Oh Stree, ab roz aanaa
Dinesh Vijan
Bollywood star Shraddha Kapoor has announced an animated spin-off of her hit horror-comedy franchise with Choti Stree. The actor made the revelation at the trailer launch of Maddock Films’ Thamma in Mumbai on Friday, also attended by Ayushmann Khurrana and producer Dinesh Vijan. “Maddock’s horror-comedy universe is coming out with Choti Stree as an animated film, which will release in theatres for all age groups. It just feels amazing to be a part of this universe,” Shraddha said. “The interesting thing about Choti Stree is it will end with a scene from Stree 3,” Dinesh added. The film is expected to arrive six months before Stree 3, riding on the massive success of Stree 2 (2024).
‘I love big budgets and Bachchan’
Amitabh Bachchan and Mohanlal
Malayalam superstar Mohanlal received the prestigious Dadasaheb Phalke Award at the National Film Awards in Delhi on Tuesday. Reflecting on his journey, he told DD News, “When we started filmmaking, there were no gadgets on set. We didn’t even have a monitor to review our shots. Things changed much later. Now, after each shot, one can instantly review it and make corrections.” Mohanlal also recalled his industry’s early budget struggles and how technology transformed the craft. On a lighter note, when asked about his favourite Bollywood actor, he said, “If I must choose, it has to be Amitabh Bachchan. He is one of the greatest artistes. His brilliance lies in his ability to transform and remain relevant even after decades.”
John’s leading lady
John Abraham and Meenakshi Chaudhary. Pics/AFP, Instagram
Looks like John Abraham has zeroed in on his heroine for Force 3. Reports suggest that actor Meenakshi Chaudhary has been roped in to star opposite him in the third instalment of the action-packed franchise. Backed by Vipul Amrutlal Shah, the film is expected to go on floors in November. While the plot remains under wraps, the pairing has created buzz among fans. The Force franchise, which kicked off in 2011 and returned with a sequel in 2016, is known for its high-octane action. Meenakshi’s casting marks a big leap in her Bollywood journey. Time will tell how far she will go.
The youth connect
Smriti Irani as Tulsi Virani
Union Minister and actor Smriti Irani has spilled the beans on how Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi 2’s makers have woven in contemporary themes to strike a chord with younger viewers. “We have fictionalised today’s issues like body shaming and ageing to connect with youth,” she told IANS. The original show, which aired in 2000, became a cultural phenomenon and made Smriti a household name as Tulsi Virani. The sequel revives the beloved family saga while tackling modern challenges, blending nostalgia with fresh relevance for a new generation.
Love in Hyderabad
Lakshya and Ananya Panday
Bollywood’s rising star Lakshya, who wowed audiences with his debut in Karan Johar’s Kill (2023) and Aryan Khan’s web series The Ba***ds of Bollywood, is now busy with his next Dharma project, Chand Mera Dil, opposite Ananya Panday. Directed by Vivek Soni, the much-anticipated film recently caused a stir in Hyderabad when the duo shot a romantic sequence near the iconic Charminar. Viral videos show Lakshya and Ananya twinning in red outfits while enjoying a bike ride — Ananya dazzling in a red saree with a sleek bun, and Lakshya looking dapper in a matching kurta and Nehru jacket. Set against a college backdrop, the film will see the pair play engineering students swept up in a heartfelt love story.
