The screening of Ikkis, the final film of legendary actor Dharmendra, turned into an emotional evening as Bobby Deol arrived with his family to pay tribute to the iconic star. Ahead of the film’s theatrical release on January 1, 2026, the Deol family made a rare public appearance together, drawing immense attention from fans and paparazzi alike.

Bobby Deol was spotted entering the venue first, dressed in a crisp white shirt with a printed design paired with black trousers. He was followed by his wife, Tanya Deol, who kept it elegant in a black outfit, and their son, Aaryaman Deol, who opted for a formal white shirt and black pants. Joining them was cousin Abhay Deol, who added a casual touch in a T-shirt layered with a jacket and blue denim jeans. The family briefly posed together for photographs, sharing a quiet yet powerful moment before heading inside. Before disappearing into the venue, Bobby flashed a thumbs-up and thanked the paparazzi, a gesture that quickly went viral online.

Several Bollywood heavyweights attended the screening, including Sunny Deol, Salman Khan, and Rekha, making the evening a star-studded yet deeply emotional affair. Directed by Sriram Raghavan and produced by Maddock Films, Ikkis marks Dharmendra’s posthumous screen appearance. The film also stars Agastya Nanda and Jaideep Ahlawat in pivotal roles.

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Affectionately called the “He-Man of Bollywood,” Dharmendra passed away on November 24 at the age of 89, just days before he would have turned 90. His passing left a void in Indian cinema, making Ikkis not just a film but a heartfelt farewell to a towering legend.

Recently, Sunny Deol shared a behind-the-scenes video from the sets of Ikkis, captured on Dharmendra’s last day of shooting. In the clip, the veteran actor expressed gratitude to the team and filmmaker Sriram Raghavan, calling the experience joyful yet bittersweet. Sunny accompanied the video with an emotional note, urging audiences to celebrate his father’s legacy in cinemas this New Year.

Ikkis tells the inspiring story of Second Lieutenant Arun Khetarpal, focusing on the historic Battle of Basantar during the 1971 India-Pakistan War. The title reflects the young officer’s age at the time of his martyrdom, adding further emotional weight to Dharmendra’s final cinematic journey.

A single YouTube thumbnail was enough to spark a major social media controversy. Popular content creator Dhruv Rathee recently found himself at the centre of an online storm after using a before-and-after image of actor Janhvi Kapoor in the thumbnail of a video that discussed the concept of “fake beauty” and cosmetic enhancements. What began as criticism over the thumbnail soon escalated when several social media users claimed that Rathee’s video was a targeted response to Janhvi’s recent post supporting Hindus in Bangladesh.

As the narrative gained traction across platforms, Rathee addressed the controversy in a follow-up video, firmly dismissing the claims as misleading and illogical. He directly responded to a viral post accusing him of deliberately attacking Janhvi Kapoor, questioning why people were accepting such conclusions without basic reasoning.

Rathee pointed out that the timeline itself made the accusations unrealistic. He explained that his video, which runs over 30 minutes, was uploaded on the same day Janhvi shared her post. Emphasising the impracticality of scripting, recording, editing, and publishing a detailed video within such a short span solely as a reaction, he asked viewers to apply simple logic before believing social media narratives.

He also rejected the idea that he would criticise someone for speaking out on the issue of Bangladeshi Hindus. Rathee reminded viewers that he has himself created content addressing the same topic in the past. According to him, it would make little sense for him to oppose a stance he personally supports. He reiterated that he prefers direct communication and does not engage in indirect attacks or hidden messaging.

Clarifying the intent of the video, Rathee stressed that the discussion focused on plastic surgery, beauty standards, and their broader impact on society. He stated that the video did not question or criticise Janhvi Kapoor personally and that her image was used only as part of a larger conversation around public perception and cosmetic procedures. He added that throughout the video, he did not pose any questions to Janhvi or comment on her political views.

Following his clarification, the speculation began to slow, though the episode once again highlighted how quickly online debates can spiral based on assumptions. The controversy also reinforced Rathee’s position as one of the most polarising digital voices in India—someone whose content often triggers strong reactions across ideological lines.

Beyond the controversy, Dhruv Rathee’s journey as a creator has been shaped by a long-standing interest in storytelling, travel, and public affairs. Born in 1994 in Rohtak, Haryana, Rathee grew up in a middle-class family. His mother worked as a school teacher, while his father was an engineer. His early years were marked by frequent travel within India, which later expanded internationally when his father took up work in Malaysia.

