Category: entertainment

Vikrant Massey confirms he has replaced Kartik in ‘Dostana 2’

**Vikrant Massey Confirms He Has Replaced Kartik Aaryan in ‘Dostana 2’**

*By Shreya Mukherjee | Sep 25, 2025*

Bollywood actor Vikrant Massey has officially confirmed his participation in the much-anticipated film *Dostana 2*, marking his first collaboration with the prestigious Dharma Productions. In a recent interview with Times Now, Massey revealed that the project will showcase him in a fresh and stylish avatar.

“I think this news is already out. I don’t know why I’m not talking. I’m doing *Dostana 2*. I’m doing my first Dharma movie,” he stated.

### Stylish New Look

Massey hinted at a glamorous transformation for his role, promising a wardrobe filled with designer clothes curated by Karan Johar himself. “Karan sir will make sure that I wear good clothes and those fancy sunglasses,” he shared. The actor also mentioned that filming will take place in scenic locations in Europe, adding to the film’s high-gloss appeal.

### Co-star Confirmation

When asked about his co-stars, Massey confirmed that Lakshya, recently seen in Aryan Khan’s directorial debut series *The Ba***ds of Bollywood*, will star alongside him in *Dostana 2*. However, he chose to keep the identity of the female lead under wraps, emphasizing that the announcement should come directly from Karan Johar.

“Lakshya is a part of the movie. But let the girl be a surprise,” he said.

### Casting Changes and Film Details

Originally, the film was set to feature Kartik Aaryan and Janhvi Kapoor alongside Lakshya. However, a complete revamp of the cast has taken place, with Vikrant Massey stepping in to replace Kartik Aaryan.

According to earlier reports, Dharma Productions plans to launch a debutante as the female lead opposite Massey and Lakshya, keeping audiences eager for the big reveal. Production is expected to commence in January 2026, with the film slated for release by the end of the same year.

The makers have been developing *Dostana 2* carefully, aiming to carry forward the beloved franchise in a progressive and contemporary manner.

Stay tuned for more updates on *Dostana 2* as the project unfolds.
https://www.newsbytesapp.com/news/entertainment/vikrant-massey-announces-role-in-dharma-s-dostana-2/story

Evening Reading – September 24, 2025

Good evening, Shacknews! It’s nighttime, which means it’s time for Evening Reading. Let’s officially close out our day of posting. Please take a look at today’s highlights.

—

**In Case You Missed It at Shacknews:**

– *Pokemon Legends: Z-A* feels like a franchise reinvention
– *Final Fantasy Tactics: The Ivalice Chronicles* review: Frankenstein’s masterpiece
– *Yakuza 3: Dark Ties* revealed, included with *Kiwami 3*
– *Borderlands 4* delayed on Nintendo Switch 2, pre-orders cancelled
– C. Viper comes to *Street Fighter 6* in October
– Krafton accuses former Subnautica leads of misconduct in new legal filing
– Instagram hits 3 billion Monthly Active Users
– The Pokémon Company says it did not approve of the anime theme being used in an ICE video

—

**And Now, Other Stuff From The Internet!!!**

– A new trailer for *The Adventures of Elliot* just dropped. The demo for this game absolutely floored me—I can’t wait for the full release.
– Speaking of demos, check out my *Pokemon Legends: Z-A* preview!
– Tim Cook met Pikachu! Has Tim Cook played five seconds of a Pokémon game?
– A new Marvel Zombies poster references The Walking Dead meme—a top-notch reference with no notes.
– The OG Spider-Man trilogy is returning to theaters. I’ll never get tired of these movies.
– Apple is halting the release of the next season of *The Savant*. The irony here is genuinely laughable.

—

There you have it, Shacknews—your Evening Reading for tonight.

Please consider subscribing to Shacknews Mercury to support our site for as little as $1/month.

Thanks for reading, and have a great night!
https://www.shacknews.com/article/146082/evening-reading-september-24

Deus Ex Remastered is coming to PS5 in February 2026

One of the biggest surprises to come out of Wednesday’s PlayStation State of Play presentation was the announcement that the classic **Deus Ex** series is getting a remaster for new audiences.

