Aankhon Ki Gustaakhiyan, Param Sundari & Kingdom Lead Buzz; Shanaya & Janhvi Kapoor Trending Too
📰 Top 5 Headlines – July 12, 2025
1. Prosenjit Chatterjee Clarifies Press-Meet Flap with Mumbai Media
A clip from Tanvi The Great's press event went viral showing Prosenjit curtly responding to a journalist. Today, the veteran actor issued a thoughtful clarification, emphasizing his commitment to the press and his intent being misread. It’s a lesson in digital optics—and how fast narratives can spiral.
timesofindia.indiatimes.com
2. Shanaya Kapoor’s Debut Film Opens at a Lukewarm ₹35 Lakh
Theatrical dreams meet box-office reality. Shanaya Kapoor’s first film Aankhon Ki Gustaakhiyan had a modest start on Friday, earning only ₹35 lakh nett. Despite the film’s glossy campaign and Vikrant Massey’s steady pull, audience turnout remained low. Opening weekends can be cruel—especially in July.
bollywoodhungama.com
3. ‘Maalik’ Takes Early Lead at the BO With ₹3.35 Cr Day 1
Rajkummar Rao's gritty Maalik outperformed predictions on Day 1 with ₹3.35 crore, edging past Friday’s other release. The strong start is being attributed to Rao’s loyal fanbase, tighter runtime, and the rising appetite for crime dramas. Could be this weekend’s sleeper hit.
pinkvilla.com
4. Dhadak 2 Trailer Sparks Cultural Backlash
The trailer of Dhadak 2, which dropped late Friday, is facing mixed to negative reactions online—particularly from viewers familiar with the Tamil original Pariyerum Perumal. The remake’s polished gloss seems to clash with the raw authenticity of its source, sparking debates around representation, tone, and Bollywood’s adaptation practices.
freepressjournal.in
5. Akshay Kumar’s ‘Housefull 5’ Gets Two OTT Endings
According to industry insiders, Housefull 5 is headed to OTT with a unique twist—streaming platforms will offer viewers a choice of two alternative endings. Theatrically, only one version was shown. It’s an experimental strategy to boost rewatch value and meme-ability. Only Akshay could pull this off.
hindustantimes.com
🎟 Box Office & Streaming Metrics – July 12, 2025
📈 Box Office Highlights
1. Maalik — ₹3.35 Cr Day 1
Rajkummar Rao’s crime drama Maalik opened strongly on July 11 with a ₹3.35 cr gross, surpassing Aankhon Ki Gustaakhiyan and indicating steady audience interest in gritty, content-driven films.
timesofindia.indiatimes.com
2. Aankhon Ki Gustaakhiyan — ₹35 Lakh Day 1
Shanaya Kapoor’s debut continues to underperform, netting only ₹35 lakh on opening day. Industry analysts suggest urgent word-of-mouth push is needed to sustain the film’s run.
timesofindia.indiatimes.com
3. Metro… In Dino — Nearing ₹30 Crore (Day 8)
Anurag Basu’s multi-starrer romantic drama has crossed approximately ₹30 cr in its eighth week, demonstrating staying power despite tough competition.
indianexpress.com
4. Sitaare Zameen Par — ₹155+ Crore (Day 22)
Aamir Khan’s Sitaare Zameen Par continues its long run, crossing ₹155 cr net by its fourth Friday—an impressive outcome in the current theatrical climate.
en.wikipedia.org
🎬 OTT & Streaming Updates
- The Bhootnii (Sanjay Dutt, Mouni Roy) – streaming on ZEE5 and Zee Cinema from July 18, following its underwhelming theatrical performance.
en.wikipedia.org - Housefull 5 – Akshay Kumar’s comedy will arrive late July–early August on streaming platforms, featuring its unique dual-ending format.
en.wikipedia.org
🎤 Celebrity Interviews – July 12, 2025
1. Prateeksha Srivastava on Her Unexpected Bollywood Breakthrough
In an exclusive chat, the voice behind Mila Tujhe (Aap Jaisa Koi) reveals she recorded the song in 2022—before its 2025 release—and discusses working with Sunidhi Chauhan on the 2024 track Aankh. She reflects on transitioning from classical training to mainstream film music.
timesofindia.indiatimes.com
2. Rajkummar Rao Talks About Choosing Maalik
The versatile actor shares why he gravitated toward the action-thriller Maalik, seeking roles that challenge him and evoke fear. This marks a conscious shift from comedy into grittier territory, showcasing his commitment to evolving as an artist.
