BY CHRISTA LINCY

South Indian cinema exhibitors have officially implemented two major policy shifts aimed at protecting the theatrical ecosystem. Following an industry meeting on March 11, 2026, exhibitors finalized a mandatory 8-week window for all films before their digital premiere and announced the discontinuation of the traditional theater rental system in favor of a percentage-based revenue-sharing model. The decision to enforce a mandatory 8-week (60-day) gap between a film's theatrical release and its OTT debut is a strategic move to preserve the theater-only experience. Previously, many South Indian films, particularly mid-range projects, were opting for a 4-week digital window, which exhibitors argued contributed to a decline in second-week footfalls. By standardizing this 8-week rule across all Indian films screened in their network, exhibitors aim to provide films with a longer runway to perform at the box office. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({})   In a simultaneous move to overhaul the business side of the trade, exhibitors have decided to move away from the fixed rental system. Under the old model, distributors or producers paid a flat weekly fee to screen films in single screens regardless of the film's commercial performance. This is now being replaced by a percentage-based revenue-sharing model, where the earnings will be divided based on actual ticket sales. This shift ensures that theater owners and producers share both the risks and the rewards of a film's theatrical run. While the exact percentage splits for the new revenue-sharing model are yet to be announced, the move is expected to bring a level of financial flexibility to the exhibition sector, especially for single-screen theaters. Trade analysts suggest that these mandates will likely alter the valuation of digital rights and theatrical distribution deals in the future. All eyes are now on the producers' guilds and major streaming platforms to see how they adapt to these revised terms.

BY CHRISTA LINCY

Balaji Motion Pictures has officially confirmed that the teaser for its upcoming horror-comedy Bhooth Bangla will be unveiled on March 12, 2026. Starring Akshay Kumar and directed by Priyadarshan, the film is scheduled for a wide theatrical release on April 10, 2026, targeting the Good Friday holiday weekend. The announcement comes via a new promotional poster featuring Akshay Kumar, signaling the start of the film's marketing campaign. This project marks the reunion of Kumar and director Priyadarshan after a period of 14 years, their last collaboration being the 2010 social satire Khatta Meetha. The film is produced by Ekta Kapoor’s Balaji Motion Pictures in association with Cape of Good Films. The ensemble cast for Bhooth Bangla is one of its primary highlights, bringing together several actors synonymous with the Priyadarshan brand of comedy. The film features the iconic trio of Akshay Kumar, Paresh Rawal, and Rajpal Yadav. They are joined by Tabu, who returns to the horror-comedy genre following her successful stint in Bhool Bhulaiyaa 2. Other notable cast members include Wamiqa Gabbi, Mithila Palkar, Jisshu Sengupta, Manoj Joshi, and Tanushree Dutta. Aapko ulta dikhega… par #BhoothBangla mein ulta hi seedha niklega 🦇#BhoothBanglaTeaser out tomorrow. In cinemas on 10th April 2026 👻@priyadarshandir @akshaykumar @SirPareshRawal @rajpalofficial #Tabu @WamiqaG @Jisshusengupta @actormanojjoshi @mipalkar pic.twitter.com/B24t73kVnL— BalajiMotionPictures (@balajimotionpic) March 11, 2026 (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({})   The April 10 release date is a strategic move. By releasing on a Friday that coincides with Good Friday, the film will benefit from a three-day holiday opening weekend. Additionally, the following week includes holidays for Ambedkar Jayanti and Vaisakhi, providing the film with an extended window to perform at the box office. This timing is expected to maximize the footfalls for a family-oriented horror-comedy. While specific plot details remain under wraps, the film is reported to be a large-scale production set within the framework of a haunted house mystery. With the teaser scheduled to drop tomorrow, expectations are high for this project to replicate the commercial success of the duo's previous cult classics like Hera Pheri and Bhool Bhulaiyaa.

