The highly anticipated teaser for Salman Khan’s upcoming film Sikandar has been postponed following the demise of former Prime Minister Dr Manmohan Singh. Originally scheduled to launch on Friday, 27 December, coinciding with Salman Khan’s birthday, the teaser will now be unveiled at the same time on Saturday, 28 December.
In a statement issued on Friday morning, Nadiadwala Grandson confirmed the decision was made to honour Dr Singh’s memory.
“In light of the passing of our esteemed former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh Ji, we regret to announce that the release of the Sikandar teaser has been postponed to 28 December at 11:07 am. Our thoughts are with the nation during this time of mourning. Thank you for understanding,” the statement read.
Dr Manmohan Singh, India’s thirteenth Prime Minister and the first Sikh to hold the office, passed away at the age of 92 on Thursday at AIIMS, Delhi. He had been battling health issues for some time and was rushed to the hospital following a sudden loss of consciousness. Despite efforts to revive him, Dr Singh could not be saved.
News of his passing prompted an outpouring of grief across the nation, with tributes pouring in from all sectors, including the entertainment industry.
First Look of Sikandar
Ahead of the teaser launch, Salman Khan unveiled the first poster of Sikandar, creating buzz among fans. The poster showcases the superstar in a rugged bearded look, holding a spear, exuding an aura of mystery. While only a side profile is visible, the image has already set high expectations for the film.
Directed by AR Murugadoss, Sikandar is slated for an Eid 2025 release and features Kajal Aggarwal and Rashmika Mandanna in key roles.
The teaser, now set to release on 28 December, promises to offer fans an exciting glimpse into this much-awaited project.
The conclusion of the criminal case against Alec Baldwin in the fatal shooting of cinematographer Halyna Hutchins has cleared the path for a related civil lawsuit by her family, which will now proceed with efforts to depose Baldwin under oath. Hutchins’ parents and younger sister, represented by victims’ rights attorney Gloria Allred, expressed their disappointment that prosecutors will not appeal the dismissal of an involuntary manslaughter charge against Baldwin. The charge was dropped midway through the trial in July due to allegations that police and prosecutors had withheld evidence from the defense.
Hutchins tragically died after being struck by a bullet during a rehearsal for the movie Rust in October 2021 on a film set in Santa Fe, New Mexico. Baldwin, who was both the lead actor and co-producer, was pointing a pistol at Hutchins when the gun discharged, killing her and wounding director Joel Souza. Baldwin has stated that he pulled back the hammer but did not pull the trigger, leading to the gun firing.
At a news conference in Los Angeles, Allred announced that Hutchins’ relatives were determined to pursue civil damages and compensation from Baldwin and the producers of Rust in New Mexico’s civil court. The family seeks to have Baldwin answer questions under oath as part of the civil proceedings. Hutchins’ widower and son had previously reached a separate legal settlement.
“Allred said, “With the withdrawal that was made public yesterday, we are now able to proceed with our civil case. Clearly, the rights of Alec Baldwin were protected, but the due process rights of the victims — Halyna Hutchins and her parents and her sister — were violated.”
In November, Baldwin’s legal team denied allegations of negligence or fault in Hutchins’ death and requested that the civil case be suspended. A judge sentenced movie weapons supervisor Hannah Gutierrez-Reed to 1 ½ years in prison on an involuntary manslaughter conviction for her role in the incident.
Allred also condemned New Mexico Attorney General Raúl Torrez for choosing not to appeal the dismissal of the criminal charge against Baldwin. At a Christmas Eve press conference, she referred to Torrez as “the Grinch who stole Christmas.”
Torrez’s spokesperson, Lauren Rodriguez, defended the decision, citing “significant procedural irregularities” identified by the judge in the criminal case. “Attorney General Torrez will not prolong the grief and anguish of Ms. Hutchins’ family in the vain attempt to salvage the compromised criminal case against Mr. Baldwin,” Rodriguez stated. “There are other victims’ families in Santa Fe County and across New Mexico who are awaiting justice, and our energy needs to be devoted to supporting those cases on appeal.”
Blake Lively is taking legal action against director and co-star Justin Baldoni, alleging sexual harassment and a smear campaign against her.
For those who are in the dark; this summer, during the release of “It Ends With Us,” public opinion sharply turned against Blake Lively. Online communities noticed a strained relationship between Lively and Baldoni, and discovered the entire cast had unfollowed him on Instagram. This sparked widespread criticism of Lively, including articles accusing her of bullying the cast and unprofessionally behaving during press events. Meanwhile, Baldoni was portrayed as a victim of Lively’s alleged abuse, with many praising his dedication to the film’s message against domestic violence. The initial response celebrated the public backlash against Blake Lively, framing it as a righteous takedown of a “Mean Girl.” However, this narrative quickly fell apart when serious allegations of sexual harassment and misconduct surfaced against Justin Baldoni.
