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CBFC blocks Shahana Goswami-starrer Santosh release, director reacts
The Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) has posed a roadblock in the release of the critically acclaimed film 'Santosh'. Directed by Sandhya Suri, the film was UK's official entry for Oscars this year. The film sees Shahana Goswami play the role of a cop. CBFC demands extensive cuts Reportedly, the CBFC has demanded a long list of cuts to the makers before giving it a green signal for release in India. Reportedly, scenes of police brutality was not approved by the censor board. Directed by Sandhya Suri, the film stars Shahana Goswami as a driven young Hindu widow who inherits her husband's job as a police constable thanks to a government scheme. She finds herself caught up in institutional corruption even as she warms to working with rough-edged veteran detective Inspector Sharma (Sunita Rajwar) on a brutal murder case involving a teenage girl from the lower caste Dalit community, as per The Hollywood Reporter. Sandhya Suri reacts to CBFC demands After CBFC decided to stall the release of Santosh in India, Sandhya Suri in an interview expressed her disappointment and called it heartbreaking. In an interview with The Guardian, she said, “It was surprising for all of us because I didn’t feel that these issues were particularly new to Indian cinema or hadn’t been raised before by other films.” The filmmaker said that they received multiple cut suggestions spanning several pages. She said most of the cuts were related to police conduct and broader societal issues. The filmmaker said that she would fight the case in court and not make the cuts. Shahana Goswami reacts to CBFC demands Talking about the censor suggestions, Shahana Goswami told India Today, "The censor has given a list of changes they require for the film to release and we as a team are not in agreement with the cuts as they would change the film too much, and so it is in a deadlock where it probably won't release theatrically in India." "It's just sad that something that has gone through censor approval at the script level should require so many cuts and changes for it to be considered okay to release in India," Goswami added. The Sandhya Suri film also touches upon the themes of caste discrimination, police brutality, sexual violence, and Islamophobia.Also starring Sunita Rajwar alongside Shahana, the film had its world premiere in the Un Certain Regard section at the 77th Cannes Film Festival earlier in 2024. The film is available on the OTT platform MUBI in India.
26 March,2025 10:15 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondent
Sonali Bendre to host 'The Happy Pawdcast'
Actor Sonali Bendre will be a host of the upcoming podcast "The Happy Pawdcast", dedicated to pet parenting and pet care. The podcast, which will have its first episode out on YouTube on March 28, aims to "be a trusted guide for both new and experienced pet parents, promoting responsible and informed pet care," according to a press release. Bendre, who most recently appeared in "The Broken News 2", said her love for animals has grown stronger over the years. "I have been a pet parent for years and my love for animals has only grown stronger. Being part of 'The Happy Pawdcast' is truly special for me because it's a platform where I can connect with fellow pet lovers, share my experiences and most importantly, spread awareness about responsible pet parenting. "Taking care of a pet is not just a responsibility but a deeply rewarding journey and this podcast is the perfect first step for anyone looking to embark on it. Through engaging conversations and expert insights, I hope to educate and inspire more people to welcome pets into their lives with love," she added. "The Happy Pawdcast" is produced by RosePod. This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever
26 March,2025 09:52 PM IST | Mumbai | PTI
Aamir Khan launches his YouTube channel at 60
Aamir Khan, one of Bollywood’s legendary actors, has given audiences countless memorable films over his 30-year career. Beyond his stellar acting, as a producer with his production house, Aamir Khan Productions, has delivered several blockbuster hits, setting new benchmarks in Indian cinema. Recently, the production house announced the launch of its YouTube channel, Aamir Khan Talkies, offering fans a unique glimpse into the magic of filmmaking. From rare behind-the-scenes moments to in-depth conversations about films, the channel promises to be a treat for movie lovers. Aamir Khan Talkies Announcing their YouTube channel, the production house shared a video and wrote, “Cinema. Stories. Unfiltered moments. We’ve created stories that have made you laugh, cry, and think for years. Now, we’re welcoming you to the world of cinema like never before with Aamir Khan Talkies! 🫰🏻 A place where storytelling meets reality. This is your front-row seat to the magic of moviemaking, from rare behind-the-scenes moments to conversations about films that shaped us! 🙌🏻” View this post on Instagram A post shared by Aamir Khan Productions (@aamirkhanproductions) What the channel will feature In the welcome video of Aamir Khan Talkies, Aamir Khan shares how he has long envisioned creating a platform to discuss his films and the art of filmmaking. The YouTube channel will offer an exclusive look into the magic behind cinema, revealing the deeper meaning behind every scene. It will showcase behind-the-scenes footage, exploring the director’s vision, storytelling techniques, and the creative process. The channel will also feature insights from actors, group discussions, and in-depth conversations about filmmaking. Artists associated with Aamir Khan Productions will share their experiences, providing fans with a deeper understanding of cinema. Through this platform, viewers will not only learn about filmmaking but also immerse themselves in its artistic and technical brilliance. Aamir Khan's work front Following the debacle of Laal Singh Chaddha (2022), Aamir appears to have kept an arm’s length from acting. It wasn’t until news relating to his next, Sitare Zameen Par, hit the headlines that fans heaved a sigh of relief. While that film will release in June, Aamir is also working on a screen adaptation of the Mahabharata. “We have put together a team. The writing work has started,” Aamir shared. When asked to share a tentative timeline within which fans can expect the film to release, he said, “I will take a call on it after the first phase [is wrapped up].”
