BY SUNIT JANGIR

Los Angeles, December 8 - A few days after Netflix won the bidding war to acquire Warner Bros. Pictures, HBO, and HBO Max for $82 billion, David Ellison-led Paramount Skydance has launched a hostile offer to acquire all of Warner Bros. Discovery for $30 per share. According to Paramount (via Variety), its all-cash offer equates to an enterprise value of $108.4 billion. In contrast, the Netflix proposal deal is valued at $27.75/share in a mix of cash ($23.25) and stock ($4.50), subject to a collar and the future performance of Netflix, equating to an enterprise value of $82.7 billion (excluding the TV biz), per Paramount. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}) Paramount sharply criticised the Netflix deal, calling it uncertain, inferior, and burdened by long regulatory timelines. "Paramount's strategically and financially compelling offer to WBD shareholders provides a superior alternative to the Netflix transaction, which offers inferior and uncertain value and exposes WBD shareholders to a protracted multi-jurisdictional regulatory clearance process with an uncertain outcome, along with a complex and volatile mix of equity and cash," the company said. This move follows months of Ellison's attempts to acquire WBD. His earlier trio of bids, including an $23.50/share offer (80% cash, 20% stock), were rejected by the WBD board in October. On December 1, Paramount returned with a renewed all-cash offer of $30/share, but the board instead selected Netflix's proposal for the studio and streaming assets. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}) On Monday, the Paramount CEO said in a statement, "WBD shareholders deserve an opportunity to consider our superior all-cash offer for their shares in the entire company. Our public offer, which is on the same terms we provided to the Warner Bros. Discovery Board of Directors in private, provides superior value and a more certain and quicker path to completion. We believe the WBD Board of Directors is pursuing an inferior proposal, which exposes shareholders to a mix of cash and stock, an uncertain future trading value of the Global Networks linear cable business and a challenging regulatory approval process. We are taking our offer directly to shareholders to allow them to act in their own best interests and maximise the value of their shares." To take its case directly to investors, Paramount launched a new website, strongerhollywood.com, offering detailed breakdowns of the proposal and attacking the Netflix alternative. The company claims its acquisition could be completed in 12 months, compared to Netflix's 12–18 month expected window, conditional on regulatory approval. Stay tuned...

BY CHRISTA LINCY

Ranveer Singh has once again solidified his status as a major draw in international markets. With a massive opening weekend of ₹34.50 Crore overseas and shocking trends in Australia, Dhurandhar is unstoppable. Ranveer Singh has repeatedly proven that he possesses an insane pull across overseas markets, and his latest release Dhurandhar is the latest testimony to his stardom. While the film is performing well domestically, securing a solid India Net Collection of ₹ 103 Crore (India Gross: ₹ 123.5 Crore), the international box office report is painting a picture of absolute dominance. Backed by strong content and a stellar ensemble cast, the spy-thriller has registered excellent numbers in its opening weekend, amassing an impressive Overseas Collection of ₹ 34.5 Crore, pushing the total Worldwide Collection to a staggering ₹ 158 Crore. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}) To put these numbers into perspective, Dhurandhar has emerged as one of the top opening weekend grossers of the year internationally. When compared to other elite members of the 2025's 100 Crore Club, Ranveer Singh's film holds a strong position, virtually tying with the comedy franchise Housefull 5 and comfortably surpassing Sitaare Zameen Par. Here is how the top overseas openers of 2025 stack up based on their first 3-day collections: Top Overseas Openers of 2025 (First 3 Days) 1. War 2: ₹ 45.00 Cr 2. Sikandar: ₹ 35.00 Cr 3. Housefull 5: ₹ 35.00 Cr 4. Dhurandhar: ₹ 34.50 Cr 5. Sitaare Zameen Par: ₹ 26.00 Cr This impressive figure highlights the actor's consistent ability to draw audiences in key territories like North America, the UK, and the Gulf. Experts believe that this time, Ranveer Singh had the advantage of solid content and a brilliant star cast comprising heavyweights like Akshaye Khanna, R Madhavan, and Sanjay Dutt, ensuring that the film becomes a big money-spinner internationally. However, what is catching the trade's attention is not just the weekend total, but the shocking trend the film is witnessing on its first Monday. Trade reports indicate that the movie is witnessing an absolute amazing run across Australia. In a rare occurrence that speaks volumes about the film's word-of-mouth, the Monday collections are tracking to be higher than the opening day (Friday) collections. Usually, films see a drop on weekdays, but this upward trend indicates that the audience's appreciation is driving ticket sales. While the early trends and tracking data suggest a historic Monday Down Under, we will have to wait for the final verified figures to drop tomorrow to see exactly how big the jump is. If the official collections align with these early estimates, Dhurandhar will achieve one of the rarest feats for an Indian film in the overseas market, setting the stage for a long and successful run globally.

