Six Years Later, Deepika Padukone’s The Intern Remake Still Awaits a Fresh Start

It has been nearly six years since the Hindi remake of The Intern was announced, but the much-discussed project is yet to begin production. While the Indian adaptation continues to remain in limbo, the Korean version of the Hollywood film has already completed its shoot and is gearing up for a theatrical release across Asian markets on October 1, 2026.

The contrasting progress of the two adaptations has once again brought attention to the long-delayed Bollywood project.

A Project Hit by Multiple Setbacks

The Hindi remake initially brought together Rishi Kapoor and Deepika Padukone in the lead roles. The project generated considerable interest following its announcement, but plans changed dramatically after the unfortunate demise of Rishi Kapoor.

Amitabh Bachchan subsequently came on board to take over the veteran actor’s role. His association kept the project alive, but another major change was still waiting to happen.

Deepika Padukone eventually decided to step away from the female lead role. However, she continued her association with the project as a producer.

The Female Lead Remains the Missing Piece

With Deepika no longer acting in the film, the remake now requires a new actress to headline the project alongside Amitabh Bachchan.

This casting change has effectively become one of the biggest hurdles for the production. Although the Hindi remake has not officially been shelved, there has been little concrete movement toward taking it onto the floors.

The rights to the adaptation continue to remain with Warner Bros. India and KA Productions, while Amitabh Bachchan is still associated with the project.

Korean Remake Moves Ahead

The situation looks very different in South Korea. The Korean adaptation of The Intern has already completed filming and is scheduled to arrive in Asian cinemas on October 1, 2026.

This development makes the prolonged delay of the Hindi version even more noticeable. While another international adaptation is preparing for its theatrical debut, the Indian remake is still waiting for a fresh casting decision and a confirmed production schedule.

Release Could Be Years Away

Even if the Hindi version manages to overcome its current hurdles and begins filming in the near future, a theatrical release before 2027 appears increasingly difficult.

Given the project’s history of delays, a 2028 release cannot be ruled out if production takes additional time to commence and the post-production process extends further.

For now, the remake remains technically alive, but its future depends heavily on finding a new female lead and getting the long-delayed production back on track.

After six years of uncertainty, audiences are still waiting to see whether Deepika Padukone’s version of The Intern will finally make it from the announcement stage to the big screen.

Husharu Pittalu OTT Release: Bold Telugu Drama Now Streaming

Telugu youth romantic drama Husharu Pittalu is now streaming on Amazon Prime Video, bringing the much-discussed film to a much larger audience. The movie had already attracted considerable attention before its theatrical release, thanks to the controversy surrounding its teaser and its bold portrayal of teenage relationships.

Now that the film has entered the OTT space, the focus has shifted to whether its content will once again trigger discussions among viewers.

Controversy Before Theatrical Release

Husharu Pittalu grabbed attention immediately after the teaser was unveiled. Several social media users objected to its bold romantic sequences, double-meaning dialogues and intimate scenes involving teenage characters.

The debate surrounding the teaser generated considerable curiosity around the movie and helped keep it in the spotlight ahead of its theatrical release.

Despite the controversy, the film managed to reach cinemas as planned and eventually delivered a successful run.

A Successful Theatrical Journey

Starring Ansh Thorat and Vasavi Ganesan in the lead roles, Husharu Pittalu was released in theatres on August 15, 2026.

Made on a controlled budget, the film reportedly emerged as a hit at the box office. Its combination of youthful romance, comedy and contemporary themes helped it connect with its target audience.

Around a month after its theatrical release, the film has now made its digital debut, giving viewers who missed it in theatres an opportunity to watch it from home.

What Is the Film About?

Directed by Bikshu, Husharu Pittalu revolves around teenage romance and the experiences of young people navigating relationships in the digital era.

The film also touches upon subjects such as peer pressure, smartphones and the influence of online content. While romance and comedy form the core of the narrative, the makers have attempted to incorporate themes relevant to today’s younger generation.

Its bold treatment became one of the biggest talking points surrounding the movie even before its release.

Cast and Crew

Ansh Thorat and Vasavi Ganesan headline the film, with Sunitha Manohar, Anji Valguman, Govardhan Reddy, also known as Govardhan BK, and Ramesh Nakirekanti playing supporting roles.

