Taapsee Pannu, Kanika Dhillon and Guneet Monga Kapoor attended a session organized by WIF India and Kathha Pictures on women driving Indian cinema and the rise of female-led collaborations. Taapsee stunned the audience as she spoke about her experience on a film early in her career.

Taapsee Pannu said, “We actresses are always called a few hours earlier, not just to the location, but even on set. So, the actress reaches first. Once the assistant sees that the heroine has arrived, that’s when the hero is called. Of course, we never get the same hotel rooms or cars either, courtesy our gender.”

She then revealed, “I shot an introduction sequence for a film and I really liked it. In fact, one of the reasons I said yes to the film was that entry scene because, at that point, that’s what I knew – aise teen-chaar scene hone chahiye, bahut hai aapke liye as a heroine! Suddenly, they changed the sequence. The hero was given equal footing and a more substantial part in it. It was a very expensive and fancy sequence, and he felt that he also wanted to be a part of it.”

Taapsee continued, “The hero filmed it and then I went to the director and said, ‘This is not supposed to be like this, right? At least you could have told me that you had changed it, forget asking me.’ He replied, ‘I did not know that I had to tell you!’ It was a harsh reality check.”

Taapsee Pannu shared another shocking incident film, “In one scene, there was a tight close-up of mine in which I tell the hero, ‘Go to hell’. But the director told me in the dubbing theatre that I should not say, ‘Go to hell’! He advised me to change it to ‘whatever’ or something on those lines. I explained to him, ‘It’s a tight close-up. It’s going to show’. But he kept giving me very lame reasons. I asked him what the problem was. I was not using a cuss word, after all. I kept arguing and he also probably got tired. Finally, he told me that the hero had told me to not say, ‘Go to hell’!”

Taapsee added, “But I made it clear and said, ‘I will not change the dialogue. You can mute it. I’ll prefer that. But I’ll not dub it wrongly’.” At this point, there was applause at the venue.

However, the actress asked the attendees to hold on as the story was far from over, prompting laughter at the venue. Taapsee Pannu further said, “Let me tell you what happened after that! The film came out and I specifically went to see it for that scene to see what they had done. They hired a dubbing artist and made sure that they dubbed what the hero told them to dub! The remaining film is in my voice. But that one dialogue was dubbed.”

The host asked if this happened recently on some film. Taapsee Pannu smiled and replied, “It was way back. Recently aisa mere saath karke toh dikhao!”

Also Read: Netflix unveils Gandhari Trailer starring Taapsee Pannu as a mother on a mission

Composer and singer Amaal Mallik has announced that he is taking a break from composing music for films. The musician shared an emotional note on X on Thursday, telling his fans that he wants to step away from the demands of the industry for some time and focus on his mental, physical and overall well-being.

Amaal, whose song ‘Yeh Awarapan’ recently featured in the Emraan Hashmi-starrer Awarapan 2, assured his followers that he is doing fine but feels the need to prioritise himself at this point. “I am all good and I will go all the way in, this time, to do what is best for me and only do what is important to my heart and for my health,”  he wrote.

Opening up about his decision, Amaal said that the break is necessary for his “mind, body, soul and overall physical healing.” He also expressed his intention to return to music after taking the time he needs to recover. Addressing his fans, whom he calls Amaalians, he wrote that he wants to “rise, recuperate and bounce back soon with a heart full of melodies.”

I am all good & I will go all the way in, this time, to do what is best for me & only do what is important to my heart & for my health.

Need a break for my mind, body, soul and overall physical healing.

Need to rise, recuperate and bounce back soon with a heart full of melodies… pic.twitter.com/nSk0QioC05 — Amaal Mallik (@AmaalMallik) August 27, 2026

The Bigg Boss 19 contestant further revealed that he will not be composing new songs for films until next year. However, his existing unreleased tracks could still be heard by audiences if the films they were created for eventually release.

Amaal also explained that some of these projects are smaller-budget films that were made with good intentions but have faced difficulties in securing theatrical releases. This has left him uncertain about when, or whether, some of the songs will eventually reach listeners.

