Every mother becomes a tigress-Parineeti Chopra
10:23 AM
Vinay MR Mishra (BOMBAY TIMES; May 15, 2026)
For Parineeti Chopra, her first Mother’s Day recently wasn’t anything extravagant. It was simple, routine-filled and wonderfully ordinary. The Amar Singh Chamkila actress and her husband, politician Raghav Chadha welcomed their baby boy, Neer, last October. In a conversation with us, Parineeti speaks about embracing motherhood, how her priorities have shifted and returning to work.
‘Sometimes moms don’t have time for big celebrations’
She says, “I spent the most simple, real and wholesome Mother’s Day because I was so involved with my baby throughout the day. I’m in the throes of new motherhood, which takes up all your mindspace, emotions, sleep, everything. I got a lot of love from my husband and family. But for the most part, I spent it the way I spend everyday... just taking care of things, which I think really defines mothers. Sometimes moms don’t have time for big celebrations, they don’t even have time to celebrate their own birthday.”
As the conversation moves on to how motherhood alters one’s perspective, the actress reflects on the emotional and physical changes she has experienced. “I don’t know how to put it in words. I think the focus of your life and existence changes. A father’s connection with the baby starts nine months after the mother’s. But when that happens, both their focus becomes this little human and you just want to be the best version of yourself for your child,” she shares.
‘We need to keep our identity intact’
As she gradually returns to work, Parineeti speaks about the importance of holding on to one’s individuality while embracing parenthood. She explains, “Raghav and I come from such strong backgrounds and careers that even as parents, we are operating from that space. We have been mindful and are taking care of the fact that we need to keep our identities intact. Pursuing our individual careers is a different matter, but what is key is holding on to our identities, which brings us happiness. This, I believe, will also help me be a happy mom to a happy baby.”
‘I will be with my baby 24/7 and leave everything if that’s what’s needed’
Talking about getting back to work, Parineeti, who became Johnson Baby's ambassador, says, “I will be with my baby 24/7 and leave everything if that’s what’s needed. Even as I go back to work, I’m certain that emotionally and mentally, my part in the family – as a wife and mother – must remain intact. As far as what I’m doing next is concerned, I haven’t really decided anything yet. I’m slowly getting back,” she says, adding, “When it comes to work, it’s a simple equation – if it’s worth leaving my baby even for 60 seconds in a day, I will do that. Otherwise, I will not touch it. This is not arrogance. This is simply about prioritising. I am happy to take a break from work if I think it’s the right thing to do.”
Talking about associating with the brand she adds, "It's important to be associated with brands that I get excited about. When they came to me, I had a fan moment. Johnson's Baby wants me. Being the face of Johnson's Baby becomes like you become part of a 100-year-old legacy. More than anything, I think my parents and grandparents, they're going to be excited."
‘As a mother, you find strength in yourself that you didn’t see before’
Parineeti also elaborates on how motherhood has helped her find a different kind of strength within herself. “I think every mother becomes a tigress. You find strength in yourself that you didn’t see before. Things that bothered and hurt you earlier, now seem so trivial and inconsequential. Your entire energy is diverted towards your child and you realise what gargantuan strength you have within you which was untapped so far. It is the most magical experience,” she explains.
Punjab and Haryana High Court asks makers to change title of Lawrence Of Punjab
10:20 AM
Niharika Lal (BOMBAY TIMES; May 14, 2026)
The Punjab and Haryana High Court on Monday allowed streaming platform Zee5 to release its documentary Lawrence Of Punjab, subject to a change in title and removal of certain portions. The Court observed that the documentary, when viewed as a whole, does not glorify gangsters or criminal activities in any manner. Justice Jagmohan Bansal, in a judgment uploaded on the court’s website on May 11, said that after watching the documentary, he found its overall message to be against gangster culture.
The Court observed that “It cannot be concluded that release of the impugned documentary is going to create problem of public order or public safety. The fact that it is documentary and not a movie where artists are playing role cannot be ignored. Number of web series displaying violence/crime are available in public domain. More than a dozen Hindi movies which are purely based upon lifestyle of gangsters are available in the market. Thus, by no stretch of imagination, it can be concluded that impugned documentary would incite youngsters to involve in criminal activities.”
The Court further stated, “It does not find that release of documentary would create problem of public order. It is not going to instigate, inspire, promote or entice anyone.”
The HC held that the message of a filmmaker cannot be judged by isolated portions of a film and that a documentary must be viewed in its entirety from the perspective of an average and reasonable viewer. The Court said that the people interviewed in the documentary were not glorifying gangsters or crime in any way, “It is not prepared in the form of film whereas it is a mere documentary where material available in public domain has been compiled and few persons such as two retired policemen, 2-3 reporters and one advocate are expressing their opinion. None of them is glorifying crime or criminals.”
