BY CHRISTA LINCY

The anticipation for Christopher Nolan's upcoming masterpiece, The Odyssey, has reached a fever pitch in India. With only a few days left before its grand release on July 17, the buzz surrounding the film is unlike anything seen for a Hollywood release in recent years. This excitement was significantly amplified after Nolan himself, along with lead stars Tom Holland and Matt Damon, visited Mumbai to interact with fans. According to reports from Bollywood Hungama, the film is now set for a massive release across more than 2,500 screens in India, marking a much wider reach compared to Nolan's previous blockbuster, Oppenheimer, which opened in 1,923 screens. The financial expectations for the opening day are equally ambitious. While Oppenheimer set a benchmark with an opening of 14.45 crore, industry trackers suggest that The Odyssey is well on its path to bettering that number. Early estimates indicate an opening in the range of 17 to 18 crore, but given the current velocity of advance bookings, a 20 crore start is very much within reach. The demand for tickets has been steady since bookings opened early on June 8, reflecting the massive loyal fan base Nolan commands in the Indian market. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}) A significant portion of this success is driven by premium formats. Christopher Nolan's films are widely considered essential theatrical experiences, especially in IMAX, and The Odyssey takes this to the next level as the first feature film shot entirely using IMAX cameras. This technical achievement has resulted in exceptional demand, with approximately 91,000 tickets already sold across India's 34 IMAX screens. This segment alone has generated a staggering 9.5 crore in gross ticket sales, proving that Indian audiences are willing to pay a premium for high-quality cinema. The advance booking data accessed by Bollywood Hungama further highlights the film's dominance. It has already sold around 1.25 lakh tickets for the opening day alone across all platforms. In the major national chains, PVR INOX has recorded sales of around 50,000 tickets, while Cinepolis has added another 12,000. Looking at the broader picture, nearly 2.50 lakh tickets have been sold for the entire opening weekend, ensuring a packed house for the film's initial run. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}) Digital ticket sales on BookMyShow provide a detailed look at the film's rising popularity trajectory. As of today, July 14, the platform has recorded a cumulative total of approximately 142.6K tickets sold. This milestone was reached after the film sold 123.93K tickets between June 8 and July 13, followed by a massive surge on Tuesday. On July 14 alone, the movie has already sold 18,690 tickets as of 9 PM, with the 8 PM to 9 PM window recording a peak velocity of 2,200 tickets. This rapid acceleration in sales highlights the growing excitement as the release date approaches. In the national chains specifically, the daily advance booking for the opening day currently stands at approximately 63.8K tickets, generating a gross of 5.1 crore at an average occupancy of 16.1 percent across 1,661 shows. Breaking this down, PVR leads the charge with roughly 34.5K tickets sold and a gross of 3.0 crore. INOX follows with approximately 23.2K tickets contributing 1.6 crore, while Cinepolis has sold around 6.1K tickets, adding 55 lakhs to the tally. These rounded figures show a robust distribution of interest across all major multiplex venues in 408 different locations. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}) This surge in Hollywood interest comes during a highly successful month for the Indian film industry. July has already seen Dhamaal 4 performing beyond expectations, and now The Odyssey is poised to be another massive success. The month is expected to end on an even higher note with the release of Spider-Man: Brand New Day, which is also seeing electrifying advance interest. For exhibitors and cinema lovers, the arrival of Nolan's latest venture is not just a film release, but a major cultural event that is set to rewrite box office records for international films in India.

