BY SUNIT JANGIR

Bengaluru, February 17 - The anticipation for Yash's next big-screen venture, Toxic: A Fairy Tale for Grown-Ups, continues to surge as the film's promotional campaign is set to begin soon. Directed by Geetu Mohandas, this gangster action thriller stars the KGF superstar as the formidable character Raya, promising a darker, more intense avatar than fans have seen before. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}) The movie, featuring an ensemble cast including Kiara Advani, Nayanthara, Huma Qureshi, Tara Sutaria, and Rukmini Vasanth, is locked for a worldwide theatrical release on March 19, 2026, setting up a clash with Ranveer Singh's Dhurandhar 2. Industry insiders have dismissed any rumours of postponement, confirming the date remains unchanged and the project is progressing smoothly. The promotional journey kicked off strongly with a character introduction teaser unveiled on January 8, 2026, coinciding with Yash's 40th birthday. Titled as an explosive glimpse into Raya's world, it shattered records by garnering over 200 million views and millions of likes within the first 24 hours across platforms. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}) As the movie is getting nearer to its release date, the makers have announced that film's teaser will drop on February 20. Folalowing closely, the theatrical trailer is set to be launched in the first week of March q2026, with possibilities of a grand event launch to maximise impact. With intense sequences, a powerful ensemble, and Yash's commanding presence at the centre, Toxic is shaping up as one of the most awaited action entertainers of the year. Fans are eagerly watching for official announcements, as the countdown to March 19 intensifies and the hype reaches fever pitch. Stay tuned...

BY CHRISTA LINCY

The romantic entertainer O Romeo has encountered its first significant hurdle at the box office, witnessing a noticeable dip on its first Monday. After a promising start over the weekend, the film collected ₹4.85 Cr on Day 4, marking a 46.11% drop from its Sunday numbers. This downward trend is a standard Monday test for most commercial releases, but the film now needs to maintain steady footfalls throughout the weekdays to ensure long-term stability at the ticket windows. A closer look at Shahid Kapoor's box office history highlights a concerning trend for O Romeo. The film's ₹4.85 Cr Monday collection shows a clear struggle to match the mid-week resilience of his previous outings. Specifically, the action-entertainer R... Rajkumar maintained a significantly higher hold with a ₹6.55 Cr Monday. While O Romeo managed to narrowly edge past the figures of Udta Punjab (₹4.5 Cr), it failed to outpace Haider, which stood firm at ₹4.95 Cr. With the actor's top-tier lifetime earners like Padmaavat and Kabir Singh operating in a different league, the current performance suggests O Romeo will find it difficult to secure a dominant position in his career's top rankings. Despite the Monday slowdown, the film's overall domestic performance remains respectable. O Romeo opened with ₹8.5 Cr on Friday and saw a massive 48% jump on Saturday, peaking at ₹12.65 Cr. However, Sunday showed an early sign of exhaustion with a 28% decline, bringing in ₹9 Cr. This brings the total India Net Collection to an estimated ₹35 Cr within its first four days of release. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({})   On the global front, the film is performing well, particularly in international markets. The Worldwide Collection currently stands at ₹53.3 Cr, bolstered by a solid ₹12 Cr contribution from the overseas circuit. In India, the Gross Collection has reached ₹41.3 Cr, with total footfalls estimated at approximately 1.74 million. While the Saturday surge indicated strong initial interest among youth and family audiences, Sunday’s business was significantly hampered by the high-voltage T20 match. Consequently, all eyes are now on the coming days to see if the film can stabilize and regain its momentum at the ticket windows. Produced as a high budget romantic drama, O Romeo now enters a decisive phase. While the cumulative four-day total is healthy, the film must hold its ground above the ₹3 Cr mark for the remainder of the week to be declared a hit.The focus now shifts to whether the film can regain its momentum during the evening shows and stabilize its daily collections as it progresses through the week.

