BY SACNILK

The collaboration between Allu Arjun and director Atlee for their upcoming film Raaka is taking the Indian film industry by storm with its massive scale. According to an exclusive report by India Today, this project is no longer just a single film but has been expanded into a two-part franchise. The sheer ambition of the project is reflected in its staggering budget, which is currently estimated to be around 1,000 crore, making it one of the most expensive cinematic ventures ever attempted in the country. What makes Raaka particularly interesting is its narrative structure, which aims to bridge the gap between ancient mythology and the modern day. The film is set to weave together two entirely different worlds across distinct timelines. One major segment of the story will transport audiences back to a tribal Puranic Vedic era, a period that promises to showcase a unique aesthetic rarely explored with such high-end production values. The second segment will contrast this by bringing the story into a modern contemporary world. This dual-timeline approach suggests a deep, interconnected mystery between the ancestral past and the present, with Allu Arjun at the center of the narrative. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}) The casting choices for the film further highlight the divide between these two distinct eras. In the contemporary setting, Mrunal Thakur is set to play a lead role. Meanwhile, the historical Puranic Vedic segment will feature an incredible trio of leading ladies, including Deepika Padukone, Janhvi Kapoor, and Rashmika Mandanna. Having four major stars like this in a single project shows the level of world-building Atlee is putting into the franchise, ensuring that both parts carry significant star power and narrative weight across the different time periods. Beyond the primary cast, the film continues to generate headlines with its high-profile special appearances. The much-anticipated cameo by Shah Rukh Khan remains a key highlight for fans. It is reported that his portions are yet to be filmed and are currently being planned for an international schedule overseas to match the global aesthetic the makers are aiming for. Despite the complexity of filming two separate timelines and managing such a massive ensemble, industry reports suggest that the team intends to complete the principal photography for both parts before the end of this year. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}) While the production house has kept specific plot points under wraps, the vision for Raaka is clearly aimed at creating a landmark cinematic experience. By moving away from a standalone format and embracing a two-part franchise model, Atlee and Allu Arjun are giving the story the room it needs to breathe.

BY SACNILK

Mumbai, July 22 - The final month of 2026 is shaping up to be an absolute blockbuster for moviegoers. Bollywood, pan-Indian cinema, and Hollywood are all bringing some of their biggest titles within a span of just three weeks, setting the stage for one of the most competitive months in box office history. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}) With multiple event films eyeing premium screens, IMAX auditoriums, and the lucrative holiday season, December could witness several high-profile clashes. The action kicks off on December 3 with Prabhas' Fauzi, directed by Hanu Raghavapudi. The pan-India spectacle is one of the most anticipated films, and will be dominating screens nationwide. Just a day later, Ajay Devgn's Ranger arrives on December 4, while Akshay Kumar's upcoming comedy with Anees Bazmee is also targeting the same day release. That means the opening week itself could see three major commercial entertainers competing for audiences across the country, if the release dates remain unchanged. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}) The biggest Hollywood showdown is reserved for December 18, when Marvel Studios' Avengers: Doomsday goes head-to-head with Denis Villeneuve's Dune Part 3 (Dune: Messiah). Both films are expected to command a massive IMAX presence worldwide, creating an intense battle for premium screens in India as well. The simultaneous release of two of the year's most anticipated Hollywood blockbusters is likely to have a significant impact on screen allocation. Come this Christmas, superstar Shah Rukh Khan's highly-awaited King is releasing on December 24, giving Bollywood another mega event release during the lucrative holiday period. Directed by Siddharth Anand, the action thriller is expected to be one of the biggest Indian films of 2026 and will arrive just days after the Hollywood heavyweights. A day later, Hollywood blockbuster Jumanji: The Open World hits the big screens, making the competition further intense. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}) Major Movies Releasing In December 2026 S. No. Movie Lead Actor(s) Director Release Date 1 Fauzi Prabhas Hanu Raghavapudi December 3, 2026 2 Untitled Akshay Kumar-Anees Bazmee Film Akshay Kumar Anees Bazmee First Week of December 2026 3 Ranger Ajay Devgn Jagan Shakti December 4, 2026 4 Avengers: Doomsday Robert Downey Jr. & Ensemble Anthony Russo & Joe Russo December 18, 2026 5 Dune: Messiah (Dune 3) Timothée Chalamet Denis Villeneuve December 18, 2026 6 King Shah Rukh Khan Siddharth Anand December 24, 2026 7 Jumanji: Open World Dwayne Johnson Jake Kasdan December 25, 2026

