BY CHRISTA LINCY

Aneet Padda, who gained significant popularity with her performance in Saiyaara, is currently busy with her next major project, Shakti Shalini. This film is a part of the popular Maddock Horror Comedy Universe, but reports suggest that fans might have to wait a little longer than expected to see it in theaters. Reportedly, the makers are considering a move away from their original Christmas 2026 release date to ensure the film gets the attention it deserves. The film was initially scheduled to hit theaters on December 24, 2026, which is the same day Shah Rukh Khan's much-awaited film King is slated for release. Avoiding a direct clash with a massive star-driven spectacle like King appears to be the primary motivation for this potential rescheduling. In the current box office climate, securing a solo window is often more beneficial than fighting for screens during a crowded holiday weekend, even for an established franchise like the Maddock universe. According to a report by Mid-Day, the production of Shakti Shalini is currently in its final stages. The team is involved in an outdoor shooting schedule that is expected to conclude by the end of May. Once principal photography is wrapped, the focus will shift to an extensive post-production phase. Because the movie belongs to the horror-comedy genre, there is a significant requirement for visual effects that the team does not want to rush. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}) A source close to the project mentioned that the priority is to finish the film properly and spend enough time on the VFX work. Because of this, the production team is reportedly exploring a potential January 2027 release window instead. This strategic shift would allow Shakti Shalini to enjoy a solo run, potentially maximizing its theatrical collections without the heavy competition of a major blockbuster release during the Christmas period. While an official confirmation is still awaited from the producers, the industry generally views this as a smart business move. Shakti Shalini carries high expectations given the track record of its cinematic universe, and providing it with a dedicated release period could help it become another significant hit. For now, the focus remains on completing the final leg of production before an official new date is announced.

BY SUNIT JANGIR

Chennai, May 18 - Tamil superstar Suriya's Karuppu continues its sensational box office run as the action drama has successfully passed the crucial Monday test after delivering a massive 120+ crore worldwide opening weekend. The film has now become the highest-grossing film of Suriya's career with its Monday collection so far. According to early trends, Karuppu is heading towards grossing a minimum 15+ crore worldwide on Day 4, which will take its total global collection beyond the 135 crore mark in just four days. The film has maintained excellent momentum despite entering the weekday phase after a massive weekend, reflecting its strong acceptance among audiences. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}) What has surprised the trade the most is the extraordinary hold in India. The movie is showing a drop of less than 40% from Friday, which is considered exceptional for a star-led Tamil commercial entertainer after such a huge opening. This is easily one of the strongest weekday holds for a major Tamil title in recent times. The film has continued to dominate Tamil Nadu, where it is heading towards another double-digit collection, while also posting steady collections in Telugu states, Karnataka, and overseas territories. Positive word of mouth, repeat audience support, and strong occupancy in mass centres are helping the movie sustain its momentum. Directed by RJ Balaji, Karuppu marks a major comeback success for Suriya, by becoming his highest-grossing movie, beating Singam 2, which reportedly grossed around 124 crores worldwide. The actor's intense performance, combined with the film's action-packed narrative and emotional moments, has struck a chord with audiences across regions. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}) Day-Wise Worldwide Collection Of Karuppu Day 1 - 29 Cr Gross Approx. Day 2 - 46 Cr Gross Approx. Day 3 - 46 Cr Gross Approx. Day 4 - 20 Cr Gross (expected)

BY SUNIT JANGIR

Mumbai, May 17 - Jio Studios and Mumbai Film Company's historical action drama Raja Shivaji has officially crossed the coveted 100 crore gross mark at the domestic box office, emerging as one of the biggest blockbusters in the history of Marathi cinema. Directed by and starring Riteish Deshmukh, Raja Shivaji, based on the life of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, has been rewriting records since its release on May 1. The film opened to a record-breaking first weekend of 40.35 crore gross, the biggest opening weekend ever for a Marathi film. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}) The momentum continued through the weekdays as the film ended its first week with a phenomenal 62.40 crore gross collection, setting another all-time Marathi cinema record. Despite the expected drop in the second week, Raja Shivaji remained strong and collected 28.70 crore gross. The film continued its solid theatrical run in the third weekend as well, despite the new releases fueling the competition, adding another 9 crore gross collection and taking the total past the historic 100 crore milestone, becoming only the second Marathi film to do so. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}) The movie has enjoyed phenomenal support in Maharashtra while also posting solid numbers in the Hindi version. Strong word-of-mouth, repeat audience footfalls, and the grand scale presentation have helped the film sustain superbly over multiple weeks. The movie features an ensemble cast including Sanjay Dutt, Genelia Deshmukh, Abhishek Bachchan, Vidya Balan, Fardeen Khan, and a cameo of Salman Khan. Riteish Deshmukh's portrayal of Shivaji Maharaj has received widespread appreciation from audiences and critics alike.

