BY SUNIT JANGIR

Mumbai, April 20 - Bollywood superstar Shah Rukh Khan-fronted action thriller King has been one of the most anticipated films ever since its announcement. The film is said to be mounted on a grand scale, with a reported budget of around 350 crore, signalling a high-octane cinematic spectacle aimed at both domestic and global audiences. 250 Crore Theatrical Deal For King? Directed by Siddharth Anand, King has been one of the hottest projects in trade due to its massive box office potential, not just in India but also in the international markets. In this process, Pen Marudhar Entertainment has reportedly acquired the all-India theatrical distribution rights of King for a staggering 250 crore, according to Bollywood Hungama. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}) The deal ranks among the biggest theatrical rights deals in Bollywood cinema history. The 250 crore deal highlights the immense confidence distributors have in Shah Rukh Khan's box office pull, especially after his recent blockbuster run with Pathaan and Jawan. It is said that the film witnessed strong competition among top distributors before Pen Marudhar ultimately secured the rights. While earlier reports had suggested offers in the 200 crore range, this latest development points to a significant jump, underlining the soaring demand for the project. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}) King Locks In A Tight Battle With Hollywood Biggies On Christmas King is set for a high-stakes box office clash. The film is expected to lock horns with major Hollywood biggies during the lucrative Christmas 2026 window, setting the stage for a fierce global showdown at the box office. Among the biggest competitors is Jumanji: Open World, headlined by Dwayne Johnson, which is scheduled to release on December 25, 2026, a day after King. The festive corridor is further packed with major franchise films like Avengers: Doomsday, featuring Robert Downey Jr. and Chris Evans, arriving around December 18, 2026, alongside Dune: Part Three, setting up a massive global box office showdown. Doomsday will particularly be a major challenge for King, due to the immense popularity of Marvel and the franchise.

BY CHRISTA LINCY

After enjoying a successful opening weekend fueled by strong family footfalls, Akshay Kumar's latest horror-comedy, Bhooth Bangla, has now entered the most dreaded phase for any big-budget film: the first Monday. Historically known as the Monday test, this day decides whether a film has the legs to survive the weekdays or if it will fizzle out after the initial weekend burst. After a super Sunday where the film pushed its boundaries, the early trends for Day 4 suggest a standard weekday drop as audiences return to their work routines. To understand where the film is heading, we have to look at the real-time speed on ticket booking platforms. On Sunday, Bhooth Bangla was on fire between 12 pm and 1 pm, selling over 32,000 tickets on BookMyShow. In comparison, during the same one-hour window today, the film sold 7,820 tickets. While this is a significant drop, it is fairly typical for a non-holiday Monday. By 8 am today, the film had tracked around 25,560 tickets on the platform, compared to over 1.14 lakh tickets by 7 am on Sunday. This indicates that the film is now relying heavily on spot bookings and evening shows to bolster its numbers. Looking at the occupancy report, Bhooth Bangla started its Monday with a morning occupancy of 8.34 percent in the Hindi 2D circuit. When we compare this to Akshay Kumar's post-COVID track record, it sits in an interesting middle ground. For instance, Housefull 5 started its first Monday with an 8.88 percent morning occupancy and went on to collect 13 crore, while Sky Force started lower at 6.01 percent and finished the day at 7 crore. Given that Bhooth Bangla is currently running across 3,620 shows and has already registered a live net collection of 0.75 crore by the afternoon, the film is aiming for a respectable hold. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}) Akshay Kumar Post-COVID Monday PerformanceMOVIE NAME1ST MONDAY COLLECTIONMONDAY OCCUPANCYSooryavanshi₹ 14.51 Cr28.50%Housefull 5₹ 13.00 Cr19.78%OMG 2₹ 12.06 Cr44.03%Sky Force₹ 7.00 Cr13.37%Jolly LLB 3₹ 5.50 Cr12.54% In the national cinema chains like PVR, INOX, and Cinepolis, the advance booking for today stands at approximately 24,000 tickets, translating to a gross of 62 lakhs. PVR is leading the charge with 12,500 tickets. While these numbers are on the lower side compared to the weekend, the film is seeing its best traction in Bengaluru and Mumbai. Surprisingly, the Delhi-NCR region, which usually supports Akshay Kumar's films strongly, is showing a slightly softer trend today. The final total for the day will depend entirely on how much the evening and night shows pick up, as is usually the case with family entertainers. Looking at the 8.34 percent morning occupancy, the film has actually started slightly better than Sky Force (6.01%) but is trailing the pace of Housefull 5. This opens up a few possibilities for the final Monday tally. In a conservative case, if the evening shows don't see a significant jump, the film might follow the Jolly LLB 3 trend, landing in the 5.50 - 6.25 crore range. However, we have to consider the Sky Force logic, where morning shows at 6 percent quadrupled to nearly 24 percent by the night, allowing that film to hit 7 crore. If Bhooth Bangla manages a similar late-night surge tonight, it is looking at a healthy 6.75 to 7.50 crore net. In an optimistic scenario where urban multiplexes see heavy walk-ins, an 8 crore finish isn't entirely off the table. This would push the four-day total India net past the 65+ crore mark, providing a solid cushion for the rest of the week. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}) Akshay Kumar Top 5 Post-COVID Grossers (Worldwide)MOVIE NAMEWORLDWIDE COLLECTIONVERDICTSooryavanshi₹ 293.00 CrHitHousefull 5₹ 288.67 CrAverageOMG 2₹ 221.75 CrSuperhitJolly LLB 3₹ 171.64 CrAbove AverageSky Force₹ 150.01 CrAverage The final verdict of this Monday test now rests on how the occupancy trends shift during the crucial afternoon and night screenings. For a film like Bhooth Bangla, which thrives on its comedic elements and star power, the walk-in audience during the night shows will be the deciding factor. If it mimics the trend of Sky Force, it could see a late-night surge. For now, the makers will be hoping the film maintains its grip on the box office to secure its position as a successful addition to Akshay Kumar's post-COVID filmography.

