Odela 2 teaser out: Tamannaah Bhatia returns as "divine" in the promising sequel, watch

Tamannaah Bhatia had an incredible 2024 and is now set to captivate fans once again on the big screen. She is gearing up for the release of her next major film, Odela 2. Fans have eagerly awaited the film, sharing their excitement ever since Tamannaah announced the project. She recently unveiled the film’s poster, showcasing her striking Naga Sadhu avatar and revealing that the teaser would be launched at the Maha Kumbh on February 22. Today, she finally headed to the Maha Kumbh Mela to release the grand teaser of Odela 2.

The teaser looks absolutely mesmerizing, and Tamannaah's look and character feel so refreshing and confident. The thriller promises an exciting cinematic experience, centered around the eternal battle between good, personified by Tamannaah, and evil. It will be thrilling to watch her in this powerful role. Odela 2 is directed by Ashok Teja and produced by Sampath Nandi Teamworks.

 

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Tamannaah dominated the music charts in 2024 with her special appearance in Stree 2’s chart-topping song 'Aaj Ki Raat,' which became the year's biggest hit. Her electrifying performance was the talk of the town. The actress has starred in several successful films, including the Baahubali franchise, which grossed over Rs 1000 crore at the box office, cementing her status as one of the most versatile and celebrated pan-India stars.

Also Read: Tamannaah Bhatia to launch Odela 2 teaser in Maha Kumbh Mela on Feb 22

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Mere Husband Ki Biwi director Mudassar Aziz on the clash with Vicky Kaushal; says, “What the film does in the presence or absence of Chhaava isn’t in my control”

Mere Husband Ki Biwi takes you down the rib-tickling route again. How difficult is comedy? It’s always very, very tricky to try the rib-tickling route sir. Humour is a very personally varied emotion. Comedies rarely bring its makers their due credit, but I stick to it to see smiles on faces perhaps!

Your Pati Patni Aur Woh was also a love triangle. Are you fascinated by that format? I’ve never really thought that a triangle fascinates me. It’s just that the complicated nature or love and marital relationships in our fast changing world, makes me want to explore humour in its layers.

These are dark times. Do you feel laughter is the best antidote? I agree with you 100%, Sir. The times are dark, emotionally stirring and even polarised the world over. I wish laughter would be the “cure” but I’ll live with calling it the medicine also.

Audiences have begun to stay away from movie theatres. Does that scare you? Yes, Sir. It scares me. And it scares me on two levels. Firstly why have the audience disassociated with us to such an extent? Have we become too snooty? Have our actors been promoting Hindi Cinema in English for far too long, almost distancing our masses? Or is the overexposure of stars on social media leaving no mystery? The questions are worrisome. Secondly sir, why did this trend of marketing your figures instead of your content become such an obsession with our industry since 2010? Producers are responsible for making figures become the audience chatter before they choose their weekend film. It’s our fault, not our audience’s.

This is your second film with Bhumi Pednekar. How much has she evolved since Pati Patni Aur Woh? Bhumi is special. A gifted actress and a hard working human being. With her knack for languages and dialect, it’s only obvious for a linguist like me to want to work with her. She has grown in her craft and she now has learned the fine art of subtle manipulation with each character.

Who are your role models as filmmakers? I’m just a Hrishi Da(Mukherjee), Basu Da(Chatterjee) and Raj Kapoor Sahab fan boy sir. The humour comes from the first two. The love for women from the third. I will stay in their territory as it makes me happy.

Where and how did that lovely array of veteran actors come into Mere Husband Ki Biwi? I wanted to tick some off my list as life sometimes steals the chance. Tiku Talsania Ji, Shakti Kapoor Sir, Mukesh Rishi Ji have been responsible for many laughs in my childhood. I believed when I was 6-7 that Anita Raj Ji was too beautiful to be true. After losing two years to the pandemic, I still kick myself for not writing something fast enough for Chintu Ji, Satish Ji, Neeraj Vora. So now I just go for it.

The Chhaava factor looms large over your film? Sir “Mera Paigham Mohabbat Hai, Jahan Tak pahunche!” What the film does in the presence or absence of Chhaava isn’t in my control. To put my best foot forward to entertain people is the only thing that is in my control. I will always appeal to my families, my women crowd, my humour lovers and leave the rest to the Almighty.

