BY SUNIT JANGIR

Kochi, January 5 - Malayalam cinema witnessed its watershed moment last year with director Dominic Arun's superhero film Lokah: Chapter 1 - Chandra, starring Kalyani Priyadarshan, which went on to become the first 300 crores grosser from the industry, widely hailed as the content factory of Indian cinema. The first in the 5-part planned saga, Lokah Chapter 1, not only became the biggest Mollywood grosser, but also set up the stage for the upcoming films in the franchise to aim for bigger things. The buzz around the second part, which will be headlined by Tovino Thomas, is already sky high as the fans wait for what the next saga has in store. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}) As the anticipation continues to build up, a big update regarding the production timeline of Lokah Chapter 2 has revealed. During a recent interview, director Arun had confirmed that he has started work on the script, and as per the latest report, the makers are set to take it on the floors by the last quarter of 2026. The buzz is that the makers are aiming to release the film during the Onam 2027 festive season, just like the first part, which was released on August 28, 2025. Onam has always been a lucrative period for Malayalam movies, and with already sky-high expectations, Lokah will be looking nothing less than box office mayhem. The Lokah franchise is backed by Dulquer Salmaan's Wayfarer Films. Dulquer himself is a part of the universe, and he will be seen headlining the third instalment of it. The actor made a special appearance in the first part and is likely to have an impactful cameo in Chapter 2 before leading the next chapter. Stay tuned...

BY CHRISTA LINCY

In a collaboration that could bring a fresh wave of quirky action-comedy to the big screen, Megastar Salman Khan is reportedly in discussions with the acclaimed director duo Raj & DK. The news, first broken as an exclusive by Pinkvilla, suggests that the creators of hit series like The Family Man and Farzi are keen to direct Khan in their signature genre. According to the report, the discussions are currently in the preliminary stages. Salman Khan has reportedly heard the basic concept of the film and has shown significant interest. The project is being developed as a large-scale action-comedy, a genre that marries Khan's mass appeal with the unique, witty storytelling style that has made Raj & DK fan favorites. A source close to the development informed Pinkvilla, Salman Khan has heard the basic idea and has shown interest in it. It's an action-comedy, but it will also present Khan in a slightly different space. However, it was emphasized that the superstar has yet to give his final approval to the project. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({})   The primary challenge for this exciting project will be aligning schedules, given Salman Khan's packed movie slate. If the collaboration materializes and Khan officially comes on board, the makers are reportedly looking to begin filming by the end of 2026. This timeline seems plausible as Raj & DK are also reportedly planning their return to the big screen in the second half of 2026, after wrapping up their current OTT commitments. Salman Khan's upcoming schedule is filled with highly anticipated films. His next major release is the patriotic war drama Battle of Galwan, directed by Apoorva Lakhia, which is slated to hit theatres on April 17, 2026. Recent developments have indicated that the filming for Tiger vs Pathaan is now expected to begin in 2026, with a likely theatrical release in 2027. Other projects in his pipeline include potential sequels like Kick 2 and Dabangg 4, and the Vishnuvardhan-directed film The Bull. This potential team-up between one of India's biggest superstars and two of its most innovative directors has generated immense excitement among fans, who are eager to see Salman Khan in the fresh, contemporary cinematic universe that Raj & DK are known for creating.

BY SUNIT JANGIR

Mumbai, January 5 - Disney's animated buddy cop comedy film Zootopia 2 has scripted history at the Chinese box office by becoming the highest-grossing Hollywood movie of all time there, overtaking Marvel Cinematic Universe's long-standing record holder, Avengers: Endgame. The sequel to Zootopia (2016), Zootopia 2, in local currency, has grossed ¥4.250 billion, edging past Avengers: Endgame, which had finished its China run at ¥4.249 billion. However, in terms of dollars, the MCU blockbuster remains the number one Hollywood title, with $632 million, compared to $607 million for the animated blockbuster. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}) Hollywood titles had been struggling in China in the post-COVID era, before Zootopia 2 changed the fate by not only breaking the COVID curse, but also went a step ahead to become the biggest Hollywood blockbuster in the country. Earlier, the biggest Hollywood title in China since the health crisis was Avatar: Way of Water with $240+ million. Meanwhile, at the worldwide box office, Zootopia 2 has topped $1.6 billion, including $364 million domestically (North America). It is the highest-grossing Hollywood movie and the second highest worldwide of 2025, behind China's Ne Zha 2, which grossed $2.2 billion. Zootopia 2 is projected to finish its run with $1.8+ billion. Stay tuned...

