Naagzilla producers take legal action over alleged Rs. 3.92 crores misappropriation; Mumbai court rejects anticipatory bail pleas of 3 production executives

The makers of Naagzilla, starring Kartik Aaryan, have initiated legal action over alleged financial irregularities during the film’s production, with three production executives accused of misappropriating more than Rs. 3.92 crores. In the latest development, a Mumbai sessions court has rejected the anticipatory bail applications filed by the three accused, observing that there was prima facie material indicating their involvement in the case.

According to a PTI report, Additional Sessions Judge M Mohiuddin of the Dindoshi court also noted that custodial interrogation was necessary for a detailed investigation into the alleged financial irregularities. The accused have been identified as Kuldeep Singh Champawat (47), who was working as a consultant and signing authority; Mahipal Karan Rathore (42), a service provider and executive producer; and Shivkumar Tiwari (45), who was appointed as the line producer.

The complaint was filed by Tukaram Mahadev Sawant, an accountant with Mahaveer Jain Films Pvt. Ltd. According to the complaint, Mahaveer Jain Films had entered into an agreement with Dharma Productions on October 30 last year to produce Naagzilla with a budget of Rs. 82.50 crores.

As part of the production arrangements, Champawat was approached to handle the film’s production work. He subsequently recommended Rathore as a service provider, while Tiwari was brought on board as the line producer. Tiwari was responsible for appointing vendors for various production requirements, including vehicles, makeup and junior artistes.

The prosecution has alleged that the three executives worked together to bypass the production company’s standard operating procedures and incurred expenses amounting to Rs. 3,92,76,308 without providing the necessary bills or supporting documents. The complaint also refers to alleged inflated vendor bills and fabricated invoices.

Further, the investigating officer reportedly informed the court that the accused had allegedly demanded commissions and expensive items from vendors in exchange for awarding them work and clearing payments. These allegations form part of the investigation, and the accused have not been convicted.

The court’s rejection of their anticipatory bail pleas marks a significant development in the case, which concerns alleged financial misconduct during a major film production.

Naagzilla: Naag Lok Ka Pehla Kaand is a fantasy-adventure comedy directed by Mrighdeep Singh Lamba and written by Gautam Mehra. The film features Kartik Aaryan in the lead role as an ichchhadhari naag and also stars Preity Mukhundhan. Produced by Dharma Productions and Mahaveer Jain Films, the film is scheduled to release in cinemas on February 12, 2027.

Also Read: EXCLUSIVE: Kartik Aaryan-starrer Naagzilla wraps shoot on a sweet note; Ravi Kishan and team celebrate as Mahaveer Jain, Mrighdeep Singh Lamba say, “Dharma is the BEST company to partner with”

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After Krishnavataram, Hardik Gajjar announces Tana Riri and Ajay Abhimanyu ki Mahabharat; films set for 2027 and 2028 releases

Filmmaker Hardik Gajjar has announced two upcoming projects following Krishnavataram. The director is set to explore Gujarat's folklore with Tana Riri and revisit an important chapter from the Mahabharata with Ajay Abhimanyu ki Mahabharat. The two films are scheduled to release in October 2027 and June 2028, respectively.

Gajjar reunites with Krishnavataram actor Sanskruti Jayana for Tana Riri, which draws from the story of the twin sisters Tana and Riri. Rooted in 16th-century Gujarat, the film will explore the lives of the sisters from Vadnagar, who are remembered for their musical abilities and their association with the region's cultural history.

The first poster of the film offers a glimpse of the period setting, featuring the twin sisters walking through the gates of a kingdom. The project aims to bring their story and its connection with Indian classical music to the big screen. Hardik Gajjar to bring Abhimanyu's story to the big screen Alongside Tana Riri, Gajjar is also developing Ajay Abhimanyu ki Mahabharat, a cinematic retelling centred on Abhimanyu, one of the prominent warriors from the Hindu epic.

