Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday used a youth-focused event in Vadodara to combine political messaging with an appeal to Generation Z, while highlighting infrastructure, artificial intelligence and the government’s development agenda.

At the ‘NaMo for Viksit Bharat’ programme, Modi interacted with young people for around 25 minutes. The event featured a specially built Y-shaped ramp through which the Prime Minister walked into the audience. Songs including Queen’s We Will Rock You and the popular Dhurandhar track Aari Aari were played during the programme.

The Prime Minister also warned young people against what he described as attempts to mislead them through false claims and misinformation. His remarks were seen as a political swipe at the Congress and Rahul Gandhi’s outreach to students.

Modi’s message to Gen-Z

Addressing the gathering, Modi urged young Indians to remain connected with facts and avoid being influenced by misleading narratives.

He said people would try to divert young minds through an “echo of lies”, but asked them to stand with the truth. The remark came amid intensified efforts by political parties to connect with younger voters through social media, campus programmes and direct interaction.

The focus on Gen-Z comes against the backdrop of the large young-voter base in India. According to Election Commission data cited in the source material, voters aged 18–29 accounted for 22.78% of the electorate in the 2024 Lok Sabha election.

Modi has increasingly adopted youth-oriented formats in recent months, including selfie videos, short-form social media content and informal references aimed at younger audiences. He also used expressions such as “OG” and referred to Dhurandhar during his recent interaction at Delhi University's Shri Ram College of Commerce. (DD India)

‘Naraz fufa’ remark over freight corridor

Infrastructure was another major theme of Modi's Vadodara speech.

While talking about the Western Dedicated Freight Corridor, the Prime Minister took a political dig at critics of development projects, referring to a “naraz fufa” who, he suggested, would question what would happen to truck operators after more freight shifts to rail.

The comment was broadly seen as another attack on the opposition. Modi has used the “naraz fufa” expression previously to describe those he says remain unhappy even when development projects are undertaken. (Navbharat Times)

Modi highlights 2,000-km freight corridor work

Modi said the Dedicated Freight Corridor had transformed India's freight transportation system by separating freight movement from passenger railway traffic.

He referred to the long planning history of the project, saying the idea had been discussed in 2004 and a dedicated company was created in 2006, but claimed the project gained momentum only after 2014.

The timing of the remarks coincided with a major infrastructure milestone. The Prime Minister dedicated three sections of the Western Dedicated Freight Corridor covering 326 route kilometres, developed at a cost of more than ₹20,700 crore. The sections connect Sanand (North) with Makarpura, New Umbergaon with New Saphale, and New Saphale with JNPT. Their commissioning marks the completion of the DFC network. (PM India)

Recent reporting said the fully operational DFC network now spans about 2,843 km and is carrying hundreds of freight trains daily. (The Times of India)

AI, skills and India’s technology ambitions

Artificial intelligence also featured prominently in Modi's message to young people.

He argued that becoming a global AI power would require more than software or academic qualifications. According to the Prime Minister, India needs a wider ecosystem involving critical minerals, energy resources, technology infrastructure and a skilled workforce.

He stressed that young people should focus not only on degrees but also on acquiring practical and emerging skills.

The message comes as the government increasingly links AI adoption with education, manufacturing, healthcare, agriculture and entrepreneurship.

More than ₹35,000 crore of projects

The Gen-Z interaction formed part of a larger development programme in Vadodara.

According to the Prime Minister's Office, projects worth more than ₹35,000 crore were being inaugurated, dedicated or launched in the city. Alongside the WDFC sections, Modi also laid the foundation stone for three railway projects covering 329 km and costing more than ₹9,700 crore. (PM India)

The projects include the third and fourth railway lines between Vadodara and Ratlam, gauge conversion of the Miyagam Karjan–Choranda–Malsar section and doubling of the Vishwamitri–Dabhoi line. The government says these projects will improve passenger and freight capacity and strengthen connectivity between Gujarat and Madhya Pradesh. (PM India)

Three national highway projects worth around ₹1,780 crore are also part of the package.