The movie is produced by K. Venkat Yadav under the Rudra Kranti Pictures banner. Asian Suresh Entertainment handled its theatrical distribution.

OTT Release Brings a New Challenge

The arrival of Husharu Pittalu on Amazon Prime Video presents the film with a completely different kind of audience. OTT platforms allow movies to reach viewers beyond their original theatrical markets, potentially bringing renewed attention to content that created discussions during its cinema run.

Given the controversy surrounding the teaser, viewers may once again debate the film’s treatment and themes now that it is readily accessible on a streaming platform.

The question is whether the bold content that generated criticism earlier will now work in the film’s favour by attracting additional curiosity or lead to another round of online debate.

Will the Buzz Return?

Husharu Pittalu has already passed its first major test by becoming a theatrical success despite the controversy surrounding its promotional material. Its OTT release now marks a fresh phase for the film.

With a successful theatrical run behind it and a new audience discovering it online, the movie has another opportunity to generate buzz. Whether that attention translates into positive conversations or reignites the earlier controversy remains to be seen.

For now, Husharu Pittalu has moved from the big screen to the streaming world, where its bold approach will face a whole new audience and a fresh test.

Mandaadi Picks Up Strongly on Day 2; Massive Weekend Ahead

Kollywood’s latest sports action drama Mandaadi, featuring Soori and Suhas in the lead roles, is showing encouraging signs at the box office. The film created curiosity ahead of its release, particularly after its trailer impressed audiences with its striking visuals and action-packed presentation.

After a decent opening, the movie has now witnessed a significant jump in bookings on its second day, giving the team plenty of reason to be optimistic about the weekend.

Decent Opening on Day 1

Mandaadi got off to a respectable start in Tamil Nadu on its first day. The film also recorded around 120K ticket sales on BookMyShow, indicating decent initial interest from moviegoers.

However, the Telugu version had a relatively limited contribution on the opening day. The team needed stronger traction in the Telugu-speaking markets for the film to establish a wider theatrical presence.

Major Growth on Day 2

The second day brought a noticeable change in the film’s fortunes. Mandaadi recorded approximately 240K ticket sales on BookMyShow, effectively doubling its Day 1 figure.

While the numbers also include advance bookings for the weekend, the more encouraging aspect is the improvement in actual demand across multiple centres.

The film did not just witness growth in Tamil Nadu. Several locations in the Telugu states also reported better occupancy and bookings on Friday.

Growth on a Working Day Is Encouraging

Friday was a regular working day, making the increase in collections and bookings even more significant. A film recording stronger numbers on a working day after its opening generally indicates that positive audience response is beginning to build.

Mandaadi appears to be benefiting from this trend, particularly in centres where the Telugu version had a slow start.

The improved performance across different regions has put the film in a promising position heading into the weekend.

Weekend Could Be Big

With the momentum now clearly favouring the film, Mandaadi has an excellent opportunity to register strong numbers over Saturday and Sunday.

The response in several Telugu-speaking centres is particularly encouraging, and sustained growth through the weekend could significantly strengthen the film’s theatrical run.

The initial reception suggests that the movie is gradually finding its audience rather than relying solely on its opening-day bookings.

Monday Holiday Adds to the Advantage

The film also has another advantage waiting around the corner. Monday is a holiday for Vinayaka Chaturthi, providing an additional opportunity for Mandaadi to maintain its momentum after the weekend.

If the movie continues to perform strongly through Sunday, the holiday could give collections another boost and help it post a healthy extended weekend.

For now, the Day 2 jump has changed the box-office outlook considerably. From a decent opening in Tamil Nadu to strong growth across multiple centres, Mandaadi is now heading into the weekend with positive momentum.

Sardar 2 Sinks Further on Day 2

Karthi returned with Sardar 2, the sequel to his successful action thriller Sardar. However, the latest outing has failed to recreate the impact of its predecessor. The sequel opened to largely negative reviews, and the audience response has also remained disappointing.

The poor reception has directly affected the film’s box-office performance, with the movie struggling to attract audiences during its opening days.

Weak Start at the Box Office

Sardar 2 got off to a disappointing start, recording underwhelming numbers across various territories. Considering the popularity of the first installment and the expectations surrounding the sequel, the opening was far below what the makers would have hoped for.

