BY CHRISTA LINCY

Welcome To The Jungle, the third installment of the celebrated comedy franchise, has officially secured its status as a clean hit at the box office. With a production budget evaluated at a highly reasonable 125 crore, the film has navigated its theatrical run effectively to ensure profitability for its makers. As of its 18th day, the movie has achieved worldwide gross collections of 187.48 crore, which includes a domestic gross of 154.63 crore and an overseas contribution of 32.85 crore. The total India net collection has now reached 130.10 crore across a cumulative 130,251 shows. On its third Monday, Day 18, the film recorded a net collection of 0.55 crore from 1,917 shows. This figure represents a 71.1 percent drop compared to the Sunday net of 1.90 crore. While the film had a strong run over its first two weeks, it is now facing significant competition from the recent release of Dhamaal 4. Since both movies cater to the same comedy-loving audience, the market has seen a visible shift in preference toward the newer title. Due to this genre-specific clash and the resulting weekday depletion, initial trade projections that targeted a 150 crore domestic net have been adjusted. The film is now expected to wrap its lifetime theatrical lifecycle at approximately 135 crore domestic net. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}) The theater occupancy for the Hindi 2D version on Monday stood at an overall average of 10.19 percent. The day started slowly with a morning occupancy of 3.92 percent but gained some momentum as the day progressed. The afternoon shows recorded 9.62 percent, followed by 8.31 percent in the evening, and finally peaking at 14.00 percent for the night shows. Among the major regions, Mumbai maintained a lead with 10.3 percent occupancy over 149 shows. Ahmedabad recorded 8.3 percent across 154 shows, while the National Capital Region saw an occupancy of 8.0 percent from 243 shows. Looking at the performance in national chains for Monday, the film sold approximately 1,780 tickets across 768 shows, resulting in a daily gross of around 4.5 lakhs and an occupancy of 1.38 percent. Breaking the data down by chain, PVR saw around 930 tickets sold with a gross of 2.6 lakhs across 334 shows. INOX followed with approximately 640 tickets sold, earning a gross of 1.4 lakhs from 282 shows. Cinepolis contributed around 210 tickets and a gross of roughly 46.8 thousand from 152 shows. These numbers reflect the movie entry into the final phase of its theatrical journey in urban centers. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}) On the digital front, BookMyShow continues to show a massive cumulative tally for the project. The platform recorded 26.16K ticket sales on the third Sunday, which dropped to 8.77K on Monday. This brings the total tickets sold on BookMyShow to an impressive 2,296,620 so far. Internationally, the film added 0.25 crore on Day 18, pushing its overseas gross total to 32.85 crore. While the arrival of new competition has slowed its pace, Welcome To The Jungle remains a successful addition to the franchise, demonstrating the enduring pull of its ensemble cast and brand name.

BY CHRISTA LINCY

Cocktail 2 is currently navigating its fourth week of theatrical release, but the numbers tell a challenging story. As of its 25th day, the film has reached a total India net collection of 94.89 crore. When weighed against its sizable production budget of 150 crore, this theatrical run is officially being deemed a commercial failure. The movie is now struggling with a major screen crunch following the release of the multi-starrer Dhamaal 4 last Friday, alongside the continued presence of other successful holdovers like Welcome 3 and Maain Vaapas Aunga, which have further squeezed its remaining show counts. The impact of this screen crunch became evident starting this Friday, Day 22, when the show count dropped to just 360 shows, earning a net of 0.10 crore. The fourth weekend did see a slight jump in interest, with Saturday collecting 0.18 crore and Sunday reaching 0.21 crore despite the film running on a very limited number of screens, hovering around 165 to 170. On its fourth Monday, Day 25, the film collected a net of 0.05 crore from 145 shows with an overall occupancy of 14 percent. This brings the cumulative India gross to 113.07 crore. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}) Looking back at the week-by-week progression, Cocktail 2 had a stellar opening week with a net collection of 70.50 crore. However, the momentum slowed down in the second week to 18.90 crore, and the third week saw a further dip to 4.95 crore. Despite the downward trend, the steady weekend bumps helped the movie edge closer to the century mark in domestic net collections. On the global front, the film has performed consistently, adding an overseas gross of 34.00 crore, which pushes the total worldwide gross collection to 147.07 crore. The digital engagement for the film was highest during its initial days. According to BookMyShow data, the film has sold a total of approximately 16.40 lakh tickets so far. The first week alone contributed a massive 1.09 million tickets, while the second week saw 344k sales. By the third week, daily sales began to taper off, moving from 12.9k on Friday to around 9k on Monday. During the current fourth week, the film has largely moved out of the top trending charts on the platform as show counts continue to diminish. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}) In the national chains on its fourth Monday, the film saw very limited activity. It sold approximately 500 tickets across 115 shows, resulting in a gross of roughly 1.1 lakhs with an occupancy rate of 3.7 percent. Breaking this down by specific chains, INOX led the segment with around 330 tickets sold and a gross of 58k. PVR followed with approximately 90 tickets sold, earning 32k, while Cinepolis contributed roughly 100 tickets with a gross of 23k. Over the course of its 25-day run, Cocktail 2 has occupied a total of 106,418 shows. While surviving in the market for nearly a month is usually a feat for a romantic drama, the numbers simply have not added up to offset the high production costs. With a current worldwide gross of 147.07 crore, the film is on the verge of hitting the 150 crore milestone, yet this achievement offers little consolation given that it barely matches the initial investment. This seals its fate as a commercial failure as the movie rapidly nears the end of its theatrical journey.