BY CHRISTA LINCY

Romance fans have a significant update to track as the advance booking for the upcoming film Chand Mera Dil is set to open today, Monday, May 18. Directed by Vivek Soni, known for his work on Meenakshi Sundareshwar and Aap Jaisa Koi, this Dharma Productions venture has generated considerable buzz. The pairing of Lakshya and Ananya Panday, combined with an intense romantic narrative, has made it one of the most anticipated releases of the month. Before the film heads to theaters on May 22, it has completed its mandatory certification process. According to an exclusive report by Bollywood Hungama, the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) passed the movie with a U/A 16+ certificate. While the intense nature of the romance remains a key selling point, the board did request some specific modifications to the intimate sequences in the film. The CBFC requested the deletion and replacement of approximately 96 seconds of kissing visuals. This includes a 10-second sequence that was replaced with alternative shots and a more substantial 1 minute and 26 seconds of lip-lock visuals that were asked to be removed entirely. Beyond these visual edits, the makers were also required to submit consent letters for all child artists who appeared in the film. These changes were finalized in early May, and the official censor certificate was handed over to the producers on May 8. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}) Following these modifications, the final runtime of Chand Mera Dil is confirmed to be 135.36 minutes, which translates to a total duration of 2 hours, 15 minutes, and 36 seconds. This duration is fairly standard for a contemporary romantic drama and is expected to provide a well-paced theatrical experience. The production is a collaborative effort involving Hiroo Yash Johar, Karan Johar, Adar Poonawalla, Apoorva Mehta, Somen Mishra, and Marijke deSouza. To ensure a strong start at the ticket windows, the makers have implemented an aggressive pricing strategy for the opening day. On Friday, May 22, moviegoers can purchase tickets for all shows scheduled before 5:00 pm for just ₹149. For shows scheduled after 5:00 pm, the price will increase slightly to ₹199. This tiered pricing model is a strategic move to capitalize on the film's musical popularity and the chemistry of the lead pair, encouraging a high turnout right from the first day of release.

