Anticipation is running high for Sajid Nadiadwala’s O’Romeo, one of the most eagerly awaited films of the year. Directed by the acclaimed Vishal Bhardwaj and inspired by true events, the film promises a gripping blend of action, romance, and intense drama. With a powerful ensemble cast led by Shahid Kapoor and Triptii Dimri, O’Romeo is already generating massive buzz ahead of its theatrical release.

Joining the stellar lineup are Nana Patekar, Farida Jalal, Disha Patani, Tamannaah Bhatia, and Avinash Tiwary, along with a special appearance by Vikrant Massey. Among these, Avinash Tiwary’s portrayal of Jalal has emerged as one of the film’s most intriguing elements. His first look from the film is chilling — dark, menacing, and loaded with intensity — instantly setting the tone for a character that appears both unpredictable and dangerous.

Avinash’s transformation is marked by powerful dialogue delivery, a commanding screen presence, and a never-seen-before avatar. Known for his layered performances, the actor is set to explore a far darker and more extreme character than audiences have previously seen. O’Romeo also marks his first collaboration with Vishal Bhardwaj, making the role even more significant in his career trajectory.

Speaking about his experience working with the celebrated filmmaker, Avinash revealed an unexpected piece of advice he received early on in the process. “The most unexpected piece of advice would be ‘extreme,’” he shared. “Make your choices extreme. It started right from how we thought about the look, to the choices the character would make. Even the voice had to be extreme — something I hadn’t anticipated.”

Adding another exciting layer to his role, Avinash Tiwary has also learned Flamenco for O’Romeo. The expressive and emotionally charged dance form will be showcased on screen, marking his first Flamenco performance in Bollywood. This element further highlights the film’s ambition and the lengths the actor has gone to bring authenticity and depth to his character.

Presented by Sajid Nadiadwala, O’Romeo is produced by Nadiadwala Grandson Entertainment and directed by Vishal Bhardwaj, known for his distinctive storytelling and intense character-driven narratives. With its strong cast, bold creative choices, and inspired-by-true-events storyline, O’Romeo is set to make a powerful impact when it releases in theatres on 13th February 2026.

The makers of ASSI have unveiled a distinctive, audience-first promotional strategy by taking the film directly to viewers across India ahead of its theatrical release. In a move that underscores their confidence in the film, six special premieres are scheduled across Patna, Ahmedabad, Indore, Lucknow, Delhi, and Kolkata, to be held a week prior to the film hitting cinemas worldwide.

Unlike conventional promotional campaigns focused largely on metropolitan circuits and media-heavy launches, the team behind ASSI has deliberately chosen cities known for their strong engagement with meaningful, content-driven cinema. These locations represent culturally active audiences who view cinema not merely as entertainment, but as a space for dialogue, reflection, and collective experience.

By bringing the film to audiences before its official release, the makers aim to spark organic conversations at the grassroots level. The intention is to allow the film’s themes to resonate naturally, encouraging discussion beyond marketing narratives. This approach closely aligns with the core ethos of ASSI, an investigative courtroom drama that confronts uncomfortable truths and challenges viewers to engage with complex social realities.

The premieres are envisioned as more than celebratory screenings. They are designed as cultural touchpoints — spaces where filmmakers, performers, and audiences can interact meaningfully around the film’s ideas. Through this initiative, ASSI positions itself as a film that belongs as much to its audience as it does to its creators, reinforcing cinema’s role as a shared societal conversation.

Led by Taapsee Pannu in the central role, ASSI boasts a powerful ensemble cast including Kani Kusruti, Revathy, Manoj Pahwa, Kumud Mishra, and Mohammed Zeeshan Ayyub. The film also features special appearances by Naseeruddin Shah, Suprriya Pathak, and Seema Pahwa, adding further gravitas to its narrative depth.

Presented by Gulshan Kumar and T-Series, ASSI is a Benaras Media Works production, directed by Anubhav Sinha and produced by Bhushan Kumar, Krishan Kumar, and Anubhav Sinha. Known for tackling socially relevant subjects, the creative team continues its commitment to bold, conversation-driven cinema.

ASSI is set for an exclusive theatrical release worldwide on 20th February 2026.

Producer Ektaa Kapoor recently took a nostalgic walk down memory lane, recalling an emotional moment that left her in tears during the narration of the 2018 romantic tragedy Laila Majnu. Known for backing powerful stories, Ektaa revealed that the film’s script moved her so deeply that she had to pause the session.

Sharing the memory on Instagram, Ektaa confessed that she has only cried during a narration three times in her career. The first was while listening to the opening episode of her iconic television show Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi, particularly a scene where Mihir remembers his father’s birthday. The second was during the narration of The Dirty Picture, when Vidya Balan’s character Silk meets her tragic end. The third, she said, was during a key scene in Laila Majnu.

“So there are only three times in a narration I have cried… and third this scene, I had to stop the narration because I cried so much. Sajid Ali was shocked. I needed five minutes to continue!!!!” she wrote.

