BY SUNIT JANGIR

Mumbai, April 22 - The box office is once again set to overpower critics' opinion as the biopic of Pop King Michael Jackson, Michael, is expected to make a thunderous debut worldwide this weekend. The film, which reportedly carries a $200 million production cost, is eyeing a staggering $150 million worldwide debut. According to Deadline, Michael is expected to collect around $65–70 million from North America alone during its opening weekend at 3900 locations. This points out a record opening for a musical biopic, ahead of both 2015's Straight Outta Compton ($60.2 million) and Bohemian Rhapsody ($51 million). (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}) International markets are likely to contribute an additional $75–80 million across 82 markets, day and date with domestic release for Michael, again a record for the genre, ahead of Bohemian Rhapsody's $69 million overseas bow. In the reported final box office, Bohemian Rhapsody ended its run at $216.6 million domestic, and $910.8 million worldwide as the highest-grossing musical biopic of all-time With the worldwide opening weekend projected at $150 million for Michael, these numbers place the film among the top-tier global openers of 2026, and best for a musical biographical drama. Trade is projecting Michael to be a billion-dollar grosser, only if it can overcome critics' reviews in the long run. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}) Michael opened to a disappointing 27% score at Rotten Tomatoes from over 50 reviews. In comparison, Bohemian Rhapsody had a final rating of 60% based on 418 reviews, but it was the audience score of 85% that made all the difference. The same is expected for Michael, given the global popularity of Michael Jackson. Directed by Antoine Fuqua, Michael is headlined by Jaafar Jackson, the real-life nephew of Michael Jackson. While critics have reservations about the film overall, Jaafar's resemblance and performance have been widely discussed, and he is being hailed as one of the finest. All eyes are now on the film's release, which is April 24.

BY SUNIT JANGIR

Mumbai, April 22 - A massive pan-India project is reportedly in the works as Akshay Kumar and Rana Daggubati are set to collaborate with filmmaker Chandoo Mondeti for an ambitious historical thriller. The film will be produced by Karan Johar's Dharma Productions. According to the reports, the film will be set in the ancient city of Ujjain, a location deeply associated with Indian spirituality and historical significance. The narrative is expected to blend history and mystery, a storytelling style that Chandoo Mondeti previously explored successfully in Karthikeya 2. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}) With this new project, the director is said to be scaling up both in terms of storytelling and cinematic vision. The film is reportedly being planned as a large-scale pan-India entertainer, bringing together talent from multiple industries. It is backed by Karan Johar under Dharma Productions, indicating a substantial budget and wide release strategy. After gaining recognition with films like Karthikeya 2 and Thandel, Chandoo Mondeti is now looking at a broader canvas with this project. This film could mark his significant entry into mainstream pan-India cinema, bridging the Bollywood and Telugu film industries. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}) While the project is yet to be officially confirmed, it marks the reunion of Akshay Kumar and Rana Daggubati, who previously worked together in films like Housefull 4 and Baby. Meanwhile, Akshay Kumar was last seen in Priyadarshan's Bhooth Bangla, which is currently playing in theatres and doing good business at the box office.