BY SUNIT JANGIR

Mumbai, February 17 - Dhurandhar has completed a historic 75-day theatrical run, a rare milestone in today's fast-paced exhibition window. The film's longetivity underline its strong word of mouth and repeat value, proving that audiences continue to show up for large-scale, content-backed commercial cinema. What began as a solid opening quickly transformed into a long and box office run to remember. The box office performance of Dhurandhar has been nothing short of sensational. Mounted on a budget of around 250 crore, the film went on to gross over 1300 crore worldwide, delivering one of the biggest profit margins ever seen in Indian cinema. Its massive collections across domestic and overseas markets established it as a true global blockbuster. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}) Led by Ranveer Singh, the film struck a chord with viewers through its gripping narrative, mass appeal, and high-voltage performances. The spy action drama maintained steady collections well beyond the initial weeks, an achievement few contemporary releases manage, cementing its status as one of the standout theatrical successes of recent times. With the first part's emphatic theatrical legacy, expectations are sky-high for Dhurandhar: The Revenge. As the title suggests, the second part of the film promises to be more intense and brutal. Trade experts believe that the impact created by the 75-day run has already given the sequel a significant head start. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}) As anticipation builds, Dhurandhar's historic milestone has effectively set the stage for Dhurandhar 2 to ignite the box office. Trade is projecting more than double the opening of the first film, which opened at 28 crores net. The buzz is sky high, and it is almost guaranteed to take on one of the biggest openings for a Bollywood film. The only thing that needs to be seen is how big the opening can be, which will be known upon its release on March 19 in multiple languages. Stay tuned...

BY SUNIT JANGIR

Mumbai, February 17 - Bollywood star Sunny Deol is riding high on the back-to-back success with the latest Border 2 nearing the 450 crores mark at the worldwide box office. As the war drama continues its good performance, Sunny's next theatrical outing will be Gabru, and the release date for the same has been locked. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}) According to the report by Variety India, the emotional drama will arrive in cinemas on May 8, 2026. Directed by Shashank Udapurkar, Gabru is touted to be Sunny Deol's most emotional film yet. It presents Deol in a powerful and emotionally resonant role that celebrates strength, spirit and rooted storytelling. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}) Sunny recently revealed that Gabru is very close to him. It is not just another project, but a story that resonates with him on a deeply personal level. The film reflects themes of courage, identity, and resilience, elements that have always defined his cinematic journey. Gabru is produced by Vishal Rana and Om Chhangani, and it also stars Simran and Prit Kamani in the leading roles. The makers are not looking for an aggressive release for the film, as hinted at by Sunny in a recent media interaction. The film boasts excellent music tracks composed by Mithoon and lyrics by Sayeed Quadri, Satinder Sartaj and Anurag Saikya. Stay tuned...

BY CHRISTA LINCY

Dhruv Vikram is reportedly set to make his official debut in the Telugu film industry with an upcoming romantic comedy. The project has gained significant attention as it features a high-profile cast, including Rukmini Vasanth as the female lead. The film will be produced by the leading Tollywood production house, Mythri Movie Makers, marking a major launch for the actor in the Telugu market. This project comes on the heels of the success of Dhruv Vikram's recent film, Bison: Kaalamadan, directed by Mari Selvaraj. The sports drama performed well at the box office, earning a total worldwide collection of ₹63 Cr. In the domestic market, the film collected ₹47.34 Cr net (₹55.75 Cr gross), while the overseas market contributed ₹7.25 Cr. The strong performance of Bison has significantly increased the market value for the actor as he steps into the Telugu industry. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({})   The film is being helmed by debutant director Deepak Reddy, who is already well-known in creative circles for his masterpiece short film Manasanamaha.His previous work made headlines globally by entering the Guinness World Records for winning over 500 awards, setting a massive expectation for his feature film debut. Adding to the film's youthful energy is the inclusion of Sai Abhyankar as the music composer.Sai's involvement suggests that the movie will feature a trendy and vibrant soundtrack. This highly anticipated project is being bankrolled by the leading production house Mythri Movie Makers, which is known for delivering high-quality commercial entertainers.The film is expected to be a bilingual release in both Tamil and Telugu, strategically designed to expand Dhruv Vikram's reach across the South Indian market. With a top-tier production team, a record-breaking director, and a viral music sensation on board, this untitled rom-com is quickly becoming one of the most talked-about upcoming films of the year.

