Ready for ‘Raid’
Even as Ajay Devgn’s De De Pyaar De 2 plays in cinemas, the latest buzz is that the actor will reportedly reunite with director Rajkumar Gupta for the next instalment in the Raid franchise, Raid 3. We have learnt that the film’s team has been developing the script quietly, with plans to take the project on floors by late 2026. Raid 2, which released earlier this year, was received warmly at the box-office. It reportedly grossed Rs 243.06 crore.Insiders suggest that the conflict in the new chapter is set to be far bigger than before, with much higher stakes and a raid designed on an expanded scale. Ajay is expected to return as the incisive income tax officer, with the filmmaker shaping the screenplay to preserve the franchise’s grounded, and realistic tone. Before starting Raid 3, Ajay is expected to finish work on Drishyam 3. He also has Golmaal 5, and Dhamaal 4 in his kitty.
Psychological drama on my list
Madhuri Dixit Nene
Dhak dhak girl Madhuri Dixit Nene is set to make a striking return to streaming with upcoming series Mrs Deshpande. The actor unveiled the show’s teaser on Wednesday (November 19) that promises a twist “no one saw coming.” The gripping 20-second clip, she is seen removing her jewellery and make-up, before the scene abruptly shifts to a chilling image of her in a prison uniform, offering a sly, knowing smile. The teaser hints at her bold new avatar, and the buzz is that she will be paying the role of an intimidating serial killer, marking one of her darkest roles yet. Directed by Nagesh Kukunoor, the series is the official remake of the French thriller La Mante (2017). Along with Madhuri, the cast of Mrs Deshpande includes Priyanshu Chatterjee, Diksha Juneja, and Siddharh Chandekar. It will drop on JioHotstar in 2026. Madhuri was last seen on OTT in Netflix’s The Fame Game.
Call to join the Indian Army
Farhan Akhtar in ‘120 Bahadur’. Pics/Yogen Shah, PTI, Instagram
Actor Farhan Akhtar’s 25-year journey in cinema turned unexpectedly emotional on Indian Idol 16 recently as he reflected on the inspiration behind Lakshya (2004). After contestant Shreenidhi delivered a stirring rendition from the film, the actor shared why he made the patriotic drama, led by Hrithik Roshan, in the first place. He said, “Patriotism is something you don’t need to shout about. It’s a feeling with which you live your life honestly.” He recounted how Lakshya emerged from stories his father Javed Akhtar heard during a visit to Kargil in 2001, including concerns that fewer young people were applying to the Army. “My father wanted to write a story to inspire them,” he said. Farhan’s 120 Bahadur is set to release on November 21.
Downtime struggles
Vishal Malhotra
Actor Vishal Malhotra has reflected on his turbulent Bollywood journey, revealing how limited opportunities pushed him towards entrepreneurship. Speaking at a TEDx event, Vishal said filmmakers refused to offer him roles beyond being “the hero’s friend”, recalling that when he asked for better parts, the response was simply “No”. He recounted his unlikely start nearly 30 years ago, when he was scouted to become “the face of Disney in India for 10 years”. After appearing in films including Jannat (2008) and Kismat Konnection (2008) with Shahid Kapoor, he faced a two-year struggle for work. Vishal said he survived by “selling everything from tissue papers to toilet rolls”, before discovering NFTs (non-fungible token), eventually creating and selling his own. His NFT journey later funded his short film Ilm (2023).