Universal Music India partners with Anirudh Ravichander’s Albuquerque Records for global music releases

Universal Music India, a division of Universal Music Group, the world leader in music-based entertainment, has announced an exclusive partnership with Albuquerque Records, the independent record label recently launched by singer-composer Anirudh Ravichander. Under this partnership, Universal Music India and Albuquerque Records will release future pop and hip hop music by Anirudh Ravichander and other artists signed to the label. The first release under the label is scheduled for early April, featuring Anirudh.

The global partnership will enable Universal Music India to work closely with Albuquerque Records to enhance the influence of Anirudh's artistry.

 Over time, the label is expected to become a hub for emerging pop and hip-hop artists from the region.

Anirudh's track record over the past 15 years has been exceptional and unmatched.

 Debuting as a composer in 2012 with his global viral hit 'Why This Kolaveri Di', he has accumulated over 13 billion audio streams across his more than 770 tracks, making him the No.1 South Indian artist on Spotify in terms of total streams. Additionally, he is one of the most sought-after composers in the Tamil Original Soundtrack (OST) space, with numerous global chart-topping successes including Hukum, Vaathi Coming, Arabic Kuthu, Monica, A23 Theme, Aaja Raja, Aya Sher, and more.

Universal Music India has consistently focused on the South Indian region, collaborating closely with the rich artistry and culture spanning the four key south language markets (Tamil, Malayalam, Kannada, and Telugu).

 This arrangement with one of the region's most accomplished artists will help further showcase groundbreaking music from this region on the global stage. It also expands Universal Music India's presence in pop and hip-hop, genres associated with some of the most influential names in the South Indian market.

Commenting on the partnership, Devraj Sanyal, Chairman & CEO, Universal Music India; SVP Strategy, AMEA, said: 'Anirudh represents the future of Indian music—bold, original, and with enormous potential.

 At Universal Music India, identifying transformative talent is our superpower, and this partnership reflects that belief. We're proud to stand behind Anirudh as he embarks on his next chapter and helps take more Indian music to the world.'

Anirudh Ravichander commented: 'Albuquerque Records was built to be an artist-backed, homegrown label focused on nurturing independent talent and taking their sound to the global stage.

 Universal Music India's leadership in pop and hip-hop made them the natural partner. I'm excited to champion the next wave of Indian independent voices and take them to audiences around the world.'

Sanujeet Bhujabal, MD of Universal Music India, said: 'Anirudh has long been a defining force in shaping the creative landscape beyond music.

 Alongside his stellar track record of innumerable hit songs for films, he commands a phenomenal fanbase that engages deeply with his creative output. Albuquerque Records represents Anirudh's bold artistic vision in the world of pop and hip hop. True to his legacy of innovation, this partnership is set to establish yet another landmark creative space—this time for the emerging world of iPop and beyond.'

Hrithik Roshan, Eshaan Roshan back Mess, a comedy set for Prime Video

On March 17, 2026, Prime Video unveiled its forthcoming Prime Original film, *Mess*. This comedy represents the second collaboration between the streaming platform and HRX Films, a division of FilmKraft Productions, following the announcement of the thriller series *Storm*. 

Produced by Hrithik Roshan and Eshaan Roshan under the banner of HRX Films, alongside Rajesh A Krishnan's Soda Films Lab, *Mess* is directed by Krishnan. The original screenplay was penned by American writer Paul Soter, while the adapted screenplay and dialogue were written by Kapil Sawant. The film follows a mismatched group of robbers who, after breaking into the home of a man with OCD, gradually realize that it is not the family but themselves who must survive the night-long confrontation.

“ A key marker of a good story is if it takes you by surprise and keeps you entertained throughout.

 With *Mess*, we have a story that not only does that but makes you laugh at every step,” said Nikhil Madhok, Director and Head of Originals, Prime Video India. “The movie has a refreshingly original premise and a unique set of delightful characters. Hrithik and Eshaan, through HRX Films, bring a strong creative instinct and a genuine passion for storytelling, and after *Storm*, we are delighted to deepen our partnership further with this film. Rajesh A Krishnan is brilliant in this genre, and *Mess* has all the makings of a film that we believe will be loved by audiences in India and across the world.”

“ *Storm* marked the start of something special with Prime Video, and *Mess* feels like a natural next step for us at HRX Films," said producer Hrithik Roshan. "

Our partnership with Prime Video has allowed us to explore bold, innovative storytelling, and this project embodies that spirit perfectly. Rajesh brings a distinctive voice both as a producer and director, with a rare ability to blend comedy with compelling narratives. His creative vision for *Mess* has been extraordinary from the start. As production ramps up, Eshaan and I are beyond excited by the potential of this project. We believe this film will resonate with audiences who appreciate fresh, unconventional stories that push the boundaries of the genre.”

Speaking about this upcoming project, Krishnan, whose filmmaking credits include movies and series known for their comedic sensibilities, said, “Developing *Mess* alongside Kapil has been a truly rewarding experience — it has been great to collaborate with him once again.

