Dharmendra Pradhan resigns: Priyanka Chopra Jonas, Aditi Rao Hydari, and other celebs hail students, call it a victory for youth voices

After days of nationwide protests over the alleged NEET paper leak and demands for education reforms, Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan has resigned from his post.

The development has prompted fresh reactions from several members of the film fraternity, many of whom had voiced support for the student-led movement over the past week. Several actors described the resignation as proof that peaceful, democratic protests can bring about change, while others urged the government to focus on long-term reforms in the education system.

Take a look below:

 

View this post on Instagram

  A post shared by Fatima Sana Shaikh (@fatimasanashaikh)

 

View this post on Instagram

  A post shared by Vijay Varma (@itsvijayvarma)

 

View this post on Instagram

  A post shared by Aditi Rao Hydari (@aditiraohydari)

 

View this post on Instagram

  A post shared by Ishaan (@ishaankhatter)

 

View this post on Instagram

  A post shared by Dia Mirza Rekhi (@diamirzaofficial)

 

View this post on Instagram

  A post shared by Vir Das (@virdas)

Also Read: “Step down Dharmendra Pradhan”: Jyotika backs students amid NEET protest, calls for accountability

from Latest Bollywood News | Hindi Movie News | Hindi Cinema News | Indian Movies | Films - Bollywood Hungama https://ift.tt/F8Vi3NU
via IFTTT

Shabana Azmi diagnosed with swine flu after Jantar Mantar protest, misses Mumbai demonstration; says she stands in solidarity with students

Veteran actor Shabana Azmi has revealed that she has been diagnosed with H1N1 (swine flu), forcing her to miss the student protest held at Mumbai's Shivaji Park on Friday. The actor shared the health update on social media, saying she has been advised to remain in isolation for the next five days.

Azmi has been one of the most prominent public figures supporting the student-led protests over the alleged NEET paper leak. Over the past three days, she actively participated in demonstrations at Delhi's Jantar Mantar, where she marched alongside students, joined the "Chalo Sansad" rally and extended support to those on hunger strike. Shabana Azmi shares health update Informing her followers about her absence from the Mumbai protest, Azmi wrote that she had planned to join demonstrators but was unable to do so after being diagnosed with H1N1. She wrote, “"My dear Mumbaikars, I was meant to join your protest yesterday, but I've come down with H1N1 and need to remain in isolation for the next five days."

Despite her illness, the actor said she remains closely connected with the movement and continues to receive updates from those participating on the ground. Actor praises students' courage Azmi also lauded the determination shown by young protesters, many of whom, she said, were taking part in a demonstration for the first time: "I want to express my solidarity and appreciation. I'm receiving first-hand reports from the young people on the ground. Many of them have taken part in a protest for the first time and have experienced how much their voice counts."

She added that their commitment continues to inspire her: "I continue to be inspired by your courage and commitment and stand by you in solidarity."

 

View this post on Instagram

  A post shared by Shabana Azmi (@azmishabana18)

The veteran actor concluded her post by sharing a poem written by her late father, renowned poet Kaifi Azmi.

Azmi has been among the few celebrities who chose to participate in the protests in person instead of limiting their support to social media. During the demonstrations at Jantar Mantar, she marched alongside students, rode atop a protest vehicle with actor Prakash Raj, addressed the gathering and was also seen serving food to students observing a hunger strike.

Also Read: Shabana Azmi suffers asthma attack at Delhi protest; says, “I got an attack because of the tear gas”

from Latest Bollywood News | Hindi Movie News | Hindi Cinema News | Indian Movies | Films - Bollywood Hungama https://ift.tt/uPAFvMY
via IFTTT

PVR INOX Q1 results: Profit at Rs 56.5 crore, revenue up 10.4%, box office surges

PVR INOX reported a strong turnaround in the first quarter of FY27, posting a profit after tax (PAT) of Rs 56.5 crore, compared to a Rs 54 crore loss during the same period last year. The multiplex operator also recorded a 10.4 percent increase in consolidated revenue, which rose to Rs 1,622.2 crore from Rs 1,469 crore a year ago.

