BY SUNIT JANGIR

Hyderabad, July 25 - Power star Pawan Kalyan's long-awaited period action adventure Hari Hara Veera Mallu - Part 1 Sword vs Spirit finally hit the big screens on July 24 amid huge fanfare. The film delivered a solid opening day performance at the worldwide box office, living up to the pre-release hype, at least in terms of opening day numbers. ## Directed by Krish Jagarlamudi and A. M. Jyothi Krishna, the film benefited from one of the strongest advance bookings for a Telugu film. With pre-sales collections of around 45 crore gross worldwide, Hari Hara Veera Mallu opened with a bang, riding on the superstar's mass appeal and a long buildup of anticipation. ## Hari Hara Veera Mallu Scored Biggest Opening For Pawan Kalyan ## Backed by Mega Suriya Production, the film held paid domestic premieres on July 23, raking in an estimated 15 crore gross from them. Its first official day on July 24 added another 38–40+ crore gross at the domestic box office, bringing the total India gross to 53–55+ crore. ## However, the film's overseas performance was underwhelming, grossing an estimated 10–12 crore, including premieres. This total mostly matched its earlier pre-sale estimates of 6–7 crore (corrected in previous articles), showing minimal walk-in traction on Day 1. ## In total, Hari Hara Veera Mallu registered a worldwide opening day gross in the 65 crore range, marking the biggest ever opening for a Pawan Kalyan film, surpassing Bheemla Nayak's 57 crore debut in 2022. ## Big Opening But A Tough Road Ahead For Hari Hara Veera Mallu ## Despite the huge opening at the box office, the road ahead for HHVM appears uncertain. The film has been met with harsh reviews from critics and largely mixed to negative word of mouth from early audiences. Advance bookings for Day 2 and the remainder of the weekend are reportedly poor, with no signs of a bounce back in demand. While the film might manage decent footfalls over the weekend, sustaining beyond Sunday seems difficult. ## This situation echoes a growing pattern in the Telugu film industry, where even massive openings fail to translate into sustained runs when content fails to connect with audiences. Despite the record-breaking opening, the box office success of HHVM is far from guaranteed. With word of mouth spreading fast, the film now faces the real challenge, which is surviving beyond the opening weekend. ## Stay tuned...

BY SACNILK TEAM

Aamir reviewed Oho Enthan Baby after watching a special screening and called it a ‘really beautiful film’. He said, “It's a really beautiful film. I think it’s a film that every young boy should see across the country…across the globe. It’s a very rare story about the male character realising his shortcomings and his mistakes. I haven’t seen any love story which is like this. So, I think it’s a beautiful story.” ##He also spoke about how the film’s second half, in particular, moved him to tears and said, “I loved the second half. It brought tears to my eyes. I’m known to cry easily, but I cried a lot in the second half. It touched my heart very deeply, and I think it’s a great film for young boys to watch. It’s a very entertaining film, but more than that, what it says is very remarkable and very unusual.”

