N Cinemas Acquires Karnataka Distribution Rights of Allu Arjun's Pushpa 2 - The Rule

BY SACNILK

Lenin marks a sensational return to form for Akhil Akkineni, serving as the high-octane comeback his fans have been eagerly anticipating. The film has not only resonated with the masses but has also completely rewritten the actor's personal box office history. Lenin managed to surpass the lifetime collections of his previous career-best, Most Eligible Bachelor, within just its first week of release. This rapid ascent highlights the hype surrounding this project and cements its status as Akhil's biggest blockbuster to date. Lenin has successfully navigated the crucial second Monday test, proving that the film still has enough steam to draw audiences to theaters during the weekdays. On its eleventh day, the movie collected a net total of ₹1.05 crore in India. This figure represents a 63.8 percent drop from Sunday's net collection of ₹2.90 crore, as far as trade s concerned it is a very healthy trajectory for a film that just finished a strong second weekend. This latest addition brings the total India net collections to ₹44.65 crore, while the total India gross has reached ₹51.23 crore across 1,790 shows. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}) What makes this Day 11 performance particularly notable is the film's resilience against massive Hollywood competition. Despite losing almost all premium large-format and IMAX screens to the arrival of Christopher Nolan’s The Odyssey, Lenin has managed to sustain steady theatrical footfalls. Having already breached its main break-even targets during the first week, every rupee the film pulls in now is directly increasing the profit margins for its regional distributors. This successful hold in the face of a global blockbuster wave is a significant win for the makers. Looking at the occupancy rates, the film maintained an overall rate of 16.21 percent on Monday. Interestingly, the afternoon shows emerged as the strongest period of the day with an occupancy of 18.08 percent, followed by evening and night shows which hovered around the 15 percent mark. Regionally, Hyderabad remains the primary engine for the film’s growth, recording a 16.5 percent occupancy across 314 shows. Bengaluru also contributed significantly with a 10 percent occupancy rate across 208 shows, showing that the film has found a dedicated audience in major urban centers. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}) The regional distribution of the film's earnings on Day 11 further highlights its stronghold in the Telugu-speaking states. Andhra Pradesh and Telangana spearheaded the collections with a gross of ₹1.10 crore, accounting for the vast majority of the daily haul. Karnataka followed with a contribution of ₹0.09 crore, while the rest of India added another ₹0.01 crore to the tally. This brings the total India gross for the second Monday to ₹1.20 crore, reinforcing that while the home territory remains the primary driver, the film is still pulling in consistent, albeit smaller, numbers from neighboring regions. Ticket sales data from BookMyShow further illustrates the film's steady momentum. In the last 24 hours alone, the platform recorded 13,400 ticket sales, pushing the total number of tickets sold on BookMyShow to over 1.09 million. In the national chains, the film saw a calculated turnout of approximately 1,400 tickets across PVR, INOX, and Cinepolis. PVR led the way with around 900 tickets, while INOX and Cinepolis contributed approximately 400 and 150 tickets respectively. While these numbers are lower than the weekend highs, they represent a solid floor for a weekday run. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}) On the global front, Lenin is showing a very balanced performance. The film has grossed a total of ₹10.30 crore in overseas markets, which has pushed its total worldwide gross collection to an impressive ₹61.53 crore. Most of the domestic revenue is coming from the Telugu states, which have contributed ₹45.10 crore to the total gross, while Karnataka and other parts of India have added another ₹5.60 crore. With the film now operating in pure profit territory, the coming weekdays will determine just how high the final tally can go before the next wave of releases arrives.