BY CHRISTA LINCY

In a groundbreaking moment for Indian cinema, the teaser of the highly anticipated magnum opus, Varanasi, starring Superstar Mahesh Babu, will be screened at the iconic Le Grand Rex theatre in Paris.As reported by the entertainment portal @AlwaysBollywood, this marks the first time an Indian film's promotional content will be showcased at this prestigious European venue. The special screening is scheduled for 9 PM local time on January 5, 2026. This historic event underscores the immense global ambition of the project, directed by the visionary S.S. Rajamouli.The move to launch the teaser in such a grand international setting is a clear indicator of the makers' intent to position Varanasi as a global cinematic event. The news was confirmed by the French distribution company Anna Films, which is organizing the screening. Varanasi is a globetrotting action-adventure on a monumental scale, with a reported budget of approximately ₹1,300 crore. The film boasts a stellar pan-Indian cast, including global icon Priyanka Chopra as the female lead and acclaimed actor Prithviraj Sukumaran as the antagonist. The film's music is composed by the Oscar-winning M.M. Keeravani, with the story penned by V. Vijayendra Prasad. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({})   The film, which was tentatively known as SSMB29, has been a subject of immense speculation and excitement since its announcement.Rajamouli has envisioned the film as an epic adventure rooted in Indian culture, drawing inspiration from classic adventure cinema. The narrative is rumored to be a socio-fantasy involving time travel, where Mahesh Babu's character embarks on a journey to alter crucial historical moments. While the screening at Le Grand Rex is a historic first for an Indian teaser, the theatre has previously premiered other Indian films like Kabali, Baahubali 2: The Conclusion, Mersal, and Saaho.

BY SUNIT JANGIR

Mumbai, January 5 - Ranveer Singh's spy action thriller Dhurandhar is showing no sign of slowing down as it continues its historic box office run, smashing yet another major record in its fifth weekend and inching closer to rewriting the all-time Hindi cinema record books. The Aditya Dhar's directorial collected a phenomenal 33.25 crore net in its 5th weekend, making it not just the biggest 5th-weekend grosser in the history of Hindi cinema but also the biggest 5th week, after it crossed the entire 5th week total of Vicky Kaushal's Chhaava, which minted 30 crores net earlier last year. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}) No Hindi film before Dhurandhar has managed to pull such massive numbers so deep into its theatrical run. With this, Dhurandhar's total net collection has surged past 772 crore in just 31 days. The Ranveer Singh-led blockbuster is now only around 40 crore away from Pushpa 2, which currently holds the record for being the biggest Hindi net grosser of all time. What makes this achievement even more remarkable is the consistency of the film's run. Even in its fifth week, Dhurandhar is registering numbers that many big releases struggle to achieve during their opening weekends. Strong word of mouth, repeat audiences, and sustained footfalls across multiplexes and single screens have ensured minimal drop on weekdays and explosive growth over weekends. With no major Hindi releases posing a serious threat in the immediate days ahead, Dhurandhar is well-positioned to overtake Pushpa 2 and claim the all-time Hindi net box office crown in the coming weeks. As it stands, Dhurandhar is not just a blockbuster but a once-in-a-generation box office phenomenon, redefining longevity and setting new benchmarks. Stay tuned...

