Sara Ali Khan’s Romantic Avatar in ‘Chann’ Wins Praise as Chemistry with Ayushmann Khurrana Charms Fans

From expressive glances to old-school Bollywood romance, Sara Ali Khan’s appearance in the new Udta Teer song has drawn appreciative reactions ahead of the film’s theatrical release.

Swati Bhat

Sara Ali Khan’s Romantic Avatar in ‘Chann’ Wins Praise as Chemistry with Ayushmann Khurrana Charms Fans

From expressive glances to old-school Bollywood romance, Sara Ali Khan’s appearance in the new Udta Teer song has drawn appreciative reactions ahead of the film’s theatrical release.

Sara Ali Khan is bringing a touch of classic Bollywood romance to the screen with Chann, the newly released love song from her upcoming film Udta Teer, opposite Ayushmann Khurrana. Unveiled on October 19, the romantic track showcases a softer side of the lead pair's relationship, with Sara's expressive performance and their on-screen chemistry becoming talking points in reactions shared following the song's release.

Sung by Arijit Singh, composed by Sachin-Jigar and written by Amitabh Bhattacharya, Chann combines a gentle melody with picturesque settings and intimate moments between its lead actors. For Sara, the song offers an opportunity to revisit the romantic screen presence that has been part of her appeal in films such as Kedarnath, Atrangi Re and Zara Hatke Zara Bachke.

Sara Ali Khan’s Expressions and Romantic Charm Draw Fan Appreciation in Chann

While the song introduces another musical dimension to Udta Teer, several reactions highlighted in publicity material have focused particularly on Sara's expressions, appearance and effortless chemistry with Ayushmann.

One admirer described her screen presence enthusiastically, writing, "The way #SaraAliKhan looks in Chann from #UdtaTeer, those expressions that softnes THE PRETTINESS?? Girl was made for romance."

Another fan celebrated the pairing, commenting, "aahhh #Sara and #Aayushman together in a romantic song is the best! their chemistry is just magical!"

The appreciation also extends to Sara's ability to communicate emotion through understated gestures. One reaction compared her screen presence with the timeless appeal of traditional Hindi-film heroines, saying, "#SaraAliKhan has that old-school romantic heroine charm that makes you want to replay the song 50 times!!"

Together, these comments suggest that Sara's romantic presentation has resonated with at least a section of the audience, particularly viewers who enjoy the expressive, melody-driven storytelling associated with Bollywood love songs.

Chann Adds an Emotional Dimension to Udta Teer

Beyond the appreciation surrounding Sara, Chann serves a distinct purpose in the film's promotional campaign. Positioned as a spy comedy, Udta Teer draws much of its appeal from humour, action and unexpected situations. The romantic song introduces a contrasting emotional tone, allowing audiences to see Ayushmann and Sara's characters beyond the film's comic and espionage-driven premise.

This contrast is significant from a storytelling perspective. Romance can lend emotional depth to a comedy built around confusion and conflict, provided the relationship is convincingly developed within the narrative.

The musical combination of Arijit Singh's vocals, Sachin-Jigar's composition and Amitabh Bhattacharya's lyrics adds to the song's traditional Hindi-film romantic character.

Written and directed by Aakash Kaushik, Udta Teer is backed by Dharma Productions and Sikhya Entertainment and is scheduled to arrive in cinemas on October 23, 2026.

With Chann, the makers have shifted the promotional spotlight from the film's comic energy to its romantic relationship. Whether that chemistry becomes an equally compelling part of the theatrical experience remains to be seen, but the song has already offered audiences another perspective on the lead pairing.

#entertainment #bollywood #saraalikhan #chann #upcoming

“I Am a Don of Law”: Ujjwal Nikam on Rajkummar Rao’s Biopic, Kasab Trial and Family Sacrifices

EXCLUSIVE

As Rajkummar Rao prepares to portray one of India's most recognised criminal lawyers, Ujjwal Nikam reflects on the 26/11 Mumbai terror attack trial, the constitutional principles behind Ajmal Kasab's prosecution and the personal price of a career devoted to justice.

Pradyuman Kapdia and Swati Bhat

The courtroom has defined much of Ujjwal Nikam's public life. From prosecuting some of India's most high-profile criminal cases to representing the state during the trial of 26/11 Mumbai terror attack convict Ajmal Kasab, the veteran lawyer has spent decades confronting crime through the judicial system. Yet, when filmmakers approached him with the idea of bringing his life to the big screen, Nikam had an unexpected question: What could possibly be so cinematic about a lawyer's life?

In a conversation with Filmi Action, Nikam opened up about the forthcoming biographical film featuring Rajkummar Rao, his experiences during the Kasab trial, threats associated with his profession and the emotional cost of spending years away from his family. The film, being developed by Maddock Films with filmmaker Avinash Arun attached as director, seeks to explore a side of Nikam's journey that extends beyond courtroom arguments and widely reported verdicts.

