Sanjay Dutt’s upcoming political drama film Aakhri Sawal has officially been rescheduled for theatrical release on 15 May 2026. Earlier, the film was slated to hit cinemas on 8 May 2026, but the makers have now confirmed the revised date, finalizing mid-May as its global release window. The announcement has already sparked strong curiosity among audiences, as the film is being described as one of the most politically sensitive mainstream Bollywood projects in recent years.

Release date change fuels anticipation

The shift in release date from 8 May to 15 May 2026 has not been explained in detail by the makers, but industry insiders suggest that the decision was taken to ensure a wider promotional window and better theatrical positioning. The new date places the film in a competitive summer release phase, when multiple big-budget films are expected to arrive in cinemas. Trade analysts believe that the film’s subject matter and star cast make it a potential high-impact release, but also one that may face intense public and political scrutiny depending on how its narrative is presented.

Star-studded cast led by Sanjay Dutt

Aakhri Sawal features Sanjay Dutt in a central role, marking another addition to his long list of intense dramatic performances. Known for his commanding screen presence in films like Vaastav, Agneepath, and KGF Chapter 2, Dutt is expected to play a layered character in this politically driven storyline.

The film also stars Amit Sadh, Samira Reddy, and Neetu Chandra in important roles. Amit Sadh, known for his work in web series and films like Kai Po Che! and Breathe, is expected to play a key supporting character with strong political undertones. Samira Reddy and Neetu Chandra’s roles are also being kept under wraps, adding to audience curiosity. Directed by Abhijeet Mohan Warang, the film is said to combine historical events with dramatic storytelling to present a narrative that spans several decades of Indian political history.

Film explores sensitive political and historical themes

Aakhri Sawal is already drawing attention due to its bold subject matter. The film reportedly explores three major themes in modern Indian history: the rise and evolution of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) over its 100-year journey, the controversial Babri Masjid demolition, and the Emergency period in India.

These are among the most debated and politically sensitive topics in Indian history, and their portrayal in a mainstream Bollywood film has triggered early discussions even before release. While the filmmakers have not officially detailed the screenplay structure, it is believed that the film attempts to weave these historical events into a dramatic narrative rather than presenting a documentary-style account. Film critics suggest that handling such themes requires a careful balance between storytelling and factual sensitivity, as public sentiment around these issues remains deeply divided.

Industry buzz and expectations

The announcement of Aakhri Sawal has generated strong buzz within the film industry. Sanjay Dutt’s involvement alone has raised expectations, as he has recently been seen taking on more powerful and character-driven roles. His recent performances have shown a shift toward politically charged and socially relevant cinema, making this project a natural extension of his evolving filmography.

Trade experts predict that the film could open strongly at the box office if it manages to attract both mass audiences and political drama enthusiasts. However, they also caution that the film’s controversial themes could lead to polarized audience reactions. The film’s marketing strategy is expected to play a crucial role in shaping its public perception. With a subject that touches upon historical and political sensitivities, the promotional campaign will likely focus heavily on storytelling, character depth, and cinematic treatment rather than direct political positioning.

Political sensitivity around storyline

The inclusion of events such as the Babri Masjid demolition and the Emergency makes Aakhri Sawal one of the most politically sensitive films announced in recent times. In India, films dealing with such subjects often face scrutiny from various social and political groups, and sometimes even legal challenges or demands for review.

While the filmmakers have maintained that the film is a work of fiction inspired by historical events, the depiction of real-life incidents may still lead to debates once trailers and promotional material are released. Censorship clearance from the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) will also be closely watched, as it will determine how much of the content is allowed for theatrical release.

Sanjay Dutt’s evolving cinematic journey

Sanjay Dutt has experienced a major transformation in his career over the past decade. From action-heavy roles in the 90s and 2000s to more layered characters in recent films, he has steadily moved toward mature and politically themed storytelling. His portrayal in films like Panipat and Prassthanam showcased his ability to adapt to complex narratives. With Aakhri Sawal, he appears to be stepping into one of his most challenging roles yet, both in terms of performance and public perception.

Audience reaction and social media discussion

Even before its release, Aakhri Sawal has started trending on social media platforms. Users are discussing the film’s subject matter, its potential political messaging, and the impact it could have on public discourse. While some viewers are excited about a mainstream film addressing historical political events, others are cautious, emphasizing the importance of balanced storytelling. Hashtags related to the film already begun circulating, reflecting the early hype around the project.