BY SUNIT JANGIR

Chennai, January 5 - Thalapathy Vijay's Jana Nayagan is off to a thunderous start at the global box office even before its theatrical release. The much-awaited political action drama is seeing excellent response in booking trends worldwide, underlining the unprecedented hype surrounding what is confirmed to be Vijay's final film before his full-time political entry. As per the latest trade update, Jana Nayagan has clocked around 35 crore in worldwide pre-sales so far. Of this, India has contributed close to 7 crore, including over 4 crores in Karnataka alone, while the overseas markets have gone past the 25 crore mark, highlighting the film's massive international pull. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}) What makes the numbers even more impressive is the fact that bookings in Tamil Nadu are yet to open fully, suggesting that the current figures are only the beginning of a much bigger pre-release surge. On limited shows so far, the film has grossed nearly 1 crore advance sales in the home state, with full-fledged booking expected to open by today or tomorrow. Meanwhile, one of the biggest highlights of Jana Nayagan's booking run has come from Malaysia, where the film's grand audio launch was held. Riding high on the buzz, the Vijay-starrer sold a staggering 50,000 tickets within just two hours, making it the fastest ticket sale ever for an Indian film in the country. Beyond Malaysia, markets such as North America and the UK have reported strong pre-sales, pushing overseas collections beyond 25 crore for opening day, well ahead of release. With some key regions yet to open full-fledged bookings and buzz continuing to grow across platforms, Jana Nayagan is poised for a record-breaking opening. Stay tuned...

BY CHRISTA LINCY

In a significant update for fans eagerly awaiting Prabhas's next big-screen outing, The Raja Saab, the film's runtime has been shortened by 15-20 minutes. The decision, as reported by the popular entertainment handle @AlwaysBollywood, was a conscious call by superstar Prabhas and director Maruthi to ensure a more engaging and appealing cinematic experience for the audience. Initially, the horror comedy was clocking in at a runtime of over three hours. However, the final duration is now expected to be around 2 hours and 55 minutes (175 minutes), aiming for a tighter narrative.This move comes amidst high anticipation for the film, which is slated for a grand worldwide release on January 9, 2026, with paid premieres scheduled in India on January 8th. The advance bookings for The Raja Saab have opened on a promising note in international markets. In North America and the United Kingdom, the film has already sold over 17,500 tickets each, indicating a solid start. As of early January, the premiere advance sales in the USA had crossed over $425,000. The film is facing stiff competition from Thalapathy Vijay's Jana Nayagan, which is also releasing on the same day. Both films are locked in a tight race in the North American market, with Jana Nayagan having a slight edge in pre-sales at certain points. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({})   On the domestic front, the buzz is palpable. On the popular ticketing platform BookMyShow, Jana Nayagan currently holds a significant lead in audience anticipation with over 695,000 interests. The Raja Saab is also commanding strong attention, having garnered more than 409,000 interests from users on the platform. The makers are confident in the film's appeal, setting premium prices for its premiere shows across the country.Adding to the positive momentum, director Hemanth Madhukar has expressed immense confidence in the film's potential. In a recent media interaction, Madhukar stated his belief that The Raja Saab has the power to challenge the phenomenal box office run of the recent blockbuster, Dhurandhar. He lauded Prabhas's star power, comparing his ability to draw audiences to that of Bollywood's biggest superstars.Madhukar highlighted that the combination of the horror-comedy genre, which is currently popular with Hindi audiences, and Prabhas's charisma could lead to massive collections. Directed by Maruthi, The Raja Saab is Prabhas's first venture into the horror-comedy genre. The film also features a stellar cast including Sanjay Dutt, Boman Irani, Malavika Mohanan, and Nidhhi Agerwal.With a U/A certificate from the Censor Board and the promise of a potential sequel, the excitement for this Sankranthi release is at an all-time high.