The film needed strong audience support after its initial day to recover lost ground. Unfortunately, the response did not improve as expected.

Day 2 Brings Another Setback

The situation became more difficult on the second day, as Sardar 2 witnessed a significant drop in collections compared with its already weak opening day.

Instead of showing the growth usually expected during the weekend, the film continued to struggle at the box office. The declining trend suggests that the movie is finding it difficult to generate positive momentum among audiences.

Poor word-of-mouth has further complicated the situation, leaving the film with very little room for recovery.

Negative Response Hurts the Sequel

While the first Sardar earned appreciation for its engaging storyline and treatment, the sequel has failed to receive a similar response. Critics have been largely unimpressed, while audience feedback has also remained on the negative side.

The lack of positive word-of-mouth has become one of the biggest obstacles for the film. With collections declining so early in its theatrical run, the chances of a major turnaround appear increasingly difficult.

Heavy Losses Expected

Sardar 2 was mounted on a considerable budget, making its weak box-office performance particularly concerning for the producers and distributors.

Given the current trend and the absence of strong audience support, the film is now heading towards a disappointing theatrical outcome. Unless there is an unexpected turnaround in the coming days, the makers could be staring at substantial financial losses.

Strong Cast Fails to Make an Impact

The film features Malavika Mohanan, Ashika Ranganath and SJ Suryah in important roles alongside Karthi. Despite the presence of a strong cast and the brand value associated with the first film, Sardar 2 has struggled to connect with moviegoers.

Directed by PS Mithran, the sequel was expected to build on the success of its predecessor. However, the early box-office trend indicates that the film has failed to meet those expectations.

For now, Sardar 2 needs a dramatic improvement in audience response to stay afloat, but the disappointing first two days have made its theatrical journey increasingly difficult.

Vishwambhara to Arrive in Place of Kaaka?

Megastar Chiranjeevi’s Vishwambhara has been in the news for quite some time, with its theatrical release facing repeated delays. The highly anticipated fantasy action drama was expected to arrive much earlier, but extensive VFX work has reportedly pushed the release plans further.

Now, the latest industry buzz suggests that the makers may be eyeing a Sankranthi 2026 release for the film. Although there is no official confirmation yet, discussions regarding the festival slot are reportedly taking place.

Vishwambhara Eyeing Sankranthi Release?

According to the latest reports doing the rounds, the team behind Vishwambhara is considering bringing the film to theatres during the Sankranthi season. The makers are said to be working on the release strategy, while the film’s OTT deal is also reportedly nearing completion.

Given the scale of Vishwambhara and the extensive visual effects involved, the team appears to be taking additional time to ensure that the final output meets expectations before locking the theatrical date.

However, the Sankranthi release plan is still only a reported development, and an official announcement from the makers is awaited.

What Happens to Kaaka?

If Vishwambhara eventually locks the Sankranthi slot, it could create a scheduling issue for Kaaka, which was previously announced as a festival release.

With two major films potentially competing for the same festive window, Kaaka may have to consider moving to another release date. The final decision is expected to depend on how the makers plan their respective releases.

According to the current buzz, the call could ultimately rest with Megastar Chiranjeevi and the Vishwambhara team.

Mega Fans Await Clarity

The latest rumours have understandably created confusion among Mega fans, who have been waiting for an official update on Vishwambhara’s release. After the long delay, the possibility of the film finally arriving for Sankranthi has generated fresh excitement.

At the same time, the uncertainty surrounding Kaaka’s release has added another layer to the situation. Until the makers officially announce the release dates, both possibilities remain open.

For now, all eyes are on the Vishwambhara team for clarity on whether Chiranjeevi’s much-awaited film will indeed make its way to theatres during the Sankranthi season.

Dhruv Vikram and Ramesh Varma Team Up for Tamil-Telugu Bilingual

Kollywood actor Dhruv Vikram is set to headline an upcoming Tamil-Telugu bilingual action entertainer, marking an interesting collaboration between the young actor and Telugu filmmaker Ramesh Varma. The project is being mounted on a sizeable scale and is currently progressing through its pre-production phase.

The makers are working at a brisk pace to complete the initial preparations, with filming expected to begin in October 2026.

Ramesh Varma to Direct

Ramesh Varma, who has directed several Telugu films across different genres, will be at the helm of this upcoming bilingual. The project is planned as an action entertainer that will be made simultaneously for Tamil- and Telugu-speaking audiences.