“Deus Ex has always been about freedom,” said Aspyr Associate Brand Manager Matthew Ray on PlayStation.Blog. “When the original title first launched, it redefined what a video game could be, melding RPG elements, action and stealth gameplay, and branching player choices into a cyberpunk immersive sim like nobody else had ever tried. Storm through the front door, hack the security grid, slip past enemies with invisibility cloaks, or talk your way through impossible odds. Every mission, every level, and every outcome adapts to your choices.”

Ray went on to highlight what’s new with **Deus Ex Remastered**. The game will feature enhanced lighting, shadows, particle effects, and upscaled textures. Additionally, all character models have been revamped for modern hardware, delivering freshly rendered visuals and lip-synced dialogue for a more immersive experience.

Aspyr is also drawing inspiration from *Eidos Montreal’s* *Deus Ex: Human Revolution* and *Deus Ex: Mankind Divided* to revamp the original game’s controls, making them feel more intuitive and fluid on consoles.

So far, **Deus Ex Remastered** is confirmed exclusively for PlayStation 5, with a release date set for **February 5, 2026**. Fans of the series can look forward to a fresh way to experience the groundbreaking classic on modern hardware.
https://www.shacknews.com/article/146086/deus-ex-remastered-release-date

Treadmill trouble! Woman films her own spectacular gym fail

A young woman from Argentina recently tried to film herself training on a treadmill in mid-August.

However, the athlete wasn’t paying close attention while getting on the machine. This small mishap quickly caught the attention of viewers and sparked laughter online.

Her unintentional stumble serves as a humorous reminder to stay focused during workouts, especially when using exercise equipment. The video has since gained popularity, bringing smiles to many across the internet.
https://ca.news.yahoo.com/treadmill-trouble-woman-films-her-000000205.html

C. Viper comes to Street Fighter 6 in October

Capcom has announced that C. Viper, the next DLC fighter for Street Fighter 6, will be released on October 15. Fans can look forward to her arrival alongside a new collaboration event and a brand-new outfit for Zangief.

The release date for C. Viper was revealed with an exciting new trailer at Tokyo Game Show. The trailer showcases more gameplay footage of the character, who was originally introduced in Street Fighter 4. Known for her unique spy gadgets, C. Viper uses a variety of tools to propel herself upward, send enemies flying, set them ablaze, and even electrify them, adding dynamic new strategies to the game.

In addition to C. Viper’s debut, Capcom announced an upcoming collaboration celebrating the 30th anniversary of Banshee’s Last Cry. This special event will introduce a new scenario to the World Tour mode, launching the same day as C. Viper’s release.

Lastly, the update will also bring Zangief’s Outfit 4 to Street Fighter 6, giving players fresh customization options for the iconic fighter.

Mark your calendars for October 15, as Street Fighter 6 welcomes C. Viper, exciting new content, and stylish new looks!
https://www.shacknews.com/article/146074/c-viper-street-fighter-6-release-date

India vs Bangladesh LIVE Score, Asia Cup 2025: Abhishek unleashes carnage on Bangla Tigers in Dubai

**India vs Bangladesh Live Score & Updates: Asia Cup 2025 Super 4 Match**

Bangladesh have won the toss and elected to bowl first against India in their second Super 4 match of the Asia Cup 2025 on Wednesday, 24 September. The match is taking place in Dubai. A win here for either side will confirm their place in the final.

Litton Das misses out on the match due to an injury he suffered during practice. Jaker Ali will be captaining Bangladesh in his place. Bangladesh have made four changes to their playing XI, while India are going in with the same lineup.

—

### Match Details & Live Updates

Unbeaten and led by Suryakumar Yadav, Team India take on Bangladesh in their second Super Four clash in Dubai. The much-anticipated match is scheduled for 8:00 PM IST at Dubai International Cricket Stadium (DICS).

Both teams come into this contest on the back of convincing victories, with India remaining unbeaten in the tournament so far. Bangladesh will aim to hand India their first defeat in Asia Cup 2025, while India look to virtually seal their place in the final with a win against the Tigers.

—

### Head-to-Head Record: India vs Bangladesh

India dominate the head-to-head T20I record against Bangladesh with 16 wins out of 17 encounters. The last time these two teams met in a T20I was nearly a year ago, where India scored their highest-ever T20 total of 297 runs and won by a massive 133 runs.