It was during a visit to Malaysia in 2003 that Rathee first picked up a camera and recorded his earliest video. Though small and informal, the experience left a lasting impression and planted the seeds for what would eventually become a career in content creation.

As a teenager, Rathee’s interests evolved significantly. While he initially enjoyed animation and detective stories, his curiosity gradually shifted toward documentaries, global issues, and current affairs. A defining moment came in 2011 during the Anna Hazare-led anti-corruption movement. Witnessing the scale of public mobilisation and debate sparked his interest in politics, governance, and accountability.

Rathee later moved to Germany for higher education, enrolling at the Karlsruhe Institute of Technology. He completed a Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, followed by a Master’s degree in Renewable Energy in 2018. Despite his technical academic background, his passion for understanding economic systems and political structures continued to grow alongside his studies.

To deepen his understanding of these subjects, Rathee went on to pursue a second bachelor’s degree in economics and political science. Over time, he combined his academic learning with digital storytelling, using online platforms to explain complex issues in accessible formats.

The recent thumbnail controversy serves as another reminder of how visual elements and assumptions can overshadow content intent in the age of social media. While Rathee’s clarification may have slowed the backlash, the incident reflects the broader dynamics of online discourse, where narratives can form rapidly and facts often struggle to catch up.

The upcoming instalment of the popular Drishyam franchise has been surrounded by controversy following actor Akshaye Khanna’s sudden exit from Drishyam 3. Addressing the speculation and confusion surrounding the casting changes, director Abhishek Pathak has now clarified whether Jaideep Ahlawat will replace Akshaye in the film and shed light on what led to the unexpected departure.

In a recent conversation with The Times of India, Abhishek Pathak made it clear that while Jaideep Ahlawat is indeed part of Drishyam 3, he is not stepping into Akshaye Khanna’s role. “No, Jaideep is not replacing Akshaye. I’m writing a new character,” the director stated, putting an end to rumours that had been circulating on social media and in trade circles.

Abhishek also spoke in detail about the circumstances surrounding Akshaye Khanna’s exit from the project. According to him, the actor walked out just days before the film was set to go on floors, despite having formally committed to the project. “All this happened after the contract was signed in November. He left the movie five days before it was going on the floors,” Abhishek revealed.

The director explained that by the time Akshaye exited, several pre-production steps had already been completed. The character’s look had been finalized, costumes were in the process of being made, and full narrations had already taken place. Abhishek added that Akshaye had loved the script and the direction in which the story was heading, making the sudden withdrawal even more unexpected.

Delving deeper into the creative disagreement, Abhishek said that Drishyam 3 picks up exactly from where the previous film ended. This continuity posed a challenge due to Akshaye’s appearance requirements. “My film starts from the point where it ended. I couldn’t have him in the courtroom in the afternoon and in the evening he comes back with hair. How is it possible?” the director said, explaining the logistical and narrative inconsistency he discussed with the actor while trying to convince him to stay on.

Meanwhile, producer Kumar Mangat Pathak had earlier shared his version of the situation in an interview with news agency ANI. He confirmed that Jaideep Ahlawat has been brought on board in a newly conceptualised role that reworks the dramatic function originally intended for Akshaye’s character. “We have cast Jaideep Ahlawat. We have added a new character. He is doing it now. He will do what Akshaye was doing, but he will come in a new form. We are presenting him in a very good way,” the producer said.

Despite these clarifications, the controversy has escalated into a legal dispute. Kumar Mangat Pathak reportedly sent a legal notice to Akshaye Khanna, accusing him of backing out of Drishyam 3 after accepting the signing amount and committing his dates to the project. The producers have allegedly sought compensation, citing financial losses incurred due to the actor’s abrupt exit at a critical stage of production.

As of now, Akshaye Khanna has not issued any public statement responding to the allegations or the legal notice. His silence has only added to the speculation surrounding the fallout, with fans and industry insiders closely watching how the situation unfolds.

Despite the casting shake-up, Drishyam 3 remains one of the most anticipated films in Bollywood. The movie is scheduled for a worldwide theatrical release on October 2, 2026. Ajay Devgn will once again headline the film as Vijay Salgaonkar, a character that has become iconic for his calm intelligence and moral strength.

