BY SUNIT JANGIR

Mumbai, October 23: Rishab Shetty's mega blockbuster Kantara Chapter 1 is set to enter the 200 crores net club at the Hindi box office in the coming days as it continues its glorious march, showing remarkable resilience. Despite new competition from Bollywood Diwali releases, the period action drama has managed to hold its ground strongly across the northern circuits. After two weeks of consistent performance, Kantara Chapter 1 faced competition from Thamma and Deewaniyat during the Diwali festive week. Yet, the Hindi-dubbed version of the film remained strong, scoring approximately 26 crores net from the third Friday to Wednesday. In 21 days so far, the film has scored approximately 189 crore net in Hindi and is inching towards the coveted 200 crore milestone. The film's positive word-of-mouth and devotional storytelling have contributed to its sustained success across regions. In multiplexes and single screens alike, Kantara Chapter 1 continues to draw crowds, with minimal drops even during weekdays. The film's blend of spirituality, folklore, and raw action has struck a universal chord with audiences across languages. Kantara 2 will become only the second Kannada movie after KGF 2 to reach 200 crores net in Hindi. With this feat, Rishab Shetty has reaffirmed his status as one of the most formidable creative forces in Indian cinema. The film has already surpassed the lifetime Hindi collections of several major pan-India titles, including 2.0, which minted around 188 crores net. Meanwhile, the blockbuster prequel is heading towards the 800 crores milestone at the worldwide box office and has become the biggest Indian grosser of the year. It has grossed over 770 crores after 21 days, and will become the biggest grosser of 2025 during the 4th weekend. Stay tuned...

BY SUNIT JANGIR

Hyderabad, October 23 — Pan India superstar Prabhas' highly-awaited period action drama with director Hanu Raghavapudi, has officially been titled Fauzi. The announcement, made on October 23 on Prabhas' birthday, has taken the internet by storm. Presented by Gulshan Kumar and T-Series Films in association with Mythri Movie Makers, the Fauzi marks a powerful collaboration between the Sita Ramam director Hanu Raghavapudi and the pan-India superstar. The first look poster exudes intensity and patriotism — half of Prabhas' face dominates the frame, his fierce eyes conveying grit and defiance. Draped beside him is a burning British flag, symbolising resistance against colonial rule. The tagline, "A Battalion Who Fights Alone," hints at a tale of bravery, sacrifice, and solitary struggle set against the backdrop of 1940s colonial India. The film's title, Fauzi, meaning soldier, aptly captures its essence — a warrior's journey in a time when loyalty and rebellion collided. The visual tone and fiery textures suggest a blend of historical drama and action, promising an epic-scale narrative. Produced by Naveen Yerneni, Y Ravi Shankar, and Bhushan Kumar, the film is poised to be one of the most ambitious period dramas in Indian cinema. The credits reveal a strong technical team, with Vishal Chandrashekhar handling the music and PS Vinod on cinematography. Fauzi — A story set in 1940s colonial India, also stars Imani in her debut alongside Mithun Chakraborty, Anupam Kher and Jaya Parda in prominent roles. The film is reportedly slated for a multilingual release in Telugu, Hindi, Tamil, Kannada, and Malayalam in August 2026. पद्मव्यूह विजयी पार्थःपाण्डवपक्षे संस्थित कर्णः।गुरुविरहितः एकलव्यःजन्मनैव च योद्धा एषः॥#PrabhasHanu is #FAUZI ❤‍🔥The bravest tale of a soldier from the hidden chapters of our history 🔥Happy Birthday, Rebel Star #Prabhas ❤️#HappyBirthdayFAUZI#HappyBirthdayPRABHAS… pic.twitter.com/R7hjLRSFfF— Mythri Movie Makers (@MythriOfficial) October 23, 2025 Stay tuned...