BY CHRISTA LINCY

The latest Netflix India Top 10 rankings for the week of April 13 to April 19 showcase a diverse landscape where fresh digital arrivals and massive theatrical holdovers fight for dominance. while the direct-to-digital premiere Toaster has managed to secure the peak position, the real story lies in the incredible digital endurance of established theatrical brands. A standout performer in this regard is the original Dhurandhar, which continues to hold a firm grip on the number seven spot despite being in its third month on the platform. This consistent presence is a direct result of the franchise fever currently sweeping the nation, as the record-breaking 1700 crore theatrical run of its sequel encourages audiences to return to the roots of the story on streaming to enrich their overall experience. The latest Netflix India Top 10 chart for the week of April 13 to April 19, 2026, showcases a diverse mix of new arrivals and theatrical carry-overs. At the summit sits the Rajkummar Rao-led Toaster, a fresh entry that has captured the top spot upon its digital premiere. Following closely is the drama Youth, which enjoyed a steady theatrical run of approximately 42.50 crore net in India. The third spot is held by the action-heavy Ustaad Bhagat Singh; the Pawan Kalyan-led blockbuster, which earned over 72.34 crore net at the box office, continues to attract massive viewership on the small screen. The digital footprint of Dhurandhar has set a new gold standard for Indian cinema on global streaming by amassing 31.1 million views in its first ten weeks, officially claiming the all-time record for any Indian film in this timeframe. This milestone sees it eclipsing the massive benchmarks previously set by the industry's biggest heavyweights; the global phenomenon RRR (Hindi) had recorded approximately 30.0 million views during its initial ten-week window, while Ranbir Kapoor's Animal and Shah Rukh Khan's Jawan followed with 28.5 million and 26.2 million views respectively. This shift at the top of the leaderboard underscores the unprecedented momentum the franchise currently enjoys across both theatrical and digital platforms. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}) The mid-section of the rankings is occupied by a variety of genres. Tu Yaa Main, which finished its theatrical journey with a net of 7.31 crore, currently sits at number four. It is followed by the shark-thriller Thrash at number five and the romantic drama Do Deewane Seher Mein (DDSM) at number six. DDSM, despite a very poor theatrical haul of 9+crore worldwide , is finding a significantly larger audience on OTT. This trend highlights the growing divide between theatrical footfalls and digital consumption, where niche films often find a second lease of life. At the seventh position, the original Dhurandhar proves its immense recall value, fueled by the massive theatrical success of its sequel. Following it are other franchise entries like Mardaani 3 and Vadh 2 at the eighth and ninth spots. Mardaani 3, which concluded its theatrical run at 51.80 crore net, remains a popular choice for thriller fans. Rounding off the list at number ten is the mystery-thriller Mrithyunjay, which had earned 7.18 crore net at the domestic box office. Netflix India Top 10 Films (April 13-19)RANKMOVIE NAME1Toaster2Youth3Ustaad Bhagat Singh4Tu Yaa Main5Thrash6Do Deewane Seher Mein (DDSM)7Dhurandhar8Mardaani 39Vadh 210Mrithyunjay The fact that Dhurandhar has managed to outperform the initial 10-week viewership of RRR is a testament to the brand's explosive popularity. As Dhurandhar 2: The Revenge continues to dominate theaters globally with a 1700 crore gross, it is providing a constant stream of organic promotion for its predecessor on Netflix. This ecosystem where a theatrical blockbuster drives digital millions is becoming the new standard for Indian franchises. With 31.1 million views already recorded, the film is now set to challenge the lifetime viewership records of some of the most successful titles in the history of the platform.

BY CHRISTA LINCY

Salman Khan is officially back on set for his much-anticipated collaboration with renowned director Vamshi Paidipally. The high-octane entertainer, which is currently referred to as #SalmanKhanVamshiPaidipallyFilm, has commenced its first shooting schedule in Mumbai. This project has been a major topic of discussion since its initial announcement, and the start of production marks a significant step forward for what is expected to be one of the biggest releases in the near future. The casting of the film has garnered significant attention, particularly with the inclusion of Nayanthara as the female lead. The lady superstar of South Indian cinema was last seen making waves in her massive Hindi debut, Jawan, where she starred opposite Shah Rukh Khan. Jawan emerged as a historic all-time blockbuster, and her role as a high-ranking officer was widely appreciated by the audience. This project marks the first time that Salman Khan and Nayanthara will be seen sharing the screen in a full-fledged lead role. Their pairing is seen as a major move to appeal to audiences across all regions of India, making it a true pan-India spectacle. Behind the scenes, the project is backed by some of the most successful producers in the industry. Dil Raju and Shirish are producing the film under their Sri Venkateswara Creations banner, marking their sixty-third project, hence the working title SVC 63. The production house, which has a storied history of delivering Telugu blockbusters, is sparing no expense to ensure that this Hindi venture meets the highest standards of cinematic quality. The film also features Shirish and Kuldeep Rathore as producers, with Rafi Kazi serving as a co-producer. Director Vamshi Paidipally is known for his ability to blend mass action with a strong emotional core, a style that has worked wonders in his previous films like Maharshi and Varisu. For this project, he is working with cinematographer Rahul D. Haran to bring a grand visual scale to the screen. The muhurat ceremony recently held in Mumbai saw the team coming together to seek blessings before diving into the action-packed schedule, with several key members of the production house in attendance. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}) Alongside this project, Salman Khan also has the ambitious film Maatrubhumi in the pipeline, which has been surrounded by significant buzz and production changes. Originally announced as Battle of Galwan, the title was changed in March 2026 to emphasize a narrative of humanity and sacrifice under the tagline May War Rest in Peace. The film reportedly underwent nearly forty percent reshoots and a narrative overhaul to focus on fictionalized themes of courage rather than direct references to specific geopolitical clashes. Salman Khan portrays Colonel B. Santosh Babu, the posthumous recipient of the Maha Vir Chakra. Featuring Chitrangda Singh as the female lead, Maatrubhumi has faced several production delays and is currently awaiting an official announcement regarding its final release schedule as of late April 2026. With Salman Khan returning to his roots of high-energy action entertainers, expectations are sky-high for this collaboration. The makers have kept the specific details of the plot and the official title a secret for now, which has only added to the curiosity among fans. Following the start of production in April 2026, the extensive filming schedule is expected to wrap by late 2026. The high-octane project is tentatively aimed for a massive theatrical release during the Eid 2027 window. As the shoot progresses in Mumbai and moves to other planned locations, more updates regarding the supporting cast and the musical score are expected to be revealed by the team.

