-top: 8px;"> <div style=" color:#3897f0; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:550; line-height:18px;">View this post on Instagram</div></div><div style="padding: 12.5% 0;"></div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; margin-bottom: 14px; align-items: center;"><div> <div style="background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(0px) translateY(7px);"></div> <div style="background-color: #F4F4F4; height: 12.5px; transform: rotate(-45deg) translateX(3px) translateY(1px); width: 12.5px; flex-grow: 0; margin-right: 14px; margin-left: 2px;"></div> <div style="background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(9px) translateY(-18px);"></div></div><div style="margin-left: 8px;"> <div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 20px; width: 20px;"></div> <div style=" width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 2px solid transparent; border-left: 6px solid #f4f4f4; border-bottom: 2px solid transparent; transform: translateX(16px) translateY(-4px) rotate(30deg)"></div></div><div style="margin-left: auto;"> <div style=" width: 0px; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-right: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(16px);"></div> <div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; flex-grow: 0; height: 12px; width: 16px; transform: translateY(-4px);"></div> <div style=" width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-left: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(-4px) translateX(8px);"></div></div></div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center; margin-bottom: 24px;"> <div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 224px;"></div> <div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 144px;"></div></div></a><p style=" color:#c9c8cd; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; line-height:17px; margin-bottom:0; margin-top:8px; overflow:hidden; padding:8px 0 7px; text-align:center; text-overflow:ellipsis; white-space:nowrap;"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/reel/Dbfw4drsD5z/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" style=" color:#c9c8cd; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:normal; line-height:17px; text-decoration:none;" target="_blank">A post shared by Sunny Deol (@iamsunnydeol)</a></p></div></blockquote>
<script async src="//www.instagram.com/embed.js"></script>

<p>Released on 15 August 1947, the movie starring Rehana, Nasir Khan &amp; VH Desai was a musical and had songs that went on to transcend generations. The movie's music was given by C Ramchandra. Oh, and it also had an 18-year-old boy in this film?</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p><strong>Also read:</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/bollywood/the-play-about-lahore-that-pakistan-banned-is-now-sunny-deol-s-baatwara-1947-1786600842498"><strong> </strong>The play about Lahore that Pakistan banned is now Sunny Deol’s Batwara 1947</a></p><p><br>He went on to become Kishore Kumar.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>Rajkumar Santoshi grew up watching cinema evolve. Known for mixing mass entertainment with hard-hitting themes, his films gave us iconic dialogues, unforgettable characters, and, with all this, he won National Awards. Now, in 2026, his Batwara 1947 is set for release, 80 years after his father’s Shehnai was watched on Independence Day. &nbsp;</p><h3>More on Batwara 1947</h3><p>Set to release on Partition Day, August 14, 2026, the movie is based on Professor Asghar Wajahat’s play Jis Lahore Nai Vekhya, O Jamya E Nai. It tells the story of a Muslim family who have to leave their home in Lucknow and shift to Lahore in Pakistan. However, they are allotted a house that belongs to an elderly Hindu woman who refuses to leave after Partition. Amid communal tensions, how the Muslim family saves her forms the rest of the story.</p>

As India marks 80 years of independence, Bollywood sees a full-circle moment. In 1947, P.L. Santoshi’s film Shehnai released on 15 August, the day India gained freedom. 80 years later in 2026, his son Rajkumar Santoshi’s film Batwara 1947 is set to release on Partition day. 

India is celebrating 80 years of independence. And in Bollywood, some stories come full circle. On 15 August 1947, the very day India got its freedom, a film called Shehnai was released. It was one of the first Hindi films of free India. Starring Rehana, Nasir Khan, V.H. Desai and an 18-year-old Kishore Kumar, the musical was directed and written by P.L. Santoshi. Interestingly, 80 years down the line, as India prepares to celebrate Independence Day again, Batwara 1947 is set to release. What’s the connection? The film is directed by Rajkumar Santoshi, son of PL Santoshi. A full-circle moment for the Santoshi family. Rajkumar Santoshi, the director behind classics like Ghayal, Ghatak, and Damini, is set to release his new film this year. From his father’s first film in independent India to his own film releasing on the Independence Day weekend, the legacy continues. Also read: Did you know? This was the first film to release on 15 August 1947 | Independence Day special Batwara 1947 and Shehnai special 'Santoshi' connection Santoshi is back with actor Sunny Deol after decades, and this time for the movie Batwara 1947. Starring Sunny Deol and Priety Zinta, the movie is based on one of the most famous plays, Jis Lahore Nai Vekhya, O Jamya E Nai. Audiences will now get to experience this story on the big screen. But 80 years ago, it was PL Santoshi’s film that audiences watched and loved. Released on the day India got its freedom, Shehnai ran successfully for over 25 weeks. Shehnai wasn’t just a film. It was released at a historic moment. India was free, and audiences were looking for hope and entertainment. Shehnai gave them both. It had songs that went on to become timeless classics and marked the beginning of a new era in Indian cinema.

<p>As India marks 80 years of independence, Bollywood sees a full-circle moment. In 1947, P.L. Santoshi’s film Shehnai released on 15 August, the day India gained freedom. 80 years later in 2026, his son Rajkumar Santoshi’s film Batwara 1947 is set to release on Partition day.&nbsp;</p>

Did You Know? Batwara 1947 director Rajkumar Santoshi's father made India's first film after Independence

<p><strong>Awarapan 2 film review:</strong> For Emraan Hashmi fans, the 2007 <i>Awarapan </i>was iconic and the character Shivam Pandit became inseparable from the actor. Now, almost 19 years later, he is back as a wounded gangster whose journey towards redemption in the original movie ended in sacrifice. Directed by Nitin Kakkar, Awarapan 2 attempts to give another purpose to a man who has already sacrificed himself once but somehow survives.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>While the original film, directed by Mohit Suri, did not become a major box-office success when it was released, its emotional storytelling and soundtrack gradually turned it into a cult favourite. Let's find out if<i> Awarapan 2</i> has managed to live up to the legacy of the first film.</p><h2>The plot of Awarapan 2 movie</h2><p>The film picks up Shivam Pandit's story years after the events of the first film. Still carrying the emotional scars of his past, he visits Aliyah's grave and finds himself questioning why he is still alive.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p><strong>Also Read: </strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/bollywood/awarapan-ending-explained-revisiting-emraan-hashmi-s-2007-film-before-awarapan-2-arrives-1786557118706"><strong>Awarapan ending explained: Revisiting Emraan Hashmi’s 2007 film before Awarapan 2 arrives</strong></a></p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>Soon, things take an unexpected turn when he comes across an abandoned infant. Shivam takes the child to the orphanage where he grew up and names her Aliyah. He quietly becomes involved in her life without allowing himself to get too close.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>However, when the child is later adopted, Shivam discovers that she has disappeared and that it is connected to a much larger criminal operation. An Interpol officer reveals that the girl has been caught up in an international child-trafficking network.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>From that moment, the man who once tried to leave violence behind is pulled back into the criminal world, and this time with a very different purpose. He travels to Bangkok and sets out to find the children who have been kidnapped as part of the trafficking racket.</p><p>His investigation takes him into the orbit of Zorawar, played by Puran Gabbi, a powerful gangster who has inherited a criminal empire but also wants to build one of his own. To get closer to the trafficking operation, Shivam finds a way into Zorawar's organisation and gradually earns his trust.</p><p>&nbsp;</p>

<p>&nbsp;</p><p><strong>Also Read: </strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/bollywood/awarapan-2-teaser-out-emraan-hashmi-returns-as-shivam-pandit-after-19-years-disha-patani-and-shabana-azmi-join-watch-1782724722985"><strong>Awarapan 2 teaser out: Emraan Hashmi returns as Shivam Pandit after 19 years; Disha Patani and Shabana Azmi join | Watch</strong></a></p><p><br>Along the way, Hashmi's character also meets Zorawar's sister Zara (Disha Patani), who wants to distance herself and her family from the criminal world surrounding her.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>While Shivam's investigation brings him closer to the truth about the kidnapped children, he also develops a connection with Zara.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>The sequel consequently turns his search for redemption into a larger battle against an organised criminal network.</p><p>What follows is a dangerous game of trust and betrayal, and how far will Shivam go to save the young Aliyah and other children?</p><h2>What works in the sequel</h2><p>The best part about<i> Awarapan 2 </i>is, of course, Emraan Hashmi's performance. Shivam has always been a character defined by pain, and the actor understands that the sequel cannot simply repeat the rage of the original.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>In the latest film, he doesn't play a larger-than-life action hero returning after 19 years, but a wounded man who is living with guilt while working on a new mission. A sense of exhaustion is clearly visible in his character.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>Another good part about the film is the screenplay. The makers have kept a child as the centre of Shivam's journey instead of a new love story, revenge plot or another gangster assignment.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>As everyone knows, music was always going to be one of the biggest challenges for <i>Awarapan 2. </i>The 2007 film's soundtrack became part of its identity, with Toh Phir Aao and Tera Mera Rishta remaining deeply associated with Shivam's pain.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>The sequel wisely carries it forward through returning favourites and new compositions. The nostalgic songs work because they remind audiences of Shivam's emotional history.</p><p>Ve Junoon is among the more effective new songs, while the rest of the soundtrack does not leave quite the same lasting impression as the original album.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p><strong>Also Read: </strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/bollywood/awarapan-2-emraan-hashmi-starrer-gets-ua-16-certificate-after-cbfc-orders-9-edits-1785982145962"><strong>Awarapan 2: Emraan Hashmi starrer gets UA 16+ certificate</strong></a></p><p>&nbsp;</p>

<blockquote class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-captioned data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/p/Db8KucQpr2P/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" data-instgrm-version="14" style=" background:#FFF; border:0; border-radius:3px; box-shadow:0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width:540px; min-width:326px; padding:0; width:99.375%; width:-webkit-calc(100% - 2px); width:calc(100% - 2px);"><div style="padding:16px;"> <a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/Db8KucQpr2P/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" style=" background:#FFFFFF; line-height:0; padding:0 0; text-align:center; text-decoration:none; width:100%;" target="_blank"> <div style=" display: flex; flex-direction: row; align-items: center;"> <div style="background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 40px; margin-right: 14px; width: 40px;"></div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center;"> <div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 100px;"></div> <div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 60px;"></div></div></div><div style="padding: 19% 0;"></div> <div style="display:block; height:50px; margin:0 auto 12px; width:50px;"><svg width="50px" height="50px" viewBox="0 0 60 60" version="1.1" xmlns="https://www.w3.org/2000/svg" xmlns:xlink="https://www.w3.org/1999/xlink"><g stroke="none" stroke-width="1" fill="none" fill-rule="evenodd"><g transform="translate(-511.000000, -20.000000)" fill="#000000"><g><path d="M556.869,30.41 C554.814,30.41 553.148,32.076 553.148,34.131 C553.148,36.186 554.814,37.852 556.869,37.852 C558.924,37.852 560.59,36.186 560.59,34.131 C560.59,32.076 558.924,30.41 556.869,30.41 M541,60.657 C535.114,60.657 530.342,55.887 530.342,50 C530.342,44.114 535.114,39.342 541,39.342 C546.887,39.342 551.658,44.114 551.658,50 C551.658,55.887 546.887,60.657 541,60.657 M541,33.886 C532.1,33.886 524.886,41.1 524.886,50 C524.886,58.899 532.1,66.113 541,66.113 C549.9,66.113 557.115,58.899 557.115,50 C557.115,41.1 549.9,33.886 541,33.886 M565.378,62.101 C565.244,65.022 564.756,66.606 564.346,67.663 C563.803,69.06 563.154,70.057 562.106,71.106 C561.058,72.155 560.06,72.803 558.662,73.347 C557.607,73.757 556.021,74.244 553.102,74.378 C549.944,74.521 548.997,74.552 541,74.552 C533.003,74.552 532.056,74.521 528.898,74.378 C525.979,74.244 524.393,73.757 523.338,73.347 C521.94,72.803 520.942,72.155 519.894,71.106 C518.846,70.057 518.197,69.06 517.654,67.663 C517.244,66.606 516.755,65.022 516.623,62.101 C516.479,58.943 516.448,57.996 516.448,50 C516.448,42.003 516.479,41.056 516.623,37.899 C516.755,34.978 517.244,33.391 517.654,32.338 C518.197,30.938 518.846,29.942 519.894,28.894 C520.942,27.846 521.94,27.196 523.338,26.654 C524.393,26.244 525.979,25.756 528.898,25.623 C532.057,25.479 533.004,25.448 541,25.448 C548.997,25.448 549.943,25.479 553.102,25.623 C556.021,25.756 557.607,26.244 558.662,26.654 C560.06,27.196 561.058,27.846 562.106,28.894 C563.154,29.942 563.803,30.938 564.346,32.338 C564.756,33.391 565.244,34.978 565.378,37.899 C565.522,41.056 565.552,42.003 565.552,50 C565.552,57.996 565.522,58.943 565.378,62.101 M570.82,37.631 C570.674,34.438 570.167,32.258 569.425,30.349 C568.659,28.377 567.633,26.702 565.965,25.035 C564.297,23.368 562.623,22.342 560.652,21.575 C558.743,20.834 556.562,20.326 553.369,20.18 C550.169,20.033 549.148,20 541,20 C532.853,20 531.831,20.033 528.631,20.18 C525.438,20.326 523.257,20.834 521.349,21.575 C519.376,22.342 517.703,23.368 516.035,25.035 C514.368,26.702 513.342,28.377 512.574,30.349 C511.834,32.258 511.326,34.438 511.181,37.631 C511.035,40.831 511,41.851 511,50 C511,58.147 511.035,59.17 511.181,62.369 C511.326,65.562 511.834,67.743 512.574,69.651 C513.342,71.625 514.368,73.296 516.035,74.965 C517.703,76.634 519.376,77.658 521.349,78.425 C523.257,79.167 525.438,79.673 528.631,79.82 C531.831,79.965 532.853,80.001 541,80.001 C549.148,80.001 550.169,79.965 553.369,79.82 C556.562,79.673 558.743,79.167 560.652,78.425 C562.623,77.658 564.297,76.634 565.965,74.965 C567.633,73.296 568.659,71.625 569.425,69.651 C570.167,67.743 570.674,65.562 570.82,62.369 C570.966,59.17 571,58.147 571,50 C571,41.851 570.966,40.831 570.82,37.631"></path></g></g></g></svg></div><div style="padding-top: 8px;"> <div style=" color:#3897f0; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:550; line-height:18px;">View this post on Instagram</div></div><div style="padding: 12.5% 0;"></div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; margin-bottom: 14px; align-items: center;"><div> <div style="background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(0px) translateY(7px);"></div> <div style="background-color: #F4F4F4; height: 12.5px; transform: rotate(-45deg) translateX(3px) translateY(1px); width: 12.5px; flex-grow: 0; margin-right: 14px; margin-left: 2px;"></div> <div style="background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(9px) translateY(-18px);"></div></div><div style="margin-left: 8px;"> <div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 20px; width: 20px;"></div> <div style=" width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 2px solid transparent; border-left: 6px solid #f4f4f4; border-bottom: 2px solid transparent; transform: translateX(16px) translateY(-4px) rotate(30deg)"></div></div><div style="margin-left: auto;"> <div style=" width: 0px; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-right: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(16px);"></div> <div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; flex-grow: 0; height: 12px; width: 16px; transform: translateY(-4px);"></div> <div style=" width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-left: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(-4px) translateX(8px);"></div></div></div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center; margin-bottom: 24px;"> <div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 224px;"></div> <div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 144px;"></div></div></a><p style=" color:#c9c8cd; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; line-height:17px; margin-bottom:0; margin-top:8px; overflow:hidden; padding:8px 0 7px; text-align:center; text-overflow:ellipsis; white-space:nowrap;"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/Db8KucQpr2P/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" style=" color:#c9c8cd; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:normal; line-height:17px; text-decoration:none;" target="_blank">A post shared by Puran (@purangabbi)</a></p></div></blockquote>
<script async src="//www.instagram.com/embed.js"></script>