BY SACNILK TEAM

There was a time when heartwarming romantic entertainers were a regular fixture in Tamil cinema. But over the years, the charm has faded, and what remains often feels watered down—pushing many to revisit nostalgic gems from the ’90s and early 2000s. Enter Oho Enthan Baby—a film that, from its trailer, promised a fresh take on love, tinged with modern-day conflicts. But does it truly deliver on that promise? Let’s dive in. ##Plot Overview ##Ashwin (Rudra), a struggling assistant director, lands a dream opportunity: to pitch his scripts to actor Vishnu Vishal (playing himself). He’s accompanied by his manager King (Redin Kingsley), a hilariously blunt voice of reason. After dismissing two uninspired ideas, Vishnu challenges Ashwin to come up with a love story—something Vishnu hasn’t tackled yet in his career. ##Reluctantly, Ashwin begins narrating a romantic tale with an unfinished ending… because it’s his own. What unfolds is a layered, deeply personal narrative revolving around his relationship with Meera (Mithila Palkar), a doctor, and the painful breakup that still haunts him. Vishnu pushes Ashwin to confront his past—and Meera—to find closure and finish the story. Will Ashwin find peace, in love and in his art? ##Narrative Strengths Written by Mukesh Manjunath and helmed by debutant Krishnakumar Ramkumar, Oho Enthan Baby is a refreshingly grounded romantic drama. The film cleverly uses a story-within-a-story framework, offering both meta-commentary and emotional resonance. The first half breezes by, thanks to snappy writing, self-aware humour, and well-paced emotional arcs. ##From pop-culture nods like Jana Nayagan, to fun moments involving Ajith’s racing career and Soori’s sweets, the film places itself firmly in today’s cultural landscape. These references don’t feel forced—they serve as smart, engaging touches that invite the audience in. ##Ashwin and Meera’s relationship dynamic is both relatable and complex. Their chemistry isn’t built on textbook romance, but on tension, contrast, and quiet vulnerability. The script doesn’t glorify Ashwin’s flaws—Vishnu calls him out, and King even labels him “toxic.” This kind of narrative accountability is rare and welcome in romantic storytelling. ##Where It Falls Short However, as the film enters its final stretch, the freshness begins to fade. The screenplay slips into familiar territory with clichéd tropes and rushed resolutions. One glaring misstep is how Meera, despite being in the right for most of the film, is made to shoulder the emotional burden and apologise—a dated narrative device that clashes with the film’s otherwise progressive tone. ##Subplots like Ashwin’s unhappy family background are touched on but never fully developed. Meera’s mother (Geetha Kailasam) appears with narrative potential but ultimately adds little to the story’s emotional payoff. ##Performances & Craft Rudra, in his debut, delivers an earnest performance. He stands out in intense sequences but falters slightly in softer, romantic scenes—something time and experience will likely polish. Mithila Palkar brings warmth, strength, and emotional honesty to Meera, making her character feel real and grounded. ##The supporting cast—Nivashini, Nirmal Kumar, Vijaysarathy, Kasthuri, and Karunakaran—bring subtle layers to the narrative. Redin Kingsley shines in his role, balancing comic relief with sincere insights. ##Krishnakumar’s eye for visuals, honed through his ad filmmaking background, is evident throughout. Harish Kannan’s cinematography brings vibrancy and depth to even the simplest scenes, adding aesthetic value to the emotional tone. ##Music by Jen Martin is one of the film’s highlights. His tracks are not just catchy but emotionally resonant—serving the story rather than interrupting it. ##Final Thoughts Oho Enthan Baby is an honest, contemporary look at love and the emotional baggage that often comes with it. It’s smart, funny, and occasionally profound—especially in its first half. While the second half stumbles with predictability and some outdated choices, the film still manages to connect, thanks to its humour, emotional core, and self-aware storytelling. ##A commendable debut effort that almost soars—Oho Enthan Baby may not be a modern classic, but it definitely has its heart in the right place.

BY SACNILK TEAM

The story centers on two friends and their girlfriends who embark on a forest getaway, choosing to stay in a secluded bungalow. ##What begins as a fun retreat quickly spirals into horror when one of the girls dies mysteriously while alone with her boyfriend. As fear grips the group, their desperate attempt to cover up the incident leads them into a nightmarish descent, unraveling a deeper psychological struggle and testing the limits of their morality. #Under the direction of M. Gopi, the film explores the eerie premise of an unexplained death in isolation, skillfully interweaving suspense with the psychological unraveling of its characters. The narrative maintains engagement through its emotional depth and a series of unexpected twists. ##In his debut role, V. Dinesh delivers a gripping and emotionally layered performance, immersing himself fully in the character and bringing authenticity to the screen. ##Brana Abdulsalam and Shyamal deliver solid performances that maintain the film’s emotional tension and pacing. ##Veteran actors Appu Kutty and Thambi Ramaiah lend strong support with their seasoned presence, adding weight and texture to the unfolding drama. ##Dharma Prakash’s music and background score heighten the suspense and emotional gravity of the film, complementing the story rather than overpowering it. ##Cinematographer Dinesh Kumar L.D. captures the ominous atmosphere of the forest setting with precision, amplifying the film’s sense of isolation and unease. ##Overall Yaadhum Ariyaan is a sincere and heartfelt film that delivers its message with clarity and grace, leaving a subtle yet enduring impact

