BREAKING: Manager CONFIRMS that Allu Arjun to fly to Japan for Pushpa 2 Japanese release in January 2026; Pushpa Kunrin to release with 222-minute EXTENDED cut
2024’s biggest... Read More
2024’s biggest blockbuster, Pushpa 2 – The Rule, opened with superstar Allu Arjun’s character making a dramatic entry at a port in Japan, hidden inside a container. More than a year later, Allu is finally set to head to the Far East country, this time legally, as he will take part in promotions ahead of the film’s Japan release.
Earlier this month, it was reported that Pushpa 2 - The Rule will have a release in Japan on January 16, 2026, under the title of Pushpa Kunrin. Geek Pictures announced that it’ll release the film in the Asian country along with Shochiku. A special, vibrant poster of Pushpa Kunrin was also unveiled, featuring Allu Arjun in his trademark flamboyant avatar, sunglasses on, floral shirts out, and swagger dialled all the way up. The Japanese-version trailer was also dropped on YouTube the same day.
As expected, the fans of Allu Arjun are excited to learn about this special release of Pushpa 2 - The Rule in Japan. A fan happened to wonder on Twitter if the superstar will be heading to Japan for the promotional event before release and also if he can ask Allu’s manager, Sarath Chandra Naidu, about it. Interestingly, Sarath replied, “Yes, he is”. What was significant was that Sarath Chandra Naidu was not even tagged, but somehow stumbled upon this tweet and even answered the fan query.
Yes, he is. — Sarath Chandra Naidu (@imsarathchandra) December 12, 2025
Needless to say, Sarath’s reply was widely shared and retweeted and it added to the excitement. This would probably be the first ever visit for Allu Arjun in Japan.
Another interesting bit is that a 200-minute version of Pushpa 2 - The Rule was released in India and worldwide. A month later, after the film became a certified record grosser, the makers released a 20-minute-extended version. As per the details released by Geek Pictures, it is this extended version, of 222 minutes, which will be released in Japan.
Also Read: Allu Arjun stuns in new BTS of Thums Up commercial: here’s why fans are obsessed
R. Madhavan breaks silence on Dhurandhar backlash: “Don’t take a jibe at the industry like an outsider”
Madhavan has spoken... Read More
Madhavan has spoken candidly about the reactions surrounding his recently released film Dhurandhar, co-starring Ranveer Singh, directed by Aditya Dhar. In an interaction with Esquire India, Madhavan shared his thoughts on the film’s journey, the criticism it faced, and the resilience of the industry.
“When I heard Dhurandhar and saw the immaculate research that had been done by Aditya Dhar, the fearlessness of the man, the uniqueness of his storytelling—these were the signs I got before the release of my film. I knew that this was going to impact society. There will be people who will first give it very bad ratings, and then there will be people who will suddenly go and wonder, ‘Wow, this happened’,” Madhavan said.
The actor didn’t shy away from addressing the negativity that surfaced even before the film hit theatres. “You are free to express your opinion, but even before the film was released, obituaries had been written, and on its release, you posted a review calling it a disaster. One wonders if there is an agenda,” he remarked.
Madhavan further emphasized the emotional toll such criticism can take on those within the industry. “But as actors, we thrive on this situation. Please don’t forget, irrespective of whatever your opinions and agendas are, we are a very lonely family, and it is our job, no matter how much you like or hate a product or a person. Don’t take a jibe at the industry like an outsider. We have enough of them already,” he added.
Dhurandhar, released on December 5, 2025, is the first installment of a two-part series. Written, directed, and co-produced by Aditya Dhar under the banners of Jio Studios and B62 Studios, the film boasts an ensemble cast featuring Ranveer Singh, Akshaye Khanna, R. Madhavan, Arjun Rampal, Sanjay Dutt, Sara Arjun, and Rakesh Bedi, among others. Drawing inspiration from real-life geopolitical tensions and covert R&AW operations, the film has been performing well at the box office and is being hailed for its gripping narrative and high-octane action sequences.
With Madhavan’s powerful words echoing the challenges and camaraderie of Bollywood, the film continues to spark conversations—both for its cinematic ambition and the discourse it has ignited.
