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EXCLUSIVE: Amar Kaushik teases mystery cricketer cameo in MHCU – Bollywood Universe set for Cricket-meets-horror twist?

Bollywood Hungama readers, get ready for a super crossover! Acclaimed director Amar Kaushik has dropped a tantalizing hint about a famous cricketer making a cameo in the Maddock Horror Comedy Universe (MHCU). This revelation adds an unexpected sporty twist to Bollywood’s beloved supernatural world and has set fans abuzz about “Thamma” and beyond. During his exclusive interview with Bollywood Hungama, Kaushik was asked about the expanding universe, casting surprises, and what’s next for fans of Stree, Bhediya, and Thamma. After discussing the story connections and his creative approach, he caught everyone off guard with a comment that’s destined to be discussed everywhere, “Kabhi Koi Cricketer bhi aa sakta hai. agar koi cricketer acting karna chahta hai toh batao (Maybe a cricketer could also come in. If any cricketer wants to act, let me know)!”Kaushik, known for mixing horror, comedy, and social themes, couldn’t reveal any names, but the quote has sent fans and gossip columns into a frenzy. Could cricketing icons like Virat Kohli, Hardik Pandya, or even legendary Sachin Tendulkar be seen battling vampires and ghosts on-screen? The director’s playful openness left room for endless speculation. He explained the process of building the MHCU and keeping surprises alive for the audience, “Hum log universe ki baat kar rahein hai. itne saare characters hai. Kabhi kabhi aa sakte hain Shraddha, Ayushmann, Rajkummar, Varun. kabhi kabhi aa sakte hain. But aayenge, jaldi aayenge. Aur cricketer bhi aa sakta hai (We’re talking about building a universe. So many characters! Shraddha, Ayushmann, Rajkummar, Varun. all could come together anytime. And possibly a cricketer too)!”Kaushik also elaborated on how item numbers, fight scenes, and Indian pop culture blend with supernatural themes, promising more crowd-pleasing moments, “Indian film hai, Hindi film hai. Toh usmein gaana toh hoga hi. sab aapke apne-apne favourite characters hain. aur shayad ab cricketer bhi (It’s an Indian film, it’s a Hindi film, there must be a song. everyone has their own favorite character. maybe now a cricketer too)!” With the MHCU’s success and Kaushik’s knack for headlines, audiences are now speculating wildly: Which cricketer will make the leap from pitch to screen? And will their role be hero, villain, or something wilder? Stay tuned to Bollywood Hungama for the latest scoop because in Amar Kaushik’s universe, anything can happen, and everyone wants in! Also Read: Abhishek Banerjee talks Thamma, Bhediya 2, and his ever-growing bank balance.

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SCOOP: Not cancelled! Love & War Italy schedule back on – Sanjay Leela Bhansali to shoot grand climax in Italy this December

In what marks a striking production shift for one of Bollywood’s most ambitious projects, director Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s Love & War has re-mapped its shooting strategy. Although earlier reports noted that the film’s international schedule in Italy had been cancelled, insiders clarify that the shoot was not cancelled, but rather reshaped to accommodate actor schedules with about ten days of filming in Mumbai and the grand finale now set to be shot in Italy by December 2025. According to well-placed industry sources, “Sanjay Leela Bhansali recreated 1970s Italy right here in Mumbai for Love & War. Around ten days of shoot were completed before Diwali, and the final 20-day schedule, featuring the film’s grand climax, is expected to take place by December 2025 in Italy. The team is eyeing an Eid 2026 release.”Initial reports suggested a full cancellation of the Italy schedule due to logistical complexities. But the revised strategy shows a different picture: those Italy-bound scenes began in Mumbai, with extensive sets recreating 1970s Italian landscapes in the city. After completing the first phase, the production will now move to Italy for the final climax preserving the intended locale while accommodating the actors’ availability. This two-pronged strategy offers multiple gains. Mumbai filming minimised schedule clashes and logistical overheads at a time when international travel is more complex. Then, the Italy segment will provide the scale, authenticity, and grandeur that Bhansali’s canvases are known for comfortable for an Eid 2026 release, as the source indicates. With major stars on board including Ranbir Kapoor, Alia Bhatt and Vicky Kaushal the complex shoot was always under scrutiny. The film had originally planned a 45-day schedule in Italy, but revision was flagged when the location proved logistically complex. Now, the creative team seems to be walking a smart middle path anchoring early filming in Mumbai, then scaling up the international component when the actors’ calendars align. The shift also suggests Bhansali’s commitment to delivering the opulence and atmosphere his films are famed for by actually going to the location for the climax, instead of fully settling into interior sets in Mumbai. The upcoming Italy schedule is pegged at around 20 days, and its completion will likely set the stage for post-production to begin in earnest. With an Eid 2026 release targeted, the timeline aims for a grand festive launch. Whether the film retains all its intended visual scale remains to be seen but with Bhansali at the helm, expectations are high. Also Read: Two of my favourite actors: Ranbir Kapoor talks working with Vicky Kaushal and Alia Bhatt in Bhansali’s Love & War.

