Have you heard? Bonding over movies and tech

Ajay Devgn and Shah Rukh Khan

Ajay Devgn and Shah Rukh Khan have come a long way from the 1990s and early 2000s, when there was no love lost between them. Over the years, the two actors have not only let bygones be bygones, but have also emerged as buddies. Yeah, it is often said that SRK forms a troika with Aamir Khan and Salman Khan, hanging out together when they get time off from their work schedules. However, an inside source tells us that Ajay and SRK's dosti is just as strong, bound by their common desire and drive to innovate and excel in filmmaking. Apparently, the two actors connect regularly to talk about movies and technology in entertainment. It is said that the first time they really got chatty was when they were shooting in Bulgaria - Ajay for his directorial venture Shivaay, and SRK for Rohit Shetty's Dilwale, with the former's actor-wife, Kajol. However, it is only in the recent years that they have become fast friends. The two actors are known to be quite unlike each other and that's what makes their friendship interesting.

A solo venture with Rolex sir

Even as Lokesh Kanagaraj is readying his next, Leo, with Thalapathy Vijay, for an October 19 release, rumours are rife that he is in talks with Suriya for a movie. Incidentally, the actor hinted at their collaboration during a fan meeting, saying the director had narrated a one-liner to him. What makes this news interesting is that it could be a standalone movie revolving around Rolex sir, the menacing character he played in Lokesh's Vikram with Kamal Haasan. Though it was a brief role, Suriya made such an impact with his portrayal that cinegoers have been asking for more of Rolex sir.

The show is off?

Initially slated to premiere at the Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF), Diljit Dosanjh's Punjab 95 has been removed from the line-up. Honey Trehan's directorial venture retells the real-life story of notable human rights activist Jaswant Singh Khalra, who fought against the allegedly fake encounters of Sikh youths by the Punjab Police during militancy. Sources attribute the film's exit to ‘political forces at play'. Apparently, this development comes after TIFF had described the film as Jaswant's story of ‘uncovering murderous corruption during Punjab's period of insurgency' in some of their social media posts.

A new path-breaking role

Manasi Joshi Roy has been signed on for a pivotal part in the television show, Kyunki… Saas Maa, Bahu Beti Hoti Hai. She plays Ambika, the eldest bahu and the matriarch of Rajgaur dynasty whose top priority is to keep the family together in the face of a devastating crisis. "What makes Ambika Rajgaur unique is that her thoughts and actions are path-breaking. She thinks ahead of her time," says Manasi. Sharing that she strongly resonates with the character, she adds, "Off-screen, I am a daughter-in-law too. Family life is of great importance to me, aligning with [Ambika's] belief that ‘bahu bhi beti bann sakti hai.' The actor, who plays a Gujarati character for the first time, says preparation wasn't a challenge as her diverse life experiences make her portrayal natural. "Being a Gujarati woman, all I needed to do was apply cultural nuances from my own life into my performance."

Injury no bar

What's the fun in shooting action without a bruise or two? Varun Dhawan, who recently began his Theri remake with director Kaleesi, got hurt on the second day of the shoot. He shared an image of his injury like a badge of honour on social media. Alongside the picture of his bruised elbow, Varun wrote, "No pain, no gain. VD18." Well, that's what they are tentatively calling the film co-starring Keerthy Suresh and Wamiqa Gabbi.

The end before the start

Uh oh, after all these months of discussions and prep, Shahid Kapoor and Anees Bazmee have called off their maiden collaboration. Even as the cameras were scheduled to roll on the comic caper next month, the actor and the director have reportedly parted ways due to creative differences. Sasha was to play dual roles in the film, titled Ek Saat Do Do, and Rashmika Mandanna had been finalised as one of the female leads. The makers were in talks with another heroine for the other lead opposite Shahid. But, it seems things are on hold for now. We hear Anees is looking to cast another actor in place of Shahid for the double role. Only after the male lead is finalised, will he reconsider his female leads. Meanwhile, Sasha is said to have advanced the shoot of Koi Shaq with Malayalam director Roshan Andrrews. They are slated to begin filming next month.

Bebo gears up for her next

Kareena Kapoor Khan is all set to captivate the silver screen again as she prepares to promote her upcoming film, The Devotion of Suspect X. Scheduled for release next month, the movie has already sparked immense anticipation among trade and audiences alike. Bebo's unmatched charisma and acting prowess, coupled with the intriguing premise of the film, have already set high expectations from the suspense thriller. The actor is said to embark on a whirlwind promotional tour, gracing talk shows, interviews, and social media platforms to enthrall audiences and build excitement.