Friday, August 7, 2026

TVF announces Family Kirana Store Season 2; filming to begin next week

The Viral Fever (TVF) has announced the second season of its YouTube series Family Kirana Store following the positive response to its debut season. The makers confirmed that production on the new season is scheduled to begin next week. The comedy-drama revolves around the everyday lives of a middle-class family that runs a neighbourhood grocery store. Led by Shrikant Verma as Gajanand, the series also features Garima Vikrant Singh and Hemant Mishra in key roles.

Family Kirana Store Season 2 goes on floors next week Sharing the update, TVF confirmed that Family Kirana Store will return for another season after the first instalment found an audience on YouTube.

The series follows Gajanand and his family as they navigate the highs and lows of managing their kirana store while balancing relationships, responsibilities and everyday challenges. With its slice-of-life storytelling and humour, the show connected with viewers looking for grounded family entertainment.

According to the makers, the upcoming season will continue exploring the family's journey while retaining the warmth and everyday moments that defined the first season.

Season 1 of Family Kirana Store is currently available to stream on YouTube. TVF continues to expand its content slate The announcement comes as TVF continues to expand its lineup across streaming platforms and digital content. Over the years, several of the production house's popular titles, including Aspirants, Kota Factory and Sapne Vs Everyone, first reached audiences through YouTube before growing into widely recognised franchises.

TVF also recently unveiled a number of upcoming projects during Prime Video Presents. The slate includes films such as Vvan and College Fest, along with new series like Pyramid and Vansh. The production house also confirmed new seasons of Aspirants, Panchayat, Gram Chikitsalay, Sapne Vs Everyone and Sandeep Bhaiya.

Several TVF titles also feature in IMDb's list of the Top 250 TV Shows, including Pitchers, Panchayat, Gullak, Kota Factory, Aspirants, Yeh Meri Family and Sapne Vs Everyone, reflecting the sustained popularity of the studio's storytelling among audiences.

Also Read: ZEE5 and The Viral Fever announce their first Original, Saas Bahu Aachar Pvt. Ltd.



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MEGA EXCLUSIVE: Raveena Tandon and Parineeti Chopra join the cast of Malamaal Weekly 2

Bollywood Hungama was the first one to confirm in February 2026 that Malamaal Weekly 2 is in the works. Two months later, in April 2026, we revealed that Amit Joshi of Teri Baaton Mein Aisa Uljha Jiya (2024) fame has been signed to direct the comic caper. We now bring you another exciting piece of news from this upcoming project.

Bollywood Hungama has exclusively learned that two talented actresses, Raveena Tandon and Parineeti Chopra, have joined the cast of Malamaal Weekly 2. A source told Bollywood Hungama, "Both the actresses are perfect as per the requirement of the script. Hence, the makers were really keen to have them on board. Thankfully, both Raveena Tandon and Parineeti Chopra loved the script and their respective characters. They readily signed the film."

The source continued, "Both actresses are talented and have great comic timing. Raveena has proved her worth with the numerous comedies she has starred in during the 1990s and early 2000s, as well as the recently released Welcome To The Jungle (2026). Meanwhile, Parineeti Chopra began her career with a comic and adorable role in Ladies vs Ricky Bahl (2011). Hence, expect them to rock the show in Malamaal Weekly 2."

Besides Raveena Tandon and Parineeti Chopra, Paresh Rawal has also been confirmed for the film. The makers are now looking to cast other prominent actors in key roles.

In February, Bollywood Hungama carried a quote of a source that said, “The team, working on Malamaal Weekly 2, has hit upon a great idea that is apt as the second part of the series. It is not a direct sequel. The characters and setting this time would be different, but just like the first part, it’ll be about a group of greedy villagers who go to insane lengths to get hold of a huge amount of money.”

Also Read: EXCLUSIVE: Amit Joshi of Teri Baaton Mein Aisa Uljha Jiya fame to direct Malamaal Weekly 2



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EXCLUSIVE: Varun Dhawan to headline YRF’s first-ever horror film

Yash Raj Films (YRF), one of Bollywood’s most prominent production houses, is all set to explore uncharted territory by venturing into the horror genre for the first time. The studio’s maiden horror feature will be directed by acclaimed filmmaker Abhay Pannu, who earned widespread praise for his critically acclaimed series Rocket Boys. Pannu has also penned the screenplay for the upcoming project, which is expected to commence production later this year and is slated for a theatrical release in 2027.

