Filmmakers Raj Nidimoru and Krishna DK raised eyebrows after a series of cryptic post on their joint X account on Wednesday afternoon.

The creators of shows such as The Family Man and Farzi, among others, wrote that they were “putting their heads down” after being “thrown under the bus” but did not specify what they were referring to. However, Raj and DK’s post comes a day after a Bollywood Hungama report claimed that streaming platform Prime Video was shelving their new show, Gulkanda Tales after their next film, Rakt Brahmand was beset by financial difficulties.

According to Peeping Moon, a Rakt Bramhand executive producer is facing accusations of financial theft on set, after an undisclosed amount (thought to be approximately Rs. 2 crore to Rs. 3 crore) was allegedly stolen from the production.

Raj and DK shared several pictures of them on various sets, accompanied by a long note. They wrote, “Every now and then something happens to shake things up. And you have a choice on how to react. For us that choice of reaction has always been clear — to just put our heads down and continue doing what we have been doing. Work harder. Do better. It is also a reminder to take stock of where we are at (sic).”

The duo also seemed to take a dig at unknown individuals. “S**t will keep happening… someone will steal, someone will throw you under the bus… To break new ground and keep coming to you with new, original stories. That’s been the promise,” they said.

The note ended with the duo addressing cancellation rumours: “Next up: Rakt Brahmand on Netflix; and Gulkanda Tales and The Family Man 3 on Prime.”

On Tuesday, Bollywood Hungama reported that Amazon Prime Video had shelved Gulkanda Tales, the duo’s ambitious upcoming show. Peeping Moon had reported separately that the executive producer of their other show - Rakt Brahmand - is now facing accusations of financial theft on set, with an undisclosed amount ranging from Rs. 2–3 crore allegedly stolen from the production.

Patralekhaa has been a part of the industry for 10 years now and feels it’s going to be her year, as “it’s the product of seven years of hard work”. The actor is looking forward to four projects including films Phule, IC814: The Kandahar Hijack, Wild Wild Punjab and web series Gulkanda Tales. Calling it “one of the busiest phases” in her career, she adds, “I have been working hard to reach this stage. It required a lot of patience and perseverance.”

The 34-year-old, who has been a part of films like Love Games (2016), Nanu Ki Jaanu (2018) and Badnaam Gali (2019), credits OTT for getting her interesting opportunities. Web shows like Bose: Dead/Alive, Main Hero Boll Raha Hu and Aar Ya Paar got her recognition for her acting skills.

“I am glad with OTT, there’s varied content and diverse roles. When I met directors, they told me to try getting work on OTT. (Filmmakers) Raj and DK were the first ones who got me on board for Gulkanda Tales,” she says, adding, she’s been working non-stop for the last two years.

Patralekhaa admits the lack of offers used to bother her initially: “I had nobody to lean on in the film industry. But I caught up. That’s what patience and perseverance brings to the table.” Her professional life rose post her wedding to actor Rajkummar Rao. She quips, “I feel I should’ve got married much earlier.”

There was a time when female actors’ marital status dictated the number of offers they got. Patralekhaa credits a change in that to her fellow actors: “Kareena (Kapoor Khan), Deepika (Padukone) and Anushka (Sharma) have broken the norms. I don’t think marriage is seen as a hindrance anymore.”

Pankaj Tripathi has kept a low profile in the year so far. The actor admits that staying away from the limelight was a deliberate move. “Since I was seen a lot on screen over the last two years, it was a conscious decision to take a step back. I am a low-key person. I just work and head back home. I have many projects releasing in the second half of 2023. So, I thought it is better for me to keep it low-key in the first half of the year,” Tripathi tells us.

The 46-year-old adds that with projects like Gulkanda Tales, Mirzapur season 3, OMG 2, Fukrey 3, Murder Mubarak, Father and Metro... In Dino releasing this year, “work-wise, everything is on track”. Sharing what kept him busy, the actor says that contributing towards the development of his village, Belsand (Bihar), over the last few months gave him a lot of satisfaction:

“The school where I studied was a primary school. Since it has now become secondary, it needed some work. So, the principal reached out to me. That’s how I got involved in bettering its infrastructure. I also got a solar system installed.”

Tripathi adds, “The main reason for me to get involved was to inspire the students studying there. I also helped them build a library.”

The actor feels it’s his way of staying connected to his roots. “It was important for me to contribute towards the development of my village because my life’s foundation was laid there. Whenever I get time, I head to Belsand. My parents still stay there. Last year, I supervised the planting of 500 trees in the area with the help of the local authorities. It gave me satisfaction,” he ends.