BY SUNIT JANGIR

Mumbai, November 27 - Netflix's highly-awaited sci-fi horror show Stranger Things 5 has finally been released on the platform. The show will be released in three parts, with the first volume having 4 episodes, debuted on November 27 worldwide. But when the final season of Stranger Things lands on streaming, fans around the world, including India, will be up early. The first part (Volume 1, Episodes 1–4) dropped on 27 November 2025 at 6:30 AM IST on Netflix. With this early morning release time, many Indian viewers might find themselves hitting "play" before breakfast. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}) But the creators are stretching the suspense: the season won't arrive all at once. After Volume 1, the next set of episodes (Volume 2) arrived on 26 December 2025, at 6:30 AM IST, followed by the finale (the last episode) on January 1st at 6:30 AM IST. This phased rollout transforms the final season into a slow burn — perfect for fans to savour the end of Hawkins' story. For Indian audiences, this schedule offers both convenience and challenge. On one hand, plenty of time to plan — you could watch the first four episodes together as a mini-binge, then spread out the rest across the December holidays and the New Year. On the other hand, early-morning release could mean an alarm clock instead of late-night streaming. Either way, the wait promises to be worth it. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}) The official premise of the series reads, "After the events of the fourth season, in the fall of 1987, the group seeks to find and kill Vecna after the Rifts opened in Hawkins. The mission becomes complicated when the military arrives in Hawkins and begins hunting Eleven. As the anniversary of Will Byers' disappearance approaches, the group must fight one last time against a deadly threat. They will take on a big mission and fight other entities such as Vecna, who disappeared after Eleven used her powers against him, as well as Nancy, Robin, and Steve, who burned him in the Upside Down. Now Eleven is training so she can end this once and for all, while others try to figure out a plan to give her a hand in her final battle." Stay tuned...

BY CHRISTA LINCY

The giant snake is back, but this time, Hollywood is in on the joke. Slated for a Christmas Day release in 2025, the new Anaconda movie is not just a standard creature feature—it is a star-studded, meta-comedy reimagining that sees two comedy giants facing off against a legendary predator. Unlike the straightforward survival horror of the 90s, this 2025 version offers a unique "meta" twist. The story follows two friends facing mid-life crises—played by Paul Rudd and Jack Black—who decide to head into the Amazon rainforest to film an amateur remake of their favorite movie from their youth: the original 1997 Anaconda. Naturally, things go horribly wrong. While attempting to recreate the magic of the B-movie classic, they stumble into a very real survival situation involving violent criminals, natural disasters, and, of course, actual giant anacondas. Watch the Trailer here The film features a star-studded ensemble cast that leans heavily into improv-style comedy, led by Paul Rudd (Ant-Man) as Griff, a struggling actor attempting to 'find his truth' in the jungle, and Jack Black (Jumanji) as Doug, the visionary but amateur director orchestrating their chaotic remake. They are joined by Steve Zahn (The White Lotus) and Thandiwe Newton (Westworld) as the duo's skeptical childhood friends who get dragged into the ill-fated production. Rounding out the lineup are Daniela Melchior (The Suicide Squad) and Selton Mello, with Mello—a massive star in Brazil—playing the eccentric local snake handler who adds crucial authenticity (and chaos) to the Amazonian setting. This distinctive meta-approach is the signature style of director Tom Gormican, who previously helmed the critically acclaimed The Unbearable Weight of Massive Talent (2022), featuring Nicolas Cage as a fictionalized version of himself. Sony specifically tapped Gormican to bring that same brand of self-aware, affectionate mockery to Anaconda, viewing his involvement as a clear signal that the movie would deconstruct the creature feature genre rather than merely adding to it. The 2025 film is fully "in on the joke" regarding the franchise's checkered history, paying homage to the 1997 original which, despite being panned by critics, was a massive financial hit ($136 million worldwide) and became a cult classic starring Jennifer Lopez and Ice Cube. Following a decline where the series spiraled into B-movie obscurity with titles like Anacondas: The Hunt for the Blood Orchid (2004) and made-for-TV sequels such as Anaconda 3: Offspring, Sony is now orchestrating a major revival. By casting A-listers Paul Rudd and Jack Black, the studio is aiming for a Jumanji-level box office comeback, hoping to transform this into a billion-dollar comedy blockbuster. Releasing on December 25, 2025, Anaconda is entering a crowded holiday market, sharing its release date with two major Indian productions: the emotional war biopic IKKIS and the romantic comedy entertainer Tu Meri Main Tera Main Tera Tu Meri. However, analysts believe the film serves as perfect counter-programming; while its competitors target prestige drama and Bollywood romance audiences respectively, Anaconda positions itself as the fun movie for groups of friends and families looking for a laugh. With the trailer already going viral—particularly for scenes showing Paul Rudd trying to direct a real snake—the 2025 reboot looks set to be the surprise comedy hit of the season

