BY SUNIT JANGIR

Mumbai, May 19 - The Indian box office is expected to continue the winning streak this coming weekend with a couple of major films making their way to the big screens apart from the strong holdovers. The final full-fledged weekend of May is bringing a packed slate of theatrical releases across Indian cinema, led by the highly anticipated crime thriller Drishyam 3 and the romantic drama Chand Mera Dil. From sequels to fresh romantic entertainers, theatres are set to witness a diverse mix of genres on May 21 and 22. Drishyam 3 (Malayalam) (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}) The biggest release of the week is undoubtedly Drishyam 3, which marks the return of Mohanlal as Georgekutty in the final chapter of one of Indian cinema's most celebrated thriller franchises. Directed by Jeethu Joseph, the film has already generated massive pre-release hype with strong advance bookings worldwide. Reports suggest the film crossed 20 crore in global pre-sales even before release. Also starring Meena, Ansiba Hassan, and Esther Anil in their returning roles, the film releases theatrically on May 21 in Malayalam along with dubbed versions in Tamil, Telugu, and Kannada. It is reportedly the final chapter in a decade-long film series. Chand Mera Dil (Hindi) (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}) Chand Mera Dil brings together Lakshya and Ananya Panday in an intense romantic drama directed by Vivek Soni. The film's songs, youthful visuals, and emotional tone have already created buzz among younger audiences. The movie recently cleared censorship formalities with a U/A 16+ certificate ahead of its May 22 release. Star Wars: The Mandalorian and Grogu (English) (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}) Hollywood's major theatrical attraction this week is The Mandalorian and Grogu. The latest big-screen expansion of the Star Wars universe continues the journey of Din Djarin and Grogu, characters who became hugely popular through Disney’s streaming series. The film releases in India on May 22 and is expected to attract franchise fans and premium format audiences. Deool Band 2 (Marathi) (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}) Marathi cinema is also getting a notable release with Deool Band 2. Directed by Pravin Tarde, the sequel arrives more than a decade after the original social drama gained critical acclaim. Carrying the tagline "Now it's God's test," the film promises a mix of emotion, faith, and social commentary. The film releases on May 21. Ugly Story (Telugu) (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}) A romantic thriller with psychological undertones, Ugly Story follows a woman whose relationship slowly turns unsettling as hidden truths emerge. Directed by L. Pranava Swaroop, the film stars Nandu Vijay Krishna, Avika Gor and Ravi Teja Mahadasyam. It is scheduled to release on May 22.

BY CHRISTA LINCY

The third installment of the Drishyam franchise is set to return to the big screen on a date that carries significant importance for fans. With the release scheduled for May 21 to coincide with Mohanlal's 66th birthday, the film's arrival has moved beyond a standard theatrical debut to become a major event across Kerala and the global diaspora. In a significant turn of events this morning, Drishyam 3 has officially overtaken the final pre-sales tally of the Mammootty-Mohanlal spy thriller, Patriot. While Patriot held strong with 333,000 tickets on BookMyShow, Drishyam 3 has now surged past the 334,000 mark, securing its position as the second-highest Malayalam pre-seller in the history of the platform. It now trails only behind the massive 1.33 million record set by L2: Empuraan. What makes this achievement particularly remarkable is the genre; while the top spots are traditionally dominated by high-octane action films, Drishyam 3 has become the first pure suspense-drama in Mollywood history to command this level of pre-release dominance. The momentum is clearly visible in the real-time data, with the film currently selling nearly 30,000 tickets every 24 hours. In Kerala alone, the Day 1 advances have already breached the 5 crore mark, with over 2 lakh tickets sold in the state. Major urban centers like Kochi, Trivandrum, and Calicut are seeing a massive rush, with many 4:00 AM and 7:00 AM fan shows already reported as sold out. Currently, over 1,200 shows are being tracked across the state, and many are moving into the fast-filling category as the release date approaches. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}) On the global stage, the film has officially crossed the 15 crore mark in worldwide opening day advances. The Gulf region remains the strongest overseas fortress for the franchise, contributing over 4 crore from the GCC market alone. This is largely due to the massive diaspora following and special early premieres scheduled to begin on the evening of May 20. The United Kingdom is also showing exceptional numbers, with over 9,500 tickets sold and several premiere shows nearing full capacity. The performance in North America is equally noteworthy, with projections placing the opening in the 2.0 to 2.5 crore range. This makes it the second-fastest Malayalam film to reach the 1,000-ticket milestone in the region. Although the late start of show bookings initially limited its potential in certain US circuits, the current pace suggests a massive weekend ahead as more screens are being added to meet the demand. With two full days still left before the first show begins, Drishyam 3 is expected to widen the gap between itself and other recent blockbusters like The GOAT Life and Aadu 3. While challenging the top spot held by L2: Empuraan remains unlikely, the film has already established itself as the ultimate benchmark for the thriller genre. The birthday factor for Mohanlal, combined with the legacy of the Drishyam brand, has ensured that Georgekutty's final outing is set for a historic opening at the box office.

