23122025-LSTC-01.qxd 12/23/2025 12:44 AM 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. CHANDIGARH | TUESDAY | 23 DECEMBER 2025 Reinvented 2 2025 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. OO E on screen BY D with emotional gravitas in a layered performance. YAMI GAUTAM:MORAL COMPLEXITY 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. AKSHAYE KHANNA:EMBRACING THE SHADOWS 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. VICKY KAUSHAL: COMMANDING HISTORY HUMA QURESHI: VILLAIN REIMAGINED Vicky Kaushal impressed with a transformation in the historical drama Chhaava. Portraying warrior Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj, Kaushal combined physical rigour o actors wh ers Indian eir care th reshaped sformative with tran ances perform RANDEEP HOODA: A DARK REBIRTH 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. Huma Qureshi delivered one of her most gripping performances in Delhi 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. ABHISHEK BACHCHAN: 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. 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. TESTING CONDITIONS Forged for 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.” 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 12hour shoot days.” 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. Legacy continues RELENTLESS REGIMEN 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 light therapy,” he said. He stressed that recovery was as crucial as physical exertion. “Recovery wasn’t optional — it was as critical as the training itself. When you’re shooting intense combat sequences day after day, your body needs to repair and perform consistently.” c m y b 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. Samantha faces chaos 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 way through a dense crowd as her security team attempted to escort her to her vehicle. Despite the chaos caused by the rush of fans, the actor appeared calm and composed throughout the incident. She was attending an event as a guest when her exit triggered the surge. — ANI Nora teases global single Actor-dancer joins David Guetta on stage at Sunburn to preview Fire 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 talkedabout 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, offer- ing audiences a first tease of their upcoming global single Fire Starter, which also features Ciara. A remix of the track was played live, giving fans an early glimpse of a collaboration that has already generated buzz.