BY SUNIT JANGIR

Mumbai, December 5 - Ranveer Singh's spy action thriller Dhurandhar has kicked off its box-office journey with an impressive opening day that will surely surprise the trade. The film’s advance booking was steady through the week, but it witnessed a remarkable upswing on the last day before release. Pre-sales surged significantly and closed at nearly 10 crore for the opening day alone, setting the stage for a strong start. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}) Initially, before bookings opened, the buzz suggested a mid-teens start for the film. However, the eventual booking trend pointed towards a 20 crore opening, but the final overall collection has exceeded expectations as early estimates suggest 26-28 crores net opening, which has comfortably surpassed the pre-release trend, thanks to outstanding spot bookings and word of mouth. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}) The film's walk-in audience response throughout the release day remained strong across major circuits. Positive reactions from early viewers quickly translated into stronger footfall for afternoon, evening, and night shows. This surge played a crucial role in pushing Dhurandhar well beyond its early projection, making it Ranveer Singh's most promising opener. With a powerful Day 1 and growing audience enthusiasm, Dhurandhar has now laid down a solid foundation for a strong opening weekend. If the current momentum sustains, the film is well-positioned to deliver one of the standout box-office performances of the season. Stay tuned...

BY CHRISTA LINCY

The weekend is finally here, and if you are in the mood for some edge-of-the-seat entertainment, we have got you covered! For all the thriller lovers out there who enjoy gripping mysteries and intense police procedurals, this week's lineup is absolutely perfect. From a massive theatrical release to a binge-worthy web series, here are the top 3 picks to get your weekend plans sorted. Stephan Language: Tamil, Telugu, Hindi, Malayalam, Kannada, English. Genre: Psychological Crime Thriller Platform: Netflix If you love mind-bending psychological games, this is your top pick. The film opens with a chilling premise: a man named Stephen Jebaraj walks into a police station and calmly confesses to committing nine murders. But here is the catch—he refuses any legal counsel. As a cop and a psychiatrist dig deeper into his mind to find the bodies, they realize nothing is as it seems. Starring debutant Gomathi Shankar, this film is being praised for its non-linear storytelling and silence-filled suspense that keeps you guessing until the very last frame. Kalam Kaval (Theatres) Language: Malayalam Genre: Investigative Drama The Megastar is back on the big screen! Set in the early 2000s in Kerala, A routine Kerala Police inquiry in the quiet village of Kottayikonam takes an unexpected turn when a trail of seemingly minor clues unravels into a string of disturbing cases. The investigation soon reveals some unsolved mysteries that have lingered many cases.Directed by Jithin K. Jose, reviews suggest this isn't just a cop story but a raw, grounded procedural inspired by real-life events. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}) Kuttram Purindhavan Language: Tamil,Telugu,Kannada,Hindi Genre: Crime Web Series Platform: SonyLIV This series revolves around Bhaskar (played by the brilliant Pasupathy), a retired pharmacist whose simple act of kindness spirals into a nightmare when he gets entangled in a missing child case. As the police (led by Vidaarth) close in, Bhaskar finds himself trapped in a web of lies, guilt, and moral dilemmas. Unlike fast-paced actioners, this is a slow-burn emotional thriller that focuses on human guilt. It is being hailed as one of the best Tamil writing efforts of the year on OTT. Whether you want the shock value of Stephen, the mass-class theatrical experience of Kalam Kaval, or the emotional depth of Kuttram Purindhavan, your mystery thriller cravings are covered this weekend.

