BY SACNILK TEAM

2025 has been a massive year for the Telugu film industry, filled with high octane action, grand historical epics, and festive family entertainers. From the highly anticipated return of The Hungry Cheetah in They Call Him OG to the spiritual power of Akhanda 2, Tollywood stars have once again proven their massive pull at the global ticket window. table td { word-wrap: break-word; word-break: break-word; } @media (max-width: 480px) { table td:first-child { width: 40% !important; } } They Call Him OG DirectorSujeeth Lead CastPawan Kalyan, Emraan Hashmi, Priyanka Arul Mohan Telugu Net₹ 189.26 Cr Worldwide Gross₹ 295.22 Cr VerdictHit Check Out the Day-Wise Box Office Breakdown → A stylish neo noir action thriller set against the gritty backdrop of the Mumbai underworld, They Call Him OG follows the return of a legendary and ruthless figure whose name alone strikes fear into his rivals. Blending high octane action with a sleek cinematic aesthetic, the film explores power, loyalty, and the resurgence of a Hungry Cheetah in a world of crime. They Call Him OG has set the box office ablaze, cementing its place as a massive commercial success in 2025. With a staggering India Net collection of ₹191.5 Cr and a robust overseas performance of ₹65.25 Cr, the film achieved a massive Worldwide total of ₹295.22 Cr. The movie is bolstered by an impressive India Gross of ₹228.4 Cr, proves that the combination of a mass icon and stylized storytelling remains a lethal formula at the ticket window. Sankranthiki Vasthunam DirectorAnil Ravipudi Lead CastDaggubati Venkatesh, Aishwarya Rajesh,Meenakshi Chaudhary Telugu Net₹ 186.97 Cr Worldwide Gross₹ 255.48 Cr VerdictBlockbuster Check Out the Day-Wise Box Office Breakdown → A vibrant family entertainer tailored for the festive season, Sankranthiki Vasthunam blends laugh out loud comedy with heartwarming emotions and high-energy action. Set against a traditional backdrop, the film captures the spirit of homecoming and the chaotic, yet endearing dynamics of family bonds, making it a perfect celebration for the big screen. Sankranthiki Vasthunam has emerged as an undisputed Blockbuster, delivering incredible returns on investment in 2025. Against a modest budget of approximately ₹50 Cr, the film secured a massive India Net collection of ₹186.7 Cr and an India Gross of ₹219.8 Cr. With a Worldwide total of ₹255.48 Cr, including ₹35.4 Cr from overseas markets, it stands as a shining example of how wholesome content can dominate the box office. Game Changer DirectorS. Shankar Lead CastRam Charan, Kiara Advani, Anjali, S.J. Suryah Telugu Net₹ 89.37 Cr Worldwide Gross₹ 186.28 Cr VerdictDisaster Check Out the Day-Wise Box Office Breakdown → A high stakes political thriller that explores the power of administrative reform, Game Changer follows the journey of an upright IAS officer battling a deep rooted and corrupt political machinery. Directed by S. Shankar, the film blends a socially relevant message with grand visual spectacle and high-octane drama, aiming to spark a systemic revolution. Game Changer arrived as one of the most anticipated releases of 2025, mounted on a monumental budget of ₹450 Cr. The film achieved an India Net collection of ₹131.17 Cr and an India Gross of ₹156 Cr. With a Worldwide total of ₹186.25 Cr, including an overseas pull of ₹30.25 Cr, its performance reflects the massive scale of the project and the unpredictable nature of high budget cinematic gambles in the current market. Mirai DirectorKarthik Gattamneni Lead CastTeja Sajja,Manchu Manoj, Ritika Nayak Telugu Net₹ 76.17 Cr Worldwide Gross₹ 144.21 Cr VerdictSuperHit Check Out the Day-Wise Box Office Breakdown → An epic supernatural action adventure rooted in Indian history and mythology, Mirai (meaning Future) follows the journey of a chosen Super Yodha tasked with protecting a sacred secret dating back to the era of Emperor Ashoka. Blending ancient legends with modern visual effects, the film takes the audience on a high stakes quest to safeguard the world from a dark, impending celestial threat. Mirai has proven to be a sensational success at the box office, comfortably securing a Superhit verdict in 2025. Made on a controlled budget of approximately ₹50 Cr, the film displayed exceptional staying power, earning an India Net collection of ₹92 Cr and an India Gross of ₹108.2 Cr. Its global appeal was further cemented by a strong overseas collection of ₹32.8 Cr, pushing its Worldwide total to ₹144.21 Cr. This performance highlights the growing audience demand for original, high concept genre films that offer a unique cinematic experience. Kuberaa DirectorSekhar Kammula Lead CastDhanush, Nagarjuna Akkineni, Rashmika Mandanna Telugu Net₹ 67.68 Cr Worldwide Gross₹ 138.1 Cr VerdictHit Check Out the Day-Wise Box Office Breakdown → A gritty urban drama set against the stark contrasts of Mumbai's socio-economic landscape, Kubera delves into the lives of individuals driven by money, power, and survival. Directed by Sekhar Kammula, the film explores the dark underbelly of the city where wealth and poverty collide in a compelling narrative of greed and redemption. Kubera made a significant impact at the box office, showcasing a strong appeal across diverse audiences in 2025. Mounted on a reported budget of ₹120 Cr, the film garnered an India Net collection of ₹90.9 Cr and an India Gross of ₹106.5 Cr. Supported by a solid international