Mature love story in the making
Actors Dia Mirza and Rahul Bhat are set to share the screen for the first time in an untitled Indo-German love story directed by filmmaker Kanwal Sethi. Produced by Kovid Gupta Films, the project reportedly explores “love and human emotions through a mature and soulful lens,” blending poetic storytelling with realism. Rahul, fresh from his acclaimed roles in Black Warrant and Kennedy (2023), will also appear in The Wives and make his Hollywood debut with Lost & Found in Kumbh. Dia, known for her “grace and emotional authenticity,” joins him in what is said to be a “lyrical exploration of modern love.” Details on the title, supporting cast, and release are yet to be announced.
One big happy comedy
Superstar Akshay Kumar is reportedly set to reunite with director Anees Bazmee after 15 years for a new family comedy-drama. We have learnt that the film is an original story, produced by Telugu veteran Dil Raju. The buzz is that the project is currently in pre-production, filming is expected to begin in February 2026. Casting for the female lead and ensemble is underway. The upcoming collaboration marks their fourth after Welcome (2007), Singh Is Kinng (2008), and Thank You (2011). With Bazmee’s No Entry 2 reportedly delayed, industry insiders are eager for the duo’s family entertainer.
On OTT, but with a clause
Rishab Shetty’s Kantara: The Legend Chapter 1, the prequel to the blockbuster Kantara (2022), will stream globally on Prime Video from October 31. The film will available in Kannada, with Tamil, Telugu, and Malayalam versions available over 200 countries. Hombale Films has however clarified that the Hindi version will arrive on OTT only after completing an eight-week theatrical run, following the strategy that ensured the film’s success in cinemas. Written, directed, and fronted by Rishab, the mythological action thriller also stars Gulshan Devaiah. The film has reportedly crossed the R816 crore mark at the worldwide box-office, making it the most successful Indian movie of 2025.
All heart for item numbers
Bollywood’s dance numbers have “come a long way,” evolving from pure spectacle to more meaningful storytelling, according to actor and dancer Malaika Arora. In an interview with The Hollywood Reporter, she observed that special songs today are “less about being provocative and more about performance and presence.” “Earlier, they were mostly about glamour and spectacle, often detached from a woman’s individuality,” she said, adding that filmmakers are now “more conscious” about context and representation. Acknowledging that item songs have often been linked to the male gaze, she explained, “I’ve always looked at them differently. For me, dance is about confidence, expression, and celebrating the art.”
Actor Siddharth marked wife Aditi Rao Hydari’s 46th birthday with a heartfelt poem and unseen photos, calling her his “greatest strength.” Sharing a string of loved-up pictures on Instagram, he wrote, “My love was born today. Wherever I go you go with me. Thank you for being born. Thank you for this life.” Aditi replied, “My Siddhu bestest! Come back soon (sic),” leaving fans gushing over their affection. The couple, who met during Maha Samudram (2021), married in a private ceremony in Telangana in 2024.