 The world of this film is a thrilling amalgamation of comedy and chaos, and unusual enough to keep one on the edge of their seats. This film has been a creatively fulfilling and collaborative experience. Hrithik and Eshaan have brought their expertise and conviction to the film, and together, we have a dream cast to work with. As we move to production, I am grateful for all the support from HRX Films and Prime Video and convinced that the film has found the right home.”

As the film gears up for production, more details will be unveiled soon.

Priyadarshan says, “Bhooth Bangla is a reflection of stories that have lived among us for centuries”, calls Akshay Kumar his lucky mascot

Bhooth Bangla has become one of the most talked-about movies of 2026. This is because it brings back the famous team of Akshay Kumar and Priyadarshan after 14 years. Their past work together created some of Bollywood's favorite comedy films, and people are excited to see them work together again.

Produced by Balaji Motion Pictures, the movie is tapping into a strong sense of nostalgia, especially for people who grew up watching these entertainers.

 The teaser gave a sneak peek into the film's mix of horror and comedy, promising a fun yet eerie experience.

Priyadarshan said the film goes beyond just scares and laughs.

 It is based on old stories, folklore, and beliefs that have been around for generations. He also called Akshay Kumar "lucky" for their past success and the good teamwork they have.

He shared, "Akshay Kumar is lucky for me.

 Bhooth Bangla is rooted in fantasy and folklore. In our country, there are strong beliefs about ghosts, rituals, and even things like black magic that exist in some areas, especially in villages. At the same time, when we look at quantum science, our Vedas, and old philosophies, they also explore ideas like the soul traveling beyond the body to find knowledge."  

He added, "Culturally, we have always believed in the 'Navagraha' – nine celestial influences long before modern discoveries.

 These layers of belief, mythology, and science have always been part of India. That’s what Bhooth Bangla is: a mix of folklore, belief systems, and imagination. It’s not just a movie, it’s a reflection of stories that have lived among us for centuries."  

The teaser of Bhooth Bangla was recently released and went viral quickly.

 The mix of eerie elements with classic humor struck a nostalgic chord with people who remember the golden age of comedy. Fans are especially happy to see Akshay Kumar reunite with Priyadarshan and the return of a great group of actors. The teaser has only made the movie more exciting, making it one of the most awaited releases.

Bhooth Bangla is set to release in theaters on April 10, 2026.

235 minutes, 35% more occupancy, one giant GAMBLE: Is Dhurandhar The Revenge’s length its biggest risk or its ultimate aura?

A few days are left for the release of Dhurandhar The Revenge, and the excitement is at an all-time high, as evident from the advance booking numbers.

 The film has everything going in its favor—event value, sequel advantage, franchise recall, super-premium ticket pricing, and the sort of hysteria only a rare big-screen spectacle can generate. However, amid all the buzz, one factor continues to dominate trade discussions: its mammoth 235-minute runtime.

There was a time when lengthy films were not seen as a deterrent.

 In fact, several of the biggest blockbusters in Hindi cinema had runtimes well above the conventional limit. In the modern era, however, the dynamics have shifted. The accepted wisdom in the trade is that a film ideally shouldn't exceed the 2 hours and 30 minutes mark. There are two key reasons behind this. First, in an age of shrinking attention spans, a section of moviegoers prefers tighter and crisper storytelling. Second, and more importantly from a business point of view, runtime directly impacts showcasing.

A standard event film with a runtime of around 150 minutes can usually accommodate about five shows a day in a multiplex.

 But when a film stretches close to four hours, that number drops. With trailers, interval, audience movement, and cleaning time also needing to be factored in, exhibitors may only be able to schedule around four shows a day. In short, Dhurandhar The Revenge will have fewer opportunities to sell tickets than a shorter tentpole release.

That’s where the box office mathematics becomes especially interesting.

 To deliver the same opening-day numbers as a conventional blockbuster, Dhurandhar The Revenge will need much stronger occupancy per show. As per trade estimates, because of the reduced showcasing, the film may need around 35% higher occupancy than a standard 2.5-hour event film to arrive at a similar Day 1 figure. In other words, the margin for error is narrower. The showcasing is lower, and hence, the pressure on each individual show is significantly higher.

This is why the conversation around runtime is not merely about whether the film is 'engaging' or 'slow'.

 It is also about sustainability. A front-loaded event film can still explode over the opening weekend on the back of hype, franchise pull, and premium pricing. But the real challenge begins after that. If the content is praised, the long runtime can add to the sense of scale and grandeur. However, if the narrative around pacing turns mixed, the weekday trend can come under pressure much faster than usual.

Interestingly, this concern was also heard in certain quarters during the run of Dhurandhar (2025).

 While audiences were unanimous in praising the scale, ambition, and cinematic experience, some viewers did mention pacing as one of the shortcomings. With Dhurandhar The Revenge, the stakes are even higher because the runtime has increased and the expectations are far bigger.

There are, of course, two ways in which a film can offset the show-count disadvantage.

 The first is by charging premium ticket prices. The second is by ensuring massive footfalls in the available showcasing. Dhurandhar The Revenge appears to be attempting both.