Why Ujjwal Nikam Initially Questioned the Idea of His Biopic

Unlike conventional Hindi cinema narratives built around romance, action or musical entertainment, Nikam's life story revolves around legal proceedings, criminal investigations and the pursuit of justice. He admitted being surprised when the filmmakers first proposed the project, questioning whether a lawyer's professional journey could sustain a feature film. The filmmakers, however, presented a different perspective. While the public knew that Ajmal Kasab had eventually been executed, many remained unfamiliar with the legal arguments, courtroom proceedings and constitutional considerations that shaped the prosecution. For Nikam, the film offered an opportunity to explain why even an accused terrorist must be prosecuted within the framework of law, rather than allowing public anger to determine the outcome.

The Kasab Trial: Why Due Process Mattered

One of the most significant aspects of Nikam's conversation concerned the judicial process following the November 26, 2008 Mumbai terror attacks, which claimed 166 lives. Mr.Nikam challenged the perception that the proceedings against Kasab were unnecessarily prolonged, emphasising the complexity of the investigation, examination of witnesses and subsequent appeals.

The timeline itself is important. Kasab was sentenced to death by a special trial court on May 6, 2010. The Bombay High Court upheld the sentence in February 2011, followed by the Supreme Court in August 2012. After his mercy petition was rejected, Kasab was executed at Pune's Yerwada Central Jail on November 21, 2012.

For Mr.Nikam, the significance of the trial extended beyond securing a conviction. It demonstrated India's commitment to constitutional safeguards and the principle that criminal guilt must be established through a fair judicial process, irrespective of the accused person's nationality or the severity of the alleged crime.

He also acknowledged the sacrifices of security personnel, including Tukaram Omble, Hemant Karkare, Ashok Kamte and Vijay Salaskar, who lost their lives during the attacks. The broader message of his account is particularly relevant: India's response to terrorism was not confined to security operations but also involved establishing criminal responsibility through evidence presented before the courts.

Rajkummar Rao's Transformation Impresses Nikam

Rajkummar Rao's portrayal of Nikam in Prahaar: The Untold Story of Ujjwal Nikam has emerged as another talking point ahead of the film's theatrical release on October 16, 2026.

Directed by Avinash Arun and produced by Dinesh Vijan's Maddock Films, the film also features Wamiqa Gabbi, Jaideep Ahlawat, Sikander Kher and Lalit Prabhakar, who portrays Kasab. According to Ujjwal Nikam, director Avinash Arun was instrumental in choosing Rao for the role. He also revealed that Aamir Khan had expressed interest in portraying him, although the actor's availability would have required a longer wait. What particularly impressed Nikam was Rao's preparation. Rather than relying extensively on personal meetings, the actor reportedly studied recordings of Nikam's courtroom arguments, observing his vocal patterns, expressions and distinctive approach to presenting legal arguments. Mr.Nikam said he was especially struck by the recreation of the courtroom sequence in which he seeks the death penalty for Kasab, describing Rao's performance as reminiscent of his own experience.

No Glorification, No Unnecessary Cinematic Drama

For Nikam, authenticity was a priority throughout the film's development.

He said he had insisted that neither he nor any other individual should be unnecessarily glorified. He also wanted actual names to be retained wherever appropriate, allowing the narrative to remain connected to the real judicial proceedings. This approach distinguishes Prahaar from a conventional hero-driven biographical drama. Rather than simply celebrating a prosecutor's victories, the film aims to examine the responsibilities, pressures and legal complexities behind some of India's most consequential criminal trials.

“I Am Also a Don, but a Don of Law!”

Despite the seriousness of his profession, Nikam displayed a lighter side while discussing the dangers associated with prosecuting terrorists and organised crime figures. Asked whether threats had ever frightened him or his family, he described such risks as an occupational reality. With characteristic humour, he remarked, “I am also a don, but a don of law!” The remark captures the confidence of a lawyer whose professional identity has been shaped by years of confronting powerful criminal networks through legal institutions. However, behind that confidence lies a far more personal story.

The Family Sacrifices Behind a Public Career

Perhaps the most emotionally revealing part of Nikam's conversation concerned his wife Jyoti and children Aniket and Sharvari. Recalling his involvement in the 1993 Mumbai serial bomb blasts case and the subsequent Kasab prosecution, Nikam explained how years of demanding courtroom schedules kept him away from his family. He estimated that approximately 13 years of his professional life were connected with proceedings at Arthur Road Jail. While his children were growing up in Jalgaon, he was frequently occupied with court hearings and legal preparation in Mumbai. Watching these experiences recreated on screen reportedly prompted an uncomfortable realisation. Nikam acknowledged that, although he had devoted himself to public duty, his wife and children had paid an emotional price for his absence. His reflection adds another dimension to the film. Beyond the familiar image of a determined prosecutor stands a father and husband confronting the personal consequences of his professional choices.

