Batwara 1947 vs Awarapan 2 screen-sharing fight Round 2 begins: Distributor of Sunny Deol starrer asks for one show in single screens; Toxic’s Wednesday release complicates matters

Bollywood Hungama had reported last week about the screen-sharing issues faced during the release of Batwara 1947 and Awarapan 2. The issue has cropped up in the second week of these films as well.

A trade source told Bollywood Hungama, “PVR Inox Pictures, the distributors of Batwara 1947, have asked several single-screen cinemas to play one show of their film from tomorrow, August 21. However, the single-screen exhibitors are bewildered by this demand. Batwara 1947 has underperformed, more so at single screens. Moreover, Awarapan 2 continues to do huge business. The single screens wish to play all shows of Awarapan 2 to meet the demand. However, they won’t be able to cater to that demand fully due to the directive to allot shows to Batwara 1947.”

The source also said, “On the other hand, Awarapan 2’s distributor has put forth two conditions. One is that they want all shows in single screens. The theatres have no problem with this demand. However, they have also asked for all shows of Awarapan 2 until next Thursday, August 27. This demand has caused an issue as Toxic releases on Wednesday, August 26. That film also carries huge buzz and deserves sufficient showcasing.”

The source continued, “The single screens are in touch with the distributors of both films to find a solution. The issue is expected to be resolved in a few hours, after which the plans for the second week of Batwara 1947 and Awarapan 2 will commence.”

Also Read: EXCLUSIVE: Preeta Mathur of Jis Lahore Nahin Dekhya fame describes Batwara 1947 as a nice and engaging watch; but raises concerns over Shabana Azmi’s character dragged out: “This doesn’t give a good impression of Lahore”

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Sonu Nigam reacts to impersonator case settlement; says, “Saste mein chhoot gaya bahut”

Sonu Nigam has opened up about his legal battle with Bihar-based criminal lawyer Sonu Nigam Singh, whose social media account was allegedly mistaken for that of the singer. The dispute, which involved alleged misuse of the singer’s identity and personality rights, has now been settled following an amicable agreement between the two parties.

The Bombay High Court recently disposed of the commercial intellectual property suit after the singer and the lawyer reached a settlement. However, Sonu Nigam has said that he is not completely satisfied with the outcome and believes that cases involving digital impersonation and identity rights require stricter legal action.

Speaking about the issue, the singer said, “I quit X in 2017 but this person kept impersonating me. If I met President Droupadi Murmu, he would post a photo as if I am posting it. It is cruel to put someone’s name, reputation and life at risk.”

Nigam further claimed that the alleged impersonation had consequences for him and his family. “My family and I started receiving threats for posts this guy had made. He would post something and people would hurl abuses at me,” he said.

The singer said he was relieved that the court had issued a strict warning to the lawyer, but felt that the consequences should have been more severe. “Such people should be put in prison. He may have not murdered me physically but he harmed me and my reputation. Saste mein chhoot gaya bahut. Even the PM (@narendramodi) follows him thinking that is my account,” Nigam said.

Sonu Nigam had filed the suit before the Bombay High Court in July last year, alleging violations of his personality rights and digital impersonation. The account in question was allegedly used to share politically charged and communally sensitive posts. Since Nigam had left X in 2017, the account was allegedly mistaken by some users for the singer’s official account.

While the legal dispute has now been resolved, Nigam’s comments highlight his concerns over the impact of social media impersonation on a public figure’s reputation and personal life.

Also Read : Sonu Nigam reveals he uses auto-tune in certain songs; says, “It can’t replace singers”

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EXCLUSIVE: Namit Malhotra on taking Ramayana to ScreenX and 4DX, “Our collaboration with CJ 4DPLEX enables us to bring this iconic film in innovative formats that match its scope and vision”

Prime Focus Studios founder and DNEG Global CEO Namit Malhotra is taking his ambitious two-part cinematic retelling of the Ramayana into a new dimension with a global partnership with CJ 4DPLEX. While Bollywood Hungama has already reported that Ramayana Part 1 will become the first Indian film to release in SCREENX worldwide, the latest development comes with exclusive comments from the key executives behind the collaboration.

Speaking on the decision to take Ramayana into premium immersive formats, Malhotra said the film was conceived from the very beginning as a global theatrical experience. “From the outset, Ramayana was designed as a global cinematic experience,” said Malhotra. “Our collaboration with CJ 4DPLEX enables us to bring this iconic film in innovative formats that match its scope and vision. SCREENX and 4DX invite audiences to engage with the story in a powerful new way.”