<h2>Cast performances</h2><p>Coming to the other cast members, Disha Patani's role has been given more importance than just being Shivam's love interest. The film gives Zara her own conflict and a good screen presence. Patani's performance is decent, although it doesn't leave a particularly strong impression. Some of her scenes feel dramatic.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>As the son of a drug lord who kills his own father to take over the business, Puran Gabbi manages to make Zorawar unpredictable, although the character feels a little too exaggerated at times.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>His presence is effective, but the film occasionally tells us more about his criminal power than it makes us feel it.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>The supporting performance by Shabana Azmi brings gravitas to Nafisa and gives the character an authority that does not require exaggerated gestures. However, given Azmi's ability, Nafisa feels like a character who could have been explored much further.</p><p>Suvinder Vicky as JD and Vijayant Kohli as Mehmood also make an impression.</p><h2>What doesn't work</h2><p>Yes, as said earlier, the basic premise is promising, but the screenplay has several moments that feel too convenient, such as Shivam's sudden entry into Zorawar's gang because the film needs to quickly shift to a trafficking investigation.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>The same problem appears in some of the revelations. The story wants to maintain suspense among the audience, but some developments feel as though they arrive because the screenplay needs the next twist.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>Additionally, the film sometimes uses exposition to explain what should typically emerge through action and character.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>For many, the original <i>Awarapan </i>was special because it felt intimate. The sequel retains that idea, but it is kept within a much larger crime thriller.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>There is a bigger criminal network, more characters, more action, Bangkok locations, an international trafficking angle and so on, but bigger does not always mean more emotionally affecting.</p><p>&nbsp;</p>

<blockquote class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-captioned data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/reel/Db3GehYMhsF/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" data-instgrm-version="14" style=" background:#FFF; border:0; border-radius:3px; box-shadow:0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width:540px; min-width:326px; padding:0; width:99.375%; width:-webkit-calc(100% - 2px); width:calc(100% - 2px);"><div style="padding:16px;"> <a href="https://www.instagram.com/reel/Db3GehYMhsF/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" style=" background:#FFFFFF; line-height:0; padding:0 0; text-align:center; text-decoration:none; width:100%;" target="_blank"> <div style=" display: flex; flex-direction: row; align-items: center;"> <div style="background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 40px; margin-right: 14px; width: 40px;"></div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center;"> <div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 100px;"></div> <div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 60px;"></div></div></div><div style="padding: 19% 0;"></div> <div style="display:block; height:50px; margin:0 auto 12px; width:50px;"><svg width="50px" height="50px" viewBox="0 0 60 60" version="1.1" xmlns="https://www.w3.org/2000/svg" xmlns:xlink="https://www.w3.org/1999/xlink"><g stroke="none" stroke-width="1" fill="none" fill-rule="evenodd"><g transform="translate(-511.000000, -20.000000)" fill="#000000"><g><path d="M556.869,30.41 C554.814,30.41 553.148,32.076 553.148,34.131 C553.148,36.186 554.814,37.852 556.869,37.852 C558.924,37.852 560.59,36.186 560.59,34.131 C560.59,32.076 558.924,30.41 556.869,30.41 M541,60.657 C535.114,60.657 530.342,55.887 530.342,50 C530.342,44.114 535.114,39.342 541,39.342 C546.887,39.342 551.658,44.114 551.658,50 C551.658,55.887 546.887,60.657 541,60.657 M541,33.886 C532.1,33.886 524.886,41.1 524.886,50 C524.886,58.899 532.1,66.113 541,66.113 C549.9,66.113 557.115,58.899 557.115,50 C557.115,41.1 549.9,33.886 541,33.886 M565.378,62.101 C565.244,65.022 564.756,66.606 564.346,67.663 C563.803,69.06 563.154,70.057 562.106,71.106 C561.058,72.155 560.06,72.803 558.662,73.347 C557.607,73.757 556.021,74.244 553.102,74.378 C549.944,74.521 548.997,74.552 541,74.552 C533.003,74.552 532.056,74.521 528.898,74.378 C525.979,74.244 524.393,73.757 523.338,73.347 C521.94,72.803 520.942,72.155 519.894,71.106 C518.846,70.057 518.197,69.06 517.654,67.663 C517.244,66.606 516.755,65.022 516.623,62.101 C516.479,58.943 516.448,57.996 516.448,50 C516.448,42.003 516.479,41.056 516.623,37.899 C516.755,34.978 517.244,33.391 517.654,32.338 C518.197,30.938 518.846,29.942 519.894,28.894 C520.942,27.846 521.94,27.196 523.338,26.654 C524.393,26.244 525.979,25.756 528.898,25.623 C532.057,25.479 533.004,25.448 541,25.448 C548.997,25.448 549.943,25.479 553.102,25.623 C556.021,25.756 557.607,26.244 558.662,26.654 C560.06,27.196 561.058,27.846 562.106,28.894 C563.154,29.942 563.803,30.938 564.346,32.338 C564.756,33.391 565.244,34.978 565.378,37.899 C565.522,41.056 565.552,42.003 565.552,50 C565.552,57.996 565.522,58.943 565.378,62.101 M570.82,37.631 C570.674,34.438 570.167,32.258 569.425,30.349 C568.659,28.377 567.633,26.702 565.965,25.035 C564.297,23.368 562.623,22.342 560.652,21.575 C558.743,20.834 556.562,20.326 553.369,20.18 C550.169,20.033 549.148,20 541,20 C532.853,20 531.831,20.033 528.631,20.18 C525.438,20.326 523.257,20.834 521.349,21.575 C519.376,22.342 517.703,23.368 516.035,25.035 C514.368,26.702 513.342,28.377 512.574,30.349 C511.834,32.258 511.326,34.438 511.181,37.631 C511.035,40.831 511,41.851 511,50 C511,58.147 511.035,59.17 511.181,62.369 C511.326,65.562 511.834,67.743 512.574,69.651 C513.342,71.625 514.368,73.296 516.035,74.965 C517.703,76.634 519.376,77.658 521.349,78.425 C523.257,79.167 525.438,79.673 528.631,79.82 C531.831,79.965 532.853,80.001 541,80.001 C549.148,80.001 550.169,79.965 553.369,79.82 C556.562,79.673 558.743,79.167 560.652,78.425 C562.623,77.658 564.297,76.634 565.965,74.965 C567.633,73.296 568.659,71.625 569.425,69.651 C570.167,67.743 570.674,65.562 570.82,62.369 C570.966,59.17 571,58.147 571,50 C571,41.851 570.966,40.831 570.82,37.631"></path></g></g></g></svg></div><div style="padding-top: 8px;"> <div style=" color:#3897f0; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:550; line-height:18px;">View this post on Instagram</div></div><div style="padding: 12.5% 0;"></div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; margin-bottom: 14px; align-items: center;"><div> <div style="background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(0px) translateY(7px);"></div> <div style="background-color: #F4F4F4; height: 12.5px; transform: rotate(-45deg) translateX(3px) translateY(1px); width: 12.5px; flex-grow: 0; margin-right: 14px; margin-left: 2px;"></div> <div style="background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(9px) translateY(-18px);"></div></div><div style="margin-left: 8px;"> <div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 20px; width: 20px;"></div> <div style=" width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 2px solid transparent; border-left: 6px solid #f4f4f4; border-bottom: 2px solid transparent; transform: translateX(16px) translateY(-4px) rotate(30deg)"></div></div><div style="margin-left: auto;"> <div style=" width: 0px; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-right: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(16px);"></div> <div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; flex-grow: 0; height: 12px; width: 16px; transform: translateY(-4px);"></div> <div style=" width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-left: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(-4px) translateX(8px);"></div></div></div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center; margin-bottom: 24px;"> <div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 224px;"></div> <div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 144px;"></div></div></a><p style=" color:#c9c8cd; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; line-height:17px; margin-bottom:0; margin-top:8px; overflow:hidden; padding:8px 0 7px; text-align:center; text-overflow:ellipsis; white-space:nowrap;"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/reel/Db3GehYMhsF/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" style=" color:#c9c8cd; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:normal; line-height:17px; text-decoration:none;" target="_blank">A post shared by disha patani (paatni) 🦋 (@dishapatani)</a></p></div></blockquote>
<script async src="//www.instagram.com/embed.js"></script>

<p>&nbsp;</p><p><strong>Also Read: </strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/bollywood/awarapan-2-trailer-out-emraan-hashmi-is-back-with-pain-love-and-rage-as-shivam-1786003651189"><strong>Awarapan 2 trailer out: Emraan Hashmi is back with pain, love and rage as Shivam</strong></a></p><p>&nbsp;</p><p><i>Awarapan 2</i> is clearly aware of the audience walking into the theatre carrying the nostalgia of the previous film, and the amulet, white pigeons, familiar music and references to Aliyah work for fans. But it also means every major emotional moment can be compared with what came before.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>At last, the action is occasionally effective, but the strength of the film is the emotional consequence for Shivam.</p><h2>Is Awarapan 2 worth watching</h2><p>For Hashmi fans, <i>Awarapan 2</i> is a fairly decent sequel. In fact, the makers have made a sincere attempt to continue a story that was once believed had already reached its ending.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>Its biggest success is understanding that Shivam Pandit cannot simply be brought back for nostalgia. He needs another story, another purpose and another sacrifice, and Hashmi provides all three with a performance.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>But it's the screenplay of the film that did not meet expectations, as too many developments arrive abruptly, and <i>Awarapan 2</i> does not quite possess the raw emotional intimacy of the first film.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>But perhaps that is the fair way to look at it because the sequel gives him another chapter. It is bigger, louder and more action-driven, but it still carries the same old wound.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>Therefore, if you loved Shivam Pandit in 2007, Hashmi's return alone makes this worth a theatrical watch, but just don't walk in expecting the sequel to bring back the magic of the original.</p><p>&nbsp;</p>

Emraan Hashmi's Awarapan 2 has arrived in cinemas nearly 19 years later, revisiting the pain and guilt of the iconic character Shivam Pandit. Directed by Nitin Kakkar, the sequel attempts to make use of nostalgia, but does it succeed? Read on to find out.

Awarapan 2 film review: For Emraan Hashmi fans, the 2007 Awarapan was iconic and the character Shivam Pandit became inseparable from the actor. Now, almost 19 years later, he is back as a wounded gangster whose journey towards redemption in the original movie ended in sacrifice. Directed by Nitin Kakkar, Awarapan 2 attempts to give another purpose to a man who has already sacrificed himself once but somehow survives. While the original film, directed by Mohit Suri, did not become a major box-office success when it was released, its emotional storytelling and soundtrack gradually turned it into a cult favourite. Let's find out if Awarapan 2 has managed to live up to the legacy of the first film. The plot of Awarapan 2 movie The film picks up Shivam Pandit's story years after the events of the first film. Still carrying the emotional scars of his past, he visits Aliyah's grave and finds himself questioning why he is still alive. Also Read: Awarapan ending explained: Revisiting Emraan Hashmi’s 2007 film before Awarapan 2 arrives Soon, things take an unexpected turn when he comes across an abandoned infant. Shivam takes the child to the orphanage where he grew up and names her Aliyah. He quietly becomes involved in her life without allowing himself to get too close. However, when the child is later adopted, Shivam discovers that she has disappeared and that it is connected to a much larger criminal operation. An Interpol officer reveals that the girl has been caught up in an international child-trafficking network. From that moment, the man who once tried to leave violence behind is pulled back into the criminal world, and this time with a very different purpose. He travels to Bangkok and sets out to find the children who have been kidnapped as part of the trafficking racket. His investigation takes him into the orbit of Zorawar, played by Puran Gabbi, a powerful gangster who has inherited a criminal empire but also wants to build one of his own. To get closer to the trafficking operation, Shivam finds a way into Zorawar's organisation and gradually earns his trust.

<p>Awarapan 2 movie review: Emraan Hashmi's Awarapan 2 has arrived in cinemas nearly 19 years later, revisiting the pain and guilt of the iconic character Shivam Pandit. Directed by Nitin Kakkar, the sequel attempts to make use of nostalgia, but does it succeed? Read on to find out.</p>

Awarapan 2 movie review: Emraan Hashmi owns the screen, but nostalgia can only take the sequel so far

<p><i>Awarapan 2</i>, starring Emraan Hashmi, and <i>Batwara 1947</i>, led by Sunny Deol, are heading for a theatrical face-off on August 14, a day before Independence Day, putting their respective advance booking collections under the spotlight. Let's delve in to know how much both the films have minted so far a day before their release.</p><h2>Advance booking report: Awarapan 2 vs Batwara 1947</h2><p>As per the <i>Sacnilk</i> report, in the advance booking figures, <i>Awarapan 2</i> so far has sold 187,617 tickets, minting Rs 5.71 crore for its opening day. The same report suggests that the Sunny Deol starrer, <i>Batwara 1947 &nbsp;</i>has sold 52,408 <i>tickets,</i> minting Rs 1.4 crore.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p><strong>Also Read: </strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/bollywood/the-play-about-lahore-that-pakistan-banned-is-now-sunny-deol-s-baatwara-1947-1786600842498"><strong>The play about Lahore that Pakistan banned is now Sunny Deol’s Batwara 1947</strong></a></p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>While advance sales do not guarantee an opening-day result, they offer an early snapshot of audience interest. Ultimately, the box-office winner will be determined by a combination of advance bookings, walk-in audiences, reviews, word of mouth and screen availability over the opening days.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p><strong>Also Read: </strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/bollywood/father-s-film-on-15-august-1947-son-s-film-in-2026-can-you-guess-this-father-son-duo-p-l-santoshi-rajkumar-santoshi-1786621563652"><strong>Father's film on 15 August 1947, son's film on Independence week 2026: Can you guess this father-son duo?</strong></a></p><h2>All about Awarapan 2 and Batwara 1947</h2><p>Helmed by Nitin Kakkar, <i>Awarapan 2 </i>is the sequel to the 2007 film Awarapan. Produced by Vishesh Bhatt under the banner of Vishesh Films, it stars Emraan Hashmi, Disha Patani, Shabana Azmi, Suvinder Vicky and Vijayant Kohli, among others.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p><strong>Also Read: </strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/bollywood/awarapan-ending-explained-revisiting-emraan-hashmi-s-2007-film-before-awarapan-2-arrives-1786557118706"><strong>Awarapan ending explained: Revisiting Emraan Hashmi’s 2007 film before Awarapan 2 arrives</strong></a></p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>The film's music is composed by Mithoon, Jeet Gannguli, Amaal Mallik and Akhil Sachdeva, with lyrics written by Rashmi Virag and Sayeed Quadri, and the background score by Raju Singh. The soundtrack is distributed and released by Sony Music. The album includes the tracks Ve Junoon, Yeh Awarapan, Tera Mera Rishta and Toh Phir Aao. It is scheduled to be released in cinemas on August 14.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p><strong>Also Read: </strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/bollywood/awarapan-2-emraan-hashmi-starrer-gets-ua-16-certificate-after-cbfc-orders-9-edits-1785982145962"><strong>Awarapan 2: Emraan Hashmi starrer gets UA 16+ certificate after CBFC orders 9 edits</strong></a></p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>Co-written and directed by Rajkumar Santoshi and produced by Aamir Khan under the banner of Aamir Khan Productions, <i>Batwara 1947</i> is set in Lahore against the backdrop of the 1947 partition of India and the division of Punjab. The film stars Sunny Deol, Preity Zinta, Shabana Azmi, Karan Deol, Ali Fazal, Abhimanyu Singh, Khushi Hajare, and Kanikka Kapur. The film is based on Asghar Wajahat's drama Jis Lahore Nai Vekhya, O Jamya E Nai.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>The cinematography is handled by Santosh Sivan. The soundtrack is composed by A. R. Rahman, with lyrics penned by Javed Akhtar.</p>

Awarapan 2 and Batwara 1947 are set for a theatrical clash on August 14. Here's a look at the advance bookings for both films and which one is currently leading.

