Ram Kamal Mukherjee wins Best Director at the 11th International Indian Film Festival of Toronto for Lokkhikantopur Local

Bollywood filmmaker Ram Kamal Mukherjee has added another prestigious accolade to his cinematic journey, winning the Best Director Award at the International Indian Film Festival of Toronto (IIFFT) for his Bengali film Lokkhikantopur Local.

The recognition places Mukherjee alongside noted veteran Bollywood filmmaker Kabir Khan, who also received the Best Director honour for his acclaimed film Chandu Champion, starring Kartik Aaryan. This latest achievement marks another significant milestone for Mukherjee, who won his first National Film Award in 2023 for his Hindi short film Ek Duaa. With Lokkhikantopur Local, the filmmaker continues to make his mark through stories rooted in Indian realities and human emotions.

Sharing his happiness, Ram Kamal Mukherjee said, “Every award is special, but international recognition for a story told in my mother tongue makes it even more emotional. Lokkhikantopur Local is very close to my heart. It celebrates the people, places, and stories that often remain unnoticed but are deeply woven into the fabric of our lives. To have this film recognised on an international platform is truly overwhelming. Sharing this honour with a filmmaker of Kabir Khan's stature makes the moment even more special. I remember interviewing Kabir when I was working with Stardust. He is a brilliant storyteller. I dedicate this award to my producer Sangita Sinha and my entire directorial team who had faith in my vision, and the jury members at IIFFT for evaluating this film in the same light as a mega-star Kartik Aaryan film like Chandu Champion; this gives me hope that good content will always find its own audience.”

From winning a National Film Award for Ek Duaa to receiving international recognition for Lokkhikantopur Local, Ram Kamal Mukherjee's journey is a testament to his commitment to meaningful storytelling and cinema that transcends geographical and linguistic boundaries.

The film is produced by Sangita Sinha under the banner of Angel Creations. “I am extremely proud of my director Ram Kamal dada for winning this prestigious award in Toronto. The competition was tough, as regional cinema comes with a lot of financial restrictions, but still, on the basis of pure content and performance, the film won hearts,” says Sangita Sinha, who also plays a pivotal role as an actor in Lokkhikantopur Local.

The film stars Rituparna Sengupta, Paoli Dam, Kaushik Ganguly, Indraneil Sengupta, Chandrayee Ghosh, Sayani Ghosh, John Bhattacharya, Rajnandini Paul, and Debashish Mondal.

“I am delighted to know that Ram Kamal won the Best Director Award at IIFFT, and he is definitely deserving. His craft has been well appreciated by national and international cine-connoisseurs since his debut film, Cakewalk. This was my first association with Ram Kamal, and the way he weaved in the character of Labanya with Utpal (Kaushik Ganguly) and Kalyani (Paoli Dam) in the multilayered plot shows his credentials as a filmmaker,” says Bengal's iconic female superstar, Rituparna Sengupta.

The film also won Best Supporting Actress (Chandrayee Ghosh) at West Bengal Film Journalists Awards 2026.

Also Read: Rian Mukherjee wins Best Child Actor at Los Angeles Film Awards 2026 for Hindi film Manzil

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Aditya Roy Kapur and Tara Sutaria's film with Milap Zaveri titled Parwana

Aditya Roy Kapur and Tara Sutaria are set to share screen space for the first time in filmmaker Milap Zaveri's upcoming film, titled Parwana. Described as an intense musical love story, the project marks a new on-screen pairing for the actors. The film will also hold special significance for Zaveri, as he has decided to dedicate it to filmmaker Sanjay Gupta, who passed away recently.

While Parwana marks Tara Sutaria's first collaboration with Aditya Roy Kapur, it also reunites her with Milap Zaveri after their 2019 film Marjaavaan. The upcoming project is expected to explore an intense romantic narrative with music playing a central role.

Milap Zaveri dedicates Parwana to Sanjay Gupta

Speaking about his association with Sanjay Gupta, Milap Zaveri recalled meeting the filmmaker just days before his demise. During their conversation, Zaveri had shared the title of his upcoming film with him, which brought back a personal connection for Gupta.

