India on Tuesday said filmmakers have artistic freedom after Chinese media criticised the film Battle of Galwan. The Salman Khan movie is based on the 2020 clash between Indian and Chinese troops in eastern Ladakh. Khan plays Colonel Bikkumalla Santosh Babu of the 16 Bihar Regiment, who died in the incident. Government sources said India allows freedom of expression and the government has no role in the film. They said anyone with concerns can approach the defence ministry for details. China’s state-run Global Times claimed the film distorts facts and placed blame on Indian troops for the clash. India has said 20 soldiers were killed in the fighting. (PC: NDTV)

China's state-run newspaper Global Times has strongly criticized Salman Khan's upcoming film Battle of Galwan following its December 27 teaser release. Based on the deadly 2020 Galwan Valley clash between Indian and Chinese troops, the film stars Salman Khan as Colonel Bikkumalla Santosh Babu and is scheduled for April 2026 release. Chinese military experts accused Bollywood of distorting historical facts and presenting one-sided narratives, claiming the films prioritize emotional storytelling over historical accuracy. Chinese netizens on Weibo harshly criticized the film's visuals, costumes, and historical portrayal, with one user mockingly saying "When history falls short, Bollywood steps in." Military experts warned the narrative could heighten ongoing diplomatic tensions despite recent improvements. (PC: News 18)

Bollywood spy thriller Dhurandhar, starring Ranveer Singh and directed by Aditya Dhar, continued its strong box office run on Day 25, earning over ₹10 crore on its fourth Monday and crossing the ₹700 crore mark in India. Despite a dip in weekday collections, the film’s total national net now stands at about ₹701.25 crore, according to Sacnilk box office estimates. Released in theatres on December 5, Dhurandhar has sustained audience interest well beyond its opening weeks, solidifying its place among the year’s biggest Bollywood hits. (PC: X)

Bollywood superstar Salman Khan marked his 60th birthday on December 27 with a blend of intimate and public moments at his Panvel farmhouse near Mumbai. As midnight struck, Salman stepped out to greet paparazzi and media, cutting a red-and-white cake with them in a casual black T-shirt and denim setting. Close family members, including his parents and siblings, joined the festivities, alongside industry friends and celebrities. Clips of warm interactions and heartfelt moments with his father went viral on social media. The celebration also highlighted Mumbai’s tribute with Bandra-Worli Sea Link lighting up for the star. 

Aditya Dhar’s spy-action thriller Dhurandhar, starring Ranveer Singh, has crossed ₹1,000 crore worldwide within just 21 days of its December 5 release, making it the highest-grossing Indian film of 2025. The global tally stands at around ₹1,006.7 crore, with ₹668.80 crore nett earned in India so far, boosted by strong third-week footfalls and Christmas ticket sales. Despite an “Adults Only” rating and limited Gulf release, the film performed exceptionally overseas, contributing significantly to its box office run and overtaking big 2025 hits like Kantara: Chapter 1. Dhurandhar has revitalized year-end Bollywood business and paves the way for its Part 2 in March 2026. 

Ranveer Singh’s spy thriller Dhurandhar, directed by Aditya Dhar, continued its blockbuster run into its third weekend, posting another strong performance on Day 16. The film’s worldwide gross has reached about ₹785 crore, propelled by a significant jump in domestic collections and sustained overseas earnings despite competition from Hollywood releases. Domestically, it has crossed the ₹500-crore net mark, making it one of the fastest Hindi films to hit the milestone. With positive word of mouth and strong audience support, Dhurandhar is poised to challenge year’s top grossers and could become the biggest Indian film of 2025. 

Pakistani politician Nabil Gabol criticized his portrayal in Ranveer Singh's blockbuster Dhurandhar, where Rakesh Bedi plays character Jameel Jamali based on him. The former Member of National Assembly and Minister of State for Ports and Shipping told media his role wasn't depicted accurately, stating his real persona was "very audacious" unlike the film's portrayal. Gabol disputed the film's depiction of his hometown Lyari as a terrorist hub, asserting "if their agent had been there, he would not have gone back alive from Lyari." The spy thriller, directed by Aditya Dhar, features Ranveer as an Indian spy infiltrating Lyari's criminal networks. The film has earned over ₹700 crore worldwide despite criticism in Pakistan for tarnishing the country's image.

Singapore Police stated they "suspect no foul play" in singer Zubeen Garg's death, contradicting Assam's Special Investigation Team's 12,000-page chargesheet charging four with murder. Garg died mysteriously while swimming during the North East India Festival on September 19. The Singapore High Commission urged against spreading unverified information, confirming investigations continue under the Singapore Coroners Act with an inquiry scheduled for January-February 2026. Assam's SIT charged NEIF organizer Shyamkanu Mahanta, secretary Siddhartha Sharma, musician Shekharjyoti Goswami, and singer Amrit Prava with murder. Additionally, Garg's cousin Sandipan Garg faces culpable homicide charges, while two PSOs are charged with criminal conspiracy and breach of trust for misappropriating entrusted funds.

The Enforcement Directorate attached assets worth Rs 7.93 crore belonging to celebrities including Urvashi Rautela, Yuvraj Singh, Sonu Sood, Robin Uthappa, Neha Sharma, Mimi Chakraborty, and Ankush Hazra for promoting illegal offshore betting platform 1xBet. The ED investigation revealed celebrities knowingly endorsed the unauthorized platform and its surrogate brands (1xBat, 1xbat Sporting Lines) through social media, videos, and print advertisements. Endorsement payments were allegedly routed through foreign intermediaries to conceal illicit fund origins. Previously, the ED attached Rs 11.14 crore from cricketers Shikhar Dhawan and Suresh Raina in October 2025. Total attachments now reach Rs 19.07 crore. The agency warned celebrities endorsing illegal gambling platforms face punitive action under applicable laws. (PC: India Today)

The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences has announced that the Oscars ceremony and related events will shift from traditional TV to exclusive global streaming on YouTube starting in 2029, under a multi-year deal running through 2033. YouTube will broadcast the main ceremony, red-carpet coverage, behind-the-scenes content, Governors Ball access, and other Academy programming, aiming to reach a broader international audience and expand engagement. ABC will continue airing the Oscars through 2028, including the centennial show. Academy leaders say the partnership will enhance accessibility and inspire new filmmakers worldwide. (PC: AP)