Also Read: Trade experts comment on Dhurandhar’s 3 hours 34-minute run time: “If the film is engaging, then length is not a problem. Animal and Pushpa 2 proved it and now, Dhurandhar joins the league”
Lauren Gottlieb performs Grah Pooja as she moves into her new Mumbai home, calls it an invitation for “peace and gratitude”
Actress and global... Read More
Actress and global dance sensation Lauren Gottlieb has stepped into a new phase of her life, and she’s done it in the most heartfelt way. Moving into her new home in Mumbai, Lauren chose to mark this joyous milestone by performing a traditional Grah Pooja, grounding the moment in positivity, blessings, and spiritual grace.
Lauren’s relationship with India has always been special, a bond that goes far beyond her successful career in the entertainment industry. Over the years, she has embraced Indian values, traditions, and spirituality as her own. She was once given the loving nickname Foreign Ki Lauren, but India has claimed her and she has happily claimed India right back. Her commitment to honoring Indian culture isn’t symbolic, it’s deeply personal, lived, and celebrated through moments like these over a span of 13 beautiful years.
“I’ve built a life here in India, made memories, and now I’m building a home here once again. Performing a Grah Pooja was my way of inviting peace, gratitude, abundance, and good energy into my new home in Mumbai from day one. India has given me so much love, purpose, and belonging over the years, and incorporating these traditions into my life feels incredibly natural now. In this moment, I just feel incredibly grateful for my journey, for the beautiful people in India who have embraced me like family, and for building a home rooted in positivity and culture. I’m excited for everything this new beginning brings," shares Lauren.
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From her unforgettable performances in ABCD and ABCD 2, to going from contestant to judge on Jhalak Dikhhla Jaa, and countless hit music videos to proudly representing Indian cinema at global events, Lauren has consistently been a cultural bridge between India and the world at large. Her electrifying performance of 'Naatu Naatu' on the prestigious Oscars stage, merging both her roots in Bollywood and Hollywood, remains a moment of national pride, showcasing her love and dedication to India on one of the biggest stages ever.
This marks one of the most anticipated comebacks in recent memory. Our beloved dancing diva stepping back into her power, ready to take the world stage by storm once again.
Also Read: ‘Sajri’ girl Lauren Gottlieb feels India is home: “When I stepped foot in India, I went, ‘I’m home!’, I just connect with the people in India”
From Saiyaara, War 2 to Mrs: Bollywood dominates India’s trending movies of 2025; but none reach the global top 10
Google Trends’ 2025... Read More
Google Trends’ 2025 ranking of the most-searched movies in India reveals a strong sweep by Hindi cinema. Titles like Saiyaara, War 2, Sanam Teri Kasam, Housefull 5, Mrs, and the animated epic Mahavatar Narsimha led the country’s search charts, signalling the continued influence of Bollywood across digital spaces. Yet despite this dominance at home, not a single Hindi film — or any Indian film — managed to enter Google’s global Top 10 searched movies list for the year.
In India, Hindi films clearly steered search curiosity. Saiyaara stood out as a top romantic musical and one of Mohit Suri’s most-talked-about releases. War 2, powered by Hrithik Roshan and Jr NTR, held its position as one of the year’s most anticipated action spectacles. Sanam Teri Kasam resurfaced strongly thanks to the nostalgia around the 2016 original and renewed discussion ahead of its 2026 sequel.
Comedy franchise Housefull 5 maintained high online attention because of its ensemble cast and franchise legacy, while Mrs, headlined by Sanya Malhotra, sparked conversations for its layered storytelling and digital premiere. Meanwhile, Mahavatar Narsimha made a major impact as the biggest Indian animated success of the year, further fuelling the Hindi-dominant search landscape.
Even with South Indian juggernauts like Kantara Chapter 1, Coolie, Marco, and Game Changer also appearing in the India region list, Hindi titles emerged as the strongest cluster — but the absence of any Indian movie from the global Top 10 points to a demographic difference in what drives worldwide search trends.
As Indian cinema continues to expand its footprint through star-driven blockbusters and high-engagement OTT titles, the 2025 search data highlights a key contrast: strong national popularity doesn’t always translate into global trending status. With several major Hindi films slated for 2026, the coming year will determine whether any homegrown title can finally break into the worldwide search charts.