From Vadodara to Mumbai

Modi's Gujarat programme is part of a wider one-day visit covering Gujarat and Maharashtra.

After Vadodara, the Prime Minister is scheduled to travel to Mumbai to inaugurate the Global Fintech Fest 2026. The event's theme is focused on agentic AI, tokenisation and quantum technology, with an emphasis on building trusted and connected financial systems. (PM India)

The Vadodara programme therefore combined three strands of the government's current messaging — youth engagement, political communication and large-scale infrastructure development — with the Prime Minister using the Gen-Z interaction to present development and technology as central to India's long-term growth agenda.

Ranveer Singh’s first glimpses from the sets of his upcoming film ‘Pralay’ have surfaced online, giving fans a closer look at his rugged new appearance. The actor is seen with long hair and stubble, while one of the circulating videos shows him carrying a child on his back during a scene with co-star Kalyani Priyadarshan.

The leaked set visuals have quickly triggered comparisons with Ranveer’s look in Dhurandhar, with some fans joking that his character Jaskeerat Singh Rangi has returned. However, there is currently no indication from the filmmakers that the two characters are connected. (The Times of India)

Ranveer sports rugged, long-haired look

The pictures and videos emerging from the Mumbai shoot show Ranveer in a markedly different appearance. He has longer, unkempt hair, facial hair and a weathered look that appears suited to the film’s post-apocalyptic setting.

In one video, Ranveer is seen walking alongside Kalyani Priyadarshan and other people while carrying a child on his back. The visuals also feature a dusty environment, damaged-looking roads and abandoned vehicles, adding to the survival-thriller atmosphere. (Moneycontrol)

The identity of the child and the relationship between the character and the child have not been revealed by the makers.

Fans connect the look with ‘Dhurandhar’

Ranveer’s long hairstyle immediately reminded several social media users of his appearance as Jaskeerat Singh Rangi in Dhurandhar.

In the film, Ranveer initially appears as undercover Indian operative Hamza Ali Mazari before the character’s real identity is revealed as Jaskeerat Singh Rangi. The similarity in hairstyle has led to fan speculation, but the comparison remains just that—a fan theory.

There is no reported official connection between Dhurandhar and Pralay, and the latter is being developed as a separate post-apocalyptic survival story.

Kalyani Priyadarshan spotted alongside Ranveer

Malayalam actor Kalyani Priyadarshan is also visible in the newly surfaced footage. The project marks her Hindi film debut after her recent recognition for Lokah. She had previously shared an update from the Pralay sets, confirming her involvement in the production. (Cinema Express)

Her appearance alongside Ranveer in the leaked footage has further increased curiosity around their characters and their role in the film's survival narrative.

‘Pralay’ set in a post-apocalyptic world

Directed by Jai Mehta, Pralay is being described as a post-apocalyptic zombie action or survival thriller. Reports indicate that the story is set in a dystopian version of Mumbai following a catastrophic outbreak.

The film is expected to combine survival drama with large-scale action and VFX-heavy sequences. Earlier reports had indicated plans for extensive shooting outside India, although production has already been underway in Mumbai. (The Hollywood Reporter India)

The first set visuals now offer audiences an early glimpse of the world the filmmakers are attempting to create.

Film went on floors in Mumbai

Pralay officially began filming in Mumbai in August, with Ranveer and Kalyani among the principal cast members. Kalyani had also confirmed her involvement through a social media update from the sets in late August. (Cinema Express)

The newly leaked footage appears to have come from the ongoing Mumbai schedule. The makers have yet to officially release a full first look or detailed character information.

Ranveer’s next major departure after ‘Dhurandhar’

The project comes after Ranveer’s recent work in the Dhurandhar franchise and represents a move into a different genre. Instead of a conventional action setting, Pralay is built around a world where characters are fighting to survive amid a post-apocalyptic crisis.