Awarapan 2, starring Emraan Hashmi, and Batwara 1947, led by Sunny Deol, are heading for a theatrical face-off on August 14, a day before Independence Day, putting their respective advance booking collections under the spotlight. Let's delve in to know how much both the films have minted so far a day before their release. Advance booking report: Awarapan 2 vs Batwara 1947 As per the Sacnilk report, in the advance booking figures, Awarapan 2 so far has sold 187,617 tickets, minting Rs 5.71 crore for its opening day. The same report suggests that the Sunny Deol starrer, Batwara 1947 has sold 52,408 tickets, minting Rs 1.4 crore. Also Read: The play about Lahore that Pakistan banned is now Sunny Deol’s Batwara 1947 While advance sales do not guarantee an opening-day result, they offer an early snapshot of audience interest. Ultimately, the box-office winner will be determined by a combination of advance bookings, walk-in audiences, reviews, word of mouth and screen availability over the opening days. Also Read: Father's film on 15 August 1947, son's film on Independence week 2026: Can you guess this father-son duo? All about Awarapan 2 and Batwara 1947 Helmed by Nitin Kakkar, Awarapan 2 is the sequel to the 2007 film Awarapan. Produced by Vishesh Bhatt under the banner of Vishesh Films, it stars Emraan Hashmi, Disha Patani, Shabana Azmi, Suvinder Vicky and Vijayant Kohli, among others. Also Read: Awarapan ending explained: Revisiting Emraan Hashmi’s 2007 film before Awarapan 2 arrives The film's music is composed by Mithoon, Jeet Gannguli, Amaal Mallik and Akhil Sachdeva, with lyrics written by Rashmi Virag and Sayeed Quadri, and the background score by Raju Singh. The soundtrack is distributed and released by Sony Music. The album includes the tracks Ve Junoon, Yeh Awarapan, Tera Mera Rishta and Toh Phir Aao. It is scheduled to be released in cinemas on August 14. Also Read: Awarapan 2: Emraan Hashmi starrer gets UA 16+ certificate after CBFC orders 9 edits Co-written and directed by Rajkumar Santoshi and produced by Aamir Khan under the banner of Aamir Khan Productions, Batwara 1947 is set in Lahore against the backdrop of the 1947 partition of India and the division of Punjab. The film stars Sunny Deol, Preity Zinta, Shabana Azmi, Karan Deol, Ali Fazal, Abhimanyu Singh, Khushi Hajare, and Kanikka Kapur. The film is based on Asghar Wajahat's drama Jis Lahore Nai Vekhya, O Jamya E Nai. The cinematography is handled by Santosh Sivan. The soundtrack is composed by A. R. Rahman, with lyrics penned by Javed Akhtar.

<p>Awarapan 2 and Batwara 1947 are set for a theatrical clash on August 14. Here's a look at the advance bookings for both films and which one is currently leading.</p>

Awarapan 2 vs Batwara 1947: Which film is leading the advance booking battle?

<p>Rajkummar Rao and Wamiqa Gabbi's highly anticipated film Prahaar will take a little longer to reach theatres. The Avinash Arun Dhaware directorial, which was earlier scheduled to arrive on August 7 in theatres, has been moved to a new release date. Let's delve into the release date of the film.&nbsp;</p><h2>When will Prahaar release in cinemas?</h2><p>Rajkummar Rao's upcoming film Prahaar has undergone a change in its theatrical release schedule. Production house Maddock Films took to X account and shared the poster of the film featuring Rajkummar Rao. Along with the poster, the caption read, "Ab hoga justice ka PRAHAAR on 16th October. #PRAHAAR- The Untold Story of Ujjwal Nikam in Cinemas, 16th October.&nbsp;</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p><strong>Also Read: </strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/prahaar-teaser-rajkummar-rai-transforms-himself-to-play-prosecutor-ujjwal-nikam-in-this-courtroom-drama-on-the-26-11-mumbai-terror-attacks-1782448490372"><strong>Prahaar teaser: Rajkummar Rai transforms himself to play prosecutor Ujjwal Nikam in this courtroom drama on the 26/11 Mumbai terror attacks</strong></a></p>

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="et" dir="ltr">Ab hoga justice ka PRAHAAR on 16th October 🔥<a href="https://x.com/hashtag/PRAHAAR?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#PRAHAAR</a> - The Untold Story of Ujjwal Nikam, in cinemas 16th October 2026 <a href="https://t.co/4CeUfSibNM">pic.twitter.com/4CeUfSibNM</a></p>&mdash; Maddockfilms (@MaddockFilms) <a href="https://x.com/MaddockFilms/status/2087802505145311269?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 13, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.x.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

<p>Netizens shared their views on social media platforms, and one user wrote, "Big screen potential. @RajkummarRao. As #UjjwalNikam is an intriguing casting choice, and with Avinash Arun at the helm, #Prahaar could be a powerful courtroom/legal drama. The ensemble looks impressive too. 16 October 2026 bring it on."&nbsp;</p>

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Big screen potential <a href="https://x.com/RajkummarRao?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@RajkummarRao</a> as <a href="https://x.com/hashtag/UjjwalNikam?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#UjjwalNikam</a> is an intriguing casting choice, and with Avinash Arun at the helm, <a href="https://x.com/hashtag/Prahaar?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Prahaar</a> could be a powerful courtroom/legal drama. The ensemble looks impressive too. 16 October 2026 bring it on <a href="https://t.co/9MoyRHJ8iN">pic.twitter.com/9MoyRHJ8iN</a></p>&mdash; BollyBoy (@HappySpeaks2025) <a href="https://x.com/HappySpeaks2025/status/2087810549673324715?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 13, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.x.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

<p>Another user wrote, "Best wishes."</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p><strong>Also Read: </strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/from-eetha-to-madhubala-upcoming-bollywood-biopics-you-can-t-miss-1784088385476"><strong>From Eetha to Madhubala: Upcoming Bollywood biopics you can’t miss</strong></a></p>

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Best wishes</p>&mdash; Badal_is_Badal (@BadalRedhu55836) <a href="https://x.com/BadalRedhu55836/status/2087801243398008988?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 13, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.x.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

<p>For the unversed, the teaser of the film was unveiled in June and features Rajkummar Rao as Ujjwal Nikkam and offered a glimpse of the prosecutor's professional journey. It also showcased tense exchanges in the courtroom surrounding major legal battles.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p><strong>Also Read: </strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/bollywood/raftaar-release-date-out-rajkummar-rao-keerthy-suresh-team-up-for-a-gripping-drama-1773486927138"><strong>Raftaar release date out! Rajkummar Rao, Keerthy Suresh team up for a gripping drama</strong></a></p><h2>All about Prahaar: The Untold Story of Ujjwal Nikam</h2><p><i>Prahaar: The Untold Story of Ujjwal Nikam</i> is an upcoming biographical legal drama starring Rajkummar Rao as the renowned Indian special public prosecutor Ujjwal Nikam. Directed by Avinash Arun and produced by Maddock Films, the film also stars Wamiqa Gabbi, Jaideep Ahlawat, Sikander Kher and Ashish Vidyarthi, among others.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p><strong>Also Read: </strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/bollywood/before-rajkummar-rao-this-actor-was-the-first-choice-for-sourav-ganguly-biopic-dada-1783506263049"><strong>Before Rajkummar Rao, this actor was the first choice for Sourav Ganguly biopic Dada</strong></a></p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>The film will highlight the story of Ujjwal Nikam's career-defining legal battles, most notably securing the death penalty for Pakistani terrorist Ajmal Kasab during the 26/11 Mumbai terror attack trials. It also explores his involvement in prosecuting high-profile and sensitive national security trials, including the 1993 Bombay blasts and other major criminal cases. <i>Prahaar</i> is scheduled to release in cinemas on October 16, 2026.</p>

Rajkummar Rao and Wamiqa Gabbi's Prahaar has been postponed. The makers have announced a new theatrical date. Helmed by Avinash Arun Dhaware, it is based on Ujjwal Nikam.

Rajkummar Rao and Wamiqa Gabbi's highly anticipated film Prahaar will take a little longer to reach theatres. The Avinash Arun Dhaware directorial, which was earlier scheduled to arrive on August 7 in theatres, has been moved to a new release date. Let's delve into the release date of the film. When will Prahaar release in cinemas? Rajkummar Rao's upcoming film Prahaar has undergone a change in its theatrical release schedule. Production house Maddock Films took to X account and shared the poster of the film featuring Rajkummar Rao. Along with the poster, the caption read, "Ab hoga justice ka PRAHAAR on 16th October. #PRAHAAR- The Untold Story of Ujjwal Nikam in Cinemas, 16th October. Also Read: Prahaar teaser: Rajkummar Rai transforms himself to play prosecutor Ujjwal Nikam in this courtroom drama on the 26/11 Mumbai terror attacks

<p>Rajkummar Rao and Wamiqa Gabbi's Prahaar has been postponed. The makers have announced a new theatrical date. Helmed by Avinash Arun Dhaware, it is based on Ujjwal Nikam.</p>

Prahaar: Rajkummar Rao starrer postponed, new release date announced

<p>Ravi Kishan, BJP MP and actor, is making headlines for his controversial remarks and the viral memes that arose from them. From “jaldi the late” and “money follows my brother” to “hmmm, better do it,” Kishan has unexpectedly emerged as the internet’s newest meme sensation. His quirky one-liners have taken social media by storm, inspiring countless memes, reels, and remixes. Amid the online debate, criticism, and trolling surrounding the viral clips, Ravi Kishan’s wife, Preeti Shukla, has broken her silence and reacted to the massive buzz.</p><h2>Ravi Kishan shares his wife’s reaction to his viral memes</h2><p>In a recent conversation with <i>News18,</i> Ravi Kishan said that over the past few days he has been on a <i>maun vrat</i> (vowed to silence) after noticing several memes being made about him. He also praised Gen Z, saying their efforts to turn his comments into memes were their way of embracing him. Ravi revealed that after realising that almost everything he said was becoming meme material, he decided to remain silent for a while.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p><strong>Also Read: </strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/bollywood/ravi-kishan-addresses-his-viral-home-from-work-comment-i-am-human-can-make-errors-1779465596542"><strong>Ravi Kishan addresses his viral 'home from work' comment: I am human, can make errors</strong></a></p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>He further revealed that his wife, Preeti Shukla, warned him to stay quiet for a few days amid the viral social media memes about him. Kishan stated, “My wife said ‘please stay quiet for a few days; otherwise, I’ll lock you up at home’. She told me, ‘Whenever you step out of the house, you go viral.’ So she was telling the kids, ‘Let’s just lock him in this room. That way, he won’t step out, and he won’t go viral.”</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p><strong>Also Read: </strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/ravi-kishan-demands-law-for-standard-size-of-samosa-across-india-in-parliament-debate-says-customers-have-right-to-1753983048440"><strong>Ravi Kishan demands law for one size of Samosa across India in Parliament debate</strong></a></p><h2>Ravi Kishan praises Gen Z</h2><p>In one of his videos, the actor-politician explained how Gen Z left him speechless with the effort they were putting into making him a social media sensation. He said, "During this 'maun vrat' (vow of silence), these Gen Z people left me speechless. As far as I can remember, I have never seen anything like this in this country. The way Gen Z has showered me with so much love, it has been historic, and it is not stopping; it is growing day by day."</p>

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="hi" dir="ltr">Shashi Tharoor who?<br>Ravi Kishan ka naam suna hai…?😂 <a href="https://t.co/ScTzJF9jUk">pic.twitter.com/ScTzJF9jUk</a></p>&mdash; Manish RJ (@mrjethwani1) <a href="https://x.com/mrjethwani1/status/2085792959723937805?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 7, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.x.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

<p>He further hailed the youth of India and stated, "So, I invite all those young people, all the Gen Z who are the future of this country, who will one day come to India’s Parliament. I salute your brains. The kind of creativity you guys are showing is unbelievable. You all have taken me, my walk, my style of talking, my name, and my fame, and expanded it into something so grand and massive in your own way."</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p><strong>Also Read: </strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/bollywood/news-laapataa-ladies-goes-to-oscars-2025-when-aamir-khan-wanted-to-play-ravi-kishans-role-in-the-film-761130"><strong>Laapataa Ladies goes to Oscars 2025: When Aamir Khan wanted to play Ravi Kishan's role in the film&nbsp;</strong></a></p><h2>Ravi Kishan’s memes</h2><p>Actor and politician Ravi Kishan has unexpectedly become a massive internet sensation, with his viral memes appearing on many people’s phone screens these days.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>Recently, Kishan attended a podcast interview with Raj Shamani, where he was asked what matters more to him, “<i>pehchaan</i> (fame) or <i>paisa </i>(money). He replied, “Pehchaan, Money follows”, and even mispronounced a word - “paisaan.” Viewers picked up on the remark and turned it into a meme.</p>

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Money followes my brother shh<br><br>Naam ya daam -&gt; Naam<br><br>Daam toh daur ke aayega my brother 😅😅<br><br>Most viral video 📸 right now on internet in terms of memes 😅<a href="https://x.com/hashtag/RaviKishan?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#RaviKishan</a> <a href="https://x.com/hashtag/RajShamani?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#RajShamani</a> <a href="https://x.com/ravikishann?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@ravikishann</a> <a href="https://x.com/rajshamani?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@rajshamani</a> <a href="https://t.co/Uy08tYaCJK">pic.twitter.com/Uy08tYaCJK</a></p>&mdash; jensanHuang 2.0 (parody) (@jensanHuang) <a href="https://x.com/jensanHuang/status/2085409767804276761?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 6, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.x.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

<p>Another meme involving the actor-politician came from his iconic slip-of-the-tongue phrase "jaldi the late" during a media interaction outside Parliament while rushing through a corridor when Ajit Pawar died. Trying to say he was in a hurry, he jumbled "jaldi" (fast) and "getting late."</p>

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">current meme material Ravi Kishan 😂 <a href="https://t.co/4NztHd062Y">pic.twitter.com/4NztHd062Y</a></p>&mdash; Mysorebajjii (@Mysorebajjii) <a href="https://x.com/Mysorebajjii/status/2084683228741587057?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 4, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.x.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

<h2>Ravi Kishan’s work front</h2><p>Ravi Kishan is one of the most celebrated actors of Bhojpuri cinema and is currently balancing his political duties as the Lok Sabha Member of Parliament (MP) from Gorakhpur. Recently, he appeared in the OTT reality show <i>The Alliance</i> along with his daughter, Riva, and also starred in the courtroom drama <i>Maamla Legal Hai.</i></p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>As of 2026, the actor-politician is set to star in the gritty thriller series-turned-movie <i>Mirzapur</i> alongside Ali Fazal, Divyendu, Pankaj Tripathi, Shweta Tripathi, and many more. The movie is set to hit the big screen on September 4, 2026, and is directed by Gurmmeet Singh.</p>

Ravi Kishan, who is popping up on everybody's phone screens nowadays amid his viral meme buzz, opened up about his wife Preeti Shukla’s hilarious reaction. The actor-politician said that he has been forced to stay quiet for a few days.

Ravi Kishan, BJP MP and actor, is making headlines for his controversial remarks and the viral memes that arose from them. From “jaldi the late” and “money follows my brother” to “hmmm, better do it,” Kishan has unexpectedly emerged as the internet’s newest meme sensation. His quirky one-liners have taken social media by storm, inspiring countless memes, reels, and remixes. Amid the online debate, criticism, and trolling surrounding the viral clips, Ravi Kishan’s wife, Preeti Shukla, has broken her silence and reacted to the massive buzz. Ravi Kishan shares his wife’s reaction to his viral memes In a recent conversation with News18, Ravi Kishan said that over the past few days he has been on a maun vrat (vowed to silence) after noticing several memes being made about him. He also praised Gen Z, saying their efforts to turn his comments into memes were their way of embracing him. Ravi revealed that after realising that almost everything he said was becoming meme material, he decided to remain silent for a while. Also Read: Ravi Kishan addresses his viral 'home from work' comment: I am human, can make errors He further revealed that his wife, Preeti Shukla, warned him to stay quiet for a few days amid the viral social media memes about him. Kishan stated, “My wife said ‘please stay quiet for a few days; otherwise, I’ll lock you up at home’. She told me, ‘Whenever you step out of the house, you go viral.’ So she was telling the kids, ‘Let’s just lock him in this room. That way, he won’t step out, and he won’t go viral.” Also Read: Ravi Kishan demands law for one size of Samosa across India in Parliament debate Ravi Kishan praises Gen Z In one of his videos, the actor-politician explained how Gen Z left him speechless with the effort they were putting into making him a social media sensation. He said, "During this 'maun vrat' (vow of silence), these Gen Z people left me speechless. As far as I can remember, I have never seen anything like this in this country. The way Gen Z has showered me with so much love, it has been historic, and it is not stopping; it is growing day by day."

