BY CHRISTA LINCY

Dhurandhar 2: The Revenge is rewriting box office history across India and overseas, but its Day 12 trend has thrown up a rare and surprising statistic — one that goes against the usual sequel dominance pattern seen in major film franchises. On its 2nd Monday (Day 12), Dhurandhar 2 collected ₹25.30 crore net across 17,614 shows, with the Hindi net alone contributing ₹23.50 crore. While these numbers are strong by industry standards, they fall short when compared to Dhurandhar Part 1, which had collected ₹30.50 crore on its 2nd Monday. This indicates an approximate drop of around 23% compared to the prequel at the same stage. What makes this trend even more surprising is the fact that Dhurandhar 2 has already surpassed the lifetime collections of its predecessor by a massive margin. By its 2nd Monday, the sequel had raced past ₹1,042.23 crore India gross and ₹872.17 crore India net, while its worldwide total had reached ₹1,392.23 crore, including ₹350 crore from overseas markets. For comparison, Dhurandhar Part 1 had collected ₹381.25 crore India net by its 2nd Monday, with a worldwide total of ₹588 crore and ₹130.50 crore coming from overseas markets during the same period. Despite Dhurandhar 2's massive overall lead in collections, the 2nd Monday trend clearly shows that the original film had a stronger hold on that specific weekday. This unusual pattern is further highlighted by BookMyShow ticket sales data for the 2nd Monday, where Dhurandhar registered 571K ticket sales, significantly ahead of Dhurandhar 2, which recorded 375K ticket sales. Other major films like Chhaava (371K), Jawan (294K), and Stree 2 (233K) followed behind, reinforcing how strong the original Dhurandhar's weekday traction was. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}) Franchise Movies – 2nd Monday India Net Collection Comparison FRANCHISE PREQUEL – 2nd MONDAY SEQUEL – 2nd MONDAY Dhurandhar ₹ 30.50 Cr ₹ 25.30 Cr Pushpa ₹ 4.70 Cr ₹ 26.95 Cr Baahubali ₹ 3.80 Cr ₹ 30.00 Cr In most major franchises, sequels tend to outperform prequels across all phases, including weekdays, due to higher hype and wider reach. Films like Baahubali 2 and Pushpa 2 saw consistent growth over their predecessors in almost every metric. However, Dhurandhar is emerging as a rare case where the sequel has completely dominated the overall box office but still trails the original in a key trend like the 2nd Monday hold. This indicates that while Dhurandhar 2 is operating on a much larger scale with bigger openings and faster record-breaking totals, the first film had exceptionally strong weekday stability driven by word of mouth and repeat value. It also reflects how weekday trends can sometimes tell a different story compared to overall box office dominance. From record-breaking openings to historic worldwide totals and strong sustained collections, Dhurandhar 2 continues to dominate the box office. Yet, this 2nd Monday comparison adds an interesting layer to its box office journey, proving that even in the era of massive sequels, certain benchmarks set by original films can still stand tall.