The team is currently concentrating on finalising the script, cast and other key production requirements before moving into the shooting phase. An extensive filming schedule is being planned once production begins.

Dhruv Vikram in the Lead

Dhruv Vikram will take on the lead role in the yet-to-be-titled project. The actor, who has been steadily building his career with diverse roles, is now set to explore the action-entertainer space through this bilingual.

The project also marks Dhruv’s entry into a Tamil-Telugu bilingual led by a Telugu filmmaker, making the collaboration particularly noteworthy for audiences in both industries.

Grand Production Backed by Multiple Banners

The film is being presented by Dr Jayantilal Gada and produced by Koneru Satyanarayana and Sireesha Kurapati.

The project is being jointly backed by PEN Studios, Sri Neeladri Productions and RV Studios. With multiple production houses coming together, the makers are expected to mount the film on a substantial scale.

Shoot Planned for October

The movie is currently in the pre-production stage, and the team is reportedly making rapid progress. The makers are targeting October 2026 to begin filming and are preparing for an extensive shooting schedule.

More updates about the production, including the film’s shooting locations and technical crew, are expected once the official announcements begin.

Title and Cast to Be Revealed Soon

The biggest announcement is scheduled for September 23, which coincides with Dhruv Vikram’s birthday. The makers are expected to unveil the official title, complete cast and entire technical crew on the special occasion.

The announcement is likely to provide a clearer picture of the film’s scale, genre and other key details.

With Dhruv Vikram leading the project and Ramesh Varma directing, this Tamil-Telugu bilingual has already generated curiosity. The official reveal on September 23 is expected to offer the first major glimpse into what the team has planned for this upcoming action entertainer.

Bollywood’s Upcoming Releases Get an Adults-Only Certificate

Bollywood: Several Hindi films have received an A certificate from the censor board this year, restricting their theatrical viewing to adult audiences. The list already includes titles such as Dhurandhar: The Revenge, Cocktail 2, O’ Romeo, Batwara 1947, Mirzapur: The Movie, and Bandar.

Now, two more upcoming Bollywood releases have joined the list. The films are Kareena Kapoor Khan’s Daayra and Kunal Kemmu’s Vibe. While Daayra being certified for adult audiences is relatively understandable considering its crime-investigation backdrop, the certification of Vibe has come as a surprise given its positioning as an entertainer.

Daayra Gets an A Certificate

Daayra, starring Kareena Kapoor Khan and Prithviraj Sukumaran, has been cleared with an A certificate. The film has received an approved runtime of 2 hours and 23 minutes.

Directed by Meghna Gulzar, known for films such as Raazi, the movie is said to revolve around a crime investigation. Given the nature of the story and its genre, the adults-only certification does not come as a major surprise.

The combination of Kareena Kapoor Khan, Prithviraj Sukumaran and Meghna Gulzar has already created interest around the project, with audiences looking forward to seeing what the filmmaker has brought to the crime-thriller space.

Vibe Also Receives an Adults-Only Tag

The certification of Vibe is comparatively unexpected. The film has also been awarded an A certificate, despite being described as a fun entertainer.

The movie has an approved runtime of 2 hours and 25 minutes. Interestingly, Kunal Kemmu is taking on multiple responsibilities for the project, serving as both its director and lead actor.

The adults-only certification has naturally raised curiosity about the content of the film and what prompted the censor board to restrict its viewing to audiences above the permitted age.

Vibe Features a Diverse Cast

Alongside Kunal Kemmu, Vibe features a notable ensemble cast. Preity G Zinta, Sparsh Shrivastava, Vanshika Dhir, Dinesh Lal Yadav, popularly known as Nirahua, and Yashpal Sharma are part of the film.

The combination of established performers and younger talent adds further interest to the project. With Kunal Kemmu directing and leading the film, Vibe marks another important step in his journey as a filmmaker.

Two Different Genres, Same Certification

The A certificates for Daayra and Vibe have created an interesting situation for Bollywood’s upcoming releases. While Daayra belongs to the crime-investigation thriller genre, where mature themes can be expected, Vibe is positioned as a lighter entertainer.

As a result, the certification of Vibe has caught more attention. The reasons behind the adults-only classification will become clearer once audiences get to watch the film.

