Independence day 2026: Yash, Akshay Kumar, Priyanka Chopra, Ajay Devgn and other stars share patriotic wishes

India's marking its 80th Independence Day today, August 15. All across the film world, stars are jumping in to celebrate, sharing warm messages with their fellow citizens. You see Yash, Akshay Kumar, Priyanka Chopra, Farhan Akhtar, Ajay Devgn, Varun Dhawan, all dropping patriotic wishes online, looking back at India's journey.

Yash, Akshay Kumar Share Independence Day Wishes

Yash, who's getting ready for his new film Toxic: A Fairy Tale For Grown-Ups, posted on Insta, "Today, we celebrate those who fought for it, and recommit to building the future they imagined. Happy Independence Day!" Varun Dhawan went heartfelt too, celebrating freedom and remembering the heroes who made it possible. He wrote, "Tod ke zanjeeren ghulami ki, aaj hum azaadi ki saansein lete hain, yaad karke un veeron ko, shaan se kehta is desh ka har insaan hai - mera Bharat mahaan hai!"

Priyanka Chopra simply shared a snapshot of the Indian flag, and reflected on how much the country has grown and her hopes for the future. Suniel Shetty had his own tribute, posting a photo holding the Tricolour and saying, "Every time the Tiranga goes up, the heart somehow stands a little taller."

Farhan Akhtar Pays Tribute To Rabindranath Tagore

Farhan Akhtar mixed things up, quoting Rabindranath Tagore's classic "Where The Mind Is Without Fear." He wrote, "Where the mind is led forward by thee into ever-widening thought and action Into that heaven of freedom, my Father, let my country awake. Happy Independence Day." Farhan's post really goes beyond independence, pointing to a future full of new possibilities.

Akshay Kumar chimed in with a message in Hindi, hoping the Tricolour always shines bright and every heart stays full of hope. He wished everyone a happy Independence Day, just like so many others in the industry.

Patriotic Films To Watch On Independence Day

On this day, it's also a good day to revist up some patriotic films. You can't go wrong with Rang De Basanti or Lakshya, stories that stir up patriotism and courage. Films like Gunjan Saxena: The Kargil Girl, Uri: The Surgical Strike, Shershaah, Sky Force, and Dhurandhar 1 and 2 are all worth revisiting. All in all, as India celebrates its 80th Independence Day, these messages from celebrities remind everyone just how much was sacrificed for freedom and how much responsibility comes with keeping the nation's hopes alive.

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Yash BREAKS silence on Toxic controversy, says 'Maine toh kiss bhi nahi kiya'

Yash finally spoke up about the criticism around Toxic: A Fairytale For Grown-Ups especially all the talk about its depiction of women and allegations of vulgarity. The KGF star insists there's a lot more going on beneath the surface and says the movie is really aimed at the questions Gen-Z is raising. Ever since the teaser for Toxic landed, people haven't stopped talking. Some are upset about how women are portrayed, others have focused on the film's bold visuals, especially the Tabaahi song with Yash and Kiara Advani. The action drama's teaser and promos keep sparking debates online.

Yash Reacts To Toxic 'Vulgarity' Backlash

During his recent appearance on Aap Ki Adaalat, Yash didn't dodge the tough questions. He was asked directly about the controversies: the supposed vulgarity, the way women and intimate scenes are handled. Yash responded with, "Vulgarity is wrong. Maine toh kiss bhi nahi kiya hain, agar aapne dekha hoga toh." He made it clear that filmmakers need to walk a fine line when tackling these kinds of themes. Yash believes Toxic was shot tastefully and that the emotional punch of each scene comes down to creative choices. He emphasized that there's a purpose behind the film, emotions are key to understanding what it's really about. He also said viewers should wait until they've seen the full movie before jumping to conclusions based on the teasers or songs.

Yash Explains The Film's Core Theme

Yash describes Toxic as a Gen-Z film at heart. He says it dives into the big questions younger people are asking, stuff about societal expectations and how the older generation views things. The movie is centered on Gen-Z's conversations, their push-back against old rules, and their search for answers. Yash insists Toxic isn't just shock value; it's about the clash between generations and the complicated reasons behind society's rules.

Toxic Release Date, Cast And More

Toxic: A Fairytale For Grown-Ups is directed by Geethu Mohandas, with Yash leading the cast. Kiara Advani, Nayanthara, Tara Sutaria, Rukmini Vasanth, and Huma Qureshi all play major roles. After plenty of delays, the film is set to hit theaters on August 26, 2026, in both Kannada and English. It's got an 'A' certificate from India's CBFC and clocks in at just over three hours.

