🏆 Sandalwood Box Office Records

BY SUNIT JANGIR

Bengaluru, August 8 - The trailer of Yash-starrer Toxic: A Fairy Tale for Grown-Ups is finally out, offering a glimpse into Geetu Mohandas’ dark and violent world. The 4-minute-38-second trailer is soaked in blood and tears, with Yash playing a powerful gangster surrounded by crime, violence and betrayal. The trailer also hints at a more complicated story involving family and revenge, making Toxic look far more layered than a straightforward gangster drama. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}) The biggest talking point is the apparent Yash vs Yash conflict. The trailer suggests that Yash plays both a father and his son, with the two characters seemingly connected to Kiara Advani's Nadia. The trailer hints at Nadia returning with a score to settle, while Yash's two characters appear to be on opposing sides of a violent conflict. Nayanthara, Huma Qureshi, Tara Sutaria and Rukmini Vasanth also feature in the trailer. Yash has previously indicated that Toxic is not simply a conventional gangster film, with the story exploring deeper psychological and human elements. The trailer certainly reflects that ambition, combining brutal action with an emotional family conflict. Kiara Advani has also spoken highly of Nadia, describing the character as one of the most creatively fulfilling roles of her career. Following the enormous success of the KGF franchise, Toxic marks Yash's much-awaited return to the big screen. Directed by Geetu Mohandas, the film is gearing up for a worldwide theatrical release on August 26, 2026. If the trailer is an indication, Toxic is set to deliver a dark, violent and unconventional fairy tale for grown-ups. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({})

BY SUNIT JANGIR

Bengaluru, August 8 - Rocking Star Yash's highly-anticipated Toxic: A Fairy Tale for Grown-Ups is set to enter its next major promotional phase with the launch of its theatrical trailer. After months of anticipation and multiple changes to its release schedule, the makers are finally ready to showcase the film's full-fledged trailer to audiences, following teasers and songs that have generated massive curiosity and online debates. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}) Toxic Trailer Release Date and Timing The Toxic trailer will be unveiled on Saturday, August 8, 2026. It will be launched at 7:01 PM in the evening after an exclusive screening for the media and trade people. The trailer launch is being organised as a major event in Bengaluru, with the film's team and media expected to attend. Where Will Toxic Trailer Launch Take Place? The trailer will be launched at a grand event in Bengaluru, keeping Yash's strong connection with the Kannada film industry and the scale of Toxic's promotional campaign in mind. The event is expected to bring together Yash, director Geetu Mohandas and other members of the cast and crew. The Bengaluru launch is particularly significant as Toxic is being positioned as a pan-Indian and global theatrical event, shot in Kannada and English. The film is being released in Kannada, Hindi, English, Telugu, Tamil and Malayalam, with the makers aiming for a wide worldwide rollout. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}) Toxic Release Date Following multiple postponements, Toxic is now scheduled to release worldwide in cinemas on August 26, 2026. The film was earlier slated for March 19 and subsequently June 4 before the makers pushed it to a later date while working on its global distribution strategy. The August 26 date is now the officially announced theatrical release date. Directed by Geetu Mohandas and headlined by Yash, Toxic also stars Kiara Advani, Nayanthara, Huma Qureshi, Tara Sutaria and Rukmini Vasanth. The gangster action drama is one of the most anticipated Indian releases of 2026 and marks Yash's first major theatrical release after the blockbuster KGF: Chapter 2. With the trailer arriving on August 8 and the film reaching cinemas on August 26, the makers have less than three weeks to build the final wave of hype. The trailer will therefore be crucial in establishing the film's world, characters, action scale and overall tone before Toxic begins its theatrical journey.

BY SUNIT JANGIR

Here is the Hollywood movie Spider-Man: Brand New Day's box office collection in all countries. This film is directed by Destin Daniel Cretton and produced by Columbia Pictures, Marvel Studios, and Pascal Pictures, and distributed by Sony Pictures Releasing. Spider-Man: Brand New Day stars Tom Holland, Zendaya, Sadie Sink, Jacob Batalon, and Jon Bernthal in key roles. Spider-Man: Brand New Day Box Office Collection Country Wise CountryGBOC USA $511M China $157M France $41M Germany $22.50 South Korea $28M The UK $72M Australia $23.40M India $42+M Mexico $53M Spain $15.60M Italy $26.20M Brazil $34M Rest Of The World $300+M Total $1.32+B** (August 6, 2026) ** All are approx collection. Data will be added from time to time. Spider-Man: Brand New Day Day Wise Box Office Collection | North America DayDateGBOC Day 0 [Previews] July 30 $72M Day 1 July 31 $97.80M Day 2 August 1 $101.50M Day 3 August 2 $88.75M Day 4 August 3 $47.10M Day 5 August 4 $42M Day 6 August 5 $33M Day 7 August 6 $29M Worldwide Collection - $1.32B (₹12565Cr) Overseas Collection - 809M (₹7700 Cr) Domestic Collection (USA) - $511M (₹4865 Cr) Release Date in India - July 30, 2026. For more and the latest news about Hollywood Box Office Collection, Stay tuned to us.

