At the Netflix Tudum 2025 global fan event, Hanumankind, the Indian rapper and music sensation, kicked off the festivities with an electrifying opening performance that set the tone for an exciting lineup of reveals and showcases.
The high-energy act introduced the much-anticipated return of Squid Game, one of Netflix’s most-watched series globally. Hanumankind’s performance was bold, cinematic, and laced with the intense energy that mirrors the gripping, high-stakes world of Squid Game. With stunning visuals, pulsating beats, and a commanding stage presence, the performance blended music, visual storytelling, and suspense to tease the upcoming season.
The opening moment served as a cultural crossover—highlighting Netflix’s global ambitions by bringing Indian hip-hop flair to a Korean drama phenomenon, all under one roof.
Fans worldwide were left buzzing as Tudum 2025 began on a thrilling note, promising a powerful year ahead for Netflix originals.
Rajesh (1949–2025) Veteran Tamil actor Rajesh, known for his graceful screen presence and natural performances, passed away at 75 on May 29, 2025. Starting his journey as a teacher, he transitioned to cinema with a debut in Aval Oru Thodarkathai (1974) and rose to fame with Kanni Paruvathile (1979). Over five decades, he acted in 150+ films, including Sathya, Mahanadhi, and Virumaandi. Admired for his depth and dignity on screen, Rajesh leaves behind a lasting legacy in South Indian cinema.
The fourth season of Criminal Justice, titled Criminal Justice: A Family Matter, premiered today, May 29, 2025, on JioHotstar. This season continues the gripping legal drama with Pankaj Tripathi reprising his acclaimed role as Advocate Madhav Mishra. (Wikipedia)
Where to Watch
You can stream Criminal Justice: A Family Matter exclusively on JioHotstar. Please note that a subscription is required to access the series.
Plot Overview
In this season, Madhav Mishra takes on a complex case involving Raj Nagpal, who is found holding the body of a murdered nurse, Roshni Saluja, after his daughter’s birthday celebration. As the courtroom drama unfolds, hidden truths emerge, challenging perceptions and testing the limits of justice.
Cast Highlights
Pankaj Tripathi as Advocate Madhav Mishra
Mohammed Zeeshan Ayyub as Raj Nagpal
Surveen Chawla as Raj’s wife
Asha Negi as Roshni Saluja
Shweta Basu Prasad as Public Prosecutor Lekha Agastya
For generations of Indian cinema lovers, Hera Pheri is more than just a comedy — it’s cultural gold. So when Paresh Rawal, the iconic Babu Bhaiya, officially stepped away from Hera Pheri 3 in mid-May 2025, fans and industry insiders were stunned. What followed was a dramatic chain reaction involving legal notices, unfulfilled contracts, and a franchise seemingly caught in limbo.
The Exit That Shook Fans
On May 18, Paresh Rawal surprised fans with a statement on X, confirming his departure from the sequel. He emphasized that his exit wasn’t due to creative differences, expressing deep respect for director Priyadarshan and actor Akshay Kumar.
Legal Fireworks
Days later, Akshay Kumar’s production house, Cape of Good Films, hit back with a ₹25 crore legal notice, alleging financial damage caused by Rawal’s sudden withdrawal. The company claimed to have paid off debts and acquired rights from multiple stakeholders in preparation for reviving the franchise.
Priyadarshan’s Reluctance
In a candid interview, director Priyadarshan admitted he never intended to return to the franchise but was persuaded by Akshay. “I couldn’t say no to him,” he said, adding another layer of complexity to the project’s shaky foundation.
Paresh Rawal Responds
Rawal’s legal team rebutted the accusations, clarifying that no script, agreement, or finalized story had been shared with him. He also cited objections raised by original producer Firoz Nadiadwala regarding the sequel’s legitimacy. Rawal returned his ₹11 lakh signing amount with 15% interest — and a goodwill bonus.
The Real Problem: Missing Paperwork
According to Film Information, no final agreement existed between Rawal and the producers. The much-hyped promotional shoot was reportedly rushed, and franchise rights remain under dispute, further complicating matters.