 

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Known for his courage and sacrifice during the Kurukshetra war, Abhimanyu's story remains one of the significant episodes in the Mahabharata. The upcoming film will revisit his journey and the events associated with his role in the epic.

 

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Both projects are directed by Hardik Gajjar and produced by Athashrikatha Motion Pictures LLP. While Tana Riri is scheduled to arrive in cinemas in October 2027, Ajay Abhimanyu ki Mahabharat is slated for a June 2028 release.

With these announcements, Gajjar has two projects in the pipeline that draw from different aspects of India's storytelling traditions, one rooted in Gujarat's cultural history and the other in the Mahabharata.

Also Read: Pratik Gandhi’s next is a Gujarati romantic comedy directed by Hardik Gajjar

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Mohit Malik on playing Birju Lohar in Mirzapur The Movie: “We cannot approach a character by simply deciding whether he is good or bad”

With Mirzapur: The Movie now streaming on Prime Video India following its theatrical run, actor Mohit Malik has opened up about playing Birju Lohar in the crime drama. Reflecting on his experience, the actor discussed the challenge of portraying a character whose actions and motivations exist in shades of grey, making him an intriguing addition to the Mirzapur universe.

The franchise has built its narrative around characters who frequently blur the lines between right and wrong. Birju Lohar fits into this morally complex world, with his flaws, questionable decisions and unpredictable nature shaping his character. For Mohit, the challenge was to understand Birju’s motivations without judging him through the lens of his own personal beliefs.

Rather than categorising Birju as either good or bad, the actor approached the role by examining the circumstances and emotions that influence his decisions. According to Mohit, portraying such characters requires an actor to understand the reasoning behind their actions, even when those choices may be difficult to justify.

Speaking about playing Birju Lohar, Mohit Malik said, “Birju is a flawed character who makes choices that may not always be right, and that is what makes him interesting to play. As actors, we cannot approach a character by simply deciding whether he is good or bad. We have to understand his mindset, his circumstances and what drives him to make certain decisions. Even when you don't agree with a character's actions, you have to find the reasoning behind them and make them believable. The challenge is to portray the character honestly without judging him. I believe audiences connect with characters who feel human, with their flaws, contradictions and complexities. With Birju, I wanted to understand the person behind his actions and bring that truth to the screen.”

Mohit’s comments highlight an important aspect of his approach to the role: understanding a character beyond the choices he makes. By exploring Birju’s mindset and the circumstances surrounding his decisions, the actor sought to present a layered portrayal while leaving audiences to form their own opinions.

The digital release of Mirzapur: The Movie gives viewers another opportunity to explore the franchise’s familiar world of power struggles, rivalries and morally ambiguous characters. Mohit’s portrayal of Birju Lohar adds to that landscape, reflecting the complexity that has remained central to the crime drama’s storytelling.

Mirzapur: The Movie is now streaming exclusively on Prime Video India.

Also Read: Photos: Ali Fazal and Divyenndu host a special daawat for the entire team of Mirzapur: The Movie at Bandra

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Sara Ali Khan faces fatwa over Kedarnath Temple visit: Reports

Sara Ali Khan's recent visit to Kedarnath Temple has led to a religious controversy after Uttar Pradesh-based Islamic cleric Maulana Mufti Shahabuddin Razvi Barelvi reportedly issued a fatwa over the actress offering prayers at the shrine. Sara visited Kedarnath on October 25 and was reportedly seen waiting in the queue for darshan before offering prayers with folded hands. Media reports also said that she participated in puja and aarti and visited the Bhukunt Bhairav Temple.

Reacting to the visit, the cleric said that Islamic Sharia does not permit Muslims to participate in religious practices associated with another faith. “I want to make it clear that Islamic Sharia does not permit its followers to engage in shirk,” the cleric said, as reported by Bhaskar English. He further added, “This means that no Muslim, whether a man or a woman, is allowed to adopt the religious practices of another faith or worship at a temple.”

