Saif Ali Khan says Priyadarshan reminds him of his dad Tiger Pataudi; says, “Both cricketers and both lost an eye but great in their professional space”

Saif Ali Khan is excited about his new movie, Haiwaan, which is directed by Priyadarshan and also has Akshay Kumar in it.In the film, Saif plays a musician who is visually impaired and also teaches martial arts.He has a personal link between his director, Priyadarshan, and his late father, Mansoor Ali Khan Pataudi, who was known as Tiger Pataudi.Both Priyadarshan and Tiger Pataudi were cricketers who lost an eye but still made a big impact in their fields.

He said, "Both were cricketers and both lost an eye but were great in their professional space." When talking about how Priyadarshan works, Saif mentioned that he is like Clint Eastwood — calm and experienced.He added, "Priyadarshan gives you just one take, so you have to make quick decisions as an actor, and he always finishes the shoot on time every day."

Haiwaan is Saif and Akshay Kumar's seventh film together.

Saif believes that Akshay's role as the villain added more depth to the movie.He said, "Akshay playing the villain elevated the project.It's the first time I'm playing a strong lead role in a film with him." He also remembered their first movie together, Yeh Dillagi, which helped build their friendship.He recalled the 40-day shoot in Shimla and joked about Akshay's spot boy singing Khiladi songs early in the morning outside his room.

Saif mentioned that both Akshay and Priyadarshan consider Haiwaan their best work.

He explained his character, saying, "There's an interesting backstory to the character — his mother wanted him to learn music to keep him from getting bored, and his father made him learn martial arts because he would fall a lot as a child." He added, "I believe this is my best work in a long time, and I can't wait for the audience to see it."

Saif also talked about his viral internet moments and his reputation for being in tune with Gen Z humor.

When asked about a clip where he seemed to be praying to his own poster, he said, "It was a huge poster of myself, so I was just wishing the film and myself good luck.I'm a bit childlike and a little crazy.I've been in this profession for 35 years, so I was a completely different person at 21-22, when I made statements that are now going viral."

He also reflected on living more fully in the present, saying, "That could be true, but it also comes with age," when asked if this realization came after his 2025 home invasion and stabbing incident.

He admitted that although he never liked security, "sometimes it's necessary."

On his birthday, August 16, Saif spent the day in England with close friends and family.

He said, "We celebrated at a close friend's house, where we cooked an Indian meal and had a glass of wine.The kids were playing around and it was a lovely time."

When asked about his four children, Saif said they all have different personalities.

He said, "All four kids have very different personalities.Of course, Sara and Ibrahim are older, and then there are these two.Taimur seems quiet, but he's not necessarily that way.I'm aware the internet is full of jokes about Jeh, the firecracker younger brother.We are just very blessed to have all this."

Batwara 1947 vs Awarapan 2 screen-sharing fight Round 2 begins: Distributor of Sunny Deol starrer asks for one show in single screens; Toxic’s Wednesday release complicates matters

Bollywood Hungama had previously shared news about the screen-sharing problems that happened when Batwara 1947 and Awarapan 2 were first released.Now, the same issue is happening again in the second week of these films.

The distributor of Batwara 1947, which stars Sunny Deol, is asking single-screen cinemas to show one show of their movie starting from tomorrow, August 21.However, the cinema owners are confused by this request.Batwara 1947 hasn’t been doing well, especially at single-screen venues.Meanwhile, Awarapan 2 is still doing great business.The single-screen owners want to show all shows of Awarapan 2 to meet the demand, but they can’t fully do that because of the request for Batwara 1947.

The same source said, "On the other hand, the distributor of Awarapan 2 wants all the shows in single-screen theatres.

The theatres are okay with this.But they also want all the shows of Awarapan 2 until next Thursday, August 27.This has created a problem because Toxic is releasing on Wednesday, August 26.That film is also getting a lot of attention and needs to be shown enough."