BY CHRISTA LINCY

Welcome To The Jungle, the third installment of the celebrated comedy franchise, has officially secured its status as a clean hit at the box office. With a production budget evaluated at a highly reasonable 125 crore, the film has navigated its theatrical run effectively to ensure profitability for its makers. As of its 18th day, the movie has achieved worldwide gross collections of 187.48 crore, which includes a domestic gross of 154.63 crore and an overseas contribution of 32.85 crore. The total India net collection has now reached 130.10 crore across a cumulative 130,251 shows. On its third Monday, Day 18, the film recorded a net collection of 0.55 crore from 1,917 shows. This figure represents a 71.1 percent drop compared to the Sunday net of 1.90 crore. While the film had a strong run over its first two weeks, it is now facing significant competition from the recent release of Dhamaal 4. Since both movies cater to the same comedy-loving audience, the market has seen a visible shift in preference toward the newer title. Due to this genre-specific clash and the resulting weekday depletion, initial trade projections that targeted a 150 crore domestic net have been adjusted. The film is now expected to wrap its lifetime theatrical lifecycle at approximately 135 crore domestic net. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}) The theater occupancy for the Hindi 2D version on Monday stood at an overall average of 10.19 percent. The day started slowly with a morning occupancy of 3.92 percent but gained some momentum as the day progressed. The afternoon shows recorded 9.62 percent, followed by 8.31 percent in the evening, and finally peaking at 14.00 percent for the night shows. Among the major regions, Mumbai maintained a lead with 10.3 percent occupancy over 149 shows. Ahmedabad recorded 8.3 percent across 154 shows, while the National Capital Region saw an occupancy of 8.0 percent from 243 shows. Looking at the performance in national chains for Monday, the film sold approximately 1,780 tickets across 768 shows, resulting in a daily gross of around 4.5 lakhs and an occupancy of 1.38 percent. Breaking the data down by chain, PVR saw around 930 tickets sold with a gross of 2.6 lakhs across 334 shows. INOX followed with approximately 640 tickets sold, earning a gross of 1.4 lakhs from 282 shows. Cinepolis contributed around 210 tickets and a gross of roughly 46.8 thousand from 152 shows. These numbers reflect the movie entry into the final phase of its theatrical journey in urban centers. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}) On the digital front, BookMyShow continues to show a massive cumulative tally for the project. The platform recorded 26.16K ticket sales on the third Sunday, which dropped to 8.77K on Monday. This brings the total tickets sold on BookMyShow to an impressive 2,296,620 so far. Internationally, the film added 0.25 crore on Day 18, pushing its overseas gross total to 32.85 crore. While the arrival of new competition has slowed its pace, Welcome To The Jungle remains a successful addition to the franchise, demonstrating the enduring pull of its ensemble cast and brand name.

BY CHRISTA LINCY

Cocktail 2 is currently navigating its fourth week of theatrical release, but the numbers tell a challenging story. As of its 25th day, the film has reached a total India net collection of 94.89 crore. When weighed against its sizable production budget of 150 crore, this theatrical run is officially being deemed a commercial failure. The movie is now struggling with a major screen crunch following the release of the multi-starrer Dhamaal 4 last Friday, alongside the continued presence of other successful holdovers like Welcome 3 and Maain Vaapas Aunga, which have further squeezed its remaining show counts. The impact of this screen crunch became evident starting this Friday, Day 22, when the show count dropped to just 360 shows, earning a net of 0.10 crore. The fourth weekend did see a slight jump in interest, with Saturday collecting 0.18 crore and Sunday reaching 0.21 crore despite the film running on a very limited number of screens, hovering around 165 to 170. On its fourth Monday, Day 25, the film collected a net of 0.05 crore from 145 shows with an overall occupancy of 14 percent. This brings the cumulative India gross to 113.07 crore. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}) Looking back at the week-by-week progression, Cocktail 2 had a stellar opening week with a net collection of 70.50 crore. However, the momentum slowed down in the second week to 18.90 crore, and the third week saw a further dip to 4.95 crore. Despite the downward trend, the steady weekend bumps helped the movie edge closer to the century mark in domestic net collections. On the global front, the film has performed consistently, adding an overseas gross of 34.00 crore, which pushes the total worldwide gross collection to 147.07 crore. The digital engagement for the film was highest during its initial days. According to BookMyShow data, the film has sold a total of approximately 16.40 lakh tickets so far. The first week alone contributed a massive 1.09 million tickets, while the second week saw 344k sales. By the third week, daily sales began to taper off, moving from 12.9k on Friday to around 9k on Monday. During the current fourth week, the film has largely moved out of the top trending charts on the platform as show counts continue to diminish. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}) In the national chains on its fourth Monday, the film saw very limited activity. It sold approximately 500 tickets across 115 shows, resulting in a gross of roughly 1.1 lakhs with an occupancy rate of 3.7 percent. Breaking this down by specific chains, INOX led the segment with around 330 tickets sold and a gross of 58k. PVR followed with approximately 90 tickets sold, earning 32k, while Cinepolis contributed roughly 100 tickets with a gross of 23k. Over the course of its 25-day run, Cocktail 2 has occupied a total of 106,418 shows. While surviving in the market for nearly a month is usually a feat for a romantic drama, the numbers simply have not added up to offset the high production costs. With a current worldwide gross of 147.07 crore, the film is on the verge of hitting the 150 crore milestone, yet this achievement offers little consolation given that it barely matches the initial investment. This seals its fate as a commercial failure as the movie rapidly nears the end of its theatrical journey.

