Adani Group’s Gautam Adani has overtaken Mukesh Ambani, the chairperson and managing director of Reliance Industries, to become Asia’s richest person, the Bloomberg Billionaires Index showed on Thursday. The index is a daily ranking of the world’s richest persons
Apple builds on green commitments with recycled materials rising to 30% across productsApple’s goal to achieve 100% carbon neutrality by 2030 appears to be on track, with its latest data pointing to big progress in its sustainability efforts. Updated on: Apr 17
JEE Mains Result 2026: Session 2 results releasing next week at jeemain.nta.nic.in, here's how to checkJEE Mains Result 2026 for Session 2 will be released next week. The steps to check results is given here. Updated on: Apr 17, 2026 3:51 PM IST By HT Education Desk | Edited by Papri Chanda Share
NEW DELHI: The Lok Sabha on Thursday introduced the Constitution (131st Amendment) Bill to amend the women’s reservation law after a division of votes, with 251 members supporting the move and 185 opposing it. The Bill, which seeks to operationalise women’s reservation before the 2029 general
For anyone who has experienced the chaos of a British festival campsite, videos coming from Coachella could certainly raise eyebrows. Some of those attending the much talked about festival, which takes place over two weekends each year in Palm Springs, California
Knowa De Baraso hits back at George Santos over 'parenting' remark amid Eric Swalwell TikTok rowInfluencer Knowa De Baraso defended his parents against George Santos’s criticism regarding a TikTok video with Eric Swalwell. Published on: Apr 18
TCS CEO breaks silence on allegations of religious conversion, sexual harassment at Nashik unit. Read full statementAn independent investigation by TCS is being headed by teams from Deloitte and law firm Trilegal. Published on: Apr 18, 2026 7:35 AM IST By Trisha Sengupta Share via Copy link In an
A key bill for 33% women's reservation in Parliament and state assemblies failed to pass. The government's plan to expand Lok Sabha seats and link it with delimitation faced opposition. This marks a rare legislative defeat for the ruling party
Saiyaara, Haiwaan writer Rohan Shankar decodes Bollywood's revival after lull
Saiyaara, Haiwaan writer Rohan Shankar decodes Hindi film industry's revival after lull: ‘No Bollywood vs South anymore’
Saiyaara, Haiwaan writer Rohan Shankar decodes Hindi film industry's revival after lull: ‘No Bollywood vs South anymore’
In an interview with Hindustan Times, writer Rohan Shankar talks about why recent films that struck big at the box office worked the way they did.
Apr 18, 2026, 07:02:37 IST By Neeshita Nyayapati Share via Copy link Since the success of KGF, RRR, and Pushpa, there has been talk of Bollywood losing its mojo, while films from the South seem to know what audiences want. It had resulted in everything from passionate debates to proclamations about the Hindi film industry only making films for ‘Bandra and Juhu’. And then came along films like Chhaava, Saiyaara and Dhurandhar to bust these notions and remind everyone of what Bollywood was capable of. Rohan Shankar wrote the dialogues for Ahaan Panday and Aneet Padda-starrer Saiyaara. Writer Rohan Shankar, who just so happened to write the dialogues for Mohit Suri’s Saiyaara and recently worked with Priyadarshan on the screenplay and dialogues of Bhooth Bangla and Haiwaan, chimes in on the Bollywood vs South discourse with Hindustan Times. (Also Read: Is Bhooth Bangla anything like Bhool Bhulaiyaa? Did Akshay Kumar improvise on set? Writer Rohan Shankar reveals)Rohan Shankar envisions a bright future
Rohan says the conversation has shifted in 2026, and explaining the current scenario, he says, “I don’t think it’s about Bollywood vs South anymore. It’s about storytelling that connects with audiences. The films that have worked, whether from the South or Hindi cinema, have strong conviction, clear emotion, and a larger-than-life cinematic experience.” Giving the example of Saiyaara, he says they didn’t expect the film to do as well as it did. The proof of its success was in the videos of young, heartbroken lovers everywhere shedding tears and fainting in theatres. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Netflix India (@netflix_in) Rohan also says that, as writers in the film industry, their work depends on what producers and audiences want. He admits that if a film becomes a hit, it usually leads to the idea of making more such films. “As writers, we don’t really decide the ‘safe zone.’ It’s driven by what producers and audiences respond to. If a certain kind of film works big, that becomes the trend. Going forward, I think we’ll see more diversity in storytelling, because audiences today are open to everything, as long as it’s engaging and honest.”Adapting Haiwaan to the Hindi audience
