Actors Jimmy Shergill, Siddharth, Dia Mirza, Prajakta Koli, Abhay Verma, Mihir Ahuja, Taaruk Raina, Arnav Bhasin and Amrita Bagchi, director Oni Sen, producers Sanjay Routray, Sarita Patil and Mehboob Pal Singh Brar, executive producers Abhijeet Singh Parmar (also the writer) and Kushal Srivastava, and Monika Shergill and Tanya Bami of Netflix attended the trailer launch of Operation Safed Sagar in Mumbai. The launch was memorable for many reasons. To begin with, several real-life personalities connected with the story, like Group Captain Amit Gupta, Group Captain Alok Chaudhry, Group Captain Tarun Kumar Singha, former Chief of the Air Staff Air Chief Marshal B S Dhanoa, Chief of the Air Staff Air Chief Marshal A P Singh, and Alka Ahuja, wife of the late Squadron Leader Ajay Ahuja, were felicitated. Meanwhile, Siddharth had tears in his eyes, which made everyone emotional. However, he also made sure to make up for it with his witty one-liners.

Alka Ahuja was asked a question by a journalist. She decided to answer by coming on stage. As a mark of respect, everyone stood up. After she replied, Siddharth told her, “Yesterday, Abhijeet Parmar and I spoke for a long time. Both of us are emotional and we spoke about you a lot. You said something to me and Abhijeet, which I’ll share with you all later. But from my side and everyone else on this stage, thank you so much for the permission to do this. We would not have done that without you.”

Alka Ahuja smiled and stated, “I don’t have any videos of Ajay. At least, I have an image of Ajay now!” Hearing this, Siddharth had tears in his eyes.

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Siddharth came wearing a sling and he was asked about it. Earlier, the younger actors remarked that they had grown up watching Siddharth’s films and it became a joke. When Siddharth was asked about his hand, he quipped, “Bachpan se meri filmein dekhte aa rahe hai yeh log. Toh zaahir si baat hai kahin na kahin toh chot lagna hi hai. I am just kidding (smiles).”

He then explained how he got the part, “Oni and Abhijeet met me and we had a conversation. My first reaction was of hesitation. There’s a way our heroes are depicted in our entertainment and engagement, especially our martrys, who are not here to defend or accept portrayals that you are portraying for them. It’s little difficult for me and it's easier for me to play a fictional character. Secondly, the moment we know someone is a martyr, we tend to sterilise them. We tend to whitewash them. None of us is like that. Heroes don’t look like heroes. They are heroes because of their actions.”

He added, “I didn’t want to do injustice to somebody’s memory. So, I had a lengthy discussion with Abhijeet, Oni, Kushal and everybody else who made the show. We ensured that we always stayed true to the integrity of a great man’s memory and a soldier’s story. Also, I asked only one question after that – ‘Did she (Alka Ahuja) allow it?’” Yet again, Siddharth got teary-eyed.

He still didn’t answer what happened to his hand and the journalist let it pass. However, one mediaperson shouted and asked, “Aapke haath ko kya hua?”. Siddharth replied, “It's just due to a small operation. It's regular wear and tear. Old age bolte hai isko!”

He then made the situation light and made another joke about younger actors watching since childhood. He turned to Adil Hussain and remarked, “I want to pass on the compliment and favour. I have grown up watching Adil sir! And you have done very selective work; so, I have grown up very slowly!”

Operation Safed Sagar releases on Netflix on August 7.

Also Read: Shabana Azmi taken to safety after falling ill at Delhi’s Jantar Mantar protest

Ranbir Kapoor, Sai Pallavi, Ravi Dubey, director Nitesh Tiwari, producer Namit Malhotra, Kunal Kapoor, Rakul Preet Singh, Vivek Oberoi, Arun Govil, Ajinkya Deo, Shobhna, sitar player Rishab Rikhiram Sharma, Swami Ramdev, Ashwiny Iyer Tiwari, Karan Johar, Apoorva Mehta and others attended the grand trailer launch of Ramayana held in Delhi. The event was hosted by Kumar Vishwas, who has also contributed to the film in a big way. Towards the end of the event, Yash came on stage and he gave a rare speech in Hindi.

He began by saying, “I am really happy to be a part of this wonderful project. Sab Hindi mein baat kar rahe hain yahaan. Main bhi koshish karunga. Iss mukaam tak laane ke liye all credit should go to Namit Malhotra. Unhone mujhe yeh patra nibhaane ka avsar diya (laughs), uske liye main unko dhanyawaad kehta hoon. Hindi seekhne ka bhi mauka mila (smiles).”

