EXCLUSIVE: Siddharth P Malhotra reveals Ikka sequel and Shaque Season 2 are in the works; also shares happiness at the response to Parineeti Chopra starrer show: “Haven’t got so many calls for a series before”

Filmmaker and producer Siddharth P Malhotra has had a good 2026. His Netflix film Ikka, starring Sunny Deol and Akshaye Khanna, grabbed a lot of eyeballs earlier this year. Now, his web show Shaque: Trust No One on the same platform has been doing well too.

In an exclusive chat with Bollywood Hungama, Malhotra revealed that both the projects will have a second part. “Ikka has broken records. There is Ikka 2 being worked on. Shaque has now broken records and Shaque Season 2 is being done. It has been a great year. Shaque Season 2 won’t continue the same story. It will be a new story. But a season 2 is in the works. We are writing it,” he said.

Malhotra also shared that director Rensil D’Silva had earlier envisioned Shaque as a movie when he came up with the idea years ago. “It was a story Rensil had cracked about 8-9 years ago,” he said. “Initially, it was a feature film. Then we worked on it and we said that let’s see if we can make it into series. After writing it as a series, we realized that it has legs and potential. Then I sold it to Netflix. They liked the idea.”

Malhotra is happy with the response the show has generated in little over a week. “We have been getting a lot of feedback. It’s done really well. Even after one week, it’s at number one. In my whole career, I haven’t got so many calls for a series. Even people from South Bombay are calling and saying that they binged and enjoyed it. It’s a good feeling. Netflix is very happy. It’s done very well for them. It’s in the top 10 in 20-30 countries. When you go into a party or function, people are willingly saying that they found it very good. They will say it saamne se only when they actually liked it. If they didn’t, they would say that they haven’t watched it yet,” he said.

Shaque is a whodunit where the identity of the culprit is revealed at the end. In today’s times of social media, there is every chance of someone or the other revealing the climax. Malhotra said that one can’t control that. “Social media is good and bad. If somebody wants to reveal the climax, you can’t stop that person. As far as people are talking and commenting about the show, we are very happy. Now, even after revealing the climax, if people are still watching the show, it’s the writing team’s victory,” he said.

During the trailer launch of Shaque, lead actor Parineeti Chopra shared that she came to know after starting the shoot that she is pregnant. Hence, the makers ensured that she stayed at the same place where they were shooting, so that she doesn’t have to travel. Malhotra said that this wasn’t challenging for them. “It is the responsibility between Sapna (Malhotra) and me to take care of her. She could have said that she is pregnant and she won’t be able to shoot. But she is continued the shoot. So, we should take care of her, respect her and do the best we can,” he said.

As a director, Siddharth P Malhotra has made films on varied subjects like We Are Family (2010), Hichki (2018), Tribhanga (2021), Maharaj (2024) and Ikka (2026). When asked whether it has always been a conscious decision for him not to repeat genres, he said, “It’s not a conscious effort to not repeat a genre. It’s actually an effort to try and find a story I can resonate to. Actually, for me the genre is the same as they are all (stories of) human relationships. The worlds might be different but the stories are of human relations and complex situations.”

Malhotra has had a successful and long collaboration with Netflix with a series of projects like Tribhanga, Maharaj, Ikka and now Shaque. “I have known Monika (Shergill, Vice President, Content) from the time I did Sanjivani (TV show) and before that. Their team is very co-operative and collaborative. All the success of any show or film of Netflix is a collaborative effort. Their names don’t appear but they put in a lot of hard work. No single person can take credit of a success. It’s always a team work. Netflix has been a great collaborator and we are collaborating a lot now,” he said.

