(Crisp) Movie Review: VADH 2 by FENIL SETA
9:27 PM
Vadh 2 is not a direct sequel, though the common theme, of course, is 'vadh'. The characters are very well fleshed out, especially the villain. One can't help but hate him. A few scenes are very memorable; a romantic scene stands out. On the flipside, the film moves at a snail's pace. Though there's a twist in the climax, the rest of the film is fairly predictable. The investigation track doesn't work as the way it's conducted is shoddy. Also, the police ideally should be under pressure because of the high-profile nature of the crime. Yet, they seem chilled; the seriousness is lacking. Shockingly, Neena Gupta is missing from most of the second half. Performance-wise, she's first-rate. Sanjay Mishra keeps his act restrained and it works beautifully. Amitt K Singh (Ateet Singh) is like the second hero of the film, in terms of screen time. He is fair but is let down by the writing. Akkshay Dogra (Keshav) is apt as the antagonist. Kumud Mishra (Prakash Singh) and Shilpa Shukla (Rajni Sharma) leave a huge mark, while Yogita Bihani (Naina Kumari) is decent. All in all, Vadh 2 is worth watching once and is not as compelling as the first part.
My rating - *** out of 5!
My rating - *** out of 5!
Fenil's Bollywood Talk # 920
10:49 PM
WILL VADH 2 AND BHABIJI GHAR PAR HAIN SURPRISE AT THE TICKET WINDOW?
The last two weeks have been good for the Hindi film industry. Border 2 collected a huge Rs. 217.61 crores in its first week. Until Tuesday, February 3, its earnings were Rs. 275.61 crores and hence, it’s a super-hit at the box office.
Last week’s Mardaani 3, as expected, opened at Rs. 3.85 crores. The collections jumped to Rs. 5.85 crores on Saturday, followed by Rs. 6.85 crores on Sunday. On Monday, it collected Rs. 2.25 crores and ideally, it should have collected a bit more to have a chance at collecting Rs. 45-50 crores or more in its lifetime. The first week’s earnings are expected to be around Rs. 25 crores. This means it’ll earn more than the week 1 collections of part 1 (Rs. 22.94 crores). However, Mardaani 2 collected Rs. 27.92 crores in its initial week.
In other words, Mardaani 3’s lifetime will be more than that of Mardaani’s first part (Rs. 35.83 crores) but less than that of Mardaani 2 (Rs. 46.33 crores). Thankfully, for Mardaani 3, it’ll barely face any competition in Week 2 and this would aid its collections.
Two small films are scheduled to hit this Friday. Vadh 2 is the second part of the Vadh series. Just like part 1, it stars Neena Gupta and Sanjay Mishra. The trailer is intriguing and it also makes it clear that it's not a direct sequel to the 2022 thriller Vadh.
Vadh was a disaster at the box office as it collected just Rs. 60 lakhs in its lifetime. However, it was a huge success on Netflix, which motivated the makers to make Vadh 2. Vadh 2 should hopefully cross Vadh's lifetime and collect Rs. 50-60 lakhs on its first day of release. The earnings should double the next day, based on word of mouth, for the film to make a mark at the ticket window.
The other release is Bhabiji Ghar Par Hain, based on the popular TV show of the same name. It stars Aasif Sheikh, Rohitashv Gour, Shubhangi Atre and Vidisha Srivastava, and they are joined by Ravi Kishan, Mukesh Tiwari and Dinesh Lal Yadav aka Nirahua. The trailer is entertaining and since the TV show is much loved, there’s hope that it’ll attract an audience. But it's difficult to say if that would happen as there are very few instances of films based on daily soaps.
Bhabiji Ghar Par Hain should hopefully open between Rs. 60 lakhs and Rs. 1 crore. Like Vadh 2, public reports will play a crucial role in attracting audiences from Saturday onwards.
The last two weeks have been good for the Hindi film industry. Border 2 collected a huge Rs. 217.61 crores in its first week. Until Tuesday, February 3, its earnings were Rs. 275.61 crores and hence, it’s a super-hit at the box office.
Last week’s Mardaani 3, as expected, opened at Rs. 3.85 crores. The collections jumped to Rs. 5.85 crores on Saturday, followed by Rs. 6.85 crores on Sunday. On Monday, it collected Rs. 2.25 crores and ideally, it should have collected a bit more to have a chance at collecting Rs. 45-50 crores or more in its lifetime. The first week’s earnings are expected to be around Rs. 25 crores. This means it’ll earn more than the week 1 collections of part 1 (Rs. 22.94 crores). However, Mardaani 2 collected Rs. 27.92 crores in its initial week.
