BY SUNIT JANGIR

Los Angeles, April 9 - The theatrical business is witnessing a major shift as Gen Z audiences emerge as the most active and influential moviegoing demographic. According to a recent industry study highlighted by Variety, younger viewers are not only returning to cinemas in large numbers but are also redefining how films perform at the box office. Gen Z Leading The Charge According to a new Fandango study (via Variety), a significant majority of Gen Z has visited theatres over the past year, with many going far more frequently than older generations. On average, Gen Z moviegoers are clocking multiple visits annually, making them the most consistent theatrical audience in the post-pandemic era. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}) This surge comes at a crucial time when overall cinema attendance is still recovering. While older demographics have reduced their theatre visits, Gen Z has effectively stepped in to bridge the gap and sustain box office momentum. More Than Just Tickets: Higher Spending Power Beyond frequency, Gen Z is also contributing heavily to revenue through higher per-visit spending. Premium formats like IMAX and large-screen experiences are particularly popular among younger audiences, along with increased spending on concessions. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}) This trend is helping exhibitors boost overall revenue even when footfalls are not fully back to pre-pandemic levels. As per the report, one of the biggest reasons behind Gen Z's theatrical pull is their perception of cinema as a social outing rather than just content consumption. Moviegoing has become a shared experience, something to enjoy with friends and amplify through social media conversations. This behaviour has also fueled the success of films that generate buzz online, turning theatrical releases into cultural moments. Shaping What Works At The Box Office (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}) With Gen Z now at the centre, the industry is increasingly tailoring content to match their preferences. Event-driven films, franchise spectacles, anime, and video game adaptations are seeing stronger traction, largely due to their appeal among younger viewers. Studios are also focusing on creating "theatrical moments", films that feel worth stepping out for, rather than waiting for a streaming release. The rise of Gen Z signals a structural shift in the movie business. The box office is no longer driven by a broad, uniform audience but is instead being reshaped by the habits and tastes of younger generations. Note: The study by Fandango primarily focuses on North American audiences.

BY CHRISTA LINCY

While Dhurandhar 2: The Revenge continues to set the box office on fire with its record-breaking run, the production has hit a significant legal roadblock. In a fresh development that has caught the industry’s attention, Trimurti Films has moved the court against filmmaker Aditya Dhar's production banner, B62 Studios. The lawsuit alleges unauthorized usage of a classic musical property within the film, potentially complicating the movie's continued commercial exploitation across various platforms. The core of the dispute revolves around the iconic track Tirchi Topiwale, a song that originally featured in the 1989 blockbuster Tridev. Trimurti Films, the original producers of the 1989 film, have alleged that Dhurandhar 2 has utilized a version substantially similar to this classic in its new track titled Rang De Lal. According to reports from Bar and Bench, the lawsuit claims that this was done without obtaining the requisite licenses or permissions from the rightful owners of the musical work. Tracing the origins of the original composition, Tirchi Topiwale was a cultural phenomenon in the late 80s, composed by the legendary duo Kalyanji-Anandji with lyrics penned by Anand Bakshi. The vocals were provided by Amit Kumar and Sapna Mukherjee. Trimurti Films asserts complete ownership and control over both the musical composition and the sound recording rights. The legal plea argues that the use in the new film amounts to a clear case of copyright infringement, involving unauthorized reproduction and communication of the protected work to the public. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}) The legal implications for the makers of Dhurandhar 2 could be far-reaching if the court sides with the plaintiffs. Trimurti Films is seeking an immediate injunction to restrain any further use of the song in the film's theatrical run, promotional materials, and upcoming digital releases. Beyond the stay on the song's usage, the lawsuit also seeks significant financial damages and other consequential reliefs. This move puts a spotlight on the critical nature of music rights clearance, especially when dealing with high-stakes blockbuster sequels. As the legal proceedings move forward, the focus remains on the eventual resolution of the dispute between the two parties. While the movie continues its dominant theatrical journey, the outcome of this lawsuit will be particularly relevant for its upcoming transition to streaming and satellite platforms. As of now, Aditya Dhar and B62 Studios have not issued a formal response to the claims, but the case serves as a notable reminder of the complexities involved in music licensing within the modern film industry.