performance with ₹31.6 Cr from overseas markets, its Worldwide total reached ₹138.1 Cr, reflecting the steady pull of its star studded cast and grounded storytelling. Daaku Maharaaj DirectorBobby Kolli Lead CastNandamuri Balakrishna,Bobby Deol,Pragya Jaiswal telugu Net₹ 90.75 Cr Worldwide Gross₹ 126.11 Cr VerdictAverage Check Out the Day-Wise Box Office Breakdown → A high voltage action drama set in a rugged landscape, Daaku Maharaaj tells the story of a formidable and fearless outlaw who stands as a shield for the oppressed. Blending raw power with intense emotional stakes, the film showcases a legendary battle for justice against tyrannical forces, punctuated by grand cinematic moments and a gritty, heroic atmosphere. Daaku Maharaaj roared at the box office, showcasing the immense drawing power of mass action cinema in 2025. The film secured a robust India Net collection of ₹90.93 Cr, contributing to an impressive India Gross of ₹107.7 Cr. With an overseas contribution of ₹18.1 Cr, it achieved a solid Worldwide total of ₹126.11 Cr. Akhanda 2: Thaandavam DirectorBoyapati Sreenu Lead CastNandamuri Balakrishna, Samyuktha Menon,Aadhi Pinisetty Telugu Net₹ 88.41 Cr(Theatrical Run Active) Worldwide Gross₹ 120.85 Cr(Theatrical Run Active) VerdictNA Check Out the Day-Wise Box Office Breakdown → A powerful spiritual action saga, Akhanda 2: Thandavam sees the return of the fierce and divine Aghora, who rises once again to protect the righteous and annihilate systemic evil. Infused with intense devotion and high decibel action, the film explores the clash between cosmic justice and human greed, delivered with the signature grandiosity that the franchise is known for. Released on December 12, 2025, Akhanda 2: Thandavam is currently in the middle of its theatrical run with a substantial reported budget of ₹200 Cr. To date, the film has earned an India Net collection of ₹91.95 Cr and an India Gross of ₹108.55 Cr. With an overseas contribution of ₹12.3 Cr, its Worldwide total stands at ₹120.85 Cr.The film's final commercial standing will depend on its ability to sustain audience interest and recover its significant investment over the coming weeks. HIT: The Third Case DirectorSailesh Kolanu Lead CastNani, Srinidhi Shetty, Samuthirakani Telugu Net₹ 73.41 Cr Worldwide Gross₹ 119.25 Cr VerdictSuperHit Check Out the Day-Wise Box Office Breakdown → An intense addition to the popular investigative franchise, HIT: The Third Case introduces the ruthless and formidable SP Arjun Sarkaar, a cop with a dark edge who is tasked with hunting down a dangerous serial killer. Spanning across diverse landscapes from Jammu and Kashmir to Visakhapatnam, the film trades the slow-burn mystery of its predecessors for high octane action and a gritty, visceral cinematic experience. HIT: The Third Case emerged as a notable success in 2025, securing a SuperHit verdict at the box office. The film garnered an India Net collection of ₹80.97 Cr and an India Gross of ₹94.48 Cr. Supported by a steady international performance of ₹25 Cr in overseas markets, its Worldwide total reached ₹ 119.25 Cr. Despite its significant production scale, the film’s strong theatrical pull and the high energy performance of its lead solidified its standing as one of the year's most impactful action thrillers. Hari Hara Veera Mallu DirectorKrish Jagarlamudi,Jyothi Krishna Lead CastPawan Kalyan,Nidhhi Agerwal,Bobby Deol Telugu Net₹ 86.53 Cr Worldwide Gross₹ 116.88 Cr Verdict Disaster Check Out the Day-Wise Box Office Breakdown → A grand historical action adventure set in the 17th century Mughal era, Hari Hara Veera Mallu tells the story of a legendary and heroic outlaw tasked with a perilous mission to retrieve the Koh-i-Noor diamond.The film blends elements of rebellion, patriotism, and folklore as the protagonist rises against tyrannical forces to protect his people, set against the backdrop of iconic historical landmarks like the Charminar and Golconda Fort. Released as one of the most expensive projects in Telugu cinema with a reported budget of ₹250–300 Cr, the film faced a challenging theatrical run in 2025. The movie earned an India Net collection of ₹87.25 Cr and an India Gross of ₹102.38 Cr. With an overseas contribution of ₹14.5 Cr, its Worldwide total reached ₹116.88 Cr. Despite the high production values and the star power of Pawan Kalyan, the film's inability to recover its massive investment resulted in poor performance at the box office. Thandel DirectorChandoo Mondeti Lead CastSNaga Chaitanya, Sai Pallavi telugu Net₹ 64.96 Cr Worldwide Gross₹ 88.89 Cr VerdictSuper Hit Check Out the Day-Wise Box Office Breakdown → An emotionally charged survival drama based on true events, Thandel tells the harrowing story of Srikakulam fishermen who inadvertently cross maritime borders into international waters. The narrative follows their struggle for freedom and survival against all odds, while highlighting a deeply rooted love story that serves as the emotional heartbeat of the film. Thandel maintained a steady presence at the box office in 2025, drawing audiences with its realistic portrayal and cultural authenticity. The film earned an India Net collection of ₹65.49 Cr, contributing to an India Gross of ₹76.75 Cr. Supported by a contribution of ₹11.5 Cr from international markets, its Worldwide total reached ₹88.89 Cr, marking a respectable performance for this grounded cinematic journey.

