Rajkumar Santoshi's best films prove that few Bollywood filmmakers could mix hard-hitting drama, action, comedy and sheer masala madness quite like him.
'The money I owed was all mine. I didn't borrow it from anyone. I didn't owe anyone anything. I just had to sell my own assets and pay back.'
Awarapan 2, featuring Emraan Hashmi, is set to release 19 years after its original, joining a growing trend of long-delayed Bollywood sequels attempting to capitalise on nostalgia and past successes like Gadar 2 and Border 2, but not all such reboots guarantee box office triumph.
Rajya Sabha MP Raghav Chadha refutes allegations of inaction in Parliament, asserting his commitment to raising public issues and creating impact.
Emraan Hashmi's Awarapan 2 has defied all expectations, emerging as a surprise blockbuster with a staggering opening weekend collection, while Sunny Deol's highly anticipated Batwara 1947 has significantly underperformed at the box office.
'You should get carried away with the characters, become one with him. You don't see whether he is a Hindu or a Muslim. You see the human being.'
August is going to be a special month for Bollywood, thanks to the Independence Day weekend, which will see a couple of big releases.
'We don't make films to create controversy. I believe our stories are sincere and pure. When people watch them, they connect emotionally.'
Sunny Deol stars in the upcoming Partition drama Batwara 1947, produced by Aamir Khan Productions and directed by Rajkumar Santoshi, which promises a compelling story of courage amidst historical turmoil.
'Horror keeps me safe. When I tried to do something else and abandoned the spirits, I landed up in prison.'
As Aamir Khan Productions celebrates 25 years, we rank the 10 best films produced by its star, from the iconic Lagaan to the recent critically-acclaimed Laapataa Ladies.
Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann has announced a crop loss assessment following recent inclement weather and promised compensation to affected farmers. The announcement came as Mann presented a report on the power department and addressed other issues including sacrilege laws and drug enforcement.
Rajya Sabha MP Raghav Chadha has responded to criticism that he has not adequately raised Punjab-related issues in Parliament by sharing a video showcasing his interventions on key concerns affecting the state.
Bigger surprises and shockers await in Dhurandhar 2? Mayur Sanap trusts Aditya Dhar on this.
If you are willing to spare four hours of your day on a spy action thriller, Dhurandhar The Revenge will surprise, shock and overwhelm you with its nervous energy, notes Divya Nair.
'Dilipsaab was an interesting mix of spontaneity and stylised acting.'
Bappi Lahiri realised disco was a winning ticket and escalated his game with several more dancefloor perennials. Soon, every film producer and music director in town was down with disco fever. On what would have been Bappi Lahiri's 73rd birthday this November 27, Dinesh Raheja rewinds to the late music composer's halcyon days.
'I have always broken my image every time I went on screen. I don't know what it means to be a Greek God but people used to call me one.'
Aditya Dhar's penchant for action and high-pitched dramatic moments hover over Dhurandhar's teaser. And there shouldn't be any doubt that the director will deliver the goods, expects Mayur Sanap.
The release date of Ghayal Once Again has been pushed to February.
'Gen Z was devoid of love stories with sad endings like Heer Ranjha, Laila Majnu or Romeo Juliet; they have never seen something like this in their lifetime.' 'Saiyaara is a rooted love story.'
As Sunny Deol returns as Ajay Mehra in Ghayal Once Again, tomorrow, we remember his dialoguebaazi in Ghayal.
Ghayal Once Again starts out wobbly but gains substantial momentum till interval point, only to go completely haywire in its latter half, writes Sukanya Verma.
'I didn't like doing jhatak-mataks. I would subconsciously start feeling, 'Oh my God, my makeup man and my driver will be watching this.''
The tide has turned for Sunny. He has another actioner in the upcoming Jatt and has reteamed with Rajkumar Santoshi after almost three decades for the Aamir Khan produced Lahore 1947.
'Often, the actors and technicians would be rolling in laughter during the shooting. I remember our brilliant cinematographer laughed so hard, he fell off his trolley.'
'I found a story that merged my two passions, history and law. I couldn't have found a better story for my debut film.'
'Aamir Khan and Salman Khan were already very busy. Then, Raveena Tandon and Karisma Kapoor started signing more films, Paresh Rawalji also got busy... 'Rajkumar Santoshiji got offered Damini he was very excited about it. He told dad that since her dates were available, let me do this film quickly. But aisa hota toh nahin. That film also took time. 'So sabke dates ka problem ho gaya, including the director's.'
In a special series starting today, we will put YOU to the test everyday!
The hits and misses of the week.
'I may not have accrued a large bank balance, but I think I've earned something far valuable. Respect.' 'That's what Andaz Apna Apna brought me, and I wouldn't exchange that respect for any amount of money in the world.'
Sukanya Verma quizzes you to find out just how much you know about the movies.
At many stages, it has appeared as though Sunny Deol's career was running out of steam, but each time he has risen Phoenix-like from the ashes. Dinesh Raheja gives us a closer look at the man on his 67th birthday on October 19.
Andaz Apna Apna is practically the most quoted film since Sholay, observes Sukanya Verma, as she celebrates 30 years of this cult classic movie.
Fear Factor: Khatron Ke Khiladi, the adrenaline-pumping reality show hosted by Rohit Shetty, returns with its 14th season, promising more thrills, chills and heart-stopping stunts.
Be it Dhoom, Singham or the Munnabhai franchise, there are certain stories that have tons more to say or solid cash cow potential and Bollywood is all for it.
'Was Salman Khan the only reason for the success of a film?'
If there was a penny for every single time Bollywood's shiest movie star and angriest action hero pointed fingers at his adversary and warned him of violent consequences...
'Here are 25 stories special to me for one reason too many,' says Sukanya Verma who scored 25 years writing about the movies last week.