 

Bollywood Hungama has exclusively learned that Varun Dhawan has been roped in to headline the ambitious project, marking another significant collaboration between the actor and the prestigious banner.

Confirming the development, a source close to the project told Bollywood Hungama, “Varun has come on board as the lead for YRF’s first horror film. Yash Raj Films (YRF) is entering the horror genre for the first time with a feature film directed by Abhay Pannu, strategically championed by Akshaye Widhani, and now headlined by Varun Dhawan as the lead. YRF have made films across almost every genre except horror. Come 2027, and the banner will finally step into this genre.”

The project will also mark Abhay Pannu’s theatrical directorial debut after receiving widespread acclaim for Rocket Boys. His association with YRF further underlines the production house’s continued focus on nurturing fresh and distinctive filmmaking talent. Under the leadership of Aditya Chopra, the studio has increasingly backed filmmakers with unique creative voices, including Mohit Suri, Sameer Saxena, and now Abhay Pannu. This approach has gained momentum following the remarkable success of Saiyaara, reaffirming YRF’s commitment to diverse storytelling and innovative cinematic ventures.

For Varun Dhawan, the upcoming film will mark his second collaboration with Yash Raj Films after the success of Sui Dhaaga. With the actor now set to front YRF’s maiden horror venture, anticipation surrounding the project is expected to grow as the studio prepares to expand its genre portfolio with a theatrical release planned for 2027.

Also Read : 10 years of Dishoom: Varun Dhawan recalls filming Rs. 3 crore helicopter stunt, says, “There’s nothing like hanging off a chopper”



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Thursday, August 6, 2026

Priyanka Chopra Jonas to star opposite Academy Award winner Russell Crowe in sci-fi action thriller Bluefly

Priyanka Chopra Jonas has added another major international project to her growing Hollywood slate. The actor is set to share screen space with Academy Award-winning actor Russell Crowe in the upcoming sci-fi action thriller Bluefly. The film will be directed by Nimród Antal, known for Predators and Stranger Things, while the screenplay has been penned by David Frigerio, William Eubank, and Carlyle Eubank.

The announcement follows another significant career update for Priyanka, who was recently confirmed to star opposite Orlando Bloom in the survival thriller Reset. Earlier this year, she headlined Prime Video's The Bluff, which debuted at the top spot globally. She also featured alongside Idris Elba and John Cena in the action-comedy Heads of State, which became Prime Video's fourth most-watched film. The film has since received a nomination for Outstanding Television Movie at the 78th Primetime Emmy Awards. Priyanka also earned a nomination for Best Actress in an Action Movie at the 2026 Critics Choice Super Awards for her performance as Ercell Bodden in The Bluff. She will next appear in S.S. Rajamouli's action-adventure film Varanasi, scheduled to release on April 7, 2027.

Bluefly is being produced by Michael Jefferson for Polite Society, David Frigerio for Broken Open Pictures, Deborah Glover for G2 Dispatch, Arianne Fraser and Delphine Perrier for Highland Film Group, along with Vanessa Yao Guo. Executive producers include Lia Buman, Guy Davies, RuthAnne Frigerio, Brian Kavanaugh-Jones, Jason Kringstein, Katie Leary, and Scott Levenson.

Highland Film Group will oversee worldwide rights for the project and will launch international sales at the Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF). Filming is expected to begin later this year on Australia's Gold Coast.

The story is set in the Congo and follows a grieving United Nations translator who becomes involved in a covert mission to retrieve a mysterious aircraft that officially does not exist. Accompanied by a Special Operations team travelling through militia-controlled territory, the mission gradually turns into a dangerous journey where the truth behind the aircraft reveals that it was never meant to be recovered.

Speaking about the project, Highland Film Group CEO Arianne Fraser said, "We have a stellar cast led by Russell Crowe and Priyanka Chopra Jonas who will ignite the screen in this high-stakes, sci-fi thrill ride with layers of depth, akin to Denis Villeneuve's Arrival." She further added, "Bluefly is heart-pounding entertainment with a complex story full of unexpected twists. With Nimród Antal at the helm and our wonderful cast, we cannot wait to introduce this fantastic project to our global buyers."

