Have you heard? Bracing for the clash

Prabhas and Shah Rukh Khan

It appears that 2023 will end with a big bang at the box office. After Pathaan and Jawan, Shah Rukh Khan is gearing up for a hat-trick with director Rajkumar Hirani's Dunki this December. The actor-filmmaker duo had booked the pre-Christmas Friday for their maiden collaboration over a year in advance. Now, the makers of Prabhas's Salaar: Part 1 - Ceasefire are eyeing the same release date, December 22. Initially slated to release on September 28, director Prashanth Neel's action thriller was deferred to ensure that post-production and VFX are on par with international standards. In the wake of this clash, we hear that Dunki is going to be projected as Indian cinema's international offering. SRK and Raju are also contemplating releasing it overseas a day before, on December 21. Apparently, their idea is make the most of the long weekend, and to cash in on the Christmas and New Year holidays. The team believes that the glowing reviews abroad will give a further boost to the domestic box-office collections.

Sree's loss, Rashmika's gain

Talk in Tollywood is that Rashmika Mandanna might team up with Vijay Deverakonda again. This time around for Jersey director Gowtam Tinnanuri's next, tentatively titled VD 12. It was initially reported that Sree Leela would play Vijay's leading lady. According to recent reports, since the Dhamaka actor has mutiple movies lined up, she has been unable to adjust her dates with Vijay. As a result, she has bowed out of the project. Following Sree's exit, the makers are said to be roping in Rashmika opposite Vijay. If all goes well, VD12 could be her third film with him, after Geetha Govindam and Dear Comrade.

Stepping back for the big Tiger?

Rumours are rife that Tiger Shroff and Jackky Bhagnani won't unveil the teaser of their upcoming film, Ganapath, today. Reason: Salman Khan and YRF are unleashing ‘Tiger ka message' teaser to kick-start the promotional campaign for their Diwali release, Tiger 3. Helmed by Maneesh Sharma, the action thriller, also starring Katrina Kaif as Zoya, is highly anticipated as it will also feature Shah Rukh Khan as Pathaan in a special appearance. To avoid a clash, Tiger and Jackky will showcase their Ganapath teaser in the coming days.

Imtiaz bats for new lensmen

Even as he is readying his next, Chamkila, director Imtiaz Ali will soon be seen in a different role. He turns judge, along with celebrated photographer Raghu Rai, for a National Geographic show aimed at empowering the photography community and showcasing their talent on a grand scale. The two will challenge participants to explore the iconic locations of New Delhi under diverse themes, capturing the most powerful and unfiltered photo essays. "As a filmmaker, I share a deep passion for the camera, and I believe that photography is a powerful means of storytelling. I'm thrilled to witness these talented photographers come together and compete with unfiltered creativity," Imtiaz said. He added, "Serving as a judge alongside the prolific Raghu Rai, we shoulder the responsibility of handpicking the most exceptional shots."

Back in action

Hina Khan, a finalist in Khatron Ke Khiladi 8, returns in the 13th edition as the third challenger. The actor will make her entry crooning Lag ja gale as she is about to jump off a cliff. Excited about her return, she says, "It is like revisiting the adventure that made me what I am today. I could not have imagined overcoming my fears if I had not been on this show. Returning as a challenger brought back a flood of wonderful memories."