BY CHRISTA LINCY

Mythri Movie Makers is set to become the primary distributor for the majority of Prabhas' upcoming films in the Nizam territory. The production house has secured the distribution rights for several high-profile projects, including Sandeep Reddy Vanga's Spirit and Hanu Raghavapudi's Fauzi. Prabhas is currently involved in several large-scale projects, including Fauzi, Spirit, and the Kalki 2898 AD sequel. Among these, Fauzi is a periodic drama produced directly by Mythri Movie Makers. The production house has now confirmed a broader distribution strategy, taking control of the Nizam theatrical rights for the actor's future lineup. Mythri Movie Makers has officially acquired the Nizam theatrical rights for Spirit, directed by Sandeep Reddy Vanga. Additionally, they will handle the release of Fauzi on their own. This move follows the theatrical run of Raja Saab, where the production house handled the Nizam distribution. Despite the commercial underperformance of Raja Saab in that specific region, the association between Prabhas and Mythri remains strong. The actor has reportedly committed to further collaborations with the banner to ensure long-term stability for their distribution network. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({})   The distribution reach of Mythri Movie Makers now extends to films produced by other major banners. They have entered an agreement to distribute Prabhas' upcoming films with Hombale Films in the Nizam area. This includes the highly anticipated Salaar: Part 2 – Shouryaanga Parvam and two additional projects currently in development with the production house. Furthermore, Mythri will also facilitate the Nizam release for films produced by People Media Factory (PMF) featuring Prabhas. This consolidation means that almost all of Prabhas' upcoming theatrical releases, with the exception of the Kalki 2898 AD sequel, will pass through Mythri Movie Makers in the Telangana region. This strategic alignment positions Mythri Movie Makers as a central figure in the trade of Prabhas' films. By securing the Nizam rights—a territory that typically accounts for a significant portion of a film's domestic earnings—the production house has locked in a consistent pipeline of high-value content for the next two to three years. Prabhas' Upcoming Lineup (Distribution handled by Mythri in Nizam): Fauzi (Produced by Mythri) Spirit (Directed by Sandeep Reddy Vanga) Salaar: Part 2 – Shouryaanga Parvam (Hombale Films) Upcoming PMF Projects Two additional films with Hombale Films

BY SUNIT JANGIR

Hyderabad, March 11 - Pawan Kalyan's much-awaited action entertainer Ustaad Bhagat Singh has completed its censor formalities ahead of its theatrical release. The film has officially been certified by the Central Board of Film Certification, clearing the way for the makers to proceed with promotions and release plans. The censor board has granted the film a U/A certificate, indicating that the movie is suitable for a wide audience. Reports suggest that the film has been approved without any major cuts, allowing the makers to retain the narrative and action sequences as intended. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}) The final theatrical runtime of the film has been locked at 2 hours and 31 minutes (151 minutes). The duration is typical for a large-scale commercial entertainer and is expected to accommodate high-octane action, emotional drama, and mass moments centred around Pawan Kalyan’s character. Directed by Harish Shankar, Ustaad Bhagat Singh is produced by Mythri Movie Makers and features Sreeleela and Raashii Khanna in key roles. The film is scheduled to hit theatres worldwide on March 19, 2026, coinciding with the festive occasion of Ugadi, and is expected to open big at the box office given the massive anticipation among fans. Stay tuned...

