The trailer for the horror comedy The Bhootni, featuring Sanjay Dutt, was officially launched by the filmmakers on Saturday, March 29, in Mumbai. Formerly titled The Virgin Tree, the film tells the story of a tree sprite, played by Mouni Roy, who targets virgin boys on Valentine’s Day.

Written and directed by Sidhaant Sachdev, The Bhootni boasts a talented cast that includes Sunny Singh, Palak Tiwari, and Aasif Khan. Also making his Bollywood debut in this film is Nikunj Lotia, better known as the content creator Beyounick.

The narrative unfolds in a college that becomes haunted annually by the ghost of the ‘virgin tree.’ To rid their beloved campus of its haunted reputation, a group of students seeks assistance from Baba (Sanjay Dutt), a former student who has gained fame as a ghostbuster. Interestingly, ‘Baba’ is also Dutt’s nickname in the film industry. The trailer skillfully blends comedic elements with romantic moments, accompanied by impressive CGI-driven action and horror sequences. Mouni Roy captivates the audience as the aggrieved ‘bhootni,’ showcasing her extensive experience with supernatural roles.

Hindi horror comedies have become a lucrative genre with the success of films such as Stree and Bhool Bhulaiyaa. At the launch event for Bhootni, the filmmakers emphasized that their film brings a fresh perspective to the genre, particularly with its setting in a bustling metropolitan college.

Director Sidhaant Sachdev highlighted the dedication of 65-year-old Sanjay Dutt, revealing that he performed all of his stunts personally, including an incredible jump from 40 feet without a body double. “His commitment to action filmmaking is truly impressive,” shared Sachdev.

At the event, Sanjay Dutt stated, “I have been in action films for 40 years. The power of Lord Shiva and his Shiv tandav inspired me during the shoot. We worked tirelessly until 5 am, and only the Lord knows how we managed to pull it off.”

The Bhootni is scheduled for release in theaters on April 18, 2025, promising an exciting blend of horror and humour that aims to entertain audiences.

Tamannaah Bhatia is celebrating a significant milestone as “Baahubali: The Beginning” turns 10 this year. The film, directed by SS Rajamouli, not only redefined Indian cinema but became a cultural phenomenon that few could have predicted. Released on July 10, 2015, with Prabhas in the lead role, it marked a groundbreaking moment for the Telugu film industry, as it was the first Telugu movie to receive a worldwide release in Hindi.

Bhatia, who embodied the fierce warrior Avantika in the epic saga, reflected on the film’s profound impact. “Baahubali was a magical movie that changed everything for us. I don’t think any of us could have foreseen what that film would achieve,” she said in an interview with PTI. “Its influence on us—not just on me as an actor, but for the entire country and film industry—is something that feels unforgettable and historic.”

This year is particularly special for the 35-year-old actress, as she also marks her 20th anniversary in the industry. Having made her acting debut in the 2005 Hindi film “Chand Sa Roshan Chehra,” Bhatia has carved out a successful career across multiple languages, including Telugu, Tamil, and Hindi. Her filmography features notable titles such as “Happy Days,” “Kalloori,” “Devi,” “Aranmanai 4,” and the upcoming release “Odela 2.”

Bhatia expressed a sense of renewal and excitement as she reflected on her journey. “It actually takes 20 years for creative people to truly find themselves and hone their craft. In my case, that rings particularly true since I started very young. I genuinely feel that I’m just beginning my path,” she noted. “I’m going to make each day count, striving to offer the audience something special to watch every time.”

Her comments encapsulate both her gratitude for the opportunities she has had and her ambition for the future, as she continues to evolve as an artist in the vibrant landscape of Indian cinema. As she celebrates these milestones, Bhatia is more determined than ever to make her mark in the industry.

Salman Khan’s much-anticipated action film, “Sikandar,” hit the theatres today, and it has quickly resonated with fans and critics alike, praised for its gripping screenplay and stellar performances. Directed by AR Murugadoss, the film also features Rashmika Mandanna, marking their on-screen collaboration for the first time.

Early reviews highlight the film’s emotional depth and powerful storytelling. One fan enthusiastically shared, “No fan of #SalmanKhan will leave without enjoying it. #Sikandar is now in theaters – a guaranteed blockbuster!” Another viewer tweeted, “#SikandarReview: A mass entertainer with a heartwarming climax. #SalmanKhan delivers a performance like never before. The background score is just as compelling as #Jawan. This is a ‘paisa vasool’ movie that you should catch on the first day.”

As “Sikandar” lights up cinemas across the country, it has also made waves internationally, recently illuminating Dubai’s skyline as part of its promotional efforts, a testament to its grandeur.

In addition to Khan and Mandanna, the film features a talented cast, including Sharman Joshi, Prateik Babbar, Anjini Dhawan, and Kajal Aggarwal in significant roles. With breathtaking cinematography by S. Thirunavukarasu and an engaging soundtrack composed by Pritam, “Sikandar” promises a full cinematic experience.

The film’s advance bookings signal tremendous success, with reports indicating that it has already crossed the ₹8 crore mark before its official release. According to Sacnilk, “Sikandar” achieved remarkable milestones even in the pre-release phase, selling over 100,000 tickets and accumulating ₹8.81 crore in earnings.

However, the excitement surrounding the film has been marred by piracy issues. Notorious sites like Tamilrockers and Movierulz have illegally leaked the full movie online, offering unauthorized downloads. Such leaks pose a significant threat to the film’s box office performance, and they highlight the ongoing struggle Bollywood faces against piracy.

While it might be tempting to download pirated content, it’s crucial to understand the implications. Engaging in piracy is illegal and can lead to substantial fines or even jail time. Moreover, piracy undermines the immense effort of countless individuals who contribute to the filmmaking process, from directors to technical crews. A robust box office performance not only benefits the current film but also supports future projects in the industry.

For true Bollywood enthusiasts, supporting filmmakers by choosing to watch “Sikandar” through legitimate channels is essential. Enjoy the magic of cinema and discourage piracy by enjoying the film responsibly in theaters.