Actor Mohd Zeeshan Ayyub has distanced himself from Ajay Devgn’s upcoming action film Chauhaan, alleging that a line he recorded without being told its context was used in its controversial teaser.

Released last month, the Kashmir-set teaser reportedly opened with Ayyub’s voice saying, “Major, there were 300 boys on the street; only 270 reached their home; 30 are less,” before showing stone-pelting and military action. It ended with the line, “Pathaanon se kehna… Chauhaan aa raha hai.”

Ayyub clarified on X that he was not associated with the film and had dubbed the line “without any reference” as he knew the makers personally. After watching the teaser, he objected to how his voice had been used. “After my strong objection, the makers removed my voice from the teaser fifteen days ago,” he wrote, adding that he “would never be a part of any such project”.

The updated teaser features another artiste delivering the opening line. Chauhaan is scheduled to release in theatres on October 1, 2027.

Twenty-eight years after Pyaar To Hona Hi Tha became one of Bollywood's most-loved romantic entertainers, director Anees Bazmee looks back at the film with equal parts gratitude and disbelief. 

“When I made my first film Hulchul (1995) before Pyaar To Hona Hi Tha, it didn't do well. After that, I practically had no work. didn't get work for almost three years. Many directors didn't even want me to direct again. They would tell me, ;Anees ji, why are you getting into direction? You're such a brilliant writer. Your films as a writer have been huge hits. Stick to writing—don't get into directing'. When the film failed, everyone pulled me up saying, ;We warned you'. I was wondering what had gone wrong. One senior director even gave me a list of famous writers who had turned directors, only for their careers to collapse. Since I had a big family depending on me, I was scared. I kept wondering what I should do. But deep inside, I always believed I could become a good director,” Anees shares.

Anees watched French Kiss, one night and started writing Pyaar To Hona Hi Tha, which was an unofficial remake of the movie. “I loved the idea so much that I couldn't stop. At 3 am, someone told me to go to sleep, but I said, 'No, I have to finish writing'. By 9 or 10 in the morning, the screenplay was complete,” he adds. Anees narrated the story to Ajay Devgn the next evening.

Ajay Devgn and Kajol were part of the movie, who were also dating during that time, "I'm so happy they got married and have such a successful marriage. They were absolutely perfect for each other. I was among the first people who knew they were together because I was working with them, but I've never believed in discussing anyone's personal life. The important thing is that they fell in love, got married, have a beautiful family, and are happy. What more could anyone ask for?" he explains.

Anees recalls that the movie was made on a humble budget and the memories were still valid. “Around 45–50 people travelled together on a single bus. Kajol would pick up the chairs, someone would pick the lights. It felt like a family. We had an incredible atmosphere on set,” he signs off.

July has been a busy month for actor Arshad Warsi, with the web series Pritam And Pedro releasing earlier this month and the multi-starrer Welcome To The Jungle next in line.

Amid the packed schedule, Warsi finds himself reflecting on how the industry’s work culture has changed since he made his debut in 1996. Recalling a conversation with filmmaker Rohit Shetty from the sets of the Golmaal franchise, the actor says, “There were two sequences where (actor) Ajay Devgn and I had to do some heavy stuff, like hanging, falling and running at a fast pace. We’d finish our take and wait for the next shot.”

He adds, “Rohit told me, ‘It’s so shocking that younger actors do one shot and then go for a massage, and we have to wait till they come back.’ And here were two actors nearing our sixties and simply waiting for the next setup.”

The 51-year-old agrees with Shetty and says that patience is a quality he believes the younger generation lacks: “The younger lot, unfortunately, are very delicate. They’re in a hurry and they’re not very accommodating. The good part is they’re professional, serious, and focused on what they want,” he concludes.

Filmmaker Indra Kumar has one simple aim — to tell a good story and make it a family affair. Comedy, he believes, is the genre that fits the bill. As cinemagoers return to theatres, he believes there is a renewed appetite for light-hearted, feel-good films. “We had a great subject. So I thought we must make it. And if you can laugh with the family, that’s a better option,” says the director as the fourth instalment of Dhamaal hit screens on July 10.

