The cult following of Tumbbad continues to grow as audiences await the return of its eerie folklore universe in Tumbbad 2. The film’s popularity was recently on display when a fan decided to celebrate Halloween by purchasing 100 Hastar masks, prompting a heartfelt response from actor and producer Sohum Shah.

The fan shared a video on social media showing the masks being arranged for Halloween, along with the caption, "Halloween ki taiyaari.. Hastar army is getting ready 100 masks and counting! @sohum_shah.” The unusual tribute caught Sohum Shah’s attention, with the actor resharing the clip and responding, "Bhaiii Jitna pyaar tumhe hastar se hai..utna mujhe tum logon se!"

The exchange reflects the lasting connection audiences have developed with Tumbbad and its mythology. Released in 2018, the folklore fantasy has continued to find viewers well beyond its original theatrical run, with its atmospheric storytelling and portrayal of Hastar becoming central to its cult status.

The film’s 2024 re-release further expanded its reach, drawing renewed attention to the story and establishing itself among the notable successes of Indian cinema’s re-release trend. Its continued popularity has also kept interest alive in the world created by the film, particularly as fans look forward to the next chapter.

With Tumbbad 2 generating anticipation, the fan’s collection of 100 Hastar masks offers another example of how the film has extended its presence beyond the screen. Hastar, whose unsettling mythology forms a key part of the original film, has become a recognisable figure among its dedicated followers.

The sequel is expected to expand the folklore fantasy’s world and visual scale, although further details about its story remain awaited. In the meantime, the response to the fan’s Halloween tribute underlines the enthusiasm surrounding the franchise and the affection audiences continue to show for Sohum Shah and the world of Tumbbad.

Also Read: Sohum Shah shares a clip featuring how Tumbbad and Hastar took over a local fancy dress competition: “Thank you for loving Tumbbad the way you do”

For more than three decades, Bollywood's superstar hierarchy has been dominated by three names – Shah Rukh Khan, Salman Khan and Aamir Khan. Their supremacy has survived changing audience tastes, the rise of multiplexes, the OTT revolution and the arrival of a new generation of actors. Several stars have challenged their dominance, but very few have managed to sustain the kind of hysteria that the three Khans have enjoyed.

Now, as Ranbir Kapoor prepares for the release of Ramayana: Part One on November 5, an intriguing question arises. Is he about to achieve something that even the three Khans, despite their extraordinary careers, have not managed to accomplish?

The answer lies not merely in the opening day numbers or the lifetime collections of Ramayana. It lies in the possibility of creating an Indian film franchise with the scale, cultural relevance and international potential to compete with some of the biggest cinematic properties in the world.

From talented actor to genuine superstar

Ranbir Kapoor's career has followed an unconventional trajectory. Unlike Salman Khan, who developed a formidable mass following through larger-than-life entertainers, or Shah Rukh Khan, whose romantic image became a global phenomenon, Ranbir has consistently moved between different genres.

He played a troubled musician in Rockstar, a carefree young man in Yeh Jawaani Hai Deewani, a conflicted son in Animal and a film star in Sanju. These films showcased his versatility, but they also revealed an interesting aspect of his career. Ranbir's biggest successes have generally emerged when his acting abilities have been combined with a strong emotional narrative and a compelling cinematic proposition.

Animal changed the conversation around his stardom. It demonstrated that Ranbir could deliver a massive opening and attract audiences beyond the traditional urban multiplex circuit. More importantly, it established him as a star capable of generating extraordinary anticipation before a film's release. With Ramayana, however, the stakes are considerably higher.

The one territory the Khans never completely conquered

Shah Rukh Khan has enjoyed remarkable international popularity. Aamir Khan demonstrated the enormous overseas potential of Indian cinema with Dangal, particularly in China. Salman Khan has delivered some of Hindi cinema's most successful mass entertainers.

Yet, none of them has built a globally established, multi-film mythological franchise on the scale that Ramayana is attempting.

