BY CHRISTA LINCY

Vicky Kaushal is currently navigating one of the most significant phases of his career, lining up back-to-back large-scale spectacles. Following the immense anticipation surrounding Sanjay Leela Bhansali's Love and War, the actor is now gearing up for another ambitious project in the form of Maddock Films' upcoming mythological epic, Mahavatar. Directed by Amar Kaushik, the film is set to see Vicky in a role that demands an unprecedented level of commitment and physical transformation. According to an exclusive report by Pinkvilla, the actor has blocked a total of 18 months exclusively for this project, signaling the massive scale and depth of the upcoming production. The timeline for Mahavatar begins immediately after Vicky concludes his work on Bhansali's Love and War. The Sanjay Leela Bhansali directorial, which also stars Ranbir Kapoor and Alia Bhatt, is preparing for a crucial 50-day schedule starting in May 2026. Bhansali aims to wrap the film by the end of June 2026, targeting a high-profile theatrical release on January 21, 2027. Once the cameras stop rolling for Love and War, Vicky is slated to dive straight into an intensive six-month preparatory module for Mahavatar starting in June 2026. This preparatory phase is designed to be a comprehensive training program. It includes a rigorous physical transformation aimed at bulking up the actor's physique to match the mythological scale of the character, alongside a series of acting workshops. Amar Kaushik has reportedly designed a detailed module that focuses not only on the physical aspects but also on the psychological and emotional journey of the character. This deep-dive preparation is essential as Vicky is set to portray Chiranjeevi Parashurama, a figure known for immense strength and spiritual depth in Indian history. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}) The actual filming of Mahavatar is slated to commence in January 2027. The production is looking at an extensive one-year shooting schedule that is expected to wrap up by December 2027. During this entire period, Vicky Kaushal has consciously decided not to take up any other professional assignments. By dedicating his full attention to Mahavatar, the actor aims to maintain consistency in his performance and look, treating the film as a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. While there is a slight possibility of a small project being squeezed in before January 2027, it remains contingent on his prep timeline and physical state. The buzz around Mahavatar has been exceptionally high since the release of its first-look poster, which showcased a fierce and unrecognizable Vicky Kaushal as Parashurama. Coming from the stable of Maddock Films, which has recently found immense success with its supernatural and horror-comedy universe through films like Stree and Munjya, this foray into the mythological space represents a bold new direction for the studio and director Amar Kaushik. With Vicky’s total immersion into the role and the backing of a proven director-producer duo, Mahavatar is being positioned as one of the most significant cinematic events of 2027.

BY SUNIT JANGIR

Mumbai, April 29 - Fans of the cult classic Indian folk horror film can finally mark their calendars. Following years of speculation and a record-breaking theatrical re-release of the original film, makers have officially announced that Tumbbad 2, starring Nawazuddin Siddiqui and others, will hit cinemas on December 3, 2027. While the first film was a masterclass in claustrophobic tension and greed, Tumbbad 2 promises a massive leap in scale. The sequel's central theme is said to be "Pralay" - the Hindu concept of cosmic dissolution or the apocalypse. This suggests that while the first film dealt with the personal greed of one family, the sequel may explore the catastrophic consequences of that greed on a much larger, perhaps even global, scale. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}) Directed by Adesh Prasad, Tumbbad 2 is positioning itself as one of the most expensive horror-fantasy films ever made in India, with a reported 150 crore budget. A significant portion of this budget is being allocated to cutting-edge visual effects and the elaborate practical sets required to bring the "Pralay" vision to life. Production of the film has already commenced, giving it enough time for filming and post-production to ensure the sequel matches the meticulous craftsmanship of its predecessor. The original Tumbbad took six years to make and was a slow-burn success that eventually gained legendary status on streaming platforms. With the sequel, the producers are aiming for a global blockbuster right out of the gate. As the December 2027 release date approaches, Tumbbad 2 is undoubtedly one of the most anticipated Indian films of the decade.