BY CHRISTA LINCY

OTT Releases This Week (May 18 to May 24, 2026) OTT releases this week (May 18 to May 24, 2026) are poised to electrify digital screens with a diverse blend of high-octane spy thrillers, glamorous reality spin-offs, and grounded regional dramas. Leading the charge is the final covert mission of John Krasinski in Jack Ryan: Ghost War on Prime Video, alongside the ultra-luxury lifestyle drama of Desi Bling on Netflix. From the supernatural secrets of The Boroughs, produced by the Duffer Brothers, to the high-stakes courtroom tension in the legal drama System featuring Sonakshi Sinha and Jyotika, the streaming slate offers an impressive variety of genres. Whether it is the gritty rural crime world of the Tamil series Warrant on Zee5 or the highly anticipated digital rental premieres of Lee Cronin's The Mummy and The Super Mario Galaxy Movie, this week ensures that every major platform is loaded with premium entertainment. Here's a complete breakdown of all the movies and shows releasing on OTT between May 18 and May 24, 2026. May 19, 2026 Snapshot Cast & Crew Videos Lee Cronin's The Mummy supernatural thriller AmazonPrime - Rent Language:English Running Time:2h 14m IMDB Rating:6.4/10 View Box Office Collection → The young daughter of a journalist disappears into the desert without a trace. Eight years later, the broken family is shocked when she is returned to them, as what should be a joyful reunion turns into a living nightmare. Lee Cronin's The Mummy Cast and Crew Jack ReynorActor Laia CostaActor May CalamawyActor NatalieGraceActor Lee CroninDirector Lee Cronin's The Mummy Trailer May 19, 2026 Snapshot Cast & Crew Videos Mother Mary Musical Drama AmazonPrime - Rent Language:English Running Time:1h 51m IMDB Rating:6.1/10 Long-buried wounds rise to the surface when iconic pop star Mother Mary reunites with her estranged best friend and former costume designer, Sam Anselm, on the eve of her comeback performance. Mother Mary Cast & Crew Anne HathawayActor Michaela CoelActor Hunter SchaferActor Sian CliffordActor David LoweryDirector Mother Mary Trailer May 20, 2026 Snapshot Cast & Crew Videos Jack Ryan: Ghost War Action, Thriller AmazonPrime Language:English Running Time: 1h 45m IMDB Rating:NA Direct OTT Release Follows Jack Ryan who reunites with CIA operatives to navigate a treacherous web of betrayal against an enemy who knows their every move, facing a past they thought was long put to rest. Jack Ryan: Ghost War Cast & Crew John KrasinskiActor Sienna MillerActor Wendell PierceActor Michael KellyActor Andrew BernsteinDirector Jack Ryan: Ghost War Trailer May 22, 2026 Snapshot Cast & Crew Videos Madhuvidhu Romantic , Comedy Sonyliv Language:Malayalam,Tamil, Telugu, Kannada, Hindi Running Time:2h 5m IMDB Rating:7.1/10 View Box Office Collection → A newlywed couple's dreams of happiness fade as everyday pressures mount. What began with promise turns into a test of endurance, with each day requiring more effort to bridge the growing gap between them. Madhuvidhu Cast & Crew SharafudheenActor Malavika NairActor jagadishActor SaikumarActor Vishnu AravindDirector Madhuvidhu Trailer (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({})   May 20, 2026 Snapshot Cast & Crew Videos Sathi Leelavathi Drama,Romantic SunNxt Language:Telugu,Tamil Running Time:2 hr 11m IMDB Rating:7.6/10 View Box Office Collection → Sathi Leelavathi is an upcoming Telugu rom-com featuring Lavanya Tripathi and Dev Mohan in the lead roles. Directed by Tatineni Satya, the film promises a delightful blend of love, laughter, and heartwarming moments. Sathi Leelavathi Cast and Crew Lavanya TripathiActor Dev MohanActor Madonna SebastianActor NareshActor Tatineni SatyaDirector Sathi Leelavathi Trailer (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({})   may22, 2026 Snapshot Cast & Crew Videos System Courtroom Drama AmazonPrime Language:Hindi Running Time:NA IMDB Rating:NA Direct OTT Release Privileged prosecutor Neha Rajvansh and humble stenographer Sarika Rawat's lives collide in a system where power shapes truth, forcing them to question the meaning of justice. System Cast and Crew Sonakshi SinhaActor JyotikaActor Ashutosh GowarikerActor Nishant SinghActor Ashwiny Iyer TiwariDirector System Trailer May 20, 2026 Snapshot Cast & Crew Videos Desi Bling Reality Show Netflix Series:Desi Bling Language:Hindi, English No Of Episodes:8 Desi Bling is a reality series that follows an ultra-wealthy circle of Indian expats and celebrities, including Karan Kundrra and Tejasswi Prakash, navigating the high-octane social scene of Dubai. The show showcases a lifestyle of extreme luxury—penthouses, supercars, and designer fashion—while focusing on the personal drama, shifting alliances, and social rivalries within the group. It blends the glitz of the elite UAE lifestyle with the cultural nuances and high-stakes ambitions of its prominent Indian cast members. Desi Bling Cast and Crew Karan KundrraActor Tejasswi PrakashActor Rizwan SajanActor Marcel DufourDirector Desi Bling Trailer (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({})   May 22, 2026 Snapshot Cast & Crew Videos Satrangi: Badle Ka Khel Crime, Action ZEE5 Series:Satrangi: Badle Ka Khel Language:Hindi No Of Episodes:1 Satrangi: Badle Ka Khel is a gritty revenge thriller set in rural Uttar Pradesh that follows Bablu, a young man forced to adopt his murdered father’s profession as a Launda dancer. While navigating the social stigma of his cross-dressing identity, he secretly infiltrates the inner circle of the powerful Singh family to avenge his father’s death. The series blends a tense psychological game with a raw exploration of caste dynamics, toxic masculinity, and the fight for justice in a lawless landscape. Satrangi: Badle Ka Khel Cast and Crew Anshumaan PushkarActor RJ MahvashActor Kumud MishraActor Upen ChauhanActor Jai Basantu SinghDirector Satrangi: Badle Ka Khel Trailer May 22, 2026 Snapshot Cast & Crew Videos Warrant : From the world of Vilangu Investigative Thriller ZEE5 Series:Warrant : From the world of Vilangu Language:Tamil No Of Episodes:7 Warrant is a gritty crime thriller spin-off from the Vilangu universe, focusing on the dramatic evolution of Koattai Karuppasamy. Originally a timid and mocked constable known for his empathy, Karuppasamy reaches a breaking point after years of systemic humiliation and violence. He transforms into a ruthless enforcer of justice, blurring the lines between a lawman and a vigilante. The series explores themes of identity and power as his former colleagues and the public grapple with whether he is a protector of the law or its most dangerous threat. Warrant : From the world of Vilangu Cast and Crew Prasanth PandiyarajActor Balaji SakthivelActor Kaali VenkatActor AruldossActor Vignesh NatarajanDirector Warrant : From the world of Vilangu Trailer (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({})   May 21, 2026 Snapshot Cast & Crew Videos The Boroughs Supernatural Fiction Netflix Series:The Boroughs Language:English No Of Episodes:8 The Boroughs is a supernatural mystery from executive producers the Duffer Brothers (Stranger Things) set in a seemingly peaceful New Mexico retirement community. The story follows a ragtag group of elderly residents who witness a terrifying, otherworldly threat that the authorities refuse to acknowledge. Forced to take matters into their own hands, these unlikely heroes must band together to uncover a dark conspiracy and stop a monster that is literally stealing time from the living. The Boroughs Cast and Crew Alfred MolinaActor Raghav DarrActor Ben TaylorDirector Augustine FrizzellDirector Kyle Patrick AlvarezDirector The Boroughs Trailer Upcoming OTT releases this week May 18 to May 22 MOVIE / SERIES NAME LANGUAGE RELEASE DATE PLATFORM The Midway Point English May 19 Amazon Prime Video (Rent) Mile End Kicks English May 19 Amazon Prime Video (Rent) Monkey’s Magic Merry Go Round English May 19 ScreamBox Normal English May 19 Amazon Prime Video (Rent) Palestine ’36 English May 19 Amazon Prime Video (Rent) The Stranger English May 19 Amazon Prime Video (Rent) The Super Mario Galaxy Movie English May 19 Amazon Prime Video (Rent) Wasteman English May 19 Amazon Prime Video (Rent) Satan The Dark Tamil May 20 Prime Video, Aha Tamil & Tentkotta Carizzma: Season Spanish, English May 20 Netflix One Three Hill (Series) English May 21 Netflix James: Season 1 (Series) Spanish, English May 21 Netflix Memu Copulam (Series) Telugu May 22 Zee5 System Hindi, Tamil, Telugu, Kannada, Malayalam May 22 Amazon Prime Video Bhishmar Malayalam May 22 Prime Video & Sun NXT Sesha 2016 Kannada, Malayalam May 22 Sun NXT Sky + Med: Season 4 English May 22 JioHotstar Arco English May 22 Hulu The Bride English May 22 HBO Max Bushido Japanese May 22 Amazon Prime Video (Rent) Giant English May 22 Amazon Prime Video (Rent) Kill Bill: The Whole Bloody Affair English May 22 Peacock Ladies First English, Tamil, Telugu, Hindi May 22 Netflix Panda Plan: The Magical Tribe English, Tamil, Telugu, Hindi May 22 LionsGatePlay This Is Not a Test English May 22 Netflix Mating Season: Season 1 English, Hindi May 22 Netflix (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({})   Frequently Asked Questions: OTT Releases (May 18 – May 22, 2026) What are the biggest movies and shows releasing on OTT this week? The week of May 19 to May 22 is one of the busiest of the year for digital premieres. The most anticipated titles include the high-octane action film Jack Ryan: Ghost War on Amazon Prime Video, the luxury reality series Desi Bling on Netflix, and the supernatural mystery The Boroughs on Netflix. Indian audiences are also eagerly waiting for the legal drama System starring Sonakshi Sinha and Jyotika on Prime Video, and the gritty crime series Warrant on Zee5. When and where can I watch Jack Ryan: Ghost War? Jack Ryan: Ghost War is scheduled to premiere on Amazon Prime Video on May 20, 2026. Starring John Krasinski in his final outing as the iconic operative, the movie will be available to stream in multiple languages including English, Hindi, Tamil, Telugu, Kannada, and Malayalam. What is the premise of the new reality series Desi Bling? Releasing on Netflix on May 20, Desi Bling is a spin-off of the global hit Dubai Bling. The series follows a circle of ultra-wealthy Indian expats in Dubai, featuring popular Indian television stars like Karan Kundrra and Tejasswi Prakash as they navigate the high-stakes world of luxury, fashion, and social rivalries. Is there a connection between the new series Warrant and the 2022 hit Vilangu? Yes, Warrant is a rural crime drama set in the same gritty universe as the 2022 cult-favorite series Vilangu. Premiering on Zee5 on May 22, the series features Vilangu director Prasanth Pandiyaraj in his acting debut as a second-grade constable. It is one of the most searched Tamil series of the month. What is the plot of the legal drama System starring Sonakshi Sinha? System is an intense legal thriller releasing on Amazon Prime Video on May 22. Directed by Ashwiny Iyer Tiwari, the story follows a high-stakes courtroom battle where a public prosecutor (Sonakshi Sinha) and a courtroom stenographer (Jyotika) uncover a web of corruption within the judicial system. Which major Malayalam movie is arriving on OTT this week? The Malayalam comedy-drama Madhuvidhu, which was a success during its theatrical run, makes its digital debut on SonyLIV on May 22. Starring Sharaf U Dheen in a popular dual role, the film will be available in Malayalam, Tamil, Telugu, Kannada, and Hindi. Are there any notable supernatural or mystery shows? A major highlight for fans of mystery is The Boroughs, executive produced by the Duffer Brothers. Arriving on Netflix on May 21, the series follows a group of unlikely heroes in a retirement community who must band together to stop an otherworldly threat from stealing their time. What new Hollywood movies are available for rent this week? Starting May 19, Amazon Prime Video is offering several high-profile Hollywood titles for rent. These include Lee Cronin’s horror-reboot The Mummy, the sci-fi thriller The Midway Point, and The Super Mario Galaxy Movie. Additionally, the highly anticipated drama Mother Mary starring Anne Hathaway is also available for digital rental. Which South Indian sequels or spin-offs should I look out for? Apart from Warrant, fans can look forward to the Telugu series Memu Copulam on Zee5 and the Malayalam action-drama Bhishmar on Prime Video & SunNXT, both releasing on May 22. 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BY SUNIT JANGIR

