Dhurandhar OTT version is similar to the one running in theatres since January 1
10:30 AM
With viewers noting shorter runtime and muted expletives in ‘Dhurandhar’ OTT version, Netflix insiders say the version is similar to the one in theatres since January 1
Mohar Basu (MID-DAY; January 31, 2026)
Within hours of dropping on Netflix on January 30, Ranveer Singh’s blockbuster Dhurandhar (2025) became a topic of discussion. Viewers noted that the OTT version of filmmaker Aditya Dhar’s action thriller was almost 11 minutes shorter than the theatrical one that had a three-hour-34-minute runtime. Another glaring change was that several expletives were muted or beeped out.
Dhurandhar was granted an ‘A’ certificate from the Central Board of Film Certification before its December 5 release. The fresh edits in the OTT version have left many questioning the need for additional sanitization.
A source close to Netflix India said, “Netflix has exhibited the film exactly as it was provided by the studio. The platform does not re-edit certified feature films,” said the source.
According to the source, the version supplied for streaming was already the modified cut running in theatres. A revised version of the film was reportedly screened in theatres from January 1, 2026 after the makers removed the term ‘Baloch’.
“That is a shorter version and the same is streaming on Netflix. It is the same as the theatrical/ CBFC-approved version. As with all theatrical films, the three-minute runtime difference is due to elements such as interval plates or in-theatre ad requirements that do not carry over to digital platforms,” added the source.
What prompted the removal of expletives, which were retained in the theatrical version? While Netflix insiders refused to comment, an industry insider said, “The new I&B Ministry Broadcasting Services (Regulation) Bill is being implemented in parts. The expletives being beeped out could be a result of that as they wish to regulate profanity and intimate scenes on OTT platforms.”
Vikrant underwent five hours of prosthetics daily to become Sri Sri Ravi Shankar-Montoo Bassi
10:29 AM
Akash Bhatnagar (HINDUSTAN TIMES; January 31, 2026)
Actor Vikrant Massey is gearing up for his first international project, White, in which he portrays spiritual leader Sri Sri Ravi Shankar. Set against the backdrop of the 2015-16 Colombian peace process, where the spiritual leader performed the role of a mediator, the film required the actor to undergo extensive preparation and prosthetics for the role, director Montoo Bassi reveals.
“He is supremely talented. He’s been known for playing meaningful characters on screen and this is one of those. It was challenging, but he gave it his 100%. When it comes to the makeover and his transformation, he gave five hours of prosthetics and then 12 hours of shoot daily,” Montoo says.
The director adds that the film features a global cast and extensive international production. “We shot in Latin America and I was fortunate to get the best talent from Bolivia, Panama, Colombia, France, Argentina, and India. It was a great experience” Montoo says.
He also highlights the linguistic challenges involved: “The film is in Spanish and English, with the Spanish characters speaking their language. I myself had to prepare a lot to understand Spanish to be able to direct actors in their own language. I did not want it to be like an outsider’s view. It took almost five to six years for this film to be made because of the language barrier.”
Ahan Shetty says he couldn’t sign movies due to Sajid Nadiadwala’s contract after Tadap: 'I was tied down'
10:26 AM
Feeling vindicated after ‘Border 2’ success, Ahan Shetty recalls how he hit a low when producer Sajid Nadiadwala’s contract barred him from accepting offers after his debut film
Priyanka Sharma (MID-DAY; January 31, 2026)
One Friday can change everything. That’s a reminder Ahan Shetty would hear frequently from actor and his father Suniel Shetty. A week after the release of Border 2, as Ahan got on a call with us, flushed from the war drama’s success, he opened the conversation with, “Last Friday changed everything for me.”
Border 2, also starring Sunny Deol, Diljit Dosanjh, and Varun Dhawan, is Ahan’s second feature in a five-year career. He forayed into the movies with Tadap (2021), backed by Sajid Nadiadwala. While the romantic actioner underperformed at the box office, the newcomer hit a low — not so much by the film’s fate, but the events that transpired after the release.