The collaboration will see Ramayana Part 1, starring Ranbir Kapoor as Ram, Yash as Ravana and Sai Pallavi as Sita, released across more than 1,200 SCREENX and 4DX auditoriums globally when it arrives during Diwali 2026.

For CJ 4DPLEX, the scale and visual ambition of Ramayana made it a natural fit for its immersive formats. Jun Bang, CEO of CJ 4DPLEX, believes the film represents precisely the kind of theatrical spectacle for which SCREENX and 4DX were created.

“Ramayana: Part 1 is exactly the type of epic, event-level spectacle that is designed to be experienced through the full immersive capabilities of SCREENX and 4DX,” said Bang.

Don Savant, Chief Business Officer of CJ 4DPLEX, also highlighted the film's combination of scale, emotion and action as the reason it lends itself so strongly to the two premium formats. “We are thrilled to partner with Prime Focus Studios to bring this extraordinary film to global audiences in our premium formats,” said Savant. “With its sweeping scale, emotional depth, and dynamic action, Ramayana Part 1 provides an exceptional canvas for both SCREENX and 4DX.”

The partnership also carries added significance for Indian cinema, with Ramayana Part 1 set to become the first Indian film to debut in SCREENX. The format expands selected sequences onto the auditorium's side walls, creating a 270-degree panoramic field of view and allowing audiences to experience key moments beyond the conventional cinema frame.

Savant believes the film's entry into SCREENX could prove significant for both audiences and exhibitors. “As the first Indian film to debut in SCREENX, it also represents an exciting milestone for audiences and exhibitors alike, building on the tremendous momentum we're seeing for premium theatrical experiences in India,” he added.

The 4DX presentation, meanwhile, will complement the expanded visual canvas of SCREENX with a multisensory experience, using motion-enabled seating and environmental effects such as wind, water, vibration, lighting and scents, synchronised with specially formatted sequences from the film.

The move comes at a time when premium cinema formats are gaining considerable traction in India. Sony Pictures' Spider-Man: Brand New Day recently emerged as the highest-grossing SCREENX title in the country, further underlining the growing appetite for large-scale cinematic experiences beyond traditional theatrical presentation.

For Ramayana, however, the ambition extends well beyond merely adding premium formats to its release strategy. The film is being positioned as a global cinematic event, with Dharma Productions handling distribution across North India and Sony Pictures International taking the film to international markets.

Directed by Nitesh Tiwari and produced by Prime Focus Studios and Monster Mind Creations, Ramayana Part 1 features Ranbir Kapoor, Yash, Sai Pallavi, Ravie Dubey and Sunny Deol in pivotal roles. The film is scheduled to release globally during Diwali 2026, with Ramayana Part 2 currently in production and slated for a Diwali 2027 release.

With Malhotra describing SCREENX and 4DX as formats that match the film's scope and vision, and CJ 4DPLEX calling it an “epic, event-level spectacle,” the partnership is clearly being positioned as another step in Ramayana's attempt to redefine the scale of the Indian theatrical experience.

Also Read: Did you know: Before Namit Malhotra mounted Ramayana, his father produced Amitabh Bachchan’s iconic Shahenshah

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Kangana Ranaut backs Isha Koppikar after the latter calls herself an ‘andhbhakt’: “I love my country I love my people”

Isha Koppikar recently addressed the label of ‘andhbhakt’ while speaking about her love for India and her belief in contributing towards the country’s progress. The actress made it clear that her devotion is not towards any political party but towards her nation. Her remarks have now received support from actress turned politician Kangana Ranaut, who responded to Isha’s video on social media.

Isha shared the video on her Instagram handle on Tuesday, explaining why she does not shy away from calling herself a ‘bhakt’ or an ‘andhbhakt’ when it comes to her country. Kangana reacted to the post and highlighted instances from her own life where she says she stood up against injustice and violence.

“Wow well explained for me as- in high school protested against a teacher who used to hit children in head with stick during assembly, protested against 26/11 violence. Protested against Nirbhaya brutality. Never blamed parents for any limitation that may have come my way. Instead uplifted whole family to the same standard of life that I earned for myself," Kangana wrote in response to Isha’s video. She further added, “Identifies being a bhakt of almost anyone who I meet, I love my country I love my people. I simply love my life," she added.

