Entertainment - Loktej English

79th Cannes Film Festival Kicks Off in France: Alia Bhatt and Several Indian Stars to Dazzle on the Red Carpet

Loktej English Team — Tue, 12 May 2026 19:32:30 +0530

The prestigious 79th Cannes Film Festival is set to commence today, May 12, in the beautiful city of French Riviera, France. This grand 12-day event, running until May 23, will see renowned filmmakers, directors, and actors from around the world in attendance.

The opening ceremony will take place late tonight at the Palais des Festivals et des Congrès, according to Indian time. This year, the festival's main attractions will include the esteemed 'Palme d'Or' award and the unique fashion statements of stars on the red carpet. Bollywood actress Alia Bhatt, who has already arrived at the French Riviera, is leading the Indian delegation this year.

Other stars such as Tara Sutaria, Karan Johar, Aditi Rao Hydari, and Punjabi superstar Ammy Virk will also be seen showcasing their charm on the red carpet. Kalyani Priyadarshan and Urvashi Rautela are also expected to grace the show this year. It will be a moment of pride for Indian fans as local artists represent Indian cinema and culture on the international stage.

For those wanting to watch the opening ceremony and the stars' red carpet walk live, streaming will be available on Cannes' official YouTube channel, Instagram handle, and official website. This annual event, which began in 1939, is one of the oldest and most popular film festivals in the world, showcasing not only fashion but also the best films from global cinema, making it a unique confluence of art and entertainment.

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Inauguration of Mumbai International Film Festival, Registration Begins, Several Major Awards to be Given

Loktej English Team — Mon, 11 May 2026 15:32:17 +0530

Preparations for the Mumbai International Film Festival 2026 have begun. The film festival will honor winners with the Golden Conch Award.

The 19th Mumbai International Film Festival (MIFF 2026) is being organized from June 15 to June 21, 2026. This festival is considered very special for renowned documentary, short, and animation filmmakers from around the world. As every year, a large number of filmmakers and artists are expected to participate in MIFF 2026.

The festival will be held at the NFDC Complex. This festival is organized annually by the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting. A notable aspect of this festival is that awards are given in several major categories along with short films.

Following the announcement of this festival, there is considerable excitement among film enthusiasts. This time, awards will be given in different categories for documentaries, animation, and short films. The Golden Conch Award is regarded as the most prestigious.

In addition, several other national and international awards will also be presented. Along with trophies, a cash prize of 10 lakh rupees and a total of up to 55 lakh rupees in cash awards will be given. The awards include the V.

Shantaram Lifetime Achievement Award, the Pramod Pati Award, the Technical Excellence Award, the Best Student Film Award, and the Best Debut Director Award. MIFF 2026 will include films from both India and abroad. During the film festival, screenings of films from various countries will take place.

This includes an episode from Netflix's original series 'Mighty Little Bheem: I Love Taj Mahal', Bangladesh's 'Country of Focus' 'Hasina: A Daughter's Tale', among 11 films. Additionally, 'Ramayana: The Legend of Prince Ram', produced by India and Japan, will also be included. A total of 102 films will be screened in the competition category, including 35 international and 67 national films.

The Mumbai International Film Festival also brings special opportunities for student filmmakers. Students from various film institutes will be able to present their short films and documentaries. There is considerable enthusiasm among film students regarding this festival.

This film festival, held in Mumbai, will see a large number of artists not only from the box office but also from abroad. This event is considered very special for film enthusiasts.

Anupam Kher's beard gives his mother a 'Baba' feeling, actor shares a funny video

Loktej English Team — Mon, 11 May 2026 12:38:25 +0530

On May 10, actor Anupam Kher, who is very close to his mother, often shares playful videos with her on social media. On Saturday, he posted a special video with his mother, where his slight beard surprised her.

