BY CHRISTA LINCY

Director Sanjay Gupta has confirmed that the screenplay for the sequel to the 2017 hit Kaabil is officially complete. In an exclusive conversation with Variety India, the filmmaker revealed that the project is now pending a green signal from Hrithik Roshan and producer Rakesh Roshan under their banner, FilmKraft Productions. Gupta, known for gritty action dramas like Shootout at Wadala, emphasized that the sequel aims to surpass the intensity of the original. He noted that the new script is significantly deadlier, adhering to the philosophy that a sequel must offer a superior experience to justify its existence. The director stated that as a writer and filmmaker, he is fully prepared to move into production the moment the Roshans determine the timing is right for the franchise's return. The original Kaabil remains a significant milestone in Hrithik Roshan's filmography. Despite a high-profile box office clash with the Shah Rukh Khan-starrer Raees in January 2017, the film demonstrated strong legs at the ticket window, comfortably entering the ₹100 crore club. Hrithik's portrayal of Rohan Bhatnagar, a blind voice-over artist who turns into a calculated vigilante to avenge his wife, received widespread critical acclaim for its emotional depth and physical nuance. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({})   While the sequel's specific plot remains under wraps, it is expected to build on the vigilante-thriller foundation established by the first installment, which featured Yami Gautam, Ronit Roy, and Rohit Roy in pivotal roles. The first film was also noted for its soul-stirring music by Rajesh Roshan and a taut screenplay by Vijay Kumar Mishra, elements that fans expect to see replicated or elevated in the second chapter. Kaabil 2 will depend on Hrithik Roshan's current high-stakes slate.The actor is currently deep in the pre-production phase for the ambitious Krrish 4, which is expected to reach theaters in 2027. In a significant development for the franchise, Krrish 4 is slated to begin principal photography in mid-2026, with reports suggesting that Hrithik Roshan may take the director's chair himself. The superhero sequel is also reportedly moving toward a co-production model with Yash Raj Films (YRF), a move necessitated after extensive budget negotiations to ensure the project meets global visual standards. With Krrish 4 serving as the primary focus for mid-2026, Kaabil 2 is being viewed as a potent, high-intensity action project that could bolster FilmKraft's lineup during the 2026-2027 production cycle once the deadlier script receives the final go-ahead.

BY SUNIT JANGIR

Hyderabad, February 21 - The wait finally seems to have ended as the shoot of superstar Prabhas-fronted Kalki 2 has reportedly begun in Hyderabad today. The film is the sequel to the blockbuster Kalki 2898 AD, released in 2024 and which went on to gross over 1000 crores worldwide. According to the latest reports, the shoot kicks off with Amitabh Bachchan. Prabhas has reportedly allotted 10 days for this schedule, and he will join the legendary actor in this. He will simultaneously shoot for Sandeep Reddy Vanga's Spirit. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}) Produced by Vyjayanthi Movies, Kalki 2898 AD sequel also has Kamal Haasan playing the role of the lead antagonist, and he has also joined the first schedule. The shoot of Kalki 2 starts in Shankarpally town in a massive set that is constructed on one of the biggest floors of Hyderabad. Some key sequences will reportedly be shot on the set in the first schedule. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}) Directed by Nag Ashwin, the sequel has undergone a major change on the casting front after Deepika Padukone was dropped from the sci-fi epic. While the official confirmation is yet to be made, it is said that Sai Pallavi has replaced the Bollywood actress to play the role of SUM-80 in Kalki 2, and a look test has been conducted on her recently. Stay tuned...

