On one hand, Ali returns to the gritty and high-stakes world of Mirzapur, a franchise that has cemented his place as a powerhouse performer. Alongside, projects like Raakh promise to further explore his intense and action-heavy side. On the other hand, he will surprise audiences with a completely different avatar in Lust Stories 3, where he steps into the shoes of a charming lover boy, showcasing a softer, more nuanced side of his personality.

Adding to this dynamic slate is Batwara 1947 (formerly Lahore 1947), a period drama set against the backdrop of India’s independence, where Ali will be seen navigating a story rooted in history and emotion.
Speaking on this, Ali said, “2026 dhonestly feels like one of the most creatively fulfilling years I’ve had in a while. I’ve always believed that as an actor, you should constantly put yourself in uncomfortable spaces, and this year was no less. On one hand, I’m revisiting thebworld of Mirzapur, which is raw, intense and physically demanding, and yet rhe film carries a freshness i didnt expect . . and on the other hand, I’m stepping into stories that require a completely different emotional language, whether it’s romance, thrill or a more restful restraint person. What excites me is this constant shift in energy. Because life is like that. It throws you punches from all sides. We play many characters everyday we just dont know it. . So i guess It keeps me on my toes and reminds me why I fell in love with acting in the first place , the strife to live so many different lives within a short span. There’s action, there’s romance, there’s thrill and each of these spaces demands a version of me that requires serious thought and not just physically but emotional as well. That contrast is something I’m really enjoying. I am enjoying that directors are making us actors see ourselves in different lights. That championing is equallly important and goes hand in hand”.

With such a diverse lineup, Ali Fazal is poised to reaffirm his versatility, proving once again that he is unafraid to push boundaries and redefine his cinematic journey with every new role.

By Keerti Kadam

The post Versatile Ali Fazal to Work in Contrasting Genres in 2026! first appeared on Latest News, Breaking News, National News, World News, India News, Bollywood News, Business News, Politics News, Sports News, Entertainment News - CineBuster.

Theatre remains one of the most powerful training grounds for actors – teaching discipline, spontaneity, and emotional honesty. As we celebrate World Theatre Day, these journeys serve as a reminder that behind every powerful screen performance lies years of dedication, often rooted in the intimacy of the stage.

From backstage struggles to standing ovations, these actors prove that theatre is not just a stepping stone – it’s a lifelong foundation.

Here’s a look at some actors who trained professionally in theatre and carried that foundation into their screen careers:

#PankajTripathi: One of the finest actors of his generation, Pankaj Tripathi began his theatre journey in 1996 in Patna, balancing rehearsals with night shifts at a hotel kitchen. His passion led him to the prestigious National School of Drama, after which he moved to Mumbai in 2004. Years of perseverance and over 40 small roles later, he found his breakthrough with Gangs of Wasseypur.

#AliFazal: Before becoming a global face, Ali Fazal’s acting journey began on stage during his school days at The Doon School. A basketball injury led him to explore acting, where he performed roles like Trinculo in The Tempest. He later refined his craft in Mumbai and through theatre platforms like Thespo, building a strong foundation before transitioning to films and series.

#RichaChadha: Richa Chadha built her acting roots in professional theatre after starting out in modelling. She trained under renowned theatre director Barry John and performed in multiple plays across India. This rich stage experience laid the groundwork for her film debut in Oye Lucky! Lucky Oye!.

#ShwetaTripathi: After studying fashion communication at National Institute of Fashion Technology, Shweta Tripathi found her calling in theatre. She joined a troupe in Mumbai and even founded her own company, ‘All My Tea Productions’. Before her breakthrough in Masaan, she worked behind the scenes and in television, steadily building her craft.

#LisaMishra: Known for her musical talents, Lisa Mishra also has roots in theatre. With experience in musical theatre, she recently returned to the stage after 15 years, post her screen debut with Call Me Bae. Her journey reflects a seamless blend of music, performance, and storytelling.

#AkshayOberoi: Akshay Oberoi’s acting journey began at Mumbai’s iconic Prithvi Theatre. Under the mentorship of theatre veteran Makrand Deshpande, he started backstage before performing in plays like Miss Beautiful. He further studied Theatre Arts at Johns Hopkins University and trained internationally, adding depth to his craft.