BY SACNILK TEAM

Mumbai, January 1 - The much-awaited first look of Prabhas' upcoming film Spirit has been unveiled, and it has taken the internet by storm. Directed by Sandeep Reddy Vanga, the film marks the first collaboration between the Baahubali star and the Animal filmmaker. The first-look poster features Prabhas and Triptii Dimri, who plays the female lead, in an intimate yet unsettling frame that perfectly captures the raw and gritty tone of the film. Prabhas appears in a rugged avatar, his back bruised and bandaged, exuding pain, aggression, and suppressed rage. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}) Triptii Dimri, standing close beside Prabhas, adds an emotional and sensual undertone to the visual, hinting at a complex and intense relationship between the two characters. The poster strongly aligns with Sandeep Reddy Vanga's signature style—dark, intense, and unapologetically visceral. The poster suggests a narrative driven by inner demons, obsession, and emotional conflict rather than conventional heroism. Prabhas' transformation signals a clear departure from his recent larger-than-life roles, placing him in a more grounded, contemporary, and psychologically charged space. Produced by T-Series and Bhadrakali Pictures, Spirit is being mounted on a grand scale and is already touted as one of the most anticipated Indian films in the pipeline. While the makers have not revealed plot details yet, Spirit is widely expected to explore themes of rage, love, trauma, and redemption, a terrain Vanga is known to handle with brutal honesty. For Triptii Dimri, the film marks her biggest mainstream project yet, pairing her with one of India's biggest superstars in a role that appears bold and performance-driven. Beyond inspiration || Beyond aspiration || Into creation👆🏼#SpiritFirstLook #OneBadHabit #Prabhas @imvangasandeep @tripti_dimri23 @vivekoberoi @InSpiritMode @bnaveenkalyan1 @rameemusic @sureshsrajan #BhushanKumar #KrishanKumar @ShivChanana @neerajkalyan_24 @sivadow55122… pic.twitter.com/2slHYLnFy3— Bhadrakali Pictures (@VangaPictures) December 31, 2025 Stay tuned...

