Producer Namit Malhotra recently premiered the first glimpse of Ramayana, touted as India’s costliest film (₹835 crore), across major cities including Delhi, Mumbai, and Chennai . Directed by Nitesh Tiwari, the two‑part epic stars Ranbir Kapoor (Lord Ram), Yash (Ravana), Sai Pallavi (Sita), and Sunny Deol (Hanuman), with music by A.R. Rahman and Hans Zimmer . The 3‑minute 3D IMAX teaser brought audiences to their feet with slick VFX and emotive visuals . Malhotra emphasized this film celebrates India’s cultural narrative on a global scale, marking a groundbreaking moment in Indian cinema . Part 1 is set to release during Diwali 2026, with Part 2 following in 2027. (PC: Deccan Herrald)  

Nitesh Tiwari’s upcoming Ramayana, starring Ranbir Kapoor as Ram, Sai Pallavi as Sita, Yash as Ravana, and Sunny Deol as Hanuman, is being hailed as a landmark cinematic event. The first glimpse of the film captures grandeur, emotion, and reverence for the epic, aiming to transcend mere mythology. With its diverse and power-packed cast, Ramayana blends faith, scale, and storytelling ambition. Tiwari’s vision reflects deep respect for the source material, promising a generational cinematic experience that unites audiences across India. The film is expected to set new standards in mythological filmmaking and redefine Bollywood’s approach to cultural epics.             

The first teaser of Ramayana, starring Ranbir Kapoor, Yash, and Sai Pallavi, is out now. Ranbir plays Lord Ram, while Yash appears as Ravana. The film is directed by Nitesh Tiwari and promises a grand mythological saga. The teaser was launched in nine Indian cities and at Times Square, New York. Sai Pallavi plays Sita, Sunny Deol is Hanuman, and Ravie Dubey plays Lakshman. The music is by Hans Zimmer and A.R. Rahman. The film is packed with VFX, action, and emotion. Ramayana Part 1 will release in Diwali 2026, followed by Part 2 in Diwali 2027.

Jitendra Kumar admitted he was uncertain about the response to Panchayat Season 4, but the overwhelmingly positive audience reaction proved him wrong. He emphasized that the show's popularity "doesn’t just belong to us—it belongs to every single viewer" who connected with its charming portrayal of rural life . Season 4 delves into village politics and competitive panchayat elections, blending humor with emotional depth, though some fans noted a slower comedic pace . The strong performances by Jitendra and the ensemble continue to resonate, reinforcing the series as a standout in Indian web content. (News18)  

Squid Game Season 3 has become a global phenomenon, breaking Netflix’s record with 60.1 million views in just three days. Despite mixed reviews, the final season topped charts in 93 countries after its June 27 release. Picking up from Season 2’s cliffhanger, the show sees Gi-hun face deadlier games and moral dilemmas. Netflix’s Tudum confirmed it’s the only series to enter the Most Popular List in its debut week. Over 38,000 fans joined a major fan event in Seoul. Created by Hwang Dong-hyuk, the Korean thriller continues to captivate with high-stakes storytelling and immersive global promotions. (PC: HT)

The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences on June 26 extended invitations to 534 artists and filmmakers worldwide, including Indian luminaries Kamal Haasan and Ayushmann Khurrana . Other Indian invitees: filmmaker Payal Kapadia, cinematographer Ranabir Das, costume designer Maxima Basu, and documentary maker Smriti Mundhra . The 2025 class marks record diversity—41% women, 45% underrepresented, and 55% international—further enhancing the Academy’s inclusivity . Global stars like Ariana Grande, Jason Momoa, Sebastian Stan, Conan O’Brien, and Jeremy Strong also joined the ranks, bringing total membership to over 11,000 voting members . Once accepted, these members can vote for the 2026 Oscars, scheduled for March 15, hosted by Conan O’Brien. (PC: iDiva)

Shefali Jariwala, iconic “Kaanta Laga” performer and TV actress, was found unresponsive at her Andheri, Mumbai home on June 27, 2025, and pronounced dead on arrival at Bellevue Multispeciality Hospital. Mumbai Police reported her body was sent to Cooper Hospital for post-mortem; cardiac arrest is suspected . In past interviews, she revealed her epilepsy began at age 15, with stress-linked seizures spanning 15 years and compounded by anxiety and depression . Beloved for her candid openness, reality‑TV appearances, and advocacy on mental health, her untimely passing has deeply shocked fans, colleagues, family, and husband Parag Tyagi. (PC: India Today)

Ramesh Sippy’s iconic 1975 film Sholay returns to the big screen 50 years after its release, premiering at Il Cinema Ritrovato Festival in Bologna, Italy. The restored 204-minute version features the original ending—where Gabbar Singh is killed by Thakur—which was censored during the Emergency. Featuring legends like Amitabh Bachchan, Dharmendra, and Amjad Khan, Sholay has remained a cultural milestone. The restoration, led by the Film Heritage Foundation with support from the British Film Institute, used long-lost 35mm negatives. Described by Dharmendra as the “eighth wonder,” the film now screens in its uncut glory, complete with deleted scenes and cinematic grandeur. (PC: BBC)

Aamir Khan’s Sitaare Zameen Par has made ₹82.40 crore in six days since its release on June 20. The film opened with ₹10.7 crore and made ₹60 crore over the weekend. Earnings on Monday and Tuesday stayed around ₹8 crore, and it earned ₹7.25 crore on Wednesday. Despite no ticket discounts, the film is holding steady, especially in urban areas. Directed by RS Prasanna, the movie features Genelia Deshmukh and 10 debutant neurodivergent actors. It mixes comedy, emotion, and sports to highlight human resilience. With new films releasing soon, Sitaare Zameen Par must maintain its pace to stay strong. 

Punjabi star Diljit Dosanjh sparked controversy by featuring Pakistani actor Hania Aamir in the trailer of Sardaar Ji 3, set for an overseas-only release on June 27, amid heightened India–Pakistan tensions following the Pahalgam terror attack and India’s Operation Sindoor. While the film was shot prior to the attack, social media users criticized the casting choice, labeling Diljit “shameless,” “insensitive” or even a “traitor,” with Reddit comments reading, “Disgusted by him. What a shameless person he is” and “Never spoke a word…now we know why”. The geo-blocked trailer in India highlights the decision to skip domestic release. Co-stars include Neeru Bajwa, Gulshan Grover, Manav Vij and Jasmin Bajwa.