Entertainment - Loktej English

In Rajkumar Hirani's films, the villain is not a person, but circumstances: Vikrant Massey

Loktej English Team — Tue, 23 Jun 2026 16:18:37 +0530

Mumbai, June 23. Bollywood actor Vikrant Massey stated that the biggest feature of filmmaker Rajkumar Hirani's films is that the villain is not a person, but rather the circumstances.

There is growing excitement among audiences for the cybercrime comedy-drama series 'Pritam Aur Pedro', which is set to premiere on July 3 on JioCinema. This series, created in collaboration with Rajkumar Hirani, will showcase a unique blend of mystery, humor, and emotions. The story revolves around a unique pair navigating through several intriguing cybercrime cases.

Sharing his experience of working in the series, Vikrant Massey mentioned that in Rajkumar Hirani's films, the villain is never a human but always the circumstances. One can never truly hate the villain in his films. He added that people are not born bad; rather, life's challenges, circumstances, and moments of helplessness compel them to make decisions they never imagined.

This human perspective makes Rajkumar Hirani's films special and emotionally connects the audience with the characters. Vikrant Massey's comments also highlight Hirani's storytelling style, where humanity is always at the center. The characters in his films are not entirely good or bad, but rather ordinary people struggling with circumstances.

This is why his stories resonate with the audience. With the premiere of 'Pritam Aur Pedro', viewers can expect a new experience filled with mystery, humor, and emotions. The mystery of the series will unfold on July 3 and it will be available exclusively on JioCinema.

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Toxic and Mirzapur: The Movie to Dominate the Box Office

Loktej English Team — Mon, 22 Jun 2026 12:13:09 +0530

The end of August and the beginning of September is set to be an exciting time for theaters. With the release of Toxic on August 26 and Mirzapur: The Movie shortly after on September 4, theaters will receive two major films back-to-back.

This timing is quite interesting as this period is usually a bit slow due to the upcoming Dussehra-Diwali festivals, making the arrival of two big projects in such a short span unique. On one hand, Toxic is bringing back Yash's tremendous pan-India appeal to theaters, while on the other hand, Mirzapur: The Movie is set to launch one of India's most successful and famous OTT franchises on the big screen. Both films already have a strong fan base and significant buzz among audiences, providing theater owners with a fantastic opportunity to maintain business for several weeks.

At a time when the film industry is constantly searching for big films that can draw crowds to theaters, this release timing has the potential to bring a large number of viewers to cinemas. It could transform this traditionally slow period into one of the best and most profitable days on the calendar before the festival season.

Rashmika Mandanna's Film Maaisa Completes Shooting of a Song

Loktej English Team — Fri, 19 Jun 2026 19:31:07 +0530

Mumbai, June 19. The shooting of a song from actress Rashmika Mandanna's highly anticipated pan-India film Maaisa has been successfully completed.

The filmmakers shared the information on their official Instagram account, stating that the shooting of the song is done. The post mentioned, '#Maaisa song pack-up.' Maaisa is being counted among the notable films of 2026. Rashmika Mandanna will be seen in the lead role.

According to the makers, this is India's first pan-India film that presents a story on a large scale centered around a female artist. The first look posters of the film received a good response from the audience, which has increased the excitement surrounding the film. In the film, Rashmika Mandanna plays a powerful and action-packed character.

It is said to be one of the most distinct and challenging roles of her career so far. Her new look and the film's subject matter have generated special discussions among the audience. Maaisa is being produced under the banner of Unformula Films, with Ravindra Pulle as the director.

Based on the backdrop of tribal areas, this film is an emotional action thriller. The makers claim that the film will feature stunning visuals, an exciting story, and Rashmika Mandanna's memorable performance. There has been no official announcement regarding the film's release date yet, but the continuous updates have further heightened the audience's curiosity.

27 Golden Years of 'Hum Dil De Chuke Sanam': 10 Special Features of Sanjay Leela Bhansali's Timeless Film

Loktej English Team — Thu, 18 Jun 2026 19:33:46 +0530

Hyderabad, June 18. The timeless film 'Hum Dil De Chuke Sanam', directed by Sanjay Leela Bhansali, has completed 27 years since its release today.

Starring Salman Khan, Aishwarya Rai, and Ajay Devgn, this musical romantic film remains one of the most beloved films in Indian cinema. The film sensitively portrays love, sacrifice, family values, and social pressures, maintaining a unique identity in the hearts of audiences even today. The unparalleled blend of acting and music significantly contributed to the film's success, with Aishwarya Rai's career-defining performance as Nandini and Salman Khan's innocent charm making it memorable.

