Marathi psychological thriller Gondhal, directed by Santosh Davakhar, has been selected as India’s official entry for the 99th Academy Awards, the Film Federation of India announced Friday. Set in rural Maharashtra, the film uses the Gondhal ritual to explore tensions between cultural traditions, personal desires and human vulnerability. It follows Suman, an unhappy married woman drawn into a dangerous plan involving her husband and a Gondhali performer. The film stars Kishor Kadam, Ishita Deshmukh, Yogesh Sohoni and Nishad Bhoir. Davakhar won the Silver Peacock for Best Director at IFFI 2025. Released theatrically in Maharashtra on November 14, 2025, Gondhal is the fourth Marathi film to represent India in the Oscars race.

The Hindi remake of The Intern, starring Amitabh Bachchan, is reportedly set to begin production after facing several delays since its announcement. Directed by Amit Sharma, the film is an adaptation of the 2015 Hollywood comedy-drama featuring Robert De Niro and Anne Hathaway. Bachchan joined the project after Rishi Kapoor, who was initially attached to the role, passed away. Recent reports say the Hindi version will not be an exact copy of the original and will have its own treatment. However, reports about Deepika Padukone’s involvement have differed, with earlier reports saying she would continue only as producer. (PC: Moneycontrol)

Ladakh filmmaker Stanzin Jigmet has won the Gold award in the Narrative category at the 53rd Student Academy Awards for his film ‘The Dragon Letter’. The awards ceremony was held on September 14 during the Toronto International Film Festival. Jigmet, who studied film directing at ESCAC in Barcelona, was among the student filmmakers recognised this year. The competition received 2,972 entries from 894 colleges and universities worldwide. ‘The Dragon Letter’ is now eligible for consideration at the 99th Academy Awards. Jigmet earlier dedicated the achievement to his family, cast, crew and supporters, calling the journey from Ladakh to the Academy “unreal.” (PC: X)

Veteran Kannada actor Anant Nag has been selected for the Dadasaheb Phalke Award, India’s highest recognition for contribution to cinema. The Press Information Bureau announced the honour on September 16, with the award scheduled to be presented at the 72nd National Film Awards ceremony in Kevadia, Gujarat, on September 22. Nag becomes the second Kannada actor to receive the honour after Dr Rajkumar, who was awarded it in 1995. Born Anant Nagarkatte in Karnataka’s Uttara Kannada district in 1948, Nag moved to Mumbai at 11 for further studies and developed an interest in theatre. He performed in Kannada, Konkani and Marathi plays, building a theatrical foundation that later shaped his film performances across his career. (PC: The Indian Express)

The Supreme Court has given actor Rajpal Yadav a final two-week chance to deposit ₹2 crore in an ongoing financial dispute. A bench led by Chief Justice Surya Kant expressed doubts about Yadav’s past conduct in the case. “He’s perfect in doing drama and acting in Bollywood, he’s doing same thing in Court also,” the CJI said. Yadav’s lawyer assured the court that he would deposit ₹2 crore and provide surety for the remaining amount. The court continued his protection from arrest until October 5 but ordered him to surrender his passport. The dispute involves unpaid dues linked to his film *Ata Pata Laapata*.  

‘Mirzapur: The Movie’ has earned ₹194.38 crore at the box office in 12 days. The Ali Fazal, Pankaj Tripathi and Divyenndu-starrer saw a drop in collections during the second week. The film opened with ₹25.75 crore and had a strong first week, earning ₹148.45 crore. Its second Monday collection stood at ₹5.5 crore. On Day 12, the film earned ₹4.18 crore, its lowest daily collection so far. Despite the midweek dip, the film is expected to cross the ₹200 crore mark by the end of this week. It is the first big-screen film from the popular ‘Mirzapur’ universe.  

The Pitt won best drama series and Widow's Bay took best comedy series at the 2026 Emmy Awards in Los Angeles on Monday, while true-crime series DTF St Louis won best limited series. Noah Wyle won lead drama actor for The Pitt, and Rhea Seehorn took lead drama actress for Pluribus. Matthew Rhys made Emmy history, winning both lead comedy actor for Widow's Bay and lead actor in a limited series for The Beast In Me. Jean Smart won lead comedy actress for Hacks, while Sally Field claimed lead actress in a limited series for Remarkably Bright Creatures. (PC: BBC)

The CBI has registered an FIR in Disha Salian’s death case, following the Bombay High Court’s September 2 directive for a central probe. Advocate Nilesh Ojha, representing Salian’s father Satish Salian, said the FIR names Aaditya Thackeray, Dino Morea, Sooraj Pancholi, Rohan Roy, Rhea Chakraborty, Param Bir Singh and others, and alleges gang rape, murder and a cover-up. However, CBI officials said the FIR was registered on the High Court’s directions with a clear instruction not to name anyone as an accused. The agency has begun investigation and statement recordings. The High Court criticised Mumbai Police for delaying the case for six years and cited glaring discrepancies in its investigation process. (PC: HT)

The CBI has named Aaditya Thackeray, Uddhav Thackeray, Rhea Chakraborty and others in its FIR on Disha Salian’s death. Their roles require investigation, according to the FIR. Actors Dino Morea and Sooraj Pancholi are also named. The FIR mentions alleged conspiracy, a false suicide story and possible evidence tampering. Former police officers Sachin Waze and Param Bir Singh are also listed. Salian died after falling from a Mumbai building on June 8, 2020. Her death was earlier recorded as an accidental death. The CBI probe follows a Bombay High Court order for a detailed investigation into the case.  

James Bond fans got an unexpected treat when Pierce Brosnan appeared in the stands at the US Open final at Arthur Ashe Stadium. The former 007 star was shown on the broadcast moments after the on-screen clock displayed 0:07, creating a perfectly timed reference to his iconic role. The US Open’s official account also joined in, sharing the clip with the caption, “The name is, Bond. James Bond.” Fans praised the timing, with some joking that the cameraman deserved a raise. Brosnan played James Bond in four films between 1995 and 2002, including GoldenEye and Die Another Day.