The makers did not respond to the verdict till the time of going to press.
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- The High Court directed that the title of the documentary, as well as the trailer and poster, be changed before release
- The expressions ‘Lawrence’, ‘Bishnoi’ or ‘Punjab’ shall not be used
- The streaming platform has also been directed to remove content relating to two interviews of Lawrence Bishnoi
- The Punjab DGP to identify and ensure removal of content that glorifies crime or criminals
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Background
The Ministry of Information and Broadcasting had earlier issued an advisory against the release of Lawrence of Punjab after Punjab Police expressed apprehensions that the documentary, reportedly based on the rise of alleged gangster Lawrence Bishnoi, could be prejudicial to public order. Punjab Congress President Amarinder Singh Raja Warring had also approached the High Court challenging the proposed release of the documentary. The release was subsequently stalled after the Ministry advised Zee5 not to proceed with streaming it, following which the streaming platform moved the High Court seeking quashing of the advisory, contending that the documentary did not intend to glorify criminal activities.
Tiger Shroff told me it would be tough to play a superhero-Jackie Shroff
10:18 AM
Neha Maheshwri (BOMBAY TIMES; May 12, 2026)
Forty-three years is a long time to stay in the game. Long enough to not just watch empires rise and fall, but also for a young man from a Mumbai chawl to become one of Hindi cinema’s most handsome and enduring actors. Today, Jackie Shroff, who began his journey as a leading man with Hero (1983), is strapping on the costume of a superhero with Manish Saini’s The Great Grand Superhero – Aliens Ka Aagman.
Over the years, he has become synonymous with the ‘cool guy’ persona and remains no different today. Ask him about box office anxiety; he laughs it off. Ask him about the National Awards; he shrugs warmly. From the brooding, smouldering Hero of 1983 to becoming India’s first superhero grandpa in 2026, he carries the ease and satisfaction of a man who has made peace with every chapter of his story.
‘Mere haath-pair tootele hain, muscles phatele hain while doing the action’
Before taking on the role, Jackie says he spoke to his son, Tiger Shroff, who played a superhero in A Flying Jatt (2016). He shares, “He told me, ‘It’s very tough, dad. The costume keeps you so hot, your skin can’t breathe. It’s an ordeal. Jitna easy dikhta hai, utna easy hota nahi hai’.”
Playing a superhero at 69 is not simply a matter of saying yes; it comes with physical challenges. “Mere haath-pair tootele hain, muscles phatele hain while doing the action. People don’t see what goes into it. Recovery mein bhi time lagta hai, bhidu. Shooting action koi khaane ka game nahi hai. Dum nikal jaata hai,” explains the actor.
‘My mind is still stuck at 19’
While he credits Tiger’s discipline for his own physical resurgence, Jackie insists that in his mind, he is still young. He says, “My mind is still stuck at 19. My genetics don’t let me grow old. The power and energy are still there. In fact, I feel stronger now than I did in my teens.”
Tiger, Jackie proudly says, has also shaped his outlook towards fitness. “Tiger has always been my inspiration. I had never worked out, but looking at him makes me want to push my limits. I’m grateful to my son for making me see the real light. Woh hamesha bolta hai ki jitna strong main rahunga, utna strong hamaara parivaar rahega.”
‘Relationships matter more than strategy’
What has remained unchanged through the decades, however, is Jackie’s approach to relationships within the film industry. In an environment often driven by networking and strategy, he says he still values personal bonds over professional calculations. “Relationships matter more than strategy. If a cameraman offers me a role that requires four days of shooting, I’ll do it without thinking, if it helps him,” he says.
Speaking about his equation with actors like Salman Khan and Shah Rukh Khan, Jackie adds, “I’ve known Salman, who is five years younger, since my modelling days, when I was the cool dude in the area. When he says, ‘Meri picture kar’, how can I say no? How can I say no to Shah Rukh? If he says, ‘I want you to do a film and just look good,’ I say, that’s easy,” he laughs and adds, “You have to reciprocate and stay open to people, friends and colleagues.”
Jackie traces that outlook to his upbringing in Mumbai’s chawls. “I am a chaali boy. Living in chawls means community. Ek doosre ke ghar mein jhaakte hain, khaana milta hai. Kahin se baraf aati hai, kahin se biryani. You help each other. There were 21 chawls where I lived. Six of us, including my parents, stayed in a 10x10 house. That life makes you see everyone as equal,” he says.
