Salman Khan’s upcoming war drama Battle of Galwan – directed by Apoorva Lakhia – is set to begin shooting in August, with its first schedule in Ladakh, followed by Mumbai and Kashmir . Inspired by the June 2020 Galwan Valley clash between Indian and Chinese troops, it will depict intense hand‑to‑hand combat at 15,000 ft—captured through a gritty, blood‑stained rugged look showcased in the recent motion poster . Salman has undergone low‑oxygen and fitness training to authentically portray Colonel Bikumalla Santosh Babu, commanding officer of the 16 Bihar Regiment. (PC: The Times of India)    

Smriti Irani is back as Tulsi in the reboot of the popular TV show Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi. The first look shows her in a maroon saree with a red bindi and traditional jewellery, bringing back early-2000s style. The original show ran from 2000 to 2008 and was a huge hit. Smriti had turned down a 2014 comeback to serve in Parliament. Amar Upadhyay, who plays Mihir, confirmed the show’s premiere is delayed due to changes in the set. He said producer Ektaa Kapoor wants everything perfect, calling the show a “legacy, not just another serial.” (PC: NDTV)

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)