Riteish Deshmukh reacts to Raja Shivaji success: “The most difficult part was the writing,” says actor-director

Riteish Deshmukh is really happy with how well his movie Raja Shivaji is doing. The film came out in theaters on May 1. He recently talked about how people are responding to it and how hard the team worked to make it.

In an interview with ANI, he thanked everyone for the good feedback.

 “First of all, I would like to thank everyone,” he said. “People are really liking it, and I’m feeling great. The biggest challenge was the writing. I, Sandeep Patil and Dr. Ajit Wadikar wrote the screenplay. Prajakt Deshmukh wrote the dialogue. All four of us worked really hard on the film. The most difficult part was the writing. Because we feel writing is the foundation of a film. And we tried to do it with the same strength.”

He also mentioned how much encouragement the film received from the family of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj.

 He called it a very comforting moment. “Chhatrapati Sambhaji Raje saw the film and liked it. I had a phone conversation with him. That made things easier for me. I am very thankful to him.”

Riteish also talked about making the film known to people outside Maharashtra.

 “Raja Shivaji is a Marathi film. We thought how we can take it beyond Maharashtra. So we decided to make it in Hindi. The cast was in the film. People were watching it in Maharashtra. But Hindi speakers outside Maharashtra should also see it. And we succeeded in that too. People are watching it in large numbers.”

Raja Shivaji is a 2026 historical action movie based on the life of Shivaji, the founder of the Maratha Empire.

 Riteish Deshmukh co-wrote and directed the film. It was produced by Genelia Deshmukh and Jyoti Deshpande under Mumbai Film Company and Jio Studios. The movie has an ensemble cast including Sanjay Dutt, Abhishek Bachchan, Mahesh Manjrekar, Sachin Khedekar, Bhagyashree, Fardeen Khan, Jitendra Joshi, and Amole Gupte, along with Genelia Deshmukh.

Because of good reviews and growing popularity, Raja Shivaji is hitting a chord not just in Maharashtra but in Hindi-speaking regions as well.

Ektaa R Kapoor thanks Priyadarshan for giving her “the biggest hit of her career” amid Bhooth Bangla success

Ektaa R Kapoor expressed her appreciation for filmmaker Priyadarshan after the success of *Bhooth Bangla*, a movie produced by Balaji Motion Pictures. The film, featuring Akshay Kumar, did well at the box office and marked a reunion between the actor and the experienced director.

On Instagram, Ektaa shared some pictures with Priyadarshan and talked about their working relationship and the experience of making the film.

 She mentioned how they had mutual respect and worked well together, even though they both had strong creative ideas.

She said, "I was working with a man who was making his 100th film.

 The world expected big things when two strong people like us came together, but what they didn't see was the deep respect that guided our journey. I don't think I've had more fun working with anyone than @priyadarshan.official."

She also remembered a conversation she had with the director early on. "

The first thing he asked me was, 'Ekta, are you making money on this film? I don’t work on a film if my producer doesn’t make money.' The kind of belief system he brings to the table and ensures the producer is secure before he even begins the project, is as rare as Priyan sir himself."

According to Ektaa, this approach gave her confidence in both the financial and creative direction of the film.

 She mentioned that while there were some disagreements during the process, they were always handled with respect. "It's not to say we never had our disagreements, but it was always respectful. At the end of the day, I truly believe a director must take the ship forward, and what a ship this has been," she added.

She concluded her message by thanking Priyadarshan for delivering a major success for her production.

 "Thank you Priyan Sir, for your vision, your discipline, and for giving me the biggest hit of my career. Couldn’t be more grateful."

*Bhooth Bangla* has also drawn attention for its box office success and for bringing together Akshay Kumar and Priyadarshan once again, a collaboration that has been successful in the past.

“Bachchon pe nahin chhod sakte” Three years after Shah Rukh Khan and Salman Khan cracked that swaggering joke in Pathaan, Bollywood’s kids have turned it into a Rs. 3,779 cr. box office humiliation

At the end of the movie Pathaan, Shah Rukh Khan and Salman Khan had a fun, self-aware moment about who would take over the spotlight. Shah Rukh's character joked that they would have to do it themselves, because it can't be left to the younger generation. It was a cool moment that made fans happy, and it worked perfectly in 2023. But in 2026, that line feels less like confidence and more like a challenge that the younger stars have already responded to at the box office.

Shah Rukh Khan and Salman Khan in Pathaan, talking about the struggles of Bollywood's younger stars at the box office.

When you look at the recent blockbusters from the younger stars next to the recent totals of Shah Rukh Khan and Salman Khan, it's no longer just about respecting the older stars.

 It's about who is actually making money at the box office now. That's what makes this source editorial so exciting. The younger stars are not just competing with the old guard in perception. They are beating them with real numbers. Numbers are hard. They don't just praise legacy. They show what's happening right now.