Director Nimród Antal also shared his excitement about the film, saying, "Bluefly is an intense, character-driven thriller wrapped inside a bold science-fiction premise. It's the kind of film I live to make — grounded, propulsive, and full of dread — and I couldn't ask for a better cast or team to bring it to the screen."

Russell Crowe, an Academy Award winner for Gladiator, continues to expand his filmography with projects including Unabomber, The Weight, Billion Dollar Spy, and Amazon MGM's Highlander. Meanwhile, Priyanka Chopra Jonas remains one of the most prominent Indian actors on the global stage, balancing acting, production, and international projects, with Bluefly marking yet another significant addition to her Hollywood journey.

Also Read : Priyanka Chopra Jonas shows her ‘mama’ and ‘mamacita’ sides in adorable video; watch



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Jiya Shankar is engaged! Actress introduces fiancé Kaaran Dhanak with emotional love story

Television and film actress Jiya Shankar is officially engaged. The Bigg Boss OTT 2 contestant took to social media on August 6 to announce her engagement to entrepreneur and corporate professional Kaaran Dhanak, sharing a series of romantic pictures from the special moment along with a heartfelt note about their long-distance love story.

Jiya Shankar shares emotional note for fiancé Kaaran Dhanak Announcing the happy news, Jiya reflected on finding love when she least expected it and thanked Kaaran for standing by her through the highs and lows of life.

She wrote, "So maybe it is true, you do find love when you least expect it but God really tested my patience here. It wasn't easy but somehow it still was. Every conversation with you even though you were thousands of miles away from me, felt like home."

Describing how their relationship grew despite the distance, she added, "This journey wasn't easy but we chose each other every single day. You showed me the love I waited my whole life for. You made me laugh on my toughest days. Held me a lil tighter every time at airport goodbyes like your heart was breaking into a thousand pieces."

 

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  A post shared by Jiyaa Shankar (@jiyaashankarofficial)

Calling Kaaran her "goofball," "best friend" and "ABCD," Jiya concluded her note by writing, "Life is definitely an adventure with you and it happens to be my favourite rom-com. I can't wait to spend my forever with you and spend the rest of my life loving you the way you've always loved me. I love you Kaaran."

The pictures captured the couple sharing a kiss, walking hand in hand and posing together in coordinated pastel outfits against a lush outdoor backdrop. Who is Kaaran Dhanak? While Kaaran Dhanak largely stays away from the entertainment industry, he is reportedly an entrepreneur and corporate professional. With the engagement announcement, the couple has officially made their relationship public for the first time.

Also Read: Karan Johar welcomes Jiya Shankar as Tyaani Jewellery’s new muse for Forces of Tyaani campaign



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Netflix launches ‘India Storytelling Initiative’ to strengthen creative talent pipeline

Netflix has announced a major step towards strengthening India's creative landscape with the launch of the ‘Netflix India Storytelling Initiative’, reaffirming its long-term commitment to the country's growing entertainment industry. The announcement comes after Netflix Co-CEO Ted Sarandos met Hon'ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi to discuss the increasing global appeal of Indian stories and the company's continued investment in India's creative economy.

Having worked with India's creative community for over a decade, Netflix has produced more than 200 Originals and filmed across over 100 locations in the country. Building on this foundation, the newly launched initiative aims to support the next generation of storytellers through a multi-phase investment focused on talent development. The programme will establish strategic collaborations with leading Indian institutions to equip aspiring creators with industry-relevant skills across the Animation, Visual Effects, Gaming and Comics (AVGC) ecosystem, an important contributor to India's growing Orange Economy.

The initiative is also aligned with the Government of India's vision for Viksit Bharat @ 2047 by promoting stronger ties between education and industry while nurturing creative talent capable of competing on a global stage. Through these efforts, Netflix hopes to further position India as an international hub for storytelling and entertainment production.

