Category Archives: entertainment

Will Richa Chadha-Sumeet Vyas’s long-delayed pandemic drama arrive on OTT?

Posted on by
Reply

**Will Richa Chadha-Sumeet Vyas’s Long-Delayed Pandemic Drama Arrive on OTT?**
*By Isha Sharma | October 4, 2025, 04:55 PM*

An untitled film starring Richa Chadha and Sumeet Vyas, shot in 2023, remains stuck in limbo. Despite the film being ready for nearly two years, it has yet to find a release window. According to a source close to the production, the film was initially intended for a theatrical release. However, there are now indications it may skip theaters altogether and head straight to OTT platforms.

**Delay Reasons**
The film, directed by Abhishek Acharya and produced by Zee Studios, is a pandemic drama told through the eyes of healthcare workers. It offers an emotional insight into the chaos and strain faced by frontline professionals during the COVID-19 crisis. However, internal discussions suggest its subject matter might be the main reason behind the delay.

**Concerns Over Theatrical Release**
The studio reportedly hesitates to bring the story to cinemas, believing its relevance may have diminished. A source revealed, “With the shoot and post-production done, the film was ready for a theatrical release. But with each passing month, the possibility of it arriving in cinemas is reducing.” The makers feel that “the story can feel dated today,” which is causing further hesitation.

**Shift to Digital Debut**
With theatrical prospects fading, the makers are now reportedly exploring digital platforms for the film’s debut. The same source added, “Now, the makers are looking at pursuing an OTT release and will initiate talks with some streamers.” This change in strategy appears to be a response to concerns that audiences might avoid theaters due to the trauma associated with the pandemic.

**Career Highlights: Richa Chadha and Sumeet Vyas**
Richa Chadha made her acting debut with a cameo in *Oye Lucky! Lucky Oye!* (2008). Her breakthrough came with Anurag Kashyap’s *Gangs of Wasseypur* (2012). She later starred in notable films like *Goliyon Ki Raasleela Ram-Leela* (2013) and *Masaan* (2015).

Sumeet Vyas rose to fame with his role as Mikesh Chaudhary in TVF’s *Permanent Roommates* (2014). He has also appeared in films such as *English Vinglish* (2012), *Parched* (2015), and *Veere Di Wedding* (2018).

As the makers weigh their options, fans await news on whether this poignant pandemic drama will find its audience via a streaming platform soon.
https://www.newsbytesapp.com/news/entertainment/richa-chadha-and-sumeet-vyas-s-pandemic-drama-delayed/story

Will Richa Chadha-Sumeet Vyas’s long-delayed pandemic drama arrive on OTT?

Posted on by
Reply

**Will Richa Chadha-Sumeet Vyas’s Long-Delayed Pandemic Drama Arrive on OTT?**

*By Isha Sharma | Oct 04, 2025, 04:55 PM*

An untitled film starring Richa Chadha and Sumeet Vyas, shot in 2023, remains unreleased nearly two years later. Despite being ready for a theatrical release, the pandemic drama is currently stuck in limbo, with its makers now considering an OTT debut.

### What’s the Story?

The film, directed by Abhishek Acharya and produced by Zee Studios, offers an emotional portrayal of the challenges faced by healthcare workers on the frontline during the COVID-19 pandemic. It aims to capture the chaos and strain experienced by these professionals through an intimate lens.

### Reasons Behind the Delay

Despite completion, internal discussions suggest that the sensitive pandemic subject matter is a key factor contributing to the delay in releasing the film. The studio reportedly feels that, at this stage, the story might seem dated to audiences.

A source close to the production shared with Mid-Day, “The film was ready for a theatrical release. But with each passing month, the possibility of it arriving in cinemas is reducing.” The makers fear that the relevance of the film’s narrative might have diminished over time, impacting its reception in theaters.