Also Read: Are Saif Ali Khan and Triptii Dimri in talks for Kamal Aur Meena? Director Siddharth P. Malhotra CLARIFIES: “Stop the speculation”

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Shabana Azmi backs CJP’s Mumbai protest; says, “We don’t have to tolerate anything wrong”

Shabana Azmi joined the Cockroach Janta Party’s (CJP) “Jail Bharo Andolan” at Mumbai’s Shivaji Park on Friday, October 2. The protest was organised over concerns surrounding the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls, with the organisation demanding the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar. The gathering also saw the participation of several personalities from the film and music industries, including Naseeruddin Shah, Vishal Dadlani, filmmaker Vishal Bhardwaj and singer Rekha Bhardwaj.

Speaking to reporters before taking the stage, Shabana highlighted the importance of voting rights and said that any attempt to take away that right should be met through democratic means. She said, “Voting is our right. If anyone tries to take away our right to vote, we will do what is necessary through democratic means.”

Addressing the gathering later, the actor spoke about the importance of citizens raising their voices when their names are removed from electoral rolls. She said, “A very, very warm greeting to all of you. Since I am from Mumbai, seeing all of you present here in such large numbers brings me immense happiness.”

“Our vote is our right, it is our voice, we have been hearing this since childhood. But when our right is snatched away from us, when our names are removed from the electoral rolls, what will we do? We will protest. This is our right. Today, look around and see how far your eyes can reach, this is the victory of democracy. Because we have recognised our own strength, and we have realised that we do not have to tolerate anything wrong, because this is our country, our Constitution has given us this right. So, many congratulations to all of you,” she added.

#WATCH | Maharashtra | Veteran actress Shabana Azmi joins the CJP protest at Mumbai’s Shivaji Park against the Election Commission. pic.twitter.com/Q9vVzrkS4O — ANI (@ANI) October 2, 2026

The CJP has been opposing the SIR exercise and has been calling for Gyanesh Kumar to step down as Chief Election Commissioner. The organisation held the Mumbai gathering despite Mumbai Police denying permission for the protest. Heavy police deployment and barricades were put in place around Shivaji Park as a large crowd gathered at the venue. Reports on the size of the gathering varied, with police estimates later putting the number in the thousands.

Naseeruddin Shah was also present at the protest and met CJP founder Abhijeet Dipke. A video shared by Dipke showed the two embracing. During their interaction, Shah told him, “I want to thank you,” while Dipke responded that he was a huge fan of the veteran actor. Shah then said, “I knew you were here. I am a huge fan of yours. Whatever you are doing, please continue doing that.”

Vishal Dadlani and Vishal Bhardwaj were among the other film personalities seen at the gathering. Actor Prakash Raj also extended his support through a video message, speaking about democracy, citizenship and the ongoing SIR controversy.

Meanwhile, Shabana’s husband and lyricist Javed Akhtar reacted to criticism over the protest and concerns about noise pollution at Shivaji Park. In a post on X, he questioned whether similar objections would be raised when political parties hold rallies at the same venue.

The CJP has maintained that its agitation is independent and has said it will not join the Opposition’s separate October 6 protest against the Election Commission.

Also Read : EXCLUSIVE: Husne Shabnam on acting in Lust Stories 3 and coaching Alia Bhatt, Shabana Azmi in Rocky Aur Rani Kii Prem Kahaani: “Alia is a superstar and a sweetheart”; reveals, “Though I was a dialect coach, I still had a vanity van for myself; I was STUNNED”

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Emraan Hashmi brings home a brand-new Mercedes-Benz AMG G63 worth Rs. 4.3 crore

Emraan Hashmi has added another luxury SUV to his enviable car collection. The actor recently took delivery of a brand-new Mercedes-Benz AMG G63, reportedly worth Rs. 4.3 crore, and pictures of him posing with his new set of wheels outside his residence have been doing the rounds on social media.

The purchase comes at an interesting time for the actor, who has had a significant box office outing with Awarapan 2. The film's entry into the Rs. 100 crore club marks an important milestone in Emraan's career, which spans over two decades. With his upcoming film Gunmaaster G9 also generating interest, the new SUV is being seen as a celebratory addition to his garage.