Image: Justin Baldoni in a still from It Ends With Us
The evidence suggests Baldoni engaged in predatory behaviour on set. This included unwanted sexual advances, such as adding inappropriate intimate scenes and making sexually suggestive remarks. The lawsuit alleges he also demonstrated a blatant disregard for boundaries, staring uncomfortably at Lively while she was breastfeeding and making objectifying comments about her body. Furthermore, Baldoni exploited vulnerable situations, insisting on partial nudity during a childbirth scene and making insensitive comments about a young actress losing her virginity.
Adding to these concerns, Baldoni confessed to past instances of non-consensual sexual encounters, revealing a troubling history of abuse. He also is accused of demonstrated negligence and disregard for safety by knowingly exposing Lively and her new born child to COVID-19
A still from It Ends With Us
Blake Lively, despite her high-profile status, faced a significant power imbalance when she attempted to report sexual harassment by co-star, director, and producer Justin Baldoni within his own production company.
Despite her fame and connections, Baldoni allegedly felt empowered to intimidate and harass Lively. When she resisted his behaviour, he reportedly retaliated by launching a sophisticated smear campaign against her. This campaign, orchestrated by the same PR firm that defended accused abusers like Johnny Depp and Brad Pitt, utilised online platforms to spread negative narratives and turn public opinion against Lively.
“He wants to feel like she can be buried,” a publicist working with the studio and Mr. Baldoni wrote in an message to the crisis management expert, Melissa Nathan on 2 August.
“You know we can bury anyone,” Ms. Nathan replied.
Following Lively’s allegations, Ms. Nathan, a prominent PR executive who previously represented figures like Johnny Depp, actively worked to suppress negative stories about Baldoni and amplify negative narratives about Lively. This included employing digital strategies to boost social media posts that supported their agenda.
This incident echoes the experiences of Amber Heard during the Depp v. Heard trial, where she also accused Depp’s PR team of orchestrating a smear campaign against her. Heard emphasised the destructive power of misinformation in the digital age, highlighting how falsehoods can spread rapidly and irrevocably damage reputations.
In response to the allegations, Baldoni’s attorney dismissed them, suggesting that the influence of TAG PR, the firm representing both Depp and Baldoni, has been exaggerated. He argued that the public perception of both Heard and Lively has primarily been shaped by their own highly publicized lives and public appearances.
This is where the pattern becomes obvious.
Brad Pitt reportedly hired PR expert Matthew Hiltzik in 2016 to manage his public image during his divorce from Angelina Jolie. Hiltzik has a reputation for representing high-profile clients, including Justin Bieber, Katie Couric, and previously, figures like Harvey Weinstein. He also recently assisted Johnny Depp during his legal battle with Amber Heard. While Hiltzik had worked with Pitt since 2016, he wasn’t heavily involved in managing media coverage of Pitt’s personal life until Jolie’s recent allegations of assault surfaced.
The tendency for the internet to launch intense hate campaigns against women raises concerns, particularly following events like the Amber Heard trial, the backlash against Anne Hathaway, and GamerGate.
GamerGate serves as a significant example of online harassment. In 2013, video game developer Zoe Quinn released “Depression Quest,” a game praised for its unique perspective. In 2014, Quinn’s ex-boyfriend published a lengthy post detailing personal grievances, alleging infidelity with video game journalists, among other accusations. These claims lacked substantial evidence, appearing more as the resentment of a scorned ex-partner.
This post triggered a coordinated harassment campaign against Quinn on 4chan, including rape and death threats, doxing, and hacking. The justification given for this campaign was “ethics in video game journalism,” even though the attacks extended to other women in the gaming industry, such as Brianna Wu and Anita Sarkeesian, who had no connection to the alleged ethical breaches. These women were targeted simply for being present in male-dominated spaces.
GamerGate helped to normalise the online harassment and doxing of women on a cultural level, particularly in online spaces dominated by men. Though platforms have implemented measures to combat these campaigns, the underlying message persists women who are disliked can be subjected to intense online harassment with little recourse.
This pattern of online slander and public condemnation of women repeats itself, with examples including Megan Thee Stallion when she spoke about her assault by Tory Lanez and Courtney Love when she made allegations against Harvey Weinstein.
So the question is why does time and time again people fall for the bait? Is it because blaming women have been historically easier than holding men accountable? Or is it just misogyny at this purest form?