<p>Ravi Kishan, who is popping up on everybody's phone screens nowadays amid his viral meme buzz, opened up about his wife Preeti Shukla’s hilarious reaction to his new fame. The actor-politician said that he has been asked to stay quiet for a few days.</p>

Ravi Kishan reveals wife Preeti Shukla's hilarious take on his viral meme buzz: ‘Stay quiet or I’ll lock you up'

<p>Punjabi actor Suvinder Vicky has opened up about his brief role in Aditya Dhar’s <i>Dhurandhar: The Revenge.</i> Suvinder played Arjun Rampal’s father in the sequel to <i>Dhurandhar.</i> While the appearance was a brief one, it still came as a surprise for viewers, particularly for the profanity that Suvinder’s character uses against Rampal’s character in the scene. In a new interview, the actor revealed that while he was unsure about speaking those lines and feared it would get censored, director Aditya Dhar was confident that nothing would get beeped out.</p><h2>'Aditya Dhar was confident that nothing would get cut'</h2><p>&nbsp;</p><p>Suvinder Vicky spoke to Hindustan Times and reflected on this role in <i>Dhurandhar: The Revenge</i> and the language his character uses. The actor credited director Aditya Dhar for the way the character was conceived, while also acknowledging the effort he brought to the part. “I’m lucky to work with great directors. In this, the credit goes to Aditya Dhar and to me also because I also gave my hundred per cent effort. Also, galiyon ka shrey hamare script writer ko bhi jayega (The credit for all the abusive language would also go to our screenwriter), because I didn’t make any of those; that was all written in the script,” he said.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/bollywood/dhurandhar-raw-and-unseen-version-leads-to-streaming-war-film-to-release-on-two-ott-platforms-on-same-day-1779364764038">Dhurandhar leads to streaming war, film to release on 2 OTT platforms</a></p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>The<i> Kohrra </i>actor recalled how he had joked with Aditya about the amount of profanity in his dialogue, suggesting that his character might as well have been mute if most of his lines were going to be censored.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>“I told Aditya that my whole dialogue would be a big beep; he should have instead made me play a mute character in the film because I’m abusing so much. But he told me confidently that nothing will be cut. Then I thought that since nothing would be cut, I would improvise, but Aditya stopped me in that moment. He said we will not go to mothers and sisters. It is also our responsibility not to hurt sentiments in films.”</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>Suvinder, though, does use a derogatory familial reference in the final cut.&nbsp;</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/dhurandhar-2-to-bhooth-bangla-highest-grossing-hindi-films-of-2026-so-far-1782830082855">Dhurandhar 2 to Bhooth Bangla: Highest grossing Hindi films of 2026 so far</a></p><h2>On warning Arjun Rampal ahead of the scene</h2><p>The actor also spoke about how he had warned Arjun Rampal about the scene before they shot the scene. Suvinder and Arjun had a certain level of comfort as they had worked on Satluj before shooting for <i>Dhurandhar 2.&nbsp;</i> “We shared an equation because before <i>Dhurandhar, </i>we had worked in Satluj together. When I warned him about my dialogues in the film, he told me, ‘It is part of life, camera ke samne faad de’ (It is part of life; give it everything in front of the camera).” Suvinder Vicky will next be seen in Emraan Hashmi-starrer <i>Awaarapan 2.</i></p>

Actor Suvinder Vicky has opened about his brief role in Dhurandhar: The Revenge and has revealed that profanities his character uses in the scene were not improvised. They were all part of the script. 

Punjabi actor Suvinder Vicky has opened up about his brief role in Aditya Dhar’s Dhurandhar: The Revenge. Suvinder played Arjun Rampal’s father in the sequel to Dhurandhar. While the appearance was a brief one, it still came as a surprise for viewers, particularly for the profanity that Suvinder’s character uses against Rampal’s character in the scene. In a new interview, the actor revealed that while he was unsure about speaking those lines and feared it would get censored, director Aditya Dhar was confident that nothing would get beeped out. 'Aditya Dhar was confident that nothing would get cut' Suvinder Vicky spoke to Hindustan Times and reflected on this role in Dhurandhar: The Revenge and the language his character uses. The actor credited director Aditya Dhar for the way the character was conceived, while also acknowledging the effort he brought to the part. “I’m lucky to work with great directors. In this, the credit goes to Aditya Dhar and to me also because I also gave my hundred per cent effort. Also, galiyon ka shrey hamare script writer ko bhi jayega (The credit for all the abusive language would also go to our screenwriter), because I didn’t make any of those; that was all written in the script,” he said. Also read: Dhurandhar leads to streaming war, film to release on 2 OTT platforms The Kohrra actor recalled how he had joked with Aditya about the amount of profanity in his dialogue, suggesting that his character might as well have been mute if most of his lines were going to be censored. “I told Aditya that my whole dialogue would be a big beep; he should have instead made me play a mute character in the film because I’m abusing so much. But he told me confidently that nothing will be cut. Then I thought that since nothing would be cut, I would improvise, but Aditya stopped me in that moment. He said we will not go to mothers and sisters. It is also our responsibility not to hurt sentiments in films.” Suvinder, though, does use a derogatory familial reference in the final cut. Also read: Dhurandhar 2 to Bhooth Bangla: Highest grossing Hindi films of 2026 so far On warning Arjun Rampal ahead of the scene The actor also spoke about how he had warned Arjun Rampal about the scene before they shot the scene. Suvinder and Arjun had a certain level of comfort as they had worked on Satluj before shooting for Dhurandhar 2. “We shared an equation because before Dhurandhar, we had worked in Satluj together. When I warned him about my dialogues in the film, he told me, ‘It is part of life, camera ke samne faad de’ (It is part of life; give it everything in front of the camera).” Suvinder Vicky will next be seen in Emraan Hashmi-starrer Awaarapan 2.

<p>Actor Suvinder Vicky has opened about his brief role in Dhurandhar: The Revenge and has revealed that profanities his character uses in the scene were not improvised. They were all part of the script.&nbsp;</p>

Suvinder Vicky reveals Aditya Dhar was confident Dhurandhar 2 profanities wouldn't be censored

<p>India is all set to celebrate its 80th Independence Day on August 15, 2026. In the eight decades since freedom, the country has grown in every aspect of society. But today, we talk about cinema.&nbsp;</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>As we celebrate Independence Day, we turn the pages of history to revisit one of the earliest films of Independent India. And, did you know which was one of the first Bollywood films to release after India got independence? It’s Shehnai.</p><h3>Did you know? This was the first film to release on 15 August 1947&nbsp;</h3><p>&nbsp;</p><p>Released on Aug 15, 1947, the movie stars Kishore Kumar, Rehana, Indumati, Nasir Khan, V.H. Desai and others. The movie is remembered for its songs and marking the start of a new era in Indian cinema.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p><strong>Also read:</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/bollywood/independence-day-2026-powerful-bollywood-dialogues-that-celebrate-patriotism-1786537181529"> Independence Day 2026: Powerful Bollywood dialogues that celebrate patriotism</a></p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>Directed by PL Santoshi, Shehnai was the first movie to release in free India after the country got it's freedom from nearly 200 years of British rule.</p>

Poster of Shehnai

<p>Just like the title, the movie revolved around the musical world, with the story revolving around a struggling entertainer (played by Desai) who runs a music and dance troupe with his daughters. But during this time, their mother thinks that this work is bringing disrespect to her girls. The movie also follows the love lives of the girls.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p><strong>Also read:</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/bollywood/independence-day-2026-powerful-bollywood-dialogues-that-celebrate-patriotism-1786537181529">&nbsp;</a><a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/bollywood/the-play-about-lahore-that-pakistan-banned-is-now-sunny-deol-s-baatwara-1947-1786600842498">The play about Lahore that Pakistan banned is now Sunny Deol’s Batwara 1947</a></p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>With music by C. Ramchandra and lyrics by Santoshi himself, the movie has songs, including, ''Jai Krisna Hare Shre Krishna Hare,'' "Tirchi Topi Walo Se Ha Bachh Ke Rehna Ji'' and others.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>Back then, it reportedly earned under Rs 1 crore at the box office. But was this movie a hit? Yes, but not the highest-grossing movie of the year. Contemporary accounts tell that the movie had a silver jubilee run (25 weeks) in cities like Mumbai, Delhi, Lucknow and Kanpur. Released on the momentous moment of Independence, it had long queues outside theatres for days.</p><p><br>This musical did well at the box office. But as we mentioned earlier, it was not the highest-grossing film of 1947. The title goes to Jugnu. Starring Dilip Kumar and Nargis, the film released in November 1947. &nbsp;It ran for 50+ weeks and was one of the biggest hits of that year. The other major hits of the year were Do Bhai, Dard, and Mirza Sahibaan.</p>

In 80 years, a lot has changed. And if we talk about cinema, it has evolved in every aspect of storytelling.
But do you know which was the first movie released after India gained independence?

India is all set to celebrate its 80th Independence Day on August 15, 2026. In the eight decades since freedom, the country has grown in every aspect of society. But today, we talk about cinema. As we celebrate Independence Day, we turn the pages of history to revisit one of the earliest films of Independent India. And, did you know which was one of the first Bollywood films to release after India got independence? It’s Shehnai. Did you know? This was the first film to release on 15 August 1947 Released on Aug 15, 1947, the movie stars Kishore Kumar, Rehana, Indumati, Nasir Khan, V.H. Desai and others. The movie is remembered for its songs and marking the start of a new era in Indian cinema. Also read: Independence Day 2026: Powerful Bollywood dialogues that celebrate patriotism Directed by PL Santoshi, Shehnai was the first movie to release in free India after the country got it's freedom from nearly 200 years of British rule.

<p>In 80 years, a lot has changed. And if we talk about cinema, it has evolved in every aspect of storytelling.<br>But do you know which was the first movie released after India gained independence?</p>

Did you know? This was the first film to release on 15 August 1947 | Independence Day special

<p>This Independence Day at theatres, audiences will witness patriotism with Sunny Deol’s Batwara 1947, &nbsp;a film that follows the actor’s character as he goes to Pakistan after Partition. The trailer is already out and has garnered a lot of attention. But did you know the origin story of this movie? For those who don’t, the film is based on one of the most famous plays, Jis Lahore Nai Vekhya, O Jamya E Nai.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>The movie reunites Deol and director Rajkumar Santoshi after decades. It also stars Shabana Azmi and Preity Zinta. The film is set to release on Partition Day, August 14, 2026.</p><h3>Did you know that Batwara 1947 is based on a play that was banned in Pakistan?</h3><p>The curiosity around Deol’s film is sky-high. It won’t show someone coming to India, but will instead tell the story of a man who had to leave India and go to Pakistan with his family. The house allotted to him belongs to an elderly woman who is Hindu, and she refuses to leave her home in Lahore.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p><strong>Also read:</strong> <a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/bollywood/kangana-ranaut-defends-her-controversial-remark-against-naseeruddin-shah-he-is-obsessed-with-his-love-for-pakistan-1786593550173">Kangana Ranaut defends her controversial remark against Naseeruddin Shah</a></p>

<blockquote class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-captioned data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/reel/Db7f4u0z8rA/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" data-instgrm-version="14" style=" background:#FFF; border:0; border-radius:3px; box-shadow:0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width:540px; min-width:326px; padding:0; width:99.375%; width:-webkit-calc(100% - 2px); width:calc(100% - 2px);"><div style="padding:16px;"> <a href="https://www.instagram.com/reel/Db7f4u0z8rA/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" style=" background:#FFFFFF; line-height:0; padding:0 0; text-align:center; text-decoration:none; width:100%;" target="_blank"> <div style=" display: flex; flex-direction: row; align-items: center;"> <div style="background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 40px; margin-right: 14px; width: 40px;"></div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center;"> <div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 100px;"></div> <div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 60px;"></div></div></div><div style="padding: 19% 0;"></div> <div style="display:block; height:50px; margin:0 auto 12px; width:50px;"><svg width="50px" height="50px" viewBox="0 0 60 60" version="1.1" xmlns="https://www.w3.org/2000/svg" xmlns:xlink="https://www.w3.org/1999/xlink"><g stroke="none" stroke-width="1" fill="none" fill-rule="evenodd"><g transform="translate(-511.000000, -20.000000)" fill="#000000"><g><path d="M556.869,30.41 C554.814,30.41 553.148,32.076 553.148,34.131 C553.148,36.186 554.814,37.852 556.869,37.852 C558.924,37.852 560.59,36.186 560.59,34.131 C560.59,32.076 558.924,30.41 556.869,30.41 M541,60.657 C535.114,60.657 530.342,55.887 530.342,50 C530.342,44.114 535.114,39.342 541,39.342 C546.887,39.342 551.658,44.114 551.658,50 C551.658,55.887 546.887,60.657 541,60.657 M541,33.886 C532.1,33.886 524.886,41.1 524.886,50 C524.886,58.899 532.1,66.113 541,66.113 C549.9,66.113 557.115,58.899 557.115,50 C557.115,41.1 549.9,33.886 541,33.886 M565.378,62.101 C565.244,65.022 564.756,66.606 564.346,67.663 C563.803,69.06 563.154,70.057 562.106,71.106 C561.058,72.155 560.06,72.803 558.662,73.347 C557.607,73.757 556.021,74.244 553.102,74.378 C549.944,74.521 548.997,74.552 541,74.552 C533.003,74.552 532.056,74.521 528.898,74.378 C525.979,74.244 524.393,73.757 523.338,73.347 C521.94,72.803 520.942,72.155 519.894,71.106 C518.846,70.057 518.197,69.06 517.654,67.663 C517.244,66.606 516.755,65.022 516.623,62.101 C516.479,58.943 516.448,57.996 516.448,50 C516.448,42.003 516.479,41.056 516.623,37.899 C516.755,34.978 517.244,33.391 517.654,32.338 C518.197,30.938 518.846,29.942 519.894,28.894 C520.942,27.846 521.94,27.196 523.338,26.654 C524.393,26.244 525.979,25.756 528.898,25.623 C532.057,25.479 533.004,25.448 541,25.448 C548.997,25.448 549.943,25.479 553.102,25.623 C556.021,25.756 557.607,26.244 558.662,26.654 C560.06,27.196 561.058,27.846 562.106,28.894 C563.154,29.942 563.803,30.938 564.346,32.338 C564.756,33.391 565.244,34.978 565.378,37.899 C565.522,41.056 565.552,42.003 565.552,50 C565.552,57.996 565.522,58.943 565.378,62.101 M570.82,37.631 C570.674,34.438 570.167,32.258 569.425,30.349 C568.659,28.377 567.633,26.702 565.965,25.035 C564.297,23.368 562.623,22.342 560.652,21.575 C558.743,20.834 556.562,20.326 553.369,20.18 C550.169,20.033 549.148,20 541,20 C532.853,20 531.831,20.033 528.631,20.18 C525.438,20.326 523.257,20.834 521.349,21.575 C519.376,22.342 517.703,23.368 516.035,25.035 C514.368,26.702 513.342,28.377 512.574,30.349 C511.834,32.258 511.326,34.438 511.181,37.631 C511.035,40.831 511,41.851 511,50 C511,58.147 511.035,59.17 511.181,62.369 C511.326,65.562 511.834,67.743 512.574,69.651 C513.342,71.625 514.368,73.296 516.035,74.965 C517.703,76.634 519.376,77.658 521.349,78.425 C523.257,79.167 525.438,79.673 528.631,79.82 C531.831,79.965 532.853,80.001 541,80.001 C549.148,80.001 550.169,79.965 553.369,79.82 C556.562,79.673 558.743,79.167 560.652,78.425 C562.623,77.658 564.297,76.634 565.965,74.965 C567.633,73.296 568.659,71.625 569.425,69.651 C570.167,67.743 570.674,65.562 570.82,62.369 C570.966,59.17 571,58.147 571,50 C571,41.851 570.966,40.831 570.82,37.631"></path></g></g></g></svg></div><div style="padding-top: 8px;"> <div style=" color:#3897f0; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:550; line-height:18px;">View this post on Instagram</div></div><div style="padding: 12.5% 0;"></div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; margin-bottom: 14px; align-items: center;"><div> <div style="background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(0px) translateY(7px);"></div> <div style="background-color: #F4F4F4; height: 12.5px; transform: rotate(-45deg) translateX(3px) translateY(1px); width: 12.5px; flex-grow: 0; margin-right: 14px; margin-left: 2px;"></div> <div style="background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(9px) translateY(-18px);"></div></div><div style="margin-left: 8px;"> <div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 20px; width: 20px;"></div> <div style=" width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 2px solid transparent; border-left: 6px solid #f4f4f4; border-bottom: 2px solid transparent; transform: translateX(16px) translateY(-4px) rotate(30deg)"></div></div><div style="margin-left: auto;"> <div style=" width: 0px; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-right: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(16px);"></div> <div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; flex-grow: 0; height: 12px; width: 16px; transform: translateY(-4px);"></div> <div style=" width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-left: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(-4px) translateX(8px);"></div></div></div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center; margin-bottom: 24px;"> <div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 224px;"></div> <div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 144px;"></div></div></a><p style=" color:#c9c8cd; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; line-height:17px; margin-bottom:0; margin-top:8px; overflow:hidden; padding:8px 0 7px; text-align:center; text-overflow:ellipsis; white-space:nowrap;"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/reel/Db7f4u0z8rA/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" style=" color:#c9c8cd; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:normal; line-height:17px; text-decoration:none;" target="_blank">A post shared by Aamir Khan Productions (@aamirkhanproductions)</a></p></div></blockquote>
<script async src="//www.instagram.com/embed.js"></script>

<p>This film will bring that narrative to the big screen for the first time. For those not familiar with Professor Asghar Wajahat’s play Jis Lahore Nai Vekhya, O Jamya E Nai.</p><p><br>Written in the 1980s, it is one of the most critically acclaimed plays and has been staged in India and several other countries. Despite how acclaimed the play is, it has reportedly been banned in Pakistan. The play has resonated with people across borders. While it is banned in Pakistan now, it has been performed in Dubai and New York.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p><strong>Also read: </strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/bollywood/awarapan-ending-explained-revisiting-emraan-hashmi-s-2007-film-before-awarapan-2-arrives-1786557118706"><strong>Awarapan ending explained: Revisiting Emraan Hashmi’s 2007 film</strong></a></p><h3><br>What is the play Jis Lahore Nai Vekhya, O Jamya E Nai about?</h3><p>Set in Lahore right after the 1947 Partition, the play follows Sikander Mirza’s Muslim family, who are allotted a haveli that still has an elderly Hindu woman, Mai, living in it. She refuses to leave, claiming it’s her home. As communal tensions rise, a hateful Pehalwan tries to evict her while the compassionate Maulvi Ikramuddin defends her right to stay. &nbsp;Amid poet Nasir Kazmi’s verses of longing, the Mirza family and Mai grow close like one family. &nbsp;In the end, Mai dies, and despite threats, the community unites to perform her last rites as per Hindu tradition on the banks of the Ravi River- a powerful statement on humanity over hate.</p>

Directed by Rajkumar Santoshi and backed by Aamir Khan's production, Batwara 1947 stars Sunny Deol and  Preity Zinta. The movie will release on August 14. 