This distinction is important. It does not mean that Ranbir has already surpassed their achievements. The Khans have delivered decades of box-office success, cultural influence and extraordinary audience loyalty. A single franchise cannot erase that legacy. However, Ramayana presents Ranbir with an opportunity that is fundamentally different from the conventional superstar race.

If the makers successfully translate Ramayana’s cultural familiarity into a compelling theatrical spectacle, Ramayana could travel far beyond the traditional audience for a Hindi film. And that could give Ranbir an entirely new dimension to his stardom.

Can Ranbir become India's first truly global franchise superstar?

Hollywood's biggest stars have increasingly benefited from association with globally recognised franchises. The success of such films is not always dependent on individual star power. Audiences are attracted by the characters, the cinematic universe and the promise of an extraordinary theatrical experience. This is precisely where Ramayana becomes interesting.

Ranbir is not merely playing another commercial hero. He is portraying Lord Rama, one of the most revered figures in Indian mythology. The character carries enormous emotional and cultural significance, while the film's scale could introduce the story to international audiences unfamiliar with Indian cinema. If Ramayana succeeds globally, Ranbir could become the face of a franchise whose recognition extends well beyond his existing fan base.

But there is a catch.

The character of Rama is bigger than the actor portraying him. Audiences may turn up because of their attachment to the epic rather than because of Ranbir Kapoor. Consequently, even extraordinary collections would not automatically establish that Ranbir has greater individual drawing power than Shah Rukh, Salman or Aamir. The real test would come when he returns with a film that does not benefit from such a powerful pre-existing property.

The numbers will tell only half the story

There is considerable excitement surrounding Ramayana's commercial prospects. Its scale, premium formats, multiple language versions and ambitious international positioning create the possibility of exceptional box-office numbers. However, the film's eventual success must be examined through several parameters.

An enormous opening would demonstrate the strength of the initial anticipation. Strong weekday collections would suggest positive audience acceptance. Sustained performance across different territories would indicate broad appeal. International collections beyond the Indian diaspora would be particularly significant.

And given the scale of the investment, profitability would be just as important as headline-grabbing gross collections. A film can create box-office records without necessarily delivering equally impressive financial returns.

The biggest opportunity and the biggest risk

For Ranbir Kapoor, Ramayana represents an extraordinary opportunity, but also a tremendous responsibility.

The expectations surrounding the film are unlike those attached to a conventional commercial entertainer. Audiences will judge not only the performances, direction and visual effects, but also the emotional authenticity with which the epic has been adapted.

Even a commercially successful film could attract intense criticism if viewers feel that the storytelling has failed to do justice to its subject.

On the other hand, if Ramayana delivers on its promise, Ranbir could find himself at the centre of a franchise that dominates the theatrical conversation for years. That would be an achievement of considerable significance.

The final verdict

It would be premature to declare Ranbir Kapoor Bollywood's biggest superstar. Shah Rukh Khan, Salman Khan and Aamir Khan have built legacies that cannot be measured through the success of one film.

But perhaps Ramayana is not really about replacing the Khans. Perhaps it is about changing the definition of superstardom itself.

For decades, Bollywood's biggest films were built around superstars. With Ramayana, there is an opportunity for a superstar to become the face of something even bigger than himself. If that happens, Ranbir Kapoor may not merely climb Bollywood's hierarchy. He could help create an entirely new one.

Also Read: Could Yash’s Ravana steal the thunder from Ranbir Kapoor’s Lord Ram? The STAR POWER battle inside Ramayana

Scotland’s First Minister John Swinney recently visited the Mumbai office of Dharma Productions, where he met filmmaker-producer Karan Johar and the banner’s CEO, Apoorva Mehta, to discuss potential collaborations between Scotland and the Indian film industry. The meeting focused on exploring long-term opportunities for Indian productions to shoot in Scotland and strengthening the cinematic ties between the two regions.

