23072025-LSTC-01.qxd 7/22/2025 8:55 PM Page 1 c m y b MONKEY OUT OF THE CAGE The Bobby Deolstarrer Bandar (Monkey in a Cage) will be screened at the prestigious 2025 Toronto International Film Festival. Sharing the update, Deol wrote on his Instagram handle, “The story that should not have been told... But is the Offical Selection at the 50th Toronto International Film Festival 2025.” TRIBUNE New role Life Raashii Khanna has joined Pawan Kalyan for the Telugu entertainer Ustaad Bhagat Singh, directed by Harish Shankar. It’s touted as one of Raashii’s biggest South Indian projects to date. LUDHIANA | WEDNESDAY | 23 JULY 2025 Diljit to honour 1971 war hero The singer-actor begins the next schedule for the film S INGER-ACTOR Diljit Dosanjh has landed in Amritsar to begin the next schedule of his much-anticipated film Border 2, based on the 1971 IndoPak war. The star shared behindthe-scenes glimpses from a rural location near Tarn Taran on Instagram, announcing his arrival in Punjab — a post that quickly gained traction among his over 26 million followers on the platform. Known for his highly engaged fanbase, Diljit’s posts often go viral within minutes, reflecting the strong connection he maintains with audiences across India and abroad. Diljit was spotted on In Border 2, Diljit portrays Flying set alongside director Officer Nirmal Jit Singh Sekhon, the only Indian Air Force officer Anurag Singh and his awarded the Param Vir Chakra. long-time manager Sekhon is celebrated for his Sonali Singh. At the defence of the Srinagar Air Base Amritsar airport, Diljit during the 1971 war. On July 17, drew attention for Diljit shared an image of Sekhon, wearing an outfit remcommemorating the war hero’s iniscent of Jaswant 80th birth anniversary, a tribute Singh Khalra — the that resonated widely online. late human rights activist he portrays in his upcoming film Punjab 95. The outfit, a simple checkered THE WARRIOR shirt and trousers, echoes Khalra’s everyday look and further fuelled conversation online among his fans, who closely follow his onscreen transformations and behind-the-scenes glimpses. Squashing rumours Despite the noise around the Sardaar Ji 3 controversy, Diljit made it crystal clear: he’s not out of Border 2. In a recent video from the film’s set, he was seen having a great time with co-stars Varun Dhawan, Ahan Shetty and Mona Singh, confirming his active role. The film, directed by Anurag Singh, sees Diljit playing Flying Officer Nirmal Jit Singh Sekhon, a war hero of the 1971 Indo-Pak conflict. His onlocation updates from rural Punjab have reassured fans and silenced speculation that he had been dropped from the project over casting-related backlash. Bollywood outings Diljit Dosanjh debuted as an actor in Hindi film industry with commercial critical success Udta Punjab in 2016. His song with Alia Bhatt based on Shiv Kumar Batalvi’s creation Ikk Kudi was a major hit. Phillauri, Welcome to New York , Soorma, Arjun Patiala, Good Newwz, Suraj Pe Mangal Bhari and Jogi, he has worked across genres over the years. His OTT releases Amar Singh Chamkila and Detective Sherdil have gotten good response lately. The controversy Diljit faced major heat over the casting of Pakistani actress Hania Aamir in Sardaar Ji 3, leading to public outrage, media debates and calls for his removal from Border 2. Prominent names such as Aditya Narayan and Abhijeet criticised him, while Javed Akhtar and Naseeruddin Shah publicly defended him. Diljit later clarified the film was shot in early 2025 — before geopolitical tensions spiked — and would release overseas only. Despite financial losses, he stood by the decision, emphasising art shouldn’t be politicised. The storm appears to be settling now, especially as industry peers and fans rally around him. A hearty dose of When Kajolmet First look of Avatar: Fire and Ash antagonist unveiled The makers of Avatar: Fire and Ash unveiled the first look of Varang, the antagonist from the Ash clan in Avatar 3. Varang is played by Oona Chaplin. She is expected to lock horns with Jake (Sam Worthington). In a post on the official Avatar X account, it was revealed that the first trailer for James Cameron’s Avatar sequel will screen in theatres before showings of Marvel’s Fantastic Four. Zoe Saldana plays Neytiri. Avatar: Fire and Ash is set to hit theatres on December 19. The fourth and fifth films are scheduled for release on December 21, 2029, and December 19, 2031, respectively. — ANI Twinkle The talk show is set to be a bold, brilliant & unapologetically unfiltered Prime Video on Tuesday announced its upcoming talk show Two Much with Kajol and Twinkle with actor Kajol and actor turned author Twinkle Khanna. Conceptualised and produced by Banijay Asia, the show promises a guest list featuring the biggest names in Bollywood. Two Much with Kajol and Twinkle is set to be a bold, brilliant, and unapologetically unfiltered talk show, delivering their hottest takes on the coolest topics, all fired up by the infectious energy of its vivacious hosts. “We are very thrilled to announce Two Much with Kajol and Twinkle—a first-of-its-kind talk show, hosted by two of the sharpest voices in Indian entertainment, who are set to reinvent the genre,” said Nikhil Madhok, director and head of originals at Prime Video, India. “At its heart, it celebrates the firebrand personalities of Kajol and Twinkle— distinct, fearless, and refreshingly real. Built on their camaraderie and lived experiences, the show is packed with insight, laughter, and relatable topics for everyone!” said Mrinalini Jain, group chief development officer of Banijay Asia. — PTI c m y b laughter Ajay Devgn-starrer Son Of Sardaar 2, unveils the second trailer Building more anticipation ahead of the release, the makers of Ajay Devgn-starrer Son Of Sardaar 2, unveiled the second trailer on Tuesday. The trailer begins with Ajay Devgn’s character, Jassi, getting married to Neeru Bajwa. Later, he reveals four troubles in his life. That starts with Bajwa asking for a divorce from him, and Jassi saying, Sardaar ko paagal kar diya. Jassi is shown getting trapped in problems repeatedly. As he says, “Jo harbaar fase vo hai sardaar Jassi”. From getting trapped in fake love to being caught up in a Mafia family and being held to his ‘bebe’s’ promise, the trailer reveals Jassi’s life, full of chaos and comedy. Directed by Vijay Kumar Arora, the film also stars Ravi Kishan and Mrunal Thakur. — ANI