Eka Lakhani on styling Ranveer Singh in Rocky Aur Rani Kii Prem Kahaani: “We showed masculinity like never before…He could wear 10 brands in one look and make it work”

Last week, it was revealed that The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences had invited 529 people from the film industry around the world to become members in 2026.One of those invited was Eka Lakhani, a well-known costume designer.She was one of the few Indians to get this special invitation, along with filmmaker Vishal Bhardwaj, editors A Sreekar Prasad and Deepa Bhatia, and others.Interestingly, the Academy mentioned one of Eka's films, Rocky Aur Rani Kii Prem Kahaani (2023), alongside her name.She designed the costume for Ranveer Singh's character, Rocky, which received a lot of praise.The costumes were very important in making Rocky look real and authentic.In an interview with Bollywood Hungama, Eka talked about working with Ranveer on the film directed by Karan Johar.

Eka Lakhani said, “We showed masculinity like never before...

He could wear 10 brands in one look and make it work.”

She added, “By far, if I had the most fun on a film, it’s been Rocky Aur Rani Kii Prem Kahaani.

Usually, you take a realistic approach while building a character.But in this film, we could just think beyond the usual.There were no limits, as that’s how Rocky was.He didn’t have boundaries.He could wear 10 brands in one look or 10 colours in one look and yet make it work.Hence, we went all out with the styling and the brands.We even did international shopping.We showed masculinity in a way that hadn’t really been portrayed before.”

She also said, “We had a blast with Rocky and it was unlike anything that I’ve done in my career throughout.

Since then, my association with Ranveer started.Hence, it was a monumental chapter in my life.”

Ranveer Singh has also commented on her being honored by the Academy.

Eka has a good relationship with Karan Johar and considers Mani Ratnam her mentor.

Eka added, “The first person I spoke to after Ravi, my husband Ravi Bhagchandka, was Karan.

I messaged him instantly.He said, ‘You’re going to be my fellow Academy voter.’ Karan and Mani sir are people with whom I associate on a daily basis.It feels good that they are happy with my achievements.They are always so supportive and encouraging.They all play a huge part in it.It’s never done alone.There are so many people who are responsible for where you reach and how you grow.So, all of them taking a little bit of pride in it makes me really happy (smiles).”

Karma Nu Rahasyam, RARE Gujarati film with ABUSES, to clash with Alpha; passed by CBFC without cuss word cuts

This week, several films are set to release, including Alpha, Baby Do Die Do, and Minions & Monsters.

Alongside these, the Gujarati film Karma Nu Rahasyam is also coming out.Gujarati cinema is often linked with family-friendly stories, but Karma Nu Rahasyam is a different kind of film.It's rare for a Gujarati movie to show characters using strong language.What's more surprising is that the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) didn’t ask for any cuts, even though the film includes such language.

  

Karma Nu Rahasyam is based on real, shocking stories.

The film features Uttsav Naik, Prince Limbadia, Bansi Rajput, Naisarg Mistry, Zankhana Patel, Makrand, Arvind Vegda, and Sapna Vyas.It was produced by Karan Singh Tomar and directed by Asif Silavat.In the trailer, viewers can hear characters say words like 'Be', 'B*d', and 'f*g'.Industry insiders say this might be the first Gujarati film with such language.

The CBFC approved the film with an 'A' certificate but asked for some changes.

The makers were told to include a disclaimer explaining that alcohol is banned in Gujarat, but it's used in the film for dramatic reasons.Another disclaimer added by the CBFC warned about the illegal use and trafficking of narcotic drugs.

The CBFC also asked the makers to add certain names under 'Special Thanks', blur the name of an alcohol brand, add anti-smoking messages in scenes where characters are smoking, and mute one actor's name.

However, the CBFC didn't ask for the strong language to be removed or muted.

After making these changes, the CBFC approved Karma Nu Rahasyam on May 25.

The film's length is 108 minutes, which is 1 hour and 48 minutes.

Gujarati industry in shock  

Karma Nu Rahasyam has caused a big stir in the Gujarati film industry.

An insider said, "Gujarati cinema hasn’t been known for using such language.It seems like the abuses were added to create shock value and attract attention.This goes against the culture and tradition of Gujarati cinema."  

Another producer said, "Abuses are common in Hindi films and web series.