26 March,2025 09:38 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondent
Salman Khan confirms film with Atlee not happening
For months, there has been a see-saw about superstar Salman Khan and filmmaker Atlee's probable collaboration. Clearing the air about the status of the film, Khan has revealed that while the project was happening at one point of time, it's been pushed now. "I don't think it's happening right now. It was happening at one point of time. We tried really hard to work it out, but somehow it didn't happen. I don't know what exactly was (the reason)," he said during a group interview to promote his upcoming Eid outing, Sikandar. Khan further shared that the film couldn't materialise due to budget issues. "I believe it was the budget of the film. It's a very high budget film. So, now the film has been pushed. You generally allocate dates for two films at a time, so now I have time in hand to do one film now and then another back to back," he said. The superstar further revealed that while he is "deciding" between two films at the moment, he plans to headline Sooraj Barjatya's next after the filmmaker's collaboration with Ayushmann Khurrana, Prem Ki Shaadi. There have been reports about Khan also looking at the sequel to his 2015 blockbuster Bajrangi Bhaijaan. "A sequel to Bajrangi Bhaijaan can be made, but the problem is when it will be made, Munni will be speaking," he laughed. On a serious note, he said, "It's being written right now." Khan also addressed the speculation around Tiger vs Pathaan with Shah Rukh Khan. "It's not happening right now," he said.
26 March,2025 08:38 PM IST | Mumbai | Priyanka Sharma
Adarsh Gourav speaks about playing a social media influencer in Tu Yaa Main
Be it a Malegaon boy with big dreams or a Mumbai-based fitness trainer, Adarsh Gourav has a knack for inhabiting different characters with ease. His next avatar? A social media influencer. Come June, the actor will kick off the shoot of Tu Yaa Main along with co-star Shanaya Kapoor. “It was the film’s look that first caught my attention,” he says of director Bejoy Nambiar’s survival thriller that sees two social media content creators, trying to outdo each other while making a video in a Mumbai lake, unaware of a crocodile lurking in the water. Becoming a content creator has given Gourav another chance to build a character far removed from his real-life persona. “I never want to repeat myself. The joy of acting lies in disappearing so completely into a character that the audience forgets the actor behind it. For me, acting is about complete immersion—physically, emotionally, and mentally.” A big step of understanding the character is creating his look. Many days went into cracking his look in the film—read spiky hair, earrings and piercings. The actor shares, “I invest time in crafting each character’s look because appearances tell stories. The way a person walks, dresses, or carries themselves can reveal so much about them. For instance, playing a fitness trainer in Kho Gaye Hum Kahan [2023] required me to build an athletic physique. For Tu Yaa Main, I am stepping into the shoes of a small-town social media influencer; that means reshaping my physicality, altering my mannerisms and deeply understanding my character’s psyche.”