BY SACNILK TEAM

Here is the Telugu movie The Raja Saab box office collection, which is a romantic horror comedy film. This film is directed by Maruthi and produced by People Media Factory. ## The Raja Saab stars Prabhas, Sanjay Dutt, Malavika Mohanan, Nidhhi Agerwal, Boman Irani, and Riddhi Kumar in key roles. ## The Raja Saab Box Office Collection Day Wise | All Language [See Footfalls] DayIndia Net Collection Change(+/-) Day 0 [ Thursday] ₹ 9.15 CrTelugu: 9.15 Cr - Day 1 [1st Friday] ₹ 53.75 CrTelugu: 47 Cr Hindi: 6 Cr Tamil: 0.55 Cr Kannada: 0.1 Cr Malayalam: 0.1 Cr - Day 2 [1st Saturday] ₹ 26 CrTelugu: 20.65 Cr Hindi: 5.1 Cr Tamil: 0.15 Cr Kannada: 0.06 Cr Malayalam: 0.04 Cr -51.63% Day 3 [1st Sunday] ₹ 19.1 CrTelugu: 14.2 Cr Hindi: 4.65 Cr Tamil: 0.15 Cr Kannada: 0.07 Cr Malayalam: 0.03 Cr -26.54% Day 4 [1st Monday] ₹ 6.6 CrTelugu: 4.98 Cr Hindi: 1.5 Cr Tamil: 0.07 Cr Kannada: 0.03 Cr Malayalam: 0.02 Cr -65.45% Day 5 [1st Tuesday] ₹ 4.8 CrTelugu: 3.27 Cr Hindi: 1.4 Cr Tamil: 0.08 Cr Kannada: 0.03 Cr Malayalam: 0.02 Cr -27.27% Day 6 [1st Wednesday] ₹ 5.35 CrTelugu: 3.3 Cr Hindi: 2 Cr Tamil: 0.02 Cr Kannada: 0.02 Cr Malayalam: 0.01 Cr 11.46% Day 7 [1st Thursday] ₹ 5.5 CrTelugu: 4.25 Cr Hindi: 1.15 Cr Tamil: 0.04 Cr Kannada: 0.05 Cr Malayalam: 0.01 Cr 2.80% Week 1 Collection ₹ 130.25 CrTelugu: 106.8 Cr Hindi: 21.8 Cr Tamil: 1.06 Cr Kannada: 0.36 Cr Malayalam: 0.23 Cr - Day 8 [2nd Friday] ₹ 3.5 CrTelugu: 3.15 Cr Hindi: 0.33 Cr Tamil: 0.01 Cr Kannada: 0.01 Cr -36.36% Day 9 [2nd Saturday] ₹ 3 CrTelugu: 2.53 Cr Hindi: 0.45 Cr Tamil: 0.01 Cr Kannada: 0.01 Cr -14.29% Day 10 [2nd Sunday] ₹ 2.6 CrTelugu: 2 Cr Hindi: 0.58 Cr Tamil: 0.01 Cr Kannada: 0.01 Cr -13.33% Day 11 [2nd Monday] ₹ 1.35 CrTelugu: 1 Cr Hindi: 0.35 Cr -48.08% Day 12 [2nd Tuesday] ₹ 0.8 CrTelugu: 0.5 Cr Hindi: 0.3 Cr -40.74% Day 13 [2nd Wednesday] ₹ 0.7 CrTelugu: 0.5 Cr Hindi: 0.2 Cr -12.50% Day 14 [2nd Thursday] ₹ 0.63 CrTelugu: 0.48 Cr Hindi: 0.15 Cr -10.00% Week 2 Collection ₹ 12.58 CrTelugu: 10.16 Cr Hindi: 2.36 Cr Tamil: 0.03 Cr Kannada: 0.03 Cr