BY CHRISTA LINCY

Malayalam cinema’s beloved star Mohanlal is all set to don the khaki once again in his upcoming film L365, directed by debutant Austin Dan Thomas and produced by Ashiq Usman under his home banner. The film’s announcement, accompanied by an intriguing first-look poster showing a police uniform hanging in a washroom, has already sparked excitement among fans, hinting that Mohanlal will be returning to one of his most iconic on-screen personas—a police officer. The project is scripted by Retheesh Ravi, known for crafting engaging and emotionally layered screenplays, raising expectations for a gripping mix of action, emotion, and entertainment. Reports suggest that L365 could be a cop-based action thriller or a cop-comedy, offering Mohanlal an opportunity to blend his trademark intensity with his effortless charm and humor. The title itself—L365—has become a talking point among fans, with many speculating that it could symbolize a story that unfolds over the course of a year or explore the life of a cop dealing with daily challenges, symbolizing 365 days of duty and dedication. Director Austin Dan Thomas, who steps into filmmaking after his stint as an actor and associate director, is expected to bring a fresh perspective and youthful energy to the narrative, while Ashiq Usman’s production house, known for backing quality and commercially strong projects, ensures that the film will be mounted on a solid scale. Currently, Mohanlal is busy shooting for Drishyam 3, the much-awaited continuation of the hit thriller series directed by Jeethu Joseph, which began filming in October 2025. Once the Drishyam 3 schedule wraps up, he is expected to begin work on L365. This collaboration between a seasoned superstar and a first-time director has already generated significant buzz across social media, especially since Mohanlal’s cop roles—from Baba Kalyani to Grandmaster—have left a lasting mark on audiences. Though the makers have kept the storyline tightly under wraps, the film promises an engaging mix of drama, suspense, and human emotion. With Mohanlal’s charisma at the center, L365 looks poised to be one of the most awaited Malayalam films of the coming year, blending nostalgia, novelty, and the timeless appeal of a star who continues to redefine versatility with every new role.

BY CHRISTA LINCY

The beloved 2001 Tamil blockbuster Friends, starring Vijay and Suriya, is all set to return to theaters in a fully remastered 4K version on November 21, 2025. Directed by Siddique, the film is remembered for its perfect blend of humor, emotion, and the iconic camaraderie between its lead actors, with Vadivelu's portrayal of 'Nesamani' remaining a fan favorite. This re-release, coming 24 years after the original debut, aims to rekindle nostalgia among longtime fans while introducing the classic to a new generation. The timing is particularly exciting as it leads into the Pongal 2026 season, where both Vijay and Suriya are set to clash at the box office with their respective films — Vijay's Jana Nayagan, directed by H. Vinoth, and Suriya's Karuppu, directed by RJ Balaji. Jana Nayagan is scheduled for a January 9 release and has generated immense anticipation, reportedly featuring cameo appearances from directors Lokesh Kanagaraj, Atlee, and Nelson Dilipkumar as a tribute to Vijay’s cinematic journey. Meanwhile, Karuppu, initially slated for Diwali 2025, will now release during Pongal 2026, promising a rural-themed role for Suriya. The 4K re-release of Friends not only celebrates the film’s original box-office success but also offers audiences an opportunity to experience its timeless charm in enhanced visual and audio quality, setting the stage for an exciting festive season and a nostalgic trip down memory lane for fans of Tamil cinema.

BY CHRISTA LINCY

A powerful collaboration is once again on the horizon in Tamil cinema — Vishal and Sundar C are set to reunite for a new film that’s expected to go on floors in late 2026. Reported by The Times of India as a “blockbuster reunion,” the project has already generated major buzz among fans, promising another large-scale entertainer from the successful actor–director duo.Vishal is currently busy wrapping up his next action drama Magudam, which is nearing completion. The film has created strong anticipation among fans, and once Vishal completes his promotional commitments for Magudam, he is expected to move straight into the new Sundar C project. Meanwhile, Sundar C is actively engaged with Mookuthi Amman 2, the sequel to his 2020 fantasy-comedy hit. The film stars Nayanthara in dual roles and features Duniya Vijay as the antagonist. The shooting has recently wrapped up, and the film is slated for a 2025 release, with music composed by Hiphop Tamizha Aadhi. Following the completion of this project, Sundar C is expected to commence work on his next venture with Vishal. This reunion marks the duo’s second major collaboration after Madha Gaja Raja, which was filmed in 2012 but faced multiple production and release hurdles before finally hitting theatres in 2024. Despite the 12-year delay, the film opened to positive audience response and went on to become a box-office hit, showcasing the timeless appeal of Sundar C’s commercial direction paired with Vishal’s charisma.The success of Madha Gaja Raja, even after its delayed release, has amplified expectations for their next outing. Fans are eager to see how the pair will bring fresh energy and scale to this new venture. The shooting for the new Vishal–Sundar C project is expected to commence in late 2026, once both stars complete their current commitments. The film is being crafted as a mass commercial entertainer, promising to blend Sundar C’s signature humor with high-energy action sequences. Further details, including the full cast, production banner, and music composer, are yet to be officially announced and are expected to be revealed in the coming months.Given their previous success and the buzz surrounding their reunion, this project has quickly become one of the most anticipated Tamil films on the horizon. Fans believe that the Vishal–Sundar C combination has all the makings of a full-fledged entertainer that could once again strike gold at the box office. As both continue wrapping up their respective current films, the industry now eagerly awaits official confirmation and the first look of what’s shaping up to be one of Kollywood’s biggest collaborations of 2026.