From Jalgaon to India's Most Watched Courtrooms

Nikam's journey began in Jalgaon, Maharashtra, long before his work in Mumbai's high-profile criminal cases brought him national recognition.

He recalled arriving in Mumbai for the 1993 bomb blasts proceedings without being familiar with the city's courts or important administrative offices.

Over time, his involvement in major prosecutions established him as a prominent public figure. Interestingly, Mr.Nikam also revealed an unusual interest outside the legal profession: dog training. He suggested that his experience understanding animal behaviour had, in its own way, contributed to his interest in observing criminal psychology. Although the observation was delivered conversationally, it offered a glimpse of the person beyond the formal courtroom setting.

Why Prahaar Matters Beyond the Biopic?

Courtroom dramas have long occupied a distinctive place in Indian cinema, but Prahaar approaches the genre through the experiences of a real prosecutor and the judicial proceedings surrounding a national tragedy. Its central challenge will be to balance the demands of cinematic storytelling with the sensitivity of the historical events it depicts. Mr.Nikam's account also raises a larger question: How does a democracy uphold constitutional protections while prosecuting individuals accused of acts of terrorism? The Kasab trial provides a particularly significant example because the legal process continued despite the overwhelming public outrage following the attacks.

For Mr.Nikam, that commitment to due process remains inseparable from the pursuit of justice. As Prahaar prepares for release, his reflections suggest that the film's emotional centre may not lie exclusively in the courtroom. It may also emerge from the quieter consequences of a life dedicated to legal duty. His philosophy, expressed during the conversation, offers a fitting perspective: achieving something meaningful often involves sacrifice, but one must learn to value what has been accomplished rather than remain consumed by what was lost.

For a lawyer whose career has unfolded against some of India's most difficult criminal cases, the sentiment carries both professional conviction and personal regret.

#entertainment #upcoming #bollywood

After Mimi and Bhediya, Kriti Sanon Reportedly Reunites with Maddock for a Pure Horror Film

The National Award-winning actress is reportedly preparing to explore pure horror in a new solo-led project, moving beyond Maddock’s established horror-comedy formula.

Swati Bhat

Bollywood actress Kriti Sanon is reportedly preparing to enter a darker cinematic territory with a large-scale horror film backed by Maddock Films. The yet-untitled project is expected to mark her ninth collaboration with the production house and could see her return as a solo lead under its banner following her National Award-winning performance in Mimi.

According to a source familiar with the development, the proposed film will be an out-and-out horror experience rather than another addition to Maddock’s popular horror-comedy universe. While the production house has built a recognisable identity around supernatural storytelling blended with humour, this project is reportedly being developed with a more serious horror treatment.

Kriti Sanon and Maddock Films Explore a Different Side of Horror

Kriti's association with Maddock Films has played an important role in shaping her career, with projects such as Bareilly Ki Barfi, Luka Chuppi, Mimi, Bhediya and Teri Baaton Mein Aisa Uljha Jiya demonstrating the range of stories emerging from their partnership.Her performance in Mimi, particularly, marked a significant professional milestone, earning her the National Film Award for Best Actress. The film also established her ability to carry an emotionally demanding narrative as its central performer.

The reported horror project could now present a different challenge, placing her at the centre of a genre where psychological tension, vulnerability and fear are expected to take precedence over conventional commercial entertainment.

A source close to the development claims that the actress has finalised the project and that the makers intend to mount it on a substantial scale. However, the film's title, director, supporting cast, production schedule and release plans have not been disclosed.

A New Direction Beyond Maddock’s Horror-Comedy Universe?

Maddock Films, led by producer Dinesh Vijan, has developed a successful supernatural entertainment identity through films including Stree, Bhediya and Munjya. These productions have helped popularise a distinctive blend of folklore, humour and horror among mainstream Hindi cinema audiences. A pure horror film would represent a creative departure from that established approach, potentially allowing the production house to explore darker themes without relying on comedy as a narrative counterbalance. For Kriti Sanon, the reported development is equally interesting. Having moved between romantic comedies, family dramas, thrillers and socially driven narratives, a horror film led entirely by her could further expand the range of characters associated with her filmography. The proposed reunion also reflects the continuing creative relationship between the actress and Maddock Films, although the reported ninth-collaboration count awaits independent confirmation.

As audiences increasingly encounter Indian horror across theatrical releases and streaming platforms, the combination of an established female star and a production house experienced in supernatural storytelling offers an intriguing proposition.

For now, the project remains a reported development, with an official announcement awaited. If confirmed, it could signal a new creative direction for both Kriti Sanon and Maddock Films, moving from supernatural entertainment towards a more uncompromising exploration of fear.

#entertainment #maddock #kritisanon #upcoming