While Bollywood kept pretending that only the big stars could save the industry, the younger stars were busy making numbers that are no longer just hopeful or promising.

 They are making real money now. Ranbir Kapoor's Animal earned over 556 crore. Rajkumar Rao and Shraddha Kapoor's Stree 2 earned over 627 crore. Vicky Kaushal's Chhaava crossed 600 crore. Ranveer Singh's Dhurandhar earned 895 crore, and Dhurandhar The Revenge is expected to make 1,100 crore.

Putting these numbers together, the younger stars have made over 3,779 crore.

 That's not just a sign of promise. That's the younger stars walking into the room and saying the old way of doing things isn't working anymore.

This is going to really annoy the fan groups, the people who love the old stars, and the industry's nostalgia part.

 Shah Rukh Khan's three recent movies earned over 1,399 crore between them. Salman Khan's three recent films earned over 499 crore. Together, they made over 1,898 crore.

 The younger stars made over 1,180 crore more than the combined totals of Shah Rukh Khan and Salman Khan. Ranveer Singh's two Dhurandhar movies alone made over 1,995 crore, which is just 97 crore more than the combined total of both Shah Rukh Khan and Salman Khan. That kind of comparison can turn a simple conversation into a big argument online.

That's exactly why this shift feels so annoying to parts of the industry.

 Bollywood has always loved the idea of succession more than the process itself. It likes the younger stars when they are promising. It likes them when they are on the way up. It likes them when they are polite and waiting for stardom. But it doesn't like it when they start making money that makes the old talking points look like myths.

Let's also be honest about what's really happening here.

 It's not about respect for veterans or admiration for icons. It's about the old belief that legacy alone can still make movies successful. The audience no longer just rewards fame. It rewards events, cultural buzz, repeat watching, meme power, strong emotions, and the feeling that a film is too big to be skipped for OTT. The younger stars are successful not because they are younger, but because they feel more urgent right now.

And yes, there will be excuses like Animal had controversy, Stree 2 had a franchise, Chhaava had emotion, and Dhurandhar had sequel momentum.

 Fine. Keep all the excuses. They're fun. But they all accidentally prove the same thing: when people have money to spend, they spend it again and again in big numbers. At some point, if every younger star's movie comes with an asterisk while every older star's movie is treated like a divine confirmation of stardom, the problem isn't the numbers. The problem is the insecurity of the people reading them.

This isn't the end for Shah Rukh Khan or Salman Khan.

 It would be silly to say that. SRK's 2023 run remains historic, especially with Jawan and Pathaan. Salman's track record as a box office force over the past decade is undeniable. But that's exactly why this moment matters. If even these big names can no longer be seen as the only safe champions of Hindi cinema, then the "kids can't carry the industry" line is over. It's done. It's buried. It's gone for good.

In fact, the real joke now isn't on the younger stars.

 It's on the industry that kept treating them as just the next step. Three years ago, that joke in Pathaan sounded like a statement of seniority. Today, after Animal, Stree 2, Chhaava, Dhurandhar, and Dhurandhar The Revenge, it looks like a moment from an industry that didn't notice the shift happening.

The younger stars didn't fail.

 They changed the game.

Krishnavataram – Part 1: The Heart Movie

Krishnavataram – Part 1: The Heart Cast & Crew

Banner

Creativeland Studios Entertainment

Athasrikatha Motion Pictures

Language

Hindi

Release Date

07 May 2026

Genre

Mythological

Drama

Director

Hardik Gajjar

Producer

Sajan Raj Kurup

Shobha Sant

Poonam Shroff

Parth Gajjar

Star Cast

Siddharth Gupta ... Krishna

Sushmitha Bhat ... Radha

Sanskruti Jayana ... Satyabhama

Nivaashiyni Krishnan ... Rukmini

J. Karthik ... Satrajit

Music Director

Prasad Sashte

Lyricist

Irshad Kamil

Cinematographer

Ayananka Bose

Screenplay

Prakash Kapadia

Raam Mori

Hardik Gajjar

Background Music

Prasad Sashte

Choreographers

Kruti Mahesh

Costume Designer

Nidhi Yasha

Publicity PRO

Parag Desai

Universal Communications

Shooting Location(City & Country)

India

Music Company

Saregama-HMV

Censor Details:

Censor Dates

2026/05/05

Censor Certificate No

DIL/1/30/2026-MUM

Runtime

2h 29min

Certification

U

Ayushmann Khurrana brings back the golden era of comedy with Pati Patni Aur Woh Do; says, “It’s a throwback to a time when storytelling was simple, clean, and genuinely funny”

Actor Ayushmann Khurrana is getting ready for the release of his new family movie called Pati Patni Aur Woh Do. The film is meant to bring back the fun and charm of old-school situational comedy, inspired by the best days of Hindi cinema.

The movie is based on a storytelling style that people have loved for many years.

