MUMBAI — Akshay Kumar's Bhooth Bangla — directed by Priyadarshan, his 100th film, a horror-comedy featuring Paresh Rawal, Rajpal Yadav, Tabu, and a haunted mansion called Acharya Niwas — has crossed ₹214 crore worldwide. It is his biggest hit in years. Critics gave it 1.5 to 2 stars. Audiences gave it ₹214 crore. This is the gap between critics and audiences in 2026, and it is roughly ₹210 crore wide.

However, in news that the industry did not expect on a Thursday, Akshay Kumar has announced a break from acting following what sources are calling a "secret eye surgery." Details are sparse. The surgery was successful. He is recovering. He will return. This is, by Bollywood standards, a remarkably restrained medical announcement — no hospital photo, no IV-drip selfie, no "touched by your love" Instagram post at midnight.

Meanwhile Karan Johar attended the Met Gala in a dramatic cape by Manish Malhotra. He told press that Shah Rukh Khan is "the reason he stands there." SRK was not at the Met Gala. SRK sent his influence. This is how Karan Johar experiences the world.