Ishrat Ali

HAQ has emerged as one of the most closely watched Hindi releases on Netflix at the start of 2026, marking a significant moment in the evolving cinematic legacy of Suparn S. Varma. In an OTT landscape often driven by short-lived spikes, the film has demonstrated sustained traction through both viewership and conversation, reinforcing Varmas reputation for socially grounded, performance-led storytelling. Haq secures no. 1 spot in India on Netflix, trends in top 10 across 14 countries According to Netflix weekly rankings, HAQ debuted at No. 1 in India and opened at No. 2 globally on Netflixs Top 10 Non-English Films list. The film also trended in the Top 10 across 14 countries, securing the No. 1 position in 5 countries, signalling strong international engagement for a Hindi courtroom drama anchored in ideas rather than spectacle. The film quickly rose to the top of Netflix Indias charts and has remained a consistent presence, outperforming several titles that have been available on the platform for longer periods. Beyond the metrics, Haq has generated notable discussion within the film industry. Actors, filmmakers, and creators across cinema and OTT platforms have responded publicly to the film, citing Varmas restrained direction and the confidence with which the narrative allows silence, tension, and ambiguity to carry meaning. At the centre of the film are Yami Gautam and Emraan Hashmi, whose performances ground the narrative in emotional realism. Gautam delivers a controlled and unflinching portrayal of Shazia, while Hashmi presents one of his most unsettling roles to date. Together, they shift the courtroom drama away from procedural theatrics toward an examination of power, faith, marriage, and moral responsibility. Inspired by the 1985 Shah Bano case, Haq approaches a landmark moment in Indias legal history through a personal and human lens. Rather than positioning itself as a historical retelling, the film focuses on the lived consequences of legal and social structures, allowing discomfort and complexity to remain central to the viewing experience. Reflecting on the films reception, Varma said: I never set out to make a film that would trend. I wanted to make a film that would stay. Justice, especially for women, is rarely neat or convenient. The Shah Bano case is remembered as a legal milestone, but behind it was a woman who had to fight simply to be heard. That human cost was always my starting point. The response tells me that audiences are willing to engage with complexity when a story treats them with empathy. With a body of work that includes The Family Man Season 2, Rana Naidu, Sirf Ek Banda Kaafi Hai, and now Haq , Suparn S. Varma continues to consolidate a filmmaking legacy defined by moral inquiry, narrative restraint, and performance-driven cinema. As Haq maintains momentum on Netflix, it stands as further affirmation that films rooted in complexity and conviction can achieve both scale and staying power.

Dharma Productions has firmly denied allegations of plagiarism surrounding its film Homebound after author and journalist Puja Changoiwala accused the makers of copying her 2021 novel of the same name. The controversy erupted just days after the movie was shortlisted for the Best International Feature Film category at the 98th Academy Awards. Dharma Productions calls Homebound plagiarism claims baseless and unfounded Changoiwala sent a legal notice in October claiming that significant portions of the films second half including scenes, dialogue, narrative structure and sequence of events closely mirror her book. She also argued that Homebound shares not just a title but substantial creative elements, and is seeking legal remedies that include a potential injunction and damages. A statement from Dharma Productions, shared by Mid-Day, said, The allegations of copyright infringement are baseless and unfounded, and Dharma Productions categorically denies the same. Homebound is an officially licensed adaptation inspired by the New York Times article by Basharat Peer, with all requisite rights lawfully acquired and due credit duly provided. A legal notice has been received and duly responded to by Dharma Productions legal counsel. It further read, Dharma Productions has become aware through media reports of an alleged pre-suit mediation before the Bombay High Court however, no formal communication has been received to date. We take such allegations seriously and are exploring legal action at our end to protect the integrity of our film. The film, directed by Neeraj Ghaywan and starring Ishaan Khatter, Vishal Jethwa and Janhvi Kapoor, is set against the backdrop of the COVID-19 migrant exodus. While Homebound continues to attract attention for its awards prospects, the copyright dispute adds a new legal dimension to its public conversation.