BY SACNILK

The anticipation surrounding Thalapathy Vijay’s final cinematic outing, Jana Nayagan, has reached a level rarely seen in the industry. Set for a massive global release on July 23, 2026, the film is being positioned as a historic milestone, marking the end of an era for one of cinema's most dominant stars. KVN Productions, headed by Venkat K. Narayana, has left no stone unturned in preparing for this farewell event, securing an expansive footprint of approximately 7,000 to 8,000 screens across the globe to ensure the film reaches every corner of his massive fan base. With a planned footprint of 7,000 to 8,000 screens, Jana Nayagan enters the elite league of the biggest Indian releases in history. While it sits just behind the massive scale set by Pushpa 2: The Rule, which holds the record with over 12,000 screens, and Shah Rukh Khan's Jawan with 10,000 screens, it stands in the same bracket as other recent blockbusters. For context, Kalki 2898 AD and K.G.F: Chapter 2 both released on approximately 9,500 screens worldwide, while the global phenomenon RRR occupied 9,000 screens. For a film primarily driven by the Tamil market to secure such a high volume of theaters globally highlights the sheer stardom Thalapathy Vijay commands on the international stage. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}) The scale of this release is truly global, spanning more than 30 countries. Early reports suggest that even with only limited locations and shows currently open, the worldwide advance booking has already crossed the 4 crore mark. This is just the tip of the iceberg, as full-fledged bookings in its primary fortress, Tamil Nadu, are expected to open only by Sunday, July 19. Industry insiders anticipate a complete shutdown of ticket portals the moment the Tamil Nadu bookings go live, given the emotional weight attached to this being the actors final film before his full-time political journey. In the overseas market, the United Kingdom is currently leading the charge. The official distributor, Ahimsa Entertainment, confirmed that the movie has already cleared 1 crore in standalone pre-sales. The demand was so intense that thousands of tickets were snapped up within the first hour of bookings opening. A major draw for the UK audience is the confirmation that the film will be screened completely uncut, preserving the original vision of the director without any modifications. This has only added to the frenzy among the diaspora. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}) Moving across the Atlantic, the situation in Canada is equally fascinating but follows a more structured approach. York Cinemas has introduced a unique phased booking system to manage the surge. For the first three days, access is strictly limited to VIP Members, specifically those fans who held tickets for the films previously delayed January release. This move aims to prioritize loyal supporters before opening general public bookings. Meanwhile, in Australia, ticket portals have gone live across all major theater chains, recording rapid sales that suggest a record-breaking opening weekend for an Indian film in the region. Back home in India, Bengaluru has taken the honor of being the first major city to open advance reservations. On July 16, tickets were quietly released for select screens, and the response was instantaneous. The highly coveted 6:00 AM First Day First Show slots were sold out in minutes, proving that the craze for Vijay transcends state borders. However, it has not been entirely smooth sailing, as Bengaluru's famous Victory Cinema has reportedly opted out of screening the film following a commercial dispute with the production house. While this is a loss for that specific venue, it has done little to dampen the overall spirit of the fans who are flocking to other available theaters.

BY SACNILK

Mumbai, July 16 - The first week of December 2026 is shaping up to be one of the biggest box office battlegrounds in recent memory. Three major Hindi and pan-India releases are set to arrive within two days of each other, setting the stage for an intense clash before Hollywood giants Avengers: Doomsday and Dune: Part Three, and Shah Rukh Khan's King dominate cinemas later in the month. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}) Prabhas' much-awaited period action drama Fauzi has officially locked December 3, 2026, as its theatrical release date. Directed by Hanu Raghavapudi, the film has generated significant buzz ever since its announcement and is expected to be one of the biggest pan-India releases of the year. With Prabhas returning in a larger-than-life role, the film is expected to command a massive release across multiple languages. Just a day later, on December 4, Ajay Devgn's much-awaited Ranger is scheduled to hit theatres. Sharing the same release date is Akshay Kumar's untitled collaboration with director Anees Bazmee, setting up a direct three-way contest among some of Indian cinema's biggest stars. While all three films cater to different audiences, they will inevitably compete for premium screens, show timings, and opening weekend collections. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}) The timing makes the clash even more significant. The three Indian releases will have barely two weeks to maximise their theatrical business before Avengers: Doomsday and Dune: Part Three, along with King, arrive later in December, films that are expected to occupy a substantial share of IMAX and premium large-format screens worldwide. As a result, the opening weekend and first fortnight will be crucial for Fauzi, Ranger, and Akshay Kumar's upcoming entertainer. With Prabhas, Ajay Devgn, and Akshay Kumar all eyeing the lucrative year-end holiday season, the first week of December 2026 is set to become one of the most closely watched box office clashes in recent years. Whether all three films stick to their announced dates or one eventually opts to avoid the crowded window remains to be seen, but as of now, audiences are in for a blockbuster showdown.