BY CHRISTA LINCY

Bhooth Bangla has successfully completed its first month at the box office, and as it enters its fifth week, the film is showing the kind of steady hold often seen with successful horror-comedies. On its 32nd day, which was the fifth Monday, the movie earned a net collection of 0.70 crore. This marks a 63.2 percent drop compared to the previous day's 1.90 crore, a typical trend for a weekday following a strong weekend performance. With this, the total India net collection has reached 169.05 crore, while the domestic gross has crossed the 200 crore milestone, currently standing at 200.45 crore. The film has also found a decent audience in the international markets, contributing 53.50 crore in overseas gross. This brings the total worldwide gross collection to 253.95 crore, cementing its position as a solid performer in this genre. What makes this 32nd-day performance interesting is how it stacks up against the Bhool Bhulaiyaa franchise. According to historical data, Bhool Bhulaiyaa 2 collected 0.76 crore on its 32nd day, while Bhool Bhulaiyaa 3 collected exactly 0.70 crore. By matching the numbers of Bhool Bhulaiyaa 3 on this specific day, Bhooth Bangla has proven that it is operating in the same league as some of the biggest horror-comedy hits in recent years. While it remains slightly behind the second installment of that franchise, the consistency in these numbers suggests a very healthy theatrical run. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}) While Bhooth Bangla is currently trailing behind the domestic lifetime numbers of Bhool Bhulaiyaa 2, it has already managed to score a significant victory in the international markets. Bhool Bhulaiyaa 2 finished its overseas run with 49 crore, a figure that Bhooth Bangla has already eclipsed with its 53.50 crore collection. However, the domestic challenge remains. To surpass the 184.32 crore India net lifetime record of the Kartik Aaryan starrer, Bhooth Bangla still needs to collect an additional 15.27 crore. The film currently requires about 11.55 crore more to overtake the 265.50 crore worldwide total of the second Bhool Bhulaiyaa installment. The ticket sales data from BookMyShow also reflects this steady interest. On its fifth Monday, the film sold 15.09 thousand tickets, taking the total ticket count on the platform to over 31.51 lakh. Even with the reduced show count, the film managed to pull in an audience across 2,384 shows nationwide. Looking at the major national chains, PVR contributed approximately 760 tickets, INOX saw about 1,150, and Cinepolis added another 600. This brings the total sales from these three major chains to around 2,510 tickets for the day. Regional occupancy also highlights where the film is still drawing crowds. In Mumbai, the movie recorded an overall occupancy of 12.8 percent across 87 shows, with afternoon screenings peaking at 17 percent. The National Capital Region followed with 290 shows and an overall occupancy of 9.8 percent, where both afternoon and evening shows saw a 12 percent turnout. In Ahmedabad, the film maintained a 7.5 percent overall occupancy across 160 shows, with evening screenings being the most preferred at 12 percent. Bhooth Bangla is currently in a stable position as a box office success. The fact that its late-run figures are on par with established franchises indicates a steady interest in this genre. For the rest of its fifth week, the main goal will be to see how close the India net collection can get to the 175 crore mark before the theatrical run concludes.

BY CHRISTA LINCY

The SPY Universe has officially cemented its place as a juggernaut in Indian cinema, with Dhurandhar 2: The Revenge continuing to rewrite history books even as it enters its ninth week of release. It is rare to see a film maintain this level of conversation two months after its debut, but this sequel has proven that the audience's appetite for this cinematic world is far from satisfied. If we look at the performance on Day 61, which was its ninth Monday, the movie earned a net collection of 0.15 crore. This represents a 76.2 percent drop from the 0.63 crore it managed on the previous day. While the numbers are naturally tapering off, we have to keep in mind that the film is still running on about 390 shows across the country. For a movie to even have nearly 400 shows at the end of its second month is a feat that most blockbusters fail to achieve. The total India net collection now stands at a staggering 1,146.13 crore, while the domestic gross has reached 1,371.69 crore. When you factor in the overseas market, where it has collected 426.67 crore, the total worldwide gross stands at a massive 1,798.36 crore. We are looking at a film that is just a few steps away from the 1,800 crore milestone, which will officially make it the second-highest-grossing Indian movie of all time, trailing only behind Dangal. However, there is a very important distinction to make when comparing Dhurandhar 2 with Dangal. While Dangal remains at the top spot due to its massive success in China, Dhurandhar 2 has achieved these numbers without a China release. If we look at the Phase 1 records—which refers to the initial global release excluding markets like China—Dhurandhar 2 is the undisputed king. It is the number one Indian film in history when comparing pure organic growth across standard global territories. This is a record that is unlikely to be broken anytime soon, as it reflects a level of domestic and NRI dominance that we have never seen before. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}) Comparing the sequel to the first Dhurandhar highlights how much the brand has grown on digital platforms like BookMyShow. The original film ended its run with 14.19 million tickets sold, but the sequel has already moved past 18.33 million. This brings the total ticket sales for the franchise to 32.52 million on this platform alone. The most significant jump is seen in the pre-sales, where the first film had 224 thousand tickets booked before release, while the sequel opened with a massive 2.41 million pre-booked tickets. The way these two films performed over time also shows a shift in audience behavior. The first Dhurandhar actually saw its highest sales in the second week with 4.73 million tickets, indicating it was a word-of-mouth success. On the other hand, Dhurandhar 2 functioned as a massive front-loaded blockbuster, pulling in 8.92 million tickets in its first extended week. Even though the numbers have naturally slowed down by the ninth week, the sequel still managed to sell 30 thousand tickets over its latest weekend, showing that it still has a steady presence in the market despite the long theatrical run. The ticket sales data further supports this incredible run. On its 61st day, the film sold 5.24 thousand tickets on BookMyShow alone. Looking at the bigger picture, the total ticket sales have crossed 1.83 crore, which is a testament to the film's massive footfall. Even on a weekday in its ninth week, the national chains are still seeing activity. PVR contributed around 680 tickets, Inox followed with 600, and Cinepolis added roughly 270. This brings the total across the three major national chains to approximately 1,550 tickets for the day, showing that the movie is still a preferred choice for urban audiences. When we break down the regional performance for the Hindi version on its 61st day the National Capital Region operated with 67 shows and maintained an overall occupancy of 12 percent, peaking during the afternoon shows at 15 percent. Mumbai, however, showed even stronger momentum despite having fewer shows. With 37 shows in the region, Mumbai recorded an impressive overall occupancy of 18 percent, with evening shows climbing as high as 23 percent. Even in Ahmedabad, where morning shows were quiet, the film picked up pace in the afternoon to reach a 13 percent overall occupancy across its 21 shows. These figures indicate that the Hindi belt is still providing a steady flow of audience, particularly in the metro cities during late-day screenings. As the film winds down its theatrical journey, it has firmly established itself as the ultimate king of the box office. Whether or not it eventually opens in China, its current standing as the highest-grossing film in Phase 1 history is a monumental achievement for the SPY Universe. It has not just collected money; it has created a benchmark for how a franchise should be scaled in Indian cinema.