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EXCLUSIVE: Mastiii 4 trailer to be launched in a GRAND event on October 28 in Mumbai

Writer-director Milap Milan Zaveri is on cloud nine after delivering a success in the form of Ek Deewane Ki Deewaniyat. Now he’s gearing for the release of his next film, Mastiii 4, which will be out next month. Bollywood Hungama has learned that a grand event has been planned to launch the trailer of the comic caper. A source told Bollywood Hungama, “The trailer will be launched on Tuesday, October 28 in a grand fashion in Mumbai. The trailer is 3 minutes and 3 seconds long and will give the audience a fair idea about the film, it’s plot and it’s comic quotient. The makers are excited about the final product and are happy to share it with the media and the audience at large. Hence, the whole team will be present in full force at the venue.”Mastiii 4 stars Riteish Deshmukh, Vivek Oberoi, Aftab Shivdasani, Shreya Sharma, Ruhii Singh, Elnaaz Norouzi, Shaad Randhawa and Nishant Malkani. All of them will be present at the launch. The film is presented by Waveband Production and Zee Studios, in association with Maruti International and Balaji Telefilms. It is produced by A Jhunjhunwala and Shikha Karan Ahluwalia (Waveband Production), with Indra Kumar and Ashok Thakeria (Maruti International), Shobha Kapoor and Ekta Kapoor (Balaji Motion Pictures), and Umesh Bansal (Zee Studios). Mastiii 4 releases in cinemas on November 21. Also Read: Masti Is Back! Riteish, Vivek & Aftab return for four times the madness: Mastiii 4 poster brings nostalgia, madness & laughter.

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Harshvardhan Rane in talks with Ektaa R Kapoor for an action-packed gangster film set in Dubai? Here’s what we know!

Fresh off the success of his recent Diwali release Ek Deewane Ki Deewaniyat, Harshvardhan Rane seems to be gearing up for an exciting new chapter in his career. According to a Pinkvilla report, the actor is currently in advanced discussions with ace producer Ektaa R Kapoor for a gangster drama set against the glamorous yet gritty backdrop of Dubai. Known for her knack for discovering new talent and creating unconventional stories, Ektaa R Kapoor is reportedly eyeing Harshvardhan Rane for a key role in this action-packed saga. The project, said to blend high-octane action, emotional drama, and a layered portrayal of crime and ambition, could mark Harshvardhan’s first major step into the world of gangster cinema. A source close to the development revealed that the discussions are ongoing but promising. “They’re still figuring out on a lot of things about the film, but it’s definitely a gangster saga with a contemporary edge. Audiences know Rane for intense love stories, and a film like this would position him in a completely different genre, giving him a fresh and edgy image,” the insider told the portal. If the deal goes through, the film is expected to present Harshvardhan in a never-seen-before avatar, exploring darker shades of his acting range. The actor, who has often been praised for his emotional depth and screen presence, will reportedly play a character that delves into the ruthless yet human side of a gangster navigating loyalty, power, and moral conflict. While the project is still under wraps, sources suggest that it will carry Ektaa R Kapoor’s trademark storytelling style an engaging mix of drama and emotion layered within a thrilling narrative. The Dubai setting is expected to lend an opulent yet edgy texture to the film’s visual storytelling. Both Harshvardhan Rane and Ektaa R Kapoor have remained tight-lipped about the development, but industry buzz suggests that an official announcement might be around the corner. Meanwhile, Harshvardhan is currently gearing up for another power-packed action romance in the fantasy genre, Silaa which will see him paired with Sadia Khateeb for the first time. It will also feature Bigg Boss winner Karan Veer Mehra. Also Read: Ek Deewane Ki Deewaniyat Box Office: Holds well on Thursday, aims to score half century by Sunday.

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Blue Lotus Pictures of Omung Kumar joins hands with Sa Re Ga Ma for four-film musical collaboration

Blue Lotus Pictures Production, co-owned by acclaimed filmmaker and art director Omung Kumar, has made an exciting new announcement that has caught the attention of the film and music fraternity alike. The production house revealed on Friday that it is joining forces with music label giant Sa Re Ga Ma for a creative partnership that will span across four films all of which are set to be musical ventures. Announcing the collaboration on Instagram, the official handle of Blue Lotus Pictures shared a striking post with the caption, “When stories find their rhythm and melodies find their soul, magic is born! We at #BlueLotusPictures are proud to announce our creative collaboration with @saregama_official a four-film musical journey celebrating timeless tunes and heartfelt storytelling.” The announcement has sparked curiosity among fans, who are eager to see how this partnership blends cinematic narratives with the rich musical legacy of Sa Re Ga Ma. While the specific details of the four projects are being kept under wraps, the collaboration is expected to bring together strong storytelling and memorable soundtracks a natural extension of Omung Kumar’s cinematic style, known for his emotional depth and visual grandeur. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Blue Lotus Pictures (@bluelotuspictures)Blue Lotus Pictures, which has been steadily carving its space in Indian cinema, already has a few notable projects under its banner. The production house is currently working on Silaa, a fantasy action-romantic drama starring Harshvardhan Rane, Sadia Khateeb, and Karan Veer Mehra, which has generated considerable buzz for its intriguing premise and fresh casting. Their last release, Love In Vietnam, marked a groundbreaking collaboration between the Indian and Vietnamese film industries. Starring Shantanu Maheshwari, Avneet Kaur, and popular Vietnamese actress Kha Ngan, the film was widely appreciated for its cross-cultural storytelling and visual appeal. With its latest tie-up with Sa Re Ga Ma, Blue Lotus Pictures seems poised to deliver a unique blend of melody and emotion, reinforcing its reputation as a studio that values both heart and artistry in filmmaking. Also Read: IIFA 2023: Kabir Khan and Omung Kumar to host masterclasses on different aspects of filmmaking.