The cleric reportedly described such acts as “impermissible and haram” under Sharia and said Sara should repent before Allah. He also reiterated his position on the actress's temple visit, saying, “I want to make it clear that such acts are not permissible.” What happened during Sara Ali Khan's Kedarnath visit? According to reports, Sara travelled to Kedarnath by helicopter before joining devotees waiting for darshan. Pictures and videos from the visit showed her standing in the queue and later offering prayers at the temple.

Reports also said that the actress participated in the temple's puja and aarti and visited the Bhukunt Bhairav Temple. Her visit reportedly took place amid cold weather, with some reports stating that women devotees offered her a shawl to help her keep warm.

Sara has maintained a connection with Kedarnath for several years. The shrine also has a link to her film career, as she made her Bollywood debut with the 2018 film Kedarnath, which starred the late Sushant Singh Rajput. She has returned to the temple on multiple occasions since then. Temple committee's protocol for non-Hindu visitors The controversy has also brought attention to the Badrinath-Kedarnath Temple Committee's rules for non-Hindu visitors. According to reports, the committee requires non-Hindu devotees who wish to offer prayers at the shrine to submit an affidavit.

BKTC CEO Sohan Singh Rangar reportedly confirmed to News18 that Sara's team had submitted the required affidavit before her visit.

A fatwa is generally understood as a religious opinion or ruling issued by an Islamic scholar on a question concerning Islamic law. In this case, the reported ruling reflects the position expressed by the cleric and should not be presented as a universal view shared by all Muslims or Islamic scholars.

Also Read: Sara Ali Khan reveals why Atrangi Re was one role that demanded the most from her: “Lots of personal things had happened that year”

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SCOOP: Anirudh exits Shah Rukh Khan’s King due to packed schedule; gifts SRK the theme track as Sachin-Jigar take over

Shah Rukh Khan and Siddharth Anand are gearing up to end the year with a bang, as their next King is the most discussed film of 2026. The countdown to a grand asset launch for Shah Rukh Khan's birthday is underway, which will officially kick off the actioner's marketing campaign.

And now, Bollywood Hungama has exclusively learnt of a major development that could leave Shah Rukh Khan and Anirudh fans with mixed emotions. Anirudh, who has earned a massive following for his electrifying background scores, has amicably parted ways with King owing to his packed schedule. A source informed Bollywood Hungama, “Siddharth Anand and Shah Rukh Khan are determined to bring King to cinemas this Christmas without any delays. However, Anirudh has been juggling multiple commitments down South, making it difficult for him to devote the time and attention that a film of this scale demands. After a cordial discussion, both parties mutually decided to part ways.” The source further revealed that the makers have now entrusted Sachin-Jigar with the responsibility of composing the film’s music and background score.

"However, Anirudh has given the Theme Track of King to Shah Rukh Khan as a mark of his respect for the megastar, and Sachin-Jigar too will be reimagining the track for the entire background score of the film. So King will still have the Anirudh touch with the theme track, but the entire score also the album, otherwise will be done by Sachin-Jigar," the source tells us.

King is touted to be the most ambitious action film of Hindi cinema, mounted on a mammoth budget as the makers are up to deliver a never-before spectacle. The estimated costs excluding SRK's fees and PnA is touted to be in the zone of Rs. 450 crore, and every penny will be visible on the screen as per insiders.

"This is Siddharth Anand's biggest film till date and a love letter to the legend of SRK. He has designed the full film keeping his aura in mind."

Also Read: Siddharth Anand drops another cryptic post about Shah Rukh Khan starrer King at midnight; is a birthday surprise coming?

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Siddharth Anand drops another cryptic post about Shah Rukh Khan starrer King at midnight; is a birthday surprise coming?

