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‘Matka King’ Series Review: Retro Bombay & A Gambling Addiction

Matka King Cast/Actors: Vijay Varma, Sai Tamhankar, Kritika Kamra, Gulshan Grover, Siddharth Jadhav, Bhupendra Jadawat and more

Matka King Director: Nagraj Popatrao Manjule

Matka King Production House: Roy Kapur Films, Aatpat Production and SMR Entertainment

Matka King Release Date: 17 April 2026

Matka King Available On: Amazon Prime Video OTT Platform

Matka King Released/Available In Languages: Hindi, Tamil and Telugu

Matka King Number Of Episodes: 

Matka King Runtime: 50 minutes (Approx Each Episode) – 3h 49m

Matka King Series Critic Review:

Looking at the glittering malls, spiffy offices, high-end restaurants and luxury high rises of Lower Parel today, it’s tough to imagine that five decades ago, this was a part of Mumbai – or Bombay as it was then called – the elite never stepped into.

This was where textile mills thrived and workers went on a much-politicised strike when the first move was made to down the shutters and turn the area into swank, upper-crust commercial and residential property.

This was also where politics and the police force played their part when Matka King Ratan Khatri came up with a unique gamble and prospered beyond imagination. Winning and losing in large numbers became an addiction for workers of the area while elsewhere too, the Matka King’s game was played in various towns and rural districts.

When the pain and humiliation of being a nobody spurs Brij Bhatti (Vijay Varma) to take on arrogant cotton king Laljibhai (Gulshan Grover), rooting for the underdog comes naturally.

Creator-writer Abhay Koranne and writer-director Nagraj Popatrao Manjule turn Ashish Aryan’s story idea into a guided tour of old Bombay with the backdrop of landline phones and manual typewriters. Upfront is the rise of the Matka King, the warmth of his small family with wife Barkha (Sai Tamhankar), a little baby soon joining them, and younger brother Lachu (Bhupendra Jadawat) whose track is somewhat predictable.

Like all first movers, Brij’s head for playing with numbers turns ideas into a flourishing business, his biggest trump being his impeccable integrity which he won’t compromise with, whatever the cost. But cracks in relationships are a part of most success stories.

Manjule draws the viewer into the retro world of the Matka King with a chic Parsee girlfriend Gulrukh (Kritika Kamra) and loyalists like Dagdu (Siddharth Jadhav). Lurking in the wings are also a journalist on the trail of the new gambling addiction, a minister and a cop.

It’s not just the rise. Like the Harshad Mehta biopic, there is a fall too. Friendships and equations change, the ‘King’ inevitably having to realise where he stumbled.

A brief look at a Dawood-like don (Vineet Singh Kumar) with his hold over Bombay, the changing face of the mill area and Mrs Gandhi’s Emergency, have a relatable authenticity.

Vijay Varma is at the top of his game as Brij Bhatti, never once overplaying his hand, always in control. Sai Tamhankar makes a perfect Barkha, her warmth and her cooling off, handled like a pro. Kritika Kamra comes next, looking every inch the elegant Parsee lady. Gulshan Grover adds his Bad Man weight to Lalji. Siddharth Jadhav as Dagdu and Jamie Lever as girlfriend Sulbha are good too, although their extended track is one of the meandering distractions that make the viewer restless.

Manjule starts off with promise, leaving a hook at the end of the first couple of episodes. But later episodes find a drop in pace.  

But one must mention that the cinematography (Sudhakar Reddy), music (Amit Trivedi, Ajay Jayanthi), art direction (Sunil Singh) and set decoration (Yogita Narvekar) create the mood and ambience of 60s’ Bombay.

Matka King – Watch it or not?: Matka was a unique gambling addiction that had its birth in the textile mill area of Bombay. For a fictionalised look at the city and its stories, it’s worth a watch.