The company's performance comes alongside a robust recovery in the theatrical business, with India's total box office collections growing 20 percent year-on-year during the quarter. Strong film slate boosts admissions PVR INOX credited the quarter's performance to a healthy mix of Hindi, regional and Hollywood films. Among Hindi releases, Bhoot Bangla, Cocktail 2 and Main Wapas Aunga emerged as strong performers. Regional cinema also delivered impressive growth, led by films such as Raja Shivaji (Marathi), Drishyam 3 (Malayalam) and Karuppu (Tamil).

Hollywood titles also contributed significantly, with non-franchise films including Project Hail Mary, Michael and Obsession drawing audiences to cinemas. Admissions, ticket prices and F&B sales rise The multiplex chain recorded 36.6 million admissions during the quarter, reflecting an 8 percent year-on-year increase. Its Average Ticket Price (ATP) stood at Rs 273, up 8 percent from the previous year, while Spend Per Head (SPH) increased 9 percent to Rs 161. As a result, ticket revenue rose 16 percent, while food and beverage sales registered a 17 percent increase compared to the same quarter last year. EBITDA nearly doubles, company turns net cash positive PVR INOX also reported a sharp improvement in profitability. EBITDA climbed 90 percent to Rs 229.6 crore, with EBITDA margins expanding from 8.2 percent to 14 percent, driven by stronger operating leverage.

The company also achieved a key financial milestone by turning net cash positive, ending the quarter with Rs 80.7 crore in net cash as of June 30, 2026. Ajay Bijli on the quarter's performance Commenting on the results, PVR INOX Managing Director Ajay Bijli said the company's operational performance improved across key parameters: "The industry delivered broad-based growth, our operating metrics improved across the board, and the company is now net cash positive. With a diverse content slate ahead and a capital-light expansion model, our focus remains on delighting consumers, driving footfalls and creating enduring value for our shareholders."

Following the announcement of the quarterly results, PVR INOX shares climbed 5.5 per cent to Rs 1,047.85 on the Bombay Stock Exchange (BSE), reflecting positive investor sentiment after the company's return to profitability.

Also Read: Main Vaapas Aaunga Box Office: PVR INOX-Cinepolis Week 2 collections jump 89.8% over Week 1

from Latest Bollywood News | Hindi Movie News | Hindi Cinema News | Indian Movies | Films - Bollywood Hungama https://ift.tt/8RlZMqa
via IFTTT

Dia Mirza reacts to PM Narendra Modi’s statement on Jantar Mantar protest; says “It took 47 days for you to say something”

Actress and environmental activist Dia Mirza has once again voiced her support for the students protesting at Jantar Mantar, this time responding to Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s first public statement on the ongoing agitation over the alleged NEET paper leak.

A day after the Prime Minister shared a video message on social media addressing the issue, Dia took to Instagram to express her disappointment with his remarks. In his video, PM Modi assured that strict action would be taken against those responsible for the alleged paper leak. However, his message did not touch upon several issues that have remained at the centre of the protests, including the students injured during the lathi charge, Sonam Wangchuk’s hunger strike, and the families who have reportedly lost their children during the ongoing crisis.

Reacting to the Prime Minister’s statement, Dia Mirza shared a strongly worded note on Instagram that read, “Not one word of empathy for the parents who have lost their children, for the children who have died, for the incredible resilience of students demanding their rights, for Sonamji and the students who were on a hunger strike for weeks. How hard can it be Sir? It took 47 days for you to say something. And now that you have, you have said nothing. Nothing that can heal the millions of hearts that are broken.”

 

View this post on Instagram

  A post shared by Dia Mirza Rekhi (@diamirzaofficial)

The actress has consistently been among the most vocal members of the film fraternity supporting the ongoing protest. Since the demonstrations began, Dia has frequently used her social media platforms to amplify the concerns of students, encourage peaceful democratic participation, and call for accountability from those in power.

Her latest post also reiterates her support for education reform activist Sonam Wangchuk, whose prolonged hunger strike has become one of the defining aspects of the movement. Over the past several weeks, Dia has repeatedly shared updates on the protest while urging authorities to engage with the concerns raised by students.

Dia Mirza remains one of the few prominent celebrities to consistently comment on the developments surrounding the Jantar Mantar protest from its initial stages. Her social media has reflected her continued advocacy for democratic values, transparency, and dialogue, while standing in solidarity with students seeking answers over the alleged examination paper leak.