BY SACNILK

Ranveer Singh is currently riding high on the massive success of his recent hits, and it looks like his next venture is going to be even more ambitious. According to an exclusive report by Variety India, the actor is all set to begin filming for his next project, titled Pralay, starting as early as next month. This film is generating a lot of curiosity as it marks Ranveer's first foray into the zombie thriller genre. However, the production schedule has been carefully planned because the actor is also preparing for a significant milestone in his personal life. The report suggests that Ranveer will shoot for Pralay until Diwali, after which he plans to take a well-deserved paternity break. Ranveer and Deepika Padukone, who are already parents to their daughter Dua, announced their second pregnancy earlier this year. With Deepika currently in her third trimester, Ranveer is ensuring he is present for his family during this special time. Consequently, the first schedule of the film will conclude by Diwali, and the production will resume for the second schedule only in 2027. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}) Pralay is being mounted on a grand scale with an estimated budget of ₹300 Crore, making it one of the most expensive standalone films in Bollywood. The project is being directed by Jai Mehta, known for his work on the acclaimed series Scam 1992. The film is a collaboration between Hansal Mehta's True Story Films LLP and Ranveer's own production house, Ma Kasam Films. Interestingly, Hansal Mehta recently cleared the air regarding the script, clarifying that Pralay is a completely original story written by Jai Mehta and Vishal Kapoor, debunking rumors that it was an adaptation of the novel Blindness. The plot of the film is set in a decaying, post-apocalyptic, and dystopian version of Mumbai following a viral pandemic outbreak. The story revolves around a married couple fighting for survival in this harsh new world. Joining Ranveer in this survival thriller is South Indian actress Kalyani Priyadarshan, who is officially locked to make her much-anticipated Bollywood debut as the female lead. There is also a lot of buzz about a secondary female lead whose character is expected to be deeply tied to the emotional backstory of Ranveer's character. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}) While Ranveer is busy with Pralay, Deepika Padukone has an equally packed slate. She recently finished a schedule for the film King, where she reunites with her Jawan co-star Shah Rukh Khan. Additionally, she is part of the ambitious sci-fi action film Raaka, which is being directed by Atlee and stars Allu Arjun. Despite their busy professional lives, the couple has managed to keep their family journey private, sharing only a few glimpses of their life with daughter Dua. Expectations are incredibly high for Pralay, especially coming after Ranveer's box office juggernauts like Dhurandhar and its sequel. By picking a fresh genre like a zombie apocalypse thriller and backing it with such a high budget, the makers are clearly aiming for a global impact. For fans, the wait for 2027 to see the full vision of the film might be long, but the initial glimpses starting next month are sure to keep the excitement alive.

BY SACNILK

Mumbai, July 10 - Alia Bhatt and Sharvari-starrer Alpha has completed its first week at the Indian box office with a modest 47.50 crore net. The film did decently considering the immense negativity, but it failed to live up to the high expectations YRF Spy Universe has set over the years with blockbuster starts. The Yash Raj Films spy thriller witnessed a decent opening weekend. Still, it could not maintain the momentum during the weekdays, resulting in the lowest first-week total (not surprisingly) among all films in the YRF Spy Universe. Directed by Shiv Rawail, Alpha opened with 9.25 crore net on its first day and showed growth over the weekend. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}) However, collections dropped considerably from Monday onwards, with the discounted ticket offer providing only a limited boost. It is going to be tough for Alpha to score going forward due to the new releases and strong holdovers occupying maximum screens, leaving little room for actioner to cover the lost ground. As said, among all seven released films in the YRF Spy Universe, Alpha has registered the lowest first-week collection by a considerable margin. Shah Rukh Khan-led Pathaan continues to hold the record with a phenomenal 350+ crore net in its opening week, while the rest of the films also opened huge. The failure of Alpha could be the final nail in the coffin for the YRF Spy Universe, which has been losing its mojo for the last couple of films. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}) YRF Spy Universe First Week India Net Box Office (Hindi) S. No. Movie Year 1st Week India Net 1 Pathaan 2023 ₹351.00 Cr 2 War 2019 ₹228.50 Cr 3 Tiger Zinda Hai 2017 ₹206.00 Cr 4 Tiger 3 2023 ₹183.00 Cr 5 Ek Tha Tiger 2012 ₹154.20 Cr 6 War 2 2025 ₹150.40 Cr 7 Alpha 2026 ₹47.50 Cr Note: Including extended week (Tiger 3 - 5 days)