Malayalam: 0 Cr -90.34% Day 15 [3rd Friday] ₹ 0.17 CrTelugu: 0.17 Cr -73.02% Total ₹ 143 CrTelugu: 117.13 Cr Hindi: 24.16 Cr Tamil: 1.09 Cr Kannada: 0.39 Cr Malayalam: 0.23 Cr (estimated) - ## Take Subscription To See Footfalls ## India Net Collection ₹ 143 Cr ## Worldwide Collection ₹ 205 Cr ## Overseas Collection ₹ 34.25 Cr ## India Gross Collection ₹ 170.75 Cr ## The Raja Saab Budget: ₹ - Cr * Approx ## The Raja Saab Verdict: Coming Soon ## The Raja Saab Screen count ## India: - ## Overseas: - ## Worldwide total: - ## Release Date: 9th January 2026 ## For more and the latest news about Tollywood Box Office Collection, Stay tuned to us.The Raja Saab State Wise Gross CollectionDayKarnatakaAPTGTamil NaduKeralaRest Of IndiaDay TotalDay 0 [ Thursday]₹ 2.5 Cr₹ 8.5 Cr₹ 0.28 Cr₹ 0.01 Cr₹ 0.01 Cr₹ 11.3 CrDay 1 [1st Friday]₹ 5.5 Cr₹ 49.5 Cr₹ 1.41 Cr₹ 0.14 Cr₹ 7.75 Cr₹ 64.3 CrDay 2 [1st Saturday]₹ 2.9 Cr₹ 21.5 Cr₹ 0.45 Cr₹ 0.1 Cr₹ 6.05 Cr₹ 31 CrDay 3 [1st Sunday]₹ 2 Cr₹ 14.5 Cr₹ 0.4 Cr₹ 0.07 Cr₹ 5.63 Cr₹ 22.6 CrDay 4 [1st Monday]₹ 0.4 Cr₹ 5 Cr₹ 0.12 Cr₹ 0.03 Cr₹ 2.25 Cr₹ 7.8 CrDay 5 [1st Tuesday]₹ 0.3 Cr₹ 3.5 Cr₹ 0.13 Cr₹ 0.02 Cr₹ 1.75 Cr₹ 5.7 CrDay 6 [1st Wednesday]₹ 0.25 Cr₹ 3.75 Cr₹ 0.03 Cr₹ 0.02 Cr₹ 2.25 Cr₹ 6.3 CrDay 7 [1st Thursday]₹ 0.4 Cr₹ 4.75 Cr₹ 0.04 Cr₹ 0.01 Cr₹ 1.35 Cr₹ 6.55 CrWeek 1 Gross₹ 14.25 Cr₹ 111 Cr₹ 2.86 Cr₹ 0.4 Cr₹ 27.04 Cr₹ 155.55 CrDay 8 [2nd Friday]₹ 0.08 Cr₹ 3.65 Cr₹ 0.02 Cr₹ 0 Cr₹ 0.45 Cr₹ 4.2 CrDay 9 [2nd Saturday]₹ 0.1 Cr₹ 3 Cr₹ 0.02 Cr₹ 0 Cr₹ 0.53 Cr₹ 3.65 CrDay 10 [2nd Sunday]₹ 0.1 Cr₹ 2.25 Cr₹ 0.01 Cr₹ 0 Cr₹ 0.69 Cr₹ 3.05 CrDay 11 [2nd Monday]₹ 0.04 Cr₹ 1.15 Cr₹ 0.01 Cr₹ 0 Cr₹ 0.4 Cr₹ 1.6 CrDay 12 [2nd Tuesday]₹ 0.03 Cr₹ 0.6 Cr₹ 0.01 Cr₹ 0 Cr₹ 0.31 Cr₹ 0.95 CrDay 13 [2nd Wednesday]₹ 0.03 Cr₹ 0.52 Cr₹ 0.01 Cr₹ 0 Cr₹ 0.24 Cr₹ 0.8 CrDay 14 [2nd Thursday]₹ 0.03 Cr₹ 0.5 Cr₹ 0.01 Cr₹ 0 Cr₹ 0.21 Cr₹ 0.75 CrWeek 2 Gross₹ 0.41 Cr₹ 11.67 Cr₹ 0.09 Cr₹ 0 Cr₹ 2.83 Cr₹ 15 CrDay 15 [3rd Friday]₹ 0.01 Cr₹ 0.17 Cr₹ 0.01 Cr₹ 0 Cr₹ 0.01 Cr₹ 0.2 CrTotal₹ 14.67 Cr₹ 122.84 Cr₹ 2.96 Cr₹ 0.4 Cr₹ 29.88 Cr₹ 170.75 Cr ##