Accompanied by delegates from Screen Scotland, Swinney highlighted Scotland’s filming infrastructure, skilled technical crews and financial incentives aimed at attracting international productions. The discussions also explored the country’s potential as a filming destination for upcoming Indian films and streaming projects.

The meeting held particular significance for Karan Johar, given his long-standing association with Scotland through his directorial debut, Kuch Kuch Hota Hai (1998). The film’s iconic title track featured picturesque Scottish locations, including Eilean Donan Castle, Blackrock Cottage and Tantallon Castle, which became part of the film’s visual identity.

Sharing photographs from the meeting on social media, Karan expressed his happiness at hosting the Scottish First Minister at Dharma Productions and recalled his experience of shooting in the country. He wrote, “It was such an honour to have the First Minister of Scotland, John Swinney (@john_swinney_snp) visit our home, our office and our world at @dharmamovies! It took me back to shooting my first film Kuch Kuch Hota Hai where we shot some iconic sequences and scenes in the beautiful backdrop of Scotland. We spoke avidly about my memories and experience and conversed about how we could deepen the friendship between the two countries in the cinematic field. It was a pleasure and more, thank you for gracing us with your presence.”

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Beyond the Dharma Productions visit, the diplomatic tour included an industry roundtable organised in partnership with the Producers Guild of India. The meeting brought together senior Indian film producers, studio representatives and members of Scotland’s screen sector to discuss co-production opportunities, creative exchange programmes and logistical support for Indian productions filming overseas.

The initiative reflects efforts to strengthen international collaboration as Indian filmmakers increasingly explore overseas locations for theatrical releases and streaming projects. With Scotland looking to attract more international productions, the discussions could open up further opportunities for Indian filmmakers to explore its landscapes and production facilities for future projects.

Also Read: Koffee With Karan 9: Janhvi Kapoor says she lost 6 kg after fallout with Karan Johar, Varun Dhawan recalls calling him a ‘child’; says, “You became Amitabh Bachchan from Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham”

Ranbir Kapoor recently revisited one of the most memorable moments of his personal life, recalling how he proposed to Alia Bhatt during their trip to Kenya in 2022. Appearing on Sony Entertainment Television’s Kaun Banega Crorepati as a part of the promotions of his upcoming film Ramayana Part 1, the actor shared a humorous account of how his carefully planned romantic gesture in the wilderness of Maasai Mara turned into an extraordinary experience, with three lions just about 100 feet away.

Recounting how he had arranged the proposal, Ranbir revealed that he had already spoken to his guide and driver to ensure that everything went according to plan. He had also brought a ring along and wanted photographs of the special moment.

Ranbir shared, “Maine pehle se hi apna jo guide hai, jo driver hai, maine unko ek tip de di thi ki aap kahin jaake rok dena beech jungle mein... main main ek angoothi laya tha ki main apne ghutno mein jaunga aur aap door se photograph khichna kyunki ladkiyon ko photographs ka bahut shauk hai.. Instagram pe dalne ka, toh maine socha ki yeh bahut zaroori tha Alia ke liye..” (I had already tipped my guide and driver and asked them to stop somewhere in the middle of the jungle. I had brought a ring and planned to get down on one knee, while asking them to take a photograph from a distance, because girls love posting photographs on Instagram. I thought it was very important for Alia)

His account prompted an amusing response from Amitabh Bachchan, who pointed out the importance of documenting such a special occasion. The megastar quipped, “Par sir ek... proof hona chahiye..” (There had to be proof, sir)

Agreeing with the observation, Ranbir went on to describe the rather intimidating surroundings in which he popped the question. While he had imagined a romantic moment on one knee, the presence of the big cats added an unexpected dimension to the experience.

He recalled, “Proof hona chahiye... Nahi angooti toh thi, main ghar se laya tha, par sir mahaul aisa tha ki... teen babbar sher is taraf the, kuch 100 feet ki doori par, meri sherni mere aage khadi thi, aur main chuha bankar apne ghutno mein khada tha ki baby will you marry me? So I think that was a very, very... ek jaise ek adbhut experience raha tha meri zindagi ka, I'll always remember..” (I had brought the ring from home, but the atmosphere was such that there were three lions about 100 feet away on one side, and my lioness was standing in front of me. I was like a mouse, down on my knees, asking, ‘Baby, will you marry me?’ It was an extraordinary experience of my life, and I will always remember it)."

