‘Well-deserved recognition’: Amitabh congratulates Mohanlal for Dadasaheb Phalke Award

**‘Well-deserved recognition’: Amitabh Bachchan Congratulates Mohanlal for Dadasaheb Phalke Award**

*By Isha Sharma | Sep 21, 2025, 04:34 PM*

Bollywood superstar Amitabh Bachchan has extended warm congratulations to Malayalam cinema icon Mohanlal on being conferred the prestigious Dadasaheb Phalke Award for 2023. The announcement was made by the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting on Saturday.

In a heartfelt post on X (formerly Twitter), Bachchan wrote in Malayalam, “Mohanlal Ji, I am truly delighted that you have received the Dadasaheb Phalke Award. It is such a well-deserved recognition!”

**Amitabh Bachchan’s Admiration**

Bachchan further expressed his admiration by saying, “Many congratulations. I am a great admirer of your work and craft. The simplicity with which you express the deepest of emotions is truly remarkable. May you continue to inspire us all with your unmatched talent and remain a guiding light. With boundless respect and pride, I extend my heartfelt wishes and look forward to witnessing many more of your incredible performances in the years ahead. Always a dedicated fan.”

**Well Wishes from PM Modi and the Film Industry**

Prime Minister Narendra Modi also congratulated Mohanlal, praising his excellence and versatility. Modi’s message on X read, “Shri Mohanlal ji epitomises excellence and versatility. With a rich body of work spanning decades, he stands as a leading light of Malayalam cinema and theater and is deeply passionate about the culture of Kerala.”

Several other celebrated personalities from the film industry, including Akshay Kumar, Mammootty, and Shobana, joined in sending their best wishes to the superstar.

**Award Ceremony Details**

Mohanlal is set to receive the Dadasaheb Phalke Award at the 71st National Film Awards ceremony scheduled for September 23, 2025. The Dadasaheb Phalke Award is India’s highest honor in cinema.

With an illustrious career spanning around 400 films and five National Awards to his name, Mohanlal remains one of the most revered actors in Indian cinema. He was honored with the Padma Shri in 2001 and the Padma Bhushan in 2019.

**Upcoming Projects**

Fans can look forward to seeing Mohanlal’s next film, *Vrusshabha*, written and directed by Nanda Kishore, which is slated for release on October 16, 2025.

*Stay tuned for more updates on your favorite stars and the world of cinema.*
https://www.newsbytesapp.com/news/entertainment/amitabh-bachchan-lauds-mohanlal-for-dadasaheb-phalke-honor/story

Will Priyadarshan direct ‘Hera Pheri 3’? Director reveals

**Will Priyadarshan Direct ‘Hera Pheri 3’? Director Reveals Plans**

*By Isha Sharma | Sep 21, 2025, 11:21 AM*

Priyadarshan, the acclaimed director behind the original *Hera Pheri* (2000), has finally addressed the ongoing speculation about his potential return to helm *Hera Pheri 3*. In a recent interview with Pinkvilla, he shared his thoughts on the project and the conditions under which he would consider directing the much-anticipated sequel.

### Priyadarshan’s Take on Directing *Hera Pheri 3*

The director made it clear that he would only commit to *Hera Pheri 3* if the script is strong enough to live up to the legacy of the original film. “I cannot tell if I am doing the third part unless and until I can crack a film which has to do justice to the first installment,” he explained.

### Protecting the Legacy

Priyadarshan emphasized the importance of maintaining the quality and spirit of the first movie. “The first part was born, but the third one shouldn’t let it die. If I am doing the film, I have to make sure that it is tolerable for people who watched the first part,” he said, underlining his commitment to respect the franchise’s fanbase.

### Commitment to Quality

Further expressing his conviction, the director stated, “Unless and until I crack the full film, I will never attempt part three. If a good script doesn’t turn out to my conviction, I will not do the film. I have climbed certain heights in my career from where I don’t want to fall badly.”

### Film Update: Paresh Rawal Confirms Progress

Meanwhile, actor Paresh Rawal, who plays one of the lead roles in the franchise, recently confirmed that *Hera Pheri 3* is in the works. In an interview with News18 Showsha, Rawal revealed that shooting is expected to commence around February-March of next year.

Rawal had briefly stepped away from the project but eventually returned, emphasizing that his professional relationship with Priyadarshan has only grown stronger through the challenges the project has faced.

*Fans of the cult classic can look forward to more updates as the team works towards bringing the next installment to life—provided the script meets the high expectations set by its beloved predecessors.*
https://www.newsbytesapp.com/news/entertainment/priyadarshan-reveals-if-he-will-direct-hera-pheri-3/story

Will Priyadarshan direct ‘Hera Pheri 3’? Director reveals

**Will Priyadarshan Direct ‘Hera Pheri 3’? Director Reveals**

*By Isha Sharma | September 21, 2025, 11:21 AM*

Priyadarshan, the acclaimed director of the original *Hera Pheri* (2000), has finally addressed the ongoing speculation about his involvement in directing *Hera Pheri 3*. In a recent interview with Pinkvilla, he clarified that he would only consider directing the third installment if the script lives up to the high standards set by the original film.

“I cannot tell if I am doing the third part unless and until I can crack a film which has to do justice to the first installment,” Priyadarshan stated, emphasizing the importance of a strong script.

### Preserving the Legacy

Priyadarshan expressed his concerns about maintaining the legacy of *Hera Pheri*. He said, “The first part was born, but the third one shouldn’t let it die. If I am doing the film, I have to make sure that it is tolerable for people who watched the first part.”

