Have you heard? Ranbir Kapoor quits Kishore Kumar biopic for Ramayana

Having too many choices 

Actor Ranbir Kapoor has reportedly stepped away from the long-gestating Kishore Kumar biopic to take on the lead role in Nitesh Tiwari’s upcoming mythological epic, Ramayana. According to director Anurag Basu, the actor was faced with a difficult scheduling conflict and ultimately chose to prioritise Ramayana over the singer’s biopic, which has been in development for over a decade. Anurag admitted that although he and Ranbir have long wanted to collaborate again after Barfi (2012) and Jagga Jasoos (2017), timing has not been on their side. While speculation suggests Aamir Khan may now take on the biopic, the filmmaker remains cautious, saying nothing is confirmed until contracts are signed. 

‘I still live in a rented house’

Alia Bhatt in Jigra; (right) Vasan Bala

Director Vasan Bala has opened up about the box office failure of Jigra (2024), starring Alia Bhatt, calling it “a sucker punch” that left him reeling. “It really knocks you out, and I’m still waking up,” he admitted, adding that he’s using new scripts to recover from the setback. Vasan also reflected on the industry’s unpredictability, sharing, “I still live in a rented house. I thought I’d never go back [to a set] after Jigra.” The emotional action-drama, co-produced by Alia, earned Rs 56.93 crore worldwide.

Celebrating Goan cinema

Dr Pramod Sawant

Goa Chief Minister Dr Pramod Sawant, on Friday (August 1), announced the Goa State Film Festival 2025, set to take place from August 14 to 17, marking 75 years of Goan cinema. “We aim to make this festival as impactful as the International Film Festival of India [IFFI],” he said, calling on youth, artistes, and filmmakers to participate actively. The festival will showcase Konkani and Marathi classics, with a separate feature categories and a combined non-feature section. There will also be short film contests, workshops, and panel discussions, offering a platform for Goan talent. The official logo, a blend of a camera shutter and spiral shell, was also unveiled, symbolising Goa’s cultural and cinematic spirit. Goa State Film Festival will also include a Short Film Making competition. Cash prizes have been allocated for the Best Film and Best Director winners.