BY SUNIT JANGIR

Mumbai, October 25 - Rishab Shetty's Kantara Chapter 1 has achieved yet another historic milestone, becoming the first South Indian film of 2025 to enter the 200 crore net club in Hindi. The film continues to maintain a solid hold even in its fourth week, proving the lasting power of word-of-mouth. On its 24th day (4th Saturday), the period folk actioner added an estimated 4.25 crore net, pushing its Hindi total beyond 200 crore. With this, the Rishab Shetty starrer has become only the sixth South Indian film ever to achieve this feat in Hindi, joining the elite ranks of Baahubali 2, KGF Chapter 2, Pushpa: The Rise, RRR, and Kalki 2898 AD. The consistency in its collections is a testament to its wide acceptance across audiences and its strong emotional connection. Overall, it is the 45th film of all time to hit 200 crores in net collection in Hindi. The last film to hit the milestone was Saiyaara. The film's performance is even more impressive considering the limited promotional campaign and its deeply regional setting. What started as a folklore-driven story from coastal Karnataka has grown into a nationwide cinematic phenomenon, resonating with viewers for its authenticity, music, and spiritual themes. Rishab Shetty's direction and performance have both been universally praised for blending realism with divinity in a way rarely seen on the big screen. As the film continues its glorious run, it stands as a shining example of how rooted storytelling can break all language barriers and achieve pan-India success. Stay tuned...

BY CHRISTA LINCY

Kuberaa (2025), directed by Sekhar Kammula, is a crime drama exploring ambition, morality, and the pursuit of power. The film stars Dhanush in a dual role, portraying both a beggar and a billionaire, alongside Nagarjuna Akkineni, Rashmika Mandanna, and Jim Sarbh in pivotal roles. Music is composed by Devi Sri Prasad, with production handled by Sree Venkateswara Cinemas LLP and Amigos Creations. Released on June 20, 2025, in Telugu and Tamil, the film runs over three hours and had generated significant pre-release buzz for its storyline and star cast. Pinkvilla learned that the film Kuberaa was produced on a lavish budget of ₹120 crore. Dhanush reportedly earned 36% of the budget, making him the highest-paid actor in the film, while Nagarjuna Akkineni received ₹14 crore for his role. Advance bookings were strong, with the USA premiere generating $210,000 (~₹1.8 crore), highlighting strong interest among overseas audiences Opening Weekend & Opening Week Collections(India Gross) .Opening Day (June 20, 2025):₹ 17.35 Cr .Day 2: ₹ 19.35 Cr .Day 3: ₹ 20.3 Cr .Opening Weekend Total: ₹ 80.00 Cr worldwide .Day 4: ₹8 crore .Day 5: ₹6.9 crore .Day 6: ₹5.15 crore .Day 7: ₹3.95 crore .Opening Week Total: ₹ 107.50 Cr worldwide Box Office Breakdown: India and Worldwide Collections .India Net Collection ₹ 90.9 Cr .Total India Gross: ₹ 106.5 Cr .Overseas Collection:₹ 31.6 Cr .WorldWide Collection:₹ 138.1 Cr With a production budget of ₹120 crore and a worldwide gross of ₹138.1 crore, Kuberaa earned a modest net profit of ₹18.1 crore. Strong regional collections in Andhra Pradesh/Telangana and overseas interest helped the film achieve commercial success. Despite mixed critical reviews, Kuberaa performed well, particularly in Telugu-speaking regions. Its unique storyline, performances, and technical finesse contributed to its success. While it didn't achieve blockbuster status, it was a profitable venture for the producers.