With the controversy still swirling around its teaser and songs, everyone's watching to see if Toxic really delivers on the ambitious vision Yash keeps talking about. Guess we'll find out soon enough.

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Vijay celebrates FIRST Independence Day as Tamil Nadu CM, Trisha Krishnan attends Ceremony with mother

Tamil Nadu's Chief Minister and actor Vijay marked his first Independence Day ceremony as Chief Minister this August 15, 2026, at Fort St. George in Chennai. The celebrations, now visible online, showcased Vijay saluting during the parade and hosting the national flag. Actress Trisha Krishnan joined the ceremonies too, showing up with her mother. During the event, Sun News covered Vijay's salute and his role in the Independence Day events. He showed up at the parade, and soon after, shifted to the main event at Fort St. George.

Besides Vijay, other actors like S.A. Chandrasekhar and Shoba Chandrasekhar attended as well. Trisha stayed for the festivities with her mother. She really seemed to make it a family affair. After the parade wrapped up, Vijay kept things moving with a speech. The ceremony even featured the release of his final film as an actor: Jana Nayagan. H Vinoth directed it, and the film is already getting talked about, with screenings planned in key spots. Reports say the box office is standing strong, with the film bringing in over Rs 198 crore.

Overall, Vijay's first Independence Day as Chief Minister had everything. The whole thing felt less like an official ceremony and more like a reunion.

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Lalit Modi DENIES Bigg Boss 20 participation, calls reports “fake news” and issues legal notice

Reports claiming that IPL founder and businessman Lalit Modi will enter the Bigg Boss 20 house have been denied by Modi, who has also issued a legal notice to publications and social media accounts that carried the claim. The clarification came a day after several social media accounts reported his alleged participation in the upcoming season of the Salman Khan-hosted reality show.

Taking to X early on Saturday morning, Modi categorically rejected the reports and said he has neither been approached for the show nor intends to participate in it.

“FAKE NEWS. PERIOD. I have NOT been approached for Bigg Boss 20. I am NOT participating in Bigg Boss 20. And I have NO intention of doing so. Amazing how a completely fabricated story can become ‘news’ without anyone bothering to ask the person concerned,” he wrote.

Modi also shared a legal notice issued by his lawyers, Hirani & Associates, and warned the publications and social media accounts that had carried the reports. “Perhaps next time, verify before you publish,” he added.

According to the legal notice, the reports suggesting that Modi had been signed as a contestant on Bigg Boss 20 are “false, baseless and mischievous.” His lawyers further clarified that Modi had not been approached by the show's producers, broadcasters, channel or any representative associated with the programme.

FAKE NEWS. PERIOD. I have NOT been approached for Bigg Boss 20. I am NOT participating in Bigg Boss 20. And I have NO intention of doing so.

Amazing how a completely fabricated story can become “news” without anyone bothering to ask the person concerned.

My lawyers have issued… pic.twitter.com/DUQZUbqUYn

— Lalit Kumar Modi (@LalitKModi) August 14, 2026

“Our Client hereby clarifies that the said reports are false, baseless and mischievous. Our Client has not been approached by the producers, broadcasters, channel or any representative of the said Programme; no person has been authorised to represent our Client or to hold out on his behalf in respect thereof; and our Client has not consented to, and has no intention of, participating in or being associated with the said Programme in any manner whatsoever,” the notice stated.

The legal notice also pointed out that Modi had not confirmed his alleged participation to any publication. It stated that the reports were published without verification or authorisation and objected to the use of Modi's name, image, photograph, likeness, voice and other personality attributes to suggest an association with Bigg Boss 20.

Meanwhile, anticipation around the 20th season of Bigg Boss continues to build. Salman Khan is returning as the host, with the Hindi edition scheduled to premiere on September 6 on JioHotstar and Colors. The show's first trailer has already teased a new format element, with Salman introducing an additional ‘jeevan daan’, or lifeline, for contestants.

Also Read: Is Elnaaz Norouzi entering Bigg Boss 20? Here’s what we know

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Batwara 1947 X review: Sunny Deol's partition drama WINS praise for powerful performance

Batwara 1947 X review: Rajkumar Santoshi and Sunny Deol's partition drama Batwara 1947 hit the theatres today, August 14. The film, produced by Aamir Khan Productions, is set in Lahore during India's partition and the separation of Punjab in 1947. Let's see what the early patterns tell us about the film's box office success.