BY SUNIT JANGIR

Hyderabad, February 21 - Speculation surrounding Mahesh Babu portraying Lord Ram in Varanasi has gained massive traction after a striking image went viral on social media. The visual, which shows the superstar in a calm, divine avatar holding a bow, was widely circulated as Lord Ram from the film. Mythri Cinemas in Andhra Pradesh's Guntur displayed a Varanasi poster digitally, and it has gone viral. The digital hoarding features Mahesh Babu as Lord Ram, holding the bow and overlooking the sea as the poster reads, Mahesh Babu as Sri Ram, with Varanasi written on it. However, it is not yet clear if it the official look as neither the production house nor the film's team has released or endorsed the image. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}) #MaheshBabu as Lord Ram #Varanasi pic.twitter.com/wIqirG370G— Unni Rajendran (@unnirajendran_) February 21, 2026 What is officially confirmed is that director S. S. Rajamouli has acknowledged the presence of a Ramayana-inspired narrative element in Varanasi, with Mahesh Babu appearing in a role linked to Lord Ram. Whether this avatar spans the entire film or appears in a key portion remains under wraps, but the confirmation alone has significantly heightened expectations. Produced by Sri Durga Arts and Showing Business, Varanasi is one of the most expensive Indian films ever made, with a reported budget of over 1300 crores. The movie, also starring Priyanka Chopra and Prithviraj Sukumaran, is a globetrotting adventure film that spans different timelines and continents. It is scheduled to release on April 7, 2027, in multiple languages. Stay tuned...

BY CHRISTA LINCY

The behind-the-scenes intensity of Aditya Dhar's blockbuster Dhurandhar continues to surface as co-star R Madhavan revealed a poignant moment that left seasoned actors Akshaye Khanna and Arjun Rampal emotionally shattered. Speaking in a recent interview with Sonia Shenoy, Madhavan detailed the heavy atmosphere on set during the filming of the sequence recreating the 26/11 Mumbai terror attacks. The scene in question required Akshaye Khanna, portraying the antagonist Rehman Dakait, and Arjun Rampal, playing Major Iqbal, to enact a scripted celebration of the tragic events.According to Madhavan, the professional facade dissolved the moment the director called cut. Both actors reportedly broke down and cried uncontrollably, overwhelmed by the sensitive nature of the subject matter and the collective memory of living through the real-life tragedy in 2008. It wasn't just acting for them. They have lived through those times and seen real incidents like that, Madhavan stated, noting that the incident underscored the extreme seriousness with which the production handled the recreation.The actor reflected that this specific breakdown convinced him that the film was destined to be a very special project, transcending typical action-thriller tropes to tap into deep-seated national sentiment. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({})   Dhurandhar, which released on December 5, 2025, has already etched its name in history as a massive box-office phenomenon, crossing the ₹1,300 crore mark globally. The film, led by Ranveer Singh, earned praise for its realistic staging and gritty narrative involving an Indian intelligence operative embedded in Karachi's underworld. The focus now shifts to the high-stakes sequel, Dhurandhar 2: The Revenge, which is locked for a worldwide theatrical release on March 19, 2026.The sequel is expected to conclude the espionage saga across five languages: Hindi, Telugu, Tamil, Kannada, and Malayalam. With the first installment still fresh in the public consciousness and holding a strong emotional connection, trade expectations for the sequel are sky-high as it prepares for a major box-office clash with Yash's Toxic during the Eid and Ugadi festive window.