BY SUNIT JANGIR

Mumbai, April 29 - The Box Office battleground for May 1, 2026, is set. As the industry celebrates Maharashtra Day, two distinct films - the Marathi historical epic Raja Shivaji and the soulful romance Ek Din - are hitting the big screen amid mid expectations. But the big question is, can these new entrants topple the strong holdovers, in the form of Bhooth Bangla and Dhurandhar 2, currently dominating the charts? Raja Shivaji: The Regional Powerhouse (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}) Directed by and starring Riteish Deshmukh, Raja Shivaji is the most anticipated Marathi film in years. While the Marathi version is expected to see a historic opening, the Hindi dubbed version faces a different set of expectations. The advance booking for the film is good overall, but the Hindi version is seeing an underwhelming response. The advance booking trend suggests Hindi opening of Raja Shivaji around 1.50-2 crores net, but the movie has the advantage of the genre and a story deeply personal to the people, especially in Maharashtra. Releasing on Maharashtra Day is another plus, which is expected to boost the walk-in footfalls. However, despite having certain advantages, the original Marathi version is expected to dominate the footfalls, leaving not much room for the Hindi version. While the trade is expecting the Hindi opening in the range of 3-4 crore net, the trend suggests it might be somewhere between 2-3 crores net, depending on spot bookings. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}) Ek Din: Low Buzz, Word-of-Mouth Dependent Backed by Aamir Khan's production house, Ek Din stars his son Junaid Khan alongside Sai Pallavi. Despite the reputation attached to it, the film has struggled to generate some sort of pre-release excitement. The makers tried to boost the buzz by opening the advance sales a month before the release date, but things haven't turned out as expected with low pre-sales. As a result, Ek Din is expected to open in the 1 to 2 crore net range on Day 1. The romantic drama's niche appeal and limited awareness mean that its box office journey will heavily depend on audience word of mouth rather than an initial surge. Bhooth Bangla To Remain Top Choice? (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}) Superstar Akshay Kumar-fronted horror comedy Bhooth Bangla has been performing very well since its release on April 17, and is expected to remain the top choice in Hindi this Friday, unless the new releases really surprise on the release day. There is Dhurandhar 2 also, which, even though it is slowing down, is expected to retain some screens and collect on low levels.

BY CHRISTA LINCY

Dhanush's 54th project, Kara, is approaching its theatrical debut with a steady build-up in its advance bookings for the opening day. As of now, the film's worldwide real-time pre-sales have reached the 3 crore mark, with the home territory of Tamil Nadu contributing a major share of 2 crore. While these numbers suggest a reliable start for the heist action-thriller, the film is currently in its final day of pre-sales, where a significant jump in momentum will be required to ensure a high-impact opening total at the box office. The ticket sales on BookMyShow have shown a positive trajectory over the last 48 hours. After recording 5,410 tickets on April 27, the volume saw a healthy increase on April 28 to reach 15,990 tickets, bringing the cumulative total on the platform to 21,400. The hourly momentum has also witnessed a spike, with 2,300 tickets sold in the 1-2 pm window today, contributing to a total of 7,710 tickets since 9 am. This recent surge indicates that audience interest is intensifying as the release window narrows. In the national cinema chains involving PVR, INOX, and Cinepolis, the film has recorded approximately 21,900 ticket sales for its opening day across 809 shows. PVR leads the contribution with 15,700 tickets, followed by INOX with 4,900 tickets and Cinepolis with 1,300 tickets. The gross collection from these chains currently stands at 34 lakh with an average occupancy rate of 13 percent. These figures reflect a balanced distribution across major multiplexes, though the primary volume remains centered around PVR venues in key urban centers. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}) Directed by Vignesh Raja, Kara is a heist action-thriller with a confirmed runtime of 161 minutes or 2 hours and 41 minutes. The film has been granted a UA 16+ certificate by the censors due to its intense action themes and survival sequences. Set against the unique backdrop of the 1991 Gulf War, the narrative specifically explores the fuel crisis in Tamil Nadu triggered by the Iraq-American conflict. The story follows the protagonist's 16-day journey of survival and redemption, a concept that the director revealed was sparked by a mix of real-world events, including a crime report from Northern India and an emotional piece set near Vellore. As the film prepares to hit the screens on April 30, the final phase of bookings will be crucial. While the current pre-sales are trending at an average level, the historical performance of Dhanush's films often shows a strong reliance on late-day bookings and walk-in audiences. With its lengthy runtime and specific historical setting, the film is positioned as a detailed survival drama. The upcoming 24 hours will determine if Kara can convert this steady interest into a significant opening day benchmark in both domestic and overseas markets.