Homebound , the Hindi film recently shortlisted for the 98th Academy Awards, has become the subject of a legal dispute. Journalist and author Puja Changoiwala has initiated legal action against Dharma Productions and Netflix Entertainment Services India, alleging that the film unlawfully copies her 2021 novel of the same name. Oscar-shortlisted Homebound faces copyright suit; deets inside! Changoiwala, whose book Homebound was published in 2021, says she took action only after her lawyer issued a formal notice to Dharma Productions, which she claims was not adequately addressed by the production house. She points out that both the novel and the film draw from the same real-life event the COVID-19 migrant exodus of 2020 but argues that the similarities extend far beyond the shared backdrop. In the second half of the film, I discovered that the producers have not only misappropriated the title of my book, but have also blatantly reproduced substantial portions of my novel including its scenes, dialogue, narrative structure, sequence of events, and other creative expressions, Changoiwala said in an email cited by The Free Press Journal. According to Changoiwala, her legal team sent a scene-by-scene legal notice to Dharma Productions on October 15, outlining the alleged infringements. She asserts that the producers did not acknowledge the claimed violation and continued to promote and distribute the film on Netflix. Changoiwala has since filed an application with the Maharashtra State Legal Services Authority under Section 12A of the Commercial Courts Act, 2015. This step is a mandatory pre-litigation step before a commercial suit can be filed in the Bombay High Court. Her court application seeks remedies including a permanent injunction against distribution of the film, removal of the allegedly infringing material, a change of title, and monetary damages for copyright infringement. Changoiwala defended her decision to pursue legal action despite the stature of the respondents: I know Im challenging powerful entities by taking this step, but I believe its important for writers to defend their work when its misappropriated and exploited without their consent. As of now, neither Dharma Productions nor Netflix has issued a detailed public response to the allegations. The film Homebound , directed by Neeraj Ghaywan and starring Ishaan Khatter, Vishal Jethwa, and Janhvi Kapoor, continues its awards campaign while the legal process unfolds.

Homebound , the critically acclaimed Hindi drama directed by Neeraj Ghaywan, has been officially selected as Indias entry for the Best International Feature Film category at the 98th Academy Awards and has now been shortlisted by the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences as one of the contenders moving forward in the awards process. Homebound makes Oscars 2026 shortlist in Best International Feature Film category The film starring Ishaan Khatter, Vishal Jethwa, and Janhvi Kapoor was chosen by the Film Federation of India from a competitive list of 24 films submitted this year, cementing its place as the nations representative on cinemas biggest global stage. In the shortlist announced this week, Homebound is among only 15 international films advancing toward final nominations for the Best International Feature Film Award, marking a significant achievement for Indian cinema ahead of the Oscars scheduled in March 2026. Homebound tells the poignant journey of two childhood friends striving to become police officers to earn dignity and respect in a system shaped by caste and socioeconomic divides. Producer Karan Johar reacted emotionally to the films Oscars shortlist announcement, taking to social media to share his pride. He wrote, I am not sure I can articulate how proud, elated and over the moon I am with the journey of #HOMEBOUND all of us @dharmamovies are privileged to have this proud and important film in our filmography thank you @neeraj.ghaywan for making so many dreams of ours come true from Cannes to being on the Oscar shortlist this has been such an overwhelming journey! Love to the entire cast and crew and teams of this special special film!!!!!!!!! Upwards and onwards.. #HOMEBOUND streaming now on @netflix_in. The film has already earned international recognition after its premiere in the Un Certain Regard section at the 78th Cannes Film Festival, where it received a nineminute standing ovation from audiences. It also screened at the Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF), where it won the International Peoples Choice Award as second runnerup. Industry insiders and audiences have celebrated Homebounds selection, seeing it as a testament to the depth of Indias cinematic storytelling. Key cast and crew members expressed excitement as the films Oscar campaign progresses, with many hoping it will secure a nomination when the final list is announced early next year.