This Independence Day at theatres, audiences will witness patriotism with Sunny Deol’s Batwara 1947, a film that follows the actor’s character as he goes to Pakistan after Partition. The trailer is already out and has garnered a lot of attention. But did you know the origin story of this movie? For those who don’t, the film is based on one of the most famous plays, Jis Lahore Nai Vekhya, O Jamya E Nai. The movie reunites Deol and director Rajkumar Santoshi after decades. It also stars Shabana Azmi and Preity Zinta. The film is set to release on Partition Day, August 14, 2026. Did you know that Batwara 1947 is based on a play that was banned in Pakistan? The curiosity around Deol’s film is sky-high. It won’t show someone coming to India, but will instead tell the story of a man who had to leave India and go to Pakistan with his family. The house allotted to him belongs to an elderly woman who is Hindu, and she refuses to leave her home in Lahore. Also read: Kangana Ranaut defends her controversial remark against Naseeruddin Shah

<p>Directed by Rajkumar Santoshi and backed by Aamir Khan's production, Batwara 1947 stars Sunny Deol and &nbsp;Preity Zinta. The movie will release on August 14.&nbsp;</p>

The play about Lahore that Pakistan banned is now Sunny Deol’s Batwara 1947

<p>Kangana Ranaut is at it again. The actor-turned politician recently took a sharp jab at veteran Bollywood actor Naseeruddin Shah over his comments on student protests and referred to him as a ‘lomdi’ (fox). Now, the BJP MP has hit out at the actor over what she described as his ‘love for Pakistan’ and even accused the film industry of ‘hypocrisy'.&nbsp;</p><h2>Kangana Ranaut lashes out at Naseeruddin Shah</h2><p>While speaking to the news agency ANI, Kangana criticised what she described as the film industry’s “consistent attitude”, recalling the unrest surrounding protests at Jantar Mantar.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>She claimed that during the protests, several of her parliamentarian friends had people climbing onto their cars and breaking their windows, while around 2,500 people had gathered outside her home, prompting a heavy police presence that kept her family awake at night.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>She added, “So when a situation like this was unfolding at Jantar Mantar, they were all shedding crocodile tears. But now that children in Jharkhand are facing this kind of oppression, aren’t they Gen Z too? Is someone only considered Gen Z if they act against the country or abuse the Prime Minister? They themselves have been made to appear anti-youth. This hypocrisy in the film industry will not work. The crocodile tears that people from the film industry were shedding for Jantar Mantar, they should shed the same tears for the children in Jharkhand as well.”</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>Kangana then went on to defend her ‘lomdi’ remark on Naseeruddin Shah.&nbsp;</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>“I said this about Naseeruddin Shah because he had made such a distasteful video in which he was making threats of this kind. And whenever you look at his films, interviews or statements, it is always about Pakistan. <i>Yeh Pakistan ki prem katha kab khatam hogi? Jab dekho Pakistan ke prem mein yeh mare rahte hain. Ab Partition ko bhi itne saal ho gaye hain toh yeh love story khatam kyun nahi ho rahi hai </i>(When will this love story with Pakistan end? He is always obsessed with his love for Pakistan. So many years have passed since Partition, so why hasn’t this love story ended yet?).”</p>

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr"><a href="https://x.com/hashtag/WATCH?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WATCH</a> | Delhi: On calling veteran actor Naseeruddin Shah a ‘lomdi’ for his comment on student protests, BJP MP Kangana Ranaut says, &quot;This isn&#39;t a new issue; the film industry has always held this attitude. You witnessed the attack on Parliament. I have many parliamentarian… <a href="https://t.co/fI1bK9bdaA">pic.twitter.com/fI1bK9bdaA</a></p>&mdash; ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://x.com/ANI/status/2087535721129312439?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 12, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.x.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

<h2>About the ‘lomdi’ remark</h2><p>Last week, Kangana took to her Instagram stories and reshared a comment by actor Piyush Mishra who had questioned Shah’s silence on student protests in Jharkhand.&nbsp;</p><p>As she shared the post, Kangana added a note that read, “<i>Sach toh ye hai ki har koi kisi na kisi ka kutta hai lekin mujhe iss baat ka garv hai ki main jiss ghar (desh) ki roti khati hoon uski rakhwaali karti hoon, uske liye ladti hoon. Naseer saab khate toh iss desh ke hain lekin ladte padosi desh ke liye hai</i> (The truth is that each and every one of us is someone’s pet. I am proud that I protect and defend the same house from where I get my food. But Naseer saab eats from this land and defends the neighbouring country).”</p><p>She added, “PS: In today’s time, it is a compliment to be called a dog because loyalty and cuteness are so rare. I would rather be a dog than a lomdi (fox) like Naseeruddin.”</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>For the unversed, Naseeruddin Shah spoke out against alleged police brutality against students protesting at Jantar Mantar during a CJP-led protest over the NEET paper leak in July.</p>

Kangana Ranaut defended her controversial ‘lomdi' remark against veteran actor Naseeruddin Shah in a new interview. Ranaut claimed Shah's ‘love story’ with Pakistan needs to end. The comments came amid the ongoing student protest in Jharkhand. 

Kangana Ranaut is at it again. The actor-turned politician recently took a sharp jab at veteran Bollywood actor Naseeruddin Shah over his comments on student protests and referred to him as a ‘lomdi’ (fox). Now, the BJP MP has hit out at the actor over what she described as his ‘love for Pakistan’ and even accused the film industry of ‘hypocrisy'. Kangana Ranaut lashes out at Naseeruddin Shah While speaking to the news agency ANI, Kangana criticised what she described as the film industry’s “consistent attitude”, recalling the unrest surrounding protests at Jantar Mantar. She claimed that during the protests, several of her parliamentarian friends had people climbing onto their cars and breaking their windows, while around 2,500 people had gathered outside her home, prompting a heavy police presence that kept her family awake at night. She added, “So when a situation like this was unfolding at Jantar Mantar, they were all shedding crocodile tears. But now that children in Jharkhand are facing this kind of oppression, aren’t they Gen Z too? Is someone only considered Gen Z if they act against the country or abuse the Prime Minister? They themselves have been made to appear anti-youth. This hypocrisy in the film industry will not work. The crocodile tears that people from the film industry were shedding for Jantar Mantar, they should shed the same tears for the children in Jharkhand as well.” Kangana then went on to defend her ‘lomdi’ remark on Naseeruddin Shah. “I said this about Naseeruddin Shah because he had made such a distasteful video in which he was making threats of this kind. And whenever you look at his films, interviews or statements, it is always about Pakistan. Yeh Pakistan ki prem katha kab khatam hogi? Jab dekho Pakistan ke prem mein yeh mare rahte hain. Ab Partition ko bhi itne saal ho gaye hain toh yeh love story khatam kyun nahi ho rahi hai (When will this love story with Pakistan end? He is always obsessed with his love for Pakistan. So many years have passed since Partition, so why hasn’t this love story ended yet?).”

<p>Kangana Ranaut defended her controversial ‘lomdi' remark against veteran actor Naseeruddin Shah in a new interview. Ranaut claimed Shah's ‘love story’ with Pakistan needs to end. The comments came amid the ongoing student protest in Jharkhand.&nbsp;</p>

Kangana Ranaut defends her controversial remark against Naseeruddin Shah: 'He is obsessed with his love for Pakistan'

<p>Nearly two decades later, Emraan Hashmi is all set to return as Shivam Pandit with Awarapan 2. Said to be one of the actor's most emotionally layered characters, the sequel promises to revisit the pain, violence and unresolved emotions that made the original a beloved film.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>Helmed by Nitin Kakkar, Awarapan 2 features Emraan Hashmi alongside Disha Patani, Shabana Azmi, Suvinder Vicky, Vijayant Kohli, Atul Kumar, Aniruddh Rawal and Puran Gabbi. The trailer, accompanied by the familiar emotional world of the first film, has already created excitement among the viewers. But before the sequel arrives, let's revisit the original story.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p><strong>Also Read: </strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/bollywood/awarapan-2-trailer-out-emraan-hashmi-is-back-with-pain-love-and-rage-as-shivam-1786003651189"><strong>Awarapan 2 trailer out: Emraan Hashmi is back with pain, love and rage as Shivam</strong></a></p><h2>The story of Awarapan</h2><p>Released in 2007, the first film was directed by Mohit Suri. Awarapan revolved around Shivam Pandit, a gangster who has built his life around violence and survival, but happiness knocks on his door when he meets Aliyah, a devout Muslim woman, and their relationship gradually transforms him.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>For someone who has spent most of his life surrounded by crime, Aliyah teaches him love and faith.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>However, their relationship ends in tragedy as Aliyah dies, leaving Shivam emotionally shattered.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>From that point, he becomes detached from the world around him, carrying the guilt of believing that his actions led to her death.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>Years later, Shivam is working for crime boss Bharat Malik in Hong Kong when he receives an assignment involving Reema, Malik’s young Pakistani mistress.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p><strong>Also Read: </strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/bollywood/awarapan-2-emraan-hashmi-starrer-gets-ua-16-certificate-after-cbfc-orders-9-edits-1785982145962"><strong>Awarapan 2: Emraan Hashmi starrer gets UA 16+ certificate</strong></a></p><p>&nbsp;</p>

<p>&nbsp;</p><p><strong>Also Read: </strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/bollywood/awarapan-2-release-date-out-emraan-hashmi-returns-as-shivam-disha-patani-joins-the-cast-1776766574577"><strong>Awarapan 2 release date out: Emraan Hashmi returns as Shivam</strong></a></p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>Malik suspects that Reema is seeing another man and asks Shivam to keep an eye on her. His instructions are straightforward: if Reema is unfaithful, Shivam must report it.</p><p>Shivam soon discovers that Reema is indeed in love with another man, and desperately wants to escape the life Malik has forced upon her.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>That is where Shivam begins to change, and uniting Reema with her lover becomes his only mission.</p><h2>What happens to Shivam at the end?</h2><p>While Shivam successfully saves Reema and Bilal, he is fatally wounded in the gunfight. As he lies dying, Shivam finally appears to make peace with the guilt that has haunted him since Aliyah’s death.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p><strong>Also Read: </strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/bollywood/awarapan-2-teaser-out-emraan-hashmi-returns-as-shivam-pandit-after-19-years-disha-patani-and-shabana-azmi-join-watch-1782724722985"><strong>Awarapan 2 teaser out: Emraan Hashmi returns as Shivam Pandit after 19 years; Disha Patani and Shabana Azmi join | Watch</strong></a></p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>For the whole movie, he’s been looking for a way out of his past. By sacrificing himself so that Reema and Bilal can have the freedom he could not have with Aliyah, Shivam finally finds his own form of redemption.</p><h2>Why is Awarapan still remembered?</h2><p>While the 2007 film did not become a box-office hit, Awarapan gradually built its reputation as one of the most iconic romantic thrillers. The soundtrack also became an important part of that legacy, with songs such as “Tera Mera Rishta” and “Toh Phir Aao”.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>Now, Awarapan 2 will continue the story of Shivam, and the trailer appears to bring back his grief and suggests that his past continues to have a powerful hold over him.</p><p>Awarapan 2 is slated to arrive in cinemas on August 14.</p>

Ahead of the Awarapan 2 release, let's revisit the original 2007 film. Starring Emraan Hashmi as Shivam Pandit, a ruthless gangster whose life takes a turn when he meets the love of his life, it had a tragic ending.

Nearly two decades later, Emraan Hashmi is all set to return as Shivam Pandit with Awarapan 2. Said to be one of the actor's most emotionally layered characters, the sequel promises to revisit the pain, violence and unresolved emotions that made the original a beloved film. Helmed by Nitin Kakkar, Awarapan 2 features Emraan Hashmi alongside Disha Patani, Shabana Azmi, Suvinder Vicky, Vijayant Kohli, Atul Kumar, Aniruddh Rawal and Puran Gabbi. The trailer, accompanied by the familiar emotional world of the first film, has already created excitement among the viewers. But before the sequel arrives, let's revisit the original story. Also Read: Awarapan 2 trailer out: Emraan Hashmi is back with pain, love and rage as Shivam The story of Awarapan Released in 2007, the first film was directed by Mohit Suri. Awarapan revolved around Shivam Pandit, a gangster who has built his life around violence and survival, but happiness knocks on his door when he meets Aliyah, a devout Muslim woman, and their relationship gradually transforms him. For someone who has spent most of his life surrounded by crime, Aliyah teaches him love and faith. However, their relationship ends in tragedy as Aliyah dies, leaving Shivam emotionally shattered. From that point, he becomes detached from the world around him, carrying the guilt of believing that his actions led to her death. Years later, Shivam is working for crime boss Bharat Malik in Hong Kong when he receives an assignment involving Reema, Malik’s young Pakistani mistress. Also Read: Awarapan 2: Emraan Hashmi starrer gets UA 16+ certificate

<p>Ahead of the Awarapan 2 release, let's revisit the original 2007 film. Starring Emraan Hashmi as Shivam Pandit, a ruthless gangster whose life takes a turn when he meets the love of his life, it had a tragic ending.</p>

Awarapan ending explained: Revisiting Emraan Hashmi’s 2007 film before Awarapan 2 arrives

<p>Bollywood superstar Salman Khan has sent fans into a frenzy, grooving to one of his most iconic songs, "Jeene Ke Hai Chaar Din." The Indian actor is seen performing the song's hook step, leaving the audience stunned by his electrifying performance. The viral video instantly took fans back to the early 2000s, who can't stop gushing over the moment. Many praised the actor for bringing back memories associated with the beloved track and proving that his charm remains as timeless as ever.</p><h2>Salman Khan dances to "Jeene Ke Hai Chaar Din"</h2><p>On August 12 (Wednesday), a video of Indian actor Salman Khan popped up on social media showing him doing the hook step of one of his most acclaimed tracks, "<i>Jeene Ke Hai Chaar Din," </i>from his movie "<i>Mujhse Shaadi Karogi.</i>" As soon as the clip started buzzing online, fans couldn't stop sharing their excitement.&nbsp;</p>

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Every time he dances on this song, he makes sure that he enjoys every moment of it 😍 <a href="https://x.com/hashtag/SalmanKhan?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#SalmanKhan</a> and Jeene Ke Hai 4 Din is an emotion 🫠 <a href="https://t.co/EZkQB1tu9q">pic.twitter.com/EZkQB1tu9q</a></p>&mdash; $@M (@SAMTHEBESTEST_) <a href="https://x.com/SAMTHEBESTEST_/status/2087254874920734779?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 11, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.x.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

<p><strong>Also Read: </strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/bollywood/you-don-t-look-like-a-hero-govinda-recalls-salman-khan-s-emotional-struggles-during-partner-1786370206117"><strong>'You don't look like a hero': Govinda recalls Salman Khan’s emotional struggles during Partner</strong></a></p>

<p>Salman was seen in a casual yet stylish look. He was seen wearing a dark blue T-shirt, denim jeans, and a brown leather jacket. He completed the look with his signature cap, which he wears at most outings and events these days.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p><strong>Also Read: </strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/bollywood/salman-khan-and-aamir-khan-pay-heartfelt-tribute-to-pradeep-rawat-after-his-demise-at-74-1785990250195"><strong>Salman Khan and Aamir Khan pay heartfelt tribute to Pradeep Rawat</strong></a></p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>It is believed that the <i>Tiger Zinda Hai </i>actor frequently opts for caps, fedoras, or cowboy hats during casual outings and airport appearances to cover his recently done hairdo.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>Despite the video gaining attention online, several details about the footage remain unknown. There has been no official confirmation about where the clip was recorded, though it appears to have been filmed at a private party or celebration.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p><strong>Also Read: </strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/bollywood/salman-khan-s-heartfelt-post-for-sanjay-dutt-sparks-nostalgia-among-fans-says-i-love-you-baba-1785558163628"><strong>Salman Khan’s heartfelt post for Sanjay Dutt sparks nostalgia among fans</strong></a></p><h2>Salman Khan's work front</h2><p>Salman Khan is one of the most celebrated and renowned Indian actors, having delivered several blockbusters like <i>Hum Aapke Hain Koun, Bajrangi Bhaijaan, Sultan, Dabangg, and Karan Arjun.</i></p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>As of 2026, Khan is busy with a packed schedule that includes a war drama titled <i>Maatrubhumi: May War Rest in Peace</i>, an action thriller with Vamshi Paidipally (SVC63), and hosting the upcoming 20th season of Bigg Boss, which is set to premiere on September 6, 2026.<br>&nbsp;</p>

Salman Khan recreated his iconic Jeene Ke Hain Chaar Din steps. The video went viral in no time and sent a wave of nostalgia among the fans. 