BY CHRISTA LINCY

The wait is finally over for Nivin Pauly fans! The official trailer for his highly anticipated web series debut, Pharma, has just been dropped, and it promises a gripping medical thriller inspired by true events. JioHotstar has officially announced that the series will start streaming on December 19, 2025. Presenting the official trailer of #HotstarSpecials Pharma, streaming from December 19, only on JioHotstar in Malayalam, Hindi, Tamil, Telugu, Kannada, Bengali, and Marathi. @NivinOfficial @Shruti_Ram_ @NandakumarVeena @itsNarain @aalekhkapoor #Pharma #JioHotstar… pic.twitter.com/Gzf0vFikoR— JioHotstar Malayalam (@JioHotstarMal) December 5, 2025 The trailer introduces viewers to a gritty and intense narrative set against the backdrop of the pharmaceutical industry. Directed by PR Arun, the series delves into the untold secrets and dark underbelly of the medical world.Nivin Pauly plays the role of a medical representative, a common man caught in a web of corporate greed, ethics, and survival.The show is said to be based on several shocking real-life incidents, adding a layer of raw realism to the drama. While Nivin Pauly has had direct-to-OTT film releases in the past, Pharma marks his first-ever full-fledged web series.The actor looks intense in the trailer, shedding his usual romantic-hero image for a more serious, performance-oriented role. His character's struggle against a corrupt system seems to be the emotional core of the series. The series boasts a stellar ensemble cast.Along with Nivin, it features veteran Bollywood actor Rajit Kapur in a pivotal role.The show also stars Narain, Shruti Ramachandran, Veena Nandakumar, and Aalekh Kapoor.The technical side is equally strong, with cinematography by Abhinandan Ramanujam and music by Jakes Bejoy, ensuring a high-quality visual and auditory experience. To cater to a pan-India audience, Pharma is getting a massive release.It will stream in seven languages: Malayalam, Hindi, Tamil, Telugu, Kannada, Bengali, and Marathi.With the trailer setting high expectations, all eyes are now on December 19 to see if Nivin Pauly can conquer the web series space just as he has conquered the big screen.

BY CHRISTA LINCY

Ajay Devgn is ending 2025 on a high note! The superstar, known for his disciplined shooting schedules, has officially wrapped up the filming for his upcoming action-adventure, Ranger. Directed by Jagan Shakti, the film features Ajay in the role of a forest officer. The team had recently shifted their location to the forests of Palghar due to weather constraints abroad, and reports confirm that the actor has now successfully completed this intense schedule. But there is no break for the Singham star. With Ranger now in the post-production stage, Ajay Devgn is gearing up to return to his most celebrated franchise According to the latest verified reports, Ajay Devgn will start shooting for the highly anticipated Drishyam 3 on December 15 in Mumbai.Director Abhishek Pathak, who helmed the blockbuster Drishyam 2, returns to direct this final chapter. The team has planned a 10-day schedule in Mumbai, focusing primarily on indoor sequences.Ajay will be joined by the core cast, including Tabu and Akshaye Khanna, who are set to reprise their powerful roles The makers have reportedly planned a tight schedule to capture the momentum. The Mumbai leg of the shoot will continue until Christmas, after which the team will take a short New Year break.Filming is expected to resume in full swing from the first week of January 2026, with the aim to wrap up the entire film by April 2026.With Ranger wrapped and the Vijay Salgaonkar mode activated, 2026 is shaping up to be a massive year for Ajay Devgn fans

BY SUNIT JANGIR

Hyderabad, December 5 - Superstar Prabhas' upcoming pan-India entertainer The Raja Saab continues to make waves in trade circles even before its theatrical release. The romantic horror comedy has been in the news for the past few weeks over the speculations regarding its post-theatrical OTT deal. According to the latest Telugu media reports, Jio Hotstar has officially bagged the post-theatrical digital streaming rights of the film across all languages. The streamer has reportedly been in talks for some time and finally locked the deal with just over a month before the theatrical debut. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}) While the makers have not yet issued a formal statement, reports suggest that Hotstar was keen to secure the project, considering Prabhas' massive market presence and the strong buzz surrounding this horror-fantasy drama. As a result, the platform reportedly outbid its competitors to lock a multi-language digital deal. Although exact numbers remain undisclosed, reports indicate that Jio Hotstar has paid a handsome premium amount to acquire the exclusive rights. There is no clarity over the theatrical window of the movie, but it will not be released in Hindi before 8 weeks after its release. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}) With the OTT deal now sealed, anticipation for The Raja Saab has reached a new peak. The film is expected to enjoy a wide theatrical release, followed by a major premiere on Jio Hotstar, where it will be available in multiple languages for audiences across India and abroad. Directed by Maruthi, The Raja Saab stars Prabhas in a dual role alongside Sanjay Dutt, Malavika Mohanan, Nidhhi Agerwal, Riddhi Kumar, and Boman Irani, among others, in key roles. It is scheduled to release on January 9, 2026, in multiple languages. Stay tuned...