As the Blake lively lawsuit unravels hopefully we will get the answer
Actor Arjun Kapoor has issued a warning to his fans about a recent online scam where an individual is impersonating his manager in an attempt to deceive his followers. Taking to social media, Arjun alerted his audience on Instagram Stories, urging them to stay cautious and not fall victim to the scam.
In his post, Arjun explained that a fraudulent account had been reaching out to people, claiming to be his manager and offering opportunities to connect with him. He reassured his fans, stating, “Please know that these messages are not legitimate, and I have no association with them.” He also urged his followers not to share any personal details or click on suspicious links, emphasising, “I would never ask anyone to share personal information through such means.”
The actor encouraged users to report any scam-related accounts immediately, adding, “Please don’t fall for these scams—stay safe and alert. If you come across such messages, kindly report the account immediately. Have a safe and merry Christmas.”
In a separate post, Arjun Kapoor extended his well wishes to the team of Baby John, sharing the poster of the Varun Dhawan starrer and writing, “Wishing the entire team massive success.”
On the professional front, Arjun Kapoor recently portrayed the chief antagonist, Danger Lanka, in Singham Again, the latest addition to Rohit Shetty’s popular cop universe. Described as a modern-day Ravana, Arjun’s character faces off against Ajay Devgn’s Bajirao Singham, with other stars such as Akshay Kumar, Ranveer Singh, Kareena Kapoor, Deepika Padukone, and Tiger Shroff also featuring in the action-packed film. Released on 1 November, Singham Again performed well at the box office.
The ongoing feud between AP Dhillon and Diljit Dosanjh has continued to make headlines, with both artists recently exchanging words over social media and their differing views on concert ticket sales. The tension between the two started when Diljit gave a shoutout to both AP Dhillon and Karan Aujla for their tour. However, during a concert in Chandigarh, AP Dhillon responded to Diljit’s comments by asking him to unblock him on Instagram before continuing any discussion.
In his address, Dhillon said, “I just want to say one small thing, brother. First, unblock me on Instagram and then talk to me. I don’t want to talk about what marketing is happening but first unblock me. I’ve been working for three years. Have you ever seen me in any controversy?”
Diljit quickly responded via Instagram stories, stating, “I never blocked you. Mere pange sarkaaran naal ho sakde aa….kalaakaran naal ni” (My issues might be with the authorities, not with artists). However, Dhillon then posted screenshots showing that Diljit had first blocked and then unblocked him.
The situation prompted rapper Badshah to intervene, urging the two artists to resolve their differences and not fight publicly. Despite this, AP Dhillon recently took another indirect jab at Diljit. During a conversation with Ranveer Allahbadia on his podcast, Dhillon shared his opinions about the controversial practice of concert tickets selling out almost immediately, which has been a hot topic of discussion. Though he did not mention Diljit by name, his comments were widely interpreted as a dig at his fellow artist.
Dhillon spoke about the common practice where artists sell tickets to promoters in advance, forcing fans to buy them at inflated prices once they are officially listed as sold out. He expressed concern over the potential crisis this could cause in India, stating, “Artists are being unfair with their own fans by doing this and saying that the tickets were sold out in 15 seconds.”
He also revealed that while he had once considered engaging in this practice, he ultimately decided against it. Dhillon described the practice as a “dirty game” and firmly stated that artists should not exploit their fans in this manner.
The drama on Bigg Boss 18 continues to intensify, and the upcoming Weekend Ka Vaar promises to be an extra special event. Host Salman Khan, who celebrates his birthday on 27 December, will be honoured by the contestants in a grand celebration. Known for his extended birthday celebrations, Salman’s special day usually spans several days and often extends into the New Year, with his family gathering at their Panvel farmhouse. This year, the Bigg Boss contestants are set to make his day memorable in a unique way.
Reports indicate that Salman’s family will make an appearance on the show, with his nephews Arhaan, Nirvaan, and Ahil expected to join the festivities. Salman’s brother, Sohail Khan, is also anticipated to be part of the celebration. The contestants, including Karan Veer Mehra, Avinash Mishra, Vivian Dsena, and Shilpa Shirodkar, are reportedly preparing a special performance dedicated to the host. The group will dance to Salman Khan’s hit songs, with Karan and Avinash reportedly taking the lead.
Additionally, 27 December will also see the first look of Salman Khan’s upcoming movie Sikandar being unveiled, adding to the excitement surrounding his birthday. This year has been particularly challenging for the actor, with threats from Lawrence Bishnoi and a shooting incident outside his home. Given these concerns, the police are reportedly ensuring extra security during the birthday celebrations. Barricades have been set up outside Salman’s residence, and fans will not be allowed to gather on the footpath near his home to ensure smooth proceedings for the actor’s special day.