BY SUNIT JANGIR

Mumbai, December 8 - Ranveer Singh's Dhurandhar is having a superb first Monday at the domestic box office with early trends suggesting 16+ crores net day. The spy action thriller, which enjoyed tremendous momentum over its first three days, has passed the Monday test with flying colours. Directed by Aditya Dhar, Dhurandhar delivered one of the biggest opening weekends of the year with over 100 crores net. The growth over the weekend was a clear indication of the strong acceptance among the audiences, but you always want to want and see how the movie fares on the crucial working days, which ultimately determine the final fate of the films. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}) As of 5 PM, the actioner has minted over 8 crores net collection, and the final collection of the day often gets doubled up from this. At this point, the movie seems to be having a 40% drop from the first Friday, but if the momentum continues, the final collection might go on to touch 20 crores or more, with under 30% drop, which is an extraordinary hold. Top 5 Indian Film Opening Weekend of 2025: Ranveer Singh's Dhurandhar Fifth While the pre-release buzz for the movie was good, it wasn't extraordinary, but all the chatter around it has made sure the movie reaches every member of its target audience. It looks like the film is turning into a phenomenon, and with minimal competition and a clear window till Avatar: Fire and Ash, it is only going to get stronger. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}) Dhurandhar's 4 days total will be over 120 crores net, putting it on course to score 160+ crores net first weekend, which is an excellent total. The movie has firmly established itself with strong word of mouth, setting itself up for a superb run at the box office. Stay tuned...