BY SUNIT JANGIR

Mumbai, July 14 - Hollywood superstar Tom Cruise is stepping away from action spectacles for one of the most unconventional roles of his career. Warner Bros. has officially unveiled the first full trailer for Digger, the highly anticipated satirical black comedy directed by Oscar-winning filmmaker Alejandro G. Iñárritu, while also confirming that the film will hit theatres worldwide on October 2, 2026, including IMAX screens. The trailer introduces Cruise as Digger Rockwell, an eccentric and immensely powerful oil magnate whose company triggers a catastrophic ecological crisis. Sporting heavy prosthetics, a potbelly, thinning grey hair, and a thick Southern accent, Cruise is almost unrecognisable in what is being described as his boldest transformation since Tropic Thunder. The film follows Rockwell's desperate race to convince the world that he can still save humanity before the disaster he unleashed spirals out of control. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}) Directed and co-written by Alejandro G. Iñárritu, Digger boasts an impressive ensemble featuring Jesse Plemons, Sandra Hüller, Riz Ahmed, John Goodman, Michael Stuhlbarg, Sophie Wilde, Emma D'Arcy, Robert John Burke, and Burn Gorman. The film has been shot entirely in VistaVision, with Iñárritu describing it as a "comedy of catastrophic proportions" that blends satire, drama, and spectacle. The trailer has generated widespread discussion online, with many praising Cruise's dramatic physical transformation and predicting that the performance could become a major awards contender. After spending nearly a decade headlining the Mission: Impossible and Top Gun franchises, Digger marks Cruise's first major original, non-franchise film in years, making it one of Hollywood's most anticipated releases of 2026. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}) Digg. Or Die. DIGGER. Only in theaters October 2. pic.twitter.com/jDCOyl8bXU— Tom Cruise (@TomCruise) July 13, 2026

BY CHRISTA LINCY

Lenin is a gritty rural action drama directed by Murali Kishor Abburu, who is recognized for his work on Vinaro Bhagyamu Vishnu Katha. The film features Akhil Akkineni in a rugged avatar alongside Bhagyashri Borse, marking a significant project produced by the heavyweight collaboration of Annapurna Studios and Sithara Entertainments under Nagarjuna Akkineni and Suryadevara Naga Vamsi. With a powerhouse supporting cast including Sunil, Brahmaji, Sivaji, and Easwari Rao, and an energetic musical score by Thaman S, the film has established itself as a high-stakes commercial entertainer that balances intense action with deep-rooted emotional conflicts. The film has passed its first major test on the weekdays with a steady hold on Monday. After a strong opening weekend, the film is now transitioning into the profit zone for its makers. On its fourth day, the film collected an India gross of 4.10 crore across 2,122 shows. When compared to the Sunday gross of 11.10 crore, this represents a drop of approximately 63 percent. This dip is a standard trend for regional films moving from a peak weekend into a working Monday. This takes the total India gross collection to 33.37 crore after four days. In terms of net earnings, the domestic total currently stands at 29.05 crore, with the Monday net contribution being 3.60 crore. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}) The production and promotion cost for the project was reportedly around 55 crore, and it had already secured a significant safety net by recovering nearly 50 percent of its budget through non-theatrical rights, which brought in 30 crore. With the theatrical business value pegged at 20 crore, the film needed a distributor share of 22 crore to hit the breakeven mark. According to reported data, the movie has already achieved this milestone within just three days, recording a worldwide share of 22.3 crore and a recovery rate of 101.3 percent. The regional performance remains heavily concentrated in the home markets. On Monday, the Andhra Pradesh and Telangana (APTG) region contributed a gross of 3.70 crore, which remains the primary driver for the film. Karnataka followed with a gross of 0.32 crore, while Tamil Nadu and other parts of India each added roughly 0.04 crore to the daily tally. This regional strength has been the backbone of the film's theatrical run so far. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}) International markets are also showing impressive numbers. According to data provided by Venky Box Office, Lenin had an excellent opening weekend overseas, grossing a total of 625K dollars, which is approximately 6 crore. In North America specifically, the Sunday gross was 106K dollars (roughly 1.02 crore), bringing the total in that region to 548K dollars (approximately 5.26 crore). Looking ahead, the film is trending toward a strong showing on Discount Tuesday, with early estimates suggesting a collection between 75K dollars (around 72 lakhs) and 100K dollars (approximately 96 lakhs). On Monday, the film added an overseas gross of 0.75 crore, pushing the total international gross to 8.05 crore and the worldwide cumulative gross to 41.42 crore. Theater occupancy on Monday stayed healthy at an overall average of 30.12 percent. The day started with 22.62 percent in the morning and saw a peak of 36.54 percent during the night shows. Regionally, Vizag led the charts with a massive 59.0 percent occupancy across 99 shows. Hyderabad maintained a solid 35.3 percent over 375 shows, while Bengaluru recorded 18.8 percent across 251 shows. These figures suggest that the film is finding consistent footfalls in key urban centers. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}) Digital ticket sales on BookMyShow reflect a similar momentum. In the last 24 hours alone, around 74.54K tickets were sold on the platform. This brings the total tickets sold for the film on BookMyShow to approximately 799.72K so far. The high volume of online bookings indicates that the audience interest remains strong despite the shift into the weekdays. Looking at the performance in national chains, the film recorded an advance booking of approximately 3.7K tickets for Monday, resulting in a gross of roughly 8 lakhs with an occupancy of 3.8 percent across 454 shows. Breaking this down by specific chains, PVR led with 2K tickets sold and a gross of 4.5 lakhs. INOX followed with 1.2K tickets, earning 2.3 lakhs, while Cinepolis contributed 0.6K tickets with a gross of 1.2 lakhs. These numbers are rounded to reflect the overall trend in the multiplex segment. The film is now entering a phase of pure profit for the distributors. With the breakeven target already surpassed, every crore added from here on will contribute to the movie's status as a major success. The steady Monday hold and the positive trend for Tuesday indicate that the film is likely to enjoy a long and fruitful run at the box office.