BY SUNIT JANGIR

Kochi, April 9 - The Malayalam film industry has found its newest box office sensation as Vaazha II: Biopic of a Billion Bros has stormed past the coveted 100 crore mark worldwide within just seven days of its release. The film's phenomenal performance has placed it among the all-time fastest-grossing hits in Mollywood. Headlined by Hashir and others, Vaazha 2 witnessed an exceptional opening weekend, followed by excellent weekday collections. The film's relatable coming-of-age storyline has struck a chord with audiences across Kerala and overseas markets, especially in the Gulf region. In 7 days so far, Vaazha has grossed approximately 55 crores at the Indian box office, including around 48.50 crores gross in Kerala state alone. The film's overseas performance is equally exceptional, with around 49 crore, and a major chunk of this has come from the Gulf, despite the region being at war. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}) Vaazha 2 Joins Elite Mollywood 100 Crore Grosser Club With around 104 crores at the worldwide box office in 7 days, Vaazha 2 has become the 15th Malayalam film of all-time to enter the 100 crore club. Interestingly, in just a week, it has already earned 2x of its predecessor, which ended with around 38 crores at the worldwide box office. Mohanlal's Pulimurugan was the first Mollywood film to hit the milestone of 100 crores gross globally. However, the real peak for Malayalam cinema came after the COVID-19 pandemic, especially after the 2018 Movie (2023), which was the third Mollywood 100 crore grosser. Vaazha 2, with very little competition at the box office, is expected to be a dominant force in the coming days, particularly at the Kerala box office, where it is expected to enter the rare 100 crore club. If the momentum continues, which is expected, the film is heading towards 200+ crore worldwide, which will be an exceptional result. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}) 100 Crore Malayalam Films Worldwide (Highest to Lowest) S. No. Movie Worldwide Gross 1Lokah Chapter 1₹ 303.86 Cr 2Empuraan₹ 266.81 Cr 3Manjummel Boys₹ 241.03 Cr 4Thudarum₹ 235.38 Cr 52018₹ 180.03 Cr 6Aadujeevitham₹ 157.62 Cr 7Aavesham₹ 154.80 Cr 8Sarvam Maya₹ 151.25 Cr 9Pulimurugan₹ 139.50 Cr 10Premalu₹ 131.50 Cr 11Lucifer₹ 127.50 Cr 12Aadu 3₹ 119.37 Cr 13ARM₹ 107.32 Cr 14Vaazha 2₹ 104 Cr 15Marco₹ 102.55 Cr Data as of April 8 (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}) What makes Vaazha 2 even more impressive is the speed at which the film achieved the 100 crore milestone. Crossing 100 crore in a week makes Vaazha 2 the third fastest Malayalam 100 crore grosser, behind Thudarum (6 days) and Empuraan (2 days). With the momentum still going strong, Vaazha 2 is expected to continue its impressive run in the coming days, potentially aiming for even bigger milestones at the global box office.

