After the success of Mardaani (2014) and Mardaani 2 (2019), Rani Mukerji is back as the fiery inspector, Shivani Shivaji Roy, with Mardaani 3. The film, produced by Yash Raj Films (YRF), was originally scheduled to be released on February 27. Earlier this month, it was preponed and now it’ll arrive in cinemas in less than a week, on January 30. Accordingly, the makers completed the censor process in time. In this article, Bollywood Hungama will exclusively focus on the cuts suffered by the action thriller.

To begin with, the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) asked the makers to insert drug disclaimers. The word 'bachhi' was replaced with 'ladki'. Since the scene in question involved sexual violence, the makers had to submit age proof of the actor to clarify that she was not a minor.

Then, visuals of a girl being slapped were modified. The word 'wh**e' was replaced with 'trader' in the English subtitles. A derogatory reference towards mother was muted. The word having reference to sexual organs was replaced with appropriate words. Similarly, words having a negative reference to the Government of India were also asked to be replaced.

The names of certain countries were asked to be deleted in a scene. As asked by the CBFC, the makers submitted a clarification with regard to a dialogue made by kidnappers in the film. Lastly, the makers were asked to insert information text on child and woman trafficking.

Once these changes were made, Mardaani 3 was passed with a U/A 16+ certificate on January 14. The length of the film, as mentioned on the censor certificate, is 137.07 minutes. In other words, Mardaani 3 is 2 hours, 17 minutes and 7 seconds long.

YRF goes for voluntary modifications

Nearly 10 days after securing the certificate, the makers of Mardaani 3 approached the CBFC to make voluntary cuts to the film. Accordingly, changes were made in as many as 14 scenes. The scenes were either deleted or shortened. These cuts are in the range of 9 seconds and 59 seconds.

Thanks to these cuts, Mardaani 3 is now 6 minutes and 30 seconds shorter. The new run time of the film is 130.37 minutes, that is, 2 hours, 10 minutes and 37 seconds. The voluntary cuts were approved by the CBFC on January 23.

Also Read: EXCLUSIVE: Rani Mukerji says Mardaani 3 aims to instil fear in criminals and strength in women

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Vadh 2 is all set to release on February 6 and in an exclusive interview with Bollywood Hungama, talented and enterprising producer Luv Ranjan spoke about the Sanjay Mishra-Neena Gupta starrer, when its trailer will be out, what Luv Films stands for, his love for Gurugram’s Cyber Hub and a lot more.

When did you decide that a sequel to Vadh would be a good idea? Jaspal Singh Sandhu sir and I were discussing what to do next. We realized that there can’t be a true sequel as such to this film. The story of the two characters in the first part had come to an end. However, the concept of ‘vadh’ can be revisited by exploring another social evil and how a simple man fights it to protect someone he loves.

With Vadh’s first part, the appreciation was slow, but suddenly, it got a lot of love and also awards. That also motivated us to try for a second part. Jaspal sir cracked a story which we all loved and we felt that its worth doing.

Vadh released when the Drishyam 2 wave was going strong. Also, Bhediya had taken up screens. Avatar: The Way Of Water was released a week later. It's believed that due to the clutter, it perhaps didn’t get its due in cinemas and it became big only when it dropped on Netflix. Meanwhile, Vadh 2 releases on February 6 with minimal competition. Was that a conscious decision? I believe that when a small, sweet film arrives after a barrage of big films, it gets a better reception. There won’t be too much crowd when Vadh 2 releases. That’s important as these kinds of films need time. They can’t be released in a rush. You need a slightly more relaxed time. Once the film gets appreciation, it slowly finds its audience.

It is often said that cinemas can be ruthless in allotting shows to such films. Do you fear about not getting enough shows? I genuinely believe that unless you’re clashing with a big, event film, screen space for this kind of film is not a problem. Realistically speaking, I don’t need 8 shows or I don’t need 2 whole screens in a 4-screen multiplex. We have a huge capacity of theatres and screens right now. So, that shouldn’t be a problem.

Vadh 2 had its grand premiere at the 56th International Film Festival of India (IFFI) 2025, Goa... I couldn’t make but I was told that it received a great reception. It has given us confidence.

When will the trailer be out? It’ll be released on Tuesday, January 27. Hopefully, everyone will love it!

I guess they would, as part 1 has tremendous goodwill and has been loved by one and all. Also, sometimes, we feel a sequel is forced. We are not getting that feeling with Vadh 2… It’s a very honest film. At times, filmmakers make a sequel to a small film and while doing so, they try to change the grain of the original film. When a small film does well, the makers then try to make the sequel in a grand way. The soul of the film changes. However, we have stuck to the grain. Like Vadh, Vadh 2 also stars Sanjay Gupta and Neena Gupta.