“Tadap made Rs 40 crore at a time when films weren’t crossing Rs 10 crore. People said that the film did horribly in terms of numbers, but we made profit. That said, the film came with expectations. After that, it was difficult. I was very low on confidence during that period. I was tied down to a contract with Nadiadwala Grandson Entertainment. So, I wasn’t allowed to sign any other movie for four years. A lot of offers came my way, but you can’t [breach] a contract,” he recalled.
Good things come to those who wait. For the actor, it came in the form of producer Nidhi Dutta’s offer. “J P Dutta sir and Nidhi didi were home for dinner. Nidhi didi turned to me and said, ‘How would you like to be a part of Border 2?’ I told her that we’ll talk about it when it happens. She laughed and said, ‘Ahan, it’s happening now.’ For a couple of days, I was skeptical, because I couldn’t believe they wanted me, a newcomer, to be a part of such a big film. I had not been able to do anything for four years and was fighting certain battles in my own head. So, being a part of the film means a lot to me.”
Venay Aanand on Govinda and Sunita Ahuja’s relationship: "Agar tootna hi hota toh kab ka toot jaata"
10:24 AM
Neha Maheshwri (BOMBAY TIMES; January 30, 2026)
The Aamdani Atthani Kharcha Rupaiyaa actor Venay R Aanand, who has been working in Bhojpuri cinema for years, has returned to the Hindi film industry after 19 years with Ektaa Kapoor’s web series ACP Vikrant. Venay says, “I am glad to be back in the Hindi space with a role I have never played before. I am back for good and want people to offer me versatile characters. I don’t want to dance around trees anymore. I have done that a lot.”
Venay is the nephew of actor Govinda and cousin of Krushna Abhishek. Speaking about his relationship with his extended family, he shares, “I am in touch with Govindaji and met him recently. I do call mami sometimes, par abhi thoda darta hoon. Agar mama ki watt laga rakhi hai toh main toh kahin ginti mein bhi nahi aaunga. Kaun risk lega? (laughs!)”
Addressing speculation around his uncle’s personal life, including divorce rumours, Venay says, “God forbid, if a relationship is destined to break, who can stop it? Agar tootna hi hota, toh kab ka toot jaata. Agar abhi tak khinch raha hai, toh shaayad Ishwar chahte hain ki aisa na ho, aur main bhi yahi chahta hoon. I spoke to mama about it, and he told me, ‘Beta, this is a difficult phase’. I only pray that this passes, because the pain of separating from your life partner can be very deep.”
Responding to Sunita’s allegations about Govinda’s alleged involvement with a younger woman, and his claim that a larger conspiracy was at play, Venay adds, “Maine mama se poocha tha ki aisa kuchh hai kya. He said there was nothing of that sort. I cannot say my mami is wrong either. She must have felt something. Now only Govindaji can convince her. I can only pray for the couple and sincerely hope things between them settle soon.”
I hope someday I get to photograph Ganesh Chaturthi in all its emotion and glory-Sharvari
10:22 AM
Onkar Kulkarni (BOMBAY TIMES; January 30, 2026)
Sharvari’s love for photography, which began years ago with an old-school broken camera that needed a film roll, has now blossomed into a full-fledged passion.
She remembers, “My friend’s mom had a camera that wasn’t working. We somehow fixed it, and she let us use it. With that camera, you couldn’t take 10 photos and decide later. You were in the moment completely. I would click pictures and then develop the film. The process felt exciting and magical.”
Later, a second-hand Nikon FM10 from a Churchgate store became her loyal travel companion.
“The light meter, loading the roll, everything felt like entering a whole new world. Photography is all about the way you see the world. Which moments feel enduring, what emotions pull me in… whether it’s people, architecture or the spirit of a city, a film camera forces you to pick the moment. And that makes every frame special.”
‘Punjab has this peace and positivity that you can feel in the air’
When she travelled to Amritsar recently to shoot for Imtiaz Ali’s next film, Sharvari packed her camera. This was her first shoot in Punjab, and she loved the experience. “I’ve absolutely fallen in love — with the food, the people, the culture. Punjab has this peace and positivity that you can feel in the air.”
During the shoot, whenever time allowed, she would set out with her camera, documenting the landscapes, the bustle of the streets and the quiet of dawn.
