The evening featured stellar performances by A.R. Rahman, along with Hariharan, Chinmayi, Sukhwinder Singh, Dhanush, and Neeti Mohan, delivering an electrifying musical experience. The entire show ran smoothly, drawing an enthusiastic audience and marking a memorable celebration of art, music, and legacy.

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His breakout performance in Sehar, where he played SSP Ajay Kumar, inspired by the real-life Uttar Pradesh STF, remains one of the finest portrayals of an honest officer on screen. The film’s raw realism and Arshad’s understated power left a deep impact on viewers and critics alike, and in recent years, Sehar has found a new wave of admiration among Gen Z audiences online.

From Tere Mere Sapne to acclaimed films like Ishqiya, Kabul Express, and Jolly LLB, Arshad has built a career defined by sincerity and conviction. But it’s his more recent work that’s revealing a new dimension to his craft, one marked by intensity and emotional gravitas.

In his latest release, Bhagwat Chapter One: Raakshas, Arshad takes this transformation even further. As Inspector (later DSP) Vishwas Bhagwat, he balances quiet rage with an aching humanity, delivering one of the year’s most compelling performances. The film has become a major OTT hit, crossing 250 million viewing minutes and counting.

Industry voices unanimously agree, Arshad’s powerful screen energy and his ability to humanize complex characters make him one of the most respected and relevant performers today. As one insider aptly puts it, “Arshad Warsi has a brilliant intensity, audiences now want to see more of his serious and darker avatars.”

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Satire & humour at its finest

The franchise’s strength has always been its writing. Packed with witty lines, sharp exchanges, and laugh-out-loud courtroom antics, the films showed how comedy can double up as clever storytelling.

The fight against injustice – Against all odds

From Arshad Warsi’s Jolly in Part 1 bravely taking on Boman Irani’s seasoned lawyer, to Akshay Kumar’s Jolly in Part 2 finding his voice after personal tragedy — both films gave us the underdog story we all love to root for, wrapped in plenty of humour.

The constant through the chaos – Judge Tripathi aka Saurabh Shukla!

Saurabh Shukla’s Judge Tripathi became the soul of both films. His razor-sharp timing and deadpan delivery didn’t just anchor the chaos — they gave us some of the franchise’s most memorable moments.

Iconic courtroom scenes

From heated arguments that suddenly turned hilarious to unexpected twists mid-trial, the Jolly LLB franchise has delivered some iconic courtroom scenes that still hold up. Part 3 will no doubt add this to the list with not one but 2 Jollys in attendance.

The clash of the two Jollys

For the very first time, Arshad Warsi’s Jolly Tyagi and Akshay Kumar’s Jolly Mishra will share the same courtroom. Two quick-witted lawyers, two contrasting styles — it’s the showdown we’ve all been waiting to watch unfold.

Synopsis:

In this uproarious courtroom comedy, the smart-alec Jolly Mishra and the Jugadu Jolly Tyagi find themselves back in Judge Tripathi’s court, embarking on a rollercoaster ride of razor-sharp banter, outrageous legal maneuvers, and heartfelt moments as these lawyers try to outsmart, outplay, and outtalk each other. Packed with laugh-out-loud chaos, dramatic twists, and unexpected bursts of compassion, it’s the ultimate legal showdown.

Presented by Star Studio18 and produced by Alok Jain and Ajit Andhare and written and directed by Subhash Kapoor, JOLLY LLB 3 stars Akshay Kumar, Arshad Warsi, Saurabh Shukla, Huma Qureshi, Amrita Rao, and Gajraj Rao.

Jolly LLB 3 releases internationally on September 19 through Marudhar Entertainment, bringing the ultimate courtroom battle to cinemas across the nation.

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Akshay has mastered the rare ability to bring gripping intensity and effortless entertainment into the same frame – whether it’s the emotional gravitas of a heated courtroom argument or the perfectly timed humour that lightens the moment. This balance is what makes his portrayals stand out time and again, and it’s exactly what fans can expect him to deliver once more in Jolly LLB 3.