BY CHRISTA LINCY

The year 2025 has been quite an eventful one for the Hindi film industry. We witnessed a diverse mix of films working at the box office, ranging from historical epics to high-octane spy thrillers. While a few big-ticket releases struggled to make a mark, several content-driven and commercial entertainers successfully drew audiences to the theatres. It was a year where Vicky Kaushal delivered a massive blockbuster, the Horror-Comedy universe extended its winning streak, and Ranveer Singh made a solid return to the big screen. As we analyze the annual report card, here is the verified list of Bollywood movies that managed to cross the coveted ₹100 Crore mark at the box office in 2025. CHHAAVA (The All-Time Blockbuster) Vicky Kaushal's portrayal of Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj has not just won hearts; it has shattered records. Directed by Laxman Utekar, this historical epic became a cultural phenomenon. With an earth-shattering performance and Rashmika Mandanna's emotional support, Chhaava stands tall as the highest-grossing film of the year by a massive margin. Budget ₹ 120 Cr Hindi Net Collection ₹ 601.54 Cr India Gross Collection ₹ 716.91 Cr Overseas Collection ₹ 91.00 Cr Worldwide Gross ₹ 807.91 Cr Check out the day wise collection here → Saiyaara The surprise package of the year! Saiyarra took the box office by storm, particularly in the international markets. With a gripping storyline and chartbuster music, the film proved that content is king. Its massive overseas haul of over ₹170 Cr shows its global appeal. Budget ₹ 50 Cr Hindi Net Collection ₹ 329.73 Cr India Gross Collection ₹ 398.83 Cr Overseas Collection ₹ 171.50 Cr Worldwide Gross ₹ 569.75 Cr Check out the day wise collection here → (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}) War 2 The biggest shocker of the year! The YRF Spy Universe witnessed a major stumble with this one. Despite the colossal hype surrounding the face-off between Hrithik Roshan and Jr NTR, the film failed to meet the sky-high expectations. While the Ayan Mukerji directorial opened with a bang, mixed word-of-mouth severely impacted its long run. It managed to enter the 100 Crore club thanks to the franchise value, but trade verdicts label it as an underperformer given its massive budget and scale. Budget ₹ 400 Cr Hindi Net Collection ₹ 236.55 Cr India Gross Collection ₹ 282.6 Cr Overseas Collection ₹ 81.75 Cr Worldwide Gross ₹ 364.35 Cr Check out the day wise collection here → Housefull 5 The madness returned, this time on a cruise ship! Akshay Kumar and a massive ensemble cast brought the house down with laughter. Despite mixed critical reviews, the franchise power ensured families flocked to the theatres, making it a certified commercial success. Budget ₹ 250 Cr Hindi Net Collection ₹ 183.3 Cr India Gross Collection ₹ 218.33 Cr Overseas Collection ₹ 70.25 Cr Worldwide Gross ₹ 288.58 Cr Check out the day wise collection here → Raid 2 Ajay Devgn reprised his celebrated role as the fearless IRS officer, Amay Patnaik. Staying true to the franchise's legacy, the film delivered a solid drama filled with punchy dialogues that resonated well with the family audience. With a steady run at the box office, the sequel emerged as a commercial success (Plus verdict), proving once again that Ajay Devgn is the master of intense dramas. Budget ₹ 120 Cr Hindi Net Collection ₹ 173.05 Cr India Gross Collection ₹ 206 Cr Overseas Collection ₹ 31.00 Cr Worldwide Gross ₹ 237 Cr Check out the day wise collection here → Sitaare Zameen Par Aamir Khan made his much-awaited comeback with this emotional roller-coaster. A spiritual successor to his classic Taare Zameen Par, this film touched hearts and brought families back to the cinemas. The film held strongly through word of mouth. Budget ₹ 122 Cr Hindi Net Collection ₹ 167.3 Cr India Gross Collection ₹ 200.59 Cr Overseas Collection ₹ 66.75 Cr Worldwide Gross ₹ 267.34 Cr Check out the day wise collection here → (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}) (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}) Thamma The Maddock Supernatural Universe continued its expansion with Thamma, starring Ayushmann Khurrana and Rashmika Mandanna. While the film generated curiosity, it couldn't quite replicate the massive profitability of Stree 2. Despite crossing the ₹100 Crore mark, the film's hefty budget played spoilsport.As a result, it couldn't achieve a Hit status and ended its run with an Average verdict at the box office. Budget ₹ 125 Cr Hindi Net Collection ₹ 134.78 Cr India Gross Collection ₹ 161.09 Cr Overseas Collection ₹ 26.5 Cr Worldwide Gross ₹ 187.59 Cr Check out the day wise collection here → Jolly LLB 3 The battle of the lawyers! Akshay Kumar vs. Arshad Warsi was a casting coup that paid off. With Saurabh Shukla returning as the judge, this courtroom dramedy provided plenty of laughs and social commentary, securing a comfortable spot in the 100 Crore Club. Budget ₹ 120 Cr Hindi Net Collection ₹ 116.75 Cr India Gross Collection ₹ 139.3 Cr Overseas Collection ₹ 31.5 Cr Worldwide Gross ₹ 170.8 Cr Check out the day wise collection here → Sky Force Akshay Kumar returned to his favorite Republic Day slot with this aerial actioner, which also marked the debut of Veer Pahariya. While the film managed to cross the ₹100 Crore mark owing to the patriotic season, the numbers weren't enough to sustain its heavy costs. With a massive reported budget of ₹160 Crore, the collections fell short of the recovery mark, resulting in the film being labelled a box office Flop. Budget ₹ 160 Cr Hindi Net Collection ₹ 112.75 Cr India Gross Collection ₹ 134.5 Cr Overseas Collection ₹ 14.50 Cr Worldwide Gross ₹ 149 Cr Check out the day wise collection here → Sikandar Salman Khan's collaboration with director AR Murugadoss was expected to set the box office on fire this Eid. However, the film failed to live up to the massive expectations. While the superstar's presence helped the film cross the ₹100 Crore mark domestically, the collections were far below the mark for a project of this magnitude. With a reported budget hovering between ₹180 - ₹200 Crore, the film struggled to recover its investment, resulting in a Flop verdict at the box office. Budget ₹ 200 Cr Hindi Net Collection ₹ 110.1 Cr India Gross Collection ₹ 130.6 Cr Overseas Collection ₹ 54.00 Cr Worldwide Gross ₹ 184.6 Cr Check out the day wise collection here → (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}) Dhurandhar Dhurandhar is the fastest entrant on this list recently, crossing the ₹100 Crore Net mark within its Opening Weekend itself (₹103 Cr)! With rave reviews for Akshaye Khanna and a sequel already confirmed, this movie is currently unstoppable. Budget ₹ 225 Cr Hindi Net Collection ₹ 207.25 Cr India Gross Collection ₹ 248.75 Cr Overseas Collection ₹ 70.5 Cr Worldwide Gross ₹ 319.25 Cr Check out the day wise collection here → Tere Ishk Mein The dynamic duo of Dhanush and Aanand L Rai reunited for this intense love story set in the Raanjhanaa universe. The film has received critical acclaim and is within touching distance of the century mark. Budget ₹ 95 Cr Hindi Net Collection ₹ 108.8 Cr India Gross Collection ₹ 129.35 Cr Overseas Collection ₹ 21 Cr Worldwide Gross ₹ 150.35 Cr Check out the day wise collection here →