BY CHRISTA LINCY

Veteran filmmaker Mani Ratnam is set to make a triumphant return to the silver screen with a new romantic drama, following the mixed reception of his recent film Thug Life. This upcoming project promises to be a refreshing departure from his previous work, focusing on a heartfelt love story that showcases his signature storytelling prowess. While Dhruv Vikram was initially considered for the lead role, recent reports indicate that the casting is still underway, and the lead actor has not been finalized yet. Rukmini Vasanth, a rising talent who has garnered attention for her roles in films like Ace and Madharaasi, is confirmed to play the female lead in this romantic drama. Set against the backdrop of Chennai, the film revolves around a police officer portrayed by Dhruv Vikram. The narrative delves into the complexities of love, duty, and personal conflict, exploring the dynamics between the officer and a city girl, played by Rukmini Vasanth. While specific plot details remain under wraps, the film is expected to blend elements of romance and action, offering a contemporary take on urban relationships. Adding to the film's allure is the musical genius of A.R. Rahman, who is composing the soundtrack. Rahman's collaboration with Mani Ratnam is highly anticipated, as their previous partnerships have resulted in memorable musical scores that have become integral to the storytelling. The film's cinematography is being handled by Ravi K. Chandran, known for his exceptional work in films like Dil Se and Ponniyin Selvan. Together, they aim to create a visually captivating experience that complements the emotional depth of the narrative. The film is currently in pre-production, with shooting scheduled to commence in November 2025. The team has been working diligently to finalize casting and other essential elements, ensuring that the project meets the high standards associated with Mani Ratnam's films. Mani Ratnam's upcoming romantic drama is poised to be a significant addition to his illustrious career. With a compelling storyline, a talented cast, and a renowned technical team, the film is set to captivate audiences and reaffirm Mani Ratnam's position as a master storyteller in Indian cinema. As the release date approaches, anticipation continues to build, and fans eagerly await the magic that this cinematic venture promises to deliver.

BY CHRISTA LINCY

Renowned Tamil filmmaker Selvaraghavan has shared exciting updates on the much-anticipated sequels to his cult classics, Aayirathil Oruvan and Pudhupettai, in a recent interview with Galatta Plus. Emphasizing that creating a sequel is a careful and collaborative process, he stated that such decisions cannot be made by him alone, and the involvement of the right people is essential. Reflecting on the original Aayirathil Oruvan, Selvaraghavan admitted that the initial negative feedback had personally affected him, marking the only time he felt truly disheartened by audience reactions. Over the years, however, the film has achieved cult status, and fans are now passionately requesting a continuation. On Pudhupettai 2, he confirmed that the script is in development and must first meet his creative standards before production can begin, underscoring his commitment to quality storytelling. While timelines for both projects remain uncertain, his careful approach suggests that these sequels will honor the legacy of the originals, expand their narratives meaningfully, and deliver the intensity and ambition that fans have long awaited. In parallel, Selvaraghavan is also exploring new ventures, including his upcoming acting role in Manithan Deivamagalam and a key part in the crime thriller Aaryan. These projects highlight his versatility but remain secondary to the sequels, which are clearly his primary focus for the coming years.