While requesting fans to respect his privacy, Amaal wrote, “Please request you not to pester me any further. Will update as I get to know.”

Reflecting on his journey, he signed off on an emotional note: “My journey from music to cinema has taken me a long way; now, I'm starting to head back towards music... Bid me farewell now, I'll be back. Anyway, signing off for a bitâ.”

He ended his message by referring to his recent work, signing off as “The Creator of ‘Yeh Awarapan’.”

Fans extend support to Amaal Mallik

Following the announcement, fans took to the comments section to express their support. Many said they would miss his music but encouraged him to take the time he needs to rest and recover.

Several followers reminded Amaal that his health should come first and assured him that they would continue to wait for his return. For now, the composer is stepping away from film music, but his message suggests that the break is temporary. Amaal has indicated that he plans to return when he feels ready, with a renewed focus on music and his well-being.

Also Read : Amaal Mallik launches indirect scathing attack on Tanishk Bagchi: “You’re a bloody thief”

The box office can be highly unpredictable, as was recently demonstrated by the Chinese film Niu Lai. The animated venture released on August 5 and initially struggled to find an audience. But 10 days later, something extraordinary happened. Word spread on social media in China about its low-quality animation and unintentionally hilarious moments. As a result, from August 15, audiences began thronging cinemas, largely to laugh at the film’s absurd goings-on with their friends. Numerous videos have since gone viral showing moviegoers having a gala time, laughing out loud and even hooting at some of the film’s bizarre scenes.

In no time, Niu Lai entered the FOMO zone, with audiences feeling an increasing urgency to experience the film for themselves. As curiosity grew, the number of shows increased and so did its box office collections. At the same time, the film earned a degree of admiration after viewers learnt that it had been painstakingly made over five years by a mother-son duo, who were reportedly the only crew members. Another aspect that struck a chord was their decision not to use AI to enhance or fine-tune the animation. Ironically, several social media users later uploaded AI-enhanced versions of scenes to show how much better the animation could have looked. Yet, that only seemed to strengthen the appreciation for Niu Lai: despite its visibly low-quality animation, audiences respected the sheer human effort behind it, especially at a time when AI-generated art has become increasingly commonplace.

Clip from Movie Niulai. https://t.co/Y5jsAGpfV3 pic.twitter.com/0EbEfEFi3D — Record GBA (@RecordGBA) August 16, 2026

Nevertheless, one can safely say that 10% of the audience appreciated Niu Lai and even watched it on the big screen for these reasons. But largely, audiences entered the multiplex to laugh over the film’s content and animation.

Even Bollywood has produced films that were in the so-bad-that-its-so-good category. A few examples of such films are Gunda (1998), Jaani Dushman (2001), Deshdrohi (2008) etc. However, all these three films bombed at the box office. They found a life later on YouTube and then social media turned them into something else.

$1,000 TO $850,000 IN DAYS A Chinese animated movie went viral because people mocked how bad it looked - then paid to see it themselves.

It made just ~$1,000 in its first 10 days. Now it has passed ~$850,000.

- Made by a mother and son over 5 years - Meanwhile, The Odyssey has… https://t.co/XioapgadPu pic.twitter.com/ZZruBeubrm

— BuBBliK (@k1rallik) August 16, 2026

In other words, they came at a time when social media was non-existent. Niu Lai would have also sank without a trace had it been released in the 2000s. But it had a major advantage that it arrived at a time when social media is thriving. It is thanks to TikTok and other apps that netizens learned about the film and its substandard quality. It's on social media that these videos went viral and thus reached millions of people. In turn, it made viewers curious to check it out.