BY SUNIT JANGIR

Chennai, May 18 - Suriya has delivered one of the biggest overseas successes of his career with Karuppu, as the action drama continues its phenomenal run across international markets. The film has now emerged as the biggest Kollywood international grosser of 2026, setting several new milestones for the actor in key territories worldwide. The movie has witnessed excellent traction in the Middle East, North America, the United Kingdom, Europe, Australia, Malaysia, and Singapore, proving Suriya's growing global appeal among Tamil cinema audiences. During its 3-day weekend, RJ Balaji's directorial grossed 42+ crores overseas, which is the biggest weekend for Suriya. Karuppu has officially become: (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}) - Suriya's biggest grosser in the Middle East - Suriya's biggest grosser in North America (excluding the Telugu version of 24) - Suriya's biggest grosser in the United Kingdom - Suriya's biggest grosser across Europe - Suriya's biggest grosser in Australia within just four days - The film with the biggest opening weekend for Suriya in Malaysia - The film with the biggest opening weekend for Suriya in Singapore - The film with the biggest opening weekend for Suriya internationally (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}) The film's strong overseas performance has played a major role in its massive worldwide total of 120+ crores gross (3 days), with several international centres reporting houseful shows through the opening weekend and strong weekday occupancy as well. Karuppu is not only performing strongly in Tamil Nadu but is also maintaining impressive momentum in the rest of India market and internationally. The film has particularly benefited from positive word-of-mouth among family audiences and fans of large-scale action entertainers. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}) The movie's success in regions such as the Gulf, North America, and Southeast Asia highlights the increasing demand for Tamil cinema in overseas territories. Suriya's star power, combined with the film's action-packed presentation and emotional core, appears to have resonated strongly with audiences worldwide. The international rollout of Karuppu has been handled by Phars Film, one of the leading overseas distributors for Indian films, particularly for South Indian cinema, in global markets. The distributor ensured a wide release across multiple territories, contributing significantly to the film’s record-breaking start overseas.

