Vivek Agnihotri’s highly anticipated film, The Delhi Files: The Bengal Chapter, has unveiled its teaser trailer, generating significant buzz. The over two-minute video, released on Abhishek Agarwal Arts’ YouTube channel, offers a first glimpse of Mithun Chakraborty’s character.

The teaser showcases Chakraborty navigating a desolate corridor, his appearance weathered and his demeanour weary. His white beard and rugged attire contribute to a powerful visual, underscored by his halting recitation of the Preamble to the Indian Constitution, his voice raspy and strained, suggesting a character marked by significant hardship.

The scene ends with him leaning heavily on a wall, exhaustion etched onto his face. This powerful image leaves a lasting impression, hinting at the emotional depth of the story to come.

The film itself promises to be a deeply affecting exploration of a pivotal yet often overlooked period in Indian history – the Bengal tragedy. Described as a grand-scale cinematic undertaking, The Delhi Files: The Bengal Chapter aims to bring this significant chapter to life, unveiling a lesser-known part of India’s past.

The production boasts ambitious visuals and a stellar cast, promising an unforgettable cinematic experience that will leave audiences contemplating its profound message. Beyond its entertainment value, the film is expected to ignite crucial conversations surrounding India’s history, political landscape, and intricate social dynamics.

The collaborative effort behind The Delhi Files: The Bengal Chapter is notable. Directed by Agnihotri, the film is jointly produced by Abhishek Agarwal and Pallavi Joshi, and presented by Tej Narayan Agarwal & I Am Buddha Productions. Its worldwide release is scheduled for August 15, 2025, coinciding with India’s Independence Day, a symbolically potent release date that underscores the film’s thematic weight.

Agnihotri himself took to X (formerly Twitter) to share the teaser, describing it as “A tribute to the Constitution of India” and emphasizing the film’s intention to reveal an “epic untold story.” The announcement follows previous posts detailing the commencement of filming in November 2023, and the director’s earlier confirmation that the film would be released in two parts, building anticipation for the upcoming chapters.

S.S. Rajamouli, the celebrated filmmaker behind cinematic behemoths like Baahubali, has finally confirmed his next ambitious project, tentatively titled “SSMB29,” starring Telugu superstar Mahesh Babu. The announcement, made Friday morning via a characteristically quirky Instagram video, sent ripples of excitement through the Indian film industry.

In the video, Rajamouli humorously depicted “capturing” the “lion,” a playful reference to Mahesh Babu’s star power, even claiming to have seized the actor’s passport to ensure his full commitment to the film’s production.

Mahesh Babu, known for his charismatic screen presence and meticulous approach to his work, responded to the director’s playful post with a memorable dialogue from his 2006 blockbuster hit, Pokiri. His comment, “Okkasaari commit ayithe naa maata nene vinanu” (“Once I commit, I won’t even listen to myself”), perfectly encapsulated his dedication to the project and echoed the director’s lighthearted tone.

Adding another layer of intrigue to the already highly anticipated film, Priyanka Chopra Jonas seemingly confirmed her involvement in “SSMB29.” Following her recent cryptic hints about a “new chapter” during a visit to Hyderabad, she succinctly commented “finally” on Rajamouli’s Instagram post, fueling speculation about her role in the film. The project, scripted by Vijayendra Prasad (known for his collaborations with Rajamouli), promises to be a visual spectacle, given the director’s penchant for grand narratives and breathtaking cinematography.

While details about the supporting cast remain under wraps, the announcement comes shortly after Mahesh Babu’s voice acting debut as Mufasa in the Telugu version of Disney’s Mufasa: The Lion King. The Telugu cast also included Brahmanandam as Pumbaa and Ali as Timon, while the Hindi version featured Shah Rukh Khan as Mufasa, and his sons, Aryan and Abram Khan, as Simba and young Mufasa, respectively.

Adding to the celebratory atmosphere, Priyanka Chopra Jonas’s film Anuja recently secured an Oscar nomination for 2025, making this announcement even more momentous for the actress. The combination of Rajamouli’s directorial prowess, Mahesh Babu’s star power, and the potential involvement of Priyanka Chopra Jonas promises to make “SSMB29” one of the most anticipated films of the coming years.

Rashmika Mandanna takes on the monumental role of Maratha queen Yesubai Bhonsale in the highly anticipated historical drama Chhaava, sharing the screen with Vicky Kaushal, who portrays Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj. The film’s grand trailer launch on January 22 at Mumbai’s iconic Plaza Theatre showcased the cinematic spectacle to come, leaving Mandanna herself visibly moved.

Overwhelmed by the opportunity, Mandanna expressed her profound gratitude and jokingly declared her readiness for retirement after this career-defining role. “It is an honour. From a girl coming from the South to play Maharani Yesubai is the most privileged and special thing I could ask for in this lifetime,” she shared, her voice thick with emotion.

The weight of portraying such a significant historical figure was palpable, as she confessed the trailer itself brought her to tears. “I tell Laxman sir that after this, I am happy to retire,” she added, highlighting the immense responsibility and impact of the role. Her admiration for Kaushal was also evident, describing him simply as “God” in his portrayal of Shivaji Maharaj.

The journey to embodying Yesubai Bhonsale was one of both excitement and apprehension. Mandanna recounted her initial shock at director Laxman Utekar’s offer, questioning how he could even consider her for such a pivotal part. “I remember being absolutely shocked how did Laxman sir even think of giving me a role like this to play? I just surrendered,” she explained.

The challenge was further amplified by the lack of direct references for portraying such a majestic and influential historical personality. She emphasized the importance of surrendering to the director’s vision and the rigorous preparation involved, particularly mastering the nuances of the language. Extensive rehearsals and unwavering dedication were key to bringing the character to life, she stressed.

Chhaava, a Maddock Films production with music composed by the legendary A.R. Rahman, boasts an ensemble cast including Ashutosh Rana, Divya Dutta, Neil Bhoopalam, Santosh Juvekar, and Pradeep Rawat. The film is slated to hit theatres on February 14th, 2025, a strategic release timed to precede Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Jayanti on February 19th.

With its impressive cast, stunning visuals, and compelling narrative of a powerful historical period, Chhaava promises a cinematic experience that will resonate with audiences.