BY CHRISTA LINCY

Salman Khan is currently working on his upcoming action entertainer directed by Vamshi Paidipally, which features him alongside Nayanthara for the first time. As the production progresses, a new casting update has surfaced regarding the film ensemble. According to an exclusive report by Bollywood Hungama, Jackie Shroff has joined the cast to play a significant role in this high-budget project. The veteran actor is reportedly starting his portions of the film today in Mumbai, sharing the screen with Salman Khan. While there was initial speculation about his character, sources indicate that Shroff is not playing a negative role. Instead, his character is described as a pivotal and high-impact part of the narrative designed to resonate with a mass audience. While Jackie Shroff is on the positive side of the story, the film is set to feature a strong lineup of antagonists. The report further suggests that the negative roles will be handled by a group of actors including Rahul Dev and Abhimanyu Singh, alongside the previously reported Arvind Swami. This multiple-villain approach suggests an intense conflict at the center of the story. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}) The team is currently on track to wrap up the Indian leg of the shoot by the end of August. Following the completion of the Mumbai schedule, the production will move to Europe for a brief international schedule before entering the post-production phase. The project is being backed by producers Dil Raju and Shirish, with a technical crew aiming for a global theatrical release. Tentatively referred to as SVC63 or The Messengers, this film is being positioned as a major festive release for the Eid 2027 weekend. With the addition of Jackie Shroff, the film further strengthens its pan-India appeal, bringing together iconic stars from both the Hindi and South Indian film industries.

BY SUNIT JANGIR

Mumbai, August 7 - The global box office has witnessed several iconic film franchises entertaining audiences for decades, but only a handful have managed to generate tens of billions of dollars at the worldwide box office. From superhero epics and space operas to fantasy adventures and spy thrillers, these franchises have shaped modern cinema while consistently delivering blockbuster numbers at the box office. Here are the top 5 highest-grossing film franchises in the world. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}) 1. The Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) – $33.40+ Billion The Marvel Cinematic Universe stands alone at the top, boasting a cumulative box office total that nearly triples its closest competitor across 39 films so far. Initiated by Marvel Studios in 2008 with Iron Man, the MCU revolutionised Hollywood by pioneering the serialised, interconnected "shared universe" model on a massive scale. Spanning dozens of films across multiple storytelling "Phases," the franchise relies on cross-character momentum. Solo films build the cruiocity, which is then cashed in during massive crossover spectacles. The pinnacle of this strategy, 2019’s Avengers: Endgame, pulled in a staggering $2.79 billion, briefly becoming the highest-grossing film of all time. 2. Spider-Man – $12.20+ Billion While Spider-Man is a Marvel character, his film rights history makes this a distinct and phenomenally lucrative standalone franchise. This multi-generation tally includes the foundational 2000s Tobey Maguire trilogy, Andrew Garfield’s Amazing Spider-Man duology, Tom Holland's trilogy (co-produced by Sony and Marvel Studios), and the Oscar-winning animated Spider-Verse series. The web-slinger's enduring popularity was put on full display with 2021's Spider-Man: No Way Home, which generated $1.92 billion globally as the highest-grossing Spider-Man movie (so far), anchoring the web-slinger firmly in the number two spot. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}) 3. Star Wars – $10.70+ Billion When George Lucas launched a space-fantasy epic in 1977, few could have predicted it would evolve into a cultural phenomenon. The Star Wars franchise is unique because its revenue is spread across generations, encompassing the Original Trilogy, the Prequels, the Disney-produced Sequel Trilogy, and standalone anthology pieces like Rogue One. The franchise's highest financial peak arrived in 2015 with Star Wars: The Force Awakens, which grossed $2.07 billion worldwide, proving the timeless, cross-generational pull of the Skywalker legacy. 4. The Wizarding World (Harry Potter) – $9.65+ Billion J.K. Rowling's literary phenomenon smoothly transitioned into a box office juggernaut starting in 2001. The core eight-film Harry Potter series captured the hearts of an entire generation, growing in tone, complexity, and financial power as its young actors grew up on screen. The franchise concluded its main arc flawlessly with 2011's Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows – Part 2, which hauled in $1.34 billion. The universe has since expanded via the Fantastic Beasts prequel spin-offs, maintaining its rank as the premier fantasy franchise in film history. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}) 5. James Bond – $7.80+ Billion The legendary British MI6 secret agent holds the ultimate crown for franchise endurance. Spanning over six decades and 25 official films produced by Eon Productions and Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer, 007 has continually reinvented himself to stay relevant across generations. From Sean Connery's suave beginnings in the 1960s to Roger Moore's playful 1970s blockbusters, James Bond laid the structural foundation for modern action cinema. The modern Daniel Craig era supercharged the franchise's financial footprint. This grittier, serialised reboot produced the franchise's biggest financial peak with 2012's Skyfall, which remains the only Bond film to breach the billion-dollar mark at $1.11 billion globally. (Data via Culture Crave/X)

