Rohit Shetty’s cop universe has won a dedicated fanbase with its action-packed narratives and charismatic leads. The latest addition, Singham Again, the third chapter in the Singham franchise, roared into theatres on November 1, 2024, marking the fifth film in Shetty’s interconnected cop saga. Featuring Ajay Devgn and Kareena Kapoor Khan, the movie introduced Deepika Padukone and Tiger Shroff in key roles, with Akshay Kumar and Ranveer Singh making memorable cameos.

The universe, which includes Ranveer Singh’s Simmba and Akshay Kumar’s Sooryavanshi, is poised for expansion. In a recent podcast with a noted film trade analyst, Shetty shared plans for the franchise’s future. “Simmba 2 is in the works, and we’ll take Sooryavanshi forward too. New actors will join, and more films will enrich the cop universe. That’s why we built this world,” he said with excitement.

Shetty revealed that the idea of a cop universe wasn’t part of his original plan. It took shape only after the blockbuster success of Singham in 2011, which inspired him to connect standalone cop stories into a cohesive narrative. The concept for Singham Again struck him in 2019 while he was immersed in Sooryavanshi. “That’s when I started dreaming of uniting an A-list cast and mapping out how characters like those of Tiger Shroff and Deepika Padukone would evolve in future films,” he shared.

Known for blending high-octane action, heartfelt drama, and larger-than-life heroism, Shetty has crafted a universe that strikes a chord with Indian audiences. As he gears up to introduce new stories and heroes, fans are buzzing with anticipation for the next thrilling chapters. With its promise of more pulse-pounding adventures and iconic moments, Shetty’s cop universe is poised to keep cinema halls packed and hearts racing across the country.

The much-anticipated Bollywood release Abir Gulaal, starring Pakistani actor Fawad Khan, was poised to mark his grand return to Indian cinema on May 9, 2025. However, the tragic terrorist attack in Pahalgam has cast a dark cloud over the film’s prospects, with its promotional songs mysteriously vanishing from YouTube and growing uncertainty surrounding its release.

Two tracks from the film—Angrezi Rangrasiya, a lively dance number, and Khudaya Ishq, a soulful romantic ballad—are no longer available on YouTube for Indian viewers. These songs, originally shared on the official channel of the film’s production house, A Richer Lens Entertainment, and by Saregama, the music label holding the soundtrack rights, have been quietly removed without any official explanation.

The timing of the songs’ removal has sparked speculation, especially as it coincides with heightened sensitivities following the Pahalgam attack. Adding fuel to the controversy, Vaani Kapoor, who stars opposite Fawad Khan, deleted a promotional video featuring him from her social media on April 22, the day of the attack. Neither the film’s producers nor its lead actors have addressed the removal of the songs or the deleted post, leaving fans and industry watchers puzzled.

The fallout has been swift, with social media platforms buzzing with outrage. Hashtags like #BoycottVaaniKapoor have gained traction, with many netizens questioning Kapoor’s silence on the issue. In response, Kapoor took to social media to express her grief: “The attack on innocent lives in Pahalgam has left me numb and heartbroken. My thoughts and prayers are with the families enduring this unimaginable loss.”

Meanwhile, reports suggest that the Information and Broadcasting Ministry has taken a firm stance, stating that Abir Gulaal may not be allowed to release in India. Theatre owners, wary of public sentiment in the wake of the tragedy, are also reportedly hesitant to screen the film, fuelling rumours of a possible postponement.

Fawad Khan, for his part, condemned the attack, saying, “I am deeply pained by the brutal attack in Pahalgam. My heart goes out to the victims and their families, and I pray for their strength and healing during this difficult time.” Similarly, actress Imanvi Ismail, who has a supporting role in the film, addressed the online vit7712 hostility directed at her, clarifying, “I am not Pakistani, but my heart aches for the lives lost in this tragedy.”

With just weeks to go before its scheduled premiere, Abir Gulaal finds itself at the centre of a storm, its release hanging in the balance as the industry grapples with the repercussions of the Pahalgam tragedy. The film’s fate remains uncertain, leaving fans and filmmakers alike in a state of limbo.

The cinematic legacy of Japan’s high-speed trains gets a new-age adrenaline shot in Bullet Train Explosion, a film that acts as a spiritual successor to the 1975 thriller The Bullet Train. Directed by Shinji Higuchi, this high-stakes drama replaces introspection with action, focusing not on the bomber’s mind, but on the societal machinery working to prevent catastrophe.

Unlike its predecessor, which delved deep into the psychological strain of a single antagonist, Bullet Train Explosion pivots the narrative toward the collective — spotlighting train officials, bureaucrats, and emergency teams who scramble to contain an escalating crisis. This modern reimagination appeals especially to millennial audiences unfamiliar with the original, reshaping a legacy thriller into a sleek, contemporary narrative.

High tension, rapid pace

The film thrives on momentum, sacrificing detailed backstories for pulse-pounding urgency. While character development occasionally takes a back seat, the pacing and technical precision more than compensate. Higuchi’s direction—backed by meticulous research—adds a layer of credibility to scenes portraying Japan’s real-world emergency response systems.

The identity reveal of the bomber might elicit chuckles, yet it aligns tonally with the original, offering a nostalgic twist for those in the know. Although the screenplay isn’t without faults, its core narrative remains tight and engaging.

Performances bring realism and emotion

The ensemble cast breathes life into the high-octane drama. Tsuyoshi Kusanagi stands out as Takaichi, the calm and capable conductor navigating chaos with quiet authority. Kanata Hosoda lends emotional depth as the sincere assistant, Fujii. Machiko Ono portrays Kagami’s transformation with intensity, while Jun Kaname’s take on a social media influencer caught in the crisis adds modern relatability to the otherwise high-concept plot.

Their performances bring emotional resonance to a film largely driven by logistical tension and collective action.

A timely tribute to unity in crisis

Beyond the explosions and countdowns, Bullet Train Explosion is ultimately about societal resilience. It serves as a timely reminder of how unity across different sectors—public, private, and civic—can avert disaster. The film sidesteps melodrama, instead choosing realism and teamwork as its heroes.

While it may not achieve emotional depth at every turn, its streamlined storytelling, expert direction, and solid performances make it a worthy successor to the 1975 classic—and a relevant entry into the modern disaster genre.