According to Variety India, Milap said, “We met 10 days ago and I told you the title of my next film. And you jumped in joy and said ‘Milap. The original film with the same title was produced by my father!”

Recalling the filmmaker's reaction, Zaveri added, “The joy I felt at that moment and the pride you felt in me is indescribable,” while confirming that he would dedicate the film to his “Guruji.”

Milap Zaveri and Sanjay Gupta's professional association

Sanjay Gupta played an important role in Milap Zaveri's journey as a filmmaker and writer. Their association extended beyond their professional commitments, with the two sharing a long-standing creative bond. Zaveri worked as a dialogue writer on Gupta's Kaante. Their collaboration continued with projects such as Musafir, Shootout At Lokhandwala and Shootout At Wadala.

Also Read : Tara Sutaria joins Aditya Roy Kapur in Bhushan Kumar’s intense musical love story

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SCOOP: 'King Akela Hi Kaafi Hai'! Shah Rukh Khan's King seeks MORE screens than Avengers, Dune and Jumanji COMBINED this Christmas

While the pre-release heat of Ramayana is at an all time high, the exhibitors are already gearing up for the clash of titans during the Christmas season as Avengers: Doomsday is gearing up to take on King at the box office. According to reliable sources, Disney has already started booking screens for the superhero epic crossover film in India.

"Disney is aiming to sign a strict contract, which promises a specified number of shows for their superhero saga on Christmas Day. The exhibitors too are bullish on the film, and are figuring out how to ensure fair showcasing to the Hollywood Biggie in the Holiday period," a source told Bollywood Hungama.

On the flip side, Pen Marudhar, too, has reached out to distributors to secure a wide release for King this Christmas. "King marks Shah Rukh Khan's return to the big screen after three years, and the idea is to showcase the film on every possible screen. Pen Marudhar has reached out to exhibitors to ensure a wide release for King on December 24. They have asked them to work out a showcasing strategy that prioritises King over Avengers, Dune and Jumanji combined, as 'King Akela Hi Kaafi Hai'. It's going to be a war between Disney and Pen Marudhar, as both parties are determined to secure the widest possible showcasing," the source further told Bollywood Hungama.

The source concludes that all the exhibitors are prepared to spend their Christmas negotiating with the two distributors. While King is slated to release on December 24, 2026, Avengers: Doomsday is set for a December 17 opening all across. Keep your tubs of popcorn ready, as the scenario is set to go wild in the days to come with regard to showsharing all across the globe.

Also Read: Abhay Verma recalls “best day” of his life after sharing screen with Shah Rukh Khan in King

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Ramayana: Bombay High Court grants anti-piracy protection to Ranbir Kapoor starrer ahead of November 5 release

With Nitesh Tiwari’s Ramayana: Part 1 gearing up for its worldwide theatrical release on November 5, the Bombay High Court has granted the film comprehensive legal protection against piracy and unauthorised digital distribution. The order, passed in a commercial suit filed by Godpower Media Private Limited, aims to prevent illegal recording, hosting and circulation of the film and its copyrighted material.

Godpower Media, which holds the domestic and territorial intellectual property and exploitation rights for the film, approached the court seeking protection for several aspects of the project, including its script, character designs, footage, musical compositions, lyrics and audio recordings. The company reportedly expressed concerns over potential copyright violations, pointing out that unauthorised trailer footage had previously surfaced online despite non-disclosure agreements being in place for exclusive preview screenings.

Taking note of the concerns, Justice Madhav Jamdar observed that the plaintiff had a "real and well-founded apprehension" that the film could be subjected to illegal recording, streaming and piracy. The court also considered the substantial financial investment involved in the project. According to the details presented, Ramayana: Part 1 has an estimated budget of Rs. 2,000 crore, while the two-part saga is said to involve a combined investment of Rs. 4,000 crore.

The court consequently passed a dynamic ad-interim injunction restraining unidentified entities, referred to as "John Doe" defendants, along with pirate websites and digital intermediaries, from recording, hosting or communicating the film to the public without authorisation.

