Mohit Malik on playing Birju Lohar in Mirzapur The Movie: “We cannot approach a character by simply deciding whether he is good or bad”

With Mirzapur: The Movie now streaming on Prime Video India following its theatrical run, actor Mohit Malik has opened up about playing Birju Lohar in the crime drama. Reflecting on his experience, the actor discussed the challenge of portraying a character whose actions and motivations exist in shades of grey, making him an intriguing addition to the Mirzapur universe.

The franchise has built its narrative around characters who frequently blur the lines between right and wrong. Birju Lohar fits into this morally complex world, with his flaws, questionable decisions and unpredictable nature shaping his character. For Mohit, the challenge was to understand Birju’s motivations without judging him through the lens of his own personal beliefs.

Rather than categorising Birju as either good or bad, the actor approached the role by examining the circumstances and emotions that influence his decisions. According to Mohit, portraying such characters requires an actor to understand the reasoning behind their actions, even when those choices may be difficult to justify.

Speaking about playing Birju Lohar, Mohit Malik said, “Birju is a flawed character who makes choices that may not always be right, and that is what makes him interesting to play. As actors, we cannot approach a character by simply deciding whether he is good or bad. We have to understand his mindset, his circumstances and what drives him to make certain decisions. Even when you don't agree with a character's actions, you have to find the reasoning behind them and make them believable. The challenge is to portray the character honestly without judging him. I believe audiences connect with characters who feel human, with their flaws, contradictions and complexities. With Birju, I wanted to understand the person behind his actions and bring that truth to the screen.”

Mohit’s comments highlight an important aspect of his approach to the role: understanding a character beyond the choices he makes. By exploring Birju’s mindset and the circumstances surrounding his decisions, the actor sought to present a layered portrayal while leaving audiences to form their own opinions.

The digital release of Mirzapur: The Movie gives viewers another opportunity to explore the franchise’s familiar world of power struggles, rivalries and morally ambiguous characters. Mohit’s portrayal of Birju Lohar adds to that landscape, reflecting the complexity that has remained central to the crime drama’s storytelling.

Mirzapur: The Movie is now streaming exclusively on Prime Video India.

Also Read: Photos: Ali Fazal and Divyenndu host a special daawat for the entire team of Mirzapur: The Movie at Bandra

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Sara Ali Khan faces fatwa over Kedarnath Temple visit: Reports

Sara Ali Khan's recent visit to Kedarnath Temple has led to a religious controversy after Uttar Pradesh-based Islamic cleric Maulana Mufti Shahabuddin Razvi Barelvi reportedly issued a fatwa over the actress offering prayers at the shrine. Sara visited Kedarnath on October 25 and was reportedly seen waiting in the queue for darshan before offering prayers with folded hands. Media reports also said that she participated in puja and aarti and visited the Bhukunt Bhairav Temple.

Reacting to the visit, the cleric said that Islamic Sharia does not permit Muslims to participate in religious practices associated with another faith. “I want to make it clear that Islamic Sharia does not permit its followers to engage in shirk,” the cleric said, as reported by Bhaskar English. He further added, “This means that no Muslim, whether a man or a woman, is allowed to adopt the religious practices of another faith or worship at a temple.”

The cleric reportedly described such acts as “impermissible and haram” under Sharia and said Sara should repent before Allah. He also reiterated his position on the actress's temple visit, saying, “I want to make it clear that such acts are not permissible.” What happened during Sara Ali Khan's Kedarnath visit? According to reports, Sara travelled to Kedarnath by helicopter before joining devotees waiting for darshan. Pictures and videos from the visit showed her standing in the queue and later offering prayers at the temple.

Reports also said that the actress participated in the temple's puja and aarti and visited the Bhukunt Bhairav Temple. Her visit reportedly took place amid cold weather, with some reports stating that women devotees offered her a shawl to help her keep warm.

Sara has maintained a connection with Kedarnath for several years. The shrine also has a link to her film career, as she made her Bollywood debut with the 2018 film Kedarnath, which starred the late Sushant Singh Rajput. She has returned to the temple on multiple occasions since then. Temple committee's protocol for non-Hindu visitors The controversy has also brought attention to the Badrinath-Kedarnath Temple Committee's rules for non-Hindu visitors. According to reports, the committee requires non-Hindu devotees who wish to offer prayers at the shrine to submit an affidavit.

BKTC CEO Sohan Singh Rangar reportedly confirmed to News18 that Sara's team had submitted the required affidavit before her visit.