Anupam Kher mentioned that after many years, his mother saw him with a bearded look and thought he resembled a saint rather than her son. She looked at him closely, trying to recognize whether he was her son or a Baba who had come from the Himalayas after meditation. He also consulted his niece Vrinda and sister-in-law Reema, who both told him that he looked very handsome.

He humorously noted that his entire afternoon was spent in confidence, compliments, and a bit of spirituality. He expressed that being seen as a saint by his mother and as handsome by his niece and sister-in-law was a generous blessing from life. Fans have enjoyed this post, engaging in various reactions in the comments section.

The actor will soon be seen in the film 'Flicker,' which is said to be his 551st film. Recently, he shared the first look, where he appeared in a long white gown, striking a pose like a dancer.

This film is considered an important and challenging part of his career, with a very artistic poster. Additionally, he will also be seen in 'Khosla Ka Ghosla 2,' which will feature a new fun and '100 times more' entertaining story of the Khosla family, including Ravi Kishan.

The Gujarati blockbuster Lalo will premiere on Sony Max on May 17

Loktej English Team — Fri, 08 May 2026 16:03:13 +0530

Sony Max has announced the television premiere of Lalo, a film that has earned over 100 crore rupees worldwide, setting new box office records and receiving excellent reviews. This film has established a unique cultural identity and is set to win the hearts of audiences across the country on May 17 at 1 PM.

Lalo has garnered significant praise from viewers as an outstanding film, showcasing a powerful story, excellent acting, and deep cultural insights. In theaters, the film not only achieved remarkable earnings but also became a topic of discussion among various communities, successfully securing a special place among the most beloved Gujarati films in recent times. The film's theme related to devotion and its emotional story touched the hearts of the audience, making it a major hit and a favorite among critics.

The film tells the story of Lalji Dhansukh Parmar, an ordinary rickshaw driver who gets trapped in a farmhouse, where he confronts problems related to his past, guided by Lord Krishna. His journey of self-discovery and transformation has already inspired millions and is now ready to reach even more viewers through television. Karan Joshi plays the role of Lalji, alongside Reeva Rach, Shruhad Goswami as Lord Krishna, and Mishti Kadecha.

Directed by Ankit Sakhia, the film weaves together themes of devotion, drama, and change into a touching narrative. Shruhad Goswami shared that playing the role of Krishna in Lalo was a journey where he closely felt both the depth of devotion and the strength of humanity. The film's tremendous success has demonstrated how deeply the audience connects with its essence.

Now, as Sony Max brings Lalo into homes across the country, it seems that the guidance of Lord Krishna and the message of hope will reach even more people. From theaters to television, this story continues its special journey.

Karan Johar's Emotional Moment, Credits Shah Rukh Khan for His Success

Loktej English Team — Wed, 06 May 2026 19:27:34 +0530

In Mumbai on May 6, at the prestigious Met Gala 2026, Bollywood made a notable appearance. Renowned filmmaker Karan Johar made his debut on the red carpet, attracting attention with his unique style.

On this special occasion, Karan appeared emotional and credited superstar Shah Rukh Khan for his success, referring to him as his mentor. In a conversation with the media, Karan mentioned that Shah Rukh played a significant role in shaping his career. He described this moment as one of the most emotional of his life, stating that reaching the same platform a year after Shah Rukh attended the Met Gala felt like a dream come true.

Karan acknowledged Shah Rukh's substantial contribution to his current achievements, making this moment special for him. The duo of Karan and Shah Rukh Khan is known as a successful partnership in Hindi cinema, having collaborated on several memorable films such as 'Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham', 'Kabhi Alvida Naa Kehna', and 'My Name is Khan'.

At the Met Gala, Karan wore a 'Framed in Eternity' outfit designed by Manish Malhotra, inspired by the art of the great painter Raja Ravi Varma. This special attire was crafted by over 80 artisans over approximately 85 days, showcasing Indian culture on a global platform.