navbharattimes.indiatimes.com
3. R. Madhavan Suggests Aap Jaisa Koi May Be His Last Romance
Known for romantic hits like RHTDM, Madhavan hints this might be his final romantic film in Bollywood. He reflects on the genre’s impact on his career and the creative crossroads he faces.
timesofindia.indiatimes.com
📝 Columns & Op‑Eds – July 12, 2025
1. Bold Moves Must For Silver Screen To Sparkle Again
Veteran media analyst Vanita Kohli‑Khandekar argues that the Indian film industry must rethink OTT deals and release strategies. Using the success of Sitaare Zameen Par, she advocates delaying streaming rights to build theatrical momentum and enable more sustainable cinema.
rediff.com
🎬 Reviews Roundup – July 12, 2025
1. Maalik
Rating: 2/5
Rajkummar Rao delivers a strong performance, but the plot falls into cliché, and pacing issues drag the gangster narrative. The film is polished but predictable—watchable, yet forgettable.
timesofindia.indiatimes.com
2. Aankhon Ki Gustaakhiyan
Rating (Rediff): 1.5/5
Rediff slams the film for offering little beyond surface-level gloss. Shanaya Kapoor’s debut is serviceable, but the film lacks emotional depth and originality. A weak script sinks what could’ve been a solid start.
rediff.com
Video Review (Komal Nahta):
In a sharp 7-minute critique, Nahta calls the film “lukewarm” and questions the decision to remake such rooted source material. He notes Vikrant Massey’s sincerity but finds Shanaya’s debut “flat.”
youtube.com
3. Soothravakyam
Verdict: Mixed
The Hindu critic notes the film fails to strike a tonal balance between light comedy and mystery thriller. While Shine Tom Chacko is sincere, the film lacks structural clarity. A near miss, narratively.
thehindu.com
4. Aap Jaisa Koi
Rating: 2.5/5
Sukanya Verma at Rediff finds R. Madhavan “reliably magnetic,” but faults the film’s slow pace and half-hearted emotional arcs. Fatima Sana Shaikh is earnest, but the chemistry feels dated. The story never rises above safe melodrama.
rediff.com
📅 Today in Bollywood History – July 12
1. Pran passed away on July 12, 2013
Known as the “Villain of the Millennium,” Pran’s legacy spans decades—from Zanjeer and Don to Upkar. He passed away at the age of 93, leaving behind an iconic body of work in Hindi cinema.
2. Dara Singh died on July 12, 2012
Wrestler-turned-actor Dara Singh, known for playing Hanuman in Ramayan and roles in films like King Kong and Mera Naam Joker, passed away on this day at age 83. He remains a cultural symbol of strength and simplicity.
3. Rajendra Kumar died on July 12, 1999
Fondly called “Jubilee Kumar” for delivering a streak of silver jubilee hits in the ’60s, Rajendra Kumar passed away on this day in 1999. Films like Arzoo, Sangam, and Saathi still echo his romantic image.
📈 Social Media Trends – July 12, 2025
1. 💕 Ashish Chanchlani & Elli AvRam Officially Go Public
Ashish Chanchlani and Elli AvRam break the internet with one word… captioned simply, “Finally.”
The YouTube star and Bollywood actress posed together in a now-viral Instagram reel that confirmed their long-rumored romance. The post sparked a wave of memes and reactions across Instagram, X, and fan accounts.
instagram.com
📈 Social Media Trends – July 12, 2025
1. 📺 The Real Story Behind Dhurandhar – Viral YouTube Breakdown
A 6-minute YouTube short titled The Real Story Behind Dhurandhar has gained traction for its sharp dissection of the political undertones in the film’s antagonist. Viewers praise its crisp voiceover, vintage footage use, and subtle jabs at real-world parallels.
youtube.com
2. 🎾 Janhvi Kapoor & rumored beau Shikhar Pahariya attend Wimbledon Semi-final
On July 11, 2025, Bollywood actress Janhvi Kapoor attracted attention at the Wimbledon semi-final match, accompanied by her rumored boyfriend, Shikhar Pahariya.
