Have you heard? Arjun, Atlee collab off!

Allu Arjun and Atlee

After the release of Shah Rukh Khan's Jawan last September, Atlee was teaming up with Pushpa: The Rise (2021) actor Allu Arjun for his next directorial venture. However, rumours are rife that the yet-untitled film has been called off four months before it was slated to go on floors. Sources in Tollywood attribute it to filmmaker's high asking fee of R80 crore. Geetha Arts, which was said to be producing the Allu-Atlee collaboration, found the director's remuneration unreasonably high and unviable. Interestingly, none of the other producers working with the actor are willing to pay that kind of money to Atlee. Consequently, the filmmaker is scouting for another actor to team up with for his next. On the other hand, Arjun, who is gearing up for Pushpa 2: The Rule, will have to figure out what he will work on after wrapping up Sukumar's directorial venture later this month.

‘Just don't wear red'

After non-committal replies to questions surrounding their relationship, Sonakshi Sinha and Zaheer Iqbal are indeed getting married on June 23. Yo Yo Honey Singh shared on his social media, "Though I'm going to be in London shooting Glory's first song, I will make sure I attend my best friend Sonakshi's wedding as she has been a big support in my career and helped me so many times in life. Best wishes to the power couple, Sona and Zaheer!" Interestingly, in the invite, the dress code is stated as ‘formal and festive'. It comes with an additional instruction - ‘Don't wear red.' Wonder if that's the colour of Sonakshi's bridal trousseau.

Lucky number 6

During the promotions for her last outing, Mr & Mrs Mahi, Janhvi Kapoor often incorporated the number ‘6' in her outfits. Since the Sharan Sharma-directed movie revolved around cricket, most thought it was related to a sixer - the big hit over the boundary and into the stands. However, paparazzo Yogen Shah feels it has more to do with her beau Shikhar Pahariya, famously known as ‘Shikhu' from Janhvi's appearance on Karan Johar's chat show last year. The pap shares that the registration number of Shikhar's car is 6, indicating that it is his favourite number. Considering Janhvi's birthday is on March 6, that could be another reason behind fascination for the number 6.

The ex effect

Pratiksha Honmukhe will soon be seen in the television show, Kaise Muhe Tum Mil Gaye, playing Priyanka, ex-wife of Arjit Taneja's character, Virat. Excited about playing a south Delhi girl who knows how to get what she wants, Pratiksha says, "I have done a few look tests and I love the outfits the team has put together." The actor adds, "With Priyanka back in Virat's life, it will be interesting to see where the story heads."

Not so urgent

A day after the release of Junaid Khan's debut, Maharaj, was stayed by the Gujarat High Court, YRF Films and Netflix sought an urgent hearing to challenge the verdict. However, their request was declined by Justice Sangeeta Vishen, who will now hear the matter on Tuesday. The producers and the OTT platform have been told to file their responses by then. Directed by Siddharth P Malhotra, and also starring Jaideep Ahlawat, the movie is based on Saurabh Shah's book, also titled Maharaj.

Silence please, shoot is on

After all the news generated during the casting of Toxic, it appears that the makers opted for a low-key start for the Yash-starrer. Nayanthara joined the lead actor as director Geetu Mohandas began filming in real locations in south India recently. After completing the first schedule, the team will head to the UK to shoot in and around London over 150-odd days. Yash essays the role of an underworld don, but Geetu is giving the character a contemporary and international treatment. While Yash and Nayan play siblings in the action thriller, Kiara Advani plays his love interest and Huma Qureshi essays the role of the antagonist. The makers are planning to bring the gangster drama to cinemas on April 10, 2025, as the date marks three years since the release of the superstar's last outing KGF: Chapter 2 (2022).

Self-inspired

Parul Gulati, who was last seen in Silence 2: The Night Owl Bar Shootout, is doubly excited about her new show, #BlueTickVerified. The actor-entrepreneur has borrowed inspiration from her real-life experiences to prepare for the show revolving around a young girl seeking validation on social media through the coveted blue tick verification. Parul says, "My journey taught me a lot about the highs and lows of seeking validation online and the importance of finding a balance." Sharing that it was a fascinating process bringing these experiences into her portrayal of the character, she adds, "I believe my journey will resonate with the audiences. I also hope the show sparks important conversations about the impact of social media on our lives."