26 March,2025 07:43 PM IST | Mumbai | Mohar Basu
BEST bus rear-ends Aishwarya Rai Bachchan's car on Mumbai street,watch
Bollywood actress Aishwarya Rai Bachchan's car was involved in a minor road accident on Wednesday after it was hit by a bus. A video has surfaced online showing Aishwarya’s car being rear-ended by a BEST bus. The passengers in Aishwarya's car were unharmed and left the scene immediately. The BEST bus rear-ended Aishwarya's luxury car on a busy street in Mumbai. However, the low-impact collision did not cause much damage, and the car was seen leaving the premises soon after. Meanwhile, a crowd gathered, causing chaos on the street as the bus hit the car. Aishwarya’s security team can be seen stepping out to assess the situation. After a brief interaction with the bus driver, the car proceeded and left the premises. There was no visible damage to the car, as seen in the video. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Varinder Chawla (@varindertchawla) Aishwarya Rai’s recent news The former beauty queen has recently been in the news due to speculation about her marriage status with actor Abhishek Bachchan. For a long time, there have been rumors that the couple has separated and is heading for a divorce. However, neither Abhishek nor Aishwarya has confirmed or denied the news. Last month, Aishwarya took to her Instagram handle to share a birthday wish for Abhishek. This came after none of the Bachchan family members posted birthday wishes for Aishwarya on her birthday in November last year. Aishwarya shared a childhood picture of Abhishek and wrote, “Here’s wishing you Happy Birthday with happiness, good health, love, and light. God Bless.” However, she did not tag him in the post. View this post on Instagram A post shared by AishwaryaRaiBachchan (@aishwaryaraibachchan_arb) Abhishek and Aishwarya Rai Bachchan got married on April 20, 2007, in an intimate wedding ceremony at one of Amitabh Bachchan's bungalows, Prateeksha. The duo has shared screen space in movies like Guru, Dhoom 2, and more. They welcomed their first child, a daughter named Aaradhya, on November 16, 2011. Reports of possible tension in their marriage have been circulating for some time. Abhishek's alleged closeness to his Dasvi co-star Nimrat Kaur, along with complex family dynamics involving Shweta and Jaya Bachchan, are said to be contributing factors to the rumored troubles. In July 2024, the Taal actress attended Anant Ambani’s wedding solo with her daughter Aaradhya, while the Bachchan family was present in full force. Additionally, during a recent episode of Kaun Banega Crorepati, Amitabh Bachchan referenced the iconic song Kajra Re, mentioning Abhishek and Rani Mukerji but notably omitting Aishwarya, who also appeared in the music video. Aishwarya also dropped her surname while attending an event in Dubai. Aishwarya’s work front Aishwarya was last seen in Mani Ratnam's Ponniyin Selvan: Part 2, for which she won the Best Actress in a Leading Role (Critics) award at the South Indian International Movie Awards (SIIMA) in Dubai.
26 March,2025 07:07 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondent
Bhool Chuk Maaf: Rajkummar Rao and Wamiqa Gabbi starrer to release in May
Maddock Films has announced that the upcoming romantic comedy 'Bhool Chuk Maaf', starring Rajkummar Rao and Wamiqa Gabbi, will hit theatres on May 9.The film was initially scheduled to release in April but has been postponed to May. Directed and written by Karan Sharma, 'Bhool Chuk Maaf' brings together Rajkummar Rao and Wamiqa Gabbi for the first time on screen. The film's teaser, released in February, showcased a unique time-loop romance where the lead characters find themselves reliving the same day over and over again. The film's poster was recently shared by Maddock Films, teasing the essence of this heartwarming tale.The caption read, "Baar baar wahi din, wahi haldi, wahi bhasad! Kab aur kaise hogi Ranjan aur Titli ki shaadi? Pata chalega 9th May ko! #BhoolChukMaaf sabhi cinema-gharon mein!"'Bhool Chuk Maaf' is presented by Dinesh Vijan under Maddock Films in association with Amazon MGM Studios. The film marks Rajkummar Rao's first collaboration with Wamiqa Gabbi.Apart from 'Bhool Chuk Maaf' RajKummar Rao also has 'Maalik' in his kitty.The film is produced by Kumar Taurani under the Tips Films banner and Jay Shewakramani's Northern Lights Films. It will be released theatrically on June 20, 2025. This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever
26 March,2025 05:51 PM IST | Mumbai | ANI
Sonu Sood issues statement after his wife Sonali meets with road accident