BY CHRISTA LINCY

Dhurandhar 2: The Revenge is continuing its historic box office run across India and overseas, but one of the most remarkable stories of its performance is coming from the Kerala box office, where the film is rewriting the record books for Hindi cinema. As of Day 12, Dhurandhar 2 has collected over ₹16 crore gross in Kerala, making it the highest grossing Hindi film in the state within the first 12 days of release. This is a historic achievement because Kerala has traditionally been a difficult market for Hindi films, with local Malayalam films dominating the box office. Before Dhurandhar 2, Shah Rukh Khan's Jawan was one of the strongest performing Hindi films in Kerala, collecting around ₹13.90 crore. Pathaan also performed strongly with over ₹13 crore, while Aamir Khan's Dangal crossed the ₹10 crore mark in the state. Dhurandhar Part 1 had collected around ₹8.70 crore in Kerala, making the sequel's performance almost double that of the first film within the same timeframe. Top 5 Bollywood movies in Kerala BoxOffice MOVIE NAME KERALA GROSS (12 DAYS) Dhurandhar 2: The Revenge ₹ 16+ Cr* Jawan ₹ 13.90 Cr Pathaan ₹ 13+ Cr Dangal ₹ 10+ Cr Dhurandhar (Part 1) ₹ 8.70+ Cr The Kerala box office performance becomes even more noteworthy when viewed in the context of theatre trends in the state. Over the past decade, the number of cinema theatres in Kerala has reportedly dropped significantly, with hundreds of theatres shutting down due to declining footfalls, rising costs, and the growth of OTT platforms. Industry reports have also highlighted that a large number of films released every year fail to recover costs, indicating that theatrical attendance in the state is highly selective and driven mainly by strong content or event films. In this context, Dhurandhar 2 crossing the ₹16 crore mark in Kerala within just 12 days is a significant achievement, as it reflects sustained audience turnout in a market where theatre performance depends heavily on word of mouth and strong audience reception. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}) What makes this performance even more significant is that Dhurandhar 2 has achieved this milestone in just 12 days, becoming the first Hindi film in history to cross ₹15 crore gross in Kerala in such a short span. The film is now heading towards the ₹20 crore mark in the state, which would set a new benchmark for Hindi cinema in the Kerala market. The strong performance in Kerala is part of a much larger box office domination story. Dhurandhar 2 is performing exceptionally well across all territories including North India, South India, and overseas markets. The film is not just performing in traditional Hindi film markets but is also leading in several non-traditional markets for Bollywood films. As of Day 12, Dhurandhar 2: The Revenge has collected ₹1,392.23 crore at the worldwide box office, making it one of the fastest Hindi films to reach this milestone and further proving its massive global appeal. From North India to South India and from overseas markets to smaller domestic territories, Dhurandhar 2 is setting new benchmarks everywhere. The film is not just a box office success but a record-breaking run across multiple territories, and its Kerala performance is one of the biggest highlights of its historic theatrical run.

BY SUNIT JANGIR

Mumbai, March 31 - Director Aditya Dhar's Dhurandhar 2: The Revenge has stormed past the 800 crore net mark and is now within touching distance of beating its predecessor (840 crores) to become the highest net-grossing Hindi film of all time. What makes this feat truly historic is the pace - the sequel is set to achieve this milestone in under two weeks, a record-shattering run by all standards. The Ranveer Singh-starrer is on a box office run unlike anything we have seen before. From delivering the biggest opening weekend and first week to smashing records again with the biggest second weekend, Dhurandhar 2 isn't just breaking records; it is creating its own league by setting entirely new benchmarks for Hindi cinema. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}) On its second Monday, the spy action thriller registered a phenomenal hold, collecting 23+ crores net. That was enough for it to surpass the lifetime Hindi net collection of Pushpa 2: The Rule (812 crores), starring Allu Arjun, in just 12 days. The film's total now stands at approximately 818 crores net in Hindi, just 22 crores away from overtaking Dhurandhar to claim the top spot. While Dhurandhar 2 is on the brink of rewriting history, it was the original Dhurandhar that laid the foundation of the franchise's dominance. Notably, the first film still holds one of the most remarkable weekday records, including the biggest second Monday ever with 30.50 crores net. It remains one of the rare films whose second week outperformed its opening week, a benchmark that continues to stand tall. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}) All-Time Biggest Second Monday In Hindi S. No. Movie 2nd Monday 1 Dhurandhar ₹ 30.50 Cr 2 Dhurandhar 2 ₹ 23.50 Cr 3 Pushpa 2 ₹ 20.50 Cr 4 Stree 2 ₹ 18.50 Cr 5 Tiger Zinda Hai ₹ 18.04 Cr 6 Chhaava ₹ 18.00 Cr 7 Baahubali 2 ₹ 16.75 Cr 8 Jawan ₹ 14.25 Cr 9 Gadar 2 ₹ 13.50 Cr 10 Animal ₹ 13.12 Cr The weekday hold of Dhurandhar is widely regarded as one of the strongest in recent Indian cinema history. Although Dhurandhar 2 has shown a more front-loaded trend, its day-wise performance indicates a similarly strong trajectory. The next big milestone for the sequel is the prestigious 1000 crore net club, which it could potentially enter as early as its third weekend.