A fatwa is generally understood as a religious opinion or ruling issued by an Islamic scholar on a question concerning Islamic law. In this case, the reported ruling reflects the position expressed by the cleric and should not be presented as a universal view shared by all Muslims or Islamic scholars.

Also Read: Sara Ali Khan reveals why Atrangi Re was one role that demanded the most from her: “Lots of personal things had happened that year”

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SCOOP: Anirudh exits Shah Rukh Khan’s King due to packed schedule; gifts SRK the theme track as Sachin-Jigar take over

Shah Rukh Khan and Siddharth Anand are gearing up to end the year with a bang, as their next King is the most discussed film of 2026. The countdown to a grand asset launch for Shah Rukh Khan's birthday is underway, which will officially kick off the actioner's marketing campaign.

And now, Bollywood Hungama has exclusively learnt of a major development that could leave Shah Rukh Khan and Anirudh fans with mixed emotions. Anirudh, who has earned a massive following for his electrifying background scores, has amicably parted ways with King owing to his packed schedule. A source informed Bollywood Hungama, “Siddharth Anand and Shah Rukh Khan are determined to bring King to cinemas this Christmas without any delays. However, Anirudh has been juggling multiple commitments down South, making it difficult for him to devote the time and attention that a film of this scale demands. After a cordial discussion, both parties mutually decided to part ways.” The source further revealed that the makers have now entrusted Sachin-Jigar with the responsibility of composing the film’s music and background score.

"However, Anirudh has given the Theme Track of King to Shah Rukh Khan as a mark of his respect for the megastar, and Sachin-Jigar too will be reimagining the track for the entire background score of the film. So King will still have the Anirudh touch with the theme track, but the entire score also the album, otherwise will be done by Sachin-Jigar," the source tells us.

King is touted to be the most ambitious action film of Hindi cinema, mounted on a mammoth budget as the makers are up to deliver a never-before spectacle. The estimated costs excluding SRK's fees and PnA is touted to be in the zone of Rs. 450 crore, and every penny will be visible on the screen as per insiders.

"This is Siddharth Anand's biggest film till date and a love letter to the legend of SRK. He has designed the full film keeping his aura in mind."

Also Read: Siddharth Anand drops another cryptic post about Shah Rukh Khan starrer King at midnight; is a birthday surprise coming?

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Siddharth Anand drops another cryptic post about Shah Rukh Khan starrer King at midnight; is a birthday surprise coming?

Filmmaker Siddharth Anand has once again sparked curiosity among Shah Rukh Khan fans with a cryptic midnight post about KING. Following his earlier one-word tweet, “It’s”, the director has now shared another intriguing message that reads, “Time For The World”. The latest post has fuelled speculation about whether an announcement related to the much-awaited action thriller is around the corner, especially with Shah Rukh Khan’s birthday on November 2 approaching.

Siddharth Anand’s first post had already caught the attention of fans, with many wondering whether the filmmaker was hinting at an upcoming update on KING. His latest message has added another layer to the mystery, prompting questions about whether the two posts are connected and whether they could be building towards a larger reveal.

Time For The World — Siddharth Anand (@justSidAnand) October 29, 2026

With the superstar’s birthday just around the corner, fans are also speculating whether Siddharth Anand could have another midnight surprise planned for tomorrow. However, the filmmaker has not officially confirmed what the cryptic messages refer to, leaving the possibility of a reveal open to speculation.

It’s — Siddharth Anand (@justSidAnand) October 29, 2026

Directed by Siddharth Anand, KING is an international action thriller produced by Gauri Khan under Red Chillies Entertainment and Marflix Pictures. The film stars Shah Rukh Khan in the titular role of a deadly assassin whose underworld journey intersects with high-stakes emotional conflicts and a romantic core, teased through the tagline, “Qaatil Nahi.. Aashiq Hoon…”.

The film features Suhana Khan in a pivotal lead role, alongside Abhishek Bachchan as the primary antagonist. Deepika Padukone, Rani Mukerji, Jaideep Ahlawat and Raghav Juyal are also part of the ensemble cast in supporting roles and special appearances.

Mounted on a global scale, the project features international stunt choreography, with Red Chillies VFX handling the visual effects. KING is scheduled to arrive in cinemas worldwide on December 24, 2026, during the Christmas holiday period.

For now, Siddharth Anand’s latest post has left fans guessing. Whether “Time For The World” signals a major KING update or is simply another teaser remains to be seen.

Also Read: Shah Rukh Khan birthday special? Siddharth Anand drops cryptic “It’s” tweet sparking speculation on new King update

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Bhumi Pednekar reunites with Akshay Kumar for Priyadarshan’s next comedy

Bhumi Pednekar is set to reunite with Akshay Kumar for an upcoming comedy directed by Priyadarshan. The project will mark their third collaboration and comes four years after the duo was last seen together in Raksha Bandhan.