Batwara 1947 Twitter review

Fans of Sunny Deol flocked to cinemas on the opening day of Batwara 1947. Taran Adarsh, a well-known film critic and trade expert, posted on X (previously called Twitter): "The #SunnyDeol - #RajkumarSantoshi combo gets it right yet again... Unconventional plot, strong emotions, power-packed performances are its USPs... Carries a strong, pertinent message. #Batwara1947Review"

#OneWordReview...#Batwara1947: POWERFUL.

Rating:

The #SunnyDeol - #RajkumarSantoshi combo gets it right yet again... Unconventional plot, strong emotions, power-packed performances are its USPs... Carries a strong, pertinent message. #Batwara1947Review

Based on pic.twitter.com/3AR0ONbdgA

taran adarsh (@taran_adarsh) August 14, 2026

Meanwhile, filmmaker Ramesh Taurani shared his review after watching the special screening ahead of the movie release. He took to Instagram and wrote, "Batwara 1947 is a deeply sensitive, moving and truly humanity-glorifying film that deserves to be watched First Day, First Show. It is a powerful reminder of the resilience of the human spirit and the importance of compassion, especially during the darkest chapters of our history."

He added, "@iamsunnydeol delivers a terrific and deeply impactful performance. And what a joy it is to see @realpz doing what she does best on the big screen. @azmishabana18, @alifazal9 and @imkarandeol are all exceptional in their respective roles, bringing such depth, intensity and authenticity to the film. @abhimanyusingh.44 is terrific as the villain, creating a character that is both compelling and deeply unsettling."

"Kudos to @rajkumarsantoshi.official for once again telling a story that strikes an emotional chord with audiences. His ability to bring humanity, emotion and heart to his films is truly special. Congratulations to @aparnapurohit and @aamirkhanproductions for producing this incredible film. A beautifully made film with a powerful message Batwara 1947 is a must-watch. #batwara1947 #aamirkhan."

About Batwara 1947

Sunny Deol, Preity Zinta, Shabana Azmi, Karan Deol, Ali Fazal, Abhimanyu Singh, Khushi Hajare, Kanikka Kapur, and Isha Sandhir co-star in the film. The movie is based on Asghar Wajahat's play Jis Lahore Nai Vekhya, O Jamya E Nai. This is believed to be Preity Zinta's return film after an eight-year absence.

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Awarapan 2 X review: Could Emraan Hashmi as Shivam Pandit bring back the old charm? Here's what netizens think

Awarapan 2 X review: Emraan Hashmi is back on the big screen as Shivam Pandit in Awarapan 2, the much-awaited sequel to the 2007 cult favourite Awarapan. The film hit theatres on August 14 and had already created plenty of buzz ahead of its release, thanks to the renewed popularity of its music and strong advance bookings.

The first-day, first-show reactions have now started pouring in on X, and the response so far appears to be mixed.

Awarapan 2 Twitter review

One viewer praised the film's opening, writing, "Bhai Starting k 20 Min hi Itne Engagging Hai Aap Emotionally Shivam Pandit k Saath Connect Ho Jaoge."

Bhai Starting k 20 Min hi Itne Engagging Hai Aap Emotionally Shivam Pandit k Saath Connect Ho Jaoge??????????????? #Emraanhashmi #Awarapan2 #trending pic.twitter.com/bcCx4PntgS

VASU KAPOOR ( Filmydunniyaaa ) (@moviereview1684) August 14, 2026

Another viewer who watched the film at PVR Lido praised its first half, calling it a mix of excitement, emotion, action and suspense. According to the reaction, the film manages to keep the audience engaged while gradually building tension towards the interval.

An X user also gave Awarapan 2 a strong 4/5 rating, suggesting that the sequel delivers an entertaining experience on the big screen.

Attended Screening #Awarapan2 At Pvr Lido Movie Review

Verdict :- Power Packed

Rating :- 4 / 5

Read Full Movie Review Here ? @emraanhashmi @DishPatani @VisheshB7 @VisheshFilms @AmaalMallik @nitinrkakkar #EmraanHashmi

Review By

Kuldeep Gadhvi pic.twitter.com/BxyaCuv2C0

Kuldeep Gadhvi (@kuldeepgadhvi70) August 13, 2026

Awarapan 2 didn't entirely impress audience?

However, the film hasn't impressed everyone. Some viewers felt that the sequel leans too heavily on nostalgia instead of bringing something new to the table. The music has also received criticism, with a section of the audience saying it does not have the same emotional impact or soul as the original.

Interestingly, Emraan Hashmi's performance appears to be one of the film's strongest points. Even viewers who weren't completely satisfied with the sequel's overall execution have praised the actor for his performance as Shivam Pandit.