BY CHRISTA LINCY

The makers of Ramayana, one of the most eagerly awaited films of 2026, have achieved another major promotional milestone ahead of its grand theatrical launch. A new promotional asset titled Rama — a fresh cinematic glimpse from the epic retelling — has secured a U certificate from the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC), clearing it for audiences of all ages. According to the CBFC certification, the Rama asset has a runtime of 158 seconds, or 2 minutes and 38 seconds, offering a glimpse of the characters and visual tone of the film ahead of its official release. The certification was granted on March 30, 2026, and the makers have scheduled the official unveiling of the asset on Thursday, April 2, to coincide with Hanuman Jayanti, a culturally significant occasion associated with the epic's narrative. In a recent international promotional move, Ranbir Kapoor, director Nitesh Tiwari, and producer Namit Malhotra were spotted at a special IMAX screening event in Los Angeles, California, where they showcased early visuals from Ramayana to a select audience ahead of the global release of the teaser. The screening generated enthusiastic reactions and offered glimpses of the film's scale and immersive presentation well before the official April 2 launch. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}) The Rama glimpse is expected to introduce key characters of the film, including Ranbir Kapoor as Lord Rama, Sai Pallavi as Sita, Yash as Ravana, Sunny Deol as Hanuman, and Ravi Dubey as Lakshman. Sources close to the project suggest that the asset emphasizes character presence and emotional depth rather than large-scale action sequences. Ramayana, directed by Nitesh Tiwari and produced by Namit Malhotra, has been building anticipation since the release of its introductory video on July 3, 2025, more than a year before the film's scheduled release. The music is composed by A.R. Rahman and Hans Zimmer. The film is a two-part adaptation of the ancient Indian epic, with the first part set to release on Diwali 2026 and the second part on Diwali 2027, marking it as one of the most ambitious ventures in contemporary Bollywood cinema. Releasing the Rama asset on Hanuman Jayanti adds cultural resonance to the marketing strategy, linking the teaser to themes of devotion and heroism. With audiences already highly engaged with the film's promotional content, the April 2 release of the glimpse is expected to generate significant buzz across social media and fan communities, further amplifying anticipation for Ramayana's theatrical journey.

BY SUNIT JANGIR

Hyderabad, March 31 - Power Star Pawan Kalyan-fronted action drama Ustaad Bhagat Singh is turning out to be a major box office disappointment, with its worldwide total now expected to end below the 100 crore mark. Released amid decent pre-release buzz, the film opened to a fair response at the box office, particularly in the Telugu states. However, the momentum didn't last long. After a passable opening day, collections dropped sharply from the second day itself, and the film failed to show any significant growth on the weekdays. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}) The drop in collections has been drastic. By the second Monday, the film's daily earnings had fallen to negligible levels, indicating that audience interest had largely faded. The situation worsened due to strong competition from Dhurandhar 2, which has dominated the box office and captured a major chunk of audience attention across the country. The second weekend further sealed its fate with disastrous collection as it has grossed around 94 crore worldwide in 12 days so far, making it almost certain that the film will wrap up its theatrical run without touching the 100 crore milestone. One of the primary reasons behind the film's underperformance is the mixed to negative word-of-mouth, which prevented it from sustaining beyond the initial day. Additionally, the film failed to make an impact in overseas markets, an area that has increasingly become crucial for big-ticket Indian films. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}) Box Office Performance of Pawan Kalyan's Films In The Post-Pandemic Era S. No. Movie Year Worldwide Gross 1 Vakeel Saab 2021 ₹ 137.50 Cr 2 Bheemla Nayak 2022 ₹ 158.50 Cr 3 Bro 2023 ₹ 114 Cr 4 Hari Hara Veera Mallu 2025 ₹ 117 Cr 5 They Call Him OG 2025 ₹ 295 Cr 6 Ustaad Bhagat Singh 2026 ₹ 94 Cr* Data as of March 30, 2026. Ustaad Bhagat Singh will be Pawan Kalyan's lowest-grossing film in the post-pandemic era, marking a significant setback for the star. Interestingly, even his low-hyped non-mass entertainers managed to cross the 100 crore mark in the pandemic era, but UBS has failed to do so. This comes as a surprise, especially considering his strong fan base and the high expectations surrounding the project. In the end, what started as a promising commercial entertainer is now heading toward an underwhelming finish, making Ustaad Bhagat Singh one of the notable box office misfires of the year. Stay tuned...