BY SACNILK TEAM

Here is the Telugu movie Andhra King Taluka box office collection which is an action romantic comedy drama film. This film is directed by Mahesh Babu Pachigolla and produced by Mythri Movie Makers. ## Andhra King Taluka stars Ram Pothineni, Upendra, Bhagyashri Borse, Rao Ramesh, Murali Sharma, and VTV Ganesh in key roles. ## Andhra King Taluka Box Office Collection Day Wise | All Language [See Footfalls] DayIndia Net Collection Change(+/-) Day 1 [1st Thursday] ₹ 4.15 Cr [Te: 4.13 Cr ; Ka: 0.02 Cr] - Day 2 [1st Friday] ₹ 3.1 Cr [Te: 3.06 Cr ; Ka: 0.04 Cr] -25.30% Day 3 [1st Saturday] ₹ 3.65 Cr [Te: 3.63 Cr ; Ka: 0.02 Cr] 17.74% Day 4 [1st Sunday] ₹ 3.7 Cr [Te: 3.68 Cr ; Ka: 0.02 Cr] 1.37% Day 5 [1st Monday] ₹ 1.3 Cr [Te: 1.29 Cr ; Ka: 0.01 Cr] -64.86% Day 6 [1st Tuesday] ₹ 1.05 Cr [Te: 1.04 Cr ; Ka: 0.01 Cr] -19.23% Day 7 [1st Wednesday] ₹ 0.9 Cr [Te: 0.89 Cr ; Ka: 0.01 Cr] -14.29% Day 8 [2nd Thursday] ₹ 0.75 Cr [Te: 0.74 Cr ; Ka: 0.01 Cr] -16.67% Week 1 Collection ₹ 18.6 Cr [Te: 18.46 Cr ; Ka: 0.14] - Day 9 [2nd Friday] ₹ 0.6 Cr [Te: 0.6 Cr ] -20.00% Day 10 [2nd Saturday] ₹ 1 Cr [Te: 1 Cr ] 66.67% Day 11 [2nd Sunday] ₹ 1.15 Cr [Te: 1.15 Cr ] 15.00% Day 12 [2nd Monday] ₹ 0.45 Cr [Te: 0.45 Cr ] -60.87% Day 13 [2nd Tuesday] ₹ 0.47 Cr [Te: 0.47 Cr ] 4.44% Day 14 [2nd Wednesday] ₹ 0.43 Cr [Te: 0.43 Cr ] -8.51% Day 15 [3rd Thursday] ₹ 0.4 Cr [Te: 0.4 Cr ] -6.98% Week 2 Collection ₹ 4.5 Cr [Te: 4.5 Cr ; Ka: 0] -75.81% Day 16 [3rd Friday] ₹ 0.01 Cr [Te: 0.01 Cr ] -97.50% Day 17 [3rd Saturday] ₹ 0.13 Cr [Te: 0.13 Cr ] 1 200.00% Day 18 [3rd Sunday] ₹ 0.03 Cr [Te: 0.03 Cr ] -76.92% Day 19 [3rd Monday] ₹ 0.01 Cr [Te: 0.01 Cr ] -66.67% Day 20 [3rd Tuesday] ₹ 0.01 Cr [Te: 0.01 Cr ] 0.00% Day 21 [3rd Wednesday] ₹ 0.01 Cr [Te: 0.01 Cr ] 0.00% Day 22 [4th Thursday] ₹ 0.16 Cr [Te: 0.16 Cr ] 1 500.00% Week 3 Collection ₹ 0.36 Cr [Te: 0.36 Cr ; Ka: 0] -92.00% Day 