BY SUNIT JANGIR

Kochi, April 20 - The Malayalam coming-of-age comedy drama Vaazha 2: Biopic of a Billion Bros has scripted history at the global box office by crossing the 200 crore mark. With this achievement, the film has become the fifth Malayalam movie to enter the prestigious 200 crore club, underlining its massive popularity among audiences both in India and overseas. Headlined by Hashir, the film has shown remarkable consistency since its release, benefiting greatly from strong word-of-mouth and repeat viewership. After a solid opening week, Vaazha 2 maintained an impressive hold in subsequent days, particularly in key international markets, including the Gulf region. This sustained momentum has pushed its global total beyond 200 crore in a short span. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}) Top 5 Highest-Grossing Malayalam Films Worldwide S. No. Movie Worldwide Gross 1 Lokah Chapter 1: Chandra ₹ 304.00 Cr 2 L2: Empuraan ₹ 266.80 Cr 3 Manjummel Boys ₹ 241.00 Cr 4 Thudarum ₹ 235.40 Cr 5 Vaazha 2 ₹ 205+ Cr As of April 19, 2026. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}) In India, the film has performed exceptionally well, contributing a major chunk to its overall earnings. In 18 days so far, Vaazha 2 has grossed approximately 123.50 crores domestically, including 110+ crores in Kerala state alone. It is only the third movie to top 100 crores gross in the state, and 7th Malayalam movie to achieve the feat at the Indian box office. At the same time, its overseas collections have been equally significant, with around 82 crores gross so far, highlighting the growing global appeal of Malayalam cinema. With this feat, Vaazha 2 joins an elite group of Malayalam blockbusters that have previously crossed the 200 crore mark, including Empuraan, Manjummel Boys, Lokah Chapter 1, and Thudarum. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}) Highlight of Vaazha 2 Box Office Run - One of the fastest to enter the 200 crore club - The fastest to hit 100 crores gross in Kerala - Super strong performance in the Gulf despite the war - The first Malayalam movie of 2026 to enter the 200 crores club in 2026 - Super positive word of mouth and repeat value The entry of yet another film into this club signals a strong phase for the Malayalam film industry, which continues to expand its reach beyond regional boundaries. Given its current trend and minimal competition, Vaazha 2 is expected to continue its successful run at the box office.