Matka King Series Review Score Rating: 3 out of 5 (i.e. 3/5)

Matka King Official Trailer:

Credits: Prime Video India

ALSO READ: Bhooth Bangla Movie Review: More Ghastly Than Ghostly

Bhooth Bangla Movie Review: More Ghastly Than Ghostly

Bhooth Bangla Cast/Actors: Akshay Kumar, Wamiqa Gabbi, Tabu, Rajpal Yadav, Asrani, Paresh Rawal, Manoj Joshi, Jisshu Sengupta, Bhavna Pani, Mithila Palkar, Zakir Hussain & Others

Bhooth Bangla Director: Priyadarshan

Bhooth Bangla Production House: Balaji Motion Pictures & Cape of Good Films

Bhooth Bangla Movie Release Date: 16th April, 2026

Bhooth Bangla Movie Available On: Theatrical Release (likely to be released on Netflix OTT Platform)

Bhooth Bangla Released/Available In Languages: Hindi

Bhooth Bangla Movie Runtime: 2h 45m

Bhooth Bangla Movie Review:

There is something called expiry date and Priyadarshan’s latest film is a fine example of it.

With three co-writers on board – Aakash Kaushik, Abhilash Nair, Rohan Shankar – director Priyadarshan attempts to retrieve ownership of the Bhool Bhulaiyaa franchise. But to float a film which has a similar sounding title and to pack it with the same elements of a deserted haveli, a locked room with a horrifying secret plus a closely resembling cast that includes Tabu and Rajpal Yadav, is not sufficient to re-create the engaging comedy-horror of the Bhool Bhulaiyaa series.

There are two areas where Priyadarshan’s work does not take off the way it was expected to.

One will always be the screenplay. After elaborately detailing that Arjun Acharya (Akshay Kumar), his sister Meera (Mithila Palkar) and their dad Dr Vasudev Acharya (Jisshu Sengupta) are climbing walls to find a venue that’s acceptable to Meera’s superstitious in-laws, there’s a weak story that brings them, one by one, to a place called Mangalpur.

Priyadarshan was once known for chaotic comedy and he tries hard by bringing in Asrani as caretaker-manager Shantaram, Paresh Rawal as wedding planner Jagdish Kewalramani and Rajpal Yadav as Jagdish’s nephew.

But after a few chuckles, it starts to fall flat.   

It may be amusing when Arjun who has moved into his dusty ancestral haveli in Mangalpur to spruce it up for his sister’s wedding, misunderstands Sunder, thinks he’s ogling the hired help Ragini (Bhavna Pani) and whacks him hard. But to repeat the same gag countless times and to have Arjun constantly pick on Sunder and beat him up, cannot set off laughter on a loop.

If the comedy doesn’t tickle the funny bone all the way, there’s hope that maybe the horror mystery will be intriguing. But here too, Priyadarshan and team mess it up with flashbacks within flashbacks, Shantaram narrating a long story on why the marriage cannot happen in the haveli and Dr Acharya launching into one of his own back stories.

At the crux is the demonic Vadusur who emerges like a comic character coming out of hibernation.

The complicated past that’s unravelled leaves questions unanswered and for a 2026 film, the premise and ambience have an outdatedness that’s tough to appreciate.

Add to it a weak jab at stirring romance into the plot with the appearance of Priya (Wamiqa Gabbi) and it ends up as flat as the comedy.

The result is a hotchpotch.

Last year, Kajol’s film Maa had attempted something similarly outlandish. Bhooth Bangla is several notches more convoluted and more of a drag.

Apart from a screenplay without a sparkle, Priyadarshan’s second flaw this time is that he just doesn’t get the tone right. Akshay Kumar is several decibels louder than required and you have to blame the director for not getting the best out of his cast.

Ah, yes, Tabu is around too. But ask no questions what she’s doing in a long flashback. Laughably, Tabu and Akshay do a dance that’s so amateurishly picturised (on a double doing most of the moves) that it’s nowhere like Vidya Balan’s ‘Mere dolna’ in the original Bhool Bhulaiyaa.

Bhooth Bangla – Watch Or Not?: A tired attempt to revive and re-create the world of Bhool Bhulaiyaa is not this week’s recommended watch.