#AdarshGourav: Adarsh Gourav has a strong theatre background, with formal training at The Drama School Mumbai. He has performed with Raell Padamsee’s theatre company and appeared in productions like Lucrece at National Centre for the Performing Arts, showcasing his dedication to the stage.

#GulshanDevaiah: Before entering films, Gulshan Devaiah was an active part of Bengaluru’s English theatre circuit, working with groups like Forum Three. After a decade in the fashion industry, he transitioned to films and gained recognition with Shaitan.

#NimritKaurAhluwalia: Nimrit Kaur Ahluwalia’s artistic journey began with theatre, where she trained for over 15 years, including at the Atelier School of Dramatic Arts. She later gained recognition after winning Femina Miss Manipur and starring in a popular Tv soap Choti Sarrdaarni.

By Keerti Kadam

The post World Theatre Day Special: Bollywood Actors who honed their craft on Stage before the Spotlight! first appeared on Latest News, Breaking News, National News, World News, India News, Bollywood News, Business News, Politics News, Sports News, Entertainment News - CineBuster.

The production will be staged as part of Le’ Chakallas, a dynamic fringe festival that celebrates unfiltered art, fearless voices, and radical creativity. Produced by Ravi Srivastava at Artisan Coterie and presented by Mandali Talkies × Artisan Coterie, the week-long festival promises an immersive cultural experience that blurs the boundaries between artist and audience.

Born out of rebellion, curiosity, and community, Le’ Chakallas transforms its venue into a living playground for artistic expression. The festival features an eclectic mix of theatre performances, poetry, storytelling, stand-up comedy, rap battles, beatboxing, open mics, music gigs, full-scale concerts, coffee raves, workshops, food pop-ups, and artisan markets. Every corner becomes a site for collaboration, discovery, and dialogue. The festival is first of its kind running in Mumbai between 25th Feb to 1st March where an array of unique performances and workshops will be part of the schedule including theatre, book readings, poetry sessions, book launches and workshops. Many other unique titles are set to be part of the festival including Dastangoi, Jo Dooba So Paar, Qiseebaazi, a standup act by Varun Grover and many other such unique programming.

At the heart of this electric gathering is Mahanagar Jugnu, a stirring theatrical experience that captures the pulse, poetry, and contradictions of urban existence.

Speaking about his association, Ali Fazal shares, “Theatre has always been my first love, it’s where I learned to listen, to observe, and to truly inhabit a character. Turning presneter for Mahanagar Jugnu feels like coming full circle. Amitosh has written something that is deeply intimate yet universally resonant. Le’ Chakallas, with its spirit of rebellion and community, is the perfect home for a story like this. I’m excited to back voices that challenge, provoke, and move audiences in a way only live performance can.”

Le’ Chakallas is not just a festival, it is an experience designed to be felt.

By Keerti Kadam

The post Ali Fazal Features As a Presenter for Amitosh Nagpal’s ‘Mahanagar Jugnu’! first appeared on Latest News, Breaking News, National News, World News, India News, Bollywood News, Business News, Politics News, Sports News, Entertainment News - CineBuster.

Ali recently posted on Instagram Story that simply read “It’s a wrap.” This short message has quickly created curiosity that the actor has recently secretly completed a new project and now it’s believed as per sources that Ali is doing an unlikely collaboration with filmmaker Shakun Batra.

According to sources, Ali is rumoured to be teaming Gehraiyaan director for a brand-new film centered around the world of social media. While no official announcement has been made, insiders suggest that the project may explore the complexities, pressures, and dualities of digital life an intriguing shift for both Ali and Shakun, who is known for his nuanced, character-driven storytelling.

A source close to the development said, “Ali has been quietly working on something very exciting. His recent ‘It’s a wrap’ post has only added fuel to the news. He and Shakun Batra have collaborated on a film that dives deep into the impact of social media on modern relationships and identity. This will be one of the most unique projects Ali has taken up, and fans are eagerly waiting for an official confirmation.”

By Keerti Kadam

The post Ali Fazal to collaborate with Shakun Batra for his next centered around the world of social media! first appeared on Latest News, Breaking News, National News, World News, India News, Bollywood News, Business News, Politics News, Sports News, Entertainment News - CineBuster.

The photo has naturally sparked renewed curiosity about the upcoming film, which is currently in production.