BY SUNIT JANGIR

Mumbai, December 8 - The year 2025 has been incredible for cinema, with a diverse mix of superhero blockbusters, horror flicks, and video game adaptations capturing the attention of audiences worldwide. Google's search trends for the year have revealed which films dominated conversations globally, reflecting both box office performance and fan interest. The top 10 most searched movies represent Hollywood, once again reaffirming the undeniable influence it has over the worldwide audience. The list includes some surprising entries, while some of the major blockbusters, which seemed like they were dominating social media, have missed out. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}) Here's a look at the top 10 most searched movies worldwide in 2025 Anora - Despite being a relatively smaller release, Anora managed to generate significant online buzz, making it the most searched movie on Google this year. Its intriguing premise of a stripper from New York who marries the wealthy son of a Russian oligarch, played by Mark Eydelshteyn, and strong performance by Mikey Madison contributed to its popularity. It has easily one of the most decorated movies in award seasons, winning 5 Oscars and many others. Superman - Director James Gunn brought the iconic superhero to the big screen with a fresh take, appealing to both longtime fans and new audiences. Its box office success and new cast & crew reflected in the extensive online search activitymaking it the second most searched movie in the year. Minecraft Movie - The video game adaptation of Minecraft surpassed expectations, grossing nearly a billion dollars worldwide. Its unique approach and global fanbase made it a hot topic online. Thunderbolts* - Marvel's Thunderbolts brought together antiheroes in a compelling storyline. The combination of star power and an interconnected universe appeal made it highly searched. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}) Sinners - The dark and gripping thriller Sinners captured audience attention, both in theatres and online. Its intense storytelling made it a trending topic among movie enthusiasts. Happy Gilmore 2 - It is the only film which has been the direct OTT release in this list, which is otherwise dominated by theatrical blockbusters. The nostalgia for the original film and curiosity about the sequel helped it climb the search charts. Final Destination: Bloodlines - The latest instalment of the horror franchise delivered suspense and thrills, keeping fans of the series engaged and curious, which was reflected in Google searches. Weapons - Weapons offered a fresh take on action and drama, resonating with audiences worldwide. Its exciting trailer and marketing campaigns boosted its online visibility. 28 Years Later - The sequel to the cult classic 28 Days Later captured audience interest with its horror elements and post-apocalyptic setting, making it a frequently searched film. Mission: Impossible – The Final Reckoning - Tom Cruise returned as Ethan Hunt in the thrilling conclusion to the Mission: Impossible series. The film's global box office and high-octane action sequences contributed to its massive online search numbers. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}) 2025 proved to be a year where audiences embraced a variety of genres—from superhero sagas to horror and nostalgia-driven sequels. While box office success played a role, fan curiosity and social media buzz were equally important in determining which films dominated Google searches. RankMovieWorldwide Collection 1Anora$59.00 million 2Superman$616.70 million 3Minecraft Movie$958.00 million 4Thunderbolts*$382.40 million 5Sinners$367.80 million 6Happy Gilmore 2- 7Final Destination: Bloodlines$315.80 million 8Weapons$268.60 million 928 Years Later$151.30 million 10Mission: Impossible – The Final Reckoning$598.70 million Stay tuned...

