Tag: film

Films

Ranveer Singh’s Dhurandhar Set for OTT Release After ₹110 Billion-Plus Box Office Triumph

Tanisha Cardozo

Written by Tanisha Cardozo || Team Allycaral

Ranveer Singh’s Dhurandhar, one of the most talked-about Bollywood releases of the year, is finally making its way to OTT after an extraordinary theatrical run that reportedly crossed ₹110 billion worldwide. The film, which turned into a social media phenomenon and a box office juggernaut, is expected to stream on Netflix from January 30, 2026, offering audiences another chance to experience its gripping narrative.

In the film, Ranveer Singh appears in a rugged avatar with scruffy long hair and a beard, portraying an undercover Indian agent leading Mission Dhurandhar. Tasked with dismantling the terror network of Rehman Dakait operating out of Lyari, Karachi, his character navigates a world of high-risk espionage, brutal confrontations, and strategic mind games. The storyline draws loose inspiration from real-life events such as the Parliament attack and the IC-814 hijacking, adding layers of intensity and realism to the cinematic experience.

Written and directed by Aditya Dhar, the film boasts a powerful ensemble cast. Akshaye Khanna delivers a much-discussed performance as the antagonist, with his screen presence and signature moves going viral across platforms. Supporting roles by Sanjay Dutt, Arjun Rampal, and R. Madhavan further elevate the film’s dramatic weight and emotional depth.

Beyond its action set pieces and stylised storytelling, Dhurandhar captured attention for its soundtrack, memorable scenes, and Ranveer Singh’s commanding transformation. The film currently holds an impressive IMDb rating of 8.6 out of 10 and reportedly earned more than five times its original production budget, cementing its status as a commercial and critical success.

The movie did not receive a theatrical release in Pakistan, the UAE, or other GCC countries and is unlikely to be available on OTT platforms in those regions. However, audiences in India and select international markets will now be able to stream the film as it arrives digitally at the end of January, extending the life of a film that already left a strong mark on Indian cinema.

Entertainment

Varun Dhawan on Revealing Daughter Lara’s Face: “That Choice Should Be Hers”

Tanisha Cardozo

Written by Tanisha Cardozo || Team Allycaral Entertainment Desk

Actor Varun Dhawan, who tied the knot with fashion designer Natasha Dalal in an intimate ceremony in 2021, welcomed a new chapter in his life with the birth of their daughter, Lara, on June 3, 2024. Since then, the actor has been candid about how fatherhood has reshaped his priorities, while also drawing clear boundaries when it comes to his child’s privacy.

During a recent interactive session with fans on X, Varun addressed a wide range of questions related to his films, family, and health. When a fan asked when he would reveal his daughter Lara’s face on social media, Varun responded thoughtfully, saying that he would rather leave that decision to her. He added that social media should be her choice and not something he wants to decide on her behalf, a statement that resonated with many online.

Another fan asked how he spends his free time, to which Varun replied that he enjoys playing with his daughter. He also shared that he plays padel and cricket when time allows, offering a glimpse into his life beyond film sets and public appearances.

Varun has previously spoken about how becoming a father has changed him. In an earlier interview, he admitted that he is still figuring out what fatherhood means for him and is trying to be a better dad each day. He credited Natasha Dalal for handling most responsibilities during the early stages of parenting, acknowledging the crucial role she plays in their family life.

Reflecting on the experience, Varun shared that being a dad has been a lot of fun and that he is enjoying every moment of playing with his daughter. With humour, he added that even small habits have changed, including watching television at a very low volume to avoid disturbing his wife and child.

On the professional front, Varun Dhawan will next be seen in Border 2, alongside Sunny Deol, Diljit Dosanjh, and Ahan Shetty. The film, directed by Anurag Singh, is a follow-up to the 1997 blockbuster Border and is scheduled for release on January 23. He was last seen in Shashank Khaitan’s romantic comedy Sunny Sanskari Ki Tulsi Kumari, which also starred Janhvi Kapoor, Sanya Malhotra, and Rohit Saraf.

As Varun continues to balance a busy film career with fatherhood, his words reflect a thoughtful approach to parenting—one that prioritises choice, privacy, and presence over public exposure.

Films

Bollywood Debuts 2026: Star Kids and Fresh Faces Set to Shine on the Big Screen

Tanisha Cardozo

Written by Tanisha Cardozo || Team Allycaral

The year 2026 is shaping up to be a significant one for Bollywood, marked by the arrival of several new faces who are set to begin their journey on the big screen. With the new year underway, conversations around fresh talent and debut performances have already gained momentum in the Hindi film industry. From star kids carrying forward celebrated legacies to artists carving their own path through talent and perseverance, audiences can look forward to a diverse mix of performers and stories.

The year began on a notable note with the release of 21 on January 1, starring Amitabh Bachchan’s grandson Agastya Nanda and Akshay Kumar’s niece Simar Bhatia. The film, based on the life and bravery of Param Vir Chakra awardee Arun Khetrapal, has been receiving positive responses from viewers, setting an encouraging tone for debutants in 2026.

Among the most anticipated debuts is that of Suhana Khan, daughter of Shah Rukh Khan. After making her OTT debut with The Archies in 2023, Suhana is now set to appear on the big screen alongside her father in King, expected to release in 2026. Her transition from digital platforms to theatres has generated immense curiosity and excitement among fans.

South Indian cinema star Srileela is also set to make her Bollywood debut in 2026 with Aashiqui 3, a romantic musical starring Kartik Aaryan. Although her Hindi film debut was delayed earlier, the film’s posters and music have already struck a chord with audiences, raising expectations ahead of its release.