Bhooth Bangla Movie Review Score Rating: 2 out of 5 (i.e. 2/5)

Bhooth Bangla Official Trailer:

Credits: Balaji Motion Pictures

Must Read: ‘Toaster’ Movie Review: Pops Halfway

‘Toaster’ Movie Review: Pops Halfway

Toaster Cast/Actors: Rajkummar Rao, Sanya Malhotra, Abhishek Banerjee, Archana Puran Singh, Upendra Limaye, Farah Khan, Seema Pahwa, Jitendra Joshi and more

Toaster Director: Vivek Daschaudary

Toaster Production House: Kampa Films

Toaster Release Date: 15 April 2026

Toaster Available On: Netflix OTT Platform

Toaster Released/Available In Languages: Hindi

Toaster Runtime: 2h 6m

Toaster Movie Critic Review:

It’s a sweet premise.

A scrooge named Ramakant (Rajkummar Rao) who’ll go to any lengths to save even six rupees.

A wife named Shilpa (Sanya Malhotra) who won’t think twice before buying a decent wedding gift.

A housing complex for seniors, the low rent just right for the miser.    

Neighbour D’souza Aunty (Seema Pahwa) who offers toast and a reduction in rent to eternally scrimping Ramakant.

Glenn D’souza (Abhishek Banerjee), somewhat shady.

Elderly Pherwani Aunty (Archana Puransingh).

Sleazy minister Amol Amre (Jitendra Joshi) who must get his hands on a video clip exposing him as a womaniser.

Inspector Balagode (Upendra Limaye), dispatched by the minister to deal with the blackmailer and retrieve the incriminating video.

Ramakant on a mission to get back the expensive toaster he’d gifted a couple whose wedding has been called off.

Two deaths in the neighbourhood.

The toaster at the centre of the police investigation.

And Ramakant caught in an inextricable situation.        

Director Vivek Daschaudary gets all the above from writers Parveez Shaikh, Akshat Ghildial and Anagh Mukherjee with an acting cast that has perfect comic timing.

Add to it a terrific cameo from Farah Khan as Nandini who runs the orphanage from where Ramakant has stolen the toaster.

It is a refreshing joyride to begin with especially when Rajkummar Rao is in his element.

Except that the nice little plot goes haywire.

The miserliness over six rupees is only the tip of the exaggerated proceedings as an unnecessary and obvious nightmare and a tediously extended track with Pherwani Aunty take over and the amusement recedes.

The good part is that it is a short ride and it’s on OTT. The bad is that it’s like a roller-coaster that abruptly halts. The twist and the overstretching of Aunty Pherwani is mostly to blame.

PS: A cameo by Pratik Gandhi is a good way to wind up. 

Toaster – Watch it or not? Rajkummar, Sanya, Farah and Upendra Limaye are watchable. As for the rest, what’s the Fast Forward button for?

Toaster Movie Review Score Rating: 2 out of 5 (i.e. 2/5)

Toaster Official Trailer:

Credits: Netflix India

ALSO READ: Dhurandhar The Revenge Movie Review: The Payback Is Bold & Brutal

EXCLUSIVE: Dhurandhar 2 Actor Mashhoor Amrohi Shares Untold Story Behind Nawab Shariq Role, Hits Back At ‘Propaganda’ Claims & Working With Aditya Dhar

In an exclusive recent interaction, Mashhoor Amrohi opened up about his powerful role in Dhurandhar: The Revenge which has sparked conversations online. Despite the less screen time, his portrayal of Nawab Shariq which was inspired by former Pakistan Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif has left a lasting impact on audiences.

Speaking to senior journalist Bharathi S Pradhan with Lehren, he shared how he landed the role after intense auditions. His command over Urdu and strong screen presence helped him stand out among many contenders. But the transformation didn’t come easy. He revealed that he had to undergo nearly 9–10 hours of prosthetic makeup to fully step into the character.

The film has also faced criticism with some calling it propaganda and also addressing this, Mashhoor Amrohi clearly stated that the film is not anti-Pakistan but focuses on elements that pose a threat to the country. He said the narrative has been misunderstood and defended the intent behind the storytelling.

The actor also reacted to the use of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s footage in the film which drew mixed reactions and debate among netizens. But according to him, it fits within the story’s context and should be viewed as part of the narrative, not politics.

Talking about director Aditya Dhar, he appreciated the filmmaker’s clarity and vision in shaping the character. From detailed preparation to physical transformation, every aspect was carefully planned. While the film aims for massive box office numbers ahead, the actor believes its real success lies in audience engagement.

