Streaming platform Prime Video unveiled the first look of the much-anticipated third season of The Family Man on Friday, introducing actors Jaideep Ahlawat and Nimrat Kaur as formidable new adversaries to Manoj Bajpayee’s iconic spy, Srikant Tiwari.

The action-packed thriller, created and directed by Raj Nidimoru and Krishna DK, will see Bajpayee reprise his role as Tiwari, a middle-class man navigating the high-stakes world of espionage. The new season, penned by Suman Kumar in collaboration with Raj & DK, will also feature returning cast members Priyamani, Sharib Hashmi, Ashlesha Thakur, and Vedant Sinha.

In a joint statement, Raj & DK expressed their excitement about elevating the series. “Each season, we strive to raise the bar with a more gripping story, grander scale, and sharper performances. We’re thankful for our fans’ patience. Season 3 will push Srikant and his team to their limits, immersing them in a world of intense danger and personal turmoil that tests their bonds. While juggling a new family dynamic, Srikant will face off against powerful new antagonists, brought to life by the incredibly talented Jaideep Ahlawat and Nimrat Kaur. Our collaboration with Prime Video has been instrumental in shaping this season,” they said.

The upcoming season will follow Srikant as he tackles a looming threat to national security while grappling with the challenges of family life, striving to repair his strained relationship with his wife, Suchitra, played by Priyamani. Details about the roles of Ahlawat, known for Paatal Lok, and Kaur, celebrated for The Lunchbox and Airlift, remain undisclosed, adding to the anticipation.

The Family Man debuted to widespread acclaim in 2019, with its second season, featuring Samantha Ruth Prabhu, earning similar praise in 2021. As excitement builds for the third installment, the addition of Ahlawat and Kaur promises to intensify the stakes for Srikant Tiwari’s latest mission.

Acclaimed Indian filmmakers Rajkumar Hirani, Shoojit Sircar, Anjali Menon, and Onir are teaming up for the second edition of My Melbourne, an Indo-Australian anthology film project that celebrates cultural diversity and strengthens cinematic ties between India and Australia, according to a press release.

Produced by Mind Blowing Films and presented by the Indian Film Festival of Melbourne (IFFM), the anthology builds on the success of its inaugural edition, released in March 2025. The first film featured short stories by directors Rima Das, Imtiaz Ali, Kabir Khan, and Onir, exploring themes of identity, gender, race, sexuality, and disability.

Mitu Bhowmick Lange, CEO of Mind Blowing Films and the project’s creative producer, described the response to the first My Melbourne as “immensely gratifying.” She said, “The film showed that authentic, heartfelt stories can resonate across borders. We’re privileged to have some of India’s most celebrated filmmakers contribute their vision to this second chapter. This initiative continues to champion inclusivity and collaboration, offering a platform for emerging talents from underrepresented communities.”

Rajkumar Hirani, renowned for blockbusters like Munna Bhai, 3 Idiots, PK, Sanju, and Dunki, expressed enthusiasm for the project. “My Melbourne is a unique canvas for crafting stories that are personal yet universal, bridging cultures through cinema,” he said.

Anjali Menon, known for her nuanced storytelling, highlighted the project’s alignment with her creative vision. “The themes of My Melbourne resonate deeply with my approach to storytelling—narratives that foster empathy and connect people across divides. I’m excited to be part of this cross-continental collaboration,” she said.

Shoojit Sircar, whose diverse filmography includes Vicky Donor, Madras Cafe, Piku, October, and Sardar Udham, emphasized the universal appeal of the anthology. “Stories transcend borders. My Melbourne is a powerful reminder that locally rooted narratives can carry global impact,” he said.

Onir, returning for the second edition, described the project as “an evolving journey.” He added, “Working with fresh themes and voices while continuing this meaningful initiative is profoundly fulfilling.”

The second instalment of My Melbourne promises to further the anthology’s mission of weaving diverse narratives, fostering cross-cultural dialogue, and spotlighting new voices in cinema.

Bollywood actor Kajol has responded to the fierce criticism sparked by her comments about Ramoji Film City during the promotion of her upcoming film Maa. The controversy erupted when she labelled the Hyderabad studio as one of the world’s most haunted locations, prompting a wave of online backlash.

During an interview with Galatta India while promoting Maa, a horror-mythological venture, Kajol was asked about encountering negative energies. She replied, “There are several such places. A prime example is Ramoji Rao Studios in Hyderabad, known as one of the most haunted spots globally. Thankfully, I’ve never witnessed anything supernatural.” Her remarks, intended to build intrigue, were met with accusations of exploiting the topic to hype her film, leading to widespread trolling.

Yesterday evening, Kajol took to social media to clarify her stance. In a post on X, she stated, “I’d like to address my earlier comment about Ramoji Film City made during the promotion of Maa. Having shot numerous projects there and stayed on its premises over the years, I can vouch for its professionalism. It’s a fantastic destination, perfectly safe for families and children, and an excellent filmmaking environment.”

The internet’s reaction was sharp. One user commented, “Kajol’s just pushing her new horror flick, that’s all!” Another wrote, “She’s making baseless claims about Ramoji Film City to promote Maa. My friends work there, even at night, and never mentioned anything like this.” A third remarked, “Ramoji Group could sue her for defamation and rake in a fortune if they win.” Yet another added, “It’s clearly a marketing stunt for her horror film.”

Kajol’s clarification aimed to dispel the negativity, emphasising her positive experiences at the studio. Maa, her latest project, has generated significant buzz, and this incident has only amplified its visibility.

Earlier today, at 17:00 IST, Kajol joined a virtual fan interaction to discuss Maa and address the controversy further. She reiterated, “Ramoji is a professional haven, and I regret any misunderstanding,” reassuring fans and highlighting the film’s mythological allure. The session, attended by eager followers, helped shift focus back to her work.

As the debate simmers, Kajol’s response seeks to restore confidence in Ramoji Film City while keeping the spotlight on Maa.