Final release outlook

With its new release date locked for 15 May 2026, Aakhri Sawal is gearing up for a high-profile theatrical debut. The combination of a strong cast, controversial subject matter, and Sanjay Dutt’s star power makes it one of the most anticipated films of the year.

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Raja Shivaji: Riteish Deshmukh’s Epic Historical Drama Set for May 1 Release

The first weekend of May is set to witness a cinematic tribute to one of India’s greatest icons. Raja Shivaji, a high-octane historical drama starring Riteish Deshmukh in the titular role of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, is scheduled to hit theaters on May 1, 2026. The film, which has been in development for over two years, aims to bring the grit and tactical brilliance of the Maratha empire to the big screen with modern visual effects.

Deshmukh Takes on Career-Defining Role

Riteish Deshmukh, who also directs the project, has reportedly undergone intense physical training to portray the legendary warrior king. Sources close to the production indicate that the actor spent months mastering traditional weaponry and horse riding. “This isn't just a film for Riteish; it’s a passion project that he has lived with for years,” a member of the creative team shared on condition of anonymity.

Sanjay Dutt Joins the Ensemble

Adding significant muscle to the cast is Sanjay Dutt, who reportedly plays a formidable antagonist. The face-off between Deshmukh and Dutt is being marketed as one of the film’s primary draws. The supporting cast includes veterans like Sachin Khedekar and Jitendra Joshi, ensuring a grounded, performance-heavy narrative that balances spectacle with historical accuracy.

Grand Visuals and Period Detail

The production design has sought to recreate the 17th-century landscape with meticulous detail. Shot across various locations in Maharashtra, including actual forts, the film utilizes a mix of practical sets and high-end CGI. Early glimpses from the sets suggest a darker, more realistic aesthetic compared to the vibrant palettes usually seen in period dramas.

A Clash at the Box Office

The May 1 release date coincides with Maharashtra Day, a strategic move by the makers to tap into regional sentiment. However, it won't be a solo run. The film is expected to face competition from smaller, youth-centric releases, though trade analysts believe Raja Shivaji holds the edge due to its massive scale and cultural resonance.

Actor Sanjay Dutt appeared before the National Commission for Women (NCW) on Monday in connection with the Sarke Chunar controversy, which erupted after objections were raised over the alleged vulgar and objectionable portrayal of women in the song “Sarke Chunar Teri Sarke”.

The hearing was held before the Commission under the chairpersonship of NCW chief Vijaya Rahatkar. According to officials, Sanjay Dutt submitted a written apology and expressed regret for any unintended offence caused to society through the song’s depiction.

The Sarke Chunar controversy has remained in focus despite the Hindi version of the Kannada pan-India film track being removed from YouTube following public backlash.

Written Apology Submitted

During the proceedings, Sanjay Dutt acknowledged concerns raised by the Commission over the portrayal of women in the song and accepted the need for greater responsibility in creative content.

As per officials, the actor conveyed in writing that he regretted any unintended hurt caused by the song and recognised the importance of ensuring dignified and responsible representation of women in films and music content.

The Commission examined whether sufficient due diligence had been exercised before participating in content that could be viewed as promoting obscenity and objectification of women.

Education Support Pledge

As part of corrective measures, Sanjay Dutt informed the Commission that he would sponsor the education of 50 tribal girls.

Officials said the commitment was presented as a step towards social welfare and women’s empowerment, and was placed on record during the hearing. The move was seen as an effort to respond to concerns raised in the Sarke Chunar controversy with a tangible social commitment.

The Commission also reviewed the accountability of senior public figures and their role in influencing public discourse through mass media content.

Legal Vetting Promised

Sanjay Dutt also assured the Commission that future artist contracts linked to his projects would include mandatory legal scrutiny clauses.

According to officials, the proposed safeguards would seek to ensure that women and children are portrayed in a dignified and legally compliant manner in films and related creative works.

The assurance came amid growing scrutiny over content accountability in mainstream entertainment, a recurring issue in recent Government Updates and public interest debates around media standards.