Vijay Salgaonkar is portrayed as a simple, middle-class man who takes on powerful forces not through aggression or violence, but with sharp wit, unwavering determination, and deep love for his family. Ajay Devgn’s performance in the earlier films was widely praised, and expectations are high for the third instalment.

The original ensemble cast, including Tabu, Shriya Saran, and Rajat Kapoor, will reprise their roles, ensuring continuity in the story’s emotional and dramatic arcs. The makers have hinted that Drishyam 3 will take the narrative to a new level, promising intense courtroom drama, psychological tension, and unexpected twists.

With Jaideep Ahlawat joining the franchise in a newly written role and the core cast returning, the filmmakers aim to deliver yet another edge-of-the-seat thriller. While the controversy surrounding Akshaye Khanna’s exit has drawn attention, the focus now shifts to whether Drishyam 3 can live up to the high standards set by its predecessors.

Actor Akshay Kumar never misses a chance to mix humour with heartfelt emotion, and his latest Instagram post for wife Twinkle Khanna’s 52nd birthday is proof. On Monday evening, Akshay shared a quirky photograph of the two that instantly caught fans’ attention, paired with a witty caption that perfectly reflected their much-loved sense of humour.

The photo shows Twinkle Khanna pulling off what appears to be a playful stunt. With a serious, almost stern expression on her face, she is seen aiming her leg at Akshay, while the actor laughs uncontrollably and holds onto her foot. The contrast in their expressions adds to the comic charm of the moment. Both Akshay and Twinkle are dressed in black outfits, twinning effortlessly, though Twinkle layered her look with a beige sweater, adding a casual yet stylish touch.

Sharing the image, Akshay teased his wife in a way only he could. His caption read, “Behind every action hero is a wife who can knock him out with one look, or one kick. Mrs Funnybones, you still hit me harder than any stunt ever did. Happy Birthday, love you,” followed by heart and cake emojis. The reference to Twinkle’s popular nickname, “Mrs Funnybones,” made the post even more personal and endearing.

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As expected, the post quickly drew reactions from fans and fellow Instagram users, who couldn’t get enough of the couple’s playful chemistry. One fan commented, “Hahahaha, this is too funny! Twinkle and Akshay’s expressions are poles apart.” Another wrote, “Their sense of humour is pure gold.” Several users also expressed their wish to see the duo share screen space again, with one comment reading, “A movie starring both of them in action roles will be iconic.”

Akshay Kumar and Twinkle Khanna have long been admired as one of Bollywood’s most grounded and relatable celebrity couples. The two tied the knot in January 2001 and have been going strong for over two decades. They are parents to two children—son Aarav and daughter Nitara—and have often spoken about prioritising family life despite their demanding professional commitments.

Twinkle Khanna, who began her career as an actor, later transitioned into writing and established herself as a successful author and columnist. She released her first non-fiction book, Mrs Funnybones, in 2015, which received widespread appreciation for its candid, humorous take on life, marriage, and society. She went on to author The Legend of Lakshmi Prasad, Pyjamas Are Forgiving, and Welcome to Paradise, further cementing her reputation as a sharp, witty voice in Indian literature.

On the professional front, Akshay Kumar has a packed slate of films lined up. Fans will next see him in Bhooth Bangla, directed by Priyadarshan. The film also stars Tabu and Paresh Rawal and marks yet another collaboration between Akshay and the veteran filmmaker. Produced by Shobha Kapoor and Ekta Kapoor’s Balaji Telefilms along with Akshay’s Cape of Good Films, Bhooth Bangla is slated for a theatrical release on April 2, 2026. Actress Wamiqa Gabbi is rumoured to play a significant role in the film.

In addition to this, Akshay has Welcome to the Jungle and the much-anticipated Hera Pheri 3 in the pipeline, both of which have generated considerable buzz among fans. His collaboration streak with Priyadarshan continues with Haiwaan, a film that also stars Saif Ali Khan. Produced by KVN Productions in association with Thespian Films, the project is jointly backed by Venkat K Narayana and Shailaja Desai Fenn. Actress Sayami Kher will also play a key role in the film, which is expected to hit theatres in 2026.

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With his humorous birthday post, Akshay once again reminded fans why his relationship with Twinkle Khanna stands out—rooted in laughter, respect, and an easy camaraderie that continues to charm audiences both on and off screen.