The allure of playing the bad guy seems to be a golden ticket for Bobby Deol of late. Known for his impactful portrayal of a villain opposite Ranbir Kapoor in the 2023 hit “Animal,” Bobby Deol is now gearing up for even more challenging roles that put him in the antagonist’s shoes. His upcoming projects include the much-anticipated Tamil film “Kanguva” alongside Suriya. But it appears that Deol’s foray into the dark side isn’t stopping just yet. Director Priyadarshan has approached him for a negative role in an upcoming thriller that stars Saif Ali Khan as a visually-challenged protagonist.
Word has it that Bobby Deol is immensely interested in this new project. Sources claim, “Bobby loved the subject and the twists his character brings to the narrative. So much so that despite his hectic schedule for the next seven months, Bobby has asked his team to accommodate a month for Priyan’s yet-untitled film.” The role promises to be substantial, nearly equal to the parallel lead in terms of importance.
This thriller will mark the first time Bobby Deol and Saif Ali Khan will share screen space—one a seasoned Bollywood royalty, the other enjoying a remarkable career renaissance. Previously, they have only shared credits in passing through their cameos in Shah Rukh Khan’s “Om Shanti Om” (2007). Filming is scheduled to kick off in July, with a rigorous start-to-finish plan aimed at quick completion.
Meanwhile, in other Bollywood news, actors Pooja Hegde and Ahan Shetty are deep in preparation for their roles in Sajid Nadiadwala’s “Sanki.” The project demands intense character work and physical transformations. Ahan Shetty, in particular, has been undergoing extensive training. Directors Adnan Shaikh and Yasir Jah are ready to commence filming on June 6 in Mumbai, followed by a detailed schedule in Goa. Action choreography for the movie has international backing, with Kecha Khamphakdee overseeing the sequences. Set to impress on Valentine’s Day 2025, “Sanki” is shaping up to be a spectacle to watch out for.
Switching from the sets to the red carpet, Jacqueline Fernandez is making a comeback to the Cannes Film Festival after a span of nine years. Representative for a German automobile brand, Jacqueline first graced Cannes in 2015 at the invitation of the Queen of Malaysia. Now she stands excitedly on the brink of her return, “It feels great to represent the Southeast Asian diaspora at a global level. It is an honour to walk the prestigious red carpet where many legends have already walked. I can’t wait for it.”
On a more somber note, Kangana Ranaut’s politically charged biopic “Emergency” faces another delay. Originally slated for a June 14 release, the film’s launch date has been pushed back again due to Kangana contesting in the Lok Sabha elections. Her team shared the update on social media, acknowledging the love and support from fans and promising a new release date soon. “Emergency” features Kangana as the former Indian Prime Minister Indira Gandhi and boasts a supporting cast that includes Milind Soman, Mahima Chaudhary, Shreyas Talpade, and Anupam Kher.
Over in the realm of franchise filmmaking, Kamal Haasan’s “Indian 2” sees its release postponed from mid-June to mid-July. However, this delay comes with an exciting teaser for fans—a glimpse into “Indian 3.” Director S. Shankar, who has been working on both sequels simultaneously, plans to attach a trailer for “Indian 3” to the end-credits of “Indian 2,” building anticipation for the trilogy’s conclusion. It is expected that these new installments will follow in the successful footsteps of the original 1996 “Indian” film, a milestone in Indian cinema.
In sharply contrasting genres, Alaya F is intent on seeking new challenges in her acting career. Known for her roles in “Jawaani Jaaneman” (2020) and “Almost Pyaar with DJ Mohabbat” (2023), Alaya feels she isn’t satisfied yet. “I want to work on films that demand something out of me. I want to feel challenged and I want to grow as an actor. That’s what I’m seeking from my new movies,” she said, expressing her drive for personal growth and professional excellence.
Finally, actor Bhumi Pednekar opens up about her personal and professional journey through fashion as a form of self-discovery. Reflecting on her earlier struggles with confidence and societal beauty ideals, Bhumi shares, “My fashion turn is to shatter that perception and show people who I really am and how I want to be seen. I’m a young, confident Indian woman who is expressing herself through fashion and I’m enjoying the love that my looks are getting.”
With such exciting developments, from thrilling scripts to red-carpet returns, Bollywood’s ever-evolving landscape continues to captivate its global audience.