BY CHRISTA LINCY

Ken Karunas has made a significant mark with his directorial debut, Youth. The Tamil film, produced on a reported budget of only 6 crore, has successfully crossed the 71 crore mark at the worldwide box office. This impressive financial performance has been accompanied by a wave of positive feedback, including a recent endorsement from National Award winner Rishab Shetty, who shared his thoughts on the film after a recent screening. Rishab Shetty took to social media to share his excitement after watching the film, mentioning that he found himself smiling through the entire experience. He described the story as a heartfelt tribute dedicated to all parents, woven together with themes of love, friendship, and deep emotions. The Kantara actor was particularly impressed by how Ken Karunas managed the heavy lifting of writing, directing, and acting all on his own, noting that he did so with commendable, nuanced depth. Rishab also highlighted the natural performances of the cast, specifically mentioning Suraj Venjaramoodu, Deva Darshini, and the entire friend's gang for bringing joy to the screen. He didn't forget the technical team either, giving a special mention to music director G.V. Prakash, DOP Viki, and the producers for trusting Ken's vision. His review ended with a strong vote of confidence, calling Ken Karunas a future asset to the world of cinema. Taking to social media, the Kantara star mentioned that he found himself smiling throughout the entire movie. He described Youth as a heartfelt tribute dedicated to all parents, filled with deep emotions, love, and friendship. Rishab specifically noted that Ken Karunas handled the writing, directing, and acting with commendable depth. He also praised the natural performances of the entire cast, including Suraj Venjaramoodu and Devadarshini, stating that Ken will be a valuable asset to the world of cinema. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}) The film itself is a 142-minute coming-of-age romantic drama that follows the journey of a 15-year-old schoolboy named Praveen. The plot explores the typical highs and lows of teenage life, from navigating academic pressure and parental expectations to experiencing the complexities of young love and heartbreak. Alongside Ken Karunas, the movie features Anishma Anilkumar, Priyanshi Yadav, Suraj Venjaramoodu, Devadarshini, and Meenakshi Dinesh in key roles. Produced by Paarvathaa Entertainments, Youth benefits from a soulful musical score by G. V. Prakash Kumar. The combination of a relatable plot and strong technical support has helped the film resonate with a wide audience, allowing it to maintain a steady theatrical run even after its recent arrival on OTT platforms. The storytelling style seems to have struck a chord with viewers looking for grounded and sincere narratives. After a long time, I found myself smiling throughout an entire film. #Youth is filled with love, friendship, and deep emotions — a heartfelt tribute dedicated to all parents.Single handedly writing, directing and acting with such nuanced depth is truly commendable. Every actor… pic.twitter.com/uaz5NV2Z2u— Rishab Shetty (@shetty_rishab) April 20, 2026 In terms of collections, the numbers are quite remarkable for a debut project. The film has earned a net collection of 52.26 Cr+ in India, with the total India gross reaching 59.93 Cr+. On the international front, it has collected 11.40 Cr+ from overseas markets, bringing the grand worldwide total to 71.33 Cr+. Generating over 71 crore from a production budget of 6 crore represents an exceptional return on investment for the makers. While the film is still playing in select theaters, its success has already established Ken Karunas as a director to watch in the Tamil film industry. The blend of critical praise from industry figures like Rishab Shetty and the strong box office numbers proves that small-budget films can reach massive heights when the story connects with the audience.

BY CHRISTA LINCY

If you thought the momentum for Dhurandhar 2: The Revenge was finally starting to fade as it entered its second month, you might want to take a closer look at the latest numbers. This high-octane sequel is proving to be an absolute beast at the box office, showing the kind of resilience that is rarely seen, especially for an A-rated film. Over its fifth weekend, the movie managed to pull off a sensational performance, raking in a net total of 12.55 crore in India. Let us break down how this incredible journey unfolded over the last three days. The weekend kicked off on its 30th day (fifth Friday) with a net collection of 2.70 crore. While this was a 20.6 percent drop from the previous day, it was expected for a film in its fifth week. However, the hold remained steady. In the national cinema chains alone, the movie sold over 14,000 tickets through advance bookings, playing across 1,701 shows. It was clear that the die-hard fans were still lining up to experience the intensity on the big screen. Then came the Saturday boost that changed the game. On its 31st day, Dhurandhar 2 witnessed a massive 72.2 percent growth, collecting 4.65 crore net. The footfalls in national chains like PVR, INOX, and Cinepolis more than doubled, with over 35,600 tickets sold in those chains alone. This jump was a clear signal that the weekend audience was out in full force. The movie was holding onto nearly 3,913 shows nationwide, proving that exhibitors still have immense faith in this juggernaut. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}) The momentum only increased on Sunday, Day 32. The film registered a further 11.8 percent growth to collect 5.20 crore net. The Hindi version remained the powerhouse, contributing 5.00 crore to that total. In major multiplexes, the movie saw 46,397 tickets sold via advance bookings across 1,825 shows. It is truly fascinating to see a sequel, which arrived just three months after the first part, continue to cultivate such a massive repeat audience. Unlike the first film, which was a slow-burn success, this one arrived as an event and has refused to leave the spotlight. Top 5 Movies: 5th Weekend India Net CollectionMOVIE NAME5TH WEEKEND COLLECTIONDhurandhar₹ 33.25 CrChhaava₹ 23.15 CrStree 2₹ 15.50 CrMahavatar Narasimha₹ 13.00 CrDhurandhar 2₹ 12.55 Cr With this 5th-weekend haul, Dhurandhar 2 has officially secured its place among the top five highest-earning fifth weekends in Bollywood history, narrowly edging out the legendary run of Uri: The Surgical Strike. It has now successfully moved past the fifth-weekend collections of iconic hits like Jawan, Dangal, and 3 Idiots. While it trails the part 1 Dhurandhar, which had an otherworldly 5th weekend of 33.25 crore, the sequel has already surpassed the lifetime collections of the original film back on its 20th day itself. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}) The digital ticket sales also tell a story of incredible dominance. On BookMyShow, the film saw a consistent flow throughout the weekend, with 68.22K tickets on Friday, peaking at 94.28K on Saturday, and 77.41K on Sunday. In total, the film has now sold over 1.76 crore tickets on the platform alone since its release. 5th Weekend BMS Ticket Sales Comparison: • Dhurandhar: 4.59L • Chhaava: 4.41L • Mahavatar Narsimha: 2.96L • Stree 2: 2.94L • Laalo: 2.88L • Pushpa 2: 2.44L It's not just the Indian theaters that are witnessing this incredible run; the international markets are also showing a surprising second wind. After a stretch where collections had softened, the film has once again started hitting those coveted seven-figure marks daily. On Day 30 (Friday), the overseas collection stood at 0.85 crore, which then surged to a healthy 1.50 crore on Day 31 (Saturday). The momentum continued on Day 32 (Sunday) with another 1.10 crore. Consistently crossing the 1-crore threshold in overseas markets this late into its run is a massive achievement and clearly shows that the film's global footprint is far larger than anyone anticipated. The total financial standing of the film is nothing short of legendary. As of its 32nd day, the India net collection has reached a massive 1,115.67 crore, with the India gross sitting at 1,335.54 crore. Internationally, the film continues to find takers, bringing its overseas total to 421.10 crore. This pushes the grand worldwide gross to a monumental 1,756.64 crore. With this milestone, Dhurandhar 2 has officially secured the number 3 spot among the highest-grossing Indian movies of all time globally, having overtaken the lifetime collections of Pushpa 2 (1,742.10 crore) just a couple of days ago. Now, the film is setting its sights on the number 2 position currently held by the legendary Baahubali 2: The Conclusion, which stands at a staggering 1,810.60 crore. What makes this chase even more fascinating is the sheer power behind these numbers. When we look at the monumental haul of Baahubali 2, those figures include massive contributions from markets like China (80.56 crore), GCC (67.25 crore), and Japan (16.50 crore). In a stark contrast, Dhurandhar 2 is nearing that historic total without having released in any of those major territories. To be breathing down the neck of such an all-time legend while missing out on over 164 crore from these three international regions alone speaks volumes about the incredible demand this movie has generated purely on its own strength. Given how much steam is still left in its run, we are witnessing a truly historic chapter in Indian cinema where a new record could be shattered any day now!