Ranbir Kapoor acquires land parcel in Ayodhya
10:08 AM
Kailash Babar (THE ECONOMIC TIMES; May 14, 2026)
Mumbai: Bollywood actor Ranbir Kapoor has acquired a land parcel in Ayodhya for Rs 3.31 crore, amid rising investor interest in the temple town’s real estate market.
The transaction involves a 2,134 sq ft land parcel in the 75-acre plotted development project located on the banks of the Sarayu river in Ayodhya.
Kapoor’s investment comes as Ayodhya witnesses increased real estate activity following large-scale infrastructure development and a surge in tourism after the Ram temple inauguration. The project includes a 5-acre vegetarian luxury hotel to be operated by The Leela.
He has bought the land parcel directly from the project’s developer The House of Abhinandan Lodha.
“I believe Ayodhya has chosen me, and I have just answered this calling. Ayodhya is deep rooted in our history and is a critical part of our cultural fabric. This land at The Sarayu became my gateway to ensuring this becomes a part of my legacy for my family,” Kapoor said.
Abhinandan Lodha, chairman of the House of Abhinandan Lodha, said Ayodhya is witnessing long-term growth driven by infrastructure, tourism and increasing investor attention.
According to the company, Ayodhya has received public and allied investments of more than Rs 85,000 crore over the last few years across roads, railways, airport connectivity and urban infrastructure.
The city attracted around 16 crore visitors in 2024 and is projected to receive up to 28 crore annual visitors by 2030.
Founded in 2020, the House of Abhinandan Lodha said it has sold over 13 million sq ft of developed land and currently has around 25 million sq ft under active development across five states.
Big screen’s back in spotlight as Rs 13,000 crore box-office revival fades OTT boom
10:06 AM
Industry returning to theatrical-first releases as streaming platforms tighten spending: Execs
Javed Farooqui (THE ECONOMIC TIMES; May 14, 2026)
Mumbai: The Indian film industry is returning to a theatre-first release model, reversing the post-pandemic trend of direct-to-streaming premieres as studios increasingly prioritise box-office revenues while streaming platforms pull back on spending.
Today, films are typically arriving on streaming services around eight weeks after their theatrical release, compared to a window of 2-4 weeks for certain films during the post-pandemic period when many titles bypassed theatres altogether, industry executives said.
"Movies are reaching OTT platforms much later after their theatrical release. So, OTT is no longer a substitute. In fact, it never really was," said Ajay Bijli, managing director of leading multiplex chain PVR Inox.
According to a Ficci-EY report, while the total number of films released on OTT platforms across Indian languages remained steady at 500 in 2025, direct-to-digital premieres fell 50% to 30 from 60 in 2024. So, 470 films released in theatres first before arriving on OTT platforms last year, compared with 440 in 2024.
Gross box-office collections hit a new calendar year high of ₹13,000 crore in 2025, up 14% from Rs. 11,400 crore in 2024, according to the report.
Bijli said box-office performance acts as a benchmark for how OTT deals are structured. "Theatrical performance, word of mouth, and box-office collections have a very positive impact on viewership when a film arrives on OTT platforms after eight weeks," he added.
Meanwhile, streaming platforms have tightened their spending on movie rights acquisition, leading to a demand-supply correction and rationalisation in pricing and spending. The merger of Disney+ Hotstar and JioCinema into JioHotstar also helped reduce competition for content. As a result, digital and OTT revenues for films declined 7% year-on-year to Rs. 2,900 crore in 2025, according to Ficci-EY estimates.
While cricket rights and theatrical films continue to remain the key subscriber acquisition driver for streaming platforms, there is growing acknowledgement within the industry about the need to build a sustainable economic model that benefits all stakeholders.
During a recent interaction, Gaurav Gandhi, vice president, Asia-Pacific and ANZ, at Prime Video, said consolidation in the streaming market has reduced both content investments and overall output.
(Crisp) Movie Review: KARTAVYA by FENIL SETA
3:59 PM
Kartavya, which has been released today on Netflix, is the story of a cop solving a shocking case while also dealing with turmoil in his personal life. Usually, in such films, the cop is depressed and an alcoholic and his marriage is on the rocks or has already ended tragically. This film contains no such trope. With a runtime of just 1 hour and 49 minutes, the narrative doesn't drag needlessly. The start is gripping and one hopes for fireworks in the climax. Sadly, the finale is shockingly bad and even abrupt. It won't be surprising if viewers would wait for a mid-credit scene once the credit start rolling, hoping for some closure. Sadly, no such scene is present. The climax is probably in sync with the film's title, but it also feels too convenient. Saif Ali Khan rises above the weak script and delivers a fine performance as expected. Rasika Dugal leaves a huge mark in a supporting role. Sanjay Mishra is dependable, though he’s letdown by the writing. Yudhvir Ahlawat (Harpal) has a crucial role and delivers a splendid performance. Saurabh Dwivedi is weak as the Godman. Zakir Hussain (Harihar), Manish Chaudhari (Keshav), Saharsh Kumar Shukla (Nirmal) and Durgesh Kumar (Amar; Preeti's relative) are fine. All in all, Kartavya fails to impress due to the climax.
