Bollywood
‘Bob Biswas’: Intriguing but perfunctorily mounted
Film: “Bob Biswas” (Streaming on Zee5); Duration: 132 minutes.
Director: Diya Annapurna Ghosh; Cast: Abhishek Bachchan, Chitrangda Singh, Paran Bandopadhyay, Ronith Arora, Tina Desai, Samara Tijori, Ditipriya Roy, Pavbitra Rabha.
IANS Rating: ***1/2
This film focuses on the assassin Bob Biswas, a character conceived by Sujoy Ghosh and Advaita Kala in 2012 released Kahaani which featured Vidya Balan, thus technically making it a prequel to Kahaani.
Actor Saswata Chatterjee had portrayed the quirky character in Kahaani with such flair and unconventional style that it landed becoming an intriguing figure worth exploring his backstory, and thus this film germinated.
Unlike the high-octane, nifty thriller Kahaani, Bob Biswas with a character-driven plot, is a slow-paced film. The titular character in a vulnerable state of mind embarks on a journey of self-discovery after being in a coma for eight years. Unable to recall his past, and while trying to piece his life together with his wife Mary, son Benny and stepdaughter Mini after he steps out of the hospital. How he gets his prospective victim’s MMS on a mobile phone and is forced to kill them while working undercover as a life insurance agent, forms the crux of the film.
Set in Kolkata, the script does have its moments, with the twists in the tale and the code of conduct among criminals, but it is Bob’s gullibility that keeps you hooked to the screen.
While we miss Saswata Chatterjee as the eponymous killer, Abhishek Bachchan with his bemused appearance and unwonted demeanour delivers an equally earnest performance. He is aptly supported by Chitrangda Singh as his wife Mary, Ronith Arora as Son Benny, and Samara Tijori as Mini.
Purab Kohli has his moments of onscreen glory as the drug peddler Bubai. Similarly, Pabitra Rabha as Dhonu the street-food seller, and Paran Bandopadhyay as the pharmacist Kali Da who keeps saying: “Niyam, Niyam hota hai…” leave their mark on the screen.
Tina Desai in a significant role as Police Officer Indira Verma is stereotypical and so are all the other supporting actors who are a part of the city’s underbelly.
While Bob Biswas’ back story is intriguing and the film informs you of how he is connected to the tale in ‘Kahaani’, writer Sujoy Ghosh takes the lazy way out.
His script fails to tell us about Bob’s initiation into the world of crime, how he became a contract killer in the first place. This would have been much more interesting. Also, Bob’s journey as the assassin is smooth and perfunctory that beyond a point, you just don’t get emotionally hooked.
Bollywood
Dharmendra latest health update: Actor is ‘recovering and responding to treatment,’ reveals Sunny Deol’s team

Mumbai, Nov 11: According to the latest update on Dharmendra’s health, the veteran actor is ‘recovering and responding to treatment.’
When media contacted Sunny Deol’s team, they shared an update on the actor’s health, stating, “Sir is recovering and responding to treatment. Let’s all pray for his good health and long life.”
We are in constant touch with Sunny Deol’s PR team. Earlier, the team issued a clarification stating that Dharmendra continues to remain stable. They also urged everyone to refrain from spreading unverified information about the actor’s health. In an official statement, the team had shared, “Mr. Dharmendra is stable and under observation. Further comments and updates will be shared as available. Kindly don’t indulge in spreading false rumours regarding his health. Request everyone to pray for his speedy recovery and respect the family’s right to privacy.”
Meanwhile, false reports about Dharmendra’s death began circulating on social media late last night. Several celebrities and eminent political leaders fell prey to the death hoax and shared condolence messages online. However, the veteran actor’s family intervened to put an end to the rumours.
Hema Malini took to social media to strongly condemn the misinformation, calling it “unforgivable” and “highly irresponsible,” while urging media outlets to respect the family’s privacy. Esha Deol also shared a statement, assuring everyone that her father is stable and recovering well.
Hema wrote, “What is happening is unforgivable! How can responsible channels spread false news about a person who is responding to treatment and is recovering? This is being extremely disrespectful and irresponsible. Please give due respect to the family and its need for privacy.”
Esha Deol also shared a health update about her father, assuring that he is stable and recovering well in the hospital. “The media seems to be in overdrive and spreading false news. My father is stable & recovering. We request everyone to give our family privacy. Thank you for the prayers for papas speedy recovery.” (sic)
Bollywood
Dharmendra: Defence Minister Rajnath Singh Mourns Veteran Actor’s Death On X, Later Deletes Post