BY SUNIT JANGIR

Mumbai, August 7 - In a major expansion of its filmmaking slate, Yash Raj Films (YRF) is reportedly set to enter the horror genre for the very first time. The prestigious banner behind iconic romantic and family films has reportedly locked Varun Dhawan to headline its maiden horror feature, marking yet another collaboration between the actor and the studio after Sui Dhaaga. The ambitious project is expected to go on floors later this year and is currently eyeing a theatrical release in 2027. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}) According to Bollywood Hungama, the film will reportedly be directed by Abhay Pannu, who earned widespread acclaim for the critically acclaimed series Rocket Boys. Interestingly, this will also mark Pannu's theatrical directorial debut. While YRF has built successful franchises across action, romance, comedy and spy thrillers over the years, the studio has never produced a full-fledged horror film. This project signals Aditya Chopra's intent to diversify the banner's content beyond its established genres. For Varun Dhawan, the project represents another exciting addition to his evolving filmography. The actor has previously explored supernatural territory with Bhediya, which emerged as one of Bollywood's creature-comedy films. However, this upcoming YRF production is expected to be a straight horror film rather than a horror-comedy, offering Varun a chance to headline a different kind of genre entertainer. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}) If the reports materialise as expected, YRF's horror debut could potentially open the door for the studio to develop an entirely new franchise alongside its blockbuster Spy Universe. With Abhay Pannu behind the camera and Varun Dhawan leading the cast, the project has already generated significant curiosity among moviegoers. More details regarding the supporting cast, title, and storyline are expected to be announced once the film officially enters production.

BY CHRISTA LINCY

The teaser for Natural Star Nani's upcoming film, The Paradise, has made an immediate impact upon its release. Within just 24 minutes, the footage crossed the 100K likes mark on YouTube, a pace that puts it in line with the numbers typically seen for Indian cinema's top-tier stars. This rapid engagement suggests a high level of anticipation for the project, specifically for the Telugu version, which appears to be heading toward a significant worldwide opening. Looking at the 24-hour performance, Nani has achieved another major milestone by scoring his second teaser with over 350K likes in a single day. The Paradise teaser managed to reach 382K likes in just 19 hours, effectively outpacing the previous record set by the actor's own HIT 3 teaser, which had gathered 353K likes in a full 24-hour window. This consistent growth in digital engagement indicates that the actor's fan base and general audience reach are expanding with each new project. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}) In the context of his peers in the industry, these numbers place Nani in a unique position. Currently, other notable Tier-2 stars such as Vijay Deverakonda and Naga Chaitanya have yet to cross the 350K likes threshold for a teaser within the first 24 hours of its release. The ability to generate such high immediate interaction is a key indicator of potential theatrical demand, and Nani's current trajectory suggests he is establishing a higher benchmark for digital hype in this category. The teaser itself, directed by Srikanth Odela, presents a raw and unapologetic world that marks a significant departure for the actor. Following their previous collaboration on Dasara, the filmmaker seems to have doubled down on a brutal and adrenaline-fueled narrative. Early reactions to the footage highlight an intense presentation that is being described as a cinematic explosion. With this level of pre-release momentum and a grittier version of Nani being showcased, the film looks set to drive massive footfalls across multiple languages upon its theatrical debut.