Ajay Devgn brought maturity and dignity to the role of Vanraj, elevating it to new heights. Songs like 'Tadap-Tadap' and 'Aankhon Ki Gustakhiyan' are still favorites among music lovers. The film has received several prestigious awards, including four National Awards for Best Choreography, Music, and Cinematography.

Bhansali's unique storytelling style and the grand visual depiction of Gujarati culture make this film a cult classic. It was not only a major commercial success of its time but remains equally relevant and inspiring for the new generation of viewers.

Farah Khan shares a story from 'Tees Maar Khan', says Akshay Kumar used to treat the helicopter like a taxi

Loktej English Team — Wed, 17 Jun 2026 20:00:08 +0530

Mumbai, June 17. Bollywood actor Akshay Kumar is currently in the spotlight for his film Bhool Bhulaiyaa.

The film was recently released on an OTT platform, and during its promotion, Akshay Kumar participated in a special podcast with his co-stars and film friends. In this conversation, renowned director and choreographer Farah Khan shared an interesting anecdote related to Akshay Kumar. During the discussion, Farah Khan recalled the shooting of the film Tees Maar Khan, released in 2010.

She mentioned that the shooting was taking place in the Malshesh area of Maharashtra, which is about two and a half hours away from Mumbai. Farah said that the entire film crew stayed near the shooting location because the call time was at 8 AM every day. However, Akshay Kumar would return to Mumbai every evening after shooting and arrive on set on time the next morning.

When everyone asked how this was possible, Akshay Kumar smiled and revealed that he traveled by helicopter. Hearing this, Farah Khan jokingly remarked that it was the first time she had seen an actor use a helicopter like a taxi. Farah Khan humorously noted that Akshay would come and go by helicopter every day, but she had to commend him for always being on time on set.

Akshay Kumar responded that no one should have a problem with it since he was also the producer of the film. To this, Farah jokingly said that she was also a producer and he had eaten up all her money. This light-hearted banter between the two became the most entertaining part of the podcast.

Talking about his work front, there is a lot of excitement among the audience for Akshay Kumar's next big film, Welcome to the Jungle. This film is the third part of the popular 'Welcome' franchise and will feature several big stars alongside Akshay Kumar.

This multi-starrer film is set to be released in theaters on June 26. After receiving a positive response to the trailer, fans hope that this film will bring a dose of full entertainment.

Ram Charan's 'Peddi' Makes Waves at the Box Office: Film Crosses the Magical Figure of 400 Crores

Loktej English Team — Tue, 16 Jun 2026 20:43:42 +0530

Hyderabad, June 16. Ram Charan, Janhvi Kapoor, and Jagapati Babu's film 'Peddi' has achieved a historic performance at the box office, crossing the 400 crore mark worldwide.

Within just 13 days of its release, the film has maintained its blockbuster pace and won the hearts of audiences. It has not only proven to be the biggest hit of the year but has also become the number 1 grosser film in South India for 2026. Since its release, the film has recorded extraordinary figures in its journey of impressive earnings and success.

According to the latest figures, the film's net collection in India has reached 220.18 crores, with a gross collection of 261.05 crores. Directed by Buchi Babu Sana, the film has received excellent word-of-mouth from audiences, resulting in heavy crowds still flocking to theaters. The continuous successful performance of the film has also excited the makers.

Major production companies involved in the making of this grand film include Maitri Movie Makers, Sukumar Writings, and IVY Entertainment. The success of the film is significantly attributed to the technical expertise of A. R.

Rahman's music and R. Rathnavelu's cinematography. Released on June 4, the film has been distributed in North India by Jio Studios, which has played a crucial role in its nationwide success.

Sonu Sood's Vande Bharat Journey: Emotional Recall of Struggling Days

Loktej English Team — Mon, 15 Jun 2026 19:52:53 +0530

Mumbai, June 15. Bollywood actor Sonu Sood recently reflected on his early days of struggle while traveling on the 'Vande Bharat' train.

He shared that when he first came to Mumbai from Nagpur with dreams of becoming an actor, the circumstances were much tougher compared to today. At that time, trains lacked modern amenities, and passengers often had to spend the night on the floor with newspapers or paper. The actor became quite emotional seeing the changes.

Sonu Sood praised the significant transformations in Indian Railways, commending the world-class facilities of Vande Bharat, the quality of food, and the behavior of the staff. He noted that the railway has made a long and successful journey in recent years. He appreciated the efforts of the Ministry of Railways, which is working to make the travel experience more pleasant and comfortable.

Following the actor's praise for the railway, a new debate erupted on social media. While some users supported his views, a large section reminded him of the common man's problems. Many suggested that he should travel in General Class compartments to see the real conditions, where ordinary citizens still face daily hardships.

