BY SUNIT JANGIR

Hyderabad, January 19 - It has been a tough week for Pan India superstar Prabhas-fronted The Raja Saab. The romantic horror comedy was expected to ignite the box office during the Sankranthi festive period, and it gave positive signs early on, but what followed was very disappointing. Directed by Maruthi, The Raja Saab took the opening of 100 crores worldwide, and at that time, it looked like it would be dominating the box office until poor audience reception came to bite it. After the big opening, the collection dropped drastically as the week progressed. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}) There was a little hope that The Raja Saab might get something during the holidays, which didn't happen. While the film has managed to crawl past 200 crores worldwide in 10 days, the overall performance has been poor, with no signs of rebound. With the holiday period over, it will be really tough for Raja Saab to retain screens, especially given that other Sankranthi releases are performing very well in Telugu states. In 10 days so far, the film has grossed approximately 166.50 crores in India and 33.50 crores at the overseas box office. Considaring its daily trend, it would have been almost impossible for the film to even reach 200 crores gross had there been no holiday advantage. Because of the Sankranthi holidays, it has managed to cross Radhe Shyam and will end up as the second-lowest-grossing film for Prabhas since he scored a breakout Pan India success with Baahubali (2015). Stay tuned...

BY SUNIT JANGIR

Chennai, January 19 - Ajith Kumar's cult-classic action thriller Mankatha is gearing up for a grand return to theatres, reigniting excitement among fans and trade alike. Even years after its original release, the film continues to command immense popularity, with its re-release creating strong buzz in Tamil Nadu. The anticipation reflects the film’s lasting impact and Ajith's unmatched fan following, and the early advance bookings trends confirm the same. Scheduled to release on January 23, the pre-sales of the movie have started, with tickets getting sold within minutes. On BookMyShow, the film is selling 4K tickets per hour, which shows the craze for it among the fans. Originally released in 2011 and directed by Venkat Prabhu, Mankatha marked a defining moment in Ajith Kumar's career. His bold portrayal of the ruthless Vinayak Mahadev broke away from traditional heroic norms and struck a chord with audiences. Backed by Yuvan Shankar Raja's electrifying background score and a stylish, fast-paced narrative, the film emerged as a massive blockbuster and later achieved cult status. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}) The announcement of the re-release has triggered widespread celebration on social media, with fans revisiting iconic dialogues, scenes, and moments from the film. For many, Mankatha is not just a movie but an emotion, while for younger audiences, it presents a chance to experience the high-voltage heist drama on the big screen for the first time. With the trend of successful re-releases gaining momentum, Mankatha is expected to start strongly, and possibly on a record note, given the initial response in pre-sales. Its gripping screenplay, unexpected twists, and Ajith Kumar's commanding screen presence continue to feel fresh even today, positioning the film to once again set the box office on fire. Stay tuned...

BY CHRISTA LINCY

Clearing the air after weeks of intense speculation, director Anees Bazmee has officially declared the project open, confirming that he is indeed reuniting with superstar Akshay Kumar for a high-profile entertainer. While the film has been widely reported as a remake of the Telugu blockbuster Sankranthiki Vasthunam, Bazmee clarified that the team has focused on a re-imagined narrative tailored for the national audience. Speaking on the project's progress, the filmmaker expressed confidence, stating, All I can say is that hamari film acchi hai.Mehnat poori ki hai humne Anees Bazmee further provided the first official look at the film's powerhouse ensemble, confirming a mix of seasoned veterans and popular fresh talent. The director stated, The film stars Akshay ji, Vidya ji, Raashii Khanna, Vijay Raaz, Zakir Hussain, Sayaji Shinde and others. This announcement has sent waves of excitement through the industry, primarily because it marks the return of the legendary Akshay Kumar and Vidya Balan pairing. The duo shares a prolific history at the box office, having previously delivered several major hits.After appearing together in Bhool Bhulaiyaa and Heyy Babyy in 2007, they reunited for Thank You in 2011 and most recently for the 2019 blockbuster Mission Mangal.Notably, Anees Bazmee himself previously directed the pair in the 2011 comedy Thank You, making this project a significant full-circle moment for the trio.Produced by Dil Raju under Sri Venkateswara Creations, the film is expected to begin its primary filming schedule immediately. The original Telugu film, which featured Venkatesh Daggubati and was directed by Anil Ravipudi, emerged as a massive success during the 2025 Sankranthi season. Known for its blend of high-stakes action and signature Ravipudi comedy, the film is considered a perfect fit for Akshay Kumar's versatile screen presence. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({})   Akshay Kumar has a remarkably prolific slate lined up for 2026 and 2027, focusing heavily on successful franchises and high-energy entertainers. One of the biggest highlights is the superstar returning to his iconic comedy roots with Welcome To The Jungle and the long-awaited Hera Pheri 3, both of which are expected to be major crowd-pullers. Beyond franchises, Akshay is expanding his portfolio with diverse collaborations. He is teaming up with director Priyadarshan after a long hiatus for the horror-comedy Bhoot Bangla, aiming to recreate the magic of their previous hits.By balancing these large-scale original films with proven franchise sequels and successful South Indian remakes, Akshay Kumar is positioning himself for a massive theatrical comeback. With music director Bheems Cecirolio and producer Dil Raju backing his latest venture, the upcoming years are set to be a busy and decisive period for the star's box office trajectory. The move by Akshay Kumar to return to the remake genre follows a period of experimentation with original scripts. Trade analysts suggest that a commercial entertainer like Sankranthiki Vasthunam could provide the box office pull required for the star in the current theatrical climate. With Dil Raju's production expertise and Bheems Cecirolio's mass-oriented music, the project is already being positioned as a strong contender for a 2027 holiday release. As of now, an official announcement regarding the title and the rest of the ensemble cast for the Akshay Kumar starrer is expected from the makers in the coming weeks