BY SACNILK

The Yash Raj Films Spy Universe has come a long way since its inception in 2012 with Ek Tha Tiger. Over the last decade, we have seen this franchise evolve from standalone actioners into a massive interconnected cinematic world featuring some of the biggest stars in Indian cinema. While the universe has largely been dominated by male leads like Salman Khan, Hrithik Roshan, and Shah Rukh Khan, Alpha marks a significant pivot as the first female-led installment. Starring Alia Bhatt and Sharvari, this film carries the weight of expanding the lore while maintaining the high-octane momentum established by predecessors like Pathaan and Tiger 3. On its sixth day, which was a Wednesday, Alpha earned a net collection of 2.85 crore across India. When we look at this in comparison to the previous day, it represents a 32.9 percent drop from Tuesday's net of 4.25 crore. However, it is important to note that Tuesday's numbers were slightly inflated due to it being a discounted ticket day, which is a common trend in the current exhibition landscape. The film maintained its presence across 7,321 shows on Wednesday, which indicates that exhibitors are still giving it a fair amount of breathing room despite the usual mid-week slump. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}) Taking a closer look at the cumulative totals, Alpha has reached a total India net collection of 44.95 crore, with the total India gross standing at 53.59 crore. While these figures represent the current standing after six days, they reflect a clear underperformance when considering the massive scale and franchise value of the Spy Universe. For a brand that usually commands much higher footfalls, these numbers indicate that the film is finding it difficult to live up to the high commercial benchmarks set by its predecessors. The audience engagement remains visible on digital platforms as well. On BookMyShow, the film saw 37,390 tickets booked on Wednesday, following a high of 82,920 tickets on Tuesday. This brings the total tickets sold on the platform to approximately 8,02,360 so far. If we break down the performance in national cinema chains like PVR, INOX, and Cinepolis, the numbers give us a clearer picture of urban audience interest. For the selected day, PVR led the way with roughly 5,000 tickets sold, amounting to a gross of 15 lakh. INOX followed closely with approximately 4,400 tickets and a gross of 10.5 lakh, while Cinepolis contributed about 1,850 tickets with a gross of 4 lakh. In total, these major chains accounted for roughly 11,250 tickets and a combined gross of over 29 lakh. The overall occupancy for the Hindi 2D version stood at 9.79 percent, starting with a lower morning opening of 6 percent and peaking during the night shows at about 12.5 percent. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}) Regionally, the National Capital Region and Mumbai continue to be the primary drivers for the film. NCR recorded an occupancy of 10.3 percent across 743 shows, while Mumbai followed with 9.5 percent across 549 shows. Other cities like Pune and Ahmedabad also hovered around the 9 percent mark, showing a fairly uniform interest across major metropolitan hubs. This consistency is vital for the film as it heads into its second weekend, where it will need to see a jump in footfalls to sustain its long-term theatrical run. On the global front, the early estimates for the overseas collection stand at 1.50 crore for Day 6, taking the total overseas gross to 21.30 crore. According to data tracked by Venky Box Office, the film earned 119,000 dollars (approx. 1 crore) in North America on Tuesday, bringing its total in that region to 750,000 dollars (approx. 6.25 crore). When we combine the domestic gross of 53.59 crore with the overseas estimates, the total worldwide gross collection for Alpha is approximately 74.89 crore so far. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}) To give you some context on these numbers, Alpha has already managed to surpass the lifetime worldwide collection of Alia Bhatt's previous solo-led film, Jigra, within its first six days. For comparison, Jigra ended its run with a worldwide gross of 56.93 crore and an India net of 31.98 crore. By crossing these milestones in less than a week, Alpha has demonstrated the added pull of the Spy Universe brand. The logical next step for the film will be to target the 100 crore worldwide mark as it enters its second week of release.