Actor and filmmaker Sonu Sood's wife Sonali is undergoing medical treatment after she sustained injuries in a road accident on Mumbai-Nagpur highway. On Wednesday, a day after the incident, Sood took to his social media handle to thank all his fans and well-wishers for their prayers. He also said that his wife and two other family members involved in the accident are recovering well. Sonu Sood pens note after wife meets with accident Providing an update on Sonali's condition, Sonu Sood took to X (formerly Twitter) and wrote, "Dua mein badi takat hoti hai and we have felt it once again. Thank you so much for all the prayers and heartfelt messages. We truly appreciate your support. Sonali and the other two family members are recovering well. Forever grateful for your love and kindness," he wrote. ❤️🙏 pic.twitter.com/P7lnOYYTiM — sonu sood (@SonuSood) March 26, 2025 What happened on Nagpur highway Sonali and her two relatives were injured when their car rammed into a truck from behind on the Wardha Road Viaduct bridge near Sonegaon in Nagpur on Tuesday. The accident occurred around 10 pm on Monday when they were travelling to Byramji Town from the Nagpur airport. They were admitted to a private hospital. According to reports, the Sonegaon Police have made a police station diary entry based on Medico-Legal Case (MLC) information but have not registered a case due to the absence of a complainant. Officials said Sonali Sood had arrived in Nagpur from Kolkata and was picked up by her relatives, Sunita and Siddharth. The accident occurred when their car was tailing another car that overtook a slow-moving truck. Siddharth, who was at the wheel, rear-ended the truck. Fortunately, the airbags deployed, preventing serious injuries, officials said, adding the trio was treated at a private hospital in Mankapur and are stable. Sonali Sood is recovering well As per a bulletin released by Max Hospital in Nagpur, "Mrs. Sonali Sood, her sister, and nephew were brought to the Emergency Department of Max Hospital, Nagpur at approximately 10:30 pm last night. They had allegedly been in a road traffic accident. All three patients were conscious upon arrival and had stable vital signs. They had sustained multiple abrasions and bruises and were thoroughly evaluated for any internal injuries, none of which were found. Her nephew was discharged after first aid. Mrs. Sonali Sood and her sister remain under observation and are recovering well. Their condition is stable.”
26 March,2025 04:26 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondent
Alia Bhatt gives a glimpse of her birthday month in latest photo dump, see pics
On Tuesday, Bollywood actress Alia Bhatt took to social media to give a glimpse of how she spent her birthday month. With a few days short of the month ending, the Darling actress decided to give her followers a glimpse into her month so far. She turned 32 on March 15. Alia's March in photos Taking to Instagram, Alia dropped a fresh photo dump showcasing her memorable moments spent with her sister Shaheen, mirror selfies and her love for her husband Ranbir Kapoor's fashion brand ARKS. She also posted a picture of a clapboard bearing the film's title LOVE & WAR, under the banner of Bhansali Productions. With this picture, Alia hinted that she has started shooting for the film, which also stars Ranbir and Vicky Kaushal. Alia also shared a cute picture with her cat, Edward. "March so far>>," she captioned the post. The album also highlights different facets of her routine, from working out to indulging in cozy sleep sessions. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Alia Bhatt 💛 (@aliaabhatt) Alia Bhatt's pre-birthday celebration with media Recently, the 'Jigra' actress had a pre-birthday celebration amidst the media. The event, held ahead of the big day, was made even more memorable by her husband, Ranbir Kapoor, who joined her in the celebrations. Amid the celebration, Ranbir confirmed that the second installment of their film Brahmastra is very much in the pipeline. "Brahmastra 2 is something that Ayan has been nurturing as a dream for a very long time--the entire story of Brahmastra. As you guys know, he's currently working on War 2, and once the film releases, he's going to start pre-production of Brahmastra 2. It's definitely happening. We haven't really announced much of it, but there will be some interesting announcements coming regarding Brahmastra 2," he said. Alia Bhatt's work front The actress was last seen on the big screen in the film 'Jigra' where she played the role of a protective elder sister to actor Vedang Raina's character in the Vasan Bala's directorial. However, the film failed to impress the audience and did not prove to be a success at the box office. In the coming months, Alia will also be seen in spy drama 'ALPHA' which also stars Sharvari. She is also shooting for Sanjay Leela Bhansali's Love and War.