The Munjya actress says, “I captured a series there. It reflects Punjab for me - full of warmth, kindness and serenity. I also love clicking pictures of every person I work with. I’m also creating a series for each film — capturing the crew and the people who actually make cinema happen. These behind-the-scenes moments feel so alive.”
‘I now notice architecture more’
Photography, she says, has changed the way she travels. “I notice architecture more, the way cities are built for their weather, how roads and buildings are maintained. I pay more attention to people — their moments and moods.”
Her dream is to capture the vibrant mood in the city during Ganesh Chaturthi. “It’s my favourite festival. I’ve seen stunning visarjan pictures on Instagram. I hope someday I get to photograph it in all its emotion and glory.”
The ad with Madhu Sapre wasn’t about nudity, it was about confidence-Milind Soman
10:19 AM
Tanvi Trivedi (BOMBAY TIMES; January 30, 2026)
At an age when most people slow down, Milind Soman continues to question norms — about ageing, body, love and success. The actor and athlete believes life is less about one's appearance and more about alignment.
'I find it interesting that freedom makes people uncomfortable'
Over the years, several of Milind’s choices have sparked public debate — from the iconic 1995 Tuff Shoes advertisement with Madhu Sapre, to the moment he ran nude on a beach on his 55th birthday. Yet, for Milind, these were never acts designed for shock value.
“I find it interesting that freedom makes people uncomfortable,” he says. “The ad with Madhu Sapre wasn’t about nudity, it was about confidence. Running nude wasn’t about shock, it was about vulnerability. I don’t wake up thinking I want to break norms. I just follow my instincts. If that challenges society’s comfort zone, that’s not rebellion — that’s honesty,” he says.
'We don’t chase milestones; we chase experiences'
Time, Milind believes, has softened his understanding of love. “When I was younger, love was exciting, dramatic and loud. Now it’s quieter. It’s about ease, respect and being able to be completely yourself without performing,” he shares. “Earlier, love was about being wanted. Today, it’s about being understood,” he adds.
With his wife, Ankita Konwar, Milind says there is no pressure to conform to traditional milestones. Ask him if he wants to start a family soon and he said, “Family doesn’t have to follow a template. Ankita and I are happy building a life around movement, sport and shared values. We don’t chase milestones; we chase experiences. When life feels aligned, you don’t need to explain it — you just live it,” he says.
On the work front...
While acting remains important to him, it no longer defines his identity. “I choose roles that interest me, not roles that keep me visible,” Milind explains. For him, fitness is non-negotiable. “It’s the foundation that holds everything else up. We live in a time full of influencers, but short on role models. Looking good is easy; living with discipline, balance and longevity is much harder. That’s the conversation I want to be part of,” he says.
'Women have been under pressure long before fitness entered the conversation'
Milind is particularly vocal about the expectations placed on women. “Women have been under pressure long before fitness entered the conversation. Earlier it was about being presentable, then desirable, and now it’s about being fit. The label changes, the pressure doesn’t.”
His earliest fitness role model, Milind says, was his mother. “She wasn’t running marathons, but she was disciplined, mentally strong and consistent — which is real fitness.”
(Crisp) Movie Review: MAYASABHA by FENIL SETA
5:04 PM
Mayasabha is written and directed by Rahi Anil Barve of Tumbbad fame and he once again tells a story of greed. His imagination is sold; the film is set in just one venue, a rundown single-screen theatre, and its depiction adds to the effect. A few scenes are memorable. However, though the film is just 104 minutes, it seems like a tedious affair. Hardly anything happens in the first 20-25 minutes. Also, the goings-on get bizarre at times. Jaaved Jaaferi rises above the script and is presented like never before. This is easily his best performance. Mohd Samad, who played the child actor in Tumbbad, does a great job. Veena Jamkar and Deepak Damle leave a huge mark. All in all, Mayasabha is an average flick.
My rating - ** ½ out of 5!
My rating - ** ½ out of 5!