BY SUNIT JANGIR

Mumbai, March 11 - Netflix's latest psychological thriller Accused has emerged as a massive success on the streaming platform, crossing 15+ million views globally within just two weeks of its release. The film, which premiered on Netflix on February 27, 2026, has quickly become one of the most talked-about Indian titles on the platform. Directed by Anubhuti Kashyap and headlined by Konkona Sen Sharma alongside Pratibha Ranta, the thriller explores a controversial case that turns a respected gynaecologist's life upside down after serious allegations surface. Its intense narrative and morally complex themes have resonated with viewers worldwide, helping it trend in multiple countries and dominate streaming charts soon after release. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}) After scoring 7.5 million views in the first weekend, the film generated another 7.6 million views in the week of March 2- 8, to push total views to 15.10 million in 10 days. The film's popularity has also translated into strong chart performance. Accused currently occupies the No. 1 spot on Netflix India's Top 10 movies list, while trending in the top 10 in 74 countries, reflecting strong engagement from audiences across the country. Meanwhile, Ranveer Singh's blockbuster actioner Dhurandhar continues its impressive Netflix run. It has topped 23 million views, after adding another 1 million in the 6th week. Despite being available for several weeks, the film is still trending within the Netflix Top 10 in India, highlighting its sustained popularity among viewers. The spy-action spectacle had already enjoyed a historic theatrical run before finding another wave of success on streaming. Stay tuned...

BY CHRISTA LINCY

Dhurandhar, the high-octane action thriller starring Ranveer Singh, has officially set a new benchmark for Indian cinema in the digital space. By the conclusion of its sixth weekend on Netflix, the Aditya Dhar directorial has amassed a staggering 23 million views, effectively becoming the most-watched Indian film on the platform among post-theatrical releases since 2024. This milestone solidifies Ranveer Singh's massive pull not just at the domestic box office, but across a global streaming audience. The film's performance is characterized by an extraordinary level of consistency, having maintained its position in the Netflix Global Top 10 for 6 consecutive weeks. By crossing the 23 million mark, Dhurandhar has outpaced several major blockbusters from the last two years. It has officially overtaken the viewership records of Dulquer Salmaan's Lucky Baskhar (19.4M), Vijay Sethupathi's Maharaja (18.6M), the heist comedy Crew (17.9M), and the critically acclaimed Laapataa Ladies (17.1M). (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({})   Even in its sixth week of release, the film continues to dominate the domestic charts in India. For the period of March 2 – March 8, Dhurandhar held firm at the #4 spot on the Netflix India Top 10 list. Despite the influx of newer titles and trending classics like Raazi, Padmaavat, and Jolly LLB 3, the Ranveer Singh starrer remains a primary choice for viewers, showcasing incredible legs and repeat-watch value that is rare for big-budget action films. The success of Dhurandhar marks a significant shift in how Indian mass entertainers perform globally. While films like Crew previously held strong with a 4-week stint in the Global Top 10, Dhurandhar has extended that dominance to a month and a half. With no signs of slowing down, the film is expected to further extend its record, setting an almost insurmountable target for upcoming big-ticket Bollywood and South Indian releases on the platform.

BY SUNIT JANGIR

Hyderabad, March 10 - The much-awaited collaboration between Allu Arjun and director Atlee, currently referred to as AA22xA6, is gearing up for a major update. According to the latest reports, the film's official title will officially be announced on April 8, 2026, coinciding with Allu Arjun's birthday. The announcement is expected to be made through a specially crafted teaser that will introduce the film's title and give audiences their first glimpse into Atlee's ambitious cinematic world, a large-scale, VFX-heavy spectacle set in a parallel universe, further elevating anticipation around the film. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}) Instead of a simple poster reveal, the team is reportedly preparing a high-concept video teaser that will showcase the film's scale and visual world. The teaser is expected to feature Allu Arjun in a striking new avatar and provide hints about the film's ambitious storyline and cinematic universe. The project has already generated massive buzz as it marks the first collaboration between Allu Arjun and Atlee, both known for delivering blockbuster entertainers. The film is backed by Sun Pictures, one of the biggest production houses in Indian cinema, and is expected to be mounted on a grand scale with extensive VFX. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}) For now, the working title AA22xA6 represents Allu Arjun's 22nd film as a lead actor and Atlee's sixth directorial venture. With the title reveal scheduled for April 8, fans are eagerly awaiting what the makers have in store as the project takes its first big step toward release. Stay tuned...

