
Govinda reflects on fan slapping case and rejecting James Cameron's Avatar
The incident dates back to 2008 when a man named Santosh was allegedly slapped by Govinda while visiting the film's set. Santosh later filed a case against the actor, demanding financial compensation for the assault. The legal dispute stretched over nine years before it was resolved in 2017.
Speaking about the case in an interview with Mukesh Khanna on his YouTube channel, Govinda shared his perspective:
"The case turned out to be lucky for me. Someone was misbehaving, and I slapped him. The matter dragged on for years until a friend suggested I conduct a sting operation. I secretly recorded the accuser asking for Rs30-40 million to withdraw the case and submitted that evidence to the court."
Govinda also claimed that his decision to intervene was based on reports that Santosh had misbehaved with female crew members. However, he expressed disappointment that those he had supported in the past did not stand by him.
The matter was eventually settled in 2017 when the Supreme Court advised Govinda to issue an apology. Santosh later withdrew his demand for compensation. Govinda's career in recent years
Once a reigning star in the 90s, Govinda saw a resurgence in the mid-2000s before his on-screen presence became sporadic. His last major roles were in FryDay (2018) and Rangeela Raja (2019).
In addition to addressing the slapping case, the actor also made headlines for claiming he had turned down an offer to star in James Cameron's Avatar for a whopping sum.
Sign up for the Daily Briefing
Get the latest news and updates straight to your inbox
Hashtags

Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles


Khaleej Times
29-07-2025
- Khaleej Times
'Avatar 3' trailer out: When will James Cameron's film release in UAE?
James Cameron's Avatar: Fire and Ash has finally dropped its much-anticipated trailer. Hours after an unauthorised leak surfaced online, the makers moved swiftly to officially release the trailer. Despite the hiccup, the trailer has already sparked a surge of excitement across social media and fan communities. The third instalment in Cameron's record-shattering Avatar franchise, Fire and Ash promises a darker, more emotionally layered chapter in the saga, one that sees the magical world of Pandora on the edge of war. Clocking in at just under two and a half minutes, the Avatar: Fire and Ash trailer is pure cinematic spectacle. It opens with sweeping shots of Pandora's lush forests, glowing landscapes, and underwater marvels. The trailer teases large-scale battles across land, sea, and sky, confirming what Cameron hinted at in past interviews: Fire and Ash is not just about war, but about what it means to survive and rebuild in the aftermath of devastation. Watch the trailer below: The film sees the return of core cast members including Sam Worthington, Zoe Saldaña, Sigourney Weaver, Stephen Lang, Cliff Curtis, Britain Dalton, Trinity Bliss, Jack Champion, Bailey Bass, and Kate Winslet. Oona Chaplin also joins the saga in a new, pivotal role. Behind the scenes, James Cameron once again leads the charge, directing a screenplay crafted by Cameron, Rick Jaffa, and Amanda Silver, with additional story contributions from Josh Friedman and Shane Salerno. Following the success of Avatar: The Way of Water and the monumental legacy of the 2009 original, expectations for Fire and Ash are sky-high. The franchise has already redefined what's possible in cinematic world-building, performance capture, and immersive storytelling, and this third chapter looks set to raise the bar even further. When will it be released in the UAE?