Luv Films’ journey has been interesting. You have not just worked with newcomer directors but also with experienced filmmakers like Hansal Mehta, Mohit Suri etc. and made exciting films with them… We started in 2017 and our first release was in 2018. So, our company is still in its early stages and we are figuring out things. However, we are quite greedy as producers. We want to do all kinds of films. I do want to work with veterans and with those filmmakers whose work I admired and loved. They can do something that I can’t do. They have their own style and signature. But at the same time, I built my career working with newcomers – actors, technicians etc. So, that greed is always there to give a break to new people and explore fresher ideas. At some point in time, somebody supported my career and journey. That is how I became a director. Now, if we are in a position to let somebody find his or her voice, we want to keep doing it.

Many among the moviegoers feel, and I believe in it as well, that there exists a ‘Luv Ranjan genre’ in Bollywood. The recent release, Shashank Khaitan’s Sunny Sanskari Ki Tulsi Kumari (2025), had characters doing things that were straight out of a Luv Ranjan-directorial. Even the title gave a déjà vu of Sonu Ke Titu Ki Sweety (2018). What were your thoughts when you saw Sunny Sanskari Ki Tulsi Kumari? Shashank and my journey coincided. Uska aur mera sur kayi baar similar hota hai. Sunny Sanskari Ki Tulsi Kumari is a Shashank Khaitan title, in my opinion. It is right in the alley of his film, Humpty Sharma Ki Dulhania (2014). So, I can’t own that (smiles). This happens. A lot of times, we are discussing ideas with fellow filmmakers. That’s when you realize that he or she is also thinking on the same lines. It’s very interesting that at times, someone shares their idea and you tell them that even you have a similar kind of subject. Aur ideas pe toh kisi ka copyright ho nahin sakta. And tonalities aas paas ki mil jaati hi hai. So, when I saw Sunny Sanskari Ki Tulsi Kumari, I thought it had trademark Shashank Khaitan stamp and same goes for Humpty Sharma Ki Dulhania and Badrinath Ki Dulhania (2017).

Speaking of your directorial ventures, one location common in your films is Cyber Hub, Gurugram. Thanks to your films, it’s become a must for me to go there or think about it whenever I am in Delhi-NCR… (Laughs) Same happened with me. We grew up in that area. It’s a fun, interesting place. It’s a matter of habit, more than anything else. It’s not like I shot there first and then partied in Cyber Hub. Pehle maine wahaan party ki aur phir realize kiya ki yahaan shoot kar lete hai (laughs).

I also discovered Wenger’s in Connaught Place, Delhi, thanks to its mention in Sonu Ke Titu Ki Sweety. Your films act as Lonely Planet guide-of-sorts for tourists visiting the Capital! (Smiles) These are iconic places. Maybe 100 bakeries better than Wenger’s must have opened in Delhi. But there’s a nostalgia attached to these places. We have been having its cakes since we were children. Swad ki aadat pad jaati hai; isliye pastry wahin se leke aani hoti hai. It happens in Mumbai too. People travel all the way to have a meal in Sardar Pav Bhaji. When you grew up on something, it becomes a habit.

It’ll be three years in March since your last directorial, Tu Jhoothi Main Makkaar (2023) was released. When can we expect an announcement of your next film? Very soon!

Also Read: With a month to go, Vadh 2 builds anticipation with new poster featuring Sanjay Mishra and Neena Gupta

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Bollywood actor Sunny Deol is set to begin filming his next big-budget action thriller with director Balaji in the first week of February 2026, after the project was postponed by almost two months due to commitments related to his current release Border 2.

The yet-untitled film — marking Deol’s first collaboration with Farhan Akhtar and Ritesh Sidhwani’s banner Excel Entertainment — had initially been scheduled to go on floors in December 2025. However, reportedly, those plans were adjusted to accommodate the actor’s promotional schedule for Border 2. Sources familiar with the project confirmed that Deol is expected to join the set on February 10.

A report by Mid-Day quoted a person close to the production as saying the delay was mutually agreed upon. “Sunny is tied up with the promotional campaign of Border 2. Rather than rushing into the shoot, the makers felt it would be best to push the project and begin with complete focus,” the source explained.

Preparations for the film are already underway. Director Balaji, who will collaborate with Deol on this large-scale thriller, is said to have charted a detailed shooting schedule. According to insiders, the first leg of production will take place in Andheri, Mumbai, with principal photography planned to wrap by summer 2026.