BY CHRISTA LINCY

The promotional campaign for Toxic: A Fairy Tale for Grown-Ups has secured a massive digital opening as its official teaser crossed the 100 million views mark across digital platforms within 24 hours of its release. The glimpse, which debuted on February 20, 2026, has maintained the top trending position on YouTube, reinforcing the massive global anticipation for Rocking Star Yash's return to the silver screen. According to the official data released by the makers, KVN Productions and Monster Mind Creations, the teaser amassed over 100 million cumulative digital views. This milestone reflects the total engagement recorded across all official promotional assets since the teaser’s launch. The content has consistently held the #1 trending position across multiple language feeds, including Kannada, Hindi, Telugu, Tamil, and Malayalam It's over only when HE says it's over!💥Trending #1 on Youtube! 📈100 Million+ Digital Views! 🔥#ToxicTeaser is ruling the charts! #Toxic In Cinemas Worldwide from 19-03-2026#ToxicTheMovie#ToxicOnMarch19th @TheNameIsYash#Nayanthara @advani_kiara@humasqureshi… pic.twitter.com/vJlQln71xD— KVN Productions (@KvnProductions) February 20, 2026 Directed by Geetu Mohandas, Toxic is being positioned as a Fairy Tale for Grown-Ups.The teaser provides a high-octane look at the film's stylized violence and period setting, featuring a background score by KGF and Salaar fame composer Ravi Basrur. The technical crew is bolstered by acclaimed cinematographer Rajeev Ravi and editor Ujwal Kulkarni, with international stunt coordination by JJ Perry, Anbariv, and Kecha Khamphakdee. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({})   The film boasts a high-profile ensemble cast, with the teaser confirming appearances by Nayanthara, Kiara Advani, Huma Qureshi, Tara Sutaria, and Rukmini Vasanth.Reports suggest the narrative is a period gangster drama set against the backdrop of an international cartel in the 1940s. Produced jointly by Venkat K. Narayana and Yash under their respective banners, Toxic is scheduled for a worldwide theatrical release on March 19, 2026.The release date aligns with major festive holidays, including Ugadi, Eid, and Gudi Padwa. Following the record-breaking performance of the teaser, trade analysts expect the film to be one of the strongest contenders at the global box office for the 2026 calendar year.

BY SACNILK TEAM

Los Angeles, February 20 - Legendary filmmaker James Cameron has reacted strongly to the deal involving Netflix and Warner Bros. Discovery, expressing deep concern over its potential impact on the future of theatrical cinema. Known for his unwavering support of the big-screen experience, Cameron believes such consolidation could disrupt the traditional studio and exhibition ecosystem. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}) In a letter sent to Sen. Mike Lee (R-Utah), Cameron reportedly warned that a streaming-first company taking control of a legacy studio could undermine the theatrical business model that Hollywood has relied on for decades. He emphasised that cinema is not just about content consumption but an entire industry that sustains theatres, filmmakers, technicians, and countless jobs worldwide. "The business model of Netflix is directly at odds with the theatrical film production and exhibition business, which employs hundreds of thousands of Americans," Cameron writes (as per THR). "It is therefore directly at odds with the business model of the Warner Brothers movie division, one of the few remaining major movie studios." (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}) The filmmaker also took aim at Netflix's release strategy, which prioritises home viewing over exclusive theatrical runs. According to Cameron, large-scale films are designed for cinemas, and reducing their theatrical presence could result in fewer event films, declining footfalls, and long-term damage to movie theatres across the globe. Cameron's remarks have amplified an ongoing industry debate, with many creatives sharing similar anxieties about streaming-driven consolidation. As regulatory scrutiny continues around the deal, his reaction stands out as a powerful reminder that the future of cinema remains a contested space between theatrical tradition and streaming expansion. Stay tuned...