Nora Seeks New Date

Actor Nora Fatehi, who was also summoned by the Commission in the matter, did not appear before the NCW on Monday. Officials said Nora Fatehi informed the Commission that she was out of the country and requested a fresh date for appearance. The Commission is expected to issue a revised hearing schedule.

Her absence means proceedings in the Sarke Chunar controversy will continue, with further scrutiny likely on the role of performers and producers associated with the song.

Earlier Appearances Recorded

The Commission had earlier conducted hearings in the matter on April 6, when other individuals and entities linked to the song appeared before the panel.

Those who appeared included director Kiran Kumar alias Prem, lyricist Raqeeb Alam and representatives of KVN Production, including Gautam K.M. and Supreeth. They had also submitted apologies before the Commission, as per reports.

The NCW had then reiterated that artistic freedom must operate within the bounds of responsibility, sensitivity and respect for women’s dignity.

What Happens Next

The NCW is expected to continue proceedings in the case after Nora Fatehi’s appearance and may review further compliance on assurances made during the hearing.

The Sarke Chunar controversy has again brought the spotlight on content regulation, accountability in popular entertainment and the responsibilities of influential public figures in shaping cultural standards.

Riteish Deshmukh’s Raja Shivaji to Release on May 1, 2026

The actor-director steps into the shoes of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj in a grand historical drama produced on a massive scale.

Riteish Deshmukh is set to deliver what trade sources call his most ambitious project yet. *Raja Shivaji*, scheduled for May 1, 2026, marks his directorial debut alongside a leading role. The film chronicles the life and valour of the Maratha king.

Sanjay Dutt Joins the Ensemble Cast

According to production notes released to the press, Sanjay Dutt plays a pivotal role in the narrative. Genelia Deshmukh also returns to the big screen after a hiatus. The casting choices have already generated buzz across social media platforms.

Visual Effects and Period Detail

Sources close to the VFX team indicate that over two years have gone into post-production. The makers have recreated 17th-century Maharashtra with detailed set designs. A representative stated that “authenticity remains the top priority.”

Official Statement from the Director

Riteish Deshmukh shared through a press release: “This story deserves the grandest treatment. I have given my everything to portray him with honesty.” He did not reveal further plot specifics but confirmed a theatrical-first release strategy.

Box Office Expectations

Analysts predict a strong opening given the patriotic subject matter. The film releases opposite *Ek Din* on the same date. Multiplex owners expect advance bookings to begin by April 20.

Sanjay Dutt Returns with Political Thriller Aakhri Sawal on May 8

The actor plays a morally complex figure in Abhijeet Mohan Warang’s directorial, which questions electoral ethics.

After a series of action entertainers, Sanjay Dutt is set to challenge himself with Aakhri Sawal. The film releases on May 8, 2026, and features Sameera Reddy in a significant role. Director Abhijeet Mohan Warang is known for rooted, dialogue-heavy narratives.

Plot Centres on One Tough Question

According to a synopsis shared with censors, the story follows a veteran politician forced to answer for his past. The title translates to “The Final Question,” referring to a climactic public confrontation. Sources indicate the screenplay avoids naming any real-life figures.

Sameera Reddy’s Comeback Vehicle

Sameera Reddy plays a journalist who becomes the moral compass of the story. This marks her first theatrical release in over five years. She underwent extensive workshops to prepare for the role, as per her media team.

Director Abhijeet Mohan Warang Speaks

Warang told select media: “We are not making a propaganda film. We are asking difficult questions through fiction.” He refused to comment on whether any political party had objected to the content.

Examines Real-World Governance Issues

The film touches upon corruption, free speech, and voter apathy. Early previews suggest a tense courtroom-like second half. Censor board officials reportedly asked for one dialogue modification, which the team accepted.

Marketing and Release Strategy

The producers plan a restricted but targeted campaign. Instead of expensive TV spots, the team will rely on digital and press interviews. Advance bookings will open on May 1, immediately after the first two releases hit screens.

Maratha Valour Returns: Riteish Deshmukh’s ‘Raja Shivaji’ to Hit Screens on May 1

 The cinematic retelling of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj’s life is set to anchor the 2026 summer season. Actor-director Riteish Deshmukh’s ambitious project, Raja Shivaji, has officially locked May 1, 2026, for its theatrical debut.