BY CHRISTA LINCY

The cinematic run of the film Youth has reached a significant theatrical landmark, officially crossing the ₹50 crore net mark in the Indian market. Achieving this milestone on its 21st day, the film has demonstrated impressive longevity at the ticket windows, especially considering its transition from a strong opening week into a stabilized third week. The project, which marks the directorial debut of Ken Karunas, has successfully navigated through various competition to emerge as a major commercial success. On its 21st day, the film maintained a steady pace by adding ₹0.59 crore to its net total. A detailed look at the linguistic performance shows that the Tamil version contributed ₹0.49 crore while the Telugu version added ₹0.10 crore. This brings the cumulative India net collection to ₹50.15 crore. The daily gross for Day 21 stood at ₹0.68 crore, contributing to an overall India gross of ₹57.67 crore. When factoring in the overseas gross of ₹11.00 crore, the worldwide total has now reached ₹68.67 crore. The box office trajectory suggests a very healthy trend for a production made on a controlled budget of 6 crores. The film began its journey with a robust ₹26.44 crore in its first week and followed up with a solid ₹16.18 crore in the second week. Such a trend indicates that the movie is not just a front-loaded venture but one that has benefited from consistent word-of-mouth. With a total of 34,448 shows tracked across its three-week run, the film has managed to sustain its presence in theaters effectively. The success of the film is a notable start for Ken Karunas, who has handled both the directorial responsibilities and the lead role in this debut. The project features a supporting cast including Suraj Venjaramoodu, Devdarshini, Anishma Anilkumar, and Meenakshi Dinesh. The ensemble performance, combined with a relatable narrative, has played a key role in pushing the film past the ₹50 crore net mark, establishing it as one of the most profitable mid-budget films in recent times. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}) Youth Box Office Collection Breakdown - Day 21 ReportCOLLECTION CATEGORYAMOUNT IN CRORESWeek 1 India Net₹ 26.44 CrWeek 2 India Net₹ 16.18 CrDay 21 India Net (Total)₹ 0.59 CrTotal India Net₹ 50.15 CrTotal India Gross₹ 57.67 CrTotal Overseas Gross₹ 11.00 CrWorldwide Total Gross₹ 68.67 Cr To track the daily performance and detailed breakdown of the film's theatrical run, visit our comprehensive Youth Daywise Box Office Collection Report. As the film begins its 22nd day today, the focus remains on its consistent theatrical presence. By surpassing the ₹50 crore net threshold against a production budget of only ₹6 crore, the project has delivered an outstanding return on investment for the stakeholders. Heading into the fourth weekend, the film is well-positioned to capitalize on its existing momentum and further build on its lifetime box office tally before the arrival of new releases.

BY SUNIT JANGIR

Mumbai, April 8 - Bollywood superstar Shah Rukh Khan extended warm wishes to Allu Arjun on the occasion of his birthday, making the moment even more special by reacting to the much-talked-about first look poster of later's upcoming sci-fi actioner Raaka. Taking to social media, Shah Rukh Khan praised the striking poster of Raaka, calling it "intriguing and amazing". King Khan further said that he can't wait to see what Allu Arjun and director Atlee have put together in this highly anticipated Pan-India film. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}) "Happy Birthday @alluarjun... the poster is intriguing and amazing just like you are. Can't wait to see what you guys have put together. This experience will be... in Atlee’s words - Mass masss massss!! #Raaka looks so exciting, all the best!!", said SRK. Happy Birthday @alluarjun … the poster is intriguing and amazing just like you are. Can’t wait to see what you guys have put together. This experience will be… in Atlee’s words - Mass masss massss!! #Raaka looks so exciting, all the best!! @Atlee_dir pic.twitter.com/QHh3ZkpKQh— Shah Rukh Khan (@iamsrk) April 8, 2026 (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}) The superstar's energetic message instantly went viral, with fans celebrating this crossover moment between two of Indian cinema's biggest icons. His reference to "Mass masss massss" — a signature style associated with filmmaker Atlee — further amplified the hype around the project. Raaka, directed by Atlee, is shaping up to be a grand sci-fi action spectacle. The first look poster has already created a storm online, showcasing Allu Arjun in a fierce and intense avatar, promising a high-octane cinematic experience.

