Rumours are swirling in Bollywood that Abhishek Bachchan is set to portray the antagonist in Shah Rukh Khan’s next film, which is tentatively titled “King.” This casting news has generated considerable excitement among fans as it marks the reunion of Bachchan and Khan nearly ten years after their last collaboration in the movie “Happy New Year” (2014).
Shah Rukh Khan, Suhana Khan, and Abhishek Bachchan are reportedly all part of this highly-anticipated project. The film will be directed by Sujoy Ghosh, known for his mastery in the thriller genre. While specifics of the plot are being kept under tight wraps, insiders suggest that Bachchan’s role as the suave baddie will be a departure from the kinds of negative roles he has tackled in the past.
The movie stands out not just for its star-studded cast, but also for featuring the big-screen debut of Suhana Khan, Shah Rukh Khan’s daughter. Suhana, who gained attention with her performance in Zoya Akhtar’s “The Archies” (2023), will play a parallel lead alongside her father. Reports indicate that the film underwent extensive rewrites over recent months, likely to ensure it becomes a compelling cinematic experience.
This action-packed thriller is produced by Shah Rukh Khan himself, along with Siddharth Anand, who directed the blockbuster “Pathaan” (2023). The collaborative effort between these industry heavyweights adds an extra layer of anticipation surrounding the film, which is slated to begin shooting around October. Given the secrecy maintained about the storyline, fans are eager to see what twists and turns await them.
In addition to this intriguing casting news, the Bollywood grapevine has also been buzzing with speculation about Katrina Kaif and Vicky Kaushal. Rumors have been circulating that the popular couple might be expecting a child. However, during promotional activities for his upcoming film “Bad Newz,” Kaushal quashed these rumors. The actor clarified that they would joyfully announce any good news when it is appropriate. He also mentioned that due to their hectic schedules, he and Katrina Kaif haven’t had much time together recently. Therefore, his focus for Katrina’s birthday was to prioritize spending quality time together.
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In another part of Bollywood, actress Sharvari has recently begun filming “Alpha,” a spy thriller directed by Shiv Rawail and starring Alia Bhatt. Sharvari shared her rigorous preparation for the role on social media, captioning her post with, “Never miss a Monday.” Fans, including Vicky Kaushal and co-actor Abhay Verma, showered her with praise for her commitment and transformation.
Meanwhile, significant developments are happening in the realm of movie releases. Junior NTR’s “Devara: Part 1,” Kartik Aaryan’s “Bhool Bhulaiyaa 3” (BB3), and Allu Arjun’s “Pushpa 2: The Rule” are all set to hit theaters later this year. Distributors, led by Anil Thadani, have already started securing single-screen cinemas for these movies to optimize their box-office performance. Despite the strategic planning, it will be a competitive season. “Devara” is scheduled for a solo release on September 27, BB3 will contend with Rohit Shetty’s highly anticipated “Singham Again” during Diwali, and “Pushpa 2” will face off against Vicky Kaushal’s “Chhaava” on December 6.
On a lighter note, newlyweds Sonakshi Sinha and Zaheer Iqbal seem to be thoroughly enjoying their honeymoon phase. Sonakshi recently posted some lush, scenic photos from their second honeymoon, but noted that they had to take separate flights. Zaheer’s playful response to her post showcased their ongoing romance, as he quoted lyrics from Salman Khan’s song “Deewana main chala.”
In a nostalgic move, actor Abhay Deol commemorated the 13th anniversary of “Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara” (2011). Sharing cherished photos and memories with his co-stars and director Zoya Akhtar, Deol playfully urged for a sequel. Zoya’s warm response and Hrithik Roshan’s reshared posts indicate that the movie continues to hold a special place in the hearts of those who made and loved it.
Finally, during a candid conversation on Bharti Singh and Haarsh Limbachiyaa’s podcast, actor Randeep Hooda discussed how his marriage to actor-businesswoman Lin Laishram has influenced his views on professional and financial responsibilities. Hooda, who recently ventured into filmmaking with “SwatantryaVeer Savarkar,” acknowledged that Lin’s presence has shifted his perspective towards a more balanced financial outlook, a significant change for someone who has traditionally had socialist inclinations regarding money.
As Bollywood fans await more concrete announcements, the rumors and speculation keep the excitement alive.
