Sizzling Samachar: Tim Burton's 'Beetlejuice 2' wraps filming: Original cast returns in long-awaited sequel set for 2024 release; Rani Mukerji to return as Shivani Shivaji Roy in 'Mardaani 3': Production set to begin for highly anticipated franchise sequel

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

Ozarks-set thriller 'Violent Ends' unveils first look: Billy Magnussen and Alexandra Shipp navigate love and revenge amidst criminal intrigue

Billy Magnussen and Alexandra Shipp take centre stage in the upcoming revenge thriller Violent Ends, set against the backdrop of the Ozarks. The film, recently wrapped up in Arkansas, follows Magnussen's character, Lucas Frost, a law-abiding outlier in a criminal family. Frost's attempt to forge a peaceful life with his fiancée, portrayed by Shipp, takes a dark turn when his cousin orchestrates a deadly armed robbery, pulling Frost into the family's criminal pursuits. As the narrative unfolds, a relentless pursuit of vengeance ensues. Directed by John-Michael  Powell, known for his work on Dear White People and A Thunderbolt in Mine Eye, the movie also stars James Badge Dale, Nick Stahl, Kate Burton, and Ray McKinnon. The captivating first glimpse captures a serene moment between Magnussen and Shipp on a dock, foreshadowing the tumultuous events to come in Violent Ends.

Tim Burton's 'Beetlejuice 2' wraps filming: Original cast returns in long-awaited sequel set for 2024 release

Tim Burton announced the completion of filming for Beetlejuice 2 after overcoming production setbacks caused by industry strikes. The sequel, originally halted just a day and a half away from finishing principal photography due to Writers Guild of America and SAG-AFTRA strikes, has now wrapped, bringing relief to fans anticipating the return of the iconic director's spooky universe. The Instagram post from Burton expresses gratitude to the entire team involved in the project. The film reunites the original cast, featuring Michael Keaton, Winona Ryder, and Catherine O'Hara, alongside new cast additions such as Jenna Ortega, Monica Bellucci, Justin Theroux, and Willem Dafoe. While details about the plot remain scarce, Beetlejuice 2 promises a direct continuation of the beloved ghostly narrative and is slated for a 2024 theatrical release.

Rani Mukerji to return as Shivani Shivaji Roy in 'Mardaani 3': Production set to begin for highly anticipated franchise sequel

Bollywood star Rani Mukerji is gearing up to reprise her iconic role of the tough cop Shivani Shivaji Roy in the upcoming Mardaani 3, as confirmed by reports on an entertainment website. The third instalment of the successful franchise has received the green light for its script from Mukerji's husband, producer Aditya Chopra. Anticipated to commence production early next year, the film is slated for a late 2024 or early 2025 release. While the cast is still being finalised, Mukerji is set to lead once again as the formidable police officer. With the original Mardaani achieving critical and commercial success in 2014, followed by the impactful Mardaani 2 in 2019, the franchise continues to captivate audiences with its compelling narrative and Mukerji's commanding performance.

Akshay Kumar commences filming for Karan Johar's 'The Untold Story of C Sankaran Nair': The biopic conveys the legal battle against those who plotted the Jallianwala Bagh massacre

Bollywood actor Akshay Kumar has kicked off the shooting for Karan Johar's forthcoming biographical film, The Untold Story of C Sankaran Nair, produced by Dharma Productions. The movie delves into the life of C Sankaran Nair, a lawyer, and former President of the Indian National Congress, renowned for his advocacy for the truth behind the Jallianwala Bagh massacre. Portraying the titular role of C Sankaran Nair, Kumar leads the cast, which also includes Ananya Panday and R Madhavan. The filming, which began at a lavish set recreating Jallianwala Bagh in Mumbai, is expected to be wrapped in 20 days, followed by another schedule in Alibag. Based on the book The Case That Shook The Empire, the biopic unfolds Nair's historic legal battle against Michael Francis O’Dwyer, a key planner of the massacre that took place on 13th April 1919.

Yash Raj Films postpones 'Tiger vs. Pathaan'; Shah Rukh Khan and Salman Khan film to begin filming in 2025, anticipated release in 2026

Yash Raj Films has decided to delay the production of the much-anticipated film Tiger vs. Pathaan, starring Shah Rukh Khan and Salman Khan, pushing the commencement to 2025, with a projected release in 2026. The decision stems from a consensus among industry giants, including Aditya Chopra and the lead actors, to enhance the script and provide audiences with an unparalleled cinematic experience. Initially scheduled to begin in March 2024, the shooting will now take place after director Siddharth Anand wraps up post-production for Fighter. Aditya Chopra aims to refine the script and present Tiger at his formidable best, recognising the high expectations for the face-off between Salman Khan and Shah Rukh Khan in Tiger vs. Pathaan. Both actors have expressed solidarity with Chopra's decision, aligning the filming timelines to optimise the film's creative potential.

First-Ever Clash: Yash Raj Films and Dharma Productions set for face-off as Hrithik Roshan's 'War 2' takes on Kartik Aaryan's untitled project on Independence Day 2025

Aditya Chopra's Yash Raj Films and Karan Johar's Dharma Productions are gearing up for an unprecedented clash as Hrithik Roshan's War 2 and Kartik Aaryan's untitled film, both slated for release on Independence Day 2025, go head-to-head. This marks the first time that films of these industry giants will hit theatres on the same day. The close camaraderie between Chopra and Johar, evident from their professional and personal history, has traditionally steered them away from simultaneous releases to avoid business overlap. However, the clash on August 15, 2025, underscores the significance of this national holiday, leveraging the extended weekend with the following Ganesh Chaturthi holiday on August 27. The collision between War 2 and Aaryan's project adds intrigue to this high-stakes cinematic showdown.

Aadujeevitham release date revealed: Prithviraj's desert adventure set for April 10, 2024, after delays

Blessy's much-anticipated film Aadujeevitham, The Goat Life, starring Prithviraj, has finally secured a release date after facing multiple delays. The movie, adapted from Benaymin's eponymous book, is set to hit theatres on April 10, 2024. The story unfolds in Saudi Arabia, and revolves around the life of Najeeb, a Keralite migrant worker in pursuit of employment which will be essayed by Prithviraj. Amala Paul and Shobha Mohan also feature prominently in the film. Originally slated for an October release, the film encountered setbacks, including pandemic-related disruptions. The trailer, released in November, showcased gripping visuals and a haunting background score, setting the tone for this desert adventure survival tale. With an esteemed crew, including A.R. Rahman and Resul Pookutty, Aadujeevitham promises a compelling cinematic experience.

‘Furiosa’: A Mad Max Saga unveils action-packed trailer at CCXP, showcasing Anya Taylor-Joy and Chris Hemsworth in George Miller's prequel to ‘Mad Max: Fury Road’

Warner Bros. has released the thrilling trailer for Furiosa, George Miller's highly anticipated prequel to Mad Max: Fury Road. The action-packed preview introduces Anya Taylor-Joy as the fierce Imperator Furiosa, a role originally played by Charlize Theron. Set as the fifth instalment in the Mad Max franchise, the film follows the young Furiosa's journey after being taken from the Green Place of Many Mothers and thrust into a sinister world. The trailer, unveiled at CCXP, Brazil's largest Comic-Con event, also confirms the updated title, Furiosa: A Mad Max Saga. Alongside Taylor-Joy, Chris Hemsworth and Tom Burke join the cast, promising a gripping continuation of Miller's dystopian universe.

Well that's all for this episode, until the next one it's your host Nikhil signing out.

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• Written by Apurva Dutta