BY SACNILK

Mumbai, July 18 - The winners of the 72nd National Film Awards were announced on Saturday, celebrating the finest Indian films certified by the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) during 2024. Article 370 emerged as one of the biggest winners of the ceremony, taking home the prestigious Best Feature Film award, while its lead star Yami Gautam won her maiden National Award for Best Actress. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}) Among the other major honours, Kartik Aaryan (Chandu Champion) and Mammootty (Bramayugam) shared the Best Actor award, while Sudipto Sen was named Best Director for The Kerala Story. The award for Best Popular Film Providing Wholesome Entertainment went to Kalki 2898 AD, recognising the sci-fi epic's impact both critically and commercially. Several regional films and technical achievements were also recognised across multiple categories, highlighting the diversity of Indian cinema. Notable winners included Srikanth as Best Hindi Feature Film, Lucky Baskhar as Best Telugu Feature Film, Raayan as Best Tamil Feature Film, and Bramayugam, which picked up multiple technical honours in addition to Mammootty's Best Actor win. The awards once again showcased outstanding performances and filmmaking excellence from across the country. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}) 72nd National Film Awards 2026 - Winners List Category Winner Best Feature FilmArticle 370 Best ActorKartik Aaryan (Chandu Champion), Mammootty (Bramayugam) Best ActressYami Gautam (Article 370) Best DirectorRajkumar Periasamy (Amaran) Best Supporting ActressRopashree Varkady (Mithya), Sachana Namidass (Maharaja) Best Supporting ActorSanjay Mishra (Bhakshak) Best Feature Film Providing Wholesome EntertainmentKalki 2898 AD Best Film Promoting National, Social and Environmental ValuesCaptain Miller Best Debut Film of a DirectorSwatantrya Veer Savarkar Best Children's Film35 Chinna Katha Kaadu Best Child ArtistRiddhiman Banerjee, Tapomoy Deb, Gitashree Chakraborty, Arundev Pothula & Athish S Shetty Best CinematographyShehnad Jalal (Bramayugam) Best Screenplay (Original)Sukumar (Pushpa 2) Best Screenplay (Adapted)Yogesh Deshpande (Swargandharva Sudhir Phadke) Best Dialogue WriterVenky Atluri (Lucky Baskhar) Best Production DesignNitin Zihani Choudhary (Kalki 2898 AD) Best Action DirectionAnl Arasu (Maharaja) Best Make-Up ArtistP Ravi Kumar (Committee Kurrollu) Best Costume DesignDeepali Noor & Sheetal Sharma (Pushpa 2) Best Music DirectionShashwat Sachdev (Article 370) Best Background MusicGV Prakash (Amaran) Best LyricsManoj Muntashir (Maidaan) Best Male Playback SingerAbhay Jodhpurkar – "Gharat Ganpati" (Navasachi Gauri Mazi) Best Female Playback SingerVaikom Vijayalakshmi – "Angu Vaana Konilu" (ARM) Best ChoreographyVijay Ganguly (Stree 2) Best Sound DesignManas Choudhury (Bhool Bhulaiyaa 3) Best EditingR Kalaivannan (Amaran) Best Assamese FilmJuiphool Best Bengali FilmChalchitra Ekhon Best Hindi FilmSrikanth Best Kannada FilmMithya Best Malayalam FilmFeminichi Fathima Best Marathi FilmMukkam Post Bombilwadi Best Odia FilmLahari Best Tamil FilmRaayan Best Garhwali FilmDholi Best Telugu FilmCommittee Kurrollu Best Gujarati FilmMaaran Best Manipuri FilmSunita Best Konkani FilmMog Asum Best Tulu FilmIMBU Special MentionDhanush (Captain Miller) & Suren G (Meiyazhagan)

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The collaboration between Natural Star Nani and director Srikanth Odela has become one of the most anticipated projects in Tollywood's 2026 calendar. Titled The Paradise, the film serves as a high-stakes reunion for the duo following their 2023 blockbuster, Dasara. While the project has been under wraps for some time, recent market developments have highlighted just how massive this spectacle is going to be. In a major development for the trade circuit, the theatrical rights for the Nizam region have reportedly been bagged by Mythri Movie Makers. Industry insiders suggest the deal was closed for a reported ₹37 crores, an unprecedented figure for a Nani starrer in this territory. This deal serves as a strong market signal, indicating high distributor confidence in Srikanth Odela's vision and Nani’s box office pull. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}) The scale of The Paradise is significantly larger than anything Nani has attempted before. The film is being produced on a staggering reported budget that has now escalated into the ₹160 to ₹200-crore range. To put this into perspective, this budget effectively triples the cost of Nani's other concurrent franchise, HIT: The Third Case, which was made for a reported ₹70 crores. The spike in production costs is attributed to director Srikanth Odela's meticulous action choreography and the ambitious nature of the shoot. On the casting front, Nani is set to appear in a rugged transformation as a raw, heavy-bearded fighter named Jadal (or Dhagad). The film also marks the intense Telugu debut of Bollywood actor Raghav Juyal, who plays the primary antagonist, Vikram Malik. Adding further weight to the ensemble is veteran actor Mohan Babu, who portrays a character named Shikanja Malik, alongside Kayadu Lohar and Sonali Kulkarni in pivotal roles. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}) While fans were initially expecting an August release, the latest industry buzz indicates a shift in the timeline. Originally locked for August 21, 2026, the film is reportedly facing production delays as approximately 30 to 35 shooting days are still pending. Trade reports now reveal that the team is targeting a late September release, specifically September 24 or 25, 2026. This extra time is believed to be necessary to ensure the high-octane action sequences meet the global standards the makers are aiming for.