BY SUNIT JANGIR

Mumbai, December 8 - The sequel to director Rajkumar Hirani's iconic blockbuster 3 Idiots is reportedly in the works and is set to go on floors in the second half of 2026. The comedy drama will mark the reunion of superstar Aamir Khan, Kareena Kapoor Khan, R. Madhavan and Sharman Joshi, who will return to reprise their roles. According to the report by Pinkvilla, the script of 3 Idiots 2 has been locked, and the team is extremely excited for it. It is said that the team feel that the magic of the first film has returned, and is as funny, as emotional, and as meaningful as the first part. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}) The sequel will reportedly be the continuation of the first part, picking up nearly 15 years after the characters went their separate ways in the climax scene and reunite for a new adventure. The movie will be packed with new humour that will reflect their grown-up journeys of Rancho, Farhan, and Raju. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}) The report further said that Rajkumar Hirani had been working on the idea of 3 Idiots 2 for a long time, and he finally found the right moment to revisit it only recently, after his Dadasaheb Phalke biopic with Aamir went on hold. He dedicated time to expanding the 3 Idiots sequel into a full-fledged screenplay. Released in 2009, 3 Idiots has been hailed as one of Indian cinema's masterpieces. It not only shattered box office records by becoming the first Indian film to enter the 200 crores club, but also started a discussion around the Indian education system with its unique humour to highlight it. Stay tuned...

BY CHRISTA LINCY

The verse of versatility just got bigger! If you thought the casting coups of 2025 couldn't get any more exciting, think again. Fresh off the massive praise for his role in Kantara: Chapter 1, the incredible Gulshan Devaiah is reportedly making his big Telugu debut. And the project? It is the much-anticipated Maa Inti Bangaram, produced by and starring the powerhouse Samantha Ruth Prabhu. Gulshan Devaiah has always been a chameleon on screen, be it the eccentric Atmaram in Guns & Gulaabs or his intense roles in Badhaai Do and Dahaad. Now, he is expanding his horizons. According to the latest buzz from the South industry, Gulshan has been roped in for a pivotal role in Maa Inti Bangaram. Reports mention that the role is demanding & personal, hinting that we might see him in a character with significant emotional depth or perhaps a grey shade, something he masters effortlessly. Fans are already thrilled, especially noting that he is coming off high praise for his performance in Kantara: Chapter 1, proving that he is currently in the best phase of his career. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}) For the unversed, Maa Inti Bangaram is a special project for Samantha Ruth Prabhu.She announced the film on her birthday under her own production banner, Tralala Moving Pictures. The movie marks a reunion for Samantha with director Nandini Reddy, who previously delivered the Super Hit Oh! Baby. While the plot is under wraps, verified reports confirm that the film also stars Diganth, Gautami, and Manjusha in key roles. The first look poster featured a fierce Samantha in a saree, wielding a gun, with the intriguing tagline: Not everything has to glitter to be golden, promising a hard-hitting thriller with strong emotional beats. The combination of Samantha's star power and Gulshan's acting prowess is a recipe for magic. While Samantha is known for carrying films on her shoulders like Yashoda and The Family Man 2, adding a performer like Gulshan to the mix elevates the project's potential instantly. Will he play the antagonist or a strong ally? The quiet but genuine buzz suggests his role will be a major talking point once the film releases. It is raining debuts and massive collaborations in the South, and we are here for it.