BY CHRISTA LINCY

Ryan Gosling's Hollywood sci-fi film Project Hail Mary is performing well at the Indian box office, especially over the weekend, despite competition from major Indian releases. The film released in India on March 20, 2026, and has shown steady growth through its opening weekend. On Day 4 (Sunday), Project Hail Mary collected approximately ₹4.75 crore net across 1,634 shows in India. With this, the film's total India net collection stands at ₹14.50 crore, while the India gross collection has reached ₹17.38 crore after four days of release. Project Hail Mary has also emerged as a breakout success among Hollywood releases in India in 2026, as it has already surpassed the lifetime business of all Hollywood films released this year within its extended opening weekend itself. This highlights the film's strong acceptance in the market despite competition from major Indian releases. A key contributor to this performance has been Sony Pictures' aggressive screen expansion strategy, which ensured wide reach across multiplexes, coupled with strong exhibitor support that helped the film maximize its weekend potential. The film witnessed strong weekend growth after a steady opening, indicating positive word of mouth among urban audiences and multiplex circuits. Hollywood films in India typically rely heavily on weekend growth, and Project Hail Mary appears to be following a similar trend. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}) Globally, the film is performing exceptionally well and has already crossed the $300 million mark worldwide within a short period of release, making it one of the biggest Hollywood successes of 2026 so far. The film opened strongly worldwide and continued to dominate the global box office in its second weekend. Project Hail Mary is directed by Phil Lord and Christopher Miller and written by Drew Goddard, based on Andy Weir's novel of the same name. The film stars Ryan Gosling in the lead role along with Sandra Hüller, Lionel Boyce, Ken Leung, Milana Vayntrub, Liz Kingsman, Orion Lee, Aaron Neil, James Ortiz, and Priya Kansara. With positive reviews, strong global performance, and steady growth in India, Project Hail Mary is expected to continue its run in multiplexes over the coming week, especially in metro cities where Hollywood films traditionally perform well.

BY CHRISTA LINCY

Dhurandhar 2: The Revenge has achieved a major milestone at the box office by crossing the ₹200 crore gross mark in South India, joining Shah Rukh Khan's Jawan in this elite club. This achievement is particularly significant given the traditionally limited reach of Hindi films in southern markets, making this a landmark moment for the film and the industry. What makes this feat even more remarkable is the speed. Dhurandhar 2 has reached the ₹200 crore mark in South India within just 11 days of release, showcasing its massive acceptance across regional markets. The film's strong hold across Telugu, Tamil, and Kannada circuits highlights its true pan-India appeal. On Day 11, Dhurandhar 2 collected a net of ₹68.10 crore across 19,270 shows. This takes its total India gross collections to ₹1,011.95 crore, while the India net stands at ₹846.87 crore so far. Overseas, the film added ₹17.00 crore on Day 11, pushing the total overseas gross to ₹342.00 crore. With this, the worldwide gross collection of Dhurandhar 2 has reached a massive ₹1,353.95 crore in just 11 days. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}) In comparison, Shah Rukh Khan's Jawan had collected ₹36.85 crore net on Day 11 across 14,998 shows, taking its India gross to ₹569.69 crore, while overseas stood at ₹286 crore for a worldwide total of ₹855.69 crore at the same stage. Jawan was also a landmark film for Hindi cinema in South India as it broke the opening day records for an outright Hindi film in all four major South Indian states — Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh/Telangana, and Kerala, significantly expanding the market for Hindi films in the region. The comparison clearly highlights the scale at which Dhurandhar 2 is performing, not just domestically but globally as well. While Jawan played a crucial role in expanding the market for Hindi films in South India, Dhurandhar 2 appears to be taking that momentum to another level. The bigger story lies in the evolving dynamics of the Indian box office. South Indian markets, which were once largely dominated by regional cinema, are now opening up significantly to large-scale Hindi films. Dhurandhar 2's performance suggests that the pan-India model is no longer one-directional, with Hindi films now making deeper inroads into southern territories. From a trade perspective, Dhurandhar 2 entering the ₹200 crore South India club alongside Jawan is not just a record but a strong indicator of changing audience preferences. It reflects the growing acceptance of high-concept Hindi entertainers across regions and signals a new phase in the expansion of the Indian theatrical market.

