Manasi Parekh on World Theatre Day: “Theatre has shaped me in ways I can’t quantify”

On the occasion of World Theatre Day, actor Manasi Parekh reflected on the lasting impact of theatre on her craft and personal growth, describing it as a formative space that continues to shape her artistic journey.

Known for her work across films, OTT and stage, Parekh highlighted how live performance remains central to her evolution as an actor.

 One of the key milestones in her theatre career has been performing her Gujarati musical Maro Piyu Gayo Rangoon in London, an experience she credits for connecting her with international audiences and reinforcing the universality of storytelling.

Speaking about the influence of theatre, Parekh said, "As a person, theatre has shaped me in more ways than I can even quantify."

 She elaborated on the hands-on nature of the medium, adding, "It teaches you to be self-reliant. It teaches you to believe in less is more because you travel with a small group of people and you literally have to be involved in every aspect of the production, from figuring out clothes for everybody to helping set up the props and making sure your cues are in place."

She also emphasised the collaborative spirit of theatre. "

You know, so you're always a part of a community. You're helping each other. Nobody really is just there only for themselves. They're there for the love of theatre," she said.

Highlighting the unpredictability of live performances, Parekh noted, "So, it always teaches you to think on your feet.

 If there are some errors that some member does, some actor does on stage, how to figure that out spontaneously. So, it teaches you to think very quickly and to always have a solution for any problem that comes up."

Parekh has featured in projects such as URI: The Surgical Strike, Kutch Express and the series Maharani, and is next set to appear in Chumbak on Netflix.

Deepak Tijori criticises CBFC over inconsistent censorship in Dhurandhar 2

Actor-director Deepak Tijori has expressed his concerns about the way censorship is handled in the theatrical release of Dhurandhar 2: The Revenge.

 He is questioning what he sees as inconsistencies in how abusive language is treated across different platforms.  

In a recent statement, Tijori criticized the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) for “half-muting” cuss words in the film’s theatrical version.

 He said he couldn’t understand the reason behind muting only some of the expletives instead of either muting them all or leaving them as they are. “I don’t really get why only some of the abuses are muted and others are left,” he said, calling the approach arbitrary.

The filmmaker also pointed out that the film already has an adults-only certification.

 He questioned the point of partial censorship. “Who are we really trying to protect here, and from what, just half a word?” he asked, highlighting his belief that the guidelines are unclear.

Tijori also pointed out what he called a “double standard” in how censorship is applied between theatrical and digital platforms.

 He observed that while the cinema version has muted language, the same movie is released on OTT platforms without any such changes. “The same film releases on OTT in its full, uncut form,” he said, suggesting that this breaks the logic behind theatrical cuts.

According to him, this difference might allow younger audiences to see unfiltered content at home, even though cinemas have stricter controls.

 He argued that the current system raises bigger questions about how effective and consistent content regulation is across different platforms.

Drishyam 2 set for theatrical release on April 10 ahead of Drishyam 3 release in May

In an interesting development for fans of the Drishyam franchise, the makers have announced a revised release strategy for the much-anticipated third instalment.

 Earlier this week, it was confirmed that Drishyam 3, starring Mohanlal, will hit theatres on May 21, 2026. Now, adding to the excitement, the team has decided to bring Drishyam 2 back to the big screen with a theatrical release scheduled for April 10, 2026.

The sequel, which originally premiered directly on OTT due to the pandemic, will finally get its theatrical moment years after its initial release.

 Announcing the update on social media, Aashirvad Cinemas wrote, “Drishyam 2, returns to where it truly belongs. In theatres from April 10th, 2026. #Drishyam2 @Mohanlal @jeethu4ever @antonypbvr.” The decision is seen as a strategic move to reconnect audiences with the story before the release of its concluding chapter.

Directed by Jeethu Joseph, Drishyam 2 originally released in February 2021 on Amazon Prime Video.

 The film continued the story of Georgekutty and his family, picking up years after the events of the first film. It delves deeper into the consequences of the crime that forms the core of the narrative, as the past resurfaces and threatens to unravel the carefully constructed cover-up.

The sequel received widespread appreciation for its gripping screenplay and layered storytelling, with Mohanlal’s performance once again earning praise.