A Tribute on Maharashtra Day

The release date coincides with Maharashtra Day, a move sources indicated was intentional to honour the state's heritage. The film aims to be a pan-India spectacle, releasing in multiple languages to capture a global audience.

The Antagonist Factor

Sanjay Dutt steps into the shoes of Afzal Khan, providing a formidable foil to Deshmukh’s Shivaji. As per reports, the production has employed top-tier stunt coordinators to choreograph the historic battle sequences.

High Stakes Production

Industry analysts view this as a defining moment for Deshmukh’s directorial career. The Latest News Today suggests that the film’s VFX and production design are being handled by international studios to ensure historical accuracy and grandeur.

The sequel that India was waiting for has arrived. It is bigger, bloodier and bolder. But one absence cuts deeper than any action sequence.

Dhurandhar: The Revenge — directed by Aditya Dhar and released on March 19, 2026 — is not just a sequel. It is a statement. The first part grossed over Rs 1,300 crore worldwide and became the highest-grossing Hindi film in India's domestic history. The second part has opened with a Rs 236.63 crore worldwide gross on Day 1 alone, beating every Hindi film before it — Jawan, Pathaan, every record — to become the biggest opening day in Bollywood history. Industry analysts are now saying Aamir Khan's Dangal's nine-year record of Rs 2,000 crore all-time gross is genuinely under threat.

Ranveer Singh — Superstar Mode Fully Unlocked

If Part 1 was Akshaye Khanna's film — where Ranveer played second fiddle to a towering villain — Part 2 is entirely Ranveer Singh's universe. As Jaskirat Singh Rangi transforming into the feared Hamza Ali Mazari — covert Indian intelligence agent operating deep inside Karachi's criminal and political underworld — Ranveer goes to places most actors simply cannot follow. The silent gaze. The bloodthirsty eyes in the climax. The emotionally charged moments of vulnerability when Jaskirat's loneliness surfaces. Taran Adarsh called it career-defining. Koimoi said you fall in love with him all over again. DNA India says he will be the biggest superstar of 2026 and a genuine threat to the Khans. Every frame he inhabits — he owns.

The runtime is 235 minutes — nearly four hours — and not a minute feels wasted.

Arjun Rampal — The Scene Stealer Nobody Saw Coming

In a film full of powerhouse performances — the actor generating the most electricity is Arjun Rampal as Major Iqbal. Cold. Calculated. Menacing. He enters the second half and takes complete ownership of the narrative. His ten-minute confrontation with his father is being called the single most powerful scene in the film — a masterclass in restraint that builds into an explosion. His eventual face-off with Ranveer Singh is already being called the best villain-hero clash in recent Bollywood memory. As veteran critic Shobhaa De noted — Arjun Rampal chewed up the screen in ways that reminded audiences why this actor, when given the right material, is genuinely exceptional.

The Supporting Cast — Solid All Around

Sanjay Dutt as SSP Chaudhary Aslam dominates the first half as the primary antagonist before giving way to Rampal in the second. His cartoonish menace is exactly what the role demands and he delivers it with full commitment. R Madhavan as IB Director Ajay Sanyal is a beauty — precise, authoritative and deeply watchable even with limited screen time. Sara Arjun has substantially more to do this time — she is not just a supporting presence but a full character with emotional stakes. Rakesh Bedi as politician Jameel Jamali is the film's biggest surprise — a performance of cunning vulnerability that the audience never saw coming. Danish Pandor as Uzair Baloch brings a terrifying physicality to a role that includes some of the film's most disturbing sequences. Allu Arjun, Vijay Deverakonda and Preity Zinta all praised the film publicly after screenings — with Preity summing it up simply — revenge ho toh Dhurandhar jaisa ho, warna na ho.

The One Wound the Film Cannot Heal — Akshaye Khanna

Here is the painful truth. Part 1 was great because of Ranveer Singh and because Akshaye Khanna's Rehman Dakait was one of the finest villain performances in Indian cinema history. Cold, charming, terrifying and ultimately human — Khanna elevated every scene he was in. In Part 2 — Rehman Dakait is dead. And his absence creates a void that even Arjun Rampal's excellent work cannot entirely fill. As Shobhaa De observed — Akshaye Khanna was so missed. The film acknowledges this — it builds its entire opening around the aftermath of Rehman's death — but no acknowledgement can substitute for the real thing. Aditya Dhar is a smart enough filmmaker to know this, and the film works despite that loss. But it never quite reaches the emotional heights of Part 1 because of it.