BY CHRISTA LINCY

Sigma, the highly anticipated directorial debut of Jason Sanjay S, is reportedly set for a release date shift. Originally aimed for a July 31 release, reports circulating in the industry suggest that the film is likely being postponed to a window in August. This move is primarily intended to provide the action-thriller with a clearer theatrical window, ensuring it gets the visibility it deserves in a crowded summer season. The anticipation for Thalapathy Vijay's Jana Nayagan has reached a fever pitch following the official completion of its censor formalities. The film has reportedly cleared the CBFC with a U/A certificate, a rating that suggests high-octane action sequences balanced with elements suitable for a broad audience. With the path cleared, the production house has moved into its final distribution phase, and industry reports confirm that official communication has been sent to overseas distributors to prepare for a massive global release on July 24. This specific window is expected to witness one of the widest openings for a Tamil film this year, further cementing Vijay's status as a dominant box office force. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}) This official locking of the release date has triggered an immediate and significant domino effect across the Tamil film industry. To avoid a direct confrontation with the Jana Nayagan wave and the subsequent theatrical screen crash, several mid-budget and high-profile projects are reportedly backing out of their announced slots. GV Prakash's Immortal, which was originally eyeing a July 23 release, has now been postponed to a new date. Similarly, the pressure has pushed other major projects like Lokesh's DC and Sundeep Kishan's Sigma to reconsider their July 31 plans, with both films now expected to shift their arrivals into August. Adding to this list is Mysskin's Sathyavan Savithiri, featuring Keerthy Suresh in the lead was initialy planned for a July 24 release is also reported to be looking for a safer window. This tactical retreat by multiple production houses underscores the massive theatrical dominance predicted for the Vijay-starrer, as distributors prioritize screen allocation for what is expected to be a record-breaking opening week. The primary reason behind this strategic delay is the massive box office pressure expected from Jana Nayagan. To avoid a significant screen clash and potential cannibalization of ticket sales, the makers have decided to move Sigma to a later date. Shifting the release allows the film to secure a better number of screens across Tamil Nadu and other key markets. For a debutant director, having a standalone window is a logical move to maximize the impact of the film without competing for space against a major superstar release. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}) Sigma is being described as a high-octane, fast-paced action-adventure heist comedy. The narrative follows a charismatic and rogue maverick protagonist, played by Sundeep Kishan, who leads a team of quirky allies through deep betrayals and elaborate traps. The story is set across diverse locations in Tamil Nadu and Thailand, centering on a grand clandestine treasure hunt. Sundeep Kishan headlines the project as a fearless lone wolf, with Faria Abdullah playing the central female lead alongside him. The film boasts a strong supporting ensemble including Raju Sundaram, Sampath Raj, Shiv Panditt, Anbu Thasan, Yog Japee, and Sheela Rajkumar. Directed by Jason Sanjay S, who marks his official feature debut after completing filmmaking studies abroad, the project is produced by Allirajah Subaskaran under the premium banner of Lyca Productions. The musical landscape of the film is handled by Thaman S, who has reportedly composed an energetic background score and promotional tracks to match the film's heist-themed adrenaline. Fans are now looking forward to an official confirmation of the new August release date.

