bollywoodEntertainmentfilmmediamusic

BREAKING: Thamma, Ek Deewane Ki Deewaniyat and ALL other films to discontinue in Assam cinemas from October 31; to ONLY play Zubeen Garg’s final film, Roi Roi Binale; all set for a HISTORIC opening

Last month, the nation was plunged into grief following the untimely demise of the iconic singer and actor, Zubeen Garg. Now, his final on-screen appearance, Roi Roi Binale, is gearing up for a historic release this Friday, October 31. In an unprecedented tribute, every cinema hall across his home state of Assam will exclusively screen the film, suspending all other releases to honour their beloved legend. A trade source told Bollywood Hungama, “All the theatres in the North-eastern state will discontinue the holdover releases like Thamma, Ek Deewane Ki Deewaniyat, Kantara: A Legend Chapter 1, Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba The Movie: Infinity Castle, Jolly LLB 3 and Regretting You from October 31. New releases like Baahubali: The Epic, Single Salma, The Taj Story, The Black Phone 2, Bugonia, Good Boy etc. will not be screened in any cinema of Assam. Each and every theatre in that state will only play Roi Roi Binale.”The advance booking for Roi Roi Binale has commenced and by Wednesday, almost all shows are sold out or nearly sold out. Shows begin as early as 6: 00 am in Assam’s capital, Guwahati. But in Tezpur, shows commence even before 6: 00 am. While SVF Cinemas in Tezpur will play the first show at 5: 45 am, Imp Cinemas’ first show is at 5: 20 am. TNZ Cinemas will play the first ever show in the whole of India at 5: 00 am. Outside of Assam, too, the response to the advance booking of Roi Roi Binale has been extraordinary. Even in places like Ahmedabad and Jaipur, its shows are fast-filling. The trade source further said, “The ticket sales of Roi Roi Binale in Assam is historic. Almost all shows over the weekend are full and shows of the weekdays are also filling fast. It seems like the film will break every record of all the films in the Assam circuit.”In Roi Roi Binale, Zubeen Garg plays a blind artist and it also stars Mousumi Alifa, Joy Kashyap, Achurjya Borpatra and others. The film is written by Zubeen Garg, and he was also one of its producers along with his wife, Garima Saikia Garg, and Shyamantak Gautam. Also Read: Ayushmann Khurrana on Thamma’s commercial success: “To see people enjoy and endorse my kind of cinema feels incredible”.

bollywoodBusinessEntertainmentrealestate

Nadiadwala Grandson Entertainment buys two luxury apartments worth Rs. 36.57 crores in Prabhadevi, Mumbai

In a high-profile real estate move, Nadiadwala Grandson Entertainment Pvt. Ltd. (NGE) the banner behind some of Bollywood’s biggest blockbusters has acquired two premium apartments in Prabhadevi, Mumbai, for a staggering Rs. 36. 57 crore. According to property registration data reviewed by Square Yards on the Maharashtra government’s Inspector General of Registration (IGR) portal, both deals were finalized in October 2025. The company, helmed by producer Sajid Nadiadwala, is known for its extravagant cinematic vision and now, its taste in luxury real estate seems to match that flair. The newly purchased residences are located in Hubtown Twenty-Five South, one of South Mumbai’s most coveted high-rise developments that offers panoramic sea views, modern architecture, and world-class amenities. As per the documents, the first apartment is priced at Rs. 18. 57 crores and spans a RERA carpet area of 222. 13 sq. m. (2390 sq. ft.) with an additional area of 19. 40 sq. m. (208 sq. ft.). The purchase includes two car parking spaces, with Rs. 1. 11 crore paid in stamp duty and Rs. 30, 000 in registration charges. The second apartment, also in the same tower, is valued at Rs. 18 crore and features a RERA carpet area of 221. 30 sq. m. (2382 sq. ft.) plus 12. 86 sq. m. (138 sq. ft.) of extra space, along with two car parking slots. This deal involved Rs. 1. 08 crore in stamp duty and Rs. 30, 000 in registration charges. Situated in the upscale Prabhadevi neighbourhood, the property offers the perfect blend of exclusivity and convenience. The area is known for its proximity to the Siddhivinayak Temple, Worli, and Dadar, while providing seamless connectivity to key commercial hubs like Bandra-Kurla Complex, Lower Parel, and Nariman Point. With this acquisition, Nadiadwala Grandson Entertainment the powerhouse behind hits such as Kick, Housefull, Heropanti, and Bawaal continues to expand its legacy beyond cinema. Known for its commitment to high production values and creative excellence, the company’s latest investment in luxury real estate further reflects its stature as one of Bollywood’s most successful and influential production houses. These twin purchases reaffirm that for Nadiadwala Grandson Entertainment, success isn’t just confined to the silver screen it’s now making waves in Mumbai’s elite property circuit too. Also Read: Sajid Nadiadwala NOT making Tere Naam 2 with Salman Khan; here’s the TRUTH behind the viral buzz!.