In other words, Mardaani 3’s lifetime will be more than that of Mardaani’s first part (Rs. 35.83 crores) but less than that of Mardaani 2 (Rs. 46.33 crores). Thankfully, for Mardaani 3, it’ll barely face any competition in Week 2 and this would aid its collections.
Two small films are scheduled to hit this Friday. Vadh 2 is the second part of the Vadh series. Just like part 1, it stars Neena Gupta and Sanjay Mishra. The trailer is intriguing and it also makes it clear that it's not a direct sequel to the 2022 thriller Vadh.
Vadh was a disaster at the box office as it collected just Rs. 60 lakhs in its lifetime. However, it was a huge success on Netflix, which motivated the makers to make Vadh 2. Vadh 2 should hopefully cross Vadh's lifetime and collect Rs. 50-60 lakhs on its first day of release. The earnings should double the next day, based on word of mouth, for the film to make a mark at the ticket window.
The other release is Bhabiji Ghar Par Hain, based on the popular TV show of the same name. It stars Aasif Sheikh, Rohitashv Gour, Shubhangi Atre and Vidisha Srivastava, and they are joined by Ravi Kishan, Mukesh Tiwari and Dinesh Lal Yadav aka Nirahua. The trailer is entertaining and since the TV show is much loved, there’s hope that it’ll attract an audience. But it's difficult to say if that would happen as there are very few instances of films based on daily soaps.
Bhabiji Ghar Par Hain should hopefully open between Rs. 60 lakhs and Rs. 1 crore. Like Vadh 2, public reports will play a crucial role in attracting audiences from Saturday onwards.
Yami Gautam Dhar to make a cameo in Dhurandhar 2
11:38 AM
HINDUSTAN TIMES (February 5, 2026)
After the release of Dhurandhar: The Revenge’s teaser on Tuesday, filmmaker Aditya Dhar reportedly has a surprise in store for fans. As per a report by Pinkvilla, his wife, actor Yami Gautam Dhar will be seen in the upcoming film.
This comes even as fans have been speculating a cameo by Vicky Kaushal, who previously worked with Dhar in Uri: The Surgical Strike (2019).
“Yami’s role is action-packed and extremely crucial to the narrative. She has already shot for nearly five days, and though it’s a cameo, it’s an important part that will leave the audience amazed,” a source told the publication.
Interestingly, soon after Dhurandhar’s release, Yami had revealed her interest in the film. “When I read his next script, I told (Dhar) it was one of those special moments I wished I were a boy. The script is amazing. However, he immediately added that he keeps his personal and professional lives separate,” she had told News18.
Life has been cruel lately, says Arjun Kapoor as celebs rally around him
11:31 AM
After months of online vitriol and bullying, Arjun Kapoor shares cryptic Instagram post
Rishabh Suri (HINDUSTAN TIMES; February 5, 2026)
Actor Arjun Kapoor’s Instagram post made fans and trolls alike sit up and take notice on Tuesday. The 40-year-old wrote an emotional birthday message for his late mother, Mona Kapoor. But the lines that caught social media users’ eyes are: “Life’s been kinda cruel to me lately... We will ride it out together. I’ll see u again soon.”
Where did the hate come from?
A 2017 video of Arjun’s ‘blank stare’ at a press conference resurfaced. What started as harmless fun around a funny video soon turned nasty. Arjun’s Instagram posts and Reels were flooded by comments that blurred the line between criticism and bullying, often rage baiting responses and farming engagement. Messages included: ‘God blast you’, ‘You are the reason I believe in failure’, ‘Aap bahut peeche jaaoge’, ‘Arjun the superzero’, and ‘Always give up’, among others. But now, the commenters have changed their tune.
Fans and friends rally behind him
Arjun’s new post saw an outpouring of love. Actor Genelia Deshmukh commented, “All will be good, Arjun. You have your own special angel always looking after you.” Others shared strings of heart emojis.
Bhumi Pednekar, Arjun’s co-star in his last screen outing Mere Husband Ki Biwi (2025), says trolling is synonymous with bullying: “What’s frightening is how easily we’ve begun to accept trolling as normal behaviour. The internet forgets that there is a human being they are referring to and not a bot.”
His father Boney Kapoor says, “All the trolling will make Arjun stronger in his resolve. Nothing of this sort will deter him. He’s a brave and sensible boy.”
We reached out to Arjun about his post, but received no response till the time of going to press.