The source added, "The single-screen theatres are in contact with both distributors to find a solution.

The problem is expected to be solved in a few hours, after which the plans for the second week of Batwara 1947 and Awarapan 2 will start."

From Awarapan 2 To Gunmaaster G9, Emraan Hashmi’s next act looks interestingly well-timed

There's something clever about Deepak Mukut choosing to announce Gunmaaster G9 for November 2026 just a few days after Awarapan 2 hit the theaters and started doing well.It might seem like he's trying to use the success of Awarapan 2 to boost Gunmaaster G9's chances.But the three-month gap suggests something different.Gunmaaster G9 isn't being pushed out quickly to follow Awarapan 2.It has time to develop on its own.

The premiere of Awarapan 2 was a big event, with photos of Hashmi, Disha Patani, Wamiqa Gabbi and others.This new project could be a big move for him.

Awarapan 2 helped remind people that Hashmi is still a strong lead actor in theaters.

Not by going back to old roles or relying on nostalgia, but by showing his ability to connect with audiences through his presence, intensity, and familiarity.This makes Gunmaaster G9 a promising next step.

Gunmaaster G9 doesn't need to be seen as a direct follow-up to Awarapan 2.

That would be a mistake.The November 2026 release gives the film enough time to build its own identity.By then, Awarapan 2 will just be another part of Hashmi's career, not the only thing he's known for.Gunmaaster G9 can be seen on its own terms as an action film with Hashmi leading the way, not just as the next chapter in a comeback story.

This is important.

People can tell when a film is being sold just on its timing.They also move on quickly.Gunmaaster G9 has a chance to avoid that.

The choice of November 2026 makes sense for an action film, especially when it's about big scale and production.

The time allows Mukut and the team to get the film right, not just make it quickly.It also creates space between Awarapan 2 and Gunmaaster G9, so Hashmi's performance in the new film doesn't feel like a direct response to his previous one.This allows for new excitement and anticipation to build up.

Another benefit is that the film can create its own marketing story.

Hashmi's presence is great, but it doesn't have to be the whole focus.The action, scale, supporting cast, and the world of Gunmaaster G9 can be key selling points.That's a healthier way to build a movie.

And then there's Emraan Hashmi.

The renewed interest in him is more about rediscovery than a comeback.He has never really disappeared.He has kept working in films and on streaming, taking on different roles.What's less frequent is seeing him as the main draw in theaters.Awarapan 2 has changed that.

His performance was among the things audiences liked, showing that his qualities—like vulnerability, intensity, and a strong screen presence—have not faded with time.

In fact, they might even work better now.Hashmi doesn't need to compete with younger actors on their terms.He has reached a stage where his experience and mature style can actually be part of his appeal.Gunmaaster G9, being an action film, gives him the perfect genre to showcase that.

The real test for Hashmi starts with Gunmaaster G9.

It's tempting to call Awarapan 2 a comeback, but maybe that's too simple.One hit doesn't bring back an actor to a certain place in the industry.What it does is open new possibilities.Gunmaaster G9 is one of those possibilities.

The film will arrive without the advantage of an Awarapan legacy.

There won't be the same nostalgia to lean on.There won't be the immediate buzz from Awarapan 2.It will have to create its own reason for audiences to go see it.

That makes the November 2026 release even more interesting.

If G9 works, the talk about Hashmi will shift from "Emraan is still relevant" to something much more meaningful: "Emraan has discovered a new path in theater." That's the opportunity right in front of Mukut, Hashmi, and the G9 team.

No need for a comeback story  

One of the most encouraging things about Gunmaaster G9 is that no one has to present it as Emraan Hashmi's big comeback.

He doesn’t need that.

He needs a strong character, an engaging story, and the right way to show it in theaters.

Awarapan 2 has shown that people are still willing to watch him.Now, Gunmaaster G9 has both time and distance to give them a fresh reason to watch.For a film that was announced over a year before its release, that might actually be the smartest part of the plan.