BY SACNILK

The collaboration between SS Rajamouli and Mahesh Babu, now officially titled Varanasi, has set a firm release date for April 7, 2027. Following the global reach of RRR, this project is being designed as an international action-adventure, with the script written by Vijayendra Prasad and music by M.M. Keeravani. The film is expected to be a high-budget production, aiming for a wide theatrical release across multiple global markets. Mahesh Babu has spent a significant amount of time preparing for this role, adopting a new look and undergoing a physical transformation to fit the globe-trotting theme of the story. Given Rajamouli's preference for high-end technical standards, the film is being shot with Premium Large Formats (PLF) in mind. The goal is to deliver a visual experience that scales well on international screens, similar to major Hollywood franchises. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}) However, an interesting challenge has surfaced regarding the film's global release strategy. While the April 7 date is confirmed, it places Varanasi in a very competitive window between two major Hollywood productions. Godzilla x Kong: Supernova is scheduled for March 26, 2027, and the thriller Panic Carefully is set to arrive shortly after on April 9. Both of these films are expected to occupy a large portion of IMAX and premium screens in overseas markets. This creates a potential bottleneck for Varanasi. In the international market, Hollywood studios often secure IMAX and PLF screens well in advance, which could limit the number of premium screens available for an Indian production during that specific two-week window. For Rajamouli, who prioritizes the best possible theatrical presentation, securing these screens is a vital part of the film's global rollout plan. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}) As of now, the production team has not indicated any plans for a postponement, and the original release date remains unchanged. However, industry observers suggest that the release plan could be revisited if the screen crunch becomes a significant obstacle. For now, the focus remains on completing the project, while trade circles keep a close eye on how the film will navigate this scheduling conflict in the premium screen space.

BY SACNILK

Mumbai, July 16 - The first week of December 2026 is shaping up to be one of the biggest box office battlegrounds in recent memory. Three major Hindi and pan-India releases are set to arrive within two days of each other, setting the stage for an intense clash before Hollywood giants Avengers: Doomsday and Dune: Part Three, and Shah Rukh Khan's King dominate cinemas later in the month. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}) Prabhas' much-awaited period action drama Fauzi has officially locked December 3, 2026, as its theatrical release date. Directed by Hanu Raghavapudi, the film has generated significant buzz ever since its announcement and is expected to be one of the biggest pan-India releases of the year. With Prabhas returning in a larger-than-life role, the film is expected to command a massive release across multiple languages. Just a day later, on December 4, Ajay Devgn's much-awaited Ranger is scheduled to hit theatres. Sharing the same release date is Akshay Kumar's untitled collaboration with director Anees Bazmee, setting up a direct three-way contest among some of Indian cinema's biggest stars. While all three films cater to different audiences, they will inevitably compete for premium screens, show timings, and opening weekend collections. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}) The timing makes the clash even more significant. The three Indian releases will have barely two weeks to maximise their theatrical business before Avengers: Doomsday and Dune: Part Three, along with King, arrive later in December, films that are expected to occupy a substantial share of IMAX and premium large-format screens worldwide. As a result, the opening weekend and first fortnight will be crucial for Fauzi, Ranger, and Akshay Kumar's upcoming entertainer. With Prabhas, Ajay Devgn, and Akshay Kumar all eyeing the lucrative year-end holiday season, the first week of December 2026 is set to become one of the most closely watched box office clashes in recent years. Whether all three films stick to their announced dates or one eventually opts to avoid the crowded window remains to be seen, but as of now, audiences are in for a blockbuster showdown.