23 [4th Friday] ₹ 0.03 Cr [Te: 0.03 Cr ] -81.25% Total ₹ 23.49 Cr [Te: 23.35 Cr ; Ka: 0.14 Cr] - ## Take Subscription To See Footfalls ## India Net Collection ₹ 23.49 Cr ## Worldwide Collection ₹ 32.43 Cr ## Overseas Collection ₹ 5 Cr ## India Gross Collection ₹ 27.43 Cr ## Andhra King Taluka Budget: ₹ - Cr * Approx ## Andhra King Taluka Verdict: Coming Soon ## Andhra King Taluka Screen count ## India: - ## Overseas: - ## Worldwide total: - ## Release Date: 27th November 2025 ## For more and the latest news about Tollywood Box Office Collection, Stay tuned to us.Andhra King Taluka State Wise Gross CollectionDayKarnatakaAPTGTamil NaduKeralaRest Of IndiaDay TotalDay 1 [1st Thursday]₹ 0.45 Cr₹ 4.25 Cr₹ 0.08 Cr₹ 0 Cr₹ 0.07 Cr₹ 4.85 CrDay 2 [1st Friday]₹ 0.4 Cr₹ 3.15 Cr₹ 0.05 Cr₹ 0 Cr₹ 0.05 Cr₹ 3.65 CrDay 3 [1st Saturday]₹ 0.45 Cr₹ 3.65 Cr₹ 0.07 Cr₹ 0 Cr₹ 0.13 Cr₹ 4.3 CrDay 4 [1st Sunday]₹ 0.43 Cr₹ 3.75 Cr₹ 0.07 Cr₹ 0 Cr₹ 0.1 Cr₹ 4.35 CrDay 5 [1st Monday]₹ 0.1 Cr₹ 1.35 Cr₹ 0.02 Cr₹ 0 Cr₹ 0.03 Cr₹ 1.5 CrDay 6 [1st Tuesday]₹ 0.1 Cr₹ 1.06 Cr₹ 0.01 Cr₹ 0 Cr₹ 0.03 Cr₹ 1.2 CrDay 7 [1st Wednesday]₹ 0.1 Cr₹ 0.92 Cr₹ 0.01 Cr₹ 0 Cr₹ 0.02 Cr₹ 1.05 CrDay 8 [2nd Thursday]₹ 0.1 Cr₹ 0.72 Cr₹ 0.01 Cr₹ 0 Cr₹ 0.02 Cr₹ 0.85 CrWeek 1 Gross₹ 2.13 Cr₹ 18.85 Cr₹ 0.32 Cr₹ 0 Cr₹ 0.45 Cr₹ 21.75 CrDay 9 [2nd Friday]₹ 0.03 Cr₹ 0.65 Cr₹ 0.01 Cr₹ 0 Cr₹ 0.01 Cr₹ 0.7 CrDay 10 [2nd Saturday]₹ 0.13 Cr₹ 1 Cr₹ 0.01 Cr₹ 0 Cr₹ 0.01 Cr₹ 1.15 CrDay 11 [2nd Sunday]₹ 0.08 Cr₹ 1.25 Cr₹ 0.01 Cr₹ 0 Cr₹ 0.01 Cr₹ 1.35 CrDay 12 [2nd Monday]₹ 0.03 Cr₹ 0.5 Cr₹ 0.01 Cr₹ 0 Cr₹ 0.01 Cr₹ 0.55 CrDay 13 [2nd Tuesday]₹ 0.02 Cr₹ 0.52 Cr₹ 0 Cr₹ 0 Cr₹ 0.01 Cr₹ 0.55 CrDay 14 [2nd Wednesday]₹ 0.02 Cr₹ 0.47 Cr₹ 0 Cr₹ 0 Cr₹ 0.01 Cr₹ 0.5 CrDay 15 [3rd Thursday]₹ 0.01 Cr₹ 0.43 Cr₹ 0 Cr₹ 0 Cr₹ 0.01 Cr₹ 0.45 CrWeek 2 Gross₹ 0.32 Cr₹ 4.82 Cr₹ 0.04 Cr₹ 0 Cr₹ 0.07 Cr₹ 5.25 CrTotal₹ 2.45 Cr₹ 23.67 Cr₹ 0.36 Cr₹ 0 Cr₹ 0.52 Cr₹ 27 Cr ##

