Have you heard? New entrants in comic caper

Varun Dhawan, Arjun Kapoor and Diljit Dosanjh

It appears that the sequel to No Entry (2005), which has long been in the plans, is finally happening. Reportedly, Boney Kapoor, who produced the Salman Khan, Anil Kapoor and Fardeen Khan-starrer, has got a studio to back writer-director Anees Bazmee's second instalment of the comic caper. However, instead of the original trio, Varun Dhawan, Arjun Kapoor and Diljit Dosanjh are said to have been roped in for the film. Apparently, the three actors have had several meetings with the makers in the last few months and are looking forward to begin work on the laugh riot. Rumour has it that Anees is planning to begin filming No Entry 2 around the end of 2024. By then, he will be through with Bhool Bhulaiyaa 3, and Varun, Arjun and Diljit, too, will have wrapped up their prior commitments.

Rescheduled to this summer

Vicky Kaushal and Triptii Dimri's yet-untitled film backed by Karan Johar is looking at a new release date this summer. Director Anand Tiwari is yet to shoot a couple of tracks for the romantic comedy that also stars Ammy Virk. We hear that the songs will be shot after Vicky wraps up filming Laxman Utekar's historical drama, Chhaava. Reason: the actor is sporting a beard to portray Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj in the period movie. He can go back to his romcom look only after he completes Laxman's movie. By then, the makers will also finalise the locations to shoot the romantic tracks. Watch this space for further updates.

Meter down

Several film celebrities are known to take the ferry when travelling to and from Madh Island. Pankaj Tripathi, who stays in Madh, is no exception. The actor was attending a press conference of National School of Drama (NSD) for Bharat Rang Mahotsav last afternoon. By the time he was leaving from the venue near Andheri Link Road, it was evening and traffic was at its peak. So Pankaj headed to Versova jetty, to take a ferry to Madh. After getting off, it was just a few minutes' drive to his sea-facing abode.

Rokafied

Pulkit Samrat and Kriti Kharbanda are taking their relationship to the next level. The two actors, who have been together for about five years, had their roka ceremony recently. While they have preferred to not talk about their love story to the press, Pulkit's social media post triggered the buzz about their engagement. The rings the couple was sporting in the post indicated that they had cemented their relationship. The two actors first teamed up for Veerey Ki Wedding (2018), during the making of which they struck a close bond. By the time they began shooting Pagalpanti (2019), their second film together, they were said to be a couple. It is being said that they are looking to tie the knot later this year.

Credit card con

Gangubai Kathiawadi actor Shantanu Maheshwari became the latest victim of a credit card con. The actor discovered the fraud while making a payment at a restaurant on Monday. "My credit card was getting declined due to insufficient funds," said the actor, who called the customer care service to find out that the bank's system was showing another card linked to his account and mobile number. "I was shocked as I never got any OTP [one-time password] alerts," said Shantanu. After back-and-forth with the bank and the Cyber Crime Cell, he managed to get the FIR registered yesterday. "Even though I've taken all precautions, like not activating tap on my card or letting it out of my sight, this is a big learning for me and everyone out there," concluded the actor.

Conditions apply

Rumour has it that Alia Bhatt played a key role in getting actor-husband Ranbir Kapoor and filmmaker Sanjay Leela Bhansali on the same page for their upcoming collaboration, Love & War. Having launched Ranbir with Saawariya (2007), SLB has been keen on reuniting with him for quite a while, and had even offered him Baiju Bawra. For Love & War, RK reportedly asked for fixed working hours, a civil environment on the set, and completing the film as per the schedule specified in their contracts. SLB is planning to begin filming this November and wrap it up by next July, so they can ready it for a Christmas 2025 release.