Filmmaker Siddharth Anand has once again sparked curiosity among Shah Rukh Khan fans with a cryptic midnight post about KING. Following his earlier one-word tweet, “It’s”, the director has now shared another intriguing message that reads, “Time For The World”. The latest post has fuelled speculation about whether an announcement related to the much-awaited action thriller is around the corner, especially with Shah Rukh Khan’s birthday on November 2 approaching.

Siddharth Anand’s first post had already caught the attention of fans, with many wondering whether the filmmaker was hinting at an upcoming update on KING. His latest message has added another layer to the mystery, prompting questions about whether the two posts are connected and whether they could be building towards a larger reveal.

Time For The World — Siddharth Anand (@justSidAnand) October 29, 2026

With the superstar’s birthday just around the corner, fans are also speculating whether Siddharth Anand could have another midnight surprise planned for tomorrow. However, the filmmaker has not officially confirmed what the cryptic messages refer to, leaving the possibility of a reveal open to speculation.

It’s — Siddharth Anand (@justSidAnand) October 29, 2026

Directed by Siddharth Anand, KING is an international action thriller produced by Gauri Khan under Red Chillies Entertainment and Marflix Pictures. The film stars Shah Rukh Khan in the titular role of a deadly assassin whose underworld journey intersects with high-stakes emotional conflicts and a romantic core, teased through the tagline, “Qaatil Nahi.. Aashiq Hoon…”.

The film features Suhana Khan in a pivotal lead role, alongside Abhishek Bachchan as the primary antagonist. Deepika Padukone, Rani Mukerji, Jaideep Ahlawat and Raghav Juyal are also part of the ensemble cast in supporting roles and special appearances.

Mounted on a global scale, the project features international stunt choreography, with Red Chillies VFX handling the visual effects. KING is scheduled to arrive in cinemas worldwide on December 24, 2026, during the Christmas holiday period.

For now, Siddharth Anand’s latest post has left fans guessing. Whether “Time For The World” signals a major KING update or is simply another teaser remains to be seen.

Also Read: Shah Rukh Khan birthday special? Siddharth Anand drops cryptic “It’s” tweet sparking speculation on new King update

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Bhumi Pednekar reunites with Akshay Kumar for Priyadarshan’s next comedy

Bhumi Pednekar is set to reunite with Akshay Kumar for an upcoming comedy directed by Priyadarshan. The project will mark their third collaboration and comes four years after the duo was last seen together in Raksha Bandhan.

According to a report by Hindustan Times, Bhumi has been signed as the leading lady of the film. Priyadarshan has also confirmed her casting to HT City. The upcoming project is Priyadarshan’s 99th film as a director and is expected to go on floors in the last week of November 2026. Akshay Kumar to play tiger hunter in 1970s-set comedy The film is reportedly set in the 1970s, with Akshay Kumar playing a tiger hunter. While details about the story are currently being kept under wraps, the project is being described as a comedy set against the period.

Earlier reports had suggested that the film could incorporate elements related to wildlife conservation alongside comedy and thriller elements. However, the makers have not revealed detailed plot information yet.

The film is being produced by Ramesh Taurani. Reports have also suggested that Annu Kapoor and Rajpal Yadav could be part of the cast, although further details about their roles have not been officially disclosed. Bhumi Pednekar and Akshay Kumar to reunite after Raksha Bandhan Bhumi and Akshay have previously shared screen space in Toilet: Ek Prem Katha and Raksha Bandhan. Their upcoming collaboration will therefore mark their third film together.

Raksha Bandhan, directed by Aanand L Rai, was released in 2022 and featured Bhumi as Akshay’s co-star. The upcoming Priyadarshan project will bring the pair together in a different setting, with the story reportedly taking place several decades in the past. Priyadarshan’s 99th film to begin shooting in November The film is expected to begin production in the last week of November 2026. The shooting schedule is likely to span around three months, with Rajasthan and Mumbai among the locations. Bhopal is also being considered as a possible shooting location.

Also Read: Bhumi Pednekar recalls Shah Rukh Khan’s warm hospitality and Akshay Kumar’s lasting advice

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