BY SACNILK TEAM

The Indian film industry is abuzz with reports that maverick director Shankar is finally moving forward with his dream project, Velpari. Based on the acclaimed Tamil novel Veera Yuga Nayagan Velpari by S. Venkatesan, this film is being touted as a cinematic spectacle that could redefine the Magnum Opus genre. The biggest highlight, however, is the rumored casting. Reports suggest that Shankar is planning to cast Ranveer Singh and Chiyaan Vikram in the lead roles, creating a massive Dual Hero dynamic that has the potential to shake the pan-Indian box office. A few years ago, Shankar, Ranveer Singh, and Pen Studios officially announced a Hindi remake of the cult classic Anniyan. However, that project hit a legal roadblock and failed to materialize due to copyright disputes with the original producer. Instead of letting the collaboration go to waste, trade circles suggest that Shankar is now looking to fit the powerhouse combo of Ranveer and Vikram into the world of Velpari. Vikram, who delivered an iconic performance in the original Anniyan, joining forces with the high-energy Ranveer Singh is being seen as a masterstroke by the director. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({})   The film is an adaptation of the legendary story of Velpari, one of the seven great patrons (Kadai Ezhu Vallalgal) of ancient Tamil Nadu. The plot revolves around the tribal king Pari, known for his extraordinary generosity and bravery, and his struggle against the combined forces of the three great Tamil dynasties—the Cheras, Cholas, and Pandyas. It is a tale of nature, survival, and ancient warfare, requiring a scale comparable to Baahubali or Ponniyin Selvan. Shankar is known for his larger-than-life storytelling, and with the backing of Pen Studios, Velpari is expected to be his most ambitious project to date. If the combo of Vikram and Ranveer Singh is locked, it will be the first time a major Bollywood superstar and a Kollywood legend share the screen in a direct Shankar film.

BY SUNIT JANGIR

Hyderabad, January 30 - Superstar Prabhas' romantic horror-comedy The Raja Saab is gearing up for its digital premiere following a disappointing theatrical run. The film will start streaming on JioHotstar from February 6, allowing audiences to catch the entertainer online after its underwhelming box-office performance. As per the latest update, The Raja Saab will be available in Telugu, Kannada, Tamil, and Malayalam from February 6. However, the Hindi version will arrive later, due to pre-existing terms. The Hindi-dubbed version is expected to premiere on OTT only after completing eight weeks of its theatrical run. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}) Directed by Maruthi, the film showcased Prabhas in a rare romantic-comedy-horror avatar, generating curiosity ahead of release. Despite the pre-release buzz and the star's pan-India appeal, the film failed to sustain momentum at the box office. The Raja Saab managed to collect only a little over 200 crore worldwide, a figure considered poor by Prabhas' standards, given the film's scale and expectations. The movie needed to score almost double what it actually grossed and ended up as a disaster at the box office. Stay tuned...