BY CHRISTA LINCY

The Telugu supernatural thriller Shambhala, starring Aadi Saikumar, is poised for a pan-Indian reach with its upcoming Hindi dubbed release on January 9, 2026. The announcement came as Kantara star Rishab Shetty unveiled the Hindi trailer for the film, adding significant buzz to its North Indian market entry. This move follows the movie's successful theatrical run in its original Telugu version, which hit screens on December 25, 2025. After a grand successful Telugu release. #Shambala releasing in Hindi on 9th Jan’26Unveiling the Hindi trailer - https://t.co/S1IUlDRVJzAll the best to @iamaadisaikumar and the entire team😊@tweets_archana @ugandharmuni #RajasekharAnnabhimoju @ShiningPictures… pic.twitter.com/itnt68GNa2— Rishab Shetty (@shetty_rishab) January 4, 2026 Directed by Ugandhar Muni, Shambhala has been a solid performer at the box office since its Christmas release. The film, produced by Mahidhar Reddy and Rajasekhar Annabhimoju under the Shining Pictures banner, has garnered positive word-of-mouth for its unique blend of science, superstition, and horror. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({})   Shambhala got off to a decent start, collecting ₹1.50 crore net in India on its opening day.The film maintained steady collections through its first week and into the second. After 11 days in theaters, the supernatural thriller had amassed an estimated ₹13.44 crore in India net collections. The movie collected around ₹1.31 crore India net on its eleventh day. Early reports indicated that the film grossed an impressive ₹5.4 crore within its first two days, marking it as the biggest opener of Aadi Saikumar's career. Set in a remote village in the 1980s, the film's plot is triggered by a meteor crash that unleashes a series of inexplicable and terrifying events. Aadi Saikumar plays Vikram, a geoscientist and an atheist, who arrives to investigate the phenomenon. He finds himself in a conflict between scientific reasoning and the deep-rooted superstitions of the villagers, who believe the meteor is an evil omen. The film has been praised for its engaging storyline, atmospheric tension, and Aadi Saikumar's intense performance.The cast also includes Archana Iyer, Swasika Vijay, Ravi Varma, and Madhunandan in pivotal roles.Following its favorable reception in the Telugu states, the producers are optimistic about the film's prospects in the Hindi-speaking market. The Hindi version is set for a theatrical release on January 9, 2026. Initially, there were reports of a January 1st release, but the date has been officially confirmed as the 9th. The involvement of a celebrated actor-director like Rishab Shetty in launching the Hindi trailer is expected to provide a significant boost to the film's visibility and appeal to a wider audience.

BY SUNIT JANGIR

Chennai, January 5 - Thalapathy Vijay has once again rewritten the record books, for the last time. The trailer of his upcoming political action drama Jana Nayagan has emerged as the most viewed Kollywood trailer in the first 24 hours, setting a new benchmark for Tamil cinema. The Tamil version of the Jana Nayagan trailer amassed a staggering 34.4 million views within 24 hours of its release. With this, the film has comfortably surpassed the previous record held by Vijay's own Leo, whose Tamil trailer had clocked 31.90 million views in the same time frame. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}) Overall, the H Vinoth's directorial generated 83.70+ million views across languages on YouTube and Instagram in the first 24-hours. On YouTube, the combined viewership (Tamil, Telugu, and Hindi) hit 52.70 million views, while on Instagram, it scored 31 million views. The achievement underlines Vijay's unmatched fan base and the extraordinary buzz surrounding Jana Nayagan, which has been the Tamil superstar's last film before his political entry. From the moment the trailer dropped, social media platforms were flooded with reactions, celebrating Vijay's legacy in cinema. With record-breaking trailer views, strong advance buzz, and massive fan engagement, Jana Nayagan is shaping up to be a potential box office juggernaut. All eyes are now on its release, as trade circles expect the film to continue its dream run at the ticket counters as well. Stay tuned...