BY SUNIT JANGIR

Mumbai, July 14 - Hollywood superstar Tom Cruise is stepping away from action spectacles for one of the most unconventional roles of his career. Warner Bros. has officially unveiled the first full trailer for Digger, the highly anticipated satirical black comedy directed by Oscar-winning filmmaker Alejandro G. Iñárritu, while also confirming that the film will hit theatres worldwide on October 2, 2026, including IMAX screens. The trailer introduces Cruise as Digger Rockwell, an eccentric and immensely powerful oil magnate whose company triggers a catastrophic ecological crisis. Sporting heavy prosthetics, a potbelly, thinning grey hair, and a thick Southern accent, Cruise is almost unrecognisable in what is being described as his boldest transformation since Tropic Thunder. The film follows Rockwell's desperate race to convince the world that he can still save humanity before the disaster he unleashed spirals out of control. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}) Directed and co-written by Alejandro G. Iñárritu, Digger boasts an impressive ensemble featuring Jesse Plemons, Sandra Hüller, Riz Ahmed, John Goodman, Michael Stuhlbarg, Sophie Wilde, Emma D'Arcy, Robert John Burke, and Burn Gorman. The film has been shot entirely in VistaVision, with Iñárritu describing it as a "comedy of catastrophic proportions" that blends satire, drama, and spectacle. The trailer has generated widespread discussion online, with many praising Cruise's dramatic physical transformation and predicting that the performance could become a major awards contender. After spending nearly a decade headlining the Mission: Impossible and Top Gun franchises, Digger marks Cruise's first major original, non-franchise film in years, making it one of Hollywood's most anticipated releases of 2026. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}) Digg. Or Die. DIGGER. Only in theaters October 2. pic.twitter.com/jDCOyl8bXU— Tom Cruise (@TomCruise) July 13, 2026

BY CHRISTA LINCY

Lenin is a gritty rural action drama directed by Murali Kishor Abburu, who is recognized for his work on Vinaro Bhagyamu Vishnu Katha. The film features Akhil Akkineni in a rugged avatar alongside Bhagyashri Borse, marking a significant project produced by the heavyweight collaboration of Annapurna Studios and Sithara Entertainments under Nagarjuna Akkineni and Suryadevara Naga Vamsi. With a powerhouse supporting cast including Sunil, Brahmaji, Sivaji, and Easwari Rao, and an energetic musical score by Thaman S, the film has established itself as a high-stakes commercial entertainer that balances intense action with deep-rooted emotional conflicts. The film has passed its first major test on the weekdays with a steady hold on Monday. After a strong opening weekend, the film is now transitioning into the profit zone for its makers. On its fourth day, the film collected an India gross of 4.10 crore across 2,122 shows. When compared to the Sunday gross of 11.10 crore, this represents a drop of approximately 63 percent. This dip is a standard trend for regional films moving from a peak weekend into a working Monday. This takes the total India gross collection to 33.37 crore after four days. In terms of net earnings, the domestic total currently stands at 29.05 crore, with the Monday net contribution being 3.60 crore. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}) The production and promotion cost for the project was reportedly around 55 crore, and it had already secured a significant safety net by recovering nearly 50 percent of its budget through non-theatrical rights, which brought in 30 crore. With the theatrical business value pegged at 20 crore, the film needed a distributor share of 22 crore to hit the breakeven mark. According to reported data, the movie has already achieved this milestone within just three days, recording a worldwide share of 22.3 crore and a recovery rate of 101.3 percent. The regional performance remains heavily concentrated in the home markets. On Monday, the Andhra Pradesh and Telangana (APTG) region contributed a gross of 3.70 crore, which remains the primary driver for the film. Karnataka followed with a gross of 0.32 crore, while Tamil Nadu and other parts of India each added roughly 0.04 crore to the daily tally. This regional strength has been the backbone of the film's theatrical run so far. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}) International markets are also showing impressive numbers. According to data provided by Venky Box Office, Lenin had an excellent opening weekend overseas, grossing a total of 625K dollars, which is approximately 6 crore. In North America specifically, the Sunday gross was 106K dollars (roughly 1.02 crore), bringing the total in that region to 548K dollars (approximately 5.26 crore). Looking ahead, the film is trending toward a strong showing on Discount Tuesday, with early estimates suggesting a collection between 75K dollars (around 72 lakhs) and 100K dollars (approximately 96 lakhs). On Monday, the film added an overseas gross of 0.75 crore, pushing the total international gross to 8.05 crore and the worldwide cumulative gross to 41.42 crore. Theater occupancy on Monday stayed healthy at an overall average of 30.12 percent. The day started with 22.62 percent in the morning and saw a peak of 36.54 percent during the night shows. Regionally, Vizag led the charts with a massive 59.0 percent occupancy across 99 shows. Hyderabad maintained a solid 35.3 percent over 375 shows, while Bengaluru recorded 18.8 percent across 251 shows. These figures suggest that the film is finding consistent footfalls in key urban centers. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}) Digital ticket sales on BookMyShow reflect a similar momentum. In the last 24 hours alone, around 74.54K tickets were sold on the platform. This brings the total tickets sold for the film on BookMyShow to approximately 799.72K so far. The high volume of online bookings indicates that the audience interest remains strong despite the shift into the weekdays. Looking at the performance in national chains, the film recorded an advance booking of approximately 3.7K tickets for Monday, resulting in a gross of roughly 8 lakhs with an occupancy of 3.8 percent across 454 shows. Breaking this down by specific chains, PVR led with 2K tickets sold and a gross of 4.5 lakhs. INOX followed with 1.2K tickets, earning 2.3 lakhs, while Cinepolis contributed 0.6K tickets with a gross of 1.2 lakhs. These numbers are rounded to reflect the overall trend in the multiplex segment. The film is now entering a phase of pure profit for the distributors. With the breakeven target already surpassed, every crore added from here on will contribute to the movie's status as a major success. The steady Monday hold and the positive trend for Tuesday indicate that the film is likely to enjoy a long and fruitful run at the box office.