BY CHRISTA LINCY

Following a disappointing theatrical run that began on January 9, 2026, Prabhas' latest film, The Raja Saab, is now preparing for its digital debut. Directed by Maruthi, the horror-comedy attempted to showcase a vintage side of the Rebel Star, but the film failed to resonate with the larger audience, leading to a quick exit from most major screens. Where to Stream The Raja Saab on OTT? Reports indicate that due to the film's poor theatrical performance, the makers are sticking to a standard 4-week window. The Raja Saab is expected to stream on OTT starting February 6, 2026. Where to stream The Raja Saab? The digital streaming rights for the film were sold to JioHotstar. The platform is expected to premiere the film in its original Telugu version along with dubbed versions in Hindi, Tamil, Kannada, and Malayalam. While the official announcement is awaited, the February 6 date is widely reported as the definitive streaming start for the film. What is the story of The Raja Saab? The film is a horror-comedy centered around a grand, ancestral mansion known as the Raja Saab palace. The plot follows a young man (Prabhas) who travels to the estate to uncover his family's legacy and claim his inheritance. However, he soon discovers that the mansion is haunted by spirits tied to dark secrets from the past. The narrative focuses on his attempts to survive the supernatural occurrences while balancing comedic encounters with the ghostly inhabitants of the palace. Despite the presence of a pan-India superstar like Prabhas, The Raja Saab struggled to recover its massive production and distribution costs. While it managed to cross the ₹200 crore mark globally, the high theatrical rights value has resulted in a Flop verdict. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({})   The Raja Saab: Lifetime Box Office Collection CATEGORY COLLECTION (INR) India Net Collection ₹ 144.93 Cr India Gross Collection ₹ 172.90 Cr Overseas Collection ₹ 34.25 Cr Worldwide Total ₹ 207.15 Cr Verdict Flop The Raja Saab: Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) Is The Raja Saab a hit or a flop? The Raja Saab is a Box Office Flop. Although it earned ₹207.15 Cr worldwide, it failed to reach the high break-even target required by its distributors. Where to stream The Raja Saab on OTT? The film will be available for streaming on JioHotstar in all major Indian languages. Who are the heroines in The Raja Saab? The film features Malavika Mohanan, Nidhhi Agerwal, and Riddhi Kumar as the female leads alongside Prabhas. What is the OTT release date for The Raja Saab? The reported OTT release date is February 6, 2026, exactly four weeks after its theatrical debut. The shift to OTT is seen as a way for the makers to recoup some of the financial losses through digital licensing. While the theatrical run was a disappointment, the film's horror-comedy genre and Prabhas' popularity are expected to draw significant viewership on JioHotstar.

BY CHRISTA LINCY

Ranveer Singh's global phenomenon, Dhurandhar, has officially landed on Netflix today, January 30, 2026. However, the film is achieving something rarely seen in the history of Indian cinema: even as it begins its digital journey, it is shattering theatrical records in its 8th week. While fans are flocking to OTT, the film's massive momentum on BookMyShow (BMS) proves that the Dhurandhar Mania is far from over. The biggest headline today isn't just the OTT release, but the film's incredible theatrical endurance. In its 8th week, Dhurandhar has recorded a staggering 127,000 ticket bookings on BookMyShow. This puts it in the elite bracket of films like the Gujarati blockbuster Laalo (130K) and surpasses the 8th-week performance of Stree 2 (76K) and Chhaava (84K). This level of stamina—selling over 1.25 lakh tickets two months after release—highlights a massive repeat audience and a rock-solid grip on the mass circuits, making its Netflix arrival one of the most anticipated digital events of the year. To put these numbers into perspective, very few films in Indian cinema history have managed to maintain a six-figure ticket volume on BookMyShow by their 8th week. Dhurandhar has not only dominated the current box office but has also outperformed several recent blockbusters in their late-run stages. Top 8th Week Ticket Bookings on BMS: 1.Laalo: 130K (All-time regional record holder) 2.Dhurandhar: 127K (New Bollywood Record) 3.Chhaava: 84K 4.Stree 2: 76K By reaching 127K, Dhurandhar is now breathing down the neck of the Gujarati phenomenon Laalo, while comfortably cruising past the late-run stamina of Stree 2 and Chhaava. Interestingly, Laalo—which currently holds the 130K benchmark—boosted its pan-India presence even further with its Hindi version releasing on January 9. This data confirms that Dhurandhar is not just a hit but a long-distance runner that continues to attract thousands of daily viewers even two months after its release. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({})   As the film went live on Netflix, a debate sparked regarding its runtime. The Netflix version is clocked at 3 Hours and 25 Minutes, while the final theatrical cut was 208 minutes (3 Hours and 28 Minutes). The technical reason is simple: The Netflix version is the full uncut theatrical version. The 3-minute difference is solely due to the removal of mandatory anti-tobacco and health warnings required for cinema halls in India. On a global streaming platform like Netflix, these 3 minutes of warnings are stripped away, giving fans a seamless 205-minute experience. The version on your screens today is exactly what propelled the film to its historic box office heights. Dhurandhar Final Box Office Report: The ₹1300 Cr Milestone CATEGORY COLLECTION (INR) India Net Collection ₹ 835.85 Cr India Gross Collection ₹ 1002.75 Cr Overseas Collection ₹ 298.75 Cr Worldwide Total ₹ 1301.50 Cr 8th Week BMS Bookings 127,000+ Tickets With a staggering Worldwide Collection of ₹1301.5 Cr, Dhurandhar has officially entered the list of Top 5 highest-grossing Indian films of all time. The film's ability to gross over ₹1000 Cr within India alone (India Gross) is a testament to Ranveer Singh's unparalleled draw in the mass belts. From its high-octane action sequences to its emotional core, the film has managed to sustain a level of interest that most blockbusters lose by their fourth week. Entering the 8th week with over 1.25 lakh bookings while simultaneously releasing on OTT is a feat that may not be repeated for years to come. Dhurandhar Milestone Tracker: All-Time Blockbuster 1. The 1300 Cr Club: One of only 5 Indian films to reach ₹1300 Crore globally. 2. 8th Week Record: Highest 8th-week ticket sales for a Bollywood film with 127K bookings. 3. Domestic Giant: First film for Ranveer Singh to cross ₹800 Cr Net in India. 4. Digital Premiere: The 3H 25M cut is trending #1 on Netflix in multiple territories. Dhurandhar is a once-in-a-decade phenomenon. Whether you choose to witness the spectacle in a theater—joining the 1.27 lakh fans still booking tickets this week—or prefer the high-quality 3H 25M stream on Netflix, the experience is guaranteed to be legendary.