What next? More fun and more relationships are next sir.

Also Read: Bhumi Pednekar on Mere Husband Ki Biwi releasing when Chhaava is going great guns, “I want to congratulate the team of Chhaava”

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15 years of Rann EXCLUSIVE: Riteish Deshmukh says, “It spoke about dangers of managed media much before it became so evident and obvious”

Ram Gopal Varma’s Rann completed 15 years on January 29. The film, starring Amitabh Bachchan, Riteish Deshmukh, Paresh Rawal, Kiccha Sudeep, Mohnish Bahl, Suchitra Krishnamoorthi, among others, received favourable reviews but it couldn’t do much at the box office. However, in the years to follow, it developed a following after its television and OTT runs. This might be because the film tackles the menace of fake news, which was hardly there 15 years ago but is very much in our faces in today’s times.

In an exclusive chat with Bollywood Hungama, Riteish Deshmukh said that he rates Rann very high in his filmography. “Rann was an extremely important film for me,” he said. “It definitely spoke about dangers of managed media much before it became so evident and obvious. I rate it highly as I got to reunite with RGV and got to share screen with Amit ji once again under his direction. Also, I met Kiccha Sudeep on the set and eventually made a friend for life.”

Rann told the story of Vijay Harshvardhan Malik (Bachchan), who heads a news channel in an honest manner even though it affects its viewership. His once protégé Amrish Kakkar (Mohnish Bahl) now runs a successful news channel through dishonest means. The young and upcoming journalist Purab Shastri (Deshmukh), an ardent follower of Vijay, joins his channel. Vijay’s son Jay (Sudeep) wants his father to change his tactics but in vain. Hence, he joins evil forces, headed by the power hungry opposition leader Mohan Pandey (Paresh Rawal), and runs a fake news about the current Indian Prime Minister Hooda in order to topple his government.

Sharing what attracted him the most in Rann, Deshmukh said, “It was based on media and the fact that it can be weaponised. And also, it just takes one voice to have the guts to tell the truth as is.”

Over the last few years, there has been a lot of talk online about whether Rann would have succeeded at the box office if it had released today. When Deshmukh was asked this, he said, “Every film has its own destiny. No one can say which film will work and when will it work.”

As far as preparing for the role of a young and honest journalist is concerned, just spending time with Ram Gopal Varma was enough for Deshmukh. “He is a master story teller,” he said. “He just wants to capture the emotions of characters, their motives, their growth and progression with respect to the story.”

Deshmukh had a ball shooting with RGV and Bachchan. “Amit ji is my all-time favourite actor,” he said. “He is just an awesome co-actor. We are just blessed as co actors to witness greatness. RGV gave me my first opportunity to work with him in Darna Zaroori Hai and then again in Rann.”

Rann reaches its highest point in the climax when Bachchan’s character gives a moving monologue on TV. The scene is also known for Deshmukh emoting purely through expressions. “We just had to see Amit ji spin magic in his monologue,” he said. “I was present during the shoot. That made it easy for me. Just watching Amit ji perform is a blessing. I didn’t have much to do, I just reacted to what he said.”

As Rann dealt with the issue of fake news, which is more relevant now, Ritesh gave a message to his fans regarding the same saying, “We are living in a world where now it’s becoming overtly difficult to differentiate between the truth and manipulation. We just need to be more aware and make our own assessment. Be less dependent on other’s opinions.”

Also Read: Riteish Deshmukh pays tribute to Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj on 395th birth anniversary; watch

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Ziddi Girls trailer: Sneak peek into the fierce and fearless world of these determined girls

Produced by Pritish Nandy under the banner of Pritish Nandy Communications, Ziddi Girls is created by Rangita Pritish Nandy and Ishita Pritish Nandy. Set against the backdrop college life, the series is directed by Shonali Bose, and written and directed by Vasant Nath and Neha Veena Sharma.

Bringing the rollercoaster world of college to life—both entertaining and thought-provoking—is the series’ exceptional cast of newcomers, Atiya Tara Nayak, Umang Bhadana, Zaina Ali, Deeya Damini and Anupriya Caroli along with acclaimed actors Simran, Nandita Das, Nandish Singh Sandhu, Lillete Dubey and Revathy.