### Theatrical Concerns and Shift to OTT

Due to concerns that moviegoers may be reluctant to revisit pandemic-related trauma in cinemas, the makers are now exploring digital platforms for the film’s release. The source added, “Now, the makers are looking at pursuing an OTT release and will initiate talks with some streamers.”

This pivot reflects a growing industry trend where sensitive or niche films opt for OTT platforms to reach a wider and more receptive audience.

### Career Highlights: Richa Chadha and Sumeet Vyas

Richa Chadha made her acting debut with a cameo in *Oye Lucky! Lucky Oye!* (2008), but her breakthrough came with Anurag Kashyap’s *Gangs of Wasseypur* (2012). She has since earned acclaim for her roles in *Goliyon Ki Raasleela Ram-Leela* (2013) and *Masaan* (2015).

Sumeet Vyas rose to fame as Mikesh Chaudhary in TVF’s popular web series *Permanent Roommates* (2014). His film credits include *English Vinglish* (2012), *Parched* (2015), and *Veere Di Wedding* (2018).

—

As the film awaits its final release decision, audiences hope to soon witness this heartfelt depiction of frontline realities during one of the most challenging times in recent history—whether on the big screen or through their preferred digital platform.
https://www.newsbytesapp.com/news/entertainment/richa-chadha-and-sumeet-vyas-s-pandemic-drama-delayed/story

Veteran actress Sandhya Shantaram passes away at 94

Posted on by
Reply

The Indian film industry is mourning the loss of legendary actress Sandhya Shantaram, who passed away at the age of 94. The veteran star, celebrated for her graceful performances and remarkable contributions to Indian cinema, breathed her last on Saturday, October 4. Her final rites were performed at Vaikunth Dham in Shivaji Park, Mumbai.

While there has been no official statement from the family regarding the cause of her demise, reports suggest that the actress passed away due to age-related complications. Sandhya’s passing marks the end of an era in Indian cinema, as she was among the last surviving icons of the golden age of Hindi and Marathi films.

Tributes have been pouring in from across the film industry and political circles, as fans and colleagues remember her incredible body of work.

Filmmaker Madhur Bhandarkar took to social media platform X (formerly Twitter) to express his grief. He wrote:
“Saddened by the passing of legendary actress Sandhya Shantaram Ji. Her iconic roles in films like #Pinjra, #DoAnkhenBarahHath, #Navrang, and #JhanakJhanakPayalBaaje will forever be cherished. Her remarkable talent and mesmerizing dance skills have left an indelible mark on the world of cinema. 🙏 #OmShanti #LegendaryActress #CinematicIcon.”

BJP leader Ashish Shelar also paid his respects, acknowledging her impact on both Hindi and Marathi cinema. He wrote:
“Heartfelt Tribute! The news of the passing of Sandhya Shantaram ji, the renowned actress from the film ‘Pinjra’, is extremely heartbreaking. In the Marathi and Hindi film industries, she left a distinct impression on the audience’s minds with her unparalleled acting and dance skills. Her immortal roles in films like ‘Jhanak Jhanak Payal Baaje’, ‘Do Aankhen Barah Haath’, and especially in the film ‘Pinjra’ will forever remain etched in the hearts of the audience. May God grant eternal peace to her soul!”

Born as Vijaya Deshmukh on September 13, 1931, Sandhya rose to prominence under the direction of her husband, the legendary filmmaker V. Shantaram. Her filmography includes a series of classics that continue to be celebrated for their innovation and artistry, such as *Amar Bhoopali* (1951), *Jhanak Jhanak Payal Baaje* (1955), *Do Aankhen Barah Haath* (1958), *Navrang* (1959), and the Marathi masterpiece *Pinjra* (1972).

With her exceptional acting and mesmerizing dance performances, Sandhya Shantaram carved a niche for herself in Indian cinema, leaving behind a legacy that will forever resonate with audiences.

We at Bollywood Hungama express our heartfelt condolences to her family.