For now, the leaked look has done exactly what early set footage often does—it has generated speculation without revealing the central story. Whether Ranveer’s character is a survivor, protector or something else will become clearer only when the filmmakers release more official information.

The video was shared on Instagram by actress and content creator Diksha Narang, who revealed that it was filmed during a promotional campaign for SuperYou and Starbucks. According to her, a temporary halt in filming caused by a malfunctioning coffee blender created a relaxed atmosphere on the set, leading to a light-hearted conversation with the actor.

Recalling the moment, Diksha said she casually mentioned “chemistry for coffee,” which Ranveer jokingly interpreted as “chemistry of love.” Laughing, the actor replied, “You're flirting so much. I'm about to become a father of two.”

The playful exchange has quickly gained traction on social media, with fans praising Ranveer's trademark sense of humour. Diksha also wrote that interacting with the actor was one of the highlights of the shoot and that she got the opportunity to speak with him several times during the day.

The clip has resurfaced at a time when Ranveer and Deepika are once again making headlines over their growing family. The couple, who welcomed their daughter Dua in September 2024, recently announced that they are expecting their second child.

The pregnancy announcement was made through a joint Instagram post featuring their daughter Dua holding a pregnancy test kit displaying two pink lines. The post received congratulatory messages from fellow actors, filmmakers and fans across the country.

Ranveer and Deepika married in an intimate ceremony at Lake Como, Italy, in 2018 after dating for several years. Since then, they have remained one of Bollywood's most celebrated couples, often balancing successful film careers with a relatively private personal life.

The couple was also spotted recently during a lunch outing in Mumbai. Surrounded by security, they visited a popular restaurant where they reportedly enjoyed South Indian cuisine. Videos of the pair leaving the restaurant circulated widely across social media, attracting attention from fans.

On the professional front, Ranveer Singh continues to enjoy strong momentum at the box office. His recent releases, Dhurandhar and Dhurandhar: The Revenge, emerged among the biggest commercial successes of his career, strengthening his position as one of Hindi cinema's leading stars.

Following those successes, the actor has begun preparations for his next major project, Pralay. Directed by Jay Mehta, the film is being developed as a large-scale zombie thriller and is reportedly mounted on a budget of around ₹300 crore.

The project is being produced jointly by Hansal Mehta's True Story Films and Ranveer Singh's Maa Kasam Films. South Indian actress Kalyani Priyadarshan has been cast opposite Ranveer in the film, which is expected to blend large-scale action with survival horror elements.

With another child on the way and an ambitious film slate ahead, Ranveer Singh appears to be entering an exciting new phase in both his personal and professional life. Meanwhile, his candid joke from the commercial shoot has offered fans another glimpse of the actor's cheerful personality away from the cameras.

Performing at Delhi's Yashobhoomi Convention Centre on July 11 for the opening show of her Dream Girl India Tour, the Laavan and Illegal Weapon singer called her fiancé, Shekhar Chaudhary, onto the stage and introduced him to the crowd for the first time. Holding up her hand to show off her engagement ring, she told the audience, "This is the man who put a ring on it. This is my man, everybody!"

What followed was pure concert-movie material: Sandlas ran toward Chaudhary and jumped into his arms, and he lifted and twirled her on stage as the crowd erupted in cheers. The two then danced together to Laavan, one of her better-known tracks, before he blew her a kiss and exited the stage — a moment fans caught on camera almost instantly and spread widely across social media.

Sandlas had never publicly confirmed the relationship before Saturday's show, though attentive fans had picked up on the signs for months. Chaudhary had quietly appeared in several of her Instagram posts — travelling with her through airports, and seen backstage wearing a "Team Sandlas" T-shirt while helping her move through crowds. He was also spotted with her during a visit to Ujjain's Mahakaleshwar Jyotirlinga temple, where she was seen becoming emotional during the Bhasma Aarti while he sat close behind her. None of it was confirmed as romantic until the Delhi stage announcement made it official.