Remember Mayoori Kango, the girl-next-door who made her big Bollywood debut in Papa Kehte Hain (1996) opposite Jugal Hansraj? While her filmi career was short-lived, shes now making waves in an entirely different world. The actress-turned-professional has rejoined Publicis Groupe in a high-profile role, proving that her journey took a very unexpected turn after Bollywood. #Mayuri Kango Papa Kehte Hain star Mayoori Kango is now leading Publicis Groupe in India According to her latest LinkedIn update, Mayoori is now part of the global executive leadership team for Publicis Global Delivery (PGD) and has also been named CEO of the companys India Delivery Center. Quite the leap from silver screen ingnue to corporate head honcho. Announcing her big career move, she wrote, I'm delighted to share that I've rejoined Publicis Groupe as part of the global executive leadership team for #Publicis Global Delivery (PGD). In this role, I'll be partnering with the PGD Global team to shape our global solutions and services across media, tech, and digital while also stepping up our AI practice It feels great to be back grateful for the warm welcome and excited for the journey ahead. Interestingly, this isnt her first time with the global advertising giant. Mayoori had earlier served as the Managing Director at Performics, a performance marketing agency under Publicis, before moving on to other roles, including a stint at Google. But for Bollywood buffs, shell always be the fresh-faced starlet of Papa Kehte Hain.Though she followed it up with Hogi Pyaar Ki Jeet (1999) and a string of TV shows like Dollar Bahu (2001), Thoda Gham Thodi Khushi , and Karishma: The Miracles of Destiny (2003), her acting career never really hit the big league. By the mid-2000s, Mayoori had moved away from showbiz, completed her MBA in 2007, and steadily built her corporate career. Today, shes a name to reckon with in advertising and digital media leadership far removed from the song-and-dance routines of the 90s. So if you ever wondered, Where is the Papa Kehte Hain girl now? the answer is: running boardrooms, not Bollywood sets.

Prime Video has announced a multi-year licensing agreement with Maddock Films, giving the platform worldwide exclusive streaming rights to eight upcoming titles. As part of the deal, the films will be available to Prime members across more than 240 countries and territories shortly after their theatrical release. Prime Video expands Maddock Films partnership with exclusive multi-year slate of 8 anticipated movies The new post-theatrical licensing deal makes Prime Video the exclusive streaming home for films from Maddocks popular horror-comedy universe releasing between 2025 and 2027. This includes Thama , along with two other titles yet to be announced. Following the success of Stree 2 , which performed strongly both in theatres and on streaming, Prime Video aims to further expand the reach and fandom of these upcoming films worldwide. The slate also features Param Sundari , starring Sidharth Malhotra and Janhvi Kapoor, which is scheduled to release in theatres on 29 August 2025. Other titles include Shiddat 2 and Badlapur 2 , continuations of two successful franchises. The collaboration further covers Ikkis , directed by Sriram Raghavan and starring Agastya Nanda, along with additional projects that will be announced later. The collaboration builds on Prime Videos ongoing association with Maddock Films, which has previously brought titles like Stree 2 , Teri Baaton Mein Aisa Uljha Jiya , Stree , and others to the platform. It also follows the success of their co-production Bhool Chuk Maaf , which released theatrically before streaming on Prime Video, as well as the Original series Jee Karda. Dinesh Vijan, CEO & founder, Maddock Films, said, Weve always believed in telling stories that surprise, entertain, and resonateand in working with partners who share that belief. Prime Video has consistently championed cinema that transcends languages, geographies, and formats. From our horror-comedy universe to our most beloved franchises, our endeavour has always been to create worlds that audiences love to revisit. This strategic long-term post-theatrical licensing deal is a natural extension of our shared vision: to take Indian storytelling to a truly global stage. Were excited that these films will now continue their journey beyond theatres on Prime Video, reaching an even wider audience across the world. We are thrilled to expand our strategic collaboration with Dinesh Vijans Maddock Films to continue delivering on our promise of bringing compelling stories to audiences across the world. This multi-film slate not only builds on the unique and wildly popular horror-comedy universe and franchise sequels but also brings in a distinctive blend of creative originality and fresh storytelling that is synonymous with Maddock. We look forward to entertaining our customers with the post-theatrical premieres of some of Indias most eagerly awaited films, said Manish Menghani, director & head of content licensing, Prime Video, India. At Prime Video, we have consistently worked towards expanding the reach of Indian movies, not just deep within India but also globally by taking them to geographies much beyond the scope of other mediums.