BY CHRISTA LINCY

The roadmap for Thalapathy Vijay's highly anticipated final cinematic outing, Jananayagan, is now taking shape as the makers shift their focus toward securing a strategic theatrical release window. According to a recent report by Valai Pechu, the makers have locked a strategic June 2026 release window, specifically aiming for June 25. This timing is designed to maximize a high-velocity theatrical window that leverages both the massive cultural hype of the actor's birthday and a lucrative extended holiday weekend, ensuring the film remains the primary choice for audiences across the globe. The proposed release strategy centers on a four-day holiday cushion, beginning with a Thursday opening. With Thalapathy Vijay's birthday falling on June 22, the state will already be in the grip of fan celebrations, which the production house aims to transition into theatrical momentum by June 25. Furthermore, the Muharram public holiday on June 26 (Friday) provides the perfect catalyst for special screenings and early morning shows. Also the government may grant permissions for additional shows during this period, allowing theaters to capitalize on maximum occupancy during the subsequent Saturday and Sunday. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({})   The decision to slot the release in June is also seen as a calculated move following the 2026 Tamil Nadu State Assembly Elections, scheduled for April. By choosing a late June date, the producers are steering clear of the political volatility and model code of conduct restrictions that often impact theatrical business during election cycles. As a new administration takes responsibility in May, June is projected to be a period of stability, offering a clear runway for the film to dominate the box office without the distractions of political campaigning or rally schedules. Directed by H. Vinoth and produced by KVN Productions, Jananayagan is currently being mounted on a massive scale. With a musical score by Anirudh Ravichander, the project carries immense emotional and commercial weight as it marks Vijay's final film before his full-time transition into politics. The film, which reportedly features Pooja Hegde as the female lead and a gritty political-thriller narrative, is expected to be one of the highest-grossing Tamil films of all time. Given the strategic June window, insiders believe the film is well-positioned to shatter existing day-one records and establish a formidable benchmark for the 2026 box office.

BY CHRISTA LINCY

The promotional engine for one of 2026's most anticipated sequels has officially shifted into high gear. According to an exclusive report by Pinkvilla, the makers of the Ranveer Singh-led action spectacle Dhurandhar 2 are slated to unveil the first official trailer in the first week of March, with internal sources pointing toward a March 5 launch date. This strategic timing serves as the primary buildup for the film's grand theatrical release during the Eid 2026 window, effectively positioning the sequel as a cornerstone event for the global box office this spring. Industry insiders who have been granted early previews of the trailer report a significant escalation in scale, world-building, and emotional intensity compared to the first installment. The sequel reportedly expands the narrative into unexplored territories, yet the focal point of the footage remains Ranveer Singh's radical transformation into the King of Lyari. Early internal reactions emphasize Singh's commanding screen presence and the physical gravitas he brings to this evolved version of his character, which trade experts suggest will be a major catalyst in driving mass ticket sales upon release. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({})   The immense anticipation for the sequel is anchored by the record-breaking commercial performance of its predecessor, which redefined box office benchmarks. Dhurandhar concluded its theatrical run as a certified global juggernaut, amassing a lifetime India net collection of ₹838.5 crore. The film made history by crossing the prestigious ₹1000 crore milestone in domestic gross alone (₹1005.85 crore), bolstered by a robust overseas contribution of ₹299.5 crore. Even in its late stages, the film displayed exceptional longevity, collecting ₹0.72 crore in its tenth week and ₹0.18 crore in its eleventh, ultimately pushing its cumulative worldwide total to a staggering ₹1305.35 crore. This unprecedented success has established a formidable commercial threshold, fueling expectations for the sequel to perform as a top-tier global earner. The decision to launch the trailer in early March aligns with a massive marketing blitz designed to dominate the lucrative festive holiday period starting March 20. While the original Dhurandhar established the gritty foundations of this action universe, the sequel aims to surpass those benchmarks through high-octane sequences and a more complex narrative arc. This release sets the stage for a significant box-office showdown, as Dhurandhar 2 is currently scheduled to clash with Yash's period gangster epic Toxic, making the March 2026 frame one of the most competitive windows for Indian cinema in recent years.