BY CHRISTA LINCY

Reports circulating online suggest that a grand audio launch for Jailer 2 might be headed to Malaysia. News of preliminary discussions between Superstar Rajinikanth and Dato' Abdul Malik, the head of Malik Streams, has sparked widespread speculation that the team is planning a massive international event. If this move is finalized, it would mirror the highly successful promotional strategy used for the 2010 blockbuster Endhiran, which also held its audio launch in Malaysia. By choosing an overseas venue, production house Sun Pictures appears to be focusing on the film’s global distribution potential, aiming to further expand the massive international footprint established by the first installment. The move follows a prestigious tradition of high-profile Tamil film events in the region. Historically, Superstar Rajinikanth himself initiated this trend with the landmark audio launch of Endhiran in 2010 at the PICC Putrajaya. This was more recently followed by the massive event for Thalapathy Vijay’s Jana Nayagan in 2025, which drew significant crowds to the Stadium Bukit Jalil. If Jailer 2 proceeds with its current plans, it would become the latest major production to utilize Malaysia's grand venues to kickstart its global promotional campaign. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}) The makers have already locked in a strategic release window to capitalize on a major holiday period. Jailer 2 is officially scheduled to hit theaters worldwide on October 15, 2026. This date aligns perfectly with the Dussehra and Ayudha Pooja festivities, a move designed to drive heavy footfalls during one of the most lucrative box office seasons in India. By securing this slot well in advance, Sun Pictures is positioning the film to dominate the screens, much like the original film did during its record-breaking run. One of the most exciting aspects of the sequel is the expansion of its cast into a true pan-Indian ensemble. Rajinikanth returns as the retired lawman Tiger Muthuvel Pandian, but he is far from alone in this high-stakes narrative. Industry reports confirm that Mohanlal and Shivarajkumar will reprise their popular roles as Mathew and Narasimha, respectively. Adding further gravitas to the lineup are veterans Jackie Shroff and Mithun Chakraborty, who are expected to anchor pivotal supporting threads. The sequel also introduces fresh faces to the franchise, with Vidya Balan, Vijay Sethupathi, and S.J. Suryah officially joining the main roster. In what is being described as a major highlight, Bollywood superstar Hrithik Roshan is reportedly locked in for a high-octane cameo appearance, further cementing the film's pan-Indian appeal. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}) The core creative team remains unchanged. Nelson Dilipkumar returns as both writer and director, with a plan to lean deeper into his signature style that blends dark comedy with stylized, high-stakes action. Similarly, the musical landscape of the sequel is in familiar hands, with Anirudh Ravichander set to compose the entire soundtrack and background score. Fans can also expect to see returning favorites like Ramya Krishnan as Viji Pandian, along with Yogi Babu and Sunil, ensuring that the personal and comedic elements of the first film transition smoothly into this new chapter. The decision to potentially move the audio launch to Malaysia suggests a calculated effort to treat Jailer 2 as a global cinematic event. By combining a star-studded cast from multiple film industries with an international marketing campaign, the producers are aiming for a performance that transcends regional boundaries. As the project moves through its various production stages, the focus will remain on how Nelson balances this massive ensemble while staying true to the grounded, gritty roots of Muthuvel Pandian’s journey.

BY CHRISTA LINCY

The cult phenomenon Tumbbad is finally moving forward with its much-anticipated sequel, Tumbbad 2. Fans have waited years for official confirmation, and the makers have now locked the theatrical release for December 3, 2027. After a long pre-production phase that took over seven years to perfect the script, the cameras officially started rolling on April 7, 2026. The sequel aims to expand the dark, greed-driven mythology that made the 2018 original a landmark in Indian folk-horror, promising to dive deeper into the ancient curses that haunt the village of Tumbbad. In a significant casting move that has surprised the industry, Alia Bhatt has officially joined the crew. She has reportedly committed to a 20-day filming schedule for a character that is being described as the catalyst for a massive twist at the conclusion of the film. Most interestingly, her role is intended to act as a bridge that leads directly into Tumbbad 3, ensuring her presence in the franchise's future. For Alia, this choice comes at a strategic time in her career. Her recent ventures, the action-thriller Jigra and the YRF Spy Universe project Alpha, both underperformed at the box office. Jigra struggled to recover its investment, while Alpha faced a lukewarm reception compared to other films in that franchise. By stepping into a high-concept, critically acclaimed world like Tumbbad, Alia is balancing her experimental side with major commercial projects like Sanjay Leela Bhansali's Love & War, which is scheduled for release shortly after on January 21, 2027. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}) Joining the cast alongside Alia is veteran actor Nawazuddin Siddiqui, who has been signed to play a morally complex and central character. His inclusion adds a new layer of intensity to the film, especially when paired with Sohum Shah, who reprises his role as the anchor of the franchise. Sohum Shah has been the driving force behind the Tumbbad legacy, and his return ensures that the sequel remains deeply rooted in the original lore. The dynamic between Nawazuddin and Sohum is expected to be a major highlight, as both actors are known for their ability to portray gritty, grounded characters in atmospheric settings. The scale of Tumbbad 2 is a significant departure from the first installment. While the original was an underdog story, its recent theatrical re-release in 2024 earned an impressive 40 crore, proving there is a massive audience for this genre. This success has allowed the producers to skyrocket the budget for the sequel, which is now estimated to be between 100 crore and 150 crore. On the creative front, Adesh Prasad has taken over the director’s chair following the departure of Rahi Anil Barve. Prasad, who was the co-director and writer of the first film, is focusing on organic realism. To recreate the signature gloom of the franchise, the crew is purposefully filming during the natural Maharashtra monsoons to ensure authentic rain sequences rather than relying on artificial setups. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}) With the tagline #PralayAayega, the makers are signaling a much larger threat than what was seen in the first film. The combination of a significantly higher budget, a star-studded cast, and a commitment to the franchise's unique aesthetic suggests that Tumbbad 2 is being positioned as a mainstream blockbuster rather than just a cult favorite.

BY SUNIT JANGIR

Bengaluru, July 14 - Kannada superstar Yash's Toxic: A Fairy Tale for Grown-Ups has climbed to the No. 1 spot on IMDb's list of the Most Anticipated Indian Movies and Shows, underlining the enormous excitement surrounding the pan-Indian action thriller ahead of its theatrical release on August 26. The Geetu Mohandas directorial has consistently been one of the most talked-about Indian films of the year, with audience interest showing no signs of slowing. The latest IMDb ranking comes at a time when Toxic continues to dominate conversations across social media. While the film's teaser and promotional material have received widespread praise for their stylish presentation, scale, and Yash's screen presence, the ongoing debate over its portrayal of female characters has further fueled public discussion. The contrasting opinions have only amplified the film's visibility, keeping it at the centre of online conversations and sustaining its momentum ahead of release. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}) IMDb's "Most Anticipated" chart is driven by user engagement and popularity on the platform, making the No. 1 position a reflection of the immense curiosity surrounding the project. The film is occupying over 50% of IMDb's page views share, which is a massive number. With fans eagerly awaiting fresh promotional content and more updates, Toxic has established itself as one of the biggest upcoming releases not only in India but also in several international markets. Produced by KVN Production and Monster Mind Creations on a grand scale, Toxic marks Yash's first film since the blockbuster success of the KGF franchise. Expectations are exceptionally high, with trade circles anticipating one of the biggest openings of the year. Whether the ongoing discussions surrounding the film ultimately translate into stronger box office numbers remains to be seen, but for now, the combination of star power, mystery, and controversy is ensuring that Toxic remains the hottest topic in Indian cinema.