So, it wasn’t a surprise that such language appeared in a Gujarati film.What’s surprising is that the CBFC didn’t ask for any cuts.In the past, they’ve asked for changes even in 'A' rated films, but not this time.There’s no consistency in their approach."  

Still, industry members think other filmmakers may not follow this path.

A producer said, "Many films get subsidies from the Gujarat government.These subsidies are only given to films with a 'U' or U/A certificate.Adult-rated films can’t get the subsidy.So, filmmakers might not want to lose the subsidy just to keep the strong language in their films."

CBFC censors multiple stabbing visuals in Alpha; deletes foul word

Yesterday, source was the first to tell readers that the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) approved the movie Alpha with a U/A 16+ certificate.In this article, we will focus on the changes made to the film starring Alia Bhatt and Sharvari.

The good news is that the CBFC's Examining Committee asked for very few changes.

First, the makers were told to rewrite the disclaimer at the start of the movie.They also had to add subtitles for all the songs.Yash Raj Films, the producers, were also asked to write the opening and closing credits in Hindi, as per the applied language.

Now, let's talk about the cuts.

In the first half of the movie, some visuals were cut and replaced with different ones.But no details about these changes were given.Another similar cut was made somewhere else in the first half.In the second half, the scenes showing multiple stabbings were cut and replaced with other visuals.Also, one bad word was removed from the first half.

The Examining Committee also asked the makers to add anti-alcohol messages in all scenes where alcohol is shown.

Lastly, as per the rules, they were asked to provide the parents' consent letter for the child artist.

Once all the changes were made, the makers received the censor certificate on June 29.

The certificate says the movie is 140.48 minutes long, which means it runs for 2 hours, 20 minutes, and 48 seconds.

Bollywood Hungama also reported that the first half of Alpha is 1 hour, 13 minutes, and 32 seconds long.

The second half runs for 1 hour, 7 minutes, and 16 seconds.

Alpha is part of the YRF Spy Universe and is directed by Shiv Rawail.

It will be released in cinemas on Friday, July 3.

Welcome To The Jungle passes the Monday test; Akshay Kumar starrer set to emerge a SOLID HIT

The comedy movie "Welcome To The Jungle," starring Akshay Kumar, is expected to be a big hit at the box office.The film, directed by Ahmed Khan, has already done well on Monday in India.Early numbers suggest it could make between Rs.7.5 to Rs.8 crores on Monday, bringing its total earnings over Rs.71 crores so far.

The final numbers might be even higher, especially if more people go to watch it in the evening and night shows.

Even if it makes around Rs.8 crores, that's a great result.However, it's down about 45% from Friday, which was a strong day because of the Muharram holiday.

The film has chosen to offer discounts on Tuesday, which should help it make more money the next day.

"Welcome To The Jungle" is aiming for Rs.100 crores in the first week and could end up with a very good overall total.

It will face competition from the movie "Alpha" on Friday, but the audiences for the two films are different.

The Alia Bhatt and Sharvari film won't really be a threat to Akshay Kumar's comedy caper.

YRF issues show-sharing mandate for Alpha – shows from 9:30 am onwards, weekend rates to be at par with Welcome To The Jungle

The week will feature the release of Alpha, which stars Alia Bhatt and Sharvari.The movie has created a lot of excitement because of its trailer, the cast, and the fact that it is part of the YRF Spy Universe.

Source has found out about the show-sharing plans that Yash Raj Films (YRF) has asked exhibitors to follow.

According to the message sent to exhibitors, all shows of Alpha must begin at 9:30 am or later.

Theaters have been instructed to start selling tickets from Wednesday, July 1.The message also states that the ticket prices should be the same as the weekend prices for Welcome To The Jungle, which was the previous movie.

Regarding show sharing, YRF has asked for a minimum of 4 shows in 2-screen cinemas, 6 shows in 3-screen theaters, 8 shows in 4-screen multiplexes, and 10 shows in theaters with 10 or more screens.

For single-screen cinemas, the show-sharing arrangements will be decided by the YRF Distribution Office on a case-by-case basis.

Alpha censored

Meanwhile, Alpha received a U/A+ certificate from the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) on Monday, June 29.

The film's total runtime is 2 hours, 20 minutes, and 48 seconds.

The first half of the movie runs for 1 hour, 13 minutes, and 32 seconds.