BY SUNIT JANGIR

Mumbai, November 26 - Late Gulshan Kumar's iconic Shree Hanuman Chalisa, uploaded by T-Series, has achieved a historic global milestone by becoming the first-ever Indian video to cross 5 billion views on YouTube, far ahead of all other Indian uploads on the platform. Released on 10 May 2011, the devotional rendition continues to demonstrate extraordinary longevity and popularity, reflecting its deep emotional and spiritual connection with audiences across generations. As per the latest update, the video has accumulated over 5,008,089,075 views, cementing its position as one of the most-watched videos in the world. The rendition, voiced soulfully by the legendary Hariharan with music composed by Lalit Sen and performed by Gulshan Kumar, has stood the test of time, outperforming modern chartbusters, film songs, and viral tracks by a massive margin. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}) While many popular Indian videos — including Lehanga, Rowdy Baby, and Dilbar — remain under the 2-billion mark, Shree Hanuman Chalisa has surged far ahead, proving the unparalleled appeal of spiritual content on digital platforms. The Chalisa is being played in hundreds of households every day, which continues to surge its viewership. This landmark achievement also highlights how devotional music transcends boundaries, drawing listeners from around the world who return to it for peace, prayer, and positive energy. The video's unprecedented success underlines not just the power of faith but also the immense digital footprint of India's devotional culture. Stay tuned...

BY SUNIT JANGIR

Mumbai, December 4 - The year 2025 has been decent for Indian cinema on streaming platforms, with several titles finding audiences beyond traditional theatrical circuits. Interestingly, most films on the list were released in theatres first, with very few direct OTT releases, showcasing the importance of the big screen. Among non-Netflix releases, Akshay Kumar's Kesari: Chapter 2 has emerged as the undisputed OTT champion of the year so far, clocking over 18 million views. Originally released in April, the film also became a major box office success. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}) In second place is Rajinikanth's Coolie, delivering an impressive 17+ million views. Close behind, the pan-India mega-hit Kantara: Chapter 1 continues to dominate with over 13 million views, slightly edging out Housefull 5. Family entertainer Tourist Family holds the fifth spot, maintaining steady popularity across demographics. The middle of the list features Sarzameen, followed by the Malayalam hit Lokah: Chapter 1, both crossing the 10-million mark—an indicator of their strong OTT reach. table { width: 100%; border-collapse: collapse; margin: 16px 0; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; } thead th { background: #e8f0ff; padding: 10px; text-align: left; border: 1px solid #d6dff2; } tbody td { padding: 10px; border: 1px solid #d6dff2; } tbody tr:nth-child(odd) { background: #f7faff; } # Title Language OTT Views (Millions) 1Kesari: Chapter 2Hindi18+ M 2CoolieTamil17.50+ M 3Kantara: Chapter 1Kannada13.70+ M 4Housefull 5Hindi13.50+ M 5Tourist FamilyTamil13+ M 6SarzameenHindi10.70+ M 7Lokah: Chapter 1Malayalam10.50+ M 8Bhool Chuk MaafHindi8.60+ M 9ThudarumMalayalam8.50+ M 10Veera Dheera Sooran 2Tamil7.70+ M Note: Estimated views based on various sources. Stay tuned...

BY SUNIT JANGIR

Mumbai, November 26 - Director Aditya Dhar's spy action thriller Dhurandhar is shaping up to be one of the most-awaited Bollywood films. Starring Ranveer Singh in the lead role, the film is based on incredible true events, and, according to the latest update, is set to be one of the longest films ever. It was recently reported that Dhurandhar is gearing up to be released in two parts due to the importance of the story. The first part was said to be over 3 hours, and now, as per Bollywood Hungama, the film's theatrical runtime is clocking around 3 hours and 30 minutes. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}) "Dhurandhar Part 1's length is said to be around 3 hours and 32 minutes. The final run time has been kept under wraps, but it's expected to be close to 3 ½ hours long. The process of acquiring the censor certificate has begun. Once the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) passes the film in a few days from now, the exact run time will be known", says the report. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}) If the final runtime gets locked as mentioned above, Dhurandhar will be the 6th longest Bollywood movie of the 21st century and the longest since Jodhaa Akbar (2008), which ran for 3 hours and 34 minutes. "Dhurandhar tells a vast story, and hence the lengthy run time. Its storytelling will be on the same lines as Dhar's URI". Produced by Jio Studios and B62 Studios, the film also stars Sanjay Dutt, Akshaye Khanna, R. Madhavan, and Arjun Rampal, alongside Sara Arjun and Rakesh Bedi in key roles. It is scheduled to be released on December 5, 2025. Stay tuned...