BY CHRISTA LINCY

Rao Bahadur, the latest psychological drama from director Venkatesh Maha, has been making headlines for its bold storytelling and a significant endorsement from one of the industry's most influential voices. Despite being produced on a substantial budget of 40 crore, the film has carved out a niche for itself at the box office, particularly through its strong digital ticket sales and critical acclaim. As of its 11th day of release, the movie has achieved a worldwide gross collection of 11.17 crore, which includes a steady 4.50 crore from overseas markets. One of the biggest talking points for this film is the high praise it received from director Sandeep Reddy Vanga. In a heartfelt review, Vanga described it as one of those rare, rich films that reminds audiences why they fell in love with cinema. He made a specific request to film lovers to give three hours of their lives to this project, noting that it deserves attention and applause. He particularly highlighted the sensational performance of Satyadev Kancharana and credited Venkatesh Maha for crafting the film with absolute conviction and no shortcuts. Such an endorsement is significant for a film that explores complex themes like royal obsession and terminal illness. Looking at the domestic performance, Rao Bahadur has collected a net total of 6.04 crore in India after running across 7,317 shows. The film saw a decent start with a 3.61 crore worldwide gross on its opening day, which grew to 8.1 crore by the end of the first weekend. Its first week concluded with a net collection of 5.45 crore. The regional breakdown shows that the Andhra Pradesh and Telangana markets have been the primary drivers, contributing 5.49 crore to the gross. Karnataka followed with 0.54 crore, while Tamil Nadu and the rest of India each contributed around 0.12 crore. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}) The digital engagement for this film has been remarkably high. On BookMyShow, the movie has officially crossed the milestone of selling over 160K tickets. During its peak opening week, the film experienced high tracking velocity, at one point selling 1,600 tickets per hour and recording over 12,400 bookings within a single 24-hour window. In national chains, the film sold approximately 18.3K tickets over its 11-day run. It is worth noting that BookMyShow user reviews and ratings for this title are currently disabled following a court order, making the raw ticket sales a more direct indicator of audience interest. The film's plot is a layered narrative centered on Ramappa Rao Bahadur, an aging aristocrat battling cancer and a toxic obsession regarding his lineage. Directed, written, and edited by Venkatesh Maha, the 2-hour 49-minute film uses magical realism and societal critique to tell its story. While the gap between its 40 crore budget and current 11.17 crore worldwide gross is wide, the project has gained prestige through its artistic merit and the dedicated performances of the core cast, including Anand Bharathi and Deepa Thomas. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}) Just watched RAO BAHADUR 👏This is one of those rare, rich films that reminds you why we fell in love with cinema in the first place 🙏I have one request to every genuine film lover... give this film three hours of your life. It deserves your attention, your patience, and your…— Sandeep Reddy Vanga (@imvangasandeep) July 13, 2026

BY SUNIT JANGIR

Hyderabad, July 14 - Director Nag Ashwin has broken his silence on the renewed debate surrounding Prabhas' portrayal of Karna in Kalki 2898 AD. The filmmaker responded after social media discussions reignited over the film's interpretation of the iconic Mahabharata character, with some users questioning the creative liberties taken in the sci-fi epic. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}) The controversy gained momentum after a viral post criticised the film's depiction of Karna and claimed it strayed from the traditional narrative of the Mahabharata. As the discussion spread online, fans remained divided, with one section defending Nag Ashwin's unique vision while others argued that the characterisation conflicted with the original epic. Reacting to the criticism, Nag Ashwin made it clear that audiences should not judge the story based on the first instalment alone. The filmmaker said he knows exactly where the narrative is headed and urged viewers to wait for Kalki 2898 AD: Part 2 before forming conclusions. He also pointed out that there are multiple interpretations and translations of the Mahabharata, suggesting that his storytelling draws from a broader understanding of the epic rather than a single version. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}) these are Sree Krishnas own words to arjuna in the drona vadha parva... pls read the Mahabharata...I suggest the bibek debroy version... Or google how many times krishna praised karna to arjuna. I have the greatest respect for our history. I know what I'm doing. Wait for part 2. pic.twitter.com/iU2CSq1uNM— Nag Ashwin (@nagashwin7) July 12, 2026 Released in 2024, Kalki 2898 AD ended with the revelation that Prabhas' Bhairava is connected to the legendary warrior Karna, setting the stage for the sequel. The twist became one of the film's biggest talking points and continues to fuel discussions among fans. With Kalki Part 2 currently in development, Nag Ashwin has assured audiences that the complete context behind Karna's role will unfold in the next chapter, making it clear that the story is far from over.