 Over time, it has built a strong recall value among audiences, making its theatrical release a noteworthy move ahead of the franchise finale.

Meanwhile, Drishyam 3 was initially expected to arrive in April.

 However, the makers are said to have opted for a deliberate postponement in light of the ongoing crisis situation in regions like the UAE and Dubai, which host a significant Malayali population. The revised date aims to ensure wider audience participation across key markets.

The decision to release the film on May 21 also carries symbolic significance, as it coincides with Mohanlal’s 66th birthday.

 With Drishyam 3 set to mark the final chapter of the acclaimed mystery thriller series, the makers appear keen on delivering a grand theatrical experience.

With the return of Drishyam 2 to cinemas and the countdown to Drishyam 3 underway, the franchise is gearing up for a full-circle moment on the big screen.

Aditya Dhar leads with two films: Directors shaping the Rs. 500 crore box office club

Behind every movie that makes over 500 crore rupees is a director who combines big ideas, strong stories, and a clear vision. The latest data shows that both experienced directors and fresh talents are leading this top group.

Aditya Dhar is at the top of the list.

 He's the only director with two movies in the 500 crore club, and his highest-grossing film made over 895 crore rupees. His Dhurandhar movies have really connected with people across the country.

S. S. Rajamouli is a legend, and his movie Baahubali 2: The Conclusion made over 510 crore rupees.

 It set the standard for big, ambitious Indian blockbusters. Anil Sharma's Gadar 2, which made over 525 crore rupees, shows how old stories can still work in today's movies.

Siddharth Anand's Pathaan made over 543 crore rupees, and Sandeep Reddy Vanga's Animal made over 556 crore.

 These two show different styles—smooth action and deep drama—both of which are very popular.

Laxman Utekar's Chhaava made over 600 crore, and Amar Kaushik's Stree 2 made over 627 crore.

 These directors show that storytelling is becoming more important in big, commercial movies.

On the national level, Atlee Kumar's Jawan made over 643 crore, and Sukumar's Pushpa 2: The Rule made over 830 crore.

 They help bring regional stories to a wider audience.

The main point is that the 500 crore club isn't following just one pattern anymore.

 Whether it's big entertainment, deep dramas, or big franchise movies, directors are pushing the limits of Indian cinema.

As the movie industry changes, these filmmakers are not just making big hits—they're also setting the direction for how movies are made in India.

Bhooth Bangla team contemplates postponing release from April 10 to April 17 due to Dhurandhar The Revenge wave

Dhurandhar The Revenge is doing very well in the box office, and the way it is doing well on Monday shows that the film is likely to keep doing well even on weekdays. Because of this, the Bhooth Bangla team is thinking about whether they should release the horror comedy on April 10 or if they should delay it by a week.

A source told source, "The way Dhurandhar The Revenge is performing, it is clear that the popularity is not going to fade quickly.

 Bhooth Bangla is also a promising film. But since Dhurandhar 2 is doing very well, there's a good chance it could continue to do well even in its fourth week, which is the same week Bhooth Bangla is planned to release. At the same time, there's no Hindi film currently scheduled for release on April 17."

The source added, "At the same time, Dhurandhar The Revenge is likely to have finished most of its business by the end of four weeks.

 So, it could also work in Bhooth Bangla’s favor to come out on April 10, by which time most people would have already watched the Ranveer Singh-starrer. Therefore, lead actor and producer Akshay Kumar and producer Ekta Kapoor are closely examining the situation and will make a decision within the next 24 hours."

The source continued, "If Bhooth Bangla comes out on April 10, the makers plan to release the much-anticipated theatrical trailer on Friday, March 27.

 However, if the film is delayed, the trailer will be released later. Everyone in the industry and trade is watching Akshay and Ekta closely and will see what decision they make."

Bhooth Bangla brings Akshay Kumar and director Priyadarshan back together after almost 16 years.

 The horror comedy also stars Tabu, Wamiqa Gabbi, Rajpal Yadav, Paresh Rawal, late Asrani, and many others.

Arjun Rampal teams up with Hansal Mehta and Robbie Grewal for Amazon MX Player original Billionaire

Actor Arjun Rampal is getting a lot of attention for his role in the movie Dhurandhar The Revenge. Now, he's been announced as the main actor in an upcoming original series called Billionaire, which is coming from Amazon MX Player. The project was officially announced at the Amazon Ads event Connected Worlds in Mumbai.