BY CHRISTA LINCY

When you walk into a screening of Suriya's latest film, Karuppu, you quickly realize that you aren't just there for the visuals. The atmosphere in the theater is heavy with a specific kind of energy, largely driven by a soundscape that feels both ancient and modern. At the center of this musical storm is Sai Abhyankkar, a young composer who has made a staggering leap from independent singles to scoring one of the biggest films of 2026. Replacing a legend like A.R. Rahman is no small feat, but Abhyankkar has managed to create a signature sound that has turned movie halls into spaces of communal celebration and, in some cases, devotional trance. Sai Abhyankkar's journey to this moment started with the viral success of his independent tracks like Katchi Sera and Aasa Kooda. While those songs proved he could craft a global pop hook, Karuppu required something far more grounded and raw. His signature style—a clean, international production quality blended with deep local roots—is on full display here. He doesn't just provide a background score; he creates a rhythmic narrative that guides the audience through the life of Saravanan, a lawyer who transforms into a vigilante saviour by night. The God Mode anthem is the real standout of the soundtrack, and it feels nothing like a typical movie song. Instead of following the usual formula, Sai Abhyankkar created a unique beat inspired by traditional folk music. By mixing powerful drum beats with modern electronic sounds, he captured the wild energy of a temple festival. With lyrics by Vishnu Edavan and vocals by both Abhyankkar and Gana Muthu, the song became an instant hit, pulling in over 6 million views in just 24 hours and quickly topping music charts around the world. While the God Mode anthem provides the adrenaline, the overall background score is where the film's divine presence truly lives. Abhyankkar uses a minimalist approach in the courtroom scenes, employing eerie strings to build a tension that feels almost suffocating. This silence makes the eventual explosion of the God Mode theme during action sequences feel even more earned. There is also a specific motif—a haunting flute and vocal chant—that plays every time the camera focuses on the Karuppasamy idol. It ensures that the audience feels the weight of the village guardian deity throughout the story. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}) The cultural impact has been so intense that reports have surfaced of fans entering a trance-like state, locally known as Arul Vaaku, during the high-energy folk sequences. This has prompted a heartfelt note from the team. RJ Balaji recently released a statement thanking the audience for embracing the film’s spiritual energy but also included a gentle request. He urged theater-goers to be kind and compassionate toward those touched by this divine energy, asking them to provide water and space, and to help theater staff care for everyone with dignity. The feedback from fans and critics alike suggests that we are witnessing the beginning of a new era in film music. Many have noted that the transition from courtroom silence to the God Mode drop is one of the best theater moments in recent history. Critics have even started using the hashtag #TheAbhyankkarEra to describe his fresh use of traditional instruments in a modern context. By blending Sambalpuri and Bengali folk with contemporary swing grooves, Sai Abhyankkar hasn't just composed a soundtrack; he has successfully summoned a cultural mood that resonates deeply with the soil and soul of the audience. The massive success of Karuppu has clearly established Sai Abhyankkar as the new favorite in the industry, and his upcoming lineup is proof of that. He has already signed several major projects with top-tier stars and directors. This includes the much-anticipated Raaka (AA22) starring Allu Arjun and directed by Atlee, as well as Marshal with Karthi and STR 49 with Silambarasan TR. He is also set to compose for Sivakarthikeyan's SK24 and the film Benz starring Raghava Lawrence. With such a busy schedule involving the biggest names in South Indian cinema, it is clear that the industry is eager to see how he continues to evolve the mass music genre. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}) Below is a glimpse of the intense atmosphere in theaters where the music has led fans into a state of spiritual trance. Thambi.@SaiAbhyankkar, do you even realize what you’ve done to #TamilNadu?.@RJ_Balaji’ climax of #Karuppu starring.@Suriya_offl has sent theatres into absolute madness fans screaming, dancing, and literally “saami aadifying” inside cinema halls! Mass hysteria at another level! pic.twitter.com/83dKEmXDtJ— Parthiban Shanmugam (@hollywoodcurry) May 15, 2026 #Karuppu day 3 night show at Rohini😭🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥 pic.twitter.com/xtagPdAgnF— W (@Gowtham_sfc_) May 17, 2026 #Karuppu fever everywhere! 📈👺🔥 pic.twitter.com/pzjvvlwfGp— All India Suriya Fans Club (@Suriya_AISFC) May 17, 2026 (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}) Karuppu storms into 2026 as Kollywood's HIGHEST GROSSER !!#Karuppu rewrites Tamil cinema in 2026 — highest grosser of Kollywood, highest opening day, highest weekend, and the crown jewel of @Suriya_offl's legacy 🔥🔥What a COMEBACK !!! pic.twitter.com/XVihbDx9X2— Let's X OTT GLOBAL (@LetsXOtt) May 18, 2026 Enna maathiri velaipaaduyaa🥵💥 @SaiAbhyankkar#Karuppupic.twitter.com/5sIICG2EvV— 𝐆𝐎𝐋𝐃 𝐒𝐔𝐑𝐈𝐘𝐀😈♠️ (@GoldSuriya_FC) May 15, 2026 Trivandrum is officially SHAKING! 🌋 The Kairali Sree Nila Theatre has turned into a literal stadium for the #Karuppu . The King of Kerala’s heart is back, and this comeback energy is absolutely PEAK. This isn't just a movie, it’s a whole festival! 🦁🔥📽️#Suriya #KaruppuFDFS… pic.twitter.com/KDfPT4KWdZ— karthikeyann_offl (@KarthikeyanSp13) May 17, 2026

BY CHRISTA LINCY

Aneet Padda, who gained significant popularity with her performance in Saiyaara, is currently busy with her next major project, Shakti Shalini. This film is a part of the popular Maddock Horror Comedy Universe, but reports suggest that fans might have to wait a little longer than expected to see it in theaters. Reportedly, the makers are considering a move away from their original Christmas 2026 release date to ensure the film gets the attention it deserves. The film was initially scheduled to hit theaters on December 24, 2026, which is the same day Shah Rukh Khan's much-awaited film King is slated for release. Avoiding a direct clash with a massive star-driven spectacle like King appears to be the primary motivation for this potential rescheduling. In the current box office climate, securing a solo window is often more beneficial than fighting for screens during a crowded holiday weekend, even for an established franchise like the Maddock universe. According to a report by Mid-Day, the production of Shakti Shalini is currently in its final stages. The team is involved in an outdoor shooting schedule that is expected to conclude by the end of May. Once principal photography is wrapped, the focus will shift to an extensive post-production phase. Because the movie belongs to the horror-comedy genre, there is a significant requirement for visual effects that the team does not want to rush. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}) A source close to the project mentioned that the priority is to finish the film properly and spend enough time on the VFX work. Because of this, the production team is reportedly exploring a potential January 2027 release window instead. This strategic shift would allow Shakti Shalini to enjoy a solo run, potentially maximizing its theatrical collections without the heavy competition of a major blockbuster release during the Christmas period. While an official confirmation is still awaited from the producers, the industry generally views this as a smart business move. Shakti Shalini carries high expectations given the track record of its cinematic universe, and providing it with a dedicated release period could help it become another significant hit. For now, the focus remains on completing the final leg of production before an official new date is announced.