BY CHRISTA LINCY

The buzz is back for the eagerly anticipated new film starring Suriya, titled Karuppu. After initial considerations for a festival-release during Pongal, the team now seems to be locking in a late-January 2025 launch instead — the shift reportedly driven by the need to complete extensive visual-effects work. Initially the production had its eyes on the Pongal window, but with two major contenders already confirmed for that slot, the makers appear to be opting for a less crowded moment on the calendar. This strategy could give Karuppu the breathing room for a grander rollout — both in terms of marketing and screen availability. The teaser, unveiled on Suriya’s 50th birthday, took the internet by storm with its intense tone, dual-avatar reveal, and subtle nods to Ghajini, instantly raising expectations among fans. Karuppu stars Suriya alongside Trisha Krishnan, reuniting the pair after years, with Indrans, Sshivada, Swasika, Yogi Babu, and Natty Subramaniam in pivotal roles. On the musical front, the film’s first single “God Mode” has already dropped, introducing Suriya’s character, Saravanan — a seemingly plain lawyer by day who transforms into a mythic force by night. Crafted by composer Sai Abhyankar with folk-inspired rhythms, modern electronic textures and vocals by Gana Muthu, the track has aligned excitement among fans ahead of the full launch. Before Karuppu, Suriya starred in Kanguva (2024), directed by Siva and produced by Studio Green in association with UV Creations. The historical-fantasy action drama featured Suriya in dual roles and marked Disha Patani’s Tamil debut. The film was praised for its grand visuals, intense battle sequences, and Devi Sri Prasad’s music. However, despite these strengths, audience word-of-mouth was mixed, with critiques aimed at pacing, narrative coherence, and loud sound design. Kanguva had a massive production budget reportedly around ₹300–350 crore, but its worldwide gross of approximately ₹106.64 crore fell far short of covering costs and meeting the high expectations set for the film. With Karuppu, Suriya now carries the responsibility of surpassing these expectations, delivering a film that resonates with audiences both critically and commercially, and reaffirming his reputation as one of Tamil cinema’s most reliable stars. With the visuals in the final stages and the release date now tentatively set for the end of January, the expectation is for Karuppu to step in as a standout entertainer — rather than a competitor in the already-packed Pongal period. Until the official announcement, the race is on to see how the makers will position this high-voltage spectacle for a big splash.

BY SUNIT JANGIR

Hyderabad, October 25 - National crush Rashmika Mandanna has yet again proven why she is among the most favourite stars in the industry. The actress, who headlines the upcoming romantic drama The Girlfriend, has received high praise from the film's producer for her unmatched dedication and generosity during the making of the project during the film's trailer launch on Saturday. Speaking about Rashmika's work ethic, the producer of the film shared that the actress showed remarkable commitment to the film, often working tirelessly without being concerned about working-hour limits. "Rashmika never imposed any restrictions on us regarding the shooting schedule. She was always available whenever needed and worked beyond the stipulated hours without any complaints," he said. He further revealed that Rashmika's big-hearted gesture deeply moved the team — she did not even demand her remuneration before the film's release. "Her trust in the team and her selfless attitude speak volumes about her character. Rashmika truly believed in The Girlfriend and supported us wholeheartedly," the producer added. With such dedication both on and off the screen, Rashmika has once again won hearts in the industry. The Girlfriend, directed by Rahul Ravindran, stands as a testament to her commitment, passion, and generosity — qualities that continue to set her apart in Indian cinema. Produced by Geetha Arts and Dheeraj Mogilineni Entertainments, The Girlfriend is said to be the most complex romantic drama the actress has done so far. The trailer showcases Rashmika in an intense character yet. The film is scheduled to release on November 7 in five languages - Hindi, Telugu, Tamil, Malayalam, and Kannada. Stay tuned...

BY SUNIT JANGIR

Mumbai, October 25 - The YRF Spy Universe continues to evolve, and the next chapter, Alpha, starring Alia Bhatt, Sharvari Wagh, and Bobby Deol, is shaping up to be bigger than expected after the latest cameo buzz of Shah Rukh Khan took the internet by storm. According to a report by Bollywood Hungama, producer Aditya Chopra of Yash Raj Films has approached Shah Rukh Khan to reprise his iconic role of Pathaan for a special cameo appearance in Alpha. It is said that this decision comes after the studio was reportedly taken aback by the poor result of War 2, which was released recently. In an effort to amplify the buzz and strengthen the cinematic continuity of the Spy Universe, Chopra is keen to bring back SRK's Pathaan to add star power and connect the dots between the existing characters. Chopra has reportedly designed a special cameo for SRK, which will lead to Pathaan 2, the next film in the Spy Universe after Alpha. However, Shah Rukh Khan has reportedly asked for some time before making a final decision. Interestingly, Alpha, which is scheduled to release on December 25, 2025, will also feature Hrithik Roshan in a cameo as agent Kabir, marking another major crossover moment for the franchise. If SRK comes on board, Alpha could become the most interconnected YRF Spy Universe, paving the way for an eventual ensemble crossover film. With Alia Bhatt leading the charge as the first female spy of the universe, and potential appearances by both Pathaan and Kabir, Alpha is already generating immense excitement among fans. Stay tuned...

