Bollywood News

The month of May will begin with a bang with exciting releases in different languages. In this article, Bollywood Hungama will focus on the cut list of two of the releases – the Hollywood superhero entertainer Thunderbolts and the Telugu action entertainer, HIT: The Third Case.The Central Board of Film Certificate (CBFC) thankfully hasn’t asked for any visual cuts in Thunderbolts. Hence, all the action scenes remain unscathed. However, they asked the studio to mute five abusive words. These five words are ‘a**’, ‘a**hole’, ‘d**ks’, ‘b***h’ and ‘prick’. The last word is not considered as an objectionable cuss term and hence, the muting of ‘prick’ is sure to raise eyebrows.After these cuts were made, the studio was handed over the censor certificate on April 23. The length of Thunderbolts as mentioned on the censor certificate is 127 minutes, that is, 2 hours and 7 minutes. The film was passed with a U/A 13+ rating.HIT: The Third Case, like Thunderbolts, also releases on May 1. With this film, the Examining Committee asked for both audio and visual cuts. The makers were asked to limit the use of ‘f**k’ and mute ‘c*****a’.The rest of the cuts were related to the violent scenes. The makers were asked to suitably modify the visuals of butchering of the neck; the visuals were reduced to a flash. The scenes of girl torture were also reduced to a flash. The pool of blood was covered with CG.A gruesome scene in the film involves the neck being cut and close-up shots of amputated hands, legs and fingers. In this case, the CBFC reduced the gory visuals to flash, blood spilling effect was reduced by 50% and cut body parts were darkened. Moreover, in two scenes, the CBFC told the makers to modify the red colour of the blood to a dark shade to reduce impact; a first for any film probably. Lastly, the visuals of a child were modified and reduced. A disclaimer was added that the makers have used a CGI baby.Once these changes were made, HIT: The Third Case was passed with an ‘A’ certificate on April 21. The length of the film, as mentioned on the censor certificate, is 157.06 minutes. In other words, the Nani-Srinidhi Shetty starrer is 2 hours 37 minutes and 6 minutes long.Also Read: Thunderbolts advance booking now live in India!

Shireen Mirza, best known for her role as Simmi Bhalla in the hit Star Plus show Yeh Hai Mohabbatein, has announced that she is expecting her first child with husband Hasan Sartaj. The actress shared the happy news through an emotional Instagram post that included a heartwarming video from a maternity photoshoot.In the video, Shireen and Hasan are seen exploring picturesque corn fields, capturing the beauty of the moment before the arrival of their little one. Shireen looked radiant in a black outfit, while Hasan kept it casual in a shirt and denim jeans. The couple was also seen sharing emotional moments, lovingly holding tiny baby tees and clipping them to a thread — symbolizing their preparation to welcome the newest member of their family.Along with the video, Shireen penned a heartfelt note that read, “In the quiet of our duas, Allah heard us… and in His perfect timing, He blessed us with a miracle.. A tiny soul, made of half of him and half of me And now, we’re growing you — with all the love we have in our hearts. Our little miracle is on the way, our prayers overflowing, as we step into this new chapter… as Parents… Ya Allah, protect our little one, and guide us to raise them in Your love and light. We can’t wait to hold you, guide you, and love you beyond words… Our hearts are full. Our hands will soon be, too.”  View this post on Instagram   A post shared by Mirzashireen (@shireenmirza)The announcement quickly drew love and congratulations from her industry colleagues, friends, and fans. Many of Shireen’s Yeh Hai Mohabbatein co-stars and other celebrities dropped heartfelt messages, wishing the couple all the best for this beautiful new chapter.For those unfamiliar, Shireen and Hasan tied the knot in 2021 in a traditional nikah ceremony held in Shireen’s hometown of Jaipur. Since then, the couple has often shared glimpses of their life together on social media, with fans appreciating their bond and chemistry.As Shireen and Hasan prepare for this exciting journey into parenthood, their fans are eagerly awaiting more adorable updates. Here’s wishing the couple endless love and happiness as they step into this new role as parents!Also Read: Yeh Hai Mohabbatein actress Shireen Mirza opens up about returning to spin off series Yeh Hai Chahatein; calls it ‘homecoming’

In September 2024, Bollywood Hungama was the first one to break the news that Sidharth Malhotra had bagged an out-and-out commercial entertainer. Some 10 days ago, we informed readers that it’ll be directed by Raaj Shaandilyaa of Dream Girl (2019) fame. Now, we are back with another interesting update.A trade source told Bollywood Hungama, “With the lead actor and director locked, the makers of the film are now looking to sign the female lead. They are in discussion with Sreeleela and Ananya Panday.”The film is backed by Mahaveer Jain’s Mahaveer Jain Films (MJF). Mrighdeep Singh Lamba, who is a partner in MJF, will also be producing the film. The trade source continued, “The makers are in advanced talks with both of them. They hope to reach a conclusion soon after which they’ll take a call. It is expected to happen soon.”An industry insider commented, “Both actresses are stunning and also are fine performers. Ananya has proven her worth time and again; she was recently seen in Kesari Chapter 2 wherein she left a huge mark. Sreeleela, meanwhile, too has been doing great work and she got a Pan-India boost with the super-success of the song ‘Kissik’ in Pushpa 2 – The Rule (2024). She has also bagged a plum role in Kartik Aaryan’s Diwali release, which’ll add to her fan following in the Hindi-speaking markets. Hence, it’ll be interesting to see which actress bags the part.”Meanwhile, Sidharth Malhotra is also gearing up for Vvan. Yesterday, there were reports that he’ll be seen opposite Tamannaah Bhatia in this mythological thriller. It’ll be directed by Deepak Mishra and produced by Ekta Kapoor. Reportedly, the actor is completing the last leg of Dinesh Vijan-produced Param Sundari at present. It also stars Janhvi Kapoor and will be released in cinemas on July 25. Finally, it was announced some time back that Sidharth has also signed Race 4.Also Read: Sreeleela receives a special gesture from Chiranjeevi; read to know more