The dynamic nature of the injunction allows the makers to notify internet service providers and digital platforms, including Google LLC, about infringing URLs and mirror websites that may emerge. The order enables swift takedown of such links and blocking of domains found to be facilitating unauthorised access to the film.  Legal representatives for Google and other major platforms reportedly recorded "no objection" to the directive and indicated that they would comply upon receiving the necessary notifications. The matter is scheduled to be heard next on December 16.

Produced by Namit Malhotra’s Prime Focus Studios in association with Monster Mind Creations, Ramayana: Part 1 features Ranbir Kapoor as Lord Rama, Sai Pallavi as Goddess Sita, Yash as Ravana, Sunny Deol as Lord Hanuman and Ravie Dubey as Lakshman.

The first instalment of the Nitesh Tiwari directorial, is scheduled to release worldwide in cinemas on November 5, 2026, across multiple Indian and international languages.

Also Read: Ramayana’s November 5 release is a GUTSY move, says trade: “If it manages to sell 6 lakh tickets before release at highest possible ATP, you are easily looking at a Rs. 100 cr plus day 1”

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EXCLUSIVE: Tips Films and Tips Music come on board for Emraan Hashmi’s musical horror film Rooh

Kumar Taurani of Tips Films and Tips Music joins hands with Emraan Hashmi to produce Rooh, a musical horror film that places emotion at the heart of its cinematic vision. Directed by Mayank Sharma and written by Vishal Kapoor and Mayank Sharma, the film offers a theatrical experience that blends horror and romance, with music at the centre of the narrative. Rooh is slated for a 2027 theatrical release across Hindi, Tamil and Telugu markets.

Having headlined several of Hindi cinema's memorable horror films, Emraan returns to the genre with a story that brings back horror and romance, with a strong sense of emotion. For an entire generation, songs from his films have become synonymous with love, heartbreak and nostalgia, often acquiring a life of their own beyond the films. With Rooh, this association takes on a new dimension, bringing together Tips Films' production expertise and Kumar Taurani's musical legacy in a film where music is integral to the storytelling.

Kumar Taurani says, "The association with Emraan is special, as we were also the producers on his debut film Footpath (2003). Over the years, we have had many memorable successes across several films and with Rooh, we are excited to recreate that magic once again. I am also excited to collaborate with Sunny Khanna and Vikram Khakhar on this project and we look forward to bringing the compelling experience of a theatrical film back to the audiences."

Vikram Khakhar, Producer, Vicked Films Productions, said, "Rooh is a very special project for us. Having Tips Films and Tips Music join us is a significant milestone. We are collectively excited to bring an immersive and memorable horror experience to audiences in theatres in 2027."

Sunny Khanna, Producer, said, "We are delighted to have Kumar Taurani and Girissh Kumar join us on Rooh. Their legacy across the film and music industries makes this association particularly exciting, especially for a film in which music plays such an integral role. With this partnership, we look forward to taking Rooh to audiences across Hindi, Tamil and Telugu markets."

Speaking about the film's musical vision, Emraan Hashmi said, "Collaborating with Kumar ji on this film feels serendipitous. Music has always been an integral part of how audiences connect with my films. With Rooh, we want music that captures the soul of the film, which is deeply romantic, haunting and rooted by emotion.”

Rooh is presented by Tips Films and is an A Vicked Films Production. Directed by Mayank Sharma, the film is produced by Kumar Taurani, Girissh Kumar, Vikram Khakhar and Sunny Khanna. Written by Vishal Kapoor and Mayank Sharma, the film is co-produced by Vikas Sahni, with music on Tips Music.

Also Read: Emraan Hashmi returns to horror after 5 years with Rooh, set for 2027 release

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A.R. Rahman becomes the new face of Brooke Bond Taj Mahal Tea; Oscar-Winning composer launches ‘Awaken Your Masterpiece’ campaign

Oscar and Grammy-winning composer A.R. Rahman has been announced as the new brand ambassador of Brooke Bond Taj Mahal Tea, a brand owned by Hindustan Unilever Limited (HUL). The association marks a new chapter in the brand’s long-standing connection with music and coincides with the launch of its latest campaign, ‘Awaken Your Masterpiece’, featuring Rahman in a new film.