BY CHRISTA LINCY

The global media landscape has been forever altered today in a move that cements Netflix as the ultimate entertainment superpower. The streaming giant has officially announced a definitive agreement to acquire the studio and streaming assets of Warner Bros. Discovery (WBD) in a historic deal valued at a staggering $82.7 Billion (Enterprise Value). This announcement brings an end to a fierce, weeks-long bidding war, with Netflix triumphing over rival suitors like Paramount Skydance and Comcast to secure Hollywood’s most prestigious legacy studio. According to the official joint statement, the acquisition is structured around a strategic corporate split designed to navigate complex regulatory hurdles. Netflix will acquire the crown jewels of the company, which include the legendary Warner Bros. Film & TV Studios, the premium cable giant HBO, and the streaming platform HBO Max. However, to satisfy antitrust concerns, WBD's linear TV assets—specifically CNN, TNT Sports, and the Discovery channels—will not be part of Netflix. Instead, they will be spun off into a new, separate publicly traded company named Discovery Global. The entire transaction is expected to close in 12 to 18 months, subject to regulatory approvals and the completion of the spinoff. The financial details of this Mega Merger reveal that Netflix is paying a significant premium to close the deal. WBD shareholders are set to receive 27.75 dollars per share, structured as a mix of 23.25 dollars in cash and 4.50 dollars in Netflix stock for every share held. Acknowledging the immense scrutiny this deal will face in Washington, reports indicate that Netflix has agreed to a massive 5 Billion dollar breakup fee should regulators block the acquisition. This financial commitment underscores Netflix's determination to consolidate the world's biggest IP library, including the DC Universe (Batman, Superman), The Wizarding World (Harry Potter), and HBO Titans like Game of Thrones and Succession, under one roof, effectively ending the Streaming Wars. The move is being widely viewed as the final victory for Silicon Valley over traditional Hollywood, a sentiment captured perfectly by industry insiders pointing out the irony of the situation. They reference a famous 2010 quote by former Time Warner CEO Jeff Bewkes, who once famously dismissed Netflix as being like the Albanian Army trying to take over the world. Fifteen years later, that army has not just taken over the world but has bought the castle itself. As the regulatory battle begins, today marks the day Netflix officially became the undisputed King of Hollywood.

BY CHRISTA LINCY

After a solid opening week that re-established Dhanush's stronghold in the Hindi belt, the romantic drama Tere Ishk Mein has entered its second week with a mixed bag of news. While the film has officially crossed the coveted ₹100 Crore Worldwide Gross milestone, the release of Ranveer Singh’s massive spy-thriller Dhurandhar today has significantly impacted its screen count and collections. The Aanand L Rai directorial concluded its first week on a high note, amassing a total India Net Collection of ₹83.65 Crore.The film showed a healthy trend throughout the week, starting with ₹16 Crore on Day 1 and peaking at ₹19 Crore on Sunday.Despite the usual weekday drops—with Monday collecting ₹8.75 Crore (a 53% drop) and Thursday closing at ₹5.8 Crore—the film maintained steady footfalls thanks to positive word-of-mouth regarding the lead pair's chemistry. The movie also performed decently overseas, adding ₹9 Crore to its kitty, taking the Total Worldwide Gross to ₹108.5 Crore by the end of Week 1. As of 4 PM, Day 8 (December 5), the film collected approximately ₹1.70 Crore, pushing the total India Net to ₹85.34 Crore. This steep drop was anticipated due to the release of the big-budget actioner Dhurandhar, which has taken over the majority of screens and prime showtimes across the country. With the audience's attention shifting to the new release, Tere Ishk Mein will now have to rely heavily on Saturday and Sunday jumps to reach the ₹100 Crore Net India mark. Despite the slow start to the second week, Tere Ishk Mein is already in the safe zone.With an India Gross of ₹99.5 Crore and solid non-theatrical revenue, the film is on its way to being classified as a Hit. The challenge now remains to see if it can withstand the Dhurandhar storm and hold its ground in multiplexes for a steady second week run.