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Ranbir’s candid storytelling had the audience laughing, with his comparison of Alia to a lioness and himself to a mouse adding a humorous twist to the romantic anecdote.

The couple’s engagement moment in Maasai Mara was followed by their wedding in April 2022. The actors, who have since welcomed their daughter, Raha, continue to be among Bollywood’s most closely followed celebrity couples.

The special appearance will be part of Kaun Banega Crorepati Diwali Special, which is scheduled to air on October 29 and 30 at 9 PM on Sony Entertainment Television.

Also Read: Ranbir Kapoor reveals the secret to a lasting relationship as he opens up about his marriage with Alia Bhatt

As anticipation builds for Ramayana: Part 1, director Nitesh Tiwari has clarified how artificial intelligence (AI) is being used in the ambitious mythological epic. While interacting with international media in Los Angeles, the filmmaker explained that the technology is being employed specifically to synchronise characters’ lip movements with dubbed dialogue, allowing audiences across the world to experience the film in their native languages.

Addressing the use of AI in the film, Nitesh Tiwari said, “As far as AI is being concerned, it is only being used to get the lip sync. So that we can present the film to the world in their language. So all the voices are dubbed by the artists. There is no AI out there. AI is only being used to get the lip movement right so that audience can enjoy it in their native language.”

A video of the filmmaker explaining the process has generated considerable buzz on social media, bringing attention to the role of technology in the film’s international presentation. His clarification distinguishes the use of AI for lip synchronisation from voice generation, with the dubbed performances being provided by artists.

The comments came during the film’s high-profile promotional event and international premiere in Los Angeles on October 27, 2026. Ahead of its worldwide release, the makers brought together key members of the team that is Ranbir Kapoor and Sai Pallavi along with producers Namit Malhotra and Yash, alongside cast members, to present exclusive footage and discuss the film’s scale and visual ambition with international media. The event, designed around a traditional Indian aesthetic, marked an important step in the project’s global promotional campaign.

Directed by Nitesh Tiwari, Ramayana: Part 1 adapts the ancient epic attributed to Sage Valmiki. The film stars Ranbir Kapoor as Lord Ram, Sai Pallavi as Sita and Yash as Ravana, with Sunny Deol playing Hanuman and Ravi Dubey portraying Laxman. The ensemble also includes Arun Govil, Lara Dutta and Rakul Preet Singh.

Produced by Namit Malhotra’s Prime Focus Studios in collaboration with Monster Mind Creations, the film features visual effects spearheaded by DNEG, music by A. R. Rahman and an original background score by Hans Zimmer. Ramayana: Part 1 is scheduled to release worldwide in cinemas on November 5, 2026, in Hindi, Tamil, Telugu, Kannada and Malayalam.

Also Read: AR Rahman calls Ramayana his biggest film yet, says soundtrack took 3.5 years to develop; speaks on collaborating with Hans Zimmer

Bollywood Hungama has been at the forefront of reporting developments surrounding Godzilla Minus Zero. Last month, we spoke exclusively to Kamal Gianchandani, Chief Business Planning & Strategy at PVR INOX Limited and CEO of PVR INOX Pictures Limited, who confirmed that the much-awaited film would release in India. Earlier this month, we informed readers that Godzilla Minus Zero was expected to release in India in the same week as the rest of the world, on November 6. However, there has now been a change of plans.

Yesterday, October 27, the social media handle of PVR INOX Pictures shared the poster of Godzilla Minus Zero. This marks the first official communication from the distribution company confirming that the film will indeed be released in India. Moreover, the poster mentions 'Filmed for IMAX', hinting that the film will also get an IMAX release in the country. However, the exact release date is yet to be announced. The poster simply mentions 'Only in theatres this November'.