BY SACNILK TEAM

There was a time when opening day numbers carried a sense of surprise. A film could build modestly in the days before release and still shock the trade once footfalls actually began. That kind of uncertainty has not disappeared entirely, but it has become far less common. In today’s Hindi, Telugu, Tamil, and pan-India box office environment, advance booking has started to tell a clearer story much earlier. For trade watchers, exhibitors, and even ordinary moviegoers who follow collection updates closely, pre-release ticket sales now offer one of the strongest early signals of where a film may be headed. They do not reveal everything, but they reveal enough to shape expectations with far more confidence than before. Why the Pre-Release Window Matters More Now The shift is not happening by accident. Indian moviegoing has become more front-loaded, especially for star-led releases and heavily marketed event films. Audiences often decide early whether a title feels worth the big-screen experience. Once that decision is made, it starts showing up in booking data well before the first show begins. This early momentum also reflects a wider digital culture in which access, predictability, and planned viewing matter more than they once did. That broader online behaviour helps explain why many users now pay attention to stable personal access tools too, whether for work, streaming, or day-to-day browsing. For some, something like PIA dedicated ip becomes part of that more controlled digital routine. In box office terms, advance booking is no longer just a side metric. It is often the first measurable sign of audience intent. What Advance Sales Can Actually Tell Us Strong advance bookings usually point to one of three things. The first is star pull. The second is effective pre-release marketing. The third is confidence among audiences that the film offers a theatrical experience worth showing up for early. That does not mean a high advance number guarantees a long run. Word of mouth still matters. Reviews still matter. Weekend holds still matter. But when a film opens with heavy pre-sales across major circuits, it usually means awareness has already turned into action. That is a major difference. A useful way to look at this comes from a study on film marketing and pre-release box office performance, which explores how marketing activity before release can shape early commercial results. That relationship is easy to see in India, where songs, trailers, fan-driven hype, and city-wise booking pace often create strong momentum before the first public reaction even lands. Why India’s Market Makes This Trend More Visible India is especially suited to this pattern because theatrical success here is still driven heavily by opening weekend energy. Once a film catches attention, the first few days become crucial. A powerful booking trend in national chains and key centres can influence trade perception, social media conversation, and even last-minute audience decisions. This is why advance booking has become more than just a number to report. It now acts like an early reading of public confidence. If the interest is broad, fast, and visible across markets, the opening usually reflects it. A Signal, Not the Full Story Advance booking works best as a predictor when it is read with context. Genre matters. Holiday timing matters. Ticket pricing matters. Regional strength matters. Even then, it has clearly become one of the most useful pre-release indicators in the Indian box office conversation. The reason is simple. It shows when curiosity turns into commitment. And in a market where the opening weekend can define the entire theatrical narrative, that kind of signal has become too important to ignore.

BY SUNIT JANGIR

Mumbai, April 8 - Aditya Dhar's Dhurandhar 2: The Revenge continues its unstoppable march at the global box office, shattering records with each passing day. The Ranveer Singh-led spy actioner is nearing 1650 crores worldwide, and with this, it has entered the top 10 highest-grossing films of 2026 worldwide. Directed by Aditya Dhar, Dhurandhar 2 has minted around 1640 crores globally in 20 days, as the 10th highest-grossing film of the year (as of April 7). This is one of the rare moments when an Indian film is hovering among the top 10 worldwide grossers, competing with Hollywood blockbusters. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}) A Massive Global Milestone The film's phenomenal run has not only put it among the biggest Indian grossers of all-time, but it has also put it ahead of many Hollywood tentpoles. Backed by strong word-of-mouth and repeat value, the film has maintained a solid hold even beyond its opening phase, as it is now heading towards the 1700 crores mark, which will make it the highest-grossing Indian film without contribution from China. Currently, China's Pegasus 3 is the biggest grosser of 2026 with $638 million. Dhurandhar 2, with $177+ million, is the 10th biggest grosser at this point in time, just behind Hollywood animated sports comedy, GOAT ($185+ million). Dhurandhar 2's box office performance is driven by a record-breaking run at the domestic box office, where it has grossed over 1200 crores so far. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}) Top 10 Highest-Grossing Films of 2026 Worldwide S. No. Movie Country Worldwide Gross 1 Pegasus 3 China $638.7M 2 Project Hail Mary USA $420.8M 3 The Super Mario Galaxy Movie USA $372.5M 4 Hoppers USA $332.2M 5 Wuthering Heights USA $239.4M 6 Blades Of The Guardians China $211.6M 7 Scream 7 USA $209.3M 8 Scare Out China $196M 9 GOAT USA $185.2M 10 Dhurandhar 2 India $177+M Note: Dhurandhar 2 data as of April 7, and the rest are as of April 6 (from Luiz Fernando/X). (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}) Record Overseas Contribution While Dhurandhar 2 is having a box office run of its life at the Indian box office, the film is probably putting on one of the greatest performances for an Indian film internationally. It has crossed 400 crores gross in international markets, making it the highest-grossing Indian film of all-time outside India (without China). The sequel has a dream run in almost every territory, but it is North America where the film has gone beyond expectations. Earlier last week, it not only became the biggest Indian grosser, but also became the first Indian title to cross $25 million in the region, and is now marching towards the $30 million mark. With this achievement, Dhurandhar 2: The Revenge is no longer just an Indian success story; it has evolved into a global box office phenomenon. As it continues its theatrical run, all eyes are now on how far this juggernaut can go and whether it can climb even higher in the list of 2026's biggest worldwide grossers.

