Sizzling samachar: Glen Powell is an undercover in the new film ‘Hit Man’; Sriram Raghavan‘s directorial ‘Merry Christmas’ acquired by Netflix; Tickets for Rajinikanth’s 'Jailer' audio launch sold out in seconds

Welcome to your daily dose of entertainment news on OTTplay, I'm your host Nikhil. News from Hollywood first.

Glen Powell is an undercover in the new film ‘Hit Man’

Top Maverick star Glen Powell will play the lead role in the upcoming Richard Linklater crime drama Hit Man. Not to be confused with the hit video game franchise and its subsequent film adaptations of the same name, the new film is based on an article written by Skip Hollandsworth for Texas Monthly. Powell will essay the role of a policeman who goes undercover as a hitman. His operations take an unexpected turn when he encounters a woman, played by Adria Arjona, who is on the run from an abusive relationship. Hit Man will premiere at TIFF in September.

Akshay Kumar’s ‘Oh My God 2’ yet to receive censor board clearance

Bollywood star Akshay Kumar is set to reprise his role from the hit comedy OMG for its sequel Oh My God 2. The film is scheduled to release on 11th August, however, the CBFC is yet to clear the film or its trailer for release. According to reports, the censor board believes that the film contains content that could potentially hurt religious sentiments. The trailer was initially planned to release alongside the premiere of Rocky Aur Rani Kii Prem Kahaani, however, those plans are currently on hold.

Sriram Raghavan‘s directorial ‘Merry Christmas’ acquired by Netflix

It was previously announced that Sriram Raghavan, who is best known for helming films such as Andhadhun, Ek Hasina Thi, and Johnny Gaddaar, is set to direct a new film titled Merry Christmas. Katrina Kaif will essay the lead role alongside renowned Tamil actor Vijay Sethupathi. The film will be released in theatres later this year before heading for an OTT release. Reports have now emerged that the film’s streaming rights have been sold to Netflix for ₹60 crores. Merry Christmas will release in theatres on 15th December 2023.

Tickets for Rajinikanth’s 'Jailer' audio launch sold out in seconds

The hype surrounding superstar Rajinikanth’s upcoming release Jailer is reaching a fever pitch. Directed by Nelson, the film features a star-studded ensemble including Mohanlal, Jackie Shroff, Shiva Rajkumar, Tamannaah Bhatia, Ramya Krishnan, Yogibabu, and Vinayakan, and it is scheduled to release in August. According to reports, the tickets for the film’s audio release on the 27th of July were sold out in a record-breaking 15 seconds. Jailer is set to release in theatres on 10th August 2023.

‘Stranger Things’ alum Jamie Campbell Bower to star in new horror film

Jamie Campbell Bower, who shot to fame last year for his breakout performance as the evil Vecna in the fifth season of Stranger Things is set to star in a new horror film. Titled, Witchboard, the film is a remake of the cult classic film of the same name from the ‘80s. The trailer for the supernatural horror was recently featuring Bower's character as a mysterious occultist Alexander Babtiste. Madison Iseman and Aaron Dominguez will essay the lead roles with Chuck Russell serving as director. Witchboard is set to be released in 2024.

Maya Hawke to star in Flannery O'Connor biopic

Speaking of Another Stranger Things stars, actress Maya Hawke, who plays one of the lead roles in the hit Netflix series, has been cast in a new biopic. She will essay the role of Flannery O'Connor, who is revered as one of the most prolific writers of the 20th century. Titled, Wildcat, the film chronicles O'Connor’s life from her early days as a struggling novelist to one of the most popular writers of her generation. Lead actress Maya Hawke, the daughter of Hollywood stars Ethan Hawke and Uma Thurman, is collaborating with her father, Ethan, who is helming the film. Wildcat will premiere at TIFF in September.

Well that's the sizzling news from the entertainment world for today, until the next episode, it's your host Nikhil signing out.

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• Written by Ryan Gomez

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