**BOLLYWOOD NEWS LIVE UPDATES**
https://www.bollywoodhungama.com/news/bollywood/veteran-actress-sandhya-shantaram-passes-away-94/

Will Richa Chadha-Sumeet Vyas’s long-delayed pandemic drama arrive on OTT?

Posted on by
Reply

**Will Richa Chadha-Sumeet Vyas’s Long-Delayed Pandemic Drama Arrive on OTT?**
*By Isha Sharma | Oct 04, 2025, 04:55 pm*

An untitled film starring Richa Chadha and Sumeet Vyas, shot in 2023, remains stuck in limbo. Although the film has been ready for nearly two years, it has yet to secure a release window. A source revealed to Mid-Day that the movie was initially prepared for a theatrical release but may now bypass cinemas and head straight to OTT platforms.

**About the Film**
The movie, directed by Abhishek Acharya and produced by Zee Studios, is a pandemic drama narrated from the perspective of healthcare workers. It offers an emotional insight into the chaos and strain faced by frontline professionals during the COVID-19 crisis.

**Reasons Behind the Delay**
Internal discussions suggest that the film’s sensitive subject matter is a major factor delaying its release. The studio reportedly hesitates to release it theatrically, fearing the story may feel outdated to audiences.

A source explained, “With the shoot and post-production completed, the film was ready for a theatrical release. But with each passing month, the possibility of it arriving in cinemas is reducing.” They added, “The makers feel that the story can feel dated today.”

**Shift to Digital Release**
As theatrical prospects dwindle, the makers are exploring options to launch the film on digital platforms. The source confirmed, “Now, the makers are looking at pursuing an OTT release and will initiate talks with some streamers.” This change in strategy responds to concerns that audiences might avoid theaters due to lingering trauma associated with the pandemic.

**Career Highlights: Richa Chadha and Sumeet Vyas**
Richa Chadha began her acting journey with a cameo in *Oye Lucky! Lucky Oye!* (2008). She gained prominence with her breakthrough role in Anurag Kashyap’s *Gangs of Wasseypur* (2012) and later starred in notable films like *Goliyon Ki Raasleela Ram-Leela* (2013) and *Masaan* (2015).

Sumeet Vyas rose to fame as Mikesh Chaudhary in TVF’s *Permanent Roommates* (2014). His film credits include *English Vinglish* (2012), *Parched* (2015), and *Veere Di Wedding* (2018).

With the pandemic drama’s release hanging in the balance, fans await further updates on whether the film will premiere on OTT platforms soon.
https://www.newsbytesapp.com/news/entertainment/richa-chadha-and-sumeet-vyas-s-pandemic-drama-delayed/story

‘A bold gamble’: Pankaj Tripathi shares excitement for ‘Mirzapur’ film

Posted on by
Reply

**‘A Bold Gamble’: Pankaj Tripathi Shares Excitement for ‘Mirzapur’ Film**
*By Isha Sharma | Oct 04, 2025*

Pankaj Tripathi, reprising his iconic role as Kaleen Bhaiya in *Mirzapur: The Film*, recently opened up about the show’s transition from a popular web series to a theatrical release. Describing the move as “a bold gamble,” he told *Mid-Day*, “It’s the first time in India that a series is being transformed into a theatrical feature. It shows the faith the producers have in the story and these characters.”

**A Unique Perspective on Kaleen Bhaiya**
Having been part of the *Mirzapur* franchise since its inception, Tripathi shared his intriguing take on his character Kaleen Bhaiya. “People call him a criminal, but I’ve always seen Kaleen as a businessman. He is soft-spoken, calm and calculative. If you didn’t know what his business was, you might even find him poetic,” he said, revealing the depth behind the powerful persona.