BY SACNILK TEAM

##Directed by Bharathi Sivalingam in his debut venture, Central unfolds as a gritty, socially conscious drama set against the bustling backdrop of Chennai—specifically its iconic Chennai Central railway station. At the heart of the narrative is a young man, portrayed by Vignesh of Kaaka Muttai fame, who arrives in the city from a humble village due to urgent family responsibilities ##Plot & Themes The protagonist enters Chennai Central seeking work and support, but swiftly discovers the weight of systemic inequality. Under the harsh regime of capitalism, he is subjected to exploitation, alienation, and the relentless hardships of survival in the city . The film doesn’t rely on melodrama—it steadily builds its emotional stakes, portraying his descent into struggle, followed by a powerful arc of defiance and self-reclamation. His journey toward reclaiming dignity, forging resilience, and fighting back provides the narrative’s core thrust ##Direction & Craftsmanship Bharathi Sivalingam’s debut brims with earnest intent. He cast Vignesh in a role that synergizes sincerity with grit, supported by Soneshwari and Perarasu in substantive roles The Times of India +15 IndiaGlitz +15 IndiaGlitz +15 . Cinematographer Vinoth Gandhi renders both the city’s stark realities and the emotional landscapes of the protagonist with visual sensitivity. The score by Ela Radhakrisshnan maintains mood without overshadowing narrative nuance, while editor Vithu Jeeva keeps the film tight within a runtime of approximately 2 hours and 2 minutes ##What Resonates Audience responses are overwhelmingly positive, praising the film’s clean, compelling storytelling and emotional sincerity. BookMyShow early ratings hover around 9.2–9.3/10, highlighting descriptors like #SuperDirection, #AwesomeStory, #Inspiring, and #WowMusic across multiple early reviews ##Comments from viewers reflect a strong connection, especially among those who’ve faced similar family-driven struggles and upheaval: “A good story with minimal budget... whoever worked in childhood for family situation should connect more” Highlights & Limitations Strengths: *Emotionally engaging with grounded realism *A raw and relatable portrayal of urban hardship *Strong individual performances, especially by Vignesh *Efficient runtime and tight pacing Critique Points: While widely appreciated by general audiences, Central may not have widespread mainstream critical coverage yet, potentially limiting its visibility beyond initial clusters. Detailed, professional critique from leading reviewers seems sparse at this early stage. ##Final Verdict Central is a sincere and quietly powerful depiction of the systemic toll of capitalism on a rural migrant navigating urban chaos. Under Bharathi Sivalingam’s deft debut direction, Vignesh delivers a layered performance that anchors the film’s emotional weight. With modest production values and thematic clarity, the film offers a thoughtful, grounded cinematic experience—underdog cinema at its most real. ##A must-watch for fans of socially conscious Tamil cinema, especially those who value storytelling steeped in resilience and dignity.

BY SACNILK TEAM

Director Vethaji Pandian’s Iravuparavai takes a deeply humane approach to one of the most urgent and overlooked issues of our time — Lack of Citizenship. More than a film, it’s a poignant reflection on identity, dignity, and the right to be seen. Rooted in real-life struggles, Iravuparavai gives voice to the voiceless in a way that is both restrained and powerful. ##Story & Concept ##At the heart of Iravuparavai is the story of a Sri Lankan Tamil refugee woman who has lived in Tamil Nadu for years — invisible to the system, stripped of citizenship, and denied the basic rights most take for granted. Her solitary protest soon transforms into a larger movement, not just for legal recognition, but for humanity and hope. ##The narrative unfolds in a straightforward, linear fashion — but its strength lies in emotional depth rather than plot twists. It avoids sensationalism and instead anchors itself in realism, allowing the lived truth of its protagonist to take center stage. ##Performances ##Nandhini Udhayakumar is the soul of the film. Her portrayal of the refugee woman is quietly devastating — layered, nuanced, and haunting. She communicates volumes even in silence, with expressions that linger long after a scene ends. ##Veteran actor Nizhalgal Ravi brings gravitas to his supporting role, grounding the story with quiet authority. Producer Dr. R. Pandiyan also impresses with his restrained and realistic performance, ensuring the screenplay never loses its authenticity. Technical Merits ##S.P. Bagavathy Bala’s cinematography is poetic in its stillness, capturing both the solitude of the protagonist and the collective resolve of her protest. His visuals act as a silent companion to her journey. ##Allwin Kalai Bharathi’s background score is equally sensitive — never overwhelming, always enhancing. It guides the viewer through the emotional terrain without ever dictating it. With a runtime of just 1 hour and 48 minutes, the film remains focused and free of unnecessary detours, respecting the viewer’s time and attention. ##Final Verdict ##Iravuparavai doesn’t shout — it whispers truths that need to be heard. With grace and grit, it tells a story of invisibility and resilience, of a woman who stands for far more than just herself. It’s the kind of cinema that proves power lies not in spectacle, but in sincerity. ##A compelling and necessary watch for those who value meaningful, grounded Tamil storytelling.