BY SUNIT JANGIR

Mumbai, January 19 — Director Sanjay Leela Bhansali's much-awaited magnum opus Love & War, starring Ranbir Kapoor, Alia Bhatt, and Vicky Kaushal, has reportedly been pushed to 2027, dealing a fresh blow to fans eagerly waiting for the film's theatrical release. Initially announced with a Christmas 2025 release window, Love and War has seen multiple shifts in its timeline. The film was later expected to arrive in March 2026, with industry buzz even pointing towards a possible release in August or late 2026. However, the latest reports suggest that the ambitious project will now miss 2026 entirely. According to Pinkvilla, Love and War has faced extended shooting schedules and elaborate production requirements, which have significantly pushed back timelines. Known for his grand visuals, detailed set designs, and emotionally layered storytelling, Sanjay Leela Bhansali is reportedly taking extra time to perfect key sequences. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}) Reportedly, the film's shoot will be wrapped by June this year, following which an extensive post-production phase, including editing, background score, and visual enhancements, will take several more months. Given the scale of the film, the makers are in no hurry to rush the release. With post-production expected to stretch into late 2026, Love and War is now being eyed for a theatrical release in early 2027. While no official date has been locked yet, reports suggest that the makers may opt for a holiday window such as Republic Day or Valentine's Day to maximise box-office potential. Love and War marks Sanjay Leela Bhansali's reunion with Ranbir Kapoor after Saawariya, while also bringing together Ranbir, Alia Bhatt, and Vicky Kaushal in a powerful, dramatic setting for the first time. The film is said to revolve around intense emotions, romance, and conflict, staying true to Bhansali's signature cinematic style. Stay tuned...

BY CHRISTA LINCY

The anticipation for Shah Rukh Khan's next big-screen venture has reached a fever pitch.In what is being reported as an exclusive scoop by Bollywood Hungama, the makers of the high-octane action thriller King have officially locked December 25, 2026, for its global theatrical release. This move confirms that King Khan will be reclaiming the lucrative Christmas window, a slot he has successfully dominated in the past. According to trade sources, the decision to opt for a Christmas release was highly strategic. The team was initially considering a December 4 window, but decided to skip it to avoid any proximity to Nitesh Tiwari's magnum opus, Ramayana.By locking December 25, the makers have ensured a 45-day gap between the release of Ramayana and King.This breathing space is intended to allow both tentpole films—one a divine epic and the other a modern action spectacle—the opportunity to maximize their box office potential without eating into each other's business.Director Siddharth Anand has been teasing this announcement on social media recently with cryptic posts, further fueling the Announcement on the way buzz. King is set to be a landmark film for several reasons, most notably because it marks the theatrical debut of Suhana Khan. She will be sharing the screen with her father, Shah Rukh Khan, in a full-fledged role. Reports suggest the film is inspired by the French classic Leon: The Professional, with SRK playing a sleek, deadly assassin and Suhana portraying his student. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({})   The film features a stellar lineup, headlined by Shah Rukh Khan in the lead role, reportedly portraying a deadly assassin. Adding to the excitement is the theatrical debut of Suhana Khan, who joins her father on screen as his protege. The project also marks a major face-off as Abhishek Bachchan has been cast as the main antagonist, playing the formidable villain, while Abhay Verma is set to appear in a pivotal role. Beyond the primary cast, there is significant industry buzz regarding the broader ensemble; names like Deepika Padukone (rumored for a powerful cameo), Jaideep Ahlawat, and Arshad Warsi are heavily linked to the project, promising one of the most star-studded cinematic events in recent years. While Sujoy Ghosh was initially tied to the director's chair, the reigns have now been officially handed over to Siddharth Anand, who previously collaborated with SRK for the historic blockbuster Pathaan. Sujoy Ghosh remains an integral part of the project, credited with the story and screenplay alongside Siddharth Anand, Suresh Nair, and Sagar Pandya. The film is being produced on a massive scale under the banners of Red Chillies Entertainment and Marflix Pictures, with a reported budget of ₹350 crore. Adding to the technical brilliance is musical sensation Anirudh Ravichander, who will be composing the soundtrack and background score, marking his second collaboration with SRK after the record-breaking Jawan. With principal photography nearing its final stages and post-production planned on a global scale, King is shaping up to be the most anticipated cinematic event of 2026. Fans can expect an official release date announcement from the makers within the coming week.