BY CHRISTA LINCY

Actor Sivakarthikeyan has officially announced his next massive project, titled Seyon – The Celebration. Produced by Kamal Haasan's Raaj Kamal Films International (RKFI), this film marks the second collaboration between the star and the legendary actor-producer after the blockbuster success of Amaran.Directed by Sivakumar Murugesan (of Thaai Kizhavi fame), the movie is being positioned as a grand rural entertainer with deep cultural and spiritual roots.The first-look poster, featuring Sivakarthikeyan in a rugged, intense avatar surrounded by peacocks, has already sparked rumors of a Lord Murugan-inspired theme. #Seyon - The Celebration➡️ https://t.co/ec7g5HQoGy#HappyBirthdaySK#SeyonOct2026 #சேயோன் #OneMoreTime#KamalHaasan #Sivakarthikeyan@ikamalhaasan @Siva_Kartikeyan #Mahendran @Dir_SivakumarM @Music_Santhosh @RKFI @turmericmediaTM @bala_actor @vivekvdop @Sanlokesh… pic.twitter.com/AGincEf9Rw— Raaj Kamal Films International (@RKFI) February 17, 2026 Reports suggest that Seyon will feature a fresh and exciting pairing, with the rising star Bhagyashri Borse reported to be playing the female lead opposite Sivakarthikeyan. Following her highly anticipated Tamil debut in Kaantha, this film marks another major milestone for her in the Tamil industry. The technical team is equally powerful, with the Musical Magician Santhosh Narayanan composing the score. The film's cinematography is handled by Vivek Vijayakumar, while the editing is overseen by San Lokesh.With the story reportedly set against the vibrant backdrop of Madurai and the Karumathur Virumandi Temple, the film promises to be a mass spectacle that blends rooted emotions with high-octane celebration. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({})   In addition to Seyon, Sivakarthikeyan is currently working on one of the most ambitious projects of his career, tentatively titled SK26. Directed by the master of experimental cinema, Venkat Prabhu, this film is confirmed to be a high-budget science-fiction thriller. The core theme revolves around time travel or a time loop, a genre Venkat Prabhu previously mastered with Maanaadu. Produced on a grand scale by Sathya Jyothi Films, the project is expected to redefine visual standards in Kollywood. Reports suggest that Kalyani Priyadarshan is the frontrunner to play the female lead, reuniting with the actor after their hit collaboration in Hero. The hype for the Venkat Prabhu project reached a new peak when it was revealed that the team visited the world-renowned Lola VFX in Los Angeles. This is the same studio responsible for the groundbreaking visual effects in Marvel movies and Thalapathy Vijay’s The GOAT. The director and actor underwent advanced 3D digital scanning to create high-end visual effects for the film's complex sci-fi sequences.These projects make 2026 a significant year in his career as he continues to evolve as an actor and explore new genres.

BY SACNILK TEAM

Mumbai, February 17 - Trouble has emerged for filmmaker Aditya Dhar and his production banner B62 Studios, as the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) has reportedly moved to permanently blacklist the company for repeatedly violating civic and police norms during the shoot of Dhurandhar 2 in Mumbai. According to reports, the action follows multiple complaints related to unauthorised filming activities in South Mumbai. Civic officials have alleged that the production carried out shoots on a building terrace without requisite permissions and deployed generator vans beyond what was officially approved. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}) These repeated breaches prompted the BMC’s local ward office to escalate the matter to senior authorities with a recommendation for strict action. The situation reportedly worsened after the Mumbai Police flagged safety violations on set. Despite clear instructions prohibiting the use of flammable materials during late-night shoots, the production allegedly went ahead with scenes involving burning torches, leading to police intervention and seizure of props. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}) Officials claim that the crew failed to comply with conditions laid down while granting filming permissions, raising concerns over public safety. As per the proposed action, B62 Studios could be permanently barred from applying for filming permissions in Mumbai, along with the forfeiture of security deposits and imposition of monetary penalties. If enforced, the move could complicate future schedules for the banner in the city, though it is not expected to directly impact the planned release of Dhurandhar 2. Directed by Aditya Dhar and headlined by Ranveer Singh, Dhurandhar 2 is among the most anticipated Hindi films of 2026, being a sequel to the massively successful Dhurandhar. It is scheduled to be released on March 19. Stay tuned...