Akshay Kumar Speaks
At a promotional event on May 27, Akshay diplomatically avoided direct confrontation, saying, “We’ve worked together for 30 years. He’s a great actor and a dear friend. This isn’t the right place to discuss it.”
The Verdict? With contracts missing, loyalties tested, and the franchise rights still unclear, the future of Hera Pheri 3 is more uncertain than ever. One thing is clear: in the age of legal contracts and billion-rupee investments, even beloved characters like Babu Bhaiya aren’t immune to the harsh realities of the film business.
Filmmaker Sandeep Reddy Vanga has taken to social media to seemingly criticize Bollywood actress Deepika Padukone following her abrupt exit from his upcoming film Spirit, which stars Prabhas in the lead role. Although he did not mention Deepika Padukone by name, his cryptic post on X (formerly Twitter) strongly hinted at her involvement in what he called “dirty PR games.”
Sandeep Reddy Vanga Calls Out ‘Dirty PR Games’
Late Monday night, Sandeep Reddy Vanga posted an emotionally charged message accusing an unnamed actress of breaking the unwritten trust between a director and an actor. He suggested that she had revealed parts of the story and undermined another actor.
“When I narrate a story to an actor, I place 100% faith. There is an unsaid NDA (Non-Disclosure Agreement) between us. But by doing this, you’ve ‘DISCLOSED’ the person that you are… Putting down a younger actor and ousting my story? Is this what your feminism stands for? As a filmmaker, I put years of hard work behind my craft & for me, filmmaking is everything. You didn’t get it. You won’t get it. You will never get it,” Vanga wrote.
He further added in Hindi:
“Aisa karo… Agli baar poori kahani bolna… kyunki mujhe jarra bhi farak nahi padtha. #dirtyPRgames. I like this kahawath very much 🙂 खुंदक में बिल्ली खंबा नोचे!”
Initial reports indicated that Sandeep Reddy Vanga had removed Deepika Padukone from Spirit due to her demanding terms. Sources suggest the actress requested an eight-hour workday, a high remuneration package, and a share in the film’s profits—terms that allegedly didn’t sit well with the filmmaker.
Deepika, who recently embraced motherhood, is reportedly seeking a work-life balance by reducing her working hours. This may have contributed to her decision to step away from Spirit, a film that would have marked her second collaboration with Prabhas after Kalki 2898 AD.
Triptii Dimri Replaces Deepika Padukone in Spirit
In a swift casting update, Triptii Dimri has been confirmed as the new female lead in Spirit. The actress took to social media over the weekend to share the news, posting the film’s title poster in multiple languages.
“Still sinking in… So grateful to be trusted with this journey. Thank you @sandeepreddy.vanga… Honoured to be a part of your vision,” Triptii wrote.
Final Thoughts
The fallout between Sandeep Reddy Vanga and Deepika Padukone has sparked conversations in the film industry, especially around professionalism, confidentiality, and gender dynamics. As the controversy unfolds, all eyes are now on Spirit—both for its cinematic promise and its off-screen drama.
At the 2025 Cannes Film Festival, several Bollywood men like Ishaan Khatter, Karan Johar and more made notable fashion statements on the red carpet.
They showcased a blend of traditional elegance and contemporary style. Let’s take a look at the Bollywood men and their Cannes looks.
Ishaan Khatter
1- Ishaan Khatter
Ishaan Khatter, recognized globally for his role in Netflix’s The Perfect Couple, made a stylish statement in a tailored bandhgala by designer Gaurav Gupta. His custom maroon velvet suit stood out with intricate knot embroidery detailing on the front.
Ishaan Khatter Cannes 2025 Look 1 taken from Instagram
For his second look at Cannes, Khatter exuded timeless elegance in a classic Giorgio Armani ensemble—blending vintage charm with a modern flair that was unmistakably his own.