BY SACNILK TEAM

Here is the Telugu movie Dacoit box office collection which is a romantic action drama film. This film is directed by Shaneil Deo and produced by Suniel Narang Production, S.S. Creations, and Annapurna Studios. ## Dacoit stars Adivi Sesh, Mrunal Thakur, Anurag Kashyap, Prakash Raj, Atul Kulkarni, Sunil Varma, and Zayn Marie Khan in key roles. ## Dacoit Box Office Collection Day Wise | All Language [See Footfalls] DayIndia Net Collection Change(+/-) Day 1 [1st Friday] ₹ 6.55 CrTelugu: 5.45 Cr Hindi: 1.1 Cr - Day 2 [1st Saturday] ₹ 6.85 CrTelugu: 5.5 Cr Hindi: 1.35 Cr 4.58% Day 3 [1st Sunday] ₹ 6.4 CrTelugu: 4.8 Cr Hindi: 1.6 Cr -6.57% Day 4 [1st Monday] ₹ 2.7 CrTelugu: 2.1 Cr Hindi: 0.6 Cr -57.81% Day 5 [1st Tuesday] ₹ 3 CrTelugu: 2.25 Cr Hindi: 0.75 Cr 11.11% Day 6 [1st Wednesday] ₹ 1.55 CrTelugu: 1.05 Cr Hindi: 0.5 Cr -48.33% Day 7 [1st Thursday] ₹ 1.4 CrTelugu: 1.07 Cr Hindi: 0.33 Cr -9.68% Week 1 Collection ₹ 28.45 CrTelugu: 22.22 Cr Hindi: 6.23 Cr - Day 8 [2nd Friday] ₹ 0.9 CrTelugu: 0.84 Cr Hindi: 0.06 Cr -35.71% Total ₹ 29.35 CrTelugu: 23.06 Cr Hindi: 6.29 Cr (estimated) - ## Take Subscription To See Footfalls ## India Net Collection ₹ 29.35 Cr ## Worldwide Collection ₹ 46.95 Cr ## Overseas Collection ₹ 12.8 Cr ## India Gross Collection ₹ 34.15 Cr ## Dacoit Budget: ₹ - Cr * Approx ## Dacoit Verdict: Coming Soon ## Dacoit Screen count ## India: - ## Overseas: - ## Worldwide total: - ## Release Date: 10th April 2026 ## For more and the latest news about Tollywood Box Office Collection, Stay tuned to us.Dacoit State Wise Gross CollectionDayKarnatakaAPTGTamil NaduKeralaRest Of IndiaDay TotalDay 1 [1st Friday]₹ 0.85 Cr₹ 5.35 Cr₹ 0.15 Cr₹ 0.03 Cr₹ 1.25 Cr₹ 7.63 CrDay 2 [1st Saturday]₹ 1.09 Cr₹ 5 Cr₹ 0.18 Cr₹ 0.03 Cr₹ 1.7 Cr₹ 8 CrDay 3 [1st Sunday]₹ 1 Cr₹ 4.5 Cr₹ 0.15 Cr₹ 0.02 Cr₹ 1.82 Cr₹ 7.49 CrDay 4 [1st Monday]₹ 0.22 Cr₹ 2.15 Cr₹ 0.04 Cr₹ 0.01 Cr₹ 0.7 Cr₹ 3.12 CrDay 5 [1st Tuesday]₹ 0.3 Cr₹ 2.15 Cr₹ 0.09 Cr₹ 0.01 Cr₹ 0.9 Cr₹ 3.45 CrDay 6 [1st Wednesday]₹ 0.13 Cr₹ 1.15 Cr₹ 0.02 Cr₹ 0 Cr₹ 0.5 Cr₹ 1.8 CrDay 7 [1st Thursday]₹ 0.13 Cr₹ 1.12 Cr₹ 0.02 Cr₹ 0 Cr₹ 0.35 Cr₹ 1.62 CrWeek 1 Gross₹ 3.72 Cr₹ 21.42 Cr₹ 0.65 Cr₹ 0.1 Cr₹ 7.22 Cr₹ 33.11 CrDay 8 [2nd Friday]₹ 0.1 Cr₹ 0.85 Cr₹ 0.01 Cr₹ 0 Cr₹ 0.08 Cr₹ 1.04 CrDay 9 [2nd Saturday]₹ 0.15 Cr₹ 1.18 Cr₹ 0.02 Cr₹ 0 Cr₹ 0.1 Cr₹ 1.45 CrDay 10 [2nd Sunday]₹ 0.15 Cr₹ 1.4 Cr₹ 0.02 Cr₹ 0 Cr₹ 0.13 Cr₹ 1.7 CrDay 11 [2nd Monday]₹ 0.04 Cr₹ 0.5 Cr₹ 0.01 Cr₹ 0 Cr₹ 0.03 Cr₹ 0.58 CrDay 12 [2nd Tuesday]₹ 0.04 Cr₹ 0.52 Cr₹ 0.01 Cr₹ 0 Cr₹ 0.04 Cr₹ 0.61 CrDay 13 [2nd Wednesday]₹ 0.04 Cr₹ 0.52 Cr₹ 0.01 Cr₹ 0 Cr₹ 0.03 Cr₹ 0.6 CrDay 14 [2nd Thursday]₹ 0.04 Cr₹ 0.5 Cr₹ 0.01 Cr₹ 0 Cr₹ 0.03 Cr₹ 0.58 CrWeek 2 Gross₹ 0.56 Cr₹ 5.47 Cr₹ 0.09 Cr₹ 0 Cr₹ 0.44 Cr₹ 6.56 CrTotal₹ 4.28 Cr₹ 26.89 Cr₹ 0.74 Cr₹ 0.1 Cr₹ 7.66 Cr₹ 39.67 Cr ##