Mumbai, May 18 - The Indian box office has been killing this week, thanks to Tamil star Suriya's Karuppu, which was all in its glory during its opening weekend. The action drama emerged as the undisputed winner during the May 15-17 weekend by a huge margin, followed by an impressive debut of the Malayalam film, Athiradi, while holdovers continue to earn steadily. Karuppu Continues Rampage At The Box Office (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}) Directed by RJ Balaji, Karuppu dominated the weekend with a massive around 79 crores gross in its 3-day weekend, comfortably outperforming every other release in the market, and emerging as Suriya's biggest opener to date. The film benefited from strong pre-release buzz, excellent word-of-mouth, and packed shows across Tamil Nadu and overseas territories. Karuppu has already emerged as the highest-grossing Tamil movie of 2026 at the domestic as well as worldwide box office. The movie has had its struggles before release, but once it hit the big screens, the film responded with packed houses, and continues to do so on its first Monday. Pati Patni Aur Woh Do Scores A Mixed Weekend (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}) This week's Bollywood release, Pati Patni Aur Woh Do, starring Ayushmann Khurrana, Wamiqa Gabbi, Rakul Preet Singh and Sara Ali Khan, had an average weekend. The sequel to 2019's hit failed to create pre-release buzz, which reflected in the poor opening of 4.80 crores gross. It was looking difficult for the film after such a start, but it did show some sign of rebound by jumping over Saturday and Sunday; however, the overall collection remained on the lower side, 21 crore gross collection. It needs to be seen how the movie fares during weekdays, which is crucial, considering the big budget. Athiradi Posts Strong Numbers Malayalam entertainer Athiradi, starring Tovino Thomas and Basil Joseph, secured the second position with 17.35 crore gross Friday to Sunday. At the same time, it minted 24.40 crores gross in the 4-day extended weekend (including paid previews). The film witnessed healthy occupancy in Kerala and also did decently in the rest of India market amid intense competition. Raja Shivaji Maintains Superb Hold (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}) Riteish Deshmukh's historical epic Raja Shivaji continued its solid theatrical run by collecting 9+ crore gross over the weekend. Despite entering the later stages of its run, the Marathi blockbuster is still drawing solid footfalls in Maharashtra circuits. With this, it has topped 100 crores gross and has become only the second Marathi film of all time to do so. Krishnavataram and Michael Stay Steady Devotional drama Krishnavataram had a strong hold this weekend, 8 crore gross. Meanwhile, Michael added another 5.25 crore gross, managing to retain a decent presence despite competition from bigger releases. The combined gross of these five movies during the weekend was 125+ crores gross at the Indian box office, which is a solid result, with Karuppu delivering the lion's share by emerging as a certified blockbuster. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}) Top 5 Box Office Weekend Grossers (May 15-17) S. No. Movie 1st Language Weekend Collection Total India Gross 1 Karuppu Tamil ₹ 78.75 Cr ₹ 78.75 Cr 2 Pati Patni Aur Woh Do Hindi ₹ 21.00 Cr ₹ 21.00 Cr 3 Athiradi Malayalam ₹ 17.35 Cr ₹ 24.40 Cr 4 Raja Shivaji Marathi ₹ 9.00 Cr ₹ 100.10 Cr 5 Krishnavataram Hindi ₹ 8.00 Cr ₹ 24.00 Cr Note: Gross collection*