Alia Bhatt to make an extended appearance in Ranbir Kapoor and Deepika Padukone’s Brahmastra 2

Earlier in the week, it was revealed that Ranbir Kapoor is planning to start shooting for Brahmastra 2, which is being directed by Ayan Mukerji, in April 2027.The news has made a lot of buzz, especially because the reports also said that the makers are talking to Deepika Padukone to play the role of Amrita in the movie.This would be a reunion for Deepika and Ranbir, as they had worked together in the first Brahmastra.

Now, Bollywood Hungama has learned that even though talks with Deepika are still going on, her schedule is very busy, so the makers have decided to cast Alia Bhatt in the sequel.

According to a source, Alia will have a longer role in Brahmastra 2 and is expected to shoot for about 25 days.The whole film is planned for a 125-day shoot.Brahmastra 2 will mainly focus on the characters of Dev and Amrita, who will be played by Ranbir Kapoor and Deepika Padukone, respectively.

The same source also mentions that Ranbir will be playing two roles in Brahmastra 2: Shiva and Dev.

Alia Bhatt will be paired with Shiva, while Deepika will play Dev's wife.The source also says that Alia will share the lead role with Deepika in Brahmastra 3.

Ayan Mukerji is working very hard to make Brahmastra 2 a success and has already created a strong script for the sequel.

He is committed to starting the shoot in April 2027.

Harrd Disk Movie

Harrd Disk Cast & Crew

Banner

Common Enterrtainment

Nayamigro Media and Xanthin

Language

English

Hindi

Release Date

21 August 2026

Genre

Action

Thriller

Director

Udoyrraj Baruah

Producer

Nanda Yadav

Abhishek Tiwari

Udoyrraj Baruah

Star Cast

Jaihind Kumar ...

Nanda Yadav ...

Arnav Chandel ...

Rahul Arora ...

Siddhartha Mukherjee ...

Chhabi Gauragai ...

Writer

Udoyrraj Baruah

Co-Producer

Gakul Baruah

Michael Grobe

Music Director

Tapanjyooti Dutta

Editor

Ratan Sil Sarma

Cinematographer

Gourav Roy

Publicity Design

Abhishek Sinha

Shooting Location(City & Country)

India

Sound

Pragyan Gogoi

Casting Director

Usama Zaheer

Action Director

Montu Deori

Art Director

Nita Bhattarai

Executive Producer

Jodumoni Boro

Publicity PRO

Communication Heights

Censor Details:

Censor Dates

2026/08/11

Censor Certificate No

DIL/3/50/2026-MUM

Runtime

1h 30min

Certification

A

Kangana Ranaut backs Isha Koppikar after the latter calls herself an ‘andhbhakt’: “I love my country I love my people”

Isha Koppikar recently talked about the term "andhbhakt" while discussing her love for India and her belief in helping the country grow.She made it clear that her devotion is not for any political party, but for her nation.Her words have now been supported by actress and politician Kangana Ranaut, who responded to Isha's video on social media.

Isha shared the video on her Instagram account on Tuesday, explaining why she doesn't avoid calling herself a "bhakt" or an "andhbhakt" when it comes to her country.

Kangana responded to the post and talked about her own experiences where she stood up against injustice and violence.

"Wow, well explained for me as — in high school I protested against a teacher who hit children with a stick during assembly, protested against the 26/11 violence, and protested against the Nirbhaya brutality.

I never blamed my parents for any limitations I faced.Instead, I lifted my whole family to the same standard of life I worked for myself," Kangana wrote in response to Isha's video.She added, "I identify as a bhakt of almost everyone I meet.I love my country, I love my people.I simply love my life."

Kangana Ranaut supports Isha Koppikar after the latter calls herself an "andhbhakt": "I love my country, I love my people."

In her original video, Isha explained that using the term "andhbhakt" is connected to her love for the country, not allegiance to a political party.