He added, “This is India’s dream. We all have come together with one vision and one conviction – to put our story on the global platform. So, all of us are keeping all our interests aside. We have only one interest – to tell Prabhu Shri Ram’s story to the global audience, and also to celebrate him in our country. So, thank you, Namit, for having this courage and conviction. Thank you so much, Nitesh sir, for guiding me and helping me understand the character’s nuances.”

Yash then praised the film’s actors, “Ranbir, you’ve been phenomenal. The whole of India will understand how you’ve surrendered to this role and what magic you have created! Sai, of course, is a fabulous actress. To see her perform Sita’s role was a great experience. Her eyes say it all. Watch out for how Rakul Preet has carried the role of Surpanakha. It's our luck that Shobhna ma’am agreed to do this role as she brings in so much grace and value to the role. Ravi Dubey will be a surprise package; all viewers will become his fan. Vivek and I had a lot of fun. There are a lot of surprises in the film.”

Ramayana is a two-part saga with the first part releasing on Diwali 2026. As for the second part, it'll arrive on the big screen on Diwali 2027.

Also Read: Ramayana Delhi trailer launch: Sai Pallavi says, “On the sets, I would meditate and say, ‘Sita Maa, you act through me. Whatever comes through me is what you want for the film’”

After remaining unreleased for nearly four years, Pooja Meri Jaan, starring Mrunal Thakur and Huma Qureshi, is finally set to reach audiences through streaming. The thriller has officially found a platform on ZEE5, bringing an end to years of uncertainty surrounding its release. While the streaming service has announced the film as part of its upcoming content slate, the official premiere date is yet to be revealed.

Directed by Navjot Gulati and produced under Dinesh Vijan's Maddock Films banner, Pooja Meri Jaan was originally planned as a direct-to-digital release on JioCinema. However, following the merger of JioCinema with Disney+ Hotstar, the film's release plans were stalled, leaving its future uncertain for an extended period. The prolonged delay reportedly left both the cast and makers frustrated as the project remained in limbo.

Alongside Pooja Meri Jaan, ZEE5 also announced an extensive Hindi content slate featuring several new films and series. Upcoming shows include Kambli, inspired by the life of former cricketer Vinod Kambli, The Scam: Leaked, Coffee King, Jeena Isi Ka Naam Hai 2.0 hosted by R. Madhavan, and the return of the classic Zee Horror Show. Popular franchises such as Rangbaaz, Janaawar, and Bakaiti are also returning with new seasons.

The platform's film lineup includes Hai Jawani Toh Ishq Hona Hai starring Varun Dhawan, Pooja Hegde and Mouni Roy, Bandar featuring Bobby Deol and Sanya Malhotra, Kangana Ranaut's Bharat Bhagya Vidhata, Vaani Kapoor's Sarvgunn Sampann, as well as Ghamasaan, Ikroop, and Dalimb.

Earlier this year, director Navjot Gulati spoke about the emotional and professional impact of the prolonged delay. He revealed that his father, who passed away in 2024, spent the final months of his life asking when the film would be released. The filmmaker also alleged that co-producer Amar Kaushik stopped responding to his calls and messages after October 2025. Navjot claimed the film was held back due to a pricing dispute, alleging that Maddock Films was unwilling to sell it below its expected valuation. He further questioned why a theatrical release was never explored, citing Vadh 2 as an example of an OTT-backed film that eventually made it to cinemas.

According to Navjot, the delay has adversely affected his career, as producers have become hesitant to collaborate with him while his completed debut film remained unreleased. He even expressed willingness to buy back the film himself if the producers chose not to move forward. Pooja Meri Jaan explores the themes of stalking and cybercrime and also stars Vikram Singh Chauhan and Vijay Raaz in pivotal roles. The film completed shooting and post-production by the end of 2022.

Also Read: Navjot Gulati SLAMS Maddock Films over delay of Pooja Meri Jaan release: “They don’t care about the small films”

Kunal Kohli, who made a mark with films like Hum Tum (2004) and Fanaa (2006), has now taken a leap, graduating to making international films. In June, he wrapped up the shoot of a British English feature film, All About Her. It stars Hollywood actor Nick Sagar, best known for his role in The Princess Switch film franchise. The female lead is played by British actress Amelia Gething, who caught attention with her performances in Emily and The Spanish Princess.

