After a three-year absence from the big screen, superstar Shah Rukh Khan will return this year with the highly anticipated action entertainer, King. A special announcement promo unveiled in January confirmed that the film would arrive in cinemas on December 24. In recent weeks, however, speculation has been rife that King might miss its scheduled release and be pushed to 2027. Bollywood Hungama has now learnt that there are no plans to postpone the film and that King remains firmly on track to release on December 24, 2026.

Significantly, King will arrive amid three major Hollywood releases. December 18 will witness the epic clash between Avengers: Doomsday and Dune: Part Three. Avengers: Doomsday is expected to take a thunderous start; in fact, the extraordinary box office performance of Spider-Man: Brand New Day has further underlined the massive demand for Marvel films among Indian moviegoers.

In comparison, Dune: Part Three is likely to appeal to a relatively niche audience. However, the Rs. 27.86 crore lifetime business of Dune: Part Two (2024) indicates that the franchise has a significant following in India. Moreover, its release in IMAX is expected to further boost its box office prospects.

Finally, Jumanji: Open World is part of a franchise with strong mass appeal. The previous two instalments collected more than Rs. 50 crores each at the Indian box office, and expectations are therefore high from the Dwayne Johnson, Jack Black, Kevin Hart and Karen Gillan-starrer.

A trade source commented, “In India, King will have an edge as it is a Hindi film starring Shah Rukh Khan and several other prominent actors. Among the Hollywood releases, Avengers: Doomsday will pose the strongest competition, as the franchise is now one of the biggest in India. Internationally, however, all three Hollywood films are major releases with blockbuster potential. This is where King could face some challenges in securing an adequate number of screens.”

The trade source continued, “However, only a film of King’s calibre can take on such Hollywood giants. Shah Rukh Khan is the biggest Indian star overseas. Moreover, Yash Raj Films is distributing King in international markets. They will surely leverage their years of experience and goodwill to secure the best possible screens and show timings.”

An industry insider remarked, “Many were hoping that King would release in 2027. However, that would probably have meant waiting until after April or May. Love & War is scheduled to release on January 21, while the holy month of Ramzan begins in the first week of February. This will be followed by major releases such as Spirit on March 5 and Varanasi on April 7. By arriving during Christmas, King may initially face some screen-sharing issues. On the positive side, however, it won’t face any fresh competition until Republic Day. If the word of mouth is as strong as expected, the sky is the limit for the film.”

One section of the exhibition ecosystem that remains concerned is the single-screen sector. A theatre owner, speaking on the condition of anonymity, sighed, “It will undoubtedly be a beneficial period for the box office. We only hope that distributors and studios do not arm-twist us or force us to screen just one film.”

Also Read: SCOOP: Shah Rukh Khan fetches Rs 50 crore for King music; One of the biggest deals of recent time

On the occasion of Friendship Day, actor Varun Sharma has exclusively spoken about his upcoming film, Side Heroes, a promising story celebrating friendship and centred on three friends. He assured audiences that it is not merely a maddening comedy but also explores important aspects of life. He further drew parallels with the iconic friendship film Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara (2011).

Varun Sharma said, “Side Heroes is not just a hilarious friendship film. It’s like Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara – it makes us realize what truly matters in life, success and views happiness with a fresh lens.”

Side Heroes is backed by Imtiaz Ali, Mahaveer Jain and Mrighdeep Singh Lamba. Besides Varun Sharma, the film also stars Abhishek Banerjee and Aparshakti Khurana. A few days ago, Bollywood Hungama exclusively revealed that a fresh face has been cast as the female lead in this coming-of-age friendship film.

Set in the heartland of India, Side Heroes tells the poignant yet comical story of three childhood friends who reconnect at a reunion after 15 years of distance and silence. It is an entertaining tale about friends rediscovering the true meaning of happiness while exploring themes of dreams, love, memories and life.

Meanwhile, another major update is that Side Heroes is being planned for release on Friendship Day 2027. Considering the film’s theme, the release date couldn’t have been more appropriate.