Cannes [France], May 16 : Making an unforgettable first impression at the 2025 Cannes Film Festival, actress Nitanshi Goel made her red carpet debut with a powerful homage to the golden age of Indian cinema.The 17-year-old actress, known for her breakout role in the Oscar-shortlisted 'Laapataa Ladies', stepped into the global spotlight on Thursday with elegance and poise.Dressed in a custom ivory saree by Jade by Monica and Karishma, Nitanshi's ensemble served as a heartfelt tribute to the women who shaped the legacy of Hindi cinema.Adorned with hairpins bearing the faces of screen legends like Madhubala, Nargis, Meena Kumari, Nutan, Waheeda Rehman, Asha Parekh, Vyjayanthimala, Hema Malini, Rekha, and Sridevi, the young actress carried with her a lineage of cinematic brilliance onto one of the world's most prestigious stages.Shrey and Urja styled Nitanshi's first look, which was complemented by an intricately beaded blouse crafted with pearls and delicate embroidery, echoing the aesthetic of heirloom Indian fashion. Accessories were kept minimal.Later that evening, Nitanshi made a second appearance on the red carpet in a striking black gown adorned with gold embroidery by Jade by Monica and Karishma.Nitanshi was present at Cannes for the screening of 'Dossier 137'. Her Cannes debut comes alongside a wave of Indian talent at this year's festival, including 'All We Imagine As Light' director Payal Kapadia, Chhaya Kadam.Actor Anupam Kher is in France for the 2025 Cannes Film Festival, where his film 'Tanvi The Great' is set to be screened on May 17. Apart from this, Karan Johar's 'Homebound' and legendary filmmaker Satyajit Ray's 'Aranyer Din Ratri' are also set to be screened at Cannes.

Mumbai (Maharashtra) [India], March 30 : Bollywood actress Janhvi Kapoor turned heads as the showstopper for renowned fashion designer Rahul Mishra at Lakme Fashion Week in partnership with FDCI 2025.Janhvi made a dramatic entrance in a stunning Bandhani bodycon dress, catching everyone's attention as the models surrounding her were shown as paparazzi shouting her name. Her striking presence, paired with a captivating ensemble, was the perfect combination to steal the spotlight.Her glamorous attire, dynamic style and accompanying music went in sync with each other, adding to the enchantment of her runway moment. The ace actress stunned everyone with her impeccable confidence and style, leaving the audience in awe.Rahul Mishra's design was a beautiful blend of traditional Bandhani techniques with modern silhouettes. His collection, titled AFEW, drew inspiration from the dreamlike worlds of Henri Rousseau, transforming his lush, whimsical landscapes into wearable art. The official Instagram page of Lakme Fashion Week posted details about the show, "NEXA e Vitara presents AFEW by Rahul Mishra at Lakme Fashion Week in partnership with FDCI.""AFEW by Rahul Mishra's collection draws inspiration from the dreamlike worlds of Henri Rousseau, transforming his lush, whimsical landscapes into wearable art. Handmade with care, each piece celebrates craftsmanship and creativity, bringing a bold, uplifting spirit to fashion. This collection fuses rich textures, intricate details, and vibrant hues to evoke the magic of Rousseau's timeless artistry," concluded the post.View this post on InstagramA post shared by Lakm Fashion Week (@lakmefashionwk)Meanwhile, on the work front, Janhvi will star alongside Ram Charan in his much-anticipated 16th film, now titled 'Peddi.' 'Peddi' is directed by Buchi Babu Sana and stars Janhvi Kapoor, Kannada superstar Shiva Raj Kumar and Jagapathi Babu in prominent roles.The movie will also star 'Mirzapur' fame Divyenndu in a prominent role. The makers have earlier unveiled the actor's first look from the upcoming movie.'Peddi' is bankrolled by the director Sukumar's home banner Sukumar Writings while the music is composed by Oscar winner musician AR Rahman.She will also be seen in 'Sunny Sanskari Ki Tulsi Kumari,' also starring Varun Dhawan.