BY CHRISTA LINCY

After an impressive theatrical journey, Pawan Kalyan’s action-gangster drama They Call Him OG is gearing up for its digital debut. The film, directed by Sujeeth and produced by DVV Entertainment, will begin streaming on Netflix from October 23, 2025, just under a month after its grand theatrical release. Released on September 25, 2025, They Call Him OG opened to massive anticipation, marking Pawan Kalyan’s return to the big screen in a stylish and intense role as “Ojas Gambheera,” a gangster with a code of his own. The movie was released across five languages — Telugu, Tamil, Kannada, Malayalam, and Hindi — and quickly established itself as one of the highest-grossing South Indian films of the year. The film’s India net collection reached approximately ₹ 191.5 Cr, while the worldwide gross is reported to be around ₹ 293.65 Cr, making it one of Pawan Kalyan’s top-performing films. The film’s initial occupancy rates were particularly strong in Andhra Pradesh and Telangana, where single screens reported near-houseful shows during the opening weekend.The combination of Pawan Kalyan’s charisma, Emraan Hashmi’s menacing debut in Telugu cinema, and Sujeeth’s sleek direction contributed to the film’s strong audience pull. Fans praised the blend of high-octane action, emotional drama, and Thaman’s powerful background score. After nearly four weeks in theatres, They Call Him OG will now make its OTT premiere on Netflix on October 23, 2025. The film will be available in Telugu, Tamil, Hindi, Kannada, and Malayalam, offering wider accessibility for pan-Indian audiences.This move comes as part of a growing trend in Indian cinema, where producers are opting for shorter theatrical-to-digital windows to sustain viewership momentum. The film’s relatively swift transition to OTT — just four weeks after release — underscores the changing dynamics of film distribution in the South Indian film industry. Traditionally, big-budget star vehicles would enjoy at least six to eight weeks of exclusive theatrical screening before heading to streaming platforms.However, the landscape is rapidly evolving. Producers are now adopting hybrid release models to capture audiences across multiple formats. This strategy allows films to maximize both theatrical earnings and digital viewership, keeping them relevant in the conversation even after box office revenue begins to taper off. For streaming giants like Netflix, acquiring such high-profile South Indian titles early helps boost regional subscriber engagement, while for filmmakers, it ensures the movie reaches a broader global audience.In the case of They Call Him OG, the timing aligns perfectly — the film closes its successful theatrical run while maintaining the excitement for its digital release, offering fans another chance to experience the stylish gangster drama from the comfort of their homes. They Call Him OG stands as a testament to Pawan Kalyan’s enduring screen power and Sujeeth’s ability to craft commercially potent cinema with visual flair. With its upcoming Netflix premiere, the film is poised to reach an even wider audience, marking a fitting continuation of its box-office success story.

BY SUNIT JANGIR

Mumbai, October 22 — Harshvardhan Rane and Sonam Bajwa's romantic drama Ek Deewane Ki Deewaniyat is emerging as one of the biggest surprises of the year at the box office. After taking a better-than-expected start, the film is holding impressively well on its second day, showing that audience word of mouth is turning in its favour, while having the festive advantage. As per early estimates, Ek Deewane Ki Deewaniyat has collected around 7–8 crores net on Day 2, following its solid 9 crores net opening day. This takes its two-day total to approximately 16+ crores net, a strong result for a film with limited pre-release buzz and no major star power. The festive advantage continues to boost the collections, but more importantly, the film seems to be benefiting from positive audience feedback, especially among younger viewers and in tier-2 cities. The romantic drama's intense storyline and soulful music have reportedly struck a chord with its target audience. With a stable second day and encouraging trends across mass belts and multiplex chains, Ek Deewane Ki Deewaniyat is now well-positioned for a strong weekend. If the word of mouth continues to hold, it could emerge as a sleeper hit of the season. Stay tuned...

