BY SUNIT JANGIR

Mumbai, February 24 - The Kerala Story 2: Goes Beyond has cleared the censor ahead of its theatrical release. According to the reports, the film has been granted a U/A certificate by the Central Board of Film Certification after the makers agreed to carry out 15 cuts and modifications suggested by the board. As per the certification details, the CBFC asked the filmmakers to reduce the duration and intensity of certain sensitive visuals, including lip-lock scenes and disturbing sexual content. Portions depicting violence and abuse were also trimmed, while a few dialogues were modified to soften their impact. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}) The censor board also instructed the makers to include an updated disclaimer, reiterating that the film is inspired by events and does not intend to target any community. These changes were mandatory before the film could receive its U/A certification, allowing viewers under 12 years to watch it with parental guidance. Following the cuts, the final theatrical runtime of The Kerala Story 2: Goes Beyond stands at 131 minutes and 24 seconds, translating to approximately 2 hours, 11 minutes. This makes it the slighly shorter than the first film, which was 2 hours and 18 minutes long. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}) Much like its predecessor, The Kerala Story 2 has already attracted attention due to its subject matter. With the censor clearance now in place, the film is set to move ahead with its release plans, even as discussions around its content continue within the industry and among audiences. It is scheduled to be released on February 27. Stay tuned...

BY SACNILK TEAM

Mumbai, February 23 - Filmmaker Ali Abbas Zafar has officially confirmed his next directorial venture, and it will feature Saiyaara breakout star Ahaan Panday in the lead role. The project is a high-voltage action-romance backed by Yash Raj Films, marking Zafar's return to the banner after several successful collaborations in the past. The confirmation came after Ali Abbas Zafar shared a photo with Ahaan Panday on social media, hinting at the film's theme with the caption, "Power isn't given... It's taken." The post quickly went viral, making it the first direct acknowledgement from the filmmaker about the collaboration. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}) Power Isn’t Given … Its TAKEN . Let’s Roll 🔥 #AhaanPanday pic.twitter.com/0xt8P1Yveu— ali abbas zafar (@aliabbaszafar) February 23, 2026 The film is currently in advanced pre-production and is expected to go on floors by the end of March 2026. Major portions of the shoot are planned in Mumbai, with an international schedule, reportedly in London, being lined up for large-scale action sequences. The makers are aiming to wrap up principal photography by mid-2026. The yet-to-be-titled film is described as an action-romance designed to position Ahaan Panday as a mainstream commercial hero after his debut in Saiyaara. The film features Sharvari Wagh as the female lead, while Aaishvary Thackeray is said to be playing the antagonist. With Ali Abbas Zafar known for mounting big-canvas entertainers and Yash Raj Films backing the project, expectations are already high. Stay tuned...

BY SUNIT JANGIR

Mumbai, February 23 - Yash Raj Films has once again proved that big screen cinema remains the ultimate choice for its movies with Alia Bhatt's spy action thriller Alpha, which was postponed from December 2025 due to pending work. Alpha has been under immense pressure to deliver at the box office after the underperformance of the last two Spy Universe films from Yash Raj Films. Recently, it was reported that the studio was looking for an option to release the film directly on a digital platform, bypassing theatrical release. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}) However, the latest development suggests there is no truth in the direct-to-digital release reports. According to the report by Variety India, Netflix offered a massive 215 crore deal to secure the exclusive digital release of Alpha, but Aditya Chopra-led studio rejected it to keep Alia Bhatt-starrer a theatrical first watch. In an official statement to Variety India, the YRF spokesperson explains, "Yash Raj Films will never put films from its theatrical slate directly to streaming. We are a studio that takes immense pride in making cinematic experiences, and that Alpha is a tentpole movie for the company". (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}) This is not the first time YRF has rejected such big offers to sell its movies for direct-to-ott release. Earlier during the COVID days, the studio stood firm with the theatrical sector despite the uncertainty over big screen cinema, and it has once again shown the courage to do the same despite a lucrative offer. Directed by Shiv Rawail of The Railway Man, Alpha is the 7th film in the YRF Spy Universe. It also stars Sharvari Wagh and Bobby Deol in the key roles and is expected to have a cameo appearance of Hrithik Roshan's Kabir. The new release date is yet to be locked. Stay tuned...