BY CHRISTA LINCY

Superstar Rajinikanth recently made headlines during a brief interaction with the press where he was questioned about the ongoing delay surrounding Thalapathy Vijay's highly anticipated film, Jana Nayagan. When asked for his thoughts on the project's postponement, the veteran actor maintained a neutral stance, simply stating that he did not wish to answer the question. This response comes at a time when the Tamil film industry is buzzing with speculation regarding the political thriller's release schedule. Jana Nayagan was originally slated to hit theaters on January 9, but the film has faced significant hurdles in securing the necessary censor certificates. The delay has pushed the release into a window of intense speculation, with many industry insiders suggesting that the movie may now only arrive after the state elections, possibly around April 23. Fans of Thalapathy Vijay are eagerly waiting for an official confirmation as the film remains a crucial milestone in the actor’s career before his projected move into full-time politics. While Rajinikanth remained tight-lipped about Vijay’s film, the update on his own projects has sparked immense excitement. Work on Jailer 2, the sequel to his 2023 blockbuster, is progressing rapidly. Reports indicate that the primary shooting for the film has been wrapped up and the project has now entered the post-production stage. While the production house is expected to announce the official release date shortly, it has been confirmed that Shah Rukh Khan will not be part of the film. Although there were strong rumors about a cameo featuring the Bollywood superstar, Shah Rukh Khan politely declined the offer due to his commitment to his own major project, King, which is also scheduled for a release in the same year. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}) Following the completion of Jailer 2, Rajinikanth will transition to his next venture, tentatively titled Thalaivar 173. This project is set to be directed by Cibi Chakaravarthi and is likely to be produced under Kamal Haasan's prestigious banner, Raaj Kamal Films International. Adding to the star power, the film will feature music by Anirudh Ravichander. Recent reports have also confirmed that acclaimed actor-director Basil Joseph has joined the cast to play a pivotal role, rumored to be that of Rajinikanth's son. The filming for Thalaivar 173 is scheduled to commence in April 2026. Perhaps the most historic update in Tamil cinema is the confirmed reunion of legends Kamal Haasan and Rajinikanth for a landmark project tentatively titled KHxRK. This marks their first on-screen collaboration in nearly 47 years. Backed by Red Giant Movies, the film is set to be directed by Nelson Dilipkumar with a high-octane musical score by Anirudh. A special retro-style promo released in February 2026 has already gone viral, showcasing both stars in a 1980s aesthetic. This gangster drama is scheduled to begin filming in August 2026, promising to be one of the biggest cinematic events in Indian history.