BY CHRISTA LINCY

After the unexpected and massive surge witnessed on Tuesday, Akshay Kumar's horror-comedy Bhooth Bangla has begun to settle into its natural weekday rhythm on its sixth day. The film, which capitalized on a strategic price drop to outperform its own Monday numbers, is now witnessing a standard mid-week correction as it looks to build on its solid 74 crore foundation before entering the second weekend. The morning shows on Wednesday opened with an occupancy of 7.24% across the Hindi circuit. While this is a dip from the 9.69% recorded during Tuesday's offer-driven morning shows, it remains a respectable figure for a mid-week working day. The film is currently holding approximately 5,488 shows nationwide, and by early afternoon, it has already registered a live net collection of approximately 1.25 crore. This brings the cumulative India net collection to 74.00 crore, while the India gross has reached 88.09 crore. Digital tracking suggests a noticeable cooldown from the high-intensity volumes seen yesterday. Between 8 am and 2 pm today, BookMyShow tracked approximately 24,630 tickets sold, which is roughly 57% of the volume recorded during the same window on Tuesday (43,310 tickets). The peak hour between 1 pm and 2 pm saw about 5,640 tickets moved—a significant drop from yesterday's 10,000+ tickets in the same slot. This indicates that while the Tuesday pricing strategy successfully drew in the waiting audience, the film is now relying on its core word-of-mouth following. In the national cinema chains (PVR, INOX, and Cinepolis), the trend remains steady but corrected. The advance bookings for today's shows stood at approximately 16,000 tickets by Tuesday night. By Wednesday afternoon, the three major chains had collectively sold around 22,300 tickets, bringing in a gross of roughly 58 lakh. These numbers suggest that while the volume wave has subsided, the multiplex audience is still showing up at a consistent, albeit slower, pace. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}) As the film moves into its more lucrative evening and night sessions, the trajectory points toward a strong mid-week finish. This is evident when compared to the first Monday (Day 4), where the film had recorded a live net of approximately 0.75 crore by 4 PM with an 8.34% morning occupancy. In contrast, Wednesday has already reached 1.25 crore by 2 PM, despite a slightly lower morning occupancy of 7.24%. Accounting for the typical evening surge in urban multiplexes and this significantly stronger afternoon lead, Day 6 is most likely to conclude in the range of 5.15 crore to 5.65 crore. This result would represent a very strong hold for a Wednesday, keeping the film on a firm path to breach the 80-crore net milestone by tomorrow. Bhooth Bangla: Day 6 (Wed) vs Day 5 (Tue) TrackingMETRIC (TIL 2 PM)TUESDAY (DAY 5)WEDNESDAY (DAY 6)Morning Occupancy9.69%7.24%BMS Volume (8am - 2pm)43,310 Tickets24,630 TicketsNational Chain (PIC) Sold~ 38,000 Tickets~ 22,300 TicketsLive Net Collection₹ 2.29 Cr₹ 1.25 Cr As the film approaches the conclusion of its first week, the focus remains on its ability to maintain double-digit occupancy through the night. With a total India net of 74 crore already in the bag, Bhooth Bangla has established itself as a resilient mid-range success. The next few hours will determine if the film can push closer to the 5.50 crore mark, which would indicate strong legs heading into its second week of release.