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After Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara gave audiences road trips and poetry in 2011, Side Heroes promises to offer the 2027 generation meme culture, small-town roots and a reminder that we often become the heroes of our own lives because of the “side heroes” who stand beside us.

Also Read: Aparshakti Khurana, Abhishek Banerjee and Varun Sharma unveil friendship anthem ‘Kahaan’

On the occasion of Friendship Day, actor Varun Sharma has exclusively spoken about his upcoming film, Side Heroes, a promising story celebrating friendship and centred on three friends. He assured audiences that it is not merely a maddening comedy but also explores important aspects of life. He further drew parallels with the iconic friendship film Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara (2011).

Varun Sharma said, “Side Heroes is not just a hilarious friendship film. It’s like Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara – it makes us realize what truly matters in life, success and views happiness with a fresh lens.”

Side Heroes is produced by Imtiaz Ali, Mahaveer Jain and Mrighdeep Singh Lamba. Besides Varun Sharma, the film also stars Abhishek Banerjee and Aparshakti Khurana. A few days ago, Bollywood Hungama exclusively revealed that a fresh face has been cast as the female lead in this coming-of-age friendship film.

Set in the heartland of India, Side Heroes tells the poignant yet comical story of three childhood friends who reconnect at a reunion after 15 years of distance and silence. It is an entertaining tale about friends rediscovering the true meaning of happiness while exploring themes of dreams, love, memories and life.

Meanwhile, another major update is that Side Heroes is being planned for release on Friendship Day 2027. Considering the film’s theme, the release date couldn’t have been more appropriate.

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  A post shared by Mahaveer Jain Films (@mahaveerjainfilms)

After Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara gave audiences road trips and poetry in 2011, Side Heroes promises to offer the 2027 generation meme culture, small-town roots and a reminder that we often become the heroes of our own lives because of the “side heroes” who stand beside us.

Also Read: Aparshakti Khurana, Abhishek Banerjee and Varun Sharma unveil friendship anthem ‘Kahaan’

Sonu Nigam opened up about his career, the ups and downs, and much more in a conversation on the YouTube show 'Game Changers with Komal Nahta'. The actor began his career as a singer, and in the early 2000s he worked as an actor in films such as Jaani Dushman - Ek Anokhi Kahani (2002), Kash Aap Hamare Hote (2003), and Love In Nepal (2004). Sonu looked back at it and opened up like never before.

Sonu Nigam began by saying, “Uss baat ko 24 saal ho gaye hain. 24 years back, I was a baccha who had just experienced fame as a singer. Every artist is a beej (seed). That beej needs a mali (gardener), soil, sunlight etc. If the seed doesn’t get these requirements, it won’t grow, even if it’s a banyan tree’s seed. When it comes to singing, I got sunlight, favourable weather and nourishing soil. By that time, I would have got these nutrients for my acting career, maine acting chod diya (smiles). I didn’t get the chance.”

He remarked, “If I had access to the correct mali for my acting, toh yeh beej kuch aur hota. Gaane mein bhi agar mujhe mali acche nahin milte, toh main kahin nahin hota. I was surrounded by mali who helped me grow. Not just me, even Lata Mangeshkar ji stated that she learned from Anil Biswas ji, Mohammed Rafi ji etc. We are all beej, be it Amitabh Bachchan, Sachin Tendulkar, A R Rahman.”

Sonu Nigam said that he has no regrets about his acting career not working out. He said, “Bahut hi accha hua. After that episode, I developed a one-track focus on singing. Had my attention been divided, I would not have been satisfied or happy with myself. If you are pulling one rope, you’ll be able to take it to a certain point. Now imagine pulling two ropes at the same time. You’ll cover only a short distance and won’t go very far, as your energies will be divided. Hence, had I juggled acting and singing, I would not have reached this stage in either craft.”

He ended his answer by saying, “Whatever the universe is doing is for our best, and there’s no reason for us to complain.”