Beyond his connection to Sandlas, very little is publicly known about Chaudhary. There's no verified information tying him to the entertainment industry, and he's kept his own social media presence minimal — a contrast to Sandlas, who has built a large public following through her Punjabi and Bollywood work, including recent tracks in the Dhurandhar franchise like Shararat and Rang De Lal (Oye Oye).

Neither Sandlas nor her team has shared wedding plans or additional details about the relationship since Saturday's announcement. The Delhi show marked the first stop of a multi-city tour, with Sandlas scheduled to perform next in Mumbai on July 18, followed by Bengaluru on July 25 and Chandigarh on August 29 — dates that will likely now come with added attention given the newly public engagement.

Aditya Dhar's ambitious film "Dhurandhar" has landed in hot water following its Netflix release, with viewers expressing fury over significant cuts, muted dialogues, and what many are calling unnecessary censorship. The same movie that received standing ovations during its theatrical run has now become the center of a heated debate about creative freedom on OTT platforms.

The Missing Minutes Mystery

The controversy erupted when eagle-eyed viewers noticed substantial differences between the theatrical and Netflix versions. The original theatrical cut ran for 3 hours, 34 minutes, and 1 second. However, the Netflix version clocks in at just 3 hours and 25 minutes—nearly 9 minutes shorter.

This discrepancy has left audiences questioning what happened to the missing footage and why an adult-rated film on an OTT platform requires such extensive censorship.

A Timeline of Cuts

Understanding the Dhurandhar Netflix controversy requires examining the film's editing history:

Pre-January 1st: The complete theatrical version ran for 3 hours, 34 minutes, and 1 second

Post-January 1st: Following objections from the Baloch community, certain words and dialogues were muted, reducing runtime to 3 hours, 28 minutes, and 56 seconds

Netflix Release: Further cuts brought the runtime down to 3 hours and 25 minutes

Even viewers who watched the edited theatrical version post-January 1st are finding additional cuts on Netflix, raising serious questions about platform censorship policies.

The Censorship Double Standard

The most significant viewer complaint centers on muted dialogues and removed profanity. Despite carrying an A certificate—indicating adult-only content—the Netflix version has undergone heavy censorship.

One glaring example involves Sanjay Dutt's dialogue containing the word "Baloch," which has been completely muted in the streaming version. This creates awkward pauses and disrupts the film's natural flow, pulling viewers out of the narrative.

Social media has erupted with comparisons to other films. "If movies like 'Kabir Singh' and 'Animal' can stream uncut on OTT platforms, why is 'Dhurandhar' being treated differently?" asked one frustrated viewer on Twitter.

Technical Quality Concerns

Beyond censorship issues, viewers have raised concerns about the technical quality of the Netflix release:

Color Grading: The vibrant colors that enhanced the theatrical experience appear noticeably duller on Netflix

Sound Quality: Multiple users report that audio quality seems compressed compared to theater sound systems

Playback Speed: Some viewers feel the film plays slightly faster on Netflix, possibly due to frame rate differences (24fps theatrical vs. 25fps streaming)

The quality degradation is particularly noticeable for subscribers on HD plans, with only 4K plan users reporting satisfactory visual quality.

Why This Matters Now

The Dhurandhar Netflix controversy highlights a growing concern about OTT censorship in India. As streaming platforms become the primary mode of content consumption, questions about creative freedom and censorship standards have taken center stage.

Industry observers note that this incident could set a concerning precedent. If filmmakers cannot present their complete vision even on adult-rated OTT platforms, where can artistic expression find its full form?

The Audience Backlash

Viewers who paid premium ticket prices for the theatrical experience feel particularly cheated. Many had hoped that the OTT release would offer the uncut version they couldn't access in theaters after January 1st. Instead, they received an even more heavily censored product.