BY CHRISTA LINCY

The excitement among fans of Prabhas has reached new heights with the latest update from Mythri Movie Makers about his upcoming project with director Hanu Raghavapudi. The makers have shared a new poster teasing the title reveal, which is scheduled for October 23, 2025, at 11:07 AM IST, coinciding with Prabhas’ birthday. The poster, released today, features a striking silhouette of a soldier walking alone, with the phrases “A Battalion Who Walks Alone” and “Most Wanted Since 1932.” A Sanskrit verse on the poster — “पाण्डवपक्षे संस्थित कर्णः” — translates to “Karna, who was on the side of the Pandavas,” hinting at a possible mythological inspiration behind the film’s narrative. Fans have speculated that the tentative title might be Fauji, although this has not been officially confirmed. Director Hanu Raghavapudi, known for his work on Sita Ramam, is expected to bring his signature blend of emotional storytelling and grand-scale visuals to this period-action drama. While details about the film’s plot remain under wraps, the teaser poster suggests a historical and heroic theme, possibly inspired by India’s pre-independence era. With this carefully timed announcement, anticipation is mounting across social media, and the poster alone has sparked widespread discussion and excitement, with fans eagerly counting down to the official teaser launch.

BY SUNIT JANGIR

Mumbai, October 22 — Ayushmann Khurrana and Rashmika Mandanna's vampire horror comedy Thamma is maintaining a good grip at the box office after a solid opening day. The Maddock Films release has managed to hold well on its second day, continuing to benefit from the Diwali festive period. According to early estimates, Thamma collected 17.50-18.50 crores net on Day 2, showing a decent hold after its impressive 24 crores net opening. This takes the film's two-day total to over 41 crores net, which is a good start for the entertainer and marks one of the best openings for Ayushmann Khurrana. Directed by Aditya Sarpotdar, Thamma continues to enjoy the Diwali post-holiday advantage, with strong family turnout across major circuits and good word-of-mouth driving footfalls. The drop from Day 1 is reasonable, especially given that the second day is a working day in several parts of the country. With holiday fever still in the air, the 5th film in the Maddock Horror Comedy Universe (MHCU) is expected to maintain its momentum through the extended festive week. The film has been praised for its quirky humour, visual style, and unique blend of horror and comedy — a formula that continues to resonate well with audiences. Stay tuned...

BY CHRISTA LINCY

Mari Selvaraj’s much-awaited sports-drama Bison Kaalamaadan, starring Dhruv Vikram in the lead role, has emerged as one of the most discussed Tamil films of the festive season. Released on October 17, 2025, during the Diwali weekend, the film opened to decent reviews and has gradually grown stronger with each passing day — both critically and commercially. Known for his rooted storytelling, Mari Selvaraj once again brings his signature blend of social consciousness and emotional realism to the screen, this time through the lens of sports and identity. The film follows Dhruv Vikram as a young kabaddi player from a marginalized background who strives to make a name for himself in the fiercely competitive and socially layered world of village sports. It explores themes of caste, pride, and perseverance — subjects that have defined Mari Selvaraj’s cinema since Pariyerum Perumal (2018) and Karnan (2021). The title Bison Kaalamaadan itself becomes symbolic, representing resilience and dignity amid systemic challenges. The film also stars Kalidas Jayaram, Lal, Pasupathy, and Rajisha Vijayan in pivotal roles, while the technical crew includes Nirav Shah handling cinematography, Santhosh Narayanan composing the music, and Selva R. K. on the editing desk. The emotional authenticity of the film struck a chord with viewers and industry peers alike — including Superstar Rajinikanth. In his heartfelt post on X, Superstar Rajinikanth praised director Mari Selvaraj for the “effort and personality” he brings to his films and appreciated his consistent contribution to Tamil cinema. He called Bison Kaalamaadan another strong entry in Mari’s socially conscious filmography. The post quickly went viral, drawing warm reactions from fans and the film’s team, who thanked the legend for his kind words..” At the box office, Bison Kaalamaadan has been steadily climbing the charts.The film collected around ₹22.5 crore net in India within its first five days, showing remarkable hold beyond the opening weekend. Day-wise figures reveal a clear upward trend — Day 1 at ₹2.7 Cr, Day 2 at ₹3.4 Cr, and Day 3 at ₹4.5 Cr, before stabilizing around ₹6 Cr on Day 4 and maintaining a strong weekday performance. The Tamil Nadu theatrical occupancy averaged between 60 and 62%, peaking above 70% during evening and night shows in major centres like Chennai, Coimbatore, Madurai, and Trichy. Even as weekday footfalls slightly dipped mid-week, the film’s consistent word-of-mouth kept it afloat. Overall, the film’s domestic gross has crossed ₹25 crore, while its worldwide total is ₹31.5 crore by day 5. What makes this success noteworthy is that Bison Kaalamaadan isn’t driven by star power or commercial gimmicks — instead, it relies on sincerity and emotional heft. Mari Selvaraj crafts a world that feels lived-in, using the kabaddi arena as both a literal and metaphorical battleground for equality. Dhruv Vikram delivers his most mature performance yet, earning praise for balancing physicality and vulnerability. Santhosh Narayanan’s pulsating score complements the film’s earthy tone, while Nirav Shah’s visuals capture the grit and texture of rural Tamil Nadu with poetic intensity. Take a look at the day by day breakdown of Bison's box Office earnings(Gross) Day 1:₹ 3.15 Cr Day 2:₹ 4 Cr Day 3:₹ 5.25 Cr day 4:₹ 7.05 Cr Day 5:₹ 6.9 Cr Total:₹ 26.35 Cr As Bison Kaalamaadan moves into its second week, the film continues to draw steady audiences across theatres, showing remarkable consistency even after its festive debut. Viewers have connected deeply with its emotional core and powerful storytelling, allowing the film to grow stronger through genuine word-of-mouth. It’s a reminder that meaningful, socially grounded cinema can thrive just as strongly as big commercial entertainers when told with heart and conviction. Bison Kaalamaadan stands as proof that good cinema doesn’t always roar on day one — sometimes, it quietly grows to win hearts over time.