BY SUNIT JANGIR

Mumbai, March 30 - The Indian box office has witnessed a massive milestone in recent years with films crossing the coveted 1000 crore mark. Now, Dhurandhar 2: The Revenge has entered this elite club, cementing its place among the biggest blockbusters in Indian cinema history. The Ranveer Singh-starrer, which has been on a record-breaking spree since its release, has shown phenomenal consistency across domestic and international markets. With strong word-of-mouth and repeat value, Dhurandhar 2 has comfortably crossed the 1000 crore gross mark in just 11 days, becoming the joint fastest film to achieve this feat. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}) This feat places Dhurandhar 2 alongside a very select group of films that have achieved this milestone purely at the Indian box office. The elite list includes Baahubali 2: The Conclusion, KGF: Chapter 2, Pushpa 2: The Rule, and the first Dhurandhar, which was released just 4 months ago. Dhurandhar is the only Indian film series to have two films with 1000+ crores gross each, both in India and worldwide. Director SS Rajamouli's Baahubali 2: The Conclusion, released in 2017, was the first film to redefine domestic box office potential, setting an unprecedented benchmark. Years later, KGF: Chapter 2 and Pushpa 2: The Rule continued the trend, proving that large-scale action entertainers with strong storytelling can dominate the Indian market like never before. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}) 1000 Crore Grossers At The Indian Box Office S. No. Movie Language India Gross 1 Pushpa 2 (2024) Telugu ₹ 1471.10 Cr 2 Baahubali 2 (2017) Telugu ₹ 1416.90 Cr 3 Dhurandhar 2 (2026) Hindi ₹ 1011.95 Cr* 4 Dhurandhar (2025) Hindi ₹ 1007.85 Cr 5 KGF Chapter 2 (2022) Kannada ₹ 1000.85 Cr Data as of March 29, 2026. Dhurandhar became the first Bollywood film to enter the 1000 crores domestic club, and now, the sequel has taken things a notch higher by becoming a part of this elite league. As the box office landscape continues to evolve, it remains to be seen which film will be the next to breach the 1000 crore milestone, but for now, Dhurandhar 2 stands tall among the giants of Indian cinema, and is possibly heading to claim the number 1 spot in the coming days. Stay tuned...

BY SACNILK TEAM

Mumbai, March 30 - Bollywood superstar Salman Khan has officially locked his next big project, teaming up with national award-winning director Vamshi Paidipally and leading producer Dil Raju for a high-budget action entertainer. The collaboration marks Salman's first full-fledged project with the Telugu filmmakers, generating massive anticipation across industries. The film was announced on March 30 by Salman Khan, who shared a picture of himself with the director, and captioned it, "Dil, Dimag, Jigar se from this April with @directorvamshi and #DilRaju". As confirmed by the actor himself, the film is set to go on floors in April 2026, with pre-production already underway on a grand scale. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}) This yet-untitled film is said to be an action-thriller, with Salman Khan expected to appear in a never-before-seen avatar, signalling a fresh departure from his recent roles. The project also marks a significant crossover, blending Bollywood star power with South Indian filmmaking expertise. Interestingly, the makers are eyeing a festive Eid 2027 release, continuing Salman Khan's long-standing tradition of dominating the holiday box office. If timelines remain on track, the film will be one of his biggest releases following his upcoming war drama Battle of Galwan. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}) Dil, Dimag, Jigar se from this April with @directorvamshi and #DilRaju #Shirish @SVC_official @kuldeeprathor9 #RafiKazi pic.twitter.com/RuK0KWq2HU— Salman Khan (@BeingSalmanKhan) March 30, 2026