**From Bihar to Bollywood: Tripathi’s Personal Journey**
Tripathi also reflected on his inspiring journey from his humble beginnings in Bihar to becoming a celebrated figure in Bollywood. Reminiscing about his early life, he shared, “While chatting recently with Rasika, I remembered that for the first 18-19 years of my life, I didn’t even use a toothbrush. We didn’t have that concept in the village because there wasn’t a market nearby.” These memories, he added, remind him of how far he has come in life.

**The Next Chapter: Mirzapur’s Big-Screen Debut**
Directed by Gurmmeet Singh, the film marks a new chapter for the *Mirzapur* franchise. Alongside Pankaj Tripathi, the movie stars Ali Fazal, Shweta Tripathi Sharma, and Rasika Dugal. The original series, which has released three successful seasons to date, continues to stream on Amazon Prime Video.

Fans eagerly await to see how this bold new venture unfolds on the big screen, bringing the gritty, intense world of *Mirzapur* to life in an exciting cinematic format.
https://www.newsbytesapp.com/news/entertainment/pankaj-tripathi-talks-about-mirzapur-film-adaptation/story

‘A bold gamble’: Pankaj Tripathi shares excitement for ‘Mirzapur’ film

Posted on by
Reply

**‘A Bold Gamble’: Pankaj Tripathi Shares Excitement for ‘Mirzapur’ Film**

*By Isha Sharma | Oct 04, 2025*

Pankaj Tripathi, reprising his iconic role as Kaleen Bhaiya in *Mirzapur: The Film*, recently shared his excitement about the popular series’ transition to the big screen. In an exclusive conversation with Mid-Day, Tripathi described this move as “a bold gamble,” highlighting its uniqueness in the Indian entertainment industry.

“It’s the first time in India that a series is being transformed into a theatrical feature,” he said. “It shows the faith the producers have in the story and these characters.”

**A Deeper Look at Kaleen Bhaiya**

Having been part of the *Mirzapur* franchise since its inception, Tripathi offered a unique perspective on his character Kaleen Bhaiya. Contrary to the common perception of Kaleen as a mere criminal, Tripathi views him as a businessman.

“He is soft-spoken, calm, and calculative. If you didn’t know what his business was, you might even find him poetic,” Tripathi explained, shedding light on the complex layers of his character.

**From Bihar to Bollywood: Tripathi’s Journey**

Reflecting on his personal journey, Tripathi shared candid memories of his early life growing up in Bihar. “While chatting recently with Rasika, I remembered that for the first 18-19 years of my life, I didn’t even use a toothbrush,” he revealed. “We didn’t have that concept in the village because there wasn’t a market nearby.”

These recollections serve as a poignant reminder of how far he has come, from humble beginnings to becoming a celebrated figure in Bollywood.

**A New Chapter: From Series to Film**

*Mirzapur: The Film*, directed by Gurmmeet Singh, marks a fresh chapter for the franchise. Alongside Tripathi, the film stars Ali Fazal, Shweta Tripathi Sharma, and Rasika Dugal. The original series, which has already released three successful seasons, continues to stream on Amazon Prime Video.

With this bold cinematic venture, fans eagerly await to see their beloved characters come alive on the big screen, promising an intense and thrilling experience ahead.
https://www.newsbytesapp.com/news/entertainment/pankaj-tripathi-talks-about-mirzapur-film-adaptation/story

‘A bold gamble’: Pankaj Tripathi shares excitement for ‘Mirzapur’ film

Posted on by
Reply

Pankaj Tripathi, who is reprising his iconic role as Kaleen Bhaiya in *Mirzapur: The Film*, recently shared his thoughts on the show’s transition from a web series to a theatrical release.

The actor opened up about the challenges and excitement involved in adapting the popular story for the big screen. Fans of the series can look forward to experiencing the intense narrative and gripping performances in a new cinematic format.