Arjun Rampal is joining forces with directors Hansal Mehta and Robbie Grewal for the Amazon MX Player original series Billionaire.

 The show is written by Anubhav Chopra and Shantanu Sagara, and it's being produced by Prabhleen Sandhu under the production banner Almighty Motion Picture. This announcement adds to Amazon MX Player's list of original content.

The series is set in a fast-changing India and follows the story of a powerful business person who builds an empire through ambition and influence.

 As his success grows, the story explores how his personal and professional life gets affected by the same forces that helped him rise.

Amogh Dusad, Head of Content at Amazon MX Player, said, "Billionaire is a story about ambition, power, and the cost of success.

 Unveiling the series at the Amazon Ads event marks a significant milestone for us, setting the tone for the next phase of our originals journey. Collaborating with filmmakers like Hansal Mehta and Robbie Grewal brings strong creative depth and vision to the project, while Arjun Rampal adds gravitas and intensity to this compelling character. At Amazon MX Player, we remain committed to building a slate of original stories that are engaging, accessible, and free for audiences across the country."

Arjun Rampal expressed his excitement about joining the show, saying the role is rare and special.

 He shared, "Working with the incredible Hansal Mehta & Robbie Grewal has been a dream come true and I can't believe it's going to be fulfilled soon. It feels great to have the fabulous team at Amazon MX Player making this journey even more special. The preparation starts soon, I am soaking into the world, getting to know the character better and really gearing up for something that will be a very rewarding journey. I can't wait for everyone to see what we have in store for the audiences."

The series will be available only on Amazon MX Player and will be free to watch on mobile devices, connected televisions, the Amazon shopping app, Prime Video, Fire TV, and Airtel Xstream.

Raj Kundra gets relief from Bombay High Court in dispute over Rajasthan Royals stake

Businessman Raj Kundra has obtained initial relief from the Bombay High Court, which permitted him to challenge an ex parte anti-suit injunction issued by the High Court of England and Wales in relation to his 11.7 percent stake in Rajasthan Royals.

The order was passed by Justice Abhay Ahuja under Clause XII of the Letters Patent, allowing Kundra to file a suit on the Original Side of the High Court.

 This development marks an early legal victory for Kundra in an ongoing dispute involving shareholding and governance issues tied to the IPL franchise’s holding structure.

According to the plea, Kuki Investments, a Bahamas-based entity controlled by Kundra, holds 11.70 percent of the paid-up share capital of Royals Multisport Private Limited, the company that owns the Rajasthan Royals franchise.

 The stake is held via Mauritius-based EM Sporting Holdings Limited.

The dispute originated from proceedings initiated by Kundra before the National Company Law Tribunal in Mumbai last year.

 In his company petition, Kundra alleged oppression and mismanagement by Emerging Media Ventures. The allegations included claims of fund siphoning, related-party transactions, and issues concerning statutory records.

Emerging Media Ventures then approached the High Court of England and Wales and secured an ex parte anti-suit injunction on January 29, 2026.

 The order restrained Kundra and Kuki Investments from continuing proceedings before the NCLT or initiating any legal action in India against the company.

Kundra then filed a motion with the Bombay High Court, arguing that the English court's injunction was not enforceable and violated principles of natural justice.

 He claimed the order adversely impacted his company's ability to pursue statutory remedies available in India.

On the question of jurisdiction, Kundra submitted that a significant part of the cause of action arose in Mumbai.

 He highlighted that he resides in the city, Royals Multisport Private Limited is registered there, and the alleged acts of oppression pertain to the Indian entity. He also noted that the NCLT proceedings are pending in Mumbai.

Justice Ahuja accepted the jurisdictional submissions and granted Kundra leave to file a suit seeking an anti-enforcement order against the operation of the English anti-suit injunction in India.

 The decision allows him to formally challenge the applicability of the foreign court order within the Indian legal framework.

Advocates Nausher Kohli and Soham K appeared for Kundra and Kuki Investments.

 They were briefed by a team from S&T Legal that included partner Akshay Gosavi and junior partner Ankit Pitti.