The Indian film industry buzzes with anticipation as Sajid Nadiadwala, head of Nadiadwala Grandson Entertainment, has declared a cinematic collaboration with Rajinikanth, the superstar whose career has spanned over four decades. A statement from Nadiadwala’s production house—teasing fans with an image of the producer alongside the legendary actor—read, “It is a true honour to collaborate with the legendary Rajinikanth sir! Anticipation mounts as we prepare to embark on this unforgettable journey together!” This rendezvous has since evolved into the producer acquiring rights for a biopic of the iconic figure.
It’s no secret that Rajinikanth, fondly called ‘Rajini,’ has risen from humble beginnings as a bus conductor to become one of India’s most adored superstars. Sajid Nadiadwala is said to be an ardent admirer of Rajini’s life and work, expressing a desire to portray his storied career and personal saga within a “larger-than-life” film narrative. To ensure authenticity, the producer has maintained regular contact with Rajinikanth’s family, gathering insights into the legend’s life.
However, cinematization of this illustrious life is a work in progress, with casting to commence only once the screenplay is finalized. Nadiadwala envisages commencing production no earlier than the latter half of 2025, indicating a lengthy preparatory phase for what could be a cinematic milestone.
Transitioning from biographical ventures to the domain of rom-coms, the ensemble for Shashank Khaitan’s directorial piece, Sunny Sanskari Ki Tulsi Kumari, has added another luminary—Akshay Oberoi. Akshay joins a star-studded cast including Varun Dhawan, Janhvi Kapoor, Sanya Malhotra, and Rohit Saraf under Karan Johar’s banner. Seen in “Fighter” as Basheer Khan aka Bash, Akshay secures a significant role in what is to be a family-oriented entertainer. The rom-com goes into production within weeks in Mumbai; concurrently, viewers can catch Akshay in the premiering second season of “The Broken News.”
Away from the glitz, Janhvi Kapoor endeavours to provide an intimate perspective of the Bollywood elite’s lifestyle. Teaming up with a renowned homestay brand, she offers her late mother Sridevi’s Chennai residence to discerning guests. These stays promise to deliver a slice of the famed family’s life—featuring authentic South Indian cuisine and personal interactions with Janhvi, detailing her beauty routines and hacks.
The opulent Chennai house itself holds a rich history, purchased by Sridevi prior to her marriage with Boney Kapoor. Neglected over the years and plagued by maintenance woes, the property has been restored post Sridevi’s untimely passing in 2018. Now, the residence showcases not just resplendent living spaces but a secret chamber, a patio, a gallery adorned with family portraits, Sridevi’s early artwork, and pieces crafted by daughters Janhvi and Khushi.
In a blend of cinema and sports, David Warner, Australian cricketing stalwart, finds himself captivated by the moves in “Pushpa 2: The Rule’s” title track. Featuring Allu Arjun, the song has enraptured Warner enough to publicly voice his desire to learn the dance. Allu Arjun, in sporting camaraderie, assures Warner that the task is manageable and hints towards a future dance lesson.
Jumping into the patriotic fervor, Aamir Khan has his eyes set on a Republic Day 2025 release for the project “Lahore: 1947,” directed by Rajkumar Santoshi and starring the likes of Sunny Deol and Preity Zinta. A month before, the actor-director is poised to deliver “Sitaare Zameen Par,” slated for Christmas 2024. Santoshi’s creation of meticulous sets for “Lahore: 1947” underscores the commitment to period accuracy, eschewing contemporary visual effects in favor of historical ambiance.
On the performance front, Richa Chadha delves into Lajjo’s character in “Heeramandi: The Diamond Bazaar,” driven by an urge to craft a poignant impact through a “heartbreaking arc” rather than draw on the sheer magnitude of screen-time. Richa’s instinctive attraction to Lajjo over an initially offered larger role appears to have struck a chord with audiences and peers alike.
Finally, in the thrilling narrative landscape, “Undekhi” awaits its third season release on May 10, with actor Varun Badola making an appearance as Rajveer Malhotra. His portrayal is pegged as a masterclass in nuance—a “perfect shade of grey,” effectively elevating the intrigue within the series. As the show attempts to untangle rights from wrongs, characters like Rajveer Malhotra stand out as tantalizing enigmas crafted for the discerning viewer.
Such diverse stories form the colorful tapestry of India’s entertainment world, where the lives of screen legends metamorphose into cinematic sagas, homestays beget exclusive peeks into stardom, and the spicy interplay of cultures breathes life into the filmy tapestry. The year 2025, in particular, poses as an exciting horizon with narrative joys awaiting on the silver screen.