According to a report by Hindustan Times, Bhumi has been signed as the leading lady of the film. Priyadarshan has also confirmed her casting to HT City. The upcoming project is Priyadarshan’s 99th film as a director and is expected to go on floors in the last week of November 2026. Akshay Kumar to play tiger hunter in 1970s-set comedy The film is reportedly set in the 1970s, with Akshay Kumar playing a tiger hunter. While details about the story are currently being kept under wraps, the project is being described as a comedy set against the period.

Earlier reports had suggested that the film could incorporate elements related to wildlife conservation alongside comedy and thriller elements. However, the makers have not revealed detailed plot information yet.

The film is being produced by Ramesh Taurani. Reports have also suggested that Annu Kapoor and Rajpal Yadav could be part of the cast, although further details about their roles have not been officially disclosed. Bhumi Pednekar and Akshay Kumar to reunite after Raksha Bandhan Bhumi and Akshay have previously shared screen space in Toilet: Ek Prem Katha and Raksha Bandhan. Their upcoming collaboration will therefore mark their third film together.

Raksha Bandhan, directed by Aanand L Rai, was released in 2022 and featured Bhumi as Akshay’s co-star. The upcoming Priyadarshan project will bring the pair together in a different setting, with the story reportedly taking place several decades in the past. Priyadarshan’s 99th film to begin shooting in November The film is expected to begin production in the last week of November 2026. The shooting schedule is likely to span around three months, with Rajasthan and Mumbai among the locations. Bhopal is also being considered as a possible shooting location.

Also Read: Bhumi Pednekar recalls Shah Rukh Khan’s warm hospitality and Akshay Kumar’s lasting advice

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Varun Sharma and makers of Naam – To Live Is War part ways amid scheduling commitments

Actor Varun Sharma, who was all set to star in the upcoming action thriller Naam – To Live Is War, and the makers Utsav Entertainment have arrived at a mutual understanding regarding the collaboration, keeping in view existing professional commitments and scheduling considerations.

Due to Varun’s existing professional commitments and scheduling considerations, accommodating the project at this time has become challenging. Following thoughtful discussions and careful consideration, both the actor and the makers have mutually agreed on a practical course of action, keeping their respective professional commitments in mind.

The actor and the makers share, “We were genuinely looking forward to this collaboration and exploring the opportunity to work together. However, given the existing professional commitments and scheduling considerations, we felt it was best to take a considered and practical decision at this stage. While things may not align this time, we hope to find an opportunity to collaborate in the future when circumstances are more conducive. We wish the entire team the very best and hope the film receives immense love and success.”

Also Read: EXCLUSIVE: Himesh Reshammiya to compose music for Veer Pahariya’s Naam – To Live Is War; reunites with Mahesh Bhatt after 16 years

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Salim Merchant buys commercial property in Mumbai for Rs 12.85 crores: Report

Music composer and singer Salim Merchant has purchased a commercial property in Mumbai’s Santacruz West for Rs 12.85 crores, according to property registration documents accessed by CRE Matrix. The transaction was registered on October 7, 2026, with Salim Merchant among five buyers involved in the deal. The buyers paid Rs 77.10 lakhs in stamp duty, which amounts to 6% of the stated transaction value.

Salim Merchant holds 50% stake in property According to the registration documents, Salim Merchant holds a 50% ownership share in the property. The remaining four buyers each hold a 12.5% stake. The property was purchased from Shreeja Devcon Private Limited and comprises commercial premises spread across the ground and first floors of DLH Mangal Murti in Santacruz West.

The combined carpet area of the two floors is 1,285 sq ft. The ground floor accounts for 575 sq ft, while the first floor has a carpet area of 710 sq ft. The agreement also includes one car parking space. Property deal works out to around Rs 1 lakh per sq ft Based on the reported transaction value of Rs 12.85 crores and the total carpet area of 1,285 sq ft, the property was acquired at approximately Rs 1 lakh per sq ft of carpet area. The deal adds to the list of high-value property transactions involving celebrities in Mumbai, where commercial and residential real estate continues to see significant activity in premium neighbourhoods.

The registration documents state that the agreement was executed with Shreeja Devcon Private Limited and formally registered on October 7.

Also Read: Salim Merchant reacts to A.R. Rahman’s ‘communal bias’ remark: “If he’s composing for Ramayana, I don’t think there is any problem”

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