One such diverse film, one hopes, will be Rohan’s next collaboration with Priyadarshan, Haiwaan. The film is an adaptation of the filmmaker’s 2016 Malayalam blockbuster, Oppam, starring Mohanlal. “Adaptations are always tricky because you’re balancing two responsibilities, staying true to the original while making it feel fresh for a new audience,” says the writer. For Haiwaan, Priyadarshan had a clear vision of how he wanted to adapt the story, he adds. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Priyadarshan (@priyadarshan.official) Rohan says that they took the emotional core and structure of Oppam and reinterpreted it with a different context for Haiwaan. “Certain changes were necessary to make the film relevant for today’s audience and also to suit the Hindi film space. The most challenging part is always the tone…making sure the story feels contemporary without losing the essence that made the original special. That balance is where most of the work goes,” he adds. Shooting for Akshay Kumar and Saif Ali Khan-starrer Haiwaan was wrapped in December 2025, and it’s expected to hit screens in August this year. Rohan has teamed up with Mohit Suri again for his next project with Saiyaara stars Aneet Padda and Ahaan Panday. ABOUT THE AUTHOR Neeshita Nyayapati Despite having a Master's degree in Journalism and over a decade of experience in print and digital media as a field reporter and sub-editor at organisations such as The Times of India and Reader's Digest, Neeshita Nyayapati remains a movie buff first and a Chief Content Producer second. She fell in love with movies in childhood and believes nothing matches the magic of watching a good film that moves you with a warm tub of popcorn in hand. Her love for writing about cinema follows that. Come Friday, you'll find her at her happy place, the movies, catching the latest rom-com or masala offering, for reviews or otherwise. As for the rest of the week, she's here reporting the juiciest news in Telugu, Tamil, Malayalam, Kannada and Hindi or bringing out the best of celebs in interviews. While her niche is Telugu cinema, Neeshita likes to dabble in a little bit of everything to stay up to date. From film announcements to scandals and hard news angles, she has explored it all. A good book, a comforting cup of hot chocolate, puppy kisses and a stunning beach view are all she needs to unwind. Her passion for biking and travelling has taken her to various places across the country. She has found peace in everything from the frozen lakes of Gangtok to the coffee plantations of Coorg and the dense forests of Bandipur, to the monasteries of Darjeeling. But no matter where she goes, Neeshita loves coming across inspiring and moving stories.Read More Mohit Suri Priyadarshan Catch every big hit, every wicket with Crickit, a one stop destination for Live Scores, Match Stats, Infographics & much more. Explore now!.Get more updates from Bollywood, Taylor Swift, Hollywood, Music and Web Series along with Latest Entertainment News at Hindustan Times. Home/Entertainment/Bollywood/Saiyaara, Haiwaan Writer Rohan Shankar Decodes Hindi Film Industry's Revival After Lull: ‘No Bollywood Vs South Anymore’ See Less
Since the success of KGF, RRR, and Pushpa, there has been talk of Bollywood losing its mojo, while films from the South seem to know what audiences want. It had resulted in everything from passionate debates to proclamations about the Hindi film industry only making films for ‘Bandra and Juhu’. And then came along films like Chhaava, Saiyaara and Dhurandhar to bust these notions and remind everyone of what Bollywood was capable of.
Writer Rohan Shankar, who just so happened to write the dialogues for Mohit Suri’s Saiyaara and recently worked with Priyadarshan on the screenplay and dialogues of Bhooth Bangla and Haiwaan, chimes in on the Bollywood vs South discourse with Hindustan Times. (Also Read: Is Bhooth Bangla anything like Bhool Bhulaiyaa? Did Akshay Kumar improvise on set? Writer Rohan Shankar reveals)
Rohan also says that, as writers in the film industry, their work depends on what producers and audiences want. He admits that if a film becomes a hit, it usually leads to the idea of making more such films. “As writers, we don’t really decide the ‘safe zone.’ It’s driven by what producers and audiences respond to. If a certain kind of film works big, that becomes the trend. Going forward, I think we’ll see more diversity in storytelling, because audiences today are open to everything, as long as it’s engaging and honest.”