Also Read: Sony MAX announces World TV Premiere of Saiyaara on December 20
Diljit Dosanjh confirms second collaboration with Imtiaz Ali after Amar Singh Chamkila
Diljit Dosanjh has... Read More
Diljit Dosanjh has officially confirmed his second collaboration with filmmaker Imtiaz Ali through a behind-the-scenes vlog shared from his ongoing shoot in Punjab. Posted on Instagram on Thursday, the video gives fans a rare peek into his daily routine and subtly reveals that he and Imtiaz are reuniting after the massive success of Amar Singh Chamkila.
In the vlog, Diljit is seen beginning his day at 4:30 am, followed by a workout session. He then has breakfast consisting of fruits and protein before heading to the shoot with his team. The video captures him filming in front of a green screen and sharing warm interactions with Imtiaz Ali, confirming that the director is once again helming Diljit’s next, currently untitled, project. After wrapping up the shoot, Diljit returns to a scenic haveli where he is staying during the film’s production. This upcoming film marks the duo’s second association after the critically acclaimed Amar Singh Chamkila, based on the life of the iconic Punjabi musician. Parineeti Chopra starred as Amarjot, Chamkila’s wife. Known as the “Elvis of Punjab,” Chamkila was celebrated for his electrifying performances, bold lyrical style, and cultural impact. His tragic assassination alongside Amarjot in 1988 remains one of Punjabi music’s greatest losses.
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Amar Singh Chamkila earned two nominations at the International Emmy Awards Best Actor for Diljit Dosanjh and Best TV Movie/Mini-Series. Despite not winning, the recognition spotlighted Punjabi and Indian storytelling globally and reinforced the enduring influence of Chamkila’s music. Diljit will next be seen in Border 2, the highly awaited sequel to J.P. Dutta’s 1997 classic. Directed by Anurag Singh, the film features Varun Dhawan, Ahan Shetty, and Diljit in key roles, portraying brave soldiers safeguarding the nation. Produced by T-Series and J.P. Films, Border 2 is slated to release on January 23, 2026, promising large-scale action, emotional intensity, and a patriotic storyline for today’s audiences. Also Read : Team Dhurandhar pulls off a masterstroke: Diljit Dosanjh’s ‘Ez Ez’ launched with live performance at music launch
Sholay 4K re-release restores original vision and James Bond line
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Ramesh Sippy’s Sholay returns in an enhanced 4K version titled Sholay – The Final Cut, releasing on December 12 across more than a thousand theatres in its fully restored form, literally. The controversial replacement in the trailer of “James Bond” with “Tatya Tope” has also been reversed.
Clarifying the issue, Neeraj Joshi, in charge of Marketing & Strategy, says, “It was ‘Tatya Tope’ in the original version, and then ‘James Bond’ came in to give the dialogue a more viewer-friendly thrust. Now in the version being released, it’s ‘James Bond’ again.”
The new edition of this timeless classic, piloted by director Ramesh Sippy’s nephew Shehzad Sippy, retains its legendary stature, with exquisite production values, dialogues that have become an intrinsic part of India’s pop culture, and performances that remain endlessly resplendent.
Three vital sequences have been added in this restored version, viz. a scene where a brave Sachin Pilgaonkar confronts the dreaded Gabbar. (In the original cut, Sachin’s character Ahmed was shown riding through the ravines and later discovered as a corpse on a horse.) A moment featuring Thakur’s faithful aide Ramlal (Satyen Kappu) hammering nails into the sole of Thakur’s shoe. And, of course, the spectacular finale where Thakur (Sanjeev Kumar) stomps Gabbar with his spiked shoes.
This gruesome yet glorious climax now ends with a deeply emotional moment of shared grief between Thakur and Veeru never seen before.
The restoration took three years to complete, says Shehzad Sippy, “All credit goes to the original cast and crew for the masterpiece they created, as well as the Film Heritage Foundation for the amazing restoration job they’ve done. I am just happy we have been able to put out the makers’ original vision fifty years later and preserve this classic for future generations. I hope everyone gets to see this on the big screen for the first and hopefully not the last time.”