BY SUNIT JANGIR

Chennai, May 18 - Tamil superstar Suriya's Karuppu continues its sensational box office run as the action drama has successfully passed the crucial Monday test after delivering a massive 120+ crore worldwide opening weekend. The film has now become the highest-grossing film of Suriya's career with its Monday collection so far. According to early trends, Karuppu is heading towards grossing a minimum 15+ crore worldwide on Day 4, which will take its total global collection beyond the 135 crore mark in just four days. The film has maintained excellent momentum despite entering the weekday phase after a massive weekend, reflecting its strong acceptance among audiences. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}) What has surprised the trade the most is the extraordinary hold in India. The movie is showing a drop of less than 40% from Friday, which is considered exceptional for a star-led Tamil commercial entertainer after such a huge opening. This is easily one of the strongest weekday holds for a major Tamil title in recent times. The film has continued to dominate Tamil Nadu, where it is heading towards another double-digit collection, while also posting steady collections in Telugu states, Karnataka, and overseas territories. Positive word of mouth, repeat audience support, and strong occupancy in mass centres are helping the movie sustain its momentum. Directed by RJ Balaji, Karuppu marks a major comeback success for Suriya, by becoming his highest-grossing movie, beating Singam 2, which reportedly grossed around 124 crores worldwide. The actor's intense performance, combined with the film's action-packed narrative and emotional moments, has struck a chord with audiences across regions. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}) Day-Wise Worldwide Collection Of Karuppu Day 1 - 29 Cr Gross Approx. Day 2 - 46 Cr Gross Approx. Day 3 - 46 Cr Gross Approx. Day 4 - 20 Cr Gross (expected)

BY SUNIT JANGIR

Mumbai, May 17 - Jio Studios and Mumbai Film Company's historical action drama Raja Shivaji has officially crossed the coveted 100 crore gross mark at the domestic box office, emerging as one of the biggest blockbusters in the history of Marathi cinema. Directed by and starring Riteish Deshmukh, Raja Shivaji, based on the life of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, has been rewriting records since its release on May 1. The film opened to a record-breaking first weekend of 40.35 crore gross, the biggest opening weekend ever for a Marathi film. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}) The momentum continued through the weekdays as the film ended its first week with a phenomenal 62.40 crore gross collection, setting another all-time Marathi cinema record. Despite the expected drop in the second week, Raja Shivaji remained strong and collected 28.70 crore gross. The film continued its solid theatrical run in the third weekend as well, despite the new releases fueling the competition, adding another 9 crore gross collection and taking the total past the historic 100 crore milestone, becoming only the second Marathi film to do so. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}) The movie has enjoyed phenomenal support in Maharashtra while also posting solid numbers in the Hindi version. Strong word-of-mouth, repeat audience footfalls, and the grand scale presentation have helped the film sustain superbly over multiple weeks. The movie features an ensemble cast including Sanjay Dutt, Genelia Deshmukh, Abhishek Bachchan, Vidya Balan, Fardeen Khan, and a cameo of Salman Khan. Riteish Deshmukh's portrayal of Shivaji Maharaj has received widespread appreciation from audiences and critics alike.

BY CHRISTA LINCY

Romance fans have a significant update to track as the advance booking for the upcoming film Chand Mera Dil is set to open today, Monday, May 18. Directed by Vivek Soni, known for his work on Meenakshi Sundareshwar and Aap Jaisa Koi, this Dharma Productions venture has generated considerable buzz. The pairing of Lakshya and Ananya Panday, combined with an intense romantic narrative, has made it one of the most anticipated releases of the month. Before the film heads to theaters on May 22, it has completed its mandatory certification process. According to an exclusive report by Bollywood Hungama, the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) passed the movie with a U/A 16+ certificate. While the intense nature of the romance remains a key selling point, the board did request some specific modifications to the intimate sequences in the film. The CBFC requested the deletion and replacement of approximately 96 seconds of kissing visuals. This includes a 10-second sequence that was replaced with alternative shots and a more substantial 1 minute and 26 seconds of lip-lock visuals that were asked to be removed entirely. Beyond these visual edits, the makers were also required to submit consent letters for all child artists who appeared in the film. These changes were finalized in early May, and the official censor certificate was handed over to the producers on May 8. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}) Following these modifications, the final runtime of Chand Mera Dil is confirmed to be 135.36 minutes, which translates to a total duration of 2 hours, 15 minutes, and 36 seconds. This duration is fairly standard for a contemporary romantic drama and is expected to provide a well-paced theatrical experience. The production is a collaborative effort involving Hiroo Yash Johar, Karan Johar, Adar Poonawalla, Apoorva Mehta, Somen Mishra, and Marijke deSouza. To ensure a strong start at the ticket windows, the makers have implemented an aggressive pricing strategy for the opening day. On Friday, May 22, moviegoers can purchase tickets for all shows scheduled before 5:00 pm for just ₹149. For shows scheduled after 5:00 pm, the price will increase slightly to ₹199. This tiered pricing model is a strategic move to capitalize on the film's musical popularity and the chemistry of the lead pair, encouraging a high turnout right from the first day of release.