Raja Shivaji’ Creates History at the Box Office: The Film Earned ₹11.35 Crores on Its First Day on Maharashtra Day

Loktej English Team — Sat, 02 May 2026 19:39:30 +0530

The historical drama film ‘Raja Shivaji’, directed and acted by Riteish Deshmukh, made a significant impact at the box office upon its release on May 1. The film, which premiered on Maharashtra Day, has won the hearts of critics and audiences alike.

As per agency report, the film achieved a net collection of ₹11.35 crores on its first day, with a gross collection of ₹13.51 crores. The film's compelling story and Salman Khan's special cameo played a major role in attracting audiences to theaters, allowing it to cross the double-digit mark on its opening day. Riteish Deshmukh has set new records for earnings in Marathi cinema with ‘Raja Shivaji’.

The Marathi version alone opened with ₹8 crores, significantly higher than Riteish's previous hits like ‘Mouli’ (₹3.25 crores) and ‘Lai Bhari’ (₹3.10 crores). Additionally, the film surpassed the opening records of cult films like ‘Swaas’ and ‘Timepass 2’. In the Hindi market, the film also collected a respectable ₹3.35 crores, indicating its popularity beyond linguistic boundaries.

In comparison to commercial figures, ‘Raja Shivaji’ easily surpassed the first-day collection of Kangana Ranaut's ‘Manikarnika’ (₹8.75 crores). However, it currently trails behind Ajay Devgn's ‘Tanhaji’ (₹15.10 crores) and Vicky Kaushal's ‘Chhawa’ (₹33.50 crores) among films based on the Maratha Empire. With advance bookings already generating ₹5.14 crores, experts believe that the film could set even bigger records over the first weekend.

Tabu and Akshay Kumar's Romance Returns After 25 Years in Bhoot Bangla

Loktej English Team — Thu, 30 Apr 2026 19:00:04 +0530

Akshay Kumar and Tabu appeared together in the song 'O Ri O Sanwaria' from the film Bhoot Bangla, marking their reunion after 25 years. The film has crossed 120 crores at the box office, and the chemistry between the two in the song has been well-received by the audience.

Bhoot Bangla, one of the most anticipated films in Bollywood, has performed exceptionally well at the box office, surpassing 120 crores within two weeks of its release, indicating its popularity. Meanwhile, the makers released a new song 'O Ri O Sanwaria,' which has quickly captured the hearts of viewers. The highlight of this song is the chemistry between Akshay Kumar and Tabu, which fans have been eagerly waiting to see again after their previous collaboration in Hera Pheri.

The song 'O Ri O Sanwaria' features a classical romantic touch, showcasing Tabu's graceful dance and Akshay Kumar's emotional expressions, making it special. In the song, Tabu mesmerizes the audience with her dance, while Akshay Kumar appears deeply in love. The song also evokes memories of the popular song 'Aami Je Tomar 3.0' from Bhool Bhulaiyaa 3, although the music and lyrics are entirely different.

The beautiful song is sung by Shreya Ghoshal, Javed Ali, and Prithvi Gandharv, with lyrics written by Yatindra Mishra. The melody and visuals of 'O Ri O Sanwaria' give it a classical and romantic feel, which has resonated well with the audience. In addition to Akshay Kumar and Tabu, the film also features Vamika Gabbi and Rajpal Yadav in significant roles.

This film marks the return of the hit duo Priyadarshan and Akshay Kumar after nearly 16 years, having previously collaborated on successful films like Hera Pheri, Garam Masala, and Khatta Meetha. Interestingly, Bhoot Bangla has managed to maintain a strong hold at the box office even amidst competition from big films like Dhurandhar 2.

The film's collection continues to rise, receiving a fantastic response globally. Overall, the song 'O Ri O Sanwaria' has not only boosted the film's popularity but has also revived the on-screen pairing of Akshay Kumar and Tabu in the hearts of the audience.

Sanjay Dutt Liked the Story of 'Aakhri Sawal' at First Glance

Loktej English Team — Wed, 29 Apr 2026 19:45:31 +0530

Mumbai, April 29. Director Abhijit Mohan Warang stated that Sanjay Dutt liked the story of 'Aakhri Sawal' at first glance.