BY CHRISTA LINCY

The devotional epic Krishnavataram Part 1: The Heart has completed its second weekend at the box office, showcasing a trend often seen with family-oriented mythological films. The movie blends traditional mythology with a modern narrative, specifically focusing on the early life of Lord Krishna in Gokul and Vrindavan. The subtitle, The Heart, is central to the plot, highlighting Krishna as the emotional center of the universe and emphasizing his profound bond with Yashoda and Radha. While the financial recovery has been steady rather than explosive, the emotional impact on the ground is undeniable. Audiences have reported a high level of resonance with the portrayal of Yashoda, played by Anjali. These emotional sequences have been the primary driver for family turnouts, helping the film stay relevant in its second week. Looking at the numbers, the second Friday (Day 9) started with a slight drop of 17.2 percent, collecting ₹1.20 Crore. However, the weekend surge was significant. Saturday (Day 10) saw a massive 91.7 percent growth with ₹2.30 Crore, and Sunday (Day 11) peaked at ₹3.20 Crore. By the end of its second weekend, the total India net collection stands at ₹20.22 Crore, with the total India gross reaching ₹23.95 Crore. Krishnavataram Part 1 - Second Weekend CollectionDAYINDIA NET COLLECTIONSHOWSDay 9 (2nd Friday)₹ 1.20 Cr1,634Day 10 (2nd Saturday)₹ 2.30 Cr1,836Day 11 (2nd Sunday)₹ 3.20 Cr1,984Total 2nd Weekend₹ 6.70 Cr5,454 (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}) When we look at the regional performance, the Hindi market remains the strongest contributor, accounting for ₹18.36 Crore of the total net. On Sunday, Mumbai led the occupancy charts with 46.8 percent, followed by the National Capital Region (NCR) at 36.5 percent and Ahmedabad at 33.3 percent. The evening and night shows in Mumbai were particularly strong, peaking at 60 percent and 37 percent respectively. In the Telugu and Tamil markets, the film has maintained a smaller but consistent presence, with Telugu net collections reaching ₹1.52 Crore so far. Krishnavataram Part 1 - Total India Net Language-wise Breakdown: Hindi: ₹18.36 Cr Telugu: ₹1.52 Cr Tamil: ₹0.34 Cr Total India Net: ₹20.22 Cr Ticket sales on digital platforms like BookMyShow also reflect the weekend growth. The film sold approximately 168,000 tickets over the three-day weekend on the platform, bringing its cumulative BMS ticket sales to over 5.16 lakh. In national chains like PVR, INOX, and Cinepolis, Saturday was the strongest day of the second weekend with 5,306 tickets sold, while Sunday saw 3,874 tickets booked. Friday had a more modest start in these chains with about 1,564 tickets. Despite the positive emotional reception, the film's financial status remains under observation. Produced on an estimated budget of ₹60 Crore, Krishnavataram Part 1 has recovered just over 33 percent of its required investment through theatrical net collections so far. To enter break even, the film still needs to bridge a gap of over ₹40 Crore. Given the scale of the production, the current box office run is considered underwhelming in terms of pure business, though its steady performance in the second week suggests it might continue to find an audience through positive word-of-mouth among devotional and family viewers.