The teaser of Jolly LLB 3 has already received an outpouring of positive response from audiences and industry alike, promising a gripping legal battle laced with wit, drama, and comedy – a signature of the Jolly LLB franchise. Joining him in this instalment are Arshad Warsi and Saurabh Shukla, reprising their much-loved roles, ensuring an electrifying onscreen clash between Jolly & Jolly!

Written and directed by Subhash Kapoor, and produced by Alok Jain and Ajit Andhare, Jolly LLB 3 is set to raise the stakes higher than ever, blending razor-sharp humour with thought-provoking narratives. With the courtroom as its arena, the film guarantees to keep audiences hooked till the final verdict. Find out what happens on September 19 in cinemas!

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This is not just another awards show. Screen Awards 2025 represents a powerful blend of editorial credibility, cultural legacy, and digital reach. Backed by the Indian Express Group’s journalism-first ethos, the awards are defined by integrity and merit. Winners are chosen by the Screen Academy — an independent, not-for-profit body of acclaimed filmmakers, artists, and cultural voices committed to recognising true excellence.

Anant Goenka, Executive Director of the Indian Express Group, said:

“Indian cinema deserves a stage that celebrates creativity beyond collections. Our storytellers carry 1.4 billion dreams — rooted in tradition and racing toward an exciting future. This award will honour that spirit and spotlight India’s boldest, most original voices. We’re thrilled YouTube shares our enthusiasm for this endeavour.”

Taking a digital-first approach to content and format, the Screen Awards will stream on YouTube — offering open access to global audiences. For the first time, Bollywood’s biggest stars will share the spotlight with YouTube’s most influential creators, who will be woven into every leg of this three-month-long festival — from red carpet and behind-the-scenes content to creator-led storytelling and fan engagement.

This digital-first approach reflects a fundamental shift in how audiences consume entertainment, driven by significant trends in India’s entertainment landscape, including surging internet penetration, rapid growth in Connected TVs (CTV), and increasing mobile consumption. In fact, CTV has been YouTube’s fastest-growing screen in India for the last five years, reinforcing the platform’s unique position to make premium content accessible on every screen and in every format. It brings together the richness of cinema with the intimacy and immediacy of digital storytelling — bridging generations, platforms, and communities.

Speaking on the collaboration, Gunjan Soni, Managing Director – India, YouTube, said:

“We are thrilled to be the digital home for the Screen Awards, bringing a cultural icon to its next chapter. YouTube is where billions of fans connect with the entertainment they love, and we’re excited for them to experience one of cinema’s biggest nights in an immersive way. By bridging Bollywood’s biggest stars with YouTube’s most influential creators, we’re building an engaged community for an iconic event and unlocking the power of fandoms.”

With unparalleled reach in India and globally, YouTube is an ideal home for the Screen Awards. According to ComScore, YouTube reaches four out of five internet users in India aged 18 and older, while entertainment videos on the platform generated over 7.5 billion daily views worldwide in 2024.

Adding to the announcement, Priyanka Sinha Jha, Curator of the Screen Awards, stated:

“Established in 1995, Screen Awards has a legacy of firsts: the first jury-based film award in India, the first award show the Oscars management attended and vouched for, and the first accolade earned by several of today’s superstars. With the inception of The Screen Academy and our partnership with YouTube, we mark another first for India — building on our reputation for presenting the nation’s most credible and coveted awards, delivered with path-breaking entertainment.”

Screen Awards 2025 offers unprecedented visibility, cultural relevance, and multi-format storytelling opportunities for brands looking to connect with India’s most engaged audiences — both online and offline.

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INDIA: PVR INOX, India’s largest and most premium cinema chain, proudly announces the launch of the Comedy Fest in Kerala, a live stand-up comedy celebration curated in association with Comedy Lounge, Kerala’s leading comedy collective. The initiative brings fresh, homegrown humour to the forefront, transforming cinema halls into stages for laughter, spontaneity, and community. As part of PVR INOX’s rapidly growing alternative content slate, the fest reaffirms the brand’s commitment to curating diverse entertainment experiences that go far beyond traditional cinema.