Kunal Kohli opened up about All About Her in an interview with Bombay Times last month. He said, “Directing an English film and working with a full British and international crew is a whole new chapter in my life. Shekhar Kapur has always been my inspiration, and I am hoping this starts a trend of more Indian filmmakers working globally. Though English is not my first language, the experience of directing a film in English has been incredibly rewarding.”

He also said, “Shooting a film in the UK with British actors and crew gave me a great deal of creative freedom. Direct interaction with the actors helped bring the characters to life on screen exactly as I had envisioned, in complete sync with Amelia and Nick. Although I was new to their industry, the actors placed their trust in me and together we created an incredible cinematic journey that we are excited to share with audiences across the world.”

All About Her is produced by Sheetal Parab. An intriguing first-look teaser poster was dropped on June 5 and the caption with the picture read, ‘A haunting psychological drama where love, guilt and identity blur into one dangerous truth’. According to a Bombay Times report, the makers plan to premiere the film at various film festivals before its release.

About Kunal Kohli

Kunal Kohli began as a film critic in the 90s and then hosted the TV show 'Chalo Cinema'. After making several music videos, he debuted as a feature film director with Mujhse Dosti Karoge (2002), starring Hrithik Roshan, Kareena Kapoor Khan and Rani Mukerji. However, it was his second film, Hum Tum (2004), which made him a director to watch out for. The Saif Ali Khan-Rani Mukerji starrer was loved for its performances, music and fresh treatment, which resonated big time with the emerging multiplex audience.

Kunal’s next directorial, Fanaa (2006), starring Aamir Khan and Kajol, emerged as a major box-office success. He later directed Thoda Pyaar Thoda Magic (2008) and Teri Meri Kahaani (2012), while also producing Break Ke Baad (2010). In 2018, he ventured into Telugu cinema with Next Enti, starring Tamannaah Bhatia. The same year, 2018, he turned actor with his production, Phir Se, co-starring Jennifer Winget and Sumona Chakravarti. It was one of the first Indian films to release directly on Netflix.

In the post-pandemic era, Kunal Kohli directed Lahore Confidential (2021) and Bobby Aur Rishi Ki Love Story (2025), both of which had a direct release on OTT.

Also Read: Kunal Kohli says “biggest directors” expected Ranveer Singh’s Dhurandhar to slow down after Monday

The makers of Batwara 1947 have unveiled a new teaser of the much-awaited period drama, offering audiences another glimpse into the film's backdrop of India's Partition. Headlined by Sunny Deol and directed by National Award-winning filmmaker Rajkumar Santoshi, the latest teaser focuses on the emotional and action-driven journey of a man determined to protect his family amid one of the most turbulent chapters in Indian history.

The newly released teaser builds on the anticipation generated by the film's motion poster, character posters and the first teaser, while offering a deeper look at Sunny Deol's role. Set against the backdrop of the 1947 Partition, the teaser hints at a story of survival, sacrifice and resilience as communities grapple with violence, displacement and uncertainty.

Sunny Deol is seen portraying a determined protagonist who refuses to back down despite overwhelming odds. The teaser combines emotionally charged moments with large-scale action sequences, suggesting that the film will blend personal relationships with the larger historical events unfolding around its characters.

While the teaser refrains from revealing major plot details, it establishes the tone of the film by highlighting the human cost of Partition and the difficult choices faced by families during that period. It also underscores themes of courage and hope amid conflict, with the narrative centred on a father's resolve to keep his loved ones safe.

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Batwara 1947 also marks the reunion of Sunny Deol and director Rajkumar Santoshi after nearly three decades. The duo has previously collaborated on films such as Ghayal, Damini and Ghatak, making their latest project one of the notable filmmaker-actor reunions in recent years.

The film boasts an ensemble cast featuring Shabana Azmi, Preity G Zinta, Karan Deol, Ali Fazal and Abhimanyu Singh in pivotal roles. It is produced under the banner of Aamir Khan Productions by Aamir Khan and Aparna Purohit. Adding to the scale of the project is its music, composed by Academy Award-winning composer A. R. Rahman, with lyrics penned by veteran lyricist Javed Akhtar.

Scheduled for a worldwide theatrical release on August 14, 2026, coinciding with the eve of India's Independence Day, Batwara 1947 revisits one of the defining moments in the subcontinent's history through a fictional narrative centred on family, loss and resilience. With its latest teaser now out, the film has offered audiences another preview of the story it aims to bring to the big screen next month.