Kartik Aaryan is undoubtedly one of the hottest stars in Bollywood right now, with an unstoppable rise that continues to open doors previously thought to be firmly closed. From being the star of Pyaar Ka Punchnama to his recent successes, Aaryan’s career has seen a meteoric ascent. However, his relationship with Dharma Productions, once a rocky affair, has become a subject of intense fan speculation.
A few years ago, Aaryan was set to star in Dostana 2 alongside Janhvi Kapoor and Lakshya, but the film was abruptly shelved, and tensions between him and Dharma’s Karan Johar grew. The reasons behind the film’s sudden shutdown remain unclear, and for several months, there was a palpable coolness between the actor and the production house. Yet, this turbulent chapter seems to be behind them, as Aaryan is now set to headline Dharma’s latest project, Tu Meri Main Tera Main Tera Tu Meri.
The film, announced just in time for Christmas, has already set fans buzzing with excitement. The kitschy, cool, and retro vibes of the announcement hint at a throwback to the Bollywood rom-coms of the 2010s, but there’s one key detail missing: Who will be the leading lady? Speculation quickly began to swirl, especially when Aaryan’s character was described as having gone through three significant breakups, leading many to believe the film might feature more than one female lead.
Sarah Ali Khan and Karthik Aaryan in a still from Love Aaj Kal
Fans wasted no time in diving into the theories, even reopening the chapter on Aaryan’s alleged exes. Comments flooded in, with users playfully suggesting that the film might include his past co-stars, with one remarking, “’Ex’ aur ‘gf’s topic, yk they can create a great hype around this project by bringing Sara in this. Just saying” Another added, “Ananya Jhanvi too” while one quipped, “So lemme get this straight, Karan Johar is producing Kartik Aaryan’s love life’s biopic..”
Ananya Pandey and Karthik Aaryan via Instagram
Along with Sara Ali Khan, Ananya Panday, and Janhvi Kapoor, fans also speculated the inclusion of other names such as Sreeleela, Wamiqa Gabbi, Sharvari, Shanaya Kapoor, and even Alia Bhatt — a potential plot twist that would surely cause a stir. However, while the cast and plot remain under wraps, many expressed reservations about the film’s premise, with some commenting that it seemed reminiscent of earlier Bollywood hits. “It’s giving Bachna Ae Haseeno vibes to me,” one fan remarked, while others compared it to Garam Masala and Sonu Ke Titu Ki Sweety, remarking on the film’s potential to follow the male-centric narrative of Luv Ranjan’s films. “Well, this kinda film perfectly suits Kartik; Luv Ranjan genre where film is entirely based on male POV. Hope content is solid enough to back it like Sonu-Titu,” said one user.
It’s worth noting that while the speculation about Aaryan’s relationships with Sara Ali Khan, Ananya Panday, and Janhvi Kapoor continues, none of the stars have ever publicly acknowledged any of the alleged linkups.
The film, set for a 2026 release, will also mark a reunion between Aaryan and his Satyaprem Ki Katha (2023) director Sameer Vidwans. Whether or not Tu Meri Main Tera Main Tera Tu Meri will live up to the hype and deliver a fresh take on the rom-com genre remains to be seen, but it’s clear that the buzz surrounding this project is only just beginning.
Filmmaker Sanjay Leela Bhansali, renowned for his meticulous attention to detail and fiery on-set personality, is one of the most respected directors in the Indian film industry. His passion for perfectionism has shaped numerous iconic films, and one actor who had the privilege of working with him is Sharad Kelkar. Kelkar, who portrayed a negative role in Bhansali’s Goliyon Ki Raasleela Ram-Leela (2013), starring Deepika Padukone and Ranveer Singh, recently opened up about his experience working with the legendary director.
Image: A still from Ram Leela
In a recent candid interview, Kelkar described Bhansali as a “challenging” filmmaker, revealing the lengths to which the director goes to ensure his vision is fully realised. According to Kelkar, Bhansali’s approach can be demanding, even for seasoned actors. “He’s ruthless with actors,” Kelkar shared. “He always has a vision, and he is a painter first of all. He paints the film in his mind, and if there’s any problem with a painting, he makes it again. So, he has the same point of view. He is a bit of a perfectionist.”
Kelkar went on to explain how Bhansali’s relentless pursuit of perfection can sometimes be frustrating, but it’s ultimately what makes his films stand out. “There is something set in his mind – about what the characters would do and what the range would be. He pushes you a lot to make you come closer to his vision. So, at times, this push can be irritating for some people, others like it,” he continued.
