23122025-LSCB-01.qxd 12/22/2025 7:54 PM Page 1 c m y b DRISHYAM 3 SETS DATE Drishyam 3 is set to release in cinemas on October 2, 2026, marking the franchise’s iconic “Drishyam Day”. Ajay Devgn returns as Vijay Salgaonkar, alongside Tabu, Shriya Saran and Rajat Kapoor. Directed by Abhishek Pathak, the film is currently being shot across multiple locations. TRIBUNE Mamma Mia Life Amanda Seyfried, 40, said she wants Sophie to be a mother in Mamma Mia! 3 and says she is campaigning for it. Producer Judy Craymer confirmed a completed script and hinted Sabrina Carpenter may join. LUDHIANA | TUESDAY | 23 DECEMBER 2025 Reinvented on screen 2 2025 YAMI GAUTAM: MORAL COMPLEXITY Akshaye Khanna returned in a fierce new avatar in Dhurandar as the ruthless gangster Rahman Dacait. Balancing menace with melancholy, his performance showcased a darker, more intense energy rarely seen in his earlier work. Yami Gautam reached a new high with Haq, playing a character navigating moral conflict and emotional turmoil. The performance was hailed as one of her most transformative, showcasing a new level of maturity and depth. VICKY KAUSHAL: COMMANDING HISTORY RANDEEP HOODA: A DARK REBIRTH Vicky Kaushal impressed with a transformation in the historical drama Chhaava. Portraying warrior Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj, Kaushal combined physical rigour with emotional gravitas in a layered OO E AKSHAYE KHANNA:EMBRACING THE SHADOWS o actors wh ers Indian eir care th reshaped sformative with tran ances perform performance that expanded his range. G 025 has emerged as a defining year for Bollywood, marked by a wave of bold reinventions from some of its most recognisable actors. Stepping decisively beyond familiar territory, performers embraced demanding biographical parts, intense crime dramas and emotionally transformative roles. DBY Randeep Hooda stunned audiences with a performance that felt nothing short of a rebirth. As the menacing Ranatunga in Jaat, he delivered a gritty, emotionally layered portrayal marked by rawness, restraint and profound intensity. The role reaffirmed Hooda’s reputation for total character immersion and uncompromising authenticity. HUMA QURESHI: REIMAGINED Crime 3 as the chillingly realistic human trafficker Badi Didi. Her portrayal balanced strength, vulnerability and grit, earning praise for presenting a cruel yet compelling leader far removed from the trope of a conventional ‘filmy villain’. GULSHAN DEVAIAH: REGAL, UNPREDICTABLE Gulshan Devaiah earned widespread acclaim for his portrayal of the slipshod ruler Kulashekara in Kantara: Chapter 1. Described as “unparalleled”, his performance blended humour, vulnerability and regal bearing, even in inebriation. Rooted in the lore of pre-colonial Karnataka, the role added depth to the prequel’s world and marked one of the year’s most exciting reinventions. PANKAJ TRIPATHI: QUIET TRANSFORMATION Known for his understated brilliance, Pankaj Tripathi surprised viewers in Metro In Dino with a role defined by a refreshing emotional texture. His nuanced portrayal explored modern human relationships with tenderness and contemplation, reaffirming his ability to transform with each performance. VILLAIN Huma Qureshi delivered one of her most gripping performances in Delhi Ahan Shetty details his gruelling military prep for patriotic war epic Following the buzz around the recently unveiled teaser of the much-anticipated patriotic film Border 2, actor Ahan Shetty has shared details of the intense physical conditioning and military-style training he underwent for his role. Shetty, who plays a Navy officer in the film, described the experience as both physically demanding and personally transformative. body needs to repair and perform consistently.” Forged for TESTING CONDITIONS The actor also spoke about the additional challenges posed by filming at active military installations, where the environment itself became part of the endurance test. “Shooting at actual military installations brought real physical challenges,” Shetty said. “You’re dealing with actual terrain, weather and the physical demands of tactical sequences. Everything comes together when you’re doing combat sequences in 40-degree heat