BY SUNIT JANGIR

Mumbai, December 31 - Ranveer Singh-starrer Dhurandhar has scripted a historic milestone at the Hindi box office by becoming the first film ever to record double-digit daily net collections for 25+ consecutive days. At a time when most releases witness sharp drops after weekends, the spy action thriller has shown unreal consistency well into its fourth week. The Aditya Dhar's directorial has continued to pull audiences across mass belts and multiplexes alike, refusing to slow down on weekdays. Even in the post-holiday phase, Dhurandhar has managed to stay firmly in double digits, a benchmark that no previous Hindi blockbuster has been able to touch. The previous record holder was Pushpa 2, which scored double digit collection of 21 days in Hindi. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}) After opening to better-than-expected numbers of 28 crores net, the film's momentum kept rising with powerful word of mouth pushing its collection to uncharted territories. In 26 days so far, the movie has remained in double-digit figures, with the 26th day collection landing in excess of 11 crores. Dhurandhar's total net collection has surged past the 700 crore mark, and is racing ahead at a record pace. The sustained run has also pushed the movie into an elite league globally, as its worldwide gross has already crossed 1000 crore, making it the highest-grossing Hindi film ever. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}) The film not only registered the biggest fourth weekend and fourth week in Hindi cinema history, but also comfortably surpassed the previous benchmarks set by pan-India juggernauts by a long margin. Strong word of mouth and repeat value have ensured minimal drops on crucial weekdays. With no major Hindi release posing a serious threat in the immediate future, Dhurandhar is expected to continue its golden run at the box office. The film's unprecedented 25+ days of double-digit collections have now set a new gold standard for longevity and consistency in the Hindi film industry. Stay tuned...

BY SUNIT JANGIR

Hyderabad, December 31 - After the big success of sci-fi epic Kalki 2898 AD, the makers are gearing up to take the Kalki universe forward with its much-awaited sequel. As per the latest buzz in Telugu media, Part 2 of Prabhas-starrer is set to go on floors in February 2026, after months of delay. Directed by Nag Ashwin, Kalki 2 has been in pre-production for quite some time now, with the team carefully chalking out the scale, action blocks, and visual effects-heavy portions. Given the enormous scope of the sequel, the makers are reportedly taking time to fine-tune the script and technical execution to ensure it matches, or even surpasses, the first part's cinematic impact. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}) Prabhas, who is currently juggling multiple big-ticket projects, is expected to allocate dedicated dates for Kalki Part 2 starting early 2026. The film will once again be mounted on a grand scale, with extensive use of cutting-edge VFX and large studio setups. Key cast members from the first instalment, including Amitabh Bachchan and Kamal Haasan, are also expected to reprise their roles. The production of the film hit a major roadblock when the makers announced the exit of Deepika Padukone, reportedly due to her exaggerated demands. The actress played a crucial role in the first part, and now, the makers are looking for a new actress to replace her, for which the announcement is expected to be made soon. With Kalki 2898 AD establishing itself as one of the most ambitious Indian films ever made, expectations are sky-high for Kalki Part 2. Prabhas and epic sci-fi cinema rooted in Indian culture are eagerly waiting for the makers to make a formal announcement regarding this mega project. The film is produced by Vyjayanthi Movies. Stay tuned...