He also touched upon real-life events like the 26/11 Mumbai attacks, explaining how such themes influenced the film’s tone without targeting any community.

Beyond the film, he spoke about his legacy as the grandson of legendary filmmaker Kamal Amrohi and briefly addressed the personal stories linked to his family. To catch all these intriguing insights in detail, watch the exclusive interview below:

ALSO READ: Dhurandhar The Revenge Movie Review: The Payback Is Bold & Brutal

Alia Bhatt’s Emotional Note On Life With Ranbir Kapoor After Marriage: “Somewhere Between Gliding & Falling…”

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Marking four years of togetherness, Alia Bhatt and Ranbir Kapoor gave fans a beautiful peek into their personal life as the actress shared a series of pictures from their anniversary trip. The couple who tied the knot on April 14, 2022 reportedly celebrated their special day in the serene snowy landscapes of Austria’s Lech village.

Highway actress took to Instagram and dropped a carousel filled with candid moments from skiing adventures to quiet cozy evenings. Her caption perfectly captured their bond and her caption of the post read:
“somewhere between gliding and falling, walking and a lot of talking….
we made ourselves a pretty wonderful life ✨💫✨
In short ..
Tu saath hain toh din raat hain ♾️♥️🥐🕯️🌹☕️”

The pictures weren’t just about the couple. Fans were delighted to spot their daughter Raha enjoying the trip too. One of the cutest moments showed her spending time with alpacas while father Ranbir shared a quiet bonding moment with her.

From snowy selfies to warm candle-lit setups and simple treats like cookies and coffee, their getaway felt intimate and real. And the inclusion of the song Maahi Ve from Alia’s film Highway added a nostalgic touch, making the post even more special.

The journey of Alia Bhatt and Ranbir Kapoor has been closely followed by fans ever since they started dating during the shoot of Brahmastra. Their private wedding surprised many and since then, they’ve embraced both marriage and parenthood with ease.

Today, as they balance work and family life being each other’s strong companions, moments like these remind fans why their relationship feels relatable and warm.

ALSO READ: Legendary Singer Asha Bhosle Passes Away At 92 After Health Complications

ALL ABOUT Legend Asha Bhosle’s Final Goodbye: Celebs Gather, State Honours Mark Her Last Journey

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The atmosphere in Mumbai turned emotional as Asha Bhosle’s last journey began, marking the final farewell to one of India’s most loved voices. The legendary singer who passed away Sunday morning, on April 12, 2026 at the age of 92 after health complications, left behind a legacy that shaped generations of music lovers.

After her demise, her mortal remains were brought to her residence in Lower Parel where hundreds of fans gathered outside to catch one last glimpse. It wasn’t just fans prominent personalities from politics, cinema and music also arrived to pay their respects, on Monday morning.

Asha Bhosle’s Final Journey: Celebrities & Leaders Pay Tribute

From political leaders to film personalities, many came together to honour her life. Maharashtra CM Devendra Fadnavis, Deputy CM Eknath Shinde, Raj Thackeray, Uddhav Thackeray, Aaditya Thackeray and Pratap Sarnaik were among those present. From the film industry, Subhash Ghai, Sachin Pilgaonkar, Helen and music composer Uttam Singh visited her residence to offer condolences.

The turnout reflected the impact she had.. not just as a singer, but as a cultural icon whose voice became part of people’s lives.

The Final Procession

Before 4 PM, preparations for the funeral procession began. Her final journey was filled with flowers, with a decorated vehicle carrying her portrait, creating a deeply emotional moment for everyone present.

The procession then moved from her residence to the Shivaji Park crematorium in Dadar. During Asha Bhosle’s last journey, several film personalities including Aamir Khan, Jackie Shroff, and Vicky Kaushal were seen attending the final rites.

As Asha Bhosle’s final journey came to an end, it became clear that her voice and contribution to Indian music will never fade. Her songs will continue to live on, reminding us of the era she helped define.

Even though she is no longer with us, Asha Bhosle’s music ensures she remains present in every melody. Her journey may have ended, but her legacy will continue to inspire for years to come.

ALSO READ: Legendary Singer Asha Bhosle Passes Away At 92 After Health Complications

Legendary Singer Asha Bhosle Passes Away At 92 After Health Complications

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India woke up to a heartbreaking update as Asha Bhosle passed away on Sunday, April 12, 2026, in Mumbai. The veteran singer was 92. She had been admitted to Breach Candy Hospital a day earlier after suffering from extreme exhaustion and a chest infection. Her condition reportedly worsened overnight. The news of her demise was later confirmed by her family and doctors.

Before her passing, her granddaughter Zanai Bhosle had shared an update, requesting privacy. She mentioned that the singer was undergoing treatment and hoped for recovery. The sudden turn of events has left fans and the industry in shock, as many were expecting positive news about her health.

Born on September 8, 1933, in Sangli, Maharashtra, Asha Bhosle was one of the most celebrated voices in Indian cinema. She began her journey at a very young age after the passing of her father, Pandit Deenanath Mangeshkar. Along with her sister Lata Mangeshkar, she built a remarkable career that spanned decades. From classical to pop, her voice adapted to every genre with ease. Over the years, she recorded thousands of songs across languages and received several prestigious honours, including the Dadasaheb Phalke Award.

Her passing marks the end of an era. Generations grew up listening to her songs, and her legacy continues to live through music. Messages of grief have started pouring in from across the country, remembering not just a singer, but a voice that became part of everyday life.

ALSO READ: From Teetotaller To Drinking Every Night: Aamir Khan Recalls His Tough Phase After Separation From First Wife Reena Dutta

From Teetotaller To Drinking Every Night: Aamir Khan Recalls His Tough Phase After Separation From First Wife Reena Dutta

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Bollywood actor Aamir Khan has always been known for speaking honestly and in a recent interview he once again opened up about a very personal phase of his life from his earlier days. While opening up about his first divorce, Aamir Khan shared how the separation from his first wife Reena Dutta became a major turning point for him emotionally.

During his conversation on Duologue with Barun Das, he spoke about how deeply the separation affected him. Aamir Khan recalled that the day his ex-wife Reena left with their children was extremely hard for him to process.

Sitaare Zameen Par actor shared, “I was a teetotaller until I went through my first divorce with Reena. And then, on the first day when she left with the kids and I was alone at home, I couldn’t handle my emotions at that time. I had never, I used to never drink alcohol. I had drunk once or twice for a couple of scenes, but that was only because I had to drink for the scene. I mean, I was not into alcohol at all.”

“That night, I had alcohol at home to serve guests and all that, so I started drinking. And for the next one and a half years, I drank almost a bottle a night. Now that’s really extreme, from a person who was a teetotaller to someone who consumes a bottle a night is very extreme,” the actor added.

Aamir and Reena’s story goes back to their younger days when they were neighbours. They fell in love, got married at a young age and shared a 16-year-long relationship. But even after their separation in 2002 they continued to maintain mutual respect and co-parent their children Junaid and Ira.

Later in 2005 Aamir married Kiran Rao and separated in 2021. Today, he remains on good terms with both his former partners and is now in a new phase of life with Gauri Spratt.

Aamir Khan’s candid confession shows how personal struggles can deeply impact even the strongest individuals. His honesty about that difficult phase makes his journey feel more real and relatable.

ALSO READ: Cocktail 2 First Look Disappoints Fans? Netizens Say: “Bringing Absolutely Nothing New…”

Cocktail 2 First Look Disappoints Fans? Netizens Say: “Bringing Absolutely Nothing New…”

It’s been almost 15 years since Cocktail became a fan-favourite and now with Cocktail 2 finally making noise again, expectations were naturally high. From its iconic music to the chemistry between the trio lead actors Saif Ali Khan, Deepika Padukone and Diana Penty, the original film still holds a special and fresh place. So when the sequel featuring Shahid Kapoor, Kriti Sanon and Rashmika Mandanna was announced, fans were excited to see what’s next.

But now, after the makers just dropped its first look in the form of a teaser-like video song titled ‘Jab Talak’, reactions online have been… mixed.

Cocktail 2 First Look Drops, Internet Reacts Instantly

Soon after the release, social media platforms especially on Reddit were filled with reactions. The platform known for its unfiltered opinions, an anonymous post saw users sharing everything from disappointment to mild appreciation in the comment section.