BY SUNIT JANGIR

Mumbai, February 16 - James Cameron has once again demonstrated his unmatched pull at the global box office with Avatar: Fire and Ash. The third instalment in the Avatar franchise is now close to wrapping up its theatrical run, with worldwide earnings topping $1.45 billion through the 9th weekend. From the outset, Fire and Ash enjoyed a superb run overseas, with international territories contributing the bulk of its massive total. Audiences outside North America turned out in huge numbers, even though it is nowhere near the previous films' box office. Across 53 markets, the sci-fi epic has grossed $1.06 billion. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}) China continues to remain the number 1 overseas market with $170 million, followed by France with $109.50 million and Germany with $93 million. India is the 10th biggest international market for the film with $26 million (235+ crore gross) so far. Allied to $396 million in North America, Avatar 3 has topped $1.46 billion at the worldwide box office. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}) While the domestic box office was good rather than record-breaking, strong holds internationally ensured a steady climb toward the $1.5 billion milestone. In terms of franchise comparison, Avatar: Fire and Ash may fall short of the astronomical $2 billion-plus totals achieved by Avatar (2009) and Avatar: The Way of Water (2022). However, the film's final tally still places it among the highest-grossing films of all time, comfortably outperforming most contemporary Hollywood releases and reaffirming the enduring global appeal of the Avatar universe crafted by James Cameron. As the curtains begin to close on its theatrical run, Avatar: Fire and Ash stands as another major commercial success for Cameron and Disney. Stay tuned...

BY SUNIT JANGIR

Mumbai, February 16 - Shahid Kapoor-led O Romeo has managed to put up a decent opening weekend performance at the domestic box office. The romantic action drama collected around 30 crore net in its first three days, emerging as the actor's biggest opener since the Covid-19 pandemic. O Romeo had a decent pre-release buzz, which led to the biggest start for a Shahid Kapoor-starrer since Kabir Singh. It showed a solid jump on the valentine's Day, but the collection dropped on Sunday due to the cricket match between India and Pakistan, resulting in 30.15 crores net opening weekend. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}) As said, the film's opening weekend numbers are particularly significant (not in numbers) for Shahid Kapoor, as O Romeo now stands as Shahid's biggest opening weekend grosser in the post-pandemic era, and biggest since Kabir Singh, underlining the actor's tough run in recent times when it comes to opening. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}) For context, Shahid Kapoor's earlier releases also had decent starts. 2024's romantic comedy Teri Baaton Mein Aisa Uljha Jiya collected 27.10 crore net in its opening weekend, while Deva earned 19.15 crore net over its first three days. Against these figures, O Romeo clearly takes the lead, which was expected given the scale and talent involved. O Romeo's long-term performance will now depend on weekday trends and audience word of mouth, especially given the fact that the high cost is involved in making the film. It needs to perform really well in the coming days to reach a respectable lifetime total and emerge as a decent success at the box office. Stay tuned...

BY SUNIT JANGIR

Mumbai, February 16 - After scripting history with KGF: Chapter 2 (2022), superstar Yash is once again creating sensation with his upcoming action drama film Toxic: A Fairy Tale for Grown-ups for multiple reasons. First, the actor is returning to the big screen after 3 years, and second, his film is clashing with Ranveer Singh-fronted Dhurandhar The Revenge. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}) The box office clash between Toxic and Dhurandhar 2 has been the talk of the town ever since the latter announced its release date for Eid 2026. Even though the Kannada biggie had a confirmed release date much before any other film, it has been feeling the heat with the arrival of Dhurandhar 2, which has generated a lot of hype already. There has been a lot of chatter in the trade and reports almost every week that Toxic might push back to avoid the clash. However, Yash and team have held firm on March 19, and are not willing to postpone the release despite the adverse situation it is in. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}) At a time when everyone has been waiting for the postponement news, the latest reports suggest that Yash is not pushing back and is ready to take on the Bollywood biggie. Also, according to Variety India, the Kannada superstar has immense confidence in the film regarding its box office potential. Yash is also believed to be irked that the makers of Dhurandhar didn't inform him about their Eid release plan, knowing fully well they had blocked the date last year. The report stated that the actor was expecting a courtesy call from the makers of Dhurandhar if they were coming on the same date as Toxic, but it didn't happen. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}) With the makers not willing to back out, Eid 2026 is all set for a thrilling box office clash, possibly the biggest in recent years. While Dhurandhar 2 is almost guaranteed to dominate the box office again after the first par,t making history, Toxic is likely to witness excellent numbers in South states and is also expected to take an opening in the Hindi belt. Stay tuned...