In her original video, Isha explained that her use of the term ‘andhbhakt’ is specifically linked to her love for the country rather than allegiance to a political party. She said, “Yes, I am an andhbhakt. If it is bhakti (devotion) to love your country and want to see it progress, then yes, I am proud to be a bhakti andhbhakt. But my blind devotion is not towards any political party; it’s towards my country. Nation first. I can question the government and disagree with its policies. And still love my country wholeheartedly.”

Isha also spoke about the importance of contributing to the nation instead of only questioning what one receives from it. “This country is my home, where I have earned and continue to earn a livelihood and where I continue to get opportunities. So, I am not ashamed to be proud of my country. Wherever you may live, learn to love that place, respect that place, and contribute to it. Be proud of the home you choose. Because patriotism is not just saying, I love my country. It is doing something that improves your country.”

She concluded by reiterating her belief in India and its future, saying, “Instead of asking what the country has given us all the time, why not start thinking about what we can contribute to the country? Because Bharat is changing. It’s time to change our thoughts to help in making a new Bharat. So, call me a bhakt, call me an andhbhakt, call me a nationalist. I am Indian, I love my India, I believe in my India. Not blindly, but proudly, passionately, and unapologetically.”

Kangana’s response comes as a public endorsement of Isha’s views, with the actress turned politician drawing parallels with moments when she says she chose to speak up against injustice and violence.

Also Read: Isha Koppikar REACTS to being called “andhbhakt”: “My devotion is not for any political party, but for my country”

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Kartik Aaryan to undergo knee surgery after injury on Kabir Khan’s film set

Kartik Aaryan has suffered a serious knee injury while shooting an intense action sequence for his upcoming untitled film with filmmaker Kabir Khan. The actor reportedly sustained the injury during the final phase of the shoot, which was scheduled to wrap after two more days of filming.

According to India Today, Kartik had been undergoing rigorous training with action coaches ahead of the demanding sequences. During one of the action scenes, he injured his knee and was subsequently rushed to a hospital in the town for medical attention.

A source close to the production told India Today, “Kartik has now been admitted to Fortis Raheja Hospital and is under medical care. The doctors will perform his knee surgery in a day, after which he will have to rest for a few days. He should then be able to resume his work commitments.”

Following the surgery, Kartik is expected to take a short break to recover. He will reportedly resume work on Anurag Basu’s untitled project once he is fit to return to the sets.

The injury comes at a busy phase in Kartik’s professional career. The actor recently received the National Film Award for Best Actor for his performance in Chandu Champion. He has also ventured into film production with Dopamine Studios and is collaborating with Kabir Khan on the upcoming project. The film marks Kartik’s second association with Khan after Chandu Champion.

Apart from the Kabir Khan directorial, Kartik has several projects lined up. He will next be seen in Naagzilla, a fantasy-comedy-adventure film directed by Mrighdeep Singh Lamba. The actor is also part of Captain India, which remains among his upcoming projects.

For now, Kartik is expected to prioritise his recovery following the knee injury and surgery before returning to his packed work schedule.

Also Read : Kartik Aaryan launches Dopamine Studios, joins Kabir Khan’s sports drama as producer

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SCOOP: Nikita Dutta, Aakanksha Singh, Paresh Pahuja and Taaha Shah Badusha to lead Dharmatic’s Ruchir Arun directorial Nazdeekiyan

Netflix India's Musafir Cafe, starring Vikrant Massey, Vedika Pinto and Mahima Makwana, has emerged as one of the year's most successful streaming shows. The eight-episode romantic drama, based on Divya Prakash Dubey's best-selling novel of the same name, has resonated with audiences for its sensitive portrayal of modern relationships and the compromises that often come with adulthood.

While Netflix has already renewed Musafir Cafe for a second season, director Ruchir Arun is not immediately returning to the hills to continue the story of Chander, Sudha and Preeti. Bollywood Hungama has exclusively learned that the National Award-winning filmmaker is instead turning his attention to Nazdeekiyan, an Amazon Prime Video series produced by Karan Johar's Dharmatic Entertainment, the digital content division of Dharma Productions.

Nazdeekiyan stars Nikita Dutta, Aakanksha Singh, Paresh Pahuja and Taaha Shah Badusha in the lead roles.

