The Bollywood sphere was buzzing with major updates and exclusive reveals on December 23, 2025. From film wrap-ups and nostalgic photo shares to high-profile exits and a landmark court ruling, the day offered a packed roster of news for entertainment enthusiasts.
Film Shoots and Celebratory Shares
Kriti Sanon has officially completed filming for the much-anticipated romantic comedy Cocktail 2. The actor, who stars alongside Shahid Kapoor and Rashmika Mandanna, expressed immense satisfaction with the project's conclusion. She described the set's atmosphere as consistently joyful and positive, a welcome change after her previous intense role in Tere Ishk Mein.
In an interview with Mid-Day, Kriti revealed she had actively sought a lighter, fun script. "Things fell in place at the right time," she stated, smiling, emphasizing her desire to return to the light-hearted rom-com genre.
Meanwhile, on Christmas Eve, Samantha Ruth Prabhu treated fans to a heartfelt Instagram post reflecting on her year. The carousel of pictures included a previously unseen photograph from her wedding day with Raj Nidimoru. The candid shot captured Raj making a playful face, causing Samantha to laugh, both adorned in their wedding attire. She captioned the nostalgic post simply, "A year of gratitude."
Controversial Exits and Legal Protection
In a significant development for the thriller franchise, actor Akshaye Khanna has reportedly walked out of Drishyam 3. According to sources at Bollywood Hungama, the exit stemmed from creative and financial disagreements with the film's makers.
Following the success of his recent film Dhurandhar, Khanna revised his remuneration, demanding approximately Rs 21 crore for the role. He also proposed a change in his character's look, suggesting he wear a wig. The producers, however, were not in favor as he appeared without a wig in Drishyam 2 and they wished to maintain visual continuity for the character. With his demands unmet, the actor decided to quit the project.
In a landmark ruling for celebrity rights, the Bombay High Court came down strongly on the circulation of AI-generated and morphed images of Shilpa Shetty. On Friday, a vacation bench led by Justice Advait Sethna termed the manipulated content "extremely disturbing and shocking."
The court directed various social media platforms to immediately take down all related links and webpages. The bench firmly observed that such portrayals, done without consent, blatantly violate an individual's fundamental right to privacy, especially concerning a woman's dignity.
Reflections from the Industry
Veteran actor Jugal Hansraj opened up about the unpredictable nature of the film industry in a conversation with Pinkvilla. He recalled facing numerous rejections and projects that were shelved after commitments were made, even by major producers of the time.
"When I was younger, I was heartbroken by it," he admitted. However, he learned to navigate these disappointments without bitterness, understanding that circumstances were often beyond anyone's control. Hansraj credited his strong family support system and friends for helping him maintain perspective.
"Too much success can affect you, and too much failure can also affect you. I think it’s best to take both with a pinch of salt, as part of life," he wisely concluded, offering a balanced view of the industry's highs and lows.
This flurry of activity on December 23rd underscores the dynamic and ever-evolving nature of Bollywood, where celebrations of completion, personal milestones, professional disagreements, and fights for digital rights all unfold in the public eye.
