Comedy from the pages of Mahabharata
Director Shoojit Sircar, known for critically acclaimed films like October (2018) and Sardar Udham (2021), is set to helm a comedy film with a mythological twist. The buzz is that the filmmaker’s next project will be a quirky mythological comedy, starring Manoj Bajpayee and Rajkummar Rao. We have also learnt that it will reinterpret a key episode from the Mahabharata through a humorous lens. Industry insiders are excited for the new venture as the filmmaker’s comedies like Vicky Donor (2012) and Piku (2015) have been loved by film critics and audiences equally. Insiders suggest that the new film will be laced with “a new style of humour rarely explored in Indian cinema.” The film’s shoot is expected to start in the first half of 2026.
Moosewala’s magic continues
Sidhu Moosewala
Punjabi singer Sidhu Moosewala’s posthumous track Barota dropped on his official YouTube channel recently, swiftly crossing 2.2 million views within three hours. The four-minute song drew an outpouring of comments and likes, reflecting the strong following Moosewala retains since his death in 2022. Blending village references, trademark swagger, and themes of youth and pride, the track also nods to giving up weapons for love. Barota marks his ninth posthumous release, with fan engagement remaining remarkably high.
Staying relevant
Sophie Choudry
Singer, actor, and host Sophie Choudry recently fronted the lavish Udaipur wedding of US billionaire’s daughter Netra Mantena and Vamsi Gadiraju, where Jennifer Lopez delivered a full concert-style performance. After Sophie shared a backstage picture with JLo, a social media user questioned how she had “survived in Bollywood without work”. Sophie responded that she has built a strong career “through the live show market”, noting she has been “one of the busiest singer-performers for 17 years” and a top host for corporate and wedding events. When another troll accused her of begging JLo for a photo, Sophie hit back, calling it “a sad mentality” and adding that the singer obliged because she was hosting the show.
Toxicity to action drama
Tiger Shroff and Milap Zaveri
After the unexpected success of Ek Deewane Ki Deewaniyat, filmmaker Milap Zaveri is reportedly in early conversations with Tiger Shroff for a large-scale action drama. The buzz is that the talks are progressing well, with Milap currently shaping the script and the film likely to go on floors in early 2026. We have learnt that Tiger has responded positively to the concept. The project is being viewed as a potential comeback for the actor, whose recent releases like Baaghi 4, Bade Miyan Chote Miyan (2024), and Ganpath (2023) have underperformed. The entertainer is expected to be packed with action and big-screen appeal.
‘AI cannot replace creativity’
Javed Akhtar
Noted lyricist and writer Javed Akhtar recently said artificial intelligence (AI) has limitations and cannot replace the natural creativity of human beings. He said artificial intelligence has limitations and is dependent on data. “I cannot say what will happen in the future. But, for now, I am sure that AI in no way can replace the creativity of human beings. The Artificial Intelligence technology had no conscience. It depends on how you use it,” the veteran said at a literary festival in Bhubaneshwar.