In a surprising turn of events in the Bollywood industry, Samantha has stepped away from her highly anticipated big-screen debut in the horror-comedy film ‘Vampires of Vijay Nagar’, directed by Aditya Sarpotdar. This decision has been attributed to scheduling conflicts caused by delays in the production timeline. Nonetheless, industry insiders report that Rashmika Mandanna has swiftly stepped in to fill the void, taking on the role of the leading lady opposite Ayushmann Khurrana.
Months have passed since news broke regarding Ayushmann Khurrana’s collaboration with Dinesh Vijan for this thrilling horror-comedy. With Samantha now out of the picture, the production team has wasted no time in securing Rashmika Mandanna for the project. Rashmika is currently busy wrapping up other commitments, including ‘Pushpa 2: The Rule’ alongside Allu Arjun, and ‘Sikandar’ with Salman Khan. Ayushmann, on the other hand, is concluding his spy-comedy venture with the renowned filmmaker Karan Johar. As per the latest updates, the screenplay and dialogues for ‘Vampires of Vijay Nagar’ are actively being worked on, with plans to begin filming in November.
In another notable development, Bollywood superstar Ajay Devgn is expanding his production portfolio. He has greenlit a new suspense thriller web series, set to be directed by the once casting director, now filmmaker Honey Trehan. Although the intricate details of the plot and casting are being kept under wraps, it is confirmed that the shooting is slated to commence in December. This project marks Ajay Devgn’s fourth digital production following notable ventures such as ‘Tribhanga’ (2020), ‘The Great Indian Murder’ (2022), and ‘The Trial: Pyaar Kaanoon Dhoka’ (2023).
Over to international cinema, Vikrant Massey is currently basking in the acclaim for his film ’12th Fail’ (2023), particularly following its showcasing at the Shanghai International Film Festival (SIFF). Massey expressed his immense gratitude towards the audience, sharing that the packed house was an exhilarating experience. He was pleasantly surprised to meet several Chinese fans who conversed with him in Hindi, adding a memorable touch to his festival appearance. While he missed the film’s director Vidhu Vinod Chopra at the festival, Vikrant expressed his optimism for the film’s official release in China, hoping it will bridge any gaps experienced during the Shanghai event.
Actor Arpit Ranka, known for his television roles as Duryodhana in ‘Mahabharat’ and Kans in ‘Radha-Krishna’, is gearing up for a significant role in the upcoming film ‘Kannappa’. Playing the antagonist Kaalmukh in this Vishnu Manchu-starrer, Ranka is excited about his part in a film that also features cameos from major stars like Akshay Kumar, Prabhas, and Mohanlal.
. After a three-year hiatus, Ranka feels elated to be involved in such a high-profile project, considering it a dream come true to work alongside pan-Indian superstars.
In a recent media interaction, veteran actor Anil Kapoor refrained from detailing his reasons for not participating in ‘Welcome to the Jungle’. Kapoor had previously portrayed the beloved character Majnu bhai in Firoz A Nadiadwallah’s comedy series ‘Welcome’ (2007) and ‘Welcome Back’ (2015). Curiously, Nana Patekar, who played Kapoor’s partner-in-crime Uday Shetty in the previous editions, revealed that the decision stemmed from a dissatisfaction with the story of the new installment. Patekar asserted that the charm of ‘Welcome’ is incomplete without both their characters, emphasizing that neither he nor Anil Kapoor could carry the comedy alone. His candid comments shed light on their mutual decision to decline involvement in the new project.
After facing several delays, Kangana Ranaut has finally announced the release date for her directorial venture ‘Emergency’, which delves into the political turmoil of the 1975 Emergency period in India. This decision follows her significant victory in the parliamentary elections representing Mandi, Himachal Pradesh. On social media, Ranaut drew parallels between her film and William Shakespeare’s ‘Macbeth’, highlighting how unchecked ambition leads to destruction. She described ‘Emergency’ as a sensational chapter in Indian democracy, and has slated its worldwide release for September 6, 2024. Fans eagerly anticipate more insights into the Shakespearean elements incorporated into this historical drama.
Meanwhile, Varun Dhawan is set to team up with his director-father David Dhawan for an entertaining romantic comedy. According to sources, the film is a lighthearted love triangle produced by Ramesh Taurani, blending humor with the protagonist’s romantic confusion. While it remains uncertain if the film rehashes any of David’s previous hits, Mrunal Thakur and South Indian actress Sree Leela have been cast as the female leads. Notably, this film will mark Sree Leela’s Bollywood debut, following her success in Kannada cinema with her film ‘Kiss’ (2017). The production team aims to commence filming next month, targeting an October 2, 2025, release. Fans of romantic comedies are surely in for a treat with this promising new project.
