Have you heard? Making movies bigger

Tiger Shroff, Akshay Kumar, Riteish Deshmukh and Sajid Nadiadwala

Not one to despair that some of his productions didn't click at the box office, producer Sajid Nadiadwala is gearing up for a new slate of movies. Having announced his plans of releasing Housefull 5 (HF5) next Diwali, the filmmaker has begun prep for the multi-starrer comedy, led by franchise regulars, Akshay Kumar and Riteish Deshmukh. Like the previous installments, the fifth outing will also be extensively filmed in London. Sajid is looking to up the ante, not just in terms of content and cast, but also in terms of production value and locations. The filmmaker is apparently planning to spend about R400 crore on HF5 which will also see previous cast members in principal parts. Moreover, the ace producer is also slated to start the fourth edition of his action thriller, Baaghi, with Tiger Shroff reprising the protagonist Ronnie. Undeterred by the pandemic cutting short Baaghi 3's run in cinemas, Sajid has big plans to take the thrills a few notches higher with Tiger's novel action moves in Baaghi 4, which will be shot across Saudi Arabia. Asserting that his journey in the movies has always been about giving the best experience to cinegoers, Sajid says, "We've built strong relationships with the UK and Saudi Arabia, making these places feel like a second home for our shoots. Our commitment to entertain our viewers remains strong as ever with our upcoming movies."

Like mama, like bhanjas

Given his kids are focused on their studies to thinking about a career in the movies, Ajay Devgn's nephews Aaman Devgn and Daanish Gandhi are following in his footsteps. While Amaan is making his acting debut in director Abhishek Kapoor's yet-untitled film that also stars Ajay, Daanish is gearing up for the music video Hanju, marking his directorial debut. Composed by Sacchin and Ashu, and rendered by Javed Ali, the romantic ballad features Priyank Sharma and Ishita Raaj in the lead. Ajay commented on Daanish's teaser on social media: "Good going my boy."

Remembering her teachers

On the occasion of Teachers' Day yesterday, Rani Mukerji thanked her teachers for helping her believe in herself. "I was blessed to have teachers who shaped my foundation as a child for the person I have become today," she said. The actor added that in her portrayal of a teacher battling a neurodevelopmental disorder in Hichki, she also "tried to emulate the kind-hearted, noble teachers that I had interacted with as a child as I have a lot of fond memories of them."

Rocky, Rani to head to Busan

Karan Johar has one more reason to celebrate his latest directorial venture, Rocky Aur Rani Kii Prem Kahaani. The Ranveer Singh and Alia Bhatt-starrer, which has crossed the R150 crore mark at the national box office, is headed to the Busan Film Festival. The musical family drama has been selected in the Open Cinema section of the Korean film festival. Sharing the news on social media, with a poster of the film, KJo wrote, "Feeling absolutely blessed and grateful. Rocky Aur Rani Kii Prem Kahaani goes to Busan Film Festival."

Pooja's loss, Meenakshi's gain

Some weeks ago, Pooja Hegde opted out of Mahesh Babu's Guntur Kaaram. Apparently, she wasn't too pleased with the changes director Trivikram Srinivas was making to the script and her role. After her exit, rumours were rife that Sree Leela, who was playing the second lead, would be cast in her place. However, as per latest updates, the makers have gone an altogether different way by signing Meenakshii Chaudhary, who made her Tollywood debut with Ichata Vahanamuli. Sources claim that Meenakshii's performance in the series Out of Love is what impressed the makers. Wonder what Sree Leela, who remains the second lead, has to say about this development.

Striking his first pose

A couple of months ago, YRF signed on Chunky Panday's nephew Ahaan Panday to launch him in a movie. After extensive prep over the last few weeks, the young lad did his first photoshoot. Sharing some behind-the-scenes moments on social media, Ahaan expressed gratitude to all those involved. He wrote, "Thank you Avi [photographer Avinash Gowariker], Stephan, Diana and all the lighting dadas and everyone else who helped me (sic)."

Going bad next

The long wait after the setback of Dostana 2 and Bedhadak is finally paying off for Lakshya. While his debut film, Kill, produced by Karan Johar and Guneet Monga is set to première at the upcoming Toronto International Film Festival, the actor has bagged his next project with Dharma Productions. The yet-untitled film is said to be a big-budget high-octane actioner. What is interesting is that Lakshya will play the antagonist in the project, the details of which are being kept under wraps. Sources say KJo will make the official announcement after the principal cast and crew is finalised.