With both movies now cleared for theatrical release, their final box-office performance and audience response will be closely watched. For now, the contrasting genres of the two films make their identical certification an intriguing talking point in the Hindi film industry.

Epic Day One Collections: Anand Deverakonda’s Film Opens Below Expectations

After the success of Baby, Anand Deverakonda and Vaishnavi Chaitanya have reunited for another romantic drama, Epic. The film has attracted attention not only because of the popular pairing but also because it marks the silver-screen debut of #90s fame Aditya Haasan as a director.

Interestingly, Epic is also set in the same fictional world as the web series #90s, giving fans another reason to be curious about the project.

Epic Opens With Paid Premieres

Epic began its theatrical journey with paid premieres on Thursday night. However, the initial response was not as strong as the team had hoped. The film received below-par reviews from audiences and critics, with the second half reportedly drawing more criticism.

Despite the mixed word of mouth, the movie managed to register a decent start in the domestic market, with the Nizam region emerging as the major contributor to its opening numbers.

Day One Collections

According to trade reports, Epic collected approximately Rs. 3.5 crore gross worldwide on its opening day, including the revenue generated through the paid premieres.

While the film has managed to get a theatrical opening, the figure is considered below the expectations surrounding the project. Given the combination of the lead pair’s previous success and the anticipation around Aditya Haasan’s directorial debut, stronger numbers were expected from the first day.

The initial collections indicate that the film will need substantial support from audiences over the weekend to improve its box-office position.

Weekend Holds the Key

The coming weekend will be crucial for Epic. Since the opening response has been mixed, the film needs to show noticeable growth on Saturday and Sunday to strengthen its theatrical run.

A positive turnaround in collections could help the movie recover lost ground, particularly if word of mouth improves among family and younger audiences. However, if the film continues to witness weak occupancy after the opening day, reaching the breakeven point could become challenging.

The film’s performance in key Telugu-speaking territories will therefore be closely watched over the next few days.

Anand and Vaishnavi Reunite After Baby

The reunion of Anand Deverakonda and Vaishnavi Chaitanya has been one of the major talking points surrounding Epic. Their previous collaboration, Baby, became a notable success and generated considerable buzz for both actors.

Epic attempts to explore another romantic storyline while bringing a different backdrop and narrative approach. Whether the pair can recreate their earlier box-office magic will depend largely on the audience response during the crucial weekend.

Aditya Haasan Makes His Theatrical Debut

The film marks the theatrical directorial debut of Aditya Haasan, who gained recognition with the web series #90s. His connection with the series also extends to Epic, as the film is set in the same world.

The director’s transition from the digital space to the big screen has been one of the film’s key attractions. However, the mixed response to Epic means the project now needs stronger audience support to make a mark at the box office.

Sithara Entertainments Backs the Film

Epic is produced by Naga Vamsi under Sithara Entertainments. With a recognised production house, a popular lead pair and a director making his theatrical debut, expectations were naturally high for the romantic drama.

For now, the film has opened to Rs. 3.5 crore gross worldwide, which is below expectations. The next two days will be crucial in determining whether Epic can gain momentum and move closer to its breakeven target.

The Paradise: North America Pre-Sales Continue to Show Strong Momentum

Natural Star Nani’s The Paradise is one of the most eagerly awaited Telugu films, and the movie is gearing up for its theatrical release on September 24, 2026. With the release date approaching, the team is working against the clock to wrap up the remaining post-production activities.

The film has already generated significant curiosity among audiences, and its overseas market is now showing encouraging signs ahead of its release.

North America Pre-Sales Cross $200K

The North American pre-sales for The Paradise opened recently, and the response has been positive so far. According to the latest update, the film has crossed the $200K mark in North American pre-sales.

The numbers indicate healthy early interest in the film, although it is still too early to predict the overall box-office performance. With more days remaining before the theatrical release, the pre-sales are expected to continue developing.

The upcoming trend will be particularly interesting to watch as the makers have chosen not to release a conventional trailer before the film’s arrival in theatres.

No Trailer Release Yet

Unlike many big-ticket releases that launch trailers well in advance, The Paradise has taken a different promotional route. The team has kept the trailer away from the public domain so far, which has added an element of curiosity around the film.