When HT City spoke up
The Right Angle with Sonal Kalra was the first to question the behaviour of trolls, urging commenters to show more empathy, compassion and respect towards the actor. The Reel clocked 2 million views, nearly 94k likes and over 5k comments, including reactions from celebrities Varun Dhawan, Rakul Preet Singh, Vaani Kapoor and Neil Nitin Mukesh, to name a few
Only some discussions happening right now. Even Bhoot Police 2 script is not finalized-Priyadarshan
11:16 AM
Yashika Mathur (HINDUSTAN TIMES; February 4, 2026)
The 2021 horror comedy Bhoot Police brought together Arjun Kapoor, Saif Ali Khan, Jacqueline Fernandez and Yami Gautam, and recent industry chatter has centred on a possible sequel. Reports suggest that filmmaker Priyadarshan may return to the director’s chair, albeit with a new cast.
However, the filmmaker tells us, “Nothing is locked. There are only some discussions happening right now. Even the script is not finalized. I have not decided whether I should do it or not, and I am still waiting to see the script.”
Priyadarshan also dismisses reports of him charging Rs. 21 crore for the project. “If the film happens, I will let you know,” he clarifies.
The first film revolved around a fake exorcism business, with Saif and Arjun playing two brothers who con people for money. While Arjun’s involvement is still under discussion, producer Ramesh Taurani confirms that “Saif will not be part of the next instalment”. He adds, “The rest of the casting is still being discussed.”
Suvinder Vicky on not being a part of Kohhra 2: "I didn’t know when it was happening"
10:54 AM
Priyanka Sharma (MID-DAY; February 5, 2026)
You can’t talk about Kohrra (2023) without talking about Suvinder Vicky, its breakout star. Now, the Netflix crime thriller has moved on to its second season, albeit without him, and so has he, with the upcoming series Shabad - Reet Aur Riwaaz. Even then, during our chat, Vicky’s attachment to Kohrra was evident as he asked, chuckling, “Are people missing me?”
The second season of Sudip Sharma’s creation features Barun Sobti from the original alongside Mona Singh, a new entrant in the universe. Was it always designed to go ahead without him, we asked Vicky. “Initially, I think the makers didn’t expect the show to blow up in a way that there would be a second season. Sudip has also [said] that. I didn’t even know when the second part was happening, or if it was happening at all. I was shooting for Glory [his upcoming Netflix show] at that time. When I was told that I wasn’t part of Kohrra: Season 2, I thought, ‘Okay, I anyway have work’.”
Did he feel bad about being left out? “Not at all. Whatever happens, happens for the good,” smiled Vicky, presumably referring to Shabad.
The ZEE5 family drama features the actor as a strict patriarch, who wants his son to follow in his footsteps as a Ragi singer. To Vicky, a parent to two girls, the opportunity to explore a father-son relationship was exciting.
He recalled, “After the shoot, I hugged my father, which I had never done in my life. I couldn’t tell him that I love him, so I made an excuse to hug him. I felt so much warmth for him after doing the show.”
Unlike his character, Vicky wouldn’t dream of thrusting his wishes on his daughters. But the actor in him is hopeful that they may join the film industry. “My younger daughter wants to become a doctor, but I tell her that she should try acting. My elder daughter has done a Punjabi film. She asks me if she should [continue] and I [encourage her]. My name [may] help her a bit. Ananya Panday and so many star daughters are doing it. So, why not my daughters?”
I was intimidated because I have looked up to Bhumi Pednekar-Samara Tijori
10:51 AM
Oshin Fernandes (MID-DAY; February 5, 2026)
While Bhumi Pednekar makes a commanding return to OTT in Amazon Prime Video’s Daldal, she finds an almost formidable counterpart in Samara Tijori. As the mercurial serial killer Anita/Anant Acharya, the actor has earned significant acclaim for her portrayal of a ruthless antagonist masquerading as a journalist. Reflecting on the reception, Tijori admits the response has been profound: “It is overwhelming; my heart is full,” she notes with evident gratitude.
Samara Tijori chopped her hair for the part
Samara, who wanted to pursue criminology, thinks she subconsciously manifested getting the part. Her dedication knew no bounds. She chopped her hair for real. Ask her why, and she explains, “When I went in for the look test, we tried a wig. I remember being like, ‘This is not really making me feel anything.’ When the wind was flowing, the hair was not moving. It wasn’t looking real. I thought to myself, ‘This is a part that I have, and I’m going to give 150 per cent to the performance on an emotional and physical level.’ As soon as I cut my hair, it was helpful to be Anant. It helped me detach, and it was certainly a good decision that I made.”
