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Sanjeeda Shaikh joins Sunny Deol and Akshaye Khanna in Netflix’s action thriller Ikka

Actress Sanjeeda Shaikh has been roped in to join Sunny Deol and Akshaye Khanna for the much-awaited Netflix action thriller Ikka. Directed by Siddharth P Malhotra, renowned for helming films like We Are Family, Hichki, and Maharaj, this project marks a notable addition to her growing filmography and promises to be one of the year’s most exciting OTT releases. Ikka stands out as an original script in the OTT landscape, with both Sunny Deol and Akshaye Khanna leading in parallel roles-a pairing that reunites the actors 28 years after their iconic collaboration in Border (1997). Early speculations suggested the film was a remake of the Hollywood vigilante thriller Death Sentence. However, later reports suggested that both Deol and Malhotra vetoed the idea, opting instead for a fresh, unconventional story. Netflix has been quick to invest in this large-scale actioner, tapping into star power while promising new-age storytelling. Sanjeeda Shaikh joins the cast at a moment when both her co-stars are capturing headlines for their work and personal lives. Sunny Deol, last seen in the theatrical release Jaat, is also preparing for Border 2 and Lahore 1947, while currently spending time with his father Dharmendra, after a recent health scare. Meanwhile, Akshaye Khanna, whose last film was Chhaava where he played Aurangzeb, is set to return to the big screen in Aditya Dhar’s Dhurandhar, set for a December 5, 2025 release, alongside Ranveer Singh, Sanjay Dutt, and Arjun Rampal; he also has Mahakali lined up in the Prasanth Varma Cinematic Universe. Sanjeeda’s own work front remains impressive, with her latest project, Heeramandi, having been released on Netflix in 2024 to positive reception. Also Read: Heeramandi turns 1: Sanjeeda Shaikh pens a heartfelt note, says her character Waheeda “represents the quiet resilience we so often overlook”.

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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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Democrats say Trump needs to be involved in shutdown talks. He’s shown little interest in doing so

WASHINGTON (AP) President Donald Trump is showing little urgency to broker a compromise that would end the government shutdown, even as Democrats insist no breakthrough is possible without his direct involvement. Three weeks in, Congress is at a standstill. The House hasn’t been in session for a month, and senators left Washington on Thursday [.].