Mumbai, April 23. Actor Kunal Thakur is ready to display a new and powerful aspect of his acting with 'Glory', following his previous series 'Trial'.

In the Netflix series 'Glory', set to premiere on May 1, Kunal will be seen in a strong role as a boxer. The series features a talented ensemble cast, including Pulkit Samrat and Divyendu, where each character weaves their story amidst ambition, rivalry, and personal struggles. Kunal's entry as a boxer places him at the center of this fast-paced and emotional narrative, showcasing not only his physical strength but also emotional depth through his character.

Notably, Kunal has prepared extensively to portray a powerful boxer on screen for the first time, adopting the discipline of the sport and understanding its raw energy. Kunal Thakur mentioned that 'Glory' is a very special project for him, as he is playing a boxer for the first time, a role that is quite intense, layered, and emotionally deep. He also expressed that working with Pulkit and Divyendu has been a fantastic experience, and he is grateful to Karan for trusting him with this role.

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Speculations regarding Salman Khan's upcoming film 'Matrubhumi' have been put to rest. Recent reports suggested that the film might be released directly on an OTT platform, but the makers have clarified that it will be presented to audiences on the big screen.

According to sources associated with the film, 'Matrubhumi' has been prepared on a grand scale with the theatrical experience in mind. Both Salman Khan and director Apoorva Lakhia are in favor of releasing the film in theaters. Although there may be delays in the film's release, there are currently no plans to bring it to OTT.

Reports indicate that the film has not yet been sent to the censor board for certification. Initially inspired by a true event, the story underwent some changes following objections from the Ministry of Defence, which advised the removal of direct references to China and the Galwan Valley, leading the producers to reshoot certain parts.

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Ustaad Bhagat Singh, starring South superstar Pawan Kalyan, is set to entertain audiences on OTT after its theatrical release. Despite not performing as expected in theaters, the film is anticipated to receive a good response on digital platforms.

It will be released on Netflix on April 16, available in multiple languages including Hindi, Telugu, Tamil, Kannada, and Malayalam. Netflix announced the release date on social media, generating excitement about the film's strong characters and storyline. Although the makers and fans had high hopes for Ustaad Bhagat Singh, the film did not perform exceptionally well at the box office, collecting approximately ₹96.36 crore worldwide against a budget of around ₹150 crore, failing to recover its costs.

The film is directed by Harish Shankar and features a strong star cast including Shriya Saran, Raashi Khanna, and R. Parthiban in significant roles. Despite the impressive cast, the film struggled to attract audiences to theaters, but it may get a new opportunity on OTT.

The story revolves around a brave and fearless police officer who always stands against injustice. Ustaad Bhagat Singh combines intense action sequences with emotional drama. Notably, Pawan Kalyan has impressed fans with his remarkable action even at over 50 years of age.

It will be interesting to see if Ustaad Bhagat Singh, which did not perform as expected in theaters, can win the hearts of audiences on the OTT platform. Meanwhile, fans are eagerly awaiting April 16, when the film will be available for home viewing.

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Mumbai’s favourite mischief-maker is back at it and this time, he managed to fool the entire internet with nothing more than a phone number.

Social media went into meltdown yesterday when a fan page “accidentally” leaked what looked like Munawar Faruqui’s personal number. Within minutes, fans began zooming into screenshots, decoding digits, forwarding the number in groups, and whispering, “Bhai… yeh sach mein Munawar ka number lag raha hai.”

Chaos spread across timelines faster than a meme. Some fans dialed instantly, others sent heartfelt paragraphs, and many waited with bated breath hoping for a miracle reply.

But Here’s The Twist No One Saw Coming

Just when fans thought someone had messed up in a massive way, Munawar dropped the bomb:
The “leak” was actually a prank.

A perfectly executed, perfectly cheeky Munawar-style prank.

Anyone who messaged the viral number expecting Munawar on the other end received a video from the man himself saying:
“Yeh phone number fake hai… par Arif ka show ekdum asli. First Copy Season 2 is now streaming on Amazon MX Player for free.”

Only Munawar could turn a ‘scandal’ into a punchline.