BY CHRISTA LINCY

Sigma, the highly anticipated directorial debut of Jason Sanjay S, is reportedly set for a release date shift. Originally aimed for a July 31 release, reports circulating in the industry suggest that the film is likely being postponed to a window in August. This move is primarily intended to provide the action-thriller with a clearer theatrical window, ensuring it gets the visibility it deserves in a crowded summer season. The anticipation for Thalapathy Vijay's Jana Nayagan has reached a fever pitch following the official completion of its censor formalities. The film has reportedly cleared the CBFC with a U/A certificate, a rating that suggests high-octane action sequences balanced with elements suitable for a broad audience. With the path cleared, the production house has moved into its final distribution phase, and industry reports confirm that official communication has been sent to overseas distributors to prepare for a massive global release on July 24. This specific window is expected to witness one of the widest openings for a Tamil film this year, further cementing Vijay's status as a dominant box office force. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}) This official locking of the release date has triggered an immediate and significant domino effect across the Tamil film industry. To avoid a direct confrontation with the Jana Nayagan wave and the subsequent theatrical screen crash, several mid-budget and high-profile projects are reportedly backing out of their announced slots. GV Prakash's Immortal, which was originally eyeing a July 23 release, has now been postponed to a new date. Similarly, the pressure has pushed other major projects like Lokesh's DC and Sundeep Kishan's Sigma to reconsider their July 31 plans, with both films now expected to shift their arrivals into August. Adding to this list is Mysskin's Sathyavan Savithiri, featuring Keerthy Suresh in the lead was initialy planned for a July 24 release is also reported to be looking for a safer window. This tactical retreat by multiple production houses underscores the massive theatrical dominance predicted for the Vijay-starrer, as distributors prioritize screen allocation for what is expected to be a record-breaking opening week. The primary reason behind this strategic delay is the massive box office pressure expected from Jana Nayagan. To avoid a significant screen clash and potential cannibalization of ticket sales, the makers have decided to move Sigma to a later date. Shifting the release allows the film to secure a better number of screens across Tamil Nadu and other key markets. For a debutant director, having a standalone window is a logical move to maximize the impact of the film without competing for space against a major superstar release. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}) Sigma is being described as a high-octane, fast-paced action-adventure heist comedy. The narrative follows a charismatic and rogue maverick protagonist, played by Sundeep Kishan, who leads a team of quirky allies through deep betrayals and elaborate traps. The story is set across diverse locations in Tamil Nadu and Thailand, centering on a grand clandestine treasure hunt. Sundeep Kishan headlines the project as a fearless lone wolf, with Faria Abdullah playing the central female lead alongside him. The film boasts a strong supporting ensemble including Raju Sundaram, Sampath Raj, Shiv Panditt, Anbu Thasan, Yog Japee, and Sheela Rajkumar. Directed by Jason Sanjay S, who marks his official feature debut after completing filmmaking studies abroad, the project is produced by Allirajah Subaskaran under the premium banner of Lyca Productions. The musical landscape of the film is handled by Thaman S, who has reportedly composed an energetic background score and promotional tracks to match the film's heist-themed adrenaline. Fans are now looking forward to an official confirmation of the new August release date.