BY CHRISTA LINCY

Dhurandhar 2: The Revenge continues its extraordinary theatrical journey, showing no signs of slowing down even on its 34th day. This sequel has effectively turned the box office into its playground, maintaining a stronghold that is rarely seen in the fifth week of a film's release. With its worldwide gross inching closer to the 1800 crore milestone, the film remains a dominant force despite the arrival of newer competitors in the market. A historic milestone was achieved this Tuesday as the film officially became the highest-grossing Indian production in the United Kingdom. By reaching a total of 4.388 million pounds, it has surpassed the long-standing record held by Pathaan, which stood at 4.380 million pounds. This feat establishes the film as the number one Indian title in this key international market, and with screenings still ongoing, the gap is expected to widen further in the coming days. Dhurandhar 2: Day 34 Worldwide Collection SummaryMETRICCOLLECTION DATADay 34 India Net (5th Tue)₹ 2.10 CrTotal India Net (34 Days)₹ 1,119.39 CrTotal India Gross₹ 1,339.88 CrTotal Overseas Gross₹ 422.00 CrTotal Worldwide Gross₹ 1,761.88 Cr (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}) Back in the domestic market, the film registered a net collection of 2.10 crore on its fifth Tuesday. This takes the total India net collection to a massive 1119.39 crore, while the India gross has reached 1339.88 crore. The overseas contribution remains steady, adding 0.50 crore on Day 34 to take the international gross to 422 crore. Collectively, the worldwide gross for the film now stands at 1761.88 crore, cementing its status as one of the biggest blockbusters in Indian cinema history. The occupancy figures for the fifth Tuesday reflect a highly engaged audience, with an overall Hindi occupancy of 22.34 percent. The day saw a gradual build-up, starting with a morning occupancy of 10.83 percent and climbing to 28.75 percent for the night shows. This momentum was also visible in the digital ticket sales, where the film saw a surprise jump in volume compared to Monday. Between 9 am and the late hours, tracking platforms recorded 35,260 tickets sold, significantly higher than the 28,890 tickets sold during the same period yesterday. The 2.10 crore collection on its 34th day has earned Dhurandhar 2: The Revenge a prestigious spot among the elite all-time performers in Hindi cinema history. By achieving this milestone in its fifth week, the film has officially broken into the top 5 highest 5th Tuesday earners, surpassing the totals of major hits like Mahavatar Narasimha and URI: The Surgical Strike. It now stands as the fifth highest-grossing film for this specific day, trailing only a select few massive blockbusters including the original Dhurandhar, Chhaava, Stree 2, and 3 Idiots.Furthermore, while it holds the fifth position on this specific list, Dhurandhar 2: The Revenge has already comfortably surpassed the total lifetime net collections of every other movie featured above it. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}) All-Time Highest 5th Tuesday Net Collections (Hindi)MOVIE NAME5TH TUESDAY COLLECTIONDhurandhar₹ 4.75 CrChhaava₹ 2.65 CrStree 2₹ 2.50 Cr3 Idiots₹ 2.48 CrDhurandhar 2: The Revenge₹ 2.10 Cr Total ticket sales on BookMyShow reached 46,000 for the day, placing the film among the top performers of the week despite being in its second month of release. The steady demand during the afternoon and evening windows, which recorded 22.94 percent and 26.85 percent occupancy respectively, suggests that the film still has considerable legs. As it moves toward the end of its fifth week, the focus now shifts to how much further it can push its global record before concluding its historic run.