26 March,2025 03:49 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondent
Sonu Sood's wife Sonali gets injured in major road accident: Report
According to reports, Sonali Sood, wife of actor Sonu Sood, has met with an accident on Mumbai-Nagpur highway. Hindustan Times reported that the accident took place on March 25, 2025. Reportedly, Sonali's nephew was also with her in the car. The two are reportedly receiving medical care and the moment. Actor Sonu Sood has reportedly rushed to Nagpur to be with his wife and nephew. Sonu Sood’s wife is recovering well As per a bulletin released by Max Hospital in Nagpur, "Mrs. Sonali Sood, her sister, and nephew were brought to the Emergency Department of Max Hospital, Nagpur at approximately 10:30 pm last night. They had allegedly been in a road traffic accident. All three patients were conscious upon arrival and had stable vital signs. They had sustained multiple abrasions and bruises and were thoroughly evaluated for any internal injuries, none of which were found. Her nephew was discharged after first aid. Mrs. Sonali Sood and her sister remain under observation and are recovering well. Their condition is stable.” What happened in Nagpur According to reports, the Sonegaon Police have made a police station diary entry based on Medico-Legal Case (MLC) information but have not registered a case due to the absence of a complainant. Officials said Sonali Sood had arrived in Nagpur from Kolkata and was picked up by her relatives, Sunita and Siddharth. The accident occurred when their car was tailing another car that overtook a slow-moving truck. Siddharth, who was at the wheel, rear-ended the truck. Fortunately, the airbags deployed, preventing serious injuries, officials said, adding the trio was treated at a private hospital in Mankapur and are stable. About Sonu Sood's family: Sonu Sood is a well known name in the film industry. While he largely gained popularity for his negative roles on screen, in real life he earned a name for his philanthropic activities that started during the pandemic and continued thereon. While the actor became a respected public figure, his family including his wife and sons stayed away from the limelight. Sonu got married to Sonali in 1996. She is a Telugu woman, who hails from Andhra Pradesh. The couple has two sons named Ayaan and Eshaan. Sonali holds an MBA degree from Nagpur University. She is a film producer by profession.
26 March,2025 03:07 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondent
First look of Raid 2: Riteish Deshmukh turns politician for Ajay Devgn-starrer
The makers of the upcoming film “Raid 2” have unveiled the first-look poster of Riteish Deshmukh. In the poster, the actor dons a sharp, intense look as a politician. Sharing his first look from the Ajay Devgn-starrer on social media, Riteish wrote, “Kanoon ka mohtaj nahi, kanoon ka malik hai Dada Bhai! #Raid2 knocking in cinemas near you from 1st May. In the poster, the Masti actor is seen standing among a crowd with his hand raised, exuding confidence and authority in his new role as a politician. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Riteish Deshmukh (@riteishd) Deshmukh sported a kurta with a jacket. Yesterday, the makers had released the first look of Ajay Devgn as Amay Patnaik, leading a thrilling new raid in a fresh city. The Singham actor shared his intriguing poster from the film, featuring him, and wrote, "Naya Shehar. Nayi File. Aur Amay Patnaik Ki Ek Nayi Raid. #Raid2 knocking at your doors in cinemas near you on 1st May, 2025.” Directed by Raj Kumar Gupta, “Raid 2” also stars Vaani Kapoor. A sequel to the 2018 hit Raid, the crime thriller continues the journey of IRS officer Amay Patnaik as he tackles another high-stakes white-collar crime. Like the original, the sequel draws inspiration from real-life income tax raids, showcasing how officers from the Income Tax Department, in collaboration with intelligence agencies, investigate and expose white-collar criminal activities. In "Raid," Devgn portrayed IRS officer Amay Patnaik. The film also featured Ileana D’Cruz and Saurabh Shukla in pivotal roles. “Raid 2” is produced by Bhushan Kumar, Kumar Mangat Pathak, Abhishek Pathak, and Krishan Kumar. The film is presented by Gulshan Kumar and T-Series and is a Panorama Studios production. The film is set to release theatrically on 1st May 2025. Recent reports suggest that the teaser for “Raid 2” will be unveiled alongside Salman Khan's much-anticipated film “Sikandar,” set to release in theaters on March 30. This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever
26 March,2025 02:43 PM IST | Mumbai | IANS