"What's the point of going to theaters and buying tickets if OTT platforms are also going to show censored versions?" wrote one angry viewer, capturing the sentiment of thousands.

What Happens Next?

Neither Aditya Dhar nor Netflix has officially commented on the controversy. The silence from both parties has only fueled speculation and frustration among the film's fanbase.

The Dhurandhar Netflix controversy raises fundamental questions about content delivery, censorship standards, and viewer expectations in India's rapidly evolving digital entertainment landscape. As audiences become more discerning and vocal, platforms and filmmakers may need to reconsider their approach to content presentation.

For now, fans of "Dhurandhar" are left wondering if they'll ever see the complete, unfiltered version of the film as Aditya Dhar originally intended.

Dhurandhar, directed by Aditya Dhar, has already made a significant impact at the global box office, earning over ₹1,100 crore worldwide since its release on December 5, 2025. The film has been praised for its stunning portrayal of Ladakh’s natural beauty, with several key scenes shot in the region. According to Gupta, this cinematic showcase is expected to encourage more filmmakers to consider Ladakh as a prime destination for their projects.

"The movie beautifully showcases the magnificent landscapes of Ladakh, which we hope will inspire more filmmakers to shoot here," Gupta said in a statement. "We believe this will also serve to boost tourism in the region."

The decision to make Dhurandhar tax-free is part of Ladakh’s broader efforts to promote both tourism and its film industry. Gupta also revealed that the Ladakh administration is currently working on a new film policy, aimed at providing greater incentives and support to filmmakers. The policy is expected to streamline procedures and foster a more vibrant film production environment in the region.

In addition to its box-office success, Dhurandhar has garnered attention for recent changes made to its content. On December 31, the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting ordered the revision of certain scenes, which led to the muting of two words and a dialogue alteration in the film’s revised version, released on January 1, 2026. One of the muted words was "Baloch," although the full details of the revision remain unclear.

The film features a star-studded cast, including Ranveer Singh, Akshaye Khanna, Arjun Rampal, R. Madhavan, Sanjay Dutt, Rakesh Bedi, and Danish Pandor. Its impressive lineup, coupled with the breathtaking visuals of Ladakh, has made it a major cultural and commercial success.

Looking ahead, Ladakh’s focus on cinema is clear. With the implementation of a new film policy, the region aims to position itself as a premier destination for filmmaking, contributing to both the economy and cultural tourism.

The controversial post, widely circulated on social media platforms over the past 24 hours, claimed to quote Ranveer Singh responding sharply to those who “degraded” him ahead of the film’s release but later supported him after its success. The post suggested that the actor equated “real victory” with public validation rather than box office numbers and directly referenced the Kantara mimicry episode.

However, multiple reports and checks of Ranveer Singh’s verified social media handles have confirmed that the actor did not share any such message. The viral image originated from a fake account closely resembling his official handle, misleading several users into believing it was authentic.

According to sources close to the actor, the only post Ranveer shared after Dhurandhar’s release was a brief, cryptic note that read: “Fate has a very beautiful habit; it changes with time… but for now… focus and patience.” There was no mention of trolls, controversy, or the Kantara incident in his official communication.

The fake post resurfaced amid lingering backlash over an incident at the closing ceremony of the International Film Festival of India (IFFI) 2025. During a stage segment, Ranveer mimicked a scene inspired by Rishab Shetty’s Kantara: A Legend Chapter 1. In the act, he reportedly referred to the deity figure as a “female ghost,” triggering outrage online. Critics accused the actor of hurting religious sentiments, while calls for a boycott of Dhurandhar gained traction on social media.

Facing mounting criticism, Ranveer issued a public apology soon after, stating that his intention was solely to acknowledge Rishab Shetty’s performance and not to offend religious beliefs. “If my words hurt anyone, I sincerely apologise,” he said in his clarification. An FIR was later registered against the actor in Bengaluru in connection with the episode, adding a legal dimension to the controversy.