BY SUNIT JANGIR

Mumbai, November 26 - Bollywood star Ranbir Kapoor has one of the best line-ups of films with multiple potential blockbusters. The Animal star will be seen headlining some of the most-awaited Indian films, including Love & War, Ramayana, and Animal Park. While the release dates of Ramayana Part 1 and Part 2 are locked for Diwali 2026 and Diwali 2027, the uncertainty over director Sanjay Leela Bhansali's Love & War is looming large, as the latest reports hint at a major twist despite it being already locked for an August 2026 release. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}) Love & War, which also stars Alia Bhatt and Vicky Kaushal, has been in production since last year, and some portion of the shoot is still pending. It was recently postponed to August 2026 from March 19, but according to the latest report by Bollywood Hungama, Ranbir is pushing SLB to prepone the release by a couple of months. Indian Cinema Prepares For Its Most Ambitious Line-up Yet With Ramayana, Varanasi, King, and More Since Ramayana Part 1 is already scheduled for Diwali 2026 release, Ranbir has reportedly requested SLB to move his period romantic drama up in June 2026, to maintain a reasonable gap between the two films. "He wants to ensure that there's at least 4 months' gap between Love And War and Ramayana. Since the date of Ramayana can't move, RK has requested Sanjay Leela Bhansali to bring Love And War on the big screen, latest by June 2026", says the report. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}) It is said that Sanjay Leela Bhansali is still adamant to launch Love & War in August on Independence Day, since it's a lucrative window for box office dominance, but RK feels that there's too little of a gap between Love & War and Ramayana. Ramayana producer Namit Malhotra is also reportedly putting pressure on SLB to release his movie in June, as he doesn't want the aftermath of Love And War to impact Ramayana in any way. Sanjay Leela Bhansali is expected to take a call on the release date soon and make an official announcement. It will be Ranbir's first release since Animal (2023), which went to become his highest-grossing film with over 900 crores at the worldwide box office. Ranveer Singh's Dhurandhar Theatrical Runtime Revealed: One of The Longest Bollywood Films Stay tuned...

BY SUNIT JANGIR

Mumbai, November 27 - Ranveer Singh-fronted spy action thriller Dhurandhar has been the talk of the town for the last few days after the trailer was launched. The makers have described the movie as "inspired by actual events", which has led social media users to dig deep to find the parallels. Ever since the trailer was launched, people began drawing parallels between Ranveer Singh's character and real-life national hero Major Mohit Sharma, the braveheart who went undercover as Iftikhar Bhatt to infiltrate Hizbul Mujahideen in the early 2000s. On Wednesday (November 26), director Aditya Dhar responded to Major Mohit's brother, Madhur Sharma, who tagged the filmmaker on social media and asked if the film was based on the undercover spy. Clearing the air, Dhar denied the rumours that say that the film is inspired by Braveheart. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}) "Hi, sir - our film Dhurandhar is not based on the life of braveheart Major Mohit Sharma AC(P) SM. This is an official clarification. I assure you, if we do make a biopic on Mohit sir in the future, we will do it with full consent and in complete consultation with the family, and in a way that truly honours his sacrifice for the nation and the legacy it has left for all of us. 🙏 Jai Hind 🇮🇳", the URI director said. Hi, sir - our film Dhurandhar is not based on the life of braveheart Major Mohit Sharma AC(P) SM. This is an official clarification. I assure you, if we do make a biopic on Mohit sir in the future, we will do it with full consent and in complete consultation with the family,…— Aditya Dhar (@AdityaDharFilms) November 26, 2025 Produced by Jio Studios and B62 Studios, Dhuradhar stars Ranveer Singh alongside Sanjay Dutt, Akshaye Khanna, R. Madhavan, and Arjun Rampal, alongside Sara Arjun and Rakesh Bedi in key roles. The film will reportedly be released in two parts, with the first part scheduled to hit the big screen on December 5, 2025. Stay tuned...