BY SUNIT JANGIR

Mumbai, April 20 - The long-awaited reunion of Akshay Kumar and director Priyadarshan has set the box office ablaze. The horror-comedy Bhooth Bangla, the duo's first collaboration in 14 years, has concluded its opening weekend on a triumphant note, clocking nearly 96 crore in worldwide gross collections. This stellar performance is anchored by a solid Saturday and Sunday surge that saw audiences flocking to cinemas across India. The film opened to positive word-of-mouth on Friday, but it was the jump on Saturday and Sunday that shifted the narrative from a steady start to a success, with domestic collection of around 70 crores gross. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}) Good Opening Weekend In India Going against the tide, the makers scheduled paid previews, and the decision paid off with better-than-expected results. The film clocked 3.75 crores net (4.50 crore gross) in previews, followed by a good opening day of 12.25 crore net. The movie scored a solid jump of over 50% on Saturday to score 19 crore net, followed by 23 crores net on Sunday. The total domestic net for the film stands at approximately 58 crore and nearly 70 crores gross. This makes it the third biggest opening weekend for Akshay Kumar in the post-pandemic era, behind only Sooryavanshi and Housefull 5. When paired with a solid international performance, which contributed an estimated 26.50 crore from key markets like North America and the Gulf, the film's total worldwide gross reached around 95.75+ crore. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}) Akshay Kumar Top Post-Pandemic Opening Weekends (Worldwide Gross) S. No. Movie India Net Worldwide Gross 1 Housefull 5 ₹ 87.50 Cr ₹ 140.00 Cr 2 Sooryavanshi ₹ 77.08 Cr ₹ 116.40 Cr 3 Bhooth Bangla ₹ 58.00 Cr ₹ 95.75+ Cr 4 Jolly LLB 3 ₹ 53.50 Cr ₹ 83.20 Cr 5 Sky Force ₹ 62.25 Cr ₹ 81.20 Cr 6 Bade Miyan Chote Miyan ₹ 40.80 Cr ₹ 74.10 Cr 7 OMG 2 ₹ 43.10 Cr ₹ 60.75 Cr 8 Ram Setu ₹ 41.45 Cr ₹ 54.40 Cr (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}) On the final day of the weekend, the film peaked at an impressive 32.65K tickets sold per hour on BookMyShow, the highest hourly rate for an Akshay Kumar film. The numbers have effectively eclipsed the opening weekends of his more recent ventures, signalling a major comeback for the Khiladi. It will be topping 100 crores gross today (day 4). The success of Bhooth Bangla revitalises the horror-comedy genre in Bollywood, following the path set by films like Stree 2 and Bhool Bhulaiyaa 2. While the film faces competition from Ranveer Singh’s Dhurandhar 2, its unique brand of nostalgic humour and Priyadarshan's signature slapstick timing have carved out a dominant share of the market.