BY CHRISTA LINCY

Reports circulating online suggest that a grand audio launch for Jailer 2 might be headed to Malaysia. News of preliminary discussions between Superstar Rajinikanth and Dato' Abdul Malik, the head of Malik Streams, has sparked widespread speculation that the team is planning a massive international event. If this move is finalized, it would mirror the highly successful promotional strategy used for the 2010 blockbuster Endhiran, which also held its audio launch in Malaysia. By choosing an overseas venue, production house Sun Pictures appears to be focusing on the film’s global distribution potential, aiming to further expand the massive international footprint established by the first installment. The move follows a prestigious tradition of high-profile Tamil film events in the region. Historically, Superstar Rajinikanth himself initiated this trend with the landmark audio launch of Endhiran in 2010 at the PICC Putrajaya. This was more recently followed by the massive event for Thalapathy Vijay’s Jana Nayagan in 2025, which drew significant crowds to the Stadium Bukit Jalil. If Jailer 2 proceeds with its current plans, it would become the latest major production to utilize Malaysia's grand venues to kickstart its global promotional campaign. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}) The makers have already locked in a strategic release window to capitalize on a major holiday period. Jailer 2 is officially scheduled to hit theaters worldwide on October 15, 2026. This date aligns perfectly with the Dussehra and Ayudha Pooja festivities, a move designed to drive heavy footfalls during one of the most lucrative box office seasons in India. By securing this slot well in advance, Sun Pictures is positioning the film to dominate the screens, much like the original film did during its record-breaking run. One of the most exciting aspects of the sequel is the expansion of its cast into a true pan-Indian ensemble. Rajinikanth returns as the retired lawman Tiger Muthuvel Pandian, but he is far from alone in this high-stakes narrative. Industry reports confirm that Mohanlal and Shivarajkumar will reprise their popular roles as Mathew and Narasimha, respectively. Adding further gravitas to the lineup are veterans Jackie Shroff and Mithun Chakraborty, who are expected to anchor pivotal supporting threads. The sequel also introduces fresh faces to the franchise, with Vidya Balan, Vijay Sethupathi, and S.J. Suryah officially joining the main roster. In what is being described as a major highlight, Bollywood superstar Hrithik Roshan is reportedly locked in for a high-octane cameo appearance, further cementing the film's pan-Indian appeal. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}) The core creative team remains unchanged. Nelson Dilipkumar returns as both writer and director, with a plan to lean deeper into his signature style that blends dark comedy with stylized, high-stakes action. Similarly, the musical landscape of the sequel is in familiar hands, with Anirudh Ravichander set to compose the entire soundtrack and background score. Fans can also expect to see returning favorites like Ramya Krishnan as Viji Pandian, along with Yogi Babu and Sunil, ensuring that the personal and comedic elements of the first film transition smoothly into this new chapter. The decision to potentially move the audio launch to Malaysia suggests a calculated effort to treat Jailer 2 as a global cinematic event. By combining a star-studded cast from multiple film industries with an international marketing campaign, the producers are aiming for a performance that transcends regional boundaries. As the project moves through its various production stages, the focus will remain on how Nelson balances this massive ensemble while staying true to the grounded, gritty roots of Muthuvel Pandian’s journey.

