Let’s move on, shall we?
It seems Junaid Khan is finally shaking off the lull of his last outing, Loveyapa. His next film, Mere Raho, is set to release on December 12. Backed by Aamir Khan Productions, the romantic drama pairs him with acclaimed South star Sai Pallavi. Directed by Sunil Pandey and produced by Mansoor Khan along with Aamir Khan, the film unfolds against Japan’s snowy landscapes, also featuring the famed Sapporo Snow Festival. Originally rumoured to be titled Ek Din, the film faced delays in 2024 thanks to a snowstorm but has since wrapped up smoothly. For Junaid — who debuted with YRF’s Maharaj (2024) on OTT and stumbled with Loveyapa — this marks a crucial theatrical comeback. Mere Raho arrives just a week after Ranveer Singh’s Dhurandhar and Vishal Bhardwaj’s next with Shahid Kapoor.
Let’s bring back love
(L-R) Vaani Kapoor and Fawad Khan in ‘Aabeer Gulaal’
The romcom Aabeer Gulaal, starring Pakistani star Fawad Khan and Indian actor Vaani Kapoor, made its global debut on September 12, but skipped Indian cinemas due to political tensions after the Pahalgam terror attack. Now, reports suggest that the film will arrive in India on September 26. The makers remain confident it can charm audiences despite the delay. Directed by Aarti S Bagdi, with music by Amit Trivedi and lyrics by Kumaar, the film is bound to leave an impact being the only film to release on September 26. Aarti confirmed the India release by sharing the update on her Instagram Stories. Need we say more?
Cutting the drama
Karisma Kapoor
Karisma Kapoor is not a plaintiff in the inheritance battle involving her children, Samaira and Kiaan, against her ex-husband Sunjay Kapur’s widow, Priya Sachdev. Her lawyer, Mahesh Jethmalani, clarified on Republic TV, “Karisma Kapoor doesn’t want anything for herself. The entire aim of this litigation is to secure her children.” While Priya claimed the will grants R1,900 crore to the children from Sunjay’s reported R30,000 crore estate, Mahesh countered, “Nobody is doing us a favour.” Sunjay’s mother, Rani Kapur, has also challenged the will. The Delhi High Court will hear the case in October.
Spicing up Lucknow launch
(Clockwise) Aaishvary Thackeray, Vedika Pinto, and Anurag Kashyap arriving at Gaiety Galaxy
Anurag Kashyap unveiled the poster of his upcoming film Nishaanchi in Lucknow on Friday (September 12), making a filmi entry at Pratibha singleplex on an open jeep with debutant Aaishvary Thackeray and actor Vedika Pinto. The crowd erupted as the track Filam Dekho played in the background. Anurag called the film “a good mix of spices,” adding, “Sabhi masale sahi maatra mein hone zaroori hai — the director, writer, actors and team are equal in contributing.” Aaishvary, who plays twin brothers Babloo and Dabloo, declared Lucknow his karmabhoomi, while Vedika urged fans to root for her turn as Rangeeli Rinki. Also starring Monika Panwar, Mohammed Zeeshan Ayyub, and Kumud Mishra, Nishaanchi was shot in the city across two schedules.
Getting RGV’s nod
A still from ‘Mirai’ starring Teja Sajja; (right) Ram Gopal Varma
Mirai, the much-hyped superhero spectacle starring Teja Sajja, hit cinemas on Friday, September 12, and has been showered with rave reviews. Critics and audiences alike have praised its performances, VFX, and gripping storytelling. Filmmaker Ram Gopal Varma joined the applause, posting on X, “A big shoutout to Teja Sajja, Karthik Gatta, and Vishwa Prasad for delivering an industry hit! Not since Baahubali did I hear such unanimous praise for any other film, Mirai. Both the VFX and the narrative grip are of Hollywood standard (sic).” Fans echoed the buzz, with one calling it “Hollywood-level stuff” and another hailing it as a “game-changer.” Directed by Karthik Gattamneni, the film also stars Manchu Manoj, Ritika Nayak, and Jagapathi Babu.