BY CHRISTA LINCY

The Dhamaal franchise has always been a reliable performer at the box office, and the fourth installment continues this trend with a star-studded ensemble led by Ajay Devgn. While analyzing the current run, it is interesting to look back at Total Dhamaal, which remains the highest-grossing entry in the series. On its first Monday, Dhamaal 4 collected a net of 8.75 crore, which is slightly lower than the 9.85 crore managed by its predecessor on its own fourth day. However, the overall picture looks more promising for the new release when we look at the cumulative totals. In terms of the total four-day India net collection, Dhamaal 4 currently stands at 73.75 crore, successfully surpassing the 72.25 crore that Total Dhamaal had collected by the same stage. This edge is primarily due to a significant surge in ticket sales over the opening weekend. While the film did not break the Monday record of the previous film, the current numbers represent a healthy stabilization for the project after such a high-energy start. This steady performance ensures the franchise remains a strong contender in the comedy genre, maintaining its momentum as it moves into the weekdays. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}) Also Dhamaal 4 has reached its first major global milestone by crossing the 100 crore mark in worldwide gross collections. After a solid opening weekend, the film entered its first crucial weekday testing ground on Monday. As is typical for big-ticket releases, the movie saw a significant dip in numbers following the Sunday rush, but the overall tally remains healthy for the franchise. On its fourth day, the film collected a net amount of 8.75 crore in India. This figure represents a 69.3 percent drop compared to the Sunday collection of 28.50 crore. While the drop might look steep on paper, it is a common trend for sequels in the comedy genre. This brings the total India net collection to 73.75 crore after four days. In terms of gross revenue, the domestic market has contributed 88.33 crore across 10,598 shows on Monday, taking the cumulative India gross to that same figure. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}) The international market is also contributing steady support to the total tally. According to early estimates, the film added 1.50 crore from overseas territories on Monday, bringing the total overseas gross to an estimated 14.50 crore. When we combine these international figures with the domestic numbers, the worldwide gross collection stands at an estimated 102.83 crore. Reaching this 100 crore milestone within just four days is a positive sign for the star cast led by Ajay Devgn. According to data from Venky Box Office, the film has specifically made its mark in North America, where the Sunday gross was 175K dollars, which is roughly 1.47 crore. This brings the total collection in that region to 508K dollars, or approximately 4.27 crore. On the digital front, BookMyShow recorded around 124K ticket sales for Monday alone, bringing the total tickets sold on the platform to approximately 13.77 lakhs so far. Despite these solid numbers, the film narrowly missed a spot in the top 10 list for first Monday ticket sales in the 2025-26 period. It currently occupies the 12th spot, finishing just behind other recent releases like Bhooth Bangla and Sitaare Zameen Par. While the volume of sales remains healthy, the competitive landscape of this year has pushed the benchmark for Monday performance significantly higher than previous seasons. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}) Looking at the daily advance booking numbers for national chains on Monday, the film sold approximately 17.3K tickets, resulting in a gross of 44.8 lakhs. Breaking this down by specific chains, PVR recorded around 7.4K tickets sold with a gross of 21.3 lakhs and an occupancy of 2.2 percent. INOX followed with a solid 8K tickets sold, earning 18.8 lakhs at an occupancy of 2.6 percent. Meanwhile, Cinepolis contributed roughly 1.9K tickets and a gross of 4.7 lakhs with an occupancy rate of 1.2 percent. In terms of theater occupancy across the country, the film maintained an overall average of 17.79 percent on Monday. The day started slow with a morning occupancy of 7.62 percent but saw a steady climb as the day progressed. The afternoon shows recorded 16.62 percent, evening shows rose to 19.54 percent, and the night shows peaked at 25.15 percent. Among the major regions, Mumbai led the way with 19.3 percent occupancy across 807 shows, while the National Capital Region followed with 18.5 percent over 1,084 shows. Other cities like Pune and Ahmedabad stayed in the 16 percent range, while Surat saw a lower turnout at 11.3 percent. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}) Comparing this performance to Ajay Devgn's previous post-covid releases, Dhamaal 4 holds a respectable position. It currently ranks as his third-highest first Monday collection in this period, trailing only Singham Again and Drishyam 2. Below is a detailed look at how his top five movies have performed on their first Mondays. Top 5 Post-Covid First Monday Collections - Ajay DevgnMOVIE NAMEINDIA NET COLLECTION (1st Monday)Singham Again₹ 18.00 CrDrishyam 2₹ 11.87 CrDhamaal 4₹ 8.75 CrRaid 2₹ 7.50 CrShaitaan₹ 7.25 Cr The film has shown consistency across its 43,702 cumulative shows so far. While the Monday drop was anticipated, the 100 crore worldwide achievement provides a strong foundation for the coming week. The focus now shifts to how well the movie can sustain its momentum during the remaining weekdays to ensure a solid first-week finish.

