Potential fans of Bollywood comedy have something to cheer about as the long-mooted sequel to the 2005 hit film “No Entry” seems poised to materialize at last. The original film’s producer, Boney Kapoor, has reportedly secured a studio partnership to finance the second chapter of this screwball comedy under the guidance of writer-director Anees Bazmee.
This upcoming sequel to “No Entry” is set to feature a fresh ensemble cast including Varun Dhawan, Arjun Kapoor, and Diljit Dosanjh, who collectively step into the considerable shoes of the original lead actors Salman Khan, Anil Kapoor, and Fardeen Khan. Sources close to the development report that the new trio has been in extensive discussions with the filmmakers over recent months and are eagerly anticipating the beginning of production on what promises to be another comedic romp.
Amid the flurry of schedule coordination, it’s whispered that Bazmee intends to commence shooting “No Entry 2” towards the tail end of 2024. By this time, Bazmee is expected to have completed work on “Bhool Bhulaiyaa 3,” and the leading men, Dhawan, Kapoor, and Dosanjh, are likely to be free from prior filming obligations. Film fanatics need only wait a little while longer for the hilarious hijinks to unfold on screen once more.
In other cine-news, the industry is abuzz with the latest on Vicky Kaushal and Triptii Dimri’s currently untitled venture, produced by none other than Karan Johar. Few details have been released, but the film is now targeting a hot summer release. Anand Tiwari, the director in charge of this romantic comedy, is still due to shoot several musical numbers starring Ammy Virk. Kaushal, currently sporting a bearded look for his portrayal of Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj in Laxman Utekar’s historical drama “Chhaava,” stands ready to slip back into his romantic lead persona upon wrapping the latter project. With filming locations for the musical tracks still pending finalization, audiences are encouraged to stay tuned for further developments.
Taking a segue from the silver screen to real-life happenings, Pankaj Tripathi—a celebrated fixture of the Indian film fraternity—is known for making his commutes to and from Madh Island by way of ferry, much like many of his colleagues. The acclaimed actor, coming from a midday press event for the National School of Drama’s Bharat Rang Mahotsav, eschewed the notorious city traffic and sailed from the Andheri Link Road press venue to the tranquility of his seaside home.
In the panorama of personal lives of celebrities, actors Pulkit Samrat and Kriti Kharbanda recently progressed their romantic relationship with a roka ceremony. Their off-screen chemistry, having ignited on the set of “Veerey Ki Wedding” (2018), blossomed throughout the filming of their next collaboration, “Pagalpanti” (2019). Choosing to remain tight-lipped with the press, the duo nevertheless ignited public speculation about their union via a telling social media post showcasing their new rings. Sources estimate wedding bells may chime for the pair later in the year.
Trailing off of more sobering news, Shantanu Maheshwari, known for his role in “Gangubai Kathiawadi,” has become the freshest face on the list of credit card fraud victims. The actor realized something was amiss when his card was declined due to alleged insufficient funds while at a restaurant. He was taken aback to learn from customer care that an unauthorized card had been linked to his account and number without triggering any one-time password alerts. Despite enduring the hassle of liaising with both the bank and Cyber Crime Cell, Maheshwari successfully filed a police report. Shaken by the incident, he pointed out the importance of being vigilant in personal financial security.
Finally, it is rumored that Bollywood’s darlings Alia Bhatt and Ranbir Kapoor, along with eminent director Sanjay Leela Bhansali, are on the brink of striking an accord for their next venture, “Love & War.” Bhansali, who originally cast Kapoor in “Saawariya” (2007), has long since desired a reunion. Ensuring a congenial working atmosphere, fixed shoot hours, and adherence to the scheduled timeline are stipulated conditions that Kapoor had reportedly set forth. Bhansali is gearing up to start filming this November, targeting a close in July next year, all in hopes of a grand Christmas 2025 unveiling.