Awarapan 2 box office prediction

Early trade estimates suggest that Awarapan 2 could have a strong opening at the box office. Preliminary data from Sacnilk indicates that the film could target around 20 crore on its opening day, while its advance bookings had already generated considerable interest before release.

Awarapan 2 opens up with mixed reactions

Based on the early reactions on X, Awarapan 2 currently has a mixed response. Emraan Hashmi's performance, along with the action and suspense, is winning praise, while the story and music appear to be dividing viewers. It is still too early to label the film a hit or a miss. The audience response over the opening weekend will give a clearer picture of whether Awarapan 2 can live up to the legacy of its predecessor.

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EXCLUSIVE: Scam 1992 writer Sumit Purohit to co-direct Scam 2010 with Hansal Mehta; shooting underway

In 2020, Hansal Mehta made his digital debut with Scam 1992: The Harshad Mehta Story, a biographical financial thriller that became a groundbreaking success for SonyLIV and one of the most acclaimed Indian web series of its time. Mehta directed the Pratik Gandhi-led show with his filmmaker son Jai Mehta. Three years later, the franchise returned with Scam 2003: The Telgi Story; however, Hansal served only as showrunner, handing over directorial duties to Tushar Hiranandani. As the third season of the franchise, Scam 2010, takes shape, Hansal is set to return to the director’s chair, this time alongside a new co-director.

Bollywood Hungama has exclusively learned that Sumit Purohit will co-direct Scam 2010 with Hansal Mehta. Purohit was among the writers of the first season and is intimately familiar with the franchise’s tone and storytelling approach, making him a natural fit for the job. The screenwriter made his directorial debut with the espionage thriller series Saare Jahan Se Accha and has also directed the satirical comedy-drama Baaghi Bechare, starring Pratik Gandhi, Abhishek Banerjee and Faisal Malik, which is yet to be released. Scam 2010 will mark a significant step forward for Purohit as he transitions from writer on the first season to co-director of the third instalment.

Scam 2010 delves into the financial scandals surrounding maverick businessman Subrata Roy of Sahara India Pariwar. Marathi actor Siddharth Bodke (Devmanus, Drishyam 2) essays the role of Roy, while Kritika Singh (Rangbaaz), Moon Banerjee and CID fame Aditya Srivastava round out the principal cast. The show went on floors in late May and has since been shot across multiple locations, including Lucknow, Kanpur, Delhi, Mumbai and Dehradun. The series is expected to wrap production by mid-September, with a global premiere on SonyLIV targeted for early 2027.

Produced by Applause Entertainment and Birla Studios, Scam 2010 will chronicle the meteoric rise of Roy’s vast business empire and the prolonged legal battles that followed. Based on Tamal Bandyopadhyay’s 2014 book Sahara: The Untold Story, the new season will explore the contradictions in Roy’s public image while examining the complex intersections of markets, governance and accountability in modern Indian finance.

Also Read: Scam 2010 begins production: Hansal Mehta to direct Siddharth Bodke in new chapter

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Awarapan 2 Box Office collection day 1: Emraan Hashmi's film races AHEAD of Sunny Deol's Batwara 1947

Awarapan 2 box office collection day 1: Emraan Hashmi's Awarapan 2 has hit the theatres today, August 14, and is clashing with Sunny Deol's Batwara 1947. According to preliminary estimates, gross advance bookings for Awarapan 2 on its opening day across the three main cinema chains were about Rs 8.57 crore. The overall advance-booking income for the movie has surpassed Rs 10 crore, including blocked tickets. As a result, the movie is expected to make about Rs 11.36 crore in advance bookings. This amount might increase with spot reservations and positive word-of-mouth.

In terms of the final advance-booking volume, the pre-sales placed Awarapan 2 ahead of a number of recent Hindi releases, including Housefull 5, Shaitaan, and Raid 2.

Awarapan 2 box office collection day 1

As of Day 1, Awarapan 2 is currently running across 742 shows and has collected a net of Rs 0.46 crore, according to Sacnilk's early estimates. This brings total India gross collections to Rs 0.54 crore and total India net to Rs 0.46 crore so far, with India final collections yet to be reported.

Batwara 1947 advance booking

The historical drama, starring Sunny Deol in the lead, received an estimated Rs 1.76 crore in total advance bookings on Day 1. Including blocked seats, the price has grown to over Rs 4.21 crore.

This puts Batwara 1947 well behind Awarapan 2 in terms of reported pre-release bookings. Hollywood flicks such as Tom Holland's Spider-Man: Brand New Day and Anne Hathaway's The End of Oak Street will also compete with the two.

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