Sameer Wankhede calls The Ba***ds of Bollywood a “calculated hit job” aimed at settling personal scores: “Shha Rukh Khan, Aryan Khan can’t hide behind satire”

IRS officer and former NCB Mumbai Zonal Director Sameer Wankhede has strongly objected to Shah Rukh Khan-owned Red Chillies Entertainment's defense of its Netflix web series The Ba***ds of Bollywood, calling the show "a calculated hit job designed to settle personal scores.” In his rejoinder filed before the Delhi High Court, Wankhede dismissed the production house's claim that the show is satire, stating the series is a deliberate attempt to malign his reputation following the 2021 cruise ship drug raid case involving Aryan Khan, who directed the series.

Wankhede alleged, "the character of a government officer depicted in the series was deliberately modelled on him, citing striking resemblances in appearance, speech, and the use of his trademark phrase 'Satyamev Jayate.' He said the scene amounted to a 'premeditated, targeted campaign' intended to ridicule and destroy his reputation." He further added, "the defendants cannot hide behind the convenient veil of satire or artistic expression to justify a malicious act.”

Red Chillies Entertainment, however, filed a reply arguing that The Ba***ds of Bollywood is a situational satire on Bollywood, featuring exaggerated characters to underscore societal absurdities, and denied containing any defamatory material. The production company called Wankhede’s suit "wholly misconceived, untenable in law, and devoid of merit," warning that removing the contested scene would disrupt the series' narrative flow. They also highlighted that Wankhede was "already the subject of public ridicule and adverse commentary" prior to the show’s release.

The Delhi High Court has scheduled further hearings on November 10, directing all parties to submit written arguments.

Also Read: Red Chillies hits back at Sameer Wankhede’s plea against The Ba***ds of Bollywood; says his image was already subjected to scrutiny

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Ranbir Kapoor to relaunch RK Studios with his directorial debut and collaborations with Ayan Mukerji, Deepika Padukone: Report

Actor Ranbir Kapoor is embarking on a heartfelt mission to revive the iconic RK Studios, originally established by his legendary grandfather Raj Kapoor, according to a report by Mid-Day. The revival is not just a business move but a tribute to the Kapoor family legacy, with Ranbir focusing on producing films that carry the spirit of RK Studios while infusing a modern voice to resonate with today’s audience. The report mentions that plans are well underway, with several scripts shortlisted and production anticipated to begin soon.

As part of the revival, Ranbir aims to re-establish the studio as a prominent creative hub in Mumbai, possibly including an office space and screening theater to foster collaboration in the industry. The initiative also marks a continuation of his late father Rishi Kapoor’s dream to carry forward the family’s cinematic heritage. Alongside Ranbir’s directorial debut, the revived studio will back projects featuring some of Bollywood’s top talents, including collaborations with Deepika Padukone and director Ayan Mukerji.

The reopening of RK Studios is expected to be a grand affair, paying homage to its golden era under Raj Kapoor, and serves as a symbolic passing of the torch to the next generation of filmmakers. This significant move further cements Ranbir Kapoor’s role not only as a leading actor but also as a custodian of one of Indian cinema’s most treasured legacies.​

RK Studios, established by the legendary Raj Kapoor in 1948, produced some of the most iconic films in Indian cinema including Awaara (1951), Barsaat (1949), Mera Naam Joker (1970), Bobby (1973), Satyam Shivam Sundaram (1978), Prem Rog (1982), and Ram Teri Ganga Maili (1985), which was Kapoor's last film before his death.

The last film produced under the RK Films banner was Aa Ab Laut Chalen (1999), directed by Rishi Kapoor. Over time, RK Studios faced a decline as the film industry shifted locations to Mumbai’s northern suburbs. The 2017 fire that gutted the studio during a reality show shoot was the final blow, destroying invaluable memorabilia, costumes, and the physical studio space. Due to the increasing maintenance costs and the impracticality of rebuilding, the Kapoor family decided to sell RK Studios, marking the end of an era for the historic studio,

Also Read: BREAKING: Ranbir Kapoor’s Love And War bows out of Eid 2026 clash with Yash’s Toxic; to release post June 2026

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Red Chillies hits back at Sameer Wankhede’s plea against The Ba***ds of Bollywood; says his image was already subjected to scrutiny

Red Chillies Entertainment has filed its official reply to Sameer Wankhede’s defamation suit against The Ba***ds of Bollywood, the Netflix show he claims was designed to tarnish his reputation. Wankhede, the former NCB officer who led the 2021 drugs case involving Shah Rukh Khan’s son Aryan Khan, had approached the court alleging that the makers had portrayed a character resembling him in both appearance and mannerisms.