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A trade source told Bollywood Hungama, "Godzilla Minus Zero is a film made for IMAX. So is Ramayana. Ramayana is a local film and has a two-week exclusivity window on IMAX screens in India. Hence, if PVR INOX has mentioned IMAX on the poster and in the caption of its social media post, one can assume that Godzilla Minus Zero will most likely release in India two weeks later, on November 20 as Ramayana arrives on the big screen on November 5. However, they are still discussing whether they can release the film on November 20 or somehow bring the film to cinemas on November 13. An official announcement should arrive soon."

Bollywood Hungama had earlier reported that Godzilla Minus Zero would get limited showcasing in India's IMAX properties. This means that at most IMAX cinemas, it is likely to get just one show, while the remaining shows will be allotted to Ramayana. When asked about this, the trade source replied, "Yes, that's what is expected to happen, though a final call will be taken closer to the release."

Nevertheless, fans are overjoyed with the announcement by PVR INOX Pictures. The source remarked, "For almost two weeks, fans in India were speculating whether Godzilla Minus Zero would even release in India. As a result, this update was much needed."

Meanwhile, an industry insider pointed out, "The Hunger Games: Sunrise On The Reaping is also scheduled for release on November 20. This is also an IMAX film and is expected to release in the premium format in India. Moreover, Ramayana will be running very successfully in its third week, if all goes well. So, it'll be a challenge to divide shows between these three films in the third week of November, should The Hunger Games: Sunrise On The Reaping also release in IMAX."

Also Read: SCOOP: Ramayana expected to have paid previews on November 4; Godzilla Minus Zero to get limited showcasing in IMAX in India

Janhvi Kapoor has opened up about the support she received from Shikhar Pahariya following the death of her mother, legendary actor Sridevi, in 2018. In the upcoming episode of Koffee with Karan 9, the actress reportedly recalled how Shikhar put his studies on hold to be available for her during a difficult period in her life. The episode, featuring Janhvi alongside her Bawaal and Sunny Sanskari Ki Tulsi Kumari co-star Varun Dhawan, is expected to offer a more personal glimpse into her life beyond the screen.

According to a report by The Times of India, Janhvi revealed that Shikhar was studying in London when Sridevi passed away. He reportedly took half a semester off and travelled to Mumbai, quietly ensuring that he was nearby in case she needed him. “I think he was studying in London and he took like half a semester off. He came to Mumbai, and he used to stay in town with his dad then, and I only found out much later that he moved to his friend's house in Juhu for a month. Not that I was seeing him every day, but later on I just found out that he was like, ‘No, in case she needs me, I just want to be around'," she said.

The revelation highlights the understated support Shikhar offered during a period of grief for Janhvi and her family. While the two have largely kept their relationship private, their public appearances together over the years have fuelled interest in their bond. Their association dates back to their school days, before Janhvi made her acting debut with Dhadak in 2018. Reports of their reconciliation surfaced several years later, and Shikhar has since been seen accompanying her at family occasions and public events.

Janhvi also spoke about the moment she learnt of her mother’s death and the way her younger sister, Khushi Kapoor, responded to her grief. Recalling the deeply personal memory, she shared, “When I got the call, I was in my room, and I could hear wailing from Khushi's room, and I think I barged into her room howling and crying. But what I do remember is, the minute she looked at me, she stopped crying. She just stopped crying. She sat next to me and started comforting me. And I have never seen her cry about it since."

Her recollection offers a glimpse into how the sisters leaned on each other following the loss of their mother. Janhvi’s account also underlines the importance of the people who stood by her during one of the most challenging chapters of her life.

The upcoming Koffee with Karan 9 episode will premiere on JioHotstar on Wednesday, October 28 at 7 PM.

Also Read: Koffee With Karan 9: Varun Dhawan and Janhvi Kapoor spill secrets as Arjun Kapoor adds a twist in new promo