The promo of Ziddi Girls opens with intense discussions about the future of education and the college itself. As the fictional narrative unfolds, the institute’s custodians stand firmly by their students as they discover their voices and purpose. With resilience and solidarity, they navigate challenges, displaying unbreakable strength through mutual support. The fictional series highlights the courage it takes to break barriers and shape a future on their own terms.

 

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At its core, Ziddi Girls is powered by strong characters—both students and mentors—who bring the story to life. Blending drama, humor, and heartfelt moments; the series vividly captures their journey. As the story progresses, viewers witness the students' transformation—embracing setbacks, celebrating victories, and finding their voices along the way.

The eight-episode series is set to premiere exclusively on Prime Video in India and over 240 countries and territories worldwide on February 27 in Hindi, with subtitles in English.

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Kirti Kulhari reveals she broke down during Pink promotions after Taapsee Pannu was promoted as the face of the film; says, “It shook me”

Pink, starring Taapsee Pannu, Amitabh Bachchan, Kirti Kulhari, Angad Bedi, Andrea Taraing, Vijay Varma, among others which was a part of one of the most groundbreaking films of the generation as it is a courtroom where three modern, independent women fight for justice against their perpetuators after facing sexual harassment and assault. Recalling the success and love the film received, Kirti discussed how it impacted the entire promotions and also explained how everything had become Taapsee-centric and also revealed that it caused issues between her relationship with the actress.

In an interview with Fever FM, Kirti discussed how the actress received prominence while promoting Pink as she said, “I saw the trailer was mainly filled with Taapsee and Mr Bachchan. That was first jhatka for me because I know what I have done in the film. Shoojit was like, ‘Don’t worry about it, let the film come out.’ I never do PR. I believe my work will be eventually seen.” Furthermore, Kirti Kulhari recalled how in terms of hierarchy, it was Amitabh Bachchan and Taapsee Pannu over her. “However, during the promotions, the PR machinery happened for Taapsee because she came after Mr Bachchan in that film. Eventually, it became her film and she became the Pink girl in terms of positioning and I saw that happening in front of me. This was the first shocker for me because I couldn’t understand this,” she shared.

From being nominated in the position of supporting actress to not being visible during the Pink promotions Taapsee went on to state, “My PR game was zero. It shook me.” Speaking of the impact it had on her relationship with the co-star, Kirti revealed that it did cause a little strain between them. She also mentioned her view point and added, “I think from her side, she didn’t notice this. She has been nice to me but that whole PR game, I took it a little personally.”

After the incident, however, Kirti also pointed out that this did leave an impact as later on, when she did Mission Mangal which also featured ensemble cast, she did assert on having as much visibility as her other co-stars (expect for Vidya Balan). Interestingly, this film too featured Taapsee as one of the girls who was responsible behind India landing on Mars. “I was very clear when I took up Mission Mangal. I told them, apart from Vidya, if I am not given equal positioning as the other girls, I won’t do it. I learnt the positioning game on the job,” she concluded.

Also Read: Kirti Kulhari opens up about the impact of her short hair : “People were expecting me to come out as a lesbian”

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Sonam Kapoor starrer Neerja turns 9: Ram Madhvani calls it "profound reminder of the strength of human courage"

February 19, 2025, marks nine years since the biographical thriller Neerja first hit the big screen. Directed by Ram Madhvani and with a stellar cast with Sonam Kapoor, Shabana Azmi, Jim Sarbh, and Shekhar Ravjiani. The film remains a powerful tribute to the courage and inspiring story of Neerja Bhanot. She was a brave Pan Am flight attendant who bravely sacrificed her life to save the lives of 359 passengers during the 1986 hijacking of Flight 73.

Released in 2016, Neerja resonated deeply with audiences and critics alike, accomplishing 31 awards like the National Film Award, Filmfare Awards, International Indian Film Academy Awards, and Zee Cine Awards, amongst others. The film also performed exceptionally at the box office, grossing over ₹135.52 crore. Beyond its cinematic success, the film sparked conversations about selflessness, heroism, and the impact of one individual’s bravery.