BY SUNIT JANGIR

Mumbai, January 18 – Sunny Deol's much-awaited war drama Border 2 has started its booking on a positive note in India. While the film's pre-sales have opened in a limited capacity, early trends show a steady and encouraging response, with hourly ticket sales picking up on BookMyShow, signalling growing audience interest ahead of release. The full-fledged advance booking will officially kick off today, on January 19, across major cinema chains and single screens. With expanded show listings and wider ticket availability, the film is expected to see a significant surge in pre-release momentum over the next few days. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}) According to reports, Border 2 will be released on over 5,000 screens across India, making it one of the widest Bollywood releases ever. Such an aggressive release strategy underlines the makers' confidence in the film's mass appeal, especially given its patriotic theme and sequel factor to the iconic 1997 blockbuster Border. With a Republic Day weekend advantage, positive early booking indicators, and a massive nationwide release plan, Border 2 is shaping up for a robust theatrical opening, with trade expecting strong walk-ins and solid occupancy levels once bookings fully open. Directed by Anurag Singh and produced by T-Series and JP Films, Border 2 also stars Varun Dhawan, Diljit Dosanjh, Ahan Shetty, Mona Singh, Sonam Bajwa, Anya Singh, and Medha Rana in pivotal roles. The film is scheduled to hit the big screens on January 23 during Republic Day weekend. Stay tuned...

BY CHRISTA LINCY

The legendary Chiranjeevi continues his dominance at the box office with his latest release, Mana ShankaraVaraPrasad Garu . Directed by Anil Ravipudi, the film has completed its first week on a record-breaking note, showing immense stability across both domestic and international markets. As of the end of its seventh day, the film has grossed ₹222.5 crore worldwide. One of the most significant highlights of MSG's theatrical run is its day-wise consistency. In an era where even big-budget films often see a sharp decline after the opening weekend, MSG has managed to collect double-digit figures (in Telugu net) for seven consecutive days. After a massive opening of ₹32.25 crore on Day 1, the film stayed remarkably steady. Even on Day 7, it managed to collect an estimated ₹17.5 crore, showcasing the strong long-run potential usually associated with Anil Ravipudi's directorial ventures. Day-wise Telugu Net Breakdown: Day 0 (Previews): ₹9.35 Cr Day 1: ₹32.25 Cr Day 2: ₹18.75 Cr Day 3: ₹19.5 Cr Day 4: ₹22 Cr Day 5: ₹19.5 Cr Day 6: ₹18.9 Cr Day 7: ₹17.5 Cr* (Estimated) Total India Net: ₹157.75 Cr When compared to other recent blockbusters from Tier-1 heroes, MSG's hold is noteworthy. Typically, films of this scale see a 50-60% drop on Day 4 (Monday). However, MSG actually saw an upward trend on its fourth day (₹22 Cr), bolstered by positive word-of-mouth and the holiday season. In comparison to Chiranjeevi's previous collaboration with high-profile directors, such as Waltair Veerayya, MSG has shown a more consistent daily average in its first week. Furthermore, the film has officially surpassed the ticket sales of the highly anticipated They Call Him OG on BookMyShow, recording over 2.8 million tickets sold in its first seven days. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({})   The film is not just a domestic success but a massive hit in the overseas market as well. With a total overseas collection of ₹35.25 crore (approx. $4.2M), MSG has become the highest-grossing film for Chiranjeevi in North America. It has officially surpassed the lifetime collections of Sye Raa Narasimha Reddy in the region and is currently on track to hit the prestigious $3 million milestone in the US alone. After completing its first seven days in theaters, Mana Shankara Vara Prasad Garu has delivered a powerhouse performance across all sectors. In the domestic market, the film has amassed a sturdy India Net collection of ₹157.75 crore, which translates to a massive India Gross of ₹187.25 crore. The film's international appeal has been equally strong, contributing an Overseas collection of ₹35.25 crore. Bringing these figures together, the film's Worldwide total stands at an impressive ₹222.5 crore, cementing its status as a certified blockbuster within its opening week. The film reached its break-even point in just 6 days, a rare feat for a big-budget star-led film. With a ₹300 crore worldwide gross now firmly on the cards, Mana Shankara Vara Prasad Garu is currently on an Industry Hit trajectory. The combination of Chiranjeevi's mass appeal and Anil Ravipudi's family-friendly narrative has proven to be a winning formula for the 2026 Sankranthi season.