BY SACNILK TEAM

Here is the Hindi movie Ikkis box office collection, which is a war action drama film. This film is directed by Sriram Raghavan and produced by Maddock Films. ## Ikkis stars Dharmendra, Agastya Nanda, Jaideep Ahlawat, Sikandar Kher, and Simar Bhatia in key roles. ## Ikkis Box Office Collection Day Wise | All Language [See Footfalls] DayIndia Net Collection Change(+/-) Day 1 [1st Thursday] ₹ 7 Cr - Day 2 [1st Friday] ₹ 3.5 Cr -50.00% Day 3 [1st Saturday] ₹ 4.65 Cr 32.86% Day 4 [1st Sunday] ₹ 5 Cr 7.53% Day 5 [1st Monday] ₹ 1.35 Cr -73.00% Day 6 [1st Tuesday] ₹ 1.6 Cr 18.52% Day 7 [1st Wednesday] ₹ 1.15 Cr -28.13% Day 8 [2nd Thursday] ₹ 1.25 Cr 8.70% Week 1 Collection ₹ 25.5 Cr - Day 9 [2nd Friday] ₹ 0.85 Cr -32.00% Day 10 [2nd Saturday] ₹ 1.15 Cr 35.29% Day 11 [2nd Sunday] ₹ 1.3 Cr 13.04% Day 12 [2nd Monday] ₹ 0.4 Cr -69.23% Day 13 [2nd Tuesday] ₹ 0.42 Cr 5.00% Day 14 [2nd Wednesday] ₹ 0.5 Cr 19.05% Day 15 [3rd Thursday] ₹ 0.48 Cr -4.00% Week 2 Collection ₹ 5.1 Cr -80.00% Day 16 [3rd Friday] ₹ 0.15 Cr -68.75% Day 17 [3rd Saturday] ₹ 0.3 Cr 100.00% Day 18 [3rd Sunday] ₹ 0.35 Cr 16.67% Day 19 [3rd Monday] ₹ 0.1 Cr -71.43% Day 20 [3rd Tuesday] ₹ 0.1 Cr 0.00% Day 21 [3rd Wednesday] ₹ 0.1 Cr 0.00% Day 22 [4th Thursday] ₹ 0.1 Cr 0.00% Week 3 Collection ₹ 1.2 Cr -76.47% Week 4 Collection ₹ 0.05 Cr -95.83% Total ₹ 31.85 Cr - ## Take Subscription To See Footfalls ## India Net Collection ₹ 31.85 Cr ## Worldwide Collection ₹ 41.65 Cr ## Overseas Collection ₹ 3.5 Cr ## India Gross Collection ₹ 38.15 Cr ## Ikkis Budget: ₹ - Cr * Approx ## Ikkis Verdict: Coming Soon ## Ikkis Screen count ## India: - ## Overseas: - ## Worldwide total: - ## Release Date: 1st January 2026 ## For more and the latest news about Bollywood Box Office Collection, Stay tuned to us.

BY SUNIT JANGIR

Los Angeles, January 7 - The North American box office is witnessing an intense pre-release clash, not among the local titles but two Indian blockbusters, which gear up to hit the big screens over the Pongal/Sankranthi festival. Pan Indian superstar Prabhas' The Raja Saab and Tamil superstar Thalapathy Vijay's Jana Nayagan have locked in for a tight battle as far as pre-sales are concerned. With both films slated for a January 9 release, with premieres scheduled for January 8, the overseas market, especially the US, has become a key battleground for the two potential mega blockbusters, setting the tone for what could be one of the biggest South Indian box office face-offs of very early 2026, a year, that can redefine the true potential of Indian cinema. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}) The Raja Saab has the advantage of being a Prabhas-starrer, whose films have historically done well in North America. The romantic horror comedy opened bookings well ahead of its rival, but it hasn't picked up as was expected, even though it remains good with almost $750K for premieres as of 10 AM IST on January 7. As said, the pace has been relatively moderate compared to Prabhas' previous blockbusters, making the race far more competitive than initially expected. On the other hand, Vijay's political action thriller has emerged as the surprise package. Despite opening bookings much later, the Tamil actioner has shown sharp momentum, with rapid growth in daily ticket sales across the US and Canada. Riding on this surge, Jana Nayagan has inched ahead with approximately $825K in pre-sales, marginally overtaking The Raja Saab in the North American booking race. The box office battle of The Raja Saab and Jana Nayagan, which wasn't expected to be this intense, is also generating huge buzz back home. Even though it is relatively a no-contest here since both films belong to different industries with not much challenge to each other in their respective home market, The Raja Saab could emerge as an overall winner, given the genre and massive Pan India stardom of Prabhas. Stay tuned...

BY SUNIT JANGIR

Mumbai, December 30 - Hollywood superstar Tom Cruise has reportedly cancelled his space movie, which he was supposed to film in outer space, under the direction of Doug Liman, who previously directed the actor in American Made and Edge of Tomorrow. Tom Cruise had been preparing for a sci-fi movie, in an attempt to shoot it in outer space. But according to the latest report by Page Six, the film has been cancelled after Cruise reportedly refused to ask for President Donald Trump's help in its production. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}) As reported earlier, for Cruise to film in space, he and director Liman needed to collaborate with NASA for the project. However, the actor would have had to ask a favour of President Trump to make it happen, which the actor didn't want to do. The untitled movie was announced in 2020 and was supposed to start by now. It was set to be made with both NASA and SpaceX's involvement to ensure it could be shot into space. However, the federal government, and specifically the President, would have needed to sign off on the plan, which Cruise didn't want to. Meanwhile, Cruise has been working on multiple projects. Earlier this year, he wrapped filming on a new black comedy directed by Alejandro G. Iñárritu and is also reportedly in talks with Paramount to work on the third Top Gun movie. Stay tuned...