BY SUNIT JANGIR

Chennai, February 23 - After months of speculation, Kaithi 2 is once again in the spotlight. The sequel to the 2019 cult action thriller Kaithi remains one of the most anticipated projects in the Lokesh Cinematic Universe (LCU), and recent developments have clarified its current status. Director Lokesh Kanagaraj has clearly stated that Kaithi 2 is not shelved, putting to rest rumours about the film being cancelled or indefinitely stalled. According to the filmmaker, the sequel is very much on his priority list, but scheduling issues have delayed its progress. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}) Now, a fresh development has occurred, hinting that an official announcement of the film might finally be around the corner. In a major update, Dream Warrior Pictures, the production house backing the film, has reportedly censored a 30-second promo titled Dilli. This development has sparked strong speculation that the makers have locked Dilli as the official title of Kaithi 2, named after Dilli, played by Karthi. According to industry rumours, the official announcement of the film is expected on March 14, which coincides with director Lokesh Kanagaraj's birthday. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}) However, despite the announcement buzz, the film's shooting is not expected to begin immediately. The biggest reason behind the delay is Lokesh Kanagaraj's packed lineup. The director is currently committed to a large-scale pan-Indian project with Allu Arjun, which is expected to be completed before he moves on to Kaithi 2. Once that film wraps up, the sequel starring Karthi is expected to finally move into active development. The bottom line is, Kaithi 2 is still happening, but fans will need to be patient. With no shooting date or release window announced yet, the sequel is likely to go on floors only after Lokesh Kanagaraj completes his current commitments. Until then, the return of Dilli remains delayed—but very much alive. Stay tuned...

BY SACNILK TEAM

Mumbai, February 23 - Sunny Deol's much-anticipated period drama Lahore 1947 has reportedly sparked discussions around a possible title change ahead of its theatrical release. The film, which marks Deol's reunion with director Rajkumar Santoshi after years, is set to release on Independence Day this year. Lahore 1947 is produced by Aamir Khan and is set against the backdrop of India's Partition, one of the most sensitive and defining chapters in the country's history. According to reports, the team feels that a new title might better communicate the film's core themes to a wider audience, especially considering the subject's emotional and historical weight. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}) Interestingly, Sunny Deol himself has addressed the speculation recently, hinting that while a title change is being discussed, the film may also retain its original name. This indicates that the makers are still weighing their options and will take a final call very soon. The film is an adaptation of the acclaimed play Jis Lahore Nai Vekhya, O Jamya E Nai and also stars Preity Zinta, Ali Fazal, and Shabana Azmi in key roles. Slated for release around Independence Day 2026, Lahore 1947 is expected to be a hard-hitting, emotionally driven narrative. Whether the title changes or not, the film remains one of the most-awaited projects in Sunny Deol’s upcoming lineup. Stay tuned...

BY SACNILK TEAM

Mumbai, February 23 - The Hindi remake of the Malayalam blockbuster Premalu is reportedly in development. The original film, which was released in 2024, emerged as one of the most loved romantic comedies of the year, especially among younger audiences and went on to become a big box office blockbuster. According to the latest reports, the Hindi remake will feature Veer Pahariya as the male lead. Veer, who has been gradually building his presence in Bollywood, is expected to step into a role inspired by Naslen's character from the original film. The project is being positioned as a youthful, urban rom-com, staying true to the tone and charm that made Premalu such a massive success in Malayalam. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}) The female lead in the remake will reportedly be played by Aafia Syed, marking her Bollywood debut. It is said that the makers were keen on casting a relatively fresh face to retain the innocence and relatability that defined the original love story. The shooting schedule is expected to kick off very soon. The original Premalu, directed by Girish A D, had also found success through its Hindi-dubbed OTT release, which further boosted demand for a full-fledged Hindi remake. With romance-driven films once again finding favour at the box office, the Hindi adaptation of Premalu can spring a surprise. Stay tuned...