The goodwill that came his way before the release reinforced his belief. “Everybody wanted it. I got positive vibes from the whole industry this time.”

Having spent over three decades directing high-energy, crowd-pleasing entertainers, Kumar acknowledges that comedy is a difficult genre. To ensure audiences laugh along with the film, he has a trick up his sleeve.

“Comedy is something you have to have in you. You have to enjoy [the humour] while filming it. Also, [it’s a genre] that inspire actors to do all the things they are unlikely to do in real life,” notes the filmmaker of the Ajay Devgn, Arshad Warsi, Riteish Deshmukh, and Jaaved Jaaferi-starrer.

Kumar says the Dhamaal films have endured because of the ensemble cast’s chemistry. He credits Devgn’s deadpan humour and the camaraderie among the actors, which translates effortlessly on screen. 

“Ajay, who has got the dignity and poise to match, can carry off a comedy effortlessly. He is one of the most versatile actors we know. In today’s time, he can do both a Tanhaji (2020) and Dhamaal, followed by a Singham, Shaitaan [2024], and Drishyam with so much ease. It’s a great quality. The kind of variety Ajay does is amazing,” shares the director.

Since ‘Dhamaal 4’ released on Friday, its fat-shaming jokes aimed at Anjali Anand have drawn criticism. Indra Kumar says audiences will understand the context when they watch the film. “I really loved Anjali, and she was very happy with the role. She has done an excellent job. The humour has context within the story and the character arc gives those jokes meaning rather than reducing her to them,” he says.

Eight days after the teaser of Ajay Devgn’s upcoming actioner, Chauhaan, premiered online, its makers quietly made two tweaks to the video—including dropping actor Mohd Zeeshan Ayyub’s voice from the opening monologue. 

The dialogue that begins the over two-minute video earlier had Ayyub voicing it. After the first line, the remaining voiceover features Devgn’s vocals. If one checks the YouTube link of the teaser now, one would hear another voice opening the video. Not only that, the new voiceover has the word “major” replaced by “colonel”. 

Since the teaser has dropped, Devgn and the makers, Jio Studios and Aanand L Rai’s Colour Yellow Productions have been receiving backlash for mentions of “pellet guns” and portrayal of the people in Kashmiri, who are seen standing against the armed forces. Ayyub, who is known for consistently championing sensitive stories, has also been criticised for lending his voice to the teaser, which many have called “insensitive and divisive”. 

The criticism online has been from several quarters, including the Hindi film audience, political activists and influential voices from Kashmir. From Devgn, directors Neeraj Yadav to producers Jyoti Deshpande (Jio Studios), Rai and Himanshu Sharma of Colour Yellow Productions, have remained silent on the two changes. The producers chose not to respond to mid-day’s request for a comment.

In a 2025 interview, filmmaker Anubhav Sinha had revealed that Ajay Devgn had not spoken to him in the 18 years since their film, Cash (2007), had a poor run at the box office. Well, the good news is that creative differences, if any, between the two are a thing of the past. mid-day has exclusively learnt that the superstar and the director are in talks to reunite for a movie.

Since 2017, Sinha has gravitated towards social dramas, churning out Mulk (2017), Thappad (2020), and the recent Assi, among others. But he is changing gears for his next with Devgn.

A source revealed, “It will be the kind of larger-than-life entertainers that Anubhav used to make before — think Dus [2005] or Ra.One [2011]. Now, the director wants to try his hand again at an ambitious action movie.”

Who better than Devgn to headline an action film? From what we’ve heard, it was Devgn’s manager and producer Kumar Mangat Pathak who arranged the meeting between Sinha and the actor at the latter’s office.

The source elaborated, “After Cash, even though the duo did not speak, there wasn’t ever a direct disagreement. Anubhav had clarified that the disagreement was between the film’s producers and financiers. A few months ago, Kumar Mangat brought them together, and Anubhav pitched one of his three scripts to Ajay. The superstar, Mangat, as well as producer Bhushan Kumar instantly liked it, and the latter may come on board. Ajay asked Anubhav to make the scale bigger.” 