BY SACNILK TEAM

The Indian film industry has a new box office titan. Ranveer Singh's espionage thriller, Dhurandhar, has officially entered the elite club of the top 5 highest grossing Indian films worldwide. The movie's phenomenal run, which began with its release on December 5, 2025, has reshaped box office records, solidifying its position as a modern blockbuster. This achievement places Dhurandhar among legendary films that have made a significant impact both domestically and globally. As of early January 2026, Dhurandhar has not only become the highest-grossing film of 2025 but has also secured its place in the coveted ₹1000 crore club, a feat achieved by only a handful of Indian films. Its remarkable performance is a testament to its widespread appeal, drawing massive audiences to theaters well into its theatrical run. Here is a look at the updated list of the top 5 highest-grossing Indian films, with their worldwide collections as tracked by industry data portal Sacnilk: Top 5 Highest-Grossing Indian Films (Worldwide)RankTitleWorldwide Gross Collection1Dangal₹ 2070.3 Cr2Baahubali 2: The Conclusion₹ 1788.06 Cr3Pushpa 2: The Rule₹ 1742.1 Cr4RRR₹ 1230 Cr5Dhurandhar₹ 1182.25 Cr(As of Day 30) (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({})   Leading the pack is Aamir Khan's Dangal, which achieved unprecedented success by becoming the only Indian film to cross the monumental ₹2,000 crore mark at the worldwide box office. This historic milestone was overwhelmingly driven by its phenomenal performance in China, where it earned over ₹1,300 crore, becoming one of the highest-grossing foreign films ever in that market. At the time of its release, Dangal also ranked among the top five highest-grossing non-English films globally, cementing its place in cinematic history. Following this was S.S. Rajamouli's epic fantasy, Baahubali 2: The Conclusion, which fundamentally changed the landscape of Indian cinema. It shattered all existing records by becoming the very first Indian film to gross over ₹1,000 crore worldwide, setting a new and formidable benchmark for success. The film's grandeur and storytelling captivated the nation, popularizing the pan-India film model and remaining the highest-grossing film in India to date. Dominating 2024, Allu Arjun's Pushpa 2: The Rule was a box office behemoth, becoming one of India's highest-grossing films ever. The film achieved an unprecedented feat by crossing the ₹1,000 crore global mark in under ten days. Its Hindi-dubbed version created history by becoming the first to cross the ₹800 crore net mark, proving its immense pan-India appeal. The release of a special Reloaded Version with extra footage further boosted its collections, cementing its place among Indian cinema's all-time greats. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({})   Another masterpiece from S.S. Rajamouli, RRR, also became a global phenomenon. It set an all-time record for the highest opening day for an Indian film, grossing ₹223 crores worldwide. The film went on to cross the ₹1,000 crore mark and achieved massive success in international markets, particularly in Japan, where it became the highest-grossing Indian film ever. Its cultural impact was solidified when the song Naatu Naatu won an Academy Award, a historic first for an Indian feature film. The latest film to join this illustrious list, Dhurandhar, directed by Aditya Dhar, has been a box office juggernaut. The spy action thriller captivated audiences from day one, setting new benchmarks for success. It created history by becoming the first film in Indian cinema to score double-digit net collections (₹10 crore or more) for an unprecedented 29 consecutive days, showcasing its remarkable consistency and audience reception. The film's appeal was not limited to domestic shores; it made a significant impact internationally, breaking into the top 10 at the North American box office during its opening weekend. This rare achievement for an Indian film, combined with its sustained high theater occupancy, has cemented Dhurandhar's entry into the top 5 and highlighted the continued evolution and commercial power of the Indian film industry.

BY CHRISTA LINCY

Kalyani Priyadarshan, a prominent actress in South Indian cinema, is set to make her much-anticipated Bollywood debut. She will star as the leading lady opposite Bollywood superstar Ranveer Singh in the upcoming zombie actioner titled Pralay. The film is slated to begin shooting in April 2026. This project marks a significant milestone not only for Kalyani but also for Ranveer Singh, who will be making his debut as a producer. Singh will co-produce the film under his newly launched banner, Maa Kasam Films. The movie will be a collaborative production with Hansal Mehta's True Story Films and Sameer Nair's Applause Entertainment. Pralay will be directed by Jai Mehta, who has previously directed the series Lootere and co directed the critically acclaimed show Scam 1992: The Harshad Mehta Story. The film is described as a large-scale, high-concept zombie thriller that explores a human story of survival and sacrifice in a post-apocalyptic world. It is expected to feature extensive VFX and world-building. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({})   Kalyani Priyadarshan has already begun preparations for her role, which is said to demand a blend of emotional depth and intense action. Her entry into Bollywood with a major commercial film like Pralay is being viewed as a strategic move that will position her on a pan-India platform. Kalyani has delivered several successful films in the Malayalam and Telugu industries. Her recent fantasy thriller, Lokah: Chapter 1 – Chandra, was a blockbuster, gaining her nationwide recognition. Her filmography includes a mix of hits and super hits such as Thallumaala, Hridayam, Maanaadu, and Varane Avashyamund. Hridayam, a romantic drama, was a blockbuster, earning over ₹55 crore against a budget of ₹7 crore. The sci-fi action thriller Maanaadu was also a blockbuster, with a collection of ₹79 crore against a ₹30 crore budget. As anticipation builds, all eyes will be on this fresh pairing. Pralay is not just set to be a major Bollywood debut for Kalyani Priyadarshan, but also a bold new chapter for Ranveer Singh as he steps into the role of a producer for a large-scale action spectacle.