The second half has a runtime of 1 hour, 7 minutes, and 16 seconds.

Shraddha Kapoor’s Eetha sparks title row: NCP and Vithabai Narayangaonkar’s family seek title change

 Shraddha Kapoor's upcoming movie Eetha has caused a lot of discussion even before it's released in theaters.The recently released teaser got positive feedback for Shraddha's transformation into Vithabai Narayangaonkar, a famous Lavani and Tamasha artist.However, the movie's title has now become a point of debate.

After the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) raised questions about why the biographical film wasn't named after Vithabai Narayangaonkar, members of the late folk artist's family have also asked the filmmakers to reconsider the title and rename the movie in her honor.

NCP questions the choice of title

According to a report by TV9 Marathi, the NCP's Film and Cultural Department has objected to the title Eetha.

They say a film based on Vithabai's life should carry her name.The party suggests names like Vitha or Vithabai would be better and would show respect for her work in Maharashtra's Lavani and Tamasha traditions.

Babasaheb Patil, the Maharashtra State President of the NCP's Film and Cultural Department, said the organization feels responsible for preserving and honoring Vithabai's legacy.

He questioned why the filmmakers chose not to name the biopic after the celebrated artist despite her lasting influence on Maharashtra's folk art.

Vithabai Narayangaonkar's family supports the demand

The demand for a title change has also gained support from Vithabai's family.

As per the report, her sons Kailash and Rajesh Narayangaonkar, along with her grandson Mohit Narayangaonkar, have expressed disappointment with the title and asked the makers to change it.

For the family, the issue goes beyond the film's name.

They believe a movie that celebrates Vithabai's life and achievements should be named after her so that future generations remember the woman who played a major role in shaping Maharashtra's Lavani and Tamasha heritage.

So far, director Laxman Utekar and production house Maddock Films have not made any statements about the controversy or the request to rename the film.

Eetha teaser showcases Shraddha Kapoor in a powerful new role

The teaser for Eetha gives a glimpse of one of Shraddha Kapoor's most emotionally intense performances so far.

It starts with a lively Lavani performance as the crowd eagerly waits for Eetha to go on stage.

Backstage, Shraddha's character is shown preparing for her performance though she is heavily pregnant.

Soon after, she goes into labor and is seen in severe pain.Even when a voice warns that performing could cost her life, she refuses to leave the stage.Moments after giving birth, she returns to finish her performance, showing her character's strong dedication to her art.

Dharna Durga opens up on working in Sunny Sanskari Ki Tulsi Kumari: “Varun Dhawan lights up the entire set; Janhvi Kapoor is GENUINELY very kind, welcoming”

 The funny entertainer Maa Behen came out on Netflix three weeks ago, and as expected, Madhuri Dixit, Triptii Dimri, and Ravi Kishan all gave great performances.But the biggest surprise of the movie is Dharna Durga, who plays Rekha, Madhuri Dixit's younger daughter, and Jaya, Triptii Dimri's sister, named Sushma.Before Maa Behen, Dharna Durga was in the 2025 romantic comedy Sunny Sanskari Ki Tulsi Kumari.In that movie, she played Dharna, the best friend and close friend of Tulsi, played by Janhvi Kapoor, who helped her when she had a bad breakup.Dharna Durga's role was less than ten minutes long, but she still made people laugh and left a lasting impression.In an exclusive interview, Dharna Durga talked about working on Sunny Sanskari Ki Tulsi Kumari.

Dharna Durga said that working with Varun Dhawan and Janhvi Kapoor was a great experience.

She said, "It was a lot of fun.I had met both of them before, and they've always been very warm, sweet, and down-to-earth." 

Dharna Durga continued, "Varun has this amazing energy that makes the whole set feel lively, and Janhvi is really kind and welcoming.

They both made everyone feel at ease, and it was nice to spend time and work with them.I came back with a lot of happy memories from that experience."

In the same interview, she also praised her co-star in Maa Behen, saying, "I met Madhuri ma'am and suddenly all my preparation went away.

I became a child.I’ve grown up watching her films.She's one of those people who feels bigger than life.I got emotional and she was incredibly sweet about it.Instead of making it awkward, she comforted me and spoke to me so warmly.Within minutes, she made me feel like I belonged there.That's something very few stars have."