Ted Sarandos, Co-CEO, Netflix, said, "India has always been one of the world's greatest storytelling nations. Over the past decade, we've had the privilege of seeing Indian stories connect with audiences not just across India, but around the world. As we begin our next decade here, we believe our greatest investment is in the people who will tell India's next generation of stories. The Netflix India Storytelling Initiative reflects our long-term commitment to strengthening India's creative ecosystem by creating more opportunities for emerging creators, because investing in creators is investing in India's creative future."

The first phase of the initiative will focus on youth skilling through two key partnerships. Netflix has joined hands with the Indian Institute of Creative Technologies (IICT) to develop an industry-focused curriculum in Visual Effects Mastery and Media Technology Workflows. The company will also provide 100 scholarships for students enrolling in in-person courses covering Interactive Comics and Sequential Art, Virtual Art Department Content Creation, Art of Character Animation, E-Sports and Gaming Management, along with other emerging creative fields.

Additionally, Netflix has partnered with the National Film Development Corporation (NFDC) to develop a skilled workforce for new roles created under the Prime Minister's accessibility agenda. The collaboration will train audio description writers and voice professionals to make films and series more accessible for audiences with visual and hearing impairments. The programme will follow international standards while incorporating local storytelling traditions, supporting the shared vision of Netflix and the Government of India to promote inclusive storytelling.

Through these initiatives, Netflix aims to create more opportunities for emerging creators, strengthen India's entertainment production capabilities, and further expand the global reach of Indian stories. The company stated that as it enters its second decade in India, it remains committed to investing in creative talent, enhancing industry partnerships, and supporting Indian storytellers in reaching audiences across the world.

Also Read: Netflix drops announcement video of Musafir Cafe for Season 2: Vikrant Massey, Vedika Pinto and Mahima Makwana to return



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Wednesday, August 5, 2026

SCOOP: Sanjay Leela Bhansali approaches Kareena Kapoor Khan for his Dhanush-starrer mytho-jungle adventure

Sanjay Leela Bhansali and Kareena Kapoor Khan have always remained on opposite sides of one of Bollywood's most talked-about professional fallouts. Their strained relationship dates back to the early 2000s when the actress screen-tested for Bhansali's landmark period romance Devdas, only to find out later that Aishwarya Rai Bachchan had bagged the role. A young Kareena felt cheated and vowed never to work with the director.

Nearly two-and-a-half decades later, Sanjay Leela Bhansali and Kareena Kapoor Khan seem poised to bury the hatchet with a potential collaboration. Buzz in the industry suggests that Bhansali has approached the 3 Idiots actress for the female lead in his upcoming production headlined by Dhanush. The yet-untitled film features a powerful female character playing a parallel lead alongside Dhanush, and Bhansali is keen to get Kareena on board for the part. The actress is said to have shown interest but is yet to make a decision, with negotiations still underway over remuneration, dates, and other contractual details.

The Dhanush film has been described as an ambitious jungle-set saga rooted in mythology. Details of the plot and characters have been strictly kept under wraps, but sources say the story revolves around an elephant and will be mounted on a grand scale. Bhansali will produce the film, while Tamil filmmaker P. S. Mithran, known for helming films like Irumbu Thirai, Hero, and Sardar, has been roped in to direct. The film is currently in the writing stage, with pre-production expected to commence in November and principal photography scheduled to begin in January 2027.

Although Kareena has not been signed yet, should the collaboration materialize, the project will mark her first-ever collaboration with Bhansali, ending their long-running professional rift. Kareena was also in talks with Raj & DK for their upcoming Salman Khan film, but those discussions have not progressed further. As for her upcoming lineup, she will next be seen in Daayra, Meghna Gulzar's crime thriller that delves into the complexities of law and justice. The Junglee Pictures production, also starring Prithviraj Sukumaran, is slated to release in theatres on September 18, 2026.

Meanwhile, Sanjay Leela Bhansali is gearing up to unveil the first official look of his ambitious period romantic drama Love & War. The Ranbir Kapoor, Alia Bhatt, and Vicky Kaushal starrer is currently in the final stage of production and is scheduled to hit cinemas on January 21, 2027.

Also Read: Daayra first look: Kareena Kapoor Khan and Prithviraj Sukumaran face off in Meghna Gulzar’s crime thriller



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