Samara Tijori on working with Aditya Rawal and Bhumi Pednekar
In the series, Samara shares a close bond with Aditya Rawal. With an evident onscreen chemistry, she asserts that they had become each other’s safe space while filming. “I love him to bits. We immediately clicked as friends. We watched a couple of films together because we had no reference point and had to enact the vulnerability,” she says.
As for her senior, Bhumi Pednekar, Samara recalled working as an AD on Bhoot – Part One: The Haunted Ship (2020) that starred the former. But things were different now that they were co-actors. She says, “I definitely was intimidated because I have looked up to her for a very long time. I met her the first time at the reading. And she literally hugged me and said, ‘I'm so happy that we are doing this together.’”
Deepak Tijori's advice to daughter Samara
Samara, who is the daughter of veteran actor Deepak Tijori, says that she had to shoot the climax earlier than expected, which left her petrified. But one phone call to her dad added a massive dose of encouragement. “He has always told me to be patient because it’s not always hunky-dory. I saw good and bad days with my father, and what I took from that is resilience. He emphasizes being ready because when something comes, you shouldn't be slacking,” she says.
Samara is aware of the pressures that come with great work. But she believes in going with the flow. “For a change, I would like to play happier roles,” she laughs. “If I can access these parts of myself and express them as an actor, there is nothing more fulfilling than that. But I am definitely in a space where I want to see where this takes me. It's not like some 50 things are flooding me. It’s very soon,” she signs off.
Janki Bodiwala reveals how she bagged Mardaani 3: "Had come to Mumbai for other work and did a YRF film"
10:48 AM
Actor Janki Bodiwala reveals she travelled from Ahmedabad to Mumbai for another job, but ended up bagging a role in Mardaani 3
Priyanka Sharma (MID-DAY; February 4, 2026)
Sometimes talent is not the only factor; you need to be at the right place, at the right time. Janki Bodiwala, who plays a cop in Rani Mukerji’s Mardaani 3, will vouch for this. The actor was on a day trip to Mumbai and it surprisingly ended with her bagging the cop fare.
“I had gone to Mumbai for some other work. That very day, I got a call from Shanoo ma’am [Sharma, casting director], who asked me to audition for a part. I went [to YRF Studios], she helped me prepare, and then auditioned me. Later, when I was returning to Ahmedabad, she called and said that the [makers] had liked me and wanted me to come back. I thought to myself, ‘I had gone for some other work and now I’m doing a YRF film’,” she marvels, still surprised at how it all panned out.
If Bodiwala starred with Ajay Devgn in her maiden Bollywood film Shaitaan (2024), her second outing saw her rub shoulders with Mukerji.
“For the first two-three shots, I was quite nervous. But your co-actors’ energy helps you. She was so involved in her character that it set the tone on the set,” she says.
Off set, she saw a completely different side to Mukerji. “At the mahurat puja, she was there with her family. She was exactly how we are with our families. There was no hint of her stardom.”
Milap Zaveri puts Tiger Shroff, Vidyut Jammwal's actioner on hold for Harshvardhan Rane's romantic drama
10:46 AM
Sources say director Milap Zaveri has hit pause on the Tiger Shroff and Vidyut Jammwal-led actioner; to kick off a romantic drama with Harshvardhan Rane
Upala KBR (MID-DAY; February 4, 2026)
Until mid-January, director Milap Zaveri and producer Bhushan Kumar were going full throttle on their next, an intense action drama with Tiger Shroff and Vidyut Jammwal. But things have a way of changing overnight in the film industry. Now, it is heard that Zaveri and the T-Series head honcho will start another project, which will see the director reuniting with his Ek Deewane Ki Deewaniyat (2025) actor Harshvardhan Rane.
mid-day has learnt that Anil Kapoor is in talks to play a pivotal role in the yet-untitled movie that is expected to roll this month.
A trade source revealed, “The makers are in the final stage of discussion with Anil. Milap will direct the actor for the first time.” What of the Shroff and Jammwal-starrer then? Apparently, the actors had started training for the actioner.
The source indicated that creative differences led to the film being put on the backburner. “Milap chose to do Harshvardhan’s movie over the other as too many creative differences were creeping in. It can happen when you cast two action heroes, but they shouldn’t interfere in the script. That said, it was an amicable parting. There was also a date clash as the makers wanted to begin the Harshvardhan movie in February, and no way would the Vidyut-Tiger film be complete by then.”