The Controversy — Propaganda or Patriotism?

Dhurandhar 2 has reignited the debate that followed Part 1. Is it patriotic cinema or state-sponsored propaganda? Rakesh Bedi, speaking to NDTV, refused to accept the propaganda label — saying everyone has the right to like or dislike a film but putting it in a category is unfair. The film draws heavily from real events — the 26/11 Mumbai attacks, ISI operations, the Baloch underworld — and blends them with fiction in ways that are deliberately designed to generate strong emotional responses. Some will call it dangerous. Most audiences simply call it cinema.

Verdict

Dhurandhar: The Revenge is a blockbuster by every definition. Ranveer Singh delivers the performance of his career. Arjun Rampal reminds India what it has been missing. Aditya Dhar delivers a sequel that is bigger, sharper and more brutal than its predecessor. The absence of Akshaye Khanna is the only scar on an otherwise extraordinary achievement. See it on the biggest screen you can find.

The Birthday Gift That Belongs to All of Us

March 12, 2026. Aditya Dhar's birthday. And the man who gave India Uri: The Surgical Strike — and then followed it up with Dhurandhar, one of the biggest spy thrillers this country has ever produced — chose to mark the occasion not with a party, but with a song.

Aari Aari — the first official single from Dhurandhar: The Revenge — is out right now on T-Series. The film hits theatres in exactly seven days, on March 19. And if this song is any preview of what March 19 feels like, the wait is going to be genuinely painful.

This is everything you need to know. The song. The cameo everyone has been obsessing over. The birthday. The film. All of it.

Aari Aari: The Song That Was Already Living in Your Head

Here is the thing about Aari Aari — technically, you have already heard it.

When the trailer of Dhurandhar: The Revenge dropped on March 7, the background score carried this pulsating, hook-heavy tune that immediately lodged itself into the brain of every person who watched it. Within 48 hours, fans were humming it in comment sections and asking when the full song was dropping. Today, on the director's birthday, they have their answer.

The song is a remix of the 2003 track by Bombay Rockers — a name that will trigger immediate nostalgia for anyone who grew up in early 2000s India. Composer Shashwat Sachdev — the same musical genius behind the first film's score — has taken that foundation and rebuilt it entirely for 2026. The result is something that sounds simultaneously familiar and completely new: Punjabi influences woven through contemporary production, explosive rap sections, vocals that hit like a punch, and a beat that does not so much ask you to move as command it.

This is not background music. This is a mission briefing that somehow also works as a gym anthem. Shashwat Sachdev, once again, knows exactly what an Aditya Dhar film needs to sound like.

The Man Behind the Film: Why Today Is More Than Just a Birthday

Aditya Dhar is 39 today. And the trajectory of his career — from Uri to Dhurandhar to now Dhurandhar: The Revenge — represents something genuinely rare in contemporary Bollywood: a filmmaker who refuses to separate the personal from the purposeful.

The decision to split what was originally conceived as a single film into two parts was not made in a boardroom. During post-production in October 2025, Dhar had shot approximately seven hours of footage and realised — with the kind of creative honesty that costs filmmakers time and money — that compressing the full story into a standard runtime would do it a disservice. So he did not compress it. He split it. He gave the story the space it needed.

That choice, which pushed the sequel to a separate release entirely, is the reason Dhurandhar: The Revenge exists as a film in its own right — and the reason audiences are counting down seven days with the kind of anticipation usually reserved for events, not just movies.

Dropping Aari Aari on his birthday is Dhar's way of saying: the celebration is not mine. It belongs to what we built together. Happy birthday to the film.

Yami Gautam's Cameo: The Secret They Could Not Keep Forever

Let us address the most talked-about element of the film's pre-release period directly — because the internet has been collectively losing its mind over Yami Gautam's role, and with good reason.

Yes, she is in the film. Yes, it matters. No, they are not telling you exactly what she does. Yes, you will apparently not see it coming.