BY CHRISTA LINCY

The cult phenomenon Tumbbad is finally moving forward with its much-anticipated sequel, Tumbbad 2. Fans have waited years for official confirmation, and the makers have now locked the theatrical release for December 3, 2027. After a long pre-production phase that took over seven years to perfect the script, the cameras officially started rolling on April 7, 2026. The sequel aims to expand the dark, greed-driven mythology that made the 2018 original a landmark in Indian folk-horror, promising to dive deeper into the ancient curses that haunt the village of Tumbbad. In a significant casting move that has surprised the industry, Alia Bhatt has officially joined the crew. She has reportedly committed to a 20-day filming schedule for a character that is being described as the catalyst for a massive twist at the conclusion of the film. Most interestingly, her role is intended to act as a bridge that leads directly into Tumbbad 3, ensuring her presence in the franchise's future. For Alia, this choice comes at a strategic time in her career. Her recent ventures, the action-thriller Jigra and the YRF Spy Universe project Alpha, both underperformed at the box office. Jigra struggled to recover its investment, while Alpha faced a lukewarm reception compared to other films in that franchise. By stepping into a high-concept, critically acclaimed world like Tumbbad, Alia is balancing her experimental side with major commercial projects like Sanjay Leela Bhansali's Love & War, which is scheduled for release shortly after on January 21, 2027. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}) Joining the cast alongside Alia is veteran actor Nawazuddin Siddiqui, who has been signed to play a morally complex and central character. His inclusion adds a new layer of intensity to the film, especially when paired with Sohum Shah, who reprises his role as the anchor of the franchise. Sohum Shah has been the driving force behind the Tumbbad legacy, and his return ensures that the sequel remains deeply rooted in the original lore. The dynamic between Nawazuddin and Sohum is expected to be a major highlight, as both actors are known for their ability to portray gritty, grounded characters in atmospheric settings. The scale of Tumbbad 2 is a significant departure from the first installment. While the original was an underdog story, its recent theatrical re-release in 2024 earned an impressive 40 crore, proving there is a massive audience for this genre. This success has allowed the producers to skyrocket the budget for the sequel, which is now estimated to be between 100 crore and 150 crore. On the creative front, Adesh Prasad has taken over the director’s chair following the departure of Rahi Anil Barve. Prasad, who was the co-director and writer of the first film, is focusing on organic realism. To recreate the signature gloom of the franchise, the crew is purposefully filming during the natural Maharashtra monsoons to ensure authentic rain sequences rather than relying on artificial setups. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}) With the tagline #PralayAayega, the makers are signaling a much larger threat than what was seen in the first film. The combination of a significantly higher budget, a star-studded cast, and a commitment to the franchise's unique aesthetic suggests that Tumbbad 2 is being positioned as a mainstream blockbuster rather than just a cult favorite.

BY SUNIT JANGIR

Bengaluru, July 14 - Kannada superstar Yash's Toxic: A Fairy Tale for Grown-Ups has climbed to the No. 1 spot on IMDb's list of the Most Anticipated Indian Movies and Shows, underlining the enormous excitement surrounding the pan-Indian action thriller ahead of its theatrical release on August 26. The Geetu Mohandas directorial has consistently been one of the most talked-about Indian films of the year, with audience interest showing no signs of slowing. The latest IMDb ranking comes at a time when Toxic continues to dominate conversations across social media. While the film's teaser and promotional material have received widespread praise for their stylish presentation, scale, and Yash's screen presence, the ongoing debate over its portrayal of female characters has further fueled public discussion. The contrasting opinions have only amplified the film's visibility, keeping it at the centre of online conversations and sustaining its momentum ahead of release. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}) IMDb's "Most Anticipated" chart is driven by user engagement and popularity on the platform, making the No. 1 position a reflection of the immense curiosity surrounding the project. The film is occupying over 50% of IMDb's page views share, which is a massive number. With fans eagerly awaiting fresh promotional content and more updates, Toxic has established itself as one of the biggest upcoming releases not only in India but also in several international markets. Produced by KVN Production and Monster Mind Creations on a grand scale, Toxic marks Yash's first film since the blockbuster success of the KGF franchise. Expectations are exceptionally high, with trade circles anticipating one of the biggest openings of the year. Whether the ongoing discussions surrounding the film ultimately translate into stronger box office numbers remains to be seen, but for now, the combination of star power, mystery, and controversy is ensuring that Toxic remains the hottest topic in Indian cinema.