Nikita Dutta is best known for her work in television and has also appeared in films including Lekar Hum Deewana Dil. She was recently seen alongside Saif Ali Khan in Jewel Thief. Aakanksha Singh, who has also worked extensively in television, has featured in shows such as Na Bole Tum Na Maine Kuch Kaha and films including Badrinath Ki Dulhania and Runway 34. Paresh Pahuja has previously starred in Bandish Bandits and Chand Mera Dil, while Taaha Shah Badusha rose to prominence with his portrayal of Nawab Tajdar Baloch in Sanjay Leela Bhansali's Heeramandi.

Set against a contemporary backdrop and exploring a similar emotional terrain to Karan Johar's 2006 film Kabhi Alvida Naa Kehna, Nazdeekiyan follows two couples whose lives are thrown into upheaval when their respective spouses are drawn into an all-consuming relationship.

Caught between duty and desire, the characters must confront a difficult question: is true happiness worth the heartbreak it may cause to the people they love?

The series is written by Priyanka Bannerjee, Prateek Payodi, Abhinandan Sridhar and Heem Verma, with dialogues by Preeti Mamgain.

Bollywood Hungama has further learned that Nazdeekiyan is currently in the final stages of scripting, with pre-production expected to begin within the next two months. The series is likely to go on floors towards the end of 2026 and is eyeing a 2027 premiere on Prime Video.

The project marks an interesting next step for Arun, who has built a reputation for sensitive portrayals of contemporary relationships and emotionally layered storytelling through projects such as Little Things, Feels Like Ishq and Unpaused. Following the success of Musafir Cafe, Nazdeekiyan sees the filmmaker once again explore the complexities of love and relationships, this time through a more mature and complicated emotional landscape.

With Dharmatic backing the project and an ensemble led by Nikita Dutta, Aakanksha Singh, Paresh Pahuja and Taaha Shah Badusha, Nazdeekiyan is shaping up as one of Prime Video's relationship dramas to watch out for in 2027.

Also Read: Marathi Zee 5 unveils new content slate with Hey Kay Navin Season 2, Devkhel Season 2 and more

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Prime Video announces September 11 premiere for Nikkhil Advani’s The Revolutionaries

Prime Video has announced September 11, 2026, as the worldwide premiere date for its upcoming Hindi Original series, The Revolutionaries. Directed and created by filmmaker Nikkhil Advani, the period drama is inspired by true events and explores the lesser-known stories of four revolutionaries who played a significant role in India’s freedom struggle.

Produced by Madhu Bhojwani and Monisha Advani under Emmay Entertainment, the series is based on Sanjeev Sanyal’s bestselling book Revolutionaries: The Other Story Of How India Won Its Freedom. The writing team includes Sanyuktha Chawla Shaikh, Akshita Wadhwana, Shobhit Narang and Rutvi Mehta.

 

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The series features Bhuvan Bam, Rohit Saraf, Pratibha Ranta and Gurfateh Pirzada in the lead roles. Bam portrays Rash Behari Bose, Saraf plays Sachindra Nath Sanyal, Ranta essays Pratibha Lahiri, while Pirzada steps into the role of Bagha Jatin. Jason Shah, Paoli Dam and Tota Roy Chowdhury are also part of the cast in key roles.

 

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Set during the freedom movement, The Revolutionaries follows four young revolutionaries who challenge the British Empire and choose the path of armed resistance. Their journey explores themes of friendship, betrayal, sacrifice and the difficult choices made in the pursuit of justice, liberty and freedom.

Nikhil Madhok, Director and Head of SVOD Originals, Prime Video India, said, “India's freedom struggle remains one of the most extraordinary chapters in human history, filled with stories of courage and sacrifice that continue to resonate across generations.” He added that the series focuses on “four brave hearts” and their efforts to mobilize armed resistance against the British Empire.

Nikkhil Advani said, “What excited me most about The Revolutionaries was the opportunity to shine a light on the lesser-known heroes of pre-independence India.” He described the project as a character-driven action drama exploring rebellion, sacrifice, friendship and freedom.

Producers Madhu Bhojwani and Monisha Advani called the project “more than a series” and described it as a labour of love. The series will premiere in Hindi with dubs in Tamil, Telugu, Malayalam, Kannada and Bengali, along with English and other international-language subtitles. It will be available across India and more than 240 countries and territories on September 11.

Also Read : Nikkhil Advani praises the dedication of Bhuvan Bam; compares him to Shah Rukh Khan, Salman Khan, and Akshay Kumar

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