BY CHRISTA LINCY

The pursuit of a new successor to the most iconic underworld throne in Indian cinema has taken a massive turn.Following widespread reports of Ranveer Singh's departure from Farhan Akhtar's Don 3, industry chatter now strongly points toward Hrithik Roshan as the frontrunner to take over the mantle. Just as the film was reportedly gearing up for a January 2026 floor date, news broke that Ranveer Singh is no longer part of the project.While official confirmation is awaited, various reports suggest that the actor has moved on due to creative differences.Ranveer was originally announced as the new face of the franchise in 2023, stepping into the shoes previously filled by legends Amitabh Bachchan and Shah Rukh Khan. According to a recent report by Filmfare, the makers are now keen on exploring the possibility of Hrithik Roshan leading the highly established franchise.A source revealed, Following Ranveer's exit, Hrithik has emerged as a strong contender for the role.While discussions are still at a very early stage, it will be interesting to see whether Hrithik ultimately comes on board. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}) The choice of Hrithik Roshan doesn't come entirely out of left field.Director Farhan Akhtar recently revealed in an interview that Hrithik was actually his first choice for the original Don remake years ago, before the role eventually went to Shah Rukh Khan.Furthermore, Hrithik famously made a slick cameo in Don 2 (2011), where SRK's character used a high-tech mask to disguise himself as Hrithik's character a connection that fans are already revisiting on social media. Don 3 is one of the most anticipated action thrillers in the works. Produced by Ritesh Sidhwani and Farhan Akhtar’s Excel Entertainment, the film recently confirmed Kriti Sanon as the female lead. Whether Kriti will remain part of the project if a lead actor change occurs is currently unknown. If Hrithik Roshan signs on, it would mark a major collaboration between him and Farhan Akhtar after their iconic work in Lakshya and Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara.

BY CHRISTA LINCY

Nivin Pauly is officially back in the numbers game. After a period of experimental films, his Christmas 2025 release, Sarvam Maya, is turning into a major success story at the box office.While the film took a decent start, it is the post weekend trend that has left trade analysts stunned. The film's performance is characterized by an organic increase in footfalls. Unlike many big budget releases that see a decline after the opening day, Sarvam Maya saw its highest single day collection on its first Sunday (Day 4), earning ₹5.80 Cr. The Monday hold was also notable, maintaining a strong grip during the weekdays. On Day 6 (Tuesday), the film is showing a steady performance with an early estimated India Net of approximately ₹1.69 Cr. This brings the cumulative India Net collection to ₹23.84 Cr (approx.) as of the latest tracking data. Sarvam Maya Day Wise Box Office Collection (India Net) Day India Net Collection Trend / Note Day 1 (Thursday) ₹ 3.35 Cr Strong Christmas Opening Day 2 (Friday) ₹ 3.90 Cr Positive Growth (+16%) Day 3 (Saturday) ₹ 4.85 Cr Weekend Jump Day 4 (Sunday) ₹ 5.80 Cr Peak Sunday Performance Day 5 (Monday) ₹ 4.25 Cr Strong Weekday Hold Day 6 (Tuesday) ₹ 1.69 Cr(Live data) Steady Sleeper Hit Trend Total Net ₹ 23.84 Cr The film isn't just winning in Kerala; it is a monster in the overseas market, particularly in the UAE-GCC region. With an overseas gross of ₹26.3 Cr, the film has officially crossed the ₹50 Crore mark worldwide, standing at a global total of ₹52.5 Cr as of Tuesday morning. Sarvam Maya (transl Everything is a Delusion) follows the story of Prabhendhu (Nivin Pauly), an atheist musician from a family of priests who encounters a Gen-Z ghost (played by breakout star Riya Shibu). The film has been praised for its Anthikadan-style warmth, humor, and Nivin's return to his charming, comedic roots.