BY SUNIT JANGIR

Mumbai, January 30 – Sunny Deol's war drama Border 2 has crossed the 300-crore gross mark at the worldwide box office within its first week, emerging as the actor's second film after Gadar 2 to achieve the feat. The Anurag Singh directorial also becomes the first 300-crore worldwide grosser for Varun Dhawan as well as for the director. Released amid massive expectations, Border 2 opened on a solid note and went on to explode during the Republic Day extended weekend, grossing approximately 250 crore worldwide in its first four days. The film showed an encouraging hold on Tuesday, but collections dipped more than expected on Wednesday, followed by a routine drop on Thursday, taking the first-week total close to 310 crore gross. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}) At the domestic box office, the blockbuster sequel has grossed around 268+ crore (224+ crore net) in India. Overseas markets have contributed approximately 41 crore, pushing the total worldwide cume to about 309 crore gross in seven days. While these numbers are undeniably strong, they fall slightly short of the sky-high trade expectations initially associated with the film. After the explosive opening weekend, Border 2 appeared poised for a historic run similar to Gadar 2. However, the sharper-than-anticipated weekday drop has somewhat tempered those prospects. For comparison, Gadar 2 had grossed close to 370 crore worldwide in its first week and went on to finish with an extraordinary lifetime total of nearly 700 crore. The second weekend will be crucial in determining Border 2's long-term box office trajectory. That said, the absence of major competing releases, even though Rani Mukerji's Mardaani 3 released today, should allow the film to sustain steady collections over the next couple of weeks. At present, the film is trending toward a 500 crore worldwide lifetime finish, which would still be solid overall. Stay tuned...