Known for his contribution to Indian music and his work across international projects, Rahman joins the brand in a partnership centred on creativity, dedication and the pursuit of excellence. Taj Mahal Tea, which has been associated with the idea of fine craftsmanship for over six decades, has built its identity around the phrase ‘Hazaaron Mein Ek’ and its iconic ‘Wah Taj!’ signature. The association with Rahman brings together the worlds of music and tea, with the brand drawing parallels between the composer’s creative process and its own approach to selecting and blending tea leaves.

The new campaign, ‘Awaken Your Masterpiece’, explores the role of taking a purposeful break during the creative process. In the campaign film, Rahman is seen experiencing a creative block before turning to a freshly brewed cup of Taj Mahal Tea. The pause inspires him to rediscover his creative flow, eventually leading to an uplifting melody and a joyful ‘Wah Taj!’. Through the film, the brand highlights how moments of stillness can help creators regain clarity and find inspiration.

Commenting on the association, Ishtpreet Singh, VP Beverages, HUL, said, "Over decades, Taj Mahal Tea and music have been inseparable, a bond that began with the legendary Ustad Zakir Hussain and the iconic 'Wah Taj!'. As we carry that legacy forward, there could be no better custodian than A.R. Rahman, an artist whose genius is truly one in a thousand. Just as his music comes from finding the perfect note among countless possibilities, every cup of Taj Mahal is crafted from tea leaves carefully selected from thousands, blended to create a taste that stands apart. That is what makes Taj Mahal Tea Hazaaron Mein Ek 'Wah Taj!'."

Speaking about the creative direction behind the campaign, Harshad Rajadhyaksha and Kainaz Karmakar, Group Chief Creative Officers, Ogilvy India, said, "Music and Taj Mahal Chai have been inseparable. It has been a beautiful journey of building a brand with music at its core and we're thrilled to partner with A R Rahman this year. The brand story of finesse and the search for excellence sits really well with everything that A R Rahman stands for. The campaign is led by our team, Fritz Gonsalves and Jayesh Raut. The film is shot by Prakash Varma (Nirvana films), who has been an integral part of the visual language of the brand for over a decade now."

The campaign continues Taj Mahal Tea’s association with music, which previously featured legendary tabla maestro Ustad Zakir Hussain. With Rahman now joining the brand, the latest initiative seeks to extend that legacy by celebrating creativity and the pursuit of artistic excellence.

The new ‘Awaken Your Masterpiece’ campaign film is now live across Taj Mahal Tea’s digital and marketing platforms.

Also Read: AR Rahman calls Ramayana his biggest film yet, says soundtrack took 3.5 years to develop; speaks on collaborating with Hans Zimmer

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EXCLUSIVE: Amit Sadh calls his Pratap character “Mike Tyson of police force”; admits BO success matters to him more than ever: “I am told even Instagram followers’ matter. Toh yeh toh box office hai yaar!”

The trailer for Pratap has been a pleasant surprise. It features Amit Sadh in and as Pratap and he’s joined by Esha Deol, Seema Biswas, Milind Gunaji, Tigmanshu Dhulia and others, and looks like a promising drama thriller. In an exclusive interview with Bollywood Hungama, the dashing and talented Amit Sadh spoke about his upcoming film and a lot more.

How has the response to the trailer been? The trailer is crucial as it’s always the first step. It is the most important asset, almost like a visiting card for a film. In that regard, it has done pretty well. People have liked the trailer. They can see it’s a content-driven film, so it’s very satisfying.

You play a brash cop in Pratap. Interestingly, you played a somewhat similar police officer in the web series Breathe as well. How did you ensure that the two characters didn't look similar? Interesting question! The first thing director Sachin Saraf told me when we met was, ‘I loved what you have done in Breathe, but this character is different’. I replied, ‘Of course. That’s why I am meeting you’!

What we also need to understand is that Pratap is a story written for cinema. And I am sure you understand the difference between a character written for a film and one written for a web series. There’s a difference. Pratap is different from my character in Breathe. He has different complexities. That was the fun part. If it were the same, I would definitely not have done it. And here’s a guy who is larger-than-life. In fact, he’s the Mike Tyson of the police force! I just finished watching his documentary. So, that name is on top of my mind, but that’s the best parallel I can draw.

