Fans of both the actor and director are eager to see what their third partnership will bring to the screen
Aamir Khan is not only preparing for the release of his upcoming movie Sitaare Zameen Par, but is also reportedly in discussions with renowned director Rajkumar Hirani for a new film. According to a report by Pinkvilla, this would mark the third collaboration between the two, following their successful films 3 Idiots (2009) and PK (2014). The new project is said to be a slice-of-life film, expected to begin production in 2026 after the release of Hirani’s film Dunki.
The Pinkvilla report states that the film is in its early development stages and is likely to blend comedy and inspiration, a combination familiar in Hirani’s previous works. Aamir Khan is reportedly interested in the subject, which is expected to offer him new creative challenges as an actor. Both Khan and Hirani are said to be enthusiastic about the project and have discussed the concept, though final confirmation is still pending. Further planning is expected to take place after the release of Sitaare Zameen Par.
According to the same report, Hirani had also been in talks with actors Ranbir Kapoor and Vicky Kaushal for separate film projects, but scheduling issues prevented those from materialising. The director is reportedly keen to work with both actors in the future.
Meanwhile, Sitaare Zameen Par, described as a spiritual sequel to Khan’s 2007 film Taare Zameen Par, is scheduled for release on 20 June 2025. The film is directed by R.S. Prasanna and written by Divy Nidhi Sharma, and focuses on themes of education and personal growth. It stars Aamir Khan alongside Genelia Deshmukh and Darsheel Safary, and introduces 10 new child actors: Aroush Datta, Gopi Krishna Varma, Samvit Desai, Vedant Sharma, Ayush Bhansali, Ashish Pendse, Rishi Shahani, Rishabh Jain, Naman Mishra, and Simran Mangeshkar.
If finalised, the Khan-Hirani collaboration would be a major cinematic event, following two widely successful films. While fans await official confirmation, the prospect of the duo working together again has generated significant interest.
The Closing Gala welcomed luminaries from across the Indian and British creative industries
The UK Asian Film Festival concluded its 27th edition with a grand closing gala at Riverside Studios in London on Sunday 11 May, honouring this year’s winners of the Tongues on Fire Flame Awards. The event brought together key figures from the Indian and British creative sectors and celebrated outstanding contributions to South Asian cinema and culture.
The festival, presented by the not-for-profit organisation Tongues on Fire, is the world’s longest-running South Asian film festival outside the Subcontinent. Known for its commitment to female-centric cinema and stories that challenge patriarchal structures, this year’s festival was themed “Longing and Belonging” and explored migration, identity, love and the human need for connection.
Legendary music producer and composer Biddu received the Golden Flame Lifetime Achievement Award for Music. Biddu, a pioneering figure in global pop and disco, was recognised for his decades-long influence on the international music scene.
Other major honours included the Golden Flame Award for Excellence in Cinema & Cultural Journalism, awarded to author and commentator Shobhaa De. Celebrated for her fearless writing and insight into Indian society, De’s contribution to cultural discourse was widely acknowledged.
Veteran filmmaker and broadcaster Yavar Abbas was presented with the Golden Flame Award for Outstanding Achievement in Film and Television. His long-standing efforts to bridge cultures through storytelling earned him this recognition.
Filmmaker Bobby Bedi was honoured with the Golden Flame Award for Producing Powerful Narratives. Bedi’s recent documentary, Kehta Hai Joker (So Says The Joker), about the life and legacy of Bollywood icon Raj Kapoor, was showcased during the evening.
Acclaimed director Sandhya Suri received the Flame Award for Making Waves Internationally for her latest work Santosh, which continues to gain international attention. Meanwhile, Onir was awarded Best Director for We Are Faheem and Karun.
The Flame Award for Best Film went to My Melbourne, which also won the award for “Celebrating Longing and Belonging”, tying in closely with the festival’s 2025 theme. The film explores themes of migration and cultural identity.
Other winners included:
The festival also hosted several In Focus Q&A sessions, including a special conversation with music duo Vishal & Sheykhar, who discussed their career and upcoming stage musical Come Fall in Love: The DDLJ Musical.
Speaking at the event, UK Asian Film Festival Founder and Director, Dr Pushpinder Chowdhry MBE, reflected on the impact of this year’s festival: “This year has been a profound celebration of British Asian talent standing alongside our international guests—debut directors and actors pushing boundaries, creating against all odds, and confronting stereotypes with courage and creativity. In times of rising fear and division, it is not people we must fear, but the forces that seek to silence, erase, or divide.”
Dr Chowdhry also announced the theme for next year’s 28th edition: “Stories That Bind Us”.
Festival Creative Director, Samir Bhamra, echoed this sentiment, adding: “Our festival became a sanctuary—a space where connection triumphed over division. As we look to 2026, Stories That Bind Us invites us to explore the threads that tie us together—those filled with love and legacy, and those burdened by silence and shadow.”
Media partners Lyca Radio and Geo TV supported the festival’s 2025 edition. Raj Baddhan, CEO of Lyca Radio Network, said: “We’re immensely proud to have been selected as the preferred radio partner. The festival has been nothing short of spectacular.”
Baseem Chagtai, Head of International at Geo Jang Media Group, added: “Geo celebrated the power of storytelling to connect cultures and generations. Together, we worked to amplify diverse voices and champion new talent in British South Asian cinema.”