BY CHRISTA LINCY

While box office collections are often inflated by rising ticket prices, the true measure of a film's impact is its Footfalls (theatrical admissions). Bollywood has a long-standing love affair with Army Films, but only a few have managed to mobilize the masses in crore-plus numbers. With Sunny Deol's Border 2 currently storming the box office, it has officially entered the elite club of war films with over 1 crore admissions in just its first week. However, the path to the original 1997 Border’s legendary record is still a mountain to climb. Even after 29 years, J.P. Dutta's Border remains the gold standard for war cinema in India. With a staggering 3.70 crore footfalls, it attracted nearly double the audience of modern-day blockbusters like Uri: The Surgical Strike. In an era where a 2-crore footfall is considered a massive success, Border's reach across single screens and rural India remains an untouchable benchmark. Bollywood's Army Films: Theatrical Footfalls Comparison MOVIE NAME (YEAR) THEATRICAL FOOTFALLS BOX OFFICE STATUS Border (1997) 3.71 Crore All-Time Blockbuster Uri: The Surgical Strike (2019) 1.82 Crore All-Time Blockbuster Border 2 (2026) 1.15 Crore* Trending Blockbuster Lakshya (2004) 78.4 Lakhs Average (Cult Classic) LOC Kargil (2003) 48.0 Lakhs FLop Sam Bahadur (2023) 47.0 Lakhs Hit Ikkis (2026) 14.2 Lakhs Flop 120 Bahadur (2025) 9.0 Lakhs Flop Paltan (2018) 7.3 Lakhs Flop (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({})   Border 2 is currently trending at an exceptional pace. While it has already dwarfed the footfalls of viusally impressive biopics like Vicky Kaushal's Sam Bahadur (47 Lakhs) and the recently released 120 Bahadur (9 Lakhs), it is now chasing the 1.82 crore mark set by Uri. The reason for this massive disparity in footfalls highlights the sheer difference in market scale between urban biopics and mass-market entertainers. While Sam Bahadur was a highly successful and efficient hit, finishing its global run at ₹130.3 Cr, Border 2 has operated on an entirely different level of market penetration. By amassing ₹309 Cr globally and clocking 1.15 crore admissions in just 8 days, the Sunny Deol and Varun Dhawan starrer has already eclipsed the lifetime reach of urban-centric hits. This trend proves that while multiplex-heavy films like Sam Bahadur have a solid loyal base, the patriotic mass-sentiment of the Indian heartland offers a significantly higher box office ceiling, catapulting Border 2 into the elite tier of Indian cinema. War Movie Hall of Fame: Footfall Milestones 1. The 3-Crore Club: Border (1997) (Only war film to ever cross this milestone in India) 2. The 1.5-Crore Club: Uri (2019) (Defined the modern era of war films with high repeat value) 3. The Fast-Track 1-Crore: Border 2 (2026) (Fastest war movie sequel to reach 1.15 Crore admissions) 4. OTT Impact: Shershaah & Pippa (Bypassed theaters; was reported as the most-watched Indian film on Amazon Prime Video in India at the time of its release) With no major competition for the next week, Border 2 is expected to comfortably cross the 1.5 crore footfall mark by its second weekend. While matching the monumental 3.7 crore footfall mark of the original Border remains a daunting task in the modern era of shorter theatrical windows, the current momentum suggests we shouldn't rule anything out just yet. For now, Border 2 is almost certain to challenge Uri: The Surgical Strike for the #2 spot on the all-time list of war films. Whether it can go the full distance to claim the absolute #1 spot is a wait and watch scenario for the trade. However, the data proves one thing clearly: the Indian audience will always show up in crores for a war story that perfectly blends high-stakes emotion, grounded action, and the right Mass treatment

BY SUNIT JANGIR

Mumbai, January 30 - Ranveer Singh's spy action thriller Dhurandhar has finally made its much-awaited OTT debut on Netflix, after scripting history at the global box office. After a record-breaking theatrical run, the movie is now available not just in Hindi but also in dubbed Telugu and Tamil versions, allowing the film to tap into a much wider pan-India and global audience. The multilingual release underlines Netflix's strategy to maximise the digital footprint of one of the biggest Hindi blockbusters in recent times, and also sets the stage for the multilingual theatrical release of Dhurandhar 2, which hits the big screens on March 19 in Hindi, Telugu, and Tamil. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}) The availability of Dhurandhar in South Indian languages has been welcomed by fans, who have been demanding release in other languages. With subtitles and dubbed versions, the film is now expected to find a fresh audience on streaming, further strengthening its post-theatrical impact. However, while the OTT release has expanded the film's accessibility, it has also sparked discussion due to a reduced runtime. The Netflix version is shorter than the theatrical cut, with several minutes trimmed from the original length. The OTT version is 3 hours and 25 minutes long against the 3 hours and 34 minutes of theatrical runtime. This has led to mixed reactions among viewers, particularly those who watched the film in cinemas and were expecting the uncut version to premiere on digital platforms. Despite the trimmed runtime, Dhurandhar continues to command strong interest on OTT, driven by its blockbuster tag, massive box-office legacy, and the curiosity surrounding its second part. Stay tuned...