BY SUNIT JANGIR

Chennai, March 10 - The much-awaited film Karuppu, starring Suriya and Trisha Krishnan, has received an important update regarding its theatrical release. Director RJ Balaji recently addressed ongoing speculation about the film’s release date and clarified that the previously rumoured April 10 release will not happen. In a video statement shared online, RJ Balaji dismissed the widespread reports claiming that Karuppu would hit theatres on April 10. The filmmaker confirmed that the information circulating on social media was incorrect and assured fans that the team will reveal the official release date soon. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}) Balaji also mentioned that the makers are currently focusing on finishing the remaining work on the film. He acknowledged that fans have been waiting for a long time and promised that a major update, including the release date, will be announced within the next 7–10 days. Karuppu marks the first collaboration between Suriya and RJ Balaji and is produced by Dream Warrior Pictures. The Tamil action drama features a strong supporting cast including Indrans, Natty Subramaniam, and Yogi Babu, with music composed by Sai Abhyankkar. The film was initially planned for a 2025 release but was delayed due to post-production work. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}) With the director now confirming that a new date will be announced soon, fans can expect clarity on the theatrical release of Karuppu in the coming days. The update has further increased anticipation for the film, which is considered one of Suriya’s most awaited upcoming projects. Stay tuned...

BY CHRISTA LINCY

In an exclusive report by Variety, it has been revealed that S.S. Rajamouli's upcoming magnum opus, Varanasi, has officially partnered with Malaysia-based SkyBlue Cinematix for its worldwide brand integration. The deal grants SkyBlue Cinematix—the content arm of the SkyBlue Group—exclusive rights to architect and manage all global brand partnerships within the film. This strategic collaboration marks a significant step in Rajamouli's mission to scale the project for a massive international audience ahead of its scheduled release on April 7, 2027. Varanasi is being mounted as one of India's most ambitious cinematic projects to date. It is among the first Indian productions to be shot in the 1.43:1 IMAX format, promising a visual experience tailored for the world's largest screens. Described as a high-octane, globe-trotting action-adventure, the film aims to blend ancient Indian legends with contemporary storytelling. The production is planned for a worldwide theatrical rollout across more than 120 countries, following the global success of Rajamouli’s previous hits, Baahubali and the Oscar-winning RRR. Departing from traditional product placement, SkyBlue Cinematix intends to implement a strategy called Authentic Narrative Weaves. This approach focuses on deeply embedding global brands into the film's storyline so that they align organically with both the ancient and modern settings of the movie. This method ensures that commercial partnerships do not disrupt the immersive experience of the mythology-rooted narrative. S.S. Rajamouli emphasized the importance of this integration, stating to Variety, Varanasi is mounted on an enormous scale, both creatively and technically. Every collaboration helps the film reach wider audiences meaningfully. I hope our partnership with SkyBlue Cinematix integrates global brands organically and respectfully into its rooted world. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}) Dato' Manikandamurthy Velayoudam, Chair of SkyBlue Group, described the mandate as a global cinematic movement. SkyBlue Group brings over 18 years of experience in media and infrastructure across Malaysia, the UAE, India, and Nigeria. Their extensive network includes over 1,400 transit media touchpoints in Dubai and digital out-of-home networks in Southeast Asia. This partnership is expected to provide the film with a robust strategic engine to power its commercial presence on a global stage. To ensure Varanasi is experienced in its native 1.43:1 IMAX format, S.S. Rajamouli has addressed the shortage of True IMAX screens in India, famously joking about staging a Dharna by pitching a tent outside the IMAX office in Los Angeles to demand infrastructure that matches his ₹1,300-crore vision. While India is currently IMAX's seventh-largest market with a 60% footprint growth since 2020, most existing screens are limited to the smaller 1.90:1 digital format. In response to Rajamouli's symbolic appeal, IMAX has signaled they are ready for expansion, prioritizing the installation of dual-laser projection systems in major Indian metros to meet the technical requirements for the film’s 2027 rollout. While Varanasi features Telugu superstar Mahesh Babu in the lead role, the film's script is penned by veteran writer V. Vijayendra Prasad. Drawing inspiration from real-life events and mythology, the film is expected to be a milestone in the global crossover genre, setting new standards for how Indian cinema is produced and marketed to a worldwide audience.