BY CHRISTA LINCY

Salman Khan has finalized director duo Raj & DK for his next feature film, according to a report by Lets Cinema. The partnership brings together the creators of hit series like The Family Man and Farzi with the actor for a high-profile theatrical release. Produced by Mythri Movie Makers and Reel Life Production, the project is currently in the writing phase with plans to begin filming in late 2026. While Raj and DK have spent the last several years dominating the digital streaming space with blockbusters like The Family Man and Farzi, they actually started their filmmaking careers in cinema. Their filmography includes critically acclaimed theatrical releases such as the 2009 crime-comedy 99 and the gritty satirical drama Shor in the City. They also earned a cult following for creating India's first zombie-comedy, Go Goa Gone, in 2013. This new collaboration with Salman Khan is being widely recognized as their official theatrical comeback, marking their return to the big screen after a seven-year hiatus since their 2017 directorial venture, A Gentleman. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}) The film is currently in the development stage, with the writing team working on a script tailored for Salman Khan’s mass appeal while retaining the unique storytelling style associated with Raj & DK. Although specific plot details remain under wraps, the production is aiming for a start towards the end of 2026. This timeline allows Salman to wrap up his existing commitments before moving into this new collaboration, which marks a significant shift in his choice of filmmakers. Prior to that schedule, the actor is working on a major pan-India action film currently titled SVC63. Directed by Vamshi Paidipally and produced by Dil Raju, the project is rumored in trade circles to be titled The Messengers and is being prepared for an Eid 2027 release. It marks the first lead pairing of Salman Khan and Nayanthara in a full-length feature. The cast also includes Anil Kapoor, Arvind Swami, and Rajpal Yadav. The music is being split between two composers, with Thaman S providing the songs and Anirudh Ravichander creating the background score. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}) Another significant project on the actor's slate is the war drama Maatrubhumi: May War Rest in Peace. The film was originally titled Battle of Galwan and was inspired by the 2020 border clash. However, following geopolitical sensitivities and recommendations to remove direct references to the specific conflict, the makers shifted the story toward a broader emotional theme regarding the human cost of war. These creative overhauls and subsequent reshoots resulted in the film missing its initial April 17, 2026, release date. The production is now expected to arrive in theaters later in 2026, though an exact official date has not been confirmed.

BY SUNIT JANGIR

Mumbai, August 7 - The crossover no one knew they needed has officially become the biggest streaming phenomenon of the year. Sony Pictures Animation and Netflix’s Oscar-winning animated musical fantasy, KPop Demon Hunters, has not only dominated the global Top 10 charts across 93 countries, but it has also officially solidified its status as one of the most-watched original movies in Netflix history. Directed by Maggie Kang and Chris Appelhans, the film is a vibrant "love letter" to K-pop culture and Korean heritage. The plot follows HUNTR/X, a world-renowned K-pop girl group consisting of members Rumi (Arden Cho), Mira (May Hong), and Zoey (Ji-young Yoo). When they aren't selling out massive stadiums, the trio uses their musical abilities and secret identities as badass demon hunters to protect their fans from supernatural threats. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}) The stakes skyrocket when a rival boy band, the Saja Boys (led by Ahn Hyo-seop's character, Jinu), is revealed to be high-ranking demons in disguise planning a massive supernatural uprising. Why the Internet is Obsessed The Soundtrack - The film's explosive viral footprint is fueled by a massive, highly dedicated fandom. The film's flagship single, "Golden," made history by becoming the first-ever K-pop song to win a Grammy for Best Song Written for Visual Media, alongside taking home an Academy Award. Lore and Relationships - Viewers are flooding search engines with hyper-specific questions regarding character dynamics. The unresolved tension and viral query "Why didn't Rumi and Jinu kiss?" has sparked endless debate, fan fiction, and deep-dive TikTok analyses. The Aesthetic - Heavily influenced by live concert lighting, modern music videos, and Korean dramas, the film's neon-infused, highly stylised animation serves as a masterclass in visual storytelling. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}) What’s Next: Short Films and Sequel Details Because of the unprecedented viewership, Netflix and Sony have quickly locked down the future of the franchise. A K-Pop Demon Hunter Story, a 10-minute prequel exploring how the members of HUNTR/X first met and discovered their powers. KPop Demon Hunters 2, the sequel, has been planned for a 2029 debut, expanding the universe's mythology and diving heavily into the backstories of Mira and Zoey.