BY SUNIT JANGIR

Mumbai, May 18 - The buzz around Maddock Films' Cocktail 2 is getting stronger with each passing day. The much-awaited romantic drama starring Shahid Kapoor, Kriti Sanon, and Rashmika Mandanna is scheduled for June 19, and the makers are set to unveil the trailer 3 weeks before the theatrical rollout. During a special media event in Mumbai attended by the film's lead cast, along with director Homi Adajania, producers Dinesh Vijan and Luv Ranjan, and music composer Pritam Chakraborty, the makers confirmed that the trailer of the sequel will be launched on May 29. The event offered journalists an exclusive glimpse into the film's music album, which is expected to play a major role in the film's promotions. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}) Media Gets Exclusive Preview Of Two Songs At the event, the makers showcased two unreleased tracks from the film — Mashooka and Tujhko. Mashooka is described as an energetic romantic number featuring Shahid Kapoor and Kriti Sanon. The song has reportedly been shot across picturesque locations in Sicily, Italy, and is expected to become one of the film's major chartbusters. On the other hand, Tujhko is said to be an emotional track centred around the characters played by Shahid Kapoor and Rashmika Mandanna. Sung by Arijit Singh, the soulful number reportedly left a strong impact on the media attendees. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}) A Big Romantic Entertainer This Summer Directed by Homi Adajania, Cocktail 2 is being positioned as a stylish romantic entertainer with a mix of love, heartbreak, friendship, and drama. While it carries the Cocktail brand name, the film is expected to present a fresh story with a completely new cast and emotional dynamic. With the trailer now set to arrive on May 29, anticipation surrounding the film is expected to rise significantly in the coming days. Cocktail 2 is scheduled to release in theatres on June 19, 2026.

BY CHRISTA LINCY

Suriya has made a thunderous return to the silver screen with his latest release, Karuppu. While the movie centers on a raw and grounded plot rooted in rural justice and local deity worship, it is the cultural energy of the film that has truly set the box office on fire. The highlight for many fans has been the God Mode song, a high-energy tribute to the village guardian deity Karuppasamy. Across Tamil Nadu, reports have emerged of audiences entering a trance-like state known as Arul Vaaku during the screenings. This intense emotional connection to the films aggressive folk rhythms and vibrant visuals has transformed simple movie shows into massive communal celebrations. Looking at the financial performance, Karuppu has officially crossed the ₹50 Crore net mark in India within its opening weekend. On Day 3, the film collected a net of ₹28.35 Cr across 6,843 shows. This represents a solid 17.4 percent growth from Saturday's net of ₹24.15 Cr. If we look at the trajectory, the growth has been consistent throughout. On Day 2, the film saw a massive 55.8 percent jump from its opening day collection of ₹15.50 Cr. By the end of its first Sunday, the total India net collection reached ₹68.00 Cr, while the total India gross stood at ₹78.81 Cr. The surge in revenue is directly tied to the consistent growth in both show counts and theater occupancy throughout the weekend. On opening day, Karuppu started with 4,891 shows and a solid 46.9 percent occupancy. As positive word-of-mouth began to travel, the demand spiked on Saturday, with show counts rising to 6,288 and occupancy climbing to 56.8 percent. By Sunday, the film reached its peak with 6,843 shows and an impressive overall occupancy of 64.3 percent. Major urban centers drove these numbers, with Chennai recording a massive 92 percent occupancy across 860 shows on Sunday, while Coimbatore followed closely at 91.5 percent for its 296 shows. This upward trend extended to the Telugu markets as well, where Hyderabad and Vizag both crossed the 50 percent occupancy mark on Day 3, reflecting the film's strong regional hold. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}) The success is not just limited to domestic markets. On the international front, Karuppu has been performing exceptionally well. After grossing ₹11.00 Cr on Friday and ₹18.00 Cr on Saturday, the overseas total reached ₹29.00 Cr in just two days. By adding the three-day India gross of ₹78.81 Cr to the two-day overseas data, the film has comfortably secured over ₹107 Cr worldwide. This pushes Karuppu past several of Suriya's post-pandemic releases like Retro, Kanguva, and Etharkkum Thunindhavan. It has already overtaken previous hits like 24 and Singam 3, and is now sitting just behind Singam 2 as his career-biggest grosser. The success is not just limited to domestic markets. On the international front, Karuppu has been performing exceptionally well. After grossing ₹11.00 Cr on Friday and ₹18.00 Cr on Saturday, the overseas total reached ₹29.00 Cr in just two days. By adding the three-day India gross of ₹78.81 Cr to the two-day overseas data, the film has comfortably secured over ₹107 Cr worldwide. This pushes Karuppu past several of Suriya's post-pandemic releases like Retro (₹97.35 Cr), Kanguva (₹106.64 Cr), and Etharkkum Thunindhavan (₹71.40 Cr). It has already overtaken previous hits like 24 (₹118 Cr) and Singam 3 (₹113 Cr), and is now sitting just behind Singam 2 (₹124 Cr) as his career-biggest grosser. Suriya Films - Worldwide Gross CollectionMOVIE NAMEWORLDWIDE COLLECTION(Approximate)Singam 2₹ 124.00 CrKaruppu₹ 120.75 Cr Early Estimates(3 Days)24₹ 118.00 CrSingam 3 (Si3)₹ 113.00 CrKanguva₹ 106.64 Cr Note:Data are taken from various sources, which can be approximate or may have a huge difference. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}) In North America, the film is on track to become one of Suriya's highest-grossing titles. According to reports from Venky Box Office, the Day 2 gross alone was $328K, bringing the total gross in the territory to $590K. With $370K coming from the USA and $220K from Canada, the film is heading toward the $1 Million mark, which would be his second biggest after 24. The scale of this success is even more impressive considering the pre-release challenges. Producer T Siva recently shared that although they initially expected ₹90 Cr from OTT rights, they only secured ₹40 Cr. However, many producer friends and Suriya himself backed the theatrical release. That gamble has clearly paid off, with the movie now being hailed as the biggest hit of the year and a certified blockbuster. It marks a massive comeback for the actor. Audience demand has been reflected in ticket sales as well. On BookMyShow, the film sold nearly 1.96 million tickets over the weekend, with 497.6K tickets booked on Sunday alone. While this ranks slightly behind Jailer and Leo in terms of Sunday BMS sales, it remains a phenomenal feat. In national chains like PVR, INOX, and Cinepolis, Karuppu was the top movie for all three days. Total ticket sales in these national chains reached approximately 90,500 across the weekend, starting with 29,080 on Friday, peaking at 33,450 on Saturday, and closing the weekend with 28,023 on Sunday. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}) Karuppu 3-Day State-wise Gross Breakdown: Tamil Nadu: ₹48.50 Cr APTG: ₹12.50 Cr Karnataka: ₹9.85 Cr Kerala: ₹6.45 Cr Rest of India: ₹1.51 Cr Karuppu India Net Collection BreakdownDAYINDIA NET COLLECTIONDay 1 (Friday)₹ 15.50 CrDay 2 (Saturday)₹ 24.15 CrDay 3 (Sunday)₹ 28.35 CrTotal Opening Weekend₹ 68.00 Cr