The Mercedes-Benz AMG G63 is among the most sought-after luxury SUVs in India. Mercedes-Benz India introduced the imported AMG version in 2024 at an ex-showroom price of Rs. 3.60 crore, with reports suggesting that its first batch was sold out even before the vehicles arrived in the country. Under the hood, the SUV packs a 4.0-litre twin-turbocharged V8 engine paired with a 48V mild-hybrid system. It can accelerate from 0 to 100 kmph in just 4.3 seconds and has a claimed top speed of 240 kmph.

Emraan's latest acquisition further expands a garage that already boasts some impressive names. Earlier this year, the actor added a Range Rover Autobiography to his collection. His previous automobiles have also included a Rolls-Royce Ghost Black Badge, a Lamborghini Huracan and a Maybach S560.

Known for his fondness for automobiles, Emraan's latest purchase is yet another glimpse into his passion for luxury cars, with the Mercedes-AMG G63 now joining his impressive collection.

Also Read: SCOOP: Jannat 2 duo Emraan Hashmi and Randeep Hooda likely to reunite for an action thriller by Sajid Nadiadwala

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Dino Morea summoned again by Mumbai Police EOW in Rs. 65.54 crores Mithi River desilting case; here's what we know

Actor Dino Morea has landed in the headlines for reasons far removed from the film set. The Mumbai Police's Economic Offences Wing (EOW) questioned him on Friday, for the second time, over alleged irregularities in the Mithi River desilting project. Dino and his brother, Santino Rocco Morea, had also been questioned in the case in May 2025.

According to a report by Hindustan Times, the fresh summons followed a lead from phone records. "We summoned Morea after investigators came across phone records indicating contact with some people linked to the case," a police officer, who did not wish to be named, told the publication.

The officer also said that the Morea brothers and Punita Kadam, wife of arrested accused Ketan Kadam, are directors in a private company, UBO Ridez Private Limited. Investigators are now verifying financial transactions between the Kadams and Santino Rocco Morea. They are also examining how Ketan Kadam's desilting firm, Woder India LLP, won civic contracts. It is worth noting that the report does not state that any wrongdoing has been established against the actor, and the questioning is part of the ongoing probe.

As for the ongoing case, Ketan Kadam was arrested on May 7 and is among 13 people booked for allegedly causing the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) a loss of Rs. 65.54 crores. The case involves alleged financial irregularities, inflated tenders and corrupt practices. The EOW has also arrested Jayesh Joshi, who is associated with Virgo Specialties Private Limited, a Mumbai-based industrial product manufacturer.

The EOW claims that some BMC officials travelled to Kochi in October 2020 to buy desilting equipment from Matprop Technical Services Private Limited and later, floated desilting tenders. The machine specifications reportedly matched Matprop's equipment, which effectively left contractors with no option but to use its machines. Under the tender terms, the BMC was to pay contractors based on the weight of the silt and dredge removed from the river.

Police allege that contractors who approached Matprop were sent to Joshi and Ketan Kadam, who, in alleged connivance with the company, rented out the equipment at inflated rates rather than selling it. EOW officers further claim that civic records were fudged to overstate the quantity of silt to be removed, which benefited contractors and the rates they were to be paid.

As the probe continues, all eyes will be on whether more names will come under the scanner.

Also Read: Dino Morea hails Dhurandhar The Revenge as ‘epic’, praises Ranveer Singh, Sanjay Dutt and Aditya Dhar’s vision

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Nushrratt Bharuccha to undergo spine surgery: Team issues official statement amid accident reports

Nushrratt Bharuccha’s team has issued an official statement addressing the actress’ health after she met with an accident during her work-cum-holiday trip to Bali, Indonesia. The statement, released on October 2, confirmed that the actress suffered a fracture in her spine and is currently hospitalised in Bali.