BY SACNILK TEAM

Mumbai, December 5 - Director Aditya Dhar's highly-awaited spy action thriller Dhurandhar has been released in theatres today, and it seems like the audience is falling in love with the filmmaker's gritty world, as per the initial reception on social media. Set against the backdrop of the IC-814 hijacking in 1999 and the 2001 Indian Parliament attack, the film stars Ranveer Singh in the lead role alongside Sanjay Dutt, Akshaye Khanna, R. Madhavan, Arjun Rampal, Sara Arjun, and Rakesh Bedi in key roles. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}) The film is being praised for Aditya Dhar's direction, Shashwat Sachdev's music, stellar performance, and the tight editing despite being over 3.5 hours long. If the initial reception is anything to go by, the movie is up for a strong start at the box office. #DhurandharReview G-I-G-A-N-T-I-C B-L-O-C-K-B-U-S-T-E-R ⭐⭐⭐⭐½ Dhurandhar has an outstanding first half followed by an unbelievable second one.The screen presence of #AkshayeKhanna as Rehman Dakait is 🔥🔥🔥The direction of @AdityaDharFilms is the proof why he is the…— Sujit Patra (@sachinfansujit) December 5, 2025 Ranveer Singh phenomenal, BGM & action zabardast, climax shocker, suspense solid, acting top tier Bas first half thodi lengthy, but overall paisa wasool must watch#Dhurandhar #DhurandharReview #RanveerSingh #BoxOfficeStorm #SanjayDutt #AkshayeKhanna pic.twitter.com/ZXloUGn8kS— రమణ గాడు🔱 🏹 (@uvarstrulysri_) December 5, 2025 #DhurandharReview - ⭐⭐⭐⭐It's a Paisa Wasool Movie, Ranveer Singh Doing Phenomenal Job Till Now...🔥🔥 The BGM,The Action and The Storyline Is Literally Mind-blowing, Direction & Music Is Top Notch, A Must Watch Movie.Tsunami Loading 🔥🔥🔥 #Dhurandhar #RanveerSingh pic.twitter.com/mZ45c16vE5— Filmy Hindustani (@Filmhindustani) December 5, 2025 #DhurandharReview - Full On Paisa Vasool ❤️‍🔥 #Dhurandhar is absolutely phenomenal! ✨ @RanveerOfficial delivers a power-packed performance that is simply mind-blowing. The director's @AdityaDharFilms vision is genius—he know how to make a must-watch cinematic event! It's a New… pic.twitter.com/DY5qxOzTJw— Love.prem98 (@LPrem98) December 5, 2025 🔥 #DhurandharReview: BANG ON! Till now stellar editing, classic songs, great characters, crazy brutally and a 🔥 BGM. This film has the whole package so far. Let's see if the makers can keep the momentum.​#RanveerSingh, keep silencing the critics with that work!​#Dhurandhar pic.twitter.com/1Xiw007SG7— Movies Talk Official (@moviestalkhindi) December 5, 2025 Dhurandhar is a BEAST 👑💥🔥This film deserves a real audience, not samosa-review critics 👍North India—time to show support. True deshbhakts will stand with this film. 🇮🇳 #DhurandharReview #Dhurandhar pic.twitter.com/cTSXscDO33— Hasnain (@hasnaink31) December 5, 2025 Just completed #Dhurandhar … And genuinely this movie is belongs to #akshaykhanna not to @RanveerOfficial sorry to say but Khanna shab just killed it.. #DhurandharReview Movie Got All The asset’s Perfect use of songs for intro and bgm is good too .. a good watch ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️/5 pic.twitter.com/T4ttUBesHZ— YoGesH DhaYaL (@YogeshDhayal33) December 5, 2025 Watched DHURANDHAR?The first half is nearly 2 hours, yet not a single dull moment. Aditya Dhar’s raw and real storytelling is beyond expectations. Still wondering why there’s so much negativity around the film.Tell me your views#Dhurandar #DhurandharReview pic.twitter.com/GGS5VJmKzu— Anand Rajan (@AnandRajan3233) December 5, 2025