As a result, we believe that even Gunda, Jaani Dushman and Deshdrohi might have had a far more positive box office outcome had they been released in 2026. Gunda arrived in cinemas in 1998 and was largely dismissed as just another low-grade Mithun Chakraborty film of the kind he frequently did in that era. However, around 7-8 years later, it was rediscovered by a younger audience, who were amused by its bizarre characters, many of whom spoke in rhymes loaded with double entendres. Mithun Chakraborty, meanwhile, plays a coolie who, for some inexplicable reason, is seen at an airport rather than a railway station. One of the film’s most iconic scenes has Mithun taking cover behind a bicycle during a shootout, a hilariously futile attempt at protecting himself from bullets!

Jaani Dushman: Ek Anokhi Kahani, meanwhile, had huge names like Sunny Deol, Akshay Kumar, Suniel Shetty, Manisha Koirala, Aftab Shivdasani, Rambha, Sharad Kapoor etc. and it marked the debut of singh Sonu Nigam. Armaan Kohli was re-launched with this film, which was made by his father, Rajkumar Kohli. The film is a revenge drama of a snake-woman and is special effects heavy. However, the script and execution were poor and a few scenes, especially revolving around molestation, have received lot of criticism in today's times.

But the goings-on in the film are absolutely absurd. Moreover, to see reputed actors working in such a film adds to the amusement. The film also stars Rajat Bedi, whose dialogue ‘Sabki izzat karenge toh lootenge kiski’ has achieved iconic status in the world of memes.

Finally, Deshdrohi is written and produced by Kamaal Rashid Khan and he also stars in the lead. It stars respected names like Gracy Singh, Aman Verma, Hrishitaa Bhatt, Kader Khan, Mukesh Tiwari, Yashpal Sharma, Raza Murad etc. The execution is very poor, while the performance of the lead actor got a lot of ridicule. Bhojpuri star turned MP, Manoj Tiwari, has a supporting role and one of his scenes have become cult.

These films got a new lease of life only after they bombed in cinemas. Had they been released in today’s social media era, that might not have been the case. Much like Niu Lai, users on Instagram and X (formerly Twitter) would likely have uploaded clips of some of their most outrageous and unintentionally funny sequences. These videos could have gone viral, making audiences curious enough to experience the films on the big screen.

In no time, social media might have been flooded with videos of viewers laughing and hooting when Mukesh Rishi in Gunda says, ‘Mera naam hai Bulla, rakhta hoon khullaaaaaa’, or when Kamaal Rashid Khan in Deshdrohi mouths the now-iconic line, ‘Arre kaunsa shooter? Kaisa shooter? Yeh toh apna dost Shekhar hai’, followed by his unintentionally comic reaction after being shot by his best friend. Several scenes from Jaani Dushman would likely have triggered similar reactions inside theatres.

Had Gunda, Jaani Dushman or Deshdrohi released in today’s peak social media era, it is not impossible to imagine them crossing the Rs. 100 crore mark and even emerging among the biggest hits of the year. Of course, the success would have come for all the wrong reasons. But as Niu Lai has shown, in the age of memes, virality and FOMO, even ridicule can translate into serious box office numbers.

Jackie Shroff is set to appear in The Great Grand Superhero, a family entertainer that explores the special relationship between children and their grandparents. The film had its world digital premiere on KidZ on ZEE5 on August 21, 2026, bringing a heartwarming story to young viewers and families.

In the film, Jackie Shroff plays a grandfather who becomes a superhero in the eyes of the children around him. The role allowed the actor to explore the emotional bond between grandparents and grandchildren while portraying a character who fulfils a child’s dream of seeing his grandfather as a real-life superhero.

Speaking about what attracted him to the film and his character with Filmfare, Shroff said, “Every child thinks of their father or grandfather as a superhero. To be able to portray that kind of warmth on screen gave me a very beautiful, soulful feeling. Being surrounded by so many children and playing their grandfather, while fulfilling their dream of seeing him as a superhero, felt really special. I don't think there can be anything greater than seeing a child have a dream and then watching that dream come true. That feeling was very special to me.”

The film also arrives at a time when audiences continue to look for stories that offer warmth and positivity. For Shroff, films that focus on family, hope and simple emotions can have a meaningful impact, especially during difficult times.