BY SACNILK TEAM

When a film is titled Trending and revolves around influencers, it naturally leans in two directions: it could either serve as a cautionary tale about the perils of social media, or it might unravel as a high-stakes thriller. Trending, starring Kalaiyarasan and Priyalaya, tries to juggle both paths—but ends up doing justice to neither, bogged down by lapses in logic and an overstretched runtime. ##The story follows Arjun (Kalaiyarasan) and Meera (Priyalaya), a YouTube-famous couple living the high life, having quit their jobs, bought a lavish villa, and cruising around in a luxury car. But their influencer dream soon crashes—overnight, their channel is deactivated, and they find themselves pursued by loan sharks. Enter a mysterious stranger with an irresistible offer: take part in a reality game that promises big rewards. Desperate, they agree. But the game soon spirals into a sinister descent that begins to unravel not just their lives, but their relationship too. ##If Trending were a social media platform, its intriguing concept would be the catchy content—but its execution would be the bad algorithm. Arjun and Meera’s choices often defy logic. Their decision to jump headfirst into a stranger’s shady game feels unconvincing, especially when their desperation isn’t adequately explored. It’s hard to empathize with characters whose motivations are as unclear as the game itself. The film aims to examine human greed, but the husband’s willingness to endanger his wife undermines that ambition, leaving us detached from their fate. ##Ironically, for a film centered on social media—a space that thrives on quick, punchy content—Trending forgets the golden rule of brevity. At 147 minutes, the film drags, often repeating the same emotional and narrative beats. The first half does a decent job of setting up the twisted game, but the second half leans too heavily on shock value, turning into a monotonous parade of increasingly absurd challenges. You keep waiting for the promised thriller to kick in, but instead, the film meanders toward a dull climax, complete with a forgettable cameo and an obvious attempt at sequel bait. ##There’s no doubt that Trending touches on urgent themes: the price of online fame, the fragility of digital livelihoods, and how easily people trade ethics for engagement. But the film treats these themes like hashtags—present but fleeting. It can’t decide whether it’s a critique of social media addiction, a moral lesson on greed, or a psychological study of deceit. It tries to be all three, and ends up accomplishing none. Conversations about virality, likes, and reels feel more like distractions than commentary, pulling your attention away from the story and—ironically—towards your phone. ##With such timely subject matter, Trending had all the ingredients for a sharp, impactful film. Instead, it ends up doing to its premise what inactivity does to an influencer’s feed: it fades. Like the influencers we scroll past every day, hoping for something real, this film ultimately offers only flashes of promise buried in a forgettable reel. Fleeting, frustrating, and far from trending.