The film, starring Sanjay Dutt, has emerged as one of the most anticipated films, with audiences eagerly awaiting its release. There had been considerable discussion since its announcement, and the makers released the film's teaser on Hanuman Jayanti, showcasing a glimpse of the history of the world's largest voluntary organization, the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS), which had never been seen before. While everyone is waiting for the film, director Abhijit Mohan Warang shared Sanjay Dutt's reaction after hearing the script of 'Aakhri Sawal'.

He mentioned that when Sanjay first heard the script, he immediately connected with it. Sanjay expressed that it is not just a film, but an untold chapter of Indian history that needs to be told. He believed that this story is one of the most important narratives of our country that has not been fully explored yet.

'Aakhri Sawal' is directed by National Award-winning filmmaker Abhijit Mohan Warang. The film is presented by Nikhil Nanda and produced by Nikhil Nanda and Sanjay Dutt, with Punit Nanda, Dr. Deepak Singh, Gaurav Dubey, and Ujjwal Anand as co-producers.

The story, screenplay, and dialogues have been written by Utkarsh Naithani. The film is set to be released in theaters on May 8, 2026.

Sanjay Leela Bhansali's film Love and War to begin shooting a grand song in early May

Loktej English Team — Tue, 28 Apr 2026 19:15:43 +0530

Sanjay Leela Bhansali's upcoming film Love and War is set to start shooting for a grand song in early May. Bhansali, one of the most renowned directors in Indian cinema, is preparing for what is considered his biggest and most anticipated project to date.

This film will showcase Bollywood's three major stars, Ranbir Kapoor, Vicky Kaushal, and Alia Bhatt, in lead roles together for the first time. As a grand historical drama, the film is already generating tremendous excitement among audiences. The shooting is currently in full swing, with Bhansali leaving no stone unturned to create a spectacular cinematic experience.

Meanwhile, sources have revealed that preparations are underway for the shooting of a major song, expected to commence in the coming days. The shooting schedule for the song is set to begin in early May, and given Bhansali's penchant for grandeur, it is anticipated to last 15 to 20 days. This update has further heightened the anticipation surrounding the film.

Bhansali is known for his grand vision in his films, especially in songs, and audiences are eagerly awaiting his signature style of stunning cinematic storytelling and visuals. Expectations are sky-high for this project, as Bhansali has a unique style characterized by intricate details, grand visuals, and deep emotions. The collaboration of stars like Ranbir Kapoor, Vicky Kaushal, and Alia Bhatt adds to the excitement, making Love and War one of the most awaited films in Indian cinema.

The Second Song 'Dil Wale Chor' from 'Pati Patni Aur Woh Do' Released

Loktej English Team — Mon, 27 Apr 2026 18:13:31 +0530

After 'Roop Di Rani', the makers of 'Pati Patni Aur Woh Do', T-Series and B R Studios, have released their second song 'Dil Wale Chor'. This song touches the heart at first listen and gradually becomes more likable.

The melody of the song is soothing yet catchy, lingering in the mind long after listening. Composed by Rohit Kohli, the song features the voices of Aditya Rikhari and Shreya Ghoshal, with lyrics penned by Kumar. This track beautifully depicts the nuances of modern romance, showcasing a delightful blend of mischief and emotions.

Choreographed by Piyush-Shazia, the song offers a fresh yet familiar musical experience, making it both personal and grand, weaving a story of love, longing, and playfulness. The film 'Pati Patni Aur Woh Do', produced by Bhushan Kumar, Renu Ravi Chopra, and Kishan Kumar, is directed by Mudassar Aziz, with Juno Chopra as the creative producer. The film is set to release in theaters on May 15, 2026.