In its response, Red Chillies Entertainment maintained that the series is a Bollywood satire, and all characters in it are depicted with deliberately exaggerated traits to heighten the humour. The production house argued that the complaint was an attempt to curtail artistic and creative freedom and described Wankhede’s stance as an instance of “hypersensitivity.”

The reply further pointed out that Wankhede’s image had already been subject to widespread public scrutiny long before the show’s release. According to the filing, the former officer’s involvement in the Aryan Khan case had drawn considerable criticism and ridicule, as reflected in news coverage, social media discussions, and public commentary at the time. Red Chillies stated that these materials clearly demonstrated that his reputation had been affected earlier, and that the lawsuit was an attempt to silence satirical portrayals that fall under creative expression.

Represented by senior advocates Neeraj Kishan Kaul and Shyel Trehan, the production company also requested the court to allow the show to remain intact, asserting that removing the contested scene would disrupt the series’ narrative flow. The makers clarified that the show does not directly name or reference Wankhede, and that the police officer character is merely depicted as an “overzealous” cop — a common trope in dark comedies and satires.

The case, which came up before Justice Purushindra Kumar on Thursday, has now been adjourned to November 10 for further proceedings.

The Ba***ds of Bollywood, streaming on Netflix, has drawn attention for its unapologetically sharp commentary on celebrity culture, media frenzy, and the moral ambiguity within the film industry — themes that continue to spark debate about where the line between satire and defamation should be drawn.

Also Read: Sameer Wankhede denies having any grudges against Shah Rukh Khan and family: “I’m just a Government Servant, not living in a Banana Republic”

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Is Amitabh Bachchan reuniting with Salman Khan after 17 years for Battle of Galwan? Here’s what we know!

Bollywood fans have every reason to celebrate as legendary actor Amitabh Bachchan has reportedly joined the cast of the highly anticipated Salman Khan starrer Battle of Galwan. The rumours started when the film’s director, Apoorva Lakhia, shared a candid moment with Bachchan from the sets via Instagram Stories, calling him a “legend on set today”.​

Amitabh Bachchan and Salman Khan to reunite?

This marks a spectacular reunion for Amitabh Bachchan and Salman Khan, two of Bollywood’s biggest icons, who haven’t collaborated in a major film for quite some time. Social media erupted with fans expressing their excitement and disbelief at the prospect of witnessing the on-screen magic of these legends together once again. Alongside them, Govinda is also expected to feature in the film, adding even more star power to the project.​

Battle Of Galwan Cast and Crew Details

The film also stars Chitrangda Singh as the female lead and includes pivotal roles for actors like Abhilash Chaudhary, Ankur Bhatia, Vipin Bhardwaj, Abhishree Sen, Nirbhay Chaudhary, Siddharth Mooley, and Zeyn Shaw. Directed by Apoorva Lakhia, Battle of Galwan' promises an intense cinematic experience rooted in patriotism and action.​

While Battle Of Galwan is slated for release next year, there is no official confirmation on the exact date yet. However, reportedly, it will not release during Eid 2026, breaking the trend of Salman Khan’s traditional Eid releases.​

Also Read: Salman Khan’s security on the sets of Battle Of Galwan is impregnable

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Deepika Padukone still in Kalki 2898 AD credits — Viral ‘removed & re-added’ claims technically impossible

A fresh round of online chatter has once again brought up an old and inaccurate claim that Deepika Padukone’s name was “removed and later re-added” from the credits of Kalki 2898 AD on streaming platforms. However, as Bollywood Hungama had already reported earlier, this speculation holds no factual basis whatsoever. Deepika Padukone’s name has always remained intact in the film’s end credits across all languages and OTT platforms, including Amazon Prime Video and Netflix India.

The confusion appears to have stemmed from fan-edited screenshots and videos circulating on social media, suggesting that the actress’s name was missing post the September 18 announcement by Vyjayanthi Films that she would not be part of Kalki 2.

Industry sources have reconfirmed that no such alteration ever took place. Updating or replacing film credits on OTT platforms is a lengthy, multi-stage process involving international delivery systems, file replacements, quality checks, and re-approvals. It cannot be done overnight or in response to online backlash.

A source close to the project clarified, “This entire claim is baseless. Deepika Padukone’s name has always been part of the official credits of Kalki 2898 AD across all languages and platforms. People need to understand that you can’t just ‘add or remove’ names overnight after backlash, as some reports suggested.”