BY SUNIT JANGIR

Mumbai, February 20 - The inevitability of a box office clash between Dhurandhar: The Revenge and Toxic: A Fairy Tale for Grown-Ups has sparked intense debate within trade circles and on social media. While clashes often generate short-term buzz, in this case, the risk is far bigger than the hype as both blockbusters are ready to lock horns on March 19. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}) Dhurandhar 2 arrives after the historic success of the first part that rewrote box office records and established itself as one of the highest-grossing Indian films of all time. The film doesn't just carry hype; it carries legacy and enormous trade expectations to deliver even bigger numbers. While the box office has always been uncertain, Dhurandhar 2 almost carries the assurance of delivering the big numbers. On the other hand, Toxic comes at a crucial phase in pan-India cinema. The film is expected to be darker, showcasing a more intense narrative, while consolidating Yash's position as a national superstar. With its period setting, stylised violence, and grand vision, Toxic is being developed as an event film that demands scale, space, and uninterrupted audience attention. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}) Here's why releasing these two mega projects together would be a strategic misstep. Event Films Are Meant to Arrive Solo, Not in a Clash Event films are designed to be cultural moments, not just weekend releases. When a film is positioned as an event, it demands exclusivity of screens, attention, and audience time. Releasing two event films together defeats the very purpose of event cinema. Same Core Audience, Divided Footfalls Both films are large-scale action spectacles, primarily targeting mass audiences across pan-India. A simultaneous release would split the same audience base, forcing viewers to choose one film over the other. Instead of amplifying collections, this division would lead to avoidable revenue loss, especially during the crucial opening weekend when big films generate the bulk of their earnings. Pan-India Scale Needs Undivided Screens Dhurandhar 2 arrives with a clear advantage of a historic predecessor, while Toxic is being positioned as a full-fledged pan-India event. In such a scenario, screens, be they premium or single, become a battlefield. A clash would mean reduced show counts and compromised screen allocation for both films, directly impacting box office potential. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}) Clash Helps Neither Producers Nor Exhibitors From a trade perspective, clashes of this magnitude rarely benefit anyone. Exhibitors struggle with show distribution, distributors face inconsistent collections, and producers risk delayed break-even, especially given the massive cost involved. History has shown that when two giants collide, both end up underperforming relative to their true potential. Separate Releases Can Create a Box Office Wave If spaced even by a couple of weeks, Dhurandhar 2 and Toxic could generate back-to-back box office storms, sustaining audience interest and footfalls over a longer period. Rather than one overcrowded weekend, the industry could enjoy an extended golden run, benefiting theatres, trade, and audiences alike. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}) A clash between Dhurandhar 2 and Toxic would be a lose-lose situation, especially for distributors and exhibitors. Both films are built as event cinema, deserving exclusive attention, uninterrupted screens, and clear breathing space. Avoiding a clash isn't just smart, it's essential to unlocking the full box office potential of two of the most anticipated Indian films in recent years. Stay tuned...

BY CHRISTA LINCY

Director Bejoy Nambiar's survival thriller Tu Yaa Main has concluded its first week at the box office with a quiet performance, impacted by limited star pull and heavy competition for screen space with the concurrent release O'Romeo. Since its debut on February 13, 2026, the film has netted ₹4.45 crore domestically over its initial seven-day run. The survival drama faced significant challenges in securing prime showtimes as a substantial portion of theatrical capacity was shared with O'Romeo, leaving Tu Yaa Main with a restricted footprint in major circuits. The film's box office trajectory was largely defined by a massive surge on its first Saturday. After debuting with a quiet ₹0.6 crore on Friday, Tu Yaa Main witnessed a staggering 141.67% jump to collect ₹1.45 crore on Day 2. While Sunday saw a typical stabilization at ₹0.8 crore, the movie managed to maintain a consistent run during the weekdays, adding roughly ₹1.6 crore between Monday and Thursday. By the end of its first week, the film recorded total footfalls of approximately 229,118, translating to a worldwide gross collection of ₹5.25 crore. Starring Adarsh Gourav as Maruti Kadam (aka Aala Flowpara) and Shanaya Kapoor as Avani Shah (aka Miss Vanity), the movie adapts the 2018 Thai horror-thriller The Pool.The plot explores the high-stakes world of social media influencers who find themselves trapped in an abandoned swimming pool with a rogue crocodile.Critics have praised the lead duo for their authentic performances, particularly the chemistry between Gourav's gritty rapper persona and Kapoor's stylized influencer character. The narrative attempts to blend survivalist tension with social commentary on influencer culture and class dynamics.The narrative attempts to blend survivalist tension with social commentary on influencer culture and class dynamics, produced by the banners of Aanand L. Rai, Vinod Bhanushali, and Himanshu Sharma. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({})   Bejoy Nambiar, known for his distinct visual style in films like Wazir (2016) and Taish (2020), brings his signature intensity to this survival drama. While Tu Yaa Main marks a niche departure from his previous larger-scale commercial ventures like Wazir—which netted over ₹41 crore domestically—it shows a marked improvement in opening numbers for its lead actors compared to their previous outings. Shanaya Kapoor's 2025 romantic drama Aankhon Ki Gustaakhiyan had opened at ₹30 lakh, while Adarsh Gourav's Superboys of Malegaon debuted with ₹50 lakh.As it enters its second week, Tu Yaa Main faces an uphill battle to recover its costs given the limited theatrical momentum and continued screen sharing with competing titles.