Also Read: Ravi Kishan is internet’s newest NATIONAL TREASURE and India’s most wholesome meme SUPERSTAR: How his unfiltered charm, hilarious clips, NON-THREATENING persona won over Gen Z

T-Series marked a significant milestone on Friday as it celebrated 30 years of President & Executive Director Neeraj Kalyan's association with the company, recognising the executive whose leadership has played a defining role in shaping the entertainment giant's growth over the last three decades.

Having joined the company during a period when the Indian music industry was on the cusp of transformation, Kalyan has been instrumental in steering T-Series through some of its biggest transitions. From the era of physical music formats to the rise of digital streaming, and from domestic success to establishing a formidable global footprint, his strategic vision has helped the company remain ahead of the curve in an ever-evolving entertainment landscape.

Over the years, Kalyan has overseen key areas including music publishing, digital licensing, strategic partnerships and legal affairs, while also helping drive the company's commercial expansion. His leadership has been central to T-Series' emergence as one of the world's leading music labels and a dominant force in Indian cinema.

Paying tribute to Kalyan's three-decade-long journey, T-Series Chairman and Managing Director Bhushan Kumar acknowledged the executive's invaluable contribution to the organisation's success.

"A true leader doesn't just navigate the future; they create it. Neeraj has been a pillar of strength, a trusted teammate, and a beacon of inspiration for everyone at T-Series over the past three decades. His passion, vision, and unparalleled contributions have been instrumental in transforming T-Series into a global music and film powerhouse. I extend my heartfelt appreciation for his unwavering commitment to our family, and we look forward to honoring his legacy and achieving many more milestones together," said Bhushan Kumar.

Kalyan's tenure has coincided with some of the most transformative phases in the music business, including the rapid adoption of digital platforms and the growing importance of global licensing and strategic collaborations. His ability to anticipate industry shifts and build long-term partnerships has ensured that T-Series continues to strengthen its leadership position not only in India but across international markets.

The celebration serves as both a recognition of Kalyan's remarkable journey and a testament to the role he has played in building T-Series into the global entertainment powerhouse it is today. As the company continues to expand its footprint across music, films and digital content, Kalyan remains one of the key architects behind its sustained growth and long-term vision.

Also Read: BREAKING: Producer Bhushan Kumar, Aditya Roy Kapur and director Milap Milan Zaveri join forces for an intense musical love story

Mrunal Thakur is keeping herself far away from the basics of fashion, and it’s clearly working for the Dacoit star. One look at her western wardrobe, and you’d see how she’s adding flair to it with a plethora of colours, patterns, fabrics and aesthetics. As she celebrates her birthday today, here’s looking at the times she dramatised her western wardrobe.

Blacked Out: Mrunal dons a fitting, straight black outfit with strapless shoulders, offering a silhouette that accentuates her curves. The actress keeps it richly sophisticated by pairing her ensemble with contrasting drop earrings, styling her hair in a slick bun and glamming up with striking deep kohled eyes that add character.

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Denim-ed Up: Thakur offers a new twist to denims by donning a checkered midi dress featuring floral embroidery. Keeping it neat and simply letting the outfit take centre stage, the actress styles her look with minimal jewellery and completes it all with black stilettos.

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Pastel Aesthetics: Mrunal Thakur keeps it modernly urban and aesthetically pleasing by donning a striped wrap dress featuring balloon sleeves. The actress styles her hair in messy beach waves, accessorises her look with minimal jewellery and completes her look with brown pumps.

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Striped Affair: Mrunal Thakur chooses a pop of colour to brighten her fashion flair by donning a blue and white striped midi gown. Keeping the look clean and chic, the Sita Ramam actress styles her hair in a high ponytail, layers her look with contemporary jewellery and rounds up with golden heels.

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Golden Scaled: Mrunal Thakur redefines maximalist western fashion by donning a fitted black skirt with a modest thigh slit. But it is the exaggerated golden piece that defines the outfit’s no-nonsense mood, making it a standout as a whole. The actress styles her hair in a clean bun, accessorises her look with contemporary, golden earrings and brings her attire full circle with black heels.

