Have you heard? Farzi 2 to go on floors in December; Abhishek and Aishwarya cele

Let’s play chor police again?

(From left) Krishna DK and Raj Nidimoru

Shahid Kapoor made a dashing digital debut in 2023 with Raj Nidimoru and Krishna DK’s Farzi, which received praise for its gripping narrative and ended on a cliffhanger, teasing a thrilling face-off between Shahid, Vijay Sethupathi, and Kay Kay Menon. Ever since, fans have awaited its second season. Shahid and Rashii Khanna had confirmed that they will soon start working on the show’s second season (Waiting for a call, March 10). Now there are reports that Farzi 2 is set to go on floors in December. A source reveals, “Raj and DK are currently occupied with Rakht Brahmand. Once they wrap the show, they’ll dive into pre-production for Farzi 2. The show is expected to drop on OTT in the second half of 2026. Before that, Shahid will reportedly complete filming Dinesh Vijan’s Cocktail 2 with Rashmika Mandanna and Kriti Sanon, the sequel to Saif Ali Khan, Deepika Padukone and Diana Penty’s Cocktail (2012).

All is well in love

(From left) Abhishek Bachchan, Aaradhya Bachchan, Aishwarya Rai Bachchan

Abhishek Bachchan and Aishwarya Rai Bachchan celebrated their 18th wedding anniversary on Monday, dispelling rumours of marital trouble. Aishwarya shared a photo of herself and Abhishek with their daughter Aaradhya on Instagram. The couple has been subject to speculation after appearing separately at Anant Ambani’s wedding last year, but they have been spotted together on several occasions since, including Aaradhya’s birthday and school events. Fans were delighted to see them celebrating their bond together, saying, “Sab think ho gaya.”

Gem of a scandal

Nirav Modi

Nirav Modi, a name that evokes scandal, will apparently soon be the focus of a new film, backed by Vikram Malhotra’s production house. Reports suggest that Gullak director, Palash Vaswani, will helm the project, marking a shift from his acclaimed TV work to a high-profile biopic. We have learnt that the film is based on Pavan C. Lall’s book Flawed: The Rise and Fall of India’s Diamond Mogul Nirav Modi, chronicling Nirav’s rise and his involvement in the infamous PNB scam. There’s a lot of curiosity on who will play the lead role. There are reports that A-list actors are being approached for the show, with a major casting announcement expected soon. Following Mehul Choksi’s arrest, public interest in this subject has reignited. Reportedly, filming begins later this year, aiming for an early 2026 release. 

Rekha’s starry switch

Shabana Azmi and Rekha

Film veterans Rekha and Shabana Azmi share a long-standing friendship and have collaborated on iconic films like Ek Hi Bhool (1981) and Ram Tere Kitne Naam (1985). Shabana has often recalled fond memories involving Rekha. In a recent interview, she spoke about an amusing flight incident, which made her realise how Rekha switched from a friend to a diva in no time. She shared, “We were on a plane, chatting and laughing, when a fan approached Rekha for an autograph. Her face suddenly transformed into that of a distant star, and she said, ‘I am talking, can you wait a bit?’ I thought, ‘Oh my God! Look at this transformation.’ That’s when I realised, ‘Arre, aisa behave karna chahiye star ko!’” Despite the star persona, Shabana described Rekha as someone who is “always warm and loving.” On the work front, Shabana was last seen in web show Dabba Cartel, whereas Rekha will soon star in Krrish 4.

Progress takes a backseat

(from left) Pratik Gandhi and Patralekhaa as Mahatma Phule and Savitribai Phule. Pics/AFP, Yogen Shah, Instagram

Phule director Ananth Mahadevan recently spoke out on the controversy surrounding his film, blaming society for being “immature”. He believes that as a society, we have “regressed” in many ways, becoming “self-centred and materialistic.” Ananth expressed amusement at the Central Board of Film Certificate’s demands for cuts, insisting that he doesn’t like his work being altered. He said, “I don’t understand why we are so nervous about how people will react, or how sensitive they are.” The film, based on the life of social reformers Jyotirao Phule and Savitribai Phule, stars Patralekhaa and Pratik Gandhi. After delays, Phule will now release in cinemas on April 25, having originally been set for April 19.

Ananth Mahadevan