Rohit Shetty firing case: Bishnoi aide gave Rs. 40,000 for scooter; 5 more celebs targeted by Shubham Lonkar
10:43 AM
Gitesh Shelke (THE TIMES OF INDIA; February 4, 2026)
Pune: The four people arrested from Dhayari and Karvenagar in connection with the firing at film director Rohit Shetty's house told police that Karvenagar's Shubham Lonkar paid them Rs. 40,000 to arrange the scooter used in the crime in the early hours of Sunday.
"Lonkar is using all his contacts in Pune city for the Lawrence Bishnoi gang," Pune Commissioner of Police (CP) Amitesh Kumar said.
Deputy commissioner of police (Zone III) Sambhaji Kadam told TOI, "We helped the Mumbai police to zero in on five men, but they arrested four of them after conducting an inquiry."
The Mumbai police arrested Swapnil Bandu Sakat (23), Siddharth Deepak Yenpure (19), Samarth Shivsharan Pomaji (19) and Aditya Gyaneshwar Gayaki (19), all residents of Dhayari and Karvenagar. "Yenpure took the scooter to Mumbai with another person. He bought the scooter from another man in Dhayari, but it was not transferred to his name. Thus, the scooter owner was also taken to Mumbai for probe," Kadam said.
"Yenpure met Lonkar, the prime suspect and a member of the Bishnoi gang, and the latter paid Rs. 40,000 to him and another person for the scooter. Lonkar made an online payment to them. The same scooter was used in the firing at Shetty's residence," he said.
One of the four men arrested from Pune is a peon of a private school. The others did odd jobs like selling vegetables and driving private vehicles. "None of the arrested youths has a crime record," DCP Kadam said.
"Lonkar and his arrested brother ran a dairy in Karvenagar. He is using his Pune contacts to get in touch with youngsters and use them in crimes in Mumbai and other cities. We are searching for Lonkar with the Mumbai police," he said.
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Ahmed Ali (THE TIMES OF INDIA; February 5, 2026)
Mumbai: At least five Bollywood celebrities have received extortion calls from associates of fugitive gangster Shubham Lonkar, said to be operating on behalf of the jailed Lawrence Bishnoi, police sources said. However, none of the purported victims has lodged a formal complaint.
Police, probing the incident of firing at filmmaker Rohit Shetty's bungalow early Sunday, said information gathered by them indicates that some celebrities were not keen on approaching police. With no reason emerging on why Shetty was specifically targeted, investigators believe the incident may have been intended to instil fear in the film industry.
Police sources say gangster Shubham Lonkar has made extortion calls to at least five Bollywood celebrities, though none of them is keen on filing a complaint. "What baffles us is that despite intelligence inputs suggesting multiple threat calls, no one has come forward to record a statement or file a complaint," said a senior police officer on condition of anonymity. "If people expect police to act suo motu (on its own) while withholding facts, it becomes extremely difficult."
Police officials said filmmaker Rohit Shetty himself has denied receiving threat calls. This appears to belie the social media post attributed to Lawrence Bishnoi associate Lonkar, in which he claimed responsibility for the firing and alleged that Shetty had been warned repeatedly.
Lonkar's post, written in Hindi and English, said: "Ram Ram, Jai Bajrang Bali, to all brothers. We, Shubham Lonkar, Aarzoo Bhishnoi, Hari Boxer, and Harman Shandu, take responsibility for the firing that took place today at film director Rohit Shetty's house (Shetty Tower) in Mumbai."
It said: "We messaged him many times telling him not to interfere in our work, but he didn't understand. We've given him this small trailer. If he doesn't understand our message and doesn't listen to us, then the next bullet won't be fired outside his house, but inside his bedroom, right in his chest. And this is a warning to the entire Bollywood industry: mend your ways while you still have time, otherwise, your situation will be very bad."
Multiple police teams have now been sent to several parts of the country to trace the shooter involved in the firing. Investigators believe the arrest of the gunman could help establish who ordered the attack and whether it was indeed linked to an extortion bid.
"At this stage, extortion appears to be the only plausible motive," a police officer said, while adding that other angles have not been ruled out. In the firing outside actor Salman Khan's house, the gang claimed it was seeking revenge for the killing of a blackbuck, considered sacred by the Bishnoi community.
On the other hand, standup comedian Munawar Faruqui was targeted because he allegedly hurt the community's sentiments during one of his shows.
After Baba Siddique's murder, the gang had alleged that he was close to Salman Khan and also had links to Dawood Ibrahim. They also claimed vengeance for the death of their associate Anuj Thapan in police custody. Thapan had been arrested for the firing on Salman Khan's house.
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