Explaining why such stories matter, the actor compared positivity in challenging circumstances to the importance of a lamp in darkness. He said, “In darkness, even a small lamp feels like a source of light. If you light a lamp in bright sunlight, its importance isn't really felt. But when there is darkness and you cannot see anything, even a small light becomes very valuable. I think that's what films like The Great Grand Superhero can do. When there is darkness around us, even a little bit of light, warmth and positivity can make a big difference.”

Also Read : Manish Saini on why Jackie Shroff was the perfect fit for The Great Grand Superhero; says, “He is like a child himself”

Everlite, the lightweight jewellery brand from Senco Gold & Diamonds, has appointed actor Wamiqa Gabbi as its first-ever national brand ambassador. The association marks a new phase in the brand’s growth as it looks to expand its retail footprint across India and strengthen its connection with younger, fashion-conscious consumers.

Everlite currently has a presence across six states and eight cities, with 17 stores across the country. The appointment of Gabbi is part of the brand’s wider expansion strategy, which focuses on building its identity and increasing awareness around lightweight jewellery as an option for everyday styling.

Gabbi’s contemporary fashion sense and individual style align with Everlite’s focus on younger consumers, particularly millennials and Gen Z. Her association with the brand comes as lightweight jewellery continues to gain relevance among consumers looking for pieces that can easily transition between different occasions.

Speaking about the partnership, Wamiqa Gabbi said, "I've always been drawn to jewellery that I can actually live in, pieces I can put on in the morning and forget I'm wearing, but that still make a look feel considered. That is what I love about Everlite. The designs have the detail and beauty of fine jewellery, but they feel incredibly easy and natural to wear. Whether I'm dressing up for an evening out or keeping it simple during the day, I like jewellery that moves with me rather than dictates the look. That sense of freedom is something I really connect with, and it's what makes being part of Everlite feel so natural," said Wamiqa Gabbi.

Joita Sen, Whole-Time Director & Head of Marketing and Design, Senco Gold & Diamonds, also spoke about the association. "Wamiqa represents the way jewellery is evolving today, more personal, more versatile and more effortless. She has a very distinct sense of style and the confidence to make every look her own, which makes her a natural fit for Everlite. She embodies the modern Everlite woman, someone who wants jewellery to be part of her everyday wardrobe, rather than something reserved only for special occasions. We are delighted to have her represent the brand as we take the lightweight jewellery conversation to a new generation."

Everlite offers jewellery in 9K, 14K and 18K gold, along with diamond pieces across earrings, rings, pendants, bracelets, bangles and more. The brand operates compact and strategically located stores, including transit-led outlets, to improve accessibility.

Backed by Senco Gold & Diamonds, which operates more than 198 showrooms across 17 states in India and two international showrooms in Dubai, Everlite aims to further expand its presence while catering to changing preferences around everyday jewellery.

Also Read : Rajkummar Rao and Wamiqa Gabbi starrer Prahaar – The Untold Story of Ujjwal Nikam to release on October 16

Kriti Sanon has found support from her sister Nupur Sanon after a recent GIVA jewellery advertisement featuring the actor sparked a debate on social media over traditional dressing and the idea of an ‘appropriate’ outfit for family occasions. The campaign, which features Kriti in a bralette-style blouse paired with a cape and a draped skirt, has drawn mixed reactions from netizens, particularly in the context of Rakshabandhan celebrations.

Now, Nupur has joined the conversation, extending her support to Kriti. Taking to her Instagram Stories, she questioned why another woman’s clothing choice should become a matter of concern for others. “Imagine being this bothered by what another woman chooses to wear. Respectfully EVOLVE!” Nupur wrote. She further added, “I'm the one she ties the rakhi to, and if I don't have a problem, why do you?”

Responding to the criticism, Kriti previously shared her perspective on the festival and the importance of its emotions and traditions over clothing choices. “The essence of festivals is not in the clothes you wear, it is in the emotions and meaning you hold for the traditions. Rakshabandhan is a bond of protection. My sister and I tie rakhi to each other. We know we can protect each other no less than a brother would have. We pray for each other's health, happiness & long life,” she said.