BY SUNIT JANGIR

Mumbai, December 28 - Yami Gautam and Emraan Hashmi's Haq, hailed as one of the best films of the year, is gearing up for its digital release after a decent outing in theatres. Directed by Suparn Verma, the hard-hitting courtroom drama will start streaming on Netflix from January 2, 2026. Haq follows the story of Shah Bano, a woman who seeks legal redress after her husband marries another woman. The narrative explores her pursuit of justice and the complex intersection of personal faith, social customs, and constitutional law. Through courtroom arguments and testimonies, the film examines how legal systems interpret women's rights within the framework of religious and civil law. OTT Release This Week Dec 29 to Jan 4: Your Ultimate Guide to New Movies & Web Series Produced by Vineet Jain, Vishal Gurnani, Juhi Parekh Mehta and Harman Baweja under the banners Junglee Pictures, Insomnia Films and Baweja Studios, respectively, Haq was released on November 7 amid raving reviews. The film has been hailed for its sensible take on the controversial subject, with high praise towards Yami Gautam and Emraan Hashmi. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}) The film has a decent outing at the box office with a worldwide gross collection of around 30 crores. Despite not flying high at the box office, the positive reception among the critics and audiences is expected to help the film bring in viewership upon its OTT release. Stay tuned...

BY SUNIT JANGIR

Mumbai, December 30 - The recently released teaser of superstar Salman Khan's war drama Battle of Galwan has managed to trigger attention from China. The movie, directed by Apoorva Lakhia, also stars Chitrangda Singh as the female lead alongside Zeyn Shaw, Ankur Bhatia, and Vipin Bhardwaj. The teaser is getting mixed reactions from Indian users, and at the same time, China's mouthpiece, Global Times, has reacted to the film, citing Chinese expert views. The movie is based on the events that took place between the Indian and Chinese troops at the Galwan region in June 2020, when 200 Indian soldiers bravely defended their territory against a force of 1200 Chinese Liberation Army soldiers. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}) As per the Global Times, a Chinese expert said on Monday that "Bollywood films at most provide an entertainment-driven, emotionally charged portrayal, but no amount of cinematic exaggeration can rewrite history or shake the PLA's determination to defend China's sovereign territory". Produced by Salman Khan Films, Battle of Galwan features Salman Khan as Colonel Bikkumalla Santosh Babu of the Bihar Regiment, who led his life defending the Indian territory. The film is scheduled to release on April 17, 2026, in the theatres worldwide, as one of the marquee Indian releases of the year. Stay tuned...

BY SUNIT JANGIR

Los Angeles, December — One of the most loved web shows, Stranger Things, hits an unexpected rough patch for Netflix. Episode 7 of Season 5, the penultimate chapter titled The Bridge, has triggered massive backlash online, turning into what many are calling a nightmare for Netflix just days before the series finale. Soon after release, ST5 witnessed an unprecedented drop in audience ratings across major platforms. It became the lowest-rated season in the show's history, a shocking development for a show that has enjoyed near-universal acclaim over the years. For a penultimate episode, typically designed to peak tension and hype, the response was far below expectations. One of the biggest concerns for Netflix is the clear review bombing that followed Volume 2's release. Thousands of one-star ratings flooded IMDb and other platforms within hours, particularly for episode 7. This sudden surge in negative reactions significantly dragged down the episode's overall score and dominated online discourse. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}) A backlash campaign for the show seemed to ignite after the sci-fi horror thriller series' penultimate episode, The Bridge, which features a scene in which Will Byers (Noah Schnapp) comes out as gay to his friends. The lengthy monologue came as the Hawkins gang geared up to face Vecna, the big bad from the Upside Down. The Bridge is now the lowest-rated episode of the entire Stranger Things show on IMDb, with a score of 5.4 out of 10. (It's the only episode below a 7.8, with most ranging between 8.6 and 9.2.) More than 96,000 users reviewed The Bridge episode on IMDb, while fewer than 50,000 people have rated most other episodes this season. The backlash for episode 7 has particularly been in the USA, where over 7K users gave 1-star ratings, followed by Saudi Arabia with 4K users. In India, 1.5K users have reviewed the episode with 1-star ratings. The recent episodes have dragged the season's Rotten Tomatoes score from the 70s down to 56%, a stark decline from the show's previous seasons. (For reference, the Season 4 Popcornmeter sits at 89%, Season 3 at 86%, Season 2 at 90% and Season 1 at 96%.) (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}) Why This Is a Nightmare for Netflix For Netflix, the situation is particularly damaging because Stranger Things is one of its flagship global brands. The backlash arrived right before the series finale, which might harm the overall viewership on the platform and also its box office prospects (the final episode will have a theatrical release in North America). The show's finale is scheduled to release on New Year's Eve, and as said, will have limited theatrical release. In India, it will drop on Netflix on January 1st at 6 AM. All eyes are now on Episode 8, and how the audience perceives it. Stay tuned...