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Hyderabad, July 16 - Pan-India superstar Prabhas' highly anticipated period war drama Fauzi has finally locked its theatrical release date. The makers officially announced that the Hanu Raghavapudi directorial will release in cinemas worldwide on December 3, 2026, while unveiling a powerful new poster featuring the actor in one of his most intense looks to date. The announcement comes after months of speculation over the film's release window and immediately puts Fauzi among the biggest Indian releases lined up for the end of the year. The newly released poster presents Prabhas in a battered and blood-soaked avatar, seated on a rock amidst a war-ravaged battlefield filled with fallen soldiers. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}) Holding a rifle while covered in battle scars, the actor exudes determination despite the destruction around him. The poster also carries the striking tagline, "A Battalion Who Fights Alone," hinting at a story centred on courage, sacrifice, and an extraordinary soldier fighting against overwhelming odds. The rugged visual has already generated massive excitement across social media. Directed by acclaimed filmmaker Hanu Raghavapudi, Fauzi is set against the backdrop of pre-Independence India and is expected to blend large-scale action with an emotionally driven narrative. The film stars debutante Imanvi opposite Prabhas, while veteran actors Mithun Chakraborty and Jaya Prada play pivotal roles. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}) Backed by Mythri Movie Makers in association with T-Series, the film is mounted on a lavish budget and is being shot as one of the most ambitious projects in Prabhas' career. The release announcement also confirms that Fauzi will be available in multiple Indian languages, including Telugu, Hindi, Tamil, Kannada, Malayalam, and Bengali, underscoring its pan-India appeal. Prabhas has an exciting slate ahead with Spirit, Kalki 2898 AD Part 2, and Salaar Part 2. With Fauzi now officially dated for December 3, 2026, fans can expect the promotional campaign to gather pace in the coming months, beginning with the teaser and first glimpses from what promises to be one of the biggest cinematic spectacles of the year. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}) अज्ञातपर्व ENDS. THE REBELLION BEGINS 🔥#Fauzi GRAND RELEASE WORLDWIDE ON 3rd DECEMBER 2026 ❤‍🔥#FauziOnDec3Rebel Star #Prabhas#Imanvi @hanurpudi #MithunChakraborty #JayaPrada @AnupamPKher @Composer_Vishal @sudeepdop @kk_lyricist @MrSheetalsharma @rckamalakannan… pic.twitter.com/EBeYKkNsjo— Mythri Movie Makers (@MythriOfficial) July 16, 2026

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Mumbai, July 15 - Netflix has released its latest Global Top 10 Non-English Films rankings, and Indian cinema continues to enjoy a strong presence on the platform. A total of five Indian films found a place in the weekly chart, led by fresh OTT releases and recent theatrical titles. Among them is Ram Charan's Peddi, which made its streaming debut with a relatively modest start despite arriving with considerable buzz following its theatrical release. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}) According to Netflix's weekly viewership rankings, Peddi garnered 1.9 million views in its first tracking week after premiering on the platform on July 9. It was the 5th most-watched non-English title during July 6-12. The sports drama managed to enter the Global Top 10 Non-English Films chart, but its opening viewership is on the lower side compared to several recent high-profile Indian releases on the streamer. Peddi had an average run at the box office, and its digital debut has followed a similar trajectory, opening without a major surge in viewership. The Hindi version of the film is yet to premiere, and it would have helped it score much better viewership data had it been streamed simultaneously, which is not the case. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}) Apart from Peddi, four other Indian films also secured places in Netflix's weekly global rankings, including Sunny Deol's direct digital release, Ikka (4.4 million) at 2, Daadi Ki Shaadi (2.1 million) at 4, Pati Patni Aur Woh Do (1.8 million) at 6, and Blast (1.1 million) at 8, underlining the consistent performance of Indian titles across languages on the streaming platform. The latest chart features films from different genres and industries, showcasing the diversity of Indian cinema and its growing appeal among international audiences. Having five Indian films in the same weekly chart is another indication of Netflix's increasing investment in Indian content and its worldwide consumption. Streaming viewership often builds over multiple weeks through positive word of mouth, and the coming weeks will determine whether the Ram Charan starrer can improve its performance. For now, Netflix's latest weekly rankings reaffirm the strong global footprint of Indian cinema, with five homegrown films earning a place among the platform's most-watched non-English titles.