BY SUNIT JANGIR

Mumbai, February 23 - Rumours around Emraan Hashmi's alleged involvement in Dhurandhar: The Revenge have been doing the rounds on social media, leaving fans curious about whether the actor has secretly joined the much-anticipated sequel. Speculation gained momentum after a screenshot of the film's cast list from Letterboxd went viral on X. The image showed Hashmi's name mentioned alongside the film's entire cast, instantly sparking rumours that the actor had quietly come on board the high-profile sequel. However, the latest verification has put these claims to rest. The viral screenshot in circulation is from an edited version of the Letterboxd page. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}) On checking the actual live page of Dhurandhar 2 on the platform, Emraan Hashmi's name does not appear in the cast list. Letterboxd is known for keeping authentic data, and hence, there is no truth behind Emraan Hashmi being a part of the much-awaited spy action thriller, unless the makers really have a surprise for the fans. While Emraan Hashmi is not a part of the film, his Haq co-star, Yami Gautam, seems to be playing a key role. There have been reliable reports confirming that the actress will play a crucial cameo role in her husband Aditya Dhar's directorial, and as for Letterboxd, it has also mentioned her name in the star cast. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}) Despite the growing noise, there has been no official confirmation from the makers of Dhurandhar 2 regarding the additional cast. Promotional material and industry reports continue to focus on the core cast led by Ranveer Singh, along with other established names already announced. Produced by Jio Studios and B62 Studios, Dhurandhar 2 will be the continuation of the first film, which etched its name in the history books with sensational box office performance. Released in December last year, the film went on to gross over 1300 crores worldwide and is among the highest-grossing Indian films of all time. Dhurandhar 2 will hit the big screens on March 19. Stay tuned...

BY CHRISTA LINCY

Legendary filmmaker Mani Ratnam is reportedly moving back to his roots—soulful romantic dramas. Following the release of his action-heavy spectacle Thug Life, industry buzz is at an all-time high regarding his next directorial venture. While an official announcement from Madras Talkies is still under wraps, multiple reports suggest that the project will feature a fresh and highly anticipated pairing: Vijay Sethupathi and Sai Pallavi. The road to finalising the lead cast for this untitled project has seen several high-profile shifts. Initially, rumors suggested that the script was intended for Silambarasan TR (STR), who previously worked with Mani Ratnam in the multi-starrer Chekka Chivantha Vaanam. Later, reports indicated that Dhruv Vikram and Rukmini Vasanth were the frontrunners for what was described as a cop-based love story. However, the latest industry updates confirm that the project has now evolved into a lead vehicle for Vijay Sethupathi.If these reports hold true, this will mark the second collaboration between VJS and Mani Ratnam.Interestingly, Sai Pallavi is said to have joined the project as the female lead, marking her first-ever collaboration with both the director and Vijay Sethupathi—a pairing that fans have long desired to see on the silver screen. Departing from the historical grandiosity of Ponniyin Selvan and the gritty action of Thug Life, Mani Ratnam's next is being described as a soft romantic entertainer or a romantic drama centered on human emotions. While some sources still hint at a cop love story background, the primary focus is expected to be on the intricate dynamics of a modern-day relationship. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({})   In what has become an inseparable cinematic partnership, AR Rahman is locked to compose the music. Sources close to the production suggest that the Mozart of Madras has already begun work on the soundtrack, with some tracks reportedly nearing completion. The film is also expected to feature the visual brilliance of cinematographer Ravi Varman, ensuring the Mani Ratnam aesthetic remains as captivating as ever. According to trade insiders, a special photoshoot involving the lead pair reportedly took place in late 2025 to test their on-screen chemistry.The film is expected to go on floors in the first quarter of 2026, likely by March or April, after Vijay Sethupathi completes his current commitments. A grand official announcement is anticipated to drop in the coming days.

