Have you heard? Mohit Suri reacts to the outpouring of fans` love for Saiyaara

The curious case of weeping in the cinema halls

(From left) Aneet Padda and Ahaan Panday in Saiyaara

Filmmakers Mohit Suri is overwhelmed by the outpouring of love for Saiyaara, his latest romantic drama that’s become a box office sensation. He told PTI,  “When I go home, I tell my wife to give me two hours because the evening show is coming to an end, and everyone is on the phone and I want to take everyone’s call. I want to ask how they liked the film. How did they feel when they left the cinema while crying?” According to box-office tracker, Sacnilk, the Ahaan Panday and Aneet Padda starrer, which released on July 18, has raked in R300 crore and is being hailed as the return of big-screen romance. Mohit, known for directing movies like Aashiqui 2 (2013), The Villain (2014), among others admits  that he’s never seen such success since his directorial debut film, Zeher (2005). He shared that the feeling he has delivered one of the biggest hits of his career is yet to sink in. “There are all types of people, youngsters, families, everyone has really lapped up this film.”

Bhai is future planning

Salman Khan, Mahesh Narayanan and Kabir Khan

Even as Salman Khan readies himself for Battle of Galwan, directed by Apoorva Lakhia, with a month-long shoot scheduled in Ladakh later this August, the actor is also busy finalising his next project. The buzz is that the superstar has had several meetings with Malayalam filmmaker Mahesh Narayanan, most recently in Mumbai. The duo is reportedly developing a period action-thriller set between the 1970s and 1990s, and Salman is said to have responded positively to the concept. Insiders add that the film offers a character and setting the actor hasn’t explored before. Discussions are also on with Kabir Khan for the sequel of Bajrangi Bhaijaan (2015). If all goes as planned, the Mahesh Narayanan project may roll out in 2026.

Hoping for Indian adaptations

Jeffrey Archer

Author Jeffrey Archer is keen to see his bestselling novels turned into Hindi films. During his recent visit to India to announce a collaboration with Applause Entertainment, Archer said, “A Prisoner of Birth has always felt ready for cinema.” He added, “Paths of Glory could work beautifully too — it’s sentimental for Indians, as Everest is so close to them.” The British writer also praised Indian cinema, calling Lagaan (2001) “a damn good piece of storytelling.” Referring to the cricket match in the film, he joked, “The umpires were all English, and all they had to do was cheat to win — but we didn’t!” He named Slumdog Millionaire (2008) as “absolutely one of my favourites.”

Summer 2026 just got hotter

(From left) Wamiqa Gabbi and Adivi Sesh in G2

Marking seven years since Goodachari (2018), the team behind its sequel, G2, has unveiled first-look posters featuring Adivi Sesh, Emraan Hashmi and Wamiqa Gabbi, while confirming the film’s release date as May 1, 2026. Described as a stylish spy thriller with global ambitions, G2, helmed by Vinay Kumar Sirigineedi, sees Sesh reprise his role as Gopi. “We’ve dared to dream bigger,” Sesh said, adding that co-stars Emraan and Wamiqa “have taken the intensity a notch higher.” 

Getting defensive, Mrunal?

Mrunal Thakur

As Son of Sardaar 2, starring Ajay Devgn and Mrunal Thakur in lead roles, faced mixed reviews, and underwhelming box office numbers over its opening weekend, the actress took to X to engage with fans. Responding to a viewer who said online reviews had discouraged them from watching the film, Mrunal wrote, “Most of the reviews are misleading. I would appreciate if you decide how you like it sir!” Directed by Vijay Kumar Arora, the sequel to the 2012 comedy sees Ajay Devgn’s character Jassi caught in a mob war and a chaotic Sikh wedding while trying to salvage his marriage in Scotland. According to box-office tracker, Sacnilk, the film has earned R25.96 over its first weekend, way lower than the makers, or Ajay, would have liked.