While specific plot details and the full cast have not yet been officially announced, the project is expected to feature high-octane action sequences and expand Sunny Deol’s repertoire in the thriller genre. The film represents a significant creative partnership for both Deol and Excel Entertainment, which is also gearing up for other mid-to-big budget releases in the coming years.

Sunny Deol’s 2026 line-up already includes major films like Border 2 and Lahore 1947, as well as the mythological epic Ramayana: Part 1.

Also Read: Border 2 Final Box Office: Sunny Deol, Varun Dhawan starrer sells 1.35 lakh tickets across National multiplex chains; all set for a Rs. 35 crore day one

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Filmmaker Aanand L Rai has responded to a Rs 84 crore lawsuit filed by Eros International Media Ltd, which has accused him and his production company of unauthorised use of intellectual property linked to the 2013 film Raanjhanaa.

Reacting to the legal action, Aanand L Rai described the dispute as a routine business issue and maintained that it does not warrant public speculation. Speaking to NDTV, he said, "These are part of life. When you step into business, such things keep happening. I don't even know why, how, or from where this has come. But I think it is a legal matter, so let the legal people handle it. There is a lawyer on their side, and a lawyer from here will respond too. I don't think it has any meaning. Anyone can say anything about anything at any time. So it's not something to be taken too seriously. It's more for the lawyers to deal with. Since it's a legal matter, I won't speak much about it, but it's nothing serious." Eros Alleges Misuse of Raanjhanaa Intellectual Property Eros International Media Ltd has alleged that Aanand L Rai and his banner, Colour Yellow Media Entertainment LLP, unlawfully used elements associated with Raanjhanaa while promoting Tere Ishk Mein, which released in theatres in November 2025.

The company claims it holds exclusive rights to Raanjhanaa, including copyright, registered trademarks, characters, dialogues, and sequel or remake rights. In its commercial IP suit and interim application, Eros has argued that these protected elements were used without authorisation to suggest a creative or narrative link between the two films.

According to a report by The Times of India, the dispute was triggered by a teaser released in July 2025. Eros has alleged that the teaser featured phrases, visual cues, background score elements, and references that pointed towards the fictional universe of Raanjhanaa. Character Parallels and ‘Spiritual Sequel’ Claims A key point of contention in the lawsuit revolves around character similarities. Eros has claimed that Mohammed Zeeshan Ayyub’s character in Tere Ishk Mein closely resembles his role as Murari in Raanjhanaa, both in temperament and narrative function. The company has further alleged that Dhanush’s character in the new film follows a similar emotional trajectory to Kundan Shankar, reinforcing the impression of continuity.

Eros has stated that despite issuing a cease-and-desist notice in July 2025, followed by reminders, the marketing campaign continued to position Tere Ishk Mein as a “spiritual sequel” to Raanjhanaa. Following the film’s release, the company has sought Rs 84 crore in damages, citing copyright infringement, trademark violation, and passing off.

The lawsuit names several defendants, including Aanand L Rai, Colour Yellow Media Entertainment LLP, writer Himanshu Sharma, Super Cassettes Industries (T-Series), and Netflix Entertainment Services India LLP. The matter is currently before the Bombay High Court.

Also Read: Eros seeks Rs. 84 crores in damages from Aanand L Rai, Colour Yellow for allegedly projecting Tere Ishk Mein as ‘spiritual sequel’ to Raanjhanaa

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While burning the midnight oil to complete his big-screen wartime love story Love & War, Sanjay Leela Bhansali has taken time off to undertake a unique and unprecedented task: Bhansali has prepared a montage-tableau of the best moments and landmarks of 113 years of Indian cinema, which will be shown at the Republic Day parade on January 26 in New Delhi.

While Bhansali is not allowed to speak about the singular honour. a source very close to the epic filmmaker shared the details with this writer. “When the Ministry for Information & Broadcasting approached Bhansali for this historic venture, his first response was to decline the honour. He is currently rushing against deadlines to complete his Ranbir-Alia starrer Love & War and felt he needed no distraction.”

It was Bhansali’s team which convinced him to take up the challenge. “Bhansali’s team bluntly told him he would be foolish to turn down this opportunity to encapsulate the pride of Indian cinema.”

Losing almost all sleep for the last two months, Bhansali readied the tableau, which is already been described as an epoch-defining visitation of the choicest moments of our cinema.

Also Read: No delay for Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s Love & War; film STILL on track for 2026 release

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The first biggie of 2026, Border 2, is all set to release tomorrow, and there’s tremendous excitement for it, as evident by the ticket sales. Not just in India, but it is poised for a healthy opening overseas as well. But those waiting to see the film in Gulf countries or the UAE/GCC belt would be disheartened to know that it would not get a release in the region.