Rohan says that they took the emotional core and structure of Oppam and reinterpreted it with a different context for Haiwaan. “Certain changes were necessary to make the film relevant for today’s audience and also to suit the Hindi film space. The most challenging part is always the tone…making sure the story feels contemporary without losing the essence that made the original special. That balance is where most of the work goes,” he adds.
Shooting for Akshay Kumar and Saif Ali Khan-starrer Haiwaan was wrapped in December 2025, and it’s expected to hit screens in August this year. Rohan has teamed up with Mohit Suri again for his next project with Saiyaara stars Aneet Padda and Ahaan Panday.
Source: HindustanTimes
Related Posts: Kolkata Metro’s Blue Line services disrupted for about 43 minutes after girl jumps on tracks ByteDance pledges to prevent unauthorised IP use on AI video tool after Disney threat Saiyami gives a peek into Haiwaan AIIMS-trained gastroenterologist explains why belly fat increases after 30 Akshay, Saif Ali Khan reunite after 17 years to shoot for Priyadarshan's Haiwaan Air India Express Boeing 737 Makes Hard Landing At Phuket Airport After Nose Landing Gear Damage Permission to Mata Vaishno Devi College for MBBS course withdrawn after row on Muslim students Interview | Vishnu Vishal feels pressure of naming next film Aaryan after son Thousands of Venezuelans march to demand Maduro's release a month after Trump's military operation J&K lieutenant governor orders reopening of 14 tourist spots shut after Pahalgam terror attack
BSE Mock Trading: BSE on Friday announced that the exchange has scheduled a mock trading session for Electronic Gold Receipts, Commodity Derivatives segment, Currency Derivatives, Equity Derivatives and Equity segment on Saturday, April 18, 2026 from primary site (PR) and disaster recovery site
Just now
Kalyan Jewellers sets board meeting date to announce Q4 results 2026, final dividend for FY26 The board of directors of Kalyan Jewellers India is scheduled to meet on Friday, May 8 to consider and approve Q4 results 2026, and the firm may also recommend a final dividend for FY26
Just now
Gautam Adani has become Asia’s richest individual after the billionaire industrialist’s net worth climbed to $92.6 billion, placing him at the 19th position globally. Adani outperformed Reliance Industries Chairman Mukesh Ambani to claim the title, according to the Bloomberg Billionaires Index
Just now
Akshay Kumar breaks silence on Hera Pheri 3, says the film is not happening anytime soon: ‘Jab waqt aayega tab…’Hera Pheri 3, starring the OG cast- actors Akshay Kumar, Suniel Shetty, and Paresh Rawal, has been mired in controversy since the beginning. Apr 18, 2026
Just now
In an interview with News18, Mahua Moitra spoke about the electoral mood, voter roll concerns, welfare politics, and the broader contest in West Bengal. In the middle of a high-stakes electoral battle in West Bengal, Trinamool Congress leader Mahua Moitra remains combative and unapologetic
Just now
After 25 years, Coventry are back in the Premier League. It has been 9,113 days since they were relegated - by a 3-2 defeat at Aston Villa on 5 May 2001 - with the Sky Blues then tumbling to the brink. After spending 11 years in the Championship
Just now
Oil prices have plummeted after Iran said the Strait of Hormuz would be "completely open" to commercial ships for the remainder of the ceasefire in the US-Israel war with Iran. The cost of a barrel of Brent crude fell to $88 (£65) a barrel after the announcement
Just now
South Africa is facing an alarming increase in non-communicable diseases and related mortality. According to Statistics South Africa, deaths due to non-communicable diseases such as type 2 diabetes and hypertension increased by over 58% between 1997 and 2018
Just now
The Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT) has notified a revised list of banks authorised by the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) to import gold and silver for three years, beginning April 1, 2026. In a public notice issued on Friday, April 17
Just now
The Strait of Hormuz has reopened for commercial ships following a ceasefire between Israel and Lebanon. This move initially boosted oil markets. However, Iran has cautioned that the waterway could be shut again if the United States continues its naval blockade of Iranian ports. Meanwhile
Just now
Sugar-free products with sugar. ‘Real’ juices with artificial ingredients. Misleading food ads are fuelling a public health crisis in India. Help Scroll expose the systemic failure. Support our investigation.Sugar-free products with sugar. ‘Real’ juices with artificial ingredients