BY SACNILK TEAM

Mumbai, March 29 - The much-awaited cinematic adaptation of Ramayana is gearing up for a grand reveal, and the excitement among fans is already at a fever pitch. In a major development, the makers are all set to unveil the first looks of the film's lead cast on April 2, marking a significant milestone in what is being touted as one of the most ambitious Indian films ever mounted. According to the report by Pinkvilla, the new assets, which have been confirmed to be dropped on April 2, will reportedly introduce Ranbir Kapoor as Lord Ram, along with Sai Pallavi as Goddess Sita, Yash as Ravana, and Sunny Deol as Lord Hanuman. The casting itself has generated immense buzz, bringing together a diverse and powerful ensemble that blends star power with strong acting credentials. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}) The first look reveal is expected to be a carefully planned event, aimed at giving audiences their first glimpse into the visual world of Ramayana. Given the scale and expectations surrounding the project, the unveiling is likely to showcase not just the characters but also the film's grand aesthetic, costume design, and overall tone. This adaptation of Ramayana has been in the spotlight ever since its announcement, with fans eager to see how the epic will be reimagined for modern audiences. With cutting-edge technology, high production values, and a cast of this magnitude, the film promises to deliver a visually spectacular and emotionally rich retelling of the timeless saga. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}) The decision to reveal all the principal characters together on April 2 hints at the makers' confidence in the project and their intent to create a massive impact right from the first glimpse. If executed well, this could set the stage for one of the biggest cinematic events in Indian film history. Directed by Nitesh Tiwari and produced by Prime Focus Studio in association with Monster Mind Creations, Ramayana Part 1 is scheduled to release on Diwali this year, while Part 2 will release on Diwali 2027. Stay tuned...