Her latest reaction has further fuelled online conversations on the matter. As the demonstrations continue, voices from across the entertainment industry continue to add momentum to the public discourse surrounding the issue.

Also Read: Operation Safed Sagar: Dia Mirza says Kamalpreet Kaur Dhanoa held Air Force families together during the 1999 Kargil War

from Latest Bollywood News | Hindi Movie News | Hindi Cinema News | Indian Movies | Films - Bollywood Hungama https://ift.tt/e8splZG
via IFTTT

Ahaan Panday and Sharvari’s next with Ali Abbas Zafar to release on March 26, 2027

Yash Raj Films has officially locked March 26, 2027, which falls on Good Friday, as the theatrical release date for director Ali Abbas Zafar’s upcoming untitled romantic action drama. The announcement marks a major calendar slot for the project produced by Aditya Chopra. The film features Ahaan Panday and Sharvari in the lead roles, alongside Aaishvary Thackeray and Bobby Deol. It continues the successful working relationship between Chopra and Zafar.

Fifth Collaboration Between Aditya Chopra and Ali Abbas Zafar

This marks the fifth producer-director pairing for Aditya Chopra and Ali Abbas Zafar. Their earlier films together include Mere Brother Ki Dulhan, Gunday, Sultan and Tiger Zinda Hai. The new project returns Zafar to the YRF banner for a large-scale romantic action drama after a gap.

Ahaan Panday, who recently gained attention with Saiyaara, takes on a central role that reports describe as carrying strong intensity. Sharvari joins him as the female lead in what is positioned as a major YRF outing for her. Aaishvary Thackeray and Bobby Deol complete the principal cast, bringing additional weight to the ensemble. While the exact title and full plot details remain under wraps, the film is being described as a romantic action drama.

A significant portion of the film has been extensively shot in the United Kingdom. Production schedules also included work at Yash Raj Film Studios in India. The overseas locations are expected to lend a distinct visual scale to the project.

Also Read: Yash Raj Films appoints Usha Rachael Thomas as Head of Communications Strategy

from Latest Bollywood News | Hindi Movie News | Hindi Cinema News | Indian Movies | Films - Bollywood Hungama https://ift.tt/8QaUjKJ
via IFTTT

Amol Palekar offers legal and financial support to students protesting over NEET paper leak: “Do not allow anger to harden into hatred”

Veteran actor and filmmaker Amol Palekar has voiced his support for students protesting over the NEET paper leak by writing an open letter expressing solidarity with the youth-led movement. As demonstrations continue in Delhi demanding accountability and education reforms, the actor praised the courage of students and said they are carrying forward the unfinished work of democracy.

Addressing the protesters as "Dear brave students," Palekar wrote that he was writing not only in solidarity but also with gratitude. "Every generation inherits the unfinished work of democracy. Yours has accepted both the burden and the privilege of carrying it forward," he wrote. Draws parallels with history and literature In his letter, Palekar referred to Albert Camus' Caligula, saying the play reflects how unchecked power can become detached from moral responsibility. He added that the recent developments in Delhi reminded him of those themes.

The veteran actor also cited historical student movements and struggles across the world, including the Paris student protests of 1968, the anti-apartheid movement in South Africa, Tiananmen Square and the Navnirman Andolan in Gujarat, arguing that attempts to silence young voices have never succeeded in suppressing the desire for freedom. "The images filled us with anguish and anger" Reacting to the reported police action against protesters, Palekar said the visuals left him deeply disturbed. "The images of the brutality inflicted upon you have filled us with anguish and anger," he wrote.

He added that universities are places where society learns to question itself and said asking those in power difficult questions is a democratic responsibility rather than a privilege. "When questions are answered with batons instead of reason, it is not the students who stand diminished. It is the State," the actor wrote. Explains why he did not join the protest Palekar also explained why he did not attend the demonstrations in person. He said advancing age has imposed physical limitations, even though his convictions remain unchanged. He also noted that he deliberately chose not to participate physically because he did not want public attention to shift away from the students.