BY CHRISTA LINCY

Dhurandhar 2: The Revenge, the high-octane sequel that has been shattering records since its release, continues its triumphant run at the box office even in its fifth week. As the film hit its 32nd day, which marked its fifth Sunday, it showed remarkable resilience by drawing in massive crowds. Despite carrying an A-rating, the movie registered a net collection of 5.20 crore in India, representing a solid 11.8 percent growth from the previous day's collection of 4.65 crore. This jump clearly indicates that the film has successfully cultivated a massive repeat audience, with hardcore fans returning to the theaters to experience the raw intensity of the sequel once again over the weekend. Across the country, Dhurandhar 2 held onto a massive 3,910 shows, which is an impressive count for a film entering its second month of release. A significant portion of this presence is dominated by major multiplexes; in the national chains alone, the movie wass playing across 1,825 shows, with PVR leading the count at 752 shows, followed by INOX with 633 and Cinepolis with 440 shows. The Hindi version remained the primary driver, contributing 5.00 crore to the daily total, while the dubbed versions in Tamil, Telugu, and Kannada added their fair share to the kitty. In terms of footfalls, the film sold nearly 46,400 tickets within these national chains on its 32nd day alone, proving its unshakable hold even after a month of its theatrical run. Highest 5th Sunday Collections - Bollywood MoviesMOVIE NAME5TH SUNDAY COLLECTIONDhurandhar₹ 12.75 CrChhaava₹ 8.00 CrStree 2₹ 6.75 CrMahavatar Narasimha₹ 6.15 CrUri: The Surgical Strike₹ 5.66 CrDhurandhar 2₹ 5.20 Cr (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}) When we look at the historical records for the highest fifth-Sunday earners in Bollywood, Dhurandhar 2: The Revenge has officially secured its spot among the absolute elite. It currently holds the sixth position on the all-time list, trailing just behind Uri: The Surgical Strike. By raking in 5.20 crore, the movie has successfully left behind the fifth-Sunday collections of massive blockbusters like Tanhaji: The Unsung Warrior, 3 Idiots, Jawan, and even Dangal. Interestingly, the first part of this franchise, Dhurandhar, still reigns supreme at the top with a staggering 12.75 crore on its fifth Sunday. This exceptional performance by both films highlights the incredible brand value and the massive loyal fan base the franchise within a matter of months. On the digital front, the momentum is equally strong. On BookMyShow, the film saw 77,410 tickets booked on its fifth Sunday. While this is lower than the massive 1.48 lakh tickets sold by the first Dhurandhar on its equivalent day, it is still a very healthy number. Looking at the weekly breakdown, Dhurandhar 2 has sold a cumulative total of over 1.76 crore tickets on BookMyShow alone since its release, showcasing the sheer scale of its reach. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}) 5th Sunday BMS Ticket Sales Comparison: • Dhurandhar: 148K • Chhaava: 133K • Laalo: 114K • Stree 2: 108K • Mahavatar Narsimha: 101K • Pushpa 2: 98K • Dhurandhar 2: 77K The total financial standing of the film is nothing short of legendary. With the 32nd-day numbers in, the total India net collection has reached a massive 1,115.67 crore, while the India gross stands at 1,335.54 crore. The film continues to find takers in international markets as well, adding 1.10 crore from overseas on Sunday, which takes its total overseas gross to 421.10 crore so far. This brings the grand worldwide gross collection to a monumental 1,756.64 crore. As the journey continues into the fifth week, It is now purely a race against the biggest all-time blockbusters, and one can only wonder which historic records this juggernaut is going to smash next before it finally concludes its run.