(Crisp) Movie Review: SEND HELP by FENIL SETA
3:21 PM
Send Help feels like 'Horrible Bosses meets Cast Away'. The idea is very fresh and veteran filmmaker Sam Raimi executes it stylishly. One can never guess where the film will head next and that is its biggest strength. However, in the quest to give the audience a crazy experience, it seems like a few developments are added more for shock value than organic storytelling, and don’t seem very convincing. A few plot points are bewildering (a certain twist gives a strong déjà vu of a similar plot point in a Hindi film). Rachel McAdams is a scene-stealer and delivers one of the finest performances of her career. Dylan O’Brien had a challenge – to keep up with such a strong co-actor – but he comes out with flying colours. All in all, Send Help makes for a novel, crazy watch. Note: Not for the faint-hearted.
My rating - *** out of 5!
(Crisp) Movie Review: MARDAANI 3 by FENIL SETA
1:56 PM
Mardaani 3 doesn't waste any time as the story begins from the very first scene. Rani Mukerji's Pushpa-style entry is clapworthy and the film gets better once Shivani Shivaji Roy takes on the menacing Amma. There was a fear that the trailer had given away a chunk of the film's plot, but that's not the case. There's a lot that happens that was kept hidden in the assets. The intermission point is a shocker and it raises the madness for the second half. The climax is clapworthy. On the flipside, a few twists are predictable. The writing could have been sharper and also things happen at convenience for the protagonist's convenience despite the challenges. Rani Mukerji is getting better with each film and here, she delivers a hard-hitting performance. Watch out for her in the emotional sequences as well. Her monologue is memorable too. Mallika Prasad (Amma) is menacing and is aptly cast. Janki Bodiwala (Fatima) of Shaitaan fame doesn't have much to do initially, but makes her presence felt later on. Prajesh Kashyap (Ramanujan) is the surprise of the film and delivers a terrific performance. Eindraneel Bhattacharya (Ambassador Sahu), Avanee Joshi (Ruhani), Diorr Varghese (Jhimli), Aadesh Pandit (Pinku) and Jimpa Sangpo Bhutia (Jimpa) do well in supporting roles. All in all, Mardaani 3 is a captivating thriller. This is one franchise that doesn’t get discussed enough, despite being consistently impressive. Here’s hoping it finally gets its due and earns a rightful place among Bollywood’s most successful film series.
My rating - *** ½ out of 5!
My rating - *** ½ out of 5!
When films miss the Gulf market, how much does it impact?
8:17 AM
From Border 2 to Dhurandhar and The Diplomat, films remain unreleased across key Gulf markets — a pattern trade can’t ignore. We speak to experts to understand how it impacts business
Yashika Mathur (HINDUSTAN TIMES; January 30, 2026)
Border 2, starring Sunny Deol, may be flying high at the Indian box office, but the war drama will not release across key Gulf markets including Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia and the UAE. While no official reason has been issued, industry insiders point to the film’s India-Pakistan war backdrop and strong military narrative as the likely factor behind the decision, a pattern seen with several recent titles in the region.
Why the Gulf matters
The Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) region remains a crucial overseas market for Hindi cinema, often contributing 3-5% of a big film’s global business. Trade figures suggest a well-performing Hindi film can earn between Rs. 30 crore and Rs. 50 crore from the region.
Film exhibitor Akshaye Rathi explains: “For a film like Border 2, expectations are massive, so the loss is felt. At the same time, exhibitors in the Gulf also lose out by not being able to screen big titles. For Indian films, 3-5% of business going away is still a large number.”
Border 2 isn’t the first high-profile Hindi film to face resistance in the Gulf. Last year, Ranveer Singh-starrer Dhurandhar did not release in the region despite a strong global run. Earlier, The Diplomat, starring John Abraham, and Fighter, led by Hrithik Roshan, faced similar roadblocks, though Fighter was later cleared for release in the UAE.
Trade reactions
Trade analyst Taran Adarsh believes the impact varies by film: “A Shah Rukh Khan film would mean something very different in the Gulf compared to others. In Dhurandhar’s case, which has already done well without a Gulf release, the loss could be Rs. 20-40 crore. For Border 2, it’s early to judge, but business in other territories could compensate.”
Filmmaker Ashoke Pandit, president of the Indian Film and TV Directors’ Association, has called for diplomatic clarity. “We are told India shares strong relations with the UAE. If a film talks about fighting terrorism, why should it be blocked?” he asks.
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