Mumbai (Maharashtra) [India], March 21 : Youtuber and comedian Samay Raina has rescheduled his India tour amid the ongoing India's Got Latent row. Taking to his Instagram handle, Samay shared the news and promised refunds to people who bought tickets for the show. He wrote,"Hello guys, I am rescheduling my India tour. You all will get the refunds shortly, see you soon." The comedian's decision to reschedule the India tour came amid the ongoing case against him for promoting obscenity and vulgar content through his show India's Got Latent.The controversy erupted after an FIR was filed earlier this month against Makhija, YouTubers Ashish Chanchlani, Ranveer Allahbadia, Samay Raina, and others associated with the India's Got Latent show.The FIR was based on allegations of promoting obscenity and engaging in sexually explicit discussions during the publicly accessible YouTube show.Ashish Chanchlani and Ranveer Allahbadia have already approached the Maharashtra Cyber Cell to record their statements in connection with the matter.The Maharashtra cyber police have reportedly summoned more than 30 people for questioning after registering an FIR against them. However, the police have not yet recorded the statement of comedian and YouTuber Samay Raina, who hosted the 'India's Got Latent' show.The show came under scrutiny after Ranveer Allahbadia made some offensive remarks on the show.During an appearance on the 'India's Got Latent' show, the podcaster asked a contestant, "Would you rather watch your parents... or join in once and stop it forever?" The video soon went viral on the internet, with social media users slamming Allahbadia for his offensive remarks.

Mumbai (Maharashtra) [India], December 18 : Director Kiran Rao's film 'Laapataa Ladies', India's official entry for the Best International Feature Film category at the 97th Academy Awards, is no longer in the Oscars race. The movie, which had generated a lot of buzz after being chosen as India's entry, failed to make it to the shortlist announced by the Academy. Following the announcement, the makers of the film released a statement expressing their disappointment while thanking supporters and the jury for their faith in the project.The statement, issued by Jio Studios and Kiran Rao's Kindling Productions, read, "Laapataa Ladies (Lost Ladies) did not make it to the Academy Awards shortlist this year, and we are of course disappointed, but equally we are immensely grateful for the incredible support and belief we've received throughout this journey.""We at Aamir Khan Productions, Jio Studios and Kindling Productions extend our gratitude to the Academy members and the FFI jury for considering our film. To be included in this prestigious process alongside some of the finest films from across the world is an honor in itself. Our heartfelt thanks to all the audiences around the world who have expressed their love and support for our film," it added. The makers also congratulated the films that made it to the top 15 list and shared that their team remains optimistic about future despite missing out on the Oscars shortlist. "We congratulate the teams of all the top 15 shortlisted films and wish them the very best in the next stages of the awards.""For us, this is not the end but a step forward. We remain committed to bringing more powerful stories to life and sharing them with the world," it further read. In September, the Film Federation of India, led by Jahnu Barua, selected 'Laapataa Ladies' from a list of 29 films in several Indian languages, including Payal Kapadia's 'All We Imagine As Light' and the National Award-winning 'Aattam'.While 'Laapataa Ladies' is out of the race, Shahana Goswami-starrer 'Santosh', directed by British-Indian filmmaker Sandhya Suri, is still in contention as the United Kingdom's official entry. Apart from this, Guneet Monga's live-action short film 'Anuja' has been shortlisted, giving India some hope at the Oscars.