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Chic in Black: Mrunal Thakur keeps it minimal yet stylish in a one-shouldered, crumpled bodice paired with a free-flowing skirt in the hues of red, black, cream and everything in between. The actress styles her hair straight and accessorises her attire with contemporary earpieces and stacked bracelets.

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Which of these western looks of the birthday girl are your favourites?

Also Read: Leica India hosts Steve McCurry for an exclusive conversation with Kabir Khan; Mrunal Thakur, Anurag Kashyap also graced the occasion

A celebratory party was organised by the team of Main Vaapas Aaunga to mark the film’s completion of 50 days in cinemas, a remarkable feat in today’s times. The event was attended by director Imtiaz Ali; actors Naseeruddin Shah, Vedang Raina, Sharvari, Sanjay Suri, Rajat Kapoor and Manish Chaudhari; casting director Mukesh Chhabra; lyricist Irshad Kamil; producer Shibasish Sarkar; and others. Naseeruddin Shah’s presence added considerably to the excitement as the veteran actor seldom attends such events. Sharvari, who had been out of the country for a shoot while the film achieved this milestone, was another welcome presence.

The event began with Imtiaz Ali, Vedang Raina, Sharvari, Sanjay Suri, Manish Chaudhari and others informally meeting journalists. Then, Naseeruddin Shah entered and the journalists hooted for him. A mic was arranged and Imtiaz began on a funny note, “I want to say thanks to the media. Most of you are much younger than me and I don’t take you guys seriously at all! Also, most of you are just cinema buffs camouflaging as journalists!”

He then said, “The greatest pleasure today is that Naseer is here,” and handed him the mic.

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Naseeruddin Shah made it clear that he has no plans to retire, “Ever since I crossed 70, I’ve been receiving offers to accept a lifetime achievement award! I’ve turned down all of them because getting a lifetime achievement award means yeh lo award aur jaao! So, I’ve no intention of yeh lekar jaana (laughs)! That is why I don’t accept these awards because I don’t think my job is done. I feel very fortunate to be a part of this film. I am extremely proud of it. Thank you all for the support.”

Irshad Kamil raised laughs as he admitted, “When Imtiaz told me the film’s story, I wrote a poem and told them, ‘Yeh mere dimaag mein aaya hai’. Aur woh (poem) hum film mein nahin rakh paaye!”

But at the event, he uttered those lovely lines: “Ab bhi teri kaali zulfein kaandhe pe lehraati hai, ab bhi teri kaali zulfein kaandhe pe lehraati hai, meri umar ke saal athatthar, chhup gaye mere saafe mein!”

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Vedang Raina said, “I am very happy that Sharvari is back in India. It's very difficult to get hold of Sharvari these days. She’s very busy, touchwood! Finally, she’s here, celebrating with us. We missed you on every other day.”

Vedang was asked to sing the male portion of ‘Maskara’. He also shared a funny anecdote, “It was our 180th interview! I was asked to sing the song. I was all set to sing ‘Kahan Se’ when I wondered if I could sing another song. Imtiaz sir asked me if I knew the songs of Rockstar (2011). I did, and I sang. Right after the interview, somebody told me, ‘Hamare paas iss gaane ke rights nahin hai’! And the next interview, I was back to ‘Kahan Se’ (laughs)!”

Vedang then again added to the fun by remarking, “I am next to Naseer sir right now, and I must acknowledge that. Watching the film, I felt like ‘we were one person’! But I had barely seen him or met him. It's really special that we are here celebrating the success of the film and also the fact that he’s here. He’s one of the most important reasons for the success. I am very grateful.”

Due to public demand, Vedang did sing ‘Maskara’. Finally, Sharvari also took the mic and thanked the media for the support, “This film has become what it has become because of your love that poured in. From the bottom of my heart, I am so, so grateful to be receiving this love.”

Also Read: The new box office playbook? Why Bollywood stars are taking their films to audiences even after release