BY CHRISTA LINCY

Akshay Kumar's latest horror-comedy, Bhooth Bangla, has delivered a rare box office masterclass by witnessing a significant jump in collections on its first Tuesday. Following a steady Monday, the film benefited from a strategic nationwide reduction in ticket prices, which successfully converted mid-week inertia into a massive wave of audience footfalls. This growth highlights the film's strong acceptance among family audiences and youth, who flocked to theaters to capitalize on the affordable rates and positive word-of-mouth. On its fifth day, Bhooth Bangla collected approximately ₹7.65 crore net in India across 11,589 shows. This is a notable 13% increase compared to its Monday haul of ₹6.75 crore. The surge in collections has pushed the total India net to ₹72.40 crore, while the India gross stands at ₹86.21 crore. The film's ability to outperform its own Monday numbers is a clear indicator of a healthy theatrical run and strong trending in the mass circuits. Bhooth Bangla Box Office Collection SummaryMETRICCOLLECTION / DATADay 5 India Net (Tue)₹ 7.65 CrTotal India Net (5 Days)₹ 72.40 CrTotal India Gross (5 Days)₹ 86.21 CrTotal Worldwide Gross₹ 117.71 Cr (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}) The Volume over Value strategy played a pivotal role in this success, as major multiplex chains slashed ticket prices to an attractive range of ₹149 to ₹165, a significant drop from Monday's ₹250 to ₹350 bracket. This tactical move resulted in a notable jump in footfalls, with the film recording an overall Hindi occupancy of 22.18% on Tuesday, April 21, 2026. While morning shows opened at a steady 9.69%, the momentum accelerated through the day as afternoon shows hit 20.73% and evening shows reached 23.97%. The day concluded on a high note with night shows recording a robust 34.33% occupancy, proving that the lower entry barrier effectively drew in the late-night crowds. In the major national cinema chains, the film witnessed a dramatic surge in footfalls. Bhooth Bangla sold over 70,500 tickets in the top three chains on Tuesday, which is a massive jump from the 24,000 tickets sold on Monday in the same properties. Digital momentum was equally strong, with online platforms tracking over 147,000 tickets sold throughout the day. This momentum was already evident in the advance bookings, where the film had locked in over ₹3.1 crore before the first show began. Internationally, the film continues to find takers, particularly in the North American circuit. On Tuesday, it added approximately ₹2.50 crore from overseas territories, taking its total overseas gross to ₹31.50 crore. In North America, the film has crossed the $1.14 million mark. With these numbers, the worldwide gross collection of Bhooth Bangla now stands at ₹117.71 crore, comfortably crossing the prestigious 100-crore milestone within its first five days of release. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}) India Net Collection: ₹ 7.65 Crore Advance Sales: ₹ 3.10 Crore BookMyShow (BMS) Ticket Sales: 147.26K National Chain Ticket Sales: 70K+ Overall Occupancy: 22.18% Akshay Kumar Post-COVID: Top 5 1st Tuesday India Net Collection Comparison To put Bhooth Bangla's performance into perspective, here is how Akshay Kumar's post-pandemic releases have fared on their first Tuesday. While the film didn't reach the double-digit peaks of OMG 2 or Sooryavanshi, its growth-driven ₹7.65 crore haul places it in a stable middle-ground, comfortably outperforming recent titles like Jolly LLB 3 and Sky Force. OMG 2: ₹ 17.10 Cr Ram Setu: ₹ 15.20 Cr (Note: Released on Tuesday, Oct 25, 2022) Housefull 5: ₹ 11.25 Cr Sooryavanshi: ₹ 11.22 Cr Bhooth Bangla: ₹ 7.65 Cr As the film heads towards its first-week conclusion, it is firmly positioned to cross the ₹85 crore net mark in India by Thursday. The rare Tuesday jump has effectively neutralized the typical weekday decline, making Bhooth Bangla one of the most resilient performers of the year. With no major competition in sight and a continued focus on affordable pricing, the Priyadarshan-Akshay Kumar collaboration is poised for a robust second weekend.

BY SUNIT JANGIR

Mumbai, April 22 - Ranveer Singh's Dhurandhar 2: The Revenge has added yet another historic milestone to its already record-breaking box office run. The spy action thriller, directed by Aditya Dhar, has overtaken superstar Shah Rukh Khan's Pathaan in the United Kingdom, emerging as the biggest Indian grosser in the region. The sequel has grossed £4.39 million (55.55+ crores) so far (as of April 22) in the UK, outgrossing Pathaan's £4.380 million lifetime. This achievement further cements the film's dominance not just in India but across international territories, where it has been performing exceptionally well despite facing challenges like restricted releases in key markets. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}) Historic Overseas Performance Dhurandhar 2 has been on a record-breaking spree overseas. It has so far grossed over 422 crores internationally, making it the highest-grossing Indian film outside India (not including China). Despite not releasing in the Gulf region, the film has delivered the performance of a lifetime for an Indian title. Dhurandhar 2 has particularly been a record-breaking run in North America, where it is nearing the $30 million mark. And now, it has become the number 1 Indian film in the UK as well, which is one of the key territories for Indian films. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}) A Global Box Office Juggernaut The film’s worldwide performance has been equally staggering. Dhurandhar 2 has amassed over 1,760 crore globally, making it the third highest-grossing Indian film of all time. Domestically too, it has an unbelievable run, nearing 1350 crores gross mark. It is the highest-grossing Bollywood film in India. The film continues to hold strong even in its fifth week, showcasing remarkable staying power at the box office despite new releases and competition. With this momentum, Dhurandhar 2 is now eyeing even bigger milestones globally, including challenging the lifetime records of Baahubali 2 (1788 crore).