BY CHRISTA LINCY

It is not often that we see a film maintaining a steady grip on the box office even in its ninth week of release. Dhurandhar 2: The Revenge has proven to be an absolute juggernaut, continuing to draw audiences despite being in theaters for two months. The film has officially earned the status of an All-Time Blockbuster, and its performance over the ninth weekend shows exactly why. Even with several new releases entering the fray, this sequel has managed to keep its screen count and occupancy levels healthy enough to keep the registers ringing. The total worldwide gross collection for Dhurandhar 2 is now on the cusp of a massive milestone. By the end of its 60th day, the film reached a total worldwide gross of ₹1,798.19 Cr. This was driven by a staggering India gross of ₹1,371.52 Cr and a solid overseas contribution of ₹426.67 Cr. In terms of net collections, the film has now accumulated ₹1,145.98 Cr in India alone. These numbers place it in a very exclusive club of the highest-grossing Indian films of all time, reflecting the massive pan-India appeal of the franchise. Looking at the ninth weekend trend, the film followed a typical but impressive trajectory. On Day 58, which was the ninth Friday, the film saw a 25.7 percent drop from the previous day, collecting ₹0.26 Cr net. However, Saturday brought a significant turnaround. On Day 59, the movie witnessed a massive 103.8 percent growth, bringing in ₹0.53 Cr. The momentum stayed strong on Sunday, Day 60, as the collections grew by another 18.9 percent to reach ₹0.63 Cr. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}) The language-wise breakdown further highlights that the Hindi version remains the primary driver at this stage of the run. On Sunday, the Hindi version alone contributed ₹0.60 Cr net with an occupancy of 33 percent across 411 shows. The South Indian languages like Telugu, Tamil, and Kannada contributed smaller amounts, mostly maintaining a presence in select theaters. Across the three days, the show count saw a gradual increase from 389 shows on Friday to 436 shows by Sunday, as exhibitors adjusted to the sustained demand for the film. Dhurandhar 2 - 9th Weekend India Net CollectionDAYINDIA NET COLLECTIONSHOWSDay 58 (9th Friday)₹ 0.26 Cr389Day 59 (9th Saturday)₹ 0.53 Cr418Day 60 (9th Sunday)₹ 0.63 Cr436Total 9th Weekend₹ 1.42 Cr1,243 The ticket sales data from online platforms and national chains tell a similar story of endurance. On BookMyShow, the film sold a total of 29,660 tickets over the weekend, with Saturday being the peak day at 12,330 tickets. This brings the cumulative ticket sales on the platform to a historic 1.83 crore tickets since its release. In the national theater chains—PVR, INOX, and Cinepolis—the film managed to sell approximately 4,040 tickets across the three days. Friday saw 1,564 tickets sold, Saturday recorded 1,376, and Sunday closed with 1,095 tickets in these major multiplex chains. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}) Dhurandhar 2: The Revenge has benefitted immensely from its predecessor's legacy and the high-octane emotional core of its storyline. As it enters its tenth week, it is interesting to wait and watch how much further it can push the boundaries. With the ₹1800 Crore worldwide milestone just about ₹1.8 Cr away, the film is expected to cross this landmark within the next few days, cementing its place as a generational blockbuster. Dhurandhar 2 - Cumulative Box Office SummaryCATEGORYCOLLECTION AMOUNTIndia Net Collection₹ 1,145.98 CrIndia Gross Collection₹ 1,371.52 CrOverseas Gross Collection₹ 426.67 CrWorldwide Gross Collection₹ 1,798.19 Cr