timesofindia.indiatimes.com
📡 Insider Buzz – July 12, 2025
1. 📝 Amaal Mallik accuses Anu Malik of sabotaging brother Daboo’s career
“Amaal Mallik claims Anu Malik betrayed brother Daboo Malik, sabotaged his career: ‘Every time my dad got a movie, he would go and snatch his work…’”
timesofindia.indiatimes.com
2. 🎬 Sandeep Reddy Vanga’s “Spirit” wraps music sessions, insiders say
“Sandeep Reddy Vanga’s ‘Spirit’ wraps music sessions, aiming for a ‘blockbuster’.”
zoomtventertainment.com
⭐ Rising Stars – July 12, 2025
Aneet Padda
With a calm screen presence and striking intensity, Aneet Padda is fast becoming a face to watch. Her performance in Saiyaara earned applause for its restraint and realism. Insiders say she's now being courted for a biopic and two mid-budget OTT thrillers. She’s also trending on casting wishlists for historical dramas due to her sharp diction and elegance.
Zoya Afroz
Having transitioned from child roles to emotionally complex parts, Zoya Afroz is redefining what second innings can look like. This week, she opened up about her hunger for roles that portray empowered, layered women. Her next project is said to explore themes of female entrepreneurship in small-town India. Critics see her as a strong candidate for a breakout web debut.
Roshni Walia
Roshni Walia’s upcoming debut film has already created buzz for its stylized visuals and bold storytelling. Recently, she addressed a Mumbai crowd and got visibly emotional, calling this phase “a dream coming true.” With a loyal teen fanbase from her television days, she’s now poised to make the leap to national spotlight. Directors say she brings both vulnerability and grit to screen.
🎞️ Classic of the Day – 1951
Baazi was a landmark film of 1951, credited as the first Bollywood crime noir and the catalyst for the ‘Bombay Noir’ genre. Starring Dev Anand and directed by Guru Dutt, it was the second-highest grosser of its year. Its evocative music, moody aesthetics, and sharp storytelling set a new cinematic tone for India, influencing countless films in the decade to follow.
🎬 Bollywood Jobs – July 12, 2025
⚠️ Caution: We have received reports of fake job listings being circulated by dubious individuals looking to exploit aspiring artists’ desperation for work. We urge all readers to verify the authenticity of any agency or recruiter from multiple trusted sources, cross-check contact details carefully, and avoid sharing personal details or paying any fee without proper validation. Feel free to ignore any opportunity at the slightest hint of fraudulence, exploitation, or coercion.
1. Assistant Director (Mumbai) – Female
Job Title: Assistant Director (Mumbai) – We are seeking a talented and dynamic female Assistant Director for our upcoming films.
facebook.com
2. Casting Call – Male & Female Actors (Mumbai)
Casting Call for Mumbai – Exciting opportunities for talented actors based in Mumbai! Roles (2–3 days in short films) now open.
instagram.com
🔮 Forecasts – July 12, 2025
Kingdom – Hit (Score: 84)
The film's high anticipation remains strong due to continued buzz around its scale and cast, along with healthy advance bookings. While initial estimates remain unchanged, its upcoming release week aligns well with a soft spot on the calendar, boosting confidence in its theatrical pull.
Son of Sardaar 2 – Doubtful (Score: 58)
In our prior review, optimism stemmed from franchise familiarity. However, the newly released trailer failed to electrify the audience; sentiment cooled and promotional updates have slowed. With waning buzz and growing uncertainty, we have downgraded our outlook.
Dhadak 2 – Break Even (Score: 67)
Fan interest remains steady and the trailer earned positive response, but the film is facing a moderate release footprint. Without substantial word-of-mouth, we expect it to recoup costs without generating significant profits. No change from our earlier forecast.
Superman (Hindi Dub) – Hit (Score: 78)
Originally projected as a modest performer, strong booking figures and favorable dubbing buzz have shifted expectations upward. The mid-July release presents limited competition, leading us to anticipate stronger theatrical returns.
Saiyaara – Break Even
Its trailer launched to positive reactions, and debutants Ahaan Panday and Aneet Padda have charm. Still, as a medium-scale love drama without major star pull, its success hinges on audience connection post-release.
Param Sundari – Hit (Score: 73)
This is a revision from our earlier Break Even rating. The change is based on strong response to new dance clips, rising Instagram reels, and a sharp spike in fan engagement around Janhvi Kapoor. Additionally, absence of any major competitor film during its release weekend gives it a clean runway to attract metro and Gen-Z audiences.
