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Jaat: Makers of Sunny Deol-starrer remove church scene after backlash, FIR
Earlier in the day, reports came in that a case has been registered against Bollywood star Sunny Deol, Randeep Hooda, Vineet Kumar Singh, and director Gopichand Malineni over hurting religious sentiments with a scene involving Lord Jesus Christ in their latest film Jaat. Now, the makers of the film have issued an official statement revealing that the scene in question has been removed from the movie and they apologize to everyone for hurting any religious sentiments. Official statement from Jaat makers The makers of Jaat, in their official statement, shared, "Regarding the removal of a scene following religious sentiment concerns. To whomsoever it may concern, there has been a backlash for a specific scene in the film. The scene has been removed from the film with immediate effect." "Our intention was not to hurt any religious sentiments. We deeply regret it and have taken a quick action of deleting the scene from the film. We sincerely apologize to everyone whose beliefs have been hurt," they concluded. Christian community protests against Jaat Days after the release of the film Jaat, members of the Christian community had staged a protest outside the Police Commissioner’s office, alleging disrespect towards Lord Jesus Christ in the movie. In the complaint to the police, the accused were alleged to have hurt the religious sentiments of the Christian community by mimicking the crucifixion scene of Lord Jesus Christ in Jaat. According to reports, a scene in the film shows Randeep’s character standing under a crucifix inside a church, right above the holy pulpit, as people are praying. Directed by Gopichand Malineni, Jaat also stars Vineet Kumar Singh and Regina Cassandra. Actress Urvashi Rautela has done a dance number in the film. Sunny Deol announces Jaat 2 A week after the film’s release, Sunny Deol took to his Instagram handle to announce Jaat 2, where he is all set to reprise his titular character in the highly anticipated sequel. Sharing the poster, Sunny wrote in the caption, “#Jaat on to a New Mission! #Jaat2.” The poster also highlighted the names of producers Naveen Yerneni, Ravi Shankar Y, and TG Vishwa Prasad, with Mythri Movie Makers continuing to support the sequel. While Sunny Deol’s return has been confirmed, no further cast announcements have been made yet.
18 April,2025 08:37 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondent
Dream Girl 2 director reacts to Nushrratt Bharuccha being upset about Ananya
It was recently that actor Nushrratt Bharuccha, who was promoting her latest film Chhorii 2, spoke about the uncertainties of the business. While talking about the same, the actor mentioned the time she was replaced in the sequel of a hit film, in which she had led the first part. While the entire cast remained the same, only she was replaced by a new girl. The internet was quick to confirm that the movie was Dream Girl 2. While the first part starred Nushrratt alongside Ayushmann Khurrana, the second had Ananya Panday alongside the Vicky Donor fame. Turns out, Dream Girl filmmaker Raaj Shaandilyaa has now spoken about the same and said there was a reason why Nushrratt was not cast in the second film. In an interview with TOI, Raaj Shaandilyaa, the writer-director of Dream Girl 2, revealed why Ayushmann Khurrana, Manjot Singh, and Annu Kapoor were retained in the sequel but Nushrratt Bharuccha was replaced by Ananya Panday. He revealed how it is a franchise film and not a direct sequel, and that the first film was a complete story that ended with the two leading characters uniting. Why Nushrratt was replaced in Dream Girl 2? He said, "Dream Girl 2 was not a sequel, but a franchise film. If it were a sequel, then Nushrratt would have been cast in the film. Dream Girl’s story ended when Ayushmann and Nushrratt’s characters united. We wanted to narrate a different story, so we carried the plot forward with the core characters played by Ayushmann, Manjot, and Annu Kapoor, and cast Ananya in it." Adding how he had given Nushrratt Bharuccha the same reason, Raaj Shaandilyaa said, "Nushrratt once asked me why she wasn’t part of Dream Girl 2, and I gave her the same explanation. I told her that, according to the story, we wanted a new girl. There’s no room for disappointment because jab hum third part banayenge, we’ll cast a new girl in it. Usme Ananya nahi hogi, koi aur hogi." Nushrratt Bharuccha on being replaced by Ananya Panday in Dream Girl 2 In an interview with Nayandeep Rakshit, Nushrratt spoke about being replaced in Dream Girl 2. She did not take the name of the film or Ananya Panday, but it was clear that she was indeed talking about the Ayushmann Khurrana starrer. She said, "It hurt me even more when I was not a part of my own sequel. Every other actor was the same, except the girl, which I felt was not cool na, guys? Theek hai, no problem. I can’t fight something I know is not going to change. What do I fight? They’ll say, ‘We don’t want you.’ That’s the truth of it. Eventually, it’s a choice somebody’s making. I cannot question your choice.”