BY SACNILK

Shah Rukh Khan is known for pushing the boundaries of Indian cinema, and it looks like his upcoming project, King, is set to take that ambition to a whole new level. As the superstar prepares for a major theatrical return, the scale of this collaboration with director Siddharth Anand has become the talk of the town. According to an exclusive report by Bollywood Hungama, King has officially become the most expensive film of Shah Rukh Khan's career, with a staggering budget of approximately ₹450 crore. To put this figure into perspective, it surpasses the production costs of his previous blockbusters. Jawan was produced on a budget of around ₹400 crore, while Pathaan cost roughly ₹350 crore. This massive investment of ₹450 crore for King is solely dedicated to production, excluding print, publicity, and the acting fees for Shah Rukh Khan himself. This shows a clear intent from the makers to deliver a high-octane cinematic experience that rivals global standards. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}) Shah Rukh Khan was last seen in the social drama Dunki, which released on December 21, 2023. This film marked a historic, first-time collaboration between SRK and ace director Rajkumar Hirani, effectively closing out Khan's monumental comeback year following the record-shattering runs of Pathaan and Jawan. Despite facing an explosive theatrical showdown against Prabhas's action epic Salaar, Dunki held its ground strongly, finishing with an India net collection of ₹227 Cr and a worldwide gross of ₹454 Cr. The contrast between that lighthearted social drama and his upcoming project, King, is staggering. While Dunki featured minimal action, King—slated for a grand December 24, 2026 release—is tracking to be an ultra-violent, stylish thriller directed by Siddharth Anand. Having recently broken records as SRK's most expensive film ever with a ₹450 crore production budget, King will feature the superstar in a gritty gangster avatar alongside his daughter, Suhana Khan, and Abhishek Bachchan. The production timeline reflects the sheer magnitude of the project. The shoot began in May 2025 and is expected to wrap up by August 2026. Over the course of nearly fifteen months, the team has shot for more than 150 days across various international locations. What started as a focused action thriller has reportedly evolved into a massive tentpole spectacle. To ensure the action sequences are groundbreaking, the production has employed some of the most renowned stunt teams in the world, aiming to provide something entirely new for the Indian audience. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}) VFX is expected to play a central role in the film's visual language. Shah Rukh Khan's own company, Red Chillies Entertainment, is handling the state-of-the-art visual effects. The goal is to ensure that every penny of the budget is visible on the screen through seamless integration of practical stunts and advanced digital work. With about six months left until its scheduled release, the post-production phase is already in full swing to meet the high expectations surrounding this venture. The partnership between Shah Rukh Khan and Siddharth Anand has already proven to be a goldmine at the box office with Pathaan. However, with King, the duo seems intent on raising the bar even further. By focusing on an uncompromised product and world-class action design, the film is positioning itself as one of the most anticipated releases of the coming year. As the industry watches closely, the massive budget and extensive production schedule suggest that Shah Rukh Khan is ready to redefine the standards of the action genre once again.