Ektaa went on to describe the heart-wrenching scene that overwhelmed her. In her words, it captured the pain of longing and separation with devastating intensity. She explained how Laila, after being told countless times that Qais is enjoying life in London, finally comes face-to-face with the reality. Instead of the thriving man she was led to imagine, she sees a frail, broken version of the person she loves. In that moment, no lies can mask the truth — she realises his soul has suffered just as deeply as hers.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Laila Majnu (@lailamajnu_movie)

Directed by Sajid Ali, Laila Majnu starred Avinash Tiwary and then newcomer Triptii Dimri in lead roles. The film is a modern retelling of the legendary Arabic tale of Layla and Majnun, centred on two lovers whose union is thwarted by familial opposition. Triptii portrayed Laila, while Avinash played Qais Bhatt, delivering performances that later gained a strong cult following.

Though the film initially received a modest response at the box office, it has since been widely appreciated for its intense storytelling and emotional depth. For Ektaa Kapoor, however, the power of Laila Majnu was evident from the very first narration — a moment she clearly still holds close to her heart.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by EktaaRkapoor (@ektarkapoor)

For years, Rhea Chakraborty’s name dominated headlines for reasons she never chose. Following the tragic death of actor Sushant Singh Rajput in June 2020, Rhea found herself at the centre of relentless public scrutiny and prolonged legal battles. The intense spotlight pushed her away from the screen and forced her to confront the possibility that her acting career might never recover.

Now, nearly seven years later, Rhea is preparing for a return to acting with filmmaker Hansal Mehta’s upcoming series. In a candid conversation with Hindustan Times, she reflected on the emotional journey that brought her back — and the love she refused to give up on.

Rhea revealed that letting go of her long-held dream of acting was one of the most difficult phases of her life. “Letting go of this dream of acting, which I had worked towards for over a decade, took many sessions of therapy. I had to stop thinking about it because I couldn’t have it; I didn’t get acting opportunities,” she shared. The actress admitted that she initially declined the offer for the series, convinced she had left acting behind.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Rhea Chakraborty (@rhea_chakraborty)

However, Hansal Mehta and the writer encouraged her to reconsider. “They asked me what was stopping me. I told them I had left acting and they said that’s all the more reason I should do it,” she recalled. Their reassurance helped her take the leap. “Now I’m glad I said yes. It was different coming on set — such a long life has been lived in the last seven years. It’s like cycling, something you never forget.”

Beyond her professional struggles, Rhea became emotional speaking about the women who stood by her during her darkest days. She credited her close friends, particularly singer-actor Shibani Dandekar, for unwavering support. Calling Shibani “like a sister,” Rhea revealed that her friend even lost brand endorsements for publicly supporting her — something Rhea only discovered later.

“On one hand I saw the worst side of humans, but on the other side I experienced the most beautiful side of humanity,” she said.

Despite the pain of the past, Rhea insists she has not become jaded. “Therapy saved my life… I swore no matter where life takes me I will never be jaded. I still believe in love — it’s beautiful, powerful, and love is the answer.”

Veteran actor Sanjay Mishra, one of the most respected performers in the Indian film industry, recently showered heartfelt praise on Babil Khan during a chat show while promoting their newly released film Vadh 2. What truly caught everyone’s attention, however, was Mishra’s striking comparison of Babil to his late father, the legendary Irrfan Khan — a remark that instantly sparked admiration and nostalgia among fans.

During the candid conversation, when Babil Khan’s name came up, Sanjay Mishra couldn’t help but smile as he spoke warmly about the young actor. In his trademark honest and unfiltered style, Mishra said, “Bada cute lagta hai yaar. Kabhi kabar lagta hai young Irrfan bhai, NSD wale.”

The statement may sound simple, but coming from an actor of Mishra’s calibre, it carries immense weight. Mishra has shared screen space with some of the finest actors across generations and has witnessed Indian cinema evolve up close. His comparison instantly drew attention because Irrfan Khan is widely regarded as one of the greatest actors India has ever produced.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Babil (@babil.i.k)

Irrfan’s early years, especially his time at the National School of Drama (NSD), are often remembered for his raw honesty, emotional depth, and quiet intensity — qualities that later defined his iconic performances in both Indian and international cinema. By referencing “NSD wale Irrfan,” Mishra wasn’t just talking about resemblance, but about the sincerity and natural screen presence that Babil seems to carry.

Babil Khan, who has been steadily carving his own path in the industry, has often spoken about the responsibility of living up to his father’s legacy while also wanting to be seen as his own person. His performances so far have reflected sensitivity, restraint, and emotional authenticity — traits that audiences deeply associate with Irrfan Khan.

Sanjay Mishra’s words have resonated strongly with fans, many of whom feel that Babil brings back glimpses of Irrfan’s early charm without imitation. The comparison feels less like pressure and more like a blessing — a gentle acknowledgment that talent, grace, and sincerity may indeed run in the family.

As Babil continues his journey, praise like this from industry veterans only strengthens the belief that Indian cinema may be witnessing the rise of another deeply soulful actor.