Set to unfold across three weekends in June, the Comedy Fest in Kerala is designed as a series of live shows featuring a carefully selected mix of performers—from rising stars to household favourites. All performances will be held inside PVR INOX auditoriums, offering audiences an immersive and comfortable space to experience live comedy with top-quality sound, lighting, and ambience. By combining the magic of theatre with the energy of live acts, PVR INOX aims to open up a new avenue for cultural engagement within its venues.

The fest begins with Straight Outta Kochi on 14th June (Saturday) at PVR Lulu Mall, Kochi. Known as Comedy Lounge’s most programmed lineup show, it features top performers from Kochi and is curated for audiences across Kerala. Performances will be delivered in English and Malayalam, reflecting the bilingual character of the state’s stand-up culture.

On 21st June (Saturday), the spotlight shifts to INOX Sobha City Mall, Thrissur for the Vishnu Pai – Crowd Work Show. Vishnu Pai is the highest-rated English-speaking comedian from Kerala, with performances across India, the UAE, and Oman. As the name suggests, this show follows the crowd work format and will be performed in English and Malayalam.

The month concludes with Kochi Open Mics on 28th June (Saturday), once again at PVR Lulu Mall, Kochi. With over 500 shows to date, Kochi Open Mics is the city’s most consistent comedy open mic and plays an integral role in stimulating the comedy scene in Kochi. The show will feature sets in English, Malayalam, and Hindi, providing a stage for a wide range of comedic voices.

Through this collaboration, PVR INOX and Comedy Lounge aim to promote Kerala’s growing stand-up scene by creating a stage for live comedy in mainstream venues and building consistent audience engagement across cities. As the entertainment landscape continues to evolve, PVR INOX is redefining what cinema spaces can offer. From alternative film screenings to live theatrical productions and now stand-up comedy, the brand is committed to turning its venues into cultural hubs, bridging mainstream entertainment with grassroots expression.

Kamal Gianchandani, Chief Business Planning & Strategy, PVR INOX Ltd, said: “PVR INOX has always believed in the power of storytelling in all its forms, and with this Comedy Fest in Kerala, we are thrilled to push the boundaries of what cinema spaces can offer. This festival is not just a showcase of comedic talent, but a reflection of the vibrant cultural pulse of Kerala. Our partnership with Comedy Lounge is built on a shared vision—to create opportunities for local artists, bring fresh content to audiences, and redefine the role of theatres as dynamic, multipurpose cultural venues. Whether it’s a packed lineup show, a spontaneous crowd work act, or an open mic full of surprises, each event is a step toward building a more inclusive, expressive, and community-driven entertainment ecosystem. We’re proud to be leading this transformation from screen to stage, bringing people together through laughter, shared energy, and a celebration of homegrown voices.”

With this Comedy Fest in Kerala, PVR INOX continues to innovate the cinema-going experience by transforming theatres into creative stages that reflect the culture, humour, and voices of the communities they serve. This collaboration with Comedy Lounge not only brings fresh energy into the auditoriums but also supports the growth of Kerala’s stand-up comedy movement. As the festival unfolds, audiences can expect more such immersive experiences where cinema meets live performance, making every visit to the theatre more memorable, engaging, and deeply connected to local culture.

Bookings for all shows are now live. Audiences can book tickets through www.pvrcinemas.com or the PVR app, and follow @pvrcinemas_official and @comedyloungekochi on social media.

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The film’s unique format, offering two distinct narrative conclusions, has added an element of surprise and intrigue, turning every screening into a new adventure. Both versions are now live for bookings in select cities, and initial reports indicate a strong response, particularly in key metros.

Building on this momentum, the Housefull 5 team has begun an energetic promotional tour across India. The most recent stop in Delhi drew huge crowds as Akshay Kumar, Nana Patekar, Fardeen Khan, Jacqueline Fernandez, and Nargis Fakhri engaged fans in full-blown Housefull style. Videos of Akshay leading a playful phugdi dance with Nana and Fardeen have gone viral, capturing the infectious energy that the franchise is known for. Fans erupted in cheers as the cast turned the stage into a carnival of comedy and celebration.