Whether this strategy will translate into stronger theatrical interest remains to be seen. The response to advance bookings over the coming days should provide a clearer picture of audience anticipation, particularly in the North American market.

Nani and Srikanth Odela Team Up Again

The Paradise is directed by Srikanth Odela, who previously impressed audiences with his work in Dasara. His collaboration with Nani has generated considerable interest, with the new film expected to present the actor in a completely different setting.

Nani is said to be taking on a powerful role in the film, while the makers have maintained secrecy around several major aspects of the story.

The project is being positioned as a large-scale action drama, with its intense world and ambitious visual presentation adding to the expectations surrounding the release.

Mohan Babu and Raghav Juyal as Antagonists

The film features Mohan Babu and Raghav Juyal in antagonist roles. Their presence adds another layer of intrigue to the project, particularly with both actors expected to bring contrasting shades to their characters.

Kayadu Lohar plays the female lead, completing the principal cast.

Anirudh Busy With Post-Production

The post-production work on The Paradise is currently progressing at a rapid pace. Music composer Anirudh Ravichander is also occupied with RR-related work, making the final stages of production particularly demanding for the team.

Despite the tight schedule, the makers are pushing ahead to ensure that the film is ready for its September 24 release.

Release Expectations

Produced by Sudhakar Cherukuri under the SLV Cinemas banner, The Paradise is scheduled to arrive in cinemas worldwide on September 24, 2026.

With North American pre-sales already crossing $200K, the initial signs are encouraging. The key question now is whether the momentum will accelerate as the release date gets closer, especially without a trailer release.

For now, the film continues to remain one of Nani’s biggest upcoming theatrical attractions, and the next few days should offer a clearer indication of its overseas box-office potential.

Aamir Khan Planning Another Superhero Film After Shelving Lokesh Kanagaraj’s Project?

Aamir Khan appears to be exploring the superhero genre once again. The actor was earlier expected to collaborate with director Lokesh Kanagaraj on a superhero project, but the film was eventually shelved following creative differences. Now, Aamir is reportedly considering another project in the same genre, this time with a different filmmaker.

According to an exclusive report by Bollywood Hungama, Aamir Khan is currently in discussions with producer Sajid Nadiadwala for an ambitious superhero film. If things move forward as planned, the project will be directed by acclaimed filmmaker R. Balki.

Aamir Khan and R. Balki in Talks

The reported collaboration brings together an interesting combination of talent. R. Balki has previously directed films such as Paa, Pad Man and Chup, and is known for exploring distinctive concepts and character-driven narratives.

The proposed superhero film is reportedly still in its early stages, with the scripting process currently underway. The makers appear to be taking their time to develop the story before making any formal announcements about the project.

Aamir is said to be waiting to see how the script eventually shapes up. If he is satisfied with the final material, the actor could officially come on board.

Another Superhero Attempt for Aamir?

The reported development is particularly interesting because of Aamir’s earlier superhero collaboration with Lokesh Kanagaraj. The two were expected to work together on a high-profile project before the plans were eventually dropped.

While details about the new film remain scarce, the possibility of Aamir returning to the superhero space has naturally created curiosity. The actor is known for carefully selecting projects, and his potential involvement suggests that the proposed film could be mounted on a considerable scale.

However, it is important to note that the project has not yet received Aamir Khan’s formal confirmation.

Lalkaara Remains His Confirmed Project

For now, Aamir Khan’s only officially confirmed upcoming film is Lalkaara, a period sports drama based on the historic 1952 India-Pakistan Test series.

The film will be directed by Ashutosh Gowariker, marking another collaboration between the actor and filmmaker after their earlier association. The project is expected to go on floors later this year.

Lalkaara is set against the backdrop of an important chapter in Indian cricket history and is expected to explore the sporting and emotional dimensions surrounding the historic Test series.

What Happens Next?

The reported superhero project with R. Balki is still at a preliminary stage, so several aspects, including the storyline, supporting cast and production timeline, remain unknown.

For now, the focus is on the script. If the screenplay meets Aamir Khan’s expectations, the actor could give the project his formal approval. Until then, the film remains a potential collaboration rather than an officially confirmed Aamir Khan project.

With Lalkaara already lined up and a possible superhero film in development, Aamir Khan’s upcoming slate could take an interesting turn if the reported collaboration with R. Balki eventually materialises.