Also Read: EXCLUSIVE: Team of Sholay – The Final Cut lands in soup over 1,500-screen release claim; STRUGGLES to get 1,000 screens due to long length, HIGH rates & Dhurandhar wave
Explosion in Rs. 30,000-Crore Sunjay Kapur estate battle: Missing email attachment triggers Will scam suspicion
The Kapur family... Read More
The Kapur family inheritance case—already brimming with allegations, rival claims and power shifts—has now taken an astonishing turn with the mysterious disappearance of a crucial email attachment linked to the late industrialist Sunjay Kapur’s disputed Will. Appearing for Sunjay’s children with Karisma Kapoor, senior advocate Mahesh Jethmalani told the Bombay High Court that the Will’s digital trail simply hasn’t been held up. And the biggest red flag? A missing attachment that may determine the fate of the Rs. 30,000-crore estate.
According to court submissions, Priya Kapur’s key witness Dinesh Agarwal sent two emails to executor Shradha Suri Marwah—the first with a Kapur Trust Deed (admittedly deleted), and the second with the scanned Will. And now it has been learnt that while the email exists in full, the Will attachment has inexplicably vanished.
Jethmalani’s assertion shook the courtroom: “You cannot delete the attachment without deleting the email.” This revelation landed a serious blow to the credibility of the Will—especially since Priya’s own filings mysteriously reference the missing document, raising a deeply uncomfortable question for the court: How can a document be cited if it allegedly disappeared?
Suspicion only intensified when viewed against the broader timeline. Agarwal and fellow attesting witness Nitin Sharma both witnessed professional leaps shortly after Sunjay Kapur death, while Priya reinstated herself as AIPL’s Managing Director within days.
Legal observers see a pattern. Jethmalani argued that “a Will that cannot withstand scrutiny at the most basic level cannot be trusted,” insinuating that rapid promotions, sudden power shifts, and the conveniently missing attachment may not be coincidental.
Legal expert Pratik Thadani noted that the High Court is expected to closely evaluate the entire chain of custody: the emails, Priya’s swift reinstatement, the witnesses’ rise, and the inconsistencies that cloud the Will’s authenticity.
With vanishing files, questionable timelines and a multi-crore empire at stake, the Kapur case now resembles a high-stakes thriller—one where a single missing attachment could decide everything.
Also Read: Priya Kapur’s ‘position swap’ defence faces major setback in Sunjay Kapur Will case: Court flags power grab, missing attachment and “suspicious suppression”
EXCLUSIVE: Team of Sholay - The Final Cut lands in soup over 1,500-screen release claim; STRUGGLES to get 1,000 screens due to long length, HIGH rates & Dhurandhar wave
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One of the greatest films of Indian cinema, Sholay (1975), is all set to re-release in cinemas on Friday, December 12. Titled Sholay - The Final Cut, it promises to showcase the original ending for the first time ever in India. It also includes two deleted scenes and moreover, the film will be released in 4K and Dolby 5.1 with the original 70 mm aspect ratio of 2.2:1. Sadly, the re-release hasn’t been handled well, leading to fears that the cult classic might suffer.
The first sign of trouble arose when the screening of Sholay - The Final Cut’s was cancelled at the at the 56th International Film Festival of India (IFFI), Goa. Though it was believed that the plan was dropped due to the death of Dharmendra, who stars in the film, a report by Hindustan Times carried a source of an anonymous IFFI official who confirmed that the screening was scrapped due to “technical glitches from the makers’ side”.
A trade source told Bollywood Hungama, “On November 15, the team of Sholay - The Final Cut, that is, restoration partner Film Heritage Foundation (FHF) and producers Sippy Films, announced that the 1975 classic will be re-released on December 12. Interestingly, the FHF’s social media post made a claim that the film would release in 1500 screens in India. But this piece of information was missing in the posts of Sippy Films and Pen.”
A post, uploaded by Film Heritage Foundation last week, said, ‘This is the biggest ever release of a restored film befitting the return of India’s most iconic film to the big screen 50 years since it was first released’. It also hammered once again that it will have a release in 1500 screens. Finally, on December 2, a post by Sippy Films, also confirmed that the 1500 release plan was on.
