The Author

Lipika Varma

FWICE IMPOSES NON-COOPERATION DIRECTIVE ON RANVEER SINGH

Pic Credit: Ranveer Singh Insta The Federation of Western India Cine Employees (FWICE) has imposed a Non-Cooperation Directive (NCD) on actor Ranveer Singh after filmmaker Farhan Akhtar lodged a complaint through the Indian Film & Television Directors’ Association (IFTDA) over the actor’s alleged last-minute exit from Don 3. According to the complaint filed on April 11, 2026, the producers had already spent close to Rs. 45 crores on the film’s pre-production. Farhan Akhtar and producer Ritesh...

By : Lipika Varma
26 May 2026 1:02 PM IST

KHALNAYAK RETURNS: REINVENTION, REFLECTION AND A STORY REBORN

A powerful new chapter unfolds as Sanjay Dutt reflects on resilience, evolution and reviving an iconic legacy for a new generation Announcing Khalnayak Returns in a Press Conference, Sanjay Dutt revealed the film was conceived from an idea that took shape during his years in prison, inspired in part by fellow inmates who longed to see him return to the iconic role. Recalling how “about 4000 pages” of ideas written by inmates led to the seed of the project, he described the sequel as both a...

By : Lipika Varma
27 April 2026 5:02 PM IST

AI VS ARTISTRY: A COMPOSER REFLECTS ON MUSIC’S CHANGING LANDSCAPE

At a recent music label launch, Sajid (Sajid-Wajid fame) shared his candid thoughts on the growing influence of AI and the evolving dynamics within the music industry. At an event marking the launch of a new music label by Samayra Creations in collaboration with legendary lyricist Sameer Anjaan, several prominent voices from the industry came together, including Sajid Khan, Mamta Sharma, Kunal Ganjawala, and Sukhwinder Singh. The platform aims to introduce and nurture emerging musical...

By : Lipika Varma
14 April 2026 12:17 PM IST

RAM GOPAL VARMA MARKS RARE BIRTHDAY CELEBRATION WITH INDUSTRY ACCLAIM

The maverick filmmaker’s milestone evening saw Isha Koppikar and other industry names celebrate his enduring impact on cinema. The Birthday Boy! Ram Gopal Varma, known for redefining cinematic narratives, celebrated his birthday with great enthusiasm for the first time. The evening was not merely a celebration but a reflection of evolving cinema and creative collaborations, with conversations centred around the future of storytelling and innovation in filmmaking. Having mentored several...

By : Lipika Varma
9 April 2026 2:44 PM IST

FOLKLORE MEETS THRILLER IN ‘VVAN’

Producer Ekta Kapoor brings an intriguing blend of mythology and suspense to the screen with VVAN – Force of the Forest , set to premiere on Amazon Prime Video. Announced at an intimate lunch with lead actors Sidharth Malhotra and Tamannaah Bhatia, the film promises to deliver a unique cinematic experience rooted in India’s unexplored folklore. Tamannaah Bhatia with Lipika Varma (Senior Feature Writer, Edge & Essence) Speaking about the project, Ekta Kapoor shared, “This film explores some of...

By : Lipika Varma
30 March 2026 5:42 PM IST

PERSONALITY OVER PERCEPTION

As Rangeela completes 30 years and prepares for a 4K re-release, Urmila Matondkar reflects on cinema, choice, and why personality—not appearance—defines lasting stardom Three decades after Rangeela redefined urban Hindi cinema, Urmila Matondkar still speaks of the film with the wonder of someone who understands its enduring pulse. With the 1995 cult classic set for a 4K re-release on 28 November 2025, the actor looks back at a film that shaped her career—and forward to stories that...

By : Lipika Varma
23 Dec 2025 11:44 AM IST

PRABHAS LENDS HIS VOICE TO ‘KOKKOROKO’

The star is set to surprise audiences by dubbing for an unusual character in the upcoming anthology film Prabhas is set to take on a distinctly unconventional assignment with Kokkoroko , an anthology film directed by Srinivas Vasanthala and produced by Ramesh Varma under RV Film House, in collaboration with Niladri Productions. The actor will lend his voice to what is being described as the “hen’s voice” in the film—an unexpected creative choice that has already sparked widespread...

By : Lipika Varma
23 Dec 2025 11:18 AM IST

PRABHAS’S 'THE RAJA SAAB' NEARS COMPLETION AMIDST INTENSE SHOOT IN GREECE

Earlier, the film’s producer had attributed production delays to the absence of the VFX supervisor. However, the team now appears fully focused on finishing the project, pushing through a demanding schedule Prabhas’s upcoming action-fantasy The Raja Saab is in its final phase of filming, with the crew currently capturing song sequences across the scenic locales of Greece. The film’s release has been rescheduled to January 9, 2026, after being initially slated for December 5, 2025. Director...

By : Lipika Varma
15 Oct 2025 4:39 PM IST

UK -YRF DEBUT COLLABORATION TITLE TO BE INSPIRED BY MUSIC COMPOSITION

Director Ali Abbas Zafar As per our source, in a first-of-its-kind cinematic alliance, the UK and Yash Raj Films (YRF) are coming together for a high-octane action–romance, promising to bring a new dimension to international filmmaking. Helmed by celebrated director Ali Abbas Zafar, the film features Ahaan Panday and Sharvari Wagh in lead roles — a pairing that’s already generating immense anticipation. Sharvari Wagh The project, which marks a milestone partnership between UK-based...

By : Lipika Varma
14 Oct 2025 6:51 PM IST