Nine years later, Neerja continues to inspire the audience with its message of resilience across generations. As fans revisit this poignant story, the film’s legacy stands strong—a reminder that true courage is timeless and heroism never fades. As director Ram Madhvani shares his thoughts on this tribute through a heartfelt post on his social media, Neerja’s leading lady, Sonam Kapoor, too, honored the film’s legacy by sharing a tribute video on her Instagram story, celebrating Neerja Bhanot and her act of bravery.

Director Ram Madhvani, marking this significant milestone, shares, "Nine years on, Neerja remains an incredibly special project for me and I am very grateful to the Bhanot family and the full Neerja team because it tells the story of how ordinary individuals can discover extraordinary courage, rise above adversity, and stand against the most heinous acts of violence. What my team and I aimed to do was bring Neerja Bhanot's selfless heroism to life on screen, ensuring that her legacy continues to inspire generations to come. Her life stands as a shining testament of the power of bravery and humanity, and it was an honor to share her story with the world. A profound reminder of the strength of human courage, Neerja's story still lives on.”

Reflecting on this milestone, co-producer Amita Madhvani shares, “Neerja, the national award film, completes 9 years today - “Neerja” still resonates the power of self-bravery to save lives, to rise above your call of duty—to be Nidaar #Sonam Kapoor Ahuja to portraying this truth with vulnerability and honesty- Ram Madhvani’s search of truth to create a reality in the shoot to honour the lives lost, the emotions of the Neerja family—on screen and in reality while telling a heart wrenching story of strength within.” She further adds, “As co-producers RMF we believe in the search for truth in every story we tell and honour every protection needed to preserve the integrity of the creator. Neerja set the path for this quest as we walk towards our next series, “The Waking of a Nation”.

Known for the critically acclaimed biopic Neerja, Ram Madhvani now embarks on his next ambitious project, The Waking of a Nation. This series promises to be another powerful and thought-provoking addition to his journey of cinematic excellence. If you're a fan of historical thrillers, mark your calendars for 7th March, 2025!

Also Read: Sonam Kapoor sends good wishes to Aditya Chopra for Come Fall In Love – The DDLJ Musical, which premieres in UK: “Can’t wait to see this take on a timeless classic”

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Bhumi Pednekar on Mere Husband Ki Biwi releasing when Chhaava is going great guns, "I want to congratulate the team of Chhaava"

After the Akshay Kumar starrer Khel Khel Mein, director Mudassar Aziz is now back with another comedy in the form of Mere Husband Ki Biwi. Starring Arjun Kapoor, Rakul Preet Singh and Bhumi Pednekar, the movie is a love triangle told in a comic way. Pednekar speaks about the movie and her experience of shooting it in an interview with us.

Mere Husband Ki Biwi looks like a laugh riot. Did you have fun shooting it?

Well, comedy is something that I enjoy thoroughly. I've done quite a few. Maybe the tone of Mere Husband Ki Biwi is a little different. But if I look at it, this is more social comedy with a more slice of life feel to it. Mere Husband Ki Biwi is definitely different. The tone is a little front-footed. And also, I have not done a comedy where I get the punchlines. I have not done a comedy where I get to do physical comedy, which was very, very refreshing. I feel that women usually don't get an opportunity to do that. So, it was extreme amounts of fun. And I really, really hope that the audiences connect with me, because I've truly tried doing something different.

You have worked with Mudassar Aziz before. Has he evolved as a director?

Everything that I did was completely directed by my able director, Mudassir Aziz, because I think he has a very good hold on comedy, and he understands comic timing. An actor like me loves to improvise. But there were many times where he told me to hold back, because a comedy of this tone does not have the space to do that, especially where dialogues are concerned, because they are written in a certain meter, and they need to be delivered in a certain meter because of punchlines.

What do you find tougher to do - serious films like Bhakshak or the more light-hearted films like Mere Husband Ki Biwi?

I genuinely feel comedy is the toughest form of art. I feel drama is a little manipulative. Comedy is very, very reactive. And a lot of comedy is also dependent on the people that you share that frame with. Because if they don't have an impact of the line that you've delivered, and if their reaction isn't funny, then the audience is not going to find it funny. Comedy is very tough. You know, there's a famous saying that comedy is serious business, and I completely, completely resonate with it. Usually, you know, the audiences think that all comedy is very easy. It's actually one of the most intelligent forms of writing. It is one of the toughest forms of writing and one form that needs to be exercised with a lot of caution. So, I've truly, truly had a lot of fun doing it.