bollywoodcomedyEntertainmenthorrormovies

BREAKING: Aneet Padda’s Shakti Shalini to release on December 24, 2026

Bollywood Hungama was among the first ones to confirm that Aneet Padda, who became a nationwide sensation with Saiyaara (2025), has replaced Kiara Advani in Shakti Shalini. On October 19, we also brought to you the news that Shakti Shalini’s announcement video is attached with Thamma, the grand Diwali release. And now, we bring to you another exciting update from the film. It has come to light that Shakti Shalini will release in cinemas on December 24, 2026. Just like Thamma, Shakti Shalini also belongs to the Maddock Horror Comedy Universe. The blockbuster franchise began with Stree (2018) followed by Bhediya (2022). Munjya (2024) came next and it was a sleeper super-hit. Stree 2 (2024) emerged as the highest Bollywood grosser of all time. Thamma is the fifth film of the universe. When Shakti Shalini starred Kiara Advani, the plan was to release it on December 31, 2025. With the Aneet Padda-starrer having moved to 2026, it means that three films of the Maddock Horror Comedy Universe will arrive next year Shakti Shalini, Chamunda and Bhediya 2. Stree 3 will arrive in 2027. In 2028, the Maddock Horror Comedy Universe will end with a bang with three exciting movies, namely Maha Munjya, Pehla Mahayudh and Doosara Mahayudh. Until now, prominent names are a part of this world like Shraddha Kapoor, Rajkummar Rao, Sharvari, Ayushmann Khurrana, Rashmika Mandanna, Varun Dhawan, Aneet Padda and above all, Akshay Kumar. Many more famous actors are expected to join the series in these upcoming films. The Maddock Horror Comedy Universe has turned into India’s own Marvel-style saga and Shakti Shalini could be the next major chapter tying all the worlds together. With each film introducing new characters and mythologies, the stage is now set for a multi-film crossover event that fans have long awaited. Also Read: Shakti Shalini announcement video to debut with Thamma: First glimpse reveals Aneet Padda’s starring role.

advertisingbollywoodBusinessEntertainmentmarketing

Atlee directs Rs. 150 crores Ching’s Desi Chinese ad starring Ranveer Singh, Sreeleela and Bobby Deol

In what could easily be one of the grandest advertising projects in India, filmmaker Atlee, known for his blockbuster hits like Jawan and Theri, has directed a Rs. 150 crores commercial for Ching’s Desi Chinese. The mega ad film stars Ranveer Singh, Sreeleela, and Bobby Deol in leading roles bringing together an electrifying mix of Bollywood’s most dynamic stars under Atlee’s high-octane direction. The upcoming campaign is said to be mounted on a cinematic scale rarely seen in the advertising space, complete with elaborate sets, extensive VFX, and a multi-location shoot schedule. The production reportedly aims to blend Atlee’s signature massy storytelling with the quirky, high-energy brand persona that Ching’s Desi Chinese is known for. According to an independent industry source, “The ad campaign for Ching’s Desi Chinese, featuring Ranveer Singh, Bobby Deol and Sreeleela directed by Atlee, is being made on a massive budget of around Rs. 150 crores. This alone makes it one of the biggest ad campaigns ever executed, featuring celebrated stars and a huge budget.”This marks Atlee’s first commercial project after the massive success of Jawan, which starred Shah Rukh Khan and became one of India’s highest-grossing films. His collaboration with Chings and Ranveer Singh who previously fronted the brand in a series of humorous and action-packed ads signals a fresh and ambitious phase for the food brand’s marketing. With the addition of Bobby Deol, currently riding high after his web show The Ba***ds of Bollywood, and Sreeleela, one of South cinema’s fastest-rising stars, the project has already generated massive curiosity. The extravagant campaign is expected to redefine how Indian brands approach advertising with cinema-scale storytelling meeting brand creativity. Also Read: CONFIRMED! Ranveer Singh’s Dhurandhar trailer to drop on November 12.

bollywoodcinemadistributionEntertainmentmovies

EXCLUSIVE: Thamma vs Ek Deewane Ki Deewaniyat screen-sharing battle begins; makers of Ayushmann Khurrana-starrer demand ALL shows in single and two-screen cinemas

