Category: bollywood
Firoz Nadiadwala plans multi-franchise Family Universe with Hera Pheri, Welcome, and more; deets inside!
Producer Firoz Nadiadwala has unveiled plans for a cinematic Family Universe, bringing together sequels, prequels, and new editions of some of Bollywoods most beloved franchises. Speaking to Mid-Day, Nadiadwala said, There are cop, horror, and spy universes, but after years of work, we have created a universe of all genres for the family audience. We will make sequels and prequels of Aan: Men at Work [2004], Awara Paagal Deewana, Deewane Huye Paagal [2005], and new editions of the Welcome and Hera Pheri franchise. He further added, Well also have new movies. All the films will be clean and larger-than-life. Thats why I call it the Family Universe, which will have new and older actors joining in and crossover characters. Fans can expect familiar faces from classic films, alongside fresh talent, with crossover characters tying the universe together. This development comes days after Nadiadwala reportedly sent a legal notice to streaming giant Netflix over the alleged unauthorised use of Baburao Ganpatrao Apte, the iconic character immortalised by Paresh Rawal. Representing Nadiadwala, Advocate Sana Raees Khan issued a statement emphasising the seriousness of the alleged infringement: Intellectual Property is not a matter of casual borrowing, it is the lifeblood of creativity. Unauthorised exploitation of my clients iconic character is not just infringement; it is theft in its most blatant commercial form. The law will not permit dilution of rights that have been lawfully earned and zealously protected. While Nadiadwala himself has not commented publicly on the Netflix dispute, the move underscores his intent to protect the legacy of the cult comedy series. Paresh Rawals Baburao, alongside Akshay Kumar as Raju and Suniel Shetty as Shyam, remains one of Bollywoods most cherished comic trios, with Hera Pheri (2000) and Phir Hera Pheri (2006) continuing to enjoy cult status among audiences. Also Read: Firoz Nadiadwala opens up about the return of Paresh Rawal to Hera Pheri 3, credits Sajid Nadiadwala; says, The family is now together.
Reliance announces 2 Hindi films with birthday boy Unni Mukundan
Malayalam actor Unni Mukundan, fondly known as “India’s Muscle Aliyan,” is all set to make his Bollywood debut.
Rani Mukerji’s ‘Mardaani 3’: Shivani’s dashing first-look out
Bollywood actor Rani Mukerji is set to reprise her role as the fearless cop Shivani Shivaji Roy in Mardaani 3.
SCOOP: Ayushmann Khurrana-Rashmika Mandanna starrer Thama likely to be released by Jio Studios and not Pen Marudhar
Almost a month is left for the release of Thama and the excitement is significant as its a part of the much-loved Maddock Horror Comedy Cinematic Universe. In recent times, most of Maddock’s movies have been released by Pen Marudhar. But it seems like Thama will be an exception. Trade sources reveal that Jio Studios might come on board to release the grand Diwali release, starring Ayushmann Khurrana, Nawazuddin Siddiqui, Rashmika Mandanna and Paresh Rawal. A source told Bollywood Hungama, Dinesh Vijan of Maddock Films is in talks with Jio to distribute Thama. The discussion has reached advanced stages. Deepak Sharma, who has been working for a very long time in PVR Pictures, is expected to join Jio next month and facilitate the release of Thama. The source continued, If this happens, then Pen Marudhar would not be releasing the film. It now remains to be seen what happens in the future for the release of upcoming films of Maddock slate. The association of Maddock Films and Pen Marudhar began with Bhediya (2022) and it was followed by Zara Hatke Zara Bachke (2023), Sajini Shinde Ka Viral Video (2023), Teri Baaton Mein Aisa Uljha Jiya (2024), Munjya (2024), Stree 2 (2025; also distributed by PVR Inox Pictures), Chhaava (2025), Bhool Chuk Maaf (2025) and the recently released romcom, Param Sundari (2025). Speaking of Maddock Horror Comedy Cinematic Universe, it began with a bang with Stree (2018), starring Rajkummar Rao, Shraddha Kapoor, Pankaj Tripathi, Abhishek Banerjee and Aparshakti Khurana. Bhediya (2022), starring Varun Dhawan and Kriti Sanon, came next, followed by the sleeper hit Munjya (2024), featuring Sharvari and Abhay Verma. Stree 2 got the original cast and was a Rs. 600 crores blockbuster. Thama, directed by Aditya Sarpotdar, is the next film in this popular universe. With the release just weeks away, all eyes are now on whether Jio Studios seals the deal and takes charge of Thamas release. This decision could also set the tone for how future Maddock films are distributed. Also Read: Thama Teaser: Ayushmann Khurrana, Rashmika Mandanna tease audience with their bloody love story.
Hera Pheri Row: Producer Firoz Nadiadwala slaps Netflix with legal notice over Baburao’s character
The Hera Pheri franchise has landed in the middle of a legal storm. Producer Firoz Nadiadwala has reportedly issued a legal notice to streaming giant Netflix, accusing it of the unauthorised use of Baburao Ganpatrao Apte, the much-loved character immortalised by Paresh Rawal. Advocate Sana Raees Khan, who is representing Nadiadwala, released a sharp statement underscoring the gravity of the alleged infringement. She remarked, Intellectual Property is not a matter of casual borrowing, it is the lifeblood of creativity. Unauthorised exploitation of my clients iconic character is not just infringement, it is theft in its most blatant commercial form. The law will not permit dilution of rights that have been lawfully earned and zealously protected. While Nadiadwala himself has not issued an official comment, the move signals his intent to safeguard the legacy of the cult comedy series. Actor Paresh Rawal brought Baburao to life in Hera Pheri (2000), directed by Priyadarshan, and later in Phir Hera Pheri (2006), helmed by the late Neeraj Vora. Alongside Rawal, Akshay Kumar as Raju and Suniel Shetty as Shyam formed the iconic trio that turned the films into enduring blockbusters. The same trio is set to return for Hera Pheri 3, with Priyadarshan once again directing. Nadiadwalas legal step, therefore, reflects a larger concern about preserving the brand value of characters who hold immense cultural significance in Indian cinema. The issue also highlights how disputes around intellectual property and personality rights have become increasingly common in Bollywood. Earlier this year, actor Abhishek Bachchan approached the Delhi High Court, seeking to restrain unauthorised use of his name, image, voice, and performances. During a brief hearing, Justice Tejas Karia observed that search engines could be directed to take down infringing links if specific URLs were provided. Cases like these underline a growing awareness in the entertainment industry about protecting creative and personal rights in an era of rapid digital proliferation. Also Read: Akshay Kumar DENIES Hera Pheri 3 rift with Paresh Rawal was publicity stunt: There were some ups and downs. But now everything is solved.