BY SUNIT JANGIR

Chennai, February 20 - In what is being hailed as one of the biggest moments in Indian cinema, Rajinikanth and Kamal Haasan are all set to reunite on screen after more than four decades. The announcement has sent fans into a frenzy, as the two legends last shared significant screen space together in the late 1970s and early 1980s. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}) On Friday, the makers shared a new poster of the arms of both legendary actors, who dressed in leather jackets, next to each other. The tagline in the poster reads, "Some men set rules, some men just rule", with Cool Retro Swag, written. It will be produced by Red Giant Movies. According to reports, the film is being mounted on a massive scale and is currently being referred to by a working title combining both stars' names as KHxRK. While the makers are keeping story details tightly under wraps, early buzz suggests a stylish, high-concept retro entertainer designed to showcase both icons in equally powerful roles. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}) The Magic unfolds, for the world to witness ✨ 😎#KHxRK Promo Video from tomorrow. 12:07PM. #RedGiant17 ✨ pic.twitter.com/42tZb150oA— Red Giant Movies (@RedGiantMovies_) February 20, 2026 Adding to the excitement, Nelson Dilipkumar is reportedly on board to direct the project. Nelson, who previously delivered a blockbuster with Rajinikanth, is said to have already shot a slick promotional video teasing the reunion. The promo video will be released on Saturday, February 21. Music for the film is to be composed by Anirudh Ravichander, marking yet another major collaboration with the legendary duo. With two of Indian cinema's biggest stars, a hit-making director, and a chart-topping composer coming together, expectations are sky-high. Stay tuned...

BY SUNIT JANGIR

Mumbai, February 20 - Ranveer Singh has reportedly completed the dubbing work for his upcoming action spectacle Dhurandhar: The Revenge, marking a big step in the film's post-production journey, ahead of the grand worldwide release on March 19. Directed by Aditya Dhar, the sequel continues the high-octane narrative that began with Dhurandhar. The first film turned out to be a historic box office success, and expectations are sky-high for The Revenge, which promises an even bigger scale, sharper action, and deeper emotional stakes for Ranveer's character. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}) Reports suggest that Ranveer wrapped his dubbing schedule smoothly, reflecting the film's advanced stage of post-production. The editing is being handled by Shivakumar V. Panicker, while the cinematography is done by Vikash Nowlakha. Shashwat Sachdev has composed the album for the movie. Backed by B62 Studios, Dhurandhar: The Revenge also stars Arjun Rampal, Sanjay Dutt, R. Madhavan, Sara Arjun, Rakesh Bedi, and Danish Pandor, reprising their characters from the first part. Yami Gautam is also reportedly playing a crucial cameo in the upcoming film. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}) With dubbing now completed and promotions expected to kick off soon, fans can look forward to official updates on the teaser and trailer in the coming weeks. Unlike the first part, Dhurandhar 2 will also be released in dubbed versions of Telugu, Tamil, Kannada and Malayalam. Stay tuned...