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Actor Rajkummar Rao’s upcoming courtroom drama Prahaar has reportedly been postponed from its scheduled theatrical release on August 7, 2026, as the makers seek a clearer box office window amid a heavily crowded theatrical calendar. Produced by Dinesh Vijan under the Maddock Films banner and directed by Avinash Arun, the film draws inspiration from the life and high-profile legal trials of renowned special public prosecutor Ujjwal Nikam. In addition to Rajkummar Rao in the lead role, the feature stars Wamiqa Gabbi, Jaideep Ahlawat, and Sikandar Kher in pivotal roles. According to industry reports, the decision to push back the film’s arrival came after detailed discussions between the producers and key distribution stakeholders. The August release corridor features several major domestic and international titles competing for screen share, including Spider-Man: Brand New Day releasing in late July, followed shortly by Batwara 1947 and Awarapan 2 in mid-August. An industry source close to the project revealed that the makers felt releasing Prahaar in such a competitive window would restrict its box office growth, especially for a narrative-driven courtroom drama that relies on strong word-of-mouth: “Prahaar was scheduled to arrive in cinemas on August 7. However, the makers have now decided to postpone its release. After discussions with the stakeholders, they felt that it would not be advisable to release the film during that period. Had it arrived on the scheduled date, it would have released a week after Spider-Man: Brand New Day and a week before Batwara 1947 and Awarapan 2. Meanwhile, Prahaar is a special film that requires a healthy window, as it has the potential to draw audiences in large numbers.” Speculation surrounding a potential delay had already been circulating within trade circles due to the complete absence of active promotional campaigns with just two weeks remaining before the planned launch date. Producer Dinesh Vijan is widely known for executing extensive promotional tours well in advance, making the lack of marketing events a clear signal to theater owners and analysts that a date change was imminent. Prahaar marks the second Maddock Films project to undergo a schedule adjustment this season, following similar date shifts for Shraddha Kapoor’s upcoming project Eetha. While Maddock Films has yet to officially announce a revised launch date, trade analysts expect the studio to secure an uninterrupted release window in the coming months to maximize the film’s theatrical potential across domestic and international markets.

Nicki Minaj has responded through her legal team after a business dispute with production company 24/7 Productions intensified in court. The rapper’s lawyers have strongly rejected claims made by the company, arguing that the lawsuit unfairly targets her personally and attempts to damage her reputation instead of focusing on the contractual issues at the centre of the case. The latest development comes after 24/7 Productions described Minaj as a “spoiled and entitled” rap star in court filings related to an ongoing payment dispute. Her lawyers argue that such language has no relevance to the legal issues and was included solely to create a negative public image of the Grammy-nominated artist. According to Minaj’s legal team, the remarks were designed to distract attention from the actual contractual disagreement. The dispute centres on production work carried out during Minaj’s Jingle Ball performances and the Pink Friday 2 launch events held in New York in 2023. 24/7 Productions claims it covered a wide range of event-related expenses, including hotel accommodation, staffing, security services and production costs. The company alleges that it has not yet received full payment for those services and has therefore taken legal action to recover the outstanding amount. Minaj’s lawyers, however, dispute those claims and insist that the hotel accommodation and related expenses were already included in the agreed budget for an artist of her stature. They argue that such costs should not be portrayed as unusual or excessive. Her legal team also contends that the production company is attempting to sensationalise the case by focusing on her celebrity lifestyle rather than the actual business agreement between the parties. Another key argument presented by Minaj’s lawyers concerns the identity of the contracting party. They maintain that the agreement was entered into with Pink Friday Productions LLC, not with Nicki Minaj in her personal capacity. As a result, they argue that the rapper herself should not be held personally responsible for any financial obligations arising from the company’s agreements. The legal team has also insisted that the disputed payments have already been made, directly challenging the production company’s allegations that it remains unpaid. The case is scheduled to return to court on August 3, when a judge will consider Minaj’s request to have her name removed from the lawsuit. The hearing is expected to focus on whether the claims should proceed against the artist personally or remain directed at Pink Friday Productions LLC instead. For now, both sides remain firmly committed to their opposing positions. While 24/7 Productions continues to pursue payment through the courts, Nicki Minaj’s legal representatives insist that the company has mischaracterised both the facts of the dispute and the rapper’s role in the contractual arrangement. The outcome of the upcoming court hearing will likely determine how the case proceeds in the months ahead.