BY CHRISTA LINCY

The wait is finally over. Aditya Dhar's ambitious espionage thriller Dhurandhar, starring Ranveer Singh in a gritty avatar, has hit screens worldwide today. As audiences flock to witness this high-octane saga, the initial box office trends indicate a promising start, though the film faces a significant commercial target in the coming weeks. As the film hits cinemas, the opening numbers reflect a healthy interest from the audience. Dhurandhar closed its pre-sales with a Total India Gross of ₹9.23 Crore. When accounting for blocked seats, this figure jumps to approximately ₹14 Crore, setting a strong foundation for the opening day. The film has secured a massive release with over 14,600 shows across the country, selling roughly 2.62 Lakh tickets in advance. The premium formats are performing exceptionally well, with IMAX alone contributing over ₹45 Lakhs to the total. As of early afternoon, live tracking indicates that Day 1 collections have already crossed ₹5.92 Crore, suggesting that the film is on track for a respectable double-digit opening if evening shows pick up momentum. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}) While the opening is steady, the film's massive scale means it has a clearly defined financial finish line. According to verified trade sources, the total cost of Dhurandhar, including marketing, stands at ₹220 Crores. The makers have smartly mitigated risk by recovering a significant chunk of this investment through non-theatrical revenues (Satellite, Digital, and Music rights), amounting to ₹110 Crores. This leaves the remaining recovery to the box office. Trade analysts estimate that the film needs to collect approximately ₹250 Crores gross worldwide to break even. While this is a steep target, it is certainly achievable for a film of this scale provided it maintains momentum over the weekend. The initial audience verdict is out, and it paints a picture of a film that delivers on spectacle but demands patience. On the positive side, the film manages to grab viewers right from the first frame, boasting high production values that justify its massive budget. Ranveer Singh is widely reported to be the soul of the movie, delivering an intense, grounded performance that effectively holds the narrative together. The action sequences are a standout, being hailed by many as world-class, with the interval block specifically described as a high point that leaves the audience on an exciting note. Furthermore, fans of Aditya Dhar's directorial style are appreciating the raw intensity and emotional depth he brings to the characters. However, the film faces some criticism regarding its duration. With a runtime of over 3.5 hours and the first half alone clocking in at nearly two hours, some viewers felt the screenplay suffered from pacing issues. Critics have pointed out that unwanted romantic portions and stretched scenes tend to dilute the tautness expected of a spy thriller. While the story has high points, the screenplay reportedly fluctuates, feeling flat in certain drama sequences which drags down the overall pace. Dhurandhar has started its journey on a firm footing with ₹9 Crore+ in advance bookings. However, with a break-even target of ₹250 Crores and a polarized reaction to its extensive runtime, the film's destiny now hangs on the Word of Mouth from the general public. If the mass audience embraces the action and emotion over the length, Ranveer Singh could well steer this massive ship to safety in the coming days.

BY CHRISTA LINCY

While the makers of Akhanda 2: Thaandavam have reportedly resolved their legal battle with Eros International by agreeing to a massive ₹26 Crore settlement, the film faces a new, perhaps more damaging enemy: Logistics. According to verified trade reports emerging from the US and UK, the delay caused by the stay order has triggered a domino effect that could severely crush the film's overseas revenue. Even if the Key Delivery Messages (KDMs) are issued immediately for a release by tomorrow evening (Dec 6), experts warn that a simultaneous global release is now practically impossible. The primary issue lies in the rigid scheduling of overseas cinema chains. Unlike in India, where shows can be added at the last minute, US theaters operate on strict automated schedules. The viral report highlights that because Akhanda 2 missed its premiere and Day 1 slots, theater chains did not keep those screens empty. Most of the prime screens allocated to Balakrishna's film have already been reallocated to performing Hollywood heavyweights like Zootopia 2 and Wicked: For Good (Part Two). (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}) Trade analysts describe the effort required to reassign these shows back to Akhanda 2 within a few hours as a herculean task. Currently, only a few independent cinemas in limited locations might be able to screen the film, meaning the producers risk losing out on the lucrative premiere weekend revenue entirely. Given this chaos, the viral report suggests that postponing the film to December 12 is the only viable option to ensure a smooth, full-scale release overseas. However, this strategy comes with its own massive risk. A December 12 release gives Akhanda 2 a solitary week at the box office before the arrival of the biggest movie of the year. On December 19, James Cameron's Avatar: Fire and Ash will take over the majority of screens globally, including Premium Large Formats (PLFs). If Akhanda 2 delays, it walks straight into the Avatar storm, making it incredibly difficult to retain screens for a second week. The makers are now caught between a rock and a hard place. They can release tomorrow in India to satisfy local fans but sacrifice millions in overseas revenue due to limited screens. Or, they can postpone to December 12 to fix the US release, only to face the wrath of Avatar 3 seven days later. The decision made in the next few hours will determine the commercial fate of this mass entertainer.

