Have you heard? Hansal Mehta secures a hat-trick at TIFF with Gandhi

Taking over Toronto

Filmmaker Hansal Mehta has hit a hat-trick. The director screened two episodes of his upcoming series, Gandhi, at the ongoing 50th Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF), marking his third project at the coveted fest in his career so far. Hansal’s first time at TIFF was with Rajkummar Rao-starrer Shahid (2012). He returned to the festival with Omerta (2016). This time, he was joined by the lead actors of Gandhi, real-life couple Pratik Gandhi and Bhamini Oza, and musician AR Rahman, who has composed the score for the series, among others. In an Instagram post, Hansal expressed how far he has come — from barely affording a meal during his first time in TIFF to now screening his most personal work yet. He said, “It gave me a voice, a place on the world stage.” About his time in Toronto this time, he added, “This time feels different. This time feels so special. I’m here with the most personal work of my life surrounded by so many of the people who made it possible.” Pratik and Bhamini also shared a string of pictures as they were heading for the special evening, and captioned the post, “The drive to the première.” Gandhi, based on Ramchandra Guha’s Gandhi Before India and Gandhi: The Years That Changed the World, sees Pratik in the titular role, while Bhamini plays Mahatma Gandhi’s wife, Kasturba Gandhi.

Questioning democracy

Amaal Mallik and Kunickaa Sadanand

Composer Amaal Mallik has openly challenged Bigg Boss 19’s “democracy” theme, accusing the show of favouring co-contestant, Kunickaa Sadanand. During a nomination task, Amaal revealed that he intended to quit the show early, calling it a “democratic” punishment for Kunickaa after she dragged another contestant’s family into an argument. Summoned to the confession room, he told Bigg Boss he was “fed up with Kunickaa’s behaviour” and criticised the makers for bringing her son Ayaan on the show to create “sympathy”. 

Mythology and chill

The poster of ‘Kurukshetra’

Netflix has announced its first animated mythological series from India, Kurukshetra, set in the mythical land described as “the land of the Bhagavad Gita.” The retelling of the Mahabharata will be released in two parts of nine episodes each. Legendary poet Gulzar lends his words as lyricist, while Ujaan Ganguly directs. The animated series is slated to start streaming from October 10.

Entering the queen-dom

Shweta Basu Prasad in ‘Maharani’    

Actor Shweta Basu Prasad has joined the cast of Maharani 4, the Sony LIV political drama headlined by Huma Qureshi. Shweta, who won a National Award as a child artiste for her performance in Shabana Azmi’s Makdee (2002), will be seen in a new role as the series continues to explore power struggles, betrayals, and political manoeuvring. Speaking about the development, she said, “Being a part of a series that has gained massive praise is exciting. Maharani has redefined political drama in the Indian OTT space and getting to collaborate with Huma, who has brought Rani Bharti to life so brilliantly, is an honour. I hope my character brings a fresh edge to the narrative that keeps the viewers on the edge of their seats.” The upcoming season follows Rani Bharti’s political journey from Bihar to Delhi, with fresh characters adding new dimensions to the narrative.

The music people love

(L-R) Aneet Padda and Aahan Panday in ‘Saiyaara’

Yash Raj Films’ Saiyaara, starring newcomers Ahaan Panday and Aneet Padda, continues its dream run, not just at the box office but also in music charts. Responding to fan demand, YRF Music has released the extended album of Saiyaara, adding two new tracks — Barbaad (rock version) and Saath Tu Chal Humsafar — alongside 16 OST instrumentals and the original seven songs. With over 500 million streams, the album has dominated top charts, while the title track set global records across Spotify and Billboard.

Remaking of love tragedy

Emraan Hashmi and Disha Patani

As the sequel to Awarapan (2007) gets rolling with Emraan Hashmi returning as Shivam Pandit, we have learnt that Disha Patani will be the film’s leading lady.  The original, produced by Mukesh Bhatt and directed by Mohit Suri, failed at the box office but later earned the cult status. As filmmaker Nitin Kakkar takes the director’s chair, the new film is said to be an intense love story set against the gangster backdrop. Filming is expected to commence in late September for a summer 2026 release.