BY CHRISTA LINCY

OTT Releases This Week (May 18 to May 24, 2026) OTT releases this week (May 18 to May 24, 2026) are poised to electrify digital screens with a diverse blend of high-octane spy thrillers, glamorous reality spin-offs, and grounded regional dramas. Leading the charge is the final covert mission of John Krasinski in Jack Ryan: Ghost War on Prime Video, alongside the ultra-luxury lifestyle drama of Desi Bling on Netflix. From the supernatural secrets of The Boroughs, produced by the Duffer Brothers, to the high-stakes courtroom tension in the legal drama System featuring Sonakshi Sinha and Jyotika, the streaming slate offers an impressive variety of genres. Whether it is the gritty rural crime world of the Tamil series Warrant on Zee5 or the highly anticipated digital rental premieres of Lee Cronin's The Mummy and The Super Mario Galaxy Movie, this week ensures that every major platform is loaded with premium entertainment. Here's a complete breakdown of all the movies and shows releasing on OTT between May 18 and May 24, 2026. May 19, 2026 Snapshot Cast & Crew Videos Lee Cronin's The Mummy supernatural thriller AmazonPrime - Rent Language:English Running Time:2h 14m IMDB Rating:6.4/10 View Box Office Collection → The young daughter of a journalist disappears into the desert without a trace. Eight years later, the broken family is shocked when she is returned to them, as what should be a joyful reunion turns into a living nightmare. Lee Cronin's The Mummy Cast and Crew Jack ReynorActor Laia CostaActor May CalamawyActor NatalieGraceActor Lee CroninDirector Lee Cronin's The Mummy Trailer May 19, 2026 Snapshot Cast & Crew Videos Mother Mary Musical Drama AmazonPrime - Rent Language:English Running Time:1h 51m IMDB Rating:6.1/10 Long-buried wounds rise to the surface when iconic pop star Mother Mary reunites with her estranged best friend and former costume designer, Sam Anselm, on the eve of her comeback performance. Mother Mary Cast & Crew Anne HathawayActor Michaela CoelActor Hunter SchaferActor Sian CliffordActor David LoweryDirector Mother Mary Trailer May 20, 2026 Snapshot Cast & Crew Videos Jack Ryan: Ghost War Action, Thriller AmazonPrime Language:English Running Time: 1h 45m IMDB Rating:NA Direct OTT Release Follows Jack Ryan who reunites with CIA operatives to navigate a treacherous web of betrayal against an enemy who knows their every move, facing a past they thought was long put to rest. Jack Ryan: Ghost War Cast & Crew John KrasinskiActor Sienna MillerActor Wendell PierceActor Michael KellyActor Andrew BernsteinDirector Jack Ryan: Ghost War Trailer May 22, 2026 Snapshot Cast & Crew Videos Madhuvidhu Romantic , Comedy Sonyliv Language:Malayalam,Tamil, Telugu, Kannada, Hindi Running Time:2h 5m IMDB Rating:7.1/10 View Box Office Collection → A newlywed couple's dreams of happiness fade as everyday pressures mount. What began with promise turns into a test of endurance, with each day requiring more effort to bridge the growing gap between them. Madhuvidhu Cast & Crew SharafudheenActor Malavika NairActor jagadishActor SaikumarActor Vishnu AravindDirector Madhuvidhu Trailer (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({})   May 20, 2026 Snapshot Cast & Crew Videos Sathi Leelavathi Drama,Romantic SunNxt Language:Telugu,Tamil Running Time:2 hr 11m IMDB Rating:7.6/10 View Box Office Collection → Sathi Leelavathi is an upcoming Telugu rom-com featuring Lavanya Tripathi and Dev Mohan in the lead roles. Directed by Tatineni Satya, the film promises a delightful blend of love, laughter, and heartwarming moments. Sathi Leelavathi Cast and Crew Lavanya TripathiActor Dev MohanActor Madonna SebastianActor NareshActor Tatineni SatyaDirector Sathi Leelavathi Trailer (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({})   may22, 2026 Snapshot Cast & Crew Videos System Courtroom Drama AmazonPrime Language:Hindi Running Time:NA IMDB Rating:NA Direct OTT Release Privileged prosecutor Neha Rajvansh and humble stenographer Sarika Rawat's lives collide in a system where power shapes truth, forcing them to question the meaning of justice. System Cast and Crew Sonakshi SinhaActor JyotikaActor Ashutosh GowarikerActor Nishant SinghActor Ashwiny Iyer TiwariDirector System Trailer May 20, 2026 Snapshot Cast & Crew Videos Desi Bling Reality Show Netflix Series:Desi Bling Language:Hindi, English No Of Episodes:8 Desi Bling is a reality series that follows an ultra-wealthy circle of Indian expats and celebrities, including Karan Kundrra and Tejasswi Prakash, navigating the high-octane social scene of Dubai. The show showcases a lifestyle of extreme luxury—penthouses, supercars, and designer fashion—while focusing on the personal drama, shifting alliances, and social rivalries within the group. It blends the glitz of the elite UAE lifestyle with the cultural nuances and high-stakes ambitions of its prominent Indian cast members. Desi Bling Cast and Crew Karan KundrraActor Tejasswi PrakashActor Rizwan SajanActor Marcel DufourDirector Desi Bling Trailer (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({})   May 22, 2026 Snapshot Cast & Crew Videos Satrangi: Badle Ka Khel Crime, Action ZEE5 Series:Satrangi: Badle Ka Khel Language:Hindi No Of Episodes:1 Satrangi: Badle Ka Khel is a gritty revenge thriller set in rural Uttar Pradesh that follows Bablu, a young man forced to adopt his murdered father’s profession as a Launda dancer. While navigating the social stigma of his cross-dressing identity, he secretly infiltrates the inner circle of the powerful Singh family to avenge his father’s death. The series blends a tense psychological game with a raw exploration of caste dynamics, toxic masculinity, and the fight for justice in a lawless landscape. Satrangi: Badle Ka Khel Cast and Crew Anshumaan PushkarActor RJ MahvashActor Kumud MishraActor Upen ChauhanActor Jai Basantu SinghDirector Satrangi: Badle Ka Khel Trailer May 22, 2026 Snapshot Cast & Crew Videos Warrant : From the world of Vilangu Investigative Thriller ZEE5 Series:Warrant : From the world of Vilangu Language:Tamil No Of Episodes:7 Warrant is a gritty crime thriller spin-off from the Vilangu universe, focusing on the dramatic evolution of Koattai Karuppasamy. Originally a timid and mocked constable known for his empathy, Karuppasamy