BY SUNIT JANGIR

Mumbai, December 8 - The mystery around superstar Aamir Khan as well as director Lokesh Kanagaraj's next ventures continues to deepen. The duo has been working on locking their next projects since their respective last films. In between, news of their possible collaboration has resurfaced amid continued rumours. Earlier in the year, Aamir Khan officially confirmed to the media that he would be teaming up with director Lokesh for a superhero film. However, after the underperformance of the director's Coolie, in which Aamir played a cameo, the rumours started gaining momentum that the superhero project was shelved. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}) The rumours only gained further momentum after it was reported that Lokesh has been in talks with Telugu superstar Allu Arjun for his next. But now, another twist in the tale has emerged as Aamir Khan reportedly confirmed that his movie with the Tamil director is still on, and narration will take place soon. According to the latest reports, Aamir Khan said that he is supposed to meet Lokesh soon for the script narration. He further said that the Leo director called him last month and he will meet him soon, so yes, the project is not shelved and is still on. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}) If it comes true, it will be a powerful collaboration as Lokesh has made his mark with back-to-back big successes in Tamil cinema, despite Coolie not living up to the expectations. The filmmaker has proved that his style of filmmaking has connected with the audience, who have embraced his films with open arms. It needs to be seen what the future has in store regarding his collaboration with Mr. perfectionist. Stay tuned...