My rating - ** out of 5!
My rating - ** out of 5!
(Crisp) Movie Review: PATI PATNI AUR WOH DO by FENIL SETA
3:50 PM
Pati Patni Aur Woh Do rests on a hilarious premise. The way the misunderstandings emerge makes for an amusing watch. Also, despite the chaos and madness, the film never gets confusing. The finale is funny; however, the same can't be said about the rest of the film. The biggest issue with the film is that the jokes don't land properly. There are barely any funny moments in the first half, which heavily affects the impact. Moreover, some loose ends are not tied up properly. A character is portrayed as effeminate to raise some laughs, but it serves no purpose. The weak soundtrack is another issue. Ayushmann Khurrana is watchable; however, in a few scenes, he goes a bit overboard and should have kept his act controlled. Wamiqa Gabbi does much better compared to her act in Bhooth Bangla. Rakul Preet Singh puts up a confident act while Sara Ali Khan is decent. Durgesh Kumar (Mahinder), Guneet Singh (Surinder) and Vijay Raaz (Dharamveer Singh) play entertaining parts; Tigmanshu Dhulia is apt as the villain. Ayesha Raza gets on the nerves at first but her performance later manages to work, especially in the climax. All in all, Pati Patni Aur Woh Do is an average flick.
My rating - ** ½ out of 5!
My rating - ** ½ out of 5!
(Crisp) Movie Review: HOKUM by FENIL SETA
10:19 PM
Hokum is about a writer who visits a haunted Irish inn. From the very start, one should be ready to expect the unexpected. Viewers will not be able to guess which sudden twist or jolt awaits them. The jumpscares work as intended and the way director Damian McCarthy has created the eerie atmosphere is seen to be believed. Moreover, its just 107 minutes long and hence, it doesn't drag needlessly. On the flipside, the film gets a bit confusing. The personal tragedy angle is weak and moreover, a certain twist is quite unconvincing. The makers could have thought of something better and more believable. The absence of subtitles is also a downer, as certain dialogues are difficult to comprehend. Adam Scott (Ohm Bauman) plays a difficult role with ease. David Wilmot (Jerry) is like the second hero of the film and delivers a smashing performance. Florence Ordesh (Fiona) leaves a huge mark in a small role. Will O'Connell (Alby), Peter Coonan (Mal) and Michael Patric (Fergal) also do well. All in all, Hokum makes for a hatke experience and is worth watching.
My rating - *** ½ out of 5!
My rating - *** ½ out of 5!
Fenil's Bollywood Talk # 934
9:42 PM
WILL PATI PATNI AUR WOH DO AND AAKHRI SAWAL SUCCEED AT THE BOX OFFICE?
The box office got a boost with Dhurandhar The Revenge, which went on to become an all-time record grosser. The next major Hindi film, Bhooth Bangla, also did well and will cross the Rs. 150 crore mark. Raja Shivaji underperformed in Hindi but is a huge hit in Marathi. And now, all eyes are on the next significant film, Pati Patni Aur Woh Do.
Pati Patni Aur Woh Do stars Ayushmann Khurrana, Rakul Preet Singh, Sara Ali Khan and Wamiqa Gabbi. Like the first part, Pati Patni Aur Woh, it is directed by Mudassar Aziz and produced by T-Series and B R Studios. The earlier part, starring Ayushmann Khurrana, Bhumi Pednekar and Ananya Panday, was a hit at the box office and also the franchise's subject is also enticing. Hence, expectations are high for Pati Patni Aur Woh Do. Pati Patni Aur Woh was about a man cheating on his wife with a girlfriend. This time, the protagonist is trapped between his wife and two ‘girlfriends’, or so it seems.
However, the buzz for Pati Patni Aur Woh Do is limited as the trailer hasn’t made a huge mark. Even the songs aren’t chartbusters. But due to the film's quirky nature, the casting, and the lack of competition, the film will have an advantage.
Pati Patni Aur Woh opened at Rs. 8.34 crores and had a lifetime collection of Rs. 80.41 crores. Pati Patni Aur Woh Do will have a lesser opening, at around Rs. 5 crores. If word-of-mouth is strong, collections can double on Sunday or even Saturday, leading to a healthy lifetime collection.