BY SUNIT JANGIR

Hyderabad, October 25 - SS Rajamouli's epic Baahubali duology returns to the big screen with a bang in a one epic cut. After seeing an excellent response in North America, this advance booking for Prabhas-fronted magnum opus, Baahubali: The Epic, has opened with an excellent response domestically, reaffirming the unmatched craze surrounding the franchise even after years of its original release. The bookings for the re-edited single-film version officially opened in Hyderabad on October 25, and within minutes, most of the shows were sold out. The film has been selling over 5,000 tickets per hour on BookMyShow, showcasing the extraordinary enthusiasm among fans eager to relive the cinematic spectacle on the big screen once again. It has grossed nearly 2 crores in India and around 4 crores worldwide for the opening day. What's even more remarkable is that this isn't a brand-new release — Baahubali: The Epic is a remastered and restructured version combining Baahubali: The Beginning and Baahubali 2: The Conclusion into one seamless narrative. Yet, the response proves that the franchise continues to enjoy cult-level fan following across generations. Internationally, the film's bookings are record-breaking for a re-release Indian title. In North America, Baahubali: The Epic has already crossed the $200,000 mark in pre-sales — a staggering figure that surpasses many first-time releases. The excitement in NA indicates a wave of nostalgia and admiration for Rajamouli's storytelling and Prabhas' iconic portrayal of Baahubali. Baahubali: The Epic is expected to create new records by a long margin for a re-release Indian film. The initial demand has been excellent, as fans seek to experience the grandeur of Mahishmati in the most immersive way possible. With the film set for a nationwide release on October 31, trade experts believe it could redefine what's possible for a re-release at the Indian box office. Stay tuned...

BY SUNIT JANGIR

Mumbai, October 25 - Ayushmann Khurrana and Rashmika Mandanna's Thamma continues its strong run at the box office with another double-digit figure on its first Friday. After a solid opening on Tuesday, the film has maintained its grip during this festive period. According to early estimates, Thamma collected over 10 crore net on Friday, taking its 4-day total to around 66 crore. The numbers are impressive considering the post-Diwali period and the genre's experimental nature. The film's performance across metros like Mumbai, Delhi, and Pune remains good, while Tier-2 cities are showing steady hold. Thamma is expected to score a good jump on Saturday and Sunday as it will look to reach 100 crores net in its 6-day extended weekend. The movie, directed by Aditya Sarpotdar and produced by Maddock Films, further solidifies the studios' dominance in the horror-comedy space after Stree, Bhediya, and Munjya. At the worldwide box office, Thamma will be crossing the 100 crores mark today. If the film continues this trajectory, it could emerge as one of the biggest hits of Ayushmann's career and another blockbuster addition to the Maddock Horror Comedy Universe. Stay tuned...

BY CHRISTA LINCY

Dude, the Tamil-language romantic action comedy directed by Keerthiswaran, has made a strong debut at the box office. Starring Pradeep Ranganathan and Mamitha Baiju in lead roles, the film has grossed ₹89.5 crore worldwide in its opening week, with ₹66.5 crore from India and ₹23 crore from overseas markets. With a solid performance across regions, the film is on track to enter the ₹100 crore club soon. Audiences have responded enthusiastically to the film’s mix of style, music, and action, with strong word-of-mouth translating into steady footfalls through the week.Out of his three films — Love Today, Dragon, and Dude — Pradeep Ranganathan has already had one film, Dragon, cross the ₹100 crore mark worldwide, and with Dude’s strong opening week of ₹89.5 crore, it is well on its way to joining the ₹100 crore club very soon. Achieving two ₹100 crore milestones within just three films is a notable accomplishment early in his career. Take a look at the day-wise breakdown of Dude Day 1- ₹ 11.5 Cr Day 2- ₹ 12.25 Cr Day 3- ₹ 12.5 Cr Day 4- ₹ 12.75 Cr Day 5- ₹ 10.25 Cr Day 6- ₹ 4.65 Cr Day 7- ₹ 2.6 Cr With its strong opening week and a worldwide total of ₹89.5 crore, Dude has established itself as a major hit early in its run. Given the momentum from both domestic and overseas markets, the film is well-positioned to cross the ₹100 crore mark in the coming days, further solidifying Pradeep Ranganathan’s growing box-office success.

BY CHRISTA LINCY

The much-anticipated sequel, Akhanda 2, is set to bring Nandamuri Balakrishna back to the big screen in his iconic role, promising intense action and drama. Following the massive success of the original Akhanda (2021), which collected ₹117 crore worldwide, including ₹103.3 crore in India, the sequel is already generating buzz among fans and industry watchers alike. Notably, the prequel recovered its estimated production budget of ₹50 crore within its opening week, with a day 1 collection of ₹21.20 crore (India net) and an opening week total of ₹67.55 crore (India net), showcasing Balakrishna’s immense box office pull. The teaser for Akhanda 2 was released an hour ago, offering fans their first look at Balakrishna in action and hinting at power-packed sequences and dramatic moments. Fan reactions on social media have been enthusiastic, with comments such as “Sure hit!” and “Another blockbuster will be added to Balayya’s account,” reflecting the high expectations surrounding the film. While details about the storyline of Akhanda 2 remain under wraps, early reports suggest that the sequel will continue the saga of its formidable protagonist, blending thrilling action with gripping drama. Supported by a talented ensemble cast and a production team committed to high technical standards, Akhanda 2 is shaping up to be one of the most anticipated Telugu releases of 2025. With the legacy of the first film and Balakrishna returning in full form, expectations are high that Akhanda 2 will replicate or even surpass its predecessor’s commercial and critical success further solidifying Balayya’s iconic status among fans.

BY SUNIT JANGIR

Mumbai, October 24 - After wrapping up Jolly LLB 3, Akshay Kumar is gearing up for an eventful year ahead with a packed 2026 lineup. The superstar is all set to dive back into the world of comedy and chaos with Welcome To The Jungle — the highly awaited third instalment in the beloved Welcome franchise. Welcome 3 started production last year, but the shooting was halted due to some reasons, and was at risk of getting shelved. According to information obtained by Pinkvilla, things are back to normal as Akshay, along with the rest of the cast, will begin a 15-day shooting schedule for the film this November, after a long delay. A source close to the project revealed to Pinkvilla, "This schedule will primarily cover key sequences featuring Akshay and the ensemble cast. The team plans to wrap up the remaining portions by early next year, as they target a mid-2026 release. Most of the major shooting has already been completed." Directed by Ahmed Khan and produced by Firoz Nadiadwala, Welcome To The Jungle promises to be one of Bollywood's biggest comedy spectacles in the making. The film features an impressive cast, including Sanjay Dutt, Arshad Warsi, Suniel Shetty, Paresh Rawal, Disha Patani, Jacqueline Fernandez, Raveena Tandon, Lara Dutta, and Paresh Rawal, among others. With Akshay Kumar returning to his comic roots, fans can expect a laughter-filled cinematic ride when the film hits theatres next year. The Welcome franchise, first launched in 2007, has faced multiple delays over the years, but excitement around its return remains sky-high. Meanwhile, Akshay's next release will be Bhooth Bangla, a horror-comedy directed by Priyadarshan, marking their reunion after 14 years. He will also star in Haiwaan, another Priyadarshan collaboration that reteams him with Saif Ali Khan after nearly two decades. He also has multiple other films in the pipeline, for which details will be revealed in due time. Stay tuned...