She said, "Yes, I am an andhbhakt.If it's bhakti (devotion) to love your country and want to see it progress, then yes, I am proud to be a bhakti andhbhakt.But my blind devotion is not towards any political party; it's towards my country.Nation first.I can question the government and disagree with its policies.And still love my country wholeheartedly."

Isha also talked about the importance of contributing to the nation instead of just questioning what one receives from it.

"This country is my home, where I have earned and continue to earn a livelihood and where I continue to get opportunities.So, I am not ashamed to be proud of my country.Wherever you may live, learn to love that place, respect that place, and contribute to it.Be proud of the home you choose.Because patriotism is not just saying, 'I love my country.' It is doing something that improves your country."

She ended by reiterating her belief in India and its future, saying, "Instead of asking what the country has given us all the time, why not start thinking about what we can contribute to the country?

Because Bharat is changing.It's time to change our thoughts to help in making a new Bharat.So, call me a bhakt, call me an andhbhakt, call me a nationalist.I am Indian, I love my India, I believe in my India.Not blindly, but proudly, passionately, and unapologetically."

Kangana's response is a public support for Isha's views, with the actress-turned-politician drawing parallels with moments when she chose to speak up against injustice and violence.

Sayani Gupta’s directorial debut Aasmani pulled from Indian Film Festival of New Zealand amid copyright dispute

A film festival invitation, a quiet accusation, and an actor who became a director deciding to finally speak out.That's the story surrounding Aasmani, Sayani Gupta's first film as a director, after the Indian Film Festival of New Zealand (TIFFNZ) decided not to show it.

The festival says it's worried about copyright and keeping things private.

According to Variety India, the decision follows an ongoing dispute over the film.

Aasmani is made with Nikkhi Advani for the Sumitra Gupta Foundation for Arts, along with Dia Mirza and Ananya Rane.

TIFFNZ's director, Petrina D'Rozario, explained that the festival had taken back its invitation for Aasmani and told the filmmaker.

She said the festival's job is to protect the filmmakers and the platform it provides, and that pulling the screening was the right move once a real copyright and confidentiality issue was raised in an ongoing process.She said this wasn't a decision on whether the film was right or wrong, but a step to keep TIFFNZ as a fair and trusted place.

Sayani Gupta said she wants to make it clear that Aasmani is her original film.

She said she had stayed quiet so far not because she accepted the claim, nor because she had nothing to say.She added, "Since the issue was brought up with the right people, I followed the proper steps and thought the facts should go there, not through messages or public comments.But silence can sometimes hide the truth in noise."  

She explained the story's start.

"I was raised in Bengal, in a world full of stories, myths, books, philosophy, and jokes, long before I dreamed of directing a film.My grandmother, a philosopher, had a big effect on how I see the world.Her loss deeply affected me." She said the film, about a clever grandmother, a cheeky granddaughter, and their blue car named Aasmani, is "a tribute to the strong women I stand on today and the values they taught me."  

Gupta addressed the conflict directly.

"A fellow FTII filmmaker raised a concern.She has every right to do so.And I have respectfully held onto my truth.The claim was made based on assumptions, without watching my short comedy film.I didn't know about her 'unfinished' documentary project." She said, "There's a difference between an allegation and a finding.What's been troubling is this becoming a copyright issue when it isn't one."  

She went on to say, "Copyright protects the way something is expressed, not every shared idea or feeling.

Surprisingly, this experience has taught me more about copyright than the last 15 years.I'm not a big company or an organization standing against an independent filmmaker.I am an independent filmmaker myself." Gupta concluded, "My film is about freedom.And I believe freedom is the only thing worth fighting for.There's a difference between speaking loudly and speaking the truth.The rest is up to facts, process, and time."  

Aasmani was written, directed, and co-produced by Gupta under her company Sayani Gupta Movies.

It stars veteran actor Revathy along with Daria Bedi and Abhay Kaul, and marks Gupta's official move into filmmaking.