In that match, Sanju Samson smashed a blistering 111 runs, supported by a quickfire 75 from captain Suryakumar Yadav and a sensational 47 from Hardik Pandya. The match highlighted the considerable gap between the two sides in the T20 format.

—

### How to Watch India vs Bangladesh Asia Cup 2025 Super 4 Match?

The Asia Cup 2025 Super 4 game between India and Bangladesh will be live broadcast on the Sony Sports Network in India. Fans can also catch the live streaming of the match on the SonyLiv app and website.

—

### Squads

**India:**
Suryakumar Yadav (c), Shubman Gill, Abhishek Sharma, Tilak Varma, Hardik Pandya, Shivam Dube, Jitesh Sharma (wk), Axar Patel, Jasprit Bumrah, Varun Chakravarthy, Arshdeep Singh, Kuldeep Yadav, Sanju Samson (wk), Harshit Rana, Rinku Singh.

**Bangladesh:**
Saif Hassan, Tanzid Hasan Tamim, Litton Das (c/wk) [injured], Towhid Hridoy, Shamim Hossain, Jaker Ali (captain), Mahedi Hasan, Nasum Ahmed, Taskin Ahmed, Shoriful Islam, Mustafizur Rahman, Nurul Hasan, Mohammad Saifuddin, Rishad Hossain, Parvez Hossain Emon, Tanzim Hasan Sakib.

—

Stay tuned here for all the latest live updates, scores, and commentary from the India vs Bangladesh Super 4 match in Asia Cup 2025!
https://www.firstpost.com/firstcricket/india-vs-bangladesh-live-cricket-score-asia-cup-2025-match-ind-vs-ban-scorecard-dubai-liveblog-13936525.html

‘Bads of Bollywood’: Anya defends Aryan Khan amid ghost-director rumors

**Anya Singh Defends Aryan Khan Amid Ghost-Director Rumors Surrounding ‘The Bads of Bollywood’**

*By Apoorva Rastogi | Sep 24, 2025, 01:55 PM*

Actor Anya Singh, who recently starred in Aryan Khan’s directorial debut, *The Bads of Bollywood*, has come forward to defend him amid swirling rumors questioning his directorial capabilities.

In an exclusive conversation with *Hindustan Times*, Singh emphasized Khan’s dedication and hard work on the project. “I feel people just want an opportunity to bring another person down,” she remarked, addressing social media claims suggesting that Khan may have employed a ghost director for the series.

**Dedication Behind the Scenes**

Singh praised Khan’s tireless commitment, revealing that his energy never wavered throughout the shooting schedule. “He has worked really hard on this project. From 7 in the morning to 11pm, his energy never dropped. You never saw him sigh. He was always smiling and so focused,” she shared.

Highlighting Khan’s vision, Singh noted that despite having the option to hire seasoned technicians, he chose to collaborate with a team of young writers and Directors of Photography (DOPs). This decision underscored his trust in emerging talent and his hands-on approach to direction.

**Secrecy Around the Climax**

In a surprising revelation, Singh disclosed that the cast was kept in the dark regarding the show’s climax until the very day of shooting. “We never read the climax. We were narrated the climax on the day of the shoot. For months, we didn’t know what it was,” she explained.

Only three senior cast members—Mona Singh, Bobby Deol, and Manoj Pahwa—along with Khan and the writers Bilal Siddiqui and Manav Chauhan, were privy to the ending ahead of time. This secrecy added an element of suspense and authenticity to the performances.

**Reception to ‘The Bads of Bollywood’**

Aryan Khan’s *The Bads of Bollywood* has been met with critical acclaim and warmly received by fans. The series boasts an ensemble cast including Lakshya, Raghav Juyal, and Sahher Bambba, with special cameos by Bollywood heavyweights such as Shah Rukh Khan, Salman Khan, Aamir Khan, Karan Johar, Ranbir Kapoor, and Ranveer Singh.

Currently streaming on Netflix, the show has generated buzz both for its fresh storytelling and the high-profile involvement of Bollywood stars.