BY SUNIT JANGIR

Mumbai, January 18 – The buzz around Aditya Dhar's Dhurandhar 2 continues to grow, and the latest update suggests that the teaser of the film will be attached to Sunny Deol's Border 2 in theatres. While there is no official confirmation yet, reports indicate that the makers are eyeing Border 2's massive theatrical reach to start the promotion for the spy action thriller. Border 2, directed by Anurag Singh, is one of the most anticipated Hindi releases and is expected to draw huge footfalls, especially in the North Indian belt. It is said that 1 minute and 48 seconds of teaser has been certified with A by CBFC, and it will be released with Border 2. Attaching the teaser with such a big-ticket patriotic action film would ensure maximum visibility and instant buzz, much like how major studios strategically launch teasers alongside tentpole releases. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}) Dhurandhar Part 1, starring Ranveer Singh, emerged as a box office juggernaut with a worldwide collection nearing 1300 crores gross and still going strong. Naturally, expectations from Dhurandhar 2 are sky-high, with fans eager to know how the story, which was originally envisioned as one part, ends. Produced by Jio Studios and B62 Studios, Dhurandhar also stars Sara Arjun, Arjun Rampal, R. Madhavan, Sanjay Dutt, Rakesh Bedi, and Akshaye Khanna, who will also be seen in the second part. The film is scheduled to release on March 19, 2026, in Hindi, along with Telugu and Tamil. Stay tuned...

BY SUNIT JANGIR

Mumbai, January 23 - Superstar Shah Rukh Khan's action drama King is among the most-awaited Indian films, and it continues to remain in the spotlight despite minimal updates from the makers. Siddharth Anand is directing the movie, marking his second collaboration with King Khan, following Pathaan (2023). Recently, it was reported that Shah Rukh Khan was filming the climax of King, and now, it seems the release date announcement is imminent. For the last couple of days, director Siddharth has kept fans guessing with his cryptic one-word post on X, a tactic he employed earlier regarding the film's announcement. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}) On January 17, Anand posted "And" on X, followed by "the date" on January 18, and "is" on January 20. Multiple reports have stated that the director is teasing the announcement of the release date. Now, according to the reliable update, the announcement of the release date will be made on January 24, on the evening of the third anniversary of Pathaan. According to reports, King will be released on Christmas this year; but, given the busy schedule, the makers might also look for an early 2027 release, which will be known in a couple of days. However, a late 2026 release looks more likely as the shoot of the film is nearing the end, and there is enough time to complete the post-production. Produced by Red Chillies Entertainment and Marflix, King boasts a big ensemble cast, including Deepika Padukone, Suhana Khan, Abhishek Bachchan, Arshad Warsi, Abhay Verma, Jackie Shroff, and Raghav Juyal in key roles. Stay tuned...

BY SUNIT JANGIR

Hyderabad, January 18 - Icon Star Allu Arjun's all-time blockbuster Pushpa 2: The Rule has taken a surprisingly slow start at the Japanese box office. The Sukumar-directed action drama, which released in Japan on January 16, failed to generate strong opening-day traction, despite extensive promotions and the actor's presence in Tokyo ahead of release. As per early box office tracking, Pushpa 2 recorded only 886 admissions, a modest number on its first day, significantly lower than expectations for a film of its scale. In contrast, films like RRR (8,230 admissions), Saaho (6,510), and Kalki 2898 AD (3,700) recorded 1,000+ footfalls on their opening day in Japan. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}) The opening was not enough for Pushpa 2 to enter the list of top-performing Indian films in Japan in terms of footfalls, indicating limited initial reach among local audiences. The muted response comes as a surprise, especially considering the strong promotional push and the growing curiosity for Indian cinema in Japan following the success of titles like RRR. While Pushpa 2 boasts high-octane action, mass appeal, and Allu Arjun's star power, the film appears to have struggled to convert awareness into ticket sales in its opening phase. It needs to be seen if it can find audiences in the coming days, as movies can have a long run in Japan if they connect with locals. That said, the film's performance in Japan remains a small part of its overall global box office journey. Pushpa 2: The Rule has already cemented its place as one of the biggest Indian blockbusters worldwide, delivering record-breaking numbers across several markets. It grossed over 1740 crores worldwide in its original run, placing itself as the third biggest Indian grosser ever. Stay tuned...