With the film version, *Mirzapur* aims to reach a wider audience while maintaining the gritty and raw essence that made the original series a success. Pankaj Tripathi’s portrayal of Kaleen Bhaiya continues to be a highlight, promising an engaging experience for viewers both old and new.
https://www.newsbytesapp.com/news/entertainment/pankaj-tripathi-talks-about-mirzapur-film-adaptation/story

Mumbai: Farhan Akhtar’s Family Driver Misuses Actor’s Cards To Fill His Pockets, Booked For ₹12 Lakh Fraud

Posted on by
Reply

**Mumbai Police Register Case Against Driver and Petrol Pump Employee in Fuel Card Fraud Involving Actor Farhan Akhtar’s Family**

The Mumbai police have registered a case against Naresh Singh, the driver of actor Farhan Akhtar’s mother, Honey Irani, and an employee of a petrol pump near Bandra Lake. Singh, 35, allegedly used Akhtar’s fuel cards to fill fuel in Irani’s vehicles without authorization. Instead of refueling, he reportedly swiped the cards at the petrol pump and received cash from the petrol pump employee after they kept their share of the money.

### Details of the Case

On October 1, Honey Irani’s manager, Diya Bhatia, 36, filed a complaint with the Bandra police against Naresh Singh and the petrol pump employee, Arun Singh, 52, accusing them of cheating the family out of Rs 12 lakh.

While reviewing fuel expenses, Bhatia found discrepancies related to a Maruti car with a diesel tank capacity of 35 liters being recorded as having received 621 liters of fuel. When she confronted Naresh Singh for clarification, his answers were unsatisfactory. He claimed to possess only one fuel card, for both petrol and diesel.

Upon further investigation of the fuel card history, Bhatia discovered that Singh had used three separate cards—all registered under Farhan Akhtar’s name. She also uncovered a purchase of vehicle oil for a car that had been sold seven years ago, raising further concerns.

### Confession and Modus Operandi

Bhatia arranged a meeting with Honey Irani during which Singh confessed to the fraudulent activity. He revealed that in 2022, he had obtained three fuel cards from Akhtar’s former driver, Santosh Kumar.

Since then, Singh had been filling petrol and diesel exclusively at the SV Road petrol pump near Bandra Lake, where he conspired with the petrol pump employee, Arun Singh. The driver frequently swiped the cards without actually fueling the vehicles and received cash payments after deducting Rs 1,000 to Rs 1,500 as his share from each transaction.

### Legal Action

A case has been registered under the following sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita:

– Section 318 – Criminal breach of trust
– Section 418 – Cheating
– Section 3(5) – General provisions

The Mumbai police continue to investigate the matter.

—

For more information and to explore exclusive, budget-friendly property deals in Mumbai and surrounding areas, visit: [https://budgetproperties.in/](https://budgetproperties.in/)
https://www.freepressjournal.in/entertainment/mumbai-farhan-akhtars-family-driver-misuses-actors-cards-to-fill-his-pockets-booked-for-12-lakh-fraud

Cony football steamrolls Fryeburg, moves atop Class B North

Posted on by
Reply

**AUGUSTA — Cony Rams Dominate Fryeburg Academy in Pine Tree Conference Showdown**

A highly anticipated battle between the No. 1 and No. 2 unbeaten teams in the Pine Tree Conference turned into a one-sided affair Friday at Fuller Field. The Cony Rams sent a clear message that they are the team to beat in the league, dominating every aspect of the game, especially with their prolific passing attack.

Cony rolled to a commanding 53-7 victory over Fryeburg Academy in a matchup of the top Class B North teams. Led by a stellar first-half performance from quarterback Parker Morin, who completed 13 of 19 passes for 281 yards and four touchdowns, the Rams surged to a 47-7 halftime lead.

“Fryeburg is obviously a good program and a well-coached team, so to come out and play like we did in that first half was a really big statement,” said Cony coach B.L. Lippert. “Our offense just really clicked all game, and we played pretty well defensively for the most part.”