BY SACNILK TEAM

In 1929, American astronomer Edwin Hubble discovered that the universe is expanding. But till today, the presently accepted model of the universe cannot answer a simple question "if the universe is expanding, what it is expanding into?" Even more embarrassingly, scientists have not been able to locate a center of the universe. Scientists avoid that uncomfortable question by taking refuge to 'an infinitely large universe'. But there is a BIG problem.  In the vastness of the cosmos, each galaxy can be considered as a point mass. Even when the number of galaxies (n) tends to infinity, the powerful formula for ‘center of mass’ guarantees that there remains a single point as the center of mass. The mere invocation of infinity will not dissuade anyone from the conclusion that there is indeed a center. Only a balloon shaped universe can rescue cosmology from this situation. There is a true center of the balloon, but it does not lie anywhere on the surface. The basic difference is: A balloon has a 2D surface, and exists in 3D space; while the (hyper) balloon universe has a 3D surface and exists in 4D (hyper) space. A recent, Nature Astronomy paper (Ref.1) had claimed with 99% confidence level that the universe is closed. Another paper (Ref.2) claimed betting odds of 2000 ∶ 1 against an open, flat and infinite universe. Both papers have mortally wounded the presently accepted, Standard Model of Cosmology (SMC). Eight serious shortcomings of the SMC are highlighted (Ref.3A). Each of these points is serious on its own. When taken together, one must agree that cosmology is in crisis, and it is time for a complete paradigm shift in science. Physics currently rests on two pillars: General Relativity (GR) and Quantum Mechanics (QM). However GR and QM are mutually inconsistent, and there are bitter conflict between the two greatest theories of physics (Ref.3B). Physics is in crisis too, which is publicly accepted by physicists themselves (Ref.3C). Indian Scientist (Physicist) Subhajit Waugh has boldly claimed that Quantum Mechanics and General Relativity appears mutually incompatible because scientists are using the wrong model of the universe (4A). He has provided the exact shape and size of the universe (Ref.4B). Scientists and experts in the field can look at these (Ref.5, 6, 7). Mr. Waugh has claimed that an 'expanding (hyper) balloon' model of the universe leads to 'unified physics and cosmology', which comes pretty close to the ‘theory of everything’. Edwin Hubble had observed that galaxies are moving away from Earth at speeds proportional to their distance. In other words, the farther they are, the faster they are moving away from Earth. This particular form of Hubble's law made sense if an expanding balloon is used as an analogy of the universe. Indeed! The wall of the balloon universe is made up of invisible scalar HIGGS fields (somewhat similar to invisible electric and magnetic fields) and particles (which are mere excitations/resonances in those fields, just as the stunningly accurate 'Quantum Field Theory' insists). Since stars and planets and humans are made up of particles, therefore every matter is eternally trapped within the 3D hypersurface of fields which makes up the wall of the (hyper) balloon. NOTE :- Taking the radial increment/expansion velocity of the universe as c = 299,792,458 m/s and the age of the universe as 13.8 billion years, the calculated Hubble constant value (71.002 km/s/Mpc) agrees well with the accepted values (69.8 and 74 km/s/Mpc measured by two different methods). The expanding balloon model of the universe implies the existence of two different frames of reference/viewpoints: The center of the universe viewpoint, and the viewpoint of humans from an awkward position in the surface-wall of the universe. Relativity is human viewpoint, while Quantum Mechanics is Nature’s viewpoint (or God’s viewpoint) from the center of the universe. The universe is perceived differently from each viewpoint, but it is precisely this which allows the reconciliation between General Relativity and Quantum Mechanics. From the center of universe viewpoint, simultaneity is absolute (as demanded by Sagnac effect), and there is indeed absolute universal time (as demanded by quantum mechanics) because the time passed since the Big Bang is simply a function of radius of the universe. From human viewpoint, locality is absolute and velocity c=299,792,458m/s is the upper limit, and remains constant for every observer. Those were Einstein’s firm belief, which were later shattered by Quantum Entanglement experiments (which led to the award of year 2022’s Nobel Prize in Physics). The constancy of the speed of light turns (our) space and time into inseparable twins, and makes (our) time a relative concept. This solves the problem of time (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Problem_of_time) which so stubbornly resisted the reconciliation of Quantum Mechanics and General Relativity. Relativity changes into the realm of Quantum Mechanics with decreasing size scale due to exchanging roles of time and space. Three space dimensions and one time dimension (3+1) is sub-luminal (i.e. ‘inside the light cone’ realm of Relativity), while 1+3 is super-luminal (i.e. ‘outside the light cone’) and is the realm of Quantum Mechanics (Ref.8 and Ref.9). Every spooky Quantum phenomena arises naturally from super-luminal possibility. REFERENCES 1) Planck evidence for a closed Universe and a possible crisis for cosmology 2) Curvature tension: Evidence for a closed universe 3A) A candid assessment of standard cosmology 3B) Relativity versus quantum mechanics: the battle for the universe 3C) World's largest physics conference in Las Vegas will be grand; but will it be worthwhile? 4A) Physicist Proposes New Theory Unifying General Relativity and Quantum Mechanics 4B) Physics and cosmology are both in crisis because of wrong notion about the shape, size and workings of the universe 5) Shape and size of our universe: challenging the Standard Model of Cosmology 6) Quantum Mechanics and General Relativity are compatible, and have a common origin: the expanding (hyper) balloon universe 7) Is everything we know about the shape and size of our universe, and how it works, wrong? 8) Quantum principle of relativity 9) Relativity of superluminal observers in 1 + 3 spacetime