BY SACNILK TEAM

Kartik Aaryan and Ananya Panday's romantic comedy, Tu Meri Main Tera Main Tera Tu Meri, which arrived in theaters on Christmas Day 2025, has struggled to make a significant impact at the box office.Despite the festive release and the star power of its lead actors, the film was largely overshadowed by the continued success of the action spectacle Dhurandhar. The movie is now set for its OTT release on Netflix, starting February 19th. Directed by Sameer Vidwans, who previously collaborated with Kartik Aaryan on Satyaprem Ki Katha, the film stars Kartik Aaryan as Ray Mehra and Ananya Panday as Rumi.The supporting cast includes veteran actors Jackie Shroff as Wardhan Singh and Neena Gupta as Pinky Mehra, along with Tiku Talsania.The film is a production of Dharma Productions and Namah Pictures, with Karan Johar, Adar Poonawalla, Apoorva Mehta, and others serving as producers.The music for the film was composed by the popular duo Vishal–Shekhar. Tu Meri Main Tera Main Tera Tu Meri had a modest opening, collecting ₹9.30 crore in gross on its first day. However, the collections saw a consistent decline in the following days. The film's lifetime domestic collection stands at approximately ₹32.95 crore net.Globally, the movie grossed around ₹49.5 crore, falling significantly short of its reported ₹90 crore budget and ultimately being declared a box-office disaster. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({})   The primary reason for the film's underwhelming performance is widely attributed to the monumental success of Ranveer Singh's Dhurandhar. Released weeks prior, the action film continued to dominate the box office, limiting the screen space and audience interest for new releases.On its fifth day, Tu Meri Main Tera Main Tera Tu Meri collected a mere ₹1.75 crore, while Dhurandhar, in its fourth week, earned over six times that amount on the same day. Apart from the stiff competition, the film also received mixed-to-negative reviews from critics. While the cinematography and production values were praised, the story, screenplay, direction, and performances of the lead actors were met with criticism.The lack of strong word-of-mouth further hampered its box office prospects. In a noteworthy gesture, it has been reported that Kartik Aaryan voluntarily took a significant pay cut of ₹15 crore from his remuneration to support the producers after the film's poor performance.This move has been seen as a sign of collaboration and support during a challenging time for the film.

BY SACNILK TEAM

Director Anil Ravipudi has once again proven his mettle, cementing his status as the master of the Sankranti festive season. His latest venture, Mana Shankara Vara Prasad Garu, which teams him up with the legendary Megastar Chiranjeevi, has hit the bull's eye, emerging as a major success despite facing stiff competition from multiple releases. The film is not just winning hearts in the Telugu states but is also posting impressive numbers internationally, showcasing the powerful combination of a hit-machine director and an iconic star. This victory marks a remarkable achievement for Anil Ravipudi, who has now scripted a new record by delivering four consecutive blockbusters during the Sankranti period. His incredible streak began in 2019 with the laugh riot F2: Fun and Frustration, which became a colossal success, amassing over ₹137 crores worldwide. He followed this in 2020 with the Mahesh Babu-starrer Sarileru Neekevvaru, another massive blockbuster that collected approximately ₹221 crores globally. The streak continued in 2025 with Sankranthiki Vasthunam, which also performed exceptionally well. Now, with Mana Shankara Vara Prasad Garu in 2026, Ravipudi has made the festival his own, proving his unique ability to deliver content that resonates perfectly with the holiday audience. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({})   The success of Mana Shankara Vara Prasad Garu has been swift and substantial. Released on January 12th, the film has achieved phenomenal numbers in less than a week. Domestically, it has garnered an India Net collection of ₹121.35 crore, with an India Gross of ₹144.4 crore. The film's appeal has transcended national borders, with a remarkable overseas collection of ₹33.6 crore, bringing its total worldwide gross to an impressive ₹178 crore. The international performance has been particularly noteworthy. The film is scoring big across key markets, having already grossed over 2.4 million in NorthAmerica.It is also storming the boxoffice in other regions,crossing A$353,000 in Australia and £217,000 in the UK, with the numbers still climbing. This powerful start, both at home and abroad, indicates that Chiranjeevi's victorious run continues unabated, while Anil Ravipudi has firmly established his reign over the Sankranti box office.