Sources with knowledge of the production confirm that Yami shot for nearly five days on set — substantial, for what is officially described as a cameo. Her scenes are centred around a key hospital sequence that reportedly functions as a major narrative turning point in the film: a moment that changes the direction of the story and delivers an emotional gut-punch that the first film's fans will not expect.

The deliberate absence of Yami from every piece of promotional material — she is not in the trailer, not in the posters, not named in the official cast list — is a very Aditya Dhar move. This is the same filmmaker who protected Uri's most powerful sequences from all pre-release material. He understands that surprise is a cinematic tool, not just a marketing trick. And he has weaponised it here.

When asked about her role at the News18 Rising Bharat Summit 2026, Yami was both unhelpful and tantalising in equal measure — confirming she had seen the film, describing the experience as emotional, calling the sequel "beyond extraordinary," and revealing precisely nothing about what she actually does in it.

The backstory to her casting is genuinely interesting. Yami had previously said publicly that when she read Dhar's script, her first reaction was wishing she were male — because the lead role was written for a man and she found the world so compelling she wanted to inhabit it. Dhar, famously, keeps his personal and professional lives in separate compartments. He is married to Yami. He does not cast her automatically. She had made peace with that.

And then the story found a place for her anyway. A place important enough to shoot for five days. Important enough to hide from every trailer. Important enough that she watched the finished film and cried.

Whatever happens in that hospital, it lands.

The Story So Far: Who Is Hamza Ali Mazari?

For the uninitiated — or for those who need a quick refresher before booking March 19 tickets — here is where Dhurandhar: The Revenge picks up.

Ranveer Singh plays Jaskirat Singh Rangi, an undercover RAW agent who operates inside Pakistan's criminal and political networks under the identity of Hamza Ali Mazari. The first film established the mission, the cover, and the moral complexity of a man living entirely inside a lie in service of a truth his country needs. The sequel — as the word Revenge in the title makes abundantly clear — pushes that mission into darker, more personal territory.

The trailer, already past 1.9 million YouTube views since its March 7 release, opens with something the first film only teased: Jaskirat's origin story. How he was recruited. How he was trained. How the man became the cover. That backstory — the transformation of Rangi into Hamza — is the emotional engine of the sequel, and Ranveer Singh, by every account from those who have seen the film, delivers the performance of his career.

The ensemble that made the first film so compelling returns intact: Arjun Rampal, Sanjay Dutt, R. Madhavan, Sara Arjun, Rakesh Bedi, Danish Pandor, and Gaurav Gera all back in their roles. The stakes are higher. The geography is wider. The revenge is personal.

And this time, the film releases in five languages — Hindi, Telugu, Tamil, Kannada, and Malayalam — because Dhurandhar was never just a Hindi film. It was always a national one.

The Box Office Reality: This Is Not a Film. It Is an Event.

The numbers already tell the story before a single ticket has been torn at a theatre door.

Paid previews for March 18 — the day before the official release — are trending houseful at major multiplex chains. The trajectory mirrors, and in some markets exceeds, the advance booking velocity of the first film at the same stage. Dhurandhar crossed ₹1,000 crore. The question being asked in trade circles is not whether the sequel will match that number — it is whether it will exceed it.

The Gudi Padwa and Ugadi holiday window on March 19 adds a Maharashtra and South India festive audience to what is already a pan-India opening. For a film releasing in five languages on the biggest action-franchise brand in current Bollywood, the timing could not be better calibrated.

Aari Aari dropping today — seven days out, on the director's birthday — is the final piece of the marketing puzzle snapping into place. The song will spend the next week living in people's heads. It will play in theatre lobbies before the film starts. It will soundtrack the walk from the parking lot to the screen. By the time audiences sit down to watch Ranveer Singh become Hamza Ali Mazari again, Aari Aari will already feel like a part of their bodies.

That is exactly what Shashwat Sachdev designed it to do. And it is exactly what Aditya Dhar needed it to do.

The Bottom Line

Seven days. One song that is already everywhere. One cameo that nobody will see coming. One director who turned his birthday into a gift for his audience. One actor who appears to have found, in the role of Hamza Ali Mazari, something that fits him the way very few roles fit very few actors.

Dhurandhar: The Revenge. March 19, 2026. Five languages. One story.

Happy birthday, Aditya Dhar. The best gift you could have given yourself is finishing this film.

Now give it to us.