BY SUNIT JANGIR

Mumbai, July 24 - Yash Raj Films' highly anticipated spy action thriller War 2 is set to make history by becoming the first Indian film ever to screen in Dolby Cinema in India. The movie, starring Hrithik Roshan and Jr. NTR, is scheduled to release on August 14 in Hindi, Telugu, and Tamil. ## Directed by Ayan Mukerji, War 2 has now secured exclusive screenings in premium formats like IMAX, Dolby Cinema, ICE, 4DX, DBOX, and 4DEM. Indian moviegoers will experience the film at the country’s inaugural Dolby Cinema, which opened earlier this month at City Pride Multiplexes in Kharadi, Pune. ## The exhibitor also has plans to expand the premium format to additional markets, including Hyderabad, Bengaluru, Trichy, Kochi and Ulikkal. Not only in India, War 2 will also be rolled out in Dolby across international markets including North America, the U.K., U.A.E., Saudi Arabia and Kuwait. ## Dolby has been a long-standing partner of YRF. The production house was India's first music label to offer Dolby Atmos Music in 2020 with its "Best of YRF" album compilation. The 2013 "Dhoom 3" was among the first Hindi-language films released in Dolby Atmos, and the 1995 classic "Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge," one of the first Indian movies to utilise Dolby Audio. ## About War 2 ## The movie stars Hrithik Roshan, who reprises his role from the first movie, Jr. NTR in his Bollywood debut, and Kiara Advani in the leading roles. It is the 6th film in YRF's Spy Universe and a sequel to the 2019 blockbuster War. The film will be released on August 14 in Hindi, Telugu, and Tamil. ## Stay tuned...

BY SUNIT JANGIR

Mumbai, July 24 - Director Mohit Suri's Saiyaara once again exceeded expectations on its first Wednesday at the domestic and worldwide box office. On its first Wednesday, the film posted higher collection than its opening day, once again surpassing trade expectations both domestically and globally. ## The romantic drama starring debutants Ahaan Pandey and Aneet Padda collected approximately 25.50 crore gross (21.50 crore net) in India on Day 6. The overseas markets remained solid, adding another 6.75 crore, bringing in a total of 32.25 crores for the day worldwide. Remarkably, this marks a 10% jump over its Day 1 worldwide gross of 29.25 crore, highlighting the film's exceptional growing word-of-mouth and strong audience hold. Despite being a non-holiday release with fresh faces, Saiyaara has managed to defy trade projections with consistency across all regions. ## Saiyaara Crossed 200 Crore Worldwide in 6 Days ## The Yash Raj Films production has crossed the 200 crores gross mark at the worldwide box office in flat 6 days, becoming the fastest Indian film for a debutante and ranks among the fastest non-Pan India movies to do so. Saiyaara's total collection stands at 220+ crores gross, including around 183 crores gross (153.50 crores net) in India and around 37 crores overseas collection. ## Saiyaara is currently the 5th highest-grossing Bollywood movie of the year, but by the end of the second Saturday (9 days), it will become the second biggest grosser of 2025, trailing only Vicky Kaushal's Chhaava (808 crores worldwide gross). ## About Saiyaara ## The film stars Ahaan Panday as Krish Kapoor, a rising musician whose raw talent and ambition set him on a collision course with the realities of the modern music industry. When Krish is introduced to Vaani (Aneet Padda), a gifted and principled songwriter, sparks fly – both creatively and personally. As their partnership deepens, so does their connection, blossoming into a romance that is as passionate as it is complicated. ## Stay tuned...

BY SUNIT JANGIR

Chennai, July 24 - Director Lokesh Kanagaraj helmed cinematic universe — popularly known as the Lokesh Cinematic Universe (LCU) — has already delivered major hits with Kaithi, Vikram, and Leo. With stars like Karthi, Kamal Haasan, and Thalapathy Vijay headlining these blockbusters, expectations for what's next in the LCU are at an all-time high. ## While Lokesh previously confirmed that he would be focusing solely on LCU projects, he surprised fans by collaborating with superstar Rajinikanth for a gangster action drama titled Coolie. At the time of announcement, many speculated that Coolie could also be part of the LCU; however, the filmmaker clarified in interviews that it would be a standalone film with no connection to his cinematic universe. ## But recent developments have reignited rumours about a potential LCU connection. According to new media reports, Kamal Haasan — who headlined LCU's Vikram (2022) - has been approached to lend his voice for Coolie. Notably, Haasan's voice was featured in the post-credit scene of Vijay's Leo, hinting at interconnected storylines within the LCU. ## Although it is not confirmed yet, if the rumours about Kamal Haasan lending his voice for Coolie are true, this could mark a significant step forward in the evolution of LCU, further solidifying it as Indian cinema's one of the most ambitious interconnected franchise, featuring powerhouse names like Rajinikanth, Kamal Haasan, Vijay, Suriya, and Karthi. ## About Coolie ## Produced by Sun Pictures, Coolie stars Rajinikanth in the lead, supported by a star-studded ensemble including Nagarjuna, Shruti Haasan, Soubin Shahir, Upendra, Sathyaraj, and a special cameo by Aamir Khan. Music is composed by Anirudh Ravichander, whose soundtrack has already become a rage among fans.## The film is set for a worldwide theatrical release on August 14, and will be available in Tamil, Telugu, Hindi, Malayalam, and Kannada. ## Stay tuned...