BY SACNILK

Welcome To The Jungle, the third installment of the beloved comedy franchise, has successfully navigated its second weekend at the box office, hitting a significant milestone in the process. After a steady first week that brought in ₹93.15 Cr, the film has now officially crossed the ₹100 Crore net mark in India. This achievement is particularly noteworthy as it marks Akshay Kumar’s 21st film to enter the prestigious 100 Crore club, further solidifying his position as one of the most consistent stars in the industry. The second weekend began on a slightly quieter note on Friday with a net collection of ₹4.50 Cr, showing an 18.2% drop from the previous day. However, the film witnessed a strong resurgence as the weekend progressed. On Saturday, collections jumped by 66.7% to reach ₹7.50 Cr, and the growth continued into Sunday with a final net collection of ₹9.75 Cr, representing a 30.0% rise. By the end of its 10th day, the domestic net total stands at ₹114.90 Cr, while the India gross has reached ₹136.80 Cr across a massive 95,403 shows since its release. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}) Welcome To The Jungle - 2nd Weekend India Net CollectionDAYINDIA NET COLLECTIONSHOWSDay 8 (2nd Friday)₹ 4.50 Cr7,557Day 9 (2nd Saturday)₹ 7.50 Cr5,792Day 10 (2nd Sunday)₹ 9.75 Cr6,099Total 2nd Weekend₹ 21.75 Cr19,448 The audience engagement is also reflected in the ticket sales data from BookMyShow. Over the second weekend, the platform recorded 77.19K tickets on Friday, 133.67K on Saturday, and 139.57K on Sunday. Cumulative sales on BMS have now reached 2.06 million, ranking the film at the 9th spot among the top ticket-sellers for the 2025-26 season. This puts it in a competitive position alongside other major hits like Dhurandhar2‌ and Chhaava. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}) In the national chains including PVR, INOX, and Cinepolis, Sunday emerged as the strongest day of the second weekend. On Day 10, these major multiplexes sold approximately 39,000 tickets, resulting in a gross collection of ₹1.30 Cr. Breaking it down by chain, PVR contributed the most during this weekend period with 18,500 tickets and a gross of ₹0.68 Cr at 12% occupancy. INOX followed with 13,500 tickets and a gross of ₹0.41 Cr at 9% occupancy, while Cinepolis added another 7,000 tickets with a gross of ₹0.21 Cr and 7% occupancy. The overall occupancy across these chains reached nearly 10% on Sunday, showing that the movie continues to draw in family audiences during its second week. Regional occupancy data for Day 10 highlights a strong performance in major circuits. Ahmedabad was a standout performer with 38.8% occupancy across 380 shows, even reaching as high as 62% for evening screenings. The National Capital Region (NCR) saw 32.0% occupancy from 639 shows, while Mumbai and Pune maintained steady levels at 31.0% and 33.3%, respectively. This consistent interest across urban centers helped the film push past the 100 Crore barrier during the weekend. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}) On the global front, Welcome To The Jungle has now successfully crossed the ₹150 Crore mark in worldwide gross collections. While the domestic gross has reached a final figure of ₹136.80 Cr, the international numbers for the second Sunday are currently based on early estimates. The film is estimated to have added ₹1.00 Cr from overseas markets on Day 10, bringing the total international gross to ₹29.95 Cr. This pushes the overall worldwide gross to approximately ₹166.75 Cr. In the North American circuit, data shared by Venky Box Office indicates that the film collected $73K on Saturday, taking its total in that region to a cumulative $1.04M. In addition to his domestic success, Akshay Kumar has reached a significant international milestone with this release. Following the performance of Bhooth Bangla earlier this year, Welcome To The Jungle has become his 31st film to gross over $1 million in the North American market. This achievement further narrows the gap in the list of highest $1M+ grossers by Bollywood actors in North America, where he now trails only Shah Rukh Khan, who currently holds the top spot with 32 films. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}) This performance has allowed Welcome To The Jungle to secure a spot among Akshay Kumar's most successful films in the post-pandemic era. It now ranks as his 5th highest-grossing movie in this period. Here is how his top 5 post-COVID releases currently stand based on Worldwide collections: Sooryavanshi (2021): ₹ 293.00 Cr Housefull 5: ₹ 288.00 Cr OMG 2: ₹ 221.00 Cr Jolly LLB 3: ₹ 171.00 Cr Welcome To The Jungle: ₹ 166.75 Cr (Ongoing) With no major competition in the immediate future, the film will look to maintain its momentum during the second week. While the second weekend numbers are decent, the trade will be looking at how well it holds on the weekdays to see if it can challenge the lifetime collections of Jolly LLB 3 or even OMG 2 in the coming weeks.