BY CHRISTA LINCY

After navigating the crucial Monday litmus test with a steady hold, Bhooth Bangla is now witnessing a surprising midweek surge on its fifth day. The horror-comedy, which successfully entered the 100 crore global club yesterday, is exhibiting a trend often seen with well-received family entertainers: a Tuesday performance that threatens to rival or even surpass its Monday collections. This momentum is being heavily fueled by a strategic nationwide pricing shift, where tickets that were priced between 250 and 350 rupees on Monday have now dropped to an attractive range of 149 to 165 rupees. The impact of this Reduced Pricing strategy is most visible in the morning occupancy figures. On its first Tuesday, the film opened with a morning occupancy of 9.69 percent in the Hindi circuit, a notable jump from the 8.34 percent recorded on Monday. This increase suggests that the tactical move by major multiplexes like PVR INOX and other national chains to lower the entry barrier is successfully drawing in college students and matinee audiences who were waiting for more accessible rates. Currently running across 6,124 shows, the film has already registered a live net collection of approximately 2.29 crore by the afternoon, setting a remarkably strong foundation for the evening surge. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}) Digital tracking on BookMyShow confirms that the volume is more than making up for the lower ticket rates. Between 8 am and 4 pm today, the platform tracked approximately 63,970 tickets sold, compared to 50,680 tickets during the same window yesterday—a volume growth of over 26 percent. This surge is likely supported by aggressive digital promo offers, such as the code NXT75 on BookMyShow which provides an extra 75 rupees off, making the film an irresistible mid-week option. The peak booking hour between 12 pm and 1 pm saw over 10,500 tickets moved, significantly outperforming the peak windows of its first Monday. The performance in the national cinema chains (PVR, INOX, and Cinepolis) shows a massive increase in demand for the film’s first Tuesday. By this afternoon, Bhooth Bangla has already sold over 70,500 tickets in these three chains, bringing in a gross of 1.16 crore. This momentum was already visible in the advance bookings; for today's shows, the film had over 52,900 tickets booked before the day even began. When compared to the 15,500 tickets booked in advance for Monday's shows, this represents a triple-digit growth in pre-sales. This surge confirms that the lower ticket prices are successfully attracting a much larger volume of viewers to the multiplexes for the Tuesday screenings. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}) So, what is the final prediction for Day 5? The most compelling evidence for a potential midweek surge lies in the real-time collection data. Yesterday at 4 PM, the film’s live net was tracking at approximately 0.75 crore, eventually concluding the day at a solid 6.75 crore. Today, the afternoon live net has already reached a massive 2.29 crore—nearly tripling the previous day's pace. While the lower ticket prices mean each seat earns less revenue, the sheer volume of audience footfalls is more than compensating for the drop in rates. In a conservative case, the film is looking at a 6.50 to 6.85 crore net finish, effectively matching its Monday haul. However, if the evening and night shows maintain this triple-speed momentum, the film could land in a steadier 7.00 to 7.40 crore range, outperforming its Monday collections. In an optimistic scenario where urban multiplexes see a late-night crowd spike due to the price drop, a 7.80 crore finish is well within reach. As of right now, the total India net stands at approximately 67.04 crore, and this strong Tuesday performance puts Bhooth Bangla on a firm path to cross the 85 crore mark by the end of its first week. Bhooth Bangla Live Trend: Day 4 (Mon) vs Day 5 (Tue)METRIC (TIL 4 PM)1ST MONDAY (YESTERDAY)1ST TUESDAY (TODAY)Morning Occupancy8.34%9.69%BMS Tickets (8am - 4pm)50,680 Tickets63,970 TicketsNational Chain Advance (PIC)15,500 Tickets52,900 TicketsAverage Ticket Price₹ 250 - ₹ 350₹ 149 - ₹ 165Live Net Collection₹ 0.75 Cr (approx)₹ 2.29 Cr