or operating in tactical gear for 12-hour shoot days.” Border 2 TRAINING ON GROUND Reflecting on filming at real military locations, Shetty said shooting at the National Defence Academy (NDA) in Khadakwasla, Pune, fundamentally altered his approach to the role. “Shooting at NDA Khadakwasla in Pune wasn’t just about capturing authentic visuals; it changed how I approached the entire role,” he said. “You’re training where real officers train. That environment doesn’t let you fake anything. Your body, your posture, your intensity — it all has to match the authenticity of the location.” WAR-READY AVATAR In Border 2, Shetty is seen stepping into the boots of a Navy officer. The first-look poster released by the makers shows him in a high-intensity war zone, blood smeared across his face, eyes fixed with determination and a heavy weapon in hand, signalling the scale and grit of the film. RELENTLESS REGIMEN LEGACY CONTINUES Shetty said his preparation followed a strict and unwavering routine, regardless of location, which included Pune, Amritsar, Khopoli and Mumbai. “My routine didn’t change across locations. Non-negotiable: strength training sessions, sports like football and cricket for agility and cardio endurance, and a strict recovery protocol including ice baths, steam, sauna and red Border 2 is presented by Gulshan Kumar, T-Series and JP Dutta’s JP Films. The film is produced by Bhushan Kumar, Krishan Kumar, JP Dutta and Nidhi Dutta, and directed by Anurag Singh. Continuing the legacy of honouring the heroism and indomitable spirit of Indian soldiers, the film promises a sweeping journey of patriotism, courage and sacrifice. Border 2 is set to release in cinemas on January 23, 2026. light therapy,” he said. He stressed that recovery was as crucial as physical exertion. “Recovery wasn’t option- al — it was as critical as the training itself. When you’re shooting intense combat sequences day after day, your c m y b ABHISHEK BACHCHAN: A CAREER TURNAROUND With Kaalidhar Laapata and Be Happy, Abhishek Bachchan delivered a significant career resurgence. Playing two sharply contrasting characters — one intense and layered, the other warm and uplifting — he demonstrated the depth of his craft and reintroduced himself as an actor of striking range. Nora teases global single Actor-dancer joins David Guetta on stage at Sunburn to preview Fire Starter Global star Nora Fatehi underlined her growing international stature with a surprise appearance at David Guetta’s concert at Sunburn Festival 2025, delivering one of the most talked-about moments of the event. What began as a high-energy EDM set turned into a crossover spectacle as Fatehi joined Guetta on stage, commanding attention with her stage presence and performance authority. The appearance went beyond symbolism, offering audiences a first tease of their upcoming global single Fire Starter, which also features Ciara. A high-energy remix of the track was played live, giving fans an early glimpse of a collaboration that has already generated significant buzz. While the full song remains under wraps, the preview was enough to emerge as a standout highlight of the festival. The moment showcased a seamless blend of Guetta’s sonic style and Fatehi’s performance energy. Samantha faces crowd chaos Massive fan rush at public event sparks concerns over celebrity safety Actor Samantha Ruth Prabhu was mobbed by fans during a recent public appearance, just days after fellow actor Nidhhi Agerwal faced a similar ordeal, reigniting debate around celebrity safety and crowd management at public events. Videos that surfaced on social media show Samantha struggling to make her way through a dense crowd as her security team attempted to escort her to her vehicle. Despite the chaos and near standstill caused by the rush of fans, the actor appeared calm and composed throughout the incident. She was attending an event as a special guest when her exit triggered the sudden surge. The visuals prompted strong reactions online, with users criticising the lack of civic sense displayed by sections of the crowd. Others pointed to lapses in planning, calling on event organisers to strengthen security arrangements to prevent such situations. — ANI