BY CHRISTA LINCY

Dhurandhar 2: The Revenge, directed by Aditya Dhar and starring Ranveer Singh, is scheduled for a worldwide theatrical release on March 19, 2026. Ahead of the film's debut, the director's previous remarks regarding the ban of his films in Pakistan have resurfaced. The National Award-winning filmmaker, known for his work on Uri: The Surgical Strike, has maintained a consistent stance that the official exclusion of his projects from Pakistani cinemas does not impact his creative process or the film's commercial outlook. Dhar has often emphasized that his narratives are centered on the global issue of terrorism rather than targeting the citizens of any specific nation. In previous discussions regarding the regional restrictions on his action-heavy films, Aditya Dhar stated, Mujhe koi farak nahin padta (It doesn't matter to me). He explained that if the audience across the border were to watch his films without prejudice, they would realize the story is a critique of terrorism and not an attack on the people. Dhar noted that if fans in Pakistan trust the filmmaker and watch the film once, they will see it contains nothing negative about the general public. He believes that once viewers understand the fight is against a common threat like terrorism and not against an individual or a country, they would likely appreciate the film's message. Despite the official theatrical bans, trade data suggests a significant demand for Aditya Dhar's work in the Pakistani market through alternative channels. During the release of the first Dhurandhar, reports indicated that pirated DVDs were being sold for as low as Rs 16 in local markets. Furthermore, the film reportedly saw over 2 million illegal downloads within Pakistan in just 12 days of its release. This underground popularity was further confirmed when the movie arrived on digital platforms; despite the theatrical ban, the film consistently trended at the Number 1 spot on Netflix Pakistan during its initial streaming window in January. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({})   Aditya Dhar's career in the Indian film industry reflects a steady evolution from a technical assistant to a high-profile director and producer. Having started as an assistant to veteran filmmaker Priyadarshan and working as a lyricist, Dhar made a significant impact with his directorial debut, Uri: The Surgical Strike (2019). The film earned him the National Film Award for Best Director and established his reputation for delivering high-impact, technically precise cinema. He now co-runs B62 Studios with his brother Lokesh Dhar, focusing on producing content that combines intense action with grounded production values. The upcoming sequel, Dhurandhar 2: The Revenge, marks a major collaboration between Aditya Dhar and actor Ranveer Singh. Scheduled to hit theaters on March 19, 2026, with paid previews starting on the evening of March 18, the film is expected to be one of the year's significant action releases. The project reunites Dhar with National Award-winning music director Shashwat Sachdev, who also provided the score for the first installment.While the film remains banned in Pakistan, Dhurandhar 2 is heading toward an explosive start at the box office. Current advance booking data for the March 18 premieres has shown a sky-rocketing trend, indicating a high-volume opening for the Ranveer Singh-starrer across both domestic and major international circuits.