BY CHRISTA LINCY

Both Gadar 2 and Border 2 have demonstrated extraordinary momentum at the Indian box office, particularly in the mass circuits. A key highlight of their theatrical run is the incredible speed at which they reached the ₹200 crore mark. Both films achieved this coveted milestone within just 5 days of their release, proving that the appetite for high-octane sequels remains at an all-time high in India. The comparison, however, highlights a significant difference in weekday stamina. Gadar 2 benefited from a massive holiday hangover following the Independence Day surge, which allowed it to maintain an exceptional ₹32.37 crore even on its first working Wednesday. In contrast, Border 2 saw a more pronounced decline after its record-breaking 5-day opening sprint, with collections normalizing to a standard weekday pace. Border 2 followed a historic trajectory during its opening weekend. By the end of its first Monday (Day 4), the film had already amassed ₹180 crore, and with a ₹20 crore collection on Day 5 (Tuesday), it successfully entered the ₹200 crore club in record time. While Border 2 saw a sharper drop on Tuesday compared to Gadar 2, its overall cumulative total remains highly competitive, setting the stage for a massive lifetime run. 7 Days Box Office Comparison: Border 2 vs Gadar 2 (India Net) DAY BORDER 2 (COLLECTION) GADAR 2 (COLLECTION) Day 1 [Friday] ₹ 30.00 Cr ₹ 40.10 Cr Day 2 [Saturday] ₹ 36.50 Cr ₹ 43.08 Cr Day 3 [Sunday] ₹ 54.50 Cr ₹ 51.70 Cr Day 4 [Monday] ₹ 59.00 Cr ₹ 38.70 Cr Day 5 [Tuesday] ₹ 20.00 Cr ₹ 55.40 Cr Day 6 [Wednesday] ₹ 13.00 Cr ₹ 32.37 Cr Day 7 [Thursday] ₹ 11.25 Cr* ₹ 23.28 Cr Total Week 1 ₹ 224.25 Cr ₹ 284.63 Cr (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({})   On its first Wednesday (Day 6), Gadar 2 maintained a superior hold, earning ₹32.37 crore net in India. This followed its massive Independence Day holiday where it collected a staggering ₹55.4 crore. The film's ability to stay above the ₹30 crore mark on a working weekday cemented its status as an all-time blockbuster. In comparison, Border 2 saw its first Wednesday collections drop to an estimated ₹13 crore. This suggests that after the initial 5-day sprint, the film is now relying on standard audience footfalls rather than the holiday-driven frenzy that propelled Gadar 2. However, Gadar 2 currently holds several secondary records, including the highest net collections for a second weekend (over ₹90 crore), which Border 2 will need to challenge to reach the ₹600 crore lifetime club. While both films shared an identical start in terms of speed, Gadar 2's extraordinary second-week trend remained exceptionally flat due to high repeat footfalls in single screens across UP, Bihar, and Rajasthan. For Border 2 to challenge the ₹686 crore worldwide lifetime mark of Gadar 2, the upcoming second Friday will be the crucial litmus test. It will determine if the Day 6 dip was a one-time stabilization or a signal of a faster-than-expected slowdown in the mass circuits.