BY CHRISTA LINCY

Rao Bahadur, the latest psychological drama from director Venkatesh Maha, has been making headlines for its bold storytelling and a significant endorsement from one of the industry's most influential voices. Despite being produced on a substantial budget of 40 crore, the film has carved out a niche for itself at the box office, particularly through its strong digital ticket sales and critical acclaim. As of its 11th day of release, the movie has achieved a worldwide gross collection of 11.17 crore, which includes a steady 4.50 crore from overseas markets. One of the biggest talking points for this film is the high praise it received from director Sandeep Reddy Vanga. In a heartfelt review, Vanga described it as one of those rare, rich films that reminds audiences why they fell in love with cinema. He made a specific request to film lovers to give three hours of their lives to this project, noting that it deserves attention and applause. He particularly highlighted the sensational performance of Satyadev Kancharana and credited Venkatesh Maha for crafting the film with absolute conviction and no shortcuts. Such an endorsement is significant for a film that explores complex themes like royal obsession and terminal illness. Looking at the domestic performance, Rao Bahadur has collected a net total of 6.04 crore in India after running across 7,317 shows. The film saw a decent start with a 3.61 crore worldwide gross on its opening day, which grew to 8.1 crore by the end of the first weekend. Its first week concluded with a net collection of 5.45 crore. The regional breakdown shows that the Andhra Pradesh and Telangana markets have been the primary drivers, contributing 5.49 crore to the gross. Karnataka followed with 0.54 crore, while Tamil Nadu and the rest of India each contributed around 0.12 crore. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}) The digital engagement for this film has been remarkably high. On BookMyShow, the movie has officially crossed the milestone of selling over 160K tickets. During its peak opening week, the film experienced high tracking velocity, at one point selling 1,600 tickets per hour and recording over 12,400 bookings within a single 24-hour window. In national chains, the film sold approximately 18.3K tickets over its 11-day run. It is worth noting that BookMyShow user reviews and ratings for this title are currently disabled following a court order, making the raw ticket sales a more direct indicator of audience interest. The film's plot is a layered narrative centered on Ramappa Rao Bahadur, an aging aristocrat battling cancer and a toxic obsession regarding his lineage. Directed, written, and edited by Venkatesh Maha, the 2-hour 49-minute film uses magical realism and societal critique to tell its story. While the gap between its 40 crore budget and current 11.17 crore worldwide gross is wide, the project has gained prestige through its artistic merit and the dedicated performances of the core cast, including Anand Bharathi and Deepa Thomas. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}) Just watched RAO BAHADUR 👏This is one of those rare, rich films that reminds you why we fell in love with cinema in the first place 🙏I have one request to every genuine film lover... give this film three hours of your life. It deserves your attention, your patience, and your…— Sandeep Reddy Vanga (@imvangasandeep) July 13, 2026

BY SUNIT JANGIR

Hyderabad, July 14 - Director Nag Ashwin has broken his silence on the renewed debate surrounding Prabhas' portrayal of Karna in Kalki 2898 AD. The filmmaker responded after social media discussions reignited over the film's interpretation of the iconic Mahabharata character, with some users questioning the creative liberties taken in the sci-fi epic. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}) The controversy gained momentum after a viral post criticised the film's depiction of Karna and claimed it strayed from the traditional narrative of the Mahabharata. As the discussion spread online, fans remained divided, with one section defending Nag Ashwin's unique vision while others argued that the characterisation conflicted with the original epic. Reacting to the criticism, Nag Ashwin made it clear that audiences should not judge the story based on the first instalment alone. The filmmaker said he knows exactly where the narrative is headed and urged viewers to wait for Kalki 2898 AD: Part 2 before forming conclusions. He also pointed out that there are multiple interpretations and translations of the Mahabharata, suggesting that his storytelling draws from a broader understanding of the epic rather than a single version. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}) these are Sree Krishnas own words to arjuna in the drona vadha parva... pls read the Mahabharata...I suggest the bibek debroy version... Or google how many times krishna praised karna to arjuna. I have the greatest respect for our history. I know what I'm doing. Wait for part 2. pic.twitter.com/iU2CSq1uNM— Nag Ashwin (@nagashwin7) July 12, 2026 Released in 2024, Kalki 2898 AD ended with the revelation that Prabhas' Bhairava is connected to the legendary warrior Karna, setting the stage for the sequel. The twist became one of the film's biggest talking points and continues to fuel discussions among fans. With Kalki Part 2 currently in development, Nag Ashwin has assured audiences that the complete context behind Karna's role will unfold in the next chapter, making it clear that the story is far from over.