BY SUNIT JANGIR

Mumbai, April 21 - The highly anticipated collaboration between Jr. NTR and blockbuster filmmaker Prashanth Neel is shaping up to be one of the most ambitious projects in Indian cinema. The upcoming period action film, tentatively titled Dragon and is currently referred to as NTRNeel, is reportedly being developed as a two-part cinematic spectacle, significantly expanding its scale and narrative depth. Initially planned as a single film, the project has reportedly evolved into a two-part saga to accommodate its expansive storyline and larger-than-life action sequences. Known for crafting intense, high-stakes dramas, Prashanth Neel appears to be building a layered narrative that demands more screen time, similar to his approach in films like KGF. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}) This move, which also stars Anil Kapoor and Rukmini Vasanth, also reflects a growing trend in Indian cinema, where big-ticket entertainers are split into multiple instalments to maximise storytelling potential and audience engagement. Part 1 Locks June 2027 Release On Tuesday (April 21), the makers confirmed the release date of Dragon. While the makers are yet to confirm a two-part release, the first instalment of the film is officially slated to hit theatres on June 11, 2027. The film has already faced schedule shifts due to its massive production, but the new date signals that the makers are prioritising quality and scale over speed. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}) Part 2 Aims for December 2027 Arrival In an exciting development, the second part is reportedly being planned for a December 2027 release, just months after the debut of the first instalment. If the timeline holds, it would create a rare back-to-back franchise experience in Tollywood, maintaining audience momentum and building anticipation similar to global blockbuster franchises. The film marks the first collaboration between Jr. NTR, who gained global recognition after RRR, and Prashanth Neel, known for delivering massive hits like KGF Chapter 2 and Salaar. With Neel’s signature style of intense storytelling, stylised action, and hero elevation, fans can expect a powerful on-screen transformation for Jr. NTR in a rugged, period setting. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}) Adding to the buzz, the makers have confirmed to unveil the first glimpse of the film on May 20, 2026, coinciding with Jr. NTR’s birthday. This reveal is likely to offer the first look into the film’s world, tone, and scale, setting the stage for its long promotional campaign.

BY SUNIT JANGIR

Mumbai, April 21 - The long-awaited biographical drama Michael, chronicling the life of global pop icon Michael Jackson, has taken a surprisingly rough start at the hands of critics. Despite massive anticipation and the cultural weight attached to Jackson's legacy, the film has debuted with a disappointing 27% score on Rotten Tomatoes, based on 52 reviews. Scheduled to release on April 24, the low rating has come as a shock for a project that was widely expected to dominate both critically and commercially, given the enduring popularity and global influence of its subject. While it is still expected to rule the box office, critics seem to have mixed reactions to it. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}) #MichaelMovie is another formulaic biopic that’s more interested in shoving as many songs in front of you than exploring its central subjects in any sort of meaningful way. Jaafar Jackson does a nice job in the leading role and the performance moments are exciting but there’s… pic.twitter.com/usq8Y2EFET— adam patla 🔜 chicago critics film festival (@apat10) April 21, 2026 Jaafar Jackson delivers a truly remarkable performance in #Michael, embodying the spirit, the ambition and the physicality of Michael Jackson in a way that's dazzling to watch. The kid is so good, and longtime fans will adore this film.Director Antoine Fuqua delivers a fun,… pic.twitter.com/owfYimBWCH— Erik Davis (@ErikDavis) April 10, 2026 (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}) MICHAEL presents an overly audience-friendly take on Michael Jackson’s life story (only up until the release of “Bad”) that will work for the masses and devoted fans eager to watch one of the world’s largest entertainers at the peak of his popularity “play the hits” and find the… pic.twitter.com/CS2Q1HpbGP— Matt Neglia (@NextBestPicture) April 17, 2026 Just saw the Michael movie. Tough.— Van Lathan Jr (@VanLathan) April 21, 2026 (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}) #MichaelMovie is the best musical biopic I’ve ever seen, and it’s fitting for arguably the greatest performer of all time. What separates this film is the fact that Jaafar is LITERALLY MICHAEL. It’s insane. Gorgeously shot, beautifully performed, but the music is the legacy.… pic.twitter.com/xARVCiUAAD— Jones Vibes (@jonesvibesonly) April 21, 2026 I’m still gathering my thoughts, but the #michaelmovie was incredible. Jaafar, Colman, Nia… Academy Award worthy. If you go in looking for a caricature of Michael Jackson, you will be “disappointed” because that’s not who he was. If you go in with an open mind, you’ll walk away…— Jael Rucker (@RuckerJael) April 21, 2026 (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}) MICHAEL is an extraordinarily sanitized, overly audience-friendly music biopic that makes Bohemian Rhapsody look like a complex, nuanced character study. With the dramatic depth of a Wikipedia article, the film introduces but fails to even remotely explore fascinating aspects of… pic.twitter.com/eCPTUTmVeX— The HoloFiles - Movie/TV News & Reviews (@theholofiles) April 21, 2026 #MichaelMovie brought me back to the awe & wow I felt when first discovering Michael’s music as a kid. Jaafar Jackson nails the role. Colman Domingo is a chilling presence. Fan bias aside it can feel safe/surface level while just playing the greatest hits. Still really enjoyed it pic.twitter.com/22r1vaucl4— Cris Parker (@3CFilmss) April 21, 2026 (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}) So I just saw Antoine Fuqua’s #MichaelMovie and it only asks a few things of you… bring your singing voice, your restraint to stay seated, and a few friends who understand the assignment. At its core, Michael is a celebration one designed to take you inside the mind of a… pic.twitter.com/wQyoQc7LKr— Klepcx (@Klepcx) April 17, 2026

BY SUNIT JANGIR

Hyderabad, April 21 - The Telugu film industry is lining up what could be one of its most explosive years yet at the box office in 2027. With a carefully spaced release calendar and a lineup of mega-budget films featuring top-tier stars and visionary filmmakers, Tollywood is preparing for a global takeover. Spirit: The Explosive Kickstart to 2027 Pan India superstar Prabhas has teamed up with director Sandeep Reddy Vanga for a cop action thriller Spirit. Slated for a March 5 release, the film is expected to set the tone for what could be the best year ever for Telugu cinema, not just at the Indian box office, but also globally. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}) Spirit marks the first collaboration between Prabhas and Vanga, making it one of the most anticipated projects in Indian cinema. With Vanga known for his hard-hitting storytelling and Prabhas commanding a massive pan-India fanbase, the film is expected to open to record numbers at the box office and set the tone for the year. Varanasi: Rajamouli's Global Spectacle Following the global success of RRR, SS Rajamouli is coming up with his next spectacle Varanasi, starring Mahesh Babu with Priyanka Chopra and Prithviraj Sukumaran. The action-adventure is scheduled to release on April 7, 2027. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}) Mounted on a grand scale and budget, Varanasi is said to blend an episode of Ramayana with time-travel elements and is being designed as a global cinematic experience. After the unprecedented success of RRR, expectations from Rajamouli are sky-high, and this film could redefine international benchmarks once again. Dragon: Jr NTR & Prashanth Neel To Bring Mass Mayhem The latest film to join the 2027 mega showdown is Dragon a.k.a. NTRNeel. The summer season will witness the arrival of Dragon, starring Jr. NTR and directed by Prashanth Neel. The film is locked for a June 11, 2027, release, after being pushed from its original June 2026 launch. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}) Known for his stylised gritty action and larger-than-life narratives, Prashanth Neel teaming up with Jr NTR for the first time has already generated immense buzz. Dragon is expected to be a high-octane entertainer packed with powerful action sequences and strong mass appeal, making it a potential blockbuster. Raaka: Allu Arjun & Atlee's Sci-Fi Spectacle Closing the year could be Raaka, starring Allu Arjun and directed by Atlee. It is perhaps the most intriguing collaboration where Atlee steps out from his usual commercial template to create something which he has never attempted before. While the exact release date is yet to be confirmed, the film is expected to arrive in the latter half of 2027. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}) Touted as a VFX-heavy sci-fi spectacle, Raaka is being designed for a pan-India and global audience. After the massive success of Pushpa 2, expectations from Allu Arjun's next have skyrocketed, and this film could end the year on a record-breaking note. With Spirit, Varanasi, Dragon, and Raaka spaced across the year, with a few more expected to join the bandwagon, Tollywood has built a powerful release calendar for 2027. Each film carries blockbuster potential, and together, they could make 2027 a landmark year not just for Tollywood but for Indian cinema, further strengthening its position on the global stage.