BY CHRISTA LINCY

If you have been following the box office journey of Bhooth Bangla, you would know that horror comedies have a unique way of staying relevant long after their release. This film is a perfect example of that longevity. Even in its fifth week, the movie is still drawing audiences to theaters, proving that a solid mix of scares and laughs can keep the cash registers ringing. Over its fifth weekend, the film showed a classic trend where it dipped on Friday but saw massive growth on Saturday and Sunday. The biggest headline of the weekend is that Bhooth Bangla has officially crossed the ₹250 Crore milestone in worldwide gross collections. By the end of Day 31, the total worldwide gross reached ₹253.13 Cr. This was achieved with a strong domestic performance, where the India gross hit ₹199.63 Cr, and the overseas markets contributed ₹53.50 Cr. In terms of net collections, the film has now reached ₹168.35 Cr in India, which is a commendable feat for a film in its second month of release. Let's look at the daily breakdown of the fifth weekend. On Day 29, which was the fifth Friday, the film saw a 40 percent drop from the previous day, collecting ₹0.75 Cr net. However, as the weekend kicked in, the numbers picked up significantly. Day 30 saw a massive 86.7 percent jump, bringing in ₹1.40 Cr net. The growth continued on Day 31, the fifth Sunday, with a 35.7 percent increase from Saturday, resulting in a net collection of ₹1.90 Cr. During these three days, the show counts remained stable, ranging from 2,297 shows on Friday to 2,442 shows by Sunday. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}) Bhooth Bangla - 5th Weekend India Net CollectionDAYINDIA NET COLLECTIONINDIA GROSS COLLECTIONDay 29 (5th Friday)₹ 0.75 Cr₹ 0.89 CrDay 30 (5th Saturday)₹ 1.40 Cr₹ 1.67 CrDay 31 (5th Sunday)₹ 1.90 Cr₹ 2.26 CrTotal 5th Weekend₹ 4.05 Cr₹ 4.82 Cr The theater occupancy also reflected this weekend surge. While the overall occupancy on Sunday was around 21 percent, major urban regions saw much better activity. In Mumbai, the film recorded 27 percent occupancy, while the National Capital Region followed with 23.5 percent. Even in markets like Ahmedabad, the occupancy stayed steady at 20 percent. These numbers suggest that the film is still a preferred choice for family audiences during the weekend, especially in the evening and night shows where occupancy often peaked between 22 percent and 36 percent. On the ticket booking front, BookMyShow data shows that the film is holding its own against other major hits. It currently ranks 7th in the list of movies with the highest ticket sales by the end of the fifth weekend, with a total of 3.14 million tickets sold so far. Over this specific weekend, the platform recorded 11,960 tickets on Friday, 24,360 on Saturday, and 29,790 on Sunday. This brings the total recorded ticket sales on the platform to over 3.13 million, showing consistent interest from digital bookers. In national theater chains like PVR, INOX, and Cinepolis, the film saw a steady flow of audience.These chains sold approximately 2,500 tickets on Friday, 1,700 tickets on Saturday, and 1,250 tickets on Sunday. While these numbers are naturally lower than the opening weeks, they indicate that the film is still filling seats in premium multiplexes across the country. With a total of over 2.11 lakh shows completed so far, Bhooth Bangla has established itself as one of the most durable hits of the year.

BY SUNIT JANGIR

Mumbai, May 17 - Ranveer Singh's all-time blockbuster Dhurandhar 2: The Revenge is reportedly set for a unique two-phase OTT release strategy in India. After a historic theatrical run, the action spectacle will first stream on JioHotstar before arriving on Netflix India two weeks later. JioHotstar Release First, Netflix Later (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}) While the film has already started streaming globally on Netflix and also reportedly Hotstar in several international markets, the Indian digital rollout has been planned differently. The movie will premiere on JioHotstar in India on June 4, followed by its release on Netflix India on June 19, as per reports. The dual-platform release strategy is being seen as an attempt to maximise the film's reach across different subscriber bases. Industry trackers believe the staggered release could help the film continue its dominance even after its theatrical run. Dhurandhar 2 - One of India's Biggest Blockbusters (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}) Directed by Aditya Dhar, Dhurandhar 2: The Revenge turned out to be one of the biggest blockbusters in Indian cinema history. The spy action entertainer has grossed around 1800 crores worldwide and emerged not only as the career-best performer of the talent involved, but also the second biggest Indian grosser of all-time. The film stars Ranveer Singh in the lead role alongside R. Madhavan, Sanjay Dutt, Arjun Rampal, Sara Arjun, Rakesh Bedi, and Danish Pandor, among others. The sequel received praise for its large-scale action sequences, emotional drama, and mass appeal, which helped it sustain extraordinary box office momentum worldwide.