 In this kind of story, misunderstandings turn into funny situations, each character adds something new to the plot, and the humor feels natural, clean, and timeless.

Speaking about the film, Ayushmann said, “Pati Patni Aur Woh Do is a situational comedy in its purest, most classic form.

 The idea comes from the legacy of Sanjeev Kumar. I’ve always admired his work. The humor from that time came from misunderstandings, timing, and how characters interact. I’ve always liked that style of storytelling, seen in movies like Padosan, Chupke Chupke, Angoor and Gol Maal. Those films are really funny, and I hope Pati Patni Aur Woh Do will be the same for people.”

He added, “With this film, Mudassar Aziz has created something that keeps the spirit of clever writing in cinema, celebrating the humor that comes from mistakes.

 This is a family entertainer meant to be enjoyed together, where the comedy comes from a series of errors and misunderstandings. It’s a throwback to a time when storytelling was simple, clean, and genuinely funny, and that’s exactly what we’ve tried to recreate here. I really like such cinema, and it was great to see someone wanting to make that kind of film and celebrate the simplicity of emotions.”

At a time when Hindi cinema is always trying new formats, genres, and big spectacle stories, Pati Patni Aur Woh Do goes back to a much-loved style of comedy that relied on smart writing, timing, and character-based humor.

 The film aims to remind audiences why comedy of errors has always been one of the most fun genres for Indian families.

The movie is set to release in theaters on May 15, 2026.

 It promises to deliver laughter that comes from timeless storytelling, offering a wholesome cinematic experience for families.

Sapney V/S Everyone creator Ambrish Varma signs two-film deal with Mahaveer Jain Films

In a big move for modern storytelling, Mahaveer Jain Films has partnered with writer, director, and actor Ambrish Verma for two new movies.

Ambrish Verma is the creator of the hit web series Sapney V/S Everyone and its follow-up, Sapney V/S Everyone 2.

 He wrote, directed, and acted in both seasons, which became very popular.

The second season of Sapney V/S Everyone recently launched on Amazon Prime Video and has been getting a lot of praise from viewers for its realistic story and portrayal of young people's dreams.

Mahaveer Jain Films is known for supporting content-driven movies and has been working with many talented people.

 Their upcoming projects include collaborations with directors like Sooraj R Barjatya, Imtiaz Ali, Karan Johar, Siddharth Anand, Ram Madhvani, Sanjay Tripaathy, Montoo Bassi, and Mrighdeep Singh Lamba, as well as actors like Kartik Aaryan, Ayushmann Khurrana, Tiger Shroff, and Vikrant Massey.

Details about Ambrish Verma's two films with Mahaveer Jain Films, including the cast and plot, are still being kept secret.

 An official announcement is expected soon.

Janhvi Kapoor receives support from Amaha; company issues strong statement clarifying addiction remarks after podcast clip goes viral

Actor Janhvi Kapoor recently became the center of online discussions after a part of her appearance on Raj Shamani's podcast was shared without the full context. The edited clips led people to wrongly believe that she was talking about her own experience with alcohol addiction.

Janhvi Kapoor received support from Amaha, a mental health organization, which, along with Off The Rocks, released a strong statement to clarify her comments after the podcast clip went viral.

Janhvi KapoorJanhvi KapoorJanhvi KapoorJanhvi KapoorJanhvi KapoorJanhvi KapoorJanhvi KapoorJanhvi Kapoor

To address the confusion, Amaha and Off The Rocks issued an official clarification about Kapoor's role in the conversation.

 They clearly stated that she was not speaking from personal experience about addiction.

"The team at Off The Rocks and Amaha have noticed certain media pages misrepresenting the content related to this initiative and Janhvi Kapoor.

 This is very concerning. We want to be clear: Janhvi Kapoor is involved in this conversation as a caregiver and ally, not as someone who has had personal experience with addiction or alcohol dependence," the statement said.

The statement also highlighted the harm caused by such misinformation, adding, "This kind of misrepresentation not only takes away from her role, but also disrespects the real experiences of those living with addiction and those who support them.

 Let's not make efforts to help people with addiction seem like click bait by spreading false information."

The organization urged media outlets, digital platforms, and individuals to share information with honesty and care. "

Misinformation in this area is harmful, irresponsible, and disrespectful to the very people this conversation aims to support," the statement concluded. "Thank you for standing with us."

During the podcast, Kapoor discussed alcohol addiction in a general sense and made it clear that she hasn't personally struggled with it.

 She also talked about her involvement in efforts to fight addiction, positioning herself as a caregiver and supporter. However, some parts of her remarks were edited out of context, leading to misunderstandings. Some reports focused on a statement she made about possibly using alcohol during the pandemic, which prompted the clarification.

On the professional side, Kapoor is preparing for her upcoming film Peddi, her second Telugu film after Devara.

 The movie also stars Ram Charan and is set to release on June 4, adding more excitement to her growing film career.