BY CHRISTA LINCY

After a decade, India's favorite comedian is back with the sequel to his blockbuster debut. The laughter is about to get twice as loud! On November 26, 2025, comedian-turned-actor Kapil Sharma officially dropped the trailer for his highly anticipated film, Kis Kisko Pyaar Karoon 2. Taking to social media, Sharma shared the chaotic and fun-filled glimpse into the sequel, confirming that the film will hit cinemas on December 12, 2025. The trailer promises a return to the slapstick, errors-of-comedy genre that made the first installment a massive hit, featuring Kapil in his signature element—juggling multiple relationships and avoiding getting caught. While the original 2015 hit was helmed by the legendary thriller duo Abbas-Mustan, the sequel marks a shift in leadership with Anukalp Goswami taking over the directorial baton. Kapil Sharma returns to lead the chaotic narrative, reprising a fresh variation of his signature "husband in trouble" trope, backed once again by producer Ratan Jain of Venus Worldwide Entertainment. To elevate the comic timing, the trailer introduces a new ensemble of leading ladies—Warina Hussain, Tridha Choudhury, Parul Gulati, and Ayesha Khan—supported by the impeccable comic timing of Manjot Singh and veteran actors like Asrani, Vipin Sharma, and Akhilendra Mishra. Notably, Anukalp Goswami, who served as the writer for the first installment, now steers the ship as both writer and director, ensuring the franchise’s core DNA of confusion and chaos remains intact. The sequel arrives with the heavy burden of living up to a massive legacy, as the original film had set a high benchmark upon its release in 2015. Marking Kapil Sharma's Bollywood debut, Kis Kisko Pyaar Karoon defied all trade expectations under the direction of Abbas-Mustan. It registered a staggering opening day collection of ₹10.20 Crore—a record for a debutant actor at the time—and went on to amass a lifetime total of approximately ₹49.98 Crore (Net India). Declared a certified commercial Hit, the film was pivotal in establishing Kapil Sharma as a bankable star in the mainstream comedy genre. This movie marks the first collaboration between Kapil Sharma and director Anukalp Goswami. Unlike the first film, where the novelty was "Thriller specialist directors (Abbas-Mustan) making a comedy," the sequel is being steered by a team more rooted in the current comedy landscape. However, the core DNA of the franchise—confusion, multiple partners, and quick-witted one-liners—remains intact under the new direction. With a release date of December 12, 2025, Kis Kisko Pyaar Karoon 2 is perfectly timed to capitalize on the pre-holiday mood. Coming after his serious stint in Zwigato, fans are eager to see Kapil Sharma back in his goofy, high-energy avatar. If the trailer is anything to go by, audiences are in for a rollercoaster ride of errors.