Just now
A Kanye West concert in Poland has been cancelled, the venue has announced, following government pressure and condemnation over a string of antisemitic, racist and pro-Nazi comments by the US rapper. West, also known as Ye, was scheduled to appear at the Silesian Stadium in Chorzów on 19 June
Just now
Samsung bets on AI and 3D displays to change customer experience for businessesSamsung India introduces a glasses-free 3D spatial signage in Gurugram, aiming to change how stores and banks connect with customers in real time. Updated on: Apr 17
Just now
Coors Field weather update: Denver stadium covered in snow ahead of Dodgers vs Rockies game; viral videos emergeCoors Field is buried in snow on Friday afternoon, just hours before the Dodgers vs Rockies in Denver. Published on: Apr 18, 2026 5:24 AM IST By Khushi Arora Share via Copy link Coors
Just now
US President Donald Trump has issued fresh warning to Iran. Read the details here. The upcoming negotiations between the US and Iran are being closely watched globally, as their success or failure could have far-reaching implications for West Asia’s security, global energy markets
Just now
More than 1.5 million women hold elected positions in Panchayati Raj Institutions across the country. Various states provide for reservation of between one-third and half of all Panchayati Raj Institutions seats for women. In contrast, women account for 13.8% of members in the 18th Lok Sabha
Just now
Manchester United head coach Michael Carrick says no decision has been made on the future of forward Marcus Rashford for next season. The 28-year-old is on a season-long loan at Spanish club Barcelona after falling out of favour at Old Trafford
Just now
Mamata hails Supreme Court order on appellate tribunals and freeze voter lists: ‘Nobody happier than me’The court ordered that people cleared by appellate tribunals for inclusion in electoral rolls at least two days before voting will be entitled to vote. Updated on: Apr 17
Just now
BSNL has recently introduced an impressive family postpaid plan aimed at consumers looking for comprehensive telecom services for their entire family. This plan, priced at ₹999, offers four SIM cards, each equipped with 75GB of data and unlimited calling. Additionally
Just now
The Vivo Y05 hasn’t arrived with the usual hype. No event, no big announcements. Vivo simply listed it on its website and pushed it to offline stores. Walk into a retail shop and you’ll likely spot it already. The phone comes in two variants. You get 4GB RAM with 64GB storage as the base option
Just now
Mohini Ekadashi, observed during the Shukla Paksha of the Vaishakh month, will be celebrated on April 27, 2026. This sacred day is dedicated to Lord Vishnu in his Mohini avatar, when he took a divine form to distribute nectar (amrit) among the gods and demons
Just now
Kash Patel fires back at 'wild drinking' allegations with fiery lawsuit threatFollowing a report from The Atlantic alleging excessive drinking by FBI Director Kash Patel, his legal team is threatening court action. Updated on: Apr 18, 2026 7:52 AM IST By Shirin Gupta Share via Copy link A legal
Just now
Mirwaiz Umar Farooq calls for global religious unity for peace. He praises Pope Leo's stance and urges leaders to speak with one voice. The ongoing turmoil in the Middle East, including Iran, Lebanon, and Palestine, is highlighted. Mirwaiz emphasizes that resolving the Palestinian occupation is
Just now
Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis has accused the Trinamool Congress of a conspiracy. He claims infiltrators' names were added to electoral rolls. Fadnavis stated border areas in West Bengal have seen demographic shifts due to infiltration
Just now
Saiyaara, Haiwaan writer Rohan Shankar decodes Hindi film industry's revival after lull: ‘No Bollywood vs South anymore’In an interview with Hindustan Times, writer Rohan Shankar talks about why recent films that struck big at the box office worked the way they did. Apr 18, 2026
Just now
A high-stakes three-day special sitting of Parliament begins on April 16, with the Centre preparing to push key constitutional changes that could significantly reshape India’s electoral map. The Constitution (One Hundred and Thirty-First Amendment) Bill, 2026, along with the Delimitation Bill
Just now
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said on Friday that in line with the ceasefire in Lebanon, the passage for all commercial vessels through the Strait of Hormuz “is declared completely open” for the remaining period of the agreement. The vessels can travel on the coordinated route
Just now