In a notable collaboration, legendary filmmaker Martin Scorsese has come on board as executive producer for Homebound, the upcoming feature from National Award-winning director Neeraj Ghaywan. The film, starring Ishaan Khatter, Vishal Jethwa, and Janhvi Kapoor, is set to have its world premiere in the Un Certain Regard section at the 2025 Cannes Film Festival, which runs from May 14 to 25.Homebound marks Ghaywan’s return to the big screen and to Cannes, nearly a decade after his acclaimed debut Masaan premiered at the festival and received two awards. Over the years, Masaan has continued to find resonance with audiences worldwide, heightening expectations for Ghaywan’s latest.Speaking about his involvement, Martin Scorsese said, “I have seen Neeraj’s first film Masaan in 2015 and I loved it, so when Mélita Toscan du Plantier sent me the project of his second film, I was curious. I loved the story, the culture and was willing to help. Neeraj has made a beautifully crafted film that’s a significant contribution to Indian cinema. I am glad the movie is an official selection at Un Certain Regard in Cannes this year.”Producer Karan Johar also shared his thoughts on the collaboration, stating, “Homebound is an extraordinary confluence of talent, vision, and storytelling at its finest. Having Martin Scorsese, a true legend of cinema, lend his wisdom and support to Neeraj’s remarkable vision elevates our film to a rare artistic height. Neeraj Ghaywan continues to be one of the most authentic and insightful voices in Indian cinema today, and we are immensely proud to support him on this journey. With an incredibly gifted cast and the prestigious stage of Cannes, we eagerly look forward to sharing Homebound’s powerful story with audiences around the world.”  View this post on Instagram   A post shared by Karan Johar (@karanjohar)Reflecting on the experience, Neeraj Ghaywan added, “To have an icon like Mr. Scorsese lend his name to Homebound is an honour beyond words. I’m deeply grateful to our co-producer Melita Toscan, who introduced us to him. Mr. Scorsese mentored us through the screenplay and multiple rounds of editing. He listened with care, understood the cultural context, and offered thoughtful, incisive notes each time. His kindness and commitment are extraordinary, and to have him nurture our film has been both a rare privilege and a profoundly humbling experience.”Homebound has also secured French distribution through Ad Vitam, the company behind acclaimed international titles such as A Fantastic Woman and Son of Saul, which previously won the Grand Prix at Cannes. The film is produced by Karan Johar, Adar Poonawalla, Apoorva Mehta, and Somen Mishra, with Marijke deSouza and Melita Toscan du Plantier serving as co-producers. Continuing Ghaywan’s exploration of contemporary human relationships and social themes, Homebound stands poised to be one of the notable Indian entries on the global stage this year.Also Read: Cannes 2025: Homebound by Neeraj Ghaywan makes it to ‘Un Certain Regard’ section

One of the most awaited films of Indian Cinema, Ramayana, will be released next year, on Diwali 2026. The excitement for it has been sky high due to its solid casting and association of Nitesh Tiwari, of Dangal (2016) and Chhichhore (2019) fame, as director. Last year, the makers released a teaser poster in November and made it clear that while the first part will be out next year, the second part will be released on Diwali 2027. And if sources are to be believed, a new announcement about the film will be out as early as next week.A source told Bollywood Hungama, “The first World Audio Visual & Entertainment Summit (aka WAVES Summit) will be held from May 1-4, 2025 and the organizers are clear that they want it to be one of the biggest talking points of the year. Accordingly, they have invited some of the biggest names from different film industries in India. To add to the excitement, the team of Ramayana is looking to share an update during this star-studded event. It will be a win-win situation for both. The team of the film will get a grand platform to showcase their product and grab a lot of eyeballs. WAVES, too, would benefit with the extensive coverage.”The source, however, added, “The makers are looking at a poster or video of Ramayana. However, things are still being planned and a decision will be taken in a few days, provided things fall in place. Last year, the makers were planning to announce the film on Ram Navami 2024 but the plan was later deferred. Hence, things are still not confirmed yet. However, the WAVES Summit can prove to be a great opportunity.”Ramayana stars Ranbir Kapoor as Lord Rama, Sai Pallavi as Sita, Sunny Deol as Lord Hanuman and KGF star Yash as Ravana.Also Read: Sai Pallavi SLAMS report on turning “vegetarian” for Nitesh Tiwari’s Ramayana, warns of legal action: “Cooked-up crappy story in the name of news”