True to Sinha’s style, the action-heavy film will have strong elements of realism. If all goes well, it may roll by 2026-end.

Horror is a genre Ajay Devgn knows inside out, having explored it with Bhoot (2003), Kaal (2005), and Shaitaan (2024). But there’s something else about his next horror film with director Rohit Jugraj that has us excited.

mid-day has learnt that the actor will play a character with grey shades in the offering.

Before this, Devgn essayed a grey character in Kaal. A source told us, “Almost 21 years after that horror film, Ajay will play a dark character again in Rohit’s movie. Set in London, the story will have the superstar essaying a brooding and intense character with supernatural powers. He will sport a distinct look in the film. So, he wants to complete his pending assignments before the project rolls.” 

The actor is currently shooting for Rohit Shetty’s Golmaal 5 with co-stars Akshay Kumar, Arshad Warsi, Kunal Kemmu, Tusshar Kapoor, Sharman Joshi, and Shreyas Talpade in Mumbai. While the comedy has him booked till May, June will be dedicated to the patch shoot of Drishyam 3. Only in July will he step into Jugraj’s supernatural world.

The source added, “Rohit has begun pre-production on the film. He will call action on it in July and plans to wrap it by the last quarter of 2026. Ajay is also finalizing another movie, which he plans to start by November-December.”

While promoting Maa (2025), Kajol had remarked that she would be open to a sequel if the horror film fared well at the box office. That was our first question when we met the actor months after the Vishal Furia-directed movie’s release. Has she set the ball rolling on the sequel?

“You have to ask Ajay Devgn this because he is the one producing it. But honestly, we’re just thinking about it. There’s nothing concrete,” she shared.

Maa, set to première on Star Gold tomorrow, revolves around Kajol’s character who has to rescue her daughter from a demonic force. As much as she relishes the idea of a sequel, she admitted to reeling from the after-effects of the film. “I have PTSD [Post Traumatic Stress Disorder] from the climax shoot. I think when we shoot [such intense] films, they alter us.”

The makers had positioned Maa as part of the same horror universe as Devgn’s Shaitaan (2024). When asked if there are plans to unite the two worlds, Kajol said, “We’ve thought about it. Everything is up in the air right now.”

Reports suggest that Karan Johar is planning a sequel to ‘Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham’. Has Kajol heard anything from Johar? She laughed and replied, “I haven’t heard about it, but thank you for telling me. Naturally, I cannot confirm or deny it.”

Radha Yadav, wife of actor Rajpal Yadav, spoke to us amid intense public interest over his surrender in a cheque-bounce case and subsequent incarceration at Tihar Jail.

Recently, an old video resurfaced in which Rajpal thanked Salman Khan, prompting reports that he had been released. However, Radha told Bombay Times, “As of now, he is not out of Tihar Jail. The bail hearing is scheduled for Monday (February 16).”

When asked how he was doing, she said, “He is okay, from what I understand.” Speaking about the support he has been receiving from the industry, Radha added, “Our whole family is together at this time. We are very grateful for the support and love he is receiving from his fans and the film fraternity.”

There have been rumours that multiple actors such as Salman Khan, Akshay Kumar, Ajay Devgn, and others have paid off the actors debt, Radha addressed the speculations, and clarified, "I can’t take any specific names right now, but I would just want to say many people from the industry have stepped in to support. I’m not able to divulge names and figures at this stage. We are very hopeful that he will be out soon. That’s all I can say now. Once Rajpal ji is out, he will be able speak to you and the media and give further clarity on the matter.”

During the most recent court hearing, the bench directed the complainant to file a response to his bail application and sought clarification from Yadav’s legal team on how he intends to settle the outstanding financial obligations. His lawyer informed the court that approximately Rs 2.5 crore of the disputed amount had been paid towards the debt, though a full settlement has yet to be reached.

Twenty years is a long time to be away from a franchise you love. Naturally then, Sharman Joshi — who was part of Golmaal: Fun Unlimited (2006), which kicked off filmmaker Rohit Shetty’s comedy franchise — is itching to return to the world of Golmaal 5. “I’m likely to start working on it soon,” the actor told mid-day.

A lot has happened in the interim. Golmaal, led by Ajay Devgn, has had three instalments. Joshi wasn’t a part of them, with reports claiming that he had hiked his fees, which didn’t go down well with the producers. In several interviews, he claimed it was a miscommunication from his team that led to his ouster and he didn’t know until later.

Even as he has joined Golmaal 5 that will star Devgn, Kareena Kapoor Khan, Arshad Warsi, Kunal Kemmu, Tusshar Kapoor, and Shreyas Talpade, he wished he hadn’t lost the years. “I missed Rohit’s energy on sets, Ajay sir’s intensity and calmness. I missed Tusshar too. Rohit’s entire team is warm and inclusive.”

The comic caper will go on floors in late February. While rumours are rife that Akshay Kumar will play the antagonist, Joshi is keen to explore his on-screen dynamics with Talpade and Kemmu. “I [had seen] Shreyas’s work during intercollegiate competitions as our colleges were next to each other. I’ve been his fan since Iqbal [2005]. Kunal and I will reunite after Dhol [2007].”

‘Rang De Basanti’ (2006) completed 20 years of release last month. Remembering it, the actor said, “Last week, I was listening to the album, and all the fond memories came rushing back. Working on it was a fabulous journey.”

Sharman Joshi denied being approached for the ‘3 Idiots’ sequel. “I’ve not been informed about it so far, but I hope it happens,” he said.

Beyond its mammoth box-office success, Dhurandhar has emerged as one of the most talked-about Hindi films in recent times. Everyone seems to have an opinion – some are raving about its craft and entertainment value and calling it a game-changer for Indian cinema, while others have divergent views about its political stance. In an in-depth conversation with us, R Madhavan, who plays Ajit Doval, India’s National Security Advisor, in the film, opens up about the film, his career choices and reinvention at 55.

Drawing a parallel with Hollywood, Madhavan explains, “America makes you believe that if there’s a problem anywhere in the world, only Americans can solve it. They’re always shown as having the answers, and that’s what turned Hollywood into a powerful form of soft power. Whether it’s an alien invasion or a global crisis, American films portray their people as powerful, intelligent and scientifically advanced. That’s why they command such a massive global following. In India, we have all of that too. Yet our stories have largely remained rooted in small towns and smaller mindsets. Dhurandhar shows what Indians are capable of when pushed to the edge; it all feels real.”

The actor clarifies that the film clearly states at the outset that it is a fictional account inspired by real events.

He explains, “Everything shown is rooted in reality. We have been attacked, we have been bombed, a plane was hijacked in Kandahar, and 26/11 happened. So, who are these assailants? If they are our enemies, what are we doing about them? Crime must have repercussions, not just headlines. There are people in this country protecting us without our knowledge. Someone, somewhere, is doing their job right.”

He adds, “If, as a nation, we fail to acknowledge those who safeguard our freedom – be it the administration or the judiciary – we miss the larger picture. Yes, we have shortcomings and issues, but we are still a functioning democracy. Disagreements are natural, but nothing comes before the nation, and not everything is politically aligned.”

From Alai Payuthey and Rehna Hai Tere Dil Mein to Shaitaan and The Railway Men, R Madhavan’s filmography reflects a consistently diverse set of choices. At 55, with the burden of being a solo lead no longer defining his career, is he in a better creative space?

He believes so. “The reinvention is happening because I still feel I’m only at the threshold of giving the industry all that I’m capable of. I haven’t even scratched the surface when it comes to the characters I can play. The films lined up will show you the faith directors and storytellers have in me,” he says.

Madhavan also challenges the long-held notion that only solo leads work. He says, “We’re products of conditioning. The industry makes you believe that only solo leads succeed. But if you look at Hollywood – Al Pacino, Robert De Niro, Jack Nicholson – they’ve all played parallel leads. My role in Shaitaan was a parallel lead. Some might call it a supporting role, but it wasn’t. In Rang De Basanti, I was on screen for barely nine minutes, yet it was one of the leads. In 3 Idiots, we were all leads.”