reaches a breaking point after years of systemic humiliation and violence. He transforms into a ruthless enforcer of justice, blurring the lines between a lawman and a vigilante. The series explores themes of identity and power as his former colleagues and the public grapple with whether he is a protector of the law or its most dangerous threat. Warrant : From the world of Vilangu Cast and Crew Prasanth PandiyarajActor Balaji SakthivelActor Kaali VenkatActor AruldossActor Vignesh NatarajanDirector Warrant : From the world of Vilangu Trailer (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({})   May 21, 2026 Snapshot Cast & Crew Videos The Boroughs Supernatural Fiction Netflix Series:The Boroughs Language:English No Of Episodes:8 The Boroughs is a supernatural mystery from executive producers the Duffer Brothers (Stranger Things) set in a seemingly peaceful New Mexico retirement community. The story follows a ragtag group of elderly residents who witness a terrifying, otherworldly threat that the authorities refuse to acknowledge. Forced to take matters into their own hands, these unlikely heroes must band together to uncover a dark conspiracy and stop a monster that is literally stealing time from the living. The Boroughs Cast and Crew Alfred MolinaActor Raghav DarrActor Ben TaylorDirector Augustine FrizzellDirector Kyle Patrick AlvarezDirector The Boroughs Trailer Upcoming OTT releases this week May 18 to May 22 MOVIE / SERIES NAME LANGUAGE RELEASE DATE PLATFORM The Midway Point English May 19 Amazon Prime Video (Rent) Mile End Kicks English May 19 Amazon Prime Video (Rent) Monkey’s Magic Merry Go Round English May 19 ScreamBox Normal English May 19 Amazon Prime Video (Rent) Palestine ’36 English May 19 Amazon Prime Video (Rent) The Stranger English May 19 Amazon Prime Video (Rent) The Super Mario Galaxy Movie English May 19 Amazon Prime Video (Rent) Wasteman English May 19 Amazon Prime Video (Rent) Satan The Dark Tamil May 20 Prime Video, Aha Tamil & Tentkotta Carizzma: Season Spanish, English May 20 Netflix One Three Hill (Series) English May 21 Netflix James: Season 1 (Series) Spanish, English May 21 Netflix Memu Copulam (Series) Telugu May 22 Zee5 System Hindi, Tamil, Telugu, Kannada, Malayalam May 22 Amazon Prime Video Bhishmar Malayalam May 22 Prime Video & Sun NXT Sesha 2016 Kannada, Malayalam May 22 Sun NXT Sky + Med: Season 4 English May 22 JioHotstar Arco English May 22 Hulu The Bride English May 22 HBO Max Bushido Japanese May 22 Amazon Prime Video (Rent) Giant English May 22 Amazon Prime Video (Rent) Kill Bill: The Whole Bloody Affair English May 22 Peacock Ladies First English, Tamil, Telugu, Hindi May 22 Netflix Panda Plan: The Magical Tribe English, Tamil, Telugu, Hindi May 22 LionsGatePlay This Is Not a Test English May 22 Netflix Mating Season: Season 1 English, Hindi May 22 Netflix (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({})   Frequently Asked Questions: OTT Releases (May 18 – May 22, 2026) What are the biggest movies and shows releasing on OTT this week? The week of May 19 to May 22 is one of the busiest of the year for digital premieres. The most anticipated titles include the high-octane action film Jack Ryan: Ghost War on Amazon Prime Video, the luxury reality series Desi Bling on Netflix, and the supernatural mystery The Boroughs on Netflix. Indian audiences are also eagerly waiting for the legal drama System starring Sonakshi Sinha and Jyotika on Prime Video, and the gritty crime series Warrant on Zee5. When and where can I watch Jack Ryan: Ghost War? Jack Ryan: Ghost War is scheduled to premiere on Amazon Prime Video on May 20, 2026. Starring John Krasinski in his final outing as the iconic operative, the movie will be available to stream in multiple languages including English, Hindi, Tamil, Telugu, Kannada, and Malayalam. What is the premise of the new reality series Desi Bling? Releasing on Netflix on May 20, Desi Bling is a spin-off of the global hit Dubai Bling. The series follows a circle of ultra-wealthy Indian expats in Dubai, featuring popular Indian television stars like Karan Kundrra and Tejasswi Prakash as they navigate the high-stakes world of luxury, fashion, and social rivalries. Is there a connection between the new series Warrant and the 2022 hit Vilangu? Yes, Warrant is a rural crime drama set in the same gritty universe as the 2022 cult-favorite series Vilangu. Premiering on Zee5 on May 22, the series features Vilangu director Prasanth Pandiyaraj in his acting debut as a second-grade constable. It is one of the most searched Tamil series of the month. What is the plot of the legal drama System starring Sonakshi Sinha? System is an intense legal thriller releasing on Amazon Prime Video on May 22. Directed by Ashwiny Iyer Tiwari, the story follows a high-stakes courtroom battle where a public prosecutor (Sonakshi Sinha) and a courtroom stenographer (Jyotika) uncover a web of corruption within the judicial system. Which major Malayalam movie is arriving on OTT this week? The Malayalam comedy-drama Madhuvidhu, which was a success during its theatrical run, makes its digital debut on SonyLIV on May 22. Starring Sharaf U Dheen in a popular dual role, the film will be available in Malayalam, Tamil, Telugu, Kannada, and Hindi. Are there any notable supernatural or mystery shows? A major highlight for fans of mystery is The Boroughs, executive produced by the Duffer Brothers. Arriving on Netflix on May 21, the series follows a group of unlikely heroes in a retirement community who must band together to stop an otherworldly threat from stealing their time. What new Hollywood movies are available for rent this week? Starting May 19, Amazon Prime Video is offering several high-profile Hollywood titles for rent. These include Lee Cronin’s horror-reboot The Mummy, the sci-fi thriller The Midway Point, and The Super Mario Galaxy Movie. Additionally, the highly anticipated drama Mother Mary starring Anne Hathaway is also available for digital rental. Which South Indian sequels or spin-offs should I look out for? Apart from Warrant, fans can look forward to the Telugu series Memu Copulam on Zee5 and the Malayalam action-drama Bhishmar on Prime Video & SunNXT, both releasing on May 22. 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BY SUNIT JANGIR