BY CHRISTA LINCY

The verdict is out, and the internet has officially found its new obsession! When Aditya Dhar's spy-thriller Dhurandhar hit the screens, all eyes were initially on the explosive combination of the director and Ranveer Singh. However, the narrative has shifted dramatically since the first show. Social media is currently buzzing with praise, not just for the lead, but for the man who reportedly owned every single frame—Akshaye Khanna. From being hailed as the soul of the movie to earning the title of the New Lord after Bobby Deol, Akshaye's portrayal of the antagonist has left the audience stunned. Netizens are flooding social media platforms claiming that Akshaye's performance is nothing short of legendary, with one viral review perfectly summing up the sentiment: Ladies and gentlemen, we were not ready for this. After Lord Bobby, we have a new Lord in town... Lord Akshaye Khanna. Viewers are calling his portrayal of Rahman Dakait terrific, noting that he plays the role with chilling precision. His screen presence is described as electrifying, with fans stating that he is nothing short of phenomenal. As one enthusiastic user put it, the man is simply aura farming in each scene, commanding respect and attention without even trying. The craze is so real that social media timelines are flooded with tributes to his character. One user shared a clip with a caption that echoes the sentiments of thousands: Had Gone To Theatre as Dhurandhar Fan And Came Out As Akshaye Khanna's Fan. The Absolute Goat. The demand for more of his character reached such a fever pitch that even the production house couldn't ignore it! Acknowledging the internet's obsession, Jio Studios officially dropped a special glimpse of Akshaye Khanna as Sher-E-Baloch, captioning it, You made it viral! So now it’s here. You made it viral! So now it’s here, Sher-E-Baloch's absolute 'Bang-er'! 🔥Book your tickets. 🔗 - https://t.co/cXj3M5DFbc#Dhurandhar Blazing In Cinemas Now!@RanveerOfficial #AkshayeKhanna @duttsanjay @ActorMadhavan @rampalarjun #SaraArjun @bolbedibol @AdityaDharFilms… pic.twitter.com/TFzUJeLYBi— Jio Studios (@jiostudios) December 7, 2025 While Ranveer Singh is receiving love for his high-octane climax sequences, a significant portion of the audience feels that Akshaye dominates the rest of the runtime. Verified reviews suggest that Akshaye's performance is so commanding that he often makes other heavyweights look like side actors. One user wrote that while Ranveer delivers his beast mode performance only in the climax, Akshaye Khanna dominates the screen throughout. Some were even more critical of the film's structure, stating that the spotlight feels forced onto Ranveer Singh for no solid reason, implying that Akshaye was the natural scene-stealer who deserved the center stage. It is not just about screen time; it is about the craft. Fans are calling his acting a Masterclass in subtlety and intensity. One review hilariously noted that Akshaye Khanna as Rahman Dakait wasn't acting; rather, Rahman Dakait's aatma (soul) decided to enter Akshaye when the word Action was shouted. Whether he smiles, speaks, or simply reacts, viewers feel he lifts the film to another level. Many believe that the entire film survives solely on his shoulders, with one user claiming that Akshaye turns in such a magnetic performance that every flaw in the film fades into the background. Whether you liked the movie or found the director over-hyped, the consensus is that you simply cannot ignore Akshaye Khanna. He has delivered a performance that fans are demanding awards for, with some even wishing this story was an 8-episode series just to see more of him. It looks like the 90s heartthrob has officially entered his Villain Era supremacy.

BY CHRISTA LINCY

If there is one project that has the entire nation holding its breath, it is undoubtedly SS Rajamouli's next global adventure which has been officially titled Varanasi. While the excitement is already through the roof after the massive title launch, a reported update about Mahesh Babu's remuneration for the film is now breaking the internet. According to the latest exclusive buzz, the Superstar has opted for a unique salary model for this magnum opus that sets a new benchmark in the industry. We all know Mahesh Babu is one of the highest-paid actors in the country who usually charges around Rs 70 to 80 crores per film. However, given the massive scale of Varanasi which demands a long-term commitment, the actor has reportedly changed his strategy. Reports state that Mahesh Babu is working on a yearly basis for this project. The buzz claims he is charging Rs 50 crores per year as his remuneration. Since the film requires him to dedicate roughly three years of his time from preparation to release, his total take-home package is expected to cross a staggering Rs 150 Crores. This fee reportedly includes the timeline from the day he started his rigorous preparation for the character. For those who missed the madness, the makers recently held a grand Globetrotter Event at Ramoji Film City in Hyderabad where the suspense finally ended. The event was nothing short of a spectacle, unveiling the title Varanasi alongside a concept video that introduced Mahesh Babu as Rudhra, a fierce explorer. The visual of him wielding a Trishul while riding a massive bull has already attained cult status among fans. As confirmed by the writers, the movie is a Globetrotting Action-Adventure that blends mythology with history, serving as a time-trotting saga that will see the superstar traveling across different eras and global locations The verified cast list is just as massive as the budget. Alongside Mahesh Babu's Rudhra, global icon Priyanka Chopra Jonas has been officially confirmed to play the female lead named Mandakini, while the versatile Prithviraj Sukumaran is set to essay the role of the antagonist, Kumbha. Directed by the maverick SS Rajamouli with music by the Oscar-winning MM Keeravani, Varanasi is currently in production. With a reported budget exceeding Rs 1000 Crores and a release target of Summer 2027, this collaboration is shaping up to be the biggest Indian film ever made.