Bollywood superstar Salman Khan has sent fans into a frenzy, grooving to one of his most iconic songs, "Jeene Ke Hai Chaar Din." The Indian actor is seen performing the song's hook step, leaving the audience stunned by his electrifying performance. The viral video instantly took fans back to the early 2000s, who can't stop gushing over the moment. Many praised the actor for bringing back memories associated with the beloved track and proving that his charm remains as timeless as ever. Salman Khan dances to "Jeene Ke Hai Chaar Din" On August 12 (Wednesday), a video of Indian actor Salman Khan popped up on social media showing him doing the hook step of one of his most acclaimed tracks, "Jeene Ke Hai Chaar Din," from his movie "Mujhse Shaadi Karogi." As soon as the clip started buzzing online, fans couldn't stop sharing their excitement.

<p>Salman Khan recreated his iconic Jeene Ke Hain Chaar Din steps. The video went viral in no time and sent a wave of nostalgia among the fans.&nbsp;</p>

Salman Khan recreates iconic hook step from Jeene Ke Hain Chaar Din; viral video leaves fans nostalgic

Ekta Kapoor has introduced several actors who went on to become fan favourites with their impressive performances and unmatched charm. From Sushant Singh Rajput and Rajeev Khandelwal to Karan Kundrra, these stars won hearts and became the nation's heartthrobs.

<p>Ekta Kapoor has introduced several actors who went on to become fan favourites with their impressive performances and unmatched charm. From Sushant Singh Rajput and Rajeev Khandelwal to Karan Kundrra, these stars won hearts and became the nation's heartthrobs.</p>

From Sushant Singh Rajput to Karan Kundrra: 7 actors launched by Ekta Kapoor who became nation's heartthrobs

<p>The makers of Ramayana unveiled the trailer of the much-awaited film on July 30, and since then it has sparked widespread discussions online. While many praised the scale of the project, several viewers also questioned the film’s visual effects and CGI.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>Amid the mixed responses from the viewers, Ranbir Kapoor has defended the VFX work behind the ambitious project and took a jibe at what he described as “CG critics” on the internet.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p><strong>Also Read: </strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/ramayana-trailer-explained-from-ayodhya-s-glory-to-lanka-s-darkness-here-s-everything-you-missed-in-ranbir-kapoor-and-yash-s-epic-1785391840216"><strong>Ramayana trailer decoded: From Ayodhya's glory to Lanka's darkness</strong></a></p><h2>Ranbir Kapoor reacts to online critics</h2><p>During an interview with Collider, Ranbir spoke about how audiences have become increasingly conscious of computer-generated imagery in recent days. "There has been a phenomenon right now. In the last few years, there are such a large number of people who have become these CG critics. They see the trailer, and they are always critiquing that it’s not good enough or it’s seemingly not done. So I think people are getting more aware, especially with the influx of AI. People are getting more interested in how good the CGI is and how good the CGI will finally look once the film releases," he said.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p><strong>Also Read: </strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/ramayana-part-1-release-date-announced-ranbir-kapoor-and-yash-s-film-to-hit-theatres-two-days-before-diwali-1785997560829"><strong>Ramayana: Part 1 release date announced: Ranbir Kapoor and Yash's film to hit theatres two days before Diwali</strong></a></p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>Ranbir also explained that he believes judging the work solely from a trailer is unfair. "I think it’s quite funny sometimes because people who know how CG is done think like someone’s just used some AI and released something. You know, there are countless hours of work where artists are working for years. I have seen Nitesh sir and Namit sitting on VFX calls ever since this project started, trying to get even a certain colour of the sky right. I think it’s tricky right now trying to impress the audience with authentic CGI."</p><h2>Namit Malhotra on Ramayana</h2><p>Producer Namit Malhotra has also addressed the criticism surrounding the film. "When we launched our previous teaser, we heard a fair amount of noise around some aspects of what we had done. And the same people, when we showed it to them on a big IMAX screen in 3D, all of those conversations changed. Because they are also judging stuff on their phones, and not in great condition," Namit said.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p><strong>Also read: ‘</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/bollywood/for-a-big-chunk-of-the-film-i-was-barefoot-ranbir-on-wearing-rubber-slippers-in-ramayana-1785995435655"><strong>For a big chunk of the film I was barefoot’: Ranbir on wearing rubber slippers in Ramayana</strong></a></p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>He further stressed that "Here we are spending years and millions of dollars to try and make something for that big screen experience that we are waiting patiently to bring to you. And then you judge it on a phone or a not-great internet connection saying, ‘No, that’s not good enough.’ Only to be told, when you see it on the big screen it’s meant to be consumed on, that it’s actually beautiful."</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>Namit also compared the experience with Christopher Nolan’s The Odyssey. "We know for a fact, because we have collaborated with Chris on all his films, that what you see in that theatrical experience, visually and in terms of audio, is completely unique to what you would watch on any digital device. And that exactly proves the point. Come judge it there and if you don’t like it, that’s fair."</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p><strong>Also Read: </strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/ahead-of-ranbir-kapoor-s-ramayana-revisit-the-most-memorable-ramayana-adaptations-1785475898126"><strong>Ahead of Ranbir Kapoor’s Ramayana, revisit the most memorable Ramayana adaptations on screen</strong></a></p><p>&nbsp;</p>

<h2>About Ramayana</h2><p>The trailer introduced Ranbir as Lord Rama, Sai Pallavi as Sita and Yash as Ravana. Ravi Dubey plays Lakshman, while Sunny Deol essays Lord Hanuman. The cast also includes Vivek Oberoi, Rakul Preet Singh, Lara Dutta and Arun Govil.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>Backed by Namit Malhotra and directed by Nitesh Tiwari, Ramayana is being made as a two-part epic. The first instalment is slated to release during Diwali 2026, with the second part expected in 2027.<br>&nbsp;</p>

Following the release of Ramayana trailer, several social media users questioned film’s visual effects and CGI. Recently, Ranbir Kapoor took an aim at what he described as “CG critics”.

The makers of Ramayana unveiled the trailer of the much-awaited film on July 30, and since then it has sparked widespread discussions online. While many praised the scale of the project, several viewers also questioned the film’s visual effects and CGI. Amid the mixed responses from the viewers, Ranbir Kapoor has defended the VFX work behind the ambitious project and took a jibe at what he described as “CG critics” on the internet. Also Read: Ramayana trailer decoded: From Ayodhya's glory to Lanka's darkness Ranbir Kapoor reacts to online critics During an interview with Collider, Ranbir spoke about how audiences have become increasingly conscious of computer-generated imagery in recent days. "There has been a phenomenon right now. In the last few years, there are such a large number of people who have become these CG critics. They see the trailer, and they are always critiquing that it’s not good enough or it’s seemingly not done. So I think people are getting more aware, especially with the influx of AI. People are getting more interested in how good the CGI is and how good the CGI will finally look once the film releases," he said. Also Read: Ramayana: Part 1 release date announced: Ranbir Kapoor and Yash's film to hit theatres two days before Diwali Ranbir also explained that he believes judging the work solely from a trailer is unfair. "I think it’s quite funny sometimes because people who know how CG is done think like someone’s just used some AI and released something. You know, there are countless hours of work where artists are working for years. I have seen Nitesh sir and Namit sitting on VFX calls ever since this project started, trying to get even a certain colour of the sky right. I think it’s tricky right now trying to impress the audience with authentic CGI." Namit Malhotra on Ramayana Producer Namit Malhotra has also addressed the criticism surrounding the film. "When we launched our previous teaser, we heard a fair amount of noise around some aspects of what we had done. And the same people, when we showed it to them on a big IMAX screen in 3D, all of those conversations changed. Because they are also judging stuff on their phones, and not in great condition," Namit said. Also read: ‘For a big chunk of the film I was barefoot’: Ranbir on wearing rubber slippers in Ramayana He further stressed that "Here we are spending years and millions of dollars to try and make something for that big screen experience that we are waiting patiently to bring to you. And then you judge it on a phone or a not-great internet connection saying, ‘No, that’s not good enough.’ Only to be told, when you see it on the big screen it’s meant to be consumed on, that it’s actually beautiful." Namit also compared the experience with Christopher Nolan’s The Odyssey. "We know for a fact, because we have collaborated with Chris on all his films, that what you see in that theatrical experience, visually and in terms of audio, is completely unique to what you would watch on any digital device. And that exactly proves the point. Come judge it there and if you don’t like it, that’s fair." Also Read: Ahead of Ranbir Kapoor’s Ramayana, revisit the most memorable Ramayana adaptations on screen

<p>Following the release of the Ramayana trailer, several social media users questioned the film’s visual effects and CGI. Recently, Ranbir Kapoor took aim at what he described as “CG critics”.</p>

Ramayana trailer: Ranbir Kapoor reacts to CGI backlash, takes aim at ‘CG critics’

<p>Independence Day 2026 is almost here, and Indians are ready to celebrate the country's freedom and remember the sacrifices that made it possible. While patriotic songs often become the highlight of the celebrations, Hindi movies have also given viewers some iconic dialogues that leave a mark in viewers' minds even after the end credits.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>From soldiers on the borders to citizens finding pride in India's diversity, these lines have captured different emotions of what it means to love one's country. On Independence Day 2026, here are some of the most memorable Bollywood dialogues on patriotism.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p><strong>Hindustan Zindabad Tha, Zindabad Hai, Zindabad Rahega</strong></p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>This iconic dialogue is from Gadar: Ek Prem Katha and the larger-than-life impact of Sunny Deol's declaration has made it timeless. Set against the backdrop of Partition, the 2001 film follows Tara Singh in his mission to protect his family.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p><strong>Also Read: </strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/raazi-to-neerja-best-women-led-patriotic-films-to-watch-this-independence-day-1786528730132"><strong>Raazi to Neerja: Best women-led patriotic films to watch this Independence Day</strong></a></p>

<p>&nbsp;</p><p><strong>Mujhe states ke naam… sirf ek mulk ka naam sunai deta hai</strong></p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>Chak De! India is among the very few films that proves patriotism does not always have to be associated with war. The dialogue is delivered by Shah Rukh Khan's character coach Kabir Khan, who tells his team “Mujhe states ke naam na sunayi dete hain na dikhayi dete hain, sirf ek mulk ka naam sunai deta hai… INDIA.”</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p><strong>Watan ke aage kuch nahi, khud bhi nahi</strong></p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>Meghna Gulzar's Raazi showed patriotism through the story of Sehmat, an Indian woman who takes on an extremely dangerous mission during the 1971 India-Pakistan conflict. Alia Bhatt's character in the film expresses her love for India saying, "Watan ke aage kuch nahi, khud bhi nahi."</p><p>&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also Read: </strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/independence-day-2026-how-india-s-national-flag-evolved-through-the-freedom-struggle-1786260512287"><strong>Independence Day: How India's national flag evolved through the freedom struggle</strong></a></p><p>&nbsp;</p><p><strong>Farz aur farzi mein ek maatra ka antar hota hai</strong></p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>Uri: The Surgical Strike stars Vicky Kaushal, who portrays an Army officer. The film has several memorable moments, but its dialogue about duty is still remembered by the fans. The film also gave audiences the now-famous exchange, “How's the Josh?” followed by “High, Sir!”</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p><strong>Yeh azaadi ki ladai hain, guzre hue kal se azaadi… aane waale kal ke liye</strong></p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>Aamir Khan's Mangal Pandey: The Rising revisited the events surrounding the 1857 uprising and the soldier who became one of its prominent figures. The dialogue looks at freedom as something that connects generations.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p><strong>Also Read:</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-independence-day-2026-7-books-that-capture-the-pain-of-partition-1786451356293"><strong> India Independence Day 2026: 7 books that capture the pain of Partition</strong></a></p><p>&nbsp;</p><p><strong>Koi bhi desh perfect nahi hota. Usse perfect banana padta hai</strong></p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>Rakeysh Omprakash Mehra's Rang De Basanti explored patriotism through a group of young people, where their understanding of the country changes dramatically. Another memorable thought from the film asks people to choose between passively accepting circumstances and taking responsibility for changing them.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p><strong>Hum mein aur un mein kuch farq hai… Yeh Indian Army hai</strong></p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>Farhan Akhtar's Lakshya approached military life through the transformation of an aimless young man into a disciplined Army officer. In the film, Hrithik Roshan's character says, “Hum mein aur un mein kuch farq hai aur yeh farq rehna chahiye. Yeh Indian Army hai. Hum dushmani mein bhi ek sharafat rakhte hain.”</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p><strong>Also Read: </strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/independence-day-2026-historical-sites-that-reveal-untold-story-of-india-s-freedom-struggle-1786524720053"><strong>Independence Day 2026: Historical sites that reveal untold story of India’s freedom struggle</strong></a></p><p>&nbsp;</p><p><strong>Religion wala jo column hota hai… INDIAN likhte hain</strong></p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>The dialogue from Baby proves patriotism is beyond religion, language or community. In the film, Akshay Kumar's character delivers a line that won the audience. "Religion wala jo column hota hai, usmein hum bold aur capital mein INDIAN likhte hain."</p><p>&nbsp;</p>

<p>&nbsp;</p><p><strong>Amritsar ki paidaish hun… isse zyada Indian kya ho sakta hun?</strong></p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>Vicky Kaushal's Sam Bahadur brought the life and personality of Field Marshal Sam Manekshaw to the screen. Among its memorable lines is, “Amritsar ki paidaish hun, biwi Bombay ki hai, Dilli mein kaam karta hun, isse zyada Indian kya ho sakta hun?”</p>

Ahead of Independence Day 2026, let's remember some of the most iconic dialogues that Bollywood gave the audience to celebrate patriotism.