BY CHRISTA LINCY

The advance bookings for Pawan Kalyan's much-anticipated action entertainer, Ustaad Bhagat Singh, have opened on a strong note in the North American market. With nine days remaining until the scheduled premieres, the film is already witnessing significant traction across major theater chains in the United States. According to the latest trade data from Venky Box Office, the film has grossed over $82,176 in USA premiere advances alone, with the total North American figure (including Canada) hovering around the $89,000 mark. This early momentum signals high anticipation for the Power Star's return to the big screen in a high-octane role. As of March 10, the film has recorded sales across 196 locations and 592 shows, with 3,372 tickets already sold. The Texas region is currently emerging as the primary stronghold for the film, contributing a massive $45,976 to the total gross. Specifically, Cinemark West Plano and Cinemark Pflugerville are leading the charts as the highest-grossing theaters during this initial phase. These numbers are expected to surge significantly as more screens are added and the release date approaches, given Pawan Kalyan's historically strong pull in the overseas market. Ustaad Bhagat Singh marks the high-profile reunion of Pawan Kalyan and director Harish Shankar after their 2012 blockbuster Gabbar Singh. Produced by Mythri Movie Makers, the film features a star-studded cast including Sreeleela as the female lead, alongside Ashutosh Rana, Gautami, and Temper Vamsi in pivotal roles. The technical crew is equally formidable, with Devi Sri Prasad (DSP) handling the music and Ayananka Bose serving as the cinematographer. The collaboration between the Kalyan-Shankar-DSP trio has already generated massive buzz, particularly with the mass background scores teased in the promotional material. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({})   While the film is an official adaptation of the 2016 Tamil hit Theri, director Harish Shankar has clarified that the script has been heavily reworked to suit Pawan Kalyan's persona and the current socio-political climate in Andhra Pradesh and Telangana. The plot follows the journey of Bhagat Singh, an aggressive and charismatic police officer who takes a stand against a powerful local antagonist. Unlike a standard remake, the Telugu version incorporates unique character beats and dialogues tailored specifically for the Power Star's fanbase. The film is set for a grand worldwide theatrical release on March 19, 2026. Given the current trend in the United States, Ustaad Bhagat Singh is eyeing a massive opening weekend. The North American market has always been a key territory for Pawan Kalyan's films, and with the Gabbar Singh combination returning after over a decade, the movie is expected to set new benchmarks for the actor in the overseas circuit.

BY CHRISTA LINCY

Tips Films has officially announced a new release date for David Dhawan's upcoming film, Hai Jawani Toh Ishq Hona Hai. Originally scheduled for June 5, 2026, the movie is now set to arrive in cinemas on June 12, 2026. In an official statement, the production house confirmed the one-week delay, noting that the change is intended to support industry solidarity and avoid unnecessary box office competition. The rescheduling follows the recent postponement of Yash's film, Toxic: A Fairytale for Grown-Ups. Initially planned for a March 19 release, Toxic was moved to June 4, 2026, due to geopolitical instability in the Middle East. As previously reported, regional tensions and airspace disruptions have impacted theatrical operations in the Gulf, which is a significant market for Indian cinema. This shift placed Toxic in direct competition with Hai Jawani Toh Ishq Hona Hai, prompting director David Dhawan and producer Ramesh Taurani to adjust their timeline. VARUN DHAWAN - MRUNAL THAKUR - POOJA HEGDE: 'HAI JAWANI TOH ISHQ HONA HAI' GETS NEW RELEASE DATE... #HaiJawaniTohIshqHonaHai – which was earlier slated to arrive in cinemas on 5 June 2026 – will now release one week later, on 12 June 2026.Director #DavidDhawan reunites with… pic.twitter.com/sKMFoNQx1I— taran adarsh (@taran_adarsh) March 10, 2026 (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({})   The Gulf region remains a crucial territory for major Indian releases, particularly for the Kannada film industry. Verified data reports indicate that there are approximately 9.5 million Indians residing across the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries.Of this diaspora, over 1 million (10 lakh) people are from Karnataka.For a high-budget project like Toxic, ensuring a stable environment for this significant demographic is a priority, as disruptions in these countries directly affect international box office collections. Hai Jawani Toh Ishq Hona Hai marks the latest collaboration between David Dhawan and producer Ramesh Taurani. The romantic comedy features Varun Dhawan alongside Mrunal Thakur and Pooja Hegde, with a supporting cast that includes Maniesh Paul and Kubbra Sait. With the new date of June 12, the film is expected to have a clearer theatrical window following the release of Toxic the previous week.