Rajkummar Rao is riding a wave of cinematic momentum in 2025, juggling multiple projects that showcase his versatility. The actor is currently immersed in promoting his upcoming romantic drama Bhool Chuk Maaf alongside Wamiqa Gabbi, while also generating excitement for his gritty gangster film Maalik.

In a recent update, Rao announced that Maalik, initially slated for June 20, will now hit theaters on July 11. This action-thriller marks Rao’s first foray into playing a ruthless gangster, promising a high-octane performance.

Rao shared the news on Instagram, unveiling a striking poster that captures his intense transformation. Dressed in a sharp white outfit, he stands atop a police jeep, gripping a gun with a steely gaze.

His caption read, “Raub, Rutba, aur RAJ hoga Maalik ka, 11 July se. Aa rahe hain #Maalik, sirf cinemagharon mein.” The poster, first revealed on Rao’s 40th birthday, carried the tagline, “Maalik. Paida nahi ho sakta, ban toh sakta hai,” hinting at a character forged by ambition and grit. Directed by a fresh talent and backed by a reputed production house, Maalik is poised to redefine Rao’s onscreen persona.

Meanwhile, Bhool Chuk Maaf is creating its own buzz, particularly with the release of its latest track, Chor Bazari Phir Se. The song, a vibrant blend of nostalgic charm and modern flair, has taken the internet by storm. Composed by Pritam and Tanishk Bagchi, with lyrics by Irshad Kamil, it features powerhouse vocals from Sunidhi Chauhan, Neeraj Shridhar, Zahrah S Khan, and Bagchi himself. The track’s infectious energy and soulful undertones make it a celebration of free-spirited romance, amplified by a visually captivating music video that highlights the chemistry between Rao’s Ranjan Tiwari and Gabbi’s Titli Mishra.

Directed by Karan Sharma and produced by Dinesh Vijan’s Maddock Films, Bhool Chuk Maaf promises a heartfelt narrative woven with humor and emotion. Set for a global theatrical release on May 9, 2025, the film is already generating anticipation for its fresh pairing and evocative soundtrack. Industry trends suggest a strong appetite for such genre-blending stories, with romantic dramas drawing diverse audiences in recent months.

Rao’s ability to pivot from a gangster’s intensity to a romantic lead underscores his range, cementing his status as one of India’s most dynamic actors. As Maalik and Bhool Chuk Maaf gear up for release, fans are eager to see how Rao’s performances will light up the big screen.

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.