BY CHRISTA LINCY

DC is generating significant interest because it marks the acting debut of director Lokesh Kanagaraj. Moving from behind the camera to a lead role is a major shift, but early reports suggest he has handled the transition effectively. Playing the character of Das, Lokesh delivers a convincing performance that fits naturally into the raw and rustic setting created by director Arun Matheswaran. The story follows a familiar revenge template, centering on a fearless gangster fighting an unjust system alongside a woman whose faith in society has been shattered. While the plot might feel generic to some, the treatment is what sets it apart. Several reviewers have compared the intensity and grit of DC to acclaimed films like Visaranai and Vada Chennai. It is important to note that this is a clean 18+ rated film, featuring high-octane action and a significant amount of violence. For cinephiles who appreciate a trippy, violent ride with technical brilliance, the consensus is that the film is a worth-watch experience despite its heavy tone. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}) However, the unanimous winner across all reviews is Anirudh Ravichander. Multiple critics have labeled his background score as the biggest backbone of the film, with some even calling it his career-best work. His music elevates the drama, especially during major highlights like the interval block and the marriage hall fight scene. On the acting front, Wamiqa Gabbi has also received significant praise for a powerful and impactful performance, providing the emotional depth needed to balance the intense action sequences. The technical departments, including the cinematography and sound design, have been described as top-notch, giving the film a world-class feel. On the flip side, the film is not without its flaws. One recurring critique is the pacing, particularly in the first half which takes its time to establish the world and characters. Some reviewers mentioned that while the pre-interval and interval blocks are absolute freak shows, the second-half writing feels a bit convenient and repetitive in certain sections. There is a sentiment that the backstories and motives of the supporting gang could have been etched out more clearly. Because of its slow-burn narrative and intense gore, it might not be a traditional family entertainer, but rather a film intended for a section of the audience that enjoys gritty storytelling. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}) In summary, if you are planning to watch DC, expect a technically brilliant action drama that leans heavily on its atmospheric treatment and a god-mode score from Anirudh. Most ratings are currently hovering between 2.75 and 4 stars, suggesting that while the writing has some shortcomings, the theatrical experience remains strong. It is a bold experiment that pays off largely due to Lokesh Kanagaraj's screen presence and the directorial vision of Arun Matheswaran. If you are a fan of intense movie-making, this is one debut that is worth giving a try. #DC Decent Action Drama Despite Its Writing Flaws!Raw and grounded with a fairly engaging first half despite a regular, generic storyline. Film does feel slow in places, and the second half starts to get repetitive after a while. However, 4-5 blocks work really well across the…— Venky Reviews (@venkyreviews) August 7, 2026 #DC - A perfect film for cinephiles and intense movie lovers 👍Every frame in this movie speaks emotions with depth..!This is filmmaking at its finest from Arun Matheswaran and Lokesh Kanagaraj, we don't know that you are such a brilliant actor. Kudos 🫡Despite film facing…— Cinematica (@letsxCinematica) August 7, 2026 #DC - 4/5. One Of The Most Satisfying Films Of This Year. From Start To End, Film Is Completely Engaging. Good Debut By Lokesh. Award-Winning Performance By Wamiqa. Loved The Scenes Between Sanjana & Lokesh And Wamiqa & Lokesh.Easily Anirudh's Career Best Background Score.… pic.twitter.com/rpRobTLerY— Trendswood (@Trendswoodcom) August 7, 2026 #DC has been watched. This is @anirudhofficial at his best. It would be very very tough to top this work. Very tough. Really great music that wonderfully shoulders this compelling retelling of the Devadas lore.@ArunMatheswaran's most accessible, engaging, and entertaining… pic.twitter.com/nQHJUikXQl— Avinash Ramachandran (@Avinash_R13) August 7, 2026 #DC - 4 stars. Tamil cinema has its best film of the year. Hands down, @ArunMatheswaran’s best work and one that cements his position strongly as one of the most exciting and original filmmakers of our times. A moving, bloody violent story of revenge and redemption. A perfect fit…— Haricharan Pudipeddi (@pudiharicharan) August 7, 2026 #DC REVIEW – A Treat for Action Movie Fans.This one is an engaging action drama with several well executed moments. While the film starts at a slow pace, the pre-interval block and a few major action sequences are handled very well and leave a strong impression.The second…— Rangasthalam (@RangasthalamIN) August 7, 2026 . #DC Review :Solid Blockbuster Filled with Lokesh Delivers a Good performance 💥Anirudh BGM Peaks ❤️‍🔥🥁Wamica looks stunning 😍Action scenes and emotional sequences 🔥Overall a Blockbuster 👌🤞 https://t.co/BbRdHpA8qO pic.twitter.com/kvYlXCXZF6— Power OG2 🔥 (@attitudeboy200) August 7, 2026