BY CHRISTA LINCY

Akshay Kumar latest horror-comedy, Bhooth Bangla, is making a massive splash at the box office as it completes its first weekend. The film, which marks the much-awaited reunion of the superstar with director Priyadarshan, has shown an excellent upward trend on its first Sunday. With the audience flocking to theaters, the film has comfortably crossed the crucial ₹50 Crore net milestone in just three days, proving that the horror-comedy genre remains a favorite among Indian moviegoers. The film is also finding solid footing in international markets, specifically in North America. According to data shared by Venky Box Office, Bhooth Bangla collected a gross of $405K on its first Saturday in North America, taking its total there to $750K. Furthermore, the film had already established its overseas strength by collecting ₹10.00 Cr on Day 2 alone. This international push is instrumental in driving the worldwide gross towards decent heights by the end of the first weekend. The Sunday momentum is clearly reflected in the theater occupancy levels across the country. Bhooth Bangla started the day with a decent morning occupancy of 21.92%. However, as the day progressed, the numbers saw a significant jump, with afternoon shows recording 52.16% and evening shows soaring to 60.42%. These figures are particularly impressive when compared to previous Akshay Kumar hits. For instance, Good Newwz had an evening occupancy of 73.87%, while Mission Mangal saw around 65-70%. Bhooth Bangla is maintaining a similar trajectory, indicating strong word-of-mouth. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}) On the ticket booking front, BookMyShow (BMS) is witnessing heavy traffic for the film. From 7 am to 9 pm today, approximately 2,67,920 tickets were sold on the platform, which is higher than yesterday total of 2,59,320 in the same period. Between 2 pm and 3 pm alone, the film saw nearly 28,470 tickets being booked, showing a clear spike for afternoon and evening screenings. Comparing it to other recent big releases, Bhooth Bangla (173K tickets from 7 am to 3 pm) has outperformed the initial Sunday trends of films like War 2 and Housefull 5, though it trails slightly behind Dhurandhar. The performance across national chains—including PVR, INOX, and Cinepolis—further highlights the film's strong urban appeal. For the tracked period, Bhooth Bangla has recorded over 18,200 ticket sales in these major chains, resulting in a gross of approximately ₹47 Lakhs. PVR is leading the contribution with nearly 9,600 tickets sold, while INOX and Cinepolis follow with around 5,800 and 2,700 tickets respectively. This momentum is bolstered by a massive 11,205 shows running nationwide today, which has already helped the film rake in a live net of ₹20.16 Crore for Day 3. These figures across hundreds of tracking venues provide a rock-solid foundation for the film's explosive first Sunday performance. Akshay Kumar Top 5 Hindi Net Collection MoviesMOVIE NAMEHINDI NET COLLECTIONRELEASE YEARHousefull 4₹ 210.30 Cr2019Good Newwz₹ 205.09 Cr2019Mission Mangal₹ 203.08 Cr2019Sooryavanshi₹ 195.55 Cr20212.0 (Hindi)₹ 190.48 Cr2018 Currently, the live tracking for Day 3 suggests a net collection of ₹20.16 Crore with night shows still running. If the night shows hold steady at the current pace, the final Day 3 net collection is expected to reach around ₹24.50 - 25 Crore. This would place its extended opening weekend total at a massive ₹59.50 - 60 Crore net, building on the ₹35 Crore already collected through previews and the first two days. When comparing these figures to his major lead roles—excluding 2.0 where he played the antagonist—Bhooth Bangla is trending very close to the Day 3 numbers of Mission Mangal (₹23.58 Cr) and Good Newwz (₹25.65 Cr). While it remains behind the massive Sunday numbers of Housefull 5 (₹32.5 Cr) and Sooryavanshi (₹26.94 Cr), reaching the ₹60 Crore milestone in its first weekend is a fantastic sign for its long-term run. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}) Day 3 Hindi Net Comparison: Akshay Kumar Top 5 Lead MoviesMOVIE NAMEDAY 3 NET COLLECTIONDAY 3 OCCUPANCYHousefull 5₹ 32.50 Cr39.52%Sooryavanshi₹ 26.94 Cr54.50%Good Newwz₹ 25.65 Cr48.58%Bhooth Bangla₹ 24.50 Cr (Estimated)55.00% (Approx)Mission Mangal₹ 23.58 Cr53-58% As per early estimates, the total India gross collections for Bhooth Bangla have now reached approximately ₹65.79 Crore, with the final Day 3 numbers expected to push this even higher once night show reports come in. With no major competition in the coming weekdays and a positive reception from the family audience, the film is well-positioned to continue its strong run. The chemistry between Akshay Kumar and the supporting cast, combined with Priyadarshan trademark comedy, seems to have struck gold yet again, ensuring a solid foundation for the week ahead.