A source told Bollywood Hungama, “Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and the UAE will not be releasing Border 2. By now, it's given that films which are perceived as having ‘anti-Pakistan’ content don’t get a release in this belt. Yet, the team of Border 2 did make an attempt and sadly, their attempts proved futile. One day is left for release and the hope is still there that they pass the film, though the possibility seems remote.”

The source continued, “Recently, even Dhurandhar was not allowed a release in the same region. However, the makers of Border 2 are not losing sleep over it as they are aware that if the film manages to strike a chord with the moviegoers, the sky would be the limit in terms of its collections. Even Dhurandhar excelled at the ticket window and the money lost due to no release in the UAE/GCC belt didn’t matter. Hopefully, Border 2 will go the same way.”

Past examples

Interestingly, Sunny Deol’s Gadar 2 (2023) was also not allowed a release in the Gulf region for the same reason. The 2024 Hrithik Roshan-Deepika Padukone starrer Fighter was initially banned in all the Gulf countries, except the UAE (United Arab Emirates). The film's depiction of the Pulwama attack sparked criticism from some sections in Pakistan, with accusations of the film promoting an ‘anti-Pakistan’ agenda and ‘exploiting a sensitive issue’.

Shockingly, a day later, even the UAE suspended its release in its territory. Following this, the makers of Fighter submitted the re-edited version of the film to the UAE ministry after removing some ‘problematic’ scenes and dialogues. However, the UAE ministry rejected the re-edited version of Fighter too.

In 2025, the Akshay Kumar-starrer Sky Force and the John Abraham-starrer The Diplomat were banned in several countries of the Middle East due to concerns over their content. Both these films also dealt with Pakistan.

Article 370 (2024), which was based on the revocation of a controversial article in Kashmir, was also refused certification in GCC. Tiger 3 (2023), starring Salman Khan, was banned in Oman, Kuwait and Qatar.

The Kashmir Files (2022) was banned in several Gulf states. UAE initially banned it too but later, it cleared it with an adults-only certificate.

Also Read: SCOOP: Anil Thadani attempts to club Toxic showcasing with Border 2; Exhibitors refuse deals due to Dhurandhar 2

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In a significant meeting on January 20, India’s premier blockbuster filmmaker Siddharth Anand met global spiritual leader Gurudev Sri Sri Ravi Shankar along with producer Mahaveer Jain. Both Siddharth Anand and Gurudev Sri Sri Ravi Shankar have had several conversations before but this meeting was special. It was held in an atmosphere of deep reflection and vision, centred around the upcoming international thriller White, a project that marks a unique milestone in Indian cinema.

The film, which features National Award winner Vikrant Massey alongside an international cast, is inspired by the incredible true story of the 52-year-long civil conflict in Colombia and its historic resolution through non-violence and peace.

Reflecting on the film’s vision after his meeting with Gurudev, Siddharth Anand shared his excitement for the film, “In many ways, White is the story of the glory of India. At a time when the world is grappling with unprecedented division, this film is truly the need of the hour. It doesn’t just tell the story of one individual; it stands as a testament to the immense strength and weight that Indian values and philosophies carry on the world stage.”

Siddharth Anand further added about the spiritual leader, “Sitting with Gurudev is an incredibly grounding experience. His presence reinforces what we are trying to capture in White – the true power of peace”.

About the Film

The global thriller White boasts a solid international team, including cinematographer Juan Carlos Gil of Narcos fame. Having completed intensive schedules in both Colombia and India, the film is poised to be a landmark flick that showcases India’s philosophical leadership to a global audience.

White is backed by Siddharth Anand and Mahaveer Jain, directed by Montoo Bassi and co-produced by Concious Studios, PeaceCraft Pictures and BroadVision. Jaguar Bite, a leading production house in South America, has also come on board as a co-production partner.

Produced as an English-Spanish bilingual, White is set for a worldwide release across several countries later in 2026.

 

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A meeting to remember

Besides Siddharth Anand, several important personalities of the Indian film industry also met Gurudev Sri Sri Ravi Shankar on January 20, like producers Mamta Anand and Neetu Jain, Amit Chandra of Trigger Happy Entertainment Network, Prabhat Chaudhary of Spice PR, Jay Mehta, head of India and SAARC, Warner Music, Kamal Gianchandani CEO, PVR Inox Pictures Ltd, Shrenik Gandhi and Mitesh Kothari of White Rivers Media, music supervisor Azeem Dayani, Paras Kanani of reputed Entertainment Publicity studio House of Awe India, Sanjay Chatar of Pen Marudhar and others.

Also Read: SCOOP: Shah Rukh Khan and Siddharth Anand LOCK Christmas 2026 release for King; Announcement on the way

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