A Viral Moment Turned into a Masterstroke

What started as a supposed slip-up became an organic, hilarious promotional moment for First Copy Season 2, which has been winning praise for its gritty storytelling and Faruqui’s powerful performance as Arif- a man battling betrayal, ambition and survival in early-2000s Mumbai.

Alongside Munawar, the series stars Krystle D’Souza, Gulshan Grover, Saqib Ayub, Ashi Singh, Meiyang Chang, Inam Ul Haq, Raza Murad, with Nawab Shah joining the ensemble this season.

Fans are calling the stunt “the most Munawar thing ever” smooth, smart, and packed with mischief.

And once again, he proves that nobody blends humour and hype quite like him.

New Delhi, October 29: Bollywood actress Huma Qureshi is set to return to the OTT space with the fourth season of her popular political drama ‘Maharani’. The new trailer of ‘Maharani 4’ has been released on social media, promising more intense political conspiracies and high-stakes drama. This season, Bharti Devi’s ambition grows beyond Bihar as she now sets her sights on reaching Delhi’s power corridors.

As per agency report, the latest trailer shows Bharti Devi, played by Huma Qureshi, no longer fighting alone but with her family by her side. The story introduces her daughter and son, with actress Shweta Basu Prasad playing the role of Bharti’s daughter, who strives to carry forward her mother’s political legacy. This time, Bharti Devi’s battle extends to the national stage as she aims to become the Prime Minister.

Adding a dramatic twist, Bharti Devi finds herself caught in a 10-year-old case, threatening to derail her political journey. How she overcomes these challenges will unfold as the series progresses.

‘Maharani 4’ is scheduled to stream on SonyLIV from November 7. Interestingly, the makers have timed the release to coincide with the Bihar Assembly elections, the first phase of which takes place on November 6. Given that the series is rooted in Bihar’s political landscape, its release during election season is expected to attract significant attention.

The previous three seasons of ‘Maharani’ received widespread appreciation from viewers. While the first season portrayed Bharti Devi’s lone struggle for power and self-respect, the upcoming season shows her family’s active involvement in the turbulent political scene. Bharti’s son aspires to become Bihar’s Chief Minister, adding an internal power conflict within the family.

The new season also introduces several fresh faces, including Shweta Basu Prasad, Pramod Pathak, Shardul Bhardwaj, Amit Sial, Kani Kusruti, and Vineet Kumar, who will add new dimensions to the gripping political saga.

Mumbai, August 28 – Filmmaker Farah Khan is set to bring a new talent show titled “Aunty Kisko Bola,” which she announced through her social media. The show will feature Farah alongside her brother Sajid Khan and actor Govinda’s wife, Sunita Ahuja, who will appear as co-judges.

Sharing the update on her official Instagram account, Farah posted a video introducing the show with Sajid and Sunita. In her announcement, she expressed gratitude to them for joining as judges and helping to showcase the hidden talent of women through the platform. The show will stream on her own channel, starting this week.

The announcement quickly drew reactions from the film industry, with celebrities and friends filling the comment section with congratulatory messages, heart emojis, and words of encouragement. Television host and actor Maniesh Paul praised the concept, while many others expressed their excitement about the unique theme of the show.

Fans also engaged with the post, some extending congratulations while others humorously inquired about Dilip, Farah’s popular cook, who has appeared in her earlier videos. Known for her active social media presence, Farah often shares vlogs on her YouTube channel, conducts celebrity interviews, and posts entertaining clips.

Earlier, she had shared a humorous video of her cook Dilip dancing to a track from the film “The Bads of Bollywood,” directed by Shah Rukh Khan’s son Aryan Khan. In that post, she jokingly apologized to Shah Rukh, Gauri, and Aryan for Dilip’s enthusiastic performance, adding that the song was so catchy he could not resist dancing.

The launch of “Aunty Kisko Bola” marks another creative step for Farah Khan as she continues to blend entertainment, humor, and fresh ideas to connect with her audience across multiple platforms.

Mumbai, July 29 – Veteran Bollywood actor Naseeruddin Shah is all set to portray Bharat Ratna awardee and visionary industrialist Jehangir Ratanji Dadabhoy Tata (J.R.D. Tata) in an upcoming web series titled Made in India – A Titan Story.