Only 10 days left to go! 'Sholay: The Final Cut’ - In cinemas 12th Dec 2025
Experience the original uncut version for the first time ever, restored in 4k and Dolby 5.1 by Film Heritage Foundation.
Releasing across 1,500 screens in India. Also releasing worldwide in the… pic.twitter.com/tfV7E51V0J
— Sippy Films (@sippyfilms) December 2, 2025
The trade source continued, “The industry was shocked by this claim. After all, it is unheard of a film having such a wide release in its repeat run. Earlier, Rakesh Roshan attempted the widest re-release with Karan Arjun (1995). It had released in 1110 screens and that was possible as there was no competition. As for Sholay - The Final Cut, it was scheduled to release a week after Dhurandhar and clash with Kis Kisko Pyaar Karoon 2, backed by Disney-Star Studio18. Hence, we wonder what made them make such a claim?”
The source then said, “As expected, it is struggling to get even 1000 screens. The team of Sholay - The Final Cut is lucky that they have a distributor in the form of Pen Marudhar Entertainment. They have used their goodwill and extensive distribution network to get as many theatres as possible. But its next to impossible for the film to release in 1500 screens.”
An industry insider commented, “Dhurandhar has picked up big time and it’ll roar in the second week. That film is more than 3.30 hours long and so is Sholay - The Final Cut. As a result, cinemas will face capacity issues. Usually, tickets of re-release films are capped at Rs. 150. But Sholay - The Final Cut’s tickets will be available at normal rates, which again, is not a good idea.”
He also said, “The timing is just wrong. There’s Avatar: Fire And Ash next Friday followed by multiple films on Christmas. Was there really a need to bring Sholay - The Final Cut in this crowded month? Couldn’t they have come in November? Or rather in the first or second week of January 2026, when the competition is much lesser?”
The insider signed off by exulting, “Sholay is a cult classic, loved by one and all. Does a legendary film require such ‘widest release ever’ marketing tactics? Nevertheless, we still hope Sholay - The Final Cut manages to find huge number of audiences. Many have never seen it on the big screen and also, with Dharam ji passing away less than a month ago, the film is back in the news. We hope all these factors contribute to its good run at the box office.”
#Sholay #SholayReRelease #SholayTheFinalCut Video #1 From The New Trailer Video #2 From The Film
James Bond Gets Replaced by Tatya Tope. Tatya Tope must have been dubbed with James Bond during the original film. In Cinemas December 12
Trailer Link: https://t.co/dFMNQUIopD pic.twitter.com/5vXx2CAhYg
— amit dadhich (@amit12354) December 5, 2025
Dialogue change leads to unrest Last week, the fans of Sholay were left angry when Sholay - The Final Cut’s trailer revealed that ‘James Bond’ was replaced by ‘Tatya Tope’ in a crucial dialogue. Bollywood Hungama was the first one to write about it.
Bollywood Hungama then spoke to Javed Akhtar and he, too, was stunned. He said, “What does this mean? And this is just one dialogue. They might have similarly changed other famous lines. The audience won’t accept this...Have they spoken to the director (Ramesh Sippy)? They have certainly not spoken to me or to Salim saab (Khan). We are the writers of those lines that are recited even today by fans of Sholay.”
To conclude Sholay – The Final Cut should have been in the news solely for restoring the original ending and bringing back the classic in 4K and 70 mm, but instead, it finds itself battling negative chatter – from the IFFI “technical” cancellation to the unrealistic 1500-screen claim and the controversial dialogue tweak. These self-inflicted blows were hardly needed for a film that has commanded love for 50 years. Hopefully, the audience will look beyond the mismanagement, turn up in good numbers and ensure that this landmark re-release is remembered for packed houses and nostalgia, not just for mistakes.
Also Read: Javed Akhtar fumes at the changed dialogue in Sholay – The Final Cut trailer, “No, you can’t tamper with this”
Sony MAX announces World TV Premiere of Saiyaara on December 20
When the year was all... Read More
When the year was all about loud blockbusters, along came Saiyaara, which became the biggest love story of the decade. After creating a storm at the box office and emerging as a massive blockbuster, the film is now all set to reach an even wider audience, ready to touch hearts across metros and the hinterlands alike, as it makes its world television premiere. Sony MAX revealed the premiere on its Instagram handle, announcing that the film will air exclusively on Sony MAX on 20th December at 8:00 PM.