BY CHRISTA LINCY

The excitement surrounding Thalapathy Vijay's final cinematic venture, Jana Nayagan (widely known as Thalapathy 69), has reached a fever pitch following reports that the production house is aiming for a worldwide theatrical release on February 5. This news comes as a relief to fans after the film missed its massive Pongal 2026 window; however, seasoned industry trackers remain skeptical. With only a handful of days left until the rumored date, the film still lacks the mandatory censor clearance, making a global rollout on such short notice a logistical nightmare. The primary hurdle currently facing the film is its ongoing friction with the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC). In a tactical shift to save time, the makers at KVN Productions are reportedly taking legal steps to withdraw their existing court case regarding the certification. The strategy is to move the film away from legal litigation and immediately apply for a Revising Committee (RC) review. The hope is that a fresh committee can grant the necessary certificate within the next 48 hours, though this remains a race against a very tight clock. Adding to the urgency, Venkat K. Narayana of KVN Productions is currently stationed in Chennai, personally overseeing meetings to speed up the release process. A major point of discussion in these meetings has been the financial restructuring of the film. Due to the missed Pongal window and the mounting interest burden caused by the delay, the ₹109 crore Minimum Guarantee (MG) has reportedly been revised. This adjustment is seen as a necessary move to protect distributors who have been waiting anxiously to recoup their massive investments in Vijay's swan song. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({})   Despite the chaos in the local market, the film's distribution network remains surprisingly resilient. Reports indicate that the Kerala distributor is staying firm and fully committed to the project, prepared to launch a massive promotional blitz the moment the censor certificate is issued. Meanwhile, the production team is working round-the-clock in war-room conditions to ensure that once the legal and censorship barriers are cleared, the digital cinema packages (DCPs) can be delivered to theaters worldwide without further hiccups. However, from a realistic reporting perspective, a February 5 release seems highly improbable. A film of this magnitude typically requires at least a week of lead time after censorship for overseas logistics and the coordination of KDM (Key Delivery Message) logs for thousands of screens. Without an official trailer or a final censor certificate in hand by January 30, a mid-February release (such as Feb 12 or 13) appears to be a more grounded expectation for a trouble-free launch. For now, the Jana Nayagan team is fighting a battle on two fronts: the legal halls of the court and the logistical demands of a global audience.

BY CHRISTA LINCY

In a significant departure from standard distribution practices, the release strategy for Rani Mukerji's Mardaani 3 has been finalized. According to reports from Bollywood Hungama, the makers are opting for a Curated Release aimed at maximizing occupancy percentages rather than sheer screen count. The strategy involves two major pillars: Controlled Supply and Affordable Pricing. Unlike typical blockbusters that aim for 15–20 shows in multiplexes, Mardaani 3 will have a strict cap of no more than 6 shows per day in any theater, regardless of the number of screens. Furthermore, in two-screen theaters, the film will only begin showcasing from 3:00 PM onwards, targeting the evening and night audience. The film will follow the ticket pricing structure of the 2026 film Saiyaara, which utilized a Flat Pricing model. By keeping ticket prices at par with mid-budget content-driven cinema, the producers are aiming to drive high footfalls in the initial weekend. This strategy is designed to create an In-Demand atmosphere where limited tickets and lower prices lead to rapid Sold Out status across centers. Mardaani Franchise: Release Strategy Evolution FILM DISTRIBUTION MODEL PRICING STRATEGY VERDICT Mardaani (2014) Standard (1200+ Screens) Standard Multiplex Rates Hit Mardaani 2 (2019) Wide (1600+ Screens) Premium Pricing Hit Mardaani 3 (2026) Limited (Capped at 6 Shows) Affordable (Saiyaara Model) TBA (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({})   While this strategy might limit the Opening Day record potential, it is expected to stabilize the India Net collections over the first two weeks. By ensuring that every show is nearly full, the film benefits from positive word-of-mouth generated by a packed house. For a franchise like Mardaani, which relies on social messaging and intense drama, a sold-out theatre experience often leads to better audience reception than a half-empty premium screening. The Scarcity Effect: Box Office Math 1. High Occupancy %: By limiting shows to 6 per day, the film is more likely to report 80-90% occupancy, which triggers FOMO (Fear Of Missing Out) among audiences. 2. Evening Prime Focus: Starting at 3:00 PM eliminates low-performing morning shows, saving on operational costs and concentrating revenue in high-value time slots. 3. Sustenance over Opening: This model prioritizes Long Legs (steady collections over weeks) rather than a massive Day 1 that crashes on Day 4.