BY SACNILK

Mumbai, July 2 - The buzz surrounding Alpha has been steadily growing as Alia Bhatt and Sharvari gear up for the release of their upcoming spy action thriller. Backed by YRF and set within the popular Spy Universe, the film has attracted attention primarily because of its female-led espionage storyline and stylish action-packed presentation. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}) The trailer and promotional material have received mostly positive reactions online, with audiences praising the visuals and action sequences, though some remain cautious about the film's mass appeal compared to previous entries in the Spy Universe. It was important for the movie to show some movement in advance sales, which opened just two days before release. Advance bookings in multiplex chains have shown fair momentum so far, particularly in urban centres, with over opening day sales reaching 2+ crore gross (with block seats) as of 3 PM, with a few hours still left before the film hits the big screen on July 3rd. While the advances are not that strong, they are not too poor either. The trade has been projecting 7-8 crore net opening, and the pre-sales trend does suggest the same. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}) Opening Day Net Collection in the YRF Spy Universe (Hindi Only) S. No. Movie Lead Actor(s) Opening Day Collection 1 Ek Tha Tiger (2012) Salman Khan ₹ 32.93 Cr 2 Tiger Zinda Hai (2017) Salman Khan ₹ 34.10 Cr 3 War (2019) Hrithik Roshan / Tiger Shroff ₹ 51.60 Cr 4 Pathaan (2023) Shah Rukh Khan ₹ 55.00 Cr 5 Tiger 3 (2024) Salman Khan ₹ 43.00 Cr 6 War 2 (2025) Hrithik Roshan / Jr. NTR ₹ 29.00 Cr Though the makers would have liked a double-digit start, the movement in advance sales doesn't seem to be that strong. Positive word-of-mouth could still push the film closer to a double-digit opening, but that's the thing for the future. If the film manages to score on the projected lines, it can be considered modest to decent, given that it is a female-led film in the Spy Universe. Alpha carries considerable expectations because of its association with the YRF Spy Universe, which has previously delivered multiple blockbuster titles led by Shah Rukh Khan, Salman Khan, and Hrithik Roshan. However, Alpha is attempting to carve its own identity by focusing on a fresh narrative and female protagonists rather than relying solely on established franchise formulas. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({})

BY SACNILK

Mumbai, July 2 - The Indian box office in the second half of 2026 is shaping up to be one of the most competitive theatrical periods in recent memory. With pan-India spectacles, franchise sequels, Hollywood tentpoles, and superstar-driven entertainers arriving within the same release windows, audiences are set to witness several massive clashes across languages and genres. From Shah Rukh Khan to Yash, from Marvel to Tamil horror franchise, the upcoming release calendar is packed with high-stakes battles that could redefine box-office records in India. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}) Here are five of the biggest upcoming clashes to watch out for (with confirmed current release dates). 1. Awarapan 2 vs Batwara 1947 — August 14 The Independence Day weekend will bring an interesting face-off between nostalgia and patriotism at the Hindi box office. Awarapan 2 marks the return of Emraan Hashmi to one of his most loved cult characters. The original Awarapan earned a loyal fan following over the years because of its music, emotional storytelling, and dark action-drama tone. The sequel already carries strong nostalgia value among millennials and longtime Bollywood fans. On the other side is Batwara 1947, a patriotic period drama featuring Sunny Deol, reuniting with the legendary director Rajkumar Santoshi. With historical themes and mass-market appeal in North India, the film is expected to target family audiences during the holiday corridor. While both films cater to different audience segments, the clash could significantly impact screen allocation and opening-day collections. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}) 2. Toxic vs Eetha vs Vvan — August 26/28 This is shaping up to be one of the biggest extended clashes of the year. Yash's Toxic: A Fairytale for Grown-Ups will officially release on August 26, 2026. Directed by Geetu Mohandas, the gangster-action thriller is among the most anticipated pan-India films. The film is expected to dominate premium formats, especially large multiplex chains. Just two days later, Eetha and Vvan arrive on August 28. Eetha, starring Shraddha Kapoor, is a culturally rooted dramatic film, while Vvan is a supernatural thriller featuring Sidharth Malhotra and Tamannaah Bhatia. Despite releasing later, both films are expected to benefit from the festive holiday corridor and strong youth appeal. Because Toxic gets a two-day head start along with the Onam holiday advantage, the weekend could turn into a massive multi-film battle across India. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}) 3. Sardar 2 vs Demonte Colony 3 — September 10/11 Tamil cinema is preparing for a major holiday box-office showdown. Karthi's Sardar 2 arrives as the sequel to the successful spy-action thriller Sardar. Directed by P.S. Mithran, the sequel is expected to scale up the espionage action and franchise storytelling significantly. At the same time, Demonte Colony 3 continues one of Tamil cinema's strongest horror franchises. Horror films have consistently performed well in Tamil Nadu, especially among younger audiences and urban centres. With both films targeting the Vinayagar Chaturthi holiday frame, competition for screens and audience attention is expected to be intense. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}) 4. Avengers: Doomsday vs Dune: Part Three — December 18 The Christmas corridor begins with a giant Hollywood-versus-Hollywood battle. Marvel Studios' Avengers: Doomsday is expected to become one of the biggest global releases of the decade. Despite fluctuations in MCU box-office performance in recent years, the Avengers brand remains extremely powerful in India, not just in multiplex chains and IMAX screens, but also in smaller centres. Sharing the same release window is Dune: Part Three, the continuation of Denis Villeneuve's acclaimed sci-fi saga. While Dune primarily targets premium urban audiences, the franchise has built a strong fanbase among Indian cinephiles. The biggest battle here will likely revolve around IMAX and premium large-format screens, where both films are expected to compete aggressively. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}) 5. King vs Shakti Shalini — December 24 If the release dates remain unchanged, this could become the interesting clash of the year. King marks Shah Rukh Khan's return to the big screen in a large-scale action entertainer directed by Siddharth Anand after Rajkumar Hirani's Dunki in December 2023. Following the blockbuster success of his previous films earlier in the decade, expectations surrounding King are already enormous. Facing it is Shakti Shalini, a major film connected to the expanding Maddock horror-comedy universe. While King is expected to dominate single screens and mass-market territories, Shakti Shalini could attract younger multiplex audiences if the horror-comedy genre continues its successful run. There is, however, a strong possibility that the Aneet Padda-led film will be postponed to next year to avoid a clash with a giant like King. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}) The 2026 release calendar highlights how competitive Indian cinema has become in the era of pan-India filmmaking and cinematic universes. Major stars, franchises, and studios are now fighting not only for audiences but also for screens, show timings, and premium theatrical formats. Whether it is Yash taking over the festive corridor with Toxic, Shah Rukh Khan leading the Christmas race with King, or Marvel battling Dune for IMAX dominance, moviegoers are set for a thrilling year at the cinemas.