The actor points out that even in Tanu Weds Manu, the narrative demanded restraint. “It was Kangana’s character that was aggressive and required to take the lead. My job was to step back and let that happen. Similarly, in Dhurandhar, would you say Ranveer Singh isn’t the lead? If you look purely at screen time, he has the most. But the maturity to step back and allow another actor to carry the narrative – that’s what creates iconic films. Parallel leads are the way forward. Storytelling has evolved,” he shares.

Madhavan credits fellow actors for enabling such storytelling. He says, “I’m in awe of Ranveer Singh for allowing that space in Dhurandhar, and of Ajay Devgn for making it happen in Shaitaan. Take me out of Guru, and there’s no one to oppose Abhishek. True solo leads rarely work today. Films like KGF or Kantara are exceptions, not the rule.”

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While the actor had anticipated Dhurandhar’s massive success, Madhavan admits he didn’t fully foresee the intensity of the debates it would spark. “When I heard the narration, I knew immediately that the film would be a game-changer. I expected the discussion to focus more on a social discourse – on what India has become,” he says.

As speculation continues around Akshaye Khanna’s exit from Drishyam 3, director Abhishek Pathak opens up about the controversy, shortly after producer Kumar Mangat Pathak spoke about the issue. Setting the record straight, Abhishek confirms that the film will move ahead with Jaideep Ahlawat. “No, Jaideep is not replacing Akshaye. I’m writing a new character,” Abhishek clarifies.

The director also shares how the film’s lead, Ajay Devgn, has reacted to the issue. “He left it to me completely. Anyway, it’s more about me, Akshaye and the production. So, I would rather leave that aspect of how we dealt with it out.”

Talking about Akshaye’s exit, Abhishek says, “All this happened after the contract was signed in November. He left the movie five days before it was going on the floors. The look was locked, costumes were getting made, the narration had happened and he loved the story.” He says the first disagreement arose when Akshaye wanted to wear a wig.

“My film starts from the point where it ended. I couldn’t have him in the courtroom in the afternoon and in the evening he comes back with hair. How is it possible? That was the point I explained and convinced him. A few days later, this came up again and that’s when we said we will work it out,” shares Abhishek.

Reflecting on Akshaye’s decision to leave Drishyam 3, Abhishek says, “Kumar Mangat earlier told us that Akshaye left the film a day before Dhurandar’s release, stressing that it wasn’t because of money matters.”

Addressing reports suggesting that Akshaye demanded Rs. 21 crore for the film, Abhishek replies, “He is putting out those rumours! I do not want to talk about the amount we eventually locked. Yes, the commercials were revisited, but we somehow worked it out and reached a figure that was mutually agreed upon. Then the contract was signed and after that, all this drama started.”

Abhishek believes the actor’s decisions were influenced by external voices. “I think it’s just that people around him started telling him that he’ll become a superstar and he should now look at something which is all about him. So, I wish him all the best, and would say – try to do a solo film now.”

Asked whether he attempted to resolve the issue, Abhishek says, “When he doesn’t have an answer, then he doesn’t know what to say. That’s something very stupid because we have known each other for a very long time. I stopped (trying to resolve the issue) because I thought there’s no point talking to this person right now, he’s on some other planet.”

Talking about the success of Dhurandhar, Abhishek says, “It’s a great film. It’s doing great numbers and everyone is happy in the industry. But it is a team effort. Be it Chhaava or Dhurandhar, it’s a team effort of the writer, director, actors and a lot of other people involved. It’s not about one person.”

De De Pyaar De 2’s successful run at the box office has brought much joy to Rakul Preet Singh. What has made her happier is that she held her own in the family entertainer opposite strong performers like Ajay Devgn and R Madhavan.

“I didn’t feel apprehensive when I was approached for the movie, even though Ajay and Madhavan are brilliant actors. There was never a fear of getting overshadowed as I have craved opportunities that put me in front of good actors. That enhances one’s abilities to perform. In fact, I was excited to work with them,” she smiles.

Director Anshul Sharma’s film follows the hilarity that ensues when Singh’s character brings home her much-older love interest, played by Devgn, to introduce to her parents. De De Pyaar De 2 is the latest addition to the many feel-good films that Singh has fronted in the last few years, including Mere Husband Ki Biwi and Thank God (2022). As much as she enjoys the girl-next-door roles, the actor is now keen to shift gears.

She shares, “I have always wanted to break the glamorous and girl-next-door image because I don’t want to be put in a box where people think I can only do mainstream cinema. I would love to experiment with different genres — romance, intense  roles, action movies, historical dramas, and biopics. I hope I get the opportunity to play different roles and go absolutely de-glam if I have to for a film.”

While ‘De De Pyaar De 2’ is Rakul Preet Singh’s first collaboration with R Madhavan, it marks her fourth outing with Ajay Devgn after ‘De De Pyaar De’ (2019), ‘Runway 34’ (2022), and ‘Thank God’ (2022).

One franchise after another appears to dominate Ajay Devgn’s calendar. Last week, mid-day reported that the superstar is scheduled to begin filming Drishyam 3 in December (Rules apply in this remake, Oct 8). Now, we have learnt that as soon as it’s a wrap on the crime drama, the actor will kick off Golmaal 5 in March 2026.

Devgn has apparently begun preliminary prep for Drishyam 3, which will see him reprise his role of Vijay Salgaonkar alongside co-stars Tabu, Shriya Saran, and Rajat Kapoor.

A source close to the production told us, “Director Abhishek Pathak wants to ensure that the storytelling is as taut as the first two parts. The team plans to begin shooting in Goa by December and wrap up by March 2026.” Rumours also suggest that Paresh Rawal has joined the cast.

Then it will be time for the superstar to dive into the mad world of Rohit Shetty’s Golmaal 5 with franchise regulars Arshad Warsi, Tusshar Kapoor, Shreyas Talpade, and Kunal Kemmu. Shetty, who is shooting his Rakesh Maria biopic with John Abraham, is expected to complete it by the year-end.

Even as Golmaal 5’s script is being fine-tuned, the makers are simultaneously in advanced talks with Kareena Kapoor Khan to return as the female lead, marking her reunion with Devgn and Shetty after Singham Again (2024).

The insider added, “Kareena shares great chemistry with Ajay. Since she led Golmaal Returns [2008] and Golmaal 3 [2010], her presence brings a nostalgic charm. The cast will be finalized by December-end.”

Hindi cinema hasn’t quite explored the genre of action creature films. Siddhant Chaturvedi’s next, an ambitious film  by Netflix India, was to fill that gap. However, mid-day has now learnt that the project has been shelved. Sources revealed that budgeting became an issue for the film, which was to be helmed by debutant director Neha Sharma.

Tentatively titled Ramree, the two-hero movie was reportedly set in 1945 and to be produced by Ajay Devgn. A source said, “Work on the film had been going on for over a year. Given the subject and the period setting, it was an expensive project. For an OTT film, this would have set a benchmark in scale and imagination, but budget constraints caught up with it. Even though the platform heads were excited about the story, there was too much at stake financially. So, they decided to not move forward with it.”

Another insider shared that a movie being put on pause is a common occurrence in the streaming world, where a project is considered greenlit in the true sense only when it goes on floors.

“Ramree was an idea in development that did not move forward, a natural part of the creative process where multiple concepts are explored. While some take shape, some don’t,” added the source.

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Neha Sharma, who previously wrote ‘The Zoya Factor’ (2019) and ‘Tere Bin Laden: Dead or Alive’ (2016), was to turn director with this project

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Reports suggest that the two-hero film, tentatively titled ‘Ramree’, was to star Mohit Raina alongside Siddhant Chaturvedi

October 2 is a date that holds significance for fans of Ajay Devgn’s Drishyam franchise. In keeping with the date’s relevance to the crime drama, the actor and the makers wanted to unveil Drishyam 3’s announcement teaser on October 2. However, it looks like they faced an unlikely hurdle from the original’s makers, writer and director Jeethu Joseph, and producer Antony Perumbavoor.

It turns out that a one-minute-25-second teaser was cut for the announcement, but the unveiling was postponed. A source says that while producer Kumar Mangat Pathak cited the background music not being ready as the reason for the teaser’s delay, there is more to the story.

“There is an understanding between the makers of the Malayalam franchise, Jeethu and Antony, and the Hindi remake’s producer Kumar Mangat. Apparently, one of the adaptation clauses states that the Hindi team cannot make any announcement about their film’s content without the permission of the original’s makers,” says the source.

Work on the Malayalam Drishyam 3 has begun with Mohanlal kicking off the shoot on September 22 (Georgekutty in action, Sept 23). In contrast, Devgn will begin the crime drama, which will be helmed by Abhishek Pathak, in December.

“After Mohanlal announced the shoot, the Hindi counterpart’s makers announced that their film would release on October 2, 2026. This sudden date announcement did not go down well with Antony and Jeethu. Following this episode, the clause came into effect,” adds the source.

Even before Devgn’s adaptation has gone on floors, there appears to be friction between the stakeholders of the two versions. What’s the cause? We’re told it’s rooted in the Hindi remake.

The source reveals, “The original plan was that all the three versions — Malayalam, Hindi, and Telugu starring Mohanlal, Ajay, and Venkatesh respectively — would be released on October 2, 2026, simultaneously. They were to be directed by Jeethu. But Kumar Mangat wanted his son Abhishek to helm the Hindi outing as Drishyam 2 [2022], directed by him, was a blockbuster. That led to a difference of opinion. Now, Antony and Jeethu are keen to release the Malayalam offering before the Hindi counterpart.” 

mid-day reached out to Kumar Mangat, Joseph, and Perumbavoor, who didn’t respond till press time.

The cast of Ranger — Ajay Devgn, Sanjay Dutt, and Tamannaah Bhatia — are heading to Thailand next once the first shooting schedule wraps in Mumbai.

A source tells us, “Jagan (Shakti, director) and the cast are finishing the Mumbai schedule and will soon head for the second schedule in Thailand. The shoot involves important sequences of the film.”

The film is touted as a jungle adventure drama, with Ajay playing a forest officer who stands up against poaching, while Sanjay plays the antagonist. Tamannaah is the female lead, though details about her character remain under wraps.

Recently, Ajay and Tamannaah — reuniting onscreen after 2013’s Himmatwala — also shot a song in Mumbai. “The song, choreographed by Ganesh Acharya, required Ajay to shoot while drinking alcohol, but he cheated the sequences with black coffee instead,” says the source.

(From left) Ajay Devgn and J P Thuminad

Ajay Devgn has always kept an eye on the South Indian film industry, cherry-picking some of its popular movies for their Hindi adaptations. Now, the superstar is taking his association further by teaming up with Kannada director J P Thuminad for his next. mid-day has learnt that the actor is in talks with the director for a Hindi film that will be backed by KVN Productions, which is producing Priyadarshan’s Haiwaan, and Yash’s Toxic: A Fairy Tale for Grown-ups.

From what we’ve heard, the superstar apparently has also been approached by Mythri Movie Makers, which backed the Pushpa franchise, and Sun Pictures that has rolled out many hits including the recent Coolie.

A source reveals, “While Ajay’s discussions with Mythri and Sun Pictures are at the initial stage, his talks with KVN Productions have turned into something concrete. They have zeroed in on a horror comedy to be directed by J P Thuminad. He recently helmed the Kannada hit, Su From So.”

Devgn is currently completing Dhamaal 4, which will be followed by the shoot of Ranger. If his collaboration with Thuminad materializes, it will mark the maiden horror comedy for the actor who has fronted horror offerings like Bhoot (2003), Kaal (2004), and Shaitaan (2024). While his Golmaal Again (2017) was a supernatural comedy, it didn’t have horror elements.

The source adds, “Ajay recently watched Su From So and loved it so much that he invited J P Thuminad to Mumbai. They met earlier this month and discussed the story. While Ajay has liked it, he will give his nod after reading the script. If all goes well, the actor, who will begin Drishyam 3’s shoot in October, may line up Thuminad’s film right after.”