BY CHRISTA LINCY

Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis recently inaugurated Phase 1 of Prime Focus Studio at Dadasaheb Phalke Chitranagari in Mumbai, marking a major step in the state's journey toward becoming a global hub for creative technology. This launch is the result of an agreement signed a year ago at the WAVES Summit 2025, aimed at building a world-class media and entertainment ecosystem. During the visit, Fadnavis explored the facility's advancements in AI, VFX, and virtual production, which are designed to empower young talent and attract global investment into the Indian film industry. The visit became a major talking point when the minister was given a glimpse of the highly anticipated film Ramayana. After witnessing the cutting-edge technology being used for the project, Fadnavis shared a significant statement regarding its potential. He mentioned that he would be disappointed if a film of this scale, featuring Ranbir Kapoor, did not go on to win an Oscar. This remark reflects the high expectations surrounding the production's technical quality and its ability to represent Indian cultural heritage on a global stage. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}) Fadnavis emphasized that India's rich storytelling traditions, when paired with world-class tools, provide the perfect foundation for the nation to emerge as a powerhouse in the creative economy. The presence of Namit Malhotra, Global CEO of DNEG and Founder of Prime Focus, underscored the international standards being applied to the film. By leveraging these immersive technologies in Mumbai, the team is aiming to deliver a cinematic experience that meets the highest global benchmarks. Ramayana is the most ambitious project of Nitesh Tiwari. The film is being made in two parts. The first part – Ramayana: The Introduction – Part One will release on November 6, 2026, in Hindi, Tamil, Telugu, Malayalam, Kannada and English worldwide. The shooting of Ramayana 2 is yet to be completed by the makers. Ramayana has Ranbir Kapoor as Lord Rama, Yash as Ravana, Sai Pallavi as Sita, Sunny Deol as Hanuman and Ravi Dubey as Lakshman. The Nitesh Tiwari-directed film also has a powerful star cast like Arun Govil, Indira Krishnan, Lara Dutta, Kajal Aggarwal, Rakul Preet Singh, Vivek Oberoi, Shobana, Saurabh Sachdeva, Adinath Kothare and others in key roles.

BY CHRISTA LINCY

The horror-comedy genre has become a powerhouse at the box office, with the Bhool Bhulaiyaa franchise leading the way in India. Following the massive success of the second and third installments, fans have been looking for any confirmation regarding Bhool Bhulaiyaa 4. While the return of Kartik Aaryan as the fan-favorite Rooh Baba seems like a foregone conclusion, director Anees Bazmee has shared some realistic insights into why the project has not officially taken off yet. In a recent conversation with Variety India, Bazmee explained that while there is significant interest in a fourth film, the biggest hurdle is the script. The director admitted that after three successful movies, the creative team has essentially covered every major angle possible within this universe. He noted that they even took the bold step of turning the hero into a Manjulika-like figure in the previous film, which leaves very little room for a fresh surprise. For Bazmee, the priority is to find a story that justifies a return rather than just making another film for the sake of the franchise. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}) Looking at the track record of the franchise, Bhool Bhulaiyaa 2 and Bhool Bhulaiyaa 3 were both major hits, establishing Kartik Aaryan as a reliable star for this specific genre. Bazmee described Aaryan as a hard-working director's actor who excels in comedy, and their rapport is a key reason why another collaboration is inevitable. The director has a history of building long-term working relationships with stars, having done multiple projects with Ajay Devgn, Salman Khan, and Akshay Kumar in the past. It is clear that the team is ready to move forward the moment a compelling narrative is locked in. While the search for a new Bhool Bhulaiyaa story continues, Bazmee is already busy finishing his next big project. This upcoming film is also a comedy and features a reunion with Akshay Kumar, with whom the director has worked on hits like Welcome and Singh Is Kinng. The cast also includes Vidya Balan and Raashii Khanna, making it one of the more anticipated comedies of the coming year. This shows that while the horror-comedy franchise might be on a temporary pause, the director remains focused on delivering high-energy entertainment for the big screen. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}) Ultimately, the fate of Bhool Bhulaiyaa 4 rests on finding a great story that can live up to the legacy of its predecessors. Given that the previous films set such high benchmarks in terms of both humor and box office numbers, the caution from the makers is logical. Once a unique hook is found that can offer something new to the audience, the director has confirmed he would love to be back at the helm to continue the Rooh Baba saga.