On the occasion of J.R.D. Tata’s 121st birth anniversary, Almighty Motion Picture and Amazon MX Player unveiled the first look of the inspirational series. Naseeruddin Shah’s portrayal of J.R.D. Tata is expected to bring depth and authenticity to the story of one of India’s most celebrated industrial pioneers.

The series is being produced by Prabhleen Sandhu, founder of Almighty Motion Picture, and directed by Robbie Grewal. The script is penned by Karan Vyas.

Actor Jim Sarbh will be seen playing Xerxes Desai, the founder of Titan Watch Company, while the supporting cast includes Namita Dubey, Vaibhav Tatwawadi, Kaveri Seth, Lakshvir Saran, and Paresh Ganatra.

Made in India – A Titan Story is scheduled to premiere early next year on Amazon MX Player and will be available to stream for free. Viewers will also be able to watch the series on Prime Video, Fire TV, and Airtel Xstream.

Mumbai, July 22 – Amazon Prime Video has officially announced its upcoming celebrity talk show titled ‘Too Much with Kajol and Twinkle’, to be hosted by two of Bollywood’s most outspoken and beloved personalities – Kajol and Twinkle Khanna.

The show promises to deliver a fresh blend of humor, candid conversations, and engaging celebrity interviews. While the streaming giant has yet to announce a release date, the unveiling of the show’s first poster has already stirred excitement among fans.

Produced by Banijay Asia, Too Much with Kajol and Twinkle is expected to offer more than just glamour and laughs. According to the announcement, the show will dive into lesser-known anecdotes from the personal lives of its celebrity guests, explore their career highs and lows, and reveal behind-the-scenes stories from the world of cinema.

Amazon Prime Video teased the announcement on social media, saying, “They have all the juiciest gossip, and they’re too entertaining to miss!” – hinting at the no-holds-barred vibe of the show.

With Kajol’s wit and charisma paired with Twinkle Khanna’s sharp humor and candor, the show is poised to be a refreshing addition to India’s talk show scene, offering viewers an entertaining mix of revelations, laughter, and genuine moments with some of the biggest names in the entertainment industry.

Mumbai, July 8 – Amazon Prime Video’s widely acclaimed web series Panchayat has once again captured the hearts of audiences with its simplicity, humor, and emotionally resonant storytelling. With the fourth season released on June 24, the series continues to charm viewers, and now, in an exciting development, the makers have officially announced Panchayat Season 5.

Following the immense success of Season 4, Prime Video has confirmed that the next installment will stream in 2026. The announcement was accompanied by the release of the first official poster, sparking excitement among fans and setting social media abuzz. The streaming platform posted, “Get ready to return to Phulera,” signaling yet another captivating chapter in the life of the beloved village.

As per agency report, the upcoming season promises even more engaging twists. The character Vinod will be seen vying for the post of deputy chief (Up-Pradhan), while Prahlad will step into active politics, contesting elections for the legislative assembly (Vidhan Sabha). These developments hint at a deeper dive into the local political landscape of rural India, adding fresh layers to the series' narrative.

Work on Panchayat Season 5 has already begun. Since its debut in 2018, the series has steadily built a loyal fanbase, not just within India but also among international audiences. Its ability to blend humor, warmth, and the daily struggles of rural life has earned it critical and popular acclaim.

Series producer Vijay Koshy reflected on the journey of Panchayat, calling it an unforgettable experience. He expressed deep pride in collaborating with Amazon Prime Video to bring to life a show that authentically portrays the simplicity, humor, and humanity of rural India. He affirmed that the team is fully committed to continuing this journey and is excited to present the new season in 2026.

With its relatable characters and honest depiction of village life, Panchayat continues to grow in popularity and cultural significance, making Season 5 one of the most eagerly awaited releases on the Indian OTT landscape.

Mumbai, July 4 : Actress and filmmaker Pooja Bhatt is set to launch a new podcast titled "The Pooja Bhatt Show" on iHeartPodcast, where she will candidly discuss her personal and professional journey. The show, created in collaboration with iHeartMedia and Mammoth Media Asia, is scheduled to premiere in the last week of September and marks the first podcast initiative for both platforms.