The other release of the week is Aakhri Sawal. It has an ensemble star cast, comprising Sanjay Dutt, Namashi Chakraborty, Amit Sadh, Sameera Reddy, Neetu Chandra and Tridha Choudhary. The confrontation between Sanjay and Namashi seems to be a highlight. However, the subject hasn’t enticed the audience much. As a result, it’ll have an opening in the range of Rs. 1-2 crores. Strong positive reports are a must for the film to leave a mark.
The box office got a boost with Dhurandhar The Revenge, which went on to become an all-time record grosser. The next major Hindi film, Bhooth Bangla, also did well and will cross the Rs. 150 crore mark. Raja Shivaji underperformed in Hindi but is a huge hit in Marathi. And now, all eyes are on the next significant film, Pati Patni Aur Woh Do.
Pati Patni Aur Woh Do stars Ayushmann Khurrana, Rakul Preet Singh, Sara Ali Khan and Wamiqa Gabbi. Like the first part, Pati Patni Aur Woh, it is directed by Mudassar Aziz and produced by T-Series and B R Studios. The earlier part, starring Ayushmann Khurrana, Bhumi Pednekar and Ananya Panday, was a hit at the box office and also the franchise's subject is also enticing. Hence, expectations are high for Pati Patni Aur Woh Do. Pati Patni Aur Woh was about a man cheating on his wife with a girlfriend. This time, the protagonist is trapped between his wife and two ‘girlfriends’, or so it seems.
However, the buzz for Pati Patni Aur Woh Do is limited as the trailer hasn’t made a huge mark. Even the songs aren’t chartbusters. But due to the film's quirky nature, the casting, and the lack of competition, the film will have an advantage.
Pati Patni Aur Woh opened at Rs. 8.34 crores and had a lifetime collection of Rs. 80.41 crores. Pati Patni Aur Woh Do will have a lesser opening, at around Rs. 5 crores. If word-of-mouth is strong, collections can double on Sunday or even Saturday, leading to a healthy lifetime collection.
The other release of the week is Aakhri Sawal. It has an ensemble star cast, comprising Sanjay Dutt, Namashi Chakraborty, Amit Sadh, Sameera Reddy, Neetu Chandra and Tridha Choudhary. The confrontation between Sanjay and Namashi seems to be a highlight. However, the subject hasn’t enticed the audience much. As a result, it’ll have an opening in the range of Rs. 1-2 crores. Strong positive reports are a must for the film to leave a mark.
Dhurandhar The Revenge crosses 1000 cr mark; collects 1001.65 cr in 54 days
4:04 PM
Box Office India Trade Network
DHURANDHAR THE REVENGE finally hit the 1000 crore nett mark in its eighth weekend. Although this number would have been declared weeks ago, but that side of the box office has become a bit of a joke now. Actually, makers cant be blamed as expectations are crazy and then you have these posters from South films which makes a mockery of it all. For Hindi when you have PUSHPA 2 - THE RULE type reporting, it was a given that it would go haywire and rest would follow the same pattern.
Irrespective of this, the film is actually the first 1000 crore nett film ever in Hindi. The first original Hindi film ever to hit 1 crore nett was AAN in 1952 and 74 years later its 1000 crore with DHURANDHAR THE REVENGE. The other big benchmarks like these were 10 crore nett in 1975 by SHOLAY and 100 crore nett by GHAJINI in 2008. The 10000 crore nett mark will be hit one day also but we will not be alive to see that.
The film is the biggest blockbuster for Hindi cinema since GADAR - EK PREM KATHA in 2001. The film is being put up there with the likes of SHOLAY and GADAR but only time well. The film is not as big as those and more importantly those two passed the test of time like very few before. SHOLAY was remained a theatrical force many years after release and there is not much to say about GADAR (2001) as the results of GADAR 2 released 22 years later say it all. Even if it said what DHURANDHAR THE REVENGE has done today is similar to what SHOLAY did 1975 or GADAR did in 2001, the harder part is to remain huge with another generation all together in years to come. This is what very few films manage.
The collections of DHURANDHAR THE REVENGE (Hindi) are as follows.
Week One - 5,90,36,00,000
Week Two - 2,28,97,00,000
Week Three - 95,45,00,000
Week Four - 49,33,00,000
Week Five - 18,32,00,000 apprx
Week Six - 11,37,00,000
Week Seven - 5,35,00,000
Week Eight - 2,50,00,000 apprx (3 days)
TOTAL - 10,01,65,00,000 apprx
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