Staying true to his easygoing and playful social media style, Ali wrote, “From the M team – 7 idhar, 120 udhar. Cinema gharon mein 120 Bahadur lagi hai, dekhiyega. Aur hum? Humara zara beyt keejiyega. Hum aapki taraf badh rahe hain. Coming Soon In Theatres.” His note encouraged viewers to head to cinemas for Farhan Akhtar’s 120 Bahadur, while giving a gentle nudge that Mirzapur: The Movie is also on its way to theatres.

A source associated with the film shared, “It was special to have the original cast together again for an important sequence. Ali wanted fans to get a glimpse of that moment, which is why he shared the picture. The team is putting in focused work, and the film will build meaningfully on the world Mirzapur has already created.”

With the core cast reunited and Jitendra Kumar joining the ensemble, the film continues to build steady anticipation as it moves toward completion.

By Keerti Kadam

The post Ali Fazal shares a fun behind-the-scenes moment from Mirzapur! first appeared on Latest News, Breaking News, National News, World News, India News, Bollywood News, Business News, Politics News, Sports News, Entertainment News - CineBuster.

Prosit, known for helming projects like Anushka Sharma’s psychological horror Pari, the yet-to-be-released Chakda Xpress, and the widely acclaimed Paatal Lok Season 1, brings his signature layered storytelling and atmospheric vision to Raakh. For Ali, the project is not only exciting because of his character but also because it fulfills a personal wish to work under Prosit’s direction.

Speaking about this much-anticipated collaboration, Ali Fazal shared, “Working with Prosit Roy had been on my wishlist for the longest time. I remember watching Pari and being struck by how he built an entire world through mood, silence, and tension — his craft is unique and compelling. Later, Paatal Lok only cemented my belief that he is one of the most exciting voices in our industry today. When Raakh came my way, and I learned Prosit was at the helm, it felt like the universe was finally answering a quiet wish I’d been carrying for years. Playing a cop for the first time in my career has been both challenging and exhilarating, but to explore this character under Prosit’s direction has been nothing short of transformative. His attention to detail, his ability to push you as an actor without ever making you feel out of place, and the world he creates for his stories — all of it makes the experience unforgettable. I feel incredibly fortunate that Raakh is the project that brought us together. Sometimes, dreams do take time to manifest, but when they do, they’re worth the wait.”

With Raakh, Ali Fazal once again expands his versatile repertoire, stepping into uncharted territory and reaffirming his place as one of the most dynamic actors of his generation. The series is executive produced and directed by #PrositRoy, and created, written and co-directed by Anusha Nandakumar and Sandeep Saket. The collaboration with Prosit Roy adds another exciting layer to a series that is already among the most eagerly awaited titles on Prime Video.

By Keerti Kadam

The post Ali Fazal Collaborates with ‘Patal Lok’ Director Prosit Roy for ‘Raakh’! first appeared on Latest News, Breaking News, National News, World News, India News, Bollywood News, Business News, Politics News, Sports News, Entertainment News - CineBuster.

#DivyennduSharma: Divyenndu registered his breakout role as the unpredictable Munna Bhaiyya in Mirzapur, a character that not only reinvented his film career, but also expanded his appeal. Through such character, Divyenndu shed his Pyaar Ka Punchnama image and entered a riveting zone that cemented him as a true-blue performer.

#AvinashTiwary: Through Bambai Meri Jaan, Avinash Tiwary pushed boundaries by pulling off a chilling and layered gangster performance that placed him in the zone of a serious dramatic actor. When audiences continue to stay head over heels with his Laila Majnu image, Avinash proved he is capable of something entirely ferocious and unexpected.

#KaranvirMalhotra: Known for his web roles, Karanvir Malhotra starred in the recently released series Andhera and effortlessly shouldered the haunting psychological narrative with intensity and grit. Excel Entertainment and Karan Anshuman yet again tapped on a substantial actor who served an engaging performance and got rewarded with positive reviews from the audience and critics.

#AliFazal: Be it showcasing raw physicality through Guddu Pandit in Mirzapur or highlighting subtlety and playfulness through Zafar in Fukrey, Ali Fazal has displayed an impressive acting range, standing true to Excel Entertainment’s belief in him. His evolution has seen him switch genres, all while defining what it means to be an actor who is reinventing for good and is not chasing unnecessary drama.