BY CHRISTA LINCY

After shattering every box office record for Indian animation, the blockbuster prequel is now eyeing global glory at the Oscars 2026.In what is turning out to be a historic year for Indian cinema, ‘Mahavatar Narsimha’ has officially appeared on the list of films eligible for consideration in the Best Animated Feature category at the 98th Academy Awards (Oscars 2026). Having already conquered the domestic box office with a historic run, the film now finds itself on the global stage, listed alongside international heavyweights like Demon Slayer: Infinity Castle, The Bad Guys 2, and Chainsaw Man – The Movie: Reze Arc. Produced by the powerhouse Hombale Films (makers of KGF and Kantara), Mahavatar Narsimha was released as an animated period action drama serving as a prequel to the studio’s cinematic universe. The film chronicled the terrifying origins of Narasimha, the half-man, half-lion avatar of Lord Vishnu, and his battle against Hiranyakashipu. Departing from the colorful, child-friendly style of previous Indian animations, the film delivered a dark, gritty, and visually immersive 3D experience. This mature approach resonated massively with audiences, turning it into a "Pan-India" theatrical event rather than just a niche animated release. Backed by producer Vijay Kiragandur, the magnum opus was helmed by director Ashwin Kumar, who spent years developing the film's distinct visual language. The visuals were brought to life by the animation studio Klever Kid, utilizing cutting-edge motion capture technology that set a new benchmark for Indian production quality. The film was celebrated not just for its story, but for proving that Indian studios can deliver world-class animation. By securing its place on the official eligibility list, the film has successfully navigated the Academy’s stringent requirements, a feat that included completing a mandatory qualifying theatrical run in Los Angeles. The stakes are now incredibly high as the movie vies for a coveted nomination spot against roughly 35 to 40 films worldwide. This marks a significant departure from previous years where Indian entries were primarily viewed through the lens of the International Feature category; instead, Mahavatar Narsimha, bolstered by its massive commercial success, is competing directly in the animation big league against global titans from Disney, Pixar, and the Japanese Anime industry. Before entering the Oscar race, Mahavatar Narsimha rewrote the history books at the box office. For decades, the commercial ceiling for the genre was defined by the 2005 classic Hanuman, which was the first Indian animated movie to achieve a double-digit collection (grossing over ₹10 crore). However, Mahavatar Narsimha has obliterated that long-standing benchmark, becoming the first Indian animated film in history to cross the elusive ₹100 crore mark. By doing so, it has finally ended the industry's decades-long wait for a true mega-blockbuster, proving that homegrown animation can deliver numbers rivaling mainstream live-action cinema. The film has officially ended its run as the All-Time Highest-Grossing Indian Animated Film. India Net Collection: ₹ 250.29 Cr India Gross Collection: ₹ 297.74 Cr Overseas Collection: ₹ 28 Cr Total Worldwide Collection: ₹ 325.74 Cr From winning the hearts of millions in India to competing for the ultimate cinematic honor, Mahavatar Narsimha has already won the war for Indian animation. As the Academy voters begin their screening process, one thing is certain: Hombale Films hasn't just made a movie; they have created a movement. Whether it brings home the golden statuette or not, by crossing the ₹300 crore mark and standing shoulder-to-shoulder with global giants, it has undeniably opened the floodgates for Indian storytellers to dream bigger than ever before.

BY CHRISTA LINCY

The year 2025 has been a rollercoaster for the Hindi film industry, but if the trade buzz is anything to go by, the year is set to end with a deafening bang. December, traditionally the most lucrative month for Bollywood, is gearing up for a strategic Relay Race rather than a direct clash. Two of the industry’s biggest youth icons—Ranveer Singh and Kartik Aaryan—are set to bookend the month. While Ranveer kicks things off with the high-octane spy thriller Dhurandhar on December 5, Kartik Aaryan looks to capture the holiday crowd with his entertainer Tu Meri Main Tera Main Tera Tu Meri on December 25. Ranveer Singh kicks off the month on December 5 with Dhurandhar, a role that promises a career-defining transformation. Stepping away from his usual flamboyant persona, Singh portrays a gritty R&AW agent in this espionage thriller directed by Aditya Dhar, the National Award winner behind Uri: The Surgical Strike. The film boasts a massive ensemble cast, featuring heavyweights like Sanjay Dutt as SP Chaudhary Aslam, Akshaye Khanna as Rehman Dakait, R. Madhavan as Ajay Sanyal, and Arjun Rampal as Major Iqbal. The ground-level anticipation for the film is palpable; the recently released track ‘Ishq Jalakar – Karvaan’ has set a somber, intense tone, helping the film clock over 110K+ Interests on BookMyShow with more than a week still to go before release. For Singh, the stakes are high. While his 2023 release Rocky Aur Rani Kii Prem Kahaani was a global success grossing ₹355 Cr worldwide, Dhurandhar represents his bid to reclaim the "Mass Action Hero" throne with a dedicated solo release, distinct from his recent ensemble appearance in Singham Again. Just as the dust settles from Dhurandhar, Kartik Aaryan is set to arrive on Christmas Day—a prime box office slot historically reserved for industry titans like Aamir Khan. With the quirky title Tu Meri Main Tera Main Tera Tu Meri, the film promises to be the quintessential family entertainer tailored specifically for the festive holiday season. Despite being a full month away from release, the hype is already neck-and-neck with its December competitor; the film has registered a staggering 105K+ Interests on BookMyShow, a massive feat that indicates audiences are already locking in their cinematic plans for Christmas. Headlining the project is Kartik Aaryan, who has firmly established himself as the "King of Christmas" for this year and a go-to star for producers seeking high Return on Investment (ROI). He is currently riding the highest wave of his career following the massive success of his Diwali 2024 release, Bhool Bhulaiyaa 3, a blockbuster that crossed the ₹260.11 Cr net mark in India. Coupled with the previous global success of Satyaprem Ki Katha (₹100 Cr+ Worldwide), his track record proves his consistency in the romance and family genres, making this upcoming release a sure shot contender to close the year on a high. While Ranveer Singh is likely to win the opening day battle with sheer scale and star power, Kartik Aaryan seems poised to win the profitability game, riding on the holiday season and his current unbeatable form. For the industry, it's a win-win: Ranveer brings the heat, and Kartik brings the cheer to close 2025 on a triumphant note.