As per agency report, Bhatt expressed her excitement about the opportunity to share stories from her life and from the Indian creative industry. She hopes that listeners will find a connection with the narratives and draw inspiration from them. The podcast aims to highlight individuals who have contributed meaningfully to India’s cultural evolution, ranging from actors, directors, and producers to stylists and musicians.

Pooja Bhatt revealed that she plans to cover a broad spectrum of experiences from her own life and those of others who have impacted her, including those who work behind the scenes such as background dancers and spot boys. She believes the podcast will provide an honest glimpse into the real world of cinema and creativity in India.

Will Pearson, President of iHeartPodcast, praised Bhatt as a distinguished figure in India’s creative scene. He noted that her extensive experience in Bollywood would bring a compelling perspective to the podcast and serve as a valuable resource for fans and enthusiasts of Indian cinema and culture worldwide.

The show promises to offer listeners an engaging journey through Bollywood’s glamorous front and lesser-known backstories, told through the lens of one of its most outspoken and thoughtful voices.

Mumbai, June 4 – Pankaj Tripathi's latest courtroom drama series, Criminal Justice: A Family Matter, has set a new benchmark in the Indian OTT space by becoming the most-watched Hindi original on its opening day. According to data provided by Ormax, the show garnered a staggering 8.4 million views within just 24 hours of its release, marking the biggest launch ever in the category.

Released on JioCinema on May 29, the series quickly became the most-viewed special in Hindi streaming content, with audiences and critics alike hailing it as both a cultural and digital phenomenon. Produced by Applause Entertainment in collaboration with BBC Studios India and directed by Rohan Sippy, the latest season launched with three episodes, with new episodes now dropping weekly.

As per agency report, the emotional depth, well-crafted characters, and powerful performances have struck a chord with viewers across the country. Pankaj Tripathi returns in the beloved role of Madhav Mishra, a character that has come to symbolize both legal wit and emotional integrity in the series. Joining him this season are seasoned actors including Mohammad Zeeshan Ayyub, Surveen Chawla, Asha Negi, Khushboo Atre, Barkha Singh, Mita Vashisht, and Shweta Basu Prasad.

Applause Entertainment’s Managing Director, Sameer Nair, stated that Criminal Justice remains one of the longest-running and most cherished franchises in Hindi streaming. He credited the show's continued success to a foundation built on trust, scale, and consistently strong storytelling. Nair also expressed gratitude to JioCinema and BBC Studios India for their continued partnership in elevating the series.

Reflecting on his role, Pankaj Tripathi described playing Madhav Mishra as an emotional journey and a role very close to his heart. He shared that seeing the audience resonate deeply with the character motivates him to deliver it with greater honesty and commitment. The actor extended heartfelt thanks to fans for their overwhelming love and support.

With its latest season off to a record-breaking start, Criminal Justice: A Family Matter continues to reaffirm its place as a flagship series in the Indian digital entertainment landscape.

Mumbai, May 16 – The Federation of Western India Cine Employees (FWICE) has called on major streaming platforms such as Netflix, Prime Video, and JioCinema to boycott all Turkish shows amid rising tensions between India and Pakistan, citing Turkey’s diplomatic support for Pakistan.

In a statement issued on Thursday, FWICE expressed its “serious concern and strong objection” over the continued streaming and promotion of Turkish content on Indian OTT platforms.

“As is well known, Turkey has consistently extended diplomatic and political support to Pakistan on matters that are detrimental to India's sovereignty and national interests, including sensitive issues like Kashmir,” the organization said.

FWICE, which represents workers, technicians, and artists from 36 different sectors of the Indian media and entertainment industry, stated that allowing content from a country that challenges India’s territorial integrity is not in the nation’s best interest.

The body has also urged the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting to take necessary steps to restrict or ban Turkish television shows and films on Indian OTT platforms.

“Such an action would not only send a strong global message but also promote Indian content and support the vast workforce of our domestic entertainment industry. We hope the ministry will take this matter seriously and act in the national interest,” the statement added.

Turkish drama series like Binbir Gece, As the Crow Flies, Another Self, Yabani, Terzi, Ethos, and Creature had gained popularity in India since the early 2000s.

This development follows Turkey’s criticism of India’s ‘Operation Sindoor’ launched in response to the recent Pahalgam terror attack. Pakistan reportedly used Turkish-made drones against India during the military conflict.