Producer Sajid Nadiadwala, who also penned the story and screenplay, recently opened up about the film’s bold narrative experiment.

“With Housefull 5, we wanted to take a bold, creative swing that hasn’t been done before internationally for any thriller film. The idea of having multiple endings, multiple experiences, has been with me for 30 years. Since I wanted to make Housefull 5 a thriller comedy, there couldn’t have been a better way to execute my idea of having multiple endings than this.”

As India’s most successful comedy franchise celebrates 15 years, Housefull 5 is not only raising the bar in terms of entertainment but rewriting the playbook on how franchise films can surprise, delight, and invite audiences back for more.

Produced by Sajid Nadiadwala under the banner of Nadiadwala Grandson Entertainment, Housefull 5 hits cinemas worldwide on 6th June 2025.

Housefull 5 is released internationally on 6th June by Marudhar Entertainment and FunAsia Films.

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The trailer gives us a glimpse into the world of this biggest comedy franchise, setting the tone for what’s going to be a rollercoaster ride of madness and fun on the big screen. It also evokes nostalgia with the famous dialogues and characters that still feel remarkably fresh.

Building the franchise to its fifth installment is not just about scale; it’s about sustaining relevance. Visionary filmmaker Sajid Nadiadwala shares, “I’ve been thinking about the story of Housefull 5 and having two different climaxes for the last 30 years. I’ve always wanted to make a thriller, and the idea finally came to me 3–4 years ago, right after I finished writing Housefull 4. I wrote the story and screenplay myself, and it’s truly a dream come true. This film is unique because different shows will have different killers and climaxes. Imagine a 3 PM show having one ending, and the 6 PM show having another- this is happening across single screens and multiplexes.” He further adds, “Housefull 5 is a true killer comedy. Writing it gave me sleepless nights, but also a lot of joy. Once the script was ready, bringing Akshay and Tarun Mansukhani on board and others made the journey even more fruitful.”

Sajid Nadiadwala has also written the Story and Screenplay for Housefull 5.

An ensemble of 19 stars, Housefull 5 is the most glam-packet killer comedy ever. Leading the charge is king of comedy himself, Akshay Kumar, joined by returning favourites and some new faces including Riteish Deshmukh, Abhishek A Bachchan, Jacqueline Fernandez, Sonam Bajwa, Nargis Fakhri, Sanjay Dutt, Jackie Shroff, Nana Patekar, Chitrangada Singh, Fardeen Khan, Chunky Pandey, Johnny Lever, Shreyas Talpade, Dino Morea, Ranjeet, Soundarya Sharma, Nikitin Dheer, and Akashdeep Sabir. Tarun Mansukhani directs the film.

It is one of the big-budget films shot on a luxurious cruise that journeys from London to France, to Spain, and back to the UK. It’s glamour, chaos, and comedy on the deck just how the fans love it. The music of the film is already creating waves, with the songs Laal Pari, Dil E Nadaan becoming chartbusters and finding their way into party playlists.

This year also marks the 75th glorious years of Nadiadwala Grandson Entertainment for creating unparalleled cinema and entertaining audiences across decades. Besides, Housefull 5 Nadiadwala Grandson has a full-packed year with back-to-back releases, with Baaghi 4 and the untitled next with Shahid Kapoor and Tripti Dimri.

Produced by Sajid Nadiadwala under the banner of Nadiadwala Grandson Entertainment, Housefull 5 hits cinemas worldwide on 6th June 2025.

Housefull 5 is released internationally by  Marudhar Entertainment and FunAsia Films.