BY CHRISTA LINCY

The production of Shah Rukh Khan's upcoming action thriller King has reached a new scale. Reports from Bollywood Hungama confirm that director Siddharth Anand and the production team recently concluded a massive 10-day action schedule in Europe, with a total expenditure of ₹50 crore for this single sequence. This brings the average daily production cost of the schedule to approximately ₹5 crore. The film, which features an ensemble cast including Suhana Khan and Abhishek Bachchan, is being mounted on a reported budget of ₹350 crore (excluding marketing). Siddharth Anand, known for high-budget spectacles like Pathaan and War, has reportedly designed six major action set pieces for the film. The Europe schedule featured a high-octane confrontation shot at real international locations rather than on a studio set. In Indian cinema, a ₹50 crore spend on a single action sequence represents a major industry benchmark. For context, the introductory sequences for the lead characters in S.S. Rajamouli's RRR were reportedly filmed at a cost of approximately ₹45 crore. By investing ₹50 crore in a 10-day block, the makers of King are aiming for a level of realism and scale that matches international action standards. Indian Cinema: Most Expensive Action Sequences Ever Filmed MOVIE NAME SEQUENCE COST (EST) LOCATION / KEY DETAIL King (2026) ₹ 50.00 Cr Europe (10-Day Real Location Shoot) RRR (2022) ₹ 45.00 Cr Climax Sequence (Massive Junior Artist Count) 2.0 (2018) ₹ 20.00 Cr Stadium Climax (VFX & Animatronics) Saaho (2019) ₹ 70.00 Cr Abu Dhabi Desert Chase (Real Car Crashes) (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({})   The decision to film these sequences on real locations suggests a focus on realistic action over studio-based VFX. With the shooting scheduled to wrap by mid-2026, the film is expected to have a significant post-production window to ensure technical precision for its December release. While Saaho and 2.0 spent heavily on hardware (cars) and VFX (CGI), the ₹50 crore spend for King is unique because it is being spent on a real-location shoot in Europe. This indicates a shift in Siddharth Anand's filmmaking—moving away from studio-based green screens toward high-stakes, realistic action similar to the Mission Impossible franchise. Siddharth Anand: Evolution of Action Scale 1. War (2019): First Indian film shot in the Arctic Circle (Finland). 2. Pathaan (2023): Introduced the Frozen Lake chase sequence in Siberia. 3. Fighter (2024): India's first aerial action franchise using real fighter jets. 4. King (2026): ₹50 Crore single-sequence budget at real European locations.

BY CHRISTA LINCY

The massive theatrical run of Border 2 has not only benefited Sunny Deol but has also rewritten the career records for Varun Dhawan. Within just six days of its release, the war drama has surpassed the lifetime collections of Dilwale (₹148.72 Cr) to become the highest-grossing film for the actor. Varun Dhawan, who portrays the real-life hero Major Hoshiar Singh Dahiya, has entered the Double Century (₹200 Crore) club for the first time with this film. While his previous hits like Judwaa 2 and Badrinath Ki Dulhania showcased his pull in the rom-com and masala genres, Border 2 establishes his success in the high-octane patriotic action space. With Border 2 recording an India net collection of ₹213.00 crore in 6 days (and trending towards much higher), the actor's top 5 list has undergone a significant shift. The film has displaced long-standing leaders like Judwaa 2 and ABCD 2, marking a new peak in his 14-year career. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({})   Varun Dhawan: Top 5 Highest Grossing Movies (India Net) RANK MOVIE NAME INDIA NET COLLECTION VERDICT 1 Border 2 (2026) ₹ 213.00 Cr (6 Days) Blockbuster 2 Dilwale (2015) ₹ 148.72 Cr Super Hit 3 Judwaa 2 (2017) ₹ 138.61 Cr Super Hit 4 Badrinath Ki Dulhania (2017) ₹ 117.89 Cr Super Hit 5 ABCD 2 (2015) ₹ 106.12 Cr Super Hit The success of Border 2 is particularly significant as it ends a dry spell for the actor in the ₹100-crore category. The film also holds the record for Varun Dhawan’s highest opening day (₹30 Cr) and highest single-day collection (₹59 Cr on Republic Day). Varun Dhawan: Milestone Career Hits First ₹100 Cr Hit: ABCD 2 (2015) Highest Solo Lead (Pre-2026): Judwaa 2 (₹138.61 Cr) First ₹200 Cr Hit: Border 2 (Achieved in 5 Days) Career Best Domestic Net: Border 2 (₹213 Cr & Counting)