The debate also saw Kangana Ranaut express her disapproval of the commercial. While she did not name Kriti or GIVA directly, Kangana appeared to take aim at the styling of the advertisement and questioned the choice of outfit in the context of Rakshabandhan. “Why would you tie your brother a rakhi in your bikini/undergarments?” she wrote, while also describing the commercial as ‘creepy’ and questioning the styling choices featured in it.

The contrasting reactions have since added another layer to the ongoing social media discussion around fashion, traditional occasions and individual choice. While Kriti has emphasised the emotional significance of Rakshabandhan, Nupur has defended her sister’s freedom to choose what she wears. Meanwhile, Kangana’s comments have further fuelled the conversation surrounding the campaign.

Also Read: Kriti Sanon hits back at outfit criticism over Raksha Bandhan Ad: “When will we stop telling women what to wear?”

For 40 days, The Odyssey had a historic performance at the 34 IMAX cinemas of India. The film performed strongly even in the normal theatres but in IMAX, the earnings were rock-solid even after the film entered its sixth week. Sadly, this unbelievable run will now come to a halt, thanks to the release of Toxic, starring Yash, on August 26.

A source told Bollywood Hungama, “Toxic is carrying tremendous buzz and moreover, it is an IMAX release. Hence, its distributors asked for all the IMAX shows. However, the performance of The Odyssey is at another level. Even after so many days and weeks, several shows across the country are going house-full. In fact, on Tuesday, August 25, the last day of the film in IMAX, the shows were running with huge occupancy. Of course, the discounted rates played a part. But when viewers are turning up in such large numbers on the 40th day, it is a feat.”

The source continued, “This proves that there’s a lot of gas left in the tank. Warner Bros, which distributed The Odyssey, asked for just one show in IMAX, considering the continued demand, from August 26. Sadly, the demand was not accepted as the distributors of Toxic were clear that they wanted all shows in IMAX.”

The silver lining is that the IMAX screen at Broadway Cinemas in Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu, has proved to be an exception. From August 26, it will continue to play two shows of The Odyssey, at 11:30 am and 11:00 pm. Toxic, meanwhile, will be showcased at 7:40 am, 3:10 pm and 7:05 pm.

The Odyssey box office performance in India

The Odyssey has collected around Rs. 184.23 crores in 40 days in India. Interestingly, its collections from IMAX alone stand at nearly Rs. 90-91 crores. In other words, nearly 50% of the film’s India collections have come from the IMAX format.

Out of its 40-day run so far, The Odyssey collected more than Rs. 1 crore on as many as 33 days. On August 25, the last day of its full-fledged IMAX run, the film collected Rs. 71 lakhs from IMAX alone, while its collections across all formats stood at around Rs. 83 lakhs. The occupancy across IMAX screens on August 25 was an impressive 43%.

An industry insider commented, “Had The Odyssey been allowed even one show on each IMAX screen, it had the potential to cross the Rs. 100 crore mark from IMAX alone. It would have been a record difficult to beat for years to come.”

The insider also revealed, “Maybe, after a week or two, The Odyssey may make a comeback in IMAX. In that case, it still has a shot at earning Rs. 100 crores. At the same time, once a film goes out of IMAX, there is always a risk of its momentum getting broken.”

The 40-day collections of The Odyssey

Week 1 - Rs. 85.65 cr

Week 2 - Rs. 45.67 cr

Week 3 - Rs. 24.15 cr

Week 4 - Rs. 15.65 cr

Week 5 - Rs. 7.74 cr

Week 6 [5 days] - Rs. 5.39 cr

The 40-day collections of The Odyssey in the IMAX format

Week 1 - Rs. 27.97 cr

Week 2 - Rs. 22.45 cr

Week 3 - Rs. 16.10 cr

Week 4 - Rs. 12.11 cr

Week 5 - Rs. 6.53 cr

Week 6 [5 days] - Rs. 5.11 cr