BY CHRISTA LINCY

It was a moment of immense pride and nostalgia for Indian cinema in the heart of London today. To commemorate the 30th anniversary of the historic blockbuster Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge (DDLJ), superstars Shah Rukh Khan and Kajol reunited to unveil a magnificent bronze statue of their iconic characters, Raj and Simran, at London’s bustling Leicester Square. Braving the characteristic London rain, the duo graced the event, bringing the magic of 1995 back to life for the thousands of fans gathered at the venue. This unveiling marks a significant milestone, as Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge has become the first ever Indian film to be honored with a statue in Leicester Square. The bronze installation joins the illustrious Scenes in the Square trail, placing Raj and Simran alongside Hollywood legends and cultural icons like Harry Potter, Batman, and Mary Poppins. The statue captures the timeless chemistry of the lead pair, immortalizing the romance that redefined Bollywood for generations. For those new to the phenomenon, the statue isn't just celebrating a movie; it is honoring a financial miracle that redefined the economics of Indian cinema. Released on October 20, 1995, the Aditya Chopra directorial was produced on a modest budget of just ₹4 Crore. Yet, it went on to wreak havoc at the ticket windows, delivering an India Net Collection of ₹53.32 Crore. Even more impressive was its global appeal; DDLJ was one of the first films to crack the international market wide open, earning ₹13.50 Crore overseas at a time when Bollywood's global footprint was minimal. In an era where the 100 Crore Club is a standard benchmark, DDLJ achieved the unthinkable three decades ago. With an India Gross of ₹89.00 Crore, the film's Worldwide Gross Collection stood at a staggering ₹102.50 Crore—a figure that was astronomical for 1995. With a Return on Investment (ROI) that remains enviable today, trade analysts officially declared it an ALL TIME BLOCKBUSTER, a verdict that stands unchallenged. Visibly moved by the honor, Shah Rukh Khan, looking dapper in a black ensemble, and Kajol, stunning in an elegant pastel saree, posed alongside their bronze counterparts. The event celebrates three decades of Aditya Chopra’s directorial debut, which not only shattered box office records upon its release in 1995 but continues to hold the record for the longest-running film in Indian cinema history. For the Indian diaspora in the UK, DDLJ has always held a special sentiment, given that a significant portion of the movie was set in London, making this tribute even more poetic. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}) Beyond the cold hard numbers, the film's cultural impact is immeasurable. While the bronze statue now stands permanently in London, the film itself continues to breathe in Mumbai. DDLJ holds the world record for the longest-running film in cinema history, having played continuously at the Maratha Mandir theatre for over 30 years. As Shah Rukh Khan and Kajol posed with their bronze likenesses today, they didn't just celebrate a film; they celebrated a legacy that turned a ₹4 Crore investment into a timeless emotional asset for millions.

BY CHRISTA LINCY

The excitement for Rebel Star Prabhas's upcoming horror-comedy The Raja Saab has hit a major roadblock in the USA. While advance bookings have begun to open, the mood has quickly soured as fans discovered the staggering ticket prices for the January premiere.Social media is currently ablaze with backlash, with many Telugu cinema lovers in the US accusing distributors of exploiting fan sentiment.The controversy has deepened after fans noticed that tickets for the Indian regional film are priced significantly higher than James Cameron's Hollywood visual spectacle, Avatar: Fire and Ash. Verified data released by box office tracker Venky Box Office on December 3 indicates that despite the sticker shock, the film is off to a solid start. Early sales reports show that The Raja Saab has already grossed $18,322 from 83 locations. A closer look at the data reveals the immense loyalty of the fanbase: 640 tickets were sold almost immediately after bookings opened. A simple calculation puts the average ticket price at approximately $28.60. While this high average confirms the premium pricing strategy, the fact that over 600 tickets were snapped up in the initial hours proves that for die-hard fans, the price tag is secondary to the excitement of seeing Prabhas on the big screen. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}) The most stinging point of contention for fans is the direct comparison with Hollywoods biggest release of the year verified listings confirm that premium XD D Box seats for The Raja Saab are being sold for a massive 38 dollars with standard seats costing a hefty 25 dollars in stark contrast advance tickets for Avatar Fire and Ash releasing Dec 19 are significantly cheaper with premium IMAX or Dolby Cinema tickets typically ranging between 18 and 22 dollars fans have taken to social media to express their frustration with one viral comment noting that for 38 dollars one could buy a weeks worth of groceries or 11 gallons of gas instead of watching a regional comedy Despite the uproar, the countdown has officially begun with 37 days left until the premieres, scheduled for January 8, 2026 (ahead of the Jan 9 worldwide release). While Prabhas is undeniably the King of the US Box Office, trade analysts warn that this pricing strategy is a gamble. Unlike action epics like Salaar or Baahubali, The Raja Saab is a horror-comedy genre that typically doesn't command such premiums. If families and students feel priced out, the US market—a stronghold for Telugu cinema—might see a decline in footfall as audiences weigh their options between Pandora's visual spectacle and Maruthi's comedy.