BY SUNIT JANGIR

Mumbai, December 8 - Director Aditya Dhar's spy action thriller Dhurandhar stormed the box office with one of the biggest opening weekends of 2025 for an Indian title. Indian cinema in 2025 has seen some major releases opening to extraordinary numbers, and now, the Ranveer Singh-starrer joins the elite league. Released amid big expectations, Dhurandhar opened to better-than-expected box office numbers, before seeing a major surge on Saturday, followed by an explosive Sunday. Overall, the movie made a mark at the box office, collecting approximately 123.50 crores gross domestically and a strong 34.50 crores overseas for the worldwide opening weekend of 158 crores. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}) Singh's high-octane A-rated actioner clocked the 5th biggest Indian film and third biggest Bollywood opening weekends of 2025. It also marked the biggest debut for Ranveer Singh and director Aditya Dhar, whose Dhurandhar is the second directorial venture after URI: The Surgical Strike (2019). Among the biggest opening weekends, Rishab Shetty's Kantara Chapter 1 is certain the finish the year as the number 1; however, superstar Rajinikanth's Coolie dominated the chart in terms of extended weekend with nearly 400 crores worldwide. Top Worldwide Opening Weekend of 2025 Rank Film Opening Weekend (Fri-Sun) Extended Weekend 1 Kantara Chapter 1 ₹ 238.25 crores ₹ 326.00 crore 2 Coolie ₹ 231.50 crores ₹ 385.00 crore 3 War 2 ₹ 185.00 crores ₹ 269.75 crores 4 Chhaava ₹ 164.75 crores — 5 Dhurandhar ₹ 158.00 crores —

BY SACNILK TEAM

Salman Khan is all set to storm the box office with a massive line-up. From the patriotic Battle of Galwan to a confirmed Kick 2, and a buzzing collaboration with Aryan Khan, here is everything you need to know. The excitement around Salman Khan is at an all-time high! If the latest reports are to be believed, Bhai fans are in for a treat that extends well beyond just one movie. We have been hearing some exclusive whispers about his upcoming slate. Let’s break down the verified news and the sizzling rumors making waves in the industry. First things first, let's talk about the project that has everyone talking—Battle of Galwan. Directed by Apoorva Lakhia, this war drama is reportedly based on the 2020 Galwan Valley clash. According to the latest buzz, the makers are planning to drop the teaser on December 27th, just in time to build hype for the new year. Reports suggest that filming has recently wrapped up, with Salman portraying a high-ranking army officer. The film also stars Chitrangda Singh in a pivotal role. The subject matter is intense, patriotic, and perfect for a superstar of Salman's stature. If the teaser indeed drops this month, it will be the perfect year-end gift for fans! For those who were waiting for an official word on Kick 2, the wait is over. It has been confirmed that Salman Khan and producer Sajid Nadiadwala are reuniting for the sequel to their 2014 blockbuster. Salman himself has given the nod, and pre-production is in full swing.While the release date isn't locked, the confirmation alone is enough to get us excited about seeing Devil back in action. The movie is expected to go on floors after Salman wraps up his current commitments, with the makers promising an actioner that's bigger and better than the first. Now, coming to the biggest rumour that has set the internet on fire. We all saw the magic when Salman made a cameo in Aryan Khan's directorial debut series, The Ba*ds of Bollywood, earlier this year.But it seems that was just the beginning. A massive exclusive report claims that Aryan Khan has pitched a script to Salman Khan, and the superstar has shown keen interest. Unlike the web series, this is rumoured to be a full-fledged feature film in the Action-Thriller zone. But wait, there's more! The script reportedly demands a young actor alongside Salman. Speculations are rife that names like Ranveer Singh or Varun Dhawan are being considered for this parallel lead role. Imagine Salman Khan and Ranveer/Varun in an action thriller directed by Aryan Khan – this could be the casting coup of the decade.It looks like the Sultan of Bollywood is gearing up to rule the box office for the next few years.