Have you heard? Cut the cost

Sidharth Malhotra, Suriya and Shahid Kapoor

It appears that the below-par performance of some of the recent big-budget releases has impacted a number of yet-to-start movies. As a result of which, studios and producers are re-working the cost to make their projects reasonably safer and viable at the box office. Apart from Aditya Dhar's next with Ranveer Singh, we hear that Sidharth Malhotra's Spyder has hit a roadblock due to financial constraints. Apparently, the lukewarm response to Sidharth's Yodha has made producer Siddharth Anand apprehensive about the action thriller, to be helmed by debutant Rohan Khambati. The budget of Rakeysh Omprakash Mehra's mythology-inspired Karna, with Suriya and Janhvi Kapoor, is also being reassessed. The makers are reportedly cutting the costs on the two-part film that was initially planned as a R600 crore magnum opus. If that's not all, the budget of Shahid Kapoor-starrer Ashwatthama: The Saga Continues has been downscaled from R500 crore by over R200 crore. Moreover, the actor has also reduced his remuneration considering the extensive production, VFX and CGI required for the mytho-inspired action drama. In the wake of the financial jugglery, the shooting timelines are also likely to be planned all over again.

Drawing the battle lines

Twenty-seven years after JP Dutta's Border, Sunny Deol will return to the border again. The sequel will be helmed by Anurag Singh. Joining Sunny paaji in his new battle will be Ayushmann Khurrana. While the 1997 hit focused on the Battle of Longewala, Border 2 will delve into the roles played by the Indian Navy and the Indian Air Force during the India-Pakistan War of 1971. Reportedly, the prep is complete and the makers are planning to take the war drama on the floors this October. While the rest of the cast is yet to be signed on, the film is scheduled to arrive in cinemas during the Republic Day 2026 window.

A breezy romance next

Kartik Aaryan seems to be in the mood for a breezy romance next. The actor, who is set to wrap up the horror comedy Bhool Bhulaiyaa 3 in the coming weeks, is in advanced talks with Junglee Pictures for a romantic comedy. Titled Jasmine, the narrative, set in small-town India, will be helmed by Randeep Jha, known for his successful web series, Kohrra and Trial by Fire (2023). The makers are also in talks with a couple of actors to play Kartik's leading lady. The director is working on the final draft, after which he will begin pre-production. The makers are planning to take the film on floors around September, subject to Kartik's date diary.

An iconic collaboration

Manasvi Mamgai, who was last seen in the Kajol-starrer, The Trial (2023), announced the launch of Captivated, her new film with 32RED Entertainment, at the Cannes Market recently. Also starring Katie Holmes, Toby Kebbel and Oscar winner Al Pacino, the Dito Montiel's directorial venture takes a different perspective of the infamous 1973 kidnapping of Jean Paul Getty III. Excited about the thriller, Manasvi said, "Bringing Captivated to life has been a deeply personal and passionate journey. We are committed to portraying the untold layers of this historic event, shedding light on the emotional complexities and unheard voices. This film will resonate with audiences by offering a fresh and compelling perspective." The project is close to co-writer Michael Mammoliti, nephew of one of the primary kidnappers. Micahel added, "Our goal is to give a voice to a person who's had none for over 50 years, and tell a side of this story no one knows."

Bearing the heat, literally!

Shah Rukh Khan, who was in Ahmedabad for his team Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) match against Sunrisers Hyderabad in the ongoing Indian Premier League, was rushed to a hospital after the game. Sources at KD Hospital, where the actor was brought in around 1 am yesterday, attributed it to dehydration. After the initial treatment, doctors found his condition stable. KKR co-owners Juhi Chawla and Jai Mehta visited him at the hospital. Like several parts of India, Ahmedabad too has been recording high temperatures this summer. The Meteorological Department has also issued a red alert in the Gujarat city.

Spiritual bonding

Rajat Kaul, who played Iqbal aka Balli, Mallikajaan's (Manisha Koirala) employee in Heeramandi: The Diamond Bazaar, is now looking forward to Sky Force. What makes the aerial action thriller interesting for the actor is that it also sees him share a spiritual bond with lead actor, Akshay Kumar. Rajat explains, "Actors often write their lines while preparing for their roles. Once, while rehearsing a scene, I was stoked to see Akshay sir inscribing ‘Om' on top of his script pages, just like how I did. These little things really helped us develop the beautiful bond that we share."

Nostalgia time

Shruti Haasan recently took a trip down memory lane by visiting her childhood home in Chennai. The actor-singer-musician also shared a glimpse into the place where her first dreams took shape. Alongside a picture of herself on the roof of her house, Shruti wrote on social media, "Many days spent, wishing and dreaming for the future I enjoy as my present today. I work hard, never to forget that Chennai girl who never forgot to be a weirdo and dream on her own terms." The actor also acknowledged her sister's contribution in her nostalgic trip, saying, "Thank you, Akshara, for the picture and the best memories too."