The UK Asian Film Festival is supported by the BFI Audience Projects Fund and National Lottery funding, and hosted screenings and events at venues across the UK, including BFI Southbank, Picturehouse, Rich Mix, and Warwick Arts Centre.
As one of the most significant platforms for South Asian cinema in the UK, the festival continues to highlight new voices, promote inclusion, and offer audiences the opportunity to engage with powerful, independent filmmaking.
Madame Tussauds Singapore has been expanding its South Asian exhibits in recent years
Ram Charan’s daughter, Klin Kaara, became the unexpected star at the unveiling of his wax statue at Madame Tussauds in London, when she mistook the statue for her father and walked onto the stage. The charming moment was captured in a video shared by the actor’s wife, Upasana Konidela, and quickly gained attention online.
The family event, attended by Ram Charan’s parents Chiranjeevi and Surekha, wife Upasana, daughter Kaara, and their dog Rhyme, marked the first public appearance of the wax figure. In the video, Kaara walks toward the statue, despite Upasana calling out to her, until Ram gently picks her up, creating a heartwarming scene.
Upasana also posted several pictures from the event and captioned them with humour: “Team Rhyme or Team Ram? And my Klin Kaara was just tooo adorable. Priceless. Ps - Sometimes the wax version makes a better husband – just listening & looking great in every pic (sic).” The post drew reactions from friends and family, including Niharika Konidela and Samantha Ruth Prabhu.
The statue unveiled in London will be moved to its permanent location at Madame Tussauds Singapore from 20 May 2025. The exhibit marks a global first, a dual wax figure of a celebrity and their pet. Ram Charan’s dog, Rhyme, is featured alongside him in the display, reflecting their close bond.
Styled in the custom black velvet bandhgala he wore to the 2023 Oscars, Ram Charan’s figure celebrates a significant moment in Indian cinema history. The outfit was part of his appearance during the Oscars, where “Naatu Naatu” from RRR won Best Original Song, the first Indian song to win in that category, bringing global recognition to Telugu cinema.
Speaking at the unveiling, Ram Charan said: “When I saw the figure for the first time, I was absolutely stunned. The likeness is unbelievable—from the expression to the stance to the exact detail of Rhyme by my side. It’s like looking in a mirror, and I’m so thrilled that fans around the world will get to experience me up close.”
Jim Kempton, Principal Sculptor at Merlin Magic Making, who led the project, said the process involved months of precision work. “What made this project so special was the chance to capture not just a global film icon, but the deep connection he shares with his dog, Rhyme,” he said. “We worked closely with Ram to ensure every detail—from his posture and smile to Rhyme’s alert gaze—was perfect.”
Fans visiting Madame Tussauds Singapore from 20 May will be able to view the figureMedia House
Andre Timmins, Co-Founder of IIFA, described the unveiling as a “milestone moment” that highlights the growing global recognition of regional Indian cinema. “Ram Charan’s roots in South Indian cinema have redefined international perceptions,” he said. “It is heartening to see the world embrace our stars, stories, and artistry.”
Madame Tussauds Singapore has been expanding its South Asian exhibits in recent years, with figures of actors such as Mahesh Babu already on display. Ram Charan’s arrival will further strengthen the museum’s commitment to celebrating Indian cinema’s global impact.
Fans visiting Madame Tussauds Singapore from 20 May will be able to view the figure and pose alongside both Ram Charan and Rhyme in what is expected to be a popular new exhibit.
Kanagaraj believes that 'Master' left parts of JD’s story untold
Director Lokesh Kanagaraj has addressed speculation about his next collaboration with Thalapathy Vijay, indicating that a sequel to the 2021 blockbuster Master could be in the works, rather than a follow-up to Leo.
In a conversation with film critic Sudhir Srinivasan, Lokesh revealed that although many fans are anticipating Leo 2, he is personally more inclined towards revisiting the character of JD from Master. “Everyone is waiting for Leo 2, but I want to do Master with him,” he said, referring to Vijay. “Only time can tell, and Vijay Anna has to decide. We can bring him in for a cameo, but I want to do Master with him.”
Kanagaraj believes that Master left parts of JD’s story untold. “It’s there in the first one without any conclusion. I just want to do that film. I personally like the vibe of JD very much,” he added. While acknowledging the popularity of Leo and its central character, Leo Das, the filmmaker stated that he already has a concrete idea for Master 2 and Vijay is aware of it. However, the timing would depend on Vijay’s future plans, as he is reportedly exploring other avenues.
As for the Lokesh Cinematic Universe (LCU), the director confirmed that he will resume work on the LCU after the release of his upcoming film Coolie, starring Rajinikanth. He plans to begin filming Kaithi 2 with Karthi next, followed by Vikram 2 with Kamal Haasan. A sequel to Leo is also in the pipeline, though it may not centre around the character of Leo Das.
Coolie is scheduled to release on 14 August and features a star-studded cast including Rajinikanth, Nagarjuna Akkineni, Upendra Rao, Soubin Shahir, Sathyaraj, Shruti Haasan, and Reba Monica John. Pooja Hegde will feature in a special number, and Aamir Khan is expected to make a surprise cameo. Music is being composed by Anirudh Ravichander.