BY SUNIT JANGIR

Mumbai, April 8 - Director Aditya Dhar's Dhurandhar has turned into a remarkable success story digitally, as the film has now crossed the 30 million views milestone on Netflix globally. After a historic theatrical run of over 1300 crores, the Ranveer Singh starrer has continued to attract audiences worldwide, proving the strength of its content and franchise appeal. Dhurandhar was originally released on December 5, 2025, and became a massive box office success. After creating history at the ticket window, the spy action thriller was made available on Netflix, after an 8-week theatrical run. It took the streamer by storm and shattered viewership records. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}) A Strong Start Sets The Tone Dhurandhar opened to an impressive 7.6 million views in its first week, immediately grabbing the top spot on global charts. Interestingly, the film didn't slow down in its second week—instead, it grew further to 8.2 million views, indicating strong word-of-mouth and repeat value among viewers. This kind of upward trend in the second week is rare for streaming releases, especially after a huge box office run, and highlights the film's strong connect with audiences across markets. Mid-Run Dip Was Expected (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}) Like most OTT releases, Dhurandhar witnessed a gradual decline in viewership after its initial peak. From Week 3 onwards, numbers dropped to 2.9 million, followed by a steady slide through the subsequent weeks. While the drop may seem significant, the film managed to stay consistently within the platform's trending list, showcasing sustained interest. Sequel Effect Sparks A Comeback The real twist in Dhurandhar's OTT journey came later. With the buzz surrounding Dhurandhar 2: The Revenge, the original film witnessed a surprising resurgence. In Week 8, when Dhurandhar 2 hit the big screens, viewership of the first film jumped to 2.3 million, followed by an even stronger 3 million in Week 9, and 1.8 million in the 10th week. This late surge played a crucial role in pushing the film past the 30 million total views mark, a rare achievement for an Indian film on streaming. Dhurandhar maintained a Top 10 presence for ten consecutive weeks, even trending in multiple countries during its run. The film has now entered the league of the most-watched Indian titles on Netflix, outperforming several recent big-ticket releases. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}) Dhurandhar Netflix Weekly Viewership Breakdown S. No. Week Views (Millions) Remarks 1 Week 1 7.6M Explosive debut, #1 globally 2 Week 2 8.2M Peak, strong word-of-mouth 3 Week 3 2.9M Expected drop post-hype 4 Week 4 2.0M - 5 Week 5 1.3M - 6 Week 6 1.0M - 7 Week 7 1.0M Stable trend 8 Week 8 2.3M Big jump after sequel buzz 9 Week 9 3.0M Further 30% growth 10 Week 10 1.8M Post-surge normalization Total 31.10M Overall Views