BY CHRISTA LINCY

The global anticipation for Rocking Star Yash's upcoming magnum opus, Toxic: A Fairy Tale for Grown-Ups, has officially entered its final countdown.In a major move to consolidate its dominance across South India, KVN Productions has confirmed that E4 Entertainment has secured the theatrical distribution rights for the state of Kerala. This partnership, announced with the tagline The Footprint expands; the Fury, just as intense, marks a significant expansion in the film's regional footprint. E4 Entertainment is expected to mount the widest-ever release for a non-Malayalam film in the state, capitalizing on the immense popularity Yash gained post the KGF phenomenon. The Footprint expands; the Fury, just as intense.@E4Emovies Unleashing #Toxic : A Fairy Tale for Grown-Ups in KeralaToxic In Cinemas Worldwide from 19-03-2026#ToxicTheMovie#ToxicOnMarch19th @TheNameIsYash#Nayanthara @advani_kiara@humasqureshi @rukminitweets… pic.twitter.com/63rN8Lf23q— KVN Productions (@KvnProductions) February 23, 2026 In the neighboring Telugu states, the film has already rewritten history.Dil Raju's Sri Venkateswara Creations (SVC) acquired the distribution rights for Andhra Pradesh and Telangana for a record-shattering ₹120 crore advance.This deal stands as the highest-ever valuation for a non-Telugu origin film in the region, comfortably surpassing previous benchmarks.Trade analysts note that the fierce bidding war among three major distributors for these rights highlights the unprecedented confidence the industry has in Yash's ability to draw audiences across linguistic borders. On the international stage, Toxic has reached another milestone by securing one of the largest overseas acquisitions in the history of Indian cinema.Phars Film has bagged the theatrical rights for the Indian-language versions (Kannada, Hindi, Telugu, Tamil, and Malayalam) for a staggering ₹105 crore advance.It is important to note that this deal excludes the English version of the film, which was shot simultaneously and is currently being negotiated with a major global Hollywood studio for a standalone international rollout. This multi-language and multi-version approach is designed to position Toxic as a truly global cinematic event. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({})   Directed by the National Award-winning Geetu Mohandas, the film is a period gangster saga set in Goa between the 1940s and 1970s. The star-studded ensemble features Nayanthara, Kiara Advani, Huma Qureshi, Tara Sutaria, and Rukmini Vasanth in pivotal roles, with Mollywood superstar Tovino Thomas reported to play the primary antagonist.The film's high-octane action is being choreographed by Hollywood's JJ Perry (John Wick fame) and the National Award-winning Anbariv duo, ensuring a visual spectacle that matches its massive ₹600 crore budget. Adding to the film's robust pre-release profile, Zee Music Company has officially bagged the global music rights for the soundtrack composed by the trio of Ravi Basrur, Vishal Mishra, and Tanishk Bagchi. Scheduled for a grand worldwide release on March 19, 2026, Toxic is timed to coincide with the festive window of Ugadi, Gudi Padwa, and Eid-al-Fitr.The film is set for a historic box office face-off against Ranveer Singh's Dhurandhar 2: The Revenge, a clash that is expected to define the commercial landscape of Indian cinema in 2026.