“Line of Control”, a powerful cinematic adaptation of internationally acclaimed novel The Collaborator

PNN — Mon, 27 Apr 2026 12:00:08 +0530

Mumbai (Maharashtra) [India], April 27: Line of Control, a gripping and emotionally charged feature film adapted from Mirza Waheed’s award-winning novel The Collaborator, will have its online global press meet on 15 April 2026. The film is set to release in India and Middle East on the 17th of April, 2026.

Following a celebrated festival run, the film has been showcased at prestigious international platforms, including the San Diego International Film Festival (World Premiere), the UK Asian Film Festival (UK Premiere), and the Kala Ghoda Festival in Mumbai (Asia Premiere). The film is set against the Kashmir insurgency in 1993. Line of Control follows the haunting journey of a teenage boy whose world is shattered when his best friend mysteriously vanishes amid escalating violence. Fueled by loyalty and love, he embarks on a dangerous search, one that pushes him to the brink as he confronts unimaginable choices, moral conflict, and the brutal realities of survival.

While deeply rooted in the political and emotional landscape of Kashmir, the film transcends borders through its universal themes of friendship, loss, identity, and resilience. At a time when more than 100 conflict zones persist worldwide, its human story feels both urgent and profoundly relevant.

The film features a distinguished international ensemble cast, including- Rudi Dharmalingam (The Lazarus Project, Role Play, Playing Gracie Darling), Nitin Ganatra (Sweetpea, 3 Body Problem), Vikram Kapadia, Meera Ganatra. The two leads are new finds Nikhil Singh Rai, Anastasia Jairath.

Line of Control is adapted to screen and directed by Travis Hodgkins, edited by Jamie Kirkpatrick, music by Wayne Sharpe and director of photography Johan Holmquist.

The film is produced by a dynamic and all-women team- Rashaana Shah, Cristy Coors Beasley, Namrata Sharma, Chaitra Vedullapalli and Swetha Pakala.

Based on The Collaborator by Mirza Waheed, shortlisted for the Guardian First Book Award and longlisted for the Desmond Elliott Prize , the source material is celebrated for its lyrical prose, political depth, and sensitive yet unflinching portrayal of conflict. The novel has garnered an international readership and continues to resonate deeply with communities affected by displacement, occupation, and trauma.

”Line of Control is positioned as a rare cinematic offering, one that masterfully blends artistry, political relevance, and emotional immediacy with compelling commercial appeal. Its festival pedigree, international cast, and human-centered narrative promise to captivate cinephiles, critics, and global audiences alike” says Rashaana Shah

Actress Mishikka Chaurasia Continues Her Birthday Tradition of Spreading Joy

PNN — Mon, 27 Apr 2026 10:00:05 +0530

Mumbai (Maharashtra) [India], April 25: Carrying forward a tradition she has followed for years, Actress Mishikka Chaurasia once again dedicated her birthday to giving back. Turning 27, she marked the day with acts of kindness, touching lives and spreading smiles across the city.

Interestingly, Mishikka Chaurasia shares her birthday on 24th April alongside the legend Sachin Tendulkar and actor Varun Dhawan.

The day began on a spiritual note as Mishikka attended the first aarti at Siddhivinayak Temple – Mumbai at 5:30 AM, seeking blessings for strength and positivity.

Continuing her annual ritual of service, she spent time at King Edward Memorial Hospital, where she helped serve lunch to over 1000+ people. Adding a personal touch, Mishikka also participated in preparing a sweet dessert in the Akshay Chaitanya NGO kitchen, making the meal even more special.

She further celebrated the day by distributing gifts to children, encouraging them to engage in fun and creative summer activities, making her birthday memorable for many young smiles.

Sharing her thoughts, Mishikka Chaurasia said, “This is something I have been doing for years, and it has become a very important part of my birthday. For me, it’s about gratitude and staying connected to people. Celebrating with them, sharing a meal, and seeing those smiles is what truly makes my day special.”

Through her consistent efforts, Mishikka Chaurasia continues to inspire by showing that true celebration lies in giving, making her birthday not just a personal milestone, but a day of meaningful impact.

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