18 April,2025 07:16 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondent
Yami Gautam and Ayushmann share excitement over debut film’s re-release
It’s a time in Bollywood where re-releases are working better than new films, and to join the trend, the makers of Yami Gautam and Ayushmann Khurrana's debut film Vicky Donor have decided to bring the movie back to theatres. Just two days before the film's 13th anniversary, it is coming back to cinemas. Yami Gautam and Ayushmann Khurrana took to Instagram to share their excitement over the re-release of their first film. Sharing a still from the film, Yami wrote, "And it’s VICKY DONOR DAY. It’s back to where it belonged — all the way to your hearts. Forever grateful to our audience for giving wings to path-breaking writing & cinema! Forever grateful to this team for creating simply magic & giving voice to so many different talents." View this post on Instagram A post shared by Ayushmann Khurrana (@ayushmannk) Meanwhile, Ayushmann Khurrana, sharing a series of nostalgic pictures, thanked fans for their continued love and reflected on the film's subject and its impact, making it a part of pop culture. He captioned the post: "13 years ago, this film found its way into your hearts and changed my life forever. #VickyDonor is back in cinemas and I’m feeling all the love again." View this post on Instagram A post shared by Ayushmann Khurrana (@ayushmannk) About Vicky Donor Directed by Shoojit Sircar and produced by John Abraham, Vicky Donor was a box office success despite being made on a modest budget, and is widely regarded as a sleeper hit. With its bold subject, witty script, and Ayushmann’s charismatic performance, Vicky Donor also paved the way for fresh, socially relevant storytelling in Bollywood. Marking the anniversary, the film is being re-released in cinemas, giving fans a chance to relive the magic on the big screen. Yami Gautam on work front Yami was recently seen in Dhoom Dhaam, which released on Valentine’s Day. The film is produced by her husband, Aditya Dhar, along with Lokesh Dhar and Jyoti Deshpande. The actress was also seen in Article 370, for which she received a lot of praise. Ayushmann Khurrana on work front On the professional front, the 40-year-old actor will next be seen in the upcoming horror comedy Thama, alongside Rashmika Mandanna. The project marks the first major collaboration between Munjya director Aditya Sarpotdar and actors Rashmika and Ayushmann. The film is produced by Dinesh Vijan and Amar Kaushik, with a script penned by Niren Bhatt, Suresh Mathew, and Arun Fulara. Backed by Maddock Films, the upcoming drama also stars Paresh Rawal and Nawazuddin Siddiqui in significant roles.
18 April,2025 05:58 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondent
Kesari Chapter 2 review: Akshay Kumar is back!