BY SACNILK

Mumbai, June 30 - The anticipation surrounding Ramayana: Part 1 has reached a new high as the Ranbir Kapoor-led magnum opus has become IMDb's most anticipated Indian movie of the remainder of 2026. The ambitious epic has topped IMDb's popularity charts, underlining the massive excitement among audiences worldwide ahead of its release. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}) Directed by Nitesh Tiwari, Ramayana features an ensemble cast including Ranbir Kapoor as Lord Rama, Sai Pallavi as Goddess Sita, Yash as Lankesh, Sunny Deol as Hanuman, and Ravi Dubey and Laxman. The film is envisioned as a large-scale cinematic adaptation of the ancient Indian epic and is being mounted as a two-part saga with world-class visual effects and production scale. According to Variety India, the 20 most anticipated Indian films ranking was compiled from page views logged by IMDb's more than 250 million monthly visitors between January 1 and June 28, covering Indian films with confirmed theatrical or streaming releases in the second half of the year. The list also includes YRF's Alpha (number 2), Yash's Toxic (number 3), Shah Rukh Khan's King (at 4), and Dhamaal 4 (at 5). (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}) The buzz around Ramayana Part 1 intensified after the makers unveiled the first glimpse earlier this year, with audiences praising the grandeur, visuals, and Ranbir Kapoor's striking transformation as Lord Rama. Since then, fans have been eagerly waiting for a full-fledged trailer announcement. Adding to the excitement, reports revealed that the makers are planning to unveil the official first trailer of the epic at a massive event in Los Angeles on July 14. The film has already garnered significant international attention, especially due to the collaboration between Oscar-winning composers Hans Zimmer and A. R. Rahman, who are jointly working on the film's music and background score. The combination of Indian epic with global cinematic storytelling has made the project one of the most talked-about Indian films in recent years. The film is scheduled to release this Diwali, with the second part coming on Diwali 2027. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}) IMDb’s Most Anticipated Indian Movies of 2026 Rank Movie Language Release Date 1 Ramayana: Part 1 Hindi Diwali 2026 2 Alpha Hindi July 3 3 Toxic Kannada/English August 26 4 King Hindi Dec. 24, 2026 5 Dhamaal 4 Hindi July 10 6 Drishyam 3 Hindi October 2 7 Vishwanath & Sons Tamil August 14 8 Mirzapur: The Movie Hindi September 4 9 Haiwaan Hindi September 11 10 Eetha Hindi August 28