One user didn’t hold back and wrote, “Fucking same template. Some girls and boys on beach dancing, taking shots, lead actor does some dance moves in centre, lead actresses walks and dances around adjusting their hair!” Another pointed out repetition, saying, “Tffff? Song ke naam pe joh theater m teaser dikhaya tha wahi chipka diya”.

Comparisons With The Original Cocktail Begin

Many fans couldn’t help but compare the new song to Cocktail’s cult track ‘Tum Hi Ho Bandu’. One comment read, “Meh…if they were trying to do Tum hi ho bandhu here they’ve failed miserably and neither of them are standing out here also Kriti’s styling seems Anaita tried to cosplay Veronica but Kriti don’t have the oomph factor that DP had.”

Another user added, “Bringing absolutely nothing new as of now interms ofa party song template aur kartik wala pagla leg movement bhi daal rakha hai. No chemistry between any of them in any combination” Even the lyrics came under fire, with one saying, “I urge everyone here to open your ears and listen to the cringy lyrics. What are they even singing at this point??”

Not All Reactions Are Negative

While criticism was loud, a section of users came forward in support. One wrote, “I like the song….. Reddit hates everything!!!!!” And another reacted strongly against the criticism, “Loved it, fuck wannabe cinephiles” And one user tried to calm the debate saying, “Wait guys… the song will grow on you… ruko zara, sabar karo”.

The romantic comedy-drama directed by Homi Adajania, Cocktail 2 is a spiritual sequel to the 2012 hit which explores modern relationships, friendships and emotional conflicts. With music by Pritam, it is slated for a theatrical release on June 19, 2026.

Right now, the first glimpse has clearly divided audiences. Some feel it lacks freshness while others believe it’s too early to judge. Whether Cocktail 2 lives up to the legacy of the original or surprises everyone later is something only time will tell.

ALSO READ: “Beginning Of The End?” Telugu Writer BVS Ravi’s Bold Take On Dhurandhar Changing The Film Game

“Beginning Of The End?” Telugu Writer BVS Ravi’s Bold Take On Dhurandhar Changing The Film Game

Tollywood’s actor, writer and filmmaker BVS Ravi has stirred an important conversation in the film industry. In the latest interview while speaking about Bollywood’s current theatrical dhamaka franchise Dhurandhar, directed by Aditya Dhar and starring Ranveer Singh, Ravi called it a turning point that could impact how films are made, especially in Telugu cinema.

In an interview with Gulte, he openly shared his thoughts on the film’s scale, planning and execution.

“He Made An 8-Hour Film…”

BVS Ravi was clearly impressed by the effort behind the project. His words highlighted not just creativity but the level of trust and planning required to pull off such a film. “Look at Dhurandhar, he (Aditya) made an 8-hour film. How hard he must have worked and how much he must have researched. He tried hard to make it logical. What is the theme that he has built? What is the number of people who have trusted and believed in his vision? How did he convince the producer to spend that kind of money?” the writer said.

Budget Talk: Where Telugu Cinema Is Falling Behind?

While many believe rising actor salaries are the main reason behind high budgets but Ravi disagrees, he points towards planning issues during pre-production and execution stages.

He further added, “If you put it aside creatively, I think Dhurandhar is the beginning of the end of regular producers. It is known that the film was made on a budget of ₹260 crore for both parts. With Ranveer Singh, Arjun Rampal, Sanjay Dutt, Akshaye Khanna and other people. Out of the world fights, look at the locations. They put up a set in Bangkok but it still cost them that. We begin our films at the cost of ₹500 crore.”

A Film That Set New Benchmarks

Dhurandhar has not only impressed critics but also performed strongly at the box office. While the first part crossed ₹1300 crore worldwide, and now its sequel Dhurandhar: The Revenge has already gone beyond ₹1600 crore. Hinting at – soon to hit the milestone of ₹2000 crore mark?

With a large cast and international locations, the film has set a new benchmark for scale and execution.

BVS Ravi’s comments open up a serious discussion. Is it really about budgets or about how those budgets are used? Dhurandhar might just be a reminder that strong planning and clear vision can change the game.

ALSO READ: Dev.D Returns To Theatres And Anurag Kashyap Opens Up Why He Broke Devdas’ Image: “I Wanted To Strip Away…”