### How It Happened

Cony (5-0) was unstoppable through the air in the first half. Morin connected on eight completions of 20 yards or more, finding receivers Anderson Noyes, Landen Perry, Ethan Demmons, and Cooper Clark for touchdown receptions of 11, 25, 45, and 25 yards respectively. Remarkably, the Rams scored on every drive of the first half.

“Our chemistry is unbelievable,” Morin said. “It’s the little stuff like going to a buddy’s house and playing a little cornhole with them or coming on a Monday night and throwing the ball around in the summer that really builds that and helps you out in the fall.”

Defensively, the Rams completely shut down Fryeburg’s (4-1) running game, limiting the Raiders to just 24 yards on 17 carries. While Benny Arnason made occasional big plays through the air, Cony’s defense sacked him four times and forced two interceptions.

“It all just starts on Monday with film and doing a little install,” said Austin Bucknam, who recorded two sacks on Arnason in the first half. “You just work at it all week, watch the guy in front of you; when he moves, you move. Just find the ball and hit the ball.”

### What It Means

With the win, Cony stands alone atop Class B North. The Rams and Raiders had been the clear leaders in the region entering the week, with no other team better than 1-3. This victory cements Cony as runaway favorites in the league.

Coach Lippert also reached a major milestone, becoming the winningest coach in Cony history with 58 wins, surpassing Dana Dogherty’s record (1942-52). Now in his 10th season, Lippert has guided the Rams to consistent contention and has assured them of an eighth consecutive winning season.

“Watching this program as a kid, I always saw him as a coach, and I’m like, ‘Man, he’s been here for a while,’” Morin said. “To finally see him do that, it’s awesome; I couldn’t be more happy for him.”

For Fryeburg, the loss marked their first in almost a calendar year. The Raiders had won eight straight games since a narrow 21-20 defeat to Wells on Oct. 18, 2024, and captured a Class C state title along the way.

### They Said It

“Trying to shut (Fryeburg star player) Ty Boone down is a full-time job. He got us once on a fade ball, but I thought we mostly did pretty well against him,” Lippert said. “They did move it on us a little bit, but we did well enough to keep them out, and our offense just really got going.”

### Stat Leaders

**Fryeburg:**
– Benny Arnason: 8 of 19 passing, 170 yards, 1 touchdown, 2 interceptions
– Ty Boone: 2 receptions, 88 yards
– Ted Carter: 3 receptions, 52 yards

**Cony:**
– Parker Morin: 13 of 19 passing, 281 yards, 4 touchdowns
– Anderson Noyes: 6 carries, 27 yards, 1 touchdown; 4 receptions, 65 yards, 1 touchdown
– Ethan Demmons: 3 catches, 57 yards, 1 touchdown; blocked punt for touchdown
– Austin Bucknam: 2 sacks

### Up Next

– **Fryeburg:** vs. Lawrence, 6:30 p.m. Friday
– **Cony:** at Skowhegan, 7 p.m. Friday
https://www.centralmaine.com/2025/10/03/cony-football-steamrolls-fryeburg-moves-atop-class-b-north/

In Saudi Arabia, Dave Chappelle jokes that ‘I stand with Israel’ would be his code for censorship

Posted on by
Reply

In Saudi Arabia, comedian Dave Chappelle joked that saying “I stand with Israel” would be his code for censorship. This comment came during a state-sponsored show held on Saturday, which featured a lineup of top international comedians.

The event faced criticism from Human Rights Watch as well as several other comedians, highlighting concerns about freedom of expression and the political implications of the show.

Dave Chappelle, who performed at Madison Square Garden in New York City in 2023, has been known for addressing controversial topics through his comedy.

As tensions rise, some observers note that the more Hollywood elites speak out on behalf of the radicalized people of Gaza, the greater the danger becomes for other communities—from New York to Jerusalem, as one writer argues.

(Photo credit: Eduardo Munoz/Reuters)
By Grace Gilson/JTA
https://www.jpost.com/middle-east/article-869358