BY SACNILK

Following the massive global success of Pushpa 2: The Rule, Allu Arjun appears to be focusing on a diverse slate of projects that span multiple regional industries. Rather than sticking to a single market, he is systematically collaborating with prominent filmmakers from the Tamil and Malayalam industries alongside his Telugu roots. This move suggests a calculated approach to strengthening his pan-Indian presence through a variety of genres over the next few years. The newest development that has caught everyone's attention is a rumored collaboration between Allu Arjun and Malayalam director Basil Joseph. The buzz started when Basil Joseph shared a social media post featuring an ICON cap set to a popular track from Arya 2. This has led to reports that the two are in the final stages of discussion for a film, often referred to as the B and B combo. If the deal is finalized, this project is expected to be a high-budget superhero entertainer that could start production by late 2027 under the Geetha Arts banner. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}) While the Basil Joseph project is the latest talk of the town, Allu Arjun already has two massive projects lined up. First is Raaka, or AA22, directed by Atlee. This project is currently under active production and is being described as a heavy-VFX sci-fi fantasy action entertainer. It features Deepika Padukone as the female lead with music scored by Sai Abhyankkar. Given the extensive post-production required for such a visual spectacle, the film is slated for a grand arrival between late 2027 and mid-2028. Following that, the actor is set to team up with Lokesh Kanagaraj for AA23. Initial styling and look tests for this project were recently completed in Mumbai, and regular shooting is expected to begin around December 2026 or January 2027. Backed by Mythri Movie Makers, this is touted to be a gritty action thriller with music by Anirudh Ravichander. There is significant speculation among fans regarding whether this film will eventually link into the Lokesh Cinematic Universe. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}) The long-term planning for Allu Arjun extends even further with a project featuring director Sandeep Reddy Vanga. This collaboration is expected to roll out closer to 2028 or 2029, as the director is currently occupied with other major commitments. With directors like Atlee, Lokesh Kanagaraj, and potentially Basil Joseph on his roster, the actor is systematically working with the most influential commercial filmmakers in the South. Basil Joseph, the director linked to this new project, is a unique talent who balances both directing and acting. While he is widely recognized for directing the 2021 superhero hit Minnal Murali, he has also been very active as an actor. His upcoming acting slate includes roles in Malayalam films such as Maranamass, Pravinkoodu Shappu, and the drama Ponman. Transitioning back to the director's chair for a star of Allu Arjun's stature would be a significant step in his career and a highly anticipated move for the audience.

BY SACNILK

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 SACNILK

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

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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 SACNILK

Mumbai, July 13 - The Indian box office enjoyed another strong weekend as films from Hindi, Telugu, Tamil, and Hollywood attracted audiences across the country. Ajay Devgn's Dhamaal 4 emerged as the undisputed winner of the July 10–12 weekend, posting a solid opening and comfortably finishing ahead of the competition. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}) The Indra Kumar-directed Dhamaal 4 topped the weekend chart with an estimated 78 crore gross at the Indian box office, driven by excellent occupancy and significant growth over Saturday and Sunday. The comedy entertainer has reaffirmed the box office strength of franchise films and family entertainers. Akhil Akkineni's Telugu action drama Lenin brings the actor back in the success form after back-to-back box office duds, and secured the second spot in the weekend chart, delivering a solid opening in the Telugu market and establishing itself as one of the biggest regional launches of the month. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}) Hollywood's Evil Dead Burn claimed the third position, extending its impressive theatrical run after recording the biggest opening for a horror film in India this year. Tamil release Idhayam Murali followed in fourth place, registering a respectable opening despite facing competition from multiple high-profile releases across languages. Meanwhile, Tamil movie Gatta Kusthi 2 scored a super second weekend, grossing around 9.50 crores despite new releases. It remained the number 1 Tamil movie of the weekend. The combined total of the top 5 movies of the July 10-12 weekend was around 142 crores gross at the Indian box office, which is about 42% more than the last weekend. In fact, this was the biggest weekend since June 5-7 (160 crores) (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}) Top 5 Box Office Weekend Grossers (July 10-12) S. No. Movie Weekend India GBOC Total India GBOC 1 Dhamaal 4 ₹ 78.00 Cr ₹ 78.00 Cr 2 Lenin ₹ 29.25 Cr ₹ 29.25 Cr 3 Evil Dead Burn ₹ 15.00 Cr ₹ 15.00 Cr 4 Idhayam Murali ₹ 9.85 Cr ₹ 9.85 Cr 5 Gatta Kusthi 2 ₹ 9.50 Cr ₹ 34.85 Cr Note: Gross collection*