#SiddhantChaturvedi: Siddhant Chaturvedi was discovered first through Inside Edge, a project by Excel Entertainment and Karan Anshuman, but he received instant recognition as MC Sher in Gully Boy. His fiery performance not only served him popularity, but also deepened the belief in Excel Entertainment’s drive to spot serious talent.

These actors are rewriting the playbook of Indian entertainment with their knack for staying edgy and layered with their performances and script choices. By constantly extracting actors who are substantial, Excel Entertainment and a creator like Karan Anshuman are proving to be the tastemakers to cook up real craft.

By Keerti Kadam

The post Excel Entertainment Always Back Raw and Powerful Performers! first appeared on Latest News, Breaking News, National News, World News, India News, Bollywood News, Business News, Politics News, Sports News, Entertainment News - CineBuster.

#AdiviSesh – #Dacoit : After winning hearts with Major and establishing himself as a thinking man’s action hero, Adivi Sesh is all set to transform his image with Dacoit. Directed by Shaneil Deo, Starring Mrunal Thakur and Anurag Kashyap, the pan-India film features Adivi in a rugged, intense avatar exploring the world of modern-day bandits. With a powerful blend of stylized action and emotional depth, Dacoit promises to be a game-changer in the action genre.

#HrithikRoshan – #War2 : The Greek God of Bollywood returns to his most celebrated action avatar in YRF Spy Universe’s War 2, directed by Ayan Mukerji. Hrithik Roshan reprises his role as Kabir, the elite spy from War, and this time, the stakes are higher with global consequences. Packed with slick sequences and set across multiple continents, War 2 sees him lock horns with Jr. NTR is touted as one of the biggest action showdowns in Indian cinema.

#RanveerSingh – #Dhurandhar : Known for his energy and transformation, Ranveer Singh is reportedly stepping into the shoes of a powerful Macho Man in Dhurandhar, a big-budget pan-India action drama. The film was shrouded in secrecy, but now early visuals and teaser suggest a fierce Ranveer in a never-seen-before action-heavy role. His physical transformation and the film’s grand scale are already creating massive anticipation.

#AliFazal – #Mirzapur: The Movie : After dominating the OTT space as the fan-favourite Guddu Pandit, Ali Fazal is taking Mirzapur to the big screen with Mirzapur: The Film. Known for his raw intensity and physical prowess, Ali will be seen in an even more brutal, evolved version of Guddu. With a full-blown cinematic canvas and an action-forward storyline, the film is set to turn the cult series into a full-scale action franchise.

#TigerShroff – #Baaghi4 : One of Bollywood’s youngest action sensations, Tiger Shroff returns to his blockbuster franchise with Baaghi 4. Known for his unmatched martial arts skills and high-flying stunts, Tiger is pushing the envelope further in this installment, which is expected to be bigger and more global in its narrative. The film will feature choreographed set-pieces on par with international action cinema.

#JrNTR – #War2 : Riding high on the success of RRR, Jr. NTR is making his Hindi action debut with War 2. Cast opposite Hrithik Roshan in the same universe, Jr. NTR plays a formidable adversary, bringing South Indian action sensibilities and screen presence to the forefront. His inclusion marks a historic crossover moment in Indian action cinema.

#Yash – #Toxic : After the monstrous success of KGF: Chapter 2, Yash’s next project Toxic, directed by Geetu Mohandas, is one of the most anticipated pan-India films of 2025. Billed as a gangster-action drama with a strong emotional core, Toxic will showcase Yash in a gritty, stylized role that blends urban realism with large-scale spectacle. His new look for the film has already gone viral.

#AlluArjun – #AA22xA6 : Fresh from his National Award win for Pushpa, Allu Arjun is reuniting with the film Jawan director Atlee for a tentatively titled project AA22xA6. The action-drama is being designed as a character-driven, with Allu Arjun expected to explore a never-before-seen emotional and physical range. Known for combining style with substance, Arjun’s next is said to be one of the biggest films mounted from the South.

#VijayDeverakonda – #Kingdom : Vijay Deverakonda is ready to bounce back with Kingdom, an action drama set in a high-concept fictional world. After experimenting with multiple genres, Vijay returns to intense action in a film that features him in a warrior-like avatar, complete with elaborate combat choreography and VFX-laden war sequences. The film aims to offer an immersive action experience with national appeal.