BY CHRISTA LINCY

The Dhamaal franchise has always been a reliable performer at the box office, and the fourth installment continues this trend with a star-studded ensemble led by Ajay Devgn. While analyzing the current run, it is interesting to look back at Total Dhamaal, which remains the highest-grossing entry in the series. On its first Monday, Dhamaal 4 collected a net of 8.75 crore, which is slightly lower than the 9.85 crore managed by its predecessor on its own fourth day. However, the overall picture looks more promising for the new release when we look at the cumulative totals. In terms of the total four-day India net collection, Dhamaal 4 currently stands at 73.75 crore, successfully surpassing the 72.25 crore that Total Dhamaal had collected by the same stage. This edge is primarily due to a significant surge in ticket sales over the opening weekend. While the film did not break the Monday record of the previous film, the current numbers represent a healthy stabilization for the project after such a high-energy start. This steady performance ensures the franchise remains a strong contender in the comedy genre, maintaining its momentum as it moves into the weekdays. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}) Also Dhamaal 4 has reached its first major global milestone by crossing the 100 crore mark in worldwide gross collections. After a solid opening weekend, the film entered its first crucial weekday testing ground on Monday. As is typical for big-ticket releases, the movie saw a significant dip in numbers following the Sunday rush, but the overall tally remains healthy for the franchise. On its fourth day, the film collected a net amount of 8.75 crore in India. This figure represents a 69.3 percent drop compared to the Sunday collection of 28.50 crore. While the drop might look steep on paper, it is a common trend for sequels in the comedy genre. This brings the total India net collection to 73.75 crore after four days. In terms of gross revenue, the domestic market has contributed 88.33 crore across 10,598 shows on Monday, taking the cumulative India gross to that same figure. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}) The international market is also contributing steady support to the total tally. According to early estimates, the film added 1.50 crore from overseas territories on Monday, bringing the total overseas gross to an estimated 14.50 crore. When we combine these international figures with the domestic numbers, the worldwide gross collection stands at an estimated 102.83 crore. Reaching this 100 crore milestone within just four days is a positive sign for the star cast led by Ajay Devgn. According to data from Venky Box Office, the film has specifically made its mark in North America, where the Sunday gross was 175K dollars, which is roughly 1.47 crore. This brings the total collection in that region to 508K dollars, or approximately 4.27 crore. On the digital front, BookMyShow recorded around 124K ticket sales for Monday alone, bringing the total tickets sold on the platform to approximately 13.77 lakhs so far. Despite these solid numbers, the film narrowly missed a spot in the top 10 list for first Monday ticket sales in the 2025-26 period. It currently occupies the 12th spot, finishing just behind other recent releases like Bhooth Bangla and Sitaare Zameen Par. While the volume of sales remains healthy, the competitive landscape of this year has pushed the benchmark for Monday performance significantly higher than previous seasons. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}) Looking at the daily advance booking numbers for national chains on Monday, the film sold approximately 17.3K tickets, resulting in a gross of 44.8 lakhs. Breaking this down by specific chains, PVR recorded around 7.4K tickets sold with a gross of 21.3 lakhs and an occupancy of 2.2 percent. INOX followed with a solid 8K tickets sold, earning 18.8 lakhs at an occupancy of 2.6 percent. Meanwhile, Cinepolis contributed roughly 1.9K tickets and a gross of 4.7 lakhs with an occupancy rate of 1.2 percent. In terms of theater occupancy across the country, the film maintained an overall average of 17.79 percent on Monday. The day started slow with a morning occupancy of 7.62 percent but saw a steady climb as the day progressed. The afternoon shows recorded 16.62 percent, evening shows rose to 19.54 percent, and the night shows peaked at 25.15 percent. Among the major regions, Mumbai led the way with 19.3 percent occupancy across 807 shows, while the National Capital Region followed with 18.5 percent over 1,084 shows. Other cities like Pune and Ahmedabad stayed in the 16 percent range, while Surat saw a lower turnout at 11.3 percent. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}) Comparing this performance to Ajay Devgn's previous post-covid releases, Dhamaal 4 holds a respectable position. It currently ranks as his third-highest first Monday collection in this period, trailing only Singham Again and Drishyam 2. Below is a detailed look at how his top five movies have performed on their first Mondays. Top 5 Post-Covid First Monday Collections - Ajay DevgnMOVIE NAMEINDIA NET COLLECTION (1st Monday)Singham Again₹ 18.00 CrDrishyam 2₹ 11.87 CrDhamaal 4₹ 8.75 CrRaid 2₹ 7.50 CrShaitaan₹ 7.25 Cr The film has shown consistency across its 43,702 cumulative shows so far. While the Monday drop was anticipated, the 100 crore worldwide achievement provides a strong foundation for the coming week. The focus now shifts to how well the movie can sustain its momentum during the remaining weekdays to ensure a solid first-week finish.