Film: Kesari Chapter 2Cast: Akshay Kumar, Ananya Panday, R MadhavanDirector: Karan Singh Tyagi Akshay Kumar is back and how! Kesari Chapter 2 has become his saving grace after a series of flops. The courtroom drama that tells the untold story of the Jallianwala Bagh massacre through the lens of C. Sankaran Nair has managed to evoke emotions to an extent where the audience around me erupted in an impromptu applause mid-screening. Akshay Kumar plays yet another real-life character The plot is based on the book The Case That Shook The Empire by Raghu Palat and Pushpa Palat. The massacre scene that lays the foundation for this film is impactful and gut-wrenching. Akshay rules this narrative with this experience of playing several real-life characters on screen. He speaks one line in Malayalam, does Kathakali to establish himself as a South Indian, but keeps his accent intact to speak Hindi without the stereotypical approach. Ananya Panday, who plays his determined co-council, makes her mark as the female lead. R Madhavan, who plays Akshay’s rival in the film, does an excellent job of igniting hate for his character, but his role could have used some depth. It was very Shaitaan-coded. Props to Simon Paisley Day, who plays General Dyer. His chiselled cheekbones, aided by the most evil smirk and commanding presence, even against Akshay, was the perfect concoction of traits to portray the ruthless British officer. Meaningful dialogues in a star-driven movie Bollywood has usually maintained the norm of using cheesy dialogues, which sometimes reek of jingoism in a patriotic setup. However, Sumit Saxena does an excellent job of penning meaningful lines that don’t deviate from the narrative’s tone, which is overall quite subtle. Director Karan Singh Tyagi, who also co-wrote the movie with Amritpal Singh Bindra, translated this chapter of history with the utmost sensitivity. Regina Cassandra, Amit Sial, and Krish Rao are some of the finest actors who aid Akshay to lead this narrative in a sophisticated manner. Final verdict It seems like Akshay finally took the opinions of his fans seriously and shut the noise of the yes-men around him. The actor, who is a pro when it comes to bringing true stories on the big screen, nails it this time with the right script and treatment. He went into this project armed with his primary strength - acting and the result is incredible. We can only hope and pray he continues this streak and chooses his next wisely.
18 April,2025 05:00 PM IST | Mumbai | Oshin Fernandes
Suniel Shetty drops sweetest birthday wish for KL Rahul, check out
Suniel Shetty has been one of the most endearing people to follow on the internet, as through his Instagram handle, the Bollywood star keeps sharing positive content, updates, and beautiful pictures and videos. Today, on his son-in-law KL Rahul's birthday, Suniel Shetty took time to drop the sweetest birthday wish for the ace cricketer. Suniel Shetty's wish for KL Rahul Suniel Shetty, on his Instagram handle, shared a picture with KL Rahul and Ahan Shetty, as the three men can be seen looking dapper, dressed in crisp traditionals. The veteran actor showered Rahul with all the love as he wished him on his birthday. Suniel wrote, “Brother for Ahan, Life partner for Tia and a Son for Mana and Me. Wishing our most cherished gift a very very happy birthday @klrahul.” The post has over 65K likes and over 350 comments already. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Suniel Shetty (@suniel.shetty) KL Rahul and Athiya Shetty announced baby girl's name KL Rahul and Athiya Shetty announced the name of their newborn today. In an Instagram post, they confirmed the name of their daughter to be Evaarah. Meanwhile, it was recently when Suniel Shetty shared a long post on welcoming his granddaughter. He wrote, "It’s funny how life works. You spend years chasing things you think will make you happy. The right roles, the right deals, a larger office, more money, the perfect comeback, more recognition. More everything. But you know what I’ve learned? That real joy mainly comes from the simplest of things." He added, "Becoming a grandfather recently is a feeling I can’t even describe. It’s a happiness that’s pure and untouched by anything the world can give or take away. I’ve spent decades building and running businesses, making films, trying to create something meaningful. And I’m proud of that. But when I hold my granddaughter, none of that matters. The race to have more kind of fades when you come to that point in life where you realise what truly matters. And seeing my Amma hold her great-granddaughter in her arms is the kind of moment that is now a core memory. I’ll never get over the beauty of such moments." Stay tuned to Mid-day for more.