BY SACNILK TEAM

Mumbai, February 16 - Filmmaker Sanjay Leela Bhansali has announced his next ambitious project, Jai Somnath, marking a significant collaboration with veteran director Ketan Mehta. The film is set to be a large-scale historical drama rooted in Indian history and faith, with Bhansali backing the project as presenter and producer, while Mehta takes charge of the direction and screenplay. Jai Somnath revolves around the powerful saga of the Somnath Temple and the events surrounding its destruction and resilience during the 11th century. The announcement teaser, released with the evocative line "A temple can be destroyed, not faith," hints at a narrative that will focus on belief, cultural identity, and the enduring spirit of devotion. The subject places the film among the most ambitious historical projects currently in development in Hindi cinema. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}) A temple can be broken, not the faith.Sanjay Leela Bhansali presents - “JAI SOMNATH”.Directed by Ketan MehtaIn cinemas worldwide, 2027.#SanjayLeelaBhansali #KetanMehta #BhansaliProductions #MayaMovies @prerna982 @saregamaglobal @kaalabhairava7 pic.twitter.com/ozoYvHSpCs— BhansaliProductions (@bhansali_produc) February 15, 2026 The collaboration is particularly noteworthy as it brings together Bhansali's signature cinematic grandeur and Ketan Mehta's proven expertise in storytelling. The film is being mounted on a lavish scale, with strong emphasis on period authenticity, detailed production design, and emotionally charged storytelling, making it one of the most anticipated upcoming period dramas. Jai Somnath is slated for a worldwide theatrical release in 2027. With two stalwarts of Indian cinema coming together for a story of such cultural and historical significance, the film has already generated strong buzz and expectations across the trade and audiences alike. Stay tuned...

BY CHRISTA LINCY

Eight years after the release of the poetic masterpiece Laila Majnu, the creative powerhouse trio of Imtiaz Ali, Ektaa R. Kapoor, and director Sajid Ali are reuniting to bring another legendary love story to the silver screen.On Valentine's Day 2026, the makers sent excitement news through the industry by announcing Heer Ranjha with a soul-stirring concept teaser.While the official teaser focused on the Love Legacy continuing, Variety India has exclusively revealed the first major casting update: Rohit Saraf has been locked to play the iconic role of Ranjha. At 29, Rohit Saraf is set to undergo a major transformation for what is being described as his most intense and emotionally taxing role to date. Known primarily for his boy-next-door charm in the Netflix global hit Mismatched and films like Ishq Vishk Rebound, Saraf's casting as Ranjha marks a strategic shift toward high-stakes drama. According to the exclusive report by Variety, while Rohit takes on the mantle of Ranjha, the makers are sticking to the successful Laila Majnu template by launching a fresh newcomer as Heer. Though her identity is currently a closely guarded secret, sources suggest she has already been finalized after extensive screen tests. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({})   Heer Ranjha serves as a modern cinematic reimagining of the classic Punjabi folk tragedy, which was most famously documented by poet Waris Shah in 1766. Following the creative blueprint of the 2018 cult hit Laila Majnu, the screenplay by Imtiaz Ali is expected to translate the raw, timeless intensity of the original legend into a contemporary setting. Known for his ability to portray deep, spiritual love in films like Rockstar and Tamasha, Ali's writing aims to make this centuries-old story of familial opposition and separation feel visceral and relatable for today's Gen-Z audience, proving that the essence of such legendary romances remains unchanged by time. The tale has seen several iconic adaptations in the past, most notably Chetan Anand's 1970 version starring Raaj Kumar and the 1992 Harmesh Malhotra film featuring Anil Kapoor and Sridevi.However, positioned as a spiritual successor or the second chapter of the Laila Majnu franchise, this version aims for the raw, atmospheric intensity that made Sajid Ali's previous film a cult classic. While official confirmation from Balaji Motion Pictures is awaited—with some trade reports suggesting casting discussions are still formally ongoing—the buzz surrounding Rohit Saraf's involvement has already made Heer Ranjha one of the most anticipated romantic dramas of the decade.