25 Years of Lagaan: Aamir Khan, Ashutosh Gowariker, and the Entire Team Reminisce at Special Reunion Screening!

Loktej English Team — Sat, 13 Jun 2026 19:44:12 +0530

Mumbai, June 13. Celebrating the 25th anniversary of the iconic film Lagaan, Aamir Khan hosted a special get-together that included director Ashutosh Gowariker and many members of the film's cast and crew.

This memory-filled reunion paid tribute to one of Indian cinema's most famous films, which continues to inspire audiences worldwide with its timeless story, memorable performances, and unforgettable music. The evening was filled with nostalgia, stories, and heartfelt meetings as Aamir Khan hosted a party for the cast and crew to celebrate the remarkable 25 years of Lagaan. This reunion, held just before the film's historic anniversary on June 15, brought together many members of the cast and crew who played a role in creating this magnificent classic of Indian cinema.

The reunion included Ashutosh Gowariker along with the entire star cast, including Paul Blackthorne, Rajendranath Zutshi, Aditya Lakhia, Yashpal Sharma, Akhilendra Mishra, and Dayashankar Pandey, making this get-together extremely memorable for everyone associated with the film. Directed by Ashutosh Gowariker and produced by Aamir Khan, Lagaan was released for the first time on June 15, 2001, and later became a cultural phenomenon. On the occasion of this silver jubilee year, this special screening paid tribute to the cinematic journey that continues to inspire audiences across generations.

The makers shared a video of this lovely reunion on their social media, stating that Aamir Khan and Ashutosh Gowariker reunited with the cast of Lagaan after 25 years. The film featured an amazing star cast, including Aamir Khan, Gracy Singh, Rachel Shelley, Paul Blackthorne, Suhasini Mulay, Kulbhushan Kharbanda, Rajendra Gupta, Raghubir Yadav, Aditya Lakhia, Yashpal Sharma, Ameen Haji, and many other artists. Its unforgettable soundtrack, composed by A.

R. Rahman, gave audiences timeless songs like Ghanan Ghanan, Mitwa, Radha Kaise Na Jale, and O Re Chhori.

Salman Khan Defamation Case: Bombay High Court Directs Neighbor to Remove Defamatory Posts from Social Media

Loktej English Team — Fri, 12 Jun 2026 19:37:35 +0530

Mumbai, June 12. The Bombay High Court has asked Ketan Kakkar, the neighbor of actor Salman Khan's Panvel farmhouse, to consider removing the controversial videos and tweets posted against him.

Justice Sharmila Deshmukh clarified that social media should not be used solely to defame a celebrity or an ordinary person. The background of the dispute involves Ketan Kakkar alleging that Salman Khan violated environmental regulations during the construction of the farmhouse and obstructed his access. In response, the actor filed a defamation lawsuit, claiming that Kakkar's posts are not only defamatory but also contain communally provocative content.

After not receiving relief from the civil court, Salman Khan approached the High Court. During the hearing, the court questioned why the content was posted directly on social media instead of through officials. Currently, the court has suggested that the neighbor remove the content to resolve the matter, with the next hearing scheduled for July 6.

Col Mr. Sitanshu Sadangi and Ms. Rani Panwar Crowned Winners at Senior Fashion Pageant India 2026 Grand Finale

PNN — Thu, 11 Jun 2026 12:00:13 +0530

Poonam Dhillon graced the Senior Fashion Pageant India 2026 Grand Finale

Mumbai (Maharashtra) [India], June 10: The grand finale of Senior Fashion Pageant India 2026, India’s premier platform celebrating confidence, elegance, and the inspiring journeys of individuals aged 50 and above, concluded on a spectacular note at Bal Gandharva Rang Mandir, Bandra, Mumbai.

After an exciting competition featuring participants from across India, Col Mr. Sitanshu Sadangi from Odisha was crowned the winner in the Men’s Category, while Ms. Rani from Ludhiana, Punjab, emerged as the winner in the Women’s Category.

Founded by Rekha Desai, the pageant has emerged as a powerful movement encouraging people over 50 from across the country to redefine age, pursue their dreams, and embrace life with renewed confidence. The evening witnessed an enthusiastic audience, inspiring performances, and heartfelt stories of participants who proved that age is truly just a number.

Renowned actress Poonam Dhillon graced the occasion as the Chief Guest and crowned the winners amidst thunderous applause from the audience

The event celebrated not only beauty and style but also resilience, confidence, life experiences, and the indomitable spirit of its participants. Contestants showcased their personalities, talents, and inspiring life journeys through multiple rounds, leaving the audience deeply moved.