BY SUNIT JANGIR

Mumbai, July 24 - The acclaimed duo of Shahid Kapoor and filmmaker Vishal Bhardwaj are all set to collaborate for the fourth time with an intense action thriller film. The pair has previously delivered critically acclaimed films like Kaminey (2009), Haider (2014), and Rangoon (2017), and their latest collaboration is already creating buzz across the industry. ## The Film Titled Romeo ## Shahid and Vishal's film was originally supposed to be titled Arjun Ustara; however, according to the latest report by Pinkvilla, the movie has been titled Romeo. It is said that the makers were toying with several other titles too, including Arjun Ustara and Evil, but Romeo got finalised as it stands true to the nature of the character. ## Romeo Complete Star Cast ## Headlined by Shahid Kapoor in the titular role, Romeo features an impressive rest of the cast. Rising star Triptii Dimri joins as the female lead, alongside seasoned actors Nana Patekar, Randeep Hooda, Vikrant Massey, and Farida Jalal in key roles. The combination of seasoned performers and fresh talent promises a powerful on-screen experience. ## No Change in Release Date ## Produced by Nadiadwala Grandson Entertainment, Romeo was officially announced for December 5, 2025, release, and the latest development has confirmed that the makers aren't willing to change the date. It means the movie will be clashing with Ranveer Singh's espionage thriller Dhurandhar and Prabhas-fronted horror-comedy The Raja Saab, which are scheduled to release on the same day. ## With a gripping premise, a powerhouse cast, and the trusted Shahid-Vishal collaboration at its core, Romeo is one of the most anticipated films of 2025. ## Stay tuned...

BY SUNIT JANGIR

Hyderabad, July 24 - Superstar Pawan Kalyan's long-awaited period action-adventure film Hari Hara Veera Mallu finally arrives in cinemas today, July 24. Directed by Krish Jagarlamudi and A. M. Jyothi Krishna, the film features Pawan Kalyan in the role of the legendary fictional outlaw Veera Mallu. In the lead-up to its nationwide release, the film held paid premieres on July 23 in India. The response to the early access was massive, with pre-sales for the premieres becoming the second highest ever for a Telugu film, second only to Allu Arjun’s Pushpa 2: The Rule. ## Hari Hara Veera Mallu scored near 50 crores worldwide pre-sales for the first day ## Despite being in production for an extended period of five years, the excitement surrounding Hari Hara Veera Mallu never waned. The film registered one of the biggest day-one bookings, reflecting the strong anticipation among fans. Including paid premiere shows, the film amassed around 39 crore gross in pre-sales across India for its opening day. Internationally, the film also saw a solid response, raking in approximately 6-7 crore gross in overseas bookings for the first day. Notably, in North America, the film collected 4.50 crore gross, selling over 18,000 tickets through premiere shows alone. ## In total, Hari Hara Veera Mallu achieved a massive 45+ crore gross in bookings for day one, setting the stage for a thunderous opening at the global box office. ## About Hari Hara Veera Mallu ## Produced by Mega Suriya Productions, the film stars Pawan Kalyan in the lead role, alongside Bobby Deol, Nidhhi Agerwal, Nargis Fakhri, Nora Fatehi, and Satyaraj in prominent roles. Set in the 17th-century Mughal Empire, the story follows legendary outlaw Veera Mallu, who is entrusted with the mission of stealing the famed Koh-i-Noor diamond from the Mughals. The movie will be released in Telugu, Tamil, Malayalam, Hindi, and Kannada. ## Stay tuned...