BY CHRISTA LINCY

The global trajectory of Aditya Dhar's Dhurandhar franchise is reaching a fever pitch. After a remarkable and record-shattering run at the global box office, it has been officially confirmed that the first part, Dhurandhar—which currently occupies the 5th spot on the all-time global charts with a lifetime collection of 1,307.35 crore—will release in Japan on July 10, 2026. While the second installment, Dhurandhar 2: The Revenge, has already cemented its status as the 3rd highest-grossing Indian film of all time with a worldwide total of 1,780.76 crore, this strategic move for the original chapter is designed to build a solid foundation in the territory, allowing the film to maximize its lifetime potential as it heads toward a massive new milestone. This development has sent the box office community into a frenzy as the franchise now holds two distinct spots in the top five highest-grossing Indian films of all time. Currently, Dhurandhar: The Revenge is on the verge of overtaking Baahubali 2: The Conclusion to officially claim the number two spot globally, a milestone it is expected to reach within a matter of days. Meanwhile, the first part of the saga occupies the 5th position with its current lifetime total of 1,307.35 crore. The upcoming Japan release for the first chapter opens a strategic window for it to climb even higher in the rankings. While Aamir Khan’s Dangal remains the ultimate target at the top with 2,070.30 crore, the massive potential of the Japanese market suggests that Dhurandhar could witness a significant late-career surge in its global journey. Top 10 Highest Grossing Indian Films in JapanRANKMOVIE NAMEJAPAN COLLECTION (YEN)1RRR¥ 2.42 Billion2Muthu¥ 405 Million3Baahubali 2: The Conclusion¥ 305 Million43 Idiots¥ 170 Million5English Vinglish¥ 160 Million6The Lunchbox¥ 150 Million7Saaho¥ 131 Million8Magadheera¥ 130.1 Million9Enthiran (Robot)¥ 109.6 Million10Pushpa 2: The Rule¥ 105 Million* (2 Weeks) (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}) It’s time for Japan to experience the Dhurandhar energy! ⚔️🔥Arriving in theatres across Japan on 10.7.2026.@RanveerOfficial #AkshayeKhanna @duttsanjay @ActorMadhavan @rampalarjun #SaraArjun @bolbedibol @AdityaDharFilms #JyotiDeshpande @LokeshDharB62 @jiostudios @B62Studios… pic.twitter.com/Hju88Qoi5m— Jio Studios (@jiostudios) April 29, 2026 The historical performance of Indian films in Japan reveals a diverse palate. While SS Rajamouli's films like Magadheera capitalized on the later Baahubali fever to prove that his brand is a bankable genre, Prabhas himself established a loyal following with Saaho, which held the record for the biggest opening day before RRR. Even sci-fi entries like Enthiran were specifically edited to be more fast-paced for the Japanese audience, focusing heavily on the action and Rajinikanth's iconic robotic mannerisms. This level of customization shows the effort producers put into capturing this unique market, and Dhurandhar is expected to receive similar localized attention. The Japanese market has a history of turning Indian blockbusters into legends. RRR remains the absolute benchmark, being the only Indian film to breach the ¥2 billion milestone. Its success proved that when the Japanese audience connects with the spectacle and emotion of an Indian film, the theatrical run can last for over 500 days. Even recent releases like Pushpa 2: The Rule have shown record-breaking speed, entering the all-time Top 10 in just 14 days. For the Dhurandhar franchise, the strategy is calculated: release Part 1 to introduce the characters and world-building, and then strike while the iron is hot to capitalize on the built-up hype. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}) The cultural appetite in Japan for larger-than-life Indian cinema has evolved significantly. From the Rajinikanth-mania sparked by Muthu in the 90s to the vocal screenings popularized by Baahubali 2, the audience there treats these films as a celebration. Content-driven successes like 3 Idiots and English Vinglish have also proven that emotional depth resonates just as much as high-octane action. Other notable films that have enjoyed cult status in Japan include: Bajrangi Bhaijaan (2015) Padman (2018) Dhoom 3 (2013) Rangasthalam (2018) KGF: Chapter 1 & 2 Secret Superstar (2017) Hindi Medium (2017) PK (2014) Om Shanti Om (2007) Ra.One (2011) The potential collection from Japan for the first part of Dhurandhar is set to be a strategic addition to its already storied global run. While the gap to the next tier of all-time blockbusters is substantial, the additional gross from this release allows Part 1 to effectively consolidate its individual lifetime total and maximize its reach in an elite market. More than just a chase for individual rankings, this international expansion serves to strengthen the collective weight of the entire franchise. By adding another layer of revenue to the first installment, the saga pushes its combined total to heights rarely seen in Indian cinema, further distancing itself from other major series. This tactical push ensures that the Ranveer Singh-Aditya Dhar collaboration continues to grow its global footprint, solidifying a legacy that stands as a benchmark for franchise-building in the modern era.

