The entertainment world was buzzing with major developments on December 5, 2025. From Ranveer Singh’s ‘Dhurandhar’ receiving massive praise after its release in theaters and news about ‘Mortal Kombat’ actor Cary-Hiroyuki Tagawa passing away to Nandamuri Balakrishna’s film ‘Akhanda 2’ getting postponed indefinitely, here are the top highlights of the day.
‘Dhurandhar’ releases in theaters, receives massive appreciation
Ranveer Singh’s ‘Dhurandhar’, an action-spy drama with other heavyweights like Akshaye Khanna, Sanjay Dutt, R. Madhavan, and Arjun Rampal, has hit theaters today on December 5, 2025. The film runs 214 minutes—making it the longest Hindi film in nearly two decades. CBFC has granted it an (A) certificate, following some edits for violence and language. The film has crossed Rs 27 crore first-day collections at the box office.
‘Akhanda 2’ release gets abruptly postponed
The much-anticipated sequel starring Nandamuri Balakrishna—scheduled to hit cinemas on December 5, 2025—had its premiere shows cancelled at the last minute due to “technical issues,” and the release was postponed indefinitely. Fans and supporters of NBK expressed disappointment, especially because the film had generated significant hype and expectations in the Telugu-film audience. According to the News18 report, the real cause was a legal dispute: a pending Rs 28 crore arbitration award in favor of Eros International Media Limited, which prompted a stay order from the Madras High Court.The court’s injunction bans any release, distribution, or commercial use of the film until the dues are cleared—leaving fans and makers waiting for further updates.
‘Varanasi’ streaming rights to be sold for Rs 1000 crore?
SS Rajamouli’s magnum opus ‘Varanasi’, starring Mahesh Babu and Priyanka Chopra, might even fetch a record-breaking OTT deal. According to the Hindustan Times, the global streaming rights may touch Rs 1,000 crore. The news has stirred excitement among fans expecting a big-budget, high-profile pan-Indian release once streaming begins.
‘Mortal Kombat’ actor Cary-Hiroyuki Tagawa passes away
Cary Hiroyuki Tagawa, best known for portraying the villain Shang Tsung in the film ‘Mortal Kombat’, has passed away at age 75. He left for the heavenly abode on December 4, 2025, in Santa Barbara, California, due to complications from a stroke. Tagawa’s career spanned decades; he debuted with a memorable role in ‘The Last Emperor’ (1987) and later acted in many Hollywood films and TV shows. However, his portrayal of Shang Tsung left a lasting legacy; many fans and fellow actors have already paid tribute to him as an iconic screen villain whose performances shaped 1990s action and video-game cinema culture.
Aishwarya Rai says she is busy taking care of Aaradhya and being with Abhishek Bachchan
At the Red Sea Film Festival 2025, Aishwarya Rai Bachchan opened up about why she doesn’t feel insecure if she skips signing movie projects. According to the Hollywood Reporter India, at the event, she said, “I’m so busy taking care of Aaradhya, being with Abhishek.” She added, “Insecurities have never been a driving force for me.” The actress went on to explain that her career choices have always been guided by personal conviction and love for good stories—not by external pressure or expectations.