18 April,2025 04:59 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondent
Athiya Shetty and KL Rahul name their daughter Evaarah
On his birthday, cricketer KL Rahul delighted fans by revealing the name of his baby girl with wife Athiya Shetty. The beautiful couple shared a collaborative post on social media, introducing their daughter and posting an adorable family picture of the three of them. Athiya and KL reveal name of baby girl They have named their daughter Evaarah, which means "Gift of God." Sharing the joyful news, the couple wrote, "Our baby girl, our everything.🪷 Evaarah / इवारा ~ Gift of God" View this post on Instagram A post shared by KL Rahul👑 (@klrahul) Athiya Shetty and KL Rahul welcomed their daughter in March, 2025. The celebrity couple took to Instagram onMarch 24, to share the good news. “Blessed with a baby girl," they posted on Instagram, along with a painting of two swans. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Athiya Shetty (@athiyashetty) Suniel Shetty on becoming a grandfather Recently, Suniel Shetty took to his social media to pour his heart out and express his joy at welcoming the little princess. He took to his LinkedIn account and dropped a long post in which he described the joy the ‘simplest of things’ brings. The actor wrote, “It’s funny how life works. You spend years chasing things you think will make you happy. The right roles, the right deals, a larger office, more money, the perfect comeback, more recognition. More everything. But you know what I’ve learned? That real joy mainly comes from the simplest of things.” Further, while talking about how becoming a grandfather feels, he wrote, “Becoming a grandfather recently is a feeling I can’t even describe. It’s a happiness that’s pure and untouched by anything the world can give or take away. I’ve spent decades building and running businesses, making films, trying to create something meaningful. And I’m proud of that. But when I hold my granddaughter, none of that matters.” Athiya's work front On the work front, Athiya has appeared in films like 'Hero', 'Mubarakan', co-starring Anil Kapoor and Arjun Kapoor, and 'Motichoor Chaknachoor'. Directed by Debamitra Biswal, 'Motichoor Chaknachoor' marked her last onscreen appearance alongside Nawazuddin Siddiqui.
18 April,2025 02:20 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondent
FIR filed against Jaat actors Sunny Deol, Randeep Hooda in Jalandhar
A case has been registered against Bollywood stars Sunny Deol, Randeep Hooda, Vineet Kumar Singh and director Gopichand Malineni over hurting religious sentiments with a scene involving Lord Jesus Christ in their latest film 'Jaat'. The case has been registered at Jalandhar's Sadar Police station. It has been filed under Section 299 of the BNS (Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita) for hurting religious sentiments. The complainant Vikalp Gold is a resident of the village Pholriwal in Jalandhar. Christian community protests against Jaat Days after the release of the film Jaat, members of the Christian community had staged a protest outside the Police Commissioner’s office, alleging disrespect towards Lord Jesus Christ in the movie. In the complaint to the police, the accused were alleged to have hurt the religious sentiments of the Christian community by mimicking the crucifixion scene of Lord Jesus Christ in Jaat. According to reports, a scene in the film shows Randeep's character standing under a crucifix inside a church, right above the holy pulpit, as people are praying. Directed by Gopichand Malineni, 'Jaat' also stars Vineet Kumar Singh and Regina Cassandra. Actress Urvashi Rautela has done a dance number in the film. Sunny Deol announces Jaat 2 A week after the film's release, Sunny Deol took to his Instagram handle to announce 'Jaat 2', where he is all set to reprise his titular character in the highly anticipated sequel. Sharing the poster, Sunny wrote in the caption, “#Jaat on to a New Mission!#Jaat2.” The poster also highlighted the names of producers Naveen Yerneni, Ravi Shankar Y, and TG Vishwa Prasad, with Mythri Movie Makers continuing to support the sequel. While Sunny Deol's return has been confirmed, no further cast announcements have been made yet. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Sunny Deol (@iamsunnydeol) About Jaat 'Jaat', which was Sunny Deol's first pan-India action film, also marked the Hindi directorial debut of Gopichand Malineni. The movie features Randeep Hooda as the main antagonist, with a supporting cast that includes Regina Cassandra, Saiyami Kher, Vineet Kumar Singh, Prashant Bajaj, Zarina Wahab, and Jagapathi Babu in significant roles. While the film garnered mixed-to-positive reviews from critics, audiences have largely applauded its high-octane action sequences and the powerful performances by both Sunny Deol and Randeep Hooda. The action-drama Sunny Deol's first on-screen partnership with Randeep Hooda. The film hit theaters on April 10. Speaking about the film, Sunny Deol had earlier said, “This journey of this film had begun during Gadar 2. We all were very excited about it, we were about to start a beautiful film, and after following many directors, Gopi agreed to do the film. We met in Goa, and he said he would direct the film and had another story to narrate. He narrated to me the story of "Sorry Bol" (laughs). And with 'sorry, sorry, sorry,' he pulled me into the entire film and story, and this is how we made 'Jaat.' (with inputs from IANS)