BY SUNIT JANGIR

Mumbai, October 22 - Unlike 2024, Bollywood didn't witness a high-profile clash this Diwali, yet there were enough fireworks at the ticket windows to light up the box office. Ayushmann Khurrana's vampire comedy Thamma, which is part of Maddock's expanding horror-comedy universe, faced unexpected competition from Harshvardhan Rane's romantic drama Ek Deewane Ki Deewaniyat. Despite belonging to entirely different genres, both films managed to draw audiences post-Diwali, resulting in a collective box office gross of around 40 crore. While Thamma attracted family crowds and youth with its quirky premise and humour, Deewaniyat found love among urban audiences for its music and emotional storytelling. Directed by Aditya Sarpotdar, Thamma, which also stars Rashmika Mandanna and Nawazuddin Siddiqui, carried good pre-sales and opened on the expected lines. The 5th movie in Maddock Horror Comedy Universe grossed approximately 28.75 crores (24 crores net) on its opening day, which is the second biggest start in the MHCU, behind Stree 2. The real surprise, however, was Deewaniyat, which opened to better than expected collections. The success of Rane's Sanam Teri Kasam re-release earlier this year seems to have worked in the actor's favour, as the movie grossed approximately 10.75 crores (9 crores net) on its post-Diwali day. The opening of Deewaniyat is easily the biggest for Rane, who, otherwise, doesn't have much in the box office menu to showcase. The initial reception for the film, however, is on the mixed to negative side, though it is expected to score decently with the holiday period still going on. Overall, it was a good day at the Hindi box office with nearly 50 crores gross collection, as other movies contributed to around 10 crores gross, including Kantara Chapter 2, which minted around 5 crores gross on the day. But, going forward, focus will be on Thamma and Deewaniyat on how they perform and make the most of the holiday frame. Stay tuned...

BY SUNIT JANGIR

Bengaluru, October 22 - Kannada actor and filmmaker Rishab Shetty's Kantara Chapter 1 is running riot at the box office, and heading towards becoming the highest-grossing Indian film of the year worldwide, having already grossed over 750 crores in 20 days. Produced by Hombale Films, Kantara Chapter 1 was released in Kannada, Hindi, Telugu, Malayalam, and Tamil languages, and it has been performing well in every version. Now, to cash in on the glowing word of mouth among the international audience, the makers have set up a release in English. On Wednesday (October 22), Hombale Films took to social media to confirm the blockbuster prequel will be hitting worldwide cinemas on October 31st in the dubbed English version. It will release with a shortened runtime of 2 hours and 14 minutes, while the original runtime is 2 hours and 49 minutes. It needs to be seen how this latest strategy works for the film, as most of the target audience has already watched it. Written, directed, and headlined by Shetty, Kantara Chapter 1 is the prequel to 2022's blockbuster Kantara, which grossed over 400 crores worldwide. The latest blockbuster was released amid solid buzz, which translated into massive footfalls in cinemas as it is currently the second most-watched Indian title of the year, behind Chhaava. It will become the biggest grosser as well as the most-watched in the coming days. Stay tuned...