The actress had travelled to Bali a few days ago for a work-cum-pleasure trip. Reports of her hospitalisation surfaced subsequently, although details surrounding the incident had been kept private. Her team has now provided an official update, confirming that she remains under medical observation and is set to undergo spine surgery.

“Nushrratt Bharuccha, who was in Bali for a work-cum-holiday trip, met with an unfortunate accident and suffered a fracture in her spine. She is currently hospitalised in Bali and remains under medical observation. Following further evaluation by the doctors, Nushrratt will be undergoing spine surgery,” the statement read.

The team further revealed that arrangements are being made to bring Nushrratt Bharuccha back to Mumbai via an air ambulance, where she will undergo the surgery. Her health and immediate medical care remain the priority at present.

“At present, our immediate priority is her health and ensuring she receives the necessary medical care. We are currently making arrangements to bring Nushrratt back to Mumbai from Bali via an air ambulance, where she will undergo the surgery. Given the nature of the injury and the surgery, Nushrratt will need time to rest and recover, and her work commitments over the next few weeks are likely to be affected.”

The statement also requested fans and well-wishers to respect the actress’ privacy while she focuses on her treatment and recovery. Her team expressed gratitude for the concern and good wishes being extended towards her and said that further updates would be shared when appropriate.

“We request everyone to respect her privacy at this time and allow her the space to focus on her treatment and recovery. We are grateful for everyone’s concern and good wishes and will share further updates as and when appropriate,” it concluded.

Meanwhile, on the work front, Nushrratt Bharuccha is expected to feature in an upcoming film directed by Remo D’Souza. The project also stars Tiger Shroff, Pashmina Roshan, Elvish Yadav and Abhishek Banerjee in key roles. However, as confirmed by her team, her work commitments over the coming weeks are likely to be affected as she undergoes treatment and begins her recovery.

Also Read: EXCLUSIVE: Nushrratt Bharuccha and Pashmina Roshan join Tiger Shroff, Abhishek Banerjee, Elvish Yadav in Remo D’Souza’s untitled action film

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Drishyam The Conclusion mania EXPLODES! Theatres add post-midnight shows BEFORE release; exhibitors asked to match Spider-Man, Dhurandhar The Revenge pricing

In November 2022, Drishyam 2 was among the first major films of the post-pandemic era to witness post-midnight and early morning shows, as theatres responded to the tremendous demand for the Ajay Devgn-led thriller. Four years later, history is repeating itself with Drishyam The Conclusion. The much-awaited third instalment of the franchise is all set for a historic opening today, October 2, and the unprecedented demand is already visible in the way exhibitors have opened up post-midnight shows even before release day.

Unlike Drishyam 2, where several post-midnight shows were added only in the second half of the opening day, exhibitors have acted much earlier this time. Realizing that the advances for Day 1 are exceptionally strong and anticipating historic collections, several theatres began opening bookings for post-midnight shows as early as October 1, a day before the film's release.

In Mumbai and the surrounding areas, post-midnight shows have been opened at PVR Lower Parel, Cinepolis Seawoods, Metro Inox, Inox R City Ghatkopar, Maxus Borivali, Inox Malad, PVR Oberoi Mall Goregaon, PVR Phoenix Market City Kurla, PVR Juhu, PVR Citi Mall Andheri, Inox Sky City Mall Borivali, PVR Chakala, PVR Orion Panvel, PVR Palava, Cinepolis Bhandup, Funcity Big Cinema Ulhasnagar, Inox Raghuleela Kandivali, Cinepolis Andheri, PVR Infiniti Andheri, PVR Infiniti Malad and Miraj Dombivali.

Interestingly, Maxus Bhayander has gone a step further and is showing Drishyam The Conclusion practically round the clock. The cinema has scheduled shows at 12:35 am, 1:05 am, 2:05 am, 3:05 am, 4:05 am and 5:05 am, making it a 24/7 affair for the film.