Khaleej Times
22-07-2025
- Khaleej Times
'Avatar: Fire and Ash' introduces its villain, leader of the Ash clan
The makers of Avatar: Fire and Ash ' unveiled the first look of Varang, the new antagonist from the 'Ash clan' in 'Avatar 3', reported Variety. The first look of the clan's leader, Varang, played by Oona Chaplin, was revealed by the team. She is expected to lock horns with Jake (Sam Worthington). In a post on the official Avatar X account, it was revealed that the first trailer for James Cameron's Avatar sequel will screen exclusively in theatres before showings of Marvel's Fantastic Four. Meet Varang in Avatar: Fire and Ash. Be among the first to watch the trailer, exclusively in theaters this weekend with The Fantastic Four: First Steps. — Avatar (@officialavatar) July 21, 2025 Avatar: Fire and Ash is set to hit theatres on December 19. Meanwhile, the fourth and fifth Avatar films are scheduled for release on December 21, 2029, and December 19, 2031, respectively, reported Variety. In April, Disney debuted the first footage from James Cameron's highly anticipated film Avatar: Fire and Ash at CinemaCon, giving a glimpse into the next instalment of the franchise. Introduced by Cameron in a video segment, the footage showcased the increased emotional depth and complexity of the film, promising a thrilling conclusion to the trilogy. Cameron teased that the film's heroes will face not only the human invaders but also new adversaries, the Ash people. Zoe Saldana, who plays Neytiri, took the stage to introduce the footage, explaining that Fire and Ash expands the beautiful world of Pandora and introduces two new clans, the Wind Traders and the Ash People," as quoted by The Hollywood Reporter. The footage, which ran for approximately three minutes, opened with Neytiri telling Jake, "The strength of the ancestors is here." The scene then shifts to a dramatic battle sequence, with Jake imploring Neytiri to let go of her hatred. The first two films of the Avatar franchise broke box office records. Avatar, released in 2009, became the highest-grossing film of all time, earning $2.9 billion (Dh10.65 billion) globally. The second instalment, The Way of Water, released in 2022, became the third highest-grossing film of all time, surpassing expectations to earn $2.3 billion globally. Cameron has teased that Fire and Ash will be slightly longer than The Way of Water, which clocked in at 3 hours and 12 minutes. The film's official description promises a gripping storyline, with Jake and Neytiri's family grappling with grief and encountering a new, aggressive Na'vi tribe, the Ash People. The film boasts an ensemble cast, including Sam Worthington, Sigourney Weaver, Britain Dalton, Jack Champion, Trinity Jo-Li Bliss, Stephen Lang, Giovanni Ribisi, Edie Falco, Brendan Cowell, Matt Gerald, Kate Winslet, Cliff Curtis, Bailey Bass, Jemaine Clement, and David Thewlis. Cameron plans to release five Avatar films in total, with Avatar 4 set for December 21, 2029, and Avatar 5 on December 19, 2031.


Web Release
03-06-2025
- Web Release
Special Ops: Lioness, Starring Zoe Saldaña and Nicole Kidman, Coming to MENA Screens
In a major content acquisition that solidifies STARZPLAY's position as the MENA's premium streaming destination, the platform has secured exclusive MENA rights to 'Special Ops: Lioness' – the critically acclaimed CIA thriller starring Avatar's Zoe Saldaña, Oscar winner Nicole Kidman, and legendary Morgan Freeman. The high-octane series, which has captivated global audiences with its unflinching portrayal of modern warfare and espionage, will launch exclusively on STARZPLAY on June 5, with all 16 episodes from both seasons available immediately. A Powerhouse Cast in an Uncompromising Story Created by Taylor Sheridan, the mastermind behind global phenomenon 'Yellowstone' and 'Sicario,' Special Ops: Lioness delivers the raw intensity that has become Sheridan's signature. The series follows CIA operative Joe (Saldaña) as she navigates the brutal realities of the agency's most classified program – recruiting female operatives to infiltrate hostile networks from the inside. 'This isn't your typical spy thriller,' explains the show's premise. 'It's about the invisible women who sacrifice everything – their identities, families, and safety – to protect national security. These are the stories that have never been told.' Nicole Kidman commands the screen as senior CIA official Kaitlyn Meade, while Morgan Freeman brings gravitas to his role as Secretary of State Edwin Mullins. The cast is rounded out by breakout star Laysla De Oliveira as Marine Raider Cruz Manuelos, the latest recruit into the deadly Lioness program, and Michael Kelly as CIA operative Byron Westfield. Streaming Details: Platform: STARZPLAY (exclusive in MENA) Launch Date: June 5, 2025 Format: Complete box-set (16 episodes across 2 seasons) Availability: All episodes streaming from day one For more information, please visit: