BY SUNIT JANGIR

Hyderabad, February 24 - Pawan Kalyan's upcoming mass-action entertainer Ustaad Bhagat Singh is witnessing solid traction in the trade circles, with its pre-release theatrical business shaping up to be one of the biggest for a Telugu film in recent times. Directed by Harish Shankar, the film has reportedly generated strong interest from distributors, largely due to the powerful actor-director combination and its mass appeal. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}) According to industry buzz, the theatrical rights in the Telugu states are being valued at a premium price. The combined business of Andhra Pradesh and Telangana is reportedly hovering in the range of 110–125 crore, depending on final area-wise closures. It is said that the producers are demanding close to They Call Him OG, but the distributors are said to be offering around 15% less than the quoted price. ith the makers carefully evaluating offers, the final numbers are likely to be locked closer to the film's release. The momentum has picked up noticeably after recent promotional updates, pushing the film's market value higher. Beyond the Telugu states, Ustaad Bhagat Singh is also showing promise in Karnataka and overseas markets, where Pawan Kalyan's fan following remains strong. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}) Once these territories are included, the overall pre-release theatrical business is expected to cross 140 crore, with optimistic trade voices even hinting at a higher ceiling if buzz continues to grow. Overall, Ustaad Bhagat Singh is shaping up as a high-stakes commercial venture, with distributors placing big bets on its theatrical performance. With expectations riding high and business figures steadily climbing, the film is firmly positioned as one of the most anticipated Telugu releases of the year. It is scheduled to be released on March 26, 2026, worldwide. Stay tuned...

BY CHRISTA LINCY

The Indian film industry is bracing for one of its most significant theatrical face-offs as Ranveer Singh's action-packed Dhurandhar 2 and Yash's period gangster thriller Toxic prepare for a grand clash. Scheduled to arrive on March 19, 2026, during the festive Eid weekend, both films are expected to set new benchmarks at the box office. While fans are divided over the Dhuroxic fight, actress Huma Qureshi, who plays a pivotal role in Toxic, sees the situation through a different lens. Speaking exclusively to Variety India, Huma downplayed the rivalry, calling the clash a positive sign for the fraternity. No matter what I say, I think whichever way I look at it, it is a win for the Indian film industry and it's going to be great for the audiences, Huma told Variety India. It's a win-win, the way I look at it and I think it's going to be like just a fantastic time for movie-going audiences, and there is space for everyone to do well. With both films targeting a March 19 release, the industry is closely watching how the screen count will be divided. While the holiday weekend ensures high footfalls, a simultaneous release often eats into the business of both projects. However, the makers of both biggies remain adamant about sticking to the announced date, setting the stage for a high-stakes distribution battle. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({})   For the unversed, Dhurandhar 2 is a sequel to the high-octane actioner directed by Aditya Dhar. The film sees Ranveer Singh leading a massive ensemble cast including Arjun Rampal, Sanjay Dutt, and R. Madhavan, along with Sara Arjun, Rakesh Bedi, Danish Pandor, Gaurav Gera, and Manav Gohil reprising their roles. In a strategic move to capture the South Indian market, the sequel will also be released in Telugu, Tamil, Kannada, and Malayalam dubbed versions. On the other side of the ring is Toxic, directed by Geetu Mohandas. Simultaneously shot in Kannada and English, the period gangster thriller is Yash's first major outing after the global success of the KGF franchise. The film boasts a pan-India star cast including Nayanthara, Kiara Advani, Rukmini Vasanth, and Tara Sutaria, alongside Huma Qureshi. As March 19 approaches, the win-win situation Huma Qureshi speaks of will be tested at the ticket windows. Whether the audience chooses the high-tech espionage of Dhurandhar 2 or the gritty period drama of Toxic, the real winner seems to be the theatrical experience itself.

BY CHRISTA LINCY

The iconic duo that gave us cult classics like Hera Pheri, Garam Masala, and Bhool Bhulaiyaa is back! Akshay Kumar and legendary director Priyadarshan are reuniting after 14 years for a massive horror-comedy titled Bhooth Bangla. Produced by Ektaa R Kapoor's Balaji Motion Pictures, the film has already created a storm on social media with its latest release date announcement. The official motion picture of Bhooth Bangla, is been revealed . The visual features a shirtless, buffed-up Akshay Kumar sitting cross-legged on a throne adorned with demonic faces. Sporting dark sunglasses paired with traditional rudraksha beads and a white dhoti, the actor is seen in a state of intense, primal energy. This black magic aesthetic perfectly captures the essence of the film—a blend of high-octane horror and the chaotic comedy that Priyadarshan is famous for. Dus ko denge das-tak, intezar karo tab tak…Let the fun begin!#BhoothBangla in cinemas on 10th April 2026 👻@priyadarshandir @akshaykumar @SirPareshRawal @rajpalofficial #Tabu #WamiqaGabbi @Jisshusengupta @actormanojjoshi @mipalkar pic.twitter.com/UlV54g4Por— BalajiMotionPictures (@balajimotionpic) February 24, 2026 For the unversed, the release schedule for Bhooth Bangla has undergone a few changes over the past few months. While the film was originally planned for an April 2, 2026, arrival, the date was briefly moved to May 15. However, the makers have now finalized the theatrical release for April 10, 2026, a move aimed at capitalizing on the early summer holidays and the lucrative long weekend. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({})   The motion picture also serves as a reminder of the film's massive scale. Produced by Ektaa R Kapoor's Balaji Motion Pictures, Bhooth Bangla isn't just an Akshay Kumar show; it is a reunion of comedy royalty. The film stars legends Paresh Rawal and Rajpal Yadav, reuniting with Akshay and Priyadarshan to recreate the magic of the early 2000s. Joining them is a powerhouse ensemble including Tabu, Wamiqa Gabbi, Mithila Palkar, Manoj Joshi, Jisshu Sengupta, and Ismael Cruz Córdova. While the plot remains guarded, the essence of the motion picture confirms that this is not your typical horror film. Priyadarshan is exploring the theme of black magic and supernatural myths through a lens of dark comedy. With Akshay Kumar looking physically transformed and the production quality appearing top-notch, Bhooth Bangla is positioning itself as the definitive cinematic event of 2026.

BY SUNIT JANGIR

Hyderabad, February 24 - Natural Star Nani has teamed with Saaho director Sujeeth for the first time for an action thriller film. The film was officially announced last year, and now, on the occasion of the actor's 43rd birthday, the makers have confirmed the title of the film. Marking the occasion, the makers of his next film unveiled a special title glimpse and revealed that the film has been titled as Bloody Romeo, set against the backdrop of a gangster. The glimpse video, released in animated form, shows Nani playing a chef as well as a gangster. The video features voiceovers by Vennela Kishore, while the background score is composed by Pravin Veyra. The makers have also confirmed that the shooting for this much-awaited film, produced by Niharika Entertainment and Unanimous Productions, will commence this summer, for a grand worldwide release in 2027. Meanwhile, Nani will next be seen in director Srikanth Odela's The Paradise, which will be released on August 21, 2026. Sujeeth, on the other hand, last teamed up with Pawan Kalyan for They Call Him OG, which was released last year and went on to gross nearly 300 crores at the worldwide box office. Stay tuned...

BY SUNIT JANGIR

Mumbai, February 24 - The Kerala Story 2: Goes Beyond has cleared the censor ahead of its theatrical release. According to the reports, the film has been granted a U/A certificate by the Central Board of Film Certification after the makers agreed to carry out 15 cuts and modifications suggested by the board. As per the certification details, the CBFC asked the filmmakers to reduce the duration and intensity of certain sensitive visuals, including lip-lock scenes and disturbing sexual content. Portions depicting violence and abuse were also trimmed, while a few dialogues were modified to soften their impact. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}) The censor board also instructed the makers to include an updated disclaimer, reiterating that the film is inspired by events and does not intend to target any community. These changes were mandatory before the film could receive its U/A certification, allowing viewers under 12 years to watch it with parental guidance. Following the cuts, the final theatrical runtime of The Kerala Story 2: Goes Beyond stands at 131 minutes and 24 seconds, translating to approximately 2 hours, 11 minutes. This makes it the slighly shorter than the first film, which was 2 hours and 18 minutes long. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}) Much like its predecessor, The Kerala Story 2 has already attracted attention due to its subject matter. With the censor clearance now in place, the film is set to move ahead with its release plans, even as discussions around its content continue within the industry and among audiences. It is scheduled to be released on February 27. Stay tuned...

BY SACNILK TEAM

Mumbai, February 23 - Filmmaker Ali Abbas Zafar has officially confirmed his next directorial venture, and it will feature Saiyaara breakout star Ahaan Panday in the lead role. The project is a high-voltage action-romance backed by Yash Raj Films, marking Zafar's return to the banner after several successful collaborations in the past. The confirmation came after Ali Abbas Zafar shared a photo with Ahaan Panday on social media, hinting at the film's theme with the caption, "Power isn't given... It's taken." The post quickly went viral, making it the first direct acknowledgement from the filmmaker about the collaboration. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}) Power Isn’t Given … Its TAKEN . Let’s Roll 🔥 #AhaanPanday pic.twitter.com/0xt8P1Yveu— ali abbas zafar (@aliabbaszafar) February 23, 2026 The film is currently in advanced pre-production and is expected to go on floors by the end of March 2026. Major portions of the shoot are planned in Mumbai, with an international schedule, reportedly in London, being lined up for large-scale action sequences. The makers are aiming to wrap up principal photography by mid-2026. The yet-to-be-titled film is described as an action-romance designed to position Ahaan Panday as a mainstream commercial hero after his debut in Saiyaara. The film features Sharvari Wagh as the female lead, while Aaishvary Thackeray is said to be playing the antagonist. With Ali Abbas Zafar known for mounting big-canvas entertainers and Yash Raj Films backing the project, expectations are already high. Stay tuned...

BY SUNIT JANGIR

Mumbai, February 23 - Yash Raj Films has once again proved that big screen cinema remains the ultimate choice for its movies with Alia Bhatt's spy action thriller Alpha, which was postponed from December 2025 due to pending work. Alpha has been under immense pressure to deliver at the box office after the underperformance of the last two Spy Universe films from Yash Raj Films. Recently, it was reported that the studio was looking for an option to release the film directly on a digital platform, bypassing theatrical release. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}) However, the latest development suggests there is no truth in the direct-to-digital release reports. According to the report by Variety India, Netflix offered a massive 215 crore deal to secure the exclusive digital release of Alpha, but Aditya Chopra-led studio rejected it to keep Alia Bhatt-starrer a theatrical first watch. In an official statement to Variety India, the YRF spokesperson explains, "Yash Raj Films will never put films from its theatrical slate directly to streaming. We are a studio that takes immense pride in making cinematic experiences, and that Alpha is a tentpole movie for the company". (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}) This is not the first time YRF has rejected such big offers to sell its movies for direct-to-ott release. Earlier during the COVID days, the studio stood firm with the theatrical sector despite the uncertainty over big screen cinema, and it has once again shown the courage to do the same despite a lucrative offer. Directed by Shiv Rawail of The Railway Man, Alpha is the 7th film in the YRF Spy Universe. It also stars Sharvari Wagh and Bobby Deol in the key roles and is expected to have a cameo appearance of Hrithik Roshan's Kabir. The new release date is yet to be locked. Stay tuned...

BY SUNIT JANGIR

Chennai, February 23 - After months of speculation, Kaithi 2 is once again in the spotlight. The sequel to the 2019 cult action thriller Kaithi remains one of the most anticipated projects in the Lokesh Cinematic Universe (LCU), and recent developments have clarified its current status. Director Lokesh Kanagaraj has clearly stated that Kaithi 2 is not shelved, putting to rest rumours about the film being cancelled or indefinitely stalled. According to the filmmaker, the sequel is very much on his priority list, but scheduling issues have delayed its progress. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}) Now, a fresh development has occurred, hinting that an official announcement of the film might finally be around the corner. In a major update, Dream Warrior Pictures, the production house backing the film, has reportedly censored a 30-second promo titled Dilli. This development has sparked strong speculation that the makers have locked Dilli as the official title of Kaithi 2, named after Dilli, played by Karthi. According to industry rumours, the official announcement of the film is expected on March 14, which coincides with director Lokesh Kanagaraj's birthday. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}) However, despite the announcement buzz, the film's shooting is not expected to begin immediately. The biggest reason behind the delay is Lokesh Kanagaraj's packed lineup. The director is currently committed to a large-scale pan-Indian project with Allu Arjun, which is expected to be completed before he moves on to Kaithi 2. Once that film wraps up, the sequel starring Karthi is expected to finally move into active development. The bottom line is, Kaithi 2 is still happening, but fans will need to be patient. With no shooting date or release window announced yet, the sequel is likely to go on floors only after Lokesh Kanagaraj completes his current commitments. Until then, the return of Dilli remains delayed—but very much alive. Stay tuned...

BY SACNILK TEAM

Mumbai, February 23 - Sunny Deol's much-anticipated period drama Lahore 1947 has reportedly sparked discussions around a possible title change ahead of its theatrical release. The film, which marks Deol's reunion with director Rajkumar Santoshi after years, is set to release on Independence Day this year. Lahore 1947 is produced by Aamir Khan and is set against the backdrop of India's Partition, one of the most sensitive and defining chapters in the country's history. According to reports, the team feels that a new title might better communicate the film's core themes to a wider audience, especially considering the subject's emotional and historical weight. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}) Interestingly, Sunny Deol himself has addressed the speculation recently, hinting that while a title change is being discussed, the film may also retain its original name. This indicates that the makers are still weighing their options and will take a final call very soon. The film is an adaptation of the acclaimed play Jis Lahore Nai Vekhya, O Jamya E Nai and also stars Preity Zinta, Ali Fazal, and Shabana Azmi in key roles. Slated for release around Independence Day 2026, Lahore 1947 is expected to be a hard-hitting, emotionally driven narrative. Whether the title changes or not, the film remains one of the most-awaited projects in Sunny Deol’s upcoming lineup. Stay tuned...

BY SACNILK TEAM

Mumbai, February 23 - The Hindi remake of the Malayalam blockbuster Premalu is reportedly in development. The original film, which was released in 2024, emerged as one of the most loved romantic comedies of the year, especially among younger audiences and went on to become a big box office blockbuster. According to the latest reports, the Hindi remake will feature Veer Pahariya as the male lead. Veer, who has been gradually building his presence in Bollywood, is expected to step into a role inspired by Naslen's character from the original film. The project is being positioned as a youthful, urban rom-com, staying true to the tone and charm that made Premalu such a massive success in Malayalam. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}) The female lead in the remake will reportedly be played by Aafia Syed, marking her Bollywood debut. It is said that the makers were keen on casting a relatively fresh face to retain the innocence and relatability that defined the original love story. The shooting schedule is expected to kick off very soon. The original Premalu, directed by Girish A D, had also found success through its Hindi-dubbed OTT release, which further boosted demand for a full-fledged Hindi remake. With romance-driven films once again finding favour at the box office, the Hindi adaptation of Premalu can spring a surprise. Stay tuned...

BY SUNIT JANGIR

Mumbai, February 23 - Rumours around Emraan Hashmi's alleged involvement in Dhurandhar: The Revenge have been doing the rounds on social media, leaving fans curious about whether the actor has secretly joined the much-anticipated sequel. Speculation gained momentum after a screenshot of the film's cast list from Letterboxd went viral on X. The image showed Hashmi's name mentioned alongside the film's entire cast, instantly sparking rumours that the actor had quietly come on board the high-profile sequel. However, the latest verification has put these claims to rest. The viral screenshot in circulation is from an edited version of the Letterboxd page. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}) On checking the actual live page of Dhurandhar 2 on the platform, Emraan Hashmi's name does not appear in the cast list. Letterboxd is known for keeping authentic data, and hence, there is no truth behind Emraan Hashmi being a part of the much-awaited spy action thriller, unless the makers really have a surprise for the fans. While Emraan Hashmi is not a part of the film, his Haq co-star, Yami Gautam, seems to be playing a key role. There have been reliable reports confirming that the actress will play a crucial cameo role in her husband Aditya Dhar's directorial, and as for Letterboxd, it has also mentioned her name in the star cast. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}) Despite the growing noise, there has been no official confirmation from the makers of Dhurandhar 2 regarding the additional cast. Promotional material and industry reports continue to focus on the core cast led by Ranveer Singh, along with other established names already announced. Produced by Jio Studios and B62 Studios, Dhurandhar 2 will be the continuation of the first film, which etched its name in the history books with sensational box office performance. Released in December last year, the film went on to gross over 1300 crores worldwide and is among the highest-grossing Indian films of all time. Dhurandhar 2 will hit the big screens on March 19. Stay tuned...

BY CHRISTA LINCY

Legendary filmmaker Mani Ratnam is reportedly moving back to his roots—soulful romantic dramas. Following the release of his action-heavy spectacle Thug Life, industry buzz is at an all-time high regarding his next directorial venture. While an official announcement from Madras Talkies is still under wraps, multiple reports suggest that the project will feature a fresh and highly anticipated pairing: Vijay Sethupathi and Sai Pallavi. The road to finalising the lead cast for this untitled project has seen several high-profile shifts. Initially, rumors suggested that the script was intended for Silambarasan TR (STR), who previously worked with Mani Ratnam in the multi-starrer Chekka Chivantha Vaanam. Later, reports indicated that Dhruv Vikram and Rukmini Vasanth were the frontrunners for what was described as a cop-based love story. However, the latest industry updates confirm that the project has now evolved into a lead vehicle for Vijay Sethupathi.If these reports hold true, this will mark the second collaboration between VJS and Mani Ratnam.Interestingly, Sai Pallavi is said to have joined the project as the female lead, marking her first-ever collaboration with both the director and Vijay Sethupathi—a pairing that fans have long desired to see on the silver screen. Departing from the historical grandiosity of Ponniyin Selvan and the gritty action of Thug Life, Mani Ratnam's next is being described as a soft romantic entertainer or a romantic drama centered on human emotions. While some sources still hint at a cop love story background, the primary focus is expected to be on the intricate dynamics of a modern-day relationship. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({})   In what has become an inseparable cinematic partnership, AR Rahman is locked to compose the music. Sources close to the production suggest that the Mozart of Madras has already begun work on the soundtrack, with some tracks reportedly nearing completion. The film is also expected to feature the visual brilliance of cinematographer Ravi Varman, ensuring the Mani Ratnam aesthetic remains as captivating as ever. According to trade insiders, a special photoshoot involving the lead pair reportedly took place in late 2025 to test their on-screen chemistry.The film is expected to go on floors in the first quarter of 2026, likely by March or April, after Vijay Sethupathi completes his current commitments. A grand official announcement is anticipated to drop in the coming days.