Bollywood’s fascination with horror-comedy remains undimmed, and The Bhootnii, starring Sanjay Dutt, Mouni Roy, Palak Tiwari, Sunny Singh, and Beyounick, dives headfirst into this quirky genre. Helmed by director Sidhaant Sachdev, the film unfolds a peculiar tale of a college tree that conjures a ghost named Mohabbat each Valentine’s Day, blending supernatural antics with a romantic twist.

Released on April 25, 2025, The Bhootnii has sparked a whirlwind of reactions, with Mouni Roy’s standout performance earning raves even as the film grapples with a faltering storyline.

Online chatter has zeroed in on Roy’s captivating portrayal of Mohabbat, with fans showering her with praise. One enthused, “Mouni Roy is pure magic—her ghost is the soul of the film!” Another marveled at her dedication, noting, “Spending 45 days in a harness paid off; she’s mesmerizing in every frame.” A third fan gushed, “Mouni’s Mohabbat makes this chaotic horror-comedy worth watching—she’s a genre gem!” Roy’s ability to infuse the spectral role with both charm and intensity has cemented her as the film’s saving grace, striking a chord with viewers.

Critics, however, have skewered the film’s lackluster script, which struggles to balance scares and humor. One review sighed, “The horror fizzles, the comedy feels stale, and the plot wanders like a lost spirit.” Another jabbed, “The Bhootnii stumbles where Stree danced—its ghost needs a sharper story.” Sanjay Dutt’s belated appearance as an eccentric ghostbuster, armed with oddball tools and arcane wisdom, injects fleeting energy but fails to rescue the narrative. Faisal Khan’s sporadic comedic bits offer mild relief, yet many deem the film a disjointed effort, with one viewer quipping, “I left more haunted by the script than the ghost.”

Amid India’s thriving horror-comedy wave, The Bhootnii has fueled spirited online debates, reflecting the genre’s pull despite its uneven execution. While unlikely to claim cinematic glory, Roy’s luminous performance offers a beacon for fans willing to navigate its bumpy ride. For others, the film’s narrative pitfalls render it a spectral disappointment, underscoring the challenges of crafting a cohesive spooky-laugh riot.

Adam Mosseri, the head of Instagram, showcased his playful side by joining actors Sakshi Shivdasani and Naina Bhan for a lively dance reel that lit up social media. Posted collaboratively on their Instagram accounts, the trio danced to the infectious Luv Letter by Kanika Kapoor from The Legend of Michael Mishra, a track dominating Instagram trends.

With Mosseri flanked by Sakshi and Naina, he gamely followed their choreography, bringing a lighthearted charm to the clip. Sakshi captioned the post with a cheeky nod to their podcast MOS, writing, “Naina and Sakshi have a podcast called MOS, so my name is @mosseri (we’re delusional).”

The reel sparked a flurry of reactions, with fans flooding the comments with laughter and admiration. One user exclaimed, “This video is unreal!” while another praised, “Love how carefree you all are!” A third simply declared, “Absolutely obsessed!” The spontaneous moment highlighted Instagram’s role as a platform for creative connections, bridging global executives with local talent.

Mosseri’s India visit, centered around the WAVES 2025 Summit in Mumbai, has been a whirlwind of star-studded interactions.

On Wednesday, he dined with Bollywood power couple Deepika Padukone and Ranveer Singh at Bandra’s Papa’s restaurant, sharing a selfie on Instagram captioned, “Met the charismatic @deepikapadukone and @ranveersingh in Bombay, savoring incredible food at @papasbombay.”

Deepika responded playfully, “What happens at @papasbombay stays there!” with emojis, while Ranveer added, “Good times!” with heartfelt emojis, reflecting their warm camaraderie.

That same day, Mosseri met content creator Prajakta Koli, who posted a photo on Instagram, writing, “Grateful for the chat, @mosseri!” His packed itinerary culminates on Friday with a high-profile interaction alongside actor Shraddha Kapoor at the WAVES Summit, a global platform celebrating media and innovation.

Mosseri’s engagement with India’s entertainment scene underscores Instagram’s growing influence in the country, where millions use the platform to share stories and connect. His visit, blending professional commitments with cultural immersion, highlights the app’s role in fostering creativity and collaboration across borders, resonating with India’s dynamic digital community.

Following the runaway success of Thudarum, the emotionally charged Malayalam revenge saga starring Mohanlal and Shobana, director Tharun Moorthy has revealed his next cinematic venture, Torpedo, set to captivate audiences with a powerhouse ensemble.

Unveiled on May 1, 2025, the film features Fahadh Faasil, Premalu breakout Naslen K. Gafoor, Tamil star Arjun Das, and Ganapathi, produced by Ashiq Usman, the visionary behind blockbusters like Thallumaala (2022) and Anjaam Pathiraa (2020).

Torpedo’s script is penned by Binu Pappu, who recently shone in Thudarum, showcasing his versatility as a writer. The film’s visual and technical finesse is entrusted to cinematographer Jimshi Khalid, known for his striking work, and National Award-winning editor Vivek Harshan, ensuring a polished narrative.

Sushin Shyam, the maestro behind Aavesham and Manjummel Boys, crafts the soundtrack, complemented by Vishnu Govind’s sound design, Gokul Das’s art direction, and Supreme Sundar’s action choreography.

Naslen and Ganapathi, fresh from their camaraderie in the 2025 hit Alappuzha Gymkhana directed by Khalid Rahman, reunite for Torpedo. Rahman’s recent legal trouble over possession of hybrid cannabis has stirred headlines, but the focus remains on Torpedo’s promise. A teaser hinting at “unexplored depths” suggests a coastal or maritime setting, fueling speculation about its narrative intensity.

The announcement coincides with Thudarum’s meteoric rise, amassing over ₹100 crore worldwide within six days of its April 25 release. Critics have praised its emotional depth, with one review stating, “Thudarum weaves a compelling tale with poignant moments, its ambiguous title hinting at Mohanlal’s ongoing journey.” Co-written with K.R. Sunil, the film’s success has elevated Moorthy’s stature as a storyteller.

Moorthy, whose self-taught craft shone in Operation Java and the acclaimed Saudi Vellakka, continues to redefine Malayalam cinema with authentic narratives. Torpedo, with its stellar cast and crew, is poised to push creative boundaries, tapping into the industry’s growing global appeal, where regional films increasingly resonate worldwide. Fans eagerly await this thrilling addition to Moorthy’s repertoire, expecting a blend of raw emotion and cinematic brilliance.