#JohnAbraham – #Tehran : A consistent face in the action genre, John Abraham’s Tehran is inspired by true geopolitical events and sees him playing a RAW agent navigating complex international missions. With real stunts, no body doubles, and a gritty espionage plot, Tehran adds another layer to John’s repertoire of patriotic, high-octane actioners. The film is expected to deliver realism over spectacle, with John in his element.

By Keerti Kadam

The post Biggest action stars leading ambitious projects that promise style, scale, and substance! first appeared on Latest News, Breaking News, National News, World News, India News, Bollywood News, Business News, Politics News, Sports News, Entertainment News - CineBuster.

A ₹4.05 crore start for a heartfelt, slice-of-life romantic drama is a commendable figure—especially for a genre that traditionally builds its strength over word-of-mouth and weekend growth.

‘Metro… In Dino’ has already won hearts with its soulful storytelling, relatable characters, and evocative music. With glowing reviews from both critics and audiences alike, the film is well-positioned to gain momentum over the weekend. The emotional resonance of Anurag Basu’s narrative, combined with Pritam’s captivating music, has struck a chord with cinegoers, hinting at a strong word-of-mouth wave ahead.

As the weekend unfolds, all eyes are on the film’s upward trend in collections. With its refreshing take on modern relationships and urban dilemmas, Metro… In Dino could very well emerge as the season’s most cherished cinematic gem.

Gulshan Kumar & T-Series presents, in association with Anurag Basu Productions Pvt. Ltd., present ‘Metro…In Dino’. Directed by Anurag Basu, with music composed by Pritam, and produced by Bhushan Kumar, Krishan Kumar, Anurag Basu, and Taani Basu, watch your own story now in cinemas.

By Keerti Kadam

The post ‘Metro… In Dino’ Opens with ₹4.05 Cr Day One Collection! first appeared on Latest News, Breaking News, National News, World News, India News, Bollywood News, Business News, Politics News, Sports News, Entertainment News - CineBuster.

Spanning across five cities—Delhi, Kolkata, Mumbai, Pune, and Bangalore—the film explores the lives of modern couples in urban settings. #AnupamKher, #NeenaGupta, #KonkonaSenSharma, #PankajTripathi. #AdityaRoyKapur, #SaraAliKhan, #AliFazal and #FatimaSanaShaikh play the characters having intermingling relationships woven around them. One narrative revolves around an unexpected pregnancy, while another follows an elderly pair proving that love defies age. A third delves into a woman entangled in a turbulent romantic life and a strained bond with her mother. Multiple storylines unfold simultaneously, intricately interlinked, with every character subtly tied to the others through shared emotions and experiences.

The stories shown in the film are relatable and underlines the thought that most of the people are not completely happy in the situations and relationships in their lives. Anurag Basu has handled the complex stories deftly and has managed to give equal importance, and screen time, to each character. The music helps the narration in a big way. Production values and technical aspects are of high standards.

The movie scores heavily in acting department. Anupam Kher delivers a heartfelt performance as an aging man rediscovering companionship, portraying vulnerability and charm with grace. Neena Gupta plays a strong yet tender woman in her twilight years, capturing emotional depth and subtle humor effortlessly. Konkona Sen Sharma shines as a woman caught in the web of emotional conflict and tangled relationships, portraying layered emotions with natural ease.

Pankaj Tripathi brings quiet intensity and warmth to his role, making his character relatable and memorable through understated brilliance. Aditya Roy Kapur plays a conflicted young man grappling with love and responsibility, bringing a mix of charm and emotional depth. Sara Ali Khan portrays a spirited yet vulnerable character dealing with life’s unpredictability, delivering a refreshing and energetic performance.

Ali Fazal embodies a modern partner torn between choices, striking a fine balance between sensitivity and realism. And last but not the least, Fatima Sana Shaikh steals the show with her emotional range. She offers a compelling portrayal of a woman navigating personal and familial chaos, adding nuance to her complex role.

Rating: ***1/2

By Keerti Kadam

The post Review : Metro ….In Dino : A Heartfelt Mosaic of Modern Love and Urban Connections! first appeared on Latest News, Breaking News, National News, World News, India News, Bollywood News, Business News, Politics News, Sports News, Entertainment News - CineBuster.