But where my films like Bhakshak or any of my other films that were more dramatic and where the themes were heavier, I was natural as a person. I'm somebody who's extremely empathetic and I am somebody who really seeks stories that can bring about a change. Bhakshak for me is something, even though those characters are so away from me, it's a lot of hard work that goes into becoming those characters, but I feel there's a lot of hard work in performing comedy.

I've been very fortunate to have had a second chance to work with Mudassar and I really, really hope that my journey with him continues into more projects where he can discover a newer facet of me. I trust him blindly as a director. He's truly a very, very close ally, a close friend and he's evolved so much as a filmmaker. For me, Khel Khel Mein was by far one of his best films that he's ever made.

I think the best part about Mudassar is that he has a lot of sensitivity, and he reads women in a very beautiful way. It's so refreshing to see a filmmaker that even in a commercial potboiler does not leave his ideology and always has his women with agency. I think his flair for writing, his love for cinema only keeps getting deeper with every film that he makes, and he's a purist. He is in the business of making movies because he deeply, deeply loves cinema. He's truly one of those few creators that are left that are in it for the love of it more than the commercial need of it.

What according to you is the USP of Mere Husband Ki Biwi?

I think the USP of this comedy is that, you know, even though it is a two-girl, one-boy story, you know, two women and a man stuck between them, I think the beauty of the story is that there's nothing adulterous that is happening in the film. I am playing Arjun's ex-wife. My character is Ankur Khanna's ex-wife and we've been separated and there must be a reason why we are separated, right? Why a divorce happens. Nobody goes through a divorce happily and finally Ankur is ready to move on in life.

He's found the love of his life, and his ex comes back and she has forgotten her memory. You know, this situation creates a lot of comedy and because Ankur Khanna, the character, is such a green flag. He still wants to extend his support to his past relationship because she is going through a rather tough time in her life and that creates a lot of confusion, a lot of comedy of errors and then you see these two strong women that actually do all the comedy and it's so refreshing and our families get involved and there's a lot of Khichdi. Raita fail jata hai, kalesh hota hai and phir wo kalesh hum sab finally samet-te hain. And you know what?

I am listening

With all the comedy, all the laugh out loud moments, there is a phenomenal cast that is supporting these moments: Tiku Talsania ji, Shakti Kapoor ji, Mukesh Rishi ji, Anita Raj ma'am, Dino Morea, Aditya Seal, Harsh Gujral, who's such a phenomenal comedian and is truly one of the biggest assets that the film could have had. I think at the core of this film there is a beautiful comedy but there is a beautiful human drama as well, you know. We rarely see films that kind of comment on a man-woman relationship that failed, you know. And also, a very beautiful thing about the film is that it kind of gets you to reflect on many a times where relationships end and it's just not a husband-wife, girlfriend-boyfriend or two lovers. It's just not about lovers. It can also be about a brother and a sister or two friends. It's because in purity and in love there shouldn't be ego. There should be self-respect but there shouldn't be ego, and the film makes a beautiful comment on the same.

Your film comes on the heels of a big success Chhaava?

Well, I want to congratulate the team of Chhaava. I am a very, very big Vicky Kaushal fan and I am so happy for him because, you know, we started our careers around the same time. My Dum Laga Ke Haisha and his Masaan came around the same time. I've had an opportunity to do a film with him and I truly feel he's one of the finest actors in our country and just to see the kind of success that Chhaava has got just makes me very happy because before we can act or anything, I'm a lover of cinema. I'm a cinema buff.

Our films need to do well. Our films need to be celebrated and I feel when a celebration like this happens, then the audience is in a mood to go to cinemas and I really hope that the positivity that Chhaava got in the hearts of our audiences is also reflected onto our film and I really want to congratulate Vicky, Laxman Sir, Rashmika (Mandanna), Viineet (Kumar Siingh), everybody who is associated with the film.

Also Read: Bhumi Pednekar calls Mere Husband Ki Biwi “Hat tip” to Govinda, Karisma Kapoor, Raveena Tandon and the genre

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