Directed by Mohit Suri and produced by Yash Raj Films, Saiyaara is a musical romantic drama led by Ahaan Panday and Aneet Padda, whose performances struck a chord with audiences and quickly turned them into popular heartthrobs right after the film’s release.
Indian audiences have always gravitated towards great love stories, returning to them time and again for the emotions they bring alive on screen. Saiyaara taps straight into that longing with a romance that believes in staying. It follows Krissh Kapoor (Ahaan Panday), a passionate musician, and Vaani Batra (Aneet Padda), a gentle, soft-spoken poet, whose paths cross through a shared love for music and art. When Krissh discovers that Vaani is battling Alzheimer’s, his love for her doesn’t waver… instead, he chooses to stand by her, underlining the film’s central idea that true love goes beyond all hardships.
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The film’s music stays with you long after it’s over, with the title track becoming an viral hit! With Christmas around the corner, Saiyaara makes for the perfect watch… warm, emotional and romantic. Whether you’re revisiting the film or watching it for the first time, this world television premiere on Sony MAX is one you definitely wouldn’t want to miss!
Also Read: EXCLUSIVE: How CLEAN content creator turned director – Khushaal Pawaar opens up on Sonu Ke Titu Ki Sweety-style Bollywood-ish title, Saiyaara connection and DARING railway climax of Khushiyan Swati Ki Koshish Raju Ki
Nimrit Kaur Ahluwalia begins shoot with Mouni Roy, Shaheer Sheikh for upcoming thriller series
Actress Nimrit Kaur... Read More
Actress Nimrit Kaur Ahluwalia, known for her impactful performances on television and Punjabi films, is all set to take an exciting leap in her career as she collaborates with Shaheer Sheikh and Mouni Roy in a highly anticipated OTT thriller project. The actress recently set social media abuzz after sharing a series of behind-the-scenes pictures featuring the star-studded cast. The photos, which include senior actor Sanjay Kapoor, Shaheer Sheikh, Mouni Roy, Avinash Mishra, Harman Singha, and Asheema Vardaan, have sparked widespread curiosity and celebration among fans.
Netizens are thrilled to see Nimrit & Shaheer together in this fresh & young pairing working alongside such a powerful ensemble, praising the on-screen dynamics the cast is expected to bring.
A source close to the project shared insight into the scale and excitement surrounding the collaboration, saying, “This is one of the most promising projects Nimrit has been a part of. Her onscreen character has the potential to hit the audience with her emotional depth and versatility. Bringing her together with talents like Shaheer Sheikh, Mouni Roy, and Sanjay Kapoor has created a lot of buzz internally as well.”
Fans are excited to see Nimrit in a completely new light, and the timing of this project aligns perfectly with her creative evolution.
While more details about the storyline and release are under wraps, the combination of a noteworthy cast and a fresh platform for Nimrit has already positioned the project as one to watch out for. Fans eagerly await further announcements as anticipation continues to build across social media.
Also Read: Teachers’ Day 2025: Bigg Boss 17 fame Nimrit Kaur Ahluwalia praises her “extraordinary teacher” Seema Pahwa; says, “She is an inspiration and a guiding light”
REVEALED: Ranveer Singh’s Dhurandhar banned in all Gulf countries
The Ranveer... Read More
The Ranveer Singh-starrer Dhurandhar is having a great run at the box office, not just in India but also abroad. In 4 days, it has managed to collect a huge Rs. 44.08 crores overseas. This figure could have been more if the action entertainer had found a release in the Gulf countries or the UAE /GCC belt.
A source told Bollywood Hungama, “Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and the UAE have not released Dhurandhar. There were apprehensions that this would happen as the film is perceived as an ‘anti-Pakistan film’. Also, in the past, such films have failed to procure a release in this region. Yet, the team of Dhurandhar made an attempt, but sadly, all the countries did not approve of the theme of the film. This is why Dhurandhar hasn't been released in any of the Gulf countries.”