Speaking at the event, Poonam Dhillon said, “It is truly inspiring to witness the confidence, grace, and enthusiasm displayed by every participant today. Senior Fashion Pageant India is much more than a pageant; it is a celebration of life, self-belief, and the courage to pursue dreams at every age. I congratulate all the participants for becoming role models for society.”

Founder Rekha Desai expressed her happiness over the success of the third season and said, “When we started Senior Fashion Pageant India, our vision was to create a platform where people above 50 could rediscover themselves and celebrate their individuality. Today, seeing participants from different states come together and inspire thousands of people fills me with immense pride. Every contestant here is a winner because they have challenged age-related stereotypes and shown that confidence has no expiry date.”

The third season of Senior Fashion Pageant India witnessed participation from numerous cities across the country, reflecting the growing popularity and impact of the platform. Over the years, the pageant has become a symbol of empowerment, encouraging individuals to embrace new opportunities and live their lives with passion and purpose.

The grand finale concluded with a standing ovation for all participants, celebrating their inspiring journeys and reaffirming the pageant’s mission of creating a more inclusive and empowering platform for individuals aged 50 and above across India.

Praise Abundant, Earnings Low! After the Weekend, 'Bandar' Slows Down, Know the Collection Report

Loktej English Team — Tue, 09 Jun 2026 19:59:32 +0530

Mumbai, June 9. Bobby Deol's film 'Bandar' has fallen behind in its box office challenge on the first Monday.

There has been a significant drop in the film's earnings on its fourth day of release. The film, which was released last Friday, had seen a positive atmosphere among audiences and critics. Directed by Anurag Kashyap and starring Bobby Deol, the film received excellent reviews from all sides.

The lead actor's powerful performance and strong screen presence were widely praised. However, when it came to box office earnings, the film has struggled to meet expectations. The film managed to earn a decent amount during the initial weekend based on good reviews, but as the first Monday arrived, its real challenge began, and it appeared to be lagging.

According to a report from Sacnilk, there was a significant drop in the film's collection as Monday began. While the film earned 1 crore rupees on Sunday, its earnings plummeted to just 30 lakh rupees on the first Monday. The Monday test is considered crucial for the longevity of any film in the industry, and the way 'Bandar' has seen a decline has surprised trade experts.

With a budget of 25 crores, the film's total earnings so far appear quite weak. Reports suggest that the film was made at a cost of around 25 crores. It earned 50 lakh on the first day, 95 lakh on the second day, 1 crore on the third day, and 30 lakh on the fourth day.

Thus, the film's total net collection in the domestic market has reached only 2.75 crores, with a gross collection of around 3.30 crores. Despite a strong star cast, the slow pace of 'Bandar' has become a major headache for the makers. Under the direction of Anurag Kashyap, seasoned actors like Sanya Malhotra, Sapna Pabbi, Saba Azad, Indrajit Sukumaran, Raj B.

Shetty, and Jitendra Joshi showcased their acting skills. Despite having so many big and talented faces, the film's downfall at the box office has become a significant concern for the makers.

Will Subhash Ghai Make 'Taal-2'? He Asks Fans This Big Question

Loktej English Team — Mon, 08 Jun 2026 12:20:18 +0530

The film 'Taal', released in 1999, is still remembered for its story, music, and stunning presentation. Now, discussions about a sequel to this superhit film have intensified.

Film producer-director Subhash Ghai has asked fans on social media whether he should make 'Taal-2'. Following his question, excitement has grown among film lovers, and people are hoping to see the world of 'Taal' on the big screen once again. Subhash Ghai posted a picture on Instagram and recalled that he received the best compliment for 'Taal' from renowned Hollywood film critic Roger Ebert.

He remembered that during the screening of 'Taal' at Ebertfest in Chicago in 2005, Roger Ebert praised the film highly, calling it 'pure entertainment' and filled with 'innocence'. He noted that the film had a cheerful, classic Hollywood-style musical spirit that had almost disappeared from American cinema at that time. Ghai specifically appreciated the music, choreography, and performances of the entire cast, including Aishwarya Rai.

Reflecting on this praise, Ghai expressed that he felt 'very fortunate' and posed an important question to fans: whether they would like him to produce 'Taal 2' with a new young talented director and cast in India. The film 'Taal', released in 1999, is considered one of the most memorable musical films in Hindi cinema. Starring Anil Kapoor, Aishwarya Rai, and Akshay Khanna, the film won the hearts of audiences with its brilliant story, excellent music, and powerful performances.

'Taal' achieved great success at the box office and made a special mark both in the country and abroad. The film received several prestigious awards, and its music remains popular to this day.