Also Read: Batwara 1947 team to embark on 12-city promotional tour ahead of release

The makers of Jeevan Bheema Yojana have announced the release date of the upcoming dark comedy crime thriller. Headlined by Arshad Warsi, the film is slated to arrive in cinemas worldwide next month. Directed by Abhishek Dogra, the project marks the first time in Warsi's career that he will be seen in a double role.

The film revolves around Arshad Warsi's dual characters, Jeevan and Bheema—a debt-ridden common man and his dangerous lookalike—whose lives intersect in unexpected circumstances, leading to a series of chaotic events. Sanjeeda Shaikh plays Yojana, a resourceful wife who devises an ambitious fraud, while Vijay Raaz essays the role of Vinayak, a mysterious man with secrets that gradually unfold.

Sharing details about the film, director Abhishek Dogra said, "Jeevan Bheema Yojana is a film about ordinary people making one extraordinary, catastrophic decision — and then spending the rest of the film paying for it. The genre is dark comedy, but the heart of it is very human. Greed, desperation, love, and the terrible momentum of a lie you can't stop telling. Arshad brings both men to life with a precision that constantly surprised us on set."

Raman Raheja, Director of StarBeam Ventures Ltd and co-producer, also spoke about the project, saying, "This is the first of the multiple releases lined up by StarBeam Ventures Ltd in the next 6-12 months and what better way to start than having the ever-loved Arshad Warsi featuring in a double role for the first time in his career. Audiences will love it."

The announcement adds another project to Arshad Warsi's upcoming slate, with the actor exploring a dual-character narrative for the first time. Directed by Abhishek Dogra, Jeevan Bheema Yojana combines elements of crime, dark humour and family drama, with the story centring on how one decision triggers an increasingly complicated chain of events.

Presented and produced by StarBeam Ventures Ltd (formerly Blue God Entertainment Ltd), Jeevan Bheema Yojana also features Pooja Chopra, Bijendra Kala and the late Atul Parchure in pivotal roles.

With its ensemble cast and a premise built around mistaken identity and deception, Jeevan Bheema Yojana is set to release in cinemas worldwide on August 28, 2026.

Also Read: Vir Hirani thanks Arshad Warsi after Pritam and Pedro debut; says, “Having you by my side made all the difference”

The makers of The India Story: Slow Poison in Progress have unveiled the official trailer of the upcoming social drama, offering a glimpse into a story centred around the issue of pesticide farming and its impact on society. Starring Kajal Aggarwal and Shreyas Talpade in the lead, the film aims to bring attention to a subject that affects millions while weaving it into a dramatic narrative of truth, justice and resilience.

The trailer hints at an emotionally charged story that follows characters caught in the middle of a larger crisis, while raising questions about the long-term effects of pesticide farming. With its blend of courtroom drama, social commentary and emotional conflict, the film seeks to spotlight an issue that often remains overlooked.

Speaking about the film, director Chettan DK said, "The India Story is more than just a film—it's a conversation we need to have. Through this story, we wanted to shine a light on an issue that silently impacts every household. The trailer offers a glimpse into a powerful journey of truth, courage, and resilience, and we hope it inspires audiences to question, reflect, and engage with the reality around them."

Sharing her experience of working on the project, Kajal Aggarwal said, "Being part of The India Story has been an incredibly meaningful experience. My character stands up for truth despite overwhelming odds, and that spirit is what makes this film so special. I hope the trailer connects with audiences and leaves them eager to witness this powerful story on the big screen."

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Shreyas Talpade also spoke about the film and its emotional core, adding, "The trailer captures the emotional core of The India Story. It's a story of an ordinary man's fight against an extraordinary challenge, driven by hope and determination. I believe audiences will relate to its emotions and message, and I'm excited for everyone to experience the film in theatres on July 24."

The project is backed by co-producers Swati Vinayak Saindane, Anita Jadhav, Vinayak Saindane, Kalpesh Shah, Devyani Khorate and Prem Joshi. The technical crew includes cinematographer Nishant Bhagwat, music composer Mangesh Dhakde, editor Ashish Mhatre, lyricist Shakeel Azami and sound designer Anmol Bhave.

Presented by Zee Studios in association with MIG Production & Studios, The India Story: Slow Poison in Progress is directed by Chettan DK and written and produced by Sagar B. Shinde. The film is scheduled for a worldwide theatrical release on July 24, 2026, and will release in Hindi, Telugu and Tamil.

With its socially relevant premise and multilingual release, the film aims to spark conversations around a pressing agricultural and public health issue when it arrives in cinemas on July 24.

Also Read: First song from The India Story featuring Kajal Aggarwal Kitchlu ‘Tu Chal’ out now