BY CHRISTA LINCY

Dhurandhar 2: The Revenge continues to exhibit remarkable staying power at the box office, even as it enters its sixth week of release. On its 41st day, the film recorded a net collection of 1.30 crore across 2,925 shows in India. This steady performance on a sixth Tuesday is a testament to the film's enduring appeal among the audience, particularly as it navigates a phase where most big-budget productions typically exhaust their theatrical run. The domestic net total has now reached a staggering 1,132.94 crore, while the India gross stands at 1,356.01 crore. Top 5 Highest 6th Tuesday Collections (Hindi Net)MOVIE NAME6TH TUESDAY COLLECTIONDhurandhar₹ 2.60 CrChhaava₹ 1.40 CrURI: The Surgical Strike₹ 1.38 CrDhurandhar 2: The Revenge₹ 1.25 CrStree 2₹ 1.25 Cr The film's performance in national cinema chains remains noteworthy for a sixth-week release. On Tuesday, it sold 20,000 tickets across PVR, INOX, and Cinepolis, generating a gross of 30 lakh. PVR led the contribution with 10,000 tickets sold at an occupancy of 11 percent, followed by INOX with 7000 tickets and Cinepolis with 3000 tickets. The overall occupancy for these chains stood at 8 percent across 1,400 shows, indicating that the film is still a preferred choice for cinema-goers despite several new releases entering the fray. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}) The digital engagement on BookMyShow also reflects this momentum. Dhurandhar 2 sold 30,270 tickets on the platform this Tuesday, marking an improvement over its Monday sales of 25,450. In the sixth Tuesday sales rankings, it maintained a solid third position, trailing only behind the original Dhurandhar and Laalo, while staying ahead of other heavyweights like Chhaava and Pushpa 2. This daily consistency has helped the film cross a massive milestone of 1.80 crore total tickets sold on BookMyShow since its release. The journey of ticket sales on the platform showcases a massive trend starting from the pre-sales period through to the sixth week. Here is the week-wise breakdown of tickets booked on BookMyShow: Pre Sales: 2.41 Million 1st Extended Week: 8.92 Million 2nd Week: 3.62 Million 3rd Week: 1.58 Million 4th Week: 931K 5th Week: 387K 6th Week (Till Tue): 213K Total: 1,80,52,310 Tickets On the global front, Dhurandhar 2 added 0.25 crore from overseas markets on Day 41. The total international gross now stands at 424.75 crore. When combined with the domestic gross, the worldwide total has reached 1,780.76 crore. The film is now steadily inching toward the 1,800 crore global milestone. Given the current daily trajectory and the lack of significant competition in its niche, the film is expected to maintain its foothold throughout the remainder of the week, further solidifying its status as one of the most successful Indian films of all time.