Bollywood superstar Prabhas is once again in the limelight with his upcoming dystopian action thriller, “Kalki 2898 AD,” directed by Nag Ashwin. This highly anticipated film has generated significant buzz since its announcement, largely owed to the mixed responses Prabhas received for his last few releases, including “Saaho” (2019), “Radhe Shyam” (2022), and “Adipurush” (2023).
“Kalki 2898 AD” features an ensemble cast that includes Amitabh Bachchan, Kamal Haasan, Deepika Padukone, Disha Patani, and Shobhana, making it one of the most awaited releases. The advance bookings for the 2D and 3D formats in multiple languages—Hindi, Telugu, Tamil, Kannada, and Malayalam—appear promising. However, the IMAX format in Hindi seems to be facing some obstacles.
Earlier this week, the distributor had to halt premium bookings for the IMAX format due to unspecified issues. Though bookings resumed a day later, the release day itself saw rocky beginnings. Reports indicate that certain multiplexes did not receive the essential Key Delivery Message (KDM) codes required to screen the film in IMAX, leading to the cancellation of some morning shows. Subsequently, cinemas were compelled to refund ticket prices to the audience right away.
There have been murmurs in Chennai suggesting that the passkey for the IMAX format in Tamil also wasn’t disseminated in time. Fortunately, the Telugu and Malayalam versions reported no such issues. By the afternoon, the KDM problems were resolved, and screenings continued as planned.
Shifting gears, Rohit Dhawan, known for his directorial ventures, seems to be rebounding from a recent shelving of his ambitious “Rambo” remake. Initially set to feature Tiger Shroff, this project met an untimely end a few weeks ago. Now, Rohit is reportedly joining forces with Sajid Nadiadwala, the producer of their successful film “Dishoom” (2016), for a new movie. The duo is planning an action comedy inspired by Rohit’s father, David Dhawan’s “Deewana Mastana” (1997).
The original movie, which starred Anil Kapoor, Govinda, and Juhi Chawla, was a pure comedy, but sources indicate that Rohit’s version will incorporate significant action elements. The casting will begin once the screenplay is finalized, with the filmmakers expecting to start shooting next year. Fans are keen to know if Varun Dhawan, Rohit’s actor-brother, will join the project, marking their second collaboration.
Meanwhile, Alia Bhatt has successfully wrapped up her next project, “Jigra.” The versatile actress pulled off an all-nighter to complete the filming of this eagerly awaited thriller, also marking her role as a producer alongside Karan Johar.
. Directed by Vasan Bala, “Jigra” features Alia in the lead, accompanied by Vedang Raina and Aditya Nanda.
A close source revealed, “Vasan had scheduled a late-night shoot, capturing a crucial scene with Alia and Vedang between 2 AM and 4 AM, followed by another intense sequence.” This wrap-up came with the stipulation that patch-work may still be required. Slated for a theatrical release on October 11, the plot revolves around a woman’s brave attempt to protect her brother.
Disgruntled with a recent travel experience, Aditi Rao Hydari shared her frustrations over social media about her troubling visit to Europe. The “Heeramandi: The Diamond Bazaar” actress expressed her disappointment with the chaotic handling of luggage at Heathrow Airport. Posting online, Aditi complained, “Heathrow chaos x 10000… Two hours at an empty luggage belt!”
Showing a screenshot of her interaction with the airport’s social media team, Aditi voiced her concerns about the prolonged wait and the authorities’ lack of accountability. “Heathrow washed their hands of any answers,” she wrote. Over the next 32 hours, Aditi kept her followers updated as her luggage remained missing, criticizing the airport authorities for showing “zero accountability.” Amidst the commotion, Aditi and her fiancé Siddharth, who attended Sonakshi Sinha and Zaheer Iqbal’s recent reception, are gearing up for their upcoming nuptials later this year.
In a more uplifting note, Jacqueliene Fernandez, who has been relatively low-profile of late, is set to champion the cause of animal welfare. She will be speaking at the 3rd Vegan India Conference at an upscale suburban hotel. In her talk, Jacqueliene plans to emphasize the benefits of adopting a plant-based diet, noting its richness in proteins and its advantages for muscle-building.
A devoted animal lover and vegan, Jacqueliene launched the You Only Live Once (YOLO) Foundation, striving to share uplifting stories of compassion and kindness. Her advocacy aims to inspire attendees to consider a cruelty-free lifestyle.
To conclude, the upcoming releases and initiatives in Bollywood suggest a vibrant narrative of passion, innovation, and advocacy. Whether through thrilling films or championing meaningful causes, the industry continues to engage and inspire its audience globally.