Ishaan Khatter Cannes 2025 Look 2 taken from Instagram
2- Karan Johar
Karan Johar turned heads at Cannes in a luxurious silk velvet jacket by Rohit Bal, adorned with intricate rose motifs. Describing his look as ‘Blooming at Cannes’, Karan showcased Rohit Bal’s exquisite creation—an opulent velvet jacket embellished with delicate rose embroidery in soft pink and red hues. Meticulously crafted over 410 hours using silk threads and metallic sequins, the design embodied refined elegance and understated luxury.
Karan Johar Cannes 2025 taken from Instagram
Karan Johar brought regal flair to the Cannes red carpet in a striking Manish Malhotra couture look paired with high jewellery. For his first appearance, he donned a custom ensemble featuring a cropped sherwani with intricate zardozi embroidery, a brocade collar, and frilled cuffs, layered over a Renaissance-inspired ruffled shirt. “Manish shared the design with us, and Karan was immediately drawn to the statement button brooches. What made it uniquely his was the choice of a ruffled shirt instead of a traditional one,” shared stylist Eka Lakhani.
Karan Johar Cannes 2025 Look 1 taken from Instagram
Handcrafted in Savile Row, London, Karan Johar’s Helen Anthony full-canvassed suit took nearly 100 hours to complete. “This exceptional suit by Helen Anthony is a testament to British luxury and artisanal mastery,” shared Eka Lakhani. “Made from premium British velvet in partnership with the iconic fabric house Scabal, it beautifully embodies the essence of British heritage and craftsmanship.”
Karan Johar Cannes 2025 Look 1 taken from Instagram
3- Taha Shah
Representing the film “PARO: The Untold Story of Bride Slavery,” Taha donned a maroon pinstripe suit by Dhruv Sehgal. The sharply tailored suit, set against the iconic backdrop of the Carlton Hotel, underscored his commitment to roles that address significant social issues.
Taha Shah Cannes 2025 taken from Instagram
Taha Shah was seen in a pastel green suit, which is a departure from traditional dark suit colors. This choice aligns with the trend of playful and expressive suits at Cannes. The suit was again designed by Dhruv Sehgal.
Taha Shah Look 2 Cannes 2025 taken from Instagram
4- Vishal Jethwa
Actor Vishal Jethwa, who is currently promoting his upcoming film Homebound, made a striking debut on the Cannes Film Festival red carpet. Styled by celebrity stylist Eka Lakhani, he wore a custom Kaushik Velendra creation—a sleek black tailored suit from the designer’s Fall/Winter 2024 collection, featuring bold crystal-embellished shoulder pads. The look seamlessly fused classic tailoring with theatrical detailing, making for a memorable appearance.
Triptii Dimri Bags Lead Role in Sandeep Reddy Vanga’s “Spirit”, Opposite Prabhas
Triptii Dimri is soaring high in her career with back-to-back major announcements. After her breakout performance in Animal, the rising star has officially reunited with director Sandeep Reddy Vanga for his next highly anticipated project, Spirit.
Sharing the news on her Instagram, Triptii expressed her excitement, writing, “Still sinking in…. So grateful to be trusted with this journey. Thank you @sandeepreddy.vanga… honoured to be a part of your vision.”
In Spirit, she will star opposite pan-India superstar Prabhas, marking her first collaboration with the Baahubali actor. The film is currently in its pre-production stage and is slated to go on floors in 2025. Produced by T-Series and Bhadrakali Pictures, Spirit will feature Prabhas in a powerful role as a fierce cop.
Interestingly, Triptii replaces Deepika Padukone, who reportedly exited the film due to creative and contractual disagreements. This shift has opened doors for Triptii to shine in a leading role in one of the most anticipated films of the year.
Triptii Dimri, known for her acclaimed performance in Bulbbul, is rapidly becoming one of the most sought-after actresses in Indian cinema. Following her recent success, she has an exciting lineup of projects. She will be seen next in Dhadak 2 opposite Siddhant Chaturvedi, directed by Shazia Iqbal and presented by Zee Studios, Dharma Productions, and Cloud 9 Pictures.