Besides Ranveer Singh, Dhurandhar also stars Akshaye Khanna, Sanjay Dutt, R Madhavan, Arjun Rampal, Sara Arjun and Rakesh Bedi. Directed by Aditya Datt, it tells the story of an Indian officer who infiltrates Pakistan and wreaks havoc in the country’s underworld and political establishment.
Past examples
The 2024 Hrithik Roshan-Deepika Padukone starrer Fighter was initially banned in all the Gulf countries initially, 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.
Earlier this year, 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 but later cleared it with an adults-only certificate.
Also Read: “I’m blown away”: Akshay Kumar reviews Dhurandhar, calls it a “gripping tale”
EXCLUSIVE: Sholay goes through the censor process once again due to re-release amid ‘James Bond-Tatya Tope’ dialogue change controversy; THREE 3-hour plus films in 3 weeks might add to exhibitors’ woes
One of the greatest... Read More
One of the greatest films of Indian cinema, Sholay (1975), is all set to re-release. However, this re-release stands out. Titled Sholay - The Final Cut, it features the original climax of the film along with two deleted scenes, which the viewers will get to see in all its glory on the big screen for the first time ever. Moreover, the film has been restored in 4K with the original 70 mm aspect ratio of 2.2:1. The sound has been restored using the original sound negative, and the magnetic soundtrack preserved by Film Heritage Foundation. Hence, it promises a fine cinematic experience.
Since the film has added three new scenes, the makers had to go through the censor process. The Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) saw Sholay - The Final Cut on November 24, 2025 and passed it with a ‘U’ certificate. Thankfully, no cuts were enforced. The length of the film, as mentioned on the censor certificate, is 209.05 minutes. In other words, Sholay - The Final Cut is 3 hours 29 minutes and 5 seconds long. The original 1975 version is said to be around 190 minutes, or 3 hours and 10 minutes long.
Interestingly, it was the then CBFC, and also the government of the day, that compelled director Ramesh Sippy to change the ending of the film. The original ending featured Thakur (Sanjeev Kumar) killing the villain, Gabbar Singh (Amjad Khan).
Bollywood Hungama exclusively spoke to director Ramesh Sippy in October about the changed ending. He said, “In 1975, it was the time of the Emergency. So, we couldn’t argue too much. But the end that I put in had to be shot (at the last minute). This changed climax was the same ending that took place in every film at that time. The police comes and says, ‘Ruk jaao’! So, it was a typical ending. That’s what I didn’t like; there was no other reason. However, the Censor officials stressed that ‘He’s an officer. He should not be taking the law into his own hands'. Actually, I can’t say hands as he didn’t have any (laughs)!”
Sadly, the re-censor process has led to fears among fans that the team behind Sholay - The Final Cut have tampered with the film’s dialogues. Last week, the fans of Sholay were left angry when Sholay - The Final Cut’s trailer revealed that ‘James Bond’ was replaced by ‘Tatya Tope’ in a crucial dialogue. Bollywood Hungama was the first one to write about it. Even Javed Akhtar, who wrote the dialogues along with Salim Khan, protested this shocking change.
Exhibitors’ woes
Meanwhile, exhibitors are gearing up not just for a crowded December but also for unusually long films in a short span. The first three weeks of December will see three films with more than 3 hours run time arriving one after another. It started with last week’s Dhurandhar; the Ranveer Singh-starrer has a run time of 3 hours and 34 minutes. Sholay - The Final Cut, as aforementioned, is 3 hours and 29 minutes long. Next week’s highly-awaited Avatar: Fire And Ash, meanwhile, has a length of 3 hours and 17 minutes.
An exhibition source told Bollywood Hungama, “We have had 3 hours plus long films releasing once in a blue moon. But this is the first time it has happened to have 3 films back-to-back with such lengthy run times. We’ll manage this week and next as Sholay - The Final Cut is not taking a lot of screen space. But next week will be a challenge when we’ll have to accommodate Avatar: Fire And Ash and Dhurandhar. The latter has picked up and how, and it's clear that it's not going to stop for a few weeks.”
Also Read: Javed Akhtar fumes at the changed dialogue in Sholay – The Final Cut trailer, “No, you can’t tamper with this”