Veteran actor Dharmendra has been admitted to Mumbai’s Breach Candy hospital. On Tuesday morning, several media reports claimed that the actor breathed his last and is no more.
Around 9 am today, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh also confirmed his death. “Deeply saddened by the demise of veteran actor and former MP Shri Dharmendra ji. A versatile actor who brought life to many memorable characters with his unmatched charm and sincerity,” he wrote on X.
“His remarkable contribution to Indian cinema will always be remembered. My heartfelt condolences to his family and admirers,” the Minister added.
However, he deleted his post minutes after posting it.
On November 10, his wife, veteran actress-politician Hema Malini, shared an update about his health, telling fans that he was being continuously monitored at the hospital. Taking to her X (formerly Twitter), Hema wrote on Monday, “I thank everyone for their concern about Dharam ji who is in hospital for observation. He is being continuously monitored and we are all with him. I request you all to pray for his welfare and speedy recovery.”
Following news of his hospitalisation, Hema was seen arriving at the hospital on Monday evening to visit her ailing husband. Shortly after, Dharmendra’s son Sunny Deol arrived with his sons, Karan Deol and Rajveer Deol. Later, Bobby Deol’s wife, Tanya Deol, also reached the hospital.
Later, Govinda, Salman Khan, Ameesha Patel and Shah Rukh Khan, along with Aryan Khan, who shares a close bond with Dharmendra, were seen rushing to the hospital to visit him.
Meanwhile, police and security guards have erected barricades outside Dharmendra’s Mumbai residence to manage the large crowds of media and fans gathering outside his home.
Dharmendra was admitted to Breach Candy Hospital on October 31 for a routine check-up. Later, his team shared that there was absolutely no cause for concern, assuring fans that he was in good health.
“The actor is in good health and visits the hospital often for routine medical tests, which is the reason for his current stay. It seems that someone spotted him there, which has led to a frenzy among his fans, but there is nothing to be worried about as he is absolutely fine,” said the team.
Dharmendra was gearing up for the release of his new film, Ikkis, alongside Agastya Nanda, which was slated to hit theaters on December 25.
Bollywood
Bobby Deol To Play Grey Character In Ahaan Panday, Sharvari’s YRF Film: Report

Bollywood actor Bobby Deol, who continues to ride high on the success of projects like Animal and Ba***ds of Bollywood, has been roped in for filmmaker Ali Abbas Zafar’s upcoming action romance featuring Ahaan Panday and Sharvari in the lead roles. The yet-untitled film, backed by Aditya Chopra’s Yash Raj Films, is expected to go on floors in the UK in the first quarter of 2026.
According to a report in Midday, Deol will play a key role with grey shades, a character that is not exactly a villain but one with strong authority and complexity.
“It would be incorrect to call him the antagonist. His character holds an authoritative position in the film, but there’s more than meets the eye. As the story unfolds, Bobby’s character develops grey tones that deeply influence his dynamic with the hero,” a source informed the publication.
The insider further added that Zafar envisions presenting Deol in a larger-than-life role, someone whose presence invokes fear, yet remains deeply layered and unpredictable. “That’s the newness the director wants to explore – a brutal yet nuanced side of the actor that fans haven’t seen before,” the source shared.
After receiving appreciation for his recent performances, Deol has become one of the most sought-after names for powerful, unconventional roles.
The source reportedly added that Ali Abbas Zafar is eager to deliver a “fan service” moment by showcasing the actor in a completely new avatar.
The film marks the fifth collaboration between Aditya Chopra and Zafar after Mere Brother Ki Dulhan, Gunday, Sultan, and Tiger Zinda Hai. With Deol joining the cast, and Ahaan Panday sharing screen space with him for the first time, this action-packed romance promises an exciting mix of intensity, emotion, and high-octane drama.
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