BY CHRISTA LINCY

The veteran filmmaker Priyadarshan, who is currently gearing up for one of the most anticipated reunions in Indian cinema, recently shared his insights on the distinct screen presence of two of Bollywoods biggest superstars, Akshay Kumar and Shah Rukh Khan. In a conversation regarding his upcoming project Bhooth Bangla, the director delved into why Akshay Kumar remains the quintessential choice for relatable, everyday characters while Shah Rukh Khan carries a more sophisticated, city-bred aura. Speaking about his long-standing collaboration with Akshay Kumar, Priyadarshan highlighted that the actors greatest strength lies in his ability to mirror the life of an ordinary citizen. The filmmaker noted that Akshays body language, walk, and overall demeanor allow him to seamlessly blend into roles representing the middle class. Drawing a reference to their previous work in Khatta Meetha, Priyadarshan remarked that Kumar perfectly captured the essence of a struggling road contractor. He attributed this authenticity to the fact that Akshay lived as an ordinary man before his rise to stardom, giving him a deep understanding of the nuances and struggles associated with such a life. In contrast, Priyadarshan described the persona of Shah Rukh Khan as being fundamentally urban. Recalling their time working together on the film Billu, the director shared an anecdote from a shoot in a remote village in South India. According to the filmmaker, Khan was surprised by the seclusion of the location and admitted that he found it difficult to relate to a rural setting because of his upbringing in Delhi. Priyadarshan pointed out that while both actors are masters of their craft, their backgrounds significantly influence the types of characters they embody most naturally on screen. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}) The discussion comes at a time when the excitement surrounding Bhooth Bangla is reaching a fever pitch. This film marks the reunion of Priyadarshan and Akshay Kumar after a gap of 14 years, a duo that has previously delivered cult classics like Hera Pheri, Garam Masala, and Bhool Bhulaiyaa. The upcoming horror-comedy is being produced by Ektaa R Kapoor under the Balaji Motion Pictures banner and is slated for a grand release on April 17, 2026. Adding to the massive hype is the return of the iconic comedy ensemble that defined an era of Hindi cinema. Bhooth Bangla features a stellar supporting cast including veteran actors Paresh Rawal, Rajpal Yadav, and Asrani, alongside Wamiqa Gabbi in a lead role. Fans are eagerly waiting to see if the director-actor duo can recreate the same magic that made their previous collaborations staples of Indian pop culture. With Priyadarshan focusing on Akshays common man appeal, the film is expected to lean heavily into the relatable yet chaotic humor that the pair is famous for.

BY SUNIT JANGIR

Hyderabad, April 8 - The much-anticipated collaboration between Allu Arjun and Atlee has finally received its official title - Raaka. Previously referred to as AA22xA6, the film's first look title poster, which was unveiled on April 8 on Allu Arjun's birthday, has taken social media by storm, offering a glimpse into what promises to be one of Indian cinema's most ambitious projects. A Fierce First Look That Sets The Tone The title reveal poster showcases Allu Arjun in a rugged, intense avatar, featuring heavy textures, a wild beard, and striking tusk-like elements. The design hints at a darker, primal character, possibly rooted in a blend of science fiction and mythology. The visual tone alone suggests that Raaka will explore uncharted territory, both in storytelling and character design. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}) A Mega Collaboration Backed By Scale Directed by Atlee, known for delivering mass entertainers with strong emotional cores, Raaka marks his first collaboration with Allu Arjun. The film is backed by Sun Pictures, a banner known for mounting large-scale productions. With such a combination, expectations are naturally sky-high. Raaka has been in production since last year, with highly skilled technicians from India and Hollywood on board to create something very special. The VFX of the film is being handled by top Hollywood VFX studios, including Legacy Effects, Fractured FX, Spectral Motion, Lola VFX, and ILM Technoprops. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}) A Genre-Bending Experience The reports and poster itself suggest that Raaka could be a genre-blending spectacle, merging sci-fi elements with mythological undertones. There are also strong indications that Allu Arjun may be seen in multiple avatars, potentially exploring different timelines or dimensions. Some buzz even points toward a "were-beast", like characterisation, hinting at a transformation-driven narrative. With Atlee at the helm, the film is being mounted on a massive scale, relying heavily on cutting-edge VFX and world-building. The makers appear to be aiming for a cinematic experience that rivals global standards while retaining a strong Indian core. While the makers have kept plot details tightly under wraps, the title Raaka itself evokes a sense of mystery and power. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}) Also starring Deepika Padukone, Rashmika Mandanna, Janhvi Kapoor, and Mrunal Thakur in key roles, Raaka is scheduled to release in the summer of 2027 in multiple languages.