Despite the backlash, Dhurandhar, which released on December 5, has delivered a record-breaking theatrical run. The spy-action thriller, directed by [director’s name], stars Akshaye Khanna, Sanjay Dutt and Arjun Rampal alongside Ranveer Singh. The film has crossed the ₹1,000 crore mark worldwide, becoming the ninth Indian film to enter the coveted ₹1,000 crore club.

Trade analysts say the film’s performance reflects strong audience turnout across domestic and overseas markets, particularly in the action and espionage genre. Industry observers also note that the viral fake post may have gained traction due to the timing of the controversy and the film’s unprecedented commercial success.

Meanwhile, fans and digital safety experts have urged social media users to verify sources before sharing content, warning that impersonation accounts continue to exploit high-profile controversies for attention and engagement.

Ranveer Singh Out of Don 3: What Really Happened?

The Bollywood industry is buzzing after reports confirmed that Ranveer Singh is no longer part of Don 3. The development comes at a time when his latest film Dhurandhar is enjoying a historic box office run, crossing ₹900 crore worldwide in just 19 days and emerging as the highest-grossing film of the year.

While early reports claimed that Ranveer Singh voluntarily stepped away from Don 3 following Dhurandhar’s massive success, insider sources tell a different story. According to India Today, Ranveer Singh did not quit the film on his own. Instead, he was reportedly removed due to creative differences and what the makers described as unreasonable demands.

Sources reveal that producer Farhan Akhtar and Ritesh Sidhwani stood by Ranveer even after his recent box office setbacks and the shelving of Baiju Bawra. However, disagreements over the creative direction of Don 3 eventually led to a deadlock.

Strategic Shift in Ranveer’s Career

Industry insiders say Ranveer Singh is now focusing on diverse roles to avoid being typecast in gangster characters after Dhurandhar. He is prioritising collaborations with filmmakers like:

 Sanjay Leela Bhansali

 Lokesh Kanagaraj

 Atlee

He has also reportedly asked producer Jay Mehta to begin shooting Pralay, a zombie-based emotional drama, before any future franchise commitments.

Akshaye Khanna Walks Out of Drishyam 3

In another major casting shake-up, Akshaye Khanna has reportedly exited Drishyam 3. As per Bollywood Machine, the actor stepped away due to financial and creative disagreements with the makers.

After the success of Dhurandhar, Akshaye allegedly demanded a substantial hike in remuneration and requested changes to his on-screen look. Negotiations reportedly failed, leading to his exit. However, no official statement has been issued yet.

Who Can Replace Ranveer Singh in Don 3?

With Ranveer Singh Don 3 now uncertain, several big names are being discussed:

 Hrithik Roshan: Previously narrated the script, Hrithik has the charisma, action credibility, and screen presence to revive the iconic Don.

 Ranbir Kapoor: After Animal, his intense and morally complex image fits a darker Don perfectly.

 Vicky Kaushal: Known for grounded performances and versatility.

 Tiger Shroff: Could bring a fresh, high-octane action-driven take to the franchise.

 If Not Akshaye Khanna, Who Fits Drishyam 3?

Strong contenders to replace Akshaye Khanna in Drishyam 3 include:

Manoj Bajpayee: Known for intellectual intensity and moral ambiguity.

 Jaideep Ahlawat: Brings raw realism and investigative depth.

 Nawazuddin Siddiqui: Perfect for layered, unpredictable characters.

 Kay Kay Menon: Adds gravitas and authority.

 Jimmy Shergill: Reliable, restrained, and effective in suspense dramas.

Conclusion: A Turning Point for Bollywood Franchises

The exits of Ranveer Singh from Don 3 and Akshaye Khanna from Drishyam 3 highlight how box office success can reshape power dynamics in Bollywood. As makers rethink casting strategies, audiences can expect bold reinventions of iconic franchises in the months ahead.