Independence Day 2026 is almost here, and Indians are ready to celebrate the country's freedom and remember the sacrifices that made it possible. While patriotic songs often become the highlight of the celebrations, Hindi movies have also given viewers some iconic dialogues that leave a mark in viewers' minds even after the end credits. From soldiers on the borders to citizens finding pride in India's diversity, these lines have captured different emotions of what it means to love one's country. On Independence Day 2026, here are some of the most memorable Bollywood dialogues on patriotism. Hindustan Zindabad Tha, Zindabad Hai, Zindabad Rahega This iconic dialogue is from Gadar: Ek Prem Katha and the larger-than-life impact of Sunny Deol's declaration has made it timeless. Set against the backdrop of Partition, the 2001 film follows Tara Singh in his mission to protect his family. Also Read: Raazi to Neerja: Best women-led patriotic films to watch this Independence Day

<p>Ahead of Independence Day 2026, let's remember some of the most iconic dialogues that Bollywood gave the audience to celebrate patriotism.</p>

Independence Day 2026: Powerful Bollywood dialogues that celebrate patriotism

<p>Surely one of the most interesting releases of the year. Directed by Priyadarshan, the upcoming action thriller Haiwaan, which reunites Akshay Kumar and Saif Ali Khan after 17 years, is set for release soon. And with the release right around the corner, the makers are keeping fans’ excitement on edge with every little detail.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>Today, K. Venkat Narayana’s KVN Productions and Thespian Films dropped the first teaser, and it’s super intense. It will raise the bar to the next level.</p><h3>Haiwaan teaser: Saif Ali Khan is blind, and Akshay Kumar is after him</h3><p>The 45-second teaser starts with a serious humming tone in the background. With a monochrome setting, it begins with Khan’s character talking on the phone in a dark room. The lighting is low, and all you see is the shadow of a man. Then the man is revealed as Akshay, who seems to be keeping an eye on Khan's character, who is blind.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p><strong>Also read: </strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/scam-2010-hansal-mehta-unveils-the-first-look-of-his-new-series-based-on-subrata-roy-1786531512891">Scam 2010: First look at Hansal Mehta’s Sahara series released</a></p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>Khan is walking with the help of a stick and is checking the time on his braille watch. But what Akshay is doing is following him. Is he keeping an eye on him? Or is he after him?&nbsp;</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>Then the focus shifts to Khan, who is wearing a beanie and is casually dressed, chasing someone through corridors. The teaser doesn’t reveal much. But one thing that is sure is that this is going to be dark, and one of the more serious outings for both Akshay and Priyadarshan in a long time.</p>

<p>As the teaser has begun making a splash, Akshay Kumar shared insights into his ‘evil’ character, revealing that he always wanted to play a psycho on-screen.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p><strong>Also read: </strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/lifestyle/i-get-there-on-bus-leave-in-a-bugatti-when-georgina-talked-about-her-early-romance-with-cristiano-ronaldo-1786515722515">From bus to Bugatti: When Georgina talked about her early romance with Ronaldo</a></p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>“As the title goes, I am playing Haiwaan and my character has no grey shades; he's out-and-out evil. I always wanted to play a psycho on screen,” he says and further explains how this film allows him to challenge himself as an actor. “With my last four-five films, I have tried to switch between completely different genres: comedy, horror, action, drama. This is my first time playing evil in the truest sense. I like to constantly challenge myself and Haiwaan is that challenge for me,” he states.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>Director Priyadarshan too revealed how he thought of Akshay Kumar as the perfect fit into the world of Haiwaan. “I saw Akshay casually wearing a beanie on the sets of Bhooth Bangla and immediately liked the look. While narrating Haiwaan, I never thought he would do the negative character. I was shocked when he asked, 'Can I do it?' I thought this would give me a different Akshay Kumar and a chance to see the actor's potential.”</p><p>&nbsp;</p>

Directed by Priyadarshan, the edge-of-the-seat thriller stars Akshay Kumar and Saif Ali Khan.Not much details of the movie's plot are yet out. 

Surely one of the most interesting releases of the year. Directed by Priyadarshan, the upcoming action thriller Haiwaan, which reunites Akshay Kumar and Saif Ali Khan after 17 years, is set for release soon. And with the release right around the corner, the makers are keeping fans’ excitement on edge with every little detail. Today, K. Venkat Narayana’s KVN Productions and Thespian Films dropped the first teaser, and it’s super intense. It will raise the bar to the next level. Haiwaan teaser: Saif Ali Khan is blind, and Akshay Kumar is after him The 45-second teaser starts with a serious humming tone in the background. With a monochrome setting, it begins with Khan’s character talking on the phone in a dark room. The lighting is low, and all you see is the shadow of a man. Then the man is revealed as Akshay, who seems to be keeping an eye on Khan's character, who is blind. Also read: Scam 2010: First look at Hansal Mehta’s Sahara series released Khan is walking with the help of a stick and is checking the time on his braille watch. But what Akshay is doing is following him. Is he keeping an eye on him? Or is he after him? Then the focus shifts to Khan, who is wearing a beanie and is casually dressed, chasing someone through corridors. The teaser doesn’t reveal much. But one thing that is sure is that this is going to be dark, and one of the more serious outings for both Akshay and Priyadarshan in a long time.

<p>Directed by Priyadarshan, the edge-of-the-seat thriller stars Akshay Kumar and Saif Ali Khan.Not much details of the movie's plot are yet out.&nbsp;</p>

Haiwaan teaser out!  Akshay Kumar is after Saif Ali Khan’s blind character

On the occasion of Independence Day 2026, watch these top female-led patriotic films that remind us that patriotism is not defined by gender. These Bollywood titles have shown \the contribution of women in safeguarding India's integrity.

<p>On the occasion of Independence Day 2026, watch these top female-led patriotic films that remind us that patriotism is not defined by gender. These Bollywood titles have shown the contribution of women in safeguarding India's integrity.</p>

Raazi to Neerja: Best women-led patriotic films to watch this Independence Day

<p>Mallika Sherawat is among the 21 celebrity contestants in the second season of <i>The Traitors,</i> the hit reality series on Prime Video hosted by Karan Johar. Known for her bold personality and candid remarks, the Indian actress recently grabbed attention on the show after making a surprising claim about Hollywood superstar Tom Cruise. The <i>Welcome</i> actress revealed that the <i>Mission: Impossible</i> star allegedly has a crush on her, usually sends her messages, and has even shared videos of the two partying together. Her statement quickly went viral, sparking curiosity among fans on social media.</p><h2>Mallika Sherawat says Tom Cruise has a crush on her</h2><p>One viral clip from the upcoming show, <i>The Traitors Season 2</i>, is popping up on everyone's phone screens, which shows stand-up comedian Aditya Kulshreshtha, aka Kullu, Krystle D'Souza, Abhishek Malhan, and Mallika Sherawat sitting together. Later, Kully asks Sherawat about her personal life, like, “Have you ever had a crush on anyone? Or has everyone had a crush on you?”</p>

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Mallika Sherawat claiming Tom Cruise has a crush on her is next level delusion. 😭 <br><br>If Tom Cruise is sending her snaps then Ryan Gosling is literally texting me right now to hang out. <br><br>The only Mission Impossible here is getting us to believe this story. 💀 <a href="https://t.co/B2PxKRWv2z">pic.twitter.com/B2PxKRWv2z</a></p>&mdash; ᴅᴇᴀᴅ ᴋɪʟʟᴇʀ (@ReignOfBateman) <a href="https://x.com/ReignOfBateman/status/2087149810264723468?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 11, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.x.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

<p><strong>Also Read: </strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/the-traitors-season-2-karan-johar-reveals-two-contestants-from-his-killer-list-premiere-date-announced-1785146754760"><strong>The Traitors Season 2: Karan Johar reveals two contestants from his 'killer list', premiere date announced</strong></a></p>

<p>Responding to the question, the actress said, “No, everyone has had a crush on me. Even Tom Cruise has a crush on me these days. I'm not lying.” She added, “If I had my phone, I would've shown you his videos.”</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>After her claim, everyone around the actress was left stunned, with Mallika clarifying, “When we were partying together and all…. He's fabulous."</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p><strong>Also Read: </strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/the-traitors-season-2-teaser-unveiled-show-sets-the-stage-for-bigger-betrayals-as-the-game-returns-1784978879240"><strong>The Traitors 2 teaser showcases stage for bigger betrayals as the game returns</strong></a></p><h2>About The Traitors Season 2</h2><p>One of the most popular reality shows, <i>The Traitors,</i> is returning with its second season. Hosted by Karan Johar, the show is set to premiere on August 13, 2026, on Prime Video. Set in Jaisalmer's Suryagarh Palace, it will revolve around 21 celebrity contestants who will navigate psychological warfare, secret alliances, and uncover hidden traitors among them.</p>

<blockquote class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-captioned data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/reel/Db3CIToAN2r/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" data-instgrm-version="14" style=" background:#FFF; border:0; border-radius:3px; box-shadow:0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width:540px; min-width:326px; padding:0; width:99.375%; width:-webkit-calc(100% - 2px); width:calc(100% - 2px);"><div style="padding:16px;"> <a href="https://www.instagram.com/reel/Db3CIToAN2r/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" style=" background:#FFFFFF; line-height:0; padding:0 0; text-align:center; text-decoration:none; width:100%;" target="_blank"> <div style=" display: flex; flex-direction: row; align-items: center;"> <div style="background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 40px; margin-right: 14px; width: 40px;"></div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center;"> <div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 100px;"></div> <div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 60px;"></div></div></div><div style="padding: 19% 0;"></div> <div style="display:block; height:50px; margin:0 auto 12px; width:50px;"><svg width="50px" height="50px" viewBox="0 0 60 60" version="1.1" xmlns="https://www.w3.org/2000/svg" xmlns:xlink="https://www.w3.org/1999/xlink"><g stroke="none" stroke-width="1" fill="none" fill-rule="evenodd"><g transform="translate(-511.000000, -20.000000)" fill="#000000"><g><path d="M556.869,30.41 C554.814,30.41 553.148,32.076 553.148,34.131 C553.148,36.186 554.814,37.852 556.869,37.852 C558.924,37.852 560.59,36.186 560.59,34.131 C560.59,32.076 558.924,30.41 556.869,30.41 M541,60.657 C535.114,60.657 530.342,55.887 530.342,50 C530.342,44.114 535.114,39.342 541,39.342 C546.887,39.342 551.658,44.114 551.658,50 C551.658,55.887 546.887,60.657 541,60.657 M541,33.886 C532.1,33.886 524.886,41.1 524.886,50 C524.886,58.899 532.1,66.113 541,66.113 C549.9,66.113 557.115,58.899 557.115,50 C557.115,41.1 549.9,33.886 541,33.886 M565.378,62.101 C565.244,65.022 564.756,66.606 564.346,67.663 C563.803,69.06 563.154,70.057 562.106,71.106 C561.058,72.155 560.06,72.803 558.662,73.347 C557.607,73.757 556.021,74.244 553.102,74.378 C549.944,74.521 548.997,74.552 541,74.552 C533.003,74.552 532.056,74.521 528.898,74.378 C525.979,74.244 524.393,73.757 523.338,73.347 C521.94,72.803 520.942,72.155 519.894,71.106 C518.846,70.057 518.197,69.06 517.654,67.663 C517.244,66.606 516.755,65.022 516.623,62.101 C516.479,58.943 516.448,57.996 516.448,50 C516.448,42.003 516.479,41.056 516.623,37.899 C516.755,34.978 517.244,33.391 517.654,32.338 C518.197,30.938 518.846,29.942 519.894,28.894 C520.942,27.846 521.94,27.196 523.338,26.654 C524.393,26.244 525.979,25.756 528.898,25.623 C532.057,25.479 533.004,25.448 541,25.448 C548.997,25.448 549.943,25.479 553.102,25.623 C556.021,25.756 557.607,26.244 558.662,26.654 C560.06,27.196 561.058,27.846 562.106,28.894 C563.154,29.942 563.803,30.938 564.346,32.338 C564.756,33.391 565.244,34.978 565.378,37.899 C565.522,41.056 565.552,42.003 565.552,50 C565.552,57.996 565.522,58.943 565.378,62.101 M570.82,37.631 C570.674,34.438 570.167,32.258 569.425,30.349 C568.659,28.377 567.633,26.702 565.965,25.035 C564.297,23.368 562.623,22.342 560.652,21.575 C558.743,20.834 556.562,20.326 553.369,20.18 C550.169,20.033 549.148,20 541,20 C532.853,20 531.831,20.033 528.631,20.18 C525.438,20.326 523.257,20.834 521.349,21.575 C519.376,22.342 517.703,23.368 516.035,25.035 C514.368,26.702 513.342,28.377 512.574,30.349 C511.834,32.258 511.326,34.438 511.181,37.631 C511.035,40.831 511,41.851 511,50 C511,58.147 511.035,59.17 511.181,62.369 C511.326,65.562 511.834,67.743 512.574,69.651 C513.342,71.625 514.368,73.296 516.035,74.965 C517.703,76.634 519.376,77.658 521.349,78.425 C523.257,79.167 525.438,79.673 528.631,79.82 C531.831,79.965 532.853,80.001 541,80.001 C549.148,80.001 550.169,79.965 553.369,79.82 C556.562,79.673 558.743,79.167 560.652,78.425 C562.623,77.658 564.297,76.634 565.965,74.965 C567.633,73.296 568.659,71.625 569.425,69.651 C570.167,67.743 570.674,65.562 570.82,62.369 C570.966,59.17 571,58.147 571,50 C571,41.851 570.966,40.831 570.82,37.631"></path></g></g></g></svg></div><div style="padding-top: 8px;"> <div style=" color:#3897f0; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:550; line-height:18px;">View this post on Instagram</div></div><div style="padding: 12.5% 0;"></div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; margin-bottom: 14px; align-items: center;"><div> <div style="background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(0px) translateY(7px);"></div> <div style="background-color: #F4F4F4; height: 12.5px; transform: rotate(-45deg) translateX(3px) translateY(1px); width: 12.5px; flex-grow: 0; margin-right: 14px; margin-left: 2px;"></div> <div style="background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(9px) translateY(-18px);"></div></div><div style="margin-left: 8px;"> <div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 20px; width: 20px;"></div> <div style=" width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 2px solid transparent; border-left: 6px solid #f4f4f4; border-bottom: 2px solid transparent; transform: translateX(16px) translateY(-4px) rotate(30deg)"></div></div><div style="margin-left: auto;"> <div style=" width: 0px; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-right: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(16px);"></div> <div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; flex-grow: 0; height: 12px; width: 16px; transform: translateY(-4px);"></div> <div style=" width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-left: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(-4px) translateX(8px);"></div></div></div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center; margin-bottom: 24px;"> <div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 224px;"></div> <div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 144px;"></div></div></a><p style=" color:#c9c8cd; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; line-height:17px; margin-bottom:0; margin-top:8px; overflow:hidden; padding:8px 0 7px; text-align:center; text-overflow:ellipsis; white-space:nowrap;"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/reel/Db3CIToAN2r/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" style=" color:#c9c8cd; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:normal; line-height:17px; text-decoration:none;" target="_blank">A post shared by prime video IN (@primevideoin)</a></p></div></blockquote>
<script async src="//www.instagram.com/embed.js"></script>

<h2>Mallika Sherawat’s work front</h2><p>Reema Lamba, popularly known as Mallika Sherawat, is an Indian actress who primarily works in Hindi-language films. She has appeared in several films, such as <i>Murder, The Dirty Politics, Welcome, Hisss,</i> and many more, and has built a reputation in the film industry. In 2024, she made a notable appearance in the comedy film <i>Vicky Vidya Ka Woh Wala Video</i> alongside Rajkummar Rao and Triptii Dimri.</p>

Mallika Sherawat sparked buzz on The Traitors Season 2 after claiming Hollywood star Tom Cruise has a crush on her. She also reveals that the Mission: Impossible actor sends her messages and shares videos of them partying together.

Mallika Sherawat is among the 21 celebrity contestants in the second season of The Traitors, the hit reality series on Prime Video hosted by Karan Johar. Known for her bold personality and candid remarks, the Indian actress recently grabbed attention on the show after making a surprising claim about Hollywood superstar Tom Cruise. The Welcome actress revealed that the Mission: Impossible star allegedly has a crush on her, usually sends her messages, and has even shared videos of the two partying together. Her statement quickly went viral, sparking curiosity among fans on social media. Mallika Sherawat says Tom Cruise has a crush on her One viral clip from the upcoming show, The Traitors Season 2, is popping up on everyone's phone screens, which shows stand-up comedian Aditya Kulshreshtha, aka Kullu, Krystle D'Souza, Abhishek Malhan, and Mallika Sherawat sitting together. Later, Kully asks Sherawat about her personal life, like, “Have you ever had a crush on anyone? Or has everyone had a crush on you?”

<p>Mallika Sherawat has raised eyebrows on The Traitors Season 2 after after claiming Hollywood star Tom Cruise has a crush on her. She also revealed that the Mission: Impossible actor sends her messages and shares videos of them partying together.</p>

The Traitors season 2: Mallika Sherawat claims Tom Cruise has a crush on her; 'I would've shown you his videos'

Sara Ali Khan turned 31 on August 12. The popular actress has featured in popular titles,  winning hearts with her performances in films like Kedarnath, Simmba, Atrangi Re and many more..