"This is your movement, your voice, your moment of moral courage. You do not need celebrity validation. Democratic movements derive their legitimacy from the courage of those at their centre, not from the visibility of those who stand beside them," he wrote. Offers support to students The actor concluded his letter by assuring students that he and his wife, Sandhya, would continue supporting them in every way possible. He even offered legal, medical and financial assistance within their means if required. Encouraging students to remain hopeful, he wrote, "Today you may be called students. Tomorrow you will be known as the generation that chose courage over silence. The future belongs to those who refuse to surrender their humanity."

The ongoing demonstrations began over the alleged NEET paper leak and demands for systemic reforms in the education sector. The movement has received support from several members of the film industry, with many celebrities calling for accountability, dialogue and peaceful resolution while expressing solidarity with students.

Also Read: Kamal Haasan backs Jantar Mantar protest, questions system in powerful note: “A nation has failed when its children are met with barricades and batons”

from Latest Bollywood News | Hindi Movie News | Hindi Cinema News | Indian Movies | Films - Bollywood Hungama https://ift.tt/lKFrR1x
via IFTTT

Ramayana trailer postponed as Sony Pictures comes on board for global release outside India; Namit Malhotra calls it historic moment

Prime Focus Studios has announced a landmark partnership with Sony Pictures Entertainment, which will distribute Ramayana across international markets outside India. The announcement marks a significant milestone for the ambitious mythological epic, even as the makers confirmed that the film's much-awaited trailer launch has been postponed to a later date.

Producer Namit Malhotra shared the update through a detailed note on social media, revealing that the global partnership prompted the decision to reschedule the trailer launch. “Today is a very special moment for our "Ramayana", my dream of taking Ramayana to the world is now a reality with our partnership with Sony Pictures Entertainment. In light of the above we will be launching our trailer now globally at a later date. In over 100+ years of Indian Cinema this will become a moment of great pride where Ramayana will be shown to the entire world like any major global Hollywood film. This is special as it opens the door for people of the world to discover the richness of our culture and our stories with renewed pride and enthusiasm. I thank all the fans and the believers of Ramayana to help make this happen. The youth of our country are our future, let's all do the best we can to protect our future. Jai Hind,” the note read.

 

View this post on Instagram

  A post shared by Namit Malhotra (@iamnamitmalhotra)

Headlined by Ranbir Kapoor, Yash and Sai Pallavi, Ramayana is envisioned as a global cinematic spectacle that will be released internationally in multiple languages, including a premium English-language version. The film seeks to introduce one of India's most celebrated epics to audiences across cultures while staying rooted in its timeless themes of duty, courage, compassion, sacrifice and righteousness.

Directed by Nitesh Tiwari, the fantasy action-adventure film brings together an extensive international crew. The project features music by Academy Award winners Hans Zimmer and A.R. Rahman, action choreography by Terry Notary and Guy Norris, and production design by Ramsey Avery and Ravi Bansal. The film is produced by Prime Focus Studios' Namit Malhotra, who also serves as the Global CEO of the Academy Award-winning visual effects company DNEG.

Sharing his vision for the project, Malhotra said, "For generations, the Ramayana has inspired people through its timeless humanity and enduring values. Our ambition has always been to honor that legacy while creating a cinematic experience worthy of audiences everywhere. Through DNEG, we have spent decades helping filmmakers realize some of the world's most ambitious cinematic visions. With Prime Focus Studios, we are now bringing that same commitment to storytelling to one of the world's greatest epics. Collaborating with Sony Pictures gives Ramayana an extraordinary opportunity to connect with international audiences and introduce this timeless story to moviegoers around the world."

The collaboration with Sony Pictures marks one of the biggest international distribution deals for an Indian film, positioning Ramayana for a large-scale worldwide release comparable to major Hollywood tentpole productions. With the trailer now set to debut globally at a later date, anticipation surrounding the film continues to grow ahead of its release.

Also Read: Ramayana makers unveil behind-the-scenes glimpse from Pratham Sankalp event; Sunny Deol surprise appearance steals attention

from Latest Bollywood News | Hindi Movie News | Hindi Cinema News | Indian Movies | Films - Bollywood Hungama https://ift.tt/NtwE3h7
via IFTTT