Mumbai, May 18 - The Indian box office has been killing this week, thanks to Tamil star Suriya's Karuppu, which was all in its glory during its opening weekend. The action drama emerged as the undisputed winner during the May 15-17 weekend by a huge margin, followed by an impressive debut of the Malayalam film, Athiradi, while holdovers continue to earn steadily. Karuppu Continues Rampage At The Box Office (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}) Directed by RJ Balaji, Karuppu dominated the weekend with a massive around 79 crores gross in its 3-day weekend, comfortably outperforming every other release in the market, and emerging as Suriya's biggest opener to date. The film benefited from strong pre-release buzz, excellent word-of-mouth, and packed shows across Tamil Nadu and overseas territories. Karuppu has already emerged as the highest-grossing Tamil movie of 2026 at the domestic as well as worldwide box office. The movie has had its struggles before release, but once it hit the big screens, the film responded with packed houses, and continues to do so on its first Monday. Pati Patni Aur Woh Do Scores A Mixed Weekend (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}) This week's Bollywood release, Pati Patni Aur Woh Do, starring Ayushmann Khurrana, Wamiqa Gabbi, Rakul Preet Singh and Sara Ali Khan, had an average weekend. The sequel to 2019's hit failed to create pre-release buzz, which reflected in the poor opening of 4.80 crores gross. It was looking difficult for the film after such a start, but it did show some sign of rebound by jumping over Saturday and Sunday; however, the overall collection remained on the lower side, 21 crore gross collection. It needs to be seen how the movie fares during weekdays, which is crucial, considering the big budget. Athiradi Posts Strong Numbers Malayalam entertainer Athiradi, starring Tovino Thomas and Basil Joseph, secured the second position with 17.35 crore gross Friday to Sunday. At the same time, it minted 24.40 crores gross in the 4-day extended weekend (including paid previews). The film witnessed healthy occupancy in Kerala and also did decently in the rest of India market amid intense competition. Raja Shivaji Maintains Superb Hold (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}) Riteish Deshmukh's historical epic Raja Shivaji continued its solid theatrical run by collecting 9+ crore gross over the weekend. Despite entering the later stages of its run, the Marathi blockbuster is still drawing solid footfalls in Maharashtra circuits. With this, it has topped 100 crores gross and has become only the second Marathi film of all time to do so. Krishnavataram and Michael Stay Steady Devotional drama Krishnavataram had a strong hold this weekend, 8 crore gross. Meanwhile, Michael added another 5.25 crore gross, managing to retain a decent presence despite competition from bigger releases. The combined gross of these five movies during the weekend was 125+ crores gross at the Indian box office, which is a solid result, with Karuppu delivering the lion's share by emerging as a certified blockbuster. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}) Top 5 Box Office Weekend Grossers (May 15-17) S. No. Movie 1st Language Weekend Collection Total India Gross 1 Karuppu Tamil ₹ 78.75 Cr ₹ 78.75 Cr 2 Pati Patni Aur Woh Do Hindi ₹ 21.00 Cr ₹ 21.00 Cr 3 Athiradi Malayalam ₹ 17.35 Cr ₹ 24.40 Cr 4 Raja Shivaji Marathi ₹ 9.00 Cr ₹ 100.10 Cr 5 Krishnavataram Hindi ₹ 8.00 Cr ₹ 24.00 Cr Note: Gross collection*