BY SUNIT JANGIR

Mumbai, April 19 - Director Aditya Dhar's Dhurandhar 2: The Revenge continues to prove its box office strength even in its fifth week, registering a solid jump on its 5th Saturday despite facing stiff competition from the new release Bhooth Bangla, starring Akshay Kumar. The Ranveer Singh starrer earned 4.5 crore net in Hindi on its 5th Saturday, marking a strong 73% jump from the previous day's collections. This growth comes after a dip on Friday (2.60 crore), largely due to the arrival of a new competitor in theatres. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}) What's notable is that the film managed to bounce back despite reduced screens and show cuts, indicating sustained audience interest even after a month-long run, and being heavily frontloaded. It scored the fifth biggest 31st day at the Hindi box office, with the first Dhurandhar taking the top spot with 12.75 crores. Meanwhile, Bhooth Bangla has taken the top spot in daily collections and is clearly winning the weekend with a solid margin. The horror-comedy has already crossed 60 crore worldwide, including 42 crores in India, in just two days, clearly dominating the current box office charts. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}) Despite this, Dhurandhar 2 remains a formidable force. The film's total Hindi net collection has already crossed 1000 crore, and currently stands at 1043 crores net in 31 days. On a larger scale, it has already crossed the 1100 crore mark in India (all versions), and worldwide, it has minted 1750 crores. In conclusion, while Bhooth Bangla currently leads in daily earnings, Dhurandhar 2's strong weekend jump highlights its remarkable staying power. Even in its fifth week, the film is not just surviving—but actively competing, making this box office clash one of the most interesting in recent times.

BY SUNIT JANGIR

Mumbai, April 19 - Superstar Akshay Kumar's latest horror-comedy Bhooth Bangla has taken a good start at the box office, delivering impressive numbers in its opening weekend. The film, which blends humour with supernatural elements, is witnessing solid traction across both urban multiplexes and mass circuits. Bhooth Bangla Crosses 60 Crores Worldwide In 2 Days (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}) After the worldwide opening of 28.70 crores gross, including 19+ crores gross in India alone, Priyadarshan's directorial witnessed a solid growth of 55% on its second day at the domestic box office to score around 23 crores gross. It remained good in overseas markets as well to earn in the double digits. Bangla has grossed 61.50 crore worldwide in just two days, marking one of the fastest starts for an Akshay Kumar film in recent times. While the overall numbers are impressive, the film's overseas performance is seeing one of the best responses for an Akshay Kumar-starrer, especially in the Gulf region. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}) A BMS Record For Akshay Kumar Showing confidence in the movie, the makers kept paid previews on April 16 from 9 PM, and this move paid off with better than expected premiere numbers of 3.75 crores net, and set the tone with positive word of mouth. The growing interest among the audiences was clearly reflected in the ticket sales on BookMyShow. On Sunday, Bhooth Bangla crossed 30K tickets per hour, making it the first instance for an Akshay Kumar starrer since BookMyShow started hourly trend. The film clocked peak hour at 32.65K tickets, which indicates a strong day at the domestic box office. The horror-comedy genre, which has seen renewed popularity in recent years, seems to be working in favour of Bhooth Bangla. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}) The film’s mix of spooky thrills and comedic timing has struck a chord with audiences, particularly families looking for a light-hearted theatrical experience. With the weekend momentum still strong, all eyes are now on whether Bhooth Bangla can maintain its pace beyond the weekend.

BY SUNIT JANGIR

Mumbai, April 19 - Following the ground-breaking success of Mahavatar Narsimha last year, Hombale Films, in association with Kaleem Productions, has intensified excitement around its ambitious animated Mahavatar Cinematic Universe by unveiling the first poster of Mahavatar Parshuram, with release confirmed for December 2027. The first look poster, timed around Parshuram Jayanti, has instantly grabbed attention for its intense and larger-than-life presentation. The poster delivers a striking visual of Parshuram, showcasing him in the midst of a brutal battlefield. With a blood-soaked axe (parshu) in hand and warriors scattered in the background, the imagery emphasises the avatar's fierce persona and his role as a warrior sage. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}) The tagline, When Dharma Falls, The Parshu Rises, sets the tone for a story rooted in vengeance, justice, and divine duty. Known as the warrior sage, Parshuram's story is rooted in themes of justice, rage, and righteousness, and the film promises to bring this powerful narrative to life on a grand cinematic scale with cutting-edge visuals. Mahavatar Parshuram serves as the second instalment in the Mahavatar Cinematic Universe, a long-term franchise planned by Hombale Films that explores the different avatars of Vishnu. The universe kicked off with Mahavatar Narsimha in 2025, followed by Parshuram's story, with multiple films already mapped out for the coming decade. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({})