The trend isn't restricted to Mumbai. In Pune, post-midnight shows have been opened at Inox Megaplex Wakad, PVR Phoenix Market City, Cinepolis Seasons Mall, Inox Chinchwad, PVR Icon The Pavilion, PVR Hinjawadi, PVR Kumar Pacific, Inox Jai Ganesh Akurdi, Inox Royal Heritage Mall, Inox Royal Heritage Mall and Inox Bund Garden Road. In Ahmedabad, the film has also begun getting post-midnight shows at Connplex Prahladnagar, Classic Cinema Gandhinagar, PVR Motera, Connplex SBR, The Cinestar Miniplex SP Ring Road and CLEXA.

More cinemas across different cities are also expected to add post-midnight shows as the day progresses, especially given the strong advance booking response. The unprecedented demand for Drishyam The Conclusion has clearly prompted exhibitors to start adding shows much earlier than they did for Drishyam 2, setting the stage for a potentially historic opening for the franchise.

The other interesting aspect is the high-ticket pricing. Despite the steep rates, there is tremendous demand among audiences to watch Drishyam The Conclusion as soon as possible. As per exhibition sources, theatres have been asked to price tickets for the film on par with Spider-Man: Brand New Day and Dhurandhar The Revenge.

Also Read: EXCLUSIVE: CBFC clears Drishyam The Conclusion WITHOUT a single cut; is 8 minutes longer than Drishyam 2

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Bigg Boss 20: Rhiti Tiwari evicted in surprise mid-week exit after captaincy task? Here’s what we know!

Bigg Boss 20 has witnessed its first mid-week eviction of the season, with Rhiti Tiwari reportedly eliminated from the house. Unlike the regular elimination process based on audience voting, Rhiti's exit came as part of a captaincy task and involved the show's unique lifeline mechanism.

Rhiti, the daughter of actor-singer and politician Manoj Tiwari, entered Bigg Boss 20 alongside her father when the Salman Khan-hosted season premiered on September 6. Her journey initially saw her forming connections with several housemates, but her time on the reality show soon became marked by multiple confrontations and controversies. How was Rhiti Tiwari eliminated from Bigg Boss 20? The latest captaincy task gave contenders Yung DSA, Mahhi Vij and Uditi Singh a special "vardaan". As part of the twist, the contenders were given the power to take away a lifeline from another contestant. Rhiti had already been left with only one life. When the power was used against her, she lost her final lifeline and her journey in the Bigg Boss house came to an end.

Reports describe the development as the season's first mid-week eviction and not an elimination decided through the usual public voting process.

Her exit follows Rohed Khan and Isha Rikhi, who were previously eliminated from the season. Rohed was the first contestant to leave the house, while Isha became the second eviction before Rhiti's unexpected mid-week exit. Rhiti Tiwari's controversial stint inside the house Rhiti's time on Bigg Boss 20 had already attracted considerable attention following her clashes with fellow contestants. One of the major controversies involved Qazi Touqeer.

After Salman Khan addressed a separate controversy involving Qazi's alleged illness, Rhiti confronted him and questioned his conduct. Their equation subsequently became increasingly strained.

The situation escalated during a diss battle that formed part of a captaincy task. Rhiti directed abusive and derogatory remarks towards Qazi and Uditi Singh, leading to a confrontation inside the house. The incident later became a major subject of discussion during Weekend Ka Vaar.

Salman Khan subsequently confronted Rhiti over her language. Calling her performance during the task "the worst diss ever", he told her that there were limits to what could be said in the name of a diss battle and questioned the language she had used.

The host also drew attention to Rhiti's connection with Manoj Tiwari and her identity as a star kid. Salman questioned her conduct in the context of her father's public image and compared her behaviour with that of former Bigg Boss contestant Dolly Bindra.

Also Read: Bigg Boss 20: Yung DSA says he will “maintain a boundary” with Love Gill after latter calls out his remark for dancing with Gullu

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