BY CHRISTA LINCY

Dhurandhar 2: The Revenge is not just setting records at the national and global box office, but its performance in Karnataka is emerging as one of the most interesting box office stories of its run. Karnataka has traditionally been a market dominated by Kannada and Telugu films, with only a handful of Hindi films managing to perform strongly in the state. Dhurandhar 2, however, is emerging as one of the biggest Hindi film performers in the state in recent years. Historically, non-Kannada films that performed at an extraordinary level in Karnataka were mostly Telugu big-budget spectacles such as Baahubali 2, Pushpa 2, RRR and Kalki 2898 AD. These films had strong Telugu market penetration and dubbed versions which helped them perform across the state beyond Bengaluru city. Hindi films, on the other hand, traditionally depended heavily on multiplex business in Bengaluru and had limited reach in the rest of Karnataka. This trend has slowly started changing in the post-pandemic era with large-scale pan-India films. The dominance of local cinema in Karnataka can be understood better by looking at the all-time highest-grossing films in the state. Highest Grossing Movies in Karnataka (All Languages) RANK MOVIE NAME TOTAL GROSS 1 Kantara Chapter 1 ₹247+ Cr 2 Kantara (2022) ₹183.60 Cr 3 KGF Chapter 2 ₹183 Cr 4 KGF Chapter 1 ₹135 Cr 5 Baahubali 2 ₹129 Cr The list above clearly shows that the Karnataka box office is largely dominated by Kannada films, with Kantara and KGF franchise films occupying most of the top positions. Baahubali 2 remains the only non-Kannada film in the top five highest-grossing films of all time in Karnataka, which shows how difficult it is for films from other industries to reach the top tier in this market. This is why the performance of films like Baahubali 2, Pushpa 2 and now Dhurandhar 2 becomes significant, as these films are among the few non-Kannada films that have managed to perform at a very high level in the state. Baahubali 2 was the film that completely changed the box office landscape in Karnataka for non-Kannada films when it released in 2017. The film performed at unprecedented levels and became the benchmark for all non-Kannada films in the state. Years later, Pushpa 2 continued the trend and again demonstrated the massive potential of Telugu pan-India cinema in Karnataka. These films were not just hits; they expanded the overall market size for non-Kannada films in the state. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}) In comparison, Hindi films rarely reached those levels historically. Even big Bollywood blockbusters usually performed strongly only in Bengaluru and Mysuru circuits, while Telugu and Tamil films dominated mass circuits across the state. The first Dhurandhar film itself was considered a very strong performer for a Hindi film in Karnataka, collecting numbers comparable to several Telugu releases, which was a rare achievement for Bollywood in the state. Now with Dhurandhar 2, the trend appears to be moving further. The sequel opened to very strong numbers in Karnataka and maintained excellent momentum through the first week and second weekend, indicating strong acceptance beyond just the multiplex audience. This is significant because for a Hindi film to sustain in Karnataka beyond the opening weekend, it usually requires either exceptional word of mouth or franchise value, and Dhurandhar 2 seems to be benefiting from both. The larger significance of Dhurandhar 2's performance in Karnataka is not just about the final number it will achieve, but what it represents for the Hindi film market in South India. For many years, Telugu and Tamil films expanded into North India and became pan-India successes, but the reverse was relatively rare. With films like Pathaan, Jawan, and now Dhurandhar franchise, Hindi films are slowly expanding their reach in South Indian markets as well. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}) If the current trend continues, Dhurandhar 2 could emerge as one of the highest-grossing Hindi films of all time in Karnataka and one of the biggest non-Kannada performers in the state in recent years. More importantly, it would signal a shift where large Hindi franchise films can perform in South Indian markets not just as urban hits but as broader regional successes. In trade terms, this run is important not only for the film itself but for the overall Hindi film market in Karnataka. A strong performance here increases the theatrical value of future Hindi big-budget films in the state, improves distribution pricing, and expands the market size. That is why Dhurandhar 2's Karnataka performance could have long-term implications beyond just the box office numbers of this film. In conclusion, Dhurandhar 2's Karnataka run should not be viewed only in terms of collections, but in terms of market expansion. Just like Baahubali 2 and Pushpa 2 expanded the non-Kannada film market in Karnataka, Dhurandhar 2 has the potential to further strengthen the position of large-scale Hindi franchise films in the state, which could have long-term implications for the theatrical market going forward.

BY SACNILK TEAM

Mumbai, March 29 - Maddock Films' upcoming horror-comedy Shakti Shalini has added a powerful new dimension to its cast, with Chhaava actor Viineet Kumar Singh reportedly roped in as the main antagonist. Headlined by Aneet Padda, the film is shaping up to be one of the most intriguing entries in Maddock Films' ever-expanding horror-comedy universe. Viineet Kumar Singh, known for his intense screen presence and versatile performances, is set to play a dark and formidable villain in the film. This role is expected to showcase a completely different side of the actor, further cementing his reputation for taking on complex and challenging characters. His addition brings a strong, dramatic edge to the narrative, which blends horror with humour, a signature style of the franchise. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}) Shakti Shalini is the sixth part of the Maddock Horror Universe, following the success of Stree, Bhediya, Munjya, Stree 2, and Thamma. Over the years, this cinematic universe has built a loyal fan base by combining supernatural elements with quirky storytelling and memorable characters, making each instalment highly anticipated. The film is directed by Aditya Sarpotdar, who previously helmed Munjya and Thamma, both of which contributed significantly to expanding the universe. With his experience in the genre, expectations are high that Shakti Shalini will continue the streak of entertaining and engaging audiences. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}) Aneet Padda, who leads the film, is steadily emerging as a promising new face in Bollywood after the blockbuster debut with last year's Saiyaara. Taking on the titular role in a major franchise marks a significant milestone in her career, as she steps into a space that demands both performance depth and mass appeal. Currently in production, Shakti Shalini is slated for a Christmas 2026 release. Stay tuned...