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Mission: Impossible – The Final Reckoning

Tom Cruise returns as Ethan Hunt for his most dangerous mission yet in the explosive finale of the legendary franchise. Picking up right after the events of Dead Reckoning, this chapter sees Hunt racing against a sentient AI known as “the Entity,” with the fate of the world hanging in the balance. The stakes are personal, too, as Hunt seeks revenge for the loss of a close ally. With an ensemble cast including Hayley Atwell, Ving Rhames, Simon Pegg, and Vanessa Kirby, and early morning shows selling out fast, this is the action event of the year. Releasing May 17 in English, Hindi, Tamil, and Telugu.

Final Destination: Bloodlines

Death returns with a chilling new chapter in the Final Destination saga. This time, the story centers on college student Stefani Reyes, who uncovers a dark family secret tied to a deadly disaster decades ago. As Death targets her bloodline, Stefani must race against time to break the cycle. Packed with tense, inventive, fatal sequences and a gripping atmosphere, Bloodlines delivers suspense and thrills that will keep horror fans on the edge of their seats.

Devil’s Double Next Level

Santhanam leads the fourth installment of the wildly popular Dhilluku Dhuddu horror-comedy franchise. In DD Next Level, a film reviewer (Santhanam) finds himself trapped in an alternate dimension after a preview screening goes awry, facing off against a vengeful antagonist played by Selvaraghavan. With Gautham Vasudev Menon as the quirky officer Raghavan and a supporting cast of comedic heavyweights, the film promises meta-humor, slapstick scares, and plenty of inside jokes for Tamil cinema fans. Releasing May 16, it’s a laugh-out-loud ride through haunted palaces and bizarre scenarios.

Hum Tum

Celebrate two decades of Bollywood’s beloved rom-com Hum Tum as it returns to theatres on May 16, 2025. Directed by Kunal Kohli and produced by Yash Raj Films, the film stars Saif Ali Khan and Rani Mukerji as Karan and Rhea, whose chance encounters evolve into a heartfelt romance filled with witty banter and emotional moments. Known for its memorable soundtrack by Jatin-Lalit and lyrics by Prasoon Joshi, Hum Tum redefined the genre with its fresh take on modern relationships. Saif Ali Khan’s National Award-winning performance and Rani’s spirited portrayal make this re-release a perfect opportunity for both longtime fans and new audiences to experience the magic on the big screen once again.

From global blockbusters and inventive horror to powerful regional stories and riotous comedies, May’s third week at PVR INOX is packed with films you won’t want to miss. Grab your tickets, settle in, and get ready for a week of unforgettable cinema.

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Starring celebrated actor Subodh Bhave alongside Akansha Pandey, Kisha Arora, Ankul Vikal, and Yogendra Tikku, His Story of Itihaas promises to stir conversations and spark critical reflection on truth, history, and the education system. The story follows a seemingly ordinary physics teacher whose world is turned upside down when he uncovers disturbing inaccuracies in his daughter’s school history textbook.

The makers released the Poster of the film on their social media. At the center is lead actor Subodh Bhave, portrayed as a contemplative and determined father, his hands clenched in thought, seated against a backdrop of a massive wall of books symbolizing both knowledge and the weight of history. Standing in front of him is his daughter in uniform, evoking innocence and the next generation whose perception of history is at stake. The tagline “Brainwashed by history textbooks” underlines the film’s central theme.

Director Manpreet Singh Dhami shared, “This is not just a film for me- it’s my passion project, something I have lived and breathed for over four years. Before a single frame was shot, I spent years researching, reading, questioning, and shaping the core of this story. It emerged from a place of deep personal curiosity and concern about what we’re taught, what we choose to remember, and how those narratives shape our identity as a society. I believe the film will strike a chord with anyone who has ever questioned the truth they’ve been handed. I truly cannot wait for the audience – the janta- to witness it on the big screen and hopefully walk away with questions, insights, and a renewed sense of inquiry.”

Produced by Manpreet Singh Dhami, founder of Panchkarma Films, the movie brings together a compelling narrative, powerful performances, and a timely message that resonates with the current social climate. His Story of Itihaas is more than just a film – it is a bold statement about education, legacy, and the fight for truth in a world where narratives are often manipulated.

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