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Tuesday,11-November-2025
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Lights, camera, little action: ‘Bell Bottom’, ‘Chehre’ yet to pull crowds

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Two back-to-back big releases — Akshay Kumar’s ‘Bell Bottom’ and the Amitabh Bachchan star vehicle, ‘Chehre’, both well-received by critics — may have buoyed the spirits of film exhibitors, but their box-office collections have been far from encouraging.

‘Bell Bottom’, which was released on August 19, according to trade analysts, has grossed Rs 18.55 crore till date. Compare this with the Rs 64.99 crore collected in its opening weekend by ‘Good Newzz’ (with Diljit Dosanjh), Akshay’s last film before the first nationwide Covid-19 lockdown. And that was far less than the extended opening weekend earnings — Rs 97.56 crore — of the other big 2019 film, ‘Mission Mangal’.

A number of factors have contributed to this significant drop in earnings: cinema theatres are still under lockdown in Mumbai and Pune, depriving Bollywood of 25 per cent of its revenues; the requirement in a number of malls for patrons to produce double vaccination certificates before being allowed in, which is affecting attendance in theatres located in malls; and, significantly, the closure of 1,500 single screens across India because of the pandemic-induced economic stress.

On ‘Chehre’, which opened on Friday, the analysts were not very bullish about box-office figures. Karan Taurani of Elara Capital predicted that it would make a “lifetime collection” of Rs 5-6 crore because of its “niche” storyline that only a “discerning audience” would appreciate.

Taurani also pointed out that collections have been low because of “very low occupancy in morning shows and night shows not being allowed”. He also blamed the low occupancies forced by social distancing norms being in force. Also, over the last eight days, barring this past Sunday, which did see a spike in Delhi as a result of Raksha Bandhan festivities, attendance in theatres was at an all-time low across Uttar Pradesh and Bihar.

Exhibitors, however, are cautiously optimistic about their business coming back to life, even if partially, because of ‘Bell Bottom’ and ‘Chehre’.

Gautam Dutta, CEO, PVR Limited, said in a conversation with IANS: “Post the reopening of cinemas after the second wave, ‘Bell Bottom’ was the first big Bollywood movie to have hit the big screen. And it has done reasonably well within the restrictions in capacity, show limitations and weekend closures.”

He also emphasised the lockdown still in place for cinema theatres in “major markets such as Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu and Kerala.”

The sentiment was share by Rajender Singh Jyala, Chief Programming Officer, INOX Leisure.

Speaking to IANS, he said: “We have always said that the industry needed a couple of mass entertainers to kick off the recovery process, and we are glad that these have arrive and are doing phenomenally well, despite the restrictions.”

“We positively hope that the momentum built by the fantastic response to ‘Bell Bottom’ in the week gone by, and the hype around ‘Chehre’, would mark the onset of our revival journey.”

For Dutta, more than the initial numbers, it is the momentum that matters. He said to IANS: “We are encouraged by the release of the long-awaited ‘Chehre’ today. Hope this will encourage producers from the Bollywood fraternity to announce their big films for theatrical release and get movie-goers back to cinemas.”

Bollywood

Dharmendra latest health update: Actor is ‘recovering and responding to treatment,’ reveals Sunny Deol’s team

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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)

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Bollywood

Dharmendra: Defence Minister Rajnath Singh Mourns Veteran Actor’s Death On X, Later Deletes Post

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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.

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Bobby Deol To Play Grey Character In Ahaan Panday, Sharvari’s YRF Film: Report

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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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