While Vyjayanthi Films has chosen not to issue an official statement, the film itself speaks for the truth anyone streaming Kalki 2898 AD today can clearly see Deepika Padukone’s name exactly where it has always been.

Also Read: Fact Check: Deepika Padukone’s name dropped from Kalki 2898 AD end credits after exit row?

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SCOOP: Amazon Prime Video bags Kantara: A Legend Chapter 1 for a staggering Rs. 110 cr; beats Netflix’s Rs. 100 cr offer

After making a mark in cinemas, Kantara: A Legend Chapter 1 will find its way on OTT, on October 31. Prominent streaming giant Amazon Prime Video will stream the film’s original Kannada version, as well as dubbed versions in Tamil, Telugu, and Malayalam, for now. The Hindi version of the period drama will be released digitally a month later. Bollywood Hungama has learned of an interesting development that took place with regard to the digital deal.

A source told Bollywood Hungama, “The makers of Kantara: A Legend Chapter – 1 asked for Rs. 125 crores for the OTT rights, considering the buzz around the film. They approached Netflix and it agreed to offer Rs. 100 crores. Meanwhile, Amazon Prime Video gave a better deal and offered Rs. 110 crores for the streaming rights. This is how the film has made its way on Prime Video.”

This marks the second-highest OTT deal ever for a Kannada film. KGF - Chapter 2 (2022) still holds the top spot, with its digital rights fetching over Rs. 300 crores. Interestingly, both KGF and Kantara franchises are backed by Hombale Films, a banner that deserves credit for placing Kannada cinema on the global map through these monumental successes.

Kantara starred Rishab Shetty, Sapthami Gowda, Kishore and Achyuth Kumar in leading roles. It tells the story of a carefree young lad in a forest in Karnataka who rises as a hero when a greedy landlord, believed to be friendly with the villagers, tries to usurp the land treacherously. The villagers are devotees of Panjurli, a demigod protecting the forest's villagers and this aspect plays an important part in the story.

As for Kantara: A Legend – Chapter 1, it stars Rishab Shetty along with Rukmini Vasanth, Gulshan Devaiah and Jayaram. This film attempts to delve deeper into the origins of the mythological tradition and ancestral conflict introduced in the first film. Both films are directed by Rishab Shetty. Interestingly, Kantara: A Legend – Chapter 1 ends with the promise of a sequel named Kantara: A Legend – Chapter 2.

Also Read: Kantara: A Legend Chapter 1 Hindi version to release digitally after completing eight weeks in theatres

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Jaya Bachchan on grandson Agastya Nanda in Ikkis: "He's determined to forge his own path just like I once did"

The Bachchan legacy continues as Agastya Nanda steps into the spotlight once again this time in Sriram Raghavan’s much-awaited war drama Ikkis. The film’s trailer introduces Agastya as Param Vir Chakra awardee Arun Khetarpal, one of India’s youngest and most celebrated war heroes.

Directed by Sriram Raghavan, known for acclaimed thrillers like Ek Haseena Thi, Badlapur and Andhadhun, Ikkis brings to screen the extraordinary courage and humanity of a soldier who laid down his life in the 1971 war. The trailer hints at a sensitive and restrained take on patriotism a hallmark of Raghavan’s storytelling. The film also stars Dharmendra and Jaideep Ahlawat, with Agastya Nanda leading the narrative as the brave, idealistic officer whose story continues to inspire generations.

A third-generation actor from the iconic Bachchan family, Agastya, son of Shweta Bachchan and grandson of Amitabh and Jaya Bachchan, who made his acting debut in Zoya Akhtar’s The Archies. With Ikkis, he takes a sharp turn into a more intense and realistic role.

Jaya Bachchan shared her thoughts on her grandson’s journey and preparation for the role. “Luckily, Agastya is a fast learner. Neither of his parents are actors, so he’s leaning on his grandparents and his Maamu (Uncle) Abhishek Bachchan for guidance,” she revealed. “You know me — I wouldn’t praise anyone, least of all my own children or grandchildren. But Agastya is special. That child is determined to forge his own path. Just like I once did. Like me, he won’t follow the herd.”

Set for a December 2025 release, Ikkis marks a powerful collaboration between a visionary filmmaker and a young actor with an iconic lineage — promising a blend of emotion, authenticity, and cinematic impact.

Also Read: Amitabh Bachchan pens emotional note for grandson Agastya Nanda as Ikkis trailer drops: “You are SPECIAL… all my prayers and blessings to you”

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