The pricing strategy can definitely help deliver huge gross numbers in the opening phase and also a record opening, thereby partly compensating for the fewer number of shows.

 But over the long run, theatrical success is ultimately determined by footfalls. If a film is aiming for the Rs. 1000 crore worldwide milestone, it cannot rely only on premium pricing. It needs sustained audience volume, repeat viewings, and strong occupancies beyond the initial fan-driven rush.

That is why the runtime issue matters so much.

 From a pure economics standpoint, 235 minutes is a challenge. It means lower showcasing, more programming pressure for exhibitors, and a greater dependence on extraordinary occupancy levels. But from a theatrical-event standpoint, Dhurandhar The Revenge may also be one of the very few films with enough pre-release hype to overcome this handicap.

And that’s what makes the situation so fascinating.

 The runtime, in many ways, is both the film’s biggest risk and its biggest aura. If the content delivers, the length will be seen as a part of the epic experience, something that enhances the spectacle and makes the film feel larger than life. But if the film falters in engagement, the same factor could become the single biggest roadblock in its journey.

Hence, Dhurandhar The Revenge is not just attempting to emerge as a blockbuster.

 It is attempting to defeat theatrical mathematics itself.

The question, therefore, is no longer whether demand exists.

 That much is already visible from the booking trends. The real question is whether 235 minutes of cinema can generate enough moolah, quickly enough and consistently enough, to finally break the Rs. 1000 crore curse.

Sidharth Malhotra to reunite with Karan Johar for new Dharma Productions project: Report

It seems that 2026 might bring another project involving Sidharth Malhotra and filmmaker Karan Johar. A story from Mid-Day says that Malhotra is currently talking about a new movie that will be supported by Dharma Productions.

This movie is going to be a drama that deals with deep emotions and complicated relationships between people.

 The film will be directed by Sharan Sharma, who has worked on Gunjan Saxena: The Kargil Girl and Mr & Mrs Mahi before.

If this project goes ahead, it will be another time Sidharth works with Karan Johar, as they have been working together for a long time.

 Malhotra first appeared in Bollywood with Johar’s movie Student of the Year in 2012 and has worked with him on several other projects, including the 2024 action film Yodha.

A person who spoke to the report said that the production company is excited to work with Sidharth again and feels the story fits with how he acts on screen.

 “The studio wants to work with Sidharth again and thinks the project suits his image. He really liked the idea when it was first mentioned last year. He gave his verbal approval then and wanted to read the script before making a final decision. Now, the discussions are almost finished,” the person said.

The report also says that if everything goes smoothly, the film might start shooting in the summer of 2026, with the main filming taking place in Mumbai.

On his acting front, Sidharth was recently seen in Param Sundari with Janhvi Kapoor.

 He has some big projects coming up, including Vvan, which is supported by Balaji Telefilms and The Viral Fever, and will also star alongside Tamannaah Bhatia. Readers might remember that earlier in January, source shared that Sidharth Malhotra has been cast in a commercial entertainer, which will be produced by Mahaveer Jain under his own banner, Mahaveer Jain Films, and directed by Rajkumar Santoshi.

Box Office Predictions: Dhurandhar The Revenge set to open around Rs. 35 crores on Wednesday evening paid previews

More than 100 days after the release of Dhurandhar, finally there is a movie coming that is expected to have a great opening at the box office. That movie is the second part of the series, Dhurandhar - The Revenge. This shows how there has been a long gap with films that have opened reasonably well at the box office, except for Border 2, none has managed to start with even a decent opening.

There has been a lot of positive buzz around this Aditya Dhar blockbuster series, and that can be seen from the fact that even though a few days are still left before the film arrives, advance bookings have been very fast.

 So much so that theaters are now facing full capacity issues, and even those in remote areas outside the main cities are making plans for the 5 PM showing on Wednesday evening.

As of now, a start of Rs. 35 crores is already set for the Ranveer Singh starrer action drama.

 By the time the film opens, over 5 lakh tickets are already expected to be sold. This is a very rare pre-release number, and we are talking about just the 5 PM to 11:55 PM window, as films usually start their first showing around 9 AM. Dhurandhar - The Revenge is a 4-hour film and even night shows are fully booked. A total of Rs. 40 crores is also a possibility for this film, and any remaining seats that are still available will depend on last-minute bookings.

Veteran actress Madhu Malhotra, known for ‘Lambi Judaai’ from Hero, dies at 72

Veteran Hindi film actor Madhu Malhotra died on March 13 at the age of 72. She was known for her work in many famous movies from the late 1970s and 1980s. Her filmography includes roles in popular Hindi films like Satte Pe Satta, Karz, Hero, Vishwanath, Rishta Kagaz Ka, and Qayamat.

 The song, originally performed by famous folk singer Reshma, became one of the most popular tracks from the film.

Although she may not have always been in the public eye, Malhotra was a regular face in many films of that time.

 Her work in several mainstream movies and her contribution to one of Hindi cinema's beloved songs helped keep her in the memory of moviegoers from that era.