18 April,2025 01:37 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondent
Emraan Hashmi's Ground Zero team arrives in Srinagar for 'landmark day'
Sharing a selfie with director Tejas Deoskar on social media, Emraan Hashmi marked their arrival in Srinagar—calling it a “landmark day” as the city hosts its first red carpet screening in 38 years. Makers Farhan Akhtar and Ritesh Sidhwani will also be joining the team for the premiere. Ground Zero creates history Excel Entertainment’s Ground Zero, starring Emraan Hashmi, is set to make history as it becomes the first film in 38 years to host a red carpet screening in Srinagar. As the team lands in the Valley for this landmark premiere, the moment signals more than just a cinematic event—it’s a powerful homecoming for Bollywood to a region long absent from such celebrations. Taking to social media, Emraan and director Tejas Deoskar shared their arrival moments, captioning: “Touchdown… landmark day: first Red carpet movie screening after 38 years in #Srinagar. This is a special movie screening to honour BSF soldiers and their officers.” View this post on Instagram A post shared by Emraan Hashmi (@therealemraan) This special screening is dedicated to the Border Security Force, with soldiers and officers attending as guests of honour. The event stands as a tribute to their courage and sacrifice—values at the heart of the film. In a conversation with IANS, Emraan shared his deep appreciation for the Border Security Force (BSF) and emphasized how the film pays homage to their bravery and sacrifices. Addressing concerns raised by members of the armed forces regarding their portrayal in cinema, Hashmi assured that "Ground Zero" truly does justice to the BSF, making them the heart of the story. The 'Murder' actor told IANS, “From day one, the BSF was involved in the making of this film. We consulted them during scriptwriting, took their feedback, and documented everything with their consent. This story is about them—their courage, sacrifices, and lives. They are at the heart of the narrative. The entire film is a tribute to the BSF.” About Ground Zero In Ground Zero, Emraan Hashmi essays the role of Commandant Narendra Nath Dhar Dubey, who led a two year long investigation. Based on the BSF’s most daring operation in the last 50 years, the film brings to life a true story of service, sacrifice, and strength, set against the backdrop of Kashmir. Excel Entertainment presents an Excel Entertainment Production, produced by Ritesh Sidhwani & Farhan Akhtar. Directed by Tejas Deoskar, the film is co-produced by Kassim Jagmagia, Vishal Ramchandani, Sundeep C Sidhwani, Arhan Bagati, Talisman Films, Abhishek Kumar, and Nishikant Roy. Ground Zero storms into cinemas on April 25, 2025.
18 April,2025 12:53 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondent
Alia Bhatt does pull ups while listening to Hanumankind's Run It Up in the gym
Alia Bhatt took to social media to reveal why she got ‘suspiciously emotional’ while working out in the gym. On Thursday, the 'Raazi' actress took to her Instagram handle and shared a video of her working out in the gym. For the caption, Bhatt wrote, “Wasn’t sure if I could. But then I did. And now I’m suspiciously emotional about it.” In the video, she could be seen lighting up with energy as she performs an intense arm and chest workout using a rod. The clip captures not just her physical strength but also the determination she brings to her fitness routine. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Alia Bhatt 💛 (@aliaabhatt) The video also captures Alia Bhatt practicing diligently each day, showcasing her dedication to her fitness journey. The Highway actress also added “Run It Up,” the trending song by Hanumankind. On April 16, Alia shared a heartwarming moment on Instagram, revealing how her daughter, Raha, surprised her with a playful “seven-course meal” that showcased her imaginative culinary flair. The ‘Jigra’ actress posted a picture of the adorable creations, which Raha made using modeling clay. The proud mommy couldn’t help but praise her daughter’s creativity, calling her “favorite chef.” In the photo, Alia, beaming with pride, sat at the table with the colorful, clay-crafted meal beautifully laid out in front of her. “My 7-course meal…with love from my favourite chef,” she wrote in the caption. The 32-year-old actress frequently shares charming glimpses of her life with her daughter, Raha, giving fans a peek into their precious moments. Recently, on National Pet Day, Alia posted a heartwarming photo with her beloved pet cat, Edward, which was captured by none other than Raha. In the caption, she lovingly wrote, “A picture with my prince, clicked by my princess.” On the work front, Alia will next be seen in Sanjay Leela Bhansali's upcoming film "Love and War," alongside husband Ranbir Kapoor and Vicky Kaushal. 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
18 April,2025 12:53 PM IST | Mumbai | IANS
Shoojit Sircar: 'Popular actors will have to lower their fees'
The beginning of 2025 has not been easy for Bollywood, as several big-budget movies have underperformed at the box office. Even superstar Salman Khan's 'Sikandar,' which released in cinemas this Eid, failed to meet the expectations, with renowned actors and directors struggling to draw audiences to theatres. Director Shoojit Sircar has now shared his thoughts on what might be going wrong with Hindi cinema. In a conversation with ANI, Sircar said one of the major issues is the lack of risk-taking in storytelling. "There are two very important reasons. First of all, I would say that filmmakers and producers, as creative people, are not taking risks. When it comes to storytelling, you can't just repeat old stories. You have to take some risks somewhere. You need to bring new, insightful subjects, no matter what the genre is," he explained. Sircar also pointed to the rising cost of actors in Bollywood, adding that some "popular actors" need to reconsider their fees -- or risk losing opportunities. "I won't say much about people's entourages or what they charge, but I am sure of one thing: popular actors will have to lower their fees. If they don't, directors will stop approaching them," he said. Sircar also spoke about how his production house, Rising Sun Films, keeps costs in check by working with actors who understand the value of staying within budget. "But that has not been the case with us. For all the films we've made, we've never let the cost go too high. That's why we have fewer complaints. And we've worked with actors who understand that they're working on a Rising Sun film with Shoojit Sircar, and that the cost will not be too high," he said. Meanwhile, Vicky Kaushal's Chhaava remains the only major box office hit so far this year. 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
18 April,2025 12:25 PM IST | Mumbai | ANI
Dharmendra reveals his 'fit' routine as he drops physiotherapy session video
Veteran actor Dharmendra never fails to prove that age is just a number, as he continues to stay strong and active, even at 89. The actor, who is still admired by fans of all ages, took to his Instagram account on Thursday to share a video from one of his physiotherapy sessions. In the clip, the actor is seen lying on a bed as his physiotherapist helps him with leg rotations using a foot stretcher strap. Despite the tough workout, Dharmendra completed the movements with focus and strength. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Dharmendra Deol (@aapkadharam) Along with the video, the 'Sholay' actor added a caption that read, "Friends, with your good wishes and his blessings, I am working hard to be fit and fine. yoga, exercise and ....................now physiotherapy . I am grateful to dear Amit kohli my physiotherapist. Love you all, Take care." Take a look Dharmendra remains an influential and beloved figure in the Indian film industry even today. He continues to enjoy a massive fan following, thanks to his iconic roles in numerous classic films. He was last seen in the movie 'Teri Baaton Mein Aisa Uljha Jiya', alongside Shahid Kapoor and Kriti Sanon. Looking ahead, the actor has several exciting projects lined up. Dharmendra will next star in the war drama 'Ikkis', which is based on the life of Second Lieutenant Arun Khetarpal, who was posthumously awarded the Param Vir Chakra for his bravery. The film will see Dharmendra share the screen with Agastya Nanda, the grandson of megastar Amitabh Bachchan. Directed by Sriram Raghavan, 'Ikkis' is yet to announce a release date. Dharmendra is also set to appear in 'Apne 2', the sequel to the hit film Apne. This movie will bring together the Deol family, with Dharmendra starring alongside his sons Sunny Deol, Bobby Deol, and grandson Karan Deol. The project is directed by Anil Sharma. 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
18 April,2025 12:04 PM IST | Mumbai | ANI