The actor also highlighted the significance of a director who can push actors out of their comfort zones. “You see the scenes, you feel proud. You start understanding why the director made you do so, many times I hadn’t even done it. We need such directors who can push you, they shouldn’t get satisfied with what they have been done, only then will something good come out,” Kelkar said.
When asked if Bhansali would be as demanding with legendary actor Amitabh Bachchan, Kelkar revealed the director’s uncompromising nature, stating, “He can take as many takes as he wants even from him. He will not say, ‘Ok sir, very nice’, if he doesn’t feel so. He can easily say, ‘Sir one more, one more’.” Reflecting on his own experience, Kelkar added, “I haven’t been asked for too many takes, touchwood, he was very happy with me. However, I have seen many people do repeated takes.”
Despite the occasional frustration, it’s clear that Bhansali’s unwavering commitment to his craft and his actors is what makes him one of the most respected and influential filmmakers in the industry today.
Tim Miller, director of the blockbuster hit Deadpool, revealed that despite the film’s massive success, his paycheck for two years of work wasn’t as lucrative as many might assume. Speaking candidly at an event, Miller shared that directing the Ryan Reynolds-led superhero film was far from a financial windfall for a first-time director, Deadline reported.
“You guys might not know, but it’s not really a profitable thing to be a first-time director in Hollywood, and I’ll tell you exactly,” Miller said. “I got USD 225,000 to direct Deadpool. I know it sounds like a lot of money, but for two years of work, that’s not a ton of money.”
Miller expressed gratitude for the opportunity but acknowledged the stark financial reality of breaking into the industry. “Not that I’m not grateful, I’m f***ing grateful,” he added. “That’s just the way it is. My agent even told me, ‘Dude, you make more on an episode of The Walking Dead.”
Despite earning over USD 782 million at the global box office, Miller noted that his director deal lacked a share in merchandising profits. “I feel uniquely fortunate to be part of such a popular franchise,” he said. “Then my second thought is, I wish my director deals had a piece of the merchandising so I could see some of that money.”
Following Deadpool’s runaway success, David Leitch stepped in to direct the sequel in 2018. The franchise’s future evolved further after Disney’s acquisition of Fox in 2017, bringing Deadpool under Marvel Studios’ banner. The third installment, Deadpool & Wolverine, directed by Shawn Levy, hit theaters in 2024.
Miller’s reflections offer a rare glimpse into the financial realities of filmmaking, even for directors at the helm of record-breaking franchises.
Baby John, the much-anticipated film starring Varun Dhawan, Keerthy Suresh, and Wamiqa Gabbi, was released in theatres on 25 December, marking a significant moment for fans of Indian cinema. The film is an adaptation of the 2016 Tamil hit Theri, originally directed by Atlee and starring Thalapathy Vijay. With its release, the movie is generating excitement not only for its fresh take on the original but also for the star power behind the project.
Ahead of the film’s release, Vijay, the original lead actor of Theri, took to social media to send his best wishes to the cast and crew of Baby John. He posted, “Best wishes to @Atlee_dir @Varun_dvn @KeerthyOfficial @priyaatlee #WamiqaGabbi @MusicThaman @kalees_dir @AntonyLRuben and the entire #BabyJohn team for the release tomorrow. Wishing you all a blockbuster success.”
The gesture was warmly received by the team, and Atlee, who also returns as the director of Baby John, responded with heartfelt gratitude, writing, “Love you na Thank you soooo much. It means a lot to us.” The leads, Varun Dhawan and Keerthy Suresh, also expressed their appreciation for Vijay’s kind words. Varun tweeted, “Thank you thalapathy Vijay sir. We will always remain babies near you ❤️ #babyjohn”, while Keerthy Suresh shared her thanks, acknowledging Vijay’s support.
In Baby John, Varun Dhawan takes on the role of a cop who faces the consequences of his unwavering integrity. The film is a thrilling action drama that promises to keep audiences on the edge of their seats. Keerthy Suresh, known for her impressive performances, plays a pivotal role in the story, while Wamiqa Gabbi adds to the film’s appeal with her engaging screen presence. The film has generated considerable buzz, especially with its strong foundation in Theri, a film that was a massive success in the Tamil film industry.
The music for Baby John is composed by Thaman S, who is well-known for his chart-topping soundtracks. The film’s direction, led by Kalees, aims to capture the essence of the original while offering a fresh perspective that caters to a wider audience. The technical team, including Antony L. Ruben as the editor, has worked meticulously to ensure a gripping cinematic experience