—

*Stay tuned for more updates on your favorite Bollywood projects and stars.*
https://www.newsbytesapp.com/news/entertainment/anya-singh-debunks-rumors-about-aryan-khan-s-directorial-role/story

Why Aneet Padda replaced Kiara Advani in ‘Shakti Shalini’

**Why Aneet Padda Replaced Kiara Advani in ‘Shakti Shalini’**

*By Apoorva Rastogi | Sep 24, 2025, 01:43 PM*

Aneet Padda, who impressed audiences with her debut film *Saiyaara*, has reportedly stepped in to replace Kiara Advani in the upcoming Maddock Films project *Shakti Shalini*. While Maddock Films initially denied any cast changes, recent reports have confirmed Padda’s official casting in the titular role, creating quite a buzz within the industry.

**Scheduling Conflicts Lead to Casting Change**

According to Bollywood Hungama, the primary reason for this casting switch stems from Kiara Advani’s packed schedule. A source close to the production shared, “*Shakti Shalini* is a critical film in the studio’s upcoming universe, and it’s imperative for the shoot to commence by the end of 2025. Kiara’s schedule is completely packed until mid-2026. She’s one of the most in-demand actresses at the moment.”

**Narrative Shift Influences Recasting**

Apart from scheduling issues, changes in the film’s final script also played a role in the decision. The insider explained, “The latest version of the screenplay focuses on the coming-of-age journey of a woman in her mid-20s. When Kiara was initially approached for the role, it was pitched to her as a more mature, layered individual. With the revised narrative leaning toward a younger protagonist, it no longer aligned with Kiara’s vision for the project.”

**Strong Professional Relationship Maintained**

Despite the casting change, the separation between Kiara Advani and the *Shakti Shalini* team remains amicable. The source added, “Kiara and producer Dinesh Vijan continue to share a strong professional bond. In fact, Dinesh has already committed to bringing her another script within the next month. Maddock Films has several projects in the pipeline, and there’s no doubt that Kiara will headline one of them soon.”

With Aneet Padda now at the helm, expectations are high for *Shakti Shalini* as it moves forward with its production schedule. Fans eagerly await further updates on the film’s progress and casting announcements for Maddock Films’ upcoming slate.
https://www.newsbytesapp.com/news/entertainment/aneet-padda-replaces-kiara-advani-in-shakti-shalini/story

Why Aneet Padda replaced Kiara Advani in ‘Shakti Shalini’

**Why Aneet Padda Replaced Kiara Advani in ‘Shakti Shalini’**
*By Apoorva Rastogi | Sep 24, 2025, 01:43 PM*

Aneet Padda, who garnered attention with her debut film *Saiyaara*, has reportedly replaced Kiara Advani in the upcoming Maddock Films project *Shakti Shalini*. While Maddock Films initially denied any changes in the cast, recent reports have confirmed Padda’s official casting in the titular role, sparking considerable buzz within the industry.

**Reasons Behind the Casting Change**

According to Bollywood Hungama, the primary reason for this recasting was Kiara Advani’s busy schedule. A source close to the production shared, “*Shakti Shalini* is a critical film in the studio’s upcoming universe, and it’s imperative for the shoot to commence by the end of 2025. Kiara’s schedule is completely packed until mid-2026. She’s one of the most in-demand actresses at the moment.”

**Impact of Narrative Changes**

In addition to scheduling conflicts, changes in the final script contributed to the decision. The insider explained, “The latest version of the screenplay focuses on the coming-of-age journey of a woman in her mid-20s. When Kiara was initially approached for the role, it was pitched to her as a more mature, layered individual. With the revised narrative leaning toward a younger protagonist, it no longer aligned with Kiara’s vision for the project.”

**A Positive Professional Relationship**

Despite the casting switch, the separation between Kiara Advani and the *Shakti Shalini* team remains amicable. The source added, “Kiara and producer Dinesh Vijan continue to share a strong professional bond. In fact, Dinesh has already committed to bringing her another script within the next month. Maddock Films has several projects in the pipeline, and there’s no doubt that Kiara will headline one of them soon.”

As anticipation builds around *Shakti Shalini*, audiences are eager to see Aneet Padda take on this pivotal role in Maddock Films’ exciting new universe.
https://www.newsbytesapp.com/news/entertainment/aneet-padda-replaces-kiara-advani-in-shakti-shalini/story

Exit mobile version