BY SACNILK TEAM

Mumbai, February 22 - Filmmaker Sriram Raghavan has addressed the controversy surrounding the strongly worded disclaimer shown at the end of his war drama Ikkis. The disclaimer, which stated that Pakistan is "not trustworthy" despite the film portraying a humane Pakistani military officer, triggered intense debate on social media soon after the film's release. Speaking to The Wire in a recent conversation, Raghavan clarified that he was personally unhappy with the inclusion of the disclaimer. The director explained that the film itself aimed to highlight humanity amid conflict, especially through the character of a compassionate Pakistani brigadier. According to him, the added text diluted the emotional impact of the narrative and went against the tone he intended to leave audiences with at the end of the film. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}) The disclaimer at the end of Ikkis reads, "The humane treatment of Pakistani Brigadier K.M. Nisar is an exceptional case. Otherwise, our neighbouring country is not at all trustworthy. Pakistani forces have treated our soldiers and civilians with extreme cruelty and inhumanity, both in war and peacetime. They have blatantly violated the Geneva Conventions by torturing them on numerous occasions. Given the terrorist activities sponsored by Pakistan, as concerned citizens, we need to remain vigilant and prepared." (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}) Raghavan further revealed that the disclaimer was added at the insistence of producer Dinesh Vijan, and not by his own choice. Drawing parallels with past experiences, the director mentioned how post-credit additions can sometimes disrupt a film's closing sentiment, noting that he prefers letting viewers interpret the story without being guided by overt messaging. Starring Agastya Nanda alongside Dharmendra and Jaideep Ahlawat, Ikkis has largely been appreciated for its restrained storytelling and human-centric approach to war. However, the disclaimer controversy has overshadowed some of that praise, sparking discussions about creative freedom versus external pressures in politically sensitive films. Stay tuned...

BY SACNILK TEAM

Mumbai, February 23 - The Indian Manipuri-language film Boong has scripted history by winning the BAFTA Award for Best Children's & Family Film at the BAFTA Awards 2026, held in London. The landmark win marks a rare and proud moment for regional Indian cinema on one of the world's most prestigious global platforms. Directed by Lakshmipriya Devi, Boong emerged victorious against strong international contenders, including big-budget titles like Zootopia 2, Arco, and Lilo & Stitch, underlining the universal appeal of its intimate and emotionally rooted storytelling. The film's triumph is being hailed as a breakthrough moment for films from India's Northeast. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}) The film follows Boong, played by Gugun Kipgen, who wants to reunite his family. He believes bringing his missing father home would make his mother, Mandakini, happy again. With the help of his best friend Raju, Boong travels to the border town of Moreh and even crosses into Myanmar in search of his father. Backed by producers including Farhan Akhtar, Boong's BAFTA victory is now being celebrated as a defining chapter in Indian cinema's global journey, one that reinforces the growing international recognition of regional voices and culturally grounded narratives. Stay tuned...

BY SACNILK TEAM

Bengaluru, February 22 - The makers of Toxic: A Fairy Tale for Grown-Ups have locked a major deal ahead of the film's release, with Zee Music Company officially acquiring the music rights. Starring Yash, the pan-India action thriller has generated massive anticipation for its non-theatrical deals. The background score of Toxic has been composed by Ravi Basrur, who has also composed one of the songs in the film. Vishal Mishra has composed four songs, while Tanishk Bagchi has done song. With such a stellar lineup, the music of the film is expected to cater to multiple markets, aligning with the film's Pan-India and international ambitions. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}) The soundtrack is expected to play a key role in amplifying the film's dark, intense narrative, with the album being designed to appeal to audiences across languages and regions. With promotions expected to begin soon, the music is likely to be a major pillar in building momentum for the film ahead of its theatrical release. Meanwhile, the film's star cast has grown bigger with the addition of Sanjeeda Shaikh. The actress has reportedly joined Toxic in a special but important role, adding fresh intrigue to the ensemble. While details about her character remain tightly guarded, reports indicate that her presence will have narrative weight rather than being a fleeting cameo. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}) Directed by Geetu Mohandas, Toxic marks Yash's next ambitious outing after the KGF franchise. With its music rights secured by Zee Music and new cast members joining the lineup, the film continues to build strong buzz, positioning itself as one of the most-awaited Indian releases in the coming years. It is scheduled to release on March 19 in multiple languages. Stay tuned...