His conviction is clear: he wants the third film to honor and respect the original, rather than falling short of audience expectations.

### Director’s Commitment

Further underscoring his dedication to quality, Priyadarshan added, “Unless and until I crack the full film, I will never attempt part three. If a good script doesn’t turn out to my conviction, I will not do the film. I have climbed certain heights in my career from where I don’t want to fall badly.”

This statement highlights his cautious approach toward sequels and reflects his desire to protect his creative legacy.

### Film Update: Paresh Rawal Confirms Progress

Meanwhile, actor Paresh Rawal has confirmed that *Hera Pheri 3* is indeed underway. In an interview with News18 Showsha, Rawal revealed that shooting for the film is scheduled to begin in February-March next year.

Although Rawal briefly left the project at one point, he eventually returned and also mentioned that his professional relationship with Priyadarshan has only grown stronger despite the challenges faced.

Fans of the franchise can look forward to updates on *Hera Pheri 3* as the production progresses, with hopes that the new installment will live up to the beloved original’s legacy.
https://www.newsbytesapp.com/news/entertainment/priyadarshan-reveals-if-he-will-direct-hera-pheri-3/story

Will Priyadarshan direct ‘Hera Pheri 3’? Director reveals

**Will Priyadarshan Direct ‘Hera Pheri 3’? Director Reveals**

*By Isha Sharma | September 21, 2025, 11:21 AM*

Priyadarshan, the acclaimed director of the original *Hera Pheri* (2000), has finally addressed the much-speculated question about his involvement in *Hera Pheri 3*. In a recent interview with Pinkvilla, he shared his thoughts on returning to helm the third installment of the popular franchise.

The director stated that he would only consider directing *Hera Pheri 3* if the script lives up to the quality of the original film. “I cannot tell if I am doing the third part unless and until I can crack a film which has to do justice to the first installment,” he explained.

### “Third One Shouldn’t Let the First One Die”

Priyadarshan emphasized the importance of maintaining the legacy of the original movie. “The first part was born, but the third one shouldn’t let it die. If I am doing the film, I have to make sure that it is tolerable for people who watched the first part,” he added. His focus remains on delivering a film that honors the expectations of loyal fans.

### Director’s Conviction: “I Will Never Attempt Part 3 Unless…”

Further highlighting his commitment to quality, Priyadarshan made it clear that he won’t direct the sequel unless he is fully satisfied with the script. “Unless and until I crack the full film, I will never attempt part three. If a good script doesn’t turn out to my conviction, I will not do the film. I have climbed certain heights in my career from where I don’t want to fall badly,” he asserted.

### Film Update: Paresh Rawal Confirms *Hera Pheri 3* is Underway

Meanwhile, actor Paresh Rawal has confirmed that *Hera Pheri 3* is actively in the works. In an interview with News18 Showsha, Rawal revealed that shooting is scheduled to begin between February and March next year.

Rawal, who briefly stepped away from the project, has since rejoined. He also mentioned that his professional relationship with Priyadarshan has grown stronger through the journey, underscoring the team’s commitment to delivering a worthy sequel.

Stay tuned for more updates on *Hera Pheri 3* as the project progresses.
https://www.newsbytesapp.com/news/entertainment/priyadarshan-reveals-if-he-will-direct-hera-pheri-3/story

The incredible evolution of the ‘Jumanji’ franchise

**The Incredible Evolution of the ‘Jumanji’ Franchise**
*By Vinita Jain | Sep 18, 2025, 01:15 PM*

The *Jumanji* franchise has undergone an incredible transformation since its inception, reflecting shifts in technology and audience preferences over the years. Originally inspired by a children’s book, the story first came to life on the big screen in the mid-1990s. Since then, *Jumanji* has evolved from a magical board game concept into an immersive video game experience, showcasing changing trends in storytelling and cinematic technology in the U.S. film industry.

### The Original ‘Jumanji’ Film

Released in 1995, the original *Jumanji* movie starred Robin Williams and introduced audiences to a magical board game that could bring jungle adventures into reality. The film was notable for its innovative combination of live-action sequences with CGI effects, which was groundbreaking at the time. Its unique premise and captivating special effects won over audiences and set the foundation for future adaptations in the franchise.

### Transition to Video Game Format

In 2017, the franchise took a bold new direction with *Jumanji: Welcome to the Jungle*, reimagining the board game as a video game. This shift resonated strongly with modern viewers who are familiar with gaming culture. The story focused on characters being sucked into the game as avatars, leading to fresh, humorous, and action-packed scenarios. This reinvention demonstrated how a franchise could evolve to stay relevant while preserving its core essence.

### Technological Advancements in Sequels

Following the success of *Welcome to the Jungle*, sequels like *Jumanji: The Next Level* expanded on advanced CGI and visual effects technology. These films utilized virtual environments and offered more detailed, dynamic scenes, enhancing viewer immersion. By leveraging cutting-edge technology, the sequels managed to stay appealing to younger audiences accustomed to high-quality digital content.

### Impact on Franchise Longevity

The evolution of *Jumanji* exemplifies how reimagining storylines and formats can extend the lifespan of a cinematic franchise. Transitioning from a traditional board game to an interactive video game on screen allowed the franchise to engage multiple generations and remain relevant in a continually evolving entertainment landscape. This adaptability underscores the importance of creativity in sustaining long-term success for film series like *Jumanji*.
https://www.newsbytesapp.com/news/entertainment/the-evolution-of-jumanji-in-the-us-cinema/story