Her upcoming films also include:
Arjun Ustara with Shahid Kapoor
Ma Behan alongside Madhuri Dixit
Animal Park with Ranbir Kapoor
An untitled project with KGF star Yash
With Spirit, Triptii Dimri is all set to make another powerful mark in the industry. Fans are eagerly awaiting her dynamic performance alongside Prabhas in what promises to be a gripping cinematic experience.
The much-awaited historical war sagaKesari Veerhas finally hit theatres today, and it’s already making waves among cinema lovers. Directed by Prince Dhiman and produced by Kanu Chauhan under the Chauhan Studios banner, this powerful film brings to life a forgotten chapter of Indian history — the valiant battle fought to protect the sacred Somnath temple.
Sooraj Pancholi Transforms as Unsung Hero Hamirji Gohil
In a bold and career-defining move, Sooraj Pancholi steps away from his usual romantic image to portray Hamirji Gohil, an unsung warrior whose bravery remained buried in history. Making a spectacular comeback, Sooraj delivers a performance packed with intense action, commanding dialogue delivery, and raw emotional depth. This role marks a significant evolution in his acting journey, showcasing a new and powerful side of the actor.
An Epic Tale of Courage, Dharma, and History
Set against the backdrop of ancient India, Kesari Veer tells the gripping story of a heroic stand to protect the Somnath temple from invading forces. With themes of patriotism, valor, and spiritual duty, this war drama appeals to fans of historical cinema and lovers of Indian heritage alike.
Joining Pancholi in this stellar ensemble cast are Bollywood veterans Suniel Shetty and Vivek Oberoi, along with rising star Akanksha Sharma. Together, they deliver a cinematic experience that is both visually stunning and emotionally compelling.
Star-Studded Screening Garners Early Praise
Ahead of its global release on May 23, Kesari Veer hosted a grand celebrity screening attended by industry stalwarts such as Jackie Shroff, Sharad Kelkar, Tiger Shroff, and Sooraj’s parents, Aditya Pancholi and Zarina Wahab. The early reviews from Bollywood elites have been overwhelmingly positive, setting high expectations for audiences across India and the world.
Music and Trailer Build Buzz
From its soul-stirring soundtrack to its adrenaline-pumping trailer, Kesari Veer has captured the audience’s attention even before release. Sooraj’s portrayal stands out not just in battle scenes, but also in quieter, emotional moments—offering a well-rounded and believable performance that resonates.
Why You Should Watch Kesari Veer
Based on real, untold historical events
Action-packed, emotionally driven storyline
Stellar performances by a powerhouse cast
Stunning visuals and impactful direction
A tribute to India’s rich cultural and spiritual legacy
A short film screening and discussion program was organized by Motilal Nehru College of Delhi University’s Film Screening Committee. Talking about the technique, subject and impact of short films, Deepak Dua, National Award winner for Best Film Critic, said that short films are small in their length but not in their impact. He said that whether you make a small film or a big film, what the film says should not be lost from your hands.
Writer Maneka Tripathi said that there is a need to make films on culture. The things that are being lost today can be preserved through film. On this occasion, many short films were screened and among them ‘Nanhi’ and ‘Maryada 1.0’ received awards. Committee convener Anirudh Sudhanshu said that good films refine the society because cinema has the power to change the world. During this, a film based competition was also organized and prizes were given to the winners.
In a shocking incident, The Family Man Season 3 actor Rohit Basfore was found dead in Assam’s Garbhanga forest. Rohit had reportedly gone on an outing with friends before his body was discovered. His family has raised serious concerns, alleging foul play and revealing that Rohit had previously received threats linked to a parking dispute.
An autopsy revealed multiple injuries, further intensifying suspicions of murder. The police have launched an investigation, and four suspects are reportedly on the run. As the community mourns Rohit’s untimely death, many are calling for a thorough and swift inquiry to ensure justice is served.
Stay tuned for further updates on this developing story.