BY CHRISTA LINCY

The Malayalam film industry witnessed an interesting box office clash on November 21, 2025, with the release of the Prithviraj Sukumaran starrer Vilaayath Buddha and the mystery thriller Eko. While the former was anticipated to open big due to its star power, the box office numbers after the first five days suggest a shift in audience preference, with the smaller-budget thriller taking a significant lead globally. Billed as an atmospheric mystery thriller, Eko is helmed by director Dinjith Ayyathan, with the screenplay and cinematography handled by Bahul Ramesh. The film features a talented ensemble cast led by Sandeep Pradeep, who previously garnered attention for his role in Falimy (2023). He is supported by a roster of seasoned performers, including Vineeth, Narain, and Binu Pappu, who anchor the film’s suspenseful narrative. A significant factor driving the film's traction is the brand value of its technical crew. Eko marks the reunion of the core team behind the 2024 sleeper hit Kishkindha Kaandam. Since that film was a critical and commercial success known for its intelligent screenplay and atmospheric storytelling, Eko arrived with a layer of built-in trust. Marketed effectively as a spiritual successor in this specific mystery-thriller space, the film managed to pique audience interest despite the absence of a traditional superstar. In terms of performance, Eko mirrored the trajectory of its predecessor by starting slow but picking up significant momentum by Saturday. The film has demonstrated strong content acceptance, amassing a worldwide collection of ₹14 crore within its first five days. This figure is regarded as a notable achievement for a project without an A-list lead, signaling a clear audience preference for the film's engaging narrative style. Eko: The Box Office Breakout Riding on positive word-of-mouth, Eko has shown a steady upward trend over the weekend, effectively doubling the numbers of its competitor. India Net Collection: ₹ 7.4 Cr India Gross Collection: ₹ 8.75 Cr Overseas Collection: ₹ 5.25 Cr Total Worldwide Collection: ₹ 14 Cr Directed by Jayan Nambiar with a musical score by Jakes Bejoy, the action drama Vilaayath Buddha is headlined by Prithviraj Sukumaran in the role of Double Mohanan, supported by Kottayam Ramesh and Shammi Thilakan. The film serves as an official adaptation of G.R. Indugopan’s popular novel, centering on a conflict over a sandalwood tree. Prithviraj entered this release riding a wave of immense box office momentum; his previous outing, L2: Empuraan (2025), was a historic blockbuster that shattered opening records, while his survival drama Aadujeevitham (The Goat Life) was a massive commercial success, grossing over ₹150 crore globally. However, despite the lead actor's recent streak of blockbusters, Vilaayath Buddha has underperformed at the ticket windows. Trade analysts attribute this dip to mixed to average audience reports, specifically citing issues with the screenplay's pacing and certain adaptation choices. With a total worldwide gross of just ₹6.45 crore in its first five days, the film now faces a challenging path to recover its theatrical value. Vilaayath Buddha: The Struggle The Prithviraj starrer opened to mixed reviews, which is reflected in its struggling collections despite the star power. India Net Collection: ₹ 3.8 Cr India Gross Collection: ₹ 4.45 Cr Overseas Collection: ₹ 2 Cr Total Worldwide Collection: ₹ 6.45 Cr The 5-day report highlights a recurring trend in the Malayalam industry where content-driven narratives often challenge star-driven vehicles. While Vilaayath Buddha struggled to convert the novel's popularity into footfalls, Eko capitalized on the goodwill of its technical team's previous success (Kishkindha Kaandam) to emerge as the winner of this weekend clash. 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