<p>Sara Ali Khan turned 31 on August 12. The popular actress has featured in popular titles, &nbsp;winning hearts with her performances in films like Kedarnath, Simmba, Atrangi Re and many more.</p>

Sara Ali Khan birthday special: 6 must-watch performances of the actress- From Kedarnath to Pati Patni Aur Woh Do

<p>Kangana Ranaut has once taken a jibe at Naseeruddin Shah amid the ongoing debate over the response of Bollywood celebrities to student protests. The actor and BJP MP took to her social media to share the remarks after Shah's earlier comments about A-list actors choosing not to raise their voices about the protests in the country.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>The online discussions gained widespread attention after Piyush Mishra questioned Shah's silence on the protests in Jharkhand. He referred to the veteran actor's earlier analogy about celebrities being like “a dog with a bone in its mouth”.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p><strong>Also Read: </strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/bollywood/fact-check-was-naseeruddin-shah-in-new-delhi-for-the-jantar-mantar-student-protest-1784630037890"><strong>Fact Check: Was Naseeruddin Shah in New Delhi for the Jantar Mantar student protest?</strong></a></p><p>&nbsp;</p>

Kangana Ranaut's Instagram Story

<p>&nbsp;</p><p><strong>Also Read: </strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/bollywood/kangana-ranaut-breaks-silence-on-generation-gutter-remark-shares-clarification-video-1785321552606"><strong>Kangana Ranaut clarifies her 'Generation Gutter' remark</strong></a></p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>Kangana later shared Mishra's remarks on her Instagram Stories and added a strongly worded message of her own.</p><h2>Kangana's response to Naseeruddin Shah</h2><p>She took aim at Shah and wrote, "Sach toh ye hai ki har koi kisi na kisi ka kutta hai lekin mujhe iss baat ka garv hai ki main jiss ghar (desh) ki roti khati hoon uski rakhwaali karti hoon, uske liye ladti hoon. Naseer saab khate toh iss desh ke hain lekin ladte padosi desh ke liye hai (The truth is that each and everyone of us is someone's pet. I am proud that I protect and defend the same house from where I get my food. But Naseer saab eats from this land and defends the neighbours)."</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p><strong>Also Read: </strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/naseeruddin-shah-calls-delhi-police-hooligans-like-america-s-ice-agents-backs-student-protest-1784703738370"><strong>Naseeruddin Shah calls Delhi Police ‘hooligans’ like America's ICE agents, backs student protest</strong></a></p><p>&nbsp;</p>

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Legendary actor Naseeruddin Shah shares a video, fuming about the way youth were beaten up yesterday in Delhi. He reminds the government, “Sab yaad rakha jayega” <br><br>Thank you sir for your voice and solidarity 🙏 <a href="https://t.co/pDmp2G4U3R">pic.twitter.com/pDmp2G4U3R</a></p>&mdash; Cockroach Janta Party - CJP (@Cockroachisback) <a href="https://x.com/Cockroachisback/status/2079668842989818104?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 21, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.x.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

<p>&nbsp;</p><p><strong>Also Read: </strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/kangana-ranaut-s-gen-z-u-turn-actress-mp-wishes-youth-on-friendship-day-after-facing-backlash-over-generation-gutter-remark-1785692119516"><strong>Kangana Ranaut’s Gen Z U-Turn: Actress-MP wishes youth on Friendship Day after facing backlash over 'Generation Gutter' remark</strong></a></p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>She further added, "PS In today's time, it's a compliment for humans to be called a dog because loyalty and cuteness is so rare. Rather be a dog than a lomdi like Naseeruddin."</p><h2>What did Naseeruddin Shah say?</h2><p>The veteran actor commented on the discussions around the reluctance of Bollywood personalities to speak about student-led protests. "They'll do it when their conscience tells them to. There's a saying: a dog with a bone in its mouth can't bark. As soon as the bone drops out of their mouth, or it breaks their teeth, then they will bark," he had said earlier.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>His remark was later highlighted by Piyush Mishra, who questioned his silence regarding the student protests in Jharkhand.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>&nbsp;</p>

Kangana Ranaut has slammed Naseeruddin Shah on her social media amid the ongoing debate over the response of Bollywood celebrities to student protests. Calling him lomdi, she questioned her silence over the protests in Jharkhand.

Kangana Ranaut has once taken a jibe at Naseeruddin Shah amid the ongoing debate over the response of Bollywood celebrities to student protests. The actor and BJP MP took to her social media to share the remarks after Shah's earlier comments about A-list actors choosing not to raise their voices about the protests in the country. The online discussions gained widespread attention after Piyush Mishra questioned Shah's silence on the protests in Jharkhand. He referred to the veteran actor's earlier analogy about celebrities being like “a dog with a bone in its mouth”. Also Read: Fact Check: Was Naseeruddin Shah in New Delhi for the Jantar Mantar student protest?

<p>Kangana Ranaut has slammed Naseeruddin Shah on her social media amid the ongoing debate over the response of Bollywood celebrities to student protests. Calling him a lomdi, she questioned her silence over the protests in Jharkhand.</p>

Kangana Ranaut slams Naseeruddin Shah over his silence on Jharkhand protest: 'Rather be a dog than...'

Suniel Shetty turned 65 on August 11. Known for his charming and effortless personality, the actor has impressed viewers with diverse roles across genres. On his birthday, revisit some of his finest performances.

<p>Suniel Shetty turned 65 on August 11. Known for his charming and effortless personality, the actor has impressed viewers with diverse roles across genres. On his birthday, revisit some of his finest performances.</p>

Suniel Shetty turns 65: From Dev in Dhadkan to Shyam in Hera Pheri- Revisit his 7 finest performances on OTT

<p>Shraddha Kapoor's highly anticipated film <i>Eetha </i>has witnessed a major release update. The makers have postponed the film from its previously announced release date of August 28, sparking curiosity among fans eager to see Kapoor's transformation into the legendary Lavani artist Vithabai Narayangaonkar. On August 11 (Tuesday), the makers announced that the much-awaited biographical drama will now hit theatres in December instead of August.</p><h2>Eetha's new release date</h2><p>Sharing the announcement of the film's postponed release date, Shraddha Kapoor and the makers took to social media on August 11 to unveil the latest poster. The poster revealed that Eetha, which was earlier slated to release on August 28, will hit theatres on December 4, 2026.</p>

<blockquote class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-captioned data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/p/Db5ciD5oSaZ/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" data-instgrm-version="14" style=" background:#FFF; border:0; border-radius:3px; box-shadow:0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width:540px; min-width:326px; padding:0; width:99.375%; width:-webkit-calc(100% - 2px); width:calc(100% - 2px);"><div style="padding:16px;"> <a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/Db5ciD5oSaZ/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" style=" background:#FFFFFF; line-height:0; padding:0 0; text-align:center; text-decoration:none; width:100%;" target="_blank"> <div style=" display: flex; flex-direction: row; align-items: center;"> <div style="background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 40px; margin-right: 14px; width: 40px;"></div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center;"> <div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 100px;"></div> <div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 60px;"></div></div></div><div style="padding: 19% 0;"></div> <div style="display:block; height:50px; margin:0 auto 12px; width:50px;"><svg width="50px" height="50px" viewBox="0 0 60 60" version="1.1" xmlns="https://www.w3.org/2000/svg" xmlns:xlink="https://www.w3.org/1999/xlink"><g stroke="none" stroke-width="1" fill="none" fill-rule="evenodd"><g transform="translate(-511.000000, -20.000000)" fill="#000000"><g><path d="M556.869,30.41 C554.814,30.41 553.148,32.076 553.148,34.131 C553.148,36.186 554.814,37.852 556.869,37.852 C558.924,37.852 560.59,36.186 560.59,34.131 C560.59,32.076 558.924,30.41 556.869,30.41 M541,60.657 C535.114,60.657 530.342,55.887 530.342,50 C530.342,44.114 535.114,39.342 541,39.342 C546.887,39.342 551.658,44.114 551.658,50 C551.658,55.887 546.887,60.657 541,60.657 M541,33.886 C532.1,33.886 524.886,41.1 524.886,50 C524.886,58.899 532.1,66.113 541,66.113 C549.9,66.113 557.115,58.899 557.115,50 C557.115,41.1 549.9,33.886 541,33.886 M565.378,62.101 C565.244,65.022 564.756,66.606 564.346,67.663 C563.803,69.06 563.154,70.057 562.106,71.106 C561.058,72.155 560.06,72.803 558.662,73.347 C557.607,73.757 556.021,74.244 553.102,74.378 C549.944,74.521 548.997,74.552 541,74.552 C533.003,74.552 532.056,74.521 528.898,74.378 C525.979,74.244 524.393,73.757 523.338,73.347 C521.94,72.803 520.942,72.155 519.894,71.106 C518.846,70.057 518.197,69.06 517.654,67.663 C517.244,66.606 516.755,65.022 516.623,62.101 C516.479,58.943 516.448,57.996 516.448,50 C516.448,42.003 516.479,41.056 516.623,37.899 C516.755,34.978 517.244,33.391 517.654,32.338 C518.197,30.938 518.846,29.942 519.894,28.894 C520.942,27.846 521.94,27.196 523.338,26.654 C524.393,26.244 525.979,25.756 528.898,25.623 C532.057,25.479 533.004,25.448 541,25.448 C548.997,25.448 549.943,25.479 553.102,25.623 C556.021,25.756 557.607,26.244 558.662,26.654 C560.06,27.196 561.058,27.846 562.106,28.894 C563.154,29.942 563.803,30.938 564.346,32.338 C564.756,33.391 565.244,34.978 565.378,37.899 C565.522,41.056 565.552,42.003 565.552,50 C565.552,57.996 565.522,58.943 565.378,62.101 M570.82,37.631 C570.674,34.438 570.167,32.258 569.425,30.349 C568.659,28.377 567.633,26.702 565.965,25.035 C564.297,23.368 562.623,22.342 560.652,21.575 C558.743,20.834 556.562,20.326 553.369,20.18 C550.169,20.033 549.148,20 541,20 C532.853,20 531.831,20.033 528.631,20.18 C525.438,20.326 523.257,20.834 521.349,21.575 C519.376,22.342 517.703,23.368 516.035,25.035 C514.368,26.702 513.342,28.377 512.574,30.349 C511.834,32.258 511.326,34.438 511.181,37.631 C511.035,40.831 511,41.851 511,50 C511,58.147 511.035,59.17 511.181,62.369 C511.326,65.562 511.834,67.743 512.574,69.651 C513.342,71.625 514.368,73.296 516.035,74.965 C517.703,76.634 519.376,77.658 521.349,78.425 C523.257,79.167 525.438,79.673 528.631,79.82 C531.831,79.965 532.853,80.001 541,80.001 C549.148,80.001 550.169,79.965 553.369,79.82 C556.562,79.673 558.743,79.167 560.652,78.425 C562.623,77.658 564.297,76.634 565.965,74.965 C567.633,73.296 568.659,71.625 569.425,69.651 C570.167,67.743 570.674,65.562 570.82,62.369 C570.966,59.17 571,58.147 571,50 C571,41.851 570.966,40.831 570.82,37.631"></path></g></g></g></svg></div><div style="padding-top: 8px;"> <div style=" color:#3897f0; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:550; line-height:18px;">View this post on Instagram</div></div><div style="padding: 12.5% 0;"></div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; margin-bottom: 14px; align-items: center;"><div> <div style="background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(0px) translateY(7px);"></div> <div style="background-color: #F4F4F4; height: 12.5px; transform: rotate(-45deg) translateX(3px) translateY(1px); width: 12.5px; flex-grow: 0; margin-right: 14px; margin-left: 2px;"></div> <div style="background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(9px) translateY(-18px);"></div></div><div style="margin-left: 8px;"> <div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 20px; width: 20px;"></div> <div style=" width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 2px solid transparent; border-left: 6px solid #f4f4f4; border-bottom: 2px solid transparent; transform: translateX(16px) translateY(-4px) rotate(30deg)"></div></div><div style="margin-left: auto;"> <div style=" width: 0px; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-right: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(16px);"></div> <div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; flex-grow: 0; height: 12px; width: 16px; transform: translateY(-4px);"></div> <div style=" width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-left: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(-4px) translateX(8px);"></div></div></div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center; margin-bottom: 24px;"> <div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 224px;"></div> <div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 144px;"></div></div></a><p style=" color:#c9c8cd; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; line-height:17px; margin-bottom:0; margin-top:8px; overflow:hidden; padding:8px 0 7px; text-align:center; text-overflow:ellipsis; white-space:nowrap;"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/Db5ciD5oSaZ/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" style=" color:#c9c8cd; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:normal; line-height:17px; text-decoration:none;" target="_blank">A post shared by Maddock Films (@maddockfilms)</a></p></div></blockquote>
<script async src="//www.instagram.com/embed.js"></script>

<p><strong>Also Read: </strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/from-eetha-to-madhubala-upcoming-bollywood-biopics-you-can-t-miss-1784088385476"><strong>From Eetha to Madhubala: Upcoming Bollywood biopics you can’t miss</strong></a></p>

<p>Along with the poster, the makers also captioned the post, which read, "TOOFAN ke liye taiyaar rehna... kyunki #EETHA aa rahi hai, 4th December ko!"</p><h2>Eetha teaser leak</h2><p>The teaser for Shraddha Kapoor's upcoming biographical drama Eetha leaked online after debuting in theatres during Homi Adajania's <i>Cocktail 2</i>. The footage quickly went viral across social media platforms such as X and Instagram, generating buzz among fans.</p>

<p><strong>Also Read: </strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/eetha-teaser-out-shraddha-kapoor-s-divine-transformation-as-vithabai-narayangaonkar-sparks-excitement-watch-1782210523476"><strong>Eetha teaser out: Netizens hail Shraddha's powerful transformation as Vithabai</strong></a></p>

<p>On June 23, the makers officially released the teaser, offering a glimpse into the life of legendary Maharashtrian Lavani and Tamasha folk artist Vithabai Narayangaonkar. The teaser highlights a powerful chapter from her life and showcases her unwavering dedication to her art despite numerous challenges and life hurdles, while also giving audiences a look at Shraddha Kapoor’s striking transformation for the role.</p><h2>About Eetha</h2><p><i>Eetha </i>is an upcoming biographical drama directed by Laxman Utekar and produced by Maddock Films. It stars Shraddha Kapoor and Randeep Hooda and chronicles the life of Vithabai Narayangaonkar from the 1940s to the 1990s. The film is now scheduled to release in cinemas on December 4, 2026.</p>

On August 11 (Tuesday), the makers of Eetha announced that the film will no longer be released on August 28. The biographical drama based on Vithabai Narayangaonkar is now scheduled to hit theatres in December 2026.

Shraddha Kapoor's highly anticipated film Eetha has witnessed a major release update. The makers have postponed the film from its previously announced release date of August 28, sparking curiosity among fans eager to see Kapoor's transformation into the legendary Lavani artist Vithabai Narayangaonkar. On August 11 (Tuesday), the makers announced that the much-awaited biographical drama will now hit theatres in December instead of August. Eetha's new release date Sharing the announcement of the film's postponed release date, Shraddha Kapoor and the makers took to social media on August 11 to unveil the latest poster. The poster revealed that Eetha, which was earlier slated to release on August 28, will hit theatres on December 4, 2026.

<p>On August 11 (Tuesday), the makers of Eetha announced that the film will no longer be released on August 28. The biographical drama based on Vithabai Narayangaonkar is now scheduled to hit theatres in December 2026.</p>

bollywood

Cinema in 1947: The films Indians watched the year freedom arrived

Batwara 1947 review: Sunny Deol's film delivers a powerful message on secularism

Akshay Kumar to SRK, Bollywood stars who played India’s bravehearts

Rajkumar Santoshi's father directed India's first film after 1947

Awarapan 2 review: Emraan Hashmi returns with power, but the magic is missing

Awarapan 2 vs Batwara 1947: Which film is leading the advance booking battle?

Prahaar: Rajkummar Rao starrer postponed, new release date announced

Ravi Kishan reveals wife Preeti Shukla's hilarious take on his viral meme buzz

Dhar was sure Dhurandhar 2 profanities wouldn't be censored: Suvinder Vicky

Did you know? This was the first film to release on 15 August 1947

The play about Lahore that Pakistan banned is now Sunny Deol’s Batwara 1947

Kangana Ranaut defends her controversial remark against Naseeruddin Shah

Awarapan ending explained: Revisiting Emraan Hashmi’s 2007 film

Salman Khan recreates iconic hook step from Jeene Ke Hain Chaar Din; viral video leaves fans nostalgic

Sushant to Karan: 7 stars launched by Ekta Kapoor who won millions hearts

Ramayana trailer: Ranbir Kapoor reacts to CGI backlash

Independence Day 2026: Powerful Bollywood dialogues that celebrate patriotism

Haiwaan teaser out! Akshay Kumar is after Saif Ali Khan’s blind character

Raazi to Neerja: Best women-led patriotic films to watch this Independence Day

The Traitors season 2: Mallika Sherawat claims Tom Cruise has a crush on her

Sara Ali Khan birthday special: 6 must-watch performances of the actress

Kangana Ranaut slams Naseeruddin Shah over his silence on Jharkhand protest

Suniel Shetty turns 65: Dhadkan to Hera Pheri- 7 finest performances on OTT

Shraddha Kapoor's Eetha gets a new release date; shifted to December 2026