Another major debut to watch out for is that of Sai Pallavi, who will be seen in two Hindi films this year. She will star alongside Junaid Khan in Mere Raho, which was postponed from 2025 to 2026, and will also play the role of Mother Sita in Ramayan: Part One, directed by Nitesh Tiwari, with Ranbir Kapoor portraying Lord Rama. The scale and significance of these projects make her Bollywood entry one of the most talked-about.

Yashvardhan Ahuja, son of actor Govinda, has also been in the spotlight with reports of his potential Bollywood debut. While earlier rumours suggested his launch in the Hindi remake of the Telugu film Baby, the project has since faced uncertainty, leaving fans awaiting official confirmation on his first film.

Model-turned-actress Medha Rana will also step into Bollywood in 2026 with Border 2, starring Varun Dhawan. Having already appeared in web series such as London Files and Friday Night Plans, Medha’s transition to mainstream cinema has sparked interest, especially after the film’s teaser offered a glimpse of her role.

With a mix of legacy, talent, and fresh ambition, 2026 promises to be a year of new beginnings for Bollywood. Audiences have high hopes from these debutants, and it remains to be seen which of these new faces will truly leave a lasting impression on the hearts of moviegoers.

Films

Vidyut Jammwal’s Dramatic Dhalsim Look Stuns Fans in Hollywood’s Street Fighter

Tanisha Cardozo

Written by Tanisha Cardozo || Team Allycaral

Vidyut Jammwal’s Hollywood debut has arrived with a thunderous impact as the first look of him as Dhalsim in Street Fighter takes over social media. The teaser was unveiled at the 2025 Game Awards, leaving fans stunned at his dramatic transformation. Bald, brooding, and almost unrecognisable, Vidyut steps into the shoes of the iconic yogi from the globally loved video game franchise.

In the first-look poster and teaser, Vidyut appears with a clean-shaven head marked by bold red stripes, a lean muscular frame, rustic orange drapes, heavy metal bangles, and tribal-inspired accessories that heighten the character’s spiritual yet fierce aura. Kohl-lined eyes and a sharp, intense expression complete the transformation. The teaser even shows him performing a martial arts sequence, echoing Dhalsim’s lore — a peaceful yogi with fire-spitting abilities who fights only to protect his family.

The film brings together an impressive ensemble cast including Noah Centineo, Callina Liang, Cody Rhodes, Orville Peck, 50 Cent, Jason Momoa, Roman Reigns, Andrew Schulz, David Dastmalchian, Hirooki Goto, Oliver Richters, Mel Jarnson, Rayna Vallandingham and Alexander Volkanovski. With such a diverse lineup, expectations are soaring.

Fans have taken to social media expressing their disbelief and admiration for Vidyut’s dedication. Comments range from “This transformation is unreal!” to “I watched the trailer and didn’t even realise it was Vidyut.” Some praised the accuracy of the character, while others playfully admitted they missed his signature hair.

The film, set in 1993, follows estranged fighters Ryu and Ken as they return to the World Warrior Tournament while confronting a larger conspiracy. Directed by Kitao Sakurai and produced by Legendary in partnership with Capcom, the film is set for a theatrical release on October 16.

Vidyut’s bold leap into Hollywood with such a visually striking role has clearly made its mark—Dhalsim has never looked this intense, and the world is taking notice.

Business

Netflix Issues Urgent Reassurance After $82.7B Warner Bros. Acquisition Sparks Political and Industry Backlash

Tanisha Cardozo

Written by Tanisha Cardozo || Team Allycaral Business Desk

Netflix moved swiftly to reassure its more than 300 million subscribers after announcing its stunning $82.7 billion acquisition of Warner Bros., one of the biggest entertainment mergers in modern history. Roughly 24 hours after unveiling the deal, Netflix sent a carefully worded late-night email emphasizing that nothing is changing today and that both platforms will continue to operate separately for the foreseeable future. The company reiterated that the transaction still requires multiple regulatory and shareholder approvals, a process Netflix estimates will take between 12 and 18 months.

The message, echoed in the FAQ section of Netflix’s Help Center, assured users that their membership plans would remain unchanged during this transition and that Warner Bros. content—including major franchises like Harry Potter, Friends, Game of Thrones, and the DC Universe—would not immediately appear on Netflix’s platform. The company stressed patience and promised timely updates as the process advances.

Despite the calm tone of Netflix’s communication, the acquisition has already ignited intense political and industry backlash. Senator Elizabeth Warren condemned the announcement as an “anti-monopoly nightmare,” while Representative Pramila Jayapal warned that the merger could lead to higher prices, more ads, and homogenized content. Republican Senator Mike Lee raised his own alarm, stating the deal should concern antitrust enforcers worldwide. Hollywood guilds, including the Producers Guild of America, SAG-AFTRA, and the Writers Guild, expressed fears of job losses, reduced competition, and diminished creative control within an industry already under strain.

During an investor call, Netflix co-CEO Ted Sarandos defended the acquisition vigorously, portraying it as “pro-consumer, pro-innovation, pro-worker, pro-creator and pro-growth.” Sarandos insisted that combining Netflix’s streaming leadership with Warner Bros.’ vast library and iconic franchises would create a stronger and more dynamic entertainment powerhouse. However, he acknowledged that meaningful integration could not begin until regulators approve the deal, and the earliest possible closing date would be December 2026.

If ultimately approved, the merger would unite some of the most recognizable franchises in entertainment history under one roof—from Stranger Things and Bridgerton to Harry Potter and Game of Thrones—shaping a new era of streaming consolidation. For now, subscribers are being told to sit tight, enjoy the content they already love, and await further updates as Netflix and Warner Bros. embark on one of the most scrutinized entertainment mergers in decades.