BY CHRISTA LINCY

OTT Releases This Week (July 13 to July 19, 2026) OTT Releases This Week (July 13 to July 19, 2026) are headlined by some of the most anticipated titles of the year, ranging from record-breaking regional blockbusters to the return of gritty fan-favorite series. If you have been waiting to catch Samantha Ruth Prabhu's historic 100-crore hit Maa Inti Bangaaram, your wait is almost over as it prepares for its grand digital premiere on JioHotstar. From the digital arrival of Will Ferrell’s latest sports comedy The Hawk on Netflix to the intense gang wars of Raktanchal Season 3 on Prime Video and MX Player, the choices are vast. Whether you are looking to binge-watch the final chapter of a beloved YA series like Heartstopper Forever or want to dive into the classic atmosphere of Wuthering Heights, there is no shortage of fresh content. Here's a complete breakdown of all the movies and shows releasing on OTT between July 13 and July 19, 2026. July 17, 2026 Snapshot Cast & Crew Videos Maa Inti Bangaaram Family Drama JioHotstar Language:Telugu Running Time:2h 34m IMDB Rating:8.5/10 View Box Office Collection → Maa Inti Bangaaram follows Swarna (Samantha Ruth Prabhu), a former assassin seeking a peaceful life who marries Dr. Anirudh against his family's wishes. When she visits his conservative village for a wedding, she must balance winning over her skeptical in-laws while secretly protecting the family from violent enemies from her past. Maa Inti Bangaaram Cast and Crew Samantha Ruth PrabhuActor Gulshan DevaiahActor Diganth ManchaleActor GautamiActor B. V. Nandini ReddyDirector Maa Inti Bangaaram Trailer July 17, 2026 Snapshot Cast & Crew Videos Heartstopper Forever Romantic Drama Netflix Language:English Running Time:NA IMDB Rating:NA Direct OTT Release Heartstopper Forever (2026) picks up after the third season as inseparable boyfriends Nick and Charlie face their biggest hurdle yet. With Nick preparing to move away for university and Charlie discovering a new sense of independence at school, the looming reality of a long-distance relationship begins to take a heavy toll. As doubts creep in about whether first loves can truly withstand adulthood, their tight-knit circle of friends simultaneously navigates the bittersweet trials of growing up and moving on Heartstopper Forever Cast & Crew Kit ConnorActor Joe LockeActor Yasmin FinneyActor William GaoActor Wash WestmorelandDirector Heartstopper Forever Trailer (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({})   July 13, 2026 Snapshot Cast & Crew Videos Wuthering Heights Courtroom Drama JioHotstar Language:English Running Time:2h 16m IMDB Rating:6.1/10 View Box Office Collection → A passionate and tumultuous love story set against the backdrop of the Yorkshire moors, exploring the intense and destructive relationship between Heathcliff and Catherine Earnshaw Wuthering Heights Cast & Crew Margot RobbieActor Jacob ElordiActor Hong ChauActor Shazad LatifActor Emerald FennellDirector Wuthering Heights Trailer July 16, 2026 Snapshot Cast & Crew Videos Ready or Not 2: Here I Come Action, Thriller JioHotstar Language:English Running Time:1h 48m IMDB Rating:6.5/10 View Box Office Collection → Grace MacCaullay battles old wounds with her estranged sister Faith MacCaullay while rival occult dynasties hunt them through a deadly contest that promises power, survival, and betrayal before dawn. Ready or Not 2: Here I Come Cast & Crew Samara WeavingActor Kathryn NewtonActor Sarah Michelle GellarActor Matt Bettinelli-OlpinDirector Tyler GillettDirector Ready or Not 2: Here I Come Trailer (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({})   July 17, 2026 Snapshot Cast & Crew Videos 23 000 Lives Social Issue Thriller Netlfix Language:English Running Time:1h 52m IMDB Rating:NA Direct OTT Release Driven by passion, a group of inexperienced young Berliners crowdfunded an old ship to rescue refugees in the Mediterranean, turning their humanitarian mission into a test of their beliefs about law and justice 23 000 Lives Cast & Crew Louis HofmannActor Mala EmdeActor Katharina StarkActor Frederick LauActor Markus GollerDirector 23 000 Lives Trailer July 16, 2026 Snapshot Cast & Crew Videos Raktanchal: Season 3 Political, Thriller Amazon MX Player Series:Raktanchal: Season 3 Language:Hindi No Of Episodes:9 Raktanchal Season 3 shifts the brutal gang war from Purvanchal to the political corridors of Lucknow in the early 2000s, where criminal empires collide with state power. As the high-stakes state assembly elections loom, Vijay Singh (Kranti Prakash Jha) attempts to clean up his path by running for public office, aiming to dismantle the mafia system from within. However, his lethal arch-nemesis Waseem Khan (Nikitin Dheer) forms dangerous new political alliances to eliminate Vijay once and for all, triggering a bloody wave of betrayals, backstabbing, and open warfare for ultimate control of Uttar Pradesh. Raktanchal Season 3 Cast and Crew Kranti Prakash JhaActor Nikitin DheerActor Karan PatelActor Mahie GillActor Ritam SrivastavDirector Raktanchal Season 3 Trailer (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({})   July 16, 2026 Snapshot Cast & Crew Videos The Hawk Sports Comedy Netflix Series:The Hawk Language:English No Of Episodes:10 The story follows Lonnie The Hawk Hawkins, a formerly celebrated golf prodigy whose career was derailed by his own over-the-top antics, hot temper, and poor life choices. Now washed up and desperate for a final shot at redemption, Lonnie forces his dysfunctional family to pack up and travel with him across the country so he can attempt a chaotic professional comeback. As he hilariously tries to complete golf's legendary Grand Slam, Lonnie is forced to balance his massive ego on the green with his actual responsibilities as a father and husband off it. The Hawk Cast and Crew WillFerrellActor Willem DafoeActor Jane LynchActor Kaitlyn DeverDirector Jake SzymanskiDirector The Hawk Trailer July 18, 2026 Snapshot Cast & Crew Videos Spooky in Love Rom Com AppleTV+ Series:Spooky in