Hindi
Dhurandhar banned across six Gulf nations over anti-Pakistan theme: Report
MUMBAI: Ranveer Singh’s new spy thriller Dhurandhar has been barred across six Gulf countries, Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia and the UAE, after authorities reportedly objected to its anti-Pakistan messaging. The sweeping ban has reignited debate over how Indian films that delve into cross-border geopolitics are policed in the Middle East.
Distributors had sought theatrical clearance across the region, a crucial market for Bollywood, but none of the countries approved the release. According to a Bollywood Hungama report, there had been “apprehensions” the film would be blocked given its perceived stance, and all appeals failed.
The Gulf has previously restricted films with similar themes, including Fighter, Sky Force, The Diplomat, Article 370, Tiger 3 and The Kashmir Files. Even Fighter, released briefly in the UAE, was pulled within a day before a revised cut was rejected.
At home, Dhurandhar shows no sign of slowing. The film has crossed Rs 200 crore net in India within a week and earned Rs 44.5 crore overseas, excluding the Gulf.
The film marks Aditya Dhar’s return to direction after six years. His first outing since the 2019 hit Uri: The Surgical Strike, Dhurandhar draws on real geopolitics and covert R&AW operations, including events linked to Operation Lyari in Pakistan. Alongside Singh, the cast includes Sanjay Dutt, Akshaye Khanna, R Madhavan and Arjun Rampal. Riding strong word of mouth and its geopolitical backdrop, the film is shaping up to be one of the year’s biggest box-office performers.
Hindi
Shekhar Suman opens acting academy in Mumbai
The veteran actor-presenter launches SSFA, promising immersive, mentorship-led training for aspiring actors and storytellers
Mumbai: Forty years in front of the camera, and Shekhar Suman still isn’t done. The actor, host, writer and director, one of Indian entertainment’s most restless polymaths, is now training his sights on the next generation, launching the Shekhar Suman Film Academy (SSFA) in Mumbai on 22nd April 2026. Registrations for the inaugural batch are already open.
SSFA pitches itself squarely against formula-driven acting schools, leading with an intensive three-month programme that Suman says he personally designed and will largely conduct himself. The curriculum blends voice and speech work, emotional access, body awareness and camera technique with the Linklater Voice Method, film language and on-set discipline, and rounds off with a student film, giving trainees their first taste of a real set.
Masterclasses with actors, casting directors and filmmakers sit alongside the core course. The academy is conceived as a platform that will eventually sprawl into screenwriting, direction, cinematography, music production and post-production: a full creative ecosystem rather than a single acting school.
“For me, this academy is not just an institution. It is a very personal way of giving back to the craft that has given me everything,” said Suman. “Over the years, acting has taught me discipline, imagination, resilience, and the importance of truth in performance. Through this academy, I hope to create something that goes beyond training and becomes a true creative journey for every student who walks in.”
Behind the scenes, the academy is backed by GBM Studios. Dharmesh Sangani, founder and visionary, is the driving force, bringing what the academy describes as “a focused approach to creating meaningful opportunities within the industry.” Adhyayan Suman, founder and director and Shekhar’s son, adds a performer’s perspective honed across acting, music and direction. Ekant Babani, partner and chief operating officer, handles strategy and operations.
Entry is deliberately low-barrier. No prior training is needed: applicants sit a basic self-audition test, shifting the focus firmly to potential rather than polish. The academy says it aims to stay accessible while delivering a premium, hands-on experience.
In a country where acting schools multiply almost as fast as OTT platforms, Suman’s personal stamp and his willingness to stand in the room and teach may be the sharpest edge SSFA has. For those ready to test that promise, the curtain is already up. Apply at shekharsumanfilmacademy.com