How did you arrive at Pratap's look? We have rarely seen you sporting a moustache... I had one in Kai Po Che (2013) and also in Super 30 (2019). And yes, that was the idea. I like building my characters. The audience has loved that aspect of my preparation.

I like getting into the physicality of a character. I wanted him to look strong and tagda, but not chiselled. But that’s all the paintwork of an artist or an actor. At the end of the day, we have to respond to the script. So, that’s what I was doing, and I worked according to what my director wanted from me.

Do you follow the box office and check the collections of your films on a daily basis? For sure. Apni film ke liye toh karna hi padega na? If you work in an office, you won't say, ‘I'll work whether or not I get my salary’! Of course, you'll check whether your salary has been credited on the first day of the month.

A lot of money is riding on the film. This is a double-edged sword for me right now and also a beautiful moment in my career. I am at a crossroads, and here I have a chance to come out and bring an interesting kind of storytelling to the audience. I hope they become curious about me, my personality, my past and my present, so that they decide to watch the film in cinemas. So, yes, it will matter.

Nowadays, I am told that even Instagram followers matter. Toh yeh toh box office hai yaar! People who cast actors based on Instagram followers, that's their destiny. But box office matters. The producers have to make money for things to move forward. Otherwise, I'll go back in the food chain. Ultimately, what we make has to sell. So, it does matter a lot, especially now.

Also Read: Pratap motion poster shows Amit Sadh behind bars as a cop under investigation; trailer to release on October 26

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Shah Rukh Khan unveils ‘Tu Mil Jaaye’ song starring Deepika Padukone from KING on his birthday; song blends romance, action and his ‘dehshat’

Shah Rukh Khan marked his birthday with a special surprise for fans by unveiling ‘Tu Mil Jaaye’, the first song from his upcoming action entertainer KING. Bringing together an interesting mix of Bollywood and international musical talent, the track features Arijit Singh’s vocals alongside a rap segment by global pop star Ed Sheeran. The song also reunites Shah Rukh Khan and Deepika Padukone, whose on-screen pairing has previously found favour with audiences.

Offering a glimpse into the film’s world, the music video opens with Shah Rukh Khan delivering the dialogue, “Main qaatil nahi, aashiq hoon, aur nishana meri mashooka, aur woh aashiq hi kya jo dil cheer na de”. The line introduces the intensity of his character before the video transitions into an upbeat romantic dance number. While Arijit Singh lends his voice to the track, Ed Sheeran brings his distinct rap style to the collaboration, with Madhubanti Bagchi also contributing vocals.

Composed by Sachin-Jigar and penned by Kumaar, ‘Tu Mil Jaaye’ features choreography by Piyush-Shazia. The English rap segment has been written by Ed Sheeran. Beyond its musical elements, the video incorporates action sequences, slick transitions and dramatic exchanges that offer an early look at the different shades of KING. It concludes with another dialogue by Shah Rukh Khan: “Iss baar dil mein aag lagi hai, ab duniya jalaye bina manega nahi”.

The song brings romance and action together, with Shah Rukh Khan and Deepika Padukone sharing several romantic moments against grand visuals. The presentation also hints at the scale and intensity of the film, positioning the track as an introduction to its larger cinematic world rather than just a standalone romantic number.

Directed by Siddharth Anand, KING is produced by Gauri Khan, Mamta Anand and Siddharth Anand under the banners of Red Chillies Entertainment and Marflix Pictures. Written by Sujoy Ghosh and Siddharth Anand, the action thriller features Shah Rukh Khan in the lead, with Suhana Khan making her theatrical debut in a lead role. The ensemble cast also includes Deepika Padukone, Abhishek Bachchan, Rani Mukerji, Anil Kapoor, Jaideep Ahlawat, Raghav Juyal and Abhay Verma.

KING is scheduled to release in cinemas worldwide on December 24, 2026. Meanwhile, ‘Tu Mil Jaaye’ is available across streaming platforms, with its music video released on the Zee Music Company and T-Series YouTube channels.

Also Read: Shah Rukh Khan steps out for a drive to capture KING-themed Sea Link display ahead of his birthday; thanks Google Gemini for the surprise

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