Love Language:Korean No Of Episodes:10 Cheon Yeo-ri is a seemingly flawless hotel CEO and chaebol heiress who secretly suffers from a terrifying curse: she is haunted by the restless spirits of people who died unjustly. Her life takes a chaotic turn when she crosses paths with Ma Gang-wook, a brilliant, righteous ace prosecutor who is utterly terrified of ghosts. After a bizarre accidental encounter reveals that they can unlock unique abilities to solve mysteries whenever they touch, the mismatched pair reluctantly forms an investigative partnership, tackling unsolved murders while unexpectedly falling in love. Spooky in Love Cast and Crew Park Eun-binActor Yang Se jongActor Ong Seong-wu Actor Lee Min-soo Director Spooky in Love Trailer (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({})   July 15, 2026 Snapshot Cast & Crew Videos Ride or Die Action Comedy AmazonPrime Series:Ride or Die Language:English No Of Episodes:8 The series follows Debbie Claybourne and Judith Burton, two lifelong best friends who think they share absolutely everything. That reality is shattered when Debbie accidentally discovers that Judith has a secret parallel life as a deadly, high-profile international assassin. After a high-stakes hit goes completely sideways and a dangerous figure from Judith's past reemerges, their normal lives are upended. The duo is forced to quickly pack their bags and go on a chaotic, continent-crossing run together, trying to dodge heavily armed law enforcement, rival contract killers, and lethal criminal syndicates all across Europe Ride or Die Cast and Crew Emmanuel RestrepoActor Hannah WaddinghamActor Bill NighyActor Ed SkreinActor Tessa CoatesDirector Ride or Die Trailer July 17, 2026 Snapshot Cast & Crew Videos The East Palace Historical drama ZEE5 Series:The East Palace Language:Korean, English No Of Episodes:8 The dark fantasy period drama follows Gu-cheon, an arrogant ghost-slaying swordsman who can traverse the living world and the spirit realm, and Saeng-gang, a palace court lady cursed with the ability to hear the dead. When a terrifying, 30-year-old supernatural curse begins plaguing the Crown Prince's palace, the King secretly hires the mismatched pair to clear out the vengeful spirits. Together, they must navigate a hidden web of royal power plays, dangerous secrets, and an unimaginable world of darkness to save the throne The East Palace Cast and Crew Nam Joo-hyukActor Roh Yoon-seoActor Cho Seung-wooActor Choi Jung-kyuDirector The East Palace Trailer (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({})   Frequently Asked Questions: OTT Releases (July 13 – July 19, 2026) OTT Releases This Week (July 13 to July 19, 2026) deliver a high-octane lineup that ranges from the digital premiere of Samantha Ruth Prabhu’s historic 100-crore hit to the much-awaited return of gritty Indian crime thrillers and international comedy legends. As the digital landscape continues to evolve, major players like JioHotstar, Netflix, and Prime Video are dropping some of their biggest titles of the season. Whether you are looking for a post-apocalyptic survival story, a lighthearted sports comedy, or a haunting horror sequel, this week is packed with fresh content for every type of viewer. When and where can I stream the record-breaking blockbuster Maa Inti Bangaaram? The year’s biggest sleeper hit, Maa Inti Bangaaram, is set to make its digital debut on JioHotstar on July 17, 2026. Starring Samantha Ruth Prabhu as a domestic daughter-in-law with a lethal secret past, the film has officially become the highest-grossing solo female-led Telugu movie of all time. After a historic run in theaters, fans can now catch this action-comedy in its original Telugu version as well as dubbed versions. What is the release date for the new Will Ferrell series The Hawk on Netflix? Comedy fans have a major reason to celebrate this Thursday. The new series The Hawk, starring Will Ferrell as a legendary golfer attempting a late-career comeback, arrives on Netflix on July 16, 2026. The series is directed by Jake Szymanski, known for his work on Jury Duty and Mike and Dave Need Wedding Dates. It is expected to be one of the most-watched international titles this week. Is the gritty crime thriller Raktanchal returning for Season 3 this week? Yes, the wait for Raktanchal: Season 3 is finally over. The intense action-drama is scheduled to premiere on Prime Video and MX Player on July 16, 2026. Known for its raw depiction of gang wars and political power plays in Uttar Pradesh, the new season is expected to take the stakes even higher for its lead characters. Which international horror sequel is arriving on JioHotstar? Fans of the cult favorite horror-comedy are in for a treat as Ready Or Not 2: Here I Come lands on JioHotstar on July 16, 2026. Following the successful first film, this sequel promises more high-stakes hide-and-seek and dark humor, making it a primary draw for thriller enthusiasts this weekend. What are the major Netflix originals dropping on Friday, July 17? Netflix is dominating the Friday schedule with a triple threat of diverse content. On July 17, 2026, the platform will release Heartstopper Forever, marking the highly anticipated return of the beloved YA series. Joining it are the projects 23,000 Lives and The East Palace. For those looking for something slightly different later in the weekend, Spooky in Love will also be available starting July 18. What titles are available for early-week viewing on JioHotstar? If you are looking to start your week with fresh content, JioHotstar has released two significant titles today, July 13, 2026. Subscribers can now stream the romantic drama Second Love and the new adaptation of the classic Wuthering Heights. Both films offer a more emotional and dramatic pace compared to the high-octane releases scheduled for later in the week. Are there any mid-week releases on Amazon Prime Video? Amazon Prime Video viewers can look forward to the arrival of Ride or Die on July 15, 2026. 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