The much-anticipated Diwali releases, Thamma and Ek Deewane Ki Deewaniyat, are just days away, and the excitement across the trade, industry, and audiences is palpable. As with every major festive clash, the battle for screens has intensified. Bollywood Hungama has learned that the first round of this tussle between the distributors of both films has already begun. A trade source told Bollywood Hungama, “Thamma, starring Ayushmann Khurrana and Rashmika Mandanna, is being distributed by PVR Inox Pictures. Its distributor-partner in the Mumbai circuit, August Entertainment, has sent a mail to cinemas in the territory informing them about their screen-sharing requirements. They have asked for all shows in single-screen cinemas and two screen theatres. They have also asked for 12 shows in three-screen multiplexes; it means 100% showcasing in two of the three screens and a show or two in the third screen as well.”The mail from August Entertainment further states that they want 15 shows of Thamma in four-screen theatres, 18 shows in five-screen cinemas, 21 shows in six-screen multiplexes, 24 shows in seven-screen multiplexes, 27 shows in eight-screen multiplexes, 30 shows in nine-screen plexes and 33 shows in 10-screen theatres. It’s important to note that this move has come directly from August Entertainment, which is handling the release of Thamma in the Mumbai circuit. How distributors in other regions respond, and whether they follow suit with similar demands, remains to be seen. Nevertheless, the exhibitors have expressed reservations. An exhibitor told us, “We would definitely want to show Thamma as it looks exciting. But single-screen cinemas should also be given a chance to play Ek Deewane Ki Deewaniyat. In fact, it’s the single-screen theatres where the Harshvardhan Rane-film can score big time. And let’s not forget that the Marathi film Premachi Goshta 2 and the Gujarati film Chaniya Toli are also up for release this Diwali. Some cinemas would want to accommodate it as well. Hence, we hope a solution can be found.”Another exhibitor remarked, “The mail from August Entertainment mentions that the rule exists only for non-PVR, non-Inox and non-Cinepolis cinemas. We feel it’s not fair and it should be uniform for all cinemas.”Meanwhile, a trade expert commented, “Just a few weeks ago, we saw what happened during the Kantara: A Legend Chapter 1 vs Sunny Sanskari Ki Tulsi Kumari clash. At that time, the makers of the former asked for 100% shows in single-screen, two-screen and three-screen cinemas. Even in theatres with four screens and more, they asked for nearly 80-90% of showcasing. At least, the distributors are reasonable in the case of Thamma.”Also Read: Ayushmann Khurrana flashes fake vampire teeth as he and Rashmika Mandanna promote Thamma in Delhi.

bollywoodcultureEntertainmentfilm industrymarketing

Sanjay Gupta SLAMS modern film marketing gimmicks; calls promotional music videos “thing of the past”

Filmmaker Sanjay Gupta has shared his thoughts on the evolving landscape of film promotion, stating that promotional music videos are now largely outdated. The director, who was one of the pioneers of special music videos to market his films, expressed his views in a two-part tweet on September 20, 2025. In his first tweet, Gupta wrote, “I was probably the first Producer/Director to shoot special music videos to promote my films. But those were different times. We only had film and music channels to promote. Today, I feel that’s a thing of the past. The audience wont get impressed with a flashy video.”He followed up with a second tweet, reinforcing his stance: “We need to accept that just the way visits to malls make no difference to a film’s opening, music videoshowever sexy and appealingwill not compel the audience to go to the theatre. The only draw is the uniqueness of your trailer and its connect. RIP promotional video.”Gupta has often been vocal about film promotions, emphasising that a movies core elementsits trailer, story, and overall appealare what truly attract audiences, rather than extravagant marketing gimmicks. Reflecting on his earlier comments after the release of Saiyaara, Gupta praised the decision to limit the lead actors appearances in pre-release interviews, podcasts, and promotions. On his X account, he wrote: “So whoever decided at YRF to keep the lead pair of Saiyaara away from all pre-release interviews, appearances, and podcasts is a genius. They preserved the freshness exclusively for the big screen. And look at how its worked.”He criticised what he described as the corporatisation of film marketing, adding: “Film business was running smoothly. Then corporates came and tried to rewrite the rules of the game. They screwed up. Big time!!! One of their biggest screw-ups was P&A (Print & Advertising). It was purely to loot producers. Corporates left, and producers continue the stupid trend of promotions.”Gupta also pointed to the South Indian film industry as a model: “The South never followed the dumb P&A practice. They did just fine. More than fine. And then come films like 12th Fail and Saiyaara, straight to theatressmash hits with no PR nonsense. Can we please learn our lesson?”Also Read: 20 Years of Musafir EXCLUSIVE: Sanjay Gupta reveals Sanjay Dutt had hearty laugh when Oliver Stone praised his role of Billa and left Anil Kapoor stunned; opens up on light-hearted dig at Sholay: I didnt mean any disrespect. I can never do that.