BY CHRISTA LINCY

Dhanush’s 2025 release, Idli Kadai, hits theaters with a mix of curiosity and anticipation, as audiences eagerly awaited the actor-director’s take on a heartfelt, rural family drama. While the film’s box office performance may not have matched the scale of his action-packed ventures, it carved its own niche with strong regional appeal, solid advance bookings, and an engaging storyline. Let’s take a closer look at Idli Kadai alongside Dhanush’s recent films Raayan and Kuberaa, focusing on their opening weekend collections and exploring how each film made its mark at the box office and resonated with audiences. From its first day, Idli Kadai generated solid curiosity. The film’s India net collection on Day 1 stood at about ₹11 crore. Over its first ten days, the film’s India net tally crossed ₹44.01 crore, and its worldwide total reached  ₹ 60.25 Cr, In contrast, Raayan had a more aggressive early trajectory. Raayan’s total India Gross collection was ₹ 110.5 Cr, with an overseas share of ₹43.50 crore, and a worldwide gross of ₹154.00 crore. Its Day 1 India net itself was reported as ₹13.65 crore.Moreover, in overseas markets, Raayan opened strong with ₹7.30 crore gross on Day 1 and ₹23 crore worldwide on that day alone, marking one of the biggest openings for Dhanush. Kuberaa also made waves with its opening. The film opened with ₹17.35 crore[India Gross] on Day 1 (across its pan-India release) , Kuberaa was reported to hit the ₹100 crore (worldwide) milestone in about 6 days Early buzz for the US premiere showed advance booking of ~₹30 lakh in the US market alone, indicating solid international interest before the theatrical rollout. When it comes to promotions, advance booking, and premieres: Idli Kadai had decent advance traction especially in Tamil Nadu .The film’s first day booking (with blocked seats) stood at ₹5.77 crore, heavily concentrated in Tamil Nadu reflecting Dhanush’s regional pull. Kuberaa got international buzz via its US advance booking, signaling that the film was counting on overseas markets. Raayan’s overseas opening of ₹7.25 cr itself is part of its premiere and market buzz story. The opening weekend clearly highlights the varying scales of Dhanush’s 2025 releases. Kuberaa emerged as the strongest debut, followed closely by Raayan, while Idli Kadai made a more modest start yet resonated well in its core regional markets. Overall, the performances underscore Dhanush’s ability to attract audiences across different genres and regions, proving that his films continue to generate excitement from the very first weekend.

BY SUNIT JANGIR

Mumbai, October 10 - The wait for Netflix's science fiction horror drama Stranger Things 5 just got even more intense. The blockbuster series is gearing up for its grand finale, and the newly revealed episode runtimes have sent fans into a frenzy. Ross Duffer, who co-created the Netflix juggernaut with his brother Matt Duffer, revealed the length of the first four episodes for the final season of the show on his Instagram account on Monday. The Season 5 premiere, The Crawl, will run for one hour and 8 minutes; Episode 2 will run 54 minutes; Episode 3 will run one hour and 6 minutes; and Episode 4 will run one hour and 23 minutes. The official runtime, however, refutes viral social media posts that have claimed that every episode of Season 5 would run at least 90 minutes long. Some reports also claimed that the last couple of episodes will clock nearly 3 hours of runtime. The Duffer Brothers reportedly captured over 650 hours of footage this time. "This is our biggest and most ambitious season yet. It’s like eight blockbuster movies," said creator Matt Duffer in an earlier interview. The budget of the show is another jaw-dropping aspect of it. Per reports, each episode of Stranger Things Season 5 costs $50 to $60 million ( Rs 450 crore - Rs 550 crore) to make. Though it is not the costliest show, the kind of money involved in it is something you'd expect from big-screen productions, not TV. The season will release in three volumes, with Volume 1, consisting of four episodes, streaming from November 26, followed by Volume 2 (three episodes), releasing on December 25 (Merry Christmas, Hawkins style), while Volume 3 – The grand finale, just one epic episode, dropping on December 31. Stay tuned...

BY SUNIT JANGIR

Bengaluru, October 10 - Rishab Shetty's Kantara Chapter 1 continues its excellent run at the global box office, wrapping up its extended first week with a superb 475 crore worldwide gross. The film, which has been running excellently in the home state, is now on the brink of entering the prestigious 500 crore club. Produced by Hombale Films, Kantara Chapter 1 has grossed approximately 403 crore in India, showcasing brilliant hold across all major markets, including Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, and the Hindi-speaking belt. The overseas collection stands at an estimated 72 crore. With this current trend, Kantara Chapter 1 is poised to become the fourth Indian film of 2025 to cross the 500 crore global milestone, joining the elite league of Coolie, Saiyaara, and Chhaava. It is likely to enter this prestigious club by the second Friday (9 days). The film's powerful storytelling, Rishab Shetty's commanding performance, and rooted mystical world have resonated deeply with audiences, turning it into a cultural and box office phenomenon. Given its trajectory and the continued audience turnout, Kantara Chapter 1 is expected to maintain strong momentum through its second weekend. Stay tuned...

BY CHRISTA LINCY

The year 2025 has already proven to be a landmark period for Indian cinema, with several films breaking box office records and capturing audiences’ imaginations. Yet, the year is far from over, with more high-profile releases lined up in the coming months. Among the standout performers so far, Chhaava, a historical epic starring Vicky Kaushal and Rashmika Mandanna, has emerged as the highest-grossing Hindi film of the year, captivating viewers with its grand visuals, meticulous production design, and the compelling portrayal of a warrior king’s valor and sacrifice achieving ₹17.89crore[With block Seats] in advance bookings, ₹37.25 crore[India gross] on its opening day.Meanwhile, Kantara: Chapter 1, helmed by Rishab Shetty, has reaffirmed the growing power of Kannada cinema, resonating deeply with audiences through its culturally rooted storytelling, captivating performances, and clever mix of suspense and drama, achieving ₹30.56 crore[With block Seats] in advance bookings, ₹74.25 crore[gross] on opening day while maintaining strong momentum weeks after release.Following closely is Saiyaara, a romantic drama featuring newcomers Ahaan Panday and Aneet Padda, whose fresh storytelling, strong on-screen chemistry, and youthful charm made it an unexpected hit, especially in urban centers, generating ₹12.49 crore[With block Seats] in advance bookings, an opening day of ₹25.75 crore[gross] .In the regional sphere, Coolie, directed by Lokesh Kanagaraj and headlined by superstar Rajinikanth, has taken the Tamil box office by storm, blending high-octane action sequences with the enduring charisma of its lead, and setting new benchmarks with over ₹75 crore[With block Seats] in global advance bookings, an opening day collection of ₹77 crore[Gross]. Even films with massive expectations, such as War 2, starring Hrithik Roshan and Jr. NTR, have shown that scale and star power do not automatically guarantee box office dominance,registering ₹32.21 crore [With block Seats] in advance bookings,₹ 62.60 Cr crore [gross] on opening day highlighting how audience engagement, word-of-mouth, and narrative appeal are critical factors in determining a film’s success. Across these releases, the combination of strong content, regional appeal, dynamic marketing campaigns, and pre-release buzz through trailers, songs, and social media chatter has defined 2025’s cinematic landscape so far, creating significant commercial milestones, record-setting premieres, and lively fan conversations, while leaving ample anticipation for the remaining releases of the year that are poised to further redefine the benchmarks for Indian box office performance. Take a glance at the top grossers of 2025 2025’s Biggest Box Office Hits So Far (Worldwide)MovieIndia NetIndia GrossWorldwide CollectionChhaava₹ 601.54 Cr₹ 716.91 Cr₹ ₹807.91 CrSaiyaara₹329.2 Cr₹398.25 Cr₹569.75 CrCoolie₹ 285.01 Cr₹ 337.5 Cr ₹518 CrKantara: Chapter 1₹ 319.76 Cr(est)[As of Now]₹378.25 Cr(est)[As of Now] ₹444.75 Cr(est)[As of Now]War 2₹ 236.55 Cr₹ 282.6 Cr ₹ 364.35 Cr

BY CHRISTA LINCY

Pradeep Ranganathan is set to light up the silver screen once again this Diwali with his much-awaited film Dude (2025), directed by Keerthiswaran and produced by Mythri Movie Makers. Scheduled to release on October 17, the film has already cleared censor formalities with a U/A certificate and a runtime of 139 minutes. The movie stars Pradeep alongside Mamitha Baiju, with R. Sarathkumar and Rohini in key supporting roles, while the music is composed by Sai Abhyankkar. Dude arrives at a crucial moment in Pradeep’s career — after the phenomenal success of Love Today and Dragon, two films that turned him from a young creative voice into a reliable box-office draw. Pradeep’s rise has been remarkable. His directorial-acting debut Love Today (2022) was a modestly budgeted romantic comedy that became one of the most profitable Tamil films of the year, grossing well beyond expectations through strong word-of-mouth and youth appeal. His follow-up, Dragon (2025), expanded his market reach with a larger budget and a pan-regional release, crossing the ₹100-crore mark worldwide and cementing his position as a star with consistent audience pull. Given this track record, expectations for Dude are naturally sky-high, with fans keen to see if he can complete a hat-trick of hits this Diwali. Dude is said to blend youthful romance with emotional family drama, carrying a multigenerational theme that revolves around the sacred thaali and the relationships it symbolizes. Early reports hint at a storyline that reimagines a young Rajinikanth-like personality through Pradeep’s character, a creative hook that has already generated interest among Tamil audiences. The film’s pre-release business has also been impressive — Netflix has reportedly acquired the digital streaming rights for around ₹25 crore, a deal substantial enough to recover most of the production cost even before its theatrical debut. This ensures the producers are already on safe ground, and the theatrical earnings will primarily benefit distributors and exhibitors. Comparing Dude with Pradeep’s earlier ventures gives some context. Love Today relied heavily on emotional relatability and word-of-mouth, whereas Dragon thrived on scale, music, and spectacle. Dude seems positioned between the two — big enough to feel festive but still grounded in sentiment and humor. The songs released so far, including “Oorum Blood” and “Singari,” have already gained traction online, and Sai Abhyankkar’s energetic score adds freshness to Pradeep’s onscreen persona. The film’s Diwali timing will also test its endurance against competing releases like Bison and other regional titles. With Mythri Movie Makers’ strong distribution network and Pradeep’s growing pan-Indian recognition, Dude could easily dominate multiplex chains in its opening weekend if early reviews are positive. The holiday period offers an added advantage — sustained footfalls through Monday and Tuesday could push its first-week totals far ahead of regular-season openers. Overall, Dude represents a fascinating moment for Tamil cinema — a film that merges the commercial instincts of a star on the rise with the storytelling curiosity of a debutant director. With its pre-sale success, carefully timed release, and built-in goodwill from Pradeep’s previous hits, the movie enters Diwali week as a strong contender for the festival’s biggest box-office performer. Whether it can turn that promise into another record-breaking run will depend on audience response in the first few days. For now, Dude looks well-positioned to extend Pradeep Ranganathan’s box-office streak and possibly crown him as the new Diwali favorite of Tamil cinema. Take a look at the India Gross collection of his previous movies Love Today(2022):₹ 78.55 Cr Dragon(2025): ₹ 117.52 Cr

BY SUNIT JANGIR

Mumbai, October 9 - After Yash-fronted KGF: Chapter 2, Hombale Films has delivered the second Kannada film to top 100 crores net collection at the Hindi box office. The period folk action thriller continues to stay strong during the weekdays and has passed the 100 crores mark in 7 days. Written, directed, and headlined by Rishab Shetty, Kantara Chapter 1 started very well, scoring 18.50 crores net on its Thursday opening day. The film held strong on Friday before showing a solid jump on Saturday and Sunday to finish the opening weekend with 73.50 crores net. The positive word of mouth for the film helped it put up a good hold on Monday, before the discounted Tuesday saw it jumping by around 30% to collect over 10 crores net. On Wednesday, it maintained a strong hold, scoring approximately 8.25 crores, which pushed the total Hindi collection to around 102 crores in seven days. Kantara Chapter 1 is only the second Kannada film, after Yash-fronted KGF Chapter 2 (435 crores net) and 11th outright South Indian film ever to cross the 100 crores mark in Hindi. In 2025, the prequel to 2022's Kantara is the first Hindi-dubbed film to breach the milestone. Overall, Kantara 2, also starring Rukmini Vasanth, Gulshan Devaiah, and Jayram, is the 136th film of all-time to cross the 100 crores net milestone in the Hindi language. The last film to enter this club was Akshay Kumar and Arshad Warsi's courtroom comedy drama Jolly LLB 3. Meanwhile, the Rishab Shetty-starrer is nearing 450 crores gross collection at the worldwide box office after 7 days. It will cross the 500 crores mark by the second Friday or Saturday to become only the second Kannada movie ever to do so, after KGF 2 (1215 crores). Stay tuned...

BY SUNIT JANGIR

Hyderabad, October 9 - The wait is finally coming to an end for fans of Mahesh Babu, as his ambitious Pan world film with maverick director SS Rajamouli is gearing up to launch the first look title teaser this November amid huge anticipation. The makers of the highly anticipated jungle adventure film have reportedly locked in November 16 for the release of its first look teaser. The film has also reportedly been titled Varansi, which is said to draw inspiration from the revered ancient Indian city known for its deep spiritual and cultural roots. Earlier, there were reports that the movie was titled Gen63, which is now said to be the working title of the film. The film marks a major collaboration between Mahesh Babu, Priyanka Chopra (female lead), Prithviraj Sukumaran (antagonist), and SS Rajamouli, who last directed the global blockbuster RRR. The project is being touted as a large-scale action–adventure that blends mythology, nature, and exploration with Rajamouli's signature storytelling spectacle. Reports suggest that Varansi will see Mahesh Babu in a never-seen-before avatar — as an adventurer navigating exotic terrains and mystical challenges. Priyanka Chopra, returning to mainstream Indian cinema after several years, is said to play a crucial role alongside him. Stay tuned...

BY CHRISTA LINCY

The Kannada film industry,has grown tremendously over the past decade, producing films that are increasingly reaching audiences beyond Karnataka and gaining recognition across India and overseas. With the success of franchises like KGF, Vikrant Rona, and 777 Charlie, Kannada cinema has proven that regional films with compelling storytelling, strong performances, and high production values can compete with mainstream Indian cinema. Among these, Rishab Shetty’s Kantara: Chapter 1 has emerged as a groundbreaking success, capturing the imagination of audiences nationwide and setting new box office milestones. Take a look at the Box Office Collections and Milestones .Kantara: Chapter 1 has achieved phenomenal box office numbers, becoming one of the highest-grossing Kannada films of all time. Within the first week of its release, the film crossed ₹400 crore worldwide, surpassing the lifetime collections of previous hits, including the original Kantara and Vikram. .The opening day in India saw collections of approximately ₹74.25 crore(India Gross), with the Hindi version alone contributing around ₹20 crore .The first weekend totaled over ₹141.5 crore, with a strong Sunday showing of ₹75.75 crore (India Gross) By the sixth day, the film had firmly established itself as a pan-India phenomenon, performing exceptionally well in Karnataka and making notable contributions from non-Kannada speaking states as well as overseas markets.When compared to other top Kannada films, Kantara: Chapter 1 stands out not only for its impressive global earnings but also for its cultural resonance and widespread appeal. While KGF: Chapter 2 remains the highest-grossing Kannada film with over ₹1,200 crore worldwide, and KGF: Chapter 1, Vikrant Rona, 777 Charlie, and Su From So have all made significant marks, Kantara: Chapter 1 has set new benchmarks for regional storytelling, demonstrating that strong content combined with pan-India release strategy can drive extraordinary success. The film’s connection to local folklore, positive critical reviews, and sustained word-of-mouth buzz have played key roles in maintaining its momentum, making it a landmark achievement in the history of Kannada cinema and a clear example of how regional films are making a mark on the global stage. Top Grossers in Kannada Cinema (Worldwide)RankFilmYear Of ReleaseWorldwide Collection(Gross) 1 KGF: Chapter 22022₹ 1215 Cr 2Kantara: A Legend Chapter-12025₹ 415 Cr(As ofDay 7)3Kantara2022₹ 407.82 Cr4KGF: Chapter 12018₹ 238.00 Cr5Su From So2025₹ 121 Cr6777 Charlie2022 ₹ 102.75 Cr7Vikrant Rona2022₹ 100.35 Cr When compared to other top Kannada films, Kantara: Chapter 1 stands out not only for its impressive global earnings but also for its cultural resonance and widespread appeal. While KGF: Chapter 2 remains the highest-grossing Kannada film with over ₹1,200 crore worldwide, and KGF: Chapter 1, Vikrant Rona, 777 Charlie, and Su From So have all made significant marks, Kantara: Chapter 1 has set new benchmarks for regional storytelling, demonstrating that strong content combined with pan-India release strategy can drive extraordinary success. The film’s connection to local folklore, positive critical reviews, and sustained word-of-mouth buzz have played key roles in maintaining its momentum, making it a landmark achievement in the history of Kannada cinema and a clear example of how regional films are making a mark on the global stage.

BY SUNIT JANGIR

Mumbai, October 8 - Bollywood superstar Akshay Kumar has sent fans into a frenzy and set social media abuzz by revealing the intense first look as he begins the final leg of crime action thriller Haiwaan, directed by Priyadarshan. The actor shared a striking video glimpse of his first look, raising a clenched fist and giving an intense expression of his negative shades as he appears from behind a black car. He calls his role a challenging one, which has surprised him in many ways. Sharing the update on social media, Akshay wrote, "Last schedule of #Haiwaan... what a journey it's been. This character has pushed, shaped, and surprised me in so many ways. Forever grateful to @priyadarshandir Sir, your sets feel like home. And Saif, thank you for the laughter, ease, and all those effortless moments on screen." Directed by Priyadarshan, Haiwaan marks another collaboration between the actor-director duo after several memorable hits. The film also stars Saif Ali Khan, and their on-screen pairing has already sparked excitement among fans. The movie is produced by KVN Productions. Akshay's rugged look, combined with his heartfelt words, suggests that Haiwaan will showcase him in a role unlike any he has portrayed before. As the shoot nears completion, anticipation is high for Haiwaan, which is expected to be an emotionally charged crime action drama. Last schedule of #Haiwaan…what a journey it’s been. This character has pushed, shaped, and surprised me in so many ways.Forever grateful to @priyadarshandir Sir, your sets feel like home. And Saif, thank you for the laughter, ease, and all those effortless moments on screen. pic.twitter.com/Kts0UyRIXf— Akshay Kumar (@akshaykumar) October 8, 2025 Stay tuned...

BY CHRISTA LINCY

Idli Kadai, Dhanush’s latest directorial venture, continues to perform steadily at the box office, winning the hearts of audiences across India and overseas. With a worldwide gross of ₹58.25 Cr, including ₹9.15 Cr from overseas markets the film has impressed viewers with its relatable storytelling, emotional beats, and strong word-of-mouth, establishing itself as a moderate success for the actor-director.The film opened to mixed-to-positive reviews, with critics praising Dhanush’s nuanced direction and the film’s heartfelt narrative. However, it was the audience response that truly fueled the film’s momentum. Dhanush’s dedicated fanbase, coupled with the growing popularity of its trailer and promotions, helped the film sustain steady numbers throughout the first week. Urban centres saw consistent footfalls, while single screens and tier-2 cities contributed significantly to the weekend surge. The film’s festive timing and holiday weekend played a role in attracting family audiences, who appreciated the film’s simplicity, humour, and emotional depth.Audiences have praised Idli Kadai for its heartfelt storytelling and authentic Tamil flavour. The film’s relatable family moments, particularly the father-son emotional sequence, have struck a chord with viewers.The film’s organic humour and emotional beats balance the narrative perfectly, while the music and background score elevate the key sequences, making several scenes stand out. It is these elements, combined with strong performances, have fueled the positive word-of-mouth, a key factor in sustaining box office performance beyond the opening weekend. Idli Kadai has maintained a stable trajectory at the box office, showing strong holds across Tamil Nadu and other South Indian states. Multiplexes and single screens alike contributed to the film’s steady run, In overseas markets, particularly regions with a significant Tamil diaspora, the film has collected ₹9.15 Cr. While not record-breaking, these numbers add meaningfully to the worldwide total, demonstrating the film’s appeal beyond India and its ability to attract viewers from international markets.As of now, the film has collected ₹58.25 Cr worldwide, a respectable number that positions it as a moderate success. The film’s appeal across both mass audiences and urban viewers underscores Dhanush’s ability to connect with a broad spectrum of viewers. With a worldwide total of ₹58.25 Cr and consistent performance in Tamil Nadu and overseas markets, Idli Kadai has carved out a moderate box office success. The combination of strong storytelling, memorable scenes, and positive audience response reinforces Dhanush’s credibility as a filmmaker capable of balancing critical appreciation with commercial viability.As word-of-mouth continues to spread, the film’s second-week performance will be closely watched, with trends suggesting that it will continue to draw audiences steadily across India and abroad. Idli Kadai Day Wise CollectionDayDay Total(Gross)RemarksDay 1[1st Wednesday] ₹ 13 CrDecent start with strong occupancy in Tamil NaduDay 2[1st Thursday]₹ 11.5 CrWord-of-mouth picks up; growth in evening shows.Day3[1st Friday]₹ 6.65 CrHealthy weekend trend; family audiences turn up in good numbers.

BY SUNIT JANGIR

Mumbai, October 8 - Bollywood heartthrob Kartik Aaryan and actress Sreeleela teamed up for director Anurag Basu's musical romantic drama film. The film was originally supposed to be titled Aashiqui 3, but the makers dropped the idea due to copyright issues. The movie has gone through some changes. According to the latest reports, the movie is currently being reshoot for a major portion. It is said that 10 days' worth of scenes that were already shot have been completely scrapped. Meanwhile, the film has reportedly been titled Tu Meri Zindagi Hai. It has been taken for the title song of the Aashiqui film. "When choosing the title, it was a pre-emptive move by the makers to avoid making a direct reference to Aashiqui. The team wanted a name that evoked nostalgia but didn't risk legal or creative complications. Tu Meri Zindagi Hai felt like the perfect fit", says the report by Mid-Day. Aashiqui has been a cult franchise, but due to creative differences between producer Bhushan Kumar and Mukesh Bhatt before they parted ways, the makers can't use the same title as the film. But the makers feel that Tu Meri Zindagi Hai fits perfectly while avoiding legal complications. "It's a classic love story with Basu's signature treatment of the genre. With the release more than six months away, it gives the team time to weave in some additional tracks. The latest schedule is underway in Mumbai, and the film will be shot till 2025-end, with patchwork spilling on to early 2026", the report added. Produced by T-Series, Tu Meri Zindagi Hai will hit the big screens on May 1, 2026. Stay tuned...

BY SUNIT JANGIR

Mumbai, October 8 - Bollywood superstar Akshay Kumar-led Housefull 5 was released in theatres on June 6, 2025, and did decent business at the box office. Also starring Riteish Deshmukh, Abhishek Bachchan, Jacqueline Fernandez, Sonam Bajwa, and Nargis Fakri, among others, the film is all set for a World TV premiere on October 11 on the Star Gold India channel. As the movie is gearing up for the television premiere, the Housefull 5 star cast, while promoting the film's TV release, sat for a discussion about what could be the plot for Housefull 6, possibly hinting at the sixth instalment of the blockbuster comedy franchise. In the playful promo, shared by Nadiadwala Grandson Entertainment on X, Riteish Deshmukh revealed his wild idea for Housefull 6. The actor said he would love to see the comedy franchise turn into a horror-comedy, with a twist — all the girls in the film appearing without make-up! His tongue-in-cheek remark had everyone bursting into laughter. When Akshay Kumar was asked about his take on the theme, he couldn't resist one of his signature witty comebacks. The superstar joked that in his version, all the cast members die and go up, but the title still makes sense because, well — "it remains Housefull!". Abhishek Bachchan too joined the party and shared that he wishes to see Housefull 6 as a superhero film. The lighthearted exchange perfectly captures the fun, over-the-top energy that's made the Housefull series a fan favourite. While there’s no official confirmation yet on Housefull 6, it might happen sooner than expected. Housefull 6 could be a Horror Comedy or a Superhero film? Hear what the cast has to say about the upcoming lineup of the superhit Housefull franchise.Dekhiye Killer comedy Housefull 5 ke World TV Premiere mein, 